Son of Mary Porter Foster and Jame Bonner, Jr. Husband of (1) Nancy Baldridge, (2) Lany Armathine Lindsay, (3) Lila Morse.
Memoir of Rev. John I. Bonner. D. D.
(b. 10-9-1822 d. 4..99-1881)
(By Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D.)
The ancestors of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., the subject of this paper, were Irish people, or as sometimes called, Scotch-Irish, and were among the early settlers on Long Cane, in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Of the grandparents little is known, except that they had five sons and two daughters. The sons were: William, James, Samuel, John and Andrew. The daughters were both married before leaving Abbeville, one to Mr. Young, Esq., and the other to Mr. Jones. William, the oldest son, as he grew up, exhibited much enterprise and began the accumulation of his fortune by wagoning to and from Charleston. He married in Charleston. James Bonner, the father of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., married a daughter of James Foster, Esq., who was long and favorably known as a leading elder in Cedar Springs Church. She was pre-eminently a godly woman. These two brothers and their families, and brothers-in-law removed to the rich lands of Alabama. About the year 1819 or 1820, Dr. Samuel somewhat eminent in his profession, followed about 1827. Dr. John Bonner was a practicing physician in Dallas, Ala. Andrew, the youngest brother, became a physician, and married a daughter of Patrick Calhoun's and sister of Hon. John C. Calhoun. He settled in the flat woods on Little River, where he and his wife died of bilious fever.
James Bonner first went to Monroe County, Ala.., where his son, John I., was born in the year 1822. From thence, he removed and settled in Wilcox County in the same state, and was successful in his farming operations for a period of about ten years. His son, John I., was sent to school and received his academic and religious training under Rev. James P. Pressly, D. D. who was then pastor of the A. R. P. Churches in Wilcox and Dallas Counties. But his father, either not being entirely satisfied with the country, or thinking a sale of his possessions and a reinvestment would be profitable, or it may be, influenced by his excellent wife, many of whose friends had removed from Cedar Springs, Abbeville Co., S. C. and settled in Ohio and Indiana -- some one or all of these considerations may have influenced him-determined to make another move. He sold out in Alabama in 1837, for the handsome sum of about $20,000, and invested in the rich lands of Indiana. Soon after this change, John I. was sent to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, then "one of the most prosperous Institutions in the northwest," and where a number of Southern students had been educated. He spent two years and a half in College, but left before graduation, for reasons which seemed satisfactory to himself, but which may appear strange to those who knew him. I shall here allow him to speak for himself and insert the substance of an unfinished autobiography, covering that period in this history from the time of his leaving College, until his final settlement at Due West, where his eminently useful life was spent. He says: "After leaving College, the real cause of which was discouragement as to my capabilities, I returned to my own hoosier land and buried myself for eighteen months; not literally underground, but on my father's farm. Did but little for myself or anyone else. My nineteenth birthday found me engaged to Miss N. M. Baldridge of Indiana. On the last day of 1841 the marriage was consummated, and I was the happiest of the happy. Circumstances then forced me to decide upon what I should do in this world as a business. A good farm and a pleasant home offered by my, father, were accepted, and I sat down with the companion of my choice on a nice little farm, in a retired place, in, Decatur County, Indiana, and as I thought for life. But ah, a little more than one short year served to convince me, that there is no such thing here as permanent bliss -that, in the language of the poet,
"There is no union here of hearts
That hath not' here an end."
"The 18th of March, 1843, found me broken down both in body and spirit. I had just recovered from a long and very severe spell of sickness and my heart's first love had entered upon her reward. My boyish heart, (I was not yet twenty-one) could scarcely bear up under so sore a stroke." The reader will mark the dealings of Providence in changing and shaping his future course of life-"Partly to recruit my health and partly to get away from the scene of my troubles,". He continues, "I determined to visit the home of my childhood, and spend the summer with my relatives and friends in Alabama."
"Accordingly in April, 1843, solitary and alone, I set out for the south on horseback. The summer was spent in reading medicine with my uncle, Dr. John Bonner, of Dallas County, Ala. Dr. S. O. Young was practicing with my uncle at that time--J. H. Bonner was a student with me. Passed the time very agreeably. Not being pleased altogether with the idea of being a Doctor, though I was very much pleased with my studies, and I hope being impressed with the greater usefulness of the Gospel ministry, my mind was turned in that direction. I returned home to Indiana in October, 1843, by public conveyance, through Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, Ala., Columbia and Nashville, Tenn., and gratified my father by telling him that I had determined to study theology." The reader will see what strange Providences and what a fiery ordeal, it took to bring him to make this wise choice. He was made --'willing in the day of God's power to become a minister of the gospel. His narrative continues thus:' "Remained at home but a week or two, and set out for South Carolina with my friend, Rev. John H. Pressly and family and others. We landed at Due West about the 23rd of November. I immediately entered the Theological Seminary, in which Drs. E. E. and J. P. Pressly were the Professors. Took the regular course in the seminary of two years. Found it pretty hard to stick close to my books, though I did it. In fact, confined myself too closely and he consequence was, my health gave way. During the last year, it was quite delicate."
"Nothing of special interest occurred during my stay in the seminary. I was scarcely away from Due West, during the two whole years, except a trip to Kentucky in the fall of 1844, to attend the meeting of the A. R. Synod of the South." He early learned to take special pleasure in the several Church Courts, and never allowed himself to be absent, unless he was sick. Consequently he never missed but two or three meetings during, his entire ministry of nearly thirty-seven years. We all expected to meet Dr. Bonner at synod, let who might be absent.
He next gives an account of his second marriage: "A few months after my arrival at Due West, with a heart longing for a healing balm and with a spirit bowed in grief, the angel of mercy shown down upon me. I chanced to catch a glance of an eye that beamed with sympathy and love. The rest you 'may infer. On the 25th of September, 1845, John I. Bonner and L. Armathine Lindsay, only daughter of James Lindsay, Esq., were married." This relation was blessed with four sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, and are all married, save one, the youngest, and with all members of the church of their fathers.
He speaks of the time and place of his licensure. "On the 6th of October, 1845, I was licensed to preach by the second Presbytery of the A. R. Synod of the South, at Long Cane Church, in Abbeville District, S.C. Immediately after licensure, I attended the meeting of our synod in Georgia. There I received appointments, for the winter, in Decatur, Georgia, and in Wilcox, Alabama.
The latter part of October, accompanied by Mrs. B., I set out for the mission field. On the third day from home let my horse run away with my buggy and got crippled myself, which delayed our progress for a few days. Spent about two months in Attapulgus -- preached there my first sermon after licensure.
From Attapulgus went to Wilcox, Alabama--spent the remainder of the winter there. Found it very hard business to preach to a congregation made up of uncles, aunts, cousins, etc., with all of whom I had been intimate from my youth. Instead of returning to the seminary in the spring, as I had permission to do, Providence seemed to demand that I should accompany an afflicted sister to an eastern city to seek relief for her. Accordingly, accompanied by Mrs. B. and my sister, I set out for Philadelphia in April--took Due West in our route, and landed in the city of brotherly love about the 7th of May. Remained there until the last of June. Then leaving Mrs. B. and my sister, I made a hasty visit to, Indiana. Shortly, after my return to Philadelphia I was taken ill, or rather was afflicted with hemorrhage, either of the stomach or lungs--doctors scarcely knew which. Lay there some weeks. Started South about 1st of September, in time for the meeting of Synod since that time, I have been living here." Here his own narrative closes, and my personal knowledge of him begins. From that time, the writer has known him well and somewhat intimately. The current of our acquaintance and friendship ran smooth-not a ripple to disturb its placid waters.
The next year, 1847, he was elected Principal of the Academy at Due West, and his life-work as an educator commenced. He felt himself constrained or rather forced to adopt teaching as his principal profession on account of his health and constant apprehension of some throat or lung affection. This work he followed closely, almost consecutively, with a few brief intervals, during life, preaching however occasionally and as opportunity offered, and as his health and strength improved he preached a great deal, sometimes almost going everywhere preaching the Gospel.
A few years only elapsed, until he superadded the work of an editor. In the fall of 1851, we believe it was, he and his brother-in-law, Rev. J. O. Lindsay, commenced the publication of the Erskine Miscellany, a religious and literary weekly, which soon commanded public favor and eventually became the organ of the A. R. Synod, after the discontinuance of the Christian Magazine of the South, a monthly, edited by Rev. James Boyce, D. D. Mr. Bonner soon became sole editor and proprietor of the Miscellany, developing, great tact and enterprise in its management. It soon became apparent, that religious journalism was his special fort--always ready, fluent and sometimes brilliant with his pen. He made the paper a popular and welcome - visitor in many homes: all over the Church, and even out of the Church. The sphere of influence, continued to widen and the name of the paper changed to that of The Due West Telescope, through whose polished lenses the whole Church might look. Through it they continued to look with increased profit and delight, until the smoke and din of cruel war closed its career about the end of the year 1863. The lines became so contracted, that it could no longer pay its weekly visits to a large portion of the Church and was compelled to submit to the inevitable.
After the fall of the Confederacy and the close of that cruel strife by the advice of Synod and with the help of a few friends, The Telescope was revived, under the name of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, with Mr. Bonner as Editor and a few Associate Editors. This position of responsibility and great usefulness, preaching every week to the whole Church, he continued to hold amid many other responsibilities, until the close of life. Many wondered how he could do so many things and do them so well; but it is worthy of mention and a just tribute to the memory of his intelligent wife, that she greatly relieved him of much of the burden of the paper, by making selections, keeping books and assisting him in every way she could. Always enterprising and looking to the wants of the whole Church, Dr. Bonner, but a short time before his death, enlarged the Presbyterian to its present form and size, an eight-paged weekly, intending to make it keep rank with the leading religious journals of the respective denominations.
The Little Banner, the popular child's paper, was also the offspring of his fertile brain. He made it attractive to children and even to many old people too. Nor can I withhold the opinion that, had Dr. Bonner been living, "today, that same Little Banner, greatly improved, however, would have still floated in the breeze. He never went backward in any undertaking. Failure had no place in his vocabulary. His editorial career gave him a wide-spread, I had almost said, a national reputation. It was this, perhaps, as was as his ability as a divine, that secured for him a few years before his death, from one of the Northern Colleges, the deserved compliment of D. D. His editorial, success is the more remarkable, because it formed but a part and perhaps a minor part of his great life-work.
