NEW SALEM ASSOCIATION

of Old Regular Baptists of Jesus Christ

September 22, 23, 24, 1933

OBITUARIES

Transcribed by J B Francis

Blakeley, Elder G. P. With a sad heart I try to write a short sketch of the life of our dear   beloved brother, Elder G. G. Blakeley.  He was the son of James and Elizabeth Blakeley and was born May 12, 1878, in McDowell County, W. Va. and departed this life August 17, 1933, age 55 years, 3 months and 5 days.  He was married to Cordelia Lester, August 4, 1897 and unto this union were born 13 children, who are left to mourn his loss.  He also leaves his loving companion and his aged mother of Ajlume, Wash., and one niece and three sisters. He and his companion joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in 1906 and were baptized by Elder Ribern Workman.  Brother Blakeley was legally ordained to the ministry of the gospel the fourth Sunday in July, 1922.  He stood firm to the faith, went when he was called on to cheer and comfort the sick and bereaved. He set a Godly example before his children and not only them but everybody who was acquainted with him.  He was loving and kind to all.  He told his children to be kind to everybody.  He stood his troubles and persecutions always looking to the good Master to be his guide.  There are many good things I could say about him but it would make this obituary too long.  He said he was ready to go and the sooner he went the happier he would be. He preached Sister Cline’s funeral on his death-bed and she hasn’t yet passed away.  His favorite song was “I Will Walk Through the Valley in Peace.”  So let me say to his dear children, if you want to see dear father again, you will have to walk that narrow and straight path that father trod. We shall sleep, but not forever in the lone and silent grave.   Written by H. C. Bell 
 

Caudill, Louinda-  By the request of a dear father I will try to write an obituary of dear sister, to-wit; Louinda Caudill, who was born February 6, 1889, died July 11, 1933, age 44 years, 5 months and 5 days.  She was the daughter of Alamander and Martha Caudill.  She joined the Caney Fork of Regular Baptist and was baptized, July 22, 1932, and lived a faithful member until death. She was never married, but lived a quiet and peaceful life.  She became diseased when about 18 years of age and was never well anymore.  She always enjoyed going to meeting when she could and was always pleased when a church member would come to stay with us for she loved to hear them talk so well. One Tuesday night she called father to her bed and told him she wanted him to send after Tom Caudill, W. R. Tuttle, J.C. and Linz Mosley and Mack Slone because she wanted to hear them preach.  We got Tom Caudill and W. R. Tuttle that night and they held services and she wanted the church door opened and when they did so, she gave her hand and rejoiced because she had been given the opportunity to perform that much of a Christian duty.   W. R. Tuttle asked her when she wanted to be baptized.  She said, “right now.”  We sent out an appointment for the following Friday and I am proud that all the ministers she called for came and I feel they had a glorious meeting.  She was so weak they begged her not to be baptized then.  They all gathered around her bed and gave her their hands in token of sweet fellowship which made her rejoice and she was so happy that she could almost rise from her bed rejoicing.   She recovered to some extent and was baptized by Elders W. R. Tuttle and L. D. Mosley about one month later.  She leaves a broken-hearted father, seven sisters and three brothers to mourn her loss.  But how happy we are to think that our mourning over her absence is her eternal gain and happiness. Oh, how we miss her in the home where she was always present until called away by death.  We had to see her suffer so much and could not give her any ease.  We should not grieve for her for she is not suffering now but is rejoicing in Heaven with mother.  But we should grieve for ourselves.  Unless we humble down as sister did and become willing for God’s will to be done, we cannot expect to meet our loved ones above.  Dear fleshly brothers and sisters, we have as good a father as ever children had and just think how happy we could make his last days on earth, which we know are but few, if we would only live as he has taught us to live and become humble servants of God.

“O, Lord, have mercy on me and ease me, if it is Thy will.  But not my will, but Thy will be done”, was sister’s dying prayer. 
I feel His will was done and her pains are all eased.
Louinda is as strong as any in her beautiful home above,

Sister thou wast mild and lovely,

Gentle as the summer breeze;

Pleasant as the air of evening,

As it floats among the trees.

Her funeral is set for the first Saturday and Sunday in August, 1934.  We invite all who have a desire to come.     Lauda Bryant, her younger sister.
 

