The Homer Lea Research Center Photographic Archives

Homer Lea: American Soldier of Fortune

By Dr. Lawrence M. Kaplan

“An excellent biography of a largely forgotten but extraordinary man… His fascinating life is well told in this biography.”

― Edward M. Coffman, author of The War to End All Wars: The American Experience in World War I

When Homer Lea: American Soldier of Fortune was published, it was limited to twenty photographs. Theses images (click on each to open) are intended to provide greater context for the reader.

Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea, circa 1857. — HLRC-001. Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea, circa 1857. Source: No. 3338B, Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico, 200 North Lea Avenue, Roswell, New Mexico 88201.

Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea and first wife Lucinda’s grave — HLRC-002. Dr. Pleasant John Graves Lea and first wife Lucinda’s grave at the Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery, Jackson County, Missouri. Source: https://www.findagrave.com/ memorial/47091021/pleasent-john_graves-lea.

Alfred E. Lea, circa 1880. — HLRC-003. Alfred E. Lea, circa 1880. Source: History of Clear Creek and Boulder Valleys, Colorado, (Chicago: O. L. Baskin and Co., 1880), facing 343.

Hersa Coberly, circa 1865. — HLRC-004. Hersa Coberly, circa 1865. Source: James D. Lea Personal Papers.

Homer Lea, six months old, 1877. — HLRC-005. Homer Lea, six months old, 1877. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

Hersa C. Lea grave, Riverside Cemetery, Denver, Colorado. — HLRC-006. Hersa C. Lea grave, Riverside Cemetery, Denver, Colorado. Source: Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Boulder Central School (1885-1891). — HLRC-007. Boulder Central School (1885-1891). Source: Central School 1885-1891, No. 210-2-13, Carnegie Library for Local History/Museum of Boulder Collection.

Homer Lea, age 10, at the Boulder Central School,1886. — HLRC-008. Homer Lea, age 10, 1886 (front row, second from right), his first year at the Boulder Central School. Source: Central School Students, No. 210-2-18, Carnegie Library for Local History/Museum of Boulder Collection.

Homer Lea, age 11, 1887, at the Boulder Central School. — HLRC-009. Homer Lea, age 11, 1887 (front row, third from right), his second year at the Boulder Central School. Source: Central School Students, 1887, No. 210-2-21, Carnegie Library for Local History/Museum of Boulder Collection.

Homer Lea, age 12, 1888. — HLRC-010. Homer Lea, age 12, 1888. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

National Surgical Institute brochure, circa 1891. — HLRC-011. National Surgical Institute brochure, circa 1891. Source: The National Surgical Institute of Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.A. (Baker-Randolph Lithograph and Engraving Co., Indianapolis, undated, circa 1891), Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Emma Rice Wilson, circa 1890. — HLRC-012. Emma Rice Wilson, circa 1890. Source: Beebe photographers, Denver, Colorado, undated, Robert G. Wilson Personal Papers.

Homer Lea, age 16, 1892. — HLRC-013. Homer Lea, age 16, 1892. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

East Denver High School, circa 1890s. — HLRS-014. East Denver High School, circa 1890s. Source: Post Card. East Denver High School, The Colorado News Company, Denver, Col., No. C3121, undated, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea's maternal grandmother, Sarah C. Start, circa 1880s. — HLRC-015. Homer Lea’s maternal grandmother, Sarah C. Start, circa 1880s. Source: http://www.findagrave.com/ memorial/81020577/sarah-ann-start.

University of the Pacific, San Jose, California, circa 1890s. — HLRC-016. University of the Pacific, San Jose, California, circa 1890s. Source: Post Card. University of the Pacific, San Jose, Cal., E. von Bardeleben, New York, undated, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

South Bonnie Brae Street, Los Angeles, California, 1906. — HLRC-017. South Bonnie Brae Street, Los Angeles, California, 1906. Source: Post Card. S. Bonnie Brae and 9th St., Los Angeles, Cal., No. 45, R. H. Stocoum, Los Angeles, Calif., 1906, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Los Angeles High School, circa 1906. — HLRC-018. Los Angeles High School, circa 1906. Source: In and About Los Angeles (Los Angeles, California: E. P. Charlton & Co., 1906, 17).

Homer Lea, age 19. — HLRC-019. Homer Lea, age 19, President of the Los Angeles High School Lyceum, 1896. Source: The Lyceum, March 1896, 112.

Reverend Ng Poon Chew, 1899. — HLRC-020. Reverend Ng Poon Chew, 1899. Source: Bertha H. Smith, “Wa Mi San Po, Los Angeles’ Chinese Newspaper and Its Busy Editor,” Los Angeles Times, July 23, 1899, Magazine Section, 15.

Occidental College temporarily occupied the St. Vincent’s College campus in 1896. — HLRC-021. Occidental College temporarily occupied the St. Vincent’s College campus in 1896. Source: Post Card. Saint Vincent’s College, Los Angeles, Cal., Western Publishing and Novelty Co., Los Angeles, Cal., undated, circa 1900, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Central Square Park, Los Angeles, California, circa 1910. — HLRC-022. Central Square Park, Los Angeles, California, circa 1910. Source: Post Card. Central Park, Los Angeles, Cal., Western Pub. & Novelty Co., Los Angeles, Cal., undated, circa 1910, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea, age 20, became president of the newly established Pacific Lyceum League in December 1896 — HLRC-023. Homer Lea, age 20, became president of the newly established Pacific Lyceum League in December 1896. Source: The Lyceum, June 1897, 4.

