Person:James Lee (77)

James Francis Lee was born to James and Catherine (Toland) Lee on Aug. 20, 1889 in Philadelphia. All four of his grandparents were born in Ireland, each having immigrated to Philadelphia separately during the Famine.

In the 1900 census, the Lees were living with James' mother's family, the Tolands, at 2034 Gerritt St.. In the 1910 census, he was living with his mother and siblings at 1516 S. Taylor St.. James was just 15 in 1904 when his father died after an accidental fall.

James served in the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1910-1913 and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. At the time of his enlistment, he gave his occupation as "shoemaker." When he filled out his draft registration in 1917, he was a "shoe worker" at Buck & Co.. His National Guard enlistment record shows him as being five-foot-seven and a half with blue eyes, dark hair and a dark complexion. His WWI registration card describes him as tall and slender with dark hair and blue eyes.

The United States entered World War I in April of 1917. James received his draft notice a few months later and was ordered to report for a physical examination on August 20, his 28th birthday. However by September 5 he had fallen ill with meningitis. He passed away a month and a half later, leaving behind a two-year-old daughter, a one-year-old son and a wife who was three months pregnant.

Family legend held that James had died at a military reservation in Lebanon County, PA called Fort Indiantown Gap. Fort Indiantown Gap did not exist during World War I, but it replaced a National Guard camp at nearby Mount Gretna. It's possible that James was sent to Mount Gretna after being drafted and fell ill there, but his death certificate clearly shows that he died at home in Philadelphia.

James is buried at Old Cathedral Cemetery alongside his parents, maternal grandparents and other relatives.