Nansemond County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Biographies.....Rawls, Rev. Uriah, 1901 

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"Christian Sun" (Elon College, NC), Vol. LIV, No. "45" [46], Wed., 
   Nov. 13, 1901 (1st ed.), p. 1; image at: 
   https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93062839/1901-11-13/ed-1/seq-1/ 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. URIAH RAWLS. 

   BY REV. R. H. HOLLAND. 

  Rev. Uriah Rawls, the subject of this sketch, was born of respectable 
parentage, about the year 1800, in Nansemond county, Virginia, about two miles 
from Holy Neck Christian church.  His parents names were James and Charlotte 
Rawls, and he was the third of four sons, viz.: Rezop, Justin, Uriah and John. 
They were all men of influence and prominence in the community in which they 
lived.  Rezop, the oldest, first settled near his father; but marrying a lady 
in Gates, an adjoining county in North Carolina, he moved there, and made that 
county his home in after life.  Being of a progressive, patriotic turn of 
mind, and not indifferent to passing events, and the general interest 
manifested in the affairs of his state, and the nation at large, he early took 
an active part in politics, which was then divided into Jackson Democrats and 
Henry Clay Whigs.  He espoused the democratic cause, and the noted questions 
between the parties, were no tariff and hard money, and high protective tariff 
and paper money, or United States bank money, redeemable with specie.  The 
former the democratic, and the latter the whig platform.  As leader of his 
party, he was once or twice run as a represenative in the State legislature. 
He was a man of fine personal appearance and a good stump speaker. 

  As a follower of Christ, he first united with the Methodist Episcopal 
church, and was an earnest, zealous worker and exhorted in that church.  But 
feeling that he could be better satisfied and enjoy more liberty with the 
Christians, he united with that branch of Christ's church, and was ever loyal 
to its principles.  And when he moved to Gates county, he felt the need of a 
home church, and was the leading spirit in the organization of the Damascus 
Christian church, where his devotion and earnest effort was greatly blessed. 
And through all its varied changes he stood firmly by it, and was one of its 
main pillars and supports til health and fortune failed.  And his labors and 
services in endeavoring to establish the Christian cause here, were not in 
vain, as a large and influential church there now worships, and is a memento 
to name and memory. 

  Justin, the next oldest brother, after the death of his parents, remained at 
the old homestead, married an intelligent and cultured lady, and reared an 
interesting family of children.  Two very bright and promising boys however, 
were stricken down by death in early manhood.  One by one sickness before the 
war between the states, and the other bravely fell at his post during an 
engagement in northern Virginia.  This was sore trial and grief to loved ones; 
but such is life in this sin-cursed world. 

  Justin Rawls was an intelligent and highly esteemed member of Holy Neck 
Christian church for many years.  He was a man of much usefulness, of sound 
judgment, discretion and stability of character.  He was a man of more than 
ordinary worth to the community in which he lived, and as a church member 
foremost in every enterprise having for its object the good of the cause. 
This writer remembers with tenderness his many kind and encouraging words to 
him, and he esteemed him as a true and steadfast friend, as he might also have 
said of Rezop, and he was often the recipient of their valuable advice. 

  John the youngest brother did not come so prominently before the world - was 
more quiet and retiring in his nature; yet he was energetic and persevering in 
his business transactions, and was in every sense of the word, a high-toned 
Christian gentleman.  He left several children, who are honored and respected 
in their different spheres of life. 

  There were also four sisters, Lydia, Martha, Charlotte, and Clarissa, - all 
of whom married and had families of children; but it is not to our purpose now 
to speak of them in detail. 

  Uriah Rawls, the subject of this sketch, married a widow, Mrs. Matilda A. 
Holland, and the mother of this writer.  They settled about four miles from 
Holy Neck Christian church, and had four children to live to mature age, and 
they were truly model boys and girls in many respects, and had the promise of 
much usefulness; but they all died young, and are no doubt sharing the joys of 
the blessed in the heavenly home. 

