Medlock, J. Harold

Description

J. Harold Medlock was born on September 30, 1896, in New York City, New York, the son of Harry Medlock and Ingrid Sadie Larsen. He grew up in Westchester County, living in Harrison, New York, during his childhood and attending Rye schools, reflecting a life rooted in the Rye community from an early age.

He was part of a family that included his twin brother, Joseph Anthony Medlock, and his sister, Harriet Medlock. By his late teens, he was living at 41 Locust Avenue in Rye, establishing a long-standing connection to the community that would continue throughout his life.

World War I Service

Medlock entered military service on September 8, 1918, having been inducted at Port Chester, New York. He was initially assigned to Company 3, Provisional Regiment, 156th Depot Brigade, a unit responsible for receiving, organizing, and training soldiers for service during World War I.

He was subsequently transferred to a Field Artillery Replacement Draft at Camp Jackson in South Carolina, where soldiers were prepared and assigned to artillery units as replacements during the closing phase of the war.

His service was entirely stateside, and he did not serve overseas or participate in combat operations. He served in the rank of Private and sustained no wounds or injuries during his service.

He was honorably discharged on January 22, 1919, following the end of the war.

Life After Service

Following his military service, Medlock returned to Rye, where he became a well-known and active member of the community. He married Emma Adelaide MacLennan on August 3, 1919, in Rye, New York, and together they raised two sons, Herbert H. Medlock and Donald L. Medlock.

He built a long professional career as a brokerage manager with the Travelers Insurance Company, where he worked for approximately twenty-five years. His civic involvement was extensive, reflecting a deep commitment to the Rye community. He served as a past commander of Rye Post 128 of the American Legion, was a member and former president of the Rye High School Dad’s Club, and served with the Rye Fire Department’s Poningo Hook and Ladder Company.

He was also a member of Christ’s Episcopal Church in Rye, where he participated in the building fund effort, and was active as a Boy Scout leader. In addition, he served as a director of the Rye Veterans Service Agency and was affiliated with the New York Association for the Blind and the Eastern Life Underwriters Association.

J. Harold Medlock died on October 13, 1956, at Mount Vernon Hospital following a month-long illness, at the age of 60.

At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife, Emma Adelaide MacLennan Medlock; his sons, Donald L. Medlock of New York City and Herbert H. Medlock of Redding, Massachusetts; his sister, Mrs. Harriet Frost of Stamford, Connecticut; and three grandchildren.