Bishop John Early

from Wikipedia:

Although his parents were devout Baptists, Early converted to Methodism in 1804, appreciating the early circuit riders' eloquence and fire at camp meetings.[1] He was licensed to preach in 1806-1807. His first position was preaching to the slaves of Thomas Jefferson at Poplar Forest, a summer home that the former U.S. President constructed that year outside Lynchburg, Virginia and as a refuge from the stream of visitors at Monticello. By 1811, Rev. Early preached on the Greenville circuit, and was renowned for his conversions. He became a Presiding Elder in 1813.

Rev. Early helped found Randolph Macon College in 1830, and sat on the board of visitors. His pro-slavery position kept other Methodists from consecrating him as a bishop in 1832.[2] He was consecrated as bishop in 1850.

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Aug 9 2022, 12:54:47 UTC