Mt. Gilead Community

Burchett, Joe

Joe Burchett, who moved from the neighborhood to Jackson a few years ago, was run over and killed by an engine on the M. & O. yards of Wednesday last week. Deceased left a wife and one child. The remains were interred at Pleasant Hill in the old First District of last week.  (The Lexington Progress, January 12, 1906)

Coffman, Buck

W. I. Coffman of Meridian, Basque County, Texas, arrived Sunday to spend the holidays with relatives and friends in the 19th and 1st districts. W. I. is a son of Buck Coffman who died the in the 19th district in 1890. (The Lexington Progress, December 25, 1903)

Coffman, Dovie (1923) 

Mrs. Dovie Coffman, aged 72 years, widow of the late J.T. Coffman died on the 8th at 9:00 a.m. in the home of her son-in-law, D. H. Meals near Poplar Springs in the old 19th District.

She is survived by three children, two daughters and one son, Mrs. Lester Douglas and Mrs D. H. Meals and W. L. (Preacher) Coffman.

She was a member of the Baptist Church and when she died her body was laid to rest in the bosom of Mother Earth on the 9th at Pleasant Hill; Elder John Page officiating at the service.

Those who knew Mrs. Coffman longest and closest pay her the greatest tribute in the _____ of womanly and Christian virtue. She served a great purpose in the world and the kind of life she led entitles her to the reward promised those who believe in God and keep his commandments.      

Coffman, Talitha Cumi (1921)

Mrs. Talitha Cumi Coffman, widow of the late William Coffman died the last Sunday near Bargerton in the home of her daughter, Mrs. John Adams, at the age of 86 years.

Mrs. Coffman is survived by three sons, J. T. of this county, J. L. of Ada, Oklahoma, and W. I. of Ft. Worth, Texas; and two daughters, Mrs W.  H. Coffman and Mrs. J. H. Adams.  All children were present at the death and funeral of their mother.

She has long been a member of the Primitive Baptist Church and when her funeral occurred last Monday at Pleasant Hill, Elder Eddie Rhodes officiated in the service.

We might pay a lengthly tribute to the life and character of Mrs. Coffman, but it is sufficient to state that in all the relations of life, she proved to be a good woman and no higher tribute can be paid than that simple statement.

Card of Thanks

To  our friends and neighbors:

We feel very grateful to you for your many kindnesses and favors during the last sickness and death of our mother, Mrs. Talitha Coffman. We shall always treasure these memories and anytime we can serve you, command.  By her children

J. L. Coffman, J. T. Coffman, Jennie Coffman, Dixie & J. H. Adams, W. I. Coffman  

Coffman, Virginia (Jenny)

Virginia Coffman was born in Henderson County April 15, 1862; and died near the place of her birth, April 3rd, 1934, aged 71 years. She was the daughter of the late Buck and Mrs. Cumi Coffman.  Her marriage to W. H. Coffman occurred April 15, 1885. To this union were born eight children, two girls, Susie and Nancy, died in young infant hood. (Two sons in their teenage years died in 1907)  Three boys and one girl survive, Ivie, Jessie, and Mrs. Joe Pegram, all of whom live near her, and Sam, who has always made his home with her, and seemed to be extremely devoted to her.  Also surving are thirteen grandchildren, two brothers, John Lemons of Ada, Okahoma, and Billie of Houston, Texas.

She professed faith in Christ in early womanhood and united with the Mt. Gilead Baptist Church and lived a consistent member until called by God, whom she enjoyed serving so well.  She numbered her friends by her acquaintances.

After the funeral service in the Pleasant Hill Cemetery in the presence of a throng of people were conducted by Rev. J. R. Page, the body was laid to rest to await the resurrection morn.

Jenny's husband, Bud, died in 1901, leaving her with six children, the baby not even a year old, and the oldest 15 years old. Needless to say, Jenny had a rough time feeding her family.

In 1907, she moved her family to Bemis, Tennessee to work at the cotton mill. Very soon, misfortune struck when two sons, Jim and Ward caught a fever and died. Jim was 18 and Ward was 12. Jenny brought them back home to bury them and moved her family back to Henderson County.  

Cook, James A          

        James Alexander Cook Has Passed Away 

     James A. Cook, known as “Bud” Cook, died after a brief illness for a few days, December 11, 1924.

