The Chairman.

Also present were Joseph A. Ball, assistant counsel; David W. Belin, assistant counsel; Norman Redlich, assistant counsel; Charles Murray, observer; and Waggoner Carr, attorney general of Texas.

Mrs. Helen Markham

Testimony of Mrs. Helen Markham

The Chairman.

The purpose of the session of the Commission is for the purpose of taking testimony on the assassination of President Kennedy, and it is our information that you have some evidence concerning it and we want to ask you some questions concerning it. You are willing to testify, are you?

Mrs. Markham.

Do all I can.

The Chairman.

All right. Will you stand up and be sworn, please?
Do you solemnly swear the testimony you give before this Commission will be the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you God?

Mrs. Markham.

I do.

The Chairman.

You may be seated. Mr. Ball will ask you the questions.

Mr. Ball.

Mrs. Markham, what is your address?

Mrs. Markham.

328 East Ninth.

Mr. Ball.

In Dallas, Tex.?

Mrs. Markham.

Dallas, Tex.

Mr. Ball.

Where were you born, Mrs. Markham?

Mrs. Markham.

Where was I born? Dallas.

Mr. Ball.

The Commission would like to know something of your past life and experience, where you were born and your education so I will just ask you a few questions like that.

Take it easy, this is just--

Mrs. Markham.

I am very shook up.

Mr. Ball.

This is a very informal little conference here.

Mrs. Markham.

Well, do you want me to tell you about my life?

Mr. Ball.

Yes. Just tell us briefly where you were born and where you went to school and things of that kind.

Mrs. Markham.

I was born in Dallas, Dallas County. My father was a farmer. I was very small when my mother died, I was 6 years old; and my brothers and I were separated which they were put in the State orphans home, and I went to live with my aunt.

Mr. Dulles.

Are your brothers older or younger?

Mrs. Markham.

I have one older than I. And I went to live with my aunt and uncle in Grand Prairie. I went to Grand Prairie school.

Mr. Ball.

How far did you go through school?

Mrs. Markham.

Eighth grade.

Mr. Ball.

Then did you go to work?

Mrs. Markham.

No; I got married. I got married.

Mr. Ball.

How long were you married?

Mrs. Markham.

Me?

Mr. Ball.

I understand you are not married at the present time?

Mrs. Markham.

No. I am not married. I would have been married 25 years this past July.

Mr. Ball.

Were you a housewife for a while while you were married?

Mrs. Markham.

Yes; I was.

Mr. Ball.

How many years?

Mrs. Markham.

Let me see, about 8 years.

Mr. Ball.

Did you have any children?

Mrs. Markham.

Yes, I did.

Mr. Ball.

How many children did you have?

Mrs. Markham.

Well, I have five children.

Mr. Ball.

Do they live with you now or what?

Mrs. Markham.

I have one son who stays with me.

Mr. Ball.

What has been your work most of your life since you were divorced, what kind of work have you done?

Mrs. Markham.

Waitress work.