Friday, September 6, 2013
Black Jack School Class in 1901, Oregon County, Missouri
This is a class photo taken in 1901 at Black Jack School in the community of Greer in rural Oregon County, Missouri.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Gilbert Williams and Sarah Simpson from Tennessee to Missouri
Gilbert Williams and Sarah Simpson
DeKalb County, Tennessee to Oregon County, Missouri
GILBERT WILLIAMS1,2,3,4 His name is also recorded as GILBIRD in some records. In a biographical sketch in an Oregon Co., Missouri history book published in 1992, an unidentified author reports, "In 1853 he, along with some of his slaves, came to Oregon County and bought a farm near Greer. . .
"The cave on this farm was used during the Civil War as a hiding place for the family and their food. The story has been told that one time while hiding there, the family could hear soldiers marching and singing. Because the family was good to the slaves, some chose to stay with the Williamses even after they were freed. The home which Gilbert built is now the home of Tommy Parrott, one of his many descendants. The original house has been remodeled and modernized."
In another biographical sketch in the same book (presumably by a different author) the following information was given, "After the Civil War, the slaves remained with the family until, some years ago, Oregon County issued an order forbidding Negroes to remain within the county. The Negroes left and settled around Piedmont, Missouri."
It is true that the African Americans (slaves or former slaves) were buried in the family graveyard, a fact that angered members of the KKK and some of the gravestones have been vandalized.
Family tradition states that Gilbert was injured during the Civil War and collected a pension later. It's possible that he was the G. Williams enrolled in McBride's Div. when slightly wounded in action near Springfield, Mo. August 10, 1861. Report dated Aug. 10, 1861 at the Camp on Wilson's Creek. Confederate men in Missouri didn't use full names when enrolling because the penalties were severe if discovered by the Union troops.
Gilbert was born on 30 Mar 1809 in Smith Co., Tennessee.5,6 He and SAMUEL WILLIAMS were mentioned in Dr. Wright's day book between 1832 and 1833 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.7
He owed a debt to the estate of William Sullivan on 26 Oct 1835 in Warren Co., Tennessee.8
He married SARAH SIMPSON, daughter of THOMAS SIMPSON and NANCY MORELAND, on 20 Jul 1839 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.
He was on a jury in 1840 in District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee, Gillind (sic) Williams was appointed juror for District 4 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee, June 1840 per DeKalb County Minute Book 1838-.
He and SARAH SIMPSON appeared on the census of 1840 in Dry Creek, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.9
He was on a jury in May 1845 in District 4, DeKalb Co., Tennessee.10
He was elected Justice of the Peace in Jan 1847 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.11
He was appointed administrator of the estate of his sister, Mary Williams on 7 Dec 1847 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.12 He appeared in court records regarding that estate between Feb 1848 and May 1848 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.13
He and SAMUEL WILLIAMS settled an estate on 7 Sep 1848 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.14,15 He settled an estate on 4 Jul 1849 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.16
He and SARAH SIMPSON appeared on the census of 1850 in Dry Creek, Dekalb Co., Tennessee.17
On 7 Oct 1850 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee he purchased 2 bench plains for 75 cents and a razor and cases for 15 cents from the estate of his father, Samuel Williams.18 He received his inheritance on 7 Jan 1853 in DeKalb Co., Missouri.19
He and TERRY WILLIAMS were party to a deed on 20 Sep 1853 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.20
He received an inheritance from the estate of his sister, Mary, on 28 Oct 1853 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.21
He appeared on the census of 1860 in Oregon Co., Missouri.22 and on the census of 1870 in Jobe Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.23
He and his son, SIMON MARION WILLIAMS were party to a deed on 1 Jan 1876 in Oregon Co., Missouri.24
He and WILLIAM LOGAN WILLIAMS, his son, were party to a deed on 12 Apr 1878 in Oregon Co., Missouri.25
He conducted other land transactions on 15 May 1883 in Oregon Co., Missouri,26 and on 12 Jul 1884 in District 3, Oregon Co., Missouri, 27 on 25 Aug 1885 in Oregon Co., Missouri.28
He paid taxes in 1890 in Oregon Co., Missouri.29
He died on 7 Sep 1891 in Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 82.30,6 and was buried in Williams Cemetery, Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.6
Children of Gilbert Williams and Sarah Simpson
SAMUEL THOMAS WILLIAMS was born circa 1840 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.31 He began military service in the Civil War on 6 Jul 1861 in Missouri.32 He was a Chaplain between 6 Jul 1861 and May 1865.33 He married PERNETA ELIZABETH BOLTON on 6 Mar 1862 in Oregon Co., Missouri.34 He ended his military service in May 1865 in Oregon Co., Missouri.35,36 He appeared on the census of 1870 in Oak Grove Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.37 He was on the tax list in 1890 in Oregon Co., Missouri.29 He was party to a deed on 26 Jul 1895 in Oregon Co., Missouri.38 He appeared on the census of 1900 in Oregon Co., Missouri.39 He died in 1917 in Koller, Shannon Co., Missouri.40
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| Samuel Thomas Williams |
NANCY EMELINE WILLIAMS was born on 19 Oct 1842 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.45,46,47,48 She married first to WILLIAM AMOS MOSS on 3 Jun 1863 in Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri.49,47,48 and was married second to SPENCER SARGENT SIMMONS on 16 Mar 1882 in Oregon Co., Missouri.50 She and SIMON MARION WILLIAMS appeared on the census of Apr 1910 in Oregon Co., Missouri.51 She died on 11 Dec 1928 in Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 86.52,53,46 She was buried on 13 Dec 1928 in Hall Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.46
WILLIAM LOGAN WILLIAMS was also known as LOGAN WILLIAMS. He was born on 6 Feb 1845 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.54,46 He began Civil War military service on 7 Jun 1861 in Oregon Co., Missouri, in Co. D, 7th Mo. Cav.55,56 He ended military service on 11 May 1865 in Jacksonport, Arkansas.57,58,59 He married NANCY SIMMONS on 28 Sep 1865 in Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri.60,61 He was party to a deed on 16 Nov 1869 in Oregon Co., Missouri.62 He appeared on the census of 1870 in Oak Grove Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.63 He executed a deed on 1 Jan 1875 in Oregon Co., Missouri, On 1 Jan. 1875 Gilbird and Sallie Williams of Oregon Co., MO sold 100 acres to Wm. L. Williams of Oregon Co., MO for $200.00. The land was described as: NE quarter of the SW quarter and east half of Lot No. 1 of NE quarter and a fraction off of SE corner of the west half of Lot 1 of NE quarter giving half a pond? and a fraction of NW of east corner of NW quarter of the fourth east quarter of Section No. 1 Twp. No. 24N of R4W containing 100 acres more or less. Signed by Gilbert, Sally made a mark. Witnessed by H.T. Bridgefort and W.H. Parrott. Oregon Co., MO Deed Book 15 p. 80. He and GILBERT WILLIAMS were party to a deed on 12 Apr 1878 in Oregon Co., Missouri.25 He appeared on the census of 1880 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.64 and on the census of 1890 in Woodside, Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri.65,66 He was on the tax list in 1890 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.29 He was a blacksmith and a preacher per Dora Phillips.
A newspaper clipping of Logan Williams' obituary was given to me by Mrs. Doyle Williams of Oregon Co., Missouri and a typed copy of the same was provided by Pauline Simmons of West Plains, Missouri.:
Logan Williams was born February 6th 1845 in the state of Tennessee. He was married to Nancy Simmons and to this union was born four children. , Marion Williams and Mary Armstrong still surviving and the other two passing away years ago. He is survived by three brothers and two sisters: Sim, Pete, and Ira Williams, Polly Parrott, and Jocie Parrott. He is survived by five grandchildren. For the past seven months he had made his home with G.A. Arnold, and departed this life after an illness of only five days, January 1, 1929, at the age of 83 years, 10 months, and 25 days.
Mr. Williams professed a faith in Christ at 20 years of age, living a devoted life to his maker until his death, serving, being one of the active Baptist ministers until advanced age removed him from the stage of action a few years ago, but his memory will remain in the mind of those recalling his work in building church houses and an active part taken in the upbuilding of humanity. He was placed to rest at the Hall Cemetery after a fitting funeral service conducted by the Rev. Perry F. Bennett Wednesday, January 2, 1929.
This obituary is incorrect about Logan living with G.A. Arnold - it should have stated that the lived with G.A. Simmons before 1900 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.67 He appeared on the census of 1900 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.68 Rev. Logan Williams preached at Bethany on the 2nd Sunday, from a column titled "Greer Items" in the Oregon County South Missourian Democrat on 21 Jul 1904 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri. He appeared on the census of 1910 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.69 He obtained a pension on 1 Jul 1913 in Lula, Oregon Co., Missouri.70 He gave the eulogy at a funeral on 17 Oct 1918 in Oregon Co., Missouri.71 He died on 1 Jan 1929 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 83.72,46 He was buried in Hall Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.46 His estate was probated on 28 Jan 1929 in Oregon Co., Missouri.73
SARAH ELIZABETH (or EMELINE) WILLIAMS was born in 1847 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.46 She married SPENCER SARGENT SIMMONS on 31 Jan 1863 in Alton, Oregon Co., Missouri.74, 75 She died in Jun 1879 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.46 and was buried in Hall Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.46
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| Sarah Emeline Williams |
GILBERT TOPSY WILLIAMS76 was born in 1850 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee. He married RUTHA JANE HALL on 18 Feb 1869 in Oregon Co., Missouri.77,78 He died before 18 Sep 1878.79,80
PETER CARROLL WILLIAMS An article about "Uncle" Pete Williams appeared in the South-Missourian Democrat, Alton, MO:
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| Uncle Pete Williams |
Uncle Pete Williams, 85 has Been Postmaster at Greer 48 Years
"A staunch Democrat Appointed by President Benjamin Harrison, Republican, has since been continuously in office, serving under 7 Republican and 3 Democratic Presidents...Presidents of the United States have come and presidents have gone--the national administration has changed numerous times during the past 43 years, but during that period Greer, Mo., has kept the same postmaster, Peter C. Williams, or 'Uncle Pete' as he is familiarly known, and who on January 10, 1938, will round out 48 years as postmaster of the Oregon county village.
PROBABLY OLDEST IN COUNTY
"Uncle Pete, who celebrated his 85th birthday anniversary only a few days ago, probably not only is the oldest postmaster in the United States, but also probably holds the country's record for long time service in one office.
