USA > Virginia > Sketches and portraits of the Virginia Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church > Part 18
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REV. EDGAR H. ROWE.
Mr. Rowe is a gentleman of piety and polish. To his superior natural en- dowments he has added the advantages of school, college and university. He is genial and engaging in the social circle, and in the pulpit thoughtful and in- structive. To hear him is to receive winnowed and golden grain of a harvest reaped from best tilth and native fertility.
Mr. Rowe was born on September 17, 1857, in the good old county of West- moreland, Va., his father, the Rev. J. G. Rowe, at that time having pasto- ral charge in that county. A year or so after the war his father removed to Bowling Green, Va., where the family has lived ever since (except a short so- journ in Ashland ), thus enabling the subject of this sketch, though the son of an itinerant minister, to know and to enjoy a settled home.
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REV. JAMES W. BAKER.
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In his early youth Mr. Rowe gave his heart to God, and while yet a school- boy the impression that he would become a minister was strongly made upan his mind. This impression, however, was not kindly fostered, in view of his high sense of the responsibility of the ministerial office, to say nothing of his tastes for a life in the class-room.
In the best private schools Mr. Rowe received his first instructions, and as the years wore on he pursued his studies at Randolph-Macon College, at the University of Virginia and at Princeton, New Jersey. The last-named in- stitution of learning he attended after he became a preacher, and withdrew. temporarily from the active pastorate for this purpose.
In 1879 Mr. Rowe was licensed to preach by the Bowling Green Quarterly Conference, Rev. L. Rosser, Presiding Elder. He, however, did not enter the Conference until the year 1884. This Conference met in Lynchburg. Ilis first appointment was to the pleasant college town of Murfreesboro, where he remained for two years, doing effective and valuable work for the Church. It was at the close of these two years in Murfreesboro that he went to Prince- ton, where he remained but a short time, as his health was not good. On his return to the Conference in 1886 he was appointed to Boydton Station, the seat of the old Randolph-Macon College, where he remained for one year. At the next Conference he applied for and secured a supernumerary relation on account of his increasing ill health. For years Mr. Rowe had been a great sufferer from dyspepsia. This malady had hindered in the intense and strenu- ous exertions needful to achieve worthy ends in the pulpit. so that finally, by the advice of eminent physicians in New York, as well as in Virginia, he re- tired from the active work of the ministry. Under these circumstances he entered npon the work of teaching in the Bowling Green Seminary, and in July, 1888, assumed control of that institution of learning.
In 1894 Mr. Rowe was elected President of the famous Wesleyan Female College of Macon, Ga., the first high-grade school for girls, we believe, in the Sonth. He connected himself with one of the Georgia Conferences. In 1896 he was elected President of the Martha Washington College, Abingdon, Va., but before entering npon his duties he resigned and took charge of the Bowling Green Seminary in Virginia, which he is conducting with eminent success.
Mr. Rowe enjoys the just reputation of an exceptional "aptness to teach," clevated bearing and the strietest regard for the demands on a Christian gen- tleman. He holds himself superior to all smallness. His face, clean-shaven and open, bears the imprimatur of the elarified character within.
Mr. Rowe has been twice married. In 1881 he was married to Miss Emma B. Scott, of Bowling Green, who died in 1884; in AAngust, 1888, he was mar- ried to Miss Mary Winslow Shaw, of Elmwood, Mass.
REV. VINCENT W. BARGAMIN.
Mr. Bargamin is a native of Richmond. He came to the ranks of the Con- ference from Centenary, of this city-a church which has sent many a boy to the pulpit to bless the people. He enlisted in 1884, and has gone forward with a steady step in the line of duty, quitting himself well of whatever work was
REV. SAMUEL W. DAY.
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committed to his industry and fidelity. Hle had in his keeping the interest of Methodism on East King and Queen, then crossed the Bay into Maryland and served Dorchester three terms; then Eastville and Cape Charles Mission; in 1891 he was sent to South Accomae; in 1892, to Cambridge Cirenit; in 1893, Fox Hill; in 1896, Smithfield; in 1897, Churchland, and in 1900, to Capron Circuit.
He has many advantages in his physical make-up. He is in weight and height of good proportions, firm in limb, erect, and of exceptionable completeness in form and features. His hair is jet, eyes blue ; wears a moustache of light-brown color. His face invites confidence, and is well chiseled.
