Married Frances Eliszabeth "Fannie" Peurifoy, October 26, 1845.
One of twelve founders of the Congregational Methodist Church, May 8, 1852. Founding member of Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church, the first CMC church.
He was the eldest son of Tom Alston Banks and Mary Jones Chipman Banks of Elbert Co., Georgia.
The following is from "The Founder of the Congregational Methodist Church", Rolf Hunt, Ed., 1902
The saintly man was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Banks. He was born at Ruckersville, Elbert, County Georgia, February 16, 1822. At the age of ten he had the misfortune of losing his eyesight, which prevented his being educated in the ordinary way; but he had a strong mind, a wonderful memory, was fond of listening to those who talked and read, was industrious and skillful in the use of his senses, so that he became well informed on a great variety of subjects. The best histories and religious books were kept in his library and he became familiar with them. He was especially fond of church history, Bible literature, and deeply devotional books and papers. When he was thirteen years old his father died. Soon afterward his mother removed to Monroe County, where he continued to reside till his death. His mother was a most excellent woman, devotedly pious, and her careful teaching and training had much to do with making brother Banks one of the most exemplary Christians of his day. When he was eighteen he was unmistakably converted at old Rehoboth Camp-ground, famous for the conversion of so many eminent men; and he joined the M. E. church . At maturity he was of medium height, weighed one hundred and forty pounds, had a fair complexion, blue eyes and a well developed head. October 26, 1855, he was happily married to Miss Fannie E. Peurifoy, a pure woman whose very presence was an inspiration to holiness, ever bearing an atmosphere of the heavenliest. This union was blessed with seven children, three of whom died in infancy. Three sons and one daughter survive this Semi-Centennial year of Congregational Methodism. By occupation he was a farmer and he liked this employment. Notwithstanding his blindness, he knew every part of his plantation and he had superior judgment in directing the work. There was no better judge of a good cow or horse than he, who judged by a few strokes of his hand. Seeing him about his premises, one would scarcely suspected that he was blind. He was exceedingly thoughtful and considerate of his servants, and these loved him and had confidence in his religion. Brother Banks had the confidence of the good element throughout his county and was an influential and revered citizen; but it was in his family and in his church that his virtues shone the brightest. He was a devoted husband and father and he loved his home dearly. He was a strong advocate of temperance, not knowing the taste of whiskey. By the aid of his godly wife, he brought up his children in his pure sentiments and abstemious habits. He was the embodiment of manly virtues, generosity and hospitality. A young niece of his once remarked: "It seems like one gets into a purer atmosphere when he goes where Uncle Elbert is." This devout man of God was one of the noble twelve who met at Brother Merritt's May 8, 1852, to organize Congregational Methodism. He was the worthy associate of a good and princely company of men of pure hearts and strong convictions, in whose manly bosoms the Spirit of God dwelt. Like his associates, he had convictions and could not be false to them. The world might frown, but what mattered, so he felt he was following the Divine leading. He was devoted to his church as long as he lived. His seat at Mt. Zion, the first C. M. Church , was rarely vacant on meeting days. He went early and delighted to linger there. He attended the last meeting before his death, though feeble from the consumption that was to lead him to the grave in a few days. Truly liberal, he was always ready with hand, head, heart and purse. His death on December 8, 1887, was peaceful and tranquil, as his live had been. No shadows of doubt as to his blissful future darkened his sunlit skies as he gazed above in passing away. His children and friends have no doubt as to where to find him. On the family altar, reared soon after his marriage, the incense of household devotion had ascended every day under his faithful lay priesthood, and the sacred fires still burning there consuming continued sacrifice and furnishing flame for other altars, yet attest the perfection of his character and illumine the way to the Happy Land and blend their rays with friends' bright hopes of meeting him there "some sweet day." The blind man now sees Jesus face to face and sings the old, old story of being saved by grace.
One of twelve founders of the Congregational Methodist Church, May 8, 1852. Founding member of Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church, the first CMC church.
He was the eldest son of Tom Alston Banks and Mary Jones Chipman Banks of Elbert Co., Georgia.
