by Johnnie Jones

John Clemons was an African American born on September 27, 1896 in Camden, New Jersey to Catherine Clemons and Clay Clemons. The Clemons professed a Catholic faith. His highest formal education was 6^th grade. Although a United States citizen, John Clemons was not a registered voter. Prior to his enlistment, John worked as a chauffeur for W. M. Green and lived at 1103 Hamilton Ave, Norfolk before the war. He was a member of the Elk’s Lodge.

John Clemons was enlisted into the National Army of the United States at Jefferson Barracks Military Post located on the Mississippi River at Lemay, Missouri, south of St. Louis.  as a private. He was assigned to Company B, 9^thCalvary

Clemons received two months of basic training at Fort McDoll, California. Clemons embarked from Fort McDoll on the USS Logan and arrived at Manila, Philippines on June 6, 1917; and proceeded to Camp Stotsenburg, Philippines. During this time Clemons was promoted to Private 1^st Class on June 22, 1918.  Clemons returned to the US on the USS Dixie on June 6, 1919 and was discharged one month later in Columbus, Ohio.

Clemons’ occupation after war was a Mess Attendant 1^st Class in the US. Navy. He was stationed at the Hampton Roads Naval Base in 1920.

Sources:

“Clemons, John” World War I History Commission Questionnaires, Virginia War History Commission, Library of Virginia.

“United States, Enlisted and Officer Muster Rolls and Rosters, 1916-1939”, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6ZHQ-RFNV : Sun Oct 29 13:42:30 UTC 2023), Entry for John Clemons, 30 Jun 1919.

Johnnie Jones is an NSU graduate, class of 2023.

by Gabriela A. Reyes

Abraham Grant Fountain was an African American World War I veteran from Norfolk, Virginia. Fountain was born on April 2, 1895 in Atlanta Georgia. His parents were Virginia and Richard Fountain. He enlisted in the United States Army on August 3, 1917 in Norfolk, Virginia. His draft card index describes him as a medium height and medium build man. He only had an 8th-grade education. His training was located in Camp Humphreys, Virginia. His training took a total of three months and ended on December 28, 1917. While in basic training, he married Elnora White, who was 23 years old, on December 22, 1917 in Norfolk. Three months later they welcomed a baby girl named Virginia Elizabeth Fountain on February 2, 1918. Fountain and his wife had another daughter named Ruth Joy Fountain, who was born after Virginia but was a premature baby of seven months. Ruth sadly passed away at the young age of three months on March 11, 1920. Her cause of death was listed as a heart-related issue.

Abraham G. Fountain had previously worked as a cook at a restaurant. As a former cook fountain was assigned the occupation of a cook in the Army. Eventually, he was assigned to a different occupation and worked as the Company Clerk for Co “F” 2^nd Development Battalion located in Camp Humphreys. He was then promoted to the rank of Private First Class in November 1919. Prior to World War I, Fountain lived at 417 Scott Street, Norfolk Virginia. After his service, he lived at 804 Cumberland Street, Norfolk. After his enlistment was over, Fountain worked as a cook and was the main breadwinner for his family. His occupation remained the same until his death.

On April 12^th, 1924 at the age of 34 Abraham Grant Fountain passed away from damage to the lungs with a contributory of heart disease. He was survived by his wife Elnora Fountain and his daughter Virginia. Five years later Elnora Fountain joined Abraham Fountain in death on February 10^th, 1929. 

Sources:

“Fountain, Abraham Grant.” World War I History Commission Questionnaires. Library of Virginia.

“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark: 61903/ 1:1: K6ZQ-PW7: 23 December 2021), Abraham Grant Fountain, 1917-1918.

“United States Census, 1920”,, FamilySearch (https://www.famlysearch.orge/ark: /61903/1:1: MJJ7-TL3: Fri Oct 06 20 03: 36 UTC 2023), Entry for Elnora Fountain and Grant Fountain, 1920.

“Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935”,, FamilySearch (https:// www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1: 84KS-12MM: Fri Oct 06 22: 20: 33 UTC 2023), Entry for Grand Fountain and R Fountain, 22 Dec 1917.

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVRW-N637: 16 August 2019), Grant Fountain in entry for Elnora Fountain, 10 Feb 1929; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2012); citing Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” , FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR7-8CV2: 16 August 2019), A Grant Fountain in entry for Ruth Joy Fountain, 11 Mar 1920; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2012); citing Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR7-YXCQ: 16 August 2019), Grant A Fountain, 12 Apr 1924; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com: 2012); citing Richmond, Henrico, Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

Gabriela A. Reyes is a Norfolk State University graduate, class of 2023.

by Jada Gaskins

Clarence Ruffus Felton was born January 16, 1893 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Rosie and John Felton. He attended public schools as his education.

When he registered for the draft in June 1917, Clarence Felton lived in Newbury, West Virginia and worked as a rail road truck laborer for the B&O Railroad Company, Cumberland division. Before he enlisted, he lived at 832 Landing Street in Norfolk and worked as a cook at Porter Brothers. He enlisted on September 20, 1918. He was not a citizen and could not vote at this time, but Clarence was a Baptist.
 
Clarence wrote that he enlisted  “To fight for my country and to keep away the enemy from this country 
and to keep them from harming any of my people” as his reasoning for serving his country. He served as part of the 155 Brigade artillery. He was discharged from the army on January 14, 1919.

Felton married Emily F. Winston of Blackwater, Virginia on December 20, 1925. The couple lived at 914 Lancaster Street in Norfolk. Clarence was working as a Load Carrier at the Grana Factory and Emily worked as a potato fryer at the potato chip factory in 1930. Clarence was murdered October 26, 1933 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and is buried at Philadelphia National Cemetery. Emily Felton died March 26, 1984 and is buried at Riverside Memorial Park, Norfolk.

Sources 
Clarence R Felton (1893-1933) – find a grave… Find a Grave. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2022, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/2541326/clarence-r-felton 

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV2S-YMCN : 10 August 2022), Emily W Felton, ; Burial, Norfolk, Norfolk City, Virginia, United States of America, Riverside Memorial Park; citing record ID 53828491, Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

“United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CHLZ-WMM : accessed 12 December 2022), Emily Felton in household of Clarence Felton, Norfolk, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 2, sheet 25A, line 45, family , NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2469; FHL microfilm 2,342,203.

“United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940,” database, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPJL-L4FT : 3 September 2021), Clarence Ruffus Felton, 14 Jan 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K8Q7-5SM : 24 December 2021), Clarence Felton, 1917-1918.

“Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRM2-CNK : 29 January 2020), Clarence R. Felton, 1925.

World War I History Commission questionnaires. (n.d.). Retrieved December 7, 2022, from http://image.lva.virginia.gov/WWI/pages/045/0074.html 

by Brian Moreno

Eddie O. Folk was born on June 21st, 1894, in Nansemond, VA to James and Laura Folk were both from the same town of Buckhorn, VA, and moved to Nansemond County upon the birth of their son. Eddie Folk had 3 siblings and the family lived with his grandparents. However, Mr. Folk was raised Baptist. Folk spent most of his life as a member of First Baptist church, where he was a church usher for 40 years.

At the age of 24, Mr. Folk enlisted in the United States Navy Reserves and left his life as a janitor. He enlisted in Norfolk, VA on May 3rd, 1918, in the area of the aviation section of the Naval Reserves. His first assignment was at Hampton Naval Air Station in the state of VA. Folk retired from the naval shipyard after 32 years of service.

