Howard Baldwin Yeazel
1920 - 2011 (90 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. Howard Baldwin Yeazel was born on 21 Nov 1920 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois (son of Chester "Rollie" Yeazel and Sophia Cordella Hedges); died on 29 Aug 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Religion: Center Point Church
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
baptized at Homer, 25 April 1934
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774342/howard-b_-yeazelHoward married Betty Keller on 15 Nov 1942. Betty was born on 7 May 1922 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 Mar 1999 in Sarasota, Sarasota County, Florida; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
Children:- Donna Lea Yeazel was born on 1 Jan 1944 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 11 Sep 2018 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried in Oak Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, Boone County, Indiana.
2. 
Chester "Rollie" Yeazel was born on 11 Sep 1893 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois (son of Adam Wallace Yeazel and Sarah Amelia Cessna); died on 21 Jun 1979 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Religion: Center Point Church
- Census: 1920, Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Sidell, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
Rites held for Rollie Yeazel, 85, former Fairmount mayor
Funeral services for Chester Rollie Yeazel, 85, former mayor of Fairmount and well known throughout this area, were held Saturday, June 23 at the First Church of Christ in Catlin, with Ken Fetters officiating. Following the services, interment was in the G.A.R. Cemetery at Homer, with the Carrington Funeral Home of Fairmount in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Yeazel died at 9:45 a.m. June 21, 1979 at St. Elizabeth Hospital, Danville. He had been a patient there since June 15.
He farmed for many years in the Center Point neighborhood northwest of Sidell. After retiring from the farm, he and his wife moved to Fairmount. He served as mayor of the village for 18 years, and took an active part in the civic life of the community.
He was a member of the First Church of Christ in Catlin, the Christian Mens Builders class, Catlin Masonic Lodge, Danville Scottish Rite, and Order of the Eastern Star. Since retiring, he has conducted a chair caning and woodworking business at his home.
A son of Adam and Sarah Cessna Yeazel, he was born in Homer on September 11, 1893. He married Sophia Hedges on October 24, 1915 in Fairmount. Mrs. Yeazel died September 19, 1974.
He is survived by two sons, Harold of Marion, Ind., and Howard of Catlin; two sisters, Mrs. Mabel Stayton of Ogden and Mrs. Bertha Hartley of Decatur; four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by three sisters and two brothers.
Sidell Journal, Sidell Illinois. Thursday, 28 June 1979
Chester "Rollie" Yeazel was born to Adam and Sarah Yeazel in Homer. In 1915, he married Sophia Cordella Hedges in Fairmount, and they had two sons: Howard and Harold Yeazel. Rollie and Sophia lived in the Center Point area for 27 years, starting in 1918 and were members of the Center Point Church where he served as a deacon and Sunday School superintendent. They moved to Fairmount on March 6, 1945 and he entered public office in 1949, serving as Fairmount Mayor until 1968, including a short time in the early 1960s when he initially didn't seek re-election, but was asked to return after the winning candidate stepped down shortly after election. Improvements under Rollie Yeazel to the town of Fairmount included the installation of the water system and water treatment plant in 1951 at a cost of $135,000 that was raised through municipal and revenue bonds, new signals and gates for the railroad crossing and natural gas that was pumped in from the Sidell area. After he stepped out of public office, he took up the hobby of caning furniture.
Contributor: LISA DAVIS (50366112)
1920 US census, enumerated 6 January 1920
Sidell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
C.R. Yeazel, age 26, farmer, rented farm
Sophia, age 27
Harold, age 1
1930 US census, enumerated 21 April 1930
Sidell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Chester R. Yeazel, age 38, farmer, rented farm
Sophia C., age 37
Harold R., age 12
Howard B., age 9
1940 US census, enumerated 18 April 1940
Sidell Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
C.R. Yeazel, age 46, farmer,
Sophia, age 47, housewife
Harold age 22, farmer
Howard, age 19, student
1950 US census, enumerated 4 April 1950
Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois
Chester R. Yeazel, age 56
Sophia, age 57
member of Center Point Church
On 1 May 1932 Lonie Strand and Rollie Yeazel were elected deacons of Center Point Church.
