Sketches of holston preachers

 

Carey, Frank H.: He was admitted to Holston Conference (M. E.), in 1903. He served eleven charges. He died suddenly in 1941, at Dunlap (his last charge). He was buried at Cleveland, Tenn.

 

Carico, Martin P.: Born Feb. 3, 1867, in North Carolina, near the Virginia border. Educated in public schools and became a man of wide learning. Admitted in 1891 and was in active work continuously until his death in 1937. He was recognized as a man of ability from his young manhood. He served important stations and was presiding elder of three districts on each of which he served four years. I do not have the date of his marriage nor the maiden name of his wife. There were several children. He died, suddenly, in his own house in Knoxville Feb. 22, 1937, and was buried in Knoxville.

 

Carlock, Lemual Lacon Henderson: Born Feb. 18, 1845, in Polk County, Mo. Son of Asahel and Mary Douglas Carlock. When he was 12 his father died, and six months later his mother died. There were seven children, of whom he was the oldest; and the children were distributed among their relatives. Lemuel was placed in the home of his uncle, L. L. Carlock, in Dade County, Mo. At 16 he joined the Confederate Army in 1861 and was released as a prisoner of war in 1865. He found his way to the home of an uncle at Athens, Tenn. He taught school for some time. Admitted in 1868. In 1880 he was appointed presiding elder; four years later he was sent to Church Street, Knoxville. After two years he was elected to the presidency of Sullins College, Bristol, Va. He remained there four years and resigned so as to return to the pastorate. He was persuaded, however, to accept the presidency of Athens Female College. He remained there until 1898. The following four years he was pastor at Marion, Va. Then followed three years on Abingdon District and from there to Radford District. One year at Trinity and two years on Emory circuit completed forty-two years and he asked to be made supernumerary. He later went back to Sullins College as Business Manager. He was self-educated, but with diligent application became well informed and in some respects scholarly. Meticulous in dress and habits, but gentle in spirit, he came to a ripeness of Christian culture rarely attained. Crippled from a fall, as he was moving out of the College into his own home, he was unable to be much from home during his last years. He married Dec. 26, 1866, Miss Nancy Carolyn Cass. They had seven children. He died in his own home in Bristol, Tenn., April 29, 1931. Buried at Glade Spring, Va.

 

Carner, Gasper Albright: Born July 17, 1858, in Floyd County, Va. Son of William and Sarah Jane Carner. Educated in public schools. Admitted in 1894. Served 12 appointments in 18 years. Superannuated in 1912; made supernumerary in 1914; but was again superannuated in 1915 and was never again able to take work. Deeply religious and fervently evangelistic. Twice married: (1) Miss Annie Minnie Slusher. They had two children. (2) Mrs. Lettie C. Ratliff. They had four children. Died Jan. 9, 1928, at the hospital at Princeton, W. Va. Buried at Princeton.

 

Carnes, John Bell: Born Jan. 11, 1838, in Virginia. Family moved to Knoxville when he was three. He was a charter member of Broad Street Church and its first Sunday School Superintendent. Had meager educational advantages. Was for many years a devoted and useful local preacher before he entered the traveling connection. "He would toil all day in the railroad shops and at night he would go here and there holding cottage prayer meetings or visiting the sick or bereaved." Was twice married: In 1858 to Mary Ann Clemons and in 1864 to Miss Annie C. McKenzie, Maryville, Tenn. Eight children. Admitted in 1888 when 50 years old. Served without a break for 23 years. Died July 11, 1911, Knoxville, and was buried there.

 

Carnes, John Winton: Born Sept. 22, 1842, on Wallen's Creek, Lee County, Va. He entered Emory and Henry College at 17, was called to the Confederate Army and served as a private soldier to the close of the war. He returned to college, where he graduated in 1877. Admitted in 1876. Transferred to Denver Conference in 1878. Returned to Holston in 1882. He served thirteen charges in Holston. Was Principal of Decatur High School, 1888 to 1891. He also taught one year each in Peoples College, Martha Washington College and Holston Institute. A truly patriarchal figure; he was a picture of the past, living in the present. Married Feb. 28, 1882, Miss Anna Rose Lord, Brownsville, Tenn. Superannuated in 1910; he established his home on "Highland Heights" on Black Oak Ridge, in sight of the lights of Knoxville and overlooking Fountain City. Here with his wife and her sister, Miss Willie Ford, he lived those last years; and he died May 27, 1927. Buried at Fountain City.

