AARON J. SPIVEY

Elder Aaron J. Spivey was born near Windsor, Bertie county, N. C., and was

the youngest son of Elder Aaron Spivey and Margaret Spivey He was educated

at the university of North Carolina, where he graduated in the palmiest days

of that celebrated seat of learning. Soon after he professed religion and

joined the Baptist church, of which his father was pastor. In 1835 or 1836

he moved to Haywood county, Tenn., and settled at what is now known as the

Spivey place, ten miles west of Brownsville, on the then turn-pike road. He

joined the Slim Baptist church, now worshipping at Durhamville, and was

licensed to preach and ordained by that church. He became pastor of the

Russell Springs church when moved to Brownsville, which he, by his liberality

and earnest preaching and practice of sound doctrine, helped to build up and

establish in the faith. In 1850 he resigned and moved back to his native county

to become the pastor of Cashie Baptist church, Bertie county, N. C., of which

his father had been pastor before him, and of which he was pastor until his

death, which occurred in 1855 or 1856, in the prime of a useful life.

Elder Spivey was a bold and uncompromising advocate of the truth held by

orthodox Baptists; he was a shrewd debater in the annual associations, which

he loved to attend, and abounded in every good word and work.

He married in early life and excellent lady in Bertie county, N. C.,

Margaret T. Bond, who survived him a few years; he left no children. His

name is inseparably connected with the early history of West Tennessee Baptists.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF TENNESSEE BAPTIST MINISTERS by Joseph H. Borum

Page: 586.

Died at her residence near Windsor, Bertie Co., N. C., on 10th October,

ult. MRS. MARGARET, relict of Elder A. J. Spivey, deceased. Her painful

and protracted illness was borne with great patience, recognizing in all .her

afflictions, the hand of a kind heavenly father, who is too wise to err,

too good to be unkind.

During a temporary residence in Tennessee she was baptized; returning

to North Carolina, she was truly a helpmete to her husband in the discharge

of the duties of the pastorate of the church at Cashie. Foremost in every

good work, she shrank from no duty that her particular situation and native

modesty did not inhibit. The church mourns her loss, loving relations,

and the entire community mourn her loss. Our loss, however, is her gain,

she ceases from her labors to enter on her. eternal rest.

"Blessed are the dead, who die in the Lord, yea, saith the spirit, they

rest from their labors, and their works do follow them".

s. J. w.

BIBLICAL RECORDER, November 20, 1867

Page: 3:2.

DEATH OF REV. AARON J. SPIVEY

It is with deep regret that we have to record the demise of another useful

and talented Baptist minister of our state. Our heart is pained at the

thought.that Bro. A. J. Spivey is no more. By the hand of death he has fallen

in the midst of life, in the midst of usefulness. We sincerely sympathise with

the bereaved family which he has left and the brethren who enjoyed his ministerial

labors. In this solemn event, the most High has covered himself with clouds and

darkness, and truly,

"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform."

We give the following by one who knew him well, and has written with a sense

of the sad loss to the family and the Baptist church.

Died, at his residence in Bertie Co., on Monday 13th inst., Rev. Aaron J.

Spivey.

The pen falters as it contemplates the greatness of the loss, the churches

have sustained in the death of this excellent man. Scarce had he reached the acme

of his usefulness,---still rising, respected by all, beloved by the church, our

brother is called away,---Oh Zion, city of our God well may'st

thou sit in sackcloth and ashes. We raise our tearfull eyes to heaven and

tremblingly adore, while we wonder and are astonished at the mysteries of His

providence. "My startled soul be still While darkness veil's this mortal eye, And wait thy wise, thy holy will, Wrapped yet in fear and mystery. I cannot, Lord, thy purpose see, Yet all is well, since ruled by thee."

While a student at the University of N. C., Bro. Spivey was brought to the

knowledge of the truth under the labors of that excellent man, Rev. A. Nettleton;

and there he evinced that determined cast of mind that has ever marked his

christian course---Blessed in early life with the counsels of his father (the late

AARON J. SPIVEY --- 2

Elder Aaron Spivey, one of the best and purest of men), our brother evinced the

fruits in his whole life. A sound calvinist_himself Elder Spivey impressed

upon the minds of his children, as well as at his spiritual flock, a pre-eminent

love of truth.---Our departed brother, his son, was ever noted for his love of

truth. He sought it at all hazards and defended it fearlessly. Returning home

from college Bro. S. entered eagerly into the service of the church.

Co-operating with such men as the late Turner Carter, Thomas Gilliam, Lewis

Rand, Dr. Outlaw and others, the cause of Christ received great strength. Nor

were his efforts confined to the church of his membership. The Convention, the

Chowan Association, the Bertie Union meeting, found in Bro. Spivey a strong

friend, of the two last named bodies he was for many years the standing clerk.

Leaving Bertie, he moved to the Western district of Tennessee, where he was

ordained for the work of the gospel ministry. The church at Cashie called him

thence to become her bishop. Such a call he could not refuse---a thousand

tender ties bound his affections to that venerable church, the church of his

early love, the church where his revered father had labored, and where were still

those who were "bone of his bone, and flesh of his flesh."---He came, and

settled with this loved flock, and pleasant was their communing together. Blessed

under his labors, the church has been greatly strengthened; but in the midst of

his useful labors he is removed, gone to that land from whence he will no more

return, no more shall his flock hear his warning, comforting voice. No more will

the thoughtless be restrained by his faithful monitions. No more will the sorrow­

stricken and dejected soul be consoled by his kind words of christian affection.

No more shall the young and giddy be admonished of the error of their ways. No

more shall his impenitent young friends, over whom his soul yearned with a faith­

ful pastor's love, hear that well known voice urging them to the paths of piety

and religion. He has gone to his last account, there you must meet him to answer

.. ..

AARON J. SPIVEY --- 3

for the manner in which you improved his ministrations.

In the death of Bro. Spivey, the Chowan Female Institute has lost one of her

strongest supporters in the hour of her need. Wake Forest College, the

Convention, the Chowan Association, all have sustained an irreparable loss. And

society--but what shall we say of the companion of his bosom?---she who for more

than twenty years, has shared his joys and divided his griefs---language fails.

Oh, God of mercy, "temper the wind to the shorn lamb".

Calmly and peacefully he breathed his last;---while all around were bathed in

tears, he alone was tranquil. Such a death were worth a life to die.

"Soldier of Christ, well done,

Rest from thy loved employ;

The battle fought, the victory won,

Enter thy master's joy". S.J.W.

Murfreesboro, N. C., Nov. 15th, 1854.

BIBLICAL RECORDER

November 23, 1854, page 2:3

Spivey, Aaron J CS h i.V<.. , -1854.

Call to Cashie pastorate and notice of death with a brief sketch; obituary(d. 12 N 1854) (CR.5, Cashie B/C Min Book, V.1, 94; 114.)

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