Sketches of holston preachers

 

Henry, P. H.: Born March 25, 1838. Admitted in 1878 and was in active service for twenty-three years, serving ten circuits in middle East Tennessee. "No charge was too hard for his heroism." He married July 19, 1863, Margaret Freshour. They had seven children. He died June 25, 1911, and was buried at Maryville, Tenn.

 

Henry, Spencer: Born Oct. 24, 1805, on Little River, Blount County, Tenn. Licensed to preach in 1832, ordained deacon in 1840 and elder in 1844. Admitted (M. E.) in 1868, "in the 64^th year of his life and the 36^th year of his ministry." For six years he was an active and efficient itinerant preacher. He superannuated in 1874. He died June 3, 1883, at his home near Carpenter's Camp Ground, Blount County, Tenn., and was buried there.

 

Hickey, Rufus M.: Born Aug. 28, 1820, in Sevier County, Tenn. Educated at Holston Seminary 1844-45. Licensed to preach at Brush Creek Camp Ground (Johnson City), in 1845. Admitted 1845. Fifty years on effective list: he served forty years on circuits and stations and ten years as presiding elder, and was superannuate for seven years. Energetic, fearless, faithful as a pastor, an eloquent preacher. Married Sept. 28, 1870, to Mrs. Fannie J. Spillman Grant. They had four children. She died Aug. 22, 1892. Died Nov. 5, 1902, at his home at Morristown, and was buried there.

 

Hicks, George M.: Born in 1833, in McMinn County, Tenn. He was licensed to preach in the Southern Methodist Church. He was admitted to Holston Conference (M. E.), in 1865, and after serving two charges located in 1869. He was readmitted in 1890 and served three charges. He married Miss Mary A. Campbell in Hancock County. He died at Athens, Tenn., July 17, 1893. He was buried at Chestua, Monroe County, Tenn.

 

Hicks, William: Born Nov. 27, 1811, Sullivan County, Tenn. Entered Conference with only primary education; but by industrious effort he became a good English scholar, and acquired some knowledge of Latin and Greek. His knowledge of Methodist theology became thorough and he became a preacher of great power. Admitted in 1833. On circuits until 1844. After this he served Wytheville, Asheville and Rogersville Districts. Great crowds attended his quarterly meetings and revivals frequently followed. Published Herald of Truth at Hendersonville, N. C. Later published Holston Advocate at Seddon, Bland County, Va. Was Chaplain in Confederate Army two years. Located in 1862 but was readmitted in 1864. Married Oct. 24, 1844, Miss Elizabeth Ward, Wythe County, Va. His son, W. W. Hicks, was a member of Holston Conference from 1876 to 1922. Died May 29, 1882, at his home, near Bluff City, Tenn., and was buried there.

 

Hicks, William C.: Born Dec. 24, 1864, in Monroe County, Tenn. Son of John S. and Elizabeth Hicks. His father was in the Confederate Army and did not see his son for many weeks. He professed faith at nine. Licensed to preach in 1893. Admitted in 1894. The term of his active service was eleven years, which were spent in the Big Stone Gap District. He was made supernumerary in 1905 because of feeble health; and was superannuated in 1913. He was studious and thoughtful and was an instructive and helpful preacher. Frail from youth, he grew feebler after superannuation. Married June 11, 1896, Miss Mary A. Wampler. They had five children. Died April 6, 1928, in his home at Rural Retreat, Va., and was buried there.

 

Hicks, William Ward: Born May 11, 1849, in Washington County, Va., near Emory and Henry College. Son of Rev. William and Elizabeth Hicks (Holston Conference 1833-1882). Converted and joined church at Bluestone Camp Ground in boyhood. Licensed to preach March 22, 1875. Educated at Emory and Henry. Admitted 1875. He served many strong circuits, several stations, among them Church Street, Knoxville; and was presiding elder for several years. Married Oct. 3, 1872, Miss Mary Anne Bain, Tazewell County, Va. She died six days before her husband, Nov. 5, 1922. He was in active service forty-two years. Superannuated in 1919. A man of fine appearance, with generous gifts and was a popular preacher. Died Nov. 11, 1922, at his daughter's home in Norfolk, Va. Buried in Walnut Grove Cemetery, Bluefield, Va.

