William F Emerson
Kentucky Post, Friday, 5 February 1932, page 1
FINDS HAVEN-"Billy" Emerson is dead. The "grand old man of Newport" has gone to find "the haven in his love for evermore" of which he once wrote. William F Emerson, 78, passed away Thursday night at his home, 1123 Central av. Newport, of heart disease. He had been suffering from the malady for several years, but his condition was not thought to be serious until last Monday when he was stricken in his offices at the Newport Court House, where he maintained his offices as sanitary officer and overseer of the poor.
Members of various orders, minstrel trouper, poet, traveler, lecturer, writer, singer, radio entertainer and friend, they all fit Billy Emerson, who, for the last 10 years had divided his attentions between caring for the poor and needy and in entertaining others. Billy Emerson was a loyal lodge member of Robert Burns Chapter F&A M No 163; Noah Dove Chapter No 20, IOOF; Eureka Lodge No 7 KofP; Kishmee Grotto and a past worthy patron of Gertrude Chapter No 19 Order of Eastern Star. He was a member of the Rebekah's and for the last 15 years or more of his life never missed a Rebekah or Odd Fellow convention, at which sessions he was always in demand as a singer and entertainer.
A former minstrel, Billy served as leader of the Emerson Minstrel Troupe, which toured the United States, Canada and Mexico for may years. Recently he has appeared often on various radio programs as a singer of old folk songs. Lecturer and traveler he enjoyed nothing better than to sit by the hours and tell of his old travels. Emerson's death follows closely upon that of his wife, the late Mrs. Jennie Emerson, who died less than four years ago.
Two children survive Billy Emerson; Percy T Emerson, Clifton and Mrs. Andrew Boyd, with who he made his home. He also leaves a brother, Alonzo Emerson, Newport; two nephews, Stanley and Billy Waterworth, both of Newport and three grandchildren. Funeral services are to be held at 2 pm Monday at the John J Radel funeral home, 822 York st. Newport, with Rev B H Crewe, pastor of the St Paul Episcopal Church officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Southgate.