James O'Neil Carey, 1897 - 1918

James O. Carey was born March 1897 in Ashland, the youngest child of John and Marey Carey. After finishing school he worked for the Webbing Co. in Ashland. When the United States entered World War I on April 6, 1917 James Carey decided to volunteer. He joined E Company, 6th Massachusetts Infantry of Framingham. From there he was sent to Camp Bartlett in Westfield and then to Connecticut to join the Mounted Scouts of the 102nd Infantry.

Before leaving this area, he married Miss Ruby Hodge of Southville.

Shortly after the birth of their child, his family received word from the War Dept. that James O'Neil Carey had been killed in action on April 20, 1918, less than a year after he enlisted. He was exactly 21 years and 1 month old when he died, the first Ashland boy to be killed in the "War to end all Wars."

The Ashland Legion Post 77 has taken his name and since its organization has been the James O. Carey Post.