The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1903-05-09
Ex. GOV. JAMES P. EAGLE
Reelected President of Southern
Baptist Convention.
From Baptist Weekly Visitor,

baptist OOHNehtAOh'
From Baptist Weekly Visitor.
James P. Eagle was born in Tennes-
see, 1887. and was brought to Arkansas
by his father, James Eagle, when
lad of two years. He was reared on a
farm, doing all sorts of work, clearing
away the forests, making rails, build
ing fences, hoeing and picking cotton.
ETC. He is a practical farmer.
BY Iaboring faithfully on the farm
for many years he was able to accu-
mulate enough to purchase a farm. He
is now owner of large planting inter-
ests on the outskirts of the Arkansas
river bottom. His plantations are of
the most valuable in the state. He en-
listed in the Confederate army in 1851
as private soldier, and was in many
battles in the Indian Territory, Mis-
souri,, Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia,
Mississippi and North Carolina. He
was once badly wounded, once pris-
oner, confined for a while at Fort Del
aware. He surrendered in North Car
DINA under Joseph f. Johnson in 1860
At the time he was lieutenant colonel.
In 1867 he attended school at Lonoke,
and in 1870 and 1871 he attended Mis-
sissippi College. In 1872 he was elected
for that office without his knowledge.
In 1874 he took an active part in the
Brooks Baxter war, the result of which
was to throw off the oppressive recon-
structive state government, and give
back to the people state government.
He was one of the three commissioners
TO adjust the Baxter claims growing
out of the war.
In 1874 he was a member of the con-
stitutional convention which framed
the present constitution. Subsequently
he served two terms in the Legislature
For a while he was speaker of the
House.
In 1888 he was elected Governor of
the state, and in 1880 he was re-elect-
ed by a great majority, recording
probably the largest vote ever cast in
the state for a Governor. The people
have never refused to give him any
Office that he has desired. He has
never been defeated for office. In 1867
he joined the New Hope Baptist
Church. dating his conversion back to
the last year of the war. In 1870 he
was ordained a minister of the gospel
His ministerial labors have been
largely confined to the destitute fields
and poor churches where 1t has been
difficult to get preachers. He has been
a pioneer in the service of the Master
in Arkansas. No one advocates more
strongly than he the duty of churches
to support their pastors, but he has
given to the denomination a beautiful
example of service to the weak
churches.
He has been for many years moder-
ator of the Caroline Association, the
largest association in the state. He
has presided over the Baptist State
Convention twenty different annual
| meetings, and has been a great tower
of strength in all of the denomination
al affairs, supporting the mission
work, the. schools and the colleges. He
is in sympathy with all that is ag-
gressive in UNCONVENTIONAL work, and
stands in the front rank of the lead
ers of the Southern Baptist Conven-
ton, being elected its president in
May, 1902, at AsheVile.
Arkansas is always proud to honor
him and to see him honored by his
brethren. His Judgment is sought and
he is recognized as a safe. leader. AS
the years come on he grows more ard
more in favor with the people of his
| own state. A man esteemed and nom
! ored, and above reproach. He is borne
upon the prayers of thousands at this
time in the sad bereavement that has
come to his home and heart.
Mrs. Mary Oldham Eagle, his wife,
was taken only few weeks ago to her
| Fathers home, and has left him mere
yet for large service in His name.
In" many respects she was a wonder
! full woman and her influence was felt
| all over the land, and now that she
| has gone to her reward the hearts of
! thousands are more closely entwined
| about this great and good man of God.