JAMES FENDALL PARKINSON

Mrs. Hemans, in her poem, ''The Homes of England," says

 

"The stately homes of England,

How beautiful they stand,

Amidst their tall ancestral trees. O'er all the pleasant land !"

 

Virginia, in so many ways like England, has many such homes, and "Oak Spring," in New Kent County, since Revolutionary days the home of the Parkinson family, recalls the poet's lines. The place took its name from a splendid oak which shades a generous spring. The house, which was built before the Revolutionary War, stands on a slight elevation, and not far away are numerous poplar trees. In all these years many stories of romance and adventure have gathered around this Virginia country home. During the Revolutionary War two sons of the family were at home on furlough when suddenly numerous "red coats" appeared, who demanded the keys of the smoke house. Down from the "long room" the soldier boys came, and, with sticks as their only weapons, arrested the British soldiers. At "Oak Spring" James Fendall Parkinson was born May 9, 1814. Here he spent his life and here he died. He was the third son of Joseph and Ellie Parkinson. His mother was left a widow at the early age of thirty, but she managed her plantation with such remarkable ability that she succeeded in giving her children a good education. Upon a horse of pony build, she rode over the place from day to day giving directions as to how the work of the farm was to be done. Her son James, after having attended preparatory schools near home, entered the Virginia Baptist Seminary, now known as Richmond College. Here he gave his especial attention to mathematics and surveying, though the classics were not neglected, as he desired to fit himself for the position of county surveyor. This position, his father, a graduate of William and Mary College, had filled. For some years after leaving the College, Mr. Parkinson was a most successful teacher, and the accurate county surveyor. He was noted for his strict sense of honor and possessed in the highest degree the confidence of all classes of people.

 

 At a camp-meeting held at Emmaus Baptist Church, New Kent County, when Elders John Kerr and J. B. Jeter were the chief preachers, Mr. Parkinson made a profession of his faith in Christ, and was baptized into the fellowship of this church. While a consistent member of the church from the time of his baptism onward, it was some years before he gave himself to the gospel ministry. When this step had been taken his first pastorate was at North Run Church, near Richmond. Later he became the pastor of Emmaus, his mother church, but the greater, and what he considered the most useful, part of his ministry was given to Black Creek Church, in Hanover County, and to Hopewell Church, in New Kent County. These two churches, the former twelve miles and the latter eight miles from his home (New Kent and Hanover are adjoining counties), he served for almost a quarter of a century, and at the time of his death there were not more than two or three persons in either church who had not been received or baptized by him. With loyal devotion the welfare of these churches was among his last thoughts. As a preacher, he was earnest, pointed, practical. He preached Christ crucified, and his hearers always felt that the truth he proclaimed was very precious to his own soul. As a winner of souls he was successful in a high degree, and as a pastor he was faithful and devoted. He was a most useful man in his community, loved and trusted by all who knew him, and his advice was sought by those who were troubled or in perplexity. He was the peacemaker of the community, and on his own plantation had the affection of his slaves, to whom he was kind and generous.

 

In 1840, Mr. Parkinson was married to Miss Hannah Williams, daughter of Mr. Jesse Williams, of Richmond, Va. Her death, on the fourteenth anniversary of their marriage, left him with six little children. In 1857, he was married to Miss Maria Louise Cocke, a daughter of James and Elizabeth Cocke, of King William County. The only child of this second marriage was a daughter. The period of the Civil War and the Reconstruction days that followed was a peculiarly trying time to the section of Virginia where Mr. Parkinson lived, and he did not escape the stress and strain of those awful years. His sons went forth with their country's army, one of them serving all through the War as a scout under General J. E. B. Stuart. Mr. Parkinson rendered most valuable service to his community by teaching his neighbors' sons, who otherwise would have been deprived of school advantages, for it is too true that letters no less than laws suffer when war appears; inter arma silent leges. When the cruel conflict was over "Oak Spring," along with other Virginia homes, was in a devastated condition, but Mr. Parkinson, with brave and dauntless heart, set out, aided by his sons, to cultivate his farm, guiding with his own hands, when it was necessary, the plow. This severe manual labor, to which he was not accustomed, doubtless shortened his days. Mr. Parkinson was by inclination and habit a student rather than a farmer. His leisure moments found him holding converse with the great spirits of the world through their writings. It was the normal thing to see him with a book in his hand. Yet when the necessity came upon him he kept up his farm, and gave especial care to his apple orchard. As his sons grew up he sought to see them well started in life. For one he accepted a place in a Richmond tobacco warehouse. After a week or so, however, the youth returned, having ridden home on a passing wagon. He said that he could not stand the confusion of the city, and that he would choose the country even if it meant poverty. As the position offered was too good an opportunity to be lost, Mr. Parkinson sent another son to take it, and he is now one of Richmond's most prosperous citizens.

