Russell, Thomas Humes: Born 1834 in Jefferson County, Tenn. Son of John and Nancy Ellis Russell. "He was a man of good education, a classical scholar. An original, independent, honest spirit. At his prime he was probably the most effective preacher in the Conference. As a debater he had few equals." He was twice married: (1) Miss Evaline E. Williamson of Virginia, in 1857. They had five children. She died in 1874. (2) Miss McCampbell. Admitted in 1859. He filled many of the most important appointments in Holston Conference and was for four years a presiding elder. He was superannuated in 1893. He died April 10, 1902, at Glen Mary, Tenn. He was buried at Sunbright, Tenn.
Sadler, C. N.: Born Aug. 8, 1860, at Lafayette, Tenn. Admitted to the Central Tennessee Conference in 1895. He served there for sixteen years. He was a student at Grant University 1905 to 1907. He transferred to Holston Conference in 1909 and was in active work until 1920. He married March 17, 1878, Miss Adaline Tennessee Smith, Warren County, Tenn. They had five children. She died Sept. 22, 1926. He superannuated in 1920. He died June 1, 1931. He was buried in Chattanooga.
Sadler, Jasper Newton: Born Jan. 3, 1879, near Red Boiling Springs, Macon County, Tenn. He completed high school at eighteen and taught in public schools for six years. He studied one year in Grant University. Admitted in 1913 and was in active work nine years. The charges which he served paid small salaries and he taught in the public schools so as to support his family. He married Sept. 29, 1899, Miss Daisy T. Turner. They had four children. He superannuated in 1920. He died Oct. 22, 1922, in the Physician's and Surgeon's Hospital, Chattanooga, Tenn. He was buried in Chattanooga.
Sale, John: Admitted 1795. In Holston 1795-96 and 1799-1800. Transferred to Kentucky, where he filled some of the most important stations in Ohio and Kentucky. Died Jan. 15, 1827, at the home of a friend, Mr. French, on Piqua Circuit, Ky.
Sanders, Francis Preston: Born April 24, 1874, in Campbell County, Tenn. Son of Abraham and Mary Cox Sanders. Educated at Murphy College and University of Chattanooga. Converted at eleven, he was admitted into Central Tennessee Conference in 1903. In 1904 transferred to South Illinois Conference, returning to Central Tennessee in 1905 and in 1907 to Holston, where he served six circuits and was, for one year, conference evangelist. He loved the country and delighted in circuit work. He married Jan. 14, 1897, Miss Sallie Parrott. They had nine children. His diary records the conversion of more than 3,000 souls. He retired in 1933. He died Dec. 8, 1939, and was buried at Union Grove, Tenn.
Sanders, John: Born April 22, 1867, in Union County, Tenn. He studied in Murphy College. Admitted 1901. He served ten charges. He was a successful pastor and revivalist. The last few years of his life he was not strong. He was elected trustee of Blount County in 1923 but was not able to enter upon the office. He married Jan. 20, 1886, Miss Louise Jones. He was given supernumerary relation in 1924. He died Dec. 17, 1924, at Maryville and was buried there.
Scarboro, P. H.: Born April 12, 1870, in Anderson County, Tenn. Had two years in theology at U. S. Grant University. Licensed to preach in 1897 and served two years as a supply. Admitted 1899. Had two years as pastor followed by two years in the University. Married July 28, 1892. Ill health forced him to give up his work in June, 1902, and he died Oct. 31, 1902, at Avondale, Tenn. He was buried at Concord, Tenn.
Schuler, Thomas Clingman: Born Aug. 1, 1858, at Bryson City, N. C. He was educated in public schools and at Waynesville Academy. He had a thirst for knowledge which was pursued to the end of his life. Admitted in 1883. He served twelve charges, ten of which were stations. He served four districts and was Editor of the Midland Methodist from 1907 until 1911. His diligence in study made him an acceptable preacher, not only in the charges where he served but in any place. He was a thoughtful, earnest, forceful preacher. The charges he served always made good progress. He was a most agreeable companion and a good story-teller. Married Oct. 26, 1887, Miss Lula Payne, Rossville, Ga. They had two daughters; the younger, Elizabeth, married Rev. A. K. Pevoto, a Baptist preacher. After unbroken service of forty-seven years he was superannuated in 1930. While serving Elk Creek circuit he was seriously ill for many months with rheumatism and carried the marks of arthritis in his body to his grave. It is probable that swift close of his last days was caused by the impairment of that illness. At the age of 72 a cold developed into pneumonia and the end came quickly. He died Sunday, Jan. 3, 1931, in his home at Princeton, W. Va. He was buried at Emory, Va. He was a member of the General Conference of 1910.