Mayor Meredith P. Snyder, circa 1896-1898. — HLRC-024. Mayor Meredith P. Snyder, circa 1896-1898. Source: Meredith Pinxton Snyder, a portrait, N-004-312, Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection, 630 West 5th St., Los Angeles, California 90071.

Stanford University, circa 1904. — HLRC-025. Stanford University, circa 1904. Source: Stanford University, R. J. Waters & Co., 1904, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea's first residence at Stanford University, 1897-1898. — HLRC-026. Homer Lea’s first residence at Stanford University, 1897-1898, was at Block 15, the second house on the left of Ramona Street, off the corner of Hawthorne Avenue, Palo Alto, California. Source: Tobey’s Town Map of Palo Alto, Santa Clara Co., Cal., enclosure in F. D. Hunt, Palo Alto and University Directory (Palo Alto, California: Stanford University Press, 1897).

Homer Lea's resided at Stanford University's male dormitory, Encina Hall, his second year, 1898-1899. — HLRC-027. Homer Lea’s resided at Stanford University’s male dormitory, Encina Hall, his second year, 1898-1899. Source: Post Card. Encina Hall, Stanford University, California, No. 862, Edw. W. Mitchell, undated, circa 1900, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Maclean Hospital, San Francisco, California, 1896. — HLRC-028. Maclean Hospital, San Francisco, California, 1896. Source: “Once a Mansion Now a Hospital,” The Call (San Francisco, California), November 18, 1896, 5.

Homer Lea's Stanford University transcript. — HLRC-029. Homer Lea’s Stanford University transcript. Source: Office of the Registrar, Stanford University, Stanford California, 94305.

The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. — HLRS-030. The Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. Source: Rubiyat of Omar Khyyam (Boston, Mass.: 1878).

Westlake Park, Los Angeles, California, circa 1908. — HLRC-031. Westlake Park, Los Angeles, California, circa 1908. Source: Post Card. Midwinter Scene at West Lake Park, Los Angeles, Cal., No. 5113, Newman Post card Co., Los Angeles, Cal., undated, postmarked 1908, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Los Angeles map, 1909. — HLRC-032. Los Angeles map, 1909. Source: Karl Baedeker, The United States With Excursions to Mexico, Cuba, Porto Rico, and Alaska (New York, New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 1909), 532-533.

Hersa L. Lea, 1900. — HLRC-033. Hersa L. Lea, as Los Angels high school senior class vice president, 1900. Source: Blue and White (Los Angeles High School yearbook), Los Angeles, California, 1900.

Ermal Lea, 1903. — HLRC-034. Ermal Lea, 1903. Source: HLRC-033. Ermal Lea, 1903. Source: Blue and Gold (Los Angeles, California: University of California, 1903).

China map, 1899. — HLRC-035. China map, 1899. Source: The Historical Atlas (New York: R. H. Macy & Co., 1899), 92.

Emperor Kwang-hsu, circa 1900. — HLRC-036. Emperor Kwang-hsu, circa 1900. Source: “Emperor of China Claimed by Death,” Washington Times, November 13, 1908, 1.

Dowager Empress T’si Hsu, 1903. — HLRC-037. Dowager Empress T’si Hsu, 1903. Source: J. O. P. Bland and E. Backhouse, China Under the Empress Dowager (Philadelphia, Penn.: J. B. Lippincott Co., 1910), frontispiece.

K’ang Yu-wei, circa 1898. — HLRC-038. K’ang Yu-wei, circa 1898. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

Dr. T’an Shu-pin, also known as Tom She Bin, 1905. — HLRC-039. Dr. T’an Shu-pin, also known as Tom She Bin, 1905. Source: “Powerful Reform Movement to Awaken China to Its Strength and Commercial Possibilities, Is Spreading Over the Entire World,” Philadelphia Inquirer, January 15, 1905, 3.

San Francisco Chinatown, circa 1900. — HLRC-040. San Francisco Chinatown, circa 1900. Source: Post Card. View in Chinatown, San Francisco, California, S.F.-76, Pacific Novelty Co., San Francisco & Los Angeles, undated.

Palace Hotel, San Francisco, circa 1905. — HLRC-041. Palace Hotel, San Francisco, circa 1905. Source: Post Card. Palace Hotel, San Francisco, No. 147, Chas. Weidner, San Francisco, Cal., undated, postmarked 1908.

Homer Lea makes headlines, April 22, 1900. — HLRC-042. Homer Lea headlines, April 22, 1900. Source: “Young Californian is Plotting to Become Commander-in-Chief of Rebel Chinese Forces,” The Call (San Francisco, California), Magazine Section, April 22, 1900, 1.

Homer Lea, April 22, 1900. — HLRC-043. Homer Lea, April 22, 1900. Source: “Young Californian is Plotting to Become Commander-in-Chief of Rebel Chinese Forces,” The Call (San Francisco, California), Magazine Section, April 22, 1900, 1.

Homer Lea's letter of introduction to Kang Yu Wei. — HLRC-044. Homer Lea’s letter of introduction to Kang Yu Wei. Source: “Young Californian is Plotting to Become Commander-in-Chief of Rebel Chinese Forces,” The Call (San Francisco, California), Magazine Section, April 22, 1900, 1.

Translation of Homer Lea's letter of introduction to Kang Yu Wei. — HLRC-045. Translation of Homer Lea’s letter of introduction to Kang Yu Wei. Source: “Young Californian is Plotting to Become Commander-in-Chief of Rebel Chinese Forces,” The Call (San Francisco, California), Magazine Section, April 22, 1900, 1.

