John Milton Sherwood was the son of John Sherwood (1791-1865) and his wife, Edith Vickery (1786/9-1866) of Guilford County, NC. His paternal grandparents were Daniel Sherwood III (1749-1838) and his wife Frances Linthicum (1749-1806) who came from Talbot County, Maryland to Guilford County, NC in the 1780s. The Sherwoods were close friends of Bishop Francis Asbury, known as the father of the Methodist Church in America, and he often stayed with them at their plantation at Pleasant Garden, NC, on this preaching tours across the South.
John Sherwood, Sr. published "The Farmer's Advocate" at Jamestown, NC from 1838 to 1844. John Milton attended the Caldwell Institute in 1837. He became editor of "The Southern Citizen" at Asheboro, NC in 1844, when he was only 22. He was graduated from seminary in 1852, and became supply pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro in 1853. In Dec. 1854, he was called to the Beaufort Presbyterian Church in Washington, NC. He became editor of "The NC Presbyterian," published in Fayetteville, which postition he held until his death in 1872. He was pastor at St Paul's and Big Rockfish from 1868 until his death, and was in the process of starting a new church at Gray's Creek and, after his death, the new church was named Sherwood Presbyterian Church in his honor.
John Milton Sherwood married Sarah Matilda Dewey (1829-1881) of Raleigh, Wake Co., NC on 19 Sept. 1855. She was a daughter of Charles A. Dewey (1798-1880), Cashier of the Bank of NC, and his wife Ann Letitia Webber (1803-1835). John and Sarah had at least three sons: Charles Dewey Sherwood (1856-1857, bur. Beaufort Presbyterian Church, Washington, NC), John Milton Sherwood, Jr. (1859-1901, listed as John G. Sherwood in 1860 & 70 census, perhaps originally named Gretter in honor of Rev. John Gretter), and Francis Webber Sherwood (1864-1892).
From "Allibone's Dictionary of Authors," Vol. III:
"The Rev. John Milton Sherwood has been editorially connected with the American National Preacher, The American Presbyterian & Theological Review, Eclectic Magazine, Hours At Home, Christian Monthly Magazine, and contributed to Bibliothea Sacra. He also wrote a sketch of the life of Ichabod Spencer D.D., N.Y. 2 Volumes. Published by W.M. Dodd in 1855."
Obituary: The North Carolina Presbyterian, Wednesday, 10 Jan. 1872: The Death of Rev. J. M. Sherwood
"The death of this beloved brother will bring surprise and grief to many bereaved hearts in distant communities. For two weeks past he had been suffering acutely with neuralgia in the face. The pain endured, want of sleep and loss of appetite had weakened considerably his usual robust frame. The pressure of his business cares as preacher and editor always heavy on this season of the year, also served to harass his mind and to increase his debility. Last Friday night there were indications that the disease had attacked the upper portion of his spinal marrow and the brain. On Saturday morning he awoke with cold extremities, a wandering mind, and a tendency to lethargy and labored breathing that alarmed his family and friends. Medical aid was soon procured and remedies were applied constantly but without effect. During the day he remained most of the time in a stupor from which it was difficult to arouse him. When awakened to take medicine or food, or to notice friends, he appeared to be conscious and would answer in the affirmative or negative when questioned. But he was unable to speak much and speedily relapsed into heavy slumber. Despite the most diligent efforts of his physician and the tenderest nursing by many devoted friends, his disease gained ground. Gradually his vital powers failed, his breathing became more quiet, and at about a quarter past nine o'clock on Saturday night, amid a large circle of weeping brethren and friends, our brother Sherwood expired as calmly as sleeps the infant child. His countenance in death wore an expression of repose and peace which his spirit has attained in the presence of his God.
"On Sabbath morning a special train was dispatched to Raleigh to carry the sad tidings and to bring relatives of the family. During the day many called to express their sympathy with the bereaved household and to gaze for the last time upon the placid features of the honored dead.
