"LI B R.AR.Y
OF THE
UNIVERSITY
OF ILLINOIS
From the Library of
Dr. R. E. Hieronymus
1942
2.89.JL
H33h
cop. 2»
ILUNOiS HISTORICAL SURYflf
HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES
OF CHRIST IN ILLINOIS
1 8 1 9—1 914
By
NATHANIEL S. HAYNES, A.M.
Author of "Jesus as a Controversialist"
CINCINNATI
The Standard Publishing Company
Copyright, 1915
By Nathaniel S. Haynes
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DEDICATION
To those men and women, few but true, who hold
tender and grateful memories of our glorious heroes of the
LONG AGO, who are yet forceful factors in the MIGHTY
NOW, who are inspired by the splendid vision of the
BETTER TIME TO COME— to those elect remnants of
the LORD, my faithful and glad fellow-helpers in this labor
of love, with sincere appreciation, I dedicate this book.
N. S. HAYNES.
Decatur, Illinois, March 7, 1914.
CONTENTS
FACE
FOREWORD 9
CHAPTER I.
THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST — THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 13
CHAPTER II.
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 20
CHAPTER HI.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 33
CHAPTER IV.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST — THE ERA OF PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS 68
CHAPTER V.
BENEVOLENCES 88
CHAPTER VI.
LOCAL CHURCHES AND SOME OF THEIR ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES 109
CHAPTER VII.
BIOGRAPHIES 461
CHAPTER VIII.
MISCELLANEA 640
5
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
J. W. Allen 589
John C. Ashley 564
Atlanta Church 298
Allison Prairie Church
Brotherhood ....Frontispiece
Mrs. C. C. Babcock 464
Col. E. D. Baker 517
Barney's Prairie Church and
Site 415
W. F. Black 633
Bloomington, First Church.. 281
Bloomington, Centennial
Church 281
Bloomington, Second Church. 281
Walter P. Bowles 603
F.. M. Bowman 106
Clark Braden 633
Mrs. O. A. Burgess 103
J. G. Campbell 517
Carbondale Church 367
Champaign Church 130
Charleston Church 130
Chicago, Englewood Church. 150
Chicago, Jacksonville Boule-
vard Church 150
Chicago, Memorial Church... 150
Chicago, Metropolitan Church 150
John J. Cosat 517
Mrs. Persis L. Christian 103
Mrs. S. J. Crawford 103
Danville, First Church 407
Danville, Second Church 407
Danville, Third Church 407
Danville, Fourth Church 407
F. W. Darst 106
Miss Annie E. Davidson 103
Decatur, Central Church 298
Decatur, First Church 298
Decatur, First Courthouse... 347
Miss Elmira J. Dickinson 103
Daniel W. Ellege 630
John England 550
Eureka College 33
Eureka Church 415
J H. Gilliland 517
J. R. Golden 461
Thomas Goodman 603
N. S. Haynes 464
Bushrod W. Henry 564
R. E. Henry 461
T. T. Holton 589
Joseph Hostetler 464
D. R. Howe 630
C. J. Hudson 106
Jacksonville Church 298
A. J. Kane 550
W. P. Keeler 106
S. S. Lappin 564
Mrs. Catherine V. Lindsay... 103
Long Point Church 347
LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Macomb Church 130
Wm. T. Major 564
Map of Chicago Churches... 109
Map of Illinois Churches 109
J. B. McCorkle 570
D. D. Miller 550
G. W. Minier 570
Mt. Pleasant Church 347
M. O. Naramore 106
Normal Church 281
A. D. Northcutt 464
Paris Church 367
Pine Creek Church 347
Pontiac Church 415
Mrs. Lura V. Porter 103
E. J. Radford 589
James Robeson 570
Rockford Church.. . 367
Rock Island Church 367
Wm. B. Ryan 464
Chas. Reign Scoville 633
J. W. Sconce 570
Dr. John Scott 630
C. W. Sherwood 603
E. M. Smith 461
Springfield, First Church 130
O. W. Stewart 589
J. S. Swaford 106
The Sweeney Family 616
R. F. Thrapp 461
John W. Tyler 550
J. G. Waggoner 630
H. L. Willett 633
E. B. Witmer 106
John Yager 603
S. H. Zendt.. . 461
FOREWORD
At the annual meeting of the Illinois Christian Missionary
Society in Danville, September, 1911, Min. R. F. Thrapp
introduced a resolution directing its State Board to appoint
a committee of three to select a competent man to write the
history of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois. Mins. R. F.
Thrapp, J. R. Golden and R. E. Henry were constituted
such committee. In November following they arranged
with Min. N. S. Haynes to do this work. Upon the removal
of Mr. Thrapp from the State, Min. S. H. Zendt was
appointed to fill the vacancy, and upon the removal of Mr.
Golden, Min. E. M. Smith was chosen to succeed him.
The task of writing the history has proved to be more
protracted and far more laborious than was anticipated.
The chief difficulty was in securing the materials. Nearly
all of the pioneers were dead. The records of many of the
older congregations had nearly disappeared. But the main
hindrance was the lack of appreciation by very many of such
a volume and their consequent indifference to its preparation.
Among a minority of willing and faithful helpers justice
requires this grateful recognition of the assistance of Min.
T. T. Holton and Prof. B. J. Radford. A decade ago Mr.
Holton thought to write the biographies of the pioneer
Christian preachers of Illinois. All the material he for-
tunately secured at that time he graciously turned over to
the author. Without his assistance it would have been
impossible to make this volume what it is.
A goodly number of the earliest churches of Christ in
the State grew out of a reformatory movement that pre-
ceded our own. These people were widely known as "New
Lights." But, since they now disclaim this name, they are
10 FOREWORD
throughout this work referred to as the "Christian Denom-
ination"— their accepted name.
In speaking of those who serve in the high calling of
the Christian ministry designations more Scriptural are
employed. In this work preachers are not called "elders,"
but ministers. Some ministers are elders, but all can not be ;
hence, as a general designation, it is wrong. Besides, there
is no perceptible or special affinity between the Disciples of
Christ and the Seventh-day Adventists, or the Latter-day
Saints, that should lead to the general designation of our
ministers as "elders." A true preacher is a servant of
Christ, and this relation and its consequent obligations are
Scripturally expressed by the word "minister." If an abbre-
viation is needed, "Min." is easily written and is so used
herein. Nor are preachers termed "clergymen," since the
Spirit calls the Lord's "flock" his clergy or inheritance. The
title "Reverend" and its contraction "Rev." are also avoided.
By the mouth of David the Lord says "his name is holy
and reverend," and it is not befitting that we so denote our-
selves. If this title, which has become in recent years, so
glibly prevalent among the Disciples of Christ, is to be
recognized and used, then why not "Very Reverend" and
"Most Reverend," and so on up the scale to the climax of
wicked assumption? In this work "Doctor" and its con-
traction "Dr." are used to indicate a physician only. Its
general use as meaning a teacher of religion, or of philos-
ophy, is indefinite, and, if for no other reason, is objection-
able.
It is very gratifying that the facts in Chapter II. have
been so well authenticated. Many of these, together with
the section on slavery in Chapter VIII., were presented in
an address delivered by the author before the State Histor-
ical Society at Springfield in May, 1913.
The incompleteness of and the inaccuracies in the his-
tories of the local churches are attributable in large measure
to the indifference and indisposition of many to furnish the
data. Repeated appeals brought no responses. It was with
FOREWORD 11
much regret that lack of space compelled the omission of the
lists of the names of pastors, where they were furnished, since
the growth of congregations has depended so largely upon
these faithful servants of God.
The preparation of the biographies has been no less
difficult. It is painfully deficient both in the subjects and in
their fair proportions of treatment. Without doubt the
names of some who are not mentioned should appear, while
some of those who do appear should have received less and
others larger notice. Many deserving younger men have
been crowded out. The names of others may be found in
the chapter on education and elsewhere. At best this bio-
graphical chapter is an approximation, but it is illustrative
of the brave and true men and women to whom the present
generation is indebted far more than it is aware. In writing
these, the author has brought under contribution the recol-
lections, associations and fellowships of sixty years and such
researches as the time permitted.
He has written in the love of the truth and with the
best spirit of fairness and justice. It is believed that this
volume will be a source of valuable information and joyfu)
inspiration to many multitudes.
THE AUTHOR.
CHAPTER I.
THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST— THEIR PLACE AND PLEA.
The great apostasy has perplexed all thoughtful people.
The mystery of iniquity is an enigma of the later centuries.
The church that was founded in the wisdom of God, and
redeemed by the blood of his Son, forgot its heavenly
origin and divine mission. Its light and power were lost
and it became the nesting-place of unclean birds.
That was a sad and sinful age upon which Martin Luther
looked out. He beheld everywhere the usurpations of the
Papacy. Priests and people were ignorant of the Holy
Scriptures. The Pope arrogated to himself the prerogatives
of God. The system of indulgences had grown to a scan-
dalous height. John Tetzel, a Dominican friar, preached
and peddled licenses to sin in Germany. Darkness covered
the earth and gross darkness the people. Then God's great
clock struck its spiritual midnight. These appalling con-
ditions awakened and stirred the soul of the earnest German
monk. He aroused in Germany a splendid turmoil of
thought and precipitated a great battle between divine truth
and human traditions. When its smoke had cleared away,
these three things stood out clearly: First, the right of
private judgment ; second, the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures,
and, third, justification by faith. Luther was a child of
Providence and a mighty man of God. He wrought mar-
velous results. But even he could not make the journey
from spiritual Babylon to spiritual Jerusalem in a day of
human life.
Bernhardin Samson, a Franciscan monk, went into
Switzerland in 1518 selling indulgences. He was success-
fully opposed by Zwingli, who appealed to the authority of
13
14 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
the word of God. This beginning of the Reformation in
Switzerland produced the Reformed Church and the Heidel-
berg Catechism or Confession, written in 1562.
Meanwhile, John Calvin's great mind was engaged upon
the religious problems of the time, and gave to the world
the theological system that bears his name, but also the
doctrine of the sovereignty of God, The Almighty is the
supreme Ruler and Arbiter — not the man with the triple
crown, whose throne is by the yellow Tiber.
The principles of the Reformation swept across the
English Channel. The Anglo-Saxons possess a marvelous
power of genius for liberty, and that was fruitful soil.
Henry VIII. was on the throne. He had written a treatise
denouncing Luther and defending the Pope. Just then his
ardor for his lawful wife had cooled and he wished a
divorce that he might marry pretty Anne Boleyn. The
Pope said "No;" the King said "Yes," had his way and
was excommunicated. The Parliament then passed the Act
of Supremacy: "That the King, our sovereign lord, his
heirs and successors, kings of this realm, shall be taken,
accepted and reputed the only supreme head on earth of
the Church of England, called the 'Anglicana Ecclesia.' "
Thus the chain was broken that tied England to the Papal
throne. The Episcopal Church had its beginning, and as
the years passed grew gradually away from Papal errors
to Protestant principles of Christian faith. And thus came
the denial of the Pope's arrogant claim to the universal
headship of the church on earth.
A joint resolution of the English Parliament, June 12,
1643, convoked a synod to settle the government and liturgy
of the Church of England, and to promote a more perfect
reformation than had been obtained during the reigns of
Edward II. and Elizabeth. What afterward came to be
known as the Presbyterian "Confession of Faith" was
finally adopted by the Assembly of divines in the month of
December, 1646, approved by the Parliament of Scotland
in 1647, and by the English Parliament in 1648. Thus
THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 15
arose the Presbyterian Church with its different branches.
About 1658 Congregationalism began to grow out of the
Puritan movement in England.
Out of the religious chaos of the sixteenth century came
also the Baptist Church. Their earliest articles of faith
were written by Zwingli in 1527. The London "Con-
fession of Faith" was formulated in 1689, and that which
held for a century in the United States was cast in Phila-
delphia in 1742. In their earlier years the Baptists were
generally Calvinists. To Roger Williams, Welshman, Bap-
tist, Reformer and founder of the State of Rhode Island,
the world is indebted for the principle of the absolute
separation of the ecclesiastical and civil powers.
On the human side the Methodist Church was the
product of the great mind, heart and conscience of John
Wesley. His aim at first was to effect a higher type of
life in the Church of England, of which he was a member.
The first "Articles of Religion" were prepared in 1784. His
life and work gave tremendous emphasis to the doctrine of
human responsibility and personal accountability to God.
Thus for two hundred years the caravans of the Lord
moved slowly along the way from spiritual Babylon to
spiritual Jerusalem. Wycliffe, Jerome of Prague, Huss,
Luther, Erasmus, Zwingli, Melancthon, John Knox, Calvin,
Cranmer, John Robinson and John Wesley were the leaders
whom the Lord raised up. They aimed and strove to recover
the church, the body of Christ, from the ignorance, super-
stitions, wrongs and oppressions of centuries. With their
faces toward the new morning, they searched, struggled and
suffered for Christ's sake — a glorious company of God's
elect. Severally and successively they led the generations
to higher planes of Christian truth and life. The last
centuries are debtors to them all. Ours is a splendid heritage
from great souls who counted Christ and his truth more
precious than their own lives.
But, alas for the frailties of man! The creeds which
the reformers thought and hoped to use as fulcrums for the
16 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
spiritual uplift of the people became barriers to Christian
faith. Opinions about doctrines were substituted for personal
trust in the Christ. Men were measured not by the word of
God in their faith and lives, but by the opinions and creeds
of fallible men. Theological warfare ensued. In their pul-
pits, on the platform and through the press, preachers con-
tended and discussed with one another. The leading questions
were of orthodoxy rather than orthopraxy — correct thinking
rather than right living. As churches grew in numbers and
power, denominational pride dominated. The spirit of Jesus
gave place to sectarian rivalries. Men wrangled and raged
about their religious opinions. The seamless robe of the
Master was rent many times. Bitterness banished brotherly
love. Mutual appreciation was murdered by disparagement.
Spiritual ostracism supplanted Christian fellowship. Broth-
erly love was crucified on the cross of sectarian bigotry. The
children of God came to hate one another for the love of God
— as they supposed. Thus the church of the living God, torn
and divided, was shorn of its power. Having lost its divine
ideals, it lost its divine aims. The evangelization of the world
was forgotten ; the salvation of the people was neglected.
Out of this religious travail the Disciples of Christ were
born. Assuredly the Christian world needed a new voice. Did
they come to the Kingdom for such a time as that? The first
thing they said was: "We be brethren. Let us not fight, but
let us reason together." After a hundred years, the things
they said are now beginning to be heard.
Protestant believers were divided in their teachings and
into many religious bodies. However, in the nineteenth cen-
tury, these divine truths which had been elucidated and em-
phasized by the great leaders of reformatory movements had
come to be the common possessions of all evangelical believ-
ers. They all held — and do yet hold — the right of personal
judgment, the all-sufficiency of the sacred Scriptures as the
rule of faith and life, the doctrine of justification by faith in
Jesus Christ; all are united in the denial of the Papal head-
ship of the church; all affirmed the supreme sovereignty of
THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 17
God, individual responsibility and personal accountability to
God; all stood for religious liberty and the absolute separa-
ration of civil and ecclesiastical prerogatives and powers. The
Christian peoples who are girdling the earth with this twen-
tieth-century civilization are all united in these things.
The Disciples of Christ have pleaded for a return to the
word of God and the authority of Jesus Christ, the sole Lord
and only Head of the church. The creeds of men may have
served their purposes in former times, but they divide God's
people, and division is weakness, inefficiency and appalling
loss. Bishop Cranston, of the M. E. Church, before the Fed-
eral Council of the Churches of Christ in America, said:
"The church of Jesus Christ upon earth is constitutionally,
intentionally and logically one, and we are staying apart
without reason, economy or warrant of Scripture." As a
revelation of God, the Bible is all-sufficient and alone-sufficient
in the salvation of men arid in their preparation for the eter-
nal life. Amid all the clashing confusion of earth and time,
only the authoritative voice of Jesus can bring assurance and
peace.
The Disciples plead for the reproduction of the Church
of Christ, which is his body on earth; for a return to and a
restoration of primitive Christianity in all its fundamental
elements. What is its basic teaching? What are its divinely
appointed ordinances ? What its required and essential fruits ?
What does the New Testament say? To the law and the tes-
timony. "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible
is silent, we are silent." Assuredly this is a safe and wise
rallying-cry.
The Disciples plead for the union of all God's people on
the common, catholic grounds of the Bible. Divisions to-day
are the crowning sin of Christendom. The Holy Spirit con-
demned divisions when he spoke through apostles, and Jesus
prayed for the unity of all his people "that the world may
believe that thou hast sent me." All efforts for Christian
union must fail that are based on denominational interpreta-
tions of the Bible. Opinions may serve in their places, but
18 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
they must be subordinated to "thus saith the Lord." Hap-
pily, all evangelized believers are now agreed in the catholic
elements of the gospel ; namely, that Jesus is the Christ to
save and the Lord to lead, that the Holy Scriptures can make
a man of God perfect and thoroughly furnish him unto all
good works, that immersion and the Lord's Supper are the
ordinances given by him who has all authority in heaven and
on earth, that Christ's people should wear his name, and that
they should aim and strive to reproduce his life in their own.
Tennyson expressed this goal when he wrote: "Step by step,
with voices crying right and left, I have climbed my way
back to the primal church, and stand within the porch, and
Christ is with me."
It is believed that the Scripturalness and catholicity of
the position and plea of the Disciples of Christ are evidenced
by the fact that so many ministers — to say nothing of thou-
sands of others — have left the various denominational
churches and now stand together on common ground and
unitedly serve the one Master. From this multitude the fol-
lowing are noted here as illustrating examples : W. H. Book,
from the Baptist Church; M. M. Davis, from the M. E.
Church; T. H. Adams, from the Protestant Methodist
Church ; W. G. Loucks, from the Christian Denomination ; J.
V. Updike, from the Church of God ; James Small, from the
Presbyterian Church; A. B. Jett, from the Cumberland Pres-
byterian Church ; C. C. Redgrave, from the Congregational
Church ; T. P. Bauer, from the Lutheran Church ; Claris Yeu-
ell, from the Plymouth Brethren; D. P. Shafer, from the
Reformed Church ; James Vernon, from the Episcopal
Church ; C. M. Price, from the Seventh-day Adventists ; D.
H. Bays, from the Mormon Church, and T. J. O'Connor,
from the Roman Catholic Church. Nearly all of these men
are living and are, or have been, active ministers of the gospel
in the churches of Christ.
Mr. J. Wood Miller, a Presbyterian minister, visited the
Englewood, Chicago, Church of Christ on a Wednesday
evening in 1912, and read from memory Mark's Gospel to
THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 19
the congregation. Later he sent them the following note:
MY FRIENDS : — Never was I so greatly pleased as in my reception
at your church. It is only what could be expected from your most
distinctly American of all the churches in the United States that I
know of; organized here and having the stamp of the universal church,
too, under the head of immersion, the original baptism ; Christian, the
original name ; the whole Word as the only creed, and observing the
Supper every Lord's Day, the primitive custom, with every saint a
preacher. Having read Mark before perhaps five hundred churches,
I recall no larger or more responsive prayer-meeting audience.
CHAPTER II.
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS.
The beginning of the nineteenth century witnessed a
widespread revolt against human authority, both Papal and
Protestant, in religion. Many men in many places came to
see that God alone can be Lord of the conscience. Every-
where these reformers, protesting against the creeds of coun-
cils and the dogmas of fallible men, appealed to the Bible
alone. Everywhere their aim was the emancipation of the
church from the bondage of human traditions and rule. This
movement first focalized in the religious body known as the
"Christian Denomination." For many years they were called
"New Lights," but since they have never recognized this
name, it is unfair to so designate them. They were also
called the "Christian Connection" and "Christian Church."
Throughout this work they are referred to as the "Christian
Denomination."
Min. James O'Kelley withdrew from the Methodist Epis-
copal Church during its first General Conference, held in Bal-
timore in 1792. In his earlier years he was a classmate of
Thomas Jefferson and Patrick Henry. He was a popular
preacher and an old presiding elder from Virginia. He urged
upon the conference the right of those preachers who thought
themselves injured by the appointment of the bishops, to ap-
peal to the general body, then in session. His appeal was in
vain. Many individuals and local congregations, either in
mass or in part, seceded with him. Appealing for public
favor to the public spirit of the time, they for a few years
called themselves Republican Methodists.
At the close of the eighteenth century, Dr. Abner Jones
resided at Hartland, Vermont. He was a regular Baptist,
20
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 21
but he was especially averse to human creeds, which he re-
garded as walls separating the followers of our Lord. And
sectarian names grieved him much. In those years when a
man of God got a new thought he was compelled to get a
new church to put it in. So Dr. Jones organized a church at
Lynden, Vermont, in 1802, with twenty-five members, and
another church the same year at Hanover, New Hampshire,
and a third at Pierpont, New Hampshire, in 1803.
About that time Elias Smith, then a Baptist minister, was
preaching with great success in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
He fell in with Abner Jones, and soon the church under his
care was led to adopt the principles and position of the
Christians.
Barton W. Stone, a learned and eloquent minister, with-
drew from the Presbyterian Church in 1804, and became very
actively identified with the Christian Denomination.
Thus there arose simultaneously in the East, South and
West congregations that wished to be known simply as
Christians. These were remote from one another and with-
out a knowledge of one another's work. They urged the all-
sufficiency of the Scriptures as the rule of faith and life, the
democracy of the local church, Christian character as the test
of fellowship, and the name "Christian" to the exclusion of
all denominational names.
Those years were particularly auspicious for the proclama-
tion of such Christian truths. Beginning in the last clays of
the eighteenth century with the Presbyterians in Tennessee
and Kentucky, and continuing to near the close of 1801, there
was a most extraordinary revival of religion. Caneridge,
Kentucky, was its -center; its circumference was almost the
outer bounds of the nation. Its slogan was, "The Bible our
rule of faith and practice." Many thousands turned to the
Lord. Consecrated lives testified to the genuineness of their
conversion. Its impressions were deep and its influences
abiding.
That revival was the John the Baptist of the movement
inaugurated within less than two decades thereafter by the
22 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Disciples of Christ. This also had its beginnings in various
localities — East, West and South. It came neither from the
Biblical research nor thought of any one man. It was not
accidental, but providential. Its members approached the
Bible "with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures
daily."
It is believed by many that Alexander Campbell was the
founder of the religious body known as the Disciples of
Christ. This is a mistake, and the abundant and incontestible
facts of history prove it to be such. It was at least a decade
after the beginnings of this movement in various places that
Mr. Campbell became the champion and later the most pow-
erful advocate of those principles of Christian truth which
differentiate the Disciples from all other religious bodies.
This last fact was the occasion that led many uninformed
people to call those with whom Mr. Campbell found himself
to be in full accord "Campbellites." But this, to the Disci-
ples, has always been an offensive nickname. Now it is no
longer in use except in some back precincts where the trees
grow tall and the brush thick, and hence the light of intelli-
gence is slow in penetrating.
William Barney came into what is now Wabash County,
and settled about eight miles north of the site of Mount
Carmel, in 1808. His family then consisted of himself and
wife and the following children : George, William, Richard,
James, Betsy, Jane, Sarah, Clara and Ann. Shortly after-
ward, Mr. Barney's three sons-in-law, with their wives and
children, also came. It is plain that this was a real Roose-
veltian and patriotic family. Other settlers followed. Three
forts for protection against the Indians in the locality were
built.
Seth Card came into this settlement in 1813. In 1814 he
was a representative in the third Territorial Legislature, and
in 1818 was a member of the convention that framed the con-
stitution for the State. Evidently Mr. Card was one of the
leading citizens of that section. He, with Minister James
Pool and others, on the 17th of July, 1819, organized the
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 23
Barney's Prairie Christian Church. Seth Card was elected
elder and Joseph Wood deacon. His grandson, O. H. Wood,
now residing in that locality, has in his keeping the original
book containing the record of this transaction. He is now
in his sixty-eighth year, has been a member of the congrega-
tion for over fifty years, and affirms that from its beginning
the Barney's Prairie Church has always stood on apostolic
ground. This congregation has had an unbroken and useful
life for ninety-six years. Mrs. Eliza Shoaff, Goldengate,
Illinois, says that she was born in 1844 two miles north of the
Barney's Prairie Church; that her grandparents, Job and
Abigail Pixley, came to this locality in 1817, and that not long
afterwards they united with the church. Both Mr. O. H.
Wood and Mrs. Shoaff unite in affirming the unquestioned
statements of their parents and grandparents, that before
1819 there had been a "New Light" church — as they there
called themselves — about seven miles from Barney's Prairie,
and that it had failed ; and further, that when these people
met on July 17 they decided to drop the name "New Light"
and form a Christian church simply, which they did. Beyond
question, in point of time, the Barney's Prairie Church leads
all the Christian congregations in Illinois.
The Coffee Creek Church in Wabash County was the sec-
ond. The original record reads : "At a meeting held at
Brother Daniel Keen's on Saturday before the fifth Sabbath
in August, 1819, a church of Christ was constituted, consist-
ing of seven members." (See Keensburg.) The testimony
of the original records, the history of Wabash County and
the memories of the oldest residents of the community unite
in affirming that from the first this was simply a church of
Christ and has always continued as such.
Stephen England settled near the site of Cantrall, Sanga-
mon County, in 1819. He vas a native of Virginia, but grew
to manhood in Kentucky. He was a Baptist preacher, but
was acquainted with Barton W. Stone before coming to Illi-
nois. Here he was never known as a Baptist minister.
Shortly after settling here he invited the people to come to
24 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
his cabin for public worship. That the people were soul-
hungry is indicated by the fact that two women walked two
miles to the meeting through prairie grass as high as their
heads. On May 15, 1820, he constituted in his own house
the first church of Christ in this county. In all there were
nine members whose names have come down to us. From
that date to this it has always been known as the church of
Christ, or Antioch Christian Church. When the village of
Cantrall was laid out in the sixties, the place of meeting was
moved there and the local designation was changed from
Antioch to Cantrall.
In the fall of 1826 the Little Grove Church of Christ,
located six miles east of Paris, was constituted by Minister
Samuel McGee. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Morrison and Mrs.
Anna Fitzgerald, who had come from Kentucky, were the
leaders in the formation of this congregation. From the first
it was called "The Little Grove Church of Christ."
MULKEYTOWN.
Mr. T. K. Means was born in Tennessee in April, 1831,
and was brought by his parents to Franklin County, Illinois,
in 1834. He is still living at Mulkeytown. His mind is vig-
orous and his thought clear. He says:
The first settlers of this part of the country called themselves
Baptists and met at the house of John Kirkpatrick, who settled here
in 1818. But these people had been baptized in Kentucky and Ten-
nessee by John Mulkey and his brother Philip, who were Baptist
preachers, but went into the Reformation with B. . W. Stone early
in the last century. It is a fact that John Mulkey was tried for
heresy in 1809 in Kentucky. No one now knows when these people
left off the name "Baptist" and adopted the name "Christian," for there
was no Baptist church and people who held to the usages of that
church in this whole settlement.
I have been told that the first man that preached the primitive
gospel here was by the name of Underwood. The first preacher I
ever heard was Elijah Spiller, who was an old man at that time and
had lived here many years. But the man who did most of the preach-
ing was by the name of Silas Reid, who came to the county in 1832.
Afterward there came other preachers, of whom I can name Wm.
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 25
Bristow, John Hayes, Ulysses Heap, Wm. Chance and then a host
of others.
I once heard D. C. Mulkey say that when he came to Illinois in
1832, his elder brothers, John M. and Jonathan H. Mulkey, were then
living here and that they were devoted church-members at that time.
Then we must infer there was a church organization at that time.
From this testimony of Mr. Means and the lucid preach-
ing- of the pure gospel by John Mulkey, Sr., reinforced as
he was by the splendid ministry of Barton W. Stone, the
writer concludes that the beginning of the Mulkeytown
Church of Christ may be fairly placed near the middle of the
twenties.
THE SPRING CREEK (MT. ZION) BERLIN CHURCH.
In 1818 Andrew Scott came from Crawford County, Indi-
ana, and located near Richland, in Cartwright Township,
Sangamon County. He was a minister whose aim was to
teach and preach the true faith and the pure gospel. He at
once began to hold meetings in the log cabins of the pioneers.
In 1824 he settled near Island Grove — the woods skirting
Spring Creek — a mile or two northwest of the site of old
Berlin. There he met Theophilus Sweet, a Baptist preacher
ot the old school. It was not long until Mr. Sweet was in
accord with Mr. Scott in his Christian faith and preaching.
Their united labors soon developed a Christian Church on
Spring Creek that met for worship in the log schoolhouse.
It was doubtless organized there. Much as we admire those
brave pioneers whose voices rang true to the word of God,
still we are reminded that they were fallible. In a time after
the beginning of this church, one of its members, named
William Grant, accused Preacher Andrew Scott in plain
speech ot lying. Of his defense the subjoined documents
have come down to us :
TAZWELL COUNTY, Illinois, June 30th, 1830. — We whose names are
undersigned, having been formerly members of the church at Spring
Creek in Sangamon County, by permission of the church in the big
grove on Kickapoo, do send to the churches and all whom the
26 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
presents may concern, that Brother Andrew Scott was and is a min-
ister in good standing among us. Signed:
ISAAC CARLOCK, JAMES R. SCOTT,
SAMUEL P. GLENN, LEVINA MARTIN,
RUTH B. GLEN, JOHN P. GLEN,
DANIEL VINCENT, NANCY GLEN.
ANN VINCENT,
I, John Glen, a member of the church of Christ at Big Grove,
Kickapoo, do hereby certify that I have known Andrew Scott for
forty years, and that I ever did consider him a man of truth and
strictly honest.
Given under my hand this 10th day of June, 1830.
Signed: JOHN GLEN.
The genuineness of these documents is attested by the
following :
I, M. B. Robertson, a Justice of the Peace in and for Sangamon
County, Illinois, do hereby certify that the above are accurate copies
of letters of commendation received by Andrew Scott, from the above
parties.
Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of October, 1913.
M. B. ROBERTSON,
BERLIN, Illinois, Oct. IS, 1913. Justice of the Peace.
From these statements it is clear that there was a church
of Christ in Big Grove, on the Kickapoo, in 1830. Nine
members of this church had previously been members of the
Spring Creek congregation. The latter was formed previous
to this time, probably near 1825, the year after Messrs. Scott
and Sweet began, to work together.
Those who are curious will be interested in the following.
On the reverse side of the sheet of paper containing the above
testimonials this certificate is written :
This is to sertify that I was at the meten on Spring Creek for
the perpes of setlen of Deficelty betwen Brother Scott and Brother
Grant he charges Brother Scott oi lying But DiD not prov it it was
not setled to the satisfaction of Brother Scott But was left to ware out.
JESSE WILSON.
The church of Christ in Big Grove, on Kickapoo, was
short-lived, or soon met in another place under another name.
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 27
None of the historians mention it, nor is there a tradition of
it in the memories of octogenarians.
Ebenezer Rhodes was born in Holland in 1780. He came
to America, and in 1824 to McLean County, settling in
Blooming Grove, five miles south of Bloomington. He was
a Baptist preacher and married the first couple in that
county. Reuben Carlock was a native of Overton County,
Tennessee. He came to Illinois in October, 1827, and settled
in Dry Grove, five miles southwest of the site of the present
town of Carlock. Minister William Brown, a Christian min-
ister, came to visit his friend, Reuben Carlock, in 1828. In
August of that year, Mr. Carlock yoked his ox-team to his
wagon, and, accompanied by some members of his family
and his guest, Preacher Brown, drove to the cabin of Eben-
ezer Rhodes for a three-days' meeting. Then and there a
little church was constituted. Thereupon the recognized
leader, Ebenezer Rhodes, said: "And now, brethren, we must
have some articles of faith." Then Reuben Carlock, drawing
a small copy of the New Testament from his pocket and
holding it up, said: "Brother Rhodes, this book has all the
articles of faith we need." Mr. Rhodes at once and in full
assurance answered: "That is true." Thereafter he was
known as a Christian minister and continued to preach the
gospel without the mixture of human traditions until his
death in 1842. That little congregation was simply a church
of Christ.
In 1815 "Christian Settlement" was founded in Lawrence
County, seven miles northwest of Vincennes, Indiana. It was
made up of members of the Christian Denomination. For
ninety-eight years that country community has been remark-
able for its industry, sobriety, thrift and high ideals. In 1828
the church there came fully to apostolic grounds.
The first sermon ever preached in Hittle's Grove, near
what became the town site of Armington, was by a Method-
ist minister named Walker, but he did not form a class.
This and other public meetings for worship were held in the
log cabin of Michael Hittle. After a time two women
28 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
wished to be baptized, and a Baptist minister, probably
Ebenezer Rhodes, was sent for. Finding no church there to
vote on the fitness of the candidates, after deliberation it was
decided to immerse them on the public confession of their
faith in Christ. Thereupon a Baptist church was constituted
with seven members. On January 11, 1829, this congregation
was reorganized on the following basis: "We, the under-
signed, do give ourselves to the Lord and to each other as a
church of Jesus Christ, to be governed by his word contained
in the Old and New Testaments." This church has had an
unbroken life to the present time. This agreement to consti-
tute a church of Christ was signed by seventeen persons.
In 1829 a church was constituted in the southern part of
Marion County. It was known as the Mount Moriah Free
Will Baptist Church. In 1837 its members dropped the words
"Free Will Baptist" and substituted for them "Christian,"
and since then, to this date, it has been known as "The Mount
Moriah Christian Church."
From an old, original record-book the following is taken :
April 30, 1831, the church of Christ on Cedar Fork of Henderson
River, Warren County, was constituted upon the bedief that the
Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God,
and the only rule of faith and practice, and are sufficient for the
government of the Church.
The location was one and a half miles northwest of the
present town of Cameron. This was probably the first church
of Christ in the Military Tract. Some of its families became
representatives in that part of the State and elsewhere.
The second Sunday in July, 1831, Minister John B. Curl
constituted the "Bear Creek" Church in Adams County, and
also the "Mill Creek" Church in the same county before the
close of the year. Mr. Curl labored diligently through all
that section of the State, and three or four other congrega-
tions were formed about the same time.
Bushrod W. Henry was a native of Culpeper County,
Virginia. He came to Illinois and settled in Shelbyville in
1830. He was then twenty-five years of age. He was a
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 29
Baptist preacher and man of superior mental endowments
and magnificent personality. In July, 1831, he constituted
the "First Baptist Church of Christ in Shelbyville." Within
one year he was preaching clearly those Biblical truths com-
monly held and taught by the Disciples. In 1834 Mr. Henry,
with those of like views with him, were summarily expelled
from the Baptist Church. Then the congregation in Shelby-
ville dropped the name "Baptist" and has since then been
known as the "Church of Christ." Mr. Henry has two sons
living — Judge W. B. Henry, of Vandalia, and Minister J. O.
Henry, of Findley. The latter is eighty-six years old. He
was a comrade of Richard J. Oglesby in the Fourth Illinois
Volunteer Infantry during the Mexican war. Ever after-
ward they were fast friends until "Uncle Dick" passed over
the great divide. Mr. Henry clearly and positively affirms
that his father was not assisted by any one except his wife
in reaching his conclusions on the teachings of the Scrip-
tures ; that together they, husband and wife, reverently and
faithfully read themselves out of spiritual Babylon.
By 1832 there began to be some general unity of thought
and action among the widely separated Disciples in their
efforts to restore the church after the New Testament pat-
tern— in its teachings, its ordinances and its life; so in this
year a number of local churches had their beginnings. Most
of them still live and have been forceful factors in building
society.
The church in Jacksonville had its beginning in that year.
Several Christian families came to Morgan County from
Kentucky in 1830 and 1831. Fourteen families of Disciples,
then called Reformers by many, met together regularly that
winter for public worship. In the summer of 1831 Josephus
Hiett settled five miles east of Jacksonville. He was the first
regular preacher of the Disciples in that section.
James Green and Harrison W. Osborn, of the Christian
Denomination, were in that locality at that time. They
preached in the courthouse and in schoolhouses as they had
opportunity. In 1832 there were good-sized nuclei of Disci-
30 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
pies and members of the Christian Denomination in and
around Jacksonville. It was in this year that the scholarly
and pious Barton W. Stone came from Kentucky into the
"Far West," as Illinois was then called. The reputation of
this good man had preceded him, for he was an active factor
in the Caneridge revival in 1800, whose influences and glory
came to be more enduring than the stars. Mr. Stone made a
tour through the Prairie State, preaching at Lawrenceville,
Carrollton, Rushville, Springfield, Jacksonville and other
places. He believed in and labored for the union of all God's
people. At Jacksonville he laid his strong but tender hand
upon the two separated bodies and left them united in one.
This was in October, 1832.
A similar result was effected at Carrollton a few days
later.
It may be properly noted here that the Disciples of
Christ absorbed the larger part of the Christian Denomina-
tion, not only in Illinois, but elsewhere. However, the latter
body still lives. The appeal of both parties was to the Bible
as the only recognized authority in religion, and in this way
many of the latter concluded that the Disciples were nearer
the divine standard than themselves.
The church at Winchester was formed December 1, 1832.
The old Union Church, located about ten miles west of Clin-
ton, was constituted October 13 (the second Sunday), 1832.
It was formed with seventeen charter members, under the
spreading branches of a large white-oak tree, whose decay-
ing stump marks the spot. This and the gravestones in the
cemetery that grew around the house of worship, are silent
sentinels of faded joys and departed glory. Hughes Bowles
was the leader there. He was a product of the Caneridge
(Ky.) revival, as were those associated with him in this be-
ginning. His son, Walter P. Bowles, became the best known
and most powerful preacher of his time in that section. He
and Abraham Lincoln were familiar friends, and long before
the immortal emancipator dreamed of place and fame, he
said to Mr. Bowles: "Wat, if I could preach like you, I
BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 31
would rather do that than be President." The old Union
Church served its community and generation for just fifty
years to a day, and then, railroads coming and towns grow-
ing, it fell into sleep.
Joseph Hostetler was a great, strong man in his time. In
his youth he became a member of the Tunker Church and
soon thereafter a preacher. With little help, his own study
of the Bible led him to the common basic principles of the
gospel. He came from Indiana to Illinois in 1832, and in No-
vember of that year organized the West Okaw Church of
Christ. It was located about two miles west of the site of
Lovington, and became the mother of a number of congre-
gations of like faith in that section. West Okaw still lives
and flourishes in the Lovington Church.
In the early thirties a number of families came from
Christian County, Kentucky, to Illinois, and settled in Walnut
Grove, now known as Eureka. In April, 1832, thirteen Dis-
ciples met in the log residence of John Oatman, that stood
about one-half mile northeast of the railroad station now
there, and organized a church. Since that time it has been
known as the Christian Church (or church of Christ) at
Eureka, and has been one of the most forceful agencies in
the entire State for truth and righteousness.
In 1833 churches of Christ were organized at Springfield,
Lawrenceville, Decatur, Ursa, Little Mackinaw, ten miles
south of Mackinaw town, and elsewhere.
The Mount Pleasant Church, Hancock County, was or-
ganized in 1834, and made a remarkable record through
eighty years. Mrs. Georgenia Walton has been a member of
this congregation for fifty-five years. She is a woman of
rare intelligence and spirit. Speaking of the early years, she
says: "We were Campbellites in those days. A boy in the
M. E. Sunday School was repeating the names of the tribes
in Canaan when Joshua led the Israelites into it. This boy
said there were Canaanites, Amorites, Jebusites and Camp-
bellites."
This church also produced that great soul, Dr. William
32 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Booz. In the early sixties he sent a communication to the
Carthage Republican over the pseudonym "Country Jake."
The editor was so much impressed with its pungent character
that he encouraged him to send weekly contributions. Thus
was born, of these two fertile minds, provincial journalism
in Illinois.
This is less than a bird's-eye view of the beginnings of
the Disciples of Christ in Illinois. Across the central and
through most of the southern part of the State they continued
to grow. Every inch of ground they occupy to-day has been
won by battle. They met opposition, often bitter, always de-
termined, from the older religious bodies. Where they are
now strong in numbers, intelligent and wealthy and particu-
larly "respectable," they are quickly and cheerfully recognized
as "orthodox" and welcomed to the "sisterhood of the
churches." Without doubt, with the changing times they
have all changed with them, and, by divine grace, for the
better,
i. : mm
CHAPTER III.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION.
From the first the Disciples of Christ in Illinois have been
earnest advocates of mental culture. In the early decades
many of the leaders were well-educated men. In the fifties
and sixties the question of establishing- academies for work
supplementing that of the public schools was considered in
the annual State meetings. A few such schools were started
in addition to the colleges organized. But the Civil War
closed all of these, and within five years thereafter the State
high schools were begun. But it is a painful and serious fact
that the Disciples in Illinois for the last twenty-five years
have failed to keep step with the great educational column in
the State.
It is a significant fact that the Disciples were the leaders
of coeducation in Illinois. Oberlin College, Ohio, was formed
in 1833, and from its beginning trained young people of both
sexes. So did Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio, of
which Horace Mann was the head. In Illinois, Shurtleff
College was founded as Rock Springs Seminary in 1827, and
removed to its present location in 1831-32. Young women
were first officially admitted to this institution in 1871. Knox
College was founded in 1837. It had a female collegiate de-
partment from 1849, but it was not "till the early seventies
that the same courses were thrown open to women as to
men." The school founded at Eureka in 1848 and that at
Abingdon in 1853 were both coeducational from their begin-
nings. So also were the other schools of the Disciples in
Illinois.
In 1900 there were 345 colleges and universities in the
United States. Of these, 204 are coeducational. It is the
2 83
34 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
prevailing system in the West. Of the twenty-eight colleges
in Illinois, twenty-six are open to women.
The Disciples have also insisted that education should be
affirmatively Christian; hence the Bible has a fixed place in
the curriculums of their schools.
EUREKA COLLEGE.
Eureka College was a child of Providence. Its founders
were men who walked with God. Central Illinois, into which
the first white settlers came, was a land of entrancing beauty.
The wide prairies, with grassy billows, reached out until, to
the human eye, they touched the horizon. The streams of
water were skirted with trees, only a part of which had
grown to stately size. Charming wild birds and graceful wild
beasts abounded everywhere, untamed and untouched save by
the red men. The first immigrants made their homes among
the groves. The timber was needed to build their cabins,
make their fires and fence their farms. The settlements were
known by the names of the groves to which the first pioneers
gave names. That one along the west line of McLean
County and the east line of Tazewell, which in 1841 became
Woodford County, was called Walnut Grove, because those
trees, indicating a rich soil, grew there abundantly. Into this
place, in the thirties, a number of families came from south-
ern Kentucky. Among them there were Ben Major and Wil-
liam Davenport, who were double brothers-in-law; Elijah
Dickinson, Sr. ; B. J. Radford, Sr. ; William P. Atterberry,
R. M. Clark, E. B. Myers, A. M. Myers, Caleb Davidson, M.
R. Bullock and Thomas Bullock. Other influential men, as
John Darst and A. G. Ewing, came later. The families of
the first settlers were generally large and growing.
The schools for the instruction and training of children in
that period were of the subscription class, and were often
"kept" by impecunious and peripatetic pedagogjes. While
the pioneers were engaged in subduing their part of the earth,
thus helping to lay the foundations of a mighty material em-
pire, they were even more concerned about the mental and
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 35
moral training of their children. They felt keenly the in-
adequacy of the ordinary facilities. In the fall of 1847 John
T. Jones, an active and well-known minister among the Dis-
ciples in Central Illinois, opened at Walnut Grove a select
school for the education of girls, on a spot near the present
site of Eureka College. In the following winter a malignant
type of measles became epidemic in the community and broke
up this school.
In the summer of 1848 Mr. A. S. Fisher, a student from
Bethany College, came to Walnut Grove. He was engaged
by a number of the leading men of the community to conduct
a school for a period of ten months. This school opened in
a small frame building on September 10. The curriculum
included the common English branches, with higher mathe-
matics, natural philosophy, rhetoric, logic, etc. Evidently Mr.
Fisher intended to earn his pay. The work of this school
was suspended during a "big meeting" that was conducted
by Mr. D. P. Henderson, an eminent evangelist of Jackson-
ville, Illinois. This meeting continued through "many days,"
and added about one hundred persons to the Walnut Grove
Church of Christ. At its close the work of the school was
resumed and continued until the following Fourth of July.
As the school was successful, Mr. Ben Major and his co-
adjutors arranged with the young teacher for its continuance.
Mr. Fisher submitted the following conditions, which were
accepted by the patrons : First, that an addition, properly fur-
nished, be made to the schoolhouse ; second, that he be per-
mitted to employ an assistant teacher for the primary pupils ;
third, that he be allowed the net income from tuition fees for
his salary ; fourth, that adequate provision be made for board-
ing all students who came from other localities. At this time
a printed announcement of the school was circulated under
the name of
WALNUT GROVE SEMINARY.
Miss Sue E. Jones, a daughter of John T. Jones and a
graduate, was secured as assistant teacher. The school
36 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
opened with such an encouraging outlook and growing attend-
ance that the need of a larger building than the one enlarged
was obvious. Hence the promoters of the school met in the
autumn of 1849 and decided to erect a two-story brick build-
ing to cost not less than $2,500. Ben Major led in this en-
terprise. In December of that year this building was first
occupied, and the school was incorporated as
WALNUT GROVE ACADEMY.
Its management was vested in twelve trustees. Of this
board, John T. Jones was president and A. S. Fisher secre-
tary. In September, 1850, John Lindsay, a graduate of
Bethany College and a young minister, was added to the
academy as teacher of Latin and Greek. The first philosoph-
ical and chemical apparatus was secured in 1851. In the
same year, to the "State Meeting," which assembled with
the Walnut Grove Church, the trustees of the academy ex-
plained that they were endeavoring to establish an institution
of learning where the young people of both sexes might re-
ceive the advantages of a liberal education under the care and
influence of Christian teachers and free from all sectarian
prejudices. They hoped the school would serve the Disciples
generally throughout the State.
The year 1852 was a remarkable one in Walnut Grove.
The school was abruptly closed one month before the time by
a scourge of Asiatic cholera which swept through the com-
munity. Its chief victim was Ben Major, the founder of the
school. His was a superior combination of head and heart.
The best blood of the Huguenots and of Virginians filled
his veins. A native of Kentucky and an owner of slaves, from
early youth he had serious doubts on the question of human
slavery. By the light of divine truth he reached his own
purpose and matured his own plans. These were at variance
with all his early teachings and antagonistic to all his family
traditions and social relations. Having freed his slaves in
the fall of 1835, he sent an agent with them to New York
and shipped them to Liberia. In 1834, with his family of
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 37
seven, he moved from Kentucky to Illinois in an ox-wagon.
Through a period of eighteen years he served the new set-
tlement at Walnut Grove as counselor, physician, friend and
genuine leader.
A. S. Fisher justly shares the honor of founding this
school. Of him Professor Radford has given this admirable
pen-picture :
He seemed not to us as a man of like passions with the rest.
Frivolity was a stranger to him, and that he should make a mistake was
out of the question. Grand and peculiar, he might have sat upon his
pedagogical throne, a sceptered hermit, but, much to our wonder, he
went about the hard drudgery of pioneer school work with a con-
stancy, a punctuality and devotion to duty which was in itself a
profitable part of our course of instruction. Professor Neville used
to call him 'an arithmetic in breeches,' but this was evidently, to use
an arithmetical expression, reducing him to his lowest terms. He was
accuracy incarnate. He impressed the ambitious student with the idea
that inaccuracy was immoral, and that to make a mistake was unpar-
donable. With infinite pains and patient repetition, he would lead
even the dullest student to understand what had seemed to him hope-
lessly incomprehensible. The lesson of the hour had the floor, and
nothing else was to be recognized but a point of order, and he made
a point of order all the time. In the years of his classroom ministry
he inculcated upon thousands of youths such lessons of accuracy, indus-
try and attention to the matter in hand as have in no small measure
contributed to their success in life.
After thirty-eight years of uninterrupted and self-sacri-
ficing service, he left the college in 1885 and moved to Kan-
sas City, Missouri. There he died in 1903.
The "State Meeting" that convened with the church at
Abingdon in 1852 indorsed the movement to build up an in-
stitution of learning at Walnut Grove for the education of
their sons and daughters and to fit young men for the Chris-
tian ministry. There were students then at the school from
more than twenty localities in Illinois and also from Indiana
and Missouri. The same "State Meeting" also formed a
Board of Education consisting of Ministers William Daven-
port, John Lindsay, George W. Minier, Jonathan Atkinson,
A. J. Kane and Prof. A. S. Fisher, the purpose of which
38 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
board was to consider and report ways and means of estab-
lishing academies in various parts of the State under the ex-
clusive management of the Disciples in Illinois.
In 1852 the first post-office was established in Walnut
Grove. Before that the nearest office was at Washington,
eight miles west. Mr. Fisher was made the first postmaster.
Everything was on the general-delivery plan. To add to the
burdens of the patient professor, many letters at that time
were sent C. O. D., the postage on them being paid by the
receivers.
John H. Neville, a graduate of Bethany College, suc-
ceeded John Lindsay as teacher in the fall of 1852. One year
thereafter the academy began its work with the following
teachers : A. S. Fisher, J. H. Neville, Mrs. Sarah Fisher, wife
of the principal, and Miss Elmira J. Dickinson.
The Annual Meeting of the Disciples at Jacksonville in
September, 1853, received the report from the Board of Edu-
cation. It was distinctly significant in three particulars:
First, coeducational — "that the brethren may endow their
sons and daughters with a liberal education ;" second, that all
education should be Christian — "the Bible should have a con-
spicuous place in the daily exercises of every school. Having
been prepared by the Author of the human mind, it is
superior to all human productions in developing morality
among any people;" third, an educated ministry — "that only
an educated mind is competent to disengage the simple facts
of Christianity from the many false dogmas with which they
have become entangled through many centuries of false
teachings and interpretations. Brethren, shall we have such
schools among us and under our control?" These affirma-
tions reflected fully the views of the Disciples in Illinois at
that time. However, the Jacksonville meeting did not adopt
the report. Other communities than Walnut Grove were am-
bitious to establish such schools. The assembly decided to
confine its activities exclusively to the direct work of evan-
gelizing. Notwithstanding, the meeting voted in favor of
raising $10,000 to endow a chair in Bethany College. Of
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 39
this sum, the people of Walnut Grove raised and paid
$2,225.
The academy grew in attendance so that a boarding-hall
sufficient for the accommodation of fifty students was com-
pleted in the summer of 1854. Its cost was mainly met by
citizens of the community. Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Clark, who
were admirable Christians, were placed in charge. The hall
became a pleasant home for many occupants in the years fol-
lowing.
A music department was introduced with the session be-
ginning in September, 1855. Miss Ellen F. True, of Mt.
Vernon, Ohio, was the first teacher. A one-room frame
building was erected just across the street from the academy
for the use of this department. When not in use by music
pupils it was occupied by other classes.
For reasons about which annalists are silent, the people
of Walnut Grove desired to change the name of their village
and post-office; so a committee of three was appointed near
the close of 1854 — probably by the trustees of the academy —
to choose a new name. Minister John Lindsay, one of the
three, reported "Eureka," and the people, believing that they
had found a favored spot in a goodly land, adopted it.
As the result of an application and some necessary but
altogether honorable caucusing, the Legislature of Illinois,
by a special act passed in February, 1855, incorporated.
EUREKA COLLEGE.
Under the liberal provisions of this charter the institu-
tion has continued uninterruptedly from September of that
year to the present time. With the summer of 1855 the
academy's work was merged into that of the college. The
first Faculty was composed of the following: William M.
Brown, president ; A. S. Fisher, J. H. Neville, O. A. Burgess,
Richard Conover, Mrs. Sarah F. Conover and Miss Ellen F.
True. Mr. Burgess remained but one year, preferring the
work of the ministry to that of the classroom. He was a
man of striking physique and commanding personality. Well
40 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
developed and finely disciplined, he was self-conscious and
self-poised. With the mentality of a master and the tender
heart of a woman, he was a regal man whose influence re-
mained with all lives he touched.
The new Board of Trustees turned their attention at once
to questions of finance, grounds and a new building. The
school had grown steadily in popularity, numbers and ef-
ficiency; so enlarged accommodations became imperative. The
campus, a tract of about fifteen acres, was the joint gift of
Elias B. Myers and James Conover, residents of the com-
munity and faithful friends of the school. Its graceful
slopes that the bluegrass loves, covered with stately trees of
the primeval forest, have always been regarded as an ideal
spot for a college. Its charms appeal to the love of the beau-
tiful in nature in all beholders.
President Brown and Minister William Davenport served
as solicitors of finance and promoters of the institution in
many parts of the State. Within a few months about $60,000
had been secured in interest-bearing notes. One-third of these
were to be used in the erection of the new building. Relying
upon these notes and college friends, the trustees secured a
loan and let the contract for the building in the spring of
1857. It was completed in the summer of 1858, and has been
in continuous use since that time. This loan had the per-
sonal guarantee of Messrs. John Darst, E. B. Myers and
William Davenport, joint-leaders in this enterprise.
The financial panic of 1857 swept the whole country like
a cyclone. Banks failed and business was paralyzed. Farm-
ers marketing their products were paid in bank notes, many
of which depreciated from 10 to 100 per cent, within from
one to sixty clays. Printed "Bank Detectors" were circulated
and consulted daily and eagerly. These conditions rendered
many of the notes held by the trustees valueless, and hin-
dered many patrons from sending their children to the school.
The college thus suffered its first reverse. However, the
matriculation in this session numbered 276.
Professor Neville left the school in the summer of 1857.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 41
The facile pen of Professor Radford has given this picture
of him:
He was singularly handsome, and the contour of his head and
the expression of his face suggested the purely intellectual in a greater
degree than I have seen in any other person. He loved intellectual
exercise for its own sake. The emotional and physical demands must
wait upon the mental. He had little patience with mediocrity. Aptness
in a student covered a multitude of sins, and dullness would discount
a whole catalogue of virtues. His intense intellectuality, which often
slid into the minor key of abstractedness, led to many eccentricities,
which were copied by us in the sincerest of all flattery — imitation. It
was amusing, no doubt — all that awkward and misfit affectation of
oddities in gait and manner and abstractedness. But when we call
to mind what extravagances are indulged in by the worshipers of
Browning, or Balzac, or Kipling; what aping of royal eccentricities,
deformities, and even vices, are common in high social life — we shall
see that these rustic admirers of the brilliant young teacher were not
fools above all that dwell upon the face of the earth.
In January, 1857, Charles Louis Loos came to the college
as its president. He was a graduate of Bethany, and had
served three years as a teacher in that institution. He was
a native of France and had been trained in the Lutheran
faith. His acceptance of the position of the Disciples came
from a clear conviction of truth and duty. His change of
church relation caused much bitterness among his Lutheran
relatives. He remained at the head of the college only until
the summer of 1858, when he returned to Bethany's Faculty.
He was succeeded in the presidency by Mr. George Cal-
lender, who came to Walnut Grove from Liverpool, England,
in 1852. He was a Scotchman of fine mind and culture, and
was highly esteemed by the students. Three years after his
arrival in this locality, on a beautiful summer afternoon, be-
fore a large concourse of people assembled on the bank of
Walnut Creek, he declared in an impassioned address his
joyful acceptance of the common, catholic principles of the
New Testament faith, and, with his wife, was then immersed.
Mr. Callender did little classroom work, but his frequent lec-
tures were a source of information and inspiration to the
students. The session beginning September, 1858, opened
42 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
with the following Faculty: George Callender, B. W. John-
son, A. S. Fisher, Dr. J. M. Allen, Misses Sue S. Smith,
Elmira J. Dickinson and Jane Ewing.
As early as 1849 a society was formed among the stu-
dents for literary and social culture. It was named "Walnut
Grove Literary Institute." Its meetings were held on Friday
evening of every week, and were a source of great profit
and pleasure to its members. In after years it was incorpo-
rated under the name, "Edmund Burke Society." In 1857
the Periclesian and Mathesian Societies were organized, the
latter for the help of young men looking toward the Chris-
tian ministry. These three societies were composed exclu-
sively of males ; so in 1857 the Excelsior Society was formed
for the advantage of young women. It continued as a helpful
agency until in later years the Edmund Burke and Peri-
clesian Societies declared ladies eligible to their memberships.
Through the fifty-six years of the life of the college these
societies have continued uninterruptedly. They have been
valuable auxiliaries to the direct work of the institution.
In 1860 the college graduated its first class — Mr. E. W.
Dickinson. He was then, and has been through most of the
years since, a resident of Eureka, and has been one of its
most honorable and useful citizens.
To the Faculty of September, 1860, there were added
Messrs. R. H. Johnson and J. H. Rowell and Misses Sarah
Lamphere and Mary G. Clark, making altogether a teaching
force of nine persons. Both the attendance and work of the
school were encouraging.
In 1861 came the beginning of the great Civil War. The
one thought then uppermost in the minds, and the one pas-
sion that then dominated every other in the hearts of all of
America's loyal sons and daughters, was the preservation of
the integrity of our Federal Union. In response to the first
call of President Lincoln for volunteers, five of the seven
men who were members of the Senior class — one of whom
was a teacher also — entered the military service. It is a fact
significant of the loyalty of the Disciples of Illinois to our
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 43
flag that, in the awful period of storm and strife, the college
graduated only three men. This institution has never been
the slavish ally of any political party. Throughout its entire
history it has always stood for those immutable principles of
civic justice and righteousness that make peoples truly great
and assure the life of the republic.
B. W. Johnson succeeded to the presidency in 1862. He
had performed the active duties of that office since 1858. He
had been a student for three years in the academy, and there-
after by two years' work in Bethany had graduated there.
He was probably the best informed man on general history
ever connected with the college. During that period many
students listened eagerly to his remarkable and charming lec-
tures on this subject.
Mr. H. W. Everest came to the presidency in 1864. Leav-
ing Bethany as a student because of his political convictions,
he graduated from Oberlin. He left the presidency of Hiram
College to come to Eureka. He was himself an untiring
student of broad scholarship, a fine instructor in many lines
of knowledge, and of superior executive ability. He was a
modest man of fine personality who awakened commendable
ambitions in his pupils and impressed them with high ideals.
For more than half a century his influence was a potent factor
in the lives of many who ever counted his guiding friendship
a privilege. During the first three years of his administra-
tion the number of students increased from 125 to 225. The
close of the Civil War and the resumption of normal condi-
tions contributed to this result. Then he was assisted by
some able coadjutors in the school — H. O. Newcomb, a grad-
uate of the University of Michigan, a kindly teacher upon
whom "the boys" could always depend in "emergencies," and
Dr. J. M. Allen, a lovable and stimulating instructor.
In 1863 the deficit in current expenses became serious. A
canvass of the community was made and enough money was
secured to tide over for a time. In this and many other
emergencies of the college Mr. John Darst was the leading
man.
44 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Mr. Darst came from Ohio to Walnut Grove in 1851.
Five years thereafter he laid out the town site of Eureka on
land that he had previously purchased. He was the embodi
ment of energy and industry, the soul of honor, "diligent in
business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Frequently he
subordinated his personal interests to the public good. More
than once he mortgaged his land to secure money to help
the college. He was officially connected with the school for
forty years and was one of its most steadfast and dependable
friends. At a meeting held in Bloomington in 1868 to con-
sider the educational interests of the Disciples in Illinois,
reference was made to his liberality. Mr. Darst replied:
"Indeed, brethren, it has been a sort of selfish thing with
me; for I feel a great deal happier than if I did not give."
He was the open foe of the saloon, and contributed five sons
to the Union Army. He was the helpful friend of young
men preparing for the ministry. B. B. Tyler was one to
whom he extended practical encouragement. Mr. Tyler said:
"I want the world to know what John Darst did for me and
for the church of Christ. If I have been worth anything to
the world, let the grand good man have the honor that be-
longs to him."
In 1866 an effort was made to add a few thousand dol-
lars to the endowment, but, inasmuch as the donors were
made the preferred borrowers, a large percentage of these
notes became worthless through unexpected business failures;
so the net result was small. The annual deficit increased in
size like a rolled snowball. Overdue debts became an annoy-
ance to the trustees and a very disagreeable inconvenience
to the teachers. In this emergency individual claims were
surrendered by numerous friends, a loan of $12,000 was
secured, and thus temporary relief was attained. Meanwhile
solicitors were afield. Among them were Dr. J. M. Allen
and Ministers W. T. Maupin and W. G. Anderson.
By 1867 the college had quite outgrown the capacity of
the one building used for nine years. Its chapel was too
small, the library and museum were overcrowded, and the
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 45
literary societies needed more room. Hence the chapel build-
ing was planned, partly financed and finished in 1868.
At the close of eight years' service Mr. Everest resigned
in 1872. He was succeeded the following year by A. M.
Weston, who had come to the college two years before. He
was a graduate of Antioch College under Horace Mann, had
served as city editor on a Cincinnati (O.) daily paper, had
given three years of his life in the Union Army, rising from
a private to a second lieutenancy, and thereafter had given
five years to educational work. During the three years of
his presidency at Eureka the number of students steadily in-
creased each year.
B. J. Radford, the second, was born in Walnut Grove and
has passed most of the seventy-five years of his busy and
fruitful life in that community. After more than three years
of military service in the Federal Army, he graduated at
Eureka in the class of 1866. Beginning at Niantic, Illinois,
in 1868 and closing in Denver, Colorado, in 1892, he spent
sixteen years in ministerial work, interspersed with teaching.
His ministerial work was from 1871 to 1881 at Eureka, and
with intervals at Des Moines, Iowa, and Cincinnati, Ohio.
Beginning in 1870, he was a college teacher, serving thirty
full years, including one year as president of Drake Uni-
versity ; the other twenty-nine years were given to Eureka
College. He succeeded Mr. Weston in the presidency, con-
tinuing two years in that position. His administration of all
the interests of the institution was wise. Throughout his life
Mr. Radford has been an omnivorous reader, an earnest stu-
dent, a great thinker, an inspiring teacher and an interesting
public speaker. Further, he is a clear and forceful writer,
his productions including some genuine poetry. He has an ap-
parently inexhaustible fund of humor and anecdote and is
thoroughly democratic in his instincts. His life has been
filled with earnest toil and uncomplaining self-sacrifice. Dur-
ing his long career as a teacher he came into personal touch
and the range of mental influence with thousands of young
people who have passed through his classrooms. Hundreds
46 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
of these were preparing for the Christian ministry; so he
has gripped the lives of a larger number of youth by his po-
tent personality than any other man ever connected with the
institution. He has made an immeasurable contribution to
the promotion of the Kingdom of God. Since 1886 he has
been an associate editor of the Christian Standard. With
Miss Jessie Brown he was coeditor of The Disciple for two
years. For a period of ten years he was a popular lecturer
on the Chautauqua platforms in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and
Tennessee, and for a much longer time in temperance and
social-reform service. He is not without honor in his home
community, for he has there united more couples in wedlock
than any other man, while he has conducted probably one-
half of all the funerals of those who now rest in Olio's
silent city. "The Professor" is still strong, active and helpful,
and is fairly entitled to be known as the honorable and hon-
ored "Sage of Eureka."
H. W. Everest returned to the presidency of the college
in 1877. For three years more he led the school with his
fine energy and scholarship. During this time a boarding-
house for young men, with a capacity for forty-eight, was
built. But this hall and that one erected in 1854, having
served well their purposes, have gone the way of all earth.
Each in its time was full of the romances of youth — its joy-
ous laughter and midnight oil — but now there remain of them
only a few fading memories.
In 1881, Dr. J. M. Allen was elected to the presidency.
Giving up the practice of medicine, he began his thirty years'
service in the college in 1857. He gave the college faithful
and efficient work as teacher, solicitor and president. His
life was filled with good deeds and self-sacrifice. With a
keen sense of humor, apt incident and fitting anecdote, he
was always popular. His manifest sincerity and loyalty to
truth and right awakened noble ideals in his pupils. His fine
character left an imperishable impress upon thousands of
young men and women. The college prospered during the
four years of his administration.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 47
The teachers here have always received small salaries.
Tuition fees are quite insufficient to meet the current expenses
of any average school. Another effort was made to increase
the endowment, but with limited results. Hence an Aid Fund
was begun, and by this method a goodly number of friends
gave direct help for thirty years. During that period Minis-
ter W. F. Black gave valuable assistance. For the most the
teachers have been men and women who were self-sacrificing,
esteeming the Christian training and culture of young people
greater gain than material riches. And since teachers and
taught have been in almost daily personal contact, the influ-
ence of this consecration has imperceptibly transformed ideals
of life in the students as the vernal sun changes the face of
the earth.
The curriculum was broadened with the passing years,
and, considering its limited material resources, the college
kept pace with educational progress in a marked degree.
In 1884 a commodious audience-room, designed by Pro-
fessor Radford, was erected on the college campus, called
"The Tabernacle." It is 80 by 100 feet in dimensions, seat-
ing twelve hundred people. Its cost was $4,000, which was
paid by citizens of the community. It stands on gently sloping
ground that forms a natural amphitheater. For a period of
twelve years the State Missionary Convention assembled
there. It has served the college on Commencement and other
occasions, and the community for various purposes, inclu-
ding in the later years Chautauqua programs.
In this year the union of Eureka and Abingdon Colleges
was effected. The latter had been crippled years before by
internal strife, and its popularity and usefulness much im-
paired thereby. The public schools were growing steadily
in efficiency and consequent appreciation. Removed from
three to five decades from the period of pioneer school work,
many Disciples did not understand the value and functions
of colleges owned and directed by themselves. The material
and mental steadily overgrew the spiritual in public esteem.
Both of these colleges were receiving feeble financial support,
4S HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and that came mostly from the two localities in which they
were situated. In the early eighties it became apparent that
both of them could not live. Pres. F. M. Bruner made
herculean efforts to save the Abingdon school. He knew its
value to the churches of Christ in that part of the State and
at large. But it was not so written in the records of destiny.
After correspondence and personal consultations, it was de-
cided to unite the college interests of the Disciples in Illinois
at Eureka. By this arrangement F. M. Bruner; his son, H.
L. Bruner; his daughter, Miss Lettie Bruner, and Mr. W. S.
Errett became members of the Faculty of the united school.
Up to that date Abingdon had graduated 164 and Eureka
133 young men and women, a total of 297. This number
probably did not amount to one-tenth of those who had come
under their helpful influences.
Carl Johann became president in 1887. He had served
in this capacity during the preceding year while Dr. J. M.
Allen was afield for finance. Mr. Johann was a native of
Switzerland, near the boundary-line of France. From his
sixth year he attended school eleven months in the year, and
at the age of fifteen graduated from the high school of his
native city — Chaux-de-Fonds. During this period he acquired
a knowledge of both the German and French languages, as
both were in common use by the people of his native city.
He was next sent by his parents to the College of Lausanne,
where he completed its course of study in three years.
Thereafter he was a student in the Universities of Aaran and
Zurich for two years. At the age of twenty he went to
Paris, France, to study, but within the year decided to come
to America. Here he readily acquired a knowledge of our
language. After various experiences as farm-helper, tutor,
surveyor and public-school teacher, he came to Eureka in the
fall of 1876 as Professor of Modern Languages. He was
connected with the college twenty years — eleven years as a
teacher and nine as president.
The attendance of students was steadily increasing, so that
the boarding-halls were quite inadequate. At this juncture
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 49
Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ford, then residents of Eureka and sin-
cere friends of the school, tendered to the trustees as a gift
their beautiful residence, with four and a half acres of
ground adjoining the campus, to be made into a boarding-
hall for young lady students. The conditions were that it
should be suitably enlarged and be known as "Lida's Wood"
— in memory of their only daughter. At a cost of $10,000
the building was enlarged, completed and opened for students
in the fall of 1888. After being used for five and a half
years, this structure was burned to the ground January 11,
1894. It was soon thereafter rebuilt on a larger and better
plan. The yard of "The Wood" is covered with native,
stately trees and is a charming place. The property has al-
ways been a valuable and pleasing adjunct to the educational
and social work of the institution.
By 1890 the attendance of students had so increased that
the classroom facilities were quite inadequate. The effort for
a new building resulted in the completion of Burgess Memo-
rial Hall in 1892, at a cost of $21,000. Of this sum, $10,000
was the gift of Mrs. O. A. Burgess. The building was
named by the Board of Trustees that it should stand as a
memorial of her deceased husband, who, in its early years,
had served as a teacher there and was a distinguished repre-
sentative of the Disciples. In the session of 1892-93 there
were 386 students enrolled, while the teachers numbered
nineteen.
In 1890 the trustees bought a five-acre tract near the
campus for an athletic park. At the same time they con-
verted a part of the old college building into a gymnasium.
In these years of encouraging progress and helpfulness
there were silent and potent forces at work that were soon
to challenge the very life of the institution. The first and
smaller of the two chief influences was the financial panic of
the early nineties. The depreciation of values, the stagnation
of business, the tramp of millions of industrious men and
women in search of honorable work, and the utter ruin of
countless commendable enterprises, were appalling. This de-
SO HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
pression reached many nations. Naturally, attendance de-
creased at such educational institutions, while their friends
were generally less able to furnish the money they needed.
But the greatest and continuing force with which all such
colleges in Illinois must take account is the public-school sys-
tem of the State. Founded in 1825, it has grown steadily in
efficiency and popularity. This enlargement was particularly
apparent in the two closing decades of the nineteenth century.
In 1870 there were only two public high schools in Illinois;
now (1912) there are 365 such schools in towns and cities,
with fifty-seven township high schools having a four years'
course — a total of 422. Many of them are accredited to the
State University. The curriculum of these schools has grown
until now it is fully equal to that of the church schools forty
years ago. While these colleges enlarged their courses of
study and became more efficient in their work, they did not
keep up with the State's high schools in popularity. The
latter came to be regarded as the "People's College." Since
about 1890, courses in these high schools have been elective,
while at the present time there is a marked tendency toward
vocational training. During this period of high-school
growth the commonwealth had added to the two already in
operation three additional Normal Schools — one in the east-
ern, one in the western and one in the northern part of the
State. Access is thus made comparatively easy and inex-
pensive to most of the young people who desire to attend
them. Meanwhile, the University of Illinois has continued
to grow in every way. The expenses incurred in the estab-
lishing, equipment and conduct of this superior system of
mental development and culture are largely met by general
taxation, while the ever-increasing attendance develops en-
thusiasm in the student body. These things have had a
marked influence toward decreasing the growth of church
schools in attendance.
By 1896 an indebtedness of $30,000 confronted the trus-
tees. Minister J. H. Hardin had shown his ability as a
solicitor in several fields ; so, upon the invitation of the board,
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 51
he accepted the presidency. It was understood that, for a
time at least, his attention would be given to finance. Under
his leadership the debt was paid and 200 acres of land in the
corn belt of Illinois was given to the college by Mr. T. A.
Bondurant, of De Land, Illinois. Mr. Hardin was a graduate
of Kentucky and Missouri Universities, had served as presi-
dent of Christian University at Canton, Missouri; as corre-
sponding secretary of the American Christian Missionary
Society, and in other responsible positions, before coming to
Eureka. During his administration the academic garb was
first introduced and worn at Commencement.
The grade of work done by Eureka College is indicated,
in some degree, by the following facts: The college was ad-
mitted as a member of the Illinois Intercollegiate Oratorical
Association in 1896. This is composed of Knox, Illinois,
Monmouth and Eureka Colleges and Wesleyan and Black-
burn Universities. For the ten years next ensuing, Eureka's
place was this: 1896, second place; 1897, fourth; 1898, first;
1899, first; 1900, first; 1901, second; 1902, first; 1903, sec-
ond; 1904, first; 1905, first — six firsts and three seconds for
Eureka in one decade became painfully monotonous to the
other colleges forming the association. Something had to
be done ; so in 1906 the young men in Eureka preparing for
the Christian ministry were, by a vote of the association, de-
barred from its membership on the alleged ground that "they
are professionals"! And, further, the same spirit and good
work that fairly won these honors brought victory in other
contests also. The only time Eureka had a representative
in the Equal Suffrage Contest, the first place was given by
every judge. The Peace Contest is open to all the colleges
of the State. Eureka has taken fourth place, and in 1912
secured third, fourteen colleges competing. Even better suc-
cess has been the order in Prohibition work. One third place,
two seconds and two firsts make a worthy record. Twice
have Eureka's representatives won high honors in the Inter-
state Prohibition Contest. One year Eureka's representative
tied for first place in thought and composition and ranked
52 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
third on the final grade, and in 1900 he took first place.
Robert E. Hieronymus became president in 1900. Pie was
born in Logan County, Illinois, in 1862, graduated from the
State Normal in 1886, from Eureka in 1889, and thereafter
was one year a student in the University of Michigan. He
was a successful teacher in the college from 1890 to 1899,
except two years in which he was engaged as superintendent
of extension work in the University of California. During
his presidency the central heating-plant was installed, and the
college buildings were renovated, repaired and modernized.
In the library $5,000 was invested and about twenty-five hun-
dred volumes were added thereto.
There were three problems that confronted the adminis-
tration of Mr. Hieronymus, all of which had been accentuated
by some preceding years. First, that of financial support
was, of course, continuous. Second, the growing efficiency,
popularity and geographical convenience of the system of the
State schools, as above noted, imposed upon the church
schools a very earnest and serious contest for students.
Then, the question of holding growing and capable teachers
was to be met — and it is yet. The college has developed
some of its graduates into very efficient teachers only to lose
a number of them at the time of their larger usefulness to
other better compensating institutions.
Through the initiative of President Hieronymus, the
Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations
were formed in the college. He encouraged and emphasized
the Student Volunteer Movement and foreign mission service.
By means of these agencies the Christian activities of the
college were brought up to date, and its religious influences,
uniting with those of other Protestant church schools in
Illinois, made themselves definitely felt in the State schools
of higher education.
For sixty-five years Eureka has been a center of mis-
sionary education and activity. The college was imbued with
the aim long since. The list of missionaries whom the college
has helped to train is a notable one. Of these, three died
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 53
before leaving their homes — Miss Lois E. A. Pratz, Miss
Alice Ropp and Mr. Oliver Moody. The following, by tea-
son of ill health induced by residence in foreign field, or from
other considerations, have either returned to America, or are
now elsewhere and otherwise engaged: Mr. E. E. Faris, Mr.
and Mrs. Roscoe Hill, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Weaver and Mr.
and Mrs. L. C. McPherson. Those now at work in oilier
fields are Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Menges, Mr. and Mrs. F. E.
Hagin, Mr. and Mrs. R. D. McCoy, Mr. Leslie Wolf, Mr. R.
R. Eldred, Mr. A. E. Cory, Miss Edna Eck, Miss Bertha
Lacock, Miss Nellie Daugherty (who became the wife of
Dr. Butchart), Emory Ross, Mrs. Lillie Boyer Hedges, Dr.
E. B. Pearson, Lewis A. Hurt, Dr. W. H. Freymire and Miss
Frances Irene Banta. But the greatest of all was the beau-
tiful young woman, Miss Ella C. Ewing, who, when on the
banks of the great Congo River, mid-continent, she lay dying
of African fever, said, "Tell them to come and take my
place." In all, fifty-seven missionaries have received their
training at Eureka; also, fourteen teachers who have served
in the Southern Christian Institute at Edwards, Mississippi,
and two in the academy at Hazel Green, Kentucky.
The Illinois Christian Educational Association was formed
by a few devoted women in Eureka in 1899. Its object is to
help secure the co-operation of friends through the State in
the maintenance and enlargement of the college. One dollar
a year is paid by every member. Since its beginning about
five thousand persons have thus co-operated. The present
membership is fifteen hundred. During its thirteen years the
association has raised and paid to the college $45,000. In
this agency Mrs. S. J. Crawford has been the consecrated
and honored leader.
A campaign for a better endowment was inaugurated in
the State Missionary Convention held at Paris in 1906. In
January, 1912, the trustees reported that the college was en-
tirely free from debt and that it had a bona-fide endowment
of $170,000. The credit and honor of this achievement be-
longs chiefly to Mr. H. H. Peters, who led in this campaign
54
for three years. A multitude of discouragements confronted
him daily, but he went forward with the courage, the optimism
and the resolute purpose that were simply admirable. How-
ever, if the Disciples of Illinois think to conduct a creditable
institution of learning for less than $1,000,000 in bankable
endowment, they quite misread the signs of the times.
The years of paltry parsimony in the best educational work
have gone by. This school would have died long since had
it not been that John Darst, Dr. N. B. Crawford, James P.
Darst, and others while living, according to their financial
ability, sustained it by thousands and tens of thousands of
their own dollars. Fifty to sixty per cent, of all the money
paid for this institution has been contributed by the com-
munity in which it is located. This generosity has enriched
the community.
President Hieronymus brought the college to a standing
among and recognition by the other educational forces of the
State that it had never before had. During the nine years
of his administration he put into the school the best of his
fine mind and heart. The burdens were more than he could
bear. Broken bodily health compelled him to relinquish the
onerous responsibilities.
Prof. A. C. Gray, who had taught in the college since
1908, served as acting president for two and a half years,
not wishing to accept its leadership. Mr. Charles C. Under-
wood became president in February, 1912. He was succeeded
by Mr. H. O. Pritchard, September 1, 1913.
If schools are to be measured by the men and women
they train and contribute to society, then Eureka College is
the equal of any educational institution in the State or the
nation. Doing severally their duties wisely and well, her
sons are met upon the farm and in the marts of trade, in
teachers and physicians, at the bar and upon the bench, in
editorial rooms and in the councils of state; and her daugh-
ters, if filling less conspicuous places, are no less helpful
in serving their times.
The following list of Christian ministers who received
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
55
their training chiefly at Eureka indicates in some degree the
value of the institution to the church and to the world:
GRADUATES.
Those marked thus * are deceased.
Adams, C. J.
Allen, John W.
Alsup, J. T.
Bain, John.
Barnett, H. M.
Barnett, James A.
Bennett, Harry Gordon
Beshers, R. L.
Boyer, E. E.
Boyer, Thomas A.
Breeden, H. O.
Bullock, J. Harry
Burgess, T. M.
Burnham, F. W.
Cannon, Wm. H.
Carpenter, J. W.
Carpenter, W. J.
Chandler, George F.
Chenoweth, Irving S.
Clark, H. D.*
Clemens, J. A.
Cobb, Abner P.
Coleson, Hiram K.
Cory, A. E.
Crank, J. R.
Dabney, C. B.
Dabney, J. D.
Dale, Hiram U.
Davis, L. F.
Deweese, W. D.
Doan, R. B.
Doney, O. K.
Drummet, Wm.
Ennefer, S. A.
Faulders, L. I.
Finger, S. Daisy
Fisher, Eli*
Fisher, Stephen E.
Garrison, W. E.
Genders, Henry*
Ghormley, J. F.
Gilhland, Ernest A.
Giililand, J. H.*
Green, W. A.
Hagin, Fred E.
Hallam, S. K.
Harrington, L. S.
Harris, J. E.
Hart, E. J.*
Haynes, N. S.
Heckel, C. A.
Hieronymus, R. E.
Horner, J. M.
Hotaling, L. R.
Huff, A. L.
Huff, Lewie G.
Idleman, Finis S.
Jenner, H. H.
Jones, Silas
Jordan, O. F.
Kern, W. H.
Kindred, W. H.
Kirk, James*
Lappin, W. O.
Lehman, L. O.
Lichtenberger, J. P.
Lyon, Clyde L.
McBean, John L.
McCoy, R. D.
McKnight, J. P.
McPherson, Lowell C.
McReynolds, Paul
Marlow, C. W.
Marsh, Clark
Mavity, Thos. W.
Menges, Melvin
Miller, Geo. A.
Mitchell, Cyprus R.
Nay, Roley
Newton, R. H.
Nichols, Fred S.
Ogle, J. T.
Oviatt, O. Q.
Parke, Myrtle B.
Parvin, Ira L.
Peters, Geo. L.
Peters, H. H.
Pickerell, L. B.
Price, Wm.
Quinlan, J. G.
Radford, B. J.
Radford, Chas. T.
Reichel, H. C.
Reynolds, H. J.
Richards, O. A.
Richardson, W. F.
Rogers, Edwin*
Ross, Geo. W.*
Ross, Charles W.
Rowlison, C. C.
Sealock, B. H.
Serena, J. A.
Seyster, D. F.
Shaw, Herbert P.
Shaw, W. F.
Shields, David H.
Sinclair, C. C.
Sinclair, Ellmore
Sinclair, John A.
Skelton, Leroy*
Smith, F. E.
Smith, F. P.
Smith, J. F.
Smith, O. L.
Smith, W. G.
Sniff, W. W.
Spicer, W. E.
56
HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Stauffer, C. R.
Stewart, O. W.
Stivers, J. T.
Street, John W.
Streibich, Harry M.
Sutherland, Jos. R.
Sutton, F. W.
Sweeney, Geo. W.
Thackaberry, F. M.
Allen, J. Buford*
Allen, James M.*
Agee, Ivan W.
Asbell, J. M.
Beckelhymer, Isaac
Beekman, J. V.*
Berry, Geo. K.
Berry, J. Festus*
Borop, N. A.
Bowen, F. L.
Bradbury, D. C.
Burr, Amos A.
Calvin, F. N.
Camp, J. W.
Campbell. Walter S.*
Cantrell, C. G.
Carpenter, C. C.
Clements, J. S.
Cloe, J. N.
Conner, A. M.
Coombs, J. V.
Cotterell, Henry A.
Cragun, E. D.
Cummings, Clark W.
Dangerfield, Rachel
Davis, F. S.
Denham, W. W.
Deweese, C. C.*
Dunkerson, Thomas*
Earl; Henry S.
Eldred, R. R.
Engle, Ira
Ennefer, W. L.
Evans, Chas. E.
Thomas, J. N.
Waggoner, J. G.
Thomas, R. E.
Waggoner, W. H.
Thomas, S. M.*
Weaver, Clifford S.
Thrapp, R. F.
Wetzel, D. N.
Tucker, Harry E.
Williams, Charles
Vawter, S. D.
Wilson, Arthur A.*
Ventress, K. C.
Wray, Burton L.
Vogel, Peter*
Zendt, S. H.
Waggoner, H. G.
NON-GRADUATE STUDENTS.
Fannon, Shorland
Lessig, Ray S.
Finch, C. A.
Lester, J. N.
Finnell, Rufus
McConnell, W. T.
Gains, C. R.
McCune, J. L.
German, W. C.
McElroy, G. W.*
Gilcrest, R. A.
McPherson, J. H.*
Gish, Ellis P.
McPherson, R. P.
Golden, J. R.
Madden, D. W.
Golightly, T. J.
Madison, W. D.
Hale, A. M.
Maupin, W. T.*
Marker, J. N.
Medbury, C. S.
Harward, H. G.
Miller, John*
Hayden, W. H.*
Moffett, F. L.
Henry, A. W.
Moomaw, Otho
* Hiett, J. W.
Monser, J. W.*
Hill, Lew D.
Organ, C. L.
Holloman, T. J.
Porter, J. W.
Hougham, C. D.
Poynter, D. J.
Honn, D. W.
Poynter, W. C*
Howe, D. J.
Pratt, B. C.
Howell, R. E.*
Ragsdale, Alva
Humphrey, W. A.*
Rowe, G. H.
Husband, David
Russell, W. J.
Jefferson, S. M.*
Rust, W. H.
Jewett, J. E.*
Scott, F. A.
Johnson, B. W.*
Scrivens, C. A.
Johnson, J. B.
Shirley, Arnold
Johnson, R. H.
Shurts, John W.
1 Keller, E. H.
Smith, J. T.*
Kindred, C. G.
Smoot, C. E.
Kitchen, W. G.
Snively, Geo. L.
Lappin, J. C.
Sorey, M. Lee
Lappin, S. S.
Speck, J. R.
Ledgerwood, H. D.*
Spicer, A. R.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 57
Spriggs, E. A. Sutton, F. W. Willoughby, W. D.
Stauffer, C. Lee Sweeney, Z. T. Wisher, C. C.
Stevenson, Marion Thomas, G. W. Wolfe, Leslie E.
Stewart, James F. Thomas, L. R. Wright, N. J.
Stout, Elijah* Tyler, B. B. York, P. F.
Stout, John E. Weimer, G. M. Zinck, Gilbert
To the list of those who were trained at Eureka for the
service in the Kingdom of God, the following names should
be added: Mrs. Caroline Neville Pearre, the mother of the
Christian Woman's Board of Missions; Miss Elmira J. Dick-
inson, her coadjutor in the national work and the mother of
the Illinois C. W. B. M.; Mrs. O. A. Burgess, the president
of the national society for twelve years and one of its wisest
leaders ; Mrs. S. J. Crawford and Miss Anna E. Davidson,
who have given to the State Society invaluable assistance.
THE DISCIPLES' DIVINITY HOUSE.
This school originated in 1895, with Mr. Herbert L. Wil-
lett as acting dean.
Its purpose is to provide, at the University of Chicago,
an organization of all students who look toward ministerial
and missionary work. The House is an organic part of the
university. In addition to the regular courses of the divinity
school of the university, the House offers courses of instruc-
tion to graduate students in the origin, teaching, history, aims
and literature of the Disciples, for which work credit is
given in the university. Since its organization about three
hundred students — a few more or less — have availed them-
selves of its advantages, including a number of missionaries.
Mr. Willett is the present dean, and Mr. Errett Gates, who
is also a member of the university corps of instructors, is
associated with him in its work.
The management of the House is vested in a self-perpetu-
ating board of fifteen trustees who handle all property and
appoint the instructors. In 1895 a lot 150x175 feet at the
corner of Fifty-seventh Street and Lexington Avenue, just
opposite the "University Quadrangles," was bought for
58 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
$13,000. On this the Hyde Park Church of Christ has a tem-
porary chapel. In addition to this lot, the House has an
interest-bearing endowment of $30,000. It is the purpose of
the trustees to build on this lot a structure, costing about
$150,000, which shall serve as the home of the Hyde Park
Church of Christ, for the House with its office, library and
classrooms, and which may further serve as the common
meeting-place of all Disciples who may be in attendance at
the university at any time. Mr. Charles M. Sharp is engaged
to lead in this material enterprise, and also to serve as an addi-
tional instructor in the House. The library was based on the
private library of the late Min. J. T. Toof, to which has
been added journalistic and other literature of the Disciples ;
also German and Scottish literature pertaining to religious
conditions of society out of which the Restoration movement
grew. This is the only school among the Disciples for the
higher training of men entering the ministry of the word of
God. The Bible chairs are to furnish college students with
a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. The city of Chicago
affords endless facilities for practical work. It is a labora-
tory of human life.
ABINGDON COLLEGE.
On the first Monday in April, 1853, Patrick H. Murphy
and John C. Reynolds opened a school in Abingdon, Illinois.
They called it Abingdon Academy. It met in the Christian
Church, a plain frame building. It grew and prospered.
Messrs. Murphy and Reynolds were graduates of Bethany
College. They possessed the educational spirit of the great
founder of that institution. It was their purpose to build up
a first-class college at Abingdon.
Within a period of seventeen months a three-story brick
building, 40 x 60 feet in dimensions, had been erected and
equipped, the school had been chartered by special act of the
State Legislature under the name of Abingdon College, and
in September, 1854, the institution opened its doors for busi-
ness. The first name written on the registration list was Miss
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 59
Elvira Whitman, Cameron, Illinois. She was sixteen years
of age. In the class of 1858 she graduated, taught four
years thereafter, and in 1862 became the wife of Judge Dur-
ham. They traveled very happily together past fifty Thanks-
giving Days; when that of 1911 had gone, she went away to
the Father's house.
President Murphy was a product of the old church at
Cameron. He was scholarly, a good teacher and executive,
an eloquent preacher and a fine type of Christian gentleman.
The college began most auspiciously. Everybody breathed
daily the nope fulness and enthusiasm of youth. The country,
the school, the building, the teachers and pupils were all
young. The joy of living and learning was the keenest. Dur-
ing the six years of Mr. Murphy's presidency 1,087 students
were enrolled, of whom 600 were males and 487 females. In
the summer of 1860 Mr. Murphy died of tuberculosis.
He was succeeded in the presidency by J. W. Butler, who
had been connected with the college from its beginning. Un-
der his administration the school continued to prosper. New
buildings were added at a cost of $40,000, and were fully
paid for. The Civil War seriously affected the attendance at
nearly all schools. However, the enrollment during nine
years of Mr. Butler's ten years' administration was 1,604, of
whom 983 were males and 721 females. During the later
years of his administration a large number of the supporters
and friends of the college concluded that the interests of the
school would be promoted by a change in the presidency.
These persons gave to Mr. Butler honorable recognition for
his faithful and efficient service; still, they insisted upon a
change. Mr. Butler fully determined that there should be
no change in his official relation to the college at that time.
This led to factional spirit and continued contentions. The
school lost its prestige and its friends fell away. This was
the beginning of the end of the institution.
At this juncture J. W. McGarvey, of Lexington, Ken-
tucky, was elected president, but declined the honor. Mr.
Butler served till 1874, and was succeeded by Oval Pirkey,
60 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
who passed through troubled times. Clark Braden was at
the head of the school in 1876-77. In the latter year F. M.
Bruner came to the presidency. He was a man of fine schol-
arship, unflagging industry and commendable ambitions. He
fully realized the worth of the college as a factor in general
education and particularly its value to the churches of Christ
in the Military Tract and at large as well. His efforts
through a period of seven years, to reanimate and rehabilitate
the college, were herculean and self-sacrificing to a degree.
But it was not so written in the records of destiny. The
evils of vain ambition could not be undone. In 1884 the in-
stitution became affiliated with Eureka College and its doors
were closed forever.
But Abingdon was worth far more than it ever cost. It
gave to the church and society useful men and women whose
influences for good have been widely impressed. Among
these may be named A. P. Aten, C. C. Button, M. F. Button,
G. T. Carpenter, H. H. Coffeen, George Dew, Judge Durham,
Lizzie Dodge Carson, J. H. Garrison, J. H. Gilliland, William
Griffin, Josephus Hopwood, Marion Ingles, Mrs. Libbie F.
Ingles, G. H. Laughlin, J. M. Martin, C. E. Price, J. H.
Smart, A. J. Thompson, J. T. Toof and Emma Veatch Lor-
man. During the life of the college it had graduated 164
people, and about four thousand had come into direct touch
with its helpful influences.
Abingdon College had practically no endowment.
BEREAN COLLEGE.
This institution was organized at Jacksonville, under the
general incorporation law of the State, April 25, 1854. Sec-
tions 2 and 3 of the charter read as follows:
The objects contemplated by this act of incorporation are to build
up and maintain, in the town of Jacksonville, an institution of learning
of the highest class, for males and females, to teach and inculcate the
Christian faith and morality of the sacred Scriptures, and for the
promotion of the arts and sciences.
The trustees shall have power to erect the necessary buildings, to
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 61
appoint a president, professors and teachers, and other agents and
officers ; to confer degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, and to do all
other tilings for the encouragement of religion and learning which are
lawfully done by the most approved seminaries and colleges in the
United States.
The first Board of Trustees was composed of Hon. Joseph
Morton, President ; Jesse Galbraith, Secretary ; Joseph J. Cas-
sall, Treasurer; Nathan M. Knapp, Andrew J. Kane, William
C. Mallory, Jacob Ward, James Simpson, Samuel G. Weag-
ley, Samuel T. Galloway, Nimrod Deweese, Anderson Fore-
man, Joel Headington, Jonathan Atkinson and William W.
Happy, Sr. The Faculty was as follows: Minister Jonathan
Atkinson, President, Professor of Latin and Greek, lecturer
on sacred history and instructor in French; William W".
Happy, Jr., teacher of mathematics and the natural sciences
and instructor in German ; Miss Melinda Bond, governess
and teacher of history, rhetoric and philosophy; William D.
Hillis, teacher of vocal music; Mrs. L. E. Hillis, teacher of
instrumental music.
The school opened the first Monday in October, 1854. The
term was forty weeks of two equal semesters. During the
first year ninety-six pupils were enrolled — fifty-nine males
and thirty-seven females.
In addition to academic courses, the study of the Bible
was required of all students, and the president delivered
every year a course of lectures on sacred history.
The school was located a short distance east of the town
on a five-acre campus, a quiet and beautiful place. The first
term was held in a frame building located on one side of the
ground. Meanwhile, an attractive brick building was erected.
It was occupied by the school in 1855. This structure now
forms the east part of Pasevant Memorial Hospital. In
1857 Minister Walter Scott Russell came to the presidency of
the college. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1832, and
graduated from Bethany College in 1856, and was a man of
unquestioned culture and piety. He was at that time the
pastor of the Jacksonville Church also. While his sincerity
62 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and Christian excellences were admitted, he was a mystic of
the Samuel Taylor Coleridge school of thought. The faith
of the versatile thinker was kaleidoscopical. Coleridge says
of himself that he became so absorbed in abstract specula-
tion that history, facts, and even poetry, became insipid to
him. Mr. Russell became so attached to and absorbed in this
theory that the Bible as a revelation from God became sec-
ondary to the direct spiritual illumination of the soul by the
Holy Spirit. Upon this theory he insisted. His teaching, in
both the college and the pulpit, was subordinated to this idea.
Some of our leading ministers became the open advocates of
this doctrine. The school was fairly successful for four
years. But the mystical teaching of Mr. Russell produced a
division in the Jacksonville Church of Christ. This rupture
forced the discontinuance of the college forever.
Mr. Russell went into the service of the Christian Com-
mission. While caring for sick and wounded soldiers he con-
tracted disease at Vicksburg, Mississippi, from which he died
there in November, 1863.
Mr. Campbell, speaking to the students of Berean College
in 1858, said: "W. S. Russell is admirably qualified for the
responsible position he occupies."
MAJOR SEMINARY
Was founded by William T. Major at Bloomington in 1856.
The institution had long been in the heart of its founder.
It was first designed as a female orphan school. This aim
was soon abandoned and the school became a seminary for
the general education and culture of young women under
the auspices of the Christian Church. A brick building five
stories in height, costing about $20,000, was erected by Mr.
Major. It was on Seminary Avenue — the street taking its
name from the school — and Lee and Oak Streets. For a
number of years the seminary was fairly prosperous. A
goodly number of young women were helped to finer ideals
and better preparation for their life-work. But tuition fees
were insufficient to sustain an efficient Faculty. The public
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 63
schools grew in popularity, and coeducation found a larger
following in the colleges of the time. The attendance of
pupils at the seminary did not increase, and hence the enter-
prise was abandoned in the later sixties.
SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE.
In 1856 the Presbyterian Church erected a brick building
for a college in Carbondale, Illinois. The structure was
enclosed and partly plastered. The Civil War killed the
enterprise.
In June, 1866, a convention of members of the churches
of Christ in that part of the State was held at De Soto.
At this meeting a committee was appointed to negotiate for
the Presbyterian building and grounds in Carbondale. In
a second convention, held in De Soto in August of the same
year, the purchase of the property by the committee was
ratified, a Board of Trustees was elected, and Clark Braden
was chosen as president.
The title to this property was then vested in Messrs. J.
M. Campbell and D. H. Brush. They sold it to these trustees
for $10,000, the first named donating $1,000 and the last
named $500 on the purchase price. Messrs. Lysias Heap,
Pleasant Pope, B. F. Pope, Frederick Williams, Stephen
Blair, E. C. Ford, John Goodall, F. M. Goodall and S. R.
Hog gave severally $500, leaving a debt of $4,000.
In this unfinished, unfurnished and dilapidated building,
the first week in October, 1866, President Braden opened the
school with eight pupils. At the close of the first year 155
different pupils had been enrolled. The second year, 1867-68,
the enrollment went up to 240 pupils. The third year enroll-
ment was 400 different pupils, of whom 360 were in attend-
ance at the spring term. This was the largest enrollment of
any school controlled by the churches of Christ up to that
time.
In the session of 1869 the Illinois Legislature enacted
a law establishing a normal school in that city, in the
southern part of the State, which would make the best dona-
64 , HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
tion to such school. There was very keen competition for
this institution between Olney, Centralia, Duquoin and Car-
bondale. The last named was handicapped by its location,
being only forty-five miles from the southern end of a State
that is four hundred miles long. The chief claim of Carbon-
dale was the great normal school in Southern Illinois Col-
lege. The city of Carbondale proposed to purchase this
school and its property and make them a part of their bid
for the State Normal. The Faculty and the churches of
Christ in that part of the State were urged to unite and
work for the location of the State school there.
President Braden and his wife, in addition to their
arduous labors in the college, had spent $4,600 in finishing
and furnishing the building. For its current expenses the
college had cost no one a cent outside of tuitions. The
interest on the $4,000 indebtedness had not been paid. At
this juncture of affairs, in a meeting of the trustees and
other friends of the college, Mr. Braden urged that the debt
be paid off, that a wing to the building, which was over-
crowded, be erected, and that the State Normal go to Olney,
that then led the other cities in the bid. A goodly number
of Disciples were in accord with these views. Air. Braden
and his faithful colaborers had built up a great school.
