Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Thursday April 11, 1918, p. 3. LT. BECHAUD BADLY WOUNDED. Local Officer Accidentally Shot by Insane Comrade at Fort Wright, N.Y. CONDITION IS SERIOUS. First Lieutenant Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, was seriously wounded, probably fatally, when accidentally shot in the abdomen by Sgt. James Boyle of the coast artillery, who became suddenly mentally deranged, Wednesday, at Fort Wright, Fisher's Island, N.Y., according to a telegram received by his parents yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Later a telegram was received stating that there was a fighting chance for his recovery. Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud left for Fort Wright this noon. Boyle also killed two of his comrades and seriously injured three others, and then turned the weapon on himself and ended his own life. Boyle had recently returned after a leave of absence and appeared to be quite rational when he conversed with a friend a few minutes before the tragedy, which was enacted in the company office. He walked into the office, drew his automatic and began to shoot. His first victim, Sgt. Fred M. Cook of Abington, Mass., was shot through the head. Private Thomas Guzbek of Holyoke, Mass., fell dead with a bullet through the head. Boyle then opened a window and began to shoot at the men standing within range. Lt. Bechaud, staff officer, was wounded in the abdomen and Sgt. Adolph Holtom was shot through the jaw. Having finished shooting the men in sight Boyle turned the weapon toward his own head and sent a bullet crashing into this brain. He dropped dead on the office floor. Col. Dorsey, in command at the fort, declared that Boyle was temporarily insane.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 3. WOUND IS FATAL TO FIRST LT. PIERRE BECHAUD. Local Young Officer Died This Morning as Result of Being Shot by Maniac. TO BRING BODY HERE. First Lieutenant Jeanne Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, died at 10 o'clock this morning in the hospital at Fort Wright, New York, as a result of being shot in the abdomen by a mentally deranged sergeant on Wednesday, according to telegram received here today. The telegram, which was sent by the wife of the dead lieutenant, stated that he died at 10 o'clock, eastern time, and that everything possible had been done to save his life. A telegram received earlier this morning had stated that his condition was very serious, although there was a slight chance for recover. Lt. Bechaud was shot by the insane sergeant while assisting another soldier who had been shot by the man. Lt. Bechaud attended the first officers' training camp at Fort Sheridan last summer, entering the school about May 8. After three months of hard training, he received his commission and was transferred to Fortress Monroe, Va., where he was assigned to the coast artillery. He spent two month there and then was sent to Fort Wright, N.Y., where he had been stationed as a staff officer for the past few months. Lt. Bechaud was one of the best-liked officers at Fort Wright. He had a wide knowledge of military tactics and was popular among the men of the camp. Jeanne Pierre Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1895, and attended the local public schools. He was a member of the graduating class of the local high school in 1913 and then went to Chicago, where he entered the Armour Institute. He was graduated from that institution in the mechanical engineering department last May. He was united in marriage to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city on August 22, 1917, at St. Joseph's church. Shortly after the marriage he was ordered to report at Fort Wright and his wife has been with him there. Besides his widow, Lt. Bechaud is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P. Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armand of Detroit, Mich., Louis and Rudolph, both of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud, parents of the young officer, left Thursday noon for Fort Wright, soon after they were notified that their son had been shot. They have no knowledge of the young man's death and will not reach Fort Wright until 12 o'clock tonight. Arrangements for shipping the body back to this city will be made by the widow and the parents of the deceased and will be announced later.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Saturday April 13, 1918, p. 1. DIED AT FORT. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died at Fort Wright, N.Y., on Friday, from wounds received when he was shot by an insane sergeant last Wednesday, will be brought to this city. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud are now at the New York fort, but no word regarding burial arrangements has been received here as yet.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Monday April 15, 1918. BECHAUD BODY ARRIVES HERE. Funeral Services Will Be Conducted Tuesday from St. Joseph's Church. DRAPE CASKET WITH FLAG. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who was shot and fatally wounded by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday afternoon, arrived in this city at 10:10 o'clock Sunday evening over the Chicago and North Western road. The body was accompanied by the widow of the deceased, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, who went to New York last Thursday noon, and Lt. Larimer of Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zinke and Dugan undertaking parlors, North Main street, and later removed to the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. The body will lie in state at the residence until the hour of the funeral. The casket is draped with a large American flag, which flew over the barracks at Fort Wright, where Lt. Bechaud was stationed.. Lt. Bechaud will be buried in his uniform as a staff officer. Private funeral services will be conducted at the residence at 9:30 o'clock Tuesday morning and public services at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. The Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate and interment will take place at Calvary cemetery. It is expected that the Spanish War Veterans and Home Guards will attend the services in a body. The father and mother of the deceased officer were notified of the death of their son, while enroute from this city to New York. They arrived in New York early Saturday morning and were notified that the body had been shipped from the fort. They then waited in New York and met the body and the widow and Lt. Larimer, and started for Fond du Lac. According to the account of the shooting told by the lieutenant's widow, he was wounded while in the act of assisting another man who had been shot. The bullet, which was forty-five caliber, entered Lt. Bechaud's right side and went nearly through his body. He was taken to the hospital where an operation was performed in the hope of saving his life. Additional medical assistance was obtained and everything possible was done for the wounded officer. The operation was a success but surgical pneumonia developed and the lieutenant passed away at 10 o'clock Friday morning. The insane sergeant shot six persons besides himself. Six of them are now dead, two being instantly killed, the sergeant committing suicide, and three of the four wounded died later. The sergeant was considered one of the crack shots at the fort.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918. LAST RITES FOR LT. BECHAUD. Funeral Services for Late Local Army Officer are Held This Morning. BURIAL WAS AT CALVARY. Funeral services for the late First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died as result of being shot by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday, were held this morning at 9:30 o'clock from the family residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. A requiem high mass was said at the church with the Rev. J.J. Collins as celebrant. The Rev. J.J. Shanahan acted as sub-deacon and the Rev. W. Luby of Winneconne was deacon. The Rev. Father Collins delivered the funeral sermon, in which he referred to the great sacrifice the deceased had made for his country and the world. The pallbearers were Louis and Rudolph Bechaud, brothers of the deceased; August Bechaud, a cousin of Lt. Bechaud, and Marshall Boudry, M.J. Nelson and Percy Kolb, brothers-in-law. Interment took place at Calvary cemetery. The members of the Thirty-first Separate company of Wisconsin State guards and the Arthur McCourt camp, United Spanish War veterans, acted as a military escort from the residence to the church and from the church to the cemetery. The casket was draped with the large American flag which flew over the barracks in which Lt. Bechaud had been stationed before his death. The lieutenant was buried in his uniform of a staff officer of the heavy field artillery. The funeral services at the residence were private, but hundreds crowded in to the church to pay their last tribute to the deceased. The floral offerings were very large and most beautiful.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Thursday April 11, 1918. LT. J. BECHAUD SHOT BY OFFICER; BADLY INJURED. Insane Sergeant Shoots up Camp --- Two Killed Outright. FOND DU LAC MAN A VICTIM. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud Now on Way to Fort Wright -- Victim Has Fighting Chance. Lt. Jean Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 So. Union street, was seriously injured at Fort Wright, Fishers Island, N.Y yesterday when an insane sergeant ran amuck, shot and killed two men, and wounded several others, four of them, including the Fond du Lac man seriously. Information concerning the tragedy reached J.B. Bechaud in two telegrams last night. They stated that the injuries were serious but added that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud left this morning for Fort Wright. The following account of the affair appeared in a morning paper: Fishers Island, N.Y., April 10.