Scott, Robert Asbury: Born March 22, 1842. Son of Gilbert and Mary Scott, Loudon County, Va. He was admitted into the Virginia Conference in 1870. Served many important charges in that Conference and served as presiding elder. When Southwest Virginia was attached to Holston Conference his membership was with Holston, in which he served only two charges. "He was a good preacher." He was twice married: (1) Miss Matt H. Walters, Fairfax County, Va. They had one daughter. (2) Miss Lucy J. Goodwin, Salem, Va. He superannuated in 1908, but continued to preach as strength would permit. He retired at night after a Sabbath of worship and a quiet evening with his family. At nine o'clock he passed suddenly away. He died May 9, 1914. He was buried at Roanoke, Va.
Scott, Samuel B.: Born Nov. 3, 1829, in Western New York. Admitted into Holston Conference (M. E.) in 1877 and was an active preacher for fifteen years. He died at Oliver Springs, Tenn., Jan. 6, 1896, and was buried there.
Seaton, James B.: Born Dec. 28, 1831, at Sevierville, Tenn. He was a lieutenant in the Federal Army. He was licensed to preach in 1866. Admitted in 1867. In a ministry of about thirty years he built five or more churches. He married Miss Sallie M. Andes in 1852. He superannuated in 1902, being afflicted with cancer. He died April 8, 1905, at his home in Blount County, Tenn., and was buried there.
Seaton, John: In Holston one year, 1815.
Seaton, Moses: Born about 1829 on Horse Creek, Greene County, Tenn. Admitted to Holston conference (S.) in 1857. Located in 1860. Admitted to Holston conference (M.E.) 1869. Served ten charges and was two years supernumerary. He married Aug. 13, 1861, Mary A. Stanfield, Bradley County, Tenn. They had six children. He died at Mountain City, Tenn., April 17, 1889. He was buried at Cedar Grove, Greene County, Tenn.
Sellers, Samuel: Admitted 1805. In Holston 1811. Spent several years in Mississippi and Louisiana.
Sevier, Elbert Franklin: Born 1797, on Nolichucky River, nine miles south of Jonesboro, Tenn. Son of Major James and Nancy Conway Sevier. His father was the second son of Governor John Sevier and Sarah Hawkins Sevier. Educated at Washington College and afterward studied law. But when the call came he turned his back on the attractions of that profession and entered the Methodist ministry. Admitted in 1823, he was a charter member of Holston Conference at its organization in 1824. His first circuit was Abingdon; four years later, immediately upon his ordination as elder, he was appointed presiding elder of Abingdon District. Five years on circuits, two on stations (Knoxville and Chattanooga), sixteen years presiding elder and two years Agent of Emory and Henry College. Two years left without appointment on account of ill health. Located 1831. Readmitted 1839. He was immediately elected to the General Conference. Married Miss Matilda Powell, daughter of Edward and Mary Powell, Montevallo, Ala. She died Sept. 3, 1854, at Knoxville, during an epidemic of cholera. Later married Miss Eliza James, daughter of Rev. Jessee F. James. She died June 2, 1862. Mr. Sevier died Oct. 18, 1862, at Chattanooga. He was esteemed and loved as a man and honored as a preacher of the very first rank. Delegate to General Conference 1828, 1840, 1844, Louisville Convention 1845, 1846 and 1858. He was ten years Secretary of Holston Conference.
Sewell, John: Admitted 1791. In Holston one year. Son of Col. Benjamin Sewell. Accompanied Asbury to Kentucky in 1790. Located 1794. Died 1805.
Sharp, Walter A.: Born Feb. 20, 1888, near Dahlgreen, Ill. He was admitted to Southern Illinois Conference in 1910; and transferred to the Central Tennessee Conference in 1926; and was transferred to Holston Conference in 1931. He married Ruth Green in 1909. They had seven children. He died June 26, 1935, in the hospital at Lafollette, Tenn. He was buried at Dahlgreen, Ill.
Shaw, Hezekiah: In Holston one year, 1807.
Shines, Daniel: In Holston one year, 1790-91.
