This collection contains detailed letters written by Robert Cottrell during his military service in World War I. The letters contain detailed descriptions of battles he fought in, such as the battle of the Marne.
Letter from Robert Cottrell to his mother dated May 31, 1918.
Collection Overview
Robert G Cottrell (1896-1958) a native of Gouverneur, NY attended area schools and graduated from Gouverneur High School in 1916. In 1917, he enlisted in the United States Army where he served in England and Germany during World War I. Robert received honorable discharge from the Army in August 1919. He returned to Gouverneur, NY and where he married Erdine Morris (1894-1983) in 1922. Mr. Cottrell worked several jobs after returning to civilian life. In 1944, he became village clerk and remained in that position until his retirement in 1952. While holing the village clerk position Robert purchased two insurance agencies and created the Cottrell Insurance Agency which operated above the original B.O. Kinney Store on Main Street in Gouverneur.