USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 19
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Some three months after he was married he gave his heart to God and was baptized into the fellowship of Providence Church, by Elder Singleton Sisk. He soon had impressions to enter the ministry, but, like many others, he hesitated, feeling himself unworthy. For five long years he fought this battle against God's call to duty. At last he yielded and was ordained to the ministry about 1857, by Elders Elijah Sutton, A. J. Harris and James C. Jarrard. He at once entered actively into the work and up to and through the Civil War he continued the work, becoming pastor
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of a number of churches in northeast Georgia. When the white flag of peace again floated over our beloved land, in the fall of 1865, he turned away from the scenes of childhood and cast his lot with the Bap- tists of Smith County, Tennessee. For seventeen years his name and work were prominent in Salem Association, and especially in the churches of Smith County. He also did considerable teaching in con- nection with his ministry. Among the churches he served as pastor we note the following: Buena Vista, Plunkett's Creek, Hogan's Creek, Caney Fork Sem- inary, and others. He assisted in the constitution of churches and ordination of a number of ministers and deacons. Among the many whom he baptized while in Tennessee is Elder J. T. Oakley. During the latter part of his stay in Tennessee he was in poor health and devoted most of his time to teaching. He was tall and slender, a man of pleasant address, and withal a fine preacher.
In the latter part of 1881 he removed to Cawlington, Choctaw Territory, having been appointed by the Government to teach school at that place. He had only taught three months when he was stricken with slow fever, and on February 16, 1882, his spirit was released and he was with God. He has two children, J. R. Jarrard and Mrs. Bettie Highers, who still re- side in Smith County, Tennessee, a brother, J. A. Jarrard, who lives at Morrison's Bluff, Ark., while his widow still lingers where he fell. He still lives in the hearts of many Tennessee Baptists. Is he dead? No: his body sleeps while his spirit dwells with God.
Servant of God, well done ;
The battle fought, the victory won.
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DEACON JOHN GRIME.
The subject of this sketch js of German extraction, his grandfather being born in that empire. He is the son of Jacob Grime and was born in Ashe County, in the northwest corner of North Carolina, August 24, 1809. When he was seven years old he went with his father to Union County, Indiana, where he re- mained until he was fourteen ; then his father removed to the State of Kentucky, where young Grime grew
DEACON JOHN GRIME.
to manhood. His young manhood days were spent in Adair and surrounding counties. He hunted coons at night, and deer by day, among the hills along Green River and Russell's Creek and their tributaries. In early manhood he was married to Margaret Smith, daughter of Elder William Smith. Of this union seven children were born, one son and six daughters.
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In the meantime he left the State of Kentucky and moved to Tennessee, settling three miles south of where Cookeville now stands, in what was then Jack- son County, but now Putnam County, Tennessee. The date of his coming to Tennessee is not known. It was probably in the early forties. About 1847, his wife was taken home. In 1848 he was again married to Miss Lois Smith, who lived four miles south of Albany, in Clinton County, Kentucky. She was the daughter of Jesse Smith and granddaughter of George Smith, one of the first white men to make Clinton County a permanent home. It was he, who, with his family, accompanied Thomas Stockton and William Wood into this valley and helped to constitute old Stockton's Valley Church in 1802, one mile south of Albany, which has since been changed to the name of Clear Fork. Of this union two children were born, a girl and a boy, the youngest being Elder J. H. Grime. In 1853 he purchased a section of land, cov- ered with an unbroken forest, in the extreme southern part of Putnam County, and moved to it, where he spent the remainder of his days.
