Daniel P. Brockus, Sr. , was born in Polk county, Missouri, February 34, 1843. His father, David Brockus, came from Grainger county, Tennessee, in 1835, and located in Polk county, Missouri; his mother, Elizabeth A. Box, came from Jefferson county, Tennessee, in 1838 or 1839, and they were married in April, 1841. Daniel, the subject of this sketch, was reared on the farm and aided in the support of a large family; and having to walk two miles to school, and school time from three to four months in the year, and that generally in the busy fall season, served to limit his education very much. ' In August, 1865, returning from service in the unhappy strife between the north and the south, in a few days he is found in the school room, teaching. He soon bought a farm in the southeast part of Polk county, where he has continued to make his home to the present time. He was married to Miss Mary M. Periman, of Morrisville, Polk county, Missouri, January 11, 1866. The fruit of this union was four daughters and two sons, viz: Fernitia A., Electa M., Regina C, Henry D., Benjamin F. and Ursula E., all of whom are now living, and members of the Baptist church. Brother Brockus embraced religion August 16, 1860, and in a few weeks afterward united with the Baptist church at old Freedom, and was baptized by Eld. Isaac Ingram, who was at that time missionary of Freedom association. Was licensed to preach by the church at Rock Prairie, December 25, 1875, and was ordained to the full work of the ministry, June 23, 1878, the presbytery consisting of Elds. G. W. White, G. B. Mitchell, Wm. B. Epps, Geo. Suter and Chas. L. Alexander. Soon after this he gave up the occupation of teaching in the district schools, for the larger vocation of calling sinners from darkness unto light and from death unto life. He has had the care of a number of churches varying in length of time from one year to nine years. The following named churches have received his instruction and guidance, viz: Grove Chapel, Reynolds Chapel, Macedonia, Fair Grove, Pleasant View, Slagle Creek, Pleasant Hill, New Hope, Concord, Brighton, Buffalo and now (1894) pastor at Schofield and Louisburg. He has served as trustee of Southwest Baptist college since its location in Bolivar. A word added to his manuscript will certainly be forgiven. Eld. Brockus has been trustee of the college and his prayers have gone up to the God of heaven and earth, for its maintenance and perpetuation. He has not been slack in his gifts, but has contributed freely of his money and time for its support; has been a constant patron, sending his children to be educated within its walls. The people, seeing his judicious management of his domestic affairs, have seen fit to call him for a portion of his time to the adjustment of affairs in the county court, where, as presiding judge, he may give wholesome counsel and wise direction in the complex system of municipal government. |
