Euphemia, my paternal first cousin 3x removed, and her husband David Calhoun Palmer (yes, in his native South Carolina "Calhoun" was ubiquitous) had three known children: Thaddeus, Lillie, and a female. I've just learned of their children and am adding them to my tree.
But, horrors! I found a link to a brief memorial of the nameless third child. Girl Palmer is only known as "Mrs. E. C. Moore." She is accorded no given name other than her husband's initials. REALLY? Was this data copied from a grave marker or a cemetery list of burials? Why has she no name, I silently scream?
No headstone picture has yet been uploaded. But a kind volunteer shared her death certificate. (Texas is marvelous about sharing birth/death certificates online, did you know that? How else could I have learned of the several gunshot victims on my mom's side).
Good gravy, the State of Texas in 1920 did not require her first and middle names even on her very own death certificate. No informant's name is given. She was only 42. Not a widow, yet the form didn't ask her husband's name. Or did they?
The fireworks are getting louder in our neighborhood this 4th of July evening. For now, I will put aside my search for the good missus' name. I will find her in a census at another time.
UPDATE: Her name was Lela.
She and several siblings appear on the 1880 Fed. Census with the surname "Smith." Yet it lists her as the daughter of D.C. Palmer and his wife, Euphemia. Where the heck did "Smith" come from? Just another silly census vagary, I imagine.
But, hark! Another record surfaced showing a December 18, 1901 marriage in Matagorda, Texas. Miss Lela Palmer married Emmett C. Moor. But keeping with the exasperating use of initials, Mr. E. C. Moor hides behind that spelling.
Not to worry! The 1919 City Directory for Brownwood, Texas SAVES THE DAY! It lists names, addresses, AND phone numbers of both their home and their cafe. I can smell those hotcakes now!
