Person:Arthur Macgregor (1)

According to oral family history, Arthur left his "good" job at a music store in Tacoma, WA to pursue a music career in New York City - leaving behind his pregnant wife and children during the Great Depression. Supposedly, he changed his name from Smith to MacGregor, pretending to be a Scottish immigrant to further his career. It was during his stay in NYC that he met Gertrude Howard Means with whom he began a relationship. Meanwhile, his pregnant wife drove from Washington State with their children in the family car to take him home. Upon arriving in New York, she was informed that he would return in the car with Gertrude, but his wife was to return by train with the children. His daughter was consequently born in New York (no birth record found as yet). Arthur and Gertrude had "a grand 'ole time" making a road trip out of the drive back. They passed through his hometown of Corning, Steuben County, NY where an article was published about his visit. Family lore has it that he and Gertrude were married in Chicago, though no official record has been found as of yet.

Arthur, Gertrude, and his wife continued to live together after returning to Washington until his wife had a nervous breakdown - causing Arthur's aunt, Jenny Reed, to insist on Gertrude's departure (accounting for her being recorded as living with Arthur in Portland on the census). His son, Alfred MacGregor, purportedly had extra paperwork his entire life due to the name change, suggesting that the name change was, at some point, legally processed.

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2} Corning, Steuben Co., NY, in Steuben, New York, United States. 1900 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   line 12.

   Charles M. Reed [grand-father], Fanny E. Reed, Anna M. Smith, Arthur R. Smith, Minnie L. Reed

2. ↑ Corning, Steuben Co., NY, in New York, United States. 1905 State Census
   left side, line 4.

   Chas. M. Reed (grand-father), Fanny Reed, Jennie M. Reed, Minnie L. Reed, Anna M. Smith, Arthur R. Smith

3. ↑ ^3.0 3.1 Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA, in Pierce, Washington, United States. 1930 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   line 71.

   Arthur R. MacGregor, Doris A. MacGregor, Phyllis M. MacGregor, Alfred M. MacGregor, Arthur R. MacGregor Jr., Doris L. MacGregor, Malcolm MacGregor

4. ↑ Tacoma, Pierce Co., WA, in Pierce, Washington, United States. 1920 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   line 21.

   Arthur Smith, Doris A. Smith, Phyllis Smith, Alfred Smith, Arthur Smith, Anna Smith

5. ↑ Portland, Multnomah Co., OR, in United States. 1930 U.S. Census Population Schedule. (National Archives Microfilm Publication T626).

   Arthur L. MacGregor, Gertrude M. MacGregor, Donald B. MacGregor, Janet R. MacGregor

6. ↑ ^6.0 6.1 Seattle, King Co., WA, in King, Washington, United States. 1940 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   line 48.

   Arthur R. MacGregor, Doris MacGregor, Arthur R. MacGregor Jr, Lillian MacGregor

7. ↑ Corning, Steuben Co., NY, in Steuben, New York, United States. 1910 U.S. Census Population Schedule
   line 56.

   Anne N. Smith, Arthur R. Smith

8. ↑ Washington (State). Bureau of Vital Statistics. Washington Death Certificates [Index], 1907–1960. (FamilySearch, 2016)
   [1].

   Arthur Reed MacGregor, Sr.

9. ↑ United States. Selective Service System. World War I Selective Service System Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918. (Washington, D.C.: National Archives Microfilm Publication M1509, 1987-1988)
   [2].
10. ↑ United States. World War II Draft Registration Cards
    [3].