YELL County Arkansas Obits ..... and More
YELL COUNTY RECORD 50 Years Ago 1947 - 1960(Jun)
Vaughn, Mary Aleene -- Whillock, Luther
Mrs. Mark Vaughn - Mrs. Mary Aleene Vaughn, 22, died from an extended illness on June 20, 1954 a few minutes after arriving at a Russellville Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of the Bluffton community.
Survivors include her husband, Raymond Vaughn; one daughter, Carolyn Lynette; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fee Dobbs of Bluffton; two sisters, Mrs. Elsie McConnell of Carden Bottom and Mrs. Thelma Spears of Briggsville; one brother, Delbert Dobbs of Richmond, Calif. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 YRS AGO, DANVILLE, ARKANSAS - Originally published on Thursday, June 24, 1954)
William Emory Vaughn born in Russellville, Alabama, April 24, 1860 and passed away at Waveland October 9, 1947. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, October 30, 1947)
Mrs. Ellis Via, age 77, a native of Yell County died July 13, 1955 at Chicago, Ill. She was a Methodist.
Survivors include five sons, R. N. Via of Kansas City, Harry and Noel Via of Chicago, J. D. Via of Gary, Ind. and S. W. Via of Grayson, Ala.; two daughter, Mrs. J. D. Craddick of Mena and Mrs. Tom Mason of Judsonia; four half-brothers John Ellison of Ola, Luther Ellison of Ft. Smith, Edwin Ellison of Birta and Bert Ellison of Oklahoma; three half-sisters, Mrs. Mamie Garrett and Mrs. Ruth Morgan of Prescott and Mrs. Ester Wilson of California; 34 grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, July 21, 1955)
Simeon Via [no other details included in 50Yrs Ago Column] (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, January 23, 1947)
Birta Man killed in Car Wreck -Tom Via of Birta was killed in a head-on automobile collision near Wickliffe, Ky. Saturday night. His Son Donald Via, 24 and wife, Wilma, were also injured in the accident. Kenneth Stockwell, driver of the other car, was also seriously injured. Kentucky State Police said the accident occurred on an approach to a bridge. Mrs. Ruby Via, wife of the deceased, was notified of the accident by telephone. The three had been home for Thanksgiving and were returning to their jobs in Chicago, Ill. Donald and wife are in St. Mary Hospital in Cairo, Ill.
Survivors to Tom Via, in addition to his widow, include four sons, Thedford of Gary, Ind. Donald of Chicago, Norbin and Bobby of Birta; six daughters, Mrs. Charles Eubanks and Mrs. J. W. Freeman of Ola, Mrs. T. J. Eldridge of Pine Bluff, Mrs. Levi Sullivan of Gary, Ind. Lilly and Patsy of the home, his mother, Mrs. Bertie Via of Little Rock; five brothers, two sisters and seven grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, December 4, 1952)
Mrs. A. C. Vick, who was a native of Yell County was born July 12, 1867 and departed this life on April 6th at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Fred Snelling, of Althiemer. She was a member of the Baptist Church and of the American Legion Auxiliary.
In addition to her daughter she is survived by four sons John Brown and Nick Brown of Sherrell, Henry Brown of Althiemer, Alfred Brown of Fort Smith; four brothers, John Moudy, Will Moudy and Nick Moudy of Belleville and Dan Moudy of California; by 35 grandchildren and 39 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service were conducted at the Upper Spring Creek Cemetery on Sunday. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, April 19, 1951)
George S. Vosburg, age 83, died at his home in Danville Sunday, October 30, 1949.
He is survived by his wife, Elzie Vosburg; two daughters, Mrs. Fay Horn and Mrs. Myrle Jameson of Danville; and four sons, Johnnie Vosburg of Danville, Robert and Fred Vosburg of Carlsbad, NM and Willie Vosburg of Chicago.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Thomas R. Whidd on Tuesday afternoon at the home. Burial was in Danville Cemetery. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, November 3, 1949)
Mrs. Mary Vosburg, age 80, died at the home of her daughter in Danville on Wednesday, January 9, 1952. She was a member of the Methodist Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Murriel Jamerson of Danville and Mrs. Fay Horn of Wichita, Kans.; three sons, Buck of Danville, Fred and Dick of Carlsbad, New Mex. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, January 17, 1952)
George P. Walden, age 71, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Cannon Watts, at Aplin on February 21, 1954. Mr. Walden had lived in Yell County most of his life. He was a member of the Nimrod Baptist Church.
