Painting of Emil Pinkall done by artist Joseph Johnson, a student of Bethany College Art Professor Birger Sandzen. The painting is based on a tintype photograph of Pinkall by Bror Gustaf Grondal. The painting is on display at American Legion Post 140 (Emil Pinkall Post) in Lindsborg, Kansas.
Emil Pinkall was born in Glasco, Kansas, to August and Carolina Pinkall on May 23, 1887. The family moved to Lindsborg in 1904. Emil followed in his father’s footsteps by working at the Smoky Valley Roller Mills. He later worked in the stables on south Main Street. Emil’s parents were Lutherans born in Germany, and the family joined Messiah Lutheran Church in 1917.[1] In October 1917, Emil was drafted into the army and soon became a member of the 7th Infantry Company B. The army led him first to Camp Funston for training, and then later to New Jersey and eventually to France. [2]
Private Emil Pinkall stands as Lindsborg’s first official death of World War 1. Two articles from the Lindsbord News Record give more detail regarding Pinkall’s supreme sacrifice. Information from the official death report gives that a wound to the right leg is to blame for Pinkall’s death. It is also reported that the date of death was October 10th, and his last letter sent to his mother was dated October 8th. [3]
American Legion Post 140 in Lindsborg is named in honor of Emil Pinkall. On display at the Post is a collection of photographs and ephemera related to Pinkall’s service during World War 1. The entire collection is shown below, with the individual elements in the subsequent Photo Book.
[1] Undated newspaper clipping, American Legion Post 140, Lindsborg, Kansas.
[2] “First Lindsborg Boy to Make the Supreme Sacrifice on the Battlefield of France,” Lindsborg News Record, November 15, 1918: 1.
[3] “Last News of Emil Pinkall,” Lindsborg News Record, December 6, 1918: 1.