-- Sgt. James Boyle of the coast artillery shot and killed two men, wounded several others seriously, including First Lieutenant Jean Bechaud, and then committed suicide with a service revolver at Fort Wright today. he had just returned from leave of absence. The dead are: First Sergeant Fred H. Cook, emergency address, William J. Cook, 29 Bank street, Abington, Mass.; Private Thomas G. Guzdek, emergency address, Florence Wosny, Holyoke, Mass. Seriously wounded: First Lieutenant jean Bechaud, Sgt. Adolph Holton, Private Ernest M. Green, Private Timothy J. Sullivan. Boyle, according to information at the post, apparently became crazed immediately after his return to the fort. Boyle's emergency address is given as 109 Gordon street, Allentown, Pa.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 5. LT. BECHAUD DIES OF WOUNDS AT FORT WRIGHT. Medical Aid Summoned from Boston -- Parents Enroute East. DIED AT TEN THIS MORNING. Had Won Rapid Promotion -- Burial to Take Place in Fond du Lac. Lt. Pierre J. Bechaud passed away at 10 o'clock this morning, death resulting from a bullet wound inflicted by Sgt. James Boyle of the Coast Artillery, who became insane and ran amuck at Fort Wright, Fisher's Island, new York, Wednesday, killing two soldiers instantly and seriously wounding four others, including Lt. Bechaud. Word which came to Fond du Lac yesterday was to the effect that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. The best of surgical skill was summoned from Boston and everything possible was done to save the young man's life but all proved futile. The bullet had penetrated the stomach. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, parents of the victim, left Fond du Lac yesterday afternoon for New York. Lieutenant Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1896 and had lived here all his life, attending the local schools through the High School, form which he graduated in 1913. After he had completed his course in high school he attended Armour institute and was graduated from that institution. On August 22 he was married to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city and in the early part of May in 1917, he enlisted in the Mechanical Engineers' Corps and was sent to Fort Sheridan. later he was transferred to Fortress Monroe and finally to Fort Wright. He was promoted steadily from the time of his enlistment until he received his last advancement, receiving a commission of first lieutenant. Lieutenant Bechaud was a popular young man and has a large number of personal friends who will mourn his loss. He is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud and three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armin of Detroit, Mich.; Louis and Rudolph of this city. No arrangements have been made in regard to the funeral and nothing will be done until word is received from Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Saturday April 13, 1918, p.5. LT. BECHAUD. The death of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud, the first commissioned officer from Fond du Lac to die since the war began, has caused widespread sorrow in Fond du Lac. The circumstances of his death are deeply regrettable. he was shot down by an irresponsible person when there was no reason to believe he was in perfect safety. His family and friends feel the loss keenly. The have watched his progress since joining the army with the affectation and interest that characterizes the depth of blood ties. He was young, capable ambitious and a young man who was beloved and admired by all who knew him. His father and mother left for his bedside when they got the message that he was wounded. They were still enroute when the news came that he was dead. They learned of the sad news on their arrival in New York.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth,, Monday April 15, 1918, p. 5. SOLDIER'S BODY ARRIVES IN CITY. Young Officer Brought to city Sunday Night. MILITARY FUNERAL TUESDAY. Lieutenant from Fort Wright, Together with Girl-Widow and Parents Accompany the Body. The body of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud who died Friday morning at Fort Wright, N.AY. as the result of wounds received when he was attacked by a demented sergeant, arrived at 10:10 o'clock last night from New York. The body was accompanied from the fort by the girl widow of the young officer together with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, who with Lt. Bechaud and his young wife have resided at Fort Wright since their marriage last August. The young man's parents arrived in New York to late to see their son alive. The body of Lt. Bechaud was accompanied to this city by Lt. Larmer who was a close friend of the dead officer at Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zink and Dugan Undertaking Parlors after which it was taken to the home of his father, J. Bates Bechaud, 108 Union Street. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning from the residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Church, Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate. interment will be in Calvary cemetery. The Spanish War Veterans will attend the funeral in a body.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 5. BRING DETAILS OF BECHAUD TRAGEDY. Left Home in Morning as usual to Report at Fort. SHOT DOWN FROM WINDOW. Young Officer Speaks to Wife After Tragedy -- Operation was Seemingly Success. Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, Mrs. J. Pierre Bechaud and Lt. Larimer who accompanied the remains of Lt. J. Pierre Bechaud from New York to this city has brought further details of the tragedy which took the young lieutenant's life. Lt. Bechaud and his wife were keeping house in an apartment near Fort Wright where the former was stationed as a staff officer. He was able to be at his home every night. On Wednesday morning April 10, he reported for duty as usual. He had been on duty but a few hours when Mrs. Bechaud was summoned from her home by friends who told her that her husband had been shot. Upon arriving at the fort, a short distance from her home, Mrs. Bechaud found her husband. He walked a few steps toward her and said, "I have been shot." He was immediately removed to a hospital and specialists summoned from New York and Boston. Physicians pronounced his condition critical but said there was a slight chance for his recovery. The bullet was removed from the abdomen of the young lieutenant and the operation pronounced a success. A telegram was sent to this city by Mrs. Bechaud saying that the operation was successful. Two hours later a second telegram told of his death. It is thought that the poison which resulted from the penetration of the bullet was the direct cause of his death. The young man was conscious until near the end. Upon receiving word that their son had been shot, Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud immediately left for New York. Before arriving in that city, however, they were apprised of his death. They received another wire saying that the lieutenant's guard who was accompanying the young officer's remains, together with his wife would meet the bereaved parents in New York. Lt. Bechaud was not well acquainted with Sgt. James Boyle, who did the fatal shooting. Boyle had just returned from Allentown, Pa., where he had spent a short furlough. A few moments before the shooting he had conversed rationally with a friend. In just a moment he became crazed, ran to the office at the fort and fired two shots, instantly killing two comrades. He then threw up the window and fired at the soldiers within range. Three men, slightly wounded fell to the ground. Lt. Bechaud, who was near them went to their assistance with the result that he was shot in the abdomen which wound resulted in his death. Lt. Larimer rode in the baggage coach from New York to this city as guard of the body. He returned to the fort yesterday. The body which laid in state at the home of the young officer's parents, yesterday was clad in his first lieutenant's uniform. The coffin was draped in an American flag which used to fly from a flagpole over Fort Wright. Crowds of deeply grieved friends of the young man and the family viewed the remains all day yesterday and throughout the night.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 10. HUNDREDS HONOR DEAD LIEUTENANT. Large Military Escort Accompanies Remains to Church. SING "AMERICA" AT CHURCH. One of the Largest Attendances Ever Witnessed at Funeral -- Priest Pays Tribute. Hundreds of people attended today the first military funeral at St. Joseph's Church, when Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, who was fatally shot on Wednesday at Fort Wright, New York by a crazed sergeant, was laid at rest in Calvary Cemetery. Private services were held at 9:30 o'clock at the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. At 10 o'clock a solemn requiem mass was sung at St. Joseph's Church by Father J.J. Collins, assisted by Father J.J. Shanahan and Father W.J. Luby of Omro. The latter priest has just received an appointment as chaplain in the army with the rank of first lieutenant. The services throughout were exceedingly impressive. The coffin was draped in an American service flag which formerly flew from a flagpole at Fort Wright. A large military attendance composed of Spanish American War Veterans and the Home Guards escorted the remains of the young officer from his home to the church. The escort preceded the coffin into the church. Father J.J. Collins gave a particularly touching and splendid sermon on the young man who has given all that he might maintain the liberty for which his forefathers fought. In part Father Collins said: "We are gathered here this morning to pay tribute to one of God's finest young men -- an army man. It is a glorious thing to die as he has, in the fulfillment of his duty to God and his country. "Try to realize the tremendous sacrifices which the young man underwent. He enlisted when our just cause was evident and the war still young. He had a life full of promise and success before him -- all this he gave that he might assist in maintaining that beautiful freedom which he has always enjoyed. He readily sacrificed his future that he might keep his wife, his parents and his home from the enemy. His consideration and splendid character is a worthy example to the young men of today. His wedded life was short but there is that everlasting hope that those two souls which have been torn apart at God's request will be united again in the hereafter." Father Collins also spoke of the time when the young lieutenant came to the parsonage and consulted him about his approaching marriage. He told of the wonderful love which existed between the young couple. He asked all to honor the memory of the dead hero who had given his life that those at home might be protected. He drew attention to the nobility of character which prompted Lieutenant Bechaud to go to the aid of his fallen comrades who had been shot down by the crazed man before he was wounded. The floral tribute was so large that it necessitated several cars to convey it to the cemetery. The bearers were Louis, Rudoph, and August Bechaud, Marshall Boudry, Martin H. Nelson and Percy Kolb. At the conclusion of the mass the entire audience rose and sang the four verses of "America."