 

Hickson, John D.: Born July 14, 1835, in Grainger County, Tenn. His father died while he was quite young. His mother was ambitious to give him a liberal education. He carried a crippled arm from childhood. His mind was bright and his habits were studious. He loved books and read all that he could secure. He attended Holston Seminary at New Market, and spent a number of years as a teacher. Married, in 1869, Miss Mariah Elizabeth Newman, Jefferson County, Tenn. They had two sons and a daughter. Admitted 1875. Had 23 useful years in pastorates in upper East Tennessee. He was recognized everywhere as a man of superior gifts as a preacher, and was accorded the highest esteem as a man and as a minister. Superannuated in 1898 and spent his declining years at Rheatown, Tenn. Died Aug. 9, 1909, at his home near Afton, Tenn., and was buried there.

 

Hitt, William: In Holston one year, 1803.

 

Hobbs, John N.: Born Jan. 14, 1855, in Hamblen County, Tenn. Largely self-educated, but always interested in education. He served usefully on the Board of Education of Hamblen County for more than 20 years. Admitted in 1875. He was appointed as a junior preacher to East Tazewell circuit, Va. It is not known whether he served in that appointment. At the end of one year he was discontinued in 1876. Fourteen years later, in 1890, he was received as an elder from the Methodist Protestant Church. The Journal does not indicate how long he had served in that Church. He was appointed to Parrottsville circuit in 1890 and to St. Clair circuit in 1891. His health was so poor that he was able to do but little work. In 1892, he was superannuated; and remained in that relation until his death in 1922. He received his first apportionment as a conference claimant in 1893 and received an apportionment each year, except 1905. The total allowances made by the Joint Board of Finance amounted to $2,847.00, an average of $94.90 per annum for thirty years. These facts are recited here because of the unusual record that, after only two years of appointment to active work, he was cared for as a superannuate for thirty years. Married July 19, 1875, to Miss Maggie Gaulden. They had six children. A clean man; a diligent reader of good books; suffered long and painfully with patient resignation. Died of tuberculosis, Sept. 23, 1922, at his home in Morristown. Buried at Liberty Hill Church.

 

Hodge, John C.: Born Aug. 16, 1847, in Sullivan County, Tenn. He joined the Presbyterian Church at the age of fourteen, but later united with the M. E. church. Admitted 1888. He was married. He superannuated in 1905. He died Aug. 8, 1906. He was buried at White Horn, Tenn.

 

Hodge, Thomas H.: Born Sept. 27, 1848. Admitted into Holston Conference 1874. He served seventeen charges in an active life of thirty years. He was a man of clear mind, tender heart and fearless courage. He was twice married: (1) Miss Henrietta Step, Carter County, Tenn. They had two children. (2) Miss Mary Morelock, Greene County, Tenn. They had four children. He superannuated in 1903. He died April 4, 1923. He was buried at Johnson City, Tenn.

 

Hodge, Walter: Born July 12, 1877, at Bakersville, N. C. Son of Robert Chester and Julia Alice Hodge. The family moved to Sullivan County, Tenn., when he was seventeen. He was converted at sixteen and felt the call to preach. He at once began preparation for the work of a preacher. He secured his education at Holston Institute and Emory and Henry College, meanwhile teaching so as to meet the expense of his preparation. Licensed in 1899. Admitted 1901 with two years of college work yet to be done. Served 18 charges in 30 years. "That which especially characterized his life was his quiet, gentle spirit." He did faithful work wherever duty placed him. Married Dec. 22, 1903, Miss Mary Frances McClelland, near Bristol. They had ten children. After thirty years of uninterrupted service, at the age of 54, he finished his work. Died April 3, 1932, in the parsonage at Lerona, W. Va. Buried at Blountville, Tenn.

 

Hodsden, David Shields: Born Feb. 28, 1848, in Sevier County, Tenn. He was educated at Princeton, N. J. Admitted in 1875, and except for about two years in the South Kansas Conference, he was continuously in Holston Conference until his death. He served some of the best circuits and several small stations. "As a man he was modest and retiring; as a preacher, clear, logical and forceful." He married, in 1891, Miss Harbison, daughter of Joseph Harbison. They had five children. She died only a few weeks after the death of her husband. He died in 1896, and was buried at Maryville, Tenn.

 

Holden, John W.: Born Oct. 29, 1858, at Connersville, Tenn. Early in life cast in his lot with God's people in McKendree Church at Nashville, whither his people had moved. He became active in Y.M.C.A. work. The family moved to Cincinnati and became connected with St. Paul's M. E. Church and was active in Sunday school and Y.M.C.A. work. Here he began his preparation for the ministry, when he was stricken with consumption. The family moved to Chattanooga and he improved. He was admitted to Holston (M.E.) in 1885. After thirteen months work he was forced to give up work. He sojourned in Florida about eight months. He died in 1887, in Titusville, Fla., and was buried there.

