The following are selected articles from the Newspaper, "The Higbee News" issued out of Higbee, in Randolph County, Missouri from the years 1887 through 1953. The editors were W. H. Welch and his son H. Scott Welch. This paper covered the Higbee area and the northeastern part of Howard county. The copyright notice at the end of this transcript is to keep this work free to the public, and to ensure it is not harvested by a fee-based genealogy site, or published in any format for profit. If you decide to use this information, PLEASE LIST ME AS THE SOURCE, rather than the paper. My transcription is another generation removed from the microfilm, and is a third generation copy of the original paper. For proper documentation, a researcher should obtain a photocopy of the microfilm for their own records, and use my transcript as anindex. The microfilm is available for interlibrary loan through the State Historical Society of Missouri, and a copy is also on file at the Moberly Public Library, generously donated by the Higbee Historical Society. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 1, Col.2--WHITE-RACE--Mr. Clarence H. White and Miss Lucile Race, both of Springfield, Ill., were married at the home of the bride at 4 o'clock Wednesday, June 27, 1928, by the Rev. C. S. Combs. The bride is the pretty and accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Race, formerly of this place, and was born and reared here, moving with her parents to Springfield some eight or ten years ago and was a general favorite because of her sunny disposition and always pleasant smile. Graduating from Higbee high school, she later graduated from Howard-Payne College, Fayette. She is also a graduate in music and is a most accomplished musician. The groom is the son of R. H. White of Greenville, Ind., is a graduate of Purdue University and holds a fine position with the Public Utilities Co., of Springfield. The happy couple left at once for a tour of the north and east by motor. The NEWS joins other friends in congratulations and best wishes. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 1, Col. 3--POWDER BURNED--Ralph Heathman was quite severely burned yesterday afternoon by a premature explosion of powder. With several other boys of his age he spent the afternoon on the Moniteau east of town and on their way home they took the powder out of a lot of firecrackers and which they placed on the ground. It was touched off while Ralph was leaning over it, and he was painfully burned about the face, neck, arms and ankles. He also had several holes burned in his clothes. His wounds were dressed immediately on reaching home and in addition he was given anti-tetanus serum. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 1, Col. 5--Mrs. J. B. Terrill and daughter, Miss Ruby, returned Monday from a visit with the former's mother, Mrs. A. E. Hayden, of Hannibal. The latter's many Higbee friends will be glad to learn that despite her 87 years she is enjoying the best of health and is able to get around about as well as she did when she lived here over twenty years ago, and that she can also see to read and do needle work without the aid of glasses. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 1, Col. 5--As will be seen from an ad elsewhere in this issue, the church building of the Latter Day Saints in this place, will be sold to the highest bidder on Saturday, July 7. The organization, which had been greatly depleted through removal of its members from Higbee, and also from deaths, will retain the lot in the hope that in years to come they can regain their numerical strength and erect a more commodious building. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 3--SOUTH OF TOWN--Belva Harris was last week guest of her grandmother, Mrs. Emma Blaise. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 3--SOUTH OF TOWN--Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Harris and family of Canada are visiting this week with their aunt, Mrs. Emmett Bradley. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 3--SOUTH OF TOWN--Mrs. Joel Douglas of Tulsa, Okla., has been visiting her daughter, Mrs. Warner Buckler, who has been in poor health all winter and spring. Mrs. Douglas returned home Saturday. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 4--SOUTH OF TOWN--Milt Wheeler who was struck in the face with some fireworks by some careless youngster on the streets in Higbee last week, is out of danger, we are glad to learn, tho' his eye is still black all around from powder burns. He certainly had a narrow escape from losing his eye, and what joy the torpedo thrower got out of it we fail to see. He should have been made to pay Milt's doctor bill twice over, and that would not have sufficed by half. Everyone is thankful that there has been a stop put to such fireworks on the streets. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 4--MT. PLEASANT ITEMS--George Bruce and wife are rejoicing over the birth of a daughter who arrived at their home last Tuesday night, the 19th. The old stork certainly selected a stormy night for his visit. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 4--MT. PLEASANT ITEMS--Millard Lewis who has not been well for some time, is under the care of a physician who has pronounced his malady as trouble with his heart caused from a bad stomach. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 4--PERCHE ITEMS--Irvin Epperson is driving a new Chevrolet touring car. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 4--PERCHE ITEMS--Dr. J. W. Winn and Virgil Dougherty spent yesterday in Boonville with the former's son, Warren, who is in a hospital there recovering from an operation for appendicitis. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 4--PERCHE ITEMS--Mr. and Mrs. F. L. Wise left Friday for a tour through the West, and will visit Texas, Old Mexico, California, Washington and Oregon. They expect to be gone about three months. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 5--Mrs. J. W. Winn spent Saturday and Sunday in Boonville with her son, Warren, who was operated on in a hospital there last week for appendicitis. He is doing nicely, but will not come home until some time next week. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 4, Col. 6--John Cooper had a narrow escape from injury one day last week when his Chrysler car overturned with him east of town. Aside from the top of the car being torn off, the car was not injured, and Mr. Cooper escaped without a scratch. Speed was quite likely the cause of the accident, as John is one of our fastest drivers, and one of the best and safest as well. Thursday, 28 June1928, Vol 42. No. 8, Page 5, Col. 1--LOCAL AND PERSONAL--Mrs. Robert Chism and sons, Jim and Joe, are visiting in Fulton. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright notice: All transcriptions in this email are copyrighted by me. They may not be reproduced on another site or on any printed or recorded media, CD, etc. without specific written permission from Kathy Bowlin. Although public information is not in and of itself copyrightable, the format in which it is presented, transcriptions, notes & comments, etc. is. It is however, quite permissible to print or save the files to a personal computer for personal use only. Permission is granted to public libraries, and genealogical and historical societies to print and bind for the use of their patrons, as long as this notice is included. Kathy Bowlin Additions, corrections, comments welcome.

