Indian Bottom Association of Old Regular Baptists of Jesus Christ

1940 MINUTES
Of the Forty-Fifth Annual Session
September 6, 7, 8 1940 

OBITUARIES

Transcribed by Terry Triplett

Amburgey, George Vernon-  aged nine years, three months was born February 14, 1931, died May 15, 1940, was the son of William and Flossy Amburgey.  It needs a father, mother, six sisters and three brothers to mourn his loss, but we feel it’s earthly loss is his heavenly gain.  With a sad feeling I attempt to write a sketch of his dying words.  It would call on the Lord and would pull its brothers and sisters over to him and hugged their necks and asked them to go home with him and told Papa to stand by him, that he was going to die and it called for father and mother and his brothers and sisters and I asked Narcie to take him in her arms.  It motioned its hand toward heaven and smile.  I feel with all my heart it viewed its home in heaven.  He had a dream about three months before he died, said there was a great lot of little angels and they hovered around Mama was crowns on there heads.  I believe it was warned but since it is gone to live in with Christ I cannot wish it back again but I thank God I have a hope of glory in my soul, and I can follow him soon.  You don't know how I feel to rejoice that when I leave this world I have a little brother to go and live with, one in heaven, if no more of my brothers and sisters don't.  But with my prayers for them are for God to turn them before it's too late.  If they don't they can never be with little brother anymore. Oh, sometimes I want to go home, seems that I can hardly stay here but I know brother is rejoicing today and if we all get their will all be rejoicing as one.  Oh, mother's grief is so severe seems my heart is bursting within me, but I have a hope of seeing my little darling George again some day.  Sleep on one, little darling, God knows best.  He will call us all and take us home to rest.  He has gone where there is no bleeding or burning fever, were all is love, joy and peace.  Written by a heart-broken mother, Flossie Amburgey.

Caudill, John M.- John M. Caudill was born January 25, 1852, deceased this life August 31, 1939, age 87 years, seven months and six days. He professed a hope in Christ and joined the Old Indian Bottom Church at the age of 21 and lived a faithfully for 66 years. He was sick and in bed most of the time for three years before he died.  He bore his suffering patiently.  He said all he dreaded was the sting of death, and I reckon everybody does. He was married three times, first to Susana Hampton and do this union was born one child, Henry.  His second marriage was to Polly Ann Morgan and do this union was born 11 children, six are yet living.  His third marriage was to Polly Caudill into this union was born seven children, six of these dollars yet living. Written by Polly Caudill. 

Caudill, J. W.-It is a sad and bereaved heart I attempt to write the obituary of my beloved father.  J.W.  Caudill was born January 20, 1873, died July 10, 1938, age 62 years, five months in 15 days. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church of Big Cowan September 18, 1899 and lived a faithful member until his death, always filling his seat in the church. He was first married to Rosona Tyree, March 22, 1892 but she died July 14, 1899.  To this union were born two children Princess and Siller.  Father was blessed to see both of these children baptized in the regular church. Since the death of his first wife he was married to Mary Miller.  To this union was born nine children for boys and five girls, but three preceded him in death.  Until this day I don't know whether any of them professed any hope or not.  But children, if you expect to meet father you must be born again. I talked many times in the late days of Heaven and our home on high.  He told me about one year before he died that one night he heard something on the porch and there was a light which shown and there stood, in a row, his father, his mother, my mother and his brothers, all of whom had gone on before, and they all were singing in the prettiest song that he had ever heard and they told him they were coming back after him.  He said that he thought he would call his wife to see but he said he knew that she couldn't see them.  I talked to him in his last hours, I asked him how about his hope in Christ.  He said if it wasn't for his hope he would be the most miserable of men. But it was well satisfied and ready to die.  I told him I hate to give him up but I was willing for God's will to be done and he told me to press on this good old way. On the last night his three small children were standing at the foot of his bed and he beckoned to me to talk for him.  He pointed his finger at all three of them and pointed upward.  He said by his actions, “Children, fathers counsel is all over, but look to the Lord for your help and counsel”.  He pulled me down to his face and turned my head for me to see what is saw.  I believe he was looking into the beautiful fields of Heaven. He bid us all goodbye by shaking our hands.  I said, father, I hate to give you up but by the help of God I hope to meet you again. Written by his beloved son, Princess W. Caudill. 