From its beginning, normal work had been the leading
feature. The clock of time was striking the crisis-hour of
Southern Illinois College. The money was not forthcoming,
and the property was sold to the city of Carbondale. It is
clear that to this growing young college and its normal
work, the prime factor of which was Clark Braden, the city
of Carbondale is indebted for the Southern Illinois Normal
University.
THE BASTIAN SEMINARY.
In September, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Bastian opened
a school at Sullivan." They were well-educated and cultured
people and saw clearly the need at that time of facilities
that would supplement the limited work of the public schools.
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 65
Possibly there was not a high school in the State at that
time — certainly not more than one or two. Mr. Bastian had
sold about one hundred scholarships. These were to run
five years, which was the life-period of the institution. The
curriculum included the studies usually found in the small
college of that time. In these there were enrolled from
fifty to sixty pupils, never more than seventy-five. The
lower grades were in charge of Miss R. Latherman, with
an average attendance of sixty-five pupils. The school did
good work and exerted a fine influence in the town and on
the surrounding community. This aim was most commend-
able.
Mr. Bastian preached for the Sullivan Church during
this time. In addition to all these duties, the principal of
the school and his wife boarded a number of the students in
their own home to help meet their living expenses. They
aimed to apply some of the receipts from the school on the
purchase price of the property that was occupied. Mrs.
Bastian before her marriage was Miss Eunice Jewett, of
Dayton, O. Her father's house had been the stopping-place
of many of the pioneers in the Restoration movement. She
had a superior knowledge of the Scriptures and was a
woman of fine mental and social culture. Her home was
a charming place. In addition to all of her domestic and
school responsibilities, she was noted for her wise counsel,
her ministries of sympathy to the forlorn and benevolences
to the poor. In her last illness, after the attending physi-
cian had assured her that the end was near, the Sunday-
school superintendent, not knowing her condition, came
into her room for her advice about the children's program.
This she gave, spoke of the Lord's promise and bade
the superintendent a final good-by. The value of such a
woman is beyond human estimate, and her influence never
dies.
After five years of usefulness the school closed from lack
of support. With rare exceptions is educational work main-
tained by tuition fees and infrequent donations.
66 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ALMA INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE.
The thought of an industrial school at Alma originated
with Mr. W. S. Ross, a graduate of Abingdon College, and
pastor of the Alma Christian Church. The proposition was
heartily favored by the community. Subscriptions were
secured. Four acres of land were bought, and a good two-
story, eight-room frame building was erected thereon. The
title to this property was vested in a Board of Trustees. The
school opened in September, 1896. It was coeducational and
aimed to help worthy young people to start well in life.
An option on 420 acres of land was secured, and a printing-
office was bought and installed in the building. The aim
was to have the boys work part of the time on the farm
and the girls in the printing-office, and thus pay part of their
expenses. In addition to this labor, every pupil paid $120
per annum. This work and cash secured for each and every
pupil during the school year board and lodging, instruction
and books. Experience proved that the school could not be
maintained on this financial basis. Appeals for assistance in
localities from which the school was easily accessible met
with meager responses. Debt accumulated ; hence, in 1900,
the school was discontinued. The property was sold, for
public uses, for $3,000, which was said to have been one-half
of its value. All debts were settled. The average attendance
during the four years was about one hundred per year. The
men who served as head of the school or president were
H. Y. Keller, W. H. Boles, A. A. Hibner, Clark Braden,
W. B. Bedell, P. J. Dickerson and Thomas Munnell. Mr.
Munnell died just before the final closing of the institu-
tion. His body is buried at Alma. This enterprise was
most commendable.
CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE.
From 1881 to 1887 this school, which was of seminary
rank, was conducted at Metropolis. The prime movers in the
enterprise were Messrs. J. F. McCartney, Solomon Tan-
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 67
hauser, T. S. Stone, M. N. McCartney, William Wright and
J. M. Elliott.
The sessions were held in the old seminary building that
stood at the corner of Katherine and Fifth Streets, opposite
the Christian Church. The average attendance during the
period was sixty pupils. There were from four to six teach-
ers employed, whose financial support was received from
tuition fees and personal donations to the institution.
The curriculum included a normal course, English classics,
a business course and instruction in the Bible.
The growing aims and efforts of the high schools in a
degree took the ground occupied by this institute; hence it
was closed and the property sold.
CHAPTER IV.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST.
THE ERA OF PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS.
There were two causes that led to many public debates
between representatives of the Disciples and those of other
religious bodies. The first was the spirit of controversy that
was prevalent in most denominations at the beginning of the
movement for the restoration of the New Testament church
in its teachings, its ordinances and its life. The sermons of
that time were full of denials and affirmations. Minister
James Leaton, who was a member of the Illinois Conference
and a godly man, was pastor of the First Methodist Episco-
pal Church in Decatur from 1876 to 1878. During that
time, speaking of the changed spirit of public discourses, he
said to some friends: "Fifty years ago, whatever might be
the sermon subject and text of the average Methodist
preacher, the discourse generally closed with these words,
'So you see, brethren, that Calvinism can not be true. Let
us pray.' " Secondly, the preaching of the Disciples was new
and strange. They appealed to the word of God as the sole
and final authority; others appealed to their varying human
creeds and went to the Bible for texts to prove them. Great
confusion of thought and statement was inevitable. Party
spirit was dominant, denominational pride uppermost. The
deed was subordinated to the creed. Church people disliked
or even hated one another for the love of God. The Disci-
ples were sometimes misunderstood, sometimes misrepre-
sented, sometimes condemned, sometimes shamelessly and
shockingly slandered, and very generally counted without the
circle of orthodoxy. One of these preachers wrote in 1844
68
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 69
as follows: "I have stood here alone for four years, a mark
for sectarian malice to vent itself against. A short time
since I was pointed out in a congregation by one of the
called and sent as 'a water-washed, white-faced devil, a wolf
in sheep's clothing, a preacher of damnable doctrines.' )] To
those who live in these better years such bigotry and base-
ness seem hardly credible. The Disciples were compelled to
fight. They have always been ready, and are yet where cir-
cumstances require, to defend their teachings in the arena of
public debate. In preaching the things which they sincerely
believe to be the word of God and the requirements of our
Lord, their preachers have many times clashed with others
and frequently with unbelievers. The challenges for public
discussion usually came from those who opposed. Their evan-
gelists went often unheralded into many communities, pro-
claimed an affirmative gospel of assurance and hope, and
urged the people to read the New Testament. In this way
thousands were won to the knowledge and obedience of the
truth as it is in Jesus. Many came from churches to the
common Christian ground. When local shepherds beheld such
losses from their flocks they were filled with denominational
fervor and indignation. Feeling fully assured of the cor-
rectness of their own doctrinal positions and grieved at the
losses of their members by what they conceived to be specious
errors, they boldly proposed a public comparison of tenets.
The aims of the debaters may not always have been single —
the elucidation of the truth — nor the spirit with which they
were conducted most commendable; but unquestionably they
have seriously jarred "the kingdom of the clergy," broken
up an incrusted formalism, and stimulated thousands to Bible
reading and study. It is illogical and unwise to condemn a
custom because its misuse or abuse is sometimes attended
with objectionable features.
Robert Owen, denying our Lord and his religion, openly
defied the preachers of the United States to meet him in
public defense of their teachings. Alexander Campbell was
the only one to respond. The eight days' discussion in Cin-
70 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
cinnati, Ohio, April, 1829, . assured the American people of
the certainty of their Christian faith. The same mighty
champion of the truth in January, 1837, in Cincinnati, Ohio,
met Mr. "Bishop" Purcell, of the Roman Catholic hierarchy,
in a seven days' debate. The book reports of these two dis-
cussions are still worthy of a place in any library. Henry
Clay was the presiding moderator during the discussion be-
tween Mr. Campbell and Minister N. L. Rice (Presbyterian),
at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1843. After the close of this
discussion Mr. Clay said, "Alexander Campbell is the pro-
foundest theologian and the ablest and most eloquent debater
of this age."
The public discussion of religious questions has divine
warrant. The inspired apostles were frequently so engaged.
Jesus himself was the greatest of all controversialists.
If additional reasons need be cited, note this
CLIMAX OF BIGOTED MENDACITY.
An Irishman who signed himself "The Rev. James Shaw,
of the Illinois Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church,
America," preached twelve years in the United States. At
the close of this period he published a book of 440 pages,
of which he was the author, entitled "Twelve Years in
America." It was sold in London, Dublin and Chicago in
1867. Two quotations are here made from it. They indi-
cate the religious bigotry of that time, the mendacious slan-
ders of Mr. Shaw, and the conditions that were thrust upon
the Disciples and which they were compelled to meet. On
pages 164-5 he says:
Swedenborgians, Tunkers, Shakers, Winebrennarians, Christians
and Campbellites form the completion of the minor unevangelical
sects, most of whom are immersionists in their views of baptism.
The largest of these sects is the last mentioned. They are the fol-
lowers of the late Alexander Campbell, an Irishman by birth, a Pres-
byterian minister in his younger days, a Baptist after, and, lastly, the
founder of a sect who are numerous in the West. Mr. Campbell was
a fine scholar, an eloquent controversialist, and a voluminous writer.
He died a year ago. His followers first assumed the name of
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 71
Reformers, then Disciples, now Christians, and by others are known
as Campbellites. Mr. Campbell and his followers made an earnest
attack on the leading doctrines and institutions of the churches and
in their stead offered to the people salvation through immersion. He
ridiculed the necessity of a change of heart, or the profession of
the forgiveness of sins in any other way than by baptism. So easy
a form of religion soon took hold of the indifferent and the irre-
ligious : the system became popular, and thousands left the Baptist
Church, and some the Presbyterian and others to join it, so that the
denomination is made up of nearly all kinds of isms — Unitarian, Uni-
versalist, and the apostates from other churches — the only bond of
unity among them being baptism for the remission of sins.
Speaking of his observations at Niantic, Illinois, Mr.
Shaw says on page 294:
In and around this town there was a large number of Campbellites,
a sect to whom I have referred in Chapter X. on "American Churches."
They viewed with jealousy the encroachments of the Methodists. -As
they were generally fond of controversy, and their preachers flippant
proclaimers of the "Gospel in the Water," their sermons are a strange
medley of all sorts of stuff about salvation by immersion. Their style
— that of an auctioneer, reserving their wit and railing for other
churches, and their praises for their own. Bible, missionary societies,
Sunday schools, and colleges, received their loudest denunciations.
Things the most sacred they ridiculed and institutions the most solemn
they reviled. The Sabbath they disregarded ; the forgiveness of sins, a
change of heart, they laughed at, unless what was connected with
immersion. The divinity of Christ they did not generally believe in;
the personality and operation of the Holy Spirit they scoffed at. They
were literally immersed infidels, having little of the form or power
of godliness. Where evangelical churches were cold and lukewarm,
these prospered; but when alive and earnest, the Campbellites sank to
their coverts by the waters.
Such choice bits of Christian literature are rare and
should not be lost.
The debates conducted by the Disciples in Illinois are a
part of their history. It has been impossible to secure re-
ports of all, but the following named will indicate in a fair
degree their frequency, influence and the trend of thought
of the times :
1840. — Maurice R. Trimble and R. U. Newport, of the
"Two-seed Baptists," held a debate at Palestine.
72 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In the forties Bushrod W. Henry held a number of dis-
cussions of which no written record has been found.
In this decade Walter P. Bowles held a discussion with
James Barger, of the M. E. Church, at the Old Union
Church in DeWitt County. The debate was reported greatly
to Mr. Bowies' credit.
1848. — At Shelbyville, George Campbell met Hiram Buck,
of the M. E. Church.
1852. — W. W. Happy held a discussion about this time
with C. W. Lewis, of the M. E. Church, at Jersey Prairie,
in Morgan County.
1855. — At Franklin, John S. Sweeney debated with Min-
ister W. H. Pellatt, of the M. E. Church, the proposition
that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doc-
trine and very full of comfort.
1856. — Probably in this year John Lindsay debated with
David Davis the question of Universalism, at Metamora.
1857. — A. D. Fillmore held a discussion at the Franklin
Church, Edgar County, with William Shields, a "Hardshell
Baptist."
1858. — About this year the following discussions were
held:
At Cruger, O. A. Burgess and John B. Luccock, of the
M. E. Church, debated the usual questions of the time. Mr.
Burgess was then a young man and had never engaged in
public discussions. Mr. Luccock was fully matured and had
participated in thirty-one debates before that time. He
called Mr. Burgess "a stripling of a boy," and boasted that
he would "make a halter and put it on the young colt and
tic him up." Before the debate was over, competent critics
said that the halter and tie-up had been very effectively ap-
plied to Mr. Luccock. He took pleasure in contemptuously
referring to Mr. Burgess as a "Campbellite."
In Paris, N. S. Bastian debated the question of baptism
with J. L. Crane, of the M. E. Church. Mr. Bastian had
formerly been a presiding elder in that conference and had
given Mr. Crane his license to preach.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 73
At Mt. Pulaski, A. J. Kane and D. P. Bunn debated Uni-
versalism.
At Pontiac, Washington Houston held a discussion with
an M. E. preacher.
1859. — At Whitehall, J. S. Sweeney debated the baptismal
question with J. B. Logan, of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. Mr. Logan was at that time the editor of the lead-
ing denominational paper published in St. Louis. The dis-
cussion was published in book form. Its spirit was fair and
fine toned. From that time the Disciples began to increase
in that section.
At Glasgow, Mr. Sweeney and Minister Whiteside debated
Universalism. Shortly thereafter Mr. Whiteside was taken
ill and sent for Mr. Sweeney, who, being at the time in Wis-
consin, could not respond to the call. Mr. Whiteside re-
canted his Universalism, ordered all his books and papers
bearing on Universalism destroyed, and shortly thereafter
died.
At Lexington, Benjamin Franklin met J. B. Luccock, who
was then considered the champion of his denomination in
such affairs. He sent his challenge to J. G. Campbell, who
was then serving the Christian Church there as its minister.
Mr. Franklin was chosen as their representative. People
came from near and far. The interest was intense. Mr.
Franklin, a plain and homely man, won the sympathy of the
unchurched men of the community, a considerable number of
whom arranged a private purse among themselves for him.
A goodly number of these became Christians in the meet-
ings that immediately followed the discussion.
Probably in the same year the following debates were
held:
At Fairbury, O. A. Burgess met B. F. Underwood in a
discussion upon materialism and Christianity.
At Lincoln, John Lindsay met J. B. Luccock.
At the White Oak Grove Church in McLean County,
James Mitchell debated Universalism with Minister Davis,
of Galesburgf.
74 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
1860. — Robert Foster debated with Daniel Waggle, of the
"Dunkard" or Brethren Church, at Chapman's Point, in
Macoupin County. Prior to this discussion the Brethren had
held the sway in that community. After it they held nothing.
Benjamin Franklin debated with D. P. Bunn the question
of Universalism in Decatur. Mrs. Carrie Hostetter, who
heard this debate, says that Mr. Bunn based his argument
mainly on 1 Cor. 15:22: "For as in Adam all die, even so
in Christ shall all be made alive." When Mr. Franklin had
clearly and fully replied to his opponent's arguments, he
would say, "And now, since my time is not out, I will preach
you a sermon." This he would then do. Judge A. J. Galla-
gher, a man of superior judicial temperament and ability, was
the presiding moderator. After the smoke of the battle had
cleared, he said to a number of his friends, "The Scriptures
being true, hell is a certainty." Judge W. E. Nelson says,
"The results of the discussion were very satisfactory to us."
From that time the Universalist Church in Decatur began to
decline, and has long since disappeared from the map.
At Waukegan, A. R. Knox discussed the same subject.
The debate grew out of the visits of a Universalist minister
to Gurnee, where Mr. Knox was then preaching. After the
discussion there was no Universalist society formed or
church built at either Gurnee or Wraukegan.
It is a significant fact that Universalist churches flour-
ished in most of the cities of central and northern Illinois
fifty years ago, but these are very nearly all now extinct.
1862. — About this time William Grissom held a debate
with a Mormon elder in Washington Schoolhouse near Ipava.
A Methodist minister of that section had said to the elder,
"You do not preach the gospel ;" but he was not able to cope
with the elder. Then Mr. Grissom, a pioneer Christian min-
ister, was sent for. His work with the man from Salt Lake
City was so thorough that he was glad to soon move on. A
little time thereafter a congregation of Christians was formed
there which in later years was merged into the Ipava Church.
1864. — At the Big Creek Church, in Edgar County, Har-
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 75
mon Gregg and Marion Brown, a Calvinist Baptist, held a
debate. Among other things, Mr. Brown affirmed that the
law of Moses is as binding now as it was in any age of the
world or on any people. After this discussion Mr. Brown
lost the use of his reason for a time. Upon becoming nor-
mal he united with the Christian Church and continued in
the ministry to the close of his life. The presiding mod-
erator, Mr. Otis Eldredge, also said that this discussion had
led him to his Christian conclusions.
At Tuscola, David Walk held a public discussion with a
lawyer who was a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Walk
had held a meeting there in 1863 and organized a little
church. He was opposed by the three churches that were
there at that time. Returning next year, he was compelled
to defend his teaching in a public debate. The Presbyterian
preacher was slow of speech and the Methodist minister was
thought not to be strong enough for the contest; so a well-
educated and glib-tongued attorney was chosen for the task.
He affirmed that sprinkling is Scriptural baptism, and Mr.
Walk that baptism preceded by faith and repentance is for
the remission of sins. Mr. Walk, before uniting with the
Disciples, had been actively engaged in the Methodist minis-
try. This fact put ginger into the meeting.
1865. — Probably in this year David Walk and Minister
Davies, of the M. E. Church, held a discussion at Berlin.
1866.— At Richview, Clark Braden and J. P. Den, of the
M. E. Church, debated the question of baptism.
At the same place Mr. Braden and Prof. H. V. Spencer,
of McKendree College, held a discussion on Bible revision.
At De Soto, Mr. Braden met Jacob Ditzler, of the M. E.
Church. These men were two of the greatest debaters of
that time. It was mutually arranged to consider the ques-
tions of baptism, the work of the Holy Spirit and total
hereditarv depravity ; but Mr. Ditzler, for reasons best kncv/n
to himself, declined to debate the last two when they were
reached.
Dudley Downs and Minister Summerbell, of the old
76 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Christian Denomination, held a spirited discussion at Clinton.
John C. Reynolds discussed the question of Universalism
with John Hughes at Table Grove. It was about this time
that W. K. Pendleton wrote: "The Universalists are full of
debate. If all may be saved anyhow, why bother us Chris-
tians in our concern to make certain those who have misgiv-
ings on the subject? Our faith can not cause us to be lost;
and it at least satisfies our anxiety in this life to follow our
own convictions of duty."
At Bridgeport, J. K. Speer and George W. Hughey, a
presiding elder, met in the arena of discussion. Mr. Hughey
was a man of commanding personality and a good voice. In
this debate he took the position that the covenant of circum-
cision (Gen. 17) was the covenant of grace, and did not rest
infant baptism on the ground that baptism came in the room
of circumcision — his discovery. During this debate a preacher
of the M. E. Church expressed regret that the Saviour had
used the word "baptism" in connection with his religion.
W. B. F. Treat and Minister Abbott debated Universal-
ism at Olney. In this discussion Mr. Abbott declared that
the apostles knew no more of grammar than a ten-year-old
boy.
1867. — In a schoolhouse near Rural Retreat, in the north-
ern part of Coles County, Harmon Gregg accepted a chal-
lenge from James Shaw, of the M. E. Church, and an eight
days' discussion followed.
1868. — The most significant discussion of this year was
that held at Atlanta between O. A. Burgess and Dr. Chas.
H. Burrows, a noted infidel.
The Atlanta Christian Church was feeble at that time and
held in contempt by the other churches of the place. Two
of its members, Andrew Wright and Jefferson Houser,
went to the "union" prayer-meeting that was held the first
week in January, and were met at the door of the M. E.
Church and requested to leave, as no "Campbellites" were
wanted in the meeting, they having been unanimously voted
out as arch-heretics.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 77
There was a "Freethinkers" club at Atlanta which in-
cluded a number of the representative men of the place. Mr.
Burrows was their leader and champion. For more than a
decade he had traveled and lectured on Free Thought, Phren-
ology, Spiritualism and Mesmerism. He boldly assailed the
doctrines of denominationalism and held out a standing chal-
lenge to those who would defend them.
He first met in a public discussion, in Atlanta, Owen
Davis, a farmer and pioneer Baptist preacher, January 16-18,
1868, in the Christian Church. The results were not satis-
factory to the Christian people of the community. Mr.
Davis was an inferior debater.
Shortly after he met Minister Orvis, of the Congrega-
tional Church, in a debate. Mr. Orvis was a man of good
education and well informed on the questions involved, but
not much of a debater.
After this, Mr. Burrows, like Goliath of Gath, defied the
hosts of Israel. The Freethinkers were exultant, the friends
of truth and righteousness discouraged.
Andrew Wright, father of J. H. Wright, was making
wagons in those days. He was a mild-mannered, gentle-
speaking man, but counted it a part of his business to
earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to
the saints. This was his opportunity, and in the month of
May he had his David, in the person of O. A. Burgess, on
the ground.
Mr. Burrows affirmed that "the Book called the Bible is
of human origin and fallible in its teachings, and that Jesus
was nothing more than a man, born of woman, as other
people are." The crowds attending were immense, men com-
ing from other States. The interest was intense, the occa-
sion crucial. Some parts of the discussion were thrilling and
climacteric. In speaking of the virgin birth of Jesus, Mr.
Burrows said, "It is impossible for any father to swear to
his own child," to which Air. Burgess replied, "This is a high
compliment to Dr. Burrows' mother," which so angered Dr.
Burrows and his followers that Mr. Burgess was threatened
78 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
with some of the "hell fire" which he was in the habit of
preaching tc his people.
In answer Mr. Burgess said: "I suppose you saw me
going out through that window. I have stood where bullets
flew thick and can not be intimidated by words. Dr. Bur-
rows well knows that when one party generalizes, his oppo-
nent has permit to particularize."
John S. Sweeney passed Mr. Burgess a note which read,
"Give it to him; we are all here."
The threat of violence was dismissed, and this incident
closed, by Mr. Burgess, as he spoke in his lion-like manner:
"Bah ! a threat. The last refuge of a lost cause."
In speaking of special Divine Providence, Dr. Burrows
said: "I am an old infidel. Why does not God afflict me?"
His defiance of the Almighty was blasphemous. While
trimming hedge that season a thorn punctured his hand,
causing blood poison, which necessitated several amputations,
and he was left with one arm and one leg.
Two of his grandchildren were baptized into Christ at
Atlanta in 1893, and several since that time, one now work-
ing in the Christian ministry.
Mr. Burgess, at the close of the discussion, was presented
with a floral bouquet, by Mrs. J. M. Brooks, for the Chris-
tian women of Atlanta, as a public expression of their appre-
ciation of his impassioned defense of womanly virtue.
Infidelity lost much of its arrogance in Atlanta, after this.
March 28, 1875, at the age of fifty-one years and six
months, Dr. Burrows died as he had lived, without God .and
without hope.
In Duquoin, Clark Braden and R. C. Dennis debated in-
fidelity.
At the White House, or Pleasant Hill Church, in Law-
rence County, D. D. Miller and James McMillan on one side
debated with John Mack, a Presbyterian minister, the ques-
tion of baptism and the operation of the Holy Spirit. No
reason is given why two preachers should have been pitted
against one.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 79
In the college chapel at Abingdon, Pres. J. W. Butler
conducted a discussion with Minister Smith, of the M. E.
Church.
At Westfield, Harmon Gregg and Hiram Ashmore, a
Cumberland Presbyterian minister, met. Mr. Ashmore af-
firmed that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God.
At Timewell, A. P. Stewart and Minister Yates, of the
Baptist Church, held a discussion, which was admirable for
its fraternal spirit.
1869. — At Timewell, D. R. Lucas and Minister Thomp-
son, of the Baptist Church, debated on foreordination, elec-
tion and free-will.
It was probably this year that Clark Braden and G. W.
Hughey, of the M. E. Church, debated at Vienna on bap-
tism, the work of the Holy Spirit, the M. E. Discipline and
human creeds.
1870.— At Farmer City, R. B. Roberts and Minister Man-
ford, of Chicago, debated Universalism.
Clark Braden and B. F. Underwood held a discussion at
Duquoin on Christianity and materialism.
Mr. Braden this year met Samuel Binns at Casey, in dis-
cussing the questions of baptism. Mr. Binns was a minister
of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and much enjoyed
the sobriquet of "Campbellite-killer." But those whom he
"slew" one day were always up and ready for the battle the
next morning.
Theodore Brooks and R. N. Davies, of the M. E. Church,
conducted a public discussion at Mechanicsburg about this
time. Both were men of fine mental development. Great
throngs of people attended. Those who heard the debate
still refer to it as "a stem-winder."
1871. — S. K. Hallam conducted a discussion at Farmer
City with C. C. Marston, on Seventh-day Adventism.
This year Clark Braden met B. F. Underwood twice in
discussing Christianity and materialism — first at Time and
later at Bushnell.
In the spring of this year G. M. Goode held a discussion
80 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
on the questions of baptism at Scottsville, with Ramsey
Smithson, a presiding elder of the M. E. Church South.
In those days Mr. Goode was called "the Macoupin boy."
At the close of the debate Prof. M. G. Lain, the presiding
moderator and a member of the Baptist Church, voluntarily
gave Mr. Goode a note assuring him that his work was suc-
cessful and satisfactory in every way. The report of this,
going into the regions round about, much disquieted Mr.
Smithson's friends, so they demanded that the discussion be
repeated, that they might see how ''the boy" had so success-
fully contended with a trained debater. Hence a second
discussion of the same questions was held at Girard in the
following July. Mr. Goode's friends were well pleased with
the discussion and its results. His speeches were logical and
always in fine spirit.
1872.— Clark Braden and B. F. Underwood debated
Christianity and materialism at Washington.
Mr. Braden also met John Hughes at La Fayette in con-
sidering Universalism.
At Dudleyville, in May, Frank Talmage held a debate
with T. C. Sharp on baptism and the work of the Holy
Spirit. This discussion followed a meeting conducted by Mr.
Talmage at that place in which about sixty persons turned
to the Lord. Mr. Sharp gave the challenge. His home at
that time was in Mt. Vernon, Illinois, where he was the pas-
tor of the M. E. Church. He was accompanied to the de-
bate by one of his leading members, Mr. R. M. Hawley, who,
having listened to the discussion with candor, was then bap-
tized by Mr. Talmage.
In September of the same year Mr. Talmage debated at
Greenville with Henry Sharp this proposition: "Christianity
Is an Enemy to the Best Interests of Mankind." There
were only about three Disciples at Greenville at that time.
The closing night of the discussion Mr. Talmage extended
the gospel invitation. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, who re-
sided seven miles away, accepted Jesus, making the good
confession. Inasmuch as they wished to be baptized the
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 81
same hour of the night, like the Philippian jailer, the minis-
ter accompanied them home and baptized them.
1873. — Clark Braden debated infidelity at Bloomington
with C. R. Sanborn, who referred to himself as a "Free Con-
gregationalist."
1874. — In a Baptist church six miles east of Dongola, W.
H. Boles debated Universalism with Matthew Stokes. Mr.
Stokes gave up the battle at noon on the second day. Mr.
Boles at once conducted a series of meetings in the near-by
village of Moscow, which resulted in fifty accessions, the
formation of a church and the purchase of a meeting-house.
But the church was short-lived.
At Lovington, C. H. Bliss pitched his tent and began
preaching Seventh-day Adventism. A Christian minister,
who was not well posted in the sinuosities of this error, in a
trial with Mr. Bliss proved unsatisfactory. Whereupon
Clark Braden was sent for. He walked direct from the rail-
way station to the tent and said : "Good morning. Here are
seven propositions ; you can take your choice." It was agreed
to debate three of them and then decide about the other
propositions. The first round proved quite enough for Mr.
Bliss. During the discussion Mr. Bliss' moderator rose up
and said, "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a 'pint' of order." Where-
upon a Dr. Collet, who had a fine sense of the ludicrous, in-
stantly spoke out so that all the audience heard, "Why not
make it a quart?"
In this year an attempted discussion took place at St.
Augustine between Minister W. R. Jewell and a Roman
Catholic priest whose name is not recalled. O. A. Burgess
summoned Mr. Jewell to the town by telegraph. Arrange-
ments were soon made for a three evenings' debate, each dis-
putant speaking one hour each evening. The priest af-
firmed that "the Holy Roman Catholic Church is the only
true church." In his first reply Mr. Jewell used history, to
which the priest objected. The moderators sustained Mr.
Jewell's contention. The priest then became angry, left the
hall and did not return. Mr. Jewell continued for a few
82 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
days in a course of addresses on the question under discus-
sion.
1875.— W. H. Boles and W. P. Throgmorton, Baptist,
held a discussion at Marion. They considered "The Direct
Impact of the Spirit, the Final Perseverance of the Saints
and the Churches of Which They Were Members." These
gentlemen were lifelong neighbors and friends. The debate
was conducted in an admirable spirit. Mr. Boles followed it
with a successful meeting.
1876. — In the summer of this year Clark Braden debated
Christianity and materialism with B. F. Underwood in the
city of Jacksonville. Brethren residing there proposed to Mr.
Underwood to have this discussion repeated and published.
They offered to pay him for his time and copyright. He
replied, "Mr. Henderson, I am not ready to publish a de-
bate with Braden."
In the summer of 1875 Col. J. W. Judy, of Tallula,
financed a tent meeting conducted by D. R. Lucas in Peters-
burg. Before that the Disciples had been a feeble folk there,
but at the close of this effort the church of Christ numbered
190 members. Before the close of the meeting Mr. Lucas
had received several challenges for a public discussion. He
accepted that one made by the Presbyterians. They chose
Minister D. R. Miller, of the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church, to represent them. In the preliminary arrangements
he contended for three sessions a day of two hours each.
Mr. Lucas was compelled to accept this condition or have no
debate. At the end of the fourth clay Mr. Miller was worn
out and prostrated. This compelled an adjournment of the
debate for six months. Then it was resumed and finished.
During the discussion Mr. Lucas kept close to the Book and
often repeated the maxim, "Where the Bible speaks, we
speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." In affirming
that immersion is the action in baptism, he quoted Acts 8 : 38 :
"And they went down both into the water, both Philip and
the eunuch ; and he baptized him." Mr. Miller replied : "The
Bible says baptized, not immersed. Now, what becomes of
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 83
your oft-repeated maxim, 'Where the Bible speaks, we speak.' "
He rang- the changes on this quite to Mr. Lucas' confusion.
Finally it was agreed to leave to the German Lutheran min-
ister to decide the meaning of the Greek word baptidzo. He
reported that its primary meaning is "dip" or "immerse."
Thus Mr. Lucas recovered his grip upon the audience.
W. D. Owen served as Mr. Lucas' moderator, a Mr.
Crozier was Mr. Miller's, while Judge Pillsbury presided. A
question of order arose relative to the admission of a defini-
tion of baptidso in an old edition of Liddell & Scott's lexicon
which the world's scholarship had compelled those editors to
omit from all the subsequent editions of their dictionary. The
debaters each made his statement, followed by each one's
moderator. Then Judge Pillsbury decided in favor of Mr.
Lucas. At once a Presbyterian gentleman, who had sandy
hair and beard, not satisfied with the decision, arose to say
a word. Quick as lightning G. M. Goode, who sat near him,
arose and spoke out: "Hold on, my friend. Bro. Lucas will
take care of Bro. Miller, Bro. Owen will take care of Bro.
Crozier, but, my sorrel-topped friend, if you want anything,
I am your man." The hilarity was so general and continued
that the moderator declared an adjournment for dinner.
The spirit of the whole community was changed for good
by the debate. On its last day Mr. Lucas was invited by
and took dinner with a Presbyterian elder who would not
even condescend to speak to him during the progress of the
tent meeting. Many courtesies were shown by others.
1877. — Mr. Braden debated Universalism with John
Hughes at Lewistown.
1878. — Mr. Braden and W. F. Jamison held a discussion
at Salem on Christianity and materialism.
Messrs. Jamison, Underwood and men of that class were
public lecturers who sometimes published infidel papers and
traveled over the country sowing seeds of error, falsehood
and unbelief. The only Christian thing to do was to meet
them in the arena of public discussion, expose their specious
twisters and present the irrefutable evidences of divine truth.
84 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
1879.— J. M. Radcliffe and C. H. Caldwell, Baptist, held
a discussion at Samoth, which was repeated at the Seven-
mile Baptist Church in Massac County.
1881. — William Grissom and J. F. Leake, a Baptist, de-
bated the question of baptism for the remission of sins, at
Meredosia. Mr. Leake had previously been affiliated with
the Disciples. During the discussion he expressed his regret
several times that a stronger man had not been chosen to
meet him. Mr. Grissom replied that his brethren thought it
unnecessary "to load a cannon to shoot a mosquito." A son
of Mr. Leake is now the pastor of the church of Christ at
Newton, Iowa.
1883. — At Blandinsville, George F. Adams and William
McNutt, Baptist, debated the two following propositions:
"The Scriptures teach that the only proper subjects of bap-
tism in water are believers in Christ whose sins are re-
mitted," and "The church of which I, G. F. Adams, am a
member is identical in faith and practice with the church
founded by Christ and his apostles." Great crowds of people
heard this discussion.
At Cuba, G. F. Adams and D. D. Swindle, Baptist, de-
bated this proposition : "The church organization of which
I, D. D. Swindle, stand identified, possesses the Bible char-
acteristics which entitle it to be regarded as the visible
Church or Kingdom of Christ." Mr. Adams affirmed a simi-
lar proposition of the church of his fellowship. This dis-
cussion was an intellectual and fraternal treat to those who
heard it. Without a single exception, the disputants bore
themselves as Christian gentlemen from beginning to end.
As often as Mr. Swindle insisted that his church was the
church of Christ, that often did Mr. Adams reply, "Then,
why do you refuse to call it that?"
In the New Hope Baptist Church, near Samoth, John
Mecoy held a debate with Green W. Smith, a Baptist.
1884. — T. L. Stipp and I. B. Grandy discussed Univer-
salism at Hoopeston. Universalists sent the challenge. Mr.
Stipp was chosen by the city ministerial association. He was
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 85
its youngest member except one. A series of successful
meetings followed the debate.
1886.— U. M. Browder and F. Smith, of the M. E.
Church, discussed at Smithfield the following propositions:
"The Scriptures teach that the sinner or ungodly is justified
in the sense of pardoned, or remission of sins, by faith only,"
and, "Baptism as commanded in the commission is in order
to the remission of past sins." This discussion was full of
smartness and sarcasm.
1887.— At Samoth, D. L. Kincaid and Green W. Smith,
a Baptist, held a debate.
1888. — In the New Hope Baptist Church, in Massac
County, J. M. Radcliffe and G. W. Smith, Baptist, held a
discussion.
1889. — A discussion was held at Creal Springs led by J.
F. Right and Robert Huggins, a Christadelphian.
T. L. Stipp and J. T. Fender, of the M. E. Church, de-
bated the questions of baptism and faith alone, at Fisher.
At Bellair, Clark Braden and E. S. Kelley discussed Mor-
monism.
1890. — In April this year, at McVey, A. C. Layman and
Elder Milliard debated Mormonism. These elders are ag-
gressive and self-assertive. Their entrance into a community
is with the avowed purpose of making converts to their faith.
The most direct method of defeating their aims is by a public
discussion. This debate was held in a large tent and put an
end to their advocacy in that community.
At Barry, H. C. Littleton and L. T. Nichols, a Christadel-
phian, held a discussion. At its close, defeat was confessed,
and long since Christadelphian theories and following disap-
peared from that community.
1894.— In the Oakley Avenue Church, in Chicago, Clark
Braden and John Williams held a debate on Adventism. Mr.
Williams was the editor of the First-day Adventist organ.
His defeat was thorough.
1896.— At Birds, S? C. Hill and Minister Filroe, of the
M. E. Church, held a discussion.
86 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In the Azotus Baptist Church, in Pope County, J. F.
Hight and G. W. Smith, Baptist, conducted a debate.
1897.— At Joppa, J. F. Hight and R. H. Pique, of the
M. E. Church, debated.
And so did J. B. Briney and W. P. Throgmorton, Baptist,
at Dixon Springs.
In the West Panther Creek Schoolhouse, in Calhoun
County, J. M. Bovee and J. W. Miller discussed instrumental
music in public worship.
1898.— J. F. Hight and C. M. Weaver, Primitive Baptist,
met in a debate at New Burnside.
In Astoria, H. C. Littleton and M. J. McClure, German
Baptist, discussed trine immersion and feet-washing as church
ordinances. At its close the German Baptist sentiment ex-
pressed itself in the words, "If we had known this man, we
would have had a man from Pennsylvania to lead in the
debate." The discussion helped the people in the community
to a better knowledge of Scripture teaching on these subjects.
At Orchard ville, Clark Braden and I. N. White debated
Mormonism. Mr. White was one of the twelve apostles of
the Josephite party.
1899. — Mr. Braden led in the two debates of this year;
first, at Alma, with I. N. White on Mormonism; second, at
St. Elmo, with C. H. Bliss on Seventh-dayism.
1901. — Mr. Braden met Minister Hicks at Nebo in a com-
parison of the church of Christ and the Baptist Church.
1902. — Mr. Braden met J. R. Roberts at Belmont on the
subject of "Anti-ism."
1903. — And also A. P. Roberts at Olney on the same
subject.
At Wayne City, Mr. Braden discussed the questions of
baptism with D. B. Turney, of the Protestant Methodist
Church. Mr. Turney was a very small man.
1908. — In February, at Colfax, J. Fred Jones affirmed in
a public discussion that "the immersion of a proper subject
in water is Christian baptism." This was denied by U. Y.
Gilmer, of the M. E. Church.
THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 87
1909.— At Dahlgren, W. H. Boles and J. R. Daley, of
the Primitive Baptists, each affirmed in a public debate that
the church of which he is a member is the church of Christ.
Through the four days there were great crowds and good
nature throughout.
J. F. Wright and F. M. Lawley, of the "Reorganized
Church of Latter-day Saints," held a debate at Tunnel Hill.
"The Saints" furnished the Disciples a boarding-place in
their "temple" near Tunnel Hill, and accorded them great
respect and hospitality.
In the same year these two men held another discussion
at Goreville.
1910.— W. H. Boles met Henry Sparling, one of "the
Saints," at Springerton in a six clays' debate of two four-
hour sessions. The Mormons had a large church there.
1911. — In the Mt. Pleasant Church, in Massac County,
D. N. Barnett held a debate with J. R. McLain, a Latter-day
Saint.
This led to another discussion at the same place between
J. F. Hight and Mr. McLain.
These one hundred specific mentions of public discussions
were probably not one-half of the number in Illinois in
which the ministers of the churches of Christ have partici-
pated. It is apparent that these preachers have fought all
along the line of battle, from gross materialism to instru-
mental music in public worship, and generally at such times and
places as the advocates of error led in open attacks and ag-
gressive assaults upon the truth. They have successfully met
the manifold vagaries of religious and irreligious thought,
many-phased infidelity, Universalism, the dogmas of human
creeds and Mormonism. Every essential position for which
they have contended through the past seventy-five years is
now admitted, if not practically accepted, by intelligent evan-
gelical believers. The Disciples are orthodox. Public debates
have mostly ceased, not because they were a failure, but be-
cause they were a success.
CHAPTER V.
BENEVOLENCES.
SECTION 1. — STATE MISSIONARY ACTIVITIES.
Most of the pioneer preachers were missionaries sent of
God and self-supporting. But at a very early day they saw
clearly the need of united efforts. At the close of a pro-
tracted meeting in Jacksonville, in October, 1834, it was
decided to foster a co-operation among the churches. In that
meeting B. W. Stone, John Rigdon, Alexander Reynolds,
Josephus Hewett, H. W. Osborn, Abner Peeler, Edward D.
Baker and others participated. John Rigdon was sent out
as the evangelist for six months. This appeal was made to
all the congregations in the State to unite in a voluntary
association for the spread of the gospel.
In March, 1836, John T. Jones and Guerdon Gates issued
the final call for a proposed State Meeting in Jacksonville
that fall.
In 1839 a State Meeting was held in Pittsfield.
In 1840 a call for "Our Annual Meeting" to assemble in
Springfield on Friday before the fourth Lord's Day in Sep-
tember was signed by B. W. Stone, John T. Jones, Peter
Hedenberg, D. P. Henderson, Henry D. Palmer, William
Davenport, John Rigdon, D. B. Hill and Theophilus Sweet.
One object of the meeting was to put "as many evangelists
in the field as possible."
In 1842 the Annual Meeting was held in Springfield.
May 18, 1843, a call was sent out from Bloomington for
a "State Meeting" to convene there on Friday before the
fourth Lord's Day in August following, signed by W. T.
Major and H. H. Painter, elders, and R. O. Warrener,
evangelist. As stated in the call, the objects of the meeting
88
BENEVOLENCES 89
were "to cultivate acquaintance with each other, to hear of
the success of the labors of our teaching brethren, to pro-
mote brotherly love, advance the cause of union among the
followers of Jesus, and, by teaching the truths of the Bible,
edify and instruct each other and all who may attend." This
meeting was well attended by brethren from different
parts of the State. Co-operation was considered and dis-
cussed. At its close J. A. Lindsay and H. D. Palmer became
the evangelists in McLean and adjoining counties.
In 1845 the State Meeting went to Pittsfield, and in 1848
to Walnut Grove (Eureka). Whether other such meetings
were held in the interims, the extant records do not disclose.
During that period of twenty years the facilities for traveling
were limited to stage-coaches and private conveyances ; hence
the distances were, relatively, far greater than now. Rut the
pioneers made the journeys with eagerness, for the "State
Meetings" were occasions of mutual assurance, the sweetest
fellowship and great joy. They were a source of mutual
strength, led to a clearer understanding of Scriptural teach-
ing and did much active missionary work.
In 1839 John Rigdon was engaged as an evangelist in
the counties of Adams, Brown and Pike.
The same year "Tobias Grider was appointed to ride as
an evangelist in Shelby County, where there were few
churches."
November 20, 1842, a co-operation meeting was held at
Marion composed of the representatives of eleven churches
located in the counties of Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Perry,
Pope and Wabash. Except two, those eleven churches are
extinct. Minister J. M. Mulkey was chairman.
In 1850 there was a co-operation of the churches in Mor-
gan, Scott and Cass Counties, with Ministers Happy and
Pyatt as evangelists. In April, 1851, Benjamin N. Hum-
phrey, the corresponding secretary of this co-operation, re-
ported 208 additions by the labors of Evangelists Happy and
A. McCollum.
In 1848, A. D. Northcut, who had come from Kentucky,
90 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
was employed by the co-operation of the churches in Shelby
County as its evangelist. In the first year of this service he
added more than three hundred people to the Lord. The
co-operation in the same county in 1880 planted congrega-
tions at Oak Grove and Mode.
In 1851 the churches in Shelby, Moultrie and Macon
Counties were engaged in co-operative missionary work. The
following is an exact transcript from the minutes of the
meeting :
Proceedings of the cooperative meeting held at church called Bethel
meeting house in Shelby County, State of Illinois. In complyance
with arrangements made at a meeting held on Sand Creek in the
County of Shelby: the brethren from the different named congrega-
tions as here follows were in attendance. To make arrangements for
evangelizing in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
fifty one. The (brethren) delegates from six congregations were
there.
Bushrod W. Henry was made chairman and Henry Y.
Kellar, secretary.
The names of the different congregations that were there repre-
sented were called for.
1st. West Okaw. Two delegates — James H. Kellar, John Wood.
2nd. Sullivan. Two delegates — William Kellar, N. F. Higginbotham.
3rd. Bethel. Two delegates — J. W. Sconce, B. W. Henry.
4th. Decatur. One delegate — S. Shepherd.
5th. Mud Creek. Two delegates — E. Waggoner, L. McMorris.
6th. Shelbyville. One delegate — John Page.
It was suggested that the meeting adjourn till evening,
hoping for the arrival of other delegates. This was voted
down on the ground that "it would be giving sanction to a
bad precedent — that was, one time to do business and doing
it at another." The co-operation then decided to do its work
"in the weak congregations and their immediate vicinity."
Subscriptions were made as follows: West Okaw, $60; Sulli-
van, $60; Bethel, $30; Mud Creek, $30; Decatur, $50; Shel-
byville, $30; total, $260. At the night session the president
suggested two evangelists— one an aged man and the other
BENEVOLENCES 91
a young man — "which was unanimously concurred in.'*
Henry Y. Kellar was chosen as "the young preacher," and
"B. W. Henry was selected as the senior evangelist." The
co-operation decided to "pay the evangelists $26 a month."
In 1854 the second meeting of the Southern Illinois Chris-
tian Co-operation was held at Salem. This co-operation in-
cluded the ten counties at the southern end of the State.
The same year, June 14, a district co-operative meeting was
held at Batavia. In the sixties there were county co-opera-
tions in Tazewell-Mason, Fulton and Iroquois. In 1869,
Mason County dropped out of the union with Tazewell and
the latter established the church in Pekin. The same year
the co-operation of the Northern District met at Batavia,
November 12 and 13. In 1881 there were co-operations in the
counties of Adams, Christian, Champaign, Douglas, Logan,
McLean, Marshall, Pike, Shelby, Tazewell, Woodford and
White. Within a year five of these had died a natural or
violent death. These few facts indicate the convictions held
and efforts made to care for weak congregations and plant
churches in new fields by the co-operation of counties singly
or unitedly. This work reached through about forty years.
Hancock formed a co-operation of its churches in 1892 and
continues to hold an annual meeting in the fall.
The American Christian Missionary Society was formed
at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1849. It became the mother of all the
wider missionary activities among the Disciples of Christ.
Friday, September 20, 1850, the "State Convention of the
Christian Church in Illinois began and held at Shelbyville."
Those present were J. Atkinson, Theophilus Sweet, H. W.
Osborn, Jas. A. Lindsay, W. F. M. Arny, A. Kellar, Morris
R. Chew, Bushrod W. Henry, Wm. Davenport, J. T. Jones,
H. D. Palmer, Wm. T. Major, G. W. Minier, John M.
Hodge, Elijah Vawter, Alpheus Brown, James D. McPher-
son, P. H. Murphy and A. A. Glenn.
These men were delegates who represented local churches,
counties and co-operations. Other congregations were repre-
sented by letters. The number of Christian Churches then
92 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
in the State was 104, with an aggregate membership of
6,359. During the year then closing, l,i2J persons had been
added to the churches.
The first business transacted by this meeting was the or-
ganization of "The Bible Society of the State of Illinois,
auxiliary to the American Christian Bible Society." Next,
"The Illinois State Missionary Society" was organized by the
adoption of a constitution and the election of the following
officers: President, Henry D. Palmer; Vice-Presidents, Wm.
T. Major, Harrison W. Osborn, Bushrod W. Henry; Man-
agers, Jas. A. Lindsay, Morris R. Chew, Wm. Davenport, J.
Atkinson, John H. Hodge, John E. Murphy, John Houston,
E. W. Bakewell ; Recording Secretary, A. J. Kane ; Treasurer,
William Lavely. Mr. Palmer presided at this meeting, and
Mr. Vawter served as secretary the first day and was suc-
ceeded by Mr. Minier. Some sessions of the convention were
held in the M. E. Chapel, and their pulpit was filled on Sun-
day, September 22.
At nine o'clock that morning a business-meeting session
was held. At ten o'clock, three o'clock and evening public
worship was conducted in both chapels. In part of these
meetings there were two sermons. On Monday morning the
convention heard the "valedictory address by J. Atkinson,
and adjourned to meet the next year at Walnut Grove."
In 1852, Mr. Daily D. Dawson was chosen recording sec-
retary and served eight years in this capacity. He is still
living in Chicago and has furnished the writer valuable in-
formation.
In 1856, Dr. W. A. Mallory became State evangelist and
served in this capacity till 1860.
In 1856 the State was divided into fourteen missionary
districts, which in 1861 were changed to four and these again
to nine in 1864. During this period there was a written con-
stitution, which was frequently changed, and life member-
ships. Attention and financial aid were directed chiefly to
the congregations in Peoria and Quincy. S. T. Calloway was
corresponding secretary in 1858. In the Annual Meeting of
BENEVOLENCES 93
1861 the question of a Students' Aid Fund was proposed, but
it was defeated by a majority as not germane to the work of
the society.
W. J. Houston served as corresponding secretary and
evangelist from 1860-63. In his first report, submitted in
1861, he said that during the year he had traveled 2,500
miles, preached 620 discourses "with numerous exhortations,"
and "added 374 to the army of the faithful, principally by
confession and baptism." For this superior service the
society paid him $800. This sum included "one coat received
at Paris valued at $12." In 1862 he reported seven hundred
discourses and "many exhortations" and over eight hundred
additions. "Many new co-operations were organized during
the year." That year three other evangelists were associated
with Mr. Houston and their accessions totaled 1,349. A
balance of $90 due on his first year's work was paid him then.
During this period the society held a few semi-annual
meetings, but they were soon found to be impracticable.
John S. Sweeney served as corresponding secretary and
State evangelist from 1863-65, and his father, G. E. Sweeney,
by special vote of the society, also evangelized under its au-
thority and auspices. One year J. S. Sweeney had sixteen
evangelists at work. Mr. Henry C. Latham served as cor-
responding secretary in 1865-66, but with only office duties.
Minister A. H. Rice held the same title, doing active work
in the field.
Dudley Down succeeded as corresponding secretary and
evangelist, but his devoted toil sapped his energies and sent
him, within two years, into rapid decline and premature
death.
In 1870 work was begun under the "Louisville Plan,"
which was adopted at Louisville, Kentucky, in October, 1869.
The State was divided into six missionary districts. This
was the second period of missionary activity. J. C. Reynolds
became corresponding secretary and State evangelist. His
first task was to organize the districts and develop a senti-
ment that would sustain an evangelist in the several divisions.
94 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
He was followed in this work, severally, by J. W. Allen,
John Lindsay, W. T. Maupin and J. H. Wright. Each did
good service, aiming and striving to advance the Kingdom
of God by all proper co-operative efforts. Mr. Wright or-
ganized the Mt. Morris Church during his seven months'
service. There was only a little money that came to support
the work and it was a time of transition. During this period
E. J. Lampton served as State evangelist and dedicated a
mission chapel at Denver that had been built by the Mt.
Pleasant country church, all in Hancock County. Before the
close of the decade it was clear that the "Louisville Plan"
would not be worked in Illinois.
N. S. Haynes was chosen corresponding secretary and
State evangelist in 1880 and entered actively upon the work
the 1st of the following January. He served in this dual
capacity till August, 1885, when he resigned because one
member of the Board of Managers thought that too few per-
sons were being added to the churches through the society's
work. The next year W. J. Ford served as corresponding
secretary. But the convention of 1886 returned Mr. Haynes
to this office, and he continued as active manager of the work
till August, 1891 — a period of nine years and eight months.
The chief aim of his administration was a campaign of edu-
cation for world-wide missions. This was one of the chief
needs of the Disciples in Illinois at that time. The Foreign
Society had been organized only about five years and its
management was feeble. In 1881 he received $44.80 for
Foreign Missions, of which $7.35 came from one of the
leading churches of the State! Hence he laid hold of
printers' ink, church papers and all available preachers for
missionary education. In the spring of 1883 he mailed copies
of a printed circular appeal, with fifteen thousand envelopes
for Children's Day, to 260 of the best Bible schools in the
State. Some of the aims and results of his work were the
following: He disseminated continually missionary intelligence
in every way possible; prepared and published a list of min-
isters in the State in 1882, and of churches in 1883, both by
BENEVOLENCES 95
counties; reported the aggregate value of church property;
helped pastorless congregations and ministers without
churches, and introduced and urged the co-operation of weak
and near-together congregations in sustaining pastors; lo-
cated the churches of the State and had a map made of the
same ; later redistricted the State, which arrangement remains
unchanged; introduced the desirability of parsonages to public
attention, there being only about three in 1880 — in 1913 there
were 131 ; urged continually the moral and financial support
of our colleges; raised a few hundred dollars to assist in
building the first creditable house of worship in Washington,
D. C. ; led in the formation of two ministerial institutes — the
Central, which continues to render helpful service, and one
in the Military Tract, which was permitted to die years ago;
organized the State Encampment in 1887, which continued
twelve years; helped actively in founding and building the
Students' Aid Fund; increased the permanent funds from
$455 to above $20,000; and in 1890, at the request of Dr.
H. K. Carroll, special agent of the United States to secure
data of religious bodies for the eleventh census, prepared and
transmitted to him a complete list of the churches of Christ
in Illinois, on schedules furnished by the Government. July
15, 1890, Dr. Carroll wrote him, saying: "I have received
from you Schedules 687 A, B, C, D, E and F. I am very
much pleased, indeed, with the work you have done so faith-
fully and promptly." The maximum for his traveling
expenses in any one year was $152.68. Comparing 1880 with
1889, the remittances from Illinois were as follows: To the
Foreign Society, $1,007 and $3,815; to the General Home
Society, $230 and $3,534; to the State Society, $1,690 and
$5,847, and to the State Sunday-school Association, $600 and
$2,834. During the nine years and eight months' period,
among the congregations organized by the State Society
were Champaign, Mason City, Newton, Onarga, Roodhouse
and Streator, and among those fostered were Carbondale,
three in Chicago (Englewood, Northside and Westside),
Galesburg, Keithsburg, Mt. Pulaski, Paxton, Pekin, Prince-
96 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ton, Pontiac, Rock ford, Sterling and Taylorville. The asso-
ciated evangelists during this period were Isaac Beckelhymer,
W. H. and Marion Boles, T. A. Boyer, A. Campbell, H. C.
Cassell, W. H. Cannon, J. W. Carpenter, J. S. Clements, Jas.
Connoran, J. E. Deihl, J. F. Ghormley, E. A. Gilliland, G.
M. Goode, J. J. Harris, G. M. Hoffman, D. W. Honn, D. E.
Hughes, W. A. Ingram, E. J. Lampton, L. M. Linn, Daniel
Logan, L. B. Myers, C. B. Newnan, J. L. Parsons, G. W.
Pearl, J. W. Robbins, J. R. Speck, J. Z. Taylor, H. R.
Trickett, J. M. Tenneson and R. D. Van Buskirk. Some of
these ministers served in the continued meeting only, and
others of them in several periods or years.
Min. G. W. Pearl began his service as corresponding secre-
tary and State evangelist Aug. 1, 1891, and closed his term
Dec. 31, 1896. No change was made in any way in the con-
duct of the affairs of the society. Its work prospered and
grew steadily in all lines. His management was wise. The
evangelists during this period were J. S. Clements, O. W.
Stewart, W. A. Ingram, S. S. Jones, Miss Sarah C. McCoy,
C. E. Evans, T. A. Boyer, E. A. Gilliland, S. H. Creighton,
T. F. Weaver, W. V. Boltz, R. H. Kline, G. W. Griffith, E.
J. Ellis, F. L. Moffitt, J. F. Jones, J. P. McKnight.
J. Fred Jones became State evangelist and corresponding
secretary Jan. 1, 1896. In 1902 he became "Field Secretary."
The period covered by this survey closes with June, 1913, or
seventeen and a half years. He states "the ideals during this
period" as follows:
1. The organization and support of new churches in fruitful fields.
2. The aiding of weak churches, mainly by evangelistic meetings —
about three hundred have been so helped.
3. The support of an evangelist in each district.
4. The needs of village and rural churches have been emphasized
and the permanent co-operation of contiguous churches in supporting
pastors has been urged.
In 1896 the secretaries of the several missionary districts
were made ex-officio members of the State Board and are so
continued.
BENEVOLENCES 97
The chief evangelists who were engaged in the State and
district work, not including Chicago, were the following: J.
T. Alsup, W. B. Bedall, Isaac Beckelhymer, C H. Berry, R.
Leland Brown, J. H. Beard, D. R. Beboit, R. L. Cartwright,
W. R. Courter, J. D. and C. B. Dabney, F. L. Dairs, C. E.
Evans, O. M. Eaton, W. A. Green, J. J. Harris, L. D. Hill,
W. H. Harding, E. M. Harlis, George Hoagland, W. A. In-
gram, Gilbert Jones, W. H. Kindred, S. S. Lappin, D. A.
Lytle, H. E. Monser, M. W. Nethercutt, E. M. Norton, J. E.
Parker, C. W. Ross, F. G. Roberts, T. J. Shuey, C. M. Smith-
son, E. O. Sharp, Andrew Scott, F. M. Stambaugh, J. E.
Stout, H. L. Veach, K. C. Ventress, J. O. Walton and J. D.
Williams. Some of these served for longer and others for
shorter terms.
The more substantial churches formed were these : Alexis,
Beecher City, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Cowden, Fandon,
Freeport, Findley, Havana, Indianola, Joliet, Johnson City,
Kewanee, Kinmundy, Moline, Monticello, Ridge Farm, Rock
Falls, Savana, St. Elmo, Tamaroa, Tampico, Villa Grove and
West Frankfort.
Following the plan of the Foreign Missionary Society,
the State Board decided in 1904 to introduce the living-link
feature ; hence the following churches have paid $200 or more
per year for State mission work. Generally the congregations
have chosen the mission points or weak churches they have
assisted, and quite a number of these have been in their own
cities or counties. This list is: Arcola, Adams County
churches, Armington, Bloomington First and Second, Cham-
paign, Concord (Tazewell County), Camp Point, Carthage,
Decatur Central, De Land, Englewood (Chicago), Gibson
City, Jacksonville, Long Point, Mackinaw, Minier, Morgan
County Bible schools, a Niantic brother, Normal, Peoria Cen-
tral, Pittsfield, Paris, Pleasantview (Adams County), Quincy
First, Springfield First, and Tazewell County churches.
A goodly number of mission points and weak congrega-
tions have been fostered by "Link" offerings or appropriations
from the treasury of the society. This list follows: Anna,
98 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
$25 ; Alexis, $75 ; Ashland, $100 ; Bloomington Centennial,
$200; Beardstown, $800; Bushnell, $200; Carlinviile, $135;
Chicago Heights, $25 ; Chicago Northside, $50 ; Cooksville,
$100; Delavan, $60; Dixon, $225; Decatur, Leaftand Avenue,
$272; Elgin, $200; Freeport, $800; Fulton, $825; Findley,
$100; Galesburg, $25; Granite City, $300; Griggsville, $230;
Havana, $510; Harvey, $250; Hillsboro, $900; Jacksonville
(negro), $10; Joliet First, $162; Kankakee, $400; Kewanee,
$2,600; McLean, $400; Minonk, $319; Mossville, $158; Mo-
line, $1,600; Mt. Vernon, $250; Paris Mission, $200: Pon-
tiac, $400; Polo, $813; Peoria, Howett Street. $810; Prince-
ton, $50; Quincy Mission, $317; Rock Falls, $230; Rockford,
$1,400; Rockford (negro), $50; Redmon, $600; Savana,
$271 ; Springfield, Stewart Avenue, $900 ; South Chicago,
$150; Streator, $2,265; Tampico, $145; Time, $250, and Villa
Grove, $388.
THE OFFICE.
Up to 1902 all of the corresponding secretaries had pro-
vided offices for the society's work at their personal expense.
In that year an office was rented and, through the generosity
of friends, suitably equipped with needed furniture. Min. W.
D. Deweese was chosen office secretary and did much of the
necessary printing up to August, 1913. For several years he
has served as treasurer also.
CHRISTIAN COADJUTORS.
The convention of 1910 decided to employ two Christian
students in the State University at Urbana to work among
their fellow-students — a young man among the men and a
young woman among the women. During the three school
years following, these coadjutors were paid $25 per month —
an aggregate for the period of $1,023. Mr. Stephen E.
Fisher, for ten years the pastor of the University Place
Christian Church, says:
The organization of the men and women from Christian Church
homes in Illinois who attend the university has proven, under the leader-
BENEVOLENCES 99
ship of these special helpers, very effective. Committees on Bible-school
work, church attendance, social life, etc., are constantly active. Many
who would not otherwise do so hav; been led to affiliate with the local
church actively during college residence, and about twenty girls in
the three years and fifteen young men in the two years have been
led to Christ through confession and baptism. "When we recall that
these are the men and women who will hold the high places of power
to-morrow in our nation, the value of this work is beyond estimate.
In 1896 the reported number of churches was 730, with
an aggregate membership of 95,257, while in 1913 the num-
bers given were 692 congregations, with a total membership
of 110,736. The value of the houses of worship and parson-
ages was $4,299,710. The seating capacity of the buildings
was 215,990. Mr. Jones gave eighteen of the best years of
his life to this work.
In addition to Peter Whitmer, Min. D. R. Van Buskirk
and Dr. George D. Sitherwood, all of Bloomington, as mem-
bers of the State Board gave most valuable assistance; so,
also, has J. P. Darst, of Peoria, for twenty-five years.
SECTION 2. — INDEPENDENT AND INDIVIDUAL MISSION WORK.
THE YOTSUYA MISSION, Tokyo, Japan (W. D. Cunning-
ham, Director). — In 1906, J. P. Hieronymus, a banker of
Atlanta, received a copy of the Tokyo Christian, which, he
says, produced a "spontaneous combustion" in him. "I be-
lieve in both organized and individual missions," he says. He
opened an account in his bank for Mr. Cunningham, and
since then has received and remitted all sums sent him for
this individual mission. In 1912 the amount was $266.81,
which came from forty givers. He is pleased to continue as
forwarding secretary. This mission has two hundred rope-
holders in Illinois, including several organizations, each
counted as one.
W. H. WAGGONER was born in Princeton, 111., March 15,
1868 — Sunday morning, just in ti^e for the foreiern mi?sion-
ary offering. Educated in the public schools. Eureka College
and Yale University. Mr. Waggoner has given his life to
lecturing on world-wide missions. He uses maps, charts and
100 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
pictures with stereopticon. He is a great sower of good seed.
His work receives the highest commendation.
BuRKEY-SwoRD. — Daniel Burkey was reared with the
Mennonites and united with the church of Christ at New
Bedford, 111. He said to Mr. Sword in 1908: "I have
done little for the Master's Kingdom. I can not preach, but
you can. Go into the field, receive what is paid you, and I
will pay you the balance." The contract called for $1,500
per year and expenses. This arrangement continued four
years. Mr. Sword proved to be a very sane and successful
evangelist and Mr. Burkey found great joy in his support.
In the period Mr. Burkey paid $776 and Mr. Sword received
about twelve hundred people into the churches.
SECTION 3. — PERMANENT FUNDS.
The first suggestion of a permanent fund for missionary
work in Illinois came from Mr. E. W. Bakewell, of Normal.
At the State Meeting at Jacksonville in 1857 he publicly
pledged himself "to be one of eight to give $100, or one of
fifty to give $1,000, within a year, toward establishing a per-
manent missionary fund." Nothing immediately came from
this proposition. In 1876 the subject was revived with the
view of securing $10,000, the annual interest from which
would support the State evangelist. The nation's centennial
was thought to be a fitting time to begin the building of a
living memorial. The proposition was presented in and
indorsed by the State Convention and advertised through
church papers and otherwise. Mins. J. J. Moss, A. H. Trow-
bridge and a few others gave a little time to this work. The
two men who started it with $100 each in cash were A. R.
Knox and John Doyle. In the early eighties they were fol-
lowed in like sums by J. O. Bolin, W. R. Carle, John V. Dee,
Col. J. W. Judy and S. H. Anderson. In 1880, upon the
earnest suggestion of Peter Whitmer, the sum to be raised
was placed at $13,000. He was a banker of Bloomington,
and for twenty-six consecutive years the faithful and efficient
treasurer of this fund. His annual reports were his joy.
BENEVOLENCES 101
The largest gift from any one person came from the estate
of Mrs. Sarah A. Starr, of Bloomington, in 1886— $10,000.
The Permanent Funds now aggregate $37,504. Of this sum,
$5,400 is in annuity bonds. In 1902 the Board arranged to
issue such bonds. Mrs. Emily Booth Turner, of Quincy, born
in Kentucky in 1825 and a lifelong, earnest Christian, gave
to this fund $2,000 on the annuity bond plan. This fund
will be increased within two years by $60,000 from the
estate of Thomas E. Bondurant. From the estate of Dr. J.
H. Breeden nearly $4,000 has been received recently. This
income from the regular permanent fund should pay the cost
of administration.
STUDENTS' AID FUND.
With the view of assisting young men of limited means
in their preparation for the work of the Christian ministry,
this fund was started in 1886. The moneys were to be
loaned to approved applicants on their notes of hand for
varying periods. A committee of three persons chosen by
the convention has very efficiently handled this business
throughout the twenty-seven years. Later the privileges of
the fund were extended equally to young women preparing
for special Christian service. August, 1913, this sum totaled
$8,219. From September, 1886, to July, 1913, 799 loans
were made to 255 students, eleven of whom were women.
These loans aggregated $22,264. The results of this stimu-
lating benevolence have been far-reaching. An application
came to the committee years ago from Frank L. Bowen. He
was well indorsed by the church at Rock Island, but the
indorsers said frankly that, in their opinion, it was question-
able whether the elements of a successful preacher were in
him. The conscientious and judicial consideration of the
application placed the committee "on the fence." Finally,
J. G. Waggoner said : "Brethren, let's take the risk and give
the boy a chance." Then it was so voted. The many years
of Mr. Bowen's fine ministry justify the committee's guess,
and he will know before whom to lift his hat.
102
HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
SECTION 4. — STATE CONVENTIONS AND PRESIDENTS.
DATES. PLACES.
PRESIDENTS.
1850 Shelbyville, H. D. Palmer.
1851 Walnut Grove, H. D. Palmer.
1852 Abingdon, W. W. Happy.
1853 Jacksonville, W. W. Happy.
1854 Decatur, W. W. Happy.
1855 Charleston, W. W. Happy.
1856 Mechanicsburg, W. W.
Happy.
1857 Jacksonville, W. W. Happy.
1858 Bloomington, W. W. Happy.
1859 Lincoln, W. W. Happy.
1860 Carrollton, W. W. Happy.
1861 Eureka, John T. Jones.
1£62 Abingdon, John T. Jones.
1863 Bloomington, John T. Jones.
1864 Lincoln, John T. Jones.
1865 Springfield, John T. Jones.
1866 Eureka, John T. Jones.
1867 Jacksonville, E n o s Camp-
bell.
1868 Winchester, Enos Campbell.
1869 Macomb, Enos Campbell.
1870 Chicago. Enos Campbell.
1871 Bloomington, Enos Campbell.
1872 Bloomington, Enos Campbell.
1873 Jacksonville, A. A. Glenn.
1874 Eureka, J. H. McCullqugh.
1875 Bloomington, A. I. Hobbs.
1876 Eureka, S. M. Connor.
1877 Springfield, A. I. Hobbs.
1878 Eureka, A. I. Hobbs.
1879 Princeton, J. W. Allen.
1880 Bloomington, A. I. Hobbs.
1881 Jacksonville, N. S. Haynes.
DATES. PLACES. PRESIDENTS.
1882 Macomb, A. J. Thompson.
1883 Springfield, G. M. Goode.
1884 Eureka, S. M. Connor.
1885 Eureka, S. M. Connor.
1886 Sullivan, J. G. Waggoner.
1887 Decatur, J. A. Roberts.
1888 Eureka, Hiram Woods.
1889 Eureka, A. N. Gilbert.
1890 Eureka, J. H. Gilliland.
1891 Eureka, F. N. Calvin.
1892 Eureka, A. P. Cobb.
1893 Eureka, W. A. Maloan.
1894 Eureka, W. A. Humphrey.
1895 Eureka, T. T. Holton.
1896 Eureka, L. B. Pickerill.
1897 Eureka, N. S. Haynes.
1898 Eureka, J. H. Hardin.
1899 Eureka, J. H. Smart.
1900 Bloomington, N. S. Haynes.
1901 Springfield, R. F. Thrapp.
1902 Jacksonville, W. W. Weedon.
1903 Eureka, J. E. Lynn.
1904 Champaign, W. H. Cannon.
1905 Decatur, Geo. A. Campbell.
19C6 Paris, F. W. Burnham.
1907 Jacksonville, O. W. Law-
rence.
1908 Chicago, H. L. Willett.
1909 Eureka, J. H. Gilliland.
1910 Springfield, J. W. Kilborn.
1911 Danville, J. R. Golden.
1912 Centralia, Silas Jones.
1913 Jacksonville, W. W. Weedon.
SECTION 5. — THE CHRISTIAN WOMAN'S BOARD OF MISSIONS.
The first effective call to the women of the churches of
Christ in the United States to organize for missionary work
was issued in May, 1874, by Mrs. Caroline Neville Pearre,
then a resident of Mason City, Iowa. In God's providence
MRS. O. A. BURGESS. MRS. V. T. LINDSAY.
MRS. S. J. CRAWFORD. MRS. ANNIE E. DAVIDSON.
MISS. E. J. DICKINSON.
MRS. L. V. PORTER. MRS. P. L. CHRISTIAN.
BENEVOLENCES 103
this call proved to be bread cast upon the wide waters.
On July 26, 1874, Miss Elmira J. Dickinson organized a
local woman's missionary society at Eureka — the first in the
State. About the same time Pastor J. H. McCullough and
wife, of Bloomington; Isaac Errett, then preaching in Chi-
cago, and Pastor J. W. Allen, of Jacksonville, formed similar
societies in the churches of these several cities.
The Illinois Christian Woman's Board of Missions was
organized by Miss Dickinson at Eureka, Aug. 28, 1874, at
the close of the annual meeting of the State Missionary
Society. There were present about fifty women, who were
encouraged in their action by Mr. John Darst, of Eureka,
and Pastor Ira J. Chase, of Peoria. This was the first State
organization of the Christian women. It was their expressed
intention to become auxiliary to a national society which it
was proposed to form at Cincinnati, Ohio, the next October.
At this national meeting seventy-five women were present
from nine States, ten of whom were from Illinois. Such
was the beginning of a Christian activity that has been of
incalculable value to the women themselves and the church
at large. It has given to their fine minds and true hearts
worthy ideals and aims, and has conserved the spiritual life
of the churches and brought thousands to the knowledge of
the truth and to the service of the Master. On the first
Sunday afternoon following the meeting in Cincinnati, Elder
Tyra Montgomery formed a woman's auxiliary in the church
at Mattoon, of which Mrs. Caroline Montgomery was the
first president.
Miss Dickinson was chosen the first president at the for-
mation of the Illinois Society, and for a decade thereafter
did the difficult and heroic pioneer work that was needed to
lay the foundation of a splendid superstructure. Those who
followed in the presidency were Mrs. James Kirk, Mrs.
Emma Campbell Ewing, Mrs. O. A. Burgess, Mrs. Persis
L. Christian, Miss Anna May Hale, Miss Annie E. David-
son, Mrs. Carrie F. Zeller and now Mrs. Lura Thompson
Porter.
104 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The corresponding secretaries have been Mrs. Ella Myers
Huffman, Mrs. Happy, Mrs. M. M. Lindsay, Mrs. J. G.
Waggoner, Miss Lura V. Thompson (two terms), Miss
Rachael Crouch, Miss Gussie Courson and Miss Anna M.
Hale,
The treasurers in their order of service were Mrs. John
Darst, Mrs. H. W. Everest, Mrs. Cassell, Mrs. M. B. Hawk,
Mrs. S. J. Crawford, Miss Clara L. Davidson and now Miss
Henrietta Clark.
The superintendents of the Young People's Department
were Miss Frank Haynes, Miss Annie E. Davidson, Miss
Gussie Courson, Miss Minnie Dennis, Miss Lola V. Hale,
Miss Irene Ridgely, Miss Clara B. Griffin, Miss Dora
Gutherie and now Miss Effie L. Gaddis.
Miss Dickinson gave the society, in various official capaci-
ties, about thirty years of service; Mrs. S. J. Crawford was
treasurer twenty-two years; Miss Annie E. Davidson in a
dual capacity fourteen years, and Mrs. Porter fifteen years —
to September, 1913. Twelve of the women above named
have been "field workers;" that is, they have gone through
the State as educators and organizers. It may be truthfully
said that all of these women in every official position have
done their best; hence the work has grown steadily from its
beginning. The pioneers in this movement overcame, by
their Christlike devotion, uninformed indifference and out-
spoken prejudice and opposition, and they merit the greater
honor. At the first meeting in 1874 there was "a collection
taken of $5.41 for the State development ;" the total offerings
for the year closing with June, 1913, were $24,392. Starting
with nothing save prayer, purpose and promise, the auxil-
iaries and circles reported at the same time were 266, with
a membership of 6277 .
In January, 1901, a State paper was started to help in
this work. It was called The Illinois Quarterly, but became
Mission Leaves in 1906. It was first issued from Athens,
with Miss Anna M. Hale as editor; in 1904 from Eureka,
with Miss Annie E. Davidson as editor, and in 1909, first
BENEVOLENCES 105
from Cuba, then from Petersburg, with Mrs. Carrie F. Zeller
as editor — to August, 1913. There were eighteen hundred
of these Leaves then in circulation.
The headquarters of the society have been Eureka for
two periods, Jacksonville and Springfield. The office is now
in the First Christian Church there, and Mission Leaves will
be issued from that city. Miss Jennie Call is the editor and
is also the corresponding secretary.
This movement owes much to Illinois. Its mother, Mrs.
Pearre, was trained in this State. So also was Mrs. Burgess,
whose superior administrative ability kept her in the presi-
dency of the national society ten years. Mrs. Christian, who
was known as a "queen of the platform," and who traveled
ten years through the nation in the advocacy of this work,
was a product of Illinois. Miss Dickinson, who was first in
self-sacrifice, suggested the thought of a missionary training-
school. And this was actualized through the munificence of
Mrs. Maude Detterding Ferris, a fair daughter of the
Prairie State.
The total receipts of the National C. W. B. M. for the
year ending September, 1913, were $358,944. This society
has in its employ 518 men and women, who are at work in
the United States, western Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Porto
Rico, South America, New Zealand, India, China and Africa.
SECTION 6. — CHRISTIAN HOME FOR THE AGED.
This Home is located at 873 Grove Street in Jacksonville.
It is a two-story brick, modern building, with forty rooms,
that stands on a beautiful lot of two and a half acres. It is
the property of the National Benevolent Association and was
bought in 1900 at a cost of $6,500. This money was fur-
nished by Mr. John Loar, Mrs. Nancy Henderson and Mrs.
Lou Deweese Kaiser — all members of the Jacksonville
Church. The two women have passed to the life eternal.
Since then a large addition was built to it. There are thirty
rooms for the inmates, who are mostly women. Since its
opening there have been seventy-eight of these. It has always
106 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
been full, with a number on the waiting list. The annual
current expenses amount to $6,000, which is paid from the
offerings made at large to the National Benevolent Associa-
tion. Admission is limited to members of the Christian
Church. The Home is a credit to the Disciples of Christ
and most worthy of their support. Mrs. Mary B. Thorn-
berry is the present esteemed and capable matron.
SECTION 7. — CHICAGO MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
Atty. Milton O. Naramore furnishes the following con-
cise data: The Missionary Society was organized in the
parlor of old Farwell Hall in 1887. The Christian Churches
in the city at that time were the West Side (now Jackson
Blvd.), Indiana Avenue, Englewood and the North Side (now
Sheffield Ave.) and a few missions. Those present at the
meeting were Dr. W. A. Belding, Geo. F. Childs, W. G.
Morris, W. P. Keeler and some of the following, who earn-
estly promoted the co-operation from the first ; namely, Mins.
J. W. Allen and Blackwell ; A. A. Devore, who served as
president for several years ; A. Larabee, C. C. Chapman, J.
G. Hester and H. H. Hubard. Of all these, W. P. Keeler
was actively identified with the society from the beginning,
has given more years of faithful service than any other, and
is still zealous for its usefulness. He was a native of Dan-
bury, Connecticut. About 1855 the family home was where
the Great Northern Hotel now stands. Chicago has been his
place of residence ever since. In 1899 the society was reor-
ganized and incorporated under the name of the "Chicago
Christian Missionary Society." Under the constitution then
adopted the society became a representative body consisting
of delegates elected annually by the several churches of
Christ in Chicago and Cook County. The first officers were:
J. H. O. Smith, President; E. A. Orr, Vice-President ; E.
M. Bowman, Recording Secretary; J. C. Lindsay, Corre-
sponding Secretary ; Carl Bushnell, Treasurer ; E. W. Darst,
Superintendent of Missions, and A. Larabee, Assistant Super-
intendent. Besides these, an executive board of seven is
W. P. KEELER.
J. S. SWAFORD.
C. J. HUDSON.
E. W. DARST.
M. O. NARAMORE.
E. M. BOWMAN.
E. B. W1TWER.
BENEVOLENCES 107
elected annually, to which is committed the entire business
of the society. The first board was composed of Milton O.
Naramore, Chairman ; E. M. Bowman, Secretary ; VV. P.
Keeler, E. B. Witwer, Carl Bushnell, Charles J. Hudson and
J, W. Swaford.
One of the most effective means of arousing the churches
to the needs of city missions was the plan inaugurated by
this board of holding quarterly rallies of all the congrega-
tions, at some central place on Sunday afternoons. The first
of these was held at Kimball Hall, on Wabash Avenue, near
Jackson, in February, 1900. This plan is still continued.
Under the leadership of E. W. Darst, a tireless and
devoted teacher of the gospel, 'city-mission work in Chicago
moved forward with new life. In the few years he gave to
this service, and during which he laid his own life on this
altar, he fully proved the efficiency of this method. Most of
the new churches of recent years stand as monuments to
his wisdom and consecration. No great enterprise goes
forward without a competent leader. Mr. Darst retired only
when his failing health compelled. His life closed in a few
years.
He was succeeded by W. B. Taylor, who was also an
indefatigable servant of Christ. During his term of service
the plan of aggressive work in building up new missions
through a superintendent was changed. Upon his retirement
Asst. Supt. A. Larabee was given charge of this work, and
continued therein till the close of his life. His life and work
are held in tender and grateful remembrance.
In addition to the contributions of the Chicago churches,
the work of this society has been financially helped by the
American Christian Missionary Society, the Illinois Mission-
ary Society and the National and State C. W. B. M.
O. F. Jordan has been the faithful and efficient secretary
of this society for five years. He has aimed to secure and
present annually a tabulated report of the churches of Christ
in Cook County, thus giving a bird's-eye view of the growth
of the Disciples therein.
108 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
SECTION 8. — THE CHICAGO UNION OF AUXILIARIES TO C. W. B. M.
This society was organized in 1894. Its object was to
promote the special work of missions as represented by the
C. W. B. M. The union has grown from seven auxiliaries
with about fifty members to twenty-two auxiliaries and circles
with a membership of 547. The quarterly meetings of this
union for twenty years have been very helpful to the indi-
vidual women, to the local auxiliaries and to the congrega-
tions with which they are connected. The Chicago Union
has always responded loyally to all calls of the National C.
W. B. M., and it has co-operated actively with the General
Home Society and the City Mission Board in organizing and
sustaining missions in Chicago, thus helping to unitize this
great work. In 1913 the Chicago auxiliaries raised and paid
for their special work, $2,261.
For a number of years the National C. W. B. M. has
paid $1,200 for mission work in Chicago.
CVANSTOM
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CHURCHES OF CHRIST
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1913 Year Book.
CHAPTER VI.
LOCAL CHURCHES AND SOME OF THEIR ORGANIZED
ACTIVITIES.
SECTION 1.
The Churches.
ALEXANDER COUNTY.
The confluence of great rivers seems to impress people
with a migratory disposition. The inclination is to move on.
In addition to this, the southern extremity of the State has
been subjected to the dangers and vicissitudes of great floods.
Besides, those who laid out and lotted the town were actuated
mainly by a selfish, mercenary spirit. The influences have
combined to keep most of its denizens in a state of continual
flux. So Disciples have come to Cairo and gone away
through the decades.
Cairo First.
Organized 1866, by G. G. Mullins; present membership,
157; value of property, $20,000; Bible school began 1866;
present enrollment, 93.
Mr. Mullins was a chaplain in the Federal Army. The
Disciples in Cairo had occasional meetings before the Civil
War. At the date of organization, so far as can be learned,
the following were the charter members : Mr. and Mrs. S. R.
Hay, Mr. and Mrs. A. B. Fenton, Mr. and Mrs. Prussia Mor-
rison, Mr. and Mrs. McCauly, Mr. and Mrs. Trambo, J. C.
Talbot, Robert Condiff, Mrs. Mary E. Clark, Mrs. White,
Mrs. Brown, Mrs. Gilkey, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Seely, Mr.
and Mrs. Layton, Miss Gilkey, Miss Smith and Mrs. Wilson.
S. R. Hay and A. B. Fenton were chosen as elders and J. C.
Talbot and Robert Condiff, deacons.
Meetings for public worship were held in the courthouse
109
110 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
until the county clerk turned them out. The erection of a
building on Eighteenth Street, between Washington and
Walnut, was then begun. Lack of funds delayed its com-
pletion for two years, but occasional meetings were held
meanwhile therein, seated with planks held on boxes and
blocks. In 1867 a successful union Sunday school was held
in the courthouse until the county clerk turned it into the
street. This houseless school hastened the finishing of the
chapel on Eighteenth Street. It was completed in 1868. In
1894 this chapel was moved to the corner of Sixteenth and
Poplar Streets. These lots were filled up by the ladies' aid
society. The building was repaired in 1901. During its
entire life the school has had struggles, occasional successes
with frequent failures and not a few discouragements.
Always there has been "a remnant according to the election
of grace." S. R. Hay, A. B. Fenton, G. M. Alden and J. C.
Talbot deserve to be held in grateful remembrance for their
sacrifices and faithfulness.
More than forty ministers have served the church. Some
of the earlier were Peter Vogel, T. W. Caskey, B. F.
Manire, J. C. Mason, David Walk, Alfred Flower and Clark
Braden, whose term was particularly helpful. The present
building was erected during the pastorate of Frank Thomp-
son. Alden R. Wallace is now the pastor.
Cairo Second.
Organized 1908; present membership, 51; value of prop-
erty, $300; Bible-school enrollment, 82.
In June, 1908, forty- four members of the First Church
signed a paper in which they expressed the belief that the
time had come to establish a church of Christ north of
Twenty-eighth Street, and therebv agreed to unite in this aim.
Officers were elected. The meetings for public worship have
been held in a public hall and a store building. The preach-
ing has been done mainly by transient preachers. Floods
from the great rivers have very seriously handicapped the
work of the churches here.
CHURCHES 111
ADAMS COUNTY.
Antioch (Golden).
Organized 1843; present membership, 36; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible school began 1877; present enrollment, 76.
This congregation was formed as the Big Neck Church
of Christ, April 16. There were six charter members ;
namely, H. A. Cyrus, A. R. Hagerty, Joseph, Nancy and
Margaret Craig and Mary Ann Thompson. A reorganiza-
tion was made in 1870 by Min. William Grissom, from
which time it has been called Antioch. The first church
house was built in 1877, which served till 1913, when a more
suitable structure was occupied. It is five miles south and
one west of Bowen.
Camp Point.
Organized 1865, by Joseph Lowe; present membership,
458; value of property, including parsonage, $19,000; Bible
school began 1866; present enrollment, 337.
Organized in a near-by schoolhouse. Built first house
in 1866; the second is a modern structure and was finished
in 1912, during the pastorate of W. J. Reynolds, who served
this church ten years.
There were thirty-five charter members, among them
Joseph Lowe, R. H. Routh, J. W. Miller and Dr. S. G.
Moore, who were the elders, and T. G. Odell and G. M.
Hess, deacons.
The men given to the ministry were Walter Kline, Ivan
Omer and Frank S. Booth.
Clayton.
Present membership, 187; value of property, $6,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 102.
Coatsburg.
Present membership, 35; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 50.
112 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Columbus.
Organized 1844; present membership, 151; value of prop-
erty, $2,500; Bible school began 1881; present membership,
150.
There were no records before 1857.
The church has given Fred Meadows and James A. Seaton
to the ministry.
Fowler.
Organized 1861, by Dr. William Hatch; present member-
ship, 36; value of property, including parsonage, $2,900;
Bible school began 1896; present enrollment, 33.
The church does good work.
Kellerville.
Present membership, 54; value of property, $1,000.
Liberty.
Organized 1852, by Ziby Brown; present membership,
177; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1862;
present enrollment, 72.
This congregation grew out of a series of meetings con-
ducted by Min. Ziby Brown, in which he very successfully
met the opposition of Romanists and other sectarians. The
charter members were Jacob and Anna Connor, E. B., Solo-
mon and Jane M. Rhodes, George Pond, George Benfield,
James R. and Elizabeth Howerton, Phoebe A. Vanderlip, Levi
and Phoebe Traver, Lovena C. Grubb, Rosena and Elizabeth
Vanderlip, Lydia and Rebecca Benfield, Hannah Meacham,
James and Margaret J. Dunlap, Nancy A. Malone, Jason and
Mrs. Barnard ; Ira, Susanah, Samuel, Rebecca and Eliza-
beth Kimmons ; Elizabeth Hunsaker, Susanah and Mary E.
Titus, Eliza Malone, and Erastus and Euphrazina Rice. The
organization was made in the brick schoolhouse. Min. Elijah
L. Craig presided.
CHURCHES 113
Immediately following the formation of the church, Mr.
Bond, an M. E. minister, challenged Mr. Brown for a public
discussion. He was accommodated. Later the M. E. Church
disappeared from that village. More than twenty ministers
have served the congregation. The first house of worship
was built in 1853 and the second was occupied in 1907.
Lima.
Organized 1830, by John B. Curl; present membership,
110; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1898;
present enrollment, 51.
Loraine.
Organized 1892, by S. S. Jones; present membership, 310;
value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1892; present
enrollment, 191.
There were 120 charter members. Fifteen pastors have
served the church. The first building was erected in 1892.
This gave place to a modern structure in 1908.
Marcellene.
Organized 1879; present membership, 50; value of prop-
erty, $3,000 ; Bible school began 1879 ; present enrollment, 72.
Mill Creek (Mendon).
Present membership, 25; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 20.
Mound Prairie (Beverly).
Present membership, 90; value of property, $1,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 30.
Mount Hebron (Mendon).
Present membership, 30; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 20.
114 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Payson.
Organized 1868, by J. H. Hughes; present membership,
125;' value of property, including parsonage, $4,600; Bible
school began 1866.
The church has given Louis Cupp, O. W, Lamonte and
O. W. Lawrence to the ministry.
Pleasant Vieiv (Camp Point).
Organized 1835, by David Hobbs; present membership,
83; value of property, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 65.
The location is three miles southeast of Camp Point.
Some say the church was organized by John Ambrose, but
the more probable name is given. Among the charter mem-
bers there were John Ambrose, Nancy Foster, David, Char-
lotte, Nicholas and Elizabeth Hobbs, Rodney and Rhoda
Burnham, Daniel and Lucy Walker. Meetings were held in
the residences and schoolhouse till 1848, when a chapel was
built. The first pastor was T. J. Matlock, who served in
1849. The church has done good work through its seventy-
eight years. It has given to the ministry Elmer, William and
Joseph Lowe and R. A. Omer.
Quincy First.
Present membership, 530; value of property, $25,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 400.
Min. Livy Hatchett, of Warren County, visited Quincy
in 1840. There and then he met Jacob Creath, of Missouri,
who addressed the citizens with great ability. Though none
made the good confession, some united with us who were for-
merly Baptists — the wife of Governor Carlin and a Sister
Turner. Evidently the church was formed before 1840. In
1844 Mr. Creath reported that his meetings in Quincy had
been much disturbed by military maneuvers connected with
the Mormon riots at Nauvoo. Min. Patrick Murphy became
the first pastor in 1850, when there were only twenty mem-
bers. Shortly thereafter the chapel of the M. E. Church
CHURCHES 115
South was bought. It stood on Fourth Street, between Jer-
sey and York Streets. This was used until the present build-
ing on Broadway and Ninth Streets was erected. Following
Mr. Murphy, the church was served by Mins. Simms, D. R.
Howe, J. H. McCollough, H. D. Clark, J. T. Toof, F. N.
Calvin and others. Governor Carlin was a member here.
Quincy (East End).
Present membership, 71; value of property, $2,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 141.
This mission has been fostered by the State Society.
Richfield (Plainville).
Present membership, 20; value of property, $1,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 20.
Ursa.
Organized 1833, by Jesse Bowles; present membership,
152; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1840;
present enrollment, 159.
This was organized as the Bear Creek Christian Church.
The local name was changed in 1840. The charter members
were Jesse Bowles and wife; Stephen A. Ruddle, wife and
daughter ; Sarah Crawford, Miss Stephenson, and the Misses
Lyttle and Elizabeth Stone.
The pioneer preachers were Stephen Ruddle, Jesse Bowles,
John Clark and Levi Hatchet. Mr. Ruddle was born in
Bourbon County, Ky., in 1768. He did missionary work
among the Indians. Came from Missouri to Adams County
in 1829.
Wolf Ridge (Camp Point).
Organized 1892, by John Parrick; present membership,
40; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1892; pres-
ent enrollment, 50.
Of late years the church has paid a little for missions.
Charles A. Cate was a farmer-preacher of this county who
116 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
did faithful service for many years. He was born in New
Hampshire and died in Adams County in 1908.
John B. Curl was also an active evangelist in the early
thirties. His labors were earnest and reached a wide terri-
tory.
BOND COUNTY.
Greenville.
Organized 1878, by J. Carroll Stark ; present membership,
300; value of property, $4,500; Bible school began 1878;
present enrollment, 250.
Isaac N. Enloe was instrumental in having Mr. Stark
hold the series of meetings that resulted in the formation
of this church.
Among the leading members there are W. H. Dawdy,
Cicero J. Lindly, E. E. Wise, C. E. Davidson, E. W. Miller
and H. C. Mable.
The two preachers produced were Jesse E. Stone a Tal-
mage DeFreese.
The church is healthy and prosperous.
Mulberry Grove.
Organized 1864, by John A. Williams; present member-
ship, 200; value of property, $3,200; Bible school began 1864;
present enrollment, 144.
The charter members were A. J. Morgan and wife,
Andrew Steel and wife, A. J. Leigh and wife, C. T. Smith
and wife, Hiram Bixby and wife, and Mrs. Barnes.
The German Baptists and United Baptists owned a chapel
jointly here. The trustees bought out one party in the spring
of 1865 and the other party a year afterward. By 1900 the
house was old and poorly located, so then a better location
was purchased and a modern chapel built thereon.
Mr. Williams served the church several years. Twelve
or more pastors have followed him. The congregation has
half-time preaching. There are seven elders, six deacons and
five trustees. Evert Elam is clerk.
CHURCHES 117
Smithboro.
Present membership, 30; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 35.
Tamalco.
Present membership, 99; value of property, $800; Bible-
school enrollment, 79.
Woburn.
Organized 1859, by John A. Williams; present member-
ship, 50; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment,
56.
This was the first church in Bond County that was Chris-
tian only. In 1859 Jonathan Skates, with his wife and his
wife's sister, Mrs. E. M. Lemert — all members of the church
of Christ — came from Ohio and settled in this locality. Mrs.
Lemert was a woman of fine intelligence and Christian devo-
tion. These, with other Disciples, arranged for monthly
meetings in the schoolhouse. In the fall Mr. Williams held
a revival and constituted the church.
A chapel was built soon. In 1906 this gave place to a
new and better house.
There was a hard pull to pay for the first chapel because
of the determined opposition of denominational neighbors.
Not a church that opposed in that time has now either place
or name in the community.
The first officers were Henry Allen, elder; Jonathan
Skates and D. V. Tabor, deacons.
BROWN COUNTY.
Coopcrstown.
Organized 1881, by T. W. Cottingham; present member-
ship, 103; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began
1881 ; present enrollment, 81.
Before this date Mins. A. P. Stewart, Cottingham, Pat-
terson and Stanley had preached here. Like all village
118 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
churches, this has lost many by the continual change of peo-
ple. However, this one is still vigorous.
Hazel Dell (Mt. Sterling).
Organized 1870, by Minister Robison; present member-
ship, 70; value of property, $600; Bible school began 1870;
present enrollment, 89.
The location is two miles east of Mt. Sterling, on the
Ripley road. The chapel was built the same year. The work
has been regularly and faithfully maintained, although sub-
ject to constant changes in the community. Among the lead-
ers in the earlier days were George Kendrick, Lemuel Cop-
page, John Dennis and Lewis C. Perry. Mr. Perry was the
efficient superintendent of the Bible school for many years.
Mt. Sterling.
Organized 1838, by John Taylor; present membership,
383; value of property, $10,000; Bible-school enrollment, 300.
The first preachers of the Christian Church came to
Brown County as early as 1836, and began their work
among the scattered pioneer settlers in the vicinity of Mt.
Sterling. They were strong, rugged men, deeply rooted in
the gospel, and staunch advocates of the Restoration move-
ment. Among these were John B. Curl, Alexander Reynolds,
Thomas Brockman, Barton W. Stone, John Rigdon, Jacob
Creath, James Ross, W. P. Bowles, Pardee Butler (of Kan-
sas fame), Robert Foster, with an occasional sermon by Alex-
ander Campbell.
John Price, a well-to-do farmer residing two miles east
of Mt. Sterling, was one of the first to identify himself with
the new movement. He became the most active servant of
the Lord. Meetings for preaching, prayer and communion
were held in his home, and others in the village in an old
blacksmith and wagon shop and next in the courthouse. The
first chapel was built in 1853 and still stands on the original
site. The city owns it.
The next preachers were D. P. Henderson, J. S. Sweeney
CHURCHES 119
and John Taylor, the latter of whom for many years was the
resident minister of the church. He was a man of modest
mien and limited education, but had large native ability both
as a preacher and leader of men. His long and faithful
service gave permanency to this church and introduced the
gospel into other communities. Evangelist W. H. Brown also
helped the church much.
The pastorate of J. F. Stewart was especially fruitful in
both spiritual and material results. On lots that were given
to the congregation by him and George F. Tebo the present
building was finished in 1887. This was enlarged and recon-
structed during the pastorate of Mr. Lorton.
The church is well organized and carrying on aggressive
work under Mr. L. G. Huff's capable leading.
New Salem (Mt. Sterling).
Organized 1875, by J. T. Smith ; Bible school began 1875.
Four miles north of Mt. Sterling, at the Bell School-
house, a congregation of about fifty members was formed.
Among them were some excellent families. Meetings were
held regularly on the Lord's Days. In 1877 a chapel was
built nearer town, which is known as above written. The
pastors at Mt. Sterling have usually served this congregation.
Ripley.
Organized 1842, by John Taylor ; present membership, 72 ;
value of property, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 112.
For many years Alpheus Brown, a pioneer preacher,
resided here and cared for this congregation. During this
period it grew steadily and came to have near three hundred
members, who controlled the bulk of the wealth in the village
and community. Later the church was divided by the Sev-
enth-day Advents and has never regained its power and influ-
ence. Ministers Taylor and Brown were the chief factors in
its growth. Associated with them as active servants of God
there were P. A. Hows, Marion Stout, Nancy Tebo, W. A.
Clark, John Adams, L. D. Stoffer, S. Glen, Mrs. Hawkins
120 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and Mrs. Hardin. Some of its later preachers were J. S.
Sweeney, Mr. Price, J. T. Smith, C. H. Patterson, A. P.
Stewart and Mr. Stanley.
A modern house of worship was built in 1904. J. D.
Williams is the present pastor.
Timewell.
Organized 1868, by P. D. Vermillion; present member-
ship, 194; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began
1868; present enrollment, 210.
The former name of this town was Mound Station. Pre-
vious to 1868 there were some scattered Disciples of Christ
in the community, among them Mr. Laughlin, the Coopers,
Webb, Oliver Ausmus and other good men.
A strong congregation was organized and a good house
built.
The ministers who served the church were Wm. Gressom,
Mr. McPherson, D. R. Lucas, T. W. Cottingham, A. P.
Stewart, T. M. Weaver and E. J. Lampton.
Two public discussions were held in this house. In 1878,
A. P. Stewart met Minister Yates, of the Missionary Baptists.
In 1879, D. R. Lucas met Minister Thompson, of the Regular
Baptists.
This is a strong church. Pastor W. A. Taylor led in the
erection of the present fine structure.
Versailles.
Organized 1869, by W. S. Henry; value of property,
including parsonage, $5,300.
Mr. Henry was one of the first elders and A. G. Lucas
the first minister. The growth in numbers was slow. In
1874 the frame of a new church building was swept away by
a storm. Renewed determination soon rebuilt it. In its
earlier years George F. Adams and A. P. Stewart held suc-
cessful meetings, when some of the most influential people
of the community were included in its membership. This
church has done good work.
