Here is a letter from Gus Hall to Claiborne II dated Sept 3rd, 1961. The transcription is below, followed by the images.

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167 Hernanay St,

Jackson, Miss.,

Sept. 3, 1961.

My dear Claiborne:

I was disappointed today when I got to McDonald’s Chapel and didn’t find you. I had so hoped that you’d be there. I got the impression you’d gotten a different impression of the McDonalds than you got at the old home the other day. Uncle Sam I. McDonald settled there seventy-six years ago. He had seven boys and one girl. They began to buy land, married and lived in that community, owning hundreds of acres of land. We had such a large crowd of kin and so much good food, so well cooked. I preached at 11, good music, some nice specials. After dinner we went

back in the chapel and organized the McDonald reunion. It meets every 4th Sunday in Sept. The sight at the old home was pitiful. John died a year ago at the age of 86. You saw his widow and afflicted son. I am sorry that none of the present living know anything of our grandfather, not even his name. All that I ever heard was Sandy McD.

I have wondered if the Wm. McD that you were seeing could have been my grandfather. I never heard if he had any brothers or sisters. He was from the Carolinas. His wife was Elizabeth McNair. I wonder if in your search you have ever heard of them. I do wish that I knew. My grandfather’s home in Simpson County is twelve miles from the Dry Creek community. We have a Presbyterian church named Dry Creek.

Last year some McDonalds from California were seeking information about Sam Pickard McD. That Sam married a McEarl. I was raised at Williamsburg near them and knew them. But we are not kin. But they were good people. If in your searching you run up on my McD kin, I’d appreciate knowing. I wish we could meet. I have a fine up-to-date home, comfortable - attic fan air condition and gas heating. We always have something to eat. I lost my wife in ‘43 and bought my home, paid for, as I thought for my wife. I have two children. W.A. Jr. lives near, he has no children. Annie Louise married such a fine man. Two children - he has no children. A.J. has two children. John Jr. is in his 3rd year at Ole Miss. He’ll be 21 in March. The girl 14, in 9th grade.

I tell this to show you'll not be imposing. Come to see me and we will see what each knows. I’m an old,

Sincerely,

Gus Hall

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