The cradle that rocked a president
Chris Pepple |
There’s a small cradle that tells a large story of determination, family ties and generosity. Thanks to the generosity of the descendants of J. R. Ward, this antique cradle is permanently displayed at Avalon, the home of the David and Margaret Lipscomb in their later years. When James Robert (J.R.) and Jennie Nichol Ward prepared for the birth of the first child, J. R. Ward traded a bushel of corn for a cradle for his son. James Samuel (J.S.) Ward was born in Christiana, Tenn., on September 29, 1867. He became the first of five generations to use the cradle, which had the rockers removed at some point.
| Debbie Anglin, Charles Brewer, Neika Stephens, Bethany Anglin McClellan, Adelaide Rose McClellan (last family member to use the cradle) |
J.S. Ward entered Transylvania College in Lexington, Kentucky in 1885. He graduated with honors as valedictorian at age twenty-one, receiving an M.D. in medicine and continuing at Transylvania for a year taking post-graduate work in chemistry and physics. While in Lexington, he had the opportunity to study Bible at the feet of J. W. McGarvey in the College of the Bible, Kentucky University. After leaving Lexington, J. S. Ward joined his parents who had moved to Nashville, and he entered the medical school of the University of Nashville where he received his DDS degree at age twenty-six, graduating summa cum laude, being the first in the state to receive both a degree in medicine and also in dentistry. He married Miss Fannie Lee Turk on September 21, 1894. They had three children: Robbie Dearing (Mrs. Charles R. Brewer); Christine Bovelle (Mrs. H. Clyde Hale); and James Truman Ward (married to Mary Muncie).
In 1893, David Lipscomb and James Harding began their first classes for Nashville Bible School (now Lipscomb University) in a large home which had been rented by J. R. Ward, Lipscomb and W. H Dodd. These three men became the trustees for the school. Dr. J. S. Ward joined the faculty in 1893. He saw patients each morning, then taught science each afternoon. Even after accepting the chair of chemistry at the University of Nashville, he continued to donate his teaching services to Nashville Bible School, being a key person in overseeing the school and recruiting new students. He stepped in as interim president twice.
| Charles Brewer with Adelaide Rose McClellan |
Throughout the generations, family members have maintained close ties with Lipscomb University and David Lipscomb Campus School. Many family members have graduated from the campus school and the university. Family members also have taught at the university and the campus school. They have donated many hours of service to the schools through their time as board members and through the Associated Women of Lipscomb. The entire family has contributed to the success of Lipscomb University. Now the gift of the cradle will serve as a permanent memorial to their Lipscomb connection and to their dedication and service to the university and campus school.