Author: Larry Wayne Collins
John Douthet, Sr., was born on May 9, 1709, at Coleraine in Northern Ireland, the son of Robert Andrew Douthet. His father was a Quaker and his mother belonged to the Presbyterian Church in which he was baptized. As he grew older, John learned the trade of a weaver. He came to America in 1724, settling first in New York and then in Philadelphia, where he worked at his profession.

He subsequently went to Monocacy in Frederick County, Maryland, where he married Mary Elizabeth Scott in 1738. They had 11 children: Nancy Elizabeth, born 29 April 1739; John Jr., born 10 April 1740; Mary, born about 1742; William, born 27 December 1746; James, born December 25, 1749; Thomas, born 4 February 1753; Isaac, born 10 August 1756; Sarah, born 10 March 1759; Twins Rebecca and Abraham, born 9 March 1762; and Jacob, born 23 July 1765.

In 1750 John moved to North Carolina and settled at the southwest corner of the land known as Wachovia. John was a Patriot during the American Revolutionary War and furnished wheat to the Militia's of North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. He helped organize and build the First Hope Moravian Church in 1780 at Clemmons, North Carolina. In 1781, John was received into the Moravian congregation.

The following are a few excerpts from a memoir that was originally written in German, and was read at John Douthet’s funeral.

When the first Brethren came, and the country was sparsely settled, he shared with them the surplus of the food supplies which his industry had earned for him; and when he saw that he was dealing with upright people he not only became a good neighbor but came to have a real love for them and trust in them. That was the reason that he sometimes attended the English preaching in Bethabara.

When several families, who were acquainted with the Brethren, came from Carrols Manor in Maryland to Hope he helped them in their outward affairs with word and deed, as he always gladly helped and served the poor. He assisted them in the building of a schoolhouse, and as more families gathered who loved the Brethren and united themselves in a Society he became a member thereof.

Although he was already old, and weakness was increasing, yet he never missed a service unless he must. He loved and was beloved, and his children, friends, and Brethren respected him as a father.

For several winters he has been sickly, and there were clear signs of consumption, so that last winter his homecoming was expected, but last summer he again seemed well. This winter his illness brought much discomfort, so that many a day and night were sleepless, as he sat in his chair.

John Douthet died on February 22, 1784 and was buried in the Hope Moravian Graveyard. His wife died on June 29, 1794 and is also buried in the Hope Moravian Graveyard.