INDIAN BOTTOM ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ

Obituaries 1966

Campbell, Catherine Whitaker-was born may 6, 1893, and deceased May 4, 1962, making her stay on earth 68 years, eleven months, and twenty-eight days.  She was the daughter of Thomas and Elizebeth Whitaker.  Early in life she married James Campbell, who has preceded her in death.  To this union were born three children, two of which have preceded her in death.  One daughter, Mrs. Spencer Halcomb, who is still living.  She also leaves to mourn her loss, two brothers, Alamander and William Whitaker; four sisters, Mrs. Bertha Watts, Mrs. Sophia Bradley, Mrs. Nancy Ann Crase, and Mrs. Linda Miller.  There are three grandsons, Charles, James and Johnny Halcomb. Catherine was not a member of any church here, but according to her testimony and her life, we feel that her  soul is at rest.  Several nights ago, she sent for Elder Manus Ison to come to her home and when he arrived she began to tell him how great things the Lord had done for her, and that she felt there was nothing in her way.  After hearing her relate this good news, Manus asked her if she wanted to join the church.  She said, "NO, not now, but I just wanted you to know that I was all right and was ready to go when my time comes and I wanted to hear you pray one more time before I died".  She said, " I have seen many beautiful scenes", and that she wanted Manus Ison and Jim Pratt to preach her funeral when she died.  She also talked to her sister, Sophia about how the Lord had removed dark clouds from her and placed her in a beautiful light that shone round about her.  She also told her sister, Bertha that she was working in a beautiful garden of flowers.  Then she also related to her sister, Sophia that she saw a rainbow in the presence of the Lord. We feel that her life and work shall live on. Written by the family.

Campbell, Hiram - was born on January 16, 1879, and passed away July 2, 1966 at the age of 87 years, 4 months, and 16 days. He was married to Elsabeth Halcomb on April 8, 1897.  To this union were born five children.  Two of his children preceded him in death, Maggie Adams can Carbitt Campbell; three of the children are still living, Elizabeth Hounshell of Edinburg, Indiana, Vada Adams of Hope, Indiana, and Finley Campbell of Letcher, Kentucky. After the death of his first wife, he married Diora Fields on October 11, 1973.  She died August 2, 1952. He was a kind and loving father.  His kindness did not stop there for he was loved by all who knew him.  He left behind three children, 36 grand-children, and 75 great-grandchildren. He was a faithful member of the Old Regular Baptist Church but at the end he was unable to attend services.  His chair in the church is now empty, not to be filled by him anymore on this earth.  But we rest assured that our loss is heaven's gain and that he is resting around God's throne. Written by his daughter-in-law,    Susana Campbell

Collins, Martha- Martha was born on February 15th, 1879, and departed this life February 3, 1966 making her stay here on earth, 86 years, 11 months, and 19 days. Sister Martha was united in marriage to Brother I. N. Collins, May 27, 1898 and five children were born to this union.
Brother I. N. Collins, husband: two sons Arthur and Luther, one sister Mrs. Winnie Wright: eighteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren are left to mourn the loss of a very devoted wife, mother and grand-mother and the greatest of all titles, an old mother of Israel, by the redemption of the blood of Jesus.Sister Collins was for many years a faithful member of the Powell Regular Baptist Church.  Sister Collins was loyal to her church and a faithful attender as long as her health permitted.  She was much loved by those who knew her and her presence in the Powell Church will be greatly missed by the brothers and sisters. To Arthur and Luther, let me say that it will pay you to consider the life your Mother lived before you and let her God be your God.  To the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws and family and friends of Sister Collins, if you will, remember this one thing, and receive council from a friend.  A Christian life is one of self denial.  You must leave the cares and pleasures of the world, be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  In other words, be born again, not of a corruptible seed but of an incorruptible that liveth and abideth forever.  "Take up the cross daily and follow me", says the Lord, and not man."  It's a daily walk, friends.  Again we hear the Lord saying, "Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, not man, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light."  Live as though the Lord was coming today, and don't visit or go in the places would not want the Lord to find you when he comes again, the second time without sin unto salvation.  As much as lieth within you friends, live this life in honor and glory to God our creator that you may be privileged to meet Mother again around the great White Throne where there will be no more separations.  Written by an unworthy brother, in hope of eternal life, at the request of Brother I. N. Collins, the husband of  Sister Collins. Humbly,   Alonzo Allen

