USA > Tennessee > History of middle Tennessee Baptists : with special reference to Salem, New Salem, Enon and Wiseman associations > Part 28
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He was married to E. J. Kerley December 5, 1850, by whom he had two children.
He died in the prime of life and in the very morning of his ministry. It was on April 22, 1861, just ten days after the first guns of the Civil War were fired, that his spirit went sweeping through the gates into the city of God. While the conflicts of brothers and friends were raging here below, his spirit loosed its moorings and sped away to dwell in peace with God forever and ever, where perennial flowers bloom, and His glory never departs.
ELDER E. G. CARTWRIGHT.
The above name will frequently be seen in these pages. That those who come after may know who he was, we append the following bit of history. He was first a Methodist, afterward uniting with Mt. Tabor Church, where he was ordained to the ministry, most probably some time in the forties. He moved
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to Lafayette and united with that church in 1854. He was pastor one year of this church. He remained a member of the Baptist Church at Lafayette until 1870, when he abandoned the faith and joined the Campbellites. He was, at this time, an old man. He seems to have been a good and honorable citizen. He died about 1885.
ELDER THOS. D. JOHNSON.
This faithful and much lamented servant of God was born on the waters of the East Fork of Goose Creek, in Macon (then Smith) County, Tennessee, November 23, 1815. He was the son of John and Gracy (Ellis) Johnson, who came to this section from the Carolinas in the early settlements of this country. He was also an older brother of that noble family of Johnsons, one of whom still remains on the confines of life in the person of that noble man of God, Deacon Wm. C. Johnson.
He made profession of faith in Christ and united with East Fork Goose Creek (now Hillsdale) Baptist Church, about the year 1836. It was not long until his church saw that he was a chosen vessel of the Lord to bear the message of salvation to the lost. In 1840 he was licensed to preach, and in December, 1842, he was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry by East Fork Goose Creek Church, by the following presbytery, viz .: Elders William C. Brans- ford, Daniel Smith and William Simmons.
Few young men started with more flattering pros- pects. He was a close student, a sound reasoner, a fine orator, and, best of all, devoutly pious and thor- oughly consecrated. Few men of his age had so thor- oughly won their way to the hearts of the people. But
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just as his life began to shine out with a brilliancy that attracted all, the candle was blown out and his church and brethren were left in mourning.
The following was published in the minutes of Salem Association for 1844, and also in The Baptist, published by R. B. C. Howell and Wm. Cary Crane for November 23, 1844:
"Resolved, That we sympathize with the church at East Fork Goose Creek, in consequence of the death of our worthy and promising young brother, Thomas D. Johnson, who in the morning of life, and amidst prosperity and promise of great usefulness, both as a citizen of the world and minister of the gospel, was summoned on the ninth day of June, 1844, to leave the church militant, and join the church triumphant. In the death of this young minister, the church has doubt- less sustained a great loss, having had their minds placed upon him as one destined for much usefulness. How mysterious to short-sighted man are the ways of providence! May the good Lord be a husband to protect his surviving companion, and a father to pro- vide for his dear children."
The above extract gives us an idea of the esteem in which he was held by those with whom he labored, wept and rejoiced. He died in the very morning of life and especially so of his ministry. He died from a relapse of the mumps. He left this world happy and no doubt his shouts were soon blended with those of the angels on the other side of the mystic river.
His course was brief upon earth, Yet his work was well done, His body returned to mother earth, His spirit to heaven, its home.
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DEACON JOIIN WEATHERED.
