Elbert Jones Banks
Jackson G. Bush
Rev. Hiram Phinazee
Mickleberry Merritt
Robinson Fambro
John Fynt
APPENDIX. The three men whose sketches follow were not in the first meeting of
the Congregational Methodists, but became identified with the movement at an early
date and had much to do with determining the polity of the church and making it
the instrument that God has so honored and used.
J. F. N. Huddleston
Lazarus J. Jones
Francis Marion Hunt
The saintly man was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Banks.
He was born at Ruckersville, Elbert, County Georgia, February 16, 1822.
At the age of ten he had the misfortune of losing his eyesight, which prevented
his being educated in the ordinary way; but he had a strong mind, a wonderful memory,
was fond of listening to those who talked and read, was industrious and skillful
in the use of his senses, so that he became well informed on a great variety of
subjects. The best histories and religious books were kept in his library
and he became familiar with them. He was especially fond of church history,
Bible literature, and deeply devotional books and papers.
When he was thirteen years old his father died. Soon afterward his mother
removed to Monroe County, where he continued to reside till his death. His
mother was a most excellent woman, devotedly pious, and her careful teaching and
training had much to do with making brother Banks one of the most exemplary Christians
of his day.
When he was eighteen he was unmistakably converted
at old Rehoboth Camp-ground, famous for the conversion of so many eminent men; and
he joined the M. E. church .
At maturity he was of medium
height, weighed one hundred and forty pounds, had a fair complexion, blue eyes and
a well developed head.
October 26, 1855, he was happily
married to Miss Fannie E. Peurifoy, a pure woman whose very presence was an
inspiration to holiness, ever bearing an atmosphere of the heavenliest. This
union was blessed with seven children, three of whom died in infancy. Three
sons and one daughter survive this Semi-Centennial year of Congregational Methodism.
By occupation he was a farmer and he liked this employment. Notwithstanding
his blindness, he knew every part of his plantation and he had superior judgment
in directing the work. There was no better judge of a good cow or horse than
he, who judged by a few strokes of his hand. Seeing him about his premises,
one would scarcely suspected that he was blind. He was exceedingly thoughtful
and considerate of his servants, and these loved him and had confidence in his religion.
Brother Banks had the confidence of the good element throughout his county and was
an influential and revered citizen; but it was in his family and in his church that
his virtues shone the brightest. He was a devoted husband and father and he
loved his home dearly. He was a strong advocate of temperance, not knowing
the taste of whiskey. By the aid of his godly wife, he brought up his children in
his pure sentiments and abstemious habits. He was the embodiment of manly
virtues, generosity and hospitality. A young niece of his once remarked: "It
seems like one gets into a purer atmosphere when he goes where Uncle Elbert is."
This devout man of God was one of the noble twelve who met at Brother Merritt's
May 8, 1852, to organize Congregational Methodism. He was the worthy associate
of a good and princely company of men of pure hearts and strong convictions, in
whose manly bosoms the Spirit of God dwelt. Like his associates, he had convictions
and could not be false to them. The world might frown, but what mattered,
so he felt he was following the Devine leading. He was devoted to his church
as long as he lived. His seat at Mt. Zion, the first C. M. Church , was rarely
vacant on meeting days. He went early and delighted to linger there.
He attended the last meeting before his death, though feeble from the consumption
that was to lead him to the grave in a few days. Truly liberal, he was always
ready with hand, head, heart and purse.
His death on December
8, 1887, was peaceful and tranquil, as his live had been. No shadows of doubt
as to his blissful future darkened his sunlit skies as he gazed above in passing
away. His children and friends have no doubt as to where to find him.
On the family altar, reared soon after his marriage, the incense of household devotion
had ascended every day under his faithful lay priesthood, and the sacred fires still
burning there consuming continued sacrifice and furnishing flame for other altars,
yet attest the perfection of his character and illumine the way to the Happy Land
and blend their rays with friends' bright hopes of meeting him there "some
sweet day." The blind man now sees Jesus face to face and sings the old,
old story of being saved by grace.
(The following comments are NOT
part of the above biography but have been added by the transcriber.
Complete
family history on Family Search: http://www.familysearch.org, then perform search
for Elbert Banks)
Bn. Feb 16, 1822 , Elbert Co. Ga.
