Elder A. C. Neff by R. D. Hottel.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 13, 1916

Elder A. C. Neff

By R. D. Hottel.

ABRAHAM CHARLES NEFF was born near Rude’s Hill, Shenandoah Co., Va., March 29, 1844, and died at his home, near Quicksburg, Va., June 12, 1916.

During an attack of la grippe his heart became affected. He sought relief in the Washington Sanitarium, where he was a patient for five weeks. After his return home, everything possible was done for him, but without avail, and the end came peacefully and without suffering.

He was twice married. From the first union seven children were born, all of whom survive, and all are married: Carson E. Neff, near the home place; Mrs. W. E. Brackett, Toledo, Ohio; Dr. A. M. Neff, Richmond, Va.; J. P. Neff, superintendent of city schools, Staunton, Va.; Elder E. L. Neff, president of the South Texas Conference, Houston, Tex.; Mrs. Thomas J. Zirkle, New Market, Va.; Mrs. W. E. Whitney, Los Angeles, Cal. His second wife survives him.

Just forty years ago—in 1876—his attention was called to the third angel’s message, by the preaching of Elders J. O. Corliss and E. B. Lane, the first ministers to bring the message to Virginia. After due and careful consideration, he with his family united their interests with this movement. He was baptized by Elder Isaac Sanborn.

On March 4, 1883, the Virginia Conference was organized near Quicksburg, and on the same day our brother was ordained to the gospel ministry by Elder J. O. Corliss, and he was unanimously chosen the first president of the newly organized conference. While Brother Neff never gave much time to field work, yet during the forty years of his connection with the message he gave much time to local and conference work in Virginia. He gave liberally of his means to carry forward the message both in this conference and outside, and his home was always open to the workers in the cause of present truth. As a result of yielding to the requirements of the Lord concerning tithes and offerings, he was rewarded more than once by the fulfilment of the promise of the Lord. “I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes.”

He was a devoted husband and father, an earnest and sincere Christian, a considerate and kind neighbor, a safe and careful counselor,—a man of the highest integrity, to which estimate of his worth the large gathering on the funeral occasion testified.

During his recent illness he expressed to the writer the joy of having accepted the message that turned the whole course of his life and guided him during the past forty years. He rests in hope of coming forth in the resurrection of the just.

The services were conducted by the writer, from Titus 2:11-14.

R. D. HOTTEL.