CHURCHES 121
During Mr. Bassett's pastorate A. P. Cobb led in a great
meeting.
A new and modern building was erected in 1907 during
the pastorate of R. S. Campbell.
The church is doing aggressive work.
BUREAU COUNTY.
The Ross brothers (John, Joseph and Andrew) came from
Tuscarawas County, O., and settled in Ohio Township in
1845. Shortly thereafter they organized a church of Christ
and built a chapel in their neighborhood. This did good
service till 1872, when the place of meeting was changed to
Ohio, a town that grew on the railroad three miles north.
There the congregation also did good work. But its mem-
bers moved away, Romanists and infidels came, so that for
years the Christian Church has had no regular meetings. The
chapel still stands there.
About 1845, Min. Geo. G. McManis organized a church
of Christ at Leepertown, which served the community for
forty-three years, then it passed away by emigration. It was
the first of its faith in the county.
About 1850, J. F. M. Parker, assisted by John Wherry
and G. G. McManis, organized at Boyd's Grove the Milo
Church. It served its community well for many years, but
it is now feeble. The Southerland family was prominent.
Later the Lone Tree Church was formed seven miles
southeast of Boyd's Grove, probably by G. G. McManis.
Emigration carried it away.
Cragy Sharp, a Scotch Disciple, settled near Lamoille
and gathered together a small band there in the school-
house. Two of his sons became preachers.
The work at Maiden was begun by Elijah Isaacs and
John and Andrew Ross. The congregation met in the For-
ristal Schoolhouse, three miles north of Dover. The Car-
penter brothers were reared in this neighborhood, one of
whom became president of Oskaloosa College and chancellor
of Drake University, both in Iowa.
122 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Neither of the last two named congregations built a
church house.
What the name McManis meant to the southern part
of this county, Ross meant to the northern part.
New Bedford.
Organized 1866, by Geo. W. Mapes; present membership,
130; value of property, including parsonage, $4,500; Bible
school began 1866; present enrollment, 125.
John and Andrew Ross were the pioneer preachers here.
There were twenty-two charter members, among whom were
Jacob Sells, J. H. Symonds, Levi Baldwin, Henry Thomas
and Mrs. Thomas Gibson. At first the church met bitter
opposition from its religious neighbors. It became weak,
and the chapel that was built in 1869 was sold. In 1887 the
congregation was reorganized by Min. G. W. Black, under
the auspices of the Ohio Church. Since then it has done
excellent work.
Princeton.
Organized 1840, by John G. Yearnshaw; present mem-
bership, 282; value of property, including parsonage, $14,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 219.
The charter members were James W. Howe, John, Cath-
erine and Daniel R. Howe, John and Eliza Ireland, Daniel
Bryant, Clark and Mary Bennett, Rachel and Juliet Radcliff,
Elmura Elston, Sarah Minier, Mary Hays, Margaret McEl-
wain and John G. Yearnshaw. Mr. Yearnshaw was chosen
bishop, Mr. Bennett, deacon, and Mary Bennett, deaconess,
on March 8. The next October four persons were added by
conversion under the preaching of G. P. Young. Meetings
were held in an upper room until 1846, when a brick house
was completed through much toil and sacrifice. Min. G. G.
McManis, who had come there in 1844, and his sons went
into the woods and cut the timber that was used in the build-
ing. It stood until 1870, when the present house was built.
The church has had a varied history. The names of
CHURCHES 123
Mathew Trimble and his son, Wm. C. and Geo. G. McManis,
Dr. G. W. Taylor and D. R. Howe are cherished. J. G.
Waggoner was twice its pastor. Its present officers are well
qualified. C. C. Carpenter is the minister.
Walnut.
Organized 1882, by R. B. Brown; present membership,
242; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1882;
present enrollment, 147.
Andrew Ross preached the first sermon in the Red Oak
log schoolhouse, about three miles from the site of Walnut.
A little later G. W. Mapes preached there and the observance
of the Lord's Supper was begun. Mr. Brown was assisted
in the organization at Walnut by S. S. Jones. Prominently
connected with this prosperous church were, or are, Messrs.
Brower, McNitt, Wolf, Culver, Kelly, Martin, Potter, Long,
Shirk and Ross.
York town (Tampico).
Organized 1891, by J. E. Pierce; present membership, 20;
value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1894; present
enrollment, 48.
Mrs. C. C. Babcock held a series of meetings in Wood-
man Hall in September. She ordained J. E. Pierce, who
formed the church with six members. The chapel was built
in 1894. With varying fortune it continued till 1899. In
that year it supported an evangelist in forming a congegra-
tion at Tampico, in Whiteside County, to which it gave thirty
of its members. Since then it has gradually declined by
removals. It did good work. F. C. Thackaberry is corre-
spondent.
CALHOUN COUNTY.
Bay (Mozier).
Organized 1897, by J. M. Bovee; present membership,
60; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1900; pres-
ent enrollment, 75.
124 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This congregation was the result of a meeting conducted
by Mr. Bovee in the West Panther Creek Schoolhouse. The
use of an organ and the beginning of a Sunday school led to
a division of the church. Those withdrawing put up a
chapel within a stone's-throw of the other house. Then they
challenged Mr. Bovee to publicly debate the "organ ques-
tion." He complied.
Farmers' Ridge (Nebo).
Organized 1856, by J. W. Greer and James Burbridge;
present membership, 123 ; Bible-school enrollment, 100.
George and Richard Williams are preachers here.
Indian Creek (Hamburg).
Present membership, 60.
A small, ultra-conservative congregation, with little influ-
ence for good.
CARROLL COUNTY.
Lanark.
Organized 1843, by Garner Moffett; present membership,
122; value of property, $10,000; Bible-school enrollment, 120.
Cherry Grove was five miles northeast of the site of
Lanark. Into this place Garner Moffett, David Tripp, William
Renner, Thomas and Abraham Moffett, with their families,
came in 1840, and a little later David Miller, Emanuel Stover,
William Hawk and the McCoy family. Some of these were
from Virginia and others from Ohio. Min. Henry Howe
preached in this settlement at that time, as did also J. M.
Yearnshaw. After the church was formed, it authorized
Garner Moffett and David Tripp to preach. Residences and
schoolhouses were used for public worship till 1858, when
a chapel was built at Stovertown. When the railway was
built in 1861, Lanark was started and the chapel moved there.
In 1879 a new house was built. This gave place to the
present elegant structure in 1907. From the first the church
CHURCHES 125
has had many representative people and has done good
service. This congregation has given to the ministry Robert
and Frank L. Motfett, Wm. B. Clemner and F. A. Sword.
Savanna.
Organized 1904, by C. C. Carpenter; present membership,
25 ; value of property, $700 ; Bible school began 1904 ; pres-
ent enrollment, 55.
There were thirty-one charter members. Adverse condi-
tions and removals have handicapped the church from its
beginning. It owns a lot, but the meetings are held in a hall.
A C. E., L. A. society and teacher-training class are main-
tained. Mrs. C. Gridley is clerk.
Thomson.
Organized 1852, by John Yeager; present membership,
100; value of property, including parsonage, $4,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 105.
In 1852, Min. Garner Moffett, of Cherry Grove, established
a mission at the Argo Schoolhouse, then called Hague. Soon
after, Minister Yeager organized the Johnson Creek Church,
with the following charter members: Henry Atherton and
wife, Luke Atherton, Cephas Atherton and wife, Thomas Art
and wife, Robert Art and wife, Ebon Balcom, Mrs. James
Carroll, Mrs. Robert Carroll, Mrs. Alonzo Fuller, Henry
Knigh, Amos Shoemaker and wife, and Mrs. Charles Thom-
alson. Cephas Atherton was the last of these to pass on. He
died in 1910. Robert Art was the first elder, and Amos
Shoemaker and Thomas Art the first deacons. After Ministers
Yeager and Moffett, C. W. Sherwood served the church one-
fourth time as pastor for $100 per year. His sermons aver-
aged one hour and thirty minutes. About 1860 the Baptists
built a chapel at Bluffville, which was rented for one-fourth
time. The district missionary meeting was held here with
130 delegates present. At that time a chapel became a neces-
sity; work on a railway had commenced, so it was built at
126 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Thomson. The rock was quarried by the members and
much of the other labor donated by them. J. N. Smith was
then the minister. The women of the congregation paid off
the indebtedness before the dedication. By reason of its
financial weakness the church in its earlier years took L. B.
Myers from a real-estate office, G. W. Pearl from a marble-
cutter's shop, and C. C. Blakesley from music-teaching, and
made good preachers of them. The Thomson Church is
proud of three things: they have never had a quarrel, never
had a mortgage on their property, and have always paid
their ministers every dollar promised. Mrs. C. C. Babcock
rendered the congregation fine services as pastor.
CASS COUNTY.
Ashland.
Organized 1892, by G. W. Pearl; present membership,
100; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1892; pres-
ent enrollment, 126.
A former congregation in this town had failed. This one
was organized by State Evangelist Pearl. Its pastors have not
all been the most worthy.
Bcardstoivn.
Organized 1910, by Chas. W. Ross ; present membership,
137; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1910; pres-
ent enrollment, 250.
In the years long since gone, there was a congregation of
Christians only here, but even memory of it has faded away.
. The present church came from a six weeks' meeting, led
by District Evangelist Ross, assisted for a time by Miss Alice
Hornbeck, State Bible-school evangelist. First, Mr. Ross
made a canvass of the town, visiting 982 homes personally.
He found about one hundred persons who had been Disciples,
and a ladies' aid society. The meeting followed. Mr. Ross
reported 1.220 calls while on the field, challenges to debate
and opportunities to side-track in controversies, but the faith-
CHURCHES 127
ful preaching 01 the gospel in love resulted in a congregation
of ninety-seven members.
At first the old chapel of the German Methodists was
leased and then purchased in 1911.
Chandlerville.
Organized 1865, by Dr. D. W. Shurtleff ; present member-
ship, 199; value of property, including parsonage, $12,500;
Bible school began 1865 ; present enrollment, 180.
In the early sixties, Dr. D. W. Shurtleff preached in the
Buck and Pleasant Ridge Schoolhouses, located a few miles
east of the town. In 1864 the place of meeting was changed
to the village schoolhouse, and Min. John A. Raines minis-
tered to the people there. The chapel was built in 1867,
and the present fine structure was finished in 1913 during the
pastorate of B. O. Ay les worth.
The church owes much to Dr. N. H. Boone for his help in
its first period. After four years of spiritual gloom, Min.
H. C. Littleton began to revive the church in 1904. Since
then, led by good men, it has moved forward. Dr. H. B.
Boone has been Bible-school superintendent for sixteen years.
Philadelphia.
Organized 1837, by Samuel Brockman; present member-
ship, 20; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment,
25.
In 1850, Princeton, Cass County, was a village of two
hundred inhabitants and a good business. Its location was
about midway between Virginia and Petersburg. With the
coming of railroads, the town disappeared and its site is now
farmed. There was a Christian chapel in that Princeton in
1838. Minister Brockman was the first man who preached the
primitive gospel in that community and probably formed the
congregation. Alexander Campbell preached there one time.
John Sybrant, a resident of Jacksonville, and now ninety years
of age, became a member of this congregation in 1845. He
says that Minister Patton and D. Pat Henderson, both then
128 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
residents of Jacksonville, were then preaching there; that the
elders then were James Conover, Martin Hoagland and Dr.
Andrew Elder, and the deacons were Isaac Redding, John
Conover and John C. Dennis; that William Black moved
there in that year and was shortly made an elder; that
Samuel T. Callaway thereafter preached for the church
seven years ; that a new house of worship was built in 1849
by Joseph Black; that in June a public discussion was held
in this chapel between W. W. Happy and Minister Lewis, an
M. E. preacher; that E. G. Rice came to the neighborhood,
bought the James Conover farm, was chosen an elder and
preached for the church; that Eleazer Griffin was their next
preacher, but became a schismatic and was dismissed from
the church ; that in 1866 this church held a meeting in the
Garner neighborhood, J. B. McCorkle preaching; that in No-
vember, 1866, Minister McCorkle and Dr. J. M. Allen con-
ducted a series of meetings in a wood-shop in Philadelphia, and
that the Princeton Church was reorganized there with
Charles Elder and John Sybrant, elders, with Ripley Elder
and Joseph Black, deacons. The chapel at Princeton was
torn down, transferred to Philadelphia and rebuilt there by
Joseph Black. It was dedicated in June, 1867, by Min. A. J.
Kane, who was then serving the church.
This church formed congregations at Jordonville and Ash-
land, and gave to the ministry Charles Dean, Charles Elder
and Ripley Elder.
It has lost heavily by removals. Abram Bailey, Henry
Shafer, Frank Cosner, Mrs. Ruth Harding and Mrs. W. D.
Watkins are among the faithful few who remain. Pastor
C. E. French, of Virginia, is serving them as he can.
John Sybrant is a beautiful soul who waits in the vesti-
bule of eternity for his glorification.
Virginia.
Organized 1839, by Wm. H. Brown ; present membership,
160; value of property, including parsonage, $17,000; Bible
school began 1855; present enrollment, 160.
CHURCHES 129
Among the charter members there were probably the
following: Mr. and Airs. Alexander Naylor, Mr. and
Mrs. Charles Brady, Mr. and Mrs. John Mosely and Mr.
and Mrs. Thomas Mosely. Mr. Naylor was the elder of the
church.
It was not till 1843 that Evangelist Brown conducted a
great revival in the old courthouse. He was assisted by A.
J. Kane and Samuel Church. At this meeting Henry S.
Savage, Sr., and Miss Sarah Frances Ward united with the
church. Miss Ward became the wife of Mr. Savage. There-
after she became widely and well known for many Christian
works and noble character. Her father and mother, Jacob and
Eliza Ward, came into the church at the same time. It was
he who gave the lot upon which the first house of worship
was built. This was in 1853. It was at the northwest cor-
ner of Beardstown and Pitt Streets and was used till 1879.
During this period the preaching was intermittent. Robert
Foster, John Taft, George Owens, Harrison Osborn, A. H.
Rice, J. A. Rains and Samuel Lowe were there, and others
who held "big meetings." • About 1875 the Black family
moved into the city and ever since have added much to the
strength of the church.
J. L. Richardson became the first pastor in 1878. In the
fall of that year the second church building was finished. It
stood at the southwest corner of Beardstown and Cass
Streets on a lot one-half of which was given by Mrs. Sarah
F. Savage. This building was struck by lightning and
burned in 1897. J. D. Dabney was the pastor. He was suc-
ceeded by G. F. Shields, who led in the construction of the
new building. During the period of the second building,
Jas. McGuire, N. E. Cory, Minister Sewell and J. J. Cathcart
were pastors.
In the winter of 1888-89, Evangelist W. F. Black held a
seven weeks' meeting here which was an event in the life
of the church. After this, B. J. Radford supplied the pulpit
and pastors succeeded.
The church is active in Christian service.
6
130 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
CHAMPAIGN COUNTY.
The general history of this county says:
"Cyrus Strong, an early settler on the Salt Fork, was a
licentiate of the Disciples of Christ. He was the first min-
ister whose name appears upon the marriage records of the
county as officiating at a marriage early in the history of the
neighborhood. He exercised his gifts in behalf of a religious
life.
"Samuel Mapes, a resident of Hickory Grove, of the
same denomination, preached at different places in the county
and was instrumental in the organization of a church at the
schoolhouse in his neighborhood.
"These were the earliest churches of this denomination
and its earliest ministers."
Champaign.
Organized 1883, by N. S. Haynes; present membership,
975; value of property, $70,000; Bible school began 1883;
present enrollment, 836.
The official records of the State Missionary Society show
that this church was constituted by State Evangelist N. S.
Haynes. After about two months of intermittent efforts, he
gave place to Min. E. L. Frazier, who formed the Bible
school and prayer-meeting. He moved to Champaign, but
resigned the care of the mission after a short service on the
ground that "permanent results promised to be more tardy than
he thought he ought to wait for." The care of the mission
then went to Min. A. N. Page. He resided in Champaign
for about eight years. In 1884, Mr. Page began to give
much time to the mission. He bought a cheap lot on White
Street, solicited money in Champaign and other counties and
practically built the chapel. Then he preached for the con-
gregation till the close of 1885. Some of the pastors who
have served the church were B. N. Anderson, S. S. Jones
and E. C. Stark.
For the past ten years S. E. Fisher has been pastor, and
\
CHURCHES 131
in this period the church has made gratifying growth. Mr.
F. B. Vennum moved to the city in 1899 and shortly there-
after bought and gave to the church a much better site. Mr.
F. K. Robeson seconded the work of Mr. Vennum and they
interested Mr. T. A. Bondurant, of DeLand. A substantial
building grew during the pastorate of Jay W. Knight. This
was much enlarged and improved in 1910.
During the past decade, more than two thousand members
have been enrolled. The church is located at the seat of the
University of Illinois and is alive to its opportunities and
responsibilities.
Fisher.
Organized 1885, by II. C. Castle; present membership,
236; value of property, including parsonage, $6,500; Bible
school began 1885 ; present enrollment, 222.
This church was the result of a series of meetings con-
ducted by Evangelist H. C. Castle in the U. B. chapel. The
congregation occupied their house of worship in 1886, which
was remodeled in 1907. J. F. Hollingsworth is in his fifth
year as pastor.
Gifford.
Organized 1880, by John M. Smith ; present membership,
60; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1880; pres-
ent enrollment, 75.
Meetings were held in the schoolhouse. The church
building was finished in 1892.
Homer.
Organized 1856, by Dr. T. M. Hess ; present membership,
107; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1856;
present enrollment, 62.
There were eleven charter members. There was a union
chapel in Old Homer, but when it was moved to the new
site the legal title passed to the M. E. Church. Dr. Hess
built a hall in the new town which was used for public wor-
ship. The present house was built about 1875.
132 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
L. R. Conkrite has been given to the ministry and a num-
ber of the sisters have married preachers.
Longview.
A feeble congregation with an intermittent life.
Ludlow.
Organized 1869, by R. M. Martin; present membership,
183; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1869;
present enrollment, 91.
The first records of this church are yet available. The
charter members were: J. D. Ludlow, William A. Haley,
J. W. Dillon and wife, S. S. Proctor and wife, W. M. Cloyd
and wife, W. S. Collier and wife, John Crawford, T. J.
Johnson, G. W. Crose and wife, R. G. Braden and wife,
Eliza J. Gregg, Belle Neville, Clista W. Dillon, Liddie Bra-
den, Mary A. Dillon, Cassie R. Gregg, A. P. Cloyd and wife,
Davis Dillon, J. H. Crawford, C. H. Beach, W. L. Braden,
Viola Culbertson, Emily White, and three others whose
names are not legible.
The first house of worship, costing $3,000, was completed
in 1871 during the pastorate of R. B. Roberts. While J. H.
Hollingworth was pastor the building was fully modernized
and made beautiful in 1907.
Ira J. Walker served the church through fifteen consecu-
tive years as janitor and organist, free of charge.
Ogden.
Organized 1871 ; present membership, 60 ; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible school began 1871; present enrollment, 50.
Dr. T. M. Hess held the first meetings here about 1860
in an old schoolhouse. In 1872 a church-house was com-
pleted. Before the organization of this church the Disciples
residing here held membership in the church at Homer. By
reason of internal strife, the church disbanded in the early
eighties. Through the leading of Mr. B. F. Firebaugh,
CHURCHES 133
assisted by Min. L. C. Warren, a reorganization was effected
in April, 1886. The old records were lost.
The church has given Walter Martin to the ministry. By
the help of Min. S. E. Fisher, a Y. P. S. C. E. was formed
in 1908, which is now supporting a native missionary on the
Congo.
Rantoul.
Organized 1892, by S. S. Jones and J. S. Clements ; pres-
ent membership, 278; value of property, including parsonage,
$12,200; Bible school began 1893; present enrollment, 102.
Meetings were held in public halls till November, 1893,
when the chapel was occupied. This received an addition
and improvements in 1907.
Before the beginning of this church there was a congre-
gation near the site of Rantoul called Bethany. It served
its time and place. Many of its members moved to the
town. The building was torn down and the available mate-
rial used in the construction of the Rantoul chapel.
Sidney.
Organized 1856, by W. P. Shockey; present membership,
68; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1870; pres-
ent enrollment, 80.
The church first met in a building which the Baptists had
converted from a dwelling into a chapel. The next year a
church was built. All the lumber used in it, except the sills,
was hauled on wagons from Indiana. In 1901 a new frame
building of modern architecture and construction was erected.
The old records of the church were destroyed.
Some of the other preachers who have served the church
were Dr. T. M. Hess, J. W. Monser, Rolla and John Martin
and Noah Walker.
St. Joseph.
Organized 1845, by Samuel Mapes; present memDership.
237; value of property, including parsonage, $14,500; Bible
school began 1845; present enrollment, 84.
134 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
As early as 1845 Samuel Mapes came and located in
Hickory Grove, five miles northeast of St. Joseph, and began
preaching in that and adjoining settlements. This congrega-
tion prospered for many years under the ministry of Mr.
Mapes, Rolla M. Martin, Mr. McKinney, W. F. Yates and
Dr. T. M. Hess.
When the railway was built, the new town of St. Joseph
was started. Here meetings were first held in the school-
house. Dr. Hess preached for five years and the congrega-
tion increased in numbers. Then the M. E. people built a
house of worship which the Disciples rented for part time
and used for a year. Then they built a chapel of their own
in 1880. In this work Mr. Van B. Swearinger, who had
come to the community at an early day, was the leading
spirit.
During the four years' ministry of J. W. Perkins the
church grew. After him came Harmon Gregg, S. S. Jones,
E E. Cowperthwaite, J. H. Hosteller, J. Lytle, D. H. Shank-
lin, M. Metzler, D. H. Palmer and J. T. Davis. Following
the pastorate of Mr. Jones, a schism in the church occurred.
This was encouraged and led by a former minister, J. W.
Perkins. A suit at law followed, which resulted in accord-
ing the property to those opposed to Mr. Perkins. Two
years after this an organ was placed in the church and used.
There are others whose memory should be kept in the
church.
In the early years Benny and Alex. Argo were most
faithful. Two sisters in the flesh and in the Lord did much
to help teach people of their Christian duties. They were
familiarly known as Aunt Kit Patterson and Aunt Pop
Peters. Aunt Kit was a cripple for many years. She was
always at church. When it was dark or rainy she carried a
lantern. She was well endowed in mind, had good speaking
ability and was prompted by a strong desire to teach people
Christ's gospel. She could quote much of the Scripture from
memory. Aunt Pop read the Bible through thirty-two times.
During the five years' pastorate of Mr. Davis a new and
CHURCHES 135
modern church building, costing $12,000, was erected. It
was first used June, 1909.
There is also a congregation of conservatives here.
CHRISTIAN COUNTY.
Assumption.
Organized 1874, by J. M. Morgan; present membership,
120; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1874;
present enrollment, 45.
In 1870, Minister Morgan conducted a series of meetings
in the Baptist chapel. Several people turned to the Lord.
Four years later the organization was effected with twenty-
five charter members. The building was erected in 1875.
Berea (Mt. Auburn).
Organized 1868, by John W. Tyler; present membership,
100; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1869;
present enrollment, 60.
Mr. Tyler held a very successful meeting in the Sanders
Schoolhouse, winning sixty-eight persons for the Lord, and
organized the church with one hundred members. The first
officers were James Sanders and Benjamin Cross, elders,
with Wm. Pierson, John M. Abel and Oliver White, deacons.
A good frame chapel was built in 1869. The location is
beautiful — a high bluff on the south side of the Sangamon
River. A cemetery has grown in the rear of the chapel. Mr.
Tyler and Dr. L. A. Engle served the congregation for about
twenty-five years.
"Uncle Jim Sanders" was a unique character in the com-
munity in the early years.
Edinburg.
Organized 1856, by A. D. Northcutt; present member-
ship, 299; value of property, including parsonage, $5,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 150.
Meetings were held in the schoolhouse till 1872, when a
136 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
frame building costing about $1,800 was erected. This was
struck by a cyclone in 1875, which picked up the structure
down to the floor and carried it about ten rods. At the time
the children were in the house, assembled about the organ
and organist, practicing for a religious program. They were
all uninjured. The house was immediately rebuilt. It was
remodeled in 1901 and is still in use.
A. O. Hargis and Homer Turner have been given to the
ministry.
In place of a Christian Endeavor there is a Kulture Klub
of thirty young people for Bible study. Active C. W. B. M.
Morganville (Blue Mound).
Organized 1891, by J. O. Southerland; present member-
ship, 100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1891 ;
present enrollment, 56.
In this year there were living five and a half miles north-
west of Blue Mound the following named seven Disciples:
D. O. Daniels and wife, C. C. Hollier and wife, John Scott,
Mrs. Maggie McKinnie and John Hall. Through their effort
Min. J. O. Southerland held a series of meetings in the Syca-
more Schoolhouse. He baptized forty-two people and organ-
ized the Christian Church at Morganville, Christian Co.,
Hi., with forty-seven members. In August, 1892, a good
frame chapel was finished and occupied. At present the
elders are T. D. Scott and Elmer Ellis ; the deacons, Moses
Morgan, Henry Gimnura, David Abel and Bert Wilcox.
Mt. Auburn.
Organized 1840, by A. D. Northcutt ; present membership,
200; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 107.
In December, 1836, A. D. Northcutt bought a farm near
the site of the village of Osbornville, where Charles L.
Osborne now resides. Mr. Northcutt was then a member of
the Baptist Church, which was then very Calvinistic. He first
disagreed with his Baptist minister because he debarred other
CHURCHES 137
church people from a communion service. The date was prob-
ably about 1840. The noted Walter P. Bowles was at that
meeting, which was held in a Presbyterian chapel about a
mile east of Osbornville site. At the close of this meeting,
Messrs. Northcutt and Bowles laid hold of such puncheons
as they could carry, left the church and went to a near-by
grove. The people went along.
Mr. Bowles mounted a stump and preached to them.
Thereafter Mr. Northcutt said to his Baptist minister: "I am
now done with the Baptist Church." It was not long until
Mr. Northcutt and his wife, William Hunter and wife,
James Hunter and wife, and James Sanders, formed them-
selves into a church of Christ. This was the beginning of
the Mt. Auburn congregation. These people began at once
to meet regularly on the first day of the week for public
worship. It fell to Mr. Northcutt to lead and preside at the
Lord's table. He had no thought whatever of becoming a
minister. However, he soon showed his reverence for the
Scripture and his aptness to teach.
The little church grew and he was formally set apart to
the ministry. The meetings were held in the Brush School-
house. Mins. John W. Tyler, John Wilson and Mattie
Brown preached here. Mr. Tyler once preached once a
month for a year. His money pay was $60. When no other
preacher was present, Mr. Northcutt officiated. Next the
congregation changed its place of meeting to the Hunter
Schoolhouse, some three miles northeast of Mt. Auburn, and
in 1866 moved into the village. A chapel was built the same
year. Later it was improved, and is yet in use.
The work went on till 1875. Then the congregation fell
to pieces. For a period of twelve years the house was
opened only for funerals — a solemn reminder of deplorable
spiritual death. In 1889, Min. M. L. Anthony held a series
of meetings and revived the congregation. Since then it has
moved forward in a faithful effort to redeem the past.
During the years of depression, Charles T. Cole was
always faithful and hopeful. With his the name of Ira Ellis
138 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
deserves to be remembered. In late years there is a goodly
number cf earnest men and women, among them John W.
Auger.
Pana.
Organized 1905; present membership, 60; value of prop-
erty, $2,300; Bible-school enrollment, 21.
A small congregation lived here in the seventies and
eighties, but failed from a lack of leadership.
Pleasant Hill (Pawnee).
Present membership, 138; value of property, $2,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 25.
Taylorville.
Organized 1853, by A. D. Northcutt; present member-
ship, 410; value of property, including parsonage, $30,000;
Bible school began 1879; present enrollment, 250.
There were thirty-five charter members. Wm. Singer,
B. F. Maupin and J. W. Thompson were chosen elders, with
A. J. Sparks and Griffin Evans, deacons.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church was used for about
a year, when a frame chapel was built. It cost $2,500, and
at that time was the best in the county. The membership
then was about 150. Later an internal strife disorganized
the congregation and scattered its members every whither. In
1879, after a year of hard work, Min. S. R. Wilson suc-
ceeded in effecting a reorganization with thirty-three mem-
bers. Wm. Frampton, R. P. Langley and W. N. Long were
elected elders, with A. S. Thomas, Morgan Milligan and
Joseph Torrence, deacons. Later, L. R. Hedrick was added
to the eldership, where he served to the close of his life in
1894. To him the church was and is yet indebted.
The present edifice, "The Davis Memorial Christian
Church," was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis, they
furnishing most of the monev for its construction. It was
built during the pastorate of W. W. Weedon.
CHURCHES 139
Among the ministers of the first period of the church,
besides Mr. Northcutt, there were Alex. McCollum, Wm. M.
Brown, Wm. Vanhooser, John L. Wilson, Thomas Cully, J.
W. Tyler and W. T. Maupin.
Mrs. Cordelia Davis Hoover and Mrs. Sarah Davis Deter-
ding were daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Davis. These
women were both faithful to the Lord and his work when
the church was weak and when it was stronger. Their
names are held in tender and loving remembrance. Mrs.
Deterding's daughter, Mrs. Maude Deterding Ferris, was the
founder of the Missionary Training School at Indianapolis,
Ind., giving $25,000 toward this enterprise. At first it
bore her mother's name. Mrs. Ferris now supports a mis-
sionary in India, Dr. Rosa Lee Oxer, and helps many good
causes.
The two auxiliary societies of this church unite in the
support of a teacher in the school at Hazel Green, Ky.,
paying $450 a year.
The New Liberty Church, located three miles southwest
of Moweaqua, was organized by A. D. Northcutt in 1853.
There were ten charter members. From 1859 to 1875 the
congregation reached a membership of four hundred and was
a power in the community. Decline marked the years until
the formation of the church in Moweaqua, when it absorbed
many of its members. In 1902 an ineffective attempt was
made for its revival.
CLARK COUNTY.
This is the only county in the State in which no one could
be induced to supply the writer with the necessary facts.
The primitive gospel was first preached here about 1833 by
Daniel W. Elledge. About 1836 he organized the first
church. It was located three miles west cf Dalson Prairie,
and was named the Blue Grass Christian Church. Later he
helped build a chapel there. The Darwin Church was organ-
ized in this county in 1840 bv Min. John Bailev. It was
located in the south part of Union Township. There were
140 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
fifty charter members. A Bible school was begun there in
1873, with John Miller as superintendent. In 1913, there
were eight congregations reported in the county, with a total
membership of 615. Most of the leaders have been men of
very circumscribed vision.
CLAY COUNTY.
Bethel (Louisville).
Organized 1882; present membership, 224; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 103.
This is six miles west from Louisville and was largely
made up from Old Union, five miles west.
Bethlehem (Flora).
Present membership, 24; value of property, $1,100;
Bible-school enrollment, 95.
Bible Grove.
Present membership, 139; value of property, $800; Bible-
school enrollment, 57.
Clay City.
Organized 1871, by Geo. P. Slade; present membership,
88; value of property, including parsonage, $6,200; Bible
school began 1872; present enrollment, 100.
About one year after Greenburg Owens settled in Clay
City, he secured Evangelist Slade to conduct a meeting there,
when, in the small M. E. chapel South, he formed a church
of Christ with the following members: William, O. D. and
Philadelphia Schooley, Greenburg and Martha Owens, Geo.
W. Bailey, Josephine Driskell, Catherine Livings and Sarah
A. Bassett. By meetings led by Ministers Slade and John A.
Williams, the number was increased to 105 at the close of
the first year. The first officers were Greenburg Owens, J.
G. Alcorn and J. T. Evans, elders, with O. D. Schooley, A.
G. Livings and J. D. Trains, deacons.
CHURCHES 141
A brick chapel was completed in 1872 and first used for
a prayer-meeting by the congregation. A parsonage was
secured in 1880.
This is a congregation of fine people. While not rich in
material property, they have never resorted to anything of
doubtful propriety to raise money. They have respected and
loved their pastors, paid all their bills promptly, commanded
the respect of the community, and have always observed all
the missionary days, even though they had no pastor.
The membership has been busy in doing the Lord's work,
united and happy. Very few have ever had a tale of woe
to tell the pastor. This admirable spirit is credited to Mr.
Owens and their other good leaders. Sixty of the first 105
have passed on to the higher life. Mr. Owens was the first
to go. Dr. J. T. Evans has long been a pillar of this church.
Flora.
Organized 1855, by William Schooley; present member-
ship, 328; value of property, including parsonage, $16,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 218.
This church was organized in an old log schoolhouse that
stood a mile west of the hamlet of Flora. The following
were the nine charter members: Walter Kinnaman, Henry
Kinnaman and wife, Samuel Kinnaman and wife, Felin Poe
and wife and James Moore and wife. All of these have
finished their work in this life.
When a schoolhouse was built in the village, the congre-
gation transferred its meeting-place there. The first chapel
was completed in 1860. It cost $2,000, and served as the
meeting-place for forty-three years. The present beautiful
and modern building was first occupied in August, 1903, dur-
ing the pastorate of A. B. Cunningham. During the same
period the parsonage was built.
C. W. Marlow is the present pastor.
This congregation has had not a few royal men and
women, great children of the King. Among the earlier and
continuous residents the names of Wm. Kinnaman, Henry
142 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Kinnaman and wife, Joseph Luse and wife, Alvin Kenner and
wife, Jere. Billings and wife, R. B. Henry and wife, S. D.
Rosenburger and wife and Albert Green and wife are held
in loving and grateful remembrance. From its gates have
gone hundreds of faithful people to help and bless the world.
Ingraham.
Organized 1839, by William Read; value of property,
$5,000; Bible school began 1864.
In 1840 the place now known as Ingraham was called
the "Forks of Muddy." Muddy was on the west and Laws
Creek on the east, and between the two was Ingraham
Prairie. Marysville was the little hamlet there. When the
post-office was established the name was changed to Ingra-
ham, the word "Prairie" being dropped.
William Ingraham was born in New York State in 1801.
He cam~ with his parents to Barney's Prairie, Wabash
County, in 1807, and to the Clay County settlement in 1838.
The same year William Read settled there. In May, 1839,
he, with Mr. Ingraham, went to the home of John Rogers
to talk about religious matters. They were agriculturists and
had taken no part in public worship other than to pray.
However, they decided that the gospel must be preached and
a church organized; so it was agreed that Mr. Read should
serve as evangelist, Mr. Rogers as elder and Mr. Ingraham
as deacon. Then they adjourned to meet the next Septem-
ber. Later Mr. Rogers and Mr. Ingraham cordially ex-
changed their official positions as their experiences had proved
their fitness. At the September meeting, Mr. Read read the
following :
That we do here and now constitute ourselves into a church of
Jesus Christ, to be known as "The Church of Christ in the Forks of
Muddy," and that we will meet together, worship God. and build the
Ccitise of Christ in this section, ard th?t orr creed shall be the Bible
and nothing but the Bible. And now ?11 who agree to th;s proposition
will signify the same by giving me and to each other the hand as a
token of said determination.
CHURCHES 143
The three men struck hands, and thus, under a pear-tree,
this church was started.
Soon afterward Philo Ingraham and Eli Read moved
from Wabash County, who, with their wives and the wives
of the first three, made a membership of ten. They entered
zealously into the Lord's work, and within a few years had
organized congregations of like faith in the present-day limits
of Clay, Jasper and Effingham Counties.
Within two years some Methodist brethren moved into
the settlement. Soon the theological battle was on, and for
a long time was both brave and bitter.
This church developed a sturdy stock of men and women,
such as make the abiding world and build the Kingdom of
God.
The Ingrahams, Reads, Lollars and Pixleys blessed their
generation. The preachers produced were remarkable men.
William Ingraham was the true overseer of this church for
forty years. Dorman, Daniel and Williard F. Ingraham,
William Read the evangelist, Jesse B. Shaddle (who gave
over four years to his country's service), G. M. and F. M.
Lollar, Gideon Bryan, Albert Meacham and Thomas Wood
make up an honorable company.
From a very early date the church observed its annual
meetings, which were occasions of great interest and rejoic-
ing. The Bible school was organized by David Hedrick, a
Moravian. Later, in the State of Washington, he united
with the church of Christ.
The community was intensely loyal during the Civil War.
It is a significant fact that this congregation did not come
to the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper till 1874.
There have been three chapels. The first was built of
logs in 1848; the second of brick in 1853. Major Waller,
of the M. E. Church, preached in this house once every
month for a year. The third — a frame — was built in 1872.
The Methodist brethren had the free use of this house also.
Few congregations have a record that surpassed that of the
Ingraham Church.
144 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Liberty Chapel (Flora).
Organized 1911, by C. W. Marlow; present membership,
22.
This church is located five miles southwest of Flora. It
grew out of the desire of a few members of the Oak Mound
congregation for a more convenient place to worship. They
joined with the United Brethren people in the community
in building a chapel, which was deeded to them, but used
jointly. A union Bible school was maintained. The Disciples
increased in the community and the U. B. people decreased,
so a legal transfer of the property was made in 1911, Min.
C. W. Marlow leading.
The Bible school is up to date and a training-class doing
good work.
Louisville.
Present membership, 82; value of property, $1,800; Bible-
school enrollment, 45.
McKinney (Sailor Springs).
Organized 1871 ; present membership, 96 ; Bible-school
enrollment, 85.
This church is located on Levitt Prairie, and was first
known by that name. A debate was held in the neighbor-
hood schoolhouse in 1869 which awakened the community.
There were twenty-five charter members, some of whom
came from the Cooper congregation a few miles west, and
others from the Slab chapel a few miles east. The chapel
was built in 1871. The first elders were Daniel Reed and
Joel Wammack. The church has given to the ministry W.
E. Harlow and William Crackel. It is a country church that
persists in living by working.
New Bethlehem,
This is five miles northeast of Flora.
CHURCHES 145
North Harter (Flora).
Organized 1905, by E. S. Thompson ; present member-
ship, 140; value of property, $1,350; Bible school began
1905 ; present enrollment, 100.
This church is located five miles northeast of Flora. It
started with eighty- four members, some coming from sur-
rounding congregations. Mr. Thompson was the efficient
minister for five years. R. L. Brown followed, and A. R.
Tucker is the present preacher. Walter Cox led to gradua-
tion fifteen persons in Moninger's "Training for Service."
Jas. L. McDaniels is the efficient church clerk.
Oak Mound (Xenia).
Present membership, 98; value of property, $700; Bible-
school enrollment, 57.
This is four miles north of Xenia. It was recruited from
Old Union. Here most of the young people are church-mem-
bers.
Old Union (Xenia).
Present membership, 60; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
This is eleven miles west of Louisville.
Red Brush (Louisville).
Present membership, 31 ; value of property, $1,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 80.
Sailor Springs.
Present membership, 80; value of property, $1,800; Bible-
school enrollment, 65.
Union Chapel (Louisville).
Present membership, 71 ; value of property, $1,200; Bible-
school enrollment, 47.
146 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Xenia.
Organized 1865, by John D. Williams; present member-
ship, 45; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment,
58.
The first officers were Gillum Henson and John Dunn,
elders ; Hiram Gibson and Jackson Barker, deacons. The
congregation prospered and did good service in its earlier
years. Then a period of wars, led by ultra-conservatives, set
in and crippled its usefulness for a long time. At present
there are some signs of better days.
CLINTON COUNTY.
Keyesport.
Present membership, 100; value of property, $2,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 50.
COLES COUNTY.
Brick (Westfield).
Present membership, 90; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 180.
This church is located about twelve miles southeast of
Charleston. It is under the direction of the ultra-conserva-
tives and has monthly preaching.
Bushton.
Organized 1873, by W. F. Black; present membership,
200; value of property, $8,000; Bible school began 1873;
present enrollment, 87.
This church grew out of a meeting by Evangelist Black.
The town grew after the building of the railroad. The first
house of worship was built in 1874, which gave place in 1911
to a modern structure during the pastorate of A. P. Cobb.
This church is made up chiefly of substantial farmers who
are growing in spiritual interests.
CHURCHES 147
Charleston.
Organized 1840, by Samuel Pepper and Thomas Good-
man; present membership, 1,150; value of property, includ-
ing parsonage, $23,500; Bible school began 1854; present
enrollment, 471.
Messrs. Pepper and Goodman were Christian ministers.
The former had come from Kentucky and the latter was
then residing in Indiana. They came to Charleston, where
they united in preaching the primitive gospel and organizing
the church of Christ. There were twelve charter members.
Of these, the names of James Wiley and wife, Stephen Wiley
and wife and Susan Dunbar are now known.
"The town branch" was the place used for baptizing in
those years.
They met regularly on the Lord's Days for worship. The
first meetings were held in a storeroom where Bushrod W.
Henry, with other pioneers, preached. From 1842-46 they
met in the courthouse. Then a small red-brick chapel was
built on Madison Street, between Ninth and Tenth. This
was sold to the Romanists in 1860, when a second brick
building was constructed at the corner of Sixth and Van
Buren Streets. This was sold to the Episcopalians. The
present modern stone edifice was erected in 1905 during the
pastorate of J. M. Vawter.
A second and successful attempt was made to organize a
Sunday school by Susan Dunbar and Leroy Wiley in 1854.
In 1856, Alexander Campbell spent a Lord's Day with
the church.
In the years agone the Wrights, Mintons, Dr. Spears and
Dr. Van Meter were prominent and useful families; later,
Geo. M. Sefton. All have passed on.
The church has had a line of excellent pastors.
Miss Edna Eck has gone out as a missionary and is
serving at Bolenge, Africa.
Charleston is the location of one of the State Normal
Schools and the church is awake to its opportunities.
148 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Etna.
Present membership, 65; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 57.
Humbolt.
Organized 1858, by Thomas Goodman ; present member-
ship, 161 ; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1897;
present enrollment, 92.
The organization was made with seven members in a
schoolhouse east of town. Later a frame chapel was built,
but not completed. During the sixties and seventies, J. W.
Connor, Sr., with his family, resided in the community. He,
with his sons — James, Samuel and Americus — preached at
times for the church. With their removal the congregation
declined. It was revived by Evangelist J. S. Clements in
1897 and began work with thirty-eight members. Mr. and
Mrs. E. M. Mullikin were the prime movers in this revival
of the church and are yet its leading force.
The church has had, in later years, ten ministers.
Mattoon.
Organized 1859, by J. C. Mathes ; present membership,
903; value of property, $18,000; Bible school began 1862;
present enrollment, 530.
In its early years, N. S. Bastian, J. R. Lucas, E. L.
Frazier, J. M. Streator, G. F. Adams and R. B. Roberts
served as pastors.
Oakland.
Present membership, 70; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 79.
Prairie Union (Kansas).
Organized 1868, by John Callcord; present membership,
26; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1868; pres-
ent enrollment, 47.
This congregation is located about five miles northwest
CHURCHES 149
of Kansas. It was formed in the neighborhood schoolhouse,
but a frame chapel was soon built, which is still in use. Its
beginning was the wish of farmers and landowners of the
neighborhood to have a more convenient place for their
public worship. They held membership in the church at
Kansas; so, without conference or formal dismission, but in
perfectly good feeling, they withdrew and began to keep
house nearer their homes. Such was the spirit of ultra-
independence in those years. The congregation maintains
preaching one-half time and a small Bible school.
It has given Daniel K. Honn to the ministry.
Rural Retreat (Hindsboro).
Organized 1857, by W. F. Black; present membership,
86; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1857; pres-
ent enrollment, 100.
This congregation was formed in the Wells', later known
as the Wyeth, Schoolhouse, located one and a half miles
south of the church site. The chapel was built in 1867 and
is located four miles southwest of Hindsboro. It had the
services of about twenty-five ministers. Although depleted
by many removals and death, it has kept up its public wor-
ship regularly. From it the churches at Bushton and Hinds-
boro have drawn goodly numbers.
Its most prominent, capable and noted member was Miss
Helen E. Turner, who became Mrs. Helen E. Moses, who
was baptized here.
Walnut Grove (Humboldt).
Organized 1887, by James Steele and David Cotman;
present membership, 12; value of property, $1,000; Bible
school began 1889.
This congregation is located about eight miles east and
north of Humboldt. It was formed in the Honn Schoolhouse.
The charter members were John D. Honn and wife, Joseph
Honn and wife, A. A. Honn and wife, Isaac Honn and wife,
George Toland and wife, A. C. Honn and wife, Robert
150 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
McAlister, Mrs. Rachel Caffer, William Newman, J. C.
Toland and wife, Mrs. Mace Jones, her son H. B. and daugh-
ter Belle, Isaac W. Mace and wife, Mrs. Jessie Moler and
her daughter Martha. The first elders were Robert McAlis-
ter, A. A. Honn, George Toland and Isaac W. Moler.
A chapel was built the same year.
Next, by changes in the community, the work failed for
several years, but was revived in 1910.
Hitesville was a village three miles southwest of the site
of Kansas in the early years. The location was beautiful.
The church that grew and prospered there had many fine
people. It became extinct in 1905.
Stringtown Church was about six miles south of Charles-
ton. For many years it was active and useful, but finally
yielded to the law of change. Frank Spitler was its last
officer. He kept it going for years by his own efforts. He
was a faithful member who went home in 1912.
COOK COUNTY.
Beginnings.
The Disciples of Christ in the United States have always
been largely a rural people. It took them fifty years to learn
how to do church work in the cities. But during this period
they were learning many other things. Chief among these
was the meaning and application of the basic principles of
Christian truth that gave them birth and being.
In April, 1837, David Cory wrote from Athens, which
was about thirty miles from Chicago, saying that he had
found only about ten Disciples in the county, and he appealed
for a preacher to come to them.
In 1843 some work was done in Chicago looking to the
formation of a church wearing only the name "Christian" and
appealing only to the word of God as the all-sufficient rule
of faith and practice. A Minister Saunders, from Ohio,
organized this mission. These people held the materialistic
views of John Thomas. In September, 1846, M. H. Baldwin
CHURCHES 151
and wife, of Cleveland, O., united with this mission.
Next year J. Reese and Miss Laura Balch, of Detroit, Mich.,
joined. In 1848, Platt Saunders and wife, from Mar-
shall, Mich., and Dr. L. S. Major and wife, from Bloom-
ington, 111., united with the mission church. In 1849
materialism led to harmful discussions in the public worship ;
so Mr. L. C. P. Freer proposed separation from the more
recently received members, who were called "Campbellites."
Early in 1850 the first church of the Restoration move-
ment was formed in Chicago. The charter members were
Dr. L. S. Major, Platt Saunders and wife, M. H. Baldwin
and wife, J. Reese and Miss Laura Balch, who afterward
became Mrs. Dickey. Lathrop Cooley, of Ohio, was the
preacher. Mr. Baldwin was chosen elder, and Mr. Saunders,
deacon. From that day to this the divinely appointed worship
has been maintained by the Disciples there on every Lord's
Day.
At that time the population was twenty-five thousand, and
there was not a church building of any denomination better
than a one-story, flat-roofed, square-front frame.
The first meetings were held in the residence of Mr. Bald-
win, then in an upper room at the corner of Lake and Clark
Streets, and next in the old city hall, and then in a school-
house in the center of the city. In the latter, M. N. Lord
began his ministry.
The first addition to the church was a man named White.
He had been converted while serving in the English Army
and was a guard over Napoleon. In 1850, James Brenner
and Dr. J. H. Millinger and wife united with the church.
The first to make the good confession and be baptized were
Mrs. D. M. Clark and Mrs. Ann Harris.
In 1852 the church raised $300, and Lathrop Cooley, of
Cleveland, Ohio, served as pastor for a year or more. He
was succeeded by M. N. Lord. In 1854, Love H. Jameson,
of Indianapolis, Indiana, conducted a three weeks' meeting
in the city hall, with no additions. This much disappointed
and discouraged the church.
152 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In 1857 a frame chapel was started on West Monroe,
near Rucker Street, which was finished and dedicated by D.
P. Henderson, July 4, 1858. This property was never fully
paid for. But in the meantime a considerable number with-
drew from the church on mere differences of opinion, and
the meetings were held in the old federal courtroom.
In the new chapel, Min. W. H. Hopson held a four
weeks' meeting which brought, among others, to the church
Mrs. -M. D. Raggio, for many years one of the most devoted
Christians in the city.
In 1861, Mr. Lord again resigned, after a pastorate of
eight years. He, with others, had served earnestly and well,
but the lack of spiritual vision had been such during the
decade that the church numbered only 120 members. During
the Civil War the church was served by N. S. Bastian, W.
F. Black and J. S. Sweeney. During the occupancy of this
chapel, among its members there were A. M. Atkinson, Ben
Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Honore, Mrs. Abigail
Keeler, Dr. and Mrs. Lichtenberger, Mrs. E. B. Stevens, Dr.
and Mrs. Warriner and their daughter Belle.
For a short time the congregation met in a room of the
old Crosby Opera-house and then transferred to the North
Side. The old St. James Episcopal Church at Cass and
Illinois Streets was rented. Dr. W. A. Belding, Benj. H.
Smith and D. P. Henderson preached here. It was during
that time that Ira J. Chase and W. B. Hendryx were ordained
to the ministry, and W. B. Craig was baptized there. In
1868, through the influence of Dr. Belding, Mr. H. H.
Honore and Dr. L. S. Major paid $5,000 each to a church-
building fund. The chapel and lot on the South Side, at
Sixteenth Street and Wabash Avenue, were bought and paid
for. The congregation moved into it. D. P. Henderson,
Isaac Errett and J. S. Sweeney were the ministers, Mr.
Sweeney continuing till 1871. In 1869 the church divided.
The forty who withdrew, led by D. P. Henderson, formed
a congregation and met first in the chapel of the Orphan
Asylum on Michigan Avenue, south of Twenty-second
CHURCHES 153
Street. Mr. E. B. Stevens gave this congregation the lot at
the corner of Indiana Avenue and Twenty-fifth Street. On
this a two-story frame building was erected and used. It
was never fully paid for, and twenty years later was lost
under mortgage. O. A. Burgess succeeded Mr. Henderson.
The great fire, Oct. 9, 1871, reunited the two congregations,
and the worship was at the Twenty-fifth Street place. If
was known as the First Christian Church. The congregation
was served by Knowles Shaw, T. J. Toof, W. J. Howe, S.
M. Connor and Isaac Errett. For a few years Potter Palmer
and wife were members here. The Disciples in Chicago dur-
ing those years were prolific in differences and dissensions;
so, about 1878, this congregation again divided. At the
Sunday morning meeting when the question of separation
was discussed and decided, Timothy Coop, a highly esteemed
English brother, was present and expressed his surprise and
distress of mind. The fifty members who withdrew rented
of the Congregationalists their chapel at South Park Avenue
and Thirty-third Street. W. D. Owen was pastor there.
About twenty-five years afterward he was expatriated. In
a year the congregation moved to the old Memorial Baptist
chapel on Oakwood Boulevard near Cottage Grove Avenue.
Irving A. Searles, J. L. Parsons and Barton W. Johnson
preached there. Late in 1880 the congregation moved to
Thirtieth Street and Prairie Avenue, renting the brick chapel
that stood there. In October, J. W. Allen began a two years'
pastorate. In September, 1882, the two churches united.
They had increased numerically little, if any, during the
period of separation. Meanwhile the First Church was
served by Geo. W. Sweeney and O. A. Burgess. The
reunited church was known as the Central Church of
Christ, and the place of worship was the Prairie Avenue
chapel. In December, 1885, Henry Schell Lobingier came
to the pastorate, and the next year the church returned to
the building at Twenty-fifth Street. Following Mr. Lobin-
gier's resignation, Z. T. Sweeney and G. B. Berry supplied
the pulpit, and then Calvin S. Blackwell was pastor for two
154 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and one-half years. In 1887 the Central Church began to
erect a new house on Indiana Avenue near Thirty-seventh
Street. It was used for some eighteen years, when it
passel by the mortgage route. W. F. Black left the evan-
gelistic field in 1890 and became pastor of this congregation.
For some years it prospered. C. S. Medbury entered the
Christian ministry from this church. When they no longer
had a home, some of the members, with Mr. Black, met for
worship in the Masonic Home, until increasing bodily disa-
bilities ended his work and his life. Other members of the
Central formed the First Church in 1899, which was united
with the Memorial Baptist.
In all this migratory and painful pilgrimage of more
than half a century not a few were found faithful and have
gone to the heavenly rest; others deserted the Captain's
flag in the days of battle.
Armitage Avenue Church.
This is a small congregation in the northwest part of the
city.
Armour Avenue Christian Church (negro; 3621 Armour
Avenue).
Organized 1888, by Wm. G. F. Reed ; present member-
ship, 150; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 40.
Minister Reed, with eight members, was the beginning.
Through feebleness and lack of help, the effort failed and
the property used for meetings at 2919 Dearborn Street was
sold by the Chicago Missionary Society in 1893, and the
proceeds used in buying another church home. Then for
ten years the little band led a wandering and forlorn life.
In 1903 Min. M. T. Brown came to the pastorate. The
present property was then purchased and the congregation
took on new life. F. C. Cothran served three years, when
G. Calvin Campbell came in 1911. Under his leading the
church prospers. The property is fully paid for, and there
CHURCHES 155
is a C. W. B. M. and a Y. P. S. C. E. Richard Mathews
has been faithful through all these years.
There are about sixty thousand negroes in Chicago, and
the thought of their redemption is distressing except to
Christian faith.
Ashland Christian Church (Sixty-second and Laflin Streets).
Organized 1899, by J. F. Findley; present membership,
298; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1897;
present enrollment, 220.
This church had its beginning in the heart's desire of a
good Christian man. In May, 1897, W. K. McGregor formed
an undenominational school and mission called "The Work-
ingmen's Mission." It united Bible teaching with social
features, providing a place where men tempted by saloon
influences could meet for mutual helpfulness. This effort
grew steadily through two years. Then came Min. J. F.
Findley in an evangelistic meeting. There were about fifty
charter members. Being compelled to move to Sixty-third
Street, near Center Avenue, the life of the little church was
thereby imperiled, but God led them into their own modest
chapel in September, 1902.
Other than Mr. Findley, the church has been served by
Guy Hoover, C. M. Sharp, Guy Hargot, W. R. Moffett and
J. F. Fntcher, who is now in his sixth year. In its earlier
years it was fostered by the Chicago City Missionary Board.
"Every phase of church work is active and growing. Over
and over again have we proved in our individual lives that
God's grace and tender love always have met our every
human need."
Austin.
About 1893, Min. A. Larabee interested a few members
of the Monroe Street Church in starting a mission in this
growing and inviting suburb. Assisted by Pastor Strickland,
of the Douglas Park Church, meetings were held on Sunday
afternoons in vacant halls or empty storerooms. The work
156 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
grew encouragingly. George A. Campbell became pastor,
and moved to Austin in 1898. The chapel vacated by the
Baptists was purchased in 1902. With a fixed home, the
congregation prospered. In 1908 this building was destroyed
by fire, and then the members were nomads. But a com-
manding lot was bought and a good building completed in
1910.
Among those who have given fine service here were Mr.
and Mrs. L. S. Major, who were pioneers in the church in
Chicago; Mr. and Mrs. W. O. Cline, Mr. and Mrs. H. A.
Vandercook and family and Mrs. O. A. Kearney and sons.
Chicago Heights.
Present membership, 300; value of property, $30,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 300.
The Englewood Church fostered this mission and helped
it to self-support.
Douglas Park Church of Christ (Nineteenth Street and
Spaulding Avenue).
Organized 1895, by E. W. Darst; present membership,
150; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1895;
present enrollment, 200.
In the spring of 1894, Messrs. H. F. Layton and A. Lar-
abee, with others, started a Sunday school on Ogden, near
Kedzie Avenue. It was successful from its beginning. In
May and June, City Evangelist E. W. Darst held a series
of meetings. Membeis of the Jackson Boulevard Church
assisted, and Christian ministers of the city. There were
thirty charter members. G. W. Doolittle and E. W. Reynolds
were elected deacons. Mr. Reynolds served also as the very
efficient superintendent of the Sunday school. Trustees were
also chosen. The pastors were C. B. Edson, Geo. A. Camp-
bell, Mr. Infield, H. J. Underwood, John Williams and C. L.
Wait, who served six years.
In the fall of 1899 the meetings went to a hall at 1812
W. Twenty-second Street, the next spring to a storeroom at
CHURCHES 157
Ogden and St. Louis Avenues. During Mr. Campbell's pas-
torate lots were purchased on Turner Avenue, near Sixteenth
Street, and on these a tabernacle was built, largely by the
volunteer labor of the members, in October, 1901. In 1911
this property was sold to the Board of Education. Mean-
while, F. C. Aldinger, S. M. Schoonover, Mr. McBean, Harry
F. Burns and Vaughn Dabney served as pastors. In Octo-
ber, 1911, the Douglas Park Congregational Church invited
the church to meet with them for public worship in their
church home. These union services were maintained until
the following March, when this property was bought by the
Douglas Park Church of Christ.
Englewood Church of Christ (Stewart Avenue and Sixty-
sixth Place).
Organized 1885, by Henry Cogswell ; present membership,
600; value of property, $55,000; Bible school began 1885;
present enrollment, 600.
In a room on Sixty-third Street and Yale Avenue, Sep-
tember 20, ten adults from the Calkins, Palm and Caldwell
families, led by Rollo Calkins, met and covenanted together
and so formed this church. Soon after, Dr. Jonathan Pettit
attached his name. Mr. Cogswell and Edward O. Sharp
served as pastors till the close of 1886. During the next
year, Dr. W. A. Belding served. He was a tireless servant
of God and a fine leader. A lot was bought on the east side
of Dickey Street, now Eggleston Avenue, south of Sixty-
fourth Street, and a septagon chapel, costing $3,000, built
thereon. By an addition made thereto in 1893, costing
$3,500, the seating capacity was more than doubled. Its
ugliness repelled all those whose carnal pride was stronger
than their Christian faith, B. H. Hayden began a four
years' fruitful ministry in January, 1888. During a part of
this period the church was helped by appropriations from
the State missionary treasury. N. S. Haynes followed in a
six and two-thirds years' pastorate, during which the church
made substantial progress. Then came E. A. Cantrell in a
158 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
short ministry. C. G. Kindred became pastor in December,
1899, and continues to the present time. He is a man of
great faith in Providence, and with him the church has gone
forward to splendid achievements. In 1901 it paid its mort-
gage debt. In 1902 it became a living link in the Foreign
Missionary Society, supporting one of its own daughters,
Mrs. Lillian Chalman Shaw, in China. In 1904 it became
a link in the Home Society, taking Chicago Heights as its
mission point. By about this time the church had gathered
$8,000 into a new-building fund. In 1905 it sold its prop-
erty on Eggleston Avenue and moved into its new home on
Stewart Avenue that it had bought from the Cumberland
Presbyterians. It is a stone structure and cost, with the
contiguous lot and residence on its north side, $21,500. In
1911 the church negotiated a loan of $6,000, mortgaging its
own property, to assist the Chicago Heights congregation in
the erection of its own fine edifice. An annex to the Engle-
wood building for the use of the Bible school was finished
in 1913. It is of brick, cost $18,000 and has twelve class-
rooms. The church and all of its departments are well
officered and organized, and all do efficient service. The
budget for 1911 showed $8,752 in disbursements, of which
$2,419 went to general benevolences. And by Chicago
standards there are no rich people in this church.
It has given to the ministry C. W. Dean, Clark W. Cum-
in ings and Charles J. Adams, with William Madison prepar-
ing for medical missionary. To write a few names here of
the men and women who have under God made this record
would be an injustice to many others. Not a few of them
are the incarnation of cultured Christian conscience. The
presence here of Joseph Badenoch, Sr., and his wife for a
term of years was a benediction and of fragrant memories.
In prayerfulness and missionary zeal, in wise perspective
and indomitable adherence to high aims, in liberality, hospi-
tality and spiritual democracy, in forbearance and fraternity
and all good works, the Englewood Church of Christ holds
the first place among the Disciples of Christ in Illinois.
CHURCHES 159
Evanston Christian Church (Maple Avenue and Greenleaf
Street).
Organized 1896, by W. B. Taylor and E. W. Darst ; pres-
ent membership, 135; value of property, $15,000; Bible
school began 1896; present enrollment, 150.
The first meetings were conducted in the residence of
Mr. M. O. Naramore on Sunday afternoons, beginning
Nov. 2, 1895, by W. B. Taylor, then pastor of the North
Side Church, Chicago. Jan. 5, 1896, City Evangelist E. W.
Darst began an eleven weeks' series of meetings held in
Union Hall.
Forty-two people turned to the Lord and thirty-four were
received by letters and on statements, so there were seventy-
six charter members. Among these were E. E. Starkey and
wife, Dr. R. C. Knox and wife, J. W. Work and wife, and
M. O. Naramore and wife.
Other ministers who have served this church were E. S.
Ames, A. L. Chapman, W. C. Payne, E. V. Zollars, W. D.
Ward, and now O. F. Jordan.
Harvey Christian Church (Turlington Avenue, between 153d
and 154th Streets).
Organized 1892, by C. H. Knapp ; present membership,
209; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1892;
present enrollment, 234.
The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. G. R. and Miss
Mary E. Kenyon, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Joslyn, Mrs. Maggie
Nichols, Mr. and Mrs. F. M. Masher, Mr. and Mrs. John
Scoan, Mrs. Jessie Marr, Mrs. C. R. Palmer and Mrs. W.
W. Wood.
Meetings were held in various places until 1905, when
the present location was secured. The building was com-
pleted in 1906.
The pastors who served the church were J. M. McKay,
J. S. Clements, W. W. Denham, F. D. Ferrall, T. A. Linden-
meyer, W. E. Orr, Robert Wilson, J. J. Higgs, S. G. Buck-
160 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ner, W. D. Enders, and for two years Asa McDaniel has
been the faithful minister. The work grows and the outlook
is encouraging.
Hyde Park Church of Disciples of Christ (Fifty-seventh
Street and Lexington Avenue).
Organized 1894, by H. L. Willett; present membership,
200; value of property, $7,000; Bible school began 1894;
present enrollment, 100.
Prof. W. D. MacClintock was also active in the forma-
tion of this church. Meetings were first held in the Masonic
Hall on Fifty-seventh Street, east of Washington Avenue,
and later in Rosalie Hall. Mr. Errett Gates succeeded Mr.
Willett in the pastorate, and during this period the present
cliapel was built on the lots owned by the Disciples' Divinity
House. E. S. Ames has served as pastor since 1900.
'In this congregation "one of the most important features
lias been the adoption of a plan by which Christian union
could be practically and effectively realized. This plan does
not assume to change the terms of church membership as
taught and practiced by the great body of Disciples. It
simply recognizes 'members of the congregation' as well as
of the church in the technical sense. This plan has been
employed since 1903 with the happiest results. It has not
caused the slightest friction here."
The church includes forceful people, and is active in
many philanthropic and charitable agencies of the city. For
a time it supported Mr. and Mrs. Guy Sarvis as missionaries
in China. The congregation continues its $600 yearly to the
Foreign Society.
Irving Park Church (North Forty-third Street and West
Cullom Avenue).
Organized 1898, by E. W. Darst and A. Larabee; present
membership, 240; value of property, $10,000; Bible school
began 1898; present enrollment, 250.
In May, 1898, the City Missionary Society decided to
CHURCHES 161
establish a church in this place, which is one of Chicago's
most beautiful residence sections. Three fine lots were rented
and a temporary structure built thereon. City Evangelist
E. W. Darst, assisted by A. Larabee, conducted a six weeks'
series of meetings. The formation of the church followed.
George A. Ragan became the pastor in October following.
The south wing of the permanent building was occupied the
next month, which is now the Bible-school room. Marion
Stevenson came to this pastorate in April, 1901. The main
part of the building was occupied in October, 1903. Then
came J. R. Ewers, W. F. Rothenberger, A. W. Taylor and
C. C. Buckner, who is in the fourth year of his pastorate.
During Mr. Taylor's term the Bible-school room was enlarged
and fitted into a gymnasium. The building proper was
finished and paid for after Mr. Buckner came. It is a frame
without architectural beauty, but meets the present needs of
the congregation.
The church is well organized and is aggressive. Its most
valuable asset is a group of men and women who are growing
in all Christian graces.
The Men's Club of this church was largely instrumental
in forming the Federated Men's Club of Irving Park, the
object of which is to promote and secure political and civic
Jackson Boulevard Church.
Organized 1873, by George G. Mullins ; present member-
ship, 800; value of property, $54,000; Bible school began
1873; present enrollment, 650.
This church was first known as the West Side Christian
Church. There were about thirty-five original members.
The meetings were first held for a few months in the Jeffer-
son Park Presbyterian Church. Then it had a wandering
life till 1878, when it rented fifty feet of ground on Western
Avenue, near Congress Street, and placed thereon a frame
chapel, which was purchased of the Church of God. Later
the rented lots were bought and about $5,000 used in repairs
on the building,
162 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
After Mr. Mullins, the pulpit was supplied by Knowles
Shaw; A. J. White, pastor two years; A. J. Laughlin, one
year; J. H. Wright, one year; F. M. Kirkham, and B. W.
Johnson.
In 1877, through dissensions, the congregation divided.
Those who went out formed the Oakley Avenue Church and
built a brick chapel in 1878. They continued till 1895, when
they united with the Garfield Park congregation.
J. W. Allen, in 1882, began a very successful pastorate
of thirteen years. In 1891 the lots on Jackson Boulevard
were bought and the basement of the present building con-
structed. This was used until 1901, when the edifice was
finished during the second period of J. W. Allen's pastorate.
Since then the congregation has worn its present local name.
In 1895, J. H. O. Smith, and in 1898, Bruce Brown, each
began pastorates of two to three years ; Lloyd Darsie next
served three years, and was followed by the brave and
beloved Parker Stockdale, who fell on the front line of battle.
In September, 1901, this church and the "Union Christian
Church," worshiping at the People's Institute, united, Roland
A. Nichols becoming the pastor. Austin Hunter became
pastor in 1910. The church is well officered and organized,
and is active, harmonious and prosperous.
In 1911 property adjoining the church lots on the east
was bought, and is used for social and other activities. It is
known as "The Annex."
Of the charter members, three remain — Mrs. D. M.
Clark, Mrs. Maggie Viete and Edwin Stewart, who has long
been a faithful servant and officer.
Kendall Street Church (Kendall Street, near Polk Street).
Organized in 1865.
James Bremner, Joseph Badenoch and other worthy
Scotchmen formed this congregation. They came from the
old First Church while it met on the West Side. They have
been ministered to only by their elders, but have given to
the kingdom many worthy servants.
CHURCHES 163
Memorial Church of Christ (Oakwood Boulevard, near
Cottage Grove Avenue).
Organized 1908; present membership, 600; value of prop-
erty, $90,000; Bible-school enrollment, 270.
The Memorial Baptist Church was organized Oct. 19,
1881. It grew out of the University Place Baptist, which
was formed Dec. 6, 1868. The young men who have gone
out from this membership to preach the gospel are J. C.
Chapin, C. A. Lemon, C. J. Price, W. P. Behan, Ph.D.,
C. A. Callup, Fred Merrifield and Mr. Ernest A. Clement,
who made a name for himself in Japan.
The First Christian Church was organized in April, 1899.
The Presbyterian Church at Wabash Avenue and Thirtieth
Street was secured as a meeting-place. The pastors who
served here were Frank G. Terrell, J. W. Allen, Guy Hoover
and H. L. Willett, with R. L. Hondley and William C. Hull
as assistants.
The Memorial Church of Christ (Baptist and Disciples)
came into being June 17, 1908. The Memorial Baptist
Church changed its name as above, and on June 19, 308
members of the First Church of Christ united with the
Memorial Church of Christ (Baptist and Disciples). Mr.
Willett served as pastor till January, 1913, and was succeeded
by E. Le Roy Dakin.
All offerings for general benevolences are divided equally
between the two bodies.
Metropolitan Church of Christ (Van Buren and Leavitt
Streets).
Organized 1897, by J. H. O. Smith ; present membership,
500; value of property, $100,000; Bible school began 1897;
present enrollment, 300.
The great building known as the People's Institute was
erected by a stock company as a center for civic righteous-
ness. Finally the building was sold. The Union Christian
Church was organized there July 15, 1897, at the request
164 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
of the Chicago Christian Ministerial Association. There
were 218 charter members. For four years Mr. Smith led
this work successfully. Upon his withdrawal, Evangelist C.
R. Scoville came to it. He, with W. B. Taylor, city mis-
sionary, and part of the membership, decided that it was
better to reorganize the church and to change the name to
the present one. This was done in January, 1902, with 107
members. Other members went to other congregations. In
May, 1903, the Institute was rendered unfit for use by a fire,
so the congregation passed that summer in a large tent. In
August the church bought property, 116x125 feet, two
blocks west, at Oakley and Van Buren Streets, for $30,000,
which it still owns. A temporary building was erected on
the inside lot, the other being covered with storerooms and
fiats. Meanwhile, the owner of the Institute property died
and it was sold at sheriff's sale. The Metropolitan Church,
led by Mr. Scoville, bought it for $35,000 cash. On both
properties there is a total indebtedness of $40,000. This
property, with repairs and an addition, had cost about
$110,000. The great building has an auditorium, music-hall,
storerooms on the ground floor, two lodge halls, music
studios, nine doctors' offices, church library and reading-
room, two clubrooms for boys, a gymnasium 45 x 80 feet
(which at present is leased for the school work to the Board
of Education), a ladies' exchange-room, kitchen, etc. The
formal occupancy of this fine building took place in February,
1913, amid much rejoicing.
In all this work the resident pastor, John D. Hull, has
been the capable and consecrated helper and leader.
The Metropolitan is well located, and its possibilities of
great Christian service are limitless.
Monroe Street Church (corner Monroe and Francisco
Streets).
Organized 1^91; present membership, 140; value of
property, $21,375; Bible school began 1887; present enroll-
ment, 73.
CHURCHES 165
A mission Sunday school was formed and fostered by
the Western Avenue Church, and out of this school this
congregation grew. C. F. Saunders, J. H. Trunkey, C. M.
Mershon, J. H. Norton and Virgil Fry were prominent in
this work. J. W. Ingram was the first pastor. The first
house of worship, costing $3,500, built on a lot costing
$S,000, was built in 1892. In 1895 a union of this congre-
gation with the First Christian Church, then meeting on
Oakley Avenue, near Adams Street, was effected. This
brought to the church Mr. and Mrs. A. Larabee and Mrs.
M. D. Raggio, who were very useful servants of the Lord.
At that time the present name of the congregation was
adopted. Before this time it was known as Garfield Park
Church.
The pastors following Mr. Ingram were Charles B.
Edson, C. A. Young, C. C. Morrison, E. A. Ott, A. T.
Campbell (two terms) and I. R. Lines. During Mr. Morri-
son's pastorate the new house of worship was built and first
occupied in November, 1901.
The Russian Christian Mission (rented store at 1709 S.
Halsted Street).
Organized 1909, by Basil Keusseff; present membership,
40; Bible-school enrollment, 75.
About 1909 the City Missionary Society — E. M. Bowman,
president — was anxious to start gospel work among the for-
eign-born people of the city. Providentially, C. G. Kindred
met then Daniel Protoff, who seemed to be qualified to work
among the 250,000 Russians of the city; so it was begun.
Mr. Protoff's health soon failed, and Basil S. Keusseff was
called by the City Board from Pittsburgh. He was doing
missionary work there under the auspices of the Baptists.
In the heart of the world's steel industry he labored with
Russians, Bulgarians, Servians, Croatians, Macedonians and
Turks. Mr. Keusseff was born in Bulgaria, converted by
the Baptists in Roumania, educated in the American Mission-
ary College in Samokov and in two colleges in England.
166 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Then he was examined by the Military College in Sofia and
became an officer in the Bulgarian Army. However, he pre-
ferred philology and religion ; hence, he became an expert
linguist in ten different languages and a minister of the
gospel. He organized a Baptist church in Lorn, Bulgaria;
built a chapel, and edited two newspapers in Sofia. Near
Pittsburgh he met Robert Bamber, pastor of the Turtle
Creek Christian Church, and soon came to apostolic ground.
His work in Chicago is unique and successful. The field is
most difficult. All Russians belong to the Greek Catholic
Church, and are full of superstition and strongly attached
to the church of the Czar ; its priests are active in their oppo-
sition, as are also the Russian Socialists, Tolstoists, Nihilists
and Anarchists. Such opposers challenge the courage of a
true soldier of the cross.
The work is carried on in a rented storeroom, but the
Chicago Society, with the General Home Society and the
State C. W. B. M., hopes to house this mission. For lack
of room, all of the Bible school are adults.
Sheffield Avenue Church (Sheffield Avenue and George
Street).
Organized 1890, by W. F. Black; present membership,
200; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1890;
present enrollment, 225.
This was organized as the North Side Church. Prof. W.
F. Black, then pastor of the Central Christian Church, began
preaching Sunday afternoons in Cook's Hall. The charter
members were Mr. and Mrs. Cicero Wallace, Mrs. H. J.
Russell.. Mr. and Mrs. R. F. and L. R. Priest, Mrs. K. P.
Kennedy, Miss Addie V. H. Barr, Mrs. W. H. Bauford and
Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Pursell.
Lots were bought at Montana and Sheffield Streets and a
frame chapel built thereon. This property was lost under a
mortgage. Meetings were then held in Belmont Hall until
the present property was secured in 1905. W. B. Taylor was
pastor here about six years, and J. Lathrop, Geo. F. Hall,
CHURCHES 167
Thad Tinsley, O. P. Spiegel and Bruce Brown for shorter
periods. Will F. Shaw came to the pastorate in September,
1905. He is a sincere and devoted minister and preaches
very clearly the pure gospel of Christ. During this time the
church has prospered in all excellent service, but has lost
many by removals and death. In its membership there have
been not a few superior Christian men and women, among
them Cicero Wallace, Prof. H. N. Herrick, L. R. Priest,
Elias A. Long, W. S. Shearer, John Thrash, L. G. Fertig
and Misses Addie Barr and Elsie Fudge — all of them leaders
in the public's service.
South Chicago Christian Church.
Organized 1906, by A. Larabee; present membership, 50;
Bible school began 1896; present enrollment, 50.
City Evangelist Larabee started this work. The congre-
gation owns no property, but is accumulating a building
fund. The meetings are held in Sherman Hall, 9138 Com-
mercial Avenue. The progress is slow because the com-
munity is largely composed of foreign-born peoples of other
tongues and religions. The church is brave and persistent
in the face of overwhelming odds.
West End.
Present membership, 76; value of property, $3,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 96.
West Pullman.
Present membership, 64; value of property, $5,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 100.
In years past there were churches at Barrington and Pala-
tine. From the former, Ira J. Chase entered the ministry.
A church at May wood was formed in 1905 and continued
for several years, but recently disbanded.
A church at Ravenswood had a similar record.
Chicago is one of the world's greatest mission fields and
challenges our courage and consecration.
168 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
CRAWFORD COUNTY.
East Union (Palestine).
Organized 1848, by John Bailey; present membership,
150; value of property, $1,200; Bible-school enrollment, 25.
Minister Bailey held a meeting in a log schoolhouse and
formed a congregation with fifty members. There was a
reorganization in 1858 by Dr. Alfred C. Malone with eleven
members, mostly from the Palestine Church. Of these,
Samuel Searcy is the sole survivor, aged eighty- four. The
chapel was built three and a half miles southeast of Palestine
in 1863.
This church has given to the ministry George Hurst,
Ralph Harding, J. S. Clements and O. J. Page.
It is active in good works under the ministry of Wright
Sparlin.
Hardinville.
Organized 1850; present membership, 103; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
The chapel was built in 1858.
Hutsonville,
Organized 1841, by Alfred P. Law; present membership,
121; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1860;
present enrollment, 140.
The Disciples met for worship in their homes before the
church was organized, which was made in a log house.
About 1852 a brick chapel was erected by contributions from
the general public, but the legal title soon passed to the M. E.
Church. In 1858 the congregation built a house of their
own. This was used until 1886, when the ladies' aid society
bought a better located lot, on which a better building was
erected. In 1911 this house was entirely remodeled and mod-
ernized.
In the early days the visits of Uncle Joe Wilson and
Uncle Joe Wolf, of Indiana, were looked forward to with
great pleasure.
CHURCHES 169
Here are the names of some men and women whose lives
have meant much to the church: Ben and Lizzie Frakes,
Charles Fiddlar, Curtis Bradberry, Hugh and Sarah Ham-
ilton, R. J. Owens, John T. Shore and wife, Joel Musgrove
and wife, Sarah Stark (who taught a Sunday-school class
for twenty-five years and was eighty years old when she
resigned), Nancy O. Hurst, Sarah McNutt, Charity and
Deborah Canady.
There is also a conservative church here with a Bible
school.
Landes.
Present membership, 48; value of property, $550; Bible-
school enrollment, 41.
Oblong.
Present membership, 144; value of property, including
parsonage, $3,600; Bible-school enrollment, 218.
A modern, prosperous church in the oil region.
Palestine.
Organized 1863; present membership, 250; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment,
150.
Since the waters have swept the site o-f Kaskaskia away,
Palestine claims to be the oldest town in the State. There
was a church of Christ here probably in the thirties. In
1840, in this place, Maurice R. Trimble conducted a public
debate with a "Two-seed Baptist" preacher. The records
have all perished. A reorganization was made by Evangelist
D. D. Miller, working in the Fourth District. There were
seventy-nine charter members, of whom Press Carver only
remains.
The frame chapel on North Main Street was burned in
1855. The present brick house was built in 1874. In 1893
a number of the members who were opposed to the use of
instrumental music in the public worship withdrew and put
170 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
up a frame chapel two blocks south. This is now unused
and stands as a monument to mistaken zeal.
The church is prosperous. One Bible-school class is edu-
cating an orphan in Porto Rico. E. W. Sears is pastor.
Portersville.
Organized 1875, by Minister Wood; present membership,
65; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 85.
There were twelve charter members.
Robinson.
Organized 1867, by A. D. Dailey; present membership,
300; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1867;
present enrollment, 162.
The original members were N. S. Brown and wife, M.
C. Sheppard, Mrs. Mary Callahan, Hickman Henderson and
Jas. M. Gardner and wife. The church was a result of a
series of meetings held by Minister Dailey. The first house
was built in 1882.
West Harmony (Bell Air).
Present membership, 103; value of property, $800; Bible-
school enrollment, 65.
Inactive. Chapel built in 1871.
Wirt Chapel (Oblong).
Organized 1862, by G. W. Ingersoll ; value of property,
$900.
Met in Wirt Schoolhouse until 1875, when chapel was
built on land given by Mrs. Deborah Ogden.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY.
Antioch (Greenup).
Organized 1891, by H. C. Kuykendall ; present member-
ship, 90; value of property, $700.
This church is eight miles northeast of Greenup. Con-
servatives are in control.
CHURCHES 171
Brush Creek (Roslin).
Organized 1890; present membership, 25; value of prop-
erty, $800; has a Bible school.
This is two miles northwest of Roslin. The congrega-
tion is fifty to sixty years old, and for a period met in
Fairview Schoolhouse.
Corinth (Toledo).
Organized 1876; present membership, 45; value of prop-
erty, $900.
Two miles southwest of Toledo.
Greenup.
Organized 1887, by Wm. H. Williams ; present member-
ship, 43 ; value of property, $500 ; Bible-school enrollment, 75.
The organization was effected in the Universalist house
of worship. J. D. Borden and John Decker were elected
elders, and Messrs. Elstun and Garrett, deacons. The
church has been an intermittent one. It gave to the ministry
J. D. Borden and John W. Kellum. For several years
Charles F. Walden was the efficient clerk.
Hazel Dell.
Present membership, 80; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 50.
I. S. McCash bought a farm two miles northwest of
Hazel Dell, and in 1860 moved his family there from Indiana.
While he cultivated his farm in summer and worked at the
carpenter's trade in winter, he preached regularly within a
radius of twenty-five miles. He found a small congregation
at the Copland Schoolhouse, which transferred membership
to Hazel Dell when the chapel was built there. Mr. McCash
was assisted in his pioneer work by an aged brother, Benja-
min Duvee, and Daniel Corener, whose home was in the
north edge of Jasper County. They went by twos; one
would preach and the other would exhort.
172 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Janesville.
Present membership, 70; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 48.
D. T. Gordon is clerk.
Jewett.
Organized 1893, by James R. Parker; present member-
ship, 40 ; value of property, $600 ; Bible school began 1893 ;
present enrollment, 80.
The charter members were William, H. O., Harry and
Tiney Goldsmith ; Rachel Clark, Emma Lamasters, Phoche
Prather; C. O., Mattie and Robert Ray; Albert and Maggie
Skidmore; Alfred, Jane, William and Emma Williams.
The first chapel burned in 1900 and the second was built.
The church was reorganized in 1911 by Evangelist J. E.
Stout with forty members, and is now led by better ideals.
There was a division in this congregation in 1909, and
the conservatives formed a church that has now fifteen mem-
bers and a Bible school, but no chapel.
Johnstown (Toledo).
Present membership, 58; value of property, $3,000; no
Bible school.
Seven miles north. J. D. Hill is clerk.
Neoga.
Organized 1896, by S. R. Lewis; present membership, 35;
value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1896; present
enrollment, 34.
Years ago there was a congregation four miles east called
Copperas Creek; also at Neoga, but both passed away. The
present church was organized in a hall with twenty-six
charter members. The chapel was built in 1898. The con-
gregation is active. Mrs. Maude Frazzel is clerk.
Churches in this part of the State have been led to their
serious hurt by non-scriptural ideals.
CHURCHES 173
Plum Grove (Hidalgo).
Organized 1900; present membership, 80; value of prop-
erty, $1,800; Bible-school enrollment, 100.
Three miles north of Hidalgo.
Plum Grove (Greenup).
Organized 1900; value of property, $900; has a Bible
school.
Six miles northeast of Greenup. A congregation was
organized two miles south of this place, in a schoolhouse, by
Min. Benjamin Duvee in 1854. This was the first church
in the county that was Christian only. Thomas Goodman
preached there. When the place of meeting and the name
were changed and the chapel built, is not learned.
Toledo.
Organized 1875; present membership, 200; value of prop-
erty, $3,500; Bible-school enrollment, 167.
The present chapel was built in 1902. The church has
grown toward better ideals. Scott Calbert is pastor.
Webster (Janesville).
This is two and a half miles northeast of Janesville.
Min. I. S. McCash constituted a church in 1864 near
Hazel Dell, at the Washington Schoolhouse. At that place
four of his sons were led to Christ and all of them entered
the ministry ; namely, Andrew, Levi, Albert and I. N.
McCash. Andrew has remained there over forty years. Levi
has preached in California and Albert in Washington for
nearly as long. I. N. has been more prominent, and, hence,
more widely known. This congregation is now divided.
About 1865, I. S. McCash also formed a church in the
Painter Creek Schoolhouse.
Miss Nellie Morgan, of Jewett, furnished many of the
facts in this county.
174 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
DEWITT COUNTY.
Clinton.
Organized 1852, by W. G. Springer; present membership,
560; value of property, including parsonage, $18,000; Bible
school began 1852; present enrollment, 335.
In the spring of 1857, Walter P. Bowles and Wm. G.
Springer held a series of meetings about four miles south
of Clinton, in the residence of Hiram Dodson, not far from
the location of Texas chapel. During this meeting Mr.
Springer proposed that a church-house be built in Clinton,
which was approved. W. G. Springer, with Messrs. Wm.
Bolin and Samuel Brown, were appointed the committee for
this task. Judge David Davis gave the lot, and an old-time
brick chapel was finished and occupied in the summer of
1852. In that fall, W. G. Springer, assisted by Wm.
Shockey, an able evangelist from Indiana, held a meeting.
At its close a church of Christ was organized, with Wm.
Bolin and W. G. Springer as elders, and Abram Crum and
Milton Parkinson, deacons. There was some preaching by
Messrs. Bolin, Springer, Bowles, Wm. Morrow and others,
but little growth. Wm. H. Brown, the great evangelist, held
a meeting in 1856, and W. P. Shockey in 1858. He also
led a public debate on Universalism with Minister Davis.
In 1860, J. Q. A. Houston, with Dudley Downs as singer,
held a meeting. During this revival the floor of the chapel,
filled with a great audience, broke down, causing a panic.
Order was restored by the quick singing of the preachers.
Mr. Downs then preached for the congregation part of the
time for several years. David Walk, Benjamin Franklin, C.
F. Short and Leroy Skelton preached in continued meetings
and otherwise. In 1865, J. J. Miles settled in Clinton and
preached some. Then there followed R. B. Roberts, George
Owen. D. D. Miller, J. C. Tulley, Charles Rowe, James
Mitchell, James Robinson, John Wilson, Peter Schick, Dr.
John Zimmerman, H. G. Van Dervoort, W. H. Crow, Elijah
Stout, N. S. Haynes, H. F. Tandy, Geo. F. Adams, Samuel
CHURCHES 175
Lowe and T. T. Holton in various kinds of ministerial
service. In the winter of 1866, A. D. Fillmore taught a class
in vocal music and preached for the church. In 1871, John
Adkinson, who was the main financial support, died. Again
the door of the chapel was closed.
In 1881, Miss Mary Welsh, with Mr. and Mrs. Edward
Allen, opened and cleaned up the building, replacing the
fifty broken panes of glass, and began again the public wor-
ship with seven of the members. Since that time the church
has grown steadily in numbers and efficiency. The new
building was erected during the pastorate of Mr. Young in
1888; also he was the first minister giving full time to a
congregation. The pastorate of Mr. E. A. Gilliland was
fruitful of great good.
Falrview (Heyworth).
Organized 1887, by J. S. Stagner; value of property,
$1,200; Bible school began 1877.
The location is eight miles southwest of Heyworth. The
situation is commanding — a bluff on the bank of Kickapoo
Creek. There is a well-kept cemetery there.
The chapel was built in 1878. The congregation is now
weak. A summer Sunday school is about the only appear-
ance of life.
Farmer City.
Organized 1864, by Dudley Downs; present membership,
147; value of property, $6,500; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 160.
This congregation was formed in the old schoolhouse of
the town. The chapel was built the next year on Main
Street, which served till 1866. Then, during the pastorate
of John I. Gunn, the building was moved two blocks east
and reconstructed at a cost of $3,500. Other improvements
thereon were made during the pastorate of Henry Genders,
who died there.
The living charter members are Milan Moore, Mehitabel
176 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Watson, Chas. H. Watson, Catherine Wetzell, James H. Bean,
Cynthia Webb, Emma Sangster and Nancy Watson.
The church has never been numerically strong. It has
given to the ministry David Wetzell, Joseph G. Slick and
Frank L. Moore.
Hallsville (formerly Old Union).
Organized 1832, by Hughes Bowles; present membership,
211; value of property, $1,200; Bible-school enrollment, 82.
The Old Union Church was located about ten miles west
of Clinton. Hughes Bowles, with his family, came from
Kentucky in 1831 and settled on a farm in that locality.
Under the spreading branches of a large white-oak tree, he
constituted this congregation on October 13 — the second Sun-
day of the month — with seventeen charter members. It was
composed mainly of the Bowles and Hall families. A part,
and probably all, of these first members were turned to the
Lord at Caneridge, Kentucky. The first elders of this church
of Christ were Mahlon Hall, Joseph Hall and Hiram Dotson.
Besides these, Darius and Ambrose Hall, with Anderson and
W. P. Bowles, were leading members. The first meetings
were held in the log-cabin homes of the people and in groves.
Among the first preachers there were Hughes Bowles, James
Scott, William Ryan, W. P. Bowles, Mr. Painter, Abner
Peeler, Isaac Martin, Alfred Lindsay, Sr., John G. Camp-
bell, William Morrow and John England. John Rogers and
John Irwin were Kentucky ministers who visited the congre-
gation. Later there were A. J. Kane, J. Q. A. Houston,
Dudley Downs, Samuel Knight, L. M. Robinson and T. T.
Holton.
The first chapel was built of logs in 1838. It was used
jointly by the Disciples, Baptists and Methodists. This
fact gave the word "Union" to this place of public wor-
ship. As the years passed, "Old" was added. In 1864 a
frame building, with a seating capacity of six hundred and
costing $3,000, was erected. This was owned and used by the
church of Christ only.
CHURCHES 177
These pioneer preachers laid deep and firm foundations.
This congregation grew to a membership of four hundred.
From first to last near thirteen hundred were baptized here
upon the public confession of the Christ.
It gave to the ministry Wm. P. Ryan, W. P. Bowles,
Alonzo Henry, Simpson Ely, Harry Barnett, J. A. Barnett,
Harry Piatt and John H. Piatt.
Railways came, towns sprang up and Old Union became
the mother of congregations. She contributed to "Texas,"
Maroa, Kenney and Midland, which received the old house ;
but Hallsville is her direct offspring. On Oct. 13, 1882,
the old church disbanded. A decaying stump marks the
spot of her birth. This, with the gravestones in the cemetery
that grew around the houses of worship, are the silent
sentinels of faded joys and departed glory. Here sleeps the
sacred dust of brave men and true women awaiting the
resurrection of the just.
Kenney.
Organized 1883, by David Wetzell; present membership,
140; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 114.
This church was constituted by members who came from
the Old Union congregation and those gained in a meeting
conducted by Mr. Wetzell in a public hall in 1883. The
chapel was finished and occupied in 1884. The next year
Robert Orr, W. W. Johnson and F. M. Hubbell were
ordained as elders. Messrs. Orr and Johnson continue to
serve the congregation as its elders. It grows and does good
work.
Lane.
Organized 1850, by Dr. Zimmerman ; present membership,
55; value of property, $400; Bible school began 1884; pres-
ent enrollment, 70.
The meetings of this congregation for a period of thirty-
five years were held in the residences of its members and
178 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
schoolhouses about seven miles east of Clinton. It was first
known as Creek Nation and later as Harmony Church. With
the coming of a railway, the village of Lane sprang up. It
was named for Timps Lane, a representative man of the
community and a leading member of the church. Then the
chapel and place of meeting were moved there in 1884. It
is probable that the Harmony congregation was formed by
Min. George Owens in 1867. Mr. Lane died in 191.1. The
church in the village is not strong.
Long Point (Wapella).
Organized 1851, by William Morrow; present member-
ship, 51; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1858;
present enrollment, 41.
This church, located four miles north of Wapella, was
formed in a grove near Liberty Schoolhouse. In 1858 the
present house of worship was built, costing $2,000. The
pioneer preachers who worked here were Wm. Ryan, W. P.
Bowles, John Wilson, Dudley Downs and George Owens.
The present elders are Abram Summers, C. W. Short and
John B. Turner, who is also correspondent.
At one time Benjamin Franklin debated with John
luccock (M. E. Church) here.
Rock Creek ( Waynes ville).
Organized 1837, by Hughes Bowles ; present membership,
80; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1876;
present enrollment, 45.
The meetings for public worship alternated between the
residences of Peter Crum, at Long Point, and Samuel P.
Glenn, at Rock Creek, till 1845, when the first house was
built. This served till 1876, when the present house was
constructed one-quarter mile south of the first site — four
miles east of Waynesville.
This country church has maintained the primitive order
of public worship during the seventy-five years of its life.
CHURCHES 179
Its pioneer preachers were Peter Crum, W. P. Bowles, S. P.
Glenn and James Robeson.
Texas (Clinton).
Organized 1850, by W. G. Springer; present membership,
77; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1876; pres-
ent enrollment, 111.
This church is located four miles southwest of Clinton.
Its first house was built in 1850 and its second in 1876. The
church was reorganized in 1860. Like many country
churches, it has lost many members by removal, but maintains
its public worship and work. Its elders are B. T. Williams,
G. W. Wright and James Justis, with H. White and J. G.
Jenkins, deacons.
Wapella.
Organized 1868, by George Owens; present membership,
123; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 100.
The meetings were held in the schoolhouse till 1869,
when the present house of worship was built. Joshua Carl,
Peter Crum and Stephen Riggs were associated with Geo.
Owen in forming the congregation.
Mrs. Margaret Carl was one of the charter members. She
was baptized by Thomas Campbell in 1826, and at the age
of ninety-five years passed to her reward.
O. C. Ives and Richard Short are the elders, with H.
Conover and P. O. Scogens, deacons.
Waynesville.
Organized 1894, by R. Leland Brown ; present member-
ship, 225; value of property, including parsonage, $6,000;
Bible school began 1894; present enrollment, 263.
This church grew out of a meeting conducted by Min.
R. Leland Brown. There were eight Disciples at its begin-
nino- and eighty at the close. The house of worship, costing
$1,800, with a seating capacity of four hundred, was built
180 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
at once. When the house was dedicated, practical expressions
of goodwill came from the representatives of the community,
both the churched and the unchurched.
DOUGLAS COUNTY.
Arcola.
Organized 1858, by Dr. W. T. Sylvester; present mem-
bership, 270; value of property, including parsonage, $21,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 327.
The charter members were John Lanaiger, Dr. Sylvester,
Tipton Ward, David Evans and J. M. Harden. Dr. Sylvester
was the leading member of this church for about fifteen
years. He was an efficient elder and a good preacher until
he became a railroad builder.
The congregation was held back for years by hurtful
opinions, but has fully recovered itself. It is active in all
good works, with W. S. Rounds as pastor.
Camargo.
Present membership, 106; value of property, $10,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 125.
There was in the seventies and later a Christian congre-
gation at Hugo, a few miles south of Camargo. The chang-
ing tides of human life carried it away, some of its members
coming to Camargo.
Hindsboro.
Organized 1863, by Harmon Gregg; present membership,
150; value of property, $6,500; Bible school began 1878;
present enrollment, 130.
The Deer Creek Christian Church, located four miles
north of the site of Hindsboro, was formed as stated.
Besides Mr. Gregg, Thomas Goodman preached much for
the congregation. Hindsboro grew by the coming of the
railroad, and to this village the membership of the Deer
Creek congregation was transferred in 1878. The first
CHURCHES 181
chapel was built there the next year, and the present house
was erected in 1910 during the ministry of J. S. Rose.
Murdoch.
Organized 1902, by R. Leland Brown; present member-
ship, 50; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 80.
Newman.
Organized 1869, by N. S. Haynes ; present membership,
450; value of property, $23,000; Bible school began 1869;
present enrollment, 225.
A series of meetings was begun by Mr. Haynes in the
M. E. chapel. When people began to turn to the Lord, the
trustees turned him out. The meeting was continued and
the church formed in the public schoolhouse. A frame
chapel was built about 1874, which gave place to a modern
building in 1905. W. G. Pounds and Mr. and Mrs. Bennett
were active helpers in the early years.
The church has given L. H. Hooe to the ministry.
Tuscola.
Organized 1863, by David Walk; present membership,
285; value of property, $15,000; Bible-school enrollment, 144.
In 1863, W. B. Wharton and D. K. Walker, two Disciples,
were residing in Tuscola. This had then been a county-seat
for six years. These two men and their families wished the
town should hear the gospel as they understood it, and also
a church home for themselves ; so they sent for Min. David
Walk. He held a series of meetings in the old courthouse
and organized a church of Christ with eighteen members.
The congregation met in the schoolhouse for public worship.
Later, when Mr. Walk returned to Tuscola. he was com-
pelled to defend his distinctive teaching in a public discussion.
At its conclusion, members of the Baptist, Presbyterian and
M. E. Churches united and prevailed upon the public-school
officers to shut the Disciples out of the schoolhouse. This
182 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
led to the construction of a two-story frame church building.
It was used until 1892, when the present brick edifice was
completed. The chief cost of the first building was met by
John Chandler. Of the charter members, only Mrs. Julia
Sloan remains.
The church has always maintained its public worship.
It has given to the ministry Wm. Walling and E. E.
Hartley.
Villa Grove.
Organized 1906, by Harold E. Monser; present member-
ship, 110; value of property, $7,000; Bible school began
1906; present enrollment, 142.
Mr. Monser was sent here by the mission board of the
Sixth District, and conducted a four weeks' meeting in a
tent. During the half-time service of R. L. Cartwright the
house was built by the help of the Church Extension Society.
The town depends for its life chiefly on railroad work, and
the church has been pastorless part of the time, hence has
not flourished. Dr. G. L. Kennedy is the clerk.
EDGAR COUNTY.
Some Extinct Congregations.
