USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 27
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The following is taken from History Kentucky Bap- tists, page 451 :
"Mr. Simmons was a self-made man. He could barely read and write, and cipher a little, when he ar- rived at manhood, but with a strong native intellect, and close application to study, he became a fair En- glish scholar and was one of the most chaste speakers in his region of country. He studied the Bible with deep and constant interest, and became a good the- ologian. He was a strong, sound preacher, and a val- uable laborer in the Lord's vineyard."
About 1843 he moved to Allen County, Kentucky, where he became pastor of Puncheon Camp, Salem
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and Mt. Gilead Churches. He did a fine work as pas- tor of these churches, but was finally laid aside by a growing tumor behind one of his eyeballs. This finally pushed the eye from his head and at last ended his life, May 3, 1877. He rests in the land of light, where disease and suffering never come. He was pas- tor at Hillsdale in 1852.
ELDER I. M. ASIILOCK.
This consecrated servant of God, who went to his reward a few years ago, was of English extraction. He was a son of Phillip Ashlock and Mary ( Melton) Ashlock. He was born December 16, 1825. His early life was spent on the farm and nothing unusual is reported concerning his youth. When he became a man he changed his occupation from farming to that of a carpenter.
He was twice married, but the dates are not given. He was first married to Mary Hunter, and again to Margaret Lee. These bore to him ten children.
He professed religion when he was young and united with the Methodists. He remained a Methodist until he was more than fifty years old, but the growing dis- satisfaction with Methodist doctrine and practice finally became overwhelming and his conscience re- belled. But he found a home that was congenial among "the sect everywhere spoken against"-the "despised Baptists." It was here he found that God's word was honored, and the Bible, and the Bible alone, was taken as the only rule of faith and practice. It was here he could be a free man and be forced to bow to no superior. He cast his lot with Pleasant Hill Bap- tist Church, Sumner County, Tennessee, in 1877, A. D., and was baptized by Elder A. W. Keen. He was
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ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by Pleasant Hill Church in 1878 A. D., Presbytery not known. Later on he transferred his membership to Rock Bridge Church, an offspring of Pleasant Hill, where he remained a member as long as he lived.
As to the scope of his pastoral work, we know but little. He was once pastor of Rock Bridge Church and beyond that we cannot tell. He did a great deal of ministerial work in destitute sections, and eternity alone will reveal the good accomplished by his faith- ful service. He passed to his home beyond, June 26, 1894, at threescore and ten years. Faithful servant, well done.
ELDER GROWNER OWEN.
This faithful soldier of the cross was a member of Bethany Church, Macon County, Tennessee. He was born July 17, 1812, while our young nation was in the throes of war with her mother country, for the sec- ond time. He was not ordained, however, until after the close of the Civil War, June 21, 1868, when he was set apart to the full work of the gospel ministry, by the following Presbytery, viz .: Elders W. M. Turner, D. W. Smith, John Patterson, W. L. Buie, L. A. Minick.
He was not what the world would call a great preacher, and never did any pastoral work, but he was busy going into the highways and hedges, and many destitute sections were blessed by his labors, and many will rise up in "that day" to call him blessed. He was a man of unquestioned piety, and always zealous for the cause of Christ. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father. He went to his reward April 16, 1877, leaving a widow and five children to mourn their loss.
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ELDER L. A. MINICK.
The subject of this sketch first looked out upon the light of day in Macon County, Tennessee, some three miles west of Lafayette. He was born about 1815 A. D. His father died when he was a small boy and he started upon the rugged journey of orphanhood. He was fortunate to have the training of a pious mother, who is the boy's guardian angel. It is she who plies the shuttle that weaves the destiny of the boy. God bless the pious mother. He grew up to be a portly, fine-looking man, with raven black hair; he standing more than six feet high and weighing nearly two hundred pounds.
About A. D. 1840 he linked his destiny for life with Miss Urian West. This union resulted in nine chil- dren, three boys and six girls, all of whom lived to be grown, and five of whom are still living.
