Schumpert burial in Frederick Cemetery

Frederick Leader article, Dec. 30, 1920

Body of WW I Soldier Was Returned to Frederick

The Tillman County Chronicles May 28, 2012 Memorial Day post included a June 1921 article from the Frederick Leader, citing ceremonies at the Frederick Cemetery gravesite of WW I veteran John Schumpert.

Who was John Schumpert? His name is not listed on Tillman County Veterans War Memorial at the Tillman County Courthouse lawn. What’s more, a check of the Frederick Cemetery’s burial records does not show a John Schumpert to be buried there.

Could the Frederick Leader have gotten the name of the deceased wrong in 1921 when it wrote about the Memorial Day ceremony?

Apparently, yes.

Although no John Schumpert was listed in cemetery burial records, George C. Schumpert was buried at the cemetery on December 29, 1920. A search of microfilm newspaper files found the following article, printed in The Frederick Leader on December 30, 1920, which describes the World War I death and funeral of George C. Schumpert.

The Frederick Leader

Thursday, December 30, 1920

Body of war hero now lies at rest

The body of George Schumpert, the overseas soldier for whom funeral services were held at the First Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon, arrived in Frederick Tuesday evening under escort of Captain Hoover, United States Army, who had escorted the casket here from Hoboken, New Jersey.

As was told in Tuesday's Leader funeral services were in charge of the American Legion and were conducted by Rev. Robert W. Goodloe while burial services at the city cemetery were participated in by the Legion and Woodmen of the World.

Many beautiful floral offerings were received in tribute to the dead soldier.

Schumpert, as was told yesterday, died at the American army hospital at Serrigny, France, from cerebrospinal meningitis, February 24, 1918. His body was contained in a metal case over which was a wooden casket. The casket was not opened, as to do so would have been contrary to law, as he died of a contagious disease.

Unfortunately, the Frederick Leader’s issue from Tuesday, December 28, 1920, that is referred to in the article is not available on microfilm. Frederick Press issues from December 1920 are also not available.

Although details of his life and obituary have not been found, George C. Schumpert was a Frederick man who died in France as a soldier in World War I.

It was fitting that the people of Frederick chose to pay special tribute to him on Memorial Day in 1921.