Cox, Lewis B. -or, as we all knew him, L.B. Cox, was born July 20, 1900 at Mallie, Knott County, Ky., the son of  Wm. (Bill) Cox and Susana Stacy Cox, who preceded him in death.   L.B. departed this life August 30, 1966, making his stay here on earth sixty years, one month, and ten days. On October 28, 1920, L.B. was united in marriage to Louelza Gayheart, and to this union was born ten children, three of which died in infancy.  There are seven still living:  Albert and Clell of Deland, Florida, Clark of Aurora, Ind., Mrs. Alma Adams of Milan, Ind., Earl of R. 3, Osgood, Ind., Walter of Versailles, Ind., and Telma (Mrs Jerry Brooks) now living in the home with her mother.  He leaves also to mourn and miss his presence, his brother, Noah Cox of Tina, Kentucky and several grandchildren and his many other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
L.B. had been an active industrious man all his life, a fine citizen, and a loyal relative.  He loved his relation as far as kinship extended.  He never had been in a hospital in all his sixty years until now, just before his death.  My wife and I were privileged to talk with him at the hospital the night before he passed away.  He was very serious and spoke of our young generation who, went head-long over advise.  He seemed more worried over
these conditions more than his own self. We feel our community has lost one of its best citizens and we hope Heaven has gained one more precious
soul!  L.B. was so very respectful of the church and we saw him filling his place in the church often in these last few months.  May the good Lord guide his family and relation to seek for the "things that matter most" first of all, and with the peace of mind that "finding these important things" brings, then move on to live the life here in the world in honor of both God and man, and find at the "end of life for which the first was made" what L. B. knew to be most important!  For what is all this world's gain if we lose our soul at the end?  L.B. told us that he had plenty of time to
think over these things while he was ill.  We feel everyone should think seriously now while life is extended and find peace at the end.  L.B. seemed so rested and peaceful the night we shook his hand in parting.  May the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation guide his family he so dearly loved.
Your friends in hope of the glorious resurrection. Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Allen

Day, Rachel Lucinda-Gone Home!  So it is with Aunt Cinda.  While still in her teens, Aunt Cinda sought the Lord and became an heir to that beautiful home called Heaven.  About 8:15 p.m. Monday night, her soul took its flight to claim its inheritance.  Rachel Lucinda Day was the daughter of Wilson "Dad" Hays and Matilda Sturgill Hays.  She was born August 22, 1893, making her stay here on earth 72 years, 9 months, and 15 days.  Her  mother, three brothers, and two sisters preceded her in death.  When only sixteen years old, she was married to Billie Day.  They lived a devoted and happy life until the good Lord called her tired weary soul to rest to await the redemption of the body.  Aunt Cinda leaves to mourn her passing; her husband, Billy Day; her Father, Wilson Hays, who is 101 years old; her son Billie; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three brothers; Henison Hays of Ohio; Woodrow Hays of Indiana; and Johnny Hays of Hazard, Ky.; two sisters; Mrs. Sarah Wilson of Tennessee and Eurilla Salyers of Letcher, Kentucky; many relatives and a host of friends. Aunt Cinda was baptized into the Old Regular Baptist Church on December 24, 1913.  She was truly a Christian.  For nearly 53 years she has been letting her light shine that the world might see her good works and glorify the Father who is in Heaven.  She was often heard to say, "I am taking my bible for a road map".  With such an accurate map there was no need for error.  If every person to whom Aunt Cinda had done a kind deed or given good advice were to bring a lily to her grave, she would truly sleep beneath the "Lilies of the Valley".  To Aunt Cinda's relatives and friends, I'd like to say, "Don't let this be good-bye, just so long for a little
while".  Let her good life guide you to that beautiful home where she is enjoying the blessings of God forever and ever.  Where she will sing, shout, and praise the Lord eternally while the ages roll on.  May God bless the fond memories I have of her and heal all our broken hearts.  So long, Aunt Cinda, for a little while.  Written by a brother in Hope.  Glenn D. Hampton

Eldridge, Cora Day - was the daughter of Hiram and Eliza Day.  She was born May 2, 1893 and died December 10, 1965, being 72 years, 7 months, and eight days old.  She was married to N. M. Eldridge, July 4, 1909 at Blackey, Ky., and to this union were born 12 children, seven boys and 5 girls; three children have preceded her in death.  The surviving children are: Virgie Caudill, Roy, Hargis, Preston, Margie Large, Vilas, Joe, Eliza Cox, and Arnold.  She also leaves 43 grandchildren and 22 great-grandchildren; two brothers and two sisters surviving.  Her husband, N. M. Eldridge, preceded her in death Nov. 2, 1945. Sister Cora joined the Indian Bottom Church of Regular Baptists in 1928.  She has been a faithful member of the Powell Church of Regular Baptists for several years.  She also served faithfully in the capacity as a deacon of the church for several decades faithfully.  Sister Cora has lived a good life.  She was loved by all who knew her. I feel that our loss is Heaven's gain.
Written by a brother in Christ-Dewey Fields