Ho Yow, Chinese Consul General at San Francisco, letter to the San Francisco Call. — HLRC-046. Ho Yow, Chinese Consul General at San Francisco, letter to the San Francisco Call. Source: “Young Californian is Plotting to Become Commander-in-Chief of Rebel Chinese Forces,” The Call (San Francisco, California), Magazine Section, April 22, 1900, 1.

Ho Yow, Chinese Consul General at San Francisco, 1902. — HLRC-047. Ho Yow, Chinese Consul General at San Francisco, 1902. Source: “Ho Yow Says Story of Removal is False,” The Call (San Francisco, California), July 15, 1902, 5

Homer Lea stayed at the Grand Hotel at Yokohama, Japan, in July 1900. — HLRC-048. Homer Lea stayed at the Grand Hotel at Yokohama, Japan, in July 1900. Source: Post Card. Grand Hotel at Yokohama, circa 1900, undated, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea in Japan, July 1900. — HLRC-049. Homer Lea ran into Stanford University president Dr. David Starr Jordan in Nagasaki, Japan. Source: Post Card. Nagasaki, Japan, July 16, 1900, James D. Lea Personal Papers.

Dr. David Starr Jordan, circa 1902 — HLRC-050. Stanford University president Dr. David Starr Jordan, circa 1902. Source: “A Record of Achievement,” Out West, February 1902, 217.

Homer Lea, circa 1900. — HLRC-051. Homer Lea, circa 1900. Source: Folder B, 68026-9.23, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Baron Yamagata Aritomo, circa 1904. — HLRC-052. Baron Yamagata Aritomo, circa 1904. Source: Richard Linthicum and Trumbull White, War Between Japan and Russia (Copyright 1904 by W. R. Vansant), 116.

Count Okuma Shigenobu, circa 1904. — HLRC-053. Count Okuma Shigenobu, circa 1904. Source: The Russo-Japanese War Fully Illustrated (Tokyo: Kinkado Co., July 1904) III, 347.

Marquis Ito Hirobumi, circa 1904. — HLRC-054. Marquis Ito Hirobumi, circa 1904. Source: Richard Linthicum and Trumbull White, War Between Japan and Russia (Copyright 1904 by W. R. Vansant), 116.

Homer Lea makes headlines, April 21, 1901. — HLRC-055. Homer Lea makes headlines, April 21, 1901. Source: Homer Lea, “How I was Made a General in the Chinese Army,” The Call (San Francisco, California), Magazine Section, April 21, 1901, 1.

Liang Ch’i-ch’ao, circa 1903. — HLRC-056. Liang Ch’i-ch’ao, circa 1903. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

George W. West, circa 1912. — HLRC-057. George W. West, circa 1912. Source: “Two Killed in Fearful Fall,” Los Angeles Times, October 26, 1912, Part 2, 3.

Angelus Hotel, Los Angeles, California, circa 1907. — HLRC-058. The Angelus Hotel, Los Angeles, California, circa 1907. Source: Post Card. The Angelus Hotel, Los Angeles, Cal., No. 3566, Adolph Selige Publishing Co., St. Louis, undated, postmarked 1907, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

C. E. R. A. solid gold medal awarded to Homer Lea, January 2, 1904 — HLRC-059. C. E. R. A. solid gold medal awarded to Homer Lea, January 2, 1904 — translated inscription: “To Comrade General Lea, Loyalty & Honesty. The comrades of this association give this medal to General Lea.” Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

Homer Lea makes headlines, January 1904. — HLRC-060. Homer Lea makes headlines, January 1904. Source: “Homer Lea May Be Called to Lead Chinese Army to Defend Throne of Deposed Emperor,” Los Angeles Herald, January 30, 1904, 3.

C. E. R. A. military company organized in San Francisco, 1904. — HLRC-061. C. E. R. A. military company organized in San Francisco, 1904. Source: “Will the Great Chinese Revolution Begin in San Francisco?” San Francisco Chronicle, March 6, 1904, 4.

Dr. Tom Leung, 1907. — HLRC-062. Dr. Tom Leung, 1907. Source: “Net Drags in Rich Chinese,” Los Angeles Times, June 9, 1907, Part 2, 14.

C. E. R. A. Los Angeles headquarters, 1905. — HLRC-063. C. E. R. A. Los Angeles headquarters, 1905. Source: Los Angeles Times, September 29, 1905, Part 2, 1.

First Sergeant Ansel E. O’Banion, U. S. Army, circa 1902. — HLRC-064. First Sergeant Ansel E. O’Banion, U. S. Army, circa 1902. Source: U. S. Cavalry Museum, Building 247, Cameron Ave., Fort Riley, Kansas 66442.

O’Banion training C. I. A. cadets in Los Angeles, August 1904. — HLRC-065. O’Banion (in white shirt) training armed C. I. A. cadets in Los Angeles, August 1904. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

Allen Chung, circa 1904. — HLRC-066. Allen Chung, circa 1904. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

Headquarters First Brigade, C. I. A., General Orders No. 8, November 1, 1904. — HLRC-067. Headquarters First Brigade, C. I. A., General Orders No. 8, November 1, 1904. Source: Box 3, Chinese Imperial Army Folder, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Articles of Incorporation of the Western Military Academy, November 23, 1904. — HLRC-068. Articles of Incorporation of the Western Military Academy, November 23, 1904. Source: California State Archives, 1020 O Street, Sacramento, California, 94244.

Attorney John C. York (seen here in 1919). — HLRC-069. Attorney John C. York (seen here in 1919), Homer Lea’s high school friend, notarized documents establishing the Western Military Academy. Source: “Represents Men of Southern California,” Los Angeles Express, January 5, 1919, Part 8, 11.

