benjamin wilburn mcdonnold was born in overton county, tennessee and raised on a farm. he exhibited a strong religious turn of mind from a young age, likely inspired by his mother, martha. he began preparing to become a minister at age 12, attaining candidacy at age 16. around this time, it is said that he memorized and could recite the entire new testament. he attended college at cumberland college in princeton, kentucky, graduating in 1849.