Obit of Rev. Ben Franklin Gassaway (g200) - Caddo County, Oklahoma Submitted by: Sandy Miller 16 Jun 1999 ==================================================================== USGENWEB NOTICE All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities so long as all notices and submitter information is included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. ==================================================================== Surnames: Gassaway, Scogin, Jacque, Ewing, Methvin, Holmes February 7, 1928 Rev. Ben Franklin Gassaway Rev. Ben Franklin Gassaway was born near Glasgow, Baren county, Kentucky, January 14, 1846. He moved from Kentucky to Texas in 1861. He joined the Confederate army in 1863 and served in Company B, Ross' Brigade, General N.B. Forrest Cavalry. He was married to Miss Elizabeth Caroline Scogin of Keachi, Louisiana, January 6, 1870. To this union 13 children were born - 8 boys and 5 girls, 9 of whom are living - W.H. Gassaway of Borger, P.L. Gassaway of Coalgate, Ok., C.H. Gassaway of Higgins, J.T. Gassaway of Anadarko, Ok., J.L. Gassaway of El Reno, Mrs. Sallie St.Jacque of Higgins, Mrs. Elizabeth Ewing of Harlington, Texas, Mrs. Rebecca C. Methvin of Anadarko, Ok., and Mrs. Clara Holmes of Higgins. Those dead are Annie, George T., Ben F. Jr., and James P. Gassaway. He professed religion at Marlin, Texas in June 1871 and united with the Methodist church and was licensed to preach at Bermond, Texas in 1875; joined the Northwest Texas conference of the Methodist Church South, November 1876. In 1892 he organized the Campground association for the Annual Holiness campmeeting, three miles east of Waco and was made president of the association and attended the meetings annually and was president of the association until the time of his death. In 1899 he transferred to what was then known as the Indian Mission conference and in 1900 became missionary of the Kiowa and Comanche Indians at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. In 1905 he transferred back to the N.W. Texas conference and in November of 1906, was placed on the superannuate roll. But in fact he was not a superannuate for he preached right along and occupied the Methodist pulpit in the absence of the pastor only a short time ago and held regular services at Tierce chapel for years and was so dearly loved by his congregation that when the anniversary of his birth arrived each year he was given a big dinner in honor of the event. He has missed but one appointment during this time. For over a year Rev. Gassaway has been ailing but has kept up and going and due to his rugged health has been out as usual, but it has been evident to all that his strength was failing and his steps grew more feeble as time wore on. His last illness was of short duration, death coming February 7, 1928. Funeral services were held at the Methodist church Thursday afternoon conducted by Rev. E.L. Sisk, assisted by Rev. C.E. Fike of the Methodist church of the Canadian. Mrs. F.E. St. Jacque also paying a fitting tribute to her father. Interment was made in the city cemetery. And what more can we say of this pioneer minister that has been one of us for so many years teaching, preaching, visiting the sick and comforting the sorrowing, than to liken him to the apostle of old who had fought the good fight and was ready to meet his Maker after so many years of toil. Peace be to his memory. --------------------------------------------------------------------