Easter Documents, Manuscripts, Reports, etc.
John Easter
of Mecklenburg Co., VA
Manuscript by Susan Shields Sasek
NOTE: Numbers in brackets are references, see bottom of page.
Matthew Easter: probably born between 1700 and 1725[1]; died after 1799.[2]
Matthew Easter and his wife "were among the earliest fruits of Methodism in that section of the State [Mecklenburg Co., VA], and from them "Easter's Meeting House", one of the oldest preaching places in Mecklenburg Circuit, took its name."[3] Matthew was "a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost."[4] The Reverend James Patterson described Matthew's faith and zeal as follows: "When I preached at Easter's in 1799, the good old man got his soul so full of the love of God that it overflowed, and he praised God and shouted until his frail body could scarcely contain his enraptured spirit."[5]
Matthew and his wife had at least two sons, John and Thomas, both of whom entered the itinerancy.[6] Thomas Easter was a member of the Second class, or division, of Methodist preachers. He entered the itinerancy in 1790 and traveled until 1796.[7]
John Easter: probably born no earlier than 1718 and no later than 1748[8]; died between 17 October 1803 and 12 Jan 1804, Mecklenburg Co., VA.[9]
John Easter became a member of the First class, or division, of Methodist preachers in 1782.[10] "The fields of his itinerant labor were as follows: 1782, Hanover; 1783, Roanoke; 1784, Richmond; 1785, Sussex; 1786, Mecklenburg; 1787, Brunswick; 1788, Sussex; 1789, Amelia; 1790, Brunswick; 1791, Surry."[11] "He continued in the itinerant ranks until 1792, when his name appears on the minutes, in answer to the question "Who are under a location through weakness of body or family concerns?"[12]
"The zealous, eloquent, successful preacher was reduced to the necessity of locating in order to provide bread for his family."[13] "Though he retired from the regular ranks, Easter did not cease to labor whenever he could, and at last fell a martyr to his zeal."[14] "Over exertion at a protracted meeting brought on a disease of the lungs, which quickly closed his mortal career."[15] "So far as we know, not even a stone marks the grave of this champion of the cross . . . he sleeps in the field on which he won so many victories."[16]
Dr. Bennett, in his book, Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, tells the following about John Easter: "Beyond all doubt, John Easter was the most powerful hortatory preacher or his day. His word was like a sharp sword piercing through flesh, and bones, and marrow. His faith was transcendant [sic], his appeals irresistible, his prayers like talking with God face to face. He lived and moved in a flame of love. A heavenly fervor dwelt in his heart, breathed in his words, and beamed in his eyes. Plain, unlettered, simple in style, almost rude in speech, he yet spoke with an authority and power before which pride fell humbled, and wicked gainsayers cowered in the dust. He never failed to reach the deepest and strongest emotions of the soul, when addressing the people, and it was no unusual thing for scores and hundreds to fall down in the pangs of sudden and powerful conviction.
"The fragmentary traditions that have come down to us of the effects of his preaching and his faith almost exceed the bounds of belief. And yet they rest on the testimony of eye-witnesses, and must be received as true. Perhaps no man has ever been more signally [sic] honored of God as an instrument in the conversion of souls. On one of his circuits eighteen hundred members were added to the Church in a single year. Thousands were brought to God under his ministry, and among them were some of the brightest lights of Methodism, both in the laity and in the ministry."[17]
"Many thrilling scenes under his preaching yet linger among the people in those counties where he principally labored. A most extraordinary display of his faith was witnessed in Brunswick. At Merritt's Meeting House a quarterly meeting was in progress, and so vast was the concourse of people from many miles round, that the services were conducted in a beautiful grove near the church. In the midst of the exercises a heavy cloud arose, and swept rapidly on towards the place of worship. From the skirts of the grove the rain could be seen coming on across the fields. The people were in consternation; no house could hold a third of the multitude, and they were about to scatter in all directions. Easter rose in the pulpit in the midst of the confusion. "Brethren," cried he at the top of his voice, "be still, while I call upon God to stay the clouds, till his word can be preached to perishing sinners." Arrested by his voice and manner, they stood between hope and fear. He kneeled down and offered a fervent prayer, that God would then stay the rain that his work might go on, and afterward send refreshing showers. While he prayed, the angry cloud, as it swiftly rolled up towards them, was seen to part asunder in the mist, pass on either side of the ground and to close again beyond, leaving a space several hundred yards in circumference perfectly dry. The next morning a copious rain fell again, and the fields that had been left dry were well watered. It is needless to say that this visible answer to prayer filled the minds of the people with awe, and gave a great impulse to the work of God.
