THORNTON UNION ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Letcher County Kentucky
August 1959

OBITUARIES

Blair, Solomon R. - was born into the home of Ben and Mary Eldridge Blair on December 27, 1900, and departed this life June 26, 1959, being 58 years, 6 months and 29 days old. He was one of a family of ten children, two of whom died in infancy. Early in life Sol met and married Norah Caudill of Blackey, Kentucky, and to this union was born four boys and one girl, Fess O. Blair, Rex Blair, and James Blair of Cleveland, Ohio; Leon Blair, now in the U. S. Navy, and Marion Estiel Blair Day of Jeremiah, Kentucky. He leaves behind to mourn his going, a devoted wife and companion, five children, eleven grandchildren, and two sisters, Millie Blair Williams, and Katie Blair Griffie, and two brothers, Walter and B. F. Blair. Sol was a devoted husband and father, a good neighbor and one who had hosts of friends. Some five years ago he told his wife and friends his experience of grace and of how he felt that some day he would go home to live with God, forever. His often quoted statement was "I wouldn't give my hope in Christ for ten worlds like this. "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away," and we feel that our loss is Heaven's gain. To know him was to love him.

Brown, James H. "Uncle Jim" -And the King said unto his servants, know ye not that there is a great man fallen this day in Israel? So it was when Uncle Jim passed away. He was not great in this world's knowledge but great in wisdom; he was not great in this world's power but great in the power of God; he was not great in this world's riches but great in the riches of God; he was not great in the things of this world but great in the things of God. Uncle Jim was born October 5, 1864, on Cumberland River, the son of Billy and Letishia Day Brown. Early in life he was married to Jane Stoute and to this union was born three girls, Nora, deceased; Letishia Dixon of Ulvah; Flora Whitaker of Blackey. After the passing of his first wife he was married to Sallie Dixon and to this union were born Orber of Paintsville; Emma, deceased; Stella Collins of Ulvah; Wendell, Wayne, Jack and Ray of Ulvah, Ky.; Ralph of Williamsburg, Va.; Lovell Caudill of Ulvah; Mary Carr of Wichita, Kansas, and Edna-deceased.. He leaves to mourn his passing one brother, Dave; aunt Sallie, his children, fifty four grandchildren and seventy one great-grandchildren and seventeen great-great grandchildren. He had been blessed to live to the age of ninety four years, nine months, and twenty-seven days. Of these years he spent thirty-seven as a member of the Regular Baptist Church. He was a devoted member and always enjoyed going to church and filling his seat. He and his companion joined and were baptized at the same time into the fellowship of the Old Indian Bottom Church. He became a member of the Free and Accepted Masons in the year 1892 and was a charter member of the Lodge at Whites-burg, Ky. He was one of the oldest members in the State of Kentucky, having been a member for sixty-seven years. He lived his obligation to always be a help to his fellow man. The writer has heard him tell about going to the Old Oven Fork Church as far back as he could remember, even back to the age of four when he would ride behind his mother on the old horse or mule and go to the Oven Fork Church. There amid the shouting and rejoicing of the old timers it made an impression on him that lingered with him all through life. As he lay on his bed the last conversation that he was wont to make he wondered why the whole world couldn't see the necessity of serving the Lord. He so wanted his children and his neighbors to be children of God and be ready when the summons came to answer it in peace with the world and above all in peace with God. How he loved to fill his seat in the Church, how he loved to hear the old songs of "It will open wide" and "Every moment brings me nearer" and how he loved to hear the preaching of the gospel. These were the things that made him great in the sight of the Lord and in so doing made him great in Israel. So with peace in his heart and with his Redeemer on his mind he slipped into eternity on August 1, 1959.
Written by his nephew, Raymond Collins

