Bennie Ross Slick, son of D.F. and C.V. Slick, was born at Phillipsburg, Phillips County, Kansas, April 26, 1892, and departed this life June 14, 1918, at Camp Doniphan, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
He grew up in this county and received his education in our schools. In response to the call of his country he enlisted in Kansas City, July 3rd, 1916, being sent to Camp Clark, Missouri, and from there to the Mexican border where he served until September 26, 1916, when he received his discharge and returned home.
On June 1st, 1917, he reenlisted and the next day, June 2nd, 1917, was followed by his twin brother, Harry, who is now in France. The brothers were placed in Company L, 140th Infantry, 35th Division.
They were sent to Camp Funston for training and were there until October 13, 1917, when they both were transferred to Camp Doniphan, Ft. Sill.
The brothers were home on furlough July 22nd, and again on August 25th, 1917.
Bennie was taken sick about the first of April, and when his company and regiment left Ft. Sill for France, April 12th, he was in the hospital and not able to accompany them. Thus came almost the first real separation of the twin brothers for Harry had to accompany his regiment. Bennie was in the hospital for about two months when his condition made it necessary to call his parents to his side. His mother remained and was with him at the time of his death.
Services were held in the Chapel at Ft. Sill and then the body was taken to the train with the Regimental band playing "Nearer My God To Thee." His body was shipped home, accompanied by his mother and by Sargeant (sic) Hawkins, who was detailed to bring him home.
Bennie was member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and The Prudential Lodges.
He showed his love for his family by making allotment of part of his pay to his mother and by taking the limit of Government insurance as well as other insurance policies for their benefit.
When told by his mother that she had placed her boys in God's care, he said, "Stick to Him mamma, it is all we can do."
Bennie leaves to mourn his departure a father and mother, two brothers, Harry, his twin, now in France, and Roy, who lives in Phillipsburg.
From the Phillips County Post, June 20, 1918.
