Anderson, Martin - was born May 9, 1897, at Colson, Ky. He died at 7:00 Friday morning, August 19, 1949, at his home located on Breedings Creek, age 52 years, three months and ten days. He was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Anderson, deceased. There was approximately one week and seven hours difference between his passing and that of his mother, Mrs. Nancy Anderson. On October 31, 1925, he was wed to Miss Elizabeth "Ward, daughter of the late Willie Ward. Into this world was born five children, four boys and one girl: Roy Anderson, deceased, Elmer, Elden, Berley, and Cordelia Mae Anderson, all at home. Left to mourn his loss beside his family are three brothers and three sisters: Mrs. Lute Hall of Fleming, Ky., Mrs. J. D. Collins of Colson, Ky., Mrs. Laura Stidham of Seco, Ky., Mr. Frank Anderson of Cromona, Ky., Mrs. Harrison Anderson of Colson, Ky., Mr. Reuben Anderson, Jr., of hospital, Lexington, Ky., and a host of friends and relatives. On November 8, 1948, he professed a hope and was admitted to the Regular Baptist Church.  Due to ill health he was never baptized, although it was his last request and desire.Funeral services were held at his home at Red Fox, Kentucky, before journeying to the cemetery.  Officiating were the reverends Nelson Seals, Elam Hale, George Hagans, L.D. Francis, Carvey Hagans, Lewis Day, Tel Anderson, and Robert Anderson. Burial was in the family cemetery at the mouth of Beaver Dam, Colson, Kentucky.  Craft Funeral Home was in charge. We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the fine crowd that attended the funeral.  We also thank those who helped out in any way and the group of excellent people who brought flowers and donated vehicles for transportation. Many thanks to all, written by Mrs. Elizabeth Anderson and family.

Blair, Barbara-This sad and lonesome morning I will try to write a sketch of the life of my dear wife, Barbara Blair. She was born April 8, 1897 and died July 12., 1950. She was 62 years, 3 months, and 4 days old. She was married to Robert Blair March 10, 1917. 7o this union was born six children, four boys, and two girls. One girl, eight years old, preceded her in death. She left here to mourn her loss, a husband, a father and mother, children, brothers, sisters, and a host of friends. She joined the Little Home Church of Regular Baptists, August 6, 1933, and was ordained deaconess of that church in 1934. She always filed her seat until the last five years of her life which was lived in the state of Indiana, where we moved for some reason. I believe we had a mission there. I do believe Barbara fulfilled her part of that mission and now her spirit has been called away to rest with God until that blessed morning of the Resurrection of the body when the power of God through Christ will raise and make her body like unto His own glorious body and reunite it with her soul; hence, to be forevermore with the Lord. She suffered silently in her illness and never was too ill to smile in welcome to those who visited her. She always was ready to give advice to those weaker in the faith who sought advice. All who knew her was amazed at her great understanding of the Scriptures. I believe that she not only saw by faith THE WAY OF THE LORD but also believe that she walked that way with joy in spite of the suffering in the flesh. I was with her when she died. Thirty minutes before she passed on she told me that she wouldn't be here long. She pulled me down and kissed me and said, "I don't want you to worry over me. It won't be long until we'll be together again." Her last words were, "They're after me. I mean the angels." She died with the same faith she lived and kept. Friends and even hunger for hearing preaching could not cause her to accept anything that was not Old Regular Baptist. Throughout the yearn she kept the faith- and remained obedient to the blessed God who now has called her home. And though for a space of time I must remain here without her, a wonderful wife and mother, I feel confident that,
The God of glory has called her home
And e'er long I too shall go,
To rest in peace near God's great throne
No parting there to know.
Oh blessed thought on that glory shore
United again we'll be, And the blessed God will Join once mere
Our souls in eternity. No fear before me as I near
The time I too must part, From earthly ties that bind me here
For hope in Christ now fills my heart.
In Christ I hope  -Robert Blair

Brown, Celia -widow of the late George Brown, was born April 5, 1860, being 90 years, 4 months and 5 days old at the time of her death. She joined the Oven Fork Church of Old Regular Baptist July, 1912. She lived a faithful Christian life as long as she lived and died in the full triumphs of faith of the Old Regular Baptist. Her funeral was conducted at the home of her brother, Joe McKnight, Waynesburg, Kentucky by Elder Cecil Bates, Elder H. B. Whitaker and Elder D. R. Caudill, according to her own request. She leaves to mourn her passing a great host of relations and friends and her brethren and sisters. She was a true Christian and loved by all who knew her. She was taken to her old home at Appalachia, Va., and laid to rest beside her husband in the East Stone Gap Cemetery.-Joe McKnight and wife

