This was sent to me Nov. 2001 by John R. ADAMS, Historian for the Taylor Co. Historical-Genealogical Society, Inc. of Taylor Co., GA. THE GOSPEL MESSENGER was a monthly periodical dedicated to the Primitive Baptist Faith, and was printed in Butler, Taylor Co. GA. form 1878 til 1896. Obituary from THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, Butler, Ga. October, 1887 Vol. 9 No. 10 JOHN BARNFIELD John BARNFIELD was born March 8, 1811, in Wilson County, Tenn., and received a hope at the age of 22, joined the Primitive Baptist at Cedar Creek and was baptized by Elder John BORUM. Brother BARNFIELD moved to Illinois, Hamilton County, joined the Primitive Baptist at Ruff meeting house and remained a member of that Church twenty years; then move back to Wilson Co, Tenn. , in 1855, and to Macon County, Tenn., and united with Testament Church. He was licensed by Testament Church about the year 1859 to exercise his gift in a public way; and again moved to Wilson County and united with Cedar Creek about the year 1873. He then moved to Sumner County, Tenn., united with East Station Camp church, then moved back to Wilson county, Tenn., and united with Round Lick Church, where he remained in fellowship to his death. He moved to Macon County, Tenn., but did not move his membership. He died in Macon County July 18, 1887, at his son's, Elder John A. BARNFIELD, at the age of 76 years. Brother BARNFIELD was naturally blind eight years. He married twice, and leaves five children of his first wife, and leaves his second wife a widow, but no children by her. He was sick twenty-one days, and bore his affliction with great patience, and was rational till the last, and talked about his glorious and bright prospect of meeting his Savior in that eternal home. He went in peace. Though naturally blind, his hope, his spiritual sight, and his salvation was clear to him and not a cloud to dim his view. He had overcome all enemies through Jesus. Dear old brother, sleep till Jesus calls for you; then you shall come forth all glorious; then all that heaven is and heaven means is yours. Dear children, weep not, your father is done suffering; look to Jesus and pray to him for preparation to meet him in heaven. I wish to drop a word to his bereaved widow. You must soon follow your departed husband; you are growing old and you can't stay long on earth; you have seen the sun often rise in the east and set in the west, and how is it with you about the Son of Righteousness? Has that light shined in your heart and given you the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ? If so show your faith by your works. May God bless the bereaved family. Farewell. Miles F. WEST.