I have discovered some additional information about our grandfather McDonald. This will fill in some blanks but also raises more questions. Emery married Gracie on November 23, 1913.
On the 1915 Missouri census form he spells his surname McDanel. He states he can read and write. He made $500 in 1914 with an occupation of stock buyer (livestock, I presume).
He indicates no education (grammar, high school, nor college). There is something written in the “common” education spot. They lived in Centerville, Appanoose County, near Unionville.
On the 1918 Draft registration, he spells his name Emory McDannald and signs his name on the bottom of the form. He is married to Gracie. He has a medium height and a stout build (the heaviest build allowed on the form). His hair is black and his eyes are black (a very rare eye color).
It was mentioned that Bitsy was buying photos on Ancestry, but that is not how it works. Typically, photos are uploaded by members and either public, shared, or private. Bitsy made hers shared which is why I had to join to see them. I have many of hers to show in future posts. The attached photo of Emery when young was loaded by a member, perhaps related to one of our Aunts. Note the large ears. The photo of Emery’s brother, Nova, was from another member. Note the large ears. William Henry McDonald (photo attached) was Emery’s grandfather who fought in the Civil War (I’m curious which side).
I was surprised to discover the information on Emery’s 1942 Draft registration. His address was Lemons Missouri near Unionville and known as the location of an insane asylum. Don’t be shocked because that was where they warehoused people with all kinds of disorders including Epilepsy. Certainly a palsy or Parkinson’s could land a person there. It can’t have been pleasant for our grandfather at age 64. The form indicates he cannot sign his name, consistent with a palsy. The text states he was 5’ 7” and 140 pounds (not stout). He had grey hair and black eyes with a ruddy complexion.
My greatest surprise was to discover a photo of Emery uploaded by a grandson of Leota. It was taken at Leota’s home in Missouri and confirms my belief he was stricken with a type of palsy. This was the year of his death – 1944. I wish I could decipher the cause of his death. Apparently Emery was living in Unionville at that time and attended by Gracie, The doctor witnessed him alive and then dead. Gracie signed his death certificate. Emery was buried the following day, which is a curious detail.
