Merton L. Aldridge

Rev. Merton Lee Aldridge was a World War I veteran, minister, and active community leader who served as Commander of Otis Sampson Post No. 59 of The American Legion during the 1929–1930 term.

Born April 2, 1892, in Washington, Iowa, Aldridge entered the ministry before the United States became involved in World War I. When his country called, he left his church pastorate to enter military service. He attended Officers Training Camp beginning in May 1917 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant of Infantry that August.

Aldridge went overseas with the American Expeditionary Forces and served in France with the 28th Infantry. His military record documents service in the Toul sector, Picardy, the Lorraine campaign, the Second Battle of the Marne and along the Vesle River. He also participated in the Battle of Cantigny, one of the first major American offensive operations of the war.

His wartime service came at a significant personal cost. On June 9, 1918, Aldridge was exposed to mustard gas at Cantigny. Contemporary accounts later recalled that he became seriously ill with trench fever as well. He was aboard a hospital ship returning to the United States when the Armistice ending the fighting was signed in November 1918.

Aldridge was honorably discharged from the United States Army at General Hospital No. 29 at Fort Snelling, Minnesota, on April 25, 1919. His military record described his service as “honest and faithful” and authorized him one gold wound chevron and two gold war-service chevrons.

Following the war, Aldridge returned to the ministry. He became pastor of the Universalist Church in Stoughton in June 1925, a position he would hold until December 1938. During those years he became deeply involved in Stoughton civic life and particularly in The American Legion.

Before becoming Commander, Aldridge served as Post 59's chaplain. When members elected him Commander in September 1929, the local newspaper described the honor as “well earned” and characterized him as an ardent Legion worker.

His year as Commander came during an active period for the young Post. Post 59 sponsored community entertainment, including the home-talent production 60 Miles an Hour, continued its annual Old Fiddlers' Contest, organized an extensive membership drive and established a firing squad to provide military honors at veterans' funerals. The Post's membership campaign set an ambitious goal of enrolling every eligible former serviceman in the area.

Aldridge remained connected to veterans and military organizations after his term as Commander. Records show that he was a member of the Reserve Officers Association of the United States as late as 1933–34, reflecting his continued connection to the military community long after World War I.

He also remained an important figure in Stoughton's civic life. In addition to his work with The American Legion, newspaper accounts noted his involvement with the local Rotary Club, where he served for many years as secretary.

Aldridge eventually left Stoughton and continued his ministry in Woodstock, Illinois. He died there at his home in 1949 at the age of 57 following an illness. His obituary specifically remembered both his service as a Universalist minister in Stoughton and his World War I service, including being wounded in action and gassed while serving overseas.

Rev. Merton Lee Aldridge's life reflected two forms of service that continued throughout his adulthood—service to his country and service to his community. He left the ministry to serve as an Army officer during World War I, returned home to serve his congregations and fellow veterans, and helped lead Otis Sampson Post 59 during its formative years.