Index of Ministers Ansley, Marlin Armstrong, James Bacon, Augustus O. Battle, Dr. Cullen Bedgewood, Nicholas Bledsoe, Miller Botsford, Edmund Brantly, William T. Byne, Edmund Callaway, Joshua S. Callaway, William A. Carter, James Cartledge, Samuel Clark, John H. Clay, Joseph Collins, Henry Conner, Wilson Cooper, John W. Crawford, Nathaniel M. Davis, Jesse M. Davis, Jonathan Davis, William Dawson, John E. Dennard, Jared Sanders Dunham, Jacob H. Fleming, Robert Goss, Benjamin Goss, Horatio J. Granberry, George Hand, Henry Holcomb, Henry D. D. Holmes, Adam T. James, John Johnson, Jarvis G. Jones, Adam Kilpatrick, J. H. T. King, Jacob Law, Josiah S. Law, Samuel S. Lumpkin, Jack Mallary, Charles D. Marshall, Daniel Marshall, Jabez P. Matthews, James Mercer, Jesse Mercer, Silas Milner, John Milner, John H. Mosely, Eliljah Mosely, William Newton, William Penfield, Josiah Perryman, Elisha Perryman, James Polhill, Joseph Polhill, Thomas Posey, Humphrey Postell, Edward P. Reeves, James Reeves, Jeremiah Rhodes, Thomas Ross, John Sanders, Billington M. Savage, Loveless Scott, Alexander Screven, Charles O. Sherwood, Adiel Singleton, William Stocks, Hon. Thomas Swanson, James F. Sweet, George D. Tharp, Vincent Thornton, Dozier Thornton, Vincent Travis, Jesse Trice, Thomas C. Vining, Jeptha Walsh, Thomas Warren, Kittrel Whatley, Samuel Whitten, James Wilkes, Thomas U. Winn, Thomas Sumner Wyer, Henry Otis Georgia Baptists By Jesse Harrison Campbell Transcribed by: Angela D. Sutherland - Bagley 01/07/2009    Jesse M. Davis 1808 - August 14th, 1868 The subject of this sketch was born in Wilkes county, Georgia, about the year 1808. He was the son of Rev. William Davis, whose history is also found in these records, and who had two other sons who were Baptist ministers. Jonathan and James, who were older than Jesse M. His father was a most interesting character, as may be seen by reference to his biography, as were also his brothers. During his boyhood, Jesse M. Davis labored with his brothers on their father's farm, and the entire time he attended school could not have exceeded twelve months. Possessed of a superior mind, and being of studious habits, in this brief period he acquired the rudiments of a good English education, which he continued to improve as long as he lived. He was endowed with a portly person, a commanding presence, a musical voice and ready delivery, and was altogether a most fascinating speaker. He had few equals as a conversationalist. At what age Mr. Davis made a public profession of religion, the writer is not informed, but it is believed to have been in his early manhood. Upon leaving the parental roof, he engaged in the practice of law at Elberton, Elbert county. But he seems to have pursued this calling with but little ardor, and in a few years to have entirely abandoned it. It is probable this step was taken that he might devote himself to the ministry, as we find him, at the age of twenty-four, (and soon after his marriage to Miss Burton,) fully engaged in the sacred calling. By whom he was ordained, we have not been able to learn, but soon after his ordination he removed to Lee county, where he resided the greater part of his life, and where he accumulated considerable property by farming. He was considered as belonging to the class of "respectable planters." He was married three times. Of the fruit of his first marriage, Mrs. Weston, of Dawson, and Mrs. Swann, of Blakely, are yet living. By his second wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Gilbert, he had only one child, R. W. Davis, a highly respectable lawyer, of Blakely. By his last wife, Mrs. McGooldrick, he had no children. His home in Lee county was known as Pleasant Level, and is remembered by many as a most delightful retreat, not only on account of its ample appointments, but especially for the noble christian hospitality with which its visitors were ever entertained. Though often urged by his friends to allow his name to be used for worldly offices, he invariably declined, feeling that he already occupied the highest position to which a mortal can attain - that of an Ambassador for Christ. In 1858, he removed from Lee to Decatur county, where he resided during the war, and by the results of which he was rendered very poor. He bore this reverse of fortune in such a spirit as might have been expected in a man so eminent for piety. Soon after the close of the war, under an invitation from the church at Blakely, Georgia, he become its pastor, where he died and is buried. Among other things that were true of him, the following are deemed worthy of special mention as being characteristic: That he never received remuneration for ministerial services until his private means were swept away by the war and he was left almost penniless; that he never had a personal falling out with any one, in the church or out of it; that he never indulged in bitter sectarian controversy, and was beloved by christians of all denominations; that though he denounced sin, he never denounced sinners. He was ever persuasive in manner, kind in spirit, and was eminently successful in winning souls to Christ. After a long and painful illness, borne with the greatest christian fortitude, he died August 14th, 1868. Some hours before his departure he blessed and bade adieu to his family, and announced his readiness for the summons to the other shore. The following brief extracts from a letter by his daughter, Mrs. Swann, to her sister, Mrs. Weston, will give a faint idea of the manner of his death: "For a month preceding his departure, he suffered more than tongue can tell or pen describe. His body was much swollen from dropsy, his breathing painful and difficult, and his back and hips terribly ulcerated. Thus he lay for many long and dreary weeks, suffering more, as it seemed to me, than it was possible for human nature to endure. Yet his hope of speedy deliverance never failed to give him comfort, and his faith in the Lord Jesus grew firmer and stronger to the end. Often, when his extreme sufferings would cause his face and body to be covered with great drops of cold, clammy sweat, he would call upon me to read the scriptures to him, which he would repeat after me, adding exclamations of praise and joy. He would frequently repeat stanzas of hymns, and only the day preceding his death he repeated over and over several times, with apparent pleasure--" Farewell, vain world, I'm going home," My Saviour calls, and bids me come." "One night he lay for hours in the most awful agony of pain. I sat by him, holding his clammy hands in mine, and watched his torture until I felt my heart would break. Yet there came from his pale, trembling lips these words, 'My Lord, and my God!' 'My Lord, and my God!' as if his poor soul was struggling-through the billows to get nearer to his Saviour. When somewhat relieved, he said, 'Thus much, and ten-fold more, am I willing to suffer for His dear name's sake. I would not exchange the peace of mind which I have, to be at ease and dwell in all the splendors of earth.' Though sometimes delirious, he never lost sight of the Saviour, whose name was almost constantly on his lips." He often prayed, and requested his friends to pray that he might pass away without pain or struggling. His desire in this respect was granted, for his death was instantaneous, and without the slightest spasm or contortion. Thus passed away a good man, who was greatly beloved by all who knew him, leaving behind a character, of which his posterity will never have cause to be ashamed, and an example worthy of being followed by all men Jonathan Davis 1798 - 1869 In attempting to perpetuate the memory of the worthy dead, the author of this work has frequently been reminded of that scripture: "For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away." The material for a history of even the great and gifted - of men who occupy a large space in the public eye, and who exert a powerful influence while living - are often found to be exceedingly meager when they have passed away. Such is the case with reference to Jonathan Davis - one of the most gifted men the State has ever produced, and, for many years, one of the most popular and successful preachers. Though so little can be said of him now, it is deemed proper to record his name at least, on that roll of worthies, whose labors and sacrifices have done so much for the cause of truth and righteousness in the land. He was born in Wilkes county, Georgia, in 1798, near the church called Clark's Station, and was a son of Rev. William Davis, whose name also appears in these pages. At what age he was converted we are not informed, though it is believed to have been while he was yet young. He was baptized by his father, and soon thereafter commenced preaching. Soon after his ordination, he took charge of a small church in Elbert county, which had barely a nominal existence, and which had been on the eve of dissolution for years. A gracious revival was soon experienced, and the membership was increased to upwards of a hundred. About the year 1829, he became pastor of the church at Crawfordville, where he resided for years, and where the greatest success crowned his labors. The church enjoyed a succession of revivals, during which hundreds were converted and baptized. The blessed influence extended to the neighboring churches, which also experienced great prosperity. It is related of him, that he baptized sixty on a certain Sabbath morning at Bethesda church, Greene county. A Presbyterian lawyer took note of the time which was occupied in the ceremony, which was only fifteen minutes. He declared that, at that rate, the apostles could have baptized the three thousand on the day of Pentecost in one hour-"And he went on his way," still a Presbyterian. During a portion of the time of his residence at Crawfordville, he also served the Antioch and Sugar creek churches in Morgan county, in both of which his ministry was eminently successful. A gentleman informed the writer that he saw him baptize, on a certain Sabbath, at the latter church, upwards of seventy candidates, and the writer himself was present in a revival at the former church when he baptized more than eighty. There was no duty in which he delighted more than in administering baptism. Long before his ministry ceased, it was claimed that he had baptized upwards of three thousand souls, which was no doubt true. The temperance cause, which, for a series of years, occupied much of public attention, and excited much interest, found in Mr. Davis an ardent friend, and an eloquent advocate. In fact, there was no cause involving the interests of his fellowmen, to the support of which he did not bring all the ardor of his nature and all the gifts of oratory, with which he was so highly endowed. He threw his whole soul into the support of the objects of our State Convention, especially the improvement of the rising ministry. His own educational opportunities having been quite limited, he left nothing undone that would contribute to the advantage of the young ministers rising up around him. He accordingly made provision for the board and tuition of several young brethren at Crawfordville, where he resided, as will be seen by reference to the records of the State Convention. This arrangement was continued for some years. Among those who reaped the benefits of it was Jesse Moon, father of the Misses Moon, now missionaries in China, himself a man of no mean ability. While Mercer University was yet in its obscure and puerile infancy, struggling to maintain a mere existence, he traveled extensively to raise funds for its endowment, and to secure pupils for its halls. He was of an exceedingly kind and catholic spirit. He was not a man of strife, but a man of peace. He delighted in being a peace-maker. The writer remembers several instances in which he labored for days, and labored successfully, to reconcile brethren who had been long estranged from each other; and then, how tears of gratitude would stream down his cheeks when he would see them once more united in the love of Christ. About the year 1842, and before fanaticism had blinded the eyes and subverted the reason of our Northern neighbors, he visited that section, lectured, and had several public discussions on the subject of slavery. In Boston he had a debate with Nathaniel Colver, the chosen leader of the Abolitionists, lasting two days, at the close of which he took the vote on Colver, who was defeated on his own field, and that, too, by a large majority. At Hamilton, New York, the seat of their Theological Seminary, he had a similar discussion, in which he was also triumphant. Wherever he went, he received marked attentions from the most distinguished men of the country, and was spoken of in the highest terms by their leading journals. He was a man of strong faith. "Have faith in God." A friend relates the following: "On one occasion I was at Mr. Davis' house when he returned from visiting a friend who was 'sick nigh unto death.' The attending physician and friends had lost all hope, and were standing about his bed, expecting that every moment would be his last. Under these circumstances Mr. Davis entered the sick chamber, asked a few questions and knelt in prayer, soon after which he left. Upon his return home, I inquired about the sick man, and he replied in substance, 'He is very sick indeed, and I believe he would have died if I had not entreated the Lord that he might live. But I have faith that he has graciously heard my prayer, and feel assured that he will recover.' In a few days his expectation was verified, and he who was considered sick beyond recovery was restored to health. 