The Millstadt Historical Society is writing the stories of our World War II Women Veterans. Here is one of their stories. If anyone have additional information about her or photos, please share with the Millstadt Historical Society.
Mary Louise Muskopf was born 19 Jan 1923 in St. Louis, Missouri to Herbert H. and Margaretha M. (Gansert) Muskopf. She was the couple’s first child. The 1930 Census showed the family moved to Millstadt, Illinois, about 15 miles southeast of St. Louis, across the Mississippi River. The family owned a home of Washington ST, no house # given, valued at $9,000.00 and they do not have a radio. Herbert was a Typist, Electric in a Print Shop. Mary, also known as Bess, was in school. In 1931 little sister Edith was born. In early 1932 Herbert was building a gas station in Millstadt. A few months later in May, Herbert was in St. Elizabeth’s Hospital with a serious infection in one of his arms. He dies 7 July 1932, caused by cancer that he had been suffering for past 2 ½ months. After the funeral, his body was taken to Missouri for cremation.
The 1940 Census showed the family living with Margaretha’s brother-in-law Jack Weber on Washington ST in Millstadt. Again, no house # given. He was a Tavern Operator, working on his own accounts. Mary has finished her 3rd year of High School. Not sure when she finished High School. Mary did start working at Weil-Kalter Rayon Factory in March 1941 as a Payroll Clerk.
On 17 December 1943, Mary joined the WAVEs in St. Louis. Her Serial # 763-27-38. She was sent to the Bronx, New York City for 5 weeks of Basic Training. While at this school she was promoted to Seaman 2nd class (S2c). In early March she was transferred to the Navy training school in Cedar Falls, Iowa for Yeoman (clerk) training. She was here for 2 months and was promoted to Yeoman 3rd class (Y3c). When she finished this training, she was able to type 61 wpm, and shorthand 100 wpm. Y3c Muskopf’s first duty station was Camp Wallace, Texas. She was in Texas for 6 months before being transferred to Naval Air Station Norfolk, Virginia in November 1944. She was there for 2 months before being hospitalized for 6 days at Portsmouth, Viginia. Her discharge said she could return to duty. Within a few days she was given another physical exam and deemed unfit for duty. She was given an Honorable Discharge under ‘convenience of the government’, and was able to re-enlist. Note, Naval medical records are not kept with service records and are not available through the Archives. She was discharged 27 January 1945.
Mary married Harvey A. Boehm on 29 February 1948 in a secret service in Kentucky and this was kept secret for about 1 year. The couple made their home in Millstadt, while Mary was working in St. Louis. Harvey was a local Sheet Metal worker. They had 2 daughters, Cathy Jo born in 1949 and Barbara born January 1951. The 1950 Census was not readily available. A 1952 Telephone Directory showed the family living in Millstadt and Harvey working at Reutermann Steet Metal. He was hospitalized June to October 1953, and died 2 September 1954 after an operation. Details not readily available. He is buried at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery in Millstadt.
On 9 August 1955 a Marriage License was issued for Mary Boehm and Henry A. Polhemus, Jr., of San Antonio, Texas. Exact date and place of wedding not readily available. Their son Richard was born 4 Sep 1956 in San Antonio. The 1960 San Antonio Telephone Directory showed Henry was the Secretary-Treasurer of South Texas Radio Supply Co., and the family lived at 115 Nash Blvd. Sometime later the family opened Henry’s Ice and Food Store on the south side of San Antonio. Tragedy struck overnight on 26 December 1968 when Henry was shot at the store in what was believed to be an attempted robbery. He was taken to a local hospital and died of his wounds on 31 January 1969. He is buried at San Fernando Cemetery in San Antonio.
Mary Louise Polhemus passed away 26 December 1994 in San Antonio. She was brought home to Millstadt and buried at Mt. Evergreen Cemetery.
Researched and written by John Mier, Millstadt Historical Society.
For more information about Mary with photos, please go to below URL