"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 17, No. 4 – April 1895:
Memorial of Elder J. R. Respess.
Born in Upson County, Ga., October 2, 1831, and died at his home in Butler, Ga., February 4, 1895, after a lingering confinement to his room of seven months, dying, as he told me, an inch at a time. The deceased graduated at the University of Georgia, August 4, 1852, was married to his first wife the same day, whose obituary has appeared in the Messenger, and will, therefore, abbreviate this notice some. Soon after marriage he was admitted to the bar as a lawyer, and located in Butler to practice his profession, with ever promise of success in life. But about this time the small-pox broke out in Butler, and he left for Albany, Ga. I think this was in 1854. He soon afterward returned to Upson County and settled on a farm. Here his religious exercises began in reality, and he soon united with the church at Ebenezer (Primitive Baptist), Upson County, where he was also ordained by Elder J. Dickey, pastor of the church, Cromwell Cleaveland, and Samuel Bentley. In December 1859, he moved to Schley County, Ga., and settled on a farm in order, as he has often told me, to live retired, and rear his children on a farm, and educate them at an academy, away from the vices of life and the corruption of the world as much as possible. And thus he lived through the prime of his life and his ministry. Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove, he became strongly attached to his home, to the Saints, and his neighbors, and his kind and lowly life greatly endeared him to them. No man could have been more highly esteemed and universally beloved by all, white and black, Saint and sinner. All of my life was a truly devoted life in lowliness and simplicity, never making any pretensions of greatness or display of wealth in any manner; yet in all he did, true greatness was manifest. He did not mind high things, but condescending to men of low degree. He did not try to do anything in preaching or otherwise, to attract the attention or admiration of the world, but he delighted to do little things, and all that he did, he did it as unto the Lord.
I am writing about how he lived, and preached. I am writing about him as I intimately knew him, as a Christian minister, husband, father, and neighbor; and if I did not know it as I do, I could scarcely believe that just such a man did live near me.
Many have seen his ability with his pen, and many hearts made glad from his editorials, eve. Very many have seen his face in the flesh and heard his able and eloquent sermons in the pulpit, but all of you have not known his meek, humble and self-denial life every day like those of us who lived near him. A man of education, and fortune, and natural ability, to be brought down by grace to live as he lived with and among the poor, himself the poorest of all, a life of affliction, as a man, a tempestuous sea and contrary winds, as a Christian, much of his time struggling with sin and unbelief, begging the churches that he served to pray for him, that he was poor and needy. This special grace brought his willing feet to the house of mourning instead of mirth. He chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season – preaching most of his time among the poorest of the flock, rich in faith, visiting them at their humble homes, feeling unworthy to come under their roofs because they were Christians. In this vineyard he sowed bountifully, spiritually and temporally, for he gave away a fortune, and preached regularly when possibly able to ride, denying himself and sacrificing himself all for the good of the cause and peace with God. If you would know the true virtues of this man of God go to the poor and needed where he lived. Ask the servants that labored on his farm. Go to the poor of the church, even the humblest one, though it be a colored brother and sister, and they will tell you how he lived with them in all loveliness of mind, even at their feet. The Messenger has already given an account of his attending an Association of colored brethren,, and how he enjoyed himself, spiritually, at that meeting. But for all this lowliness of mind that the world knows now, in a sense the world knew and honored him, and now, daily, letters are received from eminent men of the State complimentary of him. But alas! He is gone. How sad it makes me feel to know I will never see Brother Respess again on earth. How I am bereaved. What a loss to the churches, to the brotherhood, to the "Messenger", to the community, to the family.
– J. G. Murray, Butler, Ga.
==========
"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 17, No. 3 – March 1895"
Death of Elder J. R. Respess.
Just as this issue of the "Messenger" is made up and ready for the press, we received a telegram that J. R. Respess, the Senior Editor, died at 10 a.m. February 4th. Further and more full particulars will appear in the April issue of the "Messenger".
Until further notice, obituary and other matter for publication, should be addressed to me, at Opelika, Ala., Box 134; business matters to J. R. Respess's sons, Butler, Ga.
- W. M. Mitchell
(To the Readers of the Messenger)
Our father, Elder John R. Respess, died at his home in Butler, Monday morning, February 4th. He was sick nearly six months, and suffered a great deal. His remains were interred here, and Elder H. Bussey, Elder Wilde C. Cleveland, Elder J. G. Murray and Elder Bennett Stewart, conducted the funeral services. The March number of his paper is in press, and his obituary will appear in the April number. Pray for us.
