Ira Williams

Typed by Pauline Simmons from the South-Missourian Democrat dated September 15, 1936:
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.

From a newspaper clipping owned 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.

He was a lovable person and made friends wherever he went. He will be missed by relatives and friends, but he has departed for a better land.

We wish to express our best regards to those who assisted us during the death and sickness of our father." --The family.

Josephine Williams Parrott

Typed from the South-Missourian Democrat dated August 6, 1936:

Josephine Williams Parrott, a daughter of Gilbert and Sally Williams, was born on the old Williams farm near Greer January 21, 1859, and lived her entire life in the Greer vicinity.

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.

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, five boys, Lewis of St. Louis, Jim of Illinois, Sim, Willis, and Herbie of Alton, and one daughter, Mrs. Rena Chronister of Alton. Two brothers, Pete Williams of Greer and Ira Williams of Winona, and a sister, Polly Parrott of the Shiloh community. Also 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.

Nancy Emaline Williams

Typed from the Dec. 20, 1928 issue of the South-Missourian Democrat:

Nancy Emaline Williams was born October 19, 1842, in the state of Tennessee. She was married to William A. Moss June 3, 1863, and to this union three children, Janie Strain, Paralee Warren, and Eliza Bailey, Jannie and Paralee departing this life a few years ago. William A. Moss departed this life December 14, 1878.

Later she married S.S. Simmons, who departed this life some 20 years ago.

Besides Eliza Bailey, she leaves three step-children, Elizabeth Uzzle, Nancy Uzzle, and Arnold Simmons. 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.

Judge Wright Simpson died October 17, 1913.

Wright Simpson died at his home four miles northeast of Alton last Friday, October 17, 1913, after an illness of several months, due mainly to advanced age. He was born in Tennessee October 14, 1839, and was at the time of his death 74 years and 3 days old.

He moved from Tennessee to Missouri with his parents when a boy and was reared to manhood on a farm where he has always 1ived . He has been married twice. The first time he was married to Samantha Cates in 1868, who died May 20, 1890; to this union were born 10 children, 9 of whom are living and are Mrs. R.D. 0llar , Mrs. G.W. Bailey, Mrs. J .W. Birkhead Mrs. Jas. Wiggs, S.M., Thos. , and Lem Simpson all living in Oregon County.

He was again married to Mrs. Mary Sloan March 14, 1897, who survives him, and to this union was born five children, one dead and four living. The living are Rutha, Solomon, Louis, and Jerusha.

He was recognized as a man of strong convictions and as a leader in his community and always championed whatever he considered was for the best interest of the people. In 1895 he was nominated and elected associate judge of the county court, serving in this capacity for two years. Again in 1898, he was nominated and elected Presiding Judge of the county court, which position he held for 9 years and to the entire satisfaction of the people. He served in the Confederate army and was in the memorable Price raid. He was also a conscientious, consecrated Christian and was ever ready to defend the teachings of the Bible as he construed it.

He will be greatly missed in the community and his demise will be mourned by his own family and a great concourse of other relatives and friends. His funeral was preached by Rev. E .J. Cates in the presence of a large congregation, Saturday at 3 o’clock and laid to rest in the Bailey graveyard.

Elizabeth Simpson Braswell

Mrs. Elizabeth Braswell was born in Franklin County, Tennessee, February 7, 1826. died July 30, 1904 at 11 o’clock a.m. She was 78 years, 5 months and 23 days old. She was married to Lemuel Braswell in 1846 and he still lingers behind though he is now lacking one month and five days, ninety years old. They moved to Missouri in 1856. Although not members of the church, they professed religion shortly after they were married, and were in belief Primitive Baptists. No better ever lived than these dear old folks. No one knew them only to love them. They lived their religion; it could be seen in their every walk of life, they reared a large family of children; 10 in number; two of whom have preceded their mother to the glory land; those left behind are, besides their father, Nancy McElmurry Bethiah McClellan, T.J. Braswell, Lucy Wingo, Lee Braswell and Lockey King and one brother, Judge Wright Simpson. And a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss. All the children and friends have to do is follow in to the foot steps of this dear departed saint and meet her on the other shore

Samuel L. DAVIS 1854 - 1927

The following is the son of Elisha and Lucy Ann (Burelle) DAVIS and brother of Ellen (DAVIS) SIFFORD of the Woodside community.)

