||| LIVING EPISTLES Old Guard 1873-1023 T. Ll SYDNOR, DDS. pitas a ~ we i oh et foot a eS ee a OF PR] ik ¥ S 1873-1923 . RY From out the past, greetings — LIVING EPISTLES THE OLD GUARD IN THE PRESENT HAPPY MEETINGS Tomorrow and Tomorrow God’s Blessings Edited and Published by ele VDNOR 5.0: Danville, Virginia APRIL TWELFTH 1924 f 1 ; af y : ee ae eee Se $a. Ea ps : B..- or ‘ ER oy er : , ie 'T. L. SYDNOR, D. D. S._ + { - . “ oe a ) ; rag ea ane es rf is : Ts el ee aa - " « - if ¢ ae z - aa Copyright, 1924 Danville, Va. Srey “ ’ ‘ a ( . ’ * & pre >. - ab sb x . — eee ‘i \ » ie) 4 : a + - = Hgts : ' 3 P Re 2 oem eth 2 * ah: ‘Printed by ae 17, aie ~ x 4 ; J. P. BELL COMPANY Lynchburg, Value 2 : 1 Ads 1 os a ey ol ir oe] Ow t | > Z } = ve be “er ia) Lah oe Bs vs ERRATA Page 156 be men”; should read, women” Lines 23 and 24 read, “boys who grew to “oirls who grew to be Lines 21 and 22 read, “‘our missionary” ; Page 196 should read, ‘“‘on missions.” Page 202—Line 24, word “fruitation” should read “fruition” OUR EXEMPLAR Man, plus the grace of God, equals a Christian gentleman. How perfect the harmony of qual- ities in Jesus! No excess or deficien- cies; no crotchety notions; no discord of doctrines; no deformities of life; no inconsistencies; no imfelicities of dis- position; the brilliancy of His mind was matched by the goodness of His heart, and His graceful gentleness sweetly softened the stalwart rugged- ness of His strength. “O Goodness In- finte! Goodness Immense! Immortal Love, Strong Son of God!’ Ia tee TO MY CO-WORKERS These pages deal with just 66 characters, all of whom have been sympathetic and lenient. Dr. J. M. Pilcher has aided, and given me the benefit of wise counsel. Mrs. Wm. E. Hatcher kindly consented to write the sketches of the sisters, which has been done in her own felicitous style; leaving her own in the hands of Dr. C. V. Waugh. My dear friend, Rev. Alvan W. Graves, came to me wholeheartedly and has been my cheerful co-worker. Without his generous aid, my cherished desire could not have been realized. The work has been to me a labor of love, and is placed in the hands of the printer with a farewell sigh; feeling that I shall never again, in this life, enjoy the intimate touch which our correspondence has afforded. Thank my fellow-helpers for the good, and charge all errors and shortcomings to T. L. Sypnor. INTRODUCTORY “If you wish to destroy your enemy, persuade him to write a book.” The challenge conceals three weapons. ‘The first attacks the physical and mental vitality ; the second may wreck a modest bank account. If perchance these two blades are safely parried, then the hobnailed critics ad- vance from such unexpected quarters, that the book- maker may be made to feel like the defeated political candidate, who had been guaranteed the electoral ballot. If this recorder has enemies vicious enough to desire his destruction, he feels sure that these little tomes will not constitute volume sufficient to demolish him. Further assurance of safety is, that the record of so many good things about so many good people will form a barrage which no enemy will dare attempt to penetrate. These Living Epistles have little to say of happenings prior to 1873, still less of what may occur after 1923. We are friends of half a century, talking face to face with each other about ourselves. In no sense are these tokens to be considered as complete biographies of any- one herein portrayed, and yet the data may be of some assistance to future historians. When the call was made at the Centennial meeting of the Baptist General Association of Virginia for a get-to- gether of the survivors of 1873, there was no thought of bringing this writer into the issue, except to sit with the sal INTRODUCTORY group for a picture. The photographer failing to arrive, is was decided that we organize under the name of The Old Guard, each one agreeing to send in an individual photograph, accompanied with the name of Church and Association with which connection was held in 18738; Church and Association at present time, and give post office address. This task of collecting and assembling these pictures—not an easy one—was voted to the writer. Several days after this initial gathering, there came the suggestion that there be compiled brief biographical sketches of the survivors of 1873 and 1923. A very beautiful vision, which the recorder approaches with timidity, a sense of unpreparedness, and an appeal for help. We had a picture in 1873 and waited fifty years for those magnificent and well-earned eulogies to be pro- nounced by Hon. Park P. Deans and Dr. George Brax- ton Taylor. Why wait another fifty years to tell of what is happening to-day? We have the flowers, let us hand our bouquets to “The Old Guard” and greet them as Living Epistles. We boys were in the formative age dur- ing the years leading up to 1873. The war of the 60’s, nor the succeeding days of the reconstruction—which could aptly be called days of destruction,—could not sup- press the ardor of the youthful Southern spirit. The exi- gencies of the times tended to bring out the very best within us. We were being prepared for a new era, a new order of things which our fathers had not experi- enced, nor could they grasp. New talent, new initiative was demanded of us. We must needs hold the plow with InTRODUCTORY vil one hand, and reach for the helm of state with the other. Manual labor was the need and our pride; education not forgotten, but held in abeyance for lack of means. A few months after the surrender of Lee, when our fields and villages were in a state of desolation, a traveler stepped off the train and looking about with an air of cynicism, asked in a mufiled tone, “What do you raise down here anyhow?” A youngster, bristling up, prof- fered this information: “Sir, we raise men here.” And that was the product which was found in our churches and on the campus,of Richmond College in 1873. The half-century embraced between 1873 and 1923 has left us half a hundred years less young, but looking backward, we enjoy the retrospect, realizing that we have taken part in activities and accomplishments of which the world had never dreamed. The Lord had never be- fore revealed such wonders as we have been permitted to behold. Old Mother Shipton’s prophecy has been more than fulfilled, except in that the world is not at its end. Jules Verne’s 7’wenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea, or Ten Thousand Leagues On The Amazon are so far outstripped in every day realities that his imagi- nary stories are but back numbers. The physical world, its matter beneath us, all around and above us, has be- come but modeling compound in the hands of the men of this half-century. Space has been annihilated; speed finds the winds too slow; a whisper is heard around the world; we walk on the floor of the seas; we soar aloft where eagles dare not ascend. And yet, and yet, we are Vill INTRODUCTORY looking higher, infinitely higher. The God-given mind of man is great; the God-given spirit of man dwells in a realm not yet entered by the mind of man. We are but embryonic. The infinite mind is but the chrysalis being prepared for the spiritual unknown. The mind of man hath not yet conceived what we shall be. These new inventions (so called) ,—these new applica- tions of principles and materials, heretofore known or unknown, are so quickly adopted into daily use that they fail to excite wonder. Let us give God the praise, and realize that this half-century of material progress is ordained of the Lord to spread His truth to the distant borders of the earth and hasten the coming of His uni- versal reign. In 1873 there were 55,629 Baptists in Virginia In 1923 there are 207,915 Baptists in Virginia In 1923 there are 11,566,323 Baptists in the world Has the Lord of earth and heaven ever so honored any other period? Does history record such another fifty-year cycle of miracles? Let us be thankful, and while casting our mantles to those who are coming after, say, “The Lord’s will be done.” Moses looked from the top of Mt. Nebo. We are look- ing from a summit never before attained. Are we ready with wings of faith to enter upon our next flight? Then while waiting, let us rehearse together Margaret Sang- ster’s sweet song, INTRODUCTORY 1x “Dear friend, when you and I are gone, Beyond earth’s weary labor ; When small shall be our need of praise Of comrade or of neighbor ; Passed all the strife, the toil, the care, — And done with all the sighing ; What tender truths shall we have gained, Alas! by simply dying. Then lips, too chary with their praise, Will tell our merits o’er ; Then eyes, too swift, our faults to see, Will no defect discover ; Then, hands that would not lift a stone, Where stones were thick to cumber Our rugged, steep hill path, Will scatter flowers above our pillowed slumber. Tis easy to be gentle, when death’s silence Shames our clamour ; "Tis easy to behold the best, Through memory’s mystic glamour ; But wise it were for you and me, E’er love is past forgiving, To take the blessed lesson home, Be kind, be helpful to the LIVING,” X INTRODUCTORY In the meantime pass along these love-letters between our old chums—lest we forget, and then let them be DEDICATED TO Those who, coming after us, are leading on toward the Sesqui-Centennial of 1973, Lest They Forget. ORIGIN AND ORGANIZATION OF “THE OLD GUARD” Second Baptist Church, kichmond, Va., November 16, 1923 For several weeks before the great Centennial Meeting of the Virginia Baptist General Association at the Second Baptist Church, Richmond, Va., there had been indicated through the columns of the Religious Herald the desire for a get-together meeting of the survivors of the session of 1873. In response to a call from the platform, those present assembled in the basement of the Church, and after hearty congratulations and greetings, at once organized themselves under the name of “The Old Guard of 1873- 1923,” electing as their commander, Rev. J. M. Pilcher, D. D., of Petersburg, Va. Recorder and keeper of rolls, Dr. T. L. Sydnor, of Danville, Va. Each one agreeing to send to the recorder at Danville, Va., a photograph to be reproduced and become a part of the group picture, a copy of which will be sent to each member. The Rear Guard of 1873, now marching with the multi- plied Baptist host into the Second Century Campaign, is Inrropuctory . xl ordered by Commander Pilcher to report for duty, God willing, at Bluefield, November, 1924. The meeting adjourned with prayer by Captain R. Walton Sydnor, of Blackstone, Va. We were in the Skirmishing Squad in 1873— From out the past—greetings— We have served for half a century in the active columns and still serving— In the present—happy meetings— We hope to do some valiant service in the next year and years to come— L’o-morrow and to-morrow—God’s blessing. The Lord has been very good to us, and we manifest our gratitude to Him by getting together and expressing . our love for one another. By this shall all men know that we are His disciples, being all of one mind, we have com- passion one for another, we love as brethren. x1 [nrROoDUCTORY “ v9 Major T. D. Coghill, Bowling GreeniV ai. rors 22 -Jocl T. Cotton, Portsmouth, Va.......---------------------------— 81 W. T. Derieux, D. D., Columbia, 8. C.....----------------+---+- 83 R. Dudley Diggs, Richmond, Va.......-------------------- 24 A. B. Dunaway, D. D., Portsmouth, Vib ee ee ole 26 J. W. Fleet; Biscoe, V8.,--.-.--2-2:2---t----2-22-teeeastonvenacecr stones 86 Rev. R. A. Folkes, Gloucester, Va....-.-----------+----1----------+- 28 Bedford Glascock, Upperville, Va.......-------------+---1-------- 88 Rev. A. W. Graves, Round Hill, Va.........--------------------- 91 H. M. Gresham, Tappahannock, Va...-.....--------------------- 31 C. G. Hathaway, The Plains, Va......----.----------------------- 33 Rev. Geo. J. Hobday, Norfolk, Va.......-----------------------+ 98 W. T. Hundley, D. D., De Land, Fla.........-.-.--------.-.--- 102 INTRODUCTORY X1li PAGE Hevea ELUT Gs DA LNA. OV ae open cert kh 105 Metron LAnEONs 1), L). ON OTIO Kn Viens ca ee, teed 108 PV MO aticee ROUNM Hille Vince ee ee ie George C. Jefferson, Richmond, Va....................2....... 35 BE NeELy a ONES Ole J Osephe MO... Jn one 37 Tey ete | oh Incanon ss bediord Vode ee ea tis Perla cy SCOLLSU UTES Wy Aerie ea cee eet oy ie 39 Seema less 1)" DoE ranklin.: Vanee oo nce 116 aeyemicene Lick: Roanoke; Vasee ree ee en 2 119 Chas. A. Mercer, D. D. S., Richmond, Va................-...... 41 et ewioniaeie, nichmond. Vasees cen pte ah 2, 44 Judge C. HE. Nicol, Alexandria, Va....2....-.-.--c-.0-0.- 122 Mime reL ACOs ICIMON Vil. o sree oer ai 45 Secor icherti 1) s:PetershurcanVa ene oe ee 10 ieee itin La) oe Richmond, Vase tere nc too 124 vem eer Ihe CustoLLitler\ ahs cele nee ee AY Been tollard a Richmond; (Vi.u eta TN ee 126 poeecrovence- 9): De-Richmond: Va. te. fhe 128 Peo. heynolds, Ghristiansburg, Van. ee 132 eeerttOniItise tCHMONG.Y Vaiw en ke NG 49 Demeter de tiehMmond, #Vas2 ck oe eS 134 Dey Me haniniord Ghatham Vasc.) ee eal 136 Sens COLL.! LPL) Kol eyes Vinee ees So Ne 138 Eaenee smith; DD Bedtord’ Vai nr... tk 141 etiaaedr neat, HOrk anions V acts ieee 8 J. C. Staples, ELBE risOUD UIE, Soe ve ee a 50 Cr Lamiinerin sire “sitterlins Valls kk 52 Judge George Swann, Trenholm, Va........0.0000000.. 146 Capt. R. W. Sydnor, Blackstone, Va......2....0.0-0-0.0-- 53 Teimoyddor Ua... Danville Vaso se) ae 148 X1V INTRODUCTORY PAGE S. F. Taylor, D. D., Columbia, Mo...........-..-.---------------- 154 Benjamin Thomas, Chesapeake, Va...........------------------ 57 Rey. W. S. 0. Thomas, Craddock, Portsmouth, Va... 157 L, R. Thornhill: D..Ds daychbure, Va... 4a 4M) C. V. Waugh, D. D., Jacksonville, Pla.........-2.-------.-. 165 Jno..D. Whitescarver, Graham, Va.._.-..-.----i.0.-:t-2 fink abril Rev. J. W. Wildman, Cluster Springs, Va..........------.--- 172 RoC; Williams; Ontario yy a-<22csc one ee eee [Waihe H. Jo WilliamsonysNortolk;-Vaite. oe eee es ae Larkin Willis, liocust:Dale; Var<2:2 tea eee 6 D. P. Wood, Warrenton, Va... -2-----.-2-nenccent gets ct enncaen ones 61 S. E. Woody, M. D., Louisville, Ky..........-..------------------ 178 “Old?- Richmond College of 18%3-. 2k 63 IM emi nt facie dy ae ee Ee fee ee cee 180 OnriSisters <2 6s. eee Sian oe ree 189 Mrs. Wm. E. Hatcher, Fork Union, Va............--.---.----- 191 O]d Age: -.-.ceeneseeeeieteceecntennsteetenensgeatncenaenencamannysnsngnnarereiss 205 Mrs. C. F. Sugg, Woodford, Va.........