Harry Wilson Lawton
1927 - 2005 (78 years)
Generation: 1
Generation: 3
Generation: 4
1. Harry Wilson Lawton was born in 1927 in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California (son of Harry Wilson Lawton and Ruhamah Belle Hedges); died on 20 Nov 2005. Notes:
Harry W. Lawton
Dana Point, Calif. Harry W. Lawton, journalist and author whose account of the 1909 manhunt for an American Indian fugitive inspired the movie “Tell Them Willie Boy Is Here,” died Nov. 20. He was 77.
Lawton died in a Dana Point assisted-care facility following a long illness, according to family members.
Lawton’s 1960 book “Willie Boy: A Desert Manhunt” chronicled the hunt for a 28-year-old Paiute-Chemehuevi Indian who had shot and killed his girlfriend’s father because he had forbidden the distant cousins from marrying.
Willie Boy and the 16-year-old girl, Carlota Boniface, eluded a posse for 12 days, traversing 600 miles of Southern California desert in 100-degree heat. Carlota ultimately was shot and killed and Willie Boy killed himself.
Lawton’s work, which included interviews with surviving posse members, won the James D. Phelan Award in Literature for best nonfiction and the Southwest Literature award for a historical work.
The book was turned into a 1969 movie that starred Robert Redford as the deputy sheriff in charge of the posse, Robert Blake as Willie Boy and Katharine Ross as Carlota. Lawton served as a consultant on the film.
Lawton operated a bookstore in Berkeley before working as a journalist for the San Clemente Sun and the Riverside Press-Enterprise. From 1965 to 1991 he was a writer, editor, administrative analyst and management services officer for the University of California, Riverside. He had strong ties to the local American Indian community.
Indiana Gazette, Indiana, Pennsylvania. Monday, 5 December 2005.
. . .
Lawton leaves his wife, Georgeann; his sons, George, Daniel, Jonathan, and Richard; his daughter Deborah Golino; his sister, Jean Belle Hamner; and six grandchildren.
The Boston Globe, Boston, Massachusetts. Tuesday, 6 December 2005.
2. Harry Wilson Lawton was born on 11 Dec 1897 in Ida Grove, Iowa; died on 11 Mar 1960 in Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California; was buried in Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, San Mateo County, California. Other Events:
- _MILT: World War I. World War II.
- Census: 1930, Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California
Notes:
Marin Man Dies After Car Accident
A San Rafale man died at Sonoma County Hospital this morning 1 1/2 hours after his car left the road and struck a tree on Highway 12 at Annadel Farms near Kenwood.
Harry Wilson Lawton, 62, 14 Sentinel Court, was taken to the hospital at 3 a.m. Officers said his car crossed the road before plunging off. They could give no immediate reason for the early morning accident; Lawton was alone in the car.
It was Sonoma County’s 10th automobile fatality of the year.
Petaluma Argus-Courier, Petaluma, California. Friday, 11 March 1960, page 1.
Harry Lawton
Graveside services will be held Tuesday for Harry W. Lawton, 62, former operator of a San Rafael newspaper subscription service, who was killed Friday when his car crashed into a tree on Highway 12 east of Santa Rosa.
The services will be at 11:30 a.m. at Golden Gate National Cemetery, San Bruno, with the Rev. Edwin Taylor, Santa Rosa, retired member of the Salvation Army, officiating.
Mr. Lawton moved to Santa Rosa from San Rafael just recently. He lived at 517 Santa Rosa ave.
He is survived by his son, Harry W. Lawton Jr., Arlington, and his sister, Mrs. Robert Huff, Westwood.
The Eggen & Lance Mortuary is in charge of funeral arrangements.
The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, California. Sunday, 13 March 1960.
