Rev. John J. Crittenton Elliott

Reverend John J. Crittenton Elliott, son of Reverend Thomas C. and Zerrelda Elliott was born in Rock Castle County, Kentucky, on the 6th day of November 1859, died in McLeansboro, Illinois, on the 24th day of November, 1927; aged 77 years and 18 days. When a mere boy, he immigrated to Green County, Illinois, with his father. After spending a few years in Green County, he moved with his father to Coles County, Illinois, and after a sojourn of a short time there, he came with his father to Hamilton County, Illinois, in the year 1868.

He was married to Mary Jane Hicks on March 17, 1870, who preceded him in death on January 2nd, 1917. To this union, 6 children were born, two of whom are deceased, Arthur in infancy and Bettie after having arrived at the age of young womanhood. Those surviving are Mrs. Laura Roberts of McLeansboro; Professor T. O. Elliott of Belleville; Mrs. Eliza Clark of Thompsonville; and Mrs. Mollie Ice of West Frankfort, Illinois.

He was married to Mrs. Julia Hale of McLeansboro in June 1917, who also survives him. He leaves to mourn his departure his wife, the four children named above, eleven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, one brother, Walton Elliott of Biloxi, Miss., and one sister, Mrs. Zerrelda Jones of Carrolton. At the age of 17 years, he united with the Hickory Hill Baptist Church where he was a member until he moved to Thompsonville. He then moved his membership to Thompsonville Baptist Church and after moving to McLeansboro, he moved his membership to Hopewell Baptist Church, where he remained a faithful and consistent member until his death.

He was licensed to preach by Hickory Hill Baptist Church in the fall of 1869, and was later ordained a regular Baptist Minister. He was probably as well known as any man in Hamilton County as he spent his entire life as pastor of churches in the Fairfield and Franklin Association. The writer has heard him say that he had united in marriage over one thousand couples and had baptized twenty-two hundred and eight into the church of his choice. He had the unique distinction of administrating the holy rights of baptism to all of his children who had arrived at the age of accountability.

We can truly say of him, gone but not forgotten, as his works will live after him for generations to come.

Funeral services were conducted at East Fork Baptist church, Sunday, November 27. 1927, in the presence of a large congregation of people. The funeral sermon was preached by Elder John B. Maulding of McLeansboro, assisted by Elder R. W. Lee of West Frankfort. Interment in East Fork cemetery.