Born: Zemuree, Tenn., 1828.
Died: Illinois, 1908.
His parents brought him to Illinois in 1829 on a pack horse. They went to Montgomery County, but afterward settled on Turkey Creek, south of Odin, in Marion County. He had the education imparted in backwoods subscription schools. He became a Christian in 1841 under the ministry of Mr Schooly, and began to preach in early life.
His ministry in southeastern Illinois reached through sixty years during which he immersed about five thousand people. His work was in the pioneer settlements and for many years private houses and groves. He encountered intense bigoted sectarianism, generally ignorant and superstitious. He was a valued counselor and rarely equaled as a controversialist in private personal encounters. Many congregations grew from his labors. His sincerity in all he said and did, his earnest, sympathizing nature and his power in exhortation enabled him to win many souls for Christ, while his own life strengthened and confirmed their faith. His many and great sacrifices have had their reward.