USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 13
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While he did a great deal of evangelistic work among the churches, as well as to assist in the ordination of many preachers and deacons, yet the work which made him famous in his day was his work as a voluntary missionary in destitute sections. And after he was too old to do much preaching himself, he guided and directed the work for younger hands. About the year 1847 or 1848 he pushed out east of the Caney Fork River into the counties lying on the table lands of Cumberland Mountains and inaugurated a mission work, by which eternity alone must reveal the good accomplished. Though more than three-score and ten years old, and his hair as white as the driven snow, he pushed his way into sections where the notes of Baptist doctrine had never been sounded. He would select suitable points, make appointments, then re- turn and get his younger brethren in the ministry to fill them and hold meetings for days and often estab- lish churches. Thus he carried on the work at his own expense, so far as his labor was concerned, and when the Association would fail to meet the expenses of the other brethren he would supply them. Thus the work went on till in one year he and his colaborers brought eight new churches into the Association from this field of labor. Would it be pardonable to say, this was the year ( 1851) when this author was born, and that his father lived in the center of these oper- ations, and that his house was Father Johnson's home, whose name ever after was a household word while
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the old people lived? Soon the churches had increased in this section till it was deemed advisable to consti- tute a new association. In the minutes of Salem As- sociation for 1852 we find quite a lengthy report on this question, with a resolution favoring a division, making Caney Fork River the dividing line. The churches east of the river met on Saturday before the second Sunday in May, 1853, at Hutchin's Creek Church, three miles south of Cookeville, Putnam County, Tenn., and constituted a new Association and gave it the name of Johnson Association, in honor of Elder Jesse Johnson, a monument more honorable than any built of marble or granite. This occurred within one-half mile of where this author was born, and to the grace of God manifested through the mis- sion work of this venerable father in Israel, he largely owes what he is, and it is with gratitude he rejoices in being permitted to contribute something in saving his name from oblivion with the generations yet to come.
In the minutes of Salem Association for 1851 we find the following :
"Resolved, That we, as an Association, return our hearty thanks to our venerable brother, Jesse John- son, for his gratuitous and efficient missionary labors within the destitute fields within our bounds during the past associational year."
He finally finished his course, and fell on sleep at his brother's home, in the northern part of Wilson County, at the ripe old age of seventy-four years, full of faith and good works. He lies in an old, unattended graveyard two miles north of Taylorsville, in Wilson County. His grave is incased in gray granite, with the simple statement of his birth and death engraved
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upon it. Blessed sleep, nothing disturbs his quiet re- pose. Bless God for the hope of the resurrection.
Since writing the above, we learn he was ordained by Dixon's Creek Church.
ELDER THOMAS DURHAM.
We have not been able to gather any data concern- ing the early life of this eminent minister of the Word.
He was probably a native of New Jersey, emigrat- ing to North Carolina in early life. The above infer- ence is drawn from a reference found in The Baptist for February 13, 1847, while published by Howell & Graves, in which he is represented as acting as pas- tor of Jersey Settlement Baptist Church, Rowan County, North Carolina. He baptized William Hollis into the fellowship of that church in 1803. He was called to the care of Round Lick Church December 31, 1808. So the matter is clearly settled that he emi- grated, as an ordained minister, from North Carolina to this State some time between these dates. He set- tled somewhere in the community of Hickman, where he most probably spent the remainder of his days. A few instances of his work will suffice to show his im- portance. We find him called in council in the or- ganization of Salem and Cedar Creek Churches. He was honored as moderator in the constitution of Con- cord Association in 1810. He preached the intro- ductory sermon before that body in 1811, and he preached the introductory sermon in the constitution of Salem Association. On coming to this country he attached himself to Hickman Church and was doubt- less one of the early pastors of that church. He was pastor of Brush Creek twelve years and Round Lick
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fifteen years, remaining in both positions till his death, which occurred in the latter part of 1823. He was exceedingly successful as a pastor, beloved by all who knew him, and his death cast a cloud of gloom over the churches of this section. He was the father of Elder Levi A. Durham.
