Washburn, George A. (George Avery), 1889-1951.

George Avery Washburn was born March 1, 1889 in Topeka, Kansas. His parents were Frank Monroe and Ella (Townsend) Washburn. In 1917 George entered Company "C", 314th Signal Battalion, 89th Division of the United States Army located in Camp Funston, Kansas. In 1918 the 89th Division was transferred to Europe to fight in World War I. As part of the 32nd French Army Corps, the 89th Division held the line from Remenauville, France to Vargevaux Pond, France. It took part in the St. Mihiel offensive and the Meuse Argonne offensive. During the time of occupation, the 89th Division occupied the area around, Trier, Germany. George's wife was Ruth Carver (Kingman) Washburn. She was born November 22, 1887 in Topeka, Kansas. Her parents were Lewis and Alice (Newman) Kingman. Mr. Kingman was the city engineer of Topeka. In 1895 the family moved to Mexico City, Mexico, where Mr. Kingman was an engineer for the railroad. Ruth returned to Topeka in 1905 to attend Washburn Academy. She graduated from Washburn College and received a Master's degree from California University. In 1912 Ruth began teaching Spanish at Washburn College. In 1920 George and Ruth were married and moved to Richmond, Virginia. George was a signal engineer for the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad Company. He died September 19, 1951. Ruth returned to Topeka in 1963 and died February 28, 1980.