Caudill, Fannie Lee-This obituary was prepared by Sister Fanny herself many years ago. She spent the last fifteen years of her life in our home and made her church home in the Redeemed Church. Though she was blind, she never missed a church meeting at the Redeemed. Later she became a member. Sister Fanny lived her religion every day. Her voice could be heard in our home so many times while she was knelt in prayer to her God. The echo of that sweet voice still is ringing in and around our home and church. She believed and practiced. She believed and practiced the old time heart-felt religion that causes people to love and respect each other. She was not ashamed to be called an old time Baptist for she loved their old time songs, preaching, and shouting. Her old seat at the Redeemed Church looks lonesome to everyone who visited that church and how we miss her sweet Christian conversations and we miss leading her to church so much, but we feel ! that she is being led by the great Shepherd of His flock to pastures, that are always flourishing.
A dear friend, Wardie Craft
I was born August 15, 1892, too blind to read a word. However, the Lord blessed me with enough eyesight to take care of myself until I was 24 years old. At that time, for some purpose best known to God, I entirely lost my eyesight and daylight was like night to me. I had a loving Mother until I was 14 years of age. It was through the mercies of the Lord that Mother was called home. I shall always remember her dying hours when she called me to her bedside and took me by the hand. She told us to be good children and to prepare to meet her in heaven. She said she could see her Saviour and all the bright angels around her. It was at that time that I was made to realize my lost condition. I knew without being born in Christ I could never go to Mother. I thought from time to time that I would try to pray but something would tell me that I was too young and that someone would laugh at me. Then July 1910 the Lord moved into my life. I had to die dead to sin and became willing for the Lord's will to be done. I was about 18 years of age when I was born of the Spirit of God. Then my spiritual eyes were opened and I was so happy. In imagination I could almost view that heavenly home that God had prepared for his people. I joined the Union Church of Jesus Christ, known as the United Baptist Church of the Blaine Union Association and was baptized at the hands of Elder Wesley Cox. Since that time the good brothers and sisters and many friends have led and taken care of me in this life. The Lord is leading and directing my heart and mind. He never forsakes His children and everly watches over the righteous. In the year 1917 I moved my membership by letter to the Poplar Spring Church in Rowan County. The only place I can feel at home in this world is in the Baptist Church with the family of God. There is nothing for me to want to live for in this world. I just want the Lord's will be done. When I get lifted up and carried away in the spirit I would be glad to see my Saviour coming in the clouds. As I grow older I become stronger and firmer in the Lord and enjoy the blessings of God more every day. By the help of the Lord I want to live in such a way that the sinning class of people will see my life and be influenced by it. Most all of my friends according to the ties of nature have outstripped me in the narrow lane of life, and have gone on to their eternal home. I am going to meet everyone of them, who have died with that humble hope where there will be no more separation and good-byes. Naturally speaking, I have no home in this world. The glorious thought is that there is a home waiting for me, where there will be no blind ones. I am deprived of the privilege of seeing flowers and beauties of this world. I sit around while my many friends are at work listening to the birds singing and flying through the air. Nothing seems to worry their minds. They remind me of the angels in heaven where all will be joy. My request is, after death my funeral be preached by the good Brethren who are sound in the faith and doctrine. I want the old time hymns sung over my dead body and laid in the cemetery nearest the church just with my friends. About the flowers on my grave, I want my flowers sowed while I am living, by helping me to go to church and getting through this life. It is a choice of mine if the Lord provides a way that I always be among the good Brethren and Sisters in the Lord what time I live. If I fail to be there, my heart and mind are there. Jesus is everly with me wherever I may be. (Signed) Fannie Lee Caudill Sharkey, Ky.

Frazier, Louisa-The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away and so it was the life of Aunt Louisa Frazier on July 24, 1958.Louisa was given as a little babe into the home of John Callihan and Ritter Cornett Callihan on October 8, 1881, being 76 years and 9 months of age at the time of her passing. Early in life she met and married Bent Frazier. Ten children came to bless this home. Three of them preceded her in death: Tandy, Ella and Mae. She left seven children to mourn her passing, Boone Frazier, Whitesburg, Ky.; Blaine Frazier, Premium, Ky.; Nova Bailey, Hamilton, Ohio; Bonnie Barnett, Hazard, Ky.; Glenn Frazier, Littcarr, Ky.; Gay Frazier and June Breeding, Isom, Ky. She also left a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and one sister, Mattie Boggs, Crossville, Tenn. It can truthfully be said no better woman ever lived a more humble life. She spent most of her life at home working and raising her children. She did everything possible to make a happy home for us. Seven years ago in May, 1952, she became a member of Little Colly Regular Baptist Church, later moving her membership to G. Bennett Adams Memorial Church, near her home. She became ill on Dec. 30, 1957, and she was so patient and kind throughout her sickness. We feel that she has inherited one of these mansions she so often talked about and the angels came and took her soul to rest. May we children live as good and humble life as our sweet Mother and prepare to meet her in that city of peace and happiness. So, sleep on, Mother, sleep on. We know you are in the arms of Jesus. We can hear you calling now for your children and our dear sweet Daddy to come over to that mansion you occupy and which will be large enough for us all.
Written by her daughter, Mrs. June F. Breeding Isom, Kentucky