He professed faith in Christ and united with a Baptist Church before leaving the State of Kentucky. After settling in Tennessee, for some years he was deprived of church privileges. There was no Baptist Church for many miles in any direction. He and his devoted wife had often prayed for help, and that the time might come when they should have access to the Lord's house. One day, most probably in 1848, an old man with hair white as the driven snow, rode up on horseback and enquired for John Grime. He introduced himself as Jesse Johnson, a Baptist min- ister living in Wilson County, some sixty miles distant,
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stating that he had come as a volunteer missionary of Salem Association. This was the beginning of good times. He was accepted in the name of the Lord. After a few days' stay, and having with much prayer discussed the situation, they arranged appointments for meetings and "Father" Johnson returned home and brought younger ministers to do the preaching and churches sprung up all over the country. The home of John Grime was the rendezvous for the mis- sionaries in this section and they found a home there at any time they might arrive, either day or night, or as long as they chose to stay. His home was the center from which all the missionary operations radi- ated. Soon self-sustaining churches were built up all over the section of country in which he lived. His hospitality was unbounded. This scribe well remem- bers when during the sitting of an Association he had about one hundred guests. The table was not cleared off during the entire session but was at all times ready
for anyone who might drop in hungry. At night "Baptist pallets" were spread on all available space in the house, others were transported to the barn. The weather was warm, and all claimed to get along well and good humor and cheer seemed to possess all alike. No estimate could be approximated of the amount of entertainment done by him and his faithful wife for churchgoers. He was not only generous in this line, but also as a contributor. He rarely ever let a non- resident minister leave his house without giving him something to help him on his way. He was especially helpful to young ministers. In church work or build- ing church houses, when all other resources had been exhausted, he shouldered the remainder and paid it out. Salem Association will never know how much
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they owe to him in their missionary work in this mountain district. He was first a member of Hudgens' Creek Church, then of Pistole's and lastly of Boiling Spring. He made a mistake, however, in taking the side of alien immersion in the controversy in Boiling Spring Church (see sketch of said church). It is but just to say that he did not regard it as alien, and would not receive Pedo-Baptist immersions. As a result he dropped out of the church and never did return to her fold. He became convinced, however, of his mistake, took part in her worship and con- tributed to her support. His faithful wife (Lois) went to her reward December 10, 1886, and he was again married to Mrs. Julia Nicholas, who still sur- vives him. He peacefully breathed his last at his home in Putnam County, Tennessee, November I, 1802, and he and his wife ( Lois) sleep side by side in the old family graveyard.
"Asleep in Jesus blessed sleep, From which none ever wakes to weep."
ELDER J. B. FOX.
This noble man of God came to Middle Tennessee an ordained minister, the exact date not known, but about A. D. 1870, possibly a little earlier. He pur- chased land and settled in Jackson County, some six or seven miles north of Bloomington Springs. He was tall, of large frame, with dark complexion and perhaps weighing two hundred pounds. He had a strong, coarse voice and an earnest delivery, and was withal a good preacher. He struck square from the shoulder and exposed error in no uncertain way. If he thought a man was wrong he told him so in a way that he could understand. And yet he was
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very companionable and good humored and made those in his presence feel pleasant; but there was a soberness about his speech which carried with it con- viction. When heresy would come, he stood like a bulwark of strength and the fiercer the battle would rage the firmer he would stand. He did most of his work in old Johnson Association and, in all the sore conflicts through which that body passed, he showed himself the true man of God, and eternity alone will reveal all the sacrifices he made for the cause. He spent most of his means in trying to maintain the cause in the mountain section. He went to his reward about 1888. He was at that time about seventy years old. At the meeting of Salem Association in 1887 at Hickman's Creek, after a brief statement by Elder J. H. Grime, a voluntary collection of more than twenty dollars was laid on the table to replenish his empty purse. As he stood before the Association, all broken in health, to thank them, while the tears fell thick and fast from his furrowed cheeks, the whole audience were bathed in tears and many more rushed forward to contribute. This was, perhaps, the last time he ever met his brethren in worship. He re- turned to his home and soon went to glory. Noble servant, well done.
DEACON THOMAS YOUNG.
The subject of this sketch was of Scotch-Irish descent and was the son of James and Nancy Young, of Water- town, Wilson County, Tennessee. James Young, Esq., the father of the subject of this sketch, in his day, was one of the standards of his country, and one of the best business men Wilson County ever had. He was the very embodiment of honesty, and his
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son became heir to many of his sterling qualities.
