Ninth Generation

576. George Washington LESSLY¹¹⁷ was born on 24 December 1845 in near Renick, Randolph Co., MO.^{118,321,322,323,324,325,326,327,328} He died stroke on 18 February 1922 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.³²² He was buried on 19 February 1922 in Old Higbee Cemetery, Higbee, MO.³²² George was in farmer, mechant. the following is taken from the notes of Stile Lessly, written circa march 1, 1970

As a young man Geroge W. engaged in general merchandise business in Higbee taking as a parnter a cousin Shelton Lessley (note different spelling of name). When his first wife Annie died, he purchased a 410 acre farm located two miles northwest of Higbee on Silver Creek, lying on both sides of the old Huntsville-Fayette road. In the early 1900's he purchased a livery stabel in Higbee in partnership with a Mr. Ward. In 1904 he built a house in Higbee, moving from the farm and lived in that house until his death. After several years in the livery stable he sold his interest in it and along with his son Oreon he engaged in the grocery business until his retirement about 1920. For several years he also served as city collector for the town. He died on Feb 18, 1922. While a young man George W. lost a leg in an accident in connection with a horse-powered threshing machine and was fitted with an artificial leg and he used a cane as he walked. When he moved from the farm into town, Annie, Lucy and Oreon were living with him

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In the 1850 census for Polk County, MO, George appears as a child in his father's household. His age is given as 4 and his place of birth as Missouri.

In the printed account of the 1860 census for Polk County, MO, George appears as a minor in his father's household. His age is given as 14 and his place of birth as Missouri.

In the 1870 census for Randolph County, MO George appears as a member of his father-in-law's household (page 183 A, Prairie Twp). His age is listed as 24 and place of birth as Missouri. His occupation is listed as "works on farm" and he is listed as having been married in March of that year.

In the 1880 census for Randolph County, MO, George appears as the head of his household. The page no. is 27, the Supervisor's Dist is no. 5 and the Enumeration Dist is no. 113. The township is Monitou Township. George's age is listed as 34, his occupation as dry goods dealer, and his birthplace as Missouri. The census notes that he has only one leg. Also the spaces that note the birthplaces of his parents have been left blank. Also in the household are George's wife, Ann E., and children James E., George E., William A., and Clarence K. Also a black servant named Eliza Lytt is living in the house. On the same page of the census is an entry for George's partner in business (and second cousin), Shelton Lessley.

In the 1900 census for Randolph County, MO, George appears as the head of household. Supervisor's District is #2, Enumeration District is #132, sheet #17. His age is listed as 54 and his time of birth as Dec 1845. His state of birth is listed as Missouri and those of his parents as Kentucky. His occupation is listed as farmer. According to the census, he can read, write and speak English. Also appearing in his household are his son, George E. , daughter in law May (Willa Mae), son Clarence K., daughter Lucy, son Oreon P., and grandson George L. The entry for George W. appears immediately before that of his oldest son James Elgin Lessly.

In the 1910 census for Randolph County, MO, George appears as the head of household. The township is Moniteau, the city is Higbee, and the Enumeration Dist. number is 139. He is listed as "George Leasley" in the 1910 census index. His age is listed as 64 and his marital status as widowed. His place of birth is listed as Missouri. The birthplace of both his parents is listed as Kentucky. According to the census, he can read, write and speak English. His occupation appears to be manager of a livery stable. Also appearing in his household are his son, William A., daughters Annie E. and Lucy E., and two grandchildren (the children of William A.) Claude and Lucy B. Lessly.

The information from all census records correspond with family information on George's birthdate and birthplace.

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A G.W. Lessley from Missouri appears in the Confederate roster. He served in Coffee's Cavalry Regiment, Company "D", as a private for the years 1864-1865. Information provided by Missouri State Archives and John Gross at confederate@@worldnet.att.net

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Information obtained from the National Archives lists the following. G. W. Lessley served in Company D, Coffee's Regiment, Missouri Calvary (Cofederate), record number 44180258. He "Appears on a Muster and Descriptive Roll of prisoners of war belonging to the Army of the Northern Sub-District of Arkansas, and surrendered on the 11th day of May, 1865, by Brigadier General M. Jeff. Thompson, C.S.A., commanding said Army, to Major General G.M. Dodge, U.S.A., commanding Department of the Missouri".
Paroled at Jacksonport, Arkansas, June 5, 1865.
Where enlisted - Batesville
Age - 18 yrs.; eyes - blue; hair - light
Complexion - fair; height - 5 feet 6 inches.
Where born - Mo
Remarks: Absent sick

The records from the Missouri State Archives and the National Archives correspond in that George W. would have been 18 years in 1864 (the stated time of his enlistment).

