Nancy "Nannie" (Baker) Boyd 
Apr 2, 1851 - Mar 31, 1922

"Died Near Malakoff

• Donated by: Gary Richards
• Hopewell Cemetery
• March 1922 - probably a Corsicana newspaper; date uncertain

Billy Doyle "Bert" Hurley 
Oct 25, 1920 - Dec 25, 1943

Billy D. Hurley Fatally Injured In Bomber Crash The body of Billy D. Hurley, aged 23, staff-sergeant, radio operator, and gunner, U. S. Army Air Forces, fatally injured in a crash near Boise, Idaho, Sunday, will be returned to Corsicana for burial. Funeral arrangements had not been made Monday, but will be handled by the Corley Funeral Home. A graduate of Corsicana High School and ex-student of Hillsboro Junior College, Sergeant Hurley formerly was a football player at Corsicana High and was a well-known amateur golfer. Enlisting in the U. S. Air Forces, July 22, 1942, he graduated from the nation’s greatest aerial gunnery school at Harlingen, and received his sergeant’s rating, a pair of silver gunner’s wings and combat air crew insignia. Reports received here were that the B24 Liberator bomber ship was on a routine training flight at the time of the accident and that the entire crew was lost. Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Hurley’ a sister, Miss Marie Hurley, all of Corsicana; and grandparents, T. J. Hurley, Ennis and Mrs. D. T. Collins, Corsicana, and other relatives. f Eight Killed. BOISE, Idaho, Dec. 27.—(AP)—Eight Army airmen were killed yesterday in a crash of a four-engined bomber 40 miles southwest of Gowen Field, Public Relations officers reported today. The plane, on a routine training flight, burned. The dead were identified as: Second Lt. William Lewis Atkins, Adams, Tenn. Second Lt. Warren James Taberer, Hastings-On-Hudson, N. Y. Flight Officer Ward Lyma Holtsclaw, Ft. Collins, Colo. Sgt. Charles R. Clinken beard, Freelandville, Ind. Sgt. William A. Hedgedus, Muskegoh Heights, Mish. Sgt. Delmer D. Schneider, Farina, Ill. Staff Sgt. Billy D. Hurley; mother, Mrs. Nettie Lee Hurley, 2221 Park Row, Corsicana, Texas. Pfc. John M. Hansen, Des Moines, Iowa.

Notes:

• Corsicana High School - Class of 1938
• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Mon., Dec 27, 1943
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• WWII News Articles
• Oakwood Cemetery

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FUNERAL SERVICES FOR BILLY HURLEY FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for S-Sgt. Billy D. Hurley, age 23 years, who was killed early Sunday morning in a crash of a U. S. army bomber, near Boise, Idaho, will be held Friday a afternoon at 3 o'clock form the First Baptist church. Rev. J. I. Cartlidge, pastor, will conduct the rites. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Sgt. Hurley enlisted in the U. S. Army Air Forces on July 22, 1943, and graduated from the aerial gunnery school at Harlingen, where he received his sergeant’s rating and silver wings. He was a radio operator and gunner on a B-24 Liberator and was a routine training flight when the plane crashed, according to word from the war department. All members of his crew were killed.

A graduate of Corsicana High school, he attended Hillsboro Junior college. He took an active part in school activities and was a member of the high school football team.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe Hurley, Corsicana; a sister, Miss Marie Hurley, Corsicana; grandfather, T. J. Hurley, Ennis; grandmother, Mrs. D. T. Collins, Corsicana, and other relatives.

Corley’s Funeral Home will direct the arrangements.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wed., Dec 29, 1943
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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FUNERAL SERVICES SGT. BILLY HURLEY TO BE HELD FRIDAY

Funeral services for S-Sgt. Billy D. Hurley, who was killed in an army bomber crash near Boise, Idaho Sunday, will be held from the First Baptist church Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock. Rev. J. I. Cartlidge will conduct the rites and burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery. There will be military services at the grave.

Pallbearers will be Sgt. Silas Fry, Billy Robinson, Scott Lowry, Lieut. C. M. Hagle, Lieut. Kay Tatum, Johnnie Henry, Aaron Buie and J. M. Dyer.

The body arrived Thursday afternoon.

Corley Funeral Home is directing the arrangements.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Dec 30, 1943
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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MILITARY SERVICE FOR BILLY HURLEY FRIDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for S-Sgt. Billy D. Hurley, age 23 years, who was killed in a crash of an army bomber near Boise, Idaho early Sunday morning were held Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the First Baptist church. Revs. E. T. Miller and J. I. Cartlidge conducted the rites. Burial was in Oakwood with military services at the grave.

A graduate of Corsicana high school, he volunteered for the U. S. Army Air Forces on July 22, 1942 and completed his aerial gunnery course at Harlingen where he received his silver wings and sergeant’s rating.

Active in high school activities he was a member of the football team and was a prominent amateur golfer.

The J. M. Dyer store, where he was employed before entering the army, was closed during the funeral hour.

Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Hurley, Corsicana; a sister, Miss Marie Hurley, Corsicana, grandparents and other relatives.

Pallbearers were Sgt. Silas Fry, Billy Robinson, Scott Lowry, Lieut. C. M. Hagle, Lieut. Kay Tatum, Jonnie Henry, Aaron Eule, J. M. Dyer and S-Sgt. S. C. Miller.