The second church in the county was known through
many years as Big Creek. There is a dim tradition that it
was first called "Pickup," but not for a long time. It was
organized in the thirties. Its first house of worship was
made of hewed logs, with an open fireplace at one end. It
was built about 1838 and stood within half a mile of what is
now known as the Union Schoolhouse. The elders were Abner
Leitchman and Isaac Elledge. The latter was a very good
preacher. Harmon Greerer, Sr., and Robert Bloomfield were
the deacons. About 1850 the log house gave place to a
frame chapel placed within a half-mile northeast. The names
associated with this house are Barnett Thomas, Jacob Zim-
merly and Ottis Eldridge. In 1882 a new but very inferior
chapel was built one and a half miles due south. This was
CHURCHES 183
used till 1904, when a part of the congregation went west
to Bell Ridge and a part east to Oliver. The old church gave
Harmon Gregg and Dudley Downs to the ministry.
In 1840 a church was organized about three miles east
of Grandview known as Central. It did good work for about
twenty-five years.
The Elbridge congregation was formed in the fifties
and flourished for years. The members, "split up by the
Civil War," moved away, and the house was sold about 1875
to the public-school district.
Maple Grove was a country church three miles east of
Edgar. The property has gone back to the original owners
of the land.
Liberty Chapel was six miles east and one mile north of
Paris. It, too, has probably gone back to the landowners.
W. F. Black found a "union church" north of Hume and
held a characteristic meeting in the fall of 1884. Then most
of the people became Christians only. After some years,
many changed membership to Sidell and elsewhere. The
chapel was sold to be used as a barn, and the proceeds turned
into the chapel at Metcalf.
There was never a congregation at Grandview, but
"Uncle Tom Goodman," who resided there, was anxious to
tell the Methodist and Presbyterian brethren "where they
stood." Refusing him the use of their houses, the chapel
was built and, in later years, sold to the township.
Asher (Paris).
Organized 1907, by L. Hadaway; present membership,
139; value of property, $4,900; Bible school began 1907;
present enrollment, 90.
The location is about five miles southwestward from
Paris. The congregation grew out of a Bible school held in
the Asher Schoolhouse, re-enforced by members from the
old Big Creek Church. There were thirty-eight charter mem-
bers. The Home Department has 125 members. Like many
such, the abler members move to town.
184 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Bell Ridge (Paris).
Organized 1904, by H. M. Brooks; present membership,
319; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1904;
present enrollment, 162.
This congregation grew out of the old Big Creek Church.
It is located ten miles southwest of Paris. There were sixty-
seven charter members. The chapel is a creditable one.
There have been six regular preachers. Mrs. W. S. O'Hair
has served as the very faithful and efficient Bible- school
superintendent. The Home Department has 258 members.
Brocton.
Organized 1873, by C. C. Boyer and H. M. Brooks ; pres-
ent membership, 50; value of property, $3,000; Bible school
began 1893; present enrollment, 51.
Before the chapel was built in 1893, meetings were held
and a congregation organized in the White Elm Schoolhouse,
in just what year is not known. Min. C. C. Boyer resided
on his farm near here and was the leading man in the move-
ment. Thomas Goodman, J. J. Vanhoutin, James Connor
and Harmon Gregg preached here. After the chapel was
built, the congregation was reorganized by H. M. Brooks.
The church has given to the ministry two brothers — T.
A. and E. E. Boyer.
Chrisman.
Organized 1890, by G. W. Pearl; present membership,
12; value of property, $1,500.
Dr. J. M. Welch, now deceased, led this work in its
earlier years. A church building that was owned by the
Universalists was bought and used.
The church is very feeble. There were about forty char-
ter members.
Conlogue.
Organized 1872, by Z. T. Sweeney; value of property,
$400; never had a Bible school.
CHURCHES 185
The house was built in 1873. Preaching now only
periodically.
Dudley.
Organized 1868; value of property, $1,000.
This church is about extinct. Landlordism and ultra-
conservatism have proved its undoing.
Hume.
Organized 1875, by C. C. Boyer; present membership,
167; value of property, including parsonage, $2,700; Bible
school began 1881 ; present enrollment, 139.
J. W. Perkins was the first minister. For about six years
the congregation worshiped in the old schoolhouse. Squire
Hume gave the ground and the chapel was finished in 1881.
Miss Maggie Roberts was the first person baptized in the
new building. The congregation is now looking toward
another house of worship.
To the ministry the church has given T. T. Roberts.
Kansas.
Organized 1856, by A. D. Fillmore; present membership,
350; value of property, $25,000; Bible school began 1856;
present enrollment, 250.
This town was laid in 1853 on a flat prairie, where deer,
wolves, wild ducks and geese, prairie chickens and snakes
made their homes. In 1854 a union chapel was built, the
title to which was in the Methodist Protestant Church. The
building stood on the present site of the National Bank.
Three denominations were interested in the property. In
this building the church of Christ was organized with six-
teen charter members, as follows: John K. Boyer and wife,
W. F. Boyer and wife, Mrs. Katherine Brown, Mrs. Harriett
Cornell, Mrs. Evaline Curd, Presley Martin and wife. Mrs.
Margaret Atkins, James Wrieht and wife, Angeline Wilhoit,
Sarah Wilhoit, Pendleton Wilhoit and Sarah Arterburn. It
was some time afterward that the officers were elected, for
186 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
the first elders were: Edward Pinnell, J. K. Boyer and N. S.
Wiley, with W. F. Boyer, J. G. Wilhoit, W. L. Boyer and
A. J. Pinnell for deacons.
The "union church" did not work well; so in 1857 the
Disciples put up a chapel of their own. The lot was given
by Mr. William Brown, who was an Englishman by birth
and "a brother-in-law of the congregation." This building
was much improved in 1884. It gave place in 1910 to a
beautiful modern edifice erected during the pastorate of
B. F. Thomas.
To the ministry the church has given N. S. Haynes, Z. T.
Sweeney, Gilbert Zink, Ellis Purlee and Fred Jacobs.
The following incident illustrates the viewpoint and
experiences of many Disciples in the fifties and sixties. The
services in union chapel were by rotation, the preachers
taking their days. A young man from New England came
to the village. Having a good voice, he was pleased to
assist in the singing at church. He used a tuning-fork to
help pitch the tunes. He sang the tenor. Here were two
unheard-of things in the community — a tuning-fork and a
tenor. This at once brought to his feet one of the aged
rulers of the assembly. He informed the young man that
he "must drop that pinching-bug and dry up that mule-
braying." His indignation spread so that not until the
young man was arrested, tried and fined $5 for disturbing
public worship, was the wrath of the righteous man appeased.
Little Grove (Vermilion).
Organized 1826, by Samuel McGee ; present membership,
40; value of property, $500. Never had a Bible school.
The first organization of the Little Grove Church, six
miles east of Paris, was in the fall of 1826, in the home of
Samuel McGee. The church was formed through the efforts
chiefly of Mrs. Mary Morrison and her sister. Mrs. Anna
P'itzgerald. These women, with others in this settlement, had
come to Edgar County from Kentucky, where they had come
to some knowledge of the Restoration movement. The Little
CHURCHES 187
Grove congregation was always a church of Christ; it was
never in any way connected with the Christian Denomination.
Meetings for worship were first held in residences, next in
the McGee Schoolhouse, and about 1829 in the Prior School-
house. By 1832 the members had increased to near one
hundred. People would go sometimes a day's travel to be at
the Saturday night and Sunday meetings. It was not uncom-
mon for several of the early settlers to take their families
together in an ox-wagon to go to church. In 1835 the con-
gregation began to build a meeting-house, which was finished
in 1837 with the seats. This served until 1875, when the
present house was built. In its earlier years this church was
visited by Alexander Campbell, John O'Kane, Daniel W.
Elledge, Love H. Jameson, the brothers Job and Michel
Combs, and others. The leading resident preacher up to
1865 was William Hartley, who was assisted by Elijah Ward
and other members. The congregation has never been with-
out its active officers and has never had any serious trouble.
Hundreds have been members here. Many have come and
more have gone. Now only a few remain, mostly women,
who meet for worship every Lord's Day. Its wide influences
no man may measure. No regular preaching now.
John J. Vanhouten, a grandson of Mrs. Mary Morrison,
came to the ministry here.
Metcalf.
Present membership, 125; value of property, $1,500;
Bible school enrollment, 70.
Nevins.
Organized 1858, by William Hurtly and A. D. Fillmore;
present membership, 19; value of property, $600; never had
a Bible school.
This congregation was organized in the country with
forty charter members and known as the Franklin Church.
The building was moved to the near-by railway station,
188 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Kevins, in 1881, and the church has since been known by
that name.
It has given William T. Simms and William H. Simms
to the ministry. Both are dead.
Some of those who preached here were Nathan Wright,
Thomas Goodman, Wm. Holt, A. J. Frank, W. H. Simms,
J. W. Perkins, John N. Mulkey, Hezekiah Williams, Isaac
Lamb and H. W. Cuppy.
Oliver.
Organized 1896, by I. J. Lamb; present membership, 100;
value of property, $1,200; Bible reading.
A conservative congregation that was re-enforced from
the Big Creek Church.
Paris.
Organized 1855, by John C. New ; present membership,
1,714; value of property, $65,000; Bible school began I860:
present enrollment, 435.
There were thirty-one charter members. The first house
for worship was purchased of the Presbyterians. The second
was a two-story brick erected in 1866. The present stone
edifice was finished in 1897 during the pastorate of A. E.
Dubber. The church has had nineteen pastors and a host of
fine men and women. Among those who have contributed
not a little to its development were Geo. W. Redmon, LeRoy
Wiley, A. J. Hunter, and Fred, Larz and Henry Augustus.
Mr. George Brown, for twelve years county superintendent
of schools, is the Bible-school superintendent. His is a fine
union of head and heart.
From the estate of Mr. Larz A. Augustus the congrega-
tion received $25,300. Of this amount, $5,000 may be spent
as two-thirds of the membership may vote; the balance is to
be held in trust and the interest only "used in the best man-
ner known to said church for the extension of the cause of
Christ."
For the past eight years the church has supported Fred
E. Hagin as a missionary in Japan.
CHURCHES 189
D. N. Wetzell and W. B. Zimmerman have been given to
the ministry.
The church owns a chapel in the south side of the city
and conducts a mission there. H. H. Peters is the pastor.
Pleasant Hill (Kansas).
Organized 1870, by Harmon Gregg; present membership,
207; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1870;
present enrollment, 118.
Is located five miles southeast of Kansas. There were
forty-six charter members. A. Boyer and J. N. Shoptaugh
were chosen and set apart as elders, and R. Ratts, Ezra Nay
and H. Hines as deacons.
A good brick church, contiguous to a cemetery, was
built soon after the formation of the congregation and is still
used.
This country church has been fruitful in the production
of preachers. They were D. W. Nay, S. I. Stark, J. A.
Shoptaugh, S. W. Nay, E. F. Kerans, Ross Kerans, Roley
Nay and Bruce Nay.
Redman.
Organized 1907, by L. Hadaway; present membership,
80; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1807;
present enrollment, 118.
State Line (Paris).
Organized 1862; present membership, 30; value of prop-
erty, $700; Bible school began 1880; present enrollment, 50.
A number of people entered into an organization calling
themselves the Clay's Prairie Church of Christ from the
schoolhouse of that name. They met there until 1869, when
the house of worship was built. Since then the congregation
has been known as State Line because the chanel is near
the Indiana line. The first elders were John Hunter (the
father of A. J. Hunter), Tames Watson and Richard Hobbs.
Among its ministers there were Nathan Wright, Abner
190 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Daily, Thomas Goodman, William Holt, G. L. Rude, J. B.
Mayfield, Geo. E. and Z. T. Sweeney (father and son), Wm.
Simms and W. W. Jacobs.
William Holt, a fine preacher, was the product of this
church.
Success (Vermilion).
Organized 1895, by H. Williams; present membership,
75; value of property, $600; Bible school began 1895;
present enrollment, 50. F. C. Volker is the clerk.
EDWARDS COUNTY.
Albion.
Organized 1841, by Elijah Goodwin; present membership,
331; value of property, $1,800; Bible school enrollment, 221.
The formation of this church, August 4, was just after
the old brick Christian chapel was finished. Daniel Orange,
a fine type of Englishman, led in this movement. He was a
descendant of the French Huguenots and settled here in
1818. He had heard the Campbell-Purcell debate in Cin-
cinnati in 1836 and was fully persuaded that the doctrinal
position of the Disciples was right. The charter members
were Daniel, Elizabeth, Elizabeth S. and John B. Orange —
a fruitful beginning indeed. Four weeks later Alfred Flower,
who married Elizabeth S. Orange — with Charles and Sarah
Burns — was added to the number. The first elder was Daniel
Orange, and the first deacons were Alvin Kenner and
George Goodwin. Elijah Goodwin was employed one-fourth
of the time at $50 the year. Like most churches, this one
met reverses, but it has grown to wide service and useful-
ness. The present chapel was built in 1868 and a new
building is in process of construction.
Bone Gap.
Organized 1886, bv T. S. Rose; present membership, 154;
value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1886; present
enrollment, 175.
CHURCHES 191
Mr. Rose was chiefly instrumental in establishing this
church, serving it four years. Under his ministry the
house was built in 1887. W. D. Walker is correspondent.
Browns.
Organized 1894, by Zacharia Harris; present membership,
144; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1894;
present enrollment, 134.
The Bonpas Church, located on the eastern border of the
county, was organized by Amos Miller in 1838. It served
its generation and the remnant finally united with Browns.
Ellery.
Organized 1890, by J. C. T. Hall; present membership,
150; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1888;
present enrollment, 85.
This congregation had its beginning in a Bible school
that was started at the Woods Schoolhouse in 1888 and
continued two years. The people of the community were
led by Min. J. C. T. Hall in the erection of a frame church
which was finished in 1890.
Shiloh (West Salem).
Organized 1862, by J. C. T. Hall; present membership,
125; value of property, $1,500; Bible school enrollment, 109.
The location is eight miles south of Albion. A large
per cent, of the people of this community originally came
from Kentucky, so it was sometimes called "Little Ken-
tucky." It is noted for its hospitality. The church was
organized in the barn of James McKinsey.
West Salem.
Organized 1858, by J. C. T. Hall; present membership,
175; value of property, including parsonage, $13,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 235.
This church was formed by uniting the "Long Point"
congregation with one that was meeting at the residence of
192 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Jas. F. Barney. James Kinner and Blashel Foster led in this
work. The twenty-nine charter members signed the follow-
ing agreement: "We whose names are hereunto annexed,
being immersed believers in the Lord Jesus Christ, do
mutually and voluntarily associate ourselves together in a
congregational capacity to be known as the Congregation of
the Lord at West Salem, taking the Christian Scriptures as
our only rule of faith and practice, taking no name as a
church name but such as they authorize."
West Village (Albion).
Organized 1858; present membership, 293; value of prop-
erty, $2,000; Bible school enrollment, 250.
This church is four miles north of Albion. It was a
scion of the Little Prairie Church. It was first known as
Village Church, but as there was another not far distant by
that name, this one was changed to West Village. The first
meeting was held in an old log building one and a half miles
from the present site. A Bible school was conducted there
for a number of years, with occasional preaching. A frame
building was erected in 1858, which was used till the present
house was built in 1896.
The Curtisville Church was organized by J. C. T. Hall
in 1854. A few years later it united with the West Village
congregation. But in 1878 it was reorganized and built a
chapel. In later years it disorganized.
The charter members were J. T., Nancy J. and Mary
Hunt ; W. W., Nancy and Edward Willis ; Laurie Stroup ;
W. A. and Sarah T. Inskipp; John T., Ann C. and Eliza
Woods ; Joe J. Mitchell, Malinda Mann, Harriett McKibben,
Harriett Winters, Thomas and Mary Niles, William and
Narcissa Scott, and Jane I. Lines.
Little Prairie (Ellery).
Organized 1823, by Elder Alan Emmerson ; present mem-
bership, 100; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 125.
CHURCHES 193
This church, located about four miles northwest of Albion,
was for sixteen years a part of the Christian Denomination.
It was organized in the house of Alan Emmerson, near the
site of the present church building. The first elder was
Alan Emmerson, and the first deacons were Joseph Apple-
gath, Thomas Gill and William Hall. Amos Willis- was the
first preacher of the Christian Denomination in the county
and the first minister of this church. He died in 1840.
The first house of worship of this congregation was a
frame — covered, ceiled and weather-boarded with clapboards
and plastered with post-oak clay. It had a brick chimney
and fireplace. With the passing years, that bear all things
away, this superior temple of its time gave place to another
frame building that is still in use.
In 1837 the congregation came into the Restoration move-
ment through the leading of Amos Willis, a minister of the
older congregation. Later J. M. Mathes, John O'Kane,
Moses Goodwin and others served the church.
Marion (West Salem).
Organized 1843, by Elijah Goodwin ; present member-
ship, 150; value of property, $1,200; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 82.
This church is in the northwest corner of the county and
is on the bank of Sugar Creek. Its first elders were William
Foster and N. A. Shelby ; its first deacons, Quinton Nicks
and B. F. Stark. It was formed in the residence of Quinton
Nicks. Meetings were held in the home of N. A. Shelby
and others till the chapel was built. Besides Elijah and
Moses Goodwin, J. Standish and Cornelius Aids preached
there in the earlier years.
It gave George Morrall to the ministry.
New Hope (Browns).
Present membership, 52; value of property, $800; Bible-
school enrollment, 44.
Only occasional meetings are held here now.
194 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The East Village Church, after years of work, also disor-
ganized.
EFF1NGHAM COUNTY.
Min. Claiborne Wright began the work of the Disciples
in this county in 1862. He had settled on a farm east of
Mason in 1861. He held meetings in the Graver School-
house, and organized a church of Christ there with the
following members: Margaret A. Stephens; Paschal C.,
Louisa, Celestus, David and Talitha Leonard ; Jefferson,
Catherine, Claiborne, Charlotte, Catherine M., Wm. T.. Ellen
Jane and Susan Wright ; Michael and Katherine Redinbaugh,
Ezra and Phebe Morphew, Margaret Turner, Mary A. Cra-
ver, and Wm. D. and Robert D. Porter. Additions to these
were made steadily. A large shed used for sheltering sheep
in winter was turned into a tabernacle and in this the con-
gregation met for worship. In 1866 the place of meeting
was changed to the new schoolhouse three miles east of
Mason. After a time debates and divisions occurred, some
of the members going to the Universalists and others uniting
with the U. B. Church. Min. A. J. Harrell revived the work
in 1879, which led to the formation of the church in Mason
in 1880. „.
Beccher City.
Organized 1902, by B. S. Taylor ; present membership,
161; value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1907;
present enrollment, 136.
The church was organized in the schoolhouse and met
for worship in a canning factory until the chapel was erected
in 1907. B. S. Taylor, J. L. Huffcult and M. E. Steele were
the three men who were ably assisted by twenty-two women
in the church during its first years. Evangelist J. E. Story
added 168 people in one meeting and thus helped the congre-
gation to a stronger position.
Dieterich.
Present membership, 65; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 52.
CHURCHES 195
Edgewood.
Organized 1890, by W. T. Gordon ; present membership,
110; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1890;
present enrollment, 70.
Minister Gordon preached Monday evening, May 19,
1890, in the M. E. Church. A further use of the house was
refused him. Then he accepted an invitation from the trus-
tees to occupy the public-school house. When he returned
the following July he found the doors closed against him.
The managers of the Opera Hall tendered him the use of
their auditorium. Following this opening, a church of thirty-
seven members was organized the following September. A
house of worship was built in 1891.
Dr. Joseph Hall has been the chief leader and supporter
of this congregation. There are other faithful servants.
Effingham.
Organized 1890, by W. T. Gordon; value of property,
$10,000; Bible school began 1890.
The first work of the Disciples in Effingham began near
1867. There was a partial organization at that date. Occa-
sional meetings were held in the courthouse. A lot was
donated in the west part of town and a small frame building
was erected thereon. This was burned a few years there-
after. Then, by reason of a lack of good leadership, the
congregation went to pieces.
When the beloved H. Y. Kellar moved to Effingham in
1888, he gathered together the remnants and preached to
them in the temple until the church building was erected in
1893. The citizens of the city helped liberally in this enter-
prise.
Elliottstown (Dieterich).
Present membership, 54; value of property, $650; no
Bible school.
This place was the residence of Barlow Higgins, who did
good work through many years.
196 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Mason.
Organized 1880, by W. T. Gordon; present membership,
125; value of property, $1,700; Bible-school enrollment, 112.
This church received its first impulse from a country
congregation east of the town. Meetings were held in the
Baptist chapel and the Masonic Hall. The church is much
indebted to Minister Gordon. It is doing good service.
Watson.
Present membership, 30; value of property, $500; Bible-
school enrollment, 32.
Mins. Wiiford Field, Barlow Higgins, W. S. Mesnard
and Frank Shane have done faithful work in this country.
FAYETTE COUNTY.
Arne Prairie (Brownstown).
Organized 1907, by R. Leland Brown ; present member-
ship, 17; value of property, $200; summer Bible school.
This is five miles midway between Brownstown and
Loogootee.
Bethany (Brownstown).
Present membership, 61; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 65.
This church is about eight miles northwest of Browns-
town. It is a new organization and was made up largely
of members who previously belonged to the New Hope
Church, a near-by country congregation whose chapel burned
in 1867.
Bethany congregation gave W. B. Hopper to the ministry.
Bingham.
Organized 1911, by D. R. Bebout; present membership,
15; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1911.
A little congregation was formed in 1892 by Min. John
Meeks, but it was short-lived. Through the insistence of
CHURCHES 197
Mrs. W. B. Shelton, Mrs. Sarah Hurst and Mrs. Ellen
Harper, a meeting was held by Min. C. M. Smithson in
1910 which led to the organization of the church, the next
year, of thirteen members.
The meetings were held in the W. C. T. U. temple.
Inasmuch as this building was running down, the society
proposed to transfer to the people of the town as a union
church. When the time for action came, the denominational
representatives withdrew ; hence the property was deeded
to the Christian Church. It was thoroughly repaired and
put in a good condition.
Broivnstozvn.
Organized 1871, by Charles Smith; present membership,
206; value of property, $17,500; Bible school began 1871;
present enrollment, 190.
An active church of not a few good people. Four Mile,
New Hope and Liberty congregations all supplied members
to Brownstown.
S. D. Morton and Wm. Rode are true helpers.
Four-mile Prairie (Brownstown).
Organized 1843, by Wm. Chaplin and Wm. Schooly;
present membership, 20; value of property, $1,200; Bible-
school enrollment, 38.
The first members were Moses D. and John F. Morey,
Jacob Tinker and wife, Abner Griffith and wife, Mrs.
Campbell, Mrs. Smith and M. W. Hickerson, who was a
good preacher. This congregation died and after some years
revived. The chapel was built in 1912. This is the home of
Min. Geo. T. Bridges.
Liberty (Brownstown).
Organized by Wm. Schooley; present membership, 75;
Bible-school enrollment, 70.
This is one of the oldest churches in the county.
It was organized in the residence of Mr. Van Workman.
198 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Later they built a chapel, which was burned down in 1913.
Some of the leading members were Mr. Van Workman,
Joshua Arnold, Samuel Dayhoof, John and William Sefton,
William Buchanan, Joseph Reynolds and William Dively.
Macedonia (Loogootee).
Organized 1868, by Charles Smith; present membership,
75; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1869;
present enrollment, 75.
Worshiped in the Rush and Eldorado Schoolhouses till
1901, when the chapel was built midway between the two.
Gave C. M. Smithson to the ministry. James Idleman,
the grandfather of Finis Idleman, helped form this congre-
gation. The present elders are H. H. Smithson, Elihu Ful-
ton, Samuel Odell, George Underwood, Wyatt Bledsoe and
Charles Mills.
Pittsburg (Vandalia).
Present membership, 34; value of property, $1,000.
Ten miles southwest of Vandalia. It was probably
formed in the early seventies. The elders now are William
Rodecker, John Hopkins and Samuel Jeffs. Mrs. Sarah
Collier and Mrs. Horatio Evans are also active members.
Ramsey.
Organized 1851, by Wesley Smith; present membership,
123; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 36.
Among the first members there were Elijah, Elisha and
Bazil Prather ; Alex. Williams, George Bartlett, William
McCary and Jacob Miller. The congregation was formed at
Chandler's Schoolhouse. Meetings were held there and in
the houses of the members till 1866, when a brick chapel
was erected in Ramsey.
St. Elmo.
Organized by W. H. Drummett ; present membership,
167; value of property, $9,000; Bible-school enrollment, 189.
CHURCHES 199
Union (Ramsey).
Present membership, 35; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 30.
The chapel was built in 1872 on the farm of John H.
Welch, now in Carson Township. It is doing fairly well.
Extinct Congregations.
An old congregation called Antioch, in Bowling Green
Township, lived in the seventies. Conservatives paralyzed
its activities and, later, their own. Some of the members
went to Herrick.
There was a small congregation near the present town
of Holliday which died. The original members were Wash.
Riley and wife, Wm. Fulk and wife, Griffin Tipsword,
Thomas Holman and wife, John and Charles Dunaway.
A congregation at Loudon has ceased to exist.
For years there was a congregation in Vandalia. It
perished from a lack of leadership.
There was a congregation in the seventies near Laclede.
It was composed mostly of renters and so died.
Ministers.
J. O. Henry was a great force in the churches of this
county from 1862 to 1884.
Jacob Miller was a man of strong character, but limited
education. At ninety years of age he still resides on his
farm near Ramsey.
George T. Bridges grew up near Ramsey. He has always
been active, energetic and enthusiastic. His home is south
of Brownstown.
John Meeks, Charles Smith and Michael Hickerson were
all former preachers, and did unselfish work in their day. All
have gone hence.
R. Leland Brown is a native of this county and has been
in the ministry since 1869. He has been very active and
useful there and elsewhere,
200 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
FORD COUNTY.
Gibson.
Organized 1872, by G. W. Campbell; present member-
ship, 430; value of property, including parsonage, $27,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 448.
There was occasional preaching for three years in neigh-
boring schoolhouses and the town previous to the organization
of the church.
There were nineteen charter members. H. N. Karr and
A. E. Pirkey were the first elders, with Andrew Jordan,
John Dillingham, A. Canterbury and J. B. Lott, the first
deacons. For six years the meetings were held in Union
Hall and the church was served by Mins. Clark Braden, W.
S. Campbell, F. Collins, J. F. Smith and Samuel Lowe.
By reason of the death of Mr. Lott and financial reverses
of Mr. Jordon, the principal financial supports, the congre-
gation ceased to meet. This was in 1880. For ten years
following, the local C. W. B. M. kept going. So in 1890
the State Board of Missions sent Min. J. E. Jewett to revive
the church. This he did. Mrs. O. H. Damon (nee Mrs.
J. H. Lott) gave the lot and Mr. Jordon donated the brick.
The building was erected and the congregation began work
again with about twenty-five members.
The pastors who followed were M. P. Hayden, C. C.
Rowlison, R. F. Thrapp, W. W. Sniff, S. E. Fisher, John
R. Golden, and L. O. Lehman, who is the present minister.
The building has been much enlarged and modernized.
The church has in its membership a superior class of Chris-
tian men and women.
Mt. Olivet (Paxton).
Organized 1857, by Marston Dudley; present member-
ship, 84; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school began 1860;
present enrollment, 52.
This is the oldest church in Ford County and has con-
tributed of its members to many other congregations. Jacob
CHURCHES 201
Straxer and wife, Marston Dudley and wife, and J. P. Botton
and wife began this work. Besides Mr. Dudley, Rolla M.
Martin and J. L. Canada ministered to the congregation in
its early years. Mr. Botton was the Bible-school superin-
tendent fifty years ago and one of the most useful members.
Elmer Higdon and Ernest Higdon were given to the
ministry.
Paxton.
Present membership, 150; value of property, including"
parsonage, $7,000; Bible-school enrollment, 160.
This church was formed in the seventies. It has given
Glen Mills and Jay Bonham to the ministry.
FRANKLIN COUNTY.
Benton.
Organized 1889, by W. H. Ingram; present membership,
200; value of property, including parsonage, $9,000; Bible
school began 1889; present enrollment, 100.
This church was organized in the courthouse under the
auspices of the State Missionary Society. But it is lacking
in spiritual vision.
Christopher.
Present membership, 385; value of property, $6,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 240.
This was among the early congregations of the county.
It was at first a country church, but the coal interests grew
the village into a city. It has kept pace and is active and
growing.
Long Prairie (Benton).
Present membership, 50; value of property, $800; no
Bible school.
An old country church seven miles northeast of Benton.
Irregular preaching.
202 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Miner (Mulkeytown).
Present membership, 108; value of property, $350; Bible-
school enrollment, 45.
This is twelve miles southwest of Benton and is one of
the oldest churches in the county. It has monthly preach-
ing. Mrs. Adelene Browning is clerk.
Mulkeytown.
Organized 1830, by Minister Underwood; present mem-
bership, 380; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 212.
This was first known as the Little Muddy Church because
this was the name of the community post-office. Then it
came to be known as the "Four-mile Church" because the
meeting-place was in the prairie of that name. After the
Civil War it took the name of the town from John M. Mulkey,
who built the first house on the town site. (See Chap. II.)
Six-mile ( Elkville ) .
Organized 1848; present membership, 88; value of prop-
erty, $800; Bible-school enrollment, 107.
This congregation was probably reorganized in later years
by W. A. Ingram.
Sesser.
Organized 1905 ; present membership, 48 ; value of prop-
erty, $1,875; Bible-school enrollment, 130.
West Frankfort.
Organized 1902, by J. J. Harris; present membership,
132; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 120.
Minister Harris conducted a series of meetings in the
Congregational chapel which resulted in this organization.
The church house is a monument to the devotion and liberality
of W. L. Crim, an able preacher.
CHURCHES 203
White (Plumfield).
Organized 1866, by Matthew Wilson; present member-
ship, 40; value of property, $800; no Bible school.
FULTON COUNTY.
Astoria.
Organized 1863, by J. B. Royal; present membership,
175; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1862;
present enrollment, 136.
Mr. Royal held the first meetings in the old schoolhouse.
The first prayer-meeting was also held there. Dr. B. C.
Toler and John Gilliland were the only persons present. The
charter members were Thomas, A. S., Uriah, M. J. and
Unity Smith; Isaac, Joseph, Ellen, Eliza, Catherine, A. J.
and Susan M. Engle ; Alexander M. Bride, C. and Eliza
Douglas, J. A. Gilliland, I. and Elizabeth Darrow, Philip
Wonderlick, B. Munson, Catherine Lane and Dr. B. C. Toler.
These twenty-two people signed the following agreement:
"We, the undersigned, do agree, and hereby have agreed, to
worship together as a church of Christ, to take the Holy
Bible as the only rule of our faith and practice, and to call
ourselves Christian after the name of Christ our Lord."
The present building was erected in 1885. Dr. Toler was
a devoted and efficient leader. W. M. Horton is the pastor.
Bryant.
Organized 1852, by William Howard ; present member-
ship, 48; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 50.
This was known first as the New Antioch Christian
Church, located in the northwest corner of Liverpool Town-
ship. It was organized in the home of T. N. Hasson, with
fifteen charter members. John W. Hopkins and Wm. G.
Kirkpatric were chosen elders, and T. N. Hasson, deacon.
Little progress was made until 1858, when Evangelist Wm.
204 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Grissom awakened the community by the gospel. The chapel
was built that year. The meetings were held there until
1870, when the house was moved to the village of Bryant.
The church prospered. Removals in the following years con-
tributed not a few valuable members to Lewistown, Cuba and
Canton, leaving Bryant a feeble congregation.
H. C. Littleton was given to the ministry. James Wil-
coxen was a valuable member here and afterward at Lewis-
town.
Canton.
Organized 1890, by N. S. Haynes; present membership,
500; value of property, $20,000; Bible school began 1891;
present enrollment, 423.
An effort was made in 1878 and another in 1888 to estab-
lish a church of Christ in Canton, but neither proved perma-
nent. In 1890 two devoted sisters, Mrs. Nellie Lawrence and
Mrs. H. A. Whitnah, visited from house to house all known
Disciples of Christ in the town. This led to the organization
of the church on August 31, with forty-one charter members,
in "Temperance Hall." S. E. Hogue and J. B. Romine
were elected elders, with C. L. Whitnah, T. L. Frazier and
J. C. Peterson, deacons. The young congregation was nur-
tured by the prayers and faithful services of some most
devoted people.
The well-located lot and first brick chapel cost $12,500.
In 1895 a brick auditorium was added. Marion Stevenson
was the first pastor. During his term 325 additions were
gained in a meeting led by Evangelist T. A. Boyer. Other
ministers who have served the church were J. C. and S. S.
Lappin, J. P. Lichtenberger, S. H. Zendt, J. G. Waggoner,
and now W. W. Denham.
The church has given to the ministry W. H. Betts and
August F. Larson.
From the first the congregation has had and has grown
very useful Christian men and women. The Whitnah,
Lawrence and Frazier families helped much. Their names
CHURCHES 205
are remembered tenderly and gratefully. The congregation
is active in all good works.
Cuba.
Organized 1832, by John Secrist; present membership,
226; value of property, $10,600; Bible-school enrollment,
275.
Ephraim Brown, a farmer, laid out a town about the
center of Fulton County in 1834 and named it Middleton.
Joel Solomon founded another town in 1836 and called it
Centerville. The two were separated by a twelve-foot alley
only. Later these two towns were united and named Cuba.
Joel Solomon wanted a church; so he put up a chapel and
sold it to the Christian congregation in 1837.
Min. John Secrist, of Ohio, held a meeting in the settle-
ment, and in February, 1832, baptized eighteen persons and
organized a church with Charles Rigdon and Morgan Hart-
ford as officers. This church is one of the oldest in the
Military Tract. The congregation failed to pay for the
purchased chapel, and so lost the use of it. Thereafter their
meetings were held in residences, schoolhouses, shops, halls
and groves until 1863. During the larger part of this period
the preaching was done by transients like most pioneer
churches had. Among these were John W. Hopkins, Wm.
A. Howard, John Rigdon, John Miller, Dr. John Scott and
C. P. Hollis. In 1854, Josiah Crawford settled in the com-
munity and preached there. In 1857, Wm. Grissom went
into Fulton County, held meetings, baptized hundreds and
organized country congregations. His ministry at Cuba con-
tinued up to 1865. The second church house was built in
1895. The congregation took a pride in loyally supporting
and patronizing Abingdon College while it lived, and since
its discontinuance it has been equally loyal to Eureka. It is a
church with a world-wide vision.
It has given to the ministry H. R. Trickett, D. E.
Hughes, J. W. Carpenter, George Snively, L. F. Davis and
Charles Day.
206 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The long and excellent service that C. C. Riley gave the
congregation is worthy of note. He was born within six
miles of Cuba in 1845 and has lived in the town since 1868.
He died in 1913.
Ellisville.
Organized 1887, by D. E. Hughes; present membership,
25; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1899;
present enrollment, 35.
In 1887, Mr. Amzi Byrum, a citizen of Ellisville, invited
Min. D. E. Hughes to preach there. There were eight pres-
ent at the first meeting. The three weeks' revival closed with
a membership of eighty-six and the formation of a church.
The old chapel of the Presbyterians was used. The new
chapel was built the same year. For twelve years a union
Bible school was maintained ; after that the church held its
own school. The village is inland and populations tend away
from it.
Ipava.
Organized 1842, by William Howard ; present member-
ship, 225; value of property, including parsonage, $10,000;
Bible school began 1858; present enrollment, 136.
As early as 1840 there was quite an emigration from
Ohio and Kentucky into the southern part of Fulton County.
Most of these were members or friends of the church of
Christ. Prominent among them was Wm. P. Howard, then
a young man. At first meetings were held from house to
house. A schoolhouse of round logs, chinked and daubed
with mud and straw, clapboard roof, with puncheon seats
and floor, was built In this meetings were held and the
congregation formed. This was four and one-half miles
southeast of the site of Ipava. This house was soon too
small to accommodate the worshipers, hence a church house
was built. It was 30x40 feet, with eight feet to the ceiling,
logs and poles, and roof of lap shingles, riven and shaved.
The siding and all finishings were of walnut. This came
to be known as the Howard Church. To this congregation
CHURCHES 207
Mr. Howard ministered for sixteen years without financial
remuneration, supporting his family by his farm labor.
All the conditions were primitive. The women then did
all the spinning and knitting, sewing and weaving — all this
in addition to other household cares. In this community,
when they would attend the business meeting of the church
on Saturday afternoons, they would take their knitting along
with them and knit going to and coming from the church.
Those living within a radius of two miles of the meeting-
house generally walked. These women would travel barefoot,
carrying their shoes and stockings. When near the church
they would put on these articles of dress. The time and the
circumstances required economy. Those who rode went
horseback, or in the big farm-wagons. Sometimes they were
drawn by oxen. "Old Sam" and "Brin" were useful in
those days. The seat-board was an oak plank, cushioned
with a sheepskin. Everybody went to church, including the
babies.
In addition to Mr. Howard, Hughey Stoops and J. W.
Hopkins were two ministers of this community who went,
at their own charges, preaching the Word — all self-sacrificing
and faithful servants of God and men. After Mr. Howard's
removal to Texas, in 1857, Wm. Grissom served the congre-
gation, as did also Wm. Lorance.
By 1867 the building was dilapidated and the congrega-
tion disbanded. Part of the members went to Summum and
part to the Washington Schoolhouse, where Dr. J. H.
Breeden had built up a congregation. In 1869 they pur-
chased the old M. E. chapel in Ipava and repaired it. There-
after this town was the place of meeting. In addition to
Dr. Breeden, P. D. Vermilion, M. T. Cooper and L. M.
Robinson served the church. This chapel was not well
located ; so it was sold and in 1895 a modern structure
Kerton Valley (Havana).
Organized 1889; present membership, 30; value of prop-
erty, $800; Bible school began 1889; present enrollment, 50.
208 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The deed to the ground was made to the Christian
Church, but the various religious people of the community
united in building the chapel and in maintaining a union
Bible school. The organization of the congregation was
perfected by Isaac Beckelhymer in 1912. The clerk is R. L.
Cole, R. R. 3, Havana.
Lewistown.
Organized 1874, by A. C. Smither; present membership,
175; value of property, including parsonage, $10,000; Bible
school began 1874; present enrollment, 175.
Of the twenty charter members, only three survive. Two
of these — Henry C. Hasson and his sister, Miss Celinda
Hasson — are residents of Lewistown and active supporters
of the one faith. The chapel, still in ase, was completed
and dedicated by O. A. Burgess. In its construction and in
maintaining the current expenses of the congregation, Mr.
J. C. Wilcoxen, a royal Christian man, paid one-third of the
expenses until his life closed on earth.
Mr. Hasson was superintendent of the Bible school for
thirty-four years. Mr. M. M. Beeman succeeded in 1908.
He is also the head of the city's schools. The congregation
has had its good fortune and ill, but has steadily gained
ground and is now a power in its community for good.
It has given to the ministry Marion Stevenson.
London Mills.
Organized 1887, by L. B. Meyers; present membership,
111; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1887;
present enrollment, 71.
The church at Hermon, Knox County, sent its pastor to
London Mills and planted this congregation.
Mr. W. W. Voce has been a strong factor in this church.
Miss Mina Fox is the clerk.
The church gave Clarence Brown and Mr. Anderson to
the ministry.
CHURCHES 209
Summum.
Organized 1859, by Dr. J. H. Breeden; present member-
ship, 200; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began
1868; present enrollment, 117.
As soon as Dr. Breeden settled in this village in 1858,
he began to work for the formation of a church of Christ
there. He soon associated with himself Min. Wm. Grissom,
who was a fine evangelist. Among the charter members
were Dr. J. H. Breeden and wife, Margaret Horton, Mrs.
Clara Weese, Sarah E. Clary, Julia Dary, Elizabeth Dabson
and John Thompson.
For possibly forty years the care of the congregation
devolved largely upon Dr. Breeden. Among others who
served it were A. J. Kane, Wm. Brown, J. B. Royal, Alex-
ander Johnston, J. B. McCorkle, A. G. Lucas, David Sharp-
less and G. A. Burnett.
The chapel was built in 1865 and is still in use. The
church has given to the Christian ministry M. T. Cooper, H.
O. Breeden (a son of Dr. Breeden), Guy Shields and Singer
De Loss Smith.
The current of young life flows outward as from most
inland villages.
Table Grove.
Organized 1851, by Dr. J. H. Hughes; present member-
ship, 112; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began
1851 ; present enrollment, 163.
Some pioneer preachers of the churches of Christ began
to visit this country in 1840. Among them were Wm. How-
ard, Wm. Muckley, Wm. Rigdon, J. W. Hopkins, Enos
Monahan, John Harris, Robert Foster, Wm. Grissom, Wm.
Griffin and blind Billy Brown. From their ministry about
one hundred persons became identified with the cause of
primitive Christianity. The church was organized in the
schoolhouse. The officers elected were John Hendrickson and
Asa Harlan as elders, with George Harlan and Ewing
210 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
McCartney, deacons. The two resident members still living
are Mrs. Anna M. Wilson and Addison Abernathy.
After years of meetings in residences, barns, schoolhouses
and groves, the chapel was completed in 1868 and dedicated
by John S. Sweeney. Later this was replaced by a modern
building.
Steven Davis was given to the ministry. This church
has never used questionable methods of raising money for
its current expenses. The apportionment plan is followed
and deficits are unknown.
There was, in 1856, the Hickory Grove Church, three
miles southeast.
Vermont.
Organized 1847, by Dr. J. H. Hughes; present member-
ship, 376; value of property, $9,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 305.
The second church building was erected in 1891 during
the pastorate of Geo. W. Ross. The congregation has given
to the ministry J. H. and E. A. Gilliland, Charles W. Ross
and Mrs. Nellie Daugherty-Butchart — a missionary in China.
Antioch Mission.
This congregation sustains a mission point. It is located
two and one-half miles north of Vermont, has a frame
chapel, a Bible school of thirty people and bimonthly
preaching.
GREEN COUNTY.
Athensville.
Present membership, 75 ; Bible-school enrollment, 60.
Carrollton.
Organized 1832, by Barton W. Stone ; present member-
ship, 90; value of property, including parsonage, $4,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 70.
The church grew for several years, coming to number
CHURCHES 211
120 members. Then it waned through deaths and removals.
In 1841 a second start was made with twenty-eight members.
Its life has moved like the tides. All of the early pioneer
preachers of that section served here more or less. Col. E.
I). Baker became a Christian here. Many fine people have
had their homes in this church.
Kane.
Present membership, 100 (conservative).
Roodhonse.
Organized 1890, by H. G. Van Dervoort; present mem-
bership, 138; value of property, $7,400; Bible school began
1890; present enrollment, 100.
Among the charter members there were Mrs. R. A.
Young, Samuel and Sarah Long, Mrs. M. E. Briggs and
Mrs. Wm. Heaton. The house was built in 1894.
Union (Greenfield).
Organized 1854, by John S. Sweeney; present member-
ship, 40; value of property, $1,500, no Bible school.
This is in the northeast part of the county. Among the
charter members there were E. T. Venderveer, John Barnett,
Benjamin Scott, Sr. and Jr., and Edward Prather and wife.
J. S. Sweeney held a series of meetings here in 1857, adding
one hundred. In 1868, Min. E. P. Bellche debated John
Hughes, Universalist, in this chapel. Leroy Pippin is the
correspondent.
White Hall.
Organized 1883, by W. S. Jermane and J. J. W. Miller;
present membership, 230; value of property, $6,500; Bible
school began 1884; present enrollment, 170.
There were twenty-two charter members. A small chapel
was bought of the Free Methodists and used till 1903, when
the present brick edifice was finished. The present elders
are Francis Fowler, W. H. Teter and G. J. Harris.
212 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
HAMILTON COUNTY.
Broughton.
Organized 1872, by Minister Truex; present membership,
43; value of property, $1,250; Bible school began 1912;
present enrollment, 40.
W. T. Owen and his wife were baptized by Min. J. N.
Mulkey, near Mulkeytown, in 1868. The next year they
moved to the southern part of Hamilton County. They were
the first and only Disciples there. They were solicited to take
membership- in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, but
declined. On his earnest invitation, Minister Truex came
from Roland, held a meeting in the schoolhouse just south
of Broughton, and organized a church of thirteen members.
This continued till 1880, when a union church house was
built in the village which the Disciples used the fourth Sun-
day in the month. This continued till 1898. For eighteen
years, Mr. Owen, though living two miles in the country,
served as janitor, superintendent of the union Sunday school
and general utility man for the society. The old house went
to wreck. Mr. Owen moved away. The congregation scat-
tered. In 1910, Min. Marion Boles held a series of meet-
ings. The next year it was decided to build a church house
two miles west of Broughton, which was finished in 1912.
Elijah Austin led in this movement. He and G. B. Simmons
are the elders.
Dahlgren.
Organized 1906, by Lew D. Hill; present membership,
42; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1905;
present enrollment, 47.
This church grew out of the Bible school. Meetings
were held in homes and the town hall till the church was
finished in 1910.
Dale.
Present membership, 35; value of property, $200; no
Bible school.
CHURCHES 213
Liberty ( Thompson ville).
Organized 1857 ; present membership, 55 ; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 75.
The Lamkin family came to this locality in 1850. There
was preaching there through the fifties by John A. and
Samuel Williams, and a congregation was formed. The
Civil War scattered its members. Thereafter an organiza-
tion was formed with the following charter members : Joshua
Pemberton, James H. Lamkin and John Odle, elders ; R. C.
Flannigan, Jesse and W. C. Pemberton, deacons ; Joel Jacobs,
Jas. W. Flannigan, Wm. and Elizabeth Simmons, Sally
Lamkin; Charlotte, Mary C. and Millie Pemberton; Sitzma
Organ, Martha A. Jacobs, Charlotte Odle, Sallie Ann and
Alice Smith. The chapel was built in 1868. The church
meets every week to worship. It is six miles south of
Thompsonville. W. C. Lamkin, a son of J. H. Lamkin,
furnished most of these facts.
McLeansboro.
Organized 1876, by James T. Baker; present membership,
194; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1876;
present enrollment, 85.
The courthouse was used as the place of public worship till
1880, when the church was finished and occupied. The
church has made progress steadily in every way.
Mt. Pleasant (McLeansboro).
Organized 1851, by Moses Goodwin; present membership,
69; value of property, $1,500; no Bible school.
This church was organized in the barn of David Upton,
August 22. It met there for worship until 1855, when a log
house was built on land donated by Jefferson Garrison. After
being used twenty years, this house was torn down and a
frame chapel was erected which is still in good condition.
The charter members were Alfred and Nancy Drew,
James E. Lee and wife, Jefferson Garrison and wife, Sarah
214 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Smithfeeters, Jane Reynolds and Alice Vaughn. The first
elders were James E. Lee and Alfred Drew. From a daugh-
ter of Mr. Lee these facts are learned.
The location is six miles north of McLeansboro.
Those who went forth from this congregation as min-
isters were Thomas Mason, Alfred Drew, William Richards
and Steven Hale.
New White Oak (Springerton).
Organized 1885 ; present membership, 75 ; value of prop-
erty, $600; Bible school began 1885; present enrollment, 100.
Mr. J. K. P. White gave one acre of land for the use of
the congregation. It is located in Beaver Creek Township.
HANCOCK COUNTY.
Adrian.
Present membership, 98; value of property, $1,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 102.
Augusta.
Organized 1850, by James Stark; present membership,
251; value of property, $10,000; Bible-school enrollment, 250.
Mr. Stark was ordained at Jacksonville in 1837 and moved
to Augusta in 1842. He was willing at all times to preach
the gospel as opportunity offered. Meetings were held in
the homes of Benjamin Gould and Wm. Dron. The first
chapel was built in 1850. Elders Stark, Dron, Gould, Young
and others led the Lord's Day meetings till 1868. Then E.
J. Lampton conducted a series of meetings and served as
pastor for six years. Since then fourteen other men have
served the church in this relation, and about the same num-
ber have conducted revivals. Besides these, not a few able
and well-known ministers have preached here.
From the first, 1,025 names have been on the roll of this
membership, and numbers of these have been representative
citizens.
CHURCHES 215
The church has given to the ministry James McClure,
Robert E. Henry and Mrs. Mary Pickens-Buckner.
D. P. Coffman is now one of the beloved members.
Bcwen.
Organized 1890; present membership, 250; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $23,000; Bible-school enrollment,
243.
The congregation met for worship in the town hall until
1892, when the present building was erected. In 1907 a new
and modern house was occupied. A parsonage followed in
1912.
Among the leading members in the earlier years there
were R. T. Lee and wife, Hyram Schulze and wife, W. T.
Hough and family and Mrs. Laslie.
The congregation has many members young in the faith
and life, full of zeal and ambition for the Lord's work.
Breckenridge ( Sutter ) .
Present membership, 56; value of property, $1,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 83.
Burnside.
Organized 1875, by J. H. Garrison ; present membership,
68; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 81.
The first members were Mr. and Mrs. Alford Pettit, Mr.
and Mrs. Wm. Bray (ages eighty-seven and eighty-four —
1913), Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Pettit, Mr. and Mrs. Hatch, Mr.
Joshua Shreeves (age ninety-two), Mrs. Sarah Decker, D.
C. Tyner, with the following four who are still living: Mrs.
D. C. Tyner, Mr. and Mrs. E. Glaze and Mrs. O. C. Ing.
Carthage.
Organized 1864, by John Errett; present membership,
360; value of property, including parsonage, $16,000; Bible
school began 1864; present enrollment, 236.
216 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Following a series of meetings, this church was organized
with the following fourteen charter members: Allen
McQuary, H. and Alice Crawford, Elizabeth Scofield, Mar-
garet Crawford, William and Elizabeth Hughes, James M.
and Mrs. Mayfield, William and Mrs. Patterson, Virginia
Wilson, Mary A. and J. C. Williams.
By the courtesy of the board of supervisors, the meetings
were first held in the courthouse. In 1866 a small church
building was erected, which gave place, in 1884, to the pres-
ent structure.
E. J. Lampton was the first pastor. Judge C. J. Scofield
served as pastor for several years during the weakness of
the church.
These data were furnished by the patriarch of the con-
gregation, "Uncle Jesse C. Williams," who is bright and up
to date, although he now (1912) is ninety- four years of age.
The church is active in every department, contributing to
all missionary and benevolent enterprises.
Dallas City.
Present membership, 334; value of property, including
parsonage, $11,500; Bible-school enrollment, 266.
Denver.
Organized 1875, by J. C. Reynolds; present membership,
181; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 202.
Thirty-four of the Mt. Pleasant Church in this county,
with permission, constituted the church in Denver; there-
after they were formally dismissed by letters. The first
officers were: James Black, M. K. Kirk and Geo. M. Brown-
ing, elders, with Joseph Dorsey and J. S. McClure, deacons.
All of them are dead.
While M. K. Kirk remained there he preached to the
church every second Lord's Day. D. C. Barber has been
a faithful and useful member for many years.
CHURCHES 217
The congregation has always been active in all good
works. It is well officered and organized.
East Durham (Colusa).
Present membership, 40; value of property, $2,500.
Ferris.
Present membership, 60; value of property, $2,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 60.
Golden Point (Hamilton).
Present membership, 75 ; value of property, $4,500 ; Bible-
school enrollment, 91.
Hamilton.
Organized 1893, by Samuel McGee; present membership,
225; value of property, $7,000; Bible school began 1893;
present enrollment, 108.
This church was the immediate result of a six weeks'
meeting conducted by Minister McGee. For a year the
church worshiped in the city hall. During the pastorate of
C. G. Blakeslee a church building was completed in 1894.
The congregation struggled on for ten years with a half-
time ministry by students from Canton (Mo.) University.
There is being built at Hamilton one of the largest water-
power dams in the world, and the city has promise of becom-
ing a great manufacturing center. The church there is alert
to its opening opportunities.
La Crosse.
Present membership, 90; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 90.
La Harpe.
Organized 1877, by H. P. Tandy; present membership,
522; value of property, $8,000; Bible school began 1877;
present enrollment, 225.
A congregation was formed here about 1850, but its life
was brief. In March, 1877, Evangelist G. W. Mapes held a
218 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
successful meeting and the church was organized the follow--
ing month. Meetings were held in a hall till 1884, when the
church was finished.
Mt. Pleasant (Plymouth).
Organized 1833, by Gilmore Callison; present member-
ship, 70; value of property, $2,200; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 60.
Mrs. Hattie McClure-Smith, Muskegon, Mich., and Mrs.
Georgenia Daw Walton, Plymouth, 111., have furnished the
data for this history. Mrs. Walton has been a member of
this congregation fifty- four years and is its eldest resident
member.
Mt. Pleasant Church is located midway between Carthage
and Plymouth, ten miles from each, and four and a half
miles east of Bentley. Into this locality, in 1833, there came,
from near Columbia, Adair County, Ky., Gilmore Callison
and his wife Elizabeth, her brother James McClure (who
had been baptized in 1830 in Green River, Kentucky, by the
pioneer Christian preacher, John D. Steele, and who was the
father of Mrs. Smith), Mrs. Betsy Massie (who was a sister
of Mr. Steele), Green Browning and others. These five
persons met, on the first Lord's Day after their arrival, at
the home of Mr. Callison, to "break bread," and then formed
a church of Christ. This was the first Christian Church in
Hancock County and became the mother of congregations.
Plymouth, Carthage, Augusta, Oak Grove, Denver and
Bentley are her spiritual children.
The settlers soon gave to the place its name, "Mt. Pleas-
ant." In 1839, Josiah Callison was ordained as an elder and
William Smith as a deacon. The two Callisons served this
and other communities as preachers. People came from five
to twenty-five miles to the public worship. They came on
horseback, by wagons drawn by horses or oxen, and were
entertained by those living near the grove. Young people
walked two to five miles to church.
Robert, John, James, George and Elizabeth Stark united
CHURCHES 219
with the church some years after its formation. The Starks,
Pattens, Drawns and others were firm friends of Alexander
Campbell in Scotland. Margaret Patten was one of his
friends who ministered to him in prison. He called her and
her girl companion his "ministering angels." Robert Stark,
when he first came from Scotland, and probably James
Stark also, made their residence at Mr. Campbell's home in
Virginia. Elizabeth Stark married Simeon B. Walton and
settled near the church. He united with the congregation
in 1843. James and Mary A. Black came from Elkton, Ky.,
in 1852. He was ordained an elder, and when there was no
regular minister preached for the congregation till 1875.
William and Lucy Lyon Bridgewater united with the church
in 1852.
Mrs. Alzada Groves, an octogenarian, says that when
she first knew Mt. Pleasant the women wore homespun, as
did the men also — all made by the home folk. The women
were proud of a calico dress and sunbonnet. The men wore
skin caps and straw hats that were braided and sewed by
the women. After her marriage she often walked two miles
to church and carried her baby. At church they had "mighty
good times."
Mrs. Sarah Huey Daw, another octogenarian, says: "I
tell you we had good meetings." After the teaching elders
moved to the young towns, some of them would return to
preach on Sundays. "I made a good long piece of jeans and
gave old brother Grandpa Black a suit of clothes he was
pretty proud of."
In August, 1858, or 1859, a district meeting was held at
Mt. Pleasant which lasted two weeks. Many preachers were
present, among them Thomas Munnell and one of the
Erretts. People came from afar.
In the early days it was common to hear wolves howl at
night ; but their proximity and blood-curdling howls did not
keep any one away from church. A mother and her son
were driving through the timber one night, when a wolf fol-
lowed them. The boy drove the horses while the mother &at
220 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
at the end of the wagon and kept it off with a pitchfork.
At one time Robert Foster settled in the community and
preached for the congregations. The members built a house
for him on a farm about three miles from the chapel. Before
that time, Mr. McClure met a man on the road near Tucker-
town who asked him where he lived. Upon his reply the
man said : "Why, that is over in the Campbellite settlement.
Are they not dangerous? and do they not have humps on
their backs, and horns?" Mr. McClure answered: "I am
one of them. They are not dangerous, and they look like
most people, I guess. Come over to our meetings."
In 1875 the Mt. Pleasant Church built a mission chapel
in Denver, Hancock County, and began to establish a Chris-
tian congregation there.
As the years passed, many of the members moved to the
towns that had grown with the coming of the railways, and
the frame chapel that had been built in the forties was
becoming old. Some then proposed to disband the congre-
gation. Then a sister urged in a public meeting that all
could not go to the towns to church, and the children of
the neighborhood were to be cared for. Thus it was decided
to go on with the work. A new chapel was built. A tent
was secured, and a series of meetings held in a near-by
neighborhood which re-enforced the congregation. This
meeting was in 1909. The house was remodeled in 1897.
Long time ago ground was given by Simeon B. and
Elizabeth Stark Walton for the church house and "grave-
yard."
J. B. Royal preached for the church when he was a
young man, E. J. Lampton, J. C. Reynolds and many other
faithful ministers.
This has been an apostolic church and has done a
world of good. It has had a host of faithful and truly
great men and women. In the winter of 1912-13 a father
and his daughter walked four miles by reason of the snow
blockading the roads, rather than miss public worship.
This church gave Henry Black, J. O. Walton, Mrs.
CHURCHES 221
Sadie McCoy Crank and Miss Ava S. Walton to the min-
istry.
Bentley is a mission of the Mt. Pleasant Church. It was
formed in the end of the year 1890, and the chapel built
later.
Oak Grove (Carthage).
Present membership, 70; value of property, $1,000.
This is about ten miles east of Carthage and was the
home church of Dr. Wm. Booz. For many years he made
it a practice to preach a sermon here on New Year's Day.
Plymouth.
Organized 1855, by J. R. Ross; present membership, 73;
value of property, $9,000; present enrollment, 62.
The series of meetings out of which this congregation
grew were held in the M. E. Church. The charter members
were David and Susan Palmer, John and Zerilda Ritchey,
Jonas and Margaret Myers, J. W. Bell, A. B. Moore, John
and Rebecca Madison, John Hendrickson, David and Nancy
Wade, Edward Wade, Ann Hooton, Wm. H. Hooton,
Isapena Buyher, Thomas and Malinda Burdett, John and
Elizabeth Ades, Phebe Ades, John Stark, Uphema Myers,
Nancy Browning, Sarah Moore, Francis and Mary Ritchey.
Some of the ministers who succeeded Mr. Ross were H.
Young, E. Browning, E. J. Lampton, George Brewster,
James Stark and J. Carroll Stark.
Stillwell.
Present membership, 110; value of property, $3,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 97.
West Point.
Organized 1864, by David Hobbs ; present membership,
160; value of property, $6,000; Bible school enrollment, 145.
Minister Hobbs conducted two meetings here, and at the
close of the second formed the church. Among the charter
222 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
members there were Henry Hindle and wife, Elijah Rhodes
and wife, David and Almira Wiggle, Mrs. Joseph McMillan,
Mrs. Samuel Barber, Mrs. John S. Kelly and Miss Mary
Louis.
The meetings for public worship were held in the little
schoolhouse, then in the new schoolroom, then in a hall,
next in the Lutheran chapel, and in 1876 in their own
building.
The young church was fostered by Mins. John Stark
and Joseph Tanner.
Wythe (Sutter).
Organized 1865, by E. J. Lampton; present membership,
39; value of property, $1,500.
Germans have bought the farms, and the life of the
church is feeble. H. O. Knox and J. C. McMahan are the
only charter members left.
HARDIN COUNTY.
Cave in Rock.
Present membership, 66; value of property, $1,000.
Rosiclare.
Present membership, 146; value of property, $1,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 115.
Stone Church (Elizabethtown).
Present membership, 132; value of property, $1,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 65.
HENDERSON COUNTY.
Lom&x.
Present membership, 150; value of property, $6,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 81.
The church maintains preaching and serves the com-
munity well.
CHURCHES 223
Raritan.
Present membership, 20 ; value of property, $3,000.
Inactive.
Stronghurst.
Present membership, 71; value of property, $2,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 140.
A varied history.
HENRY COUNTY.
During the sixties and part of the seventies there was a
congregation of Christians in Kewanee. It failed by deaths
and removals. After twenty-five years the work there was
revived.
A part of the members of the first congregation in
Kewanee, when it suspended, formed a church northwest of
the city, in Burns Township. Its meetings were held in a
schoolhouse during a part of the seventies and eighties.
Then removals ended its meetings.
For a few years there was a church at Cambridge. Then
it was thought advisable to go into a sort of federation.
The result was that the M. E. people got the property and
the Baptists most of the members. At one time there was
in this chapel the "altar" of the Methodists and the bap-
tistery of the Disciples.
There was a small congregation of Christians only at one
time in Galva.
At Woodhull there was formerly an active church of
Christ which gave Oliver W. Stewart to the Christian min-
istry. While not extinct, it has shown no desire to be
revived in late years.
Kewanee.
Organized 1901, by A. C. Roach; present membership,
366; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1901:
present enrollment, 225.
The charter members were A. C. Roach, S. J. Batchel,
224 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Geo. W. Bean and wife, Mrs. Ida Deckerhoff, Mrs. Shorba
A. Ewing, Thomas Grubbs, Mrs. M. J. Mooney, Eugene
Rowe, Mrs. Martha Rodgers, D. S. and Mrs. F. A. Trout,
C. G. and Mrs. C. G. Whittaker. Of these, four have died.
This membership is made up almost entirely of working
people who were deeply depressed by the panic of 1907.
Meetings were held in a hall till 1903, when the old Pres-
byterian chapel was bought, moved to its present location
on East First Street between Elm and Walnut, and repaired.
Lewis Hurt is preparing for the mission field in Africa
and Leslie Crown has been given to the ministry. Charles
Williams is pastor.
This church was organized and fostered to self-support
by the State Mission Board.
IROQUOIS COUNTY.
Cissna Park.
Organized 1906; present membership, 57; value of prop-
erty, $1,500; Bible school began 1906; present enrollment,
143.
This is a union church. The agreement was as follows :
The undersigned charter members, while retaining their several
denominational names, faith and membership, enter into a common
fellowship known as the Union Church, and pledge themselves to sup-
port this organization in every way consistent with their several views
of Christian conduct and duty.
Those signing this compact were Mr. and Mrs. J. C.
Sailor, Mr. and Mrs. H. J. Kahney, Mr. and Mrs. R. F.
Zehr, Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Ainsler, Mr. and Mrs. L. Stanbus,
Mrs. E. G. Dryden, Mrs. Ida Stachell, Mrs. J. Herman, Mrs.
W. Landes, Mrs. L. Lesch, Miss Lattie Lesch, Mr. and Mrs.
Joseph Burt, Miss Flora Burt, Miss Lillie Thornton, Miss
Martha Dryden, Mr. and Mrs. John Lucas, Miss Katie
Miller, Miss Lillie Herman, John Dryden, Miss R. Lena
Herman, Mr. and Mrs. E. L. Lawson, Miss Nina Crain,
Mrs. Carrie Penner and Wm. W. Dryden.
CHURCHES 225
Darrow.
Organized 1911, by Leslie Crown; present membership,
62; value of property, $4,500; Bible school began 1910;
present enrollment, 74.
Darrow is a village on a new railroad. In 1909, Leslie
Crown, a student of Eureka College, began to preach in a
schoolhouse near there. The church building, modern and
up to date, was completed in 1912. Nearly every member
of this church is a renter. The land-owners, with few
exceptions, gave but little help. Mr. Crown led in this work
throughout. He and the resident Disciples deserve much
praise, as do also members of other religious bodies who
have co-operated in the enterprise.
Donovan.
Organized 1856, by Silas Johnson and Nathan Cough-
enberry ; present membership, 140 ; value of property, includ-
ing parsonage, $9,000; Bible-school enrollment, 75.
This organization was made in the Green Schoolhouse
west of the Donovan site. There were thirty charter mem-
bers. For many years the members worshiped in the Bean
or Gay Schoolhouses. In 1876, during the ministry of C. W.
Poole, who, like his Master, was both carpenter and preacher,
a house of worship was built. This building was enlarged
and modernized in 1908 during the ministry of J. Newton
Cloe.
Fairview ( Wellington ) .
Organized 1892, by Will F. Shaw ; present membership,
42; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1892;
present enrollment, 66.
This country church is about five miles east of Welling-
ton. There were twenty-one charter members.
The ladies' aid society is an active and very helpful force
in the congregation. This is one of many instances where
the faith of women is greater than that of men.
226
Iroquois.
Organized by J. F. Ghormley; present membership, 10;
value of property, $3,500; Bible-school enrollment, 24.
Martinton.
Organized 1893, by A. R. Crank; present membership,
92; value of property $2,500; Bible school began 1893;
present enrollment, 63.
Mr. Crank was serving the congregations at Donovan and
Iroquois regularly when he conducted a series of meetings
and organized the Martinton Church. The schoolhouse was
first used. When the crowds overflowed this, a large tent
was pitched. There were about eighty charter members.
Of these, only the following names are learned: Mr. and
Mrs. Henry Barnball, Mr. and Mrs. Smith Hickman, Mrs.
Alma McSaly, Miss Allen Wingard and Mary A. Hath-
away.
Miljord.
Organized 1877, by C. B. Austin ; present membership,
160; value of property, $12,500; Bible school began 1877;
present enrollment, 130.
Mr. Austin began his work here in the old Methodist
chapel. As soon as results were reached, the doors were
locked against him. In an old storeroom the church was
organized. Among the charter members were James McCon-
nell, Matilda Endsley, Abijah Perkins and wife, Emma
Harmon, Mary Jones and Mrs. Finley Hopkins, four of
whom are still living. The first chapel was built in 1879
and the present edifice in 1910, during the pastorate of H.
R. Lookabill. James Holton and T. L. Stipp gave good
service here and J. M. McDermont was the first pastor.
Onarga.
Organized 1877, by R. D. Cotton; present memoership,
75; value of property, including parsonage, $8,000 ; Bible
school began 1877, present enrollment, 77.
CHURCHES 227
The controlling religious force in this community through
the seventies was the M. E. Church. To two brothers, James
and John W. Cunningham, belongs the honor of establishing
a congregation there that should be simply Christian. They
were Irishmen who had been led to the knowledge of the
truth as it is in Jesus by the preaching of William Poynter.
They both resided on their own farms five miles east of
Onarga. But not distance, not hard manual labor, not
muddy roads nor dark nights could dampen their ardor nor
check their Christian courage. Their zeal for Jesus and his
truth burned year after year with a quenchless devotion.
They were plain farmers.
The charter members were James, John W. and Rachel
E. Cunningham, John and Jane Mason, Frank and Martha
Dunkins, Lucie M. Parker, Hannah Smith, Robert and
Margaret D. Teeter, and Thomas B. and Ellen Weakley.
About fifteen pastors have served the church well.
Pittwood.
Organized 1894, by W. W. Sniff; present membership,
80; value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1894;
present enrollment, 85.
There is a good C. E. society. About ten ministers have
served the church.
Prairie Green (Wellington).
Organized 1872, by Jacob B. Blonnt ; present membership,
60; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began, 1872;
present enrollment, 42.
This church is located in the southeast corner of the
county. It was organized in a little schoolhouse just across
the State line in Indiana, but was soon afterward moved to
the little old Round Top Schoolhouse in Prairie Green Town-
ship. Here the meetings were held till 1875, when the
present chapel was built. A reorganization was then made.
Of the charter members the following are still living:
J. J. Cowan, who was one of the first elders; Mrs. Elizabeth
228 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Totheroh, Mrs. Nancy Parker, Mrs. Clara Allen, Thomas
Guest and John F. Cowan, who helped build the church
house. His address is Ambia, Ind. There is a good C. E.
society.
Sheldon.
Organized 1890, by W. H. Hayden; present membership,
150; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1890;
present enrollment, 110.
This church grew out of a series of meetings conducted
in a public hall by Minister Hayden, who was supported by
the State Missionary Society. There were sixty-five charter
members.
The church was erected in 1891.
Watseka.
Organized 1881, by C. E. Elmore; present membership,
350; value of property, including parsonage, $25,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 250.
Minister Elmore held a meeting in the spring under the
auspices of a county co-operation. There were eighteen
charter members, among whom were Capt. John Franklin,
E. F. Harris, Prof. L. F. Watson and Cyrus Leatherman.
The meetings were held in a hall for a year, when the
old Baptist chapel was bought and remodeled. The next
winter Evangelist W. F. Black conducted a successful meet-
ing, in which many of the most substantial people of the
community were brought into the church.
The church has given its intelligent and loyal support to
its twelve good pastors. The present edifice was erected and
the parsonage secured during the seven years' pastorate of
B. F. Ferrell.
The church has been actively missionary from the begin-
ning, and planted congregations at Woodland, Sheldon and
Pittwood. For twenty-five years Mr. L. F. Watson was a
very forceful and helpful member here in many ways. He
was eight years clerk of the State Senate.
CHURCHES 229
Mr. S. F. S win ford also did fine work here. Norman H.
Robertson is the pastor.
Woodland.
Organized 1887; present membership, 34; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 58.
The chapel was built in 1891. Ten ministers have served
the church. Mrs. Sadie Cross is the correspondent.
A church was formed at Buckley in 1892 of twenty
earnest Christian men and women, and did good work for
seventeen years. Lutherans gradually bought all the farms
in the community that were offered for sale, and thus the
congregation disappeared. The property was sold by Min.
Osceola McNemar at public auction for $1,200, and the pro-
ceeds turned to the custody of the State Missionary Society.
The Prairie Dell congregation, in the vicinity of Watseka,
has ceased to meet.
JACKSON COUNTY.
Carbondale.
Organized 1862, by Dr. Isaac Mulkey; present member-
ship, 450; value of property, including parsonage, $25,000;
Bible school began 1862 ; present enrollment, 320.
Dr. Mulkey organized this church in the old Presbyterian
chapel with the following charter members : Himself, wife
and daughter ; George Yost, wife and daughter ; Daniel Gil-
bert and wife ; Stephen Blair, wife and daughter. Messrs.
Mulkey and Blair were the first elders, and Messrs. Yost
and Gilbert the first deacons. Dr. Mulkey continued to
preach to the congregation, though irregularly, till 1868.
The meetings were held in an unsightly old grain-house that
stood opposite the Illinois Central Railway station.
Clark Braden organized Southern Illinois College in 1866,
and the prosperity of the school contributed to the growth of
the church and, indeed, to many congregations in that part
of the State. He also preached frequently for the church
here.
230 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The basement of the brick chapel was first occupied in
1870. In this a great revival was conducted by Evangelist
John Friend. In 1874 this building was finished and dedi-
cated free from debt. It cost $6,000, and was the best
in the city. The property was sold in 1901 for a town hall,
and the present fine structure finished in 1902.
Elkville.
Organized 1887, by W. H. Boles; present membership,
145; value of property, including parsonage, $2,100; Bible
school began 1887; present enrollment, 154.
This church was the result of a tent meeting. The chapel
was finished in 1889. The congregation is well organized
and active. In the absence of a preacher the worship is con-
ducted by an officer according to the Scriptures. J. J.
Thompson is correspondent.
Murphysboro.
Organized 1899, by W. A. Ingram ; present membership,
225; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1899;
present enrollment, 130.
In the courthouse Evangelist Ingrain held the meeting
under the direction of the State Board that led to the forma-
tion of this church. The chapel was built in 1900. The
congregation is well organized and active.
Oak Grove (Carbondale).
Present membership, 25; value of property, $500; Bible-
school enrollment, 30.
Three and a half miles northeast of Carbondale. School
kept up with occasional preaching.
Pleasant Hill (Ava).
Organized 1878, by David Husband ; present member-
ship, 100; value of property, $3,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 42.
CHURCHES 231
This is ten miles northwest of Mttrphysboro. About
fifty years ago a Baptist church was formed in that section.
In their chapel Mr. Husband held a meeting and formed the
remnant of Baptists and others into a church of Christ.
Among the charter members were the Graffs, Thompsons,
Redmons and Lavans. The present chapel was built in 1895.
D. A. Thompson is correspondent.
Six Mile (Elkville).
Organized 1848; present membership, 88; value of prop-
erty, $800; Bible-school enrollment, 107.
Dr. C. F. Mulkey settled in Six Mile Prairie in 1842.
His influence doubtless led to the formation of the church
there. Mrs. Rosa Kirkpatrick is correspondent.
JASPER COUNTY.
Bogota.
Organized 1851, by Wm. Read and Wm. Ingraham; pres-
ent membership, 150; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school
enrollment, 39.
Wm. Read and Wm. Ingraham began to preach in this
neighborhood about 1848. In summer, meetings were held
in groves ; in winter, in schoolhouses. This church is an
outgrowth of the Ingraham congregation. In its earlier years
it was known as the Wolf Creek and Honey Church. The
charter members were James Bogard and wife, Dixon Woods
and wife, Stephen Hams and wife, J. W. Honey, Sr., and
wife, David White and wife, Andrew Fisher and wife,
Patrick Woods and wife, and Garrison Grove and wife. Of
these, Mary Woods is the only one now living.
The meeting-house was built in 1867, repaired in 1890
and modernized in 1912.
Regularly and transiently fifty-six preachers have served
the congregation.
It has given to the ministry Geo. W. Tate, J. W. Honey
and Benjamin W. Tate.
232 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Christian Chapel (Winterrowd).
Organized 1888, by F. M. Lollar; present membership,
162; value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1901;
present enrollment, 42.
This congregation is located in the southwest part of the
county. There were twenty-one charter members, most of
whom were from the church at Ingraham. Eleven of these
are living. The first officers were John Chestnut and Thomas
Blink, elders, with David Morgan and David Sparling, dea-
cons.
The congregation met for worship in a union house until
1901, when the present chapel was occupied. The name was
then changed from "Church of Christ at Union Chapel" to
"Christian Church, Headyville, 111." Jas. B. Galloway is
clerk.
Latona.
Organized 1855, by Wm. Coble; present membership, 150;
value of property, $500; Bible school began 1875; present
enrollment, 70.
The congregation was the result of a meeting held by
Minister Coble in the Mitchell Schoolhouse. The elders were
Joshua Dobbins and Thomas Foster. Meetings for worship
were continued in this schoolhouse for years, with Benjamin
Duvee, Francis Marion, Jacob Sutherland, Joseph Powell and
others as preachers.
Min. Thomas Wall held a meeting in 1871 in the Matlock
Schoolhouse and reorganized the church. Then it was called
Latona Church.
The church in 1910 gave Miss Myra Harris McLeoud to
the foreign mission field, who is at Mahoba, India.
Lis.
Organized 1905, by C. W. Freeman; present membership,
30; value of property, $6CO; Bible school began 1905; pres-
ent enrollment, 48.
CHURCHES 233
James Frakes secured the services of ministers at various
times, who held meetings in schoolhouses in the neighbor-
hood. The bitter feeling and opposition of "religious neigh-
bors" hindered the formation of a church that would be
Christian only. There were nine charter members. Min.
G. W. Morrel served the congregation one year. Benjamin
W. Tate worked there three years, during which period the
numbers were increased and the chapel built. Frank
Daugherty is Bible-school superintendent.
Newton.
Organized 1881, by N. S. Haynes; present membership,
140; value of property, including parsonage, $4,700; Bible
school began 1888; present enrollment, 117.
About 1858, A. D. Fillmore and S. W. Leonard formed
a congregation, but, having no shepherd, the little flock soon
scattered. In 1864, A. D. Taylor organized a congregation,
but he proved to be unworthy and the church disbanded.
Since 1881 the church has maintained its life and work.
Meetings for worship were held in the homes of the mem-
bers and in a hall till the church building was erected in
1891. The impulse to this building was a result of a meet-
ing conducted by Evangelist W. A. Ingram.
A series of meetings was held at the time of the organiza-
tion in the chapel of the Presbyterians. Their minister was
a non-resident who came to their church statedly. He and
Mr. Haynes exchanged courtesies in beginning the worship
on Saturday evening and Sunday morning, his regular date.
Immediately at the close of the prayer, in which Mr. Haynes
besought the divine blessing on all the services of the hour,
the Presbyterian minister stepped to the front of the plat-
form and nodded. A fine-looking young couple came to the
front bearing on their arms a very energetic baby boy, which
the preacher proceeded at once to "baptize," although he
protested by cries and kicks.
Hon. Hale Johnson and Mr. J. W. Honey were valuable
servants of the church in its earlier years. Among its pas-
234 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
tors, G. W. Lollar and I. G. Tomlinson are well remem-
bered.
The church has ordained to the ministry C. L. Doty and
H. G. Kellogg. W. A. Roberts was received from the Chris-
tian Denomination, and a Baptist minister also was received.
All these additions to the ministry were made during the
pastorate of Benj. W. Tate.
Wheeler.
Organized 1883, by J. G. T. Brandenburg; present mem-
bership, 65; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began
1883 ; present enrollment, 60.
There were thirty-one charter members.
Extinct Congregations.
Liberty Church was formed in the forties. It is located
a few miles northwest of Hidalgo. The chapel built in
1858 burned down, and the second was built in 1868. The
preachers who served there before the Civil War were Daniel
Connor, Benj. Duvee, James Duncan and H. J. Sutherland.
It did not move to town after the railroad was built, and
has gone down.
St. Marie Church, ten miles southeast of Newton, was
formed in 1903 by R. Leland Brown. He led the Baptist
congregation there to apostolic ground, but the debt on the
property was not paid, and after four years all was lost.
The Hunt Church, located one-half mile south of Fal-
mouth, served the community well for many years, but has
disappeared.
JEFFERSON COUNTY.
These facts are furnished, after a year's effort, by Mrs.
Martha E. Plummer, of Mt. Vernon. Meanwhile, she was
separated by death from her husband, Dr. Hiram S. Plum-
mer, with whom she had traveled three and fifty years. She
is the daughter of Harvey T. Pace.
CHURCHES 235
Boyd.
Present membership, 70; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 60.
Ebeneser (Mt. Vernon).
Organized 1899, by Marion Boles; present membership,
22; value of property, $900; Bible-school enrollment, 64.
The charter members were Elder J. Newton Brown and
wife, Daniel Lewis and wife, W. C. Baker and wife, Grandma
Cron, Sophia and George Correll and sister. This little
country church has Christian grace and grit. They keep
their chapel in a fine condition and pay their preachers
promptly. It is six miles north.
Elk Prairie (Ina).
Organized 1852, by J. C. McBrian ; present membership,
150; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 40.
The congregation was prosperous until the Civil War,
when it was destroyed by internal conflicts. In the seventies
it was reorganized by Ministers Heape and Mulkey. Jas.
B. Bean is Sunday-school superintendent. It is four miles
west.
Fouts (Cravat).
Value of property, $1,000.
Two miles northwest.
Hickory Hill (Mt. Vernon).
Organized 1880, by Wm. Henderson ; present member-
ship, 50; union Bible-school enrollment, 50.
This was first known as the Wolf Prairie Church. The
charter members were Solomon Ford and wife, Peter Ollo-
mon and wife, John Hodge and wife, Jas. C. Parsley and
wife, George Bodine and wife, Edward Carter, Emaline
Bradley and daughter, Belle C. Gray, and William Theims
and wife.
236 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
It has had eighty members and has given to the ministry
Elijah Collins, Edward Carter and George Bodine. Mr.
Collins is now serving the church. It is seven miles south.
Ina.
Organized 1911, by G. W. Foley; present membership,
25; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1911; pres-
ent enrollment, 35.
The chapel was built in 1910. There were thirteen char-
ter members. Mrs. Nellie F. Hodge is clerk.
Little Grove (Walnut Hill).
Organized 1841 ; present membership, 100 ; value of prop-
erty, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
This is a country church in the north edge of the county,
but most of its members reside in Marion County. It has
constantly and consistently maintained the cause of the
Master through seventy-one years. James Kell is clerk.
Mt. Catherine (Woodlawn).
Present membership, 95; value of property, $500; Bible-
school enrollment, 54.
Two miles northwest. Mrs. Frank Gaskin is corre-
spondent.
Mt. Vernon.
Organized 1853; present membership, 300; value of prop-
erty, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 210.
At the first formation of this church of twenty-one mem-
bers, Mins. J. C. Ashley, John E. McBrain, Horace Watrons
and John A. Williams were present. Harvey T. Pace and
wife were the leaders in this work. In 1854 he bought the
old M. E. chapel, remodeled and refurnished it, and gave its
use to the congregation. The church grew. After the
death of Mr. Pace, this property was lost to the congrega-
tion. Others died and moved away, so that there was no
organization from 1874 to 1886. Then J. W. Robbins, under
CHURCHES 237
the auspices of the State Board, reorganized with fourteen
members, which was increased to thirty-seven by the close
of the meeting. Meetings were held regularly in courthouse
and halls till 1889, when a chapel was occupied. A needed
addition was made in later years. The church has passed
through many trying experiences, but has always had the
faithful few.
It has given to the ministry Earl Israel and Charles
Starr. Carl Green is the faithful pastor.
Union ( Woodla wn ) .
Organized 1842, by David Chance; present membership,
50; value of property, $1,000.
The charter members were Thomas Howell and wife,
Burden Nichols and wife, Elijah Smith and wife, Paul
McMillen and wife, and Robin Moore and wife. The pres-
ent elders are Huston Johnson, A. L. Severs and O. L.
Smith. The minister is Otto Timmons. W. J. Bledsoe is
correspondent. It is two miles northwest.
On the western edge of the county, three miles east of
Ashley, there stood in 1866, in the woods, an old brick chapel
which had no floor but dirt. It was called "Old Union," and
the congregation that met there is thought to have been the
oldest in the county, having been organized in the thirties.
The Antioch congregation, two miles east of Dix, and
that at Belle Rive, both having chapels, have both ceased to
meet.
This Antioch Church gave Orville Hawkins to the
ministry.
In 1913 a congregation of forty members was formed at
Waltonville.
JOHNSON COUNTY.
Belknap.
Organized 1896, by G. L. Wolfe; present membership,
44; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1896; pres-
ent enrollment, 54.
238 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This church was the result of a meeting held by Minister
Wolfe' Berea (Vienna).
This is a country church located about five miles from
Vienna. It was organized a few years after the Bethlehem
Church, and its history is similar in nearly every respect. It
has been served by the same preachers. The families of
Fickens, Starke, Gage and Albriton have been prominent in
the work here. Beverly Albriton was a local preacher who
came from the South and settled here. He and his son,
George Albriton, have served the church as elders almost
continuously.
Bethlehem (Vienna).
Organized 1847, by Minister Wooten ; present member-
ship, 30; value of property, $600; no Bible school.
This is thought to be the oldest church of Christ in the
county.
Many of the people of the neighborhood came from
Middle Tennessee, as did Minister Wooten also. The first
meetings were held in a brush arbor. Then a log house was
built. In later years this gave way to a comfortable frame
building. Norman Mozley, Sr., was the leading spirit. Asso-
ciated with him were faithful men and women. The church
has had the services of able preachers. It has given J. F.
Hight to the ministry.
Grantsburg.
Organized 1902, by J. N. Cowan ; present membership,
24; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1902; pres-
ent enrollment, 14.
The formation of this church was largely due to the
Christian activity of J. N. Cowan and W. B. Bivins, who
have served it as elders since its organization.
New Burnside.
Organized 1875; present membership, 50; Bible-school
enrollment, 27.
CHURCHES 239
Vienna.
Organized 1866, by John Lemon; present membership,
56; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1866; pres-
ent enrollment, 57.
During the Civil War, John Lemon and his son Josephus
came as refugees from the South to Johnson County. They
at once formed a church of Christ at Gum Spring, in 1863,
four miles west of Vienna. Its members were also mostly
refugees. The house used at Gum Spring was a union
chapel. A Baptist church had been first organized there.
After the close of the war, many returned to their homes in
the South; thus the congregation ceased to be. However,
this was the impulse that started the church in Vienna. The
first meetings were held in the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church. It was not long until the Disciples were denounced
as "heretics" and the church door was locked against them.
An intelligent lady who witnessed this expulsion said:
"Surely these are the Lord's people ; for this is the way they
treated the Saviour and his apostles." She cast in her lot
with them. After Minister Lemon there came Matthew
Wilson, John Lindsay and others. R. R. McCall and I. A. J.
Parker were helpful in building up the church. A brick
house was erected in 1871.
There was a small congregation at Elvira thirty-five years
ago that met in a schoolhouse. When Minister Shelt moved
away, the members were scattered.
There was a small band formed at Union Hill about
1900, but it did not continue.
PERSONALS. — In the seventies J. W. Bradley, of Clay
County, preached in this county ; so also did Stanton Field,
of Grand Chain. Mr. Field was a farmer, but a great
preacher too. He combined the logical faculty with a vivid
imagination and a sympathetic heart.
J. M. Radcliff did good service in this and other counties.
He was a large man of lion-like appearance, and a fine
revivalist.
240 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
John F. Mecoy came from Marshall County, Ky. He
grew to manhood under adverse circumstances, so that after
his marriage his wife taught him to read. He spent his life
on his farm, but he became a great teacher of the Bible, a
brilliant preacher and a successful evangelist. In Kentucky
he led many young men to the ministry. He stood first
against slavery and for the Union. He was a born gen-
tleman.
James H. Carter served in the Legislature. S. M. Glas-
ford was a member of the State Senate, and served the
Vienna Church as an elder to the close of his life.
Dr. R. M. McCall was assistant superintendent of the
State Hospital for the Insane at Anna.
Other Disciples filled various county offices. J. F. Hight
has earnestly contended for the faith, and held a public dis-
cussion on every occasion for a period of twenty-five years.
Now he is serving as county judge. Evidently he is a diplo-
matist. But he continues to preach to those who are poor
and neglected.
KANE COUNTY.
Batavia.
Organized 1852, by M. N. Lord; present membership, 72;
value of property, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 108.
There were twelve charter members. The public meet-
ings were first held in a room over a store on Wilson Street,
a few doors west of South River Street, then from
house to house till the completion of a chapel in 1868. This
is yet used. Among the earlier ministers who served the
congregation there were L. Cooley, Dr. W. H. Hopson, Mr.
Phinney, Moses E. Lard, B. F. Hall, J. D. Benedick, J. J.
Moss and others. For a long time the congregation has been
served by students from the Disciples' Divinity House.
Deaths and removals have decimated the membership, and
accessions have not kept pace. The church much needs the
preaching of the gospel.
CHURCHES 241
John Gunzenhauser resides there and still serves the
church well, as he has for many years.
A church was organized in 1841 at Dundee with eighteen
members, but never grew to self-support.
Repeated and persistent efforts to establish a church of
Christ in Elgin have all failed.
KNOX COUNTY.
One of the first churches in this county was constituted
in the village of Henderson about 1838. In the forties J. E.
Murphy, Smith Wallace and J. E. Martin preached there.
Morran Baker was the leader. In 1850 a brick chapel was
built. About 1853 Min. Ziba Brown held a revival which
added to the church many prominent families of the com-
munity. Then James Gaston ministered to the church nine
years. Thereafter the congregation dwindled to its end.
In the early times there was a flourishing church at
French Grove, in the eastern part of the county.
At Walnut Grove, also, near Altona, there was a strong
church before the railroads came.
In 1850 the Union chapel was built five miles east and
one north of Galesburg, and a congregation formed there.
This church gave E. B. Reynolds to the ministry. John
Spooner was the leader here. Among the preachers were
Milton Dodge, Jordan Dodge, Robert Wallace, Patrick H.
Murphy, Henry Murphy and James W. Butler.
There was a congregation of Christians in Maquon before
and after 1870. ... ,
Abingdon.
Organized 1850, by John E. Murphy and Milton Dodge;
present membership, 450; value of property, including par-
sonage, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 208.
The pages of the history of the Abingdon Church are
covered with smiles and tears, joys and sorrows. Its periods
were measured by success and failure. It was a small village
in 1849.
Then, some who loved the gospel in its simplicity met
242 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
for worship in Indian Point Schoolhouse, an old log build-
ing, located about one mile west of the present school site;
others met in the home of John Dawdy, south of town;
others at Israel Marshall's home northwest, and some in the
St. Augustine Schoolhouse. Those Disciples thought it no
hardship to ride or walk through mud or snow to worship
God according to his word.
In 1850, John E. Murphy and Milton Dodge held a series
of meetings in the Indian Point Schoolhouse. The interest
became intense. People came from Meridian, Cold Brook,
St. Augustine — from far and near — in wagons, on horseback
and on foot. Many were obedient to the faith. At the close
of the meeting the Abingdon Church was organized.
The charter members were Jane Dowdy (Boydstrum),
the sole resident survivor ; Thomas and Isabel Roberson, John
Boydstrum, Alford and Cassie Dowdy, Elijah Meadows ;
Jane, Sarah and Julia Meek; Cynthia Brunson, Willis Riggs,
Taylor Lomax, Jonathan Bobbitt and wife, John Latimer
and wife, John Vertreece and wife, Nathan Bradbury, B.
Edmonson and wife, Mrs. John Killam, Israel Maxwell, Eliza
and Phcebe Latimore, Lemuel Meadows and wife, William
Meadows and wife, Mr. Williams and wife, and Nancy
Williams. First elders, William Maxwell and Jonathan
Price ; deacons, William and Lemuel Meadows.
Besides the two named, the preachers of the early days
were John Miller, Livy Hatchett, P. J. Murphy, Isaac Mur-
phy and others.
When the congregation outgrew the first house erected
in 1857, they worshiped in the chapel of the Abingdon Col-
lege building. Since then several houses have been built and
used. The last was enlarged and otherwise improved at a
cost of $7,000 during the pastorate of F. L. Moore.
During the collee-e period the church was served by Mins.
J. C. Reynolds, P. H. Murphy, J. W. Butler, A. J. Thomp-
son, A. P. Aten and B. O. Aylesworth.
The death of the college wrought a division in the church
that continued ten years.
CHURCHES 243
From first to last, fifty- two preachers have served the
congregation. It is now a fine church, faithful in attendance,
missionary to the core and living in the spirit of unity.
In its early years there was neither organ nor choir.
They were thought to be sinful. Judge Durham led the
songs for many years. The women were taught to keep
silent. Mrs. Emma Aten was the first to read a chapter to
the edification of the assembly.
Many hundreds have begun the Christian life here, and
many have gone in Christ's service into many lands.
East Galcsburg.
Organized 1902, by J. M. Morris ; present membership,
75 ; value of property, $600 ; Bible-school enrollment, 60.
Galesburg.
Organized 1871, by Dr. J. B. Vivion; present member-
ship, 878; value of property, including parsonage, $13,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 714.
Meetings were held here in the sixties, and possibly
earlier, by a few Disciples in residences, halls and the office
of Dr. J. B. Vivion, who was an intelligent and earnest
Christian. The church was constituted in his office.
The Swedish M. E. chapel was purchased and Evangelist
Knowles Shaw conducted a series of meetings, adding
some strength to the congregation. In 1878 the chapel was
moved to West Thompson Street, between Broad and Cedar
Streets. In 1892 the present building on North West Street
was finished and occupied during the pastorate of G. J.
Ellis. In late years the church has made rapid and sub-
stantial progress.
Henry M. Bruner and John B. Scheitlan were true sup-
porters and leaders in the earlier years.
Herman.
Present membership, 116; value of property, $2,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 106.
244 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Knoxville.
Organized 1869, by J. H. Garrison; present membership,
255; value of property, including parsonage, $17,000; Bible
school began 1869; present enrollment, 160.
A church of Christ was formed here as early as 1838.
There were twelve members. Among them were Min. Jacob
Grum, Dr. Hansford and wife, John Karns, a tailor and
clothier, and John Eads, an active Christian. As the years
passed, so also did this congregation. It was reorganized in a
meeting led by Mr. Garrison in 1869, and has steadily
advanced into active usefulness. At that time it was increased
by a remnant of members from the Union congregation, that
had lived northwest of the town for nineteen years.
This church gave H. J. Reynolds to the ministry.
Meridian Church (Abingdon).
Organized 1839, by John E. Murphy ; present member-
ship, 80; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 90.
Five miles west of Abingdon is an imposing structure
that for many years has been known far and near as the
Meridian Christian Church. Its records are still in a good
state of preservation, from which the following excerpts are
made:
MAY 4TH, 1839.
We the undersigned, having met at Bro. Meadows' agreeably by
appointment for the purpose of forming a Christian congregation upon
the word of God to men, and that the New Testament contains the only
rule of faith by which Christians should be governed, we do agree to
unite as a congregation to attend to the ordinances of the house of
God and the means of edification afforded in his word.
After a discourse was delivered by Bro. J. Murphy, the names in
the following list agree to become vrited as a body of Christians upon
the word of God: M. Jpmeson. ??rah Jameson, Lydn'pm Dawson, J. B.
Reynolds. Phebe Reynolds, Charles Reynolds, John Dodge, Theodocia
Dodge, Thomas Dodere. Jordan Dodge, John M. Dodge, Margarete
Dodee, RarVipl Reynolds, Henry Meadows. Polly Mendows, Nancy
Meadows. Melirda Meadows, Ephra'm Smith. Hannah Smith, Francis
Godard, Seth C. Murphy, Irene Murphy, Elizabeth Murphy, Nancy
CHURCHES 245
Murphy, William Murphy, John Fisher, Elizabeth Fisher, Thompson
Brock, Jacob Boydstun, Israel M. Marshall,. Stephen Howard, John
Dandy, James Holland, Martha Howard, Mother Meadows.
After the names of the Disciples were ascertained, it was thought
best to have the officers chosen. J. B. Reynolds and Seth C. Murphy
were chosen bishops of the congregation. W. Meadows and T. E.
Smith were chosen deacons, and John M. Dodge, recorder.
The people met in schoolhouses, in homes, and often,
during the summer season, in the shade of the maple-trees —
breaking- the loaf and heeding the message from some honest
pioneer preacher.
The following from the old records are both instructive
and suggestive. The first doubtless came from Vincennes,
Ind.:
"VINCENNES, January 14, 1842.
"To All to Whom This May Come, Greeting:
"That our beloved Bro. Edward Perdue and Sister Jane Perdue, his
companion, were members in full fellowship in the Church of Christ
ar Vincennes and we take great pleasure in recommending them to the
care of the Brethren in the Lord wherever they may wish to enroll
themselves. Done by order of the church at Vincennes."
"The church of God in Cold Brook, Warren Co., Illinois, recom-
mends to the faithful in Christ Jesus wherever she may choose to attach
herself, our worthy and much beloved Sister Sarah Johnson, who has
so conducted herself a Christian as to authorize us to commend her to
the confidence and watchful care of all God's people.
"Done by order of the church July 8th, A. D. 1842.
"JOSIAH WHITMAN.
"JNO. G. HALEY,
"Elders."
"December 26, 1847, John M. Lodge, who was employed as evan-
gelist, closed his labors with fifty-three additions by baptism.
"February, 1848, brethren were sent as delegates and agreement
was entered into that John M. Dodge should be sustained for seven
months and to receive eighteen and one-half dollars a month for his
services, to proclaim the word of life wherever it was thought best to
labor."
Letters received were not simply placed on file, but were
made a part of the church record.
During those years many from Kentucky, and other
Southern States, found their way into this county. Perhaps
246 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
as many as fifty letters from the Southern Baptists were
placed in the Meridian Church during a period of twenty
years.
The roster of the congregation has been revised seven
or eight times. Many were received into membership and
many have gone out into almost every part of the Union.
They supported liberally evangelists who labored in other
fields. This record tells of numerous collections that were
taken up for the poor and needy. It tells of the social hour
when smiles and tears mingled with joy and gladness. Those
who may now read it will learn of the heroic faith and
undying devotion of those Disciples to the cause of Christ.
It is to-day one of the best communities to be found in the
county.
The first church house was built in 1841 ; the second and
present one, in 1880.
St. Augustine.
Present membership, 110; value of property, $3,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 62.
LAKE COUNTY.
In the thirties, Darius Gage and two of his brothers,
with Benedict Stevens and Emmons Shepard, came from
near Cleveland, O., and settled on lands in the northern part
of Lake County. A village, located about three miles north-
east of Fox Lake and one mile south of the Wisconsin line,
was laid out, to which the name of Gageville was given.
Some years afterward the name was changed to Antioch, by
which it is still known. In this community a church after
the primitive order was constituted Aug. 7, 1841. with twenty
members, by Min. William Davenport, then of Walnut Grove.
It was the first church of Christ in the northern tier of
counties in the State. It lived and thrived until about 1910,
when the chapel was rented to the German Lutherans.
The Fort Hill Church, three miles south of Long Lake,
was organized in 1850 by Min. L. J. Correll. It served its
CHURCHES 247
community well for fifty years and then disappeared. While
A. R. Knox was preaching for this congregation he bap-
tized in 1856 four heads of families who were Roman Cath-
olics. Of one of these families there are two grandsons who
are preaching the primitive gospel.
In the sixties a church was formed at Millburn which
did well for some years.
In the seventies the congregations in Lake and McHenry
Counties united in employing an evangelist. He was a fluent
speaker, but, as soon after learned, of bad reputation. His
conduct scandalized the cause he pretended to represent.
When the iniquitous embroilment had passed, the cause was
prostrate. Some of the churches did not recover, and others
only after pain and loss.
In 1849 the custom of yearly meetings was begun. These
were continued for forty years. Their chief object was to
reach by the gospel those who would not attend the meetings
of the congregations. They also cultivated the spirit of lov-
ing fraternity among the Disciples, who were mostly fine
people in this county.
