Obituaries

These obituaries are submitted by individual researchers.  If you have obituaries related to Clay County, please contact the Site Coordinator at s_cotstout@aol.com.  (remove the underscore before e-mailing)

Additional obituaries, mainly from the eastern side of Clay County, may be found on Melissa Haley's site at:  http://members.fortunecity.com/mhaley/obituaryhome.html

WAYNE BLACKSHARE, 89, DIES JUNE 25 IN TEXAS
Subtitled:  Descendent of founding family in county served 50 years on Democratic Committee
Wayne Blackshare, a descendent of one of Clay County's founding families and a member of the clay County Democratic Committee for 50 years, died Wednesday, June 25, at his home in McKinney, Texas.  He was 89.  Born June 3, 1908, in Boydsville, he was the son of the late Edgar M. and Alice Dortch Blackshare.   He lived and farmed in the Boydsville area.  In 1991, he was his wife, Ruth, moved to McKinney to live with their son, Stephen M. Bookout and  family.  Blackshare's grandfather, William Samuel Blackshare, was appointed in 1878 by Arkansas Governor Garland as sheriff and county treasurer.  Boydsville then was the county seat of Clay County.  Blackshare's grandfather built the original family home in 1883.  One of the Clay County's oldest residences, it has been nominated for the State Historic Register.  It was there that Blackshare was born and lived most of his life. Blackshare was a charter member of the Boydsville Methodist Church, serving as Sunday School superintendent for many years.  He later became an active members of the First United Methodist Church of Rector.  He was one of the community leaders instrumental in bringing rural electricity to the Boydsville area.  His greatest pleasures were hunting and spending time with his friends and relatives, sharing the unique history of the lives and times of people in Clay County.  He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Ruth Bookout Blackshare; his son, Stephen M. Bookout and his wife, Dru Bookout, and two grandchildren, Stephen Caulder Bookout and Sarah Ruth Bookout, all of McKinney.  He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, Mavis Blackshare; a brother, Sam Blackshare, and two infant brothers.  Funeral services were held Saturday, June 28, at the First United Methodist Church of Rector with Rev. Elmo Thomason officiating and eulogy by Richard Simmons.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.  Mitchell Funeral Home of Rector was in charge of arrangements.  Pallbearers were Bryan Blackshare, Jay Blackshare, Leland Blackshare, Cecil Holifield, Dana Thomason, and Simon Bookout. (July 2, 1997)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

ALVA JANE, daughter of WARREN REID and MATILDA JANE DYCUS was born in Lyon County, Ky., March 1, 1903, and died March 4, 1942 at the youthful age of 39 years and three day.  When a child, she moved with her parent to Arkansas, after which the family lived in Campbell, Mo., and surrounding communities until 1919 when they came to Piggott.  In early womanhood she was married to WILLIAM ELMO KIKER of Perry, Arkansas who departed this life in 1931.  On March 3, 1934 she was married to JAMES A. BRAWNER, who survives.  She was converted in 1927 at the Church of God, which connection she retained until death took her to be with her Heavenly Father.  Sister BRAWNER was a sincere Christian and was a very active church worker, teaching quite regularly, and often filling the pulpit as a minister of the Gospel.  The Church and her pastor will miss her very much.  Left to mourn her departure, are her broken-hearted husband; two daughters, BETTY DEAN and SHIRLEY MAE KIKER; her mother, five sisters, Mrs. ELVYN EUBANKS, Mrs. ALMA COOMER, Mrs. ELMA REEVES, Mrs. EMILY LANHAM, AND Mrs. PEARL ANDERSON; two brothers, RUBEN and REID DYCUS; and numerous nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. (Contributed)
Funeral services were held last Friday afternoon at the Church of God, conducted by Rev. J. R. LEE, assisted by Rev. W. E. REED of East Prairie, Mo., and Rev. J. H. SHIRRELL of Cape Girardeau, Mo.  The burial was made in the Piggott cemetery.  The Russell Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper and date of appearance unknown.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Hazel Ceballos Charleston – Hazel Anne McCracken Ceballos, 81 died at 9:30 a.m. Sunday (14 Feb 1986) in Charleston Manor, where she had lived two months.  Born April 16, 1906, at Success, Ark., daughter of the late W.R. and Sylvia Anne Marsh McCracken, she lived in Charleston a number of years before moving to Hemite, Calif., where she resided for over 25 years and was employed by the health department.  She returned to Missouri and lived at Martin Hill Village of Essex before moving back to Charleston , where she was a member of St. Henry’s Catholic Church.  On Aug. 24, 1957, she married Mike Ceballos, who preceded her in death Jan. 29, 1959.  One brother and one sister also preceded her in death.  Surviving are:  one sister, Grace Layton of Charleston ; and a number of nieces and nephews.  Friends may call after 5:30 p.m. today at McMikle Funeral Home, where services will be conducted at 2 p.m.  Tuesday with the Rev. Mark Ernstmann, pastor of St. Henry’s Catholic Church, officiating.  Burial will follow in IOOF Cemetery.  Submitted by Mark Frazier.

EARL DANIEL COOK, 76,  of Rector died Monday, March 29, at the Dunklin County Memorial Hospital at Kennett.  Survivors include his wife, VELMA COOK of Rector; a son, REX COOK of Greenway; a sister, Mrs. MURLEY BOLLINGER of Jonesboro; two grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.  Services are scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday (today) at Irby Chapel with Rev. GEORGE KELLY officiating.  Interment will be in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Irby Funder Home in charge of services.  "DEMOCRAT" appeared handwritten in the corner of the obituary.  According to the "Clay County Arkansas Cemeteries" book by Camilla Cox, the year was 1982.  Also per the cemetery book, date of birth 9/11/1905.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

VELMA COOK, daughter of DAVID and ARLETA MICHAEL, was born August 16, 1908 in Ripley, Miss. and departed this life Friday, February 18, 1983 at Piggott Community Hospital at the age of 74.  She was united in marriage to EARL D. COOK on November 17, 1924.  To this union one child was born.  She is survived by her son, REX COOK of Greenway, Ark.; two grandchildren: MIKE COOK of Piggott and PAM CHIN of Hanford, Calif.; seven great grandchildren; and one sister-in-law, LILLIE MAE MICHAEL of Mississippi.  She was preceded in death by her husband, EARL COOK; five sisters and one brother.  Funeral was Sunday, February 20, 1983 at 2 p.m. with Bro. GEORGE KELLY officiating.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector, Ark.  Pallbearers were JIM BOWMAN, LEON PRESSON, ALLAN GORDON, WILLIAM SHEFFIELD, RAY BISHOP and BERLIE HARGRAVES.  Irby Funeral Home of Rector was in charge of arrangements.  Appeared: newspaper not documented, date 2/24/83.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Pioneer Citizen Passes Away
SARAH E. DAVIS, departed this life March 29, 1947 at her home in Greenway, Ark., at the age of 90 years.  She was a devoted mother and grandmother and had often said that her life on the earth would soon be over and she was prepared when God saw fit to call her home.  The greatest joy in her life was to help others.  She leaves to mourn her passing a daughter, Mrs. MAE RAYMOND, a son, CLAY DAVIS, a niece, LIZZIE CLIPPARD who lived with her; 5 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and a host of friends.  Aunt SARAH lived her entire life in this community being born less than 1/4 mile from her present home where she died.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. IRVIN POLLARD at her home.  The remains were laid to rest in the Lorrance Cemetery in Piggott.  Pallbearers were B. B. STOKES, H. P. ATKISON, A. J. DARNELL, JOHNNIE NETTLES, T. A.  GILKERSON, ERNEST UNDERWOOD.  Flower girls were NINA MAE SAFFER, DOROTHY DAVIS, ELMA and MARGARETTE ANN CLUCK, RUTH, BETTY and MARY SUE CUMMINGS.  Irby Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.  Found in the Piggott Library in 2001.  Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 1857-1947.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

A. DODD Dies at Little Rock Hospital R. A. DODD, aged 76yrs, 9mon, 23days, of Hickoria died at five Saturday afternoon at Little Rock following an illness due to a stroke of paralysis.  The body was returned here by the Randal L. Mitchell Funeral parlor and prepared for burial.  Funeral serves were conducted at three Monday from the Salem Baptist Church and burial was made in the Salem cemetery.  The Rev. W. T. OWEN, Baptist minister officiated.  Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. LEONA CATES of Hickoria; three sons, ALVIN DODD of Rector, HUBERT and LESLIE DODD of Hickoria; a sister, Mrs. CALLIE BOWERS whose address is unknown here; a brother, HARB DODD of Boydsville, 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild. - Paragould Press.  Found in the Piggott Library 2001.  Paragould Daily Press.  Handwritten on the obituary is a date of 12/21/1945.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

HEART ATTACK BRINGS DEATH TO LIFE-LONG CLAY COUNTY RESIDENT
D. S. (Boss) Dortch, 66, retired farmer and life-long resident of Clay County, died at his home on Route 1, Rector.  He had gone out about noon to feed the hogs when he failed to return (sic), Mrs. Dortch went to call him and found him dead in the field of a heart attack.Rev. Gus Evans conducted the funeral service at Rock Springs church on Tuesday, Jan. 11.  Burial was at Rock Springs cemetery with Mitchell Funeral Service in charge of arrangements. Besides his wife, Mrs. Fanny Dortch, he leaves a son, Clois Dortch of Bragg City, MO.; one daughter, Mrs. Clyde Snavely of Rector; two brothers, J.T. Dortch, Route 2, and Wes Dortch of  Fresno, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs. Alice Blackshare, Route 2, and Mrs. Atha Hamilton of Jackson, Miss.; and three grandchildren. (Clay County Democrat, Jan. 1955)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

Mrs. Eva Dortch, born July 2, 1887, died at Leonard, Arkansas, Wednesday, April 28, 1926.  Funeral services will be conducted at Leonard, Arkansas, Thursday, April twenty-ninth, nineteen hundred twenty-six, at two o'clock by Dr. J. B. Butler, pastor of the Rector Methodist Protestant Church, and Rev. W. W. Peterson, pastor of the Macedonia Methodist Protestant Church Interment at Woodland Heights.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

MRS. EVA DORTCH DODD DEAD
Mrs. Eva Dortch Dodd died at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E. T. Dortch at Knob, Sunday, January 24, 1932, following an illness of about two weeks.  The deceased is survived by her husband, four children, Doyle, Wanda, Tommie, and Bobbie Dodd; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. E.T. Dortch; four brothers, Tobe, Harrison, Roy, and Bill; five sister, Mrs. Lillie Johnson, Mrs. Lizzie Butler, Mrs. Hattie Hopper, Mrs. Bertha Walker, and Mrs. Cleta Graves; and a host of other relatives.  The funeral service was conducted at the Rock Springs church at Knob, Wednesday afternoon at one o'clock by the Rev. H.O. Bolin, pastor of the local Methodist Episcopal Church South.  The pall bearers were Eben Dortch, Hobart Dortch, Sid Dortch, Emmet Dortch, Sidney Dortch, Ruel Parsons.  The flower girls were the Misses Lorene, Pauline, Letral, Lavada, Edna, Lola Mae, and Eathel Dortch, and Mrs. Iola Dortch.  Interment was at Rock Springs. W.H. Irby had charge of the funeral arrangements.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

HENRY DORTCH DIES AT AGE 98 YEARS
Henry Dortch, resident at 406 West Third Street, was born November 11, 1887 in Knob community and died July 31, 1986 at Corning Community Hospital.  He was 98 years old and was a retired barber after working at his trade for 72 years.  He was married to Iola Kissie Smith on November 2, 1913 at Knob and they had resided in Corning since 1934.  He was a member and deacon of Bethlehem Missionary Baptist church at Knob and a member of the Modern Woodmen.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Iola Dortch and many nieces and nephews.  Funeral Services were conducted Saturday morning, August 2, in the Ermert Funeral Home chapel by Reverend Herman Graves, assisted by Reverend Bobby Ball.  Burial was in Corning cemetery.  Pallbearers were: Ronnie Smith, Tommy George, Danny Bell, Maurice Hamilton, Larry Catt and Milburn Teasley.  Honorary pallbearers were Ruel Parsons, John Holifield, Jim Thrasher, and Loren Allen.  (Corning Courier, August 1986)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

JAMES MATTHEW DORTCH
James Matthew Dortch was born January 4, 1878, in Clay County, Ark., and departed this life on November 10, 1951, at the age of 73, 10 months and six days.  He was united in marriage to Miss Cora Caldonia Franks on November 5, 1905, and to this union six children were born.  Three preceded him in death.  His wife also preceded him in death August 5, 1944.  Surviving are three children, Hubert and Normal Dortch and Mrs. Ethel Chilcutt of Rector, Rt. 3, one granddaughter, Betty Jean Chilcutt, three brothers, W. S. Dortch, of Lafe, Rt. 1, Henry Dortch of Corning and J.R. "Bob" Dortch of Fresno, and a host of other relatives and friends.  He was converted in early life and joined the Macedonia Methodist Church.  He was a devoted Christian and loving father.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Otto Freeman on Monday, November 12 at Union Home Baptist Church.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Irby Mortuary in charge.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

DONALD HANELINE DIES AT MARMADUKE
Donald Haneline, the 14 year old son of Mrs. William D. Haneline, died Saturday, March 22, at his home in Marmaduke.  He has been ill with influenza and malaria.  Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Marmaduke with Rev. T. Poole officiating.  Burial was in Harvey's Chapel cemetery.  Haneline is survived by his mother, seven half-brothers, Dennis Haneline of Pontiac, Mich., Robert and Eugene Haneline of Flint, Mich., Leslie Haneline in Japan, Billy Haneline in Germany, Melvin Haneline in Korea and J.D. Haneline at home, two half sisters, Mrs. Eugene Burns of Route 4 Paragould, and Mrs. Louis Ramsdale of St. Louis.  (1952)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

HUBERT DORTCH
Hubert Dortch was born on March 31, 1908.  He was 50 years, five months, six days old at the time of his death.  He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. James Dortch of Rector.  He passed away September 6, 1958. He leaves to mourn his passing one sister, Mrs. Ethel Chilcutt, Route 3, Rector; one brother, Normal Dortch, Route 1, Rector; one niece, Mrs. Prentice Rogers, Flint, Mich,; one great-nephew, James Rogers, Flint; seven uncles, four aunts and a host of other relatives and friends.  He had lived in Rector all of his life. (Clay County Democrat, 1958)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

