| Obit For | William Varner |
|---|---|
| Headline | William Varner |
| Text |
In the passing of William Varner last week Barry County lost one of her most highly respected and best men. For almost sixty years he had lived in the Washburn Prairie locality, fifty years of that time on one farm and was beloved by the entire community as a man who lived a most commendable life worthy of emulation to the younger generations whom it was this great pleasure to have about him. During his long life he had witnessed many changes and always took an interest in recalling the simple life as it was lived in this county a half century ago. Through the kindness of his son, Judge J. S. Varner the REPUBLICAN has the following sketch of Mr. Varner's life: William Varner was born in Sullivan County, Tenn., July 12, 1829, died Nov. 11, 1919 aged 90 years and 4 months. He was converted in August 1843 and joined the Missionary Baptist church of Fall Branch, Tenn. When about grown he went to Hamilton County, Tennessee. There he was married to Catherine Shipley May 31, 1849 with whom he lived happily for 64 years. She was called to her reward May 8, 1913. He moved with his family to Missouri in the fall of 1860 locating on Washburn Prairie Nov. 15 of that year. The trip was made in an old fashioned wagon, drawn by a yoke of oxen, trip lasting 2 months. With a great desire to do his master's will he united with the Washburn Prairie church by letter on Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in Dec. 1860, serving said church in capacity of deacon until death. He was made a Mason at Pea Ridge, Ark., in the fall of 1863 in which order he was an honored member. He had lived on one farm more than 50 years having moved there in 1866 and lived there continuously until 22 months ago when he was taken to the home of his son, Judge J. S. Varner to be cared for and at whose home he died. He often talked of his early Christian experiences and especially of the big camp meeting where God so graciously pardoned and blest his soul. He suggested the text from which his funeral should be preached. To Wm. and Catherine Varner were born 12 children, of whom 8 are still living, 2 sons and 6 daughters: Mrs. Louisa Cowherd, Okmulgee, Okla., Mrs. Hannah Hopkins, Cassville, Mrs. Nancy Gurley, Purdy, Judge J. S. Varner, Cassville, Mrs. Mary Herron, Tecumseh, Okla., W. E. Varner, Maud, Okla., Mrs. Martha Journey, Tar River, Okla., Mrs. Pearl Fulton, Washburn. Besides these children he leaves 38 grand children 110 great grandchildren and 4 great great grandchildren and a host of friends to mourn his passing. The funeral was held at Washburn Prairie Church at 2 p. m. Nov. 12, 1919, by Rev. J. T. Brattin, from text 1st Timothy 4 ch. 6 - 8, which was selected by deceased. His body was interred in the cemetery at that place by the side of his companion to await a glorious resurrection. A large crowd attended the funeral. |
| Newspaper | Cassville Republican |
| Date | Thursday, Nov. 20, 1919 |
| Death Cert Link | - |
| Resource | State Historical Society of MO |
| Submitted by | Donna Cooper |
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