James Milton Carroll (1852 - 1931)

Born 8 Jan 1852 in Monticello, Drew, Arkansas, United States

Ancestors

Husband of Sudie Eliza (Womble) Carroll — married 22 Dec 1870 in Burleson, Texas, United States

Died 10 Jan 1931 at age 79 in Fort Worth, Tarrant, Texas, United States

Biography

James Carroll is Notable.

James Milton Carroll is a notable figure due to his significant contributions to Baptist history, education, and ministry in Texas and beyond. As a widely recognized Texas Baptist missionary worker, lecturer, and writer, he played a pivotal role in the establishment and leadership of various educational institutions, including Carroll's Women College in McAllen, Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, and Howard Payne College (now Howard Payne University) in Brownwood. Carroll's extensive writings on church history, including "The Trail of Blood," helped shape the understanding of Baptist origins and left a lasting impact on Baptist scholarship. His dedication to education, his influential role in the Baptist General Convention of Texas, and his tireless efforts to promote Baptist missions and ministry make him a noteworthy figure in the religious and educational landscape of Texas and beyond.

James Milton Carroll was born on January 8, 1852, in Monticello, Drew County, Arkansas.^[1][2][3] His parents were Benajah Carroll and Mary Eliza (Mallard) Carroll. In 1858, when James was six years old, his father relocated the family to Caldwell, Burleson County, Texas. The Carroll brothers, including James, grew up physically imposing figures, standing over six feet tall. They experienced the hardships of early Texas life and learned the skills of woodsmanship and hard work.^[1]

By 1860, James and his family lived near the Caldwell post office in Burleson County, Texas.^[4] However, tragedy struck the family, as both of his parents died during this time. His father died shortly after their arrival in Texas in 1862, and his mother died in 1868. Following their parents' deaths, James lived with his brother Francis "Frank" Wayland and Frank's wife Sarah.^[5]

James Milton Carroll began his journey into the ministry when he was ordained as a preacher in 1874. His father had insisted his sons receive an education, and James and his brothers attended Old Baylor University, where James graduated with high honors in 1878. He later earned his Master's of Art degree from the same institution in 1884.^[2][3]

On December 22, 1870, James married Sudie Eliza Womble in Burleson County, Texas. Sudie was the sister of James's brother's wife, Sarah.^[6]

In May 1872, James Milton Carroll was appointed postmaster at Eagle Pass, Maverick County, Texas.^[7] However, his true calling lay in the ministry, and he served as a Baptist preacher in Corpus Christi, Nueces County, Texas, in 1880.^[8] By 1900, he had moved to Waco, McLennan County, Texas, where he rented a home and continued his work as a preacher in the community.^[9]

In 1910, James lived on Wood Street in San Marcos, Hays County, Texas, where he owned his own home and served as a minister.^[10] He became the first president of San Marcos Baptist Academy during this time. Additionally, he founded Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Oklahoma, and played a crucial role in paying off the university's debt with his own funds.^[2][3]

From 1913 to 1914, James served as the president of Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, located in Brownwood, Texas.^[11]

By 1920, James lived on Fais Port Street in Hot Wells, Bexar County, Texas, where he owned his home with a mortgage and continued his work as a preacher.^[12] In 1930, he lived on Stratford Court in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, owning a home valued at $12,000. He worked as a clergyman at the local Methodist Church, and he was a widower at this time.^[13]

James Milton Carroll passed away on his birthday, January 8, 1931, in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, due to pneumonia.^[14][1] He was laid to rest at San Jose Burial Park in San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas.^[15]

Reverend James Milton Carroll was widely recognized as a Texas Baptist missionary worker, lecturer, educator, and writer on church history.^[1]< He played a significant role in founding Carroll's Women College in McAllen, Texas. He was instrumental in establishing and leading the Baptist General Convention of Texas during its initial ten years, and later served as the convention's secretary and statistician.^[1][2][3]

In addition to his education, Carroll held various positions, including serving as a solicitor for the Texas Baptist and Herald and as an agent for the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board in Texas. He also worked as the financial agent for Baylor College (now the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor) and as the endowment secretary for Baylor University.^[2][3]

