Today I conclude my basic biography of my great grandfather Joseph Bushrod White.
The 1940 census shows the family still living in San Patricio County. Joe was around 50 with Eulah at about 49. Along with Ollie Dell, who was then in high school, they had their last child Joyce (6 years old) living in the home. She was born in 1933. The record also includes their one-year-old granddaughter Bernice. This was Herbert's daughter, and I'm not sure as to why she was listed as a resident without her parents at this time. It might suggest that Herbert was serving in the military. But then, where's her mother Mary?
The 1940 census shows the family still living in San Patricio County. Joe was around 50 with Eulah at about 49. Along with Ollie Dell, who was then in high school, they had their last child Joyce (6 years old) living in the home. She was born in 1933. The record also includes their one-year-old granddaughter Bernice. This was Herbert's daughter, and I'm not sure as to why she was listed as a resident without her parents at this time. It might suggest that Herbert was serving in the military. But then, where's her mother Mary?
On the 27th of April in 1942, Joseph was required to register for military just a few months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. His backside of the card reveals that he was suffering from a heart condition. Besides, he would have been over fifty years old at that point.
I imagine that Joseph was a man who spent a good deal of time outdoors. The story goes that he would go out hunting for several days, even weeks, and return home with animal pelts to sell. During these last years of his life he was reported to have been a contractor and painter. Being outside in the sun all those years most likely gave him a rough, darkened appearance.
His death certificate shows that he passed at Brackenridge Hospital away on May 22, 1952 from complications related to congestive heart failure. His residence was on 1514 Alameda Dr. in Austin. Strangely, this certificate says he was divorced. I have no other evidence of this event.
His death certificate shows that he passed at Brackenridge Hospital away on May 22, 1952 from complications related to congestive heart failure. His residence was on 1514 Alameda Dr. in Austin. Strangely, this certificate says he was divorced. I have no other evidence of this event.
We do know that while Joseph was laid to rest at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery, his wife Eulah is buried in Pearland. But I'm not sure that this validates the possibility of divorce. She went on to live another twenty years, having lived in the Houston area in the latter part of her life. As of writing this post, I have yet to visit the cemetery in Austin to find my great grandfather's grave. Once I return from Taiwan, it will be at the top of my to-do list.
Through researching his life, it's inevitable that I would feel a little closer to this man I've never personally met. And yet, I know so very little about him as a father, husband, friend. If you have any further details about his life and experiences, I would be thrilled to hear from you. Click on the "Get in Touch" tab at the top of the page! Thanks for reading.
Through researching his life, it's inevitable that I would feel a little closer to this man I've never personally met. And yet, I know so very little about him as a father, husband, friend. If you have any further details about his life and experiences, I would be thrilled to hear from you. Click on the "Get in Touch" tab at the top of the page! Thanks for reading.