Linda, Carole and other Burton/Brooks researchers, Thank you all for your help. It is very much appreciated. I have a problems with the children of May Medley Burton and Minerva Brooks. Everything I have seen that shows their children states that there were two, not three. They are shown as Ambrose Chiles Burton and William Henry Burton. I have always assumed that Irene was their daughter. She is shown first on the 1860 census as being 10 years old, on the 1870 census as being 20 years old, and on the 1880 as being 24 years old. On the 1880 census she is listed as daughter. The problem - On the 1900 Salt Spring Twp., Huntsville City, Randolph Co., Missouri, SD 2, ED 138, Sheet 1A, Ancestry.com image 1 of 38, dwelling 4, family 5, I found what I believe to be May Medley Burton. It appears to be - Burton, May M., head, W, M, Dec. 1822, 77, Wd., MO, VA, KY - Irine, NIECE, W, F, March 1851, 49, S, MO, KY, MO Does anyone have any information on Irene Burton? I do not believe that she is the daughter of May Medley and Minerva (Brooks) Burton, but I could be wrong. I am going to cut and paste his obituary for anyone that does not have it. "The Higbee News" Friday, 11 Feb 1916 JUDGE M. M. BURTON DEAD Judge M. M. Burton, familiarly and affectionately known as "Uncle May," died at the home of his son, A. C. Burton, just southeast of town, at 9:30 o'clock Sunday evening, Feb 6, 1916, following an illness of several months, the direct cause of his demise being general debility incident to his great age, he being in his 94th year. Following the custom of the family, funeral services were held at the home Tuesday, being in charge of Eld E. Y. Keiter of Moberly. Despite the bad roads and the cold, the large and commodious house would not begin to accommodate the large crowd of sorrowing friends and relatives who had assembled to pay their last respects to this grand old man. Interment was made in the Burton cemetery on the farm where he was born, and on which he spent the most of his life and within sight of the home in which he died. Thus ends the life of one of the best men this county, or any other, for that matter, ever produced. He was all that father, husband, friend and Christian gentleman ought to be, and to know him was to love him. During his active years he conducted extensive business interests, and we have yet to hear of a person who had any dealings with him speak of him in anything but terms of veneration and respect. Even when he entered the field for political honors, which was at a time when manhood and real worth alone counted, his enemies, if he ever had such, could not point to a single low or mean thing he had ever done. He was above such things, even as a young boy, and Death found him in his old age patiently waiting with a record about as spotless as it is possible for a mortal to have. While he was as firm as granite, he was as gentle as a woman and hardly knew the meaning of the word harshness. His life was such that, looked at from any and all angles, it will be a monument to his memory more enduring than bronze, and the influence of it in an ever-widening circle may, for all we can tell, go on and on, turning to God many yet unborn until it laps the shores of eternity. To the only son, who though a father and grandfather, feels that he is, in a way, the last of his race, the sympathy of all goes out. The following sketch is taken from "The History of Randolph County," published in 1884: "Judge May M. Burton was born in this county, December 14, 1822, and was reared on his father's farm. His father being a man in good circumstances, the son was given an excellent general education. In early life he started as a school teacher, which he followed for several years, and became quite popular and successful in his chosen calling. On the 5th of December, 1845, he was married to Miss Minerva Brooks, a daughter of William H. and Susan (Pyle) Brooks, of this county. After his marriage Judge Burton settled down and engaged in farming. He secured an extensive tract of land near his father's old homestead, on which he resided and continued farming and stock raising until 1870. Inheriting to a marked degree the stronger and better qualities of his father's character, he too, became successful in agricultural life, and quite prominent as a citizen. In 1856 he was elected to the Legislature over George Settle, a prominent man of the county, by a large majority.! In 1870 he was elected a member of the county court, and has since been re-elected from time to time, having served in all nearly eight years. The year that he was first elected a member of the county court he retired from the farm and engaged in mercantile business in Higbee, Mo, and in 1878 he moved to Sweet Springs, in Saline county, where he continued for about three years. Returning to the farm in 1881, he has since lived a retired life, having an ample competency on which to rely as old age comes on apace, and something to leave each of his children. Judge Burton's first wife died in April, 1881. She had borne him two sons whom survive: Ambrose C. and William H., both of whom are carrying on the farm at the old homestead. Judge Burton was married to his present wife July 5, 1883. Her maiden name was Sarah A. Lassiter, a daughter of Henry Lassiter, an early settler of the county from Kentucky. Her first husband, Robert G. Gilman, was for many years treasurer of the county and one of its most highly respected citizens. He died November 9, 1872. The Judge is a man still hale and well preserved. His eye is as bright and his step as elastic as would be expected of one 10 or 15 years his junior. Only 62 years of age as yet, to all appearances he still has much activity and usefulness. No man in the county is more highly esteemed." Once again I would appreciate any and all help. Ms. Cecil V. Boyd

