Born the same year as American Methodism, James McFerrin was a soldier in 1812 and a farmer before being converted at a camp meeting and becoming a Methodist preacher at age 20. He came to this community in 1834, became pastor of Wesley Circuit, and died the year the Memphis Conference was formed. He is buried here near the site of the original Charleston church. His sons John B., A. P. and Wm. M. became prominent Methodist ministers in Tenn. Other family members carried Methodism to Ark. and Texas. One descendant is Bishop McFerrin Stowe of Dallas. The influence of his life has spread world-wide and through 6 generations of American Methodism.