(MILITARY WORLD WAR I) CLIPPER JESSE Inscribed and signed p

Sale 2342 - Lot 447

Unsold

Estimate: $ 1,000 - $ 1,500

THE FIRST AFRICAN-AMERICAN TO DIE IN WWI (MILITARY--WORLD WAR I.) CLIPPER, JESSE. Inscribed and signed portrait photograph of Jesse Clipper, the first African American to die in World War One * [together with] a portrait photograph of his sister, Della, similarly inscribed. Two 9 x 7 sepia prints, inscribed, signed and dated; slight wrinkle to the top of the portrait of Della. Boston, February 2, 1913

Set Alert for Similar Items

Additional Details

Not much is known about the background of this World War I hero. Jesse Clipper (ca 1897-1919) of Buffalo, New York, was president of the local musicians' union and apparently worked the early 20th century vaudeville circuit together with his sister Della, who is pictured here with what looks like an enormous 'Afro.' He was attached to the 317th Engineers when he was reported wounded at the front in France soon after. Hospitalized for several weeks, he then rejoined his company, but was almost immediately gassed, and returned to hospital. This time he was ordered home, but before he could embark, was returned to hospital where he passed in 1919. He is buried in Oise-Aisne.