"He has just completed a brief visit at the home of his grandson-in-law and granddaughter, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hall, on St. Louis Street in West Plains, which marks one of the very few times he has been away from his job in the post office for more than a day during the entire 48 years he has held the office.
"Greer has never known but the one postmaster, Uncle Pete having been appointed at the time the post office at that place was established, in 1890, and having served continuously since that time.
"Although he was then and still is a staunch democrat, he received his first appointment under the late Benjamin Harrison, republican president of the United States. He has since served under six other republican and three democratic presidents.
"When asked how he happened to be appointed to the office by President Harrison, Uncle Pete replied with a twinkle in his keen brown eyes: 'Well, you see, back in them days there just weren't hardly any republicans at all in Oregon County, and there didn't seem to be any around Greer who wanted to be the postmaster."
FIRST POST OFFICE IN HIS HOME
"During the first few years after the Greer post office was established Uncle Pete conducted it in one corner of the front room in his home. Later he erected a store building and opened a country store, into which he moved the office.
"In recent years, however, he has not been operating the store, but has continued to maintain the post office in the store building.
"Since his first appointment to the office the succeeding presidents, both democratic and republican, have reappointed Uncle Pete because it has been the wish of the people who receive their mail through the Greer post office.
"Once many years ago somebody decided the Greer post office should be moved a mile or two over to the mill at Greer spring, the great spring on Eleven Points river, named for the same pioneer family from which the post office took its name. Moving of the post office meant also a change in postmasters.
"A petition was circulated to ask for the move, but Uncle Pete's friends circulated a petition opposing it. The petition for the move received 12 signers, while more than one hundred patrons signed the petition to keep the office in Uncle Pete's store with Uncle Pete as the postmaster.
"Later after rural routes came into the community, the post office department decided it might be well to discontinue the post office at Greer, but again such a protest was voiced that the post office remained and Uncle Pete was reappointed postmaster for another term.
"When the post office at Greer was first established there were no rural mail routes and people came as far as six and seven miles to get their mail through the little office, which is not far from Eleven Points river and 7 miles east of Alton, county seat of Oregon county.
"Why I can remember when folks from all the way over on Big Hurricane creek used to come to Greer to get their letters," the white-haired postmaster reminisced.
FIRST MAIL ONCE A WEEK
"'Back in 1890 we got mail in Greer only once each week,' Uncle Pete told a reporter for The Quill while he was in West Plains a few days ago. 'A few years later we thought we were getting to be important when the mail came twice a week. Now we get mail every day.'
"'The worst thing now is,' he continued, 'these rural mail routes have taken a lot of my patrons and good roads and automobiles have cut down my money order business.'
"Uncle Pete doesn't complain. He seems perfectly happy.
"I just don't know what I'd do if I couldn't get up every morning and go over there and open that little office,' he said. 'I've been doing it so many years I'd feel plumb funny if I didn't.'
"Uncle Pete has delivered mail to three and four generations of some families in his community.
"Also various post office inspectors have come and gone since he has been on the job and as he recalled them in an interview with The Quill he said with a laugh.
"'You know C.H. Baker's the post office inspector who comes down here from Springfield--sure you know him. Well bless your life, I was runnin' that post office at Greer before he was born.'
"And speaking of post office inspectors--when Uncle Pete gets to heaven he probably will meet a flock of them who will greet him with a 'well done, thou good and faithful servant,' because the inspectors have always found books balanced and his office in shipshape."
Another article appeared in the South-Missourian Democrat, Alton, MO dated on June 26, 1980:
A Bit of History. . .
"Presidents of the United States have come and presidents have gone - - the national administration has changed numerous times during the past 43 years but during that period Greer, Mo. has kept the same postmaster, Peter C. Williams, or 'Uncle Pete' as he is familiarly known and who on January 10, 1938, will round out 48 years as postmaster of the Oregon County village."
"That was the lead to a feature article printed in the December 2, 1937 issue of the West Plains Daily Quill about the late Peter C. Williams.
"The article, which appeared on the front page of the paper, was written when Williams was visiting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hall, his granddaughter and her husband.
"He was appointed as postmaster when the office was established at Greer. Although he was a staunch democrat, he was appointed to the position by the late Republican U.S. President, Benjamin Harrison. He served under six other republican and three democratic presidents.
"The Quill writer explains, 'When asked how he happened to be appointed to the position to the office by President Harrison, Uncle Pete replied with a twinkle in his brown eyes: 'Well, you see, back in them days there just weren't hardly any republicans at all in Oregon County, and there didn't seem to be any around Greer who wanted to be the postmaster.' One wonders if Uncle Peter would be surprised to know that there are still hardly any republicans at all in Oregon County.
"The post office was first established in a corner of the Williams' living room. Later, he built a country store and moved the post office in that building.
"When the post office was first established, it received mail only one day a week, then twice a week, three times and at the time of the 1937 interview, mail was delivered every day. Finally rural route deliveries phased this service out.
"The Quill reporter wrote, 'Postmaster Williams is a native of Tennessee, having been born near Smithville, in DeKalb County, but came with his parents to the Missouri Ozarks when he was one year old. He was reared on a farm only one-half mile from where the post office of Greer is now located.
"His father, the late Gilbert Williams, prominent among the pioneer settlers of Oregon county, was a Tennessee slave owner and brought slaves with him to Oregon county when he moved there in 1841. After the Civil War the slaves remained on with the family until some years ago, when Oregon County issued an order forbidding Negroes to remain within her borders.
"Mr. and Mrs. Williams raised two sons and two daughters, Sampson Williams, Hayden Williams, Mrs. F.R. Tinsley and Mrs. Harriett Cates.
"Living descendants who are Oregon Countians include the great grandsons, Doyle F. Williams and Ivan Tinsley and great-great grandchildren: Claude Williams, Dennie Williams, Neta Brewer and Sidney Williams.
"He was the great grandfather of the late Corvin and Carol Cates. Other great grandchildren are Geneva Tinsley of St. Louis, Mo."
Calvin Tinsley sent the following correction: In the Oregon Co. News of the descendants of Peter C. Williams Ivan Tinsley,Carol and Corwin Cates and Geneva Tinsley are grandchildern not great grandchildren of Peter C. Williams Doyle Williams is a great grandson
Another article appeared in the South-Missourian Democrat, Alton, MO dated Feb. 8, 1940 titled:
P.C. Williams Retires as Postmaster
"Peter C. Williams, 87 years old, retired as Postmaster at Greer, effective February 1st. Uncle Pete, as he is known to his many acquaintances, had served as Postmaster at Greer for just a few days over fifty years and during all that time the post office has been quartered in the same building. Under the retirement, Mr. Williams will receive a government pension, the exact amount has not yet been determined.
"This week Mr. Williams received a personal letter from Postmaster James A. Farley, in which letter Mr. Williams was highly commended for his service; he also received a personally autographed picture of Mr. Farley.
"After Mr. Williams' retirement, Mr. J.F. Bell, merchant of Greer, was appointed postmaster and the office is now located in the Bell Merchantile store."
Uncle Pete is mentioned in a biographical sketch which appeared in an Oregon County history book published in 1992:
"Peter Carroll built a house just north of where the old store building now stands at Greer. This building is near 100 years old although the hand-hewed logs and homemade nails are covered and the house looks like a late model. Peter was appointed postmaster of Greer in 1890 by President Benjamin Harrison. He first operated the post office in his home; in about 1902 he built a store near his home. This building was used as a post office and store until his death in 1943. After his death, his daughter, Lora Tinsley, finished the term. He was the oldest postmaster in the United States at the time of his death."
He was born on 29 Nov 1852 in DeKalb Co., Tennessee.81,82 He married first to HARRIET ENGLAND on 3 Jan 1873 in Oregon Co., Missouri.83,84 and second to SUSAN PARROTT on 2 Oct 1874 in Oregon Co., Missouri.85,86 He married his third wife REBECCA MARGARET CATES on 13 Jul 1884 in Oregon Co., Missouri.87,88 He was Appt'd postmaster of Greer, Mo by Pres. Benjamin Harrison in 1890. He appeared on the census of 1910 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.89 He appeared on the census of 1930 in Oregon Co., Missouri.90 He retired on 1 Feb 1940 as postmaster. He died on 19 Jun 1943 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 90.91,82
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| Susan Parrot and Peter C. Williams |
ELISABITT 'POLLY' WILLIAMS was born on 8 Mar 1857 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.103,104 She married JESSE W. PARROTT, son of LUTHER BENJAMIN PARROTT and ARENA ENGLAND, on 2 May 1873 in Oregon Co., Missouri.105,106 She died on 19 Mar 1942 in Moore, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 85.107
JOSEPHINE WILLIAMS was born on 21 Jan 1859 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.108,109,110 She married WILLIAM HARVE PARROTT, son of LUTHER BENJAMIN PARROTT and ARENA ENGLAND, in 1874 in Oregon Co., Missouri.111 She died on 20 Jul 1936 in Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 77.112,113,114 She was buried on 21 Jul 1936 in Bailey Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.112,115
IRA MOSS WILLIAMS116 was born on 4 Feb 1863 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.117 See an outline of his family in the previous posting.
Endnotes
1. Ira Williams' Death Certificate (n.p.: Jefferson City, MO: No. 33876), Ira's father is identified as Gilbert Williams born in Nashville, Tennessee by informant Mrs. Alta Morman of Fremont, MO.. Obtained official copy 20 November 1979.
2. Sarah Moss's 1812 Widow's Pension (n.p.: n.pub.), Gilbert Williams and Thomas C. Simpson signed as witnesses on the application of Sarah Qualls Moss's widow's pension application in what appears to be their own handwriting. Gilbert's name is clearly written as Gilbird.
3. Betty Moore Majors, compiler, DeKalb Co., Tennessee Genealogy from Administrator's Settlements Books 1846-1907 (P.O. Box 400, Signal Mountain, Tennessee 37377-0400: Mountain Press, 1992), Gilbert Williams and Samuel Williams were administrators of their father's estate.. Hereinafter cited as DeKalb Co., TN Settlements.
4. 1992, Preserve Yesterday, Enrich Tomorrow: Oregon County, Missouri History Book (n.p.: n.pub., n.d.), p. 321, In a biographical sketch by an unidentified descendant he was identified as Gilbert Arnold Williams, the son of Samuel Thomas Williams.
5. Gilbert & Sarah Williams grave, photograph of the double tombstone of Gilbert and Sarah Williams.
6. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Cemeteries of Oregon County, Missouri, 1996 Edition (c/o Courthouse, Alton, MO 65606: Oregon County Genealogical Society, Reprinted 2003), p. 256. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries.
