Joseph Wine 1823-1903, Biography
Joseph WineFeb 14, 1823-November 3, 1903
Miller, D. L. and Royer, Galen B.,Some Who Led, "Joseph Wine", Elgin, IL:Brethren Publishing House, 1912, p. 134-135.
The subject of this biographical sketch was born in Shenandoah County, Va., near Moore’s Store.When the boy, Joseph, was fifteen years old his father, Christian Wine, moved to Washington County, Tenn., and located on Cedar Creek.The old home is still in a good state of preservation and is now occupied by a younger brother.Younger in life he chose as his occupation mechanical work which he followed with success while he lived.
He was married to Susanah Krouse Aug. 27, 1846.At about the age of thirty he was brought under conviction, accepted Christ as his Savior and united with the church of the Brethren.In 1863 he was called to the ministry and one year later was ordained to the eldership.He filled his office faithfully and in a very acceptable manner while he lived.
The hardships and privations he encountered, as bishop of the Pleasant Hill congregation during the Civil War, will be known only in the light of eternity’s revelation.In those terrible days many times did he leave his devoted companion and only daughter and go on foot through the lines of both armies, carrying the glad message of salvation to hungry and starving souls in Virginia, North Carolina and Tennessee.I remember hearing my grandfather say that the only thing ever given him for his labors was a sheepskin donated by the sheriff of Scott County, Va., to be used to ride upon on his long horseback tours.
Brother Wine represented the State District on the Standing Committeeat Broadway, Va., in 1879.He was a clear thinker and hence was a clear, pointed speaker.Both saint and sinner received a portion in due season.He, with his colaborer, Henry Garst, was sent to Brummitts Creek, N.C., to settle a church trouble.After the difficulty was amicably and pleasantly adjusted a series of meetings was held by the two elders jointly, and the power of God came upon them.Forty accepted Christ and were received into church fellowship.What a blessing if all committee work were followed by such results in these days!
The Lord blessed grandfather with health and strength all through life.When the call came to him, "It is enough, come up higher,"he was ready and the closing of that day marked the closing of a life well spent.His body rests in the Pleasant Hill cemetery, from whence, among those beautiful oaks, in a hill overlooking the surrounding country, it will come forth on the glad resurrection day.
Samuel H. Garst, Bountville, Tenn