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Index of Ministers
Ansley, Marlin
Armstrong, James
Bacon, Augustus
O.
Battle, Dr. Cullen
Bedgewood, Nicholas
Bledsoe, Miller
Botsford, Edmund
Brantly, William
T.
Byne, Edmund
Callaway, Joshua
S.
Callaway, William
A.
Carter, James
Cartledge, Samuel
Clark, John H.
Clay, Joseph
Collins, Henry
Conner, Wilson
Cooper, John W.
Crawford, Nathaniel M.
Davis, Jesse M.
Davis, Jonathan
Davis, William
Dawson, John E.
Dennard, Jared
Sanders
Dunham, Jacob H.
Fleming, Robert
Goss, Benjamin
Goss, Horatio J.
Granberry, George
Hand, Henry
Holcomb, Henry
D. D.
Holmes, Adam T.
James, John
Johnson, Jarvis
G.
Jones, Adam
Kilpatrick,
J. H. T.
King, Jacob
Law, Josiah S.
Law, Samuel S.
Lumpkin, Jack
Mallary, Charles
D.
Marshall, Daniel
Marshall, Jabez
P.
Matthews, James
Mercer, Jesse
Mercer, Silas
Milner, John
Milner, John H.
Mosely, Eliljah
Mosely, William
Newton, William
Penfield, Josiah
Perryman, Elisha
Perryman, James
Polhill, Joseph
Polhill, Thomas
Posey, Humphrey
Postell, Edward
P.
Reeves, James
Reeves,
Jeremiah
Rhodes, Thomas
Ross, John
Sanders, Billington
M.
Savage, Loveless
Scott, Alexander
Screven, Charles
O.
Sherwood, Adiel
Singleton, William
Stocks, Hon. Thomas
Swanson, James
F.
Sweet, George D.
Tharp, Vincent
Thornton, Dozier
Thornton, Vincent
Travis, Jesse
Trice, Thomas C.
Vining, Jeptha
Walsh, Thomas
Warren, Kittrel
Whatley, Samuel
Whitten, James
Wilkes, Thomas
U.
Winn, Thomas Sumner
Wyer, Henry Otis
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Georgia Baptists By Jesse Harrison Campbell
Transcribed by: Angela D. Sutherland - Bagley 01/07/2009
Jeptha Vining
Very little of the early life of this veteran soldier of the cross is known. Where he was born, or where educated;
where or when he entered upon the work of the ministry, is alike hidden in the obscurity of the past. The first
account we have of him is, in 1755 he was a messenger of the Lynch's creek church in the Charleston Association.
He is marked in the minutes as a minister, and the presumption is, was at this time, pastor of the church. He appears
again as the representative of the Upper Fork of Lynch's creek, and this is all the record we find of him in the
Charleston Association.
But from sundry persons who have emigrated from that part of South Carolina to this State, with whom we have
had an intimate acquaintance, some of whom were members of the said Lynch's creek church, and who sat under his
ministry, we have learned that he was a zealous, faithful and very successful minister of the gospel. He, it is
believed, was instrumental in rearing up several churches in that section before he removed to Georgia, which was
during, or soon after the revolutionary war. It appears he settled upon the Rocky Comfort creek, about twelve miles
above Louisville. Here he commenced preaching, and soon raised a church, which was called Providence, and is still
in existence.
Having lost his wife at this place, he, some time after, sought and found another, about twenty miles above,
on the Ogeechee river, to which place he removed his residence, and immediately commenced preaching at a Mr. Fowler's,
where his ministry was so blessed that a church was constituted, and still exists as the Long Creek church of Ogeechee.
He was called to the pastoral care of this church, whilst he continued also to supply the Providence church. He
was instrumental in getting up some other preaching establishments, but whether he acted as pastor in any, save
the two already mentioned, does not certainly appear. He closed his distinguished and useful life about the year
1787, in full belief of the truth of those doctrines he had advocated during his long and successful ministry.
Mr. Vining was a firm believer in the Calvinistic doctrines, and, of course, constantly defended them - such
as election, predestination, effectual calling, and the final perseverance of the saints through grace to eternal
glory. These were his constant and favorite topics. It has been, we know, the opinion of many that the preaching
of these doctrines is not favorable to the conversion of sinners; but the reverse of this was manifested in the
ministry of Mr. Vining. He preached the doctrine of election without reserve. It was his theme, and yet few have
been more successful in the conversion of sinners to God, and in promoting practical godliness in the churches.
Thomas Walsh
Of Irish descent, was born in Savannah, Georgia, about 1800, and was apprenticed to the printing business. He
united with the Methodists, but expressed scruples about their baptism. He was licensed to preach, and sent to
Athens to prepare for college, sustained by the Georgia Education Society. While at Athens, his previous convictions
of duty about baptism returned, and he could not be silent. He writes his wife, (then in Savannah,) who it seems
had long been convinced of the duty of following the Saviour, and she entreats him to return to that city, that
they may both be baptized together.
Mr. Walsh was attempted to be dissuaded from joining the Baptists by a distinguished Methodist minister, who
represented the Calvinistic faith in most horrible colors. This for a while staggered the young disciple. He desired
baptism from an authorized administrator, but he could not adopt the Baptist faith with its supposed decrees and
partial election. Soon after this, Fuller's works fell into his hands. After reading them, he found no difficulty,
for, said he, "If these be the views of the Baptists, I can adopt them with all my heart."
