From the Great Bend (Kansas) Register, Thursday, January 8, 1903, page 1:
W. H. Meachem Dies.
William Henry Meachem died at his home in the 3rd ward yesterday afternoon (January 2) at 1:30
of typhoid fever, after an illness of some three weeks. His death was anticipated by himself and
by the family during the past several days.
Mr. Meachem was born December 1, 1832 at Liberty, Adams county, Illinois, and was a son of
Jennison Palmer and Hannah (Swain) Meachem who were pioneer settlers of that country. There
Mr. Meachem was raised and also married October 31, 1859 to Miss Frances Melvina Hendricks
who is daughter of Elisha and Allie Hendricks, also early settlers of that vicinity. He engaged in
farming but mostly handled stock and for many years was a prominent dealer in stock in that part
of Illinois.
March 11, 1878, he arrived in Great Bend with his family and has continuously resided here in
town ever since. Since he came here he mostly dealt in stock but has also given attention to some
other matters. He has been city assessor and held other official positions, always with credit to
himself. He was a member of the Board of Condemnation Commissioners of the Cheyenne
bottom at the time of his death. He always held the confidence and high esteem of the general
public and his judgment concerning the current affairs of his community was always highly
regarded.
While in Illinois he was a member of the Presbyterian church but since residing here did not
belong to any church. Also in Illinois he belonged to the Masonic and Odd Fellow societies but
he never affiliated with either society since coming here.
To him and his surviving wife were born three children as follows: Maud Vergil, born May 14,
1861; Jennison Palmer, born January 14, 1863; George B., born June 17, 1865. All are living and
reside here. Maud is the wife of Thomas Clayton, the well known councilman and dealer in stock.
The funeral services will be held tomorrow (Sunday) at the late home of the deceased at 10
o’clock in the forenoon.
(Note: I am not related to this family and have no further information - KB)