April 2, 1898 (Norwalk, CT) – April 28, 1917; 19 years old
Unmarried
Last local address: 173 Ferris Avenue, Norwalk
Enlisted April 8, 1917 (died 20 days later)
Serial number 1051522
USS North Carolina
Second of seven children born to William Henry Smith Bloom (1876-1944) and Mary Matilda Butterfass Bloom (1875-1967). Sisters Viola (1896-1976) and Emily (1907-1991). Brothers Harold (1901-1989), Clifford (1904-1988), Earl (1913-1963) and Herbert (1914-2001).
Worked as an elevator attendant prior to service.
From the Norwalk Hour (Weekly) May 4, 1917
DEATH INVADES NAVY CIRCLES OF NORWALK
William H. Bloom, of Fifth Division, Dies at Portsmouth Hospital
Norwalk’s first death in a naval or military company since the outbreak of the war occurred yesterday when Charles Henry Bloom, son of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Bloom, of Ferris Avenue, passed away at the navy hospital at Portsmouth, New Hampshire. The young man was 19 years of age and was a member of the Fifth Division, Naval Militia, of this city. He was assigned to the USS North Carolina, but was taken ill last Sunday with cerebro-spinal fever. The parents were notified of the illness of their son through Medical Director F.W.F. Welber, of the hospital. Last night, word was received that the boy had passed away. The young many was born in Norwalk and had been employed at the Lounsbury, Mathewson & Co. plant at 5 Haviland Street. He was an apprentice seaman in the Fifth Division and was a popular member of the company. In addition to his parents, he leaves several brothers and sisters, including Viola, Harold, Clifford, Emily, Earl and Herbert Bloom, all of this city.
From an unknown newspaper found in newspaper clippings in the Norwalk History Room, Norwalk Library
CHARLES BLOOM GAVE LIFE FOR HIS COUNTRY
The picture reproduced beneath is that of Charles H. Bloom, son of Mr. and Mrs. W.H. Bloom, of 19 Ferris Avenue, who belonged to the Fifth Division of Naval Militia, which
left Norwalk on April 6, 1917, the date of the declaration of war. The young man enlisted on March 17, 1917 in this city. When he was called out, he went to the Boston Commonwealth pier, was later transferred to Portsmouth, N.H., and there contracted cerebro-spinal fever, passing away on April 28, 1917.
Seaman Bloom is buried at Riverside Cemetery; Section 10, Plot 3.
Honor 