Corley Funeral Home directed the arrangements.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Fri., Dec 31, 1943
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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December 30, 1943
Soldier's Funeral Set
CORSICANA, Texas, Dec. 30. - Funeral services for Staff Sergt. Billy D. Hurley, 23, United States Army Air Forces, killed Sunday in a crash of a four-motored Army bomber near Boise, Idaho, will be held at 3 p.m. Friday from the First Baptist Church, with the Rev. J. I. Cartlidge, pastor, conducting the rites.
Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery.

Norman Barney Godwin

Obituary moved to Norman Barney Godwin Biography Page

Virgil E. (Tiny) Johnston
d. Oct 30, 1944

KILLED IN ACTION - S-2-C Rdm. V.E. (Tiny) Johnston was killed in action in the Pacific area, according to a telegram received recently by his brother, Ishmael Johnston who is now in the Army at Camp Hood. Johnston had been overseas two years and three months. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist church here. Reared in the State Home here, Johnston was employed at the Corsicana Cotton Mills for a number of years' Surviving are two sisters Juanita McKenzie of Ohio and Bonita Johnston, Abilene, and a brother, Ishmael Johnston, U.S. Army. Details of how Seaman Johnston was killed have not been received here.

Notes:

• WWII
• Killed aboard USS Franklin off Leyte, 1944
• Photo not part of original obituary
• Burial: Manila American Cemetery and Memorial; Manila, Capital District, National Capital Region, Philippines

Lou Wright French 
Aug 1, 1922 - Jun 16, 1944

DIES OF WOUNDS
Pvt. Lou W. French, age 21 years, infantry U.S. army, died from wounds received in action in France on June 16, according to word received by his mother, Mrs. Annie L. French, 411 West Tenth avenue, from the war department. Mrs. French was notified on July 8 of her son's injuries which were listed as serious. Pvt. French, a graduate of Corsicana high school, entered the armed services in October 1942 and had been overseas about six months.

Notes:

• WWII
• Son of Ernest Pierce French, Sr. and Annie Lou (Wright) French
• Added 9/15/1997
• WWII Biography
• View Newspaper Clipping

PVT. LOU W. FRENCH SERVICES ARE HELD SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Funeral services for Pvt. Lou W. French, 21, U. S. Army, who died of wounds received in action in France, June 16, 1944, were held from the Corley Chapel Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. Rev. J. B. Ousley, pastor of the Assembly of God church, conducted the rites. The American Legion and Texas National Guard had charge of the military services at Oakwood cemetery.

Surviving are his mother, Mrs. Annie L. French, Corsicana; four brothers, Bob and Orville French, both of Sheridan, Ark.; Buford and E. P. French, both of Corsicana; three sisters, Mrs. Lottie Wood and Mrs. Norvel Talley, both of Corsicana, and Mrs. Ernestine Stafford, Dallas.

Pallbearers were Marvin Sanders, W. H. Tipton, Del Jones, Art Crowley, J. H. Carroll and Billy Murchison.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Monday, June 7, 1948
• KIA WWII
• s/o Ernest P. French and Annie Lou (Wright) French
• Submitted by Diane Richards

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Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thurs., Jun. 3, 1948
• Submitted by Diane Richards

J. M. Keech

J. M. Keech Killed
Pharmacist Mate second-class IM Mack Keech, son of Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Keech, 1006 South Nineteenth street, who was wounded in action on Saipan June 15, has been killed in action, his parents were informed by navy department telegram Monday. Young Keech, a graduate of Lorena high school, was with the Second Marine division and was a veteran Tarawa and Saipan. He had been in the service nearly two years, having served overseas little over a year.

Notes:

• WWII

Claude A. Howell
d. Aug 10, 1944

Lt. Howell Killed
First Lieut. Claude A. Howell, serving with a reconnaissance unit in France, was killed in action Aug 10, his widow Mrs. Tennie Howell of 802 South Fifth street, has been informed. He was the son of Mrs. Frances Elizabeth Howell of Hearne. Lieut. Howell had been overseas since March.

Notes:

• WWII
• Buried at Brittany American Cemetery and memorial, Saint-James, Department de la Manche, Basse-Normandie, France

Lt. Elliott Henry Beale
Jan. 9, 1922 - Jun. 11, 1944

Funeral Services Held Wednesday For Two Local Brothers Killed In Action

Funeral services for 1st Lt. Elliott H. Beale, 22, and Pvt. Robert Eugene Beale, 20 brothers, killed in the European sector, were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the McCammon Funeral Chapel. Burial was in Oakwood Cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Dr. Jared L. Cartlidge, pastor of the First Baptist church. Military rites were given at the graveside by American Legion. Members of the American Legion were pallbearers.

Both soldiers were born and reared near Corsicana and were graduates of Corsicana High School.

Lieut. Beale was killed in a plane crash, June 11, 1944 , in the Normandy Beach invasion, while Pvt. Beale was killed in Luxembourg, Jan. 28, 1945, with the famous Third Army.

Lieut Beale is survived by his wife the former Fayrene Barron of Corsicana, now in San Antonio.

Surviving the brothers are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Beale of Dallas; two sisters, Miss Nellie Beale and Mrs. Mattie Tedder, both of Dallas, and two brothers, Radford Beale, Dallas, and Allen Beale, Sudan.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, April 21, 1948
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• CHS 1940
• Killed in Action
• h/o Fayrene (Barron) Beale; s/o Robert Henry Beale & Lugenia (Polk) Beale
   

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June 11, 1944 - KILLED IN ACTION - First Lieutenant Elliott H. Beale 22, was killed in action in France on June 11, according to a notice received by his wife from the war department. Leut. Beale was an air officer with the field artillery. He graduated from the Corsicana high school in 1940 and was federalized with the National Guard in 1940. He attended Ft. Sill artillery school, liaison training school at Denton and went back to officers training school at Ft. Sill where he received his commission.