– His sons.
The following is a letter that father wrote and intended should be printed at his death:
"If I die, I ask the Primitive Baptists to support THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, if it be worthy of support. I have instructed my sons to carry it on, which they can do by getting Elders Mitchell, Henderson and Hassell, or one of them, to edit it. And I ask the Primitive Baptists to support it, as I have spent a great deal of money in establishing it, as well as time, and I have given my life and property to a great extent to the Primitive Baptists, and my family is now in need. I ask this, if The Messenger be worthy of support."
– J. R. Respess.
Elder Mitchell will hereafter edit the "Messenger", assisted by Elders Hassell and Henderson.
All letters for publication should be addressed to Elder Mitchell, Opelika, Ala.
All letters of business and subscription, should be sent to "The Gospel Messenger", Butler, Ga.
==========
Memorial of Elder J. R. Respess.
Born in Upson County, Ga., October 2, 1831, and died at his home in Butler, Ga., February 4, 1895, after a lingering confinement to his room of seven months, dying, as he told me, an inch at a time. The deceased graduated at the University of Georgia, August 4, 1852, was married to his first wife the same day, whose obituary has appeared in the Messenger, and will, therefore, abbreviate this notice some. Soon after marriage he was admitted to the bar as a lawyer, and located in Butler to practice his profession, with ever promise of success in life. But about this time the small-pox broke out in Butler, and he left for Albany, Ga. I think this was in 1854. He soon afterward returned to Upson County and settled on a farm. Here his religious exercises began in reality, and he soon united with the church at Ebenezer (Primitive Baptist), Upson County, where he was also ordained by Elder J. Dickey, pastor of the church, Cromwell Cleaveland, and Samuel Bentley. In December 1859, he moved to Schley County, Ga., and settled on a farm in order, as he has often told me, to live retired, and rear his children on a farm, and educate them at an academy, away from the vices of life and the corruption of the world as much as possible. And thus he lived through the prime of his life and his ministry. Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove, he became strongly attached to his home, to the Saints, and his neighbors, and his kind and lowly life greatly endeared him to them. No man could have been more highly esteemed and universally beloved by all, white and black, Saint and sinner. All of my life was a truly devoted life in lowliness and simplicity, never making any pretensions of greatness or display of wealth in any manner; yet in all he did, true greatness was manifest. He did not mind high things, but condescending to men of low degree. He did not try to do anything in preaching or otherwise, to attract the attention or admiration of the world, but he delighted to do little things, and all that he did, he did it as unto the Lord.
I am writing about how he lived, and preached. I am writing about him as I intimately knew him, as a Christian minister, husband, father, and neighbor; and if I did not know it as I do, I could scarcely believe that just such a man did live near me.
Many have seen his ability with his pen, and many hearts made glad from his editorials, eve. Very many have seen his face in the flesh and heard his able and eloquent sermons in the pulpit, but all of you have not known his meek, humble and self-denial life every day like those of us who lived near him. A man of education, and fortune, and natural ability, to be brought down by grace to live as he lived with and among the poor, himself the poorest of all, a life of affliction, as a man, a tempestuous sea and contrary winds, as a Christian, much of his time struggling with sin and unbelief, begging the churches that he served to pray for him, that he was poor and needy. This special grace brought his willing feet to the house of mourning instead of mirth. He chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season – preaching most of his time among the poorest of the flock, rich in faith, visiting them at their humble homes, feeling unworthy to come under their roofs because they were Christians. In this vineyard he sowed bountifully, spiritually and temporally, for he gave away a fortune, and preached regularly when possibly able to ride, denying himself and sacrificing himself all for the good of the cause and peace with God. If you would know the true virtues of this man of God go to the poor and needed where he lived. Ask the servants that labored on his farm. Go to the poor of the church, even the humblest one, though it be a colored brother and sister, and they will tell you how he lived with them in all loveliness of mind, even at their feet. The Messenger has already given an account of his attending an Association of colored brethren,, and how he enjoyed himself, spiritually, at that meeting. But for all this lowliness of mind that the world knows now, in a sense the world knew and honored him, and now, daily, letters are received from eminent men of the State complimentary of him. But alas! He is gone. How sad it makes me feel to know I will never see Brother Respess again on earth. How I am bereaved. What a loss to the churches, to the brotherhood, to the "Messenger", to the community, to the family.