--------------s---teece 207 Mrs. Theodore Triplett, Markham, Va.............-..-.--------- 213 Mrs. H. L. Smither, Saluda, Va........-..------------------ 218 Mrs. I. B: Lake, Wake Forest, N, ©. 2. eae 225 Our Invited Guest............. Rhee gt actly nee ce 231 The. Bolugous Heralds cc. acnc san eeucenshon tp eee ee 231 Capt. R. Walton Sydner’s Recollections.................-.-.- 236 REV. ALFRED BAGBY, D- D. “We spend our years as a tale that is told.”—PSALMS, 90:9. The Baptist General Asso- ciation was organized on the first Saturday in June, 1823, at the Second Baptist Church, Richmond, Va. The only survivor of that meeting, present at its Semi-Centen- nial in 1873, was Rev. James Fife, of Charlottesville, Va. Those of us who were present well remember the ovation tendered him when intro- duced to the audience. At the Centennial Session we had a comparatively large number who had taken part in the Semi-Centennial, designating themselves as “The Old Guard.” We are now listing them in these pages under the title of “Living Epistles.” Four of our number enjoy the distinction of having been present at the session of the Southern Baptist Convention which met in the First Baptist Church, Richmond, Va., in 1859: Rev. Alfred Bagby, Mr. Larkin Willis, Capt. Chas. G. Snead, and Dr. John M. Pilcher. The eldest of the quartette is the subject of this sketch. He is the only one of our number whose name appears in Cathcart’s Baptist Encyclopedia, published in 1881. 2 Living EPpisTLES Dr. Alfred Bagby was born at Stevensville, King and Queen County, Va., June 15, 1828, the son of John and Elizabeth Bagby. He is now living at the home of his son, John Bagby, in Richmond, Va., and on June 15th of the present year expects to celebrate his ninety-sixth birthday. We can visualize, in a measure, how long ago it was that Dr. Bagby was born by recalling the facts that John Quincy Adams was then President, John Marshall was presiding in the Supreme Court of the United States, and Clay and Webster were in the midst of their active political and professional life. George Washington had been dead only about thirty years and Thomas Jefferson about two years. Railroads were then unknown. John and Elizabeth Bagby were people of real charac- ter. Besides several daughters, Rev. Doctors Richard Hugh Bagby, George Franklin Bagby, Major John Bagby, and Edward Bagby of the Confederate Army were their children. Dr. Alfred Bagby was educated at Stevensville Acad- emy, Columbian College of Washington, D. C., and Prince- ton Theological Seminary, at which latter institution he continued his studies until 1852. The years 1847 and 1849 were spent in teaching in New Kent County, and from 1854 to 1859, as principal of the Stevensville Academy. On January 4, 1853, Dr. Bagby was ordained to the gospel ministry at Bruington Church, King and Queen County, and in May of the same year was married to Miss Sarah Jane Pollard, a sister of Rev. Dr. John Pol- lard and Hon. Henry R. Pollard. Of this union were born eight children, five of whom are living. THe Oxp GuaRD 3 After a brief pastorate at Emporia, Va., he became the minister of Mattaponi Baptist Church in his native county, and to his work here he devoted the most active and suc- cessful period of his life——from 1855 to 1890,—thirty-five years. His sermons were clear, forceful, and full of in- formation as to how to live true to God and one’s self. From this church went forth Revs. R. H. Bagby, W. B. Todd, W. T. Hundley, W. S. Brooke, W. P. Brooks, Thomas Lumpkin, and Harry Dunn, besides many young men and women who have become active in churches in Richmond, Baltimore, and elsewhere. In connection with his pastorate, Dr. Bagby gave liberally of his time to the instruction of persons who became prominent ministers: or business men. For the most part these were poor boys who were compelled to work for their livelihood and had no opportunity to attend a day school. ‘They were well taught and were inspired with the zeal of their teacher, as was evidenced by the lives they subsequently lived. While pastor at Mattaponi, Dr. Bagby founded the Baptist Church at West Point. This church recently celebrated its fiftieth anniversary. During the Civil War, which “tried men’s souls,” Dr. Bagby ministered to his flock with fidelity and constancy, and rendered such aid as he could to his beloved South- land. In 1890 he removed from King and Queen County to Chester, Va., where he taught a school for young women and was pastor of Enon Baptist Church. In 1873 he was delegate to the Baptist General Asso- ciation of Virginia from the Mattaponi Church, and in 1923 from Mattaponi and from the Tabernacle Church of Richmond, Va., of which latter he is now an active member. 4. Livina EpistiLEs Wednesday evening, June 21, 1922, Dr. Bagby was tendered a reception by the Tabernacle Church in cele- bration of his ninety-fourth birthday. Enthusiastic ad- dresses were made, one of them by a member of his Bible class, and a handsome silver cup was presented to him. He considers this one of the greatest honors he has ever received. Dr. Bagby has for a number of years been a member of the Committee on Virginia Baptist History and is still active in its work. Recently he compiled the Bagby family tree, tracing to the present time those who have descended from James Bagby, who settled at Jamestown, and indicating the honors which have come to individual members of the family. The tree was prepared after protracted labor and research and was recently revised. He is also the author of a book of four hundred pages entitled King and Queen County, Virginia, which has been eagerly sought by almost everybody who has been in any way connected with that portion of the State. It contains accurate information, collated in attractive form, and is of much historical and descriptive value. One chapter of the book is devoted to poems written by citizens of the County, a number of them by Dr. Bagby’s wife. This volume is very rare and sells for five dollars per copy. And now, at the ripe old age of ninety-six, when most men who have been spared so long are well on the shelf, Dr. Bagby persists in still being active and makes good his persistency. Almost daily he can be seen walking along Monument Avenue, taking his daily “constitutional” with a long, steady stride. His mind is as clear as a bell, cr Tur Oxtp GuarD and he is a wide reader and of decided opinions on current topics. At the recent celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of the West Point Baptist Church, when introduced to make an address, a reference was made to his extreme age. In responding he proceeded as follows: “The brother who introduced me is mistaken in referring to my ex- treme age. Things go in this world by comparison. Let him compare me with Methuselah, and he will see his mistake.” Wealth in money has never been his. But there is an incomparably better kind of wealth than this, and one which can be taken with us when we leave. ‘The service of God and those around him have always been upper- most in Dr. Bagby’s life and purposes, and thousands of friends will wish him well when he celebrates his ninety- sixth birthday, bearing in. mind that “Kind hearts are! © more than coronets, and simple faith than Norman blood.” 6 Living EpistLes LARKIN WILLIS 1873 and 1823 are the his- torical dates which claim the interest of “The Old Guard”. Four of our members hark back fourteen years to another date, and tell us of the meet- ing of the Southern Baptist Convention at the First Bap- tist Church, Richmond, Va., in 1859. These brethren are: Rev. Alfred Bagby, D. D., Rey. J. M. Pilcher, D. D., Capt. Charles G. Snead, and Mr. Inrkin Willis, the sub- ject of this sketch. The Lord has greatly blessed these brethren, and we love to honor them and thank God for sparing them to be numbered in our list. On March 20, 1924 notables assembled to celebrate the ninetieth birthday of the distinguished Dr. Charles W. Khot, President Emeritus of Harvard University. This has an old Testament sound; yet if our brother, Larkin Willis, Locust Dale, Culpeper County, Va., shall live until February 24, 1925, he will be ninety years old. Highty- nine years old and writing a clear hand, expressing his interest in the group picture which is being prepared of the Old Guard, and occasionally he writes in a devout Tue Orp GuaRD era manner of the affairs of the kingdom of God in which he has been interested since his youth. He is one of twenty children by the same father and mother, and one of sixteen sons, of whom twelve were in the Confederate Army. He was a young man in Richmond in 1859 when the Southern Baptist Convention met in the First Baptist Church, was a member of Leigh Street Church and attended the Convention, observing the contest between Howell and Graves for the presidency, and wit- nessing the election of Richard H. Fuller. In 1868, fifty-six years ago, he was a resident of Cul- peper County, Va., and a member of Crooked Run Church, Shiloh Association, and has been a member of that church and a deacon many years. He was a messenger from that church in 1873, to the Semi-Centennial Meeting of the General Association, but was not able to attend in 1923. An unusually long life, distinguished by intelligent piety, and interest in the highest things of life, is an honor to his children and an example to future generations. 8 Livina EpistLes CAPT. CHARLES GOODALL SNEAD The youngest of the seven sons of Deacon George H. Snead, of Fork Union, Flu- vanna County, Va., Charles Goodall Snead, was born in the home in which he is now living, in 1840. He and his only sister, Mrs. William EK. Hatcher, survive of this large and interesting family. Now in his eighty-fourth year, he is still active and vigorous,— managing his farm, taking an active part in his church and community affairs. Capt. Snead was named for a Baptist minister, John Goodall, who died a most trium- phant death at his Uncle William Snead’s about the time the Captain was born. He was educated in the neighbor- hood schools, taught at different times by three of his brothers, and Dr. P. S. Henson, whose birthplace was Fork Union, Va. Being reared under the influence of Godly parents, Capt. Snead had in early life cherished the desire to be a partaker of his father’s and mother’s religion, so at the early age of twelve, he became a happy Christian. He was converted in a meeting held by Rev. W. A. Whites- Tur Op Guarp 9 carver, the pastor of the Fork Union Church, and was bap- tized by him. Our young convert at once threw himself heart and soul into the services of the church. He took an active part in the young men’s prayer meeting, which was conducted by his brother, Rev. George H. Snead, M. D., and his cousin, P. Pollard Seay. It was at these meetings that his voice was first heard in prayer, and while quite a youth his pastor would call on him to lead in prayer at his Wednesday night prayer services. Since that time, during his long and eventful life, in the army, or in the quiet of his own home, he has been active in all religious work. In the year 1859, in his nineteenth year, Capt. Snead was chosen a delegate to the Biennial Southern Convention, which met that year with the First Baptist Church of Richmond, Va. Of the large number attending this meet- ing only four (so far as our records show) remain, name- ly: Dr. Alfred Bagby, Mr. Larkin Willis, Dr. J. M. Pilcher, and Capt. Charles G. Snead. The policies and activities of the Fork Union Baptist Church have been largely shaped and directed by Capt. Snead, who has held the office of deacon for many years, and served it almost continuously, as Sunday school teach- er. He also has served as moderator of the Albemarle Association. Besides his activities in all church work, he has been one of its most liberal contributors, giving many thousands of dollars to the support of the church and its enterprises. He has always been mindful of his Lord’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” In the spring of 1861, Capt. Snead joined a company organized at Fork Union, named the Fluvanna Artillery, and was elected fourth sergeant. From time to time he 10 Living EPpistTLEs was promoted until he reached the rank of first liuetenant, and, after the death of the captain of the company, he was made captain of the battery by order of General Lee. Capt. Snead took great interest in the artillery drill, which he learned under a V. M. I. cadet while in camp at Richmond College. Becoming very proficient, he not only drilled his own company, but was detailed by Col. Nelson, who commanded the batallion, to drill Capt. Car- rington’s battery from Charlottesville. During the long four years of the War, Capt. Snead took part in many battles, having many hair-breadth escapes. In the Seven Days battle around Richmond, he was called upon to take his gun with others of the bat- talion to make an attack on the enemy, when a minnie ball went through his trousers at the knee, but not wound- ing him. At Frederick, Md., in 1864, his horse was: shot and a bullet passed between his legs without breaking the skin. Without doubt his greatest achievement was in the battle at Winchester on the nineteenth of September, 1864, when Capt. Massie took two guns on one part of the field and he took the other two on another part, with Gen. Rhoads’ division in his front. Gen. Rhoads was ' killed, and immediately his whole front line fell back in great disorder. This made it necessary for a change of position of the artillery. At once Lieut. Snead rushed his two guns upon a small hill and opened a terrific fire of grape and canister upon the advancing enemy. ‘Their advance was checked instantly, thus saving Early’s little army from rout. At this juncture a general officer rode up and said, “Lieutenant, you have saved the day.” For the past twenty-five years Capt. Snead has been the com- mander of the Fluvanna Camp of Confederate Veterans. Tur Orp Guarp 1h The Fluvanna Camp of the Sons of Confederate Veterans is named “The Charles G. Snead Camp,” in his honor. In February, 1865, Capt. Snead got a thirty-day fur- lough to go home to be married. His bride was Miss Sallie Broaddus, of Caroline County, Va. The marriage ceremony was performed by the bride’s cousin, Rev. An- drew Broaddus. After five years of happy married life, Mrs. Snead died, leaving two daughters, who still survive her: Mrs. W. EK. Daniel and Mrs. A. 8. Allen, both of Weldon, N. C. The second wife was Miss Bettie Payne, of Goochland County, Va. From this union there were seven children, five of whom are living, viz.: W. O. and H. P. Snead, and Mrs. E. P. Burgess, of Fork Union, Va., Mrs. Elliott Averett, of New York, and Dr. George H. - Snead, of Washington, D. C. Just after the War, Capt. Snead moved to Mississippi, where, with his wife’s uncle, Alexander Miller, he raised cotton. After nine years, he returned to Virginia and settled on the “Old Homestead” farm where he was born, and where he now lives. For twenty-five years he was in the fertilizer business as a traveling salesman. This ex- perience was of incalculable benefit to him, for it is truly said that a successful salesman is fitted for almost any un- professional station in life. During all this time he con- tinued his farming operations, which he pursued with in- creasing interest. He also took an active part in politics, attending state conventions as delegate, and for years was county chairman of the Democratic party. Capt. Snead has always given unstintingly of his time and means to every worthy cause brought to his attention, but the greatest good he has done has unquestionably been in connection with Fork Union Military Academy. 