Two-piece tin soap dish meas. approx. 3.50 x 2.50 x 1.25 inches. Dish is made of two interlocking pieces of folded tin. Attached to the lid is a brass collar disk with “NY” superimposed over “US.” Scratched into the lid above the disk is “304^th” and below it is “BAT-A.” Scratched into one side of the dish is “PVT. EZRA ROBERTS” and into the other is “MORRSVILLE NY.”

Opening the dish reveals what looks like a small silver pocket watch case but upon opening the case there is a white metal collapsible drinking cup. When the cup is extended it meas. approx. 1.50 inches high.

Both items are in good used condition with the usual small dings, dents and scratches consistent with age storage and use.

Ezra Blair Roberts was born June 13, 1890 in Cazenovia, New York. He was just under 29 yeas old when he was drafted into the Army on February 22, 1918 at Wampsville, New York. He was described as being of medium height and build with gray eyes, dark brown hair and by occupation was a farmer. Roberts was given serial number 1678237 and assigned to the Casual Detachment of the 152^nd Field Artillery Brigade which contained the 304^th, 305^th and 306^th Field Artillery Regiments and the 302^nd Trench Mortar Battalion. All were part of the 77^th Infantry Division.

Roberts sailed for France on the USS LEVIATHAN leaving the port of Hoboken, New Jersey on April 24, 1918. Sometime after his arrival in France, Roberts was transferred to Battery A, 304^th Field Artillery. The 304^th saw action in the Baccarat Sector 12 July to 4 August 1918, Oise-Aisne Offensive 18 August – 16 September 1918, Muse-Argonne Sector 26 September to 16 October 1918 and the Muse- Argonne Sector (2^nd Phase) 31 October to 11 November 1918.

On April 21, 1919 Roberts boarded the USS AGAMEMNON at Brest, France and sailed to the port of Hoboken, New Jersey arriving on the 29^th.  He received his honorable discharge from the army on May 10, 1919.

Not much is known about Roberts post-war life. He worked as a guard in a hospital and married late in life but had no children. Roberts died on January 16, 1958 and is buried in Welsh Church Union Cemetery, Nelson, New York.  [ad]

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