1.3.1.6.7.2.1 Clara Elizabeth Kessler DeWitt (b: 7 Aug 1923-d: 9 Nov 1978 Baltimore County, Md)

Clara was the oldest daughter of Edgar F. Kessler Sr. and Elizabeth Moore. She was born in Baltimore in the summer of 1923 at the beginning of the “roaring twenties”. As the oldest daughter, she likely had considerable responsibilities in the home as her siblings were born. According to the 1930 US Census, at the age of 6, her family lived at 1824 W. Raynor Ave, in Baltimore City. Her father, Edgar Kessler was 33 and made his living as a house painter, her mother, Elizabeth was 24, and she a brother, Edgar Jr. 5, two sisters, Margaret 3 and Helen a newborn of 8 months, and her grandmother, Annie E. Stewart 72.

Only seven months before this census was taken, the stock market had crashed, and the country was heading into the Great Depression. The next several years would take a heavy toll on the family.

The 1940 and 1950 US Census reveal these facts about Clara:

1940 US Census — The family lived at 829 W. Cross Street, Baltimore City, Md, which was in South Baltimore. Edgar at age 40 was a paperhanger), Elizabeth was 32, Clara was 17, and her siblings were living at home: Edgar Jr. 16, Margaret 13, Helen 10, Dorothy 9, George 4, and Charles 2.

1950 US Census — By 1950 Clara at age 26 was married to Joseph DeWitt, age 30 and the lived at 7901 Elmhurst Ave., Baltimore, Md. Joe was an electrician at Bethlehem Steel), They had two children: Catherine De Witt 3, and Linda De Witt 2.

In 1940, Joe worked in an airplane factory. Clara’s brother Ed Jr. also worked at Glenn L. Martin during the 1940s and it is possible that he knew Joe and introduced him to his sister.

Clara and Joe had three children:

1.3.1.6.7.2.1.1 Catherine M. Dewitt Hellen (29 Jan 1947)
1.3.1.6.7.2.1.2 Linda Anna Dewitt Klix (1948)
1.3.1.6.7.2.1.3 Joseph John Dewitt Jr. (1950)