Sherd Maze, d 11 August 1902

SHERD MAZE died at Moab in Pulaski county, Mo., August 11th 1902, at 9 o’clock p.m. Brother Sherd Maze, aged 87 years, 7 months and 13 days.

Bro. Maze was born in Pulaski county, Ky., December 28th 1814; moved from there to Tenn., and was married to his first wife. Bro. Maze was married four times and was the father of eleven children. Two by his first wife both having been dead many years. Three by his second marriage, one, sister Nancy A. Ferrell, surviving him. Four by his third marriage, two, James R. and George W., surviving him. He had two children by his fourth marriage. One died young and the other, a daughter, married Omer Holloway and died a few years ago. Three children and his widowed companion survive him.

He had thirteen grandchildren, two of whom have passed away, and ten great grandchildren, six of whom are still living.

Bro. Maze was of a family of 8 sons and three daughters; he has lived in Missouri for thirty years or more and has only heard from one brother in all this time and it is not known if any survive him.

Bro. Maze accepted Christ and his promises and died (as he expressed it) ready and willing to go.

He was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity and a member of the Waynesville lodge at the time of his death, and was buried by the brotherhood at the Dry Creek cemetery on Wednesday at high noon, Bro. J.J. Watts conducting the religious services, using as a text, Rev. 21 and 25. “For there shall be no night there.”

May God comfort our bereaved widowed sister in Christ and the dear children of our brother.- J.J. WATTS (Rolla Herald please copy.)

The Pulaski County Democrat

22 August 1902

Transcribed by Laura (Abernathy) Huffman

George W. Maze d. April 6, 1911

Killed By Falling Tree

Waynesville, Mo. April 8- George W. Masee, a well-to-do farmer was killed yesterday while clearing woodland on his farm near Moab neighborhood. A tree he was chopping feel on him unexpectedly and crushed him.

Esther Florance (Belton) Gray 1918-2010

Esther Florance Gray, of Devil's Elbow, formerly of Brentwood, was born on April 3, 1918, at Dixon, a daughter of Alfred and Dora (Miller) Belton, and departed this life at 10:00 a.m., Monday, August 16, 2010, at her residence in Devil's Elbow. Mrs. Gray had attained the age of 92 years, 4 months and 13 days.

Mrs. Gray was united in marriage on June 10, 1949 at Mountain Home, Arkansas to Mr. Edward Lee Gray and they were blessed with two children. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Juanita Van Huss; her parents; one brother, Richard Miller and three sisters, Gertrude Vest, Connie Howser and Rosie Gage.

Mrs. Gray accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior in 1954 and was a member of the Mattise Baptist Church, St. Louis for several years and then moving her membership to the Southside Baptist Church, St. Louis, where she served as President of the Women's Missionary Union. After moving to Devil's Elbow she attended Sheppard Baptist Church near Dixon. She was a loving and devoted housewife and mother for all her working life.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Gray include: her husband, Edward Gray, of the home in Devil's Elbow; one son, Mark Edward Gray, St. Louis; five grandchildren, Veronica, Bradley, Kelsey, Stephanie and Jamie; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. Gray at 1:00 p.m., Saturday, August 21, 2010 in Dixon Chapel of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes with Bro. Bill Affolter, Maplewood Baptist Church, officiating. George Sneed sung "I've Got A Mansion" and "Peace In The Valley" for the funeral service.

Interment was in the Dry Creek Cemetery near St. Robert under the direction of the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Dixon. Pallbearer for Mrs. Gray were Bradley Gray, Charlie Gray, Adam Rodabaugh, Lonnie Young, Ralph Rodabaugh and Monroe Rodabaugh.

Expressions of sympathy are suggested by the family to the American Cancer Society with envelopes at the Long-Kloeppel Funeral Home, Dixon.

Dry Creek Cemetery

Click pictures for a more detailed view of Dry Creek Cemetery's location in Pulaski County, Missouri.

