USA > Missouri > Annals of Methodism in Missouri : containing an outline of the ministerial life of more than one thousand preachers, and sketches of more than three hundred ; also sketches of charges, churches and laymen from the beginning in 1806 to the centennial year, 1884, containing seventy-eight years of history > Part 20
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In his social life he was pleasant and agreeable. Though advanced in years, there was none of the moroseness of age about him. He seemed to have learned the secret of growing old gracefully, manifesting a mild, sweet, genial spirit. Hence, to know him was to love him.
1846.
The roll this year is augmented by the addition of fifteen new names-all on trial-seven in the Missouri Conference and eight in the St. Louis. Of these, four discontinued in 1847 and one in 1848, six have located, one (A. E. Sears) disappeared in IS63, one died in IS72, one (J. M. Proctor) is a member of the Southwest Missouri Conference, and one (P. O. Clayton) of the Los Angeles.
IS46. 243
Only one name this year requires, by rule, further notice. Of him the minutes say :
WILLIAM ASBURY MAYHEW was born in Darkville, Virginia, April 28, 1822. In his youth he was brought to a saving knowledge of Christ, and united with the church he loved so well and served so faithfully, at Williamsport, Missouri, January, 1842. Possessing rare business qualifications, he sought the West, that he might amass wealth and secure the honors of this world. He settled in St. Charles county, Missouri, and first engaged in teaching, but afterwards turned his attention to mercantile pursuits, for which avocation he was specially educated; but God had other work for his servant, and, obedient to the heavenly call, he left all to follow Christ. From his entrance upon the itinerant work until the close of his life he was always effective, and served in every position in the Conference work with usefulness and fidelity. As a companion he was agreea- ble, being well informed on general subjects, and especially so on the history and doctrines of the church. As a preacher he was emi- nently evangelical; the staple of his sermons was Christ crucified, and the experiences of the heart in receiving, following and glorifying his illustrious Lord. It was in the office of presiding elder that our brother excelled; for this delicate and responsible place he had pecu- liar fitness, and he magnified the office. Always prompt, methodical and painstaking, no interest of the church suffered in his hands; the entire business was attended to, and, by wise and judicious measures, he set forth the cause in every charge. The young pastor was instructed and encouraged, the church was rallied to his support, and his quarterly visitations were anticipated with pleasure. The latter years of his ministry were perhaps the most successful of his whole career. There was an unction and a tenderness about his preaching that told more plainly than articulate language could have, that he was in earnest. His last appointment was to Palmyra station; and never did he enter upon his work with more spiritual zeal, nor did he ever more auspiciously open his mission among any people. But his work was done. On the morning of November 29, 1872, at half past four o'clock, he breathed his last. Spiritually he was fully prepared to go, and we entertain the most assured hope of his safety and bliss. His last words were: "It is a hard thing to die-to leave our loved
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JOSEPH BOND.
ones and give up the work of the church; yet what the Lord does is right-I submit to his will. I had hoped to do much good at Pal- myra, but my time is short; I must leave you in God's hands. I wanted to make some arrangements for my family-it is too late now; this grieves me, but all is right-the Lord's will be done. Saved by grace! Saved by grace! Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift." "God buries his workmen but carries on his work."
Five of the class of 1846 have served as presiding elders.
1847.
This year the Missouri Conference received five on rrial, two of whom discontinued in IS48 and one in 1849; one transferred to Texas in IS55; and the other-R. Min- chall-is now a member of Southwest Missouri Conference.
St. Louis received two by readmission and eleven on trial. Of these, two discontinued in 1848 and two in 1849; three have located ; one has disappeared ; four have died ; and one-C. Bowles-is a member of the Western Confer- ence. Five of the eighteen have served in the office of pre- siding elder. The rule requires further notice of two.
JOSEPH BOND was a blacksmith and an exhorter, and lived in the town of Bolivar almost as far back as I can rec- ollect. He was licensed to preach by the Osceola circuit in 1844, and employed in 1845 by the presiding elder to travel Roscoe circuit. He added sixteen years more in Missouri and then in Texas of active service on circuits and districts, and finished his work December 27, 1867, while in charge of Crockett district, Eastern Texas Conference. He was born in North Carolina, July 9, 1814.
Mr. Bond was of medium size, compactly built, had black eyes and hair, dark complexion, Roman nose and large
IS47.
