Newspaper Cassville Republican
Date December 9, 1897, Thursday
Headline His 76th Birthday: W. W. Lee Celebrates Amongst a Throng of Friends.
Text One of those occurrence which tends to cheer the traveler through life and smooth the wrinkle from the aged brow, happened the 1st inst. at the home of Squire Wm. W. Lee of near Purdy, in memory of the 76th anniversary of his birth, when over seventy persons partook of the sumptuous dinner prepared, amongst who were five children, twenty eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. W. W. Lee, who claims to be the oldest settler in Barry County, was born in Washington Co., VA, December 1, 1820. At the age of 7, with his parents Miller and Nancy Lee, he moved to Rhea Co., Tenn., where he grew to manhood and was married February 27, 1840 to Caroline C. Smith. Of this union was born thirteen children; nine of them are still living.

In the spring of 1840, he moved to Barry County. He served the county officially one term as coroner, one term as probate judge, registering officer and assessor, four year as deputy sheriff and 12 years as J. P. August 17, 1888, his wife Caroline C. departed this life and November 21, 1889, he was again married to Mrs. Marinda Vermillion.

When the war of '61 broke out he espoused the union cause, served as 1st Sergt. in Co. H, 14 Reg. M.S. M. Vol. Cav., also as 1st Sergt, in Co. H 14 Reg., M.S. M. Cav., and boast that he still votes as he shot.

November 27, 1889 he embraced the religion of Jesus Christ and united with the M. E. Church. In 1817 he was licensed to exhort by the M. E. Church. Jun 1, 1856, united with the Baptist, Sept 3rd licensed to preach the gospel and Aug 6, 1887 was ordained to the full work of the ministry.

Many incidents he can relate of the early settlement of Barry County, such as seeing from one to fifty deer at one sight; also some elk in the county when he came here. Bear and panther were plenty in the hill country of White River. Coon skins and deer pelts were almost lawful tender. The nearest store was at Springfield which was the nearest point to find a doctor. The settlers were all botanic doctors and used the herbs.

Shortly after he arrived, Lewis Henderson put up a small supply of goods at Washburn. Then John Cureton put up a better stock of goods with Z. J. Keet as clerk. Keet bought out Cureton thus the place was called Keetsville. It was once a hard place. The county seat being one mile below where Pierce City is. The whole southwest belonged to Barry County, the counties of Newton, Lawrence, McDonald and Stone, being taken off since. There was one preacher in what is Barry County and two small class meetings all held in dwelling houses. No schools.


Donna Cooper's Research Note: Caroline Coleman Smith married William Wheeler Lee Feb 27, 1840 in Rhea Co., TN, she was the daughter of Charles and Nancy (Jacobs) Smith and a sister to my 3rd great grandfather, Giles Ira Smith. Wheeler and Caroline are both buried at Bethel Cemetery and so is Nancy Jacobs Smith.
Resource State Historical Society of MO Microfilm
Submitted by Donna Cooper