Thursday 25 February 2010

Private Samuel James Kelly

Born on 28 June 1888 in Brockville, Ontario - husband of Ellen Kelly, Ottawa, Ontario - at the time of his enlistment in 1915: trade as railroader (brakeman); married; currently a member of the Canadian Engineers; no previous military service; Methodist; height of 5 feet 6.5 inches; chest of 36.5 inches fully expanded; dark complexion; blue eyes; light brown hair.

Joined the 38th Battalion, CEF, in Ottawa, Ontario, on 20 January 1915 (number 410326) - served with the 38th Battalion during its period of garrison duty in Bermuda - landed in France with the 38th Battalion on 13 August 1916 - struck off the strength of the 38th Battalion on 16 June 1919.

(sources: Library and Archives Canada (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca), online attestation papers; Canadian War Museum, 19740281-001, Manu 58F 2 3, 207th Canadian Infantry Battalion and 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Nominal Roll; The Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa Regimental Museum, A400-0007, Master Personnel List for the 38th Canadian Infantry Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force)

2 comments:

JoDee72 said...

Hi Ken - I'm Samuel Kelly's great-granddaughter. I hope you don't mind, but I would like to correct and add to your biography of him. His wife's name was Eleanor (nee Strickland), they married in 1910. After his service, he worked for Canadian Pacific Rail (retired 1951). He died on November 5, 1959 at the age of 73.
Thank you for the information you posted - I didn't know his birth date or the specifics of his service. It's interesting to read his physical description, as well!

Jody Ferguson
Ottawa

JoDee72 said...

Hi Ken - I'm Samuel Kelly's great-granddaughter. I hope you don't mind, but I would like to correct and add to your biography of him. His wife's name was Eleanor (nee Strickland), they married in 1910. They had three children - Gerald, Mary Jane (Mae), and Edna.
He worked for Canadian Pacific Rail (retired 1951). He died on November 5, 1959 at age 73.

Thank you for the information you posted - I didn't know his birth date or the specifics of his service. It was also really interesting to read his physical description!

Jody Ferguson
Ottawa