A history of Caroline county, Virginia :: :: University of Virginia Library

The twelfth child of John Broaddus and Frances Pryor, was
born November 4, 1770. His eldest brother, William, was educated
for the ministry in the Protestant Episcopal church, but died
before entering upon the calling. His father cherished the hope
that his youngest son, Andrew, would follow in the steps of his
eldest, but this was not to be, for he preferred the Baptists,
toward whom his father was antagonistic, and united with them
on May 28, 1789, being baptized by Elder Theodrick Noel. He
preached his first sermon at the home of a Mrs. Lowrie in Caroline
on December 24, 1789 and was ordained at Upper King and Queen
church on October 16, 1791, by Elders R. S. Semple and Theodrick
Noel. In 1817 he made a trip to Kentucky, where he was offered
the presidency of Hopkinsville Academy, which he declined, and
returned to Virginia. He was married, first to Miss Fanny
Temple, daughter of Col. John Temple, of Caroline and had
issue: (1) John Wickliffe, (2) William Temple, (3) Eliza S., (4)
Maria, (5) Fanny Temple. Second, he married Lucy, daughter
of Dr. Robert Honeyman, of Hanover, by whom he had no issue.
Third, he married Mrs. Jane C. Broaddus, widow of Christopher
Broaddus and sister of his second wife. By this marriage he
had three children, Wilton H., Andrew and Columbia. Fourth,
he married Miss Caroline W. Boulware, of Newtown, King and

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Queen, by whom he had one child, William Lee Broaddus, who
practiced medicine in Caroline for many years and whose son,
Dr. John G. Broaddus, is at present (1924) a practicing physician
in the county.

Rev. Andrew Broaddus, I, was the most widely known Baptist
minister Caroline county has ever given to the church, and while
he devoted his life for the most part to the churches in Caroline,
he was constantly called to the greatest city churches of his time.
He was moderator of Dover Association, succeeding R. B. Semple,
for many years. In 1843 Columbian College of Washington
conferred on him the Degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was an
author of prominence and among other works published a History
of the Bible, a Catechism for Children, A Form of Church Discipline,
A Reply to Thomas Paine's Age of Reason, Dover Selection
of Hymns, Virginia Selection of Hymns, Sermons, Essays,
Poems, Notes on Texts, etc.

Following are some lines written by Dr. Andrew Broaddus, I,
for his friend Rufus Chandler on his (Mr. Broaddus's) departure
northward in 1827 in quest of health:

Companion of my life, once more we receive the sad farewell;
The parting pangs my spirit feels, these lines but feebly tell:
To leave the dear domestic group, and far away to roam—
What objects shall supply the place of well-beloved home?

But while to distant Northern climes I trace the lengthening road,
And waters rise and rivers roll 'twixt me and my abode,—
Untravel'd still my heart remains, through all the lonely way,
And, lingering round my own abode, my best affections stay.

There, to fancy's eye portrayed, your image I shall view,
And, flying swift on fancy's wings, shall place myself with you:
How sweetly smile these little ones, while seated on my knees!
How pleasant are these sounds I hear upon the evening breeze!

The carefree laugh, the mingled words—I catch a distant noise,
And see, returning home from school, my much-loved little boys:
They rush along with prattling glee, and mount with hasty feet,
And enter with joyous, carefree, smiles and make the scene complete.

Thus fond imagination dreams; but ah! the vision flies!
Reality obtrusive comes, and other objects rise;
In vain those dear domestic scenes around my fancy play—
My wife, my little ones are there, and I am far away.

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Then, if a sigh my bosom heave and if a tear should fall,
As on the distant place I think which holds my earthly all,
I'll blush not as I wipe the tear, but make my just appeal,
To every soft indulgent heart—the hearts that know and feel.

But why despond? and why resign this aching heart to woe?
Since God—the God in whom I trust—will be where'er I go:
To Him myself I would commend, as all I leave behind;
For in His power and grace I know I shall my portion find.

When Time, some tedious months around, has wing'd his silent flight,
Perchance we all shall meet again—God grant the welcome sight;
Meanwhile my best remembrances wait on these at home, and you:
The parting hour draws on apace! Adieu! dear friend, Adieu—

Dr. Andrew Broaddus died December 1, 1848 and was buried
at Old Salem church near Sparta, which he served so long and so
well. His son, Andrew Broaddus, II, succeeded him in the
pastorate. His picture appears on page 326.