Died Dec. 8, 1887,
Monroe Co. Ga
Buried at: #39 Greenwood Cemetery
Next to him: Annie E. Banks,
Bn Aug 23, 1828, d. Mar 7, 1911
Book B, Page 5 BANKS ELBERT J Married PEURIFOY
FRANCES Elizabeth 10/26/1845
FATHER: Thomas Alston Banks (Son of Ralph
Banks, Bn 21 Oct 1757, Caroline, Va., died 24 Oct, 1823, Elbert, Ga. (Married 27
Nov. 1788, NC) and Rachel Alston Jones, Bn. 6 May 1769, Wake NC, Died 11 Jul. 1851,
Tuscaloosa, Al.)
MOTHER: Mary Jones Chipman
Wife: Frances Elizabeth Puerifoy
, I believe she may have been the daughter of Caswell and Caroline Puerifoy.
children:
M John Warren BANKS
Born: Abt 1854 Place: , Monroe, Ga
F Mary Caroline BANKS
Born: Abt 1858 Place: , , Ga
Died: 1937 Place:
M Joseph Lemuel BANKS
Born: 1850 Place: , Monroe, Ga
Died: 1856
Place:
F Sally Lou BANKS
Born: 1862 Place: <, , Ga>
Died:
1864 Place:
M George Richards BANKS
Born: 11 Oct 1852 Place: , Monroe,
Ga
Died: 9 May 1928 Place:
Buried: Place: Forsyth City Cemetery, Forsyth,
Monroe, Ga
M Thomas Caswell BANKS
Born: 2 May 1848 Place: , Monroe,
Ga
1850 Census:
Banks Elbert J. 28 M Farmer 4,000
Banks Francis E.
22 F
Banks Thomas C. 2 M
Banks Joseph L. 4/12 M
1860 Monroe County
Census:
Banks Elbert J 38 M Farmer 6,000 20,500
REMARKS: Blind
Banks
Fanny 31 F
Banks Thomas C 12 M
Banks George 7 M
Banks Warren 5 M
Banks Mary C 2 F
1870 census
BANKS ELBERT J 48 M W FARMER GA
BANKS
FRANCES E 42 F W GA
BANKS GEORGE B 17 M W GA
BANKS JOHN W 15 M W GA
BANKS
MARY C 11 F W GA
Living next door:
(PEURIFOY CASWELL 60 M W PREACHER
GA
(PEURIFOY CAROLINE 65
JACKSON G. BUSH
Another
of the laymen who cast his lot with the Congregational Methodists at their first
meeting for organization was brother Jackson G. Bush. We regret that there
is no picture of him in existance. He was born in Columbia county, Georgia,
August 1797. He was carried in childhood to Warren county, Georgia, where
he remained till 1826, when he married Miss Lavinia Brantley and moved to Monroe
County.
Brother Bush was by choice a farmer, and he was an
unusually successful one. He had naturally some mechanical ability.
While he did not spend his years in seeking political honors, yet in 1848 he represented
Monroe county in the Georgia Legislature.
His home life was
a model of purity and hospitality. There many a weary preacher found rest,
refreshment, encouragement and substantial help.
He was a
hearty believer in good books and Christian education and did commendably in these
particulars for his large family of children.
The neighborhood
in which he spent his maturest years has ever been distinguished for the thrift
and integrity of its citizens, and brother Bush was an honored leader among these.
With brother Bush's simplicity of character and positive
spirit, it is impossible to think of him as without convictions or a trifling with
his sense of right and duty. Therefore when he arrived at the conclusion that
Congregational Methodism was needed in furthering the Redeemer's kingdom and would
embody New Testament principles, he deliberately but unhesitatingly cast his lot
with the movement. Having participated in the general organization, he proceeded
to lead in the establishment of a Congregational Methodist church near his residence.
Fredonia church rose up as a monument to his zeal, liberality and personal toil.
(Some years after his death Congregationalist gained control of Fredonia and it
is still with that denomination. Why should they not return home this Semi-Centennial
year?)
