S. A. JACKSON
Brother S.A. Jackson died at Vick, Ark., March 11, 1912 after an illness of
several weeks. His youngest child, Janie, preceded him to heaven two weeks
and his oldest daughter, Mrs. Alva Jackson Clanton was buried the morning
he died. Brother Jackson was a devout member of the Methodist church. His
home was the preacher's home. He was one of our best Sunday s superintendents.
The school near his country home has continued eleven years. Many of the
preachers on the old Palestine circuit will read these lines with sadness,
for all of us have shared his liberality. His body, by the side of his loved
Janie awaits the resurrection in Palestine cemetery. He was a life long
member of Palestine church. There his presence as a member and helper will
be sadly missed. His earnest prayers will no longer be heard. The voice
silenced in the grave. May out God so help the heartbroken widow, three
sons and one daughter, to live that there may be an unbroken family in the
clime of endless day.
By: R. Spann
June 27, 1912 page 14 col 1 & 2 (Palestine Cem. Bradley Co)
SIS D. M. JOHNSON
Sister D.M. Johnson was born in Carrol Co., Tenn., Dec. 11, 1819; professed
religion and joined the M.E. Church in 1836; was married to Bro. Stephen
Johnson, January, 1841, and came with him to Dorsey co., Ark., in 1850,
where she has lived until called to her home above, Dec. 9th, 1884. The
writer made her acquaintance in 1871. When a stranger he went to that part
of Warren circuit and was received by Sister Johnson in her home with a
warm greeting as P.C. of the circuit. Many a weary itinerant has found a
place of rest and received encouragement by her kind hospitality and
cheering words. Sister Johnson has brought her children up to love the
Church and religion and they have become religious as they grew up to
maturity. She was a great sufferer in her protracted illness, but bore
her sufferings without a murmur and often gave positive assurance of her
confidence in her Savior--asked all the family to meet her in heaven.
She is at rest. Her bereaved companion is left to suffer a little longer.
He has the prayers of many ministers and brethren, who know him, that he
may be sustained and cheered to the end. The Master will soon say to him,
"Come up higher." I trust the children will all follow in the footsteps
of father, and all meet where separations never come.
By: G.W. Matthews
March 7, 1885 page 7 col 1 (Johnson Cem. Cleveland Co.)
STEPHEN JOHNSON
Stephen Johnson was born in Bedford Co., Tenn., October 25, 1811; moved
to West Tenn., 1823; professed religion and joined the M.E. Church 1825;
moved to Ark., 1851. In 1870 I was transferred to Little Rock Conference
and appointed to Warren circuit. He was a member of the Brushy Wood's
Church, living then where he remained until his death, one mile from the
crossing of the Moro at Darby's bridge. Four years ago I was returned to
New Edinburgh circuit; found Bro. Johnson living at the same home and his
membership still at Grace church, which was built in place of the former;
his health was then precarious and he grew gradually more feeble until
his death April 16, 1889. Bro. Johnson was a man of unblemished integrity
of character in his business transactions. Served his county as treasurer
with great fidelity for several years. He was diligent in business, fervent
in spirit, serving the Lord; was beloved by all who knew him. His daughter
writes that he passed away without talking especially about death; but he
always talked of the righteous and died his death; his works follow him.
He has joined his beloved companion above, and while his children miss him
they have but to follow him as he followed Christ to meet where parting is
no more. May they all have grace to comfort and cheer them while living,
and may they meet father and mother in the home above.
By: G.W. Matthews
June 12, 1889 page 7 col 2 (Johnson Cem. Cleveland Co)
ANNIE BELL JONES
Annie Bell Jones, died in Warren, Ark., Jan 15, 1888. She was born May 24th,
1875, and was converted and joined the M.E. Church, South, in October, 1886.
She was a very consistent Christian, and was very devoted to her Sunday
School and Church; always ready to go to the Sunday School. She delighted
in having good lessons and received a prize from her teacher for good
lessons at the close of last year. She was sick twelve days and suffered
greatly, yet she seemed to be happy. She said just before she died, she
was so happy. She told her father the angels had come for her and she
would have to go with them. She has gone with the angels. May God bless
the father and mother, brother and sisters, and help them to live so as
to meet Annie in Heaven.
