Taswell B. Buckner (1860-1924)

Tazwell Benjamin Buckner was born at Hazlehurst, Mississippi, on October 22, 1860; and died at Battle Creek, Michigan, on May 7, 1924. He accepted the precepts of Christianity at an early age, connecting with the Congregational Church. He accepted the truths of the third angel's message in St. Louis, Missouri, at the age of thirty, through the study of the Scriptures with a Bible worker. Immediately he offered his services as a self-supporting colporteur and teacher, traveling through the Southland, becoming one of the first two colored workers in the message. He raised up little companies of believers all through the South, and became known to thousands as a true follower in the footsteps of his Master.

Canvassing, giving Bible readings, teaching the principles of his faith, he devoted all his time and energy toward the one end of holding up the light of the message to those in darkness. About the year 1898 he was ordained to the ministry, and from that time until incapacitated by ill health he was zealous and untiring in his efforts to lead others to Christ, his happiest moments being those in which he was helping others.

He was pastor of the Hartford Avenue church, Detroit, Michigan, at the time his health failed, and he was compelled to drop out of active service upon the completion of the church building there. Although beset by many difficulties and severe trials, his faith never faltered in his direct onward march to the kingdom; and even in private life he was always anxious and willing to lend a helping hand to those with whom he came in contact.

Elder John Knox conducted the funeral services at the Tabernacle, Sabbath, May 10, and the body was laid to rest in the Oak Hill Cemetery.

Elder Buckner is survived by his wife, Mrs. Amy Buckner, three daughters, Mrs. H.B. Seeney, Misses Mary and Lenora Buckner, three sons, Tazwell, Oscar, and Alfred Buckner, all of Battle Creek, Michigan, and three grandchildren and one brother of Jacksonville, Florida. He is deeply mourned by a host of friends in all parts of the North as well as the South.

-Mrs. H. B. Seeney, "Obituaries," Adventist Review, June 12, 1924, pg. 22