Brother Bush never faltered in his faith nor staggered
in his loyalty. In January 1879, at a good and honorable old age, he fell
asleep in Jesus. He lived to see a number of holy triumphs in the church he
helped to found; but I seriously doubt if he fully realized, in all his zeal and
wisdom, the full and glorious significance of the movement in which he had been
one of the leaders. Though the church he loved has made her mistakes and had
her reverses, yet many thousands have found life at her alters already, and as we
are passing through this Semi-Centennial year we find a spirit of renewed consecration
and activity that is projecting more aggressive labors for this continent and looking
beyond the seas. From many quarters come notes of hope, like the songs of
the birds greeting the rising sun. There also come expressions of devotion
like the odors of incense from the undefiled altars. Amid it all, there rises
the spirit of antagonism to all evil, like marshalled hosts shouldering muskets
with gleaming bayonets. By faith we hear the trampling of numberless feet,
shod with the preparation of the gospel of the Curcified and Exalted Son of God
returning from Armageddons to New Jerusalem with songs and everlasting joy upon
their heads. But, above it all, we hear the voice of the Captain and Savior
of the hosts, saying, "Come, ye blessed of my father; inherit the Kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world." And as we toil and fight and
see and hear and weep and rejoice, we are lifting up our heads in expectancy of
the coming again "without sin unto salvation." "Amen, Even
so, Come, Lord Jesus."
(The following comments are NOT part of the above
biography.
Jackson G. Bush , Bn 1797, Columbia Co., GA. Moved to Warren
Co., GA. in childhood
Warren County Marriage records lists a marriage for Jason Bush to Lavinia Brantley, Dec. 28, 1826
1840 Monroe Co. Census Page 160, Jackson Bush District 504
1850 Census, Page 101 Bush Jackson 53 10,000 G.A. Bush Sarah 41 G.A. Bush James 22 G.A. Bush Benjamin 20 G.A. Bush Albert M. 15 G.A. Bush Warren 13 G.A. Bush W. H. H. 10 G.A. Bush Samuel H. 8 G.A. Bush Emily M 5 G.A. Bush Essy 3 G.A.
1860 Census Bush Jackson 63 8,000 13,000 Ga Bush Lavinia 41 Ga Bush Wm 20 Ga Bush Samuel 18 Ga Bush Emily 14 Ga Bush Hepsibah 12 Ga
Page 106B, 1870 Monroe Co. Census BUSH JACKSON 72 W FARMER GA BUSH LAVINIA 60 W GA BUSH LEE 72 B FARM LABORER GA BAGGETT BEN 22 B FARM LABORER GA BUSH THOMAS J 20 W FARM LABOR GA BUSH MANN 30 W SCHOOL TEACHER GA Bush Thomas 8
`Scientists have dissected and scrutinized man's body and
have been at once charmed and awed by its mechanism, sculptors have thought it worth
their energies to put the form in marble, painters to put it in colors on canvas,
philosophers have studied man's soul, and have been edified and astonished -- at
once inspired and confounded; poets, with their intense perception and susceptibility,
have felt beyond the thoughts of scientists and sculptors and painters and philosophers
and have extolled man in measured eulogies; musicians have come to the aid of the
poet, and have, in varied melodies, expressed what poets could not utter.
The highest types of en in all professions and vocations have felt most the unspeakable
and incomprehensible nature and destiny of man. Rev. Hiram Phiazee was a man
among men.
Descended paternally from the Irish and maternally
from the Welsh, he was born November 8, 1802 - three months after the great Napoleon
was appointed First Consul for life - the second year of the President of the world
renowned Thomas Jefferson. His birth occurred within that part of old Jackson
county which is now Hall county, Georgia. In 1822, he moved to Jasper County,
Georgia where he resided only a few months. January 6, 1828, he transferred
to Monroe County and settled upon the lot of land he had there drawn and where he
thenceforward lived and wrought till, having finished his course of 80 years, 2
months and 6 days, his body was laid in quiet Greenwood, and his spirit was, in
blessedness, received by the God who gave it.
Father Phinazee
was born of poor parents and was reared with the enjoyment of only meagre opportunities.
At the time he drew his lot in Monroe, He was without fortune and without education;
but he felt within the indefinable pulsing and throbbing of superior manhood and
he determined to achieve success. Largely issolated for a time from men of
his uncleared hills, his hands toiled b day and his mind by night until slaves were
brought to do his bidding and a wel-appointed farm responded generously to their
toils.