R. A. DORTCH DIES SUDDENLY OF HEART ATTACK
R. A. Dortch, 57, of Knob community 10 miles west of here died Sunday morning at his home of a heart attack.  He had never been known to have heart trouble and seemed in perfect health.  He and his wife attended the Fair in Piggott Saturday and he seemed to be well.  His death came as a complete shock to his family and community.  Surviving are his wife and three children, Mrs. Delcie Chapman of Marmaduke, Mrs. Norene Posey of Indiana and Hughie at home; three brothers, J. T. Dortch of Knob, D. S. of Peach Orchard; J. W. of Caruthers, California; and three sisters, Mrs. E.M. Blackshare of Boydsville, Mrs. Ada Hamilton of Louisiana, and Mrs. E. M. Crockett of Bradley, Arkansas.  Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at Rock Springs by Rev. Williams of Paragould.  Burial was in Rock Springs cemetery in charge of Mitchell Funeral Home. (Oct 1938)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

ROBERT SIDNEY DORTCH
Robert Sidney Dortch, age 83, of Rector died Thursday at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Poplar Bluff.  Survivors include three sisters, Eithel Nelson of Rector, Stella Taylor of Corning, and Lillie Butler of California, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were Sunday afternoon in the Irby Chapel with Rev. James Henry Dortch officiating.  Interment was in Rock Springs Cemetery with Irby Funeral Home in charge of services.  (1985)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

SIDNEY DORTCH
Sidney Alfred Dortch of Rector, aged 82, died Tuesday, May 8, at the Piggott Nursing Home.  Survivors include his wife, Anna Dortch of Rector; one daughter, Mrs. Nellie McCrady of Marmaduke; one daughter-in-law, Mrs. Mareda Dortch of Illinois; three brothers, Ira Dortch and Lonnie Dortch, both of Leachville and Troy Dortch of Florida; two sisters, Mrs. Elva Price of California and Mrs. Della Johnson of Leachville; two grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.  Funeral services were held in Irby Chapel on May 10 with Rev. E. Clay Polk and Guy Whitney officiating and interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Irby Funeral Home in charge of services. (Clay County Democrat, May 16, 1994)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

TOBE DORTCH DIES AT HOME IN LAFE
Tobe Dortch, aged 68, died Monday morning, July 21, at his home on Lafe Route 1.  Mr. Dortch, a retired farmer, was well known in Clay county.Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the Rock Springs Church.  Rev. W. C. Smith officiated. Burial was in Purcell cemetery with Irby Service in charge.  Mr. Dortch is survived by his wife,  Mrs. Ola Dortch, his father, E. T. Dortch, three brothers, Bill Dortch of St. Louis, and Harrison and Ray Dortch of Lafe Route 1, and four sisters, Mrs. Cleda Graves of St. Louis, Mrs. Hattie Hopper, Mrs. Lillie Johnson, and Mrs. Bertha Walker, all of Lafe. (1952)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

MRS. TOM DORTCH DIES AT HER HOME WEDNESDAY
Mrs. Joycie Dortch, aged 81, aunt of Mrs. Randal Mitchell and W.A. and Jack Wyatt of Paragould, died yesterday afternoon at her home on Lafe, route one, in the Rock Springs section, following an illness of several weeks.  She was a native of Clay County.  Funeral services will be conducted at two tomorrow afternoon from the Rock Springs church and burial will be made in the Rock Springs cemetery.  Surviving are her husband, Tom Dortch; five daughters, Mrs. Lillie Johnson of Lafe, route one, Mrs. Hattie Hopper of Lafe, route one, Mrs. P. L. Butler of McGehee, Mrs. Grady Walker, Lafe, route one, and Mrs. Hugh Graves of St. Louis, four sons, Tobe, Harrison, and Roy Dortch, all of the Rock Springs community, and Bill Dortch of Rector.  (May 1941)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

MRS. CORA DOWNEY
Mrs. E. E. PORTERFIELD was informed this week of the death of Miss CORA DOWNEY, which occurred May 7 in Denver, Colo., from a cerebral hemorrhage.  She will be remembered quite will in Piggott, as she was the sister of the later Mrs. P. M. PFEIFFER and had visited here on numerous occasions.  *Found in the Piggott Library 2001. Newspaper unknown. Handwritten on the obituary was 5/18/1956  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Enterprise Courier - Jo Ann Downs
CHARLESTON - Jo Ann Downs, 75, died at 3:15 p.m. March 31, 2001, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.  Born Nov. 1, 1925, In Success, Ark., daughter of the late W.E. and Beatrice McCracken Frazier Sr., she lived in Charleston most of her life, where she was a member of the United Methodist Church.  On Jan. 15, 1946, she married Willis A. Downs who survives of the home.  Other survivors include:  one son, Willis McCracken Downs of Cape Girardeau ; two brothers Richard Frazier of Tampa , Fla. , and Ran Frazier of Holland, Pa.; one sister, Jean Mehler of Melbourne , Fla. ; and two grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Downs, and two brothers.  Her sister, Bette Lou Galemore, also died on March 31, 2001.  Her body was cremated.  Relatives and friends will assemble at 11 a.m. Wednesday for graveside services at the 100F Cemetery near Charleston .  The Rev. Ed Hankinson, pastor of the United Methodist Church of Charleston, will officiate.  McMikle Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Submitted by Mark Frazier.

ANNIE HAMPTON CALLED BY DEATH
Mrs. Annie Hampton, aged 55, died at her home on October 2.  She professed hope in Christ at the age of 13 and was true to her profession until death.  She was united in marriage with Dolphie Hampton on January 14, 1912 and to this union six children were born.  One preceded her in death in 1922 and those surviving are Roy Hampton of Paragould, Ernie Hampton of Piggott, Wayne Hampton of Pontiac, Mich., and Phinias Hampton and Mrs. Lenford Arnold, both of Flint, Mich.  In addition to the immediate family, she is survived by five brothers, W. D. Williams of Paragould, L. C. Williams of Marmaduke, C. M. Williams of Rector, and T. J. and L. J. Williams of Pontiac, Mich., three sisters, Mrs. Jennie Wright and Mrs. Sarah Allen of Marmaduke and Mrs. Millie Gibbs of Lafe, nine grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services conducted Thursday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. at Raymer's Chapel by Rev. Alvin Gibbs, assisted by Rev. Gus Evans.  Burial was in Raymer's Chapel Cemetery with Mitchell Service in charge. (October 1951)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

DON HAMPTON
Funeral services for A. Don Hampton of Taylor, Mich. were held Sunday, Sept. 12 at Irby Chapel with Rev. Virgil Smith officiating.  Burial was in Mitchell Cemetery, with Irby service.  Mr. Hampton died Thursday, Sept. 9, at Wyandotte, Mich., at the age of 57.  Survivors include his wife, Marceline; two sons, James Michael Hampton of Benton, Ky. and Gregory Dewayne of Taylor, Mich.; a daughter, Mrs. Princess Hilliker, of Taylor; five grandchildren; his mother, Mrs. Belle Ruphard of Portageville, Mo.; two sisters, Mrs. Beulah Robinson of Portageville, Mo. and Mrs. Veda Jones of Southgate, Mich.; and two brothers, Floyd Hampton of Memphis and Cosper Ruphard of Lincoln Park, Mich. (May 13, 1976)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

Johnnie Doyle Hampton, born July 13, 1911, died December 8, 1938.  Funeral at First Baptist Church, Sunday, December 11, 2:30 p.m., conducted by Rev. S. G. Watson, assisted by Rev. G. C. Taylor.  Interment at Woodland Heights.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR DOYLE HAMPTON SUNDAY
Johnnie Doyle Hampton was born July 13, 1911 at Rector, Arkansas, and died December 8, 1938 at the age of 27 in the Dickson Memorial Hospital at Paragould.  Surviving are his parents Mr. and Mrs. S. V. Hampton, two brothers Lewis and Gaylan, two sisters Pauline and Oneeda all of this city and an inseparable pal, Raymond Gatewood and a host of other relatives and friends.  To the family he was a devoted son and brother.  The town and community have lost a good man.  Funeral services were held Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church of this city, conducted by Rev. S. G. Watson assisted by Rev. G. C. Taylor.  Burial was in Woodland Heights cemetery in charge of Russell's Mortuary.  Pall bearers were Wayne and Gwynn Bradsher, Guy Bucy, Jay Waldron all of Rector and Ralph Hampton and Thomas Janes of Piggott.  Flower girls were Berna Nell Gogue, Ina Crockett, Euvila Wiley, Mrs. Paul Frets, Mrs. Lloyd Bucy, Elaine Benson, Mrs. Ralph Hampton, Myrtle Bucy, Mrs. Therien Gatewood, Mrs. Edgar Wagner, Mrs. Floyd Winn, Mrs. Wallace Graves and Maudie and Goldie Patten. (Clay County Democrat, 1938)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

DUSTY HAMPTON
James Talmadge "Dusty" Hampton, age 55, of Corning, died Monday, May 8, at the Osceola Nursing Home.  He was born Aug. 21, 1939, in Manila, to R.C. Felex and Mary (Emmons) Hampton.  He was the owner of Dusty's Pawn Shop and affiliated with the First Assembly of God church in Corning.  He was an ordained Pentecostal minister, a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Eastern Star and was a constable of the North Kilgore Township in Clay County.  Survivors include his wife, Betty Hampton of Corning; a son, R. C. Hampton of Corning; three daughters, Naomi Thompson of Newaygo, Mich., Jeanene Pruitt of Paragould and Eileen Adams of Cave City; his mother, Mary Chester of Paragould; three stepsons, Steve Huffman of Farmington, MO., Keith Huffman and Mike Huffman, both of Paragould; seven grandchildren, and three step-grandchildren.  Funeral services will be held at [blurred] p.m. Wednesday (today), May 10, at Ermert Funeral Home Chapel in Corning with Rev. Robert Brodrick and Don Harrington officiating.  Interment was in the Providence Cemetery in Lafe with Ermert Funeral Home in charge of the arrangements.  (Clay County Democrat, May 10, 1995)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

PERNICIOUS MALARIA CLAIM LIFE OF EZRA HAMPTON, 30
(From Saturday's Daily Press) Ezra Hampton, aged about 30, died at 11 yesterday morning at the home of his brother, Presley Hampton, of route four, following an illness of a few days due to pernicious malaria.  He was a native of Greene county and was engaged in farming.  Funeral services were conducted at 11:30 this morning from the New Friendship church and burial was made in the New Friendship cemetery.  The Rev. Afton Thomas officiated.  Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Dora Hampton; one daughter, Ivy Mae Hampton, two sons, James William and Willie J. Hampton; three sisters, Mrs. Jess Fielder, Mrs. J. A. McBride, and Mrs. Elliott Brady; and four brothers, Irby Hampton, Abe Hampton, West Hampton, and Presley Hampton. (Clay County Democrat, June 1933)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

IVEN HAMPTON
Iven O. Hampton, age 90, of Cotter, formerly of this area, died Friday, Aug. 2, at the Flipping Nursing Home in Mountain Home. He was born Aug. 22, 1900, in Marmaduke to the late Haywood and Mary Catherine (Freeman) Hampton.   He was of the Church of Christ faith and was a farmer.  Survivors include one son, Sonny Hampton of Caseyville, Ill.; three daughters, Iva Lee Cleveland of Mountain Home, Charlene Carson of Poplar Bluff, Mo., and Arlene Wilson of Caseyville, Ill.; three sisters, Ola Braman of Marmaduke, and Estell Shelton and Euelle Jones, both of Paragould; 13 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren.  Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4, in the Irby Funeral Home chapel with Hershel Johnson officiating.  Interment was in Pleasant Grove Cemetery with the Irby Funeral Home in charge of the services.  Pallbearers were William Hampton, Charles Hampton, Roy Hampton, David Jones, Anthony Jones, and William Shelton. (Clay County Democrat, Aug. 9, 1991)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

SERVICES HELD FOR JAMES M. HAMPTON
(From Saturday's Daily Press) Funeral services were held yesterday for James Marlan Hampton, 19, who died Thursday at Marmaduke.  Services were held at the Pleasant Grove Methodist Church at 10 o'clock, conducted by the Rev. Pat Haden, with interment following in the Pleasant Grove cemetery.  He was a member of the Baptist church at Mt. Hebron. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Iven Hampton of Marmaduke; three sisters, Mrs. J. C. Manning of St. Louis, Mrs. Edward Richardson of Marmaduke and Ina Hampton at home, and two brothers, Donald and Sonny Hampton both at home. (Clay County Democrat, Feb. 1941)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

LEWIS HAMPTON DIES AT PARENTS' HOME, FRIDAY
James Lewis Hampton, 29, died last Friday morning at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. V. Hampton.  He had been in ill health for several months and underwent a major operation in the Dickson Memorial Hospital at Paragould on August 22.  He was never able to be up following the operation.  In December '37 he was married to Miss Arcella Jones who survives him.  At that time he moved close to Piggott to live.  He returned to Rector with his wife several months ago and bought an interest in the Wayland Garage which he helped to operate until he became ill. Surviving him other than his wife and parents are one brother, Gaylan Hampton, and two sisters, Pauline and Oneeda all of this city.  Funeral services were conducted at the First Baptist church here Saturday afternoon at two o'clock by the Rev. J. E. Butler and the Rev. H. E. Williams.  Burial was in Woodland Heights cemetery in charge of Russell's Mortuary.  Pallbearers were Raymond Gatewood, Therien Gatewood, Frank Hampton, Ralph Hampton, George Landis, and Lloyd Bucy.  Flower girls were Berna Nell Gogue, Myrtle Bucy, Bess Bucy, Lola Landis, Mrs. Edgar Graves, Ruth Hampton, Mrs. Frank Hampton, Pauline Graves and Euvila Wiley. (D. In. Sept 1939).  Submitted by Katy Cross.