I have two Irenes Burtons-I am researching the line of Ambrose Burton b. 1746 Orange County, VA Joseph Woolfolk Burton and (1) Orpha Jane (Brooks) Burton (2)Sara Ann (Pyle) Burton Children: w/Orpha (6) May William b. Oct 1839 d. mar 1923 Farewell, TX Susan Agnes d. young Benjamin Walker of Norborne Thomas Waller b. Jul 14 1845 Pvt. Co. B Perkins m O Cav. CSA Huntsville Cem. Speed of Norborne Irene d. Oct 2 1908 Huntsville at her Uncle Judge May Medley Burtons home of cancer age 58-Rennolds Cem. May Burton Jr. and (1) Nancy (Woodfolk) Burton Children: (8) Burilla b. 1807 m. Thomas J. Gordon Irene b. 1809 m. J.W. Waller Ambrose Waller b. Feb 1 1812 KY m. Sept 22 1836 Martha Emily Fort b. Nov 8 1818 TN, daughter of Dr. William and Martha "Patsy" Frances Sugg Gorham Fort Joseph Woodfolk b. Jun 1 1816 Shelby County, KY d. Jan 5 1911 Pvt. Co. b Perkins MO Cav. CSA m.(1) Nov 22 1838 Orpha Jane Henry of KY, daughter of William Henry Orpha d. 1852 .m. June 27 1852 (2) Susannah or Sarah Ann (Pyle) from KY, buried Huntsville Cem. Judge May Medley Jr. b. Dec 14 1822 d. Feb. 6 1916 Capt. Perkins MO Cav. batt. Quartermaster CSA 1822 m.(1) Dec 5 1845 Minerva brooks, b. Oct 2 1825 daughter of Henry Susannah (Pyle) brooks and d. April 1882 in Higbee, MO of consumption. married (2) prob. Susannah (Pyle) Brooks William d. young Edna b. 1814 d. young John Care b. 1819 d. young 1819 Burton Cemetery ----- Original Message ----- From: "Cecil Boyd" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, March 27, 2006 7:27 PM Subject: [MoRandolph] Irene Burton questions & May Medley Burton Obituary > Linda, Carole and other Burton/Brooks researchers, > Thank you all for your help. It is very much appreciated. > I have a problems with the children of May Medley Burton and Minerva > Brooks. Everything I have seen that shows their children states that > there were two, not three. They are shown as Ambrose Chiles Burton and > William Henry Burton. I have always assumed that Irene was their > daughter. She is shown first on the 1860 census as being 10 years old, on > the 1870 census as being 20 years old, and on the 1880 as being 24 years > old. On the 1880 census she is listed as daughter. > The problem - On the 1900 Salt Spring Twp., Huntsville City, Randolph > Co., Missouri, SD 2, ED 138, Sheet 1A, Ancestry.com image 1 of 38, > dwelling 4, family 5, I found what I believe to be May Medley Burton. > It appears to be - > Burton, May M., head, W, M, Dec. 1822, 77, Wd., MO, VA, KY > - Irine, NIECE, W, F, March 1851, 49, S, MO, KY, MO > > Does anyone have any information on Irene Burton? I do not believe > that she is the daughter of May Medley and Minerva (Brooks) Burton, but I > could be wrong. > I am going to cut and paste his obituary for anyone that does not have > it. > > "The Higbee News" Friday, 11 Feb 1916 > JUDGE M. M. BURTON DEAD > Judge M. M. Burton, familiarly and affectionately known as "Uncle May," > died at the home of his son, A. C. Burton, just southeast of town, at 9:30 > o'clock Sunday evening, Feb 6, 1916, following an illness of several > months, the direct cause of his demise being general debility incident to > his great age, he being in his 94th year. Following the custom of the > family, funeral services were held at the home Tuesday, being in charge of > Eld E. Y. Keiter of Moberly. Despite the bad roads and the cold, the > large and commodious house would not begin to accommodate the large crowd > of sorrowing friends and relatives who had assembled to pay their last > respects to this grand old man. Interment was made in the Burton cemetery > on the farm where he was born, and on which he spent the most of his life > and within sight of the home in which he died. > Thus ends the life of one of the best men this county, or any other, for > that matter, ever produced. He was all that father, husband, friend and > Christian