First Class Private William Lees, son of James S. Lees, of the rear of 504 Messenger Street, Seventh Ward, died yesterday morning at General Hospital No. 41, Fox Hills, Staten Island, N.Y., where he had been a patient for some time. William Lees was a brother of John Lees, of the 45th Infantry A.E.F., who died suddenly in France on November 28, 1918, after taking part in many of the most important drives after the Americans entered the World War. William Lees enlisted in the Signal Corps early in 1917 and was on his way to France when the armistice was signed. The boat on which he was a passenger had been to sea but two days and returned to New York shortly after the wireless message was received that the armistice had been signed. His enlistment expired last June, when he re-enlisted and was stationed at Camp Vail, New Jersey, until several months ago, when his health failed. His brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Lees of Moxham, left Johnstown last Saturday for Fox Hills and were with him when he died. The returned to Johnstown today. The body will follow tomorrow or Friday and will be taken to the Lees' residence in the seventh ward by Undertaker Pendry.
Williams Lees was born at Baker's Mines in August, 1899, the family coming to Johnstown six years ago. His mother, Mrs. Mary E. (Pattison) Lees died in Moxham in 1916. Besides his father, the deceased is survived by these brothers and sisters; James and Joseph Lees of 550 Central Avenue; Mrs. Mary Johncour, of 544 Cypress avenue; Mrs. Sarah Whitcomb of Seward; Mrs. Isabella Hildebrand, of the rear 504 Messenger Street; Samuel and Dixon Lees of 504 Messenger Street, and Robert Lees, of 550 Central avenue. William Lees was a member of the Moxham United Brethren Church, the All Aboard Sunday school class and also the All Aboard Band. He served as bugler at Camp Meade during his first enlistment as was serving in the same capacity at Camp Vail when be became ill. |
