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  William Newton February 28th, 1818 - August 4th, 1861 This highly gifted man was born in Warren county, Tennessee, February 28th, 1818. His parents were poor, and thinking they might improve their worldly condition, they removed to McMinn county, while William was yet an infant. His father, Edward Newton, was a Baptist minister. The subject of this sketch gave evidence of a change of heart, and was baptized before he attained to manhood. But little is known of his early years, except that his education was quite limited, and that he grew up in the midst of extremely rude society. When only in his eighteenth year, he married his first wife, Miss Temperance Smith, January, 1835. Soon thereafter he was licensed to preach the gospel, but he seems to have entered upon the work with many misgivings. In the fall of 1839, he set out with his little family to Missouri. But, for some cause, he was permitted to proceed no further than Southeastern Illinois, where his wife died, October 1st, 1840, leaving three small children. With these helpless ones, (the infant being only three months old,) he undertook to return to his friends in Tennessee, and was actually successful in his undertaking, making the whole distance in a one-horse carriage, and alone, except his dependent charge. The following year, 1841, he married his second wife, who proved to be an help meet indeed. While in Illinois, Jonah like, he did not make himself known as a preacher of the gospel, and it would seem that, like Jonah, he was fleeing from his duty. But upon his return to his native State, he threw himself fully into the work, and was soon ordained, at the request of the Oostanaula church, by Revs. Edward Newton and William Forrest. In this region he preached acceptably for several years; yet his usefulness, as well as his improvement, was much bindered by the policy of the churches, which was to require their ministers to preach while they withheld from them all pecuniary assistance. It was in this state of things that Mr. Newton fell in with an eminent minister of upper Georgia, Rev. Edwin Dyer, through whose influence a new field of labor was opened up to him in Walker county, which he entered in 1847. Here he was soon employed by the Coosa Association as a domestic missionary, was well sustained, and was enabled to increase his library and to devote a portion of his time to study. Eight years of the prime of his life were spent in Chattooga county, serving the village churches of Lafayette and Summerville, and several country churches, all of which prospered under his ministry. His growing popularity, however, proved a snare to him, for in 1850 he must needs study law. He was admitted to the bar and entered upon the practice with encouraging prospects; yet his prosperity in this respect was destined to be short-lived, for the Lord began to deal with him so as to bring him back to his duty. Severe affliction was visited upon his family, his wife having been confined to her bed for six months, and a favorite child being removed by death. The courts had no jurisdiction in such cases. On his way to one of his courts, he lost his way in the mountains and spent the night in much peril and anxiety. During those hours of darkness and suffering, he was constrained to renew his resolution to devote his life to the ministry of the Word. Thenceforth his whole time was demanded by the churches, and he was better sustained than formerly. He gave up the practice of law and resumed his legitimate work with redoubled energy and zeal. In the fall of 1857 he removed to Cave Spring, Floyd county, devoting half his time to the church there and the balance to neighboring churches. Here, also, his ministry was much blessed. His churches had peace and prosperity, and their numbers were increased by the addition of new converts. He continued in this field until death terminated his career, which event occurred August 4th, 1861, in the forty-fourth year of his age. He had raised a company for the service of the Confederate Government in the late war, but was prevented from leading it into active service by an attack of typhoid dysentery, of which he died in ten days. He spoke freely of his approaching end, expressing the most unwavering faith in Christ. Among his last words were, "I shall soon be at rest with Jesus," repeating with holy ecstasy the word "rest, rest!" His doctrinal views were decidedly Calvinistic, and, while he had christian fellowship for all good men, he was a most decided Baptist in sentiment, and on all suitable occasions was ready to maintain his views as such. In fact, he had several public disputations with pœdo-Baptists, in which he displayed great tact and ability, considering his deficiency in education. Mr. Newton was fully six feet in height, of a robust constitution, fine personal appearance, had a rich, sonorous voice, which he never strained in speaking, and was naturally a most captivating and powerful preacher. Deacon Josiah Penfield Deacon Penfield is a striking illustration of the importance of writing the biographies of useful men before the facts so essential to such an undertaking fade from the memories of the living. He is well remembered in Savannah, but none can give facts in reference to his useful life with sufficient accuracy for history, although it has been but little over a quarter of a century since his death. He came originally from some one of the Eastern States, but passed most of his life in Savannah. His business was that of a jeweler, and he was a very accurate and successful business man. The handsome fortune he accumulated was devoted with a noble generosity to benevolent objects. He bequeathed to the Georgia Baptist Convention $2,500 00, for the purposes of theological education, on condition that that body and its friends should raise an equal amount. This was promptly done at the session of that body in Milledgeville, in 1829, his bequest was paid, and the village in which Mercer University is located was named for him. He was a remarkably useful member and officer of the Savannah Baptist church. It is said of him that he never allowed his secular business to prevent his attendance upon the meetings of the church. He was one of the earliest movers of Sunday-schools in the city, and a most efficient laborer in them. His name appears among the prominent members of the Sunbury Association, and in 1822 he was its clerk. He was regarded as one of the best men in the city, and had a large influence among other denominations, while he was a burning and shining light in his own church. He became much interested in the spiritual welfare of that much neglected class of men, the sailors, who visited the port in large numbers from all parts of the world. As a general thing, they cannot be induced to attend the usual places of worship. Hence, Mr. Pendfield did all he could to have religious services for them on shipboard, and made every exertion to secure their attendance; and at his death, he bequeathed a sufficient sum for the erection a "Mariner's chapel," which now occupies a convenient and eligible site on Bay street. The building bears his name "The Penfield Mariner's Church," and is held in trust by the "Savannah Port Society." This society aims to keep it regularly supplied with preaching, and other religious exercises. The author has a vivid and pleasing recollection of the last time he ever saw Mr. Penfield. It was at a young men's prayer meeting in Sunbury, in the spring of 1823. He was on the verge of the grave from consumption, that fell disease, which soon bore him to his long home. With a hollow and sepulchral voice, he gave out the hymn, "There is a land of pure delight," and then made such a prayer as would scarce ever be forgotten. He died soon thereafter in Savannah, and his funeral discourse was delivered by his friend and pastor, Rev. H. O. Wyer. Elisha Perryman February 6th, 1769 - From a brief sketch of the "Life and Adventures of Elisha Perryman," published by himself in 1856, the following extracts are taken, which, it is believed, will give a more correct idea of his character than anything the author could prepare. He says "I was born on the 6th day of February, 1769, in Halifax county, Virginia. My ancestors came from Wales; the time of their emigration to this country I do not know. My father and mother were both natives of Virginia, the former was born in Prince Edward; the latter, in Caroline county. They, as well as my grandparents, so far as I know, were plain, homespun, old fashioned, orthodox, predestinarian Baptists; so you see I am but a chip of the old block. My father lived, at the time of my birth, on Win's creek near Dan river. Like all true lovers of their country, he was much engaged in the revolutionary war. Besides other engagements, he was present at the battle of Guilford Court house. In that battle, he was captain of a volunteer company that he himself raised. In common with all others, father's family suffered much from the British about this time. When Cornwallis had got through pursuing General Greene, he took up his camp within six miles of our house, so that we were just at the mercy of these wicked people. While there, his troops ravaged the country, I reckon, for ten miles around, carrying off whatever they wanted, and destroying a great deal that they did not want. They broke us up entirely. They ate up our cattle, hogs, corn, fodder and everything of the kind. Tarleton's horse company carried off three or four stacks of our oats at one time. They broke us up there so completely that we moved away next spring and came to Georgia. After we got to this State we settled down on Big Kiokee creek, in Richmond county, about twenty-two miles above Augusta, and one mile from where Columbia Courthouse now stands. Some years after this, parts of Richmond and Wilkes were taken, out of which a new county was made, called Columbia." He gives an