Inventory of the Elmer B. Mudgett Photograph Collection, 1918 – 1959

Descriptive Summary

Abstract: Elmer Byron Mudgett (1894-1970) served with Company F of the 10th Engineers during World War I. Mudgett's detachment worked at the Levier sawmill in France, providing the Allied forces with the necessary timber for the war effort in Europe.

The collection includes thirteen photographs related to Elmer Mudgett's work with the 10th Engineers in France during World War I. Also included are copies of Mudgett's draft card, enlistment record, and honorable discharge record.

Title: Elmer B. Mudgett Photograph Collection, 1918 - 1959

Creator: Mudgett, Elmer B.

Repository: Forest History Society Library and Archives

Call Number: 7927

Language of Material: Material in English

Extent: 0.25 linear feet (13 photographs)

Biographical Note

Elmer Byron Mudgett was born March 20, 1894 in Spearville, Kansas. The Mudgett family moved to Zion, Illinois, in 1902. Mudgett enlisted in the U.S. Army in September of 1917 at Winthrop Harbor, Illinois. At the time of enlistment Mudgett was 23 years of age, and his occupation was listed as farmer. Mudgett was assigned to the 10th Engineers, and left the U.S. for France in November, 1917. During World War I, the 10th and 20th Forestry Engineers worked to provide the Allied forces with the necessary timber for the war effort in Europe. Mudgett's detachment worked at Levier sawmill in France. After the war, Mudgett returned to the United States and was honorably discharged on June 2, 1919. Mudgett moved to Gouverneur, New York, in 1937. He passed away on February 20, 1970, and was buried at Chaumont, New York.

Collection Overview

The collection includes thirteen photographs related to Elmer Mudgett's work with the 10th Engineers in France during World War I. Also included are copies of Mudgett's draft card, enlistment record, and honorable discharge record.

Collection Arrangement

  1. Photographs, 1918-1959

Subject Headings

  • United States -- Army -- Corps of Engineers -- Regiment, 10th
  • World War, 1914-1918
  • World War, 1914-1918 -- Engineering and construction
  • World War, 1914-1918 -- France

Detailed Description of the Collection

1. Photographs, 1918-1959.

These photographs are available for viewing through the Elmer B. Mudgett Collection online image gallery.

  • Folder 1.
    • Mudgett1
      Elmer B. Mudgett with a friend. Road leads to the village of Levier.
    • Mudgett2
      Hauling stone slabs, 1918. Driver is Conrad Cotoa from Canada, Elmer B. Mudgett is on right.
    • Mudgett3
      Stone quarry where they picked stones for road repair, 1918.
    • Mudgett4
      Men from 10th Engineers, Company F, in front of lumber, 1918.
    • Mudgett5
      Elmer Mudgett with team of horses plowing snow from the road near camp, 1918.
  • Folder 2.
    • Mudgett6
      Getting ready to deploy to the front line. 10th Engineers, Company F, in July [1918].
    • Mudgett7
      Elmer B. Mudgett standing at right, posing for photograph with three other soldiers, 1918.
    • Mudgett8
      Levier sawmill, 1918.
    • Mudgett9
      Taking a good look at the old mill site in February 1959, standing in front of blacksmith shop.
    • Mudgett10
      Mudgett at old mill site in February 1959.
    • Men from 10th Engineers, Company F, in front of lumber, 1918. Elmer B. Mudgett is standing fifth from the left.

  • Folder 3.
    • Mudgett11
      Mudgett at Arc-sous-Montenot.
    • Mudgett12
      Mudgett at camp, Levier.
    • Mudgett13
      Mudgett standing in front of the 'Pullman Car' going to Levier.
    • Document scans
      Copies of Mudgett's U.S. Army draft card, enlistment record, and discharge record.

Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

No restrictions.

Copyright Notice

The nature of the Forest History Society's archival holdings means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The Forest History Society claims only physical ownership of most archival materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Elmer B. Mudgett Photograph Collection, Library and Archives, Forest History Society, Durham, NC, USA.

Acquisitions Information

Materials donated by Ted Mudgett, son of Elmer Mudgett, in February 2012.

Processing Information

Processed by Eben Lehman, March 2012

Encoded by Eben Lehman, March 2012

Funding from the National Historical Publications and Records Commission supported the encoding of this finding aid. Support for digitization and outreach provided by the Alvin J. Huss Endowment.