THORNTON UNION ASSOCIATION
Old Regular Baptist of Jesus Christ
Held With
The Little Blair Branch Church
Isom, Letcher County Kentucky
August 15,16,17 1969

OBITUARIES

Provided by Peggy Mullins Brock

Amburgey, John Wesley, Sr.-And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life which bare twelve manner of fruits and yielded her fruit every month, and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no night there: and they need no candle. neither light of the sun: for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever. John Wesley Amburgey, Sr.. the son of Wiley Frances Amburgey and Nancy Thomas Amburgey was born May 3, 1892 and passed from this life June 3, 1969 making his stay on earth 77 years and one month. He had been a hard working man and was a foreman in the mines the most of his life but he worked hard and wanted to educate his children and make their life a little easier for them than it had been for him and with his sights set high he did just that and the Lord blessed him to live a good long and useful life which he spent mostly here in Letcher. That is the home that we are striving for and that is the home that Uncle Wes pitched his tent toward years and years ago and was striving to enter lo these many years. Years ago after the passing of one of his children he felt the need of a Saviour and prayed to God and felt that he had pardoned his sins and set his feet on the Rock of eternal ages so he attached himself to the Thornton Church" He was a faithful member and was a Deacon for years and filled his seat with honor and worked for the up-building of the Kingdom of God. We feel that he is eating of this fruit of the Tree of Life and drinking of that— Fountain from the Throne of God. Early in life he was married to Carrie Hammonds Amburgey and to this union were born six children and five are still living. They lived a happy devoted life together and were always in the Church doing their share to help the Cause. Eight years ago they were separated by death and Aunt Carrie answered the call that we ail have to make and went on to her reward and to be with her loved ones in that City of Peace. Later he was married to Elma Breeding and they lived a happy life together and now death has separated them. He leaves to mourn his passing his companion Elma Breeding Amburgey; three daughters: Mrs. Alma Nycum, Edison, N. J., Mrs. Edra Estes, Somerset, Ky., and Mrs. Emma Jean Reed, Crittenden, Ky.; two sons: Glennis A. Amburgey of Fort Lauderdale, Fla. and J. W. Amburgey, Jr. of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; 11 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Cindy Taylor, besides a host of friends and relations.
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for Me!
And may there be no moaning at the bar:
When I put out to sea.
For though from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear, me far
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar
There's an open gate
at the end of the road Through which each must go alone
And there is a light we cannot see Our Father claims his own,
Beyond the gate our loved one Find happiness and rest
And there is comfort In the thought
That a loving God knows best.

Back, Fred -son of John and Lucy Ann Sutton Back was born February 28, 1882 in Magoffin County, Kentucky died July 16, 1969. He was 87 years old at time of death and was a lifetime resident of Seitz, Kentucky. He was a grandson of Isaac and Polly Back and Polly Boiling Back and great grandson of Jerry and Providence Short Boiling from Wise County, Va. He was married to Jane Rowe in 1'902 and to this union were born the following children: Estill and Leslie Back, Martha Hazens, Bessie Roark, Bessie Montgomery, Ethel Montgomery, Tressie Risner and Ida Minudeo. He leaves two brothers, Marlin and Edd Back. Three, years ago Fred and his wife Jane professed a hope in Christ and were baptized by their grandson, Clayton Montgomery and several other brothers, who helped carry them into the water in the presence of many of their friends. This was a day that will be long remembered by all who were present. After this, church was held in his home many times by different brethren and he would rejoice during church and speak of his bright home in Heaven. The last meeting held for him was in May and oh, how he rejoiced through that meeting! His membership was with Redeemed Church. He was buried in Breathitt County at the Daley Roark Cemetery. We hope to meet Fred again where he will, not be afflicted and his hands all crippled and full of pain. We trust his children and grand children will all prepare to meet him where parting cannot come.

