Nash Cheek was born on the 29th of August, 1823. Professed faith in Christ when 16 years of age. Was 17 years old when he joined Cane Creek Baptist Church. Both he and the lady who afterwards became his wife were baptized at the same time by Reverend George Washington Purefoy, in the year 1840. They were married in 1844, she being about 19 years of age.

A few years later he moved his membership to Chapel Hill Baptist Church, where he was ordained Deacon.

After the War, moved to Lystra Baptist Church; remained there two years. Was Superintendent of Sabbath School Merritt's Chapel during that time. Moved from there to near Mt. Pisgah Church, which he joined and was Superintendent of the Sunday School two years.

Moved to Durham in 1874. Joined the Church there. Was chosen Moderator several times. Received members into that Church. Traveled around Durham conducting prayer meetings and Sabbath Schools. Was elected delegate to Mt. Zion Association several times.

Was a delegate to two State Conventions.

Delegate to Sandy Creek Association many times. Was in the first meeting of the Mt. Zion Association held at Mt. Moriah.

Helped in protracted meetings at the following places: Cane Creek, Ridge Methodist Church, Chapel Hill, Bethel, Antioch, Damascus, Mt. Carmel, Merritt's Chapel, Lystra, Rose of Sharon in Durham, Rose of Sharon where it now is, Martha's Chapel, Mt. Hermon, Betheden, and several school houses and one Church in Nash County.

While at Chapel Hill was instrumental in leading some to Christ, among them P.H. McDade, who was clerk of the Church there for many years; also R.H. Marsh, who was then attending the University, and who now is President of the Baptist State Convention.

Moved from Durham to the homestead on the Chapel Hill and Durham Road in 1883. Joined Mt. Moriah Church. Was licensed to preach in 1886, but most of his work for the Master was before that time. Being a man of limited means, he was obliged to give most of his time to manual labor to make a support for himself and family.

Taught vocal music in Durham, Orange, Chatham, Wake and Harnett Counties.

Traveled thousands of miles, and walked many, as a laborer in the Lord's Vineyard. His greatest desire was to live for and serve Him. He never let anything he could avoid prevent his doing what he thought was required of him. His greatest pleasure was talking with a Brother in Christ about salvation. His prayer from early manhood was to learn his duty and be given strength to perform it.

Being gifted in exhortation, singing and prayer, he was very useful in revivals and his help was much sought in protracted meetings.

He died Tuesday, November 22, 1904, about half past twelve o'clock, in his eighty-second year. Was buried in Maplewood cemetery, Durham, on Wednesday, November 23, at 3 p.m..

His children were all with him in his last illness, except two who were not able to attend.

He leaves -- Wife, age 79 years; five sons and three daughters living. One son died when 2 years old and daughter at 20 years. His mother lived to be 102 years old. All his brothers and sisters lived to ripe old age.

He was a man of medium statue and never weighed more than 140 pounds.

I knew the deceased about twenty years, and during that time regarded it as a special privilege to be in his company, if it was no more than to step out on the street and shake hands with him and exchange ordinary salutation. When opportunity served to engage in conversation with him, I always felt benefited by it.

If I am any judge, he was a man whose life was "hid with Christ in God."

The funeral services were conducted by Pastor Parker of the Second Church of Durham; the hymns sung were those selected by himself in advance, one being "How Firm a Foundation." The day was an ideal one, and quite a large crowd assembled to pay their respects to one who had "served his generation by the will of God'" no more to be seen in the walks of this life, but to have part in the first resurrection and to receive the "Crown of Righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give at that day * * unto all them that love his appearing." (2Tim. 4:8.)

Thus one after another of the old land-marks is falling. There is quite a number in and around Durham who have passed their fourscore. Who next? -- is a solemn question.

The grace of the Lord Jesus be with those whose hearts are specially smitten by this dispensation of divine providence.

J.J. LANSDELL

Durham, NC