Notes:

• WWII

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Pvt. Robert Eugene Beale
Jan 1, 1925 - Jun 28, 1945

Funeral Services Held Wednesday For Two Local Brothers Killen In Action

Funeral services for 1st Lt. Elliott H. Beale, 22, and Pvt. Robert Eugene Beale, 20 brothers, killed in the European sector, were held Wednesday afternoon at 3 o'clock from the McCammon Funeral Chapel. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery.

The rites were conducted by Dr. Jared L. Cartlidge, pastor of the First Baptist church. Military rites were given at the graveside by American Legion. Members of the American Legion were pallbearers.

Both soldiers were born and reared near Corsicana and were graduates of Corsicana High School.

Lieut. Beale was killed in a plane crash, June 11, 1944 , in the Normandy Beach invasion, while Pvt. Beale was killed in Luxembourg, Jan. 28, 1945, with the famous Third Army.

Lieut Beale is survived by his wife the former Fayrene Barron of Corsicana, now in San Antonio.

Surviving the brothers are the parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Beale of Dallas; two sisters, Miss Nellie Beale and Mrs. Mattie Tedder, both of Dallas, and two brothers, Radford Beale, Dallas, and Allen Beale, Sudan.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Wednesday, April 21, 1948
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• CHS Grad 1943 – U.S. Army -KIA- s/o Robert Henry Beale and Lugenia (Polk) Beale
• United States Army Private Beale, 20, an infantryman in Gen. George Patton's Third Army was killed in action during the Battle of the Bulge.
  His brother, First Lt. Elliott H. Beale, 22, died June 11, 1944, when a plane he was piloting as an artillery observer in the Normandy invasion exploded at the treetop height.
  The body of Private Beale was returned from burial in Luxembourg and the body of the Lieutenant from France. Both brothers were graduates of Corsicana high school in Corsicana, Texas, where they lived before entering the service.

James Hugh Brantley
Aug 21, 1918 - Aug 6, 1944

Lt. Jas. Brantley, Bomber Pilot, Is Killed in Action
First Lieut. James H. Brantley, 26, bomber pilot, U.S. Army Air Forces, was killed in action over England August 6, according to a telegram received by his wife, Mrs. Ruth Oakley Brantley, San Antonio from the war department and relayed to his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. H.F. Marr, Corsicana. No details of the action over England was given in the message, it was stated. He is a graduate of Corsicana high school and entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He received his wings at Lubbock in September, 1942. Mr. and Mrs. Marr had a letter from him Thursday of this week which was written Aug 4, in which he stated that he would fly his first mission the following day. A second letter was received stating that he flew the mission in which more than 500 bombers participated. He is survived by his wife, a daughter, May Beth, and a son, Paul, San Antonio; his father, A. L. Bralley, Galveston; his mother, Mrs. Jesse L. Watkins, New Haven, Conn., grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Marr, Corsicana; grandmother, Mrs. J. H. Brantley, Nacogdoches; great grandmother, Mrs. L. I. Banon, Dallas; four uncles, James and Paget Marr, Corsicana; Donald Marr, with the U.S. Army in Italy, Lynn Brantley, Texarkana, and other relatives.

Notes:

• WWII
• Buried at Cambridge American Cemetery and Memorial, Coton, South Cambridgeshire District, Cambridgeshire, England
• also has a marker at Oakwood Cemetery, Corsicana, Navarro Co.< TX