Min. L. J. Correll came into this county in the early
forties and did a yeoman's service. He died in Nebraska
about 1908.
Mins. G. B. Willis and A. J. Smith were also efficient
preachers.
Gurnee,
Organized 1860, by A. R. Knox and Andrew J. Smith;
present membership, 75 ; value of property, including par-
sonage, $6,000; Bible-school enrollment, 115.
In the summer of 1859, A. R. Knox began to preach in
a schoolhouse four miles west of Waukegan, on the Oplain
River. The community was much infected with Universalism
and Spiritism. A month's meeting was held the following
winter, in which Pastor A. J. Smith, of Antioch, did- the
preaching. A goodly number were baotized and a. church
was organized. The meetings were held in the schoolhouse
248 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
till 1879, when the church building was erected. Before that
time, in addition to those already named, Tohn Aylesworth,
Wesley Marsh, W. L. Hayden, L. J. Correll and L. A.
Dowling served the church.
Waukegan — First.
Organized 1888, by A. R. Knox and E. A. Ott; present
membership, 90; value of property, $8,000; Bible-school
enrollment, 48.
The first congregation here was wrecked by the evil influ-
ence of the unworthy evangelist above referred to. After a
lapse of ten years a new start was made. The charter mem-
bers then were C. M. Cyrus and wife, Phila Winter, Lucretia
Emmons, Sarah Calkins, Adelaide Connors ; A. R., Jane, New-
ton, Mary, Emma and Lottie Knox.
This church gave Dewitt Bradbury to the ministry.
Waukegan — West Side.
Organized 1905, by E. N. Tucker; present membership,
89; value of property, $6,100; Bible school began 1905;
present enrollment, 117.
LA SALLE COUNTY.
About 1865 there was a Christian congregation in Lostant
of near thirty members. It was gathered together by J. G.
Waggoner, who was then teaching the public school there.
It included in its membership Dr. King and family and Dr.
Vandervoort, all of Tonica. Meetings were held in the
Baptist and M. E. chapels. When Mr. Waggoner returned
to college the meetings soon ceased, deaths and removals
occurring. The Baptist chapel there is now waiting for the
use of others.
James A. Garfield was interested in building the railroad
leading southwest of Streator. A few years after the close
of the Civil War he made a trip over the right-of-way with
Colonel Plumb. They took dinner with a Mr. Allen and
family. It was decided to establish a station near this place.
CHURCHES 249
The people of the neighborhood were so much pleased with
Mr. Garfield that they cheerfully approved of the proposition
of Colonel Plumb to name the town Garfield.
A few families of the Streator Church who reside in the
community have kept a union Sunday school going for some
time, but the Papal influences have hindered the building of
a church. Meetings are held in a hall owned by Mr. Stro-
snider, an aged and intelligent Disciple. His daughter, Mrs.
Maud Stewart, is the Bible-school superintendent.
Dana.
Organized 1865, by J. Q. A. Houston ; present member-
ship, 57; value of property, $8,000; Bible school began 1861 ;
present enrollment, 194.
The Christian people living near Diamond Creek, in the
early sixties, in the panhandle of La Salle County, met for
public worship in schoolhouses and their own homes. A
chapel was completed in the village of Dana in 1868. This
house gave place in 1909 to a new and modern structure
built of cement blocks.
Four of the first members are living: Mrs. Elizabeth Mar-
tin, Dana ; Mrs. E. Jones and Mrs. P. Martin, of Minonk,
and R. S. Manning, of Nebraska State. Of the earlier
preachers, Messrs. Watson, Trowbridge, Lindsey, Crogan,
Brokaw, Prophater and Boggs served the congregation.
The Bible school is front rank and the church has grown
in power and influence in the community.
W. O. Lappin is the pastor.
Ottatva.
Organized 1913, by J. Fred Jones: present membership,
20; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1913: pres-
ent enrollment, 40.
The Fourth Missionary District led in the formation of
the church of Christ in this county-seat. The building and
lot formerly used by the St. Paul's Evangelical Church were
sold at auction and bought by the District Board. Mr.
250 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
George Armstrong, of Ancona, and John Vissering, of Dana,
had promised financial help.
C. M. Smithson, the pastor at Streator, and H. H. Jenner,
pastor at Long Point, have given valuable assistance.
The Long Point Church gave $200 on the purchase of
the property.
Rutland.
Organized 1868, by W. H. Watson; present membership,
180; value of property, $4,300; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 100.
Minister Watson held a series of meetings, and at the
close, assisted by Min. A. H. Trowbridge, organized a church
with thirty-eight members, as follows: John Roe, Abram
Mullin, David Mullin, George Boyd, John Ware, G. T.
Crumrine, James Rowland and their wives severally; Mrs.
Sarah, Mrs. Martha and Miss Maria Crumrine ; Jonathan
Wilson, James Cox, Mrs. Jane and Miss Elizabeth Wilson,
Josiah Richmond, Jesse W. Evans, Samuel Ware, Mrs. Clara
Rickey, Mrs. Catherine Ansborn and Thomas Bane ; the
other names were not secured. Only six of these now reside
in Rutland.
A. H. Trowbridge served the congregation eleven years.
The Roe, Mullin, Boyd, Richmond and Sutton families have
been active forces in the congregation. Wm. Drummet was
given to the ministry.
T. Wilson Milteer is clerk.
Streator.
Organized 1870, by J. C. Tully; present membership, 385;
value of property, $22,500; Bible-school enrollment, 270.
J. W. Barnhart, a devout and devoted man, was the
leader in establishing this church. In 1870 there was a
chapel there that members of all religious bodies had paid
for, but the legal title was held by the Cumberland Presby-
terian Church. In this building Mr. Tully began a meeting
in June of that year. After he had preached a few sermons
CHURCHES 251
the doors were closed against him. The following Sunday
morning the few Disciples met for worship in the front yard
of Wm. Ley, on South Monroe Street. Then and there the
church was organized. Mr. Ley was chosen deacon and has
given the church commendable service in this capacity to the
present time. Thereafter meetings were held in a small hall.
Charles Rowe became the first pastor, and a small frame
chapel was built and occupied the next year. Dr. Streator,
for whom the town was named and a leading Disciple of
Cleveland, O., held large financial interests there, so he
readily gave a location and helped in the building. This
chapel was used until 1906, when, during the pastorate of
C. D. Hougham, the present modern edifice was completed.
Its location is more central.
Following Mr. Rowe came students from Eureka, by
whom the pulpit was supplied.
In addition to J. W. Barnhart, whose memory is revered,
and Wm. Ley, whose long fidelity is honored, the church
also highly esteems Mrs. Mary Anderson. It was here that
she left a large and popular church to become a Christian
only. When the spiritual life of the church ran low because
competent leadership was lacking, she, with a few others, met
regularly and maintained the order of the Lord's house.
The church is steadily growing in power and influence in
the community and the outlook is bright. C. M. Smithson
is the pastor.
Tonica.
Organized 1912, by Chas. P. Murphy; present member-
ship, 19; Bible school began 1913; present enrollment, 100.
Mrs. Chas. I. Haughey and her husband, assisted by Min.
C. M. Smithson, of Streator, led in the formation of this
congregation. The meeting conducted by Evangelist Murphy
was held in the vacant Baptist chapel, which is offered to the
Discinles for a small fraction of its value.
There were nine charter members. Min. E. E. Hartley
and wife held a meeting early in 1913 which added others,
252 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
organized a Bible school and a ladies' aid with twenty
members.
LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Allison (Vincennes, Ind.).
Organized 1815-28; present membership, 170; value of
property, $5,500; Bible school began 1874; present enroll-
ment, 102.
This society was first formed by members of the Chris-
tian Denomination. A reorganization took place in 1828, at
which time it is probable that the membership came nearer
the position of the Disciples. A purely country church,
located on a wide, rich prairie, in continuous Christian activi-
ties for ninety-seven years is a singular and magnificent rec-
ord. Its location is seven miles northeast of Lawrenceville.
Its first meetings for public worship were held in the homes
of the people ; then in Center Schoolhouse until the forties,
when a neat frame chapel was built. This served for more
than fifty years. About 1896 a new, modern and up-to-date
building was erected. The church is abreast of the times in
a remarkable degree for a country membership. It shows
what can be done when the people have a mind to work.
It has given to the ministry C. L. Organ and Mrs.
Rochester Irwin.
This community was known from its beginning as "The
Christian Settlement." The fine formative influences of
those sturdy pioneers have come down through all the inter-
vening years.
Bethany (Lawrenceville).
Organized 1879, by Cyrus Clemments; present member-
ship, 35; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1879;
present enrollment, 33.
This church is located ten miles north of Lawrenceville.
The first Christians only in the neighborhood were Mr. and
Mrs. Romelia Norris. Through their efforts Minister Corter
first preached in what is known as the "Cornbread School-
CHURCHES 253
house." Later Min. Cyrus Clemments preached there several
weeks without visible results. Finally, Miss Frances Judy,
a young lady of nineteen, accepted Christ. This led others
to obedience, and a congregation was formed. Among the
first members there were the following named men and their
wives ; Romelia Norris, Richard Judy, Jonathan Smith,
Amelia Lester, William Kimmell, Henry Bennier, Berry
Carter ; also these persons with their families : Jackson Grey,
James D. Updyke and Mrs. Sarah Groves.
Bridgeport.
Organized 1866, by James McMillen; present member-
ship, 252; value of property, including parsonage, $22,000;
Bible school began 1863 ; present enrollment, 225.
In 1861 members of the Pleasant Hill Church who were
residing in the village of Bridgeport built a house of worship
there. The lot was given by David Lanterman. Occasional
meetings were held therein until 1866, when these brethren
obtained formal but willing permission from the mother
church to organize in the village. Ministers McMillen and
W. B. F. Treat were present and so advised and directed.
There were sixty-three charter members. The church has
had a checkered history, but the regular meetings conducted
by the elders have been held every Lord's Day. Revival
meetings were held by representative evangelists. The con-
gregation, having outgrown its old building during the pas-
torate of George W. Schroeder, a modern brick building,
costing $16,000, was erected. Dr. H. V. Lewis gave the
parsonage lot. T. H. Lindenmeyer is the present pastor.
Andrew Baird was given to the ministry.
Chauncey.
Organized 1890, by John A. Williams; present member-
ship, 35; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1890;
present enrollment, 30.
Eleven persons from several congregations, including
Baptists, formed this church. Daniel Patton and wife
254 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
donated the lot. The old M. E. Church was bought, moved
onto the lot and remodeled. The church made but little
progress, so in 1909 it was reorganized by J. F. Rosboro.
Lawrenceville.
Organized 1833, by M. R. Trimble; present membership,
450; value of property, including parsonage, $25,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 350.
This church was the outgrowth of preaching in various
sections of the county. An organization had been effected
at the Old Center Schoolhouse as early as 1817.
M. R. Trimble had preached at Springhill, and a house
had been built there as early as 1820. West of Lawrence-
ville meetings had been held in Lewis' Schoolhouse and La-
Mott's barn. Mr. Trimble had preached and conducted com-
munion services in the courthouse yard, and also in the "Old
Yellow Courthouse" in Lawrenceville. James Y. Beard, of
the Christian Denomination, had also preached there occa-
sionally. This church started with forty-one members. The
first officers were C. M. Eaton, Joseph LaMott and Mr.
Travis. Soon thereafter Mr. Eaton gave the land in the
village for a church building, and paid $1,100 of the money
used in its erection, quite a princely gift for those days. The
ground was spacious and ample. The house served the con-
gregation till 1895, when a commodious and up-to-date build-
ing was erected. This was remodeled in 1908, a good par-
sonage added and the former parsonage turned into the jani-
tor's residence. This church is a living link in the Foreign
Society, supporting Mrs. Fred E. Hagin in Japan. The church
has held in its membership many representative citizens who
were thoroughly good men. J. W. McCleave was one of these.
Thomas A. Hall is the present pastor.
Mt. Erie (Sumner).
Present membership, 25; value of property, $500; Bible-
school enrollment, 30.
This is five miles about south of Sumner.
CHURCHES 255
Mt. Zion (Sumner).
Organized 1815, by William Kinkade; present member-
ship, 40; value of property, $1,200; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 40.
Mr. P. W. Sutherland, of Sumner, 111., has the old church
record-book that tells of this beginning. The book is dis-
colored by age, but the writing is very legible. On the first
page are the words, "Sold to Ean Miller for 12^2, Church
Book for Springhill Church." No date is given. On the
second page a list of 110 names is started which fills six
pages. William Kinkade's is the first, and he was the official
elder. Many of these names have utterly faded from the
community. It can not be determined from this list who
were the charter members. A revision of it is begun on
page 7, where it is said to be "a list of the members of the
Church of Christ at Springhill." A second revision is begun
on page 9, and this entry is added: "Saturday before the
first Sunday in November, 1825, the church at Springhill
entered a resolution to appoint a clerk to keep a record of
all their acts and particular business, and appointed Thomas
Spencer." The records of the next ten years follow. Mr.
Sutherland says that Mr. Kinkade was a Greek and Latin
scholar, the author of a book on the Holy Spirit, a member
of the Legislature, the first preacher in the community, and
that he organized the Spring-hill congregation as "the Church
of Christ" there. He died before 1833.
There is a lapse in the records from 1835 to 1842, when
the following appears :
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen. The church of God which is in
Christ Jesus at Sprirerhill in Lawrence County, Illinois, reorganized
October 2nd, A. D. 1842. All names. Creeds, Confessions of Faith, Dis-
ciplines, rules and formulas of hrman invention and contrivance are
. totally discarded. The Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments alone
are the only and all-sufficient standard and rule of faith and practice,
of morals and of discipline. No name or names are acknoweldged but
those contained and used in the Scriptures and therein given to the
people of God.
256 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This was signed by M. R. Trimble, William Clark, Robert
Johnson and thirty-four names follow. Within five days
Ephraim D. Turner and John Fish were appointed deacons,
and M. J. Hancock, clerk. The next Lord's Day Alexander
Turner and Milan Z. Hancock were chosen elders.
It is admitted that this church was associated with the
Christian Denomination till 1835, but whether it then came
into the Restoration movement or not till 1842 is not clear.
Following the latter date there was much preaching in the
Springhill meeting-house by Sylvanus Ades and Wm. Cour-
ter and many turned to the Lord.
About 1854 the congregation was reorganized as the Mt.
Zion Church, but the former name was much used for the
next fifteen years. A frame chapel was built in 1862 through
the leading and sacrifice of Henry Vandament. About 1854
Marshall Stivers became an elder, and in this office served
the church for fifty years with great good to the people.
Two swarms have gone out from this old hive — Bridge-
port and Mt. Erie.
It has given to the ministry Geo. P. Smith, F. M. Shick,
E. T. Stivers, J. R. Sutherland and four or five others.
Over 530 people have been members here. Mrs. Melissa
Day has been a member since 1854.
Evangelist Harvey Mullins held a great meeting here
in 1871.
Pleasant Hill (Bridgeport).
Organized 1843, by M. R. Trimble; present membership,
110; Bible school began 1860.
This church is known as White House or Pleasant Hill.
It is located four miles northwest of Bridgeport. In 1842
a company of twenty-six Christians — some from Cornbread
Schoolhouse, some from Lawrenceville and some from a con-
gregation of the older Christian Church, including Min. Asa
W. Baird — got together under the lead of Maurice R. Trim-
ble. The following January they were organized, accepting
no name but the Bible names.
CHURCHES 257
A piece of land was bought for $50 of Daniel Barns. A
small but comfortable house was built thereon. This was
replaced in 1872 by the larger and more modern building.
Some of the preachers who have served them were M.
R. Trimble, Asa M. Baird, D. D. Miller, James McMillan,
Harvey Mullins and George Morrell.
Pleasant Ridge (Lawrenceville).
Organized 1834, by M. R. Trimble; present membership,
60; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1869; pres-
ent enrollment, 50.
This chapel is seven miles north of Lawrenceville. Its
first local name was McNiece. Its first chapel was burned
about 1870. Meetings were then held in Roberts School-
house till 1880, when the present chapel was built. The name
was then changed to Pleasant Ridge.
Gilbert Jones was given to the ministry, while George
and Thomas Reed are preparing therefor.
Rising Sun ( Russell ville).
Organized 1877, by J. L. Griffin; present membership,
40; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 22.
This location is about eight miles northeast of Lawrence-
ville. There were seventeen charter members and the organ-
ization was made in the Rising Sun Schoolhouse. The chapel
was finished in 1880. This is a good country church and has
a fine missionary spirit. A C. E. society.
It has given Frank Powers and Leslie Wolfe to the min-
istry. The latter is a missionary in the Philippine Islands.
Ritssellville.
Organized 1840, by M. R. Trimble ; present membership,
50; value of property, $1,200; Bible-school enrollment, 75".
For more than seventy years this little church has lived
in this little villasre. In it good people have served God, but
to the great world unknown. A house was built in the for-
ties, rebuilt in the seventies and yet serves as the place for
9
258 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
public worship. The following preachers have served there:
M. R. Trimble, John Howard, Fanner Howard, Jacob and
Josiah Wolf and Hiram Boyles.
St. Francisville.
Organized 1894, by W. R. Couch ; present membership,
121; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1894;
present enrollment, 83.
Twenty-five Disciples, wishing to hold to Christ as their
only creed and the Bible as their only rule of faith and prac-
tice, constituted this church. For two years their meetings
were held in various places, when the house of worship was
erected in 1896. Old Father Gee, at the age of eighty-one,
helped to fell the first tree that went into the building. The
church has been faithful in the face of opposition, is well
organized and is awake to the duty of world-wide missions.
Sumner.
Organized 1850, by Cornelius Ades; present membership,
124; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 111.
This church was the result of a series of. meetings con-
ducted by Mr. Ades. Meetings were held in the homes of
the members till about 1868, when a chapel was built. In
recent years this gave place to a modern structure.
The Willow Branch Church was formed northwest of
Sumner by Min. H. Y. Keller in 1890. It continued for
fifteen to twenty years.
LEE COUNTY.
Dixon.
Organized 1894, by J. B. Wright and T. A. Boyer; pres-
ent membership, 260 ; value of property, $5,000 ; Bible school
began 1894; present enrollment, 200.
A tent meeting was conducted here by Ministers Wright
and Boyer, resulting in the formation of a church of Christ
CHURCHES 259
with 170 members. This was the first preaching by the
Disciples in Lee County.
In the early years of the congregation storms broke and
perils threatened from within as well as without, but better
counsels prevailed, and within a brief period this church has
become united, prosperous and useful. S. E. Fisher is the
pastor.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY.
Ancona.
Organized 1859 ; present membership, 191 ; value of prop-
erty, $3,200; Bible school began 1894; present enrollment, 82.
Members of the Methodist Protestant and Christian
Churches united in building a chapel in 1860. This place
proved to be a good recruiting-place for the Disciples.
Among the first members were Samuel E. Maxwell, Phineas
Green, Alfred Grim, John Showman, Silas Coe, Caleb Mathis,
R. W. Hick, Margaret Beckworth and Jessie Carpenter.
Others of recent years were Dr. Foredyce, G. W. Mathis,
Frank Clark, Geo. Armstrong, John Carrithers, and John,
Cephas and Joseph Coe.
In various ways the congregation has been served by
Benjamin Franklin, J. B. McCleary, J. W. Monser, Rochester
Irwin ; Mr. Thompson, a Scotchman ; Mr. Nevins, Isaac
Slick, Mr. Sabin, W. B. F. Treat ; John, Jefferson and Wash-
ington Houston, who were great evangelists and singers ;
Mr. Watson, Mr. Taylor, Perry Hoge, Mr. Spencer and N.
J. Wright, whose great meeting led to the erection of the
present building in 1894.
The church has given to the ministry C. C. Carpenter and
Robert Witchen.
Antioch (Long Point).
Organized 1912, by B. L. Wray; present membership, 24;
value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1909; present
enrollment, 45.
This church is about five miles from Long Point, Flana-
260 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
gan and -Dana. • A Bible school was started in the community
about 1887. In 1909, two miles west of the former meeting-
place, Mrs. H. P. Thompson formed a Sunday school in a
schoolhouse near the site of the present chapel. Min. Roches-
ter Irwin held a tent meeting there in 1909. Out of this grew
the building of the chapel. The meeting by Mr. Wray was
three years later. The church has half-time afternoon
preaching by H. H. Jenner. The credit of this work is
largely due to David London, David Carlton and H. P.
Thompson.
Fairbury.
Organized 1868, by J. B. McCorkle; present membership,
163; value of property, $8,000; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 80.
Minister McCorkle introduced the apostolic faith in Fair-
bury. There were nine charter members, only one of whom
survives. They were Mr. and Mrs. C. B. Thompson, Mr. and
Mrs. John Adkins, Mr. and Mrs. Hotchkiss, Mrs. McCurdy,
Mrs. Lizzie Spence and Mrs. De Ford.
The first place of meeting was a room over a wagon-
shop. Later a chapel was purchased of the Presbyterians.
In 1894, during the pastorate of J. W. Porter, a more com-
modious house was built.
The life of the congregation has ebbed and flowed. After
various removals, vicissitudes and discouragements, there was
a reorganization in 1880 by A. B. Markle. W. C. Chapman
is now the pastor.
Mr. M. Hotaling stood by this work for many years and
very faithfully. His son, Lewis R. Hotaling, was given to
the ministry.
Flanagan.
Organized 1862, by Houston brothers; present member-
ship, 195; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 177.
A few families of the neighborhood met for worship
sometimes in their own homes, sometimes in Mt. Zion
CHURCHES 261
Schoolhouse, three miles northeast of Flanagan, and some-
times in the old Berean Schoolhouse, three miles to the
southwest. Min. A. H. Trowbridge occasionally rode horse-
back thirty miles across the country to preach to them.
There were few roads then through the prairies. A
great impulse was given to the work here and elsewhere by
the coming, about this time, of the three brothers — Wash-
ington, Jefferson and John Houston — from Kentucky. They
settled on farms near Cornell. They were all preachers and
fine singers. Among the faithful families of that time there
were the Hoovers, Pearsons, Martins, Hopwoods, Wilcoxes
and Mouldseas.
J. F. Ghormley, then a student in Eureka College, by a
fine effort led in building a chapel in the village in 1881.
Thereafter the congregation grew steadily under his minis-
tration and that of J. T. Ogle, E. A. Gilliland, K. C. Ven-
tres and J. T. Alsup, also Eureka students.
The church has never been large. At times so many
moved away that it could hardly stand. Those left, by
prayer and diligence, rebuilt the numbers. Those who left
became active members of congregations in several States.
The church has always been strong in missionary activi-
ties in the home and foreign fields. In 1912 it was a living
link to Eureka College.
It has given to the ministry R. J. Bamber and J. P. Rolli-
son. Earnest Pearson is preparing for the work of medical
missionary.
Forrest.
Organized 1868, by J. B. McCorkle; present membership,
18; value of property, $5,000; Bible school died.
Since its organization this church has never been numer-
ically strong enough to maintain itself according to prevail-
ing standards. Many of its efficient members have moved to
other places and others have died. Among the latter, Mr.
and Mrs. S. A. Hoyt, John Rudd and John Elmore are held
in affectionate remembrance.
262 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Indian Grove (Fairbury).
Organized 1861, by John Miller; present membership, 35;
value of property, $1,000.
This location is six miles south of Fairbury. A union
chapel was built in 1861 and Evangelist John Miller held a
meeting at once. There were about fifty charter members.
In its early period the congregation was served by Min-
isters Sharpies, Spence, Loar, Hollo way, Houston, Robenson,
Carrithers, Ledgerwood, Poynter and Markle. W. C. Chap-
man, of Fairbury, now preaches for them Sunday afternoons.
A union Bible school is maintained. The church of Christ
only keeps up its public worship.
Long Point.
Organized 1889, by I. R. Spencer; present membership,
151; value of property, $9,150; Bible school began 1889;
present enrollment, 91.
Minister Spencer led in a series of meetings in the Meth-
odist Protestant chapel and the organization of a church of
Christ immediately followed. There were sixty charter mem-
bers. Ministers of the two congregations alternated in the
use of the chapel until 1903. Then the Disciples, led by
Min. M. L. Pontius, erected a good building of their own.
In addition to a parsonage, built during the pastorate of
Rochester Irwin, the church also owns a cottage for its jan-
itor and nine lots for gardening. Mr. Irwin and wife gave
fine service here.
The church counts itself fortunate in having had for its
ministers, in addition to those above named, F. W. Burnham,
S. H. Zendt, H. G. Bennett, L. O. Lehman, F. W. Sutton,
J. W. Camp, and now H. H. Jenner.
Pontiac.
Organized 1859, by D. D. Miller; present membership,
377; value of property, $18,100; Bible school began 1859;
present enrollment, 275.
CHURCHES 263
This church was the result of a series of evangelistic
meetings conducted by Min. Washington Houston. The first
meetings were held in the old schoolhouse on the bank of
the Vermilion River. The church prospered under the min-
istry of the Houston brothers, so that the place of meeting-
was changed to the courthouse to accommodate the crowds
of people. The first elders were John Powell, Henry Hill
and James W. Perry. Mrs. D. J. Lyon is the sole surviving
charter member.
Mr. Newell was a schoolteacher and at the same time a
minister in charge of the church. During his pastorate an
agreement was made between the Disciples and the Christian
Denomination to erect a union house of worship. It was a
brick building without any claims to architectural beauty.
However, it was honored by the presence of Abraham Lin-
coln, who delivered an address therein. After five years the
legal title was passed to the church of Christ exclusively, and
later to Mr. Powell. "The organ question" came up ; the
congregation became financially involved and disbanded.
Quite a few drifted into other fellowships. But during
all the years of spiritual ruin, eight or ten constituted a faith-
ful band and met when and where they could to pray and
remember the Lord in his appointments.
In 1873, Min. J. G. Waggoner reorganized the church,
since which it has gone steadily forward in usefulness.
Charles Rowe became the first pastor. He was followed by
students from Eureka. Meanwhile the women of the church
bought the church property from the estate of Mr. Powell.
The State Board fostered the reviving congregation. During
the pastorate of G. W. McColley a new lot was bought and
a modern church structure was erected in 1904.
During the days of tribulation, Washington Houston con-
ducted a public discussion in the old M. E. chapel with a
representative of that denomination.
The church is now vigorous and prosperous — aggressive
in all good works. It is a living link in the Eureka College.
B. W. Tate is its efficient pastor.
264 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
It has given to the ministry Charles Scrivens, L. F. Star-
buck, Frank Cummings and M. L. Bodine.
Saunemin.
Organized 1874, by W. P. Carrithers; present member-
ship, 139; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000;
Bible school began 1874; present enrollment, 42.
The organization was formed in the Bethel Schoolhouse.
Then it met for worship in a hall in the village. The first
chapel was built in 1887 at a cost of $2,000. This was
burned in 1904. The same year a much better house was
built, and also a parsonage.
The congregation has passed many vicissitudes. Deaths
and removals have greatly reduced the membership in late
years.
W. P. Carrithers has long been the mainstay in the
church. The other two elders are George Moulds and S. D.
Vawter. The deacons are Robert Williams, John Farr, W.
S. Rustin, C. L. Farner and Mona Fieldcamp.
H. C. Reichel preaches half-time.
LOGAN COUNTY.
It is a source of regret that no written records have been
left of the first work of the preachers of the Disciples of
Christ in Logan County. Without doubt there was preach-
ing at a number of places in the thirties and forties by W. P.
Bowles and his father (Hughes Bowles), by John England,
Wm. Ryan, A. J. Kane and others.
The first church of Christ, so far as discovered, was
formed about 1848. It was located seven miles west of Mt.
Pulaski, on the Springfield road. It was known as the
Bridge Church because it stood near the bridge that spanned
the stream called Lake Fork. It was probably organized by
Father Morrow. At least, he preached there for years.
Residing on his farm, it was his custom to come from his
home to the meeting-house, riding a mule, with a sheepskin
saddle and saddlebags. This congregation continued until
CHURCHES 265
about 1860. Then those members who lived on the west of
the lake formed a congregation known as the Turley Church
and built a small chapel four miles north of the site of Corn-
land. Those residing east of the lake formed a congregation
known as the Buckles Church and built a meeting-house two
miles east of the old church and five miles west of Mt.
Pulaski. This congregation continued to be an active Chris-
tian force until 1905. Then some of its members went to Mt.
Pulaski and some to the Lake Fork congregation. The
chapel was moved to the Carlisle Cemetery, where it still
stands.
In the forties there was some preaching by Christian
ministers and some conversions at French's ford, on Salt
Creek, south of Lincoln, but whether a congregation was
formed, could not be learned.
In late years a congregation was formed at Lawndale,
but it has become extinct.
Armington.
Organized 1828, by William Miller; present membership,
222; value of property, including parsonage, $17,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 300*.
Hittle's Grove and the prairies round about it were as
pleasing as any upon which human eyes ever rested. Into
that locality, eighty-five years ago, the following named fami-
lies began to settle: the Hittles and Judys from Ohio; the
Albrights from Tennessee; the Burts, Quisenberrys, Hain-
lines, Dills and Millers from Kentucky, and the Hieronymuses
from Virginia.
The first sermon ever preached in Hittle's Grove was by
a Methodist minister named Walker, in a log cabin 16 x 16,
owned by Michael Hittle.
After a time two women of the settlement wished to be
baptized and a Baptist minister was sent for. Finding no
church there to vote on the fitness of the candidates, after
deliberation it was decided to immerse them on the simple
confession of their faith in Christ. Thereupon, a Baptist
266 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
church was organized with the following charter members:
William Miller and wife, Isaac Miller and wife, Walker
Miller and wife, and Sarah Miller.
On Jan. 11, 1829, this church became Christian only. The
agreement signed with the seventeen names follows :
We, the undersigned, do give ourselves to the Lord and to each
other as a church of Jesus Christ to be governed by His word con-
tained in the Old and New Testaments. William Miller and wife,
Jacob Albright and wife Esther, Strother Hittle and wife, Robert
Musick and wife, William Darnell and wife Sally, William Burt and
wife China, Joseph Lancaster and wife Hannah, John Judy and wife
Christena, Jacob Judy unmarried.
These people met for public worship for a short time in
their log-cabin homes, then used the log schoolhouse; later
a church was built three miles west of the site of Armington.
This served till 1865, when a more commodious house was
built, one and a fourth miles west of Armington. In 1886,
during the pastorate of John T. Owens, lots were bought in
the village of Armington and the building moved to them.
From this time the congregation was called by the name of
the town. The last Lord's Day in August, 1906, the people
bade a tender farewell to the old house; on the next Sunday
they moved into their new and modern brick structure. J.
C. Lappin was their pastor.
Hittle Grove Church was a familiar name to all the old-
time Disciples in central Illinois for a period of sixty-five
years. Most of the pioneers preached there. In the thirties
there were James Mitchell and Abner Peeler; in the forties,
W. P. Bowles and G. W. Minier ; then later Samuel Knight,
James A. and John Lindsey, William Davenport, Leroy
Skelton, Daily Chaplain, Samuel and Joseph Lowe, L. M.
Robinson, and Isaac and Elijah Stout. In recent years the
pastors have been Mr. Edwards, Albert Nichols, J. E. Diehl,
Mr. Jennette, E. J. Stanley, C. A. Heckel, J. E. Parker, W.
D. Deweese, L. E. Chase, J. C. Lappin, and now R. B. Doan.
In 1857 the church made the following report to the State
meeting: "Members, 136; meet twice a month; we break the
CHURCHES 267
loaf once a month and have preaching once a month. We
pay teaching brethren $2 a day."
The Britt, Burt, Albright, Judy, Darnell, Hieronymus and
Mason families have done much for the church.
Atlanta.
Organized 1855, by George W. Minier; present member-
ship, 300; value of property, including parsonage, $14,000;
Bible school began 1856; present enrollment, 302.
This church was organized in the Baptist chapel, where
meetings were held Lord's Day afternoons the first year.
The first elders were C. F. Ewing and Andrew Wright; the
first deacons, Jacob Judy and Jefferson Howser; James
Shores, clerk. The additional twenty-five charter members
were the following: J. P. Hawes and wife, Jefferson Britt
and wife, T. H. Dills and wife, Ambrose Hall and wife, John
Miller and wife, Calvin Riley and wife, George Dyer and
wife, Dr. Arterburn and wife, Mrs. Dr. J. B. Tenney, Mrs.
Sallie Strong, Mr. Gill and Mrs. Christenson.
At Atlanta the Disciples were publicly depreciated in the
early years by the self-styled orthodox people, as they were
in most places. It was a town where infidelity ran riotously.
But after the Burgess-Burrows debate in 1868, many phases
of religion changed.
The first pastor of the church was W. M. Guilford, who
was at the same time principal of the public schools. Those
who succeeded him were John Lindsay, W. P. Bowles, R. B.
Chaplin, J. W. Monser, Leroy Skelton, Samuel and Joseph
Lowe, J. A. Seaton, T. V. Berry, T. T. Holton, R. D. Cotton,
R. W. Callaway, Dr. S. H. Bundy, L. M. Robinson. B. O.
Aylesworth, L. G. Thompson, J. P. Davis, Mr. Miller, C. E.
Selby, R. F. Thrapp, T. B. Stanley, L. W. Morgan, S. S.
Lappin, W. R. Jinnett, Ivan W. Magee, and now R. H.
Newton.
The first church building was erected in 1856. A modern
building was occupied in 1913.
This church has given to the ministry J. H. Wright, Wai-
268 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ter Rhodes, Roy A. Miller and Merritt Hoblit, a missionary
in Mexico.
Bethel (Emden).
Organized 1853, by William B. Ryan; present member-
ship, 105; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began
1853 ; present enrollment, 75.
This congregation, located four and one-half miles east
of Emden, grew out of the old Sugar Creek Church. A few
members, desiring a more convenient place for their public
worship, selected the site, which was given by one of the
number, Norman Sumner. There were nineteen charter
members, as follows: William B. and Elizabeth Ryan, Wil-
liam R. and Elizabeth Shirley, Samuel and Jemima Waters,
Jeremiah and Sarah A. Miller, Norman and Margaret Stun-
ner, George G. and Melville Ryan, Jesse P. and Marial
Bowles, David and Elizabeth Bowles, James W. and Henry
Shirley, and Nancy Bevans, who married John Lumbeck. Of
these, only three survive — Sarah A. Miller, and James W. and
Henry Shirley. The names of the other sixteen are read on
the marble slabs in the four cemeteries located in two States.
The first officers were: Elders, David Bowles and William
R. Shirley; deacons, George G. Ryan and Jeremiah Miller;
clerk, Norman Sumner, with two trustees. The Christian
faith of the Bowles and Shirley families has been so excellent
that some of their members have filled the office of elder
during the sixty years of the church's life.
, The first house was built in 1853. The men went to the
forest, felled the trees, cut and hauled the logs together, and,
with broadax, foot-adz and such other tools as they had,
fashioned and built this first temple for the Lord. For a
period of twenty years this house was the happy home of its
builders and their children. In 1873 it gave place to the
structure that is still in use.
In addition to Mr. Ryan's, the old house heard the voices
of Benjamin Franklin, G. W. Minier, W. P. Bowles, Dudley
Downs, R. B. Chaplin, Leroy Skelton, Isaac Stout, Peter
CHURCHES 269
Hawes, James Mitchell, Charles Short, Peter Sheik, J. A.
Seaton, R. D. Cotton, J. V. Beekman, Samuel Knight, Henry
Smithers, S. C. Pruitt and many others. In addition to many
of those who also ministered to the congregation in the new
house, the following have served there: L. M. Robinson, T.
T. Holton, G. VV. Warner, H. S. Mavity, J. C. Hall, J. W.
Porter, J. E. Jewett, J. A. Barnett, I. L. Parvin, H. B. East-
erling, F. B. Jones and R. E. Stevenson.
This church has always been noted for the good common
sense of its members. The spirit of brotherliness has always
predominated. The people delighted to make others happy.
In the period of the old house, families came to church in
farm-wagons, seated with chairs which were carried into the
house and used on occasion. The blankets and comforters
which were used as wraps to protect from cold or rain were
brought in at night and made into beds on seats or in a cor-
ner on the floor, and there the little ones slept during the
worship. This church is proud of the fact that it is a country
church. Its watchwords through sixty years have been,
"Move Forward." Many of its members have gone out to
help in the Lord's work in the world. R. E. liieronymus
began his Christian service here, and W. H. Kindred and
Frank Sumner are in the ministry.
The old songs were an inspiration, as they are yet a tender
memory with many.
C. R. Bowles has served as superintendent of the Sunday
school for thirty years. In the earlier time children were
encouraged to commit the Scriptures to memory and repeat
them on Sundays. Many now past life's meridian can repeat
whole chapters learned in childhood there.
Through sixty years the table of the Lord has been
spread on every first day of the week. Preaching is main-
tained for half-time. The church is alive to all missionary
activities. It has no other thought than to live by doing
the will of God. The glorious memories of the past unite
with the duties of the present in filling these people with
high purposes.
27C HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Broadwell.
Organized 1863, by C. J. Berry; present membership, 99;
value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1863; present
enrollment, 56.
This church was formed in the public-school house with
the following charter members : Samuel Buckley, Spencer
Grogan, Jacob Eisminger, P. Eisminger, Elizabeth Eisminger,
Mary Eisminger, Eliza Lloyd, Nancy Kline, Ellen Kline, May
Critchfield, M. Wiley, L. Wiley and M. Wright. These per-
sons organized as "The Church of Christ at Broadwell," upon
the Bible as their creed and the New Testament as their
only discipline. They "vowed before the Lord, angels and
men to walk in obedience to the requirements of the gospel
in all things."
The church was built in 1864.
Cop eland (Mt. Pulaski).
Organized 1866, by John England; present membership,
100; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 125.
This church is located seven miles southwest of Mt.
Pulaski. It was organized at the Copeland Schoolhouse.
The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Harbert,
Mr. and Mrs. David Birks, Mr. and Mrs. John Birks, Mr.
and Mrs. William Copeland, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Birks, Mr.
and Mrs. Abner Copeland, Polly Peters, George W. White-
sides and Maria Copeland.
The church house was built in 1867. An addition and
repairs were made in 1906 at a cost of $400. It was mod-
ernized in 1911 at a cost of $2,500.
The congregation has been a leading force for good in
the neighborhood there many years.
The present officers are: Elders, Elmer Turley, Charles
Bowers, Calvin Payne and J. H. Clendenen; deacons, George
Bowers, Fred Bellatti, Stephen Edwards, R. Drabing and
W. E. Simpson.
CHURCHES 271
Cornland.
Organized 1874, by D. D. Miller; present membership,
120; value of property, $1,350; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 72.
A few years prior to the formation of the Cornland
Church a congregation had been formed, and a small house
erected four miles north of the town site, called the Turley
Church.
A series of meetings was held in the Day Schoolhouse in
the village by D. D. Miller in 1874, which resulted in the
formation of the church there. Of this the congregation
four miles north became a part, and that building was moved
into town. The congregation was much strengthened by a
series of meetings conducted by Min. J. E. Cain in 1875.
Many removals have reduced their numbers.
Emden.
Organized 1888, by W. H. Boles ; present membership,
94; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1873;
present enrollment, 70.
A union Sunday school was formed in the public-school
house in 1873 with E. L. Carnahan as superintendent. Three
years thereafter gospel temperance meetings began to be held
there on Sunday evening. Next came some sermons at the
same time and place by G. W. Minier and R. B. Chaplin.
A three weeks' meeting conducted by Evangelist Boles
resulted in the organization of the church with fifty -three
members.
The house of worship was completed in 1889 and the
organization perfected. Later an addition was built.
The honored names in the congregation include Mr. J.
L. Searle, Mrs. Lizzie Bennett and Mrs. Betsy Sumner.
Eminence (Atlanta).
Organized 1838, by its own members ; present member-
ship, 180; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began
1845 ; present enrollment, 62,
272 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This is a country church, located five miles northwest of
Atlanta. It has been known by three or four local names.
The first building was at Pekin Ford, near Morgan's Mill;
hence it was first known as Morgan's Church. Later moved
to the present site, where it was known as Smith Ewing or
Sugar Creek Church ; the latter name, however, held through
the larger part of the seventy-five years of its life. In recent
years it has been known by the name of the township in
which it is located.
The first record reads as follows :
On Lord's Day, June 17, 1838, the Brothers and Sisters whose
respective names are hereafter annexed, do agree to live together in
Gospel order, as a Church of Jesus Christ, to take the Word of
God as the rule of faith and man of our council. The following are
the names of the members who joined themselves together on the
day above named : Robert Musick, Charles F. Ewing, Mary Ewing,
Elizabeth Simmonds, Sarah Miller, Sarah Stroud, James Hieronymus,
Barbary Johnson, Melinda Johnson, Catherine Thompson, Esther A.
Hawes, Sarah Hawes.
This was a spontaneous organization, originating among
and completed by the members themselves. Lord's Day,
Aug. 25, 1839, the elders elected were Charles F. Ewing and
David G. Thompson, who were ordained on Lord's Day, the
15th of the following month. The records give the names
of those who have served the congregation as elders from
that clay to the present time.
Until 1845 the congregation met for worship where they
could. In that year the first house was built, costing $1,000.
This served eleven years and was then torn down. In 1856
the second house, costing $1,600, was erected. After being
used for thirty-five years it wasr sold. In 1891 the third
building, costing $3,600, was occupied. This was burned in
1901. The same year the present building, costing $6,000,
was erected. It has a bell, a baptisterv and gasoline lights.
Among the preachers of the earlier years there were
Abner Peeler, Hughes and W. P. Bowles, William Daven-
port, James A. Lindsey, John England, G. W. Minier,
William Ryan, Baily Chaplain, L. M. Robinson, John Lind-
CHURCHES 273
sey, Isaac Stout, Leroy Skelton, Samuel and Joseph Lowe,
J. V. Beekman and T. T. Holton. Alexander Campbell
visited the church in 1844.
The records show that the church has ordained the fol-
lowing men to the ministry: William Ryan, George Hatfield
and George Carlock.
The church now has a resident minister for all the time
and is flourishing. Sarah A. Miller, the only living charter
member, resides in Atlanta. Elizabeth Howser, who united
with the church the next day after its formation, also sur-
vives at the age of ninety- four.
In the early days, when harness for horses came into use,
with lines to drive with, a member of this congregation
bought a set. Not knowing how to attach the lines properly,
he hitched his team to the wagon one Sunday morning,
placed his wife and children in the wagon, then mounted one
of the horses and thus took his family to church and home
again. His "style" attracted no particular attention and
called out no comments.
One of the laymen produced by this church is responsible
for the following:
Business in Religion and Religion in Business.
Before national banks were organized we had private or State
banks issuing currency, or paper money, as in the fifties. I saw names
of private parties placed on the backs of such bills with the dates ;
so if they failed to pass they could be returned to those from whom
they were received as "no good." Now we have currency good in
any and all States. If that currency is best that is good in all the
States, then that baptism is best that is good in all the churches, and
we all know that immersion is good in all the churches.
The following incident deserves to be rescued from
oblivion. This picture is from the pleasing pen of Min. T.
T. Holton. He says:
In 1889 G. W. Minier called me to assist him in a meeting at the
Sugar Creek Church. He was then in his seventy-sixth year. He
said to me, "Bro. Holton, you do the preaching and I'll do the bap-
tizing." This was a very successful meeting. There were forty-three
added to the church — thirty-eight by confession and baptism. When
274 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
we went to select a place for baptism we found Sugar Creek too scant
of water. We crossed the creek and found a beautiful little lake. The
venerable Peter Bruner, who had been an elder in the church for
a long time, was with us. He had done the baptizing for the church
for many years, but had become too frail for the task. While the
good elder and I were looking for a pole to test the depth of the
water, we heard a splash and, turning suddenly, we saw Bro. Minier
swimming around in the lake. It was late in October and there had
been two cold spells that froze ice. Bro. Minier was not afraid of
water. It was his custom to bathe every morning, sometimes of neces-
sity at great inconvenience. He thoroughly explored the lake and
marked a good place for the baptism. He had secreted a towel in
his pocket, and, having thoroughly dried and reclothed himself, said,
"Brethren, now for the 'Wolf's Den.' " This took us up quite a
steep high hill, Bro. Minier in the lead. From the "Wolf's Den"
we viewed the landscape. Then Bro. Minier set about gathering some
botanical specimens. As we returned to the Bruner home, at his sug-
gestion we visited the Eminence school. Of course Bro. Minier was
asked to address the school. The plants he held in his hand he made
his text. He gave their common names, also their botanical names,
and descanted on the leaves, the bark, the roots, the sap, fruit, etc., to
the delight of the whole school. When the day of the baptism came, an
urgent matrimonial engagement called him, so I had to do the bap-
tizing. It was the most beautiful scene I ever saw. The lake was
surrounded by sugar maples and the leaves were like gold. It was
a beautiful afternoon and the great crowd of people gathered there
was quiet and reverent. The sloping ground gave all an opportunity
to see and hear. I gave an invitation at the water's edge. A young
lady came forward. Her mother approached and whispered to me,
"My daughter is deaf and dumb. She is educated and I think she
understands the step she desires to take." This was the first experience
I had ever had in introducing a deaf mute into the kingdom. I took
a blank book and pencil from my side pocket and wrote, "Do you
believe with all your heart that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God?"
In response she took the pencil and wrote, "I do." And I baptized her.
Hartsburg.
Organized 1870; present membership, 29; value of prop-
erty, $600; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 48.
The early records of the church were lost. A few Disci-
ples living in the country near the village began meetings
for public worship. Later a building was erected on the
farm of Henry Musick. Within four or five years nearly
all of the original members moved away, some to other
CHURCHES 275
States. In 1875, under the lead of Fielding Musick, the
chapel was moved to Hartsburg, where it is yet used.
Lake Fork.
Organized 1905, by J. D. Williams; present membership,
100; value of property, including parsonage, $3,200; Bible
school began 1905 ; present enrollment, 100.
This congregation is the product and continuance of the
Buckles Church. The village grew up after the railroad was
built.
The chapel was built in 1903.
Besides Minister Williams, the congregation has been
served by M. M. Snow, D. H. Carrick and M. M. Hughes.
The officers are Henry Horn and W. L. Follis, elders,
with C. M. Shinn, Wm. Tebus, Galveston Thuer, E. R.
Jones and Obid Gaffney, deacons.
Latham.
Organized 1891, by J. O. Sutherland ; present member-
ship, 250; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began
1891; present enrollment, 113.
The church was the first result of a series of meetings
conducted by Minister Sutherland. He also served the con-
gregation two terms as its pastor. Those who succeeded him
were G. W. Hughes, Mr. Weather ford, Z. M. Brubeck, C.
S. Weaver, D. A. Lindsey, and now Ira A. Engle.
The first chapel was built during the ministry of Mr.
Sutherland and occupied early in 1892. The present excel-
lent modern structure was erected during the pastorate of
Mr. Weaver. It cost $13,325, and was finished in 1910.
This church is largely rural. Its auxiliaries are large and
active. In 1912 it paid $325 for general benevolences.
Lincoln.
Organized 1856, by W. H. Brown ; present membership,
695; value of property, including parsonage, $29,000; Bible
school began 1856; present enrollment, 370.
276 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
John England and Walter P. Bowles preached the primi-
tive gospel in various parts of Logan County in the forties
and early fifties. One place they visited was French's Ford,
on Salt Creek, about four miles south of Lincoln. Among
those who became Christians was Miss Sarah Wade, who
married Fred Wolf. When the town of Lincoln was
started, Mr. Wolf, with others, moved there. He has fur-
nished these facts. He was born in 1831. Thomas H.
Denny had bought a farm near Lincoln and settled on it.
Being a Disciple, he sent for Evangelist "Billy Brown," who
held a series of meetings and constituted a church. There
were about thirty charter members, Mrs. Wolf being one of
these. The first officers were T. H. Denny and Hopkins C.
Judy, elders, and Charles H. Miller and John M. Edwards,
deacons.
Meetings for public worship were held in Boren's Hall,
in a warehouse and other places. In 1854 they set to build
a chapel that was finished the next year. After its enclosure
it required a struggle of years to pay for it. The Circuit
Court was held in this building in 1856, as the courthouse
had burned just before that time. The present modern
edifice was erected in 1903-04, during the pastorate of W.
H. Cannon.
Other ministers include Dr. J. M. Allen, J. S. Sweeney,
Alexander Johnson, Allen H. Rice, Charles L. Berry, George
Owen, B. W. and N. H. Johnson, T. V. Berry, H. D. Clark,
G. W. Minier, S. C. Humphrey, R. A. Gilcrist, Jesse
Gresham, Dr. S. H. Bundy, T. T. Holton, W. H. Cannon,
J. E. Jewett, T. F. Weaver, Albert Nichols, E. A. Gilliland
and G. W. Wise.
Among those who did much for the church were John A.
Simpson, R. C. Maxwell, H. O. Merry and L. P. Hanger;
they merit remembrance. Three charter members are still
living — Mrs. B. F. Warfield, Mrs. Wielan Ryan and Mrs.
Ellen Chowning.
Not many years since the church "had a revival" that is
said to have been a distinct injury.
CHURCHES 277
Mt. Pulaski.
Organized 1868, by D. D. Miller; present membership,
361 ; value of property, $9,000 ; Bible school began 1868 ;
present enrollment, 271.
Min. D. D. Miller conducted a series of meetings in a
public hall on the west side of the public square in the fall
of 1868. This resulted in *he organization of the church, in
the following spring, of thirty members. Of these only two
are left living — Mrs. Caroline Snyder and Mrs. Amanda
Prompelly, who have continued faithfully. The first elders
were Alfred Samms and Samuel Turley.
Through the efforts of Mrs. Pomelia Fisher and others,
a lot was bought and a building, costing $2,000, was erected
in 1870. In 1906, during the pastorate of David A. Lindsay,
the old building was removed and its materials used in the
construction of a modern house, costing $10,000.
For a number of years the church was without preach-
ing and the congregation dwindled, but in 1887 a new start
was made, since which time the church has gone steadily
forward.
The pastorate of Gilbert Jones was especially fruitful.
The Bible school is front rank, while the missionary and
benevolent offerings continue to grow.
M'DONOUGH COUNTY.
In 1832 the first Christian Church was organized in
McDonough County at a point about one and a half miles
north of Blandinsville, known as the Liberty Christian
Church. Here the people of two pioneer settlements met to
worship, the one known as the Jobe settlement a few miles
to the south, and the other a few miles to the north, com-
posed of a number of families, among whom were the
Brightwells, Bradshaws, Cyruses and Hustons. In 1842 the
town of Blandinsville was laid out and platted. In 1849
Liberty was abandoned as a meeting-place and the church
of Blandinsville was organized by the members of the Jobe
278 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
settlement. And about the same time the members of the
north settlement organized the Bedford Church.
Blandinsville.
Organized 1849; present membership, 384; value of prop-
erty, $25,000 ; Bible school began 1861 ; present enrollment,
164.
The history of the church at Blandinsville is not materially
different from others of like environments. The following
have served as preachers or pastors: James K. Knox, Uriah
Long, A. J. Kane, James D. Eads, John Rigdon, Milton
Dodge, James R. Ross, Cornelius Ades, Patrick Murphy,
Bedford Murphy, J. M. Martin, Robert Lieurance, J. H.
Coffee, S. K. Hallam, H. R. Trickett, J. F. Leek, T. H.
Goodnight, G. F. Adams, M. P. Hay den, J. Carroll Stark,
George W. Ross, William Sumpter, J. S. Clements, W. A.
Malone, Clarence Townley, Edward Richey, A. M. Hale, M.
C. R. Wolford and D. J. Elsla.
The third house of worship was finished in 1911. It is
a modern and beautiful structure with a seating capacity of
eight hundred. The congregation has held many admirable
people in its membership. It has given Allen Hitch and Win.
Enders to the ministry.
Bushnell.
Present membership, 20; value of property, $2,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 23.
Many efforts have been made to establish a good church
here, but without success.
Central ( Blandinsville ) .
Present membership, 50; value of property, $3,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 60.
Colchester.
Organized 1867, by Cornelius Ades ; present membership,
190; value of property, $8,000; Bible school began 1867;
present enrollment, 140.
CHURCHES 279
The church was formed in the public-school house. The
chapel was built in 1870, repaired in 1901 and burned in
1908. A new brick structure was finished in 1908.
Colmar.
Organized 1906, by Edward Stebbins; present member-
ship, 140; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began
1906; present enrollment, 55.
Fandon.
Organized 1898, by F. M. Branic; present membership,
80; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1898; pres-
ent enrollment, 108.
The church was constituted in Woodman Hall with forty-
three charter members. The chapel was first occupied in
.1903.
Macomb.
Organized 1845, by A. J. Kane; present membership,
500; value of property, including parsonage, $29,500; Bible
school began 1848; present enrollment, 427.
Mr. Kane at that time was a young evangelist ; held a
meeting of days, at the close of which Dr. Young came and
assisted in perfecting the organization. The courthouse was
the first place of meeting. A small frame chapel was soon
built, which served till 1877. Then a second frame building
costing $4,400. The present modern edifice was erected in
1909. Some pastors who served the church were Levi
Hatchett, W. W. Hopkins, W. P. Shockley, W. O. Miller,
Samuel Lowe, J. C. Reynolds, J. H. Garrison, P. K. Dibble,
J. H. Smart and G. W. Mapes two periods.
Those given to the ministry were J. S. Gash, D. H.
Shields, Samuel G. Buckner, Champ Clark, G. W. Buckner,
Geo. L. Purdy, Clarence L. Timmons and Abram E. Cory,
a missionary in China. The membership has always held
a number of people who were representative in the com-
munity and the kingdom.
280 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Alexander Campbell visited the church in his later years.
Mrs. Margaret Martin is now (1913) the only living
member who united in the Kane meeting.
New Philadelphia.
Present membership, 86; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 78.
New Salem (Adair).
Organized 1859, by J. B. Royal ; value of property,
$2,000; Bible school began 1859.
The church was formed in the Wetsel Schoolhouse with
sixteen charter members, all of whom have gone to their
reward. W. A. Griffin and Daniel Wilson were the first
elders, with Josiah Herlocker and Caleb Hipsley, deacons.
The chapel was built in 1867.
M. W. Crim is the correspondent.
Old Bedford (Stronghurst).
Organized 1849 ; present membership, 125 ; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $3,250 ; Bible-school enrollment, 60.
This place is six miles north of Blandinsville. It is a
country church that has lived long and done well for its
members and the community.
Sciota.
Present membership, 62; value of property, $1,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 57.
M'HENRY COUNTY.
North Crystal Lake.
Present membership, 30 ; value of property, including par-
sonage, $2,100; Bible-school enrollment, 35.
In the sixties a few congregations were formed in this
CHURCHES 281
county by ministers from Lake County. They lived only a
few years.
M'LEAN COUNTY.
Ebenezer Rhodes was born in Holland in 1780. Coming
to America, he first settled in Maryland, thereafter moved
to Ohio, and in 1824 came to Illinois and settled in Keg's
Grove, so called because a keg with some whisky in it was
found there. Within a few years the name was changed to
Blooming Grove, which it still retains. It is five miles south
of Bloomington. Mr. Rhodes was a Baptist preacher. He
preached whenever and wherever he could get two or three
families together. In those early years he preached at
Hittle's Grove, Cheney's Grove, Sugar Grove, Long Point,
Big Grove, Twin Grove, Dry Grove, Blooming Grove, at
the head of the Mackinaw and elsewhere. He was the first
preacher in McLean County, and is said to have married the
first couple in the county; namely, Thomas Orendorff and
Miss Malinda Walker. Mr. Rhodes organized the first
church in the county. This was in 1824, in his own house
in Blooming Grove. There, so it is said by some, were seven
charter members; namely, Ebenezer Rhodes and wife, and
his sons (John H. S. and Samuel Rhodes) and their wives,
and the other, it is believed, was Jeremiah Rhodes.
Reuben Carlock was a native of Overton County, Tenn.
He came to Illinois in 1827. and on October 10 settled in
Dry Grove, five miles southwest of the present site of Car-
lock. Mr. Carlock's family was the fifth to settle in Dry
Grove. That was then a part of Tazewell County. In that
year the county-seat was located at Mackinaw town. There
were then five families in Twin Grove, seven families in
Stout's Grove, three families in Brown's Grove, thirteen
families in Keg's or Blooming Grove, two families in Funk's
Grove and one family in Three Miles Grove. All of the first
settlers made their homes along the timber. Indians were
then many in this section. Old Town was one of their
camps. It was a strip of timber some two miles wide, thir-
282 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
teen miles east of Bloomington. The country was full of
deer, wild turkeys, prairie chickens and pigeons. These set-
tlers traded at Springfield and Pekin.
William Brown was a Christian preacher who came from
Tennessee to Dry Grove, 111., in 1828. He was a friend of
Reuben Carlock. In August of that year, Mr. Carlock
hitched up his ox team, and, accompanied by some members
of his own family and his guest, Preacher Brown, drove to
the cabin of Ebenezer Rhodes, in Blooming Grove, for a
three days' meeting. It was during this meeting that the
Rhodes and Carlock families were united in one church.
Whether the organization above referred to did not take
place till this year, or whether it was reorganized upon
receiving the Carlocks, is not clear. But when these families
were united in that little church in August, 1828, Ebenezer
Rhodes, the recognized leader, said : "And now, brethren, we
must have some articles of faith."
Whereupon Reuben Carlock, drawing a small copy of the
New Testament from his pocket and holding it up, said:
"Bro. Rhodes, this Book has all the articles of faith we
need."
Mr. Rhodes at once in full assurance answered: "That
is true."
Then and there a primitive and apostolic church of
Christ was born. From that time Mr. Rhodes was known
as a Christian minister. He continued to preach the gospel,
without the admixture of human traditions, till his death in
1842. Later the members went to other local churches.
Preacher Brown returned to Tennessee.
Grassy Ridge was another fruitful little vine that served
its generation well and then went the way of all flesh. It
was located five miles south of Bloomington; on Morris
Avenue, and was organized by Min. J. G. Campbell in the
White Schoolhouse in 1853 with thirteen charter members.
In 1854 a chapel was built on a piece of ground donated by
Mr. Campbell. The congregation grew and prospered and
did much good. It was pervaded by the admirable spirit of
CHURCHES 283
its leader, Mr. Campbell. He saw to it that many of the fine
ministers of the Restoration movement preached there. In
1886, by a formal action, the church disbanded, the members
uniting with near-by congregations — Lytleville, Heyworth,
Shirley, Blooming Grove and Bloomington. Trustees for
the cemetery were incorporated under the civil statute.
The Blooming Grove Church was organized again in 1872
by State Evangelist John Lindsay and County Evangelist
W. G. Anderson. In 1862 a Sunday school was formed at
the Walker Schoolhouse. Mrs. W. J. Rhodes was superin-
tendent, and Mrs. Amos Cox, the wife of a Presbyterian
minister, and Miss Sallie Walker were the teachers. A
decade later the church was constituted with twenty-six char-
ter members.
The well-to-do farmers moved away, so after a period
of thirty-eight years the church was closed in November,
1910. Most of the members have united with the Blooming-
ton Church or with the church at Heyworth.
Anchor.
Organized 1884, by Dr. A. W. Green ; present member-
ship, 17; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1884;
none at present.
Worship was first held in the schoolhouse. The old
Antioch Church building was moved to Anchor when its
membership was transferred to Colfax. There were thirty-
seven charter members, but the church has been weakenedi
by removals.
Arrow smith.
Organized 1879, by H. G. Van Dervoort ; present member-
ship, 142; value of property, including parsonage, $14,250;
Bible school began 1879; present enrollment, 134.
This church was the immediate result of a series of meet-
ings conducted by Min. H. G. Van Dervoort in the old United
Brethren chapel. However, previous organizations in this
vicinity were also contributing factors. Min. Moses H.
Knight, one of the earlier evangelists of this county, and
284 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
J. G. Campbell began preaching to the people south of Ells-
worth in 1858. Later the congregation removed to the West
log schoolhouse and an organization of eighteen members
was formed under the leadership of Russell Watson. They
grew in numbers and strength so that in 1868 a frame build-
ing was erected three and one-half miles southwest of
Arrowsmith, which was known as the Pleasant Ridge
Church. This house was dedicated by Uncle Jimmie Robeson.
Later this building was torn down and the material worked
into the Arrowsmith Church.
In 1865 a revival was held in the Center Schoolhouse,
one-half mile south of the site of Arrowsmith. A small
organization was formed which in 1868 united with the
Pleasant Ridge Church.
In 1873, Evangelist George F. Adams held a series of
meetings in the Martin Valley United Brethren Church.
These brethren were very kind to the Disciples until, under
the preaching of Mr. Adams, people began to turn to the
Lord ; then the Brethren turned him and those working with
him out of their house. The Martin Valley Church of
Christ was formed with sixty-one members. J. G. Campbell
helped in this work. These several local congregations came
into the Arrowsmith Church at the time of its organization.
This church has a commendable pride in all the Lord's
work.
It has given C. D. Hougham to the ministry.
Bellflower.
Organized 1891, by J. S. Clements; present membership,
196; value of property, including parsonage, $12,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 139.
Pioneer John England preached the primitive gospel in
Osman. a village in the southeast corner of McLean County,
in 1875-76. At that time a Sunday school was held there in
the public-school house. In 1877 a church of twelve mem-
bers was formed, probably by John W. Snyder. In 1885 a
union church was built to be used one-half time each by the
CHURCHES 285
church of Christ and the Protestant Methodist congregation.
In 1886, J. H. Gilliland held a successful revival there. But
so many of the members moved away that the church dis-
banded in 1892. Most of those who were left united with the
church at Bellflower.
Mr. and Mrs. William McDaniel led the work that pro-
duced this church. Min. J. S. Clements held a tent meeting
there in the summer of 1891. That fall a house costing
$3,500 was built and the church was weak. The present
modern edifice was completed in 1913.
Bloomington First.
Organized 1837, by Mr. William T. Major; present mem-
bership, 1,666; value of property, $47,500; Bible-school
enrollment, 601.
This church was organized in the home of Mr. Major,
which was then on the southwest corner of Front and East
Streets. There were thirteen charter members ; namely, Mr.
and Mrs. W. T. Major and their two daughters (Mrs. Eliza-
beth Hawks and Mrs. Judith H. Bradner) and one son (John
— now living at Davenport, la.), Mr. and Mrs. Martin Scott,
"Father" Maxwell and two daughters, and three others
whose names are not known. This little company met regu-
larly for worship in the home of Mr. Major, who was the
leading spirit.
About 1840 a small frame church was built on East
Street, between Front and Grove Streets. In those years
the church was helped by the able ministry of James A. Lind-
say, James Robeson, W. P. Bowles, William Davenport and
W. H. Brown. Dr. W. O. Warriner was a leading elder
and preacher during that period.
In 1856 the lot at the corner of West Jefferson and North
West (now Roosevelt) Streets was purchased for $1,500 in
gold and a two-story brick building erected thereon at a
cost of $8,000. The house was occupied in January, 1857,
Charles Louis Loos preaching the first sermon. Some of the
leaders in this enterprise were E. H. Didlake, Thomas P.
286 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Brown, Edwin Boston, Dr. E. K. Crothers, F. W. Emerson,
Robert Moore, E. W. Bakewell and R. E. Williams, all of
whom have passed to the higher life.
The pastors who served the church were Leroy Skelton,
T. V. Berry, D. R. Van Buskirk (two terms), Henry S.
Earl, J. H. McCullough, A. I. Hobbs, H. D. Clark and B.
J. Radford, who filled interregnums. The pastorate of
J. W. Lamphear was uniting and healing.
J. H. Gilliland came to the pastorate in February, 1888.
He says: "I entered upon the work with fear and trembling."
A few years proved him to be a masterful leader. In 1890
the old building gave place to a new and modern structure.
In this church Mr. Gilliland's ministry was richly blessed.
In 1894, without any outside help, 480 additions were made
to the church. There were influential men of fine character
who gave him good support, among whom were Dr. G. D.
Sitherwood, M. Swan, Henry Kiser, Peter Whitmer, J. T.
Lillard, H. J. Higgins and Jacob Bergman, the faithful and
much loved doorkeeper in the house of the Lord. Mr. Gilli-
land came to the church with about four hundred members
and left, after a ministry of fourteen and a half years, with
a membership of 1,550.
Those succeeding him were Arthur Wilson, W. R. Lloyd
and Edgar D. Jones, the present pastor.
Those who have gone to minister to the world's needs
through the gospel were Knox P. Taylor, S. M. Jefferson,
W. W. Denham, Otto C. Moomaw, D. W. Madden and Mrs.
Kate Lawrence-Brown, a missionary in India. N. W. Evans
is preparing for the work of the ministry.
The church maintained a mission Sunday school on Moul-
ton Street for forty years. It was closed the last Lord's Day
in 1912 because of a lack of teachers.
The church has a fine record for Christian hospitality.
From 1853 to 1900 it entertained the State Missionary Con-
vention seven times free. Other assemblies have enjoyed
the generosity of its people.
Leroy Skelton, while pastor, fell sick and died July 4,
CHURCHES 287
1870. Alonzo A. Wilson, another pastor, was stricken by
the great Destroyer March 4, 1903. J. H. Gilliland, while
not pastor of the First Church at the time, yet enshrined in
the hearts of its people, fell before the great Reaper Apr.
29, 1912. Few churches have such a heritage of tender and
glorious memories of mighty men.
Bloomington Second.
Organized 1902, by J. H. Gilliland ; present membership,
565; value of property, $30,000; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 276.
This church is a child of the mind and heart of J. H.
Gilliland. The First Church approved the movement upon
two conditions : first, that one hundred persons enter into
covenant to become charter members, and. second, that
$10,000 be pledged for the new property. The building is
located at the corner of North Evans and East Mulberry
Streets and was finished and occupied in November. The
entire indebtedness was provided for before the dedication,
which was conducted by Mr. Gilliland. He continued as pas-
tor until July, 1909, when he was succeeded by S. H. Zendt,
the present minister.
The church has sent into the ministry Alva Ragsdale, W.
B. Phillips and Prof. O. L. Lyon, who came from the M.
E. Church and is a teacher in Texas Christian University.
Bloomington Third.
Organized 1901, by E. M. Harlis; present membership,
40; value of property, including parsonage, $4,000; Bible
school began 1901 ; present enrollment, 18.
This is a church of negroes. There were thirteen char-
ter members. They now own a beautiful pebble-dash church.
Bloomington Centennial.
Organized 1910, by J. H. Gilliland ; present membership,
241; value of property, $25,000; Bible school began 1908;
present enrollment, 257.
288 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In February, 1908, a lot at the corner of East Grove
Street and Willard Avenue was purchased by Mrs. Aaron
Rhodes, Dr. O. M. Rhodes and J. H. Gilliland, with the hope
that, in due time, there might be a new church built upon it.
In March following, the officers and members of the
Second Christian Church formally resolved to establish a
church east of the Illinois Central Railroad, and seventy
members signed an agreement to constitute themselves into
a church when the enterprise could be placed on a satisfactory
financial basis and a suitable building, erected on the above
designated lot, should be ready for occupancy.
Action was taken in October following, and the building
was completed, furnished and first occupied May 1, 1910.
Mr. Gilliland preached the dedicatory sermon. September 1
following, he turned the pastorate of the church over to
Milo Atkinson. Previously the incorporated name adopted
was "Centennial Christian Church of Bloomington, 111." It
enjoys a strategic location and promises large usefulness.
Buck Creek (Lexington).
Organized 1850, by P. M. Connors and Dr. Young; pres-
ent membership, 30; value of property, $1,000.
There were thirteen charter members, among them Mr.
and Mrs. John Franklin, Sr. ; John Franklin, Jr. ; Thomas
Pirtle, Samuel Scott, Uriah Hanson, William Hanson and
Mrs. Andrew Pirtle. The first meetings were held in the
groves, residences, schoolhouses, and the barn of John
Franklin. In 1869 the first house was built, but several
miles west of the first site. It is still in good condition and
in use.
The earlier preachers were James Robeson, J. G. Camp-
bell. J. S. Stagner, H. D. Ledgerwood, M. H. Knight and
T. W. Schick. „ . ,
Carlo ck.
Organized 1836, by Henry D. Palmer; present member-
ship, 250; value of property, including parsonage, $4,300;
Bible-school enrollment, 139.
CHURCHES 289
On Aug. 13, 1836, Henry D. Palmer, William Daven-
port and James Robeson united in a meeting for public
worship at White Oak Grove in the wild, open woods. Those
mighty men of God, pioneers in a new country and of a
better faith, have long since gone to their rewards. On that
August day they were young, agile and masterful in their
faith. Then and there the White Oak Grove Church was
born. For half a century this church held faithfully on its
way and ministered to the needs of the community. Most
of the pioneer preachers of central Illinois proclaimed the
gospel there at various times. Among these was Abner
Peeler, who, some now say, organized the church. The
meetings were held in the homes of the people, in school-
houses and groves until 1854, when a house was built.
Evidently it was a good house, since it served the church
for thirty-five years and was then sold and moved to Conger-
ville for a union church.
The building of a railway grew the town of Carlock. A
church building was erected there and on Aug. 13, 1889, the
place of meeting was transferred. Thus, after fifty-three
years, to a day, of life and service, the White Oak Grove
Church "fell on sleep." Among those who contributed to
its strength and usefulness there were Jonas Benson, John
Benson, Sr. and Jr. ; William Benson, Reuben and Abram
Carlock and Reuben Brown.
The ministers who have served the Carlock Church were
G. A. Miller, C. C. Rowlison, S. T. Spitler, C. S. Medbury,
S. H. Zendt, R. L. Beshers, J. S. Smith, J. N. Thomas, E.
E. Boyer, and now Miss Myrtle B. Parke.
Colfax.
Organized 1867, by James Robeson; present membership,
308; value of property, $18,500; Bible school began 1867;
present enrollment, 300.
The first organization of the Christian Church on upper
Mackinaw was in 1859 at the Wiley Schoolhouse, one-half
mile west of the present site of Colfax. There the work was
10
290 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
carried on four years by Mins. W. G. Anderson, A. W.
Green and Speed Stagner. This congregation disbanded in
1863 because the members were so widely separated. They
affiliated with more convenient churches of Christ.
In 1867, James Robeson held a meeting in a schoolhouse
two and a half miles southeast of the site of Colfax, and
instituted a church with sixteen members. This congrega-
tion used several schoolhouses until in the early seventies,
when a chapel, that was called Antioch, was built two and
a half miles north on a piece of ground given by Min. M.
H. Knight. The railway came in 1880 and the town of
Colfax was born. Meetings for public worship began there
in 1881. The membership of Antioch was gradually merged
into Colfax. A house was built in 1883. This served the
congregation until 1907, when the present modern house was
erected during the pastorate of N. H. Robertson.
William Poynter gave the Antioch Church good service.
At Colfax there were W. G. Anderson, Dr. A. W. Green,
Speed Stagner, M. H. Knight, H. W. Everest, J. F. Ghorm-
ley, W. G. Campbell, Jasper Hieronymus, Dr. Sabin, A. L.
Sabin, A. W. Dean, J. S. Clements, John Lemmon, John Gid-
dens, J. D. Dabney, J. H. Smart, C. D. Purlee, P. Baker, C.
W. Dean, N. H. Robertson and G. R. Southgate.
The church has given to the ministry James W. Knight
and Lawrence B. Anderson.
Cooksville.
Organized 1902, by John R. Golden ; present membership,
144; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 86.
The Blue Mound Church was organized by John S.
Stagner in 1862. It was an influential church in the country
for nearly forty years — until the railways came through on
both sides of it and towns grew up on these lines. It gave
four men to the ministry — John S. Stagner and his son, John
S. Stagner, Jr. ; H. G. Van Dervoort and John R. Golden.
In 1894 members from Blue Mound organized a church
CHURCHES 291
at Cooksville. A restricting clause was written in the deed
to the church lot which led many members to hold them-
selves aloof. A C. W. B. M. auxiliary was formed in 1902.
Through the lead of these women, Minister Golden con-
ducted a revival there in the fall of that year and started
the church on its useful way. The old Blue Mound building
was torn down and the material used in the construction of
that at Cooksville.
Ellsworth.
Organized 1867, by John Houston ; present membership,
100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1867;
present enrollment, 90.
James Mitchell, James Robeson and G. W. Minier were
the earlier ministers ; later they were A. A. Burr, Louis
Goos, Roby Orahood and A. F. Larson.
Previous to this date there was a church at "Old Town"
that contributed to the life of the church at Ellsworth. The
Old Town Church was the product of pioneer laborers.
Gridlcy,
Organized by Upton Coombs; present memoership, 50;
value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 40.
Mr. Gridley, for whom this place was named, gave the
church its lot because it was the first congregation to begin
work there. John Lambert and William Wilson, who was a
Presbyterian, hauled blocks from the timber for the founda-
tion of the building. Among the first members were John
and Nancy Lambert, James and Ursley Locke, Silas Green-
man and wife, Thomas and Elizabeth Tarmen, and Joseph
Huston and wife. Min. James Robeson reorganized the
church in 1878. H. D. Ledgerwood preached there eleven
years. He was a sincere and consecrated preacher, but the
adverse conditions in the community were many. R. L.
Beshers, J. E. Prophater, Osceola McNemar and C. H.
Scrivens followed.
Reduced by removals, the church has had a precarious life.
292 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Heyworth.
Organized 1872, by J. S. Stagner; present membership,
261 ; value of property, $10,000 ; Bible school began 1882 ;
present enrollment, 207.
While serving as county evangelist, Mr. Stagner held
a seven weeks' meeting here in the winter of 1871-72. The
public hall on the second floor was used. The singing was
led by Mr. M. W. Powell without the aid of any instrument.
His home was four miles out in the country, yet he missed
only one service during the entire meeting. The religious
peace of the village was greatly disturbed by Mr. Stagner's
plain, earnest and Scriptural preaching. The town was
vibrant with arguments on Biblical questions. However,
some "who came to scoff remained to pray." There were
twelve charter members. To these, many were added during
this revival. The baptizing was done in the Kickapoo one
mile north of town. The ice was cut away at the place used.
A year later a church building was erected. This served
till 1906, when a modern building was erected and occupied
during the pastorate of J. P. Givens.
Mr. Stagner became pastor of the church in 1872 and
died during the year — a good, brave soldier, who fell on
the firing-line.
The earlier years of the church were disturbed by "the
organ question," but its vision cleared and it has come to be
a strong and useful body of believers. As farmers became
well-to-do and moved to town, the churches at Grassy Ridge,
Lytleville, Long Point and Fairview contributed to the
growth and strength of Heyworth.
It has given to the ministry Frank Davis and Roy O.
Ball.
Holder.
Organized 1867, by Robert Moore; present membership,
35; value of property, $1,000; no Bible school.
This church was organized as "The Evergreen Congre-
gation of Disciples." Three years later the name was
CHURCHES 293
changed to "The Benjamanville Christian Church." This
was about the time of the dedication of the building at Ben-
jamanville, at which time the Christian Church of Mt.
Prospect united with them. In 1877 the house was moved
to Holder and the name changed accordingly. It has never
been strong. The ministers who did the pioneer work in the
community were Robert Moore, N. O. Lacock, James Robe-
son and J. G. Campbell.
Hudson.
Organized 1877, by Speed Stagner; present membership,
89; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1910; pres-
ent enrollment, 81.
The East White Oak Church was organized about 1857
in Franklin Schoolhouse by James Robeson. In 1859 a frame
house was built. This house stood just over the line in
Woodford County, at the center of Section 14 of the White
Oak Township. The chief men were J. D. Franklin, Jehu
Hinshaw, Zachariah Brown, Cyrus Leatherman, Jesse Chism,
Dr. Sabin and his son. It is credited with Jehu Hinshaw
and M. H. Knight in the ministry.
After twelve years' service, the congregation, by death
and removals, went down. Of the remaining, some went to
Carlock and others to Oneida Schoolhouse. In this house,
si January, 1877, John Hinshaw, a layman, held Bible-study
meetings for two weeks. As considerable interest was shown,
Minister Stagner came, conducted a short meeting and organ-
ized a congregation of thirteen persons, which took the name
of Oneida. Weekly meetings were held there regularly for
thirty-two years, when the place of meeting was changed to
Hudson. W. D. Deweese is now pastor.
Leroy.
Organized 1888, by T. T. Holton ; present membership,
240; value of property, including parsonage, $22,400; Bible
school began 1888; present enrollment, 240.
Under the auspices of the State Board of Missions, Mr.
294 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Holton began this work. He secured the use of the Cum-
berland Presbyterian Church. About forty Disciples were
discovered in the community, among them Mrs. Dr. McKen-
sie, Mrs. Devinney and Mr. L. S. Kilborn, superintendent of
the public schools. A church of twenty-nine charter members
was organized. They covenanted to meet every Lord's Day and
proved to be a faithful little band. A series of meetings
later by Evangelist J. S. Clements added many.
In 1891 the congregation occupied a chapel of their own.
In 1907 they entered a stately and beautiful edifice that was
erected during the pastorate of L. E. Chase.
The church has lived and grown through sunshine and
shadows. From its beginning there have always been faithful
men and women with hope and courage.
Lexington.
Organized 1860, by B. H. Smith; present membership,
285 ; value of property, including parsonage, $19,300 ; Bible
school began 1887; present enrollment, 189.
J. G. Campbell and James Robeson were the two pioneer
preachers of the church of Christ who visited Lexington
previous to 1859. In November of that year, Benjamin
Franklin held a public debate there with John Luccock, of
the M. E. Church. The organization of this church was one
of the results of this discussion. The charter members were
Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Long, Mr. and Mrs. John Franklin, and
Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Dement. A frame building was erected
the following year.
The first pastor was Theodore Brooks, who was followed
by Joseph Lowe, Samuel Lowe, J. F. Ghormley, M. F. Ingra-
ham and W. D. Pollard, who entered the ministry from this
church. In the early seventies the church lost its spiritual
life and the house was closed for seventeen years. Some
good women opened it again in 1887, starting a Sunday
school. Meetings were held by Evangelists T. A. Boyer and
O. W. Stewart, which brought to it new life and large num-
bers. The pastors who followed were J. H. Reece, W. H.
CHURCHES 295
Cannon (during whose ministry a brick building costing
$8,000 was erected), E. A. Gilliland, A. A. Wilson, O. L.
Smith, George H. Brown, B. H. Sealock and J. P. Givens.
In August, 1912, there were eleven octogenarians who
were members of this church.
McLean.
Organized 1903, by Harold E. Monser; present member-
ship, 50; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1903;
present enrollment, 60.
Some of the pastors have been J. A. Serena, J. E. Jewett,
L. B. Appleton, G. E. Duffy and F. L. Starbuck.
Normal First.
Organized 1873, by S. M. Connor; present membership,
420; value of property, $40,000; Bible school began 1872;
present enrollment, 192.
There were thirty-three charter members. S. M. Shurt-
leff and H. G. Fisher were the first elders, and John Gregory
and William and Isaiah Dillon the first deacons. The old
Baptist Church was first rented for a Sunday school, and
here the first meetings were held and the church organized.
A frame house, with a brick basement, costing $7,000, was
finished and occupied at the close of 1873. This building
was remodeled in 1887. It gave place to a new and modern
structure in 1912. This was the last work of the lamented
J. H. Gilliland.
The pastors who have served the church were S. M.
Connor (two terms), H. W. Everest, John Ensell, A. P. Cobb
(two terms), G. M. Goode, G. A. Miller, J. H. Wright, E.
B. Barnes, J. P. Givens, Andrew Scott, R. H. Newton, W.
G. McColley, J. H. and E. A. Gilliland, the present minister.
Normal Second.
Organized 1884, by Preston Taylor; present membership,
28; value of property, $1,700; Bible school began 1884;
present enrollment, 38.
296 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This church is located at the corner of Cherry and Lin-
den Streets. It is made up of "colored" people. There were
sixteen charter members. It is incorporated under the civil
statute and owns its own property.
It has given George Hoagland to the ministry.
Saybrook.
Organized 1868, by James Robeson ; present membership,
292; value of property, $10,000; Bible-school enrollment,
202.
In 1860, Min. Jesse Richards formed a small church in
a schoolhouse just west of the town, but it soon disbanded.
In 1867, Min. J. M. Stagner began holding some meet-
ings in the Thompson Schoolhouse, one mile east of the
town. Conversions were made and scattered members gath-
ered together. In the early winter of 1868 another meeting
was held at the same place by Mins. James Robeson and
James Mitchell, when others were gained and the church
organized. In 1869, G. W. Cline became the pastor. The
place of meeting was changed from Thompson Schoolhouse
to Harrison Hall, in Saybrook. Several series of meetings
were held in this hall. A good church house, costing $3,400,
was finished and occupied in the fall of 1871 under the min-
istry of G. W. Cline. All the materials for this building
were hauled from Bloomington. The congregation was
unable to pay for this property ; so Joseph Newcomb, Sr.,
one of the members, mortgaged his farm for $1,000 and
relieved the situation. It is not known whether the church
ever reimbursed him. During the pastorate of H. L. Malt-
man the building was worked over and made practically new
throughout. C. C. Wisher is pastor. The church has also
had the assistance of able evangelists and Bible instructors.
Shirley.
Organized 1869, by Jonathan Park; present membership,
168; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible
school began 1870; present enrollment, 60.
CHURCHES 297
This is considered one of the very best country churches
in central Illinois.
A new building was erected in 1912. The following min-
isters have served here: Samuel Lowe, Jonathan Park, Dr.
J. M. Allen, G. F. Adams, J. A. Seaton, John Lindsay, G.
M. Wood, J. E. Jewett, Miles J. Hodson, G. W. Minier, G.
W. Warner, Mr. Doty, Samuel Reynolds, K. P. Taylor, and
at present F. L. Starbuck.
Stanford.
Organized 1870, by James Robeson; present membership,
323 ; value of property, including parsonage, $22,000 ; Bible
school began 1879; present enrollment, 195.
In 1869, "Uncle Jimmie" Robeson held a brief meeting
in an upper room with a few believers who desired to be
known as Christians only. The next year a frame building
was erected and a church of Christ organized. There were
ten charter members. A new and commodious brick building
was finished in 1900 during the pastorates of Fred Hagin
and J. M. Porter. This church paid $30 for missions the
first year of its life.
Cassius Garst and Howard Kaufman have been given to
the ministry, and Miss Elsie Roth and Miss Vera Morris are
efficient singing evangelists.
After James Robeson, the following ministers came:
George Cline, John Owen, Isaac Stout, Samuel Lowe, G.
W. Minier, W. P. Berry, John Lindsay, H. G. Van Dervoort,
C. B. Dabney, J. Fred Jones, Melvin Menges, Fred Hagin,
J. W. Porter, S. S. Lappin, C. W. Marlow and N. H. Rob-
ertson. Two of these are now successful missionaries on
foreign fields.
Twin Grove ( Bloomington ) .
Organized 1841, by James Robeson; present membership,
40; value of property, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
This church was organized at the house of Samuel
Barker with twenty-five charter members. The families rep-
298 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
resented in its membership were the Webbs, Barkers, John-
sons, Beelers, Hinshaws, Dickens and Harbord. Of these,
Mrs. Martha Hinshaw is the sole survivor. This church has
exerted a wide and lasting influence in the community west
of Bloomington.
The first house of worship was built in 1848. It gave
place in 1868 to a larger building. This was burned down in
1911. A new and better concrete-stone building has grown
on the spot where the other two stood.
More than one hundred preachers have ministered to this
church. Among them there were James Robeson, William
Ryan, W. P. Bowles, Amos Watkins, Dr. Young, Dr. War-
riner, William Davenport, G. W. Minier, James Mitchell,
J. G. Campbell, Albert Peeler, Jonathan Park, David Lind-
say, ST., William Brownell, Dr. J. M. Allen, O. A. Burgess,
John Lindsay, Washington and Jefferson Houston, P. W.
Schick, J. W. Owen and J. J. Stagner.
G. R. Southgate and Bert Ross have gone from this
church into the ministry.
NOTE. — To Mr. Geo. W. Nance, of Bloomington, is the
credit of the good record for this county.
MACON COUNTY.
Antioch (Decatur).
Organized 1850, by John W. Tyler ; present membership,
70; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1859;
present enrollment, 68.
This church was formed in the Salem Schoolhouse, one-
half mile west of the present site. In 1864, Mr. Tyler gave
the congregation one acre of ground on the south edge of
his farm. There, in the same year, a very strong frame
building was erected. This was used until 1909, when the
present attractive building: was begun and finished in 1910,
during the ministry of N. S. Haynes. Its cost was about
$5,000.
This little country church, located five miles east of
CHURCHES 299
Decatur, on the C., H. & D. Railway, has given to the
ministry B. B. and J. Z. Tyler (sons of J. W. Tyler), W.
S. Harmon, C. A. Heckel and J. P. Lichtenberger.
The chief honor for establishing this church belongs to
"Uncle John Tyler." Of late years Mrs. Emma Heckel has
been its most faithful and useful member.
Argenta.
Organized 1848, by Dr. J. B. Millison; present member-
ship, 65; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1883;
present enrollment, 26.
This church was formed in a schoolhouse in Newberg,
a country village one mile east of Argenta. In 1872 the
place of meeting was transferred to the railway village of
Argenta. The Clifton and Hill families were prominent in
the work of the church in its earlier years.
William Brennan gave the church helpful service in its
early life.
Blue Mound.
Organized 1861, by A. D. Northcutt; present membership,
224; value of property, including parsonage, $16,500; Bible
school began 1867; present enrollment, 132.
This church was formed in the farm residence of Mar-
shall Randall, two and one-half miles northwest of Blue
Mound. The charter members were Marshall Randall and
wife, J. C. Rose and wife, Daniel Daniels and wife, William
Overman and wife, Denman H. Clements and wife, C. C.
Hollier and wife, and Horace Stivers. All of these have
gone to their reward. The meetings for public worship were
held in the residence of Mr. Randall and in the schoolhouse
till 1873. The building of the railway started Blue Mound
and turned the village of Randallville back into farm fields.
In this, transference of membership was made. Under the
leadership of A. D. Northcutt, a U. B. chapel was bought,
moved to the town, repaired and used until the present fine
brick edifice was completed in 1906. Mrs. Nancy Lewis was
300 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
one of the leaders in this enterprise. In 1880, at the sug-
gestion of Mr. Northcutt, she was chosen to serve as a dea-
conness and gave the church faithful and efficient service.
Center Ridge (Maroa).
Organized 1867, by Dr. L. A. Engle; present member-
ship, 60; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 35.
This church was organized in the Center Ridge School-
house, where it met for worship for twenty years. In 1887
a neat frame building was erected at a crossroads two and
one-fourth miles due west of Emery. It is kept in good
condition.
The charter members are the following: James D. Ross
and wife and their children Albert F., James M. and Nancy
E. Ross ; Jordan Simpson and wife, Peter W. Wycoff and
wife and son J. W. ; D. Jones and wife, Thomas Shockey
and wife, W. W. and Edward Shockey, and E. Blackerly.
Of these, James D. Ross was the leading spirit. This little
church has gone steadily on, serving the community well for
forty-five years.
It gave George W. Ross to the ministry.
Mrs. J. D. Lyman is the clerk.
Harristown.
Organized 1861, by Dr. W. A. Mallory; present member-
ship, 180; value of church property, including parsonage,
$4,500; Bible school began 1861 ; present enrollment, 118.
Of the twenty charter members, all except three have
passed away. James M. Eyman, Aliff C. Willard and Mrs.
Ella J. Averitt are the survivors.
This church has always had fine conceptions of Christian
privileges and responsibilities. Probably the one entitled to
more honor for this divine outlook was that superior man,
J. H. Pickerell. The church has other choice spirits.
A modest, well-kept building has met its needs. The
church gave George Hamilton to the ministry. He died in
CHURCHES 301
early manhood. But three of its daughters are wives of
ministers — Mrs. C. S. Medbury, Mrs. I. N. McCash, and
Mrs. R. A. Gilcrist, who recently died.
Oreana.
Organized 1864, by Dr. J. W. Thayer; present member-
ship, 125; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began
1864; present enrollment, 112.
For about ten years the public meetings were held in
Zion Schoolhouse. In 1874 a frame building, costing $1,365,
was erected. This gave place to the modernized building
in 1895.
The earlier ministers of the church were William Bren-
nan, E. C. Weekly, J. B. Millison and John Wilson.
It is in the records that the church paid $50 to missionary
work in 1874.
The church has always served the community well.
Among the honored families of the church in its early years
there were Noble, Boyer, Spooner, Moothart and others.
Maroa.
Organized 1862, by A. N. Page : value of property, includ-
ing parsonage, $23,700; Bible school began 1869; present
enrollment, 210.
This church was organized in the residence of Dr. J. W.
Thayer, who was an ordained minister, but whose life was
chiefly given to the practice of medicine. There were twenty-
four charter members, most of whom came from the Texas
congregation in De Witt County. J. S. Clough and M. M.
Thomas were the first elders ; D. J. Harlan and Samuel
Potter, deacons, and Dr. Thayer, clerk.
For several years the meetings for public worship were
held regularly in the schoolhouse. The first building was
finished in 1869. More than one thousand persons turned to
the Lord in that sanctuary. It gave place in 1911 to a new,
large and modern structure, during the pastorate of W. H.
Harding.
302 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
John W. Tyler was the church's first preacher. Dr.
Thayer followed for several years. While the church was
struggling in its earlier years, it was helped by the ministry
of Dudley Downs, Leroy Skelton, John Craycroft, John Wil-
son and Charles Rowe. During the pastorate of J. V. Beck-
man the church had a large numerical growth.
Niantic.
Organized 1868; present membership, 364; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $10,500; Bible-school enrollment,
170.
Niantic grew after the railway was built. The first mem-
bers came from the Long Point Church. Meetings were
first held in the town hall. The subscription for building
the chapel specifically stated that none of the fund should
be used for a steeple or tower. A special fund was raised
for this purpose. Among the leading men in the early years
of the church were T. A. and J. W. Prichett, George Wree,
and Griffin and Peter Chamberlain. B. J. Radford was the
first pastor.
From the first the church had a healthy growth. It has
always had a part in every good work. Its officers have
been efficient. It is strong in material property and apostolic
in outlook. Nearly $1,000 is paid annually for general benev-
olences.
Long Point (Niantic).
Organized 1850, by John Powell; value of property,
$1,200.
This location is about two miles south of Niantic. In
the late forties several families came from Morgan County
and settled there. There were fourteen charter members.
The first officers were Nathan G. Averitt, elder, with James
Dingman and James Sanders as deacons. Of the original
members, Mrs. Elizabeth Chamberlain and Mrs. Rebecca
Ford, both daughters of N. G. Averitt, are still living. Mins.
A. J. Kane, Dr. John Hughes, John England, A. D. North-
CHURCHES 303
cutt and others served the congregation in its earlier years.
Above the entrance door of the chapel is a marble slab,
on which are carved the following words : "This building was
erected by the Long Point Church of Christ and is dedicated
to the worship oi almighty God so long as instrumental
music is not used therein."
James Dingman and James Sanders were the two strong
and unique characters of the community who, in their later
years, gave to the congregation its ultra-conservative cast.
But the memory of each is rightfully held in high regard.
The congregation as such paid $5 to the State Missionary
Society in 1865.
It now has preaching one- fourth of the time.
Decatur.
The town site of Decatur was laid out late in 1829.
Within a year or two a log courthouse was built near the
present spot of the Transfer Station. This house still
stands — now in Fairview Park. If its logs could echo all
the voices they have heard, the souls of the living would be
strangely stirred. In that primitive temple of justice Joseph
Hostetler first preached in 1833. The next year there he
organized a church upon the Bible as the only rule of faith
and practice. In 1835 he gave the infant church a piece
of hazel-brush-covered ground at what is now the corner of
Wood and Water Streets. On this plot a log church, about
twenty feet square, was soon built. Among the charter
members of the church there were James and Polly Carter,
Landy and Elizabeth Harrold, Joseph Hostetler and wife,
Mrs. Martha Williams, Mrs. Rebecca Hanks, Mrs. Elizabeth
Cantrall and Mrs. Pratt. Soon there were added Warren
G. Strickland and wife, and Mrs. Charlotte Turpin. John
W. Tyler, with his family, came from Kentucky in 1836 and
shortly thereafter united with the church. Among those
who began the Christian life in the log church were Mrs.
J. W. Tyler, John and Elizabeth Rucker, and Mrs. Judith
Oglesby, a sister-in-law of Richard J. Oglesby.
304 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Carroll Edds came in 1851 and, with Dr. A. L. Keller,
formed the first prayer-meeting.
This building served as the place of public worship for
twenty years. In 1855 it gave place to the plain brick house
that stood at the corner of North Main and North Streets.
In this year Ebenezer McNabb came to the town and the
church organized the first Sunday school. In the fifties the
church grew by conversions and by those of like faith who
came from Tennessee, Kentucky and Ohio. For about
twenty-five years the church had as its preachers Joseph
Hostetler, J. W. Tyler, Bushrod W. Henry, Robert Foster,
J. P. Lancaster, James Fanning, G. W. Patterson, Walter P.
Bowles, William Morrow, H. Bowles, Tobias Grider, W. W.
Happy, Dr. A. L. Keller and A. J. Kane. They were self-
sacrificing pioneers, mighty in the Scriptures, heroic in their
devotion. The pastors who followed were William Ebert,
Alford Paden, Dr. John Hughes, A. J. Taft, W. C. Dawson,
P. D. Vermilion, Ira Mitchell, Lucius Ames, A. D. Northcutt,
N. S. Haynes, T. W. Pinkerton, E. B. Cake, Simon Rorher
and George F. Hall. Interims were occupied by Dr. L. A.
Engle, C. E. Weekley and J. W. Tyler. During the pas-
torate of Mr. Haynes the "little brick church" gave place to
a frame building in 1875. It was more attractive, com-
modious and modern. This church gave to the ministry A.
P. Cobb and W. A. Humphrey. In 1893 the lot at Main and
North Streets was sold and the building moved to the rear
of the newly purchased lot at Edward and William Streets.
During the pastorate of Mr. Hall, lots were bought and the
Tabernacle erected in 1894 to accommodate his audiences.
In 1896 the church was divided and a part returned to the
old house at Edwards and William Streets. This is known
as the
Central Church of Christ.
Present membership, 800 ; value of property, including
parsonage, $40,000.
During the pastorate of F. W. Burnham, the present
CHURCHES 305
house was built. After its occupancy the old frame building
was moved to the corner of Leafland Avenue and Warren
Street, where a mission Sunday school was maintained for
twenty years. Later the mission was abandoned and the
property sold.
The people who remained with Mr. Hall at the Taber-
nacle organized as
The First Christian Church.
Present membership, 879; value of property, $35,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 380.
The building was improved and renamed the "Temple"
during the pastorate of F. B. Jones. It was torn down in
1913 to give place to a modern structure during the pastorate
of E. M. Smith.
Seventy-two people withdrew from the First Church in
1908 under the lead of the retiring pastor, O. P. Wright,
and were organized as
The East Side Christian Church.
Present membership, 75; value of property, $14,000:
Bible-school enrollment, 125.
It has made small growth and is heavily in debt. The
field is wide and deserving. (The church is dead.)
MACOUPIN COUNTY.
Atwater.
Present membership, 143 ; value of property, including
parsonage, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 59.
Blooming Grove (Nilwood).
Organized 1873, by Aslver Solomon and George McElroy ;
present membership, 64; value of property, $2,000; Bible
school began 1874 ; present enrollment, 58.
This congregation is located six miles east of Palmyra.
The charter members were Elizabeth A., Thomas and Sarah
Mahan; Mary A. Cleery; James B. and Nancy A. Burleson;
306 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
James A. Williams, Rosetta A. Lair, William and Eliza-
beth Crum, Ellin Slagle, Amiel and Mary Hunt, John A.
and Emily Hart. First elders were James M. Lair and
Thomas Mahan; first deacons, Amiel Hunt and Richard
Cramp.
Berean (Modesto).
Organized 1830, by Jack Nifing; present membership,
25 ; value of property, $800 ; no Bible school.
This congregation is located three miles northeast of
Modesto. It is "the church of Christ and not the Christian
Church." It has Bible classes, but no Bible school. It is
opposed to "the pastor," but has preaching one Lord's Day
in the month ; also is opposed to "so much preach for so
much money" and to instrumental music in the public wor-
ship. The correspondent is J. C. Ready, Fidelity, 111.
Boston Chapel (Girard).
Present membership, 60; value of property, $1,800; Bible-
school enrollment, 38.
This is four miles east of Girard.
Carllnville.
Organized 1896, by R. A. Omer; present membership,
132; value of property, including parsonage, $14,000; Bible
school began 1896; present enrollment, 88.
