Sketches of holston preachers

 

Travis, John: Born Nov. 3, 1773, in South Carolina. Admitted 1806. In Holston one year, 1813. Located 1814. His first appointment, 1806, was to Missouri circuit. He was the first Methodist preacher to carry the Gospel to that territory. Died Nov. 11, 1852.

 

Triplett, Rufus Kincaid: Born Aug. 2, 1871, in Anderson County, Tenn. Son of William and Nancy Portwood Triplett. He was licensed to preach at nineteen. While a student at Pikeville, Tenn., he was appointed supply pastor on the Pikeville circuit. He volunteered for service in the Spanish-American war and saw service in the Philippines. Admitted in 1900. He was transferred to the Northwest and spent eight years there. Most of his years in Holston were spent in Chattanooga and Knoxville. His unselfish devotion to serving his people won the hearts of those amongst whom he lived. He was twice married: (1) In 1902 to Miss Berdinett Wardell of Knoxville. She died in 1905. (2) In 1907 to Miss Mary M. Jackson, Jackson's Point, Lookout Mountain. They had one son, who is a member of Holston Conference, Rev. Marquis J. Triplett. He had suffered for some time with his heart. Death came Sunday, Aug. 18, 1929, at Erlanger Hospital, Chattanooga, Tenn., while he was pastor of Ridgedale Church. He was buried at Chattanooga.

 

Trower, Thomas: Born in Albemarle County, Va. Admitted in 1807. Located in 1811. Readmitted in 1838. Served: 1807, Clinch; 1808, Nolichucky; 1809, French Broad; 1810, Holston; 1838, Kingston.

 

Troy, William Henry: Born Sept. 16, 1864, in Grayson County, Va. Son of John and Rebecca Troy. Admitted in 1895. He served ten circuits, all of which were in Southwest Virginia. He was a man faithful in all his ways. He married Miss Nannie Virginia Black, Dec. 28, 1892. They had five children. A son, Rev. Olin Troy, is a member of Holston Conference; and a daughter married Rev. D. Trigg James. He superannuated in 1921. After a long illness, he died, March 20, 1937, at Amonate, Va., and was buried at Bluefield, Va.

 

Tucker, Clinton: In Holston one year, 1818.

 

Tunnell, John: Son of William and Anne Howell Tunnell; born in 1755, in Fredericksburg, Va. Admitted at Deer Creek, Md., in 1777. In Holston 1787 as presiding elder and in 1789 as presiding elder, the latter being his last appointment. His first appointment was the famous Brunswick circuit. He also served Kent, East Jersey, Dorchester, Charleston, S. C., and New York, Newark and East Jersey. An eloquent evangelistic preacher with a strong musical voice. Asbury said of him: "Few men as public ministers were better known or more beloved. He was a simple hearted, artless, childlike man. For his opportunities he was a man of good learning; a sensible, improving preacher, a most affectionate friend, and a great saint." He died of consumption at the age of thirty-five at Sweet Springs in Monroe County, W. Va.

 

Turner, W. L.: Born March 23, 1811, Claiborne County, Tenn. Admitted 1837. After traveling two or three years, ill health forced him to take supernumerary. A short time before the Civil War he again became effective, but for only brief periods. Married Miss Phoeba Ely, 1844. Died Jan. 13, 1889. Buried in Jonesville, Va.

 

Tuttle, Sherman Dexter: Born Sept. 17, 1866, at Venango, Crawford County, Pa. Son of Miletus and Helen Tuttle. Educated common school, high school and state normal; also a business course. Worked seven years in freight office. In 1896 he entered Grant University, finishing there in 1899. He was admitted into the Georgia Conference in 1897. He transferred to Holston Conference in 1904. He was presiding elder of Chattanooga District 1909-1911. Health failed him in Feb., 1911. He went to Asheville, N. C., and remained there until April 10, 1914. Leaving there, he went to Dayton, Tenn. He married Sept. 17, 1889, Miss Dora I. Torry. They had two children. He died July 26, 1915, at Dayton, and was buried there.

 

Umberger, James Harvey: Born July 7, 1864, in Wythe County, Va. Son of J. H. Umberger, who died in a Federal prison before his son was born. Educated at Emory and Henry College, where he was converted. Licensed to preach 1907. Admitted 1907. Served seven appointments in Wythe and adjoining counties. A faithful man. Married Aug. 16, 1890, Miss Rhoda Viola King. He served fourteen years as Statistical Secretary of Holston Conference. Died April 5, 1925, at Pearisburg, Va., where he was pastor. Buried at Mt. Pleasant Church near Wytheville, Va.

