How many people have driven through the streets to Salem and have seen an American flag displayed?
I am going to tell you about Maria "May” Williams Elayer.
Let me begin by introducing you to Maria “May” Williams Elayer. Who is this individual that needs to be honored? May, as she was known, was a very extraordinary woman. Author and historian Ken Fiebelman stated, “she was born in West Virginia, in 1850 and came with her parents W.P. and Eliza Williams to Dent County in 1857.” (111). May’s father, who had strong political beliefs, came to Salem and was the first mayor of the town. Some of W.P. Williams’ strong beliefs must have influenced his very impressionable, young daughter. What event sparked this young girl's patriotic spirit?
The Civil War was in its infancy in the year 1860, and during that time, the residents of Salem were seeing their townspeople take sides for the cause. At that time, the Civil War caused major divides between family and country. W.P. Elmer stated, “Men held a rally at Salem to stimulate enlistment in the militia and at this meeting raised a flag pole with a Confederate flag on it.” (243). This action did not sit well with May and her family, as they could see the flag from their home. This event stirred young May to the core of her beliefs and later caused her to react.
The Confederate flag flew over Salem for only a few days on the southwest corner of the courthouse. The residents of Salem did not know what to do with this flag.
W.P. Elmer stated, “under the influence of John Barley-Corn, he got an ax and went to the southwest corner of the courthouse and began to chop the pole down."(243). The chopping of the flagpole by John inspired May to leap into action. May grabbed a pistol and guarded John while he did the chopping. Nobody interfered. May was only about 13 years of age"(243). A Confederate flag came down that day and a young girl's patriotism rose in its place.
May's actions that fateful day began a spark in her a patriotic spirit. May later became a huge supporter of the American flag. Elmer states," she openly and defiantly dared anyone to again raise a rebel flag in the town,” and May also visited the homes of people suspicioned of having the flags and searched the homes and distributed American flags demanding they be displayed. (243). May made sure the American flag was flown over Salem in support of her Union beliefs. This passion toward the American flag did not perish in May’s youth.
May Williams grew into a community minded, patriotic woman. May met and married Minor Elayer; she raised a family and established herself in the community. May never gave up her patriotism.
May helped establish and commemorate all her life, Memorial Day in Salem, and laid flowers on the graves of all soldiers. (243).
The next time you drive through the streets to Salem and you see an American flag being displayed, think of May Elayer, that 13-year-old girl who took action that day in 1860, so we, as citizens of Salem, can display our American flags in a patriotic manner.
Works Cited
Elmer, W.P. W.P. Elmer's History of Dent County which Appeared in The Salem News Aug.10, 1950 to May 17, 1956. Salem: The Salem News, Unknown. Collection of Articles.
Fiebelman, Ken. Dent County Missouri 1851-1980. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company, 1980. Families of Dent county.
Fiebelman, Ken. Ozark Heritage: Dent County Missouri Cemeteries & Families Vol.3 1994. Dallas: Taylor Publishing Company, 1994. Cemetery Biographies.