After his baptism in Savannah, by Rev. H. O. Wyer, he removed his family to Athens, was taken under the patronage
of the Georgia Baptist Convention, and advised to take a regular collegiate course. But he was poor, and the support
he received was not actually sufficient to relieve his wants. One day he went to purchase a little sugar with the
last dollar he possessed. He expended three fourths of his all, and returning to the post office in a despairing
state of mind, was told there was a letter for him postage twenty-five cents. He hesitated about expending his
last cent, but, on opening the letter, found enclosed twenty dollars. The kind donor was never known to him.
After remaining a year or two in college he returned to Savannah, where he acted for a time as city missionary.
In this sphere he was eminently useful, but continued in it only about a year, when he was called to the pastoral
charge of Robertsville church, South Carolina. To this enlightened and wealthy church he greatly endeared himself;
yet, owing mainly to the state of his health, he was induced to remove hence to Coosahatchie. While in South Carolina
he received ample support, and was thus enabled to devote all his energies to the improvement of his mind. The
consequence was, he rose rapidly in reputation and was soon considered one of the ablest ministers in the Savannah
River Association, and, indeed, in the State. He had been to attend a session of that body in 1833, was taken sick
at Dr. Ayre's, and lived only some two weeks. His remains were taken back to Coosahatchie.
He was accused after his death of leaning towards the Episcopalians, and the report went out that if he had
lived he would have joined that denomination. The only ground for this report was the friendship between Mr. Walsh
and the Episcopal minister of Coosahatchie. He was a man of an amiable and affectionate disposition, and was a
speaker of rare talents. Few men of his age were so eloquent.
Kittrel Warren
October 17th, 1786 -
An elder brother of Hononrable Lot Warren (formerly a member of Congress from Georgia,
and for a number of years Judge of the Superior Court,) and General Eli Warren, a most
amiable and talented gentleman, and a lawyer of high respectability, was born in Burke county, in this State, October
17th, 1786. His father, Josiah Warren, removed near Bear camp church, where he received most of his education,
and in his eighteenth year the family settled in Laurens county, on the Oconee river. In his twenty-second year
he married Mrs. Floyd, daughter of Aaron Low, of Jefferson county. His wife was a woman of ardent and consistent
piety. She soon discovered that her husband was the subject of strong religious impressions. These impressions,
of course, she cherished with much assiduity and prayer. As he labored with his hands to support his family, he
was accustomed to stop by the road side on his way to his field, fall upon his face before the Lord, and pour out
his supplications with strong cries and tears. At that period, churches were "few and far between." The
nearest to Mr. Warren was some fifteen miles. Now and then, ministers would travel and preach through the destitute
regions. Brethren Manning and Bates were on one of those excursions of mercy and love when one anxious sinner,
at least, listened to the words of truth. Mr. Bates' text was, "Behold, I bring him forth, that ye may see
that I find no fault in him." Towards the close of his sermon, he paused and, in an impressive manner, exclaimed,
"But he will come again the second time, without sin, unto salvation." Mr. Warren was just then enabled
to have a believing view of Christ, enthroned in majesty and glory, and something inwardly whispered, "Have
you an interest in this Jesus?" His whole soul was immediately lit up with holy joy, and though it was succeeded
by harassing doubts and fears, yet the good hope, through grace, which then sprang up in his soul never
forsook him.
He went forward to the church most convenient to him, and was baptized by Rev. Charles Culpepper, at the meeting
next ensuing after his conversion. The family altar was immediately erected in his house, which was never neglected
afterwards. He was also wont to lead in prayer and praise in the assemblies of the saints, in his vicinity.
In 1817, he emigrated to Alabama, and settled near the confluence of the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers. He united
with a church in the neighborhood, attended by Rev. Isaac Suttles. In May following, having to return to Georgia
on business, he left his new home in Alabama, and rode some thirty miles, when he learned the negroes of the settlement
through which he was passing expected to have a religious meeting that night. At his own request, he was conducted
to a retired spot n a field, whither they were in the habit of repairing to escape the persecutions and mockery
of the Indians, who were numerous and very hostile to religion. Here he read to them from his traveling Testament,
and gave them such instruction and exhortation as their situation seemed to demand. Bidding them an affectionate
farewell, he rode on a few miles, lay down by the road-side and slept sweetly, though in a country infested with
robbers, and rendered dangerous by the bands of treacherous Indians, lurking about in every direction. "The
wicked flee when no man pursueth, but the righteous are as bold as a lion."
The next year he removed to another part of Alabama, where he began to exercise more in public, and where he
was soon licensed to preach. This liberty was given him by Mars' Hill church, which desired his services. Mr. Warren
possessed a heart of large and expansive benevolence. The orphan and widow were always to him objects of tender
solicitude. Were they poor, he sent food and administered consolation to the one, and made judicious arrangements
for the education of the other. Such was the confidence reposed in him by his neighbors, that he was made the umpire
of many a difficulty. He possessed a happy faculty in reconciling differences thus submitted to him. While he resided
in Alabama, in company with his wife, he visited a sick young lady, whose life was despaired of by her physicians.
Being called upon to pray for her, he did so in a most fervent manner. Her disease at once took a favorable change.
She speedily recovered, and two years afterwards joined the church, dating her conviction from that prayer.
