William Hardin Pruitt (1874-1940) Age 66
Son OF THOMAS R. AND LYDIA ELLEN (HUFF) PRUITT
1875
William was age 2 in the 1875 Kansas Territory Census, implying that he would have been born abt. 1873. (Image shown in the section for his mother, Lydia Ellen Huff.)
William was age 2 in the 1875 Kansas Territory Census, implying that he would have been born abt. 1873. (Image shown in the section for his mother, Lydia Ellen Huff.)
1895
He is age 21 in the 1895 Kansas Territory Census, implying a birth year of abt. 1874. (Image shown in the section for his mother, Lydia Ellen Huff.)
He is age 21 in the 1895 Kansas Territory Census, implying a birth year of abt. 1874. (Image shown in the section for his mother, Lydia Ellen Huff.)
1900
William is enumerated in the 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Osage City and Pawnee Township, Pawnee County, Oklahoma Territory. He is shown on Page 3 (image 18 of 42 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 178, on Line 94 in Dwelling Number 61 as Family Number 81. This census was taken as if it were 1 Jun 1900.
-William H. Pruitt, age 25, single, born April 1875 in Kansas, both parents born in Virginia, working as a Hand / Farm Laborer and living in the household of John Kennedy
William is enumerated in the 1900 U.S. Federal Census for Osage City and Pawnee Township, Pawnee County, Oklahoma Territory. He is shown on Page 3 (image 18 of 42 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 178, on Line 94 in Dwelling Number 61 as Family Number 81. This census was taken as if it were 1 Jun 1900.
-William H. Pruitt, age 25, single, born April 1875 in Kansas, both parents born in Virginia, working as a Hand / Farm Laborer and living in the household of John Kennedy
1900 U.S. Federal Census for Osage City and Pawnee Township, Pawnee County, Oklahoma Territory, showing William H. Pruitt on Line 94. Image from Ancestry.com.
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1910
In the 1910 U.S. Federal Census, William and his wife Tilly are living at 206 Washington Avenue, Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona. They are enumerated on Sheet 13B (image 26 of 36 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 126, starting on Line 51 in Dwelling Number 295 as Family 295. This census was taken as if it were 15 Apr 1910. -William Pru[i]tt, head of household, age 38, married for 9 years, born in Kansas, father and mother both born in Missouri, working as a Carpenter -Tilly Pru[i]tt, wife, age 44, married for 9 years, this is a second marriage for her, has had 2 children of which 1 is living, born in Nebraska, father born in West Virginia, mother born in Indiana |
This is the house currently found at 206 North Washington Avenue, Prescott, Arizona. It is unclear if the houses have been renumbered since 1910.
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1910 U.S. Federal Census for Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona, showing William H. Pruitt and wife starting on Line 51. Image from Ancestry.com.
“Tilla” was Matilda F. Midkiff, born 4 Mar 1866 in Nebraska to parents Aaron and Mahala (Tyson) Midkiff. She was first married to William Maryland Cole 6 Mar 1888 in Montgomery County, Kansas. He was born 24 Aug 1857 in New York and died 17 Mar 1927 in San Francisco County, California. They had one daughter, Katherine Florence Cole, born 18 Mar 1889 in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri.
Katherine Florence Cole seems to have married early, as her last name is recorded as Lane when she married Earl Arelius Sanford (1880-1931) 10 Dec 1908 in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona. In 1914, she appealed to the court for a divorce from her husband based on desertion.
Katherine Florence Cole seems to have married early, as her last name is recorded as Lane when she married Earl Arelius Sanford (1880-1931) 10 Dec 1908 in Prescott, Yavapai County, Arizona. In 1914, she appealed to the court for a divorce from her husband based on desertion.
Evening Tribune (San Diego, California), Saturday, 12 Sep 1914, page 6:
Woman Seeking Quick Divorce Disappointed
In Superior Judge W. R. Guy’s court yesterday afternoon Katherine F. Sanford showed much anxiety and nervousness because of a delay in the trial of her suit for a divorce from Earl A. Sanford on the ground of desertion. She pleaded that she had been offered employment as a clerk in the Imperial valley and that she might not get the position if she did not put in her appearance there next Tuesday. The proceedings were interrupted by a severe attack of bleeding at the nose with which the anxious woman was seized.
