New Hope Presbyterian Church October 7, 1838 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present - Reverend J. F.
W. Freeman - Moderator and A. Human, S. Groves, D. Evans and D. W. Woods, elders. Groves H. Cartledge was examined on experimental religion and received into the
communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Samuel
Groves, C.S. The same day G. H. Cartledge was baptised upon the public profession of his
faith in Christ. October 7, 1838 Night Session met again and was constituted with prayer. Members present as
above. Elizabeth W. Cartledge and Sarah L. Groves were examined on experimental piety and
received in the communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. March 3, 1839 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. H. Safford,
Moderator, and A. Human, S. Groves, D. Evans and B.W. Woods elders. Ned, a colored man
belonging to James Thompson, Sen. was examined and received into the communion of the
church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. The same day Ned was baptised as an adult on profession of his faith in Christ.
June 1, 1839 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. H. Safford,
Moderator, and A. Human, S. Groves, D. Evans and B.W. Woods elders. Daniel, a servant of
T. Long, was examined and admitted to the communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. June 2, 1839 Daniel was baptised as an adult upon profession of his faith in Christ.
Sometime in the year 1844 Joseph B. Long and Anne Long were received by certificate from
the church at Thyatira. September 20, 1845 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present - Reverend A.
Church, D.D., Moderator, and S. Groves, D. Evans and B.W. Woods, elders. John D. Long,
Jane McCurdy and Susan McCurdy were examined and admitted to the communion of the church.
Session then had a recess until Sabbath 21st. Sabbath, September 21, 1845 Session met pursuant to adjournment. Members present as above. Mary W. McCurdy
was examined and received into the communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. Same day John D. Long, Jane McCurdy, Mary McCurdy and Susan McCurdy made a
public profession of their faith in Christ. October 5, 1845 Reverend H. Safford baptised Henrietta, infant daughter of Benj. W. and Eliza
A. Woods, Mary Lucas, infant daughter of Robt. and Artemisia M. Woods, and Mary Frances,
infant daughter of Jos. B. and Sarah L. Long. December 7, 1845 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend H.
Safford, Moderator, and S. Groves, D. Evans, and B.W. Woods, elders. Mary Thompsonm and
Mary, a servant of James Thompson, Jun. were examined and admitted to the communion of the
church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. The same day Mary Thompson and Mary, a servant, made a public profession of
their faith in Christ and the latter was baptised as an adult. May 3, 1846 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present H.C. Carter,
Moderator, and S. Groves, D. Evans, and B.W. Woods, elders. Martha N. Cartledge, Cynthia
A. McCurdy, Mary A. and Sarah Manning were examined and admitted to the communion of the
church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. The same day the four above named individuals made a public profession of their
faith in Christ and Martha N. Cartledge was baptised as an adult. August 2, 1846 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend C.C.
Dodd, Moderator, and S. Groves, D. Evans and B.W. Woods, elders. Eliza McCurdy, William H.
McCurdy, Mary Evans, Samuel and Mary I. Thompson, William M. Cartledge, Stephen C.
Cartledge, John L. Cartledge, Dilla Amanda Cartledge, James Long, Frederick Human and
Martina, a servant of J.B. Long, were severally examined and admitted to the communion of
the church. Session took a recess until Monday, August 3. The same day all of the above
named persons made a public profession of their faith in Christ and Mary I. Thompson,
W.M., L.C., J.A., and D.A. Cartledge and Martina were baptised as adults. Monday, August 3, 1846 Session met and pursuant to adjournment members present as above. Richard Saye,
William L. Evans, John A. McCurdy, son of S. G. McCurdy, and John A. McCurdy, son of J.
McCurdy, and Martha McCurdy were examined and admitted to the communion of the church.
Took recess until Tuesday, August 4. The same day all of the above named persons publicly
professed their faith in Christ. Tuesday, August 4, 1846 Session met pursuant to adjournment. Members present as
above. Susan Evans was examined and received into the communion of the church. Closed with
prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. Same day Susan Evans publicly professed her faith in Christ. December 5, 1846 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present S. Groves, D.
Evans, and B.W. Woods, elders. In the absence of a minister, Samuel Groves moderated the
session. Mr. John Etcheson appeared before session, made satisfactory acknowledgements and
was restored to the communion of the church. Samuel Groves, C.S. September 18, 1847 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Reverend Wm. P.
Gready, Moderator, and S. Groves, D. Evans and B.W. Woods, elders. James H. Thompson was
examined and received into the communion of the church. Had a recess until September 21. On the next day Mr. Thompson was baptized upon a profession of his faith. September 21, 1847 Session met pursuant to adjournment. Members present as before, Julia A.
Etcheson was examined and admitted to the communion of the church. Closed with prayer.
Samuel Groves, C.S Julia A. Etcheson subsequently made a public profession of her faith in
Christ. November 3, 1847 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present -
Reverend William P. Gready, Moderator, and S.L. Groves, D. Evans, and
B.W. Woods, elders. Mrs. Dinah Thompson presented to session a certificate [cut off]
Church and was admitted into the communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves, C.S. 1848 During the year 1848 Robert Woods and Joseph B. Long, esqr. were elected and
ordained Ruling Elders in this church. 1848 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend Wm. P.
Gready, Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, B.W. Woods, Elders. Jackson P. Hopkins was
examined and received into the communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Samuel Groves Subsequently J. P. Hopkins was baptized as an adult on a profession of his
faith in Christ. 1848 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. Wm. P.
Gready, Moderator, S. Groves, David Evans, B.W. Woods, elders. John G. Evans and Nancy
Caroline McCurdy were examined and received into the communion of the church. Closed with
prayer. Samuel Groves Subsequently the above persons made a public profession of their faith in
Christ. Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present Wm. P. Gready, Moderator,
Saml. Groves, D. Evans, B.W. Woods, J.B. Long and Rober Woods, elders. Sarah Manning a
member of this church was charged with fornication, she having given birth to a bastard,
whereupon she was cited to appear before the session. Closed with prayer. At a subsequent meeting of the session, at which members were present as above,
Sarah Manning refused to appear. Session then cited her again. At the next meeting of the
session, members present as above, she still refusing to appear, she was excluded from the
communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Saml. Groves April 7, 1850 Charles William, infant son of Reverend G. H. and A. M. Cartledge, was
baptized. 1850 Session met. Present Reverend G. H. Cartledge, Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans,
B.W. Woods and J. B. Long, elders. Dr. John Long was at his own request dismissed to join
the church at Thyatira Jackson County, Georgia. Saml. Groves November 3, 1850 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present Reverend Groves H.