Ile is a young man of unusual promise, modest, ready for every good word and work, and ambitions to be accepted of his Lord.
REV. WILBUR F. DAVIS.
He is entitled by descent to be a Methodist minister. His great-grand- . mother was the first Methodist in Gloucester county, whither she moved from Isle of Wight county. Her husband, John Davis, afterwards became a Metho- dist preacher. His two brothers, Philip and Stephen, were also Methodist preachers. Stephen, a noted member of the Virginia Conference, died of yel- low fever in Norfolk in 1795. John Davis' son, Williams Edwards Davis, was a well-known local Methodist preacher in Gloucester for years. His son, Joseph H. Davis, was an active member of the Virginia Conference for forty- three years. This Wilbur was raised in the Conference, having often, when a small boy, traveled the district with his father. Wilbur's mother, when young, was the first convert in a large irreligious family of Episcopal pro- clivities. She at once joined the Methodist Church and erected a family altar in her chamber with her sisters.
Wilbur was born May 29, 1839, in Newberne, N. C. While yet at col- lege he experienced a call to the ministry. This he put off, mainly through fear that the impression was occasioned only by the fact that his mother had dedicated him to the ministry from earliest infancy. The war intervened. He served in the army and spent some time as a prisoner in Fort Delaware. Ile tanght school a number of years. He yielded to his call, and was licensed to preach November 5, 1876; took work under the Presiding Elder as pastor of Westmoreland Cirenit the latter half of 1879, by request of the Quarterly Conference, after his father's death; and in February, 1885, at Floyd Street, Danville; entered the Virginia Conference in November, 1885, and has served four years at Martinsville; was ordained deacon in 1880, and elder in 1885. Ile has served Culpeper, Boydton, Williamsburg, Barton Heights, Cartersville, ITe is now, for the third year, the pastor of Westmoreland.
Mr. Davis has enjoyed superior educational advantages and used them dili- gently. He is well furnished by training and preparation for the procla- mation of the Gospel. He is a student. His parishioners are fed with ripe and nourishing food. His discourses have weight. They would not be tossed upward by the opposite scale if the sermons pronounced before thousands and printed for tens of thousands were balanced against them. The prancings,
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REV. ADRIAN L. CARSON.
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play of voice and attitudinizings that catch the crowds are beneath him. He would not stoop to win the smile of the "groundlings." To the wise, serions- enltured, he brings what they crave-the "grapes of Eschol." He gathers the great elsters. Ile is an expounder of God's Word, making the people to understand.
He has a massive head-Websterian. ITis presence assures you of a person of no mean powers, Ile is a man of simple ways; dignified, without stiffness, coldness or enrtness. He is genial, genuine and sincere. Ilis heart is in his calling. Ile is knightly and brave for God, loving towards his brethren and devout. He continues a widower.
REV. McDANIEL RUCKER.
Mr. Rucker enlisted in the itinerant cohort in 1884. Before his publie pro- fession of religion he had a persuasion that the ministry was his life-work; yet he could not get his consent for some time to join the saered band of apostolie evangelists, even after his conversion. He was conscious of a lack of training and equipment. His modesty, withal, held him back from the position of so great a trust. Angels hesitate where fools rush in. He did go forward seven- teen years ago on the line of duty.
Ile entered our Conference in 1884, serving North Pittsylvania two years ; West Goochland, one year; Orange, one term; West New Kent, three years; Charles City, one year; Fifth Street, Manchester, three years; Ettrick, two years ; Fox Hill, one year; East Franklin, one year, and Henrico, where he is serving his second year.
Mr. Rucker is a robust person, without undue size or roughness of make-up. He has bodily vigor and mental force. There is industry and enterprise. He works to a purpose. Ilis portrait will attest him as not wanting in the elements that bring success. He used notes in preaching when in his younger years, but now "swings loose."
Ile married Miss Nannie Cabell Smith, of Richmond, in 1885.
REV. NICHOLAS HI. ROBERTSON, A. B.
This native of grand old Bedford was born to Nicholas W. and Sallie E. Robertson, September 17, 1860. He saw the world first in front of the ma- jestie Peaks of Otter. While a mere boy he was dedicated to God in baptism by devont parents. Their godly influence made a deep impression on his young heart, though he did not give himself to God till the age of sixteen, at a camp- meeting at Bethlehem church. He had profound convictions of a call to the ministry, but resisted awhile. Finally he decided for duty, and entered Ran- dolph-Macon College in the fall of 1879, graduated in 1883 with the A. B. degree, but continued two years, barely missing Master of Arts by ill health ;
REV. C. ROSSER JAMES.
