The Rev. J. E. Samples was born September 30, 1903 in Webster county, Ky.

In 1920 he professed faith in Christ and joined the Shady Grove General Baptist church at Poole, Ky. Later he moved his membership to the Union Hill General Baptist church.

he served as a devout church member for several years; was elected Sunday School Superintendent at that church for seven years.

God's plan for a greater work for him resulted in his answering the call to the ministry in 1939, and in 1943 he was ordained to the full work of the ministry. He preached his first sermon in 1939 at the Missionary Baptist church of Poole, Ky.

His records show he has preached 810 sermons; witnessed 115 conversions; received 32 members into the church; baptized 30 candidates; performed 14 marriages; conducted 18 funerals.

he has pastored the following churches: Enon, Union Hill, Union Grove, and Corydon. At present he is pastoring Corydon and Union Hill churches.