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 3. WOUND IS FATAL TO FIRST LT. PIERRE BECHAUD. Local Young Officer Died This Morning as Result of Being Shot by Maniac. TO BRING BODY HERE. First Lieutenant Jeanne Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, died at 10 o'clock this morning in the hospital at Fort Wright, New York, as a result of being shot in the abdomen by a mentally deranged sergeant on Wednesday, according to telegram received here today. The telegram, which was sent by the wife of the dead lieutenant, stated that he died at 10 o'clock, eastern time, and that everything possible had been done to save his life. A telegram received earlier this morning had stated that his condition was very serious, although there was a slight chance for recover. Lt. Bechaud was shot by the insane sergeant while assisting another soldier who had been shot by the man. Lt. Bechaud attended the first officers' training camp at Fort Sheridan last summer, entering the school about May 8. After three months of hard training, he received his commission and was transferred to Fortress Monroe, Va., where he was assigned to the coast artillery. He spent two month there and then was sent to Fort Wright, N.Y., where he had been stationed as a staff officer for the past few months. Lt. Bechaud was one of the best-liked officers at Fort Wright. He had a wide knowledge of military tactics and was popular among the men of the camp. Jeanne Pierre Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1895, and attended the local public schools. He was a member of the graduating class of the local high school in 1913 and then went to Chicago, where he entered the Armour Institute. He was graduated from that institution in the mechanical engineering department last May. He was united in marriage to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city on August 22, 1917, at St. Joseph's church. Shortly after the marriage he was ordered to report at Fort Wright and his wife has been with him there. Besides his widow, Lt. Bechaud is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P. Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armand of Detroit, Mich., Louis and Rudolph, both of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud, parents of the young officer, left Thursday noon for Fort Wright, soon after they were notified that their son had been shot. They have no knowledge of the young man's death and will not reach Fort Wright until 12 o'clock tonight. Arrangements for shipping the body back to this city will be made by the widow and the parents of the deceased and will be announced later.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Saturday April 13, 1918, p. 1. DIED AT FORT. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died at Fort Wright, N.Y., on Friday, from wounds received when he was shot by an insane sergeant last Wednesday, will be brought to this city. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud are now at the New York fort, but no word regarding burial arrangements has been received here as yet.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Monday April 15, 1918. BECHAUD BODY ARRIVES HERE. Funeral Services Will Be Conducted Tuesday from St. Joseph's Church. DRAPE CASKET WITH FLAG. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who was shot and fatally wounded by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday afternoon, arrived in this city at 10:10 o'clock Sunday evening over the Chicago and North Western road. The body was accompanied by the widow of the deceased, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, who went to New York last Thursday noon, and Lt. Larimer of Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zinke and Dugan undertaking parlors, North Main street, and later removed to the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. The body will lie in state at the residence until the hour of the funeral. The casket is draped with a large American flag, which flew over the barracks at Fort Wright, where Lt. Bechaud was stationed.. Lt. Bechaud will be buried in his uniform as a staff officer. Private funeral services will be conducted at the residence at 9:30 o'clock Tuesday morning and public services at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. The Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate and interment will take place at Calvary cemetery. It is expected that the Spanish War Veterans and Home Guards will attend the services in a body. The father and mother of the deceased officer were notified of the death of their son, while enroute from this city to New York. They arrived in New York early Saturday morning and were notified that the body had been shipped from the fort. They then waited in New York and met the body and the widow and Lt. Larimer, and started for Fond du Lac. According to the account of the shooting told by the lieutenant's widow, he was wounded while in the act of assisting another man who had been shot. The bullet, which was forty-five caliber, entered Lt. Bechaud's right side and went nearly through his body. He was taken to the hospital where an operation was performed in the hope of saving his life. Additional medical assistance was obtained and everything possible was done for the wounded officer. The operation was a success but surgical pneumonia developed and the lieutenant passed away at 10 o'clock Friday morning. The insane sergeant shot six persons besides himself. Six of them are now dead, two being instantly killed, the sergeant committing suicide, and three of the four wounded died later. The sergeant was considered one of the crack shots at the fort.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918. LAST RITES FOR LT. BECHAUD. Funeral Services for Late Local Army Officer are Held This Morning. BURIAL WAS AT CALVARY. Funeral services for the late First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died as result of being shot by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday, were held this morning at 9:30 o'clock from the family residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. A requiem high mass was said at the church with the Rev. J.J. Collins as celebrant. The Rev. J.J. Shanahan acted as sub-deacon and the Rev. W. Luby of Winneconne was deacon. The Rev. Father Collins delivered the funeral sermon, in which he referred to the great sacrifice the deceased had made for his country and the world. The pallbearers were Louis and Rudolph Bechaud, brothers of the deceased; August Bechaud, a cousin of Lt. Bechaud, and Marshall Boudry, M.J. Nelson and Percy Kolb, brothers-in-law. Interment took place at Calvary cemetery. The members of the Thirty-first Separate company of Wisconsin State guards and the Arthur McCourt camp, United Spanish War veterans, acted as a military escort from the residence to the church and from the church to the cemetery. The casket was draped with the large American flag which flew over the barracks in which Lt. Bechaud had been stationed before his death. The lieutenant was buried in his uniform of a staff officer of the heavy field artillery. The funeral services at the residence were private, but hundreds crowded in to the church to pay their last tribute to the deceased. The floral offerings were very large and most beautiful.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Thursday April 11, 1918. LT. J. BECHAUD SHOT BY OFFICER; BADLY INJURED. Insane Sergeant Shoots up Camp --- Two Killed Outright. FOND DU LAC MAN A VICTIM. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud Now on Way to Fort Wright -- Victim Has Fighting Chance. Lt. Jean Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 So. Union street, was seriously injured at Fort Wright, Fishers Island, N.Y yesterday when an insane sergeant ran amuck, shot and killed two men, and wounded several others, four of them, including the Fond du Lac man seriously. Information concerning the tragedy reached J.B. Bechaud in two telegrams last night. They stated that the injuries were serious but added that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud left this morning for Fort Wright. The following account of the affair appeared in a morning paper: Fishers Island, N.Y., April 10.-- Sgt. James Boyle of the coast artillery shot and killed two men, wounded several others seriously, including First Lieutenant Jean Bechaud, and then committed suicide with a service revolver at Fort Wright today. he had just returned from leave of absence. The dead are: First Sergeant Fred H. Cook, emergency address, William J. Cook, 29 Bank street, Abington, Mass.; Private Thomas G. Guzdek, emergency address, Florence Wosny, Holyoke, Mass. Seriously wounded: First Lieutenant jean Bechaud, Sgt. Adolph Holton, Private Ernest M. Green, Private Timothy J. Sullivan. Boyle, according to information at the post, apparently became crazed immediately after his return to the fort. Boyle's emergency address is given as 109 Gordon street, Allentown, Pa.