Baker, Alpheus Estes
BAKER, ALPHEUS ESTES, business man, was born March 24, 1834, near Tuscumbia, Franklin County (Ala.); and died January 27, 1910,
at Meridian, Miss.; son of John William and Martha Jane (Estes) Baker; grandson of John Baker who married a Miss Kavanaugh, and of Samuel and Martha Estes of Petersburg, Va., the latter a soldier of the Revolutionary War, who came to Tennessee from Ireland. He received his early schooling at Warsaw, Sumter County, and was graduated from the Chamberlain Commercial College, Baltimore, Md. He formed a partnership with his brother, R. H. Baker, in Selma, in the wholesale grocery business from 1859 until it failed in 1873; was elected cashier of the Selma Savings Bank in 1875, which position he occupied for twenty years; was mayor of Selma from 1882 until 1884. He enlisted in the C. S. Army, April, 1862, and was mustered out after serving ninety days. He was a Democrat; a Mason, and a Presbyterian. Married: (1) In 1857, Mamie Strang, daughter of Gen. Strang of Mobile; (2) In September, 1883, Sallie Huntington Clancy, daughter of Thomas and Carolyne (Atwood) Clancy, of Marion. Children, by first marriage: 1. Mattie, b. July 29, 1858, d. July, 1860; 2. Strang, b. May 7, 1860, d. June 12, 1872; 3. Robert Harry, b. July 4, 1862. d. December 17, 1896; 4. Allie, b. October 4, 1864, m. Lizzie Pierce; 5. Mary Elizabeth, b. June 12, 1872, m. Eugene Butler; 6. Lizette, b. September 23, 1874, d. September 23, 1895; by second marriage, 7. James Clancy, b. June 24, 1884, m. Cora Huggins; 8. Carrie, b. September 3, 1885, m. Ramsey Bancroft; 9. John W., b. December, 1886; 10. Cecil, b. December 21, 1889. Last residence: Meridian, Miss.
[Source: History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, By Thomas McAdory Owen, Marie Bankhead Owen, Published by The S. J. Clarke publishing company, 1921; Submitted by Veneta McKinney]

Mayer, Otto
Dead from Overdose of Morphine.
Meridian, Miss., Dec. 4.-Ottoo Mayer, district manager for Maas & Newburger, cotton brokers, was found dead in his bed at the Southern Hotel this afternoon. He had been dead eight or ten, hours when his room was entered. The coroner's jury rendered a verdict of accidental death from an overdose of morphine taken to induce sleep.
[The Washington Post, Dec. 5, 1904 (Washington, D.C. - Barbara Ziegenmeyer]

Cade, John Catline
CADE, JOHN CATLINE, planter, was born September 7, 1843, in Dayton, Marengo County, Ala., and died March 8, 1875, in Meridian, Miss. He was a son of Adolphus Sellers and Thurza Jane (Catline) Cade, who remained residents of Dayton throughout life. He had three sisters: I. Carrie, m. Eddie Prince; II. Emma, m. Col. Levi Reeves of Dayton, who after her death married her sister III. Adolpha. John Catline Cade was the owner of a large plantation near Dayton and had many slaves. He
served as adjutant in the Confederate States Army and after the war was appointed probate judge of Marengo County in 1867. He was married at Tuscaloosa, Ala., December 24, 1864, to Sallie Jemison, daughter of William Henry and Elizabeth Armlntine / Jemison of Tuscaloosa. Last residence: Meridian, Miss.
[History of Alabama and Dictionary of Alabama Biography, By Thomas McAdory Owen, Marie Bankhead Owen, Published by The S. J. Clarke publishing company, 1921; Submitted by Veneta McKinney]