Once ending his naval career as an employee at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Eddie Folk received an honorable retirement from officials of the yard. The certificate was awarded from Captain V. A. Powell (USN. Ret.). Upon retiring from the shipyards, Mr. Folk also received a citation from Rear Admiral George Holderness, who conveyed a sense of disappointment to lose such a good and hardworking employee. Eddie Folk did not go to combat because he serves most of his time in the Naval shipyard as a reserve member. Folk married Julia Dodson on June 16, 1926, and they had a daughter named Doreatha in 1930. The family lived at 223 St. Julian Ave., Norfolk. Doreathea married Stewart Alston in 1954.

Folk died on February 28, 1962 of a coronary thrombosis and was buried at Calvary Cemetery in Norfolk.

Sources:

“Church usher 40 years: Funeral for eddie folk will be held on sunday.” (1962, Mar 03). New Journal and Guide (1916-) Retrieved fromhttp://0-search.proquest.com.library.nsu.edu/historical-newspapers/church-usher-40-years/docview/568664325/se-2

“Eddie Folk retires from shipyard after 32 years.” (1957, Jul 20). New Journal and Guide (1916-) Retrieved fromhttp://0-search.proquest.com.library.nsu.edu/historical-newspapers/eddie-folk-retires-shipyard-after-32-years/docview/568542022/se-2

“United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MMNJ-LKM : 11 March 2022), Eddie Faulk in entry for Henry Faulk, 1900.

“United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CCMB-76Z : accessed 12 December 2022), Eddie Folk, Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 72, sheet 14A, line 2, family 241, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2471; FHL microfilm 2,342,205.

United States Census, 1940 https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:VTMW-H3Z

“United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940,” database, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPRH-PQX6 : 3 September 2021), Eddie C Folk, 11 Jun 1919; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

“Virginia Births and Christenings, 1584-1917”, database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:HN4S-J1PZ : 28 January 2020), Eddie Faulk, 1894.

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVRZ-KDQQ : 16 August 2019), Eddie Oscar Folk, 26 Feb 1962; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry(http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Norfolk, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

“Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940”, database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRM2-VH5 : 29 January 2020), Eddie O. Folk, 1926.

“Virginia, Marriage Certificates, 1936-1988,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK9J-23JT : 20 February 2021), Eddie Oscar Folk in entry for Stewart Howard Alston and Doreatha Gladys Folk, 29 Aug 1954; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Norfolk, , Virginia, United States, certificate 21424, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

by Ariah Edwards

Ewin Martin was born August 17, 1896 in Tullahoma, Tennessee. He lived with his parents, William and Mary Martin, and his nine siblings. Before he joined the military, he worked as a restaurant waiter for the Country club on the Lafayette River in Norfolk. He lived at 310 Cumberland Street, Norfolk.

At the age of 21, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was trained at the Hampton Institute in Hampton, Virginia. He was then transferred to Camp Jackson. At this point, he was a private. When asked about his feelings about the military, he said that it was something that he had been longing for since he was a kid. He also talked about how camp experiences have affected him mentally and physically.

After the war he was discharged from the military, on January 1918 as a private and returned to his civil life as a waiter. He moved a few blocks down Cumberland Street to number 516. He may have returned to Tennessee by 1925 and married Lizzie Shaw on October 7 or 8, 1925.

Sources:

“Martin, Erwin.” Virginia War History Commission, World War I History Commission questionnaires, Library of Virginia. Available online: https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990006685250205756

“Tennessee Marriages, 1796-1950”, database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X8T5-XHS : 16 March 2020), Ewin Martin, 1925.

“United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MS8S-BFD : 10 March 2022), Ewin Martin in entry for William Martin, 1900.

“United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MGND-SNN : accessed 12 December 2022), Ewin Martin in household of Will Martin, Tullahoma, Coffee, Tennessee, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 49, sheet 2B, family 36, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1494; FHL microfilm 1,375,507.

“United States, Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940,” database, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W9YC-TQ2M : 23 October 2019), Ewin Martin, ; citing Military Service, NARA microfilm publication 76193916 (St. Louis: National Archives and Records Administration, 1985), various roll numbers.