At Monroe Camp Ground, below Forsyth, in 1825, the
Lord forgave his sins and converted his soul. Near the same time, the Lord
gave him a blessing for the remainder of his life in his wedded union with Elizabeth
B. Ogletree. (Note: Married October 6, 1825)
Fifty-seven years he was blessed in this woman's wifely love and every day he found
her to be of God.
It was his nature to be active and to achieve,
consequently we find that he had not been in the Methodist church long till he began
a several years service as class leader. Later he was licensed to exhort.
In 1839, he responded to the highest of God's call to men, and was licensed to preach.
As the years were passing, the county around him was being settled by the best class
of citizens, he was observing closely the affairs of man, was accumulating quite
a library of well selected books of history, literature and theology and was becoming
one of the most thoroughly informed men in the State.
His
abilities and qualifications shone through his modesty, and he was often pressed
to accept political office. This, with a few exceptions, he firmly declined
to do. In 1850, when the country was being violently agitated over the Fugitive
Slave Laws, he consented to become a member of the Georgia Convention. Again,
when the country was being rent in twain, in 1861, he yielded to the entreaties
of friends and served them in the Georgia Convention of that year. On several
occasions, he served in local conventions, and distinguished himself for strength
of conviction, firmness, fearlessness and power in impromptu debate.
Major T.
W. Flynt says of him: "He was a statesman without being a politician;
a man who never sought office, but who in troublous times was several times called
upon by the people to serve them in the most momentous official capacities."
Being a man, he accounted nothing concerning men as alien to him, hence he always
took a stand on the questions of the day, political, social and religious, and clearly,
strongly and courageously did he maintain his position.
Being
a Methodist, yet becoming dissatisfied with Episcopacy and losing all hope of affecting
the desired reforms in the old Methodist churches, he deliberately united with several
others of eminent piety, conviction and courage, to organize in 1852 the Congregational
Methodist Church. In this new organization, he was ever prominent and his
knowledge, wisdom, zeal, firmness and courage were conspicuous till his death.
He was secretary of the first meeting and he wrote the preface to the first edition
of the book Discipline. This preface is one of the most remarkable little
documents I ever say. Its conciseness and comprehensiveness has led to its
being retained in every subsequent edition of the Discipline. It is as immortal
as Congregational Methodism. He was an active member of the Convention of
1855, which convened at Mt. Zion church near his home, for the purpose of revising
the Discipline. He was lounging on the bed in the committee room when the "Declaration
of the Committee on Revisals" was read by its composer, the Hon., L. J. Jones
and at the conclusion of the reading, he sprang up, striking together his feet and
clapping his hands; and gave vent to words of enthusiastic endorsement. His
devotion to Congregational Methodism never wavered and he died believing in the
justness of its principles and hoping for its glorious triumph.
He was a man of excellent physique. He was a little over six feet in height,
weighed from 150 to 160 pounds; was symmetrical, imposing and prepossessing; his
head was large; his complexion florid, clear and fine; his nose think with slight
and graceful curves, on occasion expressing the most withering scorn; his lips rather
thin, their firm compression denoting the greatest firmness and decision.
As his physiognomy indicted, he was an extraordinary intellect. His perception
was quick and incisive; his memory, tenacious; his imagination, vivid, but made
to serve the practical; his judgment, sound; his reason, accurate and logical.
He could think on his feet, was always ready: his intense mental activity
and thorough equipment shone resplendent in debate. The Major Flynt already
quoted says: " His brain was so balanced that I could not say what were
his leading traits. Whatever he was doing for the time, seemed to be his gift.
He was no specialist, his genius was too universal."
His taste was plain but exceedingly refined. His sensibilities were all intense,
and, in consequence, he was excitable and impulsive, but the rational feelings were
made to triumph over the animal; the benevolent over the malevolent; while his moral
emotions were, under the influence of Devine grace that he experienced the greater
part of his life, sublime. He was remarkably abstemious in his habits; was absolutely
fearless, but always considerate of the feelings of others: was the very soul of
honor.
His will was strong, resolute, determined.
It was this purified by the blood of Christ and directed by high Judgment, reason
and the Word of God, that brought his impulses into subordination and made the elements
of his environment his obedient servants.
