Sketches of holston preachers

 

McKendree, William: Born July 6, 1757, in King William County, Va. Son of John and Mary McKendree, both of Scotch ancestry. Admitted, without license to preach or recommendation, in 1788. Accompanied Asbury to the West in 1800. Presiding elder of Kentucky-Holston District 1800-1801. Leader in Great Revival in the West. Elected Bishop 1808. One of the greatest Bishops of the Methodist Church. Died at the home of his brother, Dr. James McKendree, in Sumner County, Tenn., March 5, 1835.

 

McKenzie, Hiram Wills: Born Aug. 5, 1855, at Kingsport, Tenn. Son of John W. and Mary Ann McKenzie. He attended school at Kingsley Seminary at Bloomingdale. Admitted in 1889. He served without a break until 1917. He was twice married: (1) Miss Alice Aesque in 1879. They had two children. (2) Miss Elizabeth Cassada in 1890. They had eight children. He superannuated in 1917. He died April 11, 1928. He was buried in Carter's Valley, Tenn.

 

McPhail, Hugh: In Holston one year, 1816.

 

McPherson, Stephen Thompson Mason: Born Feb. 2, 1847, at Leesburg, Loudon County, Va. Son of Col. James D. and Julia A. Nixon McPherson. When he was six his parents moved to Rhea County, Tenn. He secured his education at Rhea Springs Academy, where he was probably under the influence of Rev. T. K. Munsey. He was converted Feb. 5, 1865; and was licensed to preach in Jan., 1872. Admitted 1872. As an effective preacher he served twenty charges, one year as a junior preacher, and two as Financial Agent of Martha Washington College. He had twenty-nine different assignments in fifty-one years. For three years he received less than $100.00 per year; for fifteen years the annual compensation averaged $254.63; for the forty-nine years that he served as pastor, the average was $561.12. The largest salary of any year of his ministry was received the last year of his effective service - $1,142.00. His preaching was sound, instructive and hortatory; he excelled as a pastor. He was always cheerful. He had lost a hand in early life, but no one ever thought of him as a cripple. He was loved by all who knew him. He was married July 18, 1876, to Miss Victoria Carden. They had three daughters. He was superannuated in 1923, and lived in his own home at Bristol, Tenn. He died, suddenly, April 30, 1928, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Blanche Brownlow, Abingdon, Va. He was buried in Bristol.

 

McTeer, John Montgomery: Born May 3, 1824, Loudon County, Tenn. His parents were Presbyterians. He studied at Maryville College. Licensed to preach Feb. 23, 1847, and immediately appointed as a supply. Admitted 1847. Appointed presiding elder in 1858 and served in that office for twenty-three years. A popular preacher and singer. Price, the Conference Historian, says: "By his diplomacy he ruled bishops and preachers." He was the most powerful figure in Holston Conference for several years, but his power waned in latter years. Elected a delegate to General Conference 1862, 1866, 1870, 1874 and 1882. Superannuated 1881. Married three times: In 1850 to Miss Eliza Kelly, Jonesboro, Tenn.; in 1857 to Mrs. Frances Piper, Wythe County, Va.; later to Miss Fannie Hatcher, Rockbridge County, Va. Died Nov. 28, 1892, Wytheville, Va., and was buried there.

 

Mead, Stith: Born 1767, Bedford County, Va. Admitted 1792. In Holston one year, 1793-94. Last years in Georgia.

 

Menefee, John: In Holston one year, 1813.

 

Milburn, Joseph: Born Jan. 23, 1800, in Greene County, Tenn. He was the brother of Rev. William Milburn. He married Mary Milburn, who was his first cousin, in 1821. Rev. Joseph P. Milburn was their son. Joseph Milburn was an exhorter and later a local preacher for many years. He was admitted in 1855. When Holston Conference of the M. E. Church was organized in 1865 he entered that Conference in his fifty-sixth year. "His Christianity was illustrated by a life of earnest, devoted piety. His life was useful and beautiful; and his death was grand." He ceased at once to work and live on Jan. 8, 1873. He was buried at Milburntown, Greene County, Tenn.

 

Milburn, Joseph P.: Born Feb. 5, 1832, in Greene County, Tenn. He was a son of Rev. Joseph Milburn and a nephew of Rev. William Milburn. He was converted at ten. Licensed to preach in '55 or '56. He preached for several years as a local preacher. Admitted to Holston (South) in 1861, but in the troubled times of the war he did but little as an itinerant preacher. He became a member of the M. E. Conference in 1865 and filled a number of important charges. He married Miss Amanda Wells in Sullivan County, Tenn. They had four children. Became supernumerary in 1876, but preached as his health would permit. He had expected to take active work in 1886, but about a month before Conference he became ill away from home and died. He was buried in Greene County, Tenn.