"On Monday afternoon a large number of citizens and many persons from brother Sherwood's country congregations repaired to his residence to conduct the remains to their last resting-place. While the procession passed through the streets towards the Presbyterian church, and the bells were tolled, the doors of our business houses were closed and the citizens of all classes sought the sanctuary, or stood in sad and silent groups upon the sidewalks. At the church a vast congregation assembled and several pastors of the town churches united in conducting the services. Though the weather was inclement a large concourse of males and females, both white and colored, attended the remains to the cemetery. Their sad hearts and loving hands, amid tears and prayers, deposited the sacred dust beside the sepulchre of a former pastor. In this community and surrounding, the memory of John M. Sherwood will long be "as ointment poured fourth."
"Though not fifty years old, his career has been eminently honored and useful. He has filled many positions with credit to himself, benefit to his fellows and edification to the church of God. In early life he encountered serious difficulties in acquiring an education and fitting himself for usefulness. But he surmounted them all by strict integrity, patient labor and inflexible perseverance. In his very boyhood he manifested such sterling qualities of head and heart as won for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In his youth while at the Caldwell Institute, his conscientious Christian character made a lasting impression upon his comrades. As a preacher he was earnest, tender and impressive. As a pastor he was faithful and beloved. Touching evidence of this appeared during a visit made last winter in company with his wife and the writer to Washington in this state, which was the scene of brother Sherwood's first pastoral labors. As a Presbyter he was punctual, active and efficient. As the editor of the "North Carolina Presbyterian" he is widely and favorably known in this and other States. He was a man of cool head, warm heart, and great energy of character. His judgement was sound and well-balanced. Gentle in his disposition, and kind in his manners, he was bold and firm in all matters of right and duty. Modest, retiring and silent upon ordinary occasions, when truth or principle required vin dication he could speak and write with clearness and force. But to do full justice to the character and worth of our departed brother demands another occasion and an abler pen. The loss of such a man is a calamity to his family, community and church. It is an affliction which only God's truth and grace can enable us properly to bear. May the Lord comfort the bereaved, and may the descending mantle of the departed rest in a worthy successor. H. G. H."
Unfortunately, Rev. Sherwood's tombstone, an impressive monument donated by the congregations who loved him, has been vandalized. Hopefully one day it can be restored.
Update: 3 Oct. '15. I have just learned that the monument to Rev. J. M. Sherwood has been restored by Steve Sherwood, a descendant, and Dean Reudrich.
John Sherwood, Sr. published "The Farmer's Advocate" at Jamestown, NC from 1838 to 1844. John Milton attended the Caldwell Institute in 1837. He became editor of "The Southern Citizen" at Asheboro, NC in 1844, when he was only 22. He was graduated from seminary in 1852, and became supply pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro in 1853. In Dec. 1854, he was called to the Beaufort Presbyterian Church in Washington, NC. He became editor of "The NC Presbyterian," published in Fayetteville, which postition he held until his death in 1872. He was pastor at St Paul's and Big Rockfish from 1868 until his death, and was in the process of starting a new church at Gray's Creek and, after his death, the new church was named Sherwood Presbyterian Church in his honor.
John Milton Sherwood married Sarah Matilda Dewey (1829-1881) of Raleigh, Wake Co., NC on 19 Sept. 1855. She was a daughter of Charles A. Dewey (1798-1880), Cashier of the Bank of NC, and his wife Ann Letitia Webber (1803-1835). John and Sarah had at least three sons: Charles Dewey Sherwood (1856-1857, bur. Beaufort Presbyterian Church, Washington, NC), John Milton Sherwood, Jr. (1859-1901, listed as John G. Sherwood in 1860 & 70 census, perhaps originally named Gretter in honor of Rev. John Gretter), and Francis Webber Sherwood (1864-1892).
From "Allibone's Dictionary of Authors," Vol. III:
"The Rev. John Milton Sherwood has been editorially connected with the American National Preacher, The American Presbyterian & Theological Review, Eclectic Magazine, Hours At Home, Christian Monthly Magazine, and contributed to Bibliothea Sacra. He also wrote a sketch of the life of Ichabod Spencer D.D., N.Y. 2 Volumes. Published by W.M. Dodd in 1855."
