Sends Five Sons to War

From the San Francisco Bulletin, 28 May 1916:

Berkeley, Aug. 30 - "Please God if we are spared we will have a glorious time out there. It won't be long before we all are able to come to California. I think we shall be able to eat our Christmas dinner with you."

This is the hopeful message just received from "Somewhere in France" by Mrs S.A.Spurgeon of 1273 Alcatraz Avenue, who has offered to the Moloch War five of her sturdy sons. Three of the boys are fighting in France and two are "Somewhere in England", preparing to go to the trenches.

"I don't think the war can go on much longer." wrote Harold, 19 years of age, fighting in the big drive in France. "There is no need for you to worry about it. It will not do any good. We trust in God and ask Him to spare us all to come to you, as I feel sure He will."

Five of Sarah & Robert Spurgeon's 12 children were overseas fighting with the allies during the first World War: Harold (19), Arthur (21), Charles (22), Walter (24) & George (30). All survived.