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Wall, Elizabeth (Critchfield)
DEATH OF MRS. WALL
Richmond Woman Succumbed Thursday to Long Illness - Age Sixty - Two Years.
Mrs. Elizabeth C. Wall, widow of Van Wall, and one of Richmond's best known women died at the home of her daughter,
Mrs. Mode Stanley, and Mr. Stanley, 411 North College street Thursday shortly before noon at the age of sixty-two
years. Mrs. Wall had been failing in health for some years and had been confined to her room for several months,
suffering from Bright's disease and a complication of ailments.
Mrs. Wall was a daughter of the late John II. and Ruth (Critchfield) Cramer, the former an early settler in this
country from Germany. She was born on the old Cramer homestead farm three miles south of Knoxville November 29,
1869, and had spent her entire life within the confines of the county of her nativity.
Mr. Wall died several years ago and aside from Mrs. Stanley she is survived by another daughter, Mrs. Warren A.
Young, of this city. A daughter, Mrs. Kennedy, passed away in Colorado a few years ago.
Mrs. Wall was a member of one of Ray county's pioneer families. Her father immigrated from Germany in 1834, and
located in the Knoxville community. She was a member of the Methodist church at Knoxville for a number of years
and was a devout Christian, held in high esteem by all who knew her.
The funeral service was at the Methodist church at 2 o'clock this afternoon, conducted by Rev. R.H. __ellvoy. Burial
was made in the Cramer cemetery, 10 miles north of Richmond.
Unknown newspaper and date. Cramer - Clark cemetery transcription has her death date as March 9, 1922
O O O O
Wall, Kedar
KEDAR WALL PASSED AWAY AT A RIPE OLD AGE
Pioneer Citizen Gone to His Long Home - His Death Followed Stroke of Paralysis.
Kedar Wall, one of the oldest and best known citizens of Ray county, died at his home eight miles north-east
of Richmond, Monday morning, January 20, 1913, following a brief illness after a stroke of paralysis sustained
last Friday.
Mr. Wall was a native of Anderson county, Ky., where he was born July 26, 1830. His father removed with his family
to Ray county in 1833 and settled on a farm two and a half miles northeast of Richmond. The family lived on this
farm only about two years and then moved to the place where Mr. Wall died. Mr. Wall attended the schools of the
neighborhood and acquired a good common school education. he inherited the old home place at his mother's death,
and this he brought to a high state of perfection, making it one of the finest bodies of land in Ray county.
In December, 1855, Mr. Wall was married to Miss Sarah E. Pugh, a daughter of Henry Pugh of Ray county. Of this
union eleven children were born. Mr. Wall was a charter member of Millville lodge No. 338, A. F. & A. M., and
he always took a deep interest in affairs concerning the fraternity. He had been a member of the Methodist church
for many years.
Funeral services were held at the family home yesterday morning, conducted by the Rev. W.J. Parvin of the Methodist
church, and burial was in the Wall family cemetery under the auspices of Millville Masonic lodge. A number of Richmond
friends attended the funeral.
Unknown newspaper and date.
O O O O
Watson, Cora May (Forson)
“Mrs. ‘Turk’ Watson Died Last Friday”
Mrs. J.N. “Turk” Watson died at her home near Knoxville Friday noon. She had not been well for some time and the
immediate cause of her death was a heart attack. She was 66 years of age and leaves her husband of the home and
five children who are Mrs. Jess Yoakum, Mrs. Jim Campbell, Mrs. Olin Green, Curtis Watson and Herman Watson of
Kansas City. Also one brother, Hope Forson. Mrs. Watson was born Cora May Forson in Ray county and lived in north
Ray county all of her life. Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon in the Knoxville church with burial in
the Zimmerman cemetery just south of Polo. Rev. Wilbur Holman of Excelsior Springs officiated and funeral arrangements
were in charge of a Richmond mortician.
The Fairplay Club served lunch at the Watson home the day of the funeral.
(Zimmerman Cemetery in Caldwell County)
UNKNOWN NEWSPAPER FROM “CALDWELL CTY MO OBITUARIES VOLUME 4” – HANDWRITTEN DATE OF 10-1948: Contributed by Leslie
Wyman
O O O O
Watson, Infant (Fannie A.)
The infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Watson, residing three and a half miles northeast of Knoxville, died last
Saturday afternoon, after several days illness from scarlet fever. Two other members of the family are dangerously
ill with the same disease.
Richmond Conservator, February 27, 1902
O O O O
Watson, Jourdan
Jourdan Watson, son of N. B. Watson died last Friday after some days illness from pneumonia fever. The deceased
was 25 years old. The funeral was preached Saturday by Rev. Wilbur Hunt, after which the body was buried at Knoxville.
The family have the sincere sympathy of all in their sad bereavement.
Mr. Watson also has another son who is very sick with the same disease, also a daughter. We hope they will soon
recover their former health.