Obituary: The North Carolina Presbyterian, Wednesday, 10 Jan. 1872: The Death of Rev. J. M. Sherwood
"The death of this beloved brother will bring surprise and grief to many bereaved hearts in distant communities. For two weeks past he had been suffering acutely with neuralgia in the face. The pain endured, want of sleep and loss of appetite had weakened considerably his usual robust frame. The pressure of his business cares as preacher and editor always heavy on this season of the year, also served to harass his mind and to increase his debility. Last Friday night there were indications that the disease had attacked the upper portion of his spinal marrow and the brain. On Saturday morning he awoke with cold extremities, a wandering mind, and a tendency to lethargy and labored breathing that alarmed his family and friends. Medical aid was soon procured and remedies were applied constantly but without effect. During the day he remained most of the time in a stupor from which it was difficult to arouse him. When awakened to take medicine or food, or to notice friends, he appeared to be conscious and would answer in the affirmative or negative when questioned. But he was unable to speak much and speedily relapsed into heavy slumber. Despite the most diligent efforts of his physician and the tenderest nursing by many devoted friends, his disease gained ground. Gradually his vital powers failed, his breathing became more quiet, and at about a quarter past nine o'clock on Saturday night, amid a large circle of weeping brethren and friends, our brother Sherwood expired as calmly as sleeps the infant child. His countenance in death wore an expression of repose and peace which his spirit has attained in the presence of his God.
"On Sabbath morning a special train was dispatched to Raleigh to carry the sad tidings and to bring relatives of the family. During the day many called to express their sympathy with the bereaved household and to gaze for the last time upon the placid features of the honored dead.
"On Monday afternoon a large number of citizens and many persons from brother Sherwood's country congregations repaired to his residence to conduct the remains to their last resting-place. While the procession passed through the streets towards the Presbyterian church, and the bells were tolled, the doors of our business houses were closed and the citizens of all classes sought the sanctuary, or stood in sad and silent groups upon the sidewalks. At the church a vast congregation assembled and several pastors of the town churches united in conducting the services. Though the weather was inclement a large concourse of males and females, both white and colored, attended the remains to the cemetery. Their sad hearts and loving hands, amid tears and prayers, deposited the sacred dust beside the sepulchre of a former pastor. In this community and surrounding, the memory of John M. Sherwood will long be "as ointment poured fourth."
"Though not fifty years old, his career has been eminently honored and useful. He has filled many positions with credit to himself, benefit to his fellows and edification to the church of God. In early life he encountered serious difficulties in acquiring an education and fitting himself for usefulness. But he surmounted them all by strict integrity, patient labor and inflexible perseverance. In his very boyhood he manifested such sterling qualities of head and heart as won for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In his youth while at the Caldwell Institute, his conscientious Christian character made a lasting impression upon his comrades. As a preacher he was earnest, tender and impressive. As a pastor he was faithful and beloved. Touching evidence of this appeared during a visit made last winter in company with his wife and the writer to Washington in this state, which was the scene of brother Sherwood's first pastoral labors. As a Presbyter he was punctual, active and efficient. As the editor of the "North Carolina Presbyterian" he is widely and favorably known in this and other States. He was a man of cool head, warm heart, and great energy of character. His judgement was sound and well-balanced. Gentle in his disposition, and kind in his manners, he was bold and firm in all matters of right and duty. Modest, retiring and silent upon ordinary occasions, when truth or principle required vin dication he could speak and write with clearness and force. But to do full justice to the character and worth of our departed brother demands another occasion and an abler pen. The loss of such a man is a calamity to his family, community and church. It is an affliction which only God's truth and grace can enable us properly to bear. May the Lord comfort the bereaved, and may the descending mantle of the departed rest in a worthy successor. H. G. H."
Unfortunately, Rev. Sherwood's tombstone, an impressive monument donated by the congregations who loved him, has been vandalized. Hopefully one day it can be restored.
Update: 3 Oct. '15. I have just learned that the monument to Rev. J. M. Sherwood has been restored by Steve Sherwood, a descendant, and Dean Reudrich.
