INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
of
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held with the Indian Bottom Church
Blackey (Letcher County) Kentucky
September 3, 4, 5 1937

Submitted by J. B. Francis

Amburgey, May Maggard-It is with a sad heart that I write a sketch of the life of my dear darling daughter, May Maggard Amburgey, born April 18, 1896, deceased March 6, 1937 age 41 years, 11 months, 18 days married to John P. Amburgey May 29, 1919. To this union seven children were born, five boys and two girls all living. She was a daughter of N. T and Elizabeth Maggard. She was always a mild and pleasant child, everybody loved her. She became sick about the 20th of February. Her suffering was very great but she bore it patiently. She sent for her father and mother. Her father was not able to go at first but was there two days before she died. She was calling on the Lord all the time. I, her father, told her to pray and she told me that she had not done enough wrong in her life to send her to torment. She said, "All I hate to die for is leaving my gray headed father and mother and my little children: and said "I will go on to heaven and be waiting for you to come." Her mother, one brother and one sister were at her bedside when the end came. She spoke to her mother and said "John, I see the light." Her sister, Allie, about one hour before she died she said." raise me up I want to pray." She had been so she could not talk and said she had been praying for the Lord to give her strength to talk to them all and she did get strong. She began talking and said to her mother, Ma, Ma, I see the light is coming. It won't be long now, " and spoke to her husband and said, John, I see the light," and said to Allie  her sister "I have suffered here long enough. I do believe the blessed Lord is going to give me rest," and her sister said to her, I do believe he will," then she said " I do believe He will and began clapping her hands, said for us all to pray to the Lord and began shaking hands with them all and reached her hand and said "The Lord is going to shake hands with me: and looked as though she had seen heaven. She seemed to lose sight of this world. Her countenance showed she had heaven in her view and the last word she ever spoke was  "I wish them sheep would hurry and come: and passed away quietly in the arms of Jesus.  Written by her broke hearted father -N. T. Maggard

Amburgey, Sister Rosie-It is with much unworthy feelings and sorrowful of heart that I try to write an obituary of our Sister in the Lord, to with: Rosie Amburgey, she was born April 16, 1861. Deceased September 26, 1936, age 76 years, 7 months and 5 days. She was the widow of John Amburgey. To this union were born two children of which one boy is still living to mourn the loss of mother, but we feel that our loss is her eternal gain. Sister Amburgey professed a hope in Christ  and at the funeral of her husband, the second Saturday in July, 1932, she joined the Regular Baptist Church and was baptized by Brother Ellis Hopkins near her home. She wanted her fellowship with the Carr's Fork church and on the fourth Saturday in July 1932 the church received the work of Brother Hopkins and gave sister Amburgey the right hand of Fellowship into the church. She lived  a faithful member until death. To love her was to know her for she was a good and kind mother not only to her children but to everybody she knew. I was acquainted with her and have been at her home several times while she was left alone to mourn the loss of a husband, in her hours and it seemed that the only thing she wanted to talk about was heaven and heavenly things.  Some time before her death she fell and broker her hip and was rushed to the hospital but it was all in vain. It wasn't long until the death angel entered the home with the summons which we will all have to obey and took her to the great beyond where no traveler ever returns. I was with sister Amburgey several times before her death and she would have me to hold services for her before her death and she told me that she had a hope that she would not change to worlds like this and wanted to die but all she dreaded was the sting of death, but prayed for the Lord to take her out of her trouble. I am very sure that sister Amburgey's soul is at rest around the alter of God. Now children, mother is gone and I am sure you miss her and it is my opinion that the home is lonesome without her for we have heard the voice of mother so often calling for us but now her voice is still. But if you children want to make mother rejoice again put your trust in God and make your peace calling and election sure with God in this world, for we hear the scriptures saying there is more rejoicing in heaven over one soul that repents than ninety and nine the needeth no repentance. So may God guide the footsteps of her children and cause them to see and realize that the grace of God must be applied to their souls if they ever see and enjoy  the presence of heaven. Is the prayers of your unworthy brother in hope of eternal life.  Henry Blair