 

Carr, Daniel Hoge: Born July 12, 1838, near White Gate, Giles County, Va. Son of John and Sarah Hoge Carr. He was brought up in Mercer County, W. Va. Meager education. Volunteered for army of the Confederacy in 1861 and served until the surrender. Licensed to preach at 28 years of age. Admitted in 1867. Served 15 charges in 38 years. He was a faithful, systematic pastor and was esteemed wherever he was called to serve. He served charges from Pikeville, Tenn., to Athens, W. Va. Truly a man of God; he was honored by Holston Conference. Married March 27, 1860, Miss Sallie Bane, Tazewell County, Va. They had five children. Superannuated in 1905, but served as a supply in 1907 and 1908. Died May 17, 1927, in Bluefield Sanitarium. Buried in Bluefield, W. Va.

 

Carroll, Charles Thomas: Born Feb. 27, 1842, in Cabell County, W. Va. Licensed to preach at 16. Enlisted in Confederate Army in 1861; and served as chaplain; was a prisoner of war at Johnson's Island for twenty-two months. With little formal education, he nevertheless became a man of learning and a preacher of distinction. Admitted in 1865, along with J. Tyler Frazier. Served as pastor of nearly all of larger stations; and as presiding elder of several districts. three years (1872, 1878 and 1899) he was unable to work because of illness. Superannuated in 1901. Married Dec. 18, 1867, Miss Elizabeth Esther Shields, daughter of Dr. Milton and Mrs. Priscilla Shields. They had seven children. Died July 14, 1918, at home of his daughter, Mrs. L. W. Holmes, Knoxville. Buried at Liberty Hill, near Morristown, Tenn.

 

Carter, Daniel: Born 1813. Licensed as a local preacher in 1850 and labored in that relation to the Southern Church until 1865, when he was admitted to Holston Conference (M.E.). He did six or seven years' work. Superannuated in 1874. He loved the church and aided it out of his means as he was able. He died Aug. 30, 1887. He was buried in Jefferson County, Tenn.

 

Carter, Daniel B.: Born Aug. 23, 1803. Son of Ezekiel and Martha Carter, Greene County, Tenn. Admitted in 1827. With very few breaks he did active work for nearly fifty years. In 1866 he withdrew from the Southern Church and entered the M. E. Conference. In 1868 he returned to the Southern Conference and traveled several years. He was twice married: (1) Miss Cynthia Burnett. They had two children. (2) Miss Mary W. Aston. They had two daughters. Died June 7, 1876, and was buried, as he had requested, by the side of his friend, John M. Crismond, at Liberty Hill, near Morristown, Tenn.

 

Carter, David Wendell: Born July 8, 1848, in Carter County, Tenn. He was a great-grandson of John Sevier. He graduated from King College, Bristol, Tenn. He was admitted into Holston Conference in 1871 and served eleven years in Holston. In 1882 he was appointed missionary to Mexico. In 1887 he was appointed to City of Mexico and made Treasurer of the entire Mission and, in 1889, was put in charge of publishing interests in Mexico. In 1900 he was appointed to the Mexican Border Conference where he served for six years. He was later in Mexico and Cuba. He was a delegate to the General Conference in 1890, 1894 and 1910. He married Miss Cordelia Stanley Keith, Athens, Tenn. They had six children. For sixty years he was a Methodist preacher. He died Sept. 3, 1937. He was buried at Georgetown, Texas.

 

Cartright, Lemuel Milburn: Born Aug. 11, 1849, in Sullivan County, Tenn. Educated in the public schools. He became a cabinet-maker before he was married and gave up a prosperous business to become a preacher. He was admitted to Holston Conference in 1881. He was active as pastor and presiding elder for forty-five years. He retired in 1926 and lived in his own home at Spring City, Tenn. He married Oct. 23, 1873, Miss Harriet Nancy Rhea. They had eight children. She died July 31, 1929. After sixteen years as a superannuate he died in his own home on June 14, 1942, when approaching his ninety-third birthday. He was buried at Spring City.