Name:
son of Henry W. Lawton and Nellie Callahan
_MILT:
US Army. Ordnance Sergeant.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/72012834/harry-wilson-lawton
Section X, site 5139Harry married Ruhamah Belle Hedges on 10 Jun 1923 in Santa Ana, Orange County, California. Ruhamah (daughter of John Milton Hedges and Effie Alberta Saunders) was born on 28 Oct 1901 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 24 Jan 1995 in Riverside, Riverside County, California; was buried in Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, Riverside County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
3. Ruhamah Belle Hedges was born on 28 Oct 1901 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas (daughter of John Milton Hedges and Effie Alberta Saunders); died on 24 Jan 1995 in Riverside, Riverside County, California; was buried in Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, Riverside County, California. Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/226382684/ruhamah-belle-lay
North ViewChildren:
- 1. Harry Wilson Lawton was born in 1927 in Long Beach, Los Angeles County, California; died on 20 Nov 2005.
Generation: 3
6. John Milton Hedges was born on 23 May 1870 in Rowan County, Kentucky (son of Levi Marion Hedges and Samantha Jane Vawter); died on 26 Mar 1907 in Las Animas, Las Animas County, Colorado; was buried in Denison Cemetery, Denison, Jackson County, Kansas. Other Events:
- Census: 1900, Garfield Township, Jackson County, Kansas
- Census: 1905, Garfield Township, Jackson County, Kansas
Notes:
John Milton Hedges was born May 23, 1870 in Rowan county, Kentucky. He came to Kansas about 16 years ago. Nov. 28, 1896, he was married to Effie A. Saunders who survives him with four children. He left Denison over a year ago and made his home for some months in Topeka from whence he went to Denver, Colo., and later to Las Animas, Colo., where he was working at plastering when he was shot and instantly killed Tuesday March 26th. The body was brought here for burial arriving Saturday evening, the funeral being held next day at the Christian church here at 2 p.m., services being conducted by Rev. Davis of St. Joseph, Mo. His parents, one brother and four sisters are dead leaving one sister Mrs. J.S. Gil and four brothers, A.V., L.N., W.G. and C.E. The deceased was a member of the I.O.O.F., who had charge of the funeral, interment being made in the R.P. cemetery Easter afternoon.
The Meriden Ledger, Meriden, Kansas. Thursday, 4 April 1907.
Shot and Killed
John M. Hedges, a brother of Walter Hedges, was shot and killed in Denver a week ago Monday, by Frank Butts. Butts, who shot Hedges was drunk. The Denver News says of Hedges: “John M. Hedges, a carpenter, who was shot and killed by Frank Butts, came to Denver from Denison, Kansas, last Aug. The delight of the wife and four children as she read the many quaint sentences of a special delivery letter received yesterday morning from the father were soon to turn to sorrowing tears as only a little later that same mother read a telegram stating the father was shot and killed.
“I cannot account for the strange tragedy,” said Mrs. Hedges. “The only thing that might cause it was the fact that Butts owned my husband money, and my husband was going to leave him.
“My husband came to this state for his health, his brother and four sisters having died of consumption. He feared the same fate.”
J.M. Hedges was 37 years of age. He leaves a wife and four young children. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. J.S. Gill, of Topeka and four brothers, Marlon, Walter, Edgar and A.V. Hedges of Kansas. His father died only six weeks ago. Walter Hedges attended the funeral of his brother at Denison, Sunday, which was held under the auspices of the Odd Fellows.
Muscotah Record, Muscotah, Kansas. Thursday, 4 April 1907.
John M. Hedges, a brother of Walter Hedges, was shot and killed in Denver a week ago Monday, by Frank Butts. Butts, who shot Hedges, was drunk
The Horton Headlight-Commercial, Horton, Kansas. Thursday, 11 April 1907.
The preliminary hearing of Frank Butts, charged with the killing of J.M. Hedges, was held in Las Animas before Justice T.D. Britton. Butts was held without bail until the term of the District Court. It is probable that the defense will try to secure a continuance. In murder cases a continuance is almost always granted over one term, and Butts’ condition is mush that he will probably never be tried for he will hardly live until November.
The Colorado Statesman, Denver, Colorado. Saturday, 6 April 1907.
