{52 Ancestors} #6: Princess Princella...Joy & Tragedy

Princella Harris
1926 - 1926 | Dallas, Texas

We know it happened back then, and even continues to happen, unfortunately, to this day. A young life cut tragically short. But it doesn't make it any less difficult when you come across these wee ancestors stuck between the folds of the stories of their relative's lives. 

Princella was my 1st cousin once removed (quite amazing given the age difference), and she was the daughter of Penell Cross Harris and Peter Harris. She was born at 1:30am on February 17, 1926 at Baylor Hospital. According to her birth certificate, she was the first child born to Penell and Peter, but I don't think that was accurate.

Princella Harris - Birth Certificate - Dallas, TX

Two year prior, Penell gave birth to another baby girl named Pauline Harris, again, at Baylor Hospital. But I don't yet know what happened to Pauline.
New: In responding to a comment below, I took a look at what I had in my files on Pauline, and I found her death certificate! Unfortunately, it's not a happy ending. These poor, young parent suffered yet another blow when they lost their first born at the young age of 5 (1930) in a freak swing accident (it hit her on the head and fractured her skull). She's buried at Hillside Cemetery. **sigh**
Pauline Harris - Birth Certificate - Dallas, TX

This isn't much of a story, because Princella had such a short life. At a mere 18 days old, she succumbed to broncho pneumonia on March 6, 1926 at 9:50am.
Princella Harris - Death Certificate - Dallas, TX

Children's Building, Baylor Hospital, 1922















I can't help to wonder how she contracted pneumonia, at home, at the hospital? how were her parents feeling, after spending 5 days battling this virus, after just giving birth to their baby girl? were her grandparents, uncles, aunts and cousins right there to console the parents?

So many questions, and it's doubtful that I'll ever find the answers. But it's hard not to wonder.

She's laid to rest in Woodland Cemetery in Dallas, TX.

Comments

  1. Losing a child is never easy, my heart just broke when I read about Princella. I can't imagine what the family went through dealing with this loss. You gave her a voice and may she forever rest in peace.

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    Replies
    1. Mine too. Especially because I suspect it was their second loss, in as many years.
      Thanks for reading!

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    2. This is very sad indeed. I hope they had other children that lived to grow up.

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    3. They, in fact, did have one son who survived -- Peter Harris, Jr. -- but they also lost yet another baby (a little boy) after that. Very sad, indeed. Thanks for reading!

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    4. Oh, and I forgot I knew this, but their oldest daughter -- Pauline -- died at 5 years old after accidentally getting hit in the head by a swing, and suffering a skull fracture. Sounds a bit suspicious....

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