Rev. Hunt’s Letters

Old artifacts often reveal forgotten facts. From these letters written in 1914 we learn that Cliffside Baptist Church’s then pastor, Rev. David Jesse (D.J.) Hunt, was shared with a church in Shiloh. He would preach at Cliffside on the second and fourth Sundays of each month, and at Shiloh Baptist on the first and third Sundays. At the same time, Rev. Hunt served as principal of the Cliffside school.

Rev. Hunt came to Cliffside in July of that year, and in October he agreed to officiate at the wedding of his cousin Ola Morgan to William Hartwell Perry, of Gaffney, SC. He wrote to each of them, confirming his arrival and offering his congratulations.

Image of first letter, to "Cousin Ola." Transcribed below.

Dear Cousin Ola,
     I have heard the gentle whistle of love and devotion as the echoes fall back from South Carolina.
     I am glad to heed the call and shall be present to consumate the union of two lives that have flown on in separate channels.
     I would wish every thing good that can ever come to you — all the happiness, smiles, flowers and sunshine that can ever bless your union. I wish it all for you and yours.
     I have arranged to be there by 4:40. I may want to hit the Southern train. I have not decided as to how I shall go.
                Love to each in the dear Old Home.
                Your Cousin Jessie.

2nd letter. To "Mr. Perry." Transcribed below.

Dear Mr. Perry,
     I have made my arrangements to be with you at 4:40 or earlier at E.M. Morgans home on Wednesday Oct. 14, 1914.
     I appreciate being the choice on such a choice occasion.
     I am sure you have won the heart and hand of a pure young woman and congratulate you on your choice.
     May sunshine ever rest on your pathway strewn with profuse flowers.
     I may not join you until at the home. I may write you later.
                   Yours truly,
                   D.J. Hunt

Envelope that held the letter to Ola Morgan.The return address is: Cliffside and Shiloh Baptist Churches, D. J. Hunt, Pastor, Cliffside, North Carolina. It is postmarked: Caroleen, N.C., Oct. 9, 1914. (Has a 2-cent stamp.)

From the Rutherford County marriage record:W. H. Perry, 41, of Gaffney, SC, son of A. J. Perry, living, & Elisabeth Perry, dead, and Ola Morgan, 24, of Rutherfordton, daughter of E. M. Morgan and Mrs. E. M. Morgan, both living, were married by D. J. Hunt, Baptist Minister, on Oct. 14, 1914 in the home of the bride in the Mt. Vernon Township. Witnesses were Eva Logan of Rutherfordton, NC; Rosa Foster of Landrum, SC, and Ross Hill of Forest City, NC.

William and Ola are buried at Providence Baptist Church, Gaffney.

From W. D. Floyd’s survey:

Perry, Ola Morgan June 26, 1888 February 12, 1963
Perry, William Hartwell September 26, 1869 April 10, 1954

Letters and research provided by Joyce Atkinson Hunter.