THE INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION

Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ

Held with the Mallet Fork Chruch
Pine Top, Kentucky-Knott County

Sept. 2,3,4 1938

Submitted by J B Francis

Amburgey, Rachel-I now will try to write a short sketch of the life of our dear Sister Rachel Amburgey. She was borned  ? and deceased May 12, 1938. She was married to James Amburgey and to this union was born ........children. She joined the Carrs Fork Church, May 4th, Saturday, 1912 and lived a faithful member until death. She was loved by all who knew her. It was very seldom that you couldn't hear her voice praying the Lord in the winding up of church. She would pray for her wicked sons and beg them to quit their way and live as she lived. But now children, your mother is gone and left you. There is a vacant place in the home that never can be filled by mother anymore. No doubt that you have seen mother leave home many times when she would tell you she would be back in  a short while, but she is gone on a journey this time that no traveler has ever returned. I am very sure that if you children and father could see where Sister Amburgey is and how she is enjoying that happy home, you would not want her back, but would want to go to her. As David of old said, she can't come back to you, but by the grace of God you can go to her. So many God enlighten your minds before it is everlastingly too late to meet mother again. When you lost your mother you lost the best friend on earth. It might be that god took her from you to cause to think of your never dying souls. So do all you can to meet mother again for if you repent of your sins that soul of mother will rejoice in heaven; for it makes heaven rejoice when a soul repents.   H. Blair.

Back, David-I feel it my duty to pay homage and honor to David Back in writing a short sketch of his noble life to refresh the memories of those who knew him and that other who never knew whim might know the life he lived. "The righteous perish and no man regardeth the memory of them and soon forgotten." He was born April 21 1827, and died Jan. 21, 1925. In 1860 he was married to Rachel Caudill, daughter of the late Stephen and Betsy Fields Caudill. To this union was born two sons, Stephen M. and Henry B. both living and four daughters, Bettie, Susana, Sarah and Martha. His wife died in 1873 at about the age of 31 years. The two first named daughters preceded  him death several years. Martha my wife and Sarah Adams are still living. Some three years after the death of his first wife he was married to Nancy Dixon, daughter of the late Eld. James Dixon who passed away a few years after his death. To this latter union was born seven children: four boys and three girls, all living except Joe, who died Feb 21, 1935. He and his first wife joined the Indian Bottom Church of Regular Baptist in early  life. They were ordained deacon and deaconess of that church. Uncle Dave, as he was affectionately called, lived a devoted Christian life, setting example worthy to be followed by everyone. I knew him from childhood and loved him as a father. I never heard anyone say aught against him. But his smiling pleasant face will never be forgotten by us who knew him. We feel sure his spirit is resting under the alter of God, awaiting the redemption of the body.
Written by W. C. Dixon

Banks, Mary Jane-It is with a sad heart that I try to write the obituary of my dear wife, Mary Jane Banks, who departed this life on September 18, 1937. She was born September 15, 1890, age 48 years and 3 days. She was married to Monroe Banks, April 13, 1907 and to their union was born 10 children, 6 boys and 4 girls. Eight children are still living. She was converted in 1912 and took fellowship in the Big Leatherwood Church and lived a consecrated Christian life until death. She was ill for about 2 years and after we had done all that we knew to do for her and had secured all the Doctor's aid possible, I asked her how she felt about her condition. She told me that her hope was strong, and all that she hated about passing over was that she hated to leave me and the children. She was a good wife and a loving mother and I am sure that our loss is her eternal gain. We miss her in our home. She is missed in the Church, but she has gone where death is over, and I trust we can meet her in Heaven where parting is over. While her souls is enjoying the company of departed loved ones in that land that never grows old, where friends never part, and loved ones never die, her body is sleeping in a little mount near her home in the Huff Grave yard. may the breeze of summer blow softly where her remains lie buried, may the birds sing their sweetest songs until the eternal morning breaketh and the misty shadows flee away.
Written by her husband, Monroe Banks