– J. G. Murray, Butler, Ga.
==========
"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 17, No. 3 – March 1895"
Death of Elder J. R. Respess.
Just as this issue of the "Messenger" is made up and ready for the press, we received a telegram that J. R. Respess, the Senior Editor, died at 10 a.m. February 4th. Further and more full particulars will appear in the April issue of the "Messenger".
Until further notice, obituary and other matter for publication, should be addressed to me, at Opelika, Ala., Box 134; business matters to J. R. Respess's sons, Butler, Ga.
- W. M. Mitchell
(To the Readers of the Messenger)
Our father, Elder John R. Respess, died at his home in Butler, Monday morning, February 4th. He was sick nearly six months, and suffered a great deal. His remains were interred here, and Elder H. Bussey, Elder Wilde C. Cleveland, Elder J. G. Murray and Elder Bennett Stewart, conducted the funeral services. The March number of his paper is in press, and his obituary will appear in the April number. Pray for us.
– His sons.
The following is a letter that father wrote and intended should be printed at his death:
"If I die, I ask the Primitive Baptists to support THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, if it be worthy of support. I have instructed my sons to carry it on, which they can do by getting Elders Mitchell, Henderson and Hassell, or one of them, to edit it. And I ask the Primitive Baptists to support it, as I have spent a great deal of money in establishing it, as well as time, and I have given my life and property to a great extent to the Primitive Baptists, and my family is now in need. I ask this, if The Messenger be worthy of support."
– J. R. Respess.
Elder Mitchell will hereafter edit the "Messenger", assisted by Elders Hassell and Henderson.
All letters for publication should be addressed to Elder Mitchell, Opelika, Ala.
All letters of business and subscription, should be sent to "The Gospel Messenger", Butler, Ga.
==========
"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 17, No. 4 – April 1895:
Memorial of Elder J. R. Respess.
Born in Upson County, Ga., October 2, 1831, and died at his home in Butler, Ga., February 4, 1895, after a lingering confinement to his room of seven months, dying, as he told me, an inch at a time. The deceased graduated at the University of Georgia, August 4, 1852, was married to his first wife the same day, whose obituary has appeared in the Messenger, and will, therefore, abbreviate this notice some. Soon after marriage he was admitted to the bar as a lawyer, and located in Butler to practice his profession, with ever promise of success in life. But about this time the small-pox broke out in Butler, and he left for Albany, Ga. I think this was in 1854. He soon afterward returned to Upson County and settled on a farm. Here his religious exercises began in reality, and he soon united with the church at Ebenezer (Primitive Baptist), Upson County, where he was also ordained by Elder J. Dickey, pastor of the church, Cromwell Cleaveland, and Samuel Bentley. In December 1859, he moved to Schley County, Ga., and settled on a farm in order, as he has often told me, to live retired, and rear his children on a farm, and educate them at an academy, away from the vices of life and the corruption of the world as much as possible. And thus he lived through the prime of his life and his ministry. Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove, he became strongly attached to his home, to the Saints, and his neighbors, and his kind and lowly life greatly endeared him to them. No man could have been more highly esteemed and universally beloved by all, white and black, Saint and sinner. All of my life was a truly devoted life in lowliness and simplicity, never making any pretensions of greatness or display of wealth in any manner; yet in all he did, true greatness was manifest. He did not mind high things, but condescending to men of low degree. He did not try to do anything in preaching or otherwise, to attract the attention or admiration of the world, but he delighted to do little things, and all that he did, he did it as unto the Lord.
I am writing about how he lived, and preached. I am writing about him as I intimately knew him, as a Christian minister, husband, father, and neighbor; and if I did not know it as I do, I could scarcely believe that just such a man did live near me.