Fields, Brother Vernon - was born Jan. 7, 1918, and passed from this life march 15, 1966 making his stay here on earth 48 years, one month, and six days. He was the son of Sampson and Mary Caudill Fields of Defeated Creek, Ky.  In the year of 1938 he met and married Velma Smith Fields of Banks, Ky., and to this union were born two children, Mrs. Jack Niece of Hazard, Ky., and Terry Fields of Banks, Kentucky. Some several years ago Brother Vernon felt the need of a Savior, and according to his own words, he called diligently on the Lord, and He heard his cry and delivered him from that awful burden of sin; some time after that he joined the Cedar Grove Regular Baptist Church.  The brothers of the church had so much confidence in him, that the church chose him as a deacon of the church, and he lived so faithful to this vocation that many have made the remark, he was one of the best.  Brother Vernon has blazed a trail to the land of the blessed for his children, loved ones and many friends. This beautiful trail which he blazed is marked by honesty, humbleness, kindness, faithfulness, and strong love he left along its path as he lived in this life.   Though our hearts are grieved, and we are in much sorrow as we are here today.  Yet we are looking to the day we will be blessed to see Brother Vernon in that beautiful city he has told us so much about so many times.  He leaves to his loss several brothers and sisters, his wife and two children, and so many friends and loved ones, but we are trying to console ourselves with the wonderful thought that he shall live again in the resurrection of the dead. Elder Beckham Fields

Owens, Matilda-It's with a sad and aching heart that I write an obituary of my loving wife, Matilda Owens.  She was the daughter of Andy and Nancy Slone.  She was born February 26, 1988 and died November 21, 1965, making her stay on earth 67 years, 8 months, and 25 days. There were seven children born in our home, one girl and six boys.  One boy at eleven hours old preceded her in death.  The other children are: Albert Owens of St. Louisville, Ohio; Bazle Owens of Hindman, Ky., John Owens of Newark, Ohio, Lonie Gayheart of Hindman, Ky., Andy Owens of Plainwell, Michigan and Ray Owens of Granville, Ohio.  We raised three of our grandchildren, Lenvill Napier of Kokomo, Indiana, Alva Napier of
Hindman, Ky., and Vernie Owens of Garner, Kentucky.  Matilda joined the Regular Baptist Church in 1954 and lived a faithful life until death.  She was loved by all that knew her.  It was in November 1953 when she felt that the Lord forgave her of her sins.  I knew she was in trouble over her sins.  She would get up early to get me off to work, and as soon as I would get started, she would close the door behind me.  One day in November, I came in for dinner and she was standing at the stove with her back turned to me.  I always had something to say to her, but on that day something told me not to speak.  I went over to the sink and started to wash then I heard her crying.  She turned around and pointed down
at the floor and said, "Alva, right there the Lord forgave my sins this morning."  You talk about a happy time, it was then.  She said that she looked under the door and oh what a bright light she saw.  She heard a voice behind her saying, "Open the door and look out, the Lord has forgiven your sins."  She said it was the lightest time that she had ever seen.  In her sickness, our daughter's-in-law were so good to her.  Oh, I could go telling about the good life she lived forever.  I believe I will see her again.  Children if you want to see Mother again, you will have to fall out with sin and serve the living God.   Written by a lonesome and broken-hearted husband.   Alva Owens

Pratt, Mollie Pridemore - was born May 18, 1894, and expired this life August 12, 1965.  She was a daughter of William Hiram Pridemore and Margaret B. Smith Pridemore, who preceded her in death.  Mollie was married to Bee Pratt on November 23, 1921 and unto this union were born four children, Forest Drannan Pratt, William Taulbee Pratt, Geraldine Champion and Christine Waddell.  Mollie became a Christian early in life; and was an inspiration to her family and many friends.  She united with the "New Home Church" and was baptized Nov. 25, 1954. Mollie leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, Bee, her family, two sons, two daughters, three step-daughters, eighteen grandchildren, five brothers, Iven, Boone, Mark, Hiram and Russell; two sisters, Melissia Singleton and Nora Gayheart; a host of relatives and many friends.    Bee Pratt and Family