Cartledge, Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, B.W. Woods, and J.B. Long, elders. Maj. William
Groves, Mary L. Hopkins, Sarah L. McCurdy, Sarah H. Long, Elizabeth J. Woods, and Sarah E.
Woods were examined and received into the communion of the church, and Rebekah J. Groves
was received by certificate from the church at Danielsville Madison County Georgia. Session took a recess to meet at the call of the Moderator. The same day all the above named persons made a public profession of their
faith in Christ. Monday, November 4, 1850 Session met at the call of the Moderator. Present Reverend G. H. Cartledge, S.
Groves, D. Evans, B.W. Woods, and J.B. Long, elders. James G. McCurdy, Samuel D. McCurdy, Samuel N. Woods and Elizabeth Ann McCurdy
were examined and received into the the communion of the church. Closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. The same day all the above named persons made a public profession of their
faith in Christ. January 18, 1851 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present the Reverend Groves H.
Cartledge, Moderator, Samuel Groves, B.W. Woods, R. Woods and J.B. Long, Elders. Samuel
Thompson, a member of the church, came before the session and acknowledged the sin of
drunkeness and rendered full satisfaction to the session. Closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. Approved by Presbytery, April 19, 1851. N. Hoyt, Moderator August 3, 1851 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present the Reverend Groves H.
Cartledge, Moderator, Samuel Groves, B.W. Woods, R. Woods, J.B. Long, Elders. Miss Adeline Patton came before session and made satisfactory acknowledgement
and was restored to full fellowship. Then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. September 7, 1851 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present Reverend G. H. Cartledge,
Moderator, Samuel Groves, David Evans, B.W. Woods, R. Woods and J.B. Long, Ruling Elders.
Nancy A. Power was received by certificate from the church at Thyatira Jackson Co. Session
closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. October 5, 1851 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present the Reverend G. H.
Cartledge, Moderator, Samuel Woods, David Evans, B.W. Woods, R. Woods and J.B. Long,
Ruling Elders. Sarah Elizabeth Thompson and Elizabeth Jane Branahm was examined and
received into the communion of the church. Sarah Saye was received into the church from
Concord Church, Hall County upon her known Christian character. Session closed with
prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. The same day the within named Sarah E. Thompson and Elizabeth Jane Branahm made
a public profession of the faith in Christ. April 4, 1852 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present Reverend G. H. Cartledge,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, and Joseph B. Long, Ruling Elders. The following charges was tabled to wit by B.W. Wood. 1st. I charge Col. Samuel
Groves with acting unjustly in cultivating and renting to others land which was mine by
contract and with holding from me the rent thereof. I propose to establish the above
charge by the following witnesses to wit, S.C. Groves, F. Groves, R. Groves, S.G. McCurdy,
E.A. Wood and J.B. and S.L. Long. Second. I charge Col. Samuel Groves with a violation of
his private contract with me to wit that he promised and agreed to give a certain tract of
land which he got from me for that purpose adjoining the church lot to the church and has
since refused to comply with said promise. I propose to establish the second charge by the
following witnesses to wit, R. Groves and E.A. Woods. B.W. Woods, Porss. Session then took recess until Tuesday, the 13th of April, 1852. J.B. Long, C.S. Col. Samuel Groves was then presented with a copy of the charges and a list of
the witnesses and cited to attend. April 13, 1852 1st charge. Judgement under first charge. In the judgement of the session the first charge
is not sustained by the evidence for the plain reason that the contract as it appears from
the testimony was conditional and Col. Groves had no positive assurance that that
condition could or would ever be complied with, but in the opinion of the session the
whole transaction was of a loose indefinite unbusiness like character which should be
absent from the dealings of Christians even though they may be intimate relations. Joseph B. Long, C.S. 2nd Case B.W. Woods vs. S. Groves. I charge Col. Samuel Groves with a violation of his
private contract with me to wit that he promised and agreed to give a certain tract of
land which he got from me for that purpose adjoining the church lot and has since refused
to comply with said promise. 1st Wit. E. A. Woods Question by Pross. On the same evening after our trade in this piece of land
above the grave yard was it not your understanding that he had got that
piece of land from me for the purpose of giving it to the church? Witness, It was. 2 - And did he not say in your presence that he was abler to give it to the
church than I was. Witness - he did. [Cut off] Cross examined. How did you learn what the contract was in reference to the lot adjoining the
grave yard? Witness - From hearing a conversation between the parties upon the subject. 2nd Witness - Samuel G. McCurdy Question by Prosecutor - Did you not hear Col. Groves when you and the
Moderator first conversed with him in reference to reconciliation between us say that he
would give that lot of land above the grave yard to the church? Witness - I did. Question - Did you not think at the time that he would do it and that he
intended to do it? Witness - Yes. Cross examined. Question by defendant - Did not the conversation continue and did I not finally
refuse and say that I would not do it then and that I would not be forced to do it? Wit. Yes. 1852 - Judgement under 2nd charge In the judgement of the Session the second charge is sustained by the evidence,
although the session vote to sustain the charge yet they are persuaded from facts
connected with the case that Col. Samuel Groves did not knowingly or designedly act amiss
but was led into a violation of his promise by forgetfulness or infirmity of memory and
should therefore [cut off]. Approved by Presbytery at Greensboro, April 30, 1852 John W. Baker, Moderator October 2, 1852 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend G.H.