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 5. LT. BECHAUD DIES OF WOUNDS AT FORT WRIGHT. Medical Aid Summoned from Boston -- Parents Enroute East. DIED AT TEN THIS MORNING. Had Won Rapid Promotion -- Burial to Take Place in Fond du Lac. Lt. Pierre J. Bechaud passed away at 10 o'clock this morning, death resulting from a bullet wound inflicted by Sgt. James Boyle of the Coast Artillery, who became insane and ran amuck at Fort Wright, Fisher's Island, new York, Wednesday, killing two soldiers instantly and seriously wounding four others, including Lt. Bechaud. Word which came to Fond du Lac yesterday was to the effect that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. The best of surgical skill was summoned from Boston and everything possible was done to save the young man's life but all proved futile. The bullet had penetrated the stomach. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, parents of the victim, left Fond du Lac yesterday afternoon for New York. Lieutenant Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1896 and had lived here all his life, attending the local schools through the High School, form which he graduated in 1913. After he had completed his course in high school he attended Armour institute and was graduated from that institution. On August 22 he was married to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city and in the early part of May in 1917, he enlisted in the Mechanical Engineers' Corps and was sent to Fort Sheridan. later he was transferred to Fortress Monroe and finally to Fort Wright. He was promoted steadily from the time of his enlistment until he received his last advancement, receiving a commission of first lieutenant. Lieutenant Bechaud was a popular young man and has a large number of personal friends who will mourn his loss. He is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud and three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armin of Detroit, Mich.; Louis and Rudolph of this city. No arrangements have been made in regard to the funeral and nothing will be done until word is received from Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Saturday April 13, 1918, p.5. LT. BECHAUD. The death of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud, the first commissioned officer from Fond du Lac to die since the war began, has caused widespread sorrow in Fond du Lac. The circumstances of his death are deeply regrettable. he was shot down by an irresponsible person when there was no reason to believe he was in perfect safety. His family and friends feel the loss keenly. The have watched his progress since joining the army with the affectation and interest that characterizes the depth of blood ties. He was young, capable ambitious and a young man who was beloved and admired by all who knew him. His father and mother left for his bedside when they got the message that he was wounded. They were still enroute when the news came that he was dead. They learned of the sad news on their arrival in New York.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth,, Monday April 15, 1918, p. 5. SOLDIER'S BODY ARRIVES IN CITY. Young Officer Brought to city Sunday Night. MILITARY FUNERAL TUESDAY. Lieutenant from Fort Wright, Together with Girl-Widow and Parents Accompany the Body. The body of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud who died Friday morning at Fort Wright, N.AY. as the result of wounds received when he was attacked by a demented sergeant, arrived at 10:10 o'clock last night from New York. The body was accompanied from the fort by the girl widow of the young officer together with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, who with Lt. Bechaud and his young wife have resided at Fort Wright since their marriage last August. The young man's parents arrived in New York to late to see their son alive. The body of Lt. Bechaud was accompanied to this city by Lt. Larmer who was a close friend of the dead officer at Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zink and Dugan Undertaking Parlors after which it was taken to the home of his father, J. Bates Bechaud, 108 Union Street. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning from the residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Church, Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate. interment will be in Calvary cemetery. The Spanish War Veterans will attend the funeral in a body.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 5. BRING DETAILS OF BECHAUD TRAGEDY. Left Home in Morning as usual to Report at Fort. SHOT DOWN FROM WINDOW. Young Officer Speaks to Wife After Tragedy -- Operation was Seemingly Success. Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, Mrs. J. Pierre Bechaud and Lt. Larimer who accompanied the remains of Lt. J. Pierre Bechaud from New York to this city has brought further details of the tragedy which took the young lieutenant's life. Lt. Bechaud and his wife were keeping house in an apartment near Fort Wright where the former was stationed as a staff officer. He was able to be at his home every night. On Wednesday morning April 10, he reported for duty as usual. He had been on duty but a few hours when Mrs. Bechaud was summoned from her home by friends who told her that her husband had been shot. Upon arriving at the fort, a short distance from her home, Mrs. Bechaud found her husband. He walked a few steps toward her and said, "I have been shot." He was immediately removed to a hospital and specialists summoned from New York and Boston. Physicians pronounced his condition critical but said there was a slight chance for his recovery. The bullet was removed from the abdomen of the young lieutenant and the operation pronounced a success. A telegram was sent to this city by Mrs. Bechaud saying that the operation was successful. Two hours later a second telegram told of his death. It is thought that the poison which resulted from the penetration of the bullet was the direct cause of his death. The young man was conscious until near the end. Upon receiving word that their son had been shot, Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud immediately left for New York. Before arriving in that city, however, they were apprised of his death. They received another wire saying that the lieutenant's guard who was accompanying the young officer's remains, together with his wife would meet the bereaved parents in New York. Lt. Bechaud was not well acquainted with Sgt. James Boyle, who did the fatal shooting. Boyle had just returned from Allentown, Pa., where he had spent a short furlough. A few moments before the shooting he had conversed rationally with a friend. In just a moment he became crazed, ran to the office at the fort and fired two shots, instantly killing two comrades. He then threw up the window and fired at the soldiers within range. Three men, slightly wounded fell to the ground. Lt. Bechaud, who was near them went to their assistance with the result that he was shot in the abdomen which wound resulted in his death. Lt. Larimer rode in the baggage coach from New York to this city as guard of the body. He returned to the fort yesterday. The body which laid in state at the home of the young officer's parents, yesterday was clad in his first lieutenant's uniform. The coffin was draped in an American flag which used to fly from a flagpole over Fort Wright. Crowds of deeply grieved friends of the young man and the family viewed the remains all day yesterday and throughout the night.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 10. HUNDREDS HONOR DEAD LIEUTENANT. Large Military Escort Accompanies Remains to Church. SING "AMERICA" AT CHURCH. One of the Largest Attendances Ever Witnessed at Funeral -- Priest Pays Tribute. Hundreds of people attended today the first military funeral at St. Joseph's Church, when Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, who was fatally shot on Wednesday at Fort Wright, New York by a crazed sergeant, was laid at rest in Calvary Cemetery. Private services were held at 9:30 o'clock at the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. At 10 o'clock a solemn requiem mass was sung at St. Joseph's Church by Father J.J. Collins, assisted by Father J.J. Shanahan and Father W.J. Luby of Omro. The latter priest has just received an appointment as chaplain in the army with the rank of first lieutenant. The services throughout were exceedingly impressive. The coffin was draped in an American service flag which formerly flew from a flagpole at Fort Wright. A large military attendance composed of Spanish American War Veterans and the Home Guards escorted the remains of the young officer from his home to the church. The escort preceded the coffin into the church. Father J.J. Collins gave a particularly touching and splendid sermon on the young man who has given all that he might maintain the liberty for which his forefathers fought. In part Father Collins said: "We are gathered here this morning to pay tribute to one of God's finest young men -- an army man. It is a glorious thing to die as he has, in the fulfillment of his duty to God and his country. "Try to realize the tremendous sacrifices which the young man underwent. He enlisted when our just cause was evident and the war still young. He had a life full of promise and success before him -- all this he gave that he might assist in maintaining that beautiful freedom which he has always enjoyed. He readily sacrificed his future that he might keep his wife, his parents and his home from the enemy. His consideration and splendid character is a worthy example to the young men of today. His wedded life was short but there is that everlasting hope that those two souls which have been torn apart at God's request will be united again in the hereafter." Father Collins also spoke of the time when the young lieutenant came to the parsonage and consulted him about his approaching marriage. He told of the wonderful love which existed between the young couple. He asked all to honor the memory of the dead hero who had given his life that those at home might be protected. He drew attention to the nobility of character which prompted Lieutenant Bechaud to go to the aid of his fallen comrades who had been shot down by the crazed man before he was wounded. The floral tribute was so large that it necessitated several cars to convey it to the cemetery. The bearers were Louis, Rudoph, and August Bechaud, Marshall Boudry, Martin H. Nelson and Percy Kolb. At the conclusion of the mass the entire audience rose and sang the four verses of "America."