This remarkable man of God first saw the light in Albemarle County, Virginia, February 13, 1773. When he was about eighteen years of age, he gave his heart to God and united with a Baptist Church. In April, 1796, he was married to Miss Elizabeth Gilmore, and the next year-1797-he left the Old Dominion, came
DEACON JOHN WEATHERED.
to the newly constituted State of Tennessee and settled in Sumner County, near Castalian Springs. He most probably cast his membership with Station Camp Church, where he remained until 1806, when he be- came a constituent member of Bledsoe's Creek (now Hopewell) Church. He was their first clerk, and, in 1807, he was made deacon, which office he filled with honor to himself and the cause till God called him home. He was a deacon in the Lord's house for fifty years. He and his yoke-fellow, Deacon John Wilks,
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were perhaps called on oftener, and did more general church work than any two deacons of their day, and one rarely ever went without the other as long as Father Weathered lived. I have been struck with the frequency with which their names occurred in the various church records over the country. He was not a man of many words, but was remarkable for his sound judgment and correct conclusions which caused his counsel to be sought far and near. He was able in prayer, and powerful in exhortation. Religion was his theme and he was never known to speak evil of anyone. He peacefully breathed his last, without a struggle, and went up to God December 5, 1857, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was ripe for the harvest, and on his couch at night, without sickness, his spirit shook off its house of clay and leaped across the mystic river into the glory land. His funeral was preached by Elder E. B. Haynie with a touching talk by the aged Elder John Wiseman, to whose ministry he had listened for half a century. He was then laid away to await the resurrection of the just.
DEACON JOHN WILKS.
Perhaps the mention of no name touches a tenderer chord in the hearts of those who knew him than the one which heads this sketch. He was born in Lunen- burg County, Virginia, June 27, 1792. He left that state and came to Tennessee, settling in Sumner Coun- ty, while he was yet a young man. Soon after his arrival in Tennessee, he gave his heart to God and united with Bledsoe's Creek Church (now Hopewell), near Castalian Springs. He was soon chosen as dea- con and served this church in that capacity till God said it was enough, and took him home.
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He was a man of sterling worth every way. As a citizen, he stood in the foremost rank. He was a man of sound judgment, and kept abreast of the times on all questions, which made his counsel indispensable. In the church, it could truly be said that he was a pillar, and he often rode many miles to assist churches
DEACON JOHN WILKS.
with difficult questions. He was a yoke-fellow of Deacon John Weathered and one can hardly think of one without thinking of the other.
God blessed the labors of him and his faithful wife with an abundance of this world's goods, for all their needs. These he used to the glory of God, and was noted for his charity wherever he was known. He was the father of Elder W. M. S. Wilks. The son is honored by having such a father and the father is cer-
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tainly honored by having such a son. Among his de- scendants are some of the noblest Baptists of the State. He lived to a ripe old age, being permitted to live until he stood within the threshhold of fourscore years. Full of faith and good works, he was gathered by the reapers to the home of the blessed. He fell on sleep October 24, 1871. For more than half a century, he had been a deacon and a leader in his church. He loved his church with an undying devotion, and was never so happy as when he was talking of Jesus and his love. Noble servant of God !
CHAPTER XI.
MINISTERIAL DIRECTORY.
It will be the purpose of this chapter to give a brief directory of all the living preachers who have, at any time, been connected with Salem Association or her offsprings. It is not intended to write Biographies, but simply to give an outline which will furnish data for future historians. Some of the brethren have kept accurate records of their ministerial work, while with others it is simply approximated. I have made a dili- gent effort to have all the brethren represented here, and if any are left out the fault lies at their own door.
ELDER LOUIS LAWRENCE . ALLEN, Brush Creek, Smith County, Tennessee. He is of English descent, the son of Elder Moses and Lucinda Allen, and was born in Smith County, Tennessee. He was brought up on a farm and received only a common school edu- cation. Professed religion in September, 1867, and was baptized by Elder Nathaniel Hays into the fellow- ship of Brush Creek Church, Smith County, Tennes- see. He was ordained by said church in 1894, by El- ders M. W. Russell, John Washburn, T. J. Eastes and A. B. Cabaniss. He has done but little pastoral work, but has been employed about the Master's business, often supplying for other ministers. He was married to Miss Nancy J. Pruiet, March 7, 1872, by whom he has six children. He is tall and strong of build and of light complexion.