What we see draws us to him and creates a thirst- ing to know more of his life. But we must content ourselves to wait till the gathering comes and the veil is removed, then face to face we shall talk of the strug- gles and trials encountered by those fathers and mothers in Israel who "made the crooked ways straight and the rough ways smooth."
"In the dawning of the morning Of that bright and happy day, We shall know each other better When the mists have rolled away."
ELDER LEVI A. DURHAM.
The subject of this sketch was the son of the la- mented Elder Thomas Durham.
As to the date of his birth and early life, we have no means of knowing, further than that he was brought up on a farm situated at the southern limits of the present town of Hickman, the home of his father dur- ing his stay in Tennessee. After entering into life for himself he became a member of .Brush Creek Church, and it was under her watch-care that he be- gan the ministry. He was ordained to the ministry by this church in June, . 1827, by the following Pres- bytery, viz .: Elders John Jones, Cantrel Bethel, Pres- ley Lester, H. W. Pickett, Miles West and Thomas Hooker. Though young in years, he was soon reckoned among the leading ministers of his time and
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section. Such was his fame that people would come for a score of miles to wait on his ministry. Soon after his ordination he was called to the care of Round Lick and Hickman's Creek Churches, and probably others. In doctrine he was a strong Calvinist, em- phasizing the doctrine of God's soverign electing grace. He was an important factor in the work of the Association as long as he remained in the State, once preaching the introductory sermon and once acting as moderator.
In the spring of 1835 he resigned his charges and moved to the State of Mississippi, where the curtain falls, and his name is lost. Where he fell, and where his dust sleeps, we do not know. But in the morning of the resurrection, when God shall gather his elect from the four winds, we shall see this noble saint of the Lord and hear him tell with a new tongue the victories of the cross.
ELDER WILLIAM DALE.
No name was more familiar among the Baptists of this section three-quarters of a century ago than that of Elder William Dale. He was born on Sunday, May 4, 1783, in Worcester County, Maryland. He was the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Dale, who were strict Presbyterians, and young Dale was brought up with the training and rites of said Church. He was brought up on a farm till he was in his seventeenth year, when he left the moorings of this devout Presbyterian home and went to sea as a "sailor boy." He followed this occupation for some years, when he returned home and wooed and wedded Miss Nancy P. Pitts, by whom he raised a large family. Two years after their marriage, when God had blessed their union with one son, they
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left their native State and turned their faces toward Tennessee. In the year 1805 they reached the town of Liberty, nestled among the vine-clad hills in the fertile valley of Smith's Fork. He cast his fortune with those sturdy pioneers and began the battles of life in earnest. Having learned by his experience upon the high seas what hardships were, he faltered not at dif- ficulties. He professed faith in Christ January 7, 1809, and united with Salem while it was yet an arm of Brush Creek Church. He was immersed by Elder Cantrel Bethel in the waters of Smith's Fork on the first Sunday in May, 1809, having been born on that same Sunday twenty-six years previous. In August following this arm was constituted into an independent church known as Salem Church of United Baptists. In 1810 he was ordained as deacon, and in May, 1812, he was licensed to preach, and in August, 1815, he was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by the following Presbytery, viz .: Elders Thomas Durham, Joshua Lester and Cantrel Bethel.
At the close of the year 1816 he purchased and moved to a farm two miles south of Alexandria, where he spent the remainder of his days. In the year fol- lowing he began preaching at the private residence of Thomas Findley, east of Alexandria, near where New Hope Church now stands. In a few months he be- came discouraged at the wickedness of the community and abandoned the field ; but through the solicitation of Sister Findley he returned, joined by Elder John Fite. A band of brethren were gathered, which finally resulted in the constitution of New Hope Church March 27, 1819.
He became the pastor of this church and remained so till 1835, when he was so disabled by rheumatism he could no longer walk or ride on horseback; and
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even then they only called an assistant pastor. He was a fine scribe and composer and, in addition to be- ing pastor, he served the church as clerk as long as he lived. Not until his hand was stilled in death did he cease to record the proceedings of this church. For many years before he died he had to be borne to and from his carriage, but, when possible, was always at his post, and when preaching hour was approaching the only inquiry was, "Do you see Brother Dale's carriage?"
