When James Perry Ellis was born in Texas on February 15, 1893, their father, Rufus, was 33 and their mother, Sarah, was 35. He had six siblings. Upon his entrance into the service of the United States, as a volunteer on February 20, 1917, Private Ellis was assigned to Company E, 28th Infantry, 1st Division, and received training at Camp Travis, San Antonio, Texas. He was sent overseas on June 10, 1917, on the first of the transports carrying troops to France. From the time of arrival until May of the year following the 1st Division was held behind the lines in training. On May 28th, a detachment of troops, among them Private Ellis, reinforced by French Artillery, attacked the enemy on a 2,200 yard front. After inflicting heavy losses on the enemy and capturing about 200 prisoners, Cantigny was occupied. Private Ellis died on the field of battle, fighting valiantly for the principles for which his country stood. He is now buried in Oak Branch Cemetery, Waxahachie, Ellis County, Texas, USA.

Source of information: www.findagrave.com, http://www.jacklummus.com/Files/Files_D/EllisJP.htm