Biographical Sketch of J. B. Briney


Text from Wilson, Louis C. (editor), Twentieth Century Sermons and Addresses, being a Series of Practical and Doctrinal Discources by Some of our Representative Men and Women, Cincinnati: Standard Publishing Company, 1902. Pages 209-210.

Born: Botland, Kentucky, February 11, 1839.
Died: Rural Retreat, Virginia, July 20, 1927.

JOHN B. BRINEY

Was born in Nelson County, Ky., Feb. 11, 1839. He lived on the farm, and performed the usual work of a farmer's boy until he was sixteen years of age, attending school at the country log schoolhouse; where many an embryonic statesman, theologian and jurist has had his beginning. This particular school lasted only during the winter months, and the subject of this sketch enjoyed its advantages for three winters. At the age of sixteen, when most boys of spirit think of doing, something for themselves, he apprenticed himself to a builder to learn the carpenter trade. He served his apprenticeship of three years, receiving for the first year $30, for the second $40, and for the third $50. He was married Sept. 25, 1861, to Miss Lucinda Halbert, of Nelson County, Ky., and entered Eminence College in that State one year thereafter, taking a four years' course. He became pastor of the Eminence Church one year before leaving school, and served the congregation three years. From Eminence he went to Millersburg, where he labored two years, removing thence to Winchester, where he was located with the church four years. His next pastorate was Maysville, where he remained six years. His last pastorate in Kentucky was with the church at. Covington, where he labored two and a half years. He was State evangelist in Kentucky two years, and edited the Apostolic Times two years, showing great strength as a writer.

In January, 1886, he became pastor of the Linden Street Church, Memphis, Tenn., where he labored with great acceptance until his resignation in July, 1888. During his residence in Memphis be conducted a Southern Department in the Christian-Evangelist, which dealt, in a vigorous way, with certain erroneous theories which had impeded the progress of our cause in the South. He removed to Springfield, Ill., in July, 1888, where he served as pastor in that capital city until January, 1891, when

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he resigned to accept a call from Tacoma, Wash., where it was expected he would render valuable service in developing the interest of our cause in that young State. While preparing to go to his Western field of labor, he met with the unfortunate accident of February 3, in which his hip was fractured by a fall, and which frustrated all his plans. The cherished hope of his many friends, that the accident would not seriously interfere with his great usefulness in the cause of religious restoration and reformation, has been realized. He is now able to go about, but favors the limb that was injured. He has held about fifteen oral debates, and several newspaper discussions with representative men. He is at present associated with his son, W. N., in the publication of Briney's Monthly, a religious periodical of great merit, in which the living questions of the day are vigorously discussed. The monthly is now in its third year, and growing in favor with the people. All who are seeking after the "old paths" will enjoy reading this journal. It is published from Moberly, Mo., the present home of the editor.

L. C. WILSON.


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