Judge Guy stated that he was not in a position to grant Mrs. Sanford an interlocutory decree immediately for the reason that there was some question as to whether Sanford had defaulted in the case although he had not put in an appearance in court and was reported to be in Arizona. Attorney W. E. _____ presented on behalf of his client an affidavit which was said to be in the nature of a deposition. Attorney _____ Eberhart[?] for Mrs. Sanford commented that his client should be issued a divorce. The court recommended that a decision in the matter must be _____ _____ _____
[Transcription from an online copy of the newspaper at GenealogyBank.com. The image quality was fair at the beginning of the article but very poor by the end.]
Although initially denied, it must have eventually been granted, as Earl went on to remarry, and Katherine Florence married Ray Roy Shore (1884-1963) 2 Nov 1916 in Yuma County, Arizona. This would prove to be an even shorter marriage, as she married Harold Wilson Trainor 11 Apr 1920 in San Diego, San Diego County, California.
1918
The History of Imperial County, California, Elms and Franks Publishing Company, 1918, pp. 414-415:
“William H. Pruitt is a man of enterprise and discrimination, and in the course of a long and varied business career he has been identified with a number of important interests. Mr. Pruitt is a native of Butler County, Kansas; his birth occurred April 29, 1874, son of T. R. and Lydia (Huff) Pruitt. His father was of French ancestry, now deceased, and his mother was of German birth and still living. William H. was educated in the public schools of Kansas. Finishing his schooling, he enlisted in the Ninth United States Infantry and saw active service in China and the Philippines. He received an honorable discharge in 1903. For five years he ranched in Oklahoma and later moved to Prescott, Arizona. Here he clerked for a time and moved to San Diego, where he operated a transfer business. He disposed of the transfer business and engaged in the retail grocery business for two years. In 1914 Mr. Pruitt purchased the laundry business in Calexico of Judge McCollum and operated the first steam laundry in Calexico. Previous to taking over the Calexico laundry, Mr. Pruitt operated the Valley Laundry at El Centro for two years. The earthquake demolished the laundry buildings in both places, and Mr. Pruitt erected his present commodious building and installed up-to-date and the most modern machinery in 1914. Mr. Pruitt also purchased the Valley Steam Laundry in El Centro of the late J. P. Hiel in 1912 and now operates both plants. He was married March 8, 1904, to Tilla Midkiff of Kansas, a daughter of Aaron and Mahila Midkiff. To Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt have been born one son, Paul, born December 21, 1914. Fraternally he is a member of the I.O.O.F., the K. of P., and B.P.O.E. Mr. Pruitt has eighty acres east of El Centro and eighty acres west of El Centro, which he has in corn and alfalfa. Mr. Pruitt give his ready support to movements which have for their purpose the advancement of Imperial County.
https://archive.org/stream/historyofimperia00farr/historyofimperia00farr_djvu.tx
The History of Imperial County, California, Elms and Franks Publishing Company, 1918, pp. 414-415:
“William H. Pruitt is a man of enterprise and discrimination, and in the course of a long and varied business career he has been identified with a number of important interests. Mr. Pruitt is a native of Butler County, Kansas; his birth occurred April 29, 1874, son of T. R. and Lydia (Huff) Pruitt. His father was of French ancestry, now deceased, and his mother was of German birth and still living. William H. was educated in the public schools of Kansas. Finishing his schooling, he enlisted in the Ninth United States Infantry and saw active service in China and the Philippines. He received an honorable discharge in 1903. For five years he ranched in Oklahoma and later moved to Prescott, Arizona. Here he clerked for a time and moved to San Diego, where he operated a transfer business. He disposed of the transfer business and engaged in the retail grocery business for two years. In 1914 Mr. Pruitt purchased the laundry business in Calexico of Judge McCollum and operated the first steam laundry in Calexico. Previous to taking over the Calexico laundry, Mr. Pruitt operated the Valley Laundry at El Centro for two years. The earthquake demolished the laundry buildings in both places, and Mr. Pruitt erected his present commodious building and installed up-to-date and the most modern machinery in 1914. Mr. Pruitt also purchased the Valley Steam Laundry in El Centro of the late J. P. Hiel in 1912 and now operates both plants. He was married March 8, 1904, to Tilla Midkiff of Kansas, a daughter of Aaron and Mahila Midkiff. To Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt have been born one son, Paul, born December 21, 1914. Fraternally he is a member of the I.O.O.F., the K. of P., and B.P.O.E. Mr. Pruitt has eighty acres east of El Centro and eighty acres west of El Centro, which he has in corn and alfalfa. Mr. Pruitt give his ready support to movements which have for their purpose the advancement of Imperial County.