Attorney Roger S. Page, 1906. — HLRC-070. Attorney Roger S. Page (seen here in 1906), Homer Lea’s high school friend, was a Trustee/Director of the Western Military Academy. Source: “To Man Los Angeles Ship of State,” Los Angeles Herald, December 9, 1906, 1.

Archibald C. Way,1904. — HLRC-071. Banker Archibald C. Way (seen here in 1904) was a Trustee/Director of the Western Military Academy. Source: “Favorite on the Court,” Los Angeles Express, June 11, 1904, 20.

Businessman G. G. Johnson, 1912. — HLRC-072. Businessman G. G. Johnson (seen here in 1912), a member of the chamber of commerce, was a Trustee/Director of the Western Military Academy. Source: “Business Men Are at Seaside Commerce Chamber Outing,” Los Angeles Express, September 28, 1912, 1.

Banker John Alton, 1905. — HLRC-073. Banker John Alton (seen here in 1905) was a Trustee/Director of the Western Military Academy. Source: “Local Knights of Columbus Plan for Great Conclave,” Los Angeles Herald, May 21, 1905, Part 2, 7.

Banker Newman Essick, 1911. — HLRC-074. Banker Newman Essick (seen here in 1911) was a Trustee/Director of the Western Military Academy. Source: ‘Investigating Needs at City Harbor,” Los Angeles Express, November 21, 1911, 1

Lieutenant General Homer Lea in uniform, 1904. — HLRC-075. Lieutenant General Homer Lea in uniform, 1904. Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch photo archives, 900 North Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63101.

Homer Lea in Chinese attire, 1904. — HLRC-076. Homer Lea in Chinese attire, 1904. Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch photo archives, 900 North Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri, 63101.

Los Angeles Western Military Academy armed cadets, December 1904. — HLRC-077. Los Angeles Western Military Academy armed cadets training at the stockade, a two-and-a-half acre lot near Chinatown on the corner of Apablasa and Juan streets, December 1904. Source: Folder C, No. 68026-9.23, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Secret Service Chief John E. Wilkie, 1907. — HLRC-078. Secret Service Chief John E. Wilkie, 1907. Source: Capt. John E. Wilkie, Secret Service, DN-0004715, March 1, 1907, Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark St., Chicago, Illinois, 60614.

O’Banion and C. I. A. armed cadets at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, January 1, 1905. — HLRC-079. O’Banion and armed C. I. A. cadets at the Tournament of Roses Parade, Pasadena, California, January 1, 1905. Source: Folder A, No. 68026.23, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Wong Kai Kah, 1903. — HLRC-080. Wong Kai Kah, 1903. Source: The Call (San Francisco, California), June 27, 1903, 6.

C. I. A. armed cadets in Portland, Oregon, 1905. — HLRC-081. C. I. A. armed cadets in Portland, Oregon, 1905. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

Unidentified St. Louis C. I. A. officer, 1905. — HLRC-082. Unidentified St. Louis C. I. A. officer, 1905. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

C. I. A. officers, 1905. — HLRC-083. C. I. A. officers, 1905, (left to right): Captain Ralph J. Faneuf, Captain Carleton W. Seely, Lieutenant E. J. Gibson, Lieutenant Thomas Minnick. Source: Royal Gallery, 206 Washington Street, San Francisco, Folder C, No. 68026-9.23, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Major George McVicker, 1903. — HLRC-084. Major George McVicker, 1903. Source: “Chinese Militia Company Organized by a Church,” New York Press, May 3, 1903, 7.

Brigadier General Frederick Funston, circa 1905. — HLRC-085. Brigadier General Frederick Funston, circa 1905. Source: General Fred Funston, circa 1905, LC-H25-5204-E, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20540.

Emperor Kwang-hsu medal, 1905. — HLRC-086. The medal portrayed the Emperor Kwang-hsu on the obverse and two crossed flags, one having the Chinese dragon, the other the reform flag of the empire, with its three stars, representing liberty, education and equality on the reverse. Beneath the flag were the Chinese words “Pao Huang Hui,” (Protect the Empire). A Chinese inscription around the border said Kwang-hsu, in his thirty-fourth year, presented the medal through Kang Yu Wei (1905). Source: “Order of Kwang Su For Rev. Mr. Poole,” Philadelphia Inquirer, July 13, 1905, 6.

General Richard A. Falkenberg and Captain Wong Kim, 1905. — HLRC-087. General Richard A. Falkenberg and Captain Wong Kim, 1905. Source: “Powerful Reform Movement to Awaken China to Its Strength and Commercial Possibilities, Is Spreading Over the Entire World,” Philadelphia Inquirer, January 15, 1905, 3.

Standard Rock Oil Company stock certificate, 1903. — HLRC-088. Falkenberg was president of the Standard Rock Oil Company. Source: Standard Rock Oil Company stock certificate, No. 239, February 11, 1903, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Fernand Parmentier, circa 1912. — HLRC-089. Fernand Parmentier, circa 1912. Source: Press Reference Library, Notables of the Southwest (Los Angeles, California: The Los Angeles Examiner, 1912), 286.

Edmond F. English, 1905. — HLRC-090. Edmond F. English, 1905. Source: “Ten Thousand Americans to Officer Chinese Army,” Albuquerque Evening Citizen, August 26, 1905, 1.

Albert B. Hotchkiss, 1905. — HLRC-091. Albert B. Hotchkiss, 1905. Source: “Pioneer of the Los Angeles Bar Dies Suddenly,” Los Angeles Herald, April 2, 1905, Part 2, 9.