'The prayer of faith shall save the sick.' He had other similar experiences in the course of his ministry." In the year 1835, while yet in the zenith of his popularity and usefulness, he removed from Crawfordville, with several prominent families from the same region, and settled in the village of Palmyra, on Kinchafoonee creek, in Lee county. Here he spent many years in active ministerial labors, which were crowned with abundant success in founding and building up churches, and in giving the Baptists a prestige in that section which they have never lost. He received active sympathy and liberal support from the intelligent and pious men who emigrated with him to that region - the Janes', Mercers, and others of the same class - and from those who were brought into the kingdom through his instrumentality. Here, also, he raised a large family, many of whom, or their children, reside in Southwestern Georgia, and all of whom occupy respectable positions in society, and are faithful adherents of the faith so ably advocated by their worthy sire. It would be pleasant to close this narrative here, but the truth of history demands that we go further. For several years, rumors, unfavorable to the moral character of Mr. Davis, obtained currency, and cast a dark shadow over his hitherto brilliant career. Under this state of things, he left Georgia and located in lower Alabama, but did not escape the troubles which had well nigh already crushed him. In his new home, other and similar rumors arose, upon which he was arraigned before his church, tried, and, upon what was believed by many entirely insufficient testimony, was excluded from the church and deposed from the ministry. He did not resist the authority of the church, nor attempt to produce a schism, nor draw off a party in his own support, as many other preachers have done, and as he, no doubt, could have done. He submitted, trusting that a faithful God would one day wipe out the reproach thus brought upon his own cause, and vindicate the character of his servant. (The then pastor of the church, Rev. Sanders Dennard, afterwards missionary to Africa, was understood to be decidedly opposed to their action in his exclusion, and to have used all his influence to prevent it.) Mr. Davis did not remain long a citizen of Alabama, but returned to Georgia and settled in his old neighborhood in Lee county. Years passed away - sad years to him - when the church in Alabama by which he had been excluded, of its own accord (and without any request from him or his friends,) reconsidered his case, rescinded their action in his exclusion, restored him to fellowship and to the ministry, and sent him written testimonials of these facts; upon which he was received into a church in the Bethel Association, (perhaps the church at Albany,) resumed the work of the ministry, lived several years in good repute, and was gathered, in his old age, as a shock of corn fully ripe into the garner of the Lord. He died in 1869. It is not pretended that Mr. Davis was free from faults and foibles. Not many faultless characters are found on earth. But it is believed that the testimony of his life proved him to be a good man. If he had faults, let them be buried with him in the grave, and let his virtues only be remembered. If the Baptists were as careful of the reputation of their ministers as are other denominations, it may be that the dark cloud which overshadowed him for a time would have been dispersed before it was formed. William Davis January 7th, 1765 - October31st, 1831 The excellent man and useful minister, was a native of Orange county, Virginia, where he was born January 7th, 1765. His parents were poor, but honest and respectable, and were members of the Episcopal church. He became concerned about his soul at the early age of nine years. Two sermons which he heard about this time, (one by an Episcopalian, the other by a Presbyterian,) made a deep impression upon his mind. The Baptists, then called "Night-Lights," commenced preaching in his native county about the same time. Much was said against them, as those who were "turning the world upside down," which raised much anxiety in the mind of young Davis to hear them. The first opportunity of the kind he enjoyed was to hear an exhortation and prayer from one John Bledsoe. This served to deepen his religious impressions, and frequently at that tender age he was known to go forward voluntarily and ask the ministers to pray for him. He continued serious, by turns, until in his fourteenth year, a conversation he had with a pious negro in his father's employment, (a Baptist,) fully awakened him to a sense of his lost condition as a sinner. For some six months, his mind was in great distress. During those days of darkness, he went far and near, by day and by night, as far as lay in his power, to hear the gospel from the Baptist preachers, who were itinerating through the country. One night he went some four miles from his father's residence to attend a meeting hold by Elijah Craig. During the services, his feelings became such as to unnerve him; he swooned away, and remained in a helpless state for some time. In this condition, the Lord brought deliverance to his soul. He rose rejoicing, and began at once to exhort his fellow-mortals to flee from the wrath to come. At this time his parents resided in Culpeper county, and were opposers and persecutors of the Baptists. William left the parental roof, rather unceremoniously perhaps, walked some fourteen or fifteen miles to a Baptist church in Orange county, called Blue Run, where he was immersed in his fifteenth year. As soon as he had discharged this solemn duty, he returned home and submitted himself this his parents. Soon thereafter, being encouraged by his brethren, he was in the habit of exercising publicly in exhortation and prayer. These exercises were sanctified to the conversion of his parents, his two older brothers, his youngest brother and several of his sisters. All these became Baptists, and continued in "the comfort of the Holy Ghost" until their death. At sixteen years of age, though much against the will of his friends, Mr. Davis volunteered as a soldier of the revolution, and was some time under the command of General Lafayette. He was wounded in the head, and suffered greatly from fatigue and hunger. While the army of Lafayette was on the forced march to join Washington in the capture of Cornwallis, young Davis was without a morsel of food two whole days. This having come to the ears of the General, he was sent for to his tent, and with his own hands he furnished the youthful soldier with food. This kindness, on the part of Lafayette, was remembered with gratitude all his life. He was heard to mention it during his last sickness. He was present at the surrender of Cornwallis, and after the war, returned to his family in Virginia, where he enjoyed the friendship and confidence of the Madisons and Barbours, and other distinguished men of that State. In 1788, he was licensed to preach the gospel, while yet in his native State, and was ordained in Georgia by Dozier Thornton and Thomas Maxwell in 1793. His education was quite limited, yet he was a man of strong mind, excellent memory, and fine imagination. His manner was easy, yet forcible. He was an original thinker, and his style of oratory was peculiar to himself - bold and energetic. His character was without spot or blemish, and his piety was of a high order. One fact proves that he lived the religion which he preached: Eleven out of the twelve children, which he had, became worthy members of the church during their father's lifetime; three of them are preachers, Jonathan, James and Jesse; and two others, Jeptha and William, deacons. As a pastor, he must have stood high with the churches which enjoyed his watchcare. The church in the fork of Broad river (Elbert county, ) her served twenty-three years; that at Beaver Dam twelve years; Clark's Station nineteen years; that at Beaver Dam twelve years; Clark's Station nineteen years, etc. He possessed the faculty of drawing out his brethren, who were called of God to the ministry; among those who were raised up under him, are then following: E. Shackelford, Isaac Shuttle, Elijah Mosely, Isham Goss, James Hales and Sylvanus Gibson. In the middle of life, Mr. Davis was a person of fine appearance, weighing upwards of two hundred pounds. He suffered much in after life from dropsy in the chest, and was so debilitated as to make it necessary that he should resign all pastoral charges. Yet, he was in the habit of visiting the churches, whenever he was able to ride, and when unable to stand, he would preach in a sitting posture. While thus standing on the borders of the tomb, his ministry was greatly blessed. His farewell discourse to the people of Elbert county was delivered, while he sat on a table in the open air, and such was the commencement of one of the most glorious revivals ever experienced in that county. He was decidedly favorable to ministerial education and was one of the Board of Mount Enon Academy. He was opposed to the location, however, and always believed that that was the main cause of its failure. The Temperance cause never had a warmer friend. On this subject, he addressed letters to the Sarepta and Georgia Associations, when too infirm to attend their sessions. For several months previous to his death, he had a presentiment that his end was near - often spake of it, and arranged all his worldly business with reference to it. All his children were invited to make him a last visit, and on their doing so, he required each of his sons to lay their hand on the scar on his head, (the result of a wound he received in his youth, while a soldier of the revolution,) and solemnly charge them severally to be faithful to their country's interest and glory. He was in attendance on a Methodist camp-meeting some ten days before his death, when he was taken suddenly ill. His wife (who was absent on a visit,) was sent for, as also his children. When they arrived, he told the day and the hour he expected to depart hence and be with Christ. When that day arrived, he spent a part of it in writing, and to his friends present gave a circumstantial account of his early life. Some two or three hours previous to his exit he was in great pain and frequently called upon God for help. Of his sons, Jonathan and James, who had not yet arrived, he spoke in a most affectionate manner. To his son Isaac (the only one of his children not in the church,) he made a most touching appeal to meet his aged father in heaven. After bidding his wife and children a last farewell, he desired to be raised up in the bed - then, raising his hands towards heaven, he shouted aloud, "Victory! victory! victory!" laid down calmly, and instantly expired. This glorious triumph of faith took place on the 31st of October, 1831, in his sixty-seventh year. His widow survived him eleven years. It is rather remarkable that she did not become a professor of religion until after her husband's death. She was finally baptized by her son, Jonathan, and died full of years and in strong hope of eternal happiness. John E. Dawson D.D. March 7, 1805 As a deeply interesting memoir of this distinguished man, by his sister, Mrs. A. P. Hill, is now before the public, it is deemed necessary to give, in this work, only the following brief outline of his character and services, referring those who may not have read it, to that excellent memoir, and recommending them to obtain it without delay. John Edmonds Dawson was born in Washington county, Georgia, March 7th, 1805, and was the second son of Major John E. Dawson, an intelligent and wealthy farmer, who moved from Virginia to Georgia early in the present century, and from Washington to Morgan county, where the subject of this sketch was brought up. For several years he attended school in Madison, under the instruction of Major Alden, who speaks of him as a youth of noble mien and fine intellect. He subsequently attended school at Mt. Zion, Hancock county, under the celebrated Dr. Beman, where it is thought he did not remain very long. His educational attainments seem to have been only such as could be acquired in the academies and high schools of the times. Even at this early age, he was distinguished above his fellows for his powers of oratory, in which he so greatly excelled in maturer years. If ever man was born an orator, John E. Dawson was that man. At the early age of nineteen he was married to the only daughter of Mr. John Walker, a wealthy planter of Morgan county, and settled on a farm adjoining that of his father-in-law, between whose family and Mr. Dawson there ever existed the kindliest relations. Though not strictly moral in early life, he was ever the soul of honor; the very impersonation of integrity. In less than two years subsequent to his marriage, and early in the great revival of 1827, he became a hopeful subject of divine grace. At an Association at Antioch church, Morgan