7. Will T. Hale, History of DeKalb County [Tennessee] (McMinnville, TN: Ben Lomond Press, 1915, reprinted in 1969), page 29, Samuel and Gilbert Williams' names appear in Dr. Wright's daybook. Hereinafter cited as History of DeKalb Co. TN.
8. Warren County Inventories, Sales, Bills, Statements, Etc. , Book 1: p. 147. Gilbert Williams owed a debt of 37 1/2 cents to the estate of William Sullivan, Wilson Co., Tennessee Library, Lebanon, Tennessee. Hereinafter cited as Warren Co TN Inventories.
9. Jorene Washer Parsley, 1840 Census DeKalb County, Tennessee (Smithville, TN: privately published, 1985), Eleven Districts, p. 16, Gilbert was between the ages of 30-40 with two females one 15-20 and one under 5. They had married on 20 July 1839 so probably had one child.. Hereinafter cited as DeKalb Co TN 1840 Census.
10. DeKalb Co., Tennessee Circuit Court Minute Book 1838-, LDS Film # 24,639: Gilbert Williams was on jury duty for District 4, Registrar of Deeds, Smithville, Tennessee. Hereinafter cited as DeKalb Co TN Circuit Court Minutes.
11. DeKalb Co TN Circuit Court Minutes, LDS Film # 24,639: p. 240. Gilbert Williams was elected Justice of the Peace.
12. Betty Moore Majors, DeKalb Co., TN Settlements, page 3 [p. 47 of the original] "It appearing to the County Court now in session that Mary Williams has died in the County of DeKalb having no will and the court being satisfied as to your claim [Gilbert Williams] . . . letters of administration to be issued to you."
13. DeKalb Co TN Circuit Court Minutes, LDS Film # 24,639: pp. 301-302, 332-333 Gilbert Williams, administrator of Mary Williams who died in DeKalb County, posted bond of $800.00. He attempted to collect a debt due Mary's estate by the heirs of Matthew Griffin. In April Gilbert presented an inventory and account of the sale of property in the estate and in May he was removed as administrator. William Williams was appointed in his place and posted a bond of $1500. Gilbert appealed the decision.
14. Betty Moore Majors, DeKalb Co., TN Settlements, p.4 [pg. 73 of the original] Samuel Williams Jr. and Gilbert Williams were appointed administrators of Samuel Williams, deceased.
15. DeKalb Co TN Circuit Court Minutes, LDS Film # 24,639: p. 367. Gilbert and Samuel Williams, administrators of Samuel Williams deceased, posted bond with Sampson B. Williams, Terry Williams, Hardin Cantrell, E.W. Taylor and Tillman Bethel in the amount of $6000.
16. Betty Moore Majors, DeKalb Co., TN Settlements, p.8 [pp. 173 of the original] Amount of an award upon Gilliard Williams and Samuel Williams, administrators of Samuel Williams, dec'd made by Manson M. Brown, John H. Savage and Thomas Whaley $816.12.
17. Jorene Washer Parsley, compiler, DeKalb Co., Tennessee Census 1850 (Smithville, TN: privately published, 1988), page 23 Gilbert Williams age 41, farmer, Sarah 32, Eliza 11, Samuel 9, Nancy E. 7, William 5, Sarah E., 3, Gilbert P. 8 months. Hereinafter cited as DeKalb Co., TN 1850 Census.
18. DeKalb Co., Tennessee Administrator's Settlements 1838-1845 LDS Film #593,044: pp. 178-179 G. Williams purchased 2 bench plains for 75 cents and a razor and cases for 15 cents from the estate of his father, Samuel Williams, TSLA, Tennessee State Library and Archives, 403 7th Ave. N, Nashville, Tennessee 37243-0312. Hereinafter cited as DeKalb Co TN Administrators.
19. Betty Moore Majors, DeKalb Co., TN Settlements, page 10 [pp. 265-266 of the original] Gillierd & Samuel Williams, admrs. received $85.12 from the estate of their aunt, Mary Williams.
20. DeKalb County, Tennessee Deeds: Gilbert & Sarah probably left Tennessee for Missouri in the fall of 1853 after they sold 80 acres to his brother Terry Williams in DeKalb Co., TN, Roll #82, Deed Book E, pp. 83-84: "I Gilbert Williams sold to Terry Williams in consideration of $700.00 a tract of land containing 80 acres in Dist. No. 4 and bounded as follows: Sampson B. Williams's NE corner in the Bottom, S.B. Williams' east boundary, bank of the creek, the old north boundary line, the hollow of Gilbert Williams Spring Branch, line of a 50 acre tract, Mathew Hunt's, Terry Williams' corner, corner where Sampson B. and Terry Williams' lines joins, 20 Sept. 1853. Signed by Gilbert Williams, proved by Simeon Williams on 3 Oct. 1853., Registrar of Deeds, Smithville, Tennessee. Hereinafter cited as DeKalb Co TN Deeds.
21. Betty Moore Majors, DeKalb Co., TN Settlements, page 12 [pp. 287-295 of the original book] Gillierd [sic] inherited $566.88 from his father's estate. This record was incorrectly dated 1850. It was recorded between two other records dated in 1853.
22. "1860 Federal Census Oregon County, Missouri," Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter (November 2002-January 2003): Gilbird Williams had one female slave age 22. Hereinafter cited as "1860 Slave Census Oregon County."
23. Carol Baker Hodges, 1870 Census of Oregon County, Missouri (Springfield, Missouri: privately published), p. 44 The family consisted of Gilbert Williams, age 62, Salley age 52, Peter age 17, Simon, age 15, Polley age 13, Josephine age 10 and Ira age 7.. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO 1870 census.
24. Oregon County Missouri Deeds: Book 23 pp. 17-18 On 1 Jan. 1876 Gilbert and Sallie Williams gave an undisclosed amount of land to Simon Williams (it was also made out to an M. Williams, his wife? but the second name was rubbed out) "for in consideration of the sum of Nothing." Signed by Gilbert and Sallie Williams (no mark) and witnessed by David M. Bentley and John Simpson. Sallie relinquished her dower. Thomas C. Simpson, Judge. Oregon Co., Mo Deed Book 23, pp. 14-15., Registrar of Deeds, Alton, Missouri. Hereinafter cited as Oregon County Deeds.
25. Oregon County Deeds: Gilbert Simpson and wife sold to their son, W.L. Williams 100 acres for $200.
26. Nona Williams, compiler, Oregon Co., Missouri Deed Books (1540E Pointer Ridge Place, Bowie, MD 20716-1859: Heritage Books Inc., 1994), On 13 May 1883 Gilbird and Sallie Williams sold 40 acres to W.T. Shaver. Signed by Gilbert, Sally made a mark and witnessed by Peter C. Williams. Oregon Co., MO Deed Book 15 p. 220.. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO Deeds.
27. Oregon County Deeds: Gilbert Williams and wife gave one acre to board of directors and the citizens of District No. 3 for the purpose of establishing a school and church.
28. Nona Williams, Oregon Co MO Deeds, On 25 August 1885 Gilbert and Sallie Williams sold the NW of the SE4 and the N?2 Lot 1 of the SW4 of Section 6 Twp 24 to W.N. Evans of Howell County and M.B. Clark of Oregon Co for $150. The amount of land transferred wasn't mentioned. Witnesses were M.L. Parrott and P.C. Williams. The Justice of the Peace was W.L. Williams. Oregon Co., MO Deed Book 19 p. 285.
29. compiler Jackie Woods, Personal Assessment Book (n.p.: n.pub., n.d.), p. 4, in Woodside township.
30. Gilbert & Sarah double tombstone of Gilbert and Sarah Williams. Dora Phillips says that Ira and Kitty lived with Gilbert Williams until he died. She was up with a toothache one night and found him dead in bed. She said he owned just about all the land everywhere and finally her (Dora's) dad (my great-uncle Billy Harrod) bought 80 acres for $300.
31. S.T. Williams, 1870 scanned image, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, heritagequestonline.com Series M593 Roll 796, Page 16, He was 30 in 1870.
32. "11th Census of U.S. Special Schedule Surviving Soldiers and Widows Etc.," Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter (Sept-Nov 1992): His rank was pvt in Co. D, 2 Mo Cav. He enlisted 6/7/61 and was discharged 5/ /65. He was a Confederate. At the time of the census he resided in Woodside Township.. Hereinafter cited as "Oregon Co MO 11th Census."
33. Curtis Hopper, "S.T. Williams ," e-mail message from CurtisMOSBDC@cs.com (Sons of Confederate Veterans) to Nona Williams, 2000, Curtis Hopper of the Sons of Confederate Veterans found information that S.T. Williams was a Chaplain in Company L- Fristoe's Regiment-MO.Confederate Army.. Hereinafter cited as "Samuel T. Williams."
34. Oregon Co., Missouri Marriage records: Book A, pg. 50, "this is to certify that I solomized the rights of matrimony between S.T. Williams and Pernity Elizabeth Bolton on 6 March 1862. John Simpson, J.P., Oregon County Clerk's Office, Alton, Oregon County, Missouri 65588. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO Marriages.
35. "Oregon Co MO 11th Census."
36. Lou Wehmer, "Missouri Militia Enrollment, 1865, Oregon County, Station Mahan's Creek," Oregon County Genealogical Society (Nov 2007 - Jan 2008): Samuel L. (sic) Williams, age 25, 5'10", black hair, black eyes, dark complexion, married, Co. A page 21.. Hereinafter cited as "Oregon Co Mo Militia Enrollment."
37. 1870 scanned image, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, The household included: S.T. Williams age 30, wife Elizabeth age 25, daughter Martha age 5, daughter Sarah age 4 and son Wright age 2.
38. S.T. Williams to Church of Latter Day Saints, Deed Book 39: pp. 219-220. S. T. and Pernita E. Williams husband & wife sold to the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints two (2) acres in Sec 2 Twp 24 n range 4 w for the sum of $10.00. the principal place of business of said church being Lamoni, Decatur Co., Iowa 26 July 1895., Oregon County Registrar of Deeds, Alton, Missouri. Hereinafter cited as S.T. Williams to LDS.
39. Lewis A.W. Simpson, Oregon County's Three Flags, Six County Seats via the Horse and Buggy (Thayer, MO: The Thayer News, 1971), he resided in the home of his daughter, Martha Perego. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO Three Flags.