Cartledge, Moderator, D. Evans and J.B. Long, Ruling Elders. Salina Floyd was examined and received into the communion of the church also
Sarah Mannen appeared before session and made satisfatory acknowledgement and was restored
to the communion of the church. Session then took recess. October 3, 1852 Session met membners as above with S. Groves and R. Woods, Elders. Then came
forward Sidney Catharine Woods and Frances Goulding Woods and was examined on experimental
religion and received into the communion of the church and Elmira Story was received by
letter. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C. On the same day Salina Floyd, Sidney Catharine and Frances Goulding Woods made
a public profession of their faith in Christ and Miss Salina Floyd was baptised. October 3, 1852 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend G. H.
Cartledge, Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, Elders. Eda, a colored woman, of
William Thompson appeared before session and was examined and received into the communion
of the church. Session then took recess. Joseph B. Long, C.S. On the same day Eda made a public profession and was baptized. October 4, 1852 Session met at the call of the Moderator. Membners presesnt G.H. Cartledge, S.
Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods and J.B. Long. Samuel F. Woods appeared before Session and was
examined and received into the communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. On the same day Samuel F. Woods made a public profession of his faith in
Christ. October 13, 1852 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend G. H.
Cartledge, Moderator, D. Evans, R.W. Woods, and J.B. Long, Ruling Elders. B.W. Woods,
Elder, was charged with neglect of duty in absenting himself from the meetings of the
session and from the Lord's Supper. Witnesses, D. Evans, R. Woods and J.B. Long. 2ndly. B.W. Woods was charged with unchristian conduct to wit: About a month
ago he ordered his own mother-in-law out of his house. Witnesses: R. Groves, D. Evans, and
T. Long. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. October 27, 1852 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present Reverend G. H. Cartledge,
Moderator, D. Evans, J.B. Long and R. Woods, Elders. B.W. Woods appeared before Session
and acknowledged the facts specified under the first charge and offered as his plea that
he could not fellowship with Col. Groves, one of the elders of the church. The Session
then voted that the first charge was sustained by the acknowledgement of the accused. 2nd Charge. R. Groves, being sworn, testified that being at Benj. W. Woods house she began
a conversation with respecting the difficulty between him and Col. Groves when after
stating several dfacts to him he said if you go in with that old man you'll have to go out
of my house and repeated I say you'll have to go out, then raise up his foot and stamping
the floor I say go out of my house. Witness cross examined by the defendant, Did I not say
to you that if you came to disturb me in my own house I would thank you to go out. Witness
replied you did not. David Evans being sworn testified that B.W. Woods acknowledged in his hearing
that he told his mother-in-law that he would be glad if she would leave his house. B.W.
Woods then commented upon the charge and the evidence after which the defendant and
witnesses left the house and the session, after deliberating, voted unanimously that the
2nd charge was sustained by the evidence. The Session then entered its judgement to wit:
the B.W. Woods be and he is hereby suspended from the commuinion of the church until he
repent. The principal reason which influenced the Session in coming to such a decision
was the fact that B.W. Woods had not only neglected his duty but had given as a reason for
that neglect the fact that he would not fellowship with a man whom the session had
exculpated from all blame. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. November 7, 1852 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Present Rev. G. H. Cartledge,
Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, and J.B. Long, Ruling Elders. Mary E. Groves and
Joseph W. Cartledge was examined on experience and received into the communion of the
church. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session The same day the above named persons made a public profession of their faith in
Christ and was baptized. March 6, 1853 Miss Salina Floyd was dismissed by certificate to join the church at
Danielsville. Done by order of Session. Joseph B. Long, Clerk Approved, Athens Georgia, April 22, 1853 John W. Reid, Moderator May 15, 1853 Session met. Members present, Reverend R. Milner, Moderator, S. Groves, D.
Evans, R. Woods, and J. B. Long, Ruling Elders. There being an unfavorable report in
circulation against Sarah Mannen after some consultation it was moved that there be a
committee of two to see her and inquire into the matter and report at the next meeting
then appointed James McCurdy and J. B. Long, Com. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, C.S. June 4, 1853 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. M. R.
Milner, Moderator, S. Groves, R. Woods, and J.B. long, Ruling Elders. Session then called
for a report of the Com. appointed at last meeting in the case of Sarah Mannen when J.B.
Long made a report and afer some deliberation on the matter the case was postponed
indefinitely by consent of parties. Session then agreed to have three elders elected the
church then went in to the election of the Elders and it resulted in the election of Dr.
J. F. Groves, J. T. Hopkins and J. A. McCurdy. Session then closed with prayer. J. B. Long, Clerk of Session The same day the above named person made a public profession of his faith in
Christ. September 4, 1853 Session met. Members present, Reverend R. Milner, Mosderator, S. Groves, D.
Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders.
Appointed J.A. McCurdy to attend the next meeting of the Presbytery at Clarkesville and R.
Woods alternate. Session then closed. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session September 18, 1853 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. R. Milner,
Moderator, S. Groves, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling elders.
John, a servant of Mrs. Carrington, was examined and received into the communion of the
church. Session then closed with prayer. The above named person the same day was baptized and received into the church. October 9, 1853 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R. Milner,
Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long J.P. Hopkins and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling
Elders. Frances Long and William A. Thompson was examined on experimental religion and
received into the communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, C. Session On the same day the above named persons made a publick profession of their
faith in Christ and Miss Long was baptized. J.B. Long, C. Session October 16, 1853 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R. Milner,
Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.P. Hopkkins, J.A. McCurdy and Dr.
J.F. Groves, Ruling Elders. Mr. Newton M. Story, Miss Matilda F. McCurdy and Miss Huldah Strickland was
examined on experimental religion and received into the communion of the church. Session
then appointed J.B. long as a delegate to represent them in the next meeting of Synod of
Georgia and J.A. McCurdy as alternate. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clk. Session On the same day the above named persons made a publick profession of their
faith in Christ and Miss McCurdy and Miss Strickland was baptized. J.B. Long, Clk. Session April 2, 1854 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Reverend R.W.
Milner, S. Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, Dr. J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A.
McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Session then took up the case of Miss Mannen there being no evidence to support
the unfavorable report it was dismissed by the session. Session then appointed J.A.
McCurdy to attend the next meeting of Prebytery and R. Woods to be his alternate. Session
then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session Approved in Presbytery, Lexington, April 7. 1854. Henry Newton, Moderator May 6, 1854 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders.
Dr. J.F. Groves brought in a charge against Ned, servant of James Thompson, for the crime
of adultery also Ephraim Thompson. Mary, servant of the same, with the same crime. Session
then took recess until tomorrow morning. Session came together and there being no
business, Session closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session June 4, 1854 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, Samuel Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Ned
came before the Session and gave satisfaction. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, C.S. September 3, 1854 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, S. Groves, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. There being an unfavorable report against Newton M. Story for swearing and
drinking. Session then appointed David Evans and Joseph B. Long to see into the case.
Session then appointed John A. McCurdy to attend the next meeting of the presbytery and R.
Woods alternate. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session October 2, 1854 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. Mr. George W. Evans, Miss Harriett and Nancy Thompson, Miss Emily and Arminda
Carithers, Miss Rachel A. Woods and Miss Lucy J. Patten was examined on experimental
religion and received into the communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. [Cut off] March 20, 1855 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.P. Hopkins, J.F. Groves, J.A. McCurdy, Ruling
Elders. Session then called in J.F. Groves for a report. He stated that he had wrote to
Mr. Newton M. Story but had not heard from him. Publick rumor having charged Mr. Story
with the crime of taking the name of the Lord in vain on the church ground. Session
ordered the Clerk to make a charge to that effect and cite him to be before the session on
the first Sabbath in April. Session then appointed Dr. J.F. Groves delegate to the next
meeting of the Presbytery in Woodstock. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session April 1, 1855 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. long, Dr. J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling
Elders. Session then inquired into the case of N. Story. Clerk stated that he had made out
the charge and sent by mail but could not say whether he had got it or not. Session after
consultation laid the case over and for some one of the Session to try and see him so that
it might be known that he had got a citation. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session Examined thus far and approved. Woodstock April 7, 1855 Sam'l S. Davis May 5, 1855 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, Dr. J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. Session then took up the case of Mr. Story. R.W. Milner stated that the
clerk furnished him with another citation and that he had handed it to Mr. Story and Mr.
Story said he had received the other citation and denied the charge but stated that he
would be present on Saturday before the first Sunday in May next and if any thing turned
up so that he could not come he wold write but did not appear. Session after some
consultation laid it over until the first Sunday in June at that time to dispose of the
case in some manner. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk Session June 3, 1855 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, Dr. J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders.
Session then took up the case of N.M. Story but nothing more had been heard from him.
Session then suspended him for not complying with the citation and for not even showing
any disposition to meet the session. The session felt that they had showed him as much
lenity in the case as they could and had wrote to him and all that had the opportunity had
talked with him and admonished him to try to reclaim him but all seemed to be in vain and
thought it might be for his good and for the Glory of God to suspend him until he repent
and turn to the Lord and he will abundantly pardon and forgive all that come unto him.
Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session August 5, 1855 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. R.W. Milner stated to the session that they might look for some other supply as
he was going to leave. Session then appointed R. Woods to attend the next meeting of the
Presbytery and R. Woods Alternate. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session October 7, 1855 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. There came before the Session Mr. Henry Jones Long and Henry Thomas Evans and
was received into the communion of the church by experience. Session then closed with
prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named persons came forward and made a public
profession of their faith in Christ. Joseph B. long, Clerk of Session Approved in Presbytery - R.W. Parker, Moderator September 21, 1856 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.A. McCurdy and J.A. Hopkins,
Ruling Elders. Then came before the Session of the church Mrs. Amanda Thompson and after being
examined on experimental religion was received into the communion of the church. Session
the closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day Mrs. Amanda Thompson came forward and made a public profession
of her faith in Christ. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session October 5, 1856 Session met and was consituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. Then came before the Session Mr. James Thompson, Thomas W. Long, Sidney F.
Woods, Martha R. Woods, Peneacy C. Thompson, Susan Sorrells, Emily F. Woods, Mary Woods,
Eliza J. Groves, Rachel F. McCurdy and Sarah Strickland, and Clark, servant of J.B. and
Thomas A. Long. Session then closed with [cut off] On the same day the above named persons came forward and made a public
profession of their faith in Christ. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session October 6, 1856 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, John A. McCurdy, J.P. Hopkins, J.F. Groves,
Ruling Elders. Then came before the session Nancy Emily Thompson, Sarah A.R.M. Patten, Agnes
Anthony, Emily Ann Patten and Mrs. Rebecca Scott. Session the appointed R. Woods to attend
the next meeting of Presbytery to be held at Eatonton and J.P. hopkins and J.F. Groves to
attend the meeting of Synod at Atlanta and J.B. Long alternate. Session then closed with
prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session The above named persons came forward and the same day made a public profession
of their faith in Christ. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session October 18, 1856 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. There came before the session after Mrs. Lucinda Thompson and Joseph W. Woods
and after being examined on experimental religion was received into the communion of the
church. Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named persons came forward and made a public
profession of their faith in Christ and Mrs. Thompson was baptized. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session Madison, April 9, 1857. Examined and Approved. May 3, 1857 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling
Elders. Then came before the session of the Church Miss Salency Strickland and after being
examined on experimental religion was received into the communion of the church. Session
then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named person came forward and made a public
profession of her faith in Christ and was baptized. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session May 17, 1857 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling
Elders. Then came before the session of the Church Miss Elizabeth J. Mannen and after
being examined on experimental religion was received into the communion of the church.