Caudill, Lola-With a sad heart I will try to write the obituary of a dear sister, Lola Caudill.  Lola was born March 5th, 1900 departed this life September 2, 1934.  She was married to J.A. Caudill.  To this union was born seven children, two preceding her in death.  She joined the Doty Creek Church the fourth Saturday in July, 1932 and lived a faithful member until death.  Through her sickness she would often talk of Heaven and her home she was pretty soon going to inherit.  I feel to say to her boys, Oliver, Mack and Paul and do her daughter Dorothy, if you ever want to live with mother again, you must repent in this life and be born again. Written by her brother, H.B. Whitaker. 

Collier, Emory D.- Emory D.  Collier, son of Willard and Ollie Collier, grandson of Elder W. R. Boggs, was born September 10, 1920, died March 2, 1936, aged 15 years, six months and 21 days. In the departing he leaves his father, mother, two brothers and three sisters to mourn their loss, but their loss is his eternal gain. Emory met the enemy without fear and during his sickness he helped his sister singing “amazing grace and how sweet the sound” and “how beautiful heaven must be”. Our hearts are sad because of the grief of little Emory.  May we ever live and walk a Christian life so when the death Angel comes we can meet Emory on that bright shining shore.  Sleep on, Emory, until the resurrection morning and we shall be united again. Written by his sister, Hattie Collier. 

Collier, Loretta Susan- daughter of Willard and Ollie Collier was born November 21, 1927 and died February 11, 1939, age 11 years two months and two days.  She leaves her father, mother and two brothers and two sisters to mourn her loss but heaven has gain a bright jewell. Loretta was afflicted several years before her death came.  One brother proceeded her to the grave.  The night before she died she called all of her folks around her and told them that she had to die, and kissed her daddy and mother and called for both of her sisters to stay with her.  Then called for Charlie and said, “Charlie, I have to die, stay with me”.  Called for Estell too.  She said she was going to heaven, she knew she was, and said, “Mother lay me down and let me die”.  After a while she wanted to know if her grave was  made, and then the death Angel was doing its work in silence.  She had so much patience and wanted to live so badly, she says she's sure hated to leave all the people but was going to her little brother, Emory.  We would take her up in a rocking chair and she wanted to sing Rock-A-Bye and wanted her mother to sing with her.  Then we sang “If You Want To Go To Heaven You Must Start Today” and she helped sing three verses of it.  So sleep on little Darling Loretta until the resurrection morning when I will meet you around God's bright throne. Written by her sister, Hattie Collier. 

Cornett, William-It is with a feeling of sadness I attempt to write a sketch of the life of our father, William Cornett.  He was born April 19, 1848, died January 15, 1940, age 91 years, eight months and 26 days.  He was married to Sarah Eversole about 70 years ago.  To this union was born of 11 children, eight boys and three girls, nine are still living, two preceding him in death.  Father was born and reared in this community near Hurricane Gap.  He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church about 30 years ago and was a faithful member until death.  He loved to go to church and did as long as he was able to go.  During his sickness he bore his burdens with patients.  He was sick four and one half months, and had his right mind until very near his death.  He told his children that he was ready to go.  We are proud of our father's life, He lived and we are all sure he is at rest now, asleep in the arms of Jesus.  We know the old home will be lonesome without him but we hope to meet him on heaven's bright shore where their will be no more death and sorrow.  That is our aim.  We know the old Hurricane Gap church and community, as a whole, will miss him, but the Lord has let him stay with us these many years. Now, let's all love each other and strive to meet father.  Don't let the family Circle be broken.  He loved his children, we love him, yes, we loved him, just how much we can't say.  But the Lord loved him better, for he took him away.
Written by his son, Harrison Cornett.  

