Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1873-12-21
THE LATE HAYS BLACKMAN.
A Contribution TO the History of the
IsantIStS of Tennessee.

The prominent position and the high es
timation in which the late Hays Blackman
was held by this community has induced
us TO copy the following tribute to his
memo.y, contributed by Rev. w. II. Whit
slit to a recent number Of the Religious
Herald, Richmond, Va:
Last nights post brought tidings of the
recent decease of Deacon Hays Rlackman,
of Antioch Church, near Nashville. He
was representative man, and the record Of
his lie constitutes an honorable part of the
history of the Baptists o. Tennessee.
None of his brethren Surpassed him in solid
and enduring worth, and no name is more
fragrant of noble and tender memories.
If l am correctly informed, Mr.. Black
man did not make public profession of
religion until he was arrived at mature age.
His religious impressions were largely due
TO the labors and influence of the Rev.
James Whitsitt, pioneer minister Of the
Middle District of the State, who was at
that time quite active and successful.
Shortly after baptizing Mr.. Blackman, he
organized number of persons who had
formally composed branch Of his church
at Mill Creek into an Independent church,
to which the name Antioch was given The
new body soon became as f!Ourishing and
useful as the mother church, and its intlu-
ence was felt in many ways throughout that
portion of the country. This was due most
chiefly to the high order Of Christian ac-
tivity developed by Mr. B. Having been
chosen deacon at the BART, his time and
talents and means were largely devoted to
the interests and cause Of religion, not only
within the bounds Of his own church, but
elsewhere. Especially did his pastor, then
struggling in the face of no small degree Of
opposing sentiment in advocating the cause
for foreign missions, ind i'll him valuable
supporter and ally. In short, he was his
counsellor and helper in every good word
and work as long as Mr.. Nhitsitt lived,
and there always existed between them the
most uureserved confidence and SINCERE al
lection.
As late as 1871 he was the leading and
one of the most active officers of the An
tioch church. Though his physical powers
were impaired by advanced age, his mind
was as fresh and his sympathieS as broad
and liberal as in his palmy days. He was
frequently present at public worship, and
contributed by prudent counsels, and other
wise, to the prosperity of the cause of
Christ in the community, although his in
huence in circles beyond that was necesSa-
rilv somewhat circUmScribed.
The first Sunday after my return from
Europe, in November, 1871, was invited
TO preach at our ancestral church at Mill
Creek. | had hoped to meet Mr.. Black
burn there, and was 50 much disappointed
at his absence that | ventured 10 inquire
the reason Of it. | was Informed that he
had not risen well that morning, and hence
felt constrained to remain at home. Be
fore uiChtfall he was stricken with paraly-
sis. The attack was not considered Sc
rious one, but at his time of life it was
found impossible for him to rally from 1t,
and he gradually sunk until last week he
fell asleep.
Among Baptist laymen there seldom ap-
pears a more honorable and worthy figure
i NAV safely point the historians OF our
churches in Tennessee to him as one whose
name should be mentioned in the same
breath with that of the Cranes, ThomaseS,
Fleets. and others of other States.
In personal appearance Mr.. Blackman
was erect, tall and dignitied-d man who
would engage your attention in almost any
circle. Never in my life, perhaps, have l
meta person who was SO evenly balanced.
II would trouble the aculest of all his
friends to decide which was his salient
point. He was a dignitied presence, yet at
The farfhest remove from austcTity; he was
capable of stenncss, yet You always had
his ccntleness in view; no child was more
naive and supplemented, yet his mind was
practical, comprehensive and powerful; the
very air lie moved in seemed fragrant OF
piety and sacred thoughts, yet his cheerful
ness flowed like river; he seemed always
10 lean on his friends for spiritual consola-
ton and counsel, and yet | never left his
company without more positive indictments
TO pious living and earnest labor than l got
from auv one else. One could never decide
whether TO love him most, or most to re-
we're him. His sympathieS were earnest
and active, vet how unbroken and charm
ing was his repose; he delighted much III
recalling scenes of his younger years, but
he preserved in the present sweetness OF
temper which made age green and beauIl-
-. He was a man of nearly 50 years, yet
feel as lonely, now that the sod covers
him over. as if any anectionate fellow
lahorcr of my own age had passed away
NV grandfathers friend and my oWniIiend'
guide of my youth andstay of my manhood,
farewell! / shall miss him as long as
live. W. H. W
GREENVILLE, ,, u