https://archive.org/stream/historyofimperia00farr/historyofimperia00farr_djvu.tx
1920
William and his family are living at 1620 Union Street during the time of the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for San Diego, San Diego County, California. They are renting their home and are enumerated on Page 1B (image 2 of 21 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 312, starting on Line 97 in Dwelling Number 18 as Family Number 27. This census was taken as if it were 1 Jan 1910.
-William H. Pruitt, head of household, age 47, married, born in Kansas, both parents born in Virginia, working as a Manager of a Laundry
-Tilla Pruitt, wife, age 53, married, born in Nebraska, father born in West Virginia and mother born in Indiana
-Florence Shore, stepdaughter, age 31, widowed, born in Kansas, father born in Nebraska and mother born in Kentucky (perhaps switched, as mother has that she was born in Nebraska, above), working as a Cashier in a Grocery
-Paul Pruitt, son, age 6, born in California, father born in Kansas and mother born in Nebraska
William and his family are living at 1620 Union Street during the time of the 1920 U.S. Federal Census for San Diego, San Diego County, California. They are renting their home and are enumerated on Page 1B (image 2 of 21 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 312, starting on Line 97 in Dwelling Number 18 as Family Number 27. This census was taken as if it were 1 Jan 1910.
-William H. Pruitt, head of household, age 47, married, born in Kansas, both parents born in Virginia, working as a Manager of a Laundry
-Tilla Pruitt, wife, age 53, married, born in Nebraska, father born in West Virginia and mother born in Indiana
-Florence Shore, stepdaughter, age 31, widowed, born in Kansas, father born in Nebraska and mother born in Kentucky (perhaps switched, as mother has that she was born in Nebraska, above), working as a Cashier in a Grocery
-Paul Pruitt, son, age 6, born in California, father born in Kansas and mother born in Nebraska
1920 U.S. Federal Census for San Diego, San Diego County, California, showing William H. Pruitt and family starting on Line 97. Image from Ancestry.com.
1620 Union Street, San Diego, California
As a point of interest, the house at 1620 Union Street is described as a beautiful Andrew Cassidy historical home in the heart of Little Italy. This Queen Ann Cottage was built in 1888 and sold in May 2019 for $1,250,000.
1921
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William Pruitt’s wife Tilla died 12 Aug 1921 at their residence at 228 South Whittier Avenue in Los Angeles of arteriosclerosis with angina attacks. She is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/19319833 |
State of California Standard Certificate of Death for Tilla Pruitt.
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1923
State of California Standard Certificate of Death for Catherine Ann Pruitt.
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Following the death of Tilla, William Hardin Pruitt married Catherine Ann (Moreland) Hood 15 Feb 1923 in Los Angeles County, California. She was born in 1873 in either Michigan or Canada, the daughter of William and Eliza (Knox) Moreland. Catherine died 22 Jul 1937 in General Hospital in Los Angeles of terminal broncho pneumonia that she developed after sustaining injuries from being struck by a car 12 days earlier. She is buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/117095243 She had previously been married to James Gideon Hood of Canada. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/117574548 |
1930
William is enumerated in the 1930 U.S. Federal Census for Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, living at the Hollenbeck Home for the Aged, 573 South Boyle Avenue. He is shown on Page 4A (image 6 of 6 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 740, on Line 20 in Dwelling 2. Family Number has been left blank. This census was taken as if it were 1 Apr 1930.
-Wm. H. Pruitt, age 51, widowed, born in Kansas, father born in West Virginia and mother born in Kentucky, working as a Laundryman, Veteran, served in World War I and the Phillipines
William is enumerated in the 1930 U.S. Federal Census for Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, living at the Hollenbeck Home for the Aged, 573 South Boyle Avenue. He is shown on Page 4A (image 6 of 6 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 740, on Line 20 in Dwelling 2. Family Number has been left blank. This census was taken as if it were 1 Apr 1930.