12 Livine EpistTLEs He has been vice-president of the Board of Trustees since the school was founded in 1898, when as a charter member of the Board he took an active part in its begin- ning. ‘Time and time again when it looked as if the school would have to be closed because of the lack of money, the Captain has responded liberally to the call for help. The success of the school has been largely due to his oversight and loyal support. He has gladly given thousands of dollars, and time without limit to its needs. When Hatcher Hall was constructed, the funds appropri- ated for the purpose were not sufficient for the completion of the building. At this time, Capt. Snead came forward and spent over seventeen hundred dollars of his own money in order to finish the building. In 1923, when the Trustees . ordered the erection of the splendid barracks, it was unan- imously voted to name the building “Snead Hall,” in token and appreciation of the enduring service that had been rendered the school by the honored and venerable vice- president of the Board, Capt. Charles G. Snead. Capt. Snead has always had a vigorous mind,—indeed, he was highly gifted. When a boy he did not love the con- finement of school, but was a lover of the fields. As he grew up, he realized that he had made a mistake, that he could have had a college education as his brothers had, so he betook himself to studying, reading and writing, till he became a fine writer and speaker. His influence on the community and church is not equaled. He leads in every good enterprise, and his loss would be deeply felt. His interesting family of children delight to gather at the “Old Homestead” on his birthdays to do him honor. When he passes to that “bourne from which no traveler returns,” multitudes will arise and call him blessed. Nee Tur Oxp Guarp 13 REV. JOHN M. PILCHER, D. D. The only minister now living whose voice was heard from the platform at the semi-centennial meeting in 1873 is Rev. J. M. Pileher, D. D. Dr. Pilcher’s prominence among our Baptist brother- hood did not begin with the Semi- Centennial of 1873. Fourteen years previous to this, we find him in the great gathering of the Southern Baptist Convention which met in the First Baptist Church in Richmond, Va., in 1859. Nor is he the only one of our members, now living, who attended that conven- tion. The subject of this sketch is the youngest of a quartette whose domestic, civic, and religious examples are worthy to be imitated by those who have come later upon the stage of existence, namely: Rev. Alfred Bagby, Mr. Larkin Willis, Capt. Charles G. Snead, and Rev. J. M. Pilcher, D. D. These are our Hpistles, “written in our hearts, known and read of all men.” John Mason Pilcher, son of John Alsop Pilcher, an irreligious, highly moral, genial, polite, successful business man, owner of slaves, real estate, railroad, state and 14 Living EpistTLes bank stocks, a magistrate of the old self-perpetuating bench, of Henrico County, Va., and of Elizabeth Ann Parsons, who was a product of the best Quaker morality, a superior manager and mother, a native of Richmond, Va., was born at ten o’clock in the morning of July 16, 1841 in a refined home and grew up within a few hundred yards of the old corporation line west of the city, on a large lot that was known as “Bleak Hill,” surrounded by Jefferson, Belvidere and Canal streets. Grace Street Baptist Church was closer to the home than any other Sunday school and he was sent to that school so young that he wore dresses. Dr. Edward Kingford was the pastor and when the boy was old enough to be trusted alone he often heard the ereat preacher from the gallery of the church. No special notice was taken of him at home or at the church, but the sermons which he heard led to his conversion at the age of nine years. There was no religion in the home, and no one in the Sunday school said anything to him about religion, not even in the sessions of the class, until he was probably fourteen years old, when a stranger taught the class,—really taught it, and explained to the boys the plan of salvation. The boy thought to himself that he had known that several years and had never thought that it was religion. He had entered the English and Classical School of Mr. L. S. Squire (whom he now delights to honor), and at the age at which he heard of salvation, he was nearly ready for college. No valuation can be put on the training, outside of books which was given by Mr. Squire, and as Mr. Squire was a religious man, opening his school every session with the reading of the Bible and prayer, and was a Presbyterian, the boy desired to unite with the church of his instructor. He had not heard any- THE Oxtp GuaARD 15 thing in the Grace Street Sunday School or congregation that even showed that it was Baptist and there was only one thing that held him back. His mother’s reverence for the Bible and her instructions in high morality led him to read the Word of God, especially the New Testament many times and he knew too much of the simplicity of Christianity to accept the relic of Romanism which the Presbyterians retained, viz.: infant baptism (sprinkling), and he would have gone with the Quakers if they had not repudiated the ordinances of baptism and the Lord’s Sup- per. The morality, order, neatness, simple manners, speech, and strictness of the Quakers excited his admiration. His Quaker friends had no word of evangelization fer him. I give below Dr. Pilcher’s own modest recital: After Dr. J. B. Jeter became pastor of Grace Street Church, he announced on a Sunday morning that since the building had been renovated, he would hold a series of meetings with the hope that the spiritual condition of the church would be much improved and that Dr. John A. Broadus would preach in the meeting. I had never attended a protracted meeting, a so-called revival meet- ing and had only heard that efforts were made in those meetings to convert sinners. I had been afraid to go. I had heard of the actions of the preachers and the con- duct of the wild young men in the excitement which the preachers sought to arouse, and the narratives always made cold chills run up and down my back. I have never attended a circus since I was a boy and had promised my mother not to attend again and I would have as soon gone to a circus as to one of those “revivals”! My idea of religion was based on piety and dignity and reverence, 16 Livine EPiIsTLES and when Dr. Jeter quietly made his statement I deter- mined to attend the meeting, still having no definite idea that my love of God and His commandmants was the religion that was to be preached in the meeting, not really comprehending my relation to God, I said to my- self : “If God will allow me to do so I will become a Chris- tian during that meeting.” The meeting was held in the basement of the church a whole week and no invitation was given to sinners. I was afraid some one would speak to me as I had heard was done in such meetings and at the same time, although I was hiding behind a large furnace, I longed for human contact and a word of encouragement. During the second week the audience met in the upper main audience room of the house and I was in full view of the preacher. No invitation was given until Wednes- day night. It was the first I had ever heard and I did not quite comprehend it. I sat and thought that I had really desired to come into contact with religion and here | was my opportunity, and if I should not embrace the opportunity the meeting might close and I would not have another. Somebody prayed; then the hymn, Show Pity Lord, O Lord Forgive, was being sung and I went: to the front seat. Nothing was said to me except a few words by the superintendent of the Sunday school, Mr. John E. Henderson, expressing pleasure that I had taken the step forward, very much as if I had joined the church. As we were leaving the church, the Quaker lady with whom I had gone to the meeting, said to me: “John, did thee want to go up there?” I do not remember what I said to her, but I felt that I had now something to live for and I had then and there my call to the ministry of the gospel. That was in 1857 and I had become sixteen TeeOre GUARD ibe years old on the previous birthday. From that moment I felt myself thoroughly identified with the kingdom of Christ and went on the next (Thursday) afternoon to the prayer meeting. When Dr. Jeter requested those who desired prayer for them to kneel, I knelt and Dr. Jeter came near to me and said: “Here is a young man who has been converted and desires prayer.” I was surprised, not knowing how he could say that. I was baptized the following night, December 11, 1857. That is a red-letter day. I was immediately requested to unite with the young men’s prayer meeting that assembled each Saturday night and I can tell an interesting story about that meeting. I became an officer of the Sunday school, but was never one of its teachers. I was diligent in attending all the meetings in the building of whatever kind, and in 1860 I permitted the church to license me to “exercise my gifts.” J was a student of Richmond College and was about to take the Master’s degree when the War (April, 1861) scattered the professors and students, the trustees authorizing the secretary of the Board to give diplomas to the prospective graduates. I taught school, 1861-62, until after the battle of Seven Pines, when I came home to look after my mother’s family and her affairs, all having “refugeed” to Halifax County, Va. The Federal troops soon captured the railroads which entered the city from the north and I found myself identified with the military service. I preached in camp at Sidney Chapel, a mile west of the corporation line, and as I could at Dover Church, Goochland County, Va., where I met my wife. When the 18 Living Epist.Es War closed I was the inheritor of the responsibility of caring for three generations of my father’s family, nine helpless persons, who had up to that time been considered wealthy. I had sold during the War, $1,800 of Con- federate money for $50 in gold and _ silver. With an additional amount of a few dollars, I went into the coal and wood business with Benjamin Cottrell, my brother- in-law. After the dissolution of the partnership of Cottrell and Pilcher, I continued the business under my own name, building up a thriving business, until July 1, 1870 when I could no longer resist the call to the pastorate, and recog- nizing the changes which had been made by death and marriage among my dependents, I gave the business to my brother, William Stanton Pilcher, and engaged in evangelistic meetings until I took the pastorate of the Covington and Healing Springs Churches in November, 1871. During the nine-year pastorate, I organized six churches and built seven houses of worship. This activity attracted the attention of the denomination and I was called to and became the secretary of the Sunday school and Bible Board of the General Association, December 1, 1880. I might write a volume about the work of that Board during the twenty-eight years of my service, but I cannot do so without relating events that need not be called up. Tons of Bibles and religious literature were distributed; hun- dreds of Sunday schools were organized and fostered ; scores of churches were organized; hundreds of persons were baptized by the devoted men employed by the Board, of whom the world was not worthy; and the contributions from the churches to the different enterprizes of the de- nomination increased from about $19,000 to more than $150,000. Tur Oxtp Guarb 19 The envy of the friends of the State Mission Board caused them to try, in the five years from 1890 to 1895, to consolidate the boards and failed in 1895, by a vote which showed a majority of ten to one. Another attempt was made in 1908 and failed of the necessary majority, but | had redeemed the Board from death in 1880 and released it from danger in 1895, and was not willing to continue such strenuous career and resigned to the General Asso- ciation, at the meeting in the First Baptist Church, Rich- mond, Va., in November, 1908. After I finished the work of gathering to my office the thousands of dollars worth of books that were in the hands of the colporters and shipped them to the other Board, I was without a cent of income and without employment or the prospect of employment, and went to visit my long- loved friend, Dr. Charles Manly, in Lexington, Va. it was willing to do anything to obtain my “keep” and I supplied for little churches and had two little pastorates. After I passed the seventy-fifth mile-stone, IT could not obtain anything to do, and it broke my heart to be out of work for which I had given up all I had inherited, all 1 had made, and into which I had entered with the purpose of preaching to the end of life. The heart trouble proved to be a heart leakage and I am now handicapped with pain that will take me off (angina pectoris) at any moment. Through the providence of God, I am not dependent on anybody and I am willing to work without any remu- neration, but I am out of the line of succession and my white hair is an insurmountable obstacle. I have been gray since I was fifteen years old. My salvation was assured in my boyhood and my religion is my life. I have 20) Living Episties lived solely for God’s service ever since I was converted. I have never