Uncle Edward Wellons

We have one of Anderson’s bravest in the family. My grandfather’s brother Edward Allen Wellons was a firefighter.

He was born on August 25, 1909 and died after he retired at age 45 on October 27, 1954. Of course, I don’t remember him since he died just 3 months after I was born. He died of lung cancer. Smoking? Or the job? Of course, they all smoked... or it seems they did. And that’s after Edward died of lung cancer.

In the 1940 census he is listed with his family in Ward 3 of Anderson:

Edward 30, a city fireman making $1,700 per year.
Marie 24 not employed
Patricia A. 8
James E. 5
John 2
Mary 11 months

So my mom is named Mary Alice and was older. There are also three Roberts within the group of cousins. What’s with these people and names? I know it’s at big family, but can’t everybody have a unique name?