Cora (Hamilton) Underwood d. 5 January 1902

OBITUARY

Died, on the 5th day of January, 1902, at her home near Riddle ford south of Dixon, Pulaski county, Mo., Mrs. Cora Underwood, wife of J.C. Underwood. She struggled with pneumonia eight days, but shoe bore her sufferings with a fortitude which characterizes a true Christian, which indeed she was, having been a consistent member of the church for about six years. She was born Jan. 21, 1875, being nearly 27 years old at death. She was married to J.C. Underwood Aug. 16, 1896.

Cora was an industrious daughter, a faithful and devoted wife and loving mother. She was the daughter of J.E. and M.C. Hamilton, well known and respected citizens of this community. Her place in the family circle will be sadly missed, her place in society hard to fil.

Her body was laid to rest in the cemetery at Mitchell Chapel in the presence of a large number of relatives and friends, to await the morning of the resurrection.

She leaves a husband, two children and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn her untimely death.

Cora, it is hard to say good-bye, but we will strive to meet you in heaven.

---D.D. GREENSTREET

The Pulaski County Democrat
Waynesville, Missouri
10 January 1902
Page 1

Mary (Hancock) Hamilton 1830-1909

Again the death angel has entered the home and carried away one of the time honored landmarks of Pulaski county in the person of Aunt Mary Hamilton of near Wheeler's mill, who died on Friday and was buried at the Hamilton graveyard on Saturday January 9th, 1909.

Mrs. Hamilton was one of the early settlers of Pulaski Co. and has lived for about fifty years on the farm where she died. Her husband preceded her to the better land many years ago, leaving her with a large family of children, which she reared to man and womanhood and it can truthfully be said that her children, grand children, and great grand children, which are many, go to make up the best citizenship of our County. She had acquired much of this world's goods and was always kind to those who was in need; thus one by one we record the passing away of some of the Lords chosen people. The Democrat joins in sympathy with the relatives who mourn the loss of so good a mother, grandmother, and friend.

Pulaski County Democrat

15 January, 1909

*While the original obituary indicates that Mary Hamilton was laid to rest at Hamilton graveyard, her headstone is located at Sewell Cemetery near Hancock. We do not know if this was simply an error by the paper, if Mrs. Hamilton's grave was later relocated, or if Sewell Cemetery was once known as the Hamilton graveyard.  According to Tombstone Inscriptions of Pulaski County, published by Pulaski County Museum & Historical Society, there are two Hamilton cemeteries, both located near Riddle Bridge. Mary's husband, Samuel, who passed away in 1874, is recorded as being buried in Hamilton Farm cemetery. His tombstone was transcribed by the Historical Society in the mid 1980's. 

Hattie Berniece (Peterson) Hamilton 1917-1986

Hattie Berniece Hamilton, daughter of C.H. and Maude Willie Jones Peterson was born on August 24, 1917 in Crocker, Missouri.  She entered into her heavenly and eternal home on Sunday, July 13, 1986 having attained the age of 68 years, 10 months and 19 days.

She was united in marriage to Harold E. Hamilton on September 26, 1938.  To this union three children were born, Douglas Earl, Edward E. and Sharon K..

Berniece was converted at an early age in the Crocker Christian Church.  She later was baptized into the fellowship of First Baptist Church in Crocker.  She was a loving and devoted wife and mother.

She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Harold; one son, Edward E. of Dixon; 1 daughter Sharon Kappelman of Jefferson City; 1 brother Willie V. Peterson of Caseyville, Illinois; 3 grandsons, Lance Kappelman, and Douglas and Philip Hamilton.  Two aunts of Kansas City, Kansas.  In addition to a host of friends and loved ones.  She was preceded in death by her parents and 1 son Douglas.

Funeral services were held in the Baptist Church in Crocker on Tuesday, July 15, 1986 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Marc Miller officiating.  Burial was in the Crocker Memorial Park Cemetery.  Organist was Beth Skaggs and Soloist were Kathy Brandt, Sue Hauck and Ellen Alexander.  Serving as her pallbearers were Ewell Penland, Henry Farley, Bud and Harold Newcomb, Jack Skaggs and Jessie Peterson.

