J. M. Hagan › Texts

DEACON JAMES MONROE HAGAN: Professor J. M. Hagan, as he was affectionately known, was born in Monroe County, Kentucky, on February 25, 1858, and was the son of James Fendel and Sarah Strode Hagan. He was reared under the most difficult circumstances but was able to work his way through the meager common schools, college and university. He followed the profession of teaching all of his life. His principal teaching was in High Schools in Warren, Munroe [sic], Metcalf [sic], Hart, and Daviess Counties, in Kentucky. He was head or joint head in Munroe [sic] Normal for many years located at Flippin, Kentucky; with Professor T. C. Gillianwaters. Altogether he taught for forty years.
Mr. Hagan married Miss Ella B. Evans of Tompkinsville, Kentucky, in 1892. One daughter, who died early in life, and one son, blessed this union. After the death of his first wife he married Miss Rubye Vance of Paducah, Kentucky, in 1907. Three sons, all of whom are now in the armed forces, blessed this second union.
He was an outstanding musician, receiving his musical training in Tompkinsville, Bowling Green Normal, Moody Bible Institute, and the Cincinnati College of Music. His first musical composition was written at the age of sixteen and over 800 of his hymns were published. He also edited two public school song books and was very active in putting music into the public schools. He taught countless numbers to sing and was associated with such authors as Bliss, Stebbins, Rodeheaver, Coleman, Showalter, Vaughn Brothers and others. For about five years he traveled with an outstanding male quartet.
He was converted at the age of fourteen and united with a Baptist Church. After holding membership in the Bowling Green and Owensboro First Churches for years he spent his last days in the Seven Hills Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Choir Director. He died in Owensboro, Kentucky, on January 25. 1933, and is buried here. This good man was Munroe [sic] County's greatest gift to the world.

from "A HISTORY OF THE DAVIESS-McLEAN BAPTIST ASSOCIATION IN KENTUCKY, 1844-1943" by Wendell H. Rone.