Tozar, Arthur and Ruth

Arthur S. Tozar
Born 4-5-20
Parents: Alfred S. Tozar & Sarah Barrett Tozar

Ruth Strickland Tozar
Born 10-18-11
Parents: Russell A. Strickland & Claudia Victoria Joyner Strickland

Ruth Strickland Tozar was born and reared in Elm City, NC. She was educated at East Carolina University and Barton College. She taught in Elm City public schools for several years and later in Virginia.

In 1943, Ruth joined the WAC army corps. She was sent to Ft. Olgethorpe, GA for basic training and Hot Springs, AR for medical school. She was stationed at Moore General Hospital in Swannoe, NC. In 1946, she was transferred to Walter Reed General Hospital in Washington, DC.

It was here that she met Arthur S. Tozar from Mays Landing, NJ. Art was a member of The Big Red One Army, 16th Infantry division. He had been overseas and served in several battles. Art was presented two Bronze Stars and several plaques for services rendered. Art continued to keep in touch with the men of The Big Red One. He kept a file of over a thousand veterans and would send them cards or help in any way he could.

Art and Ruth were married on July 15, 1949. Art and Ruth had two sons, Russell and David, and were blessed with two fine grandsons. Art died March 4, 1997. Ruth has one wall in her home filled with pictures, plaques and trivia of a dedicated soldier... Art.

Ruth Strickland Tozar is the sister of Mrs. Dobbin Bailey. She and her family have always been frequent visitors to Kenly and Ruth's handcrafted gifts are treasures to her family. She has been a good museum supporter since its inception.