He was pre-eminently an Educator. In 1859, the Female Academy was organized by citizens of Due West into a College, and Dr. Bonner was unanimously elected by the Trustees its first President. The College building was secured largely through his personal exertion. He canvassed far and near, soliciting, funds and collecting students. He was ever "full of expedients, looking to the upbuilding and perpetuity of his beloved College. His administrative talents also were of a high order and well calculated to make the College what it is a first class institution for the cultivation of the female mind and heart--the pride and ornament of the Church and an honor to the state. He was deservedly popular with his pupils both in College and long after they had left her walls. One universal wail of sorrow went up from them when the announcement was heard "Dr.Bonner is dead." His work was done: but "he being dead,' yet speaketh." He will long live in the hearts and lives of those whom he helped to mould and fashion after the similitude of a palace.
While he gave so much, of his life to public journalism and to the cause of higher education, he was by no means neglectful of his proper work as a preacher, of righteousness--a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have not been able to ascertain the precise date of his ordination; but he was early set apart to the full work of the ministry, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery; He was ordained sine titulo. He never held a Pastorate. He was always ready, and even anxious, to have devoted himself to preaching and pastoral work, had his health permitted. It was not however deemed expedient, by his physicians and friends, for him to give himself uninterruptedly to preaching.
He was an excellent preacher, preached often at Presbyteries and Synods, and was greatly sought after by the pastoral brethren to assist them at sacramental and protracted meetings. In the latter years of his life, especially, he went almost everywhere preaching the Gospel. It was the wonder of many, how he could preach so often and so well, in connection with so many other engagements. As a preacher he was earnest, practical, systematic, always instructive, and sometimes pungent and powerful. His heart seemed to be in his work and warming up with his subject, he manifested great anxiety for the good of the souls and the glory of God. The people heard him gladly. Oft did he express himself to the writer as willing and ready to go on any mission, to which the Church might send him. His preference evidently was to 'have engaged fully in preaching and pastoral work. But the Church refused to change his life work and so kept him at his post, as the Editor and Proprietor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian and an educator of youth. It is thought she acted wisely in so doing. Perhaps he filled a wider sphere of influence and usefulness than he could have done as a preacher and pastor.
As a member of our Church Courts, he felt his obligation to be present, took a lively interest even in routine business and in every thing that looked to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. He had great tact and skill in the transaction of business--was ready and fluent in debate--conservative in action--and in every way, a most influential member of Presbytery and Synod. These meetings were always refreshing seasons to him, as well as to many others. He considered himself amply repaid for the great expense and toil incurred; and he returned to his several posts of duty with renewed energy.
On account of his wisdom and prudence, and the high position which he occupied in the Church, a large amount of Committee and Board work was imposed on him. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Erskine College, of the Directors of the Theological seminary, of the Advisory Committee to aid the Treasurer of the College in investment and management of the funds, was President of the Board of Trustees in the Female College, as well as the responsible head of the Institution itself, was a member of the Board of Foreign Missions, its Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. In consequence, he was compelled to carry on a most extensive correspondence. Verily, he ate no idles bread. Even as years crept on and his friends say that he was giving way under an excessive load of care of responsibility, he still thought to carry it - not seeming to realize his weakness and the necessity of diminished work, preferring, at any rate, to wear out, rather than rust out. He literally "died in the harness."
Beside all this, he took a lively interest in all the public and benevolent enterprises of the age--as the great, Temperance Reform--the young Men's Christian Association Educational Associations both of state and nation--often attended their meetings and took an active part in both of their deliberations. In the interval between the death of his second wife; Dr. Bonner in connection with Dr. Boyce, as Delegates of the A. R. Synod of the South, attended the Ecumenical Council of Presbyterians in the city of Philadelphia; was greatly pleased and apparently profited by his trip, as he had been a few months before from a visit to the springs and an excursion among the mountains of North Carolina. He seemed to think that he was about to take a new lease of life, and so entered into the marriage relationship as above stated, in February, 1881, with the accomplished Miss A. L. Morse of New York, who survives him and still holds her position as Music Teacher in the College and also one of the Vice Principals, and sat down again to hard work both in the College and in his Editorial Chair. His friends thought differently, and so advised that he should, at least, take on him diminished work. The sequel soon proved that they were correct in their judgment. The improvement was only slight and of short duration. For he had scarcely ascended the Editorial tripod and the Presidential chair of his beloved College, with enlarged plans and brilliant prospects of usefulness, as well, as of domestic bliss, when he was prostrated with the same disease, chronic inflammation or ulceration of the stomach, from which he had suffered the year before. Then it became manifest to all that his work was done. His Master had determined to call him home to rest. Hence, the skill of the most excellent physicians, the unwavering kindness and care of a newly married wife and of his beloved children, with the sympathy and prayers of his friends and of the whole Church, could avail nothing to avert the blow. He died in the midst of his days and usefulness on the afternoon of Friday, April 29th, 1881, in his 59th year, loved and lamented by all who knew him. His funeral was largely attended both by the white and colored people of-the whole community, the bells of the Colleges and of the Church tolled a funeral dirge as the vast procession moved slowly with his remains to the village church of Due West, where the Pastor, Rev. W. L. Pressly, made some suitable remarks, in addition to the usual devotional exercises, founded upon 2nd Kings xii chapter, where we read, "When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, 'Joash the King of Israel visited him and wept over his face and said, O my Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." His address was followed by other addresses, from Dr. Grier, Prof. Patton, Prof. Young, and Dr. Boyce.
These all knew the deceased well, having been long associated with him in the daily walks of life, and their remarks show best the light in which he was held, by those who had a right to judge. Hence, the writer wishes to cull a few of, the many good things said. Would that time and space permitted to reproduce them all. The drift of Mr. Pressly's remarks was the influence of good men, in preventing or retarding evil, in doing good and how, like the Prophet, they were more to Israel than all the munitions of war; the consequent loss to society and to the Church of God when good men ide. Dr. Grier, after lamenting the great loss sustained and stating that the time had gone by when the loss of any life will seriously influence the permanent direction of public affairs, raise the inquiry, but who will take up that load of public care which our Brother carried so long and so cheerfully?" and proceeded to speak of Dr. Bonner as a teacher. He said, "He served the Church in various offices and served it efficiently, but perhaps his lifework, that which, enlisted his best effort and engaged his fullest energy was teaching. To this vocation he consecrated himself with a devotion and enthusiasm that rarely flagged." Of his qualifications as a College President he said: "He was a man of great sagacity and practical sense. His foresight was almost prophetic." "Dr. Bonner possessed a great force of will. This quality was partly hereditary and was one of the most salient points of his character. In large measure, it made him what he was." "Again, he possessed great administrative talent. He read character easily. He detected almost intuitively the shams of the idle and disorderly and perceived as readily the capabilities of the honest plodder." "Again, Dr. Bonner loved his work. He sought with fervent zeal to make the Institution, over which he presided, one of the best in the land."
Prof. Patton spoke of him as a Christian Journalist. He said: "In this character his ability was not less decided, achieving a success: equally honorable. Indeed, while his mind was remarkable for its versatility, yet as a conductor of a religious journal, he seemed to be more completely at home than any where else, and told of his long experience and success in this department, saying. "As Editor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, he was, perhaps: more useful, certainly better know, than as President of the Female College. His influence as Editor, instead of being circumscribed within the walls of a college was coextensive with the boundaries of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and was felt, as Paul says "in the regions beyond." In the conduct of his paper, he manifested that tact, energy, and perseverance without which the most signal abilities must fail."
Prof. Young who knew the deceased, perhaps, longer and better than any living man, spoke of him "as a minister of the Gospel." After enumerating the long list of worthy Fathers who had fallen at their posts since his connection with Erskine College he said: "And now - another" no less honored, so abundant in labors, has fallen also at-his post. For more than the third of a century, we have been more or less intimately associated in the meetings and business of the Church Courts. At these meetings his seat was rarely ever vacant.
Punctuality was a matter of conscience. His ready apprehension and good Judgment rendered him on all important subjects an influential member. As a Preacher, you, my hearers, can testify to his earnestness and zeal. And the cordial welcome which was every where extended to him attests his success in delivering the message of his Master. Perhaps, none of those who remain are so generally known in the pulpit of the A. R. P. Church."
Dr. Boyce spoke of him: - "As a member of the Church Courts, Boards, and Committee." After some happy preliminary remarks and an enumeration of the several positions which the deceased held on the Boards and Committees of the Church, he said: "Having for many years been associated with him in these departments of the public service, I can bear witness to his punctuality to his appointments, to the zeal and energy with which he addressed himself, in common with his brethren, to the regulation of the internal affairs of the Church, and especially to the aggressive movements contemplating her enlargement in the work of Home and Foreign Missions.
As a general remark it may be said of the deceased that being of a public spirit and fully abreast of the age, he was on the look out for all legitimate measures by which to put the Church in high vantage ground. Thus the Brethren, who knew the deceased, have recorded his worth. The many Tributes of Respect .passed by the several Associations to which he belonged bespeak a most useful life and the high esteem in which he was held not only by his brethren, but by all who knew him.
One other feature of Dr. Bonner's character remains to be mentioned--his great liberality. He had a large heart and was wont to devise liberal things. His hospitality was marvelous. As one has expressed it, "he was given to hospitality; he kept an open house on all public occasions." When Presbytery or Synod met in Due West at the annual Commencements, crowds often flocked to his house, were cordially received and made to feel at home, and bountifully fed on the best the market could afford, "He was liberal to every good cause as far as practicable, and the poor came not to him in vain."
His active, useful life has ended. The vase is broken; but it has left a rich perfume. He being dead yet speaketh. His influence is not ended. "The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, for they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
The College may go on successfully, for many years to, come in other hands; partly through the momentum which Dr. Bonner and that excellent corps of teachers, so long associated with him, gave to it, the Church paper may be conducted with equal ability by worthy successors--the business of the Church Courts may be transacted with equal wisdom and dispatch--Boards and Committees may still do their work well- Home and Foreign Missions may still, be successful and even enlarged for God is not straightened for instrumentalities to do his work but it will be a long time before we find another man who can do' as much work and do it as well as did Dr. Bonner. Much more might be said of this good man.' I could speak of his great affability of manner, rendering him an agreeable companion and the attractive center of the social circle, how he neither allowed the cares and worry of business nor even the excitement of debate to disturb the amenities of social life. I might speak of him as keenly sensitive and jealous to the respect which was due to him as a Christian and a gentleman, but ready to forgive injuries and to be reconciled to an offender; or I might speak of his fine person and noble bearing, which left a deep impression upon friends and introduced him to the confidence to the stranger, but these qualities are too fresh in the memory of all who knew him. Let others talk of them.
Let all cherish his memory and imitate his virtues, and learn the admonition which comes to all from his early death, "Be ye also ready; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
Memoir of Rev. John I. Bonner. D. D.
