INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
Of Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
1966

Submitted Alta Tidwell

Amburgey, Monroe - was born September 17, 1882, the son of Willy and Betty Amburgey. In about the year 1898 he was united in marriage to Susie Collins and to this union were born 9 children. Four girls and five boys. Mallie Collins, Marshall, Arkansas, Cinda Hammonds, Louisville, Ky., Raymond Amburgey, Red Fox, Ky., Haymond Amburgey, Oxford, Ohio, Willy Amburgey, Litt Carr, Ky., Verda Franklin, Mallie, Ky., Lester Amburgey, Connersville, Ind., Bulah Combs, Grunsprings, Ohio, Monroe Jr., Sundance, Wyoming. Having lost his companion almost 27 years ago as it pleased God to call her away from the walks of this life at the approximate age of 52. He was blessed to live to see all his children grown and married, which was a great blessing for him. God found Monroe in a wilderness of sin and spoke to him that all was not well with him, that he was a man bound for hell without the mercy of God so he began to seek and inguise and knock finally when it seemed that all was lost he made one last plea Lord have mercy, save or I perish this was in the^ head of Doty Creek in Letcher County that the burden he had been carrying so long was lifted and upon the profession of this faith he had in God he took up fellowship in the Carrs Fork Church in June 1916. He and his good wife were blessed to live in this church so many years together before she was called to meet God. Monroe was a hard working man toiled with his hands to raise his family as long as he was always holding true to the trust he had in God. Monroe was afflicted for many years as a result of his labors and this he bare with great patience until about 12:15 May 3rd while darkness covered this earth God spoke to him again, this time to say come away to me my fair one leave behind your frail and afflicted body come away to live with me. The silver cord of life was broken the cistern wheel no longer rolls a tired heart refused to beat as he quietly slipped away. Leaving to mourn his loss all his 9 children, 51 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, 1 brother and 1 sister and hundreds of friends, neighbors and relatives. Making his stay on this earth 82 years, 7 months and 16 days. We sincerely feel our loss is heaven's eternal gain. Having been a member of this church for nearly a half a century they have lost one of their oldest members. This family a devoted father and this community a part of its foundation. Written by an unworthy Brother in hope Lewis F. Craft

Blair, Clerinda-It is with much sadness, I will try to write the obituary, f my beloved mother, Clerinda Blair, (Caudill). She was the daughter of William and Sarah Caudill of Letcher County, Jeremiah, Kentucky. She was born March 21, 1892 and departed this life September 9, 1965, making her stay here on earth 73 years, 5 months, and 18 days. Mother was married to Jesse Blair. Pinetop, Kentucky, February 16, 1911, and unto this union were born 6 children, 4 girls and. 2 boys, the husband and one infant son preceded her in death, leaving 5 children, 4 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and a host of friends to mourn her loss. The names and addresses of the children is Emma Adams, Litt Carr, Ky., Velma Hatfield, Falmouth, Ind., Steve Blair, Connersville, Ind., Boneta Mullins, Falmouth, Ind., and Monnie Sparkman, Pinetop, Ky.Mother joined the Old Regular Baptist Church November 24. 1956, at the Mallet Fork, Church and took her fellowship to the Old Carr, Church, the following Saturday, and was baptized by Elder Lewis Day and Elder Elam Hale. She said she took her fellowship to Old Carr Church because she wanted to take her mother's seat. She was a faithful member, as long as she was able to go to Church, but for the last 4 or 5 years before she passed away, her health kept her at home most of the time, but we took her to church, when she was able to go. She was always so anxious to get started early, to Church, and it seemed to brighten her life so much, and she seemed to get so much enjoyment, that her Cup runneth over. I have heard mother Pray so many times, for her children, and she asked us to meet her in Heaven. I will never forget, the night before she died, when we started to the hospital with her, she left Praying. She told Arnest and me, if she didn't live to come back home, not to worry over her, for she had a better Home to go to, and she wanted us children to meet her. A few weeks before mother passed away, she said she dreamed that Daddy come after her, to go and live with him up in Heaven, and daddy asked her was she ready to go, and she told him not yet. Daddy said he would go back and wait a little while, and come back after her. Then, again, a few nights before she passed away, she said she dreamed again, the same dream. Daddy never joined the Church, but I believe, that he is with Mother in Heaven, because I have dreamed of seeing, daddy and mother together, dressed in white, mother was holding her baby, that is dead, in her left arm, and holding daddy's hand with her right hand. Therefore, I believe that all three of them is at rest, and I hope to join them some day.
Written by her daughter, Monnie Sparkman