A G. W. Lessley is listed in the Civil War Muster Rolls at the National Archives. Co. D, Coffee's Regiment, Missouri Cav., rank private, Box # 000380, Extraction # 0009, Record # 00001626

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From "The Higbee News" dated 16 Dec 1898--G. W. Lessley, who left here Saturday for Potsboro, Texas, to see his aged father, James Lessley, who has been sick for some time, writes that his father died Saturday evening and that he only reached there in time Sunday evening to see him buried. Mr. Lessley, at the time of his death, was over 80 years old.

13 May 1910--CARD OF THANKS--Through the columns of the NEWS we wish to return our sincere and grateful thanks to the good people of Higbee and vicinity for their many kindnesses and sympathy during the illness and death of our son and brother. G. W. Lessley and Family.

Friday, 8 Jan 1915--BIRTHDAY DINNER--On Christmas day G. W. Lessley's children and grandchildren to the number of twenty-one met at his home to surprise him and help him celebrate his 69th birthday. The gathering came as a total surprise to Mr. Lessly. All came with well filled baskets. The morning was spent in exchanging greetings and making merry. At the noon hour all were invited to the dining room where the table was loaded with Christmas turkey with all the trimmings that go with it, the centerpiece being a cake on which were 63 candles. After dinner when all were feeling at their best all repaired to the front porch where their pictures were taken. After spending a very pleasant afternoon the guests returned to their homes, wishing Mr. Lessly many happy returns of the day and prosperous New Year. Those present: J. E. Lessly and family, G. E. Lessly and family, Oreon Lessley and family, Mrs. Bessie Lessly and family, Miss Annie Lessly and Claud Lessly.

Friday, 3 Dec 1915--G. W. Lessly received a letter from a niece living at Pottsboro, Texas, the first of the week, informing him that his brother, John H. Lessly, of that place was stricken with paralysis Friday, his entire right side being affected.

Friday, 21 Nov 1919, Vol 33. No 31--GROCERY CHANGES HANDS--(Condensed)--Dennis & Gooch, who recently purchased the G. W. Lessly & Co. grocery stock, sold out last Saturday to Edmund Burke and Otho Robb, who will continue the business in the old stand.

Friday, 10 Feb 1922, Vol 35, No 43--SUFFERING FROM PARALYSIS--G. W. Lessley, one of our best known citizens, suffered a slight stroke of paralysis one day last week, and has since been confined to his home, though able to be up and about, his speech only being effected, and that only partially. He was not quite so well yesterday, we are sorry to say. Mr. Lessly's host of friends join the NEWS in the hope for his speedy recovery.

Friday, 17 Feb 1922, Vol 35, No 44--G. W. LESSLY NO BETTER--G. W. Lessly, who is suffering from paralysis, with which he was stricken ten days ago, was not so well yesterday, his legion of friends will be sorry to learn. While his speech was slightly effected at first, it is much more so now, indicating that the paralysis is gradually increasing. Everything possible that medical science and loving care can do for him is being done, but the worst is feared because of Mr. Lessly's 76 years. All join the NEWS in the prayer for his recovery and that he may be spared to his children and his friends for years to come.

Friday, 24 Feb 1922, Vol 35, No 45--ANOTHER GOOD MAN CALLED HOME--G. W. Lessly Passes Peacefully Away at His Home Saturday From Paralysis--It again becomes the sad province of the NEWS to chronicle the passing of another good citizen, neighbor and friend--G. W. Lessly, who died at his home in this place at 3:50 p.m. Saturday, February 18, 1922, from paralysis, with which he had been stricken ten days before.

While the stroke was very light, his speech being only partially affected, and his family and friends were hopeful that he would shortly recover, it was soon seen that it was not to be, as the paralysis gradually extended from day to day and he grew momentarily weaker, until he passed peacefully away at the hour stated, surrounded by all of his children.

George Washington Lessly was a native of Randolph county, having been born near Renick on December 24, 1845, and spent all of his almost 77 years in Higbee and immediate vicinity.

