The Shepherds: Roll of Pastors

MOUNT OLIVET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1815-2006
South Carolina Conference

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Catawba District, Sugar Creek Circuit

1. William B. Barnett (1815-1816)

Reverend Barnett was admitted on trial in 1813, serving that year on the Cypress Circuit with Henry Bass. In 1814 he was assigned to the Black Swamp Circuit, and in 1815 and 1816 served the churches on the newly formed Sugar Creek Circuit in North Carolina. He joined Solomon Bryan, William Kennedy, and West Williams, on the Charleston Circuit in 1817. The following year found him, along with Thomas A. Smith, on the Appa1achee, Georgia, Circuit. In 1819, he was appointed Presiding Elder of the Oconee District in Georgia. Rev. Barnett located in 1821.

2. Reuben Tucker (1817-1818)

Reuben Tucker was born in Amelia County, Virginia, the son of Reverend Daniel Tucker and his wife, Frances. To his marriage with Patience Ledbetter was born one son, Addison Summerfield Tucker, who was born in 1825 and died June 1, 1843. Reverend Tucker was accepted on trial in 1811, entered full connection as Deacon in 1813, and was ordained Elder in 1815. Before locating in 1825, he served the following circuits: Bush River (1811), Black Swamp (1812), Bladen (1813), A1covi (1814), Appa1achee (1815), Enoree (1816), Sugar Creek (1817-1818), Broad River (1819), Appa1achee (1820-1821), A1covi (1822), Camden (1823).

3. Hartwell Spain (1819)

Reverend Spain was born in Wake County, North Carolina, on February 10, 1795. He was converted in 1810, and admitted to the Conference in 1817. He has been described as "tall, slender, and graceful; his face expressive of amiability; he was very deliberate in preaching." He was faithful to his call although he suffered from bad health much of his life. He died in Summerton, South Carolina, on March 9, 1868, at age 73.

4. Zaccheus Dowling (1820)

Born in Darlington District, South Carolina, Zaccheus Dowling gave much of his 92 years to the Master's Service. Born on July 29, 1792, he died in Greenvi11e, Alabama, on June 19, 1885. Converted at age 18, he was admitted on trial in 1816 after serving as a Local Preacher. He entered into Full Connection as Deacon in 1818, and Elder in 1820. In North and South Carolina, he served the following circuits: Union, North Carolina, with Jesse Richardson(1816); Ohoopee, Georgia, with John Bunch (1817); Cooper River (1818); Charleston, with Lewis Myers and Henry T. Fitzgerald (1819); Sugar Creek (1820); Sandy River, with Elijah Sinclair (1821); Reedy River, with Mark Westmoreland (1822); Upper French Broad, with Charles Hardy (1823); Rocky River, North Carolina, with Samuel Sewell (1824); and with Philip Groover (1825); Reedy River, with William W. King (1826); Lincoln, North Carolina, with Joab Mershon (1827); Morganton, North Carolina (1828); Presiding Elder of the Tallahassee District Florida in 1829 and 1830. In 1830, he was transferred to the Georgia Conference, serving as Presiding Elder of the Ta11ahasee District for 1831 and 1832. In 1833, he was serving the Choctahatchie Circuit on the Alabama Conference, and continued his rich and fruitful service until 1858, when he was superannuated.

5. Jacob Hi11 (1821)

A native of North Carolina, Jacob Hill was admitted on trial in December, 1811, and served for ten years, during which time he was in charge of various circuits. He located for six years, and returned for two years of service. He retired for a time and returned in 1829 for two additional years. Failing health led to his retirement again, and he was never able to return to the Circuit again. He died in Catawba County, North Carolina, on June 16, 1855.

6. Thomas A. Rosamond (1822)

Born in the Abbevi11e District, South Carolina, on June 5, 1787, Reverend Rosamond was admitted on trial in 1817. In 1819, he entered into Full Connection and in 1820 was ordained Deacon. He began his service on the Brunswick Circuit with Allen Turner (1817); then on the Warren, Georgia, Circuit, with Thomas Darley (1818); Congaree (1819); Keewee, with John Mote and Barnet Smith (1820); Wateree (1821). He conc1uded his service on the Sugar Creek Circuit in 1822. The following year he located. He and his wife Elizabeth (1805-April 23, 1857) subsequently removed to Mississippi. Elizabeth died in Grenada, Mississippi, and Reverend Rosamond died on November 30, 1861, in Yalabusha County, Mississippi.

7. Jeremiah Freeman (1823)

Born in 1794, Jeremiah Freeman was admitted on trial in 1818, assigned for that year to the Ohoopee, Georgia, Circuit, with Charles Dickinson. He then served the following circuits: Lincoln, North Carolina, with Thomas W. Craven (1819); Black Swamp (1820); Located in 1821; Appling, Georgia (1822); Sugar Creek (1823); Morganton, North Carolina (1824); Located in 1825; Fayette, Georgia, with Varnal Mahaffy (1829); Yellow River, Georgia, with R. H. Moseley (1830); Alcovi (1831). In 1832, he was without an appointment due to ill health. He died in 1840.

8. Daniel Asbury (1824)

Much of the credit for the development of Methodism in Western North Carolina must go to a remarkable pioneer minister, Daniel Asbury. Although he had the same name, he was not related to Bishop Francis Asbury. He was born in Fairfax County, Virginia, on February 18, 1762. Reverend W. L. Grissom records that Daniel Asbury was captured by Indians in early life and endured great hardships. He was admitted on trial in 1786, and was sent to the Amelia Circuit. He served on the Halifax Circuit in 1787, French Broad in 1788, Union Circuit in 1803, and Enoree Circuit in 1804. He stayed at home most of 1805, and then served as Presiding Elder on the Swannanoa District from 1806 through 1810, the Camden District from 1810 through 1814, the Catawba District from 1814 through 1818, and the Broad River District from 1818 through 1822. He completed his service by spending two years serving the charges of the Lincoln Circuit in 1822 and 1823, and the Sugar Creek Circuit in 1824. Age and illness took their toll, and he died on Sunday, April 15, 1825, while on a superannuated relation.

Cheraw District, Sugar Creek Circuit

9. Elisha Askew (1825)

Reverend Askew was admitted on trial in 1823, serving that year on the Abbevi11e Circuit with James Dannelly. In 1824, he was on the French Broad, in North Carolina, along with Ewell Petty. He followed a successful year on Sugar Creek Circuit in 1825, with a year on the Union, North Carolina, Circuit with Jacob Ozier. His short but useful career ended when he located in 1827.

