He was a steeple builder, and was the person sent for when a steeple builder was afraid to build a steeple any higher. Bill was known for having no fear of heights and he finished those jobs. Last known construction was in 1921, after which he brought Olive Melvin-Royers back to her father to give birth to their child. He was never seen again, except at a diner where he gave a mutual friend $5 from a large roll of bills to give to Olive for the care of their son, Emil Jean Royers. He had joined the Mafia and was using the name Bill Bailey. He then left in his chauffeured limousine and was never heard from again.
Just discovered that someone in Du Quoin knew how to contact him and he attended the funeral of his brother-in-law, Leo Hilligoss in 1976. Emil was also present but William did not make contact. His signature "Bill Bailey",his Mafia name, appears in the funeral book.
Just discovered that someone in Du Quoin knew how to contact him and he attended the funeral of his brother-in-law, Leo Hilligoss in 1976. Emil was also present but William did not make contact. His signature "Bill Bailey",his Mafia name, appears in the funeral book.
He was a steeple builder, and was the person sent for when a steeple builder was afraid to build a steeple any higher. Bill was known for having no fear of heights and he finished those jobs. Last known construction was in 1921, after which he brought Olive Melvin-Royers back to her father to give birth to their child. He was never seen again, except at a diner where he gave a mutual friend $5 from a large roll of bills to give to Olive for the care of their son, Emil Jean Royers. He had joined the Mafia and was using the name Bill Bailey. He then left in his chauffeured limousine and was never heard from again.
Just discovered that someone in Du Quoin knew how to contact him and he attended the funeral of his brother-in-law, Leo Hilligoss in 1976. Emil was also present but William did not make contact. His signature "Bill Bailey",his Mafia name, appears in the funeral book.
Just discovered that someone in Du Quoin knew how to contact him and he attended the funeral of his brother-in-law, Leo Hilligoss in 1976. Emil was also present but William did not make contact. His signature "Bill Bailey",his Mafia name, appears in the funeral book.
Gravesite Details
Grandma Olive always said that Grandpa Royers looked like the silent movie star, Warren Baxter. She said he was so handsome, which led her to be very suspicious when they were apart for even a short time. Her step mother said this drove him away.
Family Members
Parents
Children