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was admitted as a lieentiate in 1885, and stationed at West End, Manchester -- hindered, however, by disturbed health. In 1886-'88 he served Chathara Circuit. The Lord blessed his labors with many conversions. In 1888-89, the South of Dan ; then the following Circuits : Charles City, Lancaster, Frank- town, Norfolk and Prospect.
Mr. Robertson has, to a marked degree, the qualities that make for success in a Methodist preacher. He has wisely secured a collection of choice books, which are read with attention and to advantage, for he is a student. Few have superior acquaintance with our tenets and our history. The men of affairs who have been associated with him testify to his business qualifications. He is a practical man. And this endowment counts much in a Methodist pastor. His sound judgment is joined to aptness for leadership-for "organizing victory"- as was said of Carnot, the famons French war minister. His reports have no deficits. There is a group of best virtues in Mr. Robertson-unflagging energy, coereing success, punetnality, discretion. Much depends on the taste of the preacher, when new edifices are projected. The Church has a valued officer in him in such enterprises. He has correet and exceptional architectural faculty. There will be no eyesores in his parish-ugly and inconvenient churches of his projecting.
The Church safely trusts to his pulpit deliverances. He knows our doe- trines and expounds them with clearness, vigor and direetness. There is no choosing of a new fad, a delusive marsh light, dancing above a morass. He is grounded in our theology and ready to give a reason for the faith that is in him. It is hardly worth while to add that he teaches ont of a heart that has tested the truths he sets before men.
The brethren associated with him in the summer campaigns bring away with them admiration for this Christian gentleman, whose bearing honors the min- istry and certifies to his own elevated and pure career. He is a true yokefellow to every preacher "whose heart is fixed," whose eye is single and whose heart has enlisted, till time shall be no more, under the colors of the Crucified. There is a gain to the high purposes and spirituality of any man who consorts with Nicholas II. Robertson. Asbury would have hugged him to his own strong, rugged and changeless heart, as of like mind, marching to some call of duty.
Wh. Robertson has been favored in his physical outline and make-up. IIis presence fills the eye and the standard of the ancient, priestly regulation-a flawless anatomy. He is nearly six feet, dark-brown hair, with strands of frost, high forehead, regular features. He carries himself as befitting his position, with gentle dignity and easy grace.
In 1888 he made, with his nsnal happy judgment, a best choice of a wife- Miss Walker, of Lynchburg. The hearthstone grows glad and gladder with the prattle of innocent childhood.
REV. MARSHALL A. DAVIDSON.
Mr. Davidson was boru in Botetourt county, Va., in the year 1834. He is of Scotch-Irish parentage.
Ile received an early preparatory education, and was admitted into the
REV. HENRY E. JOHNSON, D. D.
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Western Virginia Conference at the age of twenty-four years, and, after graduating in the "Conference Course," was ordained a deacon and then an elder. He has since traveled extensively through West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, where he filled acceptably some of the most impor- tant stations of his Conferenee.
While stationed at Clarksburg, W. Va., in 1893, he was transferred by Bishop Galloway to the Virginia Conference, and placed in charge of the Rap- pahannock Cirenit, where he remained two years; thenee to West Amherst two years; thence to Culpeper one year, filling two terms on the Greenesville Cirenit, he was chosen to care for Fluvanna Cirenit.
Ile was married in 1862 to Miss Rowena Wells, of Floyd county, Va., who still blesses his home, and shares his lot in the itineraney.
Mr. Davidson could not be called an orator, and still few men ean hold the attention of an audience better than he. He glories in nothing, save the Cross. Ile preaches Christ and Him erucified. He is a sound logieian, and knows the value of words. It is not with brilliant flashes, but with the steady rays of reason that he enlightens and convinces. Few hear him who fail to take home with them some well-digested thought-a sermon in itself. He is not sensational, but believes that men should be reached through their rea- son, and this he does. The impressions he makes are not tracks in sand, but deep and lasting ones in firm ground. He is a devout Christian, and lives the life he admonishes others to live, and adds example as strong for good as his precept is to his ministry. His eongregations increase in numbers under his ministry, and the sound influence of his life and work is manifest in the community where he labors. He is a true Methodist, strong in faith, and a true man strong in character. With the robust health with which he is blessed, . and with a body as strong as his mind, he promises to do many days of bat- tle, wielding a veritable sledge-hammer against sin.