10. Daniel F. Christenbury (1826)

A native of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, Daniel Christenbury married Margaret Moore, a daughter of Andrew Moore and Jane Sample Moore. He was admitted on trial in 1816, and served that year on the Little River Circuit in Georgia with James B. Turner. He also served the following Circuits: Lincoln, North Carolina, with Jesse Richardson (1817); Montgomery, North Carolina (1818); Upper French Broad, North Carolina (1819); Montgomery, North Carolina (1820); Brunswick, North Carolina, with Benjamin L. Hoskins (1821); he was Presiding Elder of the Catawba District in North Carolina in 1822, 1823, and 1824. In 1825, Christenbury was Presiding Elder of the Cheraw District in South Carolina, and completed his service in 1826 on the Sugar Creek Circuit. Although few details are known, he was expelled in 1829. Thereafter, he and his family relocated in Georgia.

11. Daniel F. Wade (1827)

Born in Camden, South Carolina, in about 1802, Daniel F. Wade entered on trial in 1827, with his first year of service on the Sugar Creek Circuit. He served on the Saluda Circuit in 1828, and entered into Full Connection in 1829, as a Deacon, while serving on the Liberty Circuit. He located in 1830. Following his location, he moved to Houston County, Georgia, in 1836. His wife Catherine was born in Orangeburg District, South Carolina, September 30, 1837, and died on May 24, 1864, in Fort Valley, Georgia. Reverend Wade died in 1858, at age 56.

Lincolnton District, Sugar Creek Circuit

12. Benjamin Bell (1828-1829)

Benjamin Bell was born on November 15, 1801, in Montgomery County, North Carolina, and was converted on August 9, 1818. He was admitted on trial in 1826, having been licensed to preach the preceding year. In 1828, he was admitted into full connection and ordained as a Deacon, with ordination as an Elder in 1830. Because of ill health, he was superannuated at the 1833 Conference. In 1834, he was improved in health, and received an appointment for the next four years. Bad health prevented his continuing, and he was again given a superannuated relation at the 1838 Conference. He died on June 27, 1838, in the early hours of the morning. In the General Minutes of 1839, his biographer records that "he sweetly fell asleep in the arms of Jesus, after about seven hours of extreme suffering. But for him to die was gain; for though he spoke not, yet there was a heavenly calm resting on his face, which spoke to us, who kneeled about his bed, in language not to be misunderstood. I have met and conquered.’”

13. Absalom Brown (1830-1831)

Born in Fairfield County, South Carolina, Absa1om Brown was admitted on trial in 1828, serving that year on the Lincoln Circuit. He served the Quincy, Florida, Circuit in 1829, the Sugar Creek Circuit in 1830 and 1831, Rocky River in 1832, and Montgomery Circuit in 1833. During his service on the Montgomery Circuit, he died after several months of failing health. "He was a humb1e-minded, Godly man, and an able and considerably successful preacher. We doubt not of his being with the Lord in glory."

14. James J. Richardson (1832)

James J. Richardson was born in Marion District, South Carolina, on June 22, 1805, and admitted on trial in 1829, having been 1icensed to preach the preceding year. He traveled on the Black River Circuit in 1829, Montgomery in 1830, Hollow Creek (later Barnwell) Circuit in 1831, and Sugar Creek Circuit in 1832. His last year of ministry was on the York Circuit, where he died at Yorkville, South Carolina, on July 9, 1833. "Brother Richardson was a very amiable man, a highly gifted preacher, and a faithful and successful laborer in the great work of winning souls. In him genius was blended with sweetness of spirit and uncommon ability with a humble mind. His brethren loved him greatly, and he enjoyed richly in his own soul the blessings of the gospel which he preached to others."

15. John K. Morse (1832)

Unfortunately, little is known about Reverend John K. Morse, who was admitted on trial in 1832, and spent his first year in the Sugar Creek Circuit along with James J. Richardson. He served regularly until 1838, when he 1ocated.

16. John Watts (1833)

Reverend John Watts was born in Chesterfield County, South Carolina, to a lifetime of Christian service, on February 24, 1801. He joined the church when fourteen years of age, and was converted when eighteen. His conversion was the beginning of dedicated service. He served as Class Leader, Steward, and Exhorter until 1824, when he was licensed to preach. He was admitted on trial in the next year and filled his first appointment on the Union Circuit in North Carolina, with Mark Westmoreland. He continued to faithfully serve his appointments until 1847, when he was superannuated until 1855 except for 1850 which he spent on the Greenvil1e Circuit. In 1856, he was able to return to full service, and again served regularly until the Conference of 1872, when he was again returned to superannuate status. He continued to preach locally when able, but never returned to the circuit. He was severely injured in a fall some two years before his death on June 6, 1886, at his home in Greenvi11e County, South Carolina. An excerpt from his Memoir gives a picture of this good man: "Brother Watts was always cheerful. His trust in God made radiant his life, and even in old age he seemed to live for the future. He delighted to associate with his brethren, and instead of musing sadly over the past, and talking despondingly of the future, he would express himself as satisfied with the one and ready for the other. His view of self ever humble, twice during his ministry he refused the responsible office of presiding elder, choosing to be little and unknown to the outside world. He often said humility was the first step in the Christian life and the last as we enter our heavenly home.

Linco1nton District, Charlotte (formerly Sugar Creek) Circuit

17. Tracy R. Walsh (1834)

Reverend Tracy R. Walsh died in Bennettsvi11e, South Carolina, on the 20th day of October, 1867, after more than forty years of faithful service. He was licensed to preach in September, 1827, and admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1830. He filled appointments in Saluda, with James Stockdale, in 1830, and Abbeville Circuit, with Reddick Pierce, in 1831. In 1832, he was admitted into full connection and ordained as a deacon; he served that year on the Santee Circuit with Noah Laney. In 1833, he was on the Pee Dee Circuit with Mark Russell, and in the Charlotte Circuit the next year. He served two years on the Fayetteville Circuit before locating in 1837, to serve thirteen years as leader of the Marion Academy. During that time, his Memoir records that declared that he performed "in addition to his scholastic duties an amount of pulpit and parochial work seldom exceeded by a regular pastor." During 1850, he returned to the Circuits and served on the Wadesboro, North Carolina, Circuit with David D. Byars, and as Presiding Elder on the Georgetown District for the following year. Reverend Walsh was elected President of Carolina Female College in 1852, and was so successful that he was reassigned by the Bishops every year until 1860 when he resigned the Presidency to return to the work in the field. The 1860 Conference assigned him to Trinity in the Charleston District. The following years, 1862 and 1863, were spent on the Bennettsvi11e Circuit with James B. Campbell and then with Peter L. Herman. He served the Marion District as Presiding Elder in 1864 and 1865, and then returned to Bennettsvil1e for 1866 with Allen McCorquodale and Wesley L. Pegues, and in 1867 with Rufus R. Pegues and Lewis M. Hamer. During those last years of ministry, he was constantly ill and suffered severe pain. His friends were unable to persuade him to forsake the work, however, and he labored to the last, professing his perfect faith in Christ (whom he called his "Almighty Friend") for his salvation.