  Rev. Uriah Rawls we learn, began to exercise his gifts in public soon after 
he made a profession, and his ministry began before his marriage, as I think 
he was then an elder in the church.  He entered the work of the ministry full 
of spiritual fire, and much zeal and earnestness characterized his efforts, 
and were owned of the Lord in the salvation of precious souls.  About this 
time, or near the year 1826, a great revival broke out at Holy Neck church 
mainly under the labors of Elder Rawls.  Not a mere excitement of the 
emotional nature, not a spasmodic awakening; but one that lasted for years. 
During this great outpouring of the Holy Spirit Holy Neck had many valuable 
accessions to its numbers, and the foundation was laid for a great and 
permanent religious influence in that community - the foundation on which was 
builded the strong and vigorous church of the present.  And from that time 
onward Holy Neck has been noted for its men and women of piety, and the church 
as a place for great outpourings of the Holy Spirit, where hundreds and 
perhaps thousands have found the Saviour of sinners precious in his pardoning 
and forgiving grace.  Other denominations around have shared largely in the 
fruits of these revivals, and several other Christian churches have branched 
off from it, and are now flourishing organizations. 

  But with sadness of heart we retrospect the past!  Nearly all those old 
veterans of the cross, that sat around the altar, or in the nearest pews like 
sainted patriarchs, with inclined heads, have passed beyond the river to the 
"sweet by and by."  Well do I remember when young in the ministry and Father 
Rawls sat with me in the stand.  I could look over the congregation and see 
scores of those old grey-headed fathers and mothers who carried in their faces 
the marks of the Lord Jesus.  I felt that they were the Aarons and Hurs to 
hold up my hands by their prayers.  Their appearance, the expression of their 
countenances are still pleasantly remembered, as are their smiles of 
recognition and approval.  And those fervent prayers, for which some of the 
old brethren had such rich gifts, so appropriate, so full of comfort and so 
uplifting, after the sermon, are still fresh on my memory, and like sweet 
music they almost seem now to sing in my ears.  But though these have passed 
away, they have left worthy representatives in their children, who have been 
wisely and prudently taught to walk in wisdom's way, having seen that "the 
path of the just is as a shining light." 
         (To be Continued.) 

****************************************************************************** 

"Christian Sun" (Elon College, NC), Vol. LIV, No. "46" [47], Wed., 
   Nov. 20, 1901 (1st ed.), p. 2; image at: 
   https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93062839/1901-11-20/ed-1/seq-2/ 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. URIAH RAWLS. 

   BY REV. R. H. HOLLAND. 
         (Continued.) 

  Uriah Rawls was perhaps the first permanent or actively official pastor of 
Holy Neck church.  And he was its faithful pastor, till affliction 
disqualified him for active service.  He was one of those ministers of our 
church who early had his system for work, and established order and discipline 
in his churches; and Holy Neck ever prospered under his ministry; he was held 
in the highest esteem as a pastor, and he had the implicit confidence of all 
as a faithful shepherd and guide.  He was also for a number of years pastor of 
the church at Cypress Chapel, Damascus, and perhaps at Union, Southampton 
county, and others, as he at times preached at all the churches then composing 
the Eastern Virginia Conference. 

  Rev. Uriah Rawis, as a minister, was remarkable for his circumspect life - 
for examples in his daily walk, worthy of the closest scrutiny and careful 
imitation.  He carried with him the true characteristics of a man of God.  He 
seemed to keep ever before him the sacredness of his calling.  Thought that it 
was a reflection upon the high profession, and damaging to the influence and 
usefulness of the minister to indulge much in lightness and levity in 
conversation.  He believed in chastity of speech - "holy conversation" with 
godliness.  And when he heard a professed minister indulge in anything 
bordering on the vulgar or obscene, he was pained and turned away disgusted. 
It was his settled conviction that the minister to be true to his high and 
holy calling should preach out of the pulpit as well as in it.  That he should 
teach by his examples, as well as his precepts.  And that if his life did not 
accord with his teaching, his preaching was in vain - "as sounding brass and 
tinkling cymbal." 

  He was a man of commanding presence; and when he arose to address an 
audience there was nothing about him presuming or assuming.  He appeared in 
his own peculiar style; with reverential awe and becoming gravity.  Solemnly 
impressed with the thought that he was God's servant, with God's mesaage, and 
that he was to be accountable to God in the great day of reckoning for the 
manner in which he delivered that message.  That he "watched for souls as one 
that must give an account." 

  His manner of conducting the services differed somewhat from the present. 
After reading his chosen scripture lesson, which preceded by congregational 
singing, the hymn being lined out by the minister, verse after verse, a prayer 
followed, then it vas the custom of our brother to sing a solo.  And I think 
that custom was pretty general, especially if the officiating minister had any 
talent for singing.  And these old hymns, sung by one well-trained voice, 
"with the spirit and the understanding," often had the desired effect.  They 
assisted in getting the heart and mind in a spiritual frame; and the minister 
was greatly assisted in the delivery of the sermon; it seemed to add the 
needed inspiration to all their powers.  The sermon was infused with reverend 
energy, warmer zeal and greater pathos.  And this was what old-time Christians 
most enjoyed.  Our brother's voice was strong, clear, sonorous, but generally 
well modulated, and adapted to the sentiment expressed. 