Mildred Dorothy (Teel) Hamilton 1918-1986

Mildred Dorothy Hamilton was born in Hancock, Missouri on December 13, 1918, the daughter of Perry and Belle Ray Teel and passed away in the Phelps County Regional Medical Center in Rolla on March 2, 1986.  She had attained the age of 67 years.

She was a member of the Assembly of God Church at Helm and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were held in the Long Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 4, 1986 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Phillip Inman officiating.  Burial was in the Dixon Cemetery under the direction of the Long Funeral Chapel.

Pallbearers were Larry and Charles Brittain, Kenny and Bobby Teel, Paul Ray and Naith Campbell.

She is survived by her daughter, Dorothy King of Dixon; six grandchildren; five great grandchildren; three sisters, Pansey Baker, Opal Brittain, and Pearl Wilkes, all of Dixon; four brothers, Lester Teel, Ernest Teel and Earl Teel, all of Dixon and Louie Teel of Iberia, with

(missing text)

Maude May (Hamilton) Crews 1893-1986

Maude May Crews was born in Crocker on July 6, 1893 the daughter of Wade and Jane Cole Hamilton and passed away in the Phelps County Hospital in Rolla on March 21, 1986.  She had attained the age of 92 years,8 months and 15 days.

She was united in marriage to Medford S. Crews on December 5, 1916 and unto this union 6 children were born.

She was a member of the Mitchell Chapel Methodist Church.  She worked at Ft. Wood Hospital for several years and when she retired she enjoyed her flowers, gardening, and her family.  She was a loving Mother and Grandmother and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Funeral Services were held in the Long Funeral Chapel on Tuesday, March 25, 1986 with Charles Pitts officiating.  Burial was in the Crocker Memorial Park Cemetery.  Pallbearers were Roger, Jerry, Gary, Danny, Darrell and Medford D. Crews.

Mrs. Crews is survived by her husband Medford S. Crews of the home, 3 sons, Willis of Crocker, Don of Hancock and Gene of Beulah, Missouri, 2 daughters, Wilma Kemp of Brookings, Oregon and Mildred Louise Crews of Dixon, 1 brother Clifford Hamilton of Detroit, Michigan, 1 sister, Ida Hamilton Crews of Springfield,17 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren with other relatives and friends.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son Willard M. Crews and 4 brothers, Oscar, Burt, John, and James Hamilton.

Roberta Blue Olson 1914-1986

Roberta Blue Olson, of Dixon, was born on October 31, 1914, at Newburg, a daughter of Perry William and Amanda Ruth Hamilton Blue, and departed this life at 6:25 p.m., on Sunday evening, March 30, 1986, in the Ellis Fischel State Cancer Center, Columbia, following a lengthy illness.  Mrs. Olson had attained the age of 71 years, 4 months and 29 days.

Prior to her retirement on December 22, 1967, Mrs. Olson had been employed as a Personnel Administrators of the United States Army for twenty-seven years.  Mrs. Olson was a member of the Gasconade Baptist Church near Dixon having accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Saviour and following her Lord in Baptism.  Fond and precious memories of Mrs. Olson will long be remembered in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Funeral services were conducted for Mrs. Olson at 2:00 p.m., on Wednesday afternoon, April 2, 1986, in the Dixon Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes with the Rev. Bill J. Elam, Pastor of Gasconade Baptist Church, officiating.  Mrs. Carmen Hauck played an organ rendition of “How Great Thou Art” for the funeral service.

Interment was in the Roach Cemetery near Newburg under the direction of the Dixon Chapel of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Homes.  Active pallbearers for Mrs. Olson were John Bill Mitchell, Bill Ousley, Joey Blue, Mark White, Jess Bunch and Jesse Bunch Jr., and honorary pallbearers were Joe Blue, Guy Bowman, Lloyd Bunch, Gene Blue, Don Edward Bowman and Robin Mitchell.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mrs. Olson include: Two brothers, Joseph Lester Blue II, Newburg, and Eugene Blue, Bourbon; six sisters, Mrs. Dorothy Coleman, Lebanon, Mrs. Leona Ousley, Dixon, Mrs. Lorrane Bunch, Bethalto, Illinois, Mrs. Katherine Bowman, Dixon, Mrs. Betty Ann Giffin, St. Louis, and Mrs. Hope Mitchell, Dixon; and many other relatives and a host of friends.

Mrs. Olson was preceded in death by her father on December 25, 1954; her mother on October 1, 1977; and one sister, Miss Peggy Lou Blue.

