USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 15
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Smith County. This country at that time was almost an unbroken forest with very little educational ad- vantages. Consequently young Haile grew up to man- hood unlettered. He professed religion, joined Knob Spring Baptist Church and was baptized by Elder William Flowers, November, 1830. From the very time of his conversion there was a longing to preach the gospel. He was licensed to preach in June, 1832. I gathered the following facts from one who was present at his first attempt to preach. He undertook to line a hymn, but was un- able to read it so as to make it intelligible. His effort was the poorest of the poor. The brethren said among them- selves "there is absolutely nothing in him." Some were in favor of peremptorily de- manding his license. Others said, "we will keep him among ourselves and try him awhile." Some even talked to him and ELDER E. W. HAILE. he only replied: "The Lord has called me to the work." In his second effort there was a marked improvement, and it was not two years till he was the peer of almost any minister in this section. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by Knob Spring Church, June, 1833, by the following presbytery, viz. : Elders William Flowers, Josiah Rucks, John Borum and John Walker. He raised a large family of chil- dren and had but little of the goods of this world, yet he faltered not and became one of the most powerful pulpit orators in all this section. He was large and of
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strong physique and very dark complexion, and the father of this author was accustomed to say that when he got his "mouth four-square no man could beat him preaching."
He was not only able in discourse, but was critical as well. He had several public discussions on points of doctrine with such men as Fountain E. Pitts and others of acknowledged ability. No man ever meas- ured swords with him in the Polemic Arena that did not come out second best. He was a staunch Land- mark Baptist.
Besides doing a great deal of missionary work, he was pastor of Athens, Knob Spring, Hogan's Creek, Wolf Creek, Hickman's Creek, Auburn and quite a number of other churches.
He died in the spring of 1862, when the clash of arms could be heard on every hand. But he had a warfare in which he was engaged, the weapons of which were "not carnal, but mighty to the pulling down of the strongholds of Satan." Many of his off- spring and some of his own children still survive him. May the God of all grace bless his memory to the inspiration of some struggling young man.
ELDER L. H. BETHEL.
Few men were better known, or more revered, in this section a quarter of a century ago, than Elder Lemuel Hall Bethel. He was the son of Elder Cantrel Bethel and Mary Bratten Bethel. He was born at Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee, September 27, 1810. Nothing very eventful occurred in his early life. He received a common school education ; though such was his application and adaptation that he ac- quired a good use of language. His diction was
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chaste and at times grew eloquent. He was large and portly and always stood erect, making a very fine, as well as a commanding, appearance. He was devoutly pious and yet he was always pleasant in the social circle and enjoyed a diversion of wit. He always dated his conversion in his twentieth year, under a large oak, near the bluff above Liberty, on Smith Fork. He united with Salem Baptist Church during the pastorate of his father and was probably baptized by him. The Lord immediately laid his hand on him for the ministry. He was licensed to preach by this church in October, 1833. About this same time he was married to Miss Elizabeth Buchanan, of Franklin, Wil- liamson County, Tennessee, and together they moved to West Tennessee, casting their membership with Spring Hill Church, Gibson County. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by ELDER L. H. BETHEL. Spring Hill Church, January II, 1835, by Elders Peter S. Gayle and Z. N. Morrell. His is the only Credential Certificate of Ordination this author ever saw written on "sheep skin." It will be framed and kept as a memento by the family.