  The subject of this sketch was not learned in the sense the world calls 
learned now.  But he had a strong intellect; capable of comprehending, and 
grasping great truths.  And his mind was a storehouse of much valuable 
acquired knowledge.  He had a library of well-chosen books - books best suited 
to his calling, and that could best assist him in his great and responsible 
work.  He was a close student, and by constant application to books, and the 
best literature within his reach, he was constantly growing in intellectual 
strength.  And never satisfied with his attainments he was ever aspiring after 
more knowledge and greater usefulness. 

  He was a man that greatly loved the Christian church and its cherished 
principles; and he was always eager to gain information that would at all 
interest him, as to its general growth and development.  Long before THE 
CHRISTIAN SUN was published, he was a constant and deeply interested reader of 
our Northern papers; the Palladium, published in New York state, the Gospel 
Herald, published in Ohio, and the Christian Herald, published in New England. 
(The Herald of Gospel Liberty having then for a while been suspended).  From 
these he gathered information from all the sections where Christian churches 
had been established; as correspondents from the east and west, north and 
south, were contributors to the columns of the papers named, giving a rich 
diversity of church news and religious literature. 

  He was a man that was not merely local in his feelings, or sectional in his 
aims and objects to spread the principles of our church.  He loved his home 
church and its home interest.  But his heart went out after general measures, 
and the prosperity of the cause in other fields and other lands, and the 
regions beyond the seas.  And he was a delegate in person, to the first 
General Convention of the Southern Christian churches which met at Union, 
Alamance county, N.C., October, 1856, which had for its object a better 
organization, the union of all the Southern conferences, and to devise plans 
for the good of the whole Southern church, that there might be more harmony, 
more fraternal sympathy and a general and united cooperation of all our forces 
and all our means.  That new impetus might be given to our interests 
everywhere, and that they might have new and more vigorous growth. 

  He was there we said in person, and with quite a number of other brethren, 
ministers and laymen from the Eastern Virginia Conference, and he manifested a 
lively interest in all the work of the convention.  On our way we stopped in 
Raleigh at the Yarboro House.  According to the schedule, we had to leave on a 
night train.  Before leaving, which was a few hours before day, Dr. Wellons 
took us all to an upper room for a short conference.  After a few moments of 
consultation in which we were all "like minded," Dr. Wellons impressed us with 
the importance of our mission, that the step we were about to make was new and 
untrod, that we needed divine strength and guidance; and that God would use 
for purposes of his own glory, and that we might achieve the best results, he 
proposed a brief season of earnest, solemn prayer, and called on the aged and 
much affected Elder Rawls.  I shall never forget that sacred moment, or the 
prayer of that most solemn occasion.  Elder Rawls, so affected that he could 
not kneel, stood up, with his face turned heavenward, with hand lifted, his 
soul-inspiring prayer, in fitting words and a strong, clear, well-modulated 
voice, like sweet cadence greeted our ears, and we gathered new inspiration 
from that consecrated hour. 

  He not only met many brethren from their different fields of labor, had a 
most pleasant interview with them, also enjoying the religious services, as a 
good revival interest was then going on, but he preached one sermon to good 
acceptance, taking for his text, Psalm 84:11. 

  Elder Rawls was not only a successful pastor, a good disciplinarian, but a 
good presiding officer.  At the E. Va. Conference, which met at Union, 
Southampton county, Va., in 1821, he was chosen chairman of the meeting, in 
preference to other ministers, and presided with grace and dignity. 
         (To be Continued.) 

[...] 


"Christian Sun" (Elon College, NC), Vol. LIV, No. "46" [47], Wed., 
   Nov. 20, 1901 (1st ed.), p. 4; image at: 
   https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93062839/1901-11-20/ed-1/seq-4/ 

       NEWS NOTES. 

          Personals. 

  Rev. J.O. Atkinson is to preach at Holland, Va., next Sunday morning and 
night. 

[...] 

  That is a most interesting and well-written sketch of Elder Uriah Rawles 
[sic; Rawls], by Rev. R.H. Holland, now appearing in THE SUN.  The series 
began last week and will conclude with our next issue.  The writer takes wide 
range and gives much valuable history.  By all means read the series given in 
three parts - last week, this week, and next week.  We doubt if there is a man 
living better able to write historical sketches for us than Rev. R.H. Holland 
and we trust that he will furnish THE SUN with others. 