Mitchell, Cornelia- was born November 29, 1877, deceased this life May 14, 1955, age 77 years, 5 months and 15 days. She was the daughter of Stephen and Millie Hogg. She was married to Jonah Mitchell March 28, 1894. To this union was born 13 children, five of whom preceded her in death. Eight are still living, three sons, Hiram and Isaac Mitchell of Roxana, Ky.; Chester Mitchell of Dayton, Ohio; and five daughters, Minnie Whitaker of Roxana, Ky.; Lucinda Shepard of Premium, Ky.; Matilda Isom and Ardelia Evans of Cumberland, Ky., and Lorcena Faye of Otiseo, Indiana. A host of grandchildren, relations and friends mourn her absence from this life. But we feel that she just finished the task that God assigned her and was called home by our Redeemer to live with those who serve the Lord forever. We wouldn't wish to recall her. Just sleep on, blessed Mother, in that heavenly slumber as we are striving to meet you in that happy morning, when the Redeemed come marching in. She was such a faithful servant, her life's journey was so closely confined to her God, her home and her church. Her unceasing effort and prayers for the Lord to bless the fruits of labor for her home, her family and her community. Her life's theme was to sow and to reap. The earliest memories we have of our Mother, she was a hard working pilgrim, "precious memories, precious memories, how they linger." What a guiding light for her flock to follow. She joined the Old Regular Baptist Church early in life. She was a strong believer and a strong contender in the faith and practice of her church. She attended Church regularly as long as she lived. She never seemed dismayed with the burdens of life that befell her. She met the storms of life without faltering. Always rejoicing and praying and praising God for the blessing of life and its findings.

Mitchell, Jonah-A member and a strong contender of the Old Regular Baptist Church, Jonah Mitchell, better known to everyone as "Uncle Jonah," passed from this life on Saturday morning, May 2, 1959. He was the son of the late Hiram and Lucinda Ison Mitchell and was born on June 4, 1870, being 88 years, 10 months and 28 days of age at his death. His beloved wife and faithful companion, Cornelia Hogg Mitchell, to whom he was married 61 years, preceded him in death on May 14, 1955. For the past four years, since her passing, Uncle Jonah has insisted on living alone in the home-place he and his wife shared so happily and contentedly together. It seems that although they were separated physically, spiritually they were never parted. Shortly before his death he told his daughter Cinda that he was ready to go to be with his loved one at God's calling; but he wanted to remain on earth until the Lord saw fit to take him, but he was ready to go anytime the summons came. He also told his daughter, Minnie, the day before his death, that she must come to see him as often as she could and not to stay away; he talked of death, and the life beyond and again of joining his loving wife soon in the land above. Uncle Jonah was never ill to be bed-fast. He was strong in body and in spirit. His word was his law; what he told you, you could depend on—honest, up-right and hard-working. He was a faithful, loving husband, a wonderful father and a loyal friend. His family and his friends were his life; he never failed them. Surviving him are three sons, Hiram and Isaac of Roxana; Chester of Dayton, Ohio; five daughters, Mrs. Lucinda Shepherd, Premium; Mrs. Minnie Whitaker, Roxana; Mrs. Larcena Faye, Indiana; Mrs. Matilda Ison and Mrs. Ardelia Evans, Cumberland; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and relatives. He was the last member of his father's family, his parents, two sisters and two brothers having preceded him in death. Also his wife and five children having passed on from this life. Uncle Jonah has finished his mission here on earth; God now (pages missing)

Rudd,  Golda Miller -was a member of the Redeemed Church. She was one of the first persons that I ever heard praise God's name, by shouting in the church house. She never failed to mention the Lord to both young and old. She was bed stricken with some kind of paralysis for about twenty-five years. When we would visit her she never failed to call for an old song and prayer before we left her home. She was a burning and a shining light to all her kindred and friends and as long as she could whisper she was praising the name of Jesus. We feel she is gone where pain and grief cannot come, but where her feeble shouts will change into eternal praises with the Heavenly Host in the City where shouting will never cease. We trust her faithful husband and children and friends will strive to meet her where they will never have to say good-bye.
Her cousin, Wardie Craft

Stacy, Sister Elfra -was born January 28, 1888 and died January 2, 1959.She was the daughter of "Lewis B. and Rhoda Day. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church at Lothair. She was a devoted Christian, a good wife and kind neigh bor. All who knew her loved her dearly. She was always ready to lend a helping hand. She is missed here I on earth, but our loss is Heaven's gain
Granddaughter, Blanche Stacy