Smith, George Franklin
G. F. SMITH DEAD
Another sad death occured in Elk City Monday morning, January 3rd, when G. F. Smith passed away, after an illness of over a week, from smallpox. A short time before he had suffered from other illness and his condition was such as to make it impossible for him to overcome the effects of the disease which caused his death.
The news of his death brought sorrow to all, for he was one of Elk City's best men, known to young and old. For sometime, Mr. Smith had been conducting a shoe shop on North Main street. He was ever of a cheerful nature and his friends were always greeted heartily by him. The children loved to call him "Daddy" Smith, for he was always so kind to them and they felt they had indeed lost a friend and expressed great sorrow when they heard of his passing away.
The funeral, which was private on account of the disease, was held Monday afternoon at the cemetery, in charge of Grubitz & Son. Rev. Hamilton spoke a few words. Beautiful flowers from friends were placed on the grave.
George Franklin Smith, son of Elcana and Martha Smith, (born) in Meridian, Mississippi, September 28, 1862, died at Elk City, Oklahoma, January 3rd, 1921. He was married to Alvoretta Gilbert in December 1883. She passed away November 5th, 1895. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith. One child, Jennings Smith, an infant, died November 25, 1895. Six children are left to mourn the death of a devoted and loving father: Mrs. Alice Hill of Roff, Okla.; Mrs. Mollie King, Elk City; Mrs. Mina Johnson, Bessie, Okla.; and three sons, Thomas, Frank and Cleveland Smith who live at Springfield, Colo.
Mr. Smith had been a faithful member of the Baptist church for many years. He loved music and was a good singer, always being in his place in the choir when able to be there.
(6 Jan 1921, Thursday, Sayre Standard, Sayre, Beckham Co, OK): W. E. Smith, wife and daughter, Miss Gertrude, of Easterly, Texas, spent the past week with their son, A. N. Smith and family, of Sayre. W. E. and family visited Sayre after attending the funeral of Mr. Smith's brother, G. F. Smith of Elk City, whose death occured there from the effects of a case of smallpox. G. F. Smith was fifty years old at his death. (21 Jan 1921, Friday, Southwest Press, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK): RESOLUTIONS OF ELK CITY LODGE NO. 221
In honor and memory of our beloved brother, G. F. Smith, who answered the death summons January third, 1921, the following resolutions were adopted by the Elk City Lodge No. 221, I.O.O.F. of Elk City, Oklahoma. Whereas, the Divine Ruler of heaven and earth has seen fit to call from us our beloved brother, G. F. Smith, and Whereas, we are again reminded that death is no respecter of persons and that we must all bow in submission to God's holy will. Therefore, be it resolved that we, the members of Elk City Lodge No. 221, I.O.O.F. extend heartfelt sympathy to the bereaved ones and point them to their loving Savior as their Comforter in this hour of sadness; and, Be it further resolved that a copy of these resolutions be sent to each of his bereaved children and that they be published in the home papers and in the Oklahoma Odd Fellow, and also be spread upon the minutes of the Lodge. In Friendship, Love and truth.
Sam Crabtree
I. P. Crisp
J. L. Snyder, Committee.
[ Elk City Newspaper, Elk City, Beckham Co, OK, 6 Jan 1921 - Gene Phillips]