Mr. Davidson is popular with all elasses of Christian people who will deeply regret his change when the law of the Church make that necessary.
REV. HENRY E. JOHNSON, D. D.
Henry Edward Johnson was born March 27, 1838, in the county of Cork, Treland. When he was three years old his parents came to Virginia, where Hemy grew up on a farm. Ilis edneation was very limited, his mother being his only teacher. At the age of seventeen he was converted in old Clay Street Chapel, Richmond, Va. He promptly united with the Methodist Church, and in 1857 entered the Virginia Conference in the same class with Drs. Lafferty, Lambeth, Sledd and others. In 1866, being stationed within the territory ceded to the Baltimore Conference, he accepted a transfer to that body, and some years later, desiring to avail himself of the educational facili- tics afforded by a permanent residence in Baltimore, he took charge of an In- dependent Methodist church in that city, where he spent twelve years. Hay- ing at the end of that time accomplished his purpose, and wishing to re-enter the itinerant work, he visited his old Conference during its sessions in Rich- mond, but fond it so crowded that he did not apply. He continued his work
REV. M. A. DAVIDSON.
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in Baltimore two years longer, and then, on the invitation of several prominent ministers of the M. E. Church, entered the Erie Conference, and was for -ix years stationed in Pennsylvania; but his wife's health failing her physi- cian advised immediate return to a milder climate. The family came back to the birthplace of the devoted wife, but she only lived a few months, and was laid to rest in sight of the spot where she was born.
Dr. Johnson was readmitted to the Virginia Conference, and continues in the active work, being now stationed at Cumberland Street, Norfolk.
During his residence in Baltimore the degree of Doctor of Divinity was con- ferred on him by the Franklin and Marshall College of Lancaster, Pa.
Dr. Johnson has been used of God in many gracions revivals, in one of which more than four hundred persons professed faith in Christ, and three Indred and sixty-four united with the Methodist Church. Ile has always done his own preaching, never seeking outside help.
Ile has built churches and parsonages to the number of thirty-two, always filling the place of architect and builder, thus saving meh cost to the flock.
Dr. Jolmson has been twice married. First, to Miss Mattie J. Cook, of Ches- terfield, and, second, to Mrs. Mary D. Farish, of Powhatan.
If there is a minister among us with more intense vitality, alert enterprise, dominating religious speech, he is not known to the compiler of these pages. Dr. Johnson concentrates a phenomenal energy to one purpose-the advance of the Church of the Lord Jesus. He is of the pioneer age. His assigmneut to an old, settled, steady church would be "au affliction," as the phrase is. Not since Paul has there been one who so quickly draws back from "another man's foundation." Ile does not belong to the soft soldiers, who crave "things made ready," church ont of debt, nice, new parsonage, decent and dozing pews.
Ile has the gift of leadership. If he conducts revival services, his personal magnetism is soon felt throughout the audience. He is the master of assemblies. Opposition sneeumbs. Victory is assured. He is a born revivalist.
The evangelist is seldom a man of affairs, too often spasmodic. Dr. Johnson, in condueting the seenlarities of the Church, is methodical and mathematical as a bridge-builder. "He works to scale," while inspiring every member of his parish with enthusiasm. His practical skill as architect saves money and adds to the value of the many churches he has supervised, not to say partly built.
A stranger in the pew hearing a sermon of seasoned thought, enriched by culture, delivered with oratorical grace and plunging powers of a virile mind, would little judge that the eloquent scholar could improve drawings and handle a tool with the quick accuracy of a veteran artisan or the pencil of a trained dranghtsman.
In the bosom of this victorious man of God is the diamond virtue of moral heroism. The fortitude of the soul, in contending for best things against con- federated wrong, brought out the holy grit native to the character. He carries sears, but each cicatriced seam is a badge of honor and bravery. The Captain of our Salvation was marred more than any man by evil hands and evil tongues. It is over thus.
REV. JUNIUS B. DeBERRY.
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REV. JUNIUS B. DEBERRY.