18. Jacob Ozier (1835)

Born in Montgomery County, North Carolina, on April 15, 1804, to Reverend Jacob Ozier and his wife, Sarah, Reverend Ozier was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1826. He served the Union Circuit on the Cheraw District that year, and the Early Circuit (Tallahassee District) the following year. In 1828, he was admitted to full connection and ordained as a Deacon, with his assignment being to the Hollow Creek Circuit. He then served the Keewee Circuit (1829), Wateree (1830), Laurens (1831), Hollow Creek (1832), Union (1833), Newberry (1834) Circuits. In 1835, he was on the Charlotte Circuit, following which he located in 1836. In 1839, he was in the Georgia Conference and serving on the Tazewell and Americus Circuit on the Columbus District. In 1840, he served on the Baker Circuit and on the Hawkinsvi11e Circuit the next year. In 1842, he located again.

19. Daniel G. McDaniel (1836)

Daniel G. McDaniel was born in Georgetown, District of Columbia, on the 15th of February, 1791. He was converted at the historic Light Street Church in Baltimore in 1811, and thereafter moved to the area served by the South Carolina Conference where he was admitted on trial in 1821. His first duties were on the Broad River Circuit, with appointments to the following Circuits: Black Swamp (1822), Asbury Mission (1823), Yellow River Mission (1824), St. Augustine (1825), Pea River Mission (1826), Holmes Valley Mission (1827), Ohooppee (1828), Hollow Creek (1829), Georgetown (1830), Lincolnton (1831-32), Kings Mountain Mission (1833), Camden (1834), Yorkvil1e (1835), Charlotte (1836), Wadesboro (1837-38), Lincolnton (1839-40), Winnsboro (1841-1842), Orangeburg (1843-44), Columbia (1845), Rutherford (1846),and finally Wateree Mission in 1847. Here he lived the remainder of his life, dying in 1853 in Camden, South Carolina, at age 53. "A few days before his death, he expressed his entire confidence in God, giving up his wife and children into His care, and closing his earthly mission with the words, My life has been one of constant toil, but of no merit; I trust alone in the merits of Christ, my Saviour.'"

20. Jehu G. Postell (1836)

Jehu G. Postell, who labored on the Charlotte Circuit with Daniel G. McDaniel in 1836, was admitted on trial to the South Carolina Conference in that same year. His useful service was unfortunately cut short by consumption which was reported to have caused his death in Charleston, South Carolina, in April of 1841. It is typical of the man that "when told his departure was at hand, he replied, he would like to live to raise his family, but was submissive to the will of his Maker."

21. William R. Smith (1837)

Reverend William R. Smith was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1833, and served regularly until 1837 when he was assigned to the Charlotte Circuit. Following that year, he located in 1838, and no information is available about him thereafter.

22. Joseph P. Kirton (1837)

Joseph P. Kirton was admitted on trial in 1836, and shared the duties on the Charlotte Circuit with William R. Smith the following year. He served various circuits in the South Carolina Conference until 1844 when he located. Conference records for the following year show that he was expelled from the connection.

23. William T. Harrison (1838)

Admitted on trial in 1835 in the South Carolina Conference, Reverend William T. Harrison was first sent to the Union, South Carolina Circuit in that same year, with Angus McPherson. In 1836 and 1837, he was on the Black River and Pee Dee Mission fields. In 1838, he worked on the Charlotte Circuit with Mark Russell. Before his location in 1845, he served the following circuits: Brunswick, North Carolina, with Martin P. Myers (1839); Rockingham (1840); Lancaster (1841); Lenoir (1842); Union, South Carolina (1843); and Centre Circuit, North Carolina, in 1844.

24. Mark Russell (1838)

Reverend Mark Russell was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1832, and served regularly until 1841, when apparently ill health left him no alternative but to take a superannuated relation. In 1842, he located.

25. Jacky M. Bradley (1839)

Reverend Jacky M. Bradley devoted thirty-four years to the charges of the South Carolina Conference to which he was admitted on trial in 1826. In 1828, he was admitted in full connection and ordained as a Deacon. In 1830, he was ordained as an Elder. He married Susan in 1833, and following her death married Patience. He traveled actively until 1860, when Chreitzberg tells us that "he removed to the West, and died during the civil war." Described as "powerful in debate and in the pulpit," he was "tall and loosely built, with large head and long, bony arms and hands. * * * He cared little for dress, and was always unc1erical in appearance." Patience Bradley died in Caddo Parish, Louisiana, July 26, 1861.

26. Martin Eaddy (1839)

Admitted on trial to the South Carolina Conference in 1839, Reverend Martin Eaddy was sent to the Charlotte Circuit along with Jacky M. Bradley in that year. He served regularly, his last year being in 1862 on the McDowell Circuit. At the Conference in December, 1862, he was expelled.

27. Peyton G. Bowman (1840)

Except for the year 1858 when he temporarily located, the Reverend Peyton G. Bowman served faithfully the churches of the South Carolina Conference from his admission on trial in 1834 to his expulsion in 1870. He was expelled for erroneous doctrinal teaching, to which he pleaded guilty and did not appear for trial. His error was in teaching that the soul is unconscious from death until the resurrection and, second, the annihilation of the wicked. He asked to be allowed to withdraw from the Conference, but the Trial Committee regretfu11y expelled him in accordance with the disciplinary laws of that day.

28. Campbell Smith (1840)

Born March 31, 1807, in Marlborough District, South Carolina, Reverend Campbell Smith was admitted on trial February 7, 1834, and sent to the Brunswick Circuit in North Carolina. He had been licensed to preach on August 3, 1833. In 1835, he served on the Morganton Circuit, and in 1836 was sent to the black people along the Pee Dee River as a missionary. He then served the following circuits: Chesterfield Circuit (1837), King's Mountain (1838), Rutherford Circuit (1839), Charlotte (1840), Montgomery (1841), and Black Swamp in 1842. The rigors of the ministry, in conjunction with a "feeble constitution" combined to force him to take a superannuated relation at that time. He died of typhoid pneumonia in Rutherford County, North Carolina, on December 27, 1854, at age 47. The Minutes describe him as follows: "Brother Smith was a humble Christian, a plain, practical preacher, and, in his proper sphere, was a useful man."

29. Benjamin Hamilton (1841)

Reverend Benjamin Hamilton was admitted to the South Carolina Conference on trial in 1838, and served regularly until 1841, when he was assigned to the Charlotte Circuit. He entered into a superannuated relation from 1842 until 1846, after which he located.

30. Michael Robbins (1842)

Reverend Michael Robbins was admitted to the South Carolina Conference on trial in 1840, serving until 1849, when he was permitted to rest or travel without an appointment, on account of his ill health. The following year, he located.

