USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 17
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Biographies of Deceased Ministers
meeting and when she had secured her clothes she walked seven miles over frozen ground to cast her lot with this despised sect, called Baptists. Then the ice to the thickness of three inches was cut on the bosom of old Tennessee River, and on Sunday morn- ing, January, 1831, she was baptized by Elder Moony into the fellowship of Old Prospect Church. This circumstance won the heart of young McNabb, who was just entering the ministry. He decided to win her as a partner for his life's work, and they were married August 1, 1831. This union was blessed with ten children, seven boys and three girls. Six of these children are not, the Lord took them. They lived to see two of their sons espouse the ministry they so much loved. Their oldest son, Charles Andrew Mc- Nabb, was ordained to the gospel ministry by New Hope Baptist Church in Rutherford County, the third Sunday in September, 1881, by Elders G. M. Savage, A. J. Brandon and - Patterson. A younger son, John Farrow McNabb, was ordained by the authority of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Warren County, Tennessee, on January 20, 1879, by Elders J. W. Saul- man and L. Brown. About the time of his marriage (1831) he was ordained to the ministry by Old Pros- pect Baptist Church and entered actively into the work. For some time he labored in Roane and sur- rounding counties, then he came into Sequatchie Val- ley, settling near Pikeville; there he remained as mis- sionary and pastor till 1841 ; then he crossed the moun- tain into Middle Tennessee, settling at first in Coffee County, later to Rutherford and finally to Cannon County. These counties were the center of his opera- tions for the remainder of his life. Among the churches he served as pastor we mention the follow-
248 History of Middle Tennessee Baptists
ing : New Hope, Rover, Fairfield, Cross Lanes, Cripple Creek, Auburn, Prosperity, Shiloh, Macedonia, Smithville, Barren Fork, etc. He also labored as mis- sionary of Salem Association.
During the Civil War, he was identified with the lost cause and was captured and carried to Fort Dela- ware, as a prisoner of war, in 1863. During the eighteen months of imprisonment which he spent, he was about the Master's business. During a revival, which he held there in prison, a number of converts were made, two of whom became eminent ministers. When these converts asked baptism at the hands of Elder McNabb he was put to his wits. He first asked assistance at the hands of the Baptist Church in the city. But the authorities refused to allow this, and as a last resort he called the Baptists in prison together, and they formed themselves into a temporary or prison church. They received the converts and got permission to go out under guard to baptize them. He was a man of good ability and an effective preacher. He was a strong Calvinist and a staunch Landmark Baptist. He never feared to declare the truth. He was a yokefellow of J. M. D. Cates, J. J. Martin and L. H. Bethel. He spent about fifty-six years in active ministry, during which time he held meetings in Ten- nessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia.
In 1880 he had a stroke of paralysis which rendered him unable to preach the remainder of his life, though he would sometimes talk sitting in his chair. His zeal for the cause never abated, even through these years of affliction. He was loved and venerated by his brethren in the Lord. He fell on sleep in Warren County, Tennessee, September 19, 1892, and lies in
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the old Smyrna Cemetery, where he preached his first sermon in Middle Tennessee. His posterity, so far as this writer knows, are all Baptists. His works stand as a monument to his faithfulness in this life.
ELDER JOHN PHILLIPS.
The subject of this sketch is of Welch descent. He was the son of David and Mary Waters Phillips and was one of a large family of children, all of whom have crossed the mystic river.
He was born near Cherry Valley, Tenn., October 23, 1821. He was brought 11p a farmer boy, with the common incidents of farm life. He professed faith in Christ and united with Round Lick Baptist Church some time in the forties. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel min- istry by Round Lick Baptist Church on the fourth Sunday in April, ELDER JOHN PIIILLIPS. 1848, by a presbytery consisting of Elders John Wiseman, John Bond, E. B. Haynie and Wil- liamson Williams. He seems to have gone actively into the work from the very beginning. He soon removed from this community into that of Falling Creek Church, and united with that church by letter from Round Lick in June, 1852. He was called to the care of Falling Creek Church in June, 1854, which position he held till his death. This was his most
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noted pastorate, yet he had other charges and did a great deal of evangelistic work. It was thought his zeal in the work perhaps shortened his days. I am told that he was a good preacher for his day, and lived in the hearts of his people. Among his pastor- ates we note Barton's Creek, Falling Creek, Cedar Creek, Providence, etc.