Hotchkiss mansion. — HLRC-092. Hotchkiss mansion, 400 South Grand Avenue, Los Angeles, California, 1888. Source: Leonard John Rose residence, No. 00061549, 1888, Los Angelus Public Library, Los Angeles, California.

Sinim Order of the Dragon certificate, 1905. — HLRC-093. Sinim Order of the Dragon certificate, 1905. Source: Photograph of Sinim Order of the Dragon certificate, undated, 1905, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Governor George C. Pardee, circa 1905. — HLRC-094. Governor George C. Pardee, circa 1905. Source: Dr. G. C. Pardee, LC-B2-1048-4, undated, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D.C. 20540.

Fresno C. I. A. officers, 1905. — HLRC-095. Behind Homer Lea (seated) are left to right — Ben O. Young, W. S. Scott, William D. Crichton and Curtis Neal, 1905. Source: “Fresnans Were Aides of Famed Prophet,” Fresno Bee, February 21, 1943, Magazine Section, 5.

Homer Lea in Fresno, 1905. — HLRC-096. Homer Lea in Fresno, 1905. Source: “Chinese Talks of Homer Lea and His New Book,” Fresno Morning Republican, May 31, 1908, 4.

Fresno C. I. A. investigation. — HLRC-097. Fresno C. I. A. investigation. Source: “Unlawful Militia,” Fresno Morning Republican, April 21, 1905, 10.

Dr. Chester Rowell, 1902. — HLRC-098. Dr. Chester Rowell, 1902. Source: “Barrett Not to be Minister to Japan,” The Call (San Francisco, California), December 13, 1902, 2.

Homer Lea in St. Louis, May 1905. — HLRC-099. Homer Lea in St. Louis, May 1905. Source: “American Hopes to Be the Lafayette of China; Leads Army,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, May 19, 1905, 1.

C. I. A. cadets in St. Louis, May 1905. — HLRC-100. C. I. A. cadets in St. Louis, May 1905. Source: “St. Louis Chinese Soldiers Drill, With the Precision of West Point Cadets, in Reform Cause of Their Emperor,” St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 20, 1905, 12.

Homer Lea and Kang Yu Wei arrival in Chicago, May 1905. — HLRC-101. Homer Lea and Kang Yu Wei arrival in Chicago, May 1905. Source: “Three Chinese Commissioners Riding in a Carriage, ” Chicago Daily News, DN-0003559, Chicago History Museum, 1601 North Clark St., Chicago, Illinois, 60614.

Harrison Gray Otis, 1898. — HLRC-102. Los Angeles Times publisher Harrison Gray Otis, seen here as a brigadier general of volunteers in the Spanish-American War, wrote Homer Lea a letter of introduction to President Theodore Roosevelt. Source: “Portrait of Harrison Gray Otis,” by Marceau, No. 10052635a.tiff, University of California, Berkeley, Bancroft Library, Berkeley, California 94704.

President Theodore Roosevelt's appointment book, June 15, 1905. — HLRC-103. President Theodore Roosevelt’s appointment book, June 15, 1905. Source: Theodore Roosevelt Papers, Desk Diaries, Series 9 [Appointment Book], Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Ave SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Unwanted publicity for Lea and the C.E.R.A., June 25, 1905. — HLRC-104. Unwanted publicity for Lea and the C. E. R. A., June 25, 1905. Source: “15,000 Armed Chinese in the United States Preparing on American Soil for War of Conquest,” Los Angeles Herald, June 25, 1905, 1.

C. I. A. military escort welcomes Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea to Philadelphia, June 1905. — HLRC-105. C. I. A. military escort welcomes Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea to Philadelphia, June 1905. Source: “Man Who Wants to Reform China Given a Warm Welcome,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 25, 1905, 2.

Homer Lea's arrival in Philadelphia, June 1905. — HLRC-106. Homer Lea’s arrival in Philadelphia, June 1905. Source: “American May Lead Chinese,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 25, 1905, 2.

Armed C. I. A. military escort of Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea in Philadelphia, June 1905. — HLRC-107. Armed C. I. A. military escort of Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea in Philadelphia, June 1905. Source: “Man Who Wants to Reform China Given a Warm Welcome,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 25, 1905, 2.

Kang Yu Wei and Chou Kuo-hsien arrival in Philadelphia, June 1905. — HLRC-108. Kang Yu Wei and Chou Kuo-hsien arrival in Philadelphia, June 1905. Source: “Man Who Wants to Reform China Given a Warm Welcome,” Philadelphia Inquirer, June 25, 1905, 2.

Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea arrival in New York City, June 1905. — HLRC-109. Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea arrival in New York City, June 1905. Source: “Great Chinese Reformer Visits United States,” Albuquerque Morning Journal, July, 4, 1905, 2.

Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea arrival in New York City, June 1905. — HLRC-110. New York City C. I. A. cadets carry flags instead of guns at Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea arrival. Source: “Head of Chinese Reform Movement and Party on Their Arrival in New York,” Albuquerque Morning Journal, July, 4, 1905, 2.

Joseph M. Singleton, also known as Chew Mon Sing, circa 1904. — HLRC-111. Joseph M. Singleton, also known as Chew Mon Sing, circa 1904. Source: Frederick Boyd Stevenson, “The Bloodless Revolution of China,” Pearson’s Magazine, December 1904, 604.