Shuler, J. A. H.: Born May 30, 1859, in Grayson County, Va. Son of Rev. Phillip Lafton Shuler and brother of Rev. J. W. W. Shuler. He probably had only public school training in youth, but he managed to acquire, by diligent study, an education which should compare favorably with other cultured preachers. He was a man in understanding and a child in the simplicity of his feelings. He was admitted into Holston Conference in 1886. He was in active work for forty-seven years during which he served fifteen charges. He was a preacher of exceptional ability. He delighted in preaching the great doctrines; and at times rose to heights of real eloquence. He was also a diligent and sympathetic pastor. He was twice married: (1) Miss Amanda Harrington, Grayson County, Va. They had five children. (2) Miss Blanche Gibson, East Radford, Va. They had one daughter. He was a Christian gentleman in his home and his children exemplify the devotion of their father's life. His health having failed after he passed threescore and ten, he asked for the superannuate relation in 1933. He died Jan. 26, 1935, in his home at Bristol, Tenn. He was buried at Emory, Va.
Simmons, Elisha: In Holston 1819.
Simmons, John: In Holston one year, 1793.
Simpson, George W.: Born April 2, 1846, near Jonesboro, Tenn. Son of J. R. and Adaline Bayless Simpson and brother of Rev. John B. Simpson. Served as supply two years. Admitted 1870 and continued in active service until 1892, when he was located at his own request. Readmitted in 1903, but on account of ill health was made supernumerary in 1904. He sustained this relation to the end of his life. He was never married although he more than once seemed on the verge of doing so. He became a man of considerable wealth and bequeathed a considerable sum to Hiwassee College. Died at the age of eighty-five, at Johnson City, July 30, 1931. Buried at Johnson City.
Simpson, John Bayless: Born Jan. 1, 1859, near Jonesboro, Tenn. Son of John R. and Adaline Simpson and brother of Rev. George W. Simpson. Admitted in 1885. He had forty-seven years of unbroken service in Holston Conference on twenty-four charges. "He was a hard worker, a brave man and a loyal itinerant." Married Jan. 15, 1891, Miss Nannie Bailey, Bluefield, W. Va. They had two daughters. For a number of years he had been ill, but refused to consent to superannuation. He died April 21, 1933, in the Bluefield Sanitarium. Buried in Bluefield, W. Va.
Smith, David Russell: Born May 1, 1835, at Taylorsville (Mountain City), Tenn. Reared in Lee County, Va. Admitted 1868. Located 1885, readmitted 1886 and made supernumerary. Married Miss Sophia Wolfe 1854. Died Jan. 9, 1888. Buried at Rogersville, Tenn.
Smith, Henry: Born April 23, 1769, in Frederick County, Md. Admitted in 1794. In Holston two years, 1798-99 and 1802-3. Traveled about ten years in Kentucky and Ohio. An eminent example of meekness and patience.
Smith, Jacob: Born Oct. 20, 1835, in Wythe County, Va. Common school education. Converted and joined the church at Mt. Pleasant, Wytheville circuit, Feb. 16, 1851, under the ministry of Wiley B. Winton. Licensed to preach at Kimberlin Camp Ground, Bland County, Va., in 1857. Admitted Oct. 21, 1861. Cruelly mobbed and beaten, on Sunday, April 24, 1869, in Blount County, Tenn. He received injury from which he never fully recovered. In 1874 he was appointed book agent of Holston Conference and was occupied with that work until 1891, when he was superannuated. He held this place on the honor roll to the end of his days. A faithful and devout man, he bore his affliction without rancour or complaint. He died in his eighty-sixth year in 1921 and was buried at Wytheville, Va.
Smith, James T.: Born Aug. 22, 1819, on Saluda River, S. C. When he was three his family moved to Tennessee, and settled on a farm six miles east of Athens. Married Miss Nancy Wilson, McMinn County, Tenn., on Dec. 29, 1844. In less than two years she died. Admitted 1847. Located 1865. Married in 1853 Miss Alzenia E. Smith, who died in 1855. Married Nov. 4, 1857, Elizabeth Jane Morrison. Industrious, frugal, faithful, devoted, he did the whole work of a Methodist preacher. Died June, 1887, at Fair View. Buried at Asheville, N. C.
Smith, John Wesley: Born Sept. 24, 1847, in Washington, Rhea County, Tenn. He was the son of Nathaniel Henry and Elizabeth Willett Smith. He was educated at Mars Hill Academy, as was James I. Cash, who was born in the same month in a near-by community of Rhea County. He had one year in college. He was admitted on trial in Holston Conference in 1872. With the exception of one year at Newborn, Va. (1874-75), he spent the first ten years in the vicinity of Chattanooga, three years (1876-79) at Whiteside Street. Yellow fever raged in Chattanooga in 1878. He was presented with a watch bearing this inscription: "Presented to Rev. J. W. Smith by his friends in Chattanooga, Tenn., for his fidelity to duty during the Yellow Fever Epidemic, 1878." He later served in Chattanooga, Market Street, Hill City, Ridgedale, Highland Park, St. Elmo and Rossville. He served, also, in Virginia, Tazewell, Wytheville, Radford, Graham and Gate City. He was pastor thirty years, presiding elder two years, Assistant Editor one year, colporteur two years, supernumerary seven years, superannuate two years. A most diligent pastor, often visiting in the early morning and visiting all the families in his parish. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by the American Temperance University, Harriman, Tenn. He married Oct. 2, 1883, Miss Lucy Jordan, Pulaski County, Va. They had one son. Superannuated 1916. He died March 20, 1918, at Knoxville, Tenn. He was buried at Pulaski, Va.