county, (mentioned elsewhere in this work) under a sermon by Rev. A. Sherwood, he gave the first public manifestation of interest on the subject of religion, and, before the meeting closed, he obtained hope in Christ. He and his wife were baptized at Indian creek church, Morgan county, by Rev. Edmund Shackleford, September 22d, 1827. He at once became an active and efficient church-member, a leader in conference and prayer-meetings; but did not commence preaching till the summer of 1834. His first sermon was delivered at Monroe, Walton county, during a memorable revival, in which about eighty were baptized. He was ordained to the ministry at Indian creek church, January 14th, 1835, by a presbytery consisting of Malcolm Johnson, V. R. Thornton and A. Sherwood. There was one fact connected with his earlier efforts at preaching, which should be mentioned. Sometimes, after having taken his text, and proceeded fifteen or twenty minutes, he would lose all confidence, and fail or break down. He would generally have a presentiment of such a result, and, on different occasions, he pressed the writer into the pulpit with him, that he might finish out the work in which he apprehended failure. On such occasions, he would seem to his hearers to be progressing with ease and pleasure, when he would pause, as if bewildered, and would suddenly take his seat. Ordinary men do not have such experiences. But John E. Dawson was far from being an ordinary man. He entered upon his first pastorate at Eatonton, which commenced in the early part of 1835, in which church a great revival was experienced in the course of the year. During the same year revivals were also experienced at Milledgeville, McDonough, Sharon and other places, and Dawson participated in them all. He continued in Eatonton only one year, and was called thence to Columbus, where he commenced his labors in January, 1836, which were soon interrupted, and finally broken up by the war with the Creek Indians (in the territory in Alabama adjoining Columbus) which broke out that year. Having returned to Middle Georgia, his labors, for several years, were given to Madison, Monticello, Forsyth, etc., till in 1842, he removed to LaGrange, Troup county, where he became pastor of the church and principal of a female academy. This double service was rendered necessary on account of his having a large family to support and the heavy pecuniary losses he had of late years sustained. His whole heart, however, was in the ministry; so that the school room was irksome to him. In 1843, through the agency of the writer, his school property was sold to Mr. Milton E. Bacon, and he was once more fully devoted to the work of the ministry. From this time forward till laid aside by disease, induced by excessive labor, all his great powers were devoted to preaching "Christ and Him crucified." It is safe to affirm that, in those days, as a popular pulpit orator, he had no peer in the denomination in the State, nor perhaps in any other denomination. On all occasions, where thousands assembled to hear the Word, the most prominent positions were assigned him, and he almost invariably met the expectations of the public. Sometimes he failed; and when he did so, it was an utter failure. He was no halfway man in anything. He was John E. Dawson, and no one else. God had given him such a commanding person as few men possessed; a voice soft and musical, yet of great compass and power; and a manner and magnetism that captivated and attracted all who came within their influence. His grasp of mind was that of a giant; his flow of language like the rush of a cataract. There was eloquence in the flash of his eye, in the movements of his body, in the nervous motions of his arms. Who that ever heard him will forget the power there was in that left hand? But I forbear. Eloquence may be felt, but cannot be described. The writer recalls instances in which he has seen large audiences more entirely under his control than he has ever witnessed in the case of any other public speaker. After laboring in LaGrange five years, he was again called to Columbus. He would not accept till he had prevailed on Rev. C. D. Mallary to take his place. In the early part of 1848 we find him again at Columbus, where he continued the idolized pastor till 1856, having in the meantime spent several months in New Orleans, where his ministrations attracted much attention. His resignation at Columbus was forced upon him by long continued affliction, the result, as has been already said, of excessive labor. When he could no longer preach, he accepted the position of associate editor with Dr. Henderson, of the South - Western Baptist, Alabama. He lingered a few months, when consumption terminated his earthly career, at Tuskegee, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. His remains are interred at Columbus, Georgia. The reader is again recommended to obtain the "Life of John E. Dawson," by Mrs. Hill. Jared Sanders Dennard October 28, 1818 - MISSIONARY TO AFRICA The author acknowledges his indebtedness to Mr. John Smith, father-in-law of Mr. Dennard, for the use of papers and letters which are of inestimable value to his family, and which are, of themselves, exceedingly interesting. Among these is a sketch by Rev. A. T. Holmes, D. D., of which he makes free use, as if written by himself. No man was better qualified for the task than Dr. Holmes. The subject of this notice was born in Twiggs county, Georgia, October 28, 1818, where he was educated in an excellent academy, under Mr. Milton Wilder. In 1834, he removed with his parents to Houston county, and soon joined a company of volunteers, raised to protect the settlements from hostile Indians. He served as a soldier about three months, and secured the confidence of his companions by his fearless and manly deportment. On his return home, after spending some months without any positive employment, he studied law under Kelly & Rice, in Perry, and was admitted to the bar July, 1839. He continued the practice of law about five years, and his friends were encouraged to hope that he would distinguish himself in the honorable profession which he had chosen. But "He who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will," and who makes kings, as well as soldiers and lawyers, his willing subjects in the day of his power, had other and more important work for him to do. Some time in the spring of 1845 he was made to feel that he was a guilty sinner. Under his deep convictions, he mingled with the people of God and listened to the preaching of the gospel as one who felt that he had a special interest in the glad tidings which it proclaims. In good earnest he sought the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Christ, and was soon enabled to rejoice in an humble hope of peace with God. In the commencement of his christian career, he seemed to realize, in a peculiar manner, the spirit of the Apostle, and his inquiry was, "Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?" To submit to the authority of his Divine Master, to obey his commands, and to consecrate himself to his service, seemed to constitute the spirit of his religion. He took a high position at once as a christian, and secured fellowship with the people of God, as one whose elevated [elavated] purpose was to adorn the Saviour's doctrine, and to walk worthy of his high vocation. He was baptized by Dr. Holmes some time in the month of October, 1845, and soon thereafter, yielding to his convictions of duty, he engaged in the important work of the christian ministry. His knowledge of theology being quite limited, and being desirous of showing himself "approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed," he became a diligent and prayerful student of the scriptures. It soon became obvious that he had entered upon the study of this Book of books with the full conviction that it contained the will of God respecting himself and those among whom he expected to labor. With childlike simplicity he sat at the feet of the Great Teacher and learned of Him, and as he learned, he taught. In December, 1846, he was ordained, at the request of the Baptist church at Perry, and entered at once upon the work of an evangelist. After spending two years in closing up his business as a lawyer, he left the State of Georgia and settled in Alabama, when he abandoned the legal profession and devoted himself exclusively to the work of the ministry. He was soon called to the watchcare of four churches, his connection with which was characterized by prayerful faithfulness not only to them, but also to the unconverted of their congregations, for while he fed the flock of God, he manifested deep concern for the salvation of sinners. He continued in the service of these churches about three years, during which time they prospered greatly. From the time of his conversion, however, he had been impressed it was his duty to bear the news of salvation to benighted Africa. These impressions finally ripened into a fixed resolve, and he set about in earnest making the necessary preparation. It was believed that married men stood a better chance of success in that field, and, finding in Miss Frances Smith, daughter of John M. and Nancy H. Smith, one of kindred views on the subject of missions, and one whom he believed would prove an "help-meet" to him indeed, he sought her hand in marriage. The following extracts from a letter to her father are expressive of his views and feelings on this subject: "For years the subject has been impressed upon my mind in such a manner as to make me dissatisfied in every situation in which I have been placed, and often to make me unhappy, I reasoned upon the subject in this way: Our blessed Lord and Master commands us to 'go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.' The benighted heathens are God's creatures - for them a Saviour has died. They have never heard the gospel. Under the command of Christ, it is the duty of somebody to go and preach it to them. Why is it not my duty as well as that of any one else? Who can determine this solemn and important question? Can relations or friends do it? Can they think and feel as I think and feel on this vastly important subject? Can they come in as judge between me and my God, and decide what is my duty? Will that release me from the obligations I owe to Christ, who says to me, and to all who would follow him, 'If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.' 'He that loveth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me, is not worthy of me.' Are they prepared to make an impartial decision? Who, then, was to decide this question? I, and I only, could decide it. I have decided it, prayerfully and rightly, I trust. Go I must, whatever the cost may be." Mr. Dennard then proceeded to apply the same course of argument in the case of Mr. Smith's daughter, who, it would seem, had consented to become his wife and accompany him to Africa, provided her parents would give their consent. What it cost them to give that consent, may be imagined but not described. It was given, however, and they were united in marriage on the 19th of June, 1853. Having received an appointment from the Foreign Mission Board at Richmond, they sailed for Africa, from Boston, via England, on the steamer Niagara, on the 6th of July following, and arrived at Lagos the 29th of August. The following brief extracts from letters from him and his wife afford some idea of their feelings. The first is from him, and is dated July 7th: "We are now at sea. We sailed from Boston at twelve o'clock on yesterday. We could not but feel a little sorrowful as our native land receded from our sight. Tears gathered in our eyes and rolled down our cheeks when we thought of those whom we love so well, that are far away from us, and every moment now widening the distance between us. This feeling of sorrow was only momentary. We thought of the high and holy mission in which we are engaged. We thought of dark, benighted Africa, and her millions who are perishing for want of the bread of life! And as we thus thought, we could adopt as our own the sentiments of the hymn "Yes, we hasten from you gladly, From the scenes we loved so well: Far away ye billows bear us-- Lovely, native land, farewell. etc." The following is from Mrs. Dennard, and is dated" Lagos, Africa, September 7, 1853. "Dear Sister:--We are now at the house of Mr. Golmer, a missionary of the Church of England. We came to his house immediately upon landing, which was on the 29th of last month. Your brother and myself were very unwell then, and have been quite sick since, but are now fast improving. Indeed, I think I may safely say my health is better than when I left home. Our friends here think we are well prepared for the climate. I am sorry to say we may be detained here for several weeks, owing to the hostility of one of the kings, who is trying to make war with the Lagos people; so we can't go any farther until peace is made. We have met with kind friends wherever we have been. "They were detained at Lagos only a short time, however, as the following extracts will show:" Abbeokuta, September 19, 1853. "My Dear Parents Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies, and the God of all comfort, we arrived at this place in safety Friday. It is in the interior