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Thursday April 11, 1918, p. 3. LT. BECHAUD BADLY WOUNDED. Local Officer Accidentally Shot by Insane Comrade at Fort Wright, N.Y. CONDITION IS SERIOUS. First Lieutenant Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, was seriously wounded, probably fatally, when accidentally shot in the abdomen by Sgt. James Boyle of the coast artillery, who became suddenly mentally deranged, Wednesday, at Fort Wright, Fisher's Island, N.Y., according to a telegram received by his parents yesterday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Later a telegram was received stating that there was a fighting chance for his recovery. Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud left for Fort Wright this noon. Boyle also killed two of his comrades and seriously injured three others, and then turned the weapon on himself and ended his own life. Boyle had recently returned after a leave of absence and appeared to be quite rational when he conversed with a friend a few minutes before the tragedy, which was enacted in the company office. He walked into the office, drew his automatic and began to shoot. His first victim, Sgt. Fred M. Cook of Abington, Mass., was shot through the head. Private Thomas Guzbek of Holyoke, Mass., fell dead with a bullet through the head. Boyle then opened a window and began to shoot at the men standing within range. Lt. Bechaud, staff officer, was wounded in the abdomen and Sgt. Adolph Holtom was shot through the jaw. Having finished shooting the men in sight Boyle turned the weapon toward his own head and sent a bullet crashing into this brain. He dropped dead on the office floor. Col. Dorsey, in command at the fort, declared that Boyle was temporarily insane.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 3. WOUND IS FATAL TO FIRST LT. PIERRE BECHAUD. Local Young Officer Died This Morning as Result of Being Shot by Maniac. TO BRING BODY HERE. First Lieutenant Jeanne Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, died at 10 o'clock this morning in the hospital at Fort Wright, New York, as a result of being shot in the abdomen by a mentally deranged sergeant on Wednesday, according to telegram received here today. The telegram, which was sent by the wife of the dead lieutenant, stated that he died at 10 o'clock, eastern time, and that everything possible had been done to save his life. A telegram received earlier this morning had stated that his condition was very serious, although there was a slight chance for recover. Lt. Bechaud was shot by the insane sergeant while assisting another soldier who had been shot by the man. Lt. Bechaud attended the first officers' training camp at Fort Sheridan last summer, entering the school about May 8. After three months of hard training, he received his commission and was transferred to Fortress Monroe, Va., where he was assigned to the coast artillery. He spent two month there and then was sent to Fort Wright, N.Y., where he had been stationed as a staff officer for the past few months. Lt. Bechaud was one of the best-liked officers at Fort Wright. He had a wide knowledge of military tactics and was popular among the men of the camp. Jeanne Pierre Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1895, and attended the local public schools. He was a member of the graduating class of the local high school in 1913 and then went to Chicago, where he entered the Armour Institute. He was graduated from that institution in the mechanical engineering department last May. He was united in marriage to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city on August 22, 1917, at St. Joseph's church. Shortly after the marriage he was ordered to report at Fort Wright and his wife has been with him there. Besides his widow, Lt. Bechaud is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P. Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armand of Detroit, Mich., Louis and Rudolph, both of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud, parents of the young officer, left Thursday noon for Fort Wright, soon after they were notified that their son had been shot. They have no knowledge of the young man's death and will not reach Fort Wright until 12 o'clock tonight. Arrangements for shipping the body back to this city will be made by the widow and the parents of the deceased and will be announced later.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Saturday April 13, 1918, p. 1. DIED AT FORT. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died at Fort Wright, N.Y., on Friday, from wounds received when he was shot by an insane sergeant last Wednesday, will be brought to this city. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud are now at the New York fort, but no word regarding burial arrangements has been received here as yet.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Monday April 15, 1918. BECHAUD BODY ARRIVES HERE. Funeral Services Will Be Conducted Tuesday from St. Joseph's Church. DRAPE CASKET WITH FLAG. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who was shot and fatally wounded by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday afternoon, arrived in this city at 10:10 o'clock Sunday evening over the Chicago and North Western road. The body was accompanied by the widow of the deceased, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, who went to New York last Thursday noon, and Lt. Larimer of Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zinke and Dugan undertaking parlors, North Main street, and later removed to the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. The body will lie in state at the residence until the hour of the funeral. The casket is draped with a large American flag, which flew over the barracks at Fort Wright, where Lt. Bechaud was stationed.. Lt. Bechaud will be buried in his uniform as a staff officer. Private funeral services will be conducted at the residence at 9:30 o'clock Tuesday morning and public services at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. The Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate and interment will take place at Calvary cemetery. It is expected that the Spanish War Veterans and Home Guards will attend the services in a body. The father and mother of the deceased officer were notified of the death of their son, while enroute from this city to New York. They arrived in New York early Saturday morning and were notified that the body had been shipped from the fort. They then waited in New York and met the body and the widow and Lt. Larimer, and started for Fond du Lac. According to the account of the shooting told by the lieutenant's widow, he was wounded while in the act of assisting another man who had been shot. The bullet, which was forty-five caliber, entered Lt. Bechaud's right side and went nearly through his body. He was taken to the hospital where an operation was performed in the hope of saving his life. Additional medical assistance was obtained and everything possible was done for the wounded officer. The operation was a success but surgical pneumonia developed and the lieutenant passed away at 10 o'clock Friday morning. The insane sergeant shot six persons besides himself. Six of them are now dead, two being instantly killed, the sergeant committing suicide, and three of the four wounded died later. The sergeant was considered one of the crack shots at the fort.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918. LAST RITES FOR LT. BECHAUD. Funeral Services for Late Local Army Officer are Held This Morning. BURIAL WAS AT CALVARY. Funeral services for the late First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died as result of being shot by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday, were held this morning at 9:30 o'clock from the family residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. A requiem high mass was said at the church with the Rev. J.J. Collins as celebrant. The Rev. J.J. Shanahan acted as sub-deacon and the Rev. W. Luby of Winneconne was deacon. The Rev. Father Collins delivered the funeral sermon, in which he referred to the great sacrifice the deceased had made for his country and the world. The pallbearers were Louis and Rudolph Bechaud, brothers of the deceased; August Bechaud, a cousin of Lt. Bechaud, and Marshall Boudry, M.J. Nelson and Percy Kolb, brothers-in-law. Interment took place at Calvary cemetery. The members of the Thirty-first Separate company of Wisconsin State guards and the Arthur McCourt camp, United Spanish War veterans, acted as a military escort from the residence to the church and from the church to the cemetery. The casket was draped with the large American flag which flew over the barracks in which Lt. Bechaud had been stationed before his death. The lieutenant was buried in his uniform of a staff officer of the heavy field artillery. The funeral services at the residence were private, but hundreds crowded in to the church to pay their last tribute to the deceased. The floral offerings were very large and most beautiful.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Thursday April 11, 1918. LT. J. BECHAUD SHOT BY OFFICER; BADLY INJURED. Insane Sergeant Shoots up Camp --- Two Killed Outright. FOND DU LAC MAN A VICTIM. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud Now on Way to Fort Wright -- Victim Has Fighting Chance. Lt. Jean Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 So. Union street, was seriously injured at Fort Wright, Fishers Island, N.Y yesterday when an insane sergeant ran amuck, shot and killed two men, and wounded several others, four of them, including the Fond du Lac man seriously. Information concerning the tragedy reached J.B. Bechaud in two telegrams last night. They stated that the injuries were serious but added that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud left this morning for Fort Wright. The following account of the affair appeared in a morning paper: Fishers Island, N.Y., April 10.