Page, Percy Sherman (1897-1918) Papers, 1899-1941

Held by The Filson Historical Society 

Creator:  Page, Percy Sherman, 1897-1918 

Title:  Papers, 1899-1941 

Rights: For information regarding literary and copyright interest for these papers, contact the Collections Department. 

Size of Collection:  0.33 cubic feet 

Location Number:  Mss. A P132 

Scope and Content Note 

Collection is contained in six folders in one box. Letters from 1918-1919 are of primary importance and illustrate Percy Sherman Page’s duty as a U.S. Marine during World War I. Those from January-April 1918 recall his basic training at Parris Island, S.C., and Quantico, Va., and show his love of Army life. Those from May-June 1918 characterize his impressions of France, his gratitude towards the Red Cross and YMCA, his braggadocio at overcoming the “Huns,” and his faith in surviving the war. Letters from July 1918-May 1918 from his fellow soldiers describe Page’s death at Soissons, relate his last words, and tell about the impact of his death on his friends. Newspaper clippings, photographs, postcards, and certificates of appreciation also recall Page’s tour of duty. Newspaper clippings, photographs, postcards, and a letter from the Gold Star Mothers’ pilgrimage to France in 1930 to visit the graves of the war dead are also of interest. They describe the American Cemetery at Oise-Aisne, the war memorial at the Foret de Compiegne, and the emotional impact of the trip upon the participants. 

Note of Separation: 

Photographs of Page have been transferred to the Filson Club Photographs and Prints Department. Page’s medals and those medals from Daisy Page’s trip to France as a Gold Star Mother have been transferred to the Filson Club Museum. 

Biographical Note 

Percy Sherman Page was born on 10 March 1897 to Thomas Luella Page (1863-1935) and Daisy Elizabeth Gunn Page (1874-1941) in Clark’s Station, Ky., in extreme eastern Jefferson County. He and his sister, Gladys Thomas Page Benard (1899-), grew up on the family farm, Brookdale, which straddled the Jefferson County and Shelby County line. Page attended Fisherville School, and, later, Manuel High School in Louisville, Ky. Because of a lack of help on the family farm, Page was unable to complete high school. Later, he and a friend moved to Detroit, Mich., to work at Ford Motors. Returning to Kentucky in 1916, his father helped Page to finance his own business, a garage, in Fisherville. 

On 21 January 1918 Page enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He completed his basic training at Parris Island, S.C., and later, at Quantico, Va. While at Parris Island Page won a sharpshooter’s medal. On 7 May 1918 he landed in France as part of the 146th Company, 3rd Replacement Battalion. He was transferred to the 83rd Company, 3rd Battalion, 6th Regiment, 2nd Division on 11 June 1918 and joined it during the Battle of Belleau Wood. In July Page’s regiment was ordered to Soissons, where he was killed in action on 19 July 1918. For its actions at Belleau Wood, Soissons, and Champagne (after Page’s death) the 6th Regiment was awarded the Croix de Guerre with Palm from the French Army and regiment members were given Fourrageres in red and green, the colors of the Croix de Guerre. Page was also awarded a Victory medal with ribbon, battle clasps and stars. He is buried in the American Cemetery at Oise-Aisne in France. 

Folder List 

1: Correspondence, 1918-1921

2: Photographs and Postcards, 1918

3: Certificates, 1913-1919

4: Gold Star Mothers’ Pilgrimage, 1930 correspondence, photographs, postcards, newspaper clippings, passport, menus, passenger list

5: Newspaper Clippings, 1918-19119; 1941

6: Miscellaneous, 1899-1935; no date songs, photograph, genealogical material