USA > Georgia > Bibb County > Macon > Georgia Baptists: historical and biographical > Part 25
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John Ross, Jr.
so early a period of life. He was a young man of great prom- ise, and that was a most mysterious providence that took him from the field of his labors. He died January 27th, 1819, about twenty-seven years old. As Professor Ripley, of Newton Theo- logical Seminary, (Mr. Winn's successor in the pastoral office,) has written a more extended biography of him, the reader is referred to that work as one of much interest.
JOHN ROSS, JR.,
Was born in Virginia, about 1781. His father emigrated to Georgia in 1798, and settled in Columbia county, where he died in 1805. The subject of this notice moved into the new purchase, between the Oconee and Ocmulgee, in the early settlement of the country, say 1807.
His preaching talents were .of a very respectable order, and he began to exercise them about 1816. For some years he was moderator of the Ebenezer Association, and after 1830, when he removed into the bounds of the Columbus Association, he was the presiding officer of that body till his death, in July, 1837. He was a man naturally of a very popular turn, beloved and contided in by all who knew him. As a preacher, he ac- complished more by his persuasive and impassioned manner than by the strength of his arguments. On account of his great popularity, he was induced to run for the Legislature in about 1828, but he was defeated, much to the satisfaction of his more prudent brethren. The occasions are believed to be of very rare occurrence when ministers of the gospel are warran- ted in coming down from their high and holy station to mingle in the strifes of party, or even to give direction to the affairs of State. As men, it is their privilege and duty to stand in their place at the ballot-box. This they may do without compromit- ting the dignity of their office, or neglecting its duties. Christ has said, " My kingdom is not of this world."
In 1825, he was messenger from the Ebenezer Missionary So- ciety to the General Baptist Association, at Eatonton. Though he resided among brethren who did not favor the benevolent operations of the age, he was their firm friend and supporter. He was more zealous in their behalf in the latter part of his
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life. On this subject his influence was commanding in the Col- umbus Association, where he spent his latter days. His resi- dence was in Upson, but his membership at Antioch, in Talbot, across the river. When the Convention was at Talbotton, in 1836, he entered warmly into the measure of that body to es- tablish a Baptist college in the State. In the ministers' meet- ing at Forsyth, in July following, he was deeply interested in all its objects, and instrumental in accomplishing much good. He had gone into Marion county in July, 1837, to attend a meeting, when he was attacked with disease, and survived but a few days.
LOVELESS SAVAGE.
Loveless Savage was brought up an Episcopalian, and had removed from Welch Neck, on the Peedee, when he came to Georgia. Mr. Botsford, on a tour of preaching, in 1772, up the Kiokee, made inquiry of him in regard to his place of preach- ing, and after being informed, asked him, “ Have you been bap- tized ?" " Yes, to be sure," was Mr. Savage's answer. "How do you know ?" inquired Mr. Botsford. "Why, my parents have told me so." "Then you know only by information." This interrogation of Mr. Botsford, " How do you know ? " haun- ted him till he became convinced of his duty .*
He was afterwards baptized by Mr. Marshall, and became a useful preacher, and was probably instrumental in gathering Abilene church ; was a preacher as early as 1775. His last ser- mon was to a dying widow, whom he visited, and to whom he spake from these words, "Leave thy fatherless children," etc. His residence was near Quaker Springs, Columbia county, some ten miles northwest of Augusta. He died about 1815, near ninety years old.
ELIJAH MOSELY,
Was brought up as a preacher under William Davis, in Holly Springs church, Elbert county, where he was licensed. He was ordained September 5, 1807. In 1808, he joined Crooked Creek church, Putnam county, and was moderator of the Ocmulgee
*See Benedict and Botsford's life.
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Elijah Mosely,
Association many years. In 1817, he accompanied Mr. Mercer to Philadelphia as a delegate from the Ocmulgee Missionary Society (of which he was president,) to the Triennial Baptist Convention of the United States, and heartily approved the measures adopted for a theological school. He was a preacher of great power. His opportunities for education in early life had been slender, but he had a strong native mind and an insa-' tiable thirst for knowledge as he advanced in his ministerial career, because he discovered his need. Such men will gather up a valuable fund of information, whether they ever see a col- lege or not. Such, too, derive great advantage from the labors and works of their more learned brethren.