 

Umberger, Robert Shannon: Born Dec. 26, 1856, in Wythe County, Va. Son of Abraham and Sarah Umberger. Education at Emory and Henry College. Admitted in 1886 and served faithfully in active work for twenty-two years. He married Dec. 24, 1890, Miss Emma Louise Gildersleeve of Tazewell County, Va. They had four children. He was a very devoted husband and father. He took superannuate relation in 1908 and so continued twenty-seven years. His home was at Athens, W. Va. Here he died March 20, 1935, and here was buried.

 

Varnell, John M.: Born 1802. Admitted into South Carolina Conference in 1828. Appears in Holston 1849. Died 1857. Buried at Calhoun, Tenn.

 

Vaught, Sidney Bays: Born Feb. 16, 1868, in Wythe County, Va. Son of Noah Trigg and Minerva Jane Atkins Vaught. His mother was a sister of Rev. D. H. Atkins and Rev. K. C. Atkins. He was educated at Asbury Academy, Carson-Newman College and Emory and Henry College. He was admitted to Holston Conference in 1894, and was in active work for thirty-eight years. He served one circuit and eight stations and one district. He was Financial Agent for Emory and Henry College one year, Commissioner for Emory University four years, and Field Secretary, Children's Home Society of Virginia, one year. He was one of the strongest preachers of Holston Conference in his day. "During his pastorates seven new churches and one parsonage were built. He was a builder and a fighter." Richly endowed with a powerful and handsome physique, a strong and energetic mind and a pleasing personality, he was unusually well equipped for the Methodist itineracy. He married Aug. 29, 1894, Miss Sallie Albert Peery, Tazewell, Va. They had three children. He took the superannuate relation in 1933, when he was sixty-four. He died in his home at Bristol, Va., Aug. 9, 1935. He was buried at Tazewell, Tenn.

 

Vermillion, William: In Holston one year, 1805.

 

Wagg, John D.: Born July 8, 1835, Jefferson, N. C. Son of Rev. James Wagg. Admitted 1858. Superannuated 1865. In this short time he rose to Asheville station and Bristol station. His abilities were above ordinary. Died 1866. Buried at Hillsville, Va.

 

Wagner, William Nathan: Born March 25, 1854, in Tazewell County, Va. Son of David and Mariah Wagner. Educated in public school and by the steady pursuit of learning to the end of his days. Converted at nine years of age. Because of the crowded condition of Holston he was admitted to the Baltimore Conference in 1881 and served there until 1890, when he transferred to Holston; he transferred back to Baltimore Conference in 1901; transferred to Florida Conference in 1909, to be with his missionary daughter, at home on sick-leave from Korea; transferred to Holston in 1911. A man of slow, but strong intelligence, a clear, convincing preacher, a steady and faithful Christian, he served well on circuits and stations in the three Conferences to which he belonged. Married in 1880, Miss Sue Frances Canter, Huntersville, W. Va. They had two daughters. The older daughter, Miss Ella Sue, went as a missionary to Korea in 1904, and has long been one of the leaders of her Church in that land. Mrs. Wagner died in Nashville, Tenn., Sept. 25, 1922. He then made his home with his daughter, Mrs. John T. McMullin. He superannuated in 1921. His once strong frame became very frail, but he continued cheerful and gracious. Died May 3, 1933, at Bluefield, W. Va., and was buried at Emory, Va.

 

Walke, Ivy: In Holston one year, 1815.

 

Walker, Edward W.: Born Sept. 10, 1866, in Hawkins County, Tenn. Admitted 1889. After four years he was sent to Hawkins circuit, where he had been brought up. He served that charge with great acceptability. Twelve years was the span of the ministry of this humble and faithful man. Although ill he continued to preach until tuberculosis brought him low. Married Miss Callie V. Kite, Nov. 13, 1887. They had six children. Died May 23, 1901. Buried at Graham, Va.

 

Walker, John Randolph: Born May 12, 1850, in Tazewell County, Va. Son of Daniel Alexander and Harriet Neel Walker. A younger brother, Robert M. Walker, was also for many years an itinerant preacher in Holston Conference. Joined the church at thirteen; licensed to preach 1876. Admitted 1876. "In forty years he served twenty-one pastoral charges and attended every Annual Conference, but one." Notwithstanding the meagerness of his educational opportunities he became an unusually strong preacher. He possessed the gift of seasoned and forceful speech. Married Dec. 1, 1875, Miss Mary J. Brown. They had nine children, to all of whom he gave college or university training. Superannuated 1916. Died Jan. 23, 1917, at Charlottesville, Va. Buried at Wytheville, Va.