• View Obituary Clipping
• Submitted by Dana Stubbs

James Cooper Harris
Jan 4, 1926 - Sep 21, 1944

Moved to WWII Stories

John Allen Pierce
July 26, 1899 - Nov 17, 1943

FUNERAL SERVICES FRIDAY AFTERNOON FOR JOHN A. PIERCE FORMER CORSICANA HI FOOTBALL COACH DIED SUDDENLY AUSTIN John A. Pierce, 44, lieutenant in the U. S. Naval Air Primary Training Command, regional office, Dallas, former Corsicana High School coach, died in St. David's Hospital, Austin, Wednesday night a few hours after being stricken with a heart attack at 6 p.m. Lieut. Pierce resided at 212 North Thirtieth street, here, but his headquarters were in Dallas. He was in Austin on an inspection trip at the time he was taken ill. Funeral services will be held from St. John's Episcopal church Friday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock with burial in Oakwood cemetery. The rites will be conducted by Rev. Alex B. Hanson, rector of the church. Head Coach Here. Pierce was the head coach of Corsicana High School from 1925 through 1941, resigning as coach and teacher to enter the Naval service in the late Spring of 1942. Under his direction, Corsicana won five district championships, twice his clubs advancing to the semi-finals of the State race in 1930 and 1931, and the 1932 Corsicana Tiger machine won the University of Texas Interscholastic league title. Pierce had the distinction of winning more games over the Waco Tigers than he lost to that powerful and famous schoolboy aggregation. A. & M. Star. Graduating from Denton, High School, Pierce entered Texas A. & M. College and played under D. X. Bible, now famous coach at the University of Texas. He finished his college career as an engineer at Texas A. & M. College in 1921 and was connected with a telephone corporation in St. Louis before returning to Texas A. & M. College a freshman coach, from which job he came to Corsicana in the summer of 1925. Pierce was a high school end, but when he reported to the Texas Aggies, there was a wealth of material and many veteran wingmen, so he came out for center. One of the lightest pivot-men in Texas Aggie history up to that time, Pierce became an All-Southwest performer and was an outstanding star, performing on the club that was unscored on for two seasons until his final game in 1920 when the Texas Longhorns won, 7-3, to snap the winning streak of the Biblemen. Pierce suffered a broken leg on the opening kick-off of the 1920 game with Texas, his final game as a Aggie. Private in 1918. Pierce was a private in the U. S. Army in 1918 and from 1922 to 1926 he was in the offers reserve corps. Always an aggressive player, he expected and received the best efforts of his squadmen, and the football fortunes of Corsicana rose from the early 1920 doldrums to a state threat and one of the most feared schoolboy clubs in Texas. He is the second member of the famous Bible team at A. & M. to die while in Naval service. The other, was Lieut. Roswell Higginbotham, who entered the service from the coaching staff of Sourthwestern Methodist University, Dallas. Pierce is also a former student of the University of Texas, attending summer school there. Organized Coaches. Through the efforts of Pierce the Texas High School Football Coaches Association (now the Texas High School Coaches Association), was organized at a meeting at the YMCA here, and the former Tiger mentor served as the president of the organization the first two years of its history. It is now one of the largest similar associations in the world. Surviving are his wife, Helen Hardy Pierce, Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. John L. Murchison, Corsicana, and Mrs. Arnold Falk, New Braunfels; mother, Mrs. Cora Etta Pierce, San Antonio; two sisters, Mrs. Mac B. Reeves and Miss Mable Pierce, both of San Antonio, and other relatives. Corley Funeral Home is in charge. SPORT NOTE BY PAUL MOORE * * * * Daily Sun Sports Editor   The passing of Johnnie A. Pierce, former local football mentor, in Austin last night is a distinct loss to this department. We were acquaintances while this writer was a student in the University of Texas and Pierce was one of the great Texas Aggie immortal gridsters at Texas A. and M. College-playing on a team that was unscored on for a couple of years..Then for seventeen football campaigns we were intimately associated-during practice, at games and in sessions following the week-end performances.Pierce resigned as head coach her in the Spring of 1942 to enter the Navy with headquarters in Dallas under Lt. Commander Helton and was instrumental in the sending of hundreds of coaches and articles of the Southwest into the Navy program. Despite his age-about 45-Pierce had requested to be assigned to active duty in the Southwest Pacific area with the fleet-but his request had not been fulfilled..A man of tremendous energy and stamina, his passing is a distinct shock-dying within a half hour after he was stricken last night..He put everything into anything he did-demanded and expected the best of his boys-and his former players almost 100 percent were strong for him, proving that he was fair and honest with his gridsters. Pierce was adamant and unchanging in any question or situation when he felt that the welfare of his club was involved, and under his regime, the Tigers of Corsicana in the early 1930s won five district championships in a row. Including the 1932 University of Texas Interscholastic league title, advancing to the semi-finals in 1930 and 1931-two great elevens.  He had the honor and satisfaction of seeing four starters and one first-string substitute coached by him in high school play in the January 1, 1936, Rose Bowl game at Pasadena, Calif., with the Southwestern Methodist University Mustangs. Pierce defeated Waco more than any other coach in the country. Pierce was a stickler for the rules..During his long regime, his players were never proven ineligible or seriously questioned, and was one of the prime movers that kept District 10-AA teams eligible or in trouble. Notes: The Corsicana Daily Sun - Thursday, November 18, 1943 Submitted by Karen Rost and Diane Richards RITES FRIDAY FOR LT. JOHN A PIERCE; BURIAL IN OAKWOOD Funeral rites for John A. Pierce, 44, lieutenant in the navy who died with a heart attack Wednesday in an Austin hospital, were held Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock from St. John's Episcopal church. Burial was in Oakwood cemetery. The services were conducted by Rev. Alex B. Hanson, rector of the church, with an armed forces service at the grave. Lieut. Pierce, Texas A. and M. graduate and famous football player and coach, was head coach of Corsicana High school 17 seasons prior to his resignation in 1942 to enter the armed forces. He also was formerly a freshman coach at Texas A. and M. College, and was the first president of the Texas High School Coaches Association. Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Helen Hardy Pierce, Corsicana; two daughters, Mrs. John L. Murchison, Corsicana, and Mrs. Arnold Falk, New Braunfels; a grandson, Jock Murchison, Corsicana; mother, Mrs. Cora Etta Pierce, San Antonio; and two sisters, Mrs. Mac B. Reeves, San Antonio, and Mrs. J. J. Tucker, Amarillo, and other relatives. Corley was in charge. Notes: The Corsicana Daily Sun - Friday, November 19, 1943 Submitted by Diane Richards

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DIED IN AUSTIN - Lieut. John A. Pierce, Corsicana, U.S. Navy, died with a heart attack Wednesday night in Austin. He was head coach at Corsicana High School for 17 years. Funeral rites are slated here Friday afternoon.