Calihan, David M. -R Is with a sad and aching heart that I try to write the obituary of my Darling Husband. David M. Calihan was born Sept. 9, 1895 and departed this life, Nov. 2, 1949 at the age of 54 years, one month,, and 23 days. He accepted Christ as his Savior in 1916 and several years later was baptized and united with the Old Regular Baptist Church at Conway, Ky. He was united in marriage to Mary McCreary April 28, 1917. He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Mary, one son, Virgil, a daughter, Edith, 3 granddaughters, his mother, Abbie Calihan, one sister, Polly Howard, 2 brothers, J. P. and A. J. Calihan, a host of friends and relatives. David was in poor health for several years. He suffered untold agony the last few months that he lived. He bore his suffering bravely, never complaining, nor did he ever lose faith in the Lord; talked to Jesus constantly, begged him to help him bear his pain. He told us over and over when his life was over here that his last-suffering was done, that his friends and relatives that didn't know the Lord to pet acquainted with him and live a Christian life. He called his children to his bed to ask them to give him their hand and promise him they would seek the Lord in a free pardon of their sins and meet him in Heaven. He begged the Lord constantly to take him out of his suffering and take him home. He told me he hated to leave me alone and that he loved me better than anything on earth but that he loved Jesus better. He was a good husband and father; he always had a smile and a kind word for everyone. It was so hard to give him up and I realize although it was a great loss to us it was Heaven's gain and 1 am just as sure today that he is at rest in peace as I am that God is on his throne. I want to ask all the Christian people that they pray for me and my two children, that we may ever live in the shadow of the Cross and when we have come to the last mile of the way, that we can say as David did, that we will not be afraid and will be ready to go.   In the fear of the Lord,  Mary Calihan

Cornett, Stephen Jackson-It is with much sadness at heart that I attempt to write a short sketch of the life of my dear husband, Stephen Jackson Cornett. He was born November 15, 1891 and departed this life March 5, 1949, being 57 years, 4 months and 20 days. He is survived by his wife, Maggie Lewis Cornett and three children, Mrs. Kathleen Campbell of Whitesburg, William Newton of Detroit, Michigan and Stephen Jackson of Lexington, Kentucky. Also, his mother, Mrs. Arminda Cornett and six brothers and five sisters. He served many years in the interest of his country, being a lieutenant in the National Guard with the Army on the Mexican border. Also served in the Internal Revenue Department and in the law enforcement department of Letcher County. He was a foreman with the State Highway Department for 12 years. He was a faithful member of Sandlick Baptist Church and his many good deeds will live long in the hearts of his fellow man. His wife, Maggie L. Cornett

Francis, Lucinda -born June 12, 1863, deceased October 9, 1949, was 76 years, four months and three days of age.  She was the daughter of Lewis Christon and Charity Adams Christon.  She was married to Lancaster Francis in the year 1891.  To them was born 13 children, five of them and her husband passed on in death before her.  She joined the Little Home Church about 30 years ago and was baptized by Elder George Hagans.  She lived a clean and faithful Christian life until death.  She leaves eight children, for boys and four girls, and eight grandchildren and Baptist brothers and sisters and friends and relatives to mourn her loss.  Her body sleeps beside her husband in the Johnson Cemetery at Cody, Kentucky, waiting awake in the likeness of her Savior to go on both soul and body to heaven to praise Christ Jesus for evermore. We believe that the family and the Little Home Church’s lost was her eternal gain in heaven.  She is gone but not forgotten. Written by her oldest son, Elder L.D. Francis. 

