This small booklet contains all the known men and women who participated in World War 1 and claimed their home of record as Stephenson County, Illinois. By participation, this record does not limit this to soldiers, but also contains the records of those men and women who served the Red Cross, Y.M.C.A., and other non-fighting positions. This book is free to read or download.
Camden L. Bloom, born March 14, 1868, in Pennsylvania, had a remarkable career in the oil and gas industry, notably in Independence, Kansas. Despite losing a fortune during the 1907 panic, he reconstructed his wealth through hard work and expertise, becoming a pivotal figure in the development of local resources. Bloom’s early ventures included pioneering natural gas contracts and significant contributions to Independence’s industrial growth. A prominent businessman and community supporter, he experienced personal loss but found strength in his second wife, Anna Belle, and their daughter, Helen, who continue to enrich his legacy.
R.W. Bloom, a respected pioneer of Wallowa County, Oregon, passed away at his home after a brief illness attributed to consumption. A long-time resident of Union County, he was well-known in the community. Bloom is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, and several brothers. His obituary reflects the loss felt by family and friends. The information was published in the Wallowa County Chieftain on April 28, 1904.
Edwin W. Bloom passed away on May 11, 1936, at the home of Mrs. H.C. Cramer after a brief illness following flu complications. Born on September 24, 1882, in Wallowa County, he spent his life there, managing the Enterprise livery stable during the war years and later working for the Eastern Oregon Lumber Company. He married Mary Cramer in 1906 and is survived by his wife and a brother, Louis. His passing is deeply felt by his many friends.
Mary Bloom, a lifelong resident of Wallowa County, Oregon, passed away on November 7, 1958, at the age of 72. Born on March 23, 1886, to pioneer parents, she married Edwin Bloom in 1906. An operator for the local telephone company and a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, her sudden passing shocked the community. Memorial services were held at the Community Church, with interment at Enterprise Cemetery. She is survived by four sisters and a brother.
Louis R. Bloom, a lifelong resident of Wallowa County, Oregon, passed away on December 22, 1937, in Goldendale, Washington, due to a heart attack while traveling to join his wife in California. Born on August 19, 1885, he was the son of pioneer R.W. Bloom and married Minnie Fluke in 1917. The couple resided in Medford until relocating to Yakima three years prior to his death. Funeral services were held at Booth Chapel in Enterprise, with burial in the local cemetery.
Louise J. Bloom, 57, of Amarillo, Texas, passed away on September 23, 1984, at St. Anthony’s Hospital. Born on February 26, 1927, in Merna, she grew up in the Wood Lake Community and graduated from Ainsworth High School. Louise married George Allen Bloom in 1947 and had two children. She worked at Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. and St. Anthony’s Hospital. A devoted member of Westminster Presbyterian Church, she was known for her faith and dedication to family. Services were held on September 27, with burial at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Sedric Cleo Bloom, born on May 8, 1896, in Carson, Iowa, died on September 3, 1980, in Omaha, Nebraska, at 84. He was educated in Carson and LaPlata, Missouri, and married Esther Bell Dudley in 1919, with whom he had two sons. A dedicated cattleman, Cleo raised registered Hereford and Angus cattle, moving to Nebraska in 1925. He was active in several agricultural associations. Survived by his wife, sons, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, his funeral was held at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine.
Cleo, Jr. Bloom, born February 2, 1925, in LaPlata, Missouri, grew up on a Nebraska ranch and graduated from high school in Pennsylvania. He earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Missouri and studied music at prestigious institutions. A rancher and cattleman, he developed a Registered Angus herd and ran Stilwell Insurance Agency with his wife, Frances, whom he married in 1956. Cleo enjoyed golf, shooting, and fishing in his retirement. He is survived by family and friends, remembered for his joyful spirit.
Frances Lorraine Hans was born on March 8, 1922, in Bazile Mills, Nebraska, and passed away on April 22, 1987, in Omaha at age 65. A graduate of Valentine High School, she earned a law degree from the University of Nebraska and a Doctorate from the University of Iowa. Frances married Cleo Bloom Jr. in 1956 and had a successful career as a businesswoman in Valentine. She was active in her community and church. She is survived by her husband and one son.
Rose Ellen Everson Bloom, born October 17, 1874, in Fremont, Iowa, passed away on February 21, 1943, at her ranch in Wood Lake, Nebraska. She married George Arthur Bloom in 1894 and had one son, Sedric. The couple moved to La Plata, Missouri, for 23 years before relocating to Nebraska in 1925. An active community member, she was involved in various organizations and charitable work. She is survived by her husband, son, grandsons, and several relatives. Funeral services took place at the local high school auditorium.
Samuel M. Bloom is a prominent figure in Union County, known for his 320-acre farm established in 1862. He focuses on raising cattle and horses while also being involved in a local sawmill and the Cove Dairy Company, a leading cheese and butter producer in Oregon. A native of Ohio, born in 1835, Bloom married Martha M. Murphy in 1860. He has raised five children and enjoys the company of four grandchildren, contributing significantly to his community as one of its early settlers.