GEORGE WORTH YANCEY.

      The subject of this sketch was the youngest child of Thomas and Zelcha Yancey, and was born in New Liberty, Owen county, Kentucky, March 3, 1847. His father was a Virginian, being a cousin of William L. Yancey of Confederate fame. His mother was first cousin of the Morton brothers, who were pioneer preachers of the Restoration. From both father and mother he inherited a fine physique, and a strong mind. When but two years of age his father died, leaving the mother and five children. She journeyed to Missouri and here on the prairies of this new country Worth Yancey spent his boyhood days. He left his home at the early age of thirteen to make his own way. At sixteen he entered the office of the Palmyra Spectator and learned the art of printing. About this time he united with the church and soon afterwards decided to become a preacher of the gospel. To this end he bent every energy, reading and studying every spare moment. He became a proficient type-setter, earning good wages which he laid by for his college course. At the age of nineteen he entered Kentucky University. He graduated from both the College of the Bible and the University with honors, beloved by faculty and student-body. During nearly all of his college course he preached regularly every Sunday. His vacations were spent in protracted meetings in Kentucky and Missouri. After graduating he was called to Carlisle, then to Floyd and Chestnut Street Church, Louisville (now Broadway), laboring with this church for six years; then the Campbell Street Church four years; Lancaster four years; Cynthiana five years, where his health failed. His last sermon was preached September 30, 1894. He also held many protracted meetings, and was successful as an evangelist. For several years he was connected with the Old Path Guide, continuing for some time as office editor after the death of F. G. Allen.

      Few men have been, more abundant in labors. He loved, above everything else, to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ. [437] Strange, indeed, it seems to our darkened vision, that one so well prepared in heart and mind for the Master's service should so soon lay by the sickle while the world's great harvest fields wait in vain for reapers.

      After an ocean voyage and a few weeks spent in Europe, three months in the hospital in Cincinnati, a six months' sojourn in Florida's sunny clime in search of health, the conclusion was reached that progressive paralysis was doing its deadly work. Inch by inch the outer man perished, but the inner man was renewed day by day. All through two years of sore affliction and extreme suffering, he was cheerful and hopeful, never losing faith in Him whom he had served.

      On the 7th day of September, 1896, at Williamstown, Ky., his spirit, buoyant with glimpses of the "farther shore," was released from its tenement of clay. Thus in the prime of life, being only forty-nine years of age, his ministry, so full of good works, was ended. He went into the presence of the Eternal One with no fear, no doubt, but fell peacefully asleep, often repeating, "I shall be satisfied, when I awake in His likeness."

      On June 9, 1871, he was united in marriage with Sarah Kendall Mogan, of Williamstown, Ky., who, with two sons, Worth and Hogan, and a little daughter, Lela, survive him. Graham, the eldest son preceded the father to the homeland.

[COC 437-438]