In 1827, when he settled in Clark county, Alabama, there was no Baptist church in the vicinity. Many young people,
grown up to mature years, had never heard the gospel from the lips of a Baptist minister. Being soon invited to
preach at Clarkesville [Clarksville], the county-town, he consented to do so, and was about this time ordained
by Messrs. Bussey, Travis and Whatley. His zeal prompted him to search out the most destitute places. Such he found
at a salt manufactory, where the people were understood to be more depraved and abandoned than any others in all
the western wilderness. Here, also, the gospel was made the power of God unto salvation. A great revival was the
result of his labors under God, and many souls were hopefully converted.
A lady of character and wealth, who had always shown great kindness towards Mr. Warren and his family, made
them a visit on one occasion, as she said, "for the purpose of inviting his daughter to attend a dancing party
at her house." Instead of giving his consent for his daughter to attend, he at once published a lecture on
dancing, which he based on this text, "Wo to them that chant to the sound of the violin, and invent to themselves
instruments of music like unto David." The lady and her family were so offended at the preacher's faithfulness,
that they withdrew from their accustomed attendance upon public worship for months. At length, however, she was
stricken with a painful and lingering disease. In this situation, she became deeply anxious about her soul, and
must needs send for Mr. Warren to instruct and pray for her. In this instance, likewise, his prayer prevailed.
She rose from her bed of sickness, rejoicing in hope, and was soon baptized into the fold of Christ.
Having returned to Georgia and settled in Houston county, several years ago Mr. Warren was called to rest from
his labors. The time and manner of his death are alike unknown to the writer.
The substance of the above sketch, as far as it goes, was prepared for this work by his widow; but in the midst
of an unfinished sentence she breaks off suddenly, for she too is smitten by disease. The end of her journey is
just at hand! She breathes one more prayer--a mother's prayer for her orphan children--oh! what a prayer was that!
and then sinks sweetly into the arms of death. That prayer is registered in heaven, and it is hoped may yet be
prevalent for those on whose behalf it was offered.
Since the foregoing was written, additional facts concerning this good man have been ascertained which ought
not to be withheld. His early opportunities for education were exceedingly limited; yet his fondness for books
was such that, after he attained to manhood, and even after his marriage, he prosecuted his studies with such diligence
and perseverance as to make him a good English scholar, and in the course of years to furnish him a most valuable
amount of information. He ever proved himself a friend of education within the sphere of his influence. It was
a habit with him upon leaving home, even for a day, to assign to his children a certain amount of reading, upon
which they were invariably examined upon his return, the good effects of which are discernible in their characters
to this day. This rule was particularly enforced when they were left at home on the Sabbath day. No family of children,
perhaps, were ever more faithfully cautioned as to the society they should keep. In all which efforts for the good
of his children he was cordially seconded by his excellent wife.
He came to his death rather mysteriously in about 1837 or 1838. It was during one of those years that he attended
one of his preaching appointments, a few miles from his home. His wife started with him to meeting, but stopped
on the way on account of the illness of a brother's child. He went on, preached as usual, and started on his return
alone. That evening he was found lying in the road, in a dying condition, and speechless. It was thought at first
that his death was caused by a fall from his horse, (he was on horseback,) but as there were no bruises upon his
person, many supposed he died from apoplexy, he being a person of full habit. His surviving children are Rev. Elijah
Warren, Rev. E. W. Warren, and Kittrell Warren, attorney at law.
Samuel Whatley
About the year 1776, William Whatley, the father of the subject of these brief memoirs, removed from North Carolina,
and settled in Wilkes county, Georgia, having a wife and four children, of whom Samuel was the oldest. Soon after
their arrival in this State, his father and his uncle, Wilson Whatley, were killed by Indians at the Cherokee Corner,
whilst engaged in surveying land. The care of his widowed mother and her orphan children devolved upon Samuel,
who, at the tender age of fourteen, had to act the fourfold part of father, brother, son and soldier. He was well
grown for one of his years, and the death of his father and uncle roused a spirit within him, which prompted him
at once to volunteer in his country's service, against the combined forces of the British and Indians. He accordingly
served successfully under Clark, Dooly, Williamson and other revolutionary patriots. Did it comport with the design
of this work, we might entertain the reader with many thrilling incidents of his history as a youthful soldier.
We must confine ourselves, however, to only one or two.
On one occasion, while connected with a company of mounted infantry, he was required to march in silence about
twenty-five miles, during a freezing winter night. Being thinly clad, he was quite overcome by the cold, and at
the end of the trip, was taken from his horse in a speechless state. It was with much difficulty, and after he
had suffered unspeakable anguish, that he was restored to consciousness. He was in the battle at the siege of Augusta,
when the whigs were defeated, and with others made his escape by swimming the Savannah river, opposite the city.
He was barely able to reach the bank, and must have perished, but that he was pulled out by his fellow-soldiers.
Almost destitute of clothing, he became separated from his companions, and spent the night in a tree-top alone.