He is survived by three sons, Aubrey of Plainview, Billy of Kansas City, Kans. GP. Jr. with the army in France; four daughters, Mrs. Jo Aleene Watts of Aplin, Mrs. Jone Mace of Perry, Okla. Mrs. Thelma Haddock of Tulsa and Mrs. Ima Dale Huckins of Corona, Calif, one step daughter and 13 grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 YRS AGO, DANVILLE, ARKANSAS - Originally published on Thursday, March 4, 1954)
F. H. Walker, 78, died at his home in Havana May 19, 1954. He was a retired farmer and had been a resident of Havana and his life. He was a member of the Church of Christ
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Rosa Walker; two daughters, Mrs. Curtis Gateley of Danville and Ethel Walker of the home; two sons, Evan Powell of Houston, Texas and Noel Powell of Raleigh, N. G; two sisters, Mrs. Lula Anglin of Havana and Mrs. Baxter Smith of Atoke, Okla; seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 YRS AGO, DANVILLE, ARKANSAS - Originally published on Thursday, May 27, 1954)
Six Year-Old Danville Boy Killed Saturday By Electric Wire - Jackie Allen Walker, 6, was killed Saturday morning when he became entangled in an electric wire strung around a flower bed in Danville. Details of how the accident happened are not known since he was alone and was not discovered until from 10 to 30 minutes later. He had been playing on the back porch of Aubrey Cowger's home, across the street from his home, with Mary Dean Cowger and his cousin. Earlier in the morning Jackie's dog had been shocked by the wire, which was around a flower bed in Cowger's yard. He had wanted to touch the wire then to see what it would do but had been kept from doing so by the other children. He left to go home, but instead of going straight home, apparently went by to touch the wire. When the two girls started over to the Walker home from 10 to 30 minutes later, they found his body lying face down with his chest across the wire. Mary Dean called to her 13-year-old brother, Lamar, and reached out to touch Jackie and received a shock. Lamar told them to keep away until he could unplug the wire and he immediately started giving artificial respiration. His Boy Scout training probably prevented the other two children from being electrocuted, and had Jackie been found sooner, it might have save his life. Jackie was taken to Dr. Harris office, where efforts to revive him through artificial respiration were carried on for two hours to no avail. Mr. Cowger said he had placed the 110 volt wire around the flower bed to keep dogs away and he said he didn t believe it was capable of causing injury, much less death, to any human who touched it. He said several children had received slight shocks from the wire before and that he had touched it himself several times and received only a slight shock. Arkansas Power and Light Co. employees who investigated said the boy probably received the fatal shock because he was barefooted and because the ground was wet, causing a solid grounding of the hot wire.
Jackie is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Walker of Danville; a sister, Judy Kay of Danville; a half-sister, Sonya of Guadalupe, Calif; and his grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Boyce of Danville. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs AGO, DANVILLE, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, June 24, 1954)
Mrs. Martha George Walker, age 73, died at her home in Centerville on March 4, 1958. She was a lifelong resident of Yell County and was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Amos Walker; three daughters, Mrs. Alvie Anderson of Modesto, Calif., Mrs. Inice Roach of Centerville, and Mrs. Eula Grace of Iowa Park, Texas; four sons, Alton and Opal Walker of Mt. George, Allen Walker of Dardanelle Rt. 1 and Sgt. Jack Walker, stationed in Germany; two brother, Harvey George of Danville and Thad George of Newellton, La.; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, March 6, 1958)
Mrs. Arvie Walker of Belleville, died March 15, 1947 at Booneville. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, March 20, 1947)
Mrs. Rosa Walker, died May 5, 1956 at her home in Havana at the age of 82. She was a native of Perry County, a member of the Methodist Church and had spent her entire life in Yell and Perry Counties.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Clara Gateley of Danville and Miss Ethel Walker of the home; two sons, Noel Powell of Raleigh, N. C. and Evan Powel of Houston, Tex. seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, May 10, 1956)
Huey Burt Walkup, age 80, died at his home in Havana Wednesday afternoon, August 18, 1954. He was a retired business man and farmer.
