David P. Hurley, son of James F. and Julia A. Hurley, was born February 28, 1861, in Ashe Co., N. C . The Hurleys were substantial people, living comfortably but not in affluence, there in the old North State. His father was killed during the war between the States. Young David from that time lived in the home of his maternal uncle, David Dixon. His early advantages were such as giving him a liberal education, he having attended school at Emory and Henry College in his final preparation for his chosen profession, that of teaching. While a student at Sparta, N.C., he was converted to God, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and lived a consistent Christian life to the end.
For eight years he followed his chosen profession, teaching as high school principal. His deep piety and sincere interest in mankind led him to see the needs of a lost world. He consequently heard and answered the call to preach.
Joining the Holston Conference at a session held in Wytheville, October 1889, he was sent to the Independence circuit, where he remained four years, completing his Conference course of study on schedule time, despite the heavy work of that large circuit, and making a splendid record as preacher and pastor. From there he was sent to serve the Spring Valley circuit, where he remained four years; then to the Lead Mines circuit for the full four years. During the first twelve years of his life in the Conference he served only three appointments. From there he was sent to Williamson, now in the Western Virginia Conference, for one year; Saltville, three years, and had been appointed to the fourth when the death of the late lamented J.O. Straley made vacant the Tazewell District to which has was appointed presiding elder.
In this new relation he gave himself to the work of the Church without stint and remained the full four years, as he had often done before. He was from there appointed to the Radford District where he did four successful years' work, meeting all his appointments and giving such personal direction to the work as to make his stay most effectual. The Wytheville District next received him to profit by his leadership.
At the end of the third year his health had begun to fail. Long years of hard work and exposure on large circuits and districts were taking their toll from his never over robust body. It was thought best that he should not face the dangers of so large a country district and the exposure incidental to its superintendency, consequently he was sent to Pulaski station, where he had served four years as presiding elder, and where he was received most gladly. His work there, his last, was probably the best work of his life. He remained there for three years, at the end of which time the disease that had been the cause of his giving up the district, creeping paralysis, had so advanced that he was compelled to give up the work he so much loved and take the superannuates relation. This proved to be his last appointment. As he had usually served four years, there being only two exceptions, so he sustained this relation to the Conference, a little more than four years.
The dreadful malady kept steadily advancing; but calmly and with such Christian fortitude as one seldom sees, he faced death almost dally. I was much in his home during this period, we were close confidential friends, but I never heard a word of complaint, for none uttered. He went about such work as he could do and studied as had been his custom in health, taking a lively interest in everything about him, the issues of Church and state, joking and teasing as if he were in no danger of death at almost every moment. His faith held steady, and he was resigned.
He was happily married to Miss Sallie A. Nukirk, July 17, 1889, who became his faithful helpmate and able assistant in every undertaking. Her place by his side was always faithfully and ably filled. Cheerfully she went with him to the hard places without a murmer; but with a buoyant faith, holding up his hands and lending the courage of her loyalty to him and to the Church. Her devotion during the trying years of his affliction was touchingly tender and beautiful.
To this union were born two sons and four daughters: Blanch, Roanoke City schools; Dwight P., Charleston, W. Va., principal High school; Willie Neal, principal High school, Pembroke, Va.; Mrs. C. M. Peters, Craddock, Va.; Mrs. K.E. Baber, Lexington, Ky.; and Mrs. H. C. Branch, Radford, Va. All of these survive him, as do twelve grandchildren. He passed from this world of toil and sorrow, interspersed with rest and joy, to that vast beyond, where we confidently expect to find him waiting at the beautiful gate when the last sun goes down. He was removed to the Hospital Roanoke, his family and friends hoping against hope for his recovery. He died January 10, 1932.
The remains were brought back to Pulaski where he had last served, and with a throng of all classes, including many members of the Conference the simple rites were performed and we laid him to rest on a hill-top (Oakwood Cemetery) overlooking the scenes of his labors. He had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith, he had finished his course, and we believe there was a crown of righteousness laid up for him in heaven. I regard it as one of the high privileges of more than thirty years in the ministry to have known him well, to have shared his friendship and to have stood by his side.