Cindy Sue Sellers 1958-2008

Cindy Sue Sellers, daughter of Warren Brooks and Ophelia Mae (Hamilton) Duncan, was born March 23, 1958 in Waynesville, Missouri at the DeWitt Clinic. Cindy grew up in the Dixon, Missouri area and graduated from Dixon Public School in 1976.

As a young girl, Cindy accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior and was baptized. She was a lifelong and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Dixon. Her life was characterized by loving and worshipping her Savior-knowing Jesus and making him known.

On August 12, 1977, Cindy was united in marriage to James Craig Sellers in Dixon, Missouri. They shared over 30 wonderful years of marriage together and were blessed with two children: Kaleb Craig and Amanda Rose.

Cindy worked for a time as a florist in St. Robert, Missouri before attaining her lifelong goal of being able to stay at home and become, as her children called her, mommy extraordinaire. She was a wonderful mother and loving wife and was proud of the fact that she could stay home and take care of her family. In her spare time, Cindy enjoyed being outdoors; whether it was gardening or enjoying Gods creation. She loved to travel and go antiquing. She was a wonderful cook and she was best known for her quick wit and good sense of humor. Most importantly, she treasured the times that she spent with her family and friends.

Cindy went home to be with her Lord the evening of Wednesday, April 9, 2008 in the St. Johns Regional Health Center of Springfield, Missouri at the age of 50 years and 12 days.

Cindy will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by her husband, Craig of the home; one son: Kaleb Sellers of Dixon, MO; one daughter: Amanda Sellers of Dixon, MO; her mother: Ophelia Duncan of Dixon, MO; one brother: Dale Duncan and his wife Sharon of Ashland, MO; brothers and sisters-in-laws: Larry and Connie Sexton of Rolla, MO and Johnny and Billie Jean Dalton of Kansas City, MO; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Cindy was preceded in death by her father: Brooks Duncan; one brother: Terry Duncan; and her mother and father-in-law: Bill and Melba Sellers.

Cindys Christian walk was not only the most important part of her life " it was her lifes reason.

Funeral services were held at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 12, 2008 in the First Baptist Church of Dixon, Missouri with Rev. Brandon McCombs officiating. Marlene Johnson, a dear friend of Cindys, read the obituary. The First Baptist Church Worship Team led the congregation in singing Blessed Be the Name of the Lord, I Can Only Imagine, Healing Rain and Fill Me With You. Serving as escorts were John Hargis, Danny Milligan, Chris Paterson, Stevie Shelton, Tommy Shelton and Lynn Whitten. Serving as honorary escorts were Ray Baker and Bill Harrison.

Burial followed in the Sellers Cemetery of Davisville, Missouri. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Cindy Sellers to the American Diabetes Association and may be left at Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Gladys (Rose) Page 1911-2005

Gladys Rose Page, daughter of Milam Rose and Margaret (Miller) Rose was born November 9, 1911 at Mossy Spring near Waynesville, Missouri.

Gladys was a life long resident of Pulaski County. She attended school and made her home near Waynesville.

On January 25, 1932 Gladys was united in marriage to Robert Franklin "Jack" Carroll and to this union three children, James Richard, Jackie Wayne and MaryAnn were born. Gladys later married Silas Hamilton on March 18, 1959. Silas preceded her in death on December 29, 1976. Gladys married Joe Page on November 20, 1982.

Gladys owned and operated the Carroll Cabins in Waynesville for many years.

She loved spending time outdoors. She took great pride in her flower and vegetable gardens. She also enjoyed spending time fishing and sewing.

Gladys departed this life Sunday afternoon April 17, 2005 in the Life Care Center of Waynesville at the age of 93 years.

Gladys is survived by one daughter: MaryAnn Formy-Duval of Springfield, MO; one son: Richard Carroll of Waynesville, MO; three sisters: Wanda Adkins of Waynesville, MO, Helen Berquist of San Jose, CA and Wilma Kieth of San Diego, CA; three brothers: Everald Rose and Marvin Rose, both of Dixon, MO and John Rose of Indianapolis, IN; six grandchildren: Frankie, Jason and Jimmy Carroll, Brian Formy-Duval, Angela Jacobs and Markey Carroll; eleven great grandchildren: Jimmy, Andrew, Hunter, Alyssa, Duston, Jackie, Shaylee, Kayla, Kinley. Gavin and Rachel; several other relatives and friends also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband Silas, her parents, her son, Jackie, two grandchildren, Jeffrey and Joyce Carroll, five siblings, Drew Rose, Pearl Rose, Della Rose, Ruth Rose and Dorothy Williams.

