| Notes |
- Melvin's birth record has been difficult to locate. However, now it is known why it was so hard to find. In the index, he is recorded as MuralThomas ARBIN, born in Harris Co, TX, on 10 Dec 1916 (49762).
Melvin was born at 6 pm, apparently assisted by the midwife Mrs. L. E. WILKENS. His stillborn twin sister was delivered at the same time.
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According to John SHEFFIELD: After the death of Melvin's father, he went back to Baton Rouge to live with relatives for a while. There was a family dispute over inheritance or interest in the estate.Melvin always said he was "cheated out of his inheritance as a child" by a relative and blamed an uncle. He had no one to defend his interests. His mother was half-Cherokee, considered to be "Colored" in those days. She no doubt suffered the same indignities as Blacks and received the same treatment from many Southern folks. Melvin said he "ran away from home" when he was about twelve. He ended up in the Houston, Texas, area and eventually settled in Pasadena, Texas. Melvin travelled a great deal during his life. He had been to many countries from the Middle East to South America. However, heavoided Louisiana and Baton Rouge specifically. He kept in touch with his sister, but no one else, as he held obvious resentments.
According to John SHEFFIELD: When Melvin bought his first car, he gave his Aunt Bessie a ride. She had never been in an automobile before and tried to sit on the back of the seat.
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In 1940, Melvin reported that he had earned $900 in 1939.
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If daughter Loretta Annette was born in Jul 1939, where was she during the Census of Apr 1940? There is no record of her death in Texas. Perhaps she was given up for adoption. While Melvin and "Catherine" are considered to be married in the 1940 Census, there has also been no record found of their marriage. Were they really married? Whatever happened tolittle Loretta?
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1916 - 1989 (72 ans)