As stated before, his ancestry came from Wales; and from this old Welch stock has sprung a large and prominent family. It might be said to be a family of preachers and among them have been found men of note and marked ability.
He died prematurely and unexpectedly, at a little more than forty years of age. Why he should be taken in the strength of manhood and usefulness we shall never know till we reach the other shore. He yielded up his spirit and went home to God April 15, 1862, while our country was in the throes of cruel war. The years of the war seem to have been a reaping time among the Baptist ministry of this sec- tion. There were at least two of those who helped to ordain him (Elders John Wiseman and John Bond) who died during the war.
Elder Phillips had a family, but of these we have learned very little. His ashes sleep in an old family graveyard, near where Overton Phillips (a nephew of his) lives, in the Falling Creek community. Peace to his ashes, and devotion to his memory.
ELDER WILLIAMSON WILLIAMS.
The subject of this sketch was born in North Caro- lina. Nothing is known of his early life, or when he came to Tennessee. We first find him in the con- stitution of Falling Creek Church, as a constituent
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member in 1822. He was chosen clerk of this new church and served as such until 1830, when he was licensed to preach. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by Falling Creek Church in 1833. He was then chosen as assistant pastor of Falling Creek Church, which position he held as long as he lived, operating with Elders James Bond and John Phillips. He was a man of considerable ability and was quite prominent in the work of Salem As- sociation. He was a good man with unquestioned morals but a very high temper. He died probably in the fifties, and his dust sleeps in the old Henderson grave yard, near Falling Creek Church.
We regret that we can learn no more of this man of God, but over the river it will all be made plain.
ELDER Z. A. LYON.
Elder Z. A. Lyon was born in Wilson County, Ten- nessee, March 20, 1834. As to his youth but little is known. He professed faith in Christ and united with Athens Baptist Church in November, 1852. He soon became active in the church work and was chosen as clerk of the church, being an exceedingly fine scribe. He filled this place for eight years, when he resigned, having the ministry in view. He was licensed by this church to the ministry October, 1878, and was or- dained to the full work of the gospel ministry July 6, 1879, by Elders John S. Rice, John Harper and A. E. Johnson. His ministry was of short duration and he was a man of very frail constitution, not able to endure very great labor. Yet, for the short period he was in the ministry, he did considerable amount of preaching. His ministry was mainly done at Athens, Cedar Creek and Caney Fork Seminary. As
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to the date of his marriage, we are not advised. He left a wife and children. His last sickness was lingering, and for some time before his decease he was not able to preach. He passed to the other shore March 9, 1890, and was buried with Masonic honors in the family burying ground, at Lock Port, Wilson County, Tennessee. Elder J. H. Grime conducted the services at the funeral.
ELDER S. B. WHITLOCK.
The subject of this sketch was born July 3, 1839. As to his ancestry and early life but little is known. He professed religion and united with Brush Creek Baptist Church in the fall of 1857; there his member- ship remained while he lived. He was ordained to the deaconship by this church in August, 1874. He was licensed to preach sometime in 1885, and ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry, February 4, 1888, by Elders L. D. Smith, Wm. Simpson and J. C. Brien. His ministry was destined to be of short duration, liv- ing only five years after his ordination. He was a zealous, devoted minister and, had he lived, would have done much good. He was pastor at Commerce and some other points when he was called upon to lay his armor by. He left a wife and children to mourn his absence. It was always a pleasure to be with Brother Whitlock. He loved to talk of the Lord and his ministry. He was called to his reward September 15, 1893. In the minutes of New Salem Association for that year we find the following :
"Elder S. B. Whitlock, whoin many of this body know to be an earnest, zealous minister of the gospel, and whom some of your committee visited in his last hours of affliction ; while he expressed a desire to re-
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cover and do more work in the Master's cause, he said the future was bright, and he was submissive to the will of the Master." Blessed be the Christian's hope, and blessed be the sleep of our dear brother in the Lord.
ELDER W. H. GRIMMET.