“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6ZQ-R3R : 23 December 2021), Ewin Martin, 1917-1918.

by Candyce Croom

In the year 1882, Charlie Miller and an unconfirmed mother gave birth to Arthur Everett. In South Mill, North Carolina, he was born as an African American male. Arthur Everett was a Baptist.

On June 19, 1910, he wed Lena. The couple had a son named Clarence Everett and a daughter named Minford Everett. Minford Everett was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on September 15, 1918, and Clarence Everett was born there on March 25, 1917. Before joining the U.S. Naval Reserve, Arthur Everett worked as a cook for Southern Transportation.

On May 1, 1917, in Norfolk, Virginia, at the age of 35, he enlisted in the US Naval Reserve. He was the class 1 cook for the ship. He served from May 1, 1917, to April 4, 1918, aboard the USS Montgomery. He subsequently served from April 4, 1918, through November 11, 1918, aboard the USS Merrick. He was later transferred to the US Naval Hospital in Portsmouth, Virginia. To continue working as a cook. On June 18, 1919, the United States Naval Reserve released Arthur Everett as a U.S Naval reserve force class 3. After the war, he and his family lived at 1518 Lesner Court, Norfolk.

After being released, he went back to working as a first-class ship’s cook.Unfortunately, it is not known when Arthur Everett passed away. And his final resting location is also unknown.

Sources:

“North Carolina, World War I Service Cards, 1917-1919,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:Q2H2-JPNN : 11 March 2018), Arthur Everett; citing 01 May 1917, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, The North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh; FamilySearch digital folder 004321107.

https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990006684030205756

https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/01LVA_INST/altrmk/alma990006684030205756

by Brandi Turner

Connie Fowler was born May 9, 1893, in Greenville, SC, to parents George Fowler and Anna Magby. He was the brother of Elliot Fowler Poole, Amanda Sherley, and Missouri Perry. Prior to his military service, Connie Fowler lived at 529 Nixon St, Norfolk, VA where he worked as a laborer at the National Oil Company. 

On June 21, 1918, Connie Fowler was drafted in the United States Army. He enlisted with a military occupation specialty in Field Artillery at the rank of Private. Shortly after, he left for basic training to join the Depot Brigade at Camp Jackson, South Carolina. There he trained for two months before he was deployed to Europe to help in the fight of WWI. Once in Europe, he first went into action on October 20, 1918, at the Western Front. During this time, he supplied ammunition for the company he was assigned to. According to the records, Connie Fowler enjoyed his time in the military and thought his time overseas helped him grow closer to God. In February 1919, just after the war, Connie Fowler was transferred back to the United States to New York City.

After being released from the military on March 6, 1919, he went back to work as a laborer in Virginia. Several months after his return from war, Connie Fowler married Marie Cherry on July 23, 1919, in Washington, Beaufort, North Carolina. They had one daughter together, named Oleithia Terie Fowler on February 23, 1920. Records indicate at some point Marie Cherry passed away leaving Connie Fowler as a widower. In November 1937, Connie Fowler remarried to Blanche Virginia Miller Whitehurst in Newport News, Virginia. Blanche had five children prior to their marriage, Elise Smith, and Fannie, David, Anthony, William Whitehurst. The couple also had two children of their own, Georgia Bailey and Arlethia Green. Connie Fowler resided in Atlantic City prior to his death on August 16, 1950. After his passing he was buried at the Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery in Mays Landing, Atlantic, New Jersey.

Sources:

SUFFOLK NEWS…: Suffolk Girl Marries North Carolina Veteran

New Journal and Guide (1916-); Norfolk, Va. [Norfolk, Va]. 02 Sep 1950: D13.

Family Search

“North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979”, database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F8QP-CYD : 14 February 2020), Connie Fowler, 1919.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV24-5S2R : 4 June 2020), Connie Fowler, 1950; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV24-5S2R : 4 June 2020), Connie Fowler, 1950; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

“Virginia, Marriage Certificates, 1936-1988,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QK9F-DRSR : 20 February 2021), George Fowler in entry for Connie Fowler and Blanche Virginia Miller Whitehurst, 01 Jan 1939; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Norfolk, , Virginia, United States, certificate 30063, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QV24-5S2R : 4 June 2020), Connie Fowler, 1950; Burial, , ; citing record ID , Find a Grave, http://www.findagrave.com.

