Conner, Will M.

March 5, 1929

Following chronic heart trouble, Brights disease and high blood pressure which had afflicted him for the past two or three years, becoming aggravated a few months ago, William Thomas Monroe Conner died at his home at Naaman Tuesday at 2 o'clock. Funeral services were held today at the Christian church at 2 o'clock by the Rev. C.A. Chasteen of Dallas, and burial was the Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Mr. Conner was born in Stone County, Ark., Oct 29, 1871 and came to this country 35 years ago.

He was an only child, and his parents dying while he was small he was raised by an aunt, now living in Kansas. Funeral services were postponed in order to give her time to get here. He was married to Miss Jennie Haynes Aug. 12, 1894, and three children were born them, only one of them, Joe, is living. His first wife died Aug. 21, 1899, and on Jan 16, 1900, he married Miss Dorothy Bickle. Six children, all of whom survive, were born to them: Mrs. Hattie Wagoner, Mrs. Roxie Williford , Mrs. Letha Kimberly, Misses Willie Irene, Nellie and Nancy Ann. Mrs. Conner suffered mental affliction a few years ago which necessitated her going to Terrell for treatment, and Will had been both father and mother to the children since that time.

Will Conner was a most unique character, being possessed of an acute mind, broad charity, indefatigable energy and a remarkably cheerful disposition in the face of many afflictions. When he came here he had nothing and worked for a time for wages. He later bought land and entered the mercantile business. Several years ago he lost both eyes, but this did not sour his disposition. He kept track of his business, knew its every angle, and was a shrewd trader and a constant worker, being on the go more hours per day than probably any other man in the community. He was public spirited, being active especially in bettering school facilities, and no needy person ever went away from him without aid. He probably helped more people with less ostentation than any man who ever lived in his community.