On 29 September 1940, Rollie Yeazal and Glen Moreman were elected trustees of Center Point Church to take the place of J.T. Edwards and John Smith. George F. Hedges remained as the third trustee.
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774585/chester-r_-yeazel
Block 16, Lot 34, Space 3Chester married Sophia Cordella Hedges on 24 Oct 1915 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois. Sophia (daughter of George Fielden Hedges and Cora Belle Gritton) was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. 
Sophia Cordella Hedges was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois (daughter of George Fielden Hedges and Cora Belle Gritton); died on 19 Sep 1974 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Religion: Center Point Church
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
Baptized at age 15 at Center Point Church during a revival meeting by Rev. F. DeGafferally on 10 September, 1908.
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/75774647/sophia-c_-yeazel
Block 16, Lot 34, Space 2Children:
- Harold Ralph Yeazel was born on 6 Mar 1918 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 15 Nov 1988 in Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana; was buried on 18 Nov 1988 in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- 1. Howard Baldwin Yeazel was born on 21 Nov 1920 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 29 Aug 2011 in Tulsa, Oklahoma; was buried in Oakridge Cemetery, Catlin, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Generation: 3
4. 
Adam Wallace Yeazel was born on 20 Dec 1851 in Illinois (son of Adam Yeazel and Maria Grabill); died on 10 Mar 1942 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1880, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1900, Ogden, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Ogden, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, South Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85194334/adam-wallace-yeazel
Block 11, Lot 21, Space 2Adam married Sarah Amelia Cessna on 4 Jul 1877 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Sarah (daughter of William Cessna and Sarah Jane Hawkins) was born on 11 Feb 1856 in Stark County, Ohio; died on 1 Sep 1953 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
5. 
Sarah Amelia Cessna was born on 11 Feb 1856 in Stark County, Ohio (daughter of William Cessna and Sarah Jane Hawkins); died on 1 Sep 1953 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Notes:
Name:
daughter of William Cessna and Sarah Jane Hawkins
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/85194408/sarah-amelia-yeazel
Block 11, Lot 21, Space 1Children:
- Nellie M. Yeazel was born on 29 Mar 1878 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 31 Aug 1976 in Champaign, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Zella Myrtle Yeazel was born on 16 Dec 1879 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 21 Feb 1972 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Sigel Morton Yeazel was born on 10 Aug 1884 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 24 Apr 1948 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Mable Ellen Yeazel was born on 11 Feb 1887 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 19 Dec 1982 in Normal, McLean County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Bertha M. Yeazel was born on 16 Dec 1889 in Illinois; died on 13 Sep 1988 in Decatur, Macon County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- 2. Chester "Rollie" Yeazel was born on 11 Sep 1893 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 21 Jun 1979 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Blanche Ada Yeazel was born on 28 Oct 1895 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 19 Jun 1975 in Newman, Douglas County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
6. 
George Fielden Hedges was born on 27 Dec 1866 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky (son of William Riley Hedges and Sarah Lavina Allen); died on 19 Feb 1950 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Religion: Center Point Church
- Census: 1900, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1910, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1920, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1930, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1940, Jamaica Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
member of Center Point Church
On 8 April 1901 E.L. Hawkins and George Hedges were elected as elders, joining James Alva Hedges and F. Pletch. George was a nephew of James Alva Hedges.
On 3 June 1906, George F. Hedges and E. L. Hawkins were elected trustees of Center Point Church, joining A. W. Shelly.
On 19 October 1919 the following were elected elders of Center Point Church: Geo F. Hedges (one year), John Edwards (two years), and Harve Elliot (three years).
Geo. F. Hedges was also elected clerk and treasurer.
On 11 July 1920 T.J. Smith, and J.T. Edwards were elected trustees of Center Point Church, joining Geo. F. Hedges.
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Birth:
Note from Marjorie (Fox) Block: Birth date and place from the family Bible owned by Cora Belle (Gritton) Hedges.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801478/george-f-hedgesGeorge married Cora Belle Gritton on 28 Jul 1892 in Vermilion County, Illinois. Cora was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
7. 
