Thanks to FindAGrave member, Macso #47265747, for locating William's grave & taking a photo of his stone. He kindly deleted his memorial so that I could use my memorial & gave permission to use his photo. Thanks Chris!
*****
William was the first of Robertson & Martha Amanda (Williamson) Mize's nine children.
His obituary gives a brief summary of his life.
"W.J.MIZE DIED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
William J. Mize died at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 7, 1926. In his early manhood, while at home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Mize of Newtonia, he taught school in the present Newtonia high school building and will be well remembered by some of his pupils who are living in Newtonia now.
He afterwards went to Illinois where he engaged in newspaper work at Sullivan, Decater and Chicago. He was publisher of weekly and daily newspapers and owned a big job printing establishment. He was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago.
He and President Cleveland were especial friends and had much in common. After his term expired, he remained at his home in Chicago for a number of years, but finally bought a home in Los Angeles which was his home when he died. He was a brother of the Mize sisters who published the Newton County News. The sisters learned the printing business through the instrumentality of their brother.
Miss Eva Mize of Newtonia is his sister and her many friends extend sympathy."
The Neosho Times
Thurs. Feb. 25, 1926
*****
The following newspaper articles provide a birds-eye view into William's life.
The Neosho Times
MAR 12, 1931
SIXTY YEAR AGO (March 16, 1871)
"The late storm damaged the college building in Newtonia to such extent that school can not be held there. W. J. Mize has advanced the funds to complete the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and Miss Lizzie Mize will open school there when the building is complete."
OCT 29, 1931
SIXTY YEARS AGO (Nov. 2, 1871)
"The Newtonia Academy opens on Monday. The directors have secured the services of Mr. William Mize and Miss Lizzie Mize as teachers." Martha, known as Lizzie, was William's sister.
In June 1880 William, age 34, lived with D.F. Stearns & wife, Fanny, and their two sons, in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL where he was Editor of the Progress. Mr. D.F. Stearns was a school teacher and was the County Superintendent of schools.
The following news articles have been published by his sisters in The Newton County News. They were very proud of his accomplishments.
AUG 20, 1891
"W. J. Mize of Chicago, Illinois, is visiting his father, R. Mize, and family in Newtonia."
SEPT 10, 1891
"W. J. Mize, who has been making a short visit with relatives in Newtonia, returned on Saturday to his place of business in Chicago, Illinois."
FEB 11, 1892
"The Mize & Stearns Publishing Co. Of 149 La Salle Street, Chicago, has just published a most instructive and interesting work containing the biographies of the present United States Senators, a copper plated portrait of each and a complete list of all who have served in that capacity since the formation of government, also a list of all the presidents and their cabinet officers, besides other most valuable and interesting matter. W. J. Mize of Chicago compiled this historical work, which contains about six hundred pages, and is written from an impartial standpoint. The price of the book is not beyond the reach of any. The book is well printed on excellent paper, as this Publishing Co. Is one of the best in Chicago."
NOV 30, 1893
"W. J. MIZE RECEIVES AN APPOINTMENT
On last Saturday President Cleveland appointed W. J. Mize, brother of the Mize Sisters, as Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. The office was unsolicited by W. J. Mize, but his appointment was urged by his friends and met the approbation of the president. The following is clipped from the Chicago Record: William J. Mize, the new Collector of Internal revenue, is an active democrat and one of the best known advocates of tariff reform. He helped "Ben" Cable to run the western end of the Cleveland campaign, and he received a liberal share of the credit that followed the victory of last fall. Mr. Mize's office from a political point of view is far more important than the post office. There are from 200 to 300 good appointments all outside the civil service law which Collector Mize will be authorized to make. These appointments will be made with an eye to strengthening the Cleveland administration in Illinois. The appointment of Mr. Mize to be Collector is entirely creditable to Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Mize bears an excellent reputation and his methods of political campaigning have always been of the ? sort. It was he who last fall suggested and put into operation the school district organization system which had a great deal to do with giving Illinois the democrats. During his many years of connection with Illinois politics Mr. Mize has never held office or asked for or aspired to any political position. A pains-taking, careful man, he should make a capable official. The suggestion of Mr. Mize's appointment came from the civil service reform element of this city."
Nov. 21, 1895
"W.J. Mize, Collector of Internal Revenues for the district of Chicago, is visiting his sisters in this place."