interesting account of an expedition against the Indians between the Ogeechee and Oconee rivers, in which he was engaged as a soldier; of his marriage, and then proceeds: "For several years after my marriage my feelings in respect to religion were not much excited. Sometimes I would become troubled because of my sins; but these troubles would soon wear off. So things went on until the year 1792; this year I got greatly stirred up in view of my sinfulness. Being very uneasy about my case, and being in great want of knowledge, I concluded to invite ministers to come and preach at my house, that I might gain some instruction. Among others, several Methodist ministers used to hold meetings with me for myself and neighbors. I heard them quite often, and liked them very much, for all sorts of preachers could teach me about that time. I was very ignorant as to my soul, and did not know how to get rid of my sins; as a heavy burden, they were too heavy for me, and seemed about to crush me to the earth. My trouble was very great, and instead of getting clear of it, it appeared to grow worse and worse, until the year 1798. This year, my health becoming feeble, I went to some Warm Springs in North Carolina, to see if they would do me any good. While there, I heard a man from Tennessee. His preaching affected me very much, and I was made to reflect still more on my case, and to cry to the Lord for mercy. I got so bad off on account of my sins, that when I came back home, I became a close attendant on preaching. Instead of getting better, I got worse; so I thought I would go with Marshall every Saturday and Sunday to his meeting to see if I could find some relief. But no, there was no help for poor me; I got worse and worse; so I fell into a great despair, and thought the Lord would never pardon me, but that I must die in my sins and be forever lost. I became so much troubled that I could not relish my daily food. I could not rest day nor night; sleep went form my eyes, and slumber from mine eye-lids. Thus I went on very much bowed down in soul, until the month of May, 1799. One morning in that beautiful month, I went out to ploughing very soon, telling my dear wife that I would not be home to breakfast that day. Everything looked gloomy and desolate unto me, but yet I went on ploughing, meditating upon my sad condition and thinking what I must do to be saved. While I was thus in deep distress, all of a sudden, about the middle of the day, something like a flash of lightning, came all in me and around me; and I had such a view of the fullness and beauty of the Lord Jesus Christ, and of the worth of his pardoning love and mercy to a poor sinner like me, that I broke out into a great cry of joy and praise. I immediately took out my horse and went to the house as quick as I could, and told my dear wife what had happened unto me. There was such a change in my heart, and all things wore such a beauty and light about me, that it appeared to me I was in a new world. It seemed to me too that I did not want to stay here any longer; so I put my horse into the stable, and ran like a deer down to Abram Marshall's, about three miles off, and told him how I had found the Lord in my cornfield, about middle way of my corn row; that he revealed himself to me as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, so that my soul was full of love and I wanted every body to know and feel as I did. Marshall seemed to be very glad and said to me, 'You must come and join the church.' But that was too much for me then, for before I got back home, my joy and love began to die away, so that I was afraid I might be mistaken. While thus troubled with doubts and fears, I went to Poplar Springs meeting house, near Little River, where I heard a man by the name of James Landrews. His text was, 'We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.' While he was preaching the love of God flowed into my heart so much that I thought I never would doubt any more, for I felt that I had the witness in my soul, because I loved the people of the Lord. I thought, therefore, if the preacher told the truth, I must be a converted man; so I rejoiced in the Lord with great joy, and went back home in great hopes of my real conversion and acceptance with the blessed Saviour." On the third Sabbath in August, 1801, he was baptized by Abraham Marshall into the Kiokee church. His wife was received into the fellowship of the same church about six months thereafter. "In considering my condition after my baptism, I found myself to be in great want of knowledge, both mental and spiritual. My advantages in early life had been very poor, having gone to school only about two months. But having cast my lot in with God's children, I looked about to see in what way I could best serve my blessed Master. Finding that I was so very ignorant, I thought I had better begin with myself. Accordingly, I worked hard in the day time to obtain a support for my family, and at night I would sit up and read and study by pine knot fires. In this way I improved myself a good deal. But I lacked spiritual knowledge very much also. To obtain this, I tried to attend all the meetings in reach of me. In order to go to meeting on Saturday, I would labor very hard, so as to finish my week's work by Friday evening. Frequently I have had to walk to attend preaching. I have gone in this way as much as eight miles, and often as much as five and six. This, however, I did not mind. I wanted to know more about my blessed Saviour--more about that wonderful grace of God that saved a wretch like me--more about that rich and glorious inheritance which awaits the saints in heaven. "I felt continually pressed in spirit to testify unto the people that Jesus Christ was the only name given under heaven, among men, whereby they could be saved. I wanted to tell them of their lost and undone condition in a state of nature, of that tremendous punishment which God would pour out upon the finally impenitent, and of that blessed and glorious way of escape which had been provided by the death of a crucified Redeemer. Feeling this way, I commenced by holding prayer meetings about at different houses in the neighborhood, wherever I could collect the people together. In this manner, I spent a good deal of time, singing and praying with the people, exhorting christians to love and good works, and calling upon poor sinners to fly for their lives. In the meantime, I went about as much as I could with Jesse Mercer and Abraham Marshall to their meetings, in which way I learned a great deal in respect to the doctrines and truths of the Bible. The most of my knowledge of the teachings of the scriptures I got from the lips of these great and good men. Though not set apart by ordination to the full work of the ministry until several years after, I felt myself wholly given up to this good cause. I did not think myself qualified for the duties of a pastor, and never have thought so; but still I was able to proclaim the good news of salvation through faith in the precious blood of Christ. Accordingly, I gave myself up to the work of an evangelist. I went throughout the country, singing and praying with the people, exhorting professors to walk worthy of their high vocation, and beseeching poor sinners to fly for refuge to the hope set before them in the gospel. I went, sometimes, to private houses, sometimes to the meetings of my brethren, and sometimes to destitute places, where the name of Christ was seldom or never heard. In this way, I humbly hope that I was enabled to do, at least, some little good. We often had very interesting meetings. Sinners were made to weep because of their sins, and christians to rejoice in the glorious hope of the gospel of Christ. "In the early part of January, 1810, I moved into Warren county, and settled in the woods, on Briar creek, not far from Sweetwater meeting-house. Changing my home brought me into the neighborhood of some very destitute sections. In some of these places the people seemed to be in greater want of light and knowledge than any I had ever seen before. The preaching of the gospel was such a strange thing to many of them that they came out to meeting finely. The good Lord was with me, and I would thunder the law down upon them with all my might and power. Many of them became alarmed, and seemed to think they ought to do better than they had before. I had no house to preach in for a great while, except when there would be meeting at private houses. Finally, however, there was a meeting-house built, and that, too, in one of the darkest corners in the county, and not long after a church was constituted. Thus these dark and heathenish places were cheered by the rays of the glorious sun of righteousness. But I did not confine my labors to one section of the country. As my custom had been, I went from place to place, wherever destitution abounded. I often went down through the counties of Montgomery, Emanuel, Tatnall and Bullock, and there, in those destitute regions, lifted up the Saviour's banner and called upon poor sinners to ground the arms of their rebellion and come and gather around it. Sometimes I would make tours through Richmond, Burke, Jefferson and Screven counties, mingling with my beloved brethren, and singing and praying with the people. Sometimes I would sally out into the counties north and west of me, sometimes into South Carolina, and all up and down the Savannah river. I often met with trials, crosses and privations; but I tried to endure hardness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, feeling, with the Apostle, that these light afflictions, which were to endure but for a moment, would work out for me a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. "While the war with England was going on, there were felt, in different parts of the country, several very severe earthquake shocks. Once, during this earthquake period, brother George Franklin and myself were conducting a meeting at