"A HISTORY OF THE DAVIESS-McLEAN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION IN KENTUCKY, 1844-1943" by Wendell H. Rone. Probably published in 1944 by Messenger Job Printing, Inc., Owensboro, Kentucky. Used by permission. pp. 268-270. Daviess County WILLIAM HEAD: William Head, son of John A. Head, a native of Virginia, was born in Scott County, Ky., November 17, 1807. He was raised on a farm and received a good common school education. In his 22nd year he married Sarah Jane, daughter of Joseph S. Norris. She lived only one year after their marriage and in his 24th year he married her sister, Anestasia [sic] Teresa. Both of his first wives were Roman Catholics as were their parents, but the second Mrs. Head and most of her father's family afterwards became Baptists. Mr. Head was converted in 1834 and was baptized by Elder J. D. Black, at Stamping Ground, in his native county. The following year he moved to Owensboro, Ky., where he united, at their second meeting, with the small church that was constituted soon after he arrived there (now First Church). He was elected as the first clerk of the First Baptist Church and served acceptably until March, 1841 when he was succeeded by George W. Triplett. Soon after he united with the Church at Owensboro he became very cold in religious duties, and when awakened to his condition, was greatly troubled. He found George N. McKay and Elijah Giriffin [sic][Griffin?] in a similar state of mind. The three held frequent conversations on the subject, and finally agreed to meet at each others houses to pray. This being found out, the people began meeting with them, and regular prayer meetings were held, at which considerable crowds gathered. John G. Howard was finally induced to take part in the prayer meetings, and soon a deep interest pervaded the entire community. About this time, 1839, John L. Burrows, agent from New England for the China Mission, visited Owensboro. Mr. Head laid the condition of himself and his brethren before Mr. Burrows, who promised to return and hold a meeting for them, after filling a series of appointments. The Methodists, learning the arrangements anticipated the Baptists, and got possession of the Court House which was the only suitable place for preaching in the whole village. When Mr. Burrows returned to redeem his promise, he obtained leave to preach a few sermons in the Court House. The people, having heard the brilliant young orator, so clamored for his preaching that the Methodists were compelled to give place to him. He continued preaching for some time and God wrought a glorious work of grace among the people. The burdened Church members who originated the little prayer meeting, were joyously relieved, and more than 100 converts were baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church. The revival spread to the neighboring Churches, and it was estimated that not less than 500 people were baptized, while the spirit of missions was greatly diffused. This meeting no doubt may account for the fact that the Daviess County Association organized 5 years later has always been an outstanding Missionary Association. Mr. Head was very active during this revival, and being licensed to preach in the meantime, he proclaimed to all around him, with burning zeal, the good news of salvation. On March 7, 1841, he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry by Elders Thomas Downs, Reuben Cottrell, and John G. Howard. He crossed the Ohio River and raised up a Church at Booneville, Indiana. He immediately became pastor of the Booneville and Baker's Creek Churches after his ordination. The next spring he was called back to Kentucky and took charge of Rock Spring (Yelvington) and Friendly Grove Churches, in Daviess County. In 1843 he was called to the Yelvington Church for all his time, preaching once a month at the present site of Chestnut Grove Church, once a month at the present site of South Hampton Church, and the remaining time at the Yelvington Church. In 1849 he took charge of the church at Cloverport, where he labored with success, for eight years. He then moved to a farm, near Webster, Breckenridge County, Ky., where he lived the remainder of his earthly life. He preached to Walnut Grove Church 25 years, to Lost Run 20 years; and to Clover Creek 17 years; all in his adopted county. Records show that he served the Churches at Caseville, Flint Island, and Little Bend at different periods. In addition to his ministerial work he also served as a missionary during his entire ministry. He was a plain, strong, practical preacher, rather than a brilliant one; and it may confidently be said that few preachers have been more successful in the cause of Christ, in the field in which he wrought. For the last eight years of his life he preached but little except on funeral occasions. As the day of dissolution approached, he expressed a willingness to depart and be with Christ which was far better. He died on March 26, 1891, and his body was consigned to the tomb with Masonic honors in the Walnut Grove Cemetery, Breckenridge County, Kentucky. He was one of the last Constituent Pastors of, [sic] the Association to die. Black Burrows Cottrell Downs Giriffin (Griffin) Head Howard McKay Norris Triplett = Warrick-IN Breckenridge-KY Daviess-KY Scott-KY Webster Breckinridge-KY VA IN http://www.rootsweb.com/~kygenweb/kybiog/daviess/head.w.txt