desired place in civil, military, or church life. “For me to live is Christ and to die is gain.” Since my relation to God is my life, Dr. Sydnor will notice that I have confined my short autobiography to religious matters. I am glad to write of the goodness and abounding grace of God in Christ Jesus. | The Grove Avenue Church, Richmond, Va., is the out- growth of Dr. Pilcher’s work at Sidney Chapel in connec- tion with his military duties in the Civil War days. Sidney Chapel, organized as Sidney Church on March 1, 1868 and removed twice to new locations, is now Grove Avenue, numbering about 1,000 members. On March 1, 1911, Dr. Pilcher delivered the Semi-Centennial discourse. Dr. Pilcher’s life is saturated with a mass of most. in- teresting information which cannot be brought into these condensed sketches, but I am constrained to relate a most singular connection with the number nine, which seems to point to eighty-nine and even to ninety and nine,—The Lord’s will being done. He was converted at nine years, licensed at nineteen, ordained at twenty-nine, elected secretary at thirty-nine, received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from Richmond College at forty-nine, his troubles about the Board began at fifty-nine, the Board was destroyed when he was sixty- nine, and he gave up all hope of being pastor again at seventy-nine. He is now eighty-two and on the way to the next period of nine. Tuer Oxtp Guarp 91 Condensed summary of a distinguished and useful life, and still active: Married Miss Mary Lucy DuVal, Manakin, Va., Decem- ber 21, 1865, and there were twelve children, seven boys and five girls. Pastor Sidney Church, 1868-1871. Pastor in Alleghany and Bath, 1871-1880. Secretary S. S. & B. B. Gen. Assn., 1880-1908. Trustee University Richmond since 1888. Moderator Portsmouth Association, 1889-1892. Doctor of Divinity, Richmond College, 1890. President General Association, 1910-1913. Vice-President So. Baptist Convention, 1914. President Petersburg Association, 1919-1921. Executive Committee Antisaloon League. President Va. Bap. Hist. Soc. Ex-president Convention Social Workers. President Petersburg Chapter Alumni of University of Richmond. President “Old Guard,” 1928. 99 - ; Living EPpistLEs MAJ. T. D. COGHILL A man is known by the company he keeps; and yet who would have suspected that Gen. Robert E. Lee, after mingling for fifty-four years with the spirits above would seek a place in our earthly camp? Look at the picture and see for yourself. Robert E. Lee was a soldier whose military tactics and generalship are admired and fj. studied by the rulers of na- » tions; yet no man was a greater lover of peace, quiet and home. . When the Virginia Historical Society wished to im- personate the great general of May 22-30, 1922, they at once turned to Maj. T. D. Coghill for their type to occupy the place in the pageant. The yell of welcome which went up from the old Confederates testified to the truth of the likeness. The subject of this sketch was born in Caroline County, Va., on the twenty-third of August, 1844, which date meant that he would be just ripe for the Confederate States Army in 1862, with academic education left out. He was baptized at Thornsburg, Va., by Rev. F. N. Kragle in October, 1861. On December 24, 1867, he married Ture Oxrp Guarp 93 Miss M. R. Campbell, of Caroline County, Va., Rev. James D. Coleman officiating. Of this union there were four children. At the time of the Semi-Centennial he was a member of Bethel Church in the Goshen Association. He is now a member of Calvary Church and superintendent of its Sunday school. In his business career he still retained the military instincts which his early experience with his noble chief had cultivated, and was the first sheriff which the voters were permitted to elect after reconstruction times, which office he held for seventeen years, and has been continuous- ly in official positions, either of the United States Govern- ment, or of the County to the present time. While rejoic- ing in his farm life, he has held positions of U. 8. post office inspector, county treasurer, and U. 8. marshal. His war experience would make an interesting volume. He enlisted at the age of seventeen, was In every engage- ment in which his regiment took part during the entire war, except one, then was on furlough, was not a prisoner at any time, only wounded once, shot through the body on the first day of April, 1865, in the Battle of Five Forks about 6:00 Pp. m., and was carried by four men of his regiment to Fords Station, N. & W. R. R., on a litter, there put in an ambulance, carried to Farmville, Va., was placed in hospital at 9:00 p. m., on Thursday, the sixth day of April, and General Lee stopped the fight at 9:00 A. M., on Sunday, the ninth day of April, 1865. Just two months afterwards he reached his home. His prototype, Gen. Lee, would give him his approval, while his brethren delight in him. Brave in war; in peace faithful to trust; in church and home fulfilling his duty; would that more of us could boast of such a record. 24 Livine EPiIsTLes R. DUDLEY DIGGS R. Dudley Diggs, son of the Rev. Isaac Diggs, a Baptist minister, was born near Stev- ensville, King and Queen County, Va., on the twenty- fourth day of July, 1845. On the fourteenth of August, 1858, when thirteen years of age, he was baptized into the fellowship of Mattaponi Church, at Newington on the Mattaponi River, by the Rev. Richard Hugh Bagby, D. D. He received his education at Stevensville Academy, Josiah Ryland, teacher, and at Col- umbian College, Washington, D. C. He served four years in the Confederate Army, in Henry A. Wise’s brigade, Twenty-sixth Virginia Regiment, was shot the seventeenth day of June, 1864, and left on the field to die, but through the mercy of God was spared, and has served sixty-six years in the army of the Lord. Brother Diggs has been married twice. His first wife was Miss Ella Samuel, whom he married in the Mattaponi Church on the fifth day of June, 1868. On the fifth of June, 1909, he married Miss Elvina Courtney, of Little Plymouth, King and Queen County, Va, Tue Otp Guarp 25 He was a delegate from the Mattaponi Church to the Semi-Centennial in 1873, and again from the same church to the Centennial in November, 1923, and was present at both meetings. He was a member of the Mattaponi Church in 1873 and of the Leigh Street Church, Richmond, Va., in 1923. All his life, until the last two or three years, brother Diggs was a farmer, and a hard-working man. He and Mrs. Diggs are now residents of Richmond at 2316 Hast Broad Street, on Church Hill. 26 Livine EpistLes REV. A. B. DUNAWAY, D. D. This excellent man and useful minister was born in Lancaster County, Va., in 1842. He was the son of Raleigh and Anna Dunaway. His boyhood was spent on the farm. He was educated at Lancaster Academy. When about sixteen years old he was baptized, in 1858, into Lebanon Baptist Church, Rappahannock Association, by Rev. Addison Hall. Brother Dunaway entered the ministry when he was twenty-nine years old, and was ordained in 1871 at Lebanon Church by a presbytery consisting of the following well-known ministers: William H. Kirk, W. F. Broaddus, George W. Beale, George North- ern, and Thomas 8. Dunaway. His first pastorate comprised his home church, Lebanon and Farnham, where he remained seven years. His next pastorate was in Caroline County seven years. From Caro- line County he went to Churchland, Va., and remained twelve years. Then he went to Port Norfolk, for seven years. Hence he went to Oxford, N. C., and remained Tur Oxtp Guarp ON. seven years. Coming back to Virginia he became pastor at Accomac for twelve years. His six pastorates filled out fifty-two years. While not a college man, Richmond College recognized Mr. Dunaway’s character and culture by making him a Doctor of Divinity. As far back as 1884, Roanoke Baptist Church, when seeking a pastor, sought to allure him away from his Caroline charge, but in vain. Like other strong pastors, he preferred to serve appreciative country churches. After a long and useful life of service, he lives quietly at Drummondtown, Va. 28 Livina EPisTLEes REV. ROBERT ANDREW FOLKES His name is Robert Andrew Folkes; born, December 7, 1846. His parents were Capt. Joseph Folkes and Hannah Irby, of Charles City County, Va. He attended the private schools of his county, and was prepared to enter college at Cedar Grove English and Classical Academy, complet- ing a full accredited high school course with three years of Latin, two of Greek, one of German, Science, History, English, and Math.—includ- ing Geometry, Trigonometry, and Surveying. At the age of seventeen years he entered the Confererate army and served to the close of the War in the Twenty-Third Virginia cavalry under Col. Chas. T. O’Ferral. He made a profession of faith in Jesus Christ in 1862 at Trinity M. E. Church, Richmond, Va., under the preaching of Rev. Jno. E. Edwards, but was baptized by Rev. John F. Parkinson at Emmaus Church, New Kent, Va., who afterwards married. him to Miss Eliza Ellen Crump, December 15, 1869. He married his second wife, Miss Mary Edna Montague, September 24, 1901. Tue Oxtp Guarp 29 The only evangelistic service rendered by him before his ordination, was while teaching, which he commenced in the fall of 1870, holding prayer meeting services and Sunday school in the destitute places near his schools. His ordination was asked for by Providence Church, King and Queen County, Va., where he was ordained on the fifth Lord’s day in October, 1880. Rev. W. HE. Wiatt, John W. Ragland, Richard Fox, Rev. J. W. Street, and one whose name is not now recalled, constituting the presbytery. He has been pastor of Providence Church twice, first, 1880 to 1884; Zoas Church, Middlesex County, 1881 to 1895, fourteen years; Westville Church, Mathews County, 1883 to 1888, five years; Union Church, Gloucester Coun- ty, 1888 to 1901, thirteen years; HEbenezah Church, Gloucester County, 1882 to 1894, twelve years; Providence Church, Gloucester County, 1890 to 1902, twelve years; Beech Grove Church, five years; Liberty Church, New Kent County, 1900 to 1913, thirteen years; and Good Hope Church, two years. He is now serving Baulah and Petsworth, Gloucester County, since 1913. He has an excellent library and has read and studied as much as a busy, active life would permit. He has a certificate of proficiency in Civil Engineering and had to engage in it for over thirty years in land and water surveys. | He was a messenger from Emmaus, New Kent County, Va., to General Association in 1873 (Semi-Centennial). In 1923, he represented Beulah at Petsworth, Peninsula Association. He has taken examinations which entitle him to teach in any: accredited high school as principal. He was superintendent of schools fifteen and three-fourths 30 Livinae EPiIsTLes years in Gloucester County, Va., voluntarily resigning. He carries upon his person the marks of military service, a wound received June 7th, sixty years ago at Lynchburg, Va. (Gen. Hunter’s raid). Since his ordination the records of his churches will show that he baptized over 1,000 and has assisted in many evangelistic meetings. The highest salary ever paid him for one year would not half support and educate his family, hence he was under the necessity to add secular work. His expenses may be guessed, when it is known that besides his own fourteen children there were others dependent on his help. God’s grace has sustained him and he will accept His promise. | Tur Oxtp Guarp 31 H. M. GRESHAM “That our sons may be as plants grown up in their youth; that our daughters may be as corner-stones, polished after the similitude of a palace.” “T have written unto you, young men, because ye are strong and the Word of God abidetl. in you, and ye have overcome the wicked one.” The highest standard of youth is mens sana in cor- pore sano, to maintain a strong mind in a strong body, with moral excellence should be the aim of every young man. It may be said that this high ideal was exemplh- fied in the adolescent period of the subject-of this sketch. Born on the sixteenth of December, 1852, in Richmond County, Va., he grew up to manhood with only the edu- cation obtained in private schools and in the public schools of Middlesex County, where he applied himself diligently to his studies, desiring to prepare himself for the position of traveling salesman, which occupation he has successfully pursued for over forty-one years. In the fourth year of his age he removed with his parents to live on a farm in Middlesex County, and was baptized on 32 Livina EPISTLES © profession of his faith in the Savior in Urbanna Creek when only thirteen years old by Rev. Dr. John Pollard, uniting with the Clarke’s Neck Baptist Church where his membership remained until he removed to Baltimore, Md., in 1884 transferring his church relation to the Immanuel Baptist Church of which Rev. Dr. A. C. Dixon was then pastor. In 1888, he returned to Tappahannock, Va., and united with the Beale Memorial Baptist Church of which the beloved Frank B. Beale was the pastor. For two years Mr. Gresham was superintendent of Clarke’s Neck Sunday School at Saluda, and has been the superintendent of the Beale Memorial Sunday School for the past ten years, and is now the senior deacon of that church. In 1885, on the twenty-fifth day of August, Mr. Gresham led to the matrimonial altar Miss Alice May Siller, of Evans- ville, Ill., the ceremony being performed by Rev. Dr. Fred 3. Jewell of that city. Two promising sons, one of whom is now married, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Gresham as the result of this union. The present home of the happy couple is at Tappahan- nock, Va. In 1873, our Brother Gresham was delegate to the Semi-Centennial Association of Virginia from the Clarke’s Neck Baptist Church, and at the great Centennial gather- ing in Richmond in November, 1923, he was one of the representatives of the Beale’s Memorial Baptist Church, both in the Rappannock Association. . THE Oxtp Guarp 33 C. G. HATHAWAY Adam was placed by his Creator in the Garden of Eden, where he remained un- til sin drove him from his heritage. C. G. Hathaway was planted in a section of God’s country so beautiful that it may well be termed “Hden.” Unlike our first parent, he did not permit sin to cause his banishment; nor did his wife tempt him to eat fruit which did not belong to him. He has been wise enough to till the soil, and content to eat the fruit of his labors. Those of us who are