the house of a man named Parker. The meeting lasted until late at night, and several of the congregation remained at the house as well as ourselves. Just as we had laid down, and before the lights were out, the earth began to shake very powerfully, when some of the dear young people jumped out of their beds and ran, all in a tremble, to Franklin and myself, crying to us to pray for them. All over the country, all classes were very much alarmed, for they thought the day of judgment was at hand, and they were not prepared for it. A great revival took place not long after, and many that were converted dated their first impressions back to the earthquakes. "The Lord has blessed me with a strong constitution, for which I desire to be truly grateful. Though I am now pressing hard upon four-score and ten years, and though I have endured many hardships and suffered many privations, and notwithstanding my once erect form is now bowed with the weight of years, I still possess much vivacity and vigor. I still meet with my brethren from year to year in their Associational and other meetings, and I still lift up my voice in calling upon poor sinners to fly from the wrath to come." "I hope soon to leave the cares and sorrows of this unfriendly world; I hope soon to cross the swelling waves of Jordan; I hope soon to pass the pearly gates of the New Jerusalem," etc. In this strain the good old man closed his narrative. His hopes have been realized. The precise date of his death is unknown to the author. James Perryman The subject of this brief sketch was born in Columbia county, Georgia, January 28th, 1795, and was the son of Rev. Elisha Perryman. He was baptized by Rev. William Henderson, at Talbotton, in 1829. From his first entrance upon his christian course, he felt that "the fire of the Lord was in his bones," and that "he was weary with forbearing, and could not stay." His education being quite limited, he applied himself diligently and perseveringly to its improvement, and soon acquired a fair knowledge of the English language, and made some progress in the Latin and Greek. He was passionately fond of history, especially of ecclesiastical history, and few men of his day accumulated a larger fund of historical information, or knew better how to use it, than himself. His familiarity with the Old and New Testaments, even before he commenced preaching, was remarkable. Thus equipped, he began his useful career. In 1834, he was ordained at Talbotton by John Ross, Joseph Hand, Hiram Powell and Robert Fleming, and was soon engaged actively and usefully in serving the churches, in which glorious revivals were experienced, and many were added unto the Lord. Soon after his ordination, a general separation took place throughout the State between the missionary and anti-missionary parties of the Baptist denomination. It was like tearing asunder soul and body for him to part with his brethren; but, in a matter like this, he could not long hesitate, and so he fell on the missionary side, though, personally, he was strongly attached to many who were anti-missionaries. In those times, great difference of opinion and much excitement prevailed on the temperance cause. Mr. Perryman went strongly for the reformation; and, as he was no halfway man in anything, he made enemies for himself of those who were of the contrary sentiment and practice, especially of liquor dealers. He was also a very decided Baptist, and was by no means chary in expressing his views as such. The consequence was, that he frequently gave offense to his pœdo-Baptist brethren, with whom, as a general thing, he was rather unpopular. Yet, such was his intelligence, honesty and probity of character, that he commanded the respect of all men, even though they disagreed in sentiment with him. He was for many years moderator of the Columbus Association, (one of the most intelligent and influential religious bodies in the State,) and then of the Friendship, with which he was connected the latter part of his life. For several years preceding his death, the state of his health would allow of his preaching but seldom. The Master whom he served finally released him from labor, and he departed in peace March 12th, 1864, in the seventieth year of his age. Joseph Polhill April 2nd, 1798 Rev. Thomas Polhill, the father of the subject of this notice, was born in Chatham county, Georgia, January 12th, 1760, and died in Burke county, in 1814. His mother was a native of Savannah, whose maiden name was Mary Anderson, and who died in Effingham county, in 1804. Joseph Polhill was born at Newington, Effingham county, April 2nd, 1798. Though somewhat wild and dissipated in early life, he was a chosen vessel of the Lord, and, having obtained a good hope through grace, he was baptized into Hopeful church, Burke county, in November, 1829, by Rev. Joseph Huff. Very soon after his baptism, he began to proclaim the glad tidings, to the astonishment of many who had known his previous manner of life, and even of some of his own kindred, who it seems could not have faith in the great change which had been so suddenly wrought in him. Yet so mightily did the Word prevail in his hands, that his ordination was soon called for, and he was set apart to this work by a presbytery, consisting of Revs. Joseph Key and Joseph Huff, at Friendship church, Richmond county, in November, 1832. He was married to Miss Julia J. Guion, at New Rochelle, New York, in 1819. His labors were confined, in the main, to the bounds of the Hephzibah Association, of which body he was clerk for nineteen years in succession, and was its moderator at the time of his death. From a book of memoranda, kept by himself, the following facts are gathered: That he performed nine hundred and twenty-seven baptisms, assisted in the constitution of five churches, and in the ordination of six ministers, and of nineteen deacons; that he pronounced the marriage ceremony fifty-three times; that the first person he baptized was his wife, and that he subsequently baptized four of his children, one brother, one sister, two sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and several nephews and nieces. He drove his favorite old horse, Buck, twelve years, and his estimate of the number of miles traveled was eighty thousand. He had two sons and four daughters, all of whom are living, and are consistent members of the Baptist church. Both his own sons are deacons. His wife, a most excellent and intelligent lady, died in Burke county, in 1863. The following letter from her to her son, Dr. John G. Polhill, will give some insight into her character, and is an affecting description of the manner of his death:" Burke County , December, 4th, 1858. "My Dear Son: "What can I say to you? My heart is full almost to bursting. Your father, your precious father, is gone! and if I did not feel the blessed assurance that he is now reaping the reward of his labors, I should sink under the weight of this bitter stroke. Oh, how blind I was that I did not see that he had a premonition of this! He told me on Monday night that he felt as if he had preached his last sermon, and when I asked why, he said that when he was preaching on Sunday night he had such an overwhelming sense of the goodness of God, he was completely lost in the immensity of his fullness. 'Oh, mother, said he, it was all God, nothing but God!' On Tuesday morning about five o'clock, he asked me if I was awake, I told him that I had been for some time, but, supposing him asleep, I had kept quiet. He requested me to arise, and we kneeled on the bed, when he prayed for me that I might be sustained in every trial; then for each of our children by name; then prayed for his churches and friends, and offered a most fervent petition for sinners. He staid in the house most of the morning, but, when he was out (about the premises,) the negroes say he was singing all the time, which was an unusual thing for him. At dinner I mentioned a sermon I had been reading, which, at his request, I handed to him. He read it, making comments on it as he proceeded. He had promised to preach for the Baptists in your brother's neighborhood on the 26th of November, which made it necessary he should leave home on the day previous. I remarked I regretted his having to travel on thanksgiving day. He answered, 'never mind, mother, I can keep thanksgiving in my heart on the road.' Your brother told me the congregation was so large they had to repair to the campground for accommodation. And they were so much pleased they made him promise to preach for them again on Christmas day. Saturday he preached twice in Louisville, and was again unanimously called to the care of the church for next year. Sunday forenoon a licentiate preached for him, and he followed in an exhortation which sister Batty (who came 'hoping to see his dear face once more,') told me was the best she ever heard. In the afternoon he lectured the colored congregation, and at night he preached to a crowded house, from II. Corinthians, v. 20: 'Now, then, we are ambassadors for Christ,' etc. "The foregoing circumstances cause me to think that he had a premonition that his course was about to end. When he had finished reading the sermon above alluded to, he took up a religious paper, when I left the room. He soon went to the ginhouse where the negroes were at work, and in fifteen minutes I heard them screaming, 'Master is killed!' (He had fallen from the scaffold, causing a laceration of the spinal marrow, which resulted in death.) When I reached him he said, 'I know you, my darling; be composed, my back is broken, and my intestines are loose.' We placed him on a couch and brought him to the house. After he was laid on the bed, he said he did not suffer any pain except in his left arm. We rubbed it several times with liniment, and he complained of it no more. His physicians (among whom was Dr. Miller, his son-in-law,) were convinced, from the first, that his injuries would prove fatal. When we were