SALLY ANN HAMPTON
Sally Ann Hampton, age 89, of Marmaduke died April 21 at the Home for the Golden Years in Paragould.  She was born Sept. 25, 1896, in Trenton, Tenn., the daughter of William D. and Jenny  Carlton White.  Survivors include four stepsons, Roy Hampton of Paragould, Ernie Hampton of Piggott, Phinas Hampton of Flint, Mich., and Wayne Hampton of Redlands, Calif.; one step-daughter, Audrey Arnold of South Bend, Ind.; 11 step-grandchildren, 26 step-great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were Thursday afternoon, April 24, at Mitchell's Funeral Chapel in Rector with Wayne Gould and Chester Penney officiating.  Burial was in Rock Springs Cemetery near Knob with Mitchell Funeral Home of Rector, Inc., in charge of arrangements. (1986)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

INSANE MAN KILLS WIFE AND HIMSELF
One of the most horrible tragedies to occur in this part of the state in recent months was enacted early Wednesday morning two and a half miles west of Marmaduke, near New Home Church, when Will Hampton, forty, shot and killed his wife and then blew out his own brains.  It was late in the day before the news of the killings reached Marmaduke, and night before the report reached Rector.  An unusual silence about the Hampton's home led to an investigation by neighbors and discovered of Hampton's body, lying on the floor in the bedroom, and his wife's body, lying in bed.  Best information said the Mr. Hampton used a shotgun in committing the double killing.  The head of the woman was almost shot off and the man ended his own life by placing the gun close to his head and pulling the trigger of the weapon.  One child, two years of age, and an infant of the couple, were in the room where the mutilated bodies were found by neighbors. One report said that the infant was found in bed near its dead parents with a piece of a skull in its hand.  The other child, two years of age, also was not conscious of what happened.  It was said that the woman's body was found partly on the bed and that the body of her husband was on the floor nearby.   Neighbors who invaded the house following a suspicion that something was wrong report they found the couple's infant in bed with the body of his mother.  The mother's head was almost severed from her shoulders and was blown to bits.  It is evident, the coroner says, that she was shot at close range.  The infant was covered with blood and was fondly caressing his mother's body.  A two-year-old child, but not old enough to comprehend the tragedy, was playing around her father's body.  She was covered with blood.  The father's body was lying on the floor beside the bed and a shotgun was at his side.  Hampton is survived by his father, Haywood Hampton of the same community, and five brothers.  Mrs. Hampton was the daughter of Andrew Eastep of Lafe.             After investigating the case, Coroner Dee McHaney declared that Hampton killed his wife as she lay in bed and then killed himself.  He was demented, neighbors say, and domestic troubles are given as the cause of his insanity.  (Clay County Democrat, 1927)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

WOUND TO HEAD PROVES FATAL – Pollard Man Succumbs After Being Carried Home From Local Hospital
JESS KISNER, 45, of Pollard, Ark., who was discharged Sunday night from St. Bernard's hospital where he had been taking treatments for the past several days for an injury to the head died Monday at his home. Kisner was thought on the road to recovery when he left the Jonesboro hospital. Physicians at Pollard that a ruptured blood vessel in the wound caused his death. The wound was inflicted 2 weeks ago when he was struck over the head by a hoe in what officers described as a quarrel with his 16 year old son, Delmus over treatment of a horse. When Kisner was taken to the hospital he told parties he received his injuries in a fall from a cultivator while working in the field after he became over heated. The youth who had been released pending the outcome of Kisner’s injuries, was taken into custody Tuesday following his father’s death. Sheriff Jack Wallain said he would remain in custody of a deputy until after burial of the farmer Wednesday. Preliminary hearing is planned Wednesday. The hoe blade penetrated Kisner’s skull, he was believed recovering and was released Tuesday night from a Jonesboro hospital. Physicians said a ruptured blood vessel in the wound caused his death. Monette [AR] Weekly Sun, Wednesday, July 31, 1935.  Submitted by Joyce Hambleton Whitten.

DEATH'S HARVEST
T. B. Lamb died at his home in Blue Cane township Monday night at 10 o'clock and was buried at Copeland graveyard Tuesday, under the auspices of the Masonic order of which he was an honored member.  The services were conducted at Macedonia, by Rev. C.W. Kavanaugh, pastor of the Methodist Protestant church of which Mr. Lamb was a faithful member. (Feb. 27 1911) Thomas Lamb was a veteran of the Civil War and served in the Southern Confederacy.  He moved to Blue Cane in 1892, and lived there until his death, which occurred in 1911.  He was a well informed Mason and helped to organize Macedonia Lodge, at Leonard.  Mrs. Lamb has passed on since her husband's death.  Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Lamb have four surviving children namely: John and Rufus Lamb and Mesdames Della Hickman and Ellen Beeda. (an addition some time later; they were reprinted together).  Submitted by Katy Cross.

SNODIE M. LAX
Snodie Martha Lax, 95, of Route 1, Lafe, died Sunday, June 5, 1994, at the Paragould Nursing Center.  Mrs. Lax was born Jan. 1, 1899, at Lafe, the daughter of Andrew Jackson Eastep and Ella Mae Moore.  She was a life-long Lafe community resident, a homemaker and a charter member of the Ramer's Chapel Methodist Church.  Survivors include three sons, Carroll Gould of Paragould, Andrew Morgan of St. Louis and Hershel Lax of Lafe; one daughter, Ella Coren Groning of South Bend, Ind.; and 20 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, and seven great-great-grandchildren.  Mrs. Lax was preceded in death by one grandson and one great-grandchild.  The funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Wednesday (today) at the Ramer's Chapel Methodist Church with the Rev. Wayne Gould officiating.  Burial was in the Ramer's Chapel Cemetery. (Clay County Democrat, June 8, 1994)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

W. R. McCracken Twice Mayor of City ( Charleston , MO ) is Dead
W. R. McCracken, age 71 years, five months and four days, died Friday, 7:15 p.m. (07 May 1948), while attending a wrestling match at Kiel Auditorium in St. Louis .  While he had been under the care of a physician the past three years for a heart aliment, yet his sudden death came as a shock to his family and friends.  The remains were returned here Saturday morning to Nunnelee Funeral Chapel and were removed to the home, 510 South Main, late that afternoon where the body laid in state until Monday, 2:30 p.m., when funeral services were held at the Methodist church with the pastor, J.C. Montgomery officiating.  Interment was in the Odd Fellows Cemetery with the members of the Lions Club of which the deceased was a member, serving as honorary pallbearers.  Willis Ransom McCracken was born December 3, 1876 in Leamington , Ontario , Canada , and was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph McCracken.  When he was fourteen years of age he moved with his family to Arkansas (Success) where he spent thirty-two years of life.  Some twenty-five years ago he moved to this city from Corning , Ark.   He engaged in the cotton and oil business and became widely known as a prominent and successful business man of this city.  He served two consecutive terms as Mayor of this city, retiring from office when his time expired in April, 1947.  He was a Methodist and a friend to man, interested in all civic affairs and donated freely to charity.  A kind and considerate husband and father and greatly beloved by this family and friends.  He was a great fan for wrestling matches and on Friday had gone to St. Louis to attend the matches.  Mrs. McCracken and son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. W. E. Frazier were with him at the time of his death.  He leaves his wife, Mrs. Sylvia Ann McCracken; three daughters, Mrs. W.E. Frazier and Mrs. Carl Layton of this city, and Mrs. W. Pelant of Santa Monica, Calif; eight grandchildren and four great, grandchildren; one brother Ray McCracken of Chicago, Ill., and a number of nieces and nephews.  Active pallbearers were:  W. E. Frazier, Jr., Robert Frazier, Richard Frazier, Joe Willis Layton, Milford Mehler and Willis Downs.  Honorary pallbearers were:  Joe Harvey, Hardy Pottinger, Henry Brasher, J.C. McDowell, O.T. Dalton, Sr., Horace Ficklin, Robert Davis and Robert Farmer.  Submitted by Mark Frazier.

ALMA LEAH MOBLEY
Alma Leah Mobley, age 88, of Rector, died Thursday, Sept. 17, at Arkansas Methodist Hospital in Paragould.  She was born June 26, 1904, in Rector to the late Albert Luke Mobley and Ida Brannon.  She was a public school teacher and attended the First United Methodist Church.  She was preceded in death by a brother, Roy Mobley, in 1955.  Survivors include three nephews, Albert Mobley and Pat Mobley, both of St. Louis, MO., and Mike Mobley of Houston, Texas, and a sister-in-law, Mrs. Roy Mobley of St. Louis.  Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Irby Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Gerald Fincher officiating.  Burial was at Liberty Hill Cemetery with Irby Funeral Home in charge of services.  Pallbearers were Dale Roberts, Bill Roberts, Leland Blackshare, Butch Reddick, Hulon Reddick, and Jack McCord. (Clay County Democrat, Sep. 23, 1992)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

ALMA MAE MOBLEY
Alma Mae Bookout Mobley, age 75, of Rector died Thursday, July 19, at St. Bernard's Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.  Survivors include her husband, Cullen Mobley; two sons, Danny Mobley of Dallas, Texas, and Roger Mobley of Tulsa, Okla.; one daughters, Kay Thurman of St. Louis, Mo.; three sisters, Lora Holifield and Ruth Blackshare of Rector and Irma Thomason of Little Rock, and three brothers, Bill, Cecil, and J.W. Bookout, all of Rector.Funeral services were Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church in Rector with Rev. Guy Whitney officiating.  Interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery.  (Clay County Democrat, July 1984)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

BOYD MOBLEY DEAD
Mr. C.B. Mobley (better known to his friends as Boyd Mobley) died at his home a few miles northwest of Rector, on Monday, February 8th, after a long illness.  Mr. Mobley was more than seventy-four years of age, and had lived near Rector for many years.  He was born August 12, 1851, was married to Ella Knight, on March 13, 1879.  To this union four children were born--two of whom preceded him to the grave; two children, Peyton Mobley, and Mrs. Cee Hubble, survive him.  Mr. Mobley obeyed the gospel on October 3, 1896, and he lived faithful to the church.  He was a devoted father and husband and was respected by the many friends who knew him during the many years he lived in this county.  Besides his wife he leaves two children, seven grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his death.  Funeral services were conducted at the local church of Christ at two-thirty o'clock Tuesday afternoon, Evangelist J.W. Dollison preaching the funeral sermon.  Evangelist J.B. Griffith, a Christian minister of England, this state, led in prayer.  A large crowd of relatives and friends attended the funeral.  Interment was at Woodland Heights.  (Clay County Democrat, February 1926)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

CULLEN MOBLEY
Cullen Mobley, age 79, of Rector died Wednesday, Dec. 24, at St. John's Mercy Hospital in St. Louis.  Survivors include two sons, Danny Mobley of McKinney, Texas, and Roger Mobley of Tulsa Okla.; a daughter, Kay Thurman of St. Louis; three brothers, Loyd Mobley of Columbiaville, Mich., Bill Mobley of Rector and Donald Mobley of Tulsa, Okla.; two sisters, Mrs. Mary Bookout of Kennett and Mrs. Reece Morris of St. Louis, nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Saturday at the First Baptist Church of Rector with Rev. Guy Whitney officiating.  Interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Mitchell Funeral Home of Rector in charge of services.  Pallbearers were his nephews.  (Clay County Democrat, December 1986)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

C. H. MOBLEY DIES AT HOME HERE
Cullen Harris Mobley, aged 77 years, died at his home on Rector, Route 1, at 10:20 Saturday morning.  Mr. Mobley was a native of this vicinity and had lived all his life here.  He was a well-known farmer.  On January 8th this year, Mr. and Mrs. Mobley celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with all the children home for the occasion.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Minnie Martin Mobley, eight children, Mrs. W.P. Morris, Mrs. G.C. Smith and Cullen Mobley of St. Louis, Mrs. Paul Bookout of Caruthersville, Mo., Lloyd Mobley of Newport, Ark., Tom Mobley of Piggott and Billy Mobley of Rector, 19 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.  Funeral services were held Monday afternoon at the home, which was the home of Mr. Mobley's mother.  The Rev. E. Marlar officiated.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Irby Service in charge.  Pallbearers were his grandsons, James Morris, Bobby Mobley, Danny Mobley, Roger Mobley, Jerry Bookout, and Greshem Smith.  Flower girls were granddaughters, Mrs. Martha Jean Trantham, Mrs. Betty Ruth Johnson, Carolyn Bookout, Linda Sue Mobley, and Kay Ann Mobley.  (Clay County Democrat, May 1951)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

FUNERAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR CULLEN H. MOBLEY (printed on paper that looks like an open book) on left side:  BEARERS Gresham Smith, James Morris, Jerry Bookout, Bobby Mobley, Roger Mobley, Danny Mobley.
CROSSING THE BAR
Sunset and evening star;
And one clear call for me!
And may there be
no moaning of the Bar
When I put out to sea.
For tho' from out our bourne
of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot--
face to face,
When I have crost the bar.
---Tennyson

right side:  CULLEN H. MOBLEY, Dec. 4, 1874, June 2, 1951, Funeral Service At the Home, June 4, 1951, 2:00 P.M.  Conducted by Rev. E. Marlar, Interment Woodland Heights Cemetery.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

EIDRESS MOBLEY
Eidress Mobley, age 75, of Piggott, died Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Piggott Community Hospital.  Mrs. Mobley, the daughter of Bob and Emma Grogan Morgan, was born Sept. 3, 1915, in Rector.  She was married Sept. 16, 1934, to Dalton Mobley.  She was a member of Hitts Chapel Church.  She was preceded in death by one granddaughter, her father, and two sisters. Survivors include her husband, Dalton Mobley of Piggott; seven children, Betty Haley of Piggott, Larry Mobley of Batesville, Weldon Mobley of Rector, Jim Mobley of Blue Springs, Mo., Judy Neeley of Forrest City, Carla French of Piggott, and Janette Duncan of Rector; her mother, Emma Morgan of Piggott, 22 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Bernadine Adams of Rector, and many other relatives and friends.  Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25, in Hoggard and Sons Funeral Chapel with Rev. Lavone Smart officiating.  Interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home of Piggott in charge of arrangements.  Pallbearers were grandsons, Kurt Neeley, Jeffrey Neeley, Terral Neeley, Nicholas Duncan, Brent Haley, Brian Haley, Chip Remrey, Jim Mobley, Jason Mobley, Jake Forrest, Jason Burkman, and Mike Haley.  (Clay County Democrat, Feb. 13, 1991)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

RECTOR NATIVE DIES IN CALIFORNIA
James A. Mobley, age 70, of Los Angeles, Calif., a native of Rector, died Saturday, Jan. 7, in Los Angeles.  He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Louis Mobley.  He grew up in Rector, but left during the Great Depression to find employment with the Union Pacific Railroad, a position he held until retirement.  Survivors include three sisters, Candace Tipton of Knoxville, Tenn, Mildred Wood of Panama City, Fla., and Marjorie Wrenn of Houston, Texas, and a brother, Clint Mobley of Los Angeles. His wife, the former Faye Allison, preceded him in death in 1975.  (Clay County Democrat, date unknown, probably late 1970s, early 1980s).  Submitted by Katy Cross.