Graveside services were held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, April 21, 2005 in the Waynesville Memorial Park Cemetery with Rev. Richard Breeden officiating. Janet Sands, niece of Gladys, gave a beautiful eulogy. Services were under the direction of Waynesville Memorial Chapel.

Willis "Bugs" Crews 1919-2012

Willis "Bugs" Crews, 92, of Crocker, died Monday, February 20, 2012, in the Life Care Center of
Waynesville.  Born August 30, 1919, at Crocker, a sod of Medford and Maude (Hamilton) Crews.

Married February 26, 1941, at Lebanon to Mildred Leona Cusick Crews who preceded him in death on
April 26, 2011.

He had worked for Missouri State Highway Department.

Survivors:  5 sons, 1 daughter, 2 brothers, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at 1:00 p.m., Friday 24, 2012, at the Long Kloeppel Funeral Chapel, Crocker.  Interment was at Antioch Cemetery. 

Ralph E. Hamilton 1906-2011

Ralph E. Hamilton departed this life at 8:45 pm Saturday, February 5, 2011 in Manor Care Nursing Home at the age of 104 years, seven months and 14 days. Ralph was born on June 22, 1906 near Crocker, Missouri and was preceded in death by his parents J.E. (Ed) and Carrie Claiborn, Hamilton, his wife of 68 years, Mae Thornsberry, sisters, Hazel and Crystal, brother Harold and daughter Juanita Sue. He is survived by a son Herbert Morris of Springfield, Missouri, two grandchildren, Andrew (Andy) and wife Lynn of Glenn Allen, Virginia, Annette of Columbia and husband Russell Duker, three great-grandchildren: Rebecca, Rachel and Nathaniel Duker; two great-great grandchildren: Matthew and Triston, all of Columbia, Missouri; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

Ralph accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of eleven and was an active member of First Baptist Church, Springfield. He spent 51 years as an educator in Missouri Schools: classroom teacher at the elementary, secondary, and collegiate levels, and as coach, principal and superintendent of schools. He demonstrated a great love for youth and enjoyed observing their progress.

He was actively involved in church, school and community and received numerous rewards for his steady participation and leadership. He also took time with his wife and close friends for favorite hobbies of gardening, fishing and reading. His teaching career began in 1924 in a one- room school house (FoxCrossing) in Pulaski County, then a two-teacher elementary school at Hancock, Missouri; five years as principal and coach at Richland, MO; four years as Superintendent of schools in Competition; 9 years (during second World War) as superintendent in Rogersville; 6 years as Superintendent in Cassville; two years as Principal of elementary and junior high at H.P. Studyschool and 13 years (1958-1971) as principal of Springfield's Central HighSchool. After retiring he did substitute teaching at various high schools in Springfield and in Galena, Missouri, and taught four summer courses at Missouri State University and Columbia College. His own education was all completed during summer months leading to receipt of a B.S. in education from "State Teachers College," Springfield (1934) and an Ed.M. from the University of Missouri- Columbia (1941). He also completed advanced courses at MU over the years.

Hamilton affiliated with a local church in each town where he worked. He was ordained as deacon 72 years before his death and at First Baptist Springfield was active on the building committee, chairman of the benevolence committee, and the foundation committee, church Training Director for Greene CountyBaptist Association, member of the Mission committee, etc. He started a Cub and Boy Scout troop, when at Rogersville and promoted scouting in Cassville and Springfield. He received the Silver Beaver Award and The Good Shepherd Award for his distinguished service to scouting. He was also awarded membership in the Order of the Arrow, a national brotherhood of honor campers; and he was an executive board member of the Ozarks Council-Boy Scouts of America for most of his stay in Springfield. He was a 34 year member and past president of the state association of the American Lung Association, director of the Greene County and western Missouri Lung Association, past president of the Greene County American Lung Association, and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award in 1950.