Richmond Missourian, Thursday January 11, 1900
O O O O
Wheeler, Minnie Tarwater
Mrs. Minnie Wheeler, 71, died suddenly at her home in Oklahoma City March 16th.
Mrs. Wheeler was the daughter of Sam and Archie Tarwater of the Orrick community. She is survived by her husband,
Ed. Wheeler; two sisters, Mrs. Eula Wren of Oklahoma City and Mrs. Jay Clark of Orrick.
Funeral and burial were held in Oklahoma City.
Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler will be remembered as being employed at the telephone company, he as a lineman and she was
an operator, before their marriage. Soon after that and a number of years ago, they moved to Oklahoma.
Unknown newspaper, 1970
O O O O
Whitmer, David
AN OLD CITIZEN PASSES AWAY
The Last Witness to the Divine Authenticity of the Book of Mormon Dies at His Home in This City - A Sketch of His
Life.
David Whitmer, one of our oldest and best known citizens, died at his home in Richmond, Wednesday evening at 5
o'clock, surrounded by his entire family and a few of his most intimate friends. He was born near Harrisburg, Penn.,
on the 7th day of January, 1805, and moved with his parents when only a youth to Ontario county, New York, where
he received a limited education. At the age of twenty-six years, and on the 9th day of January, 1831, he was married
to Julia Ann Jolly, in Fayette county, New York. In 1832 he moved to Kirtland, Ohio, from there he moved to Jackson
county, Missouri, in 1834, and in the year 1837 he moved to Far West, Caldwell county, Missouri, where he
only remained a short time, moving in 1838 to Richmond, where he has since lived (an honored and respected citizen.
For many years he was engaged in the livery business, but for the past ten years he has lived a retired and quiet
life, turning the business over entirely to his son, David J., and his grandson, Geo. W. Schweich.
Before moving to Missouri, he was for many years an elder of the Church of Christ, to which he had attached himself
when quite young. In 1838 he withdrew from that portion of the congregation now known as the Mormon church, because
of their wicked and abominable practice of polygamy, and because of their utter disregard for the teachings of
the Bible and the Book of Mormon.
He was one of the three witnesses who claimed to have been present when the angle of the Lord at high noon, appeared
to the prophet Joseph smith, with the golden plates upon which were inscribed the characters from which by divine
aid the prophet Joseph translated the "Book of Mormon," the original manuscript of which was in the possession
of Mr. Whitmer at the time of his death, he being the last witness to its divinity, accepting its teachings and
holding it with the same sacredness with which he did the teachings of the Bible, claiming that it was a supplement
to the Bible.
HIS LAST WORDS
On Sunday evening before his death he called the family and his attending physician, Dr. George W. Buchanan, to
his bedside, and said "Doctor, do you consider that I am in my right mind?" to which the Doctor replied,
"Yes, you are in your right mind. I have just had a conversation with you." He then addressed himself
to all present and said: "I want to give my dying testimony. You must be faithful in Christ. I want to say
to you all that the Bible and the record of the Nephites, (The Book of Mormon) are true, so you can say that you
have heard me bear my testimony on my death bed. All be faithful in Christ and your reward will be according to
your works. God bless you all. My trust is in Christ forever, world without end. Amen."
On Monday morning he again called those present to his bedside, and told them that he had seen another vision which
reconfirmed the divinity of the "Book of Mormon," and said that he had seen Christ in the fullness of
his glory and majesty, sitting upon his great white throne in heaven, waiting to receive his children.
In April, 1887, he published an address to all believers in the Church of Christ as the last surviving witness
to the divinity of the "Book of Mormon," in which he gave his views fully upon the true doctrines of
the Church of Christ, and in which he condemned in forcible language (though in Christian spirit) the wickedness
of the Mormon church at Salt Lake City, and charged them with having apostatized from the true doctrines, and teachings,
whose work would in the end be rejected by the great overseer whose scrutinizing eye sees all, and whose great
mind reads the thoughts of men.
He leaves, of his immediate family, his wife and two children, David J. Whitmer and Mrs. Julia Schweich; also
two grandchildren, Geo. W. Schweich and Mrs. Jas. R. B. Vancleve, of Chicago, all of whom were at his bedside during
his last hours, and witnessed his peaceful and quiet death, having the full assurance from his own lips that the
way was all clear.
The funeral services will be held at the family residence to-morrow (Friday) morning at 10:30 o'clock; burial in
new city cemetery immediately after funeral services.
