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.
April 6, 1904 page 15 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Marsden Cem. Bradley Co)
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 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
UEL H. RITCHEY
Uel H. Ritchey was born in Jefferson Co., Miss., about the year 1816. He was made an
orphan in early life by the death of his parents and thrust out upon the world to make his
own way through it as best he could. He married Sarah W. Evans in Neoshoba Co., Miss.,
in 1840, and moved to Ark. in 1841, settling in Drew Co., near Monticello, where he lived
until 1851, when he moved to Bradley Co., in which he resided until his death, Feb. 22,
1892. He professed religion and joined the M. E. Church, South, rather late in life, from
which time he lived a faithful Christian till he was taken away. He had four children, only
one of whom was living at the time of his death. His faithful companion had preceded him
to the better land a little over two years. After her death he seemed to have no pleasure in
life. He always had, from early manhood, felt and shown the highest regard for religion,
and was himself pious even before he joined the Church. His attachments were strong and
he was a true friend, always standing by his comrades under any difficulty. He could never
be neutral on any question or issue. An old friend of his said, on the occasion of his funeral,
that he was every inch a man of honor and integrity, and once taking a stand for a friend he
would never desert him. He sleeps in peace to wait the waking of the just. Fraternally,
March 24, 1892 page 7 col 2 & 3 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Reaves Cem. Bradley Co.)
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.
February 23, 1922 page 15 col 3 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Good Hope Methodist Church Cem.)
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.
January 30, 193- page 15 col 3 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
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.
December 7, 1898 page 13 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
STEPHEN HICKMAN
Brother Stephen Hickman was born in Pike county, Ala., September, 1826. He moved to
Arkansas in the year 1845 and died on August 6, 1902. My acquaintance with Brother
Hickman was of short duration. This fact and a lack of sufficient data together will
necessarily prevent this notice from being full. Brother Hickman was a member of the
M.E. Church, South, about forty years. For several years after the civil war he was
a licensed exhorter. He was married twice. Two sons of six children are still living.
Brother Hickman expressed himself as being ready and willing to meet his God. So I
would point his loved ones and his friends to the "Lamb of God that taketh away the
sin of the world." And exhort them to let Christ not only be the Author, but also the
finisher of their faith. Then we may be assured that there will be a meeting of loved
ones where there will be no more partings, no more heartaches, no more sorrows. God
shall then wipe away all tears, and we shall know as we are known. Then let us strive
to glorify God with consecrated service. "Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear
much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples."
August 27, 1902 page 15 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
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.
February 8, 1917 page 15 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (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.
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.
October 26, 1898 page 15 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper (Garrison Cem. Bradley Co.)
ELIZA T. CLIETT
Eliza T. Cliett was born in Troup County, Ga., in the year 1832 and departed this life at her home near Warren, Bradley County, Ark., January 6th, 1885.
Our dear sister joined the Methodist Church when quite young and ever lived a consistent member and devoted Christian. She loved her church, her pastor and all the brotherhood.
Her suffering was great and her affliction long, yet she bore it with the patience of a Christian and died in the full triumph of a Christian faith.
May the good Lord bless the aged husband, comfort his heart and when he is called away from time may he with his loved ones, be permitted a happy reunion over the river.
January 17, 1885 page 7 col 2 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
IDA JANE COX
Mrs. Ida Jane Cox was born in Bradley County, Ark., September 23, 1867; was married to John Cox, December 24, 1890.
To this union, was born five children, one preceding her to the better world in infancy.
Sister Cox professed religion and joined the M. E. Church, South, in 1884, and fell on sleep, February 13, 1904.
She leaves a broken-hearted husband, four little children, an aged mother, two brothers and one sister to mourn her death.
To know Sister Cox was to love her.
She was gentle and kind to everybody.
She might be called a model Christian character, never seemed to get out of humor at any time, always delighted to have her pastor in her home.
For the last two or three years she was deprived of the privilege of attending church on account of low health.
She loved the church and delighted to be there when she was able for the good which
she might derive from hearing the Gospel preached.
But God who knoweth all things and
doeth all things well has seen proper to release her from the pains and afflictions of life and take her to himself, where she will not have it to say, "I am sick."
Now, thank God, she is free from all this.
May the Lord be with the husband and little ones, and bring them all to heaven at last.
April 13, 1904 page 15 col 1 - The Arkansas Methodist Newspaper
