By Art O’Leary, local historian
Who was Roy Canavan, American Legion Post’s namesake? Roy Canavan was born January 28, 1888, in Brady Township. He grew up in Vicksburg and the surrounding area. He was the youngest of seven children born to Charles Canavan (1844-1921) and Anna Canavan (1844-1919). Charles was a Civil War veteran.
Prior to going into the Army, Roy was a laborer and teamster. He never married and had no children.
In September 1917, Roy was among the first group of men drafted in Kalamazoo County. He was sent to the newly established Camp Custer in Battle Creek and assigned to the 339th Machine Gun Battalion, 85th Infantry Division.
In November 1917, Canavan was transferred to Camp McArthur in Waco, Texas. He became part of the Michigan National Guard under Colonel Joseph Westnedge and was assigned to Company C, 126th Infantry Regiment, 32nd Division. After training, the division traveled by rail to New Jersey and sailed for France in February 1918.
The 32nd Division fought on the Marne River in July and August 1918. As part of the campaign, the 126th Regiment engaged the Germans at Chateau Thierry. On August 1, 1918, Canavan was killed in action during that battle. According to reports, Canavan and another soldier were helping a wounded comrade back to the American line, and an artillery shell exploded behind the trio and killed both would-be rescuers. The wounded soldier survived.
Canavan was originally buried in the American Cemetery at Seringes-et-Nesle in France. In the summer of 1921, his remains were disinterred and shipped to the United States for reburial in his native Vicksburg. On Sunday, July 30, 1921, his funeral took place. A religious service was held at the Methodist Episcopal Church.
The Roy Canavan Post and the Joseph Westnedge American Legion Post of Kalamazoo escorted the remains to Vicksburg Cemetery. Many people stood along the route in a show of respect. Canavan was then laid to rest with full military honors. There was a rifle volley and a sounding of taps. The man Canavan had saved, Homer Swander of Vicksburg, attended.
Roy Canavan is buried with his parents. Their graves are located behind the Grand Army of the Republic monument next to the tree line at the west border of the cemetery.
Roy Canavan was 30 years old when he was killed in action.
Sources: Vicksburg Historical Society, Kalamazoo Public Library, Gerald Smith, Maggie Snyder, Warren Lawrence.