Cook, Nancy Jane.- Nancy Jane Cook was born May 1, 1865 and deceased March 3, 1933, age 68 years. She was he daughter of William R. Hopkins and Rosa Hopkins and was married to Morgan Turner in 1881.  Unto his union were born seven children.  Two preceded her in death, leaving four girls and one boy living.  Her husband also preceded her in death in the year of 1912.  She was then married to Jerry Cook, December 25, 1915. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in 1892 and remained a true and faithful member until death.  She was blessed to live to see four of her children profess a hope in Christ and baptized into the fellowship of the same old church to which she belonged. Her conversation was always of a Godly sort and it always did her good to go to meeting and fill her seat with her brethren and sisters.  We can all remember well how she would rejoice and shout praises to God.  After she became afflicted until she could not go to meeting it was one of the choicest blessings to her for her brethren and sisters to visit her and sing praises to the Lord and hold worship in her home. Mother was blessed to live to a very ripe old age.  She was blessed to look into the faces of all her children who are still living except one daughter who didn’t reach her bedside until after mother had passed away. It was her greatest joy to think of four of her children who confessed Christ and were showing her by their footsteps that they were seeking the same home to which mother went.  She would often say that her main worry was over her two daughters who had never confessed a hope in Christ and that, if she could only see them turn to the Lord and confess a hope, that she could then died much happier. But it happened with her like it has with many other mothers.  She wasn’t blessed to live to see the two daughters come to Christ.  But we trust that they will fully consider that mother is gone to that sweet home on high and that, by the grace of God, they can meet mother again.  She said just about two days before she died that she was going to that big meeting where she could meet her dear ones who had left her one by one and where they would never again have to part. Her funeral is to be preached at the mouth of Clear Creek, the second Saturday and Sunday in June, 1934.  Written by  E. V. Hopkins
 

Craft, Nervista was born April 9, 1860 and died July 25, 1933, age 73 years, 3 months, and 16 days.  She was born in Wise County, Virginia, and died at Mossy rock, Wash.  She came to Ajlume, Wash., seven years ago.  She is survived by her husband, Henry Craft, two sons, Monroe and Wayne of Ajlume, one daughter, Mrs. Elizabeth Bartley of Mossy rock, two grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Amanda Blair of Ice, Kentucky, Mrs. Droned  Nantz of Idaho and Mrs. Mary Banks of Whitesburg, Kentucky and one brother, Henry Blair of Whitesburg. Sister Craft joined the Baptist Church many years ago and lived a devout life until her death.  She left not only her near relatives, but many friends to mourn her loss.

Damron, Pricy- It is by request that I will try to write a short sketch of the life of a dear sister, to-wit: Pricy Damron.  She was about 76 years old and confessed a hope in Christ for 23 years and was a member of the Regular Baptist Church.  She was baptized by Elder Thomas Mosley and one of her daughters was baptized at the same time.  She only had three children.  Two girls belong to the Regular Baptist Church, while her son is still in sin.  Her favorite song was: “ I Have a Call for You My Friends and Will You Come and See.”  I , the writer, can remember the last time I saw her alive.  She said she was glad to see us come and have meeting for her and requested that we come again and preach for her .  I was surprised when I heard that Sister Damron had fallen asleep.  We buried her in a lonely cemetery but I wish to say to the children and to her friends, “While you miss mother now some glad day at the appointed time of the Lord, mother will see you again.”  She labored hard to try to make ends meet but her labor is ended, she is gone, but the promise is: “Blessed is the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labor and their works do follow them.”  I would think that a history of her life would be a good pattern for the young sisters of today.  Written by your unworthy brother,  Aaron Pack        

Hamilton, Bob & Allie- In sweet remembrance of our dear beloved father and mother, who have outstripped us in the narrow lane of life and gone on to the Heavenly land, I will writhe a few lines.  Uncle Bob, age 73, was born March 11, 1858.  Aunt Allie, age 66, was born October 3, 1867.  They were joined together in holy matrimony in the year of 1882 and to this union were born twelve children, eleven boys and one girl.  All are living. Aunt Allie united herself to the Old Regular Baptist Church about 39 years ago.  She lived faithfully in the cause until death, and was always faithful to attend church and to shout and praise God.  Children, you had a good mother.  Never forget her advice as her counsel was always good. I will say to you children, “If you want to see mother again you must be born again.”  Will say to her sisters and children that they should not weep for her, for we feel that her soul is in paradise waiting until God shall call her body from the grave.  Children, if you want to see mother again,, you must look to God, who is the Savior of all who call upon His name.  If you die out of the Lord, you will never see mother again.  There is only one chance for you to live with mother after this live and that is to be born again, born of the Holy Spirit.  Lay down the sinful things of life.  Take hold of things pertaining to the kingdom of God.  Repent and be baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.  Father and mother toiled very hard in this life bringing you children up in the admonition of the Lord, making the way plain for you, hoping some day to see you confess a hope in Christ.  But they were deprived of this privilege in their life time because of your failure to obey God. They have now crossed the river of death, exchanged their crosses for crowns and, enjoy the fruits of their labors.  Children, don’t forget the sweet counsel that fell from mother’s lips.  The longer she is gone, the more lonesome you will be.  So dear children, if you want to go and live with father and mother in that Heavenly land, begin earnestly praying to God that He might help you live a Christian life while in this world and when you begin to close your eyes in death, you can see father and mother in your view.  Written by Elder Bill Hall

Hamilton, Mack - He was born in 1880, and died in 1932 at the age of 52 years, 3 months and 21 days.