Thomas Young first saw the light of day at Water- town, Wilson County, Tennessee, May II, 1834. He was trained to farm life, he naturally possessing a very industrious disposition. He was one of those men who made farming a success. He was very sys- tematic in all his pursuits in life and never left until to-morrow what should be done to-day. His motto
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DEACON THOMAS YOUNG.
was: "A place for everything, and everything in its place." He was of delicate constitution, being very tall and slender with light complexion. Though he was not strong, yet his system and energy enabled him to do a great deal of labor.
He professed faith in Christ at Round Lick Baptist Church and was baptized into the fellowship of said church in September, 1854, by Elder E. B. Haynie.
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He was married to Miss Mary Neal, daughter of Ashley and Elizabeth ( Waters) Neal, of Watertown, Tenn., on December 14, 1856. She was a noble Chris- tian woman and is entitled to much of the credit for the successes which attended him in life. To them eight children were born, six of whom still survive.
He never let secular business interfere with his church duties. When the Lord's business called, he was always at his post. He served as treasurer of his church from 1867 to 1874. He was made deacon in October, 1885. He was one of the men, if not providentially hindered, who could always be present at Sunday school with his family, although he lived three miles away. He was a Baptist who never gave an uncertain sound-firm in discipline and liberal in giving. He was devoted to his church.
After a lingering illness of some months he passed to his reward March 14, 1894, leaving the wife of his youth with six children to mourn their loss. (His first born accompanies this author along the journey of life.)
DEACON WILLIAM ROBINSON.
The subject of this sketch belonged to the large family of Robinsons, who are still numerous in DeKalb County, Tennessee. His father was familiarly known as "Uncle Ned" Robinson and spent most of his days on the waters of Smith's Fork Creek, a short distance below Dowelltown, DeKalb County, Ten- nessee, where this brother was born July 4, 1838. He grew up on the farm and professed faith in Christ, and, belonging to a Methodist family, united with the Methodists, where he remained until about 1877, when he became thoroughly convinced that the Bap- tists were right and united with Salem Baptist Church
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at Liberty, DeKalb County, Tennessee. In 1878 he was made deacon of said church, which position he held with distinction till his death.
He was first married to Catherine Clifton Smith, daughter of Deacon Nicholas Smith, September 8, 1859. Of this union twelve children were born, five of whom preceded him to the better land. He was again married to Mrs. Nancy Ann (Ford) Young,
DEACON WILLIAM ROBINSON.
daughter of Thomas Ford, March 12, 1885, Elder J. H. Grime officiating. This union was blessed with four children, one of whom is dead. No man ever had two nobler Christian wives. All the children who are old enough are Baptists. Early in his married life he moved midway between Liberty and Alex- andria in DeKalb County, where he spent the re- mainder of his days. It is no disparagement to others
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when I say that he was the leader in all his section in both church and State. He served as Justice of the Peace thirty years, when, against the wish of his peo- ple, he declined to serve any longer. In church, school and State he led his people onward and upward. He was the peacemaker of his community. He was the friend of the poor and struggling and a wise coun- selor. He was both good and useful, and could truly be denominated a "pillar in his church." He passed to his reward June 27, 1901, but left a noble heritage more precious than gold, to weeping loved ones. His funeral services were conducted by Elder T. J. Eastes -his pastor-who had, some twenty-five years previ- ous, led him into the baptismal waters.
ELDER THOMAS HOOKER.
We have no data concerning the early life of this noble man of God. He lived in the community of Brush Creek. During a revival held at the Brush Creek Baptist Church by Elder Thomas Durham, their pastor, in 1812, he, with twenty-two others, gave their hearts to God and were baptized into the fellow- ship of that church, doubtless by their pastor, Elder Thos. Durham.
In 1822 he was ordained to the ministry by the Brush Creek Church. In the spring of 1823, their pastor, Elder Thomas Durham, went home to glory. They then called the subject of this sketch to succeed him as pastor. Though young in the cause, yet he took hold of the work with marked ability. The first year of his pastorate he baptized forty-five persons into the fellowship of this church. He served this church as long as he lived. In addition to his pastorate at Brush Creek, he also served New Hope, and per-
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haps other churches as pastor. He was highly esteemed both as a citizen and a preacher. After a brief career of nine years as a preacher he went to his reward on October 16, 1831, and left his church again in mourning. His body sleeps in an unmarked grave just back of Brush Creek Church building. Peace to his ashes and honor to his name.
