Perhaps the mention of no name touches a tenderer chord in the hearts of those who knew him than the one which heads this sketch. He was born in Lunenburg County, Virginia, June 27, 1792. He left that state and came to Tennessee, settling in Sumner County, while he was yet a young man. Soon after his arrival in Tennessee, he gave his heart to God and united with Bledsoe's Creek Church (now Hopewell), near Castalian Springs. He was soon chosen as deacon and served this church in that capacity till God said it was enough, and took him home.

He was a man of sterling worth every way. As a citizen, he stood in the foremost rank. He was a man of sound judgement, and kept abreast of the times on all questions, which made his counsel indispensable. In the church, it would truly be said that he was a pillar, and he often rode many miles to assist churches with difficult questions. He was a yoke-fellow of Deacon John Weathered and one can hardly think of one without thinking of the other.

God blessed the labors of him and his faithful wife with an abundance of this world's goods, for all their needs. These he used to the glory of God, and was noted for his charity wherever he was known. He was the father of Elder W. M. S. Wilks. The son is honored by having such a father and the father is certainly honored by having such a son. Among his descendants are some of the noblest Baptists of the State. He lived to a ripe old age, being permitted to live until he stood within the threshold of fourscore years. Full of faith and good works, he was gathered by the reapers to the home of the blessed. He fell on sleep October 27, 1871. For more than half a century, he had been a deacon and a leader in his church. He loved his church with an undying devotion, and was never so happy as when he was talking of Jesus and his love. Noble servant of God!