By: J.A. Biggs
January 28, 1888 page 7 col 2
SAMUEL M. JONES
Died at his home in Warren, April 6, 1898, Samuel M. Jones, aged 52 years.
He was born in Alabama and came to Bradley county in 1871, and moved to
Warren in 1881. He was converted and joined the M.E. Church, South, at the
age of 16, and his walk here for the last seventeen years, as it was before,
had been upright and exemplary. He was the father of nine children, who,
together with relatives and many friends mourn their loss, but they rejoice
to know he is in heaven, and they can meet him in the sweet by and by, where
there will be no more death. A large congregation attended his funeral.
By: R.A. McClintock
April 27, 1898 page 13 col 1 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
SARAH J. JONES
Mrs. Sarah J. Jones, daughter of James L. and Isabella Murphy, was born
in South Carolina, Dec. 4, 1851. She was married to Samuel M. Jones, Jan.
23, 1873, and became the mother of eight children, whom she leaves with
her disconsolate husband to mourn their great loss. She was baptized in
infancy, was converted and joined the Church in 1866 or '67. She was a
good and faithful mother and wife and a consistent Christian. Her trust
in the Lord was constant and firm, always bearing her troubles and sorrows
with great patience and resignation and her last moments were in peace.
She had been a faithful member of the M.E. Church, South from the time
she joined to the day of her death, which occurred at her home in Warren,
Ark., Sept. 7, 1893. How sweet it is to sleep in Jesus after the storms
and trials of this fitful life are over. May the blessings of the gracious
God be upon the bereaved family and abide with them and all the kindred.
Look up, dear friends, with faith and hope, the happy meeting and joyful
greeting will be over there by and by.
By: Samuel N. Burns, Warren, Ark.
September 28, 1893 page 7 col 2 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
AMANDA M. KESTERSON
Another good woman has gone to her rest in the person of sister Amanda M.,
wife of Bro. M. M. Kesterson, of Dorsey Co., Ark. Our sister was converted
when young and from childhood till Dec. 8th, 1884, being about 44 years old,
she maintained a Christian character. Several points in her life were
peculiarly noticeable. One was, everything must yield to religious duty
and lively interest in the Church, in Lehi circuit, and especially in
Mt. Olivet church, where over the pulpit in that beautiful new church
hangs a most beautiful suspension lamp, as the personal gift of this
Christian woman, and far longer than that lamp shall light up that house
the light of her Christian character will relight the faith of those who
have known her. A husband and children and many friends mourn her loss,
but she is in heaven.
By: John F. Carr
January 17, 1885, page 7 col 2
PERMELIA KINARD
Permelia Kinard (nee Temple), daughter of T. F. and Catty Temple, was born
Sept. 1, 1881; professed religion and joined the M. E. Church South at New
Carmel five or six years ago, was married to William F. Kinard, April 7, 1902;
died Feb. 2, 1903. Her last sickness was of short duration, being unconscious
from the start. The father says no parent ever raised a child that was more
obedient, dutiful and respectful. She loved the family alter. When a child,
frequently at night would come to her father and say, "Papa, let's have prayer."
The bereaved husband is again left with his little motherless girl. Brother
and Sister Temple and children are looking up the home above, where six of
the family are waiting to welcome them. Heaven is richer and dearer and earth
poorer than ever before. Look up, dear, bereaved ones: the reunion will be
yours to last forever. Thank God for the hope of the resurrection.
By: J. H. Bradford
April 8, 1903 page 15 col 2
MRS. A. R. KING
Mrs. A. R. King (nee Douglass) died Friday, April 29, in south Warren. She
was born March 24, 1824 in Geoinnett (sic) county, Georgia. In her 18th year
she was married to Chas. D. King. After this they moved to Alabama; thence
they came to Arkansas in 1858. Sister King has lived near Lanark, in Bradley
county, ever since until a few months ago. Sister King joined the Methodist
church when she was ten years old, and was true to her vows through the
seventy years following. Two or three hours before her death, she told her
pastor all was well with her. She died well. She read her church paper,
only a few weeks ago renewing her subscription. She has reached the city
not built with hands, toward which she set her face in early childhood.
By: W. P. Whaley
May 18, 1904 page 15 col 1
ELIAS KING
Elias D. King was born in Guinette county, Ga., in 1818; joined the M. S.