The charter members were as follows: Rhoda Macknet;
II. T., Cleopatra G., Georgia and Harry B. Richardson ;
John and Lucinda E. Wilson ; Emma, Willie and Lelia Gib-
erson ; E. A. Utt, Annie E. Glover, Jennie Hayes, Florence
and Mary Cunningham, John Taylor, Selma Egnew, Franklin
and Susan Smith, Lodusky Miller, William and Jane Clark,
Darius Swain, Luther Crowdy, Mary Deeds, Elizabeth Frick-
ers, Jesse H. and Margaret T. Smith: total, twenty-nine. Ot
these, thirteen are dead and five have removed. M. T. Rich-
ardson is the clerk. The church has half-time preaching.
W. A. Green has been given to the ministry.
CHURCHES 307
Gillespie.
Organized 1859; present membership, 84; value of prop-
erty, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
The first congregation grew to number about sixty, but
was left without competent leaders and failed. In 1898 the
church was revived. Mrs. J. P. Gross is clerk.
Girard.
Organized 1860, by Alexander Johnston ; present mem-
bership, 177; value of property, including parsonage, $8,000;
Bible school began 1860; present enrollment, 166.
C. H. Metcalf says : "The following names are those of
the charter members : Sisters Thurman, Moore, Grandma and
Miss Kate Eastman, Miss Fannie Eastman, Mrs. Belle
Woods, and John Ewing and wife." The church was formed
by Evangelist Johnston under the auspices of the State Mis-
sion Board. The meetings were held in residences and the
Universalist chapel till the completion of the first house in
1865. The present building was finished in 1900. The first
elders were John Ewing and James Duncan : later Jacob
Deck, J. D. Metcalf, L. J. Thompson, Isaac Moore and Dr.
Clark. These were Scriptural elders to whom the church
owes very much.
Good revival meetings were held by able evangelists and
wise pastors have served the church. It is well organized
and has a very honorable record. Leonard G. Thompson
was given to the ministry.
Modesto.
Organized 1890, by J. W. McGuffin ; present membership,
61; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1890; pres-
ent enrollment, 49.
The charter members were R. T. and E. E. Allyn ; P. R.
Cox ; J. M., Flora and S. E. Allyn ; Sarah and Rose David-
son ; J. J. Sims, Walter and Fannie Allyn, A. S. Chapman
and N. A. Jones.
308 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Oak Grove (Rhorer).
Present membership, 36; value of property, $1,400.
Mrs. J. F. Haynes, Modesto, is correspondent.
Palmyra.
Organized 1867; present membership, 392; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $4,500; Bible school began 1867;
present enrollment, 300.
There is no record of the earlier years of this congrega-
tion. It has given to the ministry of the gospel Messrs.
Albert Cherry, Lowell, Perry and John McPherson, three
brothers in the flesh and in the Lord, and Miss Inez Hum-
phrey, a schoolteacher in the Southern Christian Institute at
Edwards, Miss. L. E. Chase is the efficient pastor, and P.
G. Mahon, clerk.
Round Prairie (Bunker Hill).
Organized 1845; present membership, 20; value of prop-
erty, $500; no Bible school.
The location is six miles southeast of Bunker Hill. Its
record of late years is the pathetic and oft-repeated one —
deaths and removals, and the occupation of the farms by
foreign-born people.
L. S. Mize, Scottville, is the clerk.
Scottville.
Present membership, 160; value of property, $3,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 67.
Point (Barnett).
Organized 1882; present membership, 64; value of prop-
erty, $850; Bible-school enrollment, 59.
This is about three miles northwest of Barnett. It was
formed after the older church of this name moved to Bar-
nett, and was hence called by the name of the new town.
CHURCHES 309
Staunton.
Present membership, 50; value of property, $1,200; Bible-
school enrollment, 78.
Weak. Paul N. Stone is correspondent.
West Prairie (Dorchester).
Present membership, 12; value of property, $500; no
Bible school.
Virden.
Organized 1882, by W. F. Black; present membership,
240; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible
school began 1883 ; present enrollment, 175.
The charter members were Samuel and Mrs. Mary E.
Williams, L. N. Roland, Jacob and Mrs. Cardace Groves,
Dempsey and Mrs. Lucy Solomon, James A. and Mrs.
Amelia M. Bronaugh, John Aldmon, Henry M. and Mrs.
Flora Gates, Mrs. Lizzie Rice, Mrs. D. W. Williams, Mrs.
D. M. and Mrs. Maxie Z. Henderson, Mrs. Nancy J.
McNight, Mrs. Newton Allen, Mrs. Susan and Mrs. Lottie
Plowman, Mrs. Eva Strong, Mrs. Laura Piper, Mrs. Anna
Kable, Mrs. Louise Spaulding and Mrs. M. J. Wigginton.
The church has been prosperous from its beginning. The
present edifice was built in 1812. S. M. Connor was the
first pastor, and A. M. Hale the present one.
Mr. J. P. Henderson has been actively connected with the
church from its beginning. His grandmother was Anna
Provine, and his grandfather, John Henderson. Both were
associated with Barton Wr. Stone in Kentucky. John Hender-
son was ordained to the ministry at Bloomington. Ind., in
1821.
Extinct Congregations.
The Sulphur Springs chapel stands four miles west of
Waggoner. It was built as a union house in 1852. It is
now used only for funerals, a cemetery holding the sacred
dust of several thousand people having grown there during
310 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
the sixty years. At this place a church of Christ was organ-
ized in 1857. It prospered, and as the years passed away
gave its members to Atwater, Boston Chapel, McVey, Shaw's
Point and Waggoner congregations. It disbanded in 1888.
The churches at McVey and Dorchester have died, the
latter after a life of thirty-five years. This is the home of
J. E. Masters, the oldest Christian minister in the county.
Chapman's Point, so called from John Chapman, who
settled there in an early day, was nine miles west of Virden,
from whence came the Goode brothers — M. M. and G. M.
MADISON COUNTY.
Edwardsinlle.
Organized 1889, by J. H. Garrison; present membership,
37; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1889;
present enrollment, 36.
Mr. E. J. Jeffries and Dr. William Olive led in the work
of forming this church. They were heartily assisted by Mr.
A. O. French, a prominent member of the M. E. Church.
Capable ministers have served here, but the city is so largely
made up of foreign-born people that the congregation grows
slowly. It has given G. H. Rowe to the ministry. Messrs.
Jeffries and Olive are elders, and H. M. Groves is clerk.
Granite City.
Present membership, 260; value of property, $9,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 185.
Marine.
Present membership, 60; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 97.
Neiv Douglas.
Present membership, 90 ; value of property, including par-
sonage, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 72.
CHURCHES 311
Ridgely (Dorsey).
Organized 1850, by Mrs. Matilda Dorsey O'Bannon;
present membership, 10; value of property, $800.
The chapel was built the same year. It is three miles
east of Dorsey. The church is in good condition, with
monthly preaching by W. H. Groner. G. R. Sutton, Moro,
is the correspondent.
Warden.
Organized 1892, by W. Wilbur; present membership, 112;
value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1892; present
enrollment, 108.
There were fourteen charter members.
The chapel was built in 1895. Mrs. J. R. Piper is the
clerk.
MARION COUNTY.
Alma.
Organized 1867, by John Ross; present membership, 50;
value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1867; present
enrollment, 83.
There were fifteen charter members. The church grew
steadily for a time. It, like many others, came under the
reactionary spirit of the early seventies, by which the numer-
ical growth and spirituality were crippled for years.
Cartter.
Organized 1866, by W. C. Hill ; present membership, 35 ;
value of property, $2,400; Bible school began 1866; present
enrollment, 36.
The Cartter Church is the outgrowth of the Harvey's
Point congregation. In 1808, Captain Harvey and his com-
panion overtook two horse-thieves on the road leading from
Salem to Old Foxville, and captured them. In order to
get some water, Captain Harvey left his companion in charge
of the outlaws. But he left his gun, and when he returned
one of the thieves fired upon the captain and killed him. So
312 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ill his honor the place was named Harvey's Point. This
church, in the early years of its life, built a large frame
house on the spot where Harvey died. Mins. William C.
Hill, J. M. Mulkey and James Snow did much for the
church in its earlier years.
G. W. Stevenson came from this congregation to the
ministry.
The church grew feeble by removals, so in September,
1911, it was reorganized by Min. J. F. Rosboro in Cartter,
the near-by railway town.
Centralia.
Organized 1856, by John A. Williams ; present member-
ship, 675 ; value of property, $35,000 ; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 835.
This church was formed at Central City. It soon became
apparent that the center of business would be moved to
Centralia, and hence the church was transferred to that
place. The eight charter members were the following: Jacob,
Harriet and Simpson Frazier; Daniel Meyers, James and
Jane McCarthy, Margeret Whitton and Louisa Hawkins. A
lot was bought and a commodious frame building erected
thereon. In 1866 this building was burned. Thereafter, for
several years, the meetings were held in rented halls. As a
consequence, the church continued to become weaker and
weaker. In 1872 another frame chapel, costing $2,400, was
erected. This gave place in 1909 to a new, modern and
beautiful edifice, costing $32,000. This was during the pas-
torate of J. F. Rosboro.
During the Civil War and for years following, the church
sustained serious injury from the bitter political feeling that
then existed. The church is alive to all good works.
Donahue Prairie (Kell).
Organized 1898, by C. A. Burton ; present membership,
100; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1898;
present enrollment, 100.
CHURCHES 313
About 1850 a congregation was formed and met for
worship in the residence of John Hill, Sr. As the years
passed and churches were organized in that section, many
of these members united with them. Through the work of
W. C. Hill and others, the remnant of the old church was
gathered up and a new start was made. The chapel was
finished in 1899. The Church Extension Board loaned this
country congregation $250, which has been paid. There
were sixteen charter members. S. S. Turley, S. C. and
Isaac Hill are elders, and the last named is clerk also.
Cast on Grove (Cartter).
Organized 1884, by J. H. G. Brinkerhoff; present mem-
bership, 89; value of property, $900; Bible school began
1887; present enrollment, 46.
A meeting was held in the Huff Schoolhouse in 1886 by
Minister Brinkerhoff and was followed up by a year's work.
There were forty-two charter members, most of whom came
from the Mt. Moriah and Harvey's Point Churches. The
site was selected and the Gaston Grove chapel was built.
Like most country churches, there have been many losses by
removals, but the work is maintained.
This church has given A. Leroy Huff to the ministry.
Bessie Huff is clerk.
Kell.
Organized 1896, by J. F. Rosboro; present membership,
15; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1895;
present membership, 30.
The preachers having served the church were C. A. Bur-
ton, Clark Braden, W. J. Simer, R. M. Philips, F. O.
Fannon and George Foley.
Kinmundy.
Organized 1899, by J. H. Smart ; present membership,
110; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1899;
present enrollment, 134.
314 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
E. C. Bargh and his family, with a few other Disciples,
had held meeting irregularly for thirteen years. Min. J. H.
Smart, then the pastor of the church in Centralia, was
engaged by the mission board of the district to hold a series
of meetings and organize a church. This was done in the
summer of 1899. These meetings were held in the M. E.
Church South, and in a public hall. There were fifty char-
ter members. A lot was bought and a good building finished
the next year. The church has continued to grow in mem-
bers and influence.
Lovel Grove (luka).
Present membership, 60; value of property, $1,050; Bible-
school enrollment, 34.
This church is about one mile south of the village of
Omega. In the early fifties this congregation met in a log
house about two miles south of the present chapel. It was
known as Bee Branch Church. A nice, up-to-date country
chapel was built in 1880. In the earlier years, H. A. Van-
dusen, John A. Williams, John Tinkler, Rolla B. Henry,
William T. Williams, H. A. Harrell and William Chaffin
ministered to the people. All these have gone to their
reward. W. J. Simer has served the church for the past
thirty years. What better proof could be given of a genuine
preacher and a fine people?
From this church there came to the ministry H. A. Van-
dusen, F. M. Philips, John Tinkler, W. J. Simer and A.
A. Millican.
Mt. Moriah (Mt. Vernon).
Organized 1829 ; present membership, 135 ; value of prop-
erty, $500; Bible-school enrollment, 134.
This is the oldest church in Marion County. It was
organized as a Free Will Baptist church and held this name
until 1837. In that year it renounced this name for "Church
of Christ" and came into full accord with the principles of
the Restoration movement. Among the consecrated leaders
CHURCHES 315
in the early years there were William Chaffin, David R.
Chance, Samuel Shook and Charles Drennen. They were
pioneer preachers who underwent hardships and dangers
uncomplainingly for the truth's sake.
The first meeting-house was of logs. After its decay
three successive frame buildings have been occupied. The
second of these was partly wrecked by a windstorm, but was
repaired and used till 1904, when the present neat chapel was
built. It is located about eight miles southwest of Salem.
John A. Williams was the gift of this church to the min-
istry— a magnificent contribution.
Odin.
Organized 1878, by James M. Hawley; present member-
ship, 188; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began
1878; present enrollment, 113.
There were sixteen charter members. A neat frame
church, costing $2,000, was built and occupied early in 1880.
Before that the meetings were held in a public hall.
This church gave to the ministry R. Leland Brown. He
had served as a deacon and an elder before he was set apart
to the ministry of the Word. He has served a number of
strong churches, as well as the evangelist of the Seventh and
Eighth Districts.
Patoka.
Organized 1875, by Samuel Hawley; present member-
ship, 125; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began
1882; present enrollment, 129.
This church made but little progress for five years.
In 1880 it was reorganized by Min. J. D. Morgan. There
were then twenty-nine males and eleven females composing
the membership. The church then began to grow. A
church building was erected in 1882, and in 1905 an addition
was built, making it a very neat structure. A large portion
of the membership reside in the country south of town. They
have erected a chapel and maintain a Bible school there as
well as in town. C. M. Ashton is clerk.
316 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Salem.
Organized 1866, by John A. Williams ; present member-
ship, 265; value of property, $25,000; Bible school began
1867; present enrollment, 310.
This church was formed in the house of John A. Wil-
liams. The members were few in number, but they at once
bought a frame building that had been used by the Cumber-
land Presbyterians. They repaired and used it until 1879.
The next year a brick chapel was occupied. This gave way
in 1906 to a new and modern building, costing about $22,000.
This was during the ministry of F. O. Fannon.
Mr. Williams preached for this church a long time. In
its earlier years it was also served by John W. Monehan,
John Bradley, J. O. Henry, J. H. G. Brinkerhoff and others.
Sandoval.
Organized 1889, by A. Martin; present membership, 320;
value of church property, including parsonage, $6,000; Bible
school began 1889; present enrollment, 144.
The meetings of the congregation were held the first year
in the Congregational Church. In 1890 the building now in
use was erected during the ministry of J. H. G. Brinkerhoff.
Smith's Grove (Kinmundy).
Organized 1882, by Joseph D. Morgan ; present member-
ship, 25 ; value of property, $400 ; Bible school began 1882 ;
present enrollment, 67.
This church is about seven miles east of Omega. About
eighty years ago a log church stood two miles east of
Smith's Grove. It was known as the Bluff Church because
it stood on a high bank of Skillet Fork, by a rock-bottomed
pool that has been used in baptizing through all these years.
When the old log house burned down, some of the members
formed the Old Union Church in Clay County. In the early
eighties, J D. Morgan gathered together members from the
Old Union Church, and others living in Krutchfield Prairie,
CHURCHES 317
and formed the Smith's Grove Church. The organization
was in a schoolhouse, but a chapel was soon built which the
congregation has outgrown. W. J. Sinier has preached for
this church for twenty-five years. Of it he says: "This
place can show more little folks out to Sunday school and
church to the square foot than any place that I have ever
been. Nearly all of the young folks are members of the
church."
Turkey Creek (Odin).
Organized 1867, by A. Martin.
This is a country church that has not grown much in
work or membership. It is also called Deadman, and is three
miles south of Odin.
Young's Chapel (Salem).
Organized 1883, by John A. Williams; present member-
ship, 82; value of property, $500; Bible school began 1883;
present enrollment, 46.
A country church. Preaching services had been held in a
schoolhouse in the community for forty years, but no organ-
ization was made till 1883. There were about twenty char-
ter members. J. H. G. Brinkerhoff and F. M. Morgan have
served the church.
Little Grove Church was two miles southeast of Cen-
tralia, and formed in the thirties or early forties. It dis-
solved about 1870.
Ministers.
]. W. Monnahan was a farmer, teacher and county super-
intendent of schools in the sixties and seventies. A good
preacher and able debater; an energetic and useful man.
Samuel Shook resided on his farm three miles southeast
of Centralia. His work was mainly in Marion County in
the thirties. He traveled on horseback, followed by his dog
"Trip," that lay under the pulpit while his master preached.
William Chaffin also resided on his farm in this county,
where he preached in the thirties and also in Clay and Jef-
318 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ferson Counties. He had a habit of placing his hand upon
his cheek while preaching, and often said: "I would work
my finger-nails off before I would make a price for my
preaching." He died before the Civil War.
David R. Chance lived on his farm five miles from luka.
He was a forceful and useful man, going all over that region.
At the table he would sometimes say: "You can tell a
preacher by the cups of coffee he drinks — one, two or three;
J take three."
Richard Huelin's home was near Walnut Hill in 1840.
He was a plain man who knew the Bible and traveled and
preached much.
James Snow resided in the same community. He was a
good man with a gentle disposition and his preaching con-
trasted with most of that of his brother ministers. He
resided on his farm and traveled widely.
H. A. Vandusen lived on his farm near Omega. He was
told that he had hurt a congregation by serving it for noth-
ing. He replied : "I don't know but what that is true." He
was a conservative, but earnestly opposed any thought of
division on questions of opinion.
It was in this county that an aged M. E. preacher said:
"A man can be a good Christian in any denomination except
the Campbellite or Mormon."
MARSHALL COUNTY.
The Crow Creek congregation, afterward known as trie
Salem Christian Church, was located about seven miles south
and a little east of Lacon. It was constituted probably in the
home of Nathan Owen, just down the hill from the old
Salem Cemetery, June 12, 1836. The agreement signed was
the following:
The believers in Christ on Crow Creek mutually agree to consti-
tute themselves in a congregational capacity on the Bible alone, and
to t?ke the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments for their rule
of faith, practice and discipline. And to have their n?mes registered
together and to live in subjection to each other according to the above-
named rule.
CHURCHES 319
This is signed by Nathan and Elizabeth Owen, William
B. and Stephen James, Milly Ann Davis, Isaac and Elizabeth
Black, I. F. and Mary Ann Miller, Betsy Martin, Susanah
Bird, Elder H. D. and Patsey Palmer, Isaac and Eliza Polk,
William and Alethee Maxwell. Meetings were held in the
homes of the members and in groves when weather per-
mitted. About 1845 a house was built which served the
people except during protracted meetings or on County
Co-operation days, when they adjourned to the groves. This
chapel stood two miles east of old Salem Cemetery. Its
walls were of brick made near by, but the lumber was
hauled by ox teams from Chicago, a distance of 125 miles
as the crow flies. Some of the sons of the men who helped
in this work are yet living. In later years it was used for
a schoolhouse and was finally torn down.
Henry D. Palmer was doubtless the great spiritual leader
in this work through many years and its influences were far-
reaching. It was here that Mr. Palmer taught O. A. Bur-
gess the right way of the Lord, saving him from unbelief
and starting him on his great career. Nathan Owen was
chosen deacon in 1836 and the next year Mr. Palmer was
chosen elder. Both of them were resident preachers and
farmers, as also John L. McCune. The church grew at one
time to a membership of 193 and was visited by all the
pioneer ministers in that section of the State. The last rem-
nant of the membership went to Washburn about 1896.
Belle Plain (La Rose).
Organized 1845; present membership, 115; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $4,500; Bible-school enrollment, 92.
Mr. A. F. Hatten, the clerk, says:
The church of Christ at Belle Plain was organized at the head-
waters of Crow Creek in a schoolhouse, May 10, 1845, by the follow-
ing: William, Robert, Rebecca, Olive and James Bennington; Isaac
M. and Eliza M. Polke, Elijah and Sarah Vandervoort, Geo. W. and
Margaret J. Taylor, James and Mary Martin, Jane Hester and Mary
Hatten. The meetings for worship were irregular for several years.
320 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In 1854, at a meeting in James Martin's barn, an unsuccessful effort
was made to build a chapel. But in 1856 Pattonsburg, the former
name of the town, was selected as the place and the house was built
there. It was then called the Liberty Church of Christ. This local
name was dropped when the name of the place was changed.
Among the early preachers there were James Robeson,
John T. Jones, Amos Watkins, James A. and John Lindsay,
and Carrol Ghent. Since then twenty-two others have served
the church.
Henry.
Organized 1889, by T. A. Boyer; present membership,
54; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1889;
present enrollment, 30.
This congregation was the immediate result of a five
weeks' meeting conducted by Evangelist Boyer. Many of its
members have moved away, so that it has never grown to be
strong. Miss Clara B. Waughop is the correspondent.
Toluca.
Organized 1858, by J. Q. A. Houston; value of property,
including parsonage, $9,000; Bible-school enrollment, 170.
For about thirty- four years this was known as the Antioch
Church and was located one mile west of Toluca town site.
Among the first families there were Skelton, Ball, Fetters,
Bennington, Stratton and Trowbridge. It was a country
church fruitful of great good. Leroy Skelton was given to
the ministry. Toluca grew up when the railway was built
and the chapel was moved there in 1892. A new building
was erected in 1895.
S. S. Lappin began his ministry in this church.
MASON COUNTY.
The following is furnished by Min. R. E. Henry, pastor
of the Havana Church:
The first church of the Christians dates its beginning from the
coming into the county of Uncle Jimmie Ross, from Morgan County,
CHURCHES 321
in 1840. He had been for more than forty years a class-leader in
the M. E. Church, but before coming into this county he had been
won by the plea of the Restoration. Upon his settlement on Quiver
Prairie, six miles northeast of Havana, he began to preach from
house to house, and in the spring of 1841, in an unfinished barn, with
the assistance of Elder Josiah Crawford of the Old Salem Church,
held a revival of several weeks and organized a church. Elder Craw-
ford continued to preach here for many years once or twice a month.
A building was later built and, while the work is not kept up at
present, occasional services are held in it. Among the early preachers
were William Davenport, W. A. Poynter, Andrew Page, John Lindsay
and J. I. Judy. Of the charter members Grandma Kroell, formerly
Mrs. Atwater, remains in vigorous health and mind at the advanced
age of ninety years.
The next church organized in the county some years after the one
at Quiver was at Bath, which is still in fair condition.
Some thirty-five years ago the church at Mason City was organized
and is one of the strong religious forces in the eastern part of the
county for righteousness. They have only recently built a fine house
of worship.
The work in Havana was organized about fifteen years ago by the
State Missionary Society under the leadership of J. Fred Jones. Be-
fore the church was organized, G. M. Goode and J. B. Dabney held a
meeting, finding twenty-six who had fellowship with the church else-
where and ready to organize. Twelve years ago a building was pur-
chased from the Dutch Reformed Church and rededicated by J. H.
Gilliland. The first few years the church was supplied by students
from Eureka among whom for three years was Joseph Serena. Dur-
ing the pastorate of Louis O. Lehman the work was organized at
Topeka and Kilbourne. The work at the former place has been dis-
continued, while at the latter place a good half-time work is main-
tained with a Bible school.
There is also an organization of Disciples at Pleasant Plains and
a work is maintained as a union church with the Baptists.
In later years Min. J. M. Haughey gave this county
excellent service, often walking to his appointments.
MASSAC COUNTY.
Bethel (Grand Chain).
Organized 1885, by George Barrows ; present member-
ship, 60; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1885;
present enrollment, 78.
This church is near Hillerman.
11
322 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Brookport.
Organized 1885, by Dr. D. M. Breaker; present member-
ship, 60; value of property, including parsonage, $2,600;
Bible school began 1885 ; present enrollment, 79.
This church lived ten years without a building. It has
grown and done good service all the time.
Joppa.
Organized 1881, by C. H. Waddell; present membership,
40; value of property, including parsonage, $1,800; Bible
school began 1881 ; present enrollment, 50.
There were seventy-three charter members. The church
made no progress for five years. Under the ministry of R.
P. Warren new life came to it; but he was killed in 1890
by a runaway horse. Another period of depression followed.
Under the ministry of O. J. Page the church took on new
life. In 1895 a new building was erected.
Liberty Ridge (Metropolis).
Organized 1867, by Dr. Joseph Brown ; present member-
ship, 40; value of property, $1,200; no Bible school.
A country church located six miles northwest of Metrop-
olis. It was organized in a log schoolhouse. Soon thereafter
a cheap building was erected which in later years was mod-
ernized and rebuilt. In its early years Stanton Fields
preached for the congregation.
Little Rock (Unionville).
Organized 1875, by W. W. Dugger; present membership,
80; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 75.
This church is made up of negroes. It is located in the
east end of the county. They meet regularly every Lord's
Day for worship, with half-time preaching. They are doing
good work.
CHURCHES 323
Metropolis.
Organized 1864, by Joseph Brown; present membership,
300; value of property, including parsonage, $3,100; Bible
school began 1867; present enrollment, 160.
The church was at first made up largely of refugees who
had come from Kentucky and Tennessee during the Civil
War. After its close many of them moved away. The
organization was made in the courthouse. The first church
house was built in 1867. It was wrecked by a cyclone and
rebuilt.
This church has baptized more than one thousand people.
It has given to the ministry J. P. Alsup, B. L. Beshers and
T. J. Golightly. J. F. McCartney was one of its most force-
ful and useful men.
The first pastor was B. C. Deweese; the last, J. S. Clem-
ents.
Mt. Pleasant (Brookport).
Present membership, 24; value of property, $800.
Conservative.
Samouth.
Present membership, 40; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
This is a union church.
Unionville.
Organized 1865, by W. W. Dugger; present member-
ship, 100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began
1902; present enrollment, 100.
This place is ten miles southeast of Metropolis. Mr.
Dugger was invited to preach in the M. E. Church, which
he did. The invitation was soon withdrawn. Min. G. W.
Hughey, of the M. E. Church, denounced Mr. Dugger as a
"Baptist infidel," and of his brethren in faith he said: "They
are not Christians, but Campbellites, and Campbellites they
shall be called." However, a church was organized that
aimed to be Christian only. A small church building was
324 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
erected which was the first owned by the Disciples in the
county. Another and better house has since been built.
MENARD COUNTY.
Athens.
Organized 1838, by John A. Powell; present member-
ship, 201; value of property, $5,500; Bible-school enrollment,
146.
A wagon-maker named Brockman went from Jackson-
ville to Athens about 1836. He was quite an exhorter and
moved those who heard him to tears. About that time a
large, well-formed man, with a powerful voice and dressed
in homespun, began to preach there; he spoke just as the
Disciples preached on Pentecost and afterward. That was
John A. Powell, of Sugar Grove. Shortly he secured Evan-
gelist Robert Foster to help in a meeting. There a little
congregation was formed. But by reason of a lack of com-
petent leadership, in a few years the congregation went
down. Peter Akers, M. E. Church, did what he could in
three-hour sermons toward pounding the life out of this
little church.
About 1850, Adam Grove, a tailor, located in Athens and
began to agitate the question of a church of Christ there.
He was soon joined by James Mott, a cabinet-maker, who,
with others, began to build a small brick chapel about 1851.
The lot cost $10 and is yet owned by the congregation. The
trustees at that time were C. R. Pierce, John Jordan, Wil-
liam Price, James Hall, William Primm, Robert Edwards,
and A. H. Foster, clerk. The congregation was served by
the central Illinois pioneer preachers of those years. Dur-
ing the earlier years of the Civil War the congregation again
went to pieces. But it was renewed again in 1864 by the
return and faithful ministry of Clayborne Hall. Since then
the work has gone steadily on. In 1858 a new building was
erected.
Mr. Hall was a faithful man and to him this church is
CHURCHES 325
much indebted. Twenty-one years of his life were passed in
Iowa.
Greenview.
Organized 1869, by D. D. Miller; present membership,
215; value of property, including parsonage, $2,700; Bible-
school enrollment, 140.
"The church of Christ, meeting for worship at Green-
view, 111.," grew out of the efforts of the church at Sweet
Water. Previous to the organizing there was regular
preaching for eight months in a hall by Mins. T. W. Raney
and D. T. Hughes. All of the charter members except one
came from Sweet Water. They were: Wm. N. and Silas
Alkine, C. R. Rice, M. M. Ingle; G. W., Elijah C, Nancy
and Manda A. Pierce; S. H. Blane, William C. and Elizabeth
S. Yowell, D. T. and Martha Hughes, Paulina and Jane
Killion, Mary A. Propst, Mary Samson, James Meadows,
Lewis and Eliza Yuens, J. H. Applegate, Annie Cogal and
Alvina Roberts. These members mutually pledged them-
selves to faithful Christian service to the close of their lives.
The congregation grew in numbers. In 1870, C. R. Pierce
and James Yowell were chosen as elders, with Alonzo Matts
and Mr. Ingle as deacons. In 1879 the place of meeting
was changed from a hall to the Baptist chapel and the two
Sunday schools united. Then, being without a pastor, the
congregation waned for a few years. Then Joel Shoemaker
served as pastor. The church house was not built until 1890.
Then there was a reconsecration of the members, led by
Min. David Husband. There were about forty persons.
Chas. Smoot, J. P. Lichtenberger, C. A. Heckel, W. T.
McConnell, Mr. Allen, Lewis Goos, J. W. Flynn and R. D.
Cartwright have served the congregation. C. W. Freeman
is now pastor.
E. A. Propst has served as superintendent of the Bible
school since its beginning. S. H. Blane and family have been
most helpful members.
It has given to the ministry Ralph Callaway.
326 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Petersburg.
Organized 1863, by Alexander Johnston; present mem-
bership, 620; value of property, $30,000; Bible school began
1863; present enrollment, 275.
In the forties, Aaron B. White, a Christian minister
residing in Petersburg, and his sons cleared out the under-
brush and built a stand for an open-air meeting just across
the street east from his residence. This is the spot on
which the present church now stands. Evangelist W. H.
Brown preached on that outdoor stand in 1846; with what
results it is not known.
About 1860 the Davis, Arnold, Lamar, Capps and
Cheaney families were residents of that community and
began to meet on the Lord's Days for public worship accord-
ing to the word of God. The L. A. and Jackson Whipp
families came, too, a little later. The most zealous and
devoted of all these was Mrs. James W. Cheaney, whose
presence in the house of the Lord is to this day an inspira-
tion. The first elders were Dr. K. B. Davis and Robert
Arnold. A few years after the organization L. A. Whipp
was made an elder, and continues to this time to fill the
place with zeal and earnestness. In 1875 a forward move-
ment, led by Mrs. Cheaney, was determined upon. Mr. and
Mrs. J. W. Judy, of Tallula, promised their help. When the
big tent in which the meeting was to be held was hauled
from the depot to the location, Colonel Judy rode astride
of it. Some of his friends along the street twitted him.
Within two months, they learned that he who laughs last
laughs best. The meeting conducted by Evangelist D. R.
Lucas resulted in about 260 additions and placed the church
firmly upon its feet.
The first house was built in 1876 and the present modern
structure in 1909, during the pastorates of W. M. Groves
and B. H. Sealock. J. W. Judy and W. G. Green, of
Tallula, and L. A. Whipp and A. G. Nance have given the
church valuable financial support. The pastorate of M. M.
CHURCHES 327
Goode is remembered to have been 01 great service to the
congregation.
Two public debates were held here — the Lucas-Miller and
J. S. Sweeney with Min. "Universalist" Marvin.
The church has had eleven pastors. Dr. D. T. Hughes,
Harrison Osborne, John Owen and Dr. L. A. Engle were
among the early preachers.
Sweet Water.
Organized 1825; present membership, 115; value of prop-
erty, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 100.
Menard County was a part of Sangamon until the meet-
ing of the General Assembly in 1838-39. The first name of
this locality was Sugar Grove, which was applied to it
because of the large grove of these trees that grew there.
The congregation was first organized as a Baptist church;
next it affiliated with the "New Lights," or Christian Denom-
ination ; later it became a part of the Restoration movement. ,
The earliest extant records bear date of 1851. The mem-
bers of the congregation at that time were the following:
William, Elizabeth, Catherine, John N., James, Alvira and
John D. Alkine ; Thompson, H. D., Tomsey, Margaret and
Elizabeth Hughes ; Joseph N. Peeler ; Amanda and Melissa
Whipp ; J. N., Franklin, Jemima, Stephen and Ervilla Pow-
ell ; Lucinda Propst ; George, Madeline, Edward and Marea
Blane ; Arminda, O. P., Nancy, George W. and Louisa
Bracken ; Charles, Cleva and Susan Montgomery ; Jane and
Mary Ann Swank; Louisa Gibbs, Malinda Taylor, Angline
Shure, William and Thrissa McFadden ; William, Elizabeth
and Catherine Engle; Elizabeth, Jane and Abner Peccla;
Putnam Brown, Cloe Creviston, F. P. Cowan, Hermann and
Sarah Sykes. At that date, William Alkine was an elder
and William Engle was chosen to that office. Thompson
Hughes and Joseph N. Peeler were the deacons. J. N.
Powell was an evangelist. Mrs. Elizabeth Propst and her
husband were killed on their way to Oregon by Indians.
Wm. Ribea, a minister of the Christian Denomination,
328 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
preached in this community after the congregation had left
that fellowship. He affirmed that they had departed from
the ground they once occupied. He hence instituted a new
church, to which some of the members attached themselves.
About 1866 another disturbance arose relative to employ-
ing J. K. Speer as their minister. It was held that he taught
"soul sleeping" and kindred theories. The questions were
threshed out in a public debate in January, 1867. Mr. Speer
affirmed that "death extinguishes man's conscious existence."
Min. L. M. Linn opposed. The church then numbered about
230 members. About twenty-three persons followed Mr.
Speer, including one elder and one deacon. They built a
chapel, but discussions among themselves soon ended the
society. The Presbyterians bought the house. A few
returned to the church.
In the earlier years, Dr. W. A. Mallory, Peter Vogel, T.
W. Rainey and E. G. Rice preached for the congregation.
For many years C. E. Smoot gave them most helpful service.
About thirty others have preached here.
The present large brick church was built in 1861. The
old chapel is now used as a dwelling.
The church ordained to the ministry D. I. Hughes, Dr.
L. A. Engle and C. E. Smoot.
Tallula.
Organized 1834, by Theophilus Sweet; present member-
ship, 200; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 200.
In October, 1834, "the church of Christ in Clary's Grove"
was formed of the six following persons: John Willson,
William G. White, Jane White, Jesse L. Trailer, Obedience
Trailer and Miss Lydia Ann Caldwell. James W. Simpson
and wife came from Kentucky the following year and at
once united with the church. Their meetings were held in
their residences and the old-time schoolhouse until the chapel
was built in 1844. After serving them twenty years, it was
sold.
CHURCHES 329
Besides Mr. Sweet, this church was ministered to by
Robert Foster, B. W. Stone, Maurice R. Trimble, W. W.
Happy, W. H. Brown and others of the heroes of the faith.
But the congregation always met for the divinely appointed
worship upon the Lord's Days.
The coming of a railway built Tallula, and the place of
meeting and local name were accordingly changed. The
Tallula chapel was dedicated by John O'Kane in January,
1865. From first to last, this church has been served by
about fifty preachers.
This church has held in its fellowship an unusual num-
ber of brainy, forceful and helpful men and women.
Colonel Judy and his wife, Dr. J. F. Willson and wife, W.
G. Green, and not a few others, were of this class.
MERCER COUNTY.
Keithsburg.
Organized 1864, by Elias Shortridge; present member-
ship, 142 ; value of property, $5,200 ; Bible school began
1866; present enrollment, 128.
The organization of the church was made in the old
brick schoolhouse three miles east of town. Prayer-meetings
were held there every Sunday when no preacher was present.
Ministers Shortridge, Speer, Warren, Fiske and Lucas
preached there and in the courthouse in the town, which
was the meeting-place within a year or two. Levi Ender
gave the ground and the first chapel was occupied in 1866.
This was enlarged and reconstructed in 1909.
There were about fifty members when the first chapel
was built, all of whom have gone hence except Josephus
Ogle and wife, of Waterville, Wash., who wait in the dawn
of the endless day. They were consecrated members and
most helpful to the church.
Among the ministers who have served the church there
were J. B. Royal, Mr. Kincaid, M. Jones, L. M. Linn, James
Connoran, F. M. Branic, Wm. G. Smith, J. E. Parker, E.
330 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Ward, G. E. Sheerer, A. A. Burr, J. Quinlan, W. E. Meloan,
John Larimore and L. F. DePoisters.
S. M. Booie was an efficient and faithful elder in the
congregation for fifteen years — till his death in 1893.
The church has given to the ministry F. W. and F. A.
Emmerson.
New Boston.
Organized 1902, by G. E. Sheerer; present membership,
152; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 64.
Ohio Grove (Aledo).
Present membership, 40; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 75.
This church is six miles southeast of Aledo. It is an
old congregation.
In the sixties there was a congregation at the village of
Sunbeam that was probably the progenitor of Ohio Grove.
MONTGOMERY COUNTY.
Barnett.
Organized 1878, by J. S. Sweeney; present membership,
40; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 40.
This was first known as the Shaw's Point Church and
moved after the town grew on the new railroad. While in
the country, it had a large and influential membership.
Harvel.
Organized 1888, by Isaac Beckelhymer; present member-
ship, 89; value of property, including parsonage, $2,300;
Bible school began 1888; present enrollment, 80.
Daniel Adams led in the formation of this congregation.
Evangelist Beckelhymer led in a three weeks' meeting and
organized with twenty-three members. These meetings were
held in the M. E. chapel, for which the community had paid
with the understanding that it should be for all Onstian
CHURCHES 331
people. In another meeting the next year the doors were
closed against Mr. Beckelhymer. A chapel was soon finished.
The church was once temporarily crippled by an unwor-
thy pastor from Arkansas. Mr. Beckelhymer is held in high
regard by this church. They have had many protracted
meetings and have always maintained the order of the Lord's
house on the Lord's Day. H. M. Carey is clerk.
Hillsboro.
Organized 1905, by E. O. Sharpe; present membership,
60; value of property, $2,200; Bible school began 1905;
present enrollment, 64.
Mr. Sharpe, as evangelist of the Fifth District, first
preached in the courthouse in 1904. A series of meetings,
continuing fifty-one days, was led by Evangelists Lawrence
and Edward Wright. There were seventy-one charter mem-
bers. Mr. Sharpe became the first pastor. A good lot was
bought and the chapel finished in 1909. J. W. Wilkes is
clerk.
Irving.
Organized 1853; present membership, 100; value of
property, $2,000; Bible school began 1890; present enroll-
ment, 75.
There were eighteen charter members, some of whom
were: J. M. Tanlbee; James, Nancy and Maria Markham;
Elijah, Mary, William and Eliza Osborn ; James Osborn and
wife and son ; Henry Lowery and wife and two daughters.
Maria Markham is the sole survivor. They held their meet-
ings in the schoolhouse when it was available and in groves
in the summer-time. Ministers Ward and Taulbee preached
when a place could be secured. In 1876, Minister Gilbert
reorganized the congregation with twenty-one members. In
1878 a chapel was built and L. M. Linn served the church
one-half time. W. H. Boles held a great meeting in 1885.
Then J. H. Garrison preached for the church. Finis Idle-
man held the congregation a good meeting. The resident
332 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
pastor is C. W. Garst. W. M. Berry has led the Bible
school faithfully and efficiently as superintendent since its
beginning. B. B. Tyler held a meeting here, as district
evangelist, in 1863, which he then thought a failure, but it
gave J. C. Mason, now of Texas, to the church and to the
Christian ministry.
Litchfield.
Organized 1856, by J. C. Reynolds ; present membership,
742; value of property, $11,000; Bible school began 1856;
present enrollment, 743.
Minister Reynolds was evangelizing under the direction
of the State Board when the church was constituted. Among
the first who preached there were Ministers Sims, W. H.
Brown, J. W. Kellar, J. S. Sweeney and B. B. Tyler.
First a small frame chapel was built. Later a one-room
brick building. During the pastorate of Mr. Purlee the
present edifice was erected at the corner of Union Avenue
and Harrison Street.
Among those who did faithful service in establishing the
church there were W. C. Henderson, H. A. Jones, Thomas
Harlow, M. C. Hoagland, Mrs. Matilda O'Bannon and Mrs.
Adeline Elliott.
Charles W. Ross closed a very successful pastorate of
several years in 1913. I. W. Agee is the present pastor.
Pleasant Hill (Barnett).
Present membership, 71; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 58.
Raymond.
Organized 1871, by Minister Ewing; present membership,
156; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1871;
present enrollment, 151.
Meetings were held in a storeroom for a year when the
chapel, which is still used for public worship, was built.
Min. J. W. Ballinger reorganized the church in 1875 with
forty-three members and served as pastor for two to three
CHURCHES 333
years. The officers at that time were J. R. Wylder, Orman
White, J. W. Potts, D. J. Parrott and Isaac Dodson, elders;
J. H. Nevins, T. J. Scott, W. A. Parrott and S. W. McElroy,
deacons. Then there was occasional preaching by sundry
ministers till 1890. Isaac Beckelhymer then served as pastor
and was followed by others. The congregation has had
about thirteen protracted meetings by as many evangelists.
Miss Lou Watson was given to the ministry and served
the church efficiently as its pastor.
The congregation is united in its work, has a good C. E.
and a well-attended mid-week prayer-meeting. Fred Guthrie
is the clerk; C. F. Shaul, pastor.
Waggoner.
Organized 1889, by Isaac Beckelhymer; present member-
ship, 114; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began
1889 ; present enrollment, 79.
The Sulphur Spring congregation was organized in 1857.
Its location was four miles west of Waggoner on the east
edge of Macoupin County. Its first elders were W. H.
Kent, Wm. Street, Robert Brown and C. F. Richard-
son. It served the community well during the period of its
life and disbanded in 1884. The building is now used for
funerals only. A large cemetery has grown around it.
The Waggoner congregation was organized by members
from Sulphur Spring. There were about twenty charter
members. Jefferson Borton, H. H. Beektnan and Willis
Plain were the first elders. In 1890 the ladies' aid society
bought two lots and the chapel was finished in 1893. Mean-
while the meetings were held in a hall. The same year
Mrs. McCoy Crank held a successful revival. The congre-
gation has had eleven pastors. Orin Dilly is in the sixth
year of a very helpful pastorate.
Walshville.
Organized 1874, by T. J. Shelton ; present membership,
50; value of property, $2,200; Bible-school enrollment, 56.
334 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Min. A. D. Northcutt was prominent in the beginning of
this effort. The organization was made in the town hall with
ten charter members. With little social influence or means,
and overshadowed by three strong denominations, this little
band trusted God, went to prayer and work and grew up to
an influential position.
The pastors were L. M. Linn, J. H. Garrison, J. H.
Smart, H. P. Tandy and L. F. Wood. For several years
the Baptist chapel was used. In 1878 a very neat house of
worship was built. A number of ministers preached for the
congregation through several years. In 1904 their chapel
was destroyed by fire. The Bible school secured the priv-
ilege of using the M. E. chapel, but was turned out the
next year. The second building was finished early in 1908.
J. E. Story, Miss Rachael Dangerfield and Isaac Beckel-
hymer have served the congregation in recent years. Miss
Dangerfield was the pastor when the last house was built.
There is a good C. E., and the congregation is active
under the ministry of W. A. Green. T. O. Tiffin is the clerk.
MORGAN COUNTY.
Antioch (Jacksonville).
Organized 1833, by D. P. Henderson; present member-
ship, 40; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 45.
The location is seven miles east of Jacksonville, on the
Springfield road. The neighborhood was settled by people
from Kentucky, many of whom were Disciples before leav-
ing that State. For a time meetings were held in residences.
In 1835 a substantial frame building was erected. This
housed the congregation till 1876, when it was sold to Isaac
Findall, who moved it to his farm, where it is still used as
a shop and carriage-house. In that year the present com-
fortable house was built during the pastorate of M. M.
Goode. He was highly esteemed there for his personal
worth and for his work.
CHURCHES 335
A. Campbell and B. W. Stone visited the church in its
early period. Mr. Stone died near there and his body rested
in its cemetery for a time. Other ministers who served the
church were E. G. Rice, M. R. Elder, J. B. Graves, J. W.
Strawn and H. P. Shaw. Mr. Shaw and his wife left the
congregation to go as missionaries to China.
During the past twenty years many of its members have
rented their farms and moved to the city; hence the struggle
to exist.
Berea (Prentice).
Organized 1852; present membership, 75; value of prop-
erty, $550; Bible-school enrollment, 35.
The church was organiz2d August 15, with twenty-five
charter members. A part of the agreement was as follows:
We, the body of Christ, agree to organize ourselves after the prim-
itive practice; to watch over one another and to admonish each other,
for our good; to take the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments
for our rule of faith and practice. . . . We agree to continue stead-
fastly in the apostles' doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and
in prayers ... to be known as the church of Christ on Indian Creek,
meeting at Morgan Schoolhouse No. 2.
Charles Rowe was chosen elder, and Joel Robinson and
Wesley Corrington, deacons. Mr. Rowe was a product of
this church and served it as elder and preacher for six
years. Most of the first members came from the Antioch
congregation. It was ministered to at times by most of the
preachers of that time and section. Four of its leading
members were Joel and Isaac Robinson, Dr. John C. Cobb
and Benjamin Mclntyre.
Chapin.
Organized 1875, by H. C. Cassell; present membership,
240; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible
school began 1875 ; present enrollment, 108.
The earliest organization of a church of Christ in this
community was the old Manvaisterre or Jordon congrega-
tion, three miles east of the site of Chapin. In March, 1839,
336 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
nine Disciples of Christ entered into a covenant to observe
the ordinances of the Lord as revealed in the New Testa-
ment. They were Nathaniel and Martha H. Fisk, Thomas
O. and Nancy Taylor, Jane Hill, Mary Boyd, Catherine
Gillpatrick, and Nathan J. and Mary Averitt. Mr. Fisk was
the first preacher and served the church four and a half
years.
Meetings were held in homes and schoolhouses till a
chapel was built. It stood in the cemetery that is still used.
This congregation grew till its members were scattered
through that entire region. For the accommodation of those
residing toward the northwest, the Bethel congregation was
formed at a point one and a half miles from the site of
Chapin. This was a part of the Manvaisterre Church until
the time of the Civil War, when Minister Mclntire organ-
ized a church. The shifting population and the coming of
railways long since carried it away.
A colony from the old church moved into Macon County
and formed the nuclei of the Long Point and Niantic con-
gregations. It was a fruitful hive, and the influences of the
Taylors, Averitts, Boyds, Jones, Tichnors, Bobbitts, Camp-
bells, Strodes, Riggs, Hatfields, Pruitts, Mansfields and many
others of their time are yet widely out-reaching. They were
heroes of the faith in their day the fragrance of whose mem-
ories yet lingers.
In 1877 twenty- four people from the Jordon and Bethel
congregations enrolled into the Chapin Church, so this
church came of fine spiritual ancestry. The Congregational
chapel was bought, which served until the present building
was erected in 1902. It has given to the ministry F. W.
Burnham and Ivan W. Agee. Since its formation more than
five hundred people have been led by it in the way of life.
Concord.
Organized 1868, by William Rice ; present membership,
96; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 90.
CHURCHES 337
Christian ministers preached about the site of Concord
in the early sixties. A chapel was built seven miles to the
northwest, which was sold to the Lutherans and then another
was built in the town. This house was rebuilt in 1911.
Twenty- four ministers have served the church, which has
done good work. S. M. Henderson is an elder and the clerk.
Franklin.
Present membership, 140; value of property, including
parsonage, $4,900; Bible-school enrollment, 120.
Jacksonville ( Central) .
Organized 1832, by B. W. Stone; present membership,
1,200; value of property, $85,000; Bible school began 1860;
present enrollment, 900.
This church was organized in October in the old court-
house that stood near the southwest corner of the square.
There were seventy-two charter members. Among them
were Harrison W. Osborne, Philip Coffman, John T. Jones
and Josephus Hewitt — all leading spirits.
The meetings for public worship were continued in the
courthouse and residences of the members until a chapel was
built on Beardstown Street, which is now North Main
Street. This chapel served until the early fifties, when, dur-
ing the pastorate of A. J. Kane, a two-story brick building
was erected on the same street. Joel Hedington taught
school in this house. It was in use till 1869, when, during
the pastorate of Enos Campbell, a new brick house was built
on East State Street. This was enlarged and remodeled in
1888, while A. N. Gilbert was pastor. The present stone
structure was finished during the pastorate of R. F. Thrapp
in 1906.
Throughout its life this church has always held a goodly
number of representative citizens. Its ministers also have
generally been men of a high type. Among the pioneers,
besides those above named, there were Henry Cyrus, the
first pastor; Jerry Lancaster, Jonathan Atkinson, W. W.
338 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Happy and D. P. Henderson. The church was divided dur-
ing the pastorate of W. S. Russel by his unscriptural teach-
ing. The two parties came to a mutual agreement in 1866,
and under the superior ministry of Enos Campbell were
welded into one. The teaching of Mr. Russel not only
crippled the church for a time, but also affected adversely
other congregations in the county and lost to the Disciples
Berean College.
W. W. Happy, Sr. and Jr., James Stark and William
Gilliam were ordained to the ministry by this congregation.
The pastorate of Mr. Thrapp "was characterized by
splendid missionary expansion and progressive civic reform."
This is a great church, abounding in many good works.
Jacksonville ( Negro ) .
Organized 1904, by E. M. Harlis; present membership,
35; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1894;
present enrollment, 25.
A mission Bible school was begun by Minister Harlis
on South Mauvaisterre Street in 1894. This was fostered
by the First Christian Church and especially by Mrs. E. C.
Ewing. Ten years afterward this mission grew into a
church. Mr. Harlis has been faithful in his work. He still
ministers to the congregation. The C. E. numbers twenty-
five.
Literberry.
Organized 1869, by E. W. Clark; present membership,
160; value of property, $4,500; Bible school began 1869;
present enrollment, 176.
E. G. Rice and M. M. Goode were two of the early min-
isters. The church is now active and zealous.
Lynn-mile (Jacksonville).
Organized 1833, by Barton W. Stone; present member-
ship, 140; value of property, including parsonage, $4,500;
Bible school began 1863; present enrollment, 138.
CHURCHES 339
The church was constituted in the residence of James
Leeper. The officers were James B. and William Gordon,
elders, with John Banson, James Leeper and A. A. Wilson,
deacons. Besides Mr. Stone, among the early ministers
there were D. P. Henderson, Dr. Robert Foster, W. W.
Happy, Jonathan Atkinson, A. J. Kane, E. L. Craig and E.
C. Rice.
The first chapel, built in 1838, was a union house. It
was sold for taxes in 1848 and bought by the Disciples. It
gave place to the present house in 1882.
This church ordained A. C. Foster and Joseph B. Camp
to the ministry.
John B. Gordon was elected to the Legislature, for two or
three terms, in the seventies. S. F. Campbell and Geo. W.
Camp were leading members of the church and citizens in
the community for many years. Mr. Camp was the father
of John B., Mark D. and Joseph B. Camp.
In the union chapel Min. Peter Akers, of the M. E.
Church, on one Sunday preached four hours in order "to
keep the Campbellites from occupying the house the same
Oak Ridge (Prentice).
Organized 1876.
The location is twelve miles northeast of Jacksonville.
The members of a congregation that had worshiped a period
at the eld Jordanville Schoolhouse, with some friends, met
on March 18, 1876, at the residence of Lewis Hamilton.
They decided to build a chapel at the old Stockton Cemetery.
This house was finished in 1878.
The charter members were Rosetta Armstrong, Samuel
and Catherine Beach, Margaret Coker, Margaret Coulston ;
Tyre, John, Julia and Anna Brown ; Mary Demarest, John
Hamilton, J. L. and Mary S. Jordon, Charles Paul, William
Robinson, Isaac Smith, and A. B., Elizabeth and Emma
Wiswell. The elders elected were John Hamilton, A. B.
Wiswell and Tyre Brown.
About seventeen preachers have served the congregation.
340 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Waverly.
Organized 1847, by Austin Sims; present membership,
131; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1847;
present enrollment, 90.
This is an average church of its class.
Woodson.
Organized 1869, by E. G. Rice and H. W. Osborne; pres-
ent membership, 151; value of property, including parsonage,
$4,500; Bible school began 1868; present enrollment, 93.
This church was the result of a series of meetings con-
ducted by Ministers Osborne and Rice in the schoolhouse in
1868. There were thirty-five charter members, some of
whom came from the "Old Concord" congregation. The
latter, located about six miles northeast of Woodson, was
once a strong and prosperous country church, but the adverse
tides carried it away. The Woodson chapel was built in
1869. Ministers Osborne and Rice first preached for the
congregation for several years, part time. William Ferguson
was for a long time a true and faithful elder, feeding and
leading the flock.
Dr. G. W. Miller, a practicing physician of the town,
having served the church well as an elder, was ordained to
the ministry and has been the pastor for nineteen years.
The church is well organized and active in good works.
MOULTRIE COUNTY.
In 1832, A. H. Kellar, Abram Southern, Rebecca Stevens,
and a few other Baptists from Kentucky, with Joseph and
Solomon Hostetler and their wives from Indiana, came
together in November and organized the West Okaw Church
of Christ. Joseph Hostetler was an ordained minister, while
his brother Solomon and A. H. Kellar were teaching elders.
They were righteous men, full of zeal. The West Okaw
Church may properly be called the mother of all the Chris-
tian Churches in the county. Its meetings, when the weather
CHURCHES 341
compelled, were held in the twenty- feet-square log school-
house, with stick-and-mud chimney at the west and with a
log left out at the east end for a window. It had what was
known as a weight-pole roof. From this point the primi-
tive gospel began and continued to be sounded out. From
Cunningham's Grove on the north to Jerry Provolt's at the
forks of the Okaw on the south, the seeds of the truth were
sown by this pioneer church.
In 1837, Levi Flemming, a zealous preacher, settled on
upper Jonathan Creek and laid the foundation of the church
there.
Later the Lillys and the Smysers came from Kentucky
and settled on Whitley Creek. They were re-enforced by
Jackson Storm, a preacher from Tennessee, who, like
Apollos, was mighty in the Scriptures ; also by Tobias Grider
from Indiana.
These Disciples were further helped, as occasion per-
mitted or required, by Bushrod W. Henry, of Shelby County,
and John W. Tyler and Geo. A. Patterson, of Macon
County. These were all men whose chief learning had been
acquired in the school of the great Teacher.
The congregation that could have regular preaching once
a month considered itself very fortunate, and if there were
no additions at these meetings it was thought something was
wrong. There were giants in those days who would suc-
cessfully grapple with sectarian dogmas and throttle the
mightiest champion of human authority as binding on men's
consciences.
Levi Flemming and Jackson Storm were two of the
pioneer preachers of whom the printed records say little, but
their names are in the book of life and long ago they went
to their rewards in heaven.
The Wilburn Creek Church, for a long time a flourish-
ing and forceful country congregation, yielding to the law
of change, has disbanded.
These men were supremely loyal to the truth and with
them the word of the Lord was final.
342 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Allenville.
Organized 1884, by H. Y. Keller; present membership,
200; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1895;
present enrollment, 113.
The church met for worship in the old Nelson School-
house until the chapel was built.
Arthur.
Organized 1882, by W. F. Black; present membership,
132; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1882;
present enrollment, 168.
This church grew out of a series of meetings led by
Evangelist Black. It was organized in an implement store.
A chapel was finished in the fall of 1883. This gave place
at the close of 1909 to the present house, costing $8,000.
Joel T. Davis was then pastor.
Bethany.
Organized 1881, by S. B. Lindsey; present membership,
180; value of property, $4,500; Bible school began 1881;
present enrollment, 89.
There were twenty charter members. The first elders
were Charles Ronley, A. S. Younger and G. W. Logan, and
the first deacons, W. W. Lennell, William Gough and W.
J. Ledbretter.
The house of worship was completed and occupied at the
close of 1882.
Cadwell.
Organized 1902, by J. O. Henry; present membership,
86; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 68.
Organized in a schoolhouse. Church built the next year.
A fine community. Rich soil, with very muddy roads in wet
weather. A C. W. B. M.
CHURCHES 343
Dalton City.
Organized 1865, by John W. Sconce; present member-
ship, 75; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1865;
present enrollment, 51.
About the year 1865, John W. Sconce, assisted by J. W.
Tyler, of Decatur, and Jackson Page, of Shelbyville, formed
a church of Christ in the New Hope Schoolhouse near Free-
land's Point. When Mr. Sconce settled in Dalton City, in
1873, through his earnest effort a church building was put
up there and the congregations at New Hope transferred
their place of meeting thither.
Gays.
Organized 1869, by Thomas Goodman; present member-
ship, 150; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began
1871 ; present enrollment, 104.
Met in schoolhouse for two years, when chapel was fin-
ished and occupied. The first elders were Edward Rouse
and W. S. Colson ; the first deacons, W. T. Watson and S.
P. Bristow. E. C. Harrison is now the clerk.
Jonathan's Creek (Sullivan).
Organized 1859, by Christie Hostetler; present member-
ship, 70; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began
1862 ; present enrollment, 80.
Organized in the Lauders Schoolhouse, where it met for
three years. In 1862 a church house had been built at the
Jonathan's Creek Cemetery, and was occupied. This gave
place to a new house in 1891.
David Campbell was given to the ministry.
The church is six miles east of Sullivan.
Lake City.
Organized 1886, by Minister Gates ; present membership,
33; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1886; pres-
ent enrollment, 32.
344 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
John T. Ho well, John McMullin, and John and Frank
Lovings and their families, led in the formation of this
church. The chapel was built the same year. There are
many Irish Papists in the community. After a few years
members of the church began to sell their farms and move.
This continued until only a few Disciples are left.
Lovington.
Organized 1832, by Joseph Hostetler; present member-
ship, 408; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began
1865 ; present enrollment, 324.
On Nov. 17, 1832, a meeting was held at the home of
Nathan Stevens, one mile west of the place where Lovington
has grown, on the Okaw River, and a church was organized
with seventeen members. Joseph Hostetler, who had come
from Indiana that year, was the leader in this work. He
and his brother Solomon had been preachers in the German
Baptist Church, but were now proclaiming the primitive
gospel. A. H. Kellar, a farmer and Regular Baptist
preacher, associated himself with them. These three were
the first elders. The church was known as the Okaw
Church of Christ. The meetings for public worship were
held in the residences and schoolhouses until 1846. Then a
small frame building was erected one mile south of the site
of Lovington, on the old Kellar farm — now the Lovington
Cemetery. The congregation sustained a steady growth
under the leadership of Min. H. Y. Kellar until 1866. In
that year a large frame building was erected on the present
church site in Lovington. This was used until 1901, when
the present church was built. It is a large, modern brick
structure, well adapted to the work of the church. F. C.
Overbaugh was the pastor at that time. The church now
has nine elders and thirteen deacons, the largest Bible school
in Moultrie County, with Senior and Junior C. E. societies.
This church has given to the ministry Finis Idleman
and Paul E. Million. H. Y. Kellar came from the Okaw
Church.
CHURCHES 345
Smyser (Gays).
Organized 1837, by Tobias Grider; present membership,
180; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1858;
present enrollment, 63.
This is frequently called the Whitley Creek Church from
the near-by stream of water of that name. S. M. Smyser
was one of the leading members in the early days ; hence it
came to be known by his name. Its location is about seven
miles northwest of Mattoon. The charter members were
John and Synthia Hendricks, S. M. and Rebecca Smyser,
Polly A. Hendricks and John Hendricks, Jr. Their names
are fragrant remembrances. A church home was built at
once. It was used till 1875, when the present house was
erected. Tobias Grider, Jack Storms and B. W. Henry
preached there in the thirties and forties. S. M. Smyser
and A. H. Edwards were efficient elders who served the
church for a long time. In the sixties, J. G. Waggoner was
"working the roads" in that community. At the time, S. M.
Connor was holding a series of meetings there, and became
sick. Mr. Smyser said to Mr. Waggoner : "Go home and
get ready to preach to-night." Had this church done nothing
more in its seventy-five years than produce and give to the
world J. G. Waggoner, its work would have been most com-
mendable. J. H. McCormick, E. L. Lilly, J. D. Layton and
Henry Boyd are the present elders.
Sullivan.
Organized 1840, by Levi Fleming; present membership,
561; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1856;
present enrollment, 219.
Before the town of Sullivan was laid out, a little church
was formed at Asa's Creek by Min. Levi Fleming, in the
home of Levi Patterson. It made little progress until reor-
ganized by B. W. Henry in 1846 with fourteen members.
This church worshiped in the schoolhouse in Sullivan, which
was also used as a courthouse at that time. The lack of a
346 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
suitable and permanent place of worship, and internal dis-
cord, retarded the growth of the church. Later, A. H. and
H. G. Kellar set things in order and a number came in from
the Lovington Church. About 1852 a series of meetings,
conducted by Mins. John Wilson and B. W. Henry, was held
in the M. E. Church. A house of worship was finished and
occupied in 1853. In after years revivals were conducted
by A. J. Kane, William Mathes, W. M. Brown, Milton Hop-
kins, W. F. Black, A. I. Hobbs, T. A. Boyer and C. R. Sco-
ville. In the fifties, Mins. J. S. Etheridge, B. W. Henry,
H. Y. and Dr. A. L. Kellar moved to Sullivan and con-
tributed much to the growth of the church. Later there
came J. R. Lucas, L. P. Phillips, N. S. Bastian and James
Hyatt. At the beginning of his second year the church was
divided, but was reunited five years thereafter. There fol-
lowed J. M. Morgan, Dr. A. L. Kellar, Thomas Edwards,
L. C. Haulman, E. H. Kellar, J. S. Clements, J. P. Davis,
G. E. Platt, B. C. Lamplugh, A. J. DeMiller, J. E. Diehl,
J. M. Bovee, Edwards Davis, M. J. Martin, Amzi Atwater,
T. F. Weaver, E. W. Brickert, E. E. Curry, H. A. Davis,
J. M. McNutt, J. W. Waters, J. W. Kilborn and W. B.
Hopper, the present pastor.
In July, 1901, a new and commodious brick building was
finished and occupied.
The church has an L. A. society, C. W. B. M. auxiliary
and girls' missionary circle.
The church at Sullivan was not singular in its damaging
experiences. Not a few of those that are now strong and
efficient passed through similar trials. The preachers were
not always wise. But their problems were many and the
support for their families came largely from their manual
toil, and they held to no principles of self-seeking poli-
ticians. Oftener disturbances arose from men of partial
knowledge and small vision who assumed to be bosses rather
than leaders in the congregation. They were generally good
men with confused aims. Happily such conditions have
largely passed.
CHURCHES 347
Union Prairie (Arthur).
Organized 1870, by Nathan Wright; present membership,
47; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1873;
present enrollment, 35.
Among the ministers who have served the church, there
were David Campbell, Abram Bovie, James Connor, Thomas
Goodman, Harmon Gregg, H. Y. Kellar, J. O. Henry, Clin-
ton Hostetler, W. M. Gordon, L. M. Mulligan and John
Howell.
The congregation has a good house for worship, located
three and one-half miles west of Arthur and one-fourth
mile west of the Douglas County line. It was built in 1865.
Much of the labor was donated by brethren and friends.
The Haneys and Powels were among the prominent
charter members.
OGLE COUNTY.
Grand Detour.
Organized 1894, by J. B. Wright; present membership,
27; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1895;
present enrollment, 34.
This little church was a child of persecution. Minister
Wright began to preach to a few Disciples there in a union
chapel. Conversions resulted almost immediately, which
called for an organization. This was made with thirty-one
charter members. Meanwhile, the legal owners of the prop-
erty shut the Disciples out of the chapel. The use of the
schoolhouse was also denied them. This treatment aroused
the interest of others, so that five months thereafter a new
church house was ready for use.
A good Bible school and C. E. are maintained.
Mt. Morris.
Organized 1880, by J. H. Wright; present membership,
93; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1880;
present enrollment, 143.
A few Disciples had held some meetings for worship in
348 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
a hall, with an occasional sermon by L. D. Waldo, of Rock-,
ford, and D. R. Howe, of Lanark. In March, State Evan-
gelist Wright organized the church with the following
twenty-eight charter members: Mrs. Sarah Warner, Mrs.
Mary E. Thomas, Mary E. Spielman, Mrs. Anna Long, Mrs.
Rose Diehl, Mrs. E. Miller, Geo. S. Kennedy, Wm. S. and
Catherine Blake, Charles G. and Sarah Blakslee, Hattie
Finnikle, Mrs. Eliza Hammer, Jacob and Susan Keedy, Mrs.
Laura Kennedy, Charles and Mrs. Vallee Keedy ; Florence
V., Fannie and Susan Long; Adam Shaw, Letha Sprecher.
Mrs. Susan Thomas, Anna and Mildred F. Thomas, and
Mary E. and Clay Wagner. Of these, the seven first named
only are living.
A brick building was bought of the Lutherans and remod-
eled.
The pastors were G. W. Ross, J. H. Carr, T. B. Stanley,
J. B. Wright, C. T. Spitler, G. W. Pearl, D. G. Wagner,
D. F. Seyster, Mr. De Poister, Mr. Goss, Mr. Hacker, and
now H. F. Sayles.
Those given to the ministry are J. H. Shellenberger, Z.
O. Do ward, D. H. Wagner, J. W. Baker, W. F. Kohl and
H. L. Eyrick.
Pine Creek (Polo).
Organized 1860, by Robert Moffett and Charles Sher-
wood ; present membership, 98 ; value of property, $3,500 ;
Bible school began 1860; present enrollment, 55.
This is one of the truly great churches of Illinois. It is
located ten miles southeast of Polo. Into this community
there came, about 1857, David I. Funk, Charles Widney,
Abram Witmer, David Bovey and other kindred spirits. Mr.
Funk was a native of Washington County, Md. For thirty
years he had been an elder in the "Dunker" Church, but
under the preaching of Mr. Campbell was led to more
Scriptural ground. He died in 1876 at the age of eighty-
nine years. These men, with their families, began to hold
meetings for public worship in the Pennsylvania Corners
CHURCHES 349
Schoolhouse. Here the church was organized. At this
meeting Robert Moffett presided and C. W. Sherwood
served as secretary. The officers elected were Charles Wicf-
ney, Abram Witmer, G. T. Johnson, elders, with David I.
Funk, Daniel Bovey and John Welty, deacons.
The chapel was built at the same "corners" the same year.
In after years a lecture-room was added and other modern
improvements made. It still serves the community well.
Of the earlier preachers who served the church, other
than Mr. Sherwood and Mr. Moffett, were Geo. F. John-
ston, John Ross, Daniel and Henry Howe, L. D. Waldo,
Adam Adamson, Mr. Thornberry and Jasper Moss; later
came G. L. Applegate, T. B. Stanley, G. W. Ross, J. H.
Carr, G. W. Pearl, W. H. McGinnis and J. B. Wright. D.
F. Seyster is now in the fifth year of the third period of
his pastorate.
The congregation has made very liberal and cheerful con-
tributions of its members to the churches at Mt. Morris,
Polo, Grand Detour and Dixon.
Besides, the following men have been given by this fruit-
ful mother to the Christian ministry: Geo. Hamilton, D. F.
Seyster, G. A. Miller, L. T. Faulders, C. Roy Stauffer and
C. Lee Stauffer. This church has indeed walked well pleas-
ing before the Lord to have had her service crowned with
such significant products.
The congregation has been always actively interested in
all missionary and benevolent activities. When the question
came up in the district missionary convention of trying to
establish a church of Christ in the city of Sterling, one of
the delegates of the Pine Creek congregation spoke with
such confidence and earnestness that the vote was unanimous
to begin the effort at once. Henry H. Powell has been
Bible-school superintendent for thirteen consecutive years.
Besides the names already written, those of Wilson,
Hammer, Drenner, Johnson, Wise, Netz, Pohrer, Wolf,
Sheely and Higby will be honored and remembered for
fidelity and good works.
350 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Polo.
Organized 1904, by B. H. Sealock; present membership,
94; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1904;
present enrollment, 112.
There had been occasional preaching in Polo by Christian
ministers before the formation of the congregation. The
Pine Creek Church gave to it some of its most valued mem-
bers, but with the kindest spirit.
The Baptist chapel was bought, remodeled and repaired.
John M. Grimes is the pastor.
PEORIA COUNTY.
Peoria Central.
Organized 1845 ; present membership, 635 ; value of prop-
erty, $40,000; Bible school began 1855; present enrollment,
792.
There were twelve charter members. The last of these
to die was Mrs. Eliza Wadsworth Smith, who passed away
in 1904. The first elder was William Tilford, and the first
deacon, Sampson Schockley. For a time these Disciples met
from house to house to keep the Lord's ordinances, later in
the engine-house in the 200 block on North Adams Street,
and afterward in the old courthouse. The first church build-
ing was erected, costing $3,600, in 1855. It was the first
public building in the city with a self-supporting roof. Peo-
ple said it would fall in, but it still stands at the corner of
Franklin Street and Seventh Avenue. The present location
at the corner of Monroe and Fulton Streets was bought of
the "New School Presbyterians" in 1875. It had on it an
old-fashioned brick building that was comfortable, but unin-
viting. Ira J. Chase was pastor at that time. A modern
and convenient edifice was erected in 1894 during the pas-
torate of J. M. Kersey. This building was destroyed by
fire early in 1913.
In its earlier years the church had such preaching as it
could get. When there was none, Deacon Schockley con-
CHURCHES 351
ducted the worship on the Lord's Day morning. His trade
was a brickmason ; his business was to serve God. Some of
the pastors were John Lindsey, I. N. Carman, D. R. Howe,
John Miller, John O'Kane, William Thompson, Ira J. Chase,
B. O. Aylesworth, J. B. Mayfield, N. S. Haynes, J. M. Ker-
sey, J. P. McKnight, G. B. Van Arsdale, H. T. Burns, W.
F. Turner, and now M. L. Pontius.
The baneful influence of denominationalism is such that
the Disciples have found it necessary to come to social as
well as ecclesiastical recognition in cities before they have
made much growth. This condition has developed a superior
type of character. Not a few choice spirits were grown in
this church. Among them were Miss Pauline White, a mem-
ber since 1854, and her sisters. In the last days of the
church's weakness, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Darst were invaluable
helpers ; the Ford family, particularly "Aunty Ford," a beau-
tiful flower whom God caused to bloom on earth for awhile,
that his people might have here an object-lesson of what
heaven is to be ; the Shockley family ; and the schoolmaster
who declined a handsome compensation to lead the singing
in a near-by congregation, to perform this service in the
Central free of charge, C. R. Vandervoort, whose sun set at
his high noon. H. C. Reichel and Harry Streibich were given
to the ministry.
Peoria — West Bluff Chapel.
This is a mission Bible school. It was the first chapel
ever built in one day. The credit of the conception belongs
to Mr. A. J. Elliott. The Brotherhoods of the Central and
Howett Street Churches, re-enforced by about sixty volun-
teers of the local carpenters' union, united in building the
chapel on May 30, 1910. Min. William Price had laid the
foundation.
Peoria — Howett Street.
Organized 1909, by William Price; present membership,
192; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 365.
352 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
About 1875, Mr. A. B. Tyng, Sr., an active member of
the Reformed Episcopal Church, started a mission Sunday
school at Cedar and Brotherson Streets. It was called the
Tyng Mission. As it was about to be abandoned, the women
of the W. C. T. U. assumed the duty of its maintenance.
Through the influence of Mrs. F. M. Barrett it passed to the
Central Church in 1885. Thereafter a lot was bought at
224 Howett Street, and later a chapel was built thereon.
This was during the pastorate of N. S. Haynes at the Cen-
tral Church. Afterward this building was enlarged. Fos-
tered faithfully by members of the Central, the Howett
Street school grew finally into an independent congregation.
Among these were J. P. Darst, William Ford and Miss
Lorena Simonson, who has given twenty-eight years of
service there as a teacher — a rare and beautiful example of
efficient devotion. Of late years, Mr. M. W. Rotchford has
been Bible-school superintendent and an enthusiastic helper.
The neighborhood was as unpromising thirty years ago as a
field could well be. The gratifying results are the blessings
of the Lord upon prayerful and faithful work.
On June 17, 1841, Dr. P. G. Young reported the organ-
ization of a church of Christ, with sixteen members, at
Mount Hawley.
In 1842 he reported the organization of a church of forty
members at Rome, on the west bank of the Illinois River.
As late as 1888 there was a self-supporting church at
Elmore. It sustained a pastor for full time, gave the com-
munity helpful service, and contributed to missions.
The changing tides of population carried all these away.
PERRY COUNTY.
Duquoin.
Organized 1857, by Lysias Heape; present membership,
650; value of property, including parsonage, $22,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 266.
Previous to 1857 there was monthly preaching in resi-
CHURCHES 353
dences by Ministers Pyle, Wells, and Dr. Isaac and J. N.
Mulkey. In that year, Messrs. Keyes and Metcalf, the
founders of the town, gave the feeble congregation a lot on
which the chapel was built. Some of the charter members
were Lysias Heape and family, William and Abner Wil-
liams, Mrs. McElvain Wells, Mr. Pyle, Isaac Wheatley and
family, Daniel and Frederick Williams, John Brown, Robert
Parks, Thomas Wiffin and family, and Robert J. Wheatley,
who had just moved from Pennsylvania. In after years he
was a great man of God and a tower of strength in the
church.
In 1857 a financial panic swept the country like a cyclone.
Poor crops came the next year, and muttering thunderings
of the Civil War were heard. Besides, at that time more
papers avowedly infidel were taken and read in Duquoin
than those that were Christian. Early in 1861, Mr. Wheat-
ley sent for O. A. Burgess. He preached to an audience of
fifty people for days and thought to quit. But, encouraged
by Mr. Wheatley, he continued to use his splendid spiritual
artillery upon the strong citadel of Satan until seventy per-
sons surrendered to King Jesus. Later W. F. Black, J. Z.
Taylor and Ira J. Chase led the church in great revivals.
The eight years' pastorate of J. J. Harris was a rich
blessing to the church. In that period the new church was
built.
Adam Adcock is now leading the flock in all good ways.
R. A., a son of R. J. Wheatley, has been a faithful mem-
ber since the Burgess meeting.
Friendship ( Tamaroa ) .
Organized 1867, by P. W. Jones; present membership,
60; value of property, $600; Bible school began 1867; pres-
ent enrollment, 85.
A country church three miles west of Tamaroa. It was
instituted by Mr. Jones, a Baptist minister. In 1869, G. W.
Puckett, another Baptist minister, located with the church.
On the first Saturday in March, 1870, the declaration of
13
354 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
faith, covenant and rules of decorum were repealed and the
Bible alone, without any other written creed, was adopted as
the rule of faith and practice. Moderator, G. W. Puckett;
clerk, S. C. Moore.
The present house of worship was built in 1870. Elders,
D. L. Benson, John Miller; deacons, Michael Goos, Abraham
Heape.
Besides Mr. Puckett, the following ^ave served the
church: Lysias Heape, J. N. and Isaac Mulkey, John A. Wil-
liams, Louis Goos, David Husband, and now J. J. Harris
one- fourth time.
Two young men were given to the ministry — Louis Goos
and C. W. Marlow.
Tamaroa,
Present membership, 50; value of property, $3,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 57.
PIATT COUNTY.
Antioch (Atwood).
Organized 1854, by John C. Mathes; present member-
ship, 50; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 50.
The beginning of this church, located about six miles
north of Atwood, was unique and significant. Jacob Mos-
barger was born in Indiana in 1818 and settled near the site
of this church in 1844. He was an infidel. In 1853 a hurt
befell him which put him on his back for eleven months. He
read everything within his reach and then asked for the
Bible. It was to him a book of surprising interest. He read
and read until he decided that he should become a Christian;
so he sent for Mr. Mathes, in Indiana, to come and baptize
him. He came, preached awhile and immersed Jacob Mos-
barger and his wife, who was a member of the "New Light"
congregation in that community; Gilbert Green and his wife
Martha, David Samuels and his wife Ruth, and Gilford
Green. These seven were formed into a church of Christ.
CHURCHES 355
They met in the Gregory log schoolhouse. About 1866 a
chapel was built which in later years was remodeled. Jacob
Mosbarger was elder of this church for forty-five years.
During this period he rarely missed one of its meetings. On
Thursday afternoons he and his sons always left the field
one hour earlier than usual that they might attend the weekly
prayer-meetings two and a half miles distant. He was a
great and good man of God.
Elijah Goodwin, Joseph Hostetler and J. C. Mathes
served the church for twenty-five years. Then James Con-
nor and J. W. Monser did good work here.
Ativood.
Organized 1879, by John C. Mathes ; present membership,
112; value of property, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 75.
The following is the church covenant:
We, whose names are subscribed, agree with each other, that we
will take the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, known as
the Bible, as the only rule of faith and practice, and that we will take
the name "Christian" as the only divinely authorized name and will
be known as the Church of Christ at Atwood, Douglas and Piatt
Counties.
The county line passed through the center of the town.
The charter members were Peter, W. H. and Hannah Mos-
barger; Frank and Angelina Browning; Aaron and Anna
Shaw; John C., Ruth J. and J. Mathes; Adam Star, Nancy
Painter and Nancy Tryon.
The present elders are Wm. White, J. H. Easton and C.
M. Flickinger. The chapel was built in 1883, following a
good revival by W. F. Black.
Bement.
Organized 1862; present membership, 120; value of prop-
erty, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 125.
There were seventeen charter members, with William
Munroe and J. Ruble, elders, and Samuel Hopkins and
Thomas Dunn, deacons. Among those who were especially
356 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
helpful to the church were G. W. Thompson, pastor in
1878-79, who collected the church records; C. H. Bridges,
E. H. Graves and C. E. Evans. The church is active and
prosperous with good officers.
In 1913, Mrs. Lillie Bowyer Hedges went from this
church as a missionary to Central Africa.
Cerro Gordo.
Organized 1883, by H. F. Tandy; present membership,
74; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 67.
This church has had varied experiences that are common
to those in small towns. It has lost by removals until it is
feeble
De Land.
Organized 1877, by Samuel Lowe; present membership,
199; value of property, including parsonage, $15,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 191.
Min. Charles Rowe first preached the plain gospel in this
neighborhood in the early seventies. He was followed by
Min. S. K. Hallam, who was pastor at Farmer City. Among
the charter members there were Mrs. Martha Bondurant,
Thomas E. Bondurant, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Churchill, and Mr.
and Mrs. H. G. Porter, all of whose services to the congre-
gation were invaluable.
A union chapel was built, the Protestant Methodists shar-
ing it one-half. During the pastorate of J. M. Francis a new
building was erected, which was much enlarged and improved
during the pastorate of W. T. McConnell. J. H. Stambaugh
is now pastor. The church is active in all good works.
Hammond.
The church here was organized about 1875 by the Macon
County Missionary Co-operation, Min. Thomas Cully serving
as the evangelist. The ultra-conservatives have long since
taken it off the map as an active force for truth and
righteousness.
CHURCHES 357
Monticello.
Organized 1911, by Andrew Scott; present membership,
39; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1911; pres-
ent enrollment, 131.
In years past a church was organized here, but it failed.
The charter members of the present congregation were Mrs.
Hattie Eshelman, Gussie and Mrs. L. M. Baker, Mrs. J. L.
Hicks, Mrs. J. Hough, Mrs. Cora Johann, W. M. and Mrs.
Hannah Holden, R. M. Wilkens and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth
Cramer, Mrs. Lillian Henry, Mrs. J. C. Miller, Pansy Dool-
ing, L. E. Bowyer and wife, J. D. Duffy and Mrs. Hanna
T. Anderson.
The unused Baptist chapel was bought.
PIKE COUNTY.
Atlas.
Organized 1908, by J. R. Campbell; present membership,
140; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1910;
present enrollment, 90.
There were two families in this village who called them-
selves Christians only. The spiritual life of the place had
run low, so they decided to organize a church of Christ.
Several successful meetings were held. A house of worship
was occupied in 1910.
Leonard Angel was ordained to the ministry.
Barry.
Organized 1842 ; present membership, 275 ; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $18,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 250.
The earlier records of this church were burned. It has
served the community well.
Bee Creek (Pearl).
Organized 1911, by G. W. Williams; present membership,
60; value of property, $500; Bible-school enrollment, 40.
358 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This congregation is five miles south of Pearl. It is
feeble.
Present membership, 326; value of property, including
parsonage, $7,500; Bible-school enrollment, 166.
An old church with a good record. Oscar Dennis is cor-
respondent.
Detroit.
Organized 1882; present membership, 133; value of
property, including parsonage, $6,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 152.
An old church that has served the community well. Glen
Fields, Pittsfield, is the correspondent. It is a fine com-
munity' El Dara.
Organized 1873, by W. H. Crow ; present membership,
190; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible
school began 1873 ; present enrollment, 100.
This church was the first result of a meeting held by Mr.
Crow. There were twenty- four charter members. Of these
there are now (1913) living: Mrs. Martha Coley, Mrs. Cyn-
thia Worsham, Mrs. Charlotte Pursley, Mrs. Ethel Pursley-
Brown, Mrs. Jennie Pursley-Reynolds and Mrs. Mary
Hewitt.
The church continues to do good work. J. W. Pearson
is the pastor. „ . .
Green Pond (Pearl).
Present membership, 100; value of property, $1,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 60.
This church dates back to the log house with puncheon
floor. It is alive under the half-time preaching of S. R.
Lewis. Geo. Graham, R. R. 1, is correspondent.
Griggsville.
Organized 1876, by R. H. Moss; present membership,
116; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1876;
present enrollment, 75.
CHURCHES 359
The churches of Christ in Pike County had long desired
to plant a congregation after the New Testament pattern
in this thrifty town. Its New Englandism was slow to
accept anything that had its beginning west of Boston.
D. R. Lucas held a great tent meeting shortly after the
organization. It proved an expansion, but not a growth.
Since then the work has been difficult and slow. A large
house was planned, but never finished. The present house
was built during the pastorate of J. E. Diehl. J. D. Dabney
is the pastor.
Independence (Pittsfield).
Organized 1858, by James Burbridge ; present member-
ship, 160; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began
1882; present enrollment, 101.
At first the congregation was called the Highland Church
of Christ. In 1882 it took the village name. James Bur-
bridge, Robert Nicholson and Andrew Main led in the move-
ment. The present building was completed in 1866. Most
prominent in this work were Joseph Troutner and Robert
Nicholson.
The church has had the services of thirty-seven ministers.
Martinsburg.
Present membership, 75; value of property, $2,000; no
Bible school.
An old church of good but conservative people.
Milton.
Present membership, 250; value of property, $2,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 142.
An old church that has done much good work. It has
always had many superior people. C. E. Bolin, Jr., is cor-
respondent.
Nebo.
Organized 1885; present membership, 200; value of prop-
erty, $5,000; Bible school began 1885; present enrollment,
165.
360 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The first elders were G. W. Burbridge and N. B.
Grimes, with T. J. Shaw, James Burbridge and G. N.
Creech, deacons. There were about fifty original members.
J. J. W. Miller served as pastor for a number of years. J.
D. Harpole and T. L. Minier are among the active members.
New Canton.
Present membership, 75; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 67.
A weak church.
New Hartford.
Organized 1851, by Hardin Gooden and David Roberts;
present membership, 150; value of property, $3,000; Bible
school began 1851 ; present enrollment, 152.
The first officers were Wm. Shambaugh and W. H.
McClintock, elders, and W. R. Mathes, Jonathan Goble and
D. K. Harris, deacons. All of them have passed on.
Meetings were held in the schoolhouse till 1856, when a
chapel was built, which was used until 1903, when the pres-
ent building was erected.
From first to last, about six hundred people have held
membership here. The church has entirely transformed the
life of the community. J. W. Pearson is now pastor.
There is a Y. P. S. C. E. and C. W. B. M. Elmer
Attor, Pittsfield, is correspondent.
Old Pearl (Straut).
Present membership, 60.
An old church of conservatives five miles south of Pearl.
Pearl.
Organized 1885, by C. H. Maynard and M. L. Anthony ;
present membership, 277; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 200.
This congregation was formed in the M. E. chapel. It
struggled along till 1894, when its own home was finished.
CHURCHES 361
To this an addition was built in 1906. H. S. Van Dervoort
and M. L. Anthony held successful revivals. The church is
active in all missionary and benevolent work.
It has given O. C. Bolman to the ministry. Min. W. H.
Kerns furnished these facts.
Perry.
Organized 1837, by David Hobbs; present membership,
330; value of property, $4,000.
Near the site of Perry, in the residence of Nicholas
Hobbs, this church was organized, with the following among
the charter members: Abraham Chenoweth and wife, Gideon
Bentley and wife, William Van Pelt and wife, Samuel Van
Pelt, Nicholas Hobbs and others. Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Chen-
oweth and William Van Pelt were the first elders and they
taught the people the Word for a few years.
The first house of worship was built in 1839. Four years
thereafter, W. H. Brown, the great evangelist, held a series
of meetings, and the multitudes attending were so great that
one side of the chapel was removed and a shed was added
to accommodate the people. This house gave place in 1851
to a more commodious building, and this to the third house
in 1880, during the pastorate of John T. Smith.
Two of the early preachers were Wm. Strong and John
Curl. The first pastor was David Hobbs.
The helpful families in the church have been the Chen-
oweths, Dorseys, Brownings and others.
Pittsfield.
Organized 1836, by Mr. Jacob Hodgen; present member-
ship, 600; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began
1855 ; present enrollment, 37.
The first meetings for public worship that aimed to follow
the apostolic pattern were held in the house of Mr. Hodgen.
Then they met in various halls in the then village, and next
in the courthouse.
In 1841 the organization was completed, with the follow-
362 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ing charter members: W. H. Strong and wife, Jonas Clark
and wife, Jacob Hodgen and wife, Jonathan Piper and wife,
John G. Shastid and daughter (later known as Mrs. Cow-
den), Joseph Sanders and wife, Caroline Barber and Calista
Bennet (afterward Mrs. Holmes). The elders were Jacob
Hodgen and Jonas Clark ; the deacon was Joseph Sanders.
Soon after this time many others were added, among whom
were the Wyatts, Bennetts, Hendricks, Rubles, Quimbys and
Johnsons.
Among the early-day preachers, there were Wm. Gale,
W. H. Strong, James Burbridge and Charles Bolin. Mr.
Strong became the first regular minister in 1839. In the
same year the "State Meeting" was held with this church.
In 1844 a small frame chapel was bought from the Con-
gregationalists. This gave place, in 1853, to a two-story
frame building.
The lower story was owned by a stock company and
used for school purposes. This house was used for twenty-
five years and was filled with many sacred memories.
In 1890, during the pastorate of W. A. Meloan, a modern
brick structure was erected. Five years later, two rooms
were added during the ministry of Geo. L. Snively.
To the Christian ministry the church has given C. G.
Kindred, W. H. Cannon and Clarence Rainwater. The pas-
torate of H. D. Clark is very tenderly remembered.
The church has many honored names of men who grew
large in character and usefulness, among them Hicks, Bar-
ber, Hall, Swan, Steers, Binns and Chamberlain.
Pleasant Hill.
Present membership, 231; value of property, $2,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 90.
This church is about forty years old and has done good
work. W. E. Turnbaugh is correspondent.
Rock Hill (Nebo).
This is six miles west of Pearl.
CHURCHES 363
Rockport,
Organized 1869; present membership, 44; value of prop-
erty, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 69.
F. M. Curver, S. Lomax and J. Ogle formed this church.
By removals and deaths it soon failed. It was revived by
Min. T. J. Keller and started again with 115 members. Upon
the removal of Mr. Keller, another disbanding followed. In
1911 he returned, and through his efforts the congregation
again began to work with fourteen members. A modern
chapel, with a concrete basement, was built and the outlook
is better.
Time (Pittsfield).
Present membership, 15; value of property, $1,000; no
Bible school.
This is seven miles southeast of Pittsfield. The com-
munity has been seriously handicapped by infidel notions.
POPE COUNTY.
Dixon Springs.
This church is five miles east of Grantsburg, near the
road leading from Vienna to Golconda. It is of the ultra-
conservative class.
Thirty years ago there was a church at Golconda that
aimed to be Christian only, but removals and deaths dis-
solved it. Within the last decade, Mins. K. A. Williams and
R L. Cartwright conducted meetings there. Some turned
to the Lord. Again, those \vho could serve as leaders moved
away. Mr. Kimball led the first effort.
Dehvood.
Organized 1912, by E. C. Stark; present membership, 12.
Mr. Stark recently located in this community and needed
a church home for himself and family. Aided only by the
Lord, he went to work to make one. As nearly always in
the beginning, the preaching of the primitive gospel raised
the ire of sectarians. They demanded a public debate. Mr.
364 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Stark accommodated them. Then they denied him the fur-
ther use of the public-school house. His teaching was
grossly misrepresented, and a boycott was made as effective
as could be.
PULASKI COUNTY.
America.
Organized 1889, by I. A. J. Parker; present membership,
55; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1889;
present enrollment, 30.
Christian Chapel (Pulaski).
Organized 1890, by I. A. J. Parker and S. A. Holt; pres-
ent membership, 75; value of property, $1,000; Bible school
began 1899; present enrollment, 50.
Grand Chain.
Organized 1858 ; present membership, 73 ; value of prop-
erty, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 80.
PUTNAM COUNTY.
Putnam.
Organized 1850, by D. R. Howe; present membership,
100; value of property, $2,000; present enrollment, 50.
This place was called Snatchwine until the railroad came.
The chapel was built in 1866 and is still in good condition.
This little church was fruitful in preachers. First, there was
John Wherry, a farmer, a strong, prayerful and true man of
God. Next, his son-in-law, J. F. M. Parker, then his two
sons J. E. and Lesly Parker, Mr. Malone, Mr. McCurdy,
and possibly others. William Drake is correspondent.
RANDOLPH COUNTY.
Mt. Summitt (Leanderville).
Organized 1887, by David Husband; present membership,
40; value of property, $1,000.
In 1844, Herman Husband, with his wife, came from
CHURCHfcS 365
Somerset, Pa., and settled in the southern part of this county.
They were both earnest Christians. The first meeting con-
ducted by a Christian minister was by Wm. Lile in 1855, in
the home of Mr. Husband. Next, Lysias Heape preached
there. He was a great preacher, and his sermons usually
were from two to three hours long. A schoolhouse was
built near by during the Civil War and was used for public
worship. Dr. Hezekiah Hodges, a country physician, and
Wm. Frederick, a miller, preached there. These men, with
Mr. Husband, supported themselves and their families by
their daily labors while they proclaimed the gospel. In 1886,
Min. L. M. Linn and H. D. Banton held a meeting and
formed a church at Rockwood. They were followed by Dr.
Isaac Mulkey. The church passed away. In 1869, Peter
Vogel, of Duquoin, held a meeting and formed a congrega-
tion at Mill Creek. J. Buford Allen served as its pastor. It
also failed. About 1872, John Friend and John Jones, two
young men from the Bible School at Lexington, Ky.,
held a meeting at Mt. Summit and formed a congregation.
It continued only a few years. J. T. Baker gathered a con-
gregation at Baldwin, but it also failed. In 1886, David
Husband, a son of Herman Husband, held a seventy-one
days' meeting and reorganized the Mt. Summit Church.
Then they were turned out of the schoolhouse. The first
name on the subscription-list to build a chapel was Albert
Conder, a boy five years of age, who pledged a coonskin.
The house was built and dedicated free from debt. It still
stands and is used in worship.
David Husband and T. J. Holloman were given to the
ministry by this county.
HIGHLAND COUNTY.
Antioch (Olney).
Present membership, 81; value of property, $590; Bible-
school enrollment. 47. Like many others, nothing more could
be learned.
366 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Berryville ( Parkersburg) .
Present membership, 80; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 47.
Calhoun.
Organized 1864, by Erastus Lathrop; present member-
ship, 66; value of property, $700; Bible school began 1864;
present enrollment, 58.
The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse and grove
till 1867, when the chapel was built.
During this period the preaching was done mainly by
Minister Lathrop, an aged and godly man, and Marion
Shick. A. J. Brittain and James Hundley were the first
elders, with Harry Barney, Henry Dean and Lewis Van
Matre, deacons. All these are dead except Mr. Brittain.
The church has had high and low tides in its life. It has
always maintained worship on the Lord's Day when without
a preacher. Has a C. E. society.
John Crawford was given to the ministry.
Noble.
Organized 1884, by H. M. Sanderson, Sr. ; present mem-
bership, 72; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began
1885 ; present enrollment, 40.
A good C. E. society. J. W. Whitaker was given to the
ministry.
Olney.
Organized 1866, by W. B. F. Treat; present member-
ship, 280; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began
1866; present enrollment, 195.
For ten years there were only a few members, who wor-
shiped in a rented hall. G. W. Morrell, a much-loved resi-
dent minister, was the chief servant of the church during this
period.
A commodious house of worship was built in 1896, to
which additions were made in later years. The church is
harmonious and hopeful, with good organized activities.
CHURCHES 367
Parkersburg.
Present membership, 124; value of property, $1,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 150.
A good C. E. society.
Prairie Hall (Claremont).
Present membership, 35; value of property, $1,000.
ROCK ISLAND COUNTY.
Moline.
Organized 1906, by O. W. Lawrence; present member-
ship, 152; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began
1906; present enrollment, 200.
The house of worship was built in 1909. The church
was formed and fostered by the State Board of Missions.
Mr. W. F. Eastman was the leading spirit.
Rapids City.
Organized 1847; present membership, 10; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 24.
This was once a prosperous coal-mining community, but
when the mineral was exhausted the town lost its popula-
tion. A fine brick building was erected in 1850. Messrs.
Steele and Shadle were the first elders. Ministers Lucas and
Sherwood were among the first preachers. By removals and
death the church went down and the house was closed for
many years. The same was true of the M. E. Church. Mrs.
C. C. Babcock revived the work in the seventies. Now there
is only a small Bible school. Perry Willard is the elder.
Rock Island First.
Organized 1868, by C. W. Sherwood ; present member-
ship, 725; value of property, including parsonage, $45,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 353.
In March, 1856, a few Disciples met in Rock Island for
public worship. These meetings continued for two years,
368 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
when it was thought best to discontinue them. Through the
invitations of P. L. Mitchell and Mrs. Almyria Holt, the
State Board of Missions sent Evangelist C. W. Sherwood
there in March, 1868. Just twelve years to a day from the
last meeting held in 1858 the Disciples again met and the
organization was effected. Some of the same wine was used
on both occasions, having been faithfully kept by Mrs. Holt,
and the same basket, containing a dollar or two in nickels
and dimes placed therein ten years before, and cared for by
Mrs. Holt, the former treasurer, was used at that time. In
April, Minister Sherwood reported to State Sec. Dudley
Downs that the mission then numbered thirty persons,
Mr. Mitchell rented the hall over the post-office, which
was used as the place of meeting. In 1870 he purchased the
old Baptist chapel, remodeled and refitted it, and gave it to
the congregation.
During this period 746 people had been received, but
there were but 370 when they left the old house, the differ-
ence having gone in the usual ways.
In 1895, Mrs. Mary Wadsworth offered to replace the old
chapel with a new and commodious structure as a memorial
of her beloved father, P. L. Mitchell. The conditions were
that the congregation should furnish and care for the build-
ing and that its doors should be open to all who would enter,
without price. With many tender memories and tearful
hearts, the old home was left. The new one was first fully
occupied in January, 1896. Since then the church has con-
tinually grown in strength and usefulness.
It has given Frank L. Bowen and Fred S. Nichols to the
ministry.
Rock Island Second (Thirty-sixth Street and
Fifteenth Avenue).
Organized 1913, by J. Fred Jones ; present membership,
45; value of property, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 110.
For several years a Bible school had been conducted
CHURCHES 369
tinder the superintendency of Dr. J. D. Nichols. In the
church there were twenty-five charter members.
SALINE COUNTY.
Eldorado.
Organized 1903, by Gilbert Jones; present membership,
100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1903;
present enrollment, 75.
Mr. Jones was residing here while serving as evangelist
of the Eighth Missionary District. The church grew out of
meetings conducted by him in the public-school building.
There were thirty-three charter members. The same year a
lot was bought and a chapel built thereon. Before leaving
it, Mr. Jones placed the church well upon its feet.
J. H. Bramlet, J. A. Davis, Mrs. C. E. Osburn and
family, S. S. Karnes, with the Bean and Banks families, con-
tributed much to the progress of this church.
Harrisburg.
Present enrollment, 100; value of property, $2,200; Bible-
school enrollment, 108.
Stone Fort.
Organized 1898, by I. A. J. Parker; present membership,
25; no church building; Bible school began 1898; present
enrollment, 25.