around his bed, he said to me, 'Mother, let us hold one another's hands to the last.' He looked at the children and said, 'All here except our first-born. Tell my dear John that I have fought the good fight.' He retained his reason and speech to the last, and said to a good brother that his hopes were so bright as almost to alarm him. When brother Tom Key took leave of him, he said, 'Farewell, brother Tom; I hope to meet you on the banks of deliverance.' Old brother Key came to see him, and prayed with him. Your father asked him if he thought it possible he could be deceived, seeing he felt the presence of his Saviour so gloriously, and had such evidences of his acceptance. Brother Key assured him he had confidence that he was not deceived, which seemed to gratify him much. Frank Carswell staid with him the last night he lived. He knew him as soon as he spoke. Said to him, 'I am going home, Frank; there is not a cloud between me and my Saviour.' He asked how late it was, and being informed it was past eight, he raised his clasped hands and exclaimed, 'Oh! my gracious Master, when will the hour come!' Then closed his eyes and lay two or three minutes, opened them again, and looking at me, said, 'Be composed, they are making preparations;' closed them for the last time, and was gone, without a groan or a contortion. A most angelic smile rested on his dear face till it was hid from mortal gaze. His body lies in the field in front of the house. His old horse, Buck, and his gray drew him to his last resting place. His friends from far and near, old and young, came to his burial. Old brother Key performed appropriate services in the house, and brother Palmer prayed at the grave. "But, O, my son, when our married children and their families left me, then did I feel my loneliness. And when the hour came to surround the family altar, and he who had always offered the sacrifice was gone, it was almost more than I could do to read the scriptures and kneel in his accustomed place to implore God's blessing and protection." This excellent woman kept up family worship as long as she lived, unless confined to her bed by sickness, proving herself, as she had ever done, worthy to have been the wife of this most devoted and useful minister of Christ. With the influence of his example upon her, she could hardly have done otherwise. It had been his custom not only to attend family worship, morning and evening, but also whenever he was leaving his family for any length of time, they were assembled for special prayer, and were thus left under God's immediate protection. Mr. Polhill was a strong and consistent advocate of the temperance cause. From the hour of his conversion, he abstained altogether from intoxicating drinks. In his last illness, one of his physicians offered him brandy. He looked him steadily in the face and said, "Doctor, will you, as a physician, say this is necessary to save my life?" The doctor replied that, as an honest man, he could not say so. "Then," said he, "doctor, take it back; I cannot violate the promise I made to my God many years ago, when he converted my soul." He was of a stout, heavy build, somewhat bordering on corpulence; of a pleasant, open, honest countenance, and of a kind, fraternal, benevolent spirit. He loved his friends, and no man in turn was more beloved than he. They ever found a cordial welcome in his hospitable mansion, and with his intelligent family, and he knew how to make himself at home with them. His mind, though not of the first order, was of sufficient clearness, depth and power to render him a forcible and successful preacher of the Word. His education, though neither thorough nor extensive, was sufficient to qualify him for the business of life, and for great usefulness in the church. He belonged to the class of medium men: far the most useful class, whether in the church or in the world. Thomas Polhill The preaching of a black man, in 1789, was the means of his awakening, and he was baptized at Black Swamp by Alexander Scott, his step-father. His ordination took place on his own plantation, December 9th, 1805, by John Goldwire and Henry Holcombe. He was born in Chatham county, January 12th, 1760, and died in Burke county, November 24th, 1814. He was the author of a book on baptism, in a controversy with Mr. Russell, a Methodist, in which he displays a sound mind and respectable talents. His father was a preacher in Mr.Whitfield's connextion, probably at the Orphan House; but having embarked for England for Episcopal ordination, the ship was swallowed up in Charleston harbor by a violent whirlwind. Mr. Polhill married two wives, and by the first had several children; two sons were bred to the law, and both have sustained the office of Judge of our Superior Courts. Judge James Pohill presided over the Southern Circuit, but was suddenly cut off by death. Judge John G. Polhill was for several years at the head of the Ocmulgee Circuit, and died in the Cherokee country, whither he had gone on account of bad health. He was a graduate of R. I. College - studied law in Augusta, but had resided a dozen years or more in the neighborhood of Macon and Milledgeville. For a time he was connected with the "Federal Union" as editor. He was acting deacon of the Baptist church in Milledgeville at the time of his death. Joseph Polhill, another son of the subject of this notice, was a Baptist minister of high standing and great usefulness. Richmond, Burke and the adjacent counties enjoyed the benefit of his labors. Humphrey Posey January 12, 1780 This eminent servant of God was born in Henry county, Virginia, January 12th, 1780. While he was yet a child, his father removed to Burke county, North Carolina, where young Posey spent his youth. His parents were pious, and maintained an excellent character. His mother, especially, seems to have been a person of superior natural endowments, of great decision of character, and of indomitable perseverance, which traits of character were inherited by her son. He was above the ordinary size, of powerful frame, of fine head and face, and possessed great vivacity and activity both of body and mind. The books from which his mother taught him to read, were the Psalter and New Testament, the latter of which he had read through several times before he was seven years old. He was enabled to acquire the merest rudiments of an English education, but this small stock (to his credit be it recorded,) was greatly improved in after years, so that he wrote and spoke more correctly than many who enjoyed superior advantages. "Through desire, a man having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom." Proverbs, xv ii. 1. The fact that he was brought up on a farm, and had to "work for a living," contributed, no doubt, much to the development of his body and mind. His first marriage occurred when he was quite young, being only a little upwards of twenty. Dr. Franklin would have commended him for wisdom. He was at least wise in the fact that he selected a pious woman for a wife, of whom Solomon declares, "she will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life." Proverbs xxxi. 12. Her maiden name was Lettice Jolly. He left a written account of his religious experience, which differs but little from that of many others we have heard or read. The Holy Spirit seems to have striven with him nearly two years before he was enabled to exercise saving faith, and even then he "rejoiced with trembling." He was baptized into the fellowship of a Baptist church in Union District, South Carolina, (where he had been teaching "little old-field schools," as he expressed it,) on the 11th of June, 1802. On coming up out of the water, he had a strong desire to address the people, but the enemy of his soul suggested, "you have gone too far already; for in a short time you will turn out as bad as ever," and so he yielded, and said nothing. Yet the day of his baptism he ever after regarded as one of the happiest days of his life. He felt that he was inexpressibly honored in being permitted to follow his Saviour. His first attempt at public exhortation and prayer, was during a camp-meeting at the church where his membership was. (Such meetings were not uncommon among the Baptists in those times.) He was licensed to preach in 1803, and in 1804 he removed to Buncombe county, North Carolina, where he received ordination in 1805. He says, "I commenced preaching, of evenings, in a destitute settlement near where I was teaching a school, on Cane creek. Brother James Whitaker and myself drew up Articles of Faith, as we could not find any in the country; and we collected all the members intending to be in the constitution, and examined them on the articles. All being agreed, a Presbytery was invited to attend. The Presbytery was pleased with our Articles of Faith, and so the church was organized. Two of the members were, at the same time, ordained to the deacon's office, and I was ordained to the work of the ministry. At the next meeting I baptized four professed believers, and the work of the Lord continued for a length of time. Some were received for baptism at almost every meeting." The Cherokee Indians were quite numerous in that "hill country," and it is understood that Posey preached the gospel to them, as he had opportunity, while Judson, Rice, and others, who subsequently became missionaries in the East, were yet students at Williams' College. After Rice returned to America, he became acquainted with Posey, and in the winter of 1817 he opened a correspondence with him in regard to the practicability of missionary operations among those Indians, which resulted in Posey's appointment as missionary to the Cherokees. The correspondence between them, and also that between Posey and Dr. Staughton, then Corresponding Secretary of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, is highly interesting, and does credit to all parties, but we have not room for it in this brief sketch. A wide and effectual