 

Hooper, Robert: In Holston 1819.

 

Horne, David C.: Born Jan. 18, 1857. Admitted in 1885. His one business in life was to preach the gospel. Died June 3, 1890, at Rockwood and was buried there.

 

Horne, George: Born Aug. 9, 1796, a descendant of Bishop George Horne of England. Was well educated. Admitted 1821. Transferred to Missouri 1823; back to Holston 1824. Located 1826. Readmitted 1836. Located in 1842. Married. A man of gifts with eccentric tendencies. Continued evangelistic zeal as local preacher. Died May 2, 1868, Fayetteville, Tenn.

 

Hoss, Elijah Embree: Born April 14, 1849, on Cherokee Creek, four miles from Jonesboro, Tenn. He was the son of Henry and Maria Sevier Hoss. His mother was a granddaughter of General John Sevier. His parents moved to Jonesboro before he was two years old. His education in excellent schools in Jonesboro. He entered Ohio Wesleyan University in 1866 and studied there two years. He entered Emory and Henry College and graduated in 1869, with B. A. He acquired the habit of reading widely in early life; and was noted in college for the range of his studies and accuracy of his scholarship. His memory was prodigious, so that accurate and wide information was at his ready command. He professed religion and joined the church at Jonesboro, when he was ten years old. The church had been built in 1846. Funds had run low; and Henry Hoss volunteered to board the workmen who were erecting the building. Elijah Embree was the second child and first son in a family of eight children. Licensed to preach, at Jonesboro, Feb. 8, 1866; admitted on trial Sept. 29, 1869; and appointed to Jonesboro. The first person whom he received into the church was his own father. He was appointed to Knoxville in 1870. Transferred to California July, 1872, and stationed at San Francisco. Transferred to Holston in 1875 and stationed at Asheville, N. C. Became a professor at Martha Washington College in 1876 and was elected president in 1879. Became professor at Emory and Henry College in 1881 and was elected president in 1885. Elected to Chair of Ecclesiastical History, Church Polity and Pastoral Theology at Vanderbilt University, Aug., 1885, and continued until 1890. Elected Editor of Chrisian Advocate May, 1890, and continued until 1902. Elected Bishop of Methodist Episcopal Church, South, 1902. He was a reserve delegate to the General Conferences, until his election delegate to the succeeding five General Conferences, until his election to the Episcopacy. The last time he was elected to the General Conference (in 1901) he lacked only six votes, beside his own, of being unanimously elected. He was a fraternal representative of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, to nearly every Methodist Church in the world. His last great mission of this kind was to Australia in 1915. Bishop in charge, Brazil, 1905 to 1908; Orient, 1910 and 1915. Married Nov. 19, 1872, Miss Abbie Clark, Knoxville, Tenn. They had three children: Mary, E. E., Jr., and Sessler. Wife died June 15, 1918, Muskogee, Okla. He was given a year's vacation, 1914-15. Retired on account of feeble health, 1918. Died April 23, 1919, Muskogee, Okla., where he was buried beside his wife. Reinterred together at Jonesboro, Tenn., April 12, 1924. Author: William McKendree, A Biographical Study; David Morton, A Biography; Fraternity and Federation; many magazine articles.

 

Houdins, Charles Dillard: Born March 5, 1860, near Russellville, Floyd County, Va. He was admitted to the Virginia Conference in 1892 and came with the Virginia territory to Holston Conference. He married June 6, 1883, Miss Margaret Elizabeth Price. They had eleven children. He superannuated in 1919, after which he resided on his farm near Neodeshah, Kan. He died there, Oct. 4, 1935, and was buried there.

 

Hounshell, Charles Gideon: Born Jan. 12, 1874, near Rural Retreat, Va. He was the son of Peter W. and Rhoda Tarter Hounshell. He was educated at Emory and Henry College, Vanderbilt University and Yale University. He was admitted in 1899, and served Magnolia Avenue Church, Knoxville, two years. He was sent as a missionary to Korea, having married Miss Sara Belle Thomas just before leaving for Korea. They served there for seven years, but found the climate too severe on the health of Mrs. Hounshell. He served as Secretary of the Student Volunteer Movement and later as Educational Secretary of the Board of Missions of the M. E. Church, South. He afterwards served as pastor in several charges and also as presiding elder. His last charge was St. Elmo, Chattanooga. He died Feb. 2, 1940. He was buried at Chattanooga.

