It is thought that early settlers from Illinois occupied the land in the mid-1800's. Soon, about two acres were set aside for a church and cemetery. The earliest tombstone found in the cemetery is J. Kennedy's Illinois Infantry marker. According to Bill Harris, Mr. Kennedy died in 1861. The tombstone of Claudius L. Haile {1874-1899}, son of L. H. and M. L. Haile and another tombstone with an illegible name and a death date of 1899 are among the oldest tombstones. There were problems with vandalism in the 1980's. Undertaker Roger Ford estimates that there are at least 20 unmarked graves here. According to land records Book 4729, page 0982, Windsor Hills Baptist Church became owner of the property December 1, 1980. Religious services were held under a brush arbor. Later, a barracks building from the Norman Naval Base was moved onto the property to be used as a church building. An inscription on the concrete front porch reads, "Believer's Independent Baptist Church, Founded May 2, 1976, 42 members, Bruce Fry, Pastor." Bill Harris purchased this Windsor Hill's mission for New Hope Assembly Church October 1, 1986. Recorded in Book 5533, page 1050. This location was renamed Living Faith Ministries in 1995. The most recent burial is that of Aaron Paul Nix born August 26, 1998 and died December 2, 1998. His father, Rev. Paul Nix, son-in-law of Bill Harris, is pastor of the Living Faith Ministry at this printing.
Civil War - Co A 21st ILL INF