John Lightfoot was born in Allen county, Kentucky, May 13, 1820. His father was born in Virginia near Richmond and his mother in South Carolina. Her maiden name was Barbara Lambert. They were married in Warren county, Kentucky. The fruit of this marriage was thirteen children of whom five were boys and eight girls, as follows: John, the subject of our present history, Sarah, David L., Polly, Esau Jackson, Elizabeth, Mahala, Melissa, Malinda, Henry Bannister, Rebecca, Josiah, Barbara Dorothy. Of the boys, two are living (1894), John and Henry. Of the girls four are living, Elizabeth, Melissa, Malinda and Barbara D. All are members of the Baptist church. John was married to Keziah H. Chapman, of Warren county, Kentucky, June 23, 1843. Five boys and five girls were given them: Henry Jackson, born July, 1843; Mary Elizabeth, David Nathaniel, March 4, 1847; John Salathiel, Barbara Malinda, Wm. Alexander, Louisa Frances, a boy whose name is not at hand, twins were born named Armilda Jane and Zerilda Catharine. Five of the foregoing are at this date (1894) living, viz; H. J., D. N., J. S., W. A., and L. F. Three of these are members of the church. Brother John Lightfoot was converted about 1839 and joined church at Union in Warren county, Kentucky. His wife had been a member of the same before. Moved to Missouri in the fall of 1851 and joined with his wife at Mt. View 13 miles northeast of Bolivar. Eld. Thompson Pitts was pastor at that time. After the Civil war, the church at Oak Grove was organized, of which brother and sister Lightfoot were constituent members. Brother Lightfoot was elected deacon and is still in office. His wife died June 30, 1893. Brother Lightfoot was justice of the peace one term of four years. It may well be said of the brother that his life has been spent in honest toil upon the farm. Punctual to his appointments at the church, and in his neighborhood. True to principle and firm in his doctrines. |