C. E. R. A. headquarters (above the Port Arthur restaurant), Mott Street, New York City, circa 1905. — HLRC-112. C. E. R. A. headquarters (above the Port Arthur restaurant), 7 & 9 Mott Street, New York City, circa 1905. Source: Mott Street, New York, New York, LC-D4-18616, undated, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Waldorf Astoria Hotel, New York City, circa 1900. — HLRC-113. Kang Yu Wei and Homer Lea’s party stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Manhattan, June 1905. Source: Waldorf-Astoria, New York, circa 1900, LC-D4-12526, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

William McAdoo, 1905. — HLRC-114. William McAdoo, 1905. Source: “Men Who Figure in Today’s News,” New York Tribune, January 14, 1905, 1.

Intended C. I. A. school at Carlsbad (depicted in 1949). — HLRC-115. Carlsbad residence (depicted here in 1949) where Homer Lea planned to establish a new C. I. A. training academy in 1905. Source: Wadsworth House, half of “Twin Inns,” 1949, HP0297.001, Carlsbad History Room, Carlsbad City Library, Carlsbad, Cal., 1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad, Cal., 92001.

Homer Lea headlines, 1905. — HLRC-116. Homer Lea headlines, 1905. Source: “Homer Lea Loses His Peacock Feather, San Francisco Chronicle, December 30, 1905, 14.

C. I. A. cadets in Chicago, 1906. — HLRC-117. C. I. A. cadets in Chicago, 1906. Source: “Chinese Under Military Drill,” Inter Ocean (Chicago, Illinois), February 18, 1906, 3.

Homer makes headlines, 1906. — HLRC-118. Homer makes headlines, 1906. Source: “Refuses to Fight a Duel,” Los Angelus Herald, July 2, 1906, 1.

Gentlemen’s Grill, Hotel Alexandria, Los Angeles, circa 1910. — HLRC-119. Gentlemen’s Grill, Hotel Alexandria, Los Angeles, circa 1910. Source: Post Card. Gentlemen’s Grill, Hotel Alexandria, Los Angeles, Neuner Company, Los Angeles, undated, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea, playwright, 1907. — HLRC-120. Homer Lea, playwright, 1907. Source: “Music and the Stage,” Los Angeles Times, September 18, 1907, Part 2, 5.

Oliver Morosco, circa 1912. — HLRC-121. Oliver Morosco, circa 1912. Press Reference Library, Notables of the Southwest (Los Angeles, California: The Los Angeles Examiner, 1912), 216.

Robert J. Belford, circa 1910. — HLRC-122. Robert J. Belford, circa 1910. Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

The Vermilion Pencil, A Romance of China (1908). — HLRC-123. The Vermilion Pencil, A Romance of China (1908). Source: Homer Lea, The Vermilion Pencil, A Romance of China (New York, New York: McClure Co., 1908).

Homer Lea rented a cottage at Vista Del Mar in Long Beach in 1908. — HLRC-124. Homer Lea rented a cottage at Vista Del Mar in Long Beach in 1908. Source: Map Showing Operated Lines of Pacific Electric Railway, Pacific Electric Time Tables, July 1911.

Seven Oaks cabin resort, circa 1908. — HLRC-125. Seven Oaks cabin resort, circa 1908. Source: Post Card. “General View of Seven Oaks,” Neuner Company, Los Angeles, undated, postmarked 1908, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Charles B. Boothe, 1909. — HLRC-126. Charles B. Boothe, 1909. Source: Charles Amadon Moody, ed., “Makers of Los Angeles,” Out West: A Magazine of the Old Pacific and New, April 1909, 322.

Yung Wing, 1909. — HLRC-127. Yung Wing, 1909. Source: Yung Wing, My Life in China and America (New York, New York: Henry Holt & Co., 1909), frontispiece.

Lieutenant General Adna R. Chaffee, 1903. — HLRC-128. Adna R. Chaffee as a lieutenant general and the U. S. Army Chief of Staff, 1903. Source: General Adna R. Chaffee, October 28, 1903, LC-USZ62-128646, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Joseph P. Story as a colonel, circa 1904. — HLRC-129. Joseph P. Story as a colonel, circa 1904. Source: Major Robert Arthur, The Coast Artillery School, 1824-1927 (Fort Monroe, Virginia: Coast Artillery School Press, 1927), 48.

"The Valor of Ignorance," September 18, 1909. — HLRC-130. “The Valor of Ignorance,” first appeared in Harper’s Weekly as a series on September 18, 1909. Source: Gen. Homer Lea, “The Valor of Ignorance, The Vulnerability of the United States to Invasion” Harper’s Weekly, September 18, 1909, 7, 27.

The Valor of Ignorance (1909). — HLRC-131. The Valor of Ignorance (1909). Source: Homer Lea, The Valor of Ignorance (New York, New York: Harper and Brothers, 1909).

Germany's Kaiser Wilhelm II praised The Valor of Ignorance. — HLRC-132. Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II praised The Valor of Ignorance. Source: “Kaiser Like’s Lea’s Book,” New York Times, August 20, 1911, 2.

Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1907. — HLRC-133. Kaiser Wilhelm II, 1907. Source: Post Card. No. 1564, Verlag von Gustav Liersch & Co., Berlin S. W., 1907.

Japanese edition of The Valor of Ignorance, 1911. — HLRC-134. The Japanese edition of The Valor of Ignorance in 1911 was renamed The Future War Between Japan and America in Japanese. Source: Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

“The Crimson Spider” (1909). — HLRC-135. “The Crimson Spider” (1909). Source: Homer Lea, “The Crimson Spider,” Copyright Office, Drama Deposits, Class D (Drama Deposits), unpublished 1909, Registration No. D17497-17522, Shelf No. 20, 301, Reel No. 405, Manuscript Division, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Alfred E. and Emma W. Lea gravesite. — HLRC-136. Alfred E. Lea died on August 16, 1909. He and Emma W. Lea are buried at the Lee’s Summit Historical Cemetery, Missouri. Source: https://www.findagrave.com/ memorial/47090966/alfred-erskine-lea.