The bustlings and battles of the late war, in which DeBerry was a soldier from first to last, never vitiated the innate principles of the modest and brave gentleman. Ile was not a Christian, but he bore himself with simple dignity in the rugged path of duty in camp, on the field and in the prison. lle has that unostentatious worth that so often adorns, with its rare and sober virtue, the North Carolinian in public life. While DeBerry is saying, "I am less than least of all saints," his brethren hold in just honor the unstained Christian life, the unstinted labor and the rich fruits of their comrade in Christ. HIis quiet virtues and earnest zeal remind us of the saintly qualities of the holy men in medieval times, whom the Church has worthily honored by praise. He is a living witness to Christ.
He is the son of Henry and Frances Ann DeBerry, and was born in North- ampton county, North Carolina, November 20, 1834. His mother is a native of Southampton county, Virginia. He went through the full course at the Uni- versity of North Carolina.
Hle entered the war as a private, was promoted to a captaincy, captured at the last charge at Chancellorsville, exchanged in two weeks or more, captured with the whole of Hoke's Brigade in 1863, and remained a prisoner till the end of the war. He spent a quiet life on a farm, married Miss Bryant in 1868, and taught till he became an itinerant. He was a seeker in 1871, converted in 1872, joined our communion at once, became local preacher, exercised his gifts for four years, and admitted into Conference in 1876. He served Richmond Circuit, in North- ern Neck ; then Currituck, Lancaster, King George, Bedford, Prince George, Currituck, Isle of Wight, Prince George, West Brunswick, and is now serving his first year on Nottoway Circuit.
Mr. De Berry lost his estimable wife, and is now married to the daughter of the late Rov. AAlfred Wiles-a lady well adapted to advance a minister in the holy vocation.
REV. JOHN HANNON, D. D.
Probably no name is more familiar to Virginia Methodists than "John Hannon," made so by his unceasing activity in the sacred work to which he has been called. Were he a wheel he would wear off the rim, then revolve on the spokes until the last one was worn to the hub, and then run on the hub. In temperament he is a cross between the sanguine and the nervous-sanguine in the head and heart and nervous in the feet. He could never "mark time" ex- cept on the double quick. He is one of God's peculiar people. ITis cranium is a department store, filled to the roof with the best productions from the best mills. Like the Methodist fathers, he wears his pantaloons out at the knees. Hle is at home in any pulpit except a box. If the old-fashioned box-pulpits were in vogue, John Hannon could never have been a preacher. In his ser- mons he takes such license with the English language as will best suit the thought he is driving home. Utter disregard of self, and an absorbing deter-
REV. JOHN HANNON, D. D.
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mination to impress upon every hearer some pungent and vital truth, charac- terize his pulpit work. He works off his exhaust steam in pastoral duties, al- ways finding enough of them for the purpose. Ile is wise in winning and feed- ing souls, and puts his fodder in the rack where the lambs ean reach it.
John Hamon was born in Montgomery, Ala., November 8, 1845; was taught in the private schools in that city until 1862, when he entered the University of Alabama as a cadet. In the antim of 1863 he entered the Confederate army as sergeant-major in the Twenty-fourth Alabama battalion, Hamon's Brigade of Wheeler's cavalry. At the close of the war he became book-keeper in the banking-honse of Mieon & Morgan. After two years of commercial life, he entered Randolph-Macon College, then under the presidency of the great divine. Rev. James A. Duncan, D. D. After three years in the same class with the Chancellor, Dr. W. W. Smith, Hamon took his A. M. degree, and joined the Virginia Conference. He served one year at Culpeper Station, then was sent to Baltimore, where he remained four years. He was then transferred to New Orleans, where he succeeded Dr. Munsey as pastor of St. Charles Avenue Imreh. There he caught the affections of the people, yellow fever and malaria. Remming to Virginia, shattered in health, he was appointed to Park Place church, this city, serving four years. While at this charge the University of Alabama conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. From Park Place he went to Memorial elmreh, Lynchburg.
In 1877 he was transferred to the Pacific Conference, against the protest of many friends, and served his Church four years in San Francisco, four years in San Jose, three years in Ukiah, and two years in Alameda, an appointment just across the bay from San Francisco. It was while in San Jose, in 1893, he brought an active partner into his work by marrying Miss Lney Haile, at that time studying at the great Stanford University.
At the last session of our Conference (1900) he was received by transfer from the Pacific Conference, and was warmly welcomed by a host of friends, clerical and lay. Bishop Duncan appointed him to Union Station elmreh, Richmond, where he and his wife have met with a very enthusiastic reception.
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