Cornett, Linda-was born Dec. 29, 1873 and was married to J. C. Cornett, Jan 14, 1893. To this union was born 15 children, 8 girls and 7 boys. She joined the Old Regular Baptist church the first Sunday in October, 1910 and lived a faithful member until death. She departed this life Oct. 7, 1936, and was 62 years, 9 months and 12 days old. She as kind and good to every body, a loving companion and a kind mother. She was loved by all who knew her. She has vacated a mansion where and we feel sure her soul has filed a mansion to the Kingdom of God. While she has left a husband, eleven children, 3 brothers and 2 sisters and a host of friends to mourn her loss, so we feel that our loss is heaven's eternal gain. So husband, children, brothers and sisters, let us be looking upward to the Maker of the high calling to meet sister and mother in the Kingdom of God. The good words Sister Cornett told Nancy Adams in Sept the 12th 1935. I asked her how she was feeling and she said she was all right and when all of her children left the room she said now Nancy I am no better only I am ready to die any minute. The Lord .... (rest is missing)

Dixon, John W. -While my father, John W. Dixon has been dead some 36 years, yet I have a strong impression to write a short sketch of this devoted Christian life. "He being dead speaketh." I never knew how I should appreciate such a father as I had until he was taken away from us and especially since I hope I have obtained the same like precarious blessing he did. O' of time could turn backward where I could have the pleasure of talking to my beloved father gain, but I have a hope to meet him before long in a better place than this world. He was born Oct. 23, 1845 and died April 1902. He was married to Phoeba, daughter of the late Isom and Lizzie Back Caudill in 1867. To this union was born seven children: five boys and two girls, a boy and girl having died in infancy. Nancy and James C. both grown and married with families, died some years ago. Wm. C. Isom and Jerry P. are still living. Mother died in April 1887 at the age of 37 years. Later father was married the second time to Rachel Eldridge. To this union was born four children, Polly Ann, Mary and Rebecca, Girls: and Pearl B a son all living and married. Father and Mother both joined the Indian Bottom Church of Regular Baptists in their young days and were ordained deacon and deaconess of that church. Father was clerk of that church shortly after he joined until death. I never knew  amore devoted Christian than he was. While he was poor in this world's good, he was rich in the spiritual love of God. His tattered garments and the need of his work at home was never in his way when the church meeting came. He always filled his seat in the church when possible. "The love of Christ constrained him." He was strong in the faith, He was the oldest child of the late Eld. James Dixon    Written by W. C. Dixon

Everidge, Thomas-was born December 27, 1891, died February 3, 1938. He professed a hope in Christ and joined the Little Home Church of Old Regular Baptist and was not able to be baptized. he told me before he died that there came to his bed a woman and five little children. She came to me 3 days. The last time she came she told me she had come after me and I had to go and we started and went till we come to a beautiful stream of water that was as clear as crystal, and there was a white streak across the stream and we had to walk across that white streak. We started across and when we got to the other side we come to a stone wall with a large gate. The gate was pure gold. She opened the gate and I followed her in and she led me to a large building and opened the door and I followed her in and there was a large room, white as snow, but no one in it. She then led me through the second room and there was a big congregation and the Lord standing in the midst, so she led me in another and there was a table and a pile of books on the table and there was reading on the wall over the table. The reading was written with golden letters. This is the Lords word, and my burden left me, and I was so happy I couldn't eat or sleep. He said I am ready to leave this old world of trouble and go to the city whose builder and maker is God.    Written by a sister Maryland Amburgey

Hudson, Matilda (Ison) - In loving memory of my dear sister Matilda (Ison) Hudson, age 58 years. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church, Aug. 1929 lived a faithful consecrative Christian life until death, On Jan. 22, 1938, when she passed on to be with Jesus. Remembrance is a golden chain, death tried to break, but all in vain. to have to, to love, and then to part is the greatest sorrow of one's heart. So sleep, Matilda, dear, take thy rest. Our loss has been thy gain. heaven is richer, earths is poorer, since Jesus called thy name. The silent grief that's in our soul no human eye can trace; for many a broken heart lies dead, behind a smiling face.  Sadly missed by her sister, Judy

Keesee, Rachel J. -born Jan 23, 1873, died Jan 23, 1938. Daughter of A. W. and Elizabeth McCoy, was married to Allen Keesee, April 13, 1893. To this union was born 9 children, 5 boys and 4 girls. Husband and 2 children have gone on before, leaving 4 girls and 3 boys, number of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. She joined the old Regular Baptist Church, Aug 1893, lived a faithful Christian life until our loving Master called her home. Mother's gone, we will hear her voice no more. But here is some of her own written words left behind for us children. Dear Children, my life is very sad and lonely here, I leave this note so if anything should happen to me you would know what I want you to do. I want you to live in peace and try to get a better place when you leave this troublesome world, for there is nothing here but trouble There is none to speak between me and my God. He needs our hearts and will do justice to all. Now I will my soul to God who gave it; and my body to the grave. I want a home made coffin with no handles or plates to put me away in, but no costly shroud for my body will only be as dust. We are very thankful for those few worlds. And we, the children have written this obituary of her own request. We are happy to know mother's gone home to live with Jesus and our loved ones where trouble never comes, and thru the mercies of loving God will meet again around the great white throne where death will have no power. Father, Mother and Children will be united once more
Children

