Biographies

Fletcher D. Cantrell

To be born in these United States July 21, 1856, was a good time to be born if you were hunting trouble. And White County, in the mountains of North Georgia, could not be beat for hardships, unless it was nearer the Mason and Dixon line. His infancy prophesied no robust health, and yet, catching the courageous spirit of that mountain mother, with calmness and carefulness, he projected his physical life to more than fourscore years and ten, having passed away in Oxford, Ga., March 11, 1931. He was also born at a mighty good time and place to lack educational qualifications. School facilities were meager in those mountain coves and everywhere during those years cursed by civil strife and hateful days of reconstruction. He took advantage of every intellectual opportunity and was no mean man in books. I think he had one of the most remarkable minds of any man I ever knew. He was clear in his interpretation of current events, always interesting in his sermons delivered. He had a keen insight into the meaning of Scriptures, was never radical, and yet ever bringing out a fresher and deeper depth of meaning. He was always a safe counselor. He could gather up the scattered threads of a discussion and quickly weave them into a satisfactory statement. He was a great brother preacher. I speak from personal experience and from observing his relations to the many other preachers both young and old, here in Oxford and on the District. The last time he ever signed his name or penned a word he asked to be propped up in bed and wrote out his check for Kingdom Extension. We miss his encouraging companionship, but his fine spirit abides with us still. On September 13, 1883, he was happily married to Ginnevra Gholson, who was the real helpmate all along their itinerant way and to the last hour of his life on earth. With the sympathetic, sacrificial help of his wife he was one of the best financiers in the world. With a salary, never large, he stayed out of debt, educated his children, and never embarrassed himself, his family, his Church, or anybody else by not meeting every financial obligation. Three children live to bless his name and honor his memory: Claude and Bill Cantrell, of Florida and Mrs. Mary Cantrell Downs, of Atlanta, Ga..

Licensed to preach April 17, 1880. Admitted on trail by the North Georgia Conference, 1881. Admitted into full connection, 1883. He went to heaven from Oxford, Ga., and his body was buried in the sacred cemetery of that old college town beside many another Methodist preacher and company of good folks..

By: Nath Thompson

Submitted by:

Lula, Georgia