Nov. 28, 1895
"Internal Revenue Collector, W. J. Mize of the District of Chicago, left Monday evening to resume his official duties after spending a pleasant week with his sisters, the publishers of this paper."
Mar. 19, 1896
"W.J. Mize is Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. His territory embraces twenty counties, including Cook county in which is the city of Chicago. He owns a number of handsome residences in Chicago. He is also connected with the Mize & Stearns Publishing House. His home is now in a beautiful residence of his own but recently built on Sheridan drive, No. 3504 Chicago, Illinois"
July 9, 1896
"SAYS THE BICYCLE KILLS THE SALOONS
Collector Mize of the internal revenue office estimates that there will be a falling off in the number of Chicago saloons for the coming year. The annual prepayment of the special tax on saloons is due July 1. For the last week thee has been quite a run on the collector's office, but not nearly as many applicants as in former years. The indications point to a dropping off of about 1,000 saloons from the number carried on the books last year. The brewer's trust by the weeding out process it adopted some time ago, is said to have had considerable to do with the falling off, but the bicycle craze, the collector thinks, has affected the saloon trade to the closing up of several hundred saloons. Chicago News."
Around 1897 William married Mrs. Fanny Stearns, who was perhaps a widow.
Dec. 2, 1897
The publishers of this paper are receiving some interesting letters from their brother, W. J. Mize, who is traveling in Europe for his health, which will be published int THE NEWS each week, beginning next issue. The letters are descriptive of his ocean voyage, the old country, etc.
Apr. 28, 1898
W. J. Mize who has been touring Europe for several months has sent to his sisters in this place quite a collection of souvenirs from different parts of the Old World, which he gathered in his travels. Among them are specimens of lava from Mt. Vessuvius, and a stone that he picked up, while it was yet hot, after it was belched forth from this famous volcano. There are stones from Kensington Park, Queen Victoria's birth place, and from the Palace at Versailles, France, also from the Palace of Nero, Rome, where St. Paul persecuted the same argument that he presented to King Aggrippa; also a stone from the Sacred Way, and another from the inside of the Coliseum in Rome and from Cicero's forum where Cataline's defiant speech was made; and others from the Secret passage under Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. Also samples of Bog-oak (underground wood) gotten at Cork, Ireland; and lunch cloths and handkerchief's of the famous Irish linen from the Linen works in Belfast, Ireland; also leaves from the shrubbery of the home of Charles Dickens and from Rome and other noted places, and coins from all the different countries, etc. Among the curiosities is a small fancy pitcher which was purchased at the tomb of Napoleon, which on looking through the glass bead in the stopper one can see the tomb of Napoleon, and plainly read the inscription.
OCT 20, 1898
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, Ill. Who have but recently returned from a tour in Europe, are visiting relatives in and near Newtonia.
OCT 27, 1898
W. J. Mize and wife after a week's visit in Newtonia, left last Sunday for their home in Chicago.
MAR 14, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago are visiting their sisters in Newtonia. They have been spending the winter in California.
MAR 21, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize, who have been visiting their sisters in this place for nearly two weeks, left this morning for their home in Chicago. W. J. Mize is secretary of the National Anti-Imperialist League.
Feb. 12, 1903
In a private letter to THE NEWS publishers from their brother, W. J. Mize, who with his wife has been spending the winter in St. Augustine, Florida and who last week took a pleasure grip to Cuba, writes from Havana, Cuba, that it is extremely warm there. He writes that they anchored close by the wreck of the Main, which still sticks up out of the water. He says, Havana is a very pretty city, resembling cities of Italy, that the parks are beautiful, some of them filled with palm trees and all sorts of tropical flowers and foliage.
FEB 11, 1904
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, who have been spending the winter in Mexico and Texas, arrived in Newtonia last Friday evening for a visit with their sisters.
On January 20, 1920, William & Fanny lived in Los Angeles, CA. He died Feb. 7, 1926.
"News was received a short time ago, of the death on February 7, of Wm. J. Mize at his home in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Mize was a former resident of Newtonia. He was engaged for some time in newspaper work in Illinois, making his home in Chicago, and was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago. He was a brother of the Misses Mize who will be remembered as publishers of the 'Newton County News' at Newtonia. Mr. Mize finally bought property in Los Angeles, California, where he was living at the time of his death."
Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
February 2011
*****
William was the first of Robertson & Martha Amanda (Williamson) Mize's nine children.
His obituary gives a brief summary of his life.
"W.J.MIZE DIED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
William J. Mize died at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 7, 1926. In his early manhood, while at home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Mize of Newtonia, he taught school in the present Newtonia high school building and will be well remembered by some of his pupils who are living in Newtonia now.
He afterwards went to Illinois where he engaged in newspaper work at Sullivan, Decater and Chicago. He was publisher of weekly and daily newspapers and owned a big job printing establishment. He was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago.
He and President Cleveland were especial friends and had much in common. After his term expired, he remained at his home in Chicago for a number of years, but finally bought a home in Los Angeles which was his home when he died. He was a brother of the Mize sisters who published the Newton County News. The sisters learned the printing business through the instrumentality of their brother.
Miss Eva Mize of Newtonia is his sister and her many friends extend sympathy."
The Neosho Times
Thurs. Feb. 25, 1926
*****
The following newspaper articles provide a birds-eye view into William's life.
The Neosho Times
MAR 12, 1931
SIXTY YEAR AGO (March 16, 1871)
"The late storm damaged the college building in Newtonia to such extent that school can not be held there. W. J. Mize has advanced the funds to complete the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and Miss Lizzie Mize will open school there when the building is complete."
OCT 29, 1931
SIXTY YEARS AGO (Nov. 2, 1871)
"The Newtonia Academy opens on Monday. The directors have secured the services of Mr. William Mize and Miss Lizzie Mize as teachers." Martha, known as Lizzie, was William's sister.
In June 1880 William, age 34, lived with D.F. Stearns & wife, Fanny, and their two sons, in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL where he was Editor of the Progress. Mr. D.F. Stearns was a school teacher and was the County Superintendent of schools.
The following news articles have been published by his sisters in The Newton County News. They were very proud of his accomplishments.
AUG 20, 1891
"W. J. Mize of Chicago, Illinois, is visiting his father, R. Mize, and family in Newtonia."
SEPT 10, 1891
"W. J. Mize, who has been making a short visit with relatives in Newtonia, returned on Saturday to his place of business in Chicago, Illinois."
FEB 11, 1892
"The Mize & Stearns Publishing Co. Of 149 La Salle Street, Chicago, has just published a most instructive and interesting work containing the biographies of the present United States Senators, a copper plated portrait of each and a complete list of all who have served in that capacity since the formation of government, also a list of all the presidents and their cabinet officers, besides other most valuable and interesting matter. W. J. Mize of Chicago compiled this historical work, which contains about six hundred pages, and is written from an impartial standpoint. The price of the book is not beyond the reach of any. The book is well printed on excellent paper, as this Publishing Co. Is one of the best in Chicago."
NOV 30, 1893
"W. J. MIZE RECEIVES AN APPOINTMENT
On last Saturday President Cleveland appointed W. J. Mize, brother of the Mize Sisters, as Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. The office was unsolicited by W. J. Mize, but his appointment was urged by his friends and met the approbation of the president. The following is clipped from the Chicago Record: William J. Mize, the new Collector of Internal revenue, is an active democrat and one of the best known advocates of tariff reform. He helped "Ben" Cable to run the western end of the Cleveland campaign, and he received a liberal share of the credit that followed the victory of last fall. Mr. Mize's office from a political point of view is far more important than the post office. There are from 200 to 300 good appointments all outside the civil service law which Collector Mize will be authorized to make. These appointments will be made with an eye to strengthening the Cleveland administration in Illinois. The appointment of Mr. Mize to be Collector is entirely creditable to Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Mize bears an excellent reputation and his methods of political campaigning have always been of the ? sort. It was he who last fall suggested and put into operation the school district organization system which had a great deal to do with giving Illinois the democrats. During his many years of connection with Illinois politics Mr. Mize has never held office or asked for or aspired to any political position. A pains-taking, careful man, he should make a capable official. The suggestion of Mr. Mize's appointment came from the civil service reform element of this city."
Nov. 21, 1895
"W.J. Mize, Collector of Internal Revenues for the district of Chicago, is visiting his sisters in this place."
Nov. 28, 1895
"Internal Revenue Collector, W. J. Mize of the District of Chicago, left Monday evening to resume his official duties after spending a pleasant week with his sisters, the publishers of this paper."