(b. 10-9-1822 d. 4..99-1881)
(By Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D.)
The ancestors of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., the subject of this paper, were Irish people, or as sometimes called, Scotch-Irish, and were among the early settlers on Long Cane, in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Of the grandparents little is known, except that they had five sons and two daughters. The sons were: William, James, Samuel, John and Andrew. The daughters were both married before leaving Abbeville, one to Mr. Young, Esq., and the other to Mr. Jones. William, the oldest son, as he grew up, exhibited much enterprise and began the accumulation of his fortune by wagoning to and from Charleston. He married in Charleston. James Bonner, the father of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., married a daughter of James Foster, Esq., who was long and favorably known as a leading elder in Cedar Springs Church. She was pre-eminently a godly woman. These two brothers and their families, and brothers-in-law removed to the rich lands of Alabama. About the year 1819 or 1820, Dr. Samuel somewhat eminent in his profession, followed about 1827. Dr. John Bonner was a practicing physician in Dallas, Ala. Andrew, the youngest brother, became a physician, and married a daughter of Patrick Calhoun's and sister of Hon. John C. Calhoun. He settled in the flat woods on Little River, where he and his wife died of bilious fever.
James Bonner first went to Monroe County, Ala.., where his son, John I., was born in the year 1822. From thence, he removed and settled in Wilcox County in the same state, and was successful in his farming operations for a period of about ten years. His son, John I., was sent to school and received his academic and religious training under Rev. James P. Pressly, D. D. who was then pastor of the A. R. P. Churches in Wilcox and Dallas Counties. But his father, either not being entirely satisfied with the country, or thinking a sale of his possessions and a reinvestment would be profitable, or it may be, influenced by his excellent wife, many of whose friends had removed from Cedar Springs, Abbeville Co., S. C. and settled in Ohio and Indiana -- some one or all of these considerations may have influenced him-determined to make another move. He sold out in Alabama in 1837, for the handsome sum of about $20,000, and invested in the rich lands of Indiana. Soon after this change, John I. was sent to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, then "one of the most prosperous Institutions in the northwest," and where a number of Southern students had been educated. He spent two years and a half in College, but left before graduation, for reasons which seemed satisfactory to himself, but which may appear strange to those who knew him. I shall here allow him to speak for himself and insert the substance of an unfinished autobiography, covering that period in this history from the time of his leaving College, until his final settlement at Due West, where his eminently useful life was spent. He says: "After leaving College, the real cause of which was discouragement as to my capabilities, I returned to my own hoosier land and buried myself for eighteen months; not literally underground, but on my father's farm. Did but little for myself or anyone else. My nineteenth birthday found me engaged to Miss N. M. Baldridge of Indiana. On the last day of 1841 the marriage was consummated, and I was the happiest of the happy. Circumstances then forced me to decide upon what I should do in this world as a business. A good farm and a pleasant home offered by my, father, were accepted, and I sat down with the companion of my choice on a nice little farm, in a retired place, in, Decatur County, Indiana, and as I thought for life. But ah, a little more than one short year served to convince me, that there is no such thing here as permanent bliss -that, in the language of the poet,
"There is no union here of hearts
That hath not' here an end."
"The 18th of March, 1843, found me broken down both in body and spirit. I had just recovered from a long and very severe spell of sickness and my heart's first love had entered upon her reward. My boyish heart, (I was not yet twenty-one) could scarcely bear up under so sore a stroke." The reader will mark the dealings of Providence in changing and shaping his future course of life-"Partly to recruit my health and partly to get away from the scene of my troubles,". He continues, "I determined to visit the home of my childhood, and spend the summer with my relatives and friends in Alabama."
"Accordingly in April, 1843, solitary and alone, I set out for the south on horseback. The summer was spent in reading medicine with my uncle, Dr. John Bonner, of Dallas County, Ala. Dr. S. O. Young was practicing with my uncle at that time--J. H. Bonner was a student with me. Passed the time very agreeably. Not being pleased altogether with the idea of being a Doctor, though I was very much pleased with my studies, and I hope being impressed with the greater usefulness of the Gospel ministry, my mind was turned in that direction. I returned home to Indiana in October, 1843, by public conveyance, through Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, Ala., Columbia and Nashville, Tenn., and gratified my father by telling him that I had determined to study theology." The reader will see what strange Providences and what a fiery ordeal, it took to bring him to make this wise choice. He was made --'willing in the day of God's power to become a minister of the gospel. His narrative continues thus:' "Remained at home but a week or two, and set out for South Carolina with my friend, Rev. John H. Pressly and family and others. We landed at Due West about the 23rd of November. I immediately entered the Theological Seminary, in which Drs. E. E. and J. P. Pressly were the Professors. Took the regular course in the seminary of two years. Found it pretty hard to stick close to my books, though I did it. In fact, confined myself too closely and he consequence was, my health gave way. During the last year, it was quite delicate."
"Nothing of special interest occurred during my stay in the seminary. I was scarcely away from Due West, during the two whole years, except a trip to Kentucky in the fall of 1844, to attend the meeting of the A. R. Synod of the South." He early learned to take special pleasure in the several Church Courts, and never allowed himself to be absent, unless he was sick. Consequently he never missed but two or three meetings during, his entire ministry of nearly thirty-seven years. We all expected to meet Dr. Bonner at synod, let who might be absent.
He next gives an account of his second marriage: "A few months after my arrival at Due West, with a heart longing for a healing balm and with a spirit bowed in grief, the angel of mercy shown down upon me. I chanced to catch a glance of an eye that beamed with sympathy and love. The rest you 'may infer. On the 25th of September, 1845, John I. Bonner and L. Armathine Lindsay, only daughter of James Lindsay, Esq., were married." This relation was blessed with four sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, and are all married, save one, the youngest, and with all members of the church of their fathers.
He speaks of the time and place of his licensure. "On the 6th of October, 1845, I was licensed to preach by the second Presbytery of the A. R. Synod of the South, at Long Cane Church, in Abbeville District, S.C. Immediately after licensure, I attended the meeting of our synod in Georgia. There I received appointments, for the winter, in Decatur, Georgia, and in Wilcox, Alabama.
The latter part of October, accompanied by Mrs. B., I set out for the mission field. On the third day from home let my horse run away with my buggy and got crippled myself, which delayed our progress for a few days. Spent about two months in Attapulgus -- preached there my first sermon after licensure.
From Attapulgus went to Wilcox, Alabama--spent the remainder of the winter there. Found it very hard business to preach to a congregation made up of uncles, aunts, cousins, etc., with all of whom I had been intimate from my youth. Instead of returning to the seminary in the spring, as I had permission to do, Providence seemed to demand that I should accompany an afflicted sister to an eastern city to seek relief for her. Accordingly, accompanied by Mrs. B. and my sister, I set out for Philadelphia in April--took Due West in our route, and landed in the city of brotherly love about the 7th of May. Remained there until the last of June. Then leaving Mrs. B. and my sister, I made a hasty visit to, Indiana. Shortly, after my return to Philadelphia I was taken ill, or rather was afflicted with hemorrhage, either of the stomach or lungs--doctors scarcely knew which. Lay there some weeks. Started South about 1st of September, in time for the meeting of Synod since that time, I have been living here." Here his own narrative closes, and my personal knowledge of him begins. From that time, the writer has known him well and somewhat intimately. The current of our acquaintance and friendship ran smooth-not a ripple to disturb its placid waters.
The next year, 1847, he was elected Principal of the Academy at Due West, and his life-work as an educator commenced. He felt himself constrained or rather forced to adopt teaching as his principal profession on account of his health and constant apprehension of some throat or lung affection. This work he followed closely, almost consecutively, with a few brief intervals, during life, preaching however occasionally and as opportunity offered, and as his health and strength improved he preached a great deal, sometimes almost going everywhere preaching the Gospel.
A few years only elapsed, until he superadded the work of an editor. In the fall of 1851, we believe it was, he and his brother-in-law, Rev. J. O. Lindsay, commenced the publication of the Erskine Miscellany, a religious and literary weekly, which soon commanded public favor and eventually became the organ of the A. R. Synod, after the discontinuance of the Christian Magazine of the South, a monthly, edited by Rev. James Boyce, D. D. Mr. Bonner soon became sole editor and proprietor of the Miscellany, developing, great tact and enterprise in its management. It soon became apparent, that religious journalism was his special fort--always ready, fluent and sometimes brilliant with his pen. He made the paper a popular and welcome - visitor in many homes: all over the Church, and even out of the Church. The sphere of influence, continued to widen and the name of the paper changed to that of The Due West Telescope, through whose polished lenses the whole Church might look. Through it they continued to look with increased profit and delight, until the smoke and din of cruel war closed its career about the end of the year 1863. The lines became so contracted, that it could no longer pay its weekly visits to a large portion of the Church and was compelled to submit to the inevitable.
After the fall of the Confederacy and the close of that cruel strife by the advice of Synod and with the help of a few friends, The Telescope was revived, under the name of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, with Mr. Bonner as Editor and a few Associate Editors. This position of responsibility and great usefulness, preaching every week to the whole Church, he continued to hold amid many other responsibilities, until the close of life. Many wondered how he could do so many things and do them so well; but it is worthy of mention and a just tribute to the memory of his intelligent wife, that she greatly relieved him of much of the burden of the paper, by making selections, keeping books and assisting him in every way she could. Always enterprising and looking to the wants of the whole Church, Dr. Bonner, but a short time before his death, enlarged the Presbyterian to its present form and size, an eight-paged weekly, intending to make it keep rank with the leading religious journals of the respective denominations.
The Little Banner, the popular child's paper, was also the offspring of his fertile brain. He made it attractive to children and even to many old people too. Nor can I withhold the opinion that, had Dr. Bonner been living, "today, that same Little Banner, greatly improved, however, would have still floated in the breeze. He never went backward in any undertaking. Failure had no place in his vocabulary. His editorial career gave him a wide-spread, I had almost said, a national reputation. It was this, perhaps, as was as his ability as a divine, that secured for him a few years before his death, from one of the Northern Colleges, the deserved compliment of D. D. His editorial, success is the more remarkable, because it formed but a part and perhaps a minor part of his great life-work.
He was pre-eminently an Educator. In 1859, the Female Academy was organized by citizens of Due West into a College, and Dr. Bonner was unanimously elected by the Trustees its first President. The College building was secured largely through his personal exertion. He canvassed far and near, soliciting, funds and collecting students. He was ever "full of expedients, looking to the upbuilding and perpetuity of his beloved College. His administrative talents also were of a high order and well calculated to make the College what it is a first class institution for the cultivation of the female mind and heart--the pride and ornament of the Church and an honor to the state. He was deservedly popular with his pupils both in College and long after they had left her walls. One universal wail of sorrow went up from them when the announcement was heard "Dr.Bonner is dead." His work was done: but "he being dead,' yet speaketh." He will long live in the hearts and lives of those whom he helped to mould and fashion after the similitude of a palace.
