The First Soldier From Lowell Killed in Action in France - Pvt. James W. McClellan

The first soldier from Lowell killed during World War One was Pvt. James William McClellan who was mortally wounded on April 6, 1916 and died the next day. He was 22 years old.

He was the son of Andrew and Sarah (McCann) McClellan of 32 Rock Street, Lowell, MA. He was born in Lowell on April 12, 1894. In the 1910 Federal Census, at age 16 his occupation was listed as trimmer in a shoe shop. He had attended St. Patrick's Boys' Academy.

He left for Toronto and enlisted in the 36th Battalion of the Canadian Expeditionary Force on April 16, 1915. He first set sail for England. In the early part of February 1916 he was sent to France to fight. He received a fatal gunshot wound to the head on April 6, 1916 and died on April 7, 1916. His name is listed on the Doughboy memorial in the Acre.

 Courtsey of www.findagrave.com

He is buried in the Etaples Military Cemetery in Nord Pas-de-Calais, France. He was survived by his parents, brothers George and Joseph and sisters Sarah and Mrs. Mary Gibbons.

Please remember James McClellan who left home to never return again. We will not forget.