gentleman ought to be, and to know him was to love him. During > his active years he conducted extensive > business interests, and we have yet to hear of a person who had any > dealings with him > speak of him in anything but terms of veneration and respect. Even when > he entered the field for political honors, which was at a time when > manhood and real worth alone > counted, his enemies, if he ever had such, could not point to a single low > or mean thing > he had ever done. He was above such things, even as a young boy, and > Death found him in his old age patiently waiting with a record about as > spotless as it is possible for a > mortal to have. While he was as firm as granite, he was as gentle as a > woman and hardly knew the meaning of the word harshness. His life was > such that, looked at from any and all angles, it will be a monument to his > memory more enduring than bronze, and the influence of it in an > ever-widening circle may, for all we can tell, go on and on, turning to > God many yet unborn until it laps the shores of eternity. To the only > son, who though a father and grandfather, feels that he is, in a way, the > last of his race, the sympathy of all goes out. > The following sketch is taken from "The History of Randolph County," > published in 1884: > "Judge May M. Burton was born in this county, December 14, 1822, and > was reared on his father's farm. His father being a man in good > circumstances, the son was given an excellent general education. In early > life he started as a school teacher, which he followed for several years, > and became quite popular and successful in his chosen calling. On the > 5th of December, 1845, he was married to Miss Minerva Brooks, a daughter > of William H. and Susan (Pyle) Brooks, of this county. After his marriage > Judge Burton settled down and engaged in farming. He secured an extensive > tract of land near his father's old homestead, on which he resided and > continued farming and stock raising until 1870. Inheriting to a marked > degree the stronger and better qualities of his father's character, he > too, became successful in agricultural life, and quite prominent as a > citizen. In 1856 he was elected to the Legislature over George Settle, a > prominent man of the county, by a large majority.! > In 1870 he was elected a member of the county court, and has since been > re-elected from time to time, having served in all nearly eight years. > The year that he was first elected a member of the county court he retired > from the farm and engaged in mercantile business in Higbee, Mo, and in > 1878 he moved to Sweet Springs, in Saline county, where he continued for > about three years. Returning to the farm in 1881, he has since lived a > retired life, having an ample competency on which to rely as old age comes > on apace, and something to leave each of his children. Judge Burton's > first wife died in April, 1881. She had borne him two sons whom survive: > Ambrose C. and William H., both of whom are carrying on the farm at the > old homestead. Judge Burton was married to his present wife July 5, 1883. > Her > maiden name was Sarah A. Lassiter, a daughter of Henry Lassiter, an early > settler of the county from Kentucky. Her first husband, Robert G. Gilman, > was for many years treasurer of the county and one of its most highly > respected citizens. He died November 9, 1872. The Judge is a man still > hale and well preserved. His eye is as bright and his step as elastic as > would be expected of one 10 or 15 years his junior. Only 62 years of age > as yet, to all appearances he still has much activity and usefulness. No > man in the county is more highly esteemed." > > Once again I would appreciate any and all help. > Ms. Cecil V. Boyd > > > > > ==== MORANDOL Mailing List ==== > Questions for the List Administrator? > Send them to Leslie at [email protected] > >