31. John Alexander Porter (1843)

John Alexander Porter was born in New York City on February 7, 1822, and moved to Charleston, South Carolina, early in life. Little is known of his early life, other than his working as a clerk. He became one of the outstanding preachers in the Conference before his death in 1909. Rev. Wm. C. Power wrote of him: "As a preacher he was one of our very best. Never entering the sacred desk without thorough preparation, he seldom, if ever, made a failure. Not given to flights of oratory, he was sound in doctrine, eminently instructive, and sometimes, though seldom, overwhelming in the pathos that stirs and moves man's spiritual energies. And while his pulpit efforts - the best of them- did not charm the giddy throng, the writer of this tribute has heard thoughtful men say, if they were allowed to choose a preacher for life they would prefer John A. Porter to any other known to them."

32. Ira L. Potter (1843)

Reverend Ira L. Potter was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1835, and served faithfully until 1847 when he transferred to the Florida Conference.

Cheraw District, Center Circuit

33. John McMackin (1844-1845)

John McMackin was born in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, on January 4, 1813. He was converted as a camp meeting at Center camp ground in August of 1832. He became a class leader, and was granted a local preacher's license in 1836. The following year, he was admitted on trial in the Conference and appointed to the Rockingham Circuit. He also served the following circuits: Deep River (1838), Laurens (1839); Rock Fish (1840); Morganton (1841), Shelby (1842), Greenvil1e Circuit (1843), Columbia (1844), Center (1845), and finally, Pleasant Grove Circuit in 1846, where he died on August 16, 1846, of fever. He was not described as a spell-binding orator, but as being "clear and forcible, so affectionate and practical, that all were constrained to allow that he was a man of God." The last words he uttered were: "How sweet it is to have Jesus to accompany me through the dark valley and shadow of death:"

34. Wesley Leatherwood Pegues (1846)

Born in Marlboro County, South Carolina, on June 22, 1818, Reverend W. L. Pegues traveled many miles over more than fifty years of preaching but returned to the county of his birth on July 16, 1894, to end his long work. He was admitted on trial to the Conference in 1839, and later ordained as deacon and elder. He served faithfully and regularly through the very year of his death, preaching on the Tradesvil1e Circuit up to the day of his death. His biographer paints a word picture of this good man: "He was just, gentle, and generous to all his fellows. We knew of no man who was freer from vanity, pride, envy, malice and revenge. His ambition seemed not to have been to be elevated above his brethren nor to outshine them, but to do the best he could. He was ever ready to acknowledge, with undisguised pleasure, capacity, ability, and success in his brethren whom others might consider as his rivals for favor and position. He was a fine representative of nature’s nobleman. He was truly pious and felt the power of the Holy Ghost in his soul, which power was constantly evidenced in his life."

Lincolnton District, Concord Circuit

35. Jacky M. Bradley (1847)

See number 25 above.

36. William C. Patterson (1848-1849)

On May 15, 1807, William C. Patterson was born in that section of Lincoln County which became Gaston County. Although reared in the Presbyterian Church, he became a Methodist, and was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1836. For eighteen years he preached on various circuits "out of a full experience of saving grace and with a deeply sympathetic interest in the spiritual welfare of those who heard his message." He was superannuated in 1854, and lived out his retirement in York and Lancaster Counties, South Carolina. More than ninety years of age, he died at his home in Van Wyck, in Lancaster County, on December 18, 1897.

37. Wesley Leatherwood Pegues (1850)

See number 34 above.

38. Sampson D. Laney (1851)

S. D. Laney was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1834, and traveled the circuits until 1851 when he served the Concord Circuit of the Lincolnton District. The following year he was without an appointment by order of the Conference. In 1853, he was required to appear before a Committee appointed by the Conference, apparently to look into allegations against him. At the Conference in November, 1853, Rev. Laney located.

39. Willis S. Haltom (1852)

For twenty-seven years, Reverend Willis S. Haltom served his appointments on the South Carolina Conference, following his admission on trial in 1834. In 1862, he was left without an appointment at his own request. In the following years, 1863 through 1866, he served on the Concord Circuit as a supernumerary with Landy Wood, James Stacy, Lewis Scarborough, Samuel A. Roper, and James T. Kilgo. He was last assigned to the Pinevi11e Circuit, in the North Carolina Conference, to which he transferred in 1870. He died in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1894.

Charlotte District, Concord Circuit

39. Willis S. Haltom (1853)

During Rev. Haltom’s two-year service on the Concord Circuit, the Circuit was transferred from the Lincolnton District to the Charlotte District.

40. Paul Franklin Kistler (1854-1855)

A descendent of German immigrants who settled in Pennsylvania and then followed the Great Wagon Road to North Carolina, Paul Franklin Kistler was born in Linco1nton, North Carolina, on February 12, 1827. Not long after his conversion in 1844, he felt a strong call to ministry. At Rock Springs camp meeting on the Linco1nton Circuit, he was licensed as a local preacher in August of 1845. Admitted on trial at the Fayetteville Conference in 1845, the young man was sent to the Spartanburg Circuit where he served in 1846. He received appointment to the Walterboro Circuit in 1847, following which he was ordained as a Deacon in January, 1848. He was in charge of the work on the Catawba Circuit for 1848. During his appointment on the Lenoir Circuit in the following year, he met and married Miss Mary R. Jennings, daughter of Dr. Edward Jennings, on May 29, 1849. They were blessed with six children during this marriage, only three of whom survived to maturity. Reverend Kistler was ordained as an Elder at the December, 1849, Conference in Camden, South Carolina, where he was sent to the Yorkville Circuit for 1850. He then served the following appointments: Rutherford Circuit (1850-51), Charlotte Circuit (1853), Concord Circuit (1854-55), Rutherford Circuit (1856-57), Bennettsville Circuit (1858-59), Darlington Circuit (1860-61), Chaplain of 24 S. C. V., of the Confederate Service (1862), Sumter Circuit (1863-64), Bishopvi11e Circuit (1865-1868), Darlington Circuit (1869), Laurens Circuit (1870), Greenwood Circuit(1871), Cypress Circuit (1872), Bamberg Circuit (1873-76), St. George’s Circuit (1877-80), Datesburg Circuit (1881-82), Grahams Circuit (1883-84), Lynchburg Circuit (1885-86), B1acksvi11e Circuit (1887-88), Branchvi11e Circuit (1889-92), and Al1enda1e Circuit (1893-95).

At the December, 1895, Conference he was granted a superannuated relation, having completed fifty years of service. Together with his wife and daughter, he moved to their little country home, "Gooseberry", located about two miles north of Denmark, in Bamberg County, South Carolina. During the years of retirement, Reverend Kistler continued the work, being available to fill local pulpits. His biographer describes one of his most endearing qualities in his Memoir: "He was childlike in manner, loved children and was dearly beloved by them. Whenever there was to be held a ‘Children's Day’ or other children's 8ervice, he was in demand to talk to them. He knew every child by name whenever he met them and never failed to greet them with a pleasant and kindly word." Before he passed to his reward on July 13, 1901, he was heard to remark that he was proud that he counted on the floor of Conference at least seventeen ministers led to God through his ministry. He is buried in the cemetery at Denmark, South Carolina.