Church, South in 1835; was married to Miss Amanda Douglass in 1841; moved
to Clark county, Ark., in 1858; then to Bradley County, Ark., in 1861,
from whence he ascended into glory June 5, 1898. Bro. King lived a true
and devoted Christian in the Methodist Church for sixty-one years. He
was strong, both physically and intellectually; he was a power. Bro.
King was a singing master, but seldom used a book in revivals; he was
able in prayer and had been an exhorter in our church for twenty long
years. He was a great revivalist. Many of the preachers and people of
Palestine circuit remember kindly the sweet songs, earnest prayers and
exhortations he has made in their meeting. Bro. King would pay as well
as pray. His home was his preacher's home; he was the preacher's friend
all the way. Nothing he had was too good for his preacher. We visited
him a few times this year before he died, and found him a cheerful and
devoted Christian, a patient sufferer, and a strong counselor, even in
his extreme old age. We preached his funeral on the third Sunday in
August at Spring Hill Church, to his loving wife and two daughters,
and a host of many friends, whose tears flowed freely in memory of him
whom we had learned to love and appreciate. We would say to the bereaved
family and friends, live faithful and we will soon meet our dear brother
where there shall be no more sorrow, crying, nor pain, and God shall
wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there shall be no more death.
By: S. W. Rainey, Simpson, Ark.
September 7, 1898 page 13 col 3 & 4
R. N. KOONCE
Died, at his home in Warren, Ark., June 6, 1899, R. N. Koonce, at
the age of seventy years. He was a native of Tennessee, but came
to this country in 1857, and settled in Warren, where he has
continued to live for over 40 years. He was an earnest, upright
Christian, and had been from the days of his youth; joined the
Methodist Church before he came to this country, and ever remained
within its pales a consistent member. He was a regular attendant
at church and prayer-meeting, and now we will miss him there. He
believed Methodism to be Christianity in great earnest, and he
was very solicitous for the welfare of his church. He thought
every member should take his church paper, and the Arkansas
Methodist and Christian Advocate were constant and welcome
visitors to his home. He was father of eleven children, four
of whom had preceded him to the better land. He leaves his
wife and seven children-three boys and four girls, and several
grandchildren who mourn their loss. He has educated his children
and trained them in the right way, and as a result they are
prepared for useful and honorable positions, and will "rise up
to call him blessed." He has fought a good fight, has kept the
faith, and has gained that inheritance that will never fade away.
To the bereaved family we would say, let us bow in submission to
him who doeth all things well.
By: R. A. McClintock
August 2, 1899 page 15 col 2 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
SIS. R. N. KOONCE
Mrs. R. M. (sic) Koonce, wife and widow of Richardson Koonce, of precious
memory, died at her home in Warren, Arkansas, Feb. 2, 1911. She was born
in Lafayette, Indiana, February 6, 1836. She was married to Richardson M.
Koonce at Greenwood, Mississippi, July 8, 1857. They came soon after to
Arkansas, settling in Warren, where she lived for more than fifty years.
When the Methodist church was first organized in Warren, she was a charted
member. She was not merely a consistent member, she was loyal, faithful,
zealous, exemplary. She was modest and unobtrusive, but cheerful, true
and devoutly religious. She was the mother of eleven children, sixteen
grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Happy children were they to
have such a mother. Caring for her children was a busy task for many long
years. Her domestic duty barred her from society, but her neighbors were
all her friends, as she was the friend of every one. I am glad to have
known and loved her and hope to meet her again.
By: J. H. Riggin
March 2, 1911 page 14 col 1 & 2 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
ALMEDA LANGSTON
Mrs. Almeda M. Langston was a daughter of Absolom and Mary Langston. She was born
in Union District, South Carolina, Aug. 27, 1855. Her father moved to this state
when she was seven years old. She was married to Mr. B.F. Langston on December
19, 1879. She could never give the date of her conversion, but from her earliest
recollections, loved and served her Savior. In 1883 she was baptized and received
into the M.E. Church, South, by Rev. J.J. Jenkins at Warren, Ark., where she held
her membership at the time of her death. She was strong in her convictions of what
was right and firm in her service to it. Quick to ? and brave to discharge every
duty, she was one of best church members, one on whom we could depend. She died
in peace at her home in Warren, March 29, 1892. Three of their children preceded
her to the better land. Nine are left, sorrowing, yet not comfortless. They have
the rich legacy of a Christian mother's love, the memory of her noble, unselfish
life, a member that will be a blessing to many others as well as her own home
circle. She prayed earnestly to be spared to her loved ones, yet was ready to go.