Mar. 19, 1896
"W.J. Mize is Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. His territory embraces twenty counties, including Cook county in which is the city of Chicago. He owns a number of handsome residences in Chicago. He is also connected with the Mize & Stearns Publishing House. His home is now in a beautiful residence of his own but recently built on Sheridan drive, No. 3504 Chicago, Illinois"
July 9, 1896
"SAYS THE BICYCLE KILLS THE SALOONS
Collector Mize of the internal revenue office estimates that there will be a falling off in the number of Chicago saloons for the coming year. The annual prepayment of the special tax on saloons is due July 1. For the last week thee has been quite a run on the collector's office, but not nearly as many applicants as in former years. The indications point to a dropping off of about 1,000 saloons from the number carried on the books last year. The brewer's trust by the weeding out process it adopted some time ago, is said to have had considerable to do with the falling off, but the bicycle craze, the collector thinks, has affected the saloon trade to the closing up of several hundred saloons. Chicago News."
Around 1897 William married Mrs. Fanny Stearns, who was perhaps a widow.
Dec. 2, 1897
The publishers of this paper are receiving some interesting letters from their brother, W. J. Mize, who is traveling in Europe for his health, which will be published int THE NEWS each week, beginning next issue. The letters are descriptive of his ocean voyage, the old country, etc.
Apr. 28, 1898
W. J. Mize who has been touring Europe for several months has sent to his sisters in this place quite a collection of souvenirs from different parts of the Old World, which he gathered in his travels. Among them are specimens of lava from Mt. Vessuvius, and a stone that he picked up, while it was yet hot, after it was belched forth from this famous volcano. There are stones from Kensington Park, Queen Victoria's birth place, and from the Palace at Versailles, France, also from the Palace of Nero, Rome, where St. Paul persecuted the same argument that he presented to King Aggrippa; also a stone from the Sacred Way, and another from the inside of the Coliseum in Rome and from Cicero's forum where Cataline's defiant speech was made; and others from the Secret passage under Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. Also samples of Bog-oak (underground wood) gotten at Cork, Ireland; and lunch cloths and handkerchief's of the famous Irish linen from the Linen works in Belfast, Ireland; also leaves from the shrubbery of the home of Charles Dickens and from Rome and other noted places, and coins from all the different countries, etc. Among the curiosities is a small fancy pitcher which was purchased at the tomb of Napoleon, which on looking through the glass bead in the stopper one can see the tomb of Napoleon, and plainly read the inscription.
OCT 20, 1898
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, Ill. Who have but recently returned from a tour in Europe, are visiting relatives in and near Newtonia.
OCT 27, 1898
W. J. Mize and wife after a week's visit in Newtonia, left last Sunday for their home in Chicago.
MAR 14, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago are visiting their sisters in Newtonia. They have been spending the winter in California.
MAR 21, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize, who have been visiting their sisters in this place for nearly two weeks, left this morning for their home in Chicago. W. J. Mize is secretary of the National Anti-Imperialist League.
Feb. 12, 1903
In a private letter to THE NEWS publishers from their brother, W. J. Mize, who with his wife has been spending the winter in St. Augustine, Florida and who last week took a pleasure grip to Cuba, writes from Havana, Cuba, that it is extremely warm there. He writes that they anchored close by the wreck of the Main, which still sticks up out of the water. He says, Havana is a very pretty city, resembling cities of Italy, that the parks are beautiful, some of them filled with palm trees and all sorts of tropical flowers and foliage.
FEB 11, 1904
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, who have been spending the winter in Mexico and Texas, arrived in Newtonia last Friday evening for a visit with their sisters.
On January 20, 1920, William & Fanny lived in Los Angeles, CA. He died Feb. 7, 1926.
"News was received a short time ago, of the death on February 7, of Wm. J. Mize at his home in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Mize was a former resident of Newtonia. He was engaged for some time in newspaper work in Illinois, making his home in Chicago, and was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago. He was a brother of the Misses Mize who will be remembered as publishers of the 'Newton County News' at Newtonia. Mr. Mize finally bought property in Los Angeles, California, where he was living at the time of his death."
Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
February 2011
Thanks to FindAGrave member, Macso #47265747, for locating William's grave & taking a photo of his stone. He kindly deleted his memorial so that I could use my memorial & gave permission to use his photo. Thanks Chris!