-Wm. H. Pruitt, age 51, widowed, born in Kansas, father born in West Virginia and mother born in Kentucky, working as a Laundryman, Veteran, served in World War I and the Phillipines
1930 U.S. Federal Census for Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, showing Wm. H. Pruitt on Line 20. Image from Ancestry.com.
1937
In 1937, he is shown on the Social Security Apps and Claims Index as William Hargin Pruitt, born 29 Apr 1874 in Douglas County, Kansas, father Thomas R. Pruitt, and mother Lydia Huff.
U.S. Social Security Applications and Claims Index entry for William Hargin Pruitt. Image from Ancestry.com.
1940
William is enumerated in the 1940 U.S. Federal Census for Beverly Hills Township, Los Angeles County, California, living at the Veterans Administration Facility (formerly known as the Sawtelle Veterans Home, located near Wilshire and the 405 San Diego Freeway). He is shown on Page 13A (image 28 of 150, all of which are for the Veterans Administration Facility, at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 19-51, on Line 34. No Dwelling Number or Family Number is recorded. This census is taken as if it were 1 Apr 1940.
-Wm. H. Pruitt, age 65, widowed, born in Kansas, lived in Los Angeles (California) in 1935
William is enumerated in the 1940 U.S. Federal Census for Beverly Hills Township, Los Angeles County, California, living at the Veterans Administration Facility (formerly known as the Sawtelle Veterans Home, located near Wilshire and the 405 San Diego Freeway). He is shown on Page 13A (image 28 of 150, all of which are for the Veterans Administration Facility, at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 19-51, on Line 34. No Dwelling Number or Family Number is recorded. This census is taken as if it were 1 Apr 1940.
-Wm. H. Pruitt, age 65, widowed, born in Kansas, lived in Los Angeles (California) in 1935
1940 U.S. Federal Census for Beverly Hills Township, Los Angeles County, California, showing Wm. H. Pruitt on Line 34. Image from Ancestry.com.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sawtelle_Veterans_Home
William died 15 May 1940. His death date was found on a card in the U.S. Veterans Administration Master Index, although his name is listed as William Harbin Pruitt. It gives an address of 119 North Pickering Avenue, Whittier, California, as his residence, but as he was living in the Veterans Administration Facility just a month earlier, he was probably still living there at the time of his death. According to the index card, he was a “Sgt 5 Prov Co QMC” and enlisted 29 Jul 1918 and was discharged 15 Apr 1919.
According to the VA Master Index Card File Key to Codes & Prefixes, the following applied to William:
C1 547 828
C = Claim Number – A claim number assigned whenever a veteran made application for benefits such as service connected disability, pension, and education and training.
A 3 277 216
A = Adjusted Compensation – World War I veterans were paid a sum of money based on their service during World War I, commonly referred to as a “bonus”. Veterans who were eligible for such bonuses were given “A” numbers. Many “A” numbers are preceded by a “U”. UA numbers mean that the bonus had not been paid either partially or in its entirety.
T 3 141 714
T = War Risk Insurance – This type of term insurance was issued to members of the Armed Forces during World War I.
Ct. 2 298 121
CT Number – Certificate number assigned in conjunction with the World War I Bonus. The certificates were issued by service departments.
William died 15 May 1940. His death date was found on a card in the U.S. Veterans Administration Master Index, although his name is listed as William Harbin Pruitt. It gives an address of 119 North Pickering Avenue, Whittier, California, as his residence, but as he was living in the Veterans Administration Facility just a month earlier, he was probably still living there at the time of his death. According to the index card, he was a “Sgt 5 Prov Co QMC” and enlisted 29 Jul 1918 and was discharged 15 Apr 1919.
According to the VA Master Index Card File Key to Codes & Prefixes, the following applied to William:
C1 547 828
C = Claim Number – A claim number assigned whenever a veteran made application for benefits such as service connected disability, pension, and education and training.
A 3 277 216
A = Adjusted Compensation – World War I veterans were paid a sum of money based on their service during World War I, commonly referred to as a “bonus”. Veterans who were eligible for such bonuses were given “A” numbers. Many “A” numbers are preceded by a “U”. UA numbers mean that the bonus had not been paid either partially or in its entirety.