"He was a man who prayed, nothing doubting, and he infused his own spirit into the hearts of those to whom he preached. With him, to ask was to receive. To him God was always at hand; "Ask and ye shall receive,' was the promise he plead always at the mercy seat; and he never plead in vain."[18]
"The following marvelous account is fully authenticated. He was holding a meeting in the forest; it was in the mid-day of his fame and power; hundreds upon hundreds had gathered to hear the wonderful man. In the midst of his sermon, while all were hanging on his lips in breathless silence, suddenly a rushing sound as of a mighty wind smote the ears of the hearers. All eyes were instantly turned upward, but no storm had smitten the forest, not a twig, not a leaf stirred; still the awful sound swept over and around them. Instantly, several hundred horses broke from their fastenings and rushed wildly in all directions through the woods. Hundreds of men and women fell flat on the ground struck down by the mighty power of God. The cry of conviction that arose was appalling; even the holiest Christians trembled in the presence of that mysterious sound. The work of conversion was as instantaneous as the work of conviction, and many were the witnesses for Christ that arose in the midst of the awe struck multitude. The effects of this display of Divine power were great indeed on the minds of the people far and near. The work spread like fire in dry stubble and hundreds were added to the church.[19]
"The excessive labors of Easter soon wore down his constitution, and he fell back into the local ranks. But here he burned with the same holy fire, and toiled with the same unabated zeal. We have a letter from him to Rev. Stith Mead, which gives a true picture of the man. It was written in 1799, seven years after he located:
"Very Dear Brother.--I received your favor, and wish to be thankful that either God or man remembers me in love and mercy. For I am so useless that I am ready to wonder how it is that I am not laid aside as a broken vessel--for broken indeed I am--a half martyr. First for souls, and second for bread; at best a poor, unworthy, unprofitable servant. But I can yet rejoice that the Lord blesses your labors to the good of souls--may he bless you more and more in your return to Brunswick; though we have been blessed in the labors and piety of our good brother, William Early. I greatly desire to be with you all at Conference, but the many afflictions of my family, and other occurrences render it almost impractable [sic]. But you will have my poor prayers for the Great God to be present and powerful among you. My love to all that are willing to die for Christ and the truth.
Yours in the best of bonds,
John Easter"[20]
Bennett continues to praise John Easter by stating that "no man in his day was held in higher esteem by his brethren and co-laborers than John Easter. He was loved and reverenced by hundreds as their father in the gospel.[21] Dr. Lee is quoted as saying "The facts which have come down to our times, of the almost miraculous labors of the Rev. John Easter, his strong faith, and his astonishing success, are far more surprising than any of those recorded in the days of the Son of Man."[22]
Of John Easter's family, Bennett states "He left a son who became a very useful local preacher, but finally left the church of his father, and took orders in the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was the pastor of a congregation near Baltimore, for some time, and died in that city not many years ago. He left an only son, who was suddenly killed, and thus the line of that branch of the family became extinct."[23]
In his 1803 will, John gave five shillings to each of his children: Richard, Enus, Thomas, Margaret Anderson, Susannah Turner and Elie. Apparently his son Joseph was dead by then, as John gave five shillings to "my son Joseph Easter's children." He gave his son Matthew "all the tract of land I now live on together with all my stock of all kind and my plantation tools." He left his "beloved wife, Elizabeth Easter" two feather beds "and furniture to each," one chest and one safe. He appointed his son Matthew as sole executor. The will was witnessed by Wm. Stone, Robert Baley, and Lewis Roffe [Rolfe].[24]
JOHN EASTER'S CHILDREN:
Richard Easter: possibly married 10 Jan. 1788, Charlotte Co., VA to Mary Chisolm.[25]
Joseph Easter: probably died before 1803. Had children by 1803.[26]
Enus Easter: a son named in John Easter's Will.[27]
Margaret Easter: marriage bond dated 6 June 1785, Mecklenburg Co., VA to Jordan Anderson.[28]
Sarah Easter: married 23 Dec. 1784, Mecklenburg Co., VA to James Wright.[29]
Elie Easter: a daughter named in John Easter's Will.[30]
Matthew Easter: Possibly the Matthew L. who married 24 Nov. 1794, Powhatan Co., VA to Rebecca Harris.[31]
Susannah Easter: married 1 Dec. 1792, Mecklenburg Co., VA to Bailey Turner (note "Turner Bailey" on IGI, but John's Will refers to her as Susannah Turner and I am assuming that John knew his daughter's name).[32]
Martha Easter: Not sure of relationship to John. Could be a daughter, but she is not named in his will. Possibly his niece? Martha married on 28 Dec. 1802, Mecklenburg Co., VA to John Crow.[33]
REFERENCES:
1. Matthew Easter was most likely born between 1700 and 1725. He was described, in 1799, as being an "old gentleman". I believe it is improbable that he was 100 years old, probably in his 70's or 80's. Note that this is my personal opinion, not fact.
2. Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, by Rev. W. Bennett, 2nd edition, Richmond, 1871, pgs. 170 & 171.
3. Memorials ..., pg. 170.
4. Memorials ..., pg. 170.
5. Memorials ..., pgs. 170 & 171.
6. Memorials ..., pg. 170.
7. A Short History of the Methodists, in the United States of America; Beginning in 1766, and Continued Till 1809, by Jesse Lee, Baltimore, 1810, pg. 322.
8. Since there is no exact date of birth for John Easter, I have calculated his birth to be in the mid 1700's as follows: John's daughter, Susannah was married in 1784. Assuming she was at least 18 years old, she would have been born probably no later than 1766. Assuming John was at least 18 years old when Susannah was born, he would have been born no later than 1748. Dr. Bennett states that "John Easter went forth with the dew of youth on his brow to toil for souls" [Memorials of Methodism in Virginia, pg. 171]. It is known that John entered the itinerancy in 1782. If he were born no later than 1748, he would have been 34 years old when he began his traveling ministry.
9. John Easter's Will is dated 17 October 1803 and recorded on 12 January 1807, Mecklenburg Co., VA Will Book 5, 1802 - 1807, pgs. 396 & 397.
10. A Short History ..., pg. 318.
11. Sketches of the Pioneers of Methodism in North Carolina & Virginia, by Rev. M. H. Moore, 1884, pg. 96.
12. Sketches ..., pg. 100.
13. Sketches ..., pg. 100.
14. Sketches ..., pg. 100.
15. Memorials ..., pg. 176.
16. Memorials ..., pg. 176.
17. Memorials ..., pgs. 171 & 172.
18. Memorials ..., pgs. 172 & 173.
19. Memorials ..., pgs. 174 & 175.
20. Memorials ..., pgs. 175 & 176.
21. Memorials ..., pg. 177.
22. Memorials ..., pg. 177.
23. Memorials ..., pg. 176.
24. John Easter's Will, Mecklenburg Co., VA Will Book 5, 1802 - 1807, pgs. 396 & 397.
25. International Genealogical Index, 1988, pg. 4408.
26. John Easter's Will, Mecklenburg Co., VA Will Book 5, 1802 - 1807, pgs. 396 & 397.
27. John Easter's Will, Mecklenburg Co., VA Will Book 5, 1802 - 1807, pgs. 396 & 397.
28. International Genealogical Index, 1988, pg. 4407.
29. International Genealogical Index, 1988, pg. 4408.
30. John Easter's Will, Mecklenburg Co., VA Will Book 5, 1802 - 1807, pgs. 396 & 397.
31. International Genealogical Index, 1988, pg. 4407.
32. International Genealogical Index, 1988, pg. 4408.
33. International Genealogical Index, 1988, pg. 4407.
Manuscript by Susan Shields Sasek
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