[...] 

****************************************************************************** 

"Christian Sun" (Elon College, NC), Vol. LIV, No. "47" [48], Wed., 
   Nov. 27, 1901 (1st ed.), p. 2; image at: 
https://newspapers.digitalnc.org/lccn/sn93062839/1901-11-27/ed-1/seq-2/ 

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH OF REV. URIAH RAWLS. 

   BY REV. R. H. HOLLAND. 
         (Concluded.) 

  But while Rev. Uriah Rawls made the gospel his chief study, he was not 
indifferent to other sources of information.  He did not deem it inconsistent 
with his high profession to acquaint himself wit the affairs State, that he 
might better act the part of a patriot and citizen, and vote intelligently, as 
was his privilege to do.  He conscientiously felt that it was no compromise of 
ministerial dignity to have his political opinions.  Indeed all ministers of 
the gospel in that day had their political opinions; and they hesitated not to 
express them, when necessary to do so, in a calm, dispassionate way.  Our 
brother read the public journals and decided in a rational way on which side 
he should stand.  And he was so well versed in the questions at issue between 
the two contending parties, that but few excelled him in argument upon the 
subject.  I have heard him in cool, dispassionate, courteous way, argue the 
points of debate with some of the most astute political orators of the day, 
and whilst the contest would be close, unyielding, and earnest, he would often 
so embarrass and puzzle them, that they manifested a relief when the 
conversation ended. 

  Our brother was a man of fine conversational powers - perhaps above the 
average - and pleasantly entertaining.  He was most genial in his manners and 
disposition, courteous to strangers and "given to hospitality."  His house was 
ever the preacher's home, and many have found a welcome there, and most kind 
and hospitable treatment. 

  He was also a reformer, in all that word embraces.  He heartily favored 
every move that tended to the suppression of immorality and vice, and the 
amelioration of the condition of suffering humanity, and especially was he an 
advocate of temperance. 

  When he first entered the ministry, and even some years after his marriage, 
the subject of temperance was not so fully agitated.  Every large land-holder, 
almost, had his apple orchard and cider press, and many had their stills.  It 
was also the general custom for men of all professions and classes to take 
their dram, and men of the holy calling - ministers indulged with impunity. 
But the revival of religion was also followed by a revival of temperance. 
Many men, including Elder Rawls, became enthusiastic on the question of 
temperance.  Large orchards were cut down and the temperance pledge was 
signed by hundreds, and a genuine reformation was instituted.  And so thorough 
was the reform and so widespread its influence, that public opinion was 
entirely against the drinking habit; and those that did drink at all, did it 
in a private way, and there were few indeed that dared to "put the bottle to 
his neighbor's mouth." 

  Elder Rawls was one of the main leaders in this glorious reform.  Not so 
much by public temperance address, but by private appeals to the heart and 
conscience; by going from house to house among his neighbors, to "reason of 
righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come"; and the tidal wave set in 
motion, did not subside till the late cruel war between the states, which 
demoralized every good institution. 

  It is true that after the "Washingtonian pledge," perhaps the first great 
and general temperance move, there were other societies formed for the 
suppression of this evil - the hydra-headed monster intemperance.  Among these 
were the "Good Templars," "Sons of Temperance," and after the war, "Friends of 
Temperance"; and Elder Rawls was a prominent member of the order of "Sons of 
Temperance."  Division No. 456 was organized at Holy Neck and was the means in 
the hands of God of accomplishing much good.  To the writer's own knowledge, 
it worked a geniuine reform in the lives of several men - a reform that 
followed them to the end of life.  Elder Rawls, though much affected then, 
rarely ever missed a meeting of his Division, which usually met in their hall 
near Holy Neck; but for his convenience, sometimes the Division met at his 
house, in an "upper room," as he was always deeply interested in the work. 
The Society was benificiary, and when brethren were sick, they were allowed so 
much per week, and brethren otten shared in its benefits.  But Elder Rawls, 
though more affected than any other member of the Society, and with much 
difficulty could get from place to place; yet, he rarely ever accepted 
benefit.  This writer olten had the privilege of meeting with him in the 
Division, and many times heard his noble appeal at a throne of grace for 
fallen humanity, and the complete redemption of the world from sin and its 
consequences. 