While he gave so much, of his life to public journalism and to the cause of higher education, he was by no means neglectful of his proper work as a preacher, of righteousness--a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have not been able to ascertain the precise date of his ordination; but he was early set apart to the full work of the ministry, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery; He was ordained sine titulo. He never held a Pastorate. He was always ready, and even anxious, to have devoted himself to preaching and pastoral work, had his health permitted. It was not however deemed expedient, by his physicians and friends, for him to give himself uninterruptedly to preaching.
He was an excellent preacher, preached often at Presbyteries and Synods, and was greatly sought after by the pastoral brethren to assist them at sacramental and protracted meetings. In the latter years of his life, especially, he went almost everywhere preaching the Gospel. It was the wonder of many, how he could preach so often and so well, in connection with so many other engagements. As a preacher he was earnest, practical, systematic, always instructive, and sometimes pungent and powerful. His heart seemed to be in his work and warming up with his subject, he manifested great anxiety for the good of the souls and the glory of God. The people heard him gladly. Oft did he express himself to the writer as willing and ready to go on any mission, to which the Church might send him. His preference evidently was to 'have engaged fully in preaching and pastoral work. But the Church refused to change his life work and so kept him at his post, as the Editor and Proprietor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian and an educator of youth. It is thought she acted wisely in so doing. Perhaps he filled a wider sphere of influence and usefulness than he could have done as a preacher and pastor.
As a member of our Church Courts, he felt his obligation to be present, took a lively interest even in routine business and in every thing that looked to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. He had great tact and skill in the transaction of business--was ready and fluent in debate--conservative in action--and in every way, a most influential member of Presbytery and Synod. These meetings were always refreshing seasons to him, as well as to many others. He considered himself amply repaid for the great expense and toil incurred; and he returned to his several posts of duty with renewed energy.
On account of his wisdom and prudence, and the high position which he occupied in the Church, a large amount of Committee and Board work was imposed on him. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Erskine College, of the Directors of the Theological seminary, of the Advisory Committee to aid the Treasurer of the College in investment and management of the funds, was President of the Board of Trustees in the Female College, as well as the responsible head of the Institution itself, was a member of the Board of Foreign Missions, its Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. In consequence, he was compelled to carry on a most extensive correspondence. Verily, he ate no idles bread. Even as years crept on and his friends say that he was giving way under an excessive load of care of responsibility, he still thought to carry it - not seeming to realize his weakness and the necessity of diminished work, preferring, at any rate, to wear out, rather than rust out. He literally "died in the harness."
Beside all this, he took a lively interest in all the public and benevolent enterprises of the age--as the great, Temperance Reform--the young Men's Christian Association Educational Associations both of state and nation--often attended their meetings and took an active part in both of their deliberations. In the interval between the death of his second wife; Dr. Bonner in connection with Dr. Boyce, as Delegates of the A. R. Synod of the South, attended the Ecumenical Council of Presbyterians in the city of Philadelphia; was greatly pleased and apparently profited by his trip, as he had been a few months before from a visit to the springs and an excursion among the mountains of North Carolina. He seemed to think that he was about to take a new lease of life, and so entered into the marriage relationship as above stated, in February, 1881, with the accomplished Miss A. L. Morse of New York, who survives him and still holds her position as Music Teacher in the College and also one of the Vice Principals, and sat down again to hard work both in the College and in his Editorial Chair. His friends thought differently, and so advised that he should, at least, take on him diminished work. The sequel soon proved that they were correct in their judgment. The improvement was only slight and of short duration. For he had scarcely ascended the Editorial tripod and the Presidential chair of his beloved College, with enlarged plans and brilliant prospects of usefulness, as well, as of domestic bliss, when he was prostrated with the same disease, chronic inflammation or ulceration of the stomach, from which he had suffered the year before. Then it became manifest to all that his work was done. His Master had determined to call him home to rest. Hence, the skill of the most excellent physicians, the unwavering kindness and care of a newly married wife and of his beloved children, with the sympathy and prayers of his friends and of the whole Church, could avail nothing to avert the blow. He died in the midst of his days and usefulness on the afternoon of Friday, April 29th, 1881, in his 59th year, loved and lamented by all who knew him. His funeral was largely attended both by the white and colored people of-the whole community, the bells of the Colleges and of the Church tolled a funeral dirge as the vast procession moved slowly with his remains to the village church of Due West, where the Pastor, Rev. W. L. Pressly, made some suitable remarks, in addition to the usual devotional exercises, founded upon 2nd Kings xii chapter, where we read, "When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, 'Joash the King of Israel visited him and wept over his face and said, O my Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." His address was followed by other addresses, from Dr. Grier, Prof. Patton, Prof. Young, and Dr. Boyce.
These all knew the deceased well, having been long associated with him in the daily walks of life, and their remarks show best the light in which he was held, by those who had a right to judge. Hence, the writer wishes to cull a few of, the many good things said. Would that time and space permitted to reproduce them all. The drift of Mr. Pressly's remarks was the influence of good men, in preventing or retarding evil, in doing good and how, like the Prophet, they were more to Israel than all the munitions of war; the consequent loss to society and to the Church of God when good men ide. Dr. Grier, after lamenting the great loss sustained and stating that the time had gone by when the loss of any life will seriously influence the permanent direction of public affairs, raise the inquiry, but who will take up that load of public care which our Brother carried so long and so cheerfully?" and proceeded to speak of Dr. Bonner as a teacher. He said, "He served the Church in various offices and served it efficiently, but perhaps his lifework, that which, enlisted his best effort and engaged his fullest energy was teaching. To this vocation he consecrated himself with a devotion and enthusiasm that rarely flagged." Of his qualifications as a College President he said: "He was a man of great sagacity and practical sense. His foresight was almost prophetic." "Dr. Bonner possessed a great force of will. This quality was partly hereditary and was one of the most salient points of his character. In large measure, it made him what he was." "Again, he possessed great administrative talent. He read character easily. He detected almost intuitively the shams of the idle and disorderly and perceived as readily the capabilities of the honest plodder." "Again, Dr. Bonner loved his work. He sought with fervent zeal to make the Institution, over which he presided, one of the best in the land."
Prof. Patton spoke of him as a Christian Journalist. He said: "In this character his ability was not less decided, achieving a success: equally honorable. Indeed, while his mind was remarkable for its versatility, yet as a conductor of a religious journal, he seemed to be more completely at home than any where else, and told of his long experience and success in this department, saying. "As Editor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, he was, perhaps: more useful, certainly better know, than as President of the Female College. His influence as Editor, instead of being circumscribed within the walls of a college was coextensive with the boundaries of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and was felt, as Paul says "in the regions beyond." In the conduct of his paper, he manifested that tact, energy, and perseverance without which the most signal abilities must fail."
Prof. Young who knew the deceased, perhaps, longer and better than any living man, spoke of him "as a minister of the Gospel." After enumerating the long list of worthy Fathers who had fallen at their posts since his connection with Erskine College he said: "And now - another" no less honored, so abundant in labors, has fallen also at-his post. For more than the third of a century, we have been more or less intimately associated in the meetings and business of the Church Courts. At these meetings his seat was rarely ever vacant.
Punctuality was a matter of conscience. His ready apprehension and good Judgment rendered him on all important subjects an influential member. As a Preacher, you, my hearers, can testify to his earnestness and zeal. And the cordial welcome which was every where extended to him attests his success in delivering the message of his Master. Perhaps, none of those who remain are so generally known in the pulpit of the A. R. P. Church."
Dr. Boyce spoke of him: - "As a member of the Church Courts, Boards, and Committee." After some happy preliminary remarks and an enumeration of the several positions which the deceased held on the Boards and Committees of the Church, he said: "Having for many years been associated with him in these departments of the public service, I can bear witness to his punctuality to his appointments, to the zeal and energy with which he addressed himself, in common with his brethren, to the regulation of the internal affairs of the Church, and especially to the aggressive movements contemplating her enlargement in the work of Home and Foreign Missions.
As a general remark it may be said of the deceased that being of a public spirit and fully abreast of the age, he was on the look out for all legitimate measures by which to put the Church in high vantage ground. Thus the Brethren, who knew the deceased, have recorded his worth. The many Tributes of Respect .passed by the several Associations to which he belonged bespeak a most useful life and the high esteem in which he was held not only by his brethren, but by all who knew him.
One other feature of Dr. Bonner's character remains to be mentioned--his great liberality. He had a large heart and was wont to devise liberal things. His hospitality was marvelous. As one has expressed it, "he was given to hospitality; he kept an open house on all public occasions." When Presbytery or Synod met in Due West at the annual Commencements, crowds often flocked to his house, were cordially received and made to feel at home, and bountifully fed on the best the market could afford, "He was liberal to every good cause as far as practicable, and the poor came not to him in vain."
His active, useful life has ended. The vase is broken; but it has left a rich perfume. He being dead yet speaketh. His influence is not ended. "The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, for they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
The College may go on successfully, for many years to, come in other hands; partly through the momentum which Dr. Bonner and that excellent corps of teachers, so long associated with him, gave to it, the Church paper may be conducted with equal ability by worthy successors--the business of the Church Courts may be transacted with equal wisdom and dispatch--Boards and Committees may still do their work well- Home and Foreign Missions may still, be successful and even enlarged for God is not straightened for instrumentalities to do his work but it will be a long time before we find another man who can do' as much work and do it as well as did Dr. Bonner. Much more might be said of this good man.' I could speak of his great affability of manner, rendering him an agreeable companion and the attractive center of the social circle, how he neither allowed the cares and worry of business nor even the excitement of debate to disturb the amenities of social life. I might speak of him as keenly sensitive and jealous to the respect which was due to him as a Christian and a gentleman, but ready to forgive injuries and to be reconciled to an offender; or I might speak of his fine person and noble bearing, which left a deep impression upon friends and introduced him to the confidence to the stranger, but these qualities are too fresh in the memory of all who knew him. Let others talk of them.
Let all cherish his memory and imitate his virtues, and learn the admonition which comes to all from his early death, "Be ye also ready; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
Son of Mary Porter Foster and Jame Bonner, Jr. Husband of (1) Nancy Baldridge, (2) Lany Armathine Lindsay, (3) Lila Morse.
Memoir of Rev. John I. Bonner. D. D.
(b. 10-9-1822 d. 4..99-1881)
(By Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D.)
The ancestors of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., the subject of this paper, were Irish people, or as sometimes called, Scotch-Irish, and were among the early settlers on Long Cane, in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Of the grandparents little is known, except that they had five sons and two daughters. The sons were: William, James, Samuel, John and Andrew. The daughters were both married before leaving Abbeville, one to Mr. Young, Esq., and the other to Mr. Jones. William, the oldest son, as he grew up, exhibited much enterprise and began the accumulation of his fortune by wagoning to and from Charleston. He married in Charleston. James Bonner, the father of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., married a daughter of James Foster, Esq., who was long and favorably known as a leading elder in Cedar Springs Church. She was pre-eminently a godly woman. These two brothers and their families, and brothers-in-law removed to the rich lands of Alabama. About the year 1819 or 1820, Dr. Samuel somewhat eminent in his profession, followed about 1827. Dr. John Bonner was a practicing physician in Dallas, Ala. Andrew, the youngest brother, became a physician, and married a daughter of Patrick Calhoun's and sister of Hon. John C. Calhoun. He settled in the flat woods on Little River, where he and his wife died of bilious fever.
James Bonner first went to Monroe County, Ala.., where his son, John I., was born in the year 1822. From thence, he removed and settled in Wilcox County in the same state, and was successful in his farming operations for a period of about ten years. His son, John I., was sent to school and received his academic and religious training under Rev. James P. Pressly, D. D. who was then pastor of the A. R. P. Churches in Wilcox and Dallas Counties. But his father, either not being entirely satisfied with the country, or thinking a sale of his possessions and a reinvestment would be profitable, or it may be, influenced by his excellent wife, many of whose friends had removed from Cedar Springs, Abbeville Co., S. C. and settled in Ohio and Indiana -- some one or all of these considerations may have influenced him-determined to make another move. He sold out in Alabama in 1837, for the handsome sum of about $20,000, and invested in the rich lands of Indiana. Soon after this change, John I. was sent to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, then "one of the most prosperous Institutions in the northwest," and where a number of Southern students had been educated. He spent two years and a half in College, but left before graduation, for reasons which seemed satisfactory to himself, but which may appear strange to those who knew him. I shall here allow him to speak for himself and insert the substance of an unfinished autobiography, covering that period in this history from the time of his leaving College, until his final settlement at Due West, where his eminently useful life was spent. He says: "After leaving College, the real cause of which was discouragement as to my capabilities, I returned to my own hoosier land and buried myself for eighteen months; not literally underground, but on my father's farm. Did but little for myself or anyone else. My nineteenth birthday found me engaged to Miss N. M. Baldridge of Indiana. On the last day of 1841 the marriage was consummated, and I was the happiest of the happy. Circumstances then forced me to decide upon what I should do in this world as a business. A good farm and a pleasant home offered by my, father, were accepted, and I sat down with the companion of my choice on a nice little farm, in a retired place, in, Decatur County, Indiana, and as I thought for life. But ah, a little more than one short year served to convince me, that there is no such thing here as permanent bliss -that, in the language of the poet,
"There is no union here of hearts
That hath not' here an end."
"The 18th of March, 1843, found me broken down both in body and spirit. I had just recovered from a long and very severe spell of sickness and my heart's first love had entered upon her reward. My boyish heart, (I was not yet twenty-one) could scarcely bear up under so sore a stroke." The reader will mark the dealings of Providence in changing and shaping his future course of life-"Partly to recruit my health and partly to get away from the scene of my troubles,". He continues, "I determined to visit the home of my childhood, and spend the summer with my relatives and friends in Alabama."
"Accordingly in April, 1843, solitary and alone, I set out for the south on horseback. The summer was spent in reading medicine with my uncle, Dr. John Bonner, of Dallas County, Ala. Dr. S. O. Young was practicing with my uncle at that time--J. H. Bonner was a student with me. Passed the time very agreeably. Not being pleased altogether with the idea of being a Doctor, though I was very much pleased with my studies, and I hope being impressed with the greater usefulness of the Gospel ministry, my mind was turned in that direction. I returned home to Indiana in October, 1843, by public conveyance, through Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, Ala., Columbia and Nashville, Tenn., and gratified my father by telling him that I had determined to study theology." The reader will see what strange Providences and what a fiery ordeal, it took to bring him to make this wise choice. He was made --'willing in the day of God's power to become a minister of the gospel. His narrative continues thus:' "Remained at home but a week or two, and set out for South Carolina with my friend, Rev. John H. Pressly and family and others. We landed at Due West about the 23rd of November. I immediately entered the Theological Seminary, in which Drs. E. E. and J. P. Pressly were the Professors. Took the regular course in the seminary of two years. Found it pretty hard to stick close to my books, though I did it. In fact, confined myself too closely and he consequence was, my health gave way. During the last year, it was quite delicate."
"Nothing of special interest occurred during my stay in the seminary. I was scarcely away from Due West, during the two whole years, except a trip to Kentucky in the fall of 1844, to attend the meeting of the A. R. Synod of the South." He early learned to take special pleasure in the several Church Courts, and never allowed himself to be absent, unless he was sick. Consequently he never missed but two or three meetings during, his entire ministry of nearly thirty-seven years. We all expected to meet Dr. Bonner at synod, let who might be absent.
He next gives an account of his second marriage: "A few months after my arrival at Due West, with a heart longing for a healing balm and with a spirit bowed in grief, the angel of mercy shown down upon me. I chanced to catch a glance of an eye that beamed with sympathy and love. The rest you 'may infer. On the 25th of September, 1845, John I. Bonner and L. Armathine Lindsay, only daughter of James Lindsay, Esq., were married." This relation was blessed with four sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, and are all married, save one, the youngest, and with all members of the church of their fathers.
He speaks of the time and place of his licensure. "On the 6th of October, 1845, I was licensed to preach by the second Presbytery of the A. R. Synod of the South, at Long Cane Church, in Abbeville District, S.C. Immediately after licensure, I attended the meeting of our synod in Georgia. There I received appointments, for the winter, in Decatur, Georgia, and in Wilcox, Alabama.
The latter part of October, accompanied by Mrs. B., I set out for the mission field. On the third day from home let my horse run away with my buggy and got crippled myself, which delayed our progress for a few days. Spent about two months in Attapulgus -- preached there my first sermon after licensure.
From Attapulgus went to Wilcox, Alabama--spent the remainder of the winter there. Found it very hard business to preach to a congregation made up of uncles, aunts, cousins, etc., with all of whom I had been intimate from my youth. Instead of returning to the seminary in the spring, as I had permission to do, Providence seemed to demand that I should accompany an afflicted sister to an eastern city to seek relief for her. Accordingly, accompanied by Mrs. B. and my sister, I set out for Philadelphia in April--took Due West in our route, and landed in the city of brotherly love about the 7th of May. Remained there until the last of June. Then leaving Mrs. B. and my sister, I made a hasty visit to, Indiana. Shortly, after my return to Philadelphia I was taken ill, or rather was afflicted with hemorrhage, either of the stomach or lungs--doctors scarcely knew which. Lay there some weeks. Started South about 1st of September, in time for the meeting of Synod since that time, I have been living here." Here his own narrative closes, and my personal knowledge of him begins. From that time, the writer has known him well and somewhat intimately. The current of our acquaintance and friendship ran smooth-not a ripple to disturb its placid waters.
The next year, 1847, he was elected Principal of the Academy at Due West, and his life-work as an educator commenced. He felt himself constrained or rather forced to adopt teaching as his principal profession on account of his health and constant apprehension of some throat or lung affection. This work he followed closely, almost consecutively, with a few brief intervals, during life, preaching however occasionally and as opportunity offered, and as his health and strength improved he preached a great deal, sometimes almost going everywhere preaching the Gospel.
A few years only elapsed, until he superadded the work of an editor. In the fall of 1851, we believe it was, he and his brother-in-law, Rev. J. O. Lindsay, commenced the publication of the Erskine Miscellany, a religious and literary weekly, which soon commanded public favor and eventually became the organ of the A. R. Synod, after the discontinuance of the Christian Magazine of the South, a monthly, edited by Rev. James Boyce, D. D. Mr. Bonner soon became sole editor and proprietor of the Miscellany, developing, great tact and enterprise in its management. It soon became apparent, that religious journalism was his special fort--always ready, fluent and sometimes brilliant with his pen. He made the paper a popular and welcome - visitor in many homes: all over the Church, and even out of the Church. The sphere of influence, continued to widen and the name of the paper changed to that of The Due West Telescope, through whose polished lenses the whole Church might look. Through it they continued to look with increased profit and delight, until the smoke and din of cruel war closed its career about the end of the year 1863. The lines became so contracted, that it could no longer pay its weekly visits to a large portion of the Church and was compelled to submit to the inevitable.
After the fall of the Confederacy and the close of that cruel strife by the advice of Synod and with the help of a few friends, The Telescope was revived, under the name of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, with Mr. Bonner as Editor and a few Associate Editors. This position of responsibility and great usefulness, preaching every week to the whole Church, he continued to hold amid many other responsibilities, until the close of life. Many wondered how he could do so many things and do them so well; but it is worthy of mention and a just tribute to the memory of his intelligent wife, that she greatly relieved him of much of the burden of the paper, by making selections, keeping books and assisting him in every way she could. Always enterprising and looking to the wants of the whole Church, Dr. Bonner, but a short time before his death, enlarged the Presbyterian to its present form and size, an eight-paged weekly, intending to make it keep rank with the leading religious journals of the respective denominations.
The Little Banner, the popular child's paper, was also the offspring of his fertile brain. He made it attractive to children and even to many old people too. Nor can I withhold the opinion that, had Dr. Bonner been living, "today, that same Little Banner, greatly improved, however, would have still floated in the breeze. He never went backward in any undertaking. Failure had no place in his vocabulary. His editorial career gave him a wide-spread, I had almost said, a national reputation. It was this, perhaps, as was as his ability as a divine, that secured for him a few years before his death, from one of the Northern Colleges, the deserved compliment of D. D. His editorial, success is the more remarkable, because it formed but a part and perhaps a minor part of his great life-work.
He was pre-eminently an Educator. In 1859, the Female Academy was organized by citizens of Due West into a College, and Dr. Bonner was unanimously elected by the Trustees its first President. The College building was secured largely through his personal exertion. He canvassed far and near, soliciting, funds and collecting students. He was ever "full of expedients, looking to the upbuilding and perpetuity of his beloved College. His administrative talents also were of a high order and well calculated to make the College what it is a first class institution for the cultivation of the female mind and heart--the pride and ornament of the Church and an honor to the state. He was deservedly popular with his pupils both in College and long after they had left her walls. One universal wail of sorrow went up from them when the announcement was heard "Dr.Bonner is dead." His work was done: but "he being dead,' yet speaketh." He will long live in the hearts and lives of those whom he helped to mould and fashion after the similitude of a palace.
While he gave so much, of his life to public journalism and to the cause of higher education, he was by no means neglectful of his proper work as a preacher, of righteousness--a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have not been able to ascertain the precise date of his ordination; but he was early set apart to the full work of the ministry, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery; He was ordained sine titulo. He never held a Pastorate. He was always ready, and even anxious, to have devoted himself to preaching and pastoral work, had his health permitted. It was not however deemed expedient, by his physicians and friends, for him to give himself uninterruptedly to preaching.
He was an excellent preacher, preached often at Presbyteries and Synods, and was greatly sought after by the pastoral brethren to assist them at sacramental and protracted meetings. In the latter years of his life, especially, he went almost everywhere preaching the Gospel. It was the wonder of many, how he could preach so often and so well, in connection with so many other engagements. As a preacher he was earnest, practical, systematic, always instructive, and sometimes pungent and powerful. His heart seemed to be in his work and warming up with his subject, he manifested great anxiety for the good of the souls and the glory of God. The people heard him gladly. Oft did he express himself to the writer as willing and ready to go on any mission, to which the Church might send him. His preference evidently was to 'have engaged fully in preaching and pastoral work. But the Church refused to change his life work and so kept him at his post, as the Editor and Proprietor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian and an educator of youth. It is thought she acted wisely in so doing. Perhaps he filled a wider sphere of influence and usefulness than he could have done as a preacher and pastor.
As a member of our Church Courts, he felt his obligation to be present, took a lively interest even in routine business and in every thing that looked to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. He had great tact and skill in the transaction of business--was ready and fluent in debate--conservative in action--and in every way, a most influential member of Presbytery and Synod. These meetings were always refreshing seasons to him, as well as to many others. He considered himself amply repaid for the great expense and toil incurred; and he returned to his several posts of duty with renewed energy.
On account of his wisdom and prudence, and the high position which he occupied in the Church, a large amount of Committee and Board work was imposed on him. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Erskine College, of the Directors of the Theological seminary, of the Advisory Committee to aid the Treasurer of the College in investment and management of the funds, was President of the Board of Trustees in the Female College, as well as the responsible head of the Institution itself, was a member of the Board of Foreign Missions, its Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. In consequence, he was compelled to carry on a most extensive correspondence. Verily, he ate no idles bread. Even as years crept on and his friends say that he was giving way under an excessive load of care of responsibility, he still thought to carry it - not seeming to realize his weakness and the necessity of diminished work, preferring, at any rate, to wear out, rather than rust out. He literally "died in the harness."
Beside all this, he took a lively interest in all the public and benevolent enterprises of the age--as the great, Temperance Reform--the young Men's Christian Association Educational Associations both of state and nation--often attended their meetings and took an active part in both of their deliberations. In the interval between the death of his second wife; Dr. Bonner in connection with Dr. Boyce, as Delegates of the A. R. Synod of the South, attended the Ecumenical Council of Presbyterians in the city of Philadelphia; was greatly pleased and apparently profited by his trip, as he had been a few months before from a visit to the springs and an excursion among the mountains of North Carolina. He seemed to think that he was about to take a new lease of life, and so entered into the marriage relationship as above stated, in February, 1881, with the accomplished Miss A. L. Morse of New York, who survives him and still holds her position as Music Teacher in the College and also one of the Vice Principals, and sat down again to hard work both in the College and in his Editorial Chair. His friends thought differently, and so advised that he should, at least, take on him diminished work. The sequel soon proved that they were correct in their judgment. The improvement was only slight and of short duration. For he had scarcely ascended the Editorial tripod and the Presidential chair of his beloved College, with enlarged plans and brilliant prospects of usefulness, as well, as of domestic bliss, when he was prostrated with the same disease, chronic inflammation or ulceration of the stomach, from which he had suffered the year before. Then it became manifest to all that his work was done. His Master had determined to call him home to rest. Hence, the skill of the most excellent physicians, the unwavering kindness and care of a newly married wife and of his beloved children, with the sympathy and prayers of his friends and of the whole Church, could avail nothing to avert the blow. He died in the midst of his days and usefulness on the afternoon of Friday, April 29th, 1881, in his 59th year, loved and lamented by all who knew him. His funeral was largely attended both by the white and colored people of-the whole community, the bells of the Colleges and of the Church tolled a funeral dirge as the vast procession moved slowly with his remains to the village church of Due West, where the Pastor, Rev. W. L. Pressly, made some suitable remarks, in addition to the usual devotional exercises, founded upon 2nd Kings xii chapter, where we read, "When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, 'Joash the King of Israel visited him and wept over his face and said, O my Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." His address was followed by other addresses, from Dr. Grier, Prof. Patton, Prof. Young, and Dr. Boyce.
These all knew the deceased well, having been long associated with him in the daily walks of life, and their remarks show best the light in which he was held, by those who had a right to judge. Hence, the writer wishes to cull a few of, the many good things said. Would that time and space permitted to reproduce them all. The drift of Mr. Pressly's remarks was the influence of good men, in preventing or retarding evil, in doing good and how, like the Prophet, they were more to Israel than all the munitions of war; the consequent loss to society and to the Church of God when good men ide. Dr. Grier, after lamenting the great loss sustained and stating that the time had gone by when the loss of any life will seriously influence the permanent direction of public affairs, raise the inquiry, but who will take up that load of public care which our Brother carried so long and so cheerfully?" and proceeded to speak of Dr. Bonner as a teacher. He said, "He served the Church in various offices and served it efficiently, but perhaps his lifework, that which, enlisted his best effort and engaged his fullest energy was teaching. To this vocation he consecrated himself with a devotion and enthusiasm that rarely flagged." Of his qualifications as a College President he said: "He was a man of great sagacity and practical sense. His foresight was almost prophetic." "Dr. Bonner possessed a great force of will. This quality was partly hereditary and was one of the most salient points of his character. In large measure, it made him what he was." "Again, he possessed great administrative talent. He read character easily. He detected almost intuitively the shams of the idle and disorderly and perceived as readily the capabilities of the honest plodder." "Again, Dr. Bonner loved his work. He sought with fervent zeal to make the Institution, over which he presided, one of the best in the land."
Prof. Patton spoke of him as a Christian Journalist. He said: "In this character his ability was not less decided, achieving a success: equally honorable. Indeed, while his mind was remarkable for its versatility, yet as a conductor of a religious journal, he seemed to be more completely at home than any where else, and told of his long experience and success in this department, saying. "As Editor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, he was, perhaps: more useful, certainly better know, than as President of the Female College. His influence as Editor, instead of being circumscribed within the walls of a college was coextensive with the boundaries of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and was felt, as Paul says "in the regions beyond." In the conduct of his paper, he manifested that tact, energy, and perseverance without which the most signal abilities must fail."
Prof. Young who knew the deceased, perhaps, longer and better than any living man, spoke of him "as a minister of the Gospel." After enumerating the long list of worthy Fathers who had fallen at their posts since his connection with Erskine College he said: "And now - another" no less honored, so abundant in labors, has fallen also at-his post. For more than the third of a century, we have been more or less intimately associated in the meetings and business of the Church Courts. At these meetings his seat was rarely ever vacant.
Punctuality was a matter of conscience. His ready apprehension and good Judgment rendered him on all important subjects an influential member. As a Preacher, you, my hearers, can testify to his earnestness and zeal. And the cordial welcome which was every where extended to him attests his success in delivering the message of his Master. Perhaps, none of those who remain are so generally known in the pulpit of the A. R. P. Church."
Dr. Boyce spoke of him: - "As a member of the Church Courts, Boards, and Committee." After some happy preliminary remarks and an enumeration of the several positions which the deceased held on the Boards and Committees of the Church, he said: "Having for many years been associated with him in these departments of the public service, I can bear witness to his punctuality to his appointments, to the zeal and energy with which he addressed himself, in common with his brethren, to the regulation of the internal affairs of the Church, and especially to the aggressive movements contemplating her enlargement in the work of Home and Foreign Missions.
As a general remark it may be said of the deceased that being of a public spirit and fully abreast of the age, he was on the look out for all legitimate measures by which to put the Church in high vantage ground. Thus the Brethren, who knew the deceased, have recorded his worth. The many Tributes of Respect .passed by the several Associations to which he belonged bespeak a most useful life and the high esteem in which he was held not only by his brethren, but by all who knew him.
One other feature of Dr. Bonner's character remains to be mentioned--his great liberality. He had a large heart and was wont to devise liberal things. His hospitality was marvelous. As one has expressed it, "he was given to hospitality; he kept an open house on all public occasions." When Presbytery or Synod met in Due West at the annual Commencements, crowds often flocked to his house, were cordially received and made to feel at home, and bountifully fed on the best the market could afford, "He was liberal to every good cause as far as practicable, and the poor came not to him in vain."
His active, useful life has ended. The vase is broken; but it has left a rich perfume. He being dead yet speaketh. His influence is not ended. "The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, for they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
The College may go on successfully, for many years to, come in other hands; partly through the momentum which Dr. Bonner and that excellent corps of teachers, so long associated with him, gave to it, the Church paper may be conducted with equal ability by worthy successors--the business of the Church Courts may be transacted with equal wisdom and dispatch--Boards and Committees may still do their work well- Home and Foreign Missions may still, be successful and even enlarged for God is not straightened for instrumentalities to do his work but it will be a long time before we find another man who can do' as much work and do it as well as did Dr. Bonner. Much more might be said of this good man.' I could speak of his great affability of manner, rendering him an agreeable companion and the attractive center of the social circle, how he neither allowed the cares and worry of business nor even the excitement of debate to disturb the amenities of social life. I might speak of him as keenly sensitive and jealous to the respect which was due to him as a Christian and a gentleman, but ready to forgive injuries and to be reconciled to an offender; or I might speak of his fine person and noble bearing, which left a deep impression upon friends and introduced him to the confidence to the stranger, but these qualities are too fresh in the memory of all who knew him. Let others talk of them.
Let all cherish his memory and imitate his virtues, and learn the admonition which comes to all from his early death, "Be ye also ready; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
Memoir of Rev. John I. Bonner. D. D.
(b. 10-9-1822 d. 4..99-1881)
(By Rev. H. T. Sloan, D. D.)
The ancestors of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., the subject of this paper, were Irish people, or as sometimes called, Scotch-Irish, and were among the early settlers on Long Cane, in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Of the grandparents little is known, except that they had five sons and two daughters. The sons were: William, James, Samuel, John and Andrew. The daughters were both married before leaving Abbeville, one to Mr. Young, Esq., and the other to Mr. Jones. William, the oldest son, as he grew up, exhibited much enterprise and began the accumulation of his fortune by wagoning to and from Charleston. He married in Charleston. James Bonner, the father of Rev. John I. Bonner, D. D., married a daughter of James Foster, Esq., who was long and favorably known as a leading elder in Cedar Springs Church. She was pre-eminently a godly woman. These two brothers and their families, and brothers-in-law removed to the rich lands of Alabama. About the year 1819 or 1820, Dr. Samuel somewhat eminent in his profession, followed about 1827. Dr. John Bonner was a practicing physician in Dallas, Ala. Andrew, the youngest brother, became a physician, and married a daughter of Patrick Calhoun's and sister of Hon. John C. Calhoun. He settled in the flat woods on Little River, where he and his wife died of bilious fever.
James Bonner first went to Monroe County, Ala.., where his son, John I., was born in the year 1822. From thence, he removed and settled in Wilcox County in the same state, and was successful in his farming operations for a period of about ten years. His son, John I., was sent to school and received his academic and religious training under Rev. James P. Pressly, D. D. who was then pastor of the A. R. P. Churches in Wilcox and Dallas Counties. But his father, either not being entirely satisfied with the country, or thinking a sale of his possessions and a reinvestment would be profitable, or it may be, influenced by his excellent wife, many of whose friends had removed from Cedar Springs, Abbeville Co., S. C. and settled in Ohio and Indiana -- some one or all of these considerations may have influenced him-determined to make another move. He sold out in Alabama in 1837, for the handsome sum of about $20,000, and invested in the rich lands of Indiana. Soon after this change, John I. was sent to Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, then "one of the most prosperous Institutions in the northwest," and where a number of Southern students had been educated. He spent two years and a half in College, but left before graduation, for reasons which seemed satisfactory to himself, but which may appear strange to those who knew him. I shall here allow him to speak for himself and insert the substance of an unfinished autobiography, covering that period in this history from the time of his leaving College, until his final settlement at Due West, where his eminently useful life was spent. He says: "After leaving College, the real cause of which was discouragement as to my capabilities, I returned to my own hoosier land and buried myself for eighteen months; not literally underground, but on my father's farm. Did but little for myself or anyone else. My nineteenth birthday found me engaged to Miss N. M. Baldridge of Indiana. On the last day of 1841 the marriage was consummated, and I was the happiest of the happy. Circumstances then forced me to decide upon what I should do in this world as a business. A good farm and a pleasant home offered by my, father, were accepted, and I sat down with the companion of my choice on a nice little farm, in a retired place, in, Decatur County, Indiana, and as I thought for life. But ah, a little more than one short year served to convince me, that there is no such thing here as permanent bliss -that, in the language of the poet,
"There is no union here of hearts
That hath not' here an end."
"The 18th of March, 1843, found me broken down both in body and spirit. I had just recovered from a long and very severe spell of sickness and my heart's first love had entered upon her reward. My boyish heart, (I was not yet twenty-one) could scarcely bear up under so sore a stroke." The reader will mark the dealings of Providence in changing and shaping his future course of life-"Partly to recruit my health and partly to get away from the scene of my troubles,". He continues, "I determined to visit the home of my childhood, and spend the summer with my relatives and friends in Alabama."
"Accordingly in April, 1843, solitary and alone, I set out for the south on horseback. The summer was spent in reading medicine with my uncle, Dr. John Bonner, of Dallas County, Ala. Dr. S. O. Young was practicing with my uncle at that time--J. H. Bonner was a student with me. Passed the time very agreeably. Not being pleased altogether with the idea of being a Doctor, though I was very much pleased with my studies, and I hope being impressed with the greater usefulness of the Gospel ministry, my mind was turned in that direction. I returned home to Indiana in October, 1843, by public conveyance, through Tuscaloosa and Huntsville, Ala., Columbia and Nashville, Tenn., and gratified my father by telling him that I had determined to study theology." The reader will see what strange Providences and what a fiery ordeal, it took to bring him to make this wise choice. He was made --'willing in the day of God's power to become a minister of the gospel. His narrative continues thus:' "Remained at home but a week or two, and set out for South Carolina with my friend, Rev. John H. Pressly and family and others. We landed at Due West about the 23rd of November. I immediately entered the Theological Seminary, in which Drs. E. E. and J. P. Pressly were the Professors. Took the regular course in the seminary of two years. Found it pretty hard to stick close to my books, though I did it. In fact, confined myself too closely and he consequence was, my health gave way. During the last year, it was quite delicate."
"Nothing of special interest occurred during my stay in the seminary. I was scarcely away from Due West, during the two whole years, except a trip to Kentucky in the fall of 1844, to attend the meeting of the A. R. Synod of the South." He early learned to take special pleasure in the several Church Courts, and never allowed himself to be absent, unless he was sick. Consequently he never missed but two or three meetings during, his entire ministry of nearly thirty-seven years. We all expected to meet Dr. Bonner at synod, let who might be absent.
He next gives an account of his second marriage: "A few months after my arrival at Due West, with a heart longing for a healing balm and with a spirit bowed in grief, the angel of mercy shown down upon me. I chanced to catch a glance of an eye that beamed with sympathy and love. The rest you 'may infer. On the 25th of September, 1845, John I. Bonner and L. Armathine Lindsay, only daughter of James Lindsay, Esq., were married." This relation was blessed with four sons and three daughters, all of whom survive, and are all married, save one, the youngest, and with all members of the church of their fathers.
He speaks of the time and place of his licensure. "On the 6th of October, 1845, I was licensed to preach by the second Presbytery of the A. R. Synod of the South, at Long Cane Church, in Abbeville District, S.C. Immediately after licensure, I attended the meeting of our synod in Georgia. There I received appointments, for the winter, in Decatur, Georgia, and in Wilcox, Alabama.
The latter part of October, accompanied by Mrs. B., I set out for the mission field. On the third day from home let my horse run away with my buggy and got crippled myself, which delayed our progress for a few days. Spent about two months in Attapulgus -- preached there my first sermon after licensure.
From Attapulgus went to Wilcox, Alabama--spent the remainder of the winter there. Found it very hard business to preach to a congregation made up of uncles, aunts, cousins, etc., with all of whom I had been intimate from my youth. Instead of returning to the seminary in the spring, as I had permission to do, Providence seemed to demand that I should accompany an afflicted sister to an eastern city to seek relief for her. Accordingly, accompanied by Mrs. B. and my sister, I set out for Philadelphia in April--took Due West in our route, and landed in the city of brotherly love about the 7th of May. Remained there until the last of June. Then leaving Mrs. B. and my sister, I made a hasty visit to, Indiana. Shortly, after my return to Philadelphia I was taken ill, or rather was afflicted with hemorrhage, either of the stomach or lungs--doctors scarcely knew which. Lay there some weeks. Started South about 1st of September, in time for the meeting of Synod since that time, I have been living here." Here his own narrative closes, and my personal knowledge of him begins. From that time, the writer has known him well and somewhat intimately. The current of our acquaintance and friendship ran smooth-not a ripple to disturb its placid waters.
The next year, 1847, he was elected Principal of the Academy at Due West, and his life-work as an educator commenced. He felt himself constrained or rather forced to adopt teaching as his principal profession on account of his health and constant apprehension of some throat or lung affection. This work he followed closely, almost consecutively, with a few brief intervals, during life, preaching however occasionally and as opportunity offered, and as his health and strength improved he preached a great deal, sometimes almost going everywhere preaching the Gospel.
A few years only elapsed, until he superadded the work of an editor. In the fall of 1851, we believe it was, he and his brother-in-law, Rev. J. O. Lindsay, commenced the publication of the Erskine Miscellany, a religious and literary weekly, which soon commanded public favor and eventually became the organ of the A. R. Synod, after the discontinuance of the Christian Magazine of the South, a monthly, edited by Rev. James Boyce, D. D. Mr. Bonner soon became sole editor and proprietor of the Miscellany, developing, great tact and enterprise in its management. It soon became apparent, that religious journalism was his special fort--always ready, fluent and sometimes brilliant with his pen. He made the paper a popular and welcome - visitor in many homes: all over the Church, and even out of the Church. The sphere of influence, continued to widen and the name of the paper changed to that of The Due West Telescope, through whose polished lenses the whole Church might look. Through it they continued to look with increased profit and delight, until the smoke and din of cruel war closed its career about the end of the year 1863. The lines became so contracted, that it could no longer pay its weekly visits to a large portion of the Church and was compelled to submit to the inevitable.
After the fall of the Confederacy and the close of that cruel strife by the advice of Synod and with the help of a few friends, The Telescope was revived, under the name of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, with Mr. Bonner as Editor and a few Associate Editors. This position of responsibility and great usefulness, preaching every week to the whole Church, he continued to hold amid many other responsibilities, until the close of life. Many wondered how he could do so many things and do them so well; but it is worthy of mention and a just tribute to the memory of his intelligent wife, that she greatly relieved him of much of the burden of the paper, by making selections, keeping books and assisting him in every way she could. Always enterprising and looking to the wants of the whole Church, Dr. Bonner, but a short time before his death, enlarged the Presbyterian to its present form and size, an eight-paged weekly, intending to make it keep rank with the leading religious journals of the respective denominations.
The Little Banner, the popular child's paper, was also the offspring of his fertile brain. He made it attractive to children and even to many old people too. Nor can I withhold the opinion that, had Dr. Bonner been living, "today, that same Little Banner, greatly improved, however, would have still floated in the breeze. He never went backward in any undertaking. Failure had no place in his vocabulary. His editorial career gave him a wide-spread, I had almost said, a national reputation. It was this, perhaps, as was as his ability as a divine, that secured for him a few years before his death, from one of the Northern Colleges, the deserved compliment of D. D. His editorial, success is the more remarkable, because it formed but a part and perhaps a minor part of his great life-work.
He was pre-eminently an Educator. In 1859, the Female Academy was organized by citizens of Due West into a College, and Dr. Bonner was unanimously elected by the Trustees its first President. The College building was secured largely through his personal exertion. He canvassed far and near, soliciting, funds and collecting students. He was ever "full of expedients, looking to the upbuilding and perpetuity of his beloved College. His administrative talents also were of a high order and well calculated to make the College what it is a first class institution for the cultivation of the female mind and heart--the pride and ornament of the Church and an honor to the state. He was deservedly popular with his pupils both in College and long after they had left her walls. One universal wail of sorrow went up from them when the announcement was heard "Dr.Bonner is dead." His work was done: but "he being dead,' yet speaketh." He will long live in the hearts and lives of those whom he helped to mould and fashion after the similitude of a palace.
While he gave so much, of his life to public journalism and to the cause of higher education, he was by no means neglectful of his proper work as a preacher, of righteousness--a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We have not been able to ascertain the precise date of his ordination; but he was early set apart to the full work of the ministry, by the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery; He was ordained sine titulo. He never held a Pastorate. He was always ready, and even anxious, to have devoted himself to preaching and pastoral work, had his health permitted. It was not however deemed expedient, by his physicians and friends, for him to give himself uninterruptedly to preaching.
He was an excellent preacher, preached often at Presbyteries and Synods, and was greatly sought after by the pastoral brethren to assist them at sacramental and protracted meetings. In the latter years of his life, especially, he went almost everywhere preaching the Gospel. It was the wonder of many, how he could preach so often and so well, in connection with so many other engagements. As a preacher he was earnest, practical, systematic, always instructive, and sometimes pungent and powerful. His heart seemed to be in his work and warming up with his subject, he manifested great anxiety for the good of the souls and the glory of God. The people heard him gladly. Oft did he express himself to the writer as willing and ready to go on any mission, to which the Church might send him. His preference evidently was to 'have engaged fully in preaching and pastoral work. But the Church refused to change his life work and so kept him at his post, as the Editor and Proprietor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian and an educator of youth. It is thought she acted wisely in so doing. Perhaps he filled a wider sphere of influence and usefulness than he could have done as a preacher and pastor.
As a member of our Church Courts, he felt his obligation to be present, took a lively interest even in routine business and in every thing that looked to the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. He had great tact and skill in the transaction of business--was ready and fluent in debate--conservative in action--and in every way, a most influential member of Presbytery and Synod. These meetings were always refreshing seasons to him, as well as to many others. He considered himself amply repaid for the great expense and toil incurred; and he returned to his several posts of duty with renewed energy.
On account of his wisdom and prudence, and the high position which he occupied in the Church, a large amount of Committee and Board work was imposed on him. He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Erskine College, of the Directors of the Theological seminary, of the Advisory Committee to aid the Treasurer of the College in investment and management of the funds, was President of the Board of Trustees in the Female College, as well as the responsible head of the Institution itself, was a member of the Board of Foreign Missions, its Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary. In consequence, he was compelled to carry on a most extensive correspondence. Verily, he ate no idles bread. Even as years crept on and his friends say that he was giving way under an excessive load of care of responsibility, he still thought to carry it - not seeming to realize his weakness and the necessity of diminished work, preferring, at any rate, to wear out, rather than rust out. He literally "died in the harness."
Beside all this, he took a lively interest in all the public and benevolent enterprises of the age--as the great, Temperance Reform--the young Men's Christian Association Educational Associations both of state and nation--often attended their meetings and took an active part in both of their deliberations. In the interval between the death of his second wife; Dr. Bonner in connection with Dr. Boyce, as Delegates of the A. R. Synod of the South, attended the Ecumenical Council of Presbyterians in the city of Philadelphia; was greatly pleased and apparently profited by his trip, as he had been a few months before from a visit to the springs and an excursion among the mountains of North Carolina. He seemed to think that he was about to take a new lease of life, and so entered into the marriage relationship as above stated, in February, 1881, with the accomplished Miss A. L. Morse of New York, who survives him and still holds her position as Music Teacher in the College and also one of the Vice Principals, and sat down again to hard work both in the College and in his Editorial Chair. His friends thought differently, and so advised that he should, at least, take on him diminished work. The sequel soon proved that they were correct in their judgment. The improvement was only slight and of short duration. For he had scarcely ascended the Editorial tripod and the Presidential chair of his beloved College, with enlarged plans and brilliant prospects of usefulness, as well, as of domestic bliss, when he was prostrated with the same disease, chronic inflammation or ulceration of the stomach, from which he had suffered the year before. Then it became manifest to all that his work was done. His Master had determined to call him home to rest. Hence, the skill of the most excellent physicians, the unwavering kindness and care of a newly married wife and of his beloved children, with the sympathy and prayers of his friends and of the whole Church, could avail nothing to avert the blow. He died in the midst of his days and usefulness on the afternoon of Friday, April 29th, 1881, in his 59th year, loved and lamented by all who knew him. His funeral was largely attended both by the white and colored people of-the whole community, the bells of the Colleges and of the Church tolled a funeral dirge as the vast procession moved slowly with his remains to the village church of Due West, where the Pastor, Rev. W. L. Pressly, made some suitable remarks, in addition to the usual devotional exercises, founded upon 2nd Kings xii chapter, where we read, "When Elisha was fallen sick of the sickness whereof he died, 'Joash the King of Israel visited him and wept over his face and said, O my Father, my Father, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof." His address was followed by other addresses, from Dr. Grier, Prof. Patton, Prof. Young, and Dr. Boyce.
These all knew the deceased well, having been long associated with him in the daily walks of life, and their remarks show best the light in which he was held, by those who had a right to judge. Hence, the writer wishes to cull a few of, the many good things said. Would that time and space permitted to reproduce them all. The drift of Mr. Pressly's remarks was the influence of good men, in preventing or retarding evil, in doing good and how, like the Prophet, they were more to Israel than all the munitions of war; the consequent loss to society and to the Church of God when good men ide. Dr. Grier, after lamenting the great loss sustained and stating that the time had gone by when the loss of any life will seriously influence the permanent direction of public affairs, raise the inquiry, but who will take up that load of public care which our Brother carried so long and so cheerfully?" and proceeded to speak of Dr. Bonner as a teacher. He said, "He served the Church in various offices and served it efficiently, but perhaps his lifework, that which, enlisted his best effort and engaged his fullest energy was teaching. To this vocation he consecrated himself with a devotion and enthusiasm that rarely flagged." Of his qualifications as a College President he said: "He was a man of great sagacity and practical sense. His foresight was almost prophetic." "Dr. Bonner possessed a great force of will. This quality was partly hereditary and was one of the most salient points of his character. In large measure, it made him what he was." "Again, he possessed great administrative talent. He read character easily. He detected almost intuitively the shams of the idle and disorderly and perceived as readily the capabilities of the honest plodder." "Again, Dr. Bonner loved his work. He sought with fervent zeal to make the Institution, over which he presided, one of the best in the land."
Prof. Patton spoke of him as a Christian Journalist. He said: "In this character his ability was not less decided, achieving a success: equally honorable. Indeed, while his mind was remarkable for its versatility, yet as a conductor of a religious journal, he seemed to be more completely at home than any where else, and told of his long experience and success in this department, saying. "As Editor of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian, he was, perhaps: more useful, certainly better know, than as President of the Female College. His influence as Editor, instead of being circumscribed within the walls of a college was coextensive with the boundaries of the Associate Presbyterian Church, and was felt, as Paul says "in the regions beyond." In the conduct of his paper, he manifested that tact, energy, and perseverance without which the most signal abilities must fail."
Prof. Young who knew the deceased, perhaps, longer and better than any living man, spoke of him "as a minister of the Gospel." After enumerating the long list of worthy Fathers who had fallen at their posts since his connection with Erskine College he said: "And now - another" no less honored, so abundant in labors, has fallen also at-his post. For more than the third of a century, we have been more or less intimately associated in the meetings and business of the Church Courts. At these meetings his seat was rarely ever vacant.
Punctuality was a matter of conscience. His ready apprehension and good Judgment rendered him on all important subjects an influential member. As a Preacher, you, my hearers, can testify to his earnestness and zeal. And the cordial welcome which was every where extended to him attests his success in delivering the message of his Master. Perhaps, none of those who remain are so generally known in the pulpit of the A. R. P. Church."
Dr. Boyce spoke of him: - "As a member of the Church Courts, Boards, and Committee." After some happy preliminary remarks and an enumeration of the several positions which the deceased held on the Boards and Committees of the Church, he said: "Having for many years been associated with him in these departments of the public service, I can bear witness to his punctuality to his appointments, to the zeal and energy with which he addressed himself, in common with his brethren, to the regulation of the internal affairs of the Church, and especially to the aggressive movements contemplating her enlargement in the work of Home and Foreign Missions.
As a general remark it may be said of the deceased that being of a public spirit and fully abreast of the age, he was on the look out for all legitimate measures by which to put the Church in high vantage ground. Thus the Brethren, who knew the deceased, have recorded his worth. The many Tributes of Respect .passed by the several Associations to which he belonged bespeak a most useful life and the high esteem in which he was held not only by his brethren, but by all who knew him.
One other feature of Dr. Bonner's character remains to be mentioned--his great liberality. He had a large heart and was wont to devise liberal things. His hospitality was marvelous. As one has expressed it, "he was given to hospitality; he kept an open house on all public occasions." When Presbytery or Synod met in Due West at the annual Commencements, crowds often flocked to his house, were cordially received and made to feel at home, and bountifully fed on the best the market could afford, "He was liberal to every good cause as far as practicable, and the poor came not to him in vain."
His active, useful life has ended. The vase is broken; but it has left a rich perfume. He being dead yet speaketh. His influence is not ended. "The righteous shall be had in everlasting remembrance." "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth; yea, saith the spirit, for they do rest from their labors and their works do follow them."
The College may go on successfully, for many years to, come in other hands; partly through the momentum which Dr. Bonner and that excellent corps of teachers, so long associated with him, gave to it, the Church paper may be conducted with equal ability by worthy successors--the business of the Church Courts may be transacted with equal wisdom and dispatch--Boards and Committees may still do their work well- Home and Foreign Missions may still, be successful and even enlarged for God is not straightened for instrumentalities to do his work but it will be a long time before we find another man who can do' as much work and do it as well as did Dr. Bonner. Much more might be said of this good man.' I could speak of his great affability of manner, rendering him an agreeable companion and the attractive center of the social circle, how he neither allowed the cares and worry of business nor even the excitement of debate to disturb the amenities of social life. I might speak of him as keenly sensitive and jealous to the respect which was due to him as a Christian and a gentleman, but ready to forgive injuries and to be reconciled to an offender; or I might speak of his fine person and noble bearing, which left a deep impression upon friends and introduced him to the confidence to the stranger, but these qualities are too fresh in the memory of all who knew him. Let others talk of them.
Let all cherish his memory and imitate his virtues, and learn the admonition which comes to all from his early death, "Be ye also ready; for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not."
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