Category Archives: NC Christian Advocate

TODD, Carrie Asbury – (d. 1915)

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Ms. Carrie Asbury TODD, wife of Mr. Floyd TODD and daughter of Mr. and Mrs. S.M. ASBURY, passed peacefully to eternal rest in the early morning hours of February 8th, being a little less than eighteen years of age.  She had been ill but a few days and therefore her death came as a great surprise and shock to many friends and acquaintances.  This was a sad death indeed because a young life was so suddenly cut short and because she was a bride of only six months. 

Her nearest relatives are a young husband, her father and mother, three brothers and two sisters.  But they sorrow not as those who have no hope; for their loved one surely rests from the labors of a brief life well spent in the Master’s service. No community could ever boast of a more beautiful, self-sacrificing and loyal spirit than that of Sister TODD.  At the early age of ten years she joined the Methodist Church in Seversville where she lived and died.  And from her entrance into the church she was either a teacher or an assistant teacher in the Sunday school, and holding also other offices from time to time in the Sunday school, and Epworth League.  When the summons came she was choir leader and teacher of a class in Sunday school. 

Her saintly soul is with God but the world is richer for the privilege of having had so pure a life within it.  We cherish her memory as one of the most precious of our heritages.  She acted well her part and lived up to the full measure of duty and when the sun went down there were no clouds.  Her pure soul has winged its way up <…> the supernal glory of another world and all we can do is to mourn her and place on her grave our tribute and affection and esteem.  No; one thinks more we can do. And that is to follow Christ as she followed him til we see her and till we “see him as <…> is.” — W.F. ELLIOTT, Pastor. 

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 11 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

WHISENANT, Otie – (d. 1915)

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We, the members of Oak Hill Sunday school of Oak Hill Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Table Rock Circuit, herein express our great sorrow caused by the death of a dear little thirteen-year-old girl, Otie WHISENANT, daughter of Mr. Enoch WHISENANT. Her faithfulness to Sunday school in attendance and interest was remarkable. Her pretty, bright face was an inspiration.  She was beloved, and she will be sadly missed. 

Therefore, be it resolved:
First, That we reverently submit to the will of our Heavenly Father. 
Second, That we extend sympathy that is heartfelt to the bereaved loved ones. 
Third, That a copy of these resolutions be sent to the family, to each of the Morganton paper, and to the North Carolina Christian Advocate. 

(Signed) – Mrs. Elmer SIMPSON, Mrs. James WALL, Miss Cleo WALL

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 11 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

HANES, John Henry – (d. 1915)

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John Henry HANES was born in Davie County, January 21, 1838, and died Feb. 18, 1915, at the age of 77 years and 28 days.  He was a son of Joseph and Mary HANES, there being four sons and three daughters, and he was the last of these to pass away.

He was married to Louiza CLOUSE in November, 1865, and to this union were born three sons, Joseph, George and Lewis, and one daughter, Lula.  Joseph died in infancy; all the rest survive their father and also their mother who died in September, 1902.

Brother HANES made a profession of religion in early life and joined the M.E. Church, South, at Fulton, where his membership remained till his death. He never moved from the house in which he was born, but in the old home in which he lived and died, in a few hundred yards of the old church, a beautiful little brick church, which begins to show age, and which stands as a monument to the faith and loyalty of the subject of this sketch, as well as to the other members of the the Hanes family who resided here or who were interested in here.

Brother HANES has been an office bearer in his church nearly all his life, serving as Sunday school superintendent, steward, and trustee.  Some member of the Hanes family has been superintendent of this Sunday school for about 75 years, and Brother J.H. has been most of this time.

He was a man who could be dependend on in battle of right against wrong.  He took his stand, and was always found on the right side of every moral question. He would vote for prohibition if his were the only vote.  His faith in God was simple, childlike and firm, and his devotion to the causes of the Master was constant and true.

Brother HANES was so kind to every one whom he came in contact that he can appropriately be called the friend of all men.  It would be hard to over estimate the value of such a life as his has been.

In the death of J.H. HANES Fulton church sustains a very great loss, all the other HANES’ had left Fulton community and all the older Hanes’ are dead except P.H. HANES, of Winston-Salem, who is a nephew of his.

Davie county has lost one of her truest and most patriotic sons, and the community has lost one of its best citizens and most valuable men.