From the time of his ordination till he was disabled by age and disease, his life was given to the ministry. He did extensive pastoral as well as evangelistic work in Tennessee, Texas and Mississippi. However, Salem Association can claim more of his life than any other one place. He was the father of ten children, all of
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whom lived to be grown and married, but some are not now. He had three strokes of paralysis, the last one terminating his life instantly. He fell on sleep just as the first rays of light were kissing the western hills on the morning of June 1, 1888. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. John Covington, Wood- bury, Cannon County, Tennessee. There was a devo- tion in his family rarely found. He loved his children devotedly, and made many sacrifices to educate and prepare them for the duties of life. It was this humble author's privilege to be his pastor at the time of his death, he being a member of Prosperity Church, Wil- son County, Tennessee. Memorial services were held by this church in which the pastor and many of the older members took part. Here is a part of the tribute paid his memory by this church through their com- mittee, consisting of Deacons I. B. David, H. M. Fite and J. M. Sneed :
"Truly, truly, it can be said of Elder L. H. Bethel, 'That he has fought a good fight, has finished his course, and has kept the faith,' and has gone to receive 'that crown of righteousness which the Lord, the right- eous judge, shall give him.' His life was long, useful, and unspotted. He was a man, being in the world, but not of the world. His ministry of half a century, in this and other States, has been honored of God in the salvation of thousands of immortal souls. Dr. W. H. Whitsitt is among the number of his distinguished converts. His orthodox faith, superior mental endow- ments, and deep consecration to his Master's cause, secured for him the love of his brethren and the first place in the ministry of this country."
In doctrine, he was a strong Landmark Baptist, also a strong Calvinist. In manner he was gentle and
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kind, though when necessary he could rebuke with sharpness and everything withered before his gaze. He related to this author the following incident: On a very bleak, cold night a company of rather worthless people called him up at the hour of midnight to marry a couple of their number. This was in his old age, and he stirred up the fire, burning what kindling wood he had prepared for the morning. Shivering around, finally the ceremony was said, and the groom stepped up to Brother Bethel and asked his charge, and he replied, "One dollar." The man said he did not have the money. Elder Bethel straightened himself up and with a commanding voice, and a piercing gaze he said : "Stand up and I will unmarry you." This was enough ; the money was forthcoming.
He was nearing his four-score years when the mes- sage came. He was ripe for the sickle and ready for the Master's use. In his last days he talked of little but heaven and getting home. The young minister always found in him a helpful friend.
ELDER J. M. D. CATES.
At the very mention of the name of Elder J. M. D. Cates every loyal Baptist heart among the older people of this section bounds with emotion. His name is the synonym of Baptist loyalty. He will be quoted for generations yet to come. He was the son of Thomas Cates and is said to be of Jewish descent. He first saw the light of day in Orange County, North Caro- lina, on the waters of Cane Creek, ten miles west of Chapel Hill. He was born June 15, 1815. He left the Old North State in 1834, and came to East Ten- nessee and settled in Maryville, in Blount County. True to the Jewish custom, he learned the "trade" of
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saddlery. In February, 1838, he left Maryville and came to McMinnville, in Warren County, Middle Ten- nessee. On his arrival here he entered school and spent one year in school, and, with his close applica- tion, his advance in the sciences was phenomenal. The exact date of his conversion we do not know.
ELDER J. M. D. CATES.
But there was a little Baptist Church at this place con- sisting of twelve women. To these he offered himself for membership "and was received by women and women alone." He was baptized by Elder Noah Cate March 11, 1838. In the latter part of 1838 he was mar- ried to Miss Ann P. Lyon. This union was blessed with one son. After teaching for some time in Mis- sissippi, he returned to McMinnville, where he was
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licensed to preach, having lost his wife in the mean- time. He was now in a strait. He felt that to prepare himself for the work he must go to school, and yet his purse was reduced to thirty-seven and one-half cents. At this juncture two royal Baptists, Joseph Marshall and Dr. Ring, assumed the bills and he en- tered school at Nashville. After a stay of four months in Nashville, he entered Union University at Mur- freesboro. It was here he received most of his edu- cation. He was not a graduate, but a fine, practical scholar. He was ordained by McMinnville Church on Sunday, October 13, 1844; the Presbytery consisted of Elders Bradley Kimbro and Matthew Hillsman. It might be said just here that McMinnville Church was at this time a member of Liberty Association, and Elder Cates operated as missionary for this Associa- tion two years. He operated extensively as pastor. Among the main points he served we mention: Ma- rion, Woodbury, McMinnville, Auburn, Smith's Fork, Falling Creek and Shiloh.