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Nov 19, 1943
John Pierce, Ex-Aggie Star, Grid Coach, Dead

The body of Lieut, John Allen Pierce, 44, Corsicana naval officer and former football star and coach, Thursday was taken from Austin, where he died unexpectedly, to Corsicana for burial.
Lieutenant Pierce, who was in Austin on an official mission for the Naval Air Primary Training Command regional office here, was stricken Wednesday evening by a heart attack, died soon afterward in a hospital.
Lieutenant Pierce was the second member of the famous, undefeated Texas A. & M. team to die while in naval service. The other was Lieutenant Roswell Higginbotham, who entered the service from Southern Methodist University.
The officer was widely known in state football circles, being a member of the Southwestern Football Officials Association, and was one of the organizers and the first president of the Texas High School Coaches Association.
An All-Southwestern center at Texas A. & M. College in 1919 and 1920, Lieutenant Pierce was a telephone engineer in St. Louis, Mo., for a while before returning to College Station as freshman coach under Dana X. Bible.
He went to Corsicana as head football coach in 1925 and served for seventeen seasons, during which time his Tigers won five district championships, advanced to the semifinals in 1930 and 1931, and in 1932 won the state championship.
He was a member of Dallas' Naval Aviation Cadet Selection Board before is was dissolved, having come to Dallas when ordered to active duty in 1942. Lieutenant Pierce was a veteran of World War I, when he served in the Army as a private, From 1922 to 1926 he was a second lieutenant in the Officers Reserve Corps of the Army.
Services Friday Afternoon
A military funeral will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, Corsicana, at 2:30 p.m. Friday, with a number of Dallas Navy and Army officers attending.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Helen Pierce; a daughter, Mrs. Sara Holmes, both of Corsicana; his mother, Mrs. Cora Etta Pierce, San Antonio, and two sisters.

Notes:

• View Clipping with photo
• World War I & World War II Veteran
• Submitted by Dana Stubbs

Frederick Lamar Graves
Apr 18, 1921 - Sep 26, 1944

1944-KILLED IN PACIFIC AREA - Sgt. Frederick Lamar Graves, 23, U.S. Army, was killed in the Southwest Pacific theater of operations September 26, according to information from the war department received by his wife Mrs. Florence Graves and nine months old son, Frederick Lamar, Jr., Frost. Entering the service in March 1942, he went overseas December 13, 1943. He attended the Mildred high school. Sgt. Graves had never seen his young son. Other survivors include: his father William T. Graves, Mertens; two sisters, Mrs. G. L. Boykin, Mertens; Mrs. A.O. Freeman Iredell; a brother, W. T. Graves Blooming Grove.

Notes:

• WWII
• Cemetery Marker Photo
• Dresden Cemetery, Dresden, Navarro Co., TX
• Biography in Men and Women in WWII from Navarro County, Texas

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Arthur Felix Chandler
Nov 7, 1917 - Jan 13, 1945

KILLED IN ACTION - Pvt Arthur F. Chandler, 27, U.S. Army Field Artillery, General Patton's Third Army was killed in action Jan 13, in Luxembourg, according to a telegram to his wife, Mrs. Dolores Chandler, Corsicana, from the war department. He had been in the armed forces since October 17,1942, and overseas since arch, 1944. Surviving are his wife, mother, two sisters and four brothers.

Notes:

• WWII  - Pvt 345 Field Arty. BN. 90th Div. WWII
• Burial at Elmwood Cemetery, Mineral Wells, Palo Pinto Co., TX

Mary Hester "Mollie" (Clopton) Bartlett 
Nov 28, 1850 - Jan 26, 1928

Mrs. Bartlett, One of Oldest Residents, Dies Mrs. Mollie H. Bartlett, age 77, wife of the late J. M. Bartlett, died at her home here Thursday night [January 26, 1928] at 10:30 o'clock following a week's illness. Mrs. Bartlett had been in failing health for the past few months, but her condition was not considered serious until about a week preceding her death. Mollie H. Clopton was born at Murphreesboro, Tenn., Nov. 28, 1850, being 77 years and two months old at the time of her death. She came with her parents to Texas in early childhood and settled at Chatfield, then the most important town in this section of the country. On March 20, 1872, she was married to J. M. Bartlett, and a short time afterwards they moved to a farm near Rice where Mr. Bartlett engaged in livestock raising, the gin business and various other enterprises. About forty years ago they moved to Rice where they resided continuously until their deaths. Mr. Bartlett preceded his wife to the grave by nearly six years, having died here in July 1922. Mrs. Bartlett was a consecrated member of the Methodist Church, having professed religion and united with the Church in early childhood. In her earlier days she was an active church worker, but in her latter years, when declining years had overtaken her, her favorite pastime was reading the Bible and silently communing with her God. Mrs. Bartlett belonged to that rapidly vanishing type of old Southern womanhood. She was kind, gentle and cultured, and above all, she was devoted to her home and to those whom it was her duty to care for. She was unselfish and generous in all things. Her chief life's work was in making those about her happy and cheerful. The memory of her deeds will live long after she has passed out. Mrs. Bartlett was the mother of seven children, four boys and three girls, all of whom survive. They are B. C. Bartlett, W. D. Bartlett, Mrs. W. S. Parker, H. C. Bartlett, Mrs. W. R. Smith, R. F. Bartlett, of Rice, and Mrs. R. C. Norwood of Ennis [Benjamin Clopton Bartlett, Will D. Bartlett, Mary Parker, Hiram Callaway Bartlett, Addie Smith, Roger Frost Bartlett, Jessie Norwood]. There are 22 grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Funeral services were held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Smith, Friday afternoon at 3 o'clock and were conducted by her pastor, Rev. A. H. Bowman, with Rev. W. H. Day, pastor of the Baptist Church assisting. Interment took place in Rice Cemetery. All business houses closed during the hour of the funeral. The two banks in Rice remained closed during the day in her memory. Her husband was one of the organizers of the First State Bank, and one son, H. C. Bartlett, is still a director of that institution. Her son-in-law, W. R. Smith, is vice president of the First National Bank.