Next morning, he fell in with a herd of swine, which he followed to the main road. To his great joy, his own captain
soon came along, took him up on his horse, and carried him safely to camp. Some few months afterwards, he was wounded
and taken prisoner in the battle of Long-Cane, South Carolina, while under the command of Colonel Williamson. His
left arm was broken by a musket ball. In this situation, he was taken by the tories, who made one or two attempts
to hang him; but failing, for want of a suitable rope, they delivered him to the British at Ninety-Six. His wound
was not dressed until the third day after it was inflicted. From the effects of this wound, he never entirely recovered,
and was a pensioner of the government on account of it. He amused the British officers by singing "Liberty
songs" for them, which he was very fond of doing, and of which he knew a great many. The night before he was
taken by the tories, he lay out in the woods, and while suffering excruciating pain from his broken arm, he was
attacked by three wolves, from which he narrowly escaped with his life. Driven by hunger, the next morning, to
the residence of a widow, he was discovered and taken by the tories, as above stated.
How long his imprisonment continued is not known. But soon after his release, he returned to his mother in Wilkes
county, where he went to school a few months. During the remainder of the war, he was frequently engaged in short
excursions against the enemy; but was no more connected with the regular army.
He finally married Miss Catharine Anglin, and settled in Wilkes county, on a tract of land, which he took up
on head rights, and where he raised a large family, having cultivated it upwards of forty years. His wife is no
more, and though she never made a public profession of religion, is believed by her friends to have been a lover
of Jesus Christ. Soon after his marriage and settlement, many of his relatives from North: Carolina and Virginia
removed and located in his immediate neighborhood, and as they were all agreed in politics and kind in their feelings
towards each other, Mr. Whatley considered himself a happy man. This happiness, however, was of short duration,
for Silas Mercer, that faithful servant of the Lord, was his nearest neighbor, and did
not cease to warn him of his guilt and danger as a sinner against God. These warnings were not in vain, for his
eyes being opened to a discovery of his lost condition, he betook himself to repentance and prayer, day and night.
His convictions and troubles continued many days. When, at length, the Lord was pleased to meet with him in mercy
in a forest, where he was accustomed to retire for prayer, his joy was such as to prompt him to arise and repair
to his wife, to whom he communicated the glad tidings. Next, he went to Silas Mercer, and informed him "what
great things the Lord had done for his soul." Within a few months after his conversion, he was baptized by
the said Mercer, and joined Phillips' Mill church, of which he continued an exemplary member the remainder of his
life, a period of about forty years.
He soon became an active and prominent member of the church. But how long he enjoyed this relation, before he
commenced his public ministration of the Word is not known. Owing to his limited circumstances, his labors were
mostly confined to the regions contiguous to him. Though given to many eccentricities, he was a man of good natural
parts, and of a noble and generous nature. His person was tall and commanding, being six feet and nearly four inches
in height, and weighing upwards of two hundred pounds.
Upon the decease of Silas Mercer, the friendship of Mr. Whatley was transferred to Jesse Mercer, his son. This
distinguished man ever entertained much respect and sincere regard for Mr. Whatley. In like manner, was he held
in high esteem even by men who did not fear God. At the house of an unbeliever, he was invited and accustomed to
hold religious meetings. Another wicked man declared his intention to make him a present of a negro, "because,"
as he said, "Mr. Whatley was the best man in Wilkes county." Having died without fulfilling his design,
his widow subsequently made him a deed to a likely negro boy.
His decease took place in October, 1820, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, in the early part of the session
of the Georgia Association, of which he had been so long a member. A funeral discourse was preached before that
body by his intimate friend and brother, Jesse Mercer. The same individual continued to preach similar discourses,
in memory of Mr. Whatley, for several weeks in the churches most acquainted with his character, and which had mainly
enjoyed the advantages of his labors as an evangelist. After having been once almost drowned, twice frozen,
twice shot, and once hung, he survived to enjoy the blessings of liberty to a good old age, and then to die in
peace and hope upon his own bed, at home, and in the midst of kindred and friends.
James Whitten
January 26, 1785 - November17, 1859
This worthy and useful minister of the gospel was born in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, January 26th,
1785, and died in Columbus, Georgia, the 17th of November, 1859, in the seventy fifth year of his age. He was married
in 1809, to Miss A. E. Thompson, a devotedly pious lady, whose influence tended to strengthen religious impressions
of which he was already the subject. But the cares of his family and other worldly interests predominated for a
time. Before he had attained his thirtieth year, he was elected to a seat in the Legislature of his native State,
and at other times he held other important offices of honor and trust, conferred upon him by his fellow-citizens.
About this period of life he had severe struggles of soul. Worldly honors and successes failed to satisfy the
longings of his immortal nature, though attained by honorable means, and in part to gratify the wishes of his friends.
In the thirty second year of his age, he obtained pardon and peace through faith in Christ.
After having experienced much distress and perplexity on the subject of a public profession of religion for
six months, he finally united with the Baptist church at the Cross roads, in Greenville District, South Carolina,
and was baptized by Rev. N. Jackson.
He henceforth relinquished the world, and devoted his life to the work of doing good. To honor God and relieve
the wretchedness of suffering humanity, engaged all the energies of his being. Every good and benevolent enterprise
received his hearty support. He was licensed to preach in March, 1823, and after laboring with much acceptance
for nearly two years, in December, 1825, he was ordained at the request of the church with which he first united.
That winter he removed to Hall county, Georgia, and soon thereafter became the pastor of Yellow creek church; and
giving himself almost entirely to the ministry during the ten years of his residence in that neighborhood, he was
greatly blessed in his labors of love. His name is, even to this day, like a household word in the circles in which
he moved in those days.