DEACON NICKOLAS SMITH.
The subject of this sketch was born in Carter County, East Tennessee, near Elizabethton, December 2, 1801. He was the son of Daniel and Mary Smith, who emigrated to Middle Tennessee when young Nickolas was yet a youth. They settled in Wilson County, near Mahone, midway between Water- town and Alexandria, where Brother D. L. Smith, a descendant of theirs, now lives. Here he grew to manhood, re- ٠٧ ceiving in all his life only ten months' schooling. Yet the grasp of his in- DEACON NICKOLAS SMITHI. tellect, his keen perception and close observation made of him in after years one of the best-informed men in this section of country.
He professed faith in Christ and united with Round Lick Baptist Church about 1820. This was while the church was located near Grant, Smith County. He was afterward made deacon of that church, but
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the date of his ordination is not known. He remained a member of this church until 1848. He was a mem- ber and a leader in this church during the exciting division over the mission question in 1837. He and Archamac Bass stood shoulder to shoulder through all that struggle. In 1848 he moved to Temperance Hall, DeKalb County, Tennessee, and cast his mem- bership with Bethel Church. About 1850, Bethel Church, which stood at Temperance Hall, moved some two miles down the creek, and Mt. Zion Church was constituted in 1851, a short distance up the creek. Soon after this new church was constituted Deacon Smith transferred his membership from Bethel to Mt. Zion. The church was then worshiping in a school- house, and his means largely built the present house of worship, which stands as a monument to his benevolence. He started in the world very poor, but his industry and God's blessing gave to him much of this world's goods which he most freely used in the support of the cause of Christ and in the relief of the poor. He was too feeble to attend Salem Asso- ciation the year before he died-the first session he had missed in fifty years. For many years when starting to the Association he set apart $100 to be distributed at the meeting, to the various objects. Perhaps God never bestowed wealth where it was more thoroughly consecrated. His charity was known and spoken of by all. Besides his generosity he was devoutly pious, and loved his church as he loved his own life. Yea, doubtless like Paul, he would have laid down his neck for the cause.
He was first married to Sarah Compton, December 12, 1822, by whom he had five children, all girls. God took the wife of his youth to himself and he
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was again married to Penelope Summar, February 14, 1836. This union was blessed with eight children, seven girls and one boy. Of the thirteen children, only three are living, one of the first, and two of the sec- ond marriage.
He lived to be full of years and full of good works. He fell on sleep February 14, 1877, the anniversary of his second marriage, in his seventy-sixth year. Services were conducted by Elder T. J. Eastes, after which he was laid to rest just outside the Mt. Zion Church house window where he was accustomed to sit to worship. A marble slab marks his last resting place, but above him towers the house of the Lord, a more befitting monument to one so generous. The name of Uncle "Nick" Smith will live as the years go by.
MRS. MARY SUSAN JAMES.
So far as we have been able to ascertain this is the oldest living Baptist within the limits of the territory covered by this work. If she lives to see the second Sunday in November, 1902, she will have been bap- tized three-score and ten years. Her maiden name was Walker and she was born in Virginia, May 28, 1814. Her parents moved to Tennessee, settling in Smith County, while she was yet an infant. She gave her heart to God, united with Brush Creek Church, and was baptized by Elder James Evans on Saturday before the second Sunday in November, 1832. She was married to Jno. W. Eastes, November 5, 1835. She moved with her husband near Commerce, Tenn., and transferred her membership to Round Lick Church and was a member there when the "split" oc- curred in 1837 over the mission question. Soon after
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this they moved on Hogan's Creek, Smith County, she transferring her membership to Hogan's Creek Church, where it has remained for more than sixty years. In January, 1840, her husband, Jno. W. Eastes, united with Hogan's Creek Church. He was soon made deacon and then licensed to preach, but failing
MRS. MARY SUSAN JAMES.
health prevented the prosecution of the work and he passed to his reward October 21, 1850, in his fortieth year. The above marriage was fruitful of four sons, the only children she ever bore. Her oldest, Jonathan M. Eastes, was a captain in the Confederate Army and fell in battle July 13, 1864. Her second son is Elder T. J. Eastes. Her third son, W. B. Eastes, is a staunch Baptist, and the youngest was Deacon Jno. J.