The Richmond Conservator, January 26, 1888
OOO
Funeral services of David Whitmer were held at the family residence at 10:30 o'clock Friday morning, conducted
by Elders Jno. J. Snider and Jno. C. Whitmer. It was the request of Mr. Whitmer before his death that no unnecessary
display or show be made at his funeral, but that everything be done in a plain, quiet and simple manner, conforming
strictly to his actions in every day life. The services were open by singing the son "The Gates Ajar,"
after which Elder Jno. J. Snider read a chapter in Revelations, which had been selected by the deceased to be read
at his funeral. A prayer was then offered by Elder John C. Whitmer, which was followed by the song, "Asleep
in Jesus," at the conclusion of which Elder Whitmer made a few very appropriate remarks reviewing briefly
the life and character of the deceased; his actions in dealing with his fellow man and his walk as an upright,
conscientious christain, urging upon those present to emulate the example of the departed, whose last moments on
earth were a happy communion with his Savior, and whose last words were, "The way is clear." At the conclusion
of the services an opportunity was given those present to look for the last time upon the mortal remains of the
deceased, and the body was then conveyed to the City Cemetery to remain until the Master says, Come forth.
Richmond Conservator, February 2, 1888
O O O O
Whitmer, David J.
BURIED BENEATH THE SAND
------------------------------------
David J. Whitmer, an Old Resident of Richmond, While Alone, Loading His Wagon, is Caught Beneath a Sand Slide and
Smothered----
Discovery of the Accident Made too Late to Save His Life.
----------------------------------
On Friday morning last, between 9 and 10 o'clock, the sad intelligence reached our city that David J. Whitmer,
one of our old and respected citizens, had been caught beneath a heavy sand slide at Whitmer sand bank, two and
a half miles south of our city and smothered to death.
Between 5 and 6 o'clock in the morning he hitched his team to the wagon and started to the bank for a load of
sand, reaching there quite early, David A. Whitmer, son of the late John C. Whitmer, was hauling from the same
place and had come to town with his first load. Upon his return to the bank he found the team and wagon of David
J. Whitmer backed up to the accustomed place of loading. He also noticed that a high bank of dirt and sand which
overhung the hole from which the sand was dug and loaded, had caved and fallen in, and not seeing anyone around
and noticing the wagon and team still standing there he at once concluded that the owner was buried beneath the
great heap of dirt. He at once gave the alarm and went to work digging to find the body in case his theory was
correct. He had not searched very long when the lifeless body was found, the head being about two feet below the
surface and the feet something like four feet beneath the sand. He had fallen face foremost, and from his position
he had evidently seen the approaching danger and attempted to reach a position of safety, but was too slow to prevent
the fatal termination of his life. Young Whitmer thinks he must have remained under the sand at least an hour and
a half.
As soon as the body was discovered a runner was at once sent to town for medical aid and the body was taken to
the home of Edward Whitmer near by. Upon the arrival of several doctors an examination was made and a possibility
of resuscitation was pronounced hopeless. The body was then removed to the home of the deceased in this city where
it was embalmed and made ready for burial. At the time of the occurrence Mrs. Whitmer, wife of the deceased, was
in Atchison, Kan., where she had been summoned on account of serious illness of her daughter-in-law, and the news
of the untimely death of the husband she had left in perfect health only a few days previous, came like a crushing
blow to her. She returned to Richmond at once, burdened with grief and with tear dimmed eyes remained beside the
casket that contained his mortal remains until it was hid from view in the silent city of the dead.
Everybody in Richmond and vicinity knew David J. Whitmer, and everyone was his friend, and nothing has occurred
in our city for many a day that caused such profound sorrow and regret as his sudden taking away, which could easily
have been avoided by a little precaution. He was perhaps better known than any resident of Richmond, having spent
most of his entire life in business here. The writer had known him since our early boyhood, and during all the
years that have rolled around since that time we never heard him say a harmful word of anyone, and we never heard
anyone say a harmful thing against him concerning his personal honor or integrity. He was an unusually even tempered
man, courteous and kind to all alike, and if he experienced troubles they were not detailed to the public. We feel
that we voice the sentiment of this entire community when we say that an excellent citizen has gone from among
us and one that will be missed by all, and especially by the old residents of our town who have known him longest.
Funeral services were held at the residence on Main street Sunday morning at 10 o'clock by Eld. Philander A.
Page, of the Church of Christ, of which the deceased had for many years been a member. At the conclusion of the
services at the house of the body was conveyed to the city cemetery where the last sad offices were paid to the
departed. One of the largest crowds we have ever seen in Richmond on a similar occasion attended his funeral, and
the expressions were universal regret that he had been taken from among us forever.
BIOGRAPHICAL
David John Whitmer was the only son of the late David and Julia Ann Whitmer. His parents were natives of the state
of New York. His father, David Whitmer, was born in Seneca county, New York, January 7th, 1815. They were married
January 9th, 1831, and not a great while afterwards moved to Missouri. Of this union there were born two children,
David J. the subject of this sketch, who was born in Clay county, Missouri, on the 27th day of November, 1833,
and Julia Ann, born at Kirland, Ohio, July the 28th, 1835, who is yet living and whose name is now Julia Ann Schweich.