He spent nearly forty years of his life out upon the broad waste of sin. He gave his heart to God about 1853 or 1854, in a meeting held in a schoolhouse where Long Creek Church house now stands. It was this meeting which led to the constitution of Long Creek Church, and he cast his membership with this new church on the day of their constitution and was baptized by Elder Andrew Jackson. The Lord at once marked him for the ministry and it was not long until the church saw that he was the Lord's anointed. He was ordained to the ministry by Long Creek Church, most probably about 1858. Among those who assisted in his ordination we note Elders James Alvis and Josiah J. Wiseman. He at once entered ac- tively into the work of the ministry. He was for many years one of the leading ministers in Enon Associa-
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tion, and there most of his work was done. He was a man of unquestioned piety and accomplished great good in the Master's vineyard. Many will rise up in that day to call him blessed. Jesus, the Savior of sinners, was his theme and the burden of his minis- try. Among the points at which he labored we men- tion the following: Long Creek, Harmony, Timber Ridge, Ebenezer, Meadorville, Chestnut Grove, with many others. He was a fine revivalist and numbered his converts by the hundreds. His home, until a short time before his death, was near where he was born. In November, 1884, he moved to Green Hill, Warren County, Kentucky, where he died March 15, 1885. For about threescore and ten years he had fought the battles of life and thirty-one years of this time he had carried the precious seeds of the gospel into the waste places of earth and hundreds are rejoicing to-day as the fruit of his labors. Blessed memory, which re- counts the deeds of such faithful heralds of the cross ! We shall see him again in the sweet by and by.
ELDER ANDREW JACKSON.
Very little is known of this man of God. Enough is known, however, to create a longing to know more. At the time of his ministry in this section he lived in Macon County, Tennessee, on Big Salt Lick Creek, which flows into Barren River. Long Creek Church was first gathered through his ministry, and he be- came the first pastor. A brother writes that he was a power in the pulpit and a great worker in meetings. He was faithful and true to the Baptist cause. He moved to Missouri about 1857 A. D. He was still a resident of that State in 1862, and here the curtain must fall. We can but wish to know more of this
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servant of God, but we must content ourselves to wait till the curtain is drawn aside and the now hidden things brought to view. And, until then, these few lines are inscribed to his memory.
ELDER JAMES MORRIS.
The object of this sketch was born January 15, 1817. He was the oldest son of Claiborn Morris, who served with distinction under General Andrew Jackson dur- ing the war with England, and also the Seminole War, and who lived and died at his old home on Drake's Creek, Warren County, Kentucky.
He was brought up amid the stirring scenes of the early settling of northern Tennessee and southern Kentucky. He worked with his father at blacksmith- ing till he was of age. He professed faith in Christ when about twenty years old, at one of the camp meet- ings so common in those days, and became an effi- cient worker in those meetings. Being an excellent singer, he often spent the whole night in the song service of those meetings after hard work in the shop during the day.
He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church and soon became an active preacher. He went as a mis- sionary to the Indians while they occupied the country now known as Arkansas. After a varied and inter- esting experience while preaching to the "Red Men of the Forest," he was called home, by the death of his brother William, to assist in providing for a help- less family.
He joined the Louisville Conference and traveled for years in that connection. Afterward he moved to Tennessee and joined the Tennessee Conference and traveled as a circuit preacher till some time after the Civil War.
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He was a close student and clear reasoner and be- came proficient in Latin, Greek and Hebrew, and ever found delight in Bible study and research of sacred theology. He was a fluent and forcible speaker and impressed his hearers as being fully persuaded of the truth of the gospel of Christ. He was emotional and often gave utterance to the deep feelings of an over- flowing soul. He was a firm believer in "special providence," and through his whole Christian life he carried his wants and woes to God in humble prayer, and always found comfort in "daring thus to trust," not only in his sermons, but also in the varied events of human life.
After years of patient study of the various forms of church polity, he joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Pleasant Valley, in Jackson County, Tennessee, and was baptized by Elder Wiseman Smith during his pastorate of that church. He was ordained by a pres- bytery of members from that and sister churches, and continued a faithful member of that church till the time of his death.