 

This record of Mr. Parkinson's life sufficiently shows the spirit of the man, and makes any attempt to further set forth his character unnecessary. Yet one other statement about him, at once interesting and inspiring, should be made. As a boy he is said to have had a most violent temper, but before his riper years were past he had come to have such complete control over himself in this regard that those who did not know him in his younger days little dreamed of the fire that once was quick to burst forth. Yet he had not lost spirit, for upon occasion he could be most positive and emphatic. His life was his best preparation for death, yet during his last illness he gave most emphatic evidence of his firm trust in his Redeemer, and of his entire resignation to God's will. On September 6, 1880, he fell on sleep. His wife followed him to the grave February 5, 1893, and her body sleeps beneath the sod in the beautiful Hollins cemetery

 

- Virginia Baptist Ministers. 3rd series- George Braxton Taylor, 1912

First Minister Corinth Baptist

 To Unveil Tablet To Church’s First Pastor 

NEW KENT, Va., June 18.—A tablet in memory of the late Rev. John Avery Richardson, founder and first pastor, who served faithfully for 21 years, will be unveiled at Corinth Baptist Church, New Kent Court House, Sunday, June 22.

 The church was organized in 1878. The original church was burned In 1910 and was replaced by the present building in 1912. There will be all-day services at this occasion and dinner will be served on the grounds.

-Suffolk News-Herald,  18 June 1930

From the book, Virginia Baptist Ministers,

JOHN A RICHARDSON 

John A. Richardson was born Sept 6, 1826 His parents who were "highly respected" gave him "all of the advantages of the neighborhood schools." In 1847 he was married to Miss A.E. Timberlake. Of this union three children were born. In 1879 he was married to Miss A.L. Binford, his first wife having died in 1875. Of this second marriage seven children were born. During the Civil War he served in the army with gallantry. Not until after this struggle was he impressed that it was his duty to preach. It is suggested that the thought of God's mercy which had guarded him from so many perils during this time of danger, led him to enter the ministry. After a careful study of the Bible he went to Rev. J.H. Barnes and made known the fact that strong convictions had decided him to unite with the Baptists. He was received into the fellowship of Liberty Church (Dover Association) of which Mr Barnes was pastor, and here on August 26, 1876, he was ordained. In January, 1878, he accepted the care of the Antioch Baptist Church Dover Association. He resigned this church in 1890, but only because the moderator of the Association was seeking to consolidate fields. This change was a distinct sacrifice to him. He left true friends to enter upon work with new and untried brethren; nor was his salary on his new field as large as it had been. From Antioch he went to the pastorate of Emmaus in New Kent County. In 1877 he did missionary work at New Kent Courthouse that led to the building there of the Corinth Baptist Church which was dedicated in November, 1878. He at once became the pastor, and remained in this office until shortly before his death, when he resigned whereupon he was made emeritus pastor. As a preacher he was earnest, sympathetic, forceful, with the missionary spirit. He gave liberally of his own means and was careful that every object of the General Association should be presented to his churches no blanks stood opposite the names of his churches in the list of contributions. Rev. J.T. Tucker who knew his work for twenty years and on whose tribute to him this sketch is mainly based says: "I have never known a serious division to arise in any one of his churches nor the desire of even a few that he should resign To me it seemed that all men loved him." His death took place February 10, 1900. 

- Virginia Baptist Ministers. 4th Series, George Braxton Taylor,    J. P. Bell Company, Incorporated, 1913

His "highly respected" parents were George Washington Richardson and Susan née Goddin.

Evangelizing - 1807

 Camp Meetings. 

Held by the Episcopal Methodists. 

The 1st.— At Roper’s Chapel in New Kent, from Thursday 11th to Monday 15th June, 1807, the assembly attending on the occasion, is adjudged to amount to 2500 people— 7 Preachers, 16 tents, 23 hopefully Converted and 20 joined the Church; as heretofore we had some disquietude from the ungodly, but the good, far exceeded the evil. 

