Daughter of William Hiram Barber and Julia Ann Booth

Married to Euell Kennel Williams in 1872

When Mary Malinda Barber married Euell Kennel Williams, she was only 14 years, 11 days old. Even in this time in history, this was a young age to marry. Euell was almost 26 years old. She was also from an educated family. Her grandfather, Norman S. Booth was a respected lawyer and judge in Bellevue and Eaton Co. Michigan and had served in elected positions within the county. Julia Ann Booth, Mary's mother, had an education beyond the basic household responsibilities taught to girls at the time. She had also served as her father's secretary and stenographer prior to her first marriage to Luther Rice Peters.Family legend states that Mary was quite the accomplished horsewoman, even at a young age. She and Euell were married on horseback at the home of her mother and step-father Julia and and William Hiram Barber in Marion Twp, Mercer Co., MO. Mary's dowry was 165 acres of land given to her by her mother. Mary's brother, Richard Lincoln Barber was reportedly given a cash amount equal to the value of the land. He and his family then went to the northwestern US in the Washington/Oregon area. After spending his money, he returned to Mercer Co., Missouri and settled in Iowa.

Children: Lucy Ann Williams Haymaker 1873-1956, Amelia Williams Lane Vaughn 1875-1963, George M Williams 1877-1959, Richard N Williams 1879-1905, Samuel H Williams 1882-1959, Oliver Francis Williams 1884-1966, Joseph Adelbert Williams 1887-1966, Arvilla Elitha Williams 1890-1917, Mae Julia Williams 1892-1971, Edith Mary Williams 1894-1967, Elizabeth Williams 1898- , Raymond Christopher Williams 1901-1975

OLD SETTLER PASSES AWAY

"Mary Malinda Barber, daughter of Hiram and Julia Barber, was born in the state of Michigan, June 30, 1858 and passed away at her home June 12, 1929 at the age of 70 years, 11 months and 16 days. She was united in marriage to Euell Kennel Williams, July 11, 1872. To this union were born twelve children; six sons and six daughter; Mrs. Lucy Haymaker, Mrs. Amelia Vaughn, George, Richard, Samuel, Oliver and Joe Barber (sic), Mrs. Arvilla Marolf, Mrs. Mae Marolf, Mrs. Edith Vinzant, Mrs. Elizabeth McIntosh and Raymond Barber (sic); Richard and Arvilla having preceded their mother in death. One brother, Richard L. Barber, survives. She has 32 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She reared Arvilla's two sons after their mother's death.

She was a kind and loving wife and devoted mother, always ready to help in time of sickness and trouble. No task was too great for her to undertake for her children. She leaves her aged companion to whom she has been married 57 years, her children and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral services were conducted at the home Monday, Rev. Humphrey officiating. Interment at McKinney Cemetery

A precious one from us has gone;
A voice we loved is stilled;
A place is vacant in our home,
Which Never can be filled.
God, in his wisdom has recalled
The boon His love has given;
And, though the body slumbers here
The soul is safe in heaven.
Dearest Mother, though hast left us,
And thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God who has bereft us,
He can all our sorrows heal.

Card of Thanks
The family wishes to thank the neighbors and kind friends who assisted us during the sickness and death of our dear wife and mother. Euell Williams and Family."