  Rev. Uriah Rawls was a strong man in his younger days, or when the writer 
first became acquainted with him.  He was the very picture of a robust, 
healthy man, of a well-knit, well-developed frame.  About five feet and six or 
eight inches high, not so fleshy, but of more than usual strength.  This 
writer has seen him take bale of cotton upon his shoulder, weighing from three 
to four hundred pounds, and carry it along several rods, with seeming ease. 
He has also seen him perform other feats showing unusual strength; but let 
this suffice, as such was his physical constitution, till health failed him. 

  But the saddest part of his history was his severe and long afflictions. 
For he had scarcely reached the prime of manhood when the hand of affliction 
fell heavily upon him.  And his affliction was of a mysterious and 
incomprehensible nature.  No physician, however skilled in the science of 
medicine, could give its diagnosis.  And it was not only a disease unknown to 
the profession, but it baffled and defied all medical treatment.  It was very 
much like the leprosy of Asia, and the eastern countries in some respects. 
Its external effects were like the leprosy as described in the Bible, in that 
white scales all over his body were continually forming and coming off; but it 
was attended with a much severer trouble, in the form of an acute rheumatism, 
or rheumatism of the most painful kind.  It just made its appearance on the 
top of his head, when he was perhaps not more than thirty-five years old, and 
it continued to spread till it had covered his whole body.  But these pains 
and the swelling in his joints did not begin till some years after the 
external form of the disease commenced. 

  Perhaps he was thirty or more years suffering with this dreadful disease. 
Sometimes up and sometimes down.  Sometimes apparently without pain and could 
preach occasionally and attend to business, and some times in torture, 
enduring the most excruciating suffering.  He spent much for panaceas, 
sarsaparillas and a host of other remedies in search of relief, but no relief 
was ever obtained.  His sufferings were indescribable.  And if I could 
describe them fully, they would appear incredible to those not acquainted with 
his case.  His hands and feet, especially his hands, were distorted and 
swollen out of all natural shape.  This writer was with him often, and at 
various stages of his sufferings.  He was with him often when wrecked to the 
extreme with pain.  His cries could be heard for a distance.  He said he felt 
like his limbs were being torn from his body - his agonies were so great.  His 
sufferings were so great in his last moments, they were indescribable.  Though 
perfectly rational to the last, his pains were so overwhelming, it was 
impossible for him to speak with composure of the home and rest beyond.  He 
could only utter deep wails and moans, and ask me, who stood by his side, to 
pray that he might bear his sufferings. 

  We are lost in wonder sometimes why it is that some of God's most faithful 
servants suffer so much.  God's ways to us are often inscrutable - but we 
shall know all "by and by."  We know only in part now, but then we shall know 
even as we are known.  Jesus our Saviour suffered greatly, and prayed to His 
Father if it was His will to let the cup pass, and our departed brother could 
not be greater and better than his Lord, or indifferent to pain.  He was a man 
of strong faith, and all through his life of health and usefulness, as well as 
in all his afflictions, he had a firm and implicit reliance upon the promises 
of God.  And the "joys inexpressible and full of glory" he so delighted to 
hold up to others as the reward of the faithful, have now become his in 
realization and the richness of their fruition.  His long years of suffering 
are ended at last, he is forever freed from the body of death.  He has passed 
the goal and reached the prize.  His once suffering body, so distorted by 
pain, is now like the angels in beauty and symmetry - agile and strong, in the 
vernal plains of perennial youth and health, crowned with glory and wreathed 
with immortality and eternal life. 

[psoriatic arthritis??] 


Rev. Uriah RAWLS, Christian Church minister & farmer, 
b. ca. 1800, Nansemond Co., 

*Additional information: 

He appears in the 1860 Census in the Upper Parish of Nansemond Co. 

He predeceased his son James E. RAWLS, who died of consumption Dec. 16, 1867. 

His widow appears in the 1870 Census in Holy Neck Dist., Nansemond Co. 

His widow is buried with her first husband in a HOLLAND family cemetery, 
   on O'Kelly Dr. 
   Nansemond Co. Miscellaneous Cemeteries, Vol. 2 (NV-II-14), 
   an extension of the Southampton County Historical Society {SCHS} 
   Cemetery Project: 
   http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/cemeteries/nanvol2.txt 

Her obit ("Christian Sun," Mar. 30, 1877, pp. 2 & 3) is posted at: 
   http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/obits/r420m8ob.txt 


Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by 
File Manager Matt Harris (zoobug64@aol.com). 

file at: 
http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/nansemond/bios/r420u1bi.txt