During the last war with England, say about 1813, he volun- teered his services (whether as a chaplain or private soldier, the author is not informed,) in the army against the Creek In- dians. He sustained a high reputation among the soldiers, to whom he frequently preached, and to whom he was greatly use- ful. Some may think he did even more than his duty, for, when the conflict came, he was in the thickest of the fight, and was wounded in defense of his country. About 1820, he removed to Alabama, and survived but a short time.
A son of his, Rev. William Mosely, is a preacher in the Tow- alagi Primitive Association-a man of reputable talents, but opposed to the institutions of the day. He is a man of logical mind, a natural orator, and is greatly admired and beloved by his friends. In 1840, during the presidential campaign, he felt it his duty to speak and to write on the affairs of the country, and his efforts were believed by many to have exerted a pow- erful influence in favor of Whig principles. In 1846, he ran for Congress against a distinguished opponent, but was beaten by a small majority. It is hoped he may yet see it his duty to adopt the views of his venerated father on the subject of benev- olence, and employ his talents (which are of no mean; order,) in building up where he has been wont to pull down.
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HON. AND REV. JOSEPH CLAY.
The author has been at much trouble in endeavoring to ob- tain such an account of this great and good man, as he would feel warranted in placing before the public, and as would occu- py a conspicuous place in this work. Most of those to whom he has applied have failed to come to his assistance. He would mention with gratitude, as an exception to this remark, Hon- orable John M. Berrien, to whom he is mainly indebted for the following brief, but deeply interesting, account.
Mr. Clay was a native Georgian, and was born in the city of Savannah, August 16, 1764. Mr. Berrien says, "I knew him well-he was the friend of my father, and my legal preceptor. At his own request, I lived in his family in the country, while engaged in the prosecution of my law studies, and had, there- fore, an opportunity of knowing and appreciating his many virtues. He was descended from one of the oldest and most respectable families in our State, and was himself possessed of talents of the highest order. He was liberally educated, and received the first honor in the class of which he was a mem- ber, at the college of Princeton, where he graduated. When many years afterwards, (Mr. Berrien continues,) I became a student of that institution and a member of the Diosophic So- ciety, with which he had also been associated, his name was still cherished with affectionate regard, and the records of the . society bore testimony to the estimation in which he had been held, while at Princeton. Returning to Georgia, he entered upon the study of the law, and having been admitted to the bar, soon rose to the highest eminence in his profession. He was particularly distinguished as an advocate, and especially in criminal cases. I remember even at this distance of time, and with as vivid a recollection as if it were an occurrence of yesterday, the effect produced by a speech of his, in a case of this description. It is the only instance in my life, in which I have seen, in its whole extent and resistless influence, the power of eloquence. So far as my observation extended, there was not. a single individual in a crowded auditory, who could command his feelings. At the commencement of the trial, the popular feeling was strongly excited against the accused, but an instant
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Hon. and Rev. Joseph Clay.
acquittal was the result; and when the trial was ended, men wondered at the means by which such result had been accom- plished.
"Mr. Clay was a leading member of the Convention which formed the present Constitution of Georgia. The original draught was carefully prepared by him in his retirement, but the Convention met in times of high party excitement, from the then recent controversy about the sale of our western lands, commonly denominated the Yazoo lands, and the plan of government submitted by Mr. Clay received various modifica- tions, which diminished its value.