 

Milburn, William: Born Sept. 16, 1797, near Winchester, Va. Brother of Rev. Joseph Milburn. Licensed to preach 1827 and "spent most of his time till 1843 in holding protracted meetings." Admitted in 1845 and served ten charges in the Southern Church. He was one of the loyal Union preachers who were expelled by the Southern Conference in 1862. He entered the M. E. Conference, upon its organization in 1865. In 1867 he was appointed Presiding Elder of Abingdon District, which was subsequently transferred to the Virginia Conference. He married Martha Faw in 1818. He continued in active work until stricken with paralysis in 1875. After painful and protracted illness he died Sept. 22, 1877, and was buried at Miburntown, Greene County, Tenn. He served as Chaplain of the 8^th Tennessee Cavalry Volunteers during the war.

 

Miles, George W.: Born Jan. 27, 1829, in Grainger County, Tenn. This is the statement made by Dr. Hoss in his memoir. Dr. Price gives the date Jan. 28, 1828; and the place Cross Anchor, Laurens County, S. C. He intended to study law. Was well read and a strong preacher despite a slight impediment of speech. Admitted 1855. Filled circuits, stations and districts; and succeeded well in all of them. Was gifted and successful as an administrator of far-seeing vision. Married Dec. 23, 1851, Miss Rebecca Austin. A daughter married Dr. D. S. Hearon. A son, George W. Miles, Jr., was for many years a distinguished educator. Died Sept. 16, 1892, at Bristol, Tenn., after three years as superannuate. He was buried at Marion, Va.

 

Miller, Charles K.: Born Sept. 7, 1832, Walker's Creek, Bland County, Va. Son of Charles and Mary McNeil Miller. Licensed to preach Dec. 5, 1857. Admitted 1862. Served eight charges in twenty-two years. Superannuated 1884 and was superannuate for twenty-nine years. Married May 5, 1865, Miss Amanda Young of Grayson County, Va. They had six children. Died Dec. 31, 1913, at his home, Rural Retreat, Va., and was buried there.

 

Miller, Charles W.: Born Nov. 13, 1859, in Monroe County, Ala. He was the son of K. S. and Sarah Ann Morris Miller. Educated at Andrew Seminary and East Tennessee Wesleyan University. Admitted to Alabama Conference in 1886. He went to South America as a missionary. After a few years he returned to the United States because of his wife's health. He was for several years a happy missionary in his charges in Holston Conference. He married Miss Mary Elizabeth Woodson in Campbell County, Tenn., who died a few years before the death of her husband. He died Aug. 18, 1941, and was buried at Fincastle Methodist Church, Campbell County, Tenn.

 

Miller, Samuel A.: Born in Washington County, Tenn. Admitted 1836. Located 1847; readmitted 1861. Married Miss Walls of Hancock County, Tenn., in 1847, who, with several children, preceded him in death. Died Jan. 11, 1863, at the home of Mr. William Carnes, Lee County, Va., and was buried there.

 

Miller, William C.: Born Jan. 9, 1852, at Coker Creek, Monroe County, Tenn. Son of Samuel and Malinda Jane Miller. He was admitted in 1882. He served as pastor and presiding elder, without a break, for thirty years. In every position in the Conference, to which he was assigned, he did his work with painstaking care and fidelity. He was twice married: (1) In 1870, to Miss Parthenia Bane. They had four children. (2) In 1890, to Miss Agnes Wilson. They had one child. He died June 18, 1912, in the parsonage at Lonsdale, Knoxville, and was buried at Knoxville.

 

Milligan, Thomas: Admitted 1798. In Holston six years, 1802-3-4-5-6 and 1808 and served six circuits. Among the longest terms in ministry of that period.

 

Mitchell, Charles: Born Feb. 28, 1814. Admitted 1851. Married. Died 1858. Buried in Carroll County, Va.

 

Mitchell, James Anderson: Born April 9, 1865, near Knoxville. He was admitted to the Alabama Conference in 1895 and served in that Conference until 1902. He transferred to Holston Conference in 1903. During his ministry of forty-five years he was pastor of more than twenty churches. He was superintendent of Chattanooga District for eight years. He was the friend of young ministers. He superannuated in 1933, and identified himself with the Second Church in Knoxville. He died March 19, 1936, at his home in Knoxville and was buried in Knoxville.