Morton, Delzey-I will now try to write a short sketch of a loving brother, Delzey Morton was born January 10, 1902 and died June 13, 1933, age 32 years, 5 months and 3 days. He professed a hope about 1 year before he died and said he was ready to go at any time the Lord called him.  Written by his sister, Callie Morton

Morton, Henry-was borned July the 20th, 1895. Deceased April 4th, 1918. age 22 years, 9 months and 16 days. And about two weeks before he died, he professed a hope he told me one morning, he had something to tell me I thought I would tell Papa, but I didn't want to disturb him. I can't keep it no longer. Mamma the Lord told me that I had to die and thank God he told me my sins were pardoned. A few days before he died he was lying with his face towards the wall a reaching out and when he spoke to me he said Mamma the whole world has been full of Angels over me and one lit on my breast and told that that it had come after me and I told it I was so weak I couldn't go now, but I will come in a few hours, before he died he raised  up on his elbows and said Mamma the Lord has been with me tonight. Don't you doubt it he said, he had a good soft downy bed better than you or any body else on earth for me. And he was aim to lay me on that bed with my three little brothers when I died he said Mamma the Lord told to tell you and all the people where I was a going, so you would be satisfied. All I have to suffer is here on earth when I die I am done suffering. They are gone but not forgotten.  Written by Jane Pigman

Mullins, Jasper-I now attempt to write a short sketch of  dear old brother in the Lord, to wit: Jasper J. Mullins. He was born Sept 17, 1850. He married Pollie Stacy, Dec. 24, 1868. To this union was born 6 children, 3 boys and 3 girls. of which 1 boy and 2 girls preceded him in death. He leaves boys, John Mullins and Samuel Mullins and one girl, Matilda Blair of Garrard, Ky. to mourn his loss. Brother Mullins joined the Carr's Fork Church of Regular Baptist, Aug. 4, Sat., 1895. He lived a faithful member for 19 years and on the 4th Sat in March 1913, he left the Car's Fork Church as a part of an arm to organize a church at the mouth of Georges Branch, Perry County, Ky. where he lived for many years. He departed this life Sept. 17, 1927 at the home of his only living daughter, Matilda Blair of Clay County Ky. He is missed by his three children as well as the churches which he once visited. I have been in his home many times and he always met me with a smile of gladness and always seemed glad when his friends visited him. His good companion, sister Pollie, who professed a hope in Christ many years before her death, but was never baptized into the fellowship of the Church, preceded him in death many years. Children, your father and mother are not dead but sleepeth, taking rest from their labors. Methinks the time is coming and not far hence, when Christ will shout with a voice from above which will burst those mossy mounds where our loved ones sleep and they will come forth in newness of live, where no trouble, sickness or separation will be. So, my God in his tender mercy spare the remainder of his family who have not been born again to make preparation to meet their father again. Sister Matilda, I can sympathize with you and those who have lost father and mother. Our homes are not like they once were. The best friends are gone. But , there  is coming a time when we will meet, never to part. May God's blessing be with you in the prayer of your unworthy write.  Henry Blair

Maggard, Junior-the son of Randall and Lydia Maggard of Sackett, Ky., was born August 3, 1924 and departed this life February 25, 1938, at the age of 13 years and 5 months. Junior Maggard was in good health and never had much sickness until in November prior to his pass when he got sick. He was in school in the 7rh grade but he got sick in November it was necessary for him to quit school. The doctors said it was some kind of Rheumatism and that it affected his heart. Junior was one of our best children. He always obeyed us in every way and did all he could to please us. he talked a great deal along during his sickness about leaving this world and just before he died he called us both to his bedside and said "Can't you hear that sound? It is the sweetest song that I ever heard." And then he said the Lord is calling for me. He hugged his father's neck and went to sleep--that blessed sleep in Jesus-from which there is no further trouble. We laid him to rest on the little point near our home. Of course we regretted to give him up- but we believe God called and he answered-it has meant much to us sand to his brothers and sitters-we hope to meet him above and request his brothers and sisters to do likewise. Besides his father and mother, he leaves 5 sisters and brothers to mourn his absence,
We love hi, yes we loved him
Just how much we cannot say;
But Jesus loves him better
for he called him away
He called him to that city
To that city beyond the way
And sometime we hope to meet him Oh that happy, blessed day
His father and Mothers