Notes:

• Submitted by Roger A. Bartlett - Added Nov 15, 1997

Jesse Marshall Bartlett, Capt
Dec 29, 1841 - Jul 29, 1922

PROMINENT CITIZEN DIED J. M. Bartlett Was Laid to Rest at Rice Yesterday J. M. Bartlett, aged 80 years and seven months, and a resident of Navarro county nearly all his life, died at his home in Rice Saturday night [29 July 1922], and the funeral took place from the First Methodist church there yesterday afternoon and was largely attended. Rev. S. J. Nevill pastor of the First Methodist church there, officiated at the church services, and at the conclusion of the minister's remarks, the Masons took charge and concluded the services at the grave. The deceased and his wife celebrated their golden wedding a few months ago, and his wife and these children survive: Ben, Will, Hiram and Roger Bartlett, Mrs. Mary Parker, Mrs. Ida [Addie] Smith and Mrs. Jessie Norwood. The deceased had long been recognized as one of the county's best citizens, and there are many friends to join his family in their sorrow.

Notes:

• Donated by Roger A. Bartlett - Added Nov 15, 1997
• Civil War Veteran - 3rd Sgt. 12 Texas Cav. Parson's Brigade
• Rice Cemetery, Rice, Navarro Co., TX

Harriett "Hattie" (Phillips) Lane
Apr 7, 1857 - Oct 21, 1931

"Aunt Hattie" Lane Put To Rest in Hico Cemetery Thursday Afternoon

Mrs. T. B. Lane, who died Wednesday, Oct. 21, 1933 was put to rest in the Hico Cemetery Thursday afternoon October 22 in the presence of a large number of friends and relatives who had met at the Hico Methodist Church to hear a last tribute paid her by her pastor, Rev. A. C. Haynes, and later followed the funeral party to the cemetery. The abundance of flowers upon her grave paid silent tribute to the memory of a soul gone to its reward.

Mrs. Hattie Phillips Lane was born at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas April 7, 1858. She was reared in Navarro County by her grandmother [Catharine Persons]. Her parents were Dr. R. M. Phillips and Cynthia Persons Phillips who were natives of Kentucky.

Her father died in 1861 and her mother in 1862. She joined the church when about 15 years of age. Her sister, Kate Phillips died September 1862 and her brother J. M. Phillips died Feb. 15, 1931. She was married to Mr. E. Raby {Everard Raby, an Englishman] in 1890.[in Kerene]. He died in Mexico a few years later. In 1898 she married Rev. T. B. Lane and moved to Hico in May 1901. "Uncle Tom" as he was affectionately known, passed away June 29, 1923.

A list of immediate relatives includes the following: Mrs. James M. Phillips and son Goodwyn and daughters Mae, Ruth and Mrs. Wilburn Sanders of Hico, son Robert of Monroe, La., and Mrs. Geo. Leeth of Hamilton; Mr. and Mrs. J. T. Persons and daughter, Eleanor; Mrs. J. J. Marshall [ neeSallie Persons], Edgar. H. Persons, all of Hico; D. H. Persons of Haskell; R. H. Daniel and daughters, Carrie and Erin of Kerens; J. L. Joplin and son, John, of Rusk; Rev/ and Mrs. W. N\M. Lane of Lampasas; Mrs. E. B. Lane of Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. Albert Swinsky of Dallas; Mr. and Mrs. S. M. Mayo and son Hardy of Kerens.

A Tribute.

Mrs. Hattie Phillips Lane, or "Aunt Hattie" as a vast host of relatives called her, was born April 7, 1857 at Chatfield Navarro County, Texas. Here she spend a delightful girlhood. Being early deprived by death of both father and mother's love she lavished her affection upon her only brother, James Phillips and an uncle and aunt, J. T. Persons and Mary Persons Joplin. Always throughout her seventy three years these, together in later years with their children, were her first thought and consideration. Need we mention her wonderful work in her church? The Sunday School classes throughout the years, her untiring work in the Missionary Society or any branch of her Lord's work.

Wherever Aunt Hattie was needed, no matter in what manner, there you found her, with ready hand and provision for every need.

James Marcus Phillips
Nov 19, 1855 - Feb 15, 1931

James M. Phillips, Long-Time Citizen Passes to Reward

James Phillips, who had been in ill health for some time, passed away at his home in the Cox-Weaver Addition Tuesday afternoon and funeral services were conducted at the Methodist Church Wednesday afternoon at 3:30 with interment in the Hico Cemetery.

James Marcus Phillips was born on the 19th of November 1855 at Chatfield, Navarro County, Texas. When a small child his parents, Dr. and Mrs. R. M. Phillips, moved to Rush Creek in the same county where he was reared. He was converted and born into the Kingdom of God when he was 26 years of age. He united with the Methodist Church and has always remained loyal to his God and his church.

He was united in marriage to Miss Florence Dayton in 1887. [Navarro County] God blessed this union with six children all of whom survive. They are Robert of Monroe, La.; Mrs. George Leeth of Hamilton, Mrs. H. W. Sanders of Waco, Goodwyn, Mae and Ruth of Hico.