He was in the constitution of both Concord and Salem Associations and was often called in councils in church matters. Few men, if any, stood higher in his day as a man and as a preacher. He read his Bible through from beginning to end seventeen times and almost knew the New Testament from memory.
In addition to his rheumatism, he became afflicted with bronchitis, which finally terminated his mortal career. He fell on sleep September 25, 1845, in his sixty-third year. For twenty-two years before he passed under the wave he had never walked.
Few, if any, of his name remain in this section ; yet his posterity is legion. His blood flows through the veins of many of the best families in the country.
Well done, good and faithful servant ; no more you sail the high seas of this world and manipulate the sails against adverse winds, but bathe in the waters of God's love, while your vessel glides on the silvery bosom of the river of life. No rheumatism there, but amid the flowers of paradise, where perennial verdure grows, and zephyrs from the eternal throne, freighted with the perfume of the celestial city, fan your once fevered brow, you may now live, free from pain and the troubles of this world.
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Biographies of Deceased Ministers
ELDER RICHARD LYON.
This servant of the Lord first saw the light of day February 12, 1809. As to his early life, we know little, except that he gave his heart to God while young and united with the Baptist Church, most probably, at old Cedar Creek, near Big Spring. When Athens Church was constituted in 1843, he cast his lot with them and soon entered the ministry. He was or- dained by Athens Church November 2, 1846, by a Presby- tery consisting of Elders E. W. Haile, Jesse Johnson and Louis Dies. He had a fine natural mind, yet uneducated-not what the world would call great, yet effi- cient in the Master's work. He was pas- tor of Athens, his home church, seven years, and Mace- donia three years. ELDER RICHARD LYON. Besides these, he had calls at other points and did a great deal of preaching in various sections ; for instance, Cedar Grove, Cedar Creek (near Big Spring), Short Mountain, etc. He was married to Miss Anna Swan, by whom he had six children, some of whom still linger on the confines of life. He was heavy of build and capable of much physical endurance, and his strength was well used
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in the service of Him whom he loved. He was a great revivalist and his services in this line were in demand far and near.
He fell on sleep September 15, 1883, and was laid to rest in the old family graveyard, near the Cumberland River, in the northern part of Wilson County, Ten- nessee. He still lives in the hearts of the people about old Athens Church. Blessed memory.
ELDER H. Y. TOMLYNSON.
This servant of the Lord was born January 28, 1831. We know but little of his early life except that he was brought up as a farmer. His life was spent in the northern part of Wilson County, near the Cumberland River, a short distance from the village of Taylors- ville. He was the very embodiment of honesty and uprightness. He embraced a hope in Christ during the early part of the Civil War, at a revival meeting at Athens Church, in which there were ninety-nine con- versions. He united with Athens Baptist Church in November, 1864, and was baptized by Elder J. C. Brien. He was licensed to preach in October, 1879, and ordained to the full work of the ministry by Athens Church in May, 1883, by the following pres- bytery : Elders J. C. Brien and A. E. Johnson. Brother Tomlynson had but little education, yet he possessed a strong native intellect. He never extended his ministry very far from home, doing most of his preaching among those who knew him best. He was pastor of his home church six years, and possibly some others of adjoining neighborhoods. He had a lovable disposition and always came with a message of sym- pathy to stricken hearts. He was very unassuming, never pushing himself forward. He rarely ever at-
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tended public meetings, content to be about the Mas- ter's work among his people at home. He was a good gospel preacher though not a great theologian.
As to the particulars of his marriage and his family, we are not informed. He fell on sleep July 8, 1898, leaving many loved ones to mourn their loss. His name and works still live in the community of old Athens Church.
ELDER JOHN WISEMAN.