Dry Creek Cemetery is located in Pulaski County, MO., east of St. Robert, near the 14 mile railroad spur, constructed in 1941, that connects Newburg to Fort Leonard Wood. The cemetery is on private property, on land known as the Fred Gray Farm.

Dry Creek Cemetery may contain remains that were reburied here after Big Piney River Cemetery (location unknown) was damaged by flooding circa 1890. It is known that at least two tombstones were relocated here, those belonging to William M. and Mary Ousley. Local folklore recounts that several Irish laborers, who worked on the never completed railroad line through the southern part of Pulaski County are buried here in unmarked graves. The earliest dated stone is that of Charles H. Ousley, a young son of T.B. and M.A, in 1871. There are several tombstones from this era, and at least two belonging to Masons.

Oland F. Dell 1910-1954

Funeral Services Held For Oland F. Dell Former Resident Here

Oland F. Dell, was born near Waynesville, Missouri, on March 1, 1910, the son of Carrie M. and Robert H. Dell.

Early in life he went to St. Louis with his parents, brothers and sister where the family made their home.

On January 20, 1954 he was admitted as a patient at Bethesda General Hospital in St. Louis, suffering hemorrhages of the upper alimentary tract. In ministering to him the physicians employed everything that is known to medical science, but to no avail. Oland died on January 24. Had he lived until March 1, he would have been forty-four years of age.

Members of the family who preceded him in death were his father, Robert H. Dell; two brothers, Everett and Louie.

He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Carrie M. Dell; one sister, Mrs. Chloe Webb; one brother, Jack C. Dell; one nephew, Robert S. Hopwood; and many other relatives and a large number of friends.

“ A precious one from us has gone
A voice we loved is stilled
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled.”

Sadly Oland you will be missed by mother, Chloe, and Jack. It’s hard to give you up but God Bless you Oland and let us be prepared to meet you. God in His love will show us the way.

Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist Church in Waynesville on January 27, by rev. John A. Bolen. Interment was in Dry Creek Cemetery under the direction of Hedges Funeral Home. Pallbearers were Oland’s friends of long standing.

In loving memory of our dear son and brother.
Because you left up two years ago today, January 24, 1954.
Because you meant so much to us. Because we loved you so, you are in our thoughts and in our hearts. Much more than you could know. No truer words have ever been spoken.
The longer you are gone the more you’ll be missed.
God saw that you were suffering and the hills were hard to climb, so He closed your weary eyes and whispered “peace be thine”. God took you home, He thought best. When done with our toil and care we’ll meet you over there.
Sadly missed by mother, brother, and sister and friend

View Death Certificate

Louie Dell 1908-1929

Louie Dell, son of Mr. and Mrs. R.H. Dell, was called to rest on Tuesday April 2, 1929 at 7 o’clock. He died at the Christian hospital with lung infection resulting from complications following the fracture of the left leg in a fall March 11.

Louie Dell was born near Waynesville, Missouri, September 20, 1908, and moved to St. Louis in 1917 where he made his home with his parents until death.

He leaves to mourn his death father, mother, two brothers, and one sister, Oland and Jack Dell, Chloe Hopwood and C.J. all of St. Louis, besides many other relatives and a host of friends.

A precious one from us has gone, a voice we loved is stilled, a place is vacant in our home which can never be filled. God in His wisdom has recalled the debt His love had given, and tho the body slumbers here the soul is safe in Heaven.

DARLING SON

Darling Louie, how we miss you,
Miss your sweet and loving face.
You have left us all in sorrow,
And no one can take your place.

Through suffering he breathed not a murmer
For the Comforter stood by his side
And whispered “Fear not, I am with thee,
With me shalt thou ever abide.”

On the river the pale boatman hastened,
He heard the soft dip of the oar.
Then from earth and its sorrow He bore him
Across to the beautiful shore.

And we are very lonely,
We miss you day by day:
Keep a watch for us, dear Louie,
Guide us gently on our way.