In most of the scenes through which the life of a Methodist preacher wends its way it was my happy experience to pass with him. In the pastorate, in the boards, on committees, in the Bishop's cabinet, in every relationship he was always the same trustworthy, self-sacrificing, painstaking, unselfish faithful friend to the cause of God and his brethren in the ministry. It was my privilege to sit in every cabinet session of which he was a member. He was there, as everywhere else, a hardworking, conscientious brother. I never heard him say a word behind the closed doors of the cabinet about any brother or charge that might not have been uttered in their presence. The Cabinet tries the very souls of men. There are temptations to favor friends; to become careless—at least not so alert, after days of working in the long grind of its sessions, but he was vigilant, never neglecting a member or a charge. The smallest as well as the largest received his faithful attention. He was not, in the cabinet, the presiding elder of the district alone, but of the Conference, seeking to avoid a mis appointment in any place and to do justly by all. He was a man true to his convictions and purposes, courageous and generous to a fault. He was unafraid, but never harsh; he did not think more highly of himself than he ought to have thought, yet he had no false modesty.
He was a student of nature, of men, as well as of the best books and the Word of God. He was an independent thinker, never fanatical, but he carefully examined all propositions and reached his own conclusions. As a minister he was humble, obedient and faithful. He preached the gospel without apologies to any—not the "traditions of the elders," the halfway established theories sent out by the even popular writers. He preached out of a full experience, often rising to heights of the sublime in his powers to discern and to express in well-chosen words that poetry he felt in his soul. He forced his fellow ministers and all others to respect his opinions and to follow his leadership by his righteousness in life and ability to comprehend. He spoke with the authority of God's Word out of an experience that admitted of no peradventure. The fundamental teachings of the Book were his favorite themes, and through them he persuaded men. As a pulpiteer he was popular, and this popularity grew to the end of his days. He was convincing, earnest and eloquent. When his voice is silent, I stand in my place to say, I have never known a better man. When I was appointed to Marion and ready to leave Radford, where he had made his home during the years of his superannuation, I went to say goodbye to Dave. Without a tremor in his voice he said, "Ed, one of these days they will be calling you back to lay me to rest—you know where to find me when life is over." So, the last chapter of his life has been written. A good man and true has gone home to the household of a good God.
E.A. Shugart.
For eight years he followed his chosen profession, teaching as high school principal. His deep piety and sincere interest in mankind led him to see the needs of a lost world. He consequently heard and answered the call to preach.
Joining the Holston Conference at a session held in Wytheville, October 1889, he was sent to the Independence circuit, where he remained four years, completing his Conference course of study on schedule time, despite the heavy work of that large circuit, and making a splendid record as preacher and pastor. From there he was sent to serve the Spring Valley circuit, where he remained four years; then to the Lead Mines circuit for the full four years. During the first twelve years of his life in the Conference he served only three appointments. From there he was sent to Williamson, now in the Western Virginia Conference, for one year; Saltville, three years, and had been appointed to the fourth when the death of the late lamented J.O. Straley made vacant the Tazewell District to which has was appointed presiding elder.
In this new relation he gave himself to the work of the Church without stint and remained the full four years, as he had often done before. He was from there appointed to the Radford District where he did four successful years' work, meeting all his appointments and giving such personal direction to the work as to make his stay most effectual. The Wytheville District next received him to profit by his leadership.
At the end of the third year his health had begun to fail. Long years of hard work and exposure on large circuits and districts were taking their toll from his never over robust body. It was thought best that he should not face the dangers of so large a country district and the exposure incidental to its superintendency, consequently he was sent to Pulaski station, where he had served four years as presiding elder, and where he was received most gladly. His work there, his last, was probably the best work of his life. He remained there for three years, at the end of which time the disease that had been the cause of his giving up the district, creeping paralysis, had so advanced that he was compelled to give up the work he so much loved and take the superannuates relation. This proved to be his last appointment. As he had usually served four years, there being only two exceptions, so he sustained this relation to the Conference, a little more than four years.