Perhaps the name of no man is more cherished by the Baptists of Middle Tennessee than that of John Wiseman. He was born in Rowan County, North Carolina, January 24, 1780. His parents belonged to the Puritan stock, formerly of Pennsylvania, and con- sequently were very strict in their family discipline, as well as very tenacious for their religious views. So it goes without saying that young Wiseman was sprinkled in infancy. His parents were poor, and were pioneers, with little educational advantages ; con- sequently he grew up with but little education except such as he gathered from the book of nature. But God was guiding, for his was destined to be a pioneer life. Hence to conquer the wilderness one must know the wilderness. He needed that strong muscular body that only children of nature can possess. The vigor of his body did not outstrip the vigor of his mind. He was indeed nature's child, possessing a body capable of untold endurance, and a mind, though un- polished, capable of grappling with the most profound problems.
In the twentieth year of his age, he surrendered his heart and life to God and united with the Baptists and was baptized by Elder Thomas Durham. This brought
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down upon him the abuse of an irate father, who could not bear the thought of his son joining the despised sect of Baptists. But he faltered not. The next year, April 20, 1800, he was married to Miss Annie Hunt, a lady every way worthy, and one who proved a true helpmeet to him in his struggles in the ministry.
It is said he began his public ministry in the State of North Carolina. If this be true it was in a limited degree. In 1805 he and his devoted wife, with two children, in the depth of poverty, turned their faces westward and sought a home among the forests of what is now known as Middle Tennessee. This long distance was traveled in a crude conveyance, consisting of a tar-wheel cart, drawn by one horse. In this, the wife and children, with the meager supply of house- hold goods were placed, while the husband and father made the trip on foot. He first settled on the lands of Major Taylor, on Round Lick Creek, in Wilson County. He sought a Christian home with Round Lick Church, which, at that time, stood near Grant, Smith County. He deposited his letter with this church, February, 1806, and at this same meeting was licensed to preach. How long he remained a member of this church the records fail to show. The follow- ing is taken from the pen of the venerable Elder J. W. Bowen :
"The first meeting he (John Wiseman) attended after reaching Tennessee, was at Brush Creek, in Smith County. It was the November meeting in the year 1804. (This, according to other records should be 1805.) He met there for the first time that won- derfully eloquent preacher, Rev. Cantrel Bethel. They were young then, and commenced that attachment which lasted through life, and has been renewed in
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the 'Bright summer land of bliss.' An incident oc: curred at the meeting which led to the field of his ministerial labors for the balance of his life. He had come to the Brush Creek meeting on horseback, but without a saddle, for he had none. He used a piece of old bed quilt as a substitute. His shoes were nearly worn out. The long journey from North Carolina, the whole of which he traveled on foot, had left them so nearly worn out that they were only kept together by being tied with leather strings. As he was leaving the meeting a man by the name of Dun- can, who was a member of Hickman Creek, which had been organized a short time before, took him aside and requested him to come to their next meeting, and told him if he would do so, and would let him have the measure of his foot, he would have him a pair of shoes made by that time."
It might be stated just here, by way of parenthesis, that only an arm of Brush Creek existed at Hick- man Creek at that time, the church being fully or- ganized in 1806. He complied with the above request and finally moved to Hickman, perhaps in 1806.
Elder Wiseman remained in the Hickman com- munity about five years, during which time he en- dured many hardships. It is said he could frequently be seen, at the hour of midnight, cleaning up land and burning logs in order that his family might have bread while he preached the gospel to those pioneer settlers. At the close of five years he moved to Dixon's Springs at which place he remained till 1835; then he removed to Castalian Springs, Sumner County, where he remained till 1847; then he moved to Wilson County, settling on Spring Creek some three miles east of Lebanon. The remainder of his days were spent
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here. During all these years, till he grew too old, he labored hard on the farm for a support for his family, while he did more preaching than almost any one of his time. In 1842 he lost the companion of his youth, and some years after he was married to Mrs. Sarah Penebaker, of Lebanon, with whom he- lived 'till his death.