He was married to Miss Annie E. Pattrick on March 6, 1870. They were the parents of six children. Mrs. Lessly dying Jan. 3, 1882, he was married to Miss Augusta Palmer on October 20, 1883. to this union two children were born. Mrs. Lessly died November 7, 1888. On February 19, 1890, he was married to Miss Nancy C. Burton, who died December 21, 1893.

The surviving children are Jas. E., George E., Miss Annie and Oren Lessly, all of this place. Augustus died some fifteen years ago and Bertha in early childhood. Clarence, who left for the West some twenty-five years ago, is believed to be dead, as he has not been heard from for twenty years. Miss Lucy, the oldest of the two children of his second marriage, died at the family home some ten years ago. thirteen grandchildren and two brothers, both of Oklahoma, also survive.

Mr. Lessly was one of Higbee's very best citizens, and was the town's first business man, having opened a store near where the West Side Hotel now stands in 1874, later selling a half interest to the late S. Lessly and erecting the brick now occupied by Mark Murphy's hardware store. Selling his interest in the store in 1886 to the Higbee Coal & Mining Co., he moved to his farm a year or two later, returning to town in 1904, where he had since lived, and was engaged in the grocery business for several years with
his son, Oren, retiring some three or four years ago.

He was a Christian gentleman of the highest type and was loved and respected by all who knew him, and all feel a personal loss in his passing.
Funeral services were conducted at the home Sunday by the Rev. J. J. Hutchison, pastor of the Christian church, of which deceased had been a member since early manhood, the crowd being one of the largest seen here in years on a similar occasion.
Interment was made in the city cemetery. An extended obituary will appear later.

Friday, 17 Mar 1922, Vol 35, No 48--IN MEMORY--In loving memory of G. W. Lessly, who silently crossed the dark river of death Feb. 18, 1922.
Leaves have their time to fall, And flowers to wither at the north wind's breath. But thou hast all seasons for thine own, Oh! death.
After life's fitful fever, Sleeps one of earth's noblemen. One by one they pass on, mother, sister, brothers and lastly the dear father,
leaving fond memories of the parent, who for so many years had been both father and mother. Loving, generous, kind, always thinking the best of and for his children, always cheerful and deeply interested in his neighbors and friends' welfare. Honest and just, eager and anxious to help further a cause for the uplift of humanity or aid a fellow man. He has left noble monuments to his children in the life he lived. Sweet memories of him as they go about their daily duties ever a light to guide them on and upward, to higher and better living, sadly missing his wise counsel and loving advice, ever by his example keeping in the straight and narrow way that leads to life everlasting, and to merit the plaudit, "Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joys of the master." There is no death, the stars go down, To rise again on some fair shore, And there in heaven's jeweled crown, They shine for evermore. A FRIEND.

George Washington LESSLY and Annie Elizabeth PATTRICK were married on 6 March 1870 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.^222,329,330 Lessley, G.W. -- mar 6 Mar 1870 Ann e. Patrick, all of Rand., by Eld. Jesse
Terrill; North Missouri Herald 16 Mar 1870 Annie Elizabeth PATTRICK¹¹⁷ was born on 14 October 1853 in Randolph County, MO.^323,324,329 She died on 3 January 1882 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.^330,331 She was buried in Old Higbee Cemetery, Higbee, Missouri. Annie appears in the 1870 census for Randolph County, MO as a member of her father's household. Her age is listed as 16 and her place of birth is Missouri. She is also listed as having married in March of 1870. Her husband, George W. Lessly is also living in her father's household.

In the 1880 census for Randolph County, MO., Annie appears as a member of her husband's household. Her age is listed as 26, her occupation as keeping house, and her place of birth as Missouri. The birthplaces of both parents are listed as Kentucky.

This census information corresponds to family information about Annie.

Lessly, Mrs. -- d. 3 Jan 1882 Higbee, w\o G. W. Lessley of the firm of S. Lessly & Co. ; MDM Wednesday 4 Jan 1882

George Washington LESSLY and Annie Elizabeth PATTRICK had the following children:

+881	i.	James Elgin LESSLY.
+882	ii.	George Edwin LESSLY.
+883	iii.	William Augustus LESSLY.
884	iv.	Clarence Kimbrough LESSLY117 was born on 30 January 1878 in near Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.324,325 He died about 1902 in Montana. the following is taken from the notes of Stiles Lessly circa March 1, 1970 Clarence Lessly went as a young man to Montana to work. He worked on a ranch and the family had letters from him regularly - then his letters stopped coming. Suspecting something had happened, the family sent a man to Montana to see what might have happened. In that frontier country, no trace of Clarence was ever found, and the family concluded he was the victim of foul play. In the 1880 census for Randolph County, MO., Clarence appears as a child in his father's household. His age is listed as 2 and his birthplace as Missouri. In the 1900 census for Randolph County, MO, Clarence appears as a member of his father's household. His date of birth is listed as January 1878, his age as 22 and his place of birth as Missouri. The birthplaces of both parents are also listed as Missouri. His occupation is listed as farm laborer. According to the census he can both read and write.
885	v.	Bertha May LESSLY117 was born in 1880 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO. She died on 21 February 1881 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.
+886	vi.	Annie LESSLY.