Breeding, John-Sackett, Kentucky, August 5, 1937- It is with sad feelings I write a short sketch of my dear father and mother. Corporal John Breeding, Company M 14h Inf. Cavalry was born Oct. 29, 1837 and departed this life July 1, 1923. He had a stroke of paralysis which caused his death. John Breeding was well known and loved by everybody. Just before he died his daughter Lucinda asked him if he could pray and if he could meet his wife in heaven. He nodded his head "yes." Elizabeth Breeding was born May 23, 1842 and deceased this life September 29, 1897. She professed a hope in Christ,. She regretted that he had never been baptized in the fellowship of the church. She died in the full triumph of the living faith and is at rest in heaven today. To all their children and grand children, friends and relatives: Strive to meet them in the glory land above. Gone but not forgotten   Written by their broken hearted daughter   Lucinda Ison

Caudill, Basil-was born August 13, 1890, deceased August 8, 1925, age 34 years, eleven months, eight days. He was a good peaceful man, the pride of a large family. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church several years before his death and always filled his seat. He was loved by all who knew him. He was stricken with that dreadful disease, blood poison and only  lived ten days he bore his illness patiently. His last words were, "Brother's, don't grieve after me for I'm, going happy. There was many a tear shed but not for his welfare. We haven't a doubt in his case. Asleep in Jesus, oh how sweet. He is gone but not forgotten. he was the son of John B. and Martha Caudill   Written by a loving wife.

Cornett, Alice-It is with a sad heart that I write the obituary of my loving sweet wife, Alice Cornett. She was the daughter of James and Lissie Jackson. She was born July 10, 1894 and died December 13, 1936, age 42 years, 4 months and 3 days. She was married to Willie Sparkman. to this union were born two girls. Later Willie was killed in the mines. She often talked about Willie and said that she hoped to meet him again some day. Later she was married to Tip Cornett. To this union were born eight children, three boys and five girls. Two boys have gone on in death. She often talked about her dad. She loved him and often looked for him to come. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church when she was sixteen years old. She lived a Christian life until death. She often talked to mea bout doing right. She often said that she wanted her children to do right and I know she did. She was a hard working woman all of her life, but I feel she is now resting from her work. I sure do miss her in my home, she was so sweet to me. She was a true wife and a good mother. She was loved by all who knew her. She bore her sickness with patience. She talked about Brother Bennett Adams while she was sick, preaching for her. She said, "Honey are you praying for me?" I said "yes, the Lord will take care of you." On Friday night before she died she said "I want to tell you what I saw. I saw little Shade (her baby) and Ivan Gay, Irvin Ison and Eva Ison's baby that got burned up, and the Lord. I want to be buried by my baby." She said,  "Honey, don't grieve after me. She called for my brother, John D. and said that she wanted to tell him something. When he came she could not talk to him. God had called her home, where she can talk with the angels God bless her, I can't help but look for her when I come home. Some day I hope to live with her again where sad farewells are all gone and live together forever. She leaves a husband, eight children, a father, mother, two brothers, four sisters, and a host of friend to  mourn her loss. We feel that loss was heaven's gain. I know she was a good woman wanting to do right so God took her home. So sleep on a while honey. Some day I feel I will be with you again.   Written by her husband     Tip Cornett

Craft, Enoch A "Uncle Chunk"-With a sorrowful heart, I will attempt to write a short sketch of my beloved father, Enoch A. Craft, who was born February 28, 1842 and departed this life February 16, 1937. He married Pollie A Caudill May 2, 1867. To this union were born twelve children, nine of which grew into manhood and womanhood. he lived to see these nine all have families. Two girls and his good wife preceded him to the realms above. he professed a hope in Christ in the spring of 1878 but never joined any church till May third Sunday, 1920, when he joined the Regular Baptist church at Sandlick and was baptized June the first Sunday by Rev. Joe Hall. Father lived a quiet and peaceable life, being sober, honest and true to all with whom he came in contact. He was a model citizen and bright and shining light in the entire county. At one time he knew every man in Letcher County. I never heard father curse but one time in my life and that was when I was a small boy, about eight years of age. We can say father, we miss you so much but have a "Hope": that in some sweet day in the near future we will see you and mother again and will clasp glad hands with you in that beautiful city, where we shall never grow old. By the help of God we all will soon quit this troublesome world and cross over to that city whose streets are paved with pure gold, where all will be peace and blessed happiness throughout eternity, where there will be but one eternal day and where we will not need the light of the sun, for God himself will be the light of that city. Children one and all, let us strive with all our might to meet father and mother over there always trusting in Him who is able to raise us in His blessed image.
Your unworthy brother, A. C. Craft