country-bred know, full well, that he or she who has been reared to manhood or woman- hood entirely within city limits has been deprived of a joy~and a knowledge which can never be experienced in after life. The nearer one keeps to nature, the easier it is for him to keep in touch with nature’s Creator. C. G. Hathaway was born near The Plains, Fauquier County, Va., on February 6, 1850. His home to-day is near The Plains, Fauquier County, Va. He was born into the spiritual kingdom in 1868 and baptized into Long Branch Church in November, 1868, by Rev. J. A. 34 Livine EPISTLES Haynes. He was married June 1, 1881, and has been deacon long enough to have lost entirely the proverbial “short horn,” having served forty-five useful years in the the deaconate. His pastor has entrusted him with the handling of his salary for twenty-three years. What more may we say except to urge our young men of this genera- tion to cling to the soil where the best men of our land have found health, happiness, and usefulness? Our sub- ject attended the Semi-Centennial in 1873, but being providentially hindered in 1923, was content to have his daughter represent him at the Centennial. Tue Oxup GuarRD | 35 GEORGE C. JEFFERSON ' This is another of the younger members of our group. George C. Jefferson entered life on the twelfth of June, 1851, at the home of his parents at Jones’ Bluff, Ala. His happy boyhood was spent in the country school and on the farm. Blessed is the boy whose early training is in the country and on the farm. Alabama is an_ excellent place in which to be born, but Richmond is a good place to dwell after one has passed his youthful years. After attending school on the Winterham Farm in Amelia County, Va., at the age of eighteen years he entered the insurance business, choosing Richmond as his field, where with energy, honesty, and uncommon sense he built a business which has grown with the growth of the city of his adoption. George C. Jefferson was baptized into the membership of Fairmount Baptist Church in Nelson County in 1868 by Rev. Wm. J. Shipman. In February, 1921, he married Miss Mary Eleanora Carroll, 5642 Maple Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. In January, 1869, he united with the Second 36 Livine EPiIstLEs Baptist Church, Richmond, which he afterward served as a deacon. This church is indebted to his persistent labor for the excellent pictures now hanging in their church parlor of all the pastors of this historic church. The writer of these sketches is prepared to testify that this generous gift cost him time, patience and dollars. For a number of years he was an active member of the State Mission Board and co-worker with William Ellyson, during the entire term of the latter’s service. Of the thousands at the Semi-Centennial of 1873 who saw the key and heard the clanking in the rusty lock of the Cul- peper jail, there are remaining some hundreds. It brings a thrill to Jefferson to-day, as he recalls this occasion. For fifty-five years he has been studying the Religious Herald, and paying for the privilege, and thinks it. worth all that is has cost him. The Herald is an excellent in- surance risk without the risk, since its policies deal with living subjects and pay liberal dividends. Tur Onp GuarRD ay MINETRY JONES When Minetry Jones was a young man in Richmond all who knew him were im- pressed by his handsome face, genial manner and interest in the affairs of the kingdom of God. He was born in the country home of his father, Thomas 8. Jones, near Bowl- ing Green, Caroline County, on June 4, 1855. He and the well-known James Leigh Jones, associated with Charles H. Winston in the conduct ot the Richmond Female Insti- tute, were brothers. His brother afterwards became a manufacturer of tobacco, and has been dead many years. Minetry Jones became a member of the Second Baptist Church in February, 1873, and attended the Semi-Centen- nial Meeting of the General Association in June, 1873. He went to live in St. Joseph, Mo., December 31, 1882, and since that date has been a member of the First Baptist Church, and deacon for many years, and president of the church corporation. For twenty-six years he has been moderator of the St. Joseph Baptist Association. For several years he has been assistant moderator of the Ry bale Livine Episties Baptist Association of Missouri, is chairman of the Execu- tive Committee of that state body, and is trustee of William Jewell College, the leading college of the Middle West and the leading Baptist institution in the State. At the session of the Southern Baptist Convention at Atlanta he was elected vice-president of the body. For forty years he has been in the hat, caps, gloves, and straw goods manufacturing business. It was a pleasure to meet him at the Centennial gather- ing in November, 1923, and see how young and strong he is. Yet he is nearing the limit of three score and ten, and is one of nature’s noblemen. Tur Oxp GuaRD | 39 ee LY “Bring up a child in the way he should go and even when he is old he will not depart from it.” The subject of this sketch when scarcely sixteen years old attended the Semi-Cen- tennial Meeting in Richmond in June, 1873, from the Dan River Church in the Dan River Association. He is now living in Scotts- burg and is an active mem- ber of the Scottsburg Church. He made his appearance in the home of his parents on the eighth of January, 1857. He was educated in P. H. Carpenter’s School for Boys in Halifax, and in the sum- mer of 1870 was baptized into the membership of Dan River Church by Rev. R. N. Lee. On the twenty-sixth of November, 1887, he was united in marriage to Miss Ada B. Crews, Rev. H. G. Crews, the father of the bride, officiating. To this union were born six children, one dying in infancy. The five living children are in happy homes and living active Christian lives. Brother Lacy was clerk of Dan River Association from 1879 to 1886, was moderator in 1904 and 1905. In 1902 40 Livina Episties he did colportage work for his association under Dr. J. M. Pilcher. In 1883 he moved to Scottsburg and in 1884 changed his membership to the Scottsburg Church and was elected deacon. He served as superintendent of Sunday school and church clerk for thirty years. To both of these offices he is now referee and assistant. For many years he has been chairman of the Executive Committee of the Dan River Association. Besides looking after his farms, he was for thirty-five years successfully engaged in the mercantile and leaf tobacco business. He is president of the Scottsburg Bank, to which position he was elected upon its organization in 1907. In 1899 he was elected to the House of Delegates and served without opposition for six years, and in 1915 was elected to the State Senate for four years. In 1919 he resigned to accept the position of clerk of the County, and in the same year was reélected for a term of eight years. In 1922 he gave up this position and 1S now enjoying the rich and abundant fruitage of his labors in his comfortable home in Scottsburg. THE ‘Oup GUARD 41 CHARLES A. MERCER, D. D. 8. It seems easier to tell of those who are known at sec- ond-hand or through general acquaintance than it is to talk about an intimate as- sociate. Friendship is apt to give bias to one’s estimate. But since members of “The Old Guard” belong to the same family, insofar as unity of thought, purpose and feel- ing are concerned, there is no need for apologies. Dr. Charles A. Mercer is a fun-loving soul. No one in his presence is ever permitted to be glum or in bad humor. Like Abou Ben Adhem, he “loves his fellowmen,” and yet, he has his very decided likes and dislikes. He is strictly human, but never per- mits a cruel thought to dwell in his mind. He is a good sport and always plays fair. His criticisms are frank, and sometimes scathing when aimed at guilt. None more ready to help or sympathize with the needy. An excerpt from the News Leader shall take the place of further friendly bias. “Dy, ©. A. Mercer, until recently a resident of Rich- mond, and now living at Bon Air, has just celebrated the 42 . Livine Episties fiftieth anniversary of his continuous practice of dentistry in Richmond. The only other dentist practicing for fifty years in Richmond is believed to be Dr. George F. Keesee. Dr. Mercer, when asked to-day when he took up his profession, said: ‘On April 1, 1874—-wasn’t that a fine ‘April fool’ to put over on the people? (It so happens that this writer was one of those same ‘April fools’ put over on the people that same day.) Dr. Mercer practiced here for a short while in 1873 before his grad- uation from the Baltimore College of Dental, Surgery, so that in reality his practice has extended over a period of more than half a century. And it may be well to add that when Dr. Mercer began the practice of his profession on April 1, 1874, the dental authorities of Richmond and the State did not share with him the suggestion that it was a “fine April fool.? He served three years as secretary and treasurer of the first board of state dental examiners in Virginia during the term of Governor Fitzhugh Lee, and another three years under Governor Tyler, and was instrumental in securing the passage of the first law regu- lating the practice of dentistry in the State in 1886. “Dr. Mercer is a life member of the National Dental Association, Virginia State Dental Association, and Rich- mond City Dental Society. He is past master of the St. John’s League, No. 36, Masons, and past chancellor of _ Syracuse Lodge, No. 5, Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Second Baptist Church. Dr. Mercer is seventy years of age. When asked how long he expected to prac- tice, he said, ‘Just as long as I live’.” As evidence of their esteem the Richmond City Dental Society has presented him with a handsome silver tea service, which of course is highly prized by the worthy recipient. Tue Otp Guarp : 43 Dr. Mercer writes under recent date: “Yes, fifty years is a long time and much water has passed under the bridge in that time, and few are left who were with us fifty years ago. I was a delegate to the Virginia Baptist Association in 1873 and again in 1923, of which I am very proud. I was just twenty years old in 1873, but was full of enthusiasm and anxiety for the advancement of the Church of God. We have done great things, but, oh! how much more there is yet to be done and can be done! My best love and prayer for blessings on you.” He says that he has done only what the average church member would do, but others say that if such service as he has rendered upon important committees and various church and Sunday school activities were rendered by the “average member,” our Christianity would be on a higher plane. It detracts nothing from the pulpit, when it is said that there are persons in the congregation who look beyond the preacher and listen more attentively to Mercer’s singing than they do to the pastor’s preaching. This may be said, how- ever, if the preachers would fill their places in the pulpits as well as Mercer fills his place in the choir, there would be more attentive listeners. 44 Livine Epistes J.J. MONTAGUE When we see “Second Bap- tist Church” written on the face of so many great Baptist movements, SO many anni- versaries, decennials, semi- centennials, and centennials, and then see the names of so many great men, both minis- ters, city officials, and promi- nent laymen, we feel like call- ing it the seed plant, and also the propagating plant. Now go back and read that long sentence over again, while you are told that one J. J. ‘ Montague is also a member of © that same body. When you ask him about the Semi- Centennial of 1873, he says, “Second Baptist.” Ask him about the Centennial, he answers, “Second Baptist.” ~ It so happens, however, that he was born in Norfolk County, Va., in 1838, and was baptized in Norfolk in 1956 by Dr. Tiberius Graccrus Jones, and was educated in the private and public schools. He married Miss Kate War- ren, of Norfolk, Va., in 1867, Dr. T. G. Jones officiating. Of this union were born two children. It is the solid rank and file of a church which keeps the wheels turning. Tue Onp Guarp 45 M. R. PACE Surely there must be in existence somewhere a photo- graph more modern than the one which heads this sketch, but this brother prefers to let us understand how he feels rather than how a man born on the twenty-ninth of Feb- ruary, 1852, would be sup- posed to look in 1924. Pos- sibly the real reason for ab- sence of any sign of a senex is the fact that he can claim only eighteen celebrations. His photo testifies according- ly. If all of us could have been born on the twenty-ninth of February, our group could have presented a more youthful appearance. M. R. Pace was born in Middlesex County, Va., Feb- ruary 29, 1852, and spent his early life, where all boys should be reared, on the farm. His aptness and fondness for letters led him to apply himself to the printing préss where he learned his trade as a printer, in which occupa- tion he has spent most of his life. As an evidence of the wisdom of his choice, he is now entrusted with the most difficult and rare accomplishment of proofreader. Mr. Pace was educated in the private schools during the war between the States, before public schools were in 46 Livine EpistiLes existence, and was baptized into the fellowship of Grace Street Church in the spring of 1866, by Rev. Harvie Hatcher, then assistant pastor to Dr. J. B. Jeter. On September 25, 1872, he married Miss Nannie B. Walden in Richmond, Va., the officiating minister being Rev. N. W. Wilson, pastor of Grace Street Church. Of their ten children, five are still living. There are also seven grand- children and one great-grandchild. Among the early efforts to help his fellowmen, he, with others of the Young Men’s Missionary Society, organized a Sunday school from which sprang the church to which Rev. Samuel C. Clopton was called to the pastorate. Later, he moved to the neighborhood of Pine Street Church, of which Rev. J. B. Hutson was then pastor, and cast his lot and work with this church whose membership was then only two hundred and forty-seven. When it had increased to eighteen hundred members, he joined the Randolph Street Baptist Church, newly organized, where he re- mained for eight years, six and a half of these he was superintendent of the Sunday school and also served as deacon under the pastorate of Rev. W. T. Jolly. Upon leaving Randolph Street Church, he returned to Pine — Street Church, where he served as deacon until after the death of Dr. Hutson; then returned to his mother church, race Street Church, October, 1919, where he now enjoys the retrospect of his useful life and the anticipation of further fruition of his hopes. Tue Oxrp Guarp 47 WaW. BEET The subject of this sketch insists that there be no lengthy write-up of his his- tory, but permit him to have the pleasure of reading about the rest of “The Guard.” A less modest man might feel that "justice required a vo- luminous notice. The Sacred Book tells us that “no prophet is without honor, save in his own coun- try.” When our Saviour made this statement he was surrounded by folk who were not in sympathy with his teachings. Our friend, W. W. Pitt, is fortunate enough to have his lot cast among men of his own stamp and principles. Our voters are sometimes pursuaded by de- signing politicians to cast their franchise to men unworthy or unfit for the position to be filled. When a man is needed to take charge of monetary interests, and handle the cash, the politician is turned aside and the key to the vault is intrusted to such a man as W. W. Pitt. Since January 1, 1912, he has been the efficient treasurer of Middlesex County. 