*****
William was the first of Robertson & Martha Amanda (Williamson) Mize's nine children.
His obituary gives a brief summary of his life.
"W.J.MIZE DIED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
William J. Mize died at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 7, 1926. In his early manhood, while at home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Mize of Newtonia, he taught school in the present Newtonia high school building and will be well remembered by some of his pupils who are living in Newtonia now.
He afterwards went to Illinois where he engaged in newspaper work at Sullivan, Decater and Chicago. He was publisher of weekly and daily newspapers and owned a big job printing establishment. He was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago.
He and President Cleveland were especial friends and had much in common. After his term expired, he remained at his home in Chicago for a number of years, but finally bought a home in Los Angeles which was his home when he died. He was a brother of the Mize sisters who published the Newton County News. The sisters learned the printing business through the instrumentality of their brother.
Miss Eva Mize of Newtonia is his sister and her many friends extend sympathy."
The Neosho Times
Thurs. Feb. 25, 1926
*****
The following newspaper articles provide a birds-eye view into William's life.
The Neosho Times
MAR 12, 1931
SIXTY YEAR AGO (March 16, 1871)
"The late storm damaged the college building in Newtonia to such extent that school can not be held there. W. J. Mize has advanced the funds to complete the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and Miss Lizzie Mize will open school there when the building is complete."
OCT 29, 1931
SIXTY YEARS AGO (Nov. 2, 1871)
"The Newtonia Academy opens on Monday. The directors have secured the services of Mr. William Mize and Miss Lizzie Mize as teachers." Martha, known as Lizzie, was William's sister.
In June 1880 William, age 34, lived with D.F. Stearns & wife, Fanny, and their two sons, in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL where he was Editor of the Progress. Mr. D.F. Stearns was a school teacher and was the County Superintendent of schools.
The following news articles have been published by his sisters in The Newton County News. They were very proud of his accomplishments.
AUG 20, 1891
"W. J. Mize of Chicago, Illinois, is visiting his father, R. Mize, and family in Newtonia."
SEPT 10, 1891
"W. J. Mize, who has been making a short visit with relatives in Newtonia, returned on Saturday to his place of business in Chicago, Illinois."
FEB 11, 1892
"The Mize & Stearns Publishing Co. Of 149 La Salle Street, Chicago, has just published a most instructive and interesting work containing the biographies of the present United States Senators, a copper plated portrait of each and a complete list of all who have served in that capacity since the formation of government, also a list of all the presidents and their cabinet officers, besides other most valuable and interesting matter. W. J. Mize of Chicago compiled this historical work, which contains about six hundred pages, and is written from an impartial standpoint. The price of the book is not beyond the reach of any. The book is well printed on excellent paper, as this Publishing Co. Is one of the best in Chicago."
NOV 30, 1893
"W. J. MIZE RECEIVES AN APPOINTMENT
On last Saturday President Cleveland appointed W. J. Mize, brother of the Mize Sisters, as Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. The office was unsolicited by W. J. Mize, but his appointment was urged by his friends and met the approbation of the president. The following is clipped from the Chicago Record: William J. Mize, the new Collector of Internal revenue, is an active democrat and one of the best known advocates of tariff reform. He helped "Ben" Cable to run the western end of the Cleveland campaign, and he received a liberal share of the credit that followed the victory of last fall. Mr. Mize's office from a political point of view is far more important than the post office. There are from 200 to 300 good appointments all outside the civil service law which Collector Mize will be authorized to make. These appointments will be made with an eye to strengthening the Cleveland administration in Illinois. The appointment of Mr. Mize to be Collector is entirely creditable to Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Mize bears an excellent reputation and his methods of political campaigning have always been of the ? sort. It was he who last fall suggested and put into operation the school district organization system which had a great deal to do with giving Illinois the democrats. During his many years of connection with Illinois politics Mr. Mize has never held office or asked for or aspired to any political position. A pains-taking, careful man, he should make a capable official. The suggestion of Mr. Mize's appointment came from the civil service reform element of this city."
Nov. 21, 1895
"W.J. Mize, Collector of Internal Revenues for the district of Chicago, is visiting his sisters in this place."
Nov. 28, 1895
"Internal Revenue Collector, W. J. Mize of the District of Chicago, left Monday evening to resume his official duties after spending a pleasant week with his sisters, the publishers of this paper."