Session then closed with prayer. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named person came forward and made a public
profession of her faith in Christ and was baptized. Joseph B. Long, Clerk of Session June 7, 1857 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.A. McCurdy and J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. The session
of the church of New Hope in order to more effectually meet the religious wants of the
congregation under their charge and more efficiently to perform their duties to the head
of the church who has made them overseers in his spiritual vineyard have determined to
apportion to each of the Elders a section of the congregation which shall be under his
special supervision. It is designed that each one shall be able when called upon to give
all information desired by the session as to the walk and deprtment of those under his
charge for this purpose, visit if possible once a month and have religious conversation
with each member of the family as far as practicable and at any rate with all members of
the church in the family. It shall be his duty in these conversations to inquire into
their religious knowledge, their views of Divine Truth, their experience personally of
these truths. Likewise as to their performance of personal and relatives duties as secret
prayer, reading of the Word, meditation on the Word, Family prayer, instruction of
children and servants in the catechisms Observance of the Sabbath, attendance upon the
prayer meeting and the preaching of the Word, their observance of the ordinances and
sacraments of the church, all cases of irregularity requiring admonition, and he shall
bring to the notice of the pastor any case requiring his attention on all these. There
shall be a report at least once in two months, these laborers to commence the third
Sabbath of July 1857. Session the closed with prayer. September 6, 1857 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, D.Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins, and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. Then came Mrs. Mary Carithers and after being examined on experimental
religion was received into the communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long Clerk of Session On the same day the foregoing person came forward and made a public profession
of her faith in Christ. J.B. Long Clerk of Session October 6, 1857 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. R.W. Milner,
Moderator, with other ministering brethren, D.Evans, R. Wood, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.A.
McCurdy and J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. Then appeared Mrs. Mary Tait and stated to the
session that she had been a member of the church and that she had not been turned out but
in being without preaching for a long time the church had almost died out and after
reviving again she still continued to absent herself from the privileges of the church
until the present session had no knowledge of her as a member but knowing her all the time
saw nothing amiss only that she had stayed away from the privileges of the church but was
a regular attendant at preaching after investigating some of the old members could tell
about it she acknowledged her fault and was restored to full communion. Session then
closed with prayer. J.B. Long Clerk of Session [Date cut off] Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. H.I. Long was dismissed to join the Presbyterian Church at Danielsville.
Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long Clerk of Session March 21 Session appointed J.B. Long, Principal and J.F. Groves Alternate as delegates
to attend Presbytery. Then adjourned. J.B. Long Clerk of Session Examined and approved in Presbytery, New Hope, April, 1858 L.A. Simonton, Moderator August 6, 1858 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, Dr. J.F. Groves, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. There came before the session Willis J. Dudley, James P. McCalister, Priscilla
Pierce, Francis Downs, Mary E. McCalister, Sarah A. Downs, Sarah E. McCallister, Jane
Downs and were examined on experimental religion and were received into the communion of
the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long Clerk of Session On the same day the above named persons came forward and made a public
profession of their faith in Christ and Willis J. Dudley, James P. McCallister, Priscilla
Pierce, Francis Downs, Sarah E. McCallister and [cut off]. August 8, 1858 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, and J.F. Groves, Elders. There came before the session Mrs. Rachael Downs, James A. Pearce and William
Downs and was examined on examined on experimental religion and were received into the
communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long Clerk of Session August 8, 1858 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, Ruling Elder. Then came before the session of the Church John P. Downs, Nancy Stephenson,
Mary W. Mead and Sarah Downs and was examined on examined on experimental religion and
were received into the communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long Clerk of Session On the same day the foregoing named persons with the exception of William Downs
came forward and made a publick profession of their faith in Christ and were all baptized
with the exception of James A. Pearce who had been baptized before. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session August 9, 1858 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Then came before the session James H. Looney and was examined on experimental
religion and was received into the communion of the church. The Session then closed with
prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named J.H. Looney made a publick profession of his
faith in Christ and was baptized. October 2, 1858 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, D. Evans, J.P. Hopkins and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Then appeared before the Session Amos Carithers, William Hearing Woods, and
Elizabeth Groves Saye and were examined on experimental religion and was received into the
communion of the church. The Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named persons made a publick profession of their
faith in Christ and A. Carithers and William H. Wood were baptized. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session October 3, 1858 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long and J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. Then came before the Session Susan Patton and was examined on experimental
religion and was received into the communion of the church [cut off] On the same day the above named persons made a publick profession of her faith
in Christ. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session November 5, 1858 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Wood, J.B. Long, John F. Groves, and J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. Then came before the Session Emily Thompson and was examined on experimental
religion and was received into the communion of the church. The Session then closed with
prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the within named person made a publick profession of her faith
in Christ. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session January 16, 1859 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. Then came before the Session Elizabeth Jane Evans and was examined on
experimental religion and was received into the communion of the church. The Session then
closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named person made a publick profession of her faith
in Christ and was baptized. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session Examined and approved in Presbytery, Milledgeville, Georgia April 19, 1859 July 2, 1859 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, and J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Session then passed an order that they would not receive any person by letter
from the Baptist Church without their making a publick profession of their faith in
Christ. At the same time received by letter from the Baptist Church at Carnesville Mary
Weems. Done by order of Session. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named person made a publick profession of her faith
in Christ and was received into full fellowship. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session October 5, 1859 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Groves, J.A. McCurdy and J.P.
Hopkins. Then came before the Session of the church Mrs, Urena Daniel and was examined
on experimental religion and was received into the communion of the church. The Session
then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named person made a publick profession of her faith
in Christ and was baptized. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session November 5, 1859 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, J.F. Evans, J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Then took up the case of Isbel Human for absenting herself from the House of
God and its privileges and appointed a committee of three to see her. Dr. J.F. Groves,
J.B. Long, J.A. McCurdy, J.F. Evans and J.A. McCurdy saw her and reported to the session
that she gave no satisfaction. Session then directed the clerk to have her cited to
attend. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session November 19, 1859 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.T. Evans, J.A. McCurdy, Ruling Elders. Session then took up the case of Isbel Human. Dr. J.F. Groves reported that he
took the citation and talked to her but with no satisfaction. Session then appointed J.F.
