History of the Restoration Movement


William Lowe Stringer

1811-1894

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The Life Of William and Mary Stringer

William Lowe Stringer was born in Kentucky on June 2, 1811. He was the son of Edward and Nancy (Welch) Stringer. The family moved to Morgan county, Alabama in 1825. He became a New Testament Christian in October, 1828 and began preaching the Old-Time Gospel. He married Mary (Polly) Cranford, 24 November, 1832. Mary was born in South Carolina 7 November, 1813 in South Carolina. She was the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Wilkes) Cranford. William’s influence for good led to the conversion of his father-in-law while on a visit to Walker County where the Cranford family lived. The Cranfords were long-time good influences among the churches in Walker County. Mary’s brother Cheslie Hardie Cranford was a preacher and teacher in Oakman and surrounding areas. Her sister, Winifred Speegle, was the first wife of David Speegle who helped to plant the church on Brushy Creek in Cullman County.

William and Mary Stringer had five children: Elias Burl Stringer; Nancy Frances Stringer; Susanna Elizabeth Stringer; William Morton Stringer; and Martha E. Angelina Stringer.

William Stringer was one of the earliest preachers of the gospel in North Alabama. He preached for over 60 years. His influence for good led to the planting of churches and conversions of many of his family and friends.

Reference Source (Citation): Rear Admiral Ivan Ernest Bass, History and Genealogy of Thomas Wilkes (ca 1735-1809) and His Descendants 1965, page 59

William Stringer's War Record

William Morton Stringer was educated at Summit, Alabama. He entered the southern army in 1861, enlisting in Company H, Twenty Seventh Alabama Infantry. His first battle was Fort Donelson, the second big battle of 1861. He was taken prisoner to Camp Douglas, remained there for 7 months and was exchanged in 1862. He attended the Universith of Tennessee and received the Degree Of Doctor Of Medicine. He practiced at Cotaco Valley until 1897, then moved to Falkville where he has since resided. In 1900 he opened a well equipped drug store. He was Postmaster for ten years at Stringer Alabama.

Source: Ancestry.com

Gospel Advocate Obituary Of William Stringer

Brother William Stringer was born in Monroe county, Ky., June 2, 1811; moved with his father to Morgan county, Ala., in 1825. He obeyed the gospel and united with the Church of Christ in October, 1828; was married to Mary Crawford in November, 1832; died at his home at Lawrence Cove, Morgan county, Ala., May 15, 1894. Brother Stringer was a preacher of the gospel for about sixty years. He built a good church house near his home, and donated it to the congregation. While he had not been able to do much preaching for several years, he was always ready to teach as he had opportunity. He stood on his crutches and taught his home congregation on Sunday before he died on Tuesday. Another old soldier has fallen but he died at his post on the field of battle. Another leader of the church has been promoted, and is now a member of the army of the Lord in the glory-land. But few men among us in North Alabama were more highly respected for Christian character, usefulness to the cause, and safety as a teacher than Brother Stringer. He has passed from labor to restthat rest that is promised to the faithful followers of Jesus Christ, and to them it has always been given. He was a good teacher; he taught by example, as well as precept. He was an ensample to the flock in good works, in liberality, in faith, in all the graces which beautify our human nature and render it fit to dwell with Christ. His work on earth is ended, his flock has been delivered up to the great Shepherd and Bishop of souls. In behalf of the aged mother, children, and grandchildren I will say not to sorrow as those that have no hope, but let us all live and die as he did, and we will go to reap our reward as he has done, for great is our reward in heaven. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent [go before] them which are asleep; wherefore comfort one another with these words.

-T. C. King., Cullman, Ala., July 1, 1894.Gospel Advocate, July 12, 1894, page 438.

Gospel Advocate Obituary For Mary Stringer

Sister Mary Stringer was born Nov. 7, 1813; departed this life Dec. 7, 1896. Her maiden name was Cranford. Her husband, Brother William Stringer, was one of the oldest and best known preachers among the Christian brethren in North Alabama. He preceded her to the grave some three years. All who knew Sister Stringer speak of her as a kind and loving mother, a faithful and devoted Christian. She was a friend to all, and had the love and respect of all who knew her, but was loved most by those who knew her best. She was supported in her death by that beautiful faith which marked her course on earth and sustained her in all her trials and sorrows. She has gone on before, and is no doubt resting in the arms of a beloved Master, whose cause she supported, and whose cross she helped to bear.

-Thomas C. King., Cullman, Ala., Gospel Advocate, April 15, 1897, page 231.

Directions To The Grave of William L. Stringer

The Lawrence Cove Baptist Church Cemetery is located in the small community of Eva, Alabama. It is located on Pine Burr Road. From I-65 in North Alabama, take Exit 322 in Falkville and head east on Hwy. 55. Go about 10 miles and you will come into Eva. In Eva, go north on County Road 35 about five miles and turn right on Vincent Road. Go about a mile and turn right on Pine Burr Road. You will go down a steep hill, and the church and cemetery will be on your right.

GPS Location
34.370229,-86.738289

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William Morton Stringer
CO H
27 Regt.
Ala Inf
CSA


Mary Elizabeth
Cranford Stringer
1813-1895


Rev. William Lowe Stringer
1811 - May 15, 1894

Photos Taken 06.25.2013
Page produced 11.16.2013
Courtesy of Scott Harp
www.TheRestorationMovement.com

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