J. C. McQuiddy (1858–1924)

McQuiddy received his early training in the public schools of Marshall County. At the age of seventeen he entered Mars' Hill College, which was founded and operated by the late T. B. Larimore, near Florence, Ala. He took the full course prescribed for preachers at Mars' Hill and became a fluent speaker. Later he entered Winchester Normal, at Winchester, Tenn., and took thorough courses in languages, mathematics, and English literature. He was blessed with a strong mind and enjoyed mental work. He left Mars' Hill College in 1877.

After finishing his school work at Winchester Normal, he was called to work with the church at Columbia, Tenn. While preaching for the church at Columbia he did much evangelistic work, conducting successful meetings in Tennessee and Alabama.

In 1879, F. G. Allen established, in Louisville, Ky., a paper known as "The Old Path Guide." This paper was the first in magazine form and appeared monthly. The paper grew in influence and circulation. McQuiddy became editorially connected with it in 1883. He traveled extensively in Middle Tennessee and South Kentucky in the interest of the paper. The paper increased rapidly in circulation through his efforts, and it seems that McQuiddy had found his field of activity.

McQuiddy became office editor and business manager of the Gospel Advocate in 1885, and moved to Nashville, Tenn. He was twenty-seven years old when he began work with the Advocate. Brethren Lipscomb and Sewell made announcement in the first issue of the Advocate published in 1885 that arrangements had been completed for McQuiddy to begin work at once.