door was thus opened to him, and the long cherished desire of his heart attained - to preach the gospel to the poor Cherokees. All the energies of his great soul were forthwith enlisted in the work, and in the two following years he formed a very general acquaintance with the tribe, and also with the poor whites on the frontier. At a grand council of the chiefs at New Town, in October, 1819, he obtained their hearty consent to establish a school for their benefit at Valley Town. Soon thereafter, he visited Washington City and secured an annual appropriation for said school, by which its efficiency was greatly promoted. He received every encouragement and attention from John C. Calhoun, and other distinguished men of that day. Such was his presence and bearing that he invariably commanded respect from men who were capable of appreciating true nobility. From Washington City he proceeded, on horseback to Philadelphia, (railroads and steamboats were unknown in those days,) where the churches and pastors received him with the utmost cordiality, and where he awakened the most profound interest for "the poor Cherokees," as he almost invariably styled them. The Saviour said, "As ye go, preach, saying the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Posey followed this rule returning from Philadelphia, as well as on his journey thither, and, indeed, on all the journeys he made. As he went, he preached, and thus extended his acquaintance and influence, at the same time that he engaged the hearts and prayers of increasing thousands in behalf of his "poor Cherokees." He renewed his visit to Philadelphia in 1821, to consult with the Mission Board, and to obtain supplies and assistance for his Valley Town school. He succeeded in obtaining the needed supplies, and engaged several missionaries and assistants to come to his aid: Rev. Thomas Roberts and wife, Rev. Evan Jones and wife, Isaac Cleaver, a blacksmith, John Farrier, a farmer, besides Miss Cleaver and Miss Lewis, who all sailed from that city, laden with clothing for the poor Indian children, and all other things necessary for a large missionary establishment. He continued his connection with this mission until 1824. As some false rumors were circulated in regard to the "waste of money and means" at this school, the French Broad Association, at the request of Mr. Posey, appointed a committee to visit the place and report the true state of the case. Only two of that committee acted, but they reported: "That they had done as they were requested, and found the school in a very flourishing condition, fully up to their highest expectations. That, notwithstanding large sums of money had been expended for the establishment, yet not unnecessarily; and that they, therefore, do heartily recommend its promotion." The venerable deacon, James Whitaker, corroborates this testimony, and says of Posey: "A more attentive and faithful man could not be found, and the Cherokees universally esteem him as a good man. At the mention of his name, those who still remain in the country will brighten up with a smile on their countenances." In 1836, this school is reported in Allen's Register as being in a flourishing condition, "and to this day the Cherokees have more confidence in Humphrey Posey than they have in any other man living." And it can be recorded, in truth, that Posey carried the Cherokees in his heart to the day of his death. Those who heard him preach towards the close of his life, know that his allusions to them were frequent and touching. No doubt, many of the red men will be "stars in his crown of rejoicing in that day." How much better to save them by the gospel than to destroy them by the sword. While on an agency for Valley Town school, in June, 1822, he visited Georgia, and was present at the organization of the General Association of the State, now denominated the Baptist State Convention. Upon leaving Valley Town, in 1824, he resided temporarily in some one of the old counties in upper Georgia, and finally located in what was then termed the Cherokee region of the State, where he designed spending the balance of his life. Here he accepted an agency for Hearn school, an important institution, but then deeply in debt, and likely to be sold out by the sheriff. He was successful in this agency; relieved the institution of its embarrassments, and it has since enjoyed much prosperity. His first wife lived forty-two years, and was the mother of ten children. She died in Walker county, in 1842. All her children gave evidence of genuine piety. This was, of course, matter of fervent gratitude to God on the part of the parents. He frequently mentioned it as such towards the close of his life. Two years, or thereabouts, after the death of his first wife, he was married to Mrs. Jane Stokes, of Newnan, Georgia, to which place he removed, and where he terminated his earthly course. He served several churches in the vicinity as pastoral supply, to acceptance and profit. Having been appointed at the preceding session of the Western Association to preach the missionary sermon before that body, in September, 1846, he came forward on the Lord's day and, with great liberty and power, performed that service. It was the dying effort of a giant mind, and on a subject that lay nearest his heart. Many, now living, cherish the remembrance of that sermon, and will till their latest day. The effort, however, was too much for his failing strength, for that afternoon he was attacked with a chill, which was followed by high fever. From that attack he only partially recovered; his health continued feeble, and after preaching his last sermon at Ebenezer church, Coweta county, on the second Lord's day in December following, he was again prostrated by disease, and fell asleep in Jesus on the 28th of that month. Death had no terrors for him, but was welcomed as God's messenger, sent to release him from the labors of earth and introduce him to the rest and refreshment of heaven. The writer visited the good man's tomb, (which is covered by a neat marble slab, with an appropriate inscription,) in company with several others, some years ago. It is seven miles east of Newnan, in a retired spot. At the request of his son, Rev. Otis Smith delivered a discourse in memory of him in May following, at Newnan, and at the next session of the Western Association, Rev. J. E. Dawson preached a similar sermon. "The memory of the just is blessed." The writer records it as his deliberate conviction that Humphrey Posey was, naturally, one of the greatest men and, for his limited opportunities, one of the greatest preachers he has ever known. His person, his countenance, his voice, the throes of his gigantic mind, the conceptions of his great christian soul--all proclaimed him great. The first time the writer ever saw him was at the Georgia Baptist Convention, at Shiloh church, near Penfield, in 1835. Such men as Mercer, Sanders, Dawson, Thornton, Mallary, Brooks, and others, were there; but Posey was a giant among them all. Who, that was present, does not remember his sermon on that occasion? And who, that heard him preach the education sermon at Monroe, Walton county, in 1838, will ever forget it? Yet his great talents were all consecrated to the glory of God and the good of his fellowmen. Even though our abilities may be far inferior to his, with such as we have, let us "go and do likewise." Edward P. Postell Mr. Postell is believed to have been a native of South Carolina. The date of his birth is not known. Rev. Josiah S. Law says - "His life was not an eventful one. At an early age he entered the service of his country (as a midshipman in the navy) in which he remained three years. Returning home, he studied the law and was admitted to the bar in South Carolina. He did not practice long, before he removed to this State, and devoted himself entirely to planting. Some four or five years ago he was brought by the power of divine truth to behold himself a condemned sinner in the sight of God, and to feel his need of pardon and salvation. He has often, with deep emotion, told me of that season of trial and bitter sorrow. He has pointed me to the spot where he often retired in anguish of soul and plead with his God for forgiveness through the merits of his Son. He at length found peace in believing, and connected himself with the South Newport Baptist church, McIntosh county. His soul seemed bent on doing good to others. For the salvation of the young, particularly, he always manifested a lively interest. I have known him win the respect, the confidence and the affection of young men, and converse freely with them on the subject of religion, who could not be approached by any other on that subject. "If I mistake not, the first thing that turned his attention to the ministry, and kindled in his soul that zeal which soon consumed his body, was the condition of our colored people as regards moral instruction. It was to them he first preached the gospel, and it was for them he desired most earnestly to labor. In accordance with this feeling, he at one time removed to Savannah, intending to devote himself entirely to the religious instruction of the colored population of that place. He had labored there but a very short time, when it became necessary for him to return to his residence in McIntosh county." "He was called to ordination by the South Newport church, and soon afterwards to become their pastor. He was accordingly ordained, and entered upon his pastoral duties with zeal and diligence. In prosecuting the work of the ministry it was in vain that his body often complained; it was in vain that the lassitude and debility experienced after preaching admonished him to restrain his ardor; it was in vain that the voice of friendship and love called upon him to spare himself, and pointed him to those symptoms as indications of the breaking down of nature. He did not spare himself, but taxed all his powers to their utmost capacity that he might be