1910 Chalmers-Detroit 30. — HLRC-137. Homer Lea owned a 1910 Chalmers-Detroit 30 touring car. Source: Chalmers-Detroit advertisement, Brookings Register (Brookings County, South Dakota) February 10, 1910, 8.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen, 1911. — HLRC-138. Dr. Sun Yat-sen, 1911. Source: Folder D, 68026-9.23, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen stayed at the Hotel Virginia, Long Beach, California, in March 1910. — HLRC-139. Dr. Sun Yat-sen stayed at the Hotel Virginia, Long Beach, California, in March 1910. Source: Post Card. Hotel Virginia, Long Beach, Cal., Overlooking Ocean, Neuner Co. Los Angles, Cal., undated, postmarked 1912, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Dr. Sun Yat-sen stayed at the Hotel Lankershim in 1911. — HLRC-140. Dr. Sun Yat-sen stayed at the Hotel Lankershim, Los Angeles, California, in June 1911. Source: Hotel Lankershim, Los Angeles, Cal., No. 3418, M. Rieder, undated, postmarked 1906, Los Angeles, Cal.

Elihu Root, circa 1910. — HLRC-141. Senator Elihu Root, circa 1910. Source: Elihiu Root, cameo portrait, undated, LC-B725-12, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War, circa 1911. — HLRC-142. Henry L. Stimson, Secretary of War, circa 1911. Source: “Stimson, H. L. Honorable,” [between 1905 and 1945], Harris and Ewing photographers, LC-H25-20066-B, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Sir John George Tollemache Sinclair, circa 1880. — HLRC-143. Sir John George Tollemache Sinclair, circa 1880. Source: “Portraits and Personal Notes,” Illustrated London News, October 12, 1912, 532.

Field Marshal Lord Roberts, 1908. — HLRC-144. Field Marshal Lord Roberts, 1908. Source: Gen. Lord Roberts, in uniform, November 27, 1908, LC-B2-705-1, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Vice Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, circa 1911. — HLRC-145. Vice Admiral Lord Charles Beresford, circa 1911. Source: Charles Beresford, The Memoirs of Admiral Lord Charles Beresford (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1914) I, frontispiece.

Sir Arthur Trevor-Dawson, circa 1915. — HLRC-146. Sir Arthur Trevor-Dawson, circa 1915. Source: The Times History of the War (London: “The Times,” Printing House Square, 1915), IV, 83.

Lord George Curzon, 1914. — HLRC-147. Lord George Curzon, 1914. Source: “The Sphere” Portrait Gallery, No. XIII. — A Distinguished Statesman, The Sphere, August 1, 1914, 125.

Sir Edward Grey, circa 1912. — HLRC-148. Sir Edward Grey, circa 1912. Source: “Sir Edward Grey,” The Sketch, December 25, 1912, 358.

Savoy Hotel, London, England, circa 1907. — HLRC-149. Savoy Hotel, London, England, circa 1907. Source: Post Card. Hotels Cecil and Savoy, London, undated, postmarked 1907, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea in Shanghai, China, 1911. — HLRC-150. Homer Lea in Shanghai, China, 1911. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

Astor House Hotel, Shanghai, China, 1912. — HLRC-151. Astor House Hotel, Shanghai, China, 1912. Source: Post Card. Garden Bridge, Astor House, German Church, Shanghai, 1912, Kuhn & Komor, Curios, Shanghai, Palace Hotel, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Amos P. Wilder, 1909. — HLRC-152. Amos P. Wilder, 1909. Source: Amos P. Wilder, “China A Great Future Market,” Dunn’s Review, March 1909, 48.

William J. Calhoun, 1910. — HLRC-153. William J. Calhoun, 1910. Source: “The March of Events,” The World’s Work, February 1910, 12522.

Wu Ting Fang, 1912. — HLRC-154. Wu Ting Fang, 1912. Source: Edwin J. Dingle, China’s Revolution: 1911-1912 (Shanghai, China: The Commercial Press, 1912), facing 185.

General Yuan Shih Kai, circa 1903. — HLRC-155. General Yuan Shih Kai, circa 1903. Source: Arthur Judson Brown, The Chinese Revolution (New York, New York: Student Volunteer Movement, 1912), frontispiece.

Homer & Ethel Lea’s Nanking residence, 1911. — HLRC-156. Homer & Ethel Lea’s Nanking residence, 1911. Source: Scrapbook, No. 68026-8M.02, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

Bridge House Hotel, Nanking. 1912. — HLRC-157. Bridge House Hotel, Nanking, 1912. Source: Scrapbook, No. 68026-8M.02, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

S. S. Shinyo Maru, circa 1912. — HLRC-158. S. S. Shinyo Maru, circa 1912. Source: Post Card, S.S. Shinyo Maru, undated, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea's return to California, May 7, 1912. — HLRC-159. Homer Lea’s return to California, May 7, 1912. Source: “Gen. Homer Lea, Shadow of His Former Self, Arrives,” Los Angeles Herald, May 7, 1912, 18.

Ocean Park, California, 1907. — HLRC-160. Homer Lea convalesced at 135 Wadsworth Avenue, Ocean Park, California. Source: Post Card. Ocean Park. M. Rieder, Publ., Los Angeles, Cal. and Liepzig. 3251, undated, postmarked 1907, Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Homer Lea convalescing, Los Angeles, California, 1912. — HLRC-161. Homer Lea convalescing, Los Angeles, California, 1912. Source: Charles O. Kates Personal Papers.