T 3 141 714
T = War Risk Insurance – This type of term insurance was issued to members of the Armed Forces during World War I.
Ct. 2 298 121
CT Number – Certificate number assigned in conjunction with the World War I Bonus. The certificates were issued by service departments.
Index Card for William Harbin Pruitt in the United States Veterans Administration Master Index, 1917-1940. Image from FamilySearch.org.
Paul Pruitt
Son of William Hardin Pruitt
1921
Continued searches for Paul Pruitt after the 1920 Census had proven frustrating. However, a small item was found in the San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Thursday, 18 Aug 1921, page 5:
Continued searches for Paul Pruitt after the 1920 Census had proven frustrating. However, a small item was found in the San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Thursday, 18 Aug 1921, page 5:
San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Thursday, 18 Aug 1921, page 5.
This “Card of Thanks” named W. H. Pruitt, Paul Pruitt as Paul Romaine Pruitt, Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Trainor, and Mrs. Sarah Lazenby. Mr. and Mrs. Harold W. Trainor were Harold Wilson Trainor and his wife, Katherine Florence, half-sister of Paul. Mrs. Sarah Lazenby was Paul’s aunt, sister to his mother Tilla.
1922
The following year, another small item was found in the San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Saturday, 12 Aug 1922, page 5:
The following year, another small item was found in the San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Saturday, 12 Aug 1922, page 5:
San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Saturday, 12 Aug 1922, page 5.
Here, he is called Master P. Romaine Pruitt.
1930
Paul is found in the 1930 U.S. Federal Census living with Katherine and her family at 2010 La Jolla Avenue in San Diego, San Diego County, California. The family is enumerated on Sheet 5A (image 9 of 18 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 37-91, beginning on Line 25 in Dwelling Number 123 as Family Number 123. This census is taken as if it were 1 Apr 1930.
- Harold W. Train[o]r, head of household, age 33, first married at age 24, born in Rhode Island, both parents born in the United States, working as a Manager for the Hercules Wholesale and Retail Oil Company
- K. Florence Train[o]r, wife, age 38, first married at age 28 [age she was married to Harold, not her first marriage], born in Kansas, father born in Kentucky and mother born in Nebraska
- Romaine Train[o]r, son step, age 16, born in California, father and mother both born in Kansas
- Joy Train[o]r, daughter, age 8, born in California, father born in Rhode Island, mother born in Kansas
- Barbara Train[o]r, daughter, age 5, born in California, father born in Rhode Island, mother born in Kansas
Paul is found in the 1930 U.S. Federal Census living with Katherine and her family at 2010 La Jolla Avenue in San Diego, San Diego County, California. The family is enumerated on Sheet 5A (image 9 of 18 at Ancestry.com), Enumeration District 37-91, beginning on Line 25 in Dwelling Number 123 as Family Number 123. This census is taken as if it were 1 Apr 1930.
- Harold W. Train[o]r, head of household, age 33, first married at age 24, born in Rhode Island, both parents born in the United States, working as a Manager for the Hercules Wholesale and Retail Oil Company
- K. Florence Train[o]r, wife, age 38, first married at age 28 [age she was married to Harold, not her first marriage], born in Kansas, father born in Kentucky and mother born in Nebraska
- Romaine Train[o]r, son step, age 16, born in California, father and mother both born in Kansas
- Joy Train[o]r, daughter, age 8, born in California, father born in Rhode Island, mother born in Kansas
- Barbara Train[o]r, daughter, age 5, born in California, father born in Rhode Island, mother born in Kansas
1930 U.S. Federal Census for San Diego, San Diego County, California, showing Harold W. Train[o]r and family starting on Line 25. Image from Ancestry.com.
1932
Paul is now going by the name Romaine Trainor. Christmas Day 1932, he married Phyllis Mae Stacy, the daughter of Earl and Millie A. (May) Stacy, at the First Methodist Church in San Diego, San Diego County, California.
Paul is now going by the name Romaine Trainor. Christmas Day 1932, he married Phyllis Mae Stacy, the daughter of Earl and Millie A. (May) Stacy, at the First Methodist Church in San Diego, San Diego County, California.
