The circumstances surrounding the death of Sergeant Thomas C. Boone, who went to the front with K company, but was transferred to the U. S. Signal Corps, were particularly sad as at the time his many friends supposed he was practically recovered from the terrible experience he underwent while in the service. Boone died in the Mass. General Hospital, Boston, on March 19, 1899, after a comparatively brief illness. He was a native of Maryland, being born in Annapolis in 1876, and came to Springfield in 1894, enlisting in K company soon after his coming here. At South Framingham Boone was appointed a corporal by Capt. Warriner, but the number of these positions in the companies being reduced Boone was obliged to serve as a private. Soon after the arrival of the Second at Tampa he was transferred to the signal corps with the rank of sergeant. He was an expert telegrapher and was selected for that reason. On July 2d he with Col. Drew and Major Maxfield were in the war balloon at San Juan and while the balloon was at a height of 2700 feet and was being taken over a creek it was pierced by three pieces of shrapnel from the Spanish lines and fell. The basket caught in the top of a tree and Boone was caught in the anchor and hung suspended over the stream for a long time with the iron hook pressing into his side. Then he fell into the water. He was badly injured, but did not realize it at the time. A few days later he was sent to the hospital, but while being conveyed there in a mule team the vehicle was upset and he was again injured. On his return to the United States through an error on the part of some officer he was accused of desertion but after several months the stain was taken away and he received an honorable discharge. Boone was a popular member of the company and also popular among a large number of friends.
MICHAEL R. LYONS.
Michael R. Lyons of K company, died in the Mercy hospital, Springfield, April 20th, 1899, just a year from the time he enlisted and after making a gallant fight against the effects of the hardships he underwent in Cuba. He was a well-liked member of the company and made an excellent soldier, doing his duty quietly and faithfully. All through the campaign, although ill at times, he was cheerful and uncomplaining and his example was not lost on his comrades. His body was taken to Palmer for burial. His parents and brothers reside in Springfield.
ANDREW LITTLE.
Andrew Little was one of the "recruits" of G company, he having gone to the camp at South Framingham with the first batch of extra men assembled in Springfield after it was known that several vacancies had been caused in the company through rejections by the surgeons. He lived in Middlebury, Vermont, but had been employed in Springfield for some time. During the campaign he served as assistant company cook and stood the hardships and exposure fairly well until a short time before the regiment left Santiago for the United States.
GEORGE C. CRELEY.
George C. Creley, 21, was one of the last men of K company to die, his death being due to consumption contracted in service in Cuba. His death occurred June 28, 1899, after a long illness. Creley left a father and a sister, the former living in Springfield. He was a recruit, enlisting in K as soon as there was an opportunity and his service was faithful.
JOHN L. MOREHOUSE.
The last member of K company to pass away up to the time of issuing this volume, was Private John L. Morehouse who died Nov. 12, 1899, after an illness of several weeks. He was a cousin of Lieut. H. H. Parkhurst of K and was well liked by his comrades, being easily one of the most popular members of the company. He was 29 years of age and aside from cousins, had no near relatives.