The following is from "The Founder of the Congregational Methodist Church", Rolf Hunt, Ed., 1902
The saintly man was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Banks. He was born at Ruckersville, Elbert, County Georgia, February 16, 1822. At the age of ten he had the misfortune of losing his eyesight, which prevented his being educated in the ordinary way; but he had a strong mind, a wonderful memory, was fond of listening to those who talked and read, was industrious and skillful in the use of his senses, so that he became well informed on a great variety of subjects. The best histories and religious books were kept in his library and he became familiar with them. He was especially fond of church history, Bible literature, and deeply devotional books and papers. When he was thirteen years old his father died. Soon afterward his mother removed to Monroe County, where he continued to reside till his death. His mother was a most excellent woman, devotedly pious, and her careful teaching and training had much to do with making brother Banks one of the most exemplary Christians of his day. When he was eighteen he was unmistakably converted at old Rehoboth Camp-ground, famous for the conversion of so many eminent men; and he joined the M. E. church . At maturity he was of medium height, weighed one hundred and forty pounds, had a fair complexion, blue eyes and a well developed head. October 26, 1855, he was happily married to Miss Fannie E. Peurifoy, a pure woman whose very presence was an inspiration to holiness, ever bearing an atmosphere of the heavenliest. This union was blessed with seven children, three of whom died in infancy. Three sons and one daughter survive this Semi-Centennial year of Congregational Methodism. By occupation he was a farmer and he liked this employment. Notwithstanding his blindness, he knew every part of his plantation and he had superior judgment in directing the work. There was no better judge of a good cow or horse than he, who judged by a few strokes of his hand. Seeing him about his premises, one would scarcely suspected that he was blind. He was exceedingly thoughtful and considerate of his servants, and these loved him and had confidence in his religion. Brother Banks had the confidence of the good element throughout his county and was an influential and revered citizen; but it was in his family and in his church that his virtues shone the brightest. He was a devoted husband and father and he loved his home dearly. He was a strong advocate of temperance, not knowing the taste of whiskey. By the aid of his godly wife, he brought up his children in his pure sentiments and abstemious habits. He was the embodiment of manly virtues, generosity and hospitality. A young niece of his once remarked: "It seems like one gets into a purer atmosphere when he goes where Uncle Elbert is." This devout man of God was one of the noble twelve who met at Brother Merritt's May 8, 1852, to organize Congregational Methodism. He was the worthy associate of a good and princely company of men of pure hearts and strong convictions, in whose manly bosoms the Spirit of God dwelt. Like his associates, he had convictions and could not be false to them. The world might frown, but what mattered, so he felt he was following the Divine leading. He was devoted to his church as long as he lived. His seat at Mt. Zion, the first C. M. Church , was rarely vacant on meeting days. He went early and delighted to linger there. He attended the last meeting before his death, though feeble from the consumption that was to lead him to the grave in a few days. Truly liberal, he was always ready with hand, head, heart and purse. His death on December 8, 1887, was peaceful and tranquil, as his live had been. No shadows of doubt as to his blissful future darkened his sunlit skies as he gazed above in passing away. His children and friends have no doubt as to where to find him. On the family altar, reared soon after his marriage, the incense of household devotion had ascended every day under his faithful lay priesthood, and the sacred fires still burning there consuming continued sacrifice and furnishing flame for other altars, yet attest the perfection of his character and illumine the way to the Happy Land and blend their rays with friends' bright hopes of meeting him there "some sweet day." The blind man now sees Jesus face to face and sings the old, old story of being saved by grace.
Married Frances Eliszabeth "Fannie" Peurifoy, October 26, 1845.
One of twelve founders of the Congregational Methodist Church, May 8, 1852. Founding member of Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church, the first CMC church.
He was the eldest son of Tom Alston Banks and Mary Jones Chipman Banks of Elbert Co., Georgia.
The following is from "The Founder of the Congregational Methodist Church", Rolf Hunt, Ed., 1902
The saintly man was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Banks. He was born at Ruckersville, Elbert, County Georgia, February 16, 1822. At the age of ten he had the misfortune of losing his eyesight, which prevented his being educated in the ordinary way; but he had a strong mind, a wonderful memory, was fond of listening to those who talked and read, was industrious and skillful in the use of his senses, so that he became well informed on a great variety of subjects. The best histories and religious books were kept in his library and he became familiar with them. He was especially fond of church history, Bible literature, and deeply devotional books and papers. When he was thirteen years old his father died. Soon afterward his mother removed to Monroe County, where he continued to reside till his death. His mother was a most excellent woman, devotedly pious, and her careful teaching and training had much to do with making brother Banks one of the most exemplary Christians of his day. When he was eighteen he was unmistakably converted at old Rehoboth Camp-ground, famous for the conversion of so many eminent men; and he joined the M. E. church . At maturity he was of medium height, weighed one hundred and forty pounds, had a fair complexion, blue eyes and a well developed head. October 26, 1855, he was happily married to Miss Fannie E. Peurifoy, a pure woman whose very presence was an inspiration to holiness, ever bearing an atmosphere of the heavenliest. This union was blessed with seven children, three of whom died in infancy. Three sons and one daughter survive this Semi-Centennial year of Congregational Methodism. By occupation he was a farmer and he liked this employment. Notwithstanding his blindness, he knew every part of his plantation and he had superior judgment in directing the work. There was no better judge of a good cow or horse than he, who judged by a few strokes of his hand. Seeing him about his premises, one would scarcely suspected that he was blind. He was exceedingly thoughtful and considerate of his servants, and these loved him and had confidence in his religion. Brother Banks had the confidence of the good element throughout his county and was an influential and revered citizen; but it was in his family and in his church that his virtues shone the brightest. He was a devoted husband and father and he loved his home dearly. He was a strong advocate of temperance, not knowing the taste of whiskey. By the aid of his godly wife, he brought up his children in his pure sentiments and abstemious habits. He was the embodiment of manly virtues, generosity and hospitality. A young niece of his once remarked: "It seems like one gets into a purer atmosphere when he goes where Uncle Elbert is." This devout man of God was one of the noble twelve who met at Brother Merritt's May 8, 1852, to organize Congregational Methodism. He was the worthy associate of a good and princely company of men of pure hearts and strong convictions, in whose manly bosoms the Spirit of God dwelt. Like his associates, he had convictions and could not be false to them. The world might frown, but what mattered, so he felt he was following the Divine leading. He was devoted to his church as long as he lived. His seat at Mt. Zion, the first C. M. Church , was rarely vacant on meeting days. He went early and delighted to linger there. He attended the last meeting before his death, though feeble from the consumption that was to lead him to the grave in a few days. Truly liberal, he was always ready with hand, head, heart and purse. His death on December 8, 1887, was peaceful and tranquil, as his live had been. No shadows of doubt as to his blissful future darkened his sunlit skies as he gazed above in passing away. His children and friends have no doubt as to where to find him. On the family altar, reared soon after his marriage, the incense of household devotion had ascended every day under his faithful lay priesthood, and the sacred fires still burning there consuming continued sacrifice and furnishing flame for other altars, yet attest the perfection of his character and illumine the way to the Happy Land and blend their rays with friends' bright hopes of meeting him there "some sweet day." The blind man now sees Jesus face to face and sings the old, old story of being saved by grace.