He abhorred the
braggart and the bully; scorned the narrow, mean and bigoted; commiserated the weak
and suffering, helped the poor and needy; fellowshipped the pure and strong and
generous and independent and courageous and loving. He was never lacking in
convictions: his courage, physical and moral, was always equal to the exigencies
of their defense.
He was an excellent singer by ear.
Though he never studied the science of music, yet he raised tunes for fifty years,
and it is said he was never know to fail.
He was an enthusiastic agriculturist,
and the soil responded generously. He was a friend to education, and never
missed an opportunity to promote it. He was a liberal supporter of missions,
domestic and foreign, his own church being too young and weak to have missions in
heathen lands, he forwarded annually a liberal contribution to the missionary board
of the M. E. Church, South. He was a pioneer temperance lecturer and reformer,
an effective platform orator, a good sermonizer, and a convincing and persuasive
preacher.
He sought on all occasions to encourage the young
and to direct their efforts in the proper channels. He would sometimes write
to a school boy inquiring about some question involving research, thus stimulating
investigation. The boy would be profited and would at the same time find pleasure
in the belief that he had accommodated "Uncle Hiram".
But no sketch of this man could be closed without referring to the purity and beauty
of his domestic life. He loved his home. His affections clung in pure
simplicity about the wife, the nine children, the slaves, the farm with its hills
and dales covered over with fleecy cotton or huge stalks and heavy eared corn,
The forest with their storm-defying oaks and towering poplars.
Everything on his premises obeyed him. Her I again quote from my friend Major
Flynt: "I was," he says, "much at his house when I was a boy
and never say anything like tyranny, but his government was absolute, his commands
implicitly obeyed, his slaves: his children, all, when he gave a command obeyed,
because they thought it was the right thing said and the right thing to do.
I never say another family where the head was so fully respected. He was a
born governor. He was a grand host, and I don't think that any visitor ever
left his house without having a better opinion of himself, and carrying away a resolve
to be more of a man.
The purity, order and harmony of the
home made it a delight to each of his household and a charm and an inspiration to
guests. A passing negro slave eating Father Phinazee's bread at the gate or
a cultured gentleman dining upon it at the table, found it sweetened by an indefinable,
but a cordial, a delightful, and an exquisite hospitality.
January 6, 1895, the 60th anniversary of his arrival in Monroe, in good and mellow
old age, nearly ripened into glory under weeks of suffering from a broken thigh,
he penned his valedictory to the people of his country in words of pleasant memory
and good cheer, announcing that he was standing on the shore and was ready.
On the 11th of the same month, he entered into the blessedness of those that die
in the Lord, and while he is resting from his labors, thousands rise up and in gratitude
testify that his works do follow him. Return
to Top
Brother Merritt was born December 30, 1802, in Morgan county,
Georgia. In 1823 he married Miss Jane Brown of that county, and she proved
to be a most worthy and helpful Christian wife. A few years after his marriage,
brother Merritt moved to Monroe County, after a time settling where his son, Captain
J. R. Merritt, now lives. By industry and superior business management, he
built up a considerable estate. His business qualifications and unsurpassed
integrity led to his being selected to settle the affairs of a great many estates.
But with accumulating wealth, business cares and honors,
brother Merritt did not become unmindful of the hereafter nor of the religious obligations
of the present. His interest in church affairs was true and strong.
He was one of those princely men of his county who in those days loved God and believed
in the personal liberty necessary for each man to exercise his moral agency fully
and to serve God without artificial restrictions. Having become a member of
the Methodist Episcopal Church in early life, he continued a member thereof, following
the Southern branch with his people after the unfortunate troubles of 1844 till
Congregational Methodism took shape in his and other minds in 1852. It was
in the parlor of his residence, May 8, 1852, that he and eleven other influential
and godly men organized and offered to the world Congregational Methodism.
We dare say that no nobler band of twelve men ever met in Monroe county, Georgia,
that those twelve who assembled in brother Merritt's house that night. Blessed
is the roof under which such a company of men assemble. With convictions and
courage as strong and sublime as Paul's they started out in their mission with the
faith of Abraham and baptized their organization in prayers like Elijah's.
The house occupied by brother Merritt still stands, very much as it was on November
24, 1866, when he left it for the mansion above. It is a two-story white house
with a veranda in front and with such an extension at the back as to form an L.
