SEAMAN APPRENTICE CHARLES HENRY BLOOM; U.S. NAVY

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). Two sisters, Viola (1896-1976) and Emily (1907-1991). Four brothers, 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 cerebrospinal fever. The parents were notified of the illness of their son through Medical Director F.W.F. Welber, of the hospital.  Last night, the word was received that the boy had passed away. The young man 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 cerebrospinal fever, passing away on April 28, 1917.


Seaman Bloom is buried at Riverside Cemetery, 81 Riverside Avenue, Norwalk, Connecticut; Section 10, Plot 3. Photo by webmaster.


END

Published by jeffd1121

USAF retiree. Veteran advocate. Committed to telling the stories of those who died while in the service of the country during wartime.

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