Many have seen his ability with his pen, and many hearts made glad from his editorials, eve. Very many have seen his face in the flesh and heard his able and eloquent sermons in the pulpit, but all of you have not known his meek, humble and self-denial life every day like those of us who lived near him. A man of education, and fortune, and natural ability, to be brought down by grace to live as he lived with and among the poor, himself the poorest of all, a life of affliction, as a man, a tempestuous sea and contrary winds, as a Christian, much of his time struggling with sin and unbelief, begging the churches that he served to pray for him, that he was poor and needy. This special grace brought his willing feet to the house of mourning instead of mirth. He chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season – preaching most of his time among the poorest of the flock, rich in faith, visiting them at their humble homes, feeling unworthy to come under their roofs because they were Christians. In this vineyard he sowed bountifully, spiritually and temporally, for he gave away a fortune, and preached regularly when possibly able to ride, denying himself and sacrificing himself all for the good of the cause and peace with God. If you would know the true virtues of this man of God go to the poor and needed where he lived. Ask the servants that labored on his farm. Go to the poor of the church, even the humblest one, though it be a colored brother and sister, and they will tell you how he lived with them in all loveliness of mind, even at their feet. The Messenger has already given an account of his attending an Association of colored brethren,, and how he enjoyed himself, spiritually, at that meeting. But for all this lowliness of mind that the world knows now, in a sense the world knew and honored him, and now, daily, letters are received from eminent men of the State complimentary of him. But alas! He is gone. How sad it makes me feel to know I will never see Brother Respess again on earth. How I am bereaved. What a loss to the churches, to the brotherhood, to the "Messenger", to the community, to the family.
– J. G. Murray, Butler, Ga.
==========
"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 17, No. 3 – March 1895"
Death of Elder J. R. Respess.
Just as this issue of the "Messenger" is made up and ready for the press, we received a telegram that J. R. Respess, the Senior Editor, died at 10 a.m. February 4th. Further and more full particulars will appear in the April issue of the "Messenger".
Until further notice, obituary and other matter for publication, should be addressed to me, at Opelika, Ala., Box 134; business matters to J. R. Respess's sons, Butler, Ga.
- W. M. Mitchell
(To the Readers of the Messenger)
Our father, Elder John R. Respess, died at his home in Butler, Monday morning, February 4th. He was sick nearly six months, and suffered a great deal. His remains were interred here, and Elder H. Bussey, Elder Wilde C. Cleveland, Elder J. G. Murray and Elder Bennett Stewart, conducted the funeral services. The March number of his paper is in press, and his obituary will appear in the April number. Pray for us.
– His sons.
The following is a letter that father wrote and intended should be printed at his death:
"If I die, I ask the Primitive Baptists to support THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, if it be worthy of support. I have instructed my sons to carry it on, which they can do by getting Elders Mitchell, Henderson and Hassell, or one of them, to edit it. And I ask the Primitive Baptists to support it, as I have spent a great deal of money in establishing it, as well as time, and I have given my life and property to a great extent to the Primitive Baptists, and my family is now in need. I ask this, if The Messenger be worthy of support."
– J. R. Respess.
Elder Mitchell will hereafter edit the "Messenger", assisted by Elders Hassell and Henderson.
All letters for publication should be addressed to Elder Mitchell, Opelika, Ala.
All letters of business and subscription, should be sent to "The Gospel Messenger", Butler, Ga.
==========
Memorial of Elder J. R. Respess.
Born in Upson County, Ga., October 2, 1831, and died at his home in Butler, Ga., February 4, 1895, after a lingering confinement to his room of seven months, dying, as he told me, an inch at a time. The deceased graduated at the University of Georgia, August 4, 1852, was married to his first wife the same day, whose obituary has appeared in the Messenger, and will, therefore, abbreviate this notice some. Soon after marriage he was admitted to the bar as a lawyer, and located in Butler to practice his profession, with ever promise of success in life. But about this time the small-pox broke out in Butler, and he left for Albany, Ga. I think this was in 1854. He soon afterward returned to Upson County and settled on a farm. Here his religious exercises began in reality, and he soon united with the church at Ebenezer (Primitive Baptist), Upson County, where he was also ordained by Elder J. Dickey, pastor of the church, Cromwell Cleaveland, and Samuel Bentley. In December 1859, he moved to Schley County, Ga., and settled on a farm in order, as he has often told me, to live retired, and rear his children on a farm, and educate them at an academy, away from the vices of life and the corruption of the world as much as possible. And thus he lived through the prime of his life and his ministry. Wise as a serpent, harmless as a dove, he became strongly attached to his home, to the Saints, and his neighbors, and his kind and lowly life greatly endeared him to them. No man could have been more highly esteemed and universally beloved by all, white and black, Saint and sinner. All of my life was a truly devoted life in lowliness and simplicity, never making any pretensions of greatness or display of wealth in any manner; yet in all he did, true greatness was manifest. He did not mind high things, but condescending to men of low degree. He did not try to do anything in preaching or otherwise, to attract the attention or admiration of the world, but he delighted to do little things, and all that he did, he did it as unto the Lord.
