INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
of
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held with the Big Cowan Church
Dongola (Letcher County) Kentucky
September 4, 5, 6 1936

Submitted by J B Francis

Adams, Martha-Feeling it would be a dishonor for an obituary of my dear Mother to never appear in the minutes of the Old Regular Baptist Church, since she as  a faithful, devoted member for nearly 50 years; I shall endeavor to give a short sketch of her life here: Martha Adams, daughter of Mannon and Polly Jenkins and wife of Stephen Adams who preceded her in death twenty-three years. She died at the age of 86, January 2, 1933. She raised ten children to be grown and often talked and rejoiced in her latter years that she had been blessed to live to hear them all and her husband profess a hope in Christ which according to scriptures, was one of her great rewards for her faithful, obedient, Christina life, others were to be blessed to keep sufficient eyesight and mentality to read the bible through several times in her last years an to be active enough to attend her church meetings. As well as the Association often, and at least to attain that greatest reward, when she suddenly fell asleep in the Arms of Jesus. We miss Mother here but I truthfully submit the following poem in her memory:
She taught us songs of Zion,
She told us of that home,
Where we can live together,
Where partings never come
Mattie Adams Fields

Amburgey, Rilda-It is with much unworthy feelings I try to write the obituary of our dear beloved sister, Rilda Amburgey She was born December 22, 1861 and deceased November 23, 1935. She was married to Wiley J. Amburgey. To this union was born nine children of which six boys are still living to mourn her. But her loss is her eternal gain. Sister Rilda is missed by the church as well as by her children. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church of Carrs Fork, October 4, 1890. She lived a faithful member until November 23, 1935 when the pale horse and his rider entered her home and called her from the unfriendly world where she had enjoyed life in this church for 30 years and 17 days. Sister Amburgey was a kind and affectionate mother and was loved by all who knew her. I am quite sure that sister Amburgey's soul is around the Paradise of God awaiting the redemption of the body. She is just sleeping and taking her rest from her labor. For we read where our Blessed Saviour told his disciples that Lazarus sleepeth and I feel to say with a clean conscience that sister Amburgey was and is one of his blessed children. I was very much acquainted  with sister Amburgey for I belong to the same church that she belonged to for 17 years. and I have seen her come to fill her eat many times when she would tell me she was hardly able to be on her feet but God blessed her to come and be with us until a few days before her death. Now, we children have  lost a good mother and a faithful sister. Let us all settle down in our minds that we will meet mother again in the sweet bye and bye where she will not have to walk with a cane, where there is no pain nor sickness and where the circle will not be broken any more. I am sure that our mothers are l looking for us and if we ever see them again we will have to make our peace with God in this life, for my Bible tells me that as a tree falls so shall it be and if we die in our sins we will be resurrected in our sins. I am sure that if the children and the daughters-in-law have still the same minds that they had on that cold and chilly day when sister Amburgey was taken from the home where she stayed for so many years as it seems to me now, I can see them  in my mind carrying her to where they laid her in the silent dust to take her rest till Jesus comes again. So, may God spare the children and the neighbors of sister Amburgey and teach them that if they continue in their sins that where God and his son, Jesus Christ, are they never can appear in peace.
Written by your unworthy brother in hope of eternal  life, Henry Blair, Church Clerk

Boggs, Arvil-Little Arvil Boggs was the son of Br. Benton and Sister Rosie Boggs. Arvil was born October 26, 1919 and died the 3rd day of November, 1934. At the age of 15 years and 7 days. Little Arvil was lingering along in sickness for several months before he had to depart from this present world. he told his mother the day he took sick that this had struck him to kill him but he said he didn't know why he had to suffer so. His mother told him to leave it in the hands of the Lord and it seemed that he didn't have anything to say for some time. Then he said. "Momma, I see the prettiest little birds you eve saw flying around the room waiting for me. Little Arvil leaves his mother and father, three brothers and four sisters to mourn for him but we hope that our loss is Heaven's gain.   Riley Fouts