The 2d.— At Mathew’s Chapel, in Mathews county from Friday the 19th to Monday 22d of June the assembly estimated at 3000 people, 16 Preachers. 12 tens, 40 hopefully Converted, and great awakenings among the people, happy seasons of grace among the believers, and a solemn and affecting patting at the close. Very good order here:

The 3d— At Providence Chapel in Chesterfield county—from Saturday the 27th to Tuesday 30th June— the assembly supposed to be composed of 2000 people, 6 Preachers 10 Tents. 20 supposed to be converted—with visible awakenings among sinners & blessings to Christians— from the short notice of about three weeks forming a two days meeting into a camp meeting the neighboring people, are deserving the credit of very agreeable fixment for the accommodations of the assembly —and considering the rain that fell on the first day, there were more tents than could have been expected—and very good order except in one instance occasioned by some who were thought to have drank rather free—and our solemn march round the encampment—at at the previous meetings were truly affecting. 

"And there Was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said be it a good many: others said  nay: but he deceiveth the people.” John 7. 12 — "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false Prophet are gone out into the World," 1 John 4. 1. 

 -Virginia Argus, 8 July 1807

The vicinity of Roper's Church from the Civil War Gilmer map

"We hear from Providence in New Kent . . ."

We hear from Providence in New Kent county that on the 8th instant the Rev. Charles Jeffrey Smith, who proposes to settle and reside on his estate opened a subscription for erecting a Presbyterian church 70 feet in length and forty in breadth with galleries and a steeple which was generously encouraged. The building of which will be let to the lowest undertaker on Wednesday, the 22d instant, at said place, by the managers, who will attend there on that day. 

-Virginia Gazette, Feb 16 1769

Smith, Rev, Charles Jeffrey, A.M., was a Presbyterian minister of Long Island, New York. He formed a partnership with another Presbyterian, William Holt, of Virginia, and in 1765 held 500 acres in James City county, and a mill called "Kennon's Mill". He founded a settlement in New Kent county which he called "Providence" now Providence Forge), and built thereon iron, grist and saw mills. He died in 1771. After his death the forge at New Kent was conducted by Francis Jerdone and William Holt. 

- Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography, Under the Editorial Supervision of Lyon Gardiner Tyler, Volume 1-1915

Much more on the Reverend Charles Jeffrey Smith to follow . . .

A Not Very Holy Meeting

 

   A WARM TIME. 

AT A HOLINESS MEETING IN NEW KENT.

A correspondent of the Richmond Dispatch, writing from Oak*, New Kent county, Wednesday, says: 

"At Roper's Tabernacle Monday night a few cool-headed persons succeeded in averting what promised to be a serious affair. 

"As was seen in the Dispatch about ten days ago a Mr. Boroughs, a new comer to this county, invited the Rev. R.W. Webb, of Norfolk, to hold a Holiness camp meeting near his place. Mr. Webb carries his own tent with him, but the Methodists of this vicinity, who own the above-named tabernacle, granted him leave to hold the meeting in that building. The meeting commenced Sunday with Mr. Webb on hand. He began his discourse by abusing the members of the Methodist Church who did not believe in holiness, Christian perfection, or sanctification. He finally became so violent and personal that he was called down by Rev. Eugene Potts, pastor of the Methodist Church here. The two had quite a hot discussion for a few minutes, when several members of the Tabernacle congregation Jumped from their seats and Joined in what was then getting to be a very high-pitched row. One man was shaking his fist in the Rev. Webb's face. While this was going on the ladies took to their heels and ran out of doors. Some never stopped until they reached their homes. The Rev. Webb and his few followers were ordered to leave the tabernacle, but he has sent on for his tent (which he left behind after securing the building), and will continue the meeting on the land of Mr. Boroughs."

-Virginian-Pilot, 20 October 1899


*approximately where the Saude Creek Winery is now.

Rev. Isaac Oliver Sloan

 More particulars from the varied life of the Rev. Isaac Oliver Sloan.

Isaac Oliver Sloan (XIX 69) was graduated at Washington and Jefferson college, Canonsburg, Pennsylvania; studied theology at Union Theological seminary, New York; received license to preach from the Fourth Presbytery of Philadelphia, and was ordained in 1856 by the Presbytery of Hanover, Virginia. He was a missionary in Kent county, Virginia, for four years. His first pastoral charge was at Talleysville, Accomac(!!!) county, Virginia, where he remained till the outbreak of the Civil war. He was twice commissioned by President Lincoln as chaplain of the field hospitals within the lines of the army of the Potomac, and afterward by President Johnson chaplain of the officers' hospital in the Naval Buildings, Annapolis, Maryland. After the close of the war he went west, and spent the rest of his active life in Minnesota, where he reared two churches, and in North Dakota, where he founded three churches.

