Bird Dolton
Joseph Hahn Dolton (1840-1918)
Bird Dolton was born in 1877 in Missouri the seventh of eight children of Joseph and Sarah (Thornton) Dolton. His father, Joseph, was 35 and his mother, Sarah, was 37 when he was born.
The 1880 US Federal Census shows Birdy, age 3, living in the home of his parents Joseph and Sarah Dolton along with five siblings. Joseph was a farmer. They were living in Washington Township, De Kalb County, Missouri. The brothers and sisters living with them were: Almeda A. Dolton, age 19; Frank Dolton, age 15; James I. Dolton, age 12; Edward R. Dolton, age 7; and Ennis Dolton, age 2.
On 21 Jun 1905 Maud Delia Carrel of Clarksdale, Missouri, and Bird Dolton of Edmond, Oklahoma, were married in DeKalb County, Missouri, at Frank Carrel by C. C. Moore, Minister of the Gospel.
World War I draft card of Bird Dolton indicates his permanent home address was 2826 South 22, St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. He said he was forty-two years of age and was born 6 Jul 1876. He is white and native born, working as a car repairer for Rochilland in St Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. His nearest relative was Maud Dellie Dalton at 2826 South 22, St. Joseph, Buchanan, Missouri. The registrar indicated that Bird was tall, of medium build, had blue eyes, and light colored hair. The registrar, J. Marion, said Bird had no obvious physical disqualification.
The 1930 US Federal Census indicates that Bird was 52 years of age and living in St Joseph, Buchanan County, Missouri. He lived with his wife Maudie D, age 47, and daughter Almeda M. Dolton, age 10. Both Maudie and Almeda were born in Missouri. He is listed as a laborer for the city park. The record shows that Bird was first married when he was 27 years of age and Maud when she was 22 years old. Since they were both first married in 1905 it was probably to each other. It says he was not a veteran.
That same year the state of Missouri did a census. The 1930 Missouri State Census shows the same information as the Federal Census. In addition it shows that the family was renting the home or apartment they lived in for twelve dollars per month. This census also lists his son Lester R. Dolton who owns his home valued at $3500. Lester is twenty-two years old and is a packing plant checker. He lives with his wife Helen F. Dolton, age 21, born in Missouri. Helen's sister was living with them as well.
Bird Dolton died 9 January 1961, age 84, in St. Joseph, Buchanan Co., MO. His estate named the following legatees: Lester R. Dolton (Son), St. Joseph MO; Annis May Root (Daughter), St. Joseph MO; Almedia Maud Etchison (Daughter), Santa Cruz CA.