Webb, Frances Catherine -daughter of the late Peter and Sarah Webb Spangler, was born July 13,. 1868, deceased or passed on to her great reward June 5, 1959, making her stay here on earth 90 years, 10 months and 22 days. On November 9, 1882, she was married to the late Nelson R. Webb, better known as Big Nelt Webb. To this union was born 10 children, five sons and five daughters. One son, William Washington, has gone to be with Jesus; he was killed in an accident in the coal mines. Nine still remain to mourn Mother's loss, to-wit: Four boys, John Harrison, of Mayking; M. L. Webb of May-king; Watson, of Shadyside, Ohio; Herbert of Titusville, Florida; five girls, Callie E. Webb of Neon, Ky.; Birdie Craft of May-king, Ky.; Polly Whitaker of Whitesburg, Ky.; Sabina Williams, Seymour, Ind., and Elsie Blair of Deputy, Ind. Also a number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. In the year 1939, Mother professed a hope in Christ and was baptized into fellowship of the Thornton Church by the late Elder G. Bennett Adams, and was a true and faithful member and a strong believer in Christ. We can only say sleep on, Mother, a few more days and we shall join you and Dad, and Brother Washington, to walk the Golden Streets of the New Jerusalem. Oh, Mother, how we miss you here; we cannot see you any more in the old rocker in the Thornton Church, nor in your room here, yet we are on our way to meet you in a better home. Yes, where the streets are made of gold, and there you will not have to suffer any more, no more death or separation. Our homes on earth, they are so lonesome- we will miss sweet Mother. May the blessings of God and the sweet communion and love and fellowship that Dad and Mother had be with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. And may they remember, the good counsel and advice that Mother and Dad gave them. May God bless you all, and we hope and pray that we will all meet together again before long, where we can sing and praise Sweet Jesus forever.
Your unworthy servant in the Lord, R. H. W.

Welch, William J.- was born in Scott County. Virginia, on August 7, 1870. Passed on to his great reward May 16, 1959, making his stay here on earth 88 years, 9 months and 9 days. In the year 1892 he was married to Ida B. Boiling, who was a true companion for nearly 67 years. To this union was born 10 children; five have gone on to be with Jesus, five still remain, to-wit: Henry and Earl, two boys, and three girls, Mrs. Tip James, Mrs. Homer Riddle, and Mrs. Bradley Gibson. Also remaining to mourn his loss are 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and a host of relatives and friends. In the year 1836 Dad professed a hope in Christ and was baptized into fellowship of the Little Zion Church by Elder J. C. Swirdall, and later in the year 1897 Dad was a charter member of the Mount Zion Church, and was a strong believer in Christ. He always enjoyed the company of God's people. He used to travel over these hills and mountains and it was never too cold or too hot for Dad to go. He was a wonderful sweet singer, and a strong believer in grace and free salvation to all people. Dad had been in declining health for about five years, yet he always enjoyed being with God's people. He bore his suffering with patience and we feel like our loss is Heaven's gain. We can only say, sleep on Dad, just a few more days and we shall join you and be with you again to walk the Golden, Streets of the New Jerusalem. Your room here is vacant. Yes, you had to say farewell, yet your room up there is better, and we are going to meet you up there. Yes, we feel it won't be long and we are on our way to meet you where there will be no death, or pain, or suffering. May the blessing of God and the sweet spirit which Dad had remain with his children and his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Our home on earth, it is so lonesome since Dad went away. Yet I hope by God's great mercy we will meet again some day. May God bless you all and hope and pray that we will all be together again before long.
Written by his broken-hearted son, R. H. Welch

Whitaker, Nellie - died at her home at Jeremiah, Ky., September 28, 1957. She was born May 1, 1889. being 68 years, four months and 28 days old. She was the daughter of the late Ben Blair and Mary Eldridge Blair. She was born on Blair's Branch and there she grew up to young womanhood and married Elijah Whitaker. To this union was born three children, Mrs. Mary Hampton of Blackey, Ky.; Mrs. Katie Whitaker of Jeremiah, Ky., and one child who died in infancy. She joined the Cedar Grove Regular Baptist Church about 24 years ago. There she was a faithful member until 1955. She came to the Blair's Branch Regular Baptist Church by recommendation. She loved to fill her seat when she was able and was a loving sister to all. She left to mourn her less seven grandchildren, three brothers and two sisters. Her husband preceded her in death January 28, 1956.Just before she passed away she said now the Lord is going to give me all He has promised me. He promised me a beautiful home and now He is giving it to me. We now feel that she is gone to live forever with the Lord whom she loved so much. Now I want to thank God for a Mother like her.
Written by her daughter, Mrs. Katie Whitaker