Deavor.--On the 17th day of March, 1912, the Rev. Thomas B. Deavor, of Chepultepec, Ala. was called away from his earthly labors. Was born in the year 1842, January 23rd. Professed religion when twenty-five years of age, and joined the Concord Church, where his membership remained through the remainder of his life. In about two years after becoming a Christian, he joined what is now known as the Springville Presbytery, in due time was licensed and ordained, and became one of the most prominent preachers in that part of the country. Organized and helped to build up many congregations, held many revivals, and was instrumental in the conversion of hundreds of precious souls, was the pastor of one congregation for twenty years. The wife of his youth was truly a helpmeet all through the years of his labors as a preacher. Many were the lonely hours of sacrifice spent by this good woman in helping her husband to tell the sweet story of old. She was Miss Sarah L. Crump before marriage. She professed religion when a young girl and joined the Methodist Church, but connected herself with the Concord Church at the same time as did her husband. To them were born thirteen girls, three of whom are dead. Of the ten living, six are married,and four are single. Each one is an honor to the sainted parents. The mother was only three days behind the father in going to the mansions bright. When the union faction of our church got us into our greatest of troubles, Brother Deavor stood firm and fought bravely against the powers of darkness, with much success. Therefore with his work and the work of others, there three days later that of his dear companion, was but little division in that part of our bounds. When the writer was called to preach the funeral of Uncle Tom, and he at each time found a large crowd of sorrowing friends gathered to respect their memory. They were popular people, and are greatly missed. The Springville Presbytery will feel his absence to a marked degree, for no man stood any higher in this court than he. May the God of all comfort be richly in the hearts of the ten daughters, and the nineteen grandchildren, and may real God-called preachers spring up from among his posterity. Especially may the four single daughters, who are keeping house at the old homestead be, both day and night under the balmy protecting wings of the Most High.
                                                              J. D. LEWIS.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 30, 1912, page 350]