Seals, Tonie-In much weakness I attempt to write an obituary of this our beloved sister, obedient wife, humble and pious mother, Tonie Seals.
On September 6, 1891, at Mallie, Ky., our God sent a flower to Creed Cornett and Julia Craft.  They chose for her the name of Tonie.  In the beautiful hills of Knott, County, she grew unto womanhood in the home of Nelson Craft, her stepfather. On January 4, 1905 she took by the right hand, Millard Seals, and vowed before God that she would be to him an obedient, kind and loving wife. To this union were born 14 children, three of whom preceded her in death.  Those living to mourn her passing are:  Nelson of Mansfield, Ohio, Dessie of Redfox, Ky., Luther of Bath, Ky., myrtle of Rt. 1, Hazard, Ky., Grace Floyd and Lawrence, all of Litt Carr, Ky., mattie, Katherine and Joyce, all of Dayton, Ohio, and Ralph of
Decatur, Illinois.  In the 1930's, God spoke to Tonie to tell her that all was not well with her, that her soul was unsaved, that she was lost.  This call harkened to and after much suffering, prayer and supplication, God, after she had laid everything at his precious feet, heard her pitiful petition and granted her a pardon, bathed her soul in his atoning blood. Pop took up fellowship in the Regular Baptist Church, Dec. 25, 1935 and Mom, always wanting to be with him, in March 1936 at the Mallot Fork Church offered her hand to the church upon the profession of her faith in Jesus Christ and wanted her membership with the Carrs Fork Church. Elder Elam Hale and her eldest son, Nelson, upon the profession of her faith, buried her in a liquid grave to arise to walk in the newness of life. Her life from that good day forward has been a shining light not only to her children but to the world of mankind.  After a while, they received a letter from the Carrs Fork Church and placed it in the New Home Church, then on the 4th Saturday in August, 1941, she and Pop went in the arm which constitute the Reynolds Fork Church where her membership was at the time of her passing, always holding fast to the trust she had in God.  A more humble, kind and consecrated Christian woman I have never known. Shortly after the establishing of the Reynolds Fork Church, it had to have officers to wait upon it.  The church sat apart Pop and Mom to be examined and if found to be orthodox, ordained as Deacon and Deaconess so by the laying on of hands were found to be worthy and were ordained.  This high and important office they fulfilled with great joy for 23 years. Mom was afflicted for many years but her suffering she bore with great patience until the end, always more concerned about Pop and the children than she was about herself, holding to the faith and trust she had in God. Her suffering became so severe that about 3 p.m., Dec. 6, 1965, the Cistern wheel refused to roll.  A tired and afflicted heart refused to beat.  And again God called to her this time to say, come away to me my fair one, leave behind your tired, afflicted and frail body, come away from a world of trouble, heartaches and disappointments to a world of never ending joy and peace.  So quietly, quickly and peacefully her soul slipped away to the arms of Jesus leaving behind to mourn:  Pop, her afflicted companion, eleven broken-hearted children, 74 grandchildren, 62 great-grandchildren, relatives almost innumerable, a host of friends and neighbors, one sister, Ritter of Mallie, Ky., three brothers, Mayo of Mallie, Ky., Joe of Lexington, Ky., and Johnny of Martin, Ky. Making her stay in this unfriendly world 74 years and 3 months, a part of the foundation of this community has been removed. Pop has lost a part of him as I have never known a more devoted couple, these bereaved children, you that are unprepared, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, if you ever expect to see her again you must cry to the dame God Mom cried to, make preparation while living in this world. She has told me many times her prayers were that all her children would be saved and that if it could be the Lord's will she would love to go swiftly, and before Pop did. May I refer you to the Psalms of Davie 23:30; 5 and 6 and 34:17, 18 and 19, then listen to the words of the great poet who wrote:
I wonder if and when the shadows fall
On the last short earthly day,
When we say goodbye to the world outside
All tired with our childish play
When we meet the lover of boys and girls
Who died to save them from sin
Will we hear him ask as Mother did
Are all the children in?
So we sincerely feel and believe that our loss is Heaven's eternal gain.  Humbly submitted by an unworthy brother in hope.Lewis F. Craft