48 Living EPIsTLES He was born at Harmony, Middlesex County, Va., August 20, 1855, and had the joy of an amphibious life with the fish, the oysters, and the landmen of Middlesex County. In 1872 he was baptized in Whitings Creek by Rev. W. W. Wood into the fellowship of Harmony Grove Church, and is still a member of the same. On July 2, 1895, he married Miss Jessie M. Ramsey, of Baltimore, Md., Rev. E. Y. Mullins officiating. Of this union there are two children, Elizabeth Ramsey and W. W., Jr. Tur Ontp Guarb AQ A. H. ROBINS Of A. H. Robins it may be said that he is consistent and persistent. He is consistent in that he has never swerved from the path of duty. He is persistent in that after be- ing born in Gloucester Coun- ty, Va., in 1842, he still lives, notwithstanding a wound re- ceived in his head, while serv- ing in the Twelfth Virginia Infantry in 1863. He was the first president of the Young Men’s Christian As- sociation in the Second Bap- tist Church, Richmond, and remained to see it a success, and was a deacon in the church until the time limit debarred him. He entered the drug business when about sixteen years old, and has con- tinued to put up prescriptions for sixty-seven years. He was baptized into the fellowship of the Second Baptist Church in 1857 by Dr. R. B. C. Howell. He was present at the Semi-Centennial as member of Second Baptist Church, and still a member of that same historic church in 1923. In 1866 he married Miss T. E. Haywood, Gloucester County, Rev. W. E. Wiatt officiating. At the battle of Sailors’ Creek in 1865, he was captured by the enemy and held for sixty days, when he was released, to spend his days from that time to the present in a per- sistent, consistent, useful life. 50 Livine EPisTLEs JUNIUS CLAY STAPLES “them that honor Me I will honor.” “With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Not the least worthy of a place in the ranks of “The Old Guard” is our honored broth- er, J. C. Staples, of Harrison- burg, Va. Born October 23, 1846 in Richmond, Va., he was converted under the preaching of Rev. A. B. Earle, the distinguished Bap- tist evangelist, in meetings In that city, and baptized into the fellowship of the First Baptist Church by the pastor, Rev. Jno. L. Burrows, D. D. in the spring of 1869. He, early in life, gave promise of his consecration and usefulness in the Kingdom of Righteousness. Being noted for his modesty, he never sought honor or distinction among his brethren. In his youthful days he attended private schools in Albemarle County until 1863, when he became a student at Midway Academy in Augusta County, taught by Rev. Wm. Pinker- ton, a Presbyterian minister. In his early manhood he went to reside in Harrisonburg, Va., and was there united in marriage to Miss Emma Scott Devier on August 30, 1876, the officiating minister being Rev. Wm. A. Whites- Tur Oxp Guarp 51 carver. Of this union there were ten children, seven boys and three girls. Three boys died while young, and there are now living four boys and three girls. The mother of these children was removed from the home by death on November 27, 1909, and on December 16, 1916, brother Staples married Miss Lilah Roberts, of Macon, Ga., the officiating. minister being Rev. E. W. Sammons. No children were born of this marriage, and the second Mrs. Staples still survives to brighten the pathway and cheer the life of this beloved and esteemed brother, whose career has been that of a devout Christian, and a devoted follower of his Saviour. For a number of years he was an inter- ested and active member of the Augusta Association and for several terms its moderator. He has long been a most useful and influential member of the Harrisonburg Baptist Church, for thirty-five years a deacon, and for thirty-six years the superintendent of the Sunday school, and ever on the alert to promote the interest of every worthy cause within and without the church. It is superfluous to say that. a brother of such high character should be held in high esteem by his brethren and friends, and that the fruits of his labors and endeavors should redound to the glory of his Lord. Real estate and insurance has been the occupation of our brother until about four years ago, and at present he is justice of the peace for the City of Har- risonburg, and was a messenger from the Harrisonburg Church to the Semi-Centennial Meeting of the General Baptist Association of Virginia, in Richmond in 1873, but was unable to attend the Centennial in 1923. 7 Notwithstanding his many years he, at this writing, retains his physical and mental forces to a remarkable degree and has found the gracious promise verified to him, “As thy days may demand shall thy strength ever be.” 59 Livine EPpistTLEes CHRISTOPHER THOMAS SUTHERLIN, Jr. C. T. Sutherlin, Jr., is a son of the man who had the honor of introducing in the General Association the reso- lution which secured the for- mation of the Ministers’ Re- lief Fund, C. T. Sutherlin, Sr. He was born at Brook- lyn, Halifax County, Va., December 3, 1849, and was baptized at the early age of eleven years, near Brooklyn, on November 9, 1860. . H's education was obtained in the private schools near Brook- lyn, and he is a farmer. He has been clerk of his church forty years, deacon thirty- four years, and Sunday school superintendent. He was a messenger from Arbor Church, Dan River Association at the Semi-Centennial Meeting in 1873, and has been a member of that church sixty-three years. He was with us in the Centennial in 1923. His post office address is Sutherlin, Halifax County. He has attended the Dan River Association forty-six times, the last thirty-three sessions consecutively. He has been clerk of the Association twenty-three years. He ~ began his fight against the barrooms in 1881, when there - were sixty-three open saloons in Halifax County. This record shows what a devout Christian and valuable citizen he is. Tur Oxrp Guarp 53 ROBERT WALTON SYDNOR Capt. Robert Walton Syd- nor, son of Rev. Thomas White and Blanche McClan- ahan Sydnor, was born April 12, 1847 in Nottoway Coun- ty, Va. Beginning his early education in the log school- house, then going to the Union Academy, and after serving in the army the last year of the war between the States, concluded his educa- tion at Bryant & Stratton and Saddler Business College in Baltimore. He was present at both the Semi-Centennial in 1873 and the Centennial in 1923. At seventeen years of age he entered the army as a commissioned officer and was soon placed in command of his company as a part of the reserve corps. On the ninth of April, 1865, when Lee’s army capitulated at Appomat- tox, Capt. Sydnor’s command was stationed at Danville, Va., having been ordered to this point to protect the railroads and especially the bridges over the Roanoke, Staunton, and Dan rivers. His command being in charge of what proved to be the last capital of the Confederacy. President Davis and his staff were in Danville when a courier arrived to announce the surrender of Lee. 54 Livina EPistTLEs Walton Sydnor was never known to fail in the matter of duty or faithfulness to trust, whether at home, at school, in the army, or in civil offices. Duty under the guidance of an intelligent conscience, is his silent, ever-present motto. } At the age of twenty, he, with his brother and a sister were baptized by their father into the fellowship of Cool Spring Church (now Blackstone). He has served con- tinuously as teacher, superintendent, and deacon, ever ready to do the Lord’s work or answer any demand made upon him in social, church, or civic affairs. In 1874 he married Miss Lily Cook, of Roanoke County. Never was there a happier home. Of course time has brought bereavement and change, but to-day, in his native county he is four-square in the presence of duty, serving his community by example and leadership. “Duty done is victory won.” Capt. Sydnor has consented to give us the benefit of some recollections of the days leading up to 1873. His notes will be found interesting reading, as reminders of very similar experiences of many others, and also furnish- ing interesting historical facts for the younger generation. THE Oxnp Guarp 55 REV. J. LEE TAYLOR So far as can be recalled, there has been but one Jeter conspicuous in Virginia Bap- tist history. Our leaders have largely borne the names Broaddus, Ryland, Bagby, and Taylor. With either of these names omitted, Baptist records would be so marred that history would be put out of joint. Of the Taylors, we readily recall no less than twenty-nine, nine of whom are living to-day, two of these honor our“Our Guard” roster. Rev. J. Lee Taylor is liv- ing in the county of his nativity. His home is Spencer, Henry County, Va. He is the eldest son of Rev. D. G. and Martha King Taylor, born in the home of his parents on January 30, 1845, educated in the schools of the county and in Union University, Murfreesboro, Tenn., baptized by his father into the fellowship of the Mayo Baptist Church, November 1, 1858. In the war between the States, from 1861 to 1865 he served in Company A, Forty-Second Virginia Infantry. At the battle of Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864, was captured and confined as a prisoner of war at Point Look- out until June 1, 1865. 56 Living EPIsTLEs At the call of Mayo Baptist Church, he, by a presbytery appointed by the Blue Ridge Baptist Association, was ordained to the gospel ministry in August, 1873. Labor- ing under the patronage of the Virginia Baptist State Association Board, he organized eight new churches and built as many good houses of worship and baptized more than nine hundred converts. ? For four years in Tennessee, he acted as clerk of Duck River Association and did colportage work within the bounds of that body. He was moderator of Blue Ridge Association for twenty years, and for twenty-six years clerk and treasurer of that body, and for one year vice- president of the Virginia Baptist General Association ; served in the pastorate at Jacksonville and Mt. Olivet in Floyd County, Fairmont, Boone Mill, Rocky Mount, Providence, Mill Creek, and Stony Creek in Franklin County; Blackberry, Mayo, Ridgeway, and Bassett in Henry County, and Providence in Rockingham County, N. C. Brother Taylor was author of Semi-Centennial History of Blue Ridge Association, and of two Introductory Sermons, published by request of the body, and editor of The Christian Monitor, an Association paper for a time published within its bounds. Rev. J. Lee Taylor is a brother of Rev. Sam Frank Taylor, D. D., of Columbia, Mo., and Rev. Joseph J udson Taylor, D. D., of Jasper, Ala. The father of these three distinguished ministers was looked upon as the Bishop of the Blue Ridge Association. The subject of this sketch 1s held in the same esteem. His life has beeg given to the people among whom he was born and who love to honor him as truly “a man of God,” Tur Oxtp Guarp 57 BENJAMIN THOMAS The subject of this sketch is one of the eldest among us, having been born June 2, 1838 in Northampton Coun- ty, Va. At the time of the Semi-Centennial he was a member of Lower Northamp- ton Church, Cheriton, and was sent as a messenger to the Semi-Centennial Meeting of the General Association where he was not a forgetful hearer. Probably none who heard Dr. Curry’s address on this occasion have forgotten all that he said. Most of us remember the presentation of the venerable Rev. James Fife. The ushers and a few others remember the crashing of the overloaded seats, while our brother, Benjamin Thomas, delights to recall that glorious Sunday morning service when Dr. John A. Broaddus melted the audience with his great sermon on Love. Many ministers are spoken of as great preachers; few are found so learned or so wise as to be able to deliver sermons so simple, so pene- trating, so helpful as the preaching of Dr. John A. Broad- dus. He made no claim to oratory, and yet he riveted the attention of his audience. Ministers loved to hear him, 58 Livine EpistEs and were often heard to say “Why could not I have said that?” He was too humble to be dogmatic; he was too great to be vain. His eloquence was found in his sim- plicity of speech. Benjamin Thomas, the subject of this sketch, spent his boyhood days on the farm. He was baptized in 1854 at Cobb’s Mill by Rev. James Council, and received his education at the public schools. In April, 1871, he married Miss Maggie C. Bell, Rev. Charles Watts performing the marriage ceremony. He was for twenty years superin- tendent of his Sunday school, and is now quite feeble, his daughter, Miss Nola, giving him her affectionate care. Tue Orp Guarp 59 H. J. WILLIAMSON Aside from the quiet, gentle, and yet persuasive, pervading and prevailing in- fluence of our _ excellent Christian women, there is no more potent agency in carry- ing forward the affairs of the Kingdom than is manifested in the big-hearted, splendid leaders among our consecra- ted laymen. Indeed, the roll of human history is inscribed with the names of heroes whose conspicuous achieve- ments have won for them im- mortal renown, and in that brilliant galaxy of names may be found many to, whom Segoe largely indebted. Our brother, H. J. Williamson, who was born in Princess Anne County, Va., March 10, 1849, though not a minister of the Gospel, early in life was fond of