acceptable and useful as a minister of the gospel. He grew rapidly in knowledge and usefulness. He had not labored long, after entering fully upon the work of the ministry, before his lungs gave fearful signs that they were giving way under the heavy tasks imposed upon them. But being possessed of a strong frame, an expansive chest, and naturally strong lungs, he heeded not these signs, but went onward in his work; and, in all probability, had he not been called by the mysterious providence of God to rescue his only son from a watery grave, he might have lived and labored longer." An account of this event is given in a letter to one of his brothers in Savannah, as follows: "Your letter of the 22d reached me yesterday, and, thanks to Almighty God, it found me alive, and my house not one of mourning. On Friday afternoon last, the weather being fine and the tide suitable, I took Charles (his son) into the river and taught him to swim. On Saturday, during my absence at meeting, he obtained his mother's permission, and went into the river to improve himself in the art he had just entered his noviciate. In the afternoon, on my return home, he expressed himself not a little pleased at what he considered his improvement. On his return from school on Monday afternoon, he asked and obtained my permission to go again into the river. It was on the flood, nearly high water. You know that, in front of the house, on the flood, there is an eddy of considerable extent, outside of which the stream runs with great velocity. The little canoe was at anchor in the eddy, with a long scope of cable. Charles had been amusing himself by swimming near the boat, and anon would rest himself by suspending to her. While he was thus amusing himself, the boat was sheering towards the stream without his being aware of it, and upon his last quitting his hold, he was forcibly drawn into the current, and the boat simultaneously approached the shore. I was at the time reclining on the sofa, nervous and exhausted from the excitement of two days' meeting, my wife seated near me, when we were startled by his whoop from the water, which was immediately repeated. On springing to the window, the first thing that met my view was my only son, at least one-fourth the width of the river from the shore, and rapidly receding. (The river is near half a mile wide.) It was but the work of a moment for me to throw off my jacket as I ran, and plunge into the waves. I remembered that I had on a pair of large, heavy shoes, but as they were securely tied across my instep, I feared that in the time necessary for me to untie and throw them off, his strength would be exhausted, and he sink before I could reach him. They nearly proved fatal to us both. I succeeded in gaining him while he was yet above the water, and judging from his countenance that he was not very much alarmed, I thought it best not to take hold of him, but to turn my back and direct him to place his hands upon my shoulders. He did so, and while my strength lasted, all seemed well; but that failing, together with the weight of the shoes, which I now began to feel sensibly, I gradually sunk into the water. At that time, the pressure of the child upon me became insupportable; I endeavored to tell him so, but my mouth was under water, and I could not articulate. I then hoped by diving to reach the shore; but the want of breath soon rendered it necessary that I should reach the surface; but this I could not do with the child holding to me. I now thought that, by gaining the bottom, I might, by a desperate effort, propel myself to the top, but this I could not effect! Instinctive love of life, together with the last view of my wife and five helpless little girls in agony, with clasped hands, standing in the piazza, determined me to break his hold. But the thought of throwing off my child, who was clinging to me for life, was a dagger to my heart. Then did I, as Jonah, cry unto the Lord out of the deep, and he heard me. In shoving Charles from me, I had forced him to the surface, and upon my rising, I beheld my faithful servant, Prince, up to his arm pits in the water, in the act of springing into the boat. Again did my hope revive, and seeing my child beside me struggling for life, I took him by the arm with my left hand and swam with the other, until, once more exhausted, we again sank. On coming to the surface a second time, I found Charles already up and swimming. I called to him not to give up, that Prince would soon be to us. He replied with calmness, and I took comfort. We were within five feet of each other, and all that I could do was to watch the approach of the boat and encourage him by words. I do not think, had I seen my child again sinking, that I could have made another effort for his salvation. Indeed, there is but little doubt but that I should have drowned first, for I was caught by Prince, as I was sinking the third time, probably to rise no more, and Charles swam to the boat. I thank my God that my presence of mind remained with me to the last. Prince wished to draw me into the boat, but as she was small, in the attempt she would, no doubt, have upset. I directed him to let me hang by the gunwale and save Charles, to whom he immediately extended his hand." "I think (he further observes) I can distinctly see the hand of the Lord in our rescue from a watery grave. Had not the boat continued to sheer in from the time of Charles' leaving her, she would have been out of the servant's reach, and had he found a paddle in her, in his anxiety he may have passed over me in my exhausted state, or had he succeeded in securing me in his hold, had the boat been passing swiftly through the water, after saving me she would have shot beyond Charles But he was compelled to propel her with his hands, and the approach was therefore gradual, so that as soon as my weight was suspended to her she stopped and was approached by Charles." The preacher adds: "Thus was he delivered by his God from a watery grave, afterward to repose beneath the cold sods of the valley." "From this time his health declined rapidly, baffling the skill of the physician. Many of you remember the last time he occupied this pulpit, when, in an earnest and solemn manner, he addressed you from the interesting passage, truly significant of what shortly awaited him, 'There remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God.' He seemed at this time to feel that he should not survive long, that his end was rapidly approaching, for on descending from the pulpit, being requested by me to preach a funeral sermon in memory of a deceased friend, he replied, 'His own would soon be preached.' Some little time after this, he was confined to his bed to rise no more. It was a bed of pain and suffering, yet not a murmur escaped his lips; but he submitted patiently to him who doeth all things well. All who visited him bear testimony to the entire resignation he manifested to the will of God. A ministering brother, who was with him the day before his decease, beholding his situation and observing that every moment was spent in struggling for breath, stated to brother Postell that 'his painful condition forced upon his mind the folly of putting off repentance to a deathbed,' he replied, 'I thank my God I did that four years ago.' The minister, having further remarked upon the preciousness of Christ as a Saviour, in sustaining his followers even in the dark valley and shadow of death, he lifted his hands and eyes towards heaven, exclaiming, 'It is but a shadow! His rod and his staff, they comfort me.'" Thus did this gifted man live and die. The author's acquaintance with Mr. Postell was quite limited; yet he remembers that his personal appearance was fine, his countenance the very index of a magnanimous and noble spirit, and his voice possessed a richness and power rarely equaled. He took great delight in singing the songs of Zion, which uniformly produced a happy effect, owing to the power of his voice. His house was ever open to his numerous friends, where they met with a hospitality corresponding with his generous nature, and which was rendered doubly enticing by the agreeable manners and interesting conversation for which he was noted, and by the intelligence and amiable deportment of his pious wife. His talents, which were of a high order, were consecrated to the honor of the King of kings. "Whoso honoreth me, him shall my Father honor." His death was about nine o'clock Wednesday night, the 7th of October, 1837, in the thirty-eighth year of his age.   