Twentieth Century Sketches - Newberry County Men Taken from "Twentieth Century Sketches of the South Carolina Conference M. E. Church, South" By Rev. Watson B. Duncan, A. M. 1914 pg. 24 REV. SAMUEL D. BAILEY Rev. Samuel D. Bailey is of German descent. He is the son of Rev. J. H. Bailey, of the Lutheran Church, and was born in Newberry County, South Carolina, July 29, 1859. He was educated in the common schools of the county. From the very time of his conversion he felt a distinct call to preach the Gospel. He struggled with the call for awhile, but at one o'clock on a certain morning at Graniteville, S. C, he settled the question forever and yielded. He was licensed to preach at Graniteville, South Carolina, Rev. E. T. Hodges being the Presiding Elder. He was ordained as a Local Deacon by Bishop W. W. Duncan, at Greenwood, in December, 1898. He served as a supply for several years, and was received into the Conference on trial at Greenville, South Carolina, December, 1903, Bishop A. Coke Smith presiding. He has served the following charges: Bethany, two years; Jefferson, one year; Jordan, two years; Magnolia Street, Sumter, one year; Hickory Grove, two years; Rock Hill Circuit, one year; Branchville, one year; Kershaw, three years. On December 22, 1906, Mr. Bailey was happily married to Miss Mary Campbell. They have five children—Thomas D., Lillie Mae, James H., Sarah L., and Herbert B. Mr. Bailey is a thorough going Pastor, and is a forceful preacher. His work abides. pg. 58 REV. R. C. BOULWARE Rev. Robert Cheeley Boulware, son of Mr. James R. Boulware and Mrs. Elizabeth A. Herbert Boulware, was born March 13, 1866. His education was begun in the common schools of Newberry County. At the age of seventeen years he was sent to the school at Wellford, under the management of Prof. W. S. Morrison, now of Clemson College. His course here was broken up by the death of his father. In the fall after his father's death he went to Prosperity High School, and remained there for two years or three. From this place he went to Wofford College. Having been trained by a pious mother, young Boulware joined the Church in childhood, being converted at the age of ten years. Immediately after his conversion, he felt impressed with the Divine call to preach. This impression deepened with passing years; but he did not yield until twelve or fifteen years after the first call. Brother Boulware joined the South Carolina Conference at the session held in Laurens in December, 1894, Martin L. Banks, Jr., Connor B. Burns, Henry J. Cauthen, Waddy T. Duncan, William S. Goodwin, E. S. Jones, W. A. Kelly, S. A. Nettles, W. A. Pitts, J. R. Sojourner, W. J. Snyder, and Preston B. Wells joining at. the same time. He has served as follows: Fort Motte Circuit, 1896-6; Salters Circuit, 1897-9; Langley Circuit, 1900; supernumerary, 1901; Cartersville Circuit, 1902; Mount Carmel Circuit, 1903-6; Williamston Circuit, 1907-8; Langley Circuit, 1909; Ridgeland Circuit, 1910-11; Bethel Circuit, 1912-13; Harleyville Circuit, 1914. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Jos. S. Key, in 1897; and was ordained Elder by Bishop W. W. Duncan in 1902. Brother Boulware was married December 28, 1897, to Miss Lily L. Hodge, of Pinewood, Clarendon County, S. C. After a long and painful illness, Sister Boulware died at Langley, S. C, July 19, 1900. His second marriage was to Miss Sue Watson, of Darlington County. Of this union four sons were born—Richard Parker, Robert Chesley, James Carlton, and Charles Herbert. One of these, James Carlton, died at the age of three years. Brother Boulware himself was ill for quite a while during the year 1900, and his health was so impaired that he found it necessary to ask for a supernumerary relation. Though he has had much sickness, and many trials, our good brother has patiently labored on, and has accomplished much good. After leaving college, Mr. Boulware taught school for one year in Orangeburg County. pg. 59-60 REV. DAVID PETTUS BOYD David Pettus Boyd Rev. David Pettus Boyd, the youngest son of Rev. Mark Moore Boyd and Elizabeth Boyd, whose maiden name was Epting, was born September 14, 1849, Newberry District, S. C. His grandparents were Rev. Nathan and Elizabeth Boyd (nee Tigert), who came from Ireland when both were children. He received a fair English education, near the place of his birth, in and around the famous "Crab Orchard" school house. At