DONALD JIMMY MOBLEY DIED LAST TUESDAY
Donald Jimmy Mobley, son of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Mobley died Tuesday at the age of two years, five months and twenty-five days.  He is survived by his parents, one brother Gerald.  He was the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. Mobley and Mr. and Mrs. Charles A. Holifield.  Funeral services were conducted at the home by Rev. Pat Hayden at three o'clock Wednesday afternoon.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in charge of Mitchell Funeral Home.  In little Jimmy's short stay here among us his life became such a part of us that we look forward to the time in our lives when we too can say, There is light in future sunset, What brightens our saddend chest, And a hope that is anchored in Heaven, As he sleeps in peaceful rest. (Clay County Democrat, Aug. 1938)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

DEATH TAKES POLK MOBLEY AT LITTLE ROCK HOME
Polk Mobley, aged 79, former County Clerk and Sheriff and Collector of Clay County, and a brother to A.L. and C.H. Mobley, both of Rector, died last Friday at his home in Little Rock.  He was County Clerk of this county for four years and Sheriff and Collector for the same number of years.  Prior to his retirement, Mr. Mobley was employed by the Highway Department for 10 years.  He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Clara Blackwood Mobley, one son, John E. Mobley of North Little Rock, a daughter, Mrs. W.A. Dudek, Little Rock, and his two brothers, A.L. and C.H. Mobley, both of Rector.  Funeral arrangements were to have been arranged and announced by Healey and Roth of Little Rock. (Clay County Democrat, August 1950) October 24, 1935.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

Mrs. Mary V. Mobley, born Elkton, Tennessee, May 26, 1845, died at her home in Rector, Arkansas, May 21, 1930.  Funeral at Home May 22nd at 2:30 p.m., conducted by REV. H. O. BOLIN, assisted by Revs. N.B. Blackman, C. H. Franks.  Interment at Woodland Heights Cemetery.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

W.E. Moore Passed Away Last Monday
Had been a resident of this city for the past forty years.
W.E. Moore died at his home here Monday night of a heart attack.  He was born in Dyersburg Tennessee moving to Rector 40 years ago.  He was a member of the Baptist Church.  Surviving him are his wife, son Ghuyraine of Pontiac Michigan, four daughters Mrs. Ora Wells of Pontiac Michigan Mrs. Ruby Priest, Mrs. Ithybell Miller and Miss Janice Moore all of Rector.  Funeral services were held We dnesday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock at the First Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. G. C. Taylor.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery in charge of the Fluty Funeral Home.  Pall bearers at the services were, Active, J.C. Johnson , Buck Johnson, Roy Manley,  Wade Manley, Edgar Moore, and Ira Moore.  Honorary , G. G. Glaub, John Glaub, Almond Arnold, Tee Hardin, W. C. Frets, and Bruce McCord. Flower girls were Lucretia Henry, Merlie Smart, Claudie Holifield, Margaret Holt, Aline Hargraves and Carolyn McBridge.  Taken from the Rector Times, May 1937.  Submitted by Joe F. Moore Jr..

G. W. NASH was born in Tennessee July 30, 1877 being 74 years, 7 months and 17 days of age.
He leaves to mourn his passing four children, Mrs. OPAL HOGGARD of Piggott; KING and GRAIG NASH of Madera, Calif. and Mrs. SUE WATKINS of Merced, Calif.; 22 grandchildren and four great grandchildren; also a host of other relatives and friends.  He was united in Church at an early age.  Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. GEORGE B. ANTHONY assisted by Rev. GEORGE WARD, Thursday, march 20, 1952 at the Hitt Chapel Church.  Burial was in the Piggott cemetery with Russell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 4/4/1952.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

JESS NEAL was born May 27, 1873 and departed this life March 11, 1951, at the age of 77.  He was born in Indiana and came to Clay County, Arkansas in 1903.  He was united in marriage to Miss MINNIE EDWARDS in 1898 and to this union two children were born.  He leaves to mourn his going his wife, and two children: Mrs. GILDA CHEANEY of St. Louis, Mo., and ROSE DAVIS of Piggott, one foster daughter, FLOY JOHNSON of Piggott and 12 grandchildren; six great grandchildren, a number of nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.  He was converted in 1927 and united with Harmony Church and lived a devoted life until the end.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. E. T. HEATHCOTT assisted by Rev. S. R. PILLOW, Tuesday, March 13, 1951 at the Harmony Church.  Burial was in the Williams Cemetery with Russell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 3/23/1951.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Former Piggott Citizen Died in Memphis Friday
FRANK NEELEY, a citizen of Piggott 20 years ago, died at his home in Memphis on Friday of last week.  He was a brother of R. L. NEELEY who lives two miles south of Piggott.  The deceased was born at Cape Girardeau, Mo., Jan. 28, 1877 and came to Clay County in 1980 with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. C. T. NEELEY.  In Memphis, he was employed by the Three-States Lumber Co., as business manager.
Funeral services and burial took place at Memphis on Sunday, the Rev. TATE conducting the services.
*Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper and date of appearance unknown.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

CHARLES NELSON, age 64, of Batesville, Ark., died last Wednesday, in a Little Rock Hospital.  Mr. NELSON was born at Otwell, Ind., but lived most of his life in Pollard, Ark.  He retired a couple of years ago, being a rural mall carrier out of that post office for 38 years.  He was a graduate of Brown Business College in St. Louis, a member of the Retired Rural Letter Carriers Association, National Rural Letter Carriers Association and Eastern Star Lodge 207, F&AM, St. Francis County.  He was a past national deputy chief of staff of World War I Veterans Organization.  He had a life membership in the American Legion.  Survivors include his widow, Mrs. MABEL ROSE NELSON of Batesville; a son, SHELDON NELSON of Batesville; a daughter, Mrs. ROBERT KNOLL of Stuttgart; two sisters, Mrs. HENRY SCHNARR of Jasper, Ind. and Mrs. REED HARKER of Pollard, a brother, ALBERT NELSON of Otell, Ind., and four grandchildren.  Burial was in Oaklawn Cemetery by Crouch Funeral Home.  Pallbearers were: HERSHEL NELSON, PAUL SCHNARR, HARRY NELSON, DALLAS JOHNSON, ORAN NICHOLAS, and O. M. BLOUNT.  Found in the Piggott Library 2001.  Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 11/6/1959.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Rector Youth a Suicide Victim (From last week’s Clay County Democrat)
A 17 year-old Rector boy, THOMAS E. NELSON, was found dead of a gunshot would Tuesday afternoon about four o-clock, after the discovery of a note he left with the mother of a friend, CHARLES CONSTANCE, about one o’clock.  The note, which was not read until CHARLES returned from school, gave in detail the NELSON boy’s plan for taking his own life.  He stated in the note that he saw himself “unfit for life, and therefore planned to ‘cease living”.  “I’m going outside of town, to where you and Bob and I went one Sunday”, the note read.  “I’ll park the car in the same place, then I’ll take Boo’s and my gun into the woods.  I’ll be found in the blind we built”.  Upon reading the note, CHARLES CONSTANCE became alarmed and went after Chief of Police HERSCHEL HOBBS.  He told the officer that TOMMY had spoken of such things with him at different times, and that he feared his friend might have been in earnest.
The two went to the spot in the Mary’s Chapel community mentioned in the note, and found THOMAS, shot through the forehead.  A witness told officers of seeing the boy park the car, take a gun, and walk alone into the woods as if going hunting, earlier.  Coroner LOYD RUSSELL pronounced the death a suicide.
The note also stated that he was giving CHARLES the job of telling his mother. “Don’t do anything until tomorrow.”  It stated.  “Go to my house and if I haven’t been seen all night, then you’ll know that I finally overcame my fear of death.”  Officer HOBBS said he thought the boy had been dead about two hours when they found him.  The boy was reported to have been moody and despondent since the death of his father, HENRY NELSON, less than a year ago.  He had not entered school this year, but was taking a correspondence course at home.  He was reported to have been a good student in school and well-liked by his classmates.  He would have been a senior.  Funeral arrangements were with the Irby Funeral Home.
Survivors include his mother, Mrs. VINA NELSON; five sisters, Mrs. CLAUDIA HOWARD and Mrs. ELIZABETH HOWARD, Lawrence, Ind., Mrs. VADALIA BERRY, Bakersfield, Calif., Mrs. FRANCES WARD, St. Louis, and BRENDA KAY NELSON, at home; and two brothers, MAX NELSON, Marmaduke, and GERALD NELSON, Indianapolis.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 11/28/1958.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

WILLIAM HENRY NICHOLAS was born near Pollard, Arkansas, October 12th, 1890, where he spent his entire life, and died in the Saint Joseph Hospital, Hot Springs, Ark., at 4:30 p.m. on August the 29th, 1943, at the age of 52 years, 10 months and 13 days.  He was united in marriage to JULIA JOHNSON in August 1940, and to this union two children were born.  He is survived by his wife, JULIA NICHOLAS and two sons, ORAN and ETHRIDGE NICHOLAS; one brother, GEORGE NICHOLAS, and two sisters, Mrs. LOTTIE PERMENTER and Mrs. TENNIE BRADY, all of Pollard, Arkansas; three grand children and a number of nephews and nieces, and other relatives, beside a host of friends to mourn his going.  HENRY (as we called him) was the son of the late W. J. (CUB) and SARAH NICHOLAS and a descendant of Elder PETER NICHOLAS, First pastor of the New Hope Church, in 1846.  He professed faith in Christ at an early age, and joined New Hope Church; later was ordained a Deacon, and remained a faithful member until death.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. S. R. PILLOW, assisted by Bro. HARRY GRAY of Corning.  Found in the Piggott Library 2001. Newspaper and date of appearance in the newspaper unknown.  All dates rechecked and transcribed as appeared in the in obituary.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Services for JOHN JAMES NIXON
JOHN JAMES NIXON was born in Stoddard County, Missouri, March 23, 1889 and passed away April 21, 1961.  He was the son of the late GEORGE and BELL NIXON who preceded him in death.
Brother JOHN JAMES NIXON was converted in the year 1916 and shortly before his passing professed his readiness to meet the Lord.  He leaves two brothers: GEORGE and HARLIN NIXON of Corning, Ark., Route 2; a sister, Mrs. BERTHA McCANN also of Corning, Route 2; ten nieces and nephews and a host of friends.  Funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. H. RHODES, assisted by Rev. GEORGE KELLER at the Hickoria Pentecostal Church of God at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, April 22, 1961.  Burial was in the Post Oak Cemetery at McDougal, Arkansas.  Russell Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper and date of appearance unknown.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

LOU NOLAN Died Result of Accident
Rector Man, Age 71, Struck by Car Saturday, Died Tuesday Morning
Paragould, Ark., June 29 – W. L. (LOU) NOLAN of Rector died Tuesday morning, at the Baptist Hospital at Memphis of injuries received Saturday night when he was struck by a car, which Deputy Sheriff LLOYD HILL said was driven by DOYNE FOWLER of near Rector.  He was 71.  No charge has been filed against Mr. FOWLER.  Deputy HILL quoted Mr. FOWLER as saying Mr. NOLAN walked out in front of his automobile and that the accident was unavoidable.  Mr. NOLAN leaves two daughters, Mrs. WILLIAM L. CLUBB of Detroit, and Mrs. CHARLES V. COX of Whitier, Calif.; a son, AUNDRY WADE NOLAN of Rector; a half brother, ARCH NOLAN of Rector; a sister, Mrs. ETTA HICKMAN of Detroit.
*Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 7/2/1948.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

JOHN RUSSELL NORRED was born July 30, 1887 in Nibrarra City, Nebraska and died Tuesday, October 19, 1965 at the Piggott Hospital.  He moved from Mechanicsburg, Ill., with his parents, Mrs. and Mrs. EDWARD NORRED and sisters LELA and NETTIE to Piggott in 1915.  After purchasing a farm one mile east of Piggott he built a home to which he moved his new wife, and former ESTELLE GADDIS.  He is survived by his wife, one sister, Mrs. HYMAN SANDERS of Salem, Arkansas, three sons JOHN of Garden Grove, Calif., BILL of Inglewood, Calif., BERT of Los Alamitos, Calif., one daughter Mrs. CHALIN LEWIS of Piggott, three grandsons, BERT LEWIS, DAVID and BILLY NORRED, three granddaughters, REBECCA, DIANE, and DEENA NORRED.  Funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church, Piggott, by Bro. WILLIS HARL and Rev. T. C. BURTON.  Found in 2001 in the Piggott Library.  Newspaper unknown, date of appearance per the obituary 10/29/1965.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

JAMES R. NULL Killed Christmas
Lost Life When Car Overturned Near Risco, Mo.; Son Also Injured
JAMES ROBERT NULL, 65 year old resident of Greenway, Ark., was killed and a son, DOYNE EUGENE NULL, 32, injured, when a car in which they were riding overturned on Highway 62 about seven miles east of Risco, Mo., Christmas afternoon.  State Highway Patrolmen who investigated the crash said the son was driving the car and attempted to round a curve at an excessive rate of speed.  The car skidded and turned over three times.  The son was taken to the Lucy Lee Hospital in Poplar Bluff and is suffering from a broken leg.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

JAMES ROBERT NULL, son of the late WILLIAM W. and NANCY (JOWELL) NULL, was born at Greenway, Arkansas, June 18, 1880 and died December 25, 1947.  He was bonded in Holy Matrimony to JESSIE W. CROW of Lilbourn, Mo., who proceeded him in death, January 18, 1946.  To this union was born one son, DOYNE EUGENE NULL.  He is survived by one son and a host of other relatives and friends.  Mr. NULL professed faith in Christ at an early age and united with the Presbyterian Church at Rector, Ark., in later years he transferred his membership to the Presbyterian Church at Greenway, Ark., in which he was an active member until his death.  Funeral services were conducted by THOMAS C. McSPADDEN, Sunday, December 28, 1947, at the Community Church in Greenway.  Interment was in the Mitchell Cemetery with Russell Mortuary in charge of arrangements.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 1/2/1948.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

