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Note: The civilian headstone for Lane and his wife Julia is engraved with "Stansbery" for the surname. Lane's veteran footstone does have the "Stansberry" surname inscription. An obituary for a son who died in 1979 has been found that used "Stansbery" for his surname. Will use "Stansberry" for this memorial given all the funeral and military citations that used that spelling, despite the "Stansbery" surname on the civilian headstone.
Note: Some family trees on Ancesty.com have used the DOD location as Fairfield, Iowa (some have used the "Fairfield, Buena Vista, Iowa" hint, which is another Ancestry hint error in...
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Note: The civilian headstone for Lane and his wife Julia is engraved with "Stansbery" for the surname. Lane's veteran footstone does have the "Stansberry" surname inscription. An obituary for a son who died in 1979 has been found that used "Stansbery" for his surname. Will use "Stansberry" for this memorial given all the funeral and military citations that used that spelling, despite the "Stansbery" surname on the civilian headstone.
Note: Some family trees on Ancesty.com have used the DOD location as Fairfield, Iowa (some have used the "Fairfield, Buena Vista, Iowa" hint, which is another Ancestry hint error in itself for the City of Fairfield in Jefferson county, Iowa). At the time of his death he was living in Fort Madison, Iowa, where he worked as a prison guard. It isn't totally clear from the obituary stories if his family stayed in Fairfield while he lived in Ft. Madison. He may have had a home in Ft. Madison for himself during the workweek, with his family remaining in Fairfield otherwise. Lane died in Ft. Madison, Lee county, Iowa.
Husband of Julia Etta Dempsey Stansberry. Their marriage date or location were not provided in either obituary. Any clarification would be appreciated.
The following items were found in microfilm records of the Fairfield Daily Ledger on file at the Fairfield Public Library, Fairfield, Iowa. They are transcribed as close to verbatim as possible, to honor Lane's service to his country during WWI, as well as to his family. This contributor and Joey Stark made the transcriptions.
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Fairfield Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Iowa
Monday November 13, 1939
Pg. 1 Col. 5
(text carried over to Pg. 8)
L. STANSBERRY, EX SHERIFF, DIES SUDDENLY
Funeral services, in Fairfield, will be Wednesday, 2:30 p.m.
FT. MADISON, Ia. Nov. 13
Lane Stansberry, guard at the State Penitentiary here died suddenly at his home about 4:00 this morning. It was pronounced heart failure. He had only been ill for about 10 minutes. Relatives in Fairfield were notified.
Funeral services at Ft. Madison will be held at Clement's Chapel, Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. The body will then be brought to Fairfield.
Fairfield friends were shocked this morning to learn that Lane Stansberry, former Fairfield sheriff had dropped dead early today of heart failure at his home in Fort Madison. He was building a house on an acreage and was just about to go out to the site when he was stricken at 4:00 a.m.
Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Dempsey, parents of Mrs. Stansberry, Mrs. E.G. Padgett, a sister, Mrs. Harry Baldwin and Mrs. Guy Sampson left at once for Ft. Madison.
Funeral services in Fairfield will be held at the First Methodist church Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be in Evergreen cemetery. The services at the grave will be in charge of members of the Masonic order and Fairfield military organizations.
He is survived by his wife and two sons, Lane Earl ( see: Lane Earl Stansbery) and Darrell Dean (Lt. Col. Darrell D. Stansbery was born in 1925 and died in Mississippi on Nov. 21, 2012, no F/A/G memorial for him at this time, however). There are also four brothers and five sisters.
Lane Stansberry was one of Jefferson county's very popular citizens. He served two terms as sheriff and at the end of that period he was appointed a guard at the Ft. Madison penitentiary. He was a national guardsman and World War veteran with a record which brought him the Distinguished Service Medal. He was a member of the Masonic lodge, the Modern Woodmen and of the Fairfield Lion's club while residing here. He was a member of the Brotherhood Bible class.
Lane Stansberry enlisted in Company M, First Iowa Infantry June 12, 1916, and was on the Mexican border until January 19, 1917. He was called to World War service, March 26, 1917. He was transferred to Company M, 168th Infantry on August 5, 1917, and accompanied that unit over seas. He was active in every engagement his unit participated in, marched into Germany and returned home with his organization on May 18, 1919.