-Record of the Harris family descended from John Harris, born in 1680 in Wiltshire, England
by Harris, Joseph Smith


Besides the prominent chaplaincies the Rev. Sloan did yeoman service as a member of the United States Christian Commission during the the Civil War. Here is a mention of his work after the Battle of Gettysburg from a contemporary report . . .

After a pretty thorough examination of the work of the Commission at the General Hospital, the members of the Committee proceeded to the hospital, located at the Lutheran Theological Seminary. Here the work was found to be in excellent progress, under the charge of the Rev. I.O. Sloan, one of the most faithful and efficient of our delegates. Mr. Sloan was with Mr. Cross and others, among the first on the ground. They were sent with a full supply of stores to Westminster, before anything could be done at Gettysburg. Immediately after the battle, they were on the ground and at work. He has continued in the faithful performance of duty ever since and it was with great pleasure that the order with which he was pursuing his way, at the Seminary Hospital, was witnessed. The surgeons spoke of him in the kindest and most affectionate manner, and wrought with him very pleasantly in the performance of their mutual labors.

 -United States Christian Commission. Committee of Maryland. Report, Volume 2
J. Young, 1864


His work on the Great Plains after the war . .

Bismarck.-On Sunday November 5, memorial services were held in the Presbyterian church for the Rev. Isaac Oliver Sloan the organizer of the church. He was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 20, 1820, and died at his residence, 3118 North Sixteenth street, Philadelphia, October 27, 1899. He was honorably retired by the Presbytery of Bismarck, October 27, 1895, and spent the last four years of his life with his relatives. "Father" Sloan as he was familiarly called was emphatically a pioneer. He was the first Presbyterian minister in the state of North Dakota, and the church at Bismarck which he organized was the second in the territory of Dakota- afterwards formed into the states of North and South Dakota. He was stated supply at Bismarck from August 28, 1873, until September 21, 1878. But he was at work on the Missouri slope and further until his honorable retirement. He went as far west as Glendive, Montana; far north as Washburn, North Dakota, and beyond; as far south as Glencoe and Emmons county; as far east as the dividing line the James river and the Missouri river. He was a gentleman in every sense; neat, refined, loving, peaceful, never very strong. He was the Apostle of Love in the territory of Dakota. The value of such a man in the pioneer days can never be estimated. At the memorial the church was filled, and many who not entered a church door for years, heard from the Rev. Durrie the familiar and simple story of the good old man; and memory as well as heart was stirred. As a little token of appreciation to the Board of Ministerial Relief, which has deservedly helped him, $11 was raised.

-The Interior
Western Presbyterian Publishing Company, Chicago
November 30, 1899

A Mass at the White House, 1862

Rev. William Corby, front right


 - from Memoirs of chaplain life by William Corby

 This would probably be the first mass ever said in New Kent . . .unless the Ajacán Mission was actually located here, but more on that some other time.

More on Rev. Samuel Davies

                                                             

Some time after the county court of New Kent gave license for his preaching in St Peter's parish  the excitement had become so high on the subject that the General Court annulled the proceedings.                                                                        

A copy of this petition from inhabitants of New Kent is preserved among the writings of Mr Davies It is itself a comment on the state of society. 

To the Worshipful Court of New Kent the Petition of the Subscribers humbly showeth "Whereas we are Protestant Dissenters of the Presbyterian denomination under the ministerial care of the Rev Mr Davies- and therefore humbly claim the liberties and immunities granted to such by the Act of Toleration upon our taking the qualifications therein imposed which we are willing to do and whereas our distance from the meeting houses now licensed renders our attendance on Public Worship a word or two obliterated and sometimes impracticable your petitioners therefore pray that a place on the land of William Clopton in this county may be recorded according to the direction of the said Act and licensed for our public religious use And your petitioners as in duty bound shall pray &c. Blackmore Hughes, Roger Shackelford, Richard Muir, William Crumpton, Robert Brain, John Thompson (three or four names obliterated) Charles Cuningham, Simon Clement, Abraham Lewis, Thomas Francis, Julius K Burbidge.                                         
At a court held for New Kent County, April 12th, 1750- 

"On the petition of divers of the inhabitants of the county of New Kent and Hanover Samuel Davies a dissenting minister who hath qualified himself according to the Act of Toleration is allowed to assemble and meet any congregation of Protestant Dissenters at a meeting house to be erected on the land of Wm Clopton in New Kent County without molestation they behaving in a peaceful manner and conforming themselves according to the provisions of the said act of parliament."  Copy-Teste   John Dandridge, Clerk of the County                  

 This license was revoked by the General Court.

-Sketches of Virginia by William Henry Foote