     He was born July 6, 1850 and married Miss Martha Catherine Williams November 7^th, l872.  Unto this union were born five boys and three girls.  All survive him except Tom Cook, the oldest boy who died 29 years ago.  The other boys are J. H., J. G., J. E. and Y. F. Cook.  The girls are Mrs. Sarah Lemons, Mrs. Maggie Cook and Mrs. Alice McCoy.  All of these boys and girls and his faithful wife are left stricken in grief.  In l878, Mr. Cook professed faith in Christ and united himself with MissionaryBaptistChurch and lived a faithful, obedient Christian life until death.

    He was a kind, affectionate husband, a loving, tender father, devoted to his children and grandchildren.  A good, obliging and charitable neighbor, a faithful friend who greeted you with a glad and welcome hand.  He was a good farmer and provided well for all those dependent on him.  All friends and visitors to his home found him pleased to extend to them every available kindness and enjoyed his companionship and feasted on the bounties of his hospitality.

    Few men have lived to his age with more friends and honor to their credit.  His life was full of good works and noble deeds.  His honesty stands as a monument to his memory that time will only add to its imperishable fame and beauty.  Loved by all who knew him, honored because of his lofty ideals and his sweet lovable disposition, his life lives on and on in the hearts of the people.  When overtaken by feeble health and age he could look back and say—like Paul, “He had fought a good fight.”  And as his last sunset over the western hills and the boatman called for him, he crossed over the bar where peace reigns forever.

     If we could see the shining strand, look inside the pearly gates,

     See our loved ones as they stand and look, and for us wait.

     If we could hear the music ring on those harps of gold;

     Hear them so sweetly sing—Joy would fill our soul.

                                               J. L. Holmes

Douglas, Katherine Meals

In Loving Memory: Katherine J. Meals was born October 30, 1862, and died February 27, 1914, aged 51 years. On November 17, 1878 she was married to John Douglas, who survives. This union was blessed with four children, Dora (Mrs. D. A. Coffman), Claudie (Mrs T. M. Williams) and one son, W. L. Douglas. One son died in infancy. She professed faith in Christ in 1894 and united with Missionary Baptist Church at Mt. Gilead, where she lived a consistent member until the angels conducted her soul to the Church Triumphant. She was buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. (The Lexington Republican, March 20, 1914)

McKee, Henry

Respected Citizen of the old 8th District is the Victim of Fatal Accident: Last Saturday morning at near 8 o'clock, Henry McKee, of the old 8th District, some fifteen or sixteen miles northwest of Lexington, started to his work for the day making boards when he saw a rabbit in the vicinity of some fruit trees and on that account went back to the house for his gun. Coming back with the gun, he had to cross three rail fence and crawling through one of the openings, pulled the gun after him, with the muzzle pointing toward him.  Unfortunately, the hammer was jerked against one of the rails with sufficient force to discharge the load, which entered Mr. McKee's body on the left side, an inch or more under the heart. He was carried to the house, was able to tell how the accident happened and died at about 10:30. Dr. W. F. Huntsman was called but Mr. McKee died some thirty minutes before the doctor could reach him.

     Henry McKee was a big-bodied, big-hearted man, proud of and devoted to his friends. For many years he had been a patron and friend of the Progress and its force and a visit from him was always hailed with genuine pleasure. We shall miss his cordial visits, his beaming face and his hearty handshake and our heart goes out in the deepest sympathy to the bereft wife and four children who leaned upon him with trust and love. Very well we  remember the time when friend Henry took to wife Nancy Jane the sister of his closest personal friend, John Hemphill. The sting of his death is made the harder by its tragic manner.  He was buried at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. (The Lexington Progress March 13, 1914)

McKee, T.D.

John Hemphill and W. L. Coffman were in town Wednesday and reported the death of T. D. McKee of the old 1st district who died at 6 o'clock Tuesday evening. Deceased was a brother of H. H. McKee and one of the best citizens of the county. Mr. McKee was 52 years of age, had never been married and spent his whole life where he died. He was buried in family graveyard Wednesday afternoon. (The Lexington Progress, June 5, 1908)

Meals, Daniel

Elder Daniel Meals was born November the 25th, 1791, and departed this life January 6th, 1870 in the 79th year of his age. Mary Ann Meals, his wife, was born March 2nd, 1789, and departed this life July 1st, 1868, in the 80th year of her age. They had lived together nearly 59 years. They both joined the Regular Baptists in 1816 and lived and died in the full fellowship of the Baptists, without a delinquent mark against them. They left six children, three of them belonging to the same church, to mourn the loss of their beloved parents. All who knew them are left to mourn this loss, as they died leaving no enemies. Brother Meals had been a servant of the church from the time of his joining it to his death. He served after he was ordained between twenty & thirty years, and for many years as the Moderator of the Association. On his last illness he seemed resigned and composed. he said he was fully satisified that the doctrine which he had embraced was the truth, the doctrine of God and the Bible; and he was willing to meet the God whom he had worshipped, and account for his stewardship, as he could reconcile no other to his experience and the Bible. In his last hours he repeated the following lines seemingly with much composure. "The time of trouble and joys, Great God are in thy hands. My sincerest comforts come from this and go at thy command. If thou shouldst take them all away, I dare not thou then question. Before they were possessed by me, they were entirely Thine." He was a strong defender of the doctrine of the Resurrection of the dead for which he suffered persecution by some. (Burial in Coffman Cemetery)

Meals, Samuel H.