 

Walker, Newton F.: Born June 21, 1868, in Hawkins County, Tenn. Admitted from the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in 1908. Served eight charges in nineteen years. Married twice: (1) Feb. 17, 1889, Miss Magdalene Saylor. They had four children. (2) Aug. 26, 1926, Miss Susie Gentry, Wyndale, Va. A quiet, conscientious, faithful man. Superannuated 1927. Died Oct. 25, 1929, at Wyndale, Va. Buried at Johnson City, Tenn.

 

Walker, Richard E.: Born Nov. 12, 1873. Son of James A. and Mary Thompson Walker. He was educated in the schools of Greene County and at Grant University. He was admitted in 1904. He was constantly in the pastorate until 1934, and spent the year following in evangelistic work. He married Miss Elizabeth Fink. They had four children. On Sept. 26, 1938, he suffered a severe stroke of paralysis. He died at his home in Greeneville, Tenn., on June 27, 1939. He was buried in Greene County, Tenn.

 

Walker, Robert: Born Aug. 24, 1865, in Miller's Cove, Blount County, Tenn. He graduated from Porter's Academy and taught school for several years in Blount and Knox Counties and was Superintendent of Public Instruction for Blount County. Admitted in 1897 and was appointed to U. S. Grant University where he graduated three years later. During part of this time he was a pastor. He was earnestly intent upon making preparation for the ministry. His last pastorate was Harriman, where he served four years. He was twice married: (1) Miss Gertrude Kerr. They had three children. (2) Miss Daisy Goddard. They had two children. He died Dec. 24, 1907, at the home of his brother, T. J. Walker, Knoxville, Tenn. He was buried at Wildwood Cemetery in Blount County.

 

Walker, Robert McDonald: Born July 11, 1863, in Clear Fork Valley, Bland County, Va. Son of D. A. and Harriet Neel Walker. Admitted in 1889. He served fifteen charges in thirty-seven years. He was a clear, forceful preacher of the word of God. He married Miss Ella Moore, Jan. 28, 1882. They had seven children. He had poor health for many years and was forced to superannuated in 1926. He died May 6, 1938, in a hospital at Knoxville; and was buried at Strawberry Plains, Tenn.

 

Walker, Thomas Senter: Born May 24, 1840. Educated in common schools. But acquired and maintained the habit of reading and study. "He was a man of sound judgement, conviction and courage." He began preaching when he was eighteen. He was admitted to Holston Conference (South) in 1861, but his ministry was soon interrupted by the Civil War. He joined Holston Conference (M.E.) at its organization in 1865. He served nineteen circuits and one district. He was twice married: (1) Miss Mary J. Carter, March 22, 1865. They had six children. (2) Mrs. Augusta Dooley McFee. They had four children. He was superannuated in 1905, but after this did supply work. He died June 30, 1909. He was buried at Morristown, Tenn.

 

Walker, William Hicks: Born Nov. 17, 1869, in Tazewell County, Va. Son of Thomas F. and Juliana Steele Walker. He was converted in childhood, but shirked religious duties. At eighteen he was renewed and answered the call to preach. Admitted in 1908, he was active for thirty years, during which he served ten charges, most diligently and faithfully. He married Jan. 1, 1902, Miss Elma Brown Walker, daughter of Rev. Robert M. Walker. They had five children. He was superannuated in 1938. Died Feb. 19, 1939, in his home at Cleveland, Tenn. He was buried at Strawberry Plains, Tenn.

 

Wampler, I. A.: Born Jan. 14, 1863, at Mosheim, Greene County, Tenn. He was admitted to the ministry in the Methodist Protestant Church and was for several years a diligent pastor. He married June 27, 1893, Miss Lula Allen. After his retirement he made his home at Midway, Tenn. "At the age of seventy-eight he retained his interest in the work of the Methodist Church." He died Feb. 20, 1941, at Midway and was buried there.

 

Wampler, Joseph F.: Born Jan. 3, 1848, in Wise County, Va. Converted at sixteen and licensed to exhort. Admitted 1876. Served in itinerant work without a break for twenty-four years. He served circuits in East Tennessee and North Carolina and is said to have witnessed the conversion of between two and three thousand persons. Married Miss Ara Moore, Shellmound, Tenn. Died May 24, 1900, at Charleston, Tenn. Buried at McDaniel's Chapel, Tenn.

 

Ward, James: Admitted 1792. One year in Holston, 1792-93. Died 1855.