The dreadful malady kept steadily advancing; but calmly and with such Christian fortitude as one seldom sees, he faced death almost dally. I was much in his home during this period, we were close confidential friends, but I never heard a word of complaint, for none uttered. He went about such work as he could do and studied as had been his custom in health, taking a lively interest in everything about him, the issues of Church and state, joking and teasing as if he were in no danger of death at almost every moment. His faith held steady, and he was resigned.
He was happily married to Miss Sallie A. Nukirk, July 17, 1889, who became his faithful helpmate and able assistant in every undertaking. Her place by his side was always faithfully and ably filled. Cheerfully she went with him to the hard places without a murmer; but with a buoyant faith, holding up his hands and lending the courage of her loyalty to him and to the Church. Her devotion during the trying years of his affliction was touchingly tender and beautiful.
To this union were born two sons and four daughters: Blanch, Roanoke City schools; Dwight P., Charleston, W. Va., principal High school; Willie Neal, principal High school, Pembroke, Va.; Mrs. C. M. Peters, Craddock, Va.; Mrs. K.E. Baber, Lexington, Ky.; and Mrs. H. C. Branch, Radford, Va. All of these survive him, as do twelve grandchildren. He passed from this world of toil and sorrow, interspersed with rest and joy, to that vast beyond, where we confidently expect to find him waiting at the beautiful gate when the last sun goes down. He was removed to the Hospital Roanoke, his family and friends hoping against hope for his recovery. He died January 10, 1932.
The remains were brought back to Pulaski where he had last served, and with a throng of all classes, including many members of the Conference the simple rites were performed and we laid him to rest on a hill-top (Oakwood Cemetery) overlooking the scenes of his labors. He had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith, he had finished his course, and we believe there was a crown of righteousness laid up for him in heaven. I regard it as one of the high privileges of more than thirty years in the ministry to have known him well, to have shared his friendship and to have stood by his side.
In most of the scenes through which the life of a Methodist preacher wends its way it was my happy experience to pass with him. In the pastorate, in the boards, on committees, in the Bishop's cabinet, in every relationship he was always the same trustworthy, self-sacrificing, painstaking, unselfish faithful friend to the cause of God and his brethren in the ministry. It was my privilege to sit in every cabinet session of which he was a member. He was there, as everywhere else, a hardworking, conscientious brother. I never heard him say a word behind the closed doors of the cabinet about any brother or charge that might not have been uttered in their presence. The Cabinet tries the very souls of men. There are temptations to favor friends; to become careless—at least not so alert, after days of working in the long grind of its sessions, but he was vigilant, never neglecting a member or a charge. The smallest as well as the largest received his faithful attention. He was not, in the cabinet, the presiding elder of the district alone, but of the Conference, seeking to avoid a mis appointment in any place and to do justly by all. He was a man true to his convictions and purposes, courageous and generous to a fault. He was unafraid, but never harsh; he did not think more highly of himself than he ought to have thought, yet he had no false modesty.
He was a student of nature, of men, as well as of the best books and the Word of God. He was an independent thinker, never fanatical, but he carefully examined all propositions and reached his own conclusions. As a minister he was humble, obedient and faithful. He preached the gospel without apologies to any—not the "traditions of the elders," the halfway established theories sent out by the even popular writers. He preached out of a full experience, often rising to heights of the sublime in his powers to discern and to express in well-chosen words that poetry he felt in his soul. He forced his fellow ministers and all others to respect his opinions and to follow his leadership by his righteousness in life and ability to comprehend. He spoke with the authority of God's Word out of an experience that admitted of no peradventure. The fundamental teachings of the Book were his favorite themes, and through them he persuaded men. As a pulpiteer he was popular, and this popularity grew to the end of his days. He was convincing, earnest and eloquent. When his voice is silent, I stand in my place to say, I have never known a better man. When I was appointed to Marion and ready to leave Radford, where he had made his home during the years of his superannuation, I went to say goodbye to Dave. Without a tremor in his voice he said, "Ed, one of these days they will be calling you back to lay me to rest—you know where to find me when life is over." So, the last chapter of his life has been written. A good man and true has gone home to the household of a good God.
E.A. Shugart.
