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On April 6, 1917, the United States enters World War I. On that day, immediately after receiving the announcement that President Woodrow Wilson (1856-1924) has signed the declaration of war against Germany, Civil War veteran James Gillespie reports to the recruiting office at the armory in Seattle to "offer his services."

At the beginning of the Civil War, Gillespie joined a Maine regiment as a private. In July 1866, he mustered out with the rank of Captain. He then moved to the Pacific Northwest and lived in Washington, Alaska and British Columbia.

Sources: Seattle Post-Intelligencer April 7, 1917, p. 2.

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