During the last five years of his life, Carroll focused on writing and lecturing. He authored several publications, including "Texas Baptist Statistics" (1895) and "A History of Texas Baptists" (1923). His most notable work, "The Trail of Blood" (1931), traced Baptist history as a direct succession from apostolic times in early Christianity. Carroll's writings promoted the Landmarkist view of Baptist origins, which influenced Tennessee and western congregations during the mid-nineteenth century.^[1]

James Milton Carroll also wrote a biography of his older brother, Benajah Harvey (B.H.) Carroll, titled "B.H. Carroll, The Colossus of Baptist History" (1946). B.H. Carroll was a renowned Baptist preacher and Baylor educator involved in founding the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and facilitating the move of Baylor University to Waco.^[2][3]

James had a deep passion for bird life, which he developed during his earlier experiences in the woods and as a hunter. He amassed an impressive collection of mounted birds, as well as bird eggs and nests. He established a bird museum and extensive library at the seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, where he spent the last two years of his life.^[1]

James Milton Carroll left behind a lasting legacy in Baptist history and education. His contributions to the church and his dedication to preserving and documenting Baptist heritage are remembered and celebrated.^[1][2][3]

Sources

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7} Newspaper Clipping, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth, Texas, 11 Jan 1931, Page 1. "Rev. Carroll Lecturer, Dies." "Continued from Page 1." Accessed 4 Jul 2023.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6} Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 11 Jan 2022. "James Milton Carroll." Accessed 4 Jul 2023.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6} Reynolds, J. A., Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), Published 1952, Updated 12 Oct 2020. "Carroll, James Milton (1852–1931)." Accessed 4 Jul 2023.
4. ↑ 1860 United States Federal Census: The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Burleson, Texas; Roll: M653_1289; Page: 109; Family History Library Film: 805289 Ancestry Record 7667 #34949964
5. ↑ 1870 United States Federal Census: Year: 1870; Census Place: Western District, Burleson, Texas; Roll: M593_1577; Page: 177B Ancestry Record 7163 #5061001
6. ↑ Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Index, 1837-1965: Ancestry.com. Texas, U.S., Select County Marriage Index, 1837-1965 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Original data: Texas, County Marriage Index, 1837-1977. Salt Lake City, Utah: FamilySearch, 2013. Ancestry Record 60183 #10796
7. ↑ U.S., Appointments of U. S. Postmasters, 1832-1971: The National Archives in Washington, DC; Washington, DC; Record of Appointment of Postmasters, 1832-Sept. 30, 1971; Record Group: Records of the Post Office Department; Record Group Number: 28; Series: M841; Roll Number: 125 Ancestry Record 1932 #1084585
8. ↑ 1880 United States Federal Census: Year: 1880; Census Place: Corpus Christi, Nueces, Texas; Roll: 1322; Page: 22D; Enumeration District: 116 Ancestry Record 6742 #40602957
9. ↑ 1900 United States Federal Census: Year: 1900; Census Place: Waco Ward 3, McLennan, Texas; Roll: 1656; Page: 4; Enumeration District: 0076 Ancestry Record 7602 #43894050
10. ↑ 1910 United States Federal Census: Year: 1910; Census Place: San Marcos Ward 1, Hays, Texas; Roll: T624_1563; Page: 10a; Enumeration District: 0038; FHL microfilm: 1375576 Ancestry Record 7884 #28187152
11. ↑ Wikipedia Contributors. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, last edited on 8 Jun 2023. "Howard Payne University." Accessed 4 Jul 2023.
12. ↑ 1920 United States Federal Census: Year: 1920; Census Place: Hot Wells, Bexar, Texas; Roll: T625_1780; Page: 5A; Enumeration District: 115 Ancestry Record 6061 #77432108
13. ↑ 1930 United States Federal Census: Year: 1930; Census Place: San Antonio, Bexar, Texas; Page: 11A; Enumeration District: 0228; FHL microfilm: 2342033 Ancestry Record 6224 #65554239
14. ↑ Texas, U.S., Death Certificates, 1903-1982: Texas Department of State Health Services; Austin Texas, USA; Texas Death Certificates, 1903–1982 Ancestry Record 2272 #22457333
15. ↑ Burial: Find a Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35090006/james-milton-carroll: accessed 04 July 2023), memorial page for Dr James Milton Carroll (8 Jan 1852–10 Jan 1931), Find A Grave: Memorial #35090006, citing San Jose Burial Park, San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, USA; Maintained by Paul Renfro (contributor 46825118).