Caudill, Charlie -It is with a sad and aching heart I'll try to write the Obituary of our dear and beloved Daddy. Charlie Caudill was born September 11, 1904. He was the son of Samuel and Susana Caudill. His father and mother preceded him in death. He first was married to Lina Caudill and to this union two children were born, both of which preceded him in death. Later in life he met and married Minnie Stamper and to this union nine children were born. Three boys are I. D. Caudill, H. B. Caudill and Paul Taylor Caudill all of Isom, Kentucky. The sue girls are Millie Mae Wells of Smilax, Kentucky, Reneva Barrett of Happy, Kentucky, Gertrude Combs of Isom, Kentucky, Elsie Irene Adams of Isom, Kentucky, Colleen Caudill of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Peggie Ivalou Caudill of Ison, Kentucky. And one stepchild Loretta Sexton of Warren, Michigan. We all loved Daddy so much. He was our life. He died Saturday night at 10 minutes after 11 o'clock on February 29. 1964 making his stay on earth 59 years, 5 months and 18 days. He was loved by all who knew him. He was a member of the Old Regular Baptist Church of Doty Creek. He loved to go to church and was a faithful member as long as he was able to go. When he became disabled to go to church he would ask his brother and sisters to come into his home to have church for him. He loved all of us so much. It is so hard for us to go on living without Daddy. It seems to get worse day by day but we know that Daddy is with Jesus now and that all his suffering is over. I hope that some day 1 can go to be with Daddy. He told all of us to be good and pray so we could come to be with him when our lift here on earth is over. Daddy had two brothers, Buddie Caudill of Isom, Kentucky, and Ezekiel of Louisville, Kentucky both are still living. He had three sisters Larena Banks of Detroit, Michigan, Vina Breeding of Isom, Kentucky and Phoeba Caudill deceased. Our homes seems dark since our Daddy has gone. There always is a memory of Daddy. That is something none of us will never forget. He was such a dedicated father and husband. Ha worked very hard to raise his children and taught us right from wrong and the way we should go. Three grandchildren preceded him in death and he leaves 29 grandchildren to mourn his passing. They all loved Daddy so much and still talk about him yet. We all visit Dad's grave often. I know that Daddy is not dead, he is only sleeping patiently waiting for all of us to come to him and then we all will be home together again. I feel that Daddy is resting and that one of these days I will meet Daddy in that beautiful city where parting is no more.
Written by his lonesome daughter, Gertrude Combs

Hagans, Artie-She was born January 1, 1900. Deceased this life June 17, 1966, making her stay on earth 66 years, 5 months and 17 days. She was the daughter of Dan and Phebia Adams. She was married to Alvin Hagans, October 14, 1919.To this union were born 12 children. Two deceased in infancy. Left to mourn her passing are 4 sons and 6 daughters: Alvin Jr., Hazard, Ky., Joseph Daniel, Dayton, Ohio, Raymond, Red Fox, Ky., Vynard, Dayton, Ohio, Neamia Williams, Lexington, Ky., Alma Christan, Red Fox, Ky., Eders Williams, Red Fox, Ky., Margorie Rucker, Dayton, Ohio, Christine Hagans, Red Fox, Ky., Miss Ella Sue Hagans, Red Fox, Ky., 36 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren, 3 brothers, 2 sisters, a broken heart companion, many church brothers, sisters, and many friends. She was a good and kind mother and a good companion. As time moved on God spoke to her and taught her the need of prayer and His saving Grace. She has told us so many times how she felt God had saved her soul and she was ready to go. She joined the Little Home Church, March 1947 and was baptized. She lived a good and faithful Christian life. It was great joy to her for her sisters and brothers to come and see her and talk about Heavenly things. She loved sinners too. Her door was always open with a good welcome to all. Children if you want to set mother again you must repent of your sins. Then you can live with mother and not be parted again. We feel our lost is Heavens Eternal gain.
Written by a heart broken daughter and son-in-law. Eders and Louel Williams