the age of ten years he joined the Methodist Church under the ministry of Rev. Jas. T. Kilgo and was happily converted to God when about sixteen years old. December 24, 1868, he was married to Miss Sarah Caroline Thompson, of Newberry District, S. C, by Rev. J. Marion Boyd. As a result of this union, three children were born unto them: Florence Levina, Claudius Thompson and David Albert. The only daughter, Florence, died in the eighteenth year of her age and went to her home in Heaven. She, with the two brothers, joined the Church of their.parents in early childhood, and all professed saving faith in Christ. Claudius T. married Miss St. Laurens Farrow of Cross Anchor, S. C. He is now engaged in the mercantile business at Union, S. C, and succeeding in temporal and spiritual things. David Albert was educated at Wofford College. The impression was made upon Brother Boyd's mind that God had called him to preach the Gospel several years before he yielded to the call. November 12, 1881, he was licensed to exhort. July 22, 1882, he was licensed by the Quarterly Conference of Saluda Circuit to preach, Rev. C. H. Pritchard, P. E.; Rev. J. B. Traywick, P. C. He traveled Saluda Circuit in 1883 as junior supply and taught school during the week at Butler church. He was admitted on trial into the South Carolina Conference at Sumter, December, 1883, Bishop A. W. Wilson presiding. From this Conference he was sent to Clinton Circuit, where he remained for four consecutive years, during which time he built and paid for a nice parsonage, and built Sandy Springs church. From Clinton he was sent to Jonesville Circuit, where he also remained four years. During his stay on this work, New Hope church was built, Bogansville was remodeled and all the churches on the circuit repainted except two. From Jonesville he went to Belmont and served this Circuit four years, during which time he built Grace chapel. His next appointment was North Laurens Circuit. His record was not broken here, as he served the full limit at this place, during which time Dial's church was modernized and beautified under his supervision. After having spent sixteen years in Spartanburg District, he was sent to Newberry Circuit, the place where he was born and brought up. He served here four years. Since then he has served as follows: Fountain Inn, three years; Kinards, four years; superannuate, three years; Broad River, one year. Few men have had a more successful career in the South Carolina Conference that Brother Boyd's has been. During years of his ministry he has taken nearly a thousand persons into the Church, and has been instrumental in leading scores of souls to a saving knowledge of the Gospel of the Son of God. May his bow long abide in strength. Brother Boyd is a man of deep spirituality and his heroic life has been fully consecrated to God. pg. 61-62 REV. GEO. M. BOYD George McPherson Boyd The subject of this sketch, Rev. George McPherson Boyd, is one of the true and tried Methodist itinerants. He came from good Methodist stock, his parents being Rev. Mark Moore Boyd (everybody's "Uncle Mark") and Elizabeth Boyd, of Newberry County, S. C. He was born September 17, 1837. Brother Boyd was educated in various schools and under different teachers, owing more, perhaps, to Hon. John C. Wilson than to any other teacher. "Uncle Mark" did all he could with his limited means for the education of his children. In the school training Brother Boyd received, only the foundation was laid. He has been a hard student of both men and books. For four years Brother Boyd fought against the call to preach. During this struggle he met Rev. O. A. Darby, D. D., one day on the streets of Newberry. With a prophet's vision, the good doctor said: "Brother Boyd, somehow I feel that God has called you to preach. It will be the best thing you ever did to obey the call." After much prayer and meditation, our good brother yielded and was licensed to preach at old New Hope Church, on the Newberry Circuit, Rev. Sidi H. Browne, Presiding Elder. At the session of the Conference held in Charleston, S. C, December, 1870, Brother Boyd was received on trial and his labors have been as follows: Yorkville Circuit, 1871; South Abbeville, 1872-4; Clinton Circuit, 1875; Columbia Circuit, 1876; Jonesville Circuit, 1877-8; York Circuit, 1879; Reidville Circuit, 1880-2; Laurens Circuit, 1883-4; Clio and Blenheim, 1885-8; Bennettsville