-- Sgt. James Boyle of the coast artillery shot and killed two men, wounded several others seriously, including First Lieutenant Jean Bechaud, and then committed suicide with a service revolver at Fort Wright today. he had just returned from leave of absence. The dead are: First Sergeant Fred H. Cook, emergency address, William J. Cook, 29 Bank street, Abington, Mass.; Private Thomas G. Guzdek, emergency address, Florence Wosny, Holyoke, Mass. Seriously wounded: First Lieutenant jean Bechaud, Sgt. Adolph Holton, Private Ernest M. Green, Private Timothy J. Sullivan. Boyle, according to information at the post, apparently became crazed immediately after his return to the fort. Boyle's emergency address is given as 109 Gordon street, Allentown, Pa.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 5. LT. BECHAUD DIES OF WOUNDS AT FORT WRIGHT. Medical Aid Summoned from Boston -- Parents Enroute East. DIED AT TEN THIS MORNING. Had Won Rapid Promotion -- Burial to Take Place in Fond du Lac. Lt. Pierre J. Bechaud passed away at 10 o'clock this morning, death resulting from a bullet wound inflicted by Sgt. James Boyle of the Coast Artillery, who became insane and ran amuck at Fort Wright, Fisher's Island, new York, Wednesday, killing two soldiers instantly and seriously wounding four others, including Lt. Bechaud. Word which came to Fond du Lac yesterday was to the effect that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. The best of surgical skill was summoned from Boston and everything possible was done to save the young man's life but all proved futile. The bullet had penetrated the stomach. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, parents of the victim, left Fond du Lac yesterday afternoon for New York. Lieutenant Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1896 and had lived here all his life, attending the local schools through the High School, form which he graduated in 1913. After he had completed his course in high school he attended Armour institute and was graduated from that institution. On August 22 he was married to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city and in the early part of May in 1917, he enlisted in the Mechanical Engineers' Corps and was sent to Fort Sheridan. later he was transferred to Fortress Monroe and finally to Fort Wright. He was promoted steadily from the time of his enlistment until he received his last advancement, receiving a commission of first lieutenant. Lieutenant Bechaud was a popular young man and has a large number of personal friends who will mourn his loss. He is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud and three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armin of Detroit, Mich.; Louis and Rudolph of this city. No arrangements have been made in regard to the funeral and nothing will be done until word is received from Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Saturday April 13, 1918, p.5. LT. BECHAUD. The death of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud, the first commissioned officer from Fond du Lac to die since the war began, has caused widespread sorrow in Fond du Lac. The circumstances of his death are deeply regrettable. he was shot down by an irresponsible person when there was no reason to believe he was in perfect safety. His family and friends feel the loss keenly. The have watched his progress since joining the army with the affectation and interest that characterizes the depth of blood ties. He was young, capable ambitious and a young man who was beloved and admired by all who knew him. His father and mother left for his bedside when they got the message that he was wounded. They were still enroute when the news came that he was dead. They learned of the sad news on their arrival in New York.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth,, Monday April 15, 1918, p. 5. SOLDIER'S BODY ARRIVES IN CITY. Young Officer Brought to city Sunday Night. MILITARY FUNERAL TUESDAY. Lieutenant from Fort Wright, Together with Girl-Widow and Parents Accompany the Body. The body of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud who died Friday morning at Fort Wright, N.AY. as the result of wounds received when he was attacked by a demented sergeant, arrived at 10:10 o'clock last night from New York. The body was accompanied from the fort by the girl widow of the young officer together with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, who with Lt. Bechaud and his young wife have resided at Fort Wright since their marriage last August. The young man's parents arrived in New York to late to see their son alive. The body of Lt. Bechaud was accompanied to this city by Lt. Larmer who was a close friend of the dead officer at Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zink and Dugan Undertaking Parlors after which it was taken to the home of his father, J. Bates Bechaud, 108 Union Street. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning from the residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Church, Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate. interment will be in Calvary cemetery. The Spanish War Veterans will attend the funeral in a body.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 5. BRING DETAILS OF BECHAUD TRAGEDY. Left Home in Morning as usual to Report at Fort. SHOT DOWN FROM WINDOW. Young Officer Speaks to Wife After Tragedy -- Operation was Seemingly Success. Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, Mrs. J. Pierre Bechaud and Lt. Larimer who accompanied the remains of Lt. J. Pierre Bechaud from New York to this city has brought further details of the tragedy which took the young lieutenant's life. Lt. Bechaud and his wife were keeping house in an apartment near Fort Wright where the former was stationed as a staff officer. He was able to be at his home every night. On Wednesday morning April 10, he reported for duty as usual. He had been on duty but a few hours when Mrs. Bechaud was summoned from her home by friends who told her that her husband had been shot. Upon arriving at the fort, a short distance from her home, Mrs. Bechaud found her husband. He walked a few steps toward her and said, "I have been shot." He was immediately removed to a hospital and specialists summoned from New York and Boston. Physicians pronounced his condition critical but said there was a slight chance for his recovery. The bullet was removed from the abdomen of the young lieutenant and the operation pronounced a success. A telegram was sent to this city by Mrs. Bechaud saying that the operation was successful. Two hours later a second telegram told of his death. It is thought that the poison which resulted from the penetration of the bullet was the direct cause of his death. The young man was conscious until near the end. Upon receiving word that their son had been shot, Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud immediately left for New York. Before arriving in that city, however, they were apprised of his death. They received another wire saying that the lieutenant's guard who was accompanying the young officer's remains, together with his wife would meet the bereaved parents in New York. Lt. Bechaud was not well acquainted with Sgt. James Boyle, who did the fatal shooting. Boyle had just returned from Allentown, Pa., where he had spent a short furlough. A few moments before the shooting he had conversed rationally with a friend. In just a moment he became crazed, ran to the office at the fort and fired two shots, instantly killing two comrades. He then threw up the window and fired at the soldiers within range. Three men, slightly wounded fell to the ground. Lt. Bechaud, who was near them went to their assistance with the result that he was shot in the abdomen which wound resulted in his death. Lt. Larimer rode in the baggage coach from New York to this city as guard of the body. He returned to the fort yesterday. The body which laid in state at the home of the young officer's parents, yesterday was clad in his first lieutenant's uniform. The coffin was draped in an American flag which used to fly from a flagpole over Fort Wright. Crowds of deeply grieved friends of the young man and the family viewed the remains all day yesterday and throughout the night.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 10. HUNDREDS HONOR DEAD LIEUTENANT. Large Military Escort Accompanies Remains to Church. SING "AMERICA" AT CHURCH. One of the Largest Attendances Ever Witnessed at Funeral -- Priest Pays Tribute. Hundreds of people attended today the first military funeral at St. Joseph's Church, when Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, who was fatally shot on Wednesday at Fort Wright, New York by a crazed sergeant, was laid at rest in Calvary Cemetery. Private services were held at 9:30 o'clock at the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. At 10 o'clock a solemn requiem mass was sung at St. Joseph's Church by Father J.J. Collins, assisted by Father J.J. Shanahan and Father W.J. Luby of Omro. The latter priest has just received an appointment as chaplain in the army with the rank of first lieutenant. The services throughout were exceedingly impressive. The coffin was draped in an American service flag which formerly flew from a flagpole at Fort Wright. A large military attendance composed of Spanish American War Veterans and the Home Guards escorted the remains of the young officer from his home to the church. The escort preceded the coffin into the church. Father J.J. Collins gave a particularly touching and splendid sermon on the young man who has given all that he might maintain the liberty for which his forefathers fought. In part Father Collins said: "We are gathered here this morning to pay tribute to one of God's finest young men -- an army man. It is a glorious thing to die as he has, in the fulfillment of his duty to God and his country. "Try to realize the tremendous sacrifices which the young man underwent. He enlisted when our just cause was evident and the war still young. He had a life full of promise and success before him -- all this he gave that he might assist in maintaining that beautiful freedom which he has always enjoyed. He readily sacrificed his future that he might keep his wife, his parents and his home from the enemy. His consideration and splendid character is a worthy example to the young men of today. His wedded life was short but there is that everlasting hope that those two souls which have been torn apart at God's request will be united again in the hereafter." Father Collins also spoke of the time when the young lieutenant came to the parsonage and consulted him about his approaching marriage. He told of the wonderful love which existed between the young couple. He asked all to honor the memory of the dead hero who had given his life that those at home might be protected. He drew attention to the nobility of character which prompted Lieutenant Bechaud to go to the aid of his fallen comrades who had been shot down by the crazed man before he was wounded. The floral tribute was so large that it necessitated several cars to convey it to the cemetery. The bearers were Louis, Rudoph, and August Bechaud, Marshall Boudry, Martin H. Nelson and Percy Kolb. At the conclusion of the mass the entire audience rose and sang the four verses of "America."
