W. Haisley Lynch
This entry was posted on Apr 04 2008
After a few hours at the local park, I noticed this obscure plaque honoring W. Haisley Lynch, one of Alachua County’s World War I soldiers. In total, 43 men and women from Alachua County died, but W. Haisley Lynch was the only combat casualty.
What I find interesting about this memorial is that it must have been here since pre-WWII days, since the war is not referred to as “WWI,” but only “World War.” I don’t know the date it was placed, but it seems odd not to differentiate between WWI and WWII. Given that and the historical significance of that particular neighborhood, I’d be willing to bet that it’s been there since at least the 1920s.
I’ll let the Matheson Museum do the talking:
The building was named for Haisley Lynch, one of the forty-three Alachua men and women who died in World War I. Haisley, though, was the only Alachua soldier who actually died in combat, and his father, Louis, served as the City Postmaster from 1906-1915 and again from 1921-1931.
At the age of fifty, the elder Lynch enlisted in the army and served in France as an officer with the Engineers. Medical problems and a frail constitution initially prevented Haisley from entering the service, but he persisted and managed to enlist in a Machine Gun Company organized in the city.
Determined to see active service he transferred to a unit being sent to France as part of the famed Forty-Second Rainbow Division. He then fought in the battles of Chateau Thiery, St. Meheil and Meuse-Argonne. Killed in practically the last major battle of the war, his father, still overseas, found his body five months later and had it transported to Gainesville for burial.
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- Aug 11, 2008: Sepia Week, Day 1: Old Church | My GPS Camera Phone
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Didn’t they refer to it as the “Great War” back then? Wait… According to Wikipedia, prior to 1939, the first World War was referred to as the “World War” or the “Great War.” I’d guess that you’re right about it being from the 1920’s.
dcr’s last blog post..Thinking Thursday: What Will 10,000 Bloggers Do?
This is an interesting observation and hopefully not just a Tribute to a forgotten Soldier. Your Website helps keep things in perspective and really is always a surprise. Good work man on the loose with a Cameraphone. Take care and enjoy the Weekend!!!
Maybe you could do a Memorial Monday theme?
dcr’s last blog post..Monday Madness
I love all things historical, what a neat find!
Chica’s last blog post..Playing Catch up…
Interesting post and nice photo. I’ve been lurking too much and not leaving comments. Sorry.
Earl’s last blog post..CRG and DCRG Spring Fling
Nice photo. Mrs Lynch left this property in her will to the city to be used as a memorial to her son. Unfortunately, the city now wants to spend over $80 to convert this site to a DOG PARK. The Haisley Lynch American Legion Post 16 in Gainesville FL is going to do more research to ascertain the conditions of her will. She will be rolling in her grave if this park is converted to a dog park.
Sorry…I meant to say $80K