John Milton Sherwood was the son of John Sherwood (1791-1865) and his wife, Edith Vickery (1786/9-1866) of Guilford County, NC. His paternal grandparents were Daniel Sherwood III (1749-1838) and his wife Frances Linthicum (1749-1806) who came from Talbot County, Maryland to Guilford County, NC in the 1780s. The Sherwoods were close friends of Bishop Francis Asbury, known as the father of the Methodist Church in America, and he often stayed with them at their plantation at Pleasant Garden, NC, on this preaching tours across the South.
John Sherwood, Sr. published "The Farmer's Advocate" at Jamestown, NC from 1838 to 1844. John Milton attended the Caldwell Institute in 1837. He became editor of "The Southern Citizen" at Asheboro, NC in 1844, when he was only 22. He was graduated from seminary in 1852, and became supply pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro in 1853. In Dec. 1854, he was called to the Beaufort Presbyterian Church in Washington, NC. He became editor of "The NC Presbyterian," published in Fayetteville, which postition he held until his death in 1872. He was pastor at St Paul's and Big Rockfish from 1868 until his death, and was in the process of starting a new church at Gray's Creek and, after his death, the new church was named Sherwood Presbyterian Church in his honor.
John Milton Sherwood married Sarah Matilda Dewey (1829-1881) of Raleigh, Wake Co., NC on 19 Sept. 1855. She was a daughter of Charles A. Dewey (1798-1880), Cashier of the Bank of NC, and his wife Ann Letitia Webber (1803-1835). John and Sarah had at least three sons: Charles Dewey Sherwood (1856-1857, bur. Beaufort Presbyterian Church, Washington, NC), John Milton Sherwood, Jr. (1859-1901, listed as John G. Sherwood in 1860 & 70 census, perhaps originally named Gretter in honor of Rev. John Gretter), and Francis Webber Sherwood (1864-1892).
From "Allibone's Dictionary of Authors," Vol. III:
"The Rev. John Milton Sherwood has been editorially connected with the American National Preacher, The American Presbyterian & Theological Review, Eclectic Magazine, Hours At Home, Christian Monthly Magazine, and contributed to Bibliothea Sacra. He also wrote a sketch of the life of Ichabod Spencer D.D., N.Y. 2 Volumes. Published by W.M. Dodd in 1855."
Obituary: The North Carolina Presbyterian, Wednesday, 10 Jan. 1872: The Death of Rev. J. M. Sherwood
"The death of this beloved brother will bring surprise and grief to many bereaved hearts in distant communities. For two weeks past he had been suffering acutely with neuralgia in the face. The pain endured, want of sleep and loss of appetite had weakened considerably his usual robust frame. The pressure of his business cares as preacher and editor always heavy on this season of the year, also served to harass his mind and to increase his debility. Last Friday night there were indications that the disease had attacked the upper portion of his spinal marrow and the brain. On Saturday morning he awoke with cold extremities, a wandering mind, and a tendency to lethargy and labored breathing that alarmed his family and friends. Medical aid was soon procured and remedies were applied constantly but without effect. During the day he remained most of the time in a stupor from which it was difficult to arouse him. When awakened to take medicine or food, or to notice friends, he appeared to be conscious and would answer in the affirmative or negative when questioned. But he was unable to speak much and speedily relapsed into heavy slumber. Despite the most diligent efforts of his physician and the tenderest nursing by many devoted friends, his disease gained ground. Gradually his vital powers failed, his breathing became more quiet, and at about a quarter past nine o'clock on Saturday night, amid a large circle of weeping brethren and friends, our brother Sherwood expired as calmly as sleeps the infant child. His countenance in death wore an expression of repose and peace which his spirit has attained in the presence of his God.
"On Sabbath morning a special train was dispatched to Raleigh to carry the sad tidings and to bring relatives of the family. During the day many called to express their sympathy with the bereaved household and to gaze for the last time upon the placid features of the honored dead.