The loss of his first wife about this time, the mother of ten children, was an irreparable loss. Soon after
this sad event, he removed to the neighborhood of Whitesville, Harris county, where his ministry was also highly
appreciated, and where many recognized him as the instrument of their conversion. Here he married a second time,
and here, also, his second wife soon died. After her decease, he removed to Columbus, and spent his remaining days
in the family of one of his daughters. In this field of labor, by his unostentatious piety and untiring devotion
to the work of his divine Master, he secured the warmest christian affection of all his associates, and the respect
of the entire community. As a missionary among the factory population, and the pastor of the African Baptist church,
he was eminently useful. During the thirty eight years of his ministry, he baptized upwards of one thousand professed
believers.
Having accomplished his work, in accordance with a prayer which he frequently uttered, he was "gathered
as a shock of corn fully ripe," and "died in sight of heaven," at peace with God and all mankind.
He was "a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." By no act of his life did he ever bring
reproach on the cause of Christ. On the contrary, he glorified Him in all things. Few men were more familiar with
the sacred volume, or could wield the weapons of warfare which it furnishes, more effectively. Verily was he "a
good minister of Jesus Christ."
Thomas U. Wilkes
? - August 12th, 1865
During the author's pastorate in Macon, Georgia, in the spring of 1831, T. U. Wilkes, his mother and sister
presented themselves before the Conference with letters of dismission from a church in South Carolina, of which
State he was a native. He was then about twenty years of age. His father, en route from South Carolina
to Alabama, finding the roads in an almost impassable condition, concluded to stop near Macon until such time as
he could prosecute his journey to better advantage, which he did the ensuing winter. Being a millwright by trade,
he and the subject of this sketch undertook the erection of a mill on Walnut creek, three miles above Macon, for
the brothers Austin and Thomas Ellis. Those excellent men ever after held T. U. Wilkes in the highest esteem. Indeed,
a cordial friendship then sprang up between them which lasted throughout their lives.
He had been "licensed" by his mother church in South Carolina, and, though his education
was quite limited, and his appearance, on the whole, ungainly, yet such was his thirst for knowledge, his fervid
zeal, and his unostentatious piety, as to give strong hope of future usefulness. With this hope, the writer encouraged
him to attend school at least two years, and pledged his own lean purse for his support, should such a resort be
necessary. The project for starting Mercer Institute was then on foot, but Wilkes had no time to lose. So, at the
instance of the writer, Rev. A. Sherwood, then residing near Eatonton, Putnam county, agreed to receive him into
his family and give him his board and tuition, on condition that he would work half his time. With this condition
he faithfully complied, working at his trade, (that of a carpenter,) in the field, or wherever his services were
required. This arrangement lasted only one year, and the following winter, (the second Monday in January, 1833,)
Wilkes was one of the "faithful few" who were at the opening of Mercer Institute. Here he continued two
years or more, having acquired a very respectable knowledge of English and Latin; and when he retired from the
institute, he carried with him the respect and confidence of Rev. B. M. Sanders, the principal,
than whom there have been few better judges of human nature. This was also true of Rev. Dr. Sherwood, it being
well known to the writer that Wilkes was ever afterwards held in high esteem by those great and good men.
Upon leaving Penfield, he was invited by the executive committee of the Central Association to become their
missionary. Lot Hearn, of Putnam county, furnished him with a horse, and also a home at his house. Solomon Graves,
of Newton county, also offered him a home, so the missionary neither lacked friends nor homes. In the course of
that year he married a Miss Graves, of North Carolina, a relative of the Graves family, of Newton county, one of
the most respectable and influential families in the State. With his wife, a most excellent woman, he received
a handsome property, so that, in his circumstances, henceforth, though not affluent, he was quite independent.
Yet this improvement in his worldly condition did not divert his attention from the great work of the ministry.
To this work he devoted his best energies, with unwavering fidelity, while he remained in this State, and, as far
as is known, to the end of his earthly career. He resided in Eatonton, and preached there and to contiguous churches
for several years. He was an earnest preacher, zealous and persevering, and was eminently successful in building
up his churches. Indeed, he was considered by many worthy of being ranked in the first class of preachers in the
regions where he labored.
Having been invited by the First Baptist Church in Atlanta to become their pastor, he removed to that city about
the year 1852. Having lost his first wife while at Eatonton, he married an interesting lady of South Carolina.
In Atlanta he was the same zealous and indefatigable minister that he had ever been, and many were "added
unto the Lord." His case strikingly illustrates the fact, that want of early education, even though coupled
with personal disadvantages, (for Wilkes had a harsh, grating voice, especially in its higher keys,) need be no
obstacle to great usefulness in the ministry. About the period of the breaking out of the late war he removed with
his family to the State of Arkansas, where he died at about the age of fifty four. The writer calls to remembrance
the last brief interview we ever had: It was so brief and so sad. After the storm of war had burst upon the country,
he was passing down the Central Railroad one night for the purpose of preaching to the soldiers around Savannah.
In passing Gordon, he stepped out on the platform, when Wilkes, who was passing up from his old home in Putnam,
hearing his voice in the dark, recognized it and came to him. A few hurried words a cordial grasp of the hand a
mutual "God bless you!" and the friends of many years parted, to meet no more on earth.
