WWI Soldier’s Pocket-sized New Testament with Picture of Family, Newspaper clipping, and Pressed Leaf

This Pocket Testament is truly a special bit of history. Benneville B. Bower, whose inscription is on the inner leaf, was a WWI veteran. Inside this worn Bible is a carefully pressed leaf, a newspaper clipping nestled in 1 Peter, and a picture of a family, mementos he may have carried with him to war. I believe the picture is of Benneville Bower, his brother, John, two sisters (Susie and Mary Ruth) and their parents, Henry Bower and Mary Belle (Miller) Bower.

New Testament is approximately 4” x 2.75”
Printed by Thomas Nelson & Sons
Cover has separated and has been taped in place (tape is old and is coming off)
Inscription inside Benneville B. Bower, Osage, Iowa, 1918
Approximately 4” x 2.75”
I will be posting more person effects of Mr. Bower's in the coming days, please search my shop for 'Bower' to find them.

Newspaper article clipping in the Bible:
Saves Soldier’s Life - The Pocket Testament League of England has done great service among the soldiers in France and on other battlefields. Whether these soldiers wear the Testaments over their hearts because of a superstitious belief that they will protect them, is not known; but, as a matter of fact, thousands do this. At least one soldier in France will always have reason to be thankful that he wore his Testament over his heart. The illustration shows how two machine gun bullets struck this soldier’s Testament and shattered it. One of the bullets remained in the Testament while the other pierced his ribs, but did not seriously wound him by its penetration.
On the back is a story asking the public to save Fruit Stones to help with the war effort.

Provenance:
https://www.iagenweb.org/boards/mitchell/obituaries/index.cgi?read=315315
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/63397730/benneville_b-bower

Most items in my shop are vintage and are not brand new and come from estate sales. The items may show minor age-related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture (please be sure to check photos carefully as they are part of the description). I do my best to describe any imperfections. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to ask!

ETSY charges individual packages usually on shipping. If you want more than 1 item, I will refund overpaid postage when shipped. Thank you for looking.