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ELDER SAMUEL T. ALSUP, now residing at Wilford, Wilson County, Tennessee, is of medium height, slen- der of build, and dark complexion. He is of Irish descent and the son of Asaph and Mary (Hill) Alsup. He was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, January 31, 1835. He was a farmer boy and taught school when old enough. He professed religion at Cedar Grove Church in Wilson County, and joined Salem Church, in the same county, in 1854. He was baptized by Elder N. M. Green. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry, in said church, in June, 1860, by Elders N. M. Green, John Bond, E. J. T. Fields, W. H. Grimmet and John Phillips. He has served as pastor the following churches in Middle Tennessee : Fellowship, 1861-62; Rutland, 1861-62; also at Salem, Rocky Valley, Smith's Fork, Republican Grove and Ramah, times not given. He has a good education, completed in Union University ; he also took a theo- logical course in that institution under Elder J. M. Pendleton. He has constituted two churches, has bap- tized and married a great many people. He was mar- ried to Miss Virginia W. Huddleston, January 16, 1868, by whom he had eight children; two girls and four boys are still living, but the two oldest are dead. He is in very poor health and almost deaf, so has had to retire from the pastorate.
ELDER GENERAL HARDEE ATNIP, the son of James and Nancy O. (Trap) Atnip, now resides at Blend, DeKalb County, Tennessee. He is of Dutch and English extraction. He was born near Citadel, De- Kalb County, Tennessee, November 16, 1862. He was brought up on a farm. He professed religion in 1885, at Salem Church (Liberty), DeKalb County, Tennes-
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see, and was baptized into the fellowship of Cooper's Chapel Church in 1887, by Elder J. H. Vickers. He was ordained by said church January 4, 1902, by El- ders Stephen Robinson and W. E. Wauford. He be- gan preaching in 1901, and has no pastorate yet. His education is very limited, only such as he could secure through his own efforts. He was married in 1882 to Miss Callie Sandlin by whom he has five children. He is tall, slender and of dark complexion.
ELDER J. H. AGEE, who now resides at Lancaster, Smith County, Tennessee, is of English descent. He
ELDER J. H. AGEE.
is tall, slender and of fair complexion, and a little in- clined to be bald. He is a son of William M. and Sarah
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(Jackson) Agee. He was born near Flynn's Lick, Jackson County, Tennessee, February 1, 1870. He was brought up on a farm? He professed religion and united with Liberty Church, Jackson County, Ten- nessee, near Granville, July, 1883, and was baptized by Elder M. W. Russell. He was mainly educated in Southwestern Baptist University, at Jackson, Tenn. While in school there, he was ordained to the ministry June 6, 1895, by Elders I. N. Penick, W. F. Dorris, W. E. Wooten, N. B. Williams, L. W. Russell and W. A. Jordan. He has been pastor as follows: Hope- well (West Tennessee), 1806-97; Little Cedar Lick (Middle Tennessee), 1897 ; Smith Springs, 1808-1900; Fellowship, 1899-1900; Lancaster, 1899 to the present. He assisted in the organization of one church. He has baptized twenty-five persons and married three couples. Brother Agee has traveled a great deal as colporteur. He was never married.
ELDER J. H. ANDERSON, who now resides at Water- town, Tenn., is of Scotch-Irish extraction. He is of medium height, rather heavy of build, and light com- plexion. He is the son of J. M. and Martha Ann (Crawford) Anderson. He was born in Logan Coun- ty, Kentucky, January 9, 1849, and was brought up on a farm. He made profession at Wartrace Church, Robertson County, Tennessee, September 25, 1865, joined the church at Springfield, Tenn., in June, 1867, and was baptized by Elder F. C. Plaster. He was ordained in Springfield Church, 1874, by Elders Wil- liam Shelton, Sr., W. D. Phillips, W. A. Nelson, G. W. Featherston, W. B. Adams, J. H. Butler, W. C. Shannon and W. P. D. Clark. He has served the fol- lowing churches as pastor, and probably in the follow-
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ing order: Springfield, New Bethel, Rutlands, Bell Buckle, Laguardo, Leeville, Rocky Valley, Hartsville, Third Church, Nashville, Tenn., Owenton, Ky., Round Lick, Shop Spring and Woodbury. The three latter he serves now. He was secretary of state mis- sions in Tennessee for six years. He is a busy man
ELDER J. H. ANDERSON.
