"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. 448-449. Printed by permission. [Daviess] DEACON JOHN SAMUEL COOTS: This godly man was born in Shelby County, Kentucky on April 22 1858. His parents moved to Daviess County in the year 1859 and settled in the neighborhood of the Bethabara Baptist Church at Habit, Kentucky. Here he grew to manhood being reared on the farm and attending the common schools at hand. Brother Coots was converted in the year 1872 and was baptized into the fellowship of the Bethabara Baptist Church by Elder J. P. Ellis. He was converted under the preaching of Elder J. S. Taylor who was conducting a series of evangelistic services there at the time. With the exception of a few years, he remained a devout member of this grand old church during his entire earthly life. For over forty years our brother served this Church in the office of deacon, as Sunday School Superintendent, and as a messenger to the Association. In that period of time he manifested a spirit of devotion that marked him as a good man. His face was a familiar and welcome sight at the annual gatherings of this body of Baptists for years. Our subject was united in the bonds of matrimony to Miss Fannie Miller, daughter of James C. and Frances Haynes Miller, on March 28 1889. Four children, two sons and two daughters, blessed this union. One son, Sam C. Coots, served this Association as Treasurer, Assistant Moderator, and as Moderator. They were privileged to observe their Fiftieth wedding anniversary in the year 1939. Mrs. Coots departed this life on July 22, 1941, and on August 29, 1942, Mr. Coots went to his reward. They rest side by side in the Bethabara Cemetery at Habit, Kentucky, awaiting the resurrection of the just. Mrs. Coots was a sister of the second wife of Elder R. F. Jenkins. Mr. Coots was a Baptist of the old school and was unswerving in his faith and devotion to the principles that have ever distinguished Baptists. The author was privileged to enjoy the acquaintance of this good man and his devoted wife in their last days. They proved that old age could be a blessing and benediction when enriched by the Grace of God. Coots Ellis Taylor Miller Haynes Jenkins = Shelby http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/daviess/coots.js.txt