James Henry LeBallister

James Henry LeBallister was also known as James Henry LaBallister. He was born on Tuesday, 15 November 1887 at Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. He appeared in the household of John George LaBallister on the census of 24 April 1891 at Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. He was recorded as: LaBallister, James, male, 5, son, born Ontario, father born Ontario, mother born England, Methodist, able to read and write. He appeared in the household of John George LaBallister on the census of April 1901 at Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. He was listed as: Bannester, James, male, white, son, single, born Oct 10 1887 in Ontario, age 14, of English origin, Canadian, Latter Day Saint, employed as a messenger boy, worked for 8 months, earned $100, able to read, write and speak English. He witnessed the marriage of Alfred George Smith and Elizabeth Maria LaBallister, Monday, 25 November 1907. James and Annie Luella De Shane, daughter of Joseph De Shane and Martha Jobe, were married by Reverend L. W. Hill on Thursday, 17 December 1908 at Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. He was 22, bachelor, caretaker at University, Methodist, living in Toronto. She was 21, spinster, Methodist, living in Toronto. Eva L. Hill and Margaret M. Hill witnessed the marriage. He appeared in the household of John George LaBallister on the census of 2 June 1911 at 213 Major, Toronto, York Co., Ontario, Canada. He was recorded as: Laballister, James, male, son, married, born September 1887 in Ontario, age 23, of English origin, Canadian, Latter Day Saint, house painter, worked for 40 weeks, 45 hours per week, earned $700, no insurance, able to read, write and speak English.

James Henry LeBallister began military service on 1 September 1915 at Barriefield, Kingston, Ontario, Canada, when he signed his attestation paper under the alias of JOHN ROSS and became regimental #455567 with the 59'th Battalion. He listed his next of kin as John Ross, father, 190 Major Ave., Toronto, occupation farmer, birthday October 15, 1887. He was deemed fit to serve and was described as being 5' 9" tall, fair complexion, blue eyes and light brown hair, Church of England, no distinguishing marks.

Circa February 29, 1916, he was charged with non-support of his wife since May 1912. The case was to be remanded until March 3, and his battalion in Kingston was to be communicated with. Perhaps this is why he enlisted under an alias, to avoid paying the support. An image of the newspaper article can be found here. James died on Sunday, 17 September 1916 in a trench near the Sugar Refinery, Courcelette, France, at age 28 years, 10 months and 2 days, a Casualty of WW 1. The burial register states: "Killed in Action." While in a trench near the Sugar Refinery, Courcelette, he was instantly killed by the explosion of an emeny shell. He was buried at an Unknown Grave Site, Vimy, France. His name appears on the Vimy Memorial. He is commemorated in the First World War Books of Rememberance. An image of the book entry can be found on this page. These are his death notices. He was a Caretaker at the University of Toronto. He was Methodist.