James T. Tate Journal, Photograph, and Service Ribbons

Collection

Identifier: MSS-4121

Scope and Contents

The collection contains the journal, photograph, and service ribbons of James T. Tate, a young sailor aboard the USS Alabama in the years preceding the United States' entry into World War I. The diary begins with several pages of Navy and patriotic songs and poems, as well as pencil and pen sketches of women. Following these is an autobiographical sketch of Tate's family, his early work life, and his days on the Alabama. In his description of Navy life, he merely records the ports of call and what he did on shore leave. Only once or twice does he mention any specific duties.

Dates

after 1918

Creator

Tate, James T. (Person)

Biographical / Historical

James T. Tate, the oldest of eleven children of Robert Dalton and Marry Connor Tate, was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on August 16, 1897. In the diary portion of the journal, Tate admits that he was "kind of a bad kid... always in trouble in fights with school chums." He enlisted in the Army at some point in the mid-1910s but deserted after two days. He then enlisted in the Navy on March 24, 1916, where he served aboard the USS Alabama, part of the Atlantic Reserve Fleet.

In the mid-1920s, Tate married Priscilla A. Brown; the couple had two children, Robert and Audrey. Tate also was step-father to Grover and Eva. He died on July 18, 1943, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at the age of 46.

Extent

0.1 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Overview

Journal, photograph, and service ribbons of a young sailor aboard the USS Alabama in the years preceding the United States' entry into World War I.

Provenance

purchased from Ben Katz, 2015

General

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