Hale, Elam-In much weakness I attempt to write the obituary of a devoted father and a most beloved brother. Elder Elam Hale. Brother Elam was born April 1, 1884 to grace that home of Noah and Rebecca Hale on Wolf Pen Creek on the headwaters of Carrs Fork, which is now Bath - Knott County, Kentucky. In this county he grew to manhood and spent most of his life. His first wife was Virgie Madden, who was called from this life in about the year 1929. To this union were born seven children. The children are Bethel and James of Tacoma, Washington - Corbett, Margaret, John and Lola of Eatonville, Washington, and Arvil, deceased. In 1931 he met and married Carrie Hall Mullins and to this union were born six children. The children are Lemuel of Tacoma, Washington - Ernie of Mineral, Washington - Janice of Pine Top, Kentucky - Brenton of Somerset, Kentucky - Dorothy of Hampton, Virginia and Alta, who is still at home. Also he had two stepsons who are Dennis of Dayton, Ohio and Jack of Marion, Indiana. In Brother Elam's early teens God spoke to him and told him all was not well with him and his mourning was caused from his soul being unsaved. As he roamed both hills and valleys of Wolf Pen Creek, seeking relief and after much praying and many, many tears, God finally heard his feeble petition and granted him a pardon for his many sins and set his soul at liberty. Then in August, 1916, upon the faith in what God had done for him, he offered his hand to Elder N. W. Meade and was received into the fellowship of the Old Regular Baptist Church as a member at the Carrs Pork Church, where his membership was at the time of his passing. In the 1920's Brother Elam felt another burden placed upon him, this time to warn poor sinners everywhere of the danger of living and dieing in sin. Again he was troubled greatly and like Jonah of old he even left his family and friends, paid his fare and went on a long journey rather than face a cold-hearted world. Finally he conceded that he must go and stepped out on the promises of God, forever holding fast to the faith and trust he had in him. He came under the hands of a presbytery and was clothed with the full functions of the Gospel of God's Kingdom and preached the beauties of Heaven for over 35 years and buried many in the liquid grave. Brother Elam had been in failing health for many years, though the suffering he bore with great patience. He realized his end was drawing near so many times he would implore God that if it would be his will that when he left this world to let him leave it either on his knees as a praying soul or in the pulpit. This request was granted by God. On Saturday, June 11, 1966 at the approximate hour of 10:30 a.m., while in the stand preaching concerning his call to the ministry, he said these last words, "Lord I want to ask you one more question". God spoke to Brother Elam again, this time to say come away to me my fair one. Leave behind your tired and afflicted body and all your troubles and come away to the sunny bright clime to the city whose maker and builder is God. So quickly and quietly his sweet soul slipped away to the arms of Jesus, making his stay in this troublesome world 82 years, 2 months and 10 days. So, truly, a faithful warrior has fallen in Zion. As the poet said: Victorious was the fall for he rose as he fell, With Jesus his master in glory to dwell. He has passed o're the stream and has reached the bright coast He fell like a martyr, he died at his post. He left to mourn his passing 1 sister, a brokenhearted companion, 12 children, 2 stepchildren, 34 grandchildren, many great-grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends. The church has lost one of its most faithful members, these children a devoted father, this community a friend indeed, but we feel heaven has just gained another jewel. So friends, children and neighbors if Brother Elam could speak to you, I insure his words would be "Don't weep for me, instead meet me in Heaven where we'll know no sickness, no sorrow, no disappointment and where death is an unknown stranger."  I saw a wayward traveler in tattered garments clad.  He was struggling up the mountain it seemed that he was sad His back was laden heavy, his strength was almost gone. Yet he shouted as he journeyed Deliverance will come. I saw him in the evening the sun was beaming low. He had overtopped the mountain and reached the vale below Then casting his eyes backward o're the race that he had run He shouted I see Jesus deliverance has come. With much sadness I, Corbett, Elam's oldest son, would like to say only a few words. I can remember very well when I was a boy six years of age and my dad was in trouble over his sins. Dad, myself and Bethel, my older sister would be on the hillside across from the Hale Cemetery hoeing corn. Dad would go off by himself to the top of the hill quite often and sis and I could hear his voice calling upon the Lord. I feel sure God heard his voice and answered his prayers, taking the burden of sin front his soul.1 would like to say to my blood brothers and sisters and all of Dad's grandchildren that the same God that heard your Dad and Grand. Pa's voice when he was crying for mercy has promised to hear all who will humble themselves in the Lord's way. Many times I have heard Dad praying that God would show his children their lost and ruined conditions. I feel that prayers of the righteous availeth much. While I was going about in sin, separated by many miles from Dad, several times I bad a feeling from the Lord that Dad was at that moment in prayer for us children. I could go on but must not take up so much space. I feel it was about 16 years ago that God had mercy on me and relieved me of my burden of sin. Since then I have been trying to walk in Dad's footsteps for I believe he was truly walking in the way of the Lord. Children, let's wake up. I would like to go to Heaven, wouldn't you? It's left up to us to choose the road to eternity. Let's not let the family circle be broken. Get right with the Lord and live with Dad, Mom and little Arvil.
Written by his son Corbett Hale and Lewis T. Craft