The chief actor in a little section of the war drama of September 12, 1918 Lane E. Stansberry never had much to say in regard to the matter. Not many Fairfield people knew of his experience that date on the shell torn battle field near Fliery, France. Singe-handed Lane E. Stansberry captured a German machine gun nest, taking as prisoners all of its soldiers. Stansberry had led his platoon to the attack after he personally had cut a path through the wire entanglements with pliers which he took from the body of a wire cutter who had been killed.
Like the majority of those who served in the World War,, Lane Stansberry was extremely modest about his achievements. He never talked of them. Superior officers, over seas, and at home have told of his bravery.
Major Leonard R. Greenfield at a Fairfield meeting sponsored by the Lions club, told of Sergeant Stansberry's outstanding bravery. Stating the reason for the gathering, he said:
"On Sept. 12, 1918 Lane Stansberry was then in the mud of the battle fields of France; cold, wet, hungry. For days he had little to eat - he hadn't had a change of clothing for two months. Business at the front was too brisk to allow time for attention to such little matters as those. He had not missed once going over the top with his regiment, and going over the top seemed to be a habit with them.
"His single-handed capture of a German machine gun nest and 22 Germans, for which he was awarded the D.S.C. Sheriff Stansberry in as few words as possible, recounted how he in a company of 260 men, a "sacrifice company," started against a terrific machine gun barrage near Fliery, France on September 12, 1918.
"By the time the company had reached the vicinity of the machine gun fire, only 30 of the 260 men were left, and Stansberry was the ranking officer, as all superior officers had been killed or wounded. The thirty men were trying to cover the same area that the 260 original men were supposed to cover, and they spread out many rods apart.
When Stansberry came upon the machine gun nest, he trained his two .45 calibre automatic pistols on the nest. The men marched out one by one and he made them prisoners. When he made the capture, the entire twenty-two acted scared and offered him watches, trinkets of all sorts and begged him not to shoot them.
In one engagement at the start his company numbered 150 men - all but 37 failed to answer the next company roll call. Lane was one of the 37. He saw the fiercest kind of actions - and how did he conduct himself? I refer you to this citation document."
The citation for bravery in action, which follows, verbatim:
'American Expeditionary Forces'
1 October 1928
From: Assistant Division Adjutant, 42nd Division.
To: Sergeant Lane E. Stansberry, 102468, Company M, 168th Infantry.
Subject. Commendation
I am directed by the Division Commander to inform you that your conduct in action aainst enemy forces on September 12, 1818, near Fliery, when, single handed, you took an enemy machine gun post and captured the twenty occupants thereof, and, also, when in the face of heavy machine gun fire, you took a pair of pliers from a wire cutter who had been killed and led your platoon to the attack, has been brought to his personal attention, and considers your performance of duty on these occasions worthy of the highest commedation. He regards your actions in the face of the enemy, gallant, an example to your comrades in arms, and characteristic of that splendid standard upon which the foundations of our military establishment are founded.
Reed.Hq. 168th Inf Oct. 8, 1928
(Signed) JAMES E. THOMAS
Captain, U.S.A., Adjutant General 1st Inf.
Hq. 168th Inf. American E.F. 9 Oct., 1918. To: Sgt Lane E. Stansberry, Co. M. 168th Inf., Through C. O. Co. M. 168th Inf. Forwarded OGM. - C.J.R.
Later on the attention of the War Department having been called to Sergeant Stansberry's bravery, that coveted honor - the Distinguished Service Medal was conferred upon him. This was done in an impressive ceremony June 1, 1930, at Fairfield.
The ceremony was held on Sunday afternoon, June 1 on Alumni Field. Gov. John Hammill of Iowa was present and spoke.
There were also present the following high army officers:
Maj. General Mathew Tinley, commander 34th Division, N.G.
Brig. General W. H. Bailey, Adjutant General, Iowa.
Brig. Gen. Lloyd D. Ross, commander 67th Inf. Brigade, Iowa N.G.
Colonel Everest, adjutant 34th Div. N.G.
Colonel Pearl R Shaffer, Senior Instructor Inf. U.S. Army
Colonel W. A. Cornell, Senior Instructor, Cav. U.S. Army
Brig. Gen Park A Findley, commander 57th Cav. Brig. N.G.