the Sunday school, and developed a zeal for good works among his fellowmen. Baptized by the Rev. John C. Hiden, D. D., in 1867, he united with the Kempsville | Baptist Church, and four years later, in 1871, removed to Norfolk, Va., where a wider field for self-culture and the development of his latent ability and his usefulness 60 Living EPpisTLEes awaited him. To his credit, let it be said, that he brought his church letter with him and united with the Cumber- land Street (now First) Baptist Church of which Rev. Thos. Hume, D. D., Sr., was then pastor. He served this church as deacon for forty-four years, and trustee for sixteen years, and superintendent for twenty years. Dur- ing his membership he was instrumental in selling the church property on Granby Street, and led the move- ment in the erection of the present splendid marble house of the Lord on Westover and Howard (?) Avenues. In addition to this, brother Williamson was for seven years member of the Board of Health, and also of the Public . School Board of the city. His first marriage was to Miss Marie HE. Godfrey, daughter of Robt. Godfrey of Princess Anne County, on June 10, 1875, and after her death he was joined in marriage to Mrs. Hattie N. Aylett, widow of Hon. W. B. Aylett of Norfolk, Va., on December 21, 1922. For many years brother Williamson was a success- ful furniture dealer, from which business he retired with a competency several years ago, and now resides with his present wife at 437 Graydon Avenue, Norfolk, Va. He was delegate to the Baptist General Association of Virginia from First Baptist Church, Norfolk, Va. Tur Oxtp Guarb 61 D. P. WOOD Birth and _ environment have much to do with one’s subsequent development and success in life. The subject of this sketch is a son of Pollard Wood and was born in Jeffersonton, Culpeper County, one of the most beautiful and attractive sec- tions of central Virginia on June 11, 1852 and grew up to manhood on a beautiful farm, working, playing, hunt- ing and fishing amidst sur- roundings that were not only congenial, but tributary to the firmness of his physical fibre that he has to-day. He attended school in the village academy and after his re- moval to Warrenton in 1867, was baptized into the fellow- ship of the Warrenton Baptist Church in 1868, by Rey. H. H. Wyer, at the critical period of youth when just sixteen years of age. On April 17, 1877, he married Miss Sallie Parkinson.’ They have four children. He began his career in religious work as superintendent of the Sun- day school in 1880, and was elected deacon of the church in 1897, an office which he worthily fills as senior deacon up to this present writing. For several years he was 62 Livina EpistTLes honored with the position of moderator of the Potomac Association. In 1885 he established the hardware business of D. P. Wood and Company in Warrenton, and has been a member of the town council for twenty years. Although he retired from active business some years ago, leaving it to the management of his son, D. P. Wood, Jr., he is still superintendent of the Sunday school and a valued coun- sellor in all of the work of the church, and in his private life he looks with unbending and severe disapproval on everything that is not in consonance with his standard of personal piety. Living as well as believing in the teachings of the Word of God, he is truly “a living epistle known and read of all men.” He was a messenger from the Warrenton Baptist Church to the General Association of Virginia, to both great meet- ings, in 1873 and 1923. Tur Oxnp Guarp 63 “OLD” RICHMOND COLLEGE OF 1873 Of the ten Richmond College boys who had the honor of seating the great assembly in the pavillion in 1873, some have passed to the unnumbered assembly above. We revere the memory of Henry Smeltz, H. J. Newbill, and L. R. Steele. Those yet with us are J. W. Wild- man, A. W. Graves, Geo. H. Swann, Andrew Broaddus, Hugh C. Smith, Geo. J. Hobday, and C. E. Nicol. No ten men ever placed an audience more sympathetic or more profoundly attentive than was thategreat mass of hearers. No audience ever listened to more soul-stirring words, more masterful utterances, more statesmanlike pronouncements than were delivered from that plat- form. Inspiration begotten by those addresses, con- ceived in the receptive minds and hearts of the hearers, has been bringing forth fruit in abundance during these fifty years which we commemorate. ‘These pages con- tain the record of the seven half-century ushers still wearing their badges of leadership. We follow them in the full assurance that some day we shall all be shown our places in the “congregation which will ne’er break up.” “Old” Richmond College of 1873 was the birth- place of many a noble impulse. ‘The “New” Univer- sity of Richmond is but bearing our banner a little more aloft than did the boys of the semi-centennial period under the leadership of Puryear, Harris, Harri- son, Smith, and Curry. That noble quintette have passed to their reward, leaving these Living Epistles to unite in Tom Hundley’s pean of grateful thanks to God that we are still spared to serve in the ranks of our Conquering King. 64 Livina EPpisTLEes COMRADES 1873-1923 (Dedicated to the Richmond College students who are members of “The Old Guard’’) iL Kind reader, do not judge us by our looks, For they, would indicate that we are old; Things are not always what they seem—H’en books Do sometimes make mistakes in what they hold. 2 Although our heads are wearing crowns of snow, And crows’ feet mark the corners of our eyes, We are not old. The fires of youth still glow Within, where hope eternal never dies. 3 Comrades are we—schoolmates of other days— Our Alma Mater—“dear old” Richmond College ; Within whose sacred walls we learned the ways That led us on to broader fields of knowledge. 4 From city, town, and country homes we came; That fact was evident when we were seen— And every fellow bore an honored name, And wore his own distinctive shade of green. Tur Oxnp Guarp 65 5 Brothers were all, in broadcloth or in jeans; It mattered not if one were rich or poor; The full-grown men, and boys yet in their teens, Prompted by love, their mutual burdens bore. 6 *Twas then the “Big Five” ruled the garrison. Upon the scroll of fame their names appear— Puryear, Harris, Smith and Harrison, And statesman Curry—all to mem’ry dear. ki Full half a hundred years have passed since then— Silent the voices on the campus sward— And here are we, not half a hundred men, Sharing the honors of the dear “Old Guard.” 8 Fall in line there, Comrades! Close up the ranks! No dirge be ours! Peans of vict’ry sing! ~ Rejoicing at twilight, let us give thanks For being soldiers of a conquer’ring King. Wew deel: 66 Livine EPpisTLEs Ho! For the “OLD” RICHMOND COLLEGE—YELL! All together— Richmond—Richmond ! R-I-C-H-M-O-N-D ! Richmond! © Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah ! Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah ! Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah ! Richmond—Richmond—Richmond ! (There were no “Spiders” in those days.) And now we'll chime in and yell with the boys and girls of the—New UNIVERSITY OF RICHMOND: Richmond—Richmond ! R-I-C-H-M-O-N-D ! Richmond ! Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah ! Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah ! Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah—Rah ! Richmond—Richmond—Richmond ! And now you must pardon this long-winded recorder for calling upon a select few to join in another yell which sometimes used to burst forth out of midnight silence: K. A. Kappa, K. A. Kappa! ‘Eta Chapter, Kappa Alpha!! Thanks—Now let’s talk about what has happened to these boys during the past half a hundred years. Tue OxLp Guarp 67 REV. ST. GEORGE TUCKER ABRAHAMS All men do not have the opportunity to fill high posi- tions. Great achievements are due to diligence and hard work rather than to great ability, and to the practice of doing well whatever is worth doing. “Tig not in title nor in rank; *Tis not in wealth like Lon- don Bank That makes us truly blessed.” The birth of St. George Tucker Abrahams, the son of Col. Jesse A. and Mary F. Abrahams, occurred on December 10, 1849 in Powhatan County, Va. His boyhood was quietly spent in his native county and Cumberland, and he grew up to manhood inured to the customary toils of such a life, which largely contributed to his sturdiness and firmness of character. On the twenty-ninth of August, 1868, he was buried with Christ in baptism by Rev. Jno. R. Bagby, D. D., into the membership of the Muddy Creek Baptist Church in Pow- hatan County, Va. As usual with the boys of this time, he attended several private schools and acquired the rudi- ments of education as well as the habit of diligent study. Guided by the counsel of several of his ministering 68 Living EPpistTLes brethren and led by the Spirit of God, he decided to obey the divine call to become a preacher of the “Unsearchable Riches of Christ” and attended Richmond College for three years, where he distinguished himself by his close application to study. His popularity, added to his orator- ical gifts, led to his election as final president and valedic- torian for the joint literary societies. He had already dis- tinguished himself at two public debates under the auspices of the Mu Sigma Rho Society. Another honor voted to him was the place of usher, with nine others, who seated the audience at the Semi- Centennial. In the midst of that incomparable address of Dr. Curry, when the audience was almost on tip-toe of eagerness to catch every word, it was Abrahams who appeared before the platform with the old rusty lock and heavy key of Culpeper jail which had confined James Ite- land, John Cerberly, Elijah Craig, Thomas Ammon, Adam Banks, Thomas Maxfield, Mathew Saunders, Anderson Moffett, William McClanahan, John Pickett, and John Dulaney, for preaching the Gospel as they understood it. Upon leaving Richmond College, he gave the whole of next year to teaching his sisters and a younger brother. The next two sessions were spent teaching in the public schools, to enable himself to go to the Seminary. Return- ing from the Seminary in 1877, he preached his first sermon at Muddy Creek, his old mother church, in Pow- hatan County. Before his ordination, he supplied for the First Church and also College Hill in Lynchburg. At the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, he covered six departments in a two-years course. So thorough was his equipment for his life work that the council of ordination consisting of Rev. R. W. Cridlin, D. D., Jno. R. Tur Orp Guarp 69 Bagby, D. D., and the deacons of the Muddy Creek Baptist Church where the services of ordination were held on December 30, 1877, resolved, without hesitation, to set him apart to the full work of the Gospel ministry, and to fully and freely recommend him to all brother ministers, and to the brotherhood in general. That brother Abrahams made “full proof of his ministry” and did not disappoint his brethren, is evidenced by the fact that he has served successively and successfully and with distinction, Oakland Baptist Church in Culpeper County; Remington and Mount Holly Baptist churches in the Potomac Association ; Boydton, Bethel, and Clarksville in Mecklenburg County ; Concord Association; two churches and a mission in the Dover Association; Williamsburg in James City; Clarks- neck, Harmony Grove and Urbanna in Middlesex County ; Rappahannock Association; Graceland in Powhatan Coun- ty; and Skinquarter, Central, and Tomahawk in Chester- field County in Middlesex District Association, besides supplying various other churches at intervals between pastorates. During his pastorate in Clarksville, he was assisted in a meeting by Dr. T. W. Sydnor when brother Abrahams baptized three young ladies in Roanoke River: namely, Miss Annie Dabbs, Miss Mattie Alcott, and Miss Grace H. Love, all of Clarksville. Each of these young sisters after- ward became the wife of a preacher. Miss Dabbs married Rey. Mr. Winn, a Methodist; Miss Alcott married Rev. M. Thompson, who was at one time pastor of College Hill Church in Lynchburg. Miss Grace H. Love did the best of all, by giving her name to the man who baptized her. St. George thinks that Dr. Sydnor and the good Lord did a fine work for those three preachers. This writer is of 70 Living EpistTLEes the same mind. Mrs. Abrahams has proven ever a true yoke-fellow, and is to-day an active worker in the Women’s Missionary Society, president of the Baptist Young Peoples Society, and general worker in the Sunday school. A broad trail of spiritual light has followed brother Abrahams in his ministrations, thousands being edified and enlightened, and hundreds of precious souls being brought under conviction, converted, and baptized by him. For one term he was elected as clerk of the Concord Asso- ciation, and for several terms as its moderator. On the day before Christmas, December 24, 1885, brother Abrahams was married in Clarksville, Va., to Miss Grace H. Love, the accomplished daughter of Mr. and Mrs. James W. Love, the ceremony being performed by Rev. A. B. Woodfin, D. D. To his devoted and charming life-companion much of his success in the ministry is due. They have been blessed with three children who have reflected credit upon their parents, viz.: Mrs. Jas. J. Bailey, now residing in Chesterfield County, St. Geo. Tucker Abrahams, Jr., now a public accountant in Greens- boro, N. C., and Miss Grace Evelyn Abrahams now in her sophomore year carrying six tickets or studies at the Westhampton College in Richmond, Va. Brother Abrahams was a delegate from the Muddy Creek Baptist Church in Powhatan County to the Semi- Centennial (1873) and to the Centennial Baptist Asso- ciation in Richmond, Va., in 1923. Such a devout and consecrated life of this most worthy member of “The Old Guard,” now in his advanced age, surely entitles him and his beloved life-companion to the rest which they are now enjoying at their home in Chesterfield and they will doubtless wear many stars in their crowns when the Lord makes up His jewels. Tur Otp Guarp fis) REV. W. C. BITTING, D. D. I offer no apology for the insertion of the following letter, but refer to the statement in my introductory, namely, “We are friends of half a century, talking face to face with each other about ourselves.” Now read what W. C. Bitting has to say about himself. 