Rev. R. B. Ward, after a painful illness of three months, died at Kansas City, Mo., the 25th inst. He was for a number of years identified with the church life of Missouri, a good preacher and a consecrated Christian man. He will be missed. "The Cumberland Presbyterian" extends its sympathy to the sorrowing ones.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 5, 1904, page 562]

WARD.--Rev. R. B. Ward was born May 6, 1842 in West Tennessee. He professed religion when fourteen years of age, and joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Old Bethlehem church, Obion county, Tenn. He joined the Confederate army in 1861 and was a soldier till the war closed. He was married to Miss Laura Mardick, June 21, 1870, at Union City, Tenn., Rev. J. W. Morrow officiating. He moved to Missouri and joined the Ozark Presbytery as a probationer for the gospel ministry, March 29, 1875. He was licensed October 25, 1876, and ordained to the full gospel ministry March 24, 1878. As a preacher Brother Ward was above the average. He had a remarkable experience of grace, and a clear insight to biblical truth. His work was done against great odds, as he has always been in feeble health. In his last ministry he went to his appointments when scarcely able to walk. Often at the close of his sermon it would be several minutes before he could leave his pulpit, from sheer exhaustion. He believed the gospel; he preached it with unusual power. He was especially gifted in revival work. Scores of souls have been redeemed through his heart-searching preaching. His wife and one daughter preceded him to the better land. There are seven children remaining, all Christians; and the eldest son, John A [Jerry]., Mexia, Texas, is a minister. His last sickness was long and severe, but he had great fortitude and Christian submission. The end came April 25 at his home, Kansas City, Mo., and was as peaceful and sweet as any death I ever witnessed. The funeral services were held in the church at Independence, Mo., where he was once the successful pastor. Many of his old friends and former parishioners were present to testify to his noble ministry and the good they had received therefrom. The funeral was conducted by the writer, who was also Brother Ward's pastor, assisted by Revs. J. C. Moore, J. W. Whitsett and E. V. Headen. The text used was, "For he was a good man; full of the Holy Spirit and of faith, and much people was added to the Lord."--
G. P. Baity.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 19, 1904, page 636]