It becomes my painful duty to announce to you the death of my father, Elder S. H. Meals, which occurred at his old home place in Henderson County, Tennessee, on the 10th of December, 1895, at 8:05 p.m. Samuel H. Meals was born June 22, 1813, in Jefferson County, Tennessee; moved with his father, Elder Daniel Meals, to North Alabama in December, 1819; professed a hope in Christ the third morning in October, 1845; joined the Old Baptist Church at Anticoh, Limestone County, Alabama, which is a member of Flint River Association. He began to preach in 1847 and was ordained by Elders William Crutcher, David Jacks, R. U. Crutcher and Samuel Edmondson in August, 1849. The deceased leaves two sons and one daughter, sixteen grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren to mourn his death. He was down about seven weeks, but said he was not suffering very much, but just seemed to be getting weaker in body all the time. The doctor said he could not bear strong medication, but he still loved the strong meat of the gospel. It seemed to be all his study, and the first time I went up to see him during his last sickness, while he could not sit up, he told us to sing some of his old familiar hymns, which we did, while he held his family prayer lying on his bed, and it seemed to me the strongest I ever heard around the old heartstone. I felt it to be the last; and my mind ran back to the time  when we're all there at family prayer together with my mother. Yes, Oh Lord, bless the name of mother, who passed away seven years and four days before he did. Oh it made me shudder to think how little interest I had in the family prayer. Sometimes I would hurry off to bed to avoid it, and hear him asking the Lord to watch over his children, his neighbors and their children, together with Zion. He said the doctrine he tried to preach was the doctrine of God and the Bible, and that he was willing to risk his salvation on it, and admonished us all to hold to it and contend earnestly for it. His request was, that in his last moments we should sing his song, which says this: "Sing to me of Heaven." I was sitting at his bed and knew the time had come, and it bore so heavily on my mind I asked my brother's wife if she could help me sing the song. She said she would. If I ever asked the Lord to bear me up, that was one of the times. So we made the attempt and I never sang a song easier after the start, and by the time we were through singing, the neighbors and some of the members of the church were there--brother and sister Massey, and Brother John Waller. We asked him if he wanted the song sung again: he whispered "yes" and we sang it again. He then gave us the parting hand, and told us all to help him praise and bless God that Jesus died for him, and his last words were: "Bless God." He was laid away the next day at the old family graveyard in Henderson County, Tennessee, after an appropriate talk, singing and prayer by my mother's youngest brother, A. Y Douglas. I do feel to rejoice and praise God that he spared him to live a good old age and be with his children, brethren and sisters. My sincere prayer is that all his children will try to live as devoted to Christ as he did, and die as happy. Let us weep not, but follow the example of him who has gone before. It will not be long till we, too, must follow---his son Daniel J. Meals.   He was buried at Coffman Cemetery.

Peterson, J. Egbert

J. Egbert Peterson, brother of Esq. J. Calvin Peterson, died December 26, at the old Peterson home in the old first district of pneumonia, which developed in connection with the grippe. Deceased was a son of the late Thomas Peterson; he leaves also one other brother, J. D. Peterson, Bargerton, this county. Deceased had become well known as a veterinary surgeon, which profession he followed in connection with farming. He was a member of the Baptist Church and when the funeral occurred on December 27th, at Pleasant Hill graveyard, where it was conducted by Elder J. R. Page of the Baptist faith. (The Lexington Progress, January 14, 1916)

Peterson, Lydia Berry

Mrs. Lydia Ann Peterson, 79 years old, June 20, 1906, died Thursday morning at the home of her son, County Register J. C. Peterson. Some two months ago the old lady came to town to make her home with her son. Her life had been spent in the country and she longed every day for the quietude of her rural life notwithstanding she had every comfort and attention in the home in Lexington. Her remains were interred yesterday in the Pleasant Hill graveyard in the old First District. Mr. Peterson was a considerate son and in the loss of his mother has our deepest sympathy. (The Lexington Progress, November 9, 1906)

Poteete, Joseph Lemuel                                      

All is dark within our dwelling,Lonely are our hearts today. For the one we loved so dearly, Has forever passed away.