Caudill, Silas-With much sadness and undying memories, I will try to write this obituary of my dad. Silas Caudill was born Nov. 16, 1883 departed this life "March 11, 1968. Making his stay here in this life 84 years 3 months and 25 days. Silas was the son of the late Levi and Charity Ingram Caudill of Letcher County, Ky. Early in life he was married to Nancy Caudill and to this union was born 4 sons and 7 daughters. Mother, two sons and three daughters preceded him in death several years ago. Later on in life he was married to Alafair Cox with whom he lived happily until again God saw fit to take another companion which left him sick and lonely for the short while he lived. About forty years ago Dad joined and was baptized into the Old Regular Baptist Church where he was a faithful member and attended regularly as long as he was able. He leaves to mourn his loss, Sons Hiram of Nicholasville, Ky., Raymond of Waynesburg, Ky., Paul of Franklin, Ohio, Daughters, Myrtle Branson and Hermia Coomer both of Waynesburg, Ky., Carmia Adams of Whitesburg, Ky., Vera Ray of Lancaster, Ky., Cuma Phillips of Elwood, Ind. There is no way that I can express my feelings with words when I think of the hardships, sorrow and suffering he went through while trying to raise his family and the sorrow he went through as he had to give up his loved ones. Many times in my mind I can see Dad sitting on his porch and greeting us with a kind and welcoming smile when we would visit him. He fought the fight, he kept the faith until the end and now I feel that he has received his crown of Righteousness that is laid up for him and for all who believe as he did in our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. I feel that our loss here is Heavens gain. By a son, Hiram Caudill

Cornett, Verlon - entered eternal life Tuesday, May 27, 1969 at 6:45 a.m. He was born at Blackey, Kentucky, the 4th of 12 children of Arch and Artie Back Cornett on June 8, 1918. Verlon was dearly loved by his family and friends and has always been a leader in his family. On May 15, 1953, Verlon was joined in Holy matrimony to Freda Roof. To this union was born twin sons, Donald Ray and Ronald Lee and one daughter, Vernita Jean. He joined the Regular Baptist Church in 1953 and was ordained a minister in 1954. Verlon's father, Arch Cornett, preceded him in death in 1965. Left to mourn his loss are his children, Donald, Ronald and Jeanie that he loved so much; his wife, Freda, that stood by him so closely during his sickness; his mother, Artie Cornett; his sisters, Eunice Bates, Avis Stewart and Mildred Strunk; his brothers, Varge, Emil, Vance, Lilly Blaine, Cleo, Clell, Dean, and Elwood; as well as a host of other friends and relatives. Our loss is Heaven's gain. Yes, "weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning." Written by his family.

Craft, Charlie-He was the one that Charlie could lean on in the hours of his suffering. Charlie Craft the son of Willie M. and Minnie Collins Craft was born Nov. 11, 1911 and passed from this life on June 20, 1969. The years of his pilgrimage here in this low ground of sorrow was 57 yeas 7months and 9 days as Jacob said to Pharaoh few and evil have the days of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in their pilgrimage. Years ago he was married to Elma Morgan and they lived a very close and happy life together. They never had any children and were very close together. Charlie had been sick for a long time but for the last few months he had been very sick and Elma answered his every call and took such good care of him. He was a member of the Thornton Regular Baptist Church Mayking, Kentucky. He loved his Church but due to his sickness he was not able to be at Church 'as much as he wanted to be. He leaves to mourn his passing his companion, two sisters: Hettie Morgan of Isom, Ky., and Cordia Williams of Indianapolis, Ind.; Three brothers: Jasper Craft of Cincinnati, Bennie Craft and Willie Craft, Jr., Colson, Ky., besides a host of friends and relations.

Craft, Joseph C. - was the son of Nelson Craft and Julia Parks Craft. He was born January 19, 1904 and passed from this life in the St. Joseph Hospital in Lexington, Kentucky January 12, 1969. He lacked seven days living until his 65th birthday. He grew up at Mallie in Knott County, Kentucky. For several years he worked for Meem Haskins Coal Company on Montgomery Creek in Perry County. While working here, as a young man he married Minnie Sparkman. They were blest with one daughter Mrs. James Cartmell Jr. of Lexington, Kentucky. Along with Minnie, his loving and faithful companion and his precious daughter he also leaves one brother, Mayo Craft, Hindman, Ky., and one sister, Mrs. Reuben Short, Hind-man, Ky., and two grandchildren, Joey and Delphine. After leaving the mining industry he moved to Versailles, Ken-lucky owned and operated a tobacco farm for a time. He then moved to Lexington, Kentucky where he was employed at Avon by the Federal Government for many years. His health became such that he had to retire early. He spent the latter years of his life at his home at 2490 Tulsa Drive in Lexington. Minnie, along with the medical profession gave him the best attention and care that human hands could afford, yet the call, which we shall all hear, came to Joe, and friends, loved ones, and medical science all had to bow to the will of the one who "Doeth All Things Well." During the latter part of June 1966 Brother Charlie Cornett called on Joe in the hospital. At that time Joe told a wonderful experience of grace through faith and expressed a desire to unite with Little Samuel Memorial Regular Baptist Church and come to Lothair and be baptized when he became able. This privilege was never afforded him although he lived to enjoy his salvation and praise his master for over two years before the final call came. We feel that Joe has passed from a world of suffering and sorrow into a land of eternal joy. Minnie and Madge

