Sketches Of

Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers


A.J. F. HYDER

(pages 262 - 263)


A. J. F. Hyder was born September 3, 1846, on Doe River, Carter County, Tenn., about two miles from Elizabethton. His father, Elder J. H. Hyder, was a preacher before him of ability and distinction. His mother's name was Elizabeth. Young Hyder, in his early "teens," enlisted in the Federal Army, taking an active part in the Civil War. He belonged to Company B, Fourth Regiment of Tennessee Infantry, and was honorably discharged on the second day of August, 1865. He was converted and united with Zion Baptist Church on a relation of his Christian experience and submission to the ordinance of baptism. October 25, 1868, his church, recognizing his gifts and his call to the ministry, ordained him to that work by the advice of a council and the "laying on of the lands of the presbytery." He was pastor of the following churches: Elizabethan, Doe, Mountain View, Butler, Sinking Creek, Cherokee, and other churches. He was one of the best pastors in the Watauga Association. He was a strong advocate of the temperance cause, was the first man, perhaps, to introduce clear cut, uncompromising resolutions on the liquor traffic before his Association. Brother Hyder was a farmer and school teacher, as well as a preacher. He taught several public schools, and for six years was Superintendent Of Public Instruction for Carter County. He had the confidence of the people and was an efficient public servant.

June 19, 1872, he was married to Margaret A. Hyder. They had a good home but no children, so they felt it their duty and pleasure to rear two adopted daughters as their contribution to society. The writer had the pleasure, more than once, of meeting Brother Hyder at the gatherings of his Association, but remembers with peculiar pleasure enjoying at one time the hospitality of his home.

Brother Hyder, in his last illness, was taken for treatment to the hospital at the National Soldiers' Home, Johnson City, where he finished his earthly course, passing to his reward March 3, 1912. He was taken to Elizabethton for burial.

Elder Hyder is survived by his widow, who lives at Butler, in Johnson County.

 


Burnett, J .J.  Sketches of  Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers.  Nashville, Tenn.:  Press of Marshall & Bruce Company, 1919.

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