James Reeves ? - April 6th, 1858 The subject of this imperfect sketch, was the son of a Baptist minister, Jeremiah Reeves, of North Carolina, who removed to Georgia and settled in Wilkes county. He had four sons, all of whom became Baptist preachers, Malachi, Jeremiah, (whose history also occurs in this volume,) John and James. The oldest, Malachi, was an eminently useful man in his day, and was contemporary with Jesse Mercer, Thomas Rhodes, and other distinguished characters. John was still living at last accounts, a very old man. He has been quite useful in his day. James Reeves was born in Wilkes county, where he was brought up, and lived successively in Jasper, Butts, and Troup. His last move was to Carroll county, where he died, April 6th, 1858, in the seventy-fourth year of his age. When converted, and by whom baptized, the writer has not been able to ascertain. It is believed he was about thirty when he commenced preaching, which was probably in Jasper county. He was twice married, first, to a Miss McElroy, and next to a Mrs. Phillips. He raised a large family of children, some of whom passed away to the better country in advance of their father. The characters of those who remain do no discredit to their parentage. He was a praying man. He was never known to omit family prayer, when it was possible to attend to it; and if practicable, all his family must participate. The writer remembers an anecdote told of him in the early settlement of Troup county. The neighbors were accustomed to assist one another in building their log cabins, rolling logs, etc. Boards being in demand for covering a house, it was agreed that one party of men should meet at Mr. Reeves' for early breakfast, and another party at one of his neighbors, and thence sally forth for the day's work. Whichever party should find a suitable board-tree first, was to commence operations, not waiting for the other. Those who met at Mr. Reeves' were there by daylight, and were in a great hurry to get to work early. But no matter what the hurry was, family worship must be attended to first. The good man produced his Bible, and went through this service with due solemnity. Breakfast over, he and his party were not long in finding several first rate board-trees, on which they went to work with a will. It was growing late when the other party made their appearance, rather crest-fallen. "They had started out very early, (they said,) had felled several trees, but they had labored in vain, not having succeeded in making a single good board." Mr. Reeves kindly replied, "I fear you did not take time to pray before starting." Which was true, though some of them were professors of religion. From his entrance into the ministry, he was ardently devoted to its sacred duties, and eminently successful in wining souls to Christ. He gloried in being a pioneer preacher, in searching out destitute fields, and in establishing and building up churches therein. It was this spirit that prompted him to leave his pleasant home in Jasper county, and settle for a time in Butts, which was then newly acquired territory. And then, when the tide of emigration swept still further westward, into Troup and adjoining counties, Mr. Reeves went forward with the emigrants, and with John Wood and other zealous and devoted servants of Christ, planted the cross in what was then comparatively a wilderness. They preached in the log cabins of the new settlers, and under temporary arbors constructed for the purpose, supplied the people with Bibles and tracts, and established Sabbath schools and temperance societies. Some of the most flourishing churches now in Troup and adjoining counties were organized by Reeves and his coadjutors. And all this work was done as a labor of love, for they had no hope or prospect of earthly reward. Their families were maintained by the labor of their own hands, or that of their servants, and they went forth, sowing the good seed of the kingdom, without cost to those who reaped the benefits thereof. It was the unrequited labors of such men that gave the Baptists the vantage ground in all that region. Let none imagine that this work was accomplished without opposition. The "anti-mission war" was raged in those days with a bitterness of which the present generation have but a faint conception. Mr. Reeves was as firm as a rock and as bold as a lion in favor of the truth on this subject. Hence, he came in for his full share of persecution and reproach. Though exceedingly mild in spirit, and affable in manner, his adversaries found him ever ready to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints." Mr. Reeves was a Bible preacher. He was frequently called a living concordance. His familiarity with the sacred oracles was doubtless the result of a habit which prevailed among the fathers of our Baptist Israel in Georgia, much more generally than among the preachers of this generation - the habit of daily reading and studying the Word. They read the Bible more than any other book. Indeed, many of them read scarce anything else. The consequences were, that their sermons abounded with scripture quotations and illustrations, they were more fully established in the doctrines of grace, and they preached with an unction which nothing but the word and spirit of God can impart. Our brother was remarkable for punctuality in all his engagements, whether secular or religious. No man enjoyed in a higher degree the confidence of those with whom he had dealings. When the time arrived for him to start off to his preaching appointments, neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet prevented his going. His benevolence knew no bounds. The poor he never turned away empty. If they had money to pay for provisions, they got them. If not, they got them any how. If there was not sufficient for the rich and poor, he invariably gave the preference to the latter. Old age neither dampened the ardor nor restrained the zeal of Mr. Reeves in the great work to which he had so faithfully devoted his life. A friend, who visited him in March, 1858, says, in substance: "The time for his departure was drawing nigh. He was fully sensible of this, but talked as calmly about it as if he was going on a journey. His only desire to live longer was that he might preach the gospel. He manifested more concern for the conversion of his attending physician than for his own recovery. Throughout his sickness, he ceased not to exhort and counsel all who came about him, whether saints or sinners. Among his last words were, that, although he felt no great ecstasy in view of death, he had an abiding faith that all was well. As his last hour approached, he rose from his bed, though greatly debilitated, and asked to be helped to a seat near the fire, so that he might have family prayer once more. Having requested a brother Burke, who was present, to take up and complete his prayer should his breath fail, he agonized long and fervently in that last offering which he made as priest of his household. It was noticed by his friends that he made most fervent appeals for his country--that country which was so soon to be deluged with blood. Having given all necessary directions about his temporal affairs, designated the text from which he wished brother Burke to deliver his funeral discourse, (2nd Timothy, chapter iv. 6, 7 and 8 verses,) he calmly fell asleep in Jesus, and was gathered, 'as a shock of corn fully ripe,' into the garner of the Lord." The author has known but few as good men as James Reeves. Jeremiah Reeves Jr. November 3, 1772 - Jeremiah Reeves, Jr., was the second son of Jeremiah Reeves, Sr., and Jane, his wife, whose maiden name was Brazile. He was born in Halifax county, North Carolina, on the third day of November, 1772, and removed with his father's family to Georgia in his twelfth year. He obtained hope that God for Christ's sake had pardoned his sins, in the year 1804 was added to the Church at Sardis, Wilkes county, Georgia, in the same year. "With regard to his conviction or conversion I his son, A. E. Reeves have no data but my own recollection. One incident is now fresh, because at the time it made a most powerful impression. I was then in my eighth year; he was a man of lively turn of mind and fond of such company. Now for the incident. I went in company with him to a distillery in the neighborhood; (I have heard him say since, in relating his experience, he went there to try to drive off his melancholy feelings.) While there, I saw him once or more shedding tears, which affected me. We, however, left for home; when about half the distance, he stopped and wept aloud. Said he to me, "Son, go home and tell your mother I am such a vile sinner I believe the Lord is about to kill me." I obeyed, went home; he left the road and went into the woods. My mother, on my arrival, went in search; found him near night, and brought him home, still weeping. During the night he found deliverance; prayed with the family next morning, which I have no recollection of his ever failing to do, night and morning, from that time till his death. He held family prayers always, when even confined to a sick bed." He was chosen and ordained to the office of deacon of Sardis church in 1806, and commenced public exercise in prayer and exhortation soon after he united with the church. In 1813, the church at Skull Shoals sent an invitation to him, as also the church at Sardis, to take the pastoral charge of them. Sardis church submitted the matter to him, requesting him to relate his call to the ministry, which he did. But he being somewhat undetermined with regard to his fitness, requested an indefinite suspension of the matter. The church, however, proceeded to license him at the next conference, (he having become more reconciled,) in the words of the church minutes, "for further proof of his ministry." At the July conference, 1813, the church agreed to call a presbytery for the purpose of his ordination. Wednesday after the fourth Sabbath in August, 1813, was the day set apart. The presbytery, composed of Matthews, Rhodes and Davis, met according to appointment, and proceeded to his ordination. He then responded to the call of the churches above named, and became their pastor in the same year. In the year 1815, having received a call from a church in Clarke county, and from one in Morgan, he removed from Wilkes to the former county. His labors were confined to those and contiguous counties for eight years, serving the three churches alluded to a portion of the time. In 1823, being impressed that it was his duty to change his field of labor, to some extent, and having received a call from two churches in Jackson county, he removed to said county, serving one church still (Mar's Hill) in Clarke county, and Walnut Fork and Academy, in Jackson. Here (a brother, I. Davis, from that county, writes me) "he encountered considerable difficulty and persecution on account of his stern advocacy of the mission and temperance cause. The Association (the Sarepta) in which he was then thrown, was anti. At that time he persevered temperately but firmly, till he became instrumental in forming many societies throughout the bounds of the Association, and also the means of getting up a good missionary spirit." While resident in Jackson county, he received an appointment from the Georgia Baptist Convention. His field of labor was mostly confined to the Cherokee country. He traveled two years through that section, part of the time on his own account, and part under appointment of the Convention; met with and encountered many hardships, as the country was wild and just settling up. He was one of the first pioneers to that section of the State--aided in constituting several churches, ordained deacons, formed temperance societies, and inculcated the missionary spirit wherever his lot was cast. He was married to Mary Echols in the year 1794, in the twenty-second year of his age. She united with the church a short time after he did; was the mother of nine children - five sons and four daughters. Two of the daughters are dead and two living. Five sons yet living, three of them members of the church, and both daughters also. The old lady survived him several years. His labors as a minister was not characterized by any great accessions at any one time to his churches, but by gradual increase of such as wore well. His churches were generally well disciplined. It was his practice to urge strenuously and to have kept up weekly prayer meetings at the respective meeting-houses he attended, or in the neighborhood. Prayer was always his great weapon of defense. He prayed much. "I recollect an incident, which is as follows: An individual in the neighborhood, a wicked man, fell out with the old man; rode up to the gate one day and called father out, abused him much, threatening to sue him. He replied calmly to the threat by saying, 'I will sue you, too.' 