McDonald, Dr William Washington
DEATH REMOVES HONORED CITIZEN FROM OUR MIDST
After an illness lasting but five days, Dr. W.W. McDonald, one of the pioneers of Western Oklahoma, died at the family residence on Fourth Street Monday evening. The funeral was held from the Baptist church Tuesday afternoon at 3 o'clock, and the remains were laid at rest in Doxey-Sayre cemetery. The Masons, Odd Fellows, Eastern Star and Rebekah lodges attended in a body, and the services at the grave were conducted jointly by the Masons and Odd Fellows. The floral offerings were profuse and beautiful, coming from personal friends and the various lodges with which the deceased was affiliated.
Rev. J.E. Gwatkin, his pastor and close personal friend, delivered the address at his funeral, and from this address we are permitted to print the following extracts, which so truly portrays the life and character of the deceased:
"Again the grim reaper has come into our midst and taken away one of our prominent citizens, into a home and taken away a kind and indulgent husband and father, into the fraternities represented here and taken away a faithful member, into this church and removed a loyal brother. We bow submissive to the hand of Providence while we come today to pay our tribute of respect to the memory of our friend and brother, Dr. William Washington McDonald, who was born in Lauderdale county, Mississippi, March 15, 1867. He lived to manhood in his native state. He attended the Cooper Normal Institute and went for his medical training to the Mobile Medical College, at Mobile, Alabama. For a while he taught school and then began the practice of medicine in Mississippi, but soon moved to Lake Station, Texas, where he practiced ten years. About 1902 he came to Oklahoma, settling between Doxey and Elk city, later moving to Doxey and then to Sayre some seven years ago. He was married to Miss Mattie Phillips at Meridian, Mississippi, October 17, 1892. To this union were born four children, the first, a daughter dying in infancy, the other three yet in the home.
"About the age of twenty he was converted and joined a Baptist church in Mississippi, having been interested in the work of the churches wherever he has lived to the day of his death, May 15, 1916, aged 49 years and two months.
"It is never my custom to eulogize the dead on an occasion of this kind. If their lives were unworthy they would belie my words, and if they were worthy they would speak more eloquently than I possibly could do. This life has been lived among you for these fourteen years , and most of you knew him. Besides, I know that it was his wish not to be praised. The only thing I recall ever having heard him say on this subject was that he would rather have it said of them that he had helped some one in distress and trouble than anything else. This we can most truly say.
"But it is justly due to his memory to recall some things, not in praise of him, who is now beyond the reach of our praise or blame, but that they may be of help to us here today. "There are many things I would like to say which I can not now, but I will speak briefly of him as a citizen, a physician, a friend and neighbor, and a benefactor of our community.
"As a citizen he was deeply interested in the affairs of his town, of his state and a close observer of the nation's movements. He took more than usual interest in politics. It is no discredit to him to say he was an ardent believer in the doctrines of his party, a strong partizan, but nothing he ever said to me would lead me to think he put his party interests above the good of his community or country. Rather he believed the truest interests of his country were bound up with those of his party. He took the keenest delight in public matters and had more than usual insight and judgment in these things. He could be counted on for his part in everything which was undertaken for the good of our town or county. I recall specially his explaining what he would like for our county to do for the benefit of the poor and dependent, along the line of having a farm home, equipped and properly managed for their benefit. "As a man of business he was not a success, if we count building up ones own fortunes success. He was too easy and indulgent on those who owed him ever to make money, and too free and liberal with what he had ever to save it. Thousands of dollars in fees he never collected because he would not adopt harsh measures to enforce his claims. Many times advantage was taken of this well known leniency to his loss. But he was the most cheerful man I every say in the midst of financial perplexities. "As a physician he was always ready to go at any hour of the night or day, and no weather or bad road deterred him. I went with him a number of times to call on his patients and marked how he seemed to carry sunshine and cheer into the sick room and that he was esteemed not only as a doctor but as a friend by all. I never knew of his refusing to go when called for fear of not receiving his fee because of the poverty of the patient. But I have know of cases where he not only faithfully ministered for months and sometimes years without even booking his calls but also paid for prescriptions and sometimes furnished the necessaries of life to the family. It is but just to say that no man among us will be more missed and mourned by the poor of our community. In his long years of practice in this county he entered many of the homes of the people and few men have enjoyed greater popularity.
"As a friend I can not trust myself to speak of him, for it was in this relations that I knew him best and loved him most. Coming into this community as a stranger he took me to his home and heart and nothing he could ever do for me seemed to be too much. He was strong in his convictions and in his prejudices, but as true as steel to his friendships. He was quick and impulsive, but generous to a fault, ready to divide his last dollar with a friend or give his last dime to any one in need.