40. Letter from Richard T. Williams (33 Guetterman Drive, Belleville, IL 62220-2407) to Nona Williams, August 21, 2000; ". . . my Aunt Rachel . . . was there for the burial, I have been able to pinpoint the exact location. Samuel is buried next to Calvin and Sara E. Bolton, his brother-in-law. While many people try and attribute Bunker, MO as the place of death, it was actually in an area known as Koller, MO. Koller was named for the large number of family members in the area near the postal town of Ink, MO. A. Meade was listed on the death certificate as the undertaker. Thomas Bolton, Samuel's son-in-law signed the death certificate. . . . Further confirmation has been made at the Shannon County, MO Courthouse with Mr. Ken Akers."
He died in the home of his daughter, Mida and her husband Tommie Bolton (Tommie was Samuel's nephew).
41. DeKalb Co TN 1840 Census, p. 16, Gilbert was between the ages of 30-40 with two females one 15-20 and one under 5. Their daughter was probably born early in 1840.
42. Jorene Washer Parsley, DeKalb Co., TN 1850 Census, page 23 She was 11 in 1850.
43. Carol Baker-Hodges, "Oregon County Missouri Original Marriage Returns," Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter (May - August 2004): A.G. Hall and Eliza R. Williams were married 15 Oct. 1856 by P.R. Simpson. Hereinafter cited as "Oregon County Mo Marriages."
44. Ira Hall, 23 June 1900 Twelfth Census of the United States, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, Woodside Twp., heritagequestonline.com Series T623 Roll: 879 page 58, Ira Hall had been married to Rebecca for 20 years when the 1900 census was taken, therefore Eliza had probably died before he and Rebecca married.
45. Obituary of Nancy Emaline Simmons, Suoth-Missourian Democrat, Alton, Missouri, 20 Dec 1928, Nancy Emaline Williams was born October 19, 1842, in the state of Tennessee.. Hereinafter cited as South Missourian Democrat.
46. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 72.
47. South Missourian Democrat, 20 Dec 1928, She was married to William A. Moss June 3, 1863, and to this union three children, Jannie Strain, Paralee Warren, and Eliza Bailey, Jannie and Paralee departing this life a few years ago.
48. "Ruby Norton's Research Notes", Oct 1986, Ruby Norton (PO Box 189, Winona, MO 65588), to Nona Williams (PO Box 746, Ben Lomond, CA 95005), Oregon County Missouri Marriage Records. Hereinafter cited as "Ruby Norton."
49. Emeline & first husband, William Moss, had three children: Jannie Strain, Paralee Warren and Eliza Bailey. Jannie and Paralee preceded their mother in death.
50. Polly Williams Parrott's obituary. 'Later she married S.S. Simmons, who departed this life some 20 years ago.'
51. S.M. Williams, April 1910 U.S. Federal Census, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, #123 #125, heritagequestonline.com T624 R804 page 44, The family included S.M. Williams age 55, wife Matilda age 38, step-daughter Laura Gazaway age 15 and sister Nancy Simmons age 67.
52. At the time of her death she was aged 86 years, 1 month and 4 days.
53. South Missourian Democrat, 20 Dec 1928, Four brothers, Sim Williams, Logan Williams, Pete Williams, and Ira Williams. Two sisters, Polly Parrott and Jocie Parrott. Twelve grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Eliza Bailey, for several years. She departed this life December 11, at five o'clock at the age of 86 years, 1 month and 4 days. She was a member of the United Baptist Church, having joined the church in 1889, and has served faithfully for her Lord ever since. She has been in poor health for some time, but bore her burden well. She leaves a host of relatives and friends to mourn her departure. The funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J.W. Sconce at 2:00 p.m. Thursday after which the remains were place to rest in the Hall cemetery. Once I had a home so lovely, most to me was joy and rest, But now tis pain and sorrow that fills my aching breast. Once I had a father and a mother, and two sisters I could see, But they have gone to Glory all watching and waiting for me. What peaceful hours we then enjoyed, how sweet their memories still, But now I find an aching void that none but they could fill. A daughter.
54. William L. Williams' obituary, "Logan Williams was born February 6, 1845, in the state of Tennessee."
55. Confederate Service Index, W.L. Williams Confederate Pension Record, Certificate # 151 (Jefferson City, Missouri: The Adjuntant General's Office), Logan was 5th Sgt, Company L, Fristoe's Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Confederate States of Army which surrendered May 11, 1865. He served under the command of Col. E.T. Fristoe, Capt. S.W. Greer, 1st Lt. Ira Hall and 2nd Lt. John B. McKinny. He took part in battles at Pilot Knob, Jefferson City, Booneville, the battle of Minn Creek and was wounded in the "breast" at Minn Creek.. Hereinafter cited as W.L. Williams' Pension.
56. Civil War Veterans 1890, Eleventh Census of the United States 1890: Schedules Enumerating Union Veterans and Widows of Union Veterans of the Civil War: Missouri Bundle 88, CD-ROM (669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake City, UT 84054-0670: Heritage Quest, 1890), His name was lined out and a notation of "Conf" was written to the left of his name. I assume they identified him as a Confederate.. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO 1890 Census.
57. Confederate Service Index, W.L. Williams' Pension, Certificate # 151, He was surrendered and paroled at Jacksonport, Arkansas on 5 June 1865.
58. Civil War Veterans 1890, Oregon Co MO 1890 Census, He had served for 4 years in the war.
59. Wehmer, "Oregon Co Mo Militia Enrollment", William L. Williams, age 20, 5'8", light hair, blue eyes, fair complexion, single, Co. C page 22.
60. William L. Williams' obituary, He was married to Nancy Simmons and to this union was born four children, Marion Williams and Mary Armstrong still surviving and the other two passing away years ago.
61. Carol Baker Hodges, "New" Marriage Book A 1845-1879 (Springfield, Missouri: privately published, n.d.), p. 27 They were married 28 Sep. 1865 and the record was recorded 26 Dec. 1865.. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO Marriage Bk A.
62. Oregon County Deeds: On 16 Nov. 1869 William L. Williams and Nancy Williams, his wife, sold 160 acres to Gilbert Williams for $40. Deed Book 23 pp. 19-20.
63. Logan Williams, 14 July 1870 scanned image, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, heritagequestonline.com M593 Roll: 796 Page 10, The household consisted of Logan Williams age 25, wife Nancy age 22 and son Marion or Marin age 3.
64. William L. Williams 1880 census, online www.familysearch.org, The family included William age 33, Nancy age 30, son Francis age 13, daughter Mary E. 9 months old.. Hereinafter cited as Wm. L. Williams 1880.
65. Civil War Veterans 1890, Oregon Co MO 1890 Census, His post office address was Alton.
66. "Oregon County, Missouri Special Schedule Surviving Soldiers, etc.," Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter (November 2002-January 2003): Wm. L. Williams appeared on the 11th Census of U.S., Special Schedule, Surviving Soldiers, and Widows, Etc. which was printed in the Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter, Sept. -Nov. 1992 issue. His rank was pvt in Co. D, 2 Mo Cav. He enlisted 6/7/61 and was discharged 5/ /65. He was a Confederate. At the time of the census he resided in Woodside Township. A commerative stone was placed on his grave in November 1998 by Curtis Hopper, member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (descendant of Wright Simpson). The stone reads, William Logan Williams, 5 Serg Co. D, 2 MO Cav, Mo. State Gds, Confederate States Army, February 6, 1845 - Jan. 1, 1929. Hereinafter cited as "Oregon Co., MO Special Census."
67. Carol Baker Hodges, 1900 Census of Oregon County, Missouri (Springfield, Missouri: privately published), p. 176. His occupation was blacksmith. He also owned a farm.. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO 1900 census.
68. Carol Hodges, William Logan Williams 1900 census (Springfield, MO: privately published), The family included William age 56, Nancy age 53, daughter Mary E. age 20 with her husband James S. Armstrong age 20.. Hereinafter cited as William L. Williams 1900.
69. Carol Baker Hodges, 1910 Census of Oregon County, Missouri (Springfield, Missouri: privately published), p. 73. W.L. Williams lived with his daughter, Mary, and her husband, Sam Armstrong.. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO 1910 census.
70. Confederate Service Index, W.L. Williams' Pension, Certificate # 151, Logan was approved on July 23, 1913 for a pension for ex-Confederate soldiers. At the time of his application he was almost age 68 and resided in Lula, Oregon Co., MO. He stated that he was wounded "in breast in Battle of Minn Creek." He stated that he had no property, no land or anyone who should support or care for him. In a memorandum of service he stated that he entered the service in July 1863 and enrolled in the Cavalry in E.T. Fristoe's Regt. His Capt. was S.W. Greer and his 1st Lt. was Ira Hall, 2nd Lt. was John B. McKinny. He took part in battles at Pilot Knob, fight at Jefferson City, Mo. and a fight at Boonesville, the Battle of Min Creek and others. He further stated that he was a member of the Daughters of the Confederacy, Col. J.R. Woodside Camp, Alton, Mo. Also in his pension file was the following letter he'd written, "Nov. 16, 1915. I was not at home when this letter came have just got home. Will send to you my papers can _____ my service in the army if this is not rite let me hear from you and if We ever can you will hear from us with a true hart wishin you grate luck. W.L. Williams
In 1915, Joe J. Russell, member of the House of Representatives received a copy of a letter from the War Dept., Adjutant General's office in which the following was stated, "There are no rolls on file in this office of Fristoe's Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Confederate States Army, The Union records of prisoners of war show that W.L. Williams, 5th Sergeant, Company L, Fristoe's Regiment Missouri Cavalry, Confederate States Army, was surrendered May 11, 1865, and that he was paroled at Jacksonport, Arkansas, June 5, 1865."
71. Jr. R.W. Mitchell, "Oregon County in World War I," Oregon County Genealogical Society Newsletter May 1999 - January 2002 (October 24, 1918): page 48. He gave a eulogy at the funeral of Benjamin Harrison Bettis who died in service during World War I, "Brother Logan Williams made the funeral address at the cemetery . . Brother Williams made an elegant talk and among the many good things he said, he made it clear that there would never be a soldier who gave his life for the cause of humanity that would ever enter torment.". Hereinafter cited as "Oregon Co in WW I."
72. William L. Williams' obituary.
73. Ruby Norton, "Ruby Norton", G.A. Simmons posted administrator's bond to settle the estate of William Logan Williams, deceased.