Among the points at which he preached we note the following: Hickman's Creek, Dixon's Creek, Bled- soe's Creek, Second Creek, East Station Camp, Ho- gan's Creek, Peyton's Creek, Round Lick, Lebanon, etc. ; and wherever he went success attended his min- istry. He laughed at difficulties and cried: "It must be done." His life was spent in poverty. The follow- ing incident will serve to illustrate the many hardships he had to encounter. He owned but one horse, which must remain at home through the summer season to make bread for the family, while his master would walk to his appointments. While pastor of Round Lick Church he had to travel a distance of more than thirty miles. While coming to one appointment at this church on foot his shoes gave out and were cast aside; putting his socks in his pocket, the remainder of the journey was made bare-foot. He came to the church, went into the pulpit with his bare feet, and preached the word with "power and demonstration of the spirit." The brethren took in the situation, and at the close of the conference a brother was detailed to go and purchase him a pair of shoes. These with a pair for his faithful horse and one dollar in money made up his salary for that year from this church.
For some time before he died, his voice was so impaired from a paralytic stroke he could not preach. He finished his course upon earth March 14, 1864,
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and while the clash of arms could be heard on every side his spirit went home to the God of peace of whom he had so long preached. For a little more than eighty-four years he had fought the battles of life, till at last, in great peace of mind, the pendulum stood still, and it was said, "JOHN WISEMAN IS DEAD."
ELDER E. B. HAYNIE.
This man of God was born in Smith County, Ten- nessee, five miles west of Carthage, October 1, 1805. His parents were natives of North Carolina and came to this State when young ; they were among the pioneer settlers of this section. Though not religious them- selves, yet they had a high regard for religion and often entertained preachers, and would sometimes have preaching at their house. When in his fourteenth year, young Haynie was convicted of sin under the preaching of Elder Joshua Lester, the honored bishop of Smith's Fork Baptist Church. Soon after he em- braced a hope and united with Peyton's Creek Baptist Church and was baptized by Elder John Wiseman. December 20, 1819. Brother Wiseman on the day he baptized him, prophesied that he would preach. In a short time, though but a boy, he had impressions in that direction. His father, though not religious, sus- pected something of the kind and stopped him from work on the farm and started him to school, where he secured a good practical education. While yet in the teens he was married to Elizabeth Payne. Seven children were the result of this marriage. Having a wife, with an increasing family to support, he turned his attention from the ministry to the things of this world. But the God who could subdue a Jonah knew how to deal with this rebellious child. In the
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summer of 1827 he was brought down to death's door. His physicians gave him up to die, but it proved to be only the chastening of the Lord, and, in the end, yielded the peaceable fruits of righteousness. It was here that his grasp on the world was relaxed, and holy zeal kindled in his soul which must find vent in preaching the gospel of peace. From this time on he was about the Master's business. In May, 1832, he was ordained to the
full work of the
gospel ministry by the following pres-
bytery :
Elders
Miles West, Wil-
liam C. Bransford
and Daniel Smith.
He "made full proof
of his ministry."
He traveled as mis- sionary in Jackson and Overton coun- ties. He was pas- tor of the following churches, viz .: Pey- ton's Creek, De-
ELDER E. B. HAYNIE, AT 45 YEARS.
feated Creek, Round Lick, New Salem, Rome, Meadorville, Hillsdale and Friendship. He did a great work with all those churches ; but the monument of his ministry is found in old Peyton's Creek Church, near his home, and where he was baptized and ordained. He was called to the care of this church as soon as he was ordained, and remained their pastor for fifty years, during which time the church continually flourished. It could truly
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be said that this was his "joy and his crown."
In April, 1852, the wife of his youth fell on sleep and he was again married, March, 1853, to Miss Mar- garet Haynes, by whom he had two sons.
Brother Haynie was a good preacher and a great revivalist. In doctrine he was a strong Calvinist and gloried in the doctrine of election. In practice he sometimes affiliated in the exchange of pulpits with ministers of other denominations.
He was a man of means, owning a valuable farm, near where he was born, and a beautiful country home. It was the privilege of this author to spend some time in this home shortly before his death, and a more com- panionable brother he never knew. It was his delight to encourage a young brother who had aspirations.
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