George Washington LESSLY and Augusta PALMER were married on 21 September 1883 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.³³² They³³² were married on 20 October 1883 in Higbee, MO. Augusta PALMER¹¹⁷ was born about 1850 in Missouri.^333,334,335 She died on 7 November 1888 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO. Augusta appears in the 1860 census for Randolph Co., MO as a member of her father's household. Her age is listed as 9 and her place of birth as Missouri.

Augusta appears in the 1870 census for Randolph Co., MO as a member of her father's household. Her age is listed as 18, her occupation as student and her place of birth as Missouri.

George Washington LESSLY and Augusta PALMER had the following children:

887	i.	Lucy Emily LESSLY117 was born on 24 August 1884 in near Higbee, Randolph Co., MO.325,326 She died on 26 August 1912 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO. She was buried on 28 August 1912 in Old Higbee Cemetery, Higbee, Missouri. the following is taken from the notes of Stiles Lessly circa March 1, 1970 Lucy E. Lessly was born Aug 24, 1884. She died on Aug 26, 1912, only 28 years old. She had been an invalid for some years. She was a remarkable person, about as nearly angelic as anyone I have ever known. Most of the Lesslys who died around Higbee are buried in the Higbee Cemetary, about a mile north of town. In the 1900 census for Randolph County, MO, Lucy appears as a member of her father's household. Her date of birth is listed as August 1884, her age as 15, and her place of birth as Missouri. The birthplace of both parents is also listed as Missour. According to the census, Lucy can both read and write and has attended school for 7 months is the last year. In the 1910 census for Randolph County, MO, Lucy appears as a member of her father's household. Her age is listed as 25 and her place of birth as Missouri. Both parents are listed as having been born in Missouri. She is listed as being able to read, write, and speak English. No occupation is listed for her. ************************************************************************** Friday, 30 Aug 1912--MISS LUCY LESSLY DEAD--Again has the Grim Reaper visited a Higbee home and claimed as his own one of Higbee's sweetest and best young ladies--Miss Lucy E. Lessly, who died at the home of her father, G. W. Lessly, Monday, August 26, 1912, at about 8 p.m. She was born in Higbee on August 24, 1884, and was therefore 28 years and two days of age. Fifteen years ago she united with the Christian church under the ministry of Eld. Strawn, and had since lived a consistent Christian life, and when able was a constant attendant at all the church services. Her health failed her about four years ago, and she was taken to Colorado, but to no purpose, as she seemed to grow worse. After her return home, a change for the better took place and her family and friends looked forward to her permanent recovery. But it was not to be. Her disease, gastrointestinal tuberculosis, refused to yield to any and all treatment, and death came to her as a happy release from her sufferings, which were intense, especially in the last few months. Funeral services were conducted at the home Wednesday by Eld. A. N. Lindsey, of Clinton, her former pastor, and the immense assemblage of sorrowing friends spoke most eloquently of the esteem in which she was held. She is survived by her father, three brothers--James, George and Oren, and one sister, Miss Annie, who have the sympathy of all in their sad bereavement. Interment was made in the city cemetery. Friday, 13 Sep 1912--IN MEMORY OF LUCY EMILY LESSLY--August 24, 1884, a blossom budded in the home of George and Gussie Lessly, and they called this little blossom Lucy Emily. A bright winsome little daughter that brought joy and gladness to the parents' hearts, especially the mother, as 'twas her first born, and so many fond hopes and bright prospects loomed before her for this precious gift from God. Having been tenderly reared in the Christian home, she early learned to love her Savior, and the very first lessons were words of the Master, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for as such is the kingdom of Heaven." She confessed her Savior at the early age of thirteen years, and from that time until the final triumph, His love had been her comfort and strength through all the days of joy or pain. In all her relations in life she was tried and true. As a daughter and sister she was beyond compare. Always the sweet, gentle trusting girl that had grown from her mother's arms into the high holy sphere of womanhood. It was a benediction to see or meet her. Whether talking or silent, her influence was such as to make all know that she lived in spirit with her Master. We cannot estimate the value of a life so unselfish and generous as was hers. Its influence, like the sun, drove away darkness and impurity. She was grateful for the smallest favor shown to her or her loved ones, and never forgot to express her appreciation. She had been raised as a tender plant, but in the battle of life which she fought so long and patiently, she was strong and brave, and in the last days she would say to those around her, "I am trying so hard to be patient." What can we say of her beautiful faith and hope during the long dark hours? Her calm patience, strong faith and abiding love seemed almost divine. With fine courage she welcomed every trial directed towards her recovery and expressed trust, modesty, and nobility of spirit in her simple unaffectedness. She was as she appeared to be, kindly and genuinely interested in those about her, giving out cheer, sympathy, courage and heartfelt interest in all of God's work, and her love for all. On God's own day he saw fit to call from its earthly abiding place this pure, sweet spirit, and as the evening shadows began to gather on Monday, August 26, 1912, at the age of twenty-eight years and two days, her frail body gave up the spirit to join the mother and other loved ones gone before. And 'twas a relief to the dear watchers to see the look of peace settle over the loved features which had been so long drawn and tired from suffering, and know that rest, peace and joy was hers. She had requested that Rev. A. N. Lindsay should speak the comforting words at her funeral, and many months before had selected the scripture to be read and the songs she loved. She was a loyal life and local member of the Christian Women's Board of Missions, and a supporter and member of the Women's Christian Temperance Union. The many friends and acquaintances who met at the home on the afternoon of her funeral told better than words how much they loved and admired the pure sweet soul of dear Lucy. And to the loved sister, who for over twenty years has taken the place of mother as well, these friends transfer their love, admiration and respect, and extend sympathy to her and the devoted father who, with the three brothers, can say, This loved one has gone before, Has passed the pearly gates, And there is fairest paradise She for her loved ones waits. TWO FRIENDS.
+888	ii.	Oreon Palmer LESSLY.