74. Ruby Norton, According to Oregon County Marriage Records they were married in 1865 but the Moss Family Bible shows the year to be 1863. Oregon County records were hidden in a cave during the Civil War and left there until the war ended. Their marriage records were probably not recorded at the proper time per Pauline Pierce Simmons family records.
75. Ruby Norton, According to Oregon County Marriage Records they were married in 1865 but the Family Bible shows the year to be 1863.
76. Marriage, International Genealogical Index (IGI) (35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150: LDS Family History Library, 18 February 1869), This source gives his middle name as Topsy.
77. International Genealogical Index (IGI).
78. Ruby Norton, Book A, page 81 This is to certify that the undersigned did on the 18th day of February 1869 solomize the rights [sic] of matrimony between Gilbert Topsy Williams and Miss Rutha J. Hall given udner my hand this 18th day February 1869. Signed by Thomas Simpson, Justice. Filed and recorded March 15, 1869.
79. William L. Williams' obituary, Gilbert wasn't mentioned among surviving siblings of William Logan Williams.
80. Ruby Norton, Rutha Jane Williams remarried on 18 Sept. 1878, so Gilbert had probably died by this date.
81. Peter Williams' obituary, "Peter Carol Williams, son of Gilbert and Sarah Williams, was born in DeKalb County, Tennessee, November 29, 1852. He moved to this county when two years old and remained here the rest of his life."
82. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 21.
83. Peter's obituary says he and Harriett England had 12 children, one of
whom died in infancy.
84. Peter Williams' obituary, He was married to Harriett England, January 3, 1873. To this union twelve children were born, one dying in infancy. His wife passed away also.
85. Peter's obituary says that Susan and he had 3 children, one of whom died in infancy and the other two preceded him in death - they were Janie Haigwood and Sampson Williams.
86. Peter Williams' obituary, He was later married to Susan Parrott October 2, 1874. To this union 3 children were born, one died in infancy, 2 others preceded him in death later, Janie Haigwood and Sampson Williams.
87. Peter Williams' obituary, He was then married to Rebecca M. Cates July 13, 1884. To this union 2 children were born. She preceded him in death 6 years ago.
88. 1992, Preserve Yesterday, Enrich Tomorrow, p. 322, this biographical sketch states that Peter and Rebecca Margaret Cates were married in 1894.
89. Oregon Co MO 1910 census, p. 78. The family included P.C. Williams age 57, wife Rebecca age 46 and daughter, Lora, age 19.
90. Peter Williams, 15 April 1930 scanned image, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, heritagequestonline.com Series T626 Roll: 1215, The household consisted of: Peat [sic] Williams age 77 and Margaret R. wife age 66.
91. Peter Williams' obituary, departed this life June 19, 1943, at the age of 90 years, 6 months, and 21 days. He leaves to mourn his departure 3 children, Mrs. Harriett Cates, Mr. Haden Williams, Mrs. Lora Tinsley, all of Alton, Mo., 20 grandchildren living, 1 grandson, Ivan Tinsley serving in the Armed Forces overseas, 2 dead, Ivy Williams and Van Tinsley, several great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-grandchild, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his departure. He was converted at an early age and joined the United Baptist Church where he still held his membership. He lived a true Christian life and was kind to everybody, and was well-known and loved by all. He will be sadly missed. Uncle Pete as he was known, was the last one of 11 children. He has one brother-in-law, Uncle Harve Parrott. Funeral services were conducted by Brother Leahman Wigggs and Clarence Dodson and the body was laid to rest in the Bailey Cemetery. Pallbearers were Carl and Corwin Cates, Walter Hall, Loyd Wilburn, Elza Neal, and Robert Booker. Flower girls were Mary Ann Wilburn, Martha Ann Hall, Helen Cates and Flora Wilburn. Sleep on dear Father, Sweet be thy rest. We loved you so well, But God loved you best.
92. 1992, Preserve Yesterday, Enrich Tomorrow, p. 321, in this biographical sketch he is indentifed as Simuel or Simpson Williams born 1855.
93. Simon Williams, 23 june 1900 U.S. Federal Census, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, #207 #207, heritagequestonline.com T623 R879 page 58, His name is shown as Simon in this record.
94. Simuel Williams, 1880 U.S. Federal Census, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, #60 #60, heritagequestonline.com T9 R707 p. 319, His name was listed as Simuel in this record.
95. Sim Williams' obituary: Sim Marion Williams, son of Gilbert and Sally Williams, was born December 5, 1854.
96. Sim Williams' obituary, he was married to Sarrah Martha England February 6, 1873 and to this union was born two children, a son, Gilbert, and a daughter, Martha, both died in infancy.
97. 1880 U.S. Federal Census, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, #60 #60, The family included Simuel [sic] Williams age 25 and wife Martha D. 27.
98. Sim Williams' obituary, later he was married to Matilda Gazaway O'Dell. To this union three children were born, two sons, one daughter, Enoch, Rutha May, and Oda, all died in infancy. He raised two children, a step-daughter, Laura Gazaway Alcorn, a brother-in-law, Isaac O'Dell.
99. Simon Williams, 23 June 1900 Twelfth Census of the United States, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, Woodside Twp., heritagequestonline.com Series T623 Roll: 879 page 58, They had been married 3 years when the census of 1900 was taken.
100. Ruby Norton, "Oregon County Williams," e-mail message from ren65588@socket.net (Winona, MO) to Nona Williams, 6 May 2004, Book 5 page 1 S.M. Williams of Greer to Mrs. Matilda Gazaway of Myrtle, 11 July 1897 at home of E.C. Odel, her father, by J.P. Wiggs, MG.. Hereinafter cited as "Oregon Co Williams."
101. 23 june 1900 U.S. Federal Census, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, #207 #207, The family included Simon born Dec. 1854, wife Matilda born Apr 1873 age 27, married 3 years and daughter Laura J. born March 1895, 5 years old.
102. Sim Williams' obituary, Mr. Williams joined the United Baptist Church in 1889 at Billdad, one of the oldest churches in the county, was ordained to ministry March, 1895, and preached to most all the churches around. He departed this life July 28, 1935. Laid to rest in Hall Cemetery, services conducted by Rev. George Miller. He leaves the widow, two brothers, two sisters, P.C. Williams, Mrs. Jocie Parrott, of Greer, Mrs. Pollie Parrot of Alton.
103. Peter Williams' obituary.
104. Polly Williams Parrott's obituary, She was born at Greer, in this county in the year 1857, and had spent her entire life in this county.
105. Her obituary states that she had 11 children, five of whom survived her: Billy Parrott, Alton, Ira Parrott, St. Louis, Mrs. Edith Adkinson of San Jose, CA, Mrs. Effie Fisher of St. Louis and Mrs. June Barnes of Brosley, MO.
106. Polly Williams Parrott's obituary, In 1873 she was married to Jessie Parrott, and to this union 11 children were born, five of whom survive, and who are: Billy Parrott, Alton, Ira Parrott, St. Louis, Mrs. Edith Adkison of San Jose, Calif., Mrs. Effie Fisher of St. Louis, and Mrs. June Barnes of Brosley, Mo.
107. Polly Williams Parrott's obituary, Mrs. Polly Parrott, age 65, died at her home north of Alton last Thursday, March 19th, following an illness of several weeks. She is also survived by one brother, Pete Williams of Greer, as well as 27 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Parrott was a Christian lady, one who was respected by all acquaintances. She had lived a useful life in her community and one whose many kind acts will long be remembered.
108. Josephine Parrott, Certificate of Death #27501 (24 aug 1935), this source (Sim Parrott) shows her birth date as Jan. 20, 1859. Hereinafter cited as Josephine Williams' death cert.
109. Josephine Williams' obituary: Josephine Williams Parrott, a daughter of Gilbert and Sally Williams, was born on the old Wiliams farm near Greer January 21, 1859, and lived her entire life in the Greer vicinity.
110. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 14 Her date of birth appears on her cemetery marker.
111. Josephine Williams' obituary, she was married to W.H. Parrott in 1874 and 13 children were born to this union: 8 boys and 5 girls. Seven of the children preceded her in death.
112. Josephine Parrott, Josephine Williams' death cert.
113. Josephine Williams' obituary, she was converted in September, 1874, and joined the United Baptist Church at Billdad and lived a devoted Christian life until she was called home. She departed this life July 20, 1936, at her home at the age of 77 years and 6 months. She leaves to mourn her death an aged husband, two brothers, Pete Williams of Greer and Ira Williams of Winona, and a sister, Polly Parrott of the Shiloh community. Also five boys, one daughter, 38 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren. She was a kind and loving mother and friend and will be missed by all who knew her. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Jim Wiggs and burial was in the Bailey Cemetery. Children of Josephine and Harve were listed in her obituary as: Lewis of St. Louis, Jim of Illinois, Sim, Willis and Herbie of Alton, Rena Chronister of Alton.
114. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 14 Her date of death appears on her cemetery marker.
115. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 14 Bailey Cemetery in Piney Township Sec. 13, Twp. 24 R4.
116. Clyde Williams' Death Certificate (n.p.: Jefferson City, MO: No. 67-0005315), Clyde's father's name was given as Ira Williams per informat which was listed as the U of Mo. medical records.. I obtained a copy of the record on June 8, 1979.
117. Ira Williams' Death Certificate, Ira's place of birth was reported as Greer, MO by informant Mrs. Alta Morman of Fremont, MO.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
The History of the Greer Mill, Oregon County, Missouri
History of the Greer Mill
The Greer Mill
My cousin, William Howard Morman, wrote the "History of Greer Mill," published in The Missouri Historical Review Volume LXVI Number 4 (4 July 1972). Howard was the son of George Mormon and Alta Williams. Alta was the oldest daughter of Ira Williams and Kitty Harrod.
Howard cited conversations with Ira M. Williams between 1915 and 1930 as a major source of information for the article. The land upon which the Greer Mill was built was homesteaded by Thomas Simpson in June 1854. (Thomas Simpson was Ira Williams' maternal grandfather.) Samuel W. Greer acquired it from the Simpson family on 1 August 1860 and built a gristmill there. During the Civil War, Greer earned the rank of Captain for service in the Confederate Army but while he was away bushwhackers burned the gristmill at Greer Spring and had driven off most of the livestock from the farms in that area leaving the farmers in economic difficulty.
Although the area was in dire economic straits, Greer rebuilt the gristmill and began milling operations immediately.