Besides corresponding extensively with various pa- pers, he was editor and publisher of the Christian Herald and later of the Baptist Messenger. He was author of the following books: "Marriage and Mar- ried Life," "The Voice of Truth," "Origin and Genealogy of the Races," "Baptist Companion" and "Sacred Harp." The last two were hymn books. He was a good writer, a fine singer and a superb preacher. He was a fine sermonizer and rarely ever failed to rise high. His sermons were always doctrinal, and yet accompanied by a tenderness which seldom failed to carry his audience at will. He was one of the greatest preachers of his day.
We will add a tribute from the pen of Elder J. W.
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Bowen, a colaborer of his through most of his min- istry.
"Elder J. M. D. Cates, of the Marion Church, ex- changed the toils and cares of earth for the higher life in the spirit world during the last associational year. Though not the oldest man at the time of his death, he had been longer connected with the Asso- ciation than any preacher living. It is no disparage- ment to others to say, that during all these years he had been the leader of thought and progress among 11s. He was always found in the front advocating missions, temperance and the higher education. For more than thirty years he was the bold, outspoken advocate of the abolition of the whiskey traffic by legal enactment, and that when he stood almost alone.
"Though not a scholar in the broadest sense of the term, yet by assiduous study and careful reading he was self-educated, and acquired a large fund of in- formation. He was one of our best and ablest evan- gelical preachers. As a writer for the religious press, and of books, he obtained a deserved reputation. Brother Cates was a man of strong convictions and positive views ; what he believed and held as true, he avowed with all the intensity of profound conviction. In the way where he saw his duty he went in the face of whatever difficulties might appear or opposition arise. So strong and ardent was his love for truth, that he could see nothing in what he regarded error to tolerate. His opposition to the latter was, there- fore, as uncompromising as was his advocacy and defense of the former, earnest and zealous. It may be truly said, that he did not so much hold his con- victions as that they held him, and it was a part of his very life to maintain them against all comers. And
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yet his rigor of convictions, this sternness and inflex- ible righteousness in their maintenance, were so blended with the love and meekness of Christ, that to those who came near him and shared his confidence he appeared always the Christian gentleman. How- ever strong his denunciations of error were, for the errorist, personally, he had none but the kindest feel- ings. For many of his last years he was a great suf- ferer on account of disease, and consequent physical debility. He inherited a weak physique and feeble constitution, but was capable, because of an in- domitable will, of great endurance, and of performing an immense amount of labor. Years after most men would have laid up, he continued to preach."
His last sermon was preached at Smithville, in De- Kalb County, and he went home to die.
He was small, dark-complexioned, homely and un- imposing in appearance. His appearance would never indicate his real worth. He enjoyed an occasional reference himself to his looks. Sometimes when speaking on the question of temperance he would say that he saw one drunken woman. He said he knew she was drunk because she wanted to kiss him, and he said no sober woman would want to kiss such a looking man as he was. When anything was offered to the ugliest person in the company, he invariably claimed it.
This author was with him a great deal during his last illness, and his zeal for the truth seemed to in- crease as he neared the Golden City. His only re- gret seemed to be that he could not continue the work of the ministry. He was married a second time, to Mary Jane Taylor, in 1848, who became the mother of several children. He died August 1, 1887, leaving
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a widow and children to mourn their loss. His wife has since died, and they sleep side by side in the vil- lage of Cateston, Cannon County, Tenn. His musical voice is stilled in this world, but with renewed rich- ness he is singing the anthems of redeeming love in the paradise of God.
As a feeble token of their esteem, the Salem and New Salem Associations have erected a marble shaft over his grave. His friends were of the strongest type. He lived in the hearts of his friends.
For boldness and courage, A soldier true and tried, A victor at the last, "He conquered, though he died."
ELDER J. W. BOWEN.
Elder John Wesley Bowen was born in Rhea County, East Tennessee, January 9, 1811. He was the son of Randall and Mollie England Bowen. When he was but two years old his father died, leaving his mother a widow and her children orphans. His mother soon moved across the mountains into Middle Ten- nessee, settling in Rutherford County. Nature had endowed him with a superior intellect, but the pov- erty of his widowed mother robbed him of the ad- vantages of an early education. His mother, how- ever, taught him to read at home. It is said his read- ing in early life was confined to three books: The Bible, Weems' "Life of Washington" and Milton's "Paradise Lost." For the lack of means to purchase other books, these were read and reread.