May God bless and guide them to her home above.
By: H. D. McKinnon
June 30, 1892 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
B. F. LANGSTON
B. F. Langston was born July 7, 1845, and died April 3, 1899. He had been
in declining health for more than a year and all that a kind family and
good physicians could do was done, yet he grew worse and on last Monday
he went out from us and has entered into rest. Bro. Langston was converted
and joined the M. E. Church, South, at the age of 21, and has ever since
been a lively and useful member of the same. He was our Sunday School
superintendent here at Warren, and attended regularly as long as he was
able and filled his place well. He has filled several offices here in his
county, and for the last eight years was county clerk. He was a good and
true man and had a host of friends. He loved the church and was always
ready and willing to support its institutions, and he was very much
devoted to his family. He was a cheerful disposition and looked at the
bright side of things. His faith was strong in God and his hope grew
brighter to the end. He suffered much the last few weeks but his sunshine
continued - - it was a benediction to visit. Our church and Sunday-school
sustain a great loss in his departure. A part of his family have preceded
him to the better land. He leaves a wife and seven children to mourn their
loss, but they sorrow not as those who have no hope, for they know where
he is - - may they all meet him in heaven. A very large congregation
attended his funeral Tuesday afternoon, and we laid his remains in the
new Warren cemetery to await the resurrection morn.
By: R. A. McClintock
May 31, 1899 page 13 col 2 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
SIS A. C. LEDBETTER
Sister A.C. Ledbetter passed from us to the heavenly world on December 13, 1922.
She was born January 4, 1841, and professed faith in Christ and joined the M. E.
Church South in 1861, at Camp Springs what was then the Warren Circuit, now the
Kingsland Circuit. She has been true to her church. Her life was one of sacrifice
and service to her God, her church and friends. She leaves two sons, one daughter
and a host of friends to mourn her loss. Her pastor conducted her funeral in the
Leaufrai Church. Her remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery.
By: C. J. Segers, Pastor
July 5, 1923 page 10 col 4
CHARLES LEWIS
Brother Charles Lewis died at his home in Union county July 6th, 1897. He
was born January 24th, 1816, in Chester district, South Carolina. He was
married to Mary Ann Chanceller, September 28, 1836, she having died in
1852; he then married Margaret McMillin, Nov., 7, 1856. Brother Lewis was
converted in early life, and joined the M.E. Church, South and remained a
consistent member all his life. He was licensed to exhort in 1850, and was
licensed to preach in 1858, at Warren, Bradley county, Ark. Brother Lewis
lived to the good old age of 82 years and six months; his body was consigned
to the tomb at Souls chapel, Brother J. M. Rodgers performing the funeral
ceremony. Brother Lewis had but a limited education, but what he lacked
in education he made up in faithful work, he was always at his post in the
Quarterly Conference, ready with his purse to respond to every call of the
Church for help in all cases of want. There was no man more true to his
cause than he. He served in the Indian war in Florida, in which he received
a severe wound for which he drew a pension until his death. Brother Lewis
was true to his preacher, always calling on him as soon as he arrived on
his work to find out what he needed first, and was sure to help as far as
his ability would allow.
By: O.F. Bolding, L.P. Lapile, Ark.
MARGARET CALLIE MARONEY
Mrs. Margaret Callie Maroney was born September 6, 1868, and died near
Jersey, Ark., July 7, 1903. We were hardly beginning to realize our great
loss in the demise of J.B. Watson, when death called again from our
membership this Christian spirit. Sister Maroney had been a member of
the church nearly two years, and though situated so she could not attend
often, her heart and prayers were with the Savior's cause, and for the
salvation of her husband and children. It seems very sad the calling
away of this mother from the training of her seven children, the youngest
an infant of a few months, but God will overrule all ? for good, and
make the good mother mean more to her family in heaven than she could
mean to them on earth. May her departure forge in sorrow a very strong
chain to bind her loved ones to God and heaven. Christ cannot deny
Himself. He lives and his gospel saves. This Christian mother and
daughter is not dead, her dear ones meet her again. Her husband to
whom she had been wedded nearly twenty years, and her mother have a
treasure as real as ever in the wife and daughter, and her children
the priceless heritage of the mother's life and character. May they
look not at the things that are seen, but the things that are unseen.