I am writing about how he lived, and preached. I am writing about him as I intimately knew him, as a Christian minister, husband, father, and neighbor; and if I did not know it as I do, I could scarcely believe that just such a man did live near me.
Many have seen his ability with his pen, and many hearts made glad from his editorials, eve. Very many have seen his face in the flesh and heard his able and eloquent sermons in the pulpit, but all of you have not known his meek, humble and self-denial life every day like those of us who lived near him. A man of education, and fortune, and natural ability, to be brought down by grace to live as he lived with and among the poor, himself the poorest of all, a life of affliction, as a man, a tempestuous sea and contrary winds, as a Christian, much of his time struggling with sin and unbelief, begging the churches that he served to pray for him, that he was poor and needy. This special grace brought his willing feet to the house of mourning instead of mirth. He chose to suffer affliction with the people of God rather than enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season – preaching most of his time among the poorest of the flock, rich in faith, visiting them at their humble homes, feeling unworthy to come under their roofs because they were Christians. In this vineyard he sowed bountifully, spiritually and temporally, for he gave away a fortune, and preached regularly when possibly able to ride, denying himself and sacrificing himself all for the good of the cause and peace with God. If you would know the true virtues of this man of God go to the poor and needed where he lived. Ask the servants that labored on his farm. Go to the poor of the church, even the humblest one, though it be a colored brother and sister, and they will tell you how he lived with them in all loveliness of mind, even at their feet. The Messenger has already given an account of his attending an Association of colored brethren,, and how he enjoyed himself, spiritually, at that meeting. But for all this lowliness of mind that the world knows now, in a sense the world knew and honored him, and now, daily, letters are received from eminent men of the State complimentary of him. But alas! He is gone. How sad it makes me feel to know I will never see Brother Respess again on earth. How I am bereaved. What a loss to the churches, to the brotherhood, to the "Messenger", to the community, to the family.
– J. G. Murray, Butler, Ga.
==========
"The Gospel Messenger", Volume 17, No. 3 – March 1895"
Death of Elder J. R. Respess.
Just as this issue of the "Messenger" is made up and ready for the press, we received a telegram that J. R. Respess, the Senior Editor, died at 10 a.m. February 4th. Further and more full particulars will appear in the April issue of the "Messenger".
Until further notice, obituary and other matter for publication, should be addressed to me, at Opelika, Ala., Box 134; business matters to J. R. Respess's sons, Butler, Ga.
- W. M. Mitchell
(To the Readers of the Messenger)
Our father, Elder John R. Respess, died at his home in Butler, Monday morning, February 4th. He was sick nearly six months, and suffered a great deal. His remains were interred here, and Elder H. Bussey, Elder Wilde C. Cleveland, Elder J. G. Murray and Elder Bennett Stewart, conducted the funeral services. The March number of his paper is in press, and his obituary will appear in the April number. Pray for us.
– His sons.
The following is a letter that father wrote and intended should be printed at his death:
"If I die, I ask the Primitive Baptists to support THE GOSPEL MESSENGER, if it be worthy of support. I have instructed my sons to carry it on, which they can do by getting Elders Mitchell, Henderson and Hassell, or one of them, to edit it. And I ask the Primitive Baptists to support it, as I have spent a great deal of money in establishing it, as well as time, and I have given my life and property to a great extent to the Primitive Baptists, and my family is now in need. I ask this, if The Messenger be worthy of support."
– J. R. Respess.
Elder Mitchell will hereafter edit the "Messenger", assisted by Elders Hassell and Henderson.
All letters for publication should be addressed to Elder Mitchell, Opelika, Ala.
All letters of business and subscription, should be sent to "The Gospel Messenger", Butler, Ga.
==========
Gravesite Details
There are at least two adults and two children unmarked in this plot.
Family Members
Spouses
Children
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![]()
Harriett Louise Respess Phillips
1854–1942
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![]()
James Nathan Respess
1856–1880
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![]()
Robert William "Bobby" Respess
1857–1881
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![]()
Minnie A. Respess McDowell
1859–1897
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![]()
Ruth Ella Respess Holt
1869–1951
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![]()
Zackary Durand Respess
1872–1930
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![]()
Sarah Rachael Respess Mangham
1872–1937
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![]()
John Richard Respess Jr
1873–1897
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![]()
Starlight Respess Bussey
1876–1957
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