41. Jacob L. Shuford (1856)

Born in Cleveland County, North Carolina, Jacob L. Shuford united with the church while a young boy. Born on March 15, 1824, he was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in December, 1844. He was first sent to the Montgomery Circuit for 1845, with Newton Goudelock in charge. The work sustained a hard blow that year, for Reverend Goudelock died early in the year and the young minister was left to carry on alone. He successfully completed his freshman year, and was sent as junior minister to the Edisto, Johossee and Fenwick Island Mission, where he and Reverend Charles Wilson served eleven plantations, and added one hundred and forty-four members in one year. He next served on Beaufort and Prince William's Mission. He also served the following circuits and missions: Shelby Circuit (1849), McDowell Circuit (1850), Morganton Circuit (1851), Lenoir Circuit (1852), Black River and Pee Dee Mission (1853-54), Conwayboro Circuit (1855), Concord Circuit (1856), Wateree Mission(1857-66), Rocky Mount (1867-69), Fairfield (1870-72), Newberry Circuit (1873- 1874), Santee Circuit (1875-78), Lewisville (1879-80), Graham's Circuit (1881- 1882), St. Matthew's Circuit (1883-1886), Santee (1887), and Bishopvi11e Circuit (1888-90).

A slight paralysis led to his superannuation in 1891. He died near Summerton, in Clarendon County, South Carolina, on March 19, 1892. Henry M. Mood, writing his memoir, summarizes his work: "Brother Shuford was not a 'star preacher,' but he was a strong preacher, strong in all the evangelical elements which give success. Earnest and practical, his preaching was not in enticing words of man's wisdom, but in power and demonstration of the Holy Ghost. Bright, genial and affectionate, he was a delightful social companion. Enjoying life himself, he communicated that joy to his associates. His beautiful life of cheerful faith in God is a rich comment upon and exponent of the Gospel which he proclaimed for so many years."

42. John Watts (1857 – 1858)

Reverend John Watts was admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1825, having been born February 24, 1801, in Chesterfield County, and served diligently in the traveling ministry until his retirement in 1872. He was buried in Fewls Chapel in his native county, having died there on June 6, 1886. He was "humble and lacking in worldly ambition. Twice he declined the office of Presiding Elder."

Wadesboro District, Concord Circuit

43. Aaron G. Stacy (1859)

Aaron G. Stacy, son of the Reverend Jeremiah Stacy of North Carolina, was born on November 15, 1822, and admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1847. After a period of fruitful service, he removed to Texas where he died in Austin on April 8, 1875.

44. Eugene W. Thompson (1860-1861)

Born in Kershaw County, South Carolina, in 1833, Eugene Thompson was converted to God under the ministry of Rev. H. C. Parsons, and admitted to the South Carolina Conference in 1854. The following year, he served the Wadesboro Circuit as a Junior Preacher with Rev. Sidi H. Browne. In 1856, he was on the Spartanburg Circuit with Rev. David May. During the next two years, while he was serving the Shelby Circuit, he married Miss Jennie Lowe, the daughter of Sheriff Isaac Lowe of Lincoln County. After being on the Lincoln Circuit in 1859, Rev. Thompson served the Concord Circuit for two years. In 1862, while assigned to the Cheraw Station in South Carolina, he enlisted in the Army of Northern Virginia under General Robert E. Lee, as a Chaplain. Following the end of the war, he ably served the Wadesboro Circuit for four years, and then went on to Tryon Street Church in Charlotte for one year. While there, the South Carolina Conference surrendered its territory in North Carolina. At the Conference in Greensboro, Reverend Thompson was made Presiding Elder of the Shelby District and served for two years. He was unable to continue in that work because of a throat affection, and was transferred to Fayetteville for four years. Failing health required that he have an assistant his last year there.

He became superannuated, and moved to Morganton for his health. There he died on April 5, 1877. His biographer recorded that not a "single blot" stained his character, either private or official. "Alive, he was a demonstration of Christianity; being dead, he yet speaketh, proclaiming to all that God is faithful. God be praised for such a life, and for such a death:"

45. Peter L. Herman (1860-1861)

Although he was reared in a family which attended the German Reformed Presbyterian Church, Peter L. Herman was converted at a camp meeting at Dry Pond, near Denver. He had been born in Catawba County, North Carolina, on February 22, 1833, and joined the South Carolina Conference at Greenvil1e, South Carolina in 1859. He served the Concord Circuit in 1860 and 1861 as a Junior Preacher, along with Eugene W. Thompson. Following a year on the Newberry Circuit in 1862, he served the Mapleton Circuit in 1863 and 1864. His other appointments included: Butler Circuit (1865-66), Edgefield Circuit (1867-68), Morganton (1869), Lenoir Circuit (1870-72), Newton Circuit (1873-74), Thomasvi11e and High Point (1875-77), Smithfield (1879-1880), Reidsville Circuit (1881), Hickory Circuit (1882-83), Li1esville Circuit (1884), Snow Hill Circuit (1885-88), Smithfield Circuit (1889-90), Cary Circuit (1891-92), Oxford Circuit (1893-94), Warrenton Circuit (1895-97), and the Littleton Circuit in 1898. He was superannuated in 1899, and lived briefly at Dunn, North Carolina, where he died on August 29, 1899.

In 1863, he had married Miss Frances H. Jay of Abbeville, South Carolina. Five daughters and one son of that marriage survived them. His biographer, John N. Cole, wrote of him: "Brother Herman loved his calling. He loved his Lord; he loved the gospel; he loved to preach it."

46. Landy Wood (1862-1863)

Reverend Landy Wood was born into a Baptist home in Rutherford County, North Carolina, on March 18, 1823. He was brought into the Methodist fold at a revival held in Greenvil1e, South Carolina, where he was learning the printing business as a young man. After joining the church in 1842, he was licensed as a local preacher in 1845. He worked for years as a local preacher and was ordained Deacon in 1852. At the Conference in December, 1854, he entered full-time service on trial in the South Carolina Conference. He served regularly until 1889 when he was superannuated, in which relation he remained until his death at Clio, in Marlboro County, South Carolina, on September 5, 1892.

J. B. Traywick described him as a "preacher of no mean ability - he had a logical and inquiring mind. His preaching was always clear, Scriptural, and often delivered with great power. He delighted to preach on the witness of the Spirit and kindred topics. He was in the best sense a revivalist. His excellent tact in managing such meetings, his power in prayer, his deep experience of grace and the power with which he preached the Word could but result in many souls being won to Christ."