 

Cartright, Nathan Rhea: Born Aug. 28, 1875, near Bristol, Tenn. Son of Rev. and Mrs. L. M. Cartright. Educated at Pryor Institute, Hiwassee College and Emory and Henry College. Was principal of high school at Dayton and at Spring City, Tenn. He was licensed to preach April, 1900, by the district conference of which his father was president. Admitted in 1900. Served 12 charges in different sections from Chattanooga to Pocahontas, Va. He was a studious and forceful preacher and was keenly interested in civic affairs. Married March 29, 1899, Miss Grace Watkins, Spring City, Tenn. They had three children. He died Feb. 28, 1931, at Dayton, Tenn. Buried at Chattanooga.

 

Cash, James Ingo: Born Sept. 30, 1847, near Spring City, Tenn. Son of W. W. and Lucinda Thompson Cash. He was educated at Mar's Hill Academy and at Peoples College, Pikeville, Tenn. He was probably a student under Rev. Thomas K. Munsey. Admitted in 1873, and was in active service for thirty-nine years. He served eighteen pastoral charges, was supernumerary one year and Editor of Holston Methodist two years. He was a careful student and a thoughtful and impressive preacher and writer. He published a book entitled Biography and Sermons. He married Miss Sarah Llewelyn Gentry of North Carolina. They had one son. He was supernumerary in 1911, but served Spring City charge the next year. He was superannuated in 1918. After his retirement he was Editor of the Spring City News for several years. When he was 81 he was elected Mayor of Spring City and served two terms. He died Feb. 11, 1938, in Spring City at 90 years of age. He was buried at Spring City.

 

Cass, Thomas A.: Born Jan. 13, 1836, in McMinn County, Tenn. Common school education. Joined the church in youth. Licensed to preach in M. E. Church, South. Admitted to Holston Conference (M.E.) in 1866, and was ordained a local deacon. He was in active service until 1897, when he was superannuated. He married April 18, 1854, Miss Susan Adeline Blackburn. They had seven children. After superannuation he engaged in mercantile business, but one year before his death gave up his business and went to the home of his daughter, Mrs. Elbert Black, where on Oct. 16, 1909, he died. He was buried a short distance from the place of his birth in McMinn County, Tenn.

 

Cassidy, Eugene Hubert: Born June 12, 1868, Morristown, Tenn. He was the son of J. A. and Matilda Jackson Cassidy. He was educated in the public schools at Morristown, where he spent his boyhood. He was licensed to preach at seventeen and was admitted to Holston Conference in 1885, before the middle of his eighteenth year. His first charge, Sneedville, had eleven preaching places. After serving six circuits, he served four districts in succession and later served a fifth district. He later served five stations and was for two years Commissioner of Education for Conference Colleges and was agent for the Centenary Movement for two years. He was for many years regarded as one of the most effective circuit and district preachers and administrators in the Connection. He worked incessantly at the task assigned to him until it was done. He married June 16, 1897, Miss Mima Kate Phillips, daughter of Dr. N. F. and Mrs. Leanah Cobb Phillips, St. Clair, Tenn. They had seven children. He labored without a break for fifty-five years and was serving Dayton Station when the end came. He died suddenly on the street at Chattanooga on April 4, 1940. He was buried at Chattanooga.

 

Catlett, Thomas K.: Born 1798, Albemarle County, Va. Early education very limited. After conversion at 21, he entered school and continued his studies until he was 27. Admitted in 1825. "Preaching was the great business of his life." He was an itinerant for forty-two years. Dr. E. E. Wiley says: "No man ever preached in the Holston country who could present a greater variety of subjects in a plainer style and producing a more lasting impression that T. K. Catlett." The poor orphan was the object of his prayers and labors for years. During the last year of his life he placed two hundred orphans at school. He often spoke of "St. John's Orphan Asylum"; and he was appointed by Bishop McTyeire to "St. John's Orphan Asylum" in 1866. That institution existed only in the mind of the good old man who had been an orphan boy. Married, but wife died while their children were small, and children were scattered among strangers. He had an appointment to preach at Sulphur Springs, Smythe County, Va., on Feb. 25, 1867. On account of inclement weather he could not attend church. He was in usual health and cheerful mood. While seated at the dinner table in the home of his friend, B. F. Aker, without a word or a struggle his spirit fled to its eternal home. He was a member of the General Conference in 1832, 1836, 1840, 1845 (Louisville Convention) and 1854.

 

Catron, Stephen Sheffey: Born May 15, 1850, at Ivanhoe, Va. Son of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Catron. Educated in public schools. After his conversion as a boy he began to talk about being a preacher. His father opposed this and the son ran away from home and found work in a logging camp. He taught school for several years. Admitted in 1883. He served as pastor and presiding elder for thirty-six years. He was a unique character and a strong preacher. Married Dec. 28, 1872, Miss Cynthia Brown of Wythe County, Va. They had five children. Superannuated 1919. Died April 13, 1927, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Margaret Lewis, Middlesboro, Ky. Buried at Chattanooga.

