USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 17
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REV. JOSEPH W. SHACKFORD.
Ile is the son of Rev. John William Shackford (formerly a member of the Virginia Conference) and Martha Cole Shackford (daughter of Rev. Hezekiah MeLolland, also a former member of the Virginia Conference), and was born July 21, 1848, at Orange Grove, near Walkerton, King and Queen county, Vir- ginia. ITis childhood was spent amid the scenes of his birthplace. He was instructed in the "rudiments" by his parents, and at the age of eleven years was sent to a private school in Walkerton, taught by II. C. Timberlake, a graduate of the University of Virginia, and afterwards professor in the University of Mississippi. Hle was then sent to school three years (1860-'63) at Walkerton Academy, under Rov. J. R. Griffith, now a member of the Virginia Conference. In 1860 he made a profession of religion and joined the Methodist church at Shepherd's, in King and Queen county. Four years ( 1863-'67) were swallowed up by the war and its results. The next two and a half years (1867-'69) were
REV. JOSEPH A. THOMAS.
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spent at Aberdeen Academy, under Colonel James C. Councill. In 1869-'70 he attended the University of Virginia. In 1870-'74 he was employed by Col onel Conneill to teach Latin, Greck, French and English in his school.
At an early age he felt that it was his duty to preach the Gospel. He was licensed by the Quarterly Conference in 1871, and preached as a local preacher three years. In July, 1874, he was employed to assist Rev. J. R. Griffith on Granville Cireuit, North Carolina. In November of 1874 he was admitted into the North Carolina Conference on trial, and sent to Warrenton Station two years. In November, 1875, while stationed in Warrenton, he married Miss Cora Kingsbury, eldest daughter of Dr. T. B. Kingsbury, residing at that time in Oxford, North Carolina. She proved a loving and faithful wife to him, and, on July 3, 1889, died, leaving him with five little children. In November, 1876, Mr. Shackford was transferred to the Virginia Conference, ordained deacon by Bishop Kavanaugh, and sent to Ilenrico Cirenit: In November of 1887, on account of poor health, he asked a supernumerary relation, and in 1878, for the same reason, located. From 1878 to 1889 he was engaged in teaching most of the time, and preaching as opportunity was given. In 1887 he was employed to supply the pastorate of King and Queen Circuit, in place of Rev. W. A. Crocker, whose health had failed. In November, 1887, he was ordained elder by Bishop Joseph S. Key, at the Danville Conference; in July, 1889, was employed by Rev. G. H. Ray, on Ashland Circuit, and in November, 1889, was readmitted into the Virginia Conference and sent to King and Queen Circuit : 1890, to Westmoreland ; in 1894, to Martinsville; in 1896, to Bedford Cirenit, continuing there in 1900-'1.
Mr. Shackford is held in high regard by his brethren in the ministry for his culture, zeal and modesty. He, indeed, hides his light under a bushel. Ilis intellectual face gives bond for a superior brain. His years of study have charged his mind with volumes of the best wisdom. He has aptness for impart- ing the choice information. His mind is not a warehouse for the storing of other men's merchandise, but a mine and crucible, where native ore is brought out and where it is refined and fashioned.
Ile has been held baek by retarding providences. These delays were not from defeet in the machine, which waited, perfect in parts and lifting the valve with ready force for the piston, but by the act of God in causing disarray along the steel track ahead. He is moving forward now over an open and firm highway, with a future of growing usefulness.
Mr. Shackford, with Methodism coming to him in bone and brain, will not wrap this rich inheritance in a napkin. He is on the threshold of a career full of promise of "many sheaves," for the tears shed in the past when hindered in health, make good the pledge that he will reap a ripe and white harvest with joy.
REV. ROBERT HI. YOUNGER.
Ile is a native of Pittsylvania. The head of the family was Marcus Younger, of the Peninsula, and a soldier of the Revolution. The parents of our preacher were devout members of the Methodist Church. A pions mother taught her son the ways of the Lord. In 1869, at a noted revival at Zion's chapel, on the Ban-
REV. ROBERT II. YOUNGER.
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nister Cireuit, he professed religion. Soon God called him to the ministry ; but he hesitated before its magnitude and responsibility until August, 1873, when. he was licensed to preach. He entered Randolph-Macon College in September of the same year, and remained until June, 1876. Ile represented his society in the publie debate. In November, 1876, he was admitted on trial into the Conference and sent to East Franklin Circuit. In 1879 he was assigned to Middle Bedford ; then to Franklin, East Franklin, West Charlotte, North Meck- lenburg, South Brunswick, Middlesex, Greenesville, Prince George. He is now serving his second term on South Brunswick.