47. James Stacy (1864)

James Stacy was born in Lincolnton, Burke County, North Carolina, on November 18, 1807, and joined the Methodist Church in 1822. His conversion was real and complete and he spent almost the remainder of his life in the service of his Master. After being licensed to preach in July, 1829, he was admitted on trial in January, 1830, and sent to the Quincy, Florida, Circuit with William Gassaway. In 1831, he was on the Morganton Circuit with William J. Jackson. He was ordained Deacon in 1832, and served that year on the Enoree Circuit with Morgan C. Turrentine. After working on the Laurens Circuit in 1833, he was ordained Elder and sent to the Pendleton Circuit for 1834. He served the Cheraw, Camden, and Georgetown Circuits in South Carolina, before being assigned to the Fayetteville, North Carolina, Circuit during 1838 and 1839. The Conference assigned him as Agent for the Cokesbury Manual Labour School and Randolph Macon College in 1841. In 1842, he served in Wilmington, and then Trinity, in Charleston, for the following two years. Reverend Stacy presided over the Cheraw District as Presiding Elder during 1845 and 1846, and Presiding Elder over the Fayetteville District the following two years. In 1849, he was on the Columbia Circuit with John T. Wightman, returning to Trinity in 1850.

He then served the following appointments: Georgetown Circuit (1851), Georgetown Station (1852), Marion Station (1853), and Marion Circuit (1854); Camden (1855), Camden Station (1856), Charlotte Station (1857), Cumberland, Charleston (1858), Cumberland, Charleston (1859), Orangeburg District as Presiding Elder (1860), Spartanburg Station (1861-62), Bethel and Spring Street, Charleston (1863), Concord (1864), Charlotte (1865), Pinevil1e (1866). The Conferences in December, 1866 and 1867, appointed Reverend Stacy to Sumter Station. His health had begun to fail and his friends urged him to rest for a while in hopes of regaining strength and prolonging his life, but he refused to do so. Thus, he died while serving the church as Sumter, South Carolina, on May 1, 1868.

His constitution was so delicate, and his temperament 50 nervous, it must have seemed unlikely that he could succeed in the itinerant ministry. His determination and enormous capacity for study and work brought success, however, and the respect of his peers. He was elected as a delegate to the General Conference on four separate occasions.

48. Lewis Scarboro (1865)

Lewis Scarboro was born in Montgomery County, North Carolina, to parents who had removed from Virginia. After an early conversion, he served as an exhorter for about a year, and an additional year as a local preacher. He was accepted on trial in the South Carolina Conference in 1837. That began a lifetime of service, including twenty-nine years on circuits, five years on missions, and thirteen years as a superannuate. He died on May 22, 1884, about sunrise, and was buried in Mil1er’s Church in Marion County, South Carolina.

49. Samuel A. Roper (1865)

After being admitted to the South Carolina Conference on trial in 1860, Samuel A. Roper’s connection was discontinued in 1862. He was readmitted on trial in 1863. In 1864, he served the York Circuit, and the following year was on the Concord Circuit with Lewis Scarboro(ugh) and Willis S.Ha1tom.

50. James T. Kilgo (1866)

Reverend James T. Kilgo was born in Chester County, South Carolina, on February 16, 1820, and was converted there at a camp meeting at Ebenezer Church on October 2, 1840. On December 5, 1846, he was licensed as a local preacher, and admitted on trial in the South Carolina Conference at the 1850 meeting in Wadesboro. He faithfully served for thirty-seven years, and died in Marlboro County, South Carolina, on January 4,1888. Although he was well known for his preaching, "clearness of thought, sobriety of judgment, tender emotions, and skill in dividing the word of Truth," the life of this good man is overshadowed by the accomplishments of his children. He sent them to Methodist schools on his meager salary, saying that "I will live on bread and water and wear patched clothes, before I will throw my children on society uneducated." His determination gave to society Dr. James W. Kilgo, Reverend Pierce F. Kilgo, and Bishop John C. Kilgo.

51. M. C. Davis (1867)

Micaijah C. Davis was admitted on trial in 1864, and appointed to serveas junior preacher on the Bennettsvil1e Circuit during 1865 with John A. Porter. In 1866, he was on the Cheraw Circuit with Rufus R. Pegues, and in 1867 served the Concord Circuit. He was discontinued in 1867, and nothing is known about his service thereafter.

52. Rufus Randolph Pegues (1868-1869)

Born of a strongly religious family in Marlboro County, South Carolina, it is not surprising that Rufus Randolph Pegues returned from graduation at Randolph Macon College in Virginia to enter the traveling ministry. He was born on February 6, 1830, and entered the South Carolina Conference on trial in 1855. He served as an itinerant until 1872, when illness struck him down. After five years of suffering, which he endured with faith and calmly, he died in his county of birth on October 17, 1877, tragically lost to the ministry at age 47.

53. Samuel Leard (1870)

Had Samuel Leard’s Reformed Presbyterian father and Virginia Episcopalian mother not chosen to set down their roots in the Cedar Springs neighborhood of Abbevil1e District, South Carolina, Methodism might have lost fifty-three years of dedicated service. Samuel Leard was born there on February 12, 1815, and joined the Methodist Church in 1833. On his twentieth birthday in 1835, he was admitted on trial into the South Carolina Conference, and left for his appointment as a junior preacher on the Winnsboro Circuit under Joel W. Townsend. He died at the home of a son in Raleigh, North Carolina, on March 9, 1896. This saintly man devoted a great deal of his time to furthering the work of the Sunday Schools. "Perhaps no part of his ministerial life, however, was more pleasant to him or more profitable to the cause of our Redeemer than theyears he devoted to the special service of the children. His pure, tender spirit yearned for the welfare of the rising race; and the light of eternity alone will reveal how much his consecrated labors did to produce our wonderful progress in the Sunday School cause since then." Reverend Chreitzberg gave a pithy summary of his service: "In the pulpit he was strong, convincing and useful; unexcelled as a pastor, and a good writer."

North Carolina Conference

Salisbury District, Rowan and Union Circuit

54. Thomas Lewis Triplett (Dec. 1870-1872)

Born in Wilkes County, North Carolina, on November 27, 1829, Thomas Lewis Triplett served most of his fruitful ministry in the counties of the Southern Piedmont, dying in Mooresvi11e, North Carolina, on June 9, 1905. He joined the M. E. Church, South, as a boy and was licensed to preach by the Iredell Circuit Quarterly Conference on April 14, 1855. He was ordained Deacon on December 6, 1857, and Elder in 1859. Reverend Triplett married Martha S. Hedrick on December 1, 1859; his wife, along with two sons and two daughters, survived him. He served the following charges: Montgomery Circuit (1856), as a junior preacher; Rockingham Circuit (1857), with a part of the year being assigned to Normal School (later Trinity College); South Iredell Circuit (1858); North East Circuit, in New Hanover County (1859); Trent Circuit (1860); Alexander Circuit (1861-62); Nominal, on Wilkes Circuit (1863) P. C. on Wilkes Circuit (1864); South Irede11 Circuit (1865-67); Rowan Circuit (1868-70); Concord Circuit (1871-72); South Charlotte Circuit (1873); Rowan Circuit (1874-75); Mooresville Circuit (1876-78); Statesville Circuit (1879-81); Mooresvi11e Circuit (1882); Big Lick Mission (1883); Principal, Oak Institute, at Mooresville (1884-86), with part of 1886 as P. C. Stokes Circuit; Morganton Circuit (1887); Church Street Station, Charlotte (1888-90); Clear Creek Circuit (1891); Mt. Holly Circuit (1892); Enochvi11e Circuit (1893); China Grove Circuit (1894); Chestnut Hill Station, Salisbury (1895); Troutman Circuit (1896).

