REV. JESSE PORTER SPROWLS, D.D. The influence wielded by a gentleman of upright character and noble life is immeasurable, and particularly so if he has a cultured mind and genial manners. There is no profession affording a wider scope for the exercise of the noblest attributes of character than that of the ministry, and he who labors to promote the spiritual welfare of mankind is justly entitled to a high rank among his fellow-men. Such an one is the subject of this sketch, who is pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of Salem, and through whose efforts new life has been infused into the church, the membership increased and the good accomplished largely enhanced. A man of earnest, practical nature, he is greatly beloved, not alone by his parishioners, but also by the members of other denominations.
From the genealogical record of the Sprowls family, we learn that our subject's grandfather, James Sprowls, was born in the North of Ireland, of Scotch-Irish descent, and emigrating to America, settled in East Finley, Washington County, Pa., where his son, Cyrus, was born January 23, 1815. The latter grew to manhood upon a farm, and in the county of his birth married Miss Phoebe J., daughter of Jeremiah Post, and a native of the same county. A prominent man in his community, he held both township and county offices, and was always an earnest advocate of all measures originated in behalf of the people. He and his wife were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he served as Class-leader and Steward. He was called from earth, passing away in August, 1880. His wife preceded him many years, and died in July, 1849. There were three children in the family:
In East Finley, Washington County, Pa., the subject of this sketch was born March 11, 1845. He was educated at Waynesburg College, Waynesburg, Pa., graduating from that institution in 1868. It had been his intention to enter the legal profession, but realizing and responding to a higher call he decided to devote his life to the preaching of the Gospel. He entered the Andover Theological Seminary, Andover, Mass., after completing his literary studies, and was graduated from that college in 1871.
His first charge was at Lebanon, Ohio, where his pastorate commenced October 1, 1871, and continued until January, 1883. He then removed to Nashville, Tenn., where he became pastor of the First Cumberland Presbyterian Church. His labors in that city were crowned with most gratifying success, but a severe attack of nervous prostration caused him to resign his charge in October, 1887. Believing that his health would be benefited by removing to a smaller place, he came to Salem in 1887, and has since been pastor of the church here.
The lady whom Mr. Sprowls married April 16, 1872, was formerly Miss Elizabeth N. Widney, who is a highly accomplished lady, being a graduate of the Female Seminary at Waynesburg, Pa. Her parents were Dr. John R. and Elizabeth (Boggs) Widney, the former a native of Baltimore, Md., a graduate of the Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia and for many years a practitioner in Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Sprowls are the parents of two children, Carl Widney and Harold Leigh.
Socially Mr. Sprowls is a member of the Masonic order, and is Chaplain of the blue lodge and chapter of Salem. He is also identified with the Nashville Commandery No. 1, K. T., of Nashville, Tenn., and filled the office of Grand Prelate of the Grand Commandery of the state of Tennessee in 1885-86. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. During the years 1889-91 he filled the Chair of Hebrew and the Evidences of Christianity in the Waynesburg (Pa.) College, in which responsible position he rendered distinguished service. In the spring of 1883 the degree of D. D. was conferred upon him by the Cumberland University of Lebanon, Tenn.
One of the most active workers and prominent ministers in his denomination, Dr. Sprowls is recognized as an influential factor in its progress, and in all the assemblies and synods of the church his advice is consulted and his opinion on important subjects referred to. Frequently he has been offered a professorship or the presidency of some educational institution connected with the denomination, but with the exception above mentioned he has always declined the proffered honor.
In the denominational periodicals he maintains a deep interest, and is an occasional contributor of articles connected with the work of the church. Both in the pulpit and in private life he is a faithful and earnest champion of the truths of Christianity, and by his honorable life and kindly deeds has proved himself to be a consistent disciple. To the poor he is a friend, and the destitute never appeal to him in vain.
Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois"
Chapman Publishing Co, Chicago, 1894
Pages 355 - 356
Submitted by Sandy (Whalen) Bauer