In a message dated 3/27/06 3:59:32 PM, [email protected] writes: << Linda - any idea how Benjamin R. Brooks and his wife Sarah E. Taylor died? >> Hi Carole 1878 Moberly Daily Monitor Brooks, Ben (Mrs) -- d. 21 Aug 1878; MDM Wednesday 21 Aug 1878 Brooks, Benjamin R. -- killed 3 Sep 1878 when he slipped from his wagon falling onto the “double tree” ; MDM Wednesday 4 Sep 1878 No news on how Sarah died. How tragic though for that family. Linda

In addition to the information provided by Linda, I can add that some of the other Brooks orphans show up in the household of Shelton Lessley in the 1880 census. Below are my notes. Shelton appears in the 1880 census for Randolph Co., MO on page 27, Enumeration Dist. No. 113, Monitau Township. His age is listed as 47, his occupation as "dry goods dealer" and his place of birth as Missouri. Both of his parents are listed as having been born in Kentucky. Also present in the household is his wife, Orphy J., his son May W. and his mother Lucy A. Other relative living in the household are Mary S. Brooks (sister-in-law), Claudie Brooks (brother-in-law) and John H. Cook (cousin). Linda - any idea how Benjamin R. Brooks and his wife Sarah E. Taylor died? Carole Brace In a message dated 3/27/2006 3:46:19 PM Eastern Standard Time, [email protected] writes: Brooks and Burton researchers, Does anyone have information on the family of the Minerva Brooks that married May Medley Burton on 4 December 1845, in Randolph Co., Missouri? I have found May M. and Minerva Burton in the 1880 Randolph Co., Census, and with them is listed what appears to be Neppie Brooks (age 18), and Ader Brooks (age 15), both are listed as niece, orphan, born in Missouri, both parents were born in Missouri. I would appreciate any and all help. Thank you, Ms. Cecil V. Boyd