James Turner Persons
Nov 19, 1855 - Sep 17, 1933

Death Summons One of County Pioneers On Saturday

Closing the last chapter in a life filled with activity, public service and honest endeavor, death came to James Turner Persons at 8:15 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 1933. Funeral services were held at the Hico Cemetery Sunday afternoon at 4:00 o'clock conducted by Rev. W. P. Cunningham, pastor of the Hico Methodist Church with burial in the Hico cemetery.

Mr. Persons was born November 10, 1855, in Livingston County, Kentucky. He was one of twins, who were the youngest members in a family of fourteen children. Since his death, his twin sister, Mrs. J. L. Joplin of Rusk, is the sole survivor of the immediate family.

Mr. Persons came to Texas with his parents in March 1856 when less than six months old, settling in Navarro County, where in 1880 he became a member of the Cumberland. Presbyterian Church. On Dec. 19, 1882, he married Miss Henrietta Eleanor {"Ellie"} Kimes [in Navarro County] who made him a most companiable helpmate up to the time of his death.

To this union were born eight children, seven of whom survive as follows:

E. H. Persons, Hico, D. H. Persons, of Haskell; R. H. Persons of Dallas; T. K. Persons of Dallas, James Turner Persons Jr. of Corpus Christi; Mrs. J. J. Marshall and Miss Eleanor Persons of Hico.

In 1901 Mr. Persons moved to Hamilton County settling on a place near the city limits where he and his good wife had made there home since, rearing and educating a large and estimable family of children, whom they had been privileged to see gain places of importance in the world's affairs.

Through industry and thoughtful management Mr. Persons had conducted his affairs in a most businesslike manner until at the time of his death he was considered one of the substantial citizens of this end of the county. He leaves a legacy of honesty and integrity which is most enviable. Several weeks ago Mr. Persons was forced to give up his activities because of trouble with his right leg which progressed to such a point that two weeks ago he was taken to Stephenville Hospital for treatment. Suffering from dry gangrene induced by poor circulation he received medical attention for a few days until on Tuesday of last week it was considered advisable to amputate the leg above the knee. At his advanced age his constitution was not able to withstand the shock, together with attending complications, and on Saturday last death came to end his suffering.

Out of town attendants at the funeral included H. W. Henderson and wife and Dr. A. G. Livingston of Hamilton; Prof. Arbuckle, J. M. Diggs and C. B. Breedlove of Haskell; Mr. and Mrs. G. A. Tunnell, Mrs. W. P. Hooker, Jack K Hooker and Mildred Hooker of Stephenville; Miss Erin Daniel, Miss Carrie Daniel, Miss Dona Kirven, Mrs. T. A. Crowley, Mr. and Mrs. Blanton Hemphill of

Kerens; Mrs. Luther Batwell of Barry; Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Joplin of Rusk [his twin sister and her husband]; J. T. Persons, Jr. of Corpus Christi [son}; Mr. and Mrs. R. H. Persons and son and Mr. and Mrs. T. K. Persons and daughter of Dallas Mr. and Mrs. D. H. Persons of Haskell.

Notes:

• Hico Cemetery, Hico, Hamilton County, Texas

Henrietta Eleanor (Kimes) Persons
Jan 22, 1866 - Apr 20, 1940

Services Held Thursday Afternon for Mrs. J. T. Persons

Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock for Mrs. J. T. Persons, 74 who died early Thursday morning [April 20, 1940] after a critical illness of several weeks. Rev./ J. C. Mann, pastor of the church, conducted the services and burial was in the Rice Cemetery.

Pallbearers were Lusk Randals, H. M. Woilfe, George Powledge, A. T. McFadden, John Lackey and B. B. Gamble.

Seven children survive. They are James T. Persons of Corpus Christi, Mrs. Sallie Marshall of Houston, David H. Persons of Haskell, Robert H. Persons of Austin, Thoimas K. Persons of Dallas, E. H. [Edgar] Persons and Mrs. Eleanor Butterfield of Hico.

Henrietta Eleanor {'Ellie"] Kimes was born in Lincoln County, Tenn., January 22, 1846. She was married to James T. Persons in Navarro County December 19, 1882. Eight children were born to them, all of whom survive except one daughter, Mary Persons.

Mr. and Mrs. Persons moved to Hico in 1900 [from Navarro County] settling near the city limits of Hico and reared and educated their large family of children. Since Mr. Persons' death in September 1933, Mrs. Persons has made her home with her daughter, Mrs. Eleanor Butterfield, living for a time in Houston, returning here in December of last year with Mrs. Butterfield and her husband [Henry] to live.

She had been in ill health for some time but it was not until recently that her condition became critical and the children were called to her bedside.

Her death is felt as a distinct loss to the entire community and her many relatives and friends find solace only in the fact that her days were well-lived in the service of her family, her friends and her community.

Among those from out of town who attended the funeral were J. F. Joplin of Risk, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Boswell of Marry, Mrs. Mary Kimes, Mrs. Hazel McClung and Miss Carrie Daniel of Kerens, C. D. Breedlive, superintendent of schools, Dr. George C. French, pastor of the Methodist Church, Mrs. Matt Graham, Mrs. J. M. Diggs, Mrs. W. P. Ruff and Miss Martelle Clifton, all of Haskell.