Boggs, Gordon-was a son of Brother Benson and Sister Rosie Boggs. Gordon was born February 22, 1917, and deceased April 25, 1936. He was nineteen years, two moths and three days old. It is a fact that little Gordon was known to be one of the most sober and gentle of young men in this community. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to his dad and mother and was willing to take their advice. His sickness was sudden. he took sick one morning and died the following morning. As they were leaving his home taking him to the hospital, his mother asked him if he would pray. It seemed that Gordon spent the remainder of his short hours calling on the Lord to have mercy on him and calling the preaching brothers. And it seemed that the Lord gave him a peaceful hour in which to leave this present world. Gordon always like to see good  behavior in the place of worship. So, as the scripture says. "By their fruits ye shall know them." We would have loved to have kept little Gordon, but the Lord needed him more than we.
Riley Fouts

Calahan, Frank-These services are held in loving memory of Frank Calahan., beloved son of Andrew and Lucy Calahan, who was born April 26, 1917 and departed this life March 18, 1936, ages 18 years, 11 months and 8 days. He was the second of a family of five sons, Rolland, 22, Roy, 16, Dennis 12, Robert 4, four of whom with his father and mother are left to mourn in affectionate brother and a loving and dutiful son. In addition he leaves a host of relatives and friends He was a member of the class of 1936 of the Monroe High School, where he was held in high esteem by his teachers and school mates. Since childhood he had been an attendant of the Sunday school and Church of Franklin. He had been taught to pray at his mother's knee and there has learned from the word of God. The words of Proverbs, "Train up a child in the way he should go , and when he is old, he will not depart from it," is well exemplified in the life of Frank Calahan, for in his young manhood he followed the precepts learned as a child, was upright and honorable, a thoughtful and obedient son. Although quiet and unassuming his fine character made him many friends who will cherish his memory. To Frank the Lamb of God has said, "Behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be." With sorrowing yet trusting hearts we give this well loved  son and brother into the care of the all loving Heavenly Father, who notes even the sparrow's fall.    Written by Emma and Margaret Hazelwood

Caudill, Amanda-By request of a bereaved daughter I attempt to write a sketch of her mother's life. Amanda Caudill was a daughter of William Newsom. She was born on Beef Hide Creek, Letcher County Kentucky, April 17, 1873. Died August 20, 1936. Age 63 years, four months and three days. She was married to William Caudill, and unto this union was born two children, one son and a daughter. Her husband preceded her in death. She leaves her two children, a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. About twelve days before her death she was stricken with paralysis and was not able to talk during the time of her illness. She had never joined any church but to the knowledge of the writer she was one among the most orderly walking women that lived. She was greatly interested in the Powell Church and was very faithful in attendance and from expressions which she made to members of the church we are constrained to believe it was her desire and intention to join the little band. Now in conclusion let me say to the children, you have had to give up mother, you cannot go to mother any more for counsel or comfort but will you try to follow Jesus who can comfort you and lead you to fountains of living water.  C. C. Bates

Craft, Polly Ann-It is with sad heart that I try to write a short sketch of my dear old mother, but with great joy to tell of the good life she lived. Polly Ann Craft was born April the 15th, 1847 and died February 11th, 1936. Age 88 years and two months and four days. She was married to Enoch A. Craft May 2, 1867. To this union was born twelve children, nine of which great into manhood and womanhood and three died in infancy. Mother joined the Old Regular Baptist Church at Sandlick, Kentucky, some time in March 1863. She lived as a faithful member as long as she lived. On July 3, 1929, she got her leg broken and wan invalid from then until her death, but she attended her meetings and filled her seat the same in her wheel chair when she was able to go. Mother lived to see her children all profess a hope in Christ, and to see them all baptized and to see her oldest boy, A. C. Craft, preach. Now, dear brothers and sisters let us answer mother's request and prepare to meet her on the blessed shore.  Written by her heartbroken daughter Mrs. Sarah Franklin