Miss Flora Parker is clerk.
SANGAMON COUNTY.
Auburn.
Organized 1868; present membership, 70; value of prop-
erty, $3,000 ; Bible school began 1868 ; present enrollment, 40.
One or two efforts to form a church here that should be
Christian only had come to naught. But in the spring of
1868 the following named Disciples constituted themselves
into such church : A. G. and Mary A. Harvey, John and
Laura Piper, George W. and Margaret Hackley, M. G. and
370 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Mary E. Wads worth, A. M. and Salome T. Black, and
Nancy F. Wineman. Meetings for public worship were held
on the second floors of store buildings. A good Bible school
was held. Preaching for half-time was arranged.
John Piper and G. W. Hackley, two carpenters of limited
means, led in the building enterprise. The former gave the
lot. On a $600 subscription they began to build a house.
When the structure was about ready for the doors and win-
dows, it was wrecked one night by a hurricane. It was the
only building in the town that was damaged. The next day
the two carpenters began on the work again. After two or
three years the building was finished. These facts attest
their faith and heroism.
Barclay.
This congregation grew from the Wolf Creek Church,
located two miles southeast, which was one of the early
churches of the county, and prosperous and influential in its
time. As indicating the conceptions of "discipline" then cur-
rent, the following transcript is made from the original rec-
ords of the Wolf Creek Church:
Jerry Richerson husband of Alley Richerson.
The above named person is excommunicated from this congrega-
tion for the following disobedience.
He dissembled from the Brethren, almost altogether. (Forbiden
Hebrews 10 & 25). His works were those of the flesh. (Galacians
5 & 22-23.) we are commanded to withdraw ourselves from every
person who walks disorderly. Second Thessalonians 3rd & 6, and
first Corinthians 5 & 4 says, In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ,
when you are gethered together and my spirit, with the power
of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the
destruction of the flesh that the Spirit may be saved in the day of
the Lord Jesus. This done Feb. 7th, 1841.
W. M. ELLIS, Clerk.
On the same day and in the same formal manner, Alley
Richerson was excommunicated because "she did not meet
with Brethern on the first day of the week to commemorate
the death and suffering of our Savior, violated even the laws
of morality, in her conversation; in short, she refused to
CHURCHES 371
live that character and carry out that principle taught in the
Christian Religion," etc., etc.
The Wolf Creek Church was organized Sept. 3, 1837,
with Adam J. Groves, Rezin H. Constant and Melitus W.
Ellis as elders, and Samuel Wilson, James Taylor and Wil-
liam F. Elkin as deacons. Up to Feb. 5, 1849, there had
been 282 members.
The old building was burned, so that in 1890 the chapel
in Barclay was built and the congregation met there.
Removals and the influx of miners decimated the congrega-
tion so that only a small Sunday school is kept going.
Berlin.
Organized 1825, by Andrew Scott; present membership,
80; value of property, including parsonage, $1,500; Bible
school began 1867; present enrollment, 100.
(See Chap. II.) In its early years the church was served
by Andrew Scott, Theophilus Sweet, Judge J. W. Taylor,
A. J. Kane and Dr. Mallory. Charles O. Rowe came from
Indian Creek and so strengthened the congregation that a
frame chapel was built in 1842, one and a half miles north-
west of Berlin. Then it was known as the Mt. Zion Chris-
tian Church. The elders then were Mr. Scott, William Grant
and Henry Ellis. Then Harrison Osborn and Robert Fos-
ter served the church for six years. It was here, in 1855,
that Mr. Foster, removing his coat in order to immerse
thirty converts in Spring Creek before a large assembly, dis-
closed the fact that he was wearing his "boiled shirt" with
the bosom behind. In 1859 a new chapel was built in Berlin,
which thereafter became the place of meeting. This town
was the boyhood home of War Governor Richard Yates.
Early in 1861 he visited the place and made a "war speech"
in the Christian chapel that greatly perturbed the congrega-
tion. Two of his sisters, Mrs. Martha Scott and Mrs.
Elliott, were members here. A four days' public discussion
was held in this house during the Civil War. Since then
sixteen pastors have served the church.
373 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Buffalo.
Organized 1875, by G. M. Goode and J. B. Allen; pres-
ent membership, 125 ; value of property, including parsonage,
$4,000; Bible school began 1875.
Two pastors, G. M. Goode, then of Illiopolis, and J. B.
Allen, then of Mechanicsburg, conducted a series of meet-
ings in the schoolhouse in the fall of 1874. The work was
purely missionary on their part and resulted in eight conver-
sions. The organization of thirty members was made early
in the following January. T. J. Underwood, John Jacobs
and Samuel Garvey were chosen elders. A church building,
costing $2,000, was erected the same year.
Cantrall.
Organized 1820, by Stephen England; present member-
ship, 125; value of property, including parsonage, $3,300;
Bible-school enrollment, 29.
(See Chap. II.) In 1819 a band of pioneers made the
first settlement north of the Sangamon River, a few miles
northwest of Springfield. Stephen England was the leader.
He was born in Virginia in 1773. When quite young he was
taken to Bath County, Ky. There he married Anna Harper.
They became the parents of twelve children. The family
moved to Madison County, O., in 1813, and in the fall of
1818 to Madison County, 111. Mr. England was a Baptist
preacher in Kentucky, but was never known as such in
Sangamon County. In June, 1819, he first preached to his
neighbors who assembled in his home. The next year (May
15) he formed a church with the following members:
Stephen and Anna England, Jachoniah and Nancy Langston,
Levi and Fanny Cantrall, Mrs. Adelphia Wood, Mrs. Sarah
Cantrall and Mrs. Lucy Scott. This was the first church
organized in this county. These nine people then signed the
following agreement:
We, members of the church of Jesus Christ, being providentially
moved from our former place of residence from distant part, and
CHURCHES 373
being baptized on the profession of our faith and met at the house
of Stephen England, on a branch of Higgins Creek, in order to form
a constitution, having first given ourselves to the Lord and then to
one another, agree that our constituion shall be on the Holy Scrip-
tures of Old and New Testaments, believing them to be the only
rule of faith and practice.
In 1823 a log meeting-house was built one and a half
miles southeast of the site of Cantrall, near what is now
known as the Britten Cemetery. The cracks were chinked,
and greased paper was used for the windows. This primi-
tive temple was built by the volunteer labor of the settle-
ment. In 1846 the second house was built in the village, and
the third in 1873. Mr. England continued to serve the
church till his death, preaching his last sermon sitting. He
solemnized the first marriage in the county in his own home.
On one occasion a couple came from Fort Clark, now
Peoria, to be married by him.
The congregation was served by about all of the pioneer
preachers of central Illinois. It gave John England and R.
E. Dunlap to the ministry. Besides these, many great and
good men and women have gone forth from this church.
David England served the congregation as an officer over
half a century. George T. Sayles as an efficient elder for
forty years, and later, John and Robert Grant and John S.
Lake have given invaluable service. The names of Carlile,
Livi and John T. Canterbury, Hiram Powell, "Uncle Jack"
Cline and Carlile Witts are cherished.
The church has always been missionary. It was never
affiliated with the Christian Denomination.
Clear Lake (Springfield).
Organized 1865, by A. J. Kane; value of property, $1,500.
The charter members of this church were H. D. Turley
and wife, M. D. Whitesides and wife, B. Turley and wife,
J. Cartmel and wife, C. Churchill and wife, B. F. White-
sides and wife, Mrs. Black, T. King and Mary F. Turley.
Its house of worship was built the same year. For many
374 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
years the church was a strong force in the community for
truth and righteousness. Its most active and useful members
were H. D. Turley and family. Denominational opposition
was active for a long time. It was here that A. J. Kane
baptized Dr. W. A. Mallory.
By deaths and removals the church has become feeble.
The remnant are dividing between Riverton and Springfield
Churches.
Daivson.
Organized 1887; present membership, 30; value of prop-
erty, $2,500; Bible school began 1887; present enrollment, 30.
The chapel was bought of the Presbyterians. The con-
gregation has lost by removals. The influx of coal miners
adds to the difficulties to be met.
Illiopolis.
Organized 1866, by C. P. Short; present membership,
408; value of property, including parsonage, $17,600; Bible
school began 1868; present enrollment, 240.
The original members of this church were Mr. and Mrs.
A. C. Ford, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Garvey, Mr. and Mrs. John
C. McGuffin, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bourland, W. L. Rob-
erts, W. N. Streeter, F. M. Green, Mrs. Mary Ruby, Mrs.
Sarah Dake, Archibald Boyd and Mrs. Mary Skeen.
For a long time the meetings were held in the M. E.
Church, with only occasional preaching. But this privilege
was withdrawn and the meetings were held in the public-
school house.
On a cold, misty, windy day in November, 1867, the con-
gregation met in the street in front of a hotel, as the school-
house was undergoing repairs. At this meeting there were
eight conversions to Christ, and the determination to build
was reached. A plain frame house was finished and occu-
pied in August, 1868. This served the church until 1909,
when the building was reconstructed, enlarged and mod-
ernized during the pastorate of Robert A. Sickles.
CHURCHES 375
The church has always had some admirable men and
women. The present pastor is B. H. Sealock.
It has given to the ministry John McGuffin and Charles
O. Williams. Possibly H. M. Brooks should be credited here.
Loami.
Organized 1892, by C. S. Medbury; present membership,
150; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1892;
present enrollment, 75.
The church was organized with sixty-eight charter mem-
bers. A convenient frame building, costing $3,400, was
occupied the following January.
The church has had twelve pastors and has done fine
service.
Mechanicsburg.
Organized 1845, by Walter P. Bowles ; present member-
ship, 175; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 100.
Mr. Bowles and Dr. Robert Foster preached the apostolic
gospel in the early forties in this community. The people
met in residences, barns, groves and schoolhouses. There
were about thirty charter members. The first officers were
Wm. S. Pickrell, John Churchill and John Dawson, elders,
with James McRee, Joseph Green and Wileby Churchill,
deacons. The house of worship was finished in 1856. Mr.
Pickrell gave the lot and made the brick used in the con-
struction. It still stands, having received only modern
improvements. The dedication sermon was preached in
August, 1856, by A. Campbell. Besides Ministers Bowles
and Foster, A. J. Kane, W. H. Brown, W. A. Mallory, A.
D. Northcutt, and John Wilson, who was a product of this
church, served the congregation in its earlier years.
By 1885 the tide had gone out so that John Garvey, with
twenty-four women, constituted the membership. Miss
Emma Pickrell, a daughter of Wm. S. Pickrell, during this
period superintended the Bible school and administered the
Lord's Supper with grace and fidelity.
376 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In 1887, Evangelist W. F. Black conducted a great
revival, since which the work has moved forward.
This church is noted for the number of great, noble and
helpful people it has produced. The Pickrells, Garveys,
Churchills, Elkins and others are enshrined in the hearts of
many.
Pleasant Plains.
Organized 1869, by John Wilson; present membership,
102; value of property, including parsonage, $4,000; Bible
school began 1870; present enrollment, 78.
W. M. Brown preached the gospel in this community in
the early years. There was a congregation of Christians
formed four miles east of the town site and worshiped there
for several years. The town grew when the railroad was
built. The church was formed in a hall. In 1870 the house
of worship was built. A period of strife and division ensued,
but gradually disappeared.
In the earlier years, A. T. Kane, G. W. Minier, Ministers
Osborn, Norton, Burton and John Lemmon served the con-
gregation.
Riverton.
Organized 1876, by Dr. W. A. Mallory; present member-
ship, 90; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1876;
present enrollment, 50.
Meetings for public worship had been held in school-
houses in the neighborhood of Riverton for years. The first
name of the town was Howlet. This was the home of Dr.
Mallory. He first preached in the village "little brick school-
house" in 1874, and then baptized the first converts there —
Louise Fox and Georgiana Flagg. In 1876, Evangelist
Logan conducted a series of meetings with about fifty con-
verts to Christ. A small building was then rented and regu-
lar church work begun. But the M. E. congregation offered
more rent and got the use of the room. Then the Christian
congregation went to the Good Templars' Hall. Next, the
Opera Hall was used. Then Temperance Hall again. Jacob
CHURCHES 377
Bunn, of Springfield, gave the congregation a lot, but they
were unable to build a chapel thereon. The death of Dr.
Mallory proved a severe loss to the congregation, and they
scattered. A few stood true to their convictions of Christian
truth and duty; they were Emma King and Mrs. Amanda
Steele and her daughter Etta, who is now Mrs. Etta C.
White, the church clerk.
During the pastorate of J. B. Briney in Springfield, he
preached here occasionally. In 1894, B. F. Flagg and
Archie Neal led in an effort to revive the work. Min. J. O.
Sutherland conducted a series of meetings and reorganized
the church. The next year an effort was made to build a
chapel, but it only partially succeeded. But the women held
true until the house was finished, furnished, and even mod-
ernized and improved. The ashes made by burning the mort-
gage were turned over to the church clerk to keep.
Riverton is a coal-mining town. Its population is shift-
ing. The congregation is composed of laboring people. The
legalized groggeries do their fatal work. It is said that min-
isters do not wish to reside there.
Rochester.
The first church by this name was formed in Rochester
Township, independent of the South Fork congregation, in
1841. A. Richardson and B. Williams were elected elders,
with S. West and W. Bashaw, deacons. This congregation
was served by Mins. W. M. Brown, A. J. Kane, W. P.
Bowles and W. A. Mallory. For years it was strong and a
power for good in the community.
Organized 1877, by A. J. Kane; present membership, 90;
value of property, including parsonage, $2,500; Bible school
began 1877; present enrollment, 50.
With the coming of the railroad, the town grew and the
place of meeting was changed. The first elders were W. P.
Clark and J. McClure, with W. Windsor and S. Wolford,
deacons. The chapel was built in 1877.
A. J. Kane and W. A. Mallory served the church for
378 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
several years. There followed a few ministers whose lives
did not vindicate their calling, and disturbance ensued. The
church, however, has recovered and is doing good work.
Springfield — First.
Organized 1833, by Josephus Hewitt; present member-
ship, 992; value of property, $133,000; Bible school began
1848; present enrollment, 450.
Were this not a great and good church, it would be
untrue to its antecedents. Minister Hewitt was a man of
superior versatility and eloquence, and passed like a comet
through the Springfield sky. In the residence of Mrs. Gar-
ner Goodan, located on the lot now occupied by the Chicago
& Alton passenger station, the church was constituted in
October with the following charter members : Philo and Mar-
tha Beers, Joseph and Lucy Bennett, Alfred and Martha
Elder, Dr. James R. Gray, Mrs. Garner Goodan, Mrs. Ann
McNabb, William Shoup, Reuben Radford and Elisha Tabor.
To these were soon added America T. Logan, wife of Judge
Stephen T. Lcran ; Gen. Jas. Adams, Lemuel and Evaline
Higby, Mordecai Mobley and wife, George Bennett and
wife, Col. E. D. Baker and wife, the Woodworth family and
others.
The passing years further brought to and took away from
this fellowship Alexander Graham, its second minister ; Win.
H. Brown, its third, and great evangelist; William Lavely
and Daniel B. Hill ; A. J. Kane, whom it added to the Chris-
tian ministry ; Jonathan R. Saunders ; Mary Logan, who
became Mrs. Milton Hay ; J. W. Taylor, who was an earnest
preacher and served four years as county judge; John G.,
Thomas C. and Wm. F. Elkin ; Richard Latham, J. H.
Pickrell and his sister, Mrs. H. P. Pasfield, and many others
whose names are held in sacred remembrance. In that hon-
orable company, A. J. Kane may easily be counted the
leader. The gospel, working through his clear mind and
pure heart, gave direction to the thought and character of
the church. His wife, Mrs. Caroline Beers Kane, was the
CHURCHES 379
last one of the old guard to pass to the church triumphant.
The first house of worship was of brick, completed in
1834, and stood on the north side of Madison Street, between
Fourth and Fifth ; the second in 1853, at the northeast cor-
ner of Sixth and Jefferson; the third in 1882, at the corner
of Fifth and Jackson, built during the pastorate of J. Buford
Allen ; the present splendid edifice was finished in 1912, dur-
ing the pastorate of F. W. Burnham, and stands on the
southeast corner of Sixth and Cook Streets.
This church has now many good people who abound in
good works. They supported Mrs. Susie C. Rijnhart in
Tibet; paid $2,500 to build a dormitory in Tokyo, Japan,
when Miss Rose J. Armbruster went out there, and pays
$600 yearly to the Foreign Society. Dr. Paul Wakefield and
his wife, who is a daughter of Mrs. Lindsay, went out from
this church to China, and E. T. Williams left its pastorate
thirty-five years ago for the same field. He is secretary of
the American Legation at Peking. The church has enter-
tained the National Missionary Convention twice and the
State Convention six times.
The pastors have mostly been noted men. Besides those
already named, the list includes the names of D. R. Howe,
L. B. Wilkes, T. T. Holton, H. W. Everest, J. M. Atwater,
J. Z. Taylor, E. V. Zollars, J. B Briney, A. P. Cobb, J. E.
Lynn and F. W. Burnham.
Among the now forceful members are H. C. Latham,
Charles P. Kane, B. R. Hieronymus, L. H. Coleman (whose
son, C. B. Coleman, entered the ministry and is a teacher in
Butler College), Mrs. Catherine Lindsay (for thirty years
president of the C. W. B. M. auxiliary), G. A. Hulett, C. E.
Brown and Mrs. Mary L. Morrison. Others equally worthy,
both among the dead and the living, have their names in
God's book of remembrance.
Springfield — Stezvart Street.
Organized 1905, by C. C. Morrison ; present membership,
550; value of property, $10,000; Bible-school enrollment, 264.
380 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This church was the result of a tent meeting conducted
by C. C. Morrison in the southeast part of the city while he
was pastor of the First Church.
A good property costing $9,000 was completed and occu-
pied in May, 1906. This congregation was nourished and
helped by the other two churches of the city. It does good
work. The pastors were R. A. Finnell, H. H. Jenner and
Gifford Earnest.
Springfield — West Side.
Organized 1902, by J. E. Lynn; present membership,
674; value of property, $45,000; Bible-school enrollment, 346.
On the 5th of January, 1902, this church was organized,
its Bible school formed and its building dedicated. There
were ninety-eight charter members and twelve were added
that day. The church has grown seven-fold, possesses an
admirable spirit and is doing excellent work. In 1910 an
addition was made to the building, costing $14,000.
The church has given Chester Gruble to the ministry.
Salisbury.
Organized 1875, by John Lemmon ; present membership,
50; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1875; pres-
ent enrollment, 57.
This is an inland village in the northern edge of the
county. The subscription paper for building the house had
some unique conditions ; as, "The house should be used for
religious purposes only; that no entertainment that required
admission fee at the door should be given there, or any polit-
ical meeting held there ; and when not in use by the owners,
the church of Christ, it should be open to all religious pro-
clivities." It has served the community well for a third of
a century.
South Fork (Rochester).
Organized 1832, by W. P. Bowles ; present membership,
75; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 50.
This congregation is located southwest of Rochester. It
CHURCHES 381
was organized in the residence of Thos. Baker, that stood
one and one-half miles west of the town site. The charter
members were W. P. Bowles and wife, A. Bowles and wife,
Joseph Walter, Elizabeth Bowles, Anna Payne, J. Baker and
wife, Thos. Baker and wife, A. Richards and wife, W. Poor
and wife, E. Delay, D. Stokes and L. Gooden.
The church now has preaching part of the time.
Williamsville.
Organized 1842; present membership, 200; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $11,800; Bible-school enrollment,
137.
This church was first organized in the home of W. F.
Jones. At first it was known as the Fancy Creek Christian
Church. There were members scattered from Wolf Creek
to Fancy Creek; hence, about thirty of them withdrew from
the Wolf Creek congregation and organized at Fancy Creek.
Meetings for public worship were held in the homes of
the people until 1856, when the Lake Schoolhouse was
secured. In 1858 a house of worship was built in Williams-
ville, and thus the name of the congregation was changed.
In 1852, W. Jones and James Lester were chosen elders,
with G. W. Constant and J. Barr as deacons. In 1866, A. J.
Kane ordained T. M. Helm and A. W. Elder as elders, and
F. A. Merriman, C. Turley and J. Groves as deacons of this
congregation.
Minister Kane served the church for several periods as
preacher in charge.
J. S. Sweeney held a public discussion here with Minister
Davies, of the M. E. Church. By this, many people in the
community were helped to a better knowledge of the Scrip-
tures.
This church is composed of excellent people. For many
years it has been noted for its liberality and fidelity in all
Christian work.
The Richland congregation, twelve miles westward of
Springfield, and four miles east of Pleasant Plains, was a
382 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
country church of the early time. For many years it was
the home of John Wycliffe Taylor and his wife, Aunt Sallie.
SCHUYLER COUNTY.
Bader.
Present membership, 90; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 75.
Bethany (Rushville).
Organized 1871, by Alpheus Brown and A. S. Robinson;
present membership, 30; value of property, $600; Bible
school began 1871 ; present enrollment, 37.
The church has been served chiefly by the pastors in
Rushville.
Browning.
Organized 1894, by L. F. Davis ; present membership, 12 ;
value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1894; present
enrollment, 48.
Meetings were held in a hall for a year and a half, when
the chapel was built.
Camden.
Organized 1865, by Henry Smithers; present member-
ship, 45; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1865;
present enrollment, 92.
The church was reorganized in 1871. Besides Mr. Smith-
ers, the following ministers have served the congregation:
\V. T. Dunkerson, Martin Sharpies, Alpheus Brown, Henry
Pruett, B. F. Shepard, C. B. Newnan, J. O. Walton, D. E.
Hughes, Hervey Scott, C. B. Dabney, Geo. Chandler and W.
E. Roberts.
Frederick.
Organized 1890, by D. E. Husrhes ; present membership,
12; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1852;
present enrollment, 59.
A Sunday school was begun in 1852. A number of Dis-
CHURCHES 383
ciples resided here, for whom J. B. Royal and Orin Dilley
preached occasionally. The church was organized at the
close of a meeting conducted by Minister Hughes. A chapel
was built at once.
As preachers, D. L. Kincaid, W. G. Groves, L. F. Davis,
Isaac Beckelhymer, J. W. Knight and Clyde Lyon have
served the congregation. Removals and indifference have
made the church few and feeble.
Pleasantvieiv.
Value of property, $600; Bible-school enrollment, 60.
Ray.
Organized 1895, by D. E. Hughes; present membership,
75; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1890;
present enrollment, 84.
Public worship was conducted in the schoolhouse until
the chapel was built the next year. Besides Mr. Hughes,
H. C. Littleton, G. W. Ford, J. W. Carpenter, G. W. Ross,
H. L. Maltman and Evangelist J. D. Williams have served
the church.
Rushville.
Organized 1833, by Barton W. Stone; present member-
ship, 225; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 200.
The first preaching in Schuyler County by a Christian
minister was about 1829 by James Hughes. He was on his
way home from Ohio to Missouri and stopped at the home
of Benjamin Chadsey, one of the prominent early settlers.
This was two and a half miles northeast of Rushville. The
preaching of Mr. Hughes was eagerly welcomed by the
scattered Christians in the community.
In 1832, Barton W. Stone came up from Jacksonville
and held a series of meetings in the old log courthouse in
Rushville. His preaching awakened great interest in the
community. In 1833, James W. Davis and James Urbank
384
came from Kentucky to continue the work. The organiza-
tion of the church was perfected December 29.
The first house of worship was built in 1834 and the
present one in 1874. The congregation has passed through
high tides and low tides of prosperity and spiritual life.
SCOTT COUNTY.
Exeter.
Organized by David Hobbs; present membership, 88;
value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 78.
Glasgow.
Present membership, 45; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 40.
Manchester.
Organized 1864; present membership, 68; value of prop-
erty, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 45.
Two of the charter members were James F. Curtis, who
was baptized by Mr. Campbell in 1832, and Mrs. Eliza
Billings, who is the sole survivor. J. R. Belvins is the clerk.
Winchester.
Organized 1832; present membership, 300; value of prop-
erty, $7,000; Bible-school enrollment, 140.
Early in the thirties a few families of Disciples came to
Winchester. They soon found one another. As a result,
they instituted regular weekly meetings in their homes for
public worship. They "broke bread," read the Scriptures and
exhorted one another. Among them there were Levi Harlan
and Theophilus Sweet, to whom, doubtless, belongs the honor
of this beginning. In 1838 this church had 100 members.
In the earlier years a lot was secured in the southeast part
of town and a substantial brick house built thereon. This
served the congregation until 1855, when it was sold to the
Roman Catholics. A more central place was secured and a
CHURCHES 385
two-story brick structure was erected and furnished in 1866,
during the pastorate of T. J. Marlow. A modern edifice was
completed in 1913.
Among the early preachers here there were William
Strong, John T. Jones, D. P. Henderson, W. H. Brown, J.
S. Patton, W. W. Happy, John Atkinson; then David Hobbs,
N. S. Bastian, E. P. Belsher, J. H. Coats, J. S. Sweeney and
others.
The church has the usual auxiliaries and is in a healthy,
growing condition.
SHELBY COUNTY.
About 1837, Min. B. W. Henry organized a congrega-
tion near his home on the west side of Okaw Township.
Two or three years later a log house was built for the
double purpose of school and church, and was so occupied
for about twenty years. Among the pioneer preachers who
worked there were B. W. Henry, Tobias Grider, Fleming,
Goodman, Storm, Mulkey and Sconce. In the early fifties
it was active in co-operative missionary work. The changing
tides of human life later on carried it away.
In 1871, Min. P. P. Warren organized the Bethany con-
gregation in Windsor Township with fifty-three members.
From 1860 preaching had been kept up at this point by
Ministers Warren and Tobias Grider, under the direction of
the Sand Creek Church, and the converts thus made were
received by this congregation until the new organization.
Minister Warren served Bethany once per month for more
than twenty years. The chapel was built in 1871. The con-
gregation gave A. J. Nance to the ministry. It died by con-
servatism.
The Green Creek congregation was formed in Big Spring
Township about 1850 and did good service. In 1855, Evan-
gelist Thomas Goodman organized the Mount Pleasant con-
gregation in Prairie Township, and this absorbed the first
named. The meetings were held first in the Baker, and next
in the Forrest, Schoolhouse.
13
386 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
James Carr preached for this congregation for thirty
years, and died there in 1880 in a good old age, loved and
respected by all. Others who preached here were Tobias
Grider, Wm. Colson, A. A. Lovins, J. I. Seward, J. M. Mor-
gan and Isaac McCash.
In January, 1880, Min. L. M. Linn held a meeting of
days in Shelby Township and formed the Oak Grove congre-
gation with thirty-six members. A union chapel, part Uni-
tarian, was built. The spiritual life is feeble.
In 1873, Tobias Grider formed the Union congregation in
the Hidden Schoolhouse, on the line of Okaw and Shelby
Townships, with fourteen members. It died at the close of
thirty years.
Min. B. R. Gilbert organized the Zion congregation on
the west side of Todd's Point Township in 1878 with thirty-
two members. The same year a chapel costing $1,200 was
built. The church met regularly for worship on the Lord's
Days and maintained a mid-week prayer-meeting. It died of
conservatism.
In April, 1860, Min. John Sconce formed a congregation
in a log schoolhouse near the northeast corner of Todd's
Point Township with fifty-eight members, which was known
as Welborn Creek Church. A chapel costing $1,200 was
built in 1871, located three miles north of the site of Findley.
The growth of towns on railways reduced its strength, but
its dissolution was hastened by a contention of two of its
men over a stalk-field. It disbanded about 1900. The house
still stands there. Its remnants went to Findley and Bethany
Churches.
The Pleak congregation, six miles southeast of Mowea-
qua, was formed with twenty members by Min. J. D. Morgan
in 1880. A substantial chapel was built in a few years, but
the title never passed to the congregation. A political
quarrel divided the membership and killed the church. F.
M. Pleak, the leader of this work, died in 1902.
Many of these were sincere but mistaken efforts to justly
apply the great principles of the gospel.
CHURCHES 387
Ash Grove (Windsor).
Organized 1832, by Jackson Storm; present membership,
400; value of property, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 80.
This location is four miles southeast of Windsor. For
many years it was known as the Cochran's Grove Church.
It was organized in a log residence. Some time later a log
chapel was built, which was used till 1858. Then a large
frame building was erected, which in turn gave place to the
present building in 1887. The site of these four buildings
has changed but little. The lot, with the adjacent cemetery
ground, was given to the congregation by Greenup Storm,
one of the strong and godly pioneers. The thirteen charter
members were: John Storm, Sr., and wife, Wm. Duggar and
wife, Wm. Bennett and wife, Daniel Green and wife, John
Storm, Jr., and wife, Joseph Dickerson and wife, and Stella
Good. The church has had a long, useful and honorable
life. It was the mother of Windsor, Gays and Lower Ash
Grove, a conservative society. W. B. Bennett served the
congregation fifty years as an elder. Most of the pioneers
of that section preached there. H. H. Harrell served the
church ten years. It is now in sympathy with world-wide
missions. It has given to the ministry James Brady, W. R.
Storm and Homer Storm.
Brunswick.
Organized 1860, by B. W. Henry; value of property,
$2,000; Bible school began 1869; present enrollment, 57.
For many years this was known as the Antioch Church
of Christ. The charter members were John, Sr., Sarah S.,
James and Mary, Andy and Elizabeth Barrickman ; Martha
Christman, Rebecca Galyer, W. H. Jackson, Leah James ;
William. Isaac, Sr., Samuel, Nathan, Eleanor, Lydia and
Ellen Killam ; E. J. and James Miller, Jacob Morehouse,
Hiram and Rachel Pogue, Henry and Isabel Prichard, H. C.
and Margaret Robertson, John and Eliza Smith, and C. L.
Scott.
388 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
When the village of Brunswick grew up about the
church its name was changed to harmonize therewith. The
present chapel was built in 1868. An organ was first used
in 1910
Cowden.
Organized 1899, by W. Bedell; present membership, 120;
value of property, $2,100; Bible school began 1899; present
enrollment, 145.
This church started right and has grown steadily in use-
fulness. It is well organized. The active members include
the McMillen, Mason, Reynolds, Ballenbaugh, Prater and
Jewett families.
Findlay.
Organized 1906, by H. E. Monser; present membership,
90; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1906;
present enrollment, 94.
Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Terry moved from Shelbyville to
Findley in 1903. The Christian Church there was so con-
servative that it was doing little. In 1905, through the influ-
ence of Mrs. Terry, an auxiliary to the C. W. B. M. of
twelve members was formed. A meeting by Mr. Monser in
November, 1906, resulted in the organization of a church of
eighty-eight members. It is active and aggressive. A brick
building was finished and occupied in January, 1909. Miss
Olive was set apart to the ministry by this church. There
is also a conservative church here.
Henton.
Organized 1850, by B. W. Henry; present membership,
127; value of property, $4,500; Bible-school enrollment, 100.
Mr. Henry and others preached for several years in this
community before 1850. There were twenty-five charter
members in the Prairie Bird Church. This beautiful name
gave way to Henton when the railroad came and the village
started. The first elders were Lindsay McMorris, Chatter
CHURCHES 389
Kelly and Elijah Waggoner, and the first deacons, J. T. and
W. M. Smith. The first house was built in 1857.
J. O. Henry was here ordained to the ministry.
Herrick.
Present membership, 25; value of property, $2,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 84.
Mode.
Organized 1880, by L. M. Linn ; value of property, $500.
Evangelist Linn, working under the auspices of the
County Co-operation, held a meeting of weeks in the winter
of this year and formed the church with fifty-one members.
A union chapel was built shortly thereafter. Now there is
only a small Bible school.
Moweaqua.
Organized 1896, by M. Ingles; present membership, 258;
value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1896; present
enrollment, 119.
William Richhart led in the formation of this church.
On his invitation the first sermons by a Christian preacher
were delivered by Minister Doty. There were forty-two
charter members.
A good church building was soon put up. A. R. Spicer
was the first pastor.
New Liberty (Windsor).
Organized 1871.
About 1840 a log chapel was built in the northeast corner
of Windsor Township. It had two chimneys and a dirt floor.
Ministeis Grider, Henry, Storm, Fleming and Goodman
preached there. The resident members formed part of the
Sand Creek Church till 1871, when a separate congregation,
called Wolf Creek, was formed. The log house had then
disappeared, for meetings were held in the Dodson and
Baker Schoolhouses till 1874, when a chapel was built. The
390 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
name was then changed to New Liberty. It gave Jesse
Baugher to the ministry. About 1880, under the lead of P.
P. Warren, it became ultra-conservative.
Rocky Branch (Tower Hill).
Organized 1850, by B. W. Henry.
Meetings were held in Rose Township by Ministers
Henry, M. R. Chew and Edward Evy about this date in resi-
dences, in Black Log Schoolhouse and in a grove. One of
these, conducted by Mr. Henry, resulted in fifty conversions.
The consequent congregation passed through many expe-
riences, prosperous and adverse. Many times all efforts
ceased. A neat chapel was built. Now no meetings of any
kind are held.
Sand Creek (Windsor).
Organized 1834, by John Storm ; present membership, 25.
This place is three and a half miles northwest of Wind-
sor. The eleven charter members were Benjamin Weeks
and wife, Joseph Baker, wife and son, Ashley Baker and
wife, Louis Ledbetter and wife, Sarah Bougher and Rachel
Wallace. Min. Tobias Gricler gave one acre of land for the
building-site. The first house was of logs, built in 1834;
the second, a frame, built in 1857, and the third, a brick,
built in 1874.
For fifty years this congregation was prosperous and
useful. It enrolled from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred
members, and gave to the ministry Isaac Miller, Nathan
Rice, P. P. Warren, A. A. Loomis and L. P. Phillips. In
the log chapel in 1850 a missionary co-operation, including
Shelby, Moultrie and Macon Counties, was formed. Peace
and prosperity continued till 1889, when Min. Daniel Som-
mer came and began an aggressive opposition to the use of
instrumental music in public worship and other "innova-
tions." This church had never used an organ and had no
thought of introducing one until the preaching of Mr. Som-
mer created a desire and a demand for its introduction.
CHURCHES 391
This led to a division in 1904 and to a suit at law for the
property. This was decided by the State Supreme Court at
the October term, 1905, in favor of the conservatives, they
being the majority. It was here that the pigmy and disloyal
"Address and Declaration" was issued in 1889 (see Chap.
VIII.). By that act this church wrote "Ichabod" in large
letters upon its record.
Those members who protested against these puerile pro-
ceedings have since then conducted public worship and work
in a near-by schoolhouse. They have been faithful and
blessed of God.
Shelbyville.
Organized 1831, by Bushrod W. Henry; present member-
ship, 500; value of property, $7,500; Bible school began
1831 ; present enrollment, 140.
This church was constituted as the "First Baptist Church
of Christ in Shelbyville." Mr. Henry's sermons reflected his
growing knowledge of the Scriptures and called out the
opposition of his conservative Baptist brethren. Their doc-
trinal differences widened so that Mr. Henry and his friends
were excluded from the Baptist fellowship. By 1834 they
had discarded the name Baptist, and by 1836 had fully
organized "the church of God in Christ in Shelbyville." The
first elders were B. W. Henry and J. J. Page. The former
giving much of his time to evangelizing, the care of the
church devolved chiefly upon Mr. Page. For thirty-five
years he was a most faithful elder in every way as set forth
in the New Testament. Reuben and Martha Wright, Mrs.
Enfield Tacket and Mrs. Polly Smith were also among the
first members whose devotion to the church was long known.
Mr. Henry continued his ministry with the congregation as
he was able. About 1845 the first church house was built.
It stood diagonally across the street from the present build-
ing. This was used until about 1878. when the brick build-
ing still in use was finished. In 1849, A. D. Northcutt
served the church, which prospered under his ministry.
392 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
About the same time, Min. W. H. Brown held a public debate
in the Christian chapel. General Thornton served as presid-
ing moderator. The discussion resulted in greatly strength-
ening the church of Christ.
Some of the pastors who have served the church were
N. S. Bastian, Dr. A. L. Kellar, Theo. Brooks, J. G. Wag-
goner, and now W. G. McColley. It gave O. P. Wright to
the ministry.
J. Fred Miller, Wm. Chew, W. F. Turney and J. W.
Loyd are held in grateful remembrance. J. D. Miller and
W. C. Kelly have been active and efficient members for the
past twenty years.
The church is well organized, with an average aggressive-
ness. ,
StewarcLson.
Present membership, 320; value of property, $2,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 142.
Tower Hill.
Organized by W. H. Boles; present membership, 50;
Bible-school enrollment, 46.
Windsor.
Organized 1857; present membership, 273; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible school began 1860;
present enrollment, 110.
It is not known who of the pioneers planted this congre-
gation or the exact year. It was served in its earlier period
by those ministers who laid the foundations of the Restora-
tion movement in that section. Later, there were Z. T.
Sweeney, Thomas Edwards and J. H. Hite. Many pro-
tracted meetings were held by Ellis Zound, Isaac Mulkey,
W. F. Black, Wm. Patterson. James Connor and E. J. Hart.
A. D. Fillmore, the sweet singer, led the church. The chapel
was built in 1859. In the later seventies, Dr. Jesse Yoar
left by his will $1,000 to the congregation to be permanently
invested for its benefit.
CHURCHES 393
J. H. Price and Thomas Henry were elders and strong
men in the community. Mr. Henry served in the House of
the General Assembly of Illinois. J. D. Bruce, a deacon, is
the sole surviving charter member.
ST. CLAIR COUNTY.
East St. Louis First.
Organized 1890, by J. T. Boone ; present membership,
445; value of property, $34,000; Bible school began 1890;
present enrollment, 149.
This church had what most people call a feeble beginning.
There were eight women, residents here at the time, who had
been Disciples at various other places. These united their
heads and their hearts to have a church home that should be
Christian only. A third-floor hall was secured and Minister
Boone, then a resident of St. Louis, Mo., conducted a two
weeks' meeting with thirty additions. Then the thirty-eight
members organized and moved to another hall. Next, meet-
ings were held in a schoolhouse until the growing congre-
gation moved into their chapel at Seventh Street and St.
Clair Avenue. There they met for nineteen years. In 1910
they moved into the beautiful modern edifice at the corner
of Washington Place and Belmont Avenue.
The church has had fifteen pastors, the present minister
being Meade E. Dutt.
There is a strong Papal following in this city, yet this
church of Christ has moved steadily forward. Many things
have happened in their Christian service which have caused
their hearts to rejoice. Their prospects are bright.
East St. Louis — Lansdowne.
Organized 1905, by C. O. Reynard ; present membership,
120; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1905;
present enrollment, 162.
This was the second church in St. Clair County that
aimed to be Christian only. There were thirty-two charter
394 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
members. The first meetings were held in a portable school
building, the use of which was secured for this purpose by
Mr. D. Walter Potts, city superintendent of the public
schools. A chapel was built in a short time.
Mrs. Agnes Potts, whose father was a minister and who
is the oldest member of the congregation, had much to do
with its organization. The first elders were J. H., A. A. and
D. Walter Potts. There are many "Potts" in this church, but
the material is good.
STARK COUNTY.
La Fayette.
Organized 1847, by John E. Murphy; present member-
ship, 62; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000;
Bible school began 1848; present enrollment, 46.
The charter members were Charles, Tyrus, Laura, Ezra
and Emiline Himes ; Lewis H., David T. and Polly M. Fitch ;
Henry Hardman, Hyram Nance, William and Maria Lake,
and Melia Dunbar. The first elders were Charles Himes and
John Bryan; the first deacons, Le.wis H. Fitch and William
Lake.
Fifteen members were added Aug. 21, 1848. There were
nearly one hundred on the roll at the end of 1858.
The earlier ministers, besides Mr. Murphy, were M. P.
King, F. M. Dodge and Messrs. Woodruff, Sick, Yearnshaw,
Davenport, Arne and Adams.
The first money paid for missions was $7.40. It was col-
lected and paid over by the church treasurer, W. Lovely, to
the State Missionary Society, meeting at Walnut Grove,
Sept. 5, 1851.
These data are taken from the first records of the church
by Irvin Ingles.
Toulon.
Organized 1849, by David McCance; present membership,
82; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1855;
present enrollment, 65.
CHURCHES 395
The organization was made in the old courthouse, with
the following charter members: David McCance and wife,
Edward Wilson and wife, Elijah McClennahan and wife,
Henry Sweet and James Boles. The congregation grew, so
that meetings were held next in the sc.hoolhouse, then in
Temperance Hall, which was the place of meeting till 1855,
when the present church building was erected.
Robert H. Newton and Clyde Lyon have gone from this
church into the ministry.
There was a church also at Wyoming, but it was short-
lived.
A church with six members was formed at the residence
of Ephraim Earth, in the south part of this county, in 1846.
STEPHENSON COUNTY.
Freeport.
Organized 1906, by O. F. Jordon and J. M. Taylor;
present membership, 60; value of property, $4,000; Bible
school began 1906; present enrollment, 60.
This work has been difficult and slow, but under the pas-
torate of E. T. Cornelius it has advanced to hopefulness.
The meetings have been held in the courthouse, Y. M. C. A.
building and, for a considerable time, in the Masonic
Temple, but a chapel in the near future is a possibility.
A small congregation was formed in this county in 1840
by Henry Howe.
About 1847, Dr. W. P. Naramore formed a church of
Christ about two miles west of Oneca, where he then
resided. It was known as the Mt. Pleasant Church and still
lives.
TAZEWELL COUNTY.
The first sermon preached in Little Mackinaw Township
was in the home of Thomas F. Railsback by Min. John Oat-
man in 1831. This residence was four miles south and one-
quarter mile east of Mackinaw town. In Mr. Railsback's
residence the Little Mackinaw Church was organized in
396 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
1833, but its local name was applied later. The original
members were Thomas F. Railsback and wife Louisa, A. B.
Davis, Catherine Aliens worth, and Benjamin Herndon and
wife Nancy. For many years they met in a log schoolhouse
one-half mile south — at the Gaines Cemetery. Here rests
the sacred dust of these six godly pioneers.
Min. James A. Lindsey was the first preacher in charge.
Others who followed him were Wm. Ryan, Wm. Davenport,
H. D. Palmer and G. W. Minier. From 1853-63 their meet-
ings were held one mile north in the Four Corners School-
house. In 1863 a church building was erected two miles
eastward. This place is three miles north of Minier. For
nearly forty years at this place this church did admirable
work. For decades the Little Mackinaw Church was well
and widely known. New towns grew as the railways were
built. Out of this hive there went swarms of Disciples, to
Mackinaw town, to Minier, to Concord and to Lilly congre-
gations. And so the dear mother died, and in 1893 her house
was sold. The records are with W. L. Dickson, Minier, 111.
The Antioch Church was located six miles south of Fre-
mont and one and a half miles east of the village of Dillon.
It was organized in the middle thirties and was the first
church in that township. Those forming it were Jesse
Fisher, Jerome Waltmire, William Dillon, Abner Rulon and
others. The first building was erected in 1838 and the pres-
ent one in 1858 at a cost of $600. It is beautifully located
and is yet in good condition. The congregation has disap-
peared. Its records are with William Bennett, Delavan, 111.
Tennessee Point Church was about three miles northeast
of Fremont. It consisted of only five families; namely, the
Front, Speece, I. Stout, Shaw and A. N. Page. Their meet-
ings were held in a schoolhouse. It disappeared with the
forming of the Concord congregation.
The Hieronymus Grove Church house, located four miles
northeast of Armington, was built, at a cost of $3,000, in
1869 by Enoch Hieronymus, deceased. The congregation
organized in October. It did good work for forty years and
CHURCHES 397
then disbanded, its members uniting with other near-by
churches of Christ. All of its original members have passed
except B. R. Hieronymus, of Springfield, and Wm. Darnell,
of Stanford.
For a little while there was a small congregation in
Fremont, but they never owned a chapel. Wm. Gaither,
Stephen Stout and Wm. Johnson and wife were members
there. They united with the Antioch congregation.
At the village of Boynton a church grew and served for
many years, but finally failed by reason of removals and the
formation of congregations in other towns. The Armington
people are giving the Boynton community some attention.
An earnest effort was made to establish a church after
the primitive order at Delavan. Mr. Jerome Waltmire, a
sincere and devoted Disciple, moved there to reside and led
in the effort. Through his work a good church house was
built and a congregation gathered. Delavan had a large per-
centage of people of New England blood and traditions and
they were mostly satisfied with the denominational phases of
faith and life. The effort failed and the property was sold.
Concord (Minier).
Organized 1870, by George Campbell; present member-
ship, 90; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1870;
present enrollment, 107.
A Sunday school was formed in the Black Jack School-
house about 1863, about eight miles northwest of the site of
Minier. Beginning in 1867, Mr. Slater taught the school
there for two years and often preached on Sundays. He
made a number of converts. Others who preached there in
the early days were James Robeson, James and Ira Mitchell,
Bailey Chaplin, Caleb Mainline, Eli Fisher, G. W. Minier
and Isaac and Elijah Stout. These ministers received little
or no remuneration for this work. Those meetings were
attended by multitudes and many became Christians. There
were forty or more charter members, thirty-one of whom
brought letters from the Little Mackinaw Church. It was
398 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
about this time also that the congregation at Tennessee Point
disbanded and some of those members came here.
Under the leadership of Min. Isaac Stout a church house
was completed in 1872. Most of the materials, except the
heavy timbers and walnut seating, were hauled from Peoria.
Samuel Nutty gave one acre and a half of ground for the
site. An addition was made to this building in 1894. Mr.
Campbell conducted the worship when the house was first
occupied and gave to the place and congregation the local
designation "Concord," and he prayed that it might never
become a discord.
Since then, preaching has been maintained half-time, but
rarely has the observance of the Lord's Supper been omitted.
A good Bible school and C. W. B. M. are maintained.
Deer Creek.
Organized 1906, by A. L. Huff ; present membership, 91 ;
value of property, $1,400; Bible school began 1896; present
enrollment, 50.
This church came of the conscious need of divine truth
by a number of Disciples. The charter members were Mr.
and Mrs. D. C. Slyter, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Peifer, Mr. and
Mrs. J. M. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Foster, Mr. and Mrs.
Albert Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Graham, Dr. C. M.
Chapman, Miss Ruth Chapman, Wilford Miller, Isaac
Malone, Albert Foster, John P. Hall, William Therolis, Mrs.
Nancy S. Bogardus, Mrs. Fanny M. Stumbaugh. Mrs.
Seville M. Mooberry, Mrs. Sadie Ammerman, Mrs. Alice
Ransburg, Misses Grace and Cora Ransburg, and Miss Adda
Ten Eyck.
The meetings were held in a public hall. Then the Pres-
byterian chapel was bought and improved.
Lilly.
Organized 1837, by James A. Lindsey ; present member-
ship, 79; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1871;
present enrollment, 90.
CHURCHES 399
In 1859 a number of members peaceably withdrew from
the Mackinaw Church and formed a congregation at the Mt.
Pleasant Schoolhouse, the former meeting-place. It was one
mile south of Lilly, which grew after the building of the
railway. In 1871 the present chapel was erected there,
which has since been the meeting-place. The church has
never been strong, but has done good work.
William Lindsay, one of its charter members, devoted his
best energies to this church as an elder for more than forty
years.
Mackinaw.
Organized 1837, by James A. Lindsey; present member-
ship, 509; value of property, $20,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 417.
Min. James A. Lindsey came from Kentucky to Illinois
in 1824 and settled in the eastern part of Mackinaw Town-
ship, Tazewell County. It is prolable that meetings for
public worship were held in his residence. A meeting was
held in what in later years was known as Mt. Pleasant
Schoolhouse, and from the record made at the time the fol-
lowing is copied:
On Saturday, the last day of September, 1837, a meeting was held
at a Schoolhouse. Elder Jas. A. Lindsey addressed the meeting, urging
the propriety of organizing a church in our immediate neighborhood
on purely gospel principles. Before adjourning, the Disciples present
mutually agreed to procure letters of commendation from the churches
where they held membership and at a future meeting effect such an
organization. Accordingly, on the following Thursday, the 5th day
of October, a meeting was held at the residence of Michael Hittle,
and the church was fully organized. The following preamble was pre-
sented :
"We whose names are herewith subscribed, all having been im-
mersed on a profession of our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God, do
agree to associate and co-operate as a church of Christ, to be known
by the name of the 'Congregation of Disciples of Christ,' and meet
for worship in Tazewell County, 111.. Township 24 North. Range 2
West of the 3rd. Principal Meridian ; taking the Scriptures of the Old
and New Test?ment for the articles of our faith, and the law of
our Lord as exhibited in the New Testament and the precepts taught
400 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
by our Lord and his Apostles, together with the examples of the
churches set in order by them, as the law and rule of discipline. May
the Lord help us to know and do his will."
The foregoing was then signed by the following persons : James A.
Lindsey, Jane Lindsey, Michael Kittle, Mary Kittle,, R. F. Houston,
E. I. L. Houston, Nehemiah Hill, Emely Hill, Jas. Lindsey, Mariah
Lindsey, Jesse E. Jackson, Catharine Jackson, Elijah Sargent, Elinor
R. Miller, Elizabeth Lindsey, Delila Lindsey, Wm. Lindsey, Alfred
Lindsey, John Lindsey, David Lindsey, Samuel Flesher, Geo. Hittle,
Nancy Hittle: twenty-three.
R. F. Houston was chosen clerk, Geo. Hittle and Samuel Flesher
were chosen elders, and Michael Hittle and Nehemiah Hill as deacons.
James A. Lindsey, being at that time an efficient preacher with
extended acquaintance, was chosen as evangelist and authorized to
administer all the ordinances and perform all the duties usually
recognized as belonging to a preacher of the gospel. It was unani-
mously agreed on that occasion to meet on the first day of every
week for worship if not providentially prevented, or by general agree-
ment to meet with congregations at near-by neighborhoods. Alexander
B. Davis, clerk of Little Mackinaw Christian Church, was clerk of
this meeting.
Such was the beginning of this church, at first called Mt.
Zion, that has come steadily on its way through seventy-six
years. Ordinarily no records were kept of meetings in those
early times. The names of those coming into the church
were added and cases of discipline were noted. Names and
dates of additions to this church indicate a regular growth,
mostly by primary obedience.
The following deserved tribute has been paid to the mem-
ory of three of those pioneers:
Samuel Flesher, though not a preacher, was well read in the Bible,
of unblemished character, fluent in exhortation and delighted in the
public service of the church. The church sustained a serious loss
when in May. 1841, he was accidentally drowned.
George Hittle, though his German brogue somewhat hindered his
speech, by his earnest zeal, his deep piety, his thorough knowledge
of the Bible and withal his cheerful, social manner with everybody,
had a power not often excelled as a leader. Often as he stood before
the little gatherings, telling of the supreme love of the Saviour, his
deep-feelirg exhortation had a joyous effect on all that heard. He
died in 1842.
Michael Hittle was active as a deacon for more than twenty years.
CHURCHES 401
He held steadfastly to the supremacy of the gospel and helped in its
furtherance, particularly in charity for the needy. He died in 1888.
In the earlier years the congregation enjoyed the preach-
ing of Ministers Lindsey, Davenport, Palmer, Jones, Peeler,
Robeson, Major and Minier. In 1846-47, William Davenport
rode horseback from Eureka once a month and preached
three sermons each time to the church. He was paid $2.50
per trip.
Up to 1848 the congregation had no settled place for its
meetings. In that year they decided to hold the regular
meetings in the village of Mackinaw, and soon built a church
house there, which was the first in the township. This house
was first seated with six-inch boards laid on some kind of
supports. On these the people sat the day the house was first
used and listened attentively to Henry D. Palmer preach a
sermon three hours long. The second house was built in
1875.
This church finds much satisfaction in the fact that it
has always been missionary in sentiment and practice. In
1850, James A. Lindsey went as a delegate to Shelbyville
when the State Missionary Society was organized. He was
made chairman of that meeting and counted it one of the
supreme joys of his long and faithful ministry. The church
record shows that $10 was contributed to State Missions
Aug. 31, 1851.
The church holds in sacred and honored memory the
names of not a few men and women ; among them are Solo-
mon Puterbaugh, H. J. Puterbaugh and wife, and George
Patterson.
About three thousand people have been members of this
church.
It has given to the ministry John Lindsey and Roscoe
TT-11
Malone (Green Valley).
Organized 1866; present membership, 20; value of prop-
erty, $1,200; Bible school began 1866; present enrollment, 52.
This church is six miles southwest of Green Valley. The
402 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
first records were lost. A reorganization was made in 1879,
when the location was changed four miles and a new house
built. Like all country churches, the numbers are continually
reduced by removals. The Bible school is Evergreen. There
have been thirty-seven preachers who have served here.
Minicr.
Organized 1874, by charter members ; present member-
ship, 222; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began
1874: present enrollment, 150.
The charter members were the following: James E. and
Ann P. Railsback, N. P. and Catherine Williams, Louisa
Railsback, Mary Elliff, T. L. Minier, Jennie Edmiston, John
F. Quigg, Elizabeth and Betsy Johnson, Lou Ireland, Lou
McDowell, Carrie Baker, Sophia, Rodney J. and Mary
Mitchell. All of these were former members of the church
of Christ at Little Mackinaw. The first officers were R. J.
Mitchell and J. B. Chaplin, elders, and B. N. Ewing, J. W.
Chidister and L. L. Munn, deacons.
The church has had some superior people, one of whom
was Rodney J. Mitchell.
Pekin.
Organized 1876, by W. F. Richardson ; present member-
ship, 250; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began
1876; present enrollment, 310.
This church was organized by the Tazewell County
Christian Co-operation. It was the first result of a month's
series of meetings led by Mr. Richardson. There were
thirty-two charter members. Of these, Mrs. Emma Inman
is the only faithful member remaining here now. The
Co-operation rented the Universalist chapel for one year.
The management of the congregation was given temoorarily
to a business committee. Later Joseph Hiett, B. R. Hierony-
mus and J. E. Jewett were chosen elders, and J. S. Salee,
William Hiett, James Newkirk and Jobe Hedges, deacons.
During the pastorate of T. T. Holton, a lot was purchased
CHURCHES 403
for $500 and a chapel, costing $3,000, was built thereon.
Later, it was enlarged and improved.
During the first years the pulpit was supplied by Profs.
B J. Radford, H. W. Everest and others. The first pastor
did the church much harm.
The records made commendable mention of Mrs. Frances
E. Van Etta for her wise and efficient services.
The church has all helpful auxiliaries.
Washington.
Organized 1834, by Richard B. McCorcle ; present mem-
bership, 110; value of property, $3,700; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 70.
The following were the charter members: Richard B.
McCorcle, Isabel McCorcle, James and Mary McClure, John
and Martha Johnson, William Holland, Sr., Peter and Cath-
erine Scott, Dr. and Mrs. Goodwin, Ruful and Catherine
North, Eliza McCorcle, Levi and Mrs. Moulton, Josiah and
Airs. Yager.
This church has had its ups and downs. Many of its
members have gone West to found homes in the newer coun-
try. They are faithful Christians in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska
and other States. At Ulysses, Neb., twenty-six of the char-
ter members were from the Washington Church. It is not
now as strong as formerly.
The first building was erected in 1850, a brick which is
now used by the German Lutheran congregation. More room
being needed, the second house was finished and occupied in
1869. This building was burned the following February.
The third house was completed and occupied in August,
1870. This was burned in October, 1876. The fourth and
present building was first used in July, 1877.
The church has given to the ministry three brothers — B.
W., R. H. and J. B. Johnson, sons of John and Martha John-
son— and James Kirk.
The church still has its face toward the future and is
ourposeful.
404 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
UNION COUNTY.
Anna.
Present membership, 115; value of property, $5,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 108.
Toledo (Cobden).
Present membership, 50; value of property, $1,000; Bible-
school enrollment. 36.
This is one of the oldest churches in the State. Converts
were immersed here as early as 1836. This is the home of
Min. C. S. Towne, now past eighty, an able writer and
faithful preacher. Robert Brown, R. R. No. 1, is the cor-
respondent.
VERMILION COUNTY.
July 12, 1836, Dr. W. Walters wrote that he had organ-
ized a church of Christ in Danville ; also four others in Ver-
milion County ; further, that he had gone twenty-two miles
west of Danville and there organized another church. W. S.
Shockey and Hughes Bowles were associated with Dr. Wal-
ters in these evangelistic labors in those early days.
About 1875 there was a small congregation at Fair-
mount, but the chapel was sold under the mortgage and the
members scattered.
Alvin.
Organized 1897, by T. L. Stipp ; present memoership, 85 ;
value of property, $2,300; Bible school began 1887; present
enrollment, 60.
This congregation was the first direct result of a series
of meetings conducted by Evangelist Stipp, with seventy-five
additions. The place was an old building that had been used
for a saloon, but became a public hall after the town expelled
the traffic. The sittings were chiefly boards placed on the
ends of beer-kegs. An old pool-table added to the furnish-
ings.
The chapel was built the next year. Mr. Stipp continued
CHURCHES 405
his ministry half-time for three years. Since then the life
of the congregation has been precarious. However, a good
school is maintained and the public worship is kept up regu-
larly.
Antioch (Rossville).
Organized 1866, by James Connor, Sr. ; present member-
ship, 195; value of property, $12,500; Bible school began
1868; present enrollment, 191.
This location is six miles southeast of Hoopeston. The
congregation grew out of a meeting of days conducted by
Minister Connor, who served the church several years. The
charter members were Mrs. Huldah Brown, Joseph Heaton
and wife, Samuel B. Smith and wife, Joseph Youngblood,
Frank Youngblood and wife, David Newman and wife, John
Norton and wife, John Oliver, Peter Marlatt, Thomas Bietz
and wife and Mrs. Mary Kight. All of these have gone to
their long home except Joseph Youngblood and Mrs. Thomas
Bietz.
In 1868 two acres of ground were secured and a frame
chapel built thereon. This was a union chapel, being shared
in its uses by Methodist brethren. It was added to in 1890.
In 1910 a new structure of brick, fully modern and very
convenient and pleasing, was erected.
This is known as the Antioch Church of Christ. It has
always had the missionary spirit. Every year the congre-
gation makes its offerings to all the regular benevolences.
In 1911 they amounted to $240.
This church has given to the Christian ministry Turlie
McConnell, Eldon Norton, Rudolph Heicke and Orren Ora-
hood.
Irving Cromkite, R. R. 2, is the clerk.
Bethany.
Organized 1875, by J. C. Myers; present membership, 20;
value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1875; present
enrollment, 40.
406 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
The location is five miles northwest of Danville. It is
also known as Lone Oak. For years the congregation held
large influence for good in a wide community. Preachers
who made their opinions of equal authority with the Scrip-
ture came and sowed the seeds of dissension. Wrangling
supplanted worship, and vilification of men the praise of
God. The congregation was divided and feebleness followed.
Bismark.
Organized 1880, by T. L. Stipp; present membership,
100; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1880;
present enrollment, 60.
Mins. J. J. Cosat and J. C. Myers were associated with
Mr. Stipp in forming this church. There were about forty
charter members. The first officers were Riley Chandler,
Wm. Wilson and Samuel Munnell, elders ; with David and
Andrew Claypool and Wm. Holland, deacons. The church
was rent with division on the question of instrumental music,
Sunday school and missions. Finally, those opposing these
things withdrew. The congregation then reorganized and
turned its thought and effort to do the things that please
God. They have semi-monthly preaching, but the public
worship every Lord's Day. J. J. Cosat is the pastor.
Catlin,
Present membership, 212; value of property, $5,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 161.
Central Park (Danville).
Organized 19X39, by E. M. Norton; present membership,
47; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1909;
present enrollment, 57.
This congregation is also known as Brook's Chapel. It
is in a suburb of Danville, with both electric and steam
roads, and has a fine class cf citizens.
The faithful work of Minister Norton led also in build-
ing the chapel. Roy Cronchite is the pastor.
CHURCHES 407
Center Point (Fairmount).
Organized 1891, by B. N. Anderson; present member-
ship, 50; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1891;
present enrollment, 57.
The location is six miles southwest of Fairmount. The
congregation contributes to missions and other benevolences.
There is a good Bible school, with Adda Smith, superin-
tendent. The elders are E. L. Hawkins and E. F. Mines.
Geo. F. Hedges is the clerk. Half-time preaching by Pastor
H. H. Williams.
Cheneyville.
Organized 1891, by J. N. Lester; present membership,
109; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1891;
present enrollment, 77.
The present elders are J. M. Swaner and Frank Dice,
with Quince Teagarden and Oscar Young, deacons. B. T.
Nicholson is the pastor. This is his first work in Illinois.
He is an alert and earnest minister.
Danville First.
Organized 1871, by John F. Rowe; present membership,
407; value of property, including parsonage, $35,000; Bible
school began 1871 ; present enrollment, 261.
Minister Rowe conducted a meeting of days in Lincoln
Hall, on West Main Street, near the location of the Plaza
Hotel, which resulted in the formation of this church. There
were about forty members. H. A. Coffeen, Parley Martin
and Geo. Dillon were the first elders. . Soon thereafter a
small chapel was built on Franklin Street where 415 is now.
This was used till 1895, when the present commodious edifice
was erected on the corner of Oak and Seminary Streets, dur-
ing the pastorate of S. S. Jones.
W. R. Jewell first preached for the congregation, mean-
while editing a secular paper.
The church and Bible school are thoroughly organized for
efficient service. In 1912, $450 was paid for missions.
408 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In the years of struggle, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Woods
were most valuable members.
Danville Second.
Organized 1899, by S. S. Jones; present membership,
100; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1899;
present enrollment, 72.
This church was formed in a rented building in German-
town, which is now a part of Danville, with seventy-five
charter members. It was later incorporated as "The Second
Church of Christ."
Danville Third.
Organized 1902, by S. S. Jones; present membership,
770; value of property, $20,000; Bible school began 1902;
present enrollment, 396.
This congregation is the outgrowth of a mission formed
by the First Church in the northern part of the city in 1901.
Those directly interested "covenanted together to form a
church to be known as the Third Church of Christ of Dan-
ville, Illinois." The meetings of the congregation were held
in a hall, a storeroom and the Garfield School building till
the completion of the church building in 1904. It is located
on the corner of English and Walnut Streets.
S. S. Jones was the first pastor.
Danville Fourth.
Organized 1904, by E. M. Norton ; present membership,
120; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1904;
present enrollment, 95.
There were about seventy-five charter members. The
elders are Jehiel Vance, Jacob Knee, John Hilman, Joseph
Boles and Harris Smith, with Dr. Redmon, Dell Peeler and
Edward Swisher, deacons. Its location is at the northwest
corner of Fourth Street and Cunningham Avenue. The min-
istry of S. S. Jones in Danville was richly blessed.
CHURCHES 409
Fithian.
Organized 1884, by B. A. Anderson; present membership,
11; value of property, $1,000; no Bible school.
Formerly this church was a power for good in the com-
munity. Death and removals have nearly dissolved it.
Fithian is a good little town in a fine agricultural section.
Georgetown.
Organized 1901, by S. S. Jones ; present membership, 198 ;
value of property, $7,000; Bible school began 1901; present
enrollment, 145.
This congregation started with ninety-two members in
January, and before the close of the year had housed itself
in a good brick building.
James H. Hewitt has been one of the most valuable
factors in the church. F. H. Vernon is the pastor.
Henning.
Organized 1898, by J. W. Street; present membership,
140; value of property, $2,250; Bible-school enrollment, 139.
The church was constituted in a hall. There were seven-
teen charter members, most of whom have moved away or
died. With experiences that are common to village congre-
gations, it prospers and does good.
C. C. Gaumer is the pastor. Miss Edith E. M. Seymore
is correspondent.
Hoopeston.
Organized 1873, by Rolla M. Martin; present member-
ship, 535 ; value of property, including parsonage, $20,000 ;
Bible school began 1873 ; present enrollment, 270.
This church of Christ had its beginning almost with the
city. The few members there first met in storerooms and
shops. J. F. Mathers and Rolla M. Martin were the early
preachers.
The first house of worship was built in 1873, under Mr.
410 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Martin's ministry. The present brick edifice was erected in
1899, during the pastorate of R. H. Robertson.
Hoopeston is a city of superior intelligence, and the
church of Christ is abreast of the times. Andrew Scott is
pastor.
Indianola.
Present membership, 68; value of property, $3,500; Bible-
school enrollment, 67.
Lowe's Chapel (Danville).
Organized 1876, by J. C. Myers ; present membership, 68 ;
value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1876; present
enrollment, 50.
This chapel is eight miles southeast of Danville. Mr.
Myers, like his Master, was a carpenter, so after forming the
congregation he built their chapel.
James A. Fishback is elder; Oscar Huff and Joseph Fish-
back, deacons, and J. J. Cosat, minister for one-fourth time.
The church has never been strong, and has been further
handicapped by ultra-conservative preachers.
No. Eight (Armstrong).
Organized 1888, by Wm. Hamilton ; present membership,
23; value of property, $400; Bible school began 1892; pres-
ent enrollment, 37.
This congregation was formed in No. 8 Schoolhouse, in
Champaign County, with about eighty members. When the
chapel was built, in 1892, it was located in Vermilion
County, five miles southwest of Armstrong.
Among the charter members were O. P. and Allen
McGlaughlin and wives, Anthony Long and wife. James
Stuckev and wife, John Jeakim, Marv and Carrie Robertson,
Viola McGlaughlin, and Jessie and Flora Tattershell. From
the first. 157 persons have held membership here. Harley
Fetters is clerk.
CHURCHES 411
No. Ten (Potomac).
Organized 1870, by Rolla M. Martin; present member-
ship, 270; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began
1870; present enrollment, 131.
The charter members were George, George W., Irene,
Jr., Margaret, Samuel, Matilda and Irene French; Hosea,
Alonzo, Ellen, Warren and Sarah Knight; Caleb and Mary
J. Albert; William, Martha, Samuel, John and Rebecca
McGee ; Jane Sweet, Rebecca Clemm, Louisa Cronkhite and
Mary Tillotson. The first officers were Hosea Knight, elder,
with George French and Caleb Albert, deacons. To the
original twenty-three members, 321 have been added.
The church is wide awake to Home and Foreign Mis-
sions.
It is served by four elders and fourteen deacons. E. C.
Creighton is the clerk, and E. M. Norton, pastor. It is
located six miles southeast of Armstrong.
Oakwood.
Organized 1886, by Minister Pine; present membership,
129; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1886;
present enrollment, 130.
There were fourteen charter members. In 1892 the con-
gregation was reorganized by S. H. Creighton with 114
members. The house is modern, the Bible school front rank
and a mid-week prayer-meeting. Geo. J. Huff is the pastor
full time. Contributes to Home and Foreign Missions. W.
D. Rogers is the clerk.
Potomac.
Present membership, 125; value of property, $3,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 103.
Prairie Chapel (Rossville).
Organized 1865, by Rolla M. Martin: present member-
ship, 74; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 110,
412 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
This chapel is five miles west of Rossville. A few scat-
tered neighbors were gathered together by Minister Martin at
old Blue Grass. They soon moved their place of meeting
to the home of Simon Armentrout, thence to the Bratton
Schoolhouse till 1866, when the present building was bought
of the United Brethren and moved to the present site. It
has been repaired several times and is now a creditable
house.
The congregation has grown through trials and struggles
to efficiency.
Minister Martin served the church twenty years. C. F.
Gaumer has served the church for the past eight years.
There is a good board of thirteen officers. Charles Villiars
is the clerk.
Ridge Farm.
Organized 1899, by C. E. Evans; present membership,
50; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1899;
present enrollment, 48.
P. F. York is the pastor of this church. It contributes
to missions, and is striving to attain unto the best things in
Christian service.
There is a good board of six officers. L. C. Osborne is
the clerk.
Rossville.
Organized 1894, by S. R. Creighton ; present membership,
264; value of property, including parsonage, $12,000; Bible
school began 1894; present enrollment, 154.
Sidell.
Organized 1895, by S. H. Creighton; present member-
ship, 125; value of property, including parsonage, $7,500;
Bible school began 1895 ; present enrollment, 138.
For a few years, meetings were held in the Maple Grove
Schoolhouse, a few miles southwest of Sidell. These led to
the building of a union chapel in the north end of Edgar
County in 1882. In 1884, Evangelist W. F. Black conducted
CHURCHES 413
a meeting of days there, when most of the congregation
became Christians only. These he then organized into the
Antioch Christian Church. In about ten years this congre-
gation was absorbed by others, and the chapel was sold and
turned into a barn.
Evangelist Creighton held a meeting in Sidell in the
Baptist chapel in 1895 and organized a church of Christ of
about one hundred members. Among them were members
from Antioch, a goodly number of Baptists and converts to
the Lord.
The church has given Clay F. Gaumer to the Christian
ministry and Mrs. Marie Jackson McCoy to the mission field
in Japan. .
Union (Danville).
Organized 1838, by Jacob Swisher; present membership,
60; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1850;
present enrollment, 50.
The location is seven miles northwest of Danville. This
congregation has been served by all the first and second gen-
eration of Vermilion County preachers, among them Robert
Sears, H. H. Gunn, W. P. Shockey, Wm. Mapes, R. M. and
J. L. Martin, J. H. Broom, Abner Hubbard and J. H.
Mavity.
It has given the following men to the Christian ministry:
Wm. Pilkington, J. H. Martin, J. J. Cosat, T. L. Stipp, O.
B. Gravat and P. L. Cunningham.
The church was divided through the preaching of ultra-
conservatives. These damages have been measurably repaired
by the ministry of J. J. Cosat, who is serving the congregation
for the twenty-fifth year as its pastor. They maintain a good
Bible school and C. E.
Bertha White, R. 2, is the clerk.
Walnut Corners (Danville).
Organized 1843, by H. H. Gunn; present membership,
98; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1875;
present enrollment, 72.
414 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
In the early forties the Stony Creek Church was consti-
tuted some ten miles northeast of Danville. It continued in
a prosperous condition till 1856, when the new railroad
started a town three and a half miles away, called State
Line, Ind. Then most of the congregation moved into a new
brick building in that town. However, a cemetery had grown
near the old church. For the convenience of funeral occa-
sions, the house was remodeled and repaired. After some
years a Bible school was formed for the neighborhood, and
from this school grew the Walnut Corners Church. The
school is front rank and there is a good C. E.
J. C. Myers, J. J. Cosat, W. H. Kerr and others have
served the church. John Smith and Irvine Cunningham are
the elders.
Westville.
Organized 1866, by R. M. Martin; present membership,
40; value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1907.
This church was first organized on the site of Westville.
It grew to a membership of four hundred and exercised a
wide influence for good in the surrounding community.
Then a strong ultra-conservative preacher was engaged to
serve the congregation. Under his teaching, in six years it
sickened and died, and its members were scattered to the
four winds.
In 1907, Min. E. M. Norton gathered up and reorganized
the surviving remnants. A building formerly used by the
Presbyterians was bought. It was much damaged by a
stroke of lightning in 1912, and the title is in litigation. So
a union school is held in the Congregational chapel. A. C.
Ellsworth and C. M. Snooks are the elders.
Willow Springs (Grape Creek).
Organized 1870, by J. H. Martin ; present membership,
40; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1870;
present enrollment, 50.
It is located one mile southeast of Grape Creek. The
CHURCHES 415
spiritual life is feeble. Samuel Jumps and John Wilson are
the elders.
W ABASH COUNTY.
Adam's Corners (Allendale).
Organized 1851, by William Courter; present member-
ship, 75; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 33.
At a meeting the fifth Lord's Day in June, at the resi-
dence of Allen R. Jackman, it was decided that, for the con-
venience of that part of the Barney's Prairie Church living
in that neighborhood, a congregation be established at
Adam's Corners. Soon afterward a union chapel was built.
This was burned. Then the Christian congregation built a
house of their own.
Mr. Courter served both as minister and elder. Under
his untiring efforts the church grew to be strong and influ-
ential. It is still one of the best country congregations in
the county. Many of its members are leading citizens. Geo.
W. Morrell preached here three years with fine results.
A flourishing Bible school and the regular worship are
well attended.
Allendale.
Organized 1891 ; present membership, 117; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $3,700; Bible school began 1891;
present enrollment, 143.
There were forty charter members. The chapel was built
the same year.
There is an efficient Y. P. S. C. E. and Bible school, of
which F. S. Gray has been superintendent since the church
was started, except three years. John Walser is clerk.
Antioch (Keensburg).
Organized 1886, by Loean Gillaspie ; present membership,
70; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1886;
present enrollment, 50.
This congregation is thirteen miles southwest of Mt.
416 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Carmel. There were fifteen charter members. James H.
Dinnel and A. B. Denham were chosen elders, and W. B.
Stewart, deacon.
The first chapel was built as a union house in 1870, but
in 1886 the legal title passed to the Christian congregation.
A. B. Denham, an efficient elder for twenty-six years, was
recently lost by removal. James Deputy is clerk.
Barney's Prairie (Allendale).
Organized 1819, by James Pool; present membership,
140; value of property, $1,350; Bible school began 1860;
present enrollment, 110.
William Barney, with his family, left the banks of the
Genesee River, in New York, in 1808. They came by raft
down the Ohio River to the mouth of the W abash. There
the raft was sold and a keel-boat bought. In this they
pushed upstream to Ramsey's Rapids, afterward the site of
Bedell's Mill. This was eight miles up-river from the site
of Mt. Carmel. His family consisted of Mr. Barney, his
wife and his twelve children and three sons-in-law. (See
Chap. II.) The male members of the family struck out
through the forest to find a place on which to build their
cabins. They reached a beautiful stretch of land, covered
with grass ten feet high, and afterward known as Barney's
Prairie. Shortly afterward came Mr. Barney's three sons-
in-law. They were Ranson Higgins, Philo Ingram and Wil-
liam Aldridge.
Other settlers were then in that section and still others
came afterward. Among these were Seth Card and Gervaise
Hazelton. These two men located Palmyra, two and a half
miles north of the site of Mt. Carmel, near the river Wabash,
Apr. 22, 1815. But Palmyra was abandoned in 1821 because
of its unhealthiness. The Indians had so told the settlers,
and it proved true.
This section was then in Edwards County, which was
created by an act of the Territorial legislative body in 1814,
and which reached north to the Canadian line.
CHURCHES . 417
Joseph Wood came to the settlement about 1815. Ira
Keen and others came from Ohio, New York, Virginia and
Kentucky — all by the rivers.
Fort Barney was built in 1811. It was northwest of Pal-
myra. Fort Wood was southwest and Fort Compton north-
east of Palmyra. These places were from five to eight miles
apart. These forts were built by placing large poles firmly
in the ground, reaching up about twelve feet, the top ends
hewed off to sharp points. Early settlements were made
round about these forts for protection, since the Indians had
murdered several families near Fort Compton.
On a woodland spot, midway between the forts, a meet-
ing assembled on July 17, 1819, and then and there organ-
ized the Barney's Prairie Christian Church. Seth Card was
elected elder ; Joseph Wood, deacon, and Jarvis Fordice,
clerk. The number of charter members is not known, but
they had mostly come from the East and were the most
intelligent and influential people in the settlement. (See
James Pool, Seth Card and Joseph Wood in biographies.)
Some of these people had been members of the Christian
Denomination, known at that time as "New Lights." But
when they formed the Barney's Prairie Church, they re-
nounced the name "New Light" and decided to be known
simply as Christians. This is the written record, which is
confirmed by the testimony of D. H. Wood — now near
seventy years of age — a grandson of Joseph Wood, the first
deacon. He has been a member of this church for fifty
years, and through all these years had heard that this church
started on apostolic ground.
The congregation met later near Fort Barney, in a grove
near the prairie. Here a stand was built and surrounded by
seats made of split logs, smoothed on the flat sides. They
were more substantial than comfortable. Public worship was
held here when the weather permitted ; otherwise, in dwell-
ings or barns. In 1843 a chapel was built. This has been
repaired and refurnished and is still in use.
This was the first church of Christ in Illinois.
14
418 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Bellmont.
Organized 1896, by Erastus Lathrop; present member-
ship, 110; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1876;
present enrollment, 75.
The first members were Dr. N. Briston and wife, Christ
Shoenert and wife, John J. Sloan, A. W. French and wife,
Wm. H. Davis, A. P. Manley, John G. McClary and wife,
Mariah E. Knowles, Eliza J. Rigg, Nancy Jane Carter,
Lafayette Read, Alice Bristow, Clara Briston, Lydia E.
Kimbel, T. H. Burton, Ellen Imes, Nancy J. Parmenter,
Elizabeth Sloan, Thompson Davis and Elizabeth M. McClary.
Messrs. Briston, McClary and Baird were chosen elders, and
Burton and French, deacons. The organization was made in
the office of Dr. E. T. McClane, where the meetings for
public worship were held till 1879, when the Silvan M. E.
meeting-house, that stood five miles north of the village, was
bought. As it was a very strong building, it was torn down,
moved to town and rebuilt. This was done mainly by the
volunteered labor of the members. Since then it has been
much improved.
The church has been fruitful of good. D. M. Durham
is the pastor. .,
Keensburg.
Organized 1819, by its members; present membership,
180; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 100.
The original record reads as follows:
At a meeting held at Brother Daniel Keen's on Saturday before
the fifth Sabbath in August, 1819, a church of Christ was constituted
consisting of seven members : 1 — Thomas Thompson : 2 — Nancy
Thompson : 3 — Daniel Keen : 4 — Polly Keen : 5 — William Arnold : 6—-
Ely Reed: 7 — Dennis Sayles.
The record shows that John Auldridge was chosen as the
first elder, and Daniel Keen, the first deacon ; that meetings
were held monthly and that additions were made to the
church at these meetings, and also that several were dropped
from the record for various reasons. In 1825 the church
reported twenty-eight members in good standing.
CHURCHES 419
This was the Coffee Creek Church, located one-half mile
east of the site of Keensburg. The place of meetings was
changed to the village in 1882.
This congregation has from its beginning, in 1819, always
been a church of Christ; it was never of the Christian
Denomination. Such is the united testimony of the oldest
residents of the community, the original records of the con-
gregation and the history of Wabash County. It was, there-
fore, only six weeks younger than the Barney's Prairie
Church.
Lancaster (Mt. Carmel).
Organized 1842, by Maurice R. Trimble; present mem-
bership, 95; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 85.
Lancaster was formerly known as Round Prairie. In the
life of Elijah Goodwin (pp. 183-4) the following lines
appear :
During this year [1842] a Methodist preacher named Dickens
made an appointment on Round Prairie to preach on baptism. There
being no meeting-house in the settlement, one of our brethren opened
his large barn for the occasion. Th& preacher came and put in two
days preaching on the subject. The brethren sent me word that I
must come and give them a two days' meeting and preach on the same
subject. This I could not do, but sent them an appointment, promising'
to give them two days' preaching in one. I went and preached in the
same barn five hours without leaving the stand. I spoke on the sub-
ject, action and design of baptism. Preached two hours and thirty
minutes and gave an intermission of fifteen minutes. Then I resumed
the subject and preached two hours and thirty minutes more — all
before leaving the stand. The large barn was full of people and a
great multitude stood outside before a large door the whole time,
giving the most earnest attention.
Elijah and Moses Goodwin, H. A. Hayward, James Pool,
Joseph Ballard, and probably others, had preached the
apostolic gospel in this community previous to Elijah Good-
win's five-hour sermon. Alfred Flower came later.
This church organized the third Lord's Day in October
and had the following charter members: William Ridgeley
420 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and Robert Johnson, elders; Horace A. Woodward and John
Higgins, deacons, with Wm. Clark, Sophia Woodward,
Hiram and Polly Couch, Lydia McMillen, Martha Jones,
Sarah Russell, Nancy and Elizabeth Lewis, Maria Courter,
Sarah Pryant, Warren and Tamar Winders.
Mr. Woodward, one of the first deacons, was a famous
showman in his early life and had built the large barn
(where big meetings assembled), in which to keep the animals
of his menagerie during the winters. He died in Grayville
in 1878. The organization of the church is still celebrated
by an annual meeting the third Sunday in October. Public
worship, a basket dinner and a home-coming of former
residents, make it a delightful occasion. Min. W, R. Couch
has written these words: "The most, perhaps all, of the
charter members of the Lancaster Church were converted
under the preaching of Elijah and Moses Goodwin and
Maurice R. Trimble at the old stand on Barney's Prairie."
The last of them to go home to God was Elder John Hig-
gins, of blessed memory, who died in 1902.
The church has given to the ministry James McMillen
and James E. Moyer.
This is now a weak church. I. G. Williams is the min-
ister in charge.
Lick Prairie (Mt. Carmel).
Organized 1830, by Joseph Wasson ; present membership,
125; value of property, $600; Bible-school enrollment. 45.
This church is located twelve miles west of Mt. Carmel.
Among the charter members there were Adam, Samuel, John
and Andrew Baird; Eli Moore, Thomas and William Hill,
John Steward, Samuel and Eban Putnam, and all their wives
severally. This was organized as a church of the Christian
Denomination, but in 1853, when another chapel was built,
it became a part of the Restoration movement. Elijah and
Moses Goodwin did efficient service at this place.
The first house of worship was of logs, built, in 1831.
This was used for fourteen years. Then another log house
CHURCHES 421
was built one mile south of the present site. By 1853 the
congregation had outgrown the building. Then a union
chapel was built, the Universalists using it one-fourth of the
time. Elements so conflicting were not peaceable. After
twenty-eight years of confusion, the old house, being unfit
for use, was torn down. In 1881 a neat frame chapel was
built and called the Garfield Memorial Church.
Maud (Mt. Carmel).
Organized 1896, by Geo. W. Morrell; present member-
ship, 90; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1896.
This church is located about five miles west of Mt. Car-
mel. It was the first general result of a meeting held in the
schoolhouse there by Minister Morrell. The charter mem-
bers were James, Winifred and Lula Bell; John and Vashti
Williams; Henry Obold and wife; J. R., Jr., Virginia, Jane
and Flora V. Brines ; David P. Wright, Harris Roll and
wife, David K. and Rosaline Seiler, David H. and Susan
Brown, Hannah Aborn, Anna Fearheiley, Mary Read,
Samantha Van Senden, Mary E. Halbig, Irene Bell, Rose
Getz and Cassie Shellhorn.
Mrs. H. Aborn and husband gave one acre of land and
the chapel was built thereon in 1896.
This church is in a farming community and is sustained
wholly by farmers. Since 1901 they have the "Annual May
Meeting." Meetings for worship are held forenoon, after-
noon and evening, a free basket dinner intervening. In the
afternoon the anniversary sermon is preached and the church
roll is called. There are two elders and four deacons. D.
M. Durham is now pastor.
Mt. Carmel.
Organized 1862, by D. D. Miller; present membership,
760; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1862;
present enrollment, 335.
This church had thirty-three charter members. Only one
of them — Maria L. Filton — is left in the community. The
422 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
first officers were, elders, John A. Morgan and Charles Red-
man; the deacons, Amos Walter and Daniel Titus.
The first house of worship was built in 1864, which was
enlarged and remodeled in 1893. The first meetings were
held in the courthouse and were violently opposed by relig-
ious bodies then established in the city. But it has grown
to be strong and representative. All departments of Chris-
tian growth and service are aggressive.
Besides Mr. Miller, who worked under the auspices of
the State Missionary Society, the following evangelists held
meetings here: Franklin, Black, Clements, Ingram, Coombs,
Courter, Pearl, Updike, Martin, Scoville, Thompson and
Wilhite.
W. W. Weedon is the pastor.
WARREN COUNTY.
Alexis.
Organized 1897, by J. C. Alsup; present membership, 60;
value of property, $3,000.
Berwick.
Organized 1902, by D. E. Hughes; present member-
P' ' Cameron.
Organized 1831 ; present membership, 290 ; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $6,500; Bible-school enrollment,
144.
This church, with its antecedents, is one of the oldest
and most interesting in the State. Its first name was Cold-
brook, because a cold spring there formed a cold brook. The
location was one and a half miles northwest of the site of
Cameron. It was on the old trail leading from Peoria to
Oquaka and about midway between the sites of Galesburg
and Monmouth. A little town grew up around the Cold-
brook Church that was called Savana. With the building of
the railroad in 1854-55 the place and name of the church
were changed and the village faded away.
CHURCHES 423
The original record-book is still in the possession of the
Cameron Church, and from it the following facts are
gleaned :
"On the 30th day of April, 1831, this church was consti-
tuted upon the belief that the Scriptures of the Old and New
Testaments are the only rule of faith and practice and suf-
ficient for the government of the church." The names of
the seventeen persons who signed this covenant were these:
William M:, Elizabeth, Elijah, Sr., Margaret, Sr., Elijah,
Jr., Margaret, Jr., Davidson ; Henry E., Elizabeth and John
G. Haley; John E. and Frances Murphy; Richard and Nancy
Ragland, and William, Sarah, Josiah and Julia Whitman.
Three of these men were preachers — William Whitman,
John E. Murphy and Elijah Davidson — and as many as
eight of them were good public speakers. Squire Whitman,
a nephew of William and Josiah Whitman, with his wife
and sixteen other members of this church, went to Oregon
in 1850 by the old caravan route, and there helped to found
the town of Monmouth and to plant the college there.
The Coldbrook congregation called itself "the Church of
Christ on Cedar Fork of Henderson River," Warren County.
The record-book says : "Second Saturday in Feb., 1832.
Agreed to send four dollars by Elijah Davidson, Jr., to St.
Lewis to purchase a record-book for the church and one
gallon of wine.
"Second Saturday, Aug., 1833. Agreed to meet on every
Sabbath for worship."
For two years the record-book was made to do duty for
other than church business. For example, on the first page
there is a "Receipt for Felon," apparently from the pen of
Henry Haley. It reads: "Bathe the part affected in ashes
and water, take the yolk of an egg, six drops of the spirits
of turpentine and a few beet leaves cut fine, a small quantity
of hard soap, and one teaspoonful of snuff or fine tobacco,
then add one teaspoonful of burnt salt and one of Indian
meal and apply to the part affected." The records of per-
sonal business transactions also appear. But in June, 1834,
424 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
"the church appointed four brethren to transcribe the church
book, leaving out all that the church now believes unneces-
sarily committed to record."
The second Saturday in June, 1832, the church debated
the question, "What encouragement should be granted young
gifts by the church?" It was decided that it was the duty of
every individual member to teach the Scriptures to the best
of his ability, and those having the ability to teach publicly
should be given letters of recommendation by the church.
In December, 1834, some parties wished to be married,
so a few members of the church met on the llth of that
month and "appointed Alex. Reynolds to solemnize the
right." But the following month the church took time by
the forelock for the matrimonial business and authorized
Joseph and Isaac Murphy, in addition to Elijah Davidson
and William Whitman, who had been previously appointed,
"to solemnize the right of matrimony." In December, 1838,
the church granted one, J. R. Melton, this right, but the fol-
lowing March they examined his case, found him to be an
impostor and excluded him from the church.
In May, 1834, the congregation received by immersion
"Bro." Richard, a colored man; in 1838, Sister Polly, a col-
ored woman, and in 1843 by commendation Sister Susan
Richardson, a colored woman.
This church grew and prospered. It had the word, the
spirit and the blessings of the Lord. In its earlier years it was
served by Mins. Alexander Davidson, Levy Hatchett. Pat-
rick H. Murphy, J. W. Butler, J. C. Reynolds, L. S. Wal-
lace, George W. Lucy, S. T. Shelton and Alexander John-
son, who were all farmers.
Two deacons were chosen in 1833, but not till 1850 was
an elder elected in the person of Samuel Shelton. In 1839
three swarms went out from the fruitful hive. The second
Sunday in February the church granted permission to organ-
ize a congregation "across the creek." This became the
Talbot Creek Church. The last Lord's Day in March,
twenty-two persons received letters who became the nucleus
CHURCHES 425
of the Monmouth Church. June 26 there were twenty-six
persons who received letters and formed the Meredian
Church.
These Christians aimed to be strictly apostolic, but only
with the passing years did they come to see some minor
matters clearly. In the late thirties Elijah Goodwin, of
Indiana, visited the congregation and preached one Lord's
Day morning. Then a leading brother, presiding at the
table, proceeded to break the loaf into small pieces con-
venient for each to take one. Whereupon, Mr. Goodwin
spoke aloud: "Don't, brother. Let the disciples break the
bread." The effect was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky.
Silence brooded for a minute. Then the people saw, and
from that time the custom was changed. On one Sunday
morning the congregation met for worship, but the preacher
failed to come, so a social meeting was held. During the
singing of the closing hymn, a stranger, who was passing
through to another State, went forward to accept Jesus as
his Saviour. The leaders were puzzled; so they sent the
stranger back to his seat in the chapel, extended the cus-
tomary invitation and announced the invitation hymn. Then
the earnest traveler was received according to their custom and
went on his way rejoicing. The brethren had to be "regular."
When Mr. Campbell preached in the State before rail-
ways were built, he was often conveyed from place to place
by friends. One of these called his attention to the great
fertility of the soil and the wealth that would be produced
from it. He replied: "Yes, but how hard it will be for the
people to live as Christians." Naturally, there was a wide-
spread wish to see him and hear him preach. A crowd of
people waited to welcome him. In it was a man of bucolic
habits who, as the great preacher approached, said to his
wife: "Arise, Peggy, and behold him with your natural
eyes."
In 1860 the old chapel was moved from Coldbrook to
Cameron. In 1890 a new house was built. Since then Clark
H. Marsh was given to the ministry.
426 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Coldbrook No. 2 (Cameron).
Organized 1839; present membership, 200; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $4,200; Bible-school enrollment,
114.
The Talbot Creek Church was formed in the northeast
corner of Monmouth Township at the home of William
Hopper, March 3, of forty-three members, most of whom
were of the mother congregation and five miles northeast of
it. Some of the ministers who resided near the Talbot
Creek congregation and were members of it were S. L. and
Thomas Wallace, John E. and Joseph E. Murphy and F. M.
Bruner. In 1845 the congregation built a small frame
chapel. In 1860 a more commodious house was built two
miles east and one mile south of the former place, which is
four miles north of Cameron. Here a modern frame build-
ing was erected in 1895. The name Talbot Creek gave place
to Coldbrook. This is three miles nearly north of the first
place of this name. It is a living and flourishing country
congregation.
Gerlaw.
Organized 1859 ; present membership, 100 ; value of prop-
erty, including parsonage, $8,000; Bible-school enrollment,
109.
In 1859 a number of members from the Talbot Creek
Church organized at Mauch's Grove, a few miles north.
When the railway was built and the town started, the meet-
ing-place was changed to Gerlaw. At a critical time in this
congregation, Min. J. W. Kelsey rendered very helpful
service.
Monmouth.
Organized 1839; present membership, 930; value of prop-
erty, $30,000; Bible-school enrollment, 247.
This congregation was a child of the Coldbrook Church.
In March of this year twenty-two persons received letters
and these became the charter members of the Monmouth
CHURCHES 427
Church. This city is the center of United Presbyterianism
iti Illinois. The Christian Church has grown slowly but
steadily to influence. Pastor D. E. Hughes has served it
well for more than a decade.
Roseville,
Present membership, 160; value of property, including
parsonage, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 73.
Yottngstown.
Present membership, 230; value of property, $2,500;
Bible-school enrollment, 80.
WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Ashley.
Organized 1871, by John A. Williams; present member-
ship, 90; value of property, $800; no Bible school.
Mr. Williams conducted a series of meetings in the Bap-
tist chapel, but formed the Christian congregation in the
residence of Robert Coffey. The charter members were G.
W. Cammack and wife, Thomas Graves, Byron Marrow and
wife, Wallace Coffey and wife, Drew Foster and wife,
Mollie Hammond and I. J. Reeder and wife. For years the
church did good service, but is now feeble in every way.
It gave F. M. Morgan and one other to the ministry.
This was the early Christian home of J. F. Winters, who
has been for many years one of the most helpful members
of the First Church in Lincoln, Neb.
WAYNE COUNTY.
Baily.
Organized 1867, by Jas. A. Chowning; present member-
ship, 65; value of property, $1,000.
For eighteen years this congregation met for worship in
residences, groves and schoolhouses. In 1885 a chapel was
built on the farm of Daniel Logan.
428 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
To the ministry this little congregation has given Daniel
Logan, Samuel and Charles L. Wood. The latter is
reported as a strong and effective preacher and a member
now (1913) of the State Legislature.
Beech Bluff (Fairfield).
Organized 1912, by Wylie H. Keen; present member-
ship, 26; no church property; Bible-school enrollment, 70.
This congregation, located about six miles southeast of
Fairfield, is one of its children.
Black Oak (Fairfield).
Organized 1909; no church building.
This is a mission point of the Fairfield Church. It is
six miles east and north of there. It was organized with
forty-five members and did well for several years. Then a
traveling preacher of the ultra-conservatives came in and
measurably crippled its usefulness.
Boyleston.
Organized 1890; value of property, $800.
This is a child of the Fairfield Church, six miles west.
In this small village five denominations sought to control.
The house was completed in 1892 and the little church prom-
ised good until an ultra-conservative preacher came in and
divided them.
Buckeye ( Jefferson ville).
Organized 1840 ; present membership, 85 ; value of prop-
erty, $500; Bible school began 1869: present enrollment, 73.
In 1839 a number of families emigrated from Columbiana,
Carroll and Stark Counties, O., and settled in Lamard
Prairie. All of these were Disciples. Among them there
were Jesse Milner, Isaac and Edward Whitaker, Jonas and
Fentore Lumm, John Morgan, Martin Emmons. Noah
Towns, James McNeeley, John Skelton, James A. Maslan
and Townsend Richards. About the same time a few fami-
CHURCHES 429
lies came from Tennessee and settled in the same neighbor-
hood. Among them were the Butcher and Candle families,
Edward Puckett and others, who were also members of the
Christian Church. At that time Lamard Prairie was very
sparsely settled, there being only a few squatters there.
There was neither church nor school near this settlement.
The first work of these settlers was to locate their homes,
build their houses and clear up a little land for cultivation.
Their next work was to build a house that would answer the
double purpose of school and church. They called this house
"Buckeye," and it still stands as a memorial of those royal
pioneers. It is not now known all who went into this
church, but among them were a number of preachers who
did good work in establishing the primitive gospel in this and
adjoining counties. Buckeye was indeed a glorious and
fruitful mother. About thirty ministers have served here.
The chapel was built in 1871.
In 1850-52 another large immigration came from central
Ohio and settled in the western part of Lamard Township.
Among them were Isaac and George Brock and John Bunt-
ing. The two last named were preachers who helped much
in building up the Christian Church.
Cisnc.
Organized 1854, by Peter Stine and George Brock; pres-
ent membership, 150; value of property, $2,500; Bible school
began 1878; present enrollment, 140.
This church was organized at the Way Schoolhouse,
where it met until 1874, when it moved to Cisne. The house
was built the previous year.
George Brock, Peter and Stephen Stine, J. C. Ashley,
Michael and John Flick and others came from Monroe
County, O., in the forties and earlv fifties and settled near
the site of Cisne. They were all Disciples. Thev all knew
the Bible. Many of them carried a copy of the New Testa-
ment in their pockets and were prepared to give a "thus
saith the Lord" for all doctrinal questions. They wielded a
430 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
molding influence in the community and left a rich legacy
to their posterity.
Oscar Eaton entered the ministry here.
The congregation has steadfastly discouraged all games
of amusement.
Fairfield.
Organized 1853, by J. C. Ashley; present membership,
320; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1878;
present enrollment, 225.
The beginning of the record is this:
The names of the members of the Church of God in Fairfield,
Wayne County, Illinois. The following named persons met and
organized upon the Word of God alone as the only Rule of Faith and
Practice, constituted this the 18th day of October, A. D. 1853. Min-
ister present, Elder J. C. Ashley. Names of Disciples : William
McNeely appointed Deacon ; Sampson Wickersham, George W. Tur-
ney, J. M. Kenner, America Kenner, Cyntha Ann Edmonson, Antha
Wickersham, Bridget E. McNeely, James T. Organ, James Austin,
R. P. King, Parlia Ann Ayles, Virginia Spooner, Edwin A. Spooner,
Ermess Organ, Charles Lichtenberger and Jane his wife.
Meetings for worship were held in residences, court-
house, opera-hall and Cumberland Presbyterian Church until
1883, when a building was erected.
Harry Holmes and J. C. Hall were given to the ministry.
This church has been exceptionally wise in establishing
three congregations in its adjacent territory. It is still fruit-
ful in all good works.
Frame (Mill Shoals).
Organized 1842; present membership, 65; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 60.
About 1842 a few Disciples from Tennessee settled in
and around Turney's Prairie, about six miles south of Fair-
field, and formed a congregation in the Walker Schoolhouse.
This is now known as Frame. Some of the charter members
were William Boye, P. J. and Thomas Puckett, Joseph Odell,
John Shruseberry and Anderson Walker. They toiled
CHURCHES 431
together and met great opposition in building up primitive
Christianity in their community.
