|
a.
|
Note: From GLASGOW'S "HISTORY OF REFORMED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
IN AMERICA" (Page 557) REV. JOHN KELL Son of John and Jane (Morton) Kell, was born near Rocky Creek, Chester District, South Carolina, October 19, 1772 (Sprague's An- nals). Among the notable events of his childhood was the fact that his mother hid him and his little brother* in the bushes, lest they would be burned with the house by the British soldiers. His youth- ful days were spent in labor upon his father's farm, and in 1790, he began preparatory studies, with the ministry In view, in the clas- socal school of Mr. John Orr. In 1801, he crossed the ocean and en- tered the University of Glasgow, Scotland, where he graduated in 1805. He studied theology In the Seminary of Stirling, Scotland, un- der the Rev. John McMillen, and, after visiting Ireland, returned to America in the fall of 1808. He was licensed by the Middle Presby- tory, June 18, 1809, and was assigned to preach among the scattered societies in the West and South. He was ordained sine titulo by the Southern Presbytery, December 4, 1811, and missionated for four years in South Carolina, Tennessee, and in parts of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. He was installed pastor of the Beech Woods congrega- tion, Morning Sun, Preble County, Ohio, April 3, 1816, and resigned this charge, October 6, 1819. He was installed pastor of the congre- gation of Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana, June 21, 1820. At the division of the Church in August, 1833, he became identified with the New School branch of the Covenanter Church and remained pastor of a portion of his former flock, until his resignation, September 24, 1838. He spent the residue of his life in preaching in vacancies as his health would permit, and died of an affection of the heart, at his home in Princeton, Indiana, November 6, 1842. He married Miss Jane Hartin of Beech Woods, Ohio, November 10, 1811. in person he was large and portly, and in his youth was quite an athlete. He was a good scholar, and an instructive preacher. He was not an elo- quent speaker, but there was an unction about his preaching that never failed to make an impression. His life was largely that of a missionary, and to his untiring ministrations many congregations owe their existence. He constantly realized the responsibilities of the ministerial office, and discarded all books but the Bible, from the rich treasures of which he fed the people. Ho was a dauntless pio- neer of the West, engaged in visiting lonely societies and families. in the depths of the then wilderness, and brought to them the glad tidings of salvation. He was Moderator of the Synod of 1812. (He left no descendants) (Notes by N.P.P.) from Archer Cemetery, Gibson Co. IN In Memory of John Kell of the reformed Presbyterian Church who departed this life December 6, 1842 in the 70th year of his life. "Faithfull in the service of his Master his record is on high." In memory of Jane Kell widow of Rev. John Kell who departed this life Nov. 3, 1864 in the 75th year of her life.
|