Crase, A. J.- was born July 28, 1845, deceased December 16, 1938, aged 93 years four months in 18 days.  He married Nancy Ann Caudill, October 28, 1867.  To this union was born 12 children, six boys and six girls.  One boy and one girl died when infants, two of the grown girls proceed him in death, Elizabeth and Mary Ann, and his wife, Nancy Ann, died in 1904.  He married the second time to Sarah Hampton.  To this union was born one girl, named Betsy.  His second wife died in 1919.  He then married Margaret Lucas who is yet living and mourning the loss of a good husband and a kind father.  He joined the Indian bottom Church of Old Regular Baptists at December 22, 1867 and lived a good Christian life as long as he live.  He was a strong believer in the Lord.  He was very feeble in his last few years but was very patient.  Just a few days before he passed away he called his wife and children to his bed.  He said he wanted to talk to Riley and Gideon.  He said he had been with the Lord and 3000 angels and the angels were all just alike.  All had white linen dresses on and had the most beautiful hair he had ever seen; It came down to their waists.  He said, Riley you were there with me in that beautiful place.  He said this was about the ten o’clock in the day when the sun was shining bright.  He said to us that he wanted to be buried by his first wife when he died and wanted Elder Buddy Caudill and Willie Bates to preach his funeral and wanted Riley to make prayer by his grave.  He called for Garett Bates several times and called his wife, Margaret, every few minutes and would ask her how many more days he would stay with her.  He asked Rachel and Bessie what the Lord was letting him stay here for and Betsy told him because the Lord had a use for him here yet.  Now father is gone and the Lord knows how we miss him, but we feel our loss is heavens gain.  Father is not dead, but sleeping.  We hated to give him up, our blessed old father, but, brothers and sisters, we can go to him if we will obey the Lord and do his will.  repent, every one of you and pray the Lord to forgive the past and sin no more.  We pray the Lord to bless our good old step mother and be with her in her lonesome hours. Written by his daughter, Louisa Caudill.  

Dixon, Boyd- With much unworthy feelings and I will try to write a short sketch of the life of Boyd Dixon.  Boyd was born January 17, 1916, departed this life May 12th, 1935, age 19 years three months and 25 days.  He was the son of James D. and Rebecca Dixon.  Father and mother both proceeded him in death, leaving him an orphan in this world.  He was at brother Solomon’s at the time of his death.  He had the T.B. and had to quit school on account of his health.  He was almost through high school but I feel, according to his profession he has gone to that school whose builder and maker is God.  I was with him just about one half an hour before he died.  He was on the porch and brother Solomon called me in.  He said Boyd said there wasn't any change for him.  Said for me to talk to him.  I asked him to pray and not give up for as long as there was life there was hope.  He said he had been praying and he began to repeat a form of words that was taught in school for prayer.  I told him that prayer wasn’t just a form of words.  Neither did he have to pray out for God to hear but if he felt that God had come to him in this life we would like to know it.  Then he seemed to realize just what it took to be saved so he began looking around the room as if you were looking for something and his countenance seemed to change and he began praying with all of his strength for God to save him, a poor sinner, and not to let him go down to that dark place, and he begged God if he would only save his poor soul from Hell to show him a light or something that would satisfy his poor soul.  Then he said, “there, what’s that I see yonder?  Is it a sheep.  There is a ladder; now it's going up and there is the light and there's the Christ Child”.  Then he turned over to me and said, shake hands.  He asked me if I could see that congregation and he told me to shake hands with them all.  His eyes were closed and death but I believe his spiritual eyes were opened unto heaven and that the heavenly host and I feel to say to his schoolmates and friends and too little Lee, his brother, “won’t you live with Boyd”?  You must choose the good part as Christ told the sister.
Written by his brother H.B. Whitaker. 

