The Belton Journal - Belton, TX
Thursday - 29 March 1923
Page 1 - Column 3

JOHN RICE SANDERFORD

The death of John R. Sanderford, on of Bell Count[y]'s oldest and most highly esteemed citizens occurred Monday evening at the family home in Nolan Valley.

Mr. Sanderford had been in ill health since last summer, but had been able to be up and about the home place until a short time ago. He was able to come to this city three weeks ago.

John Rice Sanderford was born near Meridian, Mississippi, June 8, 1841. In November 1861, he was united in marriage with Miss Rachel E. Keith, whose death occurred July 12, 1884. May 3, 1885 he was united in marriage with Miss Emily Viola Lacy.

He enlisted in the Confederate service in February 1862 and was wounded in teh battle of Perryville in October of the same year. He was earnest and faithful in his service and was engaged in many of the hardest fought battles of the war between the States.

Immediately after the close of the war he came to Texas, making the trip by wagon and settling on the place known as the Old County Farm and now owned by F. L. Denison of Temple. Two years later he moved to the home in Nolan Valley where he resided until his death.

Mr. Sanderford was devoted to his family, his home and his community.

He was on of the most progressive farmers of the county and one of the most prosperous.

Few men have won and held more strongly the confidence and esteem of his fellow citi[z]ens.

He united with the Baptist church during his war service and remained a faithful member and lived an earnest Christian to the end of his life.

The funeral service was held Tuesday afternoon with many friends present. The services were conducted by Dr. E. G. Townsend of this city and Rev. J. D. Sims of Killeen in the Nolan Valley Baptist church. The body was laid to rest in the Nolan Valley cemetery. The Masonic ceremony at the grave was given up on account of the heavy rain.

Mr. Sanderford is survived by widow; four sons, Will Sanderford of Little River, R. M. Sanderford of Waco, Ghent Sanderford of Comanche, T. E. Sanderford of Belton; and three daughters, Mrs. D. S. Safley of Belton, Mrs. W. E. Whitmire of Killeen and Miss Alma Sanderford of Belton.

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