Soldier Boy, Montia C. White, born October 2, 1875, died April 2, 1901.  Columbia Cemetery, Adair County, Kentucky.

This is such a sorrowful obituary.  All are, but this one truly makes me sad.  Not mentioned below are the parents, Jesse V. White and Kittie Frances White.  Two brothers, Anthony and Autney White died before Mont White.  One sister, Lula White, lived another 50 years. 

The Adair County News, Columbia, Kentucky

Wednesday, April 10, 1901

Sick Almost Unto Death He Starts From San Francisco

Accompanied by His Father to Be With His Mother and Sister When the End Came

Dies While En Route Home

Two years ago the subject of this writing left his home in this place and located temporarily in Monticello.  He had been engaged in business but a short time in that place when a recruiting officer appeared on the scene and Mont enlisted for the Philippines, joining the 47th regiment United States Volunteers.  In three months he was upon the Islands doing good service for his country.  Letters came as often as transports would convey them, and in nearly every one up to last October he spoke of his good health and how well he was enjoying the life of a soldier.

In December, if we remember correctly, the family received a letter stating that his health had somewhat broken down, and that he had been relieved from active service.  His condition grew worse and subsequently he was transported to San Francisco for better treatment.  Reaching that place letters continued to come, Mont claiming that he was improving and would soon be able to start home.  He evidently had a flattering disease, one calculated to put death out of his mind.  Ten days before he died a letter was written in which he stated his intentions upon reaching home.

In the meantime his parents became uneasy and a message was sent to the hospital in San Francisco making inquiry as to his condition.  The answer came, “Mont White very low.”  Another message was sent from here bringing about the same response.  Upon receiving this last word the father of the young man left for San Francisco intending to bring his son home.  He reached his destination, and upon the advice of physicians, in company with his boy, he left for Columbia.

Mont stood the travel very well until they reached the State of Louisiana, and when near Lafayette he grew rapidly worse and died in a few minutes.

The sad intelligence was soon known here and all heads were bowed in sorrow.

The body embalmed, the father started homeward, the saddest journey of his life.

The remains reached Columbia Friday afternoon at 2 o’clock, and in one hour thereafter, upon the advice of a physician, were interred in the city cemetery.  A very large crowd attended in body, a just tribute to a young and popular citizen who succumbed to disease, terminating in death, while following the flag of his country.

To the heartbroken parents and only sister this whole community tenders its profoundest sympathy.

Resolutions upon this death passed by the young men of Columbia, can be found upon our first page.

Jesse V. White, January 19, 1846 – March 18, 1922.  Kittie Frances White, March 4, 1850 – June 5, 1933.  Columbia Cemetery.