Craft, Willie M. - the son of Wiley J. Craft and Arminda Richmond Craft was born November 9, 1881 and passed from this life December 1, 1968, making his stay on earth 87 years and 21 days. Early in life he was married to Minnie Collins. They lived a happy devoted life together until she passed away a few years ago. To this union were born 9 children. Six of them are still living. After his first wife passed away he married Ellen Short "Marcum and they have spent an enjoyable and happy life together. They were both united with the Thornton Church and always enjoyed filling their seats in the church. He enjoyed rearing the preaching and singing and the fellowship in the Church. The scriptures in the beginning of this obituary were from the pages that he read in his Bible the night before he passed 'away. His old Bible had been marked and read and reread and lined and read again. He must have read it through time and again because there doesn't seem to be a page but what has some marks and lines under the lines. What great consolation is this Book and what consolation it is that one has passed on has left the hope and-d has bourne the fruit to show that they believed those promises and were standing on them even down to the last moments of his life. He was dying in the promises that he was going to rise victorious over the grave and over death. The children and the step-children have nothing to worry about as far as Uncle Willie is concerned. He lived the life so don't weep for him but rather weep for yourselves and your children. He loved his children and he loved his wife's children. It grieved him so when they come to see him and they had to leave he missed them so much. His sorrows have turned to joy and he is sleeping the sweet peaceful sleep of a Child of God. He leaves to mourn his passing his companion, Sister Ellen; his children; Mrs. Hettie Morgan of Isom, Ky., Mrs. Cordia Williams of Indianapolis, Ind., Charlie Craft of Columbus, Ind., Jasper Craft of Cincinnati, Ohio, Ben Craft of Colson, Ky., and Willie Craft, Jr., of Democrat, Ky., his step-children whom he loved with all of his heart, Glenn Marcum of Seymour, Ind., Mrs. Francis Friend of Seymour, Ind., and Sam Marcum of Baton Rouge, La. One sister, Annie Caudill and two brothers; Bert and Lee, 14 grandchildren and 22 great grand-children besides a host of friends and relations. He will be missed in the home, in the neighborhood, in his church, but our loss is heavens gain.
There comes a time for all of us
When we must say good-bye
But faith and hope and love and trust
Can never, never never die
Although the curtain falls at last
Is there a cause to grieve
The future's fairer than the past
If only we believe
And trust in God's eternal care
So when the Master calls,
Let's say that life is still more fair
Although the curtain falls.

Frazier, Henry Vincent - entered Eternal Life Saturday, February 22, 1969 at the Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital, Harlan, Kentucky, after a long illness. He was the son of the late Stephen and Arminta Polly Frazier. He was born July 28, 1902, being 66 years, 6 months and 24 days of age at the time of his passing. He is survived by his wife, Mattie Back Frazier and one son, Stephen Frazier, Premium, Kentucky. Also surviving are three sisters: Mrs. Odessa Cockrell, Fair-born, Ohio, "Mrs. Allie Gilley, Premium, Kentucky and Mrs. Belvie Adams, Van, Ky., and Three Grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Why do we mourn departing friends? Or shake at death's alarm? Tis but the voice that Jesus sends, To call them to his Arms.

Frazier, Hiram- passed from this life Friday, April 18, 1968 in the Whitesburg Appalachian Regional Hospital, Whitesburg, Ky. He was the son of the late Monroe and Sally Whitaker Frazier and was born June 30, 1895 at Premium, Ky., being 72 years, seven months and 18 days of age at his death. He was married to Ellen Whitaker December 28, 1920. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Ellen Whitaker Frazier and one sister, Mrs. Minnie Eldridge of Lawrenceburg, Ind. Hiram was a retired farmer, a veteran of World War I and a member of the V. F. W. Post 5829, Whitesburg, Ky.