OLGA EMMA NYE was born February 22, 1864 in Germany.  She came to America at the age of six years.  She was united in marriage to CHARLES E. WEIDEMAN, February 22, 1903 and to this union were born four children, two died in infancy.  The two surviving are WALTER WEIDEMAN of Piggott and PAULINE EVERS of Jackson, Michigan.  Her husband CHARLES passed away in 1907 and in 1910 she was united again in marriage to P. J. NYE, who passed away in 1935.  To this union one child was born, PHOEBE NOVAK of St. Louis, Mo.  Mrs. NYE was a member of the Wright's Chapel Methodist Church and a member of the Royal Neighbor of America.  The last few years she has resided with her daughter in St. Louis.  She departed this life April 10, 1948 at the age of 62 years, 1 month and 18 days.  She leaves to mourn her going other than the three children named above 10 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, 4 brothers and a host of other relatives and friends.  Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. J. J. DECKER, assisted by the Rev. J. W. SIMMONS at the First Methodist Church in Piggott, Monday, April 12, 1948.  Interment was in the Piggott cemetery with arrangements in charge of Russell Mortuary.  Found in the Piggott Library in 2001.  Newspaper unknown.  Date documented per the newpaper at the top of the obituary as appearing April 18, 1948.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Found in Notebook of Obituaries compiled by Barbara McKeel in the Historical Room of the Rector Public Library, Rector, Clay Co., AR. No name or date of newspaper shown. At top of obituary is handwritten "July '39".
T. E. Pace, Veteran of Two Wars, Died From Rheumatiss
Theophilus E. Pace, who had faced death in two wars and had worked with "hot wires" in his life job as a lineman, died of rheumatism and complication at 3 p.m. yesterday at his home in Memphis. The 62-year-old veteran retired several years ago because of his rheumatism. He was very seriously ill seven months. Born in Waverly, Tenn., he moved to Rector, Ark. as a boy. He enlisted in Company B. First Arkansas Volunteers in the Spanish-American War and served in active combat. The following year he enlisted in the 33rd U. S. Infantry, serving in the Philippine Insurrection, where he was slightly wounded in one side. He afterwards worked as a lineman in Texarkana, AR, Dallas, TX, Little Rock, AR., Chattanooga, TN., and Pine Bluff, AR. He had been in Memphis most of the past six years. He leaves his wife, Mrs. Lela Smith Pace; three daughters, Mrs. Vera Lee, Misses Lela and Emma Pace, Memphis; two sons, Joe and Edward Pace, Memphis; two brothers, Walter Pace, New Boston, Texas and Arthur Pace, Rector, Ark. two sisters, Mrs. Steve Yancey and Mrs. W. T. Davis, Rector, Ark. and a host of relatives and friends. Submitted by Sandy Mattox.
Theophilus Elmore (Major) Pace was born in Waverly, Tennessee in 1875 and died at his home in Memphis, July 5, 1937 at the age of 62. He moved to Rector, Arkansas as a boy and enlisted in Company B First Arkansas Volunteers in the Spanish American War, where he fought a hard fight for his county. The following year he enlisted in the 33rd U. S. Infantry and served in the Philippine Insurrection. He leaves to mourn his going a wife and five children, two brothers, Walter Pace of New Boston, Texas, Arthur Pace of Rector, two sisters Lenzie Davis and Cora Yancey both of Rector and a host of relatives and friends.
He is gone but not forgotten,
Nor will he ever be
We expect on that glad morning,
His pleasant face to see.
Submitted by Shirley Garrett

HISTORY OF EBENEZER
1875 to 1900
by H. M. Manchester
1900 to 1910
One of the Pioneer preachers that preached at Ebenezer, in the seventies was the Rev. J. T. Phillips.  The Rev. J. T. Phillips was a native of South Carolina and was married in that state to Miss Millie Schruggs in 1860.  After his marriage J. T. Phillips moved to Alabama where he enlisted in the Confederate Army and in 1861 and fought under Braxton Bragg.  He was in the battle of Shiloh; and was in the struggles between the Northern and Southern Armies at Corinth, Mississippi and Helena, Arkansas.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the Confederate Army, J. T. Phillips settled in Johnson County, Tennessee in 1866.  In December 1867, J. T. Phillips and his family left Tennessee, in a flat boat and in order to reach Arkansas, navigated the following rivers: Elk, Tennessee, Cumberland, and Ohio Rivers, to the mouth of the Ohio at Cairo, Illinois, where they entered upon the broad waters of the Mississippi, and floated down the mighty and powerful river to Point Pleasant, now known as New Madrid, Missouri. From Point Pleasant, they came to Brown's Ferry, traveling over the old pole road which was well known to the citizens of that time.  They crossed the St. Francis Rover, at Brown's Ferry and reached Crockett, in Clay County, March 5th, 1868.  J. T. Phillips was licenses to preach by the Conference of the Southern Methodist Episcopal Church, at Jonesboro, Arkansas, in 1872.  After coming to Clay County, J. T. Phillips was first engaged in farming, but later went into the Mercantile business, and ran a general store at Boydsville and Marmaduke.  J. T. Phillips was a lover of the big woods and a great sportsman, and has enjoyed the cry of the hounds in many deer chases with splendid success.  He has often stood on the sun kissed banks of beautiful Black River to hunt the big game, and at night, while the fire was beaming and owl screaming! the crystal waters in the beautiful river would be passing by.  In those days game was plentiful, such as deer, turkey and other small game; and howl of the wolf and the scream of the panther were often heard around the campfire. In addition to being a farmer, merchant and minister, J. T. Phillips was a Justice of the Peace and was very influential member of the Quorum Court.  He died, February 15, 1913 and his remains repose in the old cemetery at Mars Hill.  He has four surviving children, respectively: W. J., T. D. and J. M. Phillips and Mrs. Ellen Parrish. (Clay County Democrat, Oct. 1935, all grammar, spelling, and punctuation (sic).  Submitted by Katy Cross.

FRANK DIGGS PHILLIPS DIES AT HOME OF HIS MOTHER
(From Saturday's Daily Press [the Paragould, AR newspaper])
Frank Diggs Phillips, aged 20, dies at 8:30 last night at the home of his mother, Mrs. M.F. Phillips, 329 North Sixth Street, following an illness of a week.  His death was due to blood poisoning of the throat following an abscessed tonsil. Mr. Phillips, who for the past six months has been employed in the drug store of his brother, Irvin Phillips at Rector, was removed to this city Wednesday. Mr. Phillips was a native of Greene County, having been born and reared in the Pruett's Chapel community.  He moved to this city with his mother about four years ago.  He was graduated from the Paragould High School in 1931.  He took an active part in athletics of the local school, being a member of both the football and the track teams.  He also played baseball.  He was a member of Pruett's Chapel Methodist Church.  Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 tomorrow afternoon from the First Methodist Church and burial will be made in Linwood cemetery.  The Rev. Sam Watson, pastor of the Rector Methodist Church, the Rev. G.C. Taylor of Tyronza, and the Rev. W.C. Davidson, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate.  Active pall bearers will be: Woodrow Thompson and Rex Mack, both of Rector, Bill Cannon, Edgar Hopkins, Milton Hicks and Robert Taylor of this city.  The honorary pall bearers will be Clayton Hardin, Cecil Alvey, and Henry Alstadt, all of Rector, Edward Bambauer of Piggott, Albert Batton, Gilbert Garner, Russell Mack, J. Will Pierce, A. M. Reedy and Roy Phillips, all of Paragould.  The flower girls will be Misses Beulah Mae Akins and Ethel Murphy both of Rector, Ruth Weber, Rosamund Wallace, Morrison Graham, Georgia Parish, Frances Branch and Mrs. Lem Owens of Paragould.  Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Sally Phillips; two sisters, Misses Letha and Bonita Phillips of this city, and three brothers, Irvin Phillips of Rector, and Marlan and Russell Phillips of this city.  (Clay County Democrat, copied from Paragould's Daily Press, March 24, 1933)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

HESTER FAY PHILLIPS
Hester Fay Phillips, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. L. A. Phillips, was born March 14, 1921 and died June 20, 1934, aged 13 years, 3 months and 6 days.  Hester Fay had gone to school to me and was an obedient and energetic pupil. When we take up school again, my heart will be sad when, I look upon the seat she once occupied and the long recitation seat where we have recited our lessons.  Her favorite study was English and had learned to analyze and to parse.She will not only be missed by me but she will be missed by her school mates for they loved her and she loved them.  The funeral service was conducted at the Rock Springs Cemetery by Rev. Frank Rogers, a minister of the church of Christ. The deceased leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. L.A. Phillips, four brothers and three sisters. The sisters are: Miss Sylvia Phillips, Mrs. Eliza Hector and Mrs. Florence Adams.  The brothers are: Charley Allen, Edward, and Evan.  Permit me to say to the parents, brothers and sisters of the deceased. Let's strive to so live that we may reach the Eternal City, spoken of by John, in Revelation; that there we may meet the spirit of our daughter, our sister, and our pupil.  Realizing that this is the last thing I can do for Hester Fay, I am her Affectionate teacher, H. M. Manchester (D. In., 1934)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

JAMES M. PHILLIPS PASSED AWAY MONDAY
James Monroe Phillips, 75, lifelong resident of Clay County died at his home near Boydsville early Monday morning following a heart attack.Mr. Phillips was born and raised near Crockett and lived his entire life in the area north of Rector where he farmed.  He had been in ill health for several years but had been able to be up until the time of his death.  Surviving are his wife and eight children, Tom, Jim, Dan, and Odis Phillips all of near Rector; Louis Phillips of Harrisburg; Mrs. Nettie Ogles of Gideon, Mo., Mrs. Mamie Parrish of McDougal and Ivy McCracken of McDougal; and two brothers, W.J. Phillips of this city and T.D. Phillips of Norfolk, Va. (Clay County Democrat, June 1942)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

JAMES MONROE PHILLIPS
Mr. James Monroe Phillips departed this life June 29, 1942.  He was born Dec. 17, 1866 and died at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 12 days.  He was married to Mary Ann Watson and to this union twelve children were born; seven boys and five girls.  Ten children survived, two having preceded him in death.  There are 38 grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.  Those left to mourn his going:  Mrs. Mary Ann Phillips, Boydsville, route 1; Tom Phillips, Boydsville, route 1; Lewis Phillips, Harrisburg, Ark.; Dan Phillips, McDougal; Jim Phillips, Boydsville; Odis Phillips, Boydsville; Mrs. Ivy McCracken, McDougal; Mrs. Nellie Ogles Gideon, Mo.; Mrs. Ogle Oliver, Boydsville; Mrs. Lessie Toombs, Boydsville, besides the large number of grandchildren, great grandchildren, two brothers, and many other relatives and friends.  Yes, father in gone, and we're left here along, On earth we shall see him no more But we'll meet him again on Heaven's bright plane, Where we'll ever more rest on that shore. ---Contributed (Paragould Banner, 1942)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

JOE PHILLIPS LAID TO REST MONDAY IN WOODLAND HEIGHTS
Funeral services for William Joseph Phillips, 70, lifelong resident of Clay County, were conducted Monday in the First Methodist Church of Rector by the Rev. J. J. Decker, assisted by Rev. E. Clay Polk. Well known throughout the county, Mr. Phillips was born at Boydsville and came to Rector in his early life, where he served the public and his neighbors until his death in a Paragould hospital Friday night, June 17.  He owned and operated Phillips' Photo Studio for a number of years and served as mayor of the city, among many other occupations toward public service.  He is survived by his wife, Minnie [nee Mobley]; one brother, Dan, of Tulsa, Okla.; and a foster daughter, Mrs. Lottie Fields.  Following funeral services in the First Methodist last Monday, burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery, with Irby in charge of arrangements. (Clay County Democrat, June 1949)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

FUNERAL SERVICES HELD FOR LITTLE PHILLIPS CHILD
Funeral services of Linda Louise Phillips, seven-weeks-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Phillips of Rector, who died Friday, were conducted at 2:30 yesterday afternoon from the First Methodist Church and burial was made in Linwood cemetery.  The Rev. G. C. Taylor of Rector and the Rev. Cecil R. Culver, pastor of the First Methodist church, officiated. Surviving are her parents and three brothers.  She was a grandchild of Mr. and Mrs. Jim C. Phillips and H. R. Boone, all of near Paragould.  (Clay County Democrat, December 1940)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

LINDA LOUISE PHILLIPS DIES AT RECTOR FRIDAY
(From Saturday's Daily Press) Linda Louise Phillips, seven-weeks-old daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Phillips, formerly of Paragould, died Friday afternoon at Rector.  Funeral services will be held at the First Methodist Church here Sunday afternoon at 2:30 with the Rev. C. C. Taylor of Rector and the Rev.  Cecil Culver of this city in charge.  Interment will be in Linwood cemetery.  The body will be brought to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips this afternoon where it will remain until time for the funeral services.  Surviving are the parents, three brothers, Jackie, Jimmie, and Billie Phillips; grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Phillips and H.R. Boone, all of near Paragould.  (D.In., 1940)  This community extends their sympathy to Mr. and Mrs. Bob Phillips, whose baby was buried in the seventh of the month. "Fritz" May 1934.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

Louis A. PHILLIPS
L. A. Phillips was born in Pike County, Illinois, March 20, 1866 and died near Knob in Clay County, Arkansas May 13, 1937.  The deceased came to Arkansas about twenty three years ago; and for a short time located near Osceola in Mississippi County, but later came to Knob in Clay County, where he has since resided.  L. A. Phillips was a kind and devoted neighbor.  He lived in obedience to God, and had held the position of Elder in the Holly Hill Church of Christ.  Funeral services were held at the Rock Springs Methodist Church conducted by Obe Rogers, a member of the Church of Christ; and the remains were interred at Rock Springs cemetery with the Russell Mortuary in charge.  The deceased leaves a wife and seven children to mourn the loss of a father and husband. The children are: Allen, Charley, Edd, and Evan Bookie Phillips; Sylvia Phillips, Mrs. ---, and Mrs. Eliza ----, whom reside in the Knob... [paper smeared at the end].  (Clay County Democrat, 1937)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

MRS. ELBERT PHILLIPS IS BURIED AT MARS HILL
Mrs. Elbert Phillips, wife of Elbert Phillips of Harrisburg, who is a nephew of W. J. Phillips was buried at Mars Hill cemetery Wednesday afternoon.  (Clay County Democrat, Feb. 1936)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

MRS. MINNIE PHILLIPS DIES IN ST. LOUIS
Mrs. Minnie Phillips, 77, died Jan. 16 in a St. Louis hospital of pneumonia.  The body was returned to Rector Tuesday and was taken to the home Wednesday afternoon.  The funeral is this afternoon (Thursday) at 2 p.m. at the First Methodist church, with the Rev. James R. Chandler officiating.  Interment will be in the Woodland Heights cemetery with Irby Funeral Service in charge.  Mrs. Phillips was a native of Clay county, widow of the late W. J. Phillips, Rector photographer, and daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J. K. P. Mobley, early settlers of Clay county.  Surviving are two brothers, G. K. Mobley of Hickman, California, and Emmett Mobley, who made his home with her and is now in St. Louis; a foster-daughter, Mrs. Lottie Fields, of St. Louis, as well as several nieces and nephews. (Clay County Democrat, 1956)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