and has baptized and married a great many, but kept no record. He was educated in Liberty Academy, Springfield, Tenn., and Union University, Murfrees- boro, Tenn., with one year in S. B. Theological Sem- inary. He was editor for some time of The Missionary Baptist, published at Nashville, Tenn. He was mar-
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ried to Mrs. E. V. Mason in July, 1883, by whom he has five children, four boys and one girl.
ELDER A. J. BRIEN, who resides at Luckey, Warren County, Tennessee, is of Irish descent. He is of mod- erate height and moderate size and rather dark com- plexion. He is the son of Elder J. C. and Nancy A. (Horn) Brien. The name was formerly O'Brien and was contracted into Brien. He was born near the mouth of Sink Creek, in DeKalb County, Tennessee, A. D. 1856. He was brought up on a farm. He made profession at Beech Grove Church, near mouth of Holmes' Creek, DeKalb County, Tennessee, in 1872. He immediately united with this same church and was baptized by Elder William Simpson. He was ordained by Wharton's Spring Church, DeKalb County, Ten- nessee, in October, 1890, by Elders William Simpson, A. C. Webb and S. B. Whitlock. His pastorates have been as follows: Indian Creek, 1891-92; Riddleton, 1892-93; Providence, 1892-93; Beech Grove, 1900 to the present ; Wolf Creek, 1900-01 ; Providence, 1900, to the present. In October, 1901, he constituted a church at Cherry Springs, Warren County, Tennessee, with twenty-two members, to which he is now preach- ing. Besides his pastoral work, he has done consider- able evangelistic work, which has been especially blessed in Warren County, has baptized and married quite a number, but has made no record. He has at- tended only common schools and his education is lim- ited. He married Miss Sallie Dodd, March 28, 1878, by whom he has eight children, two of whom are dead.
ELDER J. W. BAILEY, Punch, Smith County, Ten- nessee, is of English descent. He is the son of
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Andrew Jackson and Tabitha (Feagins) Bailey. He was born in Hawkins County, Tennessee, July 4, 1855, and was raised on a farm. He professed faith in Christ, November 11, 1871, and joined the Mill Creek Church, Monroe County, Kentucky, the same night and was baptized by Elder John Garrett on Sunday,
ELDER J. W. BAILEY.
the twentieth of same month. He was ordained by this same church May 19, 1879, by Elders John Gar- rett and Allen Deatherage. He has served as pastor the following churches: Mill Creek, Ky., 1880-87; Macedonia, Tenn., 1881-83, 1888-89; Freedom, Ky., 1880-88; Cornwell's Chapel, 1889-91 ; Hogan's Creek, 1891-95; Macedonia (New Middleton), 1891-92;
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Knob Spring, 1892-94; Plunkett's Creek, 1893-94; New Macedonia, 1898-1900. Besides his pastoral work, he has traveled as colporteur, taught school, penmanship, and vocal music. Has also written con- siderable for the press. He was educated at Tomp- kinsville High School and Willette Academy. He was for some time Associate Editor of Baptist Helper. He has constituted one church, baptized about 400 people and married about 100 couples. He was married to Miss Malissa H. Steen, of Monroe County, Kentucky, October 20, 1878, by whom he has five living children, one boy and four girls. He is rather low and heavy built, is neither very dark nor very fair of complexion.