"In disposition he was sunny and genial. He took life as easy in the sense that he did not worry over its hardships and disappointments. Many times I have rallied him about a motto which hung in a prominent place in his office, and which expressed the practice of his life. "Keep on smiling." Often when depressed and worried I have gone to his office and always left encouraged and with a brighter view of life. He was a confirmed optimist. No matter how dark the cloud he would find somewhere the silver lining. I never heard him express any anxiety about the future, except in connection with the welfare of his family; and seldom did I talk with him during the past months that he did not in some way reveal the fact that their welfare was on his mind.
"As a church member he made no claims to superior piety; frequently in private conversation humbly acknowledging his deficiencies and expressing a desire to be of more service to the cause of Christ. But he always had the interests of his church at heart; was liberal in his support of its enterprises; attended the Sunday services more faithfully than many another of his profession would have done. I shall never forget his coming, sometimes directly from a call, and passing by on his way to the choir he would clasp the hand of his pastor with a warm grasp which carried sympathy and appreciation. In my experience as pastor I have never had a more loyal member to me personally. He was intensely loyal to his denomination; yet was always ready to help other churches. I have heard him express satisfaction several times as I have church that he had part in building it; and it is safe to say no building of any denomination in all this section was built without his having some share in it.
"There are many things which my heart prompts me to say, but I feel that he would not approve of more. My feeling is like that of the poet Gray who closes his great Elegy with these words:
No longer seek his merits to disclose,
Or draw his frailties from their dread abode.
There they alike in trembling hope repose.
The bosom of his Father and his God.
"But this service would be incomplete if we did not draw some lessons of help and comfort for us who remain. May we not be reminded today that we too may hopefully take up our burdens and bear them bravely even in the midst of disappointment and uncertainty. The world can never be just the same to these loved ones. But they and we all will still have to face the problems and bear the burdens of life. There is still for you most bereaved much to live for and an important work in the world. Let us face it with courage and look for the silver lining to all the dark clouds, for thus we will be able to better do our own work and carry more happiness into the lives of others.
"May we learn the lesson, which so often we have taught us on similar occasions, that the strongest and most robust have no certain lease on life: that in the midst of life we are in death. Perhaps few men would have been chosen among us as destined to live a longer life. He himself expected to live to be old.
"May we learn to dispense all the sunshine and happiness and courage by our smile and optimism that we possibly can. May be learn that there is a service which does not always look for the financial returns, but which will go on in its beneficent results after we are gone from earth. May we be able to look the future in the face without any dread or apprehension, but with a reasonable care of the interests of those who are dependent upon us.
"May you Masons and Odd Fellows here today tighten the bonds of your fellowship and lengthen the cords of your benevolences from the example of this your brother who found satisfaction in the joy of serving. And one by one your ranks are thinning may you move closer together until hand shall touch hand and heart beat with heart in sympathy with the woes of humanity. May we, the members of this church, get closer to God and be bound more strongly in the bonds of Christian love, the strongest and most divine known on this earth!
"Specially would I plead with you men here today, members of his noble profession: you who try to be faithful in using your skill in healing the bodies of your fellow men: I would plead with you that you be careful tom come for the healing of your own souls from the dread malady of sin to the Great Physician who alone can cure them. I would say to you in the words of a maxim one quoted by our Lord himself, "Physician, heal thyself."
"Citizen, physician, friend and brother, farewell. But, thank God, not forever. On a brighter shore we will meet again to part no more forever. Upon this casket which holds his sleeping dust we place this sincere tribute of affection. Earth has been brighter and sweeter because we knew you, and we believe heaven will be dearer until ere long we shall meet you there."
A CARD OF THANKS
The undersigned take this method of trying to express tot the people of Sayre and Beckham county their profound gratitude for the devoted interest and generous assistance rendered in this sad hour of our distress and bereavement. To the many faithful friends and attendants, who so unremittingly assisted us during the illness of Dr. W.W. McDonald: the Masons and other fraternal orders, who, with our friends, contributed the beautiful floral offerings, we can but feebly express our gratitude. May the blessings of heaven ever attend each and all of you.
Mrs. Mattie McDonald
Clarence McDonald
Nettie McDonald
Abney McDonald
M.G. McDonald
Helen McDonald
Clevie McDonald
[The Sayre Headlight May 1916 - Gene Phillips]

