| Obit For | William Alexander Fly |
|---|---|
| Headline | HON. WM. A. FLY DEAD Full of Honors Ripe Old Age Loved and Respected By Acquaintances |
| Text | Barry county is weeping because of the passing of another one of our splendid citizens, who practiced the old time honor of men, that did not require a bond or mortgage, to cause men to do right. This he practiced through life and by doing so, won the plaudits and high esteem of all his fellow-citizens who enjoyed the pleasure of his acquaintance. As evidence of his standing in Barry county, he never announced for office, but his many friends throughout the county, knew his worth and ability, and nominated him for two terms as county judge and twice as a member of the Legislature, and he was elected by good majorities, running ahead of his ticket. That we could all lay down and go to our sweet rest as he has, would be consoling to our loved ones and his splendid life is worthy of emulation. It would make us and the world better. The writer has known him all his life and can truthfully say that no better man ever lived in our county. He loved the people of Barry county, because they had bestowed great honors upon him and he appreciated it. In letters to the Editor of the Democrat, he always express his gratitude to the people of his county for the great confidence they had reposed in him and he never proved untrue. His honor never questioned. In one of his letters he stated that the first President he voted for was Hon. James K. Polk in 1845, and said he never missed voting. He was a great admirer of President Wilson and said, "I have lived in this county for over 70 years and hope by the strong grip of the Lions paw of the tribe of Judea to be better off." Hon. Wm. A. Fly died at his home in Purdy, Tuesday evening at 6 p.m., February 26, 1918, of in infirmities attending old age, aged 91 years, 11 months and 10 days. Mr. Fly was born in Maury county Tenn., and was a son of J.N. and Nancy (Oakley) Fly, honored citizens of this county during life, who came to Barry county, May 14, 1839, and located on Joys Creek, 1 1/2 miles east of Corsicana, where they lived until death called them to another home. Six children of this family including Wm. A. Fly to man and womanhood, who were Rev. Benton Fly, D.C. Fly and Marion Fly. Mrs. Samantha Horine of Cassville, Mrs. Paralee Woodward of near Purdy and Mrs. Elizabeth Browning, deceased, of near Verona. Two or three children died in infancy. Wm. A. Fly grew to manhood at his father's home and received a common school education. He had been married three times, first to Miss Naomi Surgnier, who died in 1864, and nine children were born to this marriage, three of whom grew to man and womanhood and were: Jasper L., deceased, Wm. M. and Miss Mary Jane Fly. Mr. Fly married the second time, Miss Angeline Leeper of Green county, who died June 16, 1867. His last marriage was to Miss Martha A. Hale and three children survive him who are: Mrs. Amos Gurley and Miss Mabel Fly of Purdy and Henry W. Fly of Monett. The wife survives him. He followed farming until age came on him when he sold his farm and moved to Purdy where he lived a quiet and pleasant life and was always glad to meet his old friends and talk about old time citizens of this county to whom it seemed a very great pleasure to remember. Before the civil war he was deputy sheriff under Sheriff Peavey. In 1878 he was elected associate judge of the county court on the democratic ticket and again in 1880, making splendid records each time, so recommended him to the people of his county having a faithful servant, he was elected to the Legislature in 1884 and again re-elected in 1886, proving his great integrity and honesty all the time. He had for years been a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian church and was a zealous Christian man. He was a Master Mason and among the oldest in the county and was a charter member of the Pythagoras Lodge No. 383 of this city and when a lodge was instituted at Purdy he moved his membership there where he remained a member until his death. Reverends Mark Combs and Francis Goodnight conducted funeral services at the Methodist church, Thursday, February 28 at 2 p.m. after which the remains were laid to rest in the Purdy cemetery with Masonic honors. A very large number of old friends and acquaintances assembled to pay their last tribute of love and respect to a man who had the implicit confidence of his acquaintances. The world has been made better by his having lived and his life is a rich heritage to his loved ones left behind to mourn his passing. Pall bearers: John Davis and S. A. Chappell of Monett, Dr. Kelly, Charlie Rose and Jas. Rhea of Purdy and Chas. Ray of Cassville. |
| Newspaper or Funeral Home | Cassville Democrat |
| Date | March 2, 1918 |
| Death Cert Link | Death Certificate |
| Resource | - |
| Submitted by | Jack Fly |
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