He professed faith in Christ at the age of sixteen and united with the Protestant Methodists. Before he was twenty years of age he was admitted to the
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ministry in this denomination. But such a mind as his was not to be circumscribed. So after prose- cuting his work for some time he sought an education in Clinton College. This institution was situated in Smith County, Tennessee, on the pike between New Middleton and Grant and was under the direction of Dr. Frank Gordon. In this institution he took a full
ELDER J. W. BOWEN.
course in Greek, Latin, English and Mathematics, graduating in 1837. He easily ranked among the best scholars of his day; yet he was never known to refer to it in public. His reading and research in after years along all lines of good literature was immense, he being perhaps in this particular the peer of any man in the State.
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He was married to Miss Fannie Gordon, sister of Dr. Gordon, President of Clinton College, on Sep- tember 11, 1840. The Lord gave unto them three children-two girls and a boy. Not long after the birth of their son he said to his wife: "We had better have our boy baptized." His wife, though not a member of any church, replied: "Do as you think proper, dear, but perhaps it would be well first to see if there is any Scriptural authority for baptizing in- fants." This remark somewhat stung the pride of the father, who stood before the world as a teacher of the Bible. But without any reply he turned away and at once began the investigation of the question. This was the turning point in his life. Instead of having his boy baptized, it was not long till he sought baptism at the hands of a Baptist church.
His preaching powers were rarely ever surpassed. As a pulpit orator he easily ranked among the best. He spoke deliberately and unpassionately; yet often rising to the most sublime heights of eloquence. In doctrine he was sound, being a strong Calvinist, and preached the doctrines with a clearness which was convincing. Yet he was liberal, many of his brethren thought to a fault, and was often known to affiliate with other denominations in preaching.
To show the esteem in which he was held by his brethren, we take the following from the minutes of New Salem Association for the year 1892:
"Among the many summonses from time to great eternity by that grim monster under whose icy touch each and all of us shall sooner or later fall, is our dearly beloved and much respected brother, John W. Bowen. Brethren, Dr. Bowen's place in this body, which he has so well and honorably filled ; his place in
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the pulpit, where Christians were so faithfully, gently and lovingly exhorted to duty, and where sinners were expostulated with, and entreated as in the fear of God, to give their hearts to the Lord; in society, where by manner, mild and Christ-like, men were drawn to him; in the family circle, where, as husband and father, his firm and unfaltering love of home, wife and family was so dearly and unmistakably given; these places are all vacated, and never again in this life shall we sit under the sound of his voice, or hear the words as they fell in such smooth, round cadences from his lips. We mourn his loss, and ten- der to his beloved wife and children the consolation that, although our dearly beloved brother is dead, he lives, lives in the hearts of his brethren, lives in heaven."
He wrote a great deal for the press. His produc- tions were of the highest order, and the elegance of his style was seldom equaled.
He did considerable pastoral and evangelistic work in the days of his active ministry. He always took an active part in associations and ministers' meetings. As long as he was able he delighted to meet with his brethren in these general meetings.
Brother Bowen had fine means in his latter days, and a most lovely home in the town of Gordonsville, Smith County. It was his delight to entertain his brethren in the Lord. He retained the activity of both body and mind in a wonderful degree till at- tacked by his last illness.
In his declining years he often, both in his preach- ing and in private conversation, spoke of his change and the coming glory. One day, in one of his hap- piest moods, he had described death, and on leaving
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the church a brother took this author by the hand and, with eyes suffused with tears, said: "I felt to-day just like I wanted to die." He often spoke of himself as resting in the Beulah-land in peace with God and all mankind, while his sun was setting in a cloudless sky.