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mouth. He was a fair, average preacher, and a most indus- trious and laborious worker; hence he was successful, beloved by the people, and did good wherever he went and in whatever sphere he labored. He died of congestion of the brain-cut down without a moment's warning, and in the midst of a useful life. But we are justified by his life in the belief that he was ready. "Be ye also ready, for in such an hour as ye think not the Master cometh." His work is still being carried on by two of his sons; John Wesley in Mis- souri, and James in Texas.
JOHN B. H. WOOLDRIDGE was born in Nelson county, Virginia, Feb. 21, IS25. His father died in 1834. His mother moved with her family to Saline county, Missouri, in 1836. Here, at Harmony camp ground, at a Presbyterian camp meeting, he "was wonderfully converted to God, in August, 1838, when thirteen years old." That year he was received into the Methodist church and baptised by Benja- min R. Johnson, "of precious memory." While a school boy he was licensed to exhort. He was licensed to preach by the quarterly Conference of Arrow Rock circuit in IS44, Jesse Greene, presiding elder. He was twice married. His first wife was a Miss Booker, his second a Miss Lacy, who with several children survives him. His entire ministry spans forty-one years. His effective itinerant career is included in thirty-five. He was local three years and super- annuated five. He died at his home in East Lynne, June 9, ISS5, after a long and painful illness, giving abundant testi- mony that he was ready. Mr. Wooldridge was an accept- able preacher and always succeeded. Hundreds were brought into the church by his ministry. Thirty years of his itinerary and the rest of his ministry were spent between the
246
ROBERT C. HATTON.
Missouri and Osage rivers-a limited field for a traveling preacher of the early days. He was chaplain of the House of Representatives, Missouri Legislature, for the term 1855 and 1856.
I quote from a letter written to me last January: "I hope to get to heaven at last, and meet all of my brethren there with whom I have spent so many pleasant hours. And now, in conclusion, I will say that I am a Methodist, inside and out ; love our beloved church, her doctrines, usages and customs ; don't use tobacco, and am decidedly on the side of prohibition. May God bless you, Brother Woodard. Fare- well."
Mr. Wooldridge was five feet and eight inches high, corpulent, very fair, almost no hair, and wore a perpetual smile on his broad face-when he was not crying. He was quite emotional and cried easily ; then he was-not pretty. He loved to sing, and in this role he will long be remem- bered.
1848.
The Missouri Conference admitted nine on trial this year ; one of whom discontinued in 1849, one in 1850, one transferred in 1850, two have located, three have died, and one, W. E. Dockery, is still a member of his old Conference. Two came to St. Louis by transfer, one climbed in some way-don't know how-and five were admitted on trial. Of these one discontinued in 1849, one in 1850, one transferred, two located and three have died. Of the seventeen, two have been presiding elders.
ROBERT C. HATTON. Of this good and useful man the minutes contain no memoir and I have in vain appealed to his friends for a sketch of him. He died sometime before
IS48. 247
the Conference of 1863 and W. G. Caples preached his fun- eral on Monday of the Conference of that year. P. S .- W. Henderson informs me that he was the son of Reuben Hat- ton, a local preacher, was born and raised in Boone county, Missouri, converted and joined the church at Brick chapel when quite young. Was licensed to preach there in 1846. Was thought by A. Monroe and D. Fisher to be a poor stick. They put him up to preach. The green boy aston- ished them. Said Monroe to Fisher: "Davy, we have made no mistake. We must take care of that boy. You buy books for him and I will take him home with me and send him to school." It was done and the boy made a man and preached the gospel seventeen years.
WILLIAM M. SUTTON was born in Barron county, Ken- tucky, September 12, 1816. Came to Missouri in IS3S, was licensed to preach in 1846, joined the Missouri Conference in 1848, was continuously effective thirty-five years, superan- uated in 1883 and died January 21, 1884, saying to his fam- ily, "Meet me in Heaven;" then quoted the twenty-third Psalm and sang "Jesus, Lover of my Soul, Let me to Thy Bosom Fly." He was a faithful man and has entered upon his reward.