On the fourth night of November about one hour after dark,

From our good papa we all had to depart,

His good neighbors worked with him trying to save his life,

But God with his mighty power took him that same night.

Our love went with him down into the grave,

But God loved his soul and his life we could not save.

He left ten children and a loving wife,

And to us all he would give good advice,

Now our home is sad and lonesome and we miss his tongue,

to know that he is gone to never more come.

Oh! His company was so sweet,

I hope with him in Heaven, we all soon will meet,

Our precious father is gone, his voce is silent and still,

And he has left a place in our home that no one else can fill,

In our imaginations we can hear his sweet sounds,

But his body lies sleeping in a new-made mound,

We believe he is gone to the happy home above,

And God has filled his soul with glory and his love,

He left a good father and mother to mourn his loss,

But they can rejoice over the thought of him not  dying in sin.

I know his good friends miss him as they pass by his home

For his tender voice they always heard is forever gone,

He left us all weeping till our hearts are troubled sore,

We hope to meet him in Heaven where parting will be  no more.                 By his daughter, Ella Newsome

Hamilton, Rosie- It saddens my heart as I write this scene of my dear mother, Rosie Hamilton.  She was born, January 18, 1872 and decreased, January 6, 1933. She was married to Tandy Hamilton some time in early life and to this union were born eight children, four girls and four boys.  Her husband and six children preceded her in death.  She leaves a son and one daughter to mourn for the loss of a dear mother.  Mother joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in 1900 and was a faithful member for 33 years.  She was always there to fill her seat and never missed a meeting if she possibly could get there.  She was loved by all who knew her.  When mother took sick she lived only eleven days and just before she died she was talking to her husband and children who had gone on before and I am made to believe, down in the depths of my heart, that her soul is resting in Paradise waiting the Resurrection Day when all the Saints of God shall rise.  I am trying to press on a few more days and then I will meet mother where parting is no more. There are two homes which are sad and lonesome without mother but I believe I can say all is well with her now and the Lord thought it best I profess a hope in God and think it will not be long before that sweet day when we will meet our loved ones who have gone over yonder.   Written by her daughter, Fenie Story

Hicks, Geo- It is with a sad heart that I try to write a short sketch of the life of my dear father, Geo. Hicks.  He was the son of James Hicks and Alice Hicks who departed this life about eleven years ago.  Father was born October 43, 1894, and departed this live December 7, 1932.  He was married to Amanda Bailey on March 22, 1916 and to this union were born eight children.  One little boy, named Chester, died five months before father died. Father was sick only eleven days, with an abscess on his back.  He did not belong to any church but was of the Regular Baptist faith.  He died in the hospital at Pikeville.  Three of his brothers, William, Joseph and Ben, and mama were with him when he died.  He did not dread to die.  He prayed all the time.  All he seemed to dread was leaving his family.  We have no doubt of seeing father again.  We want his funeral to be the first Saturday and Sunday in September, 1934.  We want Malcom Wright, Hager Ousley, Aaron Pack, Melvin Allen, A. J. Moore and M. M. Chaffins to preach at the funeral.  Written by his daughter, Rhoda Hicks