Lt. Col. Chas. H Grahl, Asst. A.G. Iowa
Lt. Col. J. E. Thomas, U.S.P & D. O. Iowa
Maj. Kuntz Boberg, A. G. Dept., Iowa
Maj. Charles Tillitson, 67th Inf. Brig., Iowa N.G.
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Fairfield Ia. Daily Ledger
Fairfield, Iowa
Tuesday, November 14, 1939
Pg. 4 Col. 5
Body of Lane Stansberry Will Lie In State
Funeral services for Lane Stansberry will be held at the First Methodist church of this city tomorrow, Nov. 15 at 2:30 o'clock in charge of Dr. U.S. Smith of Perry assisted by Dr. M.A. Gable.
Services at the grave will be conducted by the Masonic order and the military organizations. The body will lie in state at the church from 1:00 o'clock until time for the ceremony.
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Fairfield Daily Ledger
Thursday Nov. 16, 1939
Pg. 1 Col. 4
MANY ATTEND FUNERAL FOR STANSBERRY
World War veteran and former sheriff was popular here
An unusually large crowd filled the First Methodist church Wednesday afternoon for the funeral of former Sheriff Lane Stansberry, who died suddenly at his home in Ft. Madison, on Monday.
The funeral services at the church were in charge of Dr. U. S. Smith of Perry, assisted by Dr. M. A. Gable. Dr. Smith was pastor for the Stansberry family when they resided in Fairfield. The flag-covered casket had its military guard throughout the service. The banked flowers were numerous.
The service at the church opend (sic. opened) with subdued music, with Mrs. Frank H. Pierson at the organ, County Attorney George Van Nostrand sang a solo "In The Garden."
Following presentations of Scripture passages, prayer was offered by Dr. M. A. Gable, pastor of the church.
The very appropriate funeral address was delivered by Dr. Smith from the text in John 10:10, "I am come that they might have it more abundantly."
The speaker observed that "this statement 'raises the question, 'What is life"? For it, the scientist does not have the complete answer, the philosopher, likewise is unable to respond. Even the theologian stops to consider before he will answer. After due consideration he asserts that life is a gift from God.
"Life is indefinable, mysterious. One of the most mysterious things about life in the realization that it is endless. I will not argue that with you. I ask that you accept my belief. Life is sent from God and to Him it returns. Life is too important, too lovely a thing to be treated in a trivial way."
"But life is short, at best. We may say "Backward, turn backward", but time never turns backward. Still there is time for some important things. There is time to build character. It (sic. ???) beyond time. Our friend, whom we remember, had character and loyalty to God and church as well as to country. The organizations here bear tribute to that fact."
Impressive rites also were carried out at Evergreen cemetery. The pallbearers, representing National Guard and Legion, were: L. R. Greenfield, F. N. Simmons, Dwight Davis, Charles C. Brown, O. C. Nelson, and Clarence Killion.
Color bearers were Earl Tygret, Raymond Kessel, with color guards John Behne and John Sipe.
The firing squad was composed of Commander Earl Hendricks, George Schroeder, Frank Rizor, Carroll Haney, Rollie Nelson, William Schwartz, Dale Anderson and Vern McCumber.
Masonic rites were carried out at the grave, with Dr. J.S. Gaumer in charge. Members of the lodge attended in a body. Legion Chaplain, Rev. E. A. Piper, offered to prayer at the grave. The service closed with the sounding of "Taps", by Forrest McGlasson with echo by Richard Warner.
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The following was transcribed by Joey Stark:
"The Fairfield (Ia.) Daily Ledger"
Fairfield, Iowa
Monday, June 2, 1930
Front Page, Column 4, and Page 6
A Great Throng Sees Local Heroes Get Military Honors
Inspring Ceremony Held at Alumni Field Yesterday As STANSBERRY and GROSS Are Decorated By Maj. Gen. Tinley
With simple and impressive ceremonies that thrilled the thousands of people present on the Parsons college athletic field Lane E. STANSBERRY and John J. GROSS* yesterday afternoon were presented distinguished service crosses by the United States government.
It was a short service, every phrase colorful and intense. From the time that the Washington Legion drum and bugle corps, playing sharp and dominant military tunes, marched upon the field at the head of a contingent of Legionnaires, until the last notes of the departing drums died away and the ceremony was over, there was breathless interest.
