Obituary of Azariah Herrell [Harrell], 1915:
Death of Dean of Ministry. Rev. Azariah Herrell, dean of the ministry in Anderson county died at his home in the Fourth district Tuesday, aged 91 years, 8 months and 20 days, being born June 26, 1823. His grandfather, Capt. John I. Herrell, was a gallant soldier in the Revolutionary war.
Deceased was a member of Zion Baptist Church 74 years. He was ordained minister Nov. 16, 1861, and during his long life in the Master’s cause he baptized 722 persons, conducted 545 funerals, married 256 couples and witnessed 1,200 conversions.
Funeral services were held at Zion Baptist Church by Revs. Bowman and Demarcus. The ritual service was in charge of Bull Run Masonic Lodge. The funeral sermon was preached from a favorite text of deceased, “The Lord has done great things for us whereof we are glad.” His favorite song, “We’ll lay down the Bible and go home,” was rendered by the choir. The remains were laid to rest in the church cemetery, the funeral being largely attended.
Anderson County News, March 20, 1915.
[Transcribed by Stephanie A. Hill from a photocopy of the microfilm at the Clinton Public Library.]