It is conceded that with the sterling elements which equip for a career of enduring value to the Church, Mr. Younger is specially endowed. He has force of character, and seldom fails to "compass the doing" of whatever his hands find to do. He has opinions, and without hesitation expresses them. The fear of man is not before his eyes. He is decisive in mamier, prompt in exe- enting, aggressive in Christ's cause. There are alertness, energy and discretion in his condnet of affairs. He does not build on another man's foundation. He enterprises his own campaigns and wins his own victories. Wherever he finds a field he begins to turn the furrows, seed the soil, and presently a harvest waves a golden welcome to his seythe.
The gift of speech discerned at college has been stirred up within him. His pulpits are not without engaging words of heavenly wisdom. He has a ready vocabulary of apt sentences. His manner and utterance please the eye and car, persnading the heart. The membership is built up by increasing converts ; the edifices of worship are adorned by the willing hands of the brethren brought to enthusiasm by his zeal and eloquence.
Mr. Younger has been married twice, being fortunate and led of the Lord in each selection. The writer had the pleasure of an acquaintance with the present accomplished helpmeet of Mr. Younger.
REV. THOMAS P. DUKE.
Hle is purely of English extraction: in height, five feet eleven inches; in weight, one hundred and thirty-odd. His complexion is fair; eyes, blue; hair, light. In appearance, he is tall, and not of great breadth in the chest. He has the stoop of a student. The face is bright and cheerful, changing to the gravity of deep thought, with nothing of gloom or sadness. He is remarkably healthy. ile has not lost a day from sickness for more than ten years, nor has he taken one dollar's worth of medicine during the time. He is a man of great physical en- durance.
llis mind is sound as his body. All his intellectual faculties are in a high state of eulture. His memory is strong and accurate, his perception quick, his imagination is bold and under control. Ile is determined and aggressive. He has common, or practical sense. He does not yield to seeming insurmountable barriers. His steadiness of purpose overcomes them. In manners, he is refined, courteons to superiors, kind to all. In habits, he is methodical and industrions. Ile is firm and upright. He is frank, kind, generous, tender-hearted. He shuns
REV. JOHN B. WINN.
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evil and hates sin. He is sincere in devotion, fervent in spirit, meditative and prudent. In dress, he is plain and neat, not showy.
Take him as a whole, and we have a man bold in projecting, adroit in policy, kind in disposition, true in principle, generous in liberality, frank in confes- sion, brave in danger, firm in character, gifted in conception, resolute in pur- pose, tender in affection, patient in trouble, vigilant in temptation, true and religious in life.
As a speaker he is lucid, forceful, but not very original. His voice is rather defective, vet at times it is sonorous and sweet. Ilis gestures are easy and natural. Large congregations are often melted under his pulpit ministrations.
lIe has friends who are friends indeed. They are bound to him by hooks of steel. Nothing falls to pieces in his hands. Success marks his track. He has wrought mainly in the region of Dan River, proving himself the apostle to the hill country.
Time has dealt gently with Mr. Duke. He retains the vigor and alertness and fine physical outfit of younger years.
REV. JOIN T. BOSMAN.
With the extraordinary qualities necessary for the success of a minister of the Gospel of Christ Mr. Bosman has been peculiarly endowed-possessed of a sagacity adequate to the demands and conditions of all classes of men.
Ile was born in Somerset county, Md., in the year 1862. When a youth he moved to Norfolk, Va., with his parents, where his mother and other mem- bers of his family now reside, his father having been dead several years.
His educational training ended in a five-year course at Randolph-Macon College, at Ashland, Va.
Ile joined the Virginia Conference in 1884. His first charge was At- lantic City, now LeKies Memorial, Norfolk, Va. ; thenee to Newport News, Va., as a domestic missionary, where he laid a foundation for Methodism, the stability of which will abide all time. From Newport News he was sent to Salisbury, Md. ; thence to Culpeper, Va. To this charge he was sent as a fit man for a special purpose. A handsome church building was ereeted during his ministry there. From Culpeper he was sent to Wright Memorial, Ports- mouth, Va .; thence to Mount Vernon, Danville, Va .; and from Danville to Park Place, Richmond, Va., his present charge.
lle is a man of the average stature and weight, a decided brunette, an open countenance which admits him at onee into the confidence of all people. His style is engaging; he speaks from memory; is never at a loss for ideas, and does not indulge in a repetition of words. His voice is clear and penetrating, his imagination brilliant and his gestures few.