"Mr. Clay was called from his retirement, (in what precise year I do not recollect,) to fill the office of District Judge of the United States for the District of Georgia, and presided in that Court for several years, with distinguished ability and with universal approbation. But he was destined, in the providence of God, to a higher sphere of action. Mr. Clay had always been a moral man. His disposition was peculiarly amiable, and he was distinguished by a warm and active benevolence. These, combined with his social qualities, made him an object of uni- versal affection and respect in the community in which he lived. If any one of that community had been requested to point to a man of blameless conduct, he would have been designated. He alone did not concur in this judgment. While he was yet actively engaged in his judicial duties, the subject of religion presented itself to his mind and engrossed his thoughts. He became deeply impressed with a sense of his own unworthi- ness, and was happily enabled to seek and to find relief in the atoning blood of the Redeemer. He labored, for a considerable time, under great mental depression; but when at length he was enabled to discern the path of duty, he did not hesitate to pursue it. He resigned his judicial office and devoted himself to the ministry, with a persuasive eloquence, but yet more with a sincere and humble but ardent piety, which was, I trust, by the blessing of God, efficient in the salvation of many souls. In concluding this hurried and very imperfect sketch, I can only add, that among those with whom it has been my fortune to be associated in life, he stands pre-eminently distinguished for his talents, his virtues and his piety ; and that his affection,
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his kindness and his counsels are among my most valued recol- lections."
It is with singular pleasure the author records the above testimony of Georgia's most distinguished son, concerning one of the most gifted men ever connected with our denomination in this country.
From other sources the following additional facts have been gathered. It was under the ministry of Dr. Holcombe that Mr. Clay was converted, and by him was baptized. He was brought up under Episcopal influence, and, even after he pro- fessed hope in Christ, was much perplexed on the subject of baptism. At one time he was conversing with the elder Fuller, of Beaufort, on the subject, and came to the conclusion that he would throw aside all books except the Bible, and search that only. His pædo-baptist friends drew the very natural inference, "Then he'll be a Baptist." So it turned out; for he was bap -. tized and licensed in 1802, at Savannah, and ordained in 1804, by Messrs. Furman, Cook and Holcombe.
He preached in most of the cities of the United States, and finally settled in Boston, the successor of Rev. Dr. Stillman. But his race was short, having died in that city January 11th, 1811. Mr. Clay was a ripe scholar, a profound jurist, a persua- sive orator, a refined gentleman, an humble christian. His family connexions are numerous and highly respectable. The Rev. Joseph Clay Stiles, a Presbyterian minister of great ability, is a nephew of Mr. Clay.
SAMUEL WHATLEY.
About the year 1776, William Whatley, the father of the subject of these brief memoirs, removed from North Carolina, and settled in Wilkes county, Georgia, having a wife and four children, of whom Samuel was the oldest. Soon after their arrival in this State, his father and his uncle, Wilson Whatley, were killed by Indians at the Cherokee Corner, whilst engaged in surveying land. The care of his widowed mother and her orphan children devolved upon Samuel, who, at the tender age of fourteen, had to act the fourfold part of father, brother, son and soldier. He was well grown for one of his years, and the
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Samuel Whatley.
death of his father and uncle roused a spirit within him, which prompted him at once to volunteer in his country's service, against the combined forces of the British and Indians. He accordingly served successfully under Clark, Dooly, Williamson and other revolutionary patriots. Did it comport with the design of this work, we might entertain the reader with many thrilling incidents of his history as a youthful soldier. We must confine ourselves, however, to only one or two.
On one occasion, while connected with a company of mounted infantry, he was required to march in silence about twenty-five miles, during a freezing winter night. Being thinly clad, he was quite overcome by the cold, and at the end of the trip, was taken from his horse in a speechless state. It was with much difficulty, and after he had suffered unspeakable anguish, that he was restored to consciousness. He was in the battle at the siege of Augusta, when the whigs were defeated, and with others made his escape by swimming the Savannah river, oppo- site the city. He was barely able to reach the bank, and must have perished, but that he was pulled out by his fellow-soldiers. Almost destitute of clothing, he became separated from his companions, and spent the night in a tree-top alone. Next morning, he fell in with a herd of swine, which he followed to the main road. To his great joy, his own captain soon came along, took him up on his horse, and carried him safely to camp. Some few months afterwards, he was wounded and taken pris- oner in the battle of Long-Cane, South Carolina, while under the command of Colonel Williamson. His left arm was broken by a musket ball. In this situation, he was taken by the tories, who made one or two attempts to hang him; but failing, for want of a suitable rope, they delivered him to the British at Ninety-Six. His wound was not dressed until the third day after it was inflicted. From the effects of this wound, he never entirely recovered, and was a pensioner of the government on account of it. He amused the British officers by singing "Lib- erty songs " for them, which he was very fond of doing, and of which he knew a great many. The night before he was taken by the tories, he lay out in the woods, and while suffering ex- cruciating pain from his broken arm, he was attacked by three “ wolves, from which he narrowly escaped with his life. Driven
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by hunger, the next morning, to the residence of a widow, he was discovered and taken by the tories, as above stated.