He devoted much of his time to traveling through various Associations, and preaching; and he ever found delight in this service of the Master. His last preaching was a series of sermons at Bellwood Church, Macon County, Tennessee, about two weeks before his death; and in those sermons he exhibited the same earnest thought, and entire consecration to Christ, that had been his characteristic in former years.
He was married to Miss Nancy McGaughey, of Sumner County, Tennessee, about 1840, by whom he had five children.
After a brief illness of nine days, he died on the
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2Ist of September, 1886, being in his seventieth year. He left two daughters and one son to mourn his de- parture, all of whom still survive him. His son is also a member of Enon Association, better known as Professor D. E. Morris, founder, and, for years, principal of Bellwood Academy, Macon County, Ten- nessee.
He died with full assurance of happiness in heaven, giving the most satisfactory evidence of his readiness to be with Christ. Death seemed to him "but the gate to endless joys," for he said in his last hours, "The everlasting arms are about me, and it is better for me to go and be with the good people that have gone before."
ELDER GILES C. HARRIS.
Elder Giles Claiborn Harris is of English descent and a native of Tennessee. He first saw the light of day near Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee. He was born December 16, 1815. When he was five years old his parents moved to Marshall County, Tennes- see, where he grew to manhood. During his youthful days he was remarkable for his morality and religious tendency. At an early period in life he gave his heart to God, who became his polar star through life, and finally led him to the green fields of paradise. His parents were Primitive Baptists, but, at about the age of twenty, he cast his lot with the Presbyterians. He now began to study God's word, with an honest heart, to know the right way. In the meantime, he had mar- ried and moved to the High Land Rim, near the line between Sumner and Macon Counties. Having become thoroughly convinced that the Baptists were the peo- ple described in the Bible as the followers of Christ,
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he united with Siloam Baptist Church, Macon County, Tennessee, in August, 1842. From the very first he became an active worker in the church and in Sep- tember, 1846, he was made deacon and served the church faithfully in this capacity for nineteen years. In December, 1864, he was licensed to preach by Siloam Baptist Church. He was ordained to the min- istry by this same church in July, 1865, by a Presby- tery consisting of Elders Jonathan Wiseman, Wm. H. Cooper, S. C. Talley and J. J. Wiseman.
This was the begin- ning of a useful minis- terial career. The next year he was called to the care of his home church and served them for eight years, during which time sixty-five persons were added to the church. Be- sides this, he served a number of other churches as pastor. Among them we note the following : Independence, Chestnut ELDER GILES C. HARRIS. Grove, Long Creek, Meadorville and New Harmony. Besides his pastoral work, he preached extensively in the surrounding country. He baptized and married a great many people and was a general favorite among the brethren. Among those whom he baptized we note Elder J. P. Gilliam.
In doctrine he was a staunch Baptist and a bold defender of the faith. He never failed to preach a full gospel and set forth, in unmistakable terms, the doc-
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trine of the church. He was a Baptist-the Bible had made him one-and he rejoiced to preach their doc- trines to others. He believed in "one Lord, one Body, one Faith, and one Baptism." He was a plain, practi- cal preacher that believed something and said some- thing.
He was three times married. In his early manhood he made a visit from Marshall County to Sumner County, Tennessee, where he first met that noble Christian young woman, Miss Frances C. Meador. Friendship turned to love, which was consummated in marriage, February 15, 1837. Of this union two sons were born, Thomas G. and William T. Harris. He and his wife had united with the church at the same time and lived most happily together for a short time, when God took her to himself.
He was again married, to Miss Sarah H. Hawkins, August 14, 1844. She was a devoted, Christian wife, and bore to him one son, Robert W. Harris. Scarcely had they started on the journey of life together when he was again left in sorrow and his second love was "gathered to the fathers."
He next won the heart of Mrs. Elizabeth C. Davis. She was the widow of Carrell C. Davis, and a most excellent Christian woman, with one daughter, Mary C. Davis. She bore to him seven children, as follows : Martha A., J. Sumpter, James L., G. Rice, Mollie C., D. Baxter and Joseph C. Seven of his children are still living.