In sympathy:
By: John P. Taylor
October 21, 1903 page 15 col 1 (Shady Grove Cem. Jersey)
ANNIE MARTIN
Mrs. Annie Martin born at Moro Bay, Ark., Sept. 7, 1880 and died
suddenly at Pine Bluff, Ark. May 17, 1923. She was the daughter
of John B. Watson, deceased and Mrs. A. E. Watson, for years pillars
and supporters of the church in Bradley county. When a girl she was
a student at the Clary Training School, Fordyce. She was from
girlhood throughout her life of a most amiable disposition. Every
acquaintance she ever made as well as her intimate friends and
loved ones of her own home in girlhood and in married life bear
such testimony to her character. She professed Christianity in
youth and had many years been an acceptable member of the Southern
Methodist Church. All her pastors can, no doubt, testify to her
devotion and loyalty to her Savior. For years she never cared to
go anywhere except to minister to the sick and to church. Her
husband and children can say that wife and mother made their
home a very happy one. Her children are rich in the legacy of
her Christian character. Her work will continue by their living
out the high Christian ideals of Mother's teaching and life.
She was married by the writer to A. B. Martin, Dec. 29, 1901,
and was the mother of eight children, all living except one
that died when five weeks old. It is especially sad that her
young children should be deprived of Mother's tender care, but
may God lead her sorrowing husband and four boys and three
girls safe to His heavenly home. The mother awaits them there.
To them and to the surviving mother, four brothers and one sister,
the writer entreats that they live at our Redeemer'd feet until
He shall gather the family in unbroken reunion in heaven. There
we will understand better when "the day breaks and the clouds
flee away." In Sympathy.
By: Her Former Pastor
November 8, 1923 page 13 col 2 & 3
PRESTON MARTIN
Preston Martin, son of H. L. and S. E. Martin was born May 5, 1885;
died September 25, 1898, near Orlando, Ark. Preston was sick but a
short time. His departure came very unexpectedly. He was a promising
boy, kind and gentle everywhere. May God bless the sad home and may
this lead all the family to Christ and to heaven. Life is a vapor.
How soon it vanishes away and is not!
By: D. D. Warlick
January 18, 1899 page 13 col 1
JERMIMA MCCLAIN
Mrs. Jermima McClain was born in Montgomery county, Ala., January 16,
1817. Early in life was converted and joined the Methodist church, of
which she remained a faithful member until death. She was married to
Wash McClain, in her native State, and in 1858 moved to Bradley county,
Ark. She lived upon this earth eighty-seven years, less three days,
and passed to her reward January 13, 1904. She left the conviction
in the hearts of others that she was a faithful Christian. Three
daughters survive her death. She cannot come back to us but we may
go to her.
By: J. A. Foster
April 6, 1904 page 15 col 2 (Marsden Cem. Bradley Co)
WILLIAM MCDANIEL
Wm. McDaniel was born in Bradley County, Ark., Feb. 9, 1843; was
married to Miss Emma Juniel in September, 1868; professed faith
in Christ five years ago. He bore with true Christian fortitude
many months of intense suffering. All that medicine and tender,
loving hands could do to alleviate his sufferings was done. He
passed away on the 20th of February, 1897, and was interred in
the family cemetery in Ouachita county. He leaves a devoted wife
and many friends who mourn his loss.
"Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep,
From which none ever wake to weep."
By: One Who Loved Him
April 21, 1897 page 15, col 1
DAVIE H. MCKENZIE
Davie Henry McKenzie was born near Warren, Bradley County, Ark.,
July 20, 1898 and died near Kingsland, Ark., Dec. 29, 1901. having
served as pastor and often visited the home in which this precious
child lived so happily, I knew him to be a very bright and lovable
little boy. His last illness was severe, but only lasted for one
week when the angels bore his spirit home to enjoy the undisturbed
peach and pleasures of the fruitful fields of the Father's kingdom
above. We sympathize with the bereaved family and feel that we have
lost a friend.