Mar. 19, 1896
"W.J. Mize is Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. His territory embraces twenty counties, including Cook county in which is the city of Chicago. He owns a number of handsome residences in Chicago. He is also connected with the Mize & Stearns Publishing House. His home is now in a beautiful residence of his own but recently built on Sheridan drive, No. 3504 Chicago, Illinois"
July 9, 1896
"SAYS THE BICYCLE KILLS THE SALOONS
Collector Mize of the internal revenue office estimates that there will be a falling off in the number of Chicago saloons for the coming year. The annual prepayment of the special tax on saloons is due July 1. For the last week thee has been quite a run on the collector's office, but not nearly as many applicants as in former years. The indications point to a dropping off of about 1,000 saloons from the number carried on the books last year. The brewer's trust by the weeding out process it adopted some time ago, is said to have had considerable to do with the falling off, but the bicycle craze, the collector thinks, has affected the saloon trade to the closing up of several hundred saloons. Chicago News."
Around 1897 William married Mrs. Fanny Stearns, who was perhaps a widow.
Dec. 2, 1897
The publishers of this paper are receiving some interesting letters from their brother, W. J. Mize, who is traveling in Europe for his health, which will be published int THE NEWS each week, beginning next issue. The letters are descriptive of his ocean voyage, the old country, etc.
Apr. 28, 1898
W. J. Mize who has been touring Europe for several months has sent to his sisters in this place quite a collection of souvenirs from different parts of the Old World, which he gathered in his travels. Among them are specimens of lava from Mt. Vessuvius, and a stone that he picked up, while it was yet hot, after it was belched forth from this famous volcano. There are stones from Kensington Park, Queen Victoria's birth place, and from the Palace at Versailles, France, also from the Palace of Nero, Rome, where St. Paul persecuted the same argument that he presented to King Aggrippa; also a stone from the Sacred Way, and another from the inside of the Coliseum in Rome and from Cicero's forum where Cataline's defiant speech was made; and others from the Secret passage under Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. Also samples of Bog-oak (underground wood) gotten at Cork, Ireland; and lunch cloths and handkerchief's of the famous Irish linen from the Linen works in Belfast, Ireland; also leaves from the shrubbery of the home of Charles Dickens and from Rome and other noted places, and coins from all the different countries, etc. Among the curiosities is a small fancy pitcher which was purchased at the tomb of Napoleon, which on looking through the glass bead in the stopper one can see the tomb of Napoleon, and plainly read the inscription.
OCT 20, 1898
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, Ill. Who have but recently returned from a tour in Europe, are visiting relatives in and near Newtonia.
OCT 27, 1898
W. J. Mize and wife after a week's visit in Newtonia, left last Sunday for their home in Chicago.
MAR 14, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago are visiting their sisters in Newtonia. They have been spending the winter in California.
MAR 21, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize, who have been visiting their sisters in this place for nearly two weeks, left this morning for their home in Chicago. W. J. Mize is secretary of the National Anti-Imperialist League.
Feb. 12, 1903
In a private letter to THE NEWS publishers from their brother, W. J. Mize, who with his wife has been spending the winter in St. Augustine, Florida and who last week took a pleasure grip to Cuba, writes from Havana, Cuba, that it is extremely warm there. He writes that they anchored close by the wreck of the Main, which still sticks up out of the water. He says, Havana is a very pretty city, resembling cities of Italy, that the parks are beautiful, some of them filled with palm trees and all sorts of tropical flowers and foliage.
FEB 11, 1904
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, who have been spending the winter in Mexico and Texas, arrived in Newtonia last Friday evening for a visit with their sisters.
On January 20, 1920, William & Fanny lived in Los Angeles, CA. He died Feb. 7, 1926.
"News was received a short time ago, of the death on February 7, of Wm. J. Mize at his home in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Mize was a former resident of Newtonia. He was engaged for some time in newspaper work in Illinois, making his home in Chicago, and was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago. He was a brother of the Misses Mize who will be remembered as publishers of the 'Newton County News' at Newtonia. Mr. Mize finally bought property in Los Angeles, California, where he was living at the time of his death."
Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
February 2011
*****
William was the first of Robertson & Martha Amanda (Williamson) Mize's nine children.
His obituary gives a brief summary of his life.
"W.J.MIZE DIED IN LOS ANGELES, CALIF.
