Rev. C. N. Jarrel was born July 22, 1834, at Nashville, Tenn. He was married to Marguerite F. Boone, October 2, 1853, at Lebanon, Tenn.; died at Gainsville, Tex., November 7, 1909. He moved to Kentucky and then to Texas in 1872, and located at Melissa, in the Whiterock Presbytery, and went to preaching at once. At this time he was in the full strength of his manhood, full of energy and zeal for immortal souls. Before him lay a vast, rich field, "white unto harvest;" and he did not wait to have a call from some well organized church, but went out and built up congregations for himself. Two of these were Weston, in Collin County, and Fields Neighborhood, in Grayson County. About this time he was called to the pastorate of the Walnut Grove Church. The church was located in a beautiful grove of walnut, as the name indicates; and was surrounded with fine farming country, and a good class of citizens. It became a revival center for the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The annual camp-meeting was a great occasion. All felt that it was holy ground. Here Rev. W. D. Wear and Rev. C. B. Hodges held some of their wonderful revival meetings.

After his work at Walnut Grove, he moved to Argyle, in Denton County, where he bought a farm, and organized another church. Not only was he pastor of this church for twenty years, but was an honored and useful citizen.

Brother Jarrel was a very earnest preacher, filled with the spirit, void of sectarianism, and a man of strong convictions. The ardent desire of his soul was to see men truly regenerated. He also took great delight in helping the young men in the ministry. In a revival at Weston, Tex., he encouraged Rev. A. W. Rodgers to preach his first sermon. Ever afterwards he was to him a father in the gospel ministry. As long as he lived he called Brother Rodgers his "Boy preacher."

They were holding a campmeeting together, and near the beginning a stranger came and camped with them, and engaged in the meeting. After eight days of service together, he said he most now go, but before leaving would like to know what denomination was conducting this meeting, and for the first time was informed they were Cumberland Presbyterians. Oh, for more of the soul-winning spirit to banish modern "popular" churchism!

While away from home once, filling an appointment, by invitation he went to dine with a member of his church. When dinner was ready, it is said he looked over the table, burdened with so many good but necessary things, he remembered his wife and children at home. Tears came to his eyes, he pushed back his chair, so overcome that he could not eat dinner. Some people think to feed the preacher is supporting him. Many times they are made to suffer from over-indulgence of rich food, complimentary to the hostess, when his wife and children are in want.

Brother Jarrell was faithful in his attendance on the church courts. Nothing delighted him more than to be present, and participate in the deliberations of his presbytery. He kept up, on parliamentary usages, and made a reliable presbyter and good moderator. He was faithful and true to his beloved church till the last. The siren song of unionists fell on deaf ears when sung to him.

One of the ruling principles of his life was kindness and good cheer, and his motto: "To have friends you must be friendly."

He fell as a ripe sheaf ready for the Master's garner. A faithful servant and soldier, gone to his reward--"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord the Righteous Judge shall give me at that day; and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

[Source: Our Senior Soldiers: The Biographies and Autobiographies of Eighty Cumberland Presbyterian Preachers. Compiled by The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication. The Assistance of Revs. J. L. Price and W. P. Kloster is Greatfully Acknowledged. Nashville, Tenn.: The Cumberland Presbyterian Board of Publication, 1915, pages 81-83]