1867
"On motion, J. M. Self, W. R. Foster and F. W. Thacker of M. E. Church, South, being present, were invited to seats as advisory members"
[Source: Minutes of White River Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 5, 1867]

1869
"Bro. J. M. Self, an ordained deacon of the M. E. Church South, presented a letter of dismission and recommendation, and he having adopted the Confession of Faith of the C.P. Church, he was received under the care of this Presbytery as a licensed minister."

"A petition was presented from a part of the members of the Strawberry congregation for the ordination of Bro. Self, which was concurred in and he was ordered to prepare to stand an examination accordingly and St. John 3:16 was assigned him as a text from which to preach a trial sermon, and Bro. J. W. Campbell was appointed to preach the ordination sermon and D. Morrow to preside and give charge."

[Source: Minutes of White River Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 1869]

1869
J. M. Self, Smithville, Ark.
Licentiate - White River Presbytery
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1869, page 90]

1869
"Presbytery took a few minutes nominal recess at the close of which Bro, J. M. Self proceeded to preach his trial sermon, preparatory to ordination."

"At 12 o'clock, Rev. J. W. Campbell proceeded to preacher the ordination sermon, preparatory to the ordination of Bro. Self, at the close of which the Presbytery proceeded to set apart Bro. J. M. Self to the whole work of the Ministry, by the laying on of the hand of the Presbytery and prayer. Rev. D. Morrow presiding, gave the charge."

[Source: Minutes of White River Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, September 1869]

1870
J. M. Self, Smithville, Ark.
Minister - White River Presbytery
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1870, page 85]

1871
J. M. Self, Smithville, Ark.
Minister - White River Presbytery
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1871, page 85]

1872
Self, J. M., Smithville, Ark.
Minister - White River Presbytery
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1872, page 125]

1873
Self, J. M., Smithville, Ark.
Minister - White River Presbytery
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1873, page 101]

1874
Self, J. M., Smithville, Ark.
Minister - White River Presbytery
[Source: Minutes of the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 1874, page 101]

1875
"On motion letters of dismission and recommendation was granted Rev. J. M. Self and Wm. McBride at their own request."
[Source: Minutes of White River Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, March 1875, page 4 of typescript]

1875
No further mention of him in records.