The Gurley Herald
Thursday, September, 29, 1904
Obituary
On July 16th, 1904, Rev. J. C. HUNKAPILLER, one of
the old landmarks of Methodism in
Rev. Hunkapiller never was an idler in the vineyard. After he had been in the church a few years
he was made class leader which in those days meant important and responsible
service for the church. He was licensed
to exhort in 1861; he joined the Confederate army and served till at the battle
of
When the North Ala. Conference was organized he was admitted on trial, and traveled about 15 years as a member of the Conference, although serving poor charges with small salaries, he had a large family to care for. This finally caused him to buy a small farm and put his boys to work that his salary might be so supplemented as to support his family. This was soon followed by his location. He did not cease, however, to work for the church, for 33 years of the 34 since he joined the Conference.
Brother Hunkapiller was no ordinary man, as important speaker on most subjects, he was always ready. While not an educated man, he had a fine command of common English and never wanted for a word in preaching. There was never a more popular preacher in the country, where he labored. Everybody had the utmost confidence in him as a Christian gentleman, and the people heard him gladly; to illustrate this popularity; about two years ago his little barn was burned and the old buggy he had used for many years in preaching to the people was burned also. How great was his astonishment when a few days his neighbors presented him with a new buggy and harness.
The Holy Spirit sanctified his ministry in conversion of
many souls. He was the pastor of
Methodism in a large portion of the Huntsville District. His familiar figure will be sadly missed at our
District Conference, while his ready, earnest and effective preaching will be
missed throughout the country of