The following is taken from a private letter he ad- dressed to Elder J. M. Pendleton, in the year 1883:
"And now, standing here at the end of life, while I have painful regrets of the little. I have done in compar- ison with what I ought to have done, I am well content to wait the Master's bidding to pass over to the other side. To me now, instead of there being a dark, deep and swift stream with precipitous banks between this and the other side, where lies the sweet summer land of bliss, there appears only a shallow brook, gently flowing in silvery wavelets over the golden sands, while the way thereto is an easy descent lined on either side with beautiful flowers. These blessed visions are mine not because of anything I have done or can merit. It was 'amazing grace that saved a wretch like me' at first, and that grace revealed in the Son of God is my only foundation of confident rejoicing in the present, and hope for the future. It was fifty- five years last May (1883) when, as a poor, hireling boy, I was enabled to give my heart to Jesus. Since that time I have made a thousand mistakes and more; but if now, at the end of life, I have a quiet home with loved ones around me, and at peace with all the world, I owe it all to Him."
These are indeed beautiful words. An eye-witness tells of his last sickness. A short time before his passage to the better land he seemed to fall into a trance, and after gaining consciousness he said he
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had "glimpses of the better land." He then calmly closed his eyes and went to sleep.
"Asleep in Jesus, blessed sleep, From which none ever wakes to weep."
ELDER ELIJAH MADDOX.
It is with reluctance we speak of this veteran of the cross. He was one of the leading ministers of the early history of this section, and yet beyond this fact we have but little data, and we feel that this imper- fect sketch will do a great man an injustice.
He was born in the State of Virginia. Of his family, or blood, nothing is known. A family, the name of which I do not know, found him, a small in- fant, upon their door step one night, and gave him the name of Elijah Maddox. Here the curtain must fall, so far as his ancestry is concerned. The people into whose hands he fell, instead of appreciating his mental endowments, and helping him to prepare for the duties of life, made of him a slave .. He only went to school one day in all his life. He came to this State in the early part of the nineteenth century. He was born about 1772, and was probably a minister when he came to this section, as we find him first as. such. I gather, from an incidental statement of Elder James Whitsitt, that he was baptized in the old State. Every reference to him acknowledges his ability as a preacher, some going so far as to say that he was not excelled in his day. He took an important part in the work of Concord and Salem Associations, helping to con- stitute the latter. He lived in the vicinity of Cedar Grove Church, and was pastor of this church twenty- six years ; from A. D. 1815 to 1841. Besides this, he did other pastoral work, as well as evangelistic work.
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He died in time of the Civil War, in the home of Fos- ter Tucker, who at that time was not a member of any church, and was buried at his expense in the old Tucker graveyard. He lived to the ripe old age of ninety-two years.
We long to know more of this man of God, but must content ourselves till the "mists have cleared away." He was in the constitution of Salem Asso- ciation and was a zealous worker there for forty years, when the Lord called him to the great association on high.
ELDER JOHN JONES.
The data in regard to this man of God are very meager. We just have enough to get the scope of his work. As to his birth, nativity and family descent, we know nothing. He was perhaps the second minis- ter to settle within the present limits of Salem and New Salem Associations. He settled on Spring Creek, three or four miles East of Lebanon, in Wilson County, not later than 1804. He soon succeeded in collecting a church in that community, known as Spring Creek Church, but frequently spoken of as "Jones' Meeting House." The collecting of this church, from all data, must have occurred in 1804. From this time on Elder Jones was a leading man among the Baptist ministry of this section. He was first a member of Cumberland Association, and it was while in session at his church, in 1809, that Cumberland Association divided to form Concord the year following. He was in the constitution of Concord Association in 1810, and remained in this body till 1822; then he went into Salem Association, in which body he lived till his death, which occurred about 1834 or 1835.
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He was prominent in the work of all these bodies. He was pastor of Spring Creek Church from the con- stitution to his death, a period of about thirty years. In 1821 his church, under his leadership, sent out Lebanon Church. He officiated in the constitution of more churches than any minister of his day, with pos- sibly few exceptions. Among the churches he helped to constitute we note the following: Spring Creek, Lebanon, Smith's Fork, Falling Creek, Hogan's Creek, Knob Spring, Cedar Grove and Cedar Creek, with perhaps others. He died only a few years prior to the division on missions in 1837, and, having been succeeded by Elder Sion Bass, the church was led into the Hardshell, or Primitive Baptist, faction. Mat- ters would possibly have been different had this vet- eran lived.
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