Obituary from Montgomery Standard, 
June 14, 1907:

W. T. Sallee

Wm. Thomas Sallee was born at Troy, Mo., Oct. 4, 1836. He was married to Miss Elizabeth P. Baxter, near Louisiana, Mo., May 5, 1976. To this union two daughters were born-- Edith and Orpha. Edith passed away several years ago. Orpha, now Mrs. J. S. Shores, lives at Lacon, Ill., and was present at the death of her father.

In 1858 he confessed faith in Jesus the Christ, and was baptized by Eld. J. J. Errett. Dec. 21, 1861, he volunteered in the service of his country, enlisting in Co. G., 3d cavalry, M.S.M., U.S. Vols., and served 3 years, 2 months and 15 days, and was honorably discharged, having completed his term of service. He was a true and faithful soldier.

Returning from the army he took his place again in the army of the Lord and proved a faithful soldier of the cross until the Master said, "Come up higher."

About the year 1869 he began exercising his talent as an evangelist, doing much of this work without any reward of earthly kind.

In 1871 he was ordained an elder in the Christian church at New Harmony, Mo., Elders Timothy Ford and W. H. Hook officiating.

He was abundant in labors, working in season and out of season, and his labors were greatly blessed of God. It was his joy and delight to preach and sing the gospel, and to lead the people to the Cross, and to the obedience of the gospel. More than 2,500 persons were baptized by him during his ministry of 33 years. His ministry was chiefly in Missouri, near the people of his birth-- Pike, Lincoln, Montgomery, Ralls, Warren and Marion counties. He labored for several years in Illinois and Iowa, but his chief work was wrought among the people who loved him so much, in the counties above named. Thousands will rise up and call him blessed.

With unflinching fortitude and a holy faith and love which could not be quenched, he labored as a faithful worker in the Vineyard of the Lord.

About one year and 6 months ago he had a stroke of paralysis and from that he never recovered. On the morning of January 12, 1907, at 9:15 o'clock he passed from labor into rest.

Not only will his memory be cherished by his christian brethern, but also by many of his craftsmen in the order ancient, free land accepted Masons of which he was an honored member, whose tenents he exemplified in his life. He leave to mourn his departure, a faithful wife, one daughter, Mrs. J. W. Shores, and two granddaughters, Miss Bernadine Telfair and Mrs. Sylvina Reed (sic) daughter of Mrs. J. W. Shore.

Such is a brief sketch of our departed friend and brother. His was a pure, holy life, his ministry a labor of love. His example worthy of all imitation. He is not lost, only gone before. Le us so live that we may join him in the realms of eternal joy. His fellow worker, W. A. Meloan.--- 

© 2000 Rhonda Stolte Darnell