Ezra Theodore Rowe was my grand uncle, the brother of my maternal grandmother. It was 91 years ago today that he died of disease as he served in WWI. It was nearly 22 years after his death that I was born. In his memory I wrote the following lines:
Pvt Ezra T Rowe 1893 -1918
Called — he answered.
Trained, clothed in the uniform.
Shipped across the sea.
Sent to fight.
To save his land,
And keep his people free.
Did heart within him quake,
As he went to face the foe?
Purpose firm, with faith in God?
It was not cruel blade nor ball,
That ended vital life in youth,
‘Twas mere disease that put him ‘neath the sod.
One year after her brother’s death, grandma married grandpa. I wonder why they chose that day.
FishHawk, Thanks — I think . . .
Sharkbytes, No they came to Pennsylvania and west across Indiana and Ohio before coming to Michigan.
Wow, my mother's maiden name was Rowe. Any roots in Maine from that branch of the family?
Wow, that was a great little diddy.
Lin, Thanks.
Nice tribute, Chuck. At first I thought you said it was your grandfather and I couldn't figure that out for the life of me. Okay–so it's early and I haven't had my decaf coffee yet. 😉