Corporal John Danley's Obituary in the Typographical Journal

Looking south from the north end of Danley Square

While I haven't had time (since my post last week) to get to the library lately to research Corporal John Danley properly, I did find a little bit online about "the first man from Lorain to give his life for the freedom of the world."

The July 1918 edition of the Typographical Journal, the Official Paper of the International Union of North America, contained the following news item under the heading, "CLEVELAND, OHIO."

"It was with a keen regret that the membership of No. 53 learned of the death of Corporal John Danley, killed in action on the battle front of France, June 14. Mr. Danley was one of the young members of the union, and his genial smile and pleasing personality had gained for him a host of friends among his fellow workers. He came to Cleveland several years ago from Lorain, and worked on the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He, with several other of the younger members, enlisted in the marine corps almost immediately upon the request for volunteers. He had seen more that a year's actual service in France, and the many letters received by his friends tell of the great work being done by the printers in the service. As a testimonial to his memory the city of Lorain, Ohio, his birthplace, has renamed one of its streets, which will hereafter be known as Danley avenue."

****

I remember the first time I drove by Danley Square in the late 1980s. I was really impressed by the pretty, parklike setting, but I had no idea who or what it was named after.

The lack of any sort of plaque explaining who Corporal Danley was really should be remedied. As a society, we've finally arrived at a point in time when all of our veterans are finally appreciated. It's only right that we honor the ones from the wars that are rapidly fading away in our collective memories – before it's too late.

Looking north from the south end of Danley Square