Johnson, Rev. Gabriel B., of Courtland, Ala., son of Beverly and Sophia Johnson, was born in King George county, Va., in 1849. Two years before the beginning of our civil war, the subject of our sketch, with three other children and his mother, were brought to Alabama as slaves. He was led to seek Christ in consequence of a revival conducted near Courtland by Revs. F. Bowman and S. Watkins. In 1867, in February, he was baptized by a white brother. Shortly after his baptism, he began to speak for Jesus in the public meetings under the authority of a license from his church. In 1873 he was solemnly set apart to the sacred office of the gospel ministry, Revs. G. Garrett, J. Belle, B. Swope and C. S. Gibson officiating, after which he was called to the pastoral charge of the Courtland Church, in which capacity he now serves. His first marriage was to Miss Millie Davis, daughter of Harry and Susan Davis. As the fruit of this marriage, there were seven children born to him, four of whom still live. In 1887, and some time after death had robbed him of this good woman, he was wedded to Miss Mariah Jarman, daughter of John and S. Jarman, of Leighton, Ala.
He has had but poor educational advantages, but has used to considerable effect such as have come within his reach. He has had some access to the free public schools and a few months in the Roger Williams University, Nashville, Tenn.
He has been Sunday School missionary under the joint appointment of the Muscle Shoals Association and the American Baptist Publication Society, has for several sessions assisted Prof. H. H. Stewart in the Courtland public school, and is at present the moderator of the Muscle Shoals Association. He has the confidence and love of his brethren, and will doubtless ascend into still greater things. Being physically strong, he will be a young man for years to come. His kind manner and polite disposition readily commend him to the favor of all persons who are inclined to be friendly, and hence a host of friends follow him with good wishes.
Johnson, Rev. Daniel, Oakland, Lauderdale county, Ala., son of Lewis and Martha Johnson, was born near Florence, Ala., November 11, 1844. Baptized by Rev. H. Beckwith in 1872. Ordained by Rev. H. Beckwith, Thos. Bruhes and A. Davis, in January, 1880.
Brother Johnson has been pastor of Zion No. 1 for some time past and is a cheerful supporter of all the general enterprises of the denomination.
Johnson, Rev. Richard, pastor of St. James Church, Birmingham, is one of our worthy pioneers, in the Macon county churches.
Rev. J. H. Eason, A. B., Professor in Selma University.
Jones, Rev. C. P., pastor Tabernacle Church, Selma, hails from Arkansas. We have nothing of his history. He comes to us highly recommended by those who knew him best, and so far he is making an excellent impression in his praise. Beside his moral worth and fine intellectual talents he has other personal graces very rarely seen.
The writer loves especially his earnest devotion to his sacred calling. He is of Georgia nativity, is about 27 years of age and is a good scholar. He has been in Alabama only three months. What he has accomplished in books is proof that he is a man of studious habits.