Survivors are his widow, Mrs. Annie Walkup; three sons, Elton and Robert of Havana and Burt of Amarillo, Texas; two daughters, Mrs. Margaret Ross of Camden and Mrs. Florence Jameson of Conway, Mo. one sister, Miss Ida Walkup, Havana and five grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs AGO, DANVILLE, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, August 19, 1954)
Clarence "Joe" Wallace, 65 of Belleville Rt. 1 died at the sanatorium at Booneville Monday. He had entered the sanatorium Sunday, but had been a patient there before. He was a retired showman and veteran of World War 1.
He is survived by his wife. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, December 15, 1955)
Jimmie Wallace, age 84, departed from this life at his home at Aly March 15th, 1949.
He is survived m addition to his wife by five daughters, Mrs. Lou Adams and Mrs. Cora McGill of Calif., Mrs. Mae Rowland of Mt. Ida, and Mrs. Jessie Smith of Aly; four sons, Jimmie, Sid and Ervin of Aly, Miles of Dumas; 29 grand children, 10 great grandchildren, and many relatives and friends.
Funeral services were conducted on Wednesday afternoon at the Muddy Church by Rev. W. D. Smith and Rev. J. P. Emery of Story. Burial was in the Muddy Cemetery. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, March 24, 1949)
Mrs. Rosie Huffman Wallace, 46, died Friday afternoon in her home in Dardanelle. A native of Dardanelle, she was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include her mother, Mrs. Peggy Burris Huffman, Osceola; four sons, Lazoy, Lanoy, Glen and Walter Wallace, all of Dardanelle; three daughters, Mrs. Charlie Grace of Waco, Tex. Mrs. Doc Hamilton and Betty Sue Wallace of Dardanelle; three sisters, Mrs. Jim Phelps of Ola, Mrs. Elsie Heath of Osceola and Mrs. Floyd Hodges of Holtville, Calif.; three brothers, Void and Charley Huffman of Osceola and Bill Huffman of Rockford, Ill.; and one granddaughter. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, February 20, 1958)
Mrs. Robert L. Walls was born in London, England, October 5, 1889, and passed away August 3, 1952. She was a member of the Methodist Church and her husband, who preceded her in death by six years, was a Methodist minister.
She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Roberta Harkey of Belleville, with whom she made her home and Mrs. Edith Gillespie of Throwbridge, Calif.; four grandchildren and a sister, Miss Annie West of France. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, August 14, 1952)
Mrs. Adele Blaylock Ward, daughter of R. M. Blaylock and Mrs. S. E. Blaylock was born December 5, 1888 and passed away July 3, 1948. She was married in 1929 to G. W. Ward. Mrs. Ward is survived by her father and mother; two brothers, Roy Blaylock and Hoyt Blaylock; one sister, Mrs. Lula Owens. She was a member of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.
Funeral was conducted July 4, at 2:00 p. m. at the Baptist Church, Havana by Rev. George Findley. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, July 8, 1948)
David A. Ward was born September 27, 1869 and passed away at the age of 82 on April 4, 1952 at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Emma Buruss, at Plainview. Mr. Ward was a member of the Masonic Lodge at Plainview. His first marriage was to Cerrena Hogan who passed away some years ago.
He is survived by his widow, Mrs. Susan Ward, and three children by a former marriage Mrs. Emma Buruss, Plainview; Mrs. Clyde Lathrop, Richmond, Mo. Ms. Opal Ward, Plainview; seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, other relatives and a host of friends. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, April 10, 1952)
Six fliers Killed As B25 Bomber Crashes into Mt. Magazine. .Six army fliers from Barksdale Field, La, were killed when an Army B25 bomber plowed into the East peak of Mt. Magazine, exploded and burned, Monday night.
