John Berry McFerrin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Berry McFerrin
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| Born | July 15, 1807 |
| Died | 1887 |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Preacher |
| Spouse(s) | A. A. Probart Cynthia T. McGavock |
| Children | 8 |
| Relatives | John McGavock (father-in-law) James Henderson Berry (second nephew) Campbell Polson Berry (second nephew) |
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John Berry McFerrin (born 1807, died 1887) was an American preacher. He was part of the Methodist church. He also worked as an editor for religious publications. During the American Civil War, he served as a chaplain for the Confederate States Army.
Contents
Early Life and Family Roots
John Berry McFerrin was born on July 15, 1807. His birthplace was Rutherford County, Tennessee. His family had a long history in America.
His great-grandfather, William McFerrin, Sr., came from Ireland in 1730. His grandfather, William McFerrin, Jr., fought in the American Revolutionary War. This war happened from 1775 to 1783. He was even at the Battle of Kings Mountain in 1780.
John's other great-grandfather, James Laughlin, came from Belfast. John's father, James McFerrin, was a Methodist pastor. His mother was Jane Campbell Berry. John grew up on a farm.
Becoming a Preacher and Leader
McFerrin started preaching in 1825. He became an official Methodist preacher in 1829. His first sermon was in Tuscumbia, Alabama. He preached in many places in Alabama. He also preached in Pulaski, Tennessee and Nashville.
He worked as a missionary, helping Native Americans learn about Christianity. Later, he became a leader in the church. He was a pastor at McKendree United Methodist Church in Nashville.
In the 1830s, McFerrin helped lead the temperance movement in Tennessee. This movement encouraged people to drink less alcohol.
He also had a connection with President James K. Polk. When President Polk was sick, McFerrin helped him become a Methodist. He later led President Polk's funeral service. McFerrin also helped John Ross, the leader of the Cherokee Nation, become a Christian.
Supporting Education
McFerrin helped start La Grange College in Alabama. This college is now known as the University of North Alabama. Because of his work, La Grange College gave him an honorary Doctorate degree in 1847. He also received another honorary Doctorate from Randolph–Macon College in Virginia that same year.
Role During the Civil War
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), McFerrin served as a chaplain. He worked with the Confederate States Army. His job was to convert soldiers to the Methodist Church. He served under General Joseph E. Johnston.
McFerrin believed that African Americans should be enslaved. This was a common belief in the Southern states at that time. However, his actions during the war caused some debate. Some people, like Adrian Van Sinderen Lindsley, thought McFerrin was encouraging people in Nashville to support the Confederacy. Other Methodists were more moderate. McFerrin was also accused of trying to take back formerly enslaved people. After the war ended in 1865, his property was ruined.
Working as an Editor
McFerrin was a busy editor for Methodist publications. He was the editor of the Southwestern Christian Advocate from 1840 to 1844. He also edited the Christian Advocate from 1855 to 1858.
After the Civil War, he edited a three-volume book. It was called History of Methodism in Tennessee. This was published between 1869 and 1873. From 1878 to 1887, he managed the Methodist Publishing House.
In 1881, McFerrin traveled to London, England. He attended a big conference there. During his trip, he led church services in London, Edinburgh, Dublin, Paris, and Newcastle.
Personal Life and Family
McFerrin was married two times.
He first married A. A. Probart on September 18, 1833. She was from Nashville. They had five children together:
- Sarah Jane McFerrin
- James William McFerrin
- John A. McFerrin
- Elizabeth Johnston McFerrin
- Almira Probart McFerrin
His first wife passed away in May 1854.
McFerrin then married Cynthia T. McGavock. She was also from Nashville. They had three children:
- Kitty Lou McFerrin
- Mary McGinty McFerrin
- Elizabeth McGavock McFerrin
McFerrin was also related to some important people. He was a second cousin to James Henderson Berry. James Henderson Berry later became the 14th Governor of Arkansas. He was also related to Campbell Polson Berry, who was a Congressman from California.
Death and Lasting Impact
John Berry McFerrin died in 1887. He passed away in Davidson County, Tennessee.
A neighborhood in Nashville is named after him. It is called McFerrin Park. There is also a public park with the same name. These places are located in Northeastern Nashville. They were built on land that McFerrin used to own.