 

Houston, Anthony: In Holston one year, 1801.

 

Houston, Henry Milton: Born Jan. 24, 1887, in DeKalb County, Ala. Educated at Birmingham College and Vanderbilt University, where he took the following degrees: B. A., M. A., Ph.D., and B. D. Taught in Martha Washington College and In Emory and Henry College. Admitted in 1920 and advanced to class of the third year. Died Dec. 24, 1923, at his home in Alabama, and was buried at Lusk, Ala.

 

Houston, William: In Holston one year, 1804.

 

Huffaker, James N. S.: Born at Seclusion Bend on French Broad, Sevier County, Tenn., Feb. 5, 1827. Educated at Holston College, New Market, Tenn. Admitted 1846. Married Miss Sallie J. Ripley, 1855. Devoted most of his life to work on circuits, but gave some time to teaching and was editor of Holston Christian Advocate. During epidemic of cholera in Knoxville in 1854 he labored unceasingly for the relief of those in distress. Died Jan. 5, 1892, at Chuckey City, Tenn.

 

Hughes, John R.: Born May 7, 1839, in Loudon County, Tenn. He embraced religion and joined the M. E. Church, South, when nineteen. He enlisted in the 8^th Tennessee Cavalry of the U. S. Army. Suffered the loss of an eye. Admitted (M. E.) 1867. He served for fourteen years, eight of which were on the Rheatown circuit. "As a preacher he was eminently practical; as a pastor he had few equals." He was married and had five children. His health failed permanently in 1882, and he was given supernumerary relation. He was elected Trustee of Greene County in 1882 and served in that office for two years. He was superannuated in 1884. He died May 13, 1886, at his home near Greeneville, Tenn., and was buried at Greeneville.

 

Hunt, Lewis: Admitted 1798. In Holston 1799-1800. Died Dec. 8, 1802. Other labors in Kentucky and Ohio. One of the many young preachers who died of consumption.

 

Hunter, James: In Holston one year, 1800-1801.

 

Hunter, James Robert: Born Jan. 25, 1865, at Ducktown, Tenn. Attended public school in Polk County, Tenn., until he was eighteen, then spent four years in the mines of Colorado earning money to finish his education; took two years at Hiwassee College. Entered Vanderbilt University in 1891 and graduated there 1895; during this time did mission work and served as chaplain of the penitentiary. Taught at Vanderbilt Training School, Pryor Institute and Bridgeport public school. Was Financial Agent and teacher in Emory and Henry College 1905 to 1911. During this time he took his M.A. degree at Columbia University. Served five years as pastor. Married Aug. 25, 1895, Mrs. Ada Woodhead of Chattanooga. Died in 1913. Buried at St. Elmo.

 

Hurley, David P.: Born Feb. 21, 1861, in Ashe County, N. C. Son of James F. and Julia A. Hurley. Educated at Emory and Henry College. Taught school for eight years. He was a youth of correct habits and merited the confidence of those with whom he was associated. Admitted in 1892. His first twelve years were on three circuits in Wytheville District. Appointed presiding elder of Tazewell District 1912, for four years, next Radford District for four years, next Wytheville District for three years. "As a minister he was humble, obedient, faithful; as a preacher he was popular and his popularity grew to the end of his days." He married July 17, 1889, Miss Julia A. Niekirk. They had two sons and four daughters. He was never robust and the exacting labors indicated above, with little recreation and no vacation, exhausted his strength as he approached seventy; and creeping paralysis made it necessary for him to give up district work, but the end was near, with only one year in the pastorate at Pulaski. He died in a hospital at Roanoke, Jan. 10, 1932. He was buried at Pulaski, Va.

 

Hutchinson, John: In Holston one year, 1815.

 

Hutsell, Eli K.: Born 1805. Admitted 1825. Superannuated 1845. Did much preaching after superannuation. Unusually successful in winning souls. Married April 15, 1840, Miss Mary Ann Wells, Turkey Creek, Buncombe County, N. C. His son, R. A. Hutsell, and grandson, Harry S. Hutsell, have been members of Holston Conference. Died July 24, 1852. Buried Sulphur Springs, N. C.

