The mystery postcard had not been mailed but writing on the back said, "Priv't. James Bernikow, Med. dept. 79th Inf., Camp Logan, Houston, Tex."
Paul trained at Camp Logan in Houston with the 33rd Division. The 79th Infantry was not part of the 33rd.
I believe the 79th Infantry (from the postcard) was a part of the 15th Division. The 15th was a Regular Army division that trained at Camp Logan after the 33rd Division had left. I do not believe it went overseas. There is a website called New River Notes that has wonderful information about the various World War I divisions, including the 15th.
But who was Private Bernikow?
Passport photo |
I also found a 1910 census record for a Samuel Bormkow (corrected to Bernikow) age 40 born Russia with son James age 11 (born 1899). I've asked Ancestry if they could identify the person who made that correction but it was made before they started keep track of such things. Might be someone related.
Obviously, if James was born in 1898 or 1899 he would not be the first man to exaggerate his age in order to enlist in World War I or obtain employment afterwards.
Face in the postcard |
It sure would be nice to know the answers to all these questions. And I'm sure Daniel Grimsley would like to know as well. Daniel said in his initial email that he would like to return this postcard to James Bernikow's next of kin.
If you can help solve the mystery, leave a comment or email me.
That cigarette smoke cloud with the woman is definitely an interesting effect! I am also curious as to whether this was done with both photos submitted from the purchaser or not.
ReplyDeleteI hope a postcard expert happens on to this blog and can answer that question.
ReplyDelete