When the subject of this article was yet a small boy his parents moved to Richmond, where his father engaged in
business. When David J. reached his majority he entered into partnership with his father in the livery and stock
business and the firm was known as David Whitmer and Son for many years. When the father grew too old to look after
the business it was turned over to his son, who continued to manage it successfully for a number of years. In the
year 1888 he retired from business leaving his nephew, Geo. W.L. Schweich, in charge, who continued the business
for quite a while under the name of the Whitmer Livery Company.
On the sixth day of November, 1861, David J. Whitmer was united in marriage to Miss Sylvia R. Stockwell, of Ray
county, but because of some misunderstanding they separated and remained so for thirty years, and in the meantime
were divorced, but the fires of love continued to burn in their hearts, a reconciliation was effected and on the
seventh day of July, 1892, they were again united in marriage, and since that time have resided at the old Whitmer
homestead in this city. He leaves many relatives to mourn his loss, among whom is his widow and four step-children,
viz. David G. Fowler, Edson B. Fowler, Alice B. Fowler and Sylvia R. Fowler the two first residing in Atchison,
Kas., and the latter two in this city. He also leaves a sister, Mrs. Julia Ann Schweich, and nephew, Geo. W.L.
Schweich, both of this city, and a niece, Josephine Helen Schweich, now Mrs. J.R.B. Vancleve, of Chicago, Ill.,
besides many other relatives.
His father, David Whitmer, died on the first day of January, 1888, and his mother, Julia Ann Whitmer, died on
the twenty-fifth day of February, 1889. David Whitmer was the last of the three witnesses who claimed to have been
present when the angel delivered to Joseph Smith the plates of gold upon which was inscribed the record of the
Nephites, and he was the custodian, as he claimed, by Divine command of the original manuscript of the Record of
the Nephites, (or what is commonly known as the Book of Mormon,) and upon his death his son, David J., was made
the custodian by lineal descent, and upon his death this interesting manuscript, which has been held sacred by
the family for so many years, falls into the hands of G.W.L. Schweich, of this city, who is the only grandson of
David Whitmer, its original custodian. Mr. Schweich is a young man of ability and will preserve this interesting
and aged document with as much care as it had been guarded by his grandfather for the past half a century, and
it will be transmitted to posterity and cherished, if possible more in the future than in the past by those who
adhere to its teachings and doctrines. Richmond Conservator Thursday, June 20, 1895
O O O O
Whitmer, Julia A.
At her home in Richmond on Monday evening Feb. 25th, at 9:15 o'clock, Mrs. Julia A. Whitmer, in her seventy-fifth
year, of paralysis.
The deceased was the widow of the late David Whitmer, whose death we were called upon to chronicle just thirteen
months previous. Deceased was born on the 7th day of Feb., 1815, in the state of New York, and was married on the
9th day of Jan. 1831, to David Whitmer. She moved with her husband to Missouri in an early day and finally settled
in Richmond where she has since resided. She leaves two children surviving her, David J. Whitmer and Mrs. Julia
Schwich both of whom reside in Richmond. Funeral services were held at the residence on east Main street Wed. morning
at 10 o'clock after which her remains were conveyed to the city cemetery and placed beside those of her husband.
Her relatives and friends have the deepest sympathy of our people, in their affliction. Richmond Conservator
February 28, 1889
O O O O
Wholf, Richard
Richard Whold, 75, Rites To Be Friday
Richard Carter Wholf, 75, of Camden, died Tuesday at 6:15 p.m., at the Excelsior Springs hospital following an
illness of two days.
He was born Dec. 30, 1887, near Orrick, the son of Mike Wholf, and Eliza (Tucker) Wholf, both of Orrick. He had
lived his entire lifetime in Ray County.
He was first married to Hazel Haven and his second marriage was to Mary D. Monroe of Camden, who survives at the
home.
Mr. Wholf is also survived by two sons, Richard H. Wholf of Kansas City and Jimmy Wholf of Camden; one daughter,
Mrs. Helen Lindhardt of Raytown; one brother, Arthur W. Wholf of Orrick; two sisters, Mrs. Mae Blyth and Mrs. Eliza
Windsor, both of Orrick, and three grandchildren.
Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, at the Camden Baptist church, conducted by the Rev. Clinton
Walker. Interment will be in the Riffe cemetery under the direction of the Gowing funeral home.
Mr. Wholf, in younger days, was a widely known professional wrestler in Kansas City. He was a retired farmer and
carpenter.
Ray County Conservator, June 3, 1963
O O O O
Wicker, Mrs. R. A.
Mrs. Wicker, wife of Mr. R.A. Wicker, died at their home, five miles southeast of Orrick, Monday, February 10th,
1902, from asthma and heart disease, age 52 years. Deceased was born in Gordansvile, Ky., but spent the greater
part of her life in Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. Wicker moved to Missouri in 1870, settling in Jasper county; and they
moved to their present home in March 1901.
