JAMES WITT

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 429-430:

James Witt

(Farmer, Section 13, Post-office, Metz).

   Mr. Witt’s farm is situated in the eastern part of this township and embraces some 230 acres.  It is being managed and cultivated to good advantage, and as a result the owner is prospering, for energy and perseverance will always win in the end.  Mr. W. is an unmarried man.  He came originally from Whiteley county, Ky., and was one of 11 children, eight of whom besides himself are now living; Minerva is the wife of Hamilton Crofton; Mahala married Peter Mayfield; Susan is Mrs. William Sidestick; Lizzie is the wife of William Robinson; Nancy, John, married Ida Murfie; Joseph married Martha Murfie, and Sampson remains single.  William and Ella are deceased.  The parents of James were also natives of Whiteley county, Ky., the father, Samuel Witt, being a farmer by occupation.  After leaving the Blue Grass State he emigrated first to Indiana, from whence six years later he moved to Illinois, remaining in that locality until coming to this county some four year subsequently.  His death occurred here in 1883, and his loss was widely mourned, for he was a man well known.  His widow, formerly Sarah Blace, still survives.  Mr. Witt came to this county with the family and has since remained here.  The occupation which he now follows is the calling to which he was reared, and very naturally he is better qualified to carry on a farm than those of less experience in that line.

JAMES WITT DEAD

A Surgical Operation Last Saturday Results Fatally.

     James Witt died at Kansas City last Saturday morning. His death was the result of a shock after a surgical operation for a cancer on his tongue.

     Deceased went to Kansas City Friday, and but for the disease with which he had suffered for some time, was in his usual health.

     It is said that the operation was successful, but the cancer had gained too much of a hold.

     The remains arrived in Metz Sunday morning on the 6:16 train and were taken to his late home west of town.

     Funeral services were held from the Osage Valley Baptist church Monday at 2 o'clock p. m., conducted by Eld. W. B. Miller of Sprague, and the remains, were interred in the church cemetery. A large crowd of sympathizing friends was in attendance.

   James Witt was born in Williamsburg, Whitley county, Kentucky in the year 1846, and was therefore aged sixty-four years. He came with his parents to Vernon county forty-one years ago and continued to reside here till his death.

     He leaves two brothers and two sisters.

     Deceased had by hard work accumulated a good share of this world's goods and was classed with our well-to-do farmers. He was a good man and was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

The Metz Times, Metz, Missouri; Friday 11 March 1910 page 1.

THE GRIM REAPER.

James Witt Died Suddenly at Kansas City Saturday-Other Notes.

     James Witt, a well known farmer and stockman, residing west of Metz, died at Kansas City Saturday morning, death being due to a shock after a surgical operation for a cancer on his tongue. Mr. Witt went to Kansas City Friday, and at that time his condition did not seem alarming, hence the news of his death came as a surprise to his many friends. Funeral services were held in Metz at the Pryor Creek Baptist church Monday afternoon Mr. Witt was about 55 years of age and was not married. He leaves three brothers and one sister. He was a director of the Metz Banking Company.

The Southwest Mail, Nevada, Missouri; Friday 11 March 1910 page 7.

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