His obit says he was born in 1881.  The tomb stone shows 1880 and it was confirmed by a relative named Vera.  It is said he left home at 13 after his mother gave him to an uncle.  He said he was given away  like a puppy.  He and Grandma lived in a tent the first summer, cleared land and had a garden.  built a log cabin for the winter.  He had worked as a water boy for work crews when he first left home.