Fields, Leathean-It is with tears in my eyes and a prayer in my heart that I attempt to write a short obituary of our beloved sister in the Lord. Mrs. Leathean Fields was born April 14, 1851, deceased March 14, 1935, age 83 years, 11 months old. She first married Bony Ison who deceased this life December 3, 1879. To this union six children were born, four boys and two girls, of which five are yet living and all of whom belong to the old Regular Baptist church. Then she was married to Mat Fields and to this union five children were born, of which four lived to be grown and one died in infancy and one at about forty years of age. One of this family belongs to Regular Baptist Church. Sister Leathean joined the Baptist church 33 years ago and was a faithful member until her death. She would shout and praise God when she was accompanied with the good spirit. She always filled her seat in the church and often had church in her home. The church has lost a good member, the children and a good mother, the neighbors a good friend, but heaven has received another jewel. So now children, if you ever want to see mother you must prepare to meet God and walk in the good old way for I believe your mother will be numbered with a band of angels at the great resurrection day.    Written by your unworthy brother,  James Whitaker

Fields, Mat-It is with a sad and broken heart that I attempt to write an obituary of our dear brother in the Lord, to wit: Mat Fields, was born January 8, 1855, deceased March 13, 1936, age 81 years, 2 months and 5 days. He married Mrs. Leathea Ison, widow of Bony Ison, about 56 years ago and to this union five children were born of which three are still living, one boy and two girls. He joined the Old Regular Baptist church 23, years ago and was  faithful member until his death. He was loved by all who knew him. Before he died, he would ask them to have services at his home, which they did and he seemed to enjoy them as long as he lived. So now children, father is gone and you will not see him here any more. If you want to see him in the great beyond you that have not must be born again.  James Whitaker

Hale, Ray-He was born December 19, 1922 and died July 14, 1937. Age 14 years, 6 months and 25 days. He was a son of L. r. and Hettie Hale. Besides his parents he is survived by two brothers, Clyde and Howard, and four sisters, Lora, Gladys, Eula Mae and Georgia and one niece, Marilyn.  All left to mourn his loss together with many loved ones and friends. One brother, Kermit preceded him to the grave 18 years ago. He was operated on in the Danville hospital for appendicitis from which he never recovered. We feel that our loss is his great eternal gain as we know he fell in the hands of a just God who does all things right and we hope that while his body lies in our midst, his soul is in the paradise of God.   Written by his sister-Gladys

Madden, Elizabeth-It is with much unworthy feeling I attempt to write the obituary of our dead sister, to wit: Elizabeth Madden. She was born July 1, 1857. Sister Madden joined the Regular Baptist Church at Carr's Fork, July the fourth Saturday, 1900 and lived a faithful member until the death angel came to her home and took her away February 28, 1937-age 79 years, 7 months and 27 days. I was very well acquainted with sister Madden and visited her home while afflicted in her old age. When she wasn't able to attend to her home affairs she would drop everything she had to do and want to know how the church was getting along and if all was in peace and harmony and that was all her talk when I was there. Sister Madden told me at different times that she had been shown that the Old Regular Baptist church was the only true church and her prayers was that the Brethren and Sisters would be more prayerful that peace and harmony would remain in the Carr's Fork church as always had. She said that when this warfare was ended with her that she wanted Brethren that was in order who had not left the faith and order which was carried in her early days which she enjoyed in her most joyous times when our forefathers would preach the gospel of Christ, to preach her funeral and tell her children and friends who were left behind to not grieve for her; for she was just gone over home and for them to be mindful of the things which she had told them and to try by the help of God to meet her around the dazzling throne of God where there will not be anymore separating or parting of fathers and mothers and children where all will be joy, peace and love forever more. Sister Madden is sadly missed by the Carr's Fork church as well as by her children and many friends which are left behind to mourn her loss but our loss is her eternal gain. Now children, you have lost the only mother you have on earth, the one that has come to your rescue so many times in time of trouble but now mother can't come any more. I feel that you all promised in your hearts that you would meet mother in the sweet by and by. IF you haven't made that promise won't you do so today and cause mother's spirit to rejoice for the scripture says there's more rejoicing heaven over one soul that repented then ninety and nine that need no repentance. Now may we all remember mother's prayers and  how happy she would be when over shadowed with the love of God. may God bless you all according to His good pleasure is the prayer of your unworthy brother. Henry Blair