Cora Belle Gritton was born on 28 Aug 1870 in Blount Township, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Apr 1961 in Tilton, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Religion: Center Point Church
Notes:
Friends gave her a surprise
(Press-Democrat Special.)
Fairmount, Ill., Sept. 2. - One of the most delightful entertainments of the season was the birthday surprise on Mrs. Geo. Hedge last Sunday, at her home northeast of the village. The event was planned and executed by her husband and daughters. While Mrs. Hedges was busily engaged in serving dinner to some friends who had accompanied her home from Sunday school and church, her friends to the number of seventy-five or more slipped into the front rooms of her home and came marching out to the dining room with her mother in the lead, which, by the way, was a great surprise, the latter having come out from Danville.
The afternoon was spent in a social and religious way. About 4 o'clock the crowd repaired to the front yard where some fifteen or twenty minutes was devoted to song and prayer, and the breaking of bread, which was presided over by Rev. Scott, of Danville, after which the remainder of the evening was spent in song, and social conversation, and the eating of cream, cake and candy and fruit, and a general good time was enjoyed by all. One singular feature connected with their gathering was that the hostess was surprised on her 18th birthday in 1888, in the same house where she now lives. Mrs. Hedges was the recipient of many beautiful pieces of china.
Newspaper clipping from Cora (Gritton) Hedges. No publishing information available.
Clark (Near Homer).
Mr. and Mrs. George Hedges and daughter Grace of Fairmount and Edith Gritton of Danville took supper Friday evening with Mr. and Mrs. Rolla Yeazel.
The Urbana Daily Courier, Urbana, Illinois. Saturday, 26 August 1916, page 3.
member of Center Point Church
When Center Point Church closed and was sold, George F. Hedges, Cora B. Hedges, Rollie Yeazel and Sophia Yeazel united with the Catlin Church of Christ on 17 September 1946.
Name:
More information about Cora Belle Gritton's family at our Gritton site: https://hiltner.com/gritton/index.php
and Cora's individual page: https://hiltner.com/gritton/getperson.php?personID=I307&tree=tree1
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/78801438/cora-b-hedgesChildren:
- 3. Sophia Cordella Hedges was born on 10 Nov 1892 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 19 Sep 1974 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
- Ralph Jewell Hedges was born on 27 May 1894 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 22 Jun 1969 in Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Grace Gertrude Hedges was born on 29 Oct 1895 in Jamaica, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 9 May 1988 in Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Indianola, Vermilion County, Illinois.
Generation: 4
8. Adam Yeazel was born on 25 Nov 1807 in Clark County, Ohio; died on 27 Mar 1852 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in Old Homer Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Census: 1850, Champaign County, Illinois
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/185745874/adam-yeazelAdam married Maria Grabill. Maria was born on 3 Oct 1807 in Loudoun County, Virginia; died on 7 Oct 1885 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in Old Homer Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
9. Maria Grabill was born on 3 Oct 1807 in Loudoun County, Virginia; died on 7 Oct 1885 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in Old Homer Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1860, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1870, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
- Census: 1880, South Homer, Champaign County, Illinois
Notes:
From Homer Historical Society:
Champaign County Herald, October 14, 1895--Homer-She died Thursday and was buried from her home, Friday at Wright Cemetery. She was wife of Adam Yeazel.
Name:
daughter of David Crabill and Barbara A. Bear
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/21809916/mariah-yeazelChildren:
- 4. Adam Wallace Yeazel was born on 20 Dec 1851 in Illinois; died on 10 Mar 1942 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
10. William Cessna was born on 7 Nov 1822 in Medford County, Pennsylvania; died on 25 May 1908 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois. Other Events:
- Census: 1860, Tippecanoe, Marshall County, Indiana
- Census: 1870, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1880, Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1900, Vance Township, Vermilion County, Illinois
Notes:
"William Cessna Taken Suddenly
Well Known Landowner of Homer Victim of Pneumonia
Homer, Ill. May 25.—William Cessna died at his home here at 8:10 o'clock this morning after an illness since last Thursday from pneumonia. The end had been expected, but it came sooner than was anticipated, Mr. Cessna passing very suddenly. His illness rendered him somewhat delirious, and he refused to stay in bed. He was sitting in a chair and asked to be put in bed. He then took some medicine and died without a struggle.