January 22, 1902 page 15 col 4
MARTHA J. MCKINNEY
On October 9, the death Angel visited the home of E. A. McKinney and family
and called their dear Aunt Martha J. McKinney to her heavenly home. She was
born in Chester Co., S.C., July 10, 1845, moved to Arkansas with her parents
while quite young, where she resided until her death. She joined Good Hope
Methodist Church while young and lived a faithful devoted member until she
was called up higher. She was a sweet spiritual Christian, a noble personality,
loved by all who knew her best. She was swift to relieve the poor and needy,
and administered to the sick and suffering in timeless devotion. Day by day
she went on some unselfish mission for those she loved so well to serve. It
can be truly said of her, "she had done what she could." She leaves one brother,
L. C. McKinney, and a large number of Nephews and Nieces to mourn her loss.
By: A sister and friend
February 23, 1922 page 15 col 3 (Good Hope Methodist Church Cem.)
LEXIE MCLEOD
Mrs. Lexie McLeod, of Bradley county, Ark., but born in Alabama passed
at the age of 58 to her heavenly rest, March 24, 1903. She had been
afflicted fourteen years with pulmonary heart trouble and was well nigh
an invalid. She was the only surviving child of one of the sainted,
Elias King, well known to the Christain element of this section. Her
mother, Mrs. Mary King, survives - - a woman whose loyalty should be
remembered by Methodist pastors for the last sixty years. Truly the
subject of this sketch was born well. Sister McLeod, a Christian since
age of 15, was patient and cheerful in the years of her sickness. The
promise of her Lord brightened the days of her pain and seclusion. The
gospel she lived was one of life. Alonside the shadows in her journey
was the Lord's sunlight, and the light affliction she perhaps forgot
for the "far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory," which the
affliction worked out. Unable to go to church, she the especially
enjoyed the services held by the visiting ministers. No minitering
Christian woud breathe the devout atmosphere of her home without
receiving more benefit than he could give. Her home as others
hereabouts that could be mentioned, speak in silence though with
the force of a score of tongues that the religion of Jesus Christ
there professed is no sham article. How unanswerable is this evidence
for the Lord. He lives in His people and perhaps next, like the place
called heaven, is in the home he has transformed and regulates. Of
Mrs. McLeod's three children, one passed on ahead of her last April.
Her two others survive. Married in 1868, her husband, esteemed in
his neighborhood as a citizen and Christian, died ten years ago. May
her loved ones faithfully live to a meeting in the better world.
By: John F. Taylor
June 17, 1903 page 15 col 2
JOHN STERLING MCMAHON
John Sterling McMahon, age 16 years, died at the home of his parents,
Mr. and Mrs. J. E. McMahon, at Rye, Ark., Jan. 12, and was buried at
Union Church the 13th. John was a good boy. He was a member of the
Free Will Baptist Church. He left a good testimony of his faith in God.
By: W. F. Campbell, Pastor
January 30, 193- page 15 col 3
MADRIC W. MERRITT
Madric W. Merritt was born in Georgia, near Buena Vista, September 27, 1839;
died October 27, 1898 near Pine Bluff, Ark. He joined the Masonic order in
time of the war and was a member of Sardis Lodge, in Bradley county, Ark.
He was married to Miss Mary McCauley in 1854. He leaves a wife and five
children to follow on, who hope to meet him in the good world. He told us
a short time before he died that he was ready to go. We had a personal
acquaintance with him, reaching over a period of about twenty-five years,
and have been his pastor extending over a period of eleven years and have
always found him consistent member of the M.E. Church, South, and a
high-minded Christian gentleman. Brother Merritt was a kind neighbor, a
good citizen and highly esteemed by all who knew him. He suffered a long
time and bore his affliction with great patience and fortitude. A good man,
he has gone home to that beautiful land on high.
By: J. R. Sherwood, Pastor, Pine Bluff, Ark.
December 7, 1898 page 13 col 2
W. B. MERRITT (sic)
Mrs. Mary J. Merritt was born in Howard county, Tennessee, January 28, 1841,
died at the home of her dutiful and loved daughter, Mrs. Alice Hickman,
December 16, 1916. She was married to Mr. M. B. Merritt August 24, 1864.
To them were born eight children. Three are now living, Mrs. Alice Hickman,
Mr. W. B. Merritt of Shreveport, La., Mrs. C. E. Hankins of Paris, Texas.
Sister Merritt was reared in Bradley county. Her parents moved here when
she was four years old. She joined the Methodist Church when fifteen years
old. Her's was a beautiful Christian life. Those who have known her for
many years said there was never a word against her Christian life. When
health permitted she was in her place in Church. She will be sadly missed.