Frazier, Mary -the daughter of Bo and Nancy Frazier was born August 28, 1881 and passed from this life December 5, 1968, making her stay on this earth 87 years, 3 months and 8 days. Early in life she was married to Shade Frazier and to this «union were born 10 children, 3 of them having preceded her in death—Arlie, Verna and Lora. Many long years ago she and her husband joined the Thornton Church at Mayking, Ky., and they lived a long and happy life together in the church. They took their letter to the Little Colly Regular Baptist Church in order to be in the arm that set up the G. Bennett Adams Memorial Church at Premium, Kentucky. They were ordained as deacons in this church and were always working and trying to help the church in some way to be a little better. So children don't grieve for mother and don't worry about her as her sorrows and heart aches are over and she is living the kind of life that the Bible promised to the children of God. Don't weep for her but rather weep for yourself and your mother. The trials, the tribulations, are all over and she is entered into the rest of God. She leaves to mourn her passing—one sister, Allie Fields; three brothers, D. D. Frazier, Johnny Frazier, Ira Frazier; seven children: Mrs. Rose Adams. Mrs. Nora Combs, Detroit, Mrs. Mae Whitaker, Jenkins; Orville Frazier, Lexington, Ky. Wise Frazier Webster, Ky.; Dona Moskal, Detroit, Mich.; and Shade Frazier of Connecticut—(16 grandchildren and 20 great grand-children besides a host of other friends and relations. She has been missed since she has been away, but her seat will be vacant in the church and her memory will linger on and on and on.Frazier, Talbert-With a sad and a lonely heart, I will attempt in my weakness, with the help of our Lord, to write the obituary of a young man that was very dear and close to me. Talbert Frazier, "Tab", as we knew and called him, was born into the family of Victor and Edna Bardett Frazier, Premium, Kentucky. "Tab" was born October 20, 1946 and Entered Eternal Life, Saturday, February 22, 1969 at Premium, Kentucky, making his stay here on this earth 22 years, 3 months and 7 days. "Tab" spent two years in the United States Army, one year with the Armed Forces in Vietnam where he was wounded in action and received the Purple Heart for his bravery in action under fire. It was only a (few short months, after "Tab's" return home from the war, when the tragedy struck that paralyzed his whole community along with the surrounding communities with the borrow at the news -of his .untimely death which was the results of carbon monoxide poison that came from the automobile he was driving. He is survived by one brother, Vernon Philip Frazier, Whitesburg, Kentucky, one sister Judith Frazier at home along with his parents and a host of other relatives and friends. Our loss is Heaven' gain is a true statement that I can not or will not doubt in my mind or heart and I hope and pray that his parents, brother and sister, along with other relatives and friends will make preparations to be united with "Tab" in that Great Mansion in the sky. Written by W. B. Gibson.

Frazier, Van B.-What a Wonderful thought for the children of God that they may sleep a .peaceful sleep and not be awakened until the Great1 Judgment Day. We were so glad of the wonderful conversations that we have had with Van in days gone by and how he had been, praying for the Lord to take care of him. He said years ago that he felt the Lord had pardoned him of his sins but he had his reasons for not attaching himself to /the Church. A few years ago when we decided to build the Church at Premium the writer talked to him about it and he said that he. would give the land on which to build it and he would help with the financing of it. He didn't want the writer to ask much for money and he said, let them give that wanted to give and he would take care of it. He said if the others would give work, he would give money and regardless of whether they belonged to the Church or not under his help I have never seen people more interested in giving and working on a Church. Years ago he was married to Oma Stamper and they lived a happy devoted life together. Be never married after she passed away and for the last few years he was interested in things eternal. Only the things that are done for Christ will last.

Hollyfield, Jeff, son of the late William Riley and Emma Cox Hollyfield, was born October 29, 1904 - deceased this life in the Jenkins Hospital June 13, 1969 - making his stay here on earth 64 years, seven months and 14 days. Early in life he met and married Pearl Hughes and to this union was born three children - William Farley of Johnson City, Tenn.; Lorene Friar of Chattanooga, Tenn.; and Jeff Jr. of Cleveland, Ohio. Pearl preceded him in death.On April 16, 1949 he was married to Essie Potter and they lived happy until death. He professed a hope in Christ and joined the McRoberts Regular Baptist Church in 1960 and lived a devoted Christian life until death.Surviving besides sister Essie are two sisters - Edna Vaughn and Lizzie Belcher of Payne Gap, Ky. He had one brother - Troy Hollyfield who preceded him in death. Jeff was a strong believer in Jesus Christ and in the Doctrine and loved his church. He was a good husband and always loved and cherished "his home. The church has lost one of its best members, and sister Essie a good husband, the children a good father and the County a good citizen. Yet we feel like our loss is Heaven's Gain. We can only say sleep on Brother Jeff. We will soon see and be with you over in your new home - where there will be no more trouble and all will be peace and love and joy in your New Home. May the Good Spirit of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, and Remember to prepare to meet Father and loved ones over in the Glory Land.