     In the life of Joseph Poteete, born Nov. 3, 1907, aged 20 years, one month and two days, died Dec. 5, 1927, just at the age when life was all smiles and sunshine, he knew no troubles and was loved by all who knew him.  He was sick five weeks with pneumonia and complications but bore his sufferings without a murmur, never complaining, taking each day the same, but God saw need in his vineyard, calling him home to remain.  It is hard to live without him, it’s hard to give up one so young, but we know God doeth all things well.  He will be sadly missed among his associates, both young and old.  But this association comes from our knowledge that he was a good boy and wasn’t afraid to die.

These precious memories will never be forgotton nor fade away.  Our school days behind us will ever bear memory of dear Joseph's sunny smile and cheerful disposition.  The casket covered with beautiful flowers will ever remind us of the pale face that sweetly sleeps, for death is only a dream.  The chain is broken never to be mended here on earth, but in heaven there will be no more sad heartaches or sad farewells. 

                                                                                   He leaves behind a broken hearted father and mother, one sister, Vinnie, and a little orphaned cousin, who his father and mother have reared from infancy, who loved him as brother, and many dear relatives and friends who did all that loving hands could do for him.  His many friends were numbered by the beautiful flowers that covered his grave.

Tis hard to break the tender cord, When love has bound the heart,  Tis so hard to speak the word, We must forever part.

    What a consolation it should be to his loved ones that he left evidence that he was going to heaven.  His boy friends as pall bearers bore his body to his last resting place in the mother earth at Pleasant Hill Cemetery where touching funeral services were conducted by Rev. J. R. Page, a large crowd of sorrowing friends viewing his last remains.

Oh, strange immortality of fate

That this young life should be torn.

The old earth needs such brave, true hearts,

And sunset comes not till the rising morn.

Yet the sunny smile, the loving heart

Translated to sphere more meet,

Where every bud shall bear more perfect fruit,

And life’s golden circle shall round out complete.

His past schoolmates, Vernon Douglas and sister, Marie Pierce

Stewart, Emma Dora

Mrs. Emma Dora Stewart, widow of the late Dave Stewart died of pneumonia at the age of 73 years on Friday, January 8, 1937 at her home in the First District near Cedar Grove.

Orphaned at an early age, she was reared by the family of Bill Moss in the same community in which she died.

From her marriage with Mr. Stewart, three children were born; namely: Mrs Sarah Scott; Mrs Evie Williams; and J. C. (Jim) Stewart, all of whom survive their mother who had satisfied herself throughout life in caring for their welfare and comfort.

She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Funeral services were conducted at the family home at 2 p.m. Saturday with the body being interred at the Pleasant Hill Cemetery with Royal R. Pafford in charge of the funeral and burial.

Wilson, Mary Meals

Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wilson, aged 69 years, 6 months and 18 days, departed this life April 8, 1914. The daughter of D. J. and Sarah Meals, she was a family of eight children, four boys and four girls, all of whom preceded her to the grave except C. W. Meals and Mrs. Jane Teague of Bargerton and Mrs. Tennessee Tracy of Oklahoma. She professed faith in Christ in her youthful days, was baptized by Rev. William Corbitt in the M. E. Church and lived a constant member until death. On December 20th, 1866, she was married to F. A. Wilson, who survives her. She was the mother of three children, one dying in infancy and two living, namely, Mrs. Sallie Holmes of Juno, and Mrs. Dora Holmes of Lexington. She was a faithful loving and considerate wife, being in deed and in truth a veritable helpmete, always ready with hands and counsel to succor her husband and many times her wise counsel has helped him over the rugged places in life, and how often her kind and loving words have bid trouble flee from the mind of her beloved. As a mother she was kind and loving to her children, but at all times training them for the Lord and preparing them for usefulness in life. Her home was always a home for the ministers and other men of God. How often did she entertain the angels of mercy during their travels and labors. Funeral services were conducted by her pastor, Rev. Vincent Deshazo, at the residence on April 9th, after which the remains were interred in the Pleasant Hill graveyard. The services were attended by a large crowd of friends and relatives----A Friend  (The Lexington Progress, June 5, 1914)

Utley, Columbus

Columbus Utley, a young man married a few months ago, died last Monday in the old first district of typhoid fever. He was a nephew of Y. Y. Utley, a well known farmer of the old first district and a son of John M. Utley, an older brother of Y. Y. He was buried at Pleasant Hill. (The Lexington Progress, July 17, 1914)