"On Monday afternoon a large number of citizens and many persons from brother Sherwood's country congregations repaired to his residence to conduct the remains to their last resting-place. While the procession passed through the streets towards the Presbyterian church, and the bells were tolled, the doors of our business houses were closed and the citizens of all classes sought the sanctuary, or stood in sad and silent groups upon the sidewalks. At the church a vast congregation assembled and several pastors of the town churches united in conducting the services. Though the weather was inclement a large concourse of males and females, both white and colored, attended the remains to the cemetery. Their sad hearts and loving hands, amid tears and prayers, deposited the sacred dust beside the sepulchre of a former pastor. In this community and surrounding, the memory of John M. Sherwood will long be "as ointment poured fourth."
"Though not fifty years old, his career has been eminently honored and useful. He has filled many positions with credit to himself, benefit to his fellows and edification to the church of God. In early life he encountered serious difficulties in acquiring an education and fitting himself for usefulness. But he surmounted them all by strict integrity, patient labor and inflexible perseverance. In his very boyhood he manifested such sterling qualities of head and heart as won for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In his youth while at the Caldwell Institute, his conscientious Christian character made a lasting impression upon his comrades. As a preacher he was earnest, tender and impressive. As a pastor he was faithful and beloved. Touching evidence of this appeared during a visit made last winter in company with his wife and the writer to Washington in this state, which was the scene of brother Sherwood's first pastoral labors. As a Presbyter he was punctual, active and efficient. As the editor of the "North Carolina Presbyterian" he is widely and favorably known in this and other States. He was a man of cool head, warm heart, and great energy of character. His judgement was sound and well-balanced. Gentle in his disposition, and kind in his manners, he was bold and firm in all matters of right and duty. Modest, retiring and silent upon ordinary occasions, when truth or principle required vin dication he could speak and write with clearness and force. But to do full justice to the character and worth of our departed brother demands another occasion and an abler pen. The loss of such a man is a calamity to his family, community and church. It is an affliction which only God's truth and grace can enable us properly to bear. May the Lord comfort the bereaved, and may the descending mantle of the departed rest in a worthy successor. H. G. H."
Unfortunately, Rev. Sherwood's tombstone, an impressive monument donated by the congregations who loved him, has been vandalized. Hopefully one day it can be restored.
Update: 3 Oct. '15. I have just learned that the monument to Rev. J. M. Sherwood has been restored by Steve Sherwood, a descendant, and Dean Reudrich.
John Sherwood, Sr. published "The Farmer's Advocate" at Jamestown, NC from 1838 to 1844. John Milton attended the Caldwell Institute in 1837. He became editor of "The Southern Citizen" at Asheboro, NC in 1844, when he was only 22. He was graduated from seminary in 1852, and became supply pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Greensboro in 1853. In Dec. 1854, he was called to the Beaufort Presbyterian Church in Washington, NC. He became editor of "The NC Presbyterian," published in Fayetteville, which postition he held until his death in 1872. He was pastor at St Paul's and Big Rockfish from 1868 until his death, and was in the process of starting a new church at Gray's Creek and, after his death, the new church was named Sherwood Presbyterian Church in his honor.
John Milton Sherwood married Sarah Matilda Dewey (1829-1881) of Raleigh, Wake Co., NC on 19 Sept. 1855. She was a daughter of Charles A. Dewey (1798-1880), Cashier of the Bank of NC, and his wife Ann Letitia Webber (1803-1835). John and Sarah had at least three sons: Charles Dewey Sherwood (1856-1857, bur. Beaufort Presbyterian Church, Washington, NC), John Milton Sherwood, Jr. (1859-1901, listed as John G. Sherwood in 1860 & 70 census, perhaps originally named Gretter in honor of Rev. John Gretter), and Francis Webber Sherwood (1864-1892).
From "Allibone's Dictionary of Authors," Vol. III:
"The Rev. John Milton Sherwood has been editorially connected with the American National Preacher, The American Presbyterian & Theological Review, Eclectic Magazine, Hours At Home, Christian Monthly Magazine, and contributed to Bibliothea Sacra. He also wrote a sketch of the life of Ichabod Spencer D.D., N.Y. 2 Volumes. Published by W.M. Dodd in 1855."