of Africa, and about seventy-five miles from the coast. The population is estimated at between fifty and seventy-five thousand. It seems to be a city of rocks. There are in view of the place where we are staying two high hills, which are almost mountains of solid granite. The name Abbeokuta means under a rock. We do not intend to establish a station here, but go farther into the interior. Fannie and I have both had an attack of African fever. I was attacked the night before we left the ship, and she the next day, before we reached the shore; but on landing, we were met by kind christian friends, Mr. and Mrs. Golmer, Episcopal missionaries at Lagos, at whose house we staid until we recovered, which was about a week. Our sickness was short but severe. Fannie seems to have entirely recovered from it; I am yet feeble. From Lagos to this place we had quite a romantic trip. All our company, together with our baggage, came up the river Ogin in canoes, rowed by the people. We were three days on the river, camping every night upon its banks. Everything was new and strange to us. The large, tall trees, the thick undergrowth called the bush, so thick in some places that it would seem impossible for a rabbit to penetrate it; the rich and luxuriant vines, that hang over the banks of the river; the monkeys, parrots and various other beautiful birds, all so different from anything we had ever seen before, made it exceedingly interesting to us. As far as we have seen the people, we are much pleased with them, and entertain great hopes of being useful to them. We have many evidences that God has prepared them for the reception of the gospel, and that thousands of them are now ready and waiting to hear the glad tidings of salvation. Ethiopia is stretching forth her hands unto God. Fannie and I are happy, and it is cause of exceeding great joy to us that God, in His infinite mercy, has chosen us to bear an humble part in the great work of regenerating Africa, and our daily prayer is that he would qualify us for it and make us just such missionaries as he will own and bless." He seems not to have remained long at Abbeokuta. It was deemed necessary that one of the missionaries should locate at Lagos, in order that regular communication might be kept up with the missionaries in the interior, and that supplies might be forwarded to them. For this purpose he returned to the latter place. How long he had been there before the death of his wife, is unknown to the author, but it could not have been long. Intelligence of this mournful event was communicated to her parents in the following sentences:" Lagos, January 21st, 1854. "My Dear Parents: Your dear daughter is dead. She died in this place on the 4th day of this month, after an illness of nine days. Her disease was nearer the yellow fever than any that I know of. I suppose it was a very malignant case of what is termed African fever. She was not very sick until the fifth day. In the morning of that day she seemed to be clear of fever, and was so well that, about ten or eleven o'clock, she got up and dressed. She sat down on the side of the bed and complained of being chilly. She lay down and drew a little covering over herself. She soon commenced shivering, and I discovered she had a severe ague. I threw some blankets over her. She told me her hands and feet were very cold - so cold that she could not move her fingers and toes. I felt of them, and they were as cold and stiff as death. I was afraid she was then dying. I applied stimulants to them, and while I was rubbing her feet, she exclaimed, 'Oh! I shall die! If I die now, my race will be a short one.' In a few minutes the ague passed off, her hands and feet became warm, and was followed by a burning fever--such a fever as is known only in this climate. She soon became delirious, and remained so, except at short intervals, until her death. Soon in the morning of the day on which she died, as I was sitting on the bed beside her, she opened her eyes and looked at me with a natural smile on her countenance, and said, 'How pleasant I feel; I believe I shall not die.' I asked her if she had thought she would die. She replied, she had thought so all the time. I asked her why she had not told me. She answered, 'I knew it would distress you so much.' Immediately after speaking these words, she again fell into that sleepy, delirious state in which she had been for the last four days. About ten o'clock I had her placed in a warm bath. This revived her very much. She seemed, for a while, to come entirely to her senses. I sat down beside her and took hold of her hand. She squeezed mine, and said, 'Oh! my dear, sweet, precious husband!' I soon discovered she was again sinking. Her mind again wandered, and she remained in that condition until she died, which mournful event occurred that evening, about five o'clock. Her body now rests in Mr. Golmer's graveyard; her spirit is with Christ. " After giving expression to the most pathetic and heart-rending lamentations over his great loss, he proceeds: "I do not regret coming here; I have never regretted it. At one time there arose in my mind something like a thought of regret. I think it was the third day after we arrived here. The night before we left the steamer I was attacked with the fever, and next day, before we reached the shore, (we had above five miles to go in a boat from the steamer to the shore,) she was also attacked. And while we were sick at Mr. Golmer's, both in the same room, she on one side and I on the other--neither of us able to assist the other - once, when I was looking at her, I, for a moment, regretted our coming here; but it was for a moment only. My mind was immediately directed to Calvary, and there I beheld our blessed Saviour nailed to the cross - hanging, groaning, bleeding and dying. My heart was melted with love, my soul was made glad, and I rejoiced that he had called us to the high privilege of suffering for his sake. While I live, I desire to live for Christ." The reader will please bear in mind that the foregoing sentiments were expressed by Dennard only two weeks after he had closed the eyes of his youthful and lovely wife with his own hands in "the dark land of Ham," and consigned her precious remains to the earth. And yet he does not regret having undertaken the mission, and still retains the desire to live for Christ. What an instance of moral heroism! What an illustration of the power of christian faith! He "endured as seeing Him who is invisible." Mr. Dennard seems to have remained at Lagos, after the death of his wife, until late in the following spring, when we hear of him again at Abbeokuta. Only two or three letters were received from him at the latter place, when his death is reported by Rev. T. J. Bowen, under date of June 24th. He says: "Brother Dennard is dead. He was attacked with severe fever on the 7th instant. After being considered entirely out of danger, he was seized again on the 17th, and expired next day. During his illness, he was carefully attended to, not only by the missionaries, but also by an excellent physician, Dr. Levine, of the Royal Navy. He died in the faith. I may add, also, that he died at his post, like a good soldier of the cross. I arrived here today, having come to look after brother Dennard's affairs, and to employ an agent to forward supplies to Ijaye." Thus did his sun go down at noon-day. Though he was not permitted to accomplish all for Africa which he had purposed and desired, yet he had obeyed what he conceived to be the call of God, "and it was accounted unto him for righteousness." As Bowen says, "he died at his post." He fell with his armor on, and with his face to the foe. The Master said to him, "It is enough - come up higher." "Well done, good and faithful servant; enter thou into the joys of thy Lord!" In person, Mr. Dennard was rather under the medium size; his countenance was exceedingly pleasant and benign, but indicated stability of character and fixedness of purpose; in manners, he was affable, calm and dignified. Altogether, he was a most interesting character, and when his death was announced, the saints "made great lamentation over him." Mrs. Frances Dennard was born in Upson county, Georgia, the 24th of August, 1833, and was baptized by Rev. C. C. Willis, at Harmony church, Muscogee county, in August, 1847, in the fourteenth year of her age. Though so young, her friends had great confidence in her piety. From the time she embraced the Saviour as her hope and salvation, she felt a strong desire to devote her life to the missionary work, and to the day of her marriage with Mr. Dennard, she devoted herself to the preparation of her mind and heart for this glorious undertaking. With the chosen companion of her toils and sufferings, she sleeps in peace beyond the ocean. Having aided in lighting the torch that is to shine brighter and brighter upon benighted Africa, they rest from their labors in obedience to the command of Him who sent them forth, and who will, in due time, supply their places with others. Jacob H. Dunham February 26th, 1774 - September 25th, 1832 It is mentioned in the preceding sketch as having been the first white person ever baptized in Liberty county. His grandfather, Mr. William Dunham, came to that county among the first settlers, and located on Newport river, where he died in 1756, leaving behind several daughters and three sons, James, Charles and John. Mr. John Dunham removed to McIntosh county, where his son Jacob, the subject of this notice was born, February 26, 1774. Little is known of his youth, only that his opportunities for education were very limited, his father being very poor and the country newly settled. He is known to have exhibited a manly disposition and daring spirit quite uncommon for one of his years. He was foremost in everything that required either activity, strength, or the most undaunted courage. His marriage with Miss Mary Baisden took place September 12th, 1799. Having settled in Liberty county, he made a public profession of religion the 20th of September, 1806. Tow years thereafter he entered upon the work of the ministry, which he prosecuted with energy and zeal for twenty-four years, until his Master called him to enjoy the reward of his labors. His field of labor was among a class of people who were unable to pay for his services as he deserved and needed. Consequently the whole amount he received during his whole course must have been very small. Yet this in nowise abated his zeal; for while he toiled most laboriously to sustain a large family, he did not spare himself from heat nor cold, from hardships nor privations, that he might carry the glad tidings into the highways and hedges of the surrounding country. The backwoods of Liberty, the settlements of poor people along the Altamaha river, the blacks about Darien and on the sea islands, (St. Catherine’s, Sapelo, etc.;) these were the fields of his labors – these the people who joyfully received the Word from his lips. Year after year, until late in life, would he hold his plough handles up to the very hour when he should set out upon his mission, and then, throwing his saddle upon his plough horse, he would press forward, with a heart burning with love to God and man; or, launch his canoe, and help to work his own passage from ten to fifteen miles, to carry the lamp of life to the hundreds of poor blacks whose lots were cast on the islands adjacent. The writer has never known a more devoted, self-sacrificing minister, nor, according to his talents, a more useful one. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, were converted under his ministry and baptized by his hands. No missionary in Burmah, in China, or Africa, was ever more willing to sacrifice all for Christ and his cause. It is matter of sincere regret that so little can now be collected of the labors and usefulness of such a man. But his record is on high. His death occurred the 25th of September, 1832. A large family were left behind, nearly all of whom have become “heirs of the grace of life.” One lovely daughter, Louisa, was snatched away in the morning of life to join her sainted father in heaven. Though her demise was sudden, (oh, how sudden!) yet she was prepared for it, as is confidently believed by her friends. Only three of his children are now living. Robert Fleming August 3, 1797 - ? The subject of this brief sketch was born in Warren county, Georgia, August 3, 1797. His father, Samuel Fleming, was a native of Ireland. His mother was a Grier, and was a near relative of Robert Grier, the author of "Grier's Almanac," so well known to the people of Georgia. From early childhood Mr. Fleming exhibited much fondness for books, and the first quarter of a dollar he ever earned was used in purchasing "Webster's American Spelling Book," which was preserved with great care, and was finally given to a female relative and was used by her as her first school-book. During the war of 1815, he commenced teaching school at the early age of seventeen, which business he pursued most of his life. He was considered an excellent English scholar and a good teacher. It was in 1820, under the preaching of Rev. James O. Andrew, (afterwards Bishop Andrew, of the Methodist church,) that Mr. Fleming became fully awakened to a sense of his lost condition as a sinner. It was at a camp-meeting in Columbia county. The text was, "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God," etc., Revelations xx. 12. We give his christian experience in nearly his own words: "He was sublimely eloquent, and it was this which first engaged my attention. But his reasoning seemed to me irresistible. I had often heard, and verily thought, that infants came into the world holy. Why, therefore, thought I, should they be judged? But he made it appear conclusively that they were 'born in sin,' 'born under the law,' and that none but Jesus Christ, who was 'made of a woman,' 'made under the law,' could redeem them that are under the law. The necessity of a divine mediator, of a divine atonement, of a divine righteousness the righteousness of God in Jesus Christ was most powerfully presented. I felt that I was entirely unfit to appear before God in the judgment. I was without God and without hope. The discourse was so deeply impressed on my mind, and my feelings were so much agitated, that during the afternoon it seemed as if some one was following me, wherever I went, with the words, 'Hear him! hear him!' It seems to me strange to this day, yet it is true, that I did believe Andrew could explain the way of salvation, and that I could learn it from him, as if it were a mathematical problem. The putting forth of mental effort, I thought, is all that is necessary in order to become a christian. Oh, how completely has sin put out the knowledge of divine things in the soul! How lost, how ruined by the fall!" "Rev. William Capers (afterwards Bishop Capers,) was appointed to preach on Monday, to be followed by Andrew, in exhortation. And I waited with great anxiety for Capers to close, that I might hear Andrew again, as the words 'hear him! hear him!' still seemed to sound in my ears. I had seated myself conveniently for hearing to advantage, and when Andrew rose to speak, I rose, also, that I might have a good view of him. In the act of rising, I thought I was on the very threshold of salvation; that Andrew would make all plain, and that I should be a christian. But I had scarcely risen to my feet when this impression swept away all hopes of the kind, 'You are a lost sinner; none but God, who made you, can save you!' At that moment I turned from Andrew, and all created help, to God for salvation. The voice, 'hear him!' was now hushed, and 'God be merciful to me a lost sinner!' came in its stead. In an agony bordering on despair, I sat down, and, bowing my head, I wept bitterly. Language is inadequate to describe my feelings. A pious friend, sitting by my side, inquired, 'Do you feel that you want to be a christian?' I could not reply, but throwing myself on his lap, I was overwhelmed with the deepest emotion. Mr. Andrew, and other Methodist and Baptist friends, Mr. Sanders (afterwards Rev. B. M. Sanders,) among them, gathered around, manifesting the kindest sympathy for me. Mr. Andrew made special prayer in my behalf; yet it was not until some months later that I fully embraced Christ Jesus as my Saviour, and was enabled to leave all my interests for time and eternity in his hands." It was by searching the scriptures, especially by reading prayerfully the 6th chapter of Romans, that he, though brought up a Presbyterian, became convinced of the truth of Baptist sentiments. In June, 1821, he was baptized into the Union church, Warren county, by Rev. Winder Hillman; in November, 1827, was licensed to preach the gospel, and in 1830, was ordained at Warrenton by B. M. Sanders, J. P. Marshall, E. Perryman, J. H. Walker and Jonathan Davis. His limited circumstances and the wants of a growing family rendered it necessary that he should devote his attention during the week, throughout nearly the whole of his active life, to the business of teaching. His labors in this respect were dispensed mostly in Warren, Meriwether and Talbot counties. Yet, as he had opportunity, he preached laboriously and successfully. Few men of his day were so particular in the preparation of their sermons. He frequently wrote them out in full, which not many ministers of that day had either time or inclination to do. Several were published, which were very creditable productions. Mr. Fleming was the author of several small works, among which may be mentioned "John's Baptism," and the "Life of Rev. Humphrey Posey." He also published the "Georgia Pulpit," a collection of sermons: a valuable work. His "Elementary Spelling Book," published during the war, had a fine sale, and was very popular. He was married three times. His first wife was Elizabeth Gunby, his second was Charlotte D. Sherwood, (a sister of Rev. Adiel Sherwood,) and his third Mrs. R. A. Harris, widow of Dr. Bennet Harris, of Jefferson county. They were all excellent persons. Mr. Fleming is still living, (in Thomas county, Georgia,) is in good health, and is in his seventy-seventh year. No man is more deserving of public respect and confidence than he. It is not very creditable to the denomination that men of his years and in his depressed circumstances, are not better sustained. Benjamin Goss 1810- Was the eldest son of H. J. Goss, Sr., and was born in Elbert county, Georgia, in 1810. He was reared to industrious habits, working on the farm from his early boyhood; had scarcely any advantages of education, was quite moral, frugal and industrious. While quite young he was awakened to the importance of religion, and in a still and quiet manner sought the Lord, and found him, as he thought, a precious Saviour, and enjoyed himself much in his private meditations upon God's goodness. He delighted in visiting the house of God and in hearing the gospel preached, but his timidity and backwardness prevented him from opening his mind to any one. At length, after a lapse of several years, he was conversed with on the subject of his christian experience and was induced to relate it fully. This inspired him with a little more confidence, and he ventured tremblingly to apply to the church for baptism. About 1838 he was received into the fellowship of the Van's Creek church, Ruckersville, and was baptized by Rev. Asa Chandler. Mr. Goss soon became a zealous and active member of the church, would pray in public when called on, and in a few years was chosen and ordained a deacon. He was ever active and zealous in his religious duties, became a leader in prayer meetings, in which he would sometimes lecture or exhort with great fervor. The conviction was soon forced on the minds of his brethren that he was designed of God to labor in a higher sphere, which, corresponding with his own impressions, he was called to the work of the ministry. He would become so excited and animated when speaking of God's goodness and love, that he seldom failed to impress those who heard him. He was ordained about the year 1854, and for ten successive years he labored in preaching Christ to the people with great earnestness, zeal and simplicity. His discourses were uniformly short and well-timed as to the surroundings, and were never known to weary his audience, but generally left the impression with the most fastidious that, though the speaker was not a great preacher nor a learned man, yet he was a good man, and was doubtless deeply in earnest in all his unaffected and simple appeals to the hearts and consciences of his hearers. He was pastor of Rock Branch church several years, and was greatly respected and beloved by his flock and congregation. At the time of his death he was also pastor of Bethel church. He preached his last sermon on Sunday, (preceding his death on the following Friday,) at a school-house a few miles from his residence, during the delivery of which he was observed to be unusually solemn. His disease was brain fever, which produced delirium, so that he was deprived of the privilege of bearing dying testimony to that religion which he had illustrated so well in life. Eternity will doubtless disclose that he, and such as he, accomplished more real good in life, and by the example they have left behind, than many brilliant men whose eloquence has entranced thousands, but whose lives lacked the savor of real godliness. Horatio J. Goss ?-1851 It is matter of deep regret that so little can be gathered of the life and labors of the excellent man, whose name stands at the head of this brief notice. "What is our life? It is even as a shadow that appeareth for a little while and then vanisheth away." But his name ought to be preserved, if for no other reason, because he was the father of four excellent and useful ministers of the gospel, viz: Benjamin, Isham H., William R., and Horatio J., Jr. The subject of this sketch was for many years one of the most prominent citizens of Elbert county, Georgia, and for twenty years was deacon and clerk of Sardis church. Late in life he was licensed to preach the gospel, and though not fluent in speech, his great weight of character rendered impressive and profitable whatever he said, for he always spoke according to the divine oracles. He was remarkable for punctuality in all his religious and secular engagements. He used the office of deacon well, and was thoroughly grounded and settled in the faith and practice inculcated in the New Testament. He believed in ministerial support, not as a charity, but as a duty, and ever proved his faith by his works, in that he invariably paid his pastor liberally and punctually, and prompted all around him to do the same. He departed in peace in 1851, and was supposed to be about sixty-five years of age. How greatly hath God honored him, in having called four of his sons to the highest sphere of usefulness assigned to mortals! George Granberry February 5, 1797 - January 14, 1856 The subject of this brief sketch was born in Jefferson county, in this State, February 5th, 1797, where he was brought up in the family of his brother, his parents having died while he was yet a child. In his early manhood he married a Miss Jane Ann Whitley, in Louisville, in December, 1822, who survived her marriage only about six months. In November, 1824, he married Miss Sarah S. Hill, in Twiggs county, and removed to Harris county in about 1830, where he was again soon left a widower. His third wife was a Miss Mary B. Folsom, whom he married in Laurens county, in July, 1832, and who still survives him. In early life, he was engaged in merchandising. After his removal to Harris county, his business was that of a farmer. He was a member of the Legislature several years. He was baptized by Rev. John M. Gray into Mount Zion church, Muscogee county, in 1831, and commenced preaching in 1835. Was ordained at Rehoboth church, Harris county, by Elders B. B. Buchanan and John M. Gray. He served as pastor the village churches of LaGrange and Hamilton, and in the course of years gave his attention to several country churches, all of which enjoyed much prosperity under his ministrations. Though a man of limited education, and of quite ordinary gifts as a public speaker, yet he possessed a sound mind, excellent judgment, ardent zeal in the Master's cause, and enjoyed, in an unusual degree, the confidence of the public. He studied the Bible perseveringly and prayerfully; took great pains in the preparation of his sermons, and delivered them as one who felt that he "must give account." It is believed that few men have been more eminently useful, within a given period, than he. And while he enjoyed the love of his brethren and the confidence and respect of the world, it was in the family circle especially that his excellency of character shone forth. He was a model husband and father, indeed, and here his memory will be fragrant while any of his family survive. His death, which occurred January the 14th, 1856, was the result of a chronic disease of the heart, under which he had suffered for years, and by which he had been for a long time disqualified for preaching. When the summons came, however, it found him ready, and he passed away in the full assurance of future bliss. The death of such a man is a public calamity. Henry Hand May 17th, 1764 - January 9, 1837 The father of Thomas and Joseph Hand, who have both labored as ministers of the gospel in Georgia, was a native of New Jersey. During his early childhood, his father emigrated to Surry county, North Carolina, (where he spent seventeen years,) and thence to Georgia. Below we have a short account of his religious experience, call to the ministry, etc., which we prefer to give in his own language. "I was of poor but honest parents, and born May 17th, 1764. The revolutionary war prevented my parents from giving me an education. My mother learned me to spell and read a little. They tried to bring me up in the fear of God, and would press upon me the necessity of the new birth, which led me to seek the salvation of my soul in early life. But my thoughts of God were very imperfect; I thought when I did good, the Lord loved me, and when I did evil, the Lord was angry with me. Thus I spent my time for years, sometimes praying and promising the Lord that I would do better. But I would break my promises and sin again. After this manner I spent my life, until I was fifteen years old. I then had to take up arms in the defense of my country, which placed me in the midst of a wicked crew, who led me into sin more and more. I knew it was wrong, my