5109 Waterman Avenue, St. Louis, Mo. Dr. T. L. Sydnor, Danville, Va. My dear Dr. Sydnor: It is like a call from the past to get your circular and questionnaire concerning the meeting of the Virginia Bap- tist General Association in 1873. I wonder if you are not the same Tom Sydnor who was at Richmond College with me. You must be. I knew your honored father and loved him, and I remember you so well. I was at Richmond College from 1871 to 1877 when I took my degree there. Your vivid words about the 1873 meeting of the Virginia Baptist General Association and Dr. Curry’s address and the old rusty lock and key from Culpeper jail bring back to me the memories of sitting in a great tent and hearing the great man make his address and of the very dramatic way in which he brought cer Livine EpistLEs out that old lock. How long ago it seems to me now. I guess I shall have to admit that I was present, but I never would have recalled this but for the mention of Dr. Curry and the key. Just think, that event has been fifty years ago. Dear Dr. Curry! At his own request, I officiated at his funeral. It was a great honor he did me to ask that I should lay away his dust. I congratulate you upon entering the fields of author- ship. I know you will do it well. I shall be glad to see a copy of your book. My last book, entitled, The Teaching Pastor, is composed of six lectures delivered at Crozer Theological Seminary on the Samuel A. Crozer Founda- tion. These lectures were delivered a year ago last March and are published by the American Baptist Publication Society in Philadelphia. I know that you will embalm yourself immortally in the amber of literature. After all, I think that the most beautiful things in life are the tastes of life. My dear Tom, I feel like a boy inside. I remember you so well. I often dwell in the old days. That may be a sign of coming senility. I have had a good fling at life. The experiences have vastly exceeded in beauty and glory the wildest romantic dreams of my boyhood days. I went to Crozer Theologi- cal Seminary in September, 1877, where I studied for three years. Upon graduation I supplied in Lee Street Baptist Church in Baltimore for about six months, and then in February, 1881, became the pastor of the Luray, Virginia Baptist Church. I was a poor green unripe kid. I was not twenty-four years old until after I was the pastor of this church. Just think of the long-suffering Tur Oxp GuarRp 73 humanity that endured all the crude, gaseous vapors of a boy. I had a delightful time with the noble people in Luray. I left them in December, 1883, and became pastor of the Mount Morris Baptist Church in New York City, January, 1884, in my twenty-sixth year. Can you imagine a country green apple flung into the greatest city in the world? Nevertheless, I stayed there for twenty-two years. Then, November 1, 1905, I became pastor of the Second Baptist Church in this great city. I am still here. How long I will be here I do not know, but I will never be pastor of another church. When I lay off the pastoral collar here it will be, not to stop work, but never more to assume the pastoral responsibility. As I remember you, I think you were going to become a dentist. May I tell you about a book that I have in my library, the like of which I do not know anywhere else? I am sure you cannot produce a copy like it. It is a portly volume. It contains all the school catalogs of my entire educational career, beginning with those of the prep school in Lynchburg, Va., with the session of 1868-69, and running through Richmond College beginning with the — session of 1871-72 through my entire career thero when I got my Master’s degree in 1877; and in addition the catalog containing the roll of alumni from 1832 to 1884, a list of the degree men from 1849 to 1884, inclusive, and another catalog containing the list up to 1888. Fur- ther more, all the catalogs of Crozer Seminary during my entire experience there. Furthermore, all the catalogs of Hollins Institute in Virginia during the period of Mrs. Bitting’s schooling rp Livina EpistLes there, together with the list af alumnae there. All of these catalogs complete are bound in this one volume, and all that either Mrs. Bitting or I have to do is to turn to this book and go through the catalogs and try to reproduce the faces of our dear old friends whom we have not seen or heard from for so many years and whom we have so greatly missed. In the catalog for the session of 1871-72 I find the name of Thomas L. Sydnor who took Latin, Mathe- matics, and English that year and whose residence was put down as Nottoway, Va. Your name is missing in the catalog for the next year. I presume you were so anxious to make money, or to get married that you did not care to waste another year at college. At any rate, I think you will give me credit for having a good memory when I can recall you as a fellow-student forty-seven years ago. You will see that I have not de- cayed inside. I am also sure that you will come to the conclusion that I am really getting old, not merely because I recall the past, but also because of my verbosity and prolixity and loquacity as revealed in this letter to you. At any rate, dear fellow, I am glad of the chance to send you this little note and to tell you that I love you, and that while I cannot recall very much about the Baptist General Association of Virginia in the year 1873, I do recall Tom Sydnor. At that time I was a boy about sixteen or seventeen years old and I had all the gaiety of a kid and have lost none of it. What it was that especial- ly attracted me to you, I do not recall, unless it was that you were kind to me in some way and did not kick about Tur Oxp Guarp 15 a freshy. I hope everything is moving finely with you. God bless you in every way. I should be glad to have a line from you. I am a life member of the Virginia Baptist General Association, made so by the Young Men’s Society of the Second Baptist Church, Richmond, Va., of which my father was pastor. Yours heartily, W. C. BIrrine. %6 Livine Episties REV. ANDREW BROADDUS, D. D. Solomon says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches and loving favor rather than silver and gold.” While to be well-born is a great advantage, yet, as has been well said, birth, wealth, place, and power are no measure of success. ‘The only true measure of success is the ratio between what we have made and what we have done, and what we might have made and what we might have done. ‘To be the lineal descendant of several genera- tions of preachers may be a blessing or a handicap as one uses or abuses the relationship. Andrew Broaddus 3d, as he is known, is the son of Andrew Broaddus, 2nd. He was born at White Plains near Sparta in Caroline County, Va., on March 29, 1853, and was baptized by his father on his birth-’ day when sixteen years of age, on March 29, 1869, in a mill-pond near Sparta. He was educated in the neighbor- hood elementary schools, Richmond College, and the South- ern Baptist Theological Seminary, then at Greenville, 8. C. At Richmond College he received the degree of B. L., as a graduate in the Law School, and in later years the Tur Oxnp Guarp 77 degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by the same institution. Not satisfied to continue in the legal pro- fession, he resolved to obey the Divine call and was set apart to the full work of the ministry at Salem Church (old site), Va., on September 12, 1875, by a presbytery consisting of Rev. Thos. S. Dunaway, D. D., Rev. H. W. Montague, Dr. Wm. A. Baynham, and his father, Rev. Andrew Broaddus, 2nd. Young Broaddus early gave promise of being worthy of his honored ancestors, as was evidenced by his subsequent career as pastor, and served successfully, as the beloved and honored pastor, the follow- ing churches: Fork Union, Fluvanna County; Red Bank, Kastville, and Lower Northampton in Northampton Coun- ty; Morattico, in Lancaster County; Bowling Green, Bethel, Providence, Mt. Hermon, Upper Zion, and Salem, all in Caroline County; and Massaponax in Spottsylvania County. His grandfather, Rev. Andrew Broaddus, 1st, who was one of the ablest and most eloquent preachers in Virginia, was pastor of the Salem Baptist Church for twenty-eight years, and was succeeded by his son, Andrew Broaddus, 2nd, who served the same church for forty- eight years, and he in turn, was succeeded by the subject of this sketch, Rev. Andrew Broaddus, 3rd, who has served for twenty-eight years and is still the acceptable and beloved pastor. In commemoration of this most unique ~ and remarkable record, the centennial of these successive pastorates was celebrated at the Salem Baptist Church in 1920, when, as an expression of their high esteem of the present pastor, a handsome loving cup was presented to him. On the twenty-third of October, 1878, brother Broaddus was happily married to Miss Carrie B. Power, of Richmond, Va. By which marriage there were six 78 LivinG EPISTLES children, two of whom died in infancy, and one daughter on the eighteenth of June, 1923. His beloved wife, the mother of these children, was taken to her reward in Heaven, July 9, 1891. Eleven years later, brother Broad- dus was on June 18, 1902 married to his present wife who was Miss Rena Floyd, at Red Bank Church in North- ampton County. Of this union there were no children. For several years past, Dr. Broaddus has been almost an invalid, but continues in the active pastorate of the Salem Baptist Church of sacred memory, and resides in his home near Sparta, Va. He was a delegate from Salem Baptist Church to the Semi-Centennial of the Virginia Baptist General Association in Richmond, Va., in 1873, and again in 1923, but owing to illness he was unable to attend the great Centennial gathering in the same city in November, 1923. Surely he deserves and is worthy of a high place in “The Old Guard,” having by the grace of God ‘won thousands of souls for the Kingdom. THe Orp GvuarRpD 79 ALFRED J. CHEWNING Alfred J. Chewning is the nephew of Dr. Alfred HE. Dickinson, was born in Louisa County, the date of his birth being December 20, 1852. He was baptized in 1866, by Rev. Charles R. Dickinson, M. D., who was - also his uncle. He was edu- cated in the local schools and in Richmond College and then accepted a position with the Religious Herald. He married, January 30, 1878, Miss Kate G. Carpen- ter, a sister of J. G. Carpen- ter, and they have seven children, four boys and three girls, all now married. Mr. Chewning is president of the Guarantee Building Corporation, and of the corporation Chewning and Boxley, realtors, Richmond, Va. He resides in Fluvanna County and is a deacon, Sunday school superintendent, and chair- man of the Finance Committee of Berea Church. At the Semi-Centennial Meeting of the General Asso- ciation, he was a messenger from Grace Street Church, Richmond, and in 1923, from Berea Church, Louisa County. 80 Livine EpistiLEs Among his religious activities, he was recording sec- retary of the trustees of the Ministers’ Relief Fund of the General Association for about twenty-five years, a member of the Education Board, a trustee of the Women’s College, Richmond, Va., a trustee of the Fork Union Military Academy, and a member of the Board of the Virginia Mechanics Institute, Richmond, Va. He is living in activity and responsibility. Tur Otp Guarp 81 JOEL T. COTTON A man’s business is some- times promoted by his dynam- ic methods, but oftener, more is accomplished by the husbanding of his nerve forces and by the steady plod- ding and deliberation which contribute not only to future success but to the prolonga- tion of his life. Born in Sus- sex County in 1850, Joel T. Cotton, the subject of this sketch was baptized into the membership of the Newville Baptist Church in that county in 1866 by Rev. A. E. Owen, the pastor of the Court Street Baptist Church of Ports- mouth. He married Miss Rosa J. Bailey on May 28th in 1873, and has seven children and seventeen grandchildren. For several terms he was a student at Richmond College. In his business, which has been built upon the structure of absolute honesty and integrity, he is known as fair and square in all of his dealings with his fellowmen or com- petitors, and he recognizes that while justice is inexorable, yet it is divine only when allied to mercy. Having suc- ceeded in the happiest of all occupations as farmer, he has now retired from active business, and in his seventy-fourth 89 Living EpistiEs year he retains much of the bouyancy and resiliency of his youth, and is a regular attendant and generous supporter of the work of the church, having served as deacon and superintendent of Sunday school. His private life, like that of the just, “is as the shining light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.” In the year 1873 he was delegate to the Semi-Centennial Association in Richmond, Va., from Newville Baptist Church, and in 1923 he attended the great Centennial meeting from Gilmerton Church, Norfolk County. Tur Oxtp Guarp 83 REV. W. T. DERIEUX, D. D. According to Longfellow— “The lives of great men all remind us we may make our lives sublime, etc.” Men who are habitually imbued with the spirit of Christianity, of a uniform and even tenor, of a strict consistency, of firm character, of an indefatigable zeal and activity are the men who keep through times of great peril and persecution, so many people faithful to the Lord, and in more favor- able epochs, multiply this number exceedingly. ‘To this class belong such men as Rev. Wm. T. Derieux, the execu- tive secretary of Baptist Missions of South Carolina. Born in Essex County, Va., on May 26, 1853, his ado- lescent period was spent on a farm until he was nineteen years of age, and one year in a country store. He attended neighborhood schools and one year at Aberdeen Academy, the school of Col. Council, completing his education with a course at Richmond College, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky. When only twelve years of age he was baptized in a mill pond by Rev. Isaac Diggs, pastor of Howardstown 84 Livina EpistTies Baptist Church, his youthful inclinations and steady habits giving promise of his future distinction. An event, as he grew to manhood, that contributed much to his happiness and to his subsequent success, was his marriage on Decem- ber 8, 1880, to Miss Lottie Bookhart of South Carolina by the Rev. R. T. Vann. Of this happy and auspicious union, seven children were born, five sons and two daughters; three sons were taken from them by death, one dying in infancy; W. 'T. Derieux, Jr., killed in the great World War ; and Sam