and Brightsville, 1889-90; Waterloo, 1891; Cokesbury, 1892-3; Gaffney Circuit, 1894-5; Pacolet Station, 1896-7; Lamar Circuit, 1898-1900; Chester Circuit, 1901-2; Clinton, 1903-4. Since then he has been on the superannuate list, but has been doing supply work frequently. In all these charges our brother has labored faithfully, acceptably and successfully. During his ministry about twenty-five hundred people have been added by him to the Church rolls. He is a strong preacher, his sermons being thoroughly prepared and delivered with much force. His pastoral work is characterized by earnestness and sympathy. All the results go to show that the hand of the Lord was surely in the call of George M. Boyd to the ministry of the Word. He is modest and unpretentious, and will, perhaps, never be estimated at his true value in this world; but God knows his own, and has put the Divine approval upon the labors to his servant. Brother Boyd has been twice married. His first marriage was to Miss Mary Jane Thompson, of Newberry County, S. C, on March 4, 1858. Of this union were born Nettie Thompson, Mamie Elizabeth, William Bowman, Thomas Jefferson, Carrie Lavinia, Robert Jay and Eulalie. The second marriage was to Miss Conine Anderson, of Waterloo, S. C, May 12, 1891. Of this union one daughter was born—Corrine Anderson. To the brief data furnished his friend for the sketch in the first edition of this book, Brother Boyd added a footnote, saying: "I am now in the thirty-first year of my ministry, and if I had as many more before me, I would be glad to devote them to God and his service." pg. 63 REV. M. M. BRABHAM One of the best men in the South Carolina Conference is Rev. Matthew Moye Brabham, son of Mr. Robt. C. Brabham and Mary R. Brabham (nee McMillan). He was born in the Buford Bridge section of Barnwell County, S. C, on October 15, 1848. Young Brabham had been utilizing the advantages offered him by the schools of his county, but at the age of sixteen he was led to quit school and enter the Confederate Army, intending to re-enter school later on. In this, however, he was disappointed. His father's home was in the track of "Sherman's raid," and the entire home was so broken up that the boy's cherished plan for obtaining an advanced education was shattered. He joined the Church in October, 1871, and was converted in July, 1872. He was licensed to exhort November 29, 1873, was licensed to preach July 25, 1874, and was ordained Deacon at Charleston, S. C, December 21, 1879, by Bishop Wightman. Brother Brabham was admitted into the Conference during the session held at Union, S. C, December, 1881. He was ordained Elder by Bishop McTyeire, in Charleston, S. C, December 21, 1884. His labor has been as follows: Allendale Circuit, 1882-4; Black Swamp Circuit, 1885; Newberry Circuit, 1886-9; Ninety-Six Circuit, 1890-3; Edgefield Circuit, 1894-6; superannuate, 1897-1900; Ninety Six Circuit, 1901-4; Leesville, 1905-8; Lancaster, 1909-12; Denmark, 1913. At the Conference of 1913, he again superannuated. Brother Brabham has been thrice married. He was first married to Miss Sallie T. Simmons, of Bamberg, S. C. As the result of this union six children were born unto them — Maud, Maggie, Fannie, Eddie, Paul and Holland. Sister Brabham. died at Newberry, S. C, in 1886. In 1888 he was married to Miss Fannie C. Cannon, of Newberry County. They have five children — Malcolm, Mary Moye, James Elliott, Joseph Worthington, and Sarah Kirkland. His present wife was Miss Mamie Mitchell of Ridge Spring, S. C. Brother Brabham's faithful work has told wherever he has labored. The Lord has blessed his service to the salvation of many souls and to the advancement of the Divine Kingdom. He is a very lovable man, and makes scores of friends wherever he goes. Brother Brabham is not physically able at this time to do full service, but he is going on in his feebleness, doing his utmost to serve the Master and the Church. pg. 101-02 REV. J. C. COUNTS Jeptha C. Counts There is not in our Conference a braver or truer Soldier of the Cross than the Rev. Jeptha C. Counts. He is not only a Saul among his brethren in bodily altitude, but he stands among the tallest in modest courage and devoted loyalty. Nothing he cares for danger, hardship or toil when duty calls. Nothing he seeks but a place to serve God and man— and the Church he loves so well. He is the manner of man a commander would choose for a