Hollifield, Elizabeth (Bryant) -It is with much sadness that I attempt to write an obituary of Elizabeth (Liz) Bryant, Hollifield. Elizabeth was born November 2, 1900 and died January 23, 1965, making her stay on earth 64 years, 2 months and 1 day. She was the daughter of Elder Lewis and Polly Jane Hamilton Bryant. She was married to Robert Hollifield October 2, 1916 and unto this union was born nine children, two of which are deceased. Left to mourn her loss are seven children, five boys: Curt, Lewis Thomas, Ary, Bert, all of Ritchie, Ky., and Samuel of Teaberry, Ky., two daughters, Bertha Haynes of Combs, Ky., and Juanita Shelton of Ritchie. Living sisters are Mary Alice and Emma Hamilton also of Teaberry. She had 34 grandchildren. Sister Elizabeth joined the Old Regular Baptist Church and was a member of Clear Creek Church for fifteen years. She was a faithful member and filled her seat until she was afflicted with Cancer. We believe that she is at rest and free from every pain. She was loved by everyone who knew her. I want to add a few words of encouragement to her husband and children. I know you must miss her so, for she was a wonderful wife and mother. I feel as many others do, that your loss is Heaven's gain. So if you want to meet your mother and wife, put your trust in God and try to live right.
Written by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ethel Hollifield
BELOVED MOTHER
Beloved Mother how we mils you Since the Lord has called you home
But your worries are all over And you will no longer roam.
You were the bright spot in our home While you were here below
But you have gone to a better place Where we all hope to go.
We hope someday we will meet you In your home up above
Where we will no longer worry And be with the ones we love.
Beloved Mother we are waiting For the day which is near
For the day when we can join you When Gabriel's trumpet we will hear.
Yes, dear mother we all miss you
On earth you'll be no more
But with hope and lots of prayers
We'll see you through heaven's open door.
Written by her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Ethel Hollifield

Mullins, John W. - was born October 5, 1887. Deceased from this life March 5, 1966, making his stay on earth 88 years, 5 months. He was the son of J. N. Mullins and Elizabeth (Madden) Mullins. He was married to Matilda Mullins, daughter of Jordan Smith and Mary Smith, December 16, 1904. To this union was born seven children: Bonnie Owens of Dayton, Ohio, Breck Mullins of Berea, Ky., Beulah Bowling, Marion, Indiana, Monia Pridemore, Cawas, Washington, Tejw Fields, Anco, Ky., Wallace Mullins, Smithsboro, Ky., and Bradley Mullins, deceased December 16, 1918, twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-three great-great-grandchildren. He joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in 1922. Before he passed away, he pleaded for the Lord to take him home. He was tired of living in this old sinful world. He asked his daughter (Bonnie) if she out lived him to have the preachers to sing, "Precious Memories". For he knew, when he was gone, the memories would linger forever in his children's hearts. Also his wife's. He called his wife to his bed side. She asked him what he wanted and he said, "Tell my children to be good to each other." He was always good to everybody, kind and friendly. And always ready to fill his seat in the church, as long as he was able to go. How we all do miss him here on earth. But we are happy to have a "Hope" that he is resting around the throne of God. I feel, that I will soon be with him in that beautiful land, where parting will be no more.
A precious Father and Husband,
The one we loved so well. His peace in our home is vacant,
Which can never be filled no more.
But the Angel's loved him better,
And took him home to rest,
Where there will be no more pain or sorrow,
But will be forever blessed.
Written by wife Matilda Mullins