Fields, Martha-with an unworthy feeling I undertake to write a short sketch of the life of my sister, Martha Fields, daughter of A. B. and Nancy Kelly. Martha was born about April 1904 and died November 23, 1935. It was hardly two months from the time our father died until we saw Martha placed in the earth to await the call of resurrection. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church of Clover Fork, Kentucky at the same time that our father did. Judging from the prayers she prayed we believe she had been regenerated and born again. She was the mother of eleven children, seven died in infancy. Three girls and one boy live to mourn her loss. She died suddenly after giving birth to a baby who died a few days afterward. The last time I saw her was at out father's funeral. I have often heard her say, "people ought to pry for one another." Her life was a hard struggle but she never wavered from the faith. She often said that she did not get to attend church as often as she wanted to. I am going to say to her husband ad children that they will have to humble themselves at the feet of Jesus. The same Jesus who pardoned her sins is able to save the whole world. I will do what Job said, "all the days of my appointed life time will I wait till my change comes." Remember us in your prayers."
By Ambrose Kelley and wife.

Halcomb, Elizabeth Frazier-daughter of the late Sol Frazier and wife of S.E. Halcomb was born March 8 1856 and deceased October 28, 1935. She joined the Regular Baptists Church more than forty years before her death and lived a faithful member as long as she lived. She was hurt by reason of a fall several years before her death. This accident left her a cripple and deprived her from attending her church. She requested the preaching brethren to preach in her home as often as they would. Many sermons were preached by her bedside and she rejoiced greatly. She bore her afflictions with great patience and continually expressed her thankfulness that her suffering would end when her natural life ended. She was cared for and respected by her children. After she reached the point where she needed close attention her son, Andrew, was seldom out of the sound of her voice. She was dearly beloved by all who knew her. Her children, of course, miss her most but we all mourn her loss. When we pass the door of her old home that was vacated first by her husband who preceded her in death and last by her, we feel like their presence should still be there. They are both gone from us but we believe, present with the Lord.    Elder F. G. Fields

Hubbard, Ida-Feeling it our duty we shall endeavor to write an obituary of our sister, Ida Hubbard to be printed in the minutes of the Old Regular Baptist Church of which she was a devoted, faithful member for several years. She was the daughter of Loranza and Polly Ann  Boggs. The wife of Walter Hubbard, the mother of three children, one of which joined her in death shortly after her decease. Sister Ida has been sadly missed in the church and by her little orphan children in her home, but we are sure our loss was her gain. and that she will be one of the number to answer the call, "Come."    Mrs. D. M. Fields, Mrs. Sampson Halcomb

Hughes, Frankie-It is with a sad feeling that I attempt to write a short sketch of our beloved sister, Frankie Hughes. I do not know anything about her life prior to October 3, 1916, for it was then that  sister Hughes came to Sandlick Church by recommendation, being an old member of Caney Creek Church. Sister Hughes lived a devoted Christian life all these twenty years that she had her membership with us. I have often seen her raise from her seat with screams and shouts clapping her feeble hands in worship to her Creator. Sister Hughes had the misfortune to fall and break her hip in February 1936, and died from effects of same in her 94th year. She died February 13, 1936.
Your unworthy brother in hope,  A. C Craft

Kelly, A. B. -Guide me, oh thou great Jehovah, as I attempt to write a short sketch of the life of my father, A. B. Kelly, who was born January 8, 1855 and died September 25, 1935. He was first married to Sarah Fields then Nancy Dixon. Both of his wives preceded him the great beyond. he raised a large family by both of his wives. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church about the year 1929 and lived  a faithful Christian life until the death angel came and took him from us. He suffered only a short time for he had pneumonia. During his illness he sang he same graceful old songs that he sang during his life. He also quoted many scriptures, one in particular being. "Salvations is of the Lord." he continued to pray as long as he was able. About five fours before his death he shook hands with me and asked me how I was getting along. These were the last words he spoke before he left this world of toils and care to God, the creator of man. To the six children who survive him by his last wife, I want to you to consider your case and if all is not well, make peace with Jesus for life is uncertain but death is sure.   Ambros Kelly

