IN IN- Melvin Leonard Raphe, 31, Indianapolis, 31 Dec 1927

[Pennysmom1]

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

Missing Age 31 Years
Current Age 129 Years
Legal First Name Melvin
Middle Name Leonard
Legal Last Name Raphe
Chosen Name/Nickname/Alias None

Biological Sex Male
Height 5' 8" - 5' 11" (68 - 71 Inches)
Weight 150 - 180 lbs
Race / Ethnicity White / Caucasian

Circumstances​

Date of Last Contact December 31, 1927
NamUs Case Created October 17, 2022

Last Known Location​

Location Indianapolis, Indiana
County Marion County
Missing From Tribal Land No
Primary Residence on Tribal Land--
Circumstances of Disappearance Melvin disappeared in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1927 at the age of 31.

Physical Description​

Hair Color Brown
Head Hair Description Likely short and balding
Body Hair Description Unknown
Facial Hair Description Unknown
Left Eye Color Unknown
Right Eye Color Unknown
Eye Description Unknown

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Distinctive Physical Features​

Tattoo
Possibility of tattoos indicating his military service in the 12th Cavalry Regiment; 1st Kansas National Guard; and the 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Force.






May 24, 2024- have to subscribe to see whole article

Mystery laid to rest - The Iola Register

A WWI vet who disappeared will be honored with a ceremony Sunday at the LaHarpe Ceremony. Melvin Raphe disappeared in 1926 after marriage and a baby. Thirty years later, his wife attempted to claim Raphe's veterans benefits and said he went by a different name until he died. Was it the same man?

www.iolaregister.com

<<World War I veteran Melvin Raphe, at left, disappeared in 1926 after he married, had a son and moved to Indiana. The child was put up for adoption under the belief his mother died. Thirty years later, the mother attempted to claim veteran benefits for a deceased Roy Smith, right, who she claimed was really Raphe. Did Raphe change his name? Or did something happen to him? After years of searching for answers, the family will have a memorial service for Raphe in LaHarpe Sunday.>>

 

[Pennysmom1]

Melvin Leonard Raphe (1896-1926) - Find a Grave...

From Brian Holloway, FIND A GRAVE ID51474060:My research indicates that Melvin went missing in Indianapolis, Indiana around September, 1926. I believe he died then.A book that details about Melvin and his family:Someplace Besides NowhereIt is available in print at barnesandnoble.com or as an...

www.findagrave.com

 

[fracfog]

The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs)

By bringing people, information, forensic science and technology together, NamUs helps resolve cases.

www.namus.gov

View attachment 607598

Missing Age 31 Years
Current Age 129 Years
Legal First Name Melvin
Middle Name Leonard
Legal Last Name Raphe
Chosen Name/Nickname/Alias None

Biological Sex Male
Height 5' 8" - 5' 11" (68 - 71 Inches)
Weight 150 - 180 lbs
Race / Ethnicity White / Caucasian

Circumstances​

Date of Last Contact December 31, 1927
NamUs Case Created October 17, 2022

Last Known Location​

Location Indianapolis, Indiana
County Marion County
Missing From Tribal Land No
Primary Residence on Tribal Land--
Circumstances of Disappearance Melvin disappeared in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1927 at the age of 31.

Physical Description​

Hair Color Brown
Head Hair Description Likely short and balding
Body Hair Description Unknown
Facial Hair Description Unknown
Left Eye Color Unknown
Right Eye Color Unknown
Eye Description Unknown

---

Distinctive Physical Features​

Tattoo
Possibility of tattoos indicating his military service in the 12th Cavalry Regiment; 1st Kansas National Guard; and the 137th Infantry Regiment, 35th Division, American Expeditionary Force.






May 24, 2024- have to subscribe to see whole article

Mystery laid to rest - The Iola Register

A WWI vet who disappeared will be honored with a ceremony Sunday at the LaHarpe Ceremony. Melvin Raphe disappeared in 1926 after marriage and a baby. Thirty years later, his wife attempted to claim Raphe's veterans benefits and said he went by a different name until he died. Was it the same man?

www.iolaregister.com

View attachment 607599

<<World War I veteran Melvin Raphe, at left, disappeared in 1926 after he married, had a son and moved to Indiana. The child was put up for adoption under the belief his mother died. Thirty years later, the mother attempted to claim veteran benefits for a deceased Roy Smith, right, who she claimed was really Raphe. Did Raphe change his name? Or did something happen to him? After years of searching for answers, the family will have a memorial service for Raphe in LaHarpe Sunday.>> Sprunki Game

Melvin Raphe’s disappearance has so many layers—from his service in WWI to the mystery surrounding his identity decades later. It’s moving to see that after nearly a century, his name and memory are being honored with a ceremony. Families deserve closure, and even if some questions remain unanswered, acknowledging his life and service is such an important step