Hopkins, Miles.  It is with a feeling of real sadness and great humiliation and also with a great feeling of love and affection that I now make this attempt to write an obituary of my dear beloved brother, to-wit: Miles Hopkins. He was born about the year of 1889 and deceased January 13, 1933, being about 43 years old.  He was a son of W. R. And Millie Hopkins and was married to Della (Cook) Hopkins in the year of 1908 and unto this union were born three children, one boy and two girls, Charles, Beulah and Wenonah, all three left here to made the struggle through the remainder of their life without the aid and advice of a dear pious father.  He also leaves four brothers and four sisters to grieve over him and to do without his sweet company.  But we realize fully that none of our feelings and loneliness and heart-broken feelings are to be compared with the feelings of his dear wife because the rest of us can, in a way, pass off the time and to some extent get dear brother off our minds while Sister Della will, like the poet says, “Go alone and sigh and mourn her dear and absent love.”  She can also fully realize the truthfulness of the poet who says: “My husband dear, who was so near, is fled away and gone and where shall she go to vent her smart or ease her troubled mind?”  For never again will the things of this earth have the attractions for her that they once had but we feel that by the taking away of her dear husband that the sweet Heaven above has much more attraction for her than ever before, because of the fact that we have the very brightest of evidence and sweet consolation that dear brother is now at rest in the regions of Glory. Brother Miles joined the Providence Church of Old Regular Baptists in the year of 1912 and all who were acquainted with him feel that they can freely say that he was one who was not just a Baptist by name but was a real Old Regular Baptist in faith and practice and he certainly was one who was not ashamed nor afraid to stand up for the Old Baptist principles anywhere and upon all occasions.  He as one of the very strongest believers in contending for a clean ministry and a clean church membership.  He as ordained as Deacon of the Providence Church at the same time that I was ordained as a Minister and he always used his best efforts to strive for the growth and prosperity of the church.  I know that he is greatly missed in the home and at the dear old church by all his close relatives and I believe by all his dear brethren and sisters, and I, his little sad brother, certainly do miss his sweet company in going to our good Old Baptist meetings because he was always so willing to assist me in anyway he possible could.  And also, what a great helper he was to me a making a living here on earth.  I always looked up to him as my superior in business. You may know how great a shock it was to me to separate from my dear brother because he was so closely attached to me in four different ways.  He was my brother in the flesh; my brother in the Lord; my brother in-law and also my brother in business.  I can truthfully say that his going away from me has so broken my heart and my feelings that I never have felt like the same person since he has been gone.  But the sweet hope that I have that we will meet again is of more value to me than all the treasures of this world.  I can conscientiously say that in all our dealings together, ever since we attached ourselves to the church, that under all circumstances he always proved to be square and honest and never at one time did even intimate that we should endeavor to seek any dishonest method to make money or to defraud anyone. But after all the shock it caused me and my brothers and sisters and the rest of his relatives, is nothing comparison to the great shock to his dear wife, whose heart was so completely wrapped up in sweet love and affections for her dear husband that it was almost like taking her own heart out of her body. And how pitiful she did rehearse the words when dear brother was taken away, “Oh, children, how can I live for Miles and me were one and you know I can’t live and a part of me gone.”  The shock was such a sudden one.  Brother seemed to be feeling very fine the morning he took sick so suddenly. I was preparing to go and see Brother Linzy Mosley who was real sick at the time.  Brother Miles came over to my home as I was starting out and stood at my gate and the last words he ever spoke to me on earth were “I am going to the head of Beaver to Meeting tomorrow if I feel better.”  So I went on and he went out about eight or nine o’clock to milk his cow and after getting her milked he came back to the house and as he walked through the house he said to his wife, “Dell, I feel right numb.”  She soon got him on the bed and immediately called for my wife and the other folks and he made the remark that he was losing the use of one of his arms and about the only talking he did after that was when asked if anything hurt him.  He said, “I just feel sleepy.” A doctor was immediately sent for and brother only lived a short time after the doctor arrived.  The doctor claimed his death was due to a blood vessel bursting on the brain because of high blood pressure or something of the kind. While in business at Weeksbury, he was reported to have had a very high blood pressure and was advised by the doctor to retire from business and keep as quiet as possible.  He retired from business and settled on the old home farm and worked hard to get his home straightened up and it seemed that just as he had completed everything and had his place in condition to enable him and his dear wife and little children to enjoy living together, he had to answer the roll call of death.  He only lived about four hours after he was taken sick.  Sister Della has remarked many times that were it not for the sweet hope of a resurrection of the dead and the good sweet clean Christian life that he lived that she could hardly live at all. Brother often made the remark that he did not want anyone to attempt to preach over his body who would not preach a resurrection of the body.  So I will say to his dear wife, never, never, let anyone destroy or weaken your belief in a resurrection of the body, because just as sure as Jesus rose from the grave, just that sure brother will come forth.  And we believe just as strongly as we can believe anything and not know it positively, that Brother Miles’ soul and body will be united together and dwell in the sweet Heaven with God and the Holy Angels for ever and ever. I wish to say to his dear children, especially to the two who are grown, “try to put your trust in the Lord and don’t let the Devil deprive you of the glorious privilege of meeting your dear papa again.  He is gone and in my bumble judgment, if you are blessed to see him again, it will be in the Heaven prepared for all those who love and serve God.  And when you see him again he will have a perfect body never no more to see corruption.  Always be good to your sad and heart-broken mother and your little sister for she has always been very weak and sickly.  You know your papa always loved you all so well.  Please remember his sweet advice and meet him in heaven.” To my dear brothers and sisters, who are yet living.  One by one the family is leaving this world and we will not see each other any more here.  Let us try to meet our lived ones where sorrow will never come, is the sincere desire and prayer of you little brother.