JOHN WESLEY HAWKINS was born in Gibson county, Indiana, December 3, IS26. Came to Missouri in 1841, was converted and joined the church under the ministry of J. R. Burk in 1845, licensed to preach July, 1848, and fell "asleep in Jesus," at the house of Dr. J. W. Sullivan, in Arkansas, December 3, 1858. Mr. Hawkins was a young man of fine appearance-handsome-winsome ways, inquisitive mind, grasping intellect, sweet spirit, greatly beloved, a popular preacher and did much good in his short life.
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ROBERT A. FOSTER.
ROBERT A. FOSTER was a Tennessean. He came to Missouri in an early day and settled in Polk county. He was licensed to preach by the Springfield quarterly Conference, held at Boyd's school house, (now Brighton, ) November 25, IS37. He was an industrious, efficient local preacher for eleven years, wrought in the itinerant field nine, when his health failed and he superannuated in IS57. Effective again in 1860, served as chaplain in the Federal army a part of the war, went into the M. E. Church, and died a superannuated member of the St. Louis Conference of that church, at his home, in Warrensburg, in ISSo. Mr. Foster was a man of good mind, fair education, warm heart, and was a good preacher full of sympathy and zeal. He was "our preacher" when I was licensed to preach, was my friend and counselor in my youth, was my sixth presiding elder, and did much in shaping my character as a preacher. It would have been unnatural for me not to love him. I did love him sincerely, and revere his memory still. He was a great sufferer for years before he died, and for a long time he looked anxiously for the coming of his Lord. His sufferings finally terminated, we believe, in "a large reward."
ALLEN H. MATHIS entered the Holston Conference in 1838, transferred to St. Louis Conference in IS48, located in IS52, subsequently moved to Arkansas, where he died many years ago. Two of his sons are now preaching in that state. Though Mr. Mathis' stay in Missouri was so brief, he ac- complished much. He was the principal of the Southwest Missouri High School in which and by whom many young men were educated who have since served in responsible and influential positions in both Church and State. Through them he has been felt all over the state, lifting humanity to a
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IS49.
higher plane. IIe was my "school-master" and how much I owe to him I never can tell. He was a grand man. Na- ture was most lavish in her gifts to him. He had a faultless physique, large, portly, erect ; a massive head ; a face of ex- quisite comeliness ; a mind of the first order, thoroughly trained, cultured and furnished. I think I have never known his superior in point of brain power. He seemed never to be at a loss for anything in every department of a college curriculum. Yet, he lacked one thing ; he was almost des- titute of energy ; he loved ease. This was probably caused largely by his corpulency. Yet, he was a fine teacher and a superb preacher, and had he been endowed with driving power, the world would have quaked under his tread. Of him it can be truthfully said : "Though dead he yet speaketh." 1849.
The Missouri Conference admitted six on trial this year, all of whom graduated in due time. One has transferred, two have located, one has died and two, M. R. Jones and S. W. Cope, are still toiling on.
The St. Louis Conference received three by transfer, one by re-admission, four by admission, one by trial and one "climbed up some other way." Of these, three discontin- ued in I851, four have located, and the other two have died. Of the fifteen, five have filled the office of presiding elder, two of whom are entitled to further notice.
WILLIAM M. WOOD was a native Virginian, but came to Missouri in early life, where in the town of Milton, he was "born of the spirit" and "saved by the renewing of the Holy Ghost, shed on him abundantly. Of his spiritual regenera- tion, as a fact of the consciousness he had no doubt. His first year's work in the ministry was as the associate of E.
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WARREN M. PITTS.
M. Marvin on Monticello circuit. That year's work was so. rich in results as never to be forgotten. His last appoint- ment was to the Gallatin District, made by Bishop Marvin. Soon Marvin went up "the shining way" and not long after Wood followed. He died away from home, on his district, and was buried at Oxford where he had preached his last sermon from the text, "Salvation is of the Lord." As the chilly waters rose around him he said: "I thought I was al -. most over; that I would see Marvin, and Duncan ;" and after naming others said: "In the midst of all these, sir, we would see Jesus" at the mention of which name his counten- ance brightened up, and he exclaimed, "Glory be to God." Mr. Wood was one of the most solid men of the Missouri Conference. He served God and the Church faithfully in the ministry twenty-nine years without a break.