The house stands on an oak-shaded knoll sloping toward the public road a hundred
or more yards away. There is nothing extravagant about the appearance of the
house and surroundings, but rather it looks like a place for noble character, elevated
thought and worthy deeds - a proper place for the birth of Congregational Methodism.
Three of Brother Merritt's sons survive and we trust enjoy with us the celebration
of our Semi-Centennial - Capt. J. R. Merritt, who occupies the old home, Tip Merritt
and A. C. Merritt. Delightful hours have we spent in that home of sacred memories
with Capt. Merritt and his pleasant family, who carry with them the delicious hospitality
and Christian refinement of the worthy past.
ROBINSON FAMBRO
Brother Robinson
Fambro was a kinsman of the William M. Fambro formerly presented to our readers.
He was born in 1789 and was one of the early settlers in Monroe county, Georgia.
Most of his life was devoted to farming; but about 1840 he put in an excellent mill
and other machinery at High Falls, which he operated successfully in connection
with his farm. About 1860 he moved to Milner, in Pike county, where he died
at a good old age in 1864. He was buried at High Falls.
Brother Fambro was a man of good intellect, who thought with vigor and clearness.
He appreciated good books and loved the company of noble men. In early life
he joined the M. E. Church, to which he yielded the best service of his early manhood.
Like the others who inaugurated Congregational Methodism, he was heartily in accord
with the doctrines of the Methodist Church as taught by Wesley, Fletcher, Watson,
Clark, Asbury, McKendree and a host of others whose names are inseparable from the
idea of a revival kind of religion. But he objected to the episcopacy, believing
in a more democratic form of government, where ample freedom is allowed for the
exercise of the Spirit's power in each individual. Hence when the company
of twelve met at brother Merritt's the 8th of May, 1852, brother Fambro was one
of the noble band. He was a quiet man, but none was more loyal to the new
movement than he. Very soon after the Church was founded brother Fambro and
others organized Providence church at High Falls. There he was regular in
his attendance and always ready to bear his part in the expenses of the congregation
and to render what other service he could.
Providence church
began with a noble set of men and women and has produced some saintly characters,
who have lived in great fidelity and have died in perfect triumph. The membership
there at this time is something over one hundred, quite a number of them young people
to whom we look to carry on faithfully the noble work of the sainted fathers and
mothers. May they ever be worthy of brother Fambro and the other founders.
JOHN FLYNT.
Brother Flynt is another of the twelve men who pass into history as the founders
of the Congregtional Methoidst Church. Twelve is a sacred number. There
were twelve tribes of Israel; there were twelve apostles, there are twelve precious
stones in the foundation of the Heavenly City and it has twelve gates. Other
men were expected to meet at brother Merritt's that memorable 8th of May , 1852;
but courage failed some; a few were providentially hindered - twelve met.
Brother Flynt was a man without affection or hypocracy. He hated duplicity,
shams and cowardice. He loved simplicity, truth, righteousness and courage.
He was a man of high impulses, but these were purified by grace. Like
the other founders, he believed in Holy Ghost religion, and a lot of it. He
enjoyed what he had, and frequently shouted over it. Brother W. F. Watkins
says he can never forget seeing brother Flynt shout, saying as he did so, "When
the cup is full, it will run over.
From the twelve sketches
presented, it will be seen that there were varied degrees of ability and culture
among these apostolic founders, but that they were all men of fair ability and that
they were all men of faith and spiritual fervor and power. Some of them would
have distinguished themselves in the highest council of the nation, had their ambition
so led. But, like Paul, those things were gain to them they accounted loss,
that they might apprehend that for which they are apprehended of Christ and know
the power of his resurrection. Congregational Methodism has a goodly heritage.
REV. J. F. N. HUDDLESTON, D. D.
J. F. N. Huddleston was born in Monroe county, Georgia, in December, 1819/
Was unmistakably converted when barely grown at Rehoboth Camp-ground. At once
joined the M. E. Church, and soon afterward became a local preacher. At an
early age he married Miss Adeline Phillips, who became the mother of his nine children.
As son as the Congregational Methodist church was organized in 1852, he cast his
lot with it and at once became one of its ablest exponents and most active ministers.
Counseling with the others, he wrote the greater part of the original book of discipline.