Notes:

• Added 11/16/1997

Virginia A. "Jennie" (Kendall) Ashford
Jan 20, 1849 - Aug 24, 1936

Mother Ashford Died After 50 Years Spent on Plains of Texas

"Mother: Ashford died early Monday, age 87....was 1st white child[?} born in Corsicana, had established home in Canyon in time to see first train come in, more than 50 years ago. Funeral rites today, 10:00 a.m., Boxwell Bros Funeral Home, Rev. W. W. Pittman, pastor Buchanan Street Methodist Church officiating. Pall bearers: T. M. Bruner, W. W. O'Neal, Charley McCarter, Ray Edinburg, Bruce Autry and G. B. Hamilton. Burial will be in Llano Cemetery.

Virginia Kendall Ashford was the widow of C. S. Ashford, Confederate veteran and contractor who made his home in various towns on the Plains, moving frequently as the area replaced shacks and tents with buildings and enduring homes. He died in Lubbock in 1917.

Reared eight orphans; also had 11 children of their own; only 3 survive: Mrs. W. H. Crawford, 912 Harrison St., with whom Mother Ashford lived; Mrs. G. M. Small, Fort Worth, Tex., and J. A. Ashford,.

Mrs. Ashford was born Jan. 20, 1849, two years after her parents came to Texas from Illinois with colony immigrants who settled Navarro County. Her father, Robert Fenwick Kendall, one of the organizers of the county, was also a JP.

C. S. Ashford claimed her as his bride 24 August 1871 and the couple made their home in Foard County...next to Ellis County, then Coleman County. It was in the latter home that Mrs. Crawford was born 60 years ago. They next lived in Quanah, there Mother Ashford saw the first train arrive. The Methodist Ladies Aid Society helped serve meals to railroad officials with a profit of $200, which went into the building fund for Quanah's first school. Their next home was in Canyon. When the first train steamed in, everything was free - folks from miles around came for the big barbecue. Next home was in Amarillo where there were saloons than any other businesses, They were there when the village had its first local option election and she took part in the parade the night before the election.

[Note by Barbara Knox: Virginia Kendall was enumerated twice in the 1860 census - both in Navarro and Ellis Counties. Bettie Diedema Kendall married in 1870 Williard O'Neil. - who served as a pall bearer].

Notes:

• Amarillo Daily News - August 24 1936
• Llano Cemetery, Amarillo, Randall Co., TX

---

FIRST WHITE CHILD BORN IN CORSICANA BURIED IN AMARILLO

Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia Kendall Ashford, the first white child born in Corsicana, the second in Navarro county, were held last week in Amarillo, where she died in a hospital last Monday morning. She was 87 years old.

One of the most beloved women of the Plains, Mrs. Ashford reared eight orphan children in addition to 11 of her own.

Mrs. Ashford was born January 20, 1849, two years after her parents came to Texas from Illinois with a colony of immigrants who settled in Navarro county on government claims. Her father, Robert Fenwick Kendall, was one of a number who later organized the Navarro county seat and named it Corsicana. He also was the city’s justice of the peace.

She married C. S. Ashford August 24, 1871.

The above information was contained in an Amarillo newspaper of last week mailed the Daily Sun by B. E. Horton.

Notes:

• The Corsicana Daily Sun - Sat., Aug 29, 1936
• Submitted by Diane Richards
• w/o Charles Steward Ashford d/o Robert Fenwick Kendall (1808-1853) one source says Robinson Fenwick Kendall & Nancy E. (McKinney) Kendall (1814 - 1896 buried in Myrtle cemetery, Ennis, Texas)

Benjamin Thompson Green
Feb 10, 1868 - Feb 17, 1941

BEN GREEN DIES

Benjamin Thompson Green, 73, died at his home six miles west of Jacksboro at 11:30 Monday morning, February 17, 1941.

Mr. Green was born in Navarro County Feb. 10, 1868, and when ten years old, came to Jack County where he has resided since. He was well known as the oldest cowboy in this vicinity, having worked on the Loving ranch near Jermyn for many years. Memorial services were conducted by the Rev. C. M. Sampley, assisted by Lewie Baker, at 2:30 Tuesday afternoon. The Bethany Church was filled and many had to stand outside during the services, thus showing the respect his many friends had for him. Internment was in the Winn Hill Cemetery. Mr. Green is survived by his wife, Mamie Durham Green, and seven children:

Fred, Mrs. Berie Baker and Mrs. Eulalee Larson of Olney: Jim, Mrs. Viola Fox and Mrs. Ada Winn of Jacksboro; and Mrs. Vera Mauzy of Lindrith, N. M.; three sisters, Mrs. Lannie Newman, Mrs. Lena Durham and Mrs. Fanny Clay of Jacksboro, and fifteen grandchildren.

Out of town relatives attending the funeral were: Mrs. C. B. Love, Mr. and Mrs. Ottie Hill, of Coolidge; Mrs. Ollie Lankford, Childress; Mrs. T. O. Miller, Graham; Mr. and Mrs. Claude Derrick, Porrin; Mr. and Mrs. A. L. Amburn, Lubbock; Beryl Clay, Mr. and Mrs. Cul Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Bill Jones, Mr. and Mrs. Clinnt Heard, all of Olney.

Pallbearers were all nephews: Ray Newman, Nat McCoy, Arvel Monroe, Beryl Clay, Obie Clay, and Osie Caddell.

Arrangements were with Leon Hawkins Funeral Home.

Notes:

• Submitted by Jean Caddel
• Winn Hill Cemetery, Jacksboro, Jack County, Texas