He possessed a strong voice and spoke with dis- tinctness and force. He had such unction in prayer that he often moved an audience to tears. In addition to this, he was a fine singer. He loved the old soul- stirring songs of the fathers. "Amazing Grace" and
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"How Firm a Foundation" were among his favorites and often he would become happy while singing them. This faithful servant of God finished his work upon earth and fell on sleep at his home, near Westmore- land, Tenn., on the morning of March 4, 1889. His last sickness was borne with the courage and patience that becometh the true Christian soldier.
He had been in the better land but a short time when he was joined by his devoted wife. They are now singing the glad hallelujahs of redeeming grace, while they still live in the hearts of their friends.
ELDER W. S. DRURY.
But little is known by this author of this much la- mented young brother. In the early part of the nine- ties he moved to Willette, Macon County, Tennessee, filed his membership with Bellwood Church and be- came her pastor. He was a young man and was re- garded as one of the most brilliant young ministers in all this upper country. He was a young man of culture, brilliant in thought, and chaste in delivery, with a bright future before him. But for some cause known to himself God called him to the bright beyond in the very vigor of youth.
After a happy stay of two years with the people of Willette, he died October 27, 1895. This is a provi- dence we cannot understand, but God knows best. His life was like the blaze of a meteor, swift, but bright. In oratory and rhetoric he had but few equals.
ELDER D. W. SMITH.
At the name of Elder Daniel Wiseman Smith every loyal Baptist heart in Enon Association bounds with delight. His life was a heritage such as few can
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claim. He first saw the light of day in Robertson County, Tennessee, August 5, 1814. He is the son of Elder Daniel Smith, of blessed memory. Soon after Daniel Wiseman was born, his father settled on the waters of Peyton's Creek, Smith County, Tenn., where he grew to manhood. He gave his heart to God at the age of seventeen, in 1831. He made profession at
ELDER D. W. SMITH.
a prayer meeting, held at the home of one old Brother Settle, on one of the branches of Peyton's Creek. He at once united with Peyton's Creek Church. Thus began a very remarkable Christian career.
He grew up on the farm and in comparative pov- erty. His father, being a minister, was from home a great deal, and he, being one of the older children,
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the burdens of the home lay heavily on his shoulders. Thus he grew up with but little knowledge of books. His, however, was one of the most fruitful brains ever produced in this mountain section-a brain which could not be hedged in by circumstances. He became self-educated and a man of extensive research.
In 1836 he secured a letter and became one of the constituent members of Mount Tabor Church, some five miles higher up the creek. He was, and had been from the very start, an active church member. He remained here until about 1850, when he purchased a farm on the head waters of Long Fork Creek, Ma- con County, Tennessee, where he spent the remainder of his days. He again became a constituent member of Union Church, in 1852. He now became more ac- tive as a church worker and his brethren discovered that he was the Lord's anointed to bear his message to the perishing of earth.
On June 30, 1854, he was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by Union Church, with the fol- lowing presbytery, viz .: Elders Daniel Smith, An- drew Jackson, Washington Glover and L. A. Smith- wick, with Deacons Alfred Gibbs, Wiley Jones, R. Smith, Alexander Pipkin, M. Wallace, J. Nixon, John Shoulders, R. Williams and G. Owen.
From this day to the day of his death he stood as a beacon light among the Baptists of his section. It is no disparagement to others when we say that he was the leader in thought among his brethren.
He entered at once actively into the pastorate. Among the main points he served as pastor we men- tion the following: Mt. Tabor, Defeated Creek, Union, thirty-five years ; Liberty, twenty-four years ; Dixon's Creek, twelve years; Lafayette, ten years; Pleasant
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Valley, Jackson County, a long while. He also served Bellwood, Peyton's Creek, and others, as the sketches of the churches will show. He was like a father in these churches. Perhaps no pastors were more loved by their charges than he.
In person, he was small of stature, yet possessing a constitution capable of untold endurance. He was of Scotch-Irish descent, light-complexioned, and a well- developed forehead. He had a strong voice, spoke rapidly and distinctly, often growing eloquent. In man- ner, he was logical, clear and convincing, preaching with great unction, and often closing with an exhorta- tion that touched the hearts of all.
