Re: Gillingwater - Los Angeles 1932 - 1946

You may be on the right track.

Claude, the actor, is the son of James E and Mary "Mollie" [HUNTER] GILLINGWATER/GILLENWATER. In the 1880 census of Pike Co MO their damily consists of James 33y, Mollie 32y, Clarence 12y, Claude 10y and Willie 6y.

Assuming your information is correct it solves my problem. Josephine GODDARD is the mother of Claude, the nephew of the actor. The problem I have is that she lost her husband before the 1900 census and I have been unable to confirm if she married Clarence or Willie (who I assume is your John William). Josephine had remarried by the time of the 1900 census to Harry LAFFER and Claude (nephew) appears with them in the census from 1900 through 1930. They are living in St Louis for all save the 1930 when they have relocated to LA.

Do you have any information about Clarence, it would be nice if I could confirm that he was Josephine GODDARD's first husband.

Thanks

Cliff OCHELTREE
mbcjo@cox.net