Obituary for Richard J. Mayes (1845-1941)
Uncited clipping from the Welch-Reynolds family.

COUNTY’S OLDEST MAN GOES TO HIS REWARD
Passes away at age 95
Richard J. MAYES, life-long resident of this community, dies at home of daughter

Richard J. MAYES, a life-long resident of the community north of Elsberry, succumbed to the infirmities of age early Monday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ross CANNON. He was in his 96th year. The body lay in state at BRADLEY’S Funeral Home until 2:30 Tuesday afternoon when the funeral services were held in Oak Ridge church, conducted by Rev. B. G. REAVIS, of Mexico, assisted by Rev. B. H. CLEAVER. Interment was made in the family plot in Oak Ridge cemetery.

Richard John MAYES, the youngest of ten children of the late John and Isabella McCORMICK-MAYES, was born near the village of Sledd, in Pike county, on December 18, 1845, attaining the age of 95 years, one month and 22 days. At the age of five years he was moved by his parents across the county line to a farm in Lincoln that remained as Richard’s home for over 60 years.

He was united in marriages with Miss Frances BARTON on November 15, 1871. Four children were born of this union, two sons and two daughters – Harry Taylor, Katie Vertner, who became the wife of James. S. SMITH; John Stephen and Claudia Triplett, now Mrs. Ross CANNON. Harry and Mrs. SMITH preceded their father in death. Steve resides at Nebo, ILL., and Mrs. CANNON has always lived near her father.

He became converted following his marriage and united with Paynesville Christian church. In 1885 he assisted in the organization of Linn Knoll Christian church, nearer his farm home, and thereafter was affiliated with the church he helped to found, being a generous and dependable supporter, also serving both as a deacon and elder.

Moving from the northern part of the county in 1913, Mr. MAYES purchased a smaller farm just north of Elsberry and thereafter became a part of this community. Mrs. MAYES died in 1918.

For several years after her death he continued to reside in his own home until increased infirmities led him to retire form active life he so long enjoyed and pursued so energetically. For five years he lived with his sister-in-law, Mrs. May BARTON, in Elsberry, spending the last year and a half of his life with his daughter and her husband.

Surviving are the two children above referred to and four grandchildren: Mrs. Lucille KEEF, Mrs. Sarah Frances BRADFORD, Richard Thomas and James Taylor SMITH, all of Kansas City.

[Transcriber's Notes:

Richard J. Mayes died February 10, 1941. His wife, Frances Barton, was Mary Frances Barton, daughter of Abraham Ruddle Barton and Hester Taylor Beauchamp. Mary Frances was born August 27, 1852 and died July 19, 1918. ]

File submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by Sandie Eisenbath, 25 August, 2003.

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