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Eastes, of blessed memory, who has also gone to his reward.
She was again married to Deacon L. R. James in February, 1858-one among the best men this author ever knew. At the time of his marriage he was a deacon of Macedonia Church, but transferred his membership to Hogan's Creek, where he acted as deacon as long as he lived. He was a great blessing to her in the raising of her boys. He passed away April 1I, 1892, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, leaving her for the second time a widow. She is now in her eighty-eighth year and as active as many women of forty. The question would naturally arise, whether or not she is a Primitive Baptist. She was a Baptist before the so-called "Primitive Baptists" were con- stituted. May many more years yet of joy and happi- ness be hers.
DEACON JOHN J. EASTES.
The subject of this sketch was born on the waters of Hogan's Creek, some three miles south of Car- thage, Smith County, Ten- nessee, June 20, 1848. He is the son of Deacon Jno. W. and Mary Susan (Walker ) Eastes. He was rather tall and slender, with dark complexion and was always of rather deli- cate constitution, yet his indomitable will power and energy enabled him to do as much as many others
DEACON JOHN J. EASTES.
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of strong physique. He professed faith in Christ and united with Hogan's Creek Church in the spring of 1879, and was baptized by Elder W. N. Suite. He was shortly afterward elected to the deaconship in said church, which position he held with honor to himself and the cause of Christ. He was wise in counsel, devout in worship, and earnest in service. He was the pastor's best friend and generous with his means almost to a fault. He was a favorite wherever he was known, both by his neighbors and his brethren in the Lord. He is the youngest brother of Elder T. J. Eastes. He was married to Miss Donnie Bains, November 23, 1875, by whom he had a large family of children, all but two of whom are still living. He passed peacefully to his reward May 12, 1898. Few men can fill the place made vacant by his death, either as a citizen or officer in the church. May God bless his widow and orphan children.
CHAPTER VII.
ENON ASSOCIATION.
This body is an offspring of Salem Association located in Sumner, Trousdale, Smith, Macon and Clay counties, Tennessee. Some five years before the mat- ter assumed shape, the question was sprung by Mt. Tabor Church and a division was advocated on the grounds of convenience. From this time on the mat- ter was discussed until the meeting of Salem Asso- ciation in 1849, when it convened with the church at Bethel, DeKalb County. They mutually agreed to divide, making the Cumberland and Caney Fork rivers the line. Those on the south side were to retain the old name and constitution while those on the north side should call a convention and form a new Asso- ciation. In accordance with this resolution, the churches on the north side of the river called a con- vention of said churches to meet at Dixon's Creek Meeting House, on May 11, 1850. The following churches were represented in said council or conven- tion, viz .: Dixon's Creek, Bledsoe's Creek, Peyton's Creek, Second Creek, E. F. Goose Creek, Mt. Tabor, Defeated Creek, Liberty, Beech Grove, Siloam, Shady Crove, M. F. Goose Creek, Lafayette, New Hope, Pleasant Hill and New Salem ; making sixteen churches represented. There were two others included in these bounds, but not represented in this convention, viz. : Mt. Olive and Sharp's Creek.
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A sermon introductory to business was preached by Elder E. B. Haynie. Elder Daniel Smith was chosen moderator and Deacon James L. Carson, clerk.
On motion of Elder E. B. Haynie, this body was to be called "ENON ASSOCIATION OF UNITED BAPTISTS." They adopted the following Abstract of Principles, or Confession of Faith, as a ground or basis of union, viz. :
"I. We believe in one true and living God-the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
"2. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
"3. We believe in the doctrine of election, 'accord- ing to the foreknowledge of God, the Father, through sanctification of the spirit unto obedience and sprink- ling of the blood of Jesus Christ.'
"4. We believe in the doctrine of original sin, and in man's impotency to recover himself from the fallen state he is in by nature, by his own free will and ability.
"5. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God, by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
"6. We believe the saints will persevere in grace, and never finally fall away; and that good works are the fruits of faith and follow after justification.
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