Elder William Harvey Grimmet, son of Jacob and Martha Grimmet, was born in Sevier County, Ten-
ELDER W. H. GRIMMET.
nessee, March 13, 1815. He gave his heart to God while young and was baptized into the fellowship of a Baptist Church by Elder Robert Sneed, July, 1833. We next find him in Wilson County, Middle Ten- nessee, where he secures a life partner in the person
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of Miss Elizabeth Bryan. They were married June 14, 1836. She was a noble woman and in every way suited to be a preacher's wife. Some time early in the history of Prosperity Church, he cast his lot with them and was licensed to preach by this church in 1839. Soon after this, he moved near where the vil- lage of Greenvale now stands and cast his membership with Bradley's Creek Church. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by this church in 1848. His educational advantages were not good, but his fine native intellect supplied this defect. Few men possessed a more logical, comprehensive mind, and at times he grew very eloquent. He possessed a will power and energy which knew no failure. He was indeed a standard bearer among the hosts of Israel. He was a staunch Baptist and an earnest de- fender of the faith. He continued active in the min- istry until disabled by catarrh of the throat and nerv- ous debility. One of the last works of his life, after he was no longer able to preach, was to help engineer the organization of Green Vale Baptist Church and the erection of a neat new church house in the village near his home. This was the pride of his last days.
He was the father of ten children. Eight of these grew up and seven of them became faithful members of Baptist churches. He lost the wife of his youth a few years before he died, and was again married to Mrs. Mary Jennings, a noble Christian woman.
His death was somewhat tragic, and yet most be- fitting for a faithful minister of Jesus Christ. He was attending services at Smith's Fork Church where he had often told the old, old story, and while sitting on the front seat, the death angel touched him and he went home to glory without a struggle. The Lord
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had blessed him with the goods of this world, but with him,
"'Twas not the whole of life to live Nor all of death die:" But so to live, that after death He'd live eternally.
ELDER P. T. HENDERSON.
The subject of this sketch was the son of James Francis Henderson, who came to this State and settled in Rutherford County, in the early part of the nine- teenth century, where he was born in January, 1819. Few men have been better known in this section than Elder Pleasant Terry Henderson. He was born with a very defective eyesight and, later in life, became totally blind. At the age of twelve, he gave his heart to God and united with the Methodists. Later in life, when he had investigated the subject of baptism, his mind was entirely changed and Methodism failed to any longer furnish a congenial home for him. Con- victions led him to the views of the Baptists, but he could not endure the idea of joining the "selfish Bap- tists." But at last, through much prayer, he was able to overcome, and during a revival at Union (Hurri- cane) Church in Wilson County, he cast his lot with the despised Baptists and was baptized by Elder James Bond. From this time on he was happy and free. Some time afterward he transferred his membership to Falling Creek Church and was ordained deacon by this church. Still later he transferred his membership to Brawley's Fork (now Marion), Cannon County, Tennessee, and was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by this church, on Tuesday, October 15, 1844, by the following presbytery: Elders R. W.
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January, W. F. Luck and Williamson Williams, with Deacons James R. Taylor and Jolin Hollis. He im- mediately took the pastoral care of Brawley's Fork Church and from that time on, though totally blind, he was an active minister of the word. In his early life his education was neglected by his parents, feeling. that it was useless on account of his blindness. But
ELDER P. T. HENDERSON.
when he was of sufficient age to act for himself he entered school, and through the kind offices of others, who would read for him, he acquired a fine education. He became a teacher and for forty years, though blind, he was principal of academic schools in Tennessee and North Alabama, and many of his students are found in the important stations of life. In connection
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with his teaching, he did a great deal of pastoral work. As a thinker, few men surpassed him, and his sermons were always logical. He was a sound and able theolo- gian. He was a man of great faith and was often found on his knees in prayer. His life was a benedic- tion to those with whom he came in contact. He was married in early life to Miss Ann E. Furman, a lady of culture and piety, who was a great stay to him in his life's work. They had no children of their own but gave themselves to the training of those of other people. Late in life, he cast his membership with Green Vale Baptist Church, of which he died a mem- ber. He lived to the ripe old age of fourscore and two years, when he fell asleep in Jesus, February, 1901. "Truly a prince in Israel has fallen."
