Jordon Dotson and Anderson Hatfield	A closer view of Anderson Hatfield

photos courtesy of Mirhonda Page

The 74th birthday gathering for Anderson Hatfield (front row center)

photo courtesy of Ron Blackburn

He was born September 25, 1835 and died March 6, 1920, lived 84 years 5 months and 10 days. Elder Hatfield received a hope in Christ in 1853 and joined the Primitive Baptist Church, called Enon, located on Mate Creek, Logan County, West Virginia and was baptised by Elder John Ferrell on the fifth day of July 1853. Elder Hatfield had a call to the ministry and the church gave him license to preach on the tenth day of November, 1868. He then moved his membership to the old Pond Creek Church, Pike County, Kentucky; then was ordained by Elders John Ferrell and James Williamson, on the eleventh day of July, 1869. Elder Hatfield preached 51 years and 5 months. The last text he ever used was Genesis, second chapter and seventh verse: "The Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, etc." He was wonderfully blessed to preach Jesus and the resurrection of the dead. Brother Hatfield was a faithful minister; he would always leave his worldly affairs and go to his meetings.

He was married to Polly Runyon August 2, 1855, and unto them were born fourteen children; twelve living, two dead. Brother and Sister Hatfield lived to see their fourth generation. Their grandchildren were one hundred and eighteen in number; their great-grandchildren, one hundren and fifteen, and their great-great-grandchildren, fourteen.

To fill the request of their children, I will say a few words about their mother, Polly Hatfield. She was born January 25, 1839, and died March 15, 1920; lived 81 years, 1 month and 10 days. She joined the Primitive Baptist Church, September 18, 1892, and was baptized by Elder W. J. May.

These two old people lived together 64 years, 6 months and 2 days. Their home was a home for the brethren and sisters. The loss with us and their children and many friends is great. While we miss them here, we feel sure that our loss is their gain, for we believe that when the last trumpet shall sound that their mortal bodies will be raised immortalized and be just like Jesus to dwell with Him forevermore.

J.D. Riffe