Samuel L. DAVIS aged 73 years died at Oklahoma City Okla. Sunday. The remains were brought to Pocahontas (AR.) Tuesday and lay at the home of his niece, Mrs. Dr. J.W.(Maude) BROWN until the funeral was held Wednesday. Interment was made in the Masonic Cemetery Wednesday afternoon.

Mr. Davis is survived by his widow, two brothers, J.R. DAVIS of Oklahoma City Okla. and Joe DAVIS of Lunsford Ark. and two sisters, Mrs. J.W. SIFFORD of Alton, MO.and Mrs. F.M. BAXTER of Barnsdall, Okla. Mr. J.R. DAVIS and the widow accompanied the remains to Pocahontas. They will remain here for about two weeks before returning to Oklahoma.

(Son of Oliver and Mary Jane (CAMPBELL) SIFFORD)

ISAAC NELSON SIFFORD 1868-1948

Isaac Nelson SIFFORD was born near Mayfield Kentucky May 6, 1868, and departed this life after a brief illness at his home in Alton, Missouri on March 5, 1948 at the age of 79 years,9 months and 29 days. At the age of 12 years he moved with his widowed mother to Oregon County where he spent the remainder of his life.

He was united in marriage to Nancy Bolton on Sept. 30, 1893. To this union 8 children were born ; Lawrence SIFFORD, Ora NIVENS, Amy BENNETT and Verble HARRISON, all of Alton. Albert, Clessie,Lissie and one infant precede him in death.

Besides his widow he is also survived by 5 grandchildren,one great grandchild,one brother, Jim SIFFORD and two sisters; Mrs. Mason (Fannie) MINICH and Mrs. Lou BELL.

He was converted at an early age and united with the Methodist Church, and remained a faithful member till death. His life was a testimony of how he lived and we feel that our loss is heaven's gain. Funeral services were conducted at Hickory Grove Sunday afternoon at two-thirty by the Reverend SIMPSON assisted by Reverend JOHNSON. Interment was in Hickory Grove Cemetery under the direction of Carter Funeral Home.

LORA EDITH LANCE Born 7-30 -1905 - Died 9-13-1998

Lora Edith Lance, 93, of Alton, MO.was born July 30, 1905 and died Sunday, Sept. 13, 1998 at West Plains MO.

Survivors include six children, Van Lance and wife Leona of St. Louis, Mo., Mac Lance and wife Lillian of Granite City, Ill., Glee Lance Bates and John of Lamar Colo., Fern Kirby of Imboden, Ark., Fay Burleson and husband Bob of St. Louis, Mo., Dow Lance and wife Reva of Alton,Mo., one brother Everett Harriel and wife Melba of Idaho Falls Idaho ; a sister-in-law, Lillie Harriel of West Plains, Mo.; 18 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren, and 10 great great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Porter Harriel and Victoria Johnson Harriel ; her husband Sterling Lance ; one daughter Zee ; two brothers, Ambrose and Lawrence ; one sister Jettie Hall ; one infant sister ; three grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Services were held Wed. Sept. 16,1998 at 2 P.M. in the Clary Chapel with Bro. Larry Cockman and Bro. Rick Arnold, both officiating. Burial was in Lance Cemetery, with arrangements being made under the direction of the Clary Funeral Home of Alton, Mo.

Peter Carol Williams

Typed by Pauline Simmons from the South-Missourian Democrat dated June 24, 1943:

Peter Carol Williams, son of Gilbert and Sarah Williams, was born in DeKalb County, Tennessee, November 29, 1852, and departed this life June 19, 1943, at the age of 90 years, 6 months, and 21 days. He moved to this county when two years old and remained here the rest of his life.

He was married to Harriett England, January 3, 1873. To this union two children were born, one dying in infancy. His wife passed away also.

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.

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.

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 Wiggs 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 by thy rest. We loved you so well, But God loved you best.

Polly Parrot

Typed from the South-Missourian Democrat dated March 26, 1942:

Mrs. Polly Parrott, age 85, died at home north of Alton last Thursday, March 19th, following an illness of several weeks. Mrs. Parrott was the widow of the late Jessie Parrott. She was born at Greer, in this county in the year 1857, and had spent her entire life in this county. 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. 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.

Logan Williams

Typed from the Dec. 20, 1928 issue of the South-Missourian Democrat:

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.

Note: This obituary is incorrect about Logan living with G.A. Arnold - it should have stated that the lived with G.A. Simmons.

Sim Williams

Copied from the South-Missourian Democrat:

Simon Marion Williams, son of Gilbert and Sally Williams, was born December 5, 1854, and 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. Sarrah Williams died July 14, 1896. 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.