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 3. WOUND IS FATAL TO FIRST LT. PIERRE BECHAUD. Local Young Officer Died This Morning as Result of Being Shot by Maniac. TO BRING BODY HERE. First Lieutenant Jeanne Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, died at 10 o'clock this morning in the hospital at Fort Wright, New York, as a result of being shot in the abdomen by a mentally deranged sergeant on Wednesday, according to telegram received here today. The telegram, which was sent by the wife of the dead lieutenant, stated that he died at 10 o'clock, eastern time, and that everything possible had been done to save his life. A telegram received earlier this morning had stated that his condition was very serious, although there was a slight chance for recover. Lt. Bechaud was shot by the insane sergeant while assisting another soldier who had been shot by the man. Lt. Bechaud attended the first officers' training camp at Fort Sheridan last summer, entering the school about May 8. After three months of hard training, he received his commission and was transferred to Fortress Monroe, Va., where he was assigned to the coast artillery. He spent two month there and then was sent to Fort Wright, N.Y., where he had been stationed as a staff officer for the past few months. Lt. Bechaud was one of the best-liked officers at Fort Wright. He had a wide knowledge of military tactics and was popular among the men of the camp. Jeanne Pierre Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1895, and attended the local public schools. He was a member of the graduating class of the local high school in 1913 and then went to Chicago, where he entered the Armour Institute. He was graduated from that institution in the mechanical engineering department last May. He was united in marriage to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city on August 22, 1917, at St. Joseph's church. Shortly after the marriage he was ordered to report at Fort Wright and his wife has been with him there. Besides his widow, Lt. Bechaud is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P. Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armand of Detroit, Mich., Louis and Rudolph, both of this city. Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud, parents of the young officer, left Thursday noon for Fort Wright, soon after they were notified that their son had been shot. They have no knowledge of the young man's death and will not reach Fort Wright until 12 o'clock tonight. Arrangements for shipping the body back to this city will be made by the widow and the parents of the deceased and will be announced later.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Saturday April 13, 1918, p. 1. DIED AT FORT. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died at Fort Wright, N.Y., on Friday, from wounds received when he was shot by an insane sergeant last Wednesday, will be brought to this city. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud are now at the New York fort, but no word regarding burial arrangements has been received here as yet.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Monday April 15, 1918. BECHAUD BODY ARRIVES HERE. Funeral Services Will Be Conducted Tuesday from St. Joseph's Church. DRAPE CASKET WITH FLAG. The body of First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who was shot and fatally wounded by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday afternoon, arrived in this city at 10:10 o'clock Sunday evening over the Chicago and North Western road. The body was accompanied by the widow of the deceased, his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, who went to New York last Thursday noon, and Lt. Larimer of Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zinke and Dugan undertaking parlors, North Main street, and later removed to the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. The body will lie in state at the residence until the hour of the funeral. The casket is draped with a large American flag, which flew over the barracks at Fort Wright, where Lt. Bechaud was stationed.. Lt. Bechaud will be buried in his uniform as a staff officer. Private funeral services will be conducted at the residence at 9:30 o'clock Tuesday morning and public services at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. The Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate and interment will take place at Calvary cemetery. It is expected that the Spanish War Veterans and Home Guards will attend the services in a body. The father and mother of the deceased officer were notified of the death of their son, while enroute from this city to New York. They arrived in New York early Saturday morning and were notified that the body had been shipped from the fort. They then waited in New York and met the body and the widow and Lt. Larimer, and started for Fond du Lac. According to the account of the shooting told by the lieutenant's widow, he was wounded while in the act of assisting another man who had been shot. The bullet, which was forty-five caliber, entered Lt. Bechaud's right side and went nearly through his body. He was taken to the hospital where an operation was performed in the hope of saving his life. Additional medical assistance was obtained and everything possible was done for the wounded officer. The operation was a success but surgical pneumonia developed and the lieutenant passed away at 10 o'clock Friday morning. The insane sergeant shot six persons besides himself. Six of them are now dead, two being instantly killed, the sergeant committing suicide, and three of the four wounded died later. The sergeant was considered one of the crack shots at the fort.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918. LAST RITES FOR LT. BECHAUD. Funeral Services for Late Local Army Officer are Held This Morning. BURIAL WAS AT CALVARY. Funeral services for the late First Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 South Union street, who died as result of being shot by an insane sergeant at Fort Wright, N.Y., last Wednesday, were held this morning at 9:30 o'clock from the family residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Catholic church. A requiem high mass was said at the church with the Rev. J.J. Collins as celebrant. The Rev. J.J. Shanahan acted as sub-deacon and the Rev. W. Luby of Winneconne was deacon. The Rev. Father Collins delivered the funeral sermon, in which he referred to the great sacrifice the deceased had made for his country and the world. The pallbearers were Louis and Rudolph Bechaud, brothers of the deceased; August Bechaud, a cousin of Lt. Bechaud, and Marshall Boudry, M.J. Nelson and Percy Kolb, brothers-in-law. Interment took place at Calvary cemetery. The members of the Thirty-first Separate company of Wisconsin State guards and the Arthur McCourt camp, United Spanish War veterans, acted as a military escort from the residence to the church and from the church to the cemetery. The casket was draped with the large American flag which flew over the barracks in which Lt. Bechaud had been stationed before his death. The lieutenant was buried in his uniform of a staff officer of the heavy field artillery. The funeral services at the residence were private, but hundreds crowded in to the church to pay their last tribute to the deceased. The floral offerings were very large and most beautiful.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Thursday April 11, 1918. LT. J. BECHAUD SHOT BY OFFICER; BADLY INJURED. Insane Sergeant Shoots up Camp --- Two Killed Outright. FOND DU LAC MAN A VICTIM. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud Now on Way to Fort Wright -- Victim Has Fighting Chance. Lt. Jean Bechaud, son of Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, 108 So. Union street, was seriously injured at Fort Wright, Fishers Island, N.Y yesterday when an insane sergeant ran amuck, shot and killed two men, and wounded several others, four of them, including the Fond du Lac man seriously. Information concerning the tragedy reached J.B. Bechaud in two telegrams last night. They stated that the injuries were serious but added that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud left this morning for Fort Wright. The following account of the affair appeared in a morning paper: Fishers Island, N.Y., April 10.-- Sgt. James Boyle of the coast artillery shot and killed two men, wounded several others seriously, including First Lieutenant Jean Bechaud, and then committed suicide with a service revolver at Fort Wright today. he had just returned from leave of absence. The dead are: First Sergeant Fred H. Cook, emergency address, William J. Cook, 29 Bank street, Abington, Mass.; Private Thomas G. Guzdek, emergency address, Florence Wosny, Holyoke, Mass. Seriously wounded: First Lieutenant jean Bechaud, Sgt. Adolph Holton, Private Ernest M. Green, Private Timothy J. Sullivan. Boyle, according to information at the post, apparently became crazed immediately after his return to the fort. Boyle's emergency address is given as 109 Gordon street, Allentown, Pa.