Edward J. Steigerwald

PRIVATE FIRST CLASS EDWARD J. STEIGERWALD was born on July 28, 1892 in New York. He was the son of Edward Sebastian and Margaret Steigerwald. When the Census was taken in 1910, the family lived at 205 Senate Street. They later moved to 605 South 3^rd Street, Camden NJ. He was one of 17 children. The Steigerwald family had first moved to Camden in 1905, as the elder Steigerwald found work in one of Camden' shipyards, and later as the electrician at Washington Park in Gloucester City. By 1910 his father had gone into the printing business. Edward J. Steigerwald was working as a Bronzer at the Victor Talking Machine Company. His brother Henry also worked at Victor, as a printer.

On June 5, 1917 Edward J. Steigerwald registered for the draft. He was then living at 308 Royden Street and working as a helper for Charles Lane of 535 Henry Street. He was drafted on April 17, 1918 and sent to Camp Dix NJ, where he was assigned to Battery A, 307^th Field Artillery Regiment.

Private Steigerwald was badly wounded by German artilley fire on October 21, 1918 during the Battle of the Argonne Forest. An account of his death was published in the book History of the 307th Field Artillery - September 1917-1919 which reads as follows:

"Eddie Steigerwald was out looking for some tin or iron to cover a dugout, while wandering through Grandham, when Fritz was shelling, was struck by a piece of H.E.   Sent to the hospital, where he died.  He was greatly missed by many friends, who will not forget his cheery ways and generosity"

The "piece of H.E." referred to above was shrapnel from a high explosive shell. Private First Class Steigerwald died of his wounds two days later at the age of 25.

In 1930 his mother, Margaret Steigerwald made the Gold Star Mothers Pilgrimage to France.

Camden Courier-Post - January 20, 1928

GOLD STAR MOTHERS TO ATTEND FOREIGN WAR VETERAN’S BALL

Gold Star Mothers will be the honor guests at the first annual military ball of the Camden Post, No. 980, Veterans of Foreign Wars, to be held on Friday evening, February 3, in the Elks ballroom, Seventh and Cooper Streets.

Elaborate plans for this ball are under the chairmanship of John S. Pennington.

Invitations have been issued for patrons and patronesses and the list will be announced early next week.

Gold Star Mothers to attend the affair are Mrs. C. Alberger, Mrs. Harriett Ablett, Mrs. Laura Brown. Mrs. A. Crangel, Mrs. A. Cassidey, Mrs. R. Dilks, Mrs. Kate Geist, Mrs. M. Griffen, Mrs. Horace B. Keebler, Mrs. H. Kirk, Mrs. Ross Leahy, Mrs. M. A. Matson, Mrs. M. McGuckin, Mrs. Mary Martin, Mrs. M. Matthews, Mrs. Cooling Pond, Mrs. Oliver Powell*, Mrs. Mary Pennington, Mrs. C. Rolk, Mrs. E. Simons, Mrs. Mary Schucker, Mrs. Margaret Steigerwald, Mrs. Annie Taylor, Mrs. M. Osborn, Mrs. Mary Keegan, Mrs. Anna Kennedy, Mrs. T.C. Young and Mrs. Walters.

Assisting Mr. Pennington in planning this ball are John Rouh, James W. Connor, Charles Bozian, Robert MacMahon, Edward Watson, David Lukoff, Harry Laxton, Edward A. Stark, George Jones, William V. Long, Joseph Keefe, Charles Blank sad Marvel Passwater.

* Newspaper error- Mrs. Oliver Powell was actually Mrs. Oliver Purnell

December 5, 1942

Click on Image To Enlarge

Camden Courier-Post * December 5, 1942
Click on Image to Enlarge