Muncie Soldier Killed by Bolomen, used to be employed at Hemingray

MUNCIE SOLDIER

KILLED BY BOLOMEN

Jacob Stettler Fell Before the

Murderous Natives in

the Philippines.

SAD NEWS ARRIVES

Detailing the Horrible Slaughter of

the Ill-Fated Ninth Infantry on the

Island of Samar Last Month —

Muncie Boy Braves Yellow Fever

Only to be Killed Later.

                                                                          BASEY, ISLAND OF SAMAR P. I.

                                                                          Sept. 9, 1901.

MISS MAY STETTLER,

                   Muncie, Ind.:

DEAR MISS STETTLER: — 'Tis my painful duty to announce to you the death of your brother, private Jacob Stettler, Co. G. Ninth Infantry. He was mortally wounded near this place on Sept. 1st, and died in the hospital at Tacloban, Leyte, on Sept. 2nd. He was a member of a detachment reforming to this place under Sergeant James W. Wilfin. When but three miles from Basey they were attacked from ambush by a party of Bolomen. Ten of the command were killed and one slightly wounded.

I arrived at the scene about two hours after the battle and personally saw that everything was done that was possible for your brother. He was carried to this place and soon after taken to Tacloban by a doctor where he could receive better treatment than here. But the doctor reported that he was mortally wounded, at once. He is buried at Tacloban, and in due time his body will be sent to the United States. A few effects were found that will be sent you by registered mail. His clothing will be . . . [illegible text] . . ., and for settlement of his account, his heirs should apply to the auditor for the War Department, Washington, D.C.

Private Settler was a good soldier. His conduct was always excellent, and he gave his life gallantly while in battle. I do not know that his mother is living. If living, extend to her my heartfelt sympathy.

                                                                         Very respectfully,

                                                                         EDWIN E. BOOKMILLER,

                                                                                        Capt. 9th inf.

Commanding Co. G.

The above letter is a copy of that received by Miss May Stettler, sister to the brave young man. She lives with her mother on Shipley street. The letter was the first intimation of the death of the Muncie boy. Jacob Stettler was aged 26. He had served two years in the service, enlisting at the Muncie recruiting station two years ago. He re-enlisted for another year and contracted yellow fever. This disease caused his detention in a hospital for four months, after which he rejoined his command and accompanied the detachment upon its fatal trip.

Young Stettler was a gifted verse writer and much of his work was printed in foreign papers and journals. His name was not recognized in the list that fell before the Bolomen and the letter from Captain Bookmiller was the first news to reach the mother and sister. They are prostrated over the news. While in Muncie, young Stettler was employed at the Hemingray Glass factory.