World War I New Testament

There’s no date in this one, but “The President’s Message” is by Woodrow Wilson, so would have been given to those who served in WWI. It probably belonged to one of Leora Wilson’s brothers.

The last paragraph reads, “When you have read the bible you will know that it is the World of God, because you will have found it the key to your own heart, your own happiness, and your own duty.”

This one plays a role in Chapter 30 of Leora’s Dexter Stories, when Clabe is comforted by verses about gossip.

World War II New Testaments

Claiborne Junior Wilson

Junior Wilson’s New Testament has pilot’s wings on it. The note is from President Franklin Roosevelt. “As Commander-in-Chief I take pleasure in commending the reading of the Bible to all who served in the armed forces of the United States. Throughout the centuries men of many faiths have found in the Sacred Book words of wisdom, counsel and inspiration. It’s a foundation of strength and now, as always, an aid in attaining the highest aspirations of the human soul.”

There are several clippings inside, along with this prayer in Leora’s handwriting.

Daniel S. Wilson

On September 26, 1945, a carton of Dan Wilson’s things arrived at the Wilson acreage south of Perry–sent from the Army Effects Bureau of the Kansas City Quartermaster Depot.

Clabe signed for the box. I suppose they opened it, but did they sort through their son’s eighteen pairs of socks, five cotton undershirts, three khaki trousers, and other clothing?  If they had, they would have found Danny’s wrist watch, souvenirs of his R and R to Rome over Christmas, a fountain pen, other items including a small New Testament.

Yes, the war was over, but life just kept on and on. . . .

According to Leora’s notes, she churned butter every week. Two cows had calves. Clabe helped a neighbor with field work.

At some point, they would have thumbed through the Danny’s small New Testament.

They would have found the page with the American flag pictured in color.

I believe this legacy of faith in God, from Great Grandmother’s self-pronouncing Bible to the military New Testaments, helped Leora Wilson’s family get through the Great Depression and the terrible losses of WWII with hope, resilience, and determination.

Leora’s Letters: The Story of Love and Loss for an Iowa Family During World War II and Leora’s Dexter Stories: The Scarcity Years of the Great Depression have more stories about the Wilson family.