Everage, Mary Jane-By request of the husband, to-wit:  Isom Everage, I will try to write a short sketch of the life of sister Mary Jane Everage, who deceased August 1, 1940.  Sister Everage joined the Carrs Fork Church September 3, Saturday, 1937 and lived a faithful member until her death.  She leaves several children and the husband to mourn her loss but we feel that their lost is heavens gain.  So children, seek the Lord for forgiveness of your sins while in this life, and be ready to meet mother again in the sweet bye and bye.  Sister Everage is missed in the church as well as in the home.  So may God have pity on her poor little orphan children and her husband, and comfort them in their lonesome hours. Children, for God's sake leave off all the things pertaining to sin and fall in with the mercies of God before it is finally too late.  Lord bless these orphaned children with others are the prayers of your unworthy brother. Written by Henry Blair. 

Hall, Corbit- with much unworthy feelings I attemt to write a short obituary of our brother, Corbitt Hall who departed this life April 22, 1940.  Brother Hall joined the Carrs Fork Church July 4, on Saturday, 1938, when he was in very poor health, but he attended the church as often as he could and seemed to be as humble as a man could be.  While he was on his sick bed I had the opportunity to visit him where we could meet with many of our brethren and sing the songs of Zion and hold services for and with him which, it seemed, he would enjoy as long as he lived and it seemed that his mind was almost all the while running on things pertaining to heaven and heavenly things.  So may God instruct the minds of his children to run in the same way that brother Hall’s did, and may they be lead by that good Spirit Which is to the saving of the soul.  Brother Hall leaves several children and a good companion to mourn his loss as well as the church.  So may God comfort his widow and children in their lonesome hours are the prayers of your unworthy brother.  Written by Henry Blair. 

Stamper, Betty-was the daughter of Henry and Mary Ann Pratt.  She was born October 6, 1880, and died July 28, 1939, at the age of 58 years, nine months and 22 days.  She was married to A.M.  Stamper in 1898.  To this union was born 13 children, 12 of whom are still living. She became a Christian many years ago and had been a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church for about 28 years.  She served as a Deaconess of the Old Regular Baptist Church for a number of years.  He was a most faithful Christian and died in the full triumph of the Lord.  A better wife and mother could not have been found as she always ministered to the needs of her family in a sacrificial and loving the way.  She never tired of telling the children to follow in the footsteps of the Lord.  Her last few minutes on earth were spent in praying for the lost souls of our loved ones.She was sick for about eight years, being bedridden a good part of the times and able to go about at other times.  When she was able to go you could always find her at a church service worshiping.  Her illness which was very severe, she bore quite patiently, never grumgling about her a lot, but thankful that the Lord has blessed her in so many ways.  Before she died she asked her children to meet her in heaven, where she was going home to Jesus. Although we mourn her loss here, we are glad that she is resting in the arms of Jesus.  She was a loving mother, a devoted wife and a helpful neighbor and her presence is missed by all who knew her. Her body lies at rest in the cemetery at Cornettsville, but the memory of her unselfish love and devotion lingers on. Written by her loving husband, A.M. Stamper. 

 Collier, James- the son of Martin D.  Collier and Easter Collier, was born March 22, 1871.  He was married to Martha Rumley July 8, 1897 and to this union was born seven girls and nine boys.  He professed faith in Christ and attached himself to the Old Regular Baptist Church in about 1910.  He lived in a faithful member until death.  He died July 26, 1940. He is survived by three brothers and one sister, Green Collier of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, David Collier of Laurel County, Kentucky.  Gilbert Collier of Pound, Virginia and Mrs. James Maggard of Eolia, Kentucky.  Eolia was his home. His wife preceded him in death nine months and 14 days.  He leaves his family and a host of friends to grieve their loss.  The day before he died he said he didn't dread to meet death, he was ready to meet God in peace.  We hope our loss is heavens gain.
Written by Elder Hays Shepherd.

