Mary's Life in Confinement

In 1918, Mary hosted a meeting of the Daughters of the American Revolution in Weatherford.

It is not known how long Mary was a patient at the Terrell State Hospital or the kind of treatment she received there.  Records are available only to direct descendants, of which Mary has none.  Eventually, Mary was relocated to her family home in Weatherford, where she became active in social activities, a sign that intensive mental health care was not a critical need for her.

While confined in Weatherford, Mary participated in volunteer activities around the town, played in a bridge club, and even judged a poultry contest.  She volunteered for the Red Cross.  She even occasionally traveled to Fort Worth for events at the Masonic Lodge.

Because she did not leave behind letters or journals Mary's state of mind at this time is not known.  But what is certain is that Burk considered their marriage over.  On the 1920 census, her husband listed himself as a widower.  His ex-daughter-in-law Ollie Burnett resided in his home, along with three employees.

In the 1920 census, Burk Burnett's marital status is listed as WD for Widower (far right column).