The decedent was born November 7, 1822, in Medford County, Pennsylvania. His father was Evan Cessna. On May 18, 1850, the son married Sarah Jane Hawkins in Stark County, O. This union brought five children, one of whom, Mrs. Abe Smith, died in Ohio about twenty years ago. The surviving children are: John W. Cessna of Chanute, Kas., Sarah Amelia, wife of Adam Yeazel of north of Homer; Martha Ellen, wife of Marion Tibbetts of this place and William L. D. Cessna of Adrian, Mich.
For several years after his marriage the decedent followed his trade as a brick and stone mason in Mahoning County, O. In 1856 he moved to Marshall County, Ind., and in 1875 he came to Vermilion County and purchased land. He resided in that country until three years ago, when he divided all except 240 acres of his land among his children and moved to Homer, where he purchased the late home on Coffeen and Southeast Street. His land at that time amounted to 1,016 acres.
Mrs. Cessna died in 1864 and Mr. Coffeen married Mrs. Lucina Melser on January 29, 1865. The second wife and three children survive, as follows: Rosa I., wife of H. H. Price; Charles M. Cessna, and Mary M., wife of Mortimer Current of Danville.
The decedent had never been a member of any church or fraternal organization except the I. O. O. F., and his membership in that order was dropped a number of years ago.
The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon from the home, Rev. W. D. Fairchilds, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church, preaching. Interment will be at the G.A.R. cemetery." - The Champaign County News, Wednesday, May 27, 1908, page 2 (Transcribed by the Homer Historical Society)
Name:
son of Evan Cessna
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/96766943/william-cessna
Block 4, Lot 29, Space 6William married Sarah Jane Hawkins on 18 May 1850 in Stark County, Ohio. Sarah was born on 4 May 1831 in Washington County, Pennsylvania; died on 15 Sep 1864 in Bourbon, Marshall County, Indiana; was buried in Early Bourbon Cemetery, Bourbon, Marshall County, Indiana. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
11. Sarah Jane Hawkins was born on 4 May 1831 in Washington County, Pennsylvania; died on 15 Sep 1864 in Bourbon, Marshall County, Indiana; was buried in Early Bourbon Cemetery, Bourbon, Marshall County, Indiana. Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/83406755/sarah_jane_cessnaChildren:
- 5. Sarah Amelia Cessna was born on 11 Feb 1856 in Stark County, Ohio; died on 1 Sep 1953 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; was buried in GAR Cemetery, Homer, Champaign County, Illinois.
12. 
William Riley Hedges was born on 10 Mar 1841 in Farmers, Rowan County, Kentucky (son of William Ribelin Hedges and Malinda Russell Cassity); died on 25 Oct 1925 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 26 Oct 1925 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- _MILT: Civil War
- Census: 1870, Cross Roads, Rowan County, Kentucky
- Census: 1880, Hillsboro, Fleming County, Kentucky
- Residence: 1896, farm of William Riley Hedges; farm of William Riley Hedges in 1896 plat map
- Census: 1900, Benton Township, Linn County, Missouri
- Census: 1910, Benton Township, Linn County, Missouri
Notes:
LKH Note: From a letter written by George F. Hedges on 11 February 1948 we know that in 1881 William R. and Sarah L. Hedges moved their family from Fleming County, Kentucky to a small farm southwest of Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois. In three years they moved to Champaign County, Illinois and then in 1891 they and most of their children moved to Linn County, Missouri.
LKH note:
Information matches for this to be about William R. Hedges, but I have never read about his being referred to as Uncle Billie or as Billie at all.
Uncle Billie Hedges is on the sick list at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Anna Bagley.
The Browning Leader-Record, Browning, Missouri. Thursday, 23 December 1920, page 5.
* * * *
Uncle Billie Hedges is spending this week with his daughter, Mrs. Lucy Jenkins.