'Sue me?' was the inquiry, accompanied with abuse. 'Yes, I will sue you at the court of heaven. There it is where I institute all my suits, and where I enter all my appeals, and have hitherto had justice done me, and I am sure I will have it again.' In his family worship, and I presume in private, he did not fail for some time to present this man's case to a throne of grace. The consequence was, that after the lapse of time, that man became his friend without any explanation on the part of father." "He died at my house, at Mount Zion, on the 27th of January, 1737, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. His remains were interred in the burying ground of the Baptist church at said village. "He was then on a tour of several weeks' appointments in the low country. He preached, sang and prayed at intervals during his whole sickness, which lasted some two weeks, during which time he would frequently urge me to take him in some vehicle to meet his appointments, remarking that it was a settled principle with him not to disappoint a congregation. Toward the latter part of his illness he lost the power of recollection, but seemed to retain his rationality. A few incidents in a short way: "When he was found to be sinking, the physician prescribed brandy-toddy. (He at this time could not tell what was his own, the name of his companion, or any of his children, or that he had any family.) The toddy was offered; he refused, which was the first thing refused from the hands of his physician or friends during his illness, remarking in his own words, "That is the old Prince--I cannot encounter him; I know his power too well. I have long since declared against him." As remarked, he seemed to have lost the power of recollection, from the fact we could not bring his mind to bear upon any circumstance in his former days. All seemed to be lost so far as pertained to the things of this world. But speak of the Saviour, or God the Father, or of heaven, he was as perfectly conversant as at any time in his life, and when he could not tell his own name, would quote scripture as correctly, sing hymns, pray as connectedly and as appropriately as I ever heard him. Not an hour before his death, Mr. Bryan, a Presbyterian brother, was asked to pray. He accordingly sang; father joined in the singing; would wait for the giving out of the lines, as the rest of us. When we knelt down, father commenced audibly to pray as Mr. Bryan did; both prayed. He closed before Mr. Bryan, continued to respond to Mr. Bryan's petitions until he closed--and yet could not tell where he was! "He bore his affliction with patient resignation, was sensible of his death, and possessed strong confidence of his acceptance with God."   Thomas Rhodes Thomas Rhodes was an extraordinary man, born in North Carolina, and baptized at County Line church, Oglethorpe county, about 1802. He soon began to exercise in public, and though he had been a green, awkward boy, sprung from a family whose opportunities for refinement had not been great, yet he astonished his acquaintances. Very soon he became a persuasive speaker, acquired a considerable knowledge of books, quoted the Bible correctly and fluently, and exerted for a dozen years great influence throughout the State. Few men, with his limited opportunities for education and general improvement in early life have risen up so rapidly to high reputation as a pulpit orator and theologian. His memory was very retentive, his imagination creative, and his powers of description unsurpassed. His person was tall and commanding, his address easy and persuasive, and his tears would flow whenever he touched a pathetic subject. Crowds were attracted by his reputation, which were often deeply affected under his masterly efforts. How beautiful is the side of the picture! What young man, desirous to be useful, does not burn to imitate and surpass in shining qualities the example before him? But we must look at the other side. If Mr. Rhodes’ mind had been improved in youth by a sound education, which might have served as ballast and kept the vessel steady, the sails of his popularity might not have overturned his vessel and destroyed all. Because he was popular as a preacher and acquitted himself well in this department, he was so blinded and bedizened by the indiscreet praises of some, that he supposed he would succeed in anything. He entered with his sons into mercantile business; issued change bills, and became involved. He took his sons’ part – prevaricated – became deeply involved himself, and was finally excluded for his incontinency. Oh, how many tears were shed over his defection, and how much his brethren Mercer, Matthews, Davis and others labored that he might see and turn from his errors, before his sad overthrow! But he, giddy with popularity, supposed they were jealous of his reputation and wished to impede his progress, lest he should outshine them. Oh what sobs of anguish have been heard at meetings, designed to bring him to see the obliquity of his course and the injury he was inflecting on the cause of Christ; while eh would sometimes acknowledge himself in fault, but soon give his confessions such a version as to lead his brethren to question his sincerity. After several trials to be restored to the ministry, (for his ambition to preach was insatiable,) and not succeeding, with a portion of the denomination, supposing he could raise up a party who would sustain him as their leader. But in this he was mistaken – he kept sinking lower and lower, till there was none so mean as to do him reverence. He was afterwards restored to membership at Shiloh, and soon removed to Jasper where he was restored to his ministerial functions; but he never regained his former standing. Many churches would not hear him preach. Through the influences of his friends, as he was in reduced circumstances, he was elected one of the commissioners for the sale of fractions in the Cherokee purchase. He died suddenly in Milledgeville of pleurisy, in the discharge of his duty in the office to which he was then elected, in December, 1832, over fifty years of age. John Ross 1781 - July 1837 Was born in Virginia, about 1781. His father emigrated to Georgia in 1798, and settled in Columbia county, where he died in 1805. The subject of this notice moved into the new purchase, between the Oconee and Ocmulgee, in the early settlement of the country, say 1807. His preaching talents were of a very respectable order, and he began to exercise them about 1816. For some years he was moderator of the Ebenezer Association, and after 1830, when he removed into the bounds of the Columbus Association, he was the presiding officer of that body till his death, in July, 1837. He was a man naturally of a very popular turn, beloved and confided in by all who knew him. As a preacher, he accomplished more by his persuasive and impassioned manner than by the strength of his arguments. On account of his great popularity, he was induced to run for the Legislature in about 1828, but he was defeated, much to the satisfaction of his more prudent brethren. The occasions are believed to be of very rare occurrence when ministers of the gospel are warranted in coming down from their high and holy station to mingle in the strifes of party, or even to give direction to the affairs of State. As men, it is their privilege and duty to stand in their place at the ballot box. This they may do without compromitting the dignity of their office, or neglecting its duties. Christ has said, "My kingdom is not of this world." In 1825, he was messenger from the Ebenezer Missionary Society to the General Baptist Association, at Eatonton. Though he resided among brethren who did not favor the benevolent operations of the age, he was their firm friend and supporter. He was more zealous in their behalf in the latter part of his life. On this subject his influence was commanding in the Columbus Association, where he spent his latter days. His residence was in Upson, but his membership at Antioch, in Talbot, across the river. When the Convention was at Talbotton, in 1836, he entered warmly into the measure of that body to establish a Baptist college in the State. In the ministers' meeting at Forsyth, in July following, he was deeply interested in all its objects, and instrumental in accomplishing much good. He had gone into Marion county in July, 1837, to attend a meeting, when he was attacked with disease, and survived but a few days. ©2007 - 2009 Genealogy Trails