Mullins, Phyllis Lee-With a sad and broken heart, I'll try to write a few words of my dying daughter, "Phyllis Lee Mullins". She was born March 28, 1943, died July 26, 1948. Age 5 years, 3 months and 28 days. She leaves a Father and Mother and a little Sister, and a host of relatives and friends to mourn her loss. Before she took sick she told her Grandmother Mullins, if she took the measles and died, not to bury her. She wanted to be put in the cedar chest., so she could be close to Mama. Just when she had taken sick, she asked her Aunt Sarah to stay all night with her. Her Aunt Sarah told her she would stay with her the next time she come. She said, "I won't be here the next time, I might be dead." That was three weeks before she died. I do believe it knew it was not going to live long. She was crying with her head. She looked up at her Grandmother Amburgey and said, "Maw, my head is going to kill me yet," the night before she died. Both her grandmothers were sitting beside her. She was looking as if she was seeing something. And they asked her what she was looking at and she said I am looking at all the pretty people. I do believe God had opened Heavens doors, and she was seeing her home, and the Angels. The day she died we had her in the Clinic, where they taped her spine. The doctor told her Daddy to move her to another room. When he started to move her she looked up at him and said, "Oh, Daddy don't hurt me." Just before she got past talking she told the Doctors about the rough road she had come over. She said it had broken glass, tin cans in it. She said it was so rough, she liked to never got over it. But she said she was going back the good road. I believe the rough road was her sick spell and the smooth road was the way to her home. That is the dying words of my beloved Daughter.
Written by a sad and broken hearted Mother,  Gustavi Mullins

Napier, Cynthiana-It is with a sad heart that I attempt to write a short sketch of the life of my Dear Mother, Cynthiana Napier, who was born May 4, 1874 and departed this life May 19, 1950, being 76 years and fifteen days old at her death. She belonged to the Regular Baptist Church over 24 years and was faithful to fill her seat as long as she was able to go. Just a few minutes before she passed away she told me her hands were white as snow, and for me to go back to bed so she could go to sleep. I believe Mother is asleep in Jesus, and I want to say to the children that are still in sin, that if they ever expect to see Mother again, they must be born again and let their light shine as Mother did. She always wanted the Regular Baptist to come in and have Church with her and sing the good old songs of Zion. Mother was always good and kind and met everybody with a handshake and friendly smile. She leaves 9 children, 56 grand-children, 36 great grand-children and a host of friends and relatives! to mourn her loss, but we feel that our loss is her eternal gain.
The world may change from year to year
Our lives from day to day;
The loving memory of Dear Mother.
Shall never fade away.
Sleep on Mother, sleep on Mother,
You have been a soldier brave,
We hope to meet you in that morning,
When you leave the dusty grave.
Her daughter  - Luna Patrick

