Regimental Number: 78389
Rank: Private
Branch: Northumberland Fusiliers
James was born in Newcastle-on-Tyne, England on November 29, 1893. At the age of twelve he began working in the coal mines. James joined the Northumberland Fusiliers on April 25, 1918. He was wounded in France near the end of the war and sent home. James immigrated to Canada in 1919 and settled in Carbon, Alberta where he continued to work as a coal miner. While living here, James met Annie Cox and the couple was married on April 9, 1923. In 1926, James filed on a homestead at SE16-70-10-W6. His wife and their children joined him the following spring. Because he lacked farming experience, James did not prove up and the family returned to Carbon in 1930. He was gassed in the mine and was unable to continue his work there, so the Elsenders moved back to the homestead in 1934. This time James was serious in his attempt to learn farming; he and Annie remained on the farm until 1951, at which time they moved to Grande Prairie. James died in Grande Prairie in September of 1983 at the age of 89.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 400