Richmond Conservator, February 20, 1902 (Buried Riffe Cemetery)
O O O O
Wild, Robert C.
Robert C. Wild, Oldest Ray County Citizen, Passed Away This Morning at 4:30 O’clock
Robert C. Wild, Ray county’s oldest citizen died this morning between 4 and 5 o’clock at this home in Grape Grove
township, at the age of 101 years, 10 months and 20 days. Mr. Wild had been in failing health for several months.
Robert C. Wild was born in Clay county, Kentucky, March 22, 1822. He came to Missouri in 1830 with his parents
Henry and
Polly Wild. The family, which included four sons and two daughters, lived near Richmond, in Ray county, for two
years, then
moved to the Wild home place, in the Millville country.
Mr. Wild was married in 1853 to Miss Anna McQuistion, daughter of Benjamin McQuistion of Ray county, and of the
four
children born to them two are living; Joseph Wild, of Richmond and James Wild of Fresno, California. Mrs. Wild
died in the
early sixties and several years later Mr. Wild married Miss Mary Ann Ritter, daughter of Moses Ritter, of Ray county.
Of this
union there were nine children seven of whom are living: Mrs. L.D. Kavanaugh, of Cowgill; Miss Sallie Wild, Ralph
Wild and
Basil Duke Wild, all of the home; Stephen Wild of Ok___?, Okla., and Jesse Wild and Tobe Wild, both of Greeley,
Colo.
During the active years of his life Mr. Wild was prominent in public affairs and was one of the original stockholders
of the Ray
County Savings Bank organized in 1889(?).
A lifelong member of the Christian church, an upright citizen, ruggedly honest and sincere, Robert C. Wild was
a noble type
of manhood respected and revered by all who knew him.
Up to the last few months of his life, Mr. Wild was in good health, with a mind that was clear and able to consider
questions
of the day. On the occasion of his attainment of the century mark, March 22, 1922, many Ray county citizens journeyed
to his
home to pay their respects. A family dinner was served, and Mr. Wild was able to enjoy the occasion with the rest
of the
company.
Funeral arrangements have not been made.
Richmond News: February 11, 1924 Contributed by Nancy Barton Bowers
O O O O
Wilkerson, Belle M.
Died: Mrs. Wilkerson, the beloved wife of Dr. J.O. Wilkerson, after four months of severe illness, passed gently
from earth at Taitsville, Ray county, Mo., on Tuesday, July 16th 1889, at 12 o'clock. She was the only daughter
of John and Eliza Hemery, of Ray county, and was born Oct. 7th, 1864, thus being in her 25th year. And was married
May 1st, 1884, and there have been born to her two children Otis and Mabel. Her disease was an affection of the
spine and hip, and the best medical skill and the most faithful nursing could not prevent her spirit from obeying
her Maker's call to leave these mortal shores.
She was a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother, and a good neighbor. She was very patient and uncomplaining
in her sickness, and was anxious to go to that mansion in the skies, the house not made with hands eternal in the
heavens, to that bright and enduring home in heaven, Her sorrowing husband nursed her most skillfully and faithfully
day and night, and would have given everything he had to secured her recovery, but our heavenly father whose thoughts
and ways are infinitely above ours have seen proper to take her dear spirit to himself in a world of everylasting
light and love and rest, and I feel assured that her labors and sufferings are forever ended.
Her remains were followed to their last resting place by a large concourse of sorrowing relatives and friends to
the Sandals cemetery and laid besides (sic) her late mother, who was recently buried there. Short services were
held at the house, also at the grave by the Rev. J. J. Limerick of the Christian church of which the deceased was
a member.
A FRIEND
P.S. - T.H. Swearingen saw her and conversed with her a few days before her death and adds a stanza, which expresses
his conviction of her present state of existence:
"Lo! the prisoner is released.
Lightened of her fleshly load,
Where the weary are at rest;
She is gathered unto God!"
Richmond Conservator, August 1, 1889
O O O O
Williams, Robert J. (Major)
printed on the front page: MUSTERED
Out of Lif's Long and Eventful Campaign--Major Robert J. Williams Died Sunday and Buried Tuesday AT THE FAMILY
CEMETERY.