David P. Hurley, son of James F. and Julia A. Hurley, was born February 28, 1861, in Ashe Co., N. C . The Hurleys were substantial people, living comfortably but not in affluence, there in the old North State. His father was killed during the war between the States. Young David from that time lived in the home of his maternal uncle, David Dixon. His early advantages were such as giving him a liberal education, he having attended school at Emory and Henry College in his final preparation for his chosen profession, that of teaching. While a student at Sparta, N.C., he was converted to God, joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and lived a consistent Christian life to the end.
For eight years he followed his chosen profession, teaching as high school principal. His deep piety and sincere interest in mankind led him to see the needs of a lost world. He consequently heard and answered the call to preach.
Joining the Holston Conference at a session held in Wytheville, October 1889, he was sent to the Independence circuit, where he remained four years, completing his Conference course of study on schedule time, despite the heavy work of that large circuit, and making a splendid record as preacher and pastor. From there he was sent to serve the Spring Valley circuit, where he remained four years; then to the Lead Mines circuit for the full four years. During the first twelve years of his life in the Conference he served only three appointments. From there he was sent to Williamson, now in the Western Virginia Conference, for one year; Saltville, three years, and had been appointed to the fourth when the death of the late lamented J.O. Straley made vacant the Tazewell District to which has was appointed presiding elder.
In this new relation he gave himself to the work of the Church without stint and remained the full four years, as he had often done before. He was from there appointed to the Radford District where he did four successful years' work, meeting all his appointments and giving such personal direction to the work as to make his stay most effectual. The Wytheville District next received him to profit by his leadership.
At the end of the third year his health had begun to fail. Long years of hard work and exposure on large circuits and districts were taking their toll from his never over robust body. It was thought best that he should not face the dangers of so large a country district and the exposure incidental to its superintendency, consequently he was sent to Pulaski station, where he had served four years as presiding elder, and where he was received most gladly. His work there, his last, was probably the best work of his life. He remained there for three years, at the end of which time the disease that had been the cause of his giving up the district, creeping paralysis, had so advanced that he was compelled to give up the work he so much loved and take the superannuates relation. This proved to be his last appointment. As he had usually served four years, there being only two exceptions, so he sustained this relation to the Conference, a little more than four years.
The dreadful malady kept steadily advancing; but calmly and with such Christian fortitude as one seldom sees, he faced death almost dally. I was much in his home during this period, we were close confidential friends, but I never heard a word of complaint, for none uttered. He went about such work as he could do and studied as had been his custom in health, taking a lively interest in everything about him, the issues of Church and state, joking and teasing as if he were in no danger of death at almost every moment. His faith held steady, and he was resigned.
He was happily married to Miss Sallie A. Nukirk, July 17, 1889, who became his faithful helpmate and able assistant in every undertaking. Her place by his side was always faithfully and ably filled. Cheerfully she went with him to the hard places without a murmer; but with a buoyant faith, holding up his hands and lending the courage of her loyalty to him and to the Church. Her devotion during the trying years of his affliction was touchingly tender and beautiful.
To this union were born two sons and four daughters: Blanch, Roanoke City schools; Dwight P., Charleston, W. Va., principal High school; Willie Neal, principal High school, Pembroke, Va.; Mrs. C. M. Peters, Craddock, Va.; Mrs. K.E. Baber, Lexington, Ky.; and Mrs. H. C. Branch, Radford, Va. All of these survive him, as do twelve grandchildren. He passed from this world of toil and sorrow, interspersed with rest and joy, to that vast beyond, where we confidently expect to find him waiting at the beautiful gate when the last sun goes down. He was removed to the Hospital Roanoke, his family and friends hoping against hope for his recovery. He died January 10, 1932.
The remains were brought back to Pulaski where he had last served, and with a throng of all classes, including many members of the Conference the simple rites were performed and we laid him to rest on a hill-top (Oakwood Cemetery) overlooking the scenes of his labors. He had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith, he had finished his course, and we believe there was a crown of righteousness laid up for him in heaven. I regard it as one of the high privileges of more than thirty years in the ministry to have known him well, to have shared his friendship and to have stood by his side.
