Rev. William Henderson

 
The Cartersville Express
Cartersville, Georgia
April 15, 1869, page 3
 
Transcribed by:  
 

We regret to record the death of one of our most venerable and estimable citizens—the Rev. Wm. Henderson, better known as “Uncle Billy.”  He died at his residence, in this county, on Wednesday, the 8th inst., at the advance age of 89 years.  For many years he has been fully consecrated to the work of the ministry in the Methodist E. Church South, the whole burden of his cry, through a long series of years, was “Behold! Behold the Lamb!”  When death came he was ready—a full ripe sheaf for God’s garner—whither he was gathered to shine and sing forever.  He leaves behind him an aged and afflicted companion, several children, and a host of friends, to mourn their loss.

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May 6, 1869
Page 3

Citation.

To James Henderson, William Henderson, Lewis Henderson, and Bellam Henderson, Mary Saxon, Hugh Saxon, Henry Henderson, Nancy Owens, formerly Nancy Henderson, and Jessie G. Henderson, and James Hendrix and wife:

Richard Henderson having applied for probate at the August Term 1869, of this Court of the will of William Henderson, deceased, to which he claims to be an executor, so named in said will.

You, and each of you, are required, and cited, to be and appear at the Ordinary’s office in the Court House of Bartow county, at the regular August term, 1869, of the Court of Ordinary, for said county, to attend the probate of said will.

This 3d May 1869.
J. A. Howard, Ordinary, B. C.

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May 20, 1869
Page 2

Obituary.--- At his residence in Bartow county, on the 6th day of April last, Rev. William Henderson, aged eighty-nine years.—This venerable servant of God was a member of the M. E. Church South, for sixty years.  For five years, he lived a private member, but feeling that he was called to preach the Gospel, he obtained license, and from that time he devoted himself to his Master’s business.  For thirty-five years he preached in South Carolina, at that time there were, comparatively, few preachers, and hence his field of labor was wide.  In those days, ministers, more frequently than now, adopted the Apostolic plan of going two and two together.  He identified himself with Rev. Barnett Smith, and like Paul and Silas, they went forth, and obeyed the divine command, preaching in every nook and corner of Laurence District, and frequently in the adjoining Districts hunting out new ground and establishing new preaching places, frequently at private houses, holding Class-meetings, and prayer-meetings, visiting the sick and building up the church in every way in their power.  He never let an opportunity of doing good slip wherever he might be thrown, whether on the Sabbath, week day, or at night, he was ready to work in his Father’s Vineyard—whether to preach or exhort, or to do any service for the Lord, either at home or abroad.  Frequently while traveling on a journey would he preach at the house where he stopped for the night, and on first acquaintance would so ingratiate himself with the people, that they would regret his departure, and solicit him to come again.  Sending an appointment before him, and leaving them behind him for his return journey, he then made his very business avocations instruments for labor in the cause of the gospel.  About twenty years after, he removed to this country, and settled near Cassville, where he died, continuing to preach and fill his place in the church as he had formerly done, until his failing powers confined him to his bed from which the old man left us for Heaven.  He was a man of extraordinary constitution, and retained his strength and vivacity until his eighty-fifth year.  It was not disease which terminated his life, but the sands of his existence gradually wasted away, and it only remained for him to yield up his life and go to his reward.  The last days of his life were spent in talking of his willingness to depart and his anxious care for the church and his Christian friends.  The preaching of the Gospel was his ruling passion, and his love for it was manifested in the closing hours of his life. One night a short time before his death, while some of his friends were on a  visit to him at his house, he was lying asleep on his bed, suddenly, to the surprise of all he gave out a hymn, raised the tune and sung it through as if at a meeting, then took his text and preached aloud.  The next morning on being asked about it, he told them that he was at a Camp-meeting.  Familiarly known as “Uncle Billey,” he was beloved by all who knew him, and now when we think of his goodness, his faith, and his long life of unwearied devotion to Christ, a gladness fills our heart in the same confidence, that he has his home now in the mansions of the blest in Heaven.  Confident of his acceptance in the full assurance of faith, he spake in the closing moments of life, in raptured terms of the prospect just before him, and giving directions as to his burial, the place where he should be laid away, and who should preach his funeral sermon, he closed his eyes in peace and went away to the heavenly hills, Rev. J. L. Pierce discharged his funeral obsequie, before a large and deeply affected congregation, preaching from the appropriate text “For our conversation is in Heaven.”  And thus another aged pilgrim has passed the desert through and entered into the promised land, another soldier of the cross has fought the fight and won the crown.  Behold we count them happy which endure.  Blessed are the dead which died in the Lord.
L.
Southern Christian Advocate and Laurensville Herald please copy.

[The date of death reported as April 6, 1869 in one article and April 8, 1869, in the other.]

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The Cartersville Express
August 5, 1869, page 2

Leave to Sell Land.

Richard Henderson, Ex’r of Wm. Henderson, deceased, asks to sell real estate belonging to the estate.

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The Cartersville Express
October 7, 1869, page 3

Executor’s Sale.
Georgia Bartow County.

By virtue of an order from the Court of Ordinary of Bartow County, will be sold on the first Tuesday in December, 1869, at the Court House Door in said county, between the legal hours of sale, the tract of land in said County, whereon William Henderson resided at the time of his death, containing 320 acres, more or less.  The same situated, lying and being in the 5th Dist., and 3rd Sec. of said County. There being on said plantation a good dwelling House, Gin House, and good, comfortable out houses, good well of water, 225 acres of cleared land, the balance well timbered.

Also, a tract or parcel of land, known as a portion of the Judge Fain tract of land, in the same County, Dist, and Sec., containing 134 acres, more or less.  About 60 acres cleared land in cultivation, the balance well timbered.  No improvements on the tract, but lies near enough to cultivate and reside on the Home tract.  No running water on the place.  All sold as the property of William Henderson deceased, for the benefit of the heirs and creditors of said deceased.  Terms of the sale, one half cash, and the other half on a credit of twelve months, note and security, with interest from date.  Bond for titles given.  Deed to be made on payment of the purchase money.

R. Henderson, Executor
Wm. Henderson Dec’d
October 6th, 1869

 

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