Lee Apple, who lives on Mt. Magazine near where the plane crashed, and a passing motorist were the first to reach the scene and were joined shortly by residents from Havana, nearby farmers who saw the flames on the peak, Sheriff Earl Ladd and State Police. Five of the bodies were discovered soon after the crash, two of them almost completely burned, and the others badly mangled. The sixth body, which had been thrown a good distance from the wreckage, was not discovered until sometime later. Mr. Apple stated that he heard the plane approaching from the north and rushed out of the house in time to see it hit the East end of the peak and burst into flames. The plane struck with such force that it sheared off a large oak tree and up rooted two other, scattering parts of the plane, clothing and bodies over an area of 75 to 100 yards
Watches on the dead men and on the instrument panel were stopped at about 7:15, indicating the time of the crash. Major R. N. Johnson of Barksdale Field, who arrived with other officers about 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to investigate the crash, stated that the bomber was enroute from Chicago to Barksdale Field and was approximately on its course and on time. He expressed belief that they were flying in heavy sleet storm and had no idea they were so close to the towering mountain which rises to an elevation of 2860 feet.
The bodies were removed from the scene Tuesday morning after the military men arrived and were taken to the Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville for removal of personal effects by investigating officers. They were then taken to the Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle and prepared for shipment to the homes of the men.
Names of those killed were: Capt. William F. Wilson, 29, Strong City, Kansas, Capt. Albert C. Frese Jr., 27. Brunswick, Ga., Lt. Robert O. Pabst, 24, Milwaukee, Wis., 2nd Lt. Ed D. Ward, 27, Chicago, Pf. James H. Miershma, Grand Rapids, Mich., Pfc. William E. Wesley, Muskegon, Mich. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, November 20, 1947)
James Opal Ward, 57, a native of Yell County, a farmer, died Wednesday in his home in Ola.
He is survived by his widow, the former, Miss Jewel Anderson; three daughters, Mrs. Luther Clardy and Mrs. John Meadows of Shreveport, La. and Mrs. Pat Marchband, Jonesboro; one son, Norman Ward, Little Rock; two sisters, Mrs. Clyde Lathrot and Mrs. Emma Burrus, Plainview, and one grandchild. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, August 14, 1952)
Joe Jackson Ward, age 70, died at his home Saturday morning of a heart attack. He was a retired farmer and a resident of Havana. He was a son of Jasper and Sally Foster Ward and member of the Seventh Day Church.
Survivors include his wife, Mrs. Lizzie Oliver Ward; three sons, Vester Ward of Alheimer, Ted Ward of Havana and Charlie Ward of San Jose, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Retha Inman of Morgan Hill, Calif. and Mrs. Catherine Bartholow of San Fernando, Calif.; 16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, February 11, 1960)
Body Found In Arkansas River - The body of a man was found about three miles downstream from Dardanelle in the Arkansas River last Thursday afternoon. A U. S. Army river survey crew came upon the body and called Sheriff Herman McCormick. No marks or bruises could be found, which indicate any foul play. The man was later identified as Andrew Washington, 60, of Ft. Smith, who had been missing about two weeks. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, April 14, 1960)
Herbert Waters, age 59, died of a heart attack June 7, 1954 at his home in Tampa, Fla.
He is survived by his wife; his father, S. L. Waters of Ola; two brothers, Eugene of Ola and Homer of Cooter, Mo. and five sisters, Mrs. Ed Ashcraft and Mrs. Mary Tucker of Ola, Mrs. Laura Beckham and Mrs. Ella Rushing of Cooter, Mr. and Mrs. Alma Pits of Dyerburg, Tenn. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 YRS AGO, DANVILLE, ARKANSAS - Originally published on Thursday, July 1, 1954)
Arthur Lee Watkins, age 54, formerly of Belleville, passed away at Roswell, New Mexico November 3, 1954. Mr. Watkins was a member of the Belleville Baptist Church, a Mason and a Veteran of World War II.
Survivors include, two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Lee Saint of Roswell, New Mex. Mrs. Geraldine Farmer of Carlsbad, New Mex. his mother, Mrs. J. E. Watkins, Belleville; a twin brother Opal M. Watkins, Danville; five sisters, Mrs. Ovida Hull of Stillwater, Okla. Mrs. Eula Cobb of Belleville; Mrs. Naomi Williams, Belleville, Mrs. Ruth Holcomb of Broken Arrow, Okla. Mrs. Wana Morgan of Wichita Falls, Texas; and five grand children. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs AGO, DANVILLE, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, November 11, 1954)
Jesse Eugene Watson, 24, died Sunday at University Hospital, Little Rock. He was a native of Plainview, a son of James K. Watson. He was a Methodist.