* * *
High Water Mark for Life Timers At Pen
James Selfridge No.6932, convicted of murder in the first degree in the district court of Mineral county, was received at the penitentiary Tuesday night to begin a life sentence in the prison. Soon after his arrival the sheriff from Bent county came with Frank Butts, who was given No.6935, who is to serve a life term for murder. Both prisoners are 30 years old.
Their arrival increased the colony of lifetimers to sixty-five, the highest number of lifers within the walls at any time during the history of the prison. The prison population is now 617, an increase of eighteen over the low water mark of two months ago.
Canon City Record, Canon City, Colorado. 21 November 1907.
Buried:
Burial location from "List of those buried in the Denison Cemetery, Denison, Jackson County, Kansas. Compiled by Allen C. Gardiner. 1968.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/238383577/john-milton-hedgesJohn married Effie Alberta Saunders on 27 Nov 1895 in Holton, Jackson County, Kansas. Effie (daughter of Jonathan "Smith" Saunders and Ruhamah Jane Montgomery) was born on 17 Apr 1877 in Tiptonville, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 13 Nov 1957 in Upland, San Bernardino County, California; was buried in Bellevue Memorial Park, Ontario, San Bernardino County, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
7. Effie Alberta Saunders was born on 17 Apr 1877 in Tiptonville, Jackson County, Kansas (daughter of Jonathan "Smith" Saunders and Ruhamah Jane Montgomery); died on 13 Nov 1957 in Upland, San Bernardino County, California; was buried in Bellevue Memorial Park, Ontario, San Bernardino County, California. Other Events:
- Census: 1910, Cedar, Jackson County, Kansas
- Census: 1920, Upland, San Bernardino County, California
- Census: 1930, Upland, San Bernardino County, California
- Census: 1940, Upland, San Bernardino County, California
Notes:
In the 1920 US census, Effie is listed as Effie A. Beard, widow, and is living with her four children, Addie Hedges, Corrine Hedges, Rashamah Hedges, and Harry Hedges. In the 1930 US census she is married to Edgar A. Holt and her daughter Corrine Hedges still lives with them. In the1940 US census she is again a widow. She is buried under the name of Effie A. Holt next to her daughter Corrine Z. Hedges.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/20881090/effie-a-holt
C-088-06
Effie is buried next to her daughter Corrinne.Children:
- Addie Ellen Hedges was born on 17 Sep 1896 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 2 Oct 1992 in Orange County, California; was buried in Pacific View Memorial Park, Corona del Mar, Orange County, California.
- Corrinne Zerela Hedges was born on 10 Jul 1898 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 23 Apr 1976 in Lagauna Hills, California; was buried in Bellevue Memorial Park, Ontario, San Bernardino County, California.
- 3. Ruhamah Belle Hedges was born on 28 Oct 1901 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 24 Jan 1995 in Riverside, Riverside County, California; was buried in Olivewood Cemetery, Riverside, Riverside County, California.
- Harry Tegar Hedges was born on 9 May 1903 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 13 Dec 1985 in Upland, San Bernardino County, California; was buried in Bellevue Memorial Park, Ontario, San Bernardino County, California.
Generation: 4
12. 
Levi Marion Hedges was born on 30 May 1833 in Fleming County, Kentucky (son of William Ribelin Hedges and Malinda Russell Cassity); died on 28 Jan 1907 in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas; was buried in Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- _MILT: Civil War
- Census: 1860, Rowan County, Kentucky
- Census: 1870, Cross Roads, Rowan County, Kentucky
- Census: 1880, Oakwood, Vermilion County, Illinois
- Census: 1900, Garfield Township, Jackson County, Kansas
Notes:
Enrolled in the Union Army on 13 August 1862.
Mustered in on 9 September 1862 in Covington, Kentucky
Saddler in Company L, 10th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry.
Mustered out on 17 September 1863 in Maysville, Kentucky.
This entire Company L served one year and was mustered in and out on the same dates as Levi M. Hedges.