“North Carolina, County Marriages, 1762-1979 ,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QLM9-VM8Y : 21 July 2021), Connie Fowler and Marie Cherry, 23 Jul 1919; citing Washington, Beaufort, North Carolina, United States, p. , North Carolina State Archives Division of Archives and History; FHL microfilm .

“North Carolina, Center for Health Statistics, Vital Records Unit, County Birth Records, 1913-1922”, database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:8YLK-6KPZ : 27 August 2020), Connie Fowler in entry for Olethia Terie Fowler, 1920.

ARCHIVAL MATERIAL

Fowler, Connie.

Virginia War History Commission.

http://image.lva.virginia.gov/WWI/pages/045/0080.html

Census

by Gerald Patterson

On April 22, 1889, Robert Forehand was born to Nellie Forehand of Petersburg, VA, and Shepard Forehand of Hertford, NC. He was an African American who was born in Norfolk, Virginia. Baptist was the choice of religion for Robert Forehand. He had only one child, Halonser Forehand, with Jennie King, an African American woman from Norfolk, Virginia. Robert Forehand and Jennie King married on June 1st, 1910. Before joining the Army, Robert Forehand worked as a Longshoreman at the Old Dominion S.S. Co. Forehand lived at 228 Suffolk St, Norfolk, VA .

On June 20, 1918, Robert Forehand enlisted in the Army as a private in Norfolk, Virginia. He was a member of the Army’s 4th Company, 1st Development Battalion, Col. 155th Depot Brigade. Robert Forehand underwent mental and physical experiences at Camp Lee, Va. His training lasted from June 20th to September 3rd, 1918, and he was also treated in the Base Annex Hospital. Robert Forehand was released from the Army as a Private on September 3rd, 1918, before ever experiencing any action or traveling overseas. He returned to Norfolk, Virginia, after being discharged.

He died on November 4th, 1931, at 42, in Norfolk, Virginia. Robert Forehand is buried in Norfolk, Virginia, in Calvary Cemetery, section GUS-F.

Sources:

“Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935,” database, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:847T-KSPZ : 1 July 2022), Robert Forehand, 1 Jun 1910; citing Marriage Registration, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, Virginia State Library and Archives, Richmond.

Calvary Cemetery, Norfolk, VA, Burial Records. Calvary Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia – Burial Records, Surnames F. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2022, from http://www.interment.net/data/us/va/norfolkcity/calvary-cemetery/surnames-f.htm

Login. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://lva.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/fulldisplay?docid=alma990006684080205756&context=L&vid=01LVA_INST%3A01LVA&lang=en&search_scope=MyInstitution_noAER&adaptor=Local+Search+Engine&tab=LibraryCatalog&query=any%2Ccontains%2CRobert+Forehand%2CAND&mode=advanced&offset=0

USGENWEB archives – census wills deeds genealogy. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2022, from http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/military/ww1/ww1aasoldiersnorfolk.txt

Robert Forehand (1889-1931) – find a grave… Find a Grave. (n.d.). Retrieved November 28, 2022, from https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/102588409/robert-forehand#source

by Ayanna Smith

James Arthur Forrest was born on August 27th, 1893 to Ida Ganer and Robert Forest in Gold Point, Martin County, North Carolina. He had no siblings. They attended Baptist church services, and his highest education was in public school. Before he enlisted, he worked as a chauffeur for A. J. Wood & Co.