Survivors are his father, stepmother, a stepmother and a stepfather. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, December 15, 1955)
Mrs. Naomi Watson, was born to Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Powers January 20, 1908 and departed this life November 25, 1948. She was born and reared in the Moss Creek Community where she spent most of her life. In 1928, she was united in marriage to Ronald Watson and three children came to bless their home, Viola, Loyd and Carolyn. She was a firm believer in God and went about in her quite and modest way performing her duties and rendering services to others. She was a dutiful daughter, a kind and loving mother and affectionate companion and a good neighbor.
Besides her husband and children she was survived by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Powers, one sister, Julia Brown and one brother, Aldie Powers and other relatives.
Services were conducted by Brother Dale Thiede and interment was in the Moss Creek Cemetery. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, December 16, 1948)
R. N. Watson, age 80, died April 28, 1958 in a Wichita Falls, Tex. hospital after suffering a stroke at his home 10 days before. He was a native of Danville, was a retired farmer and a member of tile Methodist Church.
Survivors are his widow, Effie, of Iowa Park, Tex. five sons, Lester of Iowa Park, Elmer of Lakeview, Selmer and Recil of California, Wade of Ft. Worth; two daughters, Mrs. H. M. Orsburn of Charleston, Mrs. O. H. Stowe of Ft. Worth; three brothers, Jim of Wewoka, Okla. George of Rover, Arlie of Waltreak; a sister, Mrs. Irvin Gillespie of Danville; 9 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, June 5, 1958)
Bill Watt, 34, publisher of the Stroud Democrat, died at Wesley Hospital in Oklahoma City, September 11, 1952. He had been in the hospital for the past 16 weeks with aplastic anemia. He was the brother of Joan Watt Fisher. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Watt of Dardanelle. He had been publisher of the newspaper at Stroud for the past three years and was formerly publisher of the Glen wood Herald at Glenwood. He was a graduate of Oklahoma A& M College and did graduate work at the University of Oklahoma. He was born at Mangum, Okla. and graduated from high school at Blair, Okla. He was a veteran of World War II serving three years overseas. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, September 18, 1952)
Funeral services were conducted at Moore's Chapel Sunday, November 28 for Pfc. Archie L. Weaver, whose body was returned from overseas for re-burial. Services were conducted by Rev. George Findley of Havana, and military services by the Havana and Danville Legion Posts. A detachment and chaplain scheduled to come from Camp Chaffee failed to arrive. Pfc. Weaver was a resident of Moore's Chapel community near Waveland until his enlistment in the Army on November 22, 1942. He was killed in action in Italy on July 2, 1944 at the age of 22.
Surviving are his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dave Weaver of Greenbriar, Ark. five brothers, Hollis of Centerville, and Ray, James, Tommie and Wendell of the home; three sisters, Mrs. Marie Bowie, Enola, Mrs. Nora Riggins, Wynn and Mary Jane of the home. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, December 2, 1948)
Clarence Edward Weaver, 79, died at his home on December 2, 1958 following a heart attack. He was a retired farmer and a Church of God minister.
He is survived by his wife, Maude; two sons, Benjamine of the home and Archie of Russellville; two daughters, Mrs. Benoni McGinty of Conway and Mrs. Alice Glover of Little Rock; two brothers, Pal Weaver of Elk City, Okla. and Dave Weaver of Cedar Lake, Ind. four sisters, Mrs. Cora Steward of Havana, Mrs. Clara Petit of Elk City, Okla. Mrs. Lela Stone of Carter, Okla. Mrs. Edna Williams of Elk City and 13 grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD - Originally published on Thursday, December 11, 1958)
Arthur William Webb, age 82, of Belleville, died at a Russellville hospital March 25, 1960. He was a retired farmer.
Survivors are his wife, Mrs. Addie Webb; two daughters, Mrs. Tressie Mae Guinn of Belleville and Mrs. Ruby Miller of Chicago, Ill.; one son, Herman Webb of the home; three sisters, Mrs. Harry Cheyne of Ft. Smith, Mrs. Cora Maidenwall of Little Rock and Mrs. Nora McManus of Benton; ten grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, March 31, 1960)
Casa Man Killed by Freight Train - Clarence Webb, 35, of Casa was fatally injured early Monday when struck by a train near his home. Webb, an Army reservist scheduled to report Thursday for active duty, was killed about 2:30 am. A coroner's jury returned a verdict of death from unknown causes and an investigation was continuing.