Stidham, Emmett H. - was born November 4, 1863, deceased August 9, 1950, age 87 years. He was married to Sallie Caudill July 27, 1882. To this union was born ten children, five boys and five girls. Four boys and three girls and his wife Sallie all deceased and gone on before him, leaves one boy, James P. Stidham and two girls, Clerinda Hubbard and Bertha Bledsoe, three brothers, Jerry, Ambrose, and Josh Stidham and two sisters, Clerinda Sturgill and Sarah Phillips, thirty-eight grand-children and seven great-grand-children to mourn for him, but we believe that our loss is his gain. He joined the Oven Fork Church of Regular Baptist on the 14th day of September, 1902 and was baptized on the 14th of October, 1902 by the hands of 91der Charles Blair. He was ordained as a deacon of the Oven Fork Church the second Saturday in August, 1906. He served in this capacity for forty-four years lacking three days. He was a great counselor in his church and will be greatly missed. He was ordained by the following presbytery to wit: Elders D. M. Maggard, R. H. Fields, Charles Blair and W. R. Boggs. He was faithful to his duty in the church, so we can only say, sleep on Daddy, by the help of God we will meet again some day. After the death of his first wife he was married to Nancy Tyler and they lived a happy life together till her death. ---His Son and Daughters and Elder Riley Fouts
THE EXPERIENCE OF EMMETT H. STIDHAM
I want my children and friends to know what I am relying on for a hope of Heaven; this is my experience, now to start with, on February the twenty-third, 1902 while sitting under my dying baby (William Harrison) seeing it breathe out its last breath} feeling sure it would soon be at rest with Jesus, there came a thought to my mind that if it was 1 in its place breathing out my last breath what would be my condition? The very next thought was that Hell would be my home forever and ever. That set up an aching in my breast that caused me four months of unrest that I had no rest day nor night. That burden of sin caused me to go to the forest time and again and get down on my knees to try to beg the Lord for forgiveness of my sins which I had committed myself, not someone else. I went on this way in such a distress that when I was at my work I was begging God to forgive me. I would go to bed begging forgiveness; I would get up begging. So I prayed night and day. I was determined to die begging. I come to the supper table one evening and was under such a burden I could not eat. I got up from the table to go to the forest to pray. I just got to another room of the house and my burden was so great I could not get any further. I was bound to fall down on my knees and there pray to God for relief (I reckon I prayed secretly). I got no relief yet I had not suffered enough to satisfy the Lord for the many sins I had committed against his will, still he spore my life and give me chance to repent, but I thought I had put it off too long. I went on this way till one clay, the 20th of June, I was plowing corn, I had got beside myself or at least lost sight of my work. (I did not realize what I was doing). My wife spoke to me. She said Emmett, what do you mean? You have plowed your mare to death now. I said to her no I reckon not. But when I could think of myself I was nearly exhausted and my mare (though she was very stout) nearly had the thumps; we was both nearly give out. I went on in distress till on June 22, 1902. I was plowing in my corn field, my oldest children hoeing after me. My burden was so heavy that I quit work a little early that evening, my wife prepared her supper. I could not eat but little; I got up and went to the woods to pray; there I got no relief. I stayed till nearly dark. I started back home, determined to beg God as long as I lived for His mercy. While walking along praying and looking up towards Heaven all at once it seemed that something struck me in my feet and run out the top of my head. I was speechless. I could not pray a word for had nothing to pray for. My burden was gone. I went on to the house. I had no mind to pray like I had for the last four months; I felt different. I went on until I got in doubts and tears, I would try to pray to the Lord that if my sins was not forgiven that that burden might come back on me, that I might know that I was mistaken. But dear children and brethren and sisters and friends, I never did feel that burden again. Now I don't know whether this is an experience of grace or not; if it ain't, I am lost for this is all I have got except a great many proofs and blessings that I have had since that time; although I have done many wrong things along the line of my life since 1902; yet I feel that the Lord has forgiven me all along. I still promise the Lord that I will be more obedient to his will. This is my experience in short. I have written this, this the 18th of April, 1926. (Esserville) E. H. Stidham.
HERE IS WHAT HE WROTE FOR HIS FAMILY ON THE 5TH OF MAY, 1946
Dear daughters and son, I want to advise you all that I love the preaching Brethren of the Old Regular Baptist. I think two in a funeral is as many as usually has time to speak. Brother Riley Fouts and Brother Lawrence Sumpter, both of the Oven Fork Church is the two I have selected. I don't want them to picture my life brighter than my walks have showed to the public to be. At times it seems almost a total failure; at other times I would be glad if the Lord would call me from this troublesome world that I could go on to friends that has gone on before. Emmett H. Stidham.
FOLLOWING IS WHAT HE AGAIN WROTE FOR HIS FAMILY ON JUNE 6, 1949
Just come home from the doctor's office; he checked me over. I told him I had been going to church, I had hardly missed a Saturday and Sunday, but looked like I had better leave off going as the weather was very hot. He told me to go even if I should have a stroke, that I had plenty of friends. If you sit around home you can not do anything but study and worry. Go every time you can. I told him that was what I planned to do. I am sitting out under a very nice shade tree alone with my mind running back to the twenty-second day of June, 1902, the place on Roberts Branch that I have not forgotten yet, where that awful load of sin was lifted off of this poor helpless man. I felt that my soul was set free. That constituted a hope in my soul that cheers me on my way lo these forty-seven years. After all of this my mind is now running back to the beginning corner. Finding so many mistakes, at times, it makes me wonder if a Christian would make so many mistakes; then again my clouds of doubts are all withdrawn, then l feel like that I am enjoying the Second Heaven; if so at the time appointed I will enjoy the Third Heaven. I will close as my mind has ceased running on the subject. I want this read in connection with the obituary that may be prepared at my funeral. Preach my every day walks just like people know them to be is my desire.   Your unworthy brother in hope of Eternal Life,  Emmett H. Stidham