The Browning Leader-Record, Browning, Missouri. Thursday, 31 March 1921, page 5.
* * * *
Uncle Billie Hedges is quite poorly at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Wm. Jenkins.
The Browning Leader-Record, Browning, Missouri. Thursday, 28 May 1925, page 4.
* * * *
George Hedges of Jamaica, Ill, and P.T. Hedges of Shreveport, Lou., spent Xmas with their father, Uncle Billy Hedges, and other relatives.
The Browning Leader-Record, Browning, Missouri. Thursday, 3 January 1924, page 4.
Obituary
William R. Hedges was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, March 10th, 1841, died October 25, 1925, age 84 years, 7 months and 15 days. At the age of 16 he obeyed the gospel and became Elder in the Church of Christ and remained faithful to the end of his life.
He enlisted in the Civil War while a young man and served 2 1/2 years.
He was married to Sarah Lavina Allen Nov. 28th, 1863. To this union were born 9 children all of whom are living, 5 boys and 4 girls. The boys are James A. and John W. of Purdin, Mo., Geo F. o Fairmount, Ill, P.T. Hedges of Natchitoches, La. And Jasper N. of Sidney, Mont. The girls are Emma A. Gardner of Riverton, Wyo., Lucy M. Jenkins and Anna M. Bagley of Purdin, Mo. And Mary D. Wood of Seagoville, Texas. His wife died June, 1916.
He leaves beside the above mentioned relatives to mourn their loss 39 grand children and 32 great grand children.
Dearest Father thou hast left us,
You no more on earth we see,
But in Heaven we hope to meet thee<
There to dwell eternally.
The funeral services were conducted by Elder Potter at the Church of Christ on Monday where a large concourse of friends and neighbors gathered to pay him a last farewell, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Purdin cemetery by the side of his companion, who crossed over some years ago.
William R. Hedges was born in Fleming County, Kentucky, March 10th, 1841, died October 25, 1925, age 84 years, 7 months and 15 days. At the age of 16 he obeyed the gospel and became Elder in the Church of Christ and remained faithful to the end of his life. He enlisted in the Civil War while a young man and served 2 1/2 years.
Was married to Sarah Lavina Allen Nov. 28th, 1863. To this union were born 9 children all of whom are living, 5 boys and 4 girls. The boys are James A. and John W. of Purdin, Mo., George F. o Fairmount, Ill, P.T. Hedges of Natchitoches, La. And Jasper N. of Sidney, Mont. The girls are Emma A. Gardner of Riverton, Wyo., Lucy M. Jenkins and Anna M. Bagley of Purdin, Mo. And Mary D. Wood of Seagoville, Texas. His wife died June, 1916. He leaves beside the above mentioned relatives to mourn their loss 39 grand children and 32 great grand children.
Dearest Father thou has’t left us,
You no more on earth we see,
But in Heaven we hope to meet thee,
There to dwell eternally.
The Browning Leader-Record, Browning, Missouri. Thursday, 29 October 1925.
Elder C.E. Potter preached the funeral of Rev. Wm. Hedges at Purdin Monday afternoon.
The Browning Leader-Record, Browning, Missouri. Thursday, 29 October 1925.
Fourth Kentucky Volunteer Infantry, Company C.
Rank: private.
Enrolled 27 August 1861.
Mustered in 9 October 1861, Camp Dick Robinson, Kentucky. Enlisted for a period of 3 years.
Discharged 8 March 1863, Gallatin, Tennessee.
We have a copy of William R. Hedges Soldier's Certificate No.690641 file. In his general affidavit, he writes that in Dec 1861 I received an injury to my left side by being kicked by a mule, while helping to break mules at Crab Orchard Ky the mules back joint struck me three or four times on the lower ribs of the left side causing a rupture of the left kidney so that I urinated blood for six weeks and about the 10th of April 1862 while still suffering from the effects of said injury I was poisoned by eating cheese purchased from the suttler of the region and my whole left side seemed to be affected by said poison and my belief is that my left side being was when I was poisoned the effects of the poison naturally settled in that side and the poison aggravated the results from the injury. An any rate I have continued to suffer from that time to the present with pain in the left side of my head and face like neuralgia and with pain in my left side and hip and spine like rheumatism.
