***UNMARKED GRAVE***
Parents:
William & Delilah DeFEE
Married Nancy Ann PARTEE 16 Jan 1820 NC
Children: Martha Ann, Elizabeth Sue, Delilah Velia Elizabeth, Mary Jane, Williamfinee "Finy", Martha Ann Partee, Jasper Lafayette, Permelia Coffee, Evaline, John Hycranus, William "Tobe" Ptolemy, Nancy Nine, [My 2nd great grandmother], Tennesee & Bettie "Kitty" Catherine Rebecca.
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From The Gospel Advocate pg 1031:
William DeFee was born on the 11th day of May, 1800, in Darlington District, South Carolina; removed to Dyer County, Tennessee, A.D. 1825; joined the Christian Church and was baptized by Elder Goodman, now of Western Texas, in Dyer County, Tenn., A.D. 1827; moved to Sabine County, Texas, A.D. 1832; entered the Christian Ministry 1838; died at his residence in the southern part of Shelby County, Texas, of flux (the discharge of watery feces from the intestinges), on the 21st day of June, A.D. 1869.
Never, perhaps, at least not in modern times, has any man lived nearer the cross, for near a half century than did Father DeFee. Always, hopeful and cheerful, he went forth battling for the cause of his blessed Redeemer. When he began preaching he was completely alone in contending for the faith and for the Gospel as the power of God to salvation. He lived to be able to count good and true brethren by hundreds among his acqaintances. He was possessed of a piety (Religious devotion and reverence to God) that put scorners to the blush, and, though not eloquent as a preacher, his influence as a Christian was great, owing to his orderly walk and Godly conversation.
About a year before he died, he was stricken with paralysis, and for the remainder of his life had but little use of one arm and leg, and was almost wholly unable to ride on horseback. Yet, so earnest was he for the perseverance of the Saints that he would walk for miles around in his neighborhood, encouraging the brethren (a plural of brother) and sisters to be faithful. When death came he was ready, and by his words and acts showed that he disired to be absent from the body and present with the Lord. An aged wife, the companion of his youth, and a numerous offspring join his spiritual brethren in mourning his loss.
"Peaceful be his silent slumbers,
Peaceful in the grave so low,
He no more will join our numbers,'
He no more our songs shall know."
HEMPHILL, Oct. 6, 1869 J.A.A.
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There is a historical marker which reads:
Antioch Church of Christ - San Augustine, San Augustine County, Texas
Address:
Directions: 4 mi. north on SH 147
Marker #: 5405007587
Year Dedicated: 1979
Size, type: 18" x 28"
Last reported condition: No report
Antioch Church of Christ - William P. Defee, a medical doctor, arrived in Texas in 1833 and began preaching in homes. In 1836 he began this congregation. They met in a dirt-floored, log building on Rhoddy Anthony's property. The name "Antioch" was chosen because the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. Anthony was selected elder and served for 50 years. About 1870 a new sanctuary was built on this land belonging to Stephen Passmore. The building served as a schoolhouse and community meeting place. This structure was completed in 1938.
Decimal degrees: N 31.580546 W -94.081821
Degrees, minutes: N 31 34.833 W 094 04.909
UTM: Zone 15, Easting 397351, Northing 3494451
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In a message dated 5/12/2013 3:04:43 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time, [email protected] writes:
Greetings from Find A Grave,
We are writing to let you know that a Find A Grave volunteer has reported a problem with your photo request for William DeFee.
The general problem they reported is:
I searched the entire cemetery and could not find the grave
They also reported, specifically:
We looked over all the cemetery and could not find. We talked to one person and they felt it was an unmarked grave. Another person told us that he was the 1st pastor of the Church where the cemetery is located. Antioch Church of Christ is the name of the Church.
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RIP 3rd great grandfather