Gibson, Polly-I attempt to write the obituary of my mother-in-law Polly Gibson, born December 4, 1846, deceased July 12, 1937.  In 1932 she professed a hope and joined the Baptist Church and was baptized and lived a faithful member until her death. Written by Mary Morton. 

Morton, Richard-With a sad heart I attempt to write the obituary of my beloved husband, Richard Morton who was born April 17, 1866 deceased July 2, 1940.  He joined the church in 1923 and was baptized in the Baptist Church, lived a faithful member until death. Written by his wife, Mary Morton. 

Mullins, Elizabeth- was born November 11, 1868, and died January 5, 1940, age 71 years, nine months and 24 days.  She was a member of the Baptist church and she said when the Lord pardon her sins there sprang a light in her head and it lit up the whole room and in a little while there sprang up another light and it lit up the whole room and just a few days before she died she told Mrs. Gayheart that she knew she was going to die for Jesus was coming after her.  She died leaving six children to mourn her loss.  The names of the children are: Sallie Ingle, Emaline Pepoins, Claudia Sizemore, Loretta Brown, Pattie Smith and Joseph Mullins, her son.  She also leaves a sister and brother.  She joined the Clear Creek Church. Written by her son, Joseph Mullins.

Slone, Lurana-  She was born September 2, 1895.  Deceased in February 3, 1939. She was the daughter of W.  D.  Pratt and Lucy Pratt.  Married to Morgan Sloan December 18, 1913.  To this union was born eight children, all living. She joined the Regular Baptist Church about 20 years before her death.  Lived devoted Christian life until death.  Her life was a bright and shining life to all who knew her.  No smarter, lovelier companion and mother ever lived.  She was always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone in time of need.  Died in full faith of her future happiness, inviting her husband, children, parents and neighbors to meet her in heaven.  We miss very much but are trying to be patient with the hope of meeting here were no separations come. Written by her dear Father W.D. Pratt 

Slone, Anna-It is with a sad and lonesome feeling that I will try to write a short sketch of my loving grandmother, Anna Slone.  She was born in September, 1852, died August 9, 1931.  She was the age of 77 years, 11 months in nine days.  By what she told me before she took sick.  She said, “if I live to September, I will be 78”.  He lived a widow 13 years.  She was the daughter of George and Rebecca Thornsbury, and was married to Jackson Slone.  To this union was born eight children, for boys and four girls, and raised them all to have a family of their own.  They have 63 grandchildren living to visit around her grave.  One of the girls went on before her with a cancer.  Her name was Lizia Watts, a good, loving mother, and good to everybody.  I believe she is resting with her mother today.  Grandma joined the Old Regular Baptist Church before she married and was baptized into fellowship of the church and live to be a straight and true walking member, and seemed to be loved by everyone. She would go to church, far and near.  I've seen her shout and praise God so many times.  I heard her say after she got old and was not able to go to church and she wanted to fill her seat as long as she could.  She was a loving wife to her husband and a loving mother to her children.  I answered, “you have just lost a good praying hearted mother”.  I've heard her praising the Lord so many times and asked him to be with us all.  Lord children tried to get ready to meet your blessed mother in that sweet home up yonder, where you never have to part anymore.  I surely do believe grandma is resting today.  She said all the time that she was waiting for the Lord's time to come.  I believe it was day before she died.  She reached out her hand to me and asked me to feel her pulse.  She said “I won't be here much longer”, and she went easy when she died, just like she was going to sleep.  So I feel like brothers and sisters, we have lost their sweet sister in the church, but I hope our loss is Heaven’s gain.
Written by her granddaughter, Vinia Slone.  