Smith, Josiah R.: Admitted 1822. In Holston 1822
Smith, Robert E.: Born Feb. 23, 1846, near Blountville, Tenn. Admitted 1870, "and for well nigh forty years was a faithful, earnest and efficient preacher of the Gospel." Married June 27, 1876, Miss Bagely, Lee County, Va. They had three children. Superannuated 1908. Died March 30, 1910, at Chattanooga and was buried there.
Smith, T.: In Holston 1822.
Smith, W. W.: Born Feb. 11, 1814, in Washington County, Tenn. Admitted 1851. A faithful and successful pastor for twelve years. Died Sept. 21, 1863, at Sulphur Springs, N. C.
Smith, William D.: Born Jan. 28, 1832, in Floyd County, Va. Licensed to preach in 1885 and ordained deacon by Bishop Early in 1862. In Feb., 1865, he withdrew from the M. E., South, and united with the M. E. Church, and was employed to travel the Benton circuit. He went to Georgia after the war and joined the Georgia Conference. He transferred to Holston Conference in 1871 and was effective until 1875, when he became supernumerary and so remained until 1884, when he again was put on the effective list. He did hard work on obscure charges. He was married and had children. He died July 4, 1891, at his home in Bradley County and was buried at Sugar Creek, Bradley County, Tenn.
Smyth, Tobias F.: Born in Illinois Nov. 30, 1837. Son of William A. and Mary Ann Smyth and grandson of Tobias Smyth, one of the founders of Emory and Henry College. His father having died when he was sixteen, he came to Emory, Va., to live with his grandfather and to be educated at Emory and Henry. He was in his senior year there when the war began. He volunteered and did service as a chaplain for part of the time. Emory and Henry honored him with a diploma. Admitted in 1862. Became supernumerary because of ill health in 1878. Effective in 1881 to 1883. Supernumerary 1883 to 1888. Superannuated 1890. A learned and cultured man, he was honored for his ministry and for his meek and gracious spirit. Married Miss Orrie T. Brown of Wythe County, Va., Sept. 22, 1868. Died Jan. 31, 1893, at Sweetwater, Tenn. Buried at Emory, Va.
Snavely, A. Y.: Born July 5, 1846. He was a local preacher for many years. Admitted into Holston Conference in 1889. "He rode the mountainous circuits of the Clinton District for many years." He married Feb. 21, 1867, Miss Angeline Clarkson. They had five children. He superannuated in 1908. He died Nov. 8, 1911. He was buried at Well Springs, Tenn.
Snider, William Robert: Born April 21, 1849, in Tuckaleechee Cove, Blount County, Tenn. Son of George H. and Susannah Handley Snider. Admitted 1883. In forty-five years he served thirteen circuits and eleven stations. He was well endowed. A body finely proportioned and handsome, a quick mind and retentive memory, with favorable educational training he should have been a man of first rank. He was twice married: (1) Miss Jennie Tipton of Blount County, Tenn., Dec. 28, 1868. They had eleven children. She died Nov. 15, 1922. (2) Mrs. Phoebe Dolan, Spring City, Tenn. He superannuated in 1928 and retired to his home in East Lake, Chattanooga. His last illness was of short duration. He died Oct. 29, 1933. Buried at Lenoir City, Tenn.
Sorrell, William Leonidas: Born Sept. 16, 1868, near Del Rio, Cocke County, Tenn. Admitted in 1892. Served 13 charges in 19 years. Unselfish, devoted, faithful, humble. He was thoroughly consecrated to the work of the ministry. Married Nov. 7, 1899, Miss Lillian Wade, Clinton, Tenn. Died Sept. 1, 1915, in the parsonage of Epworth Church, Knoxville, where he was pastor at the time of his death. Buried at Clinton, Tenn.
Speer, James G. H.: Admitted 1821. Well educated and gave good promise. His health failed in 1825 and he located. Married 1833, Miss Mary O'Brien, Kingsport, Tenn. Died 1833.