Maggard, Sammie-It is with a sad heart that I undertake to write an obituary of my dear Father, Eld. Samuel Maggard, who was born Nov. 1, 1848, died Nov the 4th, 1937, age 87 yrs, 4 days old. He was a son of another Eld. Sammie Maggard. He was married to Jane McLain about the year of 1864 and to this union was born 14 children, 9 of them gone on before, 5 still living, 3 boys and two girls. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church 50 years ago and had been preaching about 33 years. he was  strong believer in the old time Baptist. He lived a faithful member until his death. his loving wife preceded him in death about 25 years ago. He never married anymore, I, the writer, have often heard him say he was dissatisfied here and was waiting the time when the Lord would call him home. He was afflicted with cancer for several years but seldom ever complained and would often say if he was called to go away form us all; for us to not grieve after him for he was alright. So, my dear Father is gone and we sure do miss our good Father, but our loss here is the eternal gain. By the grace of God I expect to meet him some sweet day-at the resurrection, at the last day-when Jesus comes again with a host of Angels in the church of heaven-to raise the sleeping dead then we will meet our loved ones that's gone on before to part no more. Oh, happy thought! Brothers and Sisters of the Indian Bottom Association pray for me and my poor afflicted wife. So farewell for a while. God bless you all.   Your unworthy Br. N. T. Maggard

Mullins, Eld. W. B. -It is with a feeling of sadness that I attempt to write a sketch of the life of Elder W. B. Mullins. He was born March 20, 1860, died Sept 30. 1936, age 76 years, 6 months and 10 days. He was married to Alva Mullins, 1883. Unto this union were born four children, three girls and one boy. In 1895, Alva died and in 1896 he was married to Nancy Caudill, unto the, ten children were born, 3 girls and 7 boys. Bro. Mullins joined the old Regular Baptist Church 1890, and soon after began exercising a public gift and 1892 he was ordained as a minister. He preached the old time doctrine in the mountainous section of Eastern, Ky., several years. About the years 1915 or 1916 he moved to Lincoln Co., near the little town of Nolansburg, Ky., and begin preaching the Old Baptist Doctrine In Oct. 1916 the Powell Church was organized where he took membership by letter soon after it organization--remaining a faithful member till death. He had very bad health the last few years of his life, but he remained strong in the faith and would pray that he might die at home and in his right mind; which we have every reason to believe was granted. He leaves Nancy, several children and grand children, one brother, a host of brethren and sisters and many friends to mourn his loss. His seat is vacant, his voice is not heard among us; yet we are glad to believe that his soul is in the Paradise of God awaiting the resurrection when the body will come forth from the grave, a glorious body like unto the body of Jesus. Then Bro. Wall will receive the golden crown he mentioned so often and sing everlasting praises around the throne of God. Written by an unworthy Bro. in hope of eternal life.C. C. Bates

Richie, Margaret-With a sad feeling I try to write a short sketch of our beloved sister in the Lord. Margaret Richie was born June 9, 1878 and died Jan, 1937. She was past 58 years old, was the daughter of Hendley Fugate and Sallie Fugate. She was married to L. D. Richie, December 10, 1898. to this union was born 9 children, 5 girls and 4 boys. One of the boys preceded his father in death, being killed in the mines. Sister Margaret joined the Regular Baptist Church and lived a faithful member till death. She lived to see one of her daughters baptized and now 3 of her girls are in the Church that their mother died in. To the other girl and boys, you should seek the offered mercies of God, and repent of your sins if you ever expect to see mother again. She attended her Church regularly as she could, being hindered by a stroke of paralysis. You will  miss her mother, but our loss of her , is her eternal gain. Let us all pray that the rest of her children may receive a hope that they will meet their mother in heaven.   Written by brother in hope, Harrison Williams

Saylor, Mirtie-It is with a sad feeling that I will write a short sketch of a sister. Mirtie Morton Saylor was born March 31, 1898. Deceased July 2, 1924. Age 26 years, 3 months and 2 days when she died. She professed a hope at the age of 19 years and joined the Regular Baptist Church and was baptized in the fellowship of the Mallet Fork Church and lived a faithful member until death. Written by her unworthy sister, Callie Morton