Groves to see her and defend her case. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session December 3, 1859 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, John F. Groves, J.A. McCurdy, J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. The Session then took up the case of Isbel Humane. Dr. Groves stated that he
went to see her and stated that he could not do anything with her. She said that she would
not attend and they might do just what they saw proper with her. Session then suspended
her until she repent of her falt and makes some acknowledgement of the same. Session then
closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session January 7, 1860 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.B. Long, John F. Groves, J.A. McCurdy and J.P. Hopkins,
Ruling Elders. Session then inquired for business and Mr. P. H. Evans came forward and stated
that he had on one occasion bin drunk to his shame and regret and stated that if they
would forgive him for that offence by the help of God he never would be gilty of the
charge again. The Session excused him. Session then appointed a committee of three to
write a letter to the Church as regards situation and admonish one and all to the
performance of their duty. That committee consists of Dr. John F. Groves, Joseph B. Long
and Robert Woods and their report read before the church and filed on the minutes. Closed
with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session August 10, 1860 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, and J.P. Hopkins, Ruling Elders. Then came before
the session John G. Lane, Freeman Weems, Asa T. Falkner, Heriah Weems, Elisabeth Weems,
Susannah L. Hopkins and Mary F. Levy and Thomas B. Anthony Jun. and was examined on
experimental religion and was received into the communion of the church. Session the took
recess. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session Session came together again. Then appeared before the session Mrs. Mary A.
Anthony and was examined on experimental religion and was received into the communion of
the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the foregoing named persons made a publick profession of her
faith in Christ and John G. Lane, Asa T. Falkner, Thomas B. Anthony, Mary A. Anthony,
Hesiah Weems and Elizabeth Weems was baptized. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session September 2, The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, R. Woods, J.A. McCurdy, J.F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins and J.B. Long, Ruling
Elders. Then appeared before the session Thomas A. Long and was examined on
experimental religion and was received into the communion of the church. Session then
closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named person made a publick profession of his faith
in Christ. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session October 8, 1860 The Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, D.Evans, R. Woods, J.B. Long, F. Groves, J.P. Hopkins and J.A. McCurdy,
Ruling Elders. Then appeared before the session Dr. B.M. Thompson, Armandy Jane Thompson and
Margarett Elisabeth Emily Carithers and was examined on experimental religion and was
received into the communion of the church. Session then closed with prayer. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session On the same day the above named persons made a publick profession of their
faith in Christ and Amanda Jane Thompson and Margarett Elisabeth Emily Carithers was
baptised. J.B. Long, Clerk of Session Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present: Reverend R.W.
Milner, Moderator, David Evans, Robert Woods, Jackson Hopkins and Robert Henderson, Ruling
Elders. Mary Weems a member of the church was charged with unlawful intimacy with another
man than her husband. It was ordered by the session that she be cited to appear before the
session of this church on the 21st day of November. Session then adjourned until the 21st
instant. November 21, 1861 Session met according to adjournment and was constituted with prayer. Members
present: Reverend R.W. Milner, Moderator, D. Evans, R. Woods, J.P. Hopkins and R.
Henderson, Ruling Elders. The accused having been presented with a copy of the charge and
a list of the names of witnesses against her and cited to appear as ordered by the
session, she appeared. The session proceeded to the investigation of the case. First witness: Freeman Weems. Q. Do you know anything implicating Mrs. Weems with unlawful intamacy with any
other man than yourself? A. I think. Q. How far back do you go with these charges? A. Barly three years. Q. Mention the first cause. A. We went into the store doing some trading. I was out and coming to the door.
Suddendly I say them leaning over the counter as if whispering together. He suddenly
jerked up, I saw a change in their countenance which led me to suspect something rong.
This was about three years ago. Q. What next? A. On Christmas Eve night, 1858, I saw him standing in the chimney corner. I
was watching heard a knock I went up, he stepped off. Q. What next? A. In the Spring after in 1859 I was led to believe all was not right. Q. What was that? A. I saw them having a private chat: and on that Wednesday night it being mail
day he went for the mail got home late did not come with his family to church. I went back
home found him in the chimney corner. I spoke to some of my family and he ran off. Next in
July or August the same year, 1859, when gettin near home I heard a noise behind the
house, went up so I could see. Saw the window partly open and a man standing leaning in
the window. When I went up he ran off. When I asked my wife if she had seen anyone she
said she did not. Q. What next? The winter following I went up to the shop and returned, sliped up got over
fence near kitchen saw him in corner of fence. He said he ought to give some explanation.
Said he had heard I was jealous of him and he was looking around to see if he could find
out. I told him I was and my reasons for it: running him from my house. Q. What did this man tell you his excuse was? A. He denied being there only the first time and stated thast he had went there
that time to play off a Christmas trick. Q. How do you know it was him? A. From his dress and appearance. Q. How long have you been jealous of your wife and your reason. A. I alluded to reports that followed her from the uper neighborhood. Q. How long before you left did you hear these reports? A. Three or four years. Q. Was she accused of intimacy with more than one man? A. She was. Q. Did you have any evidence of the fact? A. I do not know positively of any. Q. Did anyone ever tell you it was so? A. A man told me it was so. Q. Was he a credible man? A. He was. Q. Was there any difficulty in any church in that neighborhood? An in what did
it result? A. In the expulsion of the man from the church. Q. Was your wife a member of the church at that time? A. She was at Carnesville. Q. How did you [cut off] was that they had got a false report of the instrument of writing. Q. When you came here you believed that all was not right with your family? A. I did. Q. The next incident that led you to suspect the name in this neighborhood? A. In the Spring of 1861 I went out to watch in consequence of his being absent
from his usual place of business at a certain time of day. I went down about the spring
after seeing my wife to that way and I say him passing nearly on the other side of the
track coming in that direction and he saw me and turned and went another way. Q. What next? In July I went down to the spring soon saw her coming. Saw the man on the fence
by Hamptons. I asked her about it, She said she knew nothing about his being there, that
she had been out to get some blackberries. Q. Thursday, October 10, do you know anything of a suspicious character? A. I do not remember anything. I went down home to make some paste. Saturday,
October 12, I was notified that he went at the back door of the kitchen. I went I got to
Mr. Rhodes cowpen before I was discovered by the children. They all made for the kitchen.