Since the foregoing was written, the following additional facts have been furnished by Rev. W. H. Robert,
of Arkansas, viz:
That Wilkes moved from Georgia to Phillips county, Arkansas, in 1861, and settled on a farm near the town of Trenton.
During the war, like most of his neighbors, he suffered the loss of all his earthly goods. He remained at home
attending to his business, promoting the general good of the community, encouraging the hearts of the desponding,
and preaching to his churches as usual. By much patience and perseverance he was enabled to keep up his appointments
regularly, and some of his largest congregations were had during the war. For feeding his brother in law, a Confederate
soldier, he was arrested and treated with great indignity, and his farming implements, stock and household furniture
either destroyed or taken away. He preached at Trenton, Blackfoot and Spring Creek churches in Phillips county,
and occasionally to Concord and Salem churches in Monroe. His last days were spent in preaching the gospel, the
work he loved so well. In a meeting of several days at Salem church he became much exhausted, and having rested
at home only one night, he began a similar meeting at Concord church. He had labored here about a week when he
was stricken down by disease, which in two weeks terminated his earthly career. Brother Robert says, "He was
conscious to the last. Not two hours before his death, being informed of his condition by his wife, he exclaimed,
"'I know it--Thy will, oh God, be done!'" This was his last utterance--"Thy
will, not mine, be done!" This event occurred in the neighborhood of Concord church, August
12th, 1865. He left a wife and five children, one of whom, Luther, is a theological student at William Jewell College,
Missouri. He was a native of Marlboro' District, South Carolina, was born in 1816, and died as above stated.
Thomas Sumner Winn
July 16, 1792 - January 27, 1819
A son of Deacon Peter Winn, of Liberty county, Georgia, was born July 16th, 1792. His parents had been members
of the Presbyterian church at Medway, but in seeking for the proofs of infant sprinkling, they were unable to find
them in the Bible. Thomas was usher to Dr. McWhir in Sunbury Academy, in his seventeenth year. A letter addressed
to him by his mother, and left on his table, was the means of his awakening. In 1813, he entered Hampden Sydney
College, Virginia, but did not continue long in that institution. While attending an academy in Warren county,
North Carolina, he was baptized and soon returned home, was ordained pastor of North Newport church, Liberty county,
and preached with great acceptance throughout all the low country. He seemed to be conscious that his race would
be short, for all his powers were devoted to the great work with untiring energy and flaming zeal. Perhaps few
men have done so much good in so little time; and few, very few, have been so ripe for heaven at so early a period
of life. He was a young man of great promise, and that was a most mysterious providence that took him from the
field of his labors. He died January 27th, 1819, about twenty-seven years old. As Professor Ripley, of Newton Theological
Seminary, (Mr. Winn's successor in the pastoral office,) has written a more extended biography of him, the reader
is referred to that work as one of much interest.
Henry Otis Wyer
March 19, 1802 - May 8, 1857
The subject of this sketch was born in Beverly, Massachusetts, 19th March, 1802. His early advantages were limited,
but by industry and application, he prepared himself to enter Waterville College, Maine, about his eighteenth year.
Few men were blessed with a better mother. She possessed high intellectual culture, and was eminently pious. The
cherished desire of her heart was to see her eldest son a minister. God heard her prayers and answered her request.
Soon after his conversion and entrance upon college, his mother removed to Alexandria, Virginia, where she remained
until her death. On her return there he left Waterville, and entered Columbian College, District of Columbia, where
he continued his studies for two or three years. His ministry commenced soon after his conversion. When but a mere
boy, he entered upon the great work of preaching Christ to sinners, and continued to love and labor for souls as
long as he lived.
After leaving college he returned North, where he spent a few months in preaching to destitute churches. About
the year 1824, he received an appointment to labor as a city missionary in Savannah, Georgia. The Baptist church
at that time was without a pastor, the members few and feeble, the cause languishing and almost dead. That eminently
good and pious man, Josiah Penfield, then the most useful and influential member in the church, soon heard of him,
and of his mission to the city. Attracted by his piety, his zeal, his talents, the church soon called him to become
their pastor. Though young and inexperienced, he entered with zeal and energy upon this important field of labor.
He was ordained pastor of the church during that year, by the late Rev. W. T. Brantly, who was then pastor of the
church in Augusta, and the Rev. James Shannon, then of Liberty county. About two years after his ordination he
was married to Miss Mary S. Hartstene, of Savannah, who, from her youth, was admired for her grace of manners,
intelligence of mind, excellent discretion, and cheerful piety. She survived her husband nine years. On the 21st
March, 1866, she passed from earth to join him in the rest above. Two children only were the fruit of their marriage,
the younger son a physician of great promise and usefulnesssleeps beside his parents; the elder still survives,
and is a minister of the gospel in Virginia. He remained pastor of the church about ten years, when his health
failed through the excessive labors consequent upon a succession of revivals with which his ministry was attended.