Dear Louie, you are not forgotten,
Though on earth you are no more;
Still in memory you are with us
As you always were before.

There was an angel band in Heaven
That was not quite complete;
So God then took our darling Louie
To make the band complete.

The flowers we placed upon his grave
May wither and decay,
But love for him who sleeps beneath
Will never fade away.

Sadly missed by father and mother and family.

View Death Certificate

George Washington Maze 1864-1911

This entry is from the J.J. Watts collection. John J. Watts hailed from Warren, Maine and moved to the northern Ozarks of Missouri sometime after the Civil War. He was a circuit-riding Baptist Minister and his territory covered Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties and parts of Maries and Dent Counties. He established a cemetery, Watt’s Lawn, which is located 1 mile West of J Highway, near the Pulaski County-Phelps County line. This collection covers 1878-1912.

George Washington Maze died by a falling tree, April 6th 1911. Tree fell at 5 p.m. & he died at 11 p.m., April 6th 1911, aged 46 ys., 3 ms., & 10 ds. A son of the late Sheridan Maze, of a family of 11 children, only 2 surviving: James R. Maze and Mrs. Nancy Ferrell. Buried on Friday, Apr. 7th 1911 at 3 p.m. at Dry Creek Cemetery after funeral service by J.J. Watts & The Modern Brotherhood of David.

27 December, 1864 - 6 April, 1911

Charles Decker 1827-1909

This entry is from the J.J. Watts collection. John J. Watts hailed from Warren, Maine and moved to the northern Ozarks of Missouri sometime after the Civil War. He was a circuit-riding Baptist Minister and his territory covered Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties and parts of Maries and Dent Counties. He established a cemetery, Watt’s Lawn, which is located 1 mile West of J Highway, near the Pulaski County-Phelps County line. This collection covers 1878-1912.

Charles Decker did at Decker, in Pulaski Co., MO., Dec. 2d 1909 at 9-30 a.m., aged 83 ys., 6 ms., & 22 ds. Bro. Decker was born in Tompkins Co., N.Y., May the 10th 1826 and was of a family of 6 children, 3 surviving=Two sisters and one brother. Father of 5 children, 2 living. Mr. Charles R. Decker of Decker, MO, & Robert Earl Decker of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was a member of the Episcopal Ch. of Fairbo, Minnesota, and has lived at Cedar Rapids for the last 20 years. Was buried at the Dry Creek Cemetery, Dec. 3d 1909 at 3 p.m. Prayer at the house and sermon at the cemetery.

10 May, 1827 - 2 December, 1909

Sarah Elizabeth (York) Shockley 1866-1903

This entry is from the J.J. Watts collection. John J. Watts hailed from Warren, Maine and moved to the northern Ozarks of Missouri sometime after the Civil War. He was a circuit-riding Baptist Minister and his territory covered Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties and parts of Maries and Dent Counties. He established a cemetery, Watt’s Lawn, which is located 1 mile West of J Highway, near the Pulaski County-Phelps County line. This collection covers 1878-1912.

Sister Sarah Elizabeth Shockley, beloved wife of Wm. Wesley Shockley, was born at the S.H. Stuart farm in Pulaski Co., MO, Oct. 10th 1866, and died Oct. 20th 1903 at 15 min past midnight (morning) near Decker P.O., age 37 ys, and 10 ds. Sister Shockley was a daughter of the late Jasper and Nancy Jane York (nee Logan) ___ had 2 children Rufus & Sarah E. And of the Atterberry _____ there were 8 child. making 10 child in all. 6 are living. Burial service at the Dry Creek Cemetery Oct. 20th 1903 at 5 p.m. Tues. Oct 15th 1882 she was united in marriage with Wm. W. Shockley, and the mother of 10 children, all living.

Michael Woods 1858-1903

This entry is from the J.J. Watts collection. John J. Watts hailed from Warren, Maine and moved to the northern Ozarks of Missouri sometime after the Civil War. He was a circuit-riding Baptist Minister and his territory covered Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties and parts of Maries and Dent Counties. He established a cemetery, Watt’s Lawn, which is located 1 mile West of J Highway, near the Pulaski County-Phelps County line. This collection covers 1878-1912.

