HATHAWAY, John Pickett - Putnam

John Pickett Hathaway was born June 26, 1806 in Frederick County,, Virginia.  In the year 1816 he came with his parents to the state of Kentucky being then in his tenth year.  He remained in that state 38 years, engaged as a farmer.  About the year 1838 he united with the Baptist Church.  In the year 1849, Oct 30, he was united in the holy bands of wedlock to Mrs. Nancy R. Hunter to whom he was a faithful and devoted husband.  He enjoyed her society until June 26th 1870 when she was removed from him by death to enter upon his reward, since which time he made his home with his daughter, Mary Pickett Talbott who with her kind husband have done all that they could to make the declining days of their father as pleasant and as it was possible to do.  He was a firm believer in the truths of the Bible and earnestly desired that all others would accept external life on the terms offered them to the Scriptures.  He was a most earnest advocate of the principles as held by the Baptist Church of which he was a member about 52 years and when at home and able was always to be found at his place in the church ready to speak a word of experience and of his hopes of meeting his loved ones that had gone on before to their reward and also of his hopes of meeting all his brethren and sisters around the throne of God and the Lamb “to sit down with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.”  In his last prayer meeting talk he among other things repeated, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith, henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness which the Lord the righteous Judge shall give to me at that day and not only to me but also to all them that love his appearing.”  It can be said of him that he was a good man and did all the good that he could to every one and as little harm.  His hopes were bright, his faith unwavering, his love unchangeable,,, his zeal beyond his strength.  His last words were, “I know that my Redeemer lives!”   - Life’s race well run; Life’s work well done; Life’s crown well won, Now comes rest!  He died Jan 23rd, 1890, aged 83 years 6 months and 27 days.