charge like Pickets at Gettysburg, or like the gallop of "the six hundred" at Balaklava. He is the son of Peter W. and Martha Counts, who were long members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He was born in Newberry County, S. C, three miles south of Prosperity, January 12, 1849. Reared in a home of piety, he joined the Church in 1856—at the tender age of seven. Let those who doubt the wisdom of leading little children to the Church consider this fact. He attended the home schools, but the war soon coming, even these opportunities were not as usual; and then on January, 1864, he went to Virginia and joined the 13th Regiment of South Carolina Confederate soldiers. The boy stood in a man's place and did a man's deeds as bravely as any of his comrades—and the valor of the Confederate soldier is known to the world. On April 9,1865, when Lee surrendered, the young soldier laid down his arms. Returning to his native county, he there met peaceful duties as cheerfully and faithfully as those experienced in war. In 1866 he was soundly converted. At once work was asked of him. He was made steward and Sunday School superintendent. Here also he was faithful. God called him to preach, and he was licensed in 1872. In 1872 and 1874 he supplied the place of junior preacher on New-berry Circuit—his home field. In December, 1874, he was admitted on trial into the South Carolina Conference. In all his charges he has labored earnestly and successfully. The charges paid but small salaries, but never for a moment did this self-denying minister of Christ complain. The same dauntless courage shown by the Confederate soldier was exhibited by the soldier of the Lord Jesus. Brother Counts is an earnest preacher, who prepares his messages in the fear of God, and delivers them with implicit faith in the power of Divine truth. His pastoral work is conscientiously done. He tries to do all the work of a Methodist itinerant preacher, and to live the life of a holy man of God—and he succeeds. Brother Counts has been twice married. On February 1, 1872, he married Miss Carrie Oxner, of Newberry County, who died June 22, 1888, leaving three daughters—Sallie, Mamie and Hattie. On October 19, 1892, he married Miss Sunie Waters, of Spartanburg County. Of this union two children were born—Nivia and Carrie. pg. 106-07 REV. J. L. DANIEL Rev. Joseph Luther Daniel, son of Mr. James W. and Mrs. Eliza Daniel, and brother of Rev. J. Walter Daniel, D. D., and Rev. W. W. Daniel, D. D., was born August 16, 1868. Brother Daniel has had the very best educational advantages. His preparatory training was received in the High Schools of Seneca, under such teachers as L. T. H. Daniel, C. W. Moore, N. W. McAuley, D. C. Lake, J. B. Watkins, John 0. Hicks, and Dr. F. P. Nullally. He entered the Sub-Collegiate Department of Wofford College in January, 1889. At the next session he entered the college proper, and graduated in June, 1891. Our friend made quite an enviable record at college. He made distinction in every study in every department every year he was there. He was the only member of his class that made such a record. Brother Daniel was converted at Seneca, S. C, in August, 1886, during a meeting conducted by Rev. J. W. Wolling and Rev. H. G. Scuddy. At that time he was reading medicine under Drs. J. B. Brown and Thomas L. Lewis, and was about ready to attend his first course of lectures; but the Divine call to preach coming to him at this time was so clear and strong that he had to abandon the idea of practicing medicine. He strove to compromise the matter by working in Sunday schools and prayer meetings, but there was no peace until he unconditionally surrendered and accepted the work divinely allotted him. lie was licensed to preach at Seneca, S. C, in 1889. He was received on trial into the Conference at the session held in the City of Charleston, November, 1892, E. H. Beckham, G. F. Clarkson, R. M. DuBose, Olin L. DuRant, Shala W. Henry, E. P. Hutson, P. B. Ingraham, J. N. Isom, W. B. Justus, A. S. Lesley, W. H. Miller, E. K. Moore, D. M. McLeod, R. C. McRoy, A. R. Phillips, J. J. Stevenson, R. W. Spigner, T. J. White, W. B. Wharton and W. E. Wiggins joining at the same session. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop R. K. Hargrove, in 1893, and was ordained Elder by Bishop W. W. Duncan, at Walhalla. He has since served as follows: Bucksville Circuit, 1893; Centenary Circuit, 1894-5; Seneca and Walhalla, 1896-9; Cokesbury Circuit, 1900; Lowndesville Station, 1901-2; Summerville, 1903-5; Walterboro, 1906-8; Mullins, 1909-11; Union, 1912-14. He has been popular in every charge, but in none more so than at Seneca, his old home, where he spent four pleasant and profitable years. So popular was he there that the unanimous verdict was that they would like to have him for another four years. He is not only a good pastor, but is a strong and earnest preacher. He always carries good reports to Conference. On December 24, 1891, Brother Daniel was married to Miss Lula Smith, daughter of Dr. J. R. and Mrs. Mary C. Smith, of Mt. Gallagher, Laurens County, S. C. Of this union two children have been born—Joseph McTyeire, born December 4, 1896; and Marion Kathleen, born September 15, 1899. While in Wofford College, Mr. Daniel was local editor of the college journal for one year. He has served on various Conference boards and committees. pg. 108-09 REV. J. WALTER DANIEL, D. D. Rev. James Walter Daniel, D. D., was born in Laurens County, South Carolina, August 27, 1857. His parents, James Wright Daniel and Eliza Anderson Daniel, were of Huguenot descent. John Daniel, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was a soldier in the Revolutionary War. Doctor Daniel's great-grandmother, Priscilla Harrison, was a daughter of Benjamin Harrison, the signer of the Declaration of Independence. His mother's grandfather, William Anderson, landed in Charleston, S. C, December 24, 1792, with his wife and five children. From this place they immediately proceeded to the upper part of Abbeville County and bought a plantation which included within its boundary lines the site of the present town of Due West. It is said that soon after coming into possession of the land he gave land for a school house. The school established here developed into Erskine College, where Eliza Anderson, the mother of Doctor Daniel, was educated. James Walter Daniel spent the first seventeen years of his life on his father's farm where he was required, when not in school, to do the ordinary work of a farmer's boy. Though fond of sports, the boy soon manifested a taste for books, especially works on history and biography. At the age of seventeen he entered the Preparatory Department of Newberry College, graduating in 1879 with the degree of A. B. Three years later he received the A. M. degree from the same institution. In 1899 his Alma Mater honored him with the degree of Doctor of Divinity. In the autumn of the year of his graduation, Dr. Daniel was admitted on trial into the South Carolina Conference and was sent as junior preacher on the Pickens Circuit. He has served the following charges: Pickens Circuit, 1880; West Anderson Circuit, 1881; Fork Shoals Circuit, 1882-3; Pendleton Circuit, 1884-6; Bennetteville Station, 1887-1890; Chester Station, 1891-3; Sumter Station, 1894-7; Abbeville Station, 1898-1900; Trinity, Charleston, 1901-3; Bethel Church, Charleston, 1904; Washington Street, Columbia, 1905-6; Sumter Station, 1907; Columbia District, 1908-1911; Charleston District, 1912. Doctor Daniel has been repeatedly honored by his brethren. He has been sent as a delegate to the General Conference for quite a number of times, heading the delegation elected at the session held in Rock Hill in 1913. Being scholarly in disposition and attainments, and possessing fluency of speech, he is often in demand for lectures and special sermons.At the age of eighteen, Doctor Daniel's instinct for literature manifested itself in the production of stories, some of which were published in "The Home Circle," of Charleston. His published works are: "The Girl in Checks," (1891); "Out From Under Caesar's Frown," (1892); "A Ramble Among Surnames," (1893); "A Maid of the Foothills," (1905); "Cateechee," (1898). He had other books in manuscript. Doctor Daniels has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Emma Hunt, of Greenville, S. C, and his second wife was Miss Ragan, of Summerton, S. C. pg. 110-11 REV. W. W. DANIEL, D. D. Rev. William Wellington Daniel, D. D., son of Mr. James W Daniel and Mrs. Eliza Anderson Daniel, was born about forty years ago, in Laurens County, S. C. In early childhood he had access to good country schools, after which he entered Preparatory Department of Newberry College, then located at Wallhalla, S. C, where he remained until he completed