MRS. M. J. STEPHENS
Mrs. M. J. Stephens, wife of S. A. Stephens, near Warren, Ark., died
April 2, 1899. Mrs. Stephens (nee Ganaway) was born April 26, 1846;
was married Dec. 18, 1870; joined the church in 1874 and lived a Christian
to the end. She leaves a Christian husband and seven children, some of
whom are on the way to meet mother in glory. May God bless and
comfort them. Their Pastor:
May 10, 1899 page 13 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
THOMAS B. ST. JOHN
Thomas B. St. John, son of James and Elizabeth St. John, was born near
Covington, Ga., Aug., 4, 1833. He moved near LaGrange, Ga., where he
married Martha Hicks, with whom he moved to Ark. in 1869 and settled
in Bradley Co., where he lived until his death, which occurred near Warren,
Oct. 30, 1892. He was thrown from a mule, his foot was entangled in the
stirrup, and he was dragged some distance before it was released, and he
was so seriously hurt that he never recovered consciousness and died in
twelve hours afterward. He professed religion in the army during the late
war, and soon after it closed was baptized and received into the M. E.
Church South, by Rev. James Stancil. He and Sister St. John had born
unto them five children, one of whom died when small. Bro. St. John was
deeply spiritual, always exemplifying the genuineness of his profession by
the uprightness of his life. He was ever anxious to see everyone and
especially his own children, religious and progressing in all material and
moral interests. He always greatly desired to see the entire community
in which he lived prosperous, happy and peaceable, as a fruitful vine
bearing the rich and precious fruits of moral goodness and righteous living.
He, being suddenly removed, has gone to his great reward. We have no
doubt that ere long we shall see him clothed in the dazzling light of immortality,
rejoicing among the redeemed of earth. In love and esteem.
(Adams Cem. Bradley Co.)
CELIA STONE
Died, at New Edinburg, August 17, 1884, Mrs. Celia Stone, formerly
Miss Celia Ivins. Sister Stone was born in Georgia, 1794; moved to
Middle Tennessee, Robertson county, in the 15th year of her age; was
converted at the age of 18, and joined the Methodist Church, and
remained a member of the same till death; was married to N. C. Stone
in the 19th year of her age; moved to Carroll county, Tenn., where her
husband died in 1835; moved with her children, to Arkansas in 1854,
and settled in Bradley (now Dorsey) Co. She was fully conscious of
her approaching death, which she spoke of as being ready. Sister Stone
was a worthy and respected member of society and a kind and
affectionate mother. She left children, grandchildren and friends to
mourn her loss. She had an extended circle of acquaintances and
friends, among whom she lived, respected and loved. While we drop
a tear of sympathy on the grave of our departed friend and mother,
let us not forget that our loss is her gain--that she has passed over
the "dark river", into the bright and happy land beyond, "where the
faithful never die, but are forever echoing the music and harmonies
of heaven, whose skies, like a broad rainbow, stand on gold.
December 6, 1884 page 5 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
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.
June 12, 1889 page 7 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Johnson Cem. Cleveland Co)
SCELETA C. SMITH
Seleta Caroline Abernathy was born in Pontotoc County, Miss., Nov. 15, 157
(sic-probably 1857). While yet a child, she, with her relatives, moved to old
Summerville, Calhoun County, Ark., where she grew to womanhood. Later
she moved to Lanark, Bradley County, in which she spent the rest of her life.
On May 8, 1873, she was united in marriage to Andrew Asa Smith, and for
about 54 years they shared the joys, happiness, and sorrows of life together,
he preceding her in death about three years. To this union eighteen children
were born, eleven of whom survive her. She was the proud grandmother of
sixty-three children, and had eighteen great-grandchildren. These were a great
comfort to her in the declining years of her life. She was the mother of
Andrew Van Smith, a lawyer of statewide reputation. Mrs. Smith was always
a good woman, but at the age of eighteen she cast her lot with the people of
God, and united with the M. E. Church, South, at Banks, of which she was
a charter member, and gave to it the very best years of her life in order that
it might accomplish its purpose in serving the community. She was very
consistent in her living, thinking, and attitude toward other people. She was
indeed a genuine Christian woman, never indulging in those things that would
in the least reflect on her Christian integrity or mar her influence. She was one
among many who did not repudiate her Church vows, but held them to be a
sacred, binding obligation. She did "attend upon the ordinances of the Church
and supported its institutions." To say she was a good Christian woman, whose
ideals were well chosen, and whose character was above reproach, is but
rendering justice to whom justice is due, and stating a fact that the world ought
to know. A fact verified in her own life, and in the minds of all who knew her.
She was a good wife, an affectionate and fond mother; literally sacrificing her
life, her all, in order that her children might enjoy themselves, and have the very
best opportunities. No gloom, no doubt, no sadness or despair can settle about
the life or passing of a character like this. Her life, her all being fully committed
into the hands of the omnipotent, loving Heavenly Father, her passage across
the stream of death was made secure, and it only remains for those left behind
to follow her as she followed Christ. She was magnanimous in all that the word
means; kind and affectionate to all She had a tender feeling for the unfortunate.
It was a great blessing to have her present in the services of the Church, and
when she prayed (as she often did) one could not help but feel the presence
and power of the Holy Ghost, and it would seem that angels were hovering near.
Her faith in God was indeed great, and no doubt Jesus could say to her as to
one of old, "Woman, great is thy faith." She loved her Church paper, and for
many years hailed the coming of the Arkansas Methodist with joy. She was a
student of good literature, cultured and refined, and best of all, loved and
studied her Bible. Saturday evening, December 7, 1929, as the watchers waited
patiently, the white soul of one of the greatest saints of earth mounted the golden
stairway of God's eternal love, borne up on pinions of faith and devotion, and
entered the realm of unspeakable joy and glory. While she lived she kept this
hour in view, and all her energies were bent toward the bridging of this chasm,
in order that her passage might be secure. Hers was a glorious sunset. Quiet and
calm was the passing of this good woman. No one thing occurred to undermine
the fact that unseen help was at hand to help, to comfort, and sustain in this hour
of need. All her life she had put her trust in God, and relied on his promises, and
doubtless when the shadows begun to lengthen and the curtains of night were
being drawn about her, the light radiating from the face of her Savior illuminated
the dark passage, making the hour one of gladness. The memory of dear Sister
Smith will always be refreshing, and will be as incense on the altar of love and devotion.
January 30, 1930 page 15 & 16 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Smith Cem. Bradley Co.)
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.
April 27, 1898 page 13 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (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.
September 28, 1893 page 7 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (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.
January 17, 1885, page 7 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
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.
April 8, 1903 page 15 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
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.
May 18, 1904 page 15 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