On Saturday, February 20, at 11.a.m., a large number of mourning relatives while his body waited at the altar and accompanied his remains to the church where a large company were waiting.  The house was well filled, conducted the funeral service, and he where he had conducted the Sunday school so often, the writer, his pastor,  assisted by Rev. W.S. HALL, the pastor of Fork and Advance Baptist churches, conducted the funeral service, and he was laid to rest near the church.

There was a beautiful floral offering which has a language all its own.

We feel sure we know where to find him, and trust all the relatives and friends will prepare to meet him in the house of many mansions in the home that shall never be broken up, and where they never say goodby.

“How blest the rightous when he dies!
When sinks a weary soul to rest,
How mildly beams the closing eyes,
How gently heaves th’ expiring breast!

So fades a summer cloud away;
So sinks the gale when storms are o’er;
So gently shuts the eye of day;
So dies a wave along the shore.”

His pastor, E. MYERS, Advance, NC.

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 11 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

HELMS, Robert A. – (d. 1915)

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Robert A. HELMS was born near Monroe in Union county, N.C., March 9th, 1848, and died in his home in McAdenville, N.C., Feb. 27, 1915, having almost completed his 66th year. He was married in 1868 to Nancy D. RILEY, of Gaston, who survives him.  To this union were born, three of whom, Joseph, John and Lizzie, are living.

Brother HELMS was converted when a young man, and joined the Baptist church. Later he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and lived a devoted member of the same until his death.  I talked with Brother HELMS quite frequently during his last days, and he asked me many questions about “the heavenly home.”  He suffered intensely in his last days, but I never heard him murmur nor complain. Several times he would almost shout and say he was just waiting to go.

A good friend, an esteemed neighbor, a devoted father, and a thoughtful and loyal husband has fallen.  The funeral was conducted by the writer on Sunday afternoon of the 28th, and he was laid to rest in Ebenezer cemetery.  May great grace abide with the bereaved ones. — Dwight W. BROWN. McAdenville, N.C.

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 11 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

BELL, Mrs. W.T.R. – (d. 1915)

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A death that brought sadness and gloom to all our town occurred at Spartanburg, S.C., Monday night, when in the home of her son Charles, Mrs. W.T.R. BELL passed away.

Mrs. BELL was born March the 18th, 1848, at Newport, N.C., in Carteret County. She died March 1, 1915, being nearly 66 years of age.  The remains were brought here yesterday and services were conducted from the Methodist church, of which she had been a consistent member for the greater part of her life, by her pastor, Rev. Albert SHERRILL, in the presence of a great concourse of sympathizing friends.

On January 1, 1868, she was married to Capt. W.T.R. BELL, a native of Ocomac county, Va.  She lived to make him a happy home for 47 years.

She leaves to mourn for her the husband, who, as a life-long teacher of large experience, has charge of Boiling Springs High School.  A son Charley, clerk in the post office at Spartanburg, S.C; another son, James, Superintendent of the Graded Schools of Rockingham, N.C.; one daughter, who is the wife of Mr. T.P. REYNOLDS, of Asheville.  These relatives were all present at the funeral services.  The floral tributes were large and beautiful.

Mrs. BELL was one of the sweetest spirits that ever graced a home or blessed a community. — Albert SHERRILL

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 11 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

YOAKLEY, John Alexander – (d. 1915)

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John Alexander YOAKLEY, son of Amos and Elizabeth YOAKLEY, was born in Davidson County, NC, January 4, 1859, and died at his home in Mt. Airy February 12, 1915; his life covering a period of a little more than 56 years.  At the age of 21 he was married to Miss Flora SICELOFF, of his native county, to which union six children were born; three daughters, Sardie, Mattie, and Alma; three sons, James, Oscar, and Bruce, all of whom, with their mother, survive him.  He came to Mt. Airy about 30 years ago, and engaged in the lumber business.  He was a pioneer here in furniture manufacturing.  In this, and other lines, he proved himself a successful businessman. 

Being a man of energy and public spirit, his fellow citizens, two years ago, elected him a city alderman.  In this position he gave a good account of himself. 

His life as a Christian and church man began with his conversion at the age of 18 at Bethany in Davidson county.  He joined the church at Midway.  Ever afterwards he was a loyal useful Methodist.  He has been a member of Central’s official board for many years.  Due largely to him and one other the charge has is present parsonage.  Along with the late J.H. PROTHER. He was active in securing our present organ.  He was a friend to the district and the district parsonage, His church appreciated him and honored him by sending him to district and annual conferences.  At the time of his death he was a member of the Conference board of church extension.  The writer as well as all our ministers who became associated with him, valued his friendship and counsel. 

