World War I
Dr. E. W. Weeces is a name I remember reading many times in the old Osmond Republican files, both as the local veterinarian and for his service to the community.
Earle Weeces was born July 18, 1891, near Craig to William and Eunice Weeces. He was one of seven children in the family: five sons and two daughters.
Earle grew up at Craig, and then in 1914 he entered Kansas City Veteri - nary College. He graduated in 1918. He enlisted in the Medical Reserve of the Veterinary Corps during the fall of 1917. Coincidentally, one of Earle's brothers, Clyde, also became a veterinarian.
Earle entered military service on Aug. 12, 1918, and was sent to Fort Oglethorpe, GA, where he was as -
signed a member of Veterinary Corps, Company 1. He served there with
distinguished ability until he was hon- orably discharged on Dec. 10, 1918.
The U.S. Army Veterinary Corps was established June 3, 1916, with the National Defense Act. At the beginning of World War I there were 72 veterinary officers and no enlisted men. Within 18 months, this grew to 2,312 officers and 16,391 enlisted personnel. The American Expeditionary Force required large numbers of animals to accomplish a variety of missions ranging from cavalry mounts, artillery transport to logistical supply and ambulance service. This apparently included both horses and mules.
After the first of the year, 1919, Earle began practice of veterinary medicine in Osmond, a service he practiced here for 33 years.
He married Mina Ireland at Tekamah on June 4, 1919, and the couple had five children: Clyde, Richard, Leila, Norman, and Eugene, the latter dying in infancy. The four surviving children all graduated from Osmond High School. Son Richard also served in the military, achieving the rank of SSGT and serving during World War II.
Dr. Weeces was a member of the Presbyterian Church, where he was an elder, was Sunday School superintendent at one time, and was active in the choir and other church affairs. He was president of the Osmond Community Club for a few years, and was a member of the American Legion, Masonic Lodge and the Osmond Gun Club for several years. He was also a member of the school board and at one time was a fireman.
So Earle Weeces not only served his country, but served the Osmond com - munity as a veterinarian and in many other capacities as well.
Dr. Weeces died June 28, 1952. According to his obituary, "Dr. Weeces, as he was known, was a conscientious, hardworking man, striving at all times to do his work to the best of his ability. He was a kind, loving husband and father, always working to obtain the better things for those he loved." Funeral services were held at the Presbyterian Church in Osmond, and he was buried at Craig with military rites conducted by the American Legion Post of Craig.