 

Mitchell, William Drayton: Born Nov. 20, 1844, in Tazewell County, Va. Son of Rev. Charles Mitchell. Educated in public schools. A soldier in the Confederate Army, he spent some months in prison. Soon after his return from the Army he was licensed to preach. Admitted 1868. He served as a pastor in Tennessee ten years; in North Carolina five years; and in Virginia eighteen years. He built fifteen churches. The largest salary he received was $600.00, while the average for all these years was $450.00. Yet he managed to send his children to college. He believed in and professed sanctification. Married Sept. 17, 1872, Miss Mary Rebecca Burkey, Greene County, Tenn. They lived in happy wedlock more than fifty-two years. She preceded him in death three years. They had five children. Superannuated 1902 and spent the years of retirement in his home at Radford, Va. Here he died June 23, 1927. Buried at Radford.

 

Monroe, Marion H.: Born June 29, 1855, in Georgia. He was converted at twelve and began preaching at fourteen, although he was not licensed to preach until 1875. He graduated from Grant University at Athens, Tenn. Admitted in 1886 and was in active work until 1919, when he rested for one year. He was twice married: (1) Miss Sarah Louisa Self, July, 1879. They had one child. (2) Miss Mary Annie Kyker, in 1884. They had five children. He superannuated in 1920. He died June 19, 1926, at his home in Andersonville, Tenn., and was buried there.

 

Moore, Enoch W.: Born Aug. 20, 1833, in Russell County, Va. Son of Dr. William and Mary Moore. He educated himself by alternately attending and teaching school. Admitted in 1860. Did forty-four years of work in the Conference: twenty-eight years on circuits and sixteen as presiding elder. A man of unusual gifts, mental and moral; a preacher of great power and irreproachable integrity. Married Sept. 22, 1861, Miss Laura Weaver of Cocke County, Tenn. Died Aug. 6, 1904, at Independence, Va. He was buried there.

 

Moore, Mark: In Holston one year, 1786. Entered traveling connection in 1786. Located in 1820. Lived for a time after location between Knoxville and Maryville, Tenn.

 

Moore, Nathaniel: In Holston with Jeremiah Mastin, 1787. They had a net gain of 200 (80 per cent).

 

Moore, Ransom: Admitted 1849. Died 1850.

 

Morris, Edward: In Holston one year, 1788-89.

 

Morris, Jesse Williams: Born Feb. 28, 1877, at Fancy Gap, Va. He taught for several years in the public schools of Carroll County, Va. Admitted 1913. He served nine charges in ten years of active service. He gave diligent attention to every detail of his work. He married Dec. 27, 1899, Miss Matilda C. Combs. They had seven children. He had been in ill health for a short time, but his death was sudden and unexpected. He died Sept. 3, 1938, in the parsonage at Cripple Creek, Va., and was buried at Galax, Va.

 

Morris, Richard: In Holston 1821.

 

Morrison, Benjamin M.: Born Sept. 14, 1869, in Portland, Maine. He came South in 1890 and was admitted to Holston Conference in 1904. He served thirteen charges in twenty-five years. He instituted and was Superintendent of the Good Will Industries in Chattanooga. He was twice married: (1) Miss Mary E. Christian in 1888. They had seven children. She died April 24, 1917. (2) Miss Dixie Ghomley, July 2, 1918. He died Dec. 30, 1929. He was buried at Lenoir City, Tenn.

 

Morrison, J. F.: Born 1826. Admitted 1869 in Virginia Conference. Transferred to Holston Conference in 1873. He served Kingsport, Parrottsville, Bakersville and Jonesboro. He became supernumerary in 1879 and so continued until his death in 1887. He lived during this time at Locust Springs, Tenn. No memoir was published. He was buried at Greene County, Tenn.

 

Mort, Edward William: Born April 24, 1853, in Strasburg, Va. Son of John and Barbara Ann Mort. Licensed to preach 1871. Admitted 1883. He served twelve charges in thirty-three years. He served all of these charges with marked fidelity. It was said that from each of the charges which he had served there were attendants at his funeral. He married May 10, 1892, Miss Amanda Virginia Cunningham, Washington County, Va. They had three children. At the time of his death he was serving the Abingdon circuit. He died in the George Ben Johnson Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, Va., March 14, 1923; and was buried at Emory, Va.