During these years he toiled incessantly, his time, talents and energies were taxed to their utmost. Whatever he
attempted he did with all his might. Besides the three regular services of the Sabbath--which was the custom at
that time--he often had two, and frequently three, during the week. Hundreds were converted under his ministry,
the church was revived and built up, and the Baptist cause greatly advanced. Nor during that period were his labors
confined to his own church and people, but the adjacent churches in Georgia and South Carolina were often visited
by him, and were, through his instrumentality, blessed with gracious seasons of refreshing. Several precious revivals
occurred at Beaufort, South Carolina, under his ministry. Among the number baptized there was Rev. Dr. R. Fuller,
between whom and himself there continued to exist a strong and devoted attachment during his whole life. In Georgia
such men as Lathrop, DeVotie, D. G. Daniell, and many others who are now among the most prominent and useful ministers
in the denomination, were converted through his instrumentality and baptized by him. He loved above everything
else to be in a revival. Those who have been with him on such occasions, can appreciate his special adaptedness
for such work. His last letter ever written to his son, expresses his feelings on this subject. We extract the
following sentences: "The happiest period of my life was when hard at work in the ministry. It is a great
and good work, and must tell upon the destinies of eternity. Take heed unto thyself, I. Timothy, iv. 16. A personal
influence is all-important. Seek to move the conscience, the affections, the moral man, in preaching, in conversation,
in prayers, in everything."
When the Rev. J. G. Binney resigned the church to go to Burmah, he was re-elected pastor, but he consented to
take the church only for the year, that he might relieve the building from the encumbrance of a heavy debt. His
object accomplished he retired; but on the division of the church a year or two afterwards, when the second Baptist
church was constituted, he became its pastor. His health did not permit him to labor long in this capacity. He
was succeeded after two years, by Rev. J. P. Tustin, but never afterwards assumed the regular pastoral care of
a church, though he frequently supplied destitute churches in various portions of the country, and endeavored to
preach every Sabbath when his health would permit it.
As a preacher, he had few equals. The pulpit was the throne of his strength. He was emphatically a christian
preacher, and in his eye all truth arranged itself around the cross of Christ. His characteristics were clearness,
unction and force. He never prostituted the pulpit to purposes of mere rhetorical display and intellectual entertainment.
Convinced himself, he sought to convince others. Relying on God, he believed that the truth was capable of being
so exhibited as to commend itself to every man's conscience. Studying that truth himself, and feeling its adaptation
to his own intellect and heart, his presentations of truth was such as to impress the minds of his hearers with
the belief that his heart was deeply imbued with its Spirit. He felt that no man could preach who did not himself
perceive the glory of Christ, and know experimentally the preciousness of Christ. There was in his preaching an
unction, a pathos and an eloquence that we have rarely seen equalled in any other speaker. His fine person, flashing
eye and sonorous voice, combined with a comprehensive mind, a cultivated intellect and a sanctified heart, peculiarly
fitted him for an effective preacher. His sermons were generally well prepared, but he rarely ever wrote them in
full. He usually preached from notes, his thoughts came rapidly, his language was chaste, yet forcible, his imagination
fervid, and he possessed a fluency that made him ready for any occasion. Many have regretted that some of his most
effective sermons had not been written out But after all, the written sermons of a minister are a poor exponent
of his influence. However elaborate their construction and finished their style, they are but the residuum of a
sparkling cup. Those who read what they once heard invariably confess to a feeling of disappointment,
and can with difficulty be persuaded that the sentences over which their eye passes so languidly on the printed
page are the very same which, upon the delivery from the pulpit, fresh from the heart and lips of their authors,
were as a chariot of fire to the devout auditor. "In fact, every attempt to present on paper the splendid
effects of impassioned eloquence, is like gathering dew drops, which appear jewels and pearls on the grass, but
run to water in the hand, the essence and the elements remain, but the grace, the sparkle and the form are gone."
The following was written by Dr. W. T. Brantly a short time after his death:
"As a pulpit orator, our departed brother, when in health, had very few superiors in this country. He had
a fine presence, and when his sonorous voice and piercing eye were animated by a soul filled with love to Christ,
and yearning for the conversion of sinners, he spoke with the most thrilling effect. Who that heard him preach
for upwards of two hours at the Georgia Baptist Convention, in Madison, about fourteen years ago, will ever forget
that sermon? Who grew weary under that protracted discourse? During the remarkable revival which took place in
Charleston, in 1846, he and Rev. Richard Fuller frequently spoke on the same occasion. After Dr. Fuller had preached
for more than an hour and wrought the audience to a degree of feeling which was intense, I have seen brother Wyer
rise and with appeals almost electric, swell the feeling into deeper emotion and retain the multitude in profound
attention to a late hour of the night. A beautiful feature in our beloved brother's character was his humility.
He never seemed to be conscious of his great power, and shrank from anything like notoriety. He was willing to
work in the most obscure positions, and always rejoiced when his ministering brethren were assigned places of distinction.
His genial disposition made him a universal favorite in society, whilst his intelligent conversation and refined
manners gave him access to the best circles in our country."
An incident was related to the writer a few years ago by Dr. W. F. Broaddus, of Virginia, illustrative of his
great power in exhortation: Dr. Broaddus and himself were conducting a protracted meeting many years ago at Culpepper
Court house. There was then no Baptist church in the place, and the services were held in the Court house. The
meetings became deeply solemn, and many were inquiring what they must do to be saved? In the village was a gentleman
of standing and influence who was a professed infidel. His wife was a truly pious woman and a Baptist. She tried
to persuade her husband to attend the meetings, but he continued to refuse. One night he was led by the spirit
of God to the meeting. He did not venture in, but stood at the door. The speaker was delivering one of his most
effective exhortations. The man was attracted by his voice, his manner, his soul-stirring appeals. He entered the
room. As the speaker proceeded in his exhortation he advanced up the aisle nearer and still nearer, until at last
he fell down, amid tears and sobs, and cried to God for mercy.