Mr. Bosman was married on December the 25th, ISSS, to Miss Mamie Le Cato, daughter of L. Thomas Le Cato, of Virginia, a woman of rare attainments and a charming coadjutor of a minister. They have two boys-Robert and George.
REV. CHARLES L. BANE.
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REV. JOHN O. MOSS.
Mr. Moss was born in Mecklenburg county, Va., October 9, 1855. His parents were Oswald M. and Margaret J. Moss, members of the Methodist Church; and into this communion the son was baptized and reared. Abont twelve years of age, he joined the Church; but not until for or five years after did he become satisfied of his acceptanee with God; alone on his bed, in the si- lent hours of the night, while praying for the blessing,
"Heaven can dawn his soul to greet, And glory crowned the mercy-seat."
Ile has never had any doubt about his conversion.
Ilis educational advantages were those of the common schools of the neigh- borhood and two sessions at Randolph-Macon College. In 1877 he joined the Virginia Conference at Lynchburg and was sent as junior preacher to Gates Cirenit ; then followed two years on Woodville Mission, one on West Bedford, two on Harrellsville, two on Camden, one on Newsom's, two on Northampton, four on Dinwiddie, four on Cumberland, four on Lunenburg, and is now serving the first year of his second term on Dinwiddie.
In 1880 he married Miss Susie Caroline Riddick, a lovely young lady of Hertford county, N. C. With the world to pick from, he does not think he could make a better choice.
A degree of prosperity has attended his ministry in every charge, but his most successful years, Innanly speaking, were on the Camden and Northamp- ton ('irenits.
In person, he is large, weighing over two hundred pounds, and accordingly takes rank with the Anakims of the Conference. With a canonically clean face, gray eyes, light complexion, he considers his face a very uncommon one, for he has been mistaken for the late Dr. Munsey, Colonel Mosby, Dr. Hoge and an- other member of his Conference. Nearly every stranger he meets is reminded by him of some acquaintance.
As a preacher, he sceks to reach the intellect, the conscience, the emotions, and thus the will, believing that the end to be accomplished by the sermon is to get men to act, to turn from sin to righteousness, from Satan to Christ.
In preparation for the pulpit he uses the pencil and pen freely, first making a rough skeich, and then correcting, filling in and transcribing for future use. There may be successful extempore preachers, but he does not consider that he has ever seen one. In composing he is confined to no one plan, adopting the topical, expository and textual, seeking always to be practical. Ile nses illus- trations as windows, to let in the light, or as harpoons to fasten the truth in the mind. He does not mention Huxley or Darwin or Spencer in the pulpit. He does not feel able to demolish them; neither does he believe that the discussion of their theories or vagaries is needed in preaching the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ.
In the pulpit he is a man of moods, sometimes dull and dry. At other times, when the atHatus is upon him, he preaches with great power and in demonstra- tion of the Spirit. When in the Spirit and at the throne he has power with God, and prevails.
In Church economy, he believes in the two-years system, but withholds an ap-
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REV. ROBERT E. BENTLEY.
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plication of his theory to his present appointment for future consideration. Pe believes that a change could be made in our economy to a very great advantage to the Church by strengthening the Episcopacy, so that a Bishop could visit each charge once a year, and decreasing the number of Presiding Elders to at least half the present number, and let these be the "pick" of the choice men of the Conference.
Mr. Moss loves the country work, and would consider it an affliction to be sent to a city appointment. He is fond of the gun and fishing tackle, poultry- raising and agricultural pursuits. He also loves the simple habits of the coun- try people, fresh air and fried chicken.
REV. EDWARD M. JORDAN.
Mr. Jordan is a native of Illinois. His father, John Parker Jordan, was born and raised in Isle of Wight, Virginia. His mother was Miss McConnell, of Illinois. Edward Jordan was brought up in Perquimans county, North Caro- Jina.
Ile has inherited the energy of the West, with the elegances of life of the Eastern Carolinian. It is seldom that his diligence is surpassed ; and for com- panionship, Jordan is at the head of the list. These qualities, sanctified by religion, have made him a strong and popular preacher, loved, honored and admired.