 

Chambers, James R.: Born Aug. 6, 1850, near Surgoinsville, Tenn. Son of William and Elizabeth Chambers. Educated at Chilhowie, Va. Taught for several years. Married Oct. 15, 1875, Miss Sue V. Greaver. Thirteen children. Admitted 1887. Did ten years of efficient and faithful work. Died Nov. 7, 1896, at Blountville, Tenn. Buried at Blountville.

 

Chase, Thomas G.: Born Oct. 22, 1850, in Gordon County, Ga. Admitted to the Georgia Conference (M.E.) in 1875. He transferred to Holston Conference in 1892. He served four charges in fourteen years. Early in his fifth year at Kingston, 1904, he had a stroke of paralysis, leaving him helpless for three years. He was married twice: (1) Mrs. Obsorne. They had four children. (2) Miss Sophia Harris, March 21, 1881. He died Feb. 10, 1908. He was buried at Cleveland, Tenn.

 

Clark, Elbert Benson: Born Oct. 10, 1830, in Hawkins County, Tenn. Son of Lewis and Elizabeth Clark. "Notwithstanding the poor educational advantages he had in early life, he made a great preacher." Admitted in 1870, he spent nineteen years as an itinerant preacher. He was a fervent and successful evangelist. Both in preaching and in public prayer he had the gift of moving the hearts of people. He was twice married: (1) Miss Sarah Peavler. They had four children. (2) Miss Sallie Morrison. They had thirteen children. In 1887 he was superannuated. He died April 3, 1891, at his home, five miles south of Athens, Tenn., and was buried at Wesleyana, McMinn County, Tenn.

 

Clark, Robert: Continuing on trial. He was at Knoxville Station, Tennessee River District (colored). He died Aug. 9, 1873.

 

Clemens, Henry Columbus: Born Nov. 12, 1854, near Maryville, Tenn. Son of Joseph and Jane Clavin Clemens. Educated in public schools; attended Maryville College. He taught at Porter Academy. Admitted in 1883. He served 18 charges in 29 years. He was successful in revival work. He was twice married: (1) Miss Minerva Tennessee French, Feb., 1881. She died Nov., 1881. (2) Miss Louisa Perrin Cardwell, 1884. They had children. Superannuated 1912. Died Nov. 15, 1928, in Knoxville. Buried at Logan's Chapel, Blount County, Tenn.

 

Clendenen, George W.: Born March 5, 1852, in Jefferson County, Tenn. His education was limited for want of school facilities in his youth. Admitted in 1889. He was in charge of some of the best circuits in Holston (M.E.) Conference. While serving Jonesboro circuit he had a long and severe illness with typhoid fever from which he never fully recovered. He was superannuated in 1905, "poised between life and death." He died May 26, 1908. He was buried in Blount County, Tenn.

 

Clendennen, Milton Lee: Born Dec. 28, 1833. Son of John and Mary Clendennen of Mercer County, Va. He made good use of meager educational opportunities. He was a Confederate soldier, and was captured at Cedar Creek and taken to Point Lookout prison. Licensed to preach in Sequatchie Valley in 1866. Admitted in 1867. He served some of the best charges in the conference. Married April 15, 1870, Miss Josephine Adams, the youngest daughter of Rev. David Adams. Became supernumerary in 1897. Superannuated in 1902. Died June 30, 1915, at Wallace, Va. Buried at Bristol.

 

Cloud, Caleb W.: In Holston one year, 1807.

 

Cobleigh, Nelson E.: Born Nov. 28, 1814, in Littleton, N. H., the youngest of a family of eleven children. He entered Wesleyan University in 1839 and worked his way through college, graduating with the highest honors of his class in 1843. Admitted to New England Conference in 1844, he spent nine years in assiduous and successful work in the pastorate. He "resigned the ministry" in consequence of his wife's failing health and accepted a professorship, in McKendree College, Illinois. Later he was elected President. In 1863 he was elected Editor of Zion's Herald. In 1867 his health failed and he resigned as editor and came South. He was elected President of Wesleyan University at Athens, Tenn. In 1872 he was elected Editor of the Methodist Advocate, Atlanta, Ga. "As a preacher he was earnest and logical, pathetic and powerful; as a writer, pure and simple, versatile and graceful." He was a member of the General conferences of 1864, 1868 and 1872. He died Feb. 1, 1874, at his residence in Atlanta, Ga.; and was buried in Atlanta.