Polly, John - was born March 28, 1903 at Kona, Ky. He departed this life on Friday, July 25, 1969 in the Whitesburg Regional Hospital about 3:45 p.m. at the age of 66 years 3 months and 27 days. John was the son of the late Henry and Frances Maggard Polly Hall. On Dec. 18, 1925 he was married to Lillie Kincer and to this union were born three children. Surviving him are his wife Lillie, one daughter, Irene Tolliver, Indianapolis, In . and two sons Clyde of Neon, Ky. and Keith of Kona, Ky. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Danny Tolliver serving with the U. S. Air Force and Michael Polly of Kona, Ky. and a multitude of relatives and friends. On December 25, 1938 he accepted the Lord and united with the Little Rock Regular Baptist Church at Kona on the same day he followed the Lord in baptism. He always read his Bible and followed the Lord faithfully. He was always faithful to his church. He trusted the Lord in all things. He was in the hospital about 2 weeks before his passing, and knowing he was very sick he never had any fear. He was faithful until the end. As a close family, we love him and miss him but we know God knows best and called him home to glory. All who knew him, admired and loved him, our loss is Heaven's gain.
Sunset and evening star
And one clear call for me!
And may there be No moaning at the bar,
When I put out to sea.
For though from out Our bourne of time and place
The flood may bear me far
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.

Wright, Maxie -After years of suffering and months spent in hospitals, Maxie Wright passed away at the Appalachian Regional Hospital, Whites-burg, Kentucky, February 18, 1969. She was born July 5, 1911, at Puncheon, Knott County, Kentucky, daughter of Marion and Mary Franklin Blair. She was the beloved wife of Nick Wright and the mother of the following children: Shirley Hall, Louisville, Kentucky; Remus R. Pratt, Whitesburg, Kentucky; Loraine Collins, Whitesburg, Kentucky; Inez Collins, Louisville, Kentucky; Comey Wright, Mayking, Kentucky; and Ritter Margaret Lucas, Whitesburg, Kentucky. Maxie joined the Little Rock Church of Old Regular Baptist, Kona, Kentucky, April 30, 1946. She remained a faithful member to the end. She was always thoughtful of others. Even in her last illness, she would have members of her family to go see how Uncle Willie Dixon rested. He passed away four days after she did. Also Mrs. Sarah Adams who was also suffering from a malignancy. She passed away two days following Maxie's death. During her last stay in Saint Joseph Hospital at Louisville, she wrote the following letter to her husband and family: August 10, 1968 Don't Worry. Dear Husband, Children, grandbabies, brothers, sisters, all my wonderful friends, brothers and sisters in the church, dad and all my brother and sister-in-laws. I guess when you are in the hospital your family and friends mean so much to you and all your loved ones. I have received so many beautiful cards and I think everyone knows how I love them, and above everything how sweet Jesus gave his live that we may never die, just pass over the beautiful river. And knowing he calms the waves and makes the way beautiful. With all the suffering we may do here he paid it all for us. That by just crossing the tide he calms the waves. Tell all my friends and brothers and sisters in the church to pray for peace and that some day our suffering will be over. Tell everyone how I love to read my pretty cards and how much they mean to me. Tell all my neighbors hello and may sweet Jesus keep them all well. Do hope Sister Fields is resting, let me hear from her. Children I want you all to be good to each other and trust in a Saviour that will keep you through each day. May God bless all my little grandbabies and bring them up in the good way. I don't have to tell you all how much I love you and how I know you love me, but above everything how sweet Jesus loves us all. Nick honey, if I don't make it back home you know what I want done. If it is God's will I will be back. If he is ready for me I will just cross the bar. Tell Brother David Morrow I got his card and how much it means to know people care. Don't you all worry about me. May God take care of you all and tell my little grandbabies Granny misses them. I love you all. A Wife, Mother and Granny On the back she had written: "Brother David Adams and his son just come by to see me. Said Sister Tina was feeling very well. So good to know someone cares." Maxie left her home February 14, 1969 for the last time. She entered the hospital and remained until the end came February 18, 1969. On Sunday February 16, 1969 while talking to her husband, and both realizing that their earthy parting was near, some of the things she said: "The Lord has been good to you and me. Remember nine years ago when I was so ill, and my life hung in the balance, and we had Comey, Ritter Margaret, and Inez at home. Now they all have homes of their own." We bath gave our thanks to our Dear Lord for his goodness to us in good and bad times during almost 27 years together. While the snow was falling outside, and only the two of us together, we both felt the peace of knowing that this life was not the end for us. Since she has gone, I have been like a ship without an anchor. I pray when the few days left for me, that I can go into the great beyond with the same faith and trust she did. Since this is getting rather lengthy I will have to close. I want to offer my humble thanks to our neighbors who brought food and prepared it for our relatives and friends who came from a distance and tried their best to assuage our grief. I would like to mention each one by name, but they are too numerous. After the funeral I was looking through her billfold and found a card with the following printed on it (which to me exemplifies her life):