Major R. J. Williams, one of Ray County's best men, died Sunday night, February 16, 1902 just at midnight, at his
home, Swanwick, Missouri Major Robert J. Williams was born in Prince Edward County, VA, in 1825, and came to Missouri
in 1836 and settled in Ray County, near where the R & L Junction is situated. Afterwards moving to the late
residence near Swanwick. He was in Price's regiment in the war with Mexico in 1845-1847; went to California in
1850 and returned to Missouri in 1852. When the war in "Bleeding Kansas" broke out he joined the Souther
forces and was in the battle of Osawatamie and other skirmishes that occurred between contending forces in that
memorable struggle. He raised a company of neighbor boys and joined General Price at Springfield, MO in December
1861 and organized the first company (A) in the 3rd Missouri Confederate Infantry, and by promotion became Major
of the regiment in Mississippi. He was in the balles of Pea Ridge, Iuka, Corinth, Port Gibson, Baker's Creek and
siege of Vicksburg. He went into Vicksburg with 40 men and came out with only 15 at the surrender. It was during
this siege that he came into possession of a mule, known as "old Jule". When the confederates were paroled
after the surrender of Vicksburg, they first went to Enterprise, Miss., and thence to parole Camp at Demopolis,
AL. From this time to the close of the war, Jule was one of the team that hauled the Major's mess wagon. The Major
took part in the Georgia campaign from near Rome, GA, until the battle of Alatoona where he was severely woundeed
and was compelled to leave the army. He returned to it at Mobile AL. By some fortunate accident the major was not
captured with the brigade, and thus missed the glory of beign taken to Ship Is. to be guarded by a regiment of
brutal negroes commanded by a colonel of the same character. The battle of Fort Blakely closed the war record of
the first Missouri Brigade, Confederate State of America. After the first surrender Major Williams and Capt. Obe
Taylor, with Jule and another mule for a team went to Monroe County, MI, remained there for some time, until learning
they could come home without molestation, they hitched up Jule and her mate and drove them to Ray County Missouri.
The Major took Jule to his farm near Richmond where she did faithful service until a few years ago, when overcome
by the infirmatives of age, the Major feeling himself able and greatful for her long and faithful service kindly
placed her on the retired list as one of the few Confederates that draws a pension in Missouri. Shw was twice wounded
during the siege of Vicksburg with minnie balls, one of which remained in her body until a few years ago, when
it worked it s way through and fell out. This old mule was tenderly cared for by her grateful owner until her death.
THE MAJOR'S FUNERAL The burial was conducted Today at ? o'clock from the family residence at Swanwick. Dr. T. H.
B Anderson in charge of the last rites. Masonic Lodge No. 57 A. F. & A. M of Richmond of which he was an honored
member had supervision of the services.
Thus passes away one of earth's noblemen, a man who was the soul of honor, as gentle as a child, as firm as a royal
oak, as honest as the stars!"
The Richmond Missourian February 20, 1902
O O O O
PASSING OF A PIONEER CITIZEN.
Death Has Ended the Career of Major Robert J. Williams
It becomes our painful duty this week to chronicle the death of our esteemed friend, Major Robert J. Williams,
which occurred at his home near Swanwick, five miles west of Richmond, on Sunday night, February 10th, at 11:45
o'clock, after an illness of two weeks from a complication of ailments.
Major Williams was taken sick two weeks ago and from the start his condition was regarded critical and it was feared
by his family and friends that his illness would result fatally. He continued to grow weaker and death came at
the hour above named.
Major Williams was one of the best known of Ray county's pioneer citizens, having resided here for nearly 66 years,
during which time he was actively engaged in business. No truer or more honorable man than he ever lived within
the borders of Ray county, and by his death his family not only loses one near and dear to them, but the county
in which he had dwelt for so many years has lost an honorable and useful citizen and the cause of righteousness
and honesty a noble advocate. He was a clean man, outspoken in all things and never feared to express his opinion
upon any subject which affected the public welfare. Such men are an honor to any community and we can ill afford
to have them removed by death.
Tuesday afternoon at one o'clock funeral services were conducted at the family residence by Dr. T.H.B. Anderson,
of Moberly, formerly pastor of the Richmond Methodist church and a close personal friend of the deceased. Following
the funeral sermon the body was taken in charge by Richmond Lodge No. 57 A. F. and A. Masons, of which the deceased
had been a member for many years, and with the beautiful ceremonies of that order was consigned to the grave.
The bereaved wife and children have the sympathy of the entire community in the great loss they have sustained.
BIOGRAPHICAL
Robert J. Williams was a native Virginian and was born in Prince Edward county, that state, on the 23rd day of
October, 1825. His parents were John R. and Juliet F. Williams, also natives of Virginia, who were among the early
settlers of Missouri, having emigrated to this state and settled in Ray county in July, 1836. Our subject was but
a small boy when he came here with his parents, and with the exception of a few years, has made Ray county his
home for nearly 66 years.
He served in the Mexican war in 1846 and 1847 and at its close returned to his Ray county home, remaining until
1850, when he crossed the plains and spent two years in the states of California and Oregon, returning to Ray county
in 1852. At the breaking out of the civil war he joined the Confederate army, serving with distinction throughout
that war, and was as brave and true a soldier as ever shouldered a musket.
After the close of the civil war he returned to Ray county and began farming and since that time had been one of
the best known and most successful business men of the county. A number of years ago he organized the Williams
Coals Company, which operates mines at Swanwick, and remained at its head until last summer, when old age and feeble
health made it necessary for him to dispose of his interests and retire from active business.