William J. Mize died at his home in Los Angeles, Calif., Feb. 7, 1926. In his early manhood, while at home with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. R. Mize of Newtonia, he taught school in the present Newtonia high school building and will be well remembered by some of his pupils who are living in Newtonia now.
He afterwards went to Illinois where he engaged in newspaper work at Sullivan, Decater and Chicago. He was publisher of weekly and daily newspapers and owned a big job printing establishment. He was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago.
He and President Cleveland were especial friends and had much in common. After his term expired, he remained at his home in Chicago for a number of years, but finally bought a home in Los Angeles which was his home when he died. He was a brother of the Mize sisters who published the Newton County News. The sisters learned the printing business through the instrumentality of their brother.
Miss Eva Mize of Newtonia is his sister and her many friends extend sympathy."
The Neosho Times
Thurs. Feb. 25, 1926
*****
The following newspaper articles provide a birds-eye view into William's life.
The Neosho Times
MAR 12, 1931
SIXTY YEAR AGO (March 16, 1871)
"The late storm damaged the college building in Newtonia to such extent that school can not be held there. W. J. Mize has advanced the funds to complete the Cumberland Presbyterian church, and Miss Lizzie Mize will open school there when the building is complete."
OCT 29, 1931
SIXTY YEARS AGO (Nov. 2, 1871)
"The Newtonia Academy opens on Monday. The directors have secured the services of Mr. William Mize and Miss Lizzie Mize as teachers." Martha, known as Lizzie, was William's sister.
In June 1880 William, age 34, lived with D.F. Stearns & wife, Fanny, and their two sons, in Sullivan, Moultrie Co, IL where he was Editor of the Progress. Mr. D.F. Stearns was a school teacher and was the County Superintendent of schools.
The following news articles have been published by his sisters in The Newton County News. They were very proud of his accomplishments.
AUG 20, 1891
"W. J. Mize of Chicago, Illinois, is visiting his father, R. Mize, and family in Newtonia."
SEPT 10, 1891
"W. J. Mize, who has been making a short visit with relatives in Newtonia, returned on Saturday to his place of business in Chicago, Illinois."
FEB 11, 1892
"The Mize & Stearns Publishing Co. Of 149 La Salle Street, Chicago, has just published a most instructive and interesting work containing the biographies of the present United States Senators, a copper plated portrait of each and a complete list of all who have served in that capacity since the formation of government, also a list of all the presidents and their cabinet officers, besides other most valuable and interesting matter. W. J. Mize of Chicago compiled this historical work, which contains about six hundred pages, and is written from an impartial standpoint. The price of the book is not beyond the reach of any. The book is well printed on excellent paper, as this Publishing Co. Is one of the best in Chicago."
NOV 30, 1893
"W. J. MIZE RECEIVES AN APPOINTMENT
On last Saturday President Cleveland appointed W. J. Mize, brother of the Mize Sisters, as Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. The office was unsolicited by W. J. Mize, but his appointment was urged by his friends and met the approbation of the president. The following is clipped from the Chicago Record: William J. Mize, the new Collector of Internal revenue, is an active democrat and one of the best known advocates of tariff reform. He helped "Ben" Cable to run the western end of the Cleveland campaign, and he received a liberal share of the credit that followed the victory of last fall. Mr. Mize's office from a political point of view is far more important than the post office. There are from 200 to 300 good appointments all outside the civil service law which Collector Mize will be authorized to make. These appointments will be made with an eye to strengthening the Cleveland administration in Illinois. The appointment of Mr. Mize to be Collector is entirely creditable to Mr. Cleveland. Mr. Mize bears an excellent reputation and his methods of political campaigning have always been of the ? sort. It was he who last fall suggested and put into operation the school district organization system which had a great deal to do with giving Illinois the democrats. During his many years of connection with Illinois politics Mr. Mize has never held office or asked for or aspired to any political position. A pains-taking, careful man, he should make a capable official. The suggestion of Mr. Mize's appointment came from the civil service reform element of this city."
Nov. 21, 1895
"W.J. Mize, Collector of Internal Revenues for the district of Chicago, is visiting his sisters in this place."
Nov. 28, 1895
"Internal Revenue Collector, W. J. Mize of the District of Chicago, left Monday evening to resume his official duties after spending a pleasant week with his sisters, the publishers of this paper."
