Private James Alexander Granton

James Alexander Granton was born in Paris on January 31, 1879, the son of Patrick Granton from Ireland and Janet Stewart from Scotland, in a family of six that was raised in the Junction at 22 Franklin Street, Paris.

He was a member of the volunteer fire brigade at the Junction. The local newspaper reported that in May of 1910, he went to Sturgeon Falls to act as fire ranger for the summer.

On October 18, 1915, James enlisted in the Canadian army in Brantford at the age of 32 yr and 6 mo. He stated that his date of birth was March 20, 1893, presumably because he did not want to be refused due to his age. His occupation at the time was a laborer. His unit was the Depot Regiment, Canadian Mounted Rifles. He sailed to England on May 20, 2016 on the S.S. Empress of Brittain and arrived in England on May 30. His service was only in England. He did not go the continent.

On February 11, 1917, James was admitted to Moore Barracks Canadian Hospital, Shorncliffe, with influenza. His unit was Fort Garry Horse Machine Gun Base. The hospital discharged him on March 17 to return to duty. He was discharged later in 1917 and returned home in August, sailing from Liverpool, England, in a "party of medically unfits” on the S.S. Carmania. On one form, after being found unfit, his birthday was noted to be March 15, 1879.

On November 5, 1918 he had a medical exam in Toronto at Davisville Military Hospital, which stated that he had chronic fibrositis with weakness and loss of function of joints which would continue indefinitely. He had received treatment, massage and medication. The recommendation was made that, because of his age and general condition, he should receive his discharge, being medically unfit for general service. He was discharged November 16, 1918.

He married Florence (Flossie) Beatrice Wilson of Paris in 1923 at the age of 40. His marriage registration says he was a painter. In 1934, James Granton purchased the house built in 1888 at 33 Dumfries Street for $800.

For 47 years, he was the property custodian of Sacred Heart Church, Sacred Heart School, and the Sisters of St. Joseph Convent and Sacred Heart Cemetery. He had to get up early to get the coal fired furnace started at the church for 7:00 Mass six days a week and then cross the road to do the same for the school. Fortunately, 33 Dumfries Street was situated close to church, school and convent. The cemetery would have been a hike, however. And all that grass to cut with a push mower.

Private James Granton died in 1968 and he is buried in Sacred Heart Cemetery with his wife.