At the 1896 Conference in Salisbury, Reverend Triplett was placed on the superannuated list, but continued to preach when called upon, and filled in as P. C. to fill out a year when necessary. His preaching was very effective, as he had much experience as a revivalist.

Charlotte District, Mt. Pleasant Circuit

55. Jesse S. Nelson (Dec.1872-1873)

Reverend Jesse E. Nelson was born in Camden, South Carolina, on August 22, 1832, and served in the South Carolina Conference before becoming a part of the North Carolina and then Western North Carolina Conferences. He first married Miss Bella Gillespie, of Iredell County, who predeceased him, leaving three children: Mrs. J. E. Stack, Mr. W. T. Nelson, and Mr. Meynardie Nelson. His second wife, Miss Emma Anderson of Statesvil1e, and three children survived him: Mr. James A. Nelson, Mr. Waldo Nelson, and Mrs. Carl T. Blakeney. His biographer, Miss Mamie Bays, wrote that with his death on December 28, 1908, "North Carolina lost one of her best citizens, the Methodist church one of her most faithful ministers, and his home a husband and father of that devotion and influence for good which will cause a vacancy never to be filled."

56. J. P. Simpson (Dec. 1873-1874)

Although we have limited biographical information on Rev. J.P. Simpson, we have his long North Carolina service record. At the November 1851 Conference, Rev. Simpson was readmitted (on trial) as an Elder in the M.E. Church and assigned to the Greensboro District. The following year, he located in the Salisbury District. In 1852-53, he served in the Salisbury District, followed by four assignments in the Danville District: 1854-55, Halifax; 1855-57, Yanceyville; 1857-59, Leasburg. In 1859 he was superannuated, but in December 1860 was assigned to Elizabethtown in the Wilmington District.

He then served in Tarboro in the Washington District from 1861-63. In 1864, he returned to Leasburg in the Greensboro District, followed by a pastorate in Roanoke in the Washington, then the Roanoke District. After an appointment to Tar River in the Raleigh District, he transferred to the Kentucky Conference in 1868. In 1872, he was supplying Pineville in the Charlotte District, then was readmitted to the North Carolina Conference in December 1873 and appointed to the Charlotte District, Mount Pleasant Circuit for a year.

In December 1874, Rev. Simpson began three years of service on the Snow Hill Circuit, the Newbern District. He remained in the Newbern District in 1877, serving the church at Kinston. In 1878 he was again superannuated, but 1879 found him appointed to Alexander, in the Salisbury District. In 1880, J.P. Simpson is listed as a Methodist Protest minister, serving Contentnea Mission, a new appointment; then the North Granville Circuit (1880-81); Henderson Station (1881-82); Tar River (1882-83). In 1883 and 1884, he was superannuated, receiving a certificate of standing at the November 1885 Methodist Protest Conference.

57. William Samuel Rone (Dec. 1873-1874)

Born on a Union County, North Carolina, farm, William Rone struggled for an education during the turbulent years of the Civil War. He graduated from Wofford College in 1873, and was licensed to preach in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on April 18th of the same year. During the following year, he served as a junior preacher on the Mount Pleasant Circuit, and joined the North Carolina Conference that same year. During the following years, he served these appointments: Plymouth (1875-76); Tarboro (1877-79); Wadesboro (1880-83); Louisburg (1884-85); Shelby (1886); Statesvi11e (1887-88); Kinston (1889-90); New Berne District (1890-92); Wilmington District (1893-96); Newbern District (1897-1900); Rockingham District (1901-03); Rocky Mount (1904-06); Warrenton District, 1907 to his death on September 19, 1909.

Charlotte District, Concord Circuit

58. Marcus Cicero Thomas (Dec. 1874-1875)

One of the few ministers from eastern North Carolina to serve the Mt. 01ivet congregation, Reverend Marcus Cicero Thomas was born in Beaufort, North Carolina, on January 15, 1831, the son of a sea captain. He joined the Methodist Church early in life, and was elected class leader by the age of 18. He entered the State University in 1851, and applied for admission to the North Carolina Conference in 1855 upon his graduation. This dedicated man served faithfully until 1871, when an accident while he was serving the Roxboro Circuit took one of his legs. He was away from the circuit for two years, but returned to serve nine years. His health failed, and he was added to the superannuated list in 1883. He moved to Cary, North Carolina, with his bride, Miss Henrietta Lea, whom he had married in 1858. The family then moved to Leasburg, North Carolina, where he lived until his death on Monday, October 13, 1913. His wife and five of their eight children survived him. He was buried the following day in the Leasburg Cemetery beside a son.

Charlotte District, Mt. Pleasant Circuit

59. Alexander Davis Betts (Dec. 1875-1876)

The loss of one who has been in the traveling ministry for more than six decades must be sorely felt among the brotherhood. We can imagine then the feeling of the annual conference when A. D. Betts was not there to answer the roll call at the 1919 Conference held in Wilson, North Carolina. Reverend Betts was born in Cumberland (later Harnett) County on August 25, 1832, but left the farm to study at Summersvi11e Academy, and then the University of North Carolina. He was converted at Chapel Hill on October 15, 1853, and licensed to preach in 1855, being admitted on trial to the North Carolina Conference in 1856. He served the Sampson, Smithvi11e, and Elizabethtown Circuits before receiving his commission as chaplain in the Confederate Army on October 25, 1861. His exemplary wartime service was summarized by General Lee who called him "that model chaplain." In the year he was licensed to preach, he married Miss Mary E. Davis. Later, on October 26, 1881, he married Miss Priscilla M. Debnam, who was to survive him along with six of his eleven children. After the war, he returned to the circuits and served faithfully from 1866 through 1908. At his request, he was superannuated at the 1908 Conference at Wilson. Typically, that did not end his service; he visited the sick and imprisoned, and filled the pulpit when asked. He lived with his son, Dr. J. S. Betts, of Greensboro until his death, and is buried in that city.

Charlotte District, Concord Circuit

60. Joseph Carson Thomas (Dec. 1876-1878)

J. C. Thomas was born into a Christian home on June 26, 1828, and spent his entire life in the church. He was called to the ministry and joined the North Carolina Conference at Wilmington in 1855. During thirty-five years of itinerancy, he served in all areas of his native state, continuing to educate himself during that time. Although he was never famous as a revivalist, he was able to win many for Christ through personal witness. His biographer, G. H. Detwiler, records that he "won many stars for his crown and greatly enriched his ministry by personally leading men to Christ in the sick room, by the fireside, and on the public highway." During his latter years, Reverend Thomas suffered from many ailments, which finally forced him to take the superannuated relation in 1891. He continued to be involved in the work of the church as he was able, but his condition gradually worsened. When he died on June 19, 1906, he was at peace and surrounded by many of his friends. "His religious experience was clear and steadfast; his character pure and strong; his influence wholesome and kindly; and his reputation throughout his long ministry unblemished."