Brief history of the 10th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry from the Adjutant General of the State of Kentucky: "The Regiment, under the command of Col. Joshua Tevis, was immediately put upon arduous duty as the advanced guard of the Army of the Ohio, in the campaign against Gen. Kirby Smith. In November and December, 1862, having been assigned to Brig. Gen. Bilmore's division, it was employed on the line towards Knoxville, Tenn. passing the entire winter in continuous marching. During the spring and summer of 1863 the regiment was employed, by battalion, in West Virginia and Northeastern Tennessee. In Southwest Virginia one of its battalions captured the breech-loading artillery so well know in connection with the history of Marshall's invasion. The services of this regiment were of the most active and efficient character. Its skirmishes and small fights were numerous and its marches continuous and severe. Among other, this regiment participated in the engagements of Elk Fork, Tenn; Gladesville, VA; Triplett's Bridge, Ky; Lancaster, Ky; Richard, Ky (1863); and in the pursuit and rout of the rebel cavalry of Pegran and Scott, beside the numerous affairs attending the advance of Maj. Gen. Granger upon central Kentucky. The regiment was mustered out at Maysville, Ky. 17 September 1863 by Capt. R. B. Hull, United States Army."
1870 US census, enumerated 30 June 1870
Cross Roads Precinct, Rowan County, Kentucky
Levi Hedges, age 28
Samantha, age 28
Indiana, age 11
Vawter, age 9
Loretta, age 7
Mary A., age 4
Eliza, age 2
value of real estate - $500
value of personal property - $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.
Levi Hedges, aged 75, died of old age at his home at 1141 Woodward avenue at noon today. The funeral arrangements have not been made yet.
The Topeka Daily Herald, Topeka, Kansas. Monday, 28 January 1907.
Levi Hedges died Monday of last week at his daughters hone 1141 Woodward Ave. Topeka Kans., and was buried Tuesday in the Topeka cemetery.
The Valley Falls New Era, Valley Falls, Kansas. Thursday, 7 February 1907.
_MILT:
10th Kentucky Volunteer Cavalry. Company L. Saddler.
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/22108891/levi-marion-hedges
Section 73Levi married Samantha Jane Vawter on 10 Nov 1857 in Rowan County, Kentucky. Samantha (daughter of Pascal Vawter and Eliza Mavity) was born on 6 Feb 1841 in Jefferson County, Indiana; died on 29 Aug 1884 in Fithian, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Embury Cemetery, Hope, Vermilion County, Illinois. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
13. Samantha Jane Vawter was born on 6 Feb 1841 in Jefferson County, Indiana (daughter of Pascal Vawter and Eliza Mavity); died on 29 Aug 1884 in Fithian, Vermilion County, Illinois; was buried in Embury Cemetery, Hope, Vermilion County, Illinois. Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/30069140/samantha-jane-hedgesChildren:
- Indiana Louisa "Lou" Hedges was born on 20 Aug 1858 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 15 Apr 1883 in Carter County, Kentucky; was buried in Enix Cemetery, Fitch, Carter County, Kentucky.
- Ashba Vawter Hedges was born on 29 Aug 1860 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 23 Oct 1929 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas; was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas.
- Loretta Ophelia Hedges was born on 26 Nov 1862 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on May 1883 in Hope, Illinois; was buried in Embury Cemetery, Hope, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Mary Addison "Addi" Hedges was born on 26 Aug 1865 in Aberdeen, Brown County, Ohio; died in May 1887 in Bunker Hill, Illinois; was buried in Embury Cemetery, Hope, Vermilion County, Illinois.
- Eliza Lydia "Lida" Hedges was born on 30 May 1868 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 6 Jun 1954 in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas; was buried in Mount Hope Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.
- 6. John Milton Hedges was born on 23 May 1870 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 26 Mar 1907 in Las Animas, Las Animas County, Colorado; was buried in Denison Cemetery, Denison, Jackson County, Kansas.
- William R. Hedges was born on 22 Feb 1873 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died in Feb 1873 in Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Malinda S. Hedges was born on 22 Feb 1873 in Rowan County, Kentucky; died in Feb 1873 in Rowan County, Kentucky.