E. V. Hopkins

May, Arzella Pratt -Visit of the Death Angel.  It was on December 21, 1931 at 10:30 PM at the home of B. L. C. Mays of Alphoretta, Kentucky that the Death Angel came and took away my dear beloved sister, Arzella Pratt May. It makes me wonder if ;it was the same Angel she told me about not long before she died.  She told me of a vision in a dream She said that she saw an angel she thought was Jennie Marshall, one of her dearly beloved friends.  She said the Angel told her that she had come after her to take her home. “Oh, !” she said, “How beautiful she was.  Oh! How she shined.  She was so white-whiter than snow.  Soon we started out on our journey up the barn branch and as we went along the Angel I thought was Jennie was so bright that she made everything snow white.  At last we came to the top of the high mountain.  Here is where we went into a great building and rested.”  I believe I will see her some great day in God’s Glory World on High. Dear children, don’t weep for mother.  She is at rest.  Prepare to meet her in another world up in Heaven.  I had a vision or dream sometime after my good sister died.  I thought I was in a glory land and went into a building.  The walls were clear like glass and I could see through the walls.  I looked and saw my sister sitting in an easy chair at rest. Oh, how I miss her.  She was so kind and good to me.  I have no friend like her on this earth.  I know she was the best friend I ever had since my dear mother died.  I do believe after this life is over I can live with my dear mother and my sister and other friends who have gone before. I trust that God will so direct my mind that my life will be just as my God would have it.  It was in the year of 1925 (I believe) when I heard a still small voice which told me that I was a sinner before God.  I was lost.  Nothing good was ever in my life.  Oh, I did not know what to do, I was so condemned.  I roamed over the hills seeking lonesome places, crying and moaning.  At last one day about 1 o’clock upon a lonesome point upon my knees I prayed to my God.  There was where that awful burden was removed from me.  Never since that day have I ever been burdened so.  On the hillside there I looked at the trees, bushes, rocks, grass and everything seemed as though they were praising God.  It must have been Paradise that I got a foretaste of.  I am able to write but little about this.  Written by Elbert S. Pratt       
 

Mullins, Booker- Whereas, it has pleased God to call from our embraces and the embraces of a dear family, a father, to-wit: Brother Booker Mullins.  He was born in Virginia, May 22, 1851, died February 26, 1933, age 81 years, 5 months and 4 days.  In his early days, I do not know the exact time, he was married to Jane Hamilton and to this union were born six children,  three of whom have passed to the great beyond.  There are three yet living to mourn the loss of a father and mother.  After his first wife’s death he was married to Katherin Yonts.  To this union were born 11 children; four boys and seven girls; six still living. Brother Mullins joined the Old Regular Baptist Church about sixty years ago and lived a faithful member until the Lord called for him to come home.  I, the writer, went and preached for him different times in the last two years of his life.  He loved to hear the old songs of Zion and to hear the old time Baptist doctrine preached and tears of joy would come into his eyes and he would rejoice when he would get a foretaste of a better country.  I want to say to his family, “Be good to mother, she will not stay with you long.”  I want to say to Henry and Bee, “You did all you could for your father while he was here.  Don’t forget the advice he gave you as to how you should live.” But father is gone and you are just little orphans left to live a better life.  I want to say to Henry, “Your father thought so much of you and wanted you to wait on him all the time.  I know it is a sad thought for you and your mother to think over him.  His request was for you and her to dress him, which you did.”  It was a sad old time that evening when they laid your father beneath the earth in the Rob Newsom graveyard in the head of Robinson Creek.  But, remember, the day is just ahead when your father will come out of that grave and will bear the resemblance of Jesus Christ, a complete resurrected body.  He will lay his cane by and will be no longer stooped over with the burdens of many years of toil and grief and will no longer say, “Where is Henry?, I want him to raise me up.”  God has taken him home and will give him a glorified body. Pray God that you may met him up in Heaven where the Lord will wipe all tears away; where there is no need of the sun or the moon.  God is the light of that city.  I, the writer, talked with him often and his talk was of a Godly sort.  He often said he was ready to go and that there was nothing in his way.  So, dear children and friends, I feel your loss is Heaven’s great gain. His funeral will be attended to at the home of Henry Mullins the third Saturday and Sunday in May, 1934, by Elders Bill Hall, John B. Hamilton, Evan Hamilton, Ellis Hall, H. M. Mullins, Jesse Hamton, Grady Atkins and C. W. Roberts.  Written by C. W. Roberts

