Rev. D. P. Ware with second wife, son and daughter

Photo Courtesy of Wendell Ware

“Rev. D. P. Ware, a useful member of Kentucky Conference, M. E. Church South, died of pneumonia on December 15, 1904, at the home of his sister Mrs, J. W. Baker, at Verden, Powell county , Ky.
He was a pastor of the church at Jackson, Ky. at the time but had moved to that place his furniture had been however shipped to Jackson and he was arranging to occupy the parsonage there when the severe illness seized him which resulted in his death.
He was born July 23, 1857, near Indian Fields Clark county, Ky.
He was one of seven children of Robert and Emily Ware, his parents were strict Baptist but he was converted at the age of eighteen and united with the M. E. Church, South.
Was licensed to preach June 22, 1878, by Rev. J. J. Johnson, Presiding Elder.
Was admitted to the Kentucky Conference at a session held at Richmond in 1879, his two brothers are local Methodist preachers, his first wife was Miss Sallie A. Cox , the two children of that union was J. W. Ware and Mrs. Samuel Flynn, survive after both mother and father have gone.
His second marriage was in 1899 to Miss Patty Wilson of Waco Kentucky who still lives and testifies to the kindness and generosity of her husband.
To the writer she said :
‘Maybe you do not know how the interest of his family was on his mind, and he look after us although we were not able to take care of our selves, he never saw one in need without giving help, he kept himself in a hard place by helping others.’
His devotion to his family and friends were not his only good quality, he loved, his church and was loyal to the doctrines and disciplines of his own particular denomination.
Was well informed and several times ably defended the Methodist doctrine when it was assailed by ministers of other denominations.  Bro. Ware served several important charges in the Kentucky Conference and left his impress everywhere for good.
He had rare native gifts amounting really to genius, and had been a diligent student,
his preaching was keenly intellectual and spiritually helpful as well.
He was so young in appearance and genial in manner that one is surprised to know that he had been in the conference twenty-five years!
His companions in the ministry can never forget the innocent good humor, inimitable anecdotes and sparkling wit.
Ever listener in the large circle which was often around when he was talking was made to laugh or cry at what he was telling.
He had manly independence and  heart.  The weather was severe the day his funeral was held from El Bethel church, near his home , but the size and spirit of the congregation assembled gave marked evidence of the high standing  had with his neighbors and most familiar acquaintances.
The conference has lost a man who did much for Methodism and the general good cause, especially in Eastern Kentucky.
He will be much missed by many brethren of the conference who admired his talents and enjoyed fellowship with him.
One by one the “Soldiers of the Cross” are falling and we are pierced with grief and pain at their departure we must buckle on the armor closer and fight still the good fight of faith that we too, may lay hold on eternal life………………………………..
Lexington , Ky.            E. G. B. Mann”

Source:  Contributed by Wendell waregene@att.net, Clark County GenWeb