ELDER W. L. BUIE. This veteran of the cross re- sides at Galen, Macon County, Tennessee. He is of Scotch descent, is low, heavy set and rather dark com- plexion. He is the son of John and Candace Buie. He was born in Robertson County, Kentucky, February 14, 1825. He was brought up on a farm. He made profession at Mt. Tabor Church, Smith County, Tenn., in 1842, and united with said church and was baptized by Elder Daniel Smith. He transferred his membership to Liberty Church, Macon County, Tenn., where he was ordained to the ministry on Saturday before the second Sunday in May, 1860, by Elders E. B. Haynie, D. W. Smith, Washington Glover and Growner Owen, with a number of deacons. He served the following churches, some of them for many years: Long Creek, New Salem, Zion, Spring Creek, Puncheon Camp, Antioch, Rocky Hill, Lafayette, Liberty and Macedonia. His education is limited, only such as he could secure at common country schools. He has baptized about 700 people and married about 300 couples. He married
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Miss Emily Smith, daughter of Elder Daniel Smith, July 29, 1847. He has no children. He is nearing his fourscore years, and is in very feeble health and nearly deaf. He has long been known in his com- munity as Uncle Buie. He is not now pastor of any church and soon his voice will be heard no more in the councils of Enon Association.
ELDER W. L. BUIE.
ELDER EVERETT S. BRYAN, who now resides at Las- cassas, Rutherford County, Tennessee, is of Scotch- Irish and Welsh descent. He is medium height, slen- der of build and rather dark complexion. He has had spinal affection for a number of years, which renders his walking difficult. He is the son of Aljernon and
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Elizabeth C. (Phillips) Bryan. He was born near Shop Spring, Wilson County, Tennessee, October 13, 1856. He was raised on a farm. He gave his heart to God when quite young, but would not confess him till he was eighteen years of age, when he made public profession during a series of meetings at Lebanon, Wilson County, Tennessee. He united with Lebanon Church in March, 1875, and was baptized by Elder W. B. Jones. He was ordained by the order of Shop Spring Church, Wilson County, Tennessee, on Octo- ber 3, 1890, by Elders J. H. Grime, E. E. Folk, T. J. Eastes and J. W. Bowen. He has been pastor of the following churches, viz .: Cedar Creek, Ky., 1893-94; Winchester, Tenn., 1895-96; Petersburg, 1896-97; Hannah's Gap, 1896-97 ; Pleasant Hill, Marshall Coun- ty, 1896-97; Boonville, 1896-97; Rutland, Wilson County, 1898-1900; Una, Davidson County, 1899- 1901 ; Antioch, 1899-1902; Lascassas, 1901 to the present time. He attended schools : Shop Spring, Big Spring, Cumberland University, completing his course in Santa Fe College. He also attended a busi- ness college at Nashville, Tenn., and the Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky. He taught school ten years and followed bookkeeping for some time. He assisted in the constitution of the church at Holt's Corner, in Marshall County, Tennessee. He has had 150 conversions under his administration and married eleven couples. He married Miss Mary Bates, of Kentucky, March 27, 1894, to whom four children have been born, two boys and two girls. One of the boys has gone to be with God.
ELDER RUTHERFORD BRETT, who now resides at Huntsville, Ala., is of Welsh-Irish extraction, with a
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strain of English. He is rather low of stature, medium size, and dark complexion. He is the son of Alex- ander and C. Sophia Brett. Was born near Mt. Juliet, Wilson County, Tennessee, March 21, 1867. He was brought up on a farm. He made profession at home, September 1, 1882, during a meeting at Rutland Church, Wilson County, Tennessee, and united with said church the same evening and was baptized by Elder J. H. Anderson. He was ordained in June, 1889, by Elders J. H. Anderson, G. M. Savage, J. P. Gilliam, J. S. Rice and E. Stilwell. He has been pas- tor of the following churches: Tullahoma, Tenn., 1890-92; Columbia, Tenn., 1892-93 (broken health in- terfered) ; Clifton Forge, Va., 1893-95; Carthage, Tenn., 1895-99; during his stay at Carthage he also preached to the following churches, for a short time each : Hartsville, Hogan's Creek, Hickman, Rutland, Alexandria, New Salem and Cookeville; First Church, Huntsville, Ala., 1899, to the present. He was edu- cated at Cumberland University, Doyle College and Carson and Newman College. He also attended the Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky. He con- stituted three churches. He has baptized about 500 persons and married about 250 couples. He married Mrs. Gertrude Crumpton, daughter of H. C. Whitaker, June 6, 1893, by whom he has four children, one dead and three living, two boys and one girl.