Tuttle, Isom-Obituary of Brother Isom Tuttle, the son of Rile and Sinthy Thornsbury Tuttle, was born on February 22, 1882, and died July 26,1965, being 83 years old at the time of his death.  Brother Isom joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in 1931 and was a faithful member.  He was a man who liked to talk of the Bible.  He married Susie Slone in January 1908.  To this union were born eight children; three girls and five boys; one killed in the army in '44; then Soprilla, 4, died in April, 1965.  Brother Isom led a good life for the children and neighbors to follow, believing he has just left a world of trouble and has met with the Lord in peace. Children if you want to see Dad again, make peace with God while this life is spared because the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodless an unrighteous of men who hold the truth in unrighteous but glory, honor and peace to everyone that doeth good.  Written by Brother Bert Howard

Watts, Ada Combs - was born in 1905 at Pine Top, Kentucky and departed this life December 29, 1965, making her stay on earth, 60 years.  One son, Robert preceded her in death. Ada was united in marriage to Elmine Watts in the year 1922.  Three children were her blessing, for she loved them so very much.  Her only son was killed in the line of duty in the U.S. Air Force.  A memorial service is held each year in his remembrance. There are two daughters, Mrs. Shirley Williams of Leburn, Ky., and Mrs. Cauton Combs, also of Leburn, Ky:  also their are five grandchildren and a lonely and sad husband to mourn the one who was such a faithful and loving wife and mother.  We have known Ada for many years.  She was a real lady, a devoted mother, and an example of true Christian living in her neighborhood for all the years we can remember.  She never joined any church but from her talk we do believe her real hope was anchored in Christ, and that she like many others who have not yet come home to the church, feared not being worthy!  She filled her seat each Sunday and seemed to get so much good from the good preaching!  Her example is left behind her and her light should be a beacon to her daughters and the husband she so dearly loved.  May God grant each of you, who are left to mourn her loss, a home in heaven at last.  She left the life of pleasure and chose the life of self-denial.  Few are choosing this road today but to meet this beautiful mother and companion again, you must choose the road that leads to that country she was seeking!  This road can be walked only if you are "born again"!  May each of you seek and find!    Your friends, Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Allen

Whitaker, Aunt Minnie -as she was known to her many friends and acquaintances was born May 5, 1876 and passed to her great reward may 18, 1966 making her stay here 90 years and 13 days.  Early in her young womanhood she met and married Elijah Whitaker and to this union twelve children were born.  They were: Pearl Whitaker, deceased; Ellen Whitaker Frazier, Hot Spot, Ky.; George Whitaker, Roxana, Ky.; Lola Whitaker Sheramin, Indiana; Watson Whitaker, Roxana, Ky.; Bee Whitaker, deceased; Suson Whitaker Raleigh, deceased; Myrtle Whitaker Miller, Winchester, Ky.; Jeff Whitaker, Roxana, Ky.; Steve Whitaker, Blackey, Ky.; Mary Whitaker, Hot Spot, Ky.; Connie Whitaker who died in infancy. She had 37 grandchildren, 46 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.  "Uncle Lige" as he was known, went to his reward 21 years ago; but during all these years of lonely widowhood, Aunt Minnie's children cared for her as tenderly and lovingly as was possible for them to do.  For the last years, Aunt Minnie was a total invalid but through all her afflictions and suffering she was an example of patience.  Twenty-four years ago, Aunt Minnie with "Uncle Lige" were baptized into the fellowship of the Tolson Creek Church of Regular Baptists, and on that day were blessed to hear their daughter Lola and daughter-in-law Alma relate their relationship with the Lord and take fellowship in the same church.  Later, she experienced great joy when her children, George, Watson, and Myrtle and her grandchildren, Hiram Ray and Mary enrolled in the army of the Lord. In her passing, her children have given up a wonderful mother.  Her church has lost a faith member, her community and Letcher County will miss her as a great citizen. Children, grandchildren, family, neighbors and friends of Aunt Minnie, she cannot come back to you; but as King David of old said on the death of his little son, "You, by the Grace of God can go to her," where she will no longer be frail and feeble; but will have put on that body which is fashioned in the likeness of Christ's glorious body.  If she could speak to us, I believe she would say:
"Oh, weep not for me, I am anxious to go,
To that haven of rest where tears never flow.
I fear not to enter that dark lonely ward;
For soon shall I rise from the old church yard.
Yes, soon shall I join that Heavenly band,
Of glorified Saints at my Savior's right hand.
Forever to dwell in bright mansions prepared.
For Saints who shall rise from the church yard."
Howard Caudill