Bourne & Layton Families
Some three weeks since Col. P. S. Layton of Meridian brought his family consisting of his wife and five children to the residence of his father-in-law Dr. Wm. Reber who lives a mile east of Brandon with his widow daughter, Mrs. Annie E. Bourne.  About a week after their arrival Mrs. Layton and four of her children and four of Mrs. Bourne's children, two daughters of Mrs. Britt, and a negro girl were taken ill with dyptheria (sic).  Col. Layton's little girl, Mabel, died on the 20th of August, Annie Bourne on the 24th, Pierre Soule Layton on the 25th, Willie Bourne on the 28th, Eula Bourne on the 30th, and Fannie Bourne on September 1. [The Weekly Clarion, Jackson MS - September 12, 1872 - Submitted by Debora Reese]

Carter, Oscar
Oscar T. Carter, about 12 years of age and a nephew of Judge Ira J. Carter of Meridian, was seized suddenly ill in the early part of the day before yesterday and died before night of congestive chills.  His remains were taken to Enterprise yesterday for interment. [August 29, 1872, The Weekly Clarion, Jackson, Mississippi - Submitted by Debora Reese]

Covington, Jr., Lewis B.
    Chief Warrant Officer Lewis B. Covington, Jr., 34, of H & HS, died early Monday on January 22, 1965, in Charleston naval Hospital after a short illness.    While stationed at Beaufort, Warrant Officer Covington served as assistant Marine Corps Exchange Officer.  He was also Sunday School Superintendent of the Adult Department of the Port Royal Baptist Church.  Warrant Officer Covington was survived by his wife, Ruby Frances and their three sons. [Unknown Newspaper and Publication Date]

Horn, Alex
Alex Horn, Jr., one of the editors of the Mercury, died in Meridian on the 3rd inst. [Brookhaven Ledger, Brookhaven, MS - May 5, 1881]

Gradie E. Mayo
World War I Veteran
    Services for Gradie E. Mayo will be held Saturday at 10 a.m. at Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Earl Wheatley officiating.  Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery.

    Mr. Mayo, 100, of Meridian, died Thursday, March 14, 1996, at the Retirement Center in Baton Rouge, La.  He was a member of Parkview Church of God and a World War I veteran, who served in the Army Infantry in France and Germany.  He was a lifetime member of the American Legion Post 1.  He will be best remembered as the postman who delivered the mail with a horse and buggy.

    Survivors include a daughter, Grace Dunigan and son-in-law, Tom Dunigan, both of Memphis, Tenn.; a daughter-in-law, Marie Mayo of Baton Rouge, La.; a sister Jewel Moon of Meridian; two granddaughters, Rhonda Dunigan Johnson and grandson-in-law, David Johnson, both of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and Lois Mayo Hallett and grandson-in-law, Dick Hallett, both of Anderson, Ind.; three grandsons, Dale Dunigan and granddaughter-in-law, Vicki Dunigan, both of Senatobia, David L. Mayo and Granddaughter-in-law, Terri Mayo, both of Gaithersburg, Md., Lowell D. Mayo and granddaughter-in-law, Tara Mayo, both of Baton Rouge, La.; three great-granddaughters, Krsitina Dunigan and Paula Dunigan, both of Senatobia and Tori Mayo of Baton Rouge, La.; eight great-grandsons, A. J. Dunigan, Jordan Dunigan, Caleb Dunigan, Kevin Dunigan, and Alan Dunigan, and great-granddaughter-in-law, Kristy Dunigan, all of Senatobia and Tyler Mayo and Trace Mayo, both of Baton Rouge, La., and Sean Mayo of Gaithersburg, Md.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

    He was preceded in death by a son, Gradie LaNoyette Mayo and his wife of 65 years, Lala Dollar Mayo, who died in 1985.

    Pallbearers include his grandsons and great-grandsons, David L. Mayo, Lowell D. Mayo, Tyler Mayo, Dale Dunigan, Alan Dunigan, Kevin Dunigan, and David L. Johnson.     Visitation will be held today from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Stephens Funeral Home.
[The Meridian Star, Friday, March 15, 1996]

Sid R. Thompson, adjudged insane last week and sent to the Mississippi Insane hospital at Jackson last Saturday, died Monday afternoon from what is alleged to have been an overdose of strychnine.  How he secured the strychnine is unknown.  The body was brought here last night.  The funeral will be held this afternoon.  Thompson during his trial testified he had been a user of cocaine and morphine about eighteen years.  This, physicians believe caused his brain affection.

HEART FAILURE CAUSED DEATH
    Officials at the Mississippi insane hospital yesterday denied that Thompson died from effects of an overdose of strychnine, stating empathically that heart failure caused his death.

    The insane hospital authorities yesterday stated that Thompson, who had been a "dope fiend", was sent there last week from Meridian, and that he had received the best of care and attention.  They are positive that he did not secure strychnine from any source, and that his heart, probably affected by many years of indulgence in narcotics, failed to perform its proper functions, resulting in his death.  The body was sent to Meridian. [The Daily Herald, Chicago, Illinois, August 5, 1915]

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