Elmer Scott Ireton

Elmer Scott Ireton or “Nick” was born October 3. 1895 in Burlington, Kansas.  He was the fourth of seven sons born to Frank Austin and Eda Ireton.  Elmer served in the Navy during WWI and was aboard the U.S.S. San Diego July 19, 1918 when the ship was stuck by either a mine or torpedo from a German U-boat (U-156).  Known as the “last armored cruiser”, the San Diego was the only major ship lost by the United States during WWI.  According to his son Gene (Donald Gene Ireton), Elmer was in the water for a long time.  He later contracted tuberculosis, apparently as a result of that experience. 

 Elmer married Maggie Mae Taylor July 25, 1920.  They had five children; Elmer Taylor (b. 1922), Ray Lewis (b. 1924), Jack Bailey (b. 1926), Donald Gene (b. 1931), and Mildred Marlene (b. 1933).  Gene said that before his father passed away in February of 1942, he was very worried about his brother Carl who was under attack by the Japanese in the Philippines at the time. 

Family History by Brandon Ireton (Elmer's great-grandson)

(click photos to enlarge)