“Obituary W.W. Ward – William Wyly Ward was born in the Old Cherokee Nation, Delaware district, 3 ½ miles southwest of Maysville, Arkansas, Sept. 18, 1854, and departed this life at Claremore, Oklahoma, November 20, 1911, being a little more than 57 years of age.
“In 1882, Sept. 12, he was married to Miss Addie Handlin, formerly of Illinois. To this union were born four children, all of whom are living, namely, Mrs. John Tinnin, of Maysville, Arkansas, Mrs. Allie B. Crowell, Miss Alta Ward and Miss Maude Ward, of Claremore, Okla.
“Mr. Ward was one of six brothers, of whom are left to mourn his loss three, as follows: Joe L. Ward, and John L. Ward of Maysville, Ark., and George D. Ward, of Afton, Okla.
“The cause of the seeming untimely death was peritonitis and stoppage of the bowels, dating in serious nature only a few days prior to his passing.
“His story is told briefly thus. He had been a resident of Claremore about six years. He was honest and upright in his dealings, and his friends were many. His profession in Christ dates back to the Bulgin meeting of a few years ago. His life is now in the hands of the God who first entrusted it to a season in this world.”[i]
“W.W. Ward – W.W. Ward, who died in this city Monday noon, was buried at Woodlawn cemetery Tuesday afternoon, at 3 o’clock. The funeral was conducted at his late home. Rev. Carney of the Christian church officiating. Mr. Ward was a good man and a good citizen. He moved to this city from Afton several years ago and has conducted a boarding and rooming house since that time. Mr. Ward leaves a wife and several grown daughters to morn his loss.
“Card Of Thanks – We, the family of the deceased, desire to express our deep gratitude and heartfelt thanks to the many friends, who so kindly tendered their services in our bereavement. Mrs. W.W. Ward and children.”[ii]
“Passing of W.W. Ward. Monday morning W.W. Ward, after an illness of only a few days, passed away. He had been a resident of Claremore for about six years, and was a highly respected citizen. He came to this city from Afton and engaged in the hotel business and at his death was owner of the Ward rooming house on Third, where the funeral services were held Tuesday and burial in Woodlawn cemetery. A wife and four daughters survive him.”[iii]
By Christa Rice, Claremore History Explorer
Sources: Oklahoma newspapers are sourced through The Gateway to Oklahoma History, gateway.okhistory.org; crediting Oklahoma Historical Society.
[i] Claremore Messenger. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 16, No. 51, Ed. 1 Friday, November 24, 1911. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc178409/).
[ii] Claremore Progress. And Rogers County Democrat (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 19, No. 43, Ed. 1 Friday, November 24, 1911.(gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc181267/).
[iii] Knight, H. Tom. Rogers County Leader. (Claremore, Okla.), Vol. 1, No. 90, Ed. 1 Friday, November 24, 1911. (gateway.okhistory.org/ark:/67531/metadc956071/).
William W. Ward. Birth 18 Sep 1854. Death 20 Nov 1911 (aged 57). Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Plot CP1-A.-L8.-6W. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28931385/william-w-ward
Spouse: Addie Belle Handlin Ward. Birth (Jan 3) 1862. Death (Sep.1) 1930 (aged 68). Burial Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, Rogers County, Oklahoma. Plot CP1-A.-L8.-5W. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/28931128/addie-belle-ward
Children: Lola Ward Tinnin, Elva Ward Flippin, Alta Ward Knowlton (1891-1984), Maude Ward Dupriest (1896 – 1986).
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