conscience would often check me, and at times I was much distressed on account of my sins. And yet the Lord was good to me, and preserved me in the day of battle. "When I returned home, my young companions so enticed me I tried to take pleasure in sin, yet the thoughts of death and judgment would so alarm me that I could not take pleasure in sin as I desired. I would promise the Lord, if he would forgive me I would sin no more, but did not keep my promise. Thus I spent my time until I was eighteen years old. It now appeared that I had sinned so much against light and knowledge, that God would not have mercy on me. Sometimes I thought I had committed the unpardonable sin. My distress of mind was so great that I could take pleasure in sin no longer. I now tried to amend my life. I renewed my promise again with the Lord, and prayed five times daily. I forsook my young companions, and still I grew worse, until my case appeared hopeless. The Lord appeared so angry with me, I thought he would not hear my prayer. I fasted and prayed, and went to hear the word preached. It condemned me. My sins arose before me. I thought the earth cried against me, saying, 'See here, Lord, he has sinned.' I then fell on my face to the ground, but durst not pray. God appeared so just, I feared to mention his holy name. At length I arose and went groaning under a heavy burden a little way. And it seemed that something spoke to me, saying, 'Ask, and it shall be given you.' I fell on my knees and prayed, and my soul was so drawn out to the Lord, I thought I should receive an immediate answer. I was encouraged by the thought that if I did not receive then, I should certainly receive if I continued to ask. I rejoiced, and thought I would continue to pray as long as I lived. I continued so for eight days, praying and striving, but could not receive. I then discovered the holiness of God, that he could not look upon sin with any allowance, and that I was nothing but sin. I then saw myself corrupt, no soundness in me, my prayers as corrupt as myself. I could not see how God could be just and I be spared. I then sunk into despair. If I had any hope of salvation, I could not realize it. I then cried, 'Lord, can it be possible that thou canst be just, and a sinner be saved!' I then had a view of Christ as mediator between God and man. My soul then leaped for joy to see such a glorious plan of salvation through Christ. I was made to hunger and thirst after it for several days. Then the scriptures sounded in my ears, 'Fear not, little flock, it is your father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom' - 'Be not faithless, but believing.' I was now overwhelmed with joy and was constrained to give glory to God. "But it being suggested to my mind that I was not one of that little flock, in an instant all my joy was gone. I perceived how freely God had given his people the kingdom, but concluded I had lost it by sinning against him. I felt that the day of grace was past and the door of mercy closed forever. In this case I continued four days, when my soul was fully set at liberty by the application of that scripture to my heart, 'It is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room.' In a moment I saw God reconciled to me through Christ my Lord. I now found what it was to believe for myself and not another. I now felt all the powers of my soul drawn out in love to God, his ways and his people. I now wanted to do something for the Lord, but found nothing that I could do, only to keep his commandments and follow his examples. My conversion was on the 23d of October, 1783, and as my blessed Saviour united with the Baptist church, and was baptized by John the Baptist in Jordan, and commanded us to follow his examples, I therefore united with the Baptist church and was baptized by a Baptist, Rev. George McNeal. "About this time my father removed to Georgia, (from South Carolina,) and I had to part with my brethren whom my soul loved. I thought I should never love another church so well. When I came to Georgia I found no church for some time, but still felt much engaged for the salvation of sinners, pleading with them to forsake their sins and accept the offers of salvation. After many days I found five Baptists that had joined together to serve the Lord. This was a comfort to me. I joined the little band, and the Lord added to the number until a church was constituted. I now thought that if I had a house and home of my own I should serve God better. I made it a subject of prayer for direction, and being fully persuaded it was the will of God, I married, the 28th of November, 1784. My wife was not a believer, but a moral woman. In February, 1786, she gave a declaration of her faith before the church, and put on Christ openly by baptism. And this I esteemed as one of God's favors, for which I never could feel sufficiently thankful. "The Lord visited this church in a wonderful manner, bringing many to the knowledge of the truth. I now felt the word was a fire in my bones, and I entered into the work more fully and began to preach more extensively. I continued in this way for some time. At length I fell into such horror, darkness and despair as none but a pilgrim knows. In this state I remained two years. I had such views of my unworthiness as made me conclude never to preach again. But after enduring many gloomy feelings too tedious to mention, the weight of preaching again returned. I fasted and prayed, and prayed and fasted, to know the mind of God. As I was going to meeting one day in great distress, the inquiry was pressed upon my mind, 'Ought you not to preach the gospel to the people?' I answered, 'Yes.' It then followed, 'If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.' The cross was so great I knew not how to take it up. But, in the strength of the Lord, I made an effort to preach that day, and found happiness in the work. Some time thereafter, while I was reading the scriptures, that word sounded in my heart, 'Woe is me if I preach not the gospel.' When I inquired of the Lord wherein the woe consisted, I seemed to receive for answer, 'He that knoweth his master's will and doeth it not, shall be beaten with many stripes.' I now looked for heavy judgments from the Lord to fall upon me, for my disobedience. . . . At length my case was mentioned to the church, which gave me liberty to preach. "I spared no time or labor in endeavoring to improve my gift and education, so that I might be 'acceptable to God and approved of men.' The enemy being enraged turned loose a flood against me on every side. Yet the Lord stood by me, and did not suffer any of these things to move me, but blessed my feeble labors to many. I preached eight years before I was ordained. I continued an itinerant four years longer, when duty called me to take charge of a church fifty miles from me. This occurred in June, 1803. In September following, we constituted a church of thirteen members, about sixty-five miles from me. I took the care of that also, and in February, 1804, I removed and settled near to it. In 1806, our number had increased to sixty-three, thirty of whom were constituted into another church. I then had the charge of four churches, one of which was in South Carolina, about forty miles from me. My time was now entirely given to the work of the Lord. I spent a number of years in traveling and preaching, and I trust the Lord blessed by ministry to the salvation of hundreds. I rode from three to four thousand miles a year." The foregoing was written by himself some thirty years before his death. It is regarded as an interesting relic of a good man, especially when it is remembered that he was, in the strictest sense, a self-taught man, having never enjoyed a day's schooling in his life. His labors were bestowed upon the southeastern parts of Georgia, and contiguous regions in South Carolina. His mission in the latter State was from Savannah river to Beaufort, and thence to Charleston. He aided in constituting a church near Edisto, about sixty miles from him, and preached to it many years. In Georgia, he scattered the good seed of the kingdom from Savannah to Augusta, up and down the river, and for many miles out. If affliction in his family, or any other cause, prevented his attendance upon his appointments, he always suffered much distress on account of so many being deprived of an opportunity to hear the gospel of the grace of God. Such privileges were more rare in those days than now, and it may be added, they seem by many to have been more highly prized. The person of Mr. Hand was large and corpulent, his countenance open and pleasing, his voice soft and harmonious, his address easy and natural. The author remembers to have heard him but once. His theme then was christian experience, a subject with which he seemed to be familiar, and which he treated with great force and powerful effect. The end of such a man was peace, as might have been expected. For several years before his death, he was laid aside from the work in which his best days had been spent, by old age and infirmity. In his last illness, he declined medicine offered him by his kind physician, saying, "I feel assured that my earthly toil is done, and the time of my departure at hand. I feel perfectly submissive. I am willing to go at any moment." In this frame of mind, with bright prospects of future bliss, did the Lord take away his servant from the evil to come, to enjoy the rest that remaineth unto his people. This event occurred the 9th of January, 1837, in the sixty-third year of his age. Henry Holcombe, D. D. In sketching the character of the subject of the following memoir, it is not our intention to bestow on him unmerited praise, but simply to bring to view those peculiar traits of character which rendered him dear to his friends, terrible to the enemies of truth, and eminently useful to the world at large. Whatever is said, then, is not in the spirit of eulogy, but simply that his principles and practice may be duly made known and appreciated, and that he may yet speak, by these records, though his voice is hushed in the stillness of the tomb. We will give, therefore, partly in our own language, but mostly in the language of others, a few outlines of his history. Henry Holcombe was the son of Grimes and Elizabeth Holcombe, and was born in Price Edward county, Virginia, September 22, 1762. While he was yet a child, his father removed with his family to South Carolina, where, to use his own words, "at eleven years of age, he completed all the education he ever received from a living preceptor." This fact is worthy of particular notice, when considered in connection with his intellectual endowments, and the extent of his acquisitions in after life. Even the poor and indifferent means of instruction within his reach were taken from him at a period too early to admit of a presumption that he could have derived much profit from their employment. Nature must, therefore, have endowed him with a mind rich in its own resources, and vigorous, even in its youth, else he could not have extended his researches as successfully as he did into the sublimest and deepest mysteries that can occupy the attention of a national man. She was thus bountiful to him: she taught him to think, and led him, even in boyhood, to fix his thoughts on the noblest of her works. At an age when children, less favored by nature, are amused with toys and trinkets, he delighted to dwell on the grandeur and magnificence of those countless orbs with which she has gilded the immensity of space. His seems to have been placed, almost on the very day of its creation, far onward in that track which leads from truth to truth, from wonder to wonder, and from glory to glory, up to the throne of the great Jehovah. This period of his youth was one of severe trial to our common country. She was just then emerging from a state of dependence on an empire which had lost sight of her own interest and that of humanity, in attempting to fasten chains on freemen, and in daring to require that the noble and the brave should bow the knee at her behest. It was a period when the hearts of our fathers were sorely and severely tried. Their homes were deserted for the tented fields, and their wives and daughters left alone at their firesides, hoping and fearing; and at the domestic altar, praying for their triumphant return, yet dreading to hear the dismal tidings of their discomfiture and death. Our cities and villages were filled with hireling hordes, and throughout this portion of our beloved country nothing was heard but the loud alarm of war. It was at this period - so interesting to our fathers, so interesting to us all - that the lofty and independent spirit of Henry Holcombe first exhibited itself. He waited not for the arrival of manhood before he drew his sword, but entered promptly into the service of his country, determined, with every patriot of that day, to live free or die. His ardor and trepidity, tempered as they were by that discretion and sound judgment, without which courage is unavailing and oldness becomes impetuous rashness, soon raised him to command. Here, as well as in every other station in which he was found in after life, he acquitted himself well, and gave the fullest proof that the trust reposed in him by his fellow-soldiers was