ADAM ELROD SR.
Memoirs
(husband of Rachel Winscott/Wainscott)
MEMOIR: ADAM ELROD, SR., Translated from the German, October, 1963, Moravian Archives, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Obituary of the married Brother Adam Elrod, Sr., who fell asleep peacefully, at Hope on the 20th day of November, 1812 He was born on the 11th March 1744 near the Canewaga Creek in Pennsylvania; he moved soon after to Frederick County, in Maryland, with his parents who at this time, belonged to the Lutheran Church. As a child of 7 he became acquainted with the Brethren (Moravians) through the preaching of the Brethren Utley, Soelle and Ettwain, who visited the neighborhood from time to time in those days; their sermons brought him great blessing. He learned to know the Saviour; dedicated himself to Him completely as his property and since then continued by his grace to abide unmoved in blessed fellowship with Him. Since his parents at that time formed a connection with the Brethren he did the same. Later he moved with them to North Carolina where they settled along the Yadkin river and had fine opportunity to continue in fellowship with the Brethren who in those days were accustomed to preach frequently in that area. On the 19th of September, 1765, he was married to Rachel m.n. Wainscott, now a widow, with whom he lived very happily for more than 47 years. They made their home on his plantation along the Yadkin where God blessed the work of his hands richly. A few years later he and his wife were received into the Society and on the 10th of June, 1781, he attained membership in the Moravian congregation at Hope, where on July 31, 1784, both of them partook together of the body and blood of our Lord in the Holy Communion. On February 1, 1803, they moved to Salem to take care of the Tavern, which business they managed with all fidelity and good will until November 2, 1807, when they returned to their own location. Our departed brother was a faithful member of the congregation at Hope and was very keenly concerned about its well being. At various times, the last time up to his happy home going, he served as a highly honored and active member of the committee. Also more than once he served the congregation as its steward. He disliked nothing more than dissension and strife and he was always honored and loved in the church and far beyond its borders as a child of peace. Among us he walked as an humble follower of Jesus who recognized his own great weakness and shortcomings and knew that he must secure all power and grace needed for a godly life and walk from him who has said that his strength is made perfect in weakness. Often he was very much disturbed that he loved the Saviour so little in return for the mercy and benefits which he had so often shown him. It was quite plainly to be seen that his recognizing his own deficiency in this matter served to make every effort by his grace to increase more and more in his love. The spread of the Gospel lay close to his heart and he was greatly rejoiced to hear and see that it had blessed entrance here and there. He visited the services of the congregation very punctually and never missed one without serious cause, even though he lived far away. Thus he became an example to others worthy of imitation. That most of his children had left their connection with the Moravian church, which he himself so highly prized, often caused him much concern. About four years ago he was seized by a severe illness. Though even then it seemed that he could hardly recover, it pleased the Lord to restore his health. Toward the end of August of this year he like many others had an attack of the fever which was raging as an epidemic, and though at first it did not seen at all serious and he made improve- ment to the point that he could take up his activities again, yet about six or seven weeks ago he had a very severe relapse, at which time he immediately realized that he would not improve. We, however, hoped that it would have another outcome and that we would have the pleasure of having our dear Brother among us for a little longer, and nothing was left untried to restore his health if possible. However, he grew worse and worse and yearned greatly for a quick release from all the misery and tribulation of this life, and to see his Redeemer face to face. On the 19th of this month one could clearly see that his end was near. For a time he seemed to suffer much, whereupon he lay peacefully and without pain until the 20th of this month about 1 oclock at night he fell asleep almost imperceptibly and his soul, which had been purchased at such a dear price, attained the delight of eternal salvation. He reached the age of 68 years, 8 months and 9 days. His marriage was blessed with 12, children, namely 4 sons and 8 daughters, all of who are still living except 2 daughters who preceded him into eternity. By his children he had 51 grandchildren of whom 6 are no longer living and 5 Great-grand children.
Charlotte
Curlee Ramsey
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~cramsey/index.html