WARREN M. PITTS was a native Kentuckian. Here- he grew to manhood, was converted, married and licensed to preach, which last event occurred in March, 1829. I think he was married about the same time. He served the church faithfully in the sphere of a local preacher more than fourteen years, when he entered the Kentucky Conference in 1843 and traveled in 1848, intending to move to Missouri. He came here that winter and settled near the headwaters of Blackwater, in the northwest corner of Johnson county, where he raised his family and buried nearly all of them .. His wife and a widowed daughter are the only members. that have survived him. In 1849 he re-entered the itinerant ranks, joining the St. Louis conference. In IS71 and 1872 he was supernumerary. Then effective four years more, then superannuated in 1876, in which relation he was con -. tinued until he entered into his rest, February, 1883. Fifty-
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IS49.
six years a preacher; forty-one, an itinerant; thirty-one, effective. "Well done good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of thy Lord."
Mr. Pitts was, when in his prime, one of the most clo- quent preachers in Missouri. Whence came this power? He was not as logical as many others who fell far below him in the pulpit, nor would his rhetoric have been approved according to the rules in the books. Probably he never studied either of those sciences. In truth he was not a man · of letters. He did not read books much. His library was limited to a few standard works. He was a man of affairs and gave but little time to reading. Yet he could move the multitudes as but few others could. Doubtless one element of his power was in his voice. No other man had just such a vehicle for conveying words to human ears as the voice of Warren M. Pitts. For flexibility, softness, melody and compass it was almost without a parallel. Who ever heard him sing, that did not want to hear him again? Who ever heard him and has forgotten it? I used to think and say that the session of our Annual Conference was never complete till Uncle Pitts sang, at the close of some hour of religious service, a song alone,-one that no one else could sing. Then it was that his silvery voice penetrated every crack and crevice in God's temple, and per- meated every person, mellowed every heart, moistened every eye, and lifted every soul heavenward. Those hours were epochs in my Christian life and experience that I would not have blotted out for anything. While I think and write of them my soul is thrilled with holy joy. His songs soaked into me and are still doing me good. Long after his elo- quent sermons shall have been forgotten, his songs will be
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WARREN M. PITTS.
remembered and history will hand his name down to unborn generations as the sweet singer of Kentucky and Missouri.
But I have allowed my sentiment to divert me from my inquiry, whence his power?
It was mainly from above. "He tarried at Jerusalem till he was endowed with power from on high." How he could pray. Only Wesley Browning, J. R. Bennett and may be a few others, were equal to him "before the mercy seat."
True he was a born genius, was large and portly, and · had a commanding presence, but it was mainly because he had power with God that he had such power with men.
He was my fourth P. E., in which office he served four years, though this was not his proper place. He had but one qualification for the position and that was his pulpit abilities. He was a delegate to the General Conference of IS70. He went to the grave gradually, "halted feebly to the tomb." For nearly a year before his final departure he was confined to his room, and constantly admonished that his end was nigh. He "set his house in order," and was ready when the summons came.
He has gone to enjoy rest "By streams of living water, Where the golden streets are shining And the angel choirs are singing O there's rest at home. There is rest for the weary, O There's 'rest at home'." 1850.
Only three men were received on trial by the Missouri Conference this year, one of whom discontinued in 1851, one has located, and one-J. S. Todd-is still a member.
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I850.
The St. Louis Conference received four by transfer and eight on trial-twelve, just half of whom have served as pre- siding ('ders. One discontinued in 1851 and one in 1853. Two have located, two have been transferred, two have died, two-T. M. Finney and HI. S. Watts-are still members of the St. Louis Conference, and the other two-W. M. Protts- man and W. S. Woodard-are members of the Southwest Missouri Conference. Three have been honored with seats in the General Conference.
JAMES A. CUMMING was born in Buncombe county, North Carolina, November 23, 1826. His father, David B. Cumming, was at that time a member of the Holston Con- ference, but subsequently became a member of the Indian Mission Conference, in which he spent most of his long and useful life. After his removal to the West he made his home on Buffalo creek, on the Missouri side of the line which divides the state from the Indian Territory. Here James reached his manhood and was licensed to preach July 4, 1849. He joined the Indian Mission Conference that fall and was transferred to the St. Louis Conference in 1850; superannuated in IS58, and died in 1859 in Henry county, Missouri. James Cumming was one of the very best young men we ever had among us. He loved every body and every body loved him. He was just beginning to develop into a preacher when disease made him her victim. He went to an early grave but had not lived in vain. "The path of the just shineth brighter and brighter to the perfect day."