Husband: May Medley BURTON Judge Birth: 14 Dec 1822 Place: Randolph Co., MO Death: 6 Feb 1916 Place: Randolph Co., MO Burial: Place: Rennolds Cem., Randolph Co., MO Father: May BURTON (1780-1859) Mother: Nancy WOOLFOLK (1786-1836) Other spouses: Sarah A. "Sallie" LASSITER Marriage: 5 Dec 1845 Place: Randolph Co., MO Wife: Minerva E. BROOKS Birth: 2 Oct 1825 Place: MO Death: 1 Apr 1882 Place: Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Death Cause: Consumption Father: William Henry BROOKS (1785-1854) Mother: Susannah PYLE (1786-1861) Children... 1. M Child: Ambrose Chiles BURTON Birth: 23 Sep 1846 Place: Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Death: 26 Jan 1920 Place: Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Burial: Place: Burton Cem., Howard Co., MO Death Cause: Cancer Spouse: Frances A. "Fannie" BAKER Marriage: 24 Oct 1867 Place: Huntsville, Randolph Co., MO Spouse: Annie BANNING Marriage: 1902 2. M Child: William Henry BURTON Birth: 20 Dec 1848 Place: Near Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Death: 7 Oct 1913 Place: Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Burial: Place: Burton Cem., S Of Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Death Cause: Stomach And Heart Trouble/Stroke Spouse: Susan Coleman CHRISTIAN Marriage: 1871 Place: Randolph Co., MO 3. F Child: Irene BURTON Birth: 1850 Place: Randolph Co., MO Death: Before 1915 Husbands Notes... Notes: 1840 BURTON HAY * Randolph County MO 268 No Township Listed Federal Population Schedule MO 1840 Federal Census Index MOS4a386988 1850 Prairie Twsp., Randolph Co., MO (259b) 842 842 May Burton, 27, m, farmer, 1000, MO Manerva, 24, f, MO Ambrose, 3, m, MO Wm., 2, m, MO 1860 Prairie Twsp., PO Renick, Randolph Co., MO 375 375 May Burton, 38, f, farmer, 3800, 14176, MO Minerva E., 36, f, MO Ambrose C., 14, m, MO Wm. H., 12, m, MO Irene, 10, f, MO Agnes Burton, 70, f, KY (Note: census shows May as female, this is May Medley Burton) 1870 Prairie Twsp., Randolph Co., MO., PO Moberly (192.b) 191 189 May Burton, 47, m, w, farmer, 5000, 5000, MO Minerva E., 44, f, w, keeping house, MO Wm. H., 22, m, w, farming, MO Irene, 20, f, w, at home, MO John Duffield, 24, m, w, works on farm, 0, 280, MO Manerva Burton, 17, f, black, dom servant, MO, cannot read or write Alfred, 12, m, black, dom servant, MO, cannot read or write Agnes Burton, 80, f, w, retired keeping house, KY, cannot write65 1883 Moberly Daily Monitor, Randolph Co., MO Burton, May M. {Judge}-- m. 5 Jul 1883 Mrs. Sallie A. Gilman (sister of Mrs. H. M. Porter & Mrs.. W. J. Horsley & mother of Mrs. I. B. Porter) ; MDM Thursday 5 Jul 1883 1890 The Higbee News 12 July 1890--Judge M. M. Burton, of Huntsville, came over Monday to attend the funeral of his niece, Mrs. J. B. Tymony. 1893 The Higbee News 13 May 1893--Judge M. M. Burton, of Huntsville, came over Saturday and was the guest of his sons, Wm. and A. C. for two or three days. 1912 The Higbee News Friday, 4 Oct 1912--The Burton cemetery on the Rennolds farm just south of town, was incorporated this week, Uncle May M. Burton, in whom the title rested, wishing it incorporated that the plot of ground might always remain a cemetery and not be, perhaps, converted into a corn field or town lots in the years to come. The following officers were elected: G. R. Rennolds, president; A. C. Burton, vice president; a. T. Burton, secretary; Medley Burton, Treasurer; Bird Burton, manager. Friday, 11 Oct 1912--Judge M. M. Burton who spent the summer with his son, A. C., came to town Wednesday to spend the winter with his son, W. H. Mr. Burton will be 90 years old on November 14th, and as he is in the best of health bids fair to round out a century, and that he may do so is the wish of a wide circle of friends throughout the county. 1915 The Higbee News Friday, 3 Sep 1915--RANDOLPH COUNTY'S OLDEST MAN--The Huntsville Herald of last week, which devoted a great deal of space to the Old Settlers' Reunion, said of Judge May M. Burton of this place: "Judge May Burton, Randolph County's oldest native born citizen for many years one of Huntsville's most prominent and respected citizens, now resides at the home of his son, Ambrose Burton at Higbee. On December 14, 1915 he will celebrate his 93rd birthday. Though practically helpless, and with failing eyesight he is the same genial, kindly man as of yore. In a recent letter to friends here written in a beautiful hand, the judge expresses his great resignation to the Divine will and sends words of cheer to all friends. His one regret is his non-residence among his former associates in Huntsville. At this old settlers day, mutual greetings of friendship are exchanged through the Herald columns, though age keeps the Judge as many others from this great reunion."292 Burton, May Medley {Judge}-- 14 Dec 1822 Rand.-6 Feb 1916; [s\o May & Nancy (Woolford) Burton], Capt. Perkins MO Cav. Batt., Quartermaster CSA, m. 1st 5 Dec 1845 Minerva (Brooks), children: (1) Ambrose Chiles, (2) William Henry (b. 20 Dec 1848), m. 2nd 5 Jul 1883 Sarah A. (widow of Robert G. Gilman, d\o Henry Lassiter); Ref: HRM84 p. 455, OFR p. 59-61314 Wifes Notes... Notes: Moberly Daily Monitor Burton, Minerva (Brooks) -- d. Apr. 1881, m. Judge May Mendley Burton, (d\o William H. & Susan (Pyle) Brooks); Ref: OFR p. 59-61, HRM84 p. 455314 Last Modified: 12 May 2005 Reference Note 65 [email protected](Linda Manning) Reference Note 292 [email protected](Kathy Bowlin) Reference Note 314 Larry Sumpter's Death Index of Randolph Co., MO http://www.yggdrasill.net/mgen/sumpter.html Compiled by: Linda Manning Billings, Montana 59102 [email protected]