According to Perry County Sheriff C. A. Ezell, Webb was returning from a party at Danville and had been brought to the rail road crossing at Casa by a friend. There was a heavy fog at the time, and State Police reported that Webb was struck by Rock Island train while walking west on the tracks.
Survivors include his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Webb of Casa; a brother, Herman of the home and a sister, Mrs. Jimmy Little of Casa. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, September 7, 1950)
Two Drown After Auto Accident (Mrs. Oueda Bearden Morris and Mrs. June Counts Webb ) - Two North Little Rock women were drowned and three other persons injured Saturday night when two cars, one following the other, missed the Chickalah Creek bridge and plunged into the creek. Four cars have plunged into the creek at this place in a little over a year. Dead are Mrs. Oueda Bearden Morris, 33, and her cousin, Mrs. June Counts Webb, 30. Injured were Harold S. Webb, husband of Mrs. Webb, his brother-in- law, Troy Bearden of North Little Rock; and Mrs. May Bell Whitley of Little Rock. There were taken to St. Mary's Hospital in Russellville. Webb was driving the lead car. His wife and Mrs. Morris were with him. Bearden, accompanied by Mrs. Whitley, was following. An approaching car had cleared the bridge and had left a cloud of dust, according to Webb. Webb apparently did not see the bridge until his car ran up on a side banister and toppled side wise into the water. Bearden apparently was following the taillights of Webb's car and plunged behind it into the creek. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 YRS AGO, DANVILLE, ARKANSAS - Originally published on Thursday, April 1, 1954)
Mrs. Mary Frances Webb, Aunt Millie, as she was affectionately called - was born to Mr. and Mrs. Ransom Hunt, September 9, 1862. She passed away at the home of her daughter Mrs. Martin Farnsworth, Chalybeate, June 12, 1947. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, June 19, 1947)
Mrs. Callie Weems age 74, died October 11, 1955. She was married to Arthur Weems in 1899.
She is survived by four daughters, Grace Weems of the home, Mrs. Lee King, Bluffton, Mrs. Roco Blagg, Dumas and Mrs. H. E. Derrick, N. Little; three sons, Warren Weems, Marshall Weems and A. W. Weems of Carlsbad, N. Mex. two sisters, Mrs. Cecil A Holiman, Ola and Mrs. Nooner Ballew, Bluffton, four brothers, R. B. Lazenby, Muskogee, Okla. A. J. Lasenby Horatio, C. R. Lazenby and Grigg Lazenby of Carlsbad, N. Mex.; 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, October 20, 1955)
Magazine Man Killed by Train - Dearius W. Weems, age 63, of Magazine was killed instantly Wednesday when he was struck by a Rock Island freight train near Magazine. Sheriff Van Pennington said train crewman told him Weems was walking just outside the tracks on the right of way. The engineer blew a warning whistle as the locomotive came up behind Weems and passed him, crewmen said. Pennington said apparently Weems became confused and fell beneath one of the cars. He was dragged nearly 90 feet. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, November 15, 1956)
Mrs. Laura Leah Wehunt, age 48, died January 8 at her home in Hot Springs. Mrs. Wehunt formerly of Yell County had resided in Hot Springs for the past37 years. She was a member of the Second Baptist Church and the Hot Springs Chapter No. 69, Order of the Eastern Star.
Surviving are her husband, Jake Wehunt; four sons, S. Sgt Perry Jake Wehunt, Camp Chaffee; Glynn Bill, Rex and Max all of Hot Springs; a sister, Mrs. Ray Spencer, Rover, three brothers, Otis, Hays and A. J. Burnett of California and two grandchildren, Ronal Perry and Laura Wehunt. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, January 17, 1952)
Mrs. Ninard Welcher, age 72, died at her home in Ola, Sunday, October 16, 1949. She was a native of Marion County and a member of the Baptist Church.
