Obituary--William T. Ormsby

William Thompson Ormsby was born September 15, 1833, died at his home on Piney River, January 17, 1909; aged 75 years, 4 months and 2 days. Deceased was married to Henrietta Burnett May 9, 1876. To this union four children were born, three daughters and one son. The two oldest girls were yet at home with their father, the youngest daughter having married. The little son died August 27, 1882 in infancy. His wife died November 7, 1886. He leaves two sisters, Mrs. Dennis Reardon and Mrs. James Scott. Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Chas. Brashear and the remains were laid to rest in the Ellsworth graveyard.

Uncle Bill Ormsby was one of the noted characters among the old pioneers of our county. He was a man of sterling integrity and honest, of jovial disposition, hospitable and friendly; he stood high in the esteem of his neighbors and friends. He served bravely and faithfully as a Confederate soldier in the Civil War. He was an uncompromising Democrat in politics and always enjoyed a discussion of the leading political questions.

In the death of Uncle Bill Ormsby Texas County has lost a most honorable and valuable citizen, the community has lost a splendid and kindly neighbor; the family has lost a loving, devoted father.

He was the Herald's friend and the Herald joins with other friends in sincere sympathy to the bereaved ones.

Source: The Houston Herald obituary from Ruth French

Note: It is believed that the Ellsworth cemetery is also known as the Ormsby cemetery.

William T. Ormsby's wife, Henrietta (Burnett) Ormsby is buried in the Ormsby Cemetery.

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William Ormsby and wife, Henrietta (Burnett) Ormsby appeared on the 1876 Texas Co., MO farm census. Henrietta died leaving him with three young daughters. He raised the girls on a farm in the Elsworth community , Lynch Township, Texas Co., MO. He served as Texas County Sheriff. Curt Stone said William Ormsby was called Trigger Bill.

The following is excerpts from History of The Ellsworth Community compiled by Nancy Platter Pittman published in the Texas Co., MO Heritage Book.

About one and one-half miles down the river from Boiling Springs lived Col. Bill Ormsby, and early sherriff of Texas County. His wife died while their three girls were small. He never married again. The girls were nice girls. Rhoda (memorial #20312713) married Irvan Blankenship, Emma (memorial #20332511) married Evan Hobson, and raised two sons, Rufus and Robert. I can't recall anything about the third girl. Source: Nancy Platter Pittman.

Note by Karen Nelson: Bill and Henrietta Ormsby's third daughter was Mary Ormsby memorial #59864557, married James David Gooding.

William Ormsby and family lived near Alfred R. and Mary Cavaness.

CENSUS RECORD

Texas Co., MO Federal Census 1860, 1870, 1880, and 1900.

The 1900 Texas Co., MO Census

Dwelling #106 Lynch Township June 20, 1900

Ormsby, W. T 66 Sep 1833 MO

Head of House, widow

Ormsby, Mary 22 Jul 1879 MO daughter

Ormsby, Rhoda 16 Apr 1884 MO daughter

Ormsby, Emma 13 Sep 1886 MO daughter