Ralph was an active member of Rotary for over 50 years, was president of the local club, while in Cassville and a member of the downtown Springfield Rotary Club where he received accolades for consistent meeting attendance. He was past chair of the Rotary Scholarship Committee. He was twice president of the Springfield Chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, a former member of the Ozark (American) Rose Society and received recognition for 50 years with the modern Woodmen of America. Upon retirement, he joined the national, state and local Retired Teachers Association where he served as president of the Springfield Chapter and chairman of the legislative committee. He was an active member of the City Utilities Advisory Committee for a number of years and was a recipient of an award from the Board of Public Utilities. In 1998 he received the Lifetime Achievement in Teaching Award from Springfield Public Schools and the Pioneer in Education award from the Missouri Board of Education. In 2001 he was recipient of the Retired Teacher award for Southwest Missouri.

The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at First Baptist Church, Springfield with the Reverend Michael Overton officiating and Dr. Paul Swadley under the direction of Gorman-Scharpf Brentwood Chapel. Burial will be in Hazelwood Cemetery, weather permitting. Visitation will be from 6:00 -8:00 PM on Wednesday in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Area Retired Teachers Association Scholarship, c/o Jacque White, Treasurer, 1411 Collins Road, Ozark, Missouri 65721, or First Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 525 South Avenue, Springfield, Missouri 65806.

Rufus Ross Hamilton 1922-2007

Rufus Ross Hamilton, 84, of Chetek, died on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2007, at Heritage Manor Nursing Home in Rice Lake.

He was born in Bloodland, Mo., on Dec. 31, 1922, a son of Ross and Orpha (Vaughn) Hamilton. He was a resident of Hanover, Mass., for 16 years and Weymouth, Mass., for eight years. He was married to Anita E. Gordon on Jan. 12, 1946. He was a district manager of the John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company. In his retirement years, he was a salesman for Willie's R.V. Sales in Bloomer. A World War II veteran, he served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Rufus proudly served on the USS Chester in the Pacific Theater during WWII. His grandson, Michael, is currently serving in Iraq with the U.S. Army.

He is survived by his wife, Anita; two sons, Brian (Janet) Hamilton of Chetek, and Mark (Carol) Hamilton of Hanover, Mass.; seven grandchildren, John, Michael, Laurie, Matthew, Julie, Lisa, and Andrew; seven great-grandchildren, Zachary, Joshua, Dylan, Dallas, Elizabeth, Brock, and Quinlan; one sister, JoAnne (James) Kidd of Florida; and three brothers, Harry Hamilton of Illinois, Edwin (Melba) Hamilton of Boston, Mass., and Jean (Dee) of Haverhill, Mass.
Private funeral services will be held at the Nash-Jackan Funeral Home in Bruce, with Rev. Mark Bartlett officiating. Burial will be held in Massachusetts at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials in the name of Rufus R. Hamilton may be directed to Heritage Manor Nursing Home, 19 West Newton Street, Rice Lake.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Nash-Jackan Funeral Home of Bruce and Ladysmith.

Arthur & Tabitha Claiborn d. December 3, 1920

A DOUBLE TRAGEDY

Mrs. T.A. Claiborn Killed Husband With Shotgun Then Took Her Own Life With Pistol Early Friday Morning Near Wheeler’s Mill.

The Crocker News – Dec 9, 1920

The people of Crocker and Pulaski county were shocked early Friday morning when news came that Mrs. T.A. Claiborn had shot and killed her husband, a highly respected and prosperous farmer, and then killed herself at their beautiful country home near Wheeler’s Mill, nine miles east of Crocker. The tragedy occurred between five and six o’clock Friday morning and it is believed that Mrs. Claiborn’s mind had become unbalanced as a result of prolonged ill health and the mystery will perhaps never be solved.

Mrs. Claiborn had arisen Friday morning and was busy about the kitchen. She had awakened her husband, but he had supposedly gone back to sleep. After starting a fire Mrs. Claiborn returned to the bed room seized a shot gun which was near at hand and fired at close range, blowing the back and top of her husband’s head off killing him instantly. Her eldest daughter, about 12 years old, was at her side in an instant and seeing what her mother had done, cried “Oh Mama, what did you kill Papa for?” and then ran up stairs to waken the hired man, who ran down in his night clothes barefooted. When he reached the room where Mr. Claiborn lay Mrs. Claiborn was on her knees by the bed with gun against her head trying to pull to trigger. He knocked the gun away and then began a terrific struggle for its possession. Fearing that his own life was in danger the boy escaped from the house, ran down the hill and waded the Gasconade river to the J.A. Shattuck home for help. He and Mr. Shattuck returned to the scene at once but could hear no sound in the house. Finding the doors all locked but one they finally gained entrance and found Mrs. Claiborn lying on floor with a bullet would in her forehead. She had taken her own life with a pistol. She lived a few minutes after they arrived, but never regained consciousness.