Reffitt, Lila-  It is with a sad heart and in weakness that I try to write an obituary of my dear living wife, to-wit: Lila Reffitt.  She was born April 7, 1902, and died January 31, 1933, age 30 years, 9 months and 24 days.  She was the daughter of Mont and Mimia Ousley and was married to Tommy Reffitt and unto this union were born four children, three girls and one boy, all left to mourn the loss of a dear mother.  She joined the “Old Regular” Baptist Church, August 4, 1924, and lived a faithful member until death.  She was loved by all who knew her.  She never saw a stranger, she would speak kind words and talk to all and liked to see people come to her home and liked to feed them. She was sick about three years with tuberculosis, but she will not be sick up yonder in that Heavenly land.  She always loved to go to meeting and I have heard her shout in meeting so often and through all her sickness I have heard her pray so often and say that she had a better home than this world in the skies and that all she hated to die for, was because of leaving me and the children. One night she dreamed of singing: “On Jordan’s Stormy Banks I Stand.”  One morning her brother in the Lord came in and did sing and hold prayer for her.  This was two weeks before she died and she helped him sing that song. She told the little girl the day she died to go and tell her pa and mama to come as she had but a little while to stay and when they came she told her mother that when the Lord came not to let the children disturb her because she wanted to go easily.  And she went easily and looked up at me and said: “Tommy, keep the children all together.”  Her pa was standing at the foot of her bed and she looked at him and said, “Pa, I am going to leave you.  I am going Home.”  Her last words were: “I am dying, I am dying, farewell Tommy and Henry, I’m going home, I’m going home.” Her seat is vacant in the home but we feel that she has filled a seat in that Heavenly land where she will be well always.  Her funeral will be preached the third Saturday and Sunday in July, 1934, by Andy Moore, Hager Ousley, Earl Howard and M. C. Wright.

Our home is O,so lonesome,

And sorrow fills my heart;

I hope to meet my loving wife,

Where we will never part.             Written by her broken-hearted husband, Tommy Reffitt                                   

Reynolds, Hattie- By the request of her husband, Dock Reynolds, I will try in my weakness to write a sketch of the life of Hattie Reynolds.  Sister Hattie was born November 15, 1899.  She fell a victim to death March 11, 1933. She was a daughter of Preston and Millie Hamilton.  She first married Elijah Pope in the year of 1915 and lived with him three years until his death.  Afterwards she married Dock Reynolds.  Unto them were born five children.  Two died in infancy, three still remain, but cannot fully realize the tender care of mother on the account of being young. Sister Hattie joined the Samaria Church of Old Regular Baptists, the third Sunday in October and was baptized the second Saturday in November by Elder J. W. Hamilton.  Sister Hattie lived a real Christian life until death, shouting victory of the hope the Lord had given her of meeting her long-gone friends. She leaves four sisters, one brother, her mother and husband and a host of friends mourning over their natural loss.  Sister threw her doors open in hospitality to her brothers and sisters for the cause of the word being preached in her home.  I had meeting at her home the night before she died.  Next morning we were singing the songs of Zion and the tears began to run down her cheeks.  We closed singing and she and her mother fixed to start to meeting.  On the way she fell a victim to death in the wagon.  I was along but Sister Hattie never spoke to me anymore after the Death Angel called for her.  Soon her husband was called for, but when he arrived he couldn’t speak to his loving wife anymore.  It was heart-rendering to Dock They had a happy home here on earth.  But I feel that Sister Hattie has a better home than this one. So, dear husband, I hope you will try to gain that peaceful shore where you can be with Hattie again.  For I feel when the trumpet of the Lord shall sound, Hattie will be in that number marked with the blood-stained banner of King Emanuel to sing His praise for evermore.  She told me she was in trouble thirteen months on account of her sins. To the friends of Sister Hattie; don’t weep for her, but weep for yourselves that you may meet her again where no troubles ever come.  So I must close as this obituary is getting lengthy.  Sister Hattie’s favorite song was: 
As time draws nigh I must go home,
To resign my body to the tomb;
I leave you all in Jesus’ arms,
Whose bosom bears a tender lamb.
Her funeral is to be preached the second Saturday and Sunday in April in the year of 1934. 
Written by her brother in hope of eternal life   Elder John B. Hamilton  Teaberry, Ky        

Robinson, Phebe.  It is with a sad and broken heart that I try to write a short sketch of a dear mother, to-wit: Phebe Robinson.  She was born in the year of 1841 and was married to Jack Robinson in the year of 1861.  To his union were born 12 children.  Two preceded them in death.  Mother joined the “Old Regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ” at the Island Creek church and lived a faithful soldier until death.  She always filled her seat when she was able.  She was baptized by Elder N. T. Hopkins.  When the good brethren and sisters meet at the church house they miss mother.  This makes my heart feel sad.  But when I think of the bright hope she left it fills my soul with rejoicing.  While our loss is great we feel that she is rejoicing in Heaven with her beloved husband and two daughters and father and mother, where parting is no more. I will say to her children, “If you don’t close in with the offered mercy of Jesus Christ you will never see mother anymore.  She was the daughter of Lee and Alcie Compton and was born March 9, 1841; died February 13, 1929.  She lacked only a few days being 86 years old. 