Toliver, Sister Mary-With much unworthy feelings, I will attempt to write an obituary of our beloved sister in the Lord, to wit: Sister Mary Toliver. She was the daughter of Bud and Lettie Polly. Sister Mary was born March 14, 1883 in Letcher County, Kentucky. On December 19, 1901, she was married to D. H. Toliver, son of Uncle Melvin Toliver. To this union was born 5 children, of which two preceded her in death, in infancy. Three girls are still living: Alice Allen of Indiana, Corsie Amburgey of Pinetop, Kentucky, and Jeroline Slone of Pinetop, Her heart broken husband, Brother D. H. Toliver still lives, also four sisters, and one brother: Lizzie Short, Nervie Caudill of Simon County, Kentucky; Mattie Hall and Annie Hall of Hall, Kentucky; and Wash Polly of Danville, Kentucky. They mourn her, Mr. Toliver's loss, along with a host of friends. Sister Toliver joined the Regular Baptist Church the first Saturday in July, 1912, taking her fellowship in the Carrs Fork Church. She was a faithful member until her death, June 20, 1950. She spent 37 years, 11 months and 17 day's in the battle for the Lord. . . more than half of her life in the Church. I want to say I never lived by a better woman or neighbor than Sister Mary. She was my first cousin in the flesh and I do believe with all my heart she was a sister in the Lord. I know we miss her in our home, and also in our Church. Passing by her home makes me feel that one of the family has gone to that glory world where she will not be afflicted any more. So I want to say to the children, Alice, Corsie and Jeroline "You have lost a wonderful Mother and I know you miss her, but if you will, you can meet Mother again in a world that you never will part again." I would like for you children to keep in mind how your dear Mother would shout and praise the Lord when she was under the influence of the Spirit; and prayed for her children. Let those prayers sink deep into your hearts, and be like David of Old said: "Mother cannot come back to me, but by the Grace of God, I can go to her." Of course, your Mother is gone, and you know there is nothing you can do now for her, as earthly pleasure; but there is one thing you can do to cause her Soul to rejoice; that is, to repent, everyone of you, for the Scripture tells me there is more rejoicing  in Heaven over one Soul that repents, than ninety & nine that need no repentance. So I beg and plead with you all to meet her in Heaven; also to her sisters and Wash. In conclusion, I will say to Brother Dock: "I know you are heart broken and your hours are lonesome on the account of your mate; but all you can do now is to mourn like the lonesome dove, to and fro. . . .seeing the many things that Sister Mary did here on Earth with you; but it will not be long until you will meet her again, where you will never part." May God bless Evelyn and the rest of the children who care for their Grandmother and waited on her so patiently through her sickness. . .this is the prayer of you unworthy servant; for we are sure she is in that home she could see when her two little children came to her. She wanted that song sung: "I'm Going to Heaven Some Day". We did all we could to carry out her request, by taking her to the Carrs Fork Church and having her funeral. . . .this was what she wanted. Ministers who attended: Elder Henry Blair, Denver Toliver and W. S. Toliver.
Written by your unworthy servant; Henry Blair

Whitaker, George - was born July 11, 1862. He died December 10, 1949, at the age of 87 years, 4 months and 29 days. He married Susan Combs February, 1884; she was born May 15, 1867 and died July 2, 1947, at the age of 80 years, 1 month and 17 days. To this union was born eleven children. . eight boys and three girls. Four boys preceded them in death: Jeff, Jim, Lige, and Mose. Alice, Anna, and Julia are still living. They have 58 grand children and a host of great grand children. Father and Mother both professed a hope in Christ 52 years ago, and joined the Old Regular Baptist Church and served as deacons for 50 years. They were always faithful to their duty; they always went to Church together; would go far and near to Church; would ride horseback over these hills and mountains. . never seeming to get worried of their journey. He always said that children of God should fill their seats if possible. When Mother died he said, "I am done in this world; there is no more here for me. I want to go now. I have been here a long time and the Lord has been good to me; I love my children and hate to die and leave them". He would often tell his experience and said it was as bright and as fresh to him as it was at the beginning and he said it did him good to tell it. They both told who they wanted to preach their funerals. Father told Brother Ballard Baker and Brother G. Bennett Adams and others, that he wanted them to preach their funerals. After his companion died, Father stayed with his son, Jim, most of the time. He was almost helpless, but still would want to go to Church and have Church at home. He told Jim several times to always fill his seat and go to Church; that he would never lose anything by going to Church. Father would often cry and pray and say "God bless my children; I do love them". He told Jim that he wanted tombstones put at their graves. He told Brother Bennett Adams the kind he wanted. . .he wanted them both together. So Father and Mother both told us that they were going home; that they could see Heaven in view. And we have no doubt about that. So brothers and sisters, and grandchildren: if we want to meet Father, Mother, Grandfather and Grandmother, we must follow in their footsteps and I am sure we will meet them again. Yours Unworthily, Jim