Forest enlisted in the Army on June 20th, 1918, at Camp Lee, Virginia. His original assignment was 535 engineers service battalion, but he was transferred to Company 45 service battalion. His enlisted bank was private engineers, and when discharged on December 17th, 1918, in Camp Humphrey, Virginia, he was at a private bank. He was awarded a Victory medal for his service. Once discharged, he resumed his profession as a Chauffeur. James married Nellie Jane Perkins on July 20th, 1919, in Princess Anne County, Virginia. They had no children. 

By 1920, James and Nettie Forest rented a room on Wool Street and he was working as a porter for a grocery store. The couple disappears from the historical record after this point.

Sources:

“United States Census, 1920”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MJJ7-N2S : 4 February 2021), James Forest, 1920.

“Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935,” database, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:DSRW-Q52M : 1 July 2022), James Arthur Forrest, 20 Jul 1919; citing Marriage Registration, Princess Anne, Virginia, United States, Virginia State Library and Archives, Richmond. 

Draft record: “United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6ZQ-P7K : 23 December 2021), James Arthur Forrest, 1917-1918. 

“Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935,” database, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:DSRW-QR3Z : 1 July 2022), Nellie Jane Perkins in entry for James Arthur Forrest, 20 Jul 1919; citing Marriage Registration, Princess Anne, Virginia, United States, Virginia State Library and Archives, Richmond. 

by Aris Baker

William “Willie” Fulcher was born in North Carolina on November 22^nd, 1884, in a large family of nine siblings. He had five brothers and four sisters and was the oldest child in his family. His parents, Columbus and Fannie Fulcher raised Willie in a non-religious household. Willie Fulcher only had a 4^th grade education and worked on his father’s farm at fifteen years old. By 1910, Willie had moved to Norfolk and was working as a dock laborer and renting a room on Allentown Road.

Willie married his wife, Lula Wilson, on February 18^th, 1912, in Norfolk, Virginia and they had three children, Marie, Naomi, and Lillie (born after the war). When Willie signed up for the draft, he was working as a laborer in a steamship company and he and his wife had two daughters. Before enlisting into the U.S. Navy, Willie worked for the City Water Department of Norfolk, Virginia. The couple also shared their home after the war with Ernest and Mannie Odom and their infant daughter Helen. The couple continued renting out a room in their home on Smith Street to a variety of boarders, and Willie continued working as a plumber for the city. William Fulcher died March 1, 1938 of a cerebral hemorrhage and is buried in Calvary Cemetery, Norfolk.

Sources:

“United States Census, 1900”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MSYY-NHK : 25 February 2022), Willie Fulcher in entry for Columbus Fulcher, 1900.

“United States Census, 1910,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MPLW-NQK : accessed 29 November 2022), Willie Fulcher in household of Thomas Moore, Norfolk Ward 1, Norfolk (Independent City), Virginia, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 20, sheet 4B, family 89, NARA microfilm publication T624 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1982), roll 1637; FHL microfilm 1,375,650.

“United States Census, 1920”, database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MJJW-7K9 : 4 February 2021), William Fulcher, 1920.

“United States Census, 1930,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:CH5C-8W2 : accessed 29 November 2022), William Fulcher, Norfolk, Norfolk, Massachusetts, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) ED 24, sheet 14B, line 77, family 318, NARA microfilm publication T626 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 2002), roll 2470; FHL microfilm 2,342,204.

“United States World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918”, database with images, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:K6Z3-178 : 23 December 2021), William Fulcher, 1917-1918.

“Virginia, Bureau of Vital Statistics, County Marriage Registers, 1853-1935,” database, FamilySearch(https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:847V-RWW2 : 1 July 2022), William Fulcher, 18 Feb 1912; citing Marriage Registration, Norfolk, Virginia, United States, Virginia State Library and Archives, Richmond.

“Virginia, Death Certificates, 1912-1987,” database with images, FamilySearch(https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVR4-PH93 : 16 August 2019), William Fulcher, 01 Mar 1938; from “Virginia, Marriage Records, 1700-1850,” database and images, Ancestry (http://www.ancestry.com : 2012); citing Norfolk, , Virginia, United States, entry #, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond.