Henry Victor Chambers was born in 2 August 1890, in Marion County, Ohio. His parents are William T. & Emma J. (Reber) Chambers of the LaRue/Meeker area. Henry moved west and was working and moving from town to town. Henry last wrote his parents while he was in Chicago. He was later reported as being a clerk at a restaurant in Oklahoma. After his letter from Chicago, his parents had not heard from him in three years and had thought he must have died somehow and was not identified.

Henry V. Chambers appears to have entered service from California. By December of 1917, Henry had returned to the east coast with the army. On 15 December 1917, he departed Hoboken, New Jersey aboard the USS Leviathan (ID# 1326). He was at that time assigned to the 41st Division “Jungleers” or “Sunsetters,” 164th Infantry Regiment, Company I. He was ranked a Private (Pvt.)

At some point Pvt. Henry V. Chambers was reassigned to the 26h Infantry Regiment, First Infantry Division “Big Red One.” During the Battle of Chateau-Thierry, Pvt. Chambers was killed by shell fire, on 18 July 1918. His parents did not learn of his death for three years. It appears his death was reported on the list “CASUALTIES OF AMERICAN ARMY OVERSEAS, REPORTED ON SEPTEMBER 30, 1918.” But his name was spelled “Harry,” not “Henry.” This may explain his parents not being notified.

His parents did receive a letter from Lieutenant C. Ridgley of D Company, 26th Infantry. The letter from Lt. Ridgley was dated 11 August 1918. He thought the parents had already been notified of their son’s death. He stated in the letter, “He was a most excellent soldier and was well liked by all who knew him.”
Pvt. Henry V. Chambers is buried in Oise-Aisne American Cemetery, Seringes-et- Nesles, France. A gravestone marker is also located in the Frame Cemetery, Meeker, Ohio.

Henry V. Chambers is remembered on the Honor Roll, at the Veterans Memorial Park, in Marion, Ohio; and on the World War One Honor Roll, located on the second floor of the Marion County Courthouse.
Note: Henry’s name appears as “Harry” on the Marion memorials.