Oxen hauled logs and grain up and down an extremely steep hill and Greer had a team that was trained to make these trips without a driver. This mill operated until about 1883 at which time a new and larger dam was built and a roller mill was constructed on a hill about three-fourths of a mile above the spring. Greer installed a turbine waterwheel and built a three-story mill building. Until the roller mill was constructed the community had little access to flour. Ground wheat products had to be hauled into the area in wagons over long distances from railroad towns and river ports along the Mississippi River. The scarcity of flour made it too costly for most settlers who had to be content with corn bread and cornmeal mush.
Construction of the new mill was completed in 1899 and began operating immediately. Greer had defied engineering logic by placing the mill machinery uphill from the power source which was the dam below but with ingenuity and creativity, he found a way to make it work.
The new mill was so popular they could scarcely keep up with demand. Farmers who lived some distance away would have to stay two or three days while their grain was processed. A log house was built to house these customers. It included a corral to contain the horses or mules of the farmers. A well was dug and lined with rock to supply the guests with water.
In 1899 Captain Greer sold his interest in the mill to George Mainprize who continued to operate it until 1909. Captain Greer sold the land, including the Greer Spring, to Louis Houck on 22 December 1904. Houck sold it to the Missouri Iron and Steel Corporation of St. Louis in August 1919, and they sold it to Louis E. Dennig on 28 April 1922. In the 1990s the land was purchased by the Nature Conservancy for preservation of wilderness.
In 1909 George Mainprize sold the mill building and machinery to Sampson Williams (Ira Williams' brother) and Louis Parrott but quickly sold it to Ira M. Williams and George F. Morman who operated it together until 1916 when George F. Morman purchased a roller mill in Fremont, Carter Co., Missouri and sold his interest in the Greer Mill to Ira Williams. Cleve Bockman bought an interest in the mill and it continued in operation until 1920 when it closed permanently. Both George Morman and Cleve Bockman were Ira's sons-in-law. George married Alta Williams and Cleve married Laura Williams.
Howard cited conversations with Ira M. Williams between 1915 and 1930 as a major source of information for the article. The land upon which the Greer Mill was built was homesteaded by Thomas Simpson in June 1854. (Thomas Simpson was Ira Williams' maternal grandfather.) Samuel W. Greer acquired it from the Simpson family on 1 August 1860 and built a gristmill there. During the Civil War, Greer earned the rank of Captain for service in the Confederate Army but while he was away bushwhackers burned the gristmill at Greer Spring and had driven off most of the livestock from the farms in that area leaving the farmers in economic difficulty.
Although the area was in dire economic straits, Greer rebuilt the gristmill and began milling operations immediately.
Oxen hauled logs and grain up and down an extremely steep hill and Greer had a team that was trained to make these trips without a driver. This mill operated until about 1883 at which time a new and larger dam was built and a roller mill was constructed on a hill about three-fourths of a mile above the spring. Greer installed a turbine waterwheel and built a three-story mill building. Until the roller mill was constructed the community had little access to flour. Ground wheat products had to be hauled into the area in wagons over long distances from railroad towns and river ports along the Mississippi River. The scarcity of flour made it too costly for most settlers who had to be content with corn bread and cornmeal mush.
Construction of the new mill was completed in 1899 and began operating immediately. Greer had defied engineering logic by placing the mill machinery uphill from the power source which was the dam below but with ingenuity and creativity, he found a way to make it work.
The new mill was so popular they could scarcely keep up with demand. Farmers who lived some distance away would have to stay two or three days while their grain was processed. A log house was built to house these customers. It included a corral to contain the horses or mules of the farmers. A well was dug and lined with rock to supply the guests with water.
In 1899 Captain Greer sold his interest in the mill to George Mainprize who continued to operate it until 1909. Captain Greer sold the land, including the Greer Spring, to Louis Houck on 22 December 1904. Houck sold it to the Missouri Iron and Steel Corporation of St. Louis in August 1919, and they sold it to Louis E. Dennig on 28 April 1922. In the 1990s the land was purchased by the Nature Conservancy for preservation of wilderness.
In 1909 George Mainprize sold the mill building and machinery to Sampson Williams (Ira Williams' brother) and Louis Parrott but quickly sold it to Ira M. Williams and George F. Morman who operated it together until 1916 when George F. Morman purchased a roller mill in Fremont, Carter Co., Missouri and sold his interest in the Greer Mill to Ira Williams. Cleve Bockman bought an interest in the mill and it continued in operation until 1920 when it closed permanently. Both George Morman and Cleve Bockman were Ira's sons-in-law. George married Alta Williams and Cleve married Laura Williams.
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Ronnie Hayes (a descendant of Ira Williams through his daughter Sarah Ellen) sent a copy of the Greer Mill's listing in the Register of Historic Places (United States Department of the Interior, Park Service). I extracted the following information from the document:
The late 19th century mill also known as the Greer Roller Mill is located on the west side of State Highway 19, 10 miles north of Alton in Oregon County, Missouri. The foundation is sandstone, the walls are wood and the roof is metal. Samuel Greer and George Mainprize were the builders.
Completed in 1899, the mill replaced an earlier water mill and utilized up-to-date technology to grind grain for farmers in isolated hamlets in the nearby hills. By 1920, railroads penetrated the Ozarks, providing access to the products and services of larger roller mills in the surrounding cities. Although Greer Mill ceased operations in 1920, the building has survived intact in a wooded setting on a hill above the dramatic landscape of Greer Spring. The Greer Mills' period of significance is 1899- 1920.
Greer Spring
Greer Mill stands as a picturesque reminder of a successful, if short lived attempt to bring modern industrial technology into a rural Ozarks setting. Between 1883 and 1899, Samuel Greer and his partner, George Mainprize, struggled heroically to harness the power of Greer Spring to run a flour mill on an isolated hilltop in south central Missouri.
Greer's son lost his life in the process (see narrative below). Mainprize and his son ran the mill for a decade, enjoying some initial success, but finally losing their business to larger and more sophisticated mills in faraway cities that became accessible with the spread of railroads. The simple rustic form of the mill with its gabled cupola blends harmoniously with its wooded setting and seems to suggest the enduring qualities of the rugged Ozarks, which have long resisted the forces of modernization.
In Water Mills of the Missouri Ozarks, historian George Suggs, Jr., noted that Greer Mill differed from most other such buildings in Missouri because of its location on high ground approximately three-fourths of a mile from the spring that was its source of power. This location provided easier access for farmers bringing their grain to the mill, but necessitated a complex system of cables and pulleys to transmit power from the spring. Some remnants of the cable survive on the steep hill between the mill and the spring. The mill building remains substantially intact, and in Suggs' words, "is a majestic structure even in old age."' Missouri artist Jake Wells commemorated this picturesque building in a painting, reproduced in Suggs' book.
Samuel Greer, an early settler of Oregon County, Missouri, played an important role in building the first, second, and third mills at Greer Spring. Born in Rockingham County, North Carolina, in 1828, he moved with his family to Tennessee in 1849 and Missouri in 1859. In that year, he and his father, John Greer, purchased property that included the spring, constructing a mill the following year. Samuel Greer became a captain in the
Confederate Army during the Civil War and returned to Oregon County to find that Bushwhackers had burned his mill. By 1870, Captain Greer constructed a dam, a waterwheel, and a three-story mill, in which he installed machinery to grind corn, saw lumber, and gin cotton. This mill was located on the spring branch far below the site of the surviving mill. In 1883, Greer began construction on the new roller mill on top of the hill....
Confederate Army during the Civil War and returned to Oregon County to find that Bushwhackers had burned his mill. By 1870, Captain Greer constructed a dam, a waterwheel, and a three-story mill, in which he installed machinery to grind corn, saw lumber, and gin cotton. This mill was located on the spring branch far below the site of the surviving mill. In 1883, Greer began construction on the new roller mill on top of the hill....
In an attempt to modernize his operation and respond to a local demand for ground wheat products, Captain Greer formed a partnership with George Mainprize, who owned roller milling machinery in Howell County. Mainprize agreed to move his operation to Greer Spring and help with construction of a new mill. This was an arduous undertaking which required rebuilding the old dam and creating the complex mechanism for transmitting power. The process resulted in the death of Samuel Greer's twenty-three-year-old son, Lewis Greer, who died March 3,1884, when a timber fell on him and pushed him down into the rocky ravine, filled with swift water, below the dam. Construction resumed a month later, but the family suffered greatly from the tragedy.
Note: Lewis Greer had married Lydia Harrod, daughter of William H. Harrod, on 18 March 1883. Lydia Harrod was a sister of Ira M. Williams' wife, Kittie Harrod.
Lydia Harrod Greer
The mill operated without electricity, so power was derived from Greer Spring. Since the mill was unusually located 1140 feet above its source this made it a rare type in the state. The distance necessitated the ingenious method of transmitting power from the turbine operating in the water below to the mill positioned on top of the hill. The sophisticated drive system consisted of continuous steel cable strung on pulleys carried in three towers. The cables entered through the back connecting to drive gear that turned belts that in turn moved the machinery on the upper floors.
In 1909, Mainprize sold the milling operation to Sampson Williams (Ira's brother) and Louis Parrott, who quickly discovered that they did not want to continue in this business. Ira M. Williams and George F. Mormon took over and ran the mill until 1916, when Mormon purchased another mill at Fremont. Williams and his son-in-law, Cleve Bockman, operated the mill until 1920, when it closed down permanently.
George Morman's Fremont Roller Mill
Railroads, which Houck helped to finance, contributed to the downfall of the enterprise. Bigger mills in the surrounding cities couId ship flour by rail into the villages and hamlets of the Ozarks. Local farmers no longer had to grow grain except to feed livestock. Houck sold the Greer Spring property to the Missouri Iron and Steel Corporation of St. Louis in August 1919. Three years later, the Missouri Iron and Steel Corporation sold the land to Louis E. Dennig. The Dennig family held the property for more than sixty years. By the 1970s, the dam had blown out, and most of the cables had rotted away and disappeared, but the old weather-beaten mill remained intact.
In 1987, the Anheuser-Busch company offered to buy the 7,000-acre property containing Greer Spring. Newspapers reported that the famous St. Louis brewery wanted to bottle water from the spring. Conservationists protested, and environmentalist Leo Drey of St. Louis stepped in to purchase the tract from the Dennig family, including the mill. Drey offered to hold it for eventual sale to the United States Forest Service of the United
States Department of Agriculture (USDA) at a price of $500,000 less than he paid.
The Forest Service had a long-standing interest in acquiring the property as part of the Eleven Point National Scenic River area in Mark Twain National forest. Anheuser-Busch subsequently decided to match Drey's donation, presumably in an effort to reestablish their good name and concern fbr the state following unfavorable media publicity.
