William Milton Scholl Obituary

CALLAWAY WEEKLY GAZETTE
August 12, 1881
Captain Wm. M. Scholl

At 2 P.M. Friday August 5th at his residence on Nine Mile, the eyes of our valued friend, Capt. Wm. M. Scholl, closed in death. For several years past, he had been in delicate health, and when on the Monday before his death he was attacked by that violent disease, the flux, his bodily vigor was so worn away that his physicians could not save him. The funeral services took place on Saturday at Liberty church, and were attended by a large number of friends. An instructive and eloquent sermon was delivered by Elder T. J. Marlow, of Martinsburg, and then the body was laid in the grave with the usual Masonic honors by the Williamsburg lodge of which Capt. Scholl had long been a member.

Capt. Scholl was born in Clarke County, Kentucky, and came to Missouri in early youth. At the early age of sixteen years he became a member of Liberty Christian Church, and until the time of his death was an elder in Liberty church. He married a daughter of Reece Wells (incorrect, should be Hughes), one of the best known and most successful farmers of Nine Mile. The union was blessed by six children, four sons and two daughters, who with the widow are left to mourn his loss. He had been spared to a long and useful life, and had seen his children grow up around him. One of his daughters was married on the Wednesday before his death.

Probably no man in Callaway county was better known or enjoyed more universal respect than William M. Scholl. To a consistent Christian life, he added those genial attributes that easily and quickly attract friends, his friends to be his friends always. At the opening of the late civil war, his convictions led him to espouse the cause of the South, and to the end he followed the fortunes of his flag, serving most of the time in Shelby's Cavalry Brigade. On his return he again devoted himself to his chosen pursuit, farming, until in November 1873, he was chosen sheriff, to serve out the unexpired term of the late Col. Geo. Law, and in November 1874 was elected again without opposition. After this he was a Candidate for the office of Collector, but was defeated, his opponent receiving a small majority after a most heated contest. In this contest, Capt. Scholl bore himself with a dignity and gentle firmness that won the admiration of even those who voted against him. For a number of years he served as Justice of the Peace for his Township.

And now after a life of fifty-seven years, while yet in the prime of manhood, he has been called to his eternal rest. His well known face and cheering words will be missed by very many of us, and we here record our heartfelt regret at the loss of this true and earnest friend, while we extend our sympathy to those whose lose is still more grievous. A brave, honorable, Christian man has gone to his rest. Green be the sod above his grave, as his memory will linger in the hearts of those who knew him well.