WILLIAM ALEXANDER was my class-mate. If I loved one of that class better than another, that one was he. I love all Methodist preachers and their families, yet I have a pecu- liar affection for those of my own class. I will not say that
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WILLIAM ALEXANDER.
he was the best man in our class, for that I do not know ; but my belief is, if he was not the best, he was as good as the best. He was as good a man as James Cumming, and that is to say all that ought to be said. He preached twenty-two years, eighteen as an itinerant and four as a local preacher. He ranked well as a preacher. He was "a workman that needed not to be ashamed." He rightly divided the truth, and gave to each one who heard him his portion in due season. His great acceptability to his people is shown by his being so frequently returned to the same charge. "The pathway to heaven seems plainer and more practical as we see it marked by the foot-prints of such men as William Alexander." His feet touched the river and the boatman came for him, December 15, 1872, in Cape Girardeau county, Missouri.
Up to the bountiful giver of life, Gathering home! gathering home! Up to the dwelling where cometh no strife, The dear ones are gathering home. Gathering home! gathering home! Never to sorrow more, never to roam. Gathering home! gathering home! God's children are gathering home.
1851.
Seven new names were entered on the Missouri Confer- ence roll this year, none of whom discontinued, but all reached full orders in the lawful four years. Not one of the seven has located. Three have died and four-W. F. Bell, E. K. Miller, Wm. Warren and George Fentem-are true to their first love.
Nine were added to the St. Louis roll, one by transfer and eight on trial. The transfer was transferred further
I851. 255
west the next year. None discontinued. Four are dead. ·One-A. M. Rader-is a member of the Southwest Missouri Conference, and the others are local, if living. Of the six- teen, eight have reached the presiding eldership, and one has served a term in the General Conference.
DEMARCUS CICERO BLACKWELL preached in Missouri twenty-one years. "His ministry was marked with success, having the blessing of God, the conversion of souls, the love of his brethren and the approbation of the church. His spirit was genial, loving and kind ; his heart was with the Master, and its warmest feelings were excited in his cause. With a steady eye and a firm step, he 'pressed forward toward the mark for the prize of our high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' In the prime of his manhood, with his armor on, his arm nerved more firmly than ever for the combat with "principalities and powers and spiritual wickedness in high places," he was called to exchange the sword, still warm with recent fight and glorious achievments, for the victor's crown. He was called from the clustering attrac- tions of earth, from a devoted wife and seven dependent children. He bore with him, as he passed away, the affec- tionate remembrance of all his brethren. When he was admonished that he must die, he at once adjusted himself to the solemn hour, and standing upon the shore of the dark river, he left his dying charge to his brethren: "Tell them to be faithful, and give more attention to the pastoral work." "Then in the fullness of the Christian's faith, he stretched his hand to the Master on the other shore, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit," and in a few minutes passed up to the Mount of God, December 17, 1871."
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DANIEL H. ROOTS.
DANIEL H. ROOT was born in Claiborne county, Ten- nessee, March 30, ISIS, where, at Speedwell camp ground he was converted. He joined the church in Linn county, Mo., was licensed to preach by Horace Brown. presiding elder, in IS47. Entering the Conference this year ( IS51) he preached thirty years without a break in his ministry. I reckon there is no question about him being a big preacher. I think he was the biggest I ever saw. I stand 6:2 in my boots, and yet I had to look up to him. He must have weighed more than three hundred pounds. But, pleasantry aside. He was an excellent preacher-better than most of us-and a most useful man. He died in holy triumph, at his home in Fayette, Mo., after a long and painful illness, surrounded by his family and brethren, and went to his long sought home on high, to be with Christ and the sanctified forever."
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."
JAMES C. TOMSON traveled sixteen years on circuits and districts. In 1867 his wife having died, he thought he ought to locate (which he did), and take care of his two little motherless boys. But, alas! in a few brief months those boys were left penniless, to the care of their uncle, their father having gone to join their mother "on the other shore." Bro. Tomson died in IS58. Had he remained in the Conference, his boys would have been claimants upon its fund, and their education provided for. James Tomson was a solid young man of fervent piety, good preaching abilities, and well qualified for the work of a Methodist preacher, to which he was deeply devoted, and which he jealously prosecuted, and in which he had great success.
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