My Genealogy Hound

William H. May (deceased), was born in Charlotte County, Va., September 25, 1820, and died in Franklin County, Mo., April 20, 1877. He was the son of Robert H. and Mary R. (Portwood) May, who with their family crossed the Mississippi River and located in Franklin County, Mo., in the year 1836. Mr. May was a farmer, although a natural mechanic, and worked a great deal as such more for pastime than for anything else. He received a liberal education at schools which he attended in Virginia and Missouri, and although a Democrat in his political views, never aspired to any official position. He was not a strict partisan but would cross the line for better men on the other ticket. He sympathized with the South, but was no secessionist. When Mr. May died the poor lost their best friend, for he was indeed a friend to those in need. He lost considerable money at different times in going security for his friends. At his death Franklin County was bereft of one of its best citizens, and he will long be remembered as an honorable, trustworthy man. October 20, 1853, he married Miss Judith A. Franklin, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth T. (North) Franklin. This lady was born in Campbell County, Va., April 7, 1825, and in September, 1848, came to Franklin County on a visit, and never returned to her Virginia home, for she met Mr. May and they were married. This union resulted in the birth of seven children, five now living, viz.: Mary E. (Mrs. James H. Jeffries), James T., Martha A. (Mrs. C. B. Wood), L. Frances (Mrs. Ralph L. Thompson) and Nannie N. Mrs. May is now living on the farm that her husband left. This farm is located about seven miles east of Union, on the Rock road, and is well improved.