The cemetery near by has another mound, heaven another to sing God's praises.
She rests from her labors. May her Christian life still live in our community.
By: R. Spann
February 8, 1917 page 15 col 1 (Marsden cem. Bradley co.)
LAURA STURGIS MITCHELL
Mrs. Laura Sturgis Mitchell was born in Shelby county, Tenn., Oct. 4, 1857.
At the early age of three years, she moved with her parents to Bradley county,
Ark., and was there reared to womanhood. She was converted and joined the
church under the ministry of Rev. Ben Ingram. She was married to J.M. Mitchell,
November 20, 1874. She was the mother of seven children, three of whom preceded
her to the heavenly home. Sister Mitchell was a devoted Christian, Faithful in
all the relations of life. She loved the church of her choice, and was devoted
to all its interests. Her home was always the preachers home and her delight
was to entertain the servants of her Master. For nearly ten years Sister Mitchell
was a quiet patient sufferer. Perfected through suffering, the message came
April 11, 1905 for her to go up higher. She had entered into the joy of her
Lord and she wears the crown of those who are faithful unto death. She had
finished her course and her works do follow her. Her loved ones know where
to find her, and they can follow when the Lord shall call.
By: E. M. Pipkin
J. C. MURPHY
Many hearts in Warren were deeply saddened by the sudden death of our
dear Brother J. C. Murphy, which occurred Sunday afternoon, the 23d ult.
(don't know what this means, but it's written here as it was written in
the book), caused from heart failure. He attended Sunday school and Church
in the morning, but before night, the summons came and he was ready for
he was always ready. He was born June 9, 1848, in South Carolina, came
with his parents to this, Bradley county in 1858, was converted and joined
the M. E. Church, South, at the age of 19, and has ever since been an
active Christian. For the last fourteen years his home has been in Warren,
were, in the church here he has been eminently useful in different
departments, for he was alive to all the interest of the church. He
loved the Sunday School and took great interest in it, and was the
teacher of the Bible class. He studied very closely and was well informed
and made a fine teacher in our Sunday-school. He was also one of our
official board and our district steward. He was always loyal to the
church and a true friend to the preacher. In his death our church suffers
a great loss, which we realize will be hard to repair, but we must bow
our heads in submission to God's holy will. He leave to mourn him, one
sister and several relatives and many friends. But we sorrow not as those
who have no hope, for we expect to meet him in heaven in a coming.
By: R. A. McClintock
February 2, 1898 page 13 col 2 (Oakland Cem. Warren)
JIMMIE NEAL
Jimmie Neal, the daughter of O. F. and Mattie C. Neal, was born
October 26, 1882 and died September 4, 1910. Her mother died while
she was quite young but she was brought up under Christian influence
and when she was fourteen years old she accepted Christ as her
personal Savior. After that, she lived a consistent Christian life.
Her influence was for good in the community in which she lived. She
is greatly missed. But our loss is her gain. For as Paul says: "For
me to live is Christ and to die is gain." She is now in possession
of eternal life, living amid the shout and grand hallelujahs of the
"bloodwashing throng."
By: Her former pastor, John Hoover
November 2, 1911 page 14 col 4 (Neal Cem. Bradley Co.)
FANNIE A. NEELY
Mrs. Fannie A. Neely, born in South Carolina, November 27, 1813,
died August 6, 1898, at her old home near Warren, Ark. Sister
Neely joined the Methodist Church when she was a girl and lived
and died in the faith. We bless God for the old mothers in Israel.
By: D. D. Warlick
October 26, 1898 page 15 col 1 (Garrison Cem. Bradley Co.)
MARTHA E. NEELY
Mrs. Martha E. Neely was born in York county, S. C. January 13, 1847,
and died at her home near Draper, December 4, 1916. She was married
to W.J. Neely in 1865 and moved to Arkansas in 1869. In childhood
she joined the Presbyterian church, but after coming to this State
joined the Methodist church, to which she belonged till her death.
There are left behind one brother, eight children, thirty-one
grandchildren and 1 great grandchild, along with a host of other
relatives and friends to mourn her death.
By: A. O. Graydon, P.C.
January 4, 1917 page 15 col 4 (Garrison Cem. Bradley co.)
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