By the 1990s, The Forest Service had effected the purchase of the Greer Spring property, including Greer Mill. In 1991, Congress approved the purchase of the property. On January 12,1993, Leo Drey sold the entire tract (known as the Dennig Tract) to the Forest Service. The River Network, a non-profit corporation acted as an intermediary to facilitate the complicated transaction. For the benefit of the Dennig family an easement related to use and occupancy of a small portion of the property (including the mill), extends until 2013 in order to provide for continued use of some cabins accessed by a road that runs next to the mill. The Dennigs have no objections to any efforts the Forest Service wishes to undertake to protect, stabilize, or restore the mill.
Oregon County had other grain mills in operation during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Located in an isolated area in the Southwest comer of the Mark Twain National Forest one other mill remains extant in Oregon County, The Falling Spring Mill. At this time the United States Forest Service has no plans regarding the buildings future. Two other mills were also in operation, The Boze Mill and Turners Mill. Both buildings are gone, however their locations are being considered as future archeological sites.
Falling Springs Mill
Ira Williams and Kitty Harrod of Oregon County, Missouri
Ira Moss Williams
Son of Gilbert Williams and Sarah Simpson
Kitty Harrod and Ira M. Williams
Note: The numbers at the end of sentences correspond to source citations at the end of this article.
IRA MOSS WILLIAMS was born on 4 Feb 1863 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri. 2
He received a gift of land deeded to him by his parents on 31 May 1886 in Oregon Co., Missouri.3
He married CATHERINE HARROD, daughter of WILLIAM M. HARROD and NANCY ELLEN ALLISON, on 6 Aug 1886 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.4
He was on the tax list in 1890 in Oregon Co., Missouri5 and he appeared on the census of 1900 in Woodside Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.6
He operated the Greer Mill from approximately 1909 to 1920 in partnership with sons-in-law George Mormon and Cleve Bockman.7 Only two structures remain standing, the old mill building and the Greer home nearby where my father, Clyde Williams was born. Nothing remains of the old log camp house, the corral or the rock-lined well. According to an article in the West Plains Quill, Ira Williams was the operator of the Greer Mill in 1916 when a photo was taken of him there. The mill closed permanently in 1920. (See more about the Greer Mill below the end notes in this article.)
An undated newspaper clipping was given to me by Gerald W. Harrod of Moses Lake, Washington. The article was titled, "Here's How the Town of Greer Got Its Name." The editor commented:
Your editor can recall as a boy traveling by wagon and team with my father to the mill at Greer Spring from his farm some five miles east of Alton about forty-six years ago. We took a wagon load of wheat to have it ground into flour. Leaving home at daybreak or just before we spent the entire day on the trip and it was after nightfall when we returned home. As a small boy, it seemed to us that the place was humming with activity with numerous people waiting their turn. The mill was being operated by Mr. Ira Williams at that time, in the present building. It was powered from the spring by means of a cable.
Ira appeared on the census of 1920 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.8
He died on 15 Sep 1936 in Pike, Carter Co., Missouri, at age 73.9,10,11,12 He was buried in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.13
The children of Ira Moss Williams and Catherine Harrod were:
ALTA MAY WILLIAMS born on 29 May 1887 in Woodside, Oregon Co., Missouri. She married GEORGE F. MORMAN on 23 Oct 1905 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.14 She died on 13 Jan 1968 in Fremont, Carter Co., Missouri, at age 80.15 She was buried in Hickory Grove Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.16
LENAH ETHEL WILLIAMS born on 22 Mar 1890 in Woodside, Oregon Co., Missouri. She died on 12 Jul 1892 in Woodside, Oregon Co., Missouri, at age 2.
SARAH ELLEN WILLIAMS was born on 19 Sep 1891 in Couch, Oregon Co., Missouri.17 She married ANDERSON CARL DUNIGAN on 8 Apr 1911 in Lula, Oregon Co., Missouri.18,19 She died on 6 Nov 1970 in Houston, Texas Co., Missouri, at age 79.20 She was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Houston, Texas Co., Missouri.21
Sarah Ellen Williams
EVERETT LEMUEL WILLIAMS was born on 7 Oct 1893 in Woodside, Oregon Co., Missouri.22,23 He married NELLIE BROWN on 2 Sep 1916 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.24 He died on 5 Jun 1966 in Portland, Multnomah Co., Oregon, at age 72.25 (I haven't had any contact with his descendants and would love to hear from anyone in his family.)
ANNA LAURA WILLIAMS was born on 4 Oct 1896 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.26 She married CLEVE BOCKMAN on 14 Oct 1916 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.27,28,29,30 She died on 27 Oct 1967 in Winona, Shannon Co., Missouri, at age 71.31 She was buried in Pine Lawn Cemetery, Winona, Shannon Co., Missouri.32 (These are the grandparents of my cousin Janet Sartin.)
GUY WAYNE WILLIAMS was born on 14 Jul 1899 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.33 He married EMMA BREWER in 1929. He died on 29 Oct 1983 in Winona, Shannon Co., Missouri, at age 84.33 (This are the parents of my cousins Kathleen Rogers and Don Williams.)
Guy Williams
Notes about this family from Kathleen:We lived in Winona until world war two broke out . The folks owned that farm, they had an auction and sold everything. I remember John Barkley was the auctioneer. We then moved to St. Louis, lived in an awful place, it was wartime and Dad couldn't get anything any better. We lived there until after the war, and when my brother Dwayne was killed. The folks decided to move us other kids back home.
Dad used to work in St. Louis thru the week and come home and farm on the weekends, no wonder he was aways so tired. He did that until he was laid off. He and mom cut wood too and sold it . They sold milk and eggs and of course always had a big garden. Dad grew corn and I guess what they didn't need for their own livestock, they sold. I guess God looked out for all of them. Times were so hard for them all.
Dwayne was killed in an accident at school in St. Louis. He was playing on the jungle gym, something he had never played on before, and he fell and struck his head on one of the bars. He died on the operating table at the hospital. He had a blood clot on his brain. I have always missed him. He was a quiet person, the best looking of us kids. He seemed much older than his years. He was 12 when he died. That was in 1946.
We moved back to the farm after that. Dad and Mom had kept the place. I don't remember if anyone lived in it while we were in St. Louis.
I know dad went to the Church of Christ at Greer. I think they would go around and sing at different churches. He always said Church of Christ was his church.
CLYDE HARVEY WILLIAMS was born on 17 Jan 1902 in Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri.34,35,36 He was in a photo of Black Jack School children in 1913. He married first to EVA ALLMON, daughter of JOSEPH SHELBY ALLMON and MAHALA HURST, on 15 Feb 1926 in Van Buren, Carter Co., Missouri.37 He appeared on the census of 1930 in Falling Springs Twp., Oregon Co., Missouri.38 He owned a general store in Winona, Shannon Co., MO between 1944 and 1948. He married SELMA ERONA HIEBERT, daughter of ABRAHAM J. HIEBERT and SUSANNAH RATZLAFF, on 12 Aug 1944 in Tulsa, Tulsa Co., Oklahoma.39
Selma Hiebert and Clyde Williams
He owned a laundry mat in Tulsa, OK between 1949 and 1950. He owned a general store in Monarch Springs, MO between 1950 and 1956. He died on 14 Feb 1967 in Columbia, Boone Co., Missouri, at age 65.40,41,36 He was buried on 17 Feb 1967 in Falling Springs Cemetery, New Liberty, Oregon Co., Missouri.4
An obituary appeared in The Current Wave, February 16, 1967: Clyde Williams died at 4 a.m. Tuesday morning at Columbia, Mo. Mr. Williams was 65 years old.
Another obituary clipped by Martha Williams, appeared in The Current Wave, March 2, 1967
Clyde Harvey Williams, son of Ira Moss and Kathleen Williams, was born January 17, 1902 at Greer, Missouri, and departed this life February 14, 1967 at the age of 65 years and 27 days.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister - Lena, and one brother, Everett.
He is survived by his wife, Bertha; three daughters: Geneva Lockman, Winona, Mo., Martha Ann Williams, and Susan Tate of San Antonio, Texas; one son: Norman Houston Williams of Miami, Florida, who is serving in the Armed Forces in Thailand; one brother: Guy Williams, Winona, Mo; three sisters: Alta Morman, Springfield, Mo., Ellen Dunigan, Houston, Mo, and Laura Bockman; seven grandchildren, and a host of other relatives. He will be sadly missed by many friends.
Services were held at the Assembly of God Church with Rev. Dolman Roderman officiating. Burial was in Falling Springs Cemetery under direction of the Clary Funeral Home of Winona. He was described as Height: 6' 1". He was buried in Falling Springs Cemetery, Oregon Co., Missouri.
Endnotes
1. Clyde Williams' Death Certificate (n.p.: Jefferson City, MO: No. 67-0005315), Clyde's father's name was given as Ira Williams per informat which was listed as the U of Mo. medical records.. I obtained a copy of the record on June 8, 1979.
2. Ira Williams' Death Certificate (n.p.: Jefferson City, MO: No. 33876), Ira's place of birth was reported as Greer, MO by informant Mrs. Alta Morman of Fremont, MO.. Obtained official copy 20 November 1979.
3. Oregon Co MO Deed of Gift from Gilbert & Sally Williams to Ira M. Williams, Deed Bk. 24, pp. 589-591: Gilbert and Sallie gave 240 acres of land to Ira in exchange for one dollar on 31 May 1886 in Oregon Co., MO Deed Bk. 24, pp. 589-591. The writing in the deed is faded and parts are difficult to read but the following can be deciphered: Gilbert Williams and wife to Ira M. Williams W.D. This indenture made on 31 May 1886 by and between Gilbert Williams and Sallie Williams his wife, Oregon County, Missouri parties of the first part and Ira M. Williams of the county of Oregon and State of Missouri party of the second part. Witnesseth that the parties of the first part in consideration of the sum of one dollar to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged and of their natural love and affection for the said party of the second part do by these presents grant bargain sell convey and confirm unto the said party of the second his heirs and assignees the following described lots tracts or parcels of land lying being and situate in the county of Oregon and state of Missouri, the north part of the west half of lot one and NW part of the west half of lot one and lot 2 of the NW and the north part of the west half of lot one of the (unreadable) Township 24 being all those sections portions not before deeded to W.L. Williams, P.C. Williams, S.M. Williams, W.H. Parrott, in all containing about 240 acres. The deed was signed 'Gilbird' Williams. Sally signed with her mark.