ELDER J. W. HUNT.
But little is known, by this author, of the early life of this eminent minister of Jesus Christ. He came to this section a minister in the latter part of the year 1867, and settled in Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee. He cast his membership with Salem Baptist Church, Janu- ary, 1868. He was a zealous worker and was soon num- bered among the leading ministers of this section. During his stay with the Baptists of this section per- ELDER JOHN W. HUNT. haps none ranked higher or were more active than he. He was not permitted to remain long. He was pastor of several churches. He 9
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was called to the care of Salem Church early in 1871 A. D., and was still pastor at his death, which occurred Sunday morning, March 5, 1876. Brother Hunt was also a Mason of high standing. In the Baptist Mes- senger for April, 1876, we find resolutions passed by both the church and lodge. Among other things we find the following :
"His life went out-went out, not as the sun sinks behind the darkened West, but like the morning star that melts away in the light of heaven. He fell asleep as sweetly as a child, whom neither thought disturbs, nor care encumbers; tired with long play at close of summer's day, lies down and slumbers; and then his pure spirit went to its home and its God."
He was only a little more than middle life when the reaper came. It seemed, from human appearances, that the church much needed him to remain, but God knew his work was done and took him to his reward. Amid a host of weeping friends, he was laid to rest in the Salem Cemetery at Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee. We find the following inscription on his grave stone :
"REV. JOHN W. HUNT.
"Born December 10, 1825 ; died March 5, 1876; professed faith and joined the Baptist Church, October, 1841 ; was or- dained a minister in 1856; a Christian earnest, faithful and true. The law of the Lord was his delight. In his death Salem lost a faithful shepherd.
"Soldier of Christ, well done, Praise be thy new employ, And while eternal ages run, Rest in thy Savior's joy."
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ELDER J. R. HEARN.
This consecrated brother, who went home to glory some years ago, was the son of Elder Jacob and Patsy Hearn. His father was a Methodist minister and a man of unquestioned piety. He was born September 20, 1851, near Watertown, Wilson County, Tennessee, and was one of a large family. He professed faith
1
ELDER J. R. HEARN.
in Christ at the old Cragwall Schoolhouse, some three miles east of Watertown, when only fourteen years of age, and joined the Methodists. While yet in early life, he entered the ministry and began preaching for the Methodists. He soon became dissatisfied with the doctrines of the Methodists and united with New Union Baptist Church, one mile south of Alexandria,
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and was baptized by Elder J. R. Bowman. (This church is now extinct.) He was ordained by this church to the full work of the gospel ministry on September 8, 1874, the following brethren acting as presbytery, viz .: Elders J. W. Hunt, A. J. McNabb, R. A. Dillard and J. R. Bowman. His ministry was destined to be a short one. Only about ten years elapsed between his ordination and the time when failing health forced him to retire from the work. Yet these ten years were full of work. He was one of the most active. Among his pastorates, we note the fol- lowing : New Hope, Cooper's Chapel, Sycamore Fork, Prosperity, Brush Creek, Macedonia, Cedar Creek, etc. He was a fine revivalist and was very popular among the brethren. His social qualities were very fine. He was one of the strongest Baptists to be found anywhere.
He was married to Miss Tennie Foutch, May, 1870. This union was blessed with four children, two boys and two girls, all of whom are still living.
He fell on sleep June 30, 1889. He died of that dread disease, consumption. On the seventeenth of December following, his companion joined him in the better land, and their bodies sleep side by side one- half mile south of Alexandria, DeKalb County, Ten- nessee. This author visited him in his last illness and it was indeed refreshing to hear him talk of getting home. His life was short but bright. May God bless his orphan children.
ELDER M. A. CATHCART.