The Union Army, v.IV. Published by the Federal Publishing Co, 1908, pp318-320.
"This regiment was one of the three which President Lincoln authorized Lieut. William Nelson of the navy, a native of Mason county, Ky., to raise in Kentucky in the early summer of 1861. The day after the August election, Col. Fry with a detachment from Danville, the nucleus of what became Co. A, opened Camp Dick Robinson and three other regiments began to pour in and with a few weeks enough men to fill the four regiments had assembled. The first active service performed by any portion of the regiment was when a detachment of several companies, with a similar detachment from the 3d, was sent to Nicholasville to escort a wagon train loaded with muskets and ammunition from Nicholasville to the camp. In the latter part of October the regiment moved to Crab Orchard and became a part of the 2nd brigade, 1st division, Army of the Ohio. Its first participation in actual hostilities was at the battle of Mill Springs, Ky., in which action the regiment lost 1 officer (Lieut. J. M. Hall, Co.B) and 8 men killed and 52 wounded, which was a pretty heavy percentage in a regiment depleted by sickness and detachments to less than 400 for duty. From Mill Springs the regiment marched by Coffey's mill, Danville, Lebanon, and Bardstown to Louisville and there embarked on boats for Nashville, where it arrived March 4, 1862. It took part in the advance on Corinth, frequently skirmishing and sometimes sustaining loss. After the evacuation of Corinth it pursued the enemy as far as Booneville, Miss. and then returned to Corinth marched via Iuka to Tuscumbia. After a stay of some weeks at the latter place, it moved with the command on July 24, via Florence, Lawrenceburg, Pulaski, Fayetteville, Lynchburg and Winchester to Decherd. Leaving the latter place for Nashville, it marched from there with Buell's army to Louisville. After the battle of Perryville, where the regiment was present though not engaged, it moved with the command via Danville to Crab Orchard, whence via Greensburg and Glasgow to Gallatin, Tenn., Then to Casalian Springs, half way between Gallatin and Hartsville, and there to Elizabethtown. It was joined at Munfordville by the 12th Ky. Cavalry and 13th Ky. Infantry and had a fight with Morgan's rear at Rolling fork; moved thence to Lebanon Junction and thence to Nashville. The Regiment took part in the Tullahoma campaign and was in action at Hoover's gap, Concord church and near Tullahoma, but with slight loss. It went into action at the battle of Chichamauga with 19 officers and 360 men and lost 13 officers wounded, and 160 enlisted men killed and wounded."
The text goes on with more information, but William R. Hedges was discharged by this time.
Note: His death certificate states he was born in Rowan County, Kentucky (information provided by his brother J. A. Hedges). His obituary states he was born in Fleming County, Kentucky.
LKH note: The children of William R. Hedges are named and their birth dates given in his application for military pension. We have a photocopy of that pension application file from the National Archives.
1870 US census enumerated 30 June 1870
Cross Roads Precinct, Rowan County, Kentucky
William R. Hedges, age 29, farmer
Sarah, age 27, keeping house
James, age 7
George, age 4
Emma, age 2
John, age 2 months
real estate value $600
personal property value $250
In the 1870 census, four household are listed next to each other: William Ribelin Hedges and three of his sons: Levi, William R. and James Hedges.
1880 US census, enumerated 12 Jun 1880.
Hillsboro Precinct, Fleming County, Kentucky
William Hedges, age 39, farmer
Sarah L., age 34
James A., age 15, farmer, attending school
George F., age 13, farmer, attending school
Emma, age 11, attending school
Peter T., age 9, attending school
Lucy, age 6
Anna A., age 3
Mary D., age 4 months
Next door is William’s cousin James Monroe Hedges.
