Josiah Blake Tidwell

Born in Cleveland, Alabama, on October 8, 1870, he grew up in a poor farming family but was strongly encouraged in his education. He went on to become a Baptist educator and spent much of his career teaching Bible and religious education.

He is especially remembered for his long service at Baylor University, where he helped lay the groundwork for the university's modern religion department. Alongside his teaching, he was a prolific writer whose books focused on biblical study and the training of ministers.

His best-known works include The Bible Book by Book and The Bible Period by Period, both written in an accessible style that made scripture study easier for ordinary readers. He died on March 17, 1946, leaving behind a lasting influence on Baptist education and popular Bible instruction.