On January first of 1888, Elias Disney and Flora Call got married. During the first five years of their marriage, Flora gave birth to their first three sons. Herbert Disney was born in 1888, Raymond Disney was born in 1890, and Roy Disney was born in 1893. In 1901, when Flora became pregnant with her fourth son, the family was living in Chicago, Illinois. Here Elias was making his living as a carpenter and builder. Walter Elias Disney was born on December fifth, 1901. Two years later, Flora gave birth to her daughter, Ruth Disney. This completed the Disney family. .
Soon after the birth of their last child, the Disney family moved to a 45-acre farm in Marceline, Missouri that belonged to Elias's brother. This is where Walt Disney spent most of his childhood. Walt's artistic ability was discovered early in his life. He would draw on anything and everything. He sold artwork to his neighbors to make some extra money. Walt continued his interest in art by studying art and photography at McKinley High School in Chicago. Walt grew to love art and had a deeper understanding of his talent. He was encouraged by his mother and his older brother, Roy to let his talents and abilities take him as far as possible. He felt that this would not be possible due to financial difficulty. .
In the fall of 1918, Walt Disney attempted to enlist for military service at just 16 years old. He was rejected due to his age. Disney then joined the Red Cross and was sent to France. He drove an ambulance, not covered with camouflage, but with Disney cartoons. When Disney returned home from France, he began pursuing a career in commercial art. He started a small company that he named Laugh-O-Grams, which eventually went bankrupt. He left that business with no more than twenty dollars in his wallet. At this point, Walt Disney headed to Hollywood to start over. Walt Disney began to be recognize as a Hollywood figure after his success in "Alice Comedies.
