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Note: Moved to Arkansas in 1881 and bought a home near Lockesburg, SevierCounty, Arkansas
Local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church South in 1884.
As of December 1929 he was living with his daughter Ruth Cannon (G.N.Cannon) in Stephens, Arkansas
Certificate from Circuit Court of Sevier County, Arkansas showing thatRiley A. Presson was ordained a Deacon in the Methodist EpiscopalChurch, South on November 25, 1888 by Joseph S. Key filed with stateDecember 1, 1888, Book ? AW01 Page 5
Deacon's were able to administer Baptism. Marriage and Burial of theDead in absence of an Elder and give communion.
Circuit Court Seal and Personal Seal of Joseph S. Key
Transfered to Atoka, Oklahoma April 14, 1911
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Note: Date from picture of tombstone Obit follows:
Obituary Feb 21, 1940
Rev. Riley A. Presson was born July 4, 1851 at Camden, Tenn. He wasunited in marriage to Mahalie Turner October 11, 1871. He came fromTennessee to Arkansas in 1881 and settled at Lockesburg. He was a localminister in the Methodist Church for 65 years; was ordained a Deacon byBishop J. S. Key at annual Conference in Camden, Arkansas in 1888. Hemagnified the office of local preacher in his church through many yearsof faithful service. He was supply pastor for the former Chapel HillCircuit in Sevier County in 1890. Also for the Dierks Circuit in 1908.He directed the completion of the Methodist Church at Dierks whilepastor there. Funeral Services were conducted by his pastor Rev. M. E.Scott, Dr. J.L. Cannon, of Texarkana, Rev. W. R. Boyd of Ashdown andRev. Alva C. Rogers of Lockesburg where the service was held. BrotherPresson was truly a remarkable man, always happy, never makingcomplaint, always conserned for the progress of his church and lovedMethodist preachers. He lost his hearing during his last 2 years, buthe read a great deal. He was always anxious for the coming of theArkansas Methodist, the Christian Advocate, and the Arkansas Gazette.My acquaintance with him gave me added Christian strength. He issurvived by two brothers, Daniel Presson and Jesse G. Presson of Camden,Tennessee. By seven children: Jesse W. of Mansfield, Arkansas, Mrs.G.N. Cannon, Stephens, Arkansas, Mrs. Frank Hargrove, Stillwater,Oklahoma, Otis H. Presson, Judge of Superior Cour, Seminole, Oklahoma,Mrs. W. C. Alston, Checotah, Oklahoma, Miss Margaret Presson, Wewoka,Oklahoma and Henry W. Presson of Canadian, Oklahoma. 32 grandchildren,and 24 great-grand children. He passed to his heavenly reward at thehome of his daughter, Mrs. G. N. Cannon at Stephens, February 21. Hewas laid to rest in the Lockesburg cemetary.
M. E. Scott Pastor
The grandsons and great grandsons were pall bearers for the funeral.
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