Hle was converted in August, 1867, in Fletcher's chapel, Gates county, North Carolina, under the ministry of Rev. Wm. E. Allen, and licensed to preach in 1869, on Gates Circuit, Rev. M. S. Colonna, Sr., preacher in charge, and Henry B. Cowles, Presiding Elder. He joined the Virginia Conference on trial in November, 1869, at Richmond, and traveled Northumberland the first year; second year, Berlin-ordained deacon by Bishop Paine; third, fourth and fifth, Orange-fourth year ordained elder by Bishop Keener; sixth year, Culpeper ; seventh and eighth, South Norfolk ; ninth, tenth and eleventh, Norfolk. At the Conference held in Norfolk in 1892 he was placed on the superannuated list, and continued in that relation until 1899, when he again became effective. And he continues to this day testifying the grace of God to men.
On November 10, 1873, he was married to Miss Mattie P. Walker, of Madison county-a lady of winning presence and adorning her position with many graces.
Mr. Jordan, a few years ago, made a tour in Europe, and collected much material for broadening and brightening his own mind and for use in apt illus- trations for pulpit and platform, but not in ostentatious display. Ile is a thoughtful preacher, elear in style and engaging in manner. Few can resist his persuasive eloquence when his own heart grows tense with emotion. He is careful of the amenities of life, and never offends by neglect of courtesy ; nor is he of the willow, bending to every touch. Ile yields to the limit of politeness, but he is rooted in the rocks.
Tle is of medimm height; somewhat slender, but braced well with thew and sinew. Ilis face blends handsome and refined features. Conscientious, enter- prising and successful, he brings mankind into debtorship to him as a personal reforming force in their midst.
REV. PORTER HARDY.
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REV. THOMAS N. POTTS, M. A., PH. D., D. D.
This son of a venerable minister of the Virginia Conference has the deep, rich native soil on which he has grown up a tree of knowledge which will give nour- ishing fruit and protecting boughs for the years to come. He has enjoyed ex- ceptional advantages in education and used these favors of fortune to fit himself for his great commission. The Church expects much of him, and will, without doubt, reap richly from his sowing. He stopped to whet his tools. They had steel. but needed the emery-wheel to bring them to edge and swifter use. Ile is beginning his work where he left off, with wider wisdom, better skill and augmented aptness.
He is below medium size and height, trimly built, with a fine development in . the frontage of the cerebellum and a breadth of bony caisson for the cerebrum. Hle is a dignified, polite, cultured gentleman, with the bearing of a scholar.
Hle was born Jne 1, 1863, in Southampton county, Virginia; converted in October, 1578; graduated from Randolph-Macon in 1882; entered the Con- ference in 1584; left in 1886 to attend Princeton Seminary; was graduated from the Seminary in May, 1889; received the degree of Master of Arts from Princeton University in 1890-having re-entered the Conference the preceding voar. St. John's College, Anapolis, Md., conferred the degree of Doctor of Divinity in 1 96.
Dr. Potts has risen to the pastorship of our cleverest city churches, such as Park Place ( Rielmond), Mt. Vernon ( Danville), his present charge. He re- ceived distinguished support in the Board of Trustees for the Chair of Moral Philosophy in Randolph-Macon College. It is reported by persons of prudent speech that his native and acquired qualities give him a clear title to the claim of superior culture. It goes without the saying that his sermons have the sim- plicity of wisdom, while nourishing and welcome to the palate. He is married; has four living children and one in Heaven.
REV. CHARLES II. MCGHEE.
Mr. MeGhee is a native of Bedford county, Virginia. Born June 6, 1860. He was converted at the age of seven years, under a sermon preached by Bishop David S. Doggett. When he was ten his parents moved to Lynchburg, Virginia, that their children might enjoy better school and church privileges. Young MeGhee joined Conrt-Street church, in that city, at the age of twelve years. Hle graduated from Lynchburg High School in 1877, and from then till 1880 he was engaged in business in that city. He attended Randolph-Macon College three years.
Ile served the Mathews Circuit (Virginia Conference) one year as a local preacher, and joined the Virginia Conference in November, 1884, and continues a member.
In height, he is five feet ten and a half inches; weight, about one hundred and fifty-five pounds : complexion, light ; hair, light brown ; eyes, dark gray.
Mr. MeGhee is a man of fine physique, prepossessing in appearance, capti-
REV. W. ASBURY CHRISTIAN.
