Finding aid for the Louis P. Isenman, Papers

Biography of Louis P. Isenman

Louis P. Isenman can trace his roots to 1880 when his father, John Isenman, arrived in America from Alsace-Lorraine. Five years later, he became a citizen of the United States living in Akron, Ohio. Louis was born in 1895. He was a member of the Alsace-Lorraine Benevolent Union, a German-American society. Taking a job as a clerk out of high school, he enlisted in the army in 1916 and joined the 1st Ohio Volunteer Light Artillery, Battery B. The unit was sent to the Mexican Border in response to President Wilson's order to reinforce the border. Upon America's entry into World War I, Isenman and the now redesignated 1st Field Artillery Ohio National Guard served in France, ultimately and ironically returning Alsace-Lorraine to France. In September of 1917, the unit was again redesignated to the 134th Field Artillery Ohio National Guard. After the war, Isenman, now a Corporal, returned to the United States in 1919 and was honorably discharged from the military. Louis P. Isenman passed away in 1986.

Scope and Content

The collection ranges from 1862-1975. There are two primary sections to the collection; a small number of documents and then 152 photographs/postcards documenting Louis' time in the military. The documents include materials from the Alsace-Lorraine Benevolent Union, his father's citizenship papers, school records, family photos, war papers, and some memorabilia. Meanwhile, his military photos range from camp photos, photos taken during pass, on tour, as well as photo postcards.

The citizenship papers from 1885 provide excellent examples of such materials. An extant constitution of the Alsace-Lorraine Benevolent Union provides a deep look into the functions of the group. There is also an untranslated letter in German from 1862. Louis' school records include report cards from his high school career and give a look into Akron's school program during the 1910's. In his military papers are two letters of note, one from John Pershing and one from Colonel Bush, both of which are their official farewells to the soldiers. His discharge papers also provided many of his personal details. Other noteworthy additions to the collection include two medals from the Alsace-Lorraine Benevolent Union.

The larger part of the collection consists of the 152 military photographs and postcards that range in date from 1916-1919. The photos cover an incredible span of content including locations in El Paso, Texas, Camp Willis, Oklahoma, and Kansas City, Missouri. A good majority of the photos date from Louis' time on or near the Mexican border. Those photos depict camp life, a flood that revenged camp, new equipment such as trains and armored cars, and nearby sites such as churches or neighboring cities. These pictures provide an excellent glimpse into Border War that was fought along the Rio Grande. A smaller number of pictures date from the time Louis and his unit were transferred to fight in France. These images include pictures of New York, battleships, camp, and unidentified port towns. Military historians, or historians of both the border region with Mexico and France would find these photographs of great value for their personal look into both conflicts.

Statement of Arrangement

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron

Restrictions on Access

No restrictions on access; except not available through interlibrary loan. Copyright restrictions may apply. Permission to reproduce or publish materials in this collection must be secured in writing from Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron.

George Dales Vallens Senior Papers, 1916-2013 American Legion Post 209 Records, 1919-2005 Mary Gladwin Papers, 1898-1939 Ira A. Priest Collection, 1896-1956

Indexing Terms

The following terms have been used to index the description of this collection in the library's online public access catalog.

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Preferred Citation

[Description of item], Louis P. Isenman papers, Archival Services, University Libraries, The University of Akron

Processing Information

Arrangement and Description by Daniel Ciofani, Archival Services Practicum Student, 2019

Detailed Description of The Collection