 

Coldwell, Joseph Fred: Born Feb. 29, 1884, in Hawkins County, Tenn. He was the son of Samuel S. and Lucinda Dodson Coldwell. He served for a time as supply pastor, after which he studied at Tennessee Wesleyan College. He was admitted in 1921. He served altogether ten circuits. He was a builder and remaker of churches. He married Aug. 7, 1904, Miss Gertrude Owen. They had two children. His health failed while he was serving Rutledge charge, and he retired in 1940. He died in his new home in Hamblen County, Nov. 1, 1941. He was buried at Witts, Tenn.

 

Coleman, George W.: Born Oct. 4, 1835, in Pennsylvania. He joined the South Illinois Conference in 1853. He came South at the close of the war and was transferred to Holston Conference in 1866. He served, first and last, seventeen charges; was Temperance Agent two years. He was supernumerary two years (1874 and 1876), located in 1880 and was readmitted in 1883. He transferred to South Kansas Conference in 1886; and transferred back to Holston in 1889. At ninety-two years of age he published Life and Addresses of G. W. Coleman in book form. He exerted a wide influence as a preacher and as a writer. He married April 23, 1863, Miss Sarah Elizabeth Runyon, daughter of Elias and Martha Crockett Runyon, Champaign County, Ohio. They had five children. She died July 2, 1927, aged eighty-seven years. He superannuated in 1901. He died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Faucett, at Martin's Ferry, Ohio, on Oct. 6, 1930; he had passed his ninety-sixth birthday twelve days before his death. Seventy-seven years had passed since his admission to the itinerant ministry. He was buried at Cleveland, Tenn.

 

Cones, Francis M.: Born Nov. 17, 1838, in Hancock County, Ind. Admitted to Holston Conference 1875. After serving three years in Holston he served as a supply in Kentucky and Indiana and was agent for Murphy College and for Advocate Journal. He was later Chaplain for Indiana State Soldier's Home and Field Agent for Wesleyan Academy. He died Sept. 26, 1917. He was buried at Thornton, Ind.

 

Conn, Richard: In Holston one year, 1811.

 

Conner, Giles A.: Born about 1842, in Montgomery County, Va. Son of Costly Conner. Admitted into Virginia Conference about 1870. Came into Holston Conference in 1906. He was in active work in Holston for four years. He superannuated in 1910. He died in 1918 at his old home in Montgomery County, Va., and was buried at Oty, Va.

 

Conner, Thomas H.: Born April 9, 1864, at Rutledge, Tenn. He was admitted to Holton Conference in 1902, and served fourteen charges in twenty-seven years. "He was one of Holston's best circuit men." He married Miss Ella Elmore in 1891. They had four children. He superannuated in 1929; and died March 12, 1930. He was buried at New Gray Cemetery, Knoxville.

 

Cook, Richard Joseph: Born Jan. 31, 1853. He came South at an early age and was a timekeeper for a railroad construction company for a time. He graduated from East Tennessee Wesleyan University. He afterwards studied in the University of Berlin, Germany. He was admitted to the Central Tennessee Conference in 1873. His pastorates in Holston were Cleveland and First Church, Knoxville. He taught in both Athens and Chattanooga Universities; was Editor of the Methodist Advocate Journal. He was elected Bishop in 1912. He was twice married: (1) Eliza Gettys Fisher, April 20, 1881. They had four children. She died in 1904. (2) Miss Ella B. Fisher, in 1908, a sister of his first wife. A break in his health caused his retirement in 1920. But his influence was felt throughout Methodism through all the years of his retirement and even far beyond the reach of the years of his life. He died Dec. 25, 1931, and was buried at Athens.

 

Cooper, W. W.: Born Oct. 18, 1843, in Lewis Center, Ohio. He graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1872. In 1886 he was called to the Chair of Physics and Chemistry in the University of Chattanooga. In 1890 he was transferred from the Tennessee Conference to Holston Conference. He served as a teacher until his death, fourteen years as dean. "The ideals of living and dying for which he strove were those taught by the Great Teacher." He died in Chattanooga Feb. 23, 1923.