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.

Wade Hampton Simpson

On Tuesday morning May 11th , the death angel visited the home of T.S. Simpson and claimed as its own W.H. Simpson, ex-confederate veteran. The deceased was born near Nashville, Tennessee, November 2, 1834, married to Eliza Gum in 1856. To this union four children were born, Jesse, Peter, Jacob, and Nancy.

On January 1, 1867. his wife was taken from him. After a few years he married Nancy E. Waller, to this union one child, Mary, was born.

On January 10 1898, his second wife was taken from him.

Uncle Wade, as so many knew him, was one of the pioneers of the county, having emigrated in the early days from Tennessee with a gun and an ax in his hands and with faith in God, he cleared the mighty forests to make room for the march of civilization westward, and in 1860 when the war clouds began to gather over our peaceful land he was first to hear the bugle call , with a brave heart and a prayer always on his lips he followed the faded flag of Dixie for the cause he thought just.

And when that trumpet shall sound again, and all ye hosts shall rise, he a soldier of the cross shall becon [sic] us with his right hand to follow him to that glorious land of somewhere.

Uncle Wade was a God-fearing man and a staunch defender of the faith. And he shall reap his reward in heaven.

He so lived that when the summons came to join the innumerable caravan that moves toward that mysterious realm, to the silent halls of death, he did not go like a quarry slave in the night, scourged to his dungeon, but he wrapped the drapery of his couch about him and laid down to pleasant dreams.

He is survived by four children, Jesse, Peter, and Jacob Simpson, and Mrs. Mary Cooper. Besides his children, he leaves a host of friends to mourn his death.

Though dead, his soul goes marching on to his loved ones, where there is no sorrow or pain.

Francis Marion Baxter 1861-1929

(Son-in-law of Elisha and Lucy Ann (BURELLE) DAVIS Bro.- in law of Ellen (DAVIS) SIFFORD of the Woodside Community Oregon Co. MO)

Aged Citizen Passed Away Francis Marion BAXTER,age 68 years,died at his home in Barnsdall,after an illness of several months. Deceased was born in Missouri August 12, 1861. He was married to Drusiller E. DAVIS April 6,1882 and to this union was born seven children, 3 boys and three girls; three of whom have gone on before.Those living are J.M. BAXTER, Barnsdall; Mrs. W.F. SIFFORD, Eldorado, Kans.; W.E. BAXTER, Salt Lake City, Utah; Mrs. Rosa Lindskogg, Barnsdall, and one stepdaughter Mrs. Lula GILDEN of Miami.

Mr. Baxter migrated to Oklahoma in 1911 and in his young manhood, united with the Baptist Church of which he was a deacon at the time of his death. Deacons of The First Baptist Church at Barnsdall acted as the pallbearers at the funeral services which were held at the Church Monday afternoon, Rev. Frank Alee delivering the words of consolation. Interment in the Ethel Reese Cemetery. Mr. Baxter lived in the Woodside community in this county (Oregon Co. MO.) for many years prior to removing to Oklahoma, where he has a host of friends who join in sympathy with the bereaved ones.-------------- Exchange

Obituary from Southern Mo. Democrat at Alton, MO. May 29, 1947 daughter of Elisha and Lucy Ann (BURELLE) DAVIS MRS ELLEN SIFFORD 1864-1947

Ellen Thomson (DAVIS) SIFFORD was born in Flowery Branch, Georgia June 13, 1864 and departed this life at her home near Alton, MO. on May 13, 1947 at the age of 82 years and 11 months.

On May 17, 1883 she was united in marriage to John W. SIFFORD of Alton. To this union 12 children were born; James of La Porte Colorado, Joe of Alton, Tom of Flint Michigan, Mrs. Fannie Blankenship of Springfield MO., Willie of the home, Alfred of St. Louis, MO. Mrs. Edna Hollis and Mrs. Maude Fanning of Alton who survive. Her husband and 4 children ; Della,Virgia, Bryan and Walter preceded her in death. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild. Three of the grandchildren, Mrs. Bethel UZZELL, Mrs. Laura HARPER, and Leonard SIFFORD she reared in her home. She was converted at an early age and united with the Presbyterian Church and lived a faithful Christian till death.

Funeral services were held at Hickory Grove Thursday, May 15 by J.N. Florea. Interment was in Hickory Grove Cemetery under the direction of the Carter Funeral Home.