Spence, John Fletcher: Born Feb. 3, 1828, in Greenville, Ohio. Educated at Ohio Wesleyan University. Admitted in the Cincinnati Conference in 1853. He served as chaplain in the Federal Army, 1862 to 1865. At the close of the war he came to Knoxville. He was transferred to Holston Conference at its organization in 1865. He was engaged in educational work most of the time after coming to Tennessee, the only exception being a term as presiding elder of Knoxville District, 1869 to 1872. He founded and was President of the American Temperance University, Harriman, Tenn., for some years. He married Miss Elizabeth Elliott Carey, Jacksboro, Tenn., in Aug., 1865. She died May 17, 1901. There were three sons and one daughter. He died Jan. 24, 1912, at Orlando, Fla. He was buried at Knoxville.
Standefer, Rufus Madison: Born in Bledsoe County, Tenn. Son of James Standefer and grandson of Gen. James Standefer, one of the first settlers in Sequatchie Valley. Rufus was left an orphan; at seventeen he agreed with a farmer to live as one of his family until he was twenty-one, when he was to have a small stipulated sum. Licensed to preach in 1874. Admitted in 1875. After two years he entered Vanderbilt University and took a two-year course in theology and an additional year of study. In 1880 he transferred to the North Mississippi Conference. In a scourge of yellow fever at Oxford he remained at his post and ministered to the suffering. He was appointed Mayor pro tem of the city. He took yellow fever, but recovered. Becoming indebted, at this time he retired from the ministry for the purpose of paying his debts. This was a sore trial. Readmitted into Holston Conference in 1908, he was quickly restored to high rank as a minister. He was a good pastor and wielded a strong influence among men. "He was a man's preacher" was said of him by Bishop E. E. Hoss. Fifty-one years after he entered the itinerancy he was still doing useful service, but in his fourth year at Clinton, Tenn., in 1924, he became extremely feeble, but he was returned for the fifth year. He died at Clinton in 1926 and was buried there.
Steele, Charles Emmett: Born May 3, 1864, in Scott County, Va. He was the son of Rev. Reuben and Elizabeth Forkner Steele. His father was a notable local preacher, and was a member of Holston Conference for a short period. Both parents died when he was twelve and he grew up in the home of an elder brother. He studied in Hiwassee College and Emory and Henry College. Admitted in 1903. In a ministry of thirty-nine years he served only nine charges, an average of more than four years. He served Elk Garden twelve years. He was the very embodiment of a Methodist circuit rider of the highest type. "A preacher of a pure gospel. He excelled as a pastor. He knew the art of holding a revival; nor did he fail to make provision for such in any year of his ministry." He married Sept. 4, 1889, Miss Ida Mooney, Bull's Gap, Tenn. They had two children. He died May 1, 1932, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Dr. T. G. Smith, Elk Garden, Va. He was buried at Bull's Gap, Tenn., on May 3, 1932, the sixty-ninth anniversary of his birth.
Steir, Frederick: Admitted 1802. In Holston three years as presiding elder Holston District, 1909, 1910, 1911. Prominent in Baltimore Conference.
Stephenson, J. H.: Admitted into Troy Conference. He was transferred to Holston Conference in 1916 and appointed to Vanderbilt University and continued there until his death. He died in 1919 and was buried in Nashville, Tenn.
Stevens, Rufus M.: Born May 18, 1808, Washington County, Va. When a small child his parents removed to Rhea County, Tenn., where they lived near the Cherokees. There were no schools and the boy had the most meager opportunities for an education. The story of his conversion as told by Dr. R. N. Price is a classic of Christian experience. Admitted in 1834. A preacher of notable power and eloquence for thirty years. The shadow of the war between the states fell upon his life. He died Feb. 29, 1864, in a federal prison in Cincinnati. His death was tranquil and triumphant. He was buried in Linden Grove Cemetery, Covington, Ky.
Stewart, Absalom Deakins: Born Jan. 7, 1833, near Dunlap, Marion County, Tenn. Son of George and Martha Deakins Stewart. Educated at Emory and Henry College. Admitted 1858, and was an effective member for forty-one years. Serving a charge at Chattanooga, just after the war between the states, he secured the lot on which Market Street Church was built. "A man of strong convictions and the highest type of Christian character." Married Feb. 8, 1866, Mrs. Jennie McCullough. They had seven children. A son, Rev. R. A. Stewart, is a useful preacher in Texas. Superannuated 1899 and held that relation twenty-four years. Died Aug., 1923, at home of his daughter, Mrs. L. N. Spears, Chattanooga. Buried at Dunlap, Tenn.
Share with your friends: |