 

Hutsell, Harry S.: Born Oct. 5, 1881, at Sweetwater, Tenn., where his father was, at that time, pastor. He was the son of Rev. R. A. and Lucile Seabolt Hutsell. He was the grandson of Rev. Eli K. Hutsell, who was admitted to the Holston Conference in 1825. All the influences of his home contributed to the development of Christian personality. He was educated in the public schools, and in Pryor Institute, Jasper, Tenn., in Bristol Business College and in Moody's Bible Institute. Admitted to Holston Conference in 1906. He served twelve charges in Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. He was an excellent preacher and well-beloved pastor. He was twice married: (1) Miss Erma May Hickman, April 25, 1906, at Bristol, Va. They adopted a daughter. (2) Miss Alice Morgan, Bramwell, W. Va., only a short while before his death. At the union of the Churches he was included in that part of Holston Conference which was transferred to the West Virginia Conference. He died March 10, 1940, in the parsonage at Bramwell, W. Va. He was buried at Knoxville.

 

Hutsell, Robert A.: Born Dec. 16, 1847, at Asheville, N. C. Son of Rev. Eli K. and Mary Ann Wells Hutsell (1825-1856). Admitted 1872. Served eleven charges (1872-1889), reaching from Chattanooga, Tenn., to Welch, W. Va. Superannuated 1889 and practiced medicine at Lafollette, Tenn., for thirteen years. Was made effective 1897 to 1912, when he was again superannuated. Married June 16, 1878, Miss Lucile Seabolt of Jefferson County, Tenn. They had four children. Two preachers: Robert K. and Harry S. Died Sept. 7, 1913, in his home at Fountain City. Buried at Lafollette, Tenn.

 

Hyden, J. Albert: Admitted in 1855. He was a brother of Rev. Samuel W. Hyden. In the bitter days of the Civil War he was expelled from Holston Conference (South) for disloyalty to the Confederate Government, in 1864. He was one of the organizers, in 1865, of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church and was one of the leaders in Holston Conference until he transferred to the South Kansas Conference in 1878. He gave twenty-one years of active service. He died at his home in Ottawa, Kan., Dec. 15, 1900, at the age of eighty-three years.

 

Hyden, Samuel W.: Born Dec. 15, 1823, at Pond Creek, Bradley County, Tenn. He was admitted to Holston Conference (South) in 1861. At the organization of Holston Conference (M.E.) he united with that body. He was a superannuate for many years and lived at Maryville, Tenn., where he held the respect and love of his fellow citizens. He was a man of remarkable physical vigor and retained the use of his faculties almost to the last, being in his eighty-sixth year. He died Aug. 5, 1909, and was buried at Maryville, Tenn.

 

Ingle, Anthony H.: Born Dec. 5, 1840. He was a soldier in the Confederate Army. He was admitted to the Virginia Conference in 1875 and was in active work, with the exception of two years as supernumerary, until 1903, when he was again supernumerary until 1908. He was transferred to Holston in 1906. He was twice married: (1) Miss Mary E. Porter, Nov. 22, 1869. They had nine children. (2) Miss Mary Ellen Gobble, Dec. 8, 1885. They had ten children. He excelled in revival work and was much sought for funerals in all the region where he preached. He superannuated in 1909. He died May 12, 1931. He was buried in Washington County, Va.

 

Ingle, Willis: Born about 1798, in Virginia. Licensed to preach as a young man and served as a local preacher for several years. Admitted to Holston Conference, M. E., in 1866. He was an excellent preacher and one of the best of revivalists. He was appointed to Blountville, Bristol, and Abingdon in 1866; to Abingdon in 1867. He died Oct. 29, 1867; and was buried in Washington County, Va.

 

Jackson, George W.: Born Dec. 10, 1853, Loudon County, Tenn. Son of John H. and Aires Wyly Jackson. Educated at Emory and Henry College. Admitted 1878. Located in 1882. Readmitted 1889 and stationed at Waynesville, N. C. That place being included in the newly established Western North Carolina Conference, he transferred back to Holston in 1891. After serving several charges, he was appointed Junior Preacher at Lenoir City in 1900. His home was at that place. In 1901 he took the supernumerary relation and did not again resume active relation. He "spent most of his threescore and ten years in and around Lenoir City and became one of its most prominent and influential citizens and financiers and became a tower of strength to the church at that place." Married twice: (1) June 12, 1883, Miss Mary Elizabeth Cooper, daughter of J. W. Cooper, Murphy N. C. They had four children. (2) Oct. 1, 1919, Mrs. Willie Galloway Ventress, a daughter of Bishop Charles B. Galloway of Mississippi. In 1914, in company with the first wife, he made a trip to the Orient. Died April 2, 1924. Buried at Lenoir City.