The following touching and truthful tribute to his memory was written by Rev. Dr. Fuller, of Baltimore: "The
papers have lately announced the departure of this minister of Christ, and the news will afflict many churches
and many hearts in our country. It was not long after he came to the South, when the writer of this notice entered
a church almost casually. In the pulpit was a man, still young, with a very striking appearance, with a musical,
sonorous voice, and whose gesture was graceful and commanding. These accomplishments were, however, soon forgotten,
and the attention of the entire audience riveted by the earnestness and pathos with which the speaker enforced
the simple but sublime truths of the gospel. Although utterly careless, I could but be impressed as he urged "the
one thing needful" for man's peace and happiness and salvation. "Who is this?"
"The Rev. Mr. Wyer, pastor of Savannah Baptist church." I lost sight of him for some years, but we were
destined to meet again, and often to share the toils and cares and successes and sorrows of the ministry. I remember,
as it were yesterday, the calm sweet morning when he led me down into the water and baptized me into that name
so precious to us both. Scene after scene rises to my memory when we knelt together, and from one closet went forth
to preach Jesus to the great congregation, and to triumph together in seeing the salvation of the gospel breaking
forth on the right hand and on the left. For him, all this has ceased. Indeed, for many years his impaired health
compelled him to relinquish the occupation so dear to his heart. He had to resign his pastorship, and, with Rutherford,
to "mourn over his dumb Sabbaths." He has finished his course. What anxieties, what cares, what griefs,
what joys, what fears, what labors, what tears and groans, what hopes and disappointments, are crowded into the
life of a faithful minister of the gospel! He knew all these, but now he knows them no more. He has passed from
them to the peace and purity and rapture the wreaths and the robes of the victor to the crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to them who fight the good fight of faith and are faithful unto
death."
As I have already said, Mr. Wyer was endowed with rare personal advantages for the work of the ministry. His
fluency was uncommon; indeed, it was to him (as it is too often to those who possess the faculty,) a snare. And
yet, what a gift when he had prepared himself by study! In what burning accents with what a flood of eloquence
could he pour out all his thoughts! His mind was strong, vigorous, comprehensive; his imagination lively and fertile.
But the secret of his pulpit power was in his heart. There the truest, warmest, most tender and noblest elements
found their congenial abode. Napoleon said that he "governed men by fear, and that men could be governed only
by fear." How different is the wisdom of the gospel, and how much truer its philosophy, which teaches us that
love is, and must be, (the power is, indeed, the wisdom and power of God,) where such a being as man is to be controlled.
In the character of our deceased brother, love was the all-pervading, all constraining element. In all his official
life as a preacher and pastor, in the desk, in the parlor, in the sick chamber, he was all tenderness and gentleness
and affection "the love of Christ constraining him."
"In social intercourse he was the same sincere, disinterested, benevolent man. Ever scrupulously just in
his dealings, ever courteous in his manners, and ever faithful in his friendships, he has left a reputation unsullied
by a single stain, a name which no human being can mention with unkindness, and a memory enshrined in the hearts
of thousands who loved him. It was especially in his family that all the virtues and amiabilities of his character
were unfolded. But within those hallowed precincts others must not intrude.
"The griefs and consolations of the house of mourning are sacred. Strangers, not even friends, may mingle
with them. To lose such a husband and father must be an irreparable bereavement. But the hand which hath chastened
can wipe away all tears. And the prayers offered, night and day, by him whose form they will see no more, whose
voice they will hear no more, those prayers will now return in consolations and blessings which can cause the soul,
in its bitterest affliction, to exchange 'beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garments of praise
for the spirit of heaviness.'"
In April, 1857, he left Savannah in his usual health and joined his family, then in Alexandria, Virginia. The
Sabbath preceding the attack of pneumonia which terminated his life, he repaired to the church for the blacks and
preached to them in the morning and afternoon. During the second service the house was very warm, and the doors
being opened near the pulpit, he stood in a current of air, and thus in all probability contracted the disease
which resulted in death a few days afterwards. His last text was from John iii. 14 and 15. Preaching
Christ was his last public service on earth. When smitten by disease, he manifested not the slightest anxiety to
recover. The Saviour whom he had served was his hope, and his spirit was serene. The day previous to his death
he said to one sitting by him, "I have run the race, I have fought the battle; henceforth there is laid up
for me a crown." And to his son, a short time before he expired, in answer to the question, "Is it all
well with you now?" he said, "Not a doubt, not a doubt - all clear." On the morning of May 8th,
1857, in the fifty fifth year of his age, he passed from earth to his reward in heaven. His funeral was attended
from the Baptist church on the following day. There, in front of the pulpit, lay the calm remains of the faithful
minister of Christ, who had been brought to the house of God for the last time, to address his brethren and friends
in speechless tenderness. A hymn was sung, prayer was offered, some words of consolation uttered, and devout men
bore him to his burial. The early spring blossoms were opening and falling as he was laid in the sacred spot selected
in the Ivy Hill Cemetery, near Alexandria. Upon the marble slab that marks his resting place is the simple inscription:
"And now my witness is in heaven and my record is on high."
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