the Sophomore class. He then took the Junior class in Adger College. In 1878 he joined his old class in Newberry College and graduated with distinction in June, 1870. After his graduation he taught school as follows: thirteen months near Hodges, S. C; ten months at Dacusvillc, S. C, and twenty months at Spring Hill, S. C. In 1882, his alma mater conferred on him the degree of A. M., and in 1899 the same institution bestowed upon him the honorary degree of Doctor Divinitaiis. For many years Brother Daniel had felt divinely called to preach the Gospel. In 1883, while he was in charge of a flourishing school at Spring Hill, and was giving great satisfaction to the patrons, the fact became plain to him that he could no longer resist the impression without doing violence to conscience. On June 9, 1883, he was examined by Rev. A. M. Chreitzberg, D. D., at Shady Grove Church, Lexington Fork Circuit, and was licensed to preach. At the session of the Conference held in Sumter, S. C, in December, 1883, Brother Daniel, with James E. Grier, B. M. Grier, S. J. Bethea, D. P. Boyd, G. P. Watson and G. R. Whitaker, was admitted on trial, since which time he has served as follows: West Anderson Circuit, 1884; Fort Mill Circuit, 1885; Yorkville Station, 1886-9; Chester Station, 1890; Newberry Station, 1891-3; Florence Station, 1894; Washington Street Station, Columbia, 1895-8; St. John's Station, Anderson, 1899. At the session of the Conference held in Orangeburg in December, 1899, Doctor Daniel was elected President of the Columbia Female College, to succeed Rev. Jno. A. Rice, D. D., who had resigned. Dr. Rice's resignation was to take effect in June, 1900, so Doctor Daniel was appointed agent of the college, in which capacity he served until June, when he assumed control of the institution. In all these fields Doctor Daniel's labors have been crowned with success. At Fort Mill he built a new parsonage. The beautiful church at Yorkville was built during his pastorate there. Doubtless his most effective work has been done for the Columbia Female College. He has not only succeeded in getting the young ladies there, but by his genial spirit and Christly deportment, he has won his way to their esteem and confidence. He is very popular with the student body. Doctor Daniel is a thoughtful and thought-provoking preacher. His sermons are thoroughly prepared and eloquently delivered. His pastoral labors are such that access to the hearts of the parishoners is an easy matter. Above all, he is a genial Christian gentleman. On August 29, 1883, Doctor Daniel was married to Miss Alice Rowena Aull, daughter of Jacob L. Aull and Julia Haltiwanger Aull. She graduated from the Columbia Female College in June, 1882. They have four children—Herman Aull, Willie, Walter Wright and Julia. pg. 244-45 REV. JAS. W. KILGO, D. D. James Whitfield Kilgo was born in Newberry, S. C, August 19, 1859, and was graduated from Wofford College in June, 1881. Soon after his graduation- he became instructor in the Anson Institute, of Wadesboro, N. C, where for six years he did most excellent work. During the fall of 1887, he was granted a local preacher's license by the Wadesboro Quarterly Conference, under P. J. Carraway, Presiding Elder of the Charlotte District. In December following he resigned his position in the institute, was transferred to South Carolina, and was admitted on trial into our Conference. The following schedule will show places and dates of his labors: In charge of Chesterfield Circuit, 1888-89; Wedgefield Circuit, 1890; Walterboro Station, 1891-92; Beaufort Station, 1893-95; Buncombe Street Station, Greenville, 1896; Trinity Station, Charleston, 1897-1900; Sumter District, 1901-2; Spartanburg District, 1903-6; Orange-burg District, 1907; Marion Station, 1908-9; Greenwood, 1910-13; Columbia District, 1914. He was ordained Deacon at Camden, in 1889, by Bishop J. C. Keener, and Elder by Bishop J. C. Granberry, at Darlington, in 1891. Among the greatest blessings bequeathed by Providence to man are noble birth and fortunate marriage. The subject of this sketch fell heir to both. He was born in a Methodist parsonage, and his infant gaze met the smiles of godly parents, whose devotion to their children's welfare knew no sacrifice too great, and could only cease with death. Rev. James T. Kilgo, the father, after a most faithful and useful ministry in our Conference of 37 years, passed to his