Surviving are four daughters, Mrs. J. A. Byrd of Michigan, Mrs. W. L. Richardson of Texarkana, Mrs. Hamp Alverson of Dardanelle and Mrs. Ray Hodge of Ola; a brother, Hall Reed of Fareman and fourteen grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, October 20, 1949)
Cpt. James C. Weldon, son of Mr. and Mrs. Milas Weldon of Cedar Creek West was buried at Moore's Chapel, December 30, 1952. J. C. was killed in Korea July 20, 1950.
Funeral services were conducted by Rev. James Fouts. Military services were conducted by the VFW boys of Booneville. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, December 25, 1952)
Man Dies While Driving Truck - Milas Weldon, 57, of Waveland died of a heart attack early this morning while driving his pickup truck on the Lone Pine road north and east of Danville. Mrs. Weldon, who was riding in the truck with him, said that he dented a fender as he crossed a bridge and said that he felt funny. She told him to pull over and stop for a while, but before he could do it he slumped over the wheel. The truck went through a fence and out into a pasture. Mrs. Weldon was not hurt. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, February 2, 1955)
Frank Welker, age 64, died at his home in Rover of Hodgkins's disease November 5, 1954 after a year's illness. He moved to Plainview in 1912 and has spent the remainder of his life in this section of the county. He was a member of the New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife, Phebe Light Welker; one son, Quinton Welker; two daughters, Meda Welker and Mrs. Vivian Noon; two granddaughters, Frances Jane Noon and Marilyn Jo Welker, all of Rover; one brother Charlie Welker, Barnsdale, Okla.; and one sister Mrs. Attie Fulton, of Hot Springs. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs AGO, DANVILLE, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, November 11, 1954)
Six fliers Killed As B25 Bomber Crashes into Mt. Magazine. .Six army fliers from Barksdale Field, La, were killed when an Army B25 bomber plowed into the East peak of Mt. Magazine, exploded and burned, Monday night.
Lee Apple, who lives on Mt. Magazine near where the plane crashed, and a passing motorist were the first to reach the scene and were joined shortly by residents from Havana, nearby farmers who saw the flames on the peak, Sheriff Earl Ladd and State Police. Five of the bodies were discovered soon after the crash, two of them almost completely burned, and the others badly mangled. The sixth body, which had been thrown a good distance from the wreckage, was not discovered until sometime later. Mr. Apple stated that he heard the plane approaching from the north and rushed out of the house in time to see it hit the East end of the peak and burst into flames. The plane struck with such force that it sheared off a large oak tree and up rooted two other, scattering parts of the plane, clothing and bodies over an area of 75 to 100 yards
Watches on the dead men and on the instrument panel were stopped at about 7:15, indicating the time of the crash. Major R. N. Johnson of Barksdale Field, who arrived with other officers about 10:00 a.m. Tuesday to investigate the crash, stated that the bomber was enroute from Chicago to Barksdale Field and was approximately on its course and on time. He expressed belief that they were flying in heavy sleet storm and had no idea they were so close to the towering mountain which rises to an elevation of 2860 feet.
The bodies were removed from the scene Tuesday morning after the military men arrived and were taken to the Cornwell Funeral Home in Danville for removal of personal effects by investigating officers. They were then taken to the Cornwell Funeral Home in Dardanelle and prepared for shipment to the homes of the men.
Names of those killed were: Capt. William F. Wilson, 29, Strong City, Kansas, Capt. Albert C. Frese Jr., 27. Brunswick, Ga., Lt. Robert O. Pabst, 24, Milwaukee, Wis., 2nd Lt. Ed D. Ward, 27, Chicago, Pf. James H. Miershma, Grand Rapids, Mich., Pfc. William E. Wesley, Muskegon, Mich. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, November 20, 1947)
Betty Gene West, age 15, died June 18, 1955 at her home in Enola.