 

Ward, John Blair: Born Dec. 18, 1857, in Ward's Cove, Tazewell County, Va. Son of Capt. A. T. and Rebecca Thompson Ward. Educated in public schools and the local academy and spent two years at Virginia Polytechnic Institute, at Blacksburg, Va. He was for some years associated with his father and brother in the export cattle business, in which they were successful. When a young man he united with the Presbyterian Church and became an elder in that Church. He joined the Methodist Church in 1895. He was admitted into Holston Conference at Tazewell, Va., in 1895, being then thirty-eight years of age. The first six years were spent in the coal field in work of unusual success. His zeal did not abate in the years which followed on Newbert and Pearisburg circuits and at Whiteside, Chattanooga. He was three years Conference Missionary Evangelist. He was Financial Agent of Martha Washington College. He served as presiding elder of Bluefield, Chattanooga and Radford Districts - serving four years in each. He was again sent to the coal field, but was unable to finish the year. He became superannuate in 1925 and retired to his home in Bluefield, W. Va. He was a man of fine physical appearance and vigor, and with excellent gifts of intelligence; to this may be added that he had great moral earnestness coupled with positive convictions and simple faith. He accomplished more after thirty-eight than most men accomplished in a lifetime. He was twice married: (1) Miss Sallie George McCall, 1879. She died in 1889. They had seven children. (2) Miss Glendora Cullup, Bristol, Va., Sept. 1890. They had three children. He died April 23, 1928, in his own home at Bluefield, W. Va.; and was buried at Abingdon, Va.

 

Ware, Joseph Thackery: Born Aug. 29, 1869, in Camden County, N. J. In early life he moved to Iowa and, in 1892, to Georgia. Admitted to the Georgia Conference in 1894. After twelve years of strenuous work in Georgia he transferred to Holston Conference and continued his work there for thirteen years. "On every charge, whether large or small, he was alike faithful to his duties as a pastor. For years he traveled his large circuits on foot. His excessive labors broke his health and he became a great sufferer." He married Miss Luvena Moss. They had four children. After her death he lived with his daughters. He superannuated in 1916. He died Nov. 23, 1931, in Pickens County, Ga. He was buried at Ludville, Ga.

 

Ware, Thomas: In Holston two years, 1787-1789. Admitted 1784 at the historic Christmas Conference. His was the longest ministerial career of any of the early preachers in Holston. For some time before his death, on March 11, 1842, he was the oldest Methodist preacher in America. Born in Greenwich County, N. J., Dec. 19, 1758. He volunteered to come to Holston with John Tunnell and Micajah Tracey in 1787. He served among the new settlers on the lower Holston and French Broad Rivers and shared with them the dangers and hardships of the frontier; was with John Tunnell when Mrs. Elizabeth Russell and her husband were converted; and was a member of the first Conference west of the Blue Ridge, at Keywood, Va., in May, 1788. Circuit rider, station preacher, presiding elder, missionary to Jamaica. Elected in 1812 one of the Book Stewards and served four years. He was one of the great men of his day.

 

Waterhouse, Richard Green: Born Dec. 24, 1855, near Spring City, Rhea County, Tenn. Son of Franklin and Lorinda Rachel Thompson Waterhouse. Educated in local and high school, in Hiwassee College and Emory and Henry College, from which he graduated in 1885. Licensed to preach in 1878. Admitted 1878. After serving Altamont and Spencer Mission and Jonesboro he was appointed as junior preacher on Abingdon circuit in 1881. This enabled him to enter Emory and Henry College. He was sent to Church Street, where he remained four years. This was followed by two years on Radford District. In 1892 he was elected Professor of Mental and Moral Science in Emory and Henry College. In 1893 he was elected President of Emory and Henry College. The years of his presidency were heroic years and he invested his life in the College. Refusing to allow an increase of his salary, he never received above $1,300 per year during the seventeen years he was there. He gave himself to the freeing of the College from debt and rebuilding for the new demands then facing the church in the field of college education. He soon became widely known among the educators of the M. E. Church, South, and was in great demand as a speaker. He became known also as one of the most powerful preachers of the connection. He was elected a delegate to the General Conferences of 1894, 1898, 1902, 1906 and 1910. He was elected Bishop in 1910. His first assignment was to the Pacific Coast. He moved to Los Angeles and served that area four years. So splendid was his physique and so handsome his person that he attracted attention wherever he went. But no man was more truly humble. Before the end of his first quadrennium his health showed serious impairment and continued to decline. He moved to Emory, where he was loved and honored by his neighbors and his Conference. He was twice married: (1) To Miss Carrie Steele, Crystal Springs, Miss., on Feb. 3, 1887. They had one child, a daughter. Mrs. Waterhouse died Sept. 11, 1891. (2) To Mrs. Mary Thomas Carriger, Morristown, Tenn., Oct. 10, 1894. They had two sons. In the fall of 1922, he moved to Knoxville so as to be near both of his sons. He had grown to be feeble, but kept up his heroic effort to recover, by taking regular exercises. While thus engaged, walking on the street on a gloomy afternoon, he was struck by an automobile and seriously injured. He was hurried to a hospital, but did not regain consciousness. He died Dec. 8, 1922. He was buried at Emory, Va., on Dec. 11, 1922.