Family tradition states that Gilbert left his inheritance to Kittie, his daughter-in-law rather than to Ira, his son, but there's no evidence of that.Gilbert lived with Ira and Kittie when he died. Registrar of Deeds, Alton, Missouri. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO Deed of Gift.
4.Harrod-Williams Marriage License, Ira M. Williams & Kittie Harrod, Marriage License, 6 August 1886, County Clerk's Office, Oregon Co., Missouri. They were married at the home of "Gilbird Williams" by W.L. Williams, J.P. Note: Ira and Kittie eloped. She sneaked away from home, wearing several layers of clothes. Her mother wouldn't speak to her for several years afterward. Gilbert apparently approved of the marriage since the ceremony was performed at his house by W.L. Williams (Ira's brother). Nancy may have opposed the marriage for political reasons. The Williams family were Confederates and the Harrods were "Yankees" who had fought on opposite sides during the Civil War. Nancy (Allison) Harrod may have been related to President William McKinley whose mother was Nancy Allison.
5. compiler Jackie Woods, Personal Assessment Book, p. 4, listed as Iram Williams in Woodside township.
6. Ira M. Williams, 23 June 1900 Twelfth Census of the United States, P.O. Box 540670, 669 West 900 North, North Salt Lake, UT, US 84054-0670, Woodside Twp., heritagequestonline.com Series T623 Roll: 879 page 58, The family included: Ira Williams age 36, Kittie age 36, Alta age 13, Sarah age 8, Everet age 6, Anna age 5 and Guy age 9 months.
7. William Howard Morman, "History of Greer Mill," The Missouri Historical Review Volume LXVI Number 4 (4 July 1972):
8. Richard T. Williams, Williams Family History and Genealogy: Supplemental Simpson, Moreland & Bolton Histories (33 Guetterman Dr., Belleville, IL 6220-2407: n.pub., December 2000), He says Ira lived on Greer Springs Road (sic), was widowed, age 56, and rented his home from Clue [Cleve] Bockman.. Hereinafter cited as Richard T. Williams. [3.33.].
9. Two obituaries for Ira have been given to me. The first was typed from a microfilmed copy of a newspaper, presumed to have been the South-Missourian Democrat by Pauline Simmons: "Ira Williams passed away September 15, 1936, at the home of his daughter at Winona, Mo. He was a former resident of this county, having lived at Greer many years. He leaves three sons, Everett, Clyde and Guy, and three daughters, Mrs. Laura Bockman, Mrs. Ella Dunigan, and Mrs. Geo. Mormon. He was laid to rest in the Hickory Grove cemetery Wednesday the 16th, beside his wife, who preceded him in death several years ago."
The second obituary was a newspaper clipping given to me by Mrs. Doyle Williams of Oregon Co., Missouri, also presumably from the South-Missourian Democrat:
"Ira Moss Williams was born February 4, 1863, passed away September 15, 1936. Age 73 years, 7 months and 11 days. He was married to Miss Katheryn Harrod in 1887. To this union 7 children were born, one died in infancy. His wife passed away April 19, 1919. Those living are, Mrs. Alta Morman, Fremont, Mo; Mrs. Ellen Dunnigan, Houston, Mo.; Everett Williams, Portland, Oregon; Mrs. Laura Bockman, Winona, Mo.; Guy Williams, Mt. View, Mo.; Clyde Williams, Winona, Mo. He has one brother, Pete Williams, Greer Postmaster, one sister, Polly Parrott. He has 18 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. He passed away at his daughter's home, Mrs. Alta Morman of Fremont, Mo. and was laid to rest at the Hickory Grove Cemetery September 16. Rev. J.W. Bockman of Winona conducted funeral services, assisted by Bro. J.W. Arnold. He became a member of the Christian Church at an early age and held that faith until death. He was willing and ready to go.
10. Ira Williams' Death Certificate, No. 33876, Ira died at age 73 years, 7 months and 11 days. He was a merchant for 30 years and had been retired for 3 years per informant Mrs. Alta Morman of Fremont, MO. He was buried at the Hickory Grove Cemetery, Oregon Co., MO on 16 Sept. 1936. The undertaker was Croy Funeral Home and cause of death was flu complicated by bronchitis. He had been under the care of a doctor since August 12, 1936 and he died at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 15, 1936.
11. 1992, Preserve Yesterday, Enrich Tomorrow: Oregon County, Missouri History Book, p. 321, this biographical sketch by an unidentified author incorrectly stated that Ira died in 1943.
12. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Cemeteries of Oregon County, Missouri, 1996 Edition (c/o Courthouse, Alton, MO 65606: Oregon County Genealogical Society, Reprinted 2003), p. 83. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries.
13. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Cemeteries of Oregon County, Missouri, 1996 Edition (c/o Courthouse, Alton, MO 65606: Oregon County Genealogical Society, Reprinted 2003), p. 83. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries.
14. Oregon Co., Missouri Marriage records: "Altie Williams married George F. Morman", Oregon County Clerk's Office, Alton, Oregon County, Missouri 65588. Hereinafter cited as Oregon Co MO Marriages
15. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 79.
16. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 79.
17. Ronnie Hayes, "Sarah Ellen Wiliams - Descendants", January 5, 2004 (St. Louis, MO). His sources are from family knowledge, gravestones and marriage records of Houston, Texas County, Missouri.. Hereinafter cited as "Sarah Ellen Williams."
18. Oregon Co MO Marriages: Ellen Williams and A.C. Dunigan were married at Lula, Orgeon Co., Missouri at the residence of George Morman.
19. Oregon Co MO Marriages: Ellen Williams and A.C. Dunigan were married at Lula, Orgeon Co., Missouri at the residence of George Morman. Simmon Marion Williams was the minister.
20. Ronnie Hayes, "Sarah Ellen Williams", His sources are from family knowledge, gravestones and marriage records of Houston, Texas County, Missouri., Her social security number was 486-56-0746.
21. Ronnie Hayes, "Sarah Ellen Wiliams - Descendants", January 5, 2004 (St. Louis, MO). His sources are from family knowledge, gravestones and marriage records of Houston, Texas County, Missouri.. Hereinafter cited as "Sarah Ellen Williams."
22. Individual record, International Genealogical Index (IGI) (35 North West Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah 84150: LDS Family History Library, 7 oct 1894 - 5 June 1966), He was listed as Gilbert Lemuel Williams.
23. International Genealogical Index (IGI).
24. Oregon Co MO Marriages: Everett and Nellie Brown were married at Greer by W.E. Harrod, J.P. (Uncle Billy).
25. International Genealogical Index (IGI).
26. Laura Bockman, The Shannon County Current Wave, Winona, Missouri, 30 Oct. 1967, Anna Laura Bockman was born October 4, 1896 at Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri. Hereinafter cited as The Current Wave.
27. Oregon Co MO Marriages: Laura Williams and Cleve Bockman, both from Greer, were married by W.E. Harrod (Uncle Billy).
28. The Current Wave, 30 Oct. 1967, On October 14, 1917 she married Cleve Bockman and had two children, Jack who died a baby and Norma.
29. Oregon Co MO Marriages: Laura Williams and Cleve Bockman, both from Greer, were married by W.E. Harrod (Uncle Billy).
30. The Current Wave, 30 Oct. 1967, On October 14, 1917 she married Cleve Bockman and had two children, Jack who died a baby and Norma.
31. The Current Wave, 30 Oct. 1967, Anna Laura Bockman died October 27, 1967 age 71 years, 23 days.
32. The Current Wave, 30 Oct. 1967, Obituary in Shannon Co., MO Current Wave newspaper: Anna Laura Bockman born October 4, 1896 at Greer, Oregon Co., Missouri and died October 27, 1967 age 71 years, 23 days. On October 14, 1917 she married Cleve Bockman and had two children, Jack who died a baby and Norma. Preceded in death her parents, husband, her brothers Everett and Clyde. She is survived by sisters Alta Morman and Ellen Dunnigan. Services were held October 29 at the new Winona Christian Church with Rev. Earl Sigler. She was buried at Pine Lawn Cemetery.
33. Guy Williams Funeral Memorial Card, Copy in my personal collection (PO Box 746, Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz, California, USA 95005).
34. Clyde Williams' Death Certificate, born 1-17-1902.
35. Clyde Harvey Williams, 492-42-8073, Clyde Williams' Application for Social Security , Social Security Administration (Baltimore, MD 21235-0001: Copy in file, 12 Jan. 1956), He applied for a social security number on January 12, 1956 and provided his birth date. His social security number was 492-42-8073. Hereinafter cited as Clyde Williams' SS App.
36. Oregon County Genealogical Society, Oregon Co. MO Cemeteries, p. 66.
37. Letter from R. Geneva Lockman (PO Box 396, Winona, MO 65588) to Nona Williams, August 25, 2003; Copy in my personal collection (PO Box 746, Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz, California, USA 95005).
38. Clyde Williams, 17 April 1930 scanned image, Series T626 Roll: 1215 page 23, The household included Clyde Williams age 28; Eva, wife age 29; Geneva daughter age 3 1/2; and Hueston [sic] son age 1 1/2.. [3.33.].
39. Letter from Vesta Nadine Robertson (109 W. Larry Rd., Shawnee, OK 74801) to Nona Williams; Copy in my personal collection (PO Box 746, Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz, California, USA 95005), "Clyde and Selma married in Tulsa, Bro. Sam Barton married them at his home at 2210 No. Columbia Place. Your mother was living on the same street at the time two or three blocks south of the Barton's with grandparents. We lived in Tulsa at the same time (just during W.W. II) on 11th Street. Prior to that both families, or I should say all three -- Selma, Grandparents and my parents lived in Sand Springs which is west of Tulsa, literally a suburb.
40. Pneumonitis due to subacute myelomonocytie Leukemia.
41. Clyde Williams' Death Certificate, No. 67-0005315, Clyde had been in the hospital at the University of Missouri Medical Center for 22 days when he died of pneumonitis due to subacute myelomonocytic leukemia at age 65. He was under the care of Dr. Fred J. Brossart from 23 Jan. 1967 to 14 Feb. 1967 when he died at 4:50 a.m. He was buried Feb. 17, 1967 at the Falling Springs Cemetery at New Liberty, MO. The funeral director was Lyman Sprinkle of Columbia, MO. His usual place of residence was Rt. 1, Winona, Shannon Co., MO. His social security number was 493-42-8073. He is buried at Falling Spring Cemetery in Oregon Co., Missouri.
Falling Springs
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