This small cemetery sits on a little knoll, just over the Marion County border in Boyle County.  I have wanted to visit this cemetery for years.  Old UnionBaptist Cemetery is just off US68 and I always passed it on my way to Danville, and still pass it visiting my sister.  Before my marriage it was always my idea to stop, never had the chance.  Then Ritchey and I have talked about it every time we pass.  So about 40 years later I finally made it!  In the above photo you can see a black plaque on the tallest gray stone.  It reads, ‘Site of Old Union Church in memory of Pioneers of the Doctors Fork Community, erected by the Harmon – Gray – Pipes Family Association.’

This marker reads – Doctor’s Fork Baptist Church, organized March 15, 1801.  the first permanent meeting house of this congregation was on this site in 1805 and remained so until 1957.  This marker has been erected for the occasion of the bicentennial of Doctor’s Fork Baptist Church in loving memory of the founding members of this church’s congregation and the family of faith that continues to serve her today.’  Across the way stands the new, brick Doctor’s Fork Baptist Church – which is ministered by a friend of ours!

Blake Arnold, born in the year 1803, died March 29, 1872.

Today we will talk about the family of Blake Arnold.  He was born in Virginia in 1803.  Blake first married Permelia Calvert in Washington County, Kentucky, August 15, 1828.   Together they had at least five children, since they are named in the 1850 census, John, Mary, Martha and Nancy.  Nancy was born in 1838.  Wife Permelia must have died shortly thereafter.  She is not listed in the 1840 census of Mercer County – the only 3 females are the daughters.

Know all men by these presents that we, Blake Arnold and Thomas Stewart, are held and firmly bound unto the Commonwealth of Kentucky in the penal sum of fifty pounds current money to the payment of which well and truly to be made, we bind ourselves, our heirs, jointly and severally, firmly by these presents, sealed with our seals and dated this 17th day of August 1840.

The condition of the above obligation is such that whereas there is a license about to issue for a marriage intended to be solemnized between the above named Blake Arnold and Martha Blagrave.  Now if there be no lawful cause to obstruct said marriage then the above obligation to be void else to remain in  full force and virtue.

                              Blake Arnold, Thomas Stewart

Witness, John T. Allin, D. C.

On August 17, 1840, Blake Arnold married Martha Blagrave in Mercer County, Kentucky.  She is listed in the 1850 Boyle County Census with him, the five children mentioned above, and four children of there own – Samuel, Permelia (named for the first wife), James and Woodson Arnold.  In the 1860 Boyle County Census two additional children are listed – Robert and William Creed Arnold.

Martha J., wife of Blake Arnold, born April 25, 1818, died October 12, 1893.

Blake Arnold died March 29, 1872.  We will discuss his will tomorrow.  Martha lived another 21 years, raising the children.

Permelia, daughter of B. & M. Arnold, born September 16, 1842, died August 29, 1867.

Daughter Permelia died at the young age of 25.  She was probably taken away by consumption.

R. B. Arnold died July 26, 1883, aged 30 years and 5 months.

Son Robert also died at a young age.

John Arnold, July 30, 1828 – December 3, 1880.  Julia Arnold, August 6, 1833 – June 21, 1897.

Eldest son, John, died seven years after his father.

George Crane, October 15, 1835 – August 21, 1928.  Nancy Crane, April 30, 1836 – March 17, 1909.

Daughter Nancy, buried with husband George Crane.

This small cemetery was worth the wait!  It is beautifully cared for by the families mentioned above.  Thanks to them for their dedication to their ancestors!