How long his imprisonment continued is not known. But soon after his release, he returned to his mother in Wilkes county, where he went to school a few months. During the remainder of the war, he was frequently engaged in short ex- cursions against the enemy ; but was no more connected with the regular army.
He finally married Miss Catharine Anglin, and settled in Wilkes county, on a tract of land, which he took up on head rights, and where he raised a large family, having cultivated it upwards of forty years. His wife is no more, and though she never made a public profession of religion, is believed by her friends to have been a lover of Jesus Christ. Soon after his marriage and settlement, many of his relatives from North Carolina and Virginia removed and located in his immediate neighborhood, and as they were all agreed in politics and kind in their feelings towards each other, Mr. Whatley considered himself a happy man. This happiness, however, was of short duration, for Silas Mercer, that faithful servant of the Lord, was his nearest neighbor, and did not cease to warn him of his guilt and danger as a sinner against God. These warnings were not in vain, for his eyes being opened to a discovery of his lost condition, he betook himself to repentance and prayer, day and night. His convictions and troubles continued many days. When, at length, the Lord was pleased to meet with him in mercy in a forest, where he was accustomed to retire for prayer, his joy was such as to prompt him to arise and repair to his wife, to whom he communicated the glad tidings. Next, he went to Silas Mercer, and informed him " what great things the Lord had done for his soul." Within a few months after his conversion, he was baptized by the said Mercer, and joined Phillips' Mill church, of which he continued an exem- plary member the remainder of his life, a period of about forty years.
He soon became an active and prominent member of the church. But how long he enjoyed this relation, before he com- menced his public ministration of the Word is not known. Owing to his limited circumstanees, his labors were mostly
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Henry Hand.
confined to the regions contiguous to him. Though given to many eccentricities, he was a man of good natural parts, and of a noble and generous nature. His person was tall and com- manding, being six feet and nearly four inches in hight, and weighing upwards of two hundred pounds.
Upon the decease of Silas Mercer, the friendship of Mr. Whatley was transferred to Jesse Mercer, his son. This dis- tinguished man ever entertained much respect and sincere re- gard for Mr. Whatley. In like manner, was he held in high esteem even by men who did not fear God. At the house of an unbeliever, he was invited and accustomed to hold religious meetings. Another wicked man declared his intention to make him a present of a negro, " because," as he said, "Mr. Whatley was the best man in Wilkes county." Having died without fulfilling his design, his widow subsequently made him a deed to a likely negro boy.
His decease took place in October, 1820, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, in the early part of the session of the Georgia Association, of which he had been so long a member. A fune- ral discourse was preached before that body by his intimate friend and brother, Jesse Mercer. The same individual contin- ued to preach similar discourses, in memory of Mr. Whatley, for several weeks in the churches most acquainted with his character, and which had mainly enjoyed the advantages of his labors as an evangelist. After having been once almost drowned, twice frozen, twice shot, and once hung, he survived to enjoy the blessings of liberty to a good old age, and then to die in peace and hope upon his own bed, at home, and in the midst of kindred and friends.
HENRY HAND,
The father of Thomas and Joseph Hand, who have both la- bored as ministers of the gospel in Georgia, was a native of New Jersey. During his early childhood, his father emigrated to Surry county, North Carolina, (where he spent seventeen years,) and thence to Georgia. Below we have a short account of his religious experience, call to the ministry, etc., which we prefer to give in his own language.
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"I was of poor but honest parents, and born May 17th, 1764. The revolutionary war prevented my parents from giving me an education. My mother learned me to spell and read a little: They tried to bring me up in the fear of God, and would press upon me the necessity of the new birth, which led me to seek the salvation of my soul in early life. But my thoughts of God were very imperfect; I thought when I did good, the Lord loved me, and when I did evil, the Lord was angry with me. Thus I spent my time for years, sometimes praying and prom- ising the Lord that I would do better. But I would break my promises and sin again. After this manner I spent my life, until I was fifteen years old. I then had to take up arms in the defense of my country, which placed me in the midst of a wicked crew, who led me into sin more and more. I knew it was wrong, my conscience would often check me, and at times I was much distressed on account of my sins. And yet the Lord was good to me, and preserved me in the day of battle.