Some day I’ll meet dear mother,

In that eternal day;

And tell her how I’ve missed her,

Since she’s been gone away.           Written by her oldest son,  John M. Johnson

Robinson, Sallie-  It is with a sad and broken heart that I will try to write a short sketch of the life of my dear companion, Sallie Robinson.  She was the daughter of Ep and Betty Justice and was born March 5, 1874; died September 1, 1932; age 58 years, 6 months and 26 days.  She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church at Island Creek about sixteen years ago and filled her seat regularly as long as she was able to go to church.  Brethren, God has said: “You are no more twain but one.”  Where two have been joined together in true wedlock it is like giving up your own flesh when you have to give up your own companion. She and her husband joined the church at the same time and were baptized by Elder F. A. Hopkins.  Brethren pray for me that God will heal my broken heart, for nothing is any peace to me.  My children are no peace to me, as it seems, anymore.  She is resting under the altar of God, for she left such bright hope.  She said she was going home to her two little girls who went on before. She was married to J. M. Robinson in 1895 and to this union were born seven children.  I will say to the children she left: “If you don’t come to Christ and repent of your sins, you will never see mother anymore.”

Oh, how sweet was life with thee, as no more twain but one,

Thou art gone on, precious darling, never more wilt thou return

Thou shalt sleep a peaceful slumber til the resurrection morn.         Written by a Broken-Hearted husband, J. M. Robinson

Sanders, Evaline -It is with a sad feeling that I try to write an obituary of the life of a dear sister in the Lord, to-wit:  Evaline Sanders who was born January 5, 1869 and died August 4, 1933. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church several years ago and lived faithfully until death.  Sister Evaline was deaf and dumb, but the Lord gave her a mind to serve Him.  She leaves one son and many friends to mourn her loss.  She lay sick for a long time. Jimmie, you who have not made peace with God, it is time that you begin thinking earnestly about the welfare of your soul and begin praying unto that great God, that He will help you to live a life that when you die, you can go and live with mother in that Heavenly land where parting will be no more.   Written by Bill Hall
 

Slone, Mary-  It is with a sad heart that I try to write an obituary of my dear mother, Mary Slone.  She was born November 10, 1874, and died February 27, 1932, at the age of 57 years, 3 months and 16 days. She was the daughter of Vincent Owens and Lucinda Owens.  She was married to Joel Slone when about 17 years old and unto them were born eight children, seven boys and one girl.  One boy preceded her in death while seven are still living to mourn her loss.  We feel that our loss is her great eternal gain.  She told me sometime before she died that she could see Jesus in her view reaching out his arms for her to come.  She said she hated to leave her children but if he was ready to take her she was ready to go. Mother called for me.  I went to her bedside and asked her what she wanted and she said, “I can’t live.”  It almost breaks my heart to think of those words.  She was sick eleven months before she died from a dreadful cancer.  She was given all medical aid but it did her no good, and she was not willing to be operated on.  I believe with all my hart that she is well now.  I had a dream.  She told me in my dream that she was well now. Brothers, if any of you want to see mother again you will have to close in with the offered mercies of God before it is too late.
Written by her heart-broken daughter, Arizona Slone

Stumbo, Tom- The great God of Heaven has bless me with this privilege and I have been requested by the children to write an obituary of their dear father, Tom Stumbo, who was also my brother.  I will try to write a short sketch of the Christian life of our dear beloved brother. He was a member of the Old Beaver Church of Old Regular Baptists, having belonged to same for several years.  He was a strong believer in the doctrine of free salvation by grace.  He was faithful to fell his seat in the church.  He loved to hear the sweet songs of Zion, but, O, the sad night of April 5, 1933, rolled around.  Then death preyed upon our dear brother and took him away to the great beyond.  He had nine children but three preceded him in death as did his good Christian wife, Iziebell. He leaves six children, one brother, four sisters and many friends to mourn his loss.  Brother Tom was seized with heart failure at Betsy Layne and was taken to Martin Hospital but lived only a few moments. He often visited my home.  His whole mind seemed to be placed on Heaven and Heavenly things.  Oh, How we miss him in our homes and also in our church houses.  When we met to worship and sing praises to God, I can almost see him in imagination with tears running down his cheeks.  So I will say to Brother Tom’s children, “Your good father is gone from you, never to be back any more.  But I believe his suffering is all over and his soul is at rest with God, his loving wife and children who have been gone so long.” Now what have you decided to do?  If you intend to try to meet your father and mother in Heaven, it is time you are making peace with your God.  So I will say to Sister Virgie, “Hold out faithfully.  I believe you will see papa and mama again.” Brother Tom was 75 years and 27 days old at death.  His body was placed in the family graveyard at his home to await that great trumpet sound, that will awake the sleeping dead.  Then, I believe, Brother Tom and Sister Iziebell will arise.  Their bodies will be like Christ’s glorious body. I will close for fear I make this piece too long.  May the Lord bless all his children and may they try to prepare to meet their father in Heaven.  I will say to the four sisters who have not professed a hope, “Close in with the offered mercies of God.  Let us try to meet brother again.”   Written by his fleshly brother and also his brother in hope. Morgan Stumbo