GRAVESIDE SERVICES FOR MRS. MYRTLE PHILLIPS
Graveside services were held Friday afternoon at Woodland Heights Cemetery for Mrs. Myrtle Phillips, 49, who was found dead of a pistol shot wound last Thursday afternoon in her home on Stuart Street.  The Rev. Robert Turman conducted the service, with burial by Mitchell Funeral Home.  Clay County Coroner Lloyd Russell of Piggott ruled her death suicide.  Mrs. Phillips' body was discovered by mail carrier, Melvin English, who noticed that she had not picked up Monday's mail which he had delivered.   Looking in a window, Mr. English saw Mrs. Phillips lying on a sofa in the living room.  He called Chief of Police Herschel Hobbs and the officer and Dr. O. H. Clopton entered the house to find Mrs. Phillips was dead.  Officer Hobbs said that she had been shot through the heart and a .32 caliber pistol was found nearby.  No note was found.  She is survived by a son, William Earl Phillips, who is stationed in the Air Force at Lake Charles, La., and a daughter, Mrs. Lola Mae Clark of Wichita, Kans.; to brothers, Clarence and Fred Holland of Rector; a sister, Ora, of California, and five grandchildren.  Her husband, Mark, died about four years ago.  (Clay County Democrat, 1958)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

ROBERT PHILLIPS BURIED AT BLOOMING GROVE
Robert Phillips, 86, died at his home Friday morning.  He was a lifelong resident of Clay County and a retired farmer.  Funeral services were held on Sunday at Blooming Grove Baptist Church, with the Rev. Jack Bearden officiating.  Burial was in Blooming Grove cemetery with Mitchell service.  Surviving are five sons, Rudy Phillips of Marmaduke, Bob and Roy Phillips of Rector, Wesley and Joe Phillips of Corcoran, Calif.; three daughters, Mrs. Beulah Franks, Marmaduke, Mrs. Marie McNeeley, Pollard, and Mrs. Leona Johnson, Rector; 17 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.  (Clay County Democrat, 1958)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

ROY L. PHILLIPS
Roy L. Phillips, 74, of Rector died Saturday, Sept. 14, at the Baptist Hospital in Memphis. A retired farmer, he was a native of Cross County, the son of Nathan and Lona Faust Phillips. Survivors include his wife, Alberta Phillips of Rector; two daughters, Glenda Staggs of Willow Springs, Mo., and Jackie Prehm of Cotter; a brother, Dave Phillips of Texas; four sisters, Motie Wagner of Nettleton, Irene Jeter of Rector, Bertha Dickerson of Cardwell, Mo., and Ruth Hutchison of Leachville; seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Services were held Monday afternoon at Mitchell Funeral Chapel in Paragould with Rev. James Dortch officiating.  Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery by Mitchell of Rector, Inc. (Clay County Democrat)  Submitted by Katy Cross.

CLOIS PROVINCE
Clois Province, age 86, of Paragould, formerly of Rector, died Thursday, June 28, at his home.  He was born Sept. 10, 1904, in Rector.  He attended the Eastside Baptist Church and was a retired farmer.  Survivors include his wife, Lorene Province of the home; two sisters, Beulah Castleman of Rector and Elba Domingos of Bakersfield, Calif., and several nieces and nephews.  Funeral services were at 1:30 p.m. Monday, July 1, at the Mitchell Chapel in Paragould with Dr. Bruce A. Swihart and Dennis Vowell officiating.  Interment was in Woodland Heights Cemetery with Mitchell Funeral Home of Paragould in charge of services. (Clay County Democrat, July 10, 1991).  Submitted by Katy Cross.

JOY AUGUSTUS PROVINCE
Joy Augustus Province, aged 87, died Monday, March 12, at St. Bernard’s Regional Medical Center in Jonesboro.  He was a retired farmer and a member of the East Side Baptist church in Paragould.  Survivors include a special niece, Donna Reddick of Paragould; one brother, Clois Province of Paragould; two sisters, Mrs. Beulah Castleman of Rector and Mrs. Elba Domingos of Bakersfield, Calif., and several other nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held today (Wednesday) at 1:30 in the Mitchell Funeral Home Chapel at Paragould with Bro. Jim Fowler and Bro Dexter Preston officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Heights Cemetery in Rector.  Pallbearers are Dale Bassett, Kenny Louis, Larry Jenkins, Junior Gardner, Jim Shelton, and Joe (Junior) Lucius.  (Clay County Democrat, Mar. 14, 1990).  Submitted by Katy Cross.

JUDY BELLE PRUETT
October 19, 1885 - November 5, 1939.  Funeral Services Tuesday, Nov. 7, 1939, 2:00 P.M., Church of Christ, conducted by Elder C.W. Brannon.  Interment Woodland Heights.  Pall Bearers J.H. Hawkins, Clyde Lorance, R.H. Hardin, Elbert Crews, R.L. Reece, Earl Benson.  Submitted by Katy Cross.

SERVICES HELD FOR MRS. SEYMORE
Mrs. Estella Nancy Seymore, 82, Rector, died in St. Bernard's Hospital in Jonesboro, Thursday, December 25, 1969. She was the widow of the late Charles Seymore.  Funeral services were held at Irby Funeral Chapel with Rev. J T Gates and Charles Reed officiating. Burial was in Woodland Heights Cemetery.  Mrs. Seymore is survived by three sons; Robert Householder, Rector, Doyle Householder, Lake City, and Lloyd Householder, Dowagiac, Michigan. She is also survived by four step sons; Clair Seymore, California; Herny Seymore, Arizona; Charles Seymore, Arizona; Alphus Seymore, Caruthersville, Missouri.  Submitted by Susan Householder Smith.

Miss Clara Snodgress Passes Away February 5, 1940
Miss Clara Snodgress, 43 beloved Corning resident, passed away in Corning hospital last Monday, following a long illness.  She was a daughter of Mrs. W. B. Snodgress and the late W. B Snodgress pioneer residents just north of Corning.  Miss Clara had been an invalid for many years and despite her long suffering which she withstood bravely and patiently she always had a smile for everyone and the Christian spirit of her life was reflected in many ways.  Her funeral services were held at Corning Methodist Church Wednesday with the pastor, the Rev. J. T. Wilcoxon officiating, attended by many friends and relatives.  She had been a member of Corning M. E. Church since she was ten years of age.  Internment was made in Corning Cemetery.  Surviving are her mother, Mrs. W. B. Snodgress; four sisters, Mrs. Ida Parish, Altus, Okla.; Mrs. Wyatt Johnson, Corning; Mrs. G. R. Shanley, Diehlstadt, Mo.; Mrs. Ross Magee, Piggott; two brothers, Harrison Snodgress, Neelyville, Mo.; and Dan Wilkerson, Moark.  Submitted by Colleen Randolph.

FORREST TABER was born in Pascola, MO., on April 17, 1909 and passed away at the home of a daughter, Mrs. BOBBY MILBURN of Deering, MO., on August 8, 1962 at the age of 53 years, 3 months and 22 days.  He was the son of Mrs. and Mrs. COMMODOR TABER, who preceded him in death.
He was united in marriage to SARAH HARMON on Oct. 12, 1928 and to this union seven children were born of which three preceded him in death.  He leaves to mourn his passing, two sons and two daughters, WILLIAM TABER of Bangor, Mich., LEROY TABER of St. Louis, Mo., Mrs. FLOSSIE MILBURN of Deering, MO., and Mrs. NANCY LEE of St. Louis, Mo.; four grandchildren and one sister, a host of nieces and nephews.  He was baptized into the Church of Christ at Piggott, Ark., in 1947 as of now he is resting in the hands of the Lord.  Funeral services were conducted Aug. 10, 1962 in the Lentz Chapel at Kennett, Mo., with Bro. EDWARDS officiating.  Lentz Funeral Service was in charge of arrangements.  Interment was in Nimmons Cemetery at Nimmons, Ark.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 8/10/62.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Campbell Man Burns to Death in Auto Crash
The Missouri Highway Patrol at Poplar Bluff reported Monday that a Campbell man burned to death in a traffic accident early Sunday, a Caruthersville, Mo. man – injured in an accident on February 21 – was reported as a late fatality, and that a Kennett man and a Hayti woman suffered minor injuries in an accident Sunday.  JAMES THACKER, 29, of Campbell was caught in his car and burned to death after his vehicle struck a bridge railing at 2:30 a.m. Sunday.  According to the Patrol report, THACKER was driving a 1959 Ford east on Route J about two and one-half miles west of Malden when the car struck the bridge and knocked out 27 feet of the railing then went off into a ditch and burst into flames.  The late fatality was HARMOND PHILLIPS, 62, of Caruthersville, whose 1964 GMC pick-up truck struck a parked 1959 Buick, owned by BILL GURLEY of Caruthersville, at 7:30 p.m. on February 21 in Caruthersville.  PHILLIPS died Friday, Feb. 25 at Pemiscot County Memorial Hospital in Hayti.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper and date of appearance unknown.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

FAYETTE ALAN THOMPSON, age 54, of Corning, died suddenly last Sunday at 1:30, at his farm, east of Piggott from a heart attack.  He, in company with his son, ALAN, and REX FEATHERSTON, who lives on the farm, were doing a little work around the barn and went to the house to rest a while.  There he complained of not feeling good.  He got up and started back to the barn where after going a short distance suffered the attack and fell.  He was carried to the house of Mr. and Mrs. VERNON CALL, but was dead upon arriving there.  Mr. THOMPSON was employed by the Ozark Border Electric Cooperative in Poplar Bluff.  He is survived by his wife, the former Miss LETHA CALL, a son, ALAN of the home, and daughter Mrs. MORRIS HICKS of Oklahoma City, Okla., and a sister, also of Oklahoma City.  Funeral Services were conducted Tuesday at 1:30 at the Methodist Church in Corning by Rev. BYRON McSPADDEN, pastor of the church officiating.  Burial was made in the Piggott Cemetery with Russell-Ermert Funeral Home in charge.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001.  Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 8/12/1955.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

Truck Driver Killed Sunday
WILLIAM THOMPSON, Dr. Pepper Driver Killed when Truck Overturns in Ditch
Paragould, July 1 – WILLIAM HOLLAND (BILL) THOMPSON, 30, Paragould truck driver for Dr. Pepper Bottling Company, was killed instantly at 10:30 a.m. today when his truck left Highway 1-W, 22 miles north of here, and turned over upon him.  Sheriff LOY NEWBERRY said that a radius rod came loose from the vehicle, and that THOMPSON apparently tried to get out of the cab, but was pinned when the truck overturned.  His nephew, CARL WAGONER, 25, of Paragould, suffered chest injuries and a cut on his left hand.  They were en route to Current River Beach between Corning and Pocahontas with a load of bottled drinks.  THOMPSON was born near Harrisburg and had lived here about 15 years.  He was a chief petty officer in the Naval Air Corps in World War II, serving four years.  Surviving are his wife, Mrs. NORMA THOMPSON; a son, WILLIAM RANDAL THOMPSON; three sisters Mrs. HAROLD WILLEY and Mrs. J. W. WILKERSON of Memphis and Mrs. J. A. POWELL of Gladewater, Texas; two half-brothers, RICHARD STOKER of Memphis and HUGH STOKER of Paragould, and his parents, Mr. and Mrs. D. W. THOMPSON of Paragould.  Funeral arrangements were incomplete.  Mr. THOMPSON was well known here.  He made deliveries in this area and had many friends in Piggott and surrounding territory.  Only a couple of weeks ago he took out and distributed quite a bit of advertising for our picnic and planned to spend the day here the Fourth which he had been doing for a number of years.  *Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown. Handwritten on the obituary was 7/6/1951.  Submitted by Sandy Mattox.

REUBEN TRAMMEL died April 30 at his home in Wanchula, Fla., and the body arrived here Tuesday night.  Funeral services were held on Thursday, May 8 at 2 p.m. at New Hope Church, Pollard, conducted by Bro. S. I. RUNYON.  Burial was made in the New Hope Cemetery.  The Russell Mortuary was in charge of arrangements.  Those from out of town here to attend the funeral were: 
Mrs. AMY LANGLEY and Mrs. GOLDIE MORGAN of Flint, Mich. 
Mrs. RUTH COY, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. 
Mrs. OVELLA HARGETT, Petosky, Michigan. 
EUGENE TRAILER, Grand Rapids, Michigan. 
Mrs. EDNA MAE SMITH and Mrs. RUBY Lewis, Peoria, Ill. 
Mr. and Mrs. RAYMOND MOWERY, Troy, Ohio. 
JOHN ALBRITTON, Tuscola, Ill. 
*Found in the Piggott Library in 2001. Newspaper unknown.  Handwritten on the obituary was 5/7/1954. 
Transcribed 9/6/2003 and sent to Clay County Genealogy web page, Dona Bradley.

page 18A Arkansas Democrat, Little Rock, AR, Thurs. March 28, 1968

Mrs. Jerry L. Taylor of Corning Succumbs
    Corning - Mrs. Jerry L. Taylor of Corning, a leader in the state Democratic Party died Wednesday in a Hot Springs hospital.
    A delegate to county and state Democratic Conventions several times, she also was a delegate to the party’s national convention in 1948 and 1952. She managed the Clay County campaigns of former Gov. Sid McMath and the late Sen. Hattie Caraway.
    Active in committees to restore the Pea Ridge National Military Park and the old State House in Little Rock, Mrs. Taylor financed and planted shrubbery and trees in the yard of the courthouse here in memory of her husband.
    She was a native of Tennessee and came to Corning in 1898.  A charter member of the Corning Business & Professional Women’s Club, the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Women’s Democratic Club, Mrs. Taylor was a former circle chairman, Sunday School teacher and librarian for the First Baptist Church here.
    Survivors include a brother, John Boulton of Memphis.
    Funeral arrangements are by Russell-Ermert Funeral Home.”

The Southeast Missourian, Monday, 26 Jan 1953, page 2:
“Succumbs in Cape [Girardeau]
    Jerry Taylor, 78 years old, of Corning, Ark., died Sunday at 4 a.m. at a hospital here. He had been a patient in the hospital since Jan. 20. The body was removed to the Black Funeral Home at Corning.”  Submitted by Bob Reese, Tucson, AZ

James E. Flanigan, born: September 5, 1905 in Warm Springs, Ark.

Passed away: September 12, 1982 in Piggott, Ark.

James Esselmon Flanigan, son of the late Joseph Newton and Margaret Wooldridge Flanigan, was born September 5, 1905 in Warm Springs, Ark. And passed away September 12, 1982 at Piggott Community Hospital at the age of 77 years.

