during all these years since his retirement from the pastorate he had supplied vacant churches near his residence for most of the time, and in 1872 he removed from statesville to cool springs, about ten miles to the northeast, where he supplied the local church, fifth creek church, and two others. about 1883 he retired from active work, but his declining years were still employed in his favorite studies and in works of practical benevolence. the degree of doctor of divinity was conferred upon him by the university of north carolina in 1882. he had been in failing health for two years, and died after a week's illness, of pneumonia, at his home in cool springs, april 15, 1888, at the age of 79.