Published in Democrat-Register, Bonne Terre, St. Francois County, Mo., Friday, May 20, 1904:

OBITUARY.

William Cornelious Haile was born in St. Francois County, Mo., March 3, 1823, and died at the home of his son-in-law, C. L. [Clarence L.] Norwine, in Bonne Terre, May 17, 1904, aged 81 years, 1 month [sic 2 months] and 24 [sic 14] days. Mr. Haile professed faith in Christ and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church South, while yet a young man, and lived a faithful and true Christian life unto the end. More than 50 years ago he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Gains and from this union there were born 10 children. Mrs. Haile died eleven years ago and six of the children also preceded him to the spirit world. Those living are: Mrs. C. L. Norwine of Bonne Terre, Mrs. E. W. Cole of Plattin, Jefferson County, Mrs. Snyder of Desloge and Mrs. Merrell Pipkin of Farmington.

Mr. Haile never took a very active part in public affairs but lived a quiet and exemplary life, giving to the world and his family the best heritage it is possible to bequeath -- a noble Christian manhood. He was a good citizen, a consistent Christian, a loving and tender husband and father and a man who in all his life exemplified the virtues of the Masonic order of which he was an honored and esteemed member.

His funeral was preached at Farmington on Wednesday, May 18, by Rev. E. S. Coker and the body was buried by the Farmington Lodge A. F. and A.M.. with the beautiful ceremony of that order. May he rest in peace.

Another obit (from a Farmington Newspaper):

Mr. William C. Haile, an old and highly respected citizen of the county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Clarence L. Norwine, in Bonne Terre, Tuesday morning, May 17, 1904, aged 81 years, two months and 14 days. Mr. Haile was born in St. Francois County March 3, 1823, and was one of a family of eight children, four of whom lived to be more than eighty years old. His sister, Mrs. Catherine Herod, living on Big River, now the only survivor of the family, is 88 years of age.

When 26 years old, in 1849, Mr. Haile went to California, crossing the plains with the many gold hunters who went to the far West that year. He returned home after remaining there two years, and with that exception lived here all his eventful life. On May 4th, 1858, he was married to Miss Mary A. Gaines. To this union were born ten children, four of whom are living: Mrs. J. L. Snyder of Desloge; Mrs. Merrill Pipkin of Farmington; Mrs. E.W. Cole of Plattin, Jefferson County, and Mrs. Clarence L. Norwine of Bonne Terre. His wife died some years ago, since which time he has lived a widower.

Mr. Haile was a man whom everybody respected for his upright life and Christian character. He was a consistent member of the M.E. Church, South, for many years, and was a Mason of long standing. The funeral took place from the Southern Methodist Church in Farmington on Wednesday, the services being conducted by Rev. A.C. Coker. After the services at the church, the mortal remains of this good man were taken to the family burying ground on the old Burks road and interred with the impressive rites of the Masonic order.

His daughters and aged sister have the sympathies of all in their sorrowful bereavement.