Husband: Benjamin R. BROOKS Birth: 12 Jun 1817 Place: KY Death: 3 Sep 1878 Place: Randolph Co., MO Death Cause: Fall From Wagon Father: William Henry BROOKS (1785-1854) Mother: Susannah PYLE (1786-1861) Marriage: 15 Mar 1850 Place: Randolph Co., MO Wife: Sarah Elizabeth TAYLOR Birth: 1833 Place: MO Death: 21 Aug 1878 Place: Randolph Co., MO Father: John TAYLOR (1800-1836) Mother: Mary "Polly" BARTLETT (1800-1840) Children... 1. M Child: Reeves BROOKS Death: 1857 Place: Higbee, Randolph Co., MO Burial: Place: Old Higbee Cem., Higbee, Randolph Co., MO 2. M Child: William W. BROOKS Birth: 1851 Place: Randolph Co., MO Spouse: Susan GASHWILER Marriage: About 1870 Place: Randolph Co., MO 3. F Child: Orpha J. BROOKS Birth: Jul 1854 Spouse: Shelton LESSLY Marriage: 16 Jul 1878 Place: Randolph Co., MO 4. F Child: Nippie E. BROOKS Birth: 1861 Death: 1932 Place: Randolph Co., MO Burial: Place: Roanoke Cem., Huntsville, Randolph Co., MO Spouse: Richard Granville FRAY Marriage: 1881 Place: MO 5. F Child: Penelope BROOKS Birth: 1861 Place: MO 6. F Child: Ada BROOKS Birth: 1864 Place: MO 7. F Child: Mary S. "Maimie" BROOKS Birth: About 1868 Place: Randolph Co., MO Death: 15 Dec 1906 Place: St. Louis, MO 8. F Child: Annie BROOKS Birth: Jul 1869 Place: MO 9. M Child: Claude BROOKS Birth: About 1876 Place: Randolph Co., MO Spouse: Effie SMITH Marriage: 21 Mar 1898 Place: Huntsville, Randolph Co., MO Husbands Notes... Notes: 1850 Silver Creek Twsp., Randolph Co., MO (205a) 119 119 William H. Brooks, 65, m, farmer, 1500, SC Susannah, 63, f, SC Benjamin, 32, m, farmer, 300, KY Sarah, 17, f, MO 1860 Prairie twsp., PO Renick, Randolph Co., MO 271 271 Benj. Brooks, 42, m, farmer, 9000, 14000, KY Sarah E., 26, f, MO Wm. W., 9, m, MO Orple J., 7, f, MO Cornian A., 2, f, MO Susannah Brooks, 74, f, member of family, SC 1870 Prairie twsp., Randolph Co., MO. PO Moberly (file 191.a) 1878 Moberly Daily Monitor Brooks, Ben (Mrs) -- d. 21 Aug 1878; MDM Wednesday 21 Aug 1878 Brooks, Benjamin R. -- killed 3 Sep 1878 when he slipped from his wagon falling onto the double tree ; MDM Wednesday 4 Sep 1878 1882 Moberly Daily Monitor Brooks, B. R. -- S. Lesley, guardian of heirs, Probate Court May Term Docket 1882; MDM Saturday 22 Apr 1882305 Last Modified: 27 Mar 2006 Reference Note 305 Larry Wm Sumpter Moberly, Randolph Co., MO [email protected] Compiled by: Linda Manning Billings, Montana 59102 [email protected]

