"A HISTORY OF THE DAVIESS-McLEAN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION IN KENTUCKY, 1844-1943" by Wendell H. Rone. Probably published in 1944 by Messenger Job Printing Co., Inc., Owensboro, Kentucky, pp. 450-451. Used by permission. [Daviess] DEACON WILLIAM HENRY COURTNEY: W. H. Courtney was born in Owensboro, Daviess County, Kentucky on September 5, 1859. He was the son of William Thomas Courtney and Mary Ellen Lumpkin Courtney, natives of Virginia. His father was one of Owensboro's pioneer druggists and we find his son following in his father's footsteps after completing the academic course in the Owensboro schools and receiving his degree from the Louisville School of Pharmacy. In January, 1887, he married Miss Eliza Neill Dix of Owensboro, Kentucky. To this union four children were born-Misses Mary Louise and Elizabeth Courtney of Owensboro, Mr. Samuel N. Courtney of New York City, and Mr. Edgar H. Courtney of Vicksburg, Mississippi. When a young man of eighteen years Brother Courtnev [sic] was converted and was baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church by Rev. J. B. Solomon. In the 1890's Rev. Fred D. Hale, pastor of the First Baptist Church, suggested that about fifty of his members move their membership to the Walnut Street Church to unite their efforts with that body which was then quite small. Brother Courtney and his wife were among this number. While a member of the Walnut Street Church he was ordained a deacon, and for a number of years was Superintendent of the Sunday School. When the city limits of Owensboro extended south Brother Courtney was one of that first group which had the missionary vision and saw a rich opportunity for a new church field. He and his wife and two daughters became charter members of the Buena Vista Church, Brother Courtney serving as one of the first deacons of the new Church and as the first Sunday School Superintendent from 1920 to 1926. In his declining years Brother Courtney never for a moment lost interest in the work of the Baptist Denomination. His missionary zeal was an inspiration to his pastors and to all who came in contact with him. A Christian gentleman of the old school, a good husband and father, a loyal neighbor and friend, and a constantly helpful Church member, his life was rich in fruit bearing and witnessing for his Lord. In spite of his years he attended faithfully upon his Church duties. His voice lifted in petition to his Maker, his gentleness and quiet humility, his implicit faith in God, all were so much a part of his Church, young and old felt the loss in Brother Courtney's passing. The devoted companions, married for fifty-three years, were separated for only one year and one month. Brother Courtney fell asleep on March 4, 1941, sister Courtney having preceded him in death on February 6, 1940. Both lived to see the dream of years come to pass in the erection of the stately house of worship of the Buena Vista Church. A Christian father, a consistent Christian business man, a loyal and devoted Church member, an humble believer, Brother Courtney rests from his labors and his works do follow him. Courtney Lumpkin Neill Dix Solomon Hale = VA Jefferson NY MS http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/daviess/courtney.wh.txt