Slone, Myatt-was born March 15, 1860 and died March 13, 1935. He was a son of Isom Slone and Newberry Slone, and the husband of Tilda Slone. He joined the old Regular Baptist Church about 20 years before he died, and lived a faithful member till his death. Being faithful, he filled his seat in the Church and enjoyed good preaching and we believe from the  life he lived, his soul is at rest in the heavenly home, the home he liked to talk about. His body will remain in the grave till the resurrection day, when Jesus shall come and awake the dead, and then he will live again. We all loved him and the New Home Church has lost a good member and the community a good neighbor. We miss him in our homes. So, will say to all his brothers that are yet in sin, if you want to ever see and be with your brother again, there is no better time than today to begin, as the scriptures, say, "Today, if you hear my voice, harden not your hearts." I will say to Tilda his wife: Cheer up, be of good courage; it is just a little while till you will see your husband again, if you die in the triumphs of the faith of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Written by Eld. L. D. Mosley

Vance, R. D.-It is with very much unworthy feeling I attempt to write a short sketch of the life of Br. R. D. Vance. He joined the Mallet Fork Church the second Saturday in July 1935 and was ordained as Deacon in the Mallet Fork Church, June the second Saturday 1936. Bro. Vance was borned Dec. 18 1887. Deceased Nov. 5, 1937, Age 49 years, 11 months and 17 days. He leaves a good wife and several children, brothers and sisters to mourn his loss, which I believe our loss is Heaven's gain.  He was as faithful as any one I ever saw as long as he could go, until that dreadful disease of TB took hold of him which confined him to his bed for some months. I visited Bro. Vance in his sickness with other Brethren and had services for him and he seemed to enjoy meeting in his last days better than any one I ever saw.  All his talk was on the Scriptures and about the true church which he has said so many times that there was but one true church and that was the Old Regular Baptist which he defended as long as he lived. So may God instruct his children to prepare to meet Father in that world where there will be no more separation where there will be one Father, one Mother and one Family, never to part any more. May God bless Sister Vance to raise up her orphan children in the way they should go. I am very sure you see lonesome hours since Bro. Vance has gone away. He is gone not to come back in that sickly frame which you last saw him in. He has left you at home many times to go to church and you would look to see him return, but he has gone to a country where church never breaks up, where his soul is ever satisfied with that meeting. So pray on for your children and sinners. It won't be long until the Lord will you call from this battle field  Is the Prayer of your unworthy Henry Blair

Watts, Agga Jane-I now attempt to write a sketch of my dear mother, Agga Jane Watts. She was born Feb. 25, 1866 and died Oct 5, 1916. She married Simeon Watts, May 10, 1883. She joined the Mallet Fork Church, Feb. 1913. Twelve children were born to them, 8 boys and 4 girls. They lost their first baby at 2 weeks old, and a daughter at 4 years of age, also a son at the age of 21 years who left a bright hope and counseled his parents, brothers and sisters. Little Delzy is happy today we believe. He had a dream and saw himself going up in the air like a white dove a few days before he passed away. The next one that left us was sister Maggie. She died Jan 21, 1919. We believe she is with the Savior, as she said she was going home to Jesus. She wanted Ellis Hopkins to come and preach for her, but he didn't come. The next  one we had to give up was dear Melvin, 29 years old, a good hearted boy. He was mashed in his own coal bank in 1923. He told his wife he saw pretty lights 3 different times before he was mashed up. He believed in God. thirteen years later we had to part with our dear old father whom everybody seemed to love. He wanted no enemies. He one time had a hope but never joined the church. He believed in God and always gave his children good counsel and loved them. Mother joined the Carr's Fork Church of old Regular Baptist, Aug 4, 1899. She lived a faithful life and always gave her children good counsel. She said before she passed away that she wanted to die, and for us to not grieve after her for she was going to a better world than this. She laid in bed for 2 months before she died. just before she had to go she reached out her hand and asked her sister Matilda Franklin if she was dying, or did she think she was. She said I feel awful good about something. We ought to all remember our mother's advice that she left and try to obey it, and look to God in prayer, for He's the only one to look to for help to save our souls. So, may God bless everybody is my wish.  Written by her daughter, Mrs. Bertha Fields