The Day of the Saxon, 1912. — HLRC-162. The Day of the Saxon, 1912. Source: Homer Lea, The Day of the Saxon (New York, New York: Harper and Brothers, 1912).

The Day of Saxon German edition, 1917. — HLRC-163. The Day of Saxon German edition — Des Britischen Reiches Schicksalsstunde, Mahnwort eines Angelsachsen — translation — “The British Empire’s Fateful Hour,” 1917. Source: Homer Lea, Des Britischen Reiches Schicksalsstunde, Mahnwort eines Angelsachsen, translated by Graf. E. Reventlow (Berlin: Ernst Mittler and Sons, 1917).

The Day of Saxon Swiss edition, 1980. — HLRC-164. The Day of Saxon Swiss edition, 1980. Source: Homer Lea, Vergessene Weltpolitische Einsichten — translation — Forgotten World Political Insights (The Day of the Saxon), HeCHt-Verlag, F. Wagner, CH-8060 Zurich, 1980.

Homer Lea's death certificate. — HLRC-165. Homer Lea’s death certificate. Source: California, County Birth, Death Records, 1880-1994, Film No. 005587944, Death Certificates, 1911-1915, No. 629-649.

Homer Lea obituary, November 2, 1912. — HLRC-166. Homer Lea obituary, November 2, 1912. Source: Harry C. Carr, “Death Overpowers Odd World Figure,” Los Angeles Times, November 2, 1912, Part 2, 1.

Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, circa 1912. — HLRC-167. Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles, California, circa 1912. Source: Post Card. Entrance to Rosedale Cemetery, Los Angeles, Cal., undated, No. 4432, M. Rieder, Los Angeles, Cal., Lawrence M. Kaplan files.

Literary Notes, November 4, 1912. — HLRC-168. Literary Notes, November 4, 1912. Source: “Literary Notes,” Christian Science Monitor, November 4, 1912, 7.

Homer Lea's Chinese art treasures, 1913. — HLRC-169. Homer Lea’s Chinese art treasures, 1913. “Morgan’s Best Outclassed,” Los Angles Times, January 13, 1913, Part 2, 9.

Chinese delegation visits Ethel Lea, 1914. — HLRC-170. A Chinese delegation visits Ethel Lea (white dress), 1914. Source: Scrapbook, No. 68026-8M.02, Joshua B. Powers Papers, Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, 434 Galvez Mal, Stanford, California, 94305.

The Vermilion Pencil film, 1922. — HLRC-171. The Vermilion Pencil film, 1922. Source: Vermilion Pencil lobby card — https://upload.wikimedia.org/ wikipedia/commons/1/1c/ The_Vermilion_Pencil_1922_ lobbycard.jpeg.

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, 1945. — HLRC-172. General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, 1945. Source: Gen. Douglas MacArthur, August 24, 1945, LC-USZ62-21027, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Homer Lea's influence on General MacArthur. — HLRC-173. Homer Lea’s influence on General MacArthur. Source: Reports of General MacArthur: The Campaigns of MacArthur in the Pacific, Vol. 1, Prepared by His General Staff (Washington, D. C.: U. S. Government Printing Office, 1966), 3.

Clare Boothe Luce, circa 1940. — HLRC-174. Clare Boothe Luce, circa 1940. Source: Clare Boothe Luce, LC-USZ62-120549, 1940?, Library of Congress, 101 Independence Avenue SE, Washington, D. C. 20540.

Charles Laughton "Profit Without Honor" radio program, 1942. — HLRC-175. Charles Laughton “Profit Without Honor” radio program, 1942. Source: “Radio Today,” New York Times, August 31, 1942, 31.

Homer Lea screenplay, 1943. — HLRC-176. Homer Lea screenplay, 1943. Source: Hedda Hopper, “Screen and Stage,” Los Angeles Times, April 7, 1943, Part 1, 17.

Homer Lea film planned, 1955. — HLRC-177. Homer Lea film planned, 1955. Source: Thomas M. Pryor, “Homer Lea’s Life Planned as Film,” New York Times, August 26, 1955, 10.

Homer and Ethel Lea's ashes arrive in Taipei, Taiwan, April 18, 1969. — HLRC-178. Homer and Ethel Lea’s ashes arrive in Taipei, Taiwan, April 18, 1969. Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

Interment ceremony of Homer and Ethel Lea's ashes. — HLRC-179. Interment ceremony of Homer and Ethel Lea’s ashes at the Yangmingshan cemetery near Taipei, Taiwan, April 19, 1969. Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

Marching band at interment ceremony of Homer and Ethel Lea's ashes. — HLRC-180. Marching band at interment ceremony of Homer and Ethel Lea’s ashes at the Yangmingshan cemetery near Taipei, Taiwan, April 19, 1969. Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

Interment ceremony of Homer and Ethel Lea's ashes. — HLRC-181. Interment ceremony of Homer and Ethel Lea’s ashes at the Yangmingshan cemetery near Taipei, Taiwan, April 19, 1969. Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

Homer and Ethel Lea's ashes interred at the Yangmingshan cemetery. — HLRC-182. Homer and Ethel Lea’s ashes interred at the Yangmingshan cemetery near Taipei, Taiwan, April 19, 1969. Source: Powers family, South Royalton, Vermont.

President Chiang Kai Shek of the Republic of China and his wife meet Joshua B. Powers, April 1969. — HLRC-183. President Chiang Kai Shek of the Republic of China and his wife meet Joshua B. Powers, April 1969. Source: Lawrence M. Kaplan files.