The bleachers on both sides of the field were filled with spectators and then the crowd in many times greater numbers, overflowed onto the hillsides to the northwest and southwest. The twenty loud speakers, scattered over the grounds, were a great success and those everywhere heard distinctly every word of the presentation.
Kept Crowd Informed
Rev. S. P. Williamson manned the microphone for the preliminaries, and made a number of announcements to the crowd before the military contingents came upon the field, testing out the device, and keeping the crowd informed of the movements of the troops. The rumor got around that Mr. STANSBERRY was ill at his home and could not be present. The microphone carried assurance to all parts of the ground that this was an error and that he would be on hand for the presentation.
Then when the first notes of the band came floating out of the distance, the crowd was informed of the approach of Gov. John Hammill and Gen. Tinley and their staffs. When the officers appeared at the corner of the field and with quick and precise military step approached the stand erected at the south side of the enclosure, the crowd rose to its feet and cheered.
Military Show
After that came the various troops, headed by the 133rd and the 113th regimental bands. They came onto the field in formation and took their stand on the north side and Gov. Hammill, as commander in chief of the state troops, and Gen. Tinley and his staff passed rapidly down the lines in inspection.
Returning to the reviewing stand they were ready for the principal ceremony and Gen. Tinley took his place before the microphone and made the announcement and read the citations. The two men who were to receive the honors were escorted to the front, accompanied by the colors, and the decorations were pinned upon their breasts and they were congratulated.
The whole body of troops then passed in review, dipped their company colors as they passed the stand, and marched off the field and the day was done.
Crowd Fades Quickly Away
In just a few minutes the crowd, estimated at from ten to fifteen thousand people, faded away and in an hour the field had been stripped of its loudspeakers and was empty.
The weather was ideal. After weeks of cold and chill, the sun came out to warm the earth and invite people into the open. From far and wide they came auto close upon auto, by the hundreds, loaded to the guards. They filled the main streets and filtered over into the side streets. They were scattered along the parkways, and found places in front yards and driveways. Almost inaccessible locations saw cars parked there in grotesque positions.
Fairfield people were hospitable. They invited guests onto their front lawns and porches along the line of the parade. And the guests accepted the hospitality and there was a good fellowship that was felt everywhere.
Good Nature
Not an untoward thing happened. The crowd was good-natured. The provisions for handling it had been well made and were adequate. There were no angry discussions, no arguments, no impertinences.
The only thing that happened was a little political bad taste that led some partisans of state candidates to post big signboards at the far end of the field. The crowd was displeased and quietly suggested that the signs be removed. A couple of members of the committee in charge drifted over that way and unobtrusively pulled up the supports and laid the signs on their faces. The crowd hardly noticed the act, and turned its attention elsewhere, subconsciously eased by the absence of the glaring admonitions to vote for somebody or other.
Colorful Crowd
The crowds were colorful and attractive. Women in gay dresses dotted the bleachers and hillsides, mingling with the more somber garb of the men. But gay straw hats were seen here and there, and light suits, as the men's contribution.
The uniforms of the Washington drum and bugle corps brought forth a gasp of admiration. The men wore dark blue suits with tall shakos, held on with chin straps. White pompons rose from the front of these. The uniforms were trimmed with white bindings and silver braid.
Photographers were thick inside the field and along the line of march and shutters clicked and rolls of film were unwound.
The Legionnaires detailed to handle traffic carried billiards cues, sawed off to convenient size, and the wonder was how they were able to collect so many. The Legion members were ably assisted by Boy Scouts.
Bustle of Preliminaries
The down town streets were roped off to allow full room for the line of march. East Broadway from Court to B streets was closed entirely and used for the assembly of the troops. The middle parking spaces around the square were barred by ropes as was Main street for a block north.
The regimental bands, the 113th Cavalry band from Oskaloosa and Fairfield's own 133rd played a concert for an hour, beginning at 1 oclock.
At 1:22 Gen. Tinley arrived and was hurried to the Leggett hotel where there was a military banquet for sixty guests. Gov. Hammill had arrived previously and was present at the banquet. Gen. Tinley was met at the Burlington station by an auto bearing at the front his flag, red ground with two white stars, and with the same insignia on the windshield.
Ray Maxwell kept account of all cars seen in the jam near the college campus yesterday afternoon and has figured that cars from 18 states and 46 Iowa counties were here.
*Not known by this contributor what happened to John J. Gross or where he is buried.
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