N MEMORIAM
The few remaining old veterans of Camp Masons are again called upon to mourn the death of one of its oldest friends and comrade, brother W. M. Hartfield, who died Jan 31, 1916 at the ripe old age of 84 years and 29 days.

Enlisted in the confederate army in the 7th Ms. Battalion served not only as a valiant soldier, but his life as a citizen was far greater by his loyalty to the church and high moral character. It is impossible to estimate the worth to the country of the old pioneers such as he. He was in feeble health for a long time, but the stern reaper found him "as a shock of corn, full ripe for the harvest." Let us crown his grave with garlands: few of us will live as long or as well. He was buried with Masonic Honors.


The Columbian
Columbia, Marion Co., Ms.
Feb 16, 1916
W. M. HARTFIELD DIED MONDAY
As chronicled in these columns Uncle Billy Hartfield had been in declining health for several weeks and when confined to his bed knew the end would not be many days in coming. Surrounded by loved ones and at peace with the world and His maker, he breathed his last Monday afternoon.

The funeral was conducted from the residence Wednesday morning at 10 o'clock and interment made in the Columbia Cemetery. Rev. W. H. Huntley conducting the services in the absence of the Baptist Pastor. A long procession of Masons await the funeral party at the cemetery and under the solemn ceremonies of this honored order, the old veteran was laid beneath the sod.

“Uncle Billy” was a good man in the truest sense. He had the lifelong reputation of treating every fellow man fairly and died with the deepest respect of every neighbor. Beyond the life of an honest farmer, the only public position he ever held was that of supervisor from his beat. His brother Frank, of Baxterville, is in declining health also, his age beginning to tell. A Masonic Obituary will appear.