Extracted from The Smithfield Herald (Smithfield, NC)
Tuesday, February 16, 1926

Death of M. P. Barefoot

On Wednesday, February 3, the Death Angel visited the home of Mr. Barefoot and took his spirit back to God who gave it. He had been in failing health for some time but was taken worse on January 31, and gradually grew worse until death relieved him of his suffering. All was done for him that could be done by medical aid and tender care of the family, but all in vain. The Great Maker called him to go and he left us to wear the crown prepared for him. ``Thy will be done, not ours.'' He was a faithful member of the Free Will Baptist church at New Zealand. He has been a true Christian for several years. He united with this church soon after it was organized. The funeral was conducted by Rev. J. Ruffin Johnson, pastor of his church. He spoke many encouraging words to the family and many others who had gathered to pay their last tribute of respect to the kind husband and father.

He leaves to mourn his loss five children: Mrs. J. M. Jernigan, Mrs. J. J. Holder, Mrs. Osmyn Barefoot, Mr. G. G. Barefoot and Mr. M. W. Barefoot, all of Bentonville township. He also leaves several grandchildren and a number of brothers and sisters.

He had been married twice, but both wives are dead. They were before their marriage Miss Elizabeth and Miss Alice Blackman. His last wife died about a year ago.

Mr. Barefoot was a good man who had won the love of all who knew him. We feel that our loss is his eternal gain. He was born April 3, 1858, and died February 3, 1926, making his stay on earth sixty-seven years and ten months. He was laid to rest in the Blackman cemetery. We all extend much sympathy to the family.

Bentonville, Route 2, Feb. 10.