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Friday April 12, 1918, p. 5. LT. BECHAUD DIES OF WOUNDS AT FORT WRIGHT. Medical Aid Summoned from Boston -- Parents Enroute East. DIED AT TEN THIS MORNING. Had Won Rapid Promotion -- Burial to Take Place in Fond du Lac. Lt. Pierre J. Bechaud passed away at 10 o'clock this morning, death resulting from a bullet wound inflicted by Sgt. James Boyle of the Coast Artillery, who became insane and ran amuck at Fort Wright, Fisher's Island, new York, Wednesday, killing two soldiers instantly and seriously wounding four others, including Lt. Bechaud. Word which came to Fond du Lac yesterday was to the effect that Lt. Bechaud had a fighting chance for recovery. The best of surgical skill was summoned from Boston and everything possible was done to save the young man's life but all proved futile. The bullet had penetrated the stomach. Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud, parents of the victim, left Fond du Lac yesterday afternoon for New York. Lieutenant Bechaud was born in this city June 9, 1896 and had lived here all his life, attending the local schools through the High School, form which he graduated in 1913. After he had completed his course in high school he attended Armour institute and was graduated from that institution. On August 22 he was married to Miss Viola Mitchell of this city and in the early part of May in 1917, he enlisted in the Mechanical Engineers' Corps and was sent to Fort Sheridan. later he was transferred to Fortress Monroe and finally to Fort Wright. He was promoted steadily from the time of his enlistment until he received his last advancement, receiving a commission of first lieutenant. Lieutenant Bechaud was a popular young man and has a large number of personal friends who will mourn his loss. He is survived by his wife, his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J.B. Bechaud and three sisters, Mrs. M.H. Nelson, Mrs. M. Boudry and Mrs. P Kolb, all of this city, and three brothers, Armin of Detroit, Mich.; Louis and Rudolph of this city. No arrangements have been made in regard to the funeral and nothing will be done until word is received from Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Saturday April 13, 1918, p.5. LT. BECHAUD. The death of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud, the first commissioned officer from Fond du Lac to die since the war began, has caused widespread sorrow in Fond du Lac. The circumstances of his death are deeply regrettable. he was shot down by an irresponsible person when there was no reason to believe he was in perfect safety. His family and friends feel the loss keenly. The have watched his progress since joining the army with the affectation and interest that characterizes the depth of blood ties. He was young, capable ambitious and a young man who was beloved and admired by all who knew him. His father and mother left for his bedside when they got the message that he was wounded. They were still enroute when the news came that he was dead. They learned of the sad news on their arrival in New York.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth,, Monday April 15, 1918, p. 5. SOLDIER'S BODY ARRIVES IN CITY. Young Officer Brought to city Sunday Night. MILITARY FUNERAL TUESDAY. Lieutenant from Fort Wright, Together with Girl-Widow and Parents Accompany the Body. The body of Lt. Jean Pierre Bechaud who died Friday morning at Fort Wright, N.AY. as the result of wounds received when he was attacked by a demented sergeant, arrived at 10:10 o'clock last night from New York. The body was accompanied from the fort by the girl widow of the young officer together with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, who with Lt. Bechaud and his young wife have resided at Fort Wright since their marriage last August. The young man's parents arrived in New York to late to see their son alive. The body of Lt. Bechaud was accompanied to this city by Lt. Larmer who was a close friend of the dead officer at Fort Wright. The body was taken to the Zink and Dugan Undertaking Parlors after which it was taken to the home of his father, J. Bates Bechaud, 108 Union Street. Funeral services will be held at 9:30 o'clock tomorrow morning from the residence and at 10 o'clock from St. Joseph's Church, Rev. J.J. Collins will officiate. interment will be in Calvary cemetery. The Spanish War Veterans will attend the funeral in a body.
Fond du Lac Daily Commonwealth, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 5. BRING DETAILS OF BECHAUD TRAGEDY. Left Home in Morning as usual to Report at Fort. SHOT DOWN FROM WINDOW. Young Officer Speaks to Wife After Tragedy -- Operation was Seemingly Success. Mr. and Mrs. J. Bates Bechaud, Mrs. J. Pierre Bechaud and Lt. Larimer who accompanied the remains of Lt. J. Pierre Bechaud from New York to this city has brought further details of the tragedy which took the young lieutenant's life. Lt. Bechaud and his wife were keeping house in an apartment near Fort Wright where the former was stationed as a staff officer. He was able to be at his home every night. On Wednesday morning April 10, he reported for duty as usual. He had been on duty but a few hours when Mrs. Bechaud was summoned from her home by friends who told her that her husband had been shot. Upon arriving at the fort, a short distance from her home, Mrs. Bechaud found her husband. He walked a few steps toward her and said, "I have been shot." He was immediately removed to a hospital and specialists summoned from New York and Boston. Physicians pronounced his condition critical but said there was a slight chance for his recovery. The bullet was removed from the abdomen of the young lieutenant and the operation pronounced a success. A telegram was sent to this city by Mrs. Bechaud saying that the operation was successful. Two hours later a second telegram told of his death. It is thought that the poison which resulted from the penetration of the bullet was the direct cause of his death. The young man was conscious until near the end. Upon receiving word that their son had been shot, Mr. and Mrs. Bechaud immediately left for New York. Before arriving in that city, however, they were apprised of his death. They received another wire saying that the lieutenant's guard who was accompanying the young officer's remains, together with his wife would meet the bereaved parents in New York. Lt. Bechaud was not well acquainted with Sgt. James Boyle, who did the fatal shooting. Boyle had just returned from Allentown, Pa., where he had spent a short furlough. A few moments before the shooting he had conversed rationally with a friend. In just a moment he became crazed, ran to the office at the fort and fired two shots, instantly killing two comrades. He then threw up the window and fired at the soldiers within range. Three men, slightly wounded fell to the ground. Lt. Bechaud, who was near them went to their assistance with the result that he was shot in the abdomen which wound resulted in his death. Lt. Larimer rode in the baggage coach from New York to this city as guard of the body. He returned to the fort yesterday. The body which laid in state at the home of the young officer's parents, yesterday was clad in his first lieutenant's uniform. The coffin was draped in an American flag which used to fly from a flagpole over Fort Wright. Crowds of deeply grieved friends of the young man and the family viewed the remains all day yesterday and throughout the night.
Fond du Lac Daily Reporter, Tuesday April 16, 1918, p. 10. HUNDREDS HONOR DEAD LIEUTENANT. Large Military Escort Accompanies Remains to Church. SING "AMERICA" AT CHURCH. One of the Largest Attendances Ever Witnessed at Funeral -- Priest Pays Tribute. Hundreds of people attended today the first military funeral at St. Joseph's Church, when Lieutenant Jean Pierre Bechaud, who was fatally shot on Wednesday at Fort Wright, New York by a crazed sergeant, was laid at rest in Calvary Cemetery. Private services were held at 9:30 o'clock at the Bechaud residence, 108 South Union street. At 10 o'clock a solemn requiem mass was sung at St. Joseph's Church by Father J.J. Collins, assisted by Father J.J. Shanahan and Father W.J. Luby of Omro. The latter priest has just received an appointment as chaplain in the army with the rank of first lieutenant. The services throughout were exceedingly impressive. The coffin was draped in an American service flag which formerly flew from a flagpole at Fort Wright. A large military attendance composed of Spanish American War Veterans and the Home Guards escorted the remains of the young officer from his home to the church. The escort preceded the coffin into the church. Father J.J. Collins gave a particularly touching and splendid sermon on the young man who has given all that he might maintain the liberty for which his forefathers fought. In part Father Collins said: "We are gathered here this morning to pay tribute to one of God's finest young men -- an army man. It is a glorious thing to die as he has, in the fulfillment of his duty to God and his country. "Try to realize the tremendous sacrifices which the young man underwent. He enlisted when our just cause was evident and the war still young. He had a life full of promise and success before him -- all this he gave that he might assist in maintaining that beautiful freedom which he has always enjoyed. He readily sacrificed his future that he might keep his wife, his parents and his home from the enemy. His consideration and splendid character is a worthy example to the young men of today. His wedded life was short but there is that everlasting hope that those two souls which have been torn apart at God's request will be united again in the hereafter." Father Collins also spoke of the time when the young lieutenant came to the parsonage and consulted him about his approaching marriage. He told of the wonderful love which existed between the young couple. He asked all to honor the memory of the dead hero who had given his life that those at home might be protected. He drew attention to the nobility of character which prompted Lieutenant Bechaud to go to the aid of his fallen comrades who had been shot down by the crazed man before he was wounded. The floral tribute was so large that it necessitated several cars to convey it to the cemetery. The bearers were Louis, Rudoph, and August Bechaud, Marshall Boudry, Martin H. Nelson and Percy Kolb. At the conclusion of the mass the entire audience rose and sang the four verses of "America."
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