A successful business man, a progressive citizen, a loyal church man, and a devoted husband and father, he will be greatly missed. 

The funeral was conducted by his pastor from his late residence, in the midst of a large company, and his body was laid, with masonic honors, to rest in the city cemetery. — W.H. WILLIS. 

Editorial Note: This is the obituary for John Alexander Yokley. See his family tree profile at FamilySearch Family Tree. 

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 4 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

 

TROY, Nancy M. – (d. 1915)

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On last Sunday, after having preached at Pleasant Garden and having received a call to go to Liberty to attend the funeral of Mrs. TROY near that place, Brother H.M. BLAIR was kind enough to come to my assistance and fill my appointment at Bethlehem in the evening. 

Mrs. Nancy M. TROY was one of the oldest members of our church at Bethany and on the 19th of February, 1915, she passed peacefully away.  She was born September 3rd, 1828, and had therefore lived to be 86 years, five moths, and 16 days old.  She had been in feeble  health for a long time when she  had an attack of pneumonia which ended her earthly existence.  She had been for a long time an acceptable member of the M.E. Church, South, having united with the church in her youth.  She was a good woman and  her end was peace.  She expressed herself as ready to go and a little while before the end came she said, “All is bright and beautiful.”  On the 21st day of February, a dear and peaceful Sabbath evening, in the presence of a large congregation her remains were laid to rest in the Bethany cemetery. — P.L. TERRELL.

February 24th, 1915.

Editorial Note: This is the obituary for Nancy M. Cox Troy. See her family tree profile at FamilySearch Family Tree. 

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 4 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

 

MILLER, Claude Y. (Mrs.) – (d. 1915)

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Death has claimed one of our most saintly women. Mrs. Claude Y. MILLER lay down in death a week ago while the whole town wept.  In the church she was consecrated and efficient; her hands were always willing and she was quick to see what needed to be done.  She was love with rare devotion by her children, upon whom she had made the imprint of her saintly life.  No one in our town was held in higher esteem.  She was but 55 years old and her friends were expecting a score more of years in which to enjoy her Christian fellowship.  But it has been ordered otherwise, and they must wait her meeting till the dawning of the new day.  May God comfort those who mourn. — Otto J. JONES.

Wilkesboro, NC

Editorial Note: This is the obituary for Minnie Florence Smith Troy. See her family tree profile at FamilySearch Family Tree.

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 4 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

 

WILEY, Alpheus E. (Rev.) – (d. 1915)

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by Rev. H.L. Powell

Rev.  Alpheus Eli WILEY was born in Guilford county, near Greensboro, N.C., Dec. 26, 1848, and died at Cliffside, Rutherford county, N.C., Jan. 31, 1915.  During his last sickness he was in the home of his daughter, Mrs. Ella HAMES.

In 1872 Brother WILEY was happily married to Miss Mary Claudia KIRKMAN, also of Guilford county.  In the home, in the church and in the social service of the community Mrs. WILEY measured and an itinerant’s wife.  She preceded him to the celestial city a little more than two years.  To them were born eleven children, nine of whom are still living, as follows: T. Marvin WILEY, Ella J. HAMES, Mary Claudia TUCKER, Nancy Elizabeth SELLERS, Maggie Mae WALL, Gussie F. NIVEN, Ida E. NIVEN, L. Raymon WILEY, W. Herbert WILEY.

Brother WILEY felt the call to preach in very early life, even prior to his conversion.  At about twelve years of age he was converted. Not uniting himself with the church immediately he soon found himself in a backslidden state.  Three or four years later he attended a service in a series of meetings conducted by one of our local preachers.  As he listened to the sermon from the text, “How long halt ye between two opinions?”  1 Kings 18:21, he felt that it applied directly to him.  He decided the matter once for all, renewed his covenant with God and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.  In 1872 he was granted license to preach.  In the local ranks until 1883 he was a true and faithful preacher of the gospel.  In this relation he served as supply on Columbus Mission, now Green River charge, in 1878 and 1879.

In 1883 he was admitted into the North Carolina Conference on trial at Statesville, N.C.  He was received into the Conference at Reidsville, N.C., in 1886.  He was ordained Elder by Bishop HARGROVE at Greensboro in 1889.