Mar. 19, 1896
"W.J. Mize is Collector of Internal Revenue for the district of Chicago. His territory embraces twenty counties, including Cook county in which is the city of Chicago. He owns a number of handsome residences in Chicago. He is also connected with the Mize & Stearns Publishing House. His home is now in a beautiful residence of his own but recently built on Sheridan drive, No. 3504 Chicago, Illinois"
July 9, 1896
"SAYS THE BICYCLE KILLS THE SALOONS
Collector Mize of the internal revenue office estimates that there will be a falling off in the number of Chicago saloons for the coming year. The annual prepayment of the special tax on saloons is due July 1. For the last week thee has been quite a run on the collector's office, but not nearly as many applicants as in former years. The indications point to a dropping off of about 1,000 saloons from the number carried on the books last year. The brewer's trust by the weeding out process it adopted some time ago, is said to have had considerable to do with the falling off, but the bicycle craze, the collector thinks, has affected the saloon trade to the closing up of several hundred saloons. Chicago News."
Around 1897 William married Mrs. Fanny Stearns, who was perhaps a widow.
Dec. 2, 1897
The publishers of this paper are receiving some interesting letters from their brother, W. J. Mize, who is traveling in Europe for his health, which will be published int THE NEWS each week, beginning next issue. The letters are descriptive of his ocean voyage, the old country, etc.
Apr. 28, 1898
W. J. Mize who has been touring Europe for several months has sent to his sisters in this place quite a collection of souvenirs from different parts of the Old World, which he gathered in his travels. Among them are specimens of lava from Mt. Vessuvius, and a stone that he picked up, while it was yet hot, after it was belched forth from this famous volcano. There are stones from Kensington Park, Queen Victoria's birth place, and from the Palace at Versailles, France, also from the Palace of Nero, Rome, where St. Paul persecuted the same argument that he presented to King Aggrippa; also a stone from the Sacred Way, and another from the inside of the Coliseum in Rome and from Cicero's forum where Cataline's defiant speech was made; and others from the Secret passage under Blarney Castle near Cork, Ireland. Also samples of Bog-oak (underground wood) gotten at Cork, Ireland; and lunch cloths and handkerchief's of the famous Irish linen from the Linen works in Belfast, Ireland; also leaves from the shrubbery of the home of Charles Dickens and from Rome and other noted places, and coins from all the different countries, etc. Among the curiosities is a small fancy pitcher which was purchased at the tomb of Napoleon, which on looking through the glass bead in the stopper one can see the tomb of Napoleon, and plainly read the inscription.
OCT 20, 1898
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, Ill. Who have but recently returned from a tour in Europe, are visiting relatives in and near Newtonia.
OCT 27, 1898
W. J. Mize and wife after a week's visit in Newtonia, left last Sunday for their home in Chicago.
MAR 14, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago are visiting their sisters in Newtonia. They have been spending the winter in California.
MAR 21, 1901
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize, who have been visiting their sisters in this place for nearly two weeks, left this morning for their home in Chicago. W. J. Mize is secretary of the National Anti-Imperialist League.
Feb. 12, 1903
In a private letter to THE NEWS publishers from their brother, W. J. Mize, who with his wife has been spending the winter in St. Augustine, Florida and who last week took a pleasure grip to Cuba, writes from Havana, Cuba, that it is extremely warm there. He writes that they anchored close by the wreck of the Main, which still sticks up out of the water. He says, Havana is a very pretty city, resembling cities of Italy, that the parks are beautiful, some of them filled with palm trees and all sorts of tropical flowers and foliage.
FEB 11, 1904
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Mize of Chicago, who have been spending the winter in Mexico and Texas, arrived in Newtonia last Friday evening for a visit with their sisters.
On January 20, 1920, William & Fanny lived in Los Angeles, CA. He died Feb. 7, 1926.
"News was received a short time ago, of the death on February 7, of Wm. J. Mize at his home in Los Angeles, California. Mr. Mize was a former resident of Newtonia. He was engaged for some time in newspaper work in Illinois, making his home in Chicago, and was collector of internal revenue of the district of Chicago. He was a brother of the Misses Mize who will be remembered as publishers of the 'Newton County News' at Newtonia. Mr. Mize finally bought property in Los Angeles, California, where he was living at the time of his death."
Researched & compiled by Virginia Brown
February 2011
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