He was a member of the celebrated Convention of 1855. Selling out his store
at High Falls, Ga. in January 1856 he moved to Newton county, Mississippi.
The later part of his life was spent in that county and in the adjoining county
of Scott. In Mississippi he entered the practice of law and was at once recognized
as one of the most brilliant advocates at the bar. Remarkable revivals usually
accompanied his ministry and churches always prospered under his pastorate.
In the pulpit he was the embodiment of his theme and of Divine power. Many
of his sermons would, if they had been written, have been lingered over as samples
of brilliant and sacred eloquence; yet no sermon that he ever preached could have
done him justice on paper. The man was more marvelous than any speech.
I do not hesitate to rank him as one of the most brilliant men I have ever seen
anywhere. The rapidity with which his mind worked was something that I have
never seen equaled. Would that I could hear again the ardent eloquence of
gospel truth as it flowed of yore from his soaring spirit through a striking physique
almost transfigured in holy emotion.
He was more than six
feet tall, and till late in life he was slender with raven black hair and beard
and with black eyes as penetrating as the eagle's - the most expressive eyes I ever
saw in a man's head. Late in life he weighed two hundred and ten pounds. The
picture we present today was taken while he was still slender.
With counsels to the church and with more of the glory of the unseen world within
than he could understand, he went from Harpersville to Heaven, Nov. 1889.
.HON LAZARUS J. JONES
Author of Celebrated Report of Committee on Revisals
L. J.
Jones was born in Georgia, April 1816. When a young man he settled in Jasper
county, Mississippi, and married Miss Mary McDonald. He believed that the
affairs of State should be controlled by the best, and not the worst, element in
the commonwealth, and hence he took an active part in civil matters. He was
three times elected to represent his county in the Legislature. At one time
he came in one vote of receiving the nomination for governor. At the beginning
of the Civil War he enlisted promptly and was elected first Lieutenant of his company.
After the war he returned to Georgia and settled at the picturesque village of Cave
Springs where he spent his last years in happy company with his second wife who
was the accomplished Miss Mary McCalry.
He was an accomplished
musician and the author of an excellent book of music, "The Southern Minstrel,"
designed for social and religious meetings, which had a good sale for a time.
But while brother Jones distinguished himself in other directions, it is on account
of his ardent devotion to Christ and able and zealous service in the Congregational
Methodist church that he will be best remembered. He was converted at an early
age and united with the M. E. Church, following the fortune of the Southern branch
after the division; but he was never a believer in episcopal government. He
thought the people had a right to legislate and execute for themselves in matters
of the most vital and personal interest to them and their families. He and
his brother, Rev. Henry T. Jones, accidentally, it seemed, heard of the Congregational
Methodist Church a few months after it was organized and addressed a letter of inquiry
to Rev. Ogletree, Forsyth, Ga. The Rev. Ogletree was Rev. Abaslom Ogletree,
but they did not even know that much. With a "trembling hand" brother
Jones dropped the letter into the post office, wondering if it would reach the right
man. In due course a reply came with ample information. It was only
a short time thereafter when a church of seven members was organized in brother
Jones' residence. This church was the first in Mississippi and for a number
of years it flourished under the name of Oakbowery.
Brother
Jones was a member of the celebrated convention which met at Mt. Zion church in
Monroe county, Georgia, in 1855. He wrote the report of tht committee, which
may be found in the book of Discipline. When he read what he had written to
the committee, Rev. H. Phinazee, who had been reclining on a bed, spring to his
feet, and clapping his hands, declared that was what they wanted.
He frequently served as President of the General Conference and for a number of
years he edited the church paper which was styled The Congregational Methodist.
He was a man of the most delightful social qualities and was full of sympathy and
love. It was not in his nature to bear malice or be intolerant or exclusive.
He loved everybody and he accorded ever man the right to have convictions as his
were and to be true to them. He toiled and sacrificed much for the church;
but he delighted to do so and relied upon God to extend the benign institution all
over this country. He was never so happy as when talking of the church, its
Lord, its people, its principles, its achievements, and its prospects.
In February 1897, he lay dying at the home of one of his daughters, and with his
last breath, he exclaimed: "They are coming! I see the heavenly host!
Sing "They are Waiting and Watching for me."
FRANCIS MARION HUNT
Whose Life Entered Largely into the Early History of the Church.