He was first married in 1845 to Miss Mary J. Adams, and to this union ten children were born, four are living and
residents of this county, viz: A.E., Willis B., Frank A., and Miss Lou. His first wife died in 1891 and he was
again married in 1892 to Miss Laura Perkins, and of this marriage one child, a son was born, who, with the widow,
survives him.
Richmond Conservator, February 20, 1902
O O O O
Williams, Vallie (Carter)
Died - December 8, 1888, Mrs. Vallie (Carter) Williams, wife of Willis B. Williams, at her home in Swanwick, Missouri.
She
was the daughter of Lee Carter. She had been a great sufferer for some time previous to her death, al of which
she bore with
Christian fortitude. Elder James Wesley Harder preached the funeral sermon. The burial was at the family burying
ground on
the farm of the father of Mr. Willis B. Williams, that of Major Robert J. Williams.
Ray County Chapters, Gossage Scrapbook, The Missourian, 1932
IN MEMORIUM
The sweetest flower on earth has faded to bloom in heaven.
Died, on the 8th of December, 1888, at her home in Swanwick, Mrs. Vallie Williams, wife of W. B. Williams, and
daughter of
Lee Carter. Deceased had been a great sufferer sometime previous to her death all of which she bore with Christian
fortitude,
and her many friends watched over and cared for her with great tenderness. She was much loved by all who knew her,
and the
attendance at her funeral was the largest ever known in the country. Eld. J. W. Harder preached the funeral sermon.
Her
remains were laid to rest in the family burying ground on the farm of Maj. Williams.
The cold hand of death has removed our darling mother and another home is sad. Our darling was too pure and sweet
to live,
but she has left us the consolation, that there is a bright star in the window of heaven, to light our pathway
over the dark river of
death.
Around our mother's darling form,
Our affections all were twined
For she had not borne affliction long
Nor murmered nor repined.
There a is (sic) void left in our home
That never can be filled
Oh! "Tis hard to think and know
That it is God's holy will. A Friend
Unknown Newspaper and date:
O O O O
Willis, Steven M. "Buffalo"
Steven M. "Buffalo" Willis, Sr. (06-18-2007)
Steven M. "Buffalo" Willis, Sr., 59, of rural Braymer, died at 6 a.m., Friday, June 15, 2007, at his
home.
Buffalo was born on Dec. 12, 1947 in Erwin, Tenn. to Herman and Evelyn (Pederson) Willis. He married Belinda J.
Klein of Marceline, on Sept. 3, 1994; she survives, of the home.
Buffalo was a truck driver for BP Amoco for 17 years before retiring in 2003. He had lived in the Kansas City,
Mo. area before moving to the Braymer area seven years ago. He was of the Christian faith.
He was a U.S. Marine Corp veteran of the Vietnam War.
Other survivors include: one son and daughter-in-law, Steven M. Willis, Jr. and his wife, Marissa of Blue Springs;
one daughter and son-in-law, Jeri Lynn and Charles Jagger of Montana City, Mont.; one step-son, Damian Hendricks
of Licking; one step-daughter and her husband, Gina and Robert Dowell of Bucklin; five brothers and four sisters-in-law,
Ronald L. and Linda Willis of Topeka, Kan., Walter H. Willis of Diann, Minn., Jerry R. Willis of Topeka, Kan.,
Doyle M. and LaRae Willis, Mitchell, S.D. and James D. and Linda Willis of Souris, N.D.; and nine grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation was held on Sunday, June 17, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.
Graveside services were Monday, June 18, at 10:30 a.m. at the Graff Cemetery, south of Braymer, where Military
graveside services will be conducted.
Arrangements are under the direction of Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond.
{Submitted by J.M.}
O O O O
Wholf, Laura Belle {Clark}
MRS. LAURA WHOLF DIES AT K.C. WED.
Funeral Services Friday Afternoon at Union Baptist Church North of Orrick; Burial at Riffe Cemetery
Mrs. Laura Belle Wholf, 78 years old, died at 8 o'clock last evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Laura Colley,
3116 McGee street, Kansas City. She had been ill the past three weeks, suffering from heart trouble and high blood
pressure.
Funeral services will be held at the Eyler Funeral Chapel in Kansas City at 11 o'clock Friday morning to be followed
by services at the Union Baptist church north of Orrick at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon. Burial will be in the Riffe
cemetery.
Mrs. Wholf was born in the Rock Falls community November 20, 1861, the daughter of Ephriam and Julia Clark. She
lived in that vicinity and near Orrick until 16 years ago when she moved to Kansas City.
