THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, Butler, Ga., October 1887 Vol. 9 and 10
JOHN BARNFIELD was born March 8, 1811, in Wilson county TN, 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 remain a member of that church twenty years; then moved back to Wilson County, Tennessee in 1855, and to Macon County, Tennessee, 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, Tennessee and united with East Station Camp Church, then moved back to Wilson County, Tennessee, and united with Round Lick Church, where he remained in fellowship to his death. He moved to Macon County, Tennessee but did not move his membership. He died in Macon County July 18, 1887, at his son’s, Elder John A. Barnfield, Jr., at age of 76 years.
Brother Barnfield was naturally blind eight years. He married twice, and leaves five children of his first wife, and 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 saviour in that eternal home. He went in peace. Though naturally blind, his hope, his spirit, 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 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. Your must soon follow your departed husband; you are growing old and you can’t stay long on earth; you have seen the sun sun 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 knowledge of the glory of God in the face if Jesus Christ?
If so show your faith by your works. May God bless the bereaved family. Farewell MILES F. WEST.
Submitted By: Harold Cheek, e-mail aacheek@srcaccess.net