Michael Woods died on Woodland Valley, near Moab P.O. in Pulaski Co., MO, March 25th 1903 at 11-30 p.m., aged 45 ys & 25 ds. A funeral at Pleasant Hill Church July 5th 1903 at 3 p.m.. Mr. Woods was born in Washington Co., MO, Feb. 28th 1858 and was a son of Mr. Michael M. & Susannah Woods and was of a family of 11 children as follows: By first wife.
1st Elvira Woods, born in Washington Co., MO, married & lives in Montage, Texas.
Children by 2d wife:
2d Julia Woods born in Washington Co., MO, died, aged 2 ys.
3d Michael Woods-subject of this notice
Children by 3rd wife:
4th Joseph
5th Alice A.
6th Benjamin Woods born Feb. 17th 1872.
7th Justina
8th Crocia
9th John Wesley Woods born Jan'y 22d 1878.
10th Andy Anderson Woods born Aug. 2d 1880
11th James Monroe Woods born ____, died ______.
8 of whom survive
March 5th 1883, he was united in marriage with Miss Amanda Jane Burgett & unto them were born 9 children, 7 surviving. A funeral discourse was preached at Moab S.H. July 5th 1903 at 3 p.m. from Isa. 48X10.

Sherden Maze 1814-1902

This entry is from the J.J. Watts collection. John J. Watts hailed from Warren, Maine and moved to the northern Ozarks of Missouri sometime after the Civil War. He was a circuit-riding Baptist Minister and his territory covered Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties and parts of Maries and Dent Counties. He established a cemetery, Watt’s Lawn, which is located 1 mile West of J Highway, near the Pulaski County-Phelps County line. This collection covers 1878-1912.

Sherden Maze born in Pulaski Co., KY, Dec. 28th 1814, and died near Moab, Pulaski Co., MO, Aug. 11th 1902 at 9 p.m., aged 87 ys, 7 ms, and 13 days. Was four times married and was father of 11 children. Two by first wife, 3 by second wife, 4 by third wife and two by 4th wife. She survives him. 3 children survive, Mrs. Nancy Ann Ferrell, James R. and George W. Maze. 13 grand children, 11 living. Bro. Maze was of a family of 11 child., 8 boys and 3 girls. On Wednesday Aug 13th at 10 o'clock a.m. service was held at the house by singing & prayer, after which his remains were taken charge of by the Masons and conveyed to the Dry Creek Cemetery where a funeral discourse was delivered by Watts, from Rev. 21X25. Then the Masonic ceremonies by Waynesville Lodge. Burial completed at 1-30 p.m.

William Ousley 1815-1890

This entry is from the J.J. Watts collection. John J. Watts hailed from Warren, Maine and moved to the northern Ozarks of Missouri sometime after the Civil War. He was a circuit-riding Baptist Minister and his territory covered Phelps, Pulaski, and Texas Counties and parts of Maries and Dent Counties. He established a cemetery, Watt’s Lawn, which is located 1 mile West of J Highway, near the Pulaski County-Phelps County line. This collection covers 1882-1912.

Bro. William Ousley was born in Campbell Co., Tenn., March 25th 1815, died near the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church in Pulaski Co., MO, March 19th 1890, aged 74 ys. 11 ms. and 24 days. A funeral sermon was preached from Isaiah 48 X 10 at the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church by J.J. Watts, Sept. 14th 1890 at 11 a.m., Sun. Widow, 2 child. living, 19 grand children, 9 great grand children, 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

***Note: William and his first wife, Mary, were buried at the Big Piney River Cemetery. The cemetery later flooded and their gravestones were moved to the Dry Creek Cemetery in Pulaski County, Missouri. Information from the Owsley Family Historical Society, Floyd Owsley.