reward in January, 1888. The mother, Mrs. Catherine M. Kilgo, still lives, and by the beauty and strength of her saintly life blesses the homes of her children. From the parsonage home of these faithful servants of God have come James W., Dr. John C, and Pierce F. Kilgo, all worthy ministers of the New Testament, and Mrs. Annie Campbell, who, as a member of the Church, is in labors abundant. It was while he was engaged in teaching that he met Miss Elizabeth Coppedge, of Wadesboro, N. C, who, in 1883, became his wife. She has been to him a true helpmeet, and all who know her can testify to the excellent manner in which she has filled her station in life. Six children have blessed this union. James, Kate, Emma, Benjamin and Martha are still living; little Elizabeth, the youngest, went to Heaven in infancy. That Brother Kilgo is a successful worker, the records will show. He has met all the demands of the pastorate, and steadily grown in favor with God and man. The prominent position which he holds in the Conference has been won by his pulpit ability and his tender regard for the flock placed under his care. He is a student of men and of books, and has a large stock of common sense. True and courageous, he takes position on all vital questions in a manly way. Generous and warm-hearted, he not only makes strong friends but binds them to himself as with hooks of steel. Dr. Kilgo was Secretary of Education of the Conference for eight years. He has been a Trustee of Wofford College since 1906, and has been Chairman of Board of Church Extension for years. The honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity was conferred upon him by Emory College. pg. 380-81 REV. J. W. SPEAKE John Wesley Speake Rev. John Wesley Speake, son of Mr. George T. Speake and Mrs. Emma Boyd Speake, was born May 4, 1874. He is the eldest of a family of five children.: He attended school at Kinards, Newberry County, until he was twelve years old, at which age he went to school to an uncle—Prof. James W. Boyd—at St. Joseph, Mo., remaining there three years. Returning to South Carolina, he entered the Wadsworth High School, in Laurens County, spending one year there. He was denied the privilege of a collegiate education, but has ever tried, by hard study, to make up for this loss. He taught school for four years, two of which were spent in charge of Townville Academy, Anderson County. Young Speake joined the Church in early life, being converted at the age of thirteen years. From the time of his conversion, he was under the imperative command of God to preach the Gospel. He entered earnestly into Church work, being elected Sunday School Superintendent at the early age of sixteen years. He was licensed to exhort in 1896; was licensed to preach in July, 1897. In December, 1897, Brother Speake was received on trial, into the Conference, having as Conference classmates, S. H. Booth, W. A. Fairey, J. M. Lawson, D. A. Patrick and R. E. Turnipseed. In the preceding August, he had been employed as a supply for Newberry City Mission, to fill a vacancy caused by the illness of Rev. W. B. Verdin. He was ordained Deacon by Bishop Joseph S. Key, at Orangeburg, S. C, December, 1899, and Elder by Bishop C. B. Galloway, at Columbia, S. C, December, 1901. Mr. Speake has served the following charges: O'Neal Street, Newberry, 1898-1900; Hampton Avenue, Greenville, 1901-4; Cumberland, Charleston, 1905-6; Latta, 1907; Conference Missionary Evangelist, 1908; Bethel, Spartanburg, 1909-12; St. John's, Anderson, 1913-14. In all these charges great success has attended his ministry. He has been specially successful in building new churches, equipping and organizing them. This was notably so in Newberry and Greenville. While at Latta, he secured subscriptions and put under way the new church enterprise. Bethel Church, Spartanburg, has unusual prosperity under his ministry. The "One Day" Church, a missionary enterprise of Bethel, was built during his pastorate here. He has ever stressed League Work, Sunday School Methods, and Church efficiency generally. During his service as missionary evangelist, five hundred and twelve people joined the Church. His ministry is constructive and evangelistic. In 1901, Mr. Speake was married to Miss Annie Heidtman, of Orangeburg, S. C. She is a granddaughter of Rev. M. H. Pooser. She has been a great blessing to him in the work. They have three daughters and one son.