Rev. F. M. Hunt, M. D., A. M., was son of Rev. John P. Hunt,
M. D., and Mrs. Martha Garr Hunt.
Was born in Monroe county,
Ga., June 28, 1839.
Was converted under the ministry of Rev. Hiram Phinazee in
1855 and joined Philadelphia Congregational Methodist Church at Liberty Hill in
Pike county, to which place his father had moved.
Received
the degree of Doctor of Medicine at the Atlanta Medical College when it was under
the administration of the Westmorelands in 1860. Did hospital work during
the Civil War and relieved thousands of suffers later.
Married
Miss Frances C. Bloodworth Feb. 26, 1861, Rev. H. Phinazee performing the ceremony.
Was licensed to preach in 1866, and preached his first sermon in Philadelphia church,
where he was converted.
Was electred Vice
President of Harperville College, Mississippi, in 1881 and filled that position
and the chair of science til his death, August 30, 1888. This college conferred
the A. M. Degree.
He was a rare combination of manly dignity
and sincere humility; of gentleness and firmness; of mercy and strength. He
had convictions as clear as the sunbeam and as strong as Niagara's cataract.
He never proved false to them to gain money, popularity or pleasure. Convenience,
pleasure, and gain never weighed against his sense of duty. Having convictions
himself, he expected others to have them and he scorned no man but him who proved
false to his convictions. I never knew him to shirk a duty or desert a friend,
nor to abandon a cause that he thought was right. He had friends by the thousands-
admiring, loving friends - among all creeds and colors; but he always appeared to
me to love the people even better than they did him.
He loved
all Christians and labored in love with all in his reach; yet he was one of the
most ardent Congregational Methodist I ever knew. He believed Congregational
Methodism to be Scriptural, and therefore stood by it regardless of what others
did or regardless of any worldly interest. He never had a moment but what
was subject to the church's call nor a dollar but what was spent for the church's
good. He thought of his family, not as machines for the manufacture of wealth,
but as redeemed souls destined to serve the church and glorify God.
Stricken by fatal disease when the Congregational inroad was being made in 1887-8,
he could not get abroad to stay the invasion; but declared that if all others went,
he could have a Congregational Methodist church in his own family.
The last private talk I had with him, he expressed the conviction that all those
who left the church under congregation proselyting would return and with radiant
face spoke of what he hoped his children would do for the church and for God.
I cannot remember the time when he appeared to have any doubts about his sonship
in the divine family, his Faith was lively, bouyant, exultant. Heaven and
hell, Christ and immortality were verities to him beyond question.
The last few weeks he talked even more than usual of the Savior, and always in a
manner that had divine music in it. He frequently repeated: "I
will tell to sinners round What a glorious Savior I have found".
And many times his physical agonies seemed forgotten, as with shining face, he talked
of "the prophecy of good" the Lord had given his soul. Said he: "The
Lord has given me assurance of something better than I have ever had. I do
not know how I am to get it, nor exactly what it is, but I am sure it is to come
very soon, and far exceed anything I have ever known. I may have to die to
get it, but will not that be glorious?". At this juncture, his happy
emotions invariably overcame his voice.
The day before he
lost consciousness, he saw his son Olin crossing the yard, calling him in said: "I
heard you singing, 'Nearer my God to The.' I want you to sing it for me."
Olin's response was that no one had been singing. "Well," said the
father, "I heard somebody singing "Nearer my God, to Then," and I
want you all to sing it, for I'll soon be nearer," As the song was sung,
his soul overflowed with its joyous life in shouts that linger, a blessed memory.
He suffered more than most men, but was the happiest man I ever say, and he grew
happier as he approached the other world. The last hours of his consciousness
were full of unspeakable glory and triumph. He had no doubts about there being
a Savior and he knew heaven was near.
Bismark lamented in
his declining years that he had not brought happiness, but war and bloodshed and
misery. F. M. Hunt said a short time before his death,
"From him and
from is influence I have learned more fully the truth - "He is not dead."
Does mind die? Never!" and, again: "I do not know exactly how it was,
but I think when I used to look at that grave, in sunshine, moonlight, or through
gray mist, there came a kind of inspiration into my soul."
Compilation Copyright 1997 - Present by The GAGenWeb Project Team