" When I returned home, my young companions so enticed me I tried to take pleasure in sin, yet the thoughts of death and judgment would so alarm me that I could not take pleasure in sin as I desired. I would promise the Lord, if he would for- give me I would sin no more, but did not keep my promise. Thus I spent my time until I was eighteen years old. It now appeared that I had sinned so much against light and knowl- edge, that God would not have mercy on me. Sometimes I thought I had committed the unpardonable sin. My distress of mind was so great that I could take pleasure in sin no longer. I now tried to amend my life. I renewed my promise again with the Lord, and prayed five times daily. I forsook my young companions, and still I grew worse, until my case ap- peared hopeless. The Lord appeared so angry with me, I thought he would not hear my prayer. I fasted and prayed, and went to hear the word preached. It condemned me. My sins arose before me. I thought the earth cried against me, saying, 'See here, Lord, he has sinned.' I then fell on my face to the ground, but durst not pray. God appeared so just, I feared to mention his holy name. At length I arose and went groaning under a heavy burden a little way. And it seemed that something spoke to me, saying, 'Ask, and it shall be given
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you.' I fell on my knees and prayed, and my soul was so drawn out to the Lord, I thought I should receive an immediate answer. I was encouraged by the thought that if I did not re- ceive then, I should certainly receive if I continued to ask. I rejoiced, and thought I would continue to pray as long as I lived. I continued so for eight days, praying and striving, but could not receive. I then discovered the holiness of God, that he could not look upon sin with any allowance, and that I was nothing but sin. I then saw myself corrupt, no soundness in me, my prayers as corrupt as myself. I could not see how God could be just and I be spared. I then sunk into despair. If I bad any hope of salvation, I could not realize it. I then cried, 'Lord, can it be possible that thou canst be just, and a sinner be saved !' I then had a view of Christ as mediator between God and man. My soul then leaped for joy to see such a glo- rious plan of salvation through Christ. I was made to hunger and thirst after it for several days. Then the scriptures sounded in my ears, 'Fear not, little flock, it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom '-' Be not faithless, but be- lieving.' I was now overwhelmed with joy and was constrained to give glory to God.
" But it being suggested to my mind that I was not one of that little flock, in an instant all my joy was gone. I perceived how freely God had given his people the kingdom, but conclu- ded I had lost it by sinning against him. I felt that the day of grace was past and the door of mercy closed forever. In this case I continued four days, when my soul was fully set at liberty by the application of that scripture to my heart, 'It is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.' In a moment I saw God reconciled to me through Christ my Lord. I now found what it was to believe for myself and not another. I now felt all the powers of my soul drawn out in love to God, his ways and his people. I now wanted to do something for the Lord, but found nothing that I could do, only to keep his commandments and follow his examples. My conversion was on the 23d of October, 1783, and as my blessed Saviour united with the Baptist church, and was baptized by John the Baptist in Jordan, and commanded us to follow his examples, I there-
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fore united with the Baptist church and was baptized by a Baptist, Rev. George McNeal.
" About this time my father removed to Georgia, (from South Carolina,) and I had to part with my brethren whom my soul loved. I thought I should never love another church so well. When I came to Georgia I found no church for some time, but still felt much engaged for the salvation of sinners, pleading with them to forsake their sins and accept the offers of salva- tion. After many days I found five Baptists that had joined together to serve the Lord. This was a comfort to me. I joined the little band, and the Lord added to the number until a church was constituted. I now thought that if I had a house and home of my own I should serve God better. I made it a subject of prayer for direction, and being fully persuaded it was the will of God, I married, the 28th of November, 1784. My wife was not a believer, but a moral woman. In February, 1786, she gave a declaration of her faith before the church, and put on Christ openly by baptism. And this I esteemed as one of God's favors, for which I never could feel sufficiently thankful.
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