He was united in marriage to Lucile Keelin on May 26. 1926 at Corning, Ark.  To this union 8 children were born.  Two sons preceded him in death.

Mr.  Flanigan was active in the Church of Christ and served for many years on the Bell Ann School board.  He also assisted with community projects to get electricity and phone services for the rural area North of Pollard.

He is survived by his wife, Lucile Flanigan of Pollard, Ark. 4 sons: Joseph Flanigan and his wife Verna of Cave City, Ark., Lavern Flanigan and his wife Ann of Granite City, Ill., Darrell Lloyd and his wife Joyce of Cave City, Ark., Larry Flanigan and his wife Sharon of Pollard, Ark., 2 daughters: Viva Dean Nida and her husband Kenneth of Perry, OK., and Imogene (Jean) Koch and her husband Clarence of Perry, OK.,  27 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; 2 sisters: Lola Payne of Sikeston, Mo., and Clydie Hubbard of Sikeston, Mo., 1 brother, Burley Flanigan of Sikeston, Mo., and numerous other relatives and friends.

Funeral was Wednesday, September 15, 1982 at 2P.M. at the Church of Christ in McDougal, Ark.  Bro. John Bradshaw and Bro. Troy Jackson officiated.  Burial was in New Hope Cemetery, Pollard, Ark.  Pallbearers were: Steve Lambert, Jerry Cook, J.M. Flanigan, Everett Birmett, Kenny Potter and Arlie Taylor.

Lucile Keelin Flanigan, born: April 18, 1908 in Datto, Ark. Passed away: September 4, 1999 in Perry, Okla.

Lucile (Keelin) Flanigan 91, formerly of Datto and Pollard, Ark., died Satuday, September 4, 1999, at the Perry Memorial Hospital in Perry, Okla.

She was born on April 18, 1908, in Datto, Ark.  She was the third child of the late Hugh Francis “Frank” and Ava Cleveland Keelin.

She married James Esselmon Flanigan on May 26, 1927, in Corning, Arkansas.  To this union eight children were born.

In 1940 the Flanigans bought and moved to a farm north of Pollard, Ark.  That same year they were named Arkansas Farm Family of the Year.

Both were active in their community and were instrumental in obtaining rural electricity for the area as well as assisting in obtaining telephone lines and service.

Mrs. Flanigan was well known for making and furnishing homemade chicken and dumplings for the Pollard Picnic that is held each year to raise money for the Pollard New Hope Cemetery fund.

She and her husband assisted in building the Church of Christ building in Fagus, Missouri and helpede establish the congregation there.  Later they were active in the Church of Christ in McDougal, Ark.

Mr. Flanigan died in 1982 and Mrs. Flanigan continued to live on the farm until 1989, when she move to Perry, Okla.  In Perry she was active in the Church of Christ, assisted with stuffing teddy bears to give to children at the emergency room in Perry Memorial Hospital and did volunteer work for the Cherokee Strip Historical Society and the Cherokee Strip Museum.

Mrs. Flanigan was also preceded in death by four sons, Joseph, James, Gerald and Lloyd: two grandsons, Randy Koch and Jimmy Flanigan: two granddaughters, Carolyu Flanigan and Martha Lee Flanigan: two brothers, Everett and Arthur; and two sisters, Ethel and Marie.

She is survived by two sons, Lavern Flanigan and wife, Ann, of Granite City, Ill., and Larry Flanigan and wife, Sharon, of Pollard; two daughters, Viva Dean Nida and husband, Kenneth, of Covington, Okla., and Imogene (Jean) Koch and husband, Clarence of Perry, Okla..  Three daughters-in-law, Verna Flanigan of Batesville, Ark., Faye Flanigan of Pollard, Ark., and Joyce Hunt of Cave City Ark;  One Brother, Frank Keelin and wife Freida, of Granview, Wash., one sister, Agnes Poyner of Success; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; ;and many friends and neighbors.

Visitation will be at 6 p.m. Wednesday at Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in Piggott, Ark.  Funeral services will be held at 10AM. Thurdsay Sept. 9, at the McDougal Church of Christ.

Burial will be in New Hope Cemetery in Pollard with Hoggard and Sons Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation for cancer research.  Submitted by Jean Koch.

Richard Wilburn Wilson
Funeral Services at Datto Church for Richard W. Wilson
Funeral services for Richard W. Wilson, 82, of Datto were conducted Tuesday afternoon at Datto Missionary Baptist Church by Rev. Cecil Rawlings.
He was born June 14, 1888 in Arkansas and died May 10, 1971 at Corning Nursing Home.  He was a retired farmer.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Hallie (Eaton) Wilson: five nephews and three nieces.
Burial was in Richwood’s Cemetery under direction of Russell-Emert.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Annie Wilson Day
Services Held Sunday for Mrs. Annie W. Day 
Mrs. Annie Wilson Day, age 84, dies December 24, 1965, at Poplar Bluff , MO.  She was born September 17, 1881 at Attica , Arkansas and was a resident of Datto.

Survivors are one son, Earl Day of Corning ; three brothers, R.W. Wilson and H.P. Wilson of Datto and J.A. Wilson of Cotton Plant; one granddaughter, Mrs. W.T. Garland, Jr. of Corning ; two great-grandsons; and a niece, Mrs. Anna Tilton Perrault of Lake Charles , LA.

Funeral services were conducted Sunday afternoon, December 26, at Datto Baptist Church by Rev. H.W. Johnston of Paragould .  Burial was in Richwood Cemetery under direction of Russell-Emert Funeral Service.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Mrs. Lillie Wilson Tilton
Mrs. Lillie Wilson Tilton, age 72 died January 12, 1957 at a hospital in Benton , Ark.  She was born April 25, 1885 , the daughter of the late W.M. Wilson of Datto.  She was married the late F.D. Tilton in 1915.  They engaged in the furniture business at Brinkley for a number of years.  She was a member of the Datto Methodist Church.

Surviving are a son, Fred Tilton of Yakima Wash., a daughter, Mrs. Ann Cash, Datto; a sister Mrs. C.U. Day, Datto, and three brothers, R.W. and H.P. Wilson of Datto and J.A. Wilson of Cotton Plant and two grandchildren of Yakima, Wash.

Services were held January 14 at the Datto Baptist Church by Rev. J. C. Wilkes. Burial was in the Richwood Cemetery by Russell-Emert Funeral Home.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Cassie Ariabel Knowles Wilson
(26 Aug 1858 - 26 Nov. 1910)
Mrs. Wilson (wife of  William “Billie” Wilson, a farmer of near Datto) died Saturday and was buried Sunday in the Richwood Cemetery . Her pastor conducted the funeral services. She was a member of the Methodist church at Datto.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Henry P. Wilson
(January 29, 1896 – 17 January1968)
Henry Perry Wilson, age 71, retired farmer and carpenter, passed away suddenly at his home in Datto, Jan. 17.

He was born Jan. 29, 1896, a son of the late William and Cassie (Knowles) Wilson.

He was a member of the Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Mattie Parks Wilson, two sons, Everett of Utah, and James, of Mendenhall, Miss.; two brothers, Richard W., of Datto, and James Arthur of Cottonplant; eight grandchildren and six great grandchildren. One daughter preceded him in death.

Funeral services were conducted at Datto Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m., Jan.19, with Bro. Gene Bane officiating, assisted by Bro. Willis Moring.

Out of town relatives and friends attending the funeral included Mr. and Mrs. Everett Wilson and family of Utah, Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson and daughters of Mendenhall, Miss., Author Wilson of Cotton Plant, Mr. and Mrs. Larry Butler and children, and Oscar Richardson of Naylor, MO., Mrs. Loraine Reid and son , Jimmy, Mrs. Vernon Vinyard, Mr. and Mrs. Joe Reid,  all of St Louis, Mrs. Lyda Keith and Charlie Parks of Pocahontas, L.D Robinson of Piggott, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Garland, Jr., of Corning, Houston and Oren Gowen of Knobel, and Mr. and Mrs. Noble Raley of Biggers.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Mattie Lee (Parks) Wilson
(28 Mar 1897-16 Sep 1982)
Mrs. Wilson Funeral Services

Mrs. Mattie L. Wilson was born March 28, 1897 in Datto and died September 16, 1982 in Simpson General Hospital , Mendenhall , Mississippi . She was 85 years old and a member of Datto Missionary Baptist Church .

Her husband, Perry Wilson, preceded her in death on January17, 1968.

Surviving are two sons, James Wilson of Mendenhall , Mississippi and Everett Wilson of Ogden, Utah; two sisters, Mrs. Lydia Keith of Pocahontas and Loraine Reid of O’Fallon, Missouri . There are seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday in Datto Baptist Church by Reverend J.C. Wilkes.  Burial was in the Richwood Cemetery under direction of Ermert Funeral Service.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Ann [Anna Belle] Tilton Perrault, 76, Sarasota , died June 7, 2001 .
She was born Feb. 1, 1925 , in Brinkley , Ark. , and came to Sarasota in 1999 from Lake Charles , La., after retiring as a college professor at McNeese State University .
Survivors include two sisters-in-law, Alice Mirabile and Elaine Perrault; and several cousins.
Services will be in Lake Charles . National Cremation Society, Sarasota chapter, is in charge.
Memorial donations may be made to McNeese Student Center , 221 Aqua Drive , Lake Charles , LA 70605 .  From the June 9, 2001 Sarasota Herald Tribune.  Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Mary Alice Presley

(27 Oct. 1866 – 13 Oct. 1945)

Clay County Courier Friday, October 19, 1945

Obituary

Mrs. Mary Alice Wilson Passes at Age of 78

Mary Alice Wilson, age 78, died Saturday evening at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Delpha Rawlings, near Datto, after an illness of a few weeks.

Aunt Alice, as she was affectionately called by her many friends, a daughter of the Rev. and Mrs. D. A. Presley of Hamil, Randolph County, was born on October 30, 1866, and was one of their 15 children.  At the time of her birth her father was a minister at the old Antioch church, which is the oldest known Baptist church in Arkansas. 

Mrs. Wilson at the age of 16 was married to Paul Alexander of Grausville, Ark., and to this union two children, Robert and Monia, were born.  After the termination of this marriage, she was married to Allen Hedge of Biggers in 1888 and to this union seven children, Dave, Walter, Elvin, Delmer, Delpha, Lidia and Lowell were born.  Her husband died in 1905 and on May 19, 1911, she was again united in marriage to Wm. Wilson of Datto.  Mr. Wilson died in 1936.

Other than her husband, three sisters and five brothers, she was preceded in death by three of her children.  She is survived by four sons, Robert Alexander of Biggers, Dave Hedge of Madison, Ill., Delmer Hedge of Memphis and Lowell Hedge of Pittsburgh, Penn.; two daughters, Mrs. Monia Pringle of Los Angeles, Calif. and Mrs. Delphie Rawlings of Datto; one sister Nancy Ann Loony, of Ravenden Springs; and four brothers, Thomas Presley of Pocahontas, Manly Presley of West Frankfort, Ill., Leander Presley of Santa Monica, Calif. and Rev. Gilbert E. Presley of Le Roy, Ill. and 33 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at the Datto Baptist church at 2 p.m. Monday, October 15, by the Rev. H. W. Johnston of Datto.

Pallbearers were her grandsons, James Erving Rawlings, Graden and Randall Alexander and Olden, Allen and Walter Hedge.

 Flower girls were her granddaughters, Velma Rawlings Smith, Jacquelyn and Johnnye Rawlings, Lorene Alexander Dixon and Anna Mae and Joan Alexander.

Burial was in the Richwoods Cemetery; Irby’s Service

Out of town relatives attending the service were; M. A. Presley of West Frankfurt, Ill., Rev. and Mrs. G. E. Presley of Le Roy, Ill., Delmer Hedge and family of Memphis, T. N. Presley of Pocahontas, Robert Alexander and family of Biggers, Dave Hedge and family of Madison, Ill. And Mrs. Nancy Looney of Ravenden Springs.    Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Ralph Park (24 Aug. 1916 – 5 Aug. 1975)

Doniphan Prospect-News 07 Aug 1975, Doniphan, Missouri

Obituary

Superintendent of Naylor Schools, Ralph Park, 58, died suddenly at 6:30 a.m. Tuesday in his Naylor home of an apparent heart attack.  He had been in poor health the past six weeks.

He had been superintendent at Naylor five years and prior to that had completed eight years at Campbell and twelve years at Piggott, Ark., where he had served both institutions as principal.

He was a member of the Emmanuel Baptist Church at Doniphan where he had held several church offices, and was a member of the Naylor Lyons Club.  During World War II he served with the U. S. armed forces.

Mr. Park was born August 24, 1916, at Datto, Ark., and on July 4, 1948 married Lue Alma Berry at Ravenden Springs, Ark. She survives.

Also surviving are two sons, Dan Holland Park, Jonesboro, Ark., and Don Holland Park, Arlington, Tex.; two daughters, Brenda Ward, Memphis, Tenn., and Jan Halstead, Wichita Falls, Tex.; two brothers, Oliver Park, Grand Junction, Colo., and Hewitt Park, Route 1, Corning, Ark., two sisters, Mrs. Eloise Lingle, Sikeston and Mrs. Ella Lee Cummings, Bishop, Calif., and seven grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday in Parrent Funeral Home in Naylor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ralph Park Memorial Fund for Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Ella Lee Park

(16 July 1908 – 21 Jan. 1994)

Obituary

Inyo Register January 23, 1994

Ella L. Bear – Cummings

Graveside services for long-time Bishop Resident, Ella L. Bear-Cummings will be held tomorrow at 1 p.m. at the East Line Street Cemetery.  Mrs. Cummings died Jan. 21 at the Big Pine Care Center.  She was 85.  Mrs. Cummings was born in Datto, Ark. July 16, 1908, and had lived in Bishop 48 years.  Survivors include daughters, Judy Abdallah of Tucson, Ariz., Helen Michael of Columbus, Ohio, Sally Walker of Australia, and Sue Tallon of Bishop; sons, Howard Bear of Mission Viejo, Ottie Bear of Bishop, and Denny Bear of Sonora; 24 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren.  A donation request has been made on behalf of the Hospice of Owens Valley, 155 Pioneer Lane, Bishop, Calif., 93514.  Interment will be at the East Line Cemetery.

Submitted by Everett Wilson.

Oliver Park ( 31 Dec. 1911 – 20 Oct 1980 )

Obituary

The Daily Sentinel, Grand Junction , Mesa , Colorado

October 21, 1980

Oliver “Cot” Park, 68, of 1306 N. 25th, a retired mill operator for Climax Corp., died at 6:15 a.m. Monday, Oct. 20, 1980 , in the St. Mary’s Hospital.

