Paris, William H. (1840-1897)

PARIS, LEAR, BEAVERS

Posted By: Carla Hillgren (email)
Date: 2/23/2019 at 18:02:28

Decatur County Journal
April 22, l897
The subject of this sketch was born in Marion County, Mo., November 6,
l840. He was the sixth son of JAMES M. and POLLY A. (LEAR) PARIS, of
Irish ancestry, who came to Decatur County in March, l852, and settled
in Center Township. The father was a merchant by occupation and for a
number of years was proprietor of a store at High Point. The latter
place was originally given the name of Paris. The father died in l869,
aged fifty-six years, and the mother in l884, aged sixty-one. WILLIAM
H. was reared on a farm. His early educational advantages were somewhat
limited, being mostly confined to the subscription schools.
When the call came for defenders of the nation's honor he responded
nobly, enlisting in Company L, Second Illinois Cavalry, and saw four
years' faithful service with it. He was in the battles of Belmont, New
Madrid, Island No. l0 and several other important engagements. He was
mustered out at Vicksburg.
In l866 he was married to MARIA BEAVERS, daughter of JOSEPH and
CHRISTINA BEAVERS, natives of North Carolina. She was born in Highland
County, Ohio, in l843. Their union was blessed with nine children, four
of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are CORA C., MARY E., NANNIE,
LIDA C. and WILLIAM RALPH, all of whom were present at the funeral.
MR. PARIS has held the office of township trustee, assessor, school
director and member of the board of supervisors, being elected to the
latter office in l893 and serving one term. He is a member of Leon
Post, No. 25l, G.A.R.
MR. PARIS commenced life a poor man. All he had was one horse. He
worked by the month three years, then purchased his present farm.
He was a firm believer in Christ, although he never united with any
church. He was a kind husband, a loving father and a good neighbor.
He died April 23, l897, aged 56 years, 5 months and l7 days. The
details of his death are related in another column.
The funeral service was conducted at the home, Monday afternoon at l
o'clock by REV. G.M. HUGHES, Pastor of the Leon Methodist Church. The
funeral was first set for Sunday at ll o'clock, but on account of the
non arrival of MISS NANNIE, was postponed until later. The remains were
interred in the High Point Cemetery. A large concourse of friends and
neighbors gathered to do the dead man honor.
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