61. William D. Lee (Dec. 1878-1879)

Another of those great preachers who came to North Carolina from the South Carolina Conference, Reverend William D. Lee was born in Union County, South Carolina, November 17, 1833. He was licensed to preach in 1864, and joined the South Carolina Conference in 1869 at Cheraw. The following year, when the North Carolina territory was set off, he joined the North Carolina Conference and served faithfully until his death in Shelby, North Carolina, on September 20, 1880, after an illness of about two weeks. During his brief service, he was appointed to Linco1nton Circuit, Rutherford, Pinevi11e, Concord Circuit, Shelby and Kings Mountain. Although he was an humble man, with a low opinion of himself, he was an exce11ent preacher, always we11 prepared to preach. "His heart was in the work; he loved to tell of Gethsemane's Garden, and a Saviour's Cross; a bleeding victim, and a risen Prince."

62. Daniel Luther Earnhardt (Dec. 1879-1880)

Rev. D. L. Earnhardt must have felt at home on the Concord Circuit in 1880. Born in neighboring Rowan County on April 22, 1854, he was the son of Silas and Caroline Goodman Earnhardt. His family were Lutherans, and he joined that church in 1876, then married Miss Helen Frances Ayers at Christ Church in 1877. In 1878, he joined the M. E. Church, South, and was licensed to preach in that same year, joining the North Carolina Conference. His first appointment was to the Salisbury Circuit in 1879, beginning a long service which ended with the Plymouth Circuit in 1920. Although he became superannuated at the conference in that year, he continued to preach when called upon, and taught Sunday School until failing health made it impossible for him to continue. He died on December 13, 1928, and was buried in Durham.

His wife and twelve children survived him: L. S. and J. W. Earnhardt and Mrs. C. K. Harvey, Durham, North Carolina; A. P. Earnhardt, of Huntington, West Virginia; G. N. Earnhardt, of Tarboro, North Carolina; D. E. Earnhardt, a Methodist minister; Mrs. W. C. Worrell, Rich Square, North Carolina; Mrs. C. R. Aycock and Mrs. W. M. Peel, Fremont, North Carolina; Mrs. L. W. Flythe, High Point, North Carolina; Mrs. J. O. Gay, Severn, North Carolina; Mrs. H. E. Lance, wife of Rev. H. E. Lance, of Timberlake, North Carolina.

Salisbury District, Concord Circuit

63. Hiram Pearson Cole (Dec. 1881-1883)

Reverend H. P. Cole was born near Carthage, North Carolina, in Moore County, on September 1, 1843. A member of the M. E. Church, South, from his early years, he became a minister in spite of the ill health which plagued him during his life. He joined the North Carolina Conference in 1866, and was appointed Deacon in 1868, Elder in 1870. In 1878, while serving Concord Station (now Central), he married Miss Lucy P. Phillips of Hil1sboro on May 9th. Fallowing four years of service at Concord Station, which ended in 1880, he served at Rockingham in 1881. In December of 1881 he was given what was to be his last appointment, to serve the churches of the Concord Circuit. During his second year on the Circuit, Reverend Cole became ill and died at the Parsonage in Concord, on November 22, 1883, at only forty years of age. His biographer, W. S. Creasy, records in the 1883 Journal that he "worked up to the full measure of his during the year, and his Presiding Elder says: His success was one of the best of his life. His people loved him as ardently as any people ever loved their pastor. The large concourse of people assembled in the church at Concord, to participate in the memorial service, the many tearful eyes, and suppressed sobs, the outspoken expression of hearts full to overflowing, showed how he was loved and appreciated, where much the larger part of his work had been performed." He was buried in Carthage, where his funeral was preached by his friend, Reverend S. D. Adams.

64. Zebedee Rush (Dec. 1883-1885)

Reverend Zebedee Rush was born in Randolph County, in the southern Piedmont section he was to serve so well as a minister, on January 8, 1821, and died in neighboring Montgomery County on September 7, 1907. He was buried in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Cabarrus County, near his wife and daughter. Reverend Rush was converted in 1834, and licensed to exhort in 1847. The following year, he was licensed to preach by the Randolph Quarterly Conference. This began decades of faithful ministry, as he was admitted to the North Carolina Conference in 1848, was ordained deacon in 1851, and elder in 1853. In 1856, Zebedee Rush married Miss Tabitha J. Ewing of Montgomery County. She died in Albemarle on May 12, 1886. The minutes of the 1907 Session of the Western N. C. Annual Conference record his memoir, and note that the "esteem in which he was held was demonstrated in the large congregation that came to his burial. They were people who had known him well. He had spent nine years of his active ministry in that and the adjoining communities. Quite a number present at his burial had been converted under his ministry. To others he had been a faithful pastor. They loved him for his work's sake and also because he was worthy. They expect and assuredly hope to meet him in the heavenly world. His funeral was conducted by Rev. T. W. Smith, who had conducted the funeral of Mrs. Rush and daughter, a warm and intimate friendship having existed between Brother Smith and Brother Rush and family many years."

65. W. L. Grissom (Dec. 1885-1888)

Of the great ministers who have served Mt. 01ivet, perhaps none have affected the life of the church in North Carolina as did W. L. Grissom. Born in Montgomery County on July 10, 1857, he joined the North Carolina Conference in 1881, and was assigned to Plymouth Station. Interested in history all his life, he began collecting material for a history of North Carolina Methodism in about 1892. In 1893, he was allowed to visit Egypt and the Holy Land, together with several months in Europe. The material he gathered in his travels were to serve as the basis for many great lectures and sermons upon his return. After his return, he was appointed associate editor of the Raleigh Christian Advocate in 1893. During the following year, the newspaper was moved to Greensboro, and merged with the Statesvi11e Christian Advocate and the Western Carolina Advocate, the consolidated operation publishing under the present name, North Carolina Christian Advocate. After disposing of his interest in the newspaper, Reverend Grissom served as Conference Missionary Secretary for the Western North Carolina Conference from 1897 to 1904. His health continued to fail, and his relation with the conference was only nominal after 1904. He died at Greensboro in 1912, leaving his wife, the former Miss Olivia Hyatt, and three children, surviving him.

His great contribution was his History of Methodism in North Carolina, a work still heavily relied upon by students and historians alike. The sources he collected in writing that portion of the work completed before his death were painstakingly gathered and documented. His writings should not detract from his ministry, however. Despite health problems, he was "popular as a preacher and greatly loved." His "ministry was one of great power and success."

66. M. V. Sherrill (Dec. 1888-1889)