In most of the scenes through which the life of a Methodist preacher wends its way it was my happy experience to pass with him. In the pastorate, in the boards, on committees, in the Bishop's cabinet, in every relationship he was always the same trustworthy, self-sacrificing, painstaking, unselfish faithful friend to the cause of God and his brethren in the ministry. It was my privilege to sit in every cabinet session of which he was a member. He was there, as everywhere else, a hardworking, conscientious brother. I never heard him say a word behind the closed doors of the cabinet about any brother or charge that might not have been uttered in their presence. The Cabinet tries the very souls of men. There are temptations to favor friends; to become careless—at least not so alert, after days of working in the long grind of its sessions, but he was vigilant, never neglecting a member or a charge. The smallest as well as the largest received his faithful attention. He was not, in the cabinet, the presiding elder of the district alone, but of the Conference, seeking to avoid a mis appointment in any place and to do justly by all. He was a man true to his convictions and purposes, courageous and generous to a fault. He was unafraid, but never harsh; he did not think more highly of himself than he ought to have thought, yet he had no false modesty.
He was a student of nature, of men, as well as of the best books and the Word of God. He was an independent thinker, never fanatical, but he carefully examined all propositions and reached his own conclusions. As a minister he was humble, obedient and faithful. He preached the gospel without apologies to any—not the "traditions of the elders," the halfway established theories sent out by the even popular writers. He preached out of a full experience, often rising to heights of the sublime in his powers to discern and to express in well-chosen words that poetry he felt in his soul. He forced his fellow ministers and all others to respect his opinions and to follow his leadership by his righteousness in life and ability to comprehend. He spoke with the authority of God's Word out of an experience that admitted of no peradventure. The fundamental teachings of the Book were his favorite themes, and through them he persuaded men. As a pulpiteer he was popular, and this popularity grew to the end of his days. He was convincing, earnest and eloquent. When his voice is silent, I stand in my place to say, I have never known a better man. When I was appointed to Marion and ready to leave Radford, where he had made his home during the years of his superannuation, I went to say goodbye to Dave. Without a tremor in his voice he said, "Ed, one of these days they will be calling you back to lay me to rest—you know where to find me when life is over." So, the last chapter of his life has been written. A good man and true has gone home to the household of a good God.
E.A. Shugart.
For eight years he followed his chosen profession, teaching as high school principal. His deep piety and sincere interest in mankind led him to see the needs of a lost world. He consequently heard and answered the call to preach.
Joining the Holston Conference at a session held in Wytheville, October 1889, he was sent to the Independence circuit, where he remained four years, completing his Conference course of study on schedule time, despite the heavy work of that large circuit, and making a splendid record as preacher and pastor. From there he was sent to serve the Spring Valley circuit, where he remained four years; then to the Lead Mines circuit for the full four years. During the first twelve years of his life in the Conference he served only three appointments. From there he was sent to Williamson, now in the Western Virginia Conference, for one year; Saltville, three years, and had been appointed to the fourth when the death of the late lamented J.O. Straley made vacant the Tazewell District to which has was appointed presiding elder.
In this new relation he gave himself to the work of the Church without stint and remained the full four years, as he had often done before. He was from there appointed to the Radford District where he did four successful years' work, meeting all his appointments and giving such personal direction to the work as to make his stay most effectual. The Wytheville District next received him to profit by his leadership.
At the end of the third year his health had begun to fail. Long years of hard work and exposure on large circuits and districts were taking their toll from his never over robust body. It was thought best that he should not face the dangers of so large a country district and the exposure incidental to its superintendency, consequently he was sent to Pulaski station, where he had served four years as presiding elder, and where he was received most gladly. His work there, his last, was probably the best work of his life. He remained there for three years, at the end of which time the disease that had been the cause of his giving up the district, creeping paralysis, had so advanced that he was compelled to give up the work he so much loved and take the superannuates relation. This proved to be his last appointment. As he had usually served four years, there being only two exceptions, so he sustained this relation to the Conference, a little more than four years.