This lamented young brother was the son of George Cathcart and was born on the waters of Dry Creek, some six miles south of Dowelltown, DeKalb County,
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Tennessee, September 11, 1858. He gave his heart to God when young (September, 1875), and, although he was of a Methodist family, he cast his lot with the Baptists. He united with Mount Moriah Baptist Church on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in August, 1876. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by this same church on Monday
ELDER M. A. CATIICART.
after the fourth Sunday in , 1877, by Elders J. K. P. Whitlock and L. Brown. (It might be well to remark that this church is what was once known as a Separate Baptist Church.) Soon after his ordina- tion he assisted in the ordination of Elder J. A. Ewell, who became a yokefellow in his early min- istry. He transferred his membership to Syca-
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more Fork Baptist Church in August, 1880. He was a young man of high aspirations and com- menced a struggle for an education, and through many hardships and difficulties he pushed his way with true heroism. He graduated with high honors from the Southwestern Baptist University, May 30, 1887. He soon took charge of a work in Nashville. But fever, dread fever, laid his burning hand upon him and laid him low. He was carried home by lov- ing hands to die. He passed under the wave October 20, 1887, in his thirtieth year. He was one of our brightest young ministers; and why he should be called, just as he was ready to enter the harvest, is something we cannot understand.
His father and mother have gone home to glory, but loving brothers and sisters still live to cherish his memory. It might be said that all the family, follow- ing his example, became members of Baptist churches.
He was never married, but a photo which still re- mains with his keepsakes tells of a sad heart at Jackson, Tenn.
His body sleeps in the cemetery at Sycamore Fork Baptist Church, while his spirit dwells in the mansions of the blest. Blessed memory.
ELDER NATHANIEL (NATTY) HAYS.
This faithful man of God was born in 1807 or 1808. Of his early life, we know but little. He professed faith in Christ in the year 1832, and united with Salem Baptist Church at Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee. He was ordained by this same church to the full work of the gospel ministry in October, 1846, by a presby- tery, viz .: Elders Samuel Odum and Henry Fite. From this time to the close of his life, he was one of
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the most active ministers Salem Association has ever had. His education was limited, and he was not critical in his preaching; but he was a man of the people, and the common people heard him gladly. He was a great revivalist and usually held his own pro- tracted meetings, doing his own preaching. He was also a trader in live stock, and accumulated consider- able property for his day. The brethren were ac- customed to tell a good many anecdotes at his expense. Once when engaged in a meeting at New Hope, Deacon Grandstaff had a fine bunch of fat hogs which Brother Hays wished to buy. The deacon had made him a price on the hogs but he had not closed the trade. While preaching that day he saw another hog buyer beckon the deacon to the door. As the deacon walked down the aisle, without breaking the thread of his discourse, he said: "Brother Grandstaff, I'll take them hogs."
In preaching, he put all his energy into his words. While he did some work at other points, yet the churches with which his ministerial life was inter- woven were Salem, New Hope, Brush Creek, Hick- man's Creek and Mt. Zion. In the minutes of Salem Association for 1869, we find the following concern- ing him :
"He preached his last sermon to the New Hope congregation, on the third Sunday in October last, in physical weakness, but in 'power and demonstra- tion of the spirit,' and went home to die. Our brother is gone from us on earth; we shall see his face no more in this life, nor hear his familiar voice warning the sinner, and urging on the sacramental host. But our loss is his gain. He now rests from his labors, and his works will follow him. If he had faults, we
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will forget them, while we cherish the memory of his virtues." He died at his post. He fell on sleep October 28, 1868, and his body sleeps in the old Salem Cemetery at Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee. It was here he first found the Lord; it was here he was baptized and ordained; it was here he served as pas- tor through his entire ministerial life; how befitting that he should sleep here, and be resurrected here.
Other generations must pass away yet, before the name of Elder "Natty" Hays will be forgotten in this section. He has an only son who is still living in this section. Truly a good man has fallen.
ELDER HENRY FITE.
The subject of this sketch was the son of Elder John Fite, who came to this state from Maryland, about the beginning of the nineteenth century. He was born December 23, 1800, most probably before his father left Maryland. His early life was spent around Liberty, DeKalb County, in an almost un- broken forest. He professed faith in Christ in 1822, and united with Salem Baptist Church, Liberty, Tenn. He was licensed to preach by this church in October, 1833, and was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by this same church in August, 1837. The presbytery consisted of Elders Joshua Lester, Cantrel Bethel, Wm. Dale, H. W. Pickett, John Fite, James Bond and Archamac Bass.
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