Slone, Jackson- With a sad and lonesome feeling, I try to write a short sketch of my dear grandfather, Jackson Slone.  He was born August 5, 1850, died August 2, 1918.  He lacked three days being 69 years old when he died.  He was the son of Elliott and Maltilda Slone.  He was born and raised in Knott County, and was married to Anna Slone, his loving wife, and to this union was born eight children for boys and four girls.  He left them all to mourn his loss, with their good mother, his brothers and sisters and many other friends. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church, and was baptized into the fellowship of the church.  He lived a true and faithful member until his death.  He was a strong believer in his savior.  He would go to meeting as long as he was able.  He had a stroke of our paralysis and was confined to his sick bed for over two years before he died.  He bore sickness in patients. He would call the preachers to have meeting for him, it would please him for his children and friends to come and visit him.  He would talk and cry.  The day it died he told them that he had been to heaven and went on to the fountain and drank water.  He said, “it was the prettiest, brightest place I ever saw.  It looked like smoothe stone all over and it was filled with people and all looked just a like”.  He said, “I'm all right and I then I have nothing against me, I'm going to leave you between now and evening”.  And he died at three o'clock that evening.  Children, try to meet your blessed father in that bright place he told you about, where you will never have to part from him anymore.             We believe that grandfather has had all his suffering here, and is at rest, waiting the resurrection of the righteous and by the grace of God, we hope to meet him in heaven were sickness and death never come and where there are no more partings.
Written by his Granddaughter, Vinia Slone. 

Sturgill, David-was born October 6, 1862, age 65 years.  Died, April 18, 1936, has been dead for four years. He was a kind neighbor and a friend to all. He didn't talk any about dying, and it seemed as if he bore his sickness and patiently, and seemed as if he were praying. He left a wife and one daughter and his many friends to mourn his loss.  He died of that dreadful disease called kidney trouble. Little John D.  Sturgill, the son of David Sturgill and Martha was born August 30, 1920 and died June 18, 1921, at age 9 months and 18 days.

Vance, Martha-With much unworthy feeling I'll try to write a short obituary of sister Martha Vance, who passed to the great beyond.  Sister Vance was born May 7, 1876.  He was married to Jesse Caudill.  To this union was born three children to girls, Bertha Caudill, Jeremiah Kentucky and Cora Back of Spider, Kentucky.  Then Sister Martha was married to David Sturgill and to this union was born two children, one boy and one girl.  The boy proceeded her in death and the girl, Winnie Jane Gayheart, of Pine top, Kentucky. Then David Sturgill deceased, leaving sister Vance a widow.  Then she married Alex Vance, no children being born to this union.  Sister Vance joined the Regular Baptist Church in September, 1938 at the Association when held with the Mallet Fork Church.  When she and her daughter, Cora Black joined the church Sister Vance live a Christian life and was faithful to her duty as long as she lived, until death on December 14, 1939, when the death summons came for her and called her to yonder shining shore where trouble never comes.  I had the pleasure of being with sister Vance in her sickness and also had the privilege of baptizing her into the fellowship of the Mallet Fork Church and her daughter, Cora Black, the third Sunday in October, 1938.  Now a few words to the children, especially those that have not been born again.  If you'd ever expect to go to that home that your mother has gone to, you must repent of your sins in this world.  This separation here on earth is nothing to compare with that separation when our Lord comes, for that one will be forever.  I can sympathize with you children as being orphans without father or mother but there is a father who can reach us in time of trouble and do more for us than our earthly father or mother can do for us.  Now Hobart, I am sure you can almost hear the prayers and the groans of mother and I hope they will linger in your mind until you decide to turn from sin and folly and call upon that same God that your mother called on in time of distress.  I know you did all you could and you did lots more than some boys would have done but you could do something yet to that would cause your mother's spirit to rejoice and that is to repent of your sins, for we understand there is rejoicing in heaven when a sole repents of their sins. So may God bless each and every one of sister Vance’s children and also her husband, Alex Vance, to pray for mercies and repent before it is too late are the prayers of your unworthy brother. Written by Henry Blair.