The dreadful malady kept steadily advancing; but calmly and with such Christian fortitude as one seldom sees, he faced death almost dally. I was much in his home during this period, we were close confidential friends, but I never heard a word of complaint, for none uttered. He went about such work as he could do and studied as had been his custom in health, taking a lively interest in everything about him, the issues of Church and state, joking and teasing as if he were in no danger of death at almost every moment. His faith held steady, and he was resigned.
He was happily married to Miss Sallie A. Nukirk, July 17, 1889, who became his faithful helpmate and able assistant in every undertaking. Her place by his side was always faithfully and ably filled. Cheerfully she went with him to the hard places without a murmer; but with a buoyant faith, holding up his hands and lending the courage of her loyalty to him and to the Church. Her devotion during the trying years of his affliction was touchingly tender and beautiful.
To this union were born two sons and four daughters: Blanch, Roanoke City schools; Dwight P., Charleston, W. Va., principal High school; Willie Neal, principal High school, Pembroke, Va.; Mrs. C. M. Peters, Craddock, Va.; Mrs. K.E. Baber, Lexington, Ky.; and Mrs. H. C. Branch, Radford, Va. All of these survive him, as do twelve grandchildren. He passed from this world of toil and sorrow, interspersed with rest and joy, to that vast beyond, where we confidently expect to find him waiting at the beautiful gate when the last sun goes down. He was removed to the Hospital Roanoke, his family and friends hoping against hope for his recovery. He died January 10, 1932.
The remains were brought back to Pulaski where he had last served, and with a throng of all classes, including many members of the Conference the simple rites were performed and we laid him to rest on a hill-top (Oakwood Cemetery) overlooking the scenes of his labors. He had fought a good fight, he had kept the faith, he had finished his course, and we believe there was a crown of righteousness laid up for him in heaven. I regard it as one of the high privileges of more than thirty years in the ministry to have known him well, to have shared his friendship and to have stood by his side.
In most of the scenes through which the life of a Methodist preacher wends its way it was my happy experience to pass with him. In the pastorate, in the boards, on committees, in the Bishop's cabinet, in every relationship he was always the same trustworthy, self-sacrificing, painstaking, unselfish faithful friend to the cause of God and his brethren in the ministry. It was my privilege to sit in every cabinet session of which he was a member. He was there, as everywhere else, a hardworking, conscientious brother. I never heard him say a word behind the closed doors of the cabinet about any brother or charge that might not have been uttered in their presence. The Cabinet tries the very souls of men. There are temptations to favor friends; to become careless—at least not so alert, after days of working in the long grind of its sessions, but he was vigilant, never neglecting a member or a charge. The smallest as well as the largest received his faithful attention. He was not, in the cabinet, the presiding elder of the district alone, but of the Conference, seeking to avoid a mis appointment in any place and to do justly by all. He was a man true to his convictions and purposes, courageous and generous to a fault. He was unafraid, but never harsh; he did not think more highly of himself than he ought to have thought, yet he had no false modesty.
He was a student of nature, of men, as well as of the best books and the Word of God. He was an independent thinker, never fanatical, but he carefully examined all propositions and reached his own conclusions. As a minister he was humble, obedient and faithful. He preached the gospel without apologies to any—not the "traditions of the elders," the halfway established theories sent out by the even popular writers. He preached out of a full experience, often rising to heights of the sublime in his powers to discern and to express in well-chosen words that poetry he felt in his soul. He forced his fellow ministers and all others to respect his opinions and to follow his leadership by his righteousness in life and ability to comprehend. He spoke with the authority of God's Word out of an experience that admitted of no peradventure. The fundamental teachings of the Book were his favorite themes, and through them he persuaded men. As a pulpiteer he was popular, and this popularity grew to the end of his days. He was convincing, earnest and eloquent. When his voice is silent, I stand in my place to say, I have never known a better man. When I was appointed to Marion and ready to leave Radford, where he had made his home during the years of his superannuation, I went to say goodbye to Dave. Without a tremor in his voice he said, "Ed, one of these days they will be calling you back to lay me to rest—you know where to find me when life is over." So, the last chapter of his life has been written. A good man and true has gone home to the household of a good God.
E.A. Shugart.
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