Madden, Ethel & Bethel-Sackett, Kentucky, September 3, 1937-It is with sad heart that I try to write a short sketch of my beloved children that have departed this life.
Name: Ethel Madden, born January 9, 1914, departed this life March 19, 1923.
Name: Bethel Madden, born March 13, 1917, departed this life May 6, 1919.
They died as little angels and have gone on to meet God and his angels. Ethel said before she died, "Mamma, I have to go home. I have to cross Jordan. My grandma has come after me and I have to go home to shake hands with her. And now her father and mother profess a hope in Christ, the Lord and both attached themselves to the Regular Baptist Church, hoping with faith in the Lord that we can meet our little ones in heaven and be with them and God where we will never have to part.   Written by broken hearted parents, John Madden-Affie Madden

McKnight, Mary (Rice)-was born April the 23rd, 1874. Died May the 27th, 1937 being 63 years , one months and 4 days old at the time of death. She was married to Jonathan K. McKnight on February the 26th 1893 and to the union were born three boys, as Follows, Denver L. of Conway, Ky.; Garfield of Langnau, Ky. and Andes who preached her in death, March 6, 1919 and Bertha McKnight whom  they adopted and raised from infancy. She also heaves to mourn her said death two brothers, John Rice of Harlan County and Arthur Rice of Conway, one sister, Mrs. Leonard Wynn of Conway. Her mother, Jude preceded her in death a little over four years ago and her father, the Rev. William N. Rice hardly two years ago also a brother Irvin Rice about nineteen years ago. Mary as we all knew her was an affectionate and loving wife and mother and her friends were numbered by those who knew her. She professed a hope some several years ago though never attached herself to any church, but lived a true Christian life and died in the full triumph of the Christian faith and we feel that our loss her eternal gain.
Written by a true friend, M. T. Fouts, Conway, Ky. Mary 28, 1937

Miller, Becky-It is with sadness of heart that I try to write a short sketch of the life of m y dear mother who departed this life December 18, 1935. Becky Miller was born January 4, 1850, age 85 years. She was married to John B. Miller and to this union were born eight children, four boys and four girls. Two boys and our dear father preceded her in death. Mother joined the Big Cowan church of Old Regular Baptist about 1876 and lived a faithful member until death. We miss her dear company, brethren and sisters in this lonesome world but we can meet her in yonder world above and never more to part if we all will put our whole trust in God and Christ the Lord who is able to save , so let's all be looking for the second coming of our dear Savior who has promised life everlasting to those who put their trust in Him for their Savior.
Written by her daughter   Rachel Whitaker

Mullins, Samuel W.- One by one the Lord calls his soldiers from the battlefield. Samuel W. Mullins was born April 13, 1858, deceased February 16, 1937, age 79 years 10 months and three days. He was married to Martha Collins in 1879. Unto this union were born six children, five girls and one boy. His beloved wife and one daughter preceded him in death and went on a journey from whence no traveler returns. he joined the Carr's Fork church of Regular Baptists in the year 1900 and was baptized by Elder Ira Combs. He was always faithful and dutiful, earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints, always contended for clean church fellowship which is orders by Christ ant the Apostles. he was afflicted for over eight years with rheumatism which resulted in his death which came the 16th day of February. He left five orphan children without father or mother. He called his youngest daughter Maggie and said, "Maggie, can't you year hear that talking in me?: She said, "no, Pap." He said  "My bible is lying across my breast and it is talking through my Bible." He said Maggie there's not but one thing against me and that the Lord called me to  preach thirty years ago" and when he made his confession he gently passed away. I believe when h is soul left his earthly house that it was carried by the angels to heaven thereto to rest until the great general resurrection when all that are in the grave shall hear the voice of the Son of God and come forth, and they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damnation. I thank God that I have a hope to believe that I will meet all of God's children over yonder just beyond this world of trouble and sorrow.
A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is still,
A place is vacant in our home
that never can be filled.
Written by his oldest daughter  Maryland Amburgey-Smithsboro, Ky