The coroner and physicians were hurriedly summoned and many people went to the scene of the double tragedy during the day. At the inquest the children and the hired man told the same stories leaving no doubt in anyone’s mind that Mrs. Claiborn had committed the deed which left her children orphaned and brought deep grief to many close relatives and friends.

Mr. And Mrs. Claiborn were trading in Crocker Thursday and seemed to be in their usual good spirits, she, in particular, it is recalled seemed unusually cheerful as she “visited” with acquaintances while doing her shopping. That evening after returning home, so the story goes, she asked her husband to show her how to shoot a gun and they went into the yard and fired several shots. In the morning she called her daughter to get up and help her get breakfast, and while dressing conversed with her husband as he lay in bed. It is said that after shooting the father she kissed the children goodbye and told them they could live with their grandpa. When the children begged her not to kill herself she finally said she would not if they would go to the home of a neighbor for help. They started to do as she bade them, but she fired the shot that brought death to herself before they left the house. According to friends who had known them for years they had never had any domestic troubles and were deeply devoted to each other and to their children.

Mr. And Mrs. Claiborn were both born and reared in Pulaski county and had the respect and esteem of all who knew them, and their passing in this terrible manner came as a great shock to the entire county. Mr. Claiborn was the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Claiborn, both of whom live on a farm near by. Mrs. Claiborn was the daughter of Mr. And Mrs. J. E. Hamilton, who also reside in that neighborhood. Both families have lived in Pulaski county for many years and are well-to-do- and highly respected and deep is the grief that has suddenly overshadowed them in their declining years. The deepest sympathy of every person goes out to the parents, the orphaned children and the brothers and sisters of the dead.

The funeral was held Tuesday morning at 11 o’clock at Mitchell Chapel, east of Crocker. Impressive services were conducted by Rev. Licklider, of near Crocker and Rev. Patton of Waynesville, after which the bodies were laid to rest in the same grave at the Chapel cemetery in the presence of a vast gathering of sorrowing relatives and friends.

Mr. Claiborn was 35 years of age at the time of his death and Mrs. Claiborn was 33. Besides their six children, ranging in age from 4 months to 12 years, they leave their parents, several brothers and sisters and many other relatives to mourn their tragic and untimely death.

Editor's Note: Arthur Claiborn was born August 16, 1885 and Tabitha was born May 22, 1890. They are buried side by side, and share a tombstone, in Mitchell Chapel Cemetery.

View T. Arthur Claiborn Death Certificate

View Sarah Tabitha Claiborn Death Certificate

Mrs. Mary Hamilton 1830-1909

Again the death Angel has entered the home and carried away one of the time honored landmarks of Pulaski County in the person of Aunt Mary Hamilton of near Wheeler’s Mill, who died on Friday and was buried at the Hamilton graveyard on Saturday January 9th, 1909.

Mrs. Hamilton was one of the early settlers of Pulaski County and has lived for about fifty years on the farm where she died. Her husband preceded her to the better land many years ago, leaving her with a large family of children, which she reared to man and womanhood and it can truthfully be said that her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, which are many, go to make up the best citizenship of our County. She had acquired much of this world’s goods and was always kind to those in need; thus one by one we record the passing away of some of the Lord’s chosen people.

7 December 1830-8 January, 1909

Norman Thomas Hamilton 1918-2009

Norman Thomas Hamilton, of Camdenton, formerly of Crocker, was born on October 22, 1918, in Pulaski County, the son of John William and Helen Mary (Whalen) Hamilton and departed this life at 8:39 p.m., Monday, September 7, 2009, in the Windsor Estates Care Center, Camdenton, Missouri. Mr. Hamilton had been in failing health and had attained the age of 90 years, 10 month and 15 days.

Mr. Hamilton was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Mary Hamilton and Erma Salveter.

Mr. Hamilton was a member of the Assembly of God Church and had been a farmer in the Pulaski County area, for all his working life. He loved square dancing and Country and Western Music.