1900 US census, enumerated 19 & 20 July 1900
Benton Township, Linn County, Missouri
William R. Hedges, age 59, farmer
Sarah L., age 54
John W., age 17, farm laborer
Jasper N., age 14, farm laborer
Owned home
1910 census, enumerated 18 April 1910
Benton Township, Linn County, Missouri
William R. Hedges, age 69, minister of the Gospel
Sarah, age 64
owned home
US 1880 agricultural census, enumerated 12 June 1880.
Fleming County, Kentucky
William R. Hedges, line 1
Rented for share of produce
tilled acres – 25
value of farm implements - $10
value of farm production - $150
horses – 1
Milch cows – 2
other cattle – 1
cattle sold – 1
butter , pounds – 150
poultry, barnyard – 8
other – 50
eggs produced - 40
Indian corn, acres – 8
Indian corn, bushels – 150
Oats, acres – 5
Oats, bushels – 40
wheat – acres – 8
wheat – bushels – 60
Molasses – gallons – 25
Potatoes, Irish – 12
Potatoes, sweet – 10
Wood cut, cords - 15
value of wood products - $15
_MILT:
4th Regiment Kentucky Mounted Infantry. Company C. Private.
Died:
Missouri death certificate
https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1925/1925_00032796.PDF
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23798836/william-ribelin-hedgesWilliam married Sarah Lavina Allen on 28 Nov 1863 in Portsmouth, Scioto County, Ohio. Sarah (daughter of Fielding C. Allen and Matilda Hunt) was born on 21 Aug 1845 in Greenup County, Kentucky; died on 16 Jun 1916 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 18 Jun 1916 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
13. 
Sarah Lavina Allen was born on 21 Aug 1845 in Greenup County, Kentucky (daughter of Fielding C. Allen and Matilda Hunt); died on 16 Jun 1916 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 18 Jun 1916 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri. Other Events:
- Residence: 1896, farm of William Riley Hedges; farm of William Riley Hedges in 1896 plat map
Notes:
Mrs. William Hedges, aged 75 years, died unexpectedly at her home in Purdin Friday night last. The deceased was an excellent woman and left a large family.
The Bulletin, Linneus, Missouri. Thursday, 22 June 1916.
Died:
Missouri death certificate
https://www.sos.mo.gov/images/archives/deathcerts/1916/1916_00022161.PDF
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/23798821/sarah-lavina-hedgesNotes:
Married:
Married by Allen Ken, magistrate.
Marriage date and location from Civil War pension application.Children:
- James Alva Hedges was born on 9 Sep 1864 in Greenup County, Kentucky; died on 6 Aug 1946 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 8 Aug 1946 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri.
- 6. George Fielden Hedges was born on 27 Dec 1866 in Morehead, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 19 Feb 1950 in Fairmount, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Spring Hill Cemetery, Danville, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Emma Annaliza Hedges was born on 18 May 1869 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 19 Jul 1945 in Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.
- John Hedges was born in Apr 1870 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died about 1870 in Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Peter Thompson Hedges was born on 19 Jan 1872 in Champaign County, Illinois; died on 29 May 1959 in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, Louisiana; was buried in Fern Park Cemetery, Natchitoches, Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana.
- Lucy Malinda Hedges was born on 11 Dec 1874 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 1 Jan 1939 in Purdin, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 4 Jan 1939 in Jenkins Cemetery, Browning, Linn County, Missouri.
- Anna May Hedges was born on 9 Jul 1877 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 10 Jul 1962 in Brookfield, Linn County, Missouri; was buried on 12 Jul 1962 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri.
- Mary Dalton Hedges was born on 17 Feb 1880 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 4 Dec 1966 in Rockport, Aransas County, Texas; was buried in Rockport Cemetery, Rockport, Aransas County, Texas.
- John William Hedges was born on 26 Dec 1882 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 12 Aug 1966 in Milan, Sullivan County, Missouri; was buried on 14 Aug 1966 in Purdin Cemetery, Purdin, Linn County, Missouri.
- Jasper Newton Hedges was born on 7 Dec 1885 in Homer, Champaign County, Illinois; died on 4 Sep 1961 in Thermopolis, Hot Springs County, Wyoming; was buried in Mountain View Cemetery, Riverton, Fremont County, Wyoming.