Surviving are nine children: Emmett C. Wholf, 618 Old Orchard, Excelsior Springs, George V. Wholf, Crescent
Lake, Mrs. Laura Colley, Miss Alice Lee Wholf, and Albert Wholf, all of Kansas City, W.P. Wholf, Lawrence Wholf
and Mrs. Lizzie Camden, all of Orrick, and Mrs. Ethel Thomas of DeQueen, Ark.; two sisters, Mrs. Dora Brown, Independence,
and Mrs. Louetta Roland, Orrick: and four brothers, W.S. Clark, Independence, Riley Clark, Frank P. Clark and Jay
Clark, all of Orrick.
Unknown newspaper, 1940
Wholf, Laura Belle {Clark}
Death of Mrs. Laura Belle Wholf
Mrs. Laura Belle Wholf 78 years of age widow of the late David Wholf former residents of the Union neighborhood
died at her home in K.C. Wednesday night. Surviving are four daughters: Miss Alice Lee Wholf and Mrs. Laura D.
Colley of the home. Mrs. Lizzie Camden, Orrick and Mrs. Ethel Thomas of DeQueen Ark., five sons, Lawrence and Wm.
P. Wholf, Orrick, Albert Wholf, K.C., and Geo. and Emmette Wholf, of Excelsior Spgs, two sisters Mrs. Dora Brown,
Independence, and Mrs. Louetta Rowland, Orrick and four bros., W.S. Clark Indep., Mo., Riley Clark, Frank Clark,
and Jay Clark, Orrick.
Plans for the funeral were not made as we go to press except that burial will be in the Riffe cemetery.
Unknown newspaper and date
O O O O
Williams, Alice (Parker)
WIDOW OF F.A. WILLIAMS DIED FEBRUARY 5, AT 74
Mrs. Alice Williams, widow of the late Frank A. Williams, a former sheriff of Ray county, died, Friday, February
5, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clay Alder and Mr. Alder, near Rayville. She had been in failing health for
two years or more and all efforts to restore her to health were unavailing. She died as she had lived, gently and
trustingly in the reward that comes to those who love the Lord.
Mrs. Williams was a lifelong resident of Ray county. She was a daughter of the late Newton J. Parker, who enjoyed
the respect and confidence of his friends and neighbors as did few men. She was born near what is now the town
of Rayville on January 10, 1869 and she was 74 years of age at the time of her death.
She was married to Frank M. Williams, also of Ray county, on September 30, 1890. He preceded her in death, passing
away on July 25, 1938.
Mrs. Williams is survived by two sons and one daughter, viz: Robert J. Williams of Richmond, Melvin P. Williams
of Cameron, and Mrs. Clay Alder of near Rayville, at whose home she died; two brothers, Judge Jonah C. Parker of
Rayville and James M. Parker of St. Joseph. She is also survived by three grand-children.
Mrs. Williams numbered many friends among her acquaintances who regret to learn of her death. She was a devout
Christian woman of high degree and was reared in an atmosphere of manly character that caused her to make her own
home of the same worth.
Funeral services were held at the Rayville Methodist church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Eld. Leon Clevenger.
Interment was in the Crowley cemetery near Rayville, beside her husband who had preceded her in death such a few
short years.
Unknown newspaper and date: See Crowley Cemetery
O O O O
Williams, Laura
Death of Mrs. Laura Williams
Mrs. Laura Williams, widow of the late Major Williams, died at the Confederate Home at Higginsville at 1 o'clock
Sunday morning. She was 82 years old. The funeral service and burial were held at the Confederate Home at 10:30
this morning. Among those who attended were her step-sons, A. E., Frank, and W. B. Williams, Mrs. Earl Lillard,
Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Williams, Mrs. Raymond Rivercomb, John Jacobs.
From a Higginsville, MO newspaper
Mrs. Laura M. Williams was born November 11, 1848 in Cedar county Missouri and
died at the Confederate Home, January 21, 1933, being at the time of her death 84 years, 2 months and 11 days old.
Mrs. Williams, widow of the late Major Robert Jones Williams, entered the Confederate Home of Missouri on September
20, 1931 coming here from St. Joseph, Mo. Before moving to St. Joseph, Mrs. Williams resided near Richmond, where
Major Williams was one of the largest land owners in Ray county. Since entering this Home, Mrs. Williams has made
many friends because of her refinement and ability to make and hold friends. Mrs. Williams is survived by one son,
Farris J. Williams of Kansas City and the following grandchildren: Andrew, Laura, Robert and Leroy Williams, also
of Kansas City. She is also survived by three step-sons, A. R. and W. B. Williams of Richmond and F. A. Williams
of Rayville and several nieces and a host of friends
Funeral services were conducted Monday morning at 10 o'clock by Rev. Theo. Hauck, with burial in the Confederate
Home cemetery.
Richmond News, Jan 23, 1933 {Submitted by Shirley Brungardt}
O O O O
Williams, Mary J.
Mrs. George Williams died at her late home near Orrick on Monday night of paralysis, after a lingering
illness. She was 88 years old.
The Missourian November 15, 1918 (Buried in Brasher Cemetery)
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