1937
Harold Wilson Trainor passed away at the age of 40 on 28 Aug 1937. He died in the Veterans’ Hospital in San Fernando, Los Angeles County, California, where he had been a patient for three years. His obituary of 31 Aug 1937 in the San Diego Union, page 20, names Romaine Trainor as a son. Harold is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99875384/harold-w-trainor
Harold Wilson Trainor passed away at the age of 40 on 28 Aug 1937. He died in the Veterans’ Hospital in San Fernando, Los Angeles County, California, where he had been a patient for three years. His obituary of 31 Aug 1937 in the San Diego Union, page 20, names Romaine Trainor as a son. Harold is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99875384/harold-w-trainor
Obituary for Harold W. Trainor in the San Diego Union (San Diego, California, Saturday, 31 Aug 1937, page 20.
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HAROLD W. TRAINOR |
1940
In 1940, Romaine Ralph Trainor completed his World War II Draft Registration Card. He indicated that his age was 26 years, his date of birth was 6 Dec 1913, and that he was born in Brawley, [Imperial County,] California. His address was 1045 Acoma Street, Denver, Colorado, and his wife Phyllis Mae Trainor is named as the person who would always know his address. His employer at the time was the Seven Up Cola Company; (Partner) is indicated beside the company name.
In the Description of Registrant section, it indicates he is White, 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighs 172 pounds. His eyes are brown, his hair is brown, and complexion is light brown. Other distinguishing marks include scars on both wrists.
In 1940, Romaine Ralph Trainor completed his World War II Draft Registration Card. He indicated that his age was 26 years, his date of birth was 6 Dec 1913, and that he was born in Brawley, [Imperial County,] California. His address was 1045 Acoma Street, Denver, Colorado, and his wife Phyllis Mae Trainor is named as the person who would always know his address. His employer at the time was the Seven Up Cola Company; (Partner) is indicated beside the company name.
In the Description of Registrant section, it indicates he is White, 6 feet 1 inch tall, and weighs 172 pounds. His eyes are brown, his hair is brown, and complexion is light brown. Other distinguishing marks include scars on both wrists.
WWII Draft Registration Card (front) completed 16 Oct 1940 for Romaine Ralph Trainor. Image from Ancestry.com.
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WWII Draft Registration Card (back) completed 16 Oct 1940 for Romaine Ralph Trainor. Image from Ancestry.com.
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1950
Katherine Florence died 11 Jan 1950 in San Diego County, California, and is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, beside her husband Harold Wilson Trainor.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99875385
A small newspaper item found in the San Diego Union, Monday, 10 Dec 1917, page 8, has me curious about whether Paul was actually the son of Katherine Florence. She would have been 24 years of age when he was born and had been married at least twice and possibly three times at that point. Was he a child of hers that had been adopted by her parents? Or was she a doting big sister who adored her half-sibling?
Katherine Florence died 11 Jan 1950 in San Diego County, California, and is buried in Greenwood Memorial Park in San Diego, beside her husband Harold Wilson Trainor.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/99875385
A small newspaper item found in the San Diego Union, Monday, 10 Dec 1917, page 8, has me curious about whether Paul was actually the son of Katherine Florence. She would have been 24 years of age when he was born and had been married at least twice and possibly three times at that point. Was he a child of hers that had been adopted by her parents? Or was she a doting big sister who adored her half-sibling?
San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Monday, 10 Dec 1917, page 8. Image from Newspapers.com.
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A shorter version of the same story also ran in the San Diego Evening Tribune the same day on page 5.
San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Monday, 10 Dec 1917, page 5. Image from Newspapers.com.
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1966
Dr. Romaine Ralph Trainor died 5 Jul 1966 at his home in San Diego. He was 52 years of age.
Dr. Romaine Ralph Trainor died 5 Jul 1966 at his home in San Diego. He was 52 years of age.
San Diego Union (San Diego, California), Thursday, 7 Jul 1966, page 46. Image from Newspapers.com.
Many questions remain about the man who started life as Paul Pruitt and ended as Dr. Romaine Trainor. Was he the son of Katherine Florence Cole or was he just adopted into her family following the death of his mother? Was he the son of William Hardin Pruitt and Tilla Midkiff? If so, why did he change his name? Or, are family stories true that he was a foundling and adopted by William Hardin Pruitt and Tilla Midkiff, later to be adopted by Harold Wilson Trainor and Katherine Florence Cole?