Riddle, Granville-It now becomes my sad duty to write the obituary of Brother Granville Riddle, the son of Isom and Susan Riddle, who was preceded in death by father and mother and baby sister, Mattie Riddle. He left to mourn his loss, his dear wife and eight children , three brothers, Lee, John and Jim, and one sister, Nerva and a host of friends. He was born February 27th, 1871, married to Polly Griffey, May 20, 1891. To this union was born 11 children, two died in infancy, the oldest died an adult. He died January 18, 1936. Age 64 years, 10 months and 21 days. he professed a hope and joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in 1912. Was ordained to the full function of the Gospel in 1913. He lived a faithful member and preached the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles. He was always mild and humble and seemed to love everybody and was loved by everybody. But God called him from the battle field. He said to Uncle Will Cornett, before he died, "My time is spent, your time is short, I will be waiting for you." He said he felt like he had lived the life it took to get there. He said he loved all his children and that he hated to die and leave them. He said, "Bless Johnnie and Alta, they are so far away." So his soul sleeps today in the paradise of God. So children, if you ever expect to meet Father again you must make the preparation in this life and come home in the sweet bye and bye. So brothers, sisters, wife and children, I feel our loss is heaven's gain. So, Brother and sisters in the Lord, pray for us that Zion may travel and add to the kingdom of God such as he is saved by grace through faith. So, Brother John and Sister Nerva, if you ever expect to meet Brother Granville and Sister Polly, Brother James and Dianah and myself and wife and our blessed old mother that joined this old church in 1869, so children one and all let us be looking upward to that great judgment, when everyone shall receive a great recompense of reward.  Written by your unworthy brother, L. C. Riddle

Roark, Polly Ann-I will now endeavor to write an obituary of my beloved mother, Polly Ann Roark. She was born April the 6th, 1880, deceased October the 28th, 1935 Age 55 years. She was the daughter of Stephen and Millie Hogg, and was first married to Jasper Mitchell. To this union was born one son, Jasper, Jr. After the decease of her first husband, later she was married to Jonah Roark, my father. To this union was born eleven children, seven sons and four daughter, four of which and her husband preceded her in death. She joined the Old Regular Baptist church at Cedar Grove many years ago and lived a faithful member until God saw fit to remover her from all her sufferings. Often she advised us children to prepare to meet her in Heaven and when talking to us and her friends while around her bedside of her Heavenly  home, would clap her hands and shout and ask God at his will to take her home. We children have lost our best friend on earth, but we realize our loss is Heaven's eternal gain. So children, don't weep for mother, but four yourselves and the welfare of your souls. We cannot and would not call her back again, but we can by the help of God go to her to be with her forever and ever.
Oh dear Mother how we miss you,
In this world of sin and pain:
That to save us all these hart aches,
We would not call you back again.
Pearlie (Roark) Halcomb

Spencer, Roda-It is with a sad heart that I write an obituary of my dear mother, Roda Spencer, wife of Johnie Spencer, who died April 20, 1929 of gallstone in a Lexington hospital. She was the mother of seven children, three of whom are dead, the others all grown. She was the daughter of Joel and Rebecca Pratt. Was a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church for about 15 years before her death. She had been in ill health for some time, but bore her sickness with patience. Was a kind and faithful mother, never tiring when any of her family was sick. She loved to fill her seat in the Leatherwood Church and to fix for meeting when able, and loved for folks to stay with her. She ahs been sadly missed in the home, church and the neighborhood, but we hope out loss is heaven's gain.   By her son, Joel Spencer