 

Watkins, Albert G.: Born May 5, 1818, in Jefferson County, Tenn. He was educated in college and studied law. While a young man he was elected to the State Legislature and served two terms. He was later elected to represent his district in Congress and served four terms, to the great satisfaction of his constituents. In 1865, at Panther Springs Church, he was converted under the ministry of Rev. W. C. Graves. He was licensed to preach, and in 1866, he joined Holston Conference (M. E.). He traveled important charges in the region in which he had been active in political affairs. "He was a man of deep piety, a popular preacher, a good revivalist and an excellent pastor." He married Aug. 30, 1839, Miss Louisa Brittion, of Kentucky. She died in 1885. He married the second time in Dec., 1886, Miss Lucretia Caldwell. In 1887 his health failed and he was seldom able to preach afterwards. He superannuated in 1887 and retired to his home in Hawkins County, where he died Nov. 9, 1895. He was buried at Jefferson City, Tenn.

 

Watkins, James Henry: Born May 9, 1874, in Steubenville, Ohio. Son of Samuel Aaron and Louisa Grimsley Watkins. He grew to manhood at Front Royal, Va. Educated in public schools. He joined the Baptist Church with his parents. He transferred his membership to the M. E. Church, South, was licensed to preach in 1898, and served as a supply preacher in the Baltimore Conference prior to 1912. He was admitted into Holston Conference in 1913 and served several charges and was district evangelist for several years. This was his favorite field. He was twice married: (1) Miss Edwina Blanche Fristoe, Luray, Va., May 23, 1899. They had two sons. Rev. Clyde F. Watkins, the younger son, is a member of Holston Conference. (2) Miss Ruby Lane, Knoxville, Tenn., in 1932. They had one child. He superannuated in 1933. He died in Knoxville General Hospital, Feb. 29, 1936, and was buried in Knoxville.

 

Watson, Joab: Admitted 1801. In Holston one year, 1804. Died west of Mississippi River at an advanced age. "He was a good Hebrew scholar; and an able expounder of the word of God."

 

Watson, John: Born in Calvert County, Md. Admitted 1792. In Holston seven years as pastor and presiding elder. Died in 1838, in Baltimore Conference.

 

Watson, Neil McKay: Born July 17, 1857, at Jonesboro, N. C. Educated at the University of North Carolina and Vanderbilt University. The degree of Doctor of Divinity was later conferred on him by the University of North Carolina. He was admitted to the North Carolina Conference in 1888. He served important churches in North Carolina for twenty years. In 1908 he transferred to Holston Conference. He was soon received as a "Holston man" and was given appointments of high rank. "He always made thorough preparation for the pulpit, and in consequence, never lacked for eager hearers." He was elected to the General Conference of 1922 and was a member of the committee on Unification. He married Dec. 26, 1900, Miss Frances Atwater. They had two sons. He superannuated in 1934, and lived at Chattanooga. He died in his home March 15, 1937, and was buried in Chattanooga.

 

Waugh, Henry P.: Born in Monroe County, Tenn. Admitted 1855. Transferred to Alabama Conference 1864, but returned to Holston Conference in 1871. Was chaplain in Confederate Army two years. Supernumerary in 1886 and 1889. Superannuated 1890, but served a charge that year. His preaching was characterized by common sense, simplicity and directness, and he was a successful revival preacher. After retirement he made annual journeys through the charges which he had served. Married, during his first year as a preacher. Miss Barbara G. Everett, who died in 1861. Married Dec. 3, 1863, Mrs. Mary A. Proctor. Died July 11, 1898, and was buried at Morristown, Tenn.

 

Weatherly, Samuel S.: Born May 28, 1851, in Washington County, Va. Admitted 1873. Of thirty-two years in the Conference, ten were in North Carolina, one in Tennessee and twenty-one in Virginia. In all of the charges he did good work. Married June 19, 1875, Miss Mary Elizabeth Henry, Hendersonville, N. C. There were six children, one of whom is a Methodist preacher in a western state. His death resulted from being struck by a train in Eggleston, Va. At the time of his death he was pastor of Staffordsville circuit. Died Oct. 5, 1905. Buried at Emory, Va.