Memorial of Col. John T. Abernathy.
Read at the anniversary and memorial service held at the Mount Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian church, February 7, 1909, by his great granddaughter, Miss Mary King.
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Col. John Townes Abernathy, the only son of David Blackston Abernathy, (of Scotch descent) and Lavinia Townes Abernathy, was born in Mecklenburg county, Va., Dec. 5, 1799, died July 27, 1869 of apoplexy. He was twice married. His first marriage was to Sarah Ellett, daughter of Richard Ellett and Keturah Wynne Ellett, in the year 1822, Dec. 19. Six years after her death, he married Eliza Josephine Wright, of Huntsville, Ala., Nov. 5, 1846. She survived him, and died May 28, 1895.
His family consisted of thirteen children; seven survived his death, viz: Robt. Townes, James William, John Edward, Martha Elizabeth, who married W.B. Waldran, Mary L., who married James M. White, Hattie, who married James C. Wooten, Sallie, who married Frank H. Peebles.
He, with his parents, were early settlers of North Alabama, locating in Madison county, near Huntsville, and later in Lawrence county near Leighton, where he engaged in agriculture.
He had mercantile interests in Tuscumbia, and later became a cotton commission merchant in New Orleans. He was a representative of Lawrence county in the legislature in this state in 1831 and 1839.
He was a man of superior natural endowments, and versatility of talents, possessed great personal magnetism, and was recognized as a safe counsellor in matters of finance.
The large fortune which he possessed was the result of his energetic activities and untiring industry. At one time he became surety for friends who were in financial straits and his losses were heavy. One of his neighbors in commenting on the matter said: "No, Abernathy is not broke and never will be until you break his neck."
He did not go into active service in the Civil war on account of his age, but was engaged in purchasing supplies for the Confederate government.
The title of "Colonel" was given by active participation in the state militia.
After the close of the Civil war, his business qualities were of value to his friends and neighbors to whom he arbitrated in adjusting financial troubles, he was instrumental in saving many estates.
He was enthusiastically interested in LaGrange College, the first chartered seat of learning in Alabama, of which he was for years an active trustee.
He was always ready to contribute his services to the development and advancement of any public interest.
In early life he dedicated his life to the service of his Master by uniting with the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Mt. Pleasant. During the pastorates of Carson P. Reed, Thos. B. Wilson, Wiley M. Reed and others, he was a ruling elder and filled that position for one-half century. He loved the church and his faith was manifested by his works. He contributed liberally to the support of the ministry and the wants of the church, and to those in need of help. His home was the home of the minister of God.
He was strong in faith, as attested by a personal experience, unrelated by himself. During the Civil war, after the Federal army had taken possession of the Tennessee valley, he moved a portion of his negroes and stock to the Southern portion of the state, to carry on his farming interests uninterruptedly. While crossing the mountains he was informed that he was being pursued for the capture of his stock and supplies. Not being familiar with the country he hesitated as to which road to take, dismounted from his horse, and prayed—for divine guidance. Arising from his kneeling position, he deemed that it was quite plain to him, as tho' a light had fallen on his way, and he escaped capture, going on his way unmolested and establishing his farm successfully, with an increase of faith in prayer and a personal Saviour.
It was in his home that the best part of his nature, the genial warmth of his tender, affectionate loving heart was displayed.
His parental government in the family was gentle with firmness, and his children approached him with the perfect love and confidence of a companion.
Such men cannot wholly die. Their life, deeds and character will survive as an inspiration and a benediction to those who succeed them.

(Leighton News [Colbert County, AL] 26 Mar 1909)