In recent years he had worked as manager of apartment houses, currently as manager of Driftwood Apartments.

Residents of Grand Junction for 42 years, the Parks came here from Uravan.  Active in the Trinity Baptist Church , he was a member of the board of deacons.

Mr. Park was born Dec.31, 1901 in Datto, Ark. and spent his early life there.

He married Rheba Elmeda Adams there on Oct. 25, 1936 .  Mrs. Park died May 18, 1979 , the victim of an auto accident near Canon City .

Surviving are one daughter, Belva Bailey of Grand Junction ; three sons, Doyle Park of Fruita, Dale and Dennis Park of Grand Junction; two sisters and nine grandchildren.

Callahan-Edfast Mortuary

Burial: Memorial Gardens

Fred Daniel Tilton (27 Apr. 1874 – 4 Jun 1932)

Brinkley Argus

June 9, 1932

F. D. Tilton, Well Known Furniture Man, Dies

The sudden death on last Saturday morning at his store in the Bank of Brinkley Bldg., of F. D. Tilton, 58, for the past 12 years a furniture dealer in Brinkley, was sad new to his friends.  

Mr. Tilton was a most resourceful furniture man, and at one time maintained a big, paying business in Brinkley.  His early life was spent in his father’s furniture factory in Mt. Carmell, Ill.  He was a well-read man, having spent several years traveling on the hi seas and foreign countries.  Was a Christian Scientist.

He was survived by his wife of this city, a son, Fred Jr., and little daughter, Anna Bell;  an only sister, Mrs. Beulah Waverly (Calverley) of Mt. Carmel, Ill.  Four married daughter by a former marriage, also survive and live in California.  Burial was on Sunday afternoon at Richwood’s Cemetery, near Corning, Ark., the old home of Mrs. Tilton.  We join with friends in extending sympathy.

The Wilson Family

Chloe Bernice Wilson

(September 1, 1920 to September 12, 1929)

 After falling out of a tree and experiencing pain in her side for a few days, her parents, Mattie Lee (Parks) and Henry Perry Wilson, called Dr. Richards, who had been on a trip.  She had fallen out of a tree, but she had also carried around a child which caused them to think perhaps that was why her side was hurting.  After they made arrangements with another doctor, Dr. Smith, to examine Chloe, evidently Dr. Richards must have returned because, Mattie remembered how they arrived via horse and buggy.  The two doctors examined Bernice on the kitchen table and diagnosed that she was suffering from appendicitis.  The decision was made to operate on her appendix.  In those days, either because of the distance to a hospital facility, the lack of money, or maybe even both reasons, the operation was performed right there on the kitchen table.  After the doctors had opened up the stomach cavity, to expose the appendix, the worst was realized.  That being, gangrene had already done its work.  Bernice died a horrible death, one that troubled her parents until their deaths. 

Granddaughter, Carolyn (Wilson) Butler was raised in Datto, Arkansas by her grandparents, Mattie and Perry Wilson.  She relates the story of how her Grandmother, Mattie, would fret from time to time about them not having the money to buy a gravestone.  That is why Grandpa Perry built a form, mixed up the cement and poured the head stone for Bernice.   Carolyn stated that all the years she had been with her Grandpa she never seen him shed any tears.  Carolyn remarked how she can remember how the tears flowed from Grandpa while he was using an old stick to scratch out the inscription on Bernice’s headstone.  The old headstone still marks Bernice’s grave to this day.  Carolyn stated that family members have spoken about purchasing a new headstone.  She has always believed that the one that marks the grave is more valuable than any that could be purchased because it was made with such love. Family members remember how, at times, Mattie would talk about Bernice’s death and how she wished that things would have been done differently.  Mattie and Perry loved their daughter and cherished all of their memories of her.  Bernice’s brother, James, related a story to Carolyn about how Bernice had a purse containing some old coins.  Bernice was so fond of her little investment that she carried them with her at play and after her passing Mattie kept those little reminders until her death in a hankie with the words; “This hankie was given to me by my daughter, Bernice”.  Those little coins are still keeping the memory of that little girl alive, for they have now been passed from her brother, James to her niece, Carolyn.

Sarah Maggie Parks

(14 Oct. 1891 – 28 Jan. 1972)

Clay County Courier

Corning, Clay, Arkansas

February 4, 1972  

Herren Funeral Services

Mrs. Sallie H. (M) Herren, age 80, died January 28, 1972 at Community Methodist Hospital, Paragould.  She was born October 14, 1891 in Clay County and was the wife of Soula Herren of Datto.  She had resided in the Datto and Corning areas all of her lifetime.  On November 10, 1907 she married Arthur Park who died on January 28 (27), 1935 and on December 3, 1967 she married Soula Herren who survives.  She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church.

Survivors, other than her husband, are three sons, Hewitt Park of Route One, Corning, Oliver Park of Grand Junction, Colo. and Ralph Park of Naylor; two daughters, Mrs. Ella Lee Cummings of Bishop, Calif. and Mrs. Eloise Lingle of Sikeston; three sisters, Mrs. Lydia Keith of Pocahontas and Mrs. Loraine Reid of St. Louis.  There are two step-sons, Hubert Herren of Datto and Jack Herren of St. Louis;  three step-daughters, Mrs. Eulala Pence of St. Louis, Mrs. Alta Hedge of Holcomb, MO, and Mrs. Agnes Herren of Modesto, California.

There are 31 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services were conducted Tuesday afternoon at the Calvary Baptist Church by Rev. J. D. Passmore and Rev. Russell Duffer.  Burial was in Richwoods Cemetery under direction of Russell-Ermert.

Pallbearers were deacons of Calvary Baptist Church:  Odell Richardson, Ulric Reeves, Gene Goodman, Richard Rich, Edward Chandler, William H. Davis, Lawrence Grayson, Charles McKinney, Don Hubbard, Bill Rainbolt and David Parker.

Submitted by Everett Wilson.

G. W. S. Watson, Clay County Settler, Passed Away Wednesday

G. W. Sheridan Watson, age 79, long time resident and farmer of Western Clay County, died at his home in Richwoods community at 10:30 Wednesday night, after a long illness.

He was born in Clay county in 1862 and has remained in this community during his life-time. Mr. Watson was a member of Richwoods Baptist Church and is survived by a daughter, Mrs. John Parks of Heelstring, a step-daughter, Mrs. Dosha Gettings, of Essex, Mo., a step-sister, Mrs. J. L. Smith, of Knobel, and 6 grandchildren. Burial was in Richwoods Thursday at 2:30 p.m., Rev. Knox Belew officiating, Blacks Mortuary in charge.

Clay County Courier - 16 Oct 1942

Submitted by Scot Stout

William Wesley Smith,

Services for: William Wesley Smith, 1880, thru 1936,

W.W. Smith, well-known Rector farmer died at the Dickson Memorial Hospital at Paragould Friday night after being struck by an automobile as he alighted from a wagon on Highway 39 about one mile south of Rector.

Obituary of William Richard Sides

OBITUARY: .....Died, Friday night of a heart attack in his home.  Survived by one dau, Mrs Ruth Smith of Rector, three sons; J A Sides of Le Compte, LA; J E Sides of Norman, OK; and Denver Sides of Franite City, IL.,  11 grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  He came from TN in 1867 and settled on what is known as the Feathingill Farm, which is part of his home place.  In the years 1873 and 79 he was engaged in hauling freight to Dexter, MO.  He would take four bales of cotton to Dexter and bring back merchandise to the old Scatterville
store, which was the first store in this part of the country.  He retired from actual farming in 1917.  Mr Sides had 65 tax receipts kept in order from 1880 to 1945 all of which were paid in Clay Co.  He was a member of the Methodist Church.  Funeral services were held Monday, July 23 at the First Methodist Church conducted by Rev Martin Bierbaum and Reb H M Sanford.  Burial was in Mound Cemetery in charge of Irby Services.  Pall bearers were G I Gogue, H R Hardin, C P Gardner, Leon Brewer, Gourley Doneldson aand W W Roberts.  All of the children returned to attend the funeral services and four grandchildren attended.  There were Dorothy Mayloth and Madaline Sideds of Granite City, IL, Emma Jean Baker of St Louis MO and Mary Jo Sides of Norman, OK.  Other grandchildren who could not attend the funeral services were J W Sides, US Navy,
in the SW Pacific.  Sgt Harold Sides with the third Army in Germany, Ross Baker, Army Air Corps in the SW Pacific and Pvt.  William R Sides, Camp Fannin, TX.  One grandson Sgt Doyne Smith, son of Mrs Ruth Smith was killed in Germany near Berlin.  Apri 16, after having gone through 30 months of combat with Hodges
First Army.  
     Description Obituary
     Date aft 20 July 1945
     Location Rector, Clay, AR

By Becky Smith~Schee

PAULA VIRGINIA (PARK) STOUT

Paula Virginia Stout passed away October 3, 2011 in Senatobia, MS.  She was was born December 9, 1920, in Clay County, AR, the daughter of the late John and Mary Ellen (Watson) Park.  She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Woodroe Watson Park and Printes Victor Park, and a daughter, Mana Lyle Stout.  Survivors include her husband of 68 years, Burton Lynn Stout of Southaven; a brother, Aubrey Devoy Park (Norma) of Rolla, MO; a sister, Ella Almeda Elliott (Don) of Bella Vista, AR; a daughter, Gayle Hardwick (Danny) of Southaven, and three sons, Barry Stout (Dottie) of Arlington, TN, Byron Stout (Patricia) of Horn Lake, MS, and Scot Stout (Mark) of Spokane, WA; seven grandchildren, Todd Hardwick (Shelly), Kyle Hardwick, Mark Hardwick (Jeanne), Rachel Evans (Sandy), Ragan Stout, Shane Ferguson (Brandy), and Misty Ferguson-Wood (Charles); and four great-grandchildren, Brady Foster, Benjamin Hardwick, Katherine Hardwick, and Ethan Hardwick.

Paula was a Christian and a member of Highland Heights Baptist Church in Memphis, TN.  The funeral will be held Oct. 5 at Twin Oaks Funeral Home of Southaven, and a graveside service at Richwoods Cemetery near Corning, AR on Oct. 6th under the direction of Ermert Funeral Home of Corning.

Submitted by Scot Stout

William Marvin Wilson, Obituary, Clay County Courier

Pioneer Datto Citizen Passes ... Wm. (Uncle Billy) Wilson , 83, a prominent and widely-known pioneer citizen f Datto, passed away at his home last Monday, following a week's illness from colitis.  Mr. Wilson was born and reared in Randolph county.  He moved to western Clay county in the 80s, locating near Datto, where he had since resided.  His sparkling humor and jovial nature made for him friends everywhere.  He had been a member of the M. E. Church for many years.

Mr. Wilson's funeral services were held at Datto Methodist church at 4 p. m. Tuesday, by the Rev. Mr. Smith, pastor of Biggers M. E. Church.  Interment was in Richwoods cemetery.

Mr. Wilson is survived by his wife and the following children, by a former marriage:  Mrs. C. U. Day, R. W. Wilson, Datto; Mrs. F. D. Tilton, Wynne; J. A. Wilson, Cotton Plant, and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A host of his dear friends very much regret his passing. 

Source: Clay County Courier, Corning , Clay , Arkansas , Friday, August 5, 1938 .  Repository: Corning Public Library, 613 Pine Street , Corning , AR 72422 ; Ph: (870)857-3453. 

By Everett Wilson

Charles Urriah "Cap" Day

(Abt. Oct 1869 - 3 Apr 1930) 

Charles Urriah Day, Obituary, Clay County Courier 

Clay County Courier, Friday, April 4, 1930 ...
Prominent Datto Citizen Succumbs ... C.U. day, age 63, prominent merchant and planter of Datto, for more than 50 years, died suddenly at his home yesterday morning about 7 o'clock .  News of this pioneer citizen's death came as a distinct shock to the people of Datto, Corning and western Clay county, although it was known that his condition had been serious for sometime, with heart disease.  He passed away while asleep in his bed.  Details for his funeral arrangements have not been completed as we go to press.

Mr. Day is survived by his widow and sons E.P. and ... Day, one brother D.P. Day and one sister Mrs. Fleenor, all residing in Datto. 

Clay County Courier, Friday, April 11, 1930 ...
Datto News Notes ... Those called here owing to the death of C.U. Day were Sterling Richardson, of Parma, MO, Arthur Wilson, Cotton Plant; Mrs. Lillie Tilton and little daughter, Brinkley;  Miss Agnes Day of Hillman; Kermit Day, A. and M. College of Jonesboro; Mrs. L. o. Day, Cape Girardeau, MO; Mr. and Mrs. B.R. Gowen and daughter Miss Joy and son Howard of Leachville and Pete Shipman and son Myrick of Walnut Ridge.  

Clay County Courier, Friday, April 18, 1930 ... 
A Card of Thanks ... We wish to thank our good friends and neighbors for their many acts of loving kindness, during the long illness and since passing of our beloved husband, father and brother, C.U. Day.  Mrs. C.U. Day, E.P. Day, R.N. Day, D.P. Day, Mrs. Lola Fleenor. Datto , Ark. Apr. 12, 1930 .

Source: Clay County Courier, Friday, April 04, 11, 18, 1930, Corning , Clay , Arkansas .  Repository: Corning Public Library, 613 Pine Street , Corning , AK 72422 ; Ph: (870)857-3453. 

By Everett Wilson

This is the mother of Bernell  "Goldie" (Francis) Wilson and she was buried without a headstone.  

Martha A. (DeBoard) Francis

31 January 1871
Annapolis, Union Township, Iron, Missouri, United States

5 August 1955
Washington Township, Franklin, Missouri, United States

7 August 1955
Reyno, Clay, Arkansas, United States  

Microfilm, The Clay County Courier, Thursday, August 11, 1955, Library, Greene County Library, 120 North 12th Street, Paragould, Arkansas, USA, 72450, (870)236-8711

Published information: Obituary: burial: 7 August 1955; Reyno, Clay, Arkansas, United States Nelson News; Mrs. Francis funeral ... Mrs. Francis funeral was held at Datto Baptist Church Sunday by Rev. Andy Heskett. Burial was in the Nelson Cemetery . She is survived by three children, Mrs. Peck (Perry Louis) Wilson of St. Louis, Mrs. Morley of Holcomb and Loyd Francis of Pacific, MO.

Death record:  http://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1955/1955_00021701.PDF

Updated 19 June 2015