One of twelve founders of the Congregational Methodist Church, May 8, 1852. Founding member of Mt. Zion Congregational Methodist Church, the first CMC church.
He was the eldest son of Tom Alston Banks and Mary Jones Chipman Banks of Elbert Co., Georgia.
The following is from "The Founder of the Congregational Methodist Church", Rolf Hunt, Ed., 1902
The saintly man was the eldest son of Thomas and Mary Banks. He was born at Ruckersville, Elbert, County Georgia, February 16, 1822. At the age of ten he had the misfortune of losing his eyesight, which prevented his being educated in the ordinary way; but he had a strong mind, a wonderful memory, was fond of listening to those who talked and read, was industrious and skillful in the use of his senses, so that he became well informed on a great variety of subjects. The best histories and religious books were kept in his library and he became familiar with them. He was especially fond of church history, Bible literature, and deeply devotional books and papers. When he was thirteen years old his father died. Soon afterward his mother removed to Monroe County, where he continued to reside till his death. His mother was a most excellent woman, devotedly pious, and her careful teaching and training had much to do with making brother Banks one of the most exemplary Christians of his day. When he was eighteen he was unmistakably converted at old Rehoboth Camp-ground, famous for the conversion of so many eminent men; and he joined the M. E. church . At maturity he was of medium height, weighed one hundred and forty pounds, had a fair complexion, blue eyes and a well developed head. October 26, 1855, he was happily married to Miss Fannie E. Peurifoy, a pure woman whose very presence was an inspiration to holiness, ever bearing an atmosphere of the heavenliest. This union was blessed with seven children, three of whom died in infancy. Three sons and one daughter survive this Semi-Centennial year of Congregational Methodism. By occupation he was a farmer and he liked this employment. Notwithstanding his blindness, he knew every part of his plantation and he had superior judgment in directing the work. There was no better judge of a good cow or horse than he, who judged by a few strokes of his hand. Seeing him about his premises, one would scarcely suspected that he was blind. He was exceedingly thoughtful and considerate of his servants, and these loved him and had confidence in his religion. Brother Banks had the confidence of the good element throughout his county and was an influential and revered citizen; but it was in his family and in his church that his virtues shone the brightest. He was a devoted husband and father and he loved his home dearly. He was a strong advocate of temperance, not knowing the taste of whiskey. By the aid of his godly wife, he brought up his children in his pure sentiments and abstemious habits. He was the embodiment of manly virtues, generosity and hospitality. A young niece of his once remarked: "It seems like one gets into a purer atmosphere when he goes where Uncle Elbert is." This devout man of God was one of the noble twelve who met at Brother Merritt's May 8, 1852, to organize Congregational Methodism. He was the worthy associate of a good and princely company of men of pure hearts and strong convictions, in whose manly bosoms the Spirit of God dwelt. Like his associates, he had convictions and could not be false to them. The world might frown, but what mattered, so he felt he was following the Divine leading. He was devoted to his church as long as he lived. His seat at Mt. Zion, the first C. M. Church , was rarely vacant on meeting days. He went early and delighted to linger there. He attended the last meeting before his death, though feeble from the consumption that was to lead him to the grave in a few days. Truly liberal, he was always ready with hand, head, heart and purse. His death on December 8, 1887, was peaceful and tranquil, as his live had been. No shadows of doubt as to his blissful future darkened his sunlit skies as he gazed above in passing away. His children and friends have no doubt as to where to find him. On the family altar, reared soon after his marriage, the incense of household devotion had ascended every day under his faithful lay priesthood, and the sacred fires still burning there consuming continued sacrifice and furnishing flame for other altars, yet attest the perfection of his character and illumine the way to the Happy Land and blend their rays with friends' bright hopes of meeting him there "some sweet day." The blind man now sees Jesus face to face and sings the old, old story of being saved by grace.
Family Members
Advertisement
Explore more
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