In a message dated 3/27/06 1:46:15 PM, [email protected] writes: << Brooks and Burton researchers, Does anyone have information on the family of the Minerva Brooks that married May Medley Burton on 4 December 1845, in Randolph Co., Missouri? I have found May M. and Minerva Burton in the 1880 Randolph Co., Census, and with them is listed what appears to be Neppie Brooks (age 18), and Ader Brooks (age 15), both are listed as niece, orphan, born in Missouri, both parents were born in Missouri. I would appreciate any and all help. Thank you, Ms. Cecil V. Boyd >> Cecil Do you have the 1880 census....I have placed both Nippie and Ada from your message. Their parents were Benjamin R. Brooks (died 3 Sep 1878) and Sarah Elizabeth Taylor (died 21 Aug 1878) will send their families in separate emails. Linda

In a message dated 3/26/06 8:24:58 PM, [email protected] writes: << After my first response I thought about my late father-in-law talking about when he dated by mother-in-law, who lived with her grandparents, the Thornhills, south of Mt. Pleasant Church, he would often get stuck in his old car near Cash Avery's, and that Cash would have to pull him out with a team. >> Carey Which Thornhills? I am related thru NAYLOR AND PAGE to the Thornhill's. Linda

For those who may not be familiar with such things, what we now refer to as the Burton Cemetery just south of Higbee was once, according to items in 'The Higbee News,' called the Rennolds burying ground. There are a number of Rennolds' buried there.

One connection to Higbee businessman/official Shelton Lessley, who, by the way, lost all his holdings and died in Colorado, but is buried in the Higbee cemetery, is that his first wife was Surrilda Pyle. She is buried in a lonely grave in the midst of a large field about l/2 mile south of Higbee. My Dad and I used to go by the stone while hunting on the farm years ago.

Brooks and Burton researchers, Does anyone have information on the family of the Minerva Brooks that married May Medley Burton on 4 December 1845, in Randolph Co., Missouri? I have found May M. and Minerva Burton in the 1880 Randolph Co., Census, and with them is listed what appears to be Neppie Brooks (age 18), and Ader Brooks (age 15), both are listed as niece, orphan, born in Missouri, both parents were born in Missouri. I would appreciate any and all help. Thank you, Ms. Cecil V. Boyd

These were in the Huntsville area, not Higbee, right?

After my first response I thought about my late father-in-law talking about when he dated by mother-in-law, who lived with her grandparents, the Thornhills, south of Mt. Pleasant Church, he would often get stuck in his old car near Cash Avery's, and that Cash would have to pull him out with a team.

I graduated from high school in l965 and was in the service l968-73, so I'm guessing that I knew Mrs. Griffin (I believe her husband was named Chester) in my HS days...the early '60s...about the same time as I knew the Wm. Wagner family at Yates.

Hi Carey, I think you hit the nail on the head so to speak. Loretta Griffin does seem familiar to me. Do you know how long she had grown Iris? The first trip I remember with my mom was before I was in kindergarten--I'm guessing 68-69 and the last trip we made was probably 1974 (but might have been 1975). It took a long time before my mom found a resource she was as pleased with for her Iris' beds. I think she ultimately ended up making future purchases from somewhere near KC. Jane DeBellis Milton, FL -----Original Message----- From: Carey Bankhead [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Sunday, March 26, 2006 4:25 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [MoRandolph] Iris lady near Higbee I knew Cash and his daughter, Tressie Mae Thompson. The lady near there that I was thinking of was Mrs. Loretta Griffin. ==== MORANDOL Mailing List ==== Questions for the List Administrator? Send them to Leslie at [email protected]

How nice to know that you knew some of my husband's family. Mollie died around 1957 (I can't recall exactly the year) and my husband says she was a wonderful lady. I married into the family in 1968, and did not know any of the family before that. I'm glad you found the iris lady's name. Frances

I knew Cash and his daughter, Tressie Mae Thompson. The lady near there that I was thinking of was Mrs. Loretta Griffin.

My husband says his grandmother grew a lot of iris plants. She lived near the Mount Pleasant Church. Her name was Mollie Avery, wife of Cash Avery, and daughter of Paris A. Dougherty and Sarah Naylor Dougherty. Frances

Here is the information on my line of Corbins that we have. Go to www.geociies.com/heartland/plains/2471/corbin4.html This is my son's genealogy page on the Corbins and Jones. Rose I am too blessd to be stressed and too annointed to be disappointed.