Asa Dye

     Asa Dye was born on 15 December 1888 in Chesaning, Saginaw County, Michigan.¹ He was the son of Martin Van Buren Dye and Phoebe Coleman.¹ He died on 3 May 1917 in France at age 28.¹

Asa's birth year is somewhat questionable. On his attestation papers he give the year as 1893, however since he is on the 1891 census in Troy, Beverly Twp. we may disregard this. He is said to be age 2 in 1891. Since he was born in December, 1888 seems to be the logical choice. According to the Commonwealth War Graves website and confirmed by family stories, there is no grave for Asa. His name is commemorated on the Canadian War Memorial at Vimy Ridge, Pas de Calais, France. The war graves information states that his military number was 772138 and that he was with the 1st Battalion Canadian Infantry, Western Ontario Regiment.

Asa's body was never found. Phoebe received a telegram from the war office saying that he was missing. Asa's comrades, however, said there was no question that he was dead. A shell hit the trench and either he was buried or there was nothing left to pick up.¹