 

Morton, John P.: Born Aug. 26, 1855. "He graduated in the Classical and Theological Course May, 1889." He was licensed to preach in 1876. Admitted in 1889, and was in active service five years in three charges. "He was a good and growing preacher and devoted his time undividedly to the work of soul-saving." He married July 13, 1882, Miss Margaret Helm Little, daughter of Rev. J. B. Little. They had six children. He was sent to Clinton in 1893. In August following he contracted fever, and after a lingering illness died Sept. 15, 1894, at Clinton, Tenn., and was buried there.

 

Munsey, Isaac Newton: Born Oct. 18, 1857, in Bland County, Va. Son of William H. and Clara Munsey. Spent two years in study at Emory and Henry College. Admitted 1888. He was in active work forty-nine years, serving eighteen circuits and stations, in which there were one hundred and forty-five churches. He served with twenty difference presiding elders. He was a man of striking originality. He was an able and effective preacher. He served charges in nearly every part of Holston Conference. He was twice married: (1) Miss Christina M. Yost. She lived but one year. (2) Miss Susan Elizabeth Eaton. They had six children. He superannuated in 1935, and lived at Radford, Va. He died Dec. 7, 1936. He was buried at Floyd, Va.

 

Munsey, Nathaniel: Admitted 1795. In Holston two years, 1795-97. Married and located in Elk Garden, Russell County, Va.

 

Munsey, Thomas K.: Born Sept. 7, 1816. Admitted 1840. First charge was Rogersville circuit, which had twenty-eight appointments and paid him less than $60.00 for the year's work. He had pulmonary consumption and was compelled to abandon preaching in 1849. But later was able to do some preaching. Most of his time was taken up with teaching. Among his students were W. W. Pyott, James J. Cook and Richard Green Waterhouse. He was a good teacher and a preacher of ability. Died July 4, 1872, Calhoun, Tenn.

 

Murphy, Andrew Judson: Born Dec. 1, 1876, in Blount County, Tenn. He was educated at Porter Academy, Murphy College and the University of Chattanooga. He was admitted into Holston Conference in 1898. After serving eight charges and one year as evangelist he transferred to the Arkansas Conference in 1912. In 1915 he transferred to the St. Louis Conference. In 1931 he transferred back into Holston Conference. He had been in the pastorate with the exception of one year in evangelistic work. He married Jan. 7, 1902, Miss Susie Belle Boynton, Pikeville, Tenn. They had five children. She died Oct. 1, 1938. He died Sept. 17, 1942. He was buried at Maryville.

 

Murphy, Wiley B.: Born 1807. Admitted 1833. Transferred to Kentucky Conference in 1835; but returned to Holston in 1839. Died in 1842, while serving Sevierville. Buried at Knoxville.

 

Naff, John Ekin: Born Oct. 1, 1852, at Abingdon, Va. Son of Rev. George Ekin and Margaret Hope Naff and great-grandson of Rev. George Ekin. He attended King College and Hampden Sidney College and graduated at Emory and Henry College in 1875. Immediately after graduation he was elected President of Washington College, founded by Rev. Samuel Doake. He resigned this position, to take charge of the estate of his stepfather, Col. John B. McLin, who had died. Admitted in 1880, having just been licensed to preach. He served missions, circuits, stations, districts and educational assignments in the forty-two years of his active life. "The exceptional influences of his early home, and the culture of his college years, were easily discerned in his mature life." At his best he was a preacher of exceptional power, and he made substantial contribution to the program of Holston Conference. He never ceased to be a student. He was married Dec. 16, 1875, to Miss Irene Blair, Jonesboro, Tenn., his wife being a sister of Mrs. William E. Munsey. They had three sons and one daughter. Rev. George Ekin Naff is a grandson. He asked for and was granted superannuation in 1922, at 70. He enjoyed a rich and mellow experience as a superannuate. The end came in an ideal way. He attended service on a Sunday morning, and prayed a fervent prayer, which was commented on by those who heard it. In the afternoon he told his wife of the gracious experience of the morning. Then he retired as usual. In the morning he lay, as he had fallen asleep; his labors were ended. He died April 9, 1934, in his home at Bristol, Tenn., and was buried at Emory, Va.

