victor scanlan
1905-1976
Life Story
Early Life
Victor Scanlan was born on May 13, 1905, in Newton County, Mississippi, the son of Plummer Scanlan (1877–1943) and Matilda Evans Scanlan (1880–1935). He was raised in the St. John community, where he worked alongside his family as a farm hand on the home farm. Early records list him as a farmer in the cotton industry, reflecting the agricultural lifestyle that shaped his youth. He completed the first year of high school, a level of education not commonly achieved in rural Black communities of his era.
Military Service – World War II
On July 16, 1942, Victor enlisted in the United States Army at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. His service number was 34342810.
He later appears in U.S. military hospital admission records as an enlisted man in the Air Force branch, admitted in April 1945 at the age of 39.
His diagnoses included:
- Chronic osteo-arthritis (hypertrophic degenerative)
- Perceptive deafness
- A third condition withheld by NARA
His health issues were classified as line-of-duty diseases, not traumatic injuries.
Victor was discharged for disability on October 8, 1945, from a General Hospital. His final recorded disability was total deafness in both ears, or deafness accompanied by partial blindness.
His length of service was approximately 2–3 years.
Faith and Community Service
Victor joined St. John Baptist Church at an early age and remained a dedicated member throughout his life. He served in several capacities, including:
- Group Captain
- Benevolent Treasurer
He was remembered for his faithful and dependable service to his church and the St. John community.
Later Years and Death
Victor Scanlan passed away on March 3, 1976, at the Veterans’ Hospital in Jackson, Mississippi, where he had been a patient for 21 days. His passing marked the loss of a devoted brother, veteran, and community servant.
He leaves behind:
- Sisters: Olivia Scanlan, Rosie Scanlan, and Blanche Scanlan
- Brother: Spurgeon Scanlan of Pasadena, California
- A niece and nephew
- Several great-nieces, great-nephews, and other relatives
His funeral was held at St. John Baptist Church on Sunday, March 7, 1976, at 2 p.m., with Rev. J. T. Evans, pastor, officiating. Mrs. Ola D. Walker and the senior choir contributed to the service.
Victor was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery, with Mapp Funeral Home directing.
Legacy
Victor Scanlan’s life reflects the perseverance of a man shaped by rural labor, strengthened through military service, and deeply committed to his church and family. His service during World War II—despite the disabilities he carried afterward—stands as a testament to his courage and resilience. His memory lives on among the Scanlan family descendants of Newton County.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- U.S., Department of Veterans Affairs BIRLS Death File, 1850-2010
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- The Newton Record, Victor Scanlan Obituary, Wed, Mar 24, 1976 ·Page 7
- U.S., World War II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
- U.S., World War II Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947
- U.S., World War II Hospital Admission Card Files, 1942-1954
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