Richardson, O. G.-I will try to write a short sketch of the life of Brother O. G. Richardson. At a called meeting some time in November 1936, he joined the Old Regular Baptist Church and desired his fellowship with the Carr's Fork Church, at which time some of the Brethren from that neighborhood agreed to notify the Carr's Fork church of his request and before the fourth Saturday or church time had come Brother Richardson had passed on to the Great Beyond to where no traveler ever returns. The Brethren who agreed to fill his request came to the Carr's Fork Church on November, the fourth Saturday, 1936 and made the report and the church received the Brethren and the report and by move and second had his name put on record of the Carr Fork Church. He leaves a wife and many friends to mourn the loss of brother Richardson.
Written by Br. Henry Blair, Carr's Fork Church Clerk

Stamper, Lettie-It is with a sad heart that I attempt to write the obituary of my small daughter, Lettie. She was born July 26th, 1933 and deceased December 14, 1936. In our home was left a void and empty space which has been unable to be filled. In her few years she realized that God lived within us. While in the hospital she knew she must die and asked me to go with her or to meet her in heaven. I have the assurance that Lettie is at rest. I pray that we will all  meet her in heaven.    H. R. S. Stamper and wife,   Sackett, Ky.

Stapleton, Charley-By request of Sister Laura Stapleton I attempt to write a short obituary of her husband, to wit: Charley Stapleton, who departed this life August 13, 1936, age about 68 years. He was married to Laura Hubbard in early life and unto them were born nine children, three boys and six girls, tow of which preceded him in death. Bro. Stapleton moved to Pulaski County Kentucky from Virginia and attended the Powell Church of the Old Regular Baptists and loved to talk about the goodness of God and how people ought to live. He enjoyed talking about salvation by grace and would denounce false doctrine and even tell people while on his sick bed how to get to heaven. He said he had a dream that he would live till 1936 and asked me how long it was until 1937. When I told him he said,  "My time is up and I don't dread to go. All I hate is to leave Laura, but she will come soon." He bore his suffering patiently. Now to hid children: Your father is gone never to return and when God's spirit teaches you will you pray that he prepares you to see his face in peace where you can sit down in the Kingdom of God and ever be with father and all the saints of he most High God. Sister Laura just press on in the straight and narrow path and be faithful till the time comes for you to go too, where we believe Bro. Charley is resting in peace and happiness free from afflictions and pain.   Sarah Vanover

Sergent, David M.-On Sunday night October 11, 1936 came home the saddest time in my life, when the death angels visited my home and took from me a kind and loving husband and from the children a kind and loving father, David M. Sergent, born January 24, 1868 and died October 11, 1936 being 68 years 3 months and 14 days old. He joined the Baptist Church about 32 years ago. He lived a true Christian and a beautiful life until God called him home. He bore his suffering patiently and told us he was ready to go when the Lord called him. When the angels came and claimed him he was sleeping and we feel sure he is still sleeping in the arms of Jesus. He was always loved by everybody who knew him. He is gone but not forgotten. We hope some day to see him in that great beyond where we will never have any sickness or death and all will be joy over there.
A precious one from us is gone,
A voice we loved is stilled,
A place is vacant in our home
Which never can be filled
Emmaline Sergent

Vanover, W. H. -It is with a sad feeling that I attempt to write a sketch of the life o my husband, W. H. Vanover, who died January 19, 1937. He was a son of Andrew and Peggy Vanover, who was born November 4, 1866, age 70 years, 2 months and 15 days. He was married to Harriette Poindexter in 1887. To them eight children were born. His wife and six of the children preceded him in death. In 1901 he was married to Sarah Howell and unto them eleven children were born, three of which died in infancy. he leaves a wife (Sarah Vanover) ten children, (two by his first wife and eight by his last wife), many relatives, many friends and the brethren and sisters to mourn his loss, but we feel that our loss is his eternal gain. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church September 25, 1910 and remained a faithful member until death. He was strong in the faith even  in his last moments and tried to show me the Lord with all his might and said, "Let us both go with Him," but God's will was not for us to go together. I believe he saw heaven's door open to receive his soul and that it is today resting in the paradise of God in peace awaiting the resurrection morn. now children, your papa has gone never to return to us anymore, but we can by the grace of God go to him. He prayed so often for you children that you all might be saved in heaven by being born again. He said many times, "I wish they all were like Harvey, " so children, don't weep for papa, but rather weep for yourselves and close in with overturned mercies of God that we all may by grace divine sit down together in heaven where no separations take place.
How long, how long, Oh Lord
How long have I on earth to stay,
Roll on, roll on the wheels of time
And bring the joyful day.
Written by a lonely wife Sarah Vanover