 

Neal, Henry Clay: Born May 9, 1829, in Anderson County, Tenn. Brother of Rev. William W. Neal, a member of Holston Conference 1846-1878. When he was five years old his parents removed to McMinn County, Tenn., where he received primary education. His parents were devout Methodists. Converted at Cedar Springs Camp Ground when 16. Here he grew up also with Dr. David Sullins. Graduated from Emory and Henry 1861, and, while there, was licensed to preach Sept. 2, 1862. Admitted 1862. Except one year at Salem, Va., he spent all the years of his ministry in Holston Conference, about equally divided between Tennessee and Virginia. While serving Maryville circuit he was taken from his horse as he was going to Axley's Chapel, near Morganton, Tenn., on Sunday, Feb. 2, 1868, and cruelly whipped, and beaten into insensibility by a mob of ruffians, who where determined to stop him from preaching, for no other reason than that he was a preacher of the M. E. Church, South. Despite this inhuman treatment, no one ever heard Mr. Neal say evil of any of these men. After this time he served other near-by circuits. He told the writer of this sketch, a short time before his death, that he had never recovered from the mental shock of this experience. Married Oct. 17, 1871, Miss Rachael Mitchell, Abingdon, Va. They had four children. Miss Pearl died within a few weeks of her father's death. Mrs. Neal died Sept. 13, 1897, at Abingdon, Va. Superannuated 1901. His last charge was Abingdon circuit, which he served four years. He continued to live in Abingdon until his death, May 9, 1913. Buried at Abingdon.

 

Neal, William W.: Born Aug. 12, 1824, in Whitley County, Ky. Admitted 1846. Educated at East Tennessee University. Married April 10, 1851, Miss Susan Letitia Gaines, Sullivan County, Tenn. His life was divided between teaching, preaching and newspaper editorial work. He continued in the Conference for thirty-two years; but because of poor health his appointments were sometimes nominal. Died Jan. 24, 1878, at Rhea Springs, Tenn.

 

Neel, John Silas Weaver: Born Aug. 29, 1839, on Clear Fork, Tazewell County, Va. Son of Rev. William Elgin Neel, a local preacher, and Annie Fox Neel. His father was a fervent and unpretentious preacher, the melody of whose voice in song often melted his hearers. Educated by the teaching of his father and studies in the common school. He was the first man in Tazewell County to enlist in the Confederate Army and served to the end of the war. He was given a furlough so that he might go home to be licensed to preach, in 1864. He preached to the soldiers. It was his purpose to teach school and earn enough to go to Emory and Henry College, but the presiding elder pressed him to enter the Conference at once. He was admitted in 1866. Forty-eight consecutive years he received appointments from Conference. He served charges in every part of Southwest Virginia and East Tennessee and was one of the best known and beloved preachers Holston Conference has ever had. He served six districts as presiding elder. "As a preacher he was clear, sound, scriptural, fervent and at times powerful." Married Aug. 18, 1870, Rachel Ellen Dickson, Ashe County, N. C. They were most truly one. They had five children. He was superannuated in 1914; and made his home in Wytheville for one year, after which he went to Johnson City to spend the rest of his days. The end came unexpectedly. He was in his place on Sunday and again on Monday. The next morning they found him, lying as he had fallen asleep, with one hand above the other on his breast. Death came April 7, 1924. He was buried at Johnson City.

 

Neel, Lyle McDonald: Born Dec. 14, 1870, at Mace's Spring, Scott County, Va. Son of Erastus G. and Marguarite Bratten Neel. Attended Kingsley Seminary at Bloomingdale, Tenn. Admitted 1902. In 1910, on account of failing health, he was superannuated after serving faithfully eight years. Married, Aug. 9, 1899, Miss Pearl Ann Godsey, Bloomingdale, Tenn. They had three daughters. After twelve years of suffering as a superannuate, he died, April 23, 1923. He was buried at Hermon Methodist Church in Scott County, Va.

 

Newcomb, George T.: Born July 14, 1847, at Fort Madison, Iowa. He was educated at Northwestern University and graduated at Garrett Biblical Institute in 1878. He was admitted to the Michigan Conference in 1878. He transferred to Holston Conference in 1888 and was made Dean of the Theological Department of Grant University, Athens, Tenn. He later was a professor in the University of Chattanooga to the end of his days. He was loved and honored by all. He married in 1878, Miss Ella Coleman of Menominee, Wis. "He preached on Sunday, met his classes on Monday, and, on Tuesday morning he arose to begin the day's work when his heart failed." He died Feb. 17, 1914. He was buried at Chattanooga.

 

Newman, A. A.: Born July 21, 1858, in Jefferson County, Te.nn. He began his ministry in the United Brethren Church. He came from Kansas to Holston Conference in 1907. He was in active service fourteen years in seven circuits. He married Katherine Wilson in 1877. They had ten children. He superannuated in 1923. He died Jan. 9, 1935. He was buried at Salem, Cocke County, Tenn.