She is survived by her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Vernon West; a sister, Mrs. Mildred Reather, Lubbock, Texas; eight brothers, Leon of Magazine; Billy Joe of Enola, A. D., Bobbie, Paul, Daniel, Rex and Robby of home. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, June 23, 1955)
Mrs. Laura West, age 56, of Enola died December 3, 1959. She was a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Survivors include her husband, B. C. West of Enola; her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Ambrose Rogers of Elk City, Okla. one daughter, Mrs. Mildred Reather of Lubbock, Tex. eight sons, Leon of Magazine, Billy Joe of Wichita, Kans. A. D. Bobby, Paul, Daniel, Rex and Robbie of Enola; five brothers, Roy Rogers of San Jose, Calif. Coy and Boyd Rogers of Mtn. View, Calif. Johnny Rogers of Ft. Smith and Willie Rogers of Elk City, Okla. three sisters, Mrs. Olga Swilley, Mrs. Jewel Woods and Mrs. Ida Slay all of Mtn. View, Calif. and nine grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, December 10, 1959)
Mrs. Martha Westlake, age 53, wife of J. R. Westlake, died Tuesday at her home in Plainview. She was a native of Yell County and a member of the Assembly of God Church.
Survivors also incite one son, J. R. Westlake Jr. one daughter, Mrs. Ruby Taylor; five sisters, Mrs. Hattie McCoy, Mrs. W. C. Anderson and Mrs. I. J. Marcum, Mrs. O. C. Biggs of Plainview and Mrs. J. F. Ross of Maysville, Calif. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, September 4, 1952)
Leon Westmoreland, age 85, died in a San Diego hospital on January 25, 1960. He had been in the publishing business for more than half a century and continued active until two weeks before his death. He taught school at Magazine in 1895 and founded the Powder Horn Weekly there in 1900. He became publisher of the Dardanelle Post-Dispatch in 1902, and published papers at Hartford, Greenwood, Booneville and Conway.
Surviving are his widow, Sally Westmoreland; and two sons, Dolph and V. Westmoreland. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, February 4, 1960)
George Edmond Whala, age 61 of Bluffton, died Saturday in Sparks Memorial Hospital, Fort Smith. A native of Arkansas, he was a farmer.
Surviving relatives include his widow; two sons, O. C. Whala, Dumas and J. O. Whala, Rover; a daughter, Mrs. C. R. Meyers, Hot Springs; three brothers, Oscar Whala, in Oklahoma, William Whala in Kansas and Walter Whala, Bluffton and a sister, Mrs. Lula Blagg, in California. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, September 20, 1951)
Mrs. Edie May Wheeler, 45, of Whittier, Calif., died January 15 of cerebral hemorrhage. She was born at Rover and attended school at Rover. She was married to Clell M. Wheeler in 1934. They have lived in Yell County except for four years spent in Whittier from 1942-46 and also the past eight months. She was a member of the Belleville Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband, Clell Wheeler of Whittier; four sons, Norman Wheeler of Pico Rivera, Calif, Jimmie, Duane and Dennis Wheeler of the home; a daughter, Mary Wheeler of the home; her mother Mrs. James L. Whitten of Whittier; and two sisters, Mrs. Arah Burnett and Mrs. Letha Corder, both of Whittier. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas; Originally published on Thursday, January 21, 1960)
William H. Wheeler, aged 67, a Belleville farmer, died Saturday in a Fort Smith hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Yell County and a Baptist.
He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Weltha Riddles Wheeler; a son, Clell Wheeler of Whittier, Calif.; two daughters, Mrs. Mary Joe Moudy of Belleville and Mrs. Chloe Rice of Rover; a brother, John Wheeler of Lorenzo, Tex.; seven sisters, Mrs. Minnie Miller and Mrs. Cora Aikman of Bluffton, Mrs. Audrie Smith of Shallow Water, Tex. Mrs. Grace Marberry of Lubbock, Tex., Miss Ada Wheeler, Mrs. Flossie Hull and Mrs. Mary Hull of Wing; 16 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, July 9, 1959)
Luther Whillock, age 66, of Dardanelle died Sunday, February 16, 1958, at the Russellville hospital following a long illness. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Dardanelle and was a state auditor, working with the state comptroller's office for the past 22 years.
Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Mrs. Lawrence Lynch of Dardanelle and Mrs. Louis Berymeyer of Atkins, three sisters and seven grandchildren. (YELL COUNTY RECORD, 50 Yrs Ago, Danville, Arkansas - Originally published on Thursday, February 20, 1958)
This material is intended for the personal use of genealogists and family historians. No commercial usage or distribution rights for this material are granted by the authors.