My father, William Melton, died at his residence near Corsicana, Navarro County, Texas, Saturday, March 15, 1873. He was 74 years old at time of death. he was born near Milledgeville, GA., Nov. 13, 1798, and moved with his father, Elijah Melton, to Alabama at an early age and settled near the town of Erie. He was married to Miss Sarah Meador, daughter of Obadiah and Mary Meador, Oct. 19, 1820. He was then engaged in business with John C. Pharis.

He afterwards moved to Sumter County, Alabama, and entered the mercantile business, in which he remained for several years. He then engaged in farming, which he did successfully, for sometime, and then moved to Pontotoc County, Mississippi in 1842, where he still pursued the occupation of farming. He was a true Democrat, and in 1854 the people called upon him to represent them in the Legislature, which he did with credit to himself and fidelity to the people. He was the man who framed the bill that killed the old Spanish league claims that bothered the people of Texas in early days.

For many years he was a strict member of the Primitive Baptist Church, serving as deacon. He died in the full faith and hope of the Lord and Savior, a loving husband, a good neighbor and a true friend.

Sub. by Jean Caddel

Note by Submitter: William & Sarah Melton are buried at Old Duncan Cemetery (now Zion’s Rest), Corsicana, Texas. He served in the Civil War, Co. E, 13^th Texas Vol.; Capt . Wm. Melton’s Co., Bates Regt. Texas Vol. He was first elected Capt. Co. E., Oct 23, 1861, but was relieved because of age (63) by Nov. 1862, and served as a recruiting officer after that. Before coming to Texas, William Melton served as Representative from Pontotoc County in Mississippi in 1848. Also, he was a 1^st cousin of Ethan Melton, one of the first settlers of Navarro County.

Notes:

• b. 11/13/1798 - d. 3/18/1873