"The LaFayette Sun" - January 6, 1926:

In Memory of James C. Lett.

James Cunningham Lett, 41, died in Chicago December 21, after an illness of almost five months.
He left his home in Miami, Fla., August 8, to enter the Battle Creek, Mich., where he remained for two months during which time he underwent two operations. From Battle Creek he went to Chicago, underwent two operations and died December 21, 1925.
The deceased was born November 15, 1884; he was the son of Thomas J. and Louise B. Lett. He was married to Miss Ella V. Erickson, of Sidney, Nebraska, on December 23, 1914. In 1916 they moved to Miami, Fla., where they lived at the time of his death.
He was a very devoted husband and father; kind and affectionate to his sisters and brother; always thought of his mother and father during their lifetime. He was a thirty-second degree Mason and Shriner, also a very active member of the White Temple Methodist Episcopal Church in Miami.
As one of the pioneer developers of the Buena Vista business section he was chiefly responsible for the incorporation of the community as a town; was president of the first city council, and later served as mayor. He was also a chief factor in the promotion and establishment of the Bank of Buena Vista. Through his efforts the charter was obtained for the Exchange Investment Co., a real estate and building company, of which he was president at the time of his death.
His life was most unselfish; his character spotless. He derived great pleasure from helping his fellow man. Many a tear was shed by his great host of friends in Miami, who had learned to know him and to love him - this man among men. Miami has lost one of its greatest promoters and most loyal friends in the death of James C. Lett.
Thousands of inquiries have been made about him since he left us in Miami on August 8, but little did we know that he would never return to us.
During his illness he believed and trusted in the Lord to completely heal him of his affliction, and even unto his last day he believed that the God who has been so good and merciful to us all would heal him, but God knows best. Several times before his death he expressed himself as believing that his affliction was a great blessing to him, drawing him closer to God.
The very best of attention was given him during his illness, his wife being with him day and night until the end; also, the very best of medical attention was rendered.
He seemed to rest very easy even unto the last minute, without intense pain or suffering. Even though he had to leave us, God was so merciful to him.
His one ideal can best be said of him now; He was a gentleman, a Christian and a man.
He is survived by his wife, Ella V. Lett, and little daughter, Marjorie; six sisters, Mrs. T. E. Hubert and Mrs. J. H. Coker, of Miami, Fla.; Mrs. I. S. Johnson, Camp Hill, Ala.; Mrs. F. M. Turnham, Chicago, Ill.; Mrs. W. A. Harmon, of White Plains, Ala.; Mrs. E. H. Johnson, Haynes, Ala., and one brother, J. H. Lett, Buffalo, Ala., besides a great host of friends and relatives who mourn his death.
The body was returned to the home of his brother, J. H. Lett, at Buffalo, Ala., and interment was made in Macedonia Cemetery December 25th with Masonic ceremony. Funeral services were conducted by Revs. Johnson and Rucker.

A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is still;
A place is vacant in our midst,
Which never can be filled.

God in His mercy has recalled,
The boon his love has given;
And though the body slumbers here,
His soul is safe in Heaven.

One who loved him,

- A Nephew.
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Illinois Deaths Record:

Name: James Cunningham Lett
Birth Date: November 15, 1884
Birth Place: LaFayette, Alabama
Death Date: December 21, 1925
Death Place: Chicago, Cook, Illinois
Burial Date: December 24, 1925
Burial Place: Opelika, Alabama
Death Age: 41
Occupation: Tinsmith
Race: White
Marital Status: Married
Gender: Male
Street address: 300 W 74th St
Father Name: Thomas J. Lett
Mother Name: Louisa B. Abernathy
Mother Birth Place: Alabama
Spouse Name: Ella V. Lett
FHL Film Number: 1877728
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1900 Chambers Count, (Trammell X-Roads) AL Census:

#H83

Thomas Lett 52M Farmer Born Oct. 1847 in AL
Luisa B. Lett 50F Wife Born Jan. 1850 in AL (Married 32 years. Mother of 10 children; 8 living)
Luella Lett 19F Daughter Born Nov. 1880 in AL
JAMES C. LETT 15M Son At School Born Nov. 1884 in AL
Ida Lett 11F Daughter At School Born Dec. 1888 in AL
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1920 Dade County, (Miami-Cordova St.) FL Census:

#H310

James C. Lett 35M Coppersmith-Railroad Shop Born AL
Ella Lett 27F Wife Born IL (Both parents Born Sweden)
Marjorie Lett 1 6/12F Daughter Born CO
Thomas J. Lett 73M Father Born AL
J. C. Lett 18M Nephew Coppersmith-Railroad Shop Born AL
Mabel V. Erickson 30F Sister-in-law Born NE
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WWI Draft Registration Card describes his physical traits as Tall, Medium Build, Grey Eyes and Dark Hair.
His address was 132 Jones St. West, Savannah, GA.
Dated September 12, 1918.
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