George Washington LESSLY and Nancy C. BURTON were married on 19 February 1890 in Higbee, Randolph Co., MO. Nancy C. BURTON¹¹⁷ was born on 18 August 1857 in Kansas.^225,322,336 She died on 21 December 1893 in near Higbee, Randolph County, MO.³²² She was buried on 23 December 1893 in Old Higbee Cemetery, Higbee, Missouri.³²² Nancy appears in the 1860 census for Donaphan County (Burr Oak TWP, image 9 of 16, page 943, Census taken 1 August 1860
Dwelling 858 Family 789). Her name is listed as "Catherine" which is probably her middle name. Her age is listed as 1 and her place of birth as Kansas.

Nancy appears in the 1870 census for Randolph Co., MO as a member of her father's househld. Her age is listed as 12 and her place of birth as Kansas.

Nancy appears in the 1880 census for Randolph Co., MO as a member of her mother's household. Her age is listed as 22 and her place of birth as Kentucky. Her father's birthplace is listed as Kentucky and his mother's birthplace as Virginia.

23 Dec 1893--We are called upon this week to record the death of Mrs. G. W. Lessley, who died at her residence two miles northwest of Higbee late Thursday eve, of pneumonia, aged 35 years. Two weeks ago deceased was taken with lagrip and was getting along nicely until last Monday when she concluded to drive over to her mother’s, Mrs. Hulda Burton, and spend the day. She returned home in the evening and during the early part of the night was taken with a severe attack of pneumonia. Drs. Dinwiddie of Higbee, and Harvey of Roanoke, were called in and did all they could to relieve her but she continued to grow worse until relieved by death. The funeral services will be held at the Christian church at 2 o’clock to-day after which the remains will be laid to rest in the city cemetery.

6 Jan 1894--OBITUARY--Nancy C. Lessley was born Aug. 18, 1857, died Dec 21, 1893. Another good woman has gone from earth. At the age of 15 she became a Christian and has faithfully followed Christ ever since. In the church she will be greatly missed, her life being active in promoting its welfare. To Mr. Lessley's children she was a mother and they all deeply mourn her loss. Her life was a blessing to all who knew her and of her it may well be said "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord, they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them." Funeral services were conducted at the grave by the writer, assisted by Rev. A. B. Moore. A. W. P.