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vating in manner, a well-shaped head slightly bald, face beaming with smiles and good humor, very sociable in nature, a pleasant talker, excellent fireside company.
His adaptability to the itineraney shows that he is bred to the science and skilled in the art of preaching and pastoral work. By his genial and gentle- manly Christian deportment, he makes friends wherever he goes, and combines in his character that humility of sont and purity of heart which make him the loved and honored guest of the humble as well as the high in life.
Mr. MeGhee is a good pastor. He takes rank as a preacher, his subjects are well chosen, his sermons ably, forcibly and impressively delivered, his voice is excellent, clear and distinet : his convictions are strong, his life consistent, his actions conservative, adhering firmly to the principles of Methodism and the laws of his Church. Ile has achieved success as a lecturer. His elocution won judicious praise.
On November 15, 1887, he was happily married to Miss Laura E. Norris, of Culpeper, Virginia-a beautiful and highly-accomplished Christian lady- whose noble spirit of self-sacrifice and consecration to God's service makes her a worthy and fit successor of that multitude of honored and devoted women whose heroism amid the trials of the itinerancy and devotion to God, as votaries of our heaven-born religion, have from time immemorial demonstrated the wonderful influence of God's handmaidens in the great work of saving souls.
REV. ROBERT B. BLANKINSHIP.
Ile is a native of Campbell county, and dates his anniversary from August 28, 1554. His parents were John A. and II. A. Blankinship.
Ile was brought to Jesus when a lad of eleven years, and his fading faith was renewed at the age of fourteen. He became a member of the Methodist Protestant Church and served for a year or so as a local minister among those brethren. In 1877 he united with our people and came into the Conference. He was junior to the lamented Pritchett in 1877-'78 on Campbell Circuit. The young man saw souls converted, and knew of a truth, that God was with him. He served East Halifax, a new and feeble parish. The Lord prospered the going out and coming in of the callow preacher. He came next to Chatham, and was not without fruit from his planting. And so, year by year, he has since wrought to good effect on South of Dan, South Brunswick, West Brunswick, Nottoway, Mecklenburg, Nelson, Ettrick, Wright Memorial, Portsmouth, and is now serving his second year at Capeville.
Ile is married, and has two children.
REV. THOMAS J. WRAY.
Hle is a person of fine physique and imposing personal presence; is about six feet in height, well proportioned, and weighs from one hundred and seventy-
,
REV. JAMES II. MOSS.
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five to one Inmdred and eighty pounds; dark complexion, mobile features, and has a clear, ringing voice, admirably adapted to public speaking. Ile is genial and affable in society, and is generally a favorite with those who become inti- mately acquainted with him.
His mind is quick in its action, and often his best thoughts are those which flash out when the subject is first presented to him. Ilis receptive faculties are generally on the alert, and he learns as much, or more, from nature and ob- servation as he does from books. His sermons often astonish by their range of thought and force and beauty of diction. There is melting, moving power in his appeals, and many are "eut to the heart," brought to their knees and to Christ. His success in revivals is remarkable. As many as one hundred and fifty have been converted on small cirenits. He has wonderful gift in prayer. His words flow freely while his heart glows and swells with intense fervor. Few men of his age in the Conference have had more souls converted under their ministry. His individuality is distinctly marked. He does his own thinking, and, when convinced that he is right, yields to no man.
Ile was exceedingly fortunate in his marriage. His wife, Miss Nora C. Shackelford, of Gloucester, is a lady of rare personal attractions, culture and piety. She is as well qualified, probably for the itinerant life as any lady in the Conference. With the blessing of God, great usefulness awaits him.
Mr. Wray was born in Greenesville county, Va., October 29, 1858; his parents, B. A. and M. J. Wray. He was converted at his father's fireside during family prayer, conducted by his brother, the Rev. George W. Wray.
From boyhood he had a desire to preach, and was licensed at Round Hill church, on Hieksford Cirenit, and came into the Conference on trial in 1884. Ile began on the grand old Gloucester Circuit. The Bishops have used him to bring snecess and achieve results on various fields. Ile has met the highest expectations and quitted himself well of every duty. He has grown from the carnest youth to a mature manhood, with garnered sheaves from glorious har- vests. In the meanwhile years have brought seasoned wisdom, robust powers of mind and a quiver of the surest shafts, seldom flying past the mark. A fine presence, engaged manner, pleasing tones and virile thoughts, make the pulpit a throne of anthority and force.
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