Turner, Joel- With sad feelings and hoping to be guided by God’s Holy Spirit, I will try to write a short sketch of a dear old brother in the Lord, to-wit: Joel Turner.  He was born January 1, 1859, age 74 years, 8 months and 5 days. He was married to Margarette Coburn about the year of 1879.  To this union were born 7 children, three girls and four boys.  All are living but one.  Brother Turner joined the Old Regular Baptist Church in the year of 1921.  He was baptized by Elder M. M. Chaffins.  He lived a faithful Christian life until death which occurred September 6, 1933.  He always tried to go to church.  Being a poor man he had to work hard for a living. He had a stroke of paralysis and lived only a short time afterwards.  I want to say a few words to his wicked children, “If you want to see your father anymore you must repent this side of the grave, because when the grave gets your bodies you are then out of the reach of mercy.” I have no doubt that your father’s soul is at rest.  His body is going back to the mother dust waiting for that great rising day of the saints when they shall come from their graves.  There will be no afflicted bodies there, neither will the saints be poor there, but they will be well and have all things in plenty.  Brother Joel will not be worried nor troubled there, but will be happy and satisfied.  The rich can not say to him anymore, “Mr. Turner, you will have to go without food, the mines will not run tomorrow. “ But he is at rest from all his labor.  So children, don’t think that you can go on in your sins and see father again.  You must be born again.  Unless you die dead to the love of sin, where Brother Joel and his God is, you never can go. So I would like to hear of all Brother Joel’s children falling out with sin and turning to the Lord.  So I will stop while I think of myself.  I Beg to be pardoned for any mistakes.  Written by his little brother in hope,   F. C. Collins  
 

Wicker, Cola- Cola Wicker, a son of Rob and Virgie Wicker, was born January 12, 1914, age 19 years and 3 months.  As a boy he was more than the ordinary or average boy of today in being obedient to his parents. Although he was yet young, he loved and respected Christian people.  He was almost ready for high school training, and sad to think that in spite of all that father and mother could do, he had to surrender to the roll call of death and be numbered with the pale nations of the dead.  His lifeless body was carried and placed in the grave made and prepared to receive it.  There he lies amidst a little grove of pine trees that wave over his grave. Oh, how sad and lonesome it is to father and mother when they go on that little hill and think of little Cola being the first to settle there; to remain until the great judgment day of the Lord, when the voice of the Lord will awaken that body and bring it from the grave and change it from natural to spiritual.  We believe that when his natural life was ended here on earth that his soul returned to God who gave it to him. He told his mother that he prayed to God to forgive him for drinking whiskey an that he did not want it in his sight nor suffer it rubbed on his body.  He was so concerned about his soul that music failed to cheer him.  He told his papa not to cry because he had a better home to go to than the one he was leaving. He told his sister, Minnie, that he could not live long without a great change and said to Elezra, “Isn’t it awful that I have to die.”  She said, “Yes, but there is a better home awaiting you.”  He said, “I know it.”  He said to his mother, “Don’t worry, you look worse than I do.”  He prayed for the Lord to raise him from his bed and to save his soul and he asked them to sing a song, and he sang, “I am Walking the Golden Valley to Canaan’s Land.”  He said he wanted to buy his papa a ticket and he wanted his brother, Hager, to follow the train.  His mother was praying in secret hoping to hear him mention something about those who had died and gone on before him and at that moment his last words were, “I’ll meet them, I’ll meet them.”  His papa said, “Meet who, Cola?”  And he said, “my little sister.” So his earthly task is over and was short but we believe it was well finished.  So I will tell Rob and Sister Virgie to weep not for little Cola, but weep for yourselves and for those of your children who are yet to die. May the Lord help you raise them and train them in the way they should go.  And may the blessings of Heaven and the sweet influence of His Spirit guide and direct you through this troublesome world until death.  Is my prayer,  J. C. Mosley