Those left to mourn the passing of Mr. Hamilton include: one brother, John Dale Hamilton, St. Louis; three sisters, Evelyn Deardeuff, St. Robert, Erelene Thornsberry and Velma Morris, both of Crocker; numerous nephews and nieces; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted for Mr. Hamilton at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 10, 2009, in the Long Funeral Home, Crocker with Bro. Billy Claiborn, pastor of Hilltop Christian Union Church, Crocker, officiating. Jimmy Moore sang “Going Down The Valley, One By One”, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Wind Beneath My Wings” for the funeral service.

Interment was in the Crocker Cemetery under the direction of the Long Funeral Home, Crocker. Pallbearers for Mr. Hamilton were Vance Thornsberry, David Morris, Timothy Hamilton, Bill Morris, Steve Street and Scott Hamilton.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Crocker Cemetery Perpetual Care Fund with envelopes available at the office of the Long Funeral Home, Crocker

Samuel Roberson 1892-1959

Sam Roberson, Local Citizen, Succumbed From Heart Attack

Sam Roberson, who for a numbers of years, operated a service station in Waynesville, died Monday at his home, victim of an apparent heart attack.

Mr. Roberson was a life-long resident of this community.

Funeral services for Sam Roberson, 52, who died, Monday at his home in Waynesville, were held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday in the Mt. Gibson Baptist Church near Waynesville, with the Rev. Ferrell Hutsell officiating.

Burial was in the church cemetery under the direction of the Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Mr. Roberson, a farmer, and a lifelong resident of Pulaski County, is survived by his wife, Lena; four sons, Leland (?) of St. Louis, Dale, Bobby, and Jerry, all of Waynesville; daughters, Mrs. Laura Flesch__ and Mrs. Mary Lea Flesch___, both of St. Louis; three brothers, Ralph, Los Angeles, _____of Alton, Illinois; and Roy of Waynesville; two sisters Mrs. ___la Davis, Alton, Illinois, and Hazel Higgs of Richland, and 15 grandchildren.

(Handwritten note: Samuel Roberson: 1892-1959. Wife Lena: 1900-1981)

Wade Columbus Hamilton 1878-1959

Wade Columbus Hamilton was born near Dixon June 19, 1878 and departed this life on December 23, 1959 at his home near Waynesville at the age of 81 years past.

On October 1, 1899 he was united in marriage to Cerena Jane Christeson and to this union four children were born. They reared their family and lived their entire married life on the farm where passed away.

Those left to mourn his passing are one son, Columbus, one daughter, Miss Cloa Hamilton of Waynesville; three brothers, Charley of Farmington, Tom and Virgil of Dixon; a sister, Mrs. Ettie Powell of Springfield. Also surviving are one grandson, Ricahrd, and a granddaughter, Jeanette Hamilton of Waynesville. He had been in failing health for a number of years.

In 1921 he was converted and united with the Waynesville Methodist Church and retained membership there until his death. For the past 40 years he had been a member of the Modern Woodman’s Lodge of America.

Funeral services were held Saturday at 2:00 p.m. at the Waynesville Methodist Church with Rev. Vernon Schmidt officiating. Burial was in Turpin Cemetery under direction of Hedges Funeral Home of Waynesville.

Pallbearers, all nephews, were Paris Claiborn, Chester, Harold, Ralph, and Childs Hamilton, and Orville Stone.

Cora Catherine (Ballard) Hamilton 1872-1902

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.

Mrs. Cora Catherine, wife of Thomas Felix Hamilton, was born in Pulaski Co, MO, July 31st 1872, died on Piney (3 miles below Spring Creek) Pulaski Co., MO, Oct 5th 1902 at 3 a.m., aged 30 ys, 2 ms, & 4 ds, leaving a husband and 6 children & step mother, and was of a family of 10 children, and daughter of the late Bland N. and Sarah Margaret Ballard. Mr. Ballard was twice married by his 1st wife they had 6 children, 3 now living. And by his 2d marriage there was 4 children, all living. In the family of 10 children, 7 survive. A funeral discourse was preached at the R.A. Hamilton Cemetery, Oct 6th at 2 p.m.,Mon., from 1st Cor. 13X12. Hymns "Further on" & on page 25, "Come my dear friends and mourn with me".