not misplaced. While an officer in the army he was led to those reflections, which inclined him to renounce the pomps and vanities of the world, and to seek for happiness in the calm contemplation of Bible truth. He had tasted of the cup of earthly pleasures, and found there was bitterness in it. He had pursued the track to which his natural propensities led him, and he became convinced that it would end in everlasting pain. He sought for a path which would conduct him to something more cheering in its aspects, more attractive in its nature, and he found that which leads up to heaven. He became a christian. In his twenty-second year, his attention was first turned to gospel ordinances. "In conversing with my father," says he, "he informed me that I was baptized in my infancy, and said I was a Presbyterian. Asking on what passages of Scripture the peculiar tenets of that denomination were founded, he took up the Bible and kindly endeavored to satisfy me on those points. But to his painful disappointment, we could find nothing that seemed to me in favor of baptizing infants, nor for governing a gospel church, otherwise than by the suffrages of its members. To pass softly over this tender ground, the result of my serious and reiterated inquiries into the materials, ordinances and government of the apostolic churches was the full conviction, that to follow the dictates of my conscience I must be a Baptist; and not conferring with flesh and blood, I rode near twenty miles to propose myself as a candidate for admission into a Baptist church." Immediately after his baptism, he received a license according to its forms to proclaim to others the truths of which he had become so fully convinced himself. He entered upon the work of the ministry with zeal, and pursued it with an industrious and persevering earnestness which did not escape the notice of his christian brethren. He was soon invited by the church at Pike creek, South Carolina, to become their pastor; and after having preached to them several months as a licentiate, he was ordained on the 11th of September, 1785, and on the same day was called upon to baptize three young men, who had given evidence of a gracious change under his ministry. His labors at this time appear to have been blessed with almost unparalleled success. Multitudes were brought to inquire what they should do to be saved. Domestic altars sprang up in all directions among families who had hitherto gloried in impiety and infidelity. Having formed the conjugal relation in April, 1786, in the following June he baptized, among twenty-six professed believers, his wife, her only brother, and their mother. In the following August, his father, having renounced the world, together with his pœdo-Baptist prejudices, in the sixty-first year of his age, was one of seventeen baptized by Dr. Holcombe. Such encouragements as these only served to inspire him with increased ardor. Though he had as yet received no pecuniary reward for his clerical services, yet his fellow-citizens manifested their confidence in him by appointing him their representative in the Convention of South Carolina which approved the Constitution of the United States, and which was held in Charleston. On his return from Charleston, he was invited to take the pastoral charge of the Baptist church at Euhaw, which he accepted, and on the 1st of February, 1791, arrived at the Euhaw. He preached statedly at this place, May river and St. Helena. In 1795, on account of the sickliness of his family, he removed to Beaufort, though he still retained his previous pastoral connections. The inhabitants of Beaufort were at this time, with very few exceptions, strangers to true religion, and strongly prejudiced against Baptists. Baptism and never been administered anywhere in the vicinity. Yet, despite these prejudices, a neat and commodious Baptist meeting-house was erected, and very many, both men and women, were added to the church by baptism at the hands of Dr. Holcombe. Here he continued until 1799, when he removed to the city of Savannah, where a wider field of usefulness than any in which he had hitherto labored was opened before him. In 1795, a house of worship was partially erected by a few Baptists in Savannah. The following year, as the house was merely inclosed, and as the Baptists had no minister to occupy it, they rented it to the Presbyterians, who had recently lost their house of worship by fire. A few months before the expiration of this term, in 1799, Dr. Holcombe received and accepted a call from the pew-holders of this building, to impart to them the gospel. The reception he met with was highly respectful, and his annual salary fixed at $2,000. His congregation was large and respectable, and the interests of religion, among the various denominations, appeared to revive by the blessing of God on the Word of HIS grace. Here we would remark, it is pleasing to notice the mutual surrender of sectarian feelings, by this christian Baptists pastor and this christian Presbyterian people. However, early in 1800 the Baptists conceived it their duty to form themselves into a church of their order. Accordingly Dr. Holcombe, with his wife and ten others, signed a pledge, in which they agreed to endeavor to keep house for the Lord, as soon as the necessary arrangements could be made. On the 11th September following, he buried with Christ in baptism the first white person who had ever received that holy rite in Savannah, and on the 26th of November of the same year, they were regularly constituted into a church, of which Dr. Holcombe was chosen pastor. This "little one has become a thousand and this small people a great nation." In this city, his whole soul seemed to be engaged in the work of doing good, and much under God did he accomplish. It may be well to state some of the means which he adopted to accomplish his benevolent designs: 1. In 1801, the "Savannah Female Asylum," (a society for supporting and educating helpless female orphans,) was formed in his parlor, under a constitution and by-laws drawn up by himself. This institution, from its formation to the present time, has been the favorite of all denominations; and individuals as well as bodies in both the civil and religious departments of the community, have vied with each other in supporting it. 2. He published "the Georgia Analytical Respository," a religious magazine, devoted to literature as well as religion. 3. About this time he published an address to the friends of religion in Georgia, on their duties in reference to civil government , in which he urged them to discard the idea that attention to affairs of State is incompatible with the christian profession. After showing why we should support civil government and how we should do it, he concludes by saying, "At all elections, let every one qualified to vote attend and do his duty, as in the presence of God, considering that incalculable benefits may be the result of it." 4. As a pastor, he was indefatigable in his labors, visiting from house to house, not only the members of his church but the people of his congregation, and enforcing his public discourses by private exhortations and prayers. 5. The execution of a man, for the comparatively small crime of stealing a gun, attracted his attention to the extreme severity of the penal code of Georgia. He was instrumental in rousing public attention to this subject, and may be regarded as the originator of our State penitentiary. 6. His opposition to Deists, theatrical entertainments, etc., was open and manly, and subjected him to dangers from which he was delivered only by the hand of Providence. Several attempts were made against him, among which were the following, which we give in his own words: "An attempt was made at night, to decoy me by a stratagem into an ambuscade; but, as an ever-watchful Providence would have it, without success. A well-dressed fellow, who assumed the style and manner of a gentleman, endeavored to get me out of my house after midnight, under the pretence of wanting me to perform a marriage ceremony. And had I not happened to hear the clock strike twelve, just before the knock at my door, I might have believed him in the assertion, that it was but a little past ten o'clock, and been led into the snare of my adversaries. He said his name was Clark, that the parties to be married were respectable strangers, had been disappointed in obtaining their marriage license sooner, had to sail next morning, were very desirous of being married by me, and that he would give me immediately a fee of fifty dollars. But, on peremptorily refusing, from an upper window, to come down stairs on any consideration at so unseasonable an hour, this Judas, who had before expressed himself with the greatest politeness, overwhelmed me with a torrent of the bitterest curses; and swore by his God, that if I opened my mouth to call the guard, he would break every window in my house. From this unsuccessful stratagem, they had recourse to violence. Returning, according to my well-known custom, about nine o'clock in the evening, from the meeting of a society of which I was a member with a small son at each of my hands, a musket was snapped at my breast, and the fire rolled so near me, in throwing out my hand in the dark, I laid hold on the bayonet! But God being pleased, at this critical moment, to make my heart like adamant, I exerted a loud authoritative voice in a few interrogations, which so alarmed the two cowardly assassins, whom I perceived before me with fixed bayonets, that they sneaked away, as if expecting every moment to be seized, 'begging ten thousand pardons,' and, with tremulous voices, apologizing for their dastardly attempt on my life." His efforts to promote union and concentration of effort among all christians, and especially those of his own denomination, were worthy of the man, and were productive of good results. He was in the conference of Baptist ministers which agreed to found the Mount Enon Academy, (in 1804,) and adopted a constitution as a missionary society, called the General Committee, (in 1806,) and exerted his utmost powers to promote these objects. He selected the site, purchased the land, and was appointed the agent to collect funds to carry in on, in which he was quite successful. He had the happiness to baptize many persons of distinction, among whom was Hon. Joseph Clay, an eminent civilian, and a Federal Judge of the District of Georgia. During a preaching excursion in the up-country, while some two hundred miles from home, he delivered a discourse on a very warm day; and immediately afterwards drank freely of cold water. This brought him, in a moment, from perfect health to the borders of the grave. Though, for the time being, he obtained partial relief, yet he continued seriously indisposed; and on his homeward journey, fainted in the pulpit at Mount Enon. Continuing to preach after he reached Savannah, he was taken dangerously ill of a violent fever, and was laid by about two months. In 1808, he again met the General Committee at Mount Enon, and the following year went to Augusta and aided in the ordination of Rev. William T. Brantly, Sr. His labors were too much for the state of his health, which continued very feeble, and brought another violent and protracted attack of sickness in 1810. After recovering, so far as to be able to attend the session of the Savannah River Association in the city, he resigned his charge of the Savannah church, and retired to Mount Enon. Such a man could not be permitted to remain long in retirement. He was recalled to Beaufort - soon after, invited to visit Boston, with a view to settlement - and then called to the care of the First Baptist Church in Philadelphia; which last call he accepted, and made arrangements to remove thither. On the 14th December, 1811, he embarked for Philadelphia, via New York, and after a stormy and dangerous passage, he arrived among his new charge the 1st January, 1812. With Characteristic zeal he entered upon his labors in this important position, and was instrumental in doing much towards the advancement of the Redeemer's cause. Though in early life a soldier and an officer, he became an advocate of peace principles, and was at the head of a peace society. A volume was published by him, entitled "Primitive Theology;" a very good work, and teaches sound doctrine. Like other great and good men, he had enemies - perhaps from envy, if nothing else. These tried hard to make it appear that Dr. Holcombe was opposed to the missionary cause. This will never be believed in Georgia, whose sons are now reaping the benefits of his pious and benevolent labors. His sermons and writings, his sacrifices and toils, and the whole course of his life, contradict and refute the slander. Hear his sentiments in his own words: "Let us, therefore, send the Word of Life, on the wings of our bounty, in all directions, to disperse the clouds of superstition and ignorance, until Pagans, Mahometans and Jews, with all merely nominal christians, shall see with us the salvation of God." The truth is, there was a difference of opinion between him and some prominent men in regard to important matters connected with the mission cause, and rather than wrangle and strive, Dr. Holcombe withdrew from the business, for the time being, for the sake of peace. But, to his latest day, the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom was the object, of all others, nearest to his heart. It was not as a writer, but as a public speaker, that Dr. Holcombe's talents were most availing. There was an indescribable something, not only in the matter, but in the manner of his preaching, which commanded and retained the attention, while he not only forced his words upon the ears, but his sentiments upon the hearts of his hearers. Without seeking the elegancies of composition, he rose to a surprising energy and ease of expression - gave forth his many thoughts in a clear, nervous diction, and when warmed with the subject, would lead his admiring audience the willing captives of his ardent rhetoric along with him to fasten on those transports with which genius and piety can supply the attentive mind. On the 22d of May, 1824, after an illness of only one week, he took his departure hence, "to be with Christ, which is far better." When a respite from oppression in breathing gave liberty utterance, such expressions as the following fell from his lips: "I am in good hands." "Oh, the sublime attainments of faith!" "It is all for the good of my soul." "Oh, the prospects of faith!" Just before he breathed his last, and after he had become speechless, a brother asked him if he felt comfortable and happy, and requested him, if he did, to raise his hand in token of it. He immediately raised his hand - that hand with which he had so often pointed sinners to the Lamb of God - and then sank into the slumber of death. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred on Mr. Holcombe before 1810, by Brown University. Adam T. Holmes, D.D. 1803 - This gifted minister was born in Sunbury, Liberty county, Georgia, about the year 1803. His father was Mr. James Holmes, a wealthy and leading citizen of that county. His mother's maiden name was Kell, an aunt of the distinguished Lieutenant Kell, of the Confederate Navy, an officer of the Alabama. His brothers were not unknown to fame; Dr. James Holmes, of Darien, and Captain Isaac Holmes, of Macon, who died in Mexico. His two sisters were ladies of culture and refinement. His mother was one of the most devout and godly women the writer has ever known. Mr. Holmes enjoyed the best educational advantages the country afforded. For a time he was a student at Yale College, Connecticut. Whether he graduated or not, the writer is not informed. He was, however, an excellent scholar, a highly gifted writer and a fluent and forcible speaker. His early years were spent in sin and folly, and it was not until he was about twenty years of age that divine grace arrested his course. He was one of the first subjects of the great revival which was experienced on the coast of Georgia and South Carolina in 1822, and was baptized at Sunbury, in November of that year, by Rev. Charles O. Screven. For two or three years he ran well, was put forward by his brethren in exhortation and prayer, and promised great usefulness. But, from various causes, he got into a cold and backslidden state, and for a time was a wanderer from the fold of Christ. It is with pain the author records this fact in his friend's history, and it is with pleasure he adds that his restoration to the church was cordial and permanent. It was not long after his restoration that he embarked fully in the work of the gospel ministry, in which he was a faithful laborer the balance of his life, embracing a period of about forty years. He left the coast and was engaged in teaching school for a time in Forsyth, Monroe county. For two or three years he was pastor of the church in Macon, whence he removed to Houston county. For the balance of his history, the author acknowledges himself indebted to the gifted pen of Rev. H. C. Hornady. In a notice of Dr. Holmes, which appeared in the "Christian Index" soon after his death, (which occurred in Atlanta, September 29th, 1870,) Mr. Hornady says: "On the 4th day of July, 1839, the writer, then a boy, was present at Pine Level Academy, at that time under the superintendence of Rev. Peter McIntyre, when and where we heard, for the first time, a public address from Rev. Adam Tunno Holmes. He was then in the full vigor of his mature manhood, and presented a personal appearance equaled by few and surpassed by none of his compeers. The address was delivered on the subject of the 'Temperance Reformation,' and it was so replete with matured and vigorous thought, that it was subsequently published by request of the large and intelligent audience then present, and there are doubtless copies of it still in print. A little previous, the subject of this notice had been married to Mrs. Nelson, a lady of fine culture, from the State of South Carolina. She was a member of the Hampton family, than whom none have a brighter record in that once proud State; but, as she still survives, further mention in this connection may not be entirely appropriate. "It was about this period that brother Holmes was called to the pastoral care of two of the most important churches in Houston county, viz: Perry and Hayneville, which he served with characteristic ability until 1851, when he was elected to the presidency of the Baptist Female College at Cuthbert, to which place he removed and entered upon a new career of usefulness. "During the autumn of 1846, while the writer was a student at the Academy at Hayneville, the Rehoboth Association held its session with the Baptist church at that place, and as there was an unusual amount of religious interest manifested by the people, the meeting was protracted for a number of days. In attendance upon the meeting of the Association were C. D. Mallary, C. F. Sturgis, J. R. Kendrick, Jacob King and Hiram Powell. On Monday, Rev. J. H. Campbell reached the place from Richland, in Twiggs county, where he had just closed a revival meeting of great interest. The writer was then in his minority, and went to the meeting with mingled feelings of curiosity and respect for the talented preacher, and on reaching the place found the church filled with a congregation which appeared unusually serious and attentive. The text of Mr. Campbell was taken in I. Peter, iv. 18: 'And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?' During the delivery of the sermon many poor sinners 'were cut to the heart,' and it was there, while under deep conviction for sin, that the writer was brought into intimate relations with Rev. A. T. Holmes, in whom he found a spiritual adviser every way qualified to guide his untutored mind to Christ, the friend of sinners; and if it is given to the departed to know what is occurring on earth, then the spirit of our departed brother understands what are the feelings of his humble biographer, and can appreciate the gratitude of one who now trusts for salvation in the merits of Jesus Christ alone. "The writer was baptized by brother Holmes, and for five years enjoyed his pastoral labors and spiritual counsels; and when he was ordained to the gospel ministry, his beloved brother was present and preached the sermon on that occasion. An acquaintance was thus formed that ripened into a close and cordial friendship, which, by the grace of God, continued unbroken until the sacred tie was rudely severed by the icy hand of the great image breaker. For these and similar reasons, the lamented one urged, as his dying request, that his religious pupil should write the words of affectionate remembrance which might enshrine his name, as it should meet the tearful eyes of his fellow laborers who still linger on these mortal shores; or as it is handed down, a priceless legacy, to coming generations. In sketching the life and character of the deceased, those who have ever known the power of loving religious fellowship will make due allowance for any apparent exaggeration in the portraiture. "Adam T. Holmes was an honest man, and, whatever weakness of our common nature he may have betrayed in other directions, no temptation was sufficient to draw him from the path of rectitude and moral integrity. He was possessed of a high degree of courage, both moral and physical, and was never, therefore, in 'the fear of man, which bringeth a snare;' nor was he ever found employing the arts of dissimulation in order to hide his defects, or to escape the responsibility of a position. His bold, fearless and candid nature qualified him, in an eminent degree, to set forth and defend the doctrines and practices which have always been distinguishing features of our denomination; and he never appeared to better advantage than when, surrounded by those who held different views, he showed from the scriptures the firm foundations upon which rested his faith and that of his brethren. Upon what are usually called the doctrines of grace, his teaching was remarkably clear and forcible; and never, perhaps, since the days of Andrew Fuller, have the churches of any pastor been better instructed in the Calvinistic view of theology than those which were blessed with the labors of our brother whom these pages commemorate. His members, for solid piety and active usefulness, had no superiors, as all can testify who were acquainted with Hugh Lawson, one of the deacons of Hayneville, and Samuel Felder and Barrett, who sustained the same relation to the church at Perry. They were men 'full of the Holy Ghost and of faith,' men always ready to do good; and we find it difficult to repress the inquiry: When shall we behold their like again? To the labors of brother Holmes they doubtless owed much for their symmetrical and well sustained characters as christian gentlemen, that have made their example so rich a heritage to the churches which were the scenes of their earnest and useful lives; and well may they mourn for them, now that they have passed away from the labors of earth to the reward of the faithful. Brother Holmes was a man of a high order of intellect, and as he had enjoyed the advantages for mental cultivation, few men were better qualified for the arduous and responsible duties of the public ministry; and the Baptists of Southwestern Georgia are largely indebted to him, under God, for their present influence and power in the vineyard of the Lord. While at Cuthbert, he was elected president of Central Institute, located at Lynchburg, in the State of Alabama, which position he accepted, but retained it only a short time. While at Lynchburg, he had something like a paralytic stroke, and it was deemed advisable by his physicians for him to relinquish his position and rest from active labors for a time, hoping thereby to restore his shattered health. Soon after his recovery from this attack, he was called to the pastorate of the First Baptist church in Atlanta, which relation he sustained for two or three years, loved and honored by a large and appreciative flock. In consequence of some disagreement which arose between him and a portion of the members, he resigned his charge and retired to the town of Decatur and labored for the churches in the country around, until compelled by ill health to relinquish the care of churches altogether. Returning to the city of Atlanta, his health began to improve so that he was able to resume the active duties of the ministry, and for a time alternated with Dr. Shaver in supplying the pulpit of the Baptist church in Newnan. But the seeds of decay were sown in his system, and again, in consequence of declining health, he was compelled to leave his post and learn to suffer his Master's will as well as to perform it. "During his last illness, the writer had several interviews with him, in which he expressed his unwavering trust in that Saviour whom he had preached to others, and he looked to the termination of his earthly career with a calm and cheerful spirit, which showed that when the summons should come, he would be ready 'to wrap the drapery of his couch about him and lie down to pleasant slumbers.' When he felt his end drawing near, he sent word to the writer to visit him; but, on account of other and pressing engagements, a compliance with the request was impracticable, so that the last scenes of his valuable life must be drawn from information furnished by others, whose privilege it was to be present in 'the chamber where the good man met his fate.' In his last hours, though suffering from difficulty of breathing, he found Jesus increasingly precious, and he who had been a fellow laborer with Jacob King, Hiram Powell, C. A. Tharp, C. D. Mallary, John E. Dawson and James O. Screven, has gone to join them in 'that land which has no storm;' and joyful, indeed, must be the meeting and communion of kindred spirits at the Saviour's blessed feet! "He is gone the able minister, the fast friend, the affectionate husband, the indulgent father and when these lines are read, there will be many tearful eyes, for some who once enjoyed his pious labors, or were his co-workers in the Lord's vineyard, and still linger on these mortal spheres, will receive their first information that another 'great man in Israel has fallen,' from this offering of affection and friendship. "An aged wife, now widowed and lone--an only son, now fatherless and sad will mourn when they miss the manly form and beaming eye of the departed, but they will sorrow not as those without hope."   ©2007 - 2009 Genealogy Trails