Mullins, Wallace-was born April 13, 1933, deceased this life May 13, 1966. Age 33 years and 1 month old. Left here in this world to mourn for him is his mother. Lottie Mullins. Four brothers, Hershel Mullins, Bronson Mullins. Lloyd, and D. Y. Mullins and four sisters, Wonda Jean Hollon. Dofiie Singleton, Grenda Wooten and Judy Mullins. And seven half brothers, Everett Mullins, Arvil Mullins, Riley Mullins, Herman Mullins, William (Bill) Mullins, Ellis Mullins, Ira Gamble. Two half sisters, Martha Holliday and Elsie Mullins also a great host of friends and distant relatives. One full brother and three half brothers and two half sisters have preceded him in death also a dear father. Brother Jim Mullins has preceded him in death. At six months of age Wallace had a terrible sickness which left him afflicted and unable to walk the remainder of his life. He bore his afflictions well and seemed to enjoy life with his dear family. He always seemed to be jolly and happy every time that I saw him. He enjoyed a good meeting and always told how he loved to hear the good preaching and singing. He was never able to walk and come down upon his sick bed 8 months before he died. His mother and brothers and sisters did every thing that they could to help him make him as comfortable as they could. As his body became weaker they realized that God was going to call him home away from them. He continued to call upon mother as long as he could talk and she never failed to come to him and try to comfort him. Finally the conveying angels came for him and he quietly went to sleep to await the call of the Lord who will awake him in that great resurrection day. So children listen to mother and try to meet him and your loved ones around the throne of God in peace.
Elder Steve Pratt

Pratt, Coushell-He was born May 7, 1924, deceased November 11, 1965, making his stay on this earth 41 years, 6 months and 4 days.  He was the oldest of eleven children. One baby boy preceded him in death. He leaves to mourn his lost a mother, step father, five brothers, four sisters. He never joined the church, but he believed in the Old Regular Baptist. He often times drove me out to church and come back and get me. He often asked me questions concerning the Bible. We would discuss the Bible for hours, he wanted my opinion. We always agreed. He was always a good and quiet boy, he was loved by all that knew him and he was always ready to lend a helping hand to any one in distress. He was a hard working boy all his life. He met his death in the coal mines. He helped me raise and council the other children. He has one brother and one sister that has confessed a hope in the Lord Jesus Christ. 1 want to say to the rest of his brothers and sisters that if you ever know it looks like in Heaven you will have to make piece in this life for there is no repentance beyond the grave. My home is so lonesome without him. I just hope and pray for the day when I can join him in heaven, for I believe with all my heart that he is with God, and that I will see him and God when I leave this unfriendly world.
Written by a broken hearted mother, Edna Pratt, A member of the Mallet Fork Church.

Sparkman, Steve Crit- was born February 12, 1884, age 81 years, 1 month and 8 days, deceased March 20, 1965. He leaves one uncle to mourn for him, Jasper Pratt. Also some half brothers and sisters also several cousins and distant relatives and a great host of friends. His mother died when he was only two years old and he was raised an orphan boy. At the age of 21 he came to his uncle Jasper Pratt's home to stay and remained here in this county the rest of his life. He stayed about 30 years with his cousin, May Bentley and family. He was affected from birth and lived a rough hard life for years. He was one of the last old timers to be born here in Knott County and we see there are only a few more left here that grew up with their county. He was bed fast the last month of his life and suffered a great deal with his affection. He professed a hope in Christ shortly before he died and experienced the desire to go on home and get out of his suffering here. He went to his death in a quiet way and we feel that our loss is Heaven's gain. May we all meet him around the throne of God.
Elder Steve Pratt