- Charles Edgar Hedges was born on 27 Dec 1876 in Farmers, Rowan County, Kentucky; died on 15 Sep 1951 in Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas; was buried in Topeka Cemetery, Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas.
- Walter Grierson Hedges was born on 18 Mar 1880 in Muncie, Vermilion County, Illinois; died on 18 Jul 1963 in Leavenworth County, Kansas; was buried in Muscotah Cemetery, Muscotah, Atchison County, Kansas.
- Levi "Marion" Freece Hedges was born on 16 Jun 1882 in Hope, Illinois; died on 31 Mar 1944 in La Crescenta, Los Angeles County, California.
14. Jonathan "Smith" Saunders was born on 17 Aug 1826 in Fleming County, Kentucky; died on 1 Apr 1914 in Denison, Jackson County, Kansas; was buried in Denison Cemetery, Denison, Jackson County, Kansas. Other Events:
- Occupation: farmer
- Census: 1880, Cedar, Jackson County, Kansas
- Census: 1885, Cedar, Jackson County, Kansas
- Census: 1910, Holton, Jackson County, Kansas
Notes:
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/95070364/jonathan-smith-saundersJonathan married Ruhamah Jane Montgomery in 1876 in Kentucky. Ruhamah was born on 5 Apr 1851 in Adams County, Ohio; died on 2 Nov 1921 in Holton, Jackson County, Kansas; was buried in Denison Cemetery, Denison, Jackson County, Kansas. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]
15. Ruhamah Jane Montgomery was born on 5 Apr 1851 in Adams County, Ohio; died on 2 Nov 1921 in Holton, Jackson County, Kansas; was buried in Denison Cemetery, Denison, Jackson County, Kansas. Notes:
Saunders
Ruhamah Jane Montgomery, daughter of W.A. and Martha Montgomery was born April 5, 1851 in Adams county, Ohio and died November 2, 1921 at Holton, Kans., at the age of 70 years, 7 months and 28 days. She came with her parents to Jackson county, Kansas in 1868. She was a charter member of the Reformed Presbyterian church as Denison, Kas., and when the United Presbyterian church was organized became a member of the church with which she remained the rest of her life. She was united in marriage, January 11, 1876 to Johnathan Smith Saunders, who died April 1, 1914. To this union four children were born, one during in infancy. Mrs. Effie Beard, Upland, Calif.; Elmer A. and Bruce Saunders of Holton, Kans. She was also a mother to seven step children, John F. Saunders, deceased; Mrs. D.M. Roberts, Eldorado, Kans., C.J. Saunders, Mrs. R.B. Crozier; Frank Saunders of Denison, Kans.; Mrs. Hugh W. Wark, deceased, and Byron R. Saunders of Denison, Kans. Two sisters and two brothers, Mrs. Mary M. Milligan of Santa Anna, Calif.; Lizzie G. Montgomery, Denison, Ks., W.O. Montgomery, Topeka, Kansa; C.W. Montgomery, Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. There are also five grandchildren and many other relatives and friends to mourn the loss of a kind and loving mother, sister, and neighbor.
Services were held Sunday afternoon at the home on Pennsylvania Ave., and at the U.P. church at Denison. The services at the house were conducted by Rev. F.A. Munneke. A quartet, Miss Lowell, Doris Roebke, Mr. Canfield and Mr. Glenn sang. At Denison the services were in charge of the U.P. pastor assisted by Rev. Munneke and Rev. Furgeson.
The Holton Signal, Holton, Kansas. Thursday, 10 November 1921.
Name:
daughter of William Ainsworth Montgomery and Martha Ann Marshall
Buried:
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/108376565/ruhamah-jane-saundersChildren:
- 7. Effie Alberta Saunders was born on 17 Apr 1877 in Tiptonville, Jackson County, Kansas; died on 13 Nov 1957 in Upland, San Bernardino County, California; was buried in Bellevue Memorial Park, Ontario, San Bernardino County, California.