The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Help! Engine no start

I will do my best to explain what I know, so someone might offer help:

1. 1951 Chev 5-window purchased in 2016 with no engine. Last had a 327 when it was last titled in 1987.
2. 327 acquired on trade in July 2016, Craigslist. Complete tall block, minus intake, carb, distributor, spark plugs, wires. Used, unknown mileage, but clean.
3. Engine installed and RUNNING September 2016. Truck was a basket case needed rest of running gear and wiring installed.
4. Summer project 2018 completed wiring (almost - new gauges not in yet) 3 weeks ago. Was "driveable" i.e. could move on it's own around property since spring 2017. First legal drive (title, insurance, lights, brakes, etc.) two weeks ago.
5. Third legal, streetable drive ended when distributor failed. Verified with 12v at lead wire into HEI, but no spark at the plugs.
6. Ordered new and replaced distributor. Truck fired up and ran great. I set timing to make certain it was not too far off what normal should be, 8 degrees BTDC. Set timing at just that, 8*BTDC.
7. Took it for a short drive to make certain it was running and driving okay.
8. In it's past, short history with me, it has been cold blooded. Meaning, in plain English, it's been difficult to start when cold. Like, not getting fuel. Carb was rebuilt at a shop in August 2017. Carb shows no symptoms of having any issues, except as noted the electric choke wasn't closing completely when cold. Adjusted choke mechanism so that it is completely closed now when cold. "Not getting fuel" was always remedied in the past by splashing a little gasoline in the carb or by starting fluid. Always started immediately when doing this. Typically would run rough until warm. Not sure why, but thinking this could be a clue.
9. Next day (Wednesday) after new distributor, truck "sputtered." The usual shot with starting fluid didn't work. Tested for spark - HAVE SPARK. Checked plugs - good, but dry. Added some gas direct into carb. Still no fire. Created this thread, asking for ideas. Got some confirmation and ideas from helpful Stovebolters. Revisited that evening and was able to get the engine running again. Ran for about 10 minutes. Didn't drive (blocked in by wife's car).
10. Next day, groundhog's day (Thursday). Turned over engine and with foot at half throttle cold-blooded engine was running, but letting off on the throttle it gradually continued to mis-fire, then die (this was a timeline of start to stall about 15-20 seconds). Would not start again. Would not fire, "sputter" or show any signs that it might start again. Starting fluid - no luck. A tired battery might be an issue. Bought another battery. Still, wouldn't fire up.
11. Borrowed compression tester from my mechanic friend (yes, I'll buy one eventually, but I've been throwing a lot of money at this truck recently trying to get her on the street). I travel for work, and am gone today, Saturday and Sunday, so will run compression test on Monday and start troubleshooting again. Today, in our brief discussion, he asked if the carb is squirting gas when the throttle is depressed. I will check that.
12. I will post pictures and video shortly, some stuff from a couple weeks ago. As I get a full day working on the truck on Monday, will take follow up photos and video as needed.