I've been trying to link my Elijah L. DEAN to this DEAN family in Cherokee Co, GA but so far the only link is that he is buried in the cemetery of the church that W. H. DEAN sometimes pastored...Enon (now First Baptist of Woodstock, GA). I thought some of you researching this line would appreciate the following: W.H. Dean The pages of the minutes of Enon/Woodstock Church are dotted with the name of W.H. Dean. His faithfulness is apparent through the years from his ordination in 1862 until his death. He was born in Covington, GA in 1824, but grew up in DeKalb County. His early education was limited, but he later attended Stone Mountain Academy in Decatur, and another academy near Indian Creek Church. He studied medicine with Dr. Hayden Coe near Lithonia for two years, and later graduated at the Medical College of Georgia. He practiced medicine at Oak Hill in Newton County for one year before moving to Cherokee County. Very early in life he had religious leanings, but failed to satisfy his conscience by good works. At age eighteen, he was brought to Christ and felt the pardon that comes with salvation. He united with Indian Creek Church in 1842 and was baptized by Henry Collins, who pastored Enon later. Records show that he joined Enon in 1851. His ordination as deacon was in 1858, and he became pastor of Enon upon his ordination to the ministry in 1862. These were difficult times, the Civil War was in progress, people were, of necessity, not faithful in attendance at church. Those men not away at war were involved with making a living and protecting their families and homes from an invading army. Dr. Dean himself served the Confederacy as a non-commissioned surgeon. Dr. Dean's service as pastor of Enon was dedicated, though sporadic. He would always serve when the church became pastorless. Dr. Dean, beloved of his congregation because he was also their physician, was no different from other preachers who were devoted to providing for their own families during the week. First Baptist Church Woodstock 777 Neese Road Woodstock, GA 30188 (770) 926-4428 Tamie