ELDER W. P. D. CLARK, Tucker's Gap, Wilson County, Tennessee. He is of Scotch descent. He is low and heavy built and of fair complexion. He is the son of Donald and Barbara Clark. He was born near Nashville, Tenn., November 11, 1846. He was brought up on a farm. He professed faith in Christ
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in 1866, and joined a Baptist Church in Nashville, Tenn., the same year and was baptized by Elder Joel J. James. He was also ordained the same year by Elders R. B. Dorris and Joel J. James. He has served the following churches as pastor in Middle Tennessee : Brownsville, Concord, Pleasant Valley, Sumner Coun- ty; Station Camp, Battle Creek, Bethany, Robertson County ; Mt. Hermon, Montgomery County; Eighth Baptist Church, Nashville, Tenn .; Barton's Creek, Wilson County. He was educated in common country schools with a course in Union University. He has constituted four churches. He has been twice married, first to the daughter of Elder J. J. James, and second to Major Utley's daughter. He has four children. In addition to his other work, he has traveled consid- erably as misisonary, and spent much time in building 11p run down churches.
ELDER P. W. CARNEY, Mount Juliet, Wilson Coun- ty, Tennessee. He is of Scotch-Irish descent, He is low and slender with rather dark complexion. He is the son of Elder F. W. and Annie Lou Ella ( Weather- ford) Carney. He was born at Hurstburgh, Humph- reys County, Tennessee, May 23, 1871. He was reared on a farm. He made profession at Little Cedar Lick Church, Wilson County, Tennessee, in 1883 A. D., and the same fall he united with said church and was baptized by Elder J. P. Gilliam. He was ordained December 25, 1892, by Elders W. C. McPherson, A. Sperry, J. P. Gilliam and J. W. Self. He has been pastor of the following churches: Athens, 1893-94; Baker's Grove, 1893-98, then 1899-1902; Little Cedar Lick, 1893-94, then 1898-1902; Una, 1898-99; Zion, Trousdale County, 1804; Fellowship, 1895-98; Rut-
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land, 1897-98; Gladeville, 1897-1900; Falling Creek, 1899, to present. He was educated at Leeville and Mt. Juliet high schools. He has constituted one church-Green Hill, September, 1900; also one at Mt. Juliet, December, 1900. He has baptized about 200 persons and married thirty-five couples. He was mar- ried to Miss Carrie Sullivan, July 3, 1892, by whom he has one child.
ELDER P. W. CARNEY.
ELDER J. J. CARR, Moxie, Wilson County, Tennes- see, is of Scotch-Irish descent. He is medium height, slender of build and red complexion. He is the son of John O. and Sarah J. Carr. He was born in Wilson County, Tennessee, October 6, 1857. He was brought up on a farm. He made profession at Rocky Grove schoolhouse, Wilson County, Tennessee, in the fall of 1878, and, soon afterward, united with
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Cedar Grove Church in same county and was bap- tized by Elder J. C. Brien. He was ordained second Sunday night in November, 1893, by Cedar Grove Church, presbytery consisting of Elders J. F. McNabb, J. H. Grime and M. J. Osborn. He has been pastor as follows: Cedar Grove, 1893-1902; Corum Hill, 1893- 1900; Gladeville, 1894-97 ; Zion, 1895-97 ; Cedar Creek, 1897-1901 ; Mt. Hermon, 1897-99; Buena Vista, 1899- 1901 ; Salem, 1901-02; Mt. Olivet, 1901-02; Rutland, 1901-02; Athens, 1898-1900. He was educated at Rocky Grove school. He has baptized 117 persons and married twenty-nine couples. He was married to Miss Meddie Wilks, November 1, 1900. He has no children. He taught school for several years.
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