The following are the appointments served by Brother WILEY: 1884-86, Clayton circuit; 1887-90, Pleasant Grove circuit; 1891-93, Wilkes circuit; 1894-96, Iredell circuit; 1897-98, Mt. Pleasant circuit; 1899-1900, Lincolnton circuit; 1901, Table Rock circuit.  He was appointed to Table Rock circuit again for 1902, but was removed in the interval of the Conference to fill a vacancy that had occurred on the Connelly Springs circuit.  He served this circuit again in 1903.  In 1904-07 he was on the Lilesville circuit.  While on this charge he suffered a stroke of paralysis on the 9th of April and was never able for work of the pastorate again.  He took the superannuate relation and remained in this relation until the time of his death.

“He was a true man; we all loved him; we love him still.”  These words in a letter from one of our veteran preachers express the Conference’s estimate of Brother WILEY and the attitude of the Conference toward him.

Brother WILEY was altruistic to the heart’s centre.  He was always interested in the needs of others and spared no effort to do for them what the true Christian spirit prompted.  Along with this characteristic was the happy gift of tactfulness.  He would help you in such a way as to make you feel that you were not a beneficiary.  The writer will always remember with gratitude how, when he was a young local preacher at Rutherford College, Brother WILEY used to take him into council about the problems that presented themselves on the work.  He then felt that he was called into these councils to help Brother WILEY decide some difficult problem. He now feels that Brother WILEY was trying to train him for the work of the pastorate.  This spirit of helping without appearing to help was characteristic of the true man he was.

In his preaching he was not the meteoric phenomenon that for an instant paints a rod of light across the heavens and then dissolves into dust so minute that it is bourne unconsciously on the most of gentle zephyr, but he was the beacon light that, getting down among the shoals, warns the bark of destiny from the fatal rock and into the channel that leads to the harbor of eternal life.

He never filled the great appointments of the Conference.  I mean “great” to be understood in the sense of paying the larger salaries.  But he did where he was needed a work that has told in the conversion of precious souls.

On his knees beside the penitent soul, helping him; with prophetic fearlessness, warning the guilty soul; with the person of flickering faith, giving encouragement; at the bedside of the sick and dying, bringing the consolations of the gospel, you could have found him ready like his Lord to lend a helping hand. Indeed, “he was a true man.”

Brother WILEY was a good citizen.  His interest in civic righteousness was intense.  He stood fearlessly by the right and fought the wrong.  He could hate, with tremendous hatred, wrong and at the same time love the wrong door.  While he sought to drive out evil he strove with all his might to save the one who was the perpetrator of the wrong.

He was a staunch advocate for the very best educational advantages for our young people.  It was nothing short of the heroic that enable him on a meagre salary and with a large family to give his children the splendid intellectual training they ahve.

During the latter part of Brother WILEY’s life the writer was with him frequently.  He always found him sweet and cheerful. When he spoke of himself he would say, “I am in the Lord’s hands and am only waiting His will to be done.”  More perfect resignation or sweeter confidence would be hard to find anywhere than was shown by him.  “In the evening time it was light.”

On Sunday morning at about six he took his departure so quietly that loved ones thought he had fallen asleep.  In truth he had fallen

“Asleep in Jesus! blessed sleep.
From which none ever wakes to weep!”

So long deprived of the privilege of public worship in the sanctuary his disembodied spirit went to join the celestial choir around the throne on high that Sunday morning.

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 4 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

Editorial Note: view Alpheus Eli Wiley’s family tree at FamilySearch.org. Free registration required.

COOK, John – (d. 1915)

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Mr. John W. COOK, a prominent citizen of Pomona, and a leading member of our church at Muir’s Chapel, on the West Greensboro charge, passed away suddenly at his home on last Saturday night.  Mr. COOK was an ex-sheriff of Guilford county and a man of large influence and popularity in the community.

The circumstances of his death were peculiarly sad.  He had been apparently in his usual health and his wife had gone to a neighbor’s for the night to assist in watching at the bedside of one who had been very ill.  Mr. COOK and his ten-year-old daughter were at home alone.  The little girl awoke early Sunday morning and finding the lights still burning went in search and found the dead body of her father in the lavatory where he had been stricken suddenly with heart failure the night before.

The deceased was a good man and will be greatly missed.  The funeral was conducted on Monday at the residence and the body laid to rest at Guilford College.  May God greatly comfort the stricken family.

Source: NC Christian Advocate, 4 March 1915.  Available online at the Internet Archive.

Editorial Note: view John Winfield Cook’s family tree at FamilySearch.org. Free registration required.