Jerry and Linda Butler

From the research of David Donahue

The following is said to have been written by the Rev. John W. Fisher. The original document was owned circa 1972 by Latham Blount, Decaturville, Tennessee:

"I was born December 6, 1816 on the road in Buncombe Co., NC while my parents were on the way to Bedford Co., Tennessee. Am now in my 89th year. We lived in Bedford Co., three years and went to Lost Creek in what was then Perry Co., Tennessee but is now Decatur County. We went from there to Phillips Co., Arkansas, in about 1821 and stayed there one year. Then came back to Lost Creek and have lived in this neighborhood ever since. I professed religion in 1823 and joined the Methodist church. I was licensed to exhort in 1840 and licensed to preach in 1845 at Old Center Camp Ground. My first sermon was preached from the text "I Am Now Ready to be Offered," (2 Tim: 4-6). I was ordained Deacon by Bishop Capers at Trenton, Tennessee in 1850, and was ordained Elder by Bishop Payne at Paducah, Kentucky, in 1867.

"I was married April 6, 1837 to Nancy G. White and we lived together until she departed this life May 23, 1904. To us were born eleven children, seven who preceded her to the good world. I am now very delicate and don't expect it to be long before I will go to meet the loved ones who have gone before me. I've had a great many to tell me that I was the instrument to God's hand of their conversion and many of then have already gone home and will be there to meet me when I go. My address is Decaturville, Tennessee, R.F.D." [TheFisher Scrap Book 1730-1972]