His sermons were exceedingly doctrinal. In fact, he stood as a great bulwark in defense of the doc- trines of the Bible. Neither did he shun polemics when it was necessary. He had one public debate, in which he carried everything before him.
He possessed one of the most remarkable memories -a memory which enabled him to recall and use any- thing he had once read without the use of notes. Deacon J. M. Williams, who furnishes much of the data for this sketch (though this author was well ac- quainted with him), has this to say of him on this point :
"In preaching on the subject of the church, I have often seen him present the whole subject with all the proof texts, and all the prophecies and all the history bearing on that subject, together with all the dates and exact year of the rise of each denomination, the edict of every king and emperor. The decrees of each coun- cil and pope ... without a single jot or tittle being noted down." Critics often followed him only to find that he was correct.
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From the above, it will be seen that he was a man of wide research and varied knowledge. In doctrine, he was a mild Calvinist and a staunch Landmark Baptist. He also practiced the "Washing Feet" as a duty, but not as a church ordinance. He was a great lover of the book of Revelation, and it was a treat to hear him unfold its teachings.
He was, perhaps, the last of our ministry in this section, who figured in the "split" on the mission question in 1837. He gave many interesting inter- views on this "split," but as this history has already been given at another place in this work, it is useless to record them here.
He was first married to Elizabeth Smith, a daughter of Robert Smith, who was a soldier under General Jackson in the war of 1812. Of this union five chil- dren were born, one son and four daughters. The wife of his youth went home to glory September II, 1854.
In 1861 he was again married to Caroline Williams. Of this union, six children were born, four sons and two daughters, all of whom are still living. His wife preceded him to the better land about two years. After this he found a home with his children. Broken hearted over the departure of his life-mate, the rav- ages of old age soon told upon him, and anxious friends saw the end was fast approaching. With anx- ious and burdened hearts they watched the old hero of many battles as he went bending to the tomb. It was on Saturday morning, September 17, 1892, that he died. This was the meeting day of his home church (Union) where he had been pastor for thirty-five years. He died of paralysis. On that morning while the members of his old church were preparing to as-
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semble for worship, God touched his heart; it stood still and his spirit bounded away to join the assembled hosts on high. For thirty-five years he had met with old Union Church and told the story of Jesus and his love as he viewed his home by faith. But never had he witnessed such a meeting as he had that morn- ing. It was here he met his companions and hundreds of others whom he had baptized and married, and with whom he had labored. Faith and hope had given way and he stood gazing upon the beauties of the glory-land. He perhaps viewed with amazement the trophies of his humble labors. On Sunday, the next day, his remains were taken from his son's, where he had died, to the churchhouse where his yoke- fellow, Elder W. L. Buie, held appropriate services amid a grief-stricken church and community, after which he was laid beside his second wife in Union Cemetery to await the resurrection.
At the instance of Union Church, his churches, to which he had preached, erected a beautiful monument over his grave as a token of their esteem. This was unveiled with appropriate services in which quite a number of ministers and others took part. This was certainly a befitting token of love. But when this shaft has crumbled down, his untiring labor will still be yielding its fruit.
ELDER JAS. B. ALVIS.
This faithful minister of Christ, who went to glory many years ago, was of German extraction. He was the son of Edmond and Phebe Alvis. He first saw the light of day on the High Land Rim, in Macon County, Tennessee, January 26, 1821. He was brought up on the farm and learned the pursuits of a farmer's life.
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This fitted him for the hardships he must afterwards endure for the sake of the Master.
He gave his heart and life to God, and united with Siloam Baptist Church in 1853. It was soon discov- ered that he was a chosen vessel to bear His name to the lost of earth. So he was ordained at the instance of the above church by the following presbytery, viz. : Elders Jonathan Wiseman and W. H. Haile. He had only a limited education-what he could secure at the common schools, but he had that which was far better-a God given zeal. His ministry was short, but full of service. He was called to his home church (Siloam) in 1857, and served them until God called him home. During his short ministry he did a great deal of preaching in destitute sections.
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