Obituary: The North Carolina Presbyterian, Wednesday, 10 Jan. 1872: The Death of Rev. J. M. Sherwood
"The death of this beloved brother will bring surprise and grief to many bereaved hearts in distant communities. For two weeks past he had been suffering acutely with neuralgia in the face. The pain endured, want of sleep and loss of appetite had weakened considerably his usual robust frame. The pressure of his business cares as preacher and editor always heavy on this season of the year, also served to harass his mind and to increase his debility. Last Friday night there were indications that the disease had attacked the upper portion of his spinal marrow and the brain. On Saturday morning he awoke with cold extremities, a wandering mind, and a tendency to lethargy and labored breathing that alarmed his family and friends. Medical aid was soon procured and remedies were applied constantly but without effect. During the day he remained most of the time in a stupor from which it was difficult to arouse him. When awakened to take medicine or food, or to notice friends, he appeared to be conscious and would answer in the affirmative or negative when questioned. But he was unable to speak much and speedily relapsed into heavy slumber. Despite the most diligent efforts of his physician and the tenderest nursing by many devoted friends, his disease gained ground. Gradually his vital powers failed, his breathing became more quiet, and at about a quarter past nine o'clock on Saturday night, amid a large circle of weeping brethren and friends, our brother Sherwood expired as calmly as sleeps the infant child. His countenance in death wore an expression of repose and peace which his spirit has attained in the presence of his God.
"On Sabbath morning a special train was dispatched to Raleigh to carry the sad tidings and to bring relatives of the family. During the day many called to express their sympathy with the bereaved household and to gaze for the last time upon the placid features of the honored dead.
"On Monday afternoon a large number of citizens and many persons from brother Sherwood's country congregations repaired to his residence to conduct the remains to their last resting-place. While the procession passed through the streets towards the Presbyterian church, and the bells were tolled, the doors of our business houses were closed and the citizens of all classes sought the sanctuary, or stood in sad and silent groups upon the sidewalks. At the church a vast congregation assembled and several pastors of the town churches united in conducting the services. Though the weather was inclement a large concourse of males and females, both white and colored, attended the remains to the cemetery. Their sad hearts and loving hands, amid tears and prayers, deposited the sacred dust beside the sepulchre of a former pastor. In this community and surrounding, the memory of John M. Sherwood will long be "as ointment poured fourth."
"Though not fifty years old, his career has been eminently honored and useful. He has filled many positions with credit to himself, benefit to his fellows and edification to the church of God. In early life he encountered serious difficulties in acquiring an education and fitting himself for usefulness. But he surmounted them all by strict integrity, patient labor and inflexible perseverance. In his very boyhood he manifested such sterling qualities of head and heart as won for him the respect and confidence of all who knew him. In his youth while at the Caldwell Institute, his conscientious Christian character made a lasting impression upon his comrades. As a preacher he was earnest, tender and impressive. As a pastor he was faithful and beloved. Touching evidence of this appeared during a visit made last winter in company with his wife and the writer to Washington in this state, which was the scene of brother Sherwood's first pastoral labors. As a Presbyter he was punctual, active and efficient. As the editor of the "North Carolina Presbyterian" he is widely and favorably known in this and other States. He was a man of cool head, warm heart, and great energy of character. His judgement was sound and well-balanced. Gentle in his disposition, and kind in his manners, he was bold and firm in all matters of right and duty. Modest, retiring and silent upon ordinary occasions, when truth or principle required vin dication he could speak and write with clearness and force. But to do full justice to the character and worth of our departed brother demands another occasion and an abler pen. The loss of such a man is a calamity to his family, community and church. It is an affliction which only God's truth and grace can enable us properly to bear. May the Lord comfort the bereaved, and may the descending mantle of the departed rest in a worthy successor. H. G. H."
Unfortunately, Rev. Sherwood's tombstone, an impressive monument donated by the congregations who loved him, has been vandalized. Hopefully one day it can be restored.
Update: 3 Oct. '15. I have just learned that the monument to Rev. J. M. Sherwood has been restored by Steve Sherwood, a descendant, and Dean Reudrich.
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