I got to the upper corner of the house. They got the door wide enough open to go in he was
standing at the back door and Mrs. Weems in the door. They conversing together. Q. Did you see him there at any other time that week, night or day? A. I saw him at my house Friday night, it was not late in the night. Q. How about some hoop skirts? A. She got them while I was in Athens. Thomas said to me she had got three and
they to be paid for when I come home. Was she or your family said he was there any other time? He was there Saturday evening and at night and Sunday morning came about eight
o'clock and left about nine o'clock. Cross Examination Q. Was any of the children with Mrs. Weems at the times you mention seeing her
at the spring? A. They were. Angelina was with her the first time and Eliza the last time. Q. Did you see eliza go to the kitchen and return to the house again? A. I do not remember it if I did. Testimony of Mr. A. W. McCurdy Q. Do you know anything relative to these charges against Mrs. Weems? Ans. I do. Q. How long since has anything come under your knowledge? A. Some time this summer. Q. State such things as came under your knowledge. Ans. I saw a person going down the lane goinf through the potato patch. Q. How near did the person go to the house? A. As near as the pine thicket. Q. Did you see anything during the week embracing the charges? A. I saw him Wednesday pass up through the potato patch round the pine thicket
saw him sometime after returning don't recolect how long he staid though not long. Saw
Thursday about the same as on Wednesday. Next I saw was on Saturday saw about the same
only more than on former days. Having some curiosity to see farther I stepped out of my
shop down so I could see better. I saw the same person pass aroun as before and this time
go as I think to the back door of the kitchen. Q. Did you see anything of Mrs. Weems that day? A. Think I saw her about the house - saw from my stable the same person about
Eleven o'clock Sunday going from that way home. Q. Have you seen anything since? A. I have seen the same person about twice going about the place and returning
home up the lane but with alone I would not have suspected anything wrong. Testimony of
Reverend R.W. Milner, Third Witness Q. Will you state what you know in relation to the charges against Mrs. Weems? Ans. I was led to notice anything that took place from remarks which I heard
from members of the church about her and this man being too intimate. It was about the
first of July I saw him coming from the immediate neighborhood of that house. The next
thing was a visit of this woman to my house. Coming in the back way, telling my wife
things which a faithful wife could could not do. (to wit) that her husband was staying out
late at night and that he was drinking too much and various charges. Various other things
led me to notice. This occured about a week before what I saw. Monday I noticed this man
passing about the same rout as testified my McCurdy returning Tuesday, Wednesday, the same
thing occured returning with something in his hands, I supposed to be corn. This was the
7th, 8th and 9th days of October - on the 10th of October (Thursday) fixing to start from
home about nine o'clock saw this man go up to the back door of the kitchen (believing he
went in) and in about two minutes I saw her take the children to the house. Went back to
the kitchen closing the door: I then after some time saw Mr. Weems going down the [cut
off] when a great hubbub occured. The children running to the kitchen. I saw Eliza run to
the kitchen run back to the house. Saw Mr. Weems go to the kitchen peep in at a crack saw
him squat down as if peeping under the house did not seen them come out of the kitchen did
not see the man go out but soon saw him coming up from that way. I left home on the day
mentioned and was not back until Friday night. I had a conversation with Mr. Weems about
going to the army and his reasons he said he would not go if all was right at home and
repeating about the same story to me that he has to us today. I left him saw the man as I
was going to my yard. Saw the man going down as on former occasions and getting over the
fence near the pine thicket. When about twenty yards from the fence I saw the woman go
into the kitchen: He passed around the pine thicket was out of my sight about one minute.
I then saw him about one hundred yards from the house in Weems enclosure, coming straight
up to the kitchen door and as I thought went in; I then went down to the McCurdy shop
Weems was there, I spoke to McCurdy. I then returned to my yard, when I got into my yard I
saw Weems walking pretty fast toward home. When he got to the corner of Rhodes cowpen the
children discovered him. Eliza ran to the kitchen door and knocked and returned to the
house with a great hubbub. Weems went on when he got near the kitchen the man apparently
stepped out of the door. Weems passed right on to the door and opened it. The girls were
with him. Think Weems did not go in, sat down on the floor. During the next week I saw the
man standing in the pine thicket. AS some ladies passed up the road he passed to the back
of the kitchen, rapped on the fence with his stick and then picked up something and threw
it at the house and Mrs. Weems came out to him. Miss Kesiah Weems First Witness for the Accused Q. Was you at home on Thursday the 10th day of October? Ans. I was. Q. Did you see anything improper in your mother? A. I did not. Q. Did you see any man about the premises that day? Did not. Q. Do you remember anything about Saturday the 12th of October? A. I do. I saw a man in the field and mother called to him and he came to the
fence and she asked his advice in a certain matter amd told him she had a paper she wanted
him to read and he crossed the fence and came to the kitchen door. Q. What then occured? A. He remained until Pa come. Q. What then occured, Did they speak? A. Pa said it was a pretty day to him and then he spoke. Q. Did he remain long after that? A. No, not long. Q. Did he not come into the house? A. He did not. Q. Which way did he leave? A. He crossed the fence and went up through the feild. Q. Did he come there any other time? A. Yes, Friday night the 11th. Q. What time of night did he come? A. About eight o'clock. Q. How long did he remain? A. Don't recollect. Q. Did he go away that night? A. He did. Q. Was he there at any other time that week? A. Yes, on Saturday evening he had dug some potatoes and brought them to show
to us. This was about half hour by sun in the evening. Q. Do you remember any other time that he was there since that? A. He came down Saturday night to see if Pa had come home to go Patroling. Q. Did he come in? A. No. Remember no other time that he was there. Q. Do you remember when your Pa worked in Athens? A. I do remember his coming home in the night and saying he saw somebody at the
window and that he thought they were trying to make an interuption between him and Ma he
was not satisfied with breaking him up in the shop he told us his name next morning and it
was not the man we have been talking about. Q. Had you heard anything before he came. A. No. Cross Examination On Thursday, 10th of October, witness thinks when her father came home to get
the salve it was about nine o'clock thinks her mother and Eliza was in the kitchen getting
dinner thinks the children was in the house her Pa soped in the house, Friday night there
was a man came and staid about one hour and a half or longer Pa came home while he was
there. Q. Was any of the family sick? A. Elizabeth was and sent to the store for Bateman's drops for her. Q. Was there anybody there Sunday morning? A. Yes, a man was there. Eliabeth Weems, Second Witness for the Accused: Q. Do you remember Thursday, the 10th day of October? A. Yes. Q. Was you at home? A. Yes. Q. Was there any man there that day? A. No. Q. Did you see any man about the premises? A. No. Q. Did you see anybody Friday? A. Yes, at night. Q. What time did he come? A. About eight o'clock. Q. When did he leave? A. About nine o'clock. Q. What took place between your Ma and the man? A. She called him to come near she wanted his advice and then she offered him a
paper to read. Did not come in staid ten or fifteen minutes. He was there on Sunday
morning, went away at ten or eleven o'clock. Q. Do you remember when your Pa worked in Athens? A. Yes. Q. Do you remember hearing anything that occured on his coming home that night?
A. Yes. He saw a man standing at the window. Pa said it was a man, not the one
we have been talking about but Pa said he had not pestered him enough and he wanted to
produce an interuption between him and Ma. Q. Was there anything else occured about it? A. Yes that man knew Pa was coming home that night for he had told him so. Q. Did you ever hear of any other man being about the place? A. Yes. Q. Was it the first man alluded to or the last? A. The first him and Pa talked together. He said to Pa he had understood that
Pa was jealous of him and Ma and Pa told him he was not nor had ever been. Q. Who done the cooking the week including the twelfth of October? A. Kesiah, we cook week about. Q. Do you remember where you were when your Pa came home to get the salve? A. I was in the house. Q. Where was your Ma when your Pa came? A. She was in the house. Eliza was gone to the spring. Q. Did your Pa go to the kitchen? A. Pa did not go into the kitchen. Q. Did he not go to the kitchen to see your Ma? A. He did. Q. How long before your Pa come did your Ma go out to the kitchen? A. About ten or fifteen minutes. Q. Saturday morning where were you when your Pa came home? A. I was in the kitchen. Kesiah had gone out to get some wood and just come in
as Pa came home. Q. Who was there? A. A man. Q. How come there? A. Ma called him. Q. What about the whoop skirts? A. Pa came and said that one of the men said one was paid for and Ma said that
she would not have it that way she would burn it up first. After hearing the testimony the Session unanimously decided her guilty of
intimacy highly discreditable to her as a Christian: and decided that she was suspended
from the communion of the church until satisfaction is given it when she shall be
admonished by the Moderator and restored. The Session comes to this conclusion for the
following reasons. They believe that the testimony in the two specifications made to be of
the very strongest circumstantial character, tending directly to prove her guilt in this
case. Again the evidence before the Session implicating her in many other instances is
unimpeached, and as a whole makes out in our opinion a plain case of guilt. Then there was
no testimony for her that we considered scarcely competent, being none but her two
daughters and their testimony for her was in the whole no more than a general denial of
the crime. This being the case we must conclude her guilty, without a shadow of a doubt of
conduct highly discreditable to her as a Christian. Session then closed with prayer. Robert Henderson, Clerk of Session August 19, 1861 The Session met and was opened with prayer. Present Elders Hopkins, Long, Woods
and Groves and R. Milner, Moderator. The Session was notified that rumor charged Sarah manning and her daughter
Elizabeth with very disreputable conduct. After consultation it was determined to cite
them to appear before the session on the 29th inst. to answer to the following charges,
that at home they were guilty of most obscene and adulterous conduct and that gadding
through the country they violate the Scripture injunction that they should be chaste
keepers at home. Witnesses, Jas. Thompson, sen., John A. McCurdy, Jun., Mary Burres and others.
Session adjourned to meet on the 29th. Closed with prayer. R.W. Milner, Moderator September 29, 1861 The Session met according to adjournment and was opened with prayer. Present
the Moderator, R.W. Milner, Elders Long, Groves, Hopkins, Woods and Henderson. The case of
Sarah Manning and her daughter were introduced. After reading the charge and the
introduction of some unimportant testimony it was resolved to send a commission consisting
of Woods, Hopkins and Long to take the testimony from witnesses whose [cut off] could not
be secured. Session then adjourned to meet --- R.W. Milner Session met according to adjournment, present members as above and proceeded to
the trial of Sarah Manning and her daughter. The testimony of Mary Burres taken by
commission was introduced as is as follows: Have you been any night lately at Sarah Manning's? Yes Sir. With whom did you sleep? With Fanny and Sarah Manning. Was anyone else there that night? Yes Sir, Russel Porterfield and a man was the answer. Where did Elizabeth sleep? With that man in room. What time did Porterfeild come? At what time did they go to bed? "I was on the bed when they went" Did they know you were awake. I don't know Sir. Did anyone come to the bed? Yes Sir, Elizabeth came. Was anyone else there? Yes Sir, six or seven negroes. Did they bring anything? One of them brought something in a handkerchief. At what time did Porterfield leave? I was at school. The testimony of this girl was objected to by the defendant as she intended to
porosecute her in a civil Court, her objection was not admitted. Thurmond Sanders was introduced by the Session as a witness and examined as
follows: Did you see the accused the day Capt. Montgomery's Com. left for Athens? I did. Did you see any improper intimacy between them and any man? I saw Dick David kiss Elizabeth in the streets of Athens, they were in a wagon
in the streets. Jas. Thompson, Sen., and others testified that they had seen the accused at
various public gatherings, within doors and places where they could not have business.
Thompson testified that she had once asked him for wheat at one of these gatherings, this
is the only time in which they made a show of business. After hearing the testimony the Session voted the charge fully sustained in the
case of Elizabeth Manning and only the Seckond specification in the case of Sarah Manning
and suspended them from the communion of the church until they gave evidence of amendment.
Session then adjourned. R.W. Milner |
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