Jeffersonville.
Organized 1861, by D. D. Miller; present membership,
83; value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1871;
present enrollment, 98.
The church was organized in the schoolhouse and set in
order when the house of worship was occupied in 1871. At
this time, Jasper Branch, Jesse Ward and John Morlan
were chosen elders and continued for many years true serv-
ants of the Lord.
The church has the honorable credit of giving to the min-
istry the Lappin brothers — S. S., J. C. and W. O. Lappin —
also Daniel Logan, Jr.
r\ • j -inn Keenes.
Organized 1911.
Middleton (Keenes).
Present membership, 85 ; Bible-school enrollment, 100.
Mount Erie.
Organized 1911, by O. M. Eaton; present membership,
52; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1911; pres-
ent enrollment, 125.
This congregation was the result of a series of meetings
held by Evangelist O. M. Eaton. The church building was
erected in 1912. I. G. Williams is serving the church as
minister. - .„ ,
Oakwood (Goldengate).
Organized 1895; present membership, 130; value of prop-
erty, $2,000; Bible school began 1908; present enrollment,
250.
A congregation was organized in a barn in the village
of Goldengate. The ministers present and participating were
Z. A. Harris, H. H. Peters and C. L. Wood. Meetings for
public worship were held in the public-school house, which
after a time was closed against the Disciples. The congre-
432 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
gation, being then without a house in which to meet, dis-
banded. In 1908, Min. I. G. Williams held a meeting in the
Oak wood Schoolhouse, two and a half miles north of the
village, and in the same year Min. W. H. Keen organized
a congregation there. A good chapel was built.
Pleasant Grove (Jeffersonville).
Organized 1854, by J. C. Ashley; present membership,
200; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1870.
This congregation was a swarm from the old Buckeye
hive. It is four miles west of Buckeye and was formed for
the convenience of the members residing in the community
and for the purpose of extending the gospel. Among the
charter members there were George and Isaac Brock, Joseph
Phillips, Townsend and Sylvester Richards, George Sim-
mons, Robinson Lappin, Henry Henthorn and Jesse Ward.
This church is apostolic in its faith and practice. From
the first there have been men in the congregation able to
speak to edification. It has turned out a good many preach-
ers, but not of the professional class. It has preaching one
Sunday in the month, but the communion service has not
been omitted ten times in fifty years, except on unusual occa-
sions. Quietly and without discord, the work has moved
steadily on through fifty years. A goodly number of the
men and women who received their Christian training in this
country church are now scattered from Ohio to the Pacific
Coast, but they are in the front ranks of useful service.
A plain frame chapel, built in 1866, is still in use. About
fifty preachers have served here.
Pleasant Hill (Cisne).
Organized 1873 ; present membership, 65 ; value of prop-
erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 60.
This congregation is located four miles northeast of
Cisne. There was preaching in the community from 1855
by Ministers Schooley, Jerry Butcher and Barney Robertson.
When the chapel was built, the church was organized with
CHURCHES 433
about twenty charter members. Meets every Lord's Day for
worship with or without a preacher.
Rinard.
Organized 1909, by E. E. Violett and Adam K. Adcock ;
present membership, 40; value of property, $1,700; Bible
school began 1909; present enrollment, 48.
Church building occupied in 1910.
S. E. Fugate has entered the ministry.
Six Mile.
This is one of the oldest churches in the west side of the
county. Willard T. Luther, Wm. Hill, H. Swan, Rose Rich
and others did the early preaching. But its growth was due
to John Wright, the first elder, and Samuel Wood, a young
man and one of the first converts. Besides Samuel Wood,
the congregation has sent out Charles L. Wood and W. W.
Solomon as ministers.
Turney's Prairie.
Organized 1839, by Moses and Elijah Goodwin; value of
property, $1,200; Bible school began 1845.
This congregation was formed at the Anderson Walker
Schoolhouse. It is not known when the first house of wor-
ship was built. The present is a neat frame chapel, where
the members meet regularly.
J. T. Purvis has entered the ministry.
Wayne City.
Organized 1887, by J. S. Rose ; present membership, 125 ;
value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1888; present
enrollment, 70.
The congregation was organized in the M. E. Church.
There were sixty charter members. J. M. Lee, J. C. Ashley
and W. W. Reid were chiefly instrumental in the formation
of the church, and its first elders.
There is a ladies' aid and Y. P. S. C. E.
434 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Zif (Clay City).
Organized 1878, by J. C. Black and W. W. Weedon;
present membership, 42; value of property, $1,000; Bible
school began 1878; present enrollment, 31.
Congregation met in residences and schoolhouse till the
chapel was built in 1896.
In former years there were churches at Barnhill, from
which came W. W. Weedon; Gum, that gave W. M. Garri-
son and Leander Harrington to the ministry ; at Brown's, at
Blue Point, at Brush Creek, at Pleasant Hill, at Gethsemane
and other points, but by reason of emigration and new con-
gregations springing up in new villages grown by railroads,
all these organizations have disappeared.
WHITE COUNTY.
Ashland (Mill Shoals).
Organized 1883, by W. H. Johnson; present membership,
57; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1883; pres-
ent enrollment, 40.
This is a country church in the northwest part of the
county. The congregation was formed under the lead of
Mr. Johnson as president of the County Co-operation.
George B. Carter gave for a building-place an acre of
ground from the corner of his farm, on which there was a
fine grove of ash-trees ; hence the local name of the church.
The house was built in 1884.
Bryant's Valley (Crossville).
Present membership, 100; value of property, $1,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 100.
Carmi.
Organized 1851, by P. K. Dibble; present membership,
125; value of property, $20,000; Bible-school enrollment, 130.
The twelve charter members were as follows: Mr. and
Mrs. Daniel Hay, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Hay, Mr. and
CHURCHES 435
Mrs. D. G. Hay, Mrs. Mary Robinson, Mrs. Sarah Kearney,
Mrs. Robert Gamble, Miss Susan Wood, Miss Mary DeTest
and Miss Shoemaker.
At first meetings were held in the courthouse. Many
came into the church. The first house was a small brick,
built in 1852; the second, a frame, built in 1867, and the
third and present modern edifice in 1905, during the pastor-
ate of Frank Thompson. Alfred Flower was the first pastor.
The church is active and ambitious for the highest use-
fulness.
These members of this church have served the county:
Jesse Grissom as treasurer, William Poynton as circuit clerk,
Arthur Poynton as deputy, and Otis Downen as deputy
county clerk.
Mrs. Mary Robinson was the widow of Gen. John M.
Robinson, who served in the United States Senate from Illi-
nois from 1830 to 1841 and was a justice of the State's
Supreme Court when he died.
Enfield.
Organized 1868, by W. H. Crow; present membership,
77; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1868;
present enrollment, 55.
Jonah Marian and Naomi, his wife, were the leading
spirits in this organization. He, Jacob Fleck and J. B.
Holmes were the first elders. Mr. Crow resided in Enfield
at the time. He was teaching in the public school as well as
preaching. Other faithful members were Mr. Stile, Tolvin
Rice, G. W. Berry and J. B. Odell. There were faithful
sisters too. The chapel was built in 1890.
Grayville.
Organized 1840, by Elijah Goodwin ; present member-
ship, 165; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enroll-
ment, 164.
Minister Goodwin began to preach in Grayville in 1837.
The following were the seven charter members: Daniel
436 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Buckley and wife, Jeremiah Ruth and wife, Martha Lumb,
Sarah Mills and her sister, later Mrs. B. W. Kenner. Mr.
Buckley was the first elder, Mr. Ruth the first deacon.
Besides Mr. Goodwin, among the preachers of the earlier
years there were Andrew Beard, D. K. Biddle, Moses Good-
win, J. W. Allen, W. P. Slade, Mr. Goff and W. F. Black.
The first building was erected in 1844 and the present
one in 1872, the latter during Mr. Allen's pastorate.
The church has passed through many trials, but is now
alert and active. Its roll has many honored names.
Mill Shoals.
Organized 1911, by themselves; present membership, 62;
value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1911; present
enrollment, 50.
Disciples residing here had owned a lot for some time.
In 1911 they decided to build thereon and a neat frame
chapel went right up. Then they organized and began to
keep the ordinances of the Lord.
The outlook is bright. The elders are J. B. Johnson, L.
D. Harland and Goodwin Pucket.
Seven Mile (Carmi).
Organized 1839, by Moses Goodwin ; present membership,
90: value of property, $800: Bible-school enrollment, 70.
This church, located six miles northwest of Carmi, was
one of the pioneer churches of White County. The follow-
ing is a copy of a paper that was written by one of the orig-
inal members, Dr. Martin Johnson: "The Christian Church
at Seven-mile Prairie was organized on the 24th day of
February, A. D. 1839, by Elder Moses Goodwin, upon the
following constitution ; to-wit : 'We take the Scriptures of
the Old and New Testaments as the only rule of our faith
and practice.' " Those who then siened this agreement were
Arthur Johnson, Lucy Johnson, John Johnson, Polly John-
son, A. L. Johnson, Luranah Johnson, Martin John-
son and Comfort Johnson. These eight people — and other
CHURCHES 437
baptized believers who later affiliated with them — came
from the Old Union Church of the Christian Denomination
in Gibson County, Ind. Another entry, on August 21, of
records show that there were twenty-eight members, that
Moses Goodwin had moved to the Prairie and united with
the church, and that he and A. L. Johnson were elders of
the congregation, with John and James M. Johnson, deacons.
Hon. W. H. Johnson, of Lancaster, 111., writing of these
people and this church, says:
My great-grandfather, Arthur Johnson, and wife, and my grand-
father, John Johnson, and his wife, original or charter members of
the Seven Mile Prairie Church, had been charter members of the
Old Union Church in Indiana, which organized over one hundred
years ago. About the time the church in Seven Mile Prairie was
organized, Elder Moses Goodwin succeeded in bringing Old Union
Church, as a whole, into what was called the Campbell Reformation.
Elijah Goodwin, whose mother (then the wife of my Grandfather
Johnson), brother Moses and two sisters (Mrs. Luranah Johnson and
Mrs. Axie Crabtree) lived in the Prairie, often visited the neighbor-
hood and preached here. Moses Goodwin and Fenton Lumm, both
natural orators and splendid preachers, lived in Seven Mile Prairie
and their labors took in all the surrounding country. My uncle,
Arthur Johnson, one of the first elders, was an able preacher and a
strong defender of the faith, but never became an evangelist. He
conducted three public discussions successfully. Frank Murdock, S. F.
Rogers, Barton W. Kellp and Isaac Kello were faithful ministers
sent out by Old Seven Mile Prairie Church.
There have been three chapels. The first of logs, with
a long shed on the south side, built on the land of John
Johnson. The second, a frame, near the east end of the
bridge over the creek. The third stands on the Carmi and
Mill Shoals Road nearly a mile east of the second house.
This church has contributed much to the production of
other congregations. Its members held clearly defined con-
victions of Christian truth and were filled with the spirit of
conquest.
Springerton.
Present membership, 100; value of property, $1,000;
Bible-school enrollment, 84.
438 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
WHITESIDE COUNTY.
Coleta.
Organized 1847, by Henry Howe and John Yager; pres-
ent membership, 71; value of property, $2,500; Bible school
began 1855 ; present enrollment, 75.
In 1837 the Yager family came from Ohio and settled
in Genesse Grove, about three miles from the site of
Coleta. The Stanley, Crum and Nance families, from dif-
ferent places, soon followed. John Yager, then a young
farmer and minister, began to preach at the Grove and to
the widely separated pioneers more or less regularly. Min.
Henry Howe came down from Wisconsin and held a pro-
tracted meeting. Then the church was formed with the
following members: John Yager and wife, Mrs. Rose Ann
Crum- Wick, John Moxley and wife, Mrs. Margaret Ann Crum-
Wick, Miss Rose Ann Crum, Clement D. Nance and wife,
Mrs. David Nance, Benjamin Tripp, Mrs. Sarah Jane Crum-
Stanley and Samuel Landis and wife. The following were
converted during Mr. Howe's meeting: Thomas J. Stanley
and wife, Pleasant Stanley, Wm. Stanley and wife, David
Nance, John T. Crum, John Hill, John Shepherd and wife,
Miss Ruth Nance, Nathaniel Landis, Mr. Sperling and wife,
and Dr. Hopkins and wife. These thirty were the charter
members. This meeting was held in the house of John Mox-
ley. The place of baptizing was Moxley's Ford, and was
for many years. To these were soon added Wm. Crum and
wife, John Tryer and wife, Dr. Dodd and wife, C. W. Sher-
wood and wife, Oscar Royer and wife, Fred Strand and
wife, Henry Mason and wife, James Mason and wife, C. B.
Peugh and wife, and Mrs. Polly Harrison, who came from
North Carolina and was well known for her fidelity to the
Lord's work.
John Yager and Clement D. Nance were the Scriptural
elders for many years. The first deacons were Thompson
and William Crum and David Nance.
The first meetings were held in the cabins of the settlers,
CHURCHES 439
next in the schoolhouse till 1864, when a chapel was built,
mainly by John Yager. This gave place to a more modern
building in Coleta about 1885.
C. W. Sherwood, E. J. and F. B. Stanley were given to
the ministry.
This congregation was composed of substantial people and
exerted a fine influence in its own community. It was a
willing helper in establishing churches of Christ in that part
of the State.
brie.
Organized 1870, by J. N. Smith and Chas. W. Sherwood;
present membership, 100; value of property, $4,200; Bible
school began 1870; present enrollment, 58.
In the early sixties, Erie was known chiefly for its sand-
fleas and Jim Pratt, a local and noted infidel. His aim was
to run every preacher out of the town who tried to preach
the gospel there. Whereupon, at the solicitation of Mr.
Matthews, a loyal and royal Disciple, Pastor J. N. Smith
came down from Lanark and ground Mr. Pratt through the
mill of a public debate. The next spring, Mr. Smith
returned and organized a church with thirteen charter mem-
bers. Of these, Luther Matthews and Mrs. Carrie
Matthews-Greidly are the only survivors.
They first met in the schoolhouse. In 1871 an old chapel
was bought and remodeled. Later, a good house was built
Among those who served the congregation there were
John Yager, L. D. Waldo, D. J. Howe, T. B. Stanley and
Mrs. Clara C. Babcock. The feeble condition of the church
led Mrs. Babcock to take up its care. She served it three
terms, aggregating fourteen years.
Fulton.
Organized 1896, by N. S. Haynes and Mrs. C. C. Bab-
cock ; present membership, 40 ; Bible school began 1896 ;
present enrollment, 45.
The church has never secured a firm hold in the com-
munity. It has given Frank Bear to the ministry.
440 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Rock Falls.
Organized 1905, by H. E. Monser and W. E. Spicer;
present membership, 200; value of property, $2,300; Bible
school began 1897; present enrollment, 272.
About 1890, Arthur Babcock, son of Mrs. C. C. Babcock,
gathered together in his own home a number of children
who were not attending Sunday school. The number grew
to near one hundred. An appeal to the general public for
means to build a chapel was well answered. Mr. Morrell
gave the lot. Mrs. Babcock conducted a meeting of days at
the dedication and about twenty were added to the Sterling
Church. The organization of the Rock Falls congregation
was delayed till 1905.
Elmer Frost and Walter Miner became ministers.
Sterling.
Organized 1875, by Knowles Shaw and J. J. Moss; pres-
ent membership, 276; value of property, $3,500; Bible school
began 1875 ; present enrollment, 163.
The churches of Christ in northern Illinois, though few
in numbers, have always been aggressively missionary.
They led in and financed the effort that produced the
Sterling Church. Evangelist Knowles Shaw conducted a
tent meeting that continued thirty-three davs. There were
about seventy-five charter members. For five Lord's Days
the Coleta congregation came en masse, bringing provisions
to feed all the hungry, and for three Sundays the Pine
Creek Church did the same.
The first elders were W. F. Eastman, J. S. Detweiler and
Geo. W. Nance, and the first deacons, R. B. Colcord and J.
D. Nance.
Six great meetings have been held by evangelists since
the first one.
The church has given to public service Mfcs Mary Kings-
bury, a missionary in India ; Mrs. Clara C. Babcock, G. W.
Pearl, S. H. Zendt, L. O. Lehman and Miss Rachel Crouch.
CHURCHES 441
In 1880 the State Board fostered the church by $360
and Peter Whitmer, of Bloomington, by $400, both on condi-
tion that the congregation purchase and pay for a chapel,
which was done.
Tampico.
Organized 1900, by J. S. Clements; present membership,
95; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1900;
present enrollment, 60.
This year the State Mission Board sent Knox P. Taylor
here to hold a two weeks' Bible-school institute on condition
that the Yorktown congregation follow up with a meeting.
This was done, but it cost Yorktown thirty of its own
members.
WILL COUNTY.
Joliet First.
Organized 1897, by John Williams ; present membership,
50; value of property, $8,200, Bible school began 1897;
present enrollment, 45.
There were twenty-one charter members. The house of
worship was finished and dedicated free from debt in 1905.
This was largely due to the liberality of Col. D. H. Darling
and his wife, who were devoted members of the church.
Slow but steady progress is made now.
In 1905 the Central Church was organized with forty-
two members by Sec. J. Fred Jones. It grew out of a fac-
tional spirit and after a short period disbanded.
WILLIAMSON COUNTY.
The early churches were organized in residences, groves
and schoolhouses. Some of them were short-lived, but
served as seed-sowers in planting the primitive gospel. The
exact dates can not be given, but they were planted in about
the following order and principally by the men named below :
About 1840 a church was formed in the Pulley settlement,
northeast of Marion; one in the Grain settlement, west of
442 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Marion; one in the Goodall settlement, east of Marion;
another north of Spillertown, where a log chapel was built.
Then came the Lake Creek Church in the northern part of
the county and Bond Church in the northwest corner. These
all served their time and have long since become extinct.
Wm. H. Willford, of Tennessee, was one of the first
Christian ministers who came to this county. About 1840
he located near Crab Orchard. He owned the first printing-
press in the county and issued a small paper called the
Western Monitor. He also published a few books and
preached the gospel.
Arch T. Benson, a Marion merchant, preached the gospel
from house to house in a very acceptable and sympathetic
manner.
Among others of the early preachers were Dr. Bundy and
William Spiller, of Marion; Cyrus Heape, of Tamaroa;
Mathew Wilson, of Carterville, and Isaac and Newton
Mulkey, of Mulkeytown.
Carterville.
Organized 1885, by J. J. Hudson ; present membership,
290; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1885;
present enrollment, 225.
Met in hall till chapel was built in 1888. The commo-
dious brick structure came recently. Active church, with
good C. E.
Creal Springs.
Organized 1895, by J. J. Bobbitt; present membership,
50; value of property, $700; Bible school began 1895; pres-
ent enrollment, 40.
A product of the Eighth District. Only a Bible school
has been maintained for several years.
Fordville ( Carterville ) .
Organized 1868, by Mathew Wilson; present member-
ship, 25; value of property, $500; Bible school began 1870;
present enrollment, 74.
CHURCHES 443
Three miles southwest of Carterville. When Mr. Wilson
reached the community to preach, it was dark and no one
had brought a light. He began by saying: "Seeing that you
peopl^ are in darkness, I will proceed to give you the light
of the gospel." The chapel was built in 1870. Repeated
swarms from this Christian hive have reduced its numbers.
H err in.
Organized 1864, by Samuel Wilson; present membership,
145; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible
school began 1864; present enrollment, 184.
Meetings were held in the schoolhouse till 1867, when a
modest chapel was built. It gave way in 1898 to the present
building.
The original members were Newton Bradley, Samuel
Stotlar, William and Louisa Williams; George, Nathan and
Sarah J. Cox; Eliza Spillar, Eliza Stotlar and "Grandma"
Lawrence.
Johnson City.
Organized 1904, by Gilbert Jones ; present membership,
90; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1904;
present enrollment, 54.
This congregation was the result of a five weeks' meeting
conducted by District Evangelist Jones. There were sixty
charter members.
The chapel was built at once. Mr. Jones worked thereon
in the daytime and preached at night. This task, including
manual and ministerial labor, was the gift of Mr. Jones.
Marion.
Organized 1865, by H. T. Banta and A. T. Benson ; pres-
ent membership, 430; value of property, including parsonage,
$18,500; Bible school began 1865; present enrollment, 213.
The house of worship was erected in 1875 and remodeled
in 1901. A goodly number of representative people have
always belonged to its membership.
444 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Reeves.
Organized 1905, by F. L. Davis; present membership,
125; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 80,
Chapel built in 1896. Irregular preaching.
Shiloh (Marion).
Organized 1866, by Mathew Wilson ; present membership,
100; value of property, $800; Bible-school enrollment, 48.
Three miles north of Marion. Organized in a grove.
Have done good work and do yet.
West Chapel (Carbondale).
Organized 1897, by F. M. Phillips; present membership,
35; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1899; pres-
ent enrollment, 60.
This is six miles south of Carterville. Organized in
schoolhouse. Chapel built in 1894.
A congregation at Grange Hall, and another at Rail's
Grove, both having chapels, have ceased to meet.
WIN NEB AGO COUNTY.
Rockford.
Organized 1856, by A. P. Jones and Wm. Hayden; pres-
ent membership, 291; value of property, $25,000; Bible-
school enrollment, 369.
There were thirty-five charter members in this organiza-
tion. The church made feeble progress and disappeared in
the early nineties. The property was sold for debt. Other
Disciples moved into the city and the Central Christian
Church was formed by Min. L. E. Prather in 1898. During
the seven years' pastorate of O. F. Jordan, a stone chapel
was bought and paid for, but during the next ministry, that
of W. B. Ward, this property was sold and the present prop-
erty, better located, was bought. Wm. B. Clemner, the pres-
ent well-equipped and efficient pastor, led in the erection of
this fine building.
CHURCHES 445
WOODFORD COUNTY.
The county-seat of Woodford has had three locations.
This fact has naturally led to changes in population. The
first was Versailles, located four miles southeast of Eureka,
the second, Metamora, and the third, Eureka. There was a
congregation of Christians at Versailles in the early years,
and also a second one when the place had become wholly
rural, but both passed away. At Metamora there was for-
merly a self-supporting church of Christ, but later the com-
munity became so Romanized that only a union church has
been maintained for two decades.
The Panther Creek congregation was the second church
of Christ formed in the county, according to the testimony of
Mr. Aaron A. Richardson. It was located about five miles
southeast of Eureka and about six miles southwest of Secor.
It was organized about 1840, with Amos Watkins and James
Robeson, elders, and Warren Watkins one of the deacons.
The first meeting was held in the residence of Amos Wat-
kins, says Mr. Richardson. "The first time I ever remember
being at church was in this house. John Hibbs preached the
sermon. My grandmother united and Elmia and Martha
Watkins were baptized that day." This church continued
until about 1860. Many of its members had moved away.
Of the remainder, some went to Secor, others to Palestine.
Palestine congregation was located about seven miles east
and south of Eureka. The meeting-house of the Panther
Creek Church was moved there. It carried on its work for
about fifty years, but has ceased to be.
A congregation was formed at Cram's Schoolhouse, about
two and one-half miles northeast of the site of Secor. This
was probably about 1848, as the McCords, Patricks and
Eillberrys were among its members. This was known as the
Panther Grove Church. Sympson Y. Barnard and Wm.
Perry were the first elders. Meetings were later held in
Willow Tree Schoolhouse and finally moved to the village
of Roanoke.
446 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
There was a flourishing church at Bowling Green, a vil-
lage eight miles southeast of Eureka, in the early fifties. For
some years this was the home of Min. James Robeson. This
congregation long since passed away.
The Partridge congregation was located west of Meta-
mora, but conservatism finally closed its doors.
Cazenovia.
Organized 1903, by E. O. Sharp ; Bible school began 1903.
The church at Washburn planted a mission here. The
meetings were held in a storeroom, the use of which was
given by its owner, Mr. C. B. Pickerell. Mr. Sharp was the
evangelist of the Fourth Missionary District when the organ-
ization was effected with twenty-seven members. Thereafter,
the preaching was by the pastors of the Washburn congre-
gation and Eureka College students. During the ministry
of B. L. Wray, a substantial chapel was built, the church
became self-supporting and was fairly prosperous. But
removals and death soon weakened it.
Now the congregation is made up of members of various
denominations and is ministered to by Fred Carr, of Eureka.
El Paso.
Organized 1864, by John Lindsay: present membership,
250; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1864;
present enrollment, 125.
For twenty years this church was feeble. The following
was the beginning:
We, the undersigned disciples of Christ, do hereby constitute our-
selves into a congregation of Christ for the purpose of worshiping God
together in El Paso, taking the Bible as our rule of faith and practice,
and to be known and styled the Christian Church in El Paso, Illinois.
The forty names which were subscribed were these: J.
H., Jvtliett, Mary L. and L. B. Moore; M. R. Bullock, John
and Margaret Canfield, Jane and Alice Dixon, Maggie Him-
mond, Jackson Luttril, Sarah C. Bayles, Lucenda and Evar-
CHURCHES 447
gatine McLord, Mary Packard, Elizabeth King, M. Potter;
F. J., S. J., Martha and Maria Barnard; Mary Ann Stephen-
son, Mary Brewer, Amanda J. Willis, John and Hannah D.
Hibbs, Mary Smith, Elizabeth O'Neal, Esther Reeves, M.
W. and Julia Y. Thompson, Hannah Montgomery, D. P.
and M. A. Harber, Agnes and Elmira Gibson.
John Hibbs and D. P. Harber were chosen elders, with
F. T. Barnard and (afterward) Cyrus Gibson, deacons.
This meeting was held at 10:30 A. M. on July 4, 1864.
John Lindsay and James Robeson both preached.
The church was then constituted by the labors of Mr. John Lind-
say, working in the service of the Woodford County Co-operation.
J. H. MOORE, Chairman.
A small frame chapel was built in 1865. The pulpit was
supplied for fifteen years. But El Paso did not increase in
population as rapidly as it was surmised at that time that
every railroad crossing would. The church lapsed from the
spring of 1881 to December, 1886. Then E. J. Lampton
held a meeting of days and reorganized the congregation
with thirty-four members. This M'as the beginning of the
permanent growth of the church. J. E. Jewett, J. D. Dabney
and C. S. Medbury were then pastors. During the latter's
ministry the congregation grew, and the present building was
finished in 1895.
Eureka.
Organized 1832, by John Oatman ; present membership,
805; value of property, including parsonage, $23,400; Bible
school began 1852; present enrollment, 526.
In April, 1832, what was then known as the Walnut
Grove Church of Christ was organized in the log-cabin resi-
dence of Min. John Oatman, that stood about one-half mile
northeast of the railway depot now there. The thirteen
charter members were the following: John Oatman and
Nancy, his wife, and their children, Eliza, Joseph, Clement,
Jesse and Hardin Oatman ; Daniel and Rhoda Travis. Joshua
and Mary Woosley, and Samuel and Rebecca Arnold.
448 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Meetings were held in the residences of the settlers, in
groves and in the barns of Daniel Meek, Caleb Davidson
and Ben Major until the summer of 1846, when the "old
meeting-house" was built. It stood on the spot now occupied
by the Soldiers' Monument in Olio Cemetery. This build-
ing was used until 1864, when a two-story brick house was
erected on the site of the present structure. At that time
the pulpit was filled by H. W. Everest, Dr. J. M. Allen and
A. G. Ewing. The present edifice was erected in 1901
during the pastorate of N. S. Haynes.
The Sunday school was organized in 1852 with Ben
Major as superintendent. Previous to this a Bible class had
been conducted by Min. John T. Jones, which met in the
homes of its members. The school was broken up in 1852
by cholera.
Mr. Oatman served the church three years. In 1836,
Ben Major and Elijah Dickinson, Sr., were elected elders
and continued with active efficiency until relieved by death —
the former in 1852 and the latter in 1862. Min. William
Davenport was the local minister of the church from 1835
to 1855. When he was away the elders led the public wor-
ship. From 1855 to 1868 the pulpit was supplied, in addition
to the three above named, by O. A. Burgess, C. L. Loos,
William Poynter and B. W. and R. H. Johnson. In 1868,
A. S. Hayden became the pastor of the congregation, serving
three years. During the next fifteen years the pulpit was
filled by B. J. Radford, H. W. Everest and Dr. J. M.
Allen, very much the longer part of the period falling to
Mr. Radford. The two brief 'pastorates during this period
were those of J. H. Berry and B. J. Pinkerton. The pastors
who succeeded were J. G. Waggoner for two terms, W. H.
Cannon, N. S. Haynes, A. W. Taylor and D. H. Shields.
Great special meetings were held with the congregation
by Evangelists D. P. Henderson, James Robeson, Alexander
Proctor, William Davenport, Knowles Shaw and George F.
Hall.
This has been, and is yet, one of the great churches of
CHURCHES 449
the State. For eighty years it has been noted for its cheer-
ful hospitality, generous liberality and its manifold good
works.
Minonk.
Organized 1865, by John Roberts; present membership,
69; value of property, $3,200; Bible school began 1867;
present enrollment, 75.
The first meetings were held in the old East Side School-
house once a month, alternating with the Baptists, Presby-
terians and Methodists. The first elders were Craigie Sharp,
Sr., Jonathan Macy and Joseph F. Burt. The deacons were
Wm. Norris, J. T. Taylor and J. L. Vance.
The building was first occupied in 1867. It was remod-
eled in 1907.
About 1870 the harmony and usefulness of the congre-
gation were seriously impaired by strife over the use of an
organ in the public worship.
The pastors were J. C. Stark, A. H. Trowbridge, J. F.
Ghormley, S. D. Vawter, G. A. Miller, Paul H. Castle, F.
E. Hagin, D. H. Shields and Byron Piatt. These were at
intervals as death and removals depleted the membership.
The church house was closed from the fall of 1897 to the
close of 1904. Then W. F. Kohl, the pastor at Rutland,
revived the remnant and reorganized the congregation with
eighteen members.
Since then, J. H. Bullock, C. D. Hougham, H. C.
Reichel, Ernest Reed, Silas Jones and F. M. Morgan have
served the church. R. L. Beshers is the present pastor.
Clara B. Vance is the clerk.
Mt. Zion (Eureka).
Organized 1855, by John T. Jones and William Poynter;
present membership, 40; value of property, $1,500; Bible
school began 1855 ; present enrollment, 38.
On April 29, in the schoolhouse which stood near the
site of the present chapel, "the church of Christ, meeting
15
450 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
for worship at the head of Walnut Grove," was constituted
with the following members: Joshua, Sarah V., James, T.
C. and Eleanor R. Jones; Jane Todd; William S., Sarah C.
and Rhoda J. Magarity; Robert Carr; R. R., Mary A. and
John Grady; William T., Senith A., Mary and Elijah Woos-
ley; Margaret and P. Buckner Stitt; Martha, Peter, Susan
and Mary Crow; James R., Letitia A. and Adolphus G. Oat-
inan; David and Martha Harber; Mary and Lucy W. Parke;
Mary W. and Lorenzo Bateman; James, Nancy O., J.
Pleasant and Eliza J. Mitchell; Robert, Harriett, Sarah A.
and John Foster; Robert and Mary A. Nance; Solomon,
Thomas, Wilson, Sarah A., Nathan and Sarah Tucker; Har-
riett, Ellis, Caroline and Nancy J. Trunnel ; Patsey Parker,
Albert U. Barber, Isaac Swearingen, Jacob A. Casart, Alonzo
Pratt, William Higgens, George Davier; John O., Sarah,
William, Susan and Nancy Mitchell.
Most of these brought letters from "The Church of
Christ, Walnut Grove." Joshua Jones, Robert Foster and
Wm. S. Magarity were elected elders ; William Mitchell,
James R. Oatman and Wilson Tucker, deacons; James R.
Bateman, clerk, and William Mitchell, treasurer.
This little congregation, located about four miles north-
west of Eureka, has always held a large percentage of most
excellent Christian people.
About 125 preachers have ministered here. Many of
them were college students who have gone forward to the
first rank in the ministry.
Roanoke.
Organized 1872, by J. B. McCorkle; present membership,
20; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1872;
present enrollment, 30.
The first meetings were held in the old Bunch School-
house, then at the Willow Tree Schoolhouse.
While the meeting's were held in these places, 1872 to
1874, Min. Rufus Gish, a "Dunkard" preacher, used to
debate with Mr. McCorkle.
CHURCHES 451
Mr. D. F. Fanber gave lots for the church building, and
the chapel was dedicated by Dr. J. M. Allen in 1874. Min-
isters McCorkle and W. C. Poynter served the congregation
on alternate Sundays for several years, and the latter con-
tinued his service after the decease of the former.
Messrs. D. T. Fanber, C. M. Stephens, B. G. Kindig and
J. R. Wilson were some of the men who did faithful work
in the earlier years.
Secor.
Organized 1862, by James Robeson; present membership,
30; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1862;
present enrollment, 50.
Minister Robeson, assisted by Min. John Lindsay, held a
meeting of days in an old corn-crib, during which over forty
people turned to the Lord.
The first elders were James M. Richardson and H. B.
Mathews, and the first deacons, Aaron A. Richardson, Henry
B. Smith, and Garrett and Rankin Armstrong.
The congregation met for worship in the little old school-
house until the chapel was built. As the years passed, an
increasing percentage of Germans came into the community.
The church finally divided on questions of opinion. In 1898
the conservatives received a deed to a lot that specifically
proscribes the use or placing of any musical instrument on
the premises, the organizing of any societies of any kind,
and the permission to preach in the house by any one who
favors these prohibited things. That both congregations
have maintained only a feeble life under all the circum-
stances is apparent.
Washburn.
Organized 1864, by David Sharpies; present membership,
250; value of property, including parsonage, $10,500; Bible
school began 1864; present enrollment, 297.
Evangelist Sharpies was in the service of the Wood ford
County Co-operation when he held the meeting that resulted
in the formation of this church. There were thirty charter
452 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
members, the larger part of whom came from Vernon
Schoolhouse, two miles southeast, and the old Salem Church,
seven miles northwest of Washburn.
In 1867 a substantial building, just across the line in
Marshall County, was dedicated by Min. Theodore Brooks.
In 1890 it was moved to a more suitable location nearer the
center of the village, remodeled and enlarged. Additional
improvements were made in it during 1912.
The following pastors have served the congregation:
John L. McCunne, Charles Rowe, David Sharpies (two
periods), Hugh B. Rice, John D. Henry, Theodore Brooks,
A. P. Cobb, J. A. Brenenstuhl, R. E. Dunlap, William Hay-
den, W. A. Humphrey, S. S. Lappin, I. H. Fuller, J. W.
Kilborn, H. H. Jenner, Rochester Irwin and R. G. Jones.
The church has always held its ministers in high esteem,
for they have been very worthy men. From the first, it
has grown in numbers and influence. No discord has ever
stained its fair name nor hindered its admirable progress.
It has always responded promptly to all calls for benevolent
work. It is well organized and officered.
It has given to the Christian ministry L. B. Pickerell,
Stephen E. Fisher, Charles Richards and Gilbert Gish.
SECTION 2.
Bible Schools.
The Disciples of Christ in Illinois were slower in the
appreciation of the value of Sunday schools than other
evangelical bodies. Their first work was to clear away the
theological debris of the centuries by teaching and preaching
the word of God. Very naturally, this advocacy was
addressed to adult rather than to adolescent minds. Only with
the passing years was the necessity and duty of child-train-
ing recognized. With it came questions about methods and
many meetings for conference and fraternal discussions. To
the State Meeting that convened in Springfield, Aug. 30,
1865, Eli Fisher, evangelist in the Second District, reported:
BIBLE SCHOOLS 453
"In reference to the Sunday-school enterprise, I have to say
that there is little interest taken in it." From the extant
information, it is a fair conclusion that only from one-third
to one-half of the churches of Christ in Illinois had Sunday
schools at that time. All of them were primitive and many
suspended during the winter.
An effort was made to convene a State Assembly in the
Sunday-school interest at Macomb, Feb. 19 and 20, 1868,
but the attendance was more local than general. An insti-
tute was held there November 11-13, the same year. The
State Missionary Convention met there in 1869 and gave
some attention to Sunday-school work; so also did the con-
vention in Chicago in 1870. In the early seventies, Mr. L.
H. Dowling served as Sunday-school evangelist for a time.
The State Convention held in Jacksonville in 1873 resolved
in favor of a State Assembly in the interest of Sunday
schools, to convene in the following October. It appears
that this meeting did not convene until the spring of 1874,
when the State Sunday-school Association was organized.
Thereafter, these meetings were held for eleven years in the
month of May, with limited and somewhat local attendance.
At these meetings, primary questions were considered and
interest in the work was stimulated. The State Missionary
Convention at Springfield, Aug. 29, 1877, declined to take
over the work of the State Sunday-school Association; so
it convened for its business on the morning of the 30th. Ira
J. Chase was president, and that forenoon addresses were
made by B. J. Radford, N. S. Haynes and J. Carroll Stark,
the last named speaking on "How to Interest Children in
Church Services." The total receipts for that year were $75,
and the expenditures were $35. In 1882 the question of a
closer relation of the two State Assemblies came up again,
but with no definite results.
In the early eighties a meeting of the executive committee
of this Association convened at the residence of N. S.
Haynes in Decatur. Its chairman, Min. J. W. Allen, said
that its object was to inaugurate aggressive work in behalf
454 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
of the Sunday schools in the State. He proposed very
earnestly that Mr. Knox P. Taylor be recalled from Texas
and be given this business. This was done, although not a
dollar for his support was in sight and offerings for all
general Christian activities were then small. For about two
years all the meetings of this executive committee were held
in the same place where it first met, always including free
entertainment. The return of Mr. Taylor to the State was
a godsend. No man has ever given a superior service to
Illinois. His vocabulary was limited, but his soul was large.
His sincerity and piety left imperishable impressions upon
all with whom he associated. Frequently his hosts saw him
upon his knees in communion with his Father. He taught
people by eye-gate and ear-gate, the Bible first, then methods
of school work. Having come through denominationalism,
he had much sympathy for his brethren who were still
enmeshed therein. He believed the plain truth, and taught
it as though all who heard him accepted it. Mr. Taylor
continued in the active service of the Association till 1900,
and thereafter as his waning strength permitted.
The Association generally met in May. The following
are the places that afforded free entertainment to its mem-
bers, the years and additional evangelists: Sullivan, 1886,
J. Jones ; Decatur, 1887 ; no report for 1888 ; Jacksonville,
1889. Mr. S. W. Leffingwell then became assistant evan-
gelist, but, finding his need of a better knowledge of the
Bible, he turned himself into Eureka College for a year's
study under the lead of Prof. F. M. Bruner. Then he con-
tinued with the Association till 1894. Charleston, 1890, J.
M. Morris and David Husband; Bloomington, 1891, when
the four evangelists last named reported sixty-one additions
to the churches ; Lawrenceville. 1892, Mrs. Sarah C. McCoy
and Charles Ballard ; Olney, 1893, G. W. Warner; Carthage,
1894; Decatur, 1895, Miss Anna M. Hale; Peoria, 1896,
Miss Hale; Danville, 1897, Miss Hale; Decatur, 1898;
Eureka, 1899, when the State Sunday-school Association
ceased to be and its work was properly committed to the
BIBLE SCHOOLS 455
State Missionary Society. Under its direction, Min. A. C.
Roach worked from 1901-03. He organized missions at
Bradford, Cambridge, Wyoming and Kewanee, but only the
last named of the four infants survived and grew into a
church. Min. M. McFarland was Bible-school evangelist in
1905, and Min. Marion Stevenson from Sept. 1, 1905, to
Feb. 28, 1907. Mr. Stevenson combined a fine knowledge of
the Scriptures with the best modern Bible-school methods ;
hence his period of service was the beginning of clearly
defined and definite aims in Bible schools. A fruitful har-
vest continues to grow from his wise seed-sowing.
Mr. Clarence L. DePew entered this work Oct. 1, 1907,
and continues therein. His aim has been to bring the schools
up to the best national ideals, first in grading them, and,
second, in making them "Front Rank."
Graded schools have the following classification: First,
the family, which includes (1) the Home Department, who
are non-attendants, and (2) the Cradle Roll, which includes
infants, from birth to three years.
Second, Elementary, including (1) Beginners, four and
five years; (2) Primary, six to eight years; (3) Juniors,
nine to twelve years.
Third, Secondary: (1) Intermediate, from thirteen to
sixteen years, and (2) Seniors, from seventeen to twenty
years.
Fourth, Adult, all over twenty years of age.
A Front Rank school aims and tries to conform to the
following standard:
1. Workers' conference at least monthly, using a prepared
program and library.
2. Teacher-training class.
3. Graded school, using graded lessons.
4. Bibles owned generally and used in the school.
5. Organized classes. All secondary and adult classes
holding International certificates.
6. Service, which includes (1) definite instruction on
temperance, (2) evangelistic or direct efforts to lead the
456 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
members of the school to become Christians, and (3) mis-
sionary education and offerings.
In 1911 there were 169 Front Rank schools, of which
sixty-five had reached all the requirements and were awarded
the seals and pennant. These numbers grew steadily, so that
in July, 1913, there were 202 in the Front Rank, of which
eighty-two had reached all the requirements.
In 1913 there were in all the Bible schools of Illinois
forty-three hundred organized adult classes, of which twelve
hundred belonged to the Disciples. In the teen age they
then had eighty-six organized classes. For several years
they have had more than four times as many students and
graduates in teacher-training than were enlisted in all other
schools in the State combined. For the year closing July,
1913, they had 1,048 out of a total of 1,360 in teacher-train-
ing classes in Illinois.
In sixty years the Disciples have come from the foot to
the head of the evangelistic class in the appreciation of and
efficiency in the Bible school — one of the greatest agencies
for the salvation of the world.
In 1907 there were 223 that contributed $1,293 to the
National Benevolent Association. To the same cause, 246
schools in 1913 contributed $3,195.
There were 627 schools reported in 1913, with an aggre-
gate membership of 81,576.
SECTION 3.
Christian Endeavor,
The Endeavor movement was begun in February, 1881.
A few years thereafter many young people in the churches
of Christ in Illinois organized themselves into these societies.
They were classified into Senior, Intermediate and Junior.
These grew steadily. The first years were filled with the
enthusiasm of youth, and in a measure the movement became
interdenominational. Among the Disciples in Illinois the
high tide was reached in 1897, when they had, of the three
CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR 45/
classes, 577 societies, with an aggregate membership of ten
thousand or more. During the later period of the Eureka
Encampment, which ran from 1885 to 1899, the young
people occupied a Saturday with very profitable programs.
Up to that time, the sphere of the Christian Endeavor had
not been clearly defined; so there was a tendency to make
a church within the church. Local church officers, instead
of helping and directing, generally held themselves aloof,
while missionary secretaries actively encouraged separate and
special contributions. The State Endeavor Society had a
complement of officers. For the young people all this had
an educational value. When the tide of enthusiasm reached
its crest it at once began to recede. By 1905 it was decided
that so many State officers were not needed ; hence they gave
place to a superintendent. Min. H. H. Peters gave gratu-
itous but efficient service in this position for four years,
resigning in 1910. Later, State Endeavor was incorporated
in the work of the State Missionary Society. In 1913 there
were 284 societies reported, with an aggregate membership
of 9,571.
The Endeavor work has been helpful to the Disciples of
Christ in Illinois. 1. It has taught many young people to
take active parts in public worship and continues to train
others for service. 2. To many of them it has opened the
window of world-wide missions and they have seen some-
thing of human needs. Their support of mission places in
the State was most commendable. 3. It has cultivated the
spirit of fraternity and co-operation among the young people
of the various communions and has promoted the idea of
Christian union. 4. The failure of some local societies in
their virility or their lives has been due not so much to their
unwillingness to serve, as a lack of practical encouragement
by church officers. Very rarely has an Endeavor society
risen above the spiritual level of the church of which it is
a part. Its present need is the active and practical encourage-
ment by the spiritual officers of the churches.
458 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
SECTION 4.
The Brotherhood.
The organization of the Brotherhood among the Disciples
of Christ was made during the National Missionary Conven-
tion at New Orleans, La., in 1908. Mr. R. A. Long, of
Kansas City, Mo., was the first president, and through his
ability as an organizer and his financial liberality, the move-
ment was given wide publicity and made good progress.
The organization in Illinois was effected at the State Mis-
sionary Convention at Eureka in 1909. Toller Swift served
the first two years as president, and was followed by Min.
J. A. Barnett to the present time.
The Brotherhood aims to promote general church inter-
ests. It seeks to train the men of the churches for greater
and more effective service. It encourages Bible study and
the organization of men into large Bible-study classes. A
number of young men have already been led into the Chris-
tian ministry through the observance of Men's and Boys'
Day by the churches. The men have become more generally
interested in missions, benevolences and educational institu-
tions. Many students have been induced to attend the col-
leges of the Christian Church through this agency. Investi-
gation of these educational institutions and a report on their
equipment and needs has been made by the National Broth-
erhood. A helpful service has been afforded in the large
number of conferences conducted upon men's work in the
churches. It affords a common platform, program and
agency for the co-operation of all benevolent activities.
These aims are commendable, but too general to insure the
continuance of this Brotherhood in Illinois. When they
determine to build up and sustain a representative Christian
college, they will have an object worthy of their splendid
abilities.
The work of the Brotherhood, local and general, is wisely
and well directed by the secretary of the National Society,
Mr. E. E. Elliott, Kansas City, Mo. According to his annual
MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATIONS 459
report in 1913, there were 933 local Brotherhoods affiliated
with the national organization, of which over two hundred
were in Illinois.
SECTION 5.
Ministerial Associations.
There had been meetings of ministers of the Christian
Church in Illinois previous to 1873, with varying aims. On
July 14 of that year fifteen preachers from the central part
of the State assembled in Springfield. This meeting was in
response to a call signed by H. W. Everest, Thomas Mun-
nell, and J. W. and J. B. Allen. Mr. Everest was then
pastor of the Springfield Church. He stated that the object
of the meeting was, if thought best, to form a Ministerial
Union, the aim and work of which should be to place the
State missionary work upon a better footing, and especially
to devise some ways by which the weak and languishing
churches could be helped.
This Ministerial Association was formed the next day
with A. J, Kane, president; H. W. Everest, vice-president,
and N. S. Haynes, secretary. Nine of the preachers present
pledged $500 to begin the work, which was to be done under
the direction of the State Missionary Society. The Minis-
terial Association of Central Illinois grew in numbers and
did very efficient service for a period of six years. Its sec-
ond meeting was held in Jacksonville, in May, 1875 ; the
third at Peoria, in May, 1876; the fourth at Normal, in May,
1877.
There was a special meeting of this Association at
Springfield in August, 1877, when it was decided to make the
aims and work of the Association more directly ministerial
than they had hitherto been. In 1878 the Association met
in August at Eureka, in 1879 at Princeton, and in 1880 at
Bloomington, which was the last.
In the spring of 1882 the Central Illinois Ministerial
Institute was organized, and has continued to the present
time with very helpful annual meetings.
460 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
About the same year the Ministerial Institute of the
Military Tract was formed. At one of its annual meetings
there were present ninety-three preachers and elders. Unfor-
tunately, it was permitted to die years ago.
The Ministerial Institute of Southern Illinois was formed
in the nineties and continues to this time.
These institutes should become fixed spiritual feasts for
the Christian ministers of the State.
The Chicago Christian Ministerial Association.
This Association was organized about 1894. It has met
weekly from September to June. Its membership includes
the pastors of the churches of Christ in Chicago and its
environs, including Harvey on the south, Evanston on the
north and Maywood on the west, with teachers and resident
students of the Disciples' Divinity House. Two of the pas-
tors serve on the board of the Chicago Christian Missionary
Society, all of the pastors in its quarterly rallies and city
mission work, and, with other representatives of the several
congregations, these pastors- serve in the annual city mission
business session. Its members are also affiliated with the
organized union for civic reform work in the city, including
the Law and Order, Young People's Civic and Anti-Saloon
Leagues; also with the Laymen's Evangelistic Movement and
Laymen's Missionary Council. Min. O. F. Jordan, secretary
of this Ministers' Association, co-operates with the Feder-
ated Council of Churches. Herbert L. Willett represented
the Association on the Chicago Vice Investigation Committee.
Its members also co-operate in the quarterly C. W. B. M.
meetings, and some are active in the Men and Millions cam-
paign.
R. E. HENRY.
S. H. ZENDT.
R. F. THRAPP.
J. R. GOLDEN.
E. M. SMITH.
CHAPTER VII.
BIOGRAPHIES.
George F. Adams.
Born in Elizaville, Ky. Died in 1884, at Blandinsville, 111.
Educated in the schools of his native village and the
Bible College of Kentucky University. He came to Illinois
about 1870. Held several pastorates, for which work he was
not well fitted, but in the evangelistic field he was an
unusually brilliant and successful preacher. Many were well
taught and brought into the church through his ministry.
His early death came by an accidental gunshot wound.
/. Buford Allen.
Fleming County, Ky., 1847. 1902, Spokane, Wash.
Was the youngest of three brothers who served in the
Christian ministry — Dr. J. M. and J. W. Allen being the
other two. Was educated in the public schools at Blooming-
ton and at Eureka College. He began the study of law with
Judge W. E. Nelson, of Decatur, but soon decided to enter
the ministry. Besides other congregations in Illinois, he
served the First Church in Springfield for a period of seven
years. His health failing, he moved to Hutchinson, Kan.,
and later to Spokane, Wash.
Mr. Allen was a clear and vigorous thinker, a sincere and
frank man and an efficient preacher.
John W. Allen.
Kentucky, 1843.
Mr. Allen was a native of Fleming County, Ky. He was
well born and has always been a fine type of a Christian
gentleman. After three years' service in the Federal Army,
461
462 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
during which time he "did duty" at Donaldson, Shiloh and
Vicksburg, he graduated at Eureka in 1867. He ministered
to the church at Grayville, 111. ; served as State evangelist
for one and one-half years; was pastor at Shelbyville and
Jacksonville, and the following sixteen years in Chicago, two
years with the South Side Christian Church, two years with
the First, now a part of the Memorial, and twelve years with
the Westside, now the Jackson Boulevard Church. That
was the period in which the Disciples in the commercial
metropolis were coming out of religious contention, chaos
and confusion into sympathetic activities and orderly co-op-
eration. It was a time of stress and storm, and Mr. Allen
put into it virile years of his splendid life. To no one man
is our cause in Chicago more indebted for a saner spirit and
better vision than to him. His ministry has always been
Scriptural, unselfish, forceful, sympathetic and constructive.
Since 1895 his work has been in Spokane, Wash.
William G. Anderson.
Jefferson County, Ind., 1818. 1908, Colfax, 111.
Came to McLean County in 1855. In 1858 he settled on
a farm of 350 acres on the upper Mackinaw. When the
railroad was built, the town of Colfax was located on part
of his land. This, with the underlying coal, placed him in
good pecuniary circumstances. Mr. Anderson received a
limited education, but he had fine common sense and was
devoted to duty. He preached much in the pioneer days,
served as field solicitor for Eureka College five years, and
was a public-spirited, progressive and aggressive citizen.
John Clinton Ashley.
On Atlantic Ocean, 1800. 1850, Walnut Hill, 111.
He was one of the pioneer preachers of the Restoration
movement and a coworker with A. Campbell. He was on a
missionary tour from Ohio into Illinois when he sickened
and died. His body was buried at Walnut Hill.
BIOGRAPHIES 463
Dr. John Kossuth Ashley.
Portsmouth, O., 1824. 1905, Cisne, 111.
A son of the former. Having graduated in medicine
from the Ohio State University at Athens, he practiced his
profession in that State for ten years. He came to Wayne
County in 1856, and continued his work there till the close
of his life. He was an intelligent, broad-minded and useful
Christian man.
The Ashley family was interesting and distinguished.
John M. represented Toledo (O.) district in Congress for
a long term of years, and was a trusted adviser of President
Lincoln in the dark days of war. Later, he was appointed
territorial governor of Montana by President Grant. E. M.
Ashley was engaged in the department of public surveys for
a long period. During this time he entered the land on
which the city of Denver, Colo., now stands.
Mrs. Alice Porter, of Albion, is a daughter of Dr. Ashley.
Aaron Prince At en.
Near Eaton, O., 1839.
Mr. Aten came to Illinois in 1849, where he grew up on
a farm. Educated at Rochester Seminary and Abingdon
College. Received the A.B. and A.M. degrees, and later
the LL.D. degree from another institution. He was ordained
to the Christian ministry in 1860 and has preached continu-
ously since. With his ministerial service he has united edu-
cational work through many years. He was pastor of the
churches at Rochester and La Fayette and Abingdon, mean-
while serving as principal of Rochester Seminary and eight
years as professor of belles lettres in Abingdon College.
From 1861-65 he was recording secretary of the I. C. M. S.
and a member of its board of managers. In 1864 he was
the evangelist of the society in the old Tenth District. In
1876. Mr. Aten left Illinois. Since then he has been busy
in his twofold service in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kan-
sas and Oklahoma. In 1913 he was pastor of the Southside
464 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Besides, he has done
considerable editorial and literary work.
It goes without saying that Mr. Aten has been a very
active man, but his good habits have helped to wide and
varied usefulness and continued efficiency.
Elias Ayles.
Was born in Washington County, O., 1831. He became
a Christian in 1863 and began preaching at once. He was
also a railway engineer. Loss of hearing came with advanc-
ing years, so that he was compelled to cease work. He is a
man of fine character whose life has been filled with good
works. He resides at Fairfield.
Mrs. Clara Celestia Hale-Babcock.
Fitchville, O., 1850.
Her father was a Methodist preacher of the most rigid
type. The daughter was zealous in her religious life and was
quite content with the teachings of her church. She was
past her twenty-fifth natal day before she ever heard a ser-
mon from any other class of preachers. Curiosity led her to
attend church one evening in Sterling, 111., when Evangelist
Geo. F. Adams was conducting a series of meetings there.
As she passed out, Mr. Adams said to her: "I hope you
enjoyed the services." She made no reply. He repeated
the inquiry. She answered: "I can't say that I did." He
asked her what there was in the meeting that she did not
approve. Several persons had publicly confessed their faith
in Christ. Waving her hand, she said: "Is that all there is
in it? Dare you make it so easy to get into Christ?" He
answered: "You must be accustomed to the use of the
mourners' bench." "Surely I am," she replied. He said:
"You are the very woman I have been looking for. If you
will bring me a Scriptural authority for it, chapter and verse,
I will install it to-morrow night." She said, "I will," and
passed on, Mr. Adams remarking, "You know there are no
records of conversions outside of the Acts of the Apostles,
A. D. NORTHCUTT. JOSEPH HOSTETLER.
MRS. C. C. BABCOCK.
N S HAYNES. WILLIAM B. RYAN.
BIOGRAPHIES 465
so it must be there." Mrs. Babcock did not sleep that night
till she had read the Book of Acts. Not finding what she
read for, in the morning she visited her pastor and asked
him where she could find in God's word authority for the
altar. He answered: "Where have you been? Have you
been listening to that Campbellite exhorter over the river?"
She said "Yes." Then he said: "He will lead you to the
devil, for they are not orthodox. They don't believe in the
Holy Spirit or in prayer." She replied that she had not gone
from choice, "but you have not answered my question."
After some other such conversation, the pastor said that the
altar for those trying to come to Christ was not commanded,
but the church teaches it as a good method. Then she asked :
"How much does the church teach that is not in the Bible?
If you have one human plan, how shall we know the divine
plan? It weakens my faith." A few evenings later Mr.
Babcock persuaded his wife to hear Mr. Adams again. On
that occasion she witnessed Scriptural baptism for the first
time, and the sermon was on baptism. Passing out, Mr.
Adams asked her about the Scripture for the use of the
mourners' bench. She replied frankly: "It is not there and
we have no right to use it." He inquired: "Have you been
baptized?" "Not according to that form," she answered.
"Will you not obey Christ in the Bible way?" he asked.
She went home sad and thoughtful. The next morning she
went to see her pastor, who prayed with her and scolded
her. "Will you immerse me?" she asked. "No, no; you
have been baptized according to your father's faith and the
church's teaching," he answered. She said: "What does the
Bible teach? You must show me where the Scripture com-
mands sprinkling or I shall go down into the water like my
Saviour." A week later, Mr. and Mrs. Babcock were bap-
tized by Mr. Adams. With Bible in hand, she went from
door to door of her friends, many of whom turned to the
Lord. She did not formally unite with the Sterling Church
until she first measured its teachings and practices by the
word of God. Later, she went out into the service of the W.
466 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
C. T. U. in Illinois. Being in Erie on a Sunday, she was
induced to speak to the Christian congregation in the fore-
noon. The presence and approval of God were so manifest
that she was led to continue in the service of that congre-
gation. Later, after wise counsel and mature deliberation,
she was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1888. Her
work proved a great blessing to the church in that part of
the State. She proved herself both a good evangelist and
pastor. She has conducted twenty-eight fruitful meetings
and has made about fourteen hundred converts, one thou-
sand of whom she baptized with her own hand. The little
church of Erie she served altogether fifteen years. In that
community she preached 172 funeral sermons. She was the
first woman in Illinois to enter the Christian ministry. In
all this splendid service she had the cordial moral support
of her husband. After twenty-five years of this work, she
has retired to the quiet of a Canadian farm home.
George E. Bacon.
Madison, Ind., 1851. 1896, Aurora, 111.
Came with his parents to Kansas, 111., in 1854. His mis-
chievous disposition in boyhood was irrepressible. Coming
to maturity, he entered the ministry, but soon decided that
he was unwilling to make the full surrender that its obliga-
tions impose. He became a lawyer and State's attorney of
Edgar County. In 1886 he was elected to the State Senate
and returned in 1890, serving eight years. He was a fluent
and brilliant orator. In the formal eulogies pronounced by
representatives of the General Assembly upon John A.
Logan, Mr. Bacon's far surpassed all others.
Col. Edzvard D. Baker.
London, England, 1811. 1861, Ball's Bluff (Va.) Bat-
tlefield.
At the age of four years this boy was brought to Phila-
delphia, and at the age of fifteen he was teaching school.
He was admitted to the bar in Carrollton, 111., in 1830; the
BIOGRAPHIES 467
next year married Mrs. Mary Ann Lee, and in 1832 partici-
pated actively in the Black Hawk War.
It was shortly after his marriage that he was immersed
and became a member of the church in Carrollton. It is
not probable that he was formally set apart to the Christian
ministry, but his ardent disposition, superior ability as a
public speaker and his sincere devotion to the pure gospel
led him to its public proclamation for near a decade. He
also baptized some converts. Min. W. H. Cannon, pastor
of the Central Church, Decatur, says that his own grand-
father, Hardin Goodin, whom he knew well, was immersed
by Mr. Baker in Honey Creek, Pike County. Nor was this
an exceptional instance. He was also associated with those
Disciples in the early thirties at Jacksonville in their first
efforts looking toward co-operative missionary work.
In 1835 he moved to Springfield. There he met and
became the sincere and lifelong friend of Abraham Lincoln.
Two such magnificent and magnanimous souls could easily
understand and love each other. This friendship proved of
incalculable value to the Federal Union in the black night of
bloody horrors in which both suns went down.
In 1837, Mr. Baker was elected to the House in the
Legislature and in 1840 to the Senate. In 1844 he beat Mr.
Lincoln for the nomination for Congress on the Whig ticket,
and was elected. But Mr. Lincoln's feelings were reflected
in the fact that a baby boy who came into his home in 1846
was named Edward Baker Lincoln. While representing the
Springfield district in Congress, Mr. Baker raised a regi-
ment of infantry and saw active service as its colonel in the
Mexican War. Meanwhile, his official duties calling him to
Washington, he addressed the House of Representatives
wearing his military uniform. In 1848, Colonel Baker,
rather than contest a second time with Mr. Lincoln the nomi-
nation for Congress, moved to Galena. There he was nomi-
nated on the Whig ticket, and elected. Mr. Lincoln was
returned from the Springfield district. In 1851, Colonel
Baker was engaged in superintending the construction of the
468 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Panama Railroad. In 1852 he moved to California. In San
Francisco he quickly took a leading place at the bar, and for
eight years was one of the representative and most influ-
ential citizens of the State.
Upon the urgent invitation of friends he was induced to
move to Salem, Ore., in February, 1860. Such was his
fidelity to principle, his commanding ability, his matchless
eloquence and urbanity, that he was elected to the United
States Senate at the next meeting of the Oregon Legislature.
In 1912, Mr. E. R. Kennedy published a volume entitled
"The Contest for California in 1861," in which he clearly
shows that it was chiefly through the statesmanship of
Colonel Baker that the Pacific Coast was then saved to the
Union. The book is charmingly written and is a distinct con-
tribution to American history.
With the coming of the Civil War, Mr. Baker was busy
in the United States Senate. However, he raised a regiment
in New York and Philadelphia of sixteen hundred men and
was commissioned to command the brigade to which it
belonged. It was encamped near the Capital. On August 1,
1861, members of the Senate hastily summoned Colonel and
Senator Baker to the chamber to reply to a speech to be
delivered there that day by Senator Breckenridge, of Ken-
tucky. He came in, laid his sword upon his desk, and sat
down to listen. His reply is classed among the great ora-
tions of the world. James G. Elaine says that its delivery
was the most extraordinary of any occurrence that ever
transpired in the Senate chamber.
October 21, having stood at the head of his brigade for
hours against great odds, he was struck by four or five rifle-
balls almost simultaneously and fell in death — "as gentle and
pure and unselfish and generous and eloquent and valiant a
man as ever cheerfully gave his life for a noble cause."
Mrs. Judith Bradner, a charter member of the First Church
in Bloomington, passed on in 1912 at the age of ninety-eight
years. She at one time entertained at dinner in her home
Stephen A. Douglas, Abraham Lincoln and Edward D.
BIOGRAPHIES 469
Baker. She described Mr. Baker as a most attractive per-
sonality, a fine conversationalist and an engaging presence,
at once commanding and kindly. A marble statue inscribed
"Baker" stands in one of the rooms of the nation's Capitol.
Dr. J. W. Ballinger.
Emmerson, Mo., 1837. 1879, Niantic, 111.
Most of the life of Mr. Ballinger was passed in the State
of his birth. In the five closing years of his life, which were
devoted to the Niantic community, he gripped the people as
few men can. In the places of his residence he served as
elder, teacher, physician and minister. He was careful to
remember the poor, but held continuously the good will of
all classes. He was one of the truest friends of humanity
and the noblest pattern of manhood.
N. S. Bastian.
Was of Holland descent and a native of New York State.
He received a liberal education, and throughout his life was
esteemed both for his learning and culture.
He became a member of the M. E. Church in early life,
and shortly thereafter entered the Christian ministry. In
1843 this church wished to send a missionary to one of the
districts of the West African coast. Mr. Bastian was asked
to go. After consideration, he answered: "Christ died for
me. I will go." His first child was born there. The native
chiefs came from far to see a white baby and make it a
present. The child lived only a few months. After a time,
Mr. Bastian was sent to Europe on business connected with
the African mission. He left his wife there and set sail.
On his voyage, one evening just after he had retired to bed
and before he had closed his eyes, apparently his wife stood
before him. Ere he could address her, she vanished. When
he landed in Europe he met orders from his Mission Board
to return to America. Landing in New York, he was met
by a member of the Board, to whom he said, "Have you
heard from Africa?" The reply was, "Yes. And Sarah is
470 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
dead." This was Mr. Bastian's wife. On comparing the
day and the hour, he found that his wife had gone to be at
home with, her Lord at the moment when he saw her appear-
ance to him on shipboard.
Mr. Bastian's studies of the New Testament had unsettled
his thoughts on the subject of Christian baptism. Finding
himself more in harmony with the Baptist than with the
Methodist Church, he peaceably changed his ecclesiastical
affiliation. Coming West, he soon fell in with the Disciples.
He was at once attracted and charmed by the Scripturalness
of their preaching and the simplicity of their plea; hence,
he was not long in casting in his lot with the people whose
teaching and practice were so fully in accord with his own
conclusions. Some of his Methodist brethren said that the
fact of his "joining the Campbellites" was proof that "he
was rattled ;" whereas, his thoughts and aims were only mov-
ing in wider orbits.
His sacred dust and that of his second wife — a Christian
woman ot the highest type — repose in unmarked graves at
Sullivan, 111. Nor is a memorial window there in the house
of God for these, his faithful servants.
Archibald T. Benson.
Tennessee, 1818. 1894, Marion, 111.
Came to Williamson County when a young man, and
shortly thereafter became a Christian and a preacher. His
ministry reached out to many places in that part of the
State. In the years of his active service, he baptized more
converts, married more couples and conducted more funerals
than any preacher in the county. He served as chaplain of
the 128th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War.
He was noted for his hospitality and many good works.
Charles J. and Thomas V. Berry.
St. Andrews, New Brunswick. 1871, Lincoln, 111.
St. Andrews, New Brunswick, 1822. 1882, Creston, la.
Charles J. came to Boston when in his teens, and for a
BIOGRAPHIES 471
period was a member of the Tremont Temple Free Will
Baptist Church. His moral convictions were strong, and his
opposition to slavery and all secret societies became so radical
that, as his pastor, Nathaniel Colver, put it, "Charles com-
pelled the church to disfellowship him." Meanwhile, by the
aid of the Millennial Harbinger, he came to a knowledge of
the Restoration movement. Whereupon, he helped his
brother Thomas in the formation of a church of Christ and
instituted worship on the Lord's Days after the apostolic
example. In 1855 he succeeded James Darsie as pastor of
the church at Connersville, Pa. He came to Illinois in 1859,
and resided at Princeton, Abingdon and Lincoln, at which
places, or in the surrounding sections, he labored assiduously
in the gospel till his death, which came by tuberculosis.
Thomas V. also came to Boston in his teens, and there
learned the trade of a piano-maker. In 1845 he learned the
gospel from a Mr. Dungan, of Baltimore, who had gone to
Boston to buy leather goods. To the little church formed
there Thomas gave most of his earnings from his manual
labor for hall rent, etc. He graduated from Bethany. Com-
ing to Illinois in 1860, he first served the Bloomington
Church seven years and later the churches at Princeton, Lin-
coln and Monmouth.
These brothers were the sons of Methodist parents. The
home was one of regular prayer and practical piety. They
were men of a high spiritual type and gave their time to
genuine service. ~ T ,, „ ,
Dr. James M. Bell,
Sangamon County, 111., 1856.
Educated at the University of Michigan. Was elected
to the House of the Legislature in 1910-12. Dr. Bell is a
member of the church at Rochester.
Prof. W. F. Black.
Moorefield, Ky., 1839. 1908, Chicago, 111.
Mr. Black's early years were passed in schoolrooms as
student and teacher. He graduated at Asbury, now DePauw
472 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
University, and spent some time at Hiram while J. A. Gar-
field was there. He entered the ministry at the age of
eighteen, and for many years was a very popular and suc-
cessful preacher. He served as pastor at Terre Haute,
Greencastle and Indianapolis, Ind., and Tuscola and Chicago,
111., and was president of the Northwest University, now
Butler College, in 1872-74. He was best known as a great
evangelist. His meetings in cities, towns and country were
equally successful — the additions were counted by hundreds
and by thousands. Many of these were leading and influ-
ential citizens of their communities. He did his work with-
out the aid of professional singers or special helpers. His
custom was to teach the people the Scriptures and follow
this lesson in the same meeting with a great sermon. Illinois
owes much to his self-denying and faithful service, for not
a few of her feeble congregations were thereby saved from
death to large usefulness, and many from all classes of
society were led to know and to walk in the better way. He
is held in tender memory by a host of grateful friends.
William Henry Boles.
Perry County, 111., 1850.
Educated in country schools, Ewing College and Butler
College. Entered the Christian ministry in 1870. Served
the churches at De Soto, Marion, Carbondale, Duquoin,
Pekin and Christopher as pastor. Mr. Boles has been widely
and well known for a quarter of a century as a live wire.
He has been a successful evangelist and a popular lecturer,
speaking to many multitudes on Mormonism, the liquor
traffic, evidences of Christianity, Romanism, and other sub-
jects that delude and enslave people in error. He was never
known to run away from a public discussion when it was
thrust upon him. He is industrious, genial, democratic and
enthusiastic in his work. Over eight thousand people have
been added to the churches by his ministry. In March,
1888, he conducted a series of meetings in Duquoin. At its
beginning he entered into an agreement with Dr. A. J. Fish-
BIOGRAPHIES 473
back, a rationalist of local notoriety. First, the doctor was
to hear every sermon preached by Mr. Boles. Second, for
two hours a day, four days in the week, they were privately
to consider the fundamentals of Christianity. Third, if the
doctor was convinced that the Bible came from God and
that Jesus is divine, he should quit the "Freethinkers" and
preach the gospel henceforward. Fourth, if Mr. Boles
should be convinced to the contrary, he should quit the pulpit
and take the platform for infidelity. Before the meeting
closed, Dr. Fishback became a Christian. To the close of his
life, nine years thereafter, he was an able minister of Jesus
Christ. Air. Boles is a brave and unselfish patriot, and bears
in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
Dr. William Booz.
Woodford County, Ky., 1831. 1901, Carthage, 111.
Those who were personally acquainted with this gentle-
man called him a noted physician, preacher, philosopher and
friend. His father's family came to Illinois in 1837, and in
1839 into Hancock County. Orphaned of his parents at the
age of fourteen, he was one of six children left penniless
and alone. He appealed to the judge for the privilege of
choosing his own guardian, which was granted. In the
home of this friend he became one of the family. The only
schoolbook he there had was an English novel, from which
he would read aloud to the pleasure of the whole school.
By his persistence and pine-knot efforts, at the age of fifteen
he secured a subscription school, which he taught in the
kitchen of David Mason's cabin. The money thus earned
was used to enable him to make some trips to Carthage and
to buy and borrow some books. For three years he studied
medicine, for his great ambition was to be a physician.
Meanwhile, he taught schools as necessary. He became a
Christian under the ministry of Gilmore Callison and began
to preach at the age of seventeen. His knowledge of the
Bible soon became remarkable, and later he was widely rec-
ognized as an eloquent preacher. A minister of another
474 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
church asked Dr. Booz to come to Pontoosuc at one time
and meet an opponent in a public discussion. So well was
the work done that the opponent failed to appear the second
evening.
All his life he was a country doctor. Despite his early
disadvantages and later handicaps, he rose to wide recogni-
tion. At one time he had the entire practice in 170 square
miles around his home, except in twelve families. He had
patients all over western Illinois as well as in Iowa, Mis-
souri, Ohio and Kentucky. When he began the practice of
medicine at the age of twenty-two, he laid down certain
rules, from which he never deviated through the forty-seven
years of his professional work. He was always a hard stu-
dent— a progressive, a discoverer, a leader. During the
period of his practice he rode more than one-half-million
miles, mostly through the brakes of Crooked Creek. He
regarded a call to a bed of pain as a call to duty. Through
trackless forests, bridgeless streams and Egyptian darkness,
he made countless trips to the homes of suffering, and oft-
times where no compensation could be expected except the
love and gratitude that followed him to his dying day. He
was the embodiment of cheerfulness, and his peculiar per-
sonality inspired his patients with confidence.
Without personal political ambition, he was a leader in
politics.
He wrote well. His papers for township literary societies
were gems of pathos, wit and homely good sense. In the
early sixties he sent a communication to the Carthage
Republican over the pseudonym, "Country Jake." The
editor was so impressed with its pungent character that he
encouraged him to send weekly contributions. Thus was
born provincial journalism in Illinois.
In medicine Dr. Booz was a genius, to the world a Chris-
tian, to his contemporaries a philosopher, and to his family
and to all people, a gentleman. He was the soul of honor,
justice and generosity. There was not a selfish or mean
streak in him. The pride of his Kentucky blood was appar-
BIOGRAPHIES 475
ent in his exalted character. And a country doctor all his
life because he wanted to be!
Thomas E. Bondurant.
Near Mechanicsburg, 111., 1831. 1905, De Land, 111.
His parents were Kentuckians who came to Illinois in
1828. In 1854, Mr. Bondurant entered 290 acres of land in
Piatt County, under the graduation act of Congress, at fifty
cents per acre. He moved there in 1856, which was his
home to the close of his life. The year before he had
attended Eureka College, but, becoming engrossed in his
business, did not return.
Mr. Bondurant was never married. In 1861 his mother
and a sister, Miss Mary E. Bondurant, went to De Land,
and the three constituted the family. Throughout his life
he was a farmer and live-stock man. He was a shrewd and
far-sighted business man. His advice to men starting in life
was, "Buy land." He continued to follow this maxim, and
accumulated large property.
He came into the church in 1851, and for fifty- four years
was an intelligent and active Christian. He always stood
openly for the better things in life and against the saloon
and kindred evils. And he was never willing to compromise
with wrong. He was generous to many worthy causes while
he lived, but did not talk about his benefactions.
At the time of his decease, his estate was valued at about
$450,000. By his last will, the larger part of this wealth is
to be used, after ten years, for educational and missionary
purposes. His end was peace.
Hughes Bowles.
Virginia, 1786. 1846, DeWitt County, 111.
This man came from Virginia to Caneridge, Ky., and was
probably a product of the great revival held there in 1801.
His education was limited, but he was a great reader and a
good historian. He united with the Baptist Church and was
476 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
licensed to preach. He soon decided that denominationalism
was wrong, and he believed that God had revealed to every
man his whole duty in plain and unmistakable terms in the
Bible.
He settled on a farm in DeWitt County, near the site of
Old Union Church, Turnbridge Township, on the banks of
Salt Creek, in the spring of 1830. He had then been mar-
ried twice and was the father of twelve living children.
Members of his family maintained the farm of two hundred
acres while the father gave his time to preaching the gospel.
His trips were made on horseback and reached from ten to
fifty miles. The storms of the winters, the miry sloughs and
swollen streams of the springs and early summers frequently
challenged the faith and courage of the itinerant preachers.
But Mr. Bowles seldom missed an appointment.
He was well versed in the Scriptures and could almost
quote the New Testament from beginning to end. Asso-
ciated with him in his Christian work there were Abner
Peeler, powerful in argument and appeal and a true
prophet's vision; James Scott, who spoke with the "old Bap-
tist tone," and when the weather was warm would, in the
progress of his sermon, lay off his coat, unbutton his collar
and sleeves and plead most earnestly with his hearers ; and
Alfred Lindsey, mild, gentle and with wonderful winning
power. Ten dollars was the largest sum Hughes Bowles
ever received for holding a meeting, which was at the Lake
Fork Church. This money he gave to a Mrs. Frakes, a
widowed sister in the Lord, who was thrown from her horse,
breaking her hip, while going to his meeting. He was a
kind and sympathetic man, but very positive. All his chil-
dren were in the fold ere their father went away to be with
the Good Shepherd.
David Bowles.
Bourbon County, Ky., 1825. 1911, Emden, 111.
David was the oldest son. He was a farmer, residing on
Delavan Prairie, in Logan County. He read much, was
BIOGRAPHIES 477
decidedly conservative and a good public speaker. He
assisted in the organization of several churches within the
radius of his Christian service.
March 10, 1903, from his home in Emden, III, David
Bowles wrote to T. T. Holton. From his communication the
following is taken:
I do not know of a meeting-house in this part of the State before
1840. The people met for worship in the summer-time in the groves,
in the winter-time in their dwelling-houses. The houses were nearly
all log cabins eighteen feet square. Two beds in this room. A big
fireplace in one end. No windows. Glass could not be had. So, you
see, this left but a small meeting-house. But you would be surprised
at the number of people that would get into one of these houses for
worship. The young women and some married women would pull off
their shoes and get up on the beds, till sometimes there would be from
eight to ten on each bed. Some people may say, "This is unreason-
able— the beds could not hold them up." They were not such bedsteads
as we have now. Usually there was but one post to the bedstead.
Holes bored into the logs of the wall with a two-inch auger and a
strong rail sharpened to fit was inserted and strong rope cords made
at home of hemp made them very strong. Still, once in awhile, one
of these cords would break and let them to the floor. Soon everything
would be quiet again. With all ovr glorious meetings we would
sometimes have some of the ridiculous. I will only name one or two.
One cold winter day we met at old Father Hall's. Bro. Walter
Bowles was to preach. The house was just such as I have described,
with a loft laid with large clapboards. A ladder going up in the
right-hand corner by the fireplace. The door shut. A lamp lighted.
Brother Walter stood right by or under the ladder that led to the
loft. He was lining his hymn, when a big tomcat raised a racket up
in the loft and came tearing down the ladder. Brother Walter rather
dodged. But some of the older ones were able to sing the hymn.
The house was so crowded that none could kneel. Everybody's face
was turned toward the fire. While Brother Walter was offering
prayer the cat that had got whipped came and sat down in front of
the fire. The cat that had whipped came slipping through the crowd,
and, seeing the one he had whipped sitting before the fire, he aimed
to give him a big lick. But the other saw him in time to slip out of
the way. The boss cat went right under the fore-stick into the fire
and came out squalling and carried the fire and coals back through
the crowd. Old Mother Hall saw it would set the house on fire.
Broke in with a broom on him. Everybody in the house saw it, and
Brother Walt brought his prayer to a close very quickly. Soon we
were dismissed.
478 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
I will give just one more to show the inconveniences we had to
labor under. We had prayer-meeting at old Bro. James Ferrice's one
night. The old grease-lamp was stuck in the wall of the house just
about as high as a man's shoulder. Bro. Ambrose Hall was up talking.
Forgot himself and threw his head back, and the blaze was all over his
head in an instant. Some of the brethren sprang to him and extin-
guished the flame. So that brought that meeting to a sudden close.
This is enough of the ridiculous.
William F. Bowles.
Kentucky, 1829.
William F. Bowles was brought by his parents to Illinois
in 1830. He became a Christian at thirteen and served the
Old Union Church as deacon and elder for many years. A
great student of the Bible, his judgment was regarded as
based upon truth and justice. He always helped in the
aggressive work of the church, and his conclusions on church
government were rarely questioned. His one son and four
grandchildren are all prominent in the work of the church.
He is the sole survivor of the family that came to Illinois,
and resides with his son in Des Moines, la.
Walter P. Bozvles.
Kentucky, 1811. 1863, Illinois.
This man was the most forceful and noted of this
remarkable family. He was the son of Hughes and Ruth
Prather Bowles. During his mature years he was called by
nearly all of his acquaintances "Wattie Bowles."
He was physically a man of the finest type. Standing
six feet and one inch in his stocking feet, his weight was
190 pounds. Rarely could any man follow him with ax,
cradle or scythe. He could stand with both feet in a half-
bushel measure and shoulder four bushels of wheat in one
sack.
There was an admirable co-ordination between his phys-
ical forces and his mental energies. At about the age of
twenty-two he was married to Miss Isabel Wallace, a daugh-
ter of Col. Andrew Wallace, who served in our army in the
war of 1812. At that time Mr. Bowles could not read. His
BIOGRAPHIES 479
wife proved herself to be a fine teacher — her husband an
unusually bright pupil. Five years thereafter he could quote
nearly all of the New Testament from memory, and before
the close of his life, most of the Old as well. His memory
was extraordinary. He knew the map of Palestine better
than most people know their own State.
Of course Mr. Bowles was a farmer, owning and culti-
vating his land. But shortly after his marriage he became
a preacher. Those who heard him, testify that he was pow-
erful and eloquent. His superior ability to sing and induce
others to sing, added much to his efficiency. He was mighty
in prayer as well. Sometimes he would stop in his discourse,
drop down upon his knees, and passionately plead for the
salvation of sinners. In plo wing-time he would work in his
fields Saturdays till 11 o'clock A. MV then come to his
house. Then he would whet his razor on his boot-leg, hone
it on the palm of his left hand, and shave his face clean
and smooth without the aid of a mirror; then grease his
boots, wash up and redress ; after eating his dinner, he
would saddle his horse and gallop away ten to thirty miles
and preach Saturday night and Sunday in a residence or
schoolhouse to fifteen or more people. For this work he
received not a dollar. His reward was the sweet conscious-
ness of duty well done and that God was pleased. Thus
he traveled through DeWitt, Sangamon, Morgan, Logan and
McLean Counties. At one time he held a "big meeting" in
the barn of John Campbell, in Tazewell County, at which
three hundred additions were received.
Mr. Bowles lived in a farmhouse in Turnbridge Town-
ship. He was a pronounced antislavery man and a lifelong
friend of Abraham Lincoln, who was entertained a number
of times in the hospitable home of Mr. Bowles. In the
earlier period of Mr. Lincoln's life, on one of these occa-
sions he said : "Watt, if I could preach like you, I would
rather do that than be President."
Mr. Bowles was absolutely fearless. In one of his meet-
ings in a schoolhouse two young men got to playing cards.
480 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
He asked them to desist, urging that it was quite out of
place. In a few minutes they were at it again. The
preacher said they must stop it. When they started their
game the third time he walked back to them, grasped each
one by his collar with his vise-like hands, led them to the
door, bumped their heads together and told them to go.
They went.
At one time Mr. Bowles and his cousin, John G. Camp-
bell, of McLean County, were driving together in some kind
of a one-horse rig. At high noon they came to the home of
a pioneer farmer, located not far from the present site of
Waynesville. The farmer and his "hired man" had just
come in from the field, when the following conversation
took place:
"Hello, neighbor," called out Mr. Bowles; "we wish to
go to New Jerusalem and have stopped to ask you about the
way."
"To where?" asked the farmer.
"To New Jerusalem."
"Never heard of any such place. This road leads up to
Bloomington."
"No," answered Bowles, "we are going to New Jerusa-
lem. But we are hungry. Now, if you will give us our
dinner and feed our horse I will tell you the way to New
Jerusalem."
"The devil you will," answered the farmer. "I will give
you your dinners and feed your horse for fifty cents."
When they had finished dinner, Mr. Bowles pushed back
a little from the table and began to preach to them the way
of the Lord. When they rose from their places it was to go
to a near-by stream, where Mr. Bowles baptized the farmer,
his wife and the hired man — the entire family.
His body sleeps in Old Union Cemetery, within six feet
of the spot where stood the pulpit in which he had preached
hundreds of times.
God always provides the man for the time, and Wattie
Bowles was a child of Providence.
BIOGRAPHIES 481
Christopher C. Boyer.
Edgar County, 111., 1839. 1908, Edgar County, 111.
Mr. Boyer resided on a farm all his lite in the county of
his birth. However, for a long period he was an active but
a conservative and useful minister, chiefly in Edgar, Coles
and Clark Counties. His financial compensation for his
ministerial labors was always small. He was the father of
Mm. T. A. Taylor and Prof. E. E. Boyer, of Eureka College.
Clark Braden.
Trumbull County, O., 1831.
Mr. Braden graduated from Farmers College, Cincin-
nati, O., in 1860. No one aided him by a dollar after he
left the country district school. For ten years he labored,
taught and attended school as he could. Aiding his younger
brothers and sisters, in their struggles for an education,
delayed the completion of his own course. His father and
mother were pioneer Abolitionists and active teetotaler-
temperance advocates from 1835 to 1855. Mr. Braden was
himself in line with the enemies of slavery from his youth.
He cast his first vote for Freesoil in 1852. He stumped and
voted for Fremont in 1856, and for Lincoln in 1860. In
this work his life was twice in peril from friends of the
saloons and thrice by Mormons. He made war speeches and
carried a gun as a soldier in the 127th Illinois Volunteer
Infantry.
Many years of his life have been given to educational
work. In this field he filled many positions, from the
teacher of a "deestrick skule and board round" to the presi-
dency of three colleges.
He has served in the Christian ministry for fifty-seven
years and has been pastor of thirty-five churches. He has
been a voluminous writer and has edited one political and
one religious pauer. He has delivered more than six thou-
sand lectures. He has conducted 133 public discussions, on
nearly all topics agitating the public mind. Twenty-six of
16
482 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
these discussions were in Illinois. He was endorsed for
more than one hundred other debates at which his opponents
failed to appear, including "Seventh-dayists," infidels and
Mormons. For more than twenty years it was a standing
formula with these errorists, when they challenged for a
debate, to condition, "any one except Braden." Some of
his opponents, when hard pressed by Mr. Braden, uncere-
moniously fled from the halls where the discussions were
in progress, amid the jeers and hisses of audiences. His
debates and lectures have reached through many States and
Provinces of Canada. In April, 1872, Mr. Braden sent a
challenge to the great agnostic, Robert G. Ingersoll, to
debate in Peoria. When asked by Colonel Wright, "Why
do you not accept?" he replied, "I am not such a
fool as to debate. He would wear me out." Mr. Braden's
last public discussion was successfully conducted in his sev-
enty-eighth year. A prominent minister declared in a church
paper that Mr. Braden, by his assaults upon errors and his
earnest advocacy of the truth, had saved the Pacific Coast
from a tidal wave of infidelity. Mr. Braden was sometimes
criticized for his neglect or disregard of the social ameni-
ties of life. However, he was always a companionable man,
when he had time. A fine physique has enabled him to do
the work of two or three men. He has been "a crank all
his life and grows no better," for he is now an active advo-
cate of Christian socialism. The storms of eighty years have
not cooled the ardor of his love for "the truth as it is in
Jesus." For more than sixty years he has studied, inves-
tigated, written, taught and debated, and through these six
eventful decades his master aim has been, "Accept the
Christ's teachings, live the Christ life, realize the Christ char-
Dr. J. H. Breeden.
Sullivan County, Ind., 1834. 1911, Tpava, 111.
Dr. Breeden was a born leader of people. He came from
Pike County, 111., about 1858, and settled in the village of
Summum, in Fulton County, to practice medicine. At that
BIOGRAPHIES 483
time his material possessions consisted of his wife — a woman
of superior mind and heart — one son, a pony, a dog, a little
house furniture and his medicine-case. He began life there
in a two-roomed house, in which he resided for a long time.
His first concern was the formation of a church in his new
home, after the primitive order, for he had learned the word
of God and how to preach it. He was chiefly instrumental
in establishing the church in Summum, and its care devolved
mainly upon him for many years. Besides, he was active
in preaching the gospel in the communities around and about.
Meanwhile, his work as a physician grew and increased and
became very extensive. In this he was sincere, prudent,
frank and kindly, so that his friends were counted by thou-
sands. He was a genial and companionable man. With the
acquisition of property his liberality grew. He was the
friend of every good cause and the liberal supporter of every
good work. For a term of years he served well as a trustee
of Eureka College. During his life and by his last will he
contributed thousands of dollars to advance the kingdom
of God. He was a brotherly man, skillful in his profession,
successful in business and a good preacher as well. H. O.
Breeden is his gifted son.
7. H. G. Brinkerhoff.
Hackensack, N. J., 1844.
Came with his father's family to Illinois in 1852. Edu-
cated in common schools, Steele's Seminary, Indiana Normal,
and graduated in law at McKendrie College. He has taught
in high schools twenty years, been frequently engaged in
newspaper work and has preached the gospel as well.
H. M. Brooks.
Meigs County, O., 1855.
Was educated in the school of hard manual work and
trained in the common and select schools, U. C. College and
literary correspondence courses of two universities. He was
an ordained minister in the Christian Denomination for four
484 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
years. In January, 1889, at Illiopolis, 111., he united with
the Christian Church during the pastorate of U. M. Browder,
Pie served the Paris Church with much efficiency; also
preached for the Kansas and Bell Ridge Churches in Edgar
County, and the church at Tuscola, besides churches in other
States. He has organized five congregations and induced
fourteen young men to enter the Christian ministry. He
conducted the funeral of Dennis Hanks, who taught Abra-
ham Lincoln to read. Mr. Hanks died at the age of ninety-
three years from the effects of a runaway.
Theodore Brooks.
Came from Troy, N. Y., to Lexington, 111., in 1860. The
recently formed church there had invited him to become its
pastor. He served this congregation and that at Lincoln
half-time each. Mr. Brooks was a scholarly man, with a
ready command of a fine vocabulary. Of companionable
disposition, he was a superior conversationalist. As a
preacher he was fervent and interesting. It was his custom
when he came to Illinois not to preach "first principles" and
to never give, at the close of his sermons, the public invita-
tion for people to accept the Saviour. One Sunday in June,
1861, when preaching in Lexington, he was informed that
a lady wished to present her letter and be received into the
congregation ; so he gave the invitation. While the hymn
was being sung, a gentleman passed up one aisle and his
sister the other — both to make the good confession. The
preacher, learning the facts, cried out, "O God, forgive my
lack of faith!" His continued ministry in Illinois was most
helpful to both congregations and preachers.
George Matthew Brown.
Kentucky, 1816. 1893, Pike County, 111.
He was a brother of Wm. H. Brown, and was usually
called Matty Brown. He was peculiar to marked eccen-
tricity, but did useful work in Pike County and elsewhere.
BIOGRAPHIES 485
William M. Brown.
Kentucky. 1863, Tennessee.
This man was a striking personality. He was six feet
and two inches in height and of fine form, weighing two
hundred pounds. His head was large, his face strong and
clean-shaven, and his dark hair he wore long for a male and
decidedly pompadour.
He came to Springfield in 1841 and for a time was pas-
toi of the church there.
He was elected as the first president of Eureka College,
but his service was only nominal.
His chief work was that of an evangelist. In this sphere
he was probably the most noted among the Disciples during
his period of service in Illinois. He was regarded as a
powerful preacher. His sermons united argument with
impassioned appeal. In dealing with what he considered
denominational doctrinal errors he was often as inexorable
as logic could be, even to rasping. On one such occasion,
a woman auditor, not in sympathy with all his teaching, per-
sonally expressed the wish that she "might have his scalp
for a scrub-brush." At one of the earlier State Meetings
held in Springfield, the mountain-top was reached on the
Lord's Day. It was the custom then, at the close of the
communion, to shake hands throughout the assembly. Some
of the elder brethren would embrace each other and weep
tears of joy. On this occasion, Mr. Brown and the gentle
Barton W. Stone were quite carried from the usual self-
poise by the ecstacy of joy. Then Mr. Stone cried out,
"Brother Brown, you speak too harshly of people's errors.
Dear brother, when you find a stone across the path of
truth, just carefully roll it away, but don't try to spat the
man who laid it there." It is said that a sermon that he
delivered at Mt. Pulaski, following the Kane-Bunn debate
on Universalism, was such a terrific indictment of other
Protestant preachers and so filled with ginger and salt, that
several days passed before those in the great audience
regained sufficient composure to talk about the discourse.
486 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
To his aggressiveness he added a brilliant imagination. His
pictures of heavenly things were sublime. Great crowds
attended his meetings and many were turned to the Lord.
After all, a sweet tenderness was in his soul. Conducting a
meeting in Bloomington in a cold winter, he was entertained
in the inviting home of Dr. R. O. Warriner. After the even-
ing meetings, going home the doctor led his little daughter
Belle by the hand. The child, tired and very sleepy, as all
normal children should be in such circumstances, cried. Then
Mr. Brown would sing to her:
"Rings on her fingers, bells on her toes,
She keeps boohooing wherever she goes."
The churches at Springfield, Bloomington, Pittsfield, and
at many other places in the State, are yet much indebted to
this great preacher. He became chaplain in the Thirty-eighth
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and, contracting a cold at the
battle of Chickamauga, died ten days later.
Uriah Marion Broivder.
Jamestown, O., 1846. 1907, Dayton, O.
Mr. Browder was a pastor and evangelist and a public
debater in Illinois for a period of the seventies and eighties.
He was clear in thinking, masterful in logic, and forceful
in the presentation of the truth, which he never questioned
or compromised. He was the author of several books.
Francis M. Bruner.
Kentucky, 1833. 1899, Iowa.
Mr. Bruner was of German ancestry and rugged pioneer
progenitors. His boyhood and youth were passed upon his
father's farm in Illinois. He graduated from Knox College
in 1857 with the honors of his class. He went to Europe
in 1858, where he spent three years at the Universities of
Halle in Prussia and '1 Ecloe de Paris in France. Some
time was also passed in the great libraries, the museums and
art galleries of Berlin and London. He was a diligent stu-
BIOGRAPHIES 487
dent and an indefatigable worker, so that he came to a
strength of intellect, breadth of scholarship and greatness of
character that made him the peer of the best men of his
time. He was captain of Company A of the Seventh United
States Colored Infantry one year, during which time he con-
tracted the germs of relentless disease from which he was
never thereafter free. In 1866-67 he was a member of the
Illinois Legislature, serving with high honor.
In 1870 he became president of Oskaloosa College, Iowa,
where he served efficiently as executive, teacher and solicitor
for six years. He was induced to accept the presidency of
Abingdon College in 1877. Into his efforts to restore the
school to its former prosperity and usefulness he threw the
indomitable energy of all his splendid faculties ; but the seeds
of its death had already been sown. With the union of
Abingdon and Eureka Colleges he became the head of the
Bible Department. The ripest fruit of his whole life was
there gathered by the young men who sat in the shade of
this great tree. After four years there, failing health com-
pelled his resignation.
Mr. Bruner was a great teacher of the word of God. His
much learning did not make him mad in either mind or
heart. Intellectual pride and self -righteousness had no place
in him. Cast in a heroic mold, he was genuinely humble
and loving. In health and sickness, in prosperity and
adversity, in appreciation of his worth or its lack, he was a
great soul who moved forward unwaveringly to his high
aims.
John Buckles.
Illinois, 1822. 1909, Illinois.
In 1822, when John Buckles was three weeks old, his
parents left White County, 111., to find and make a home in
that part of central Illinois now known as Logan County.
John was the third child, and on this journey was carried
in the arms of his mother, who rode on horseback. The
distance was about 150 miles as the crow flies. The hard-
ships of such a trip are unknown to most people of this day.
488 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
At that time there were only six families living within the
present boundaries of Logan County. John's father, Robert
Buckles, was a man of iron mold. Without the education
of schools, he answered clearly all the questions that per-
tained to his business and life. At the outbreak of the
Black Hawk War he was one of the first to enlist, and
bunked with and fought side by side with Abraham Lincoln.
John's mother, Mary (''Polly") Birks Buckles, was one of
the uncrowned heroines of history. She was the mother of
fifteen children. The family residence was a mud-daubed
cabin. In this for many years she did all the cooking before
an open fireplace, made all the clothing for her family from
the raw materials, and when her husband was absent from
home at some distant market, or at war, she would fell the
trees and cut the wood for use during the cold winters. It
was a new land upon which the Buckles babies first looked
out. Small growths of trees skirted the streams of water,
and the wide prairies, reaching out in every direction to the
horizon, were seas of grass and wild flowers. Wolves
howled, foxes stole and wildcats screamed. Great herds of
agile deer moved gracefully hither and thither, and count-
less thousands of wild chickens made the prairies vocal with
their thrummings in the early mornings of spring. And
there were 'coons in those days. Later in his life, John
Buckles said: "Well do I remember the winter I captured
thirty of these midnight travelers, and the day I received my
first money — fifteen dollars in silver — for their hides. It was
one of the happiest events of my life." He attended school
altogether about one year. The house was made of logs,
with the ground for a floor, split logs for seats and the chil-
dren's knees for desks. In his early manhood he assisted
his father in driving hogs to Racine, Wis., and sheep to St.
Louis, Mo. In his twenty-second year he helped a neighbor
drive a herd of cattle to the New York City market, and
again in the following year, 1845. It was he who led the
largest ox before the drove. The time required for the
round trip was 130 days — one hundred in going and thirty
BIOGRAPHIES 489
in returning. His pay was twelve dollars per calendar
month. Such experiences cultivated his inbred industry and
thrift, taught him independence of judgment and self-
reliance, and developed his sagacity, courage and force. By
commendable methods as farmer and stockman, he accumu-
lated good property and lived a long and useful life. He
was an open foe of the organized liquor traffic, a helpful
friend of our college and a sincere disciple of our Lord.
His life is a heritage to his children and his children's
children.
0. A. Burgess.
Thompson, Conn., 1829. 1882, Chicago, 111.
Mr. Burgess came of Puritan stock. His mother trained
him in the straitest thought of Calvinism. Her death
came in 1843, which led the son to seek the Lord. He
failed to receive the blessing at the "mourners' bench" and
turned away from religion, believing himself given over to
hardness of heart or predestined to be damned. He attended
Norwich Academy, New York, and came to Metamora, 111.,
in 1847, where he taught three years. He became a Chris-
tian in 1850 under the ministry of Henry D. Palmer. Shortly
he went to Bethany College, reaching there with $4.50, but
by resourceful labors graduated in 1854. His life thereafter
was passed in Illinois and Indiana, where he served as
teacher in Eureka and president of Butler College, pastor
of churches and as a mighty champion and triumphant
defender of the truth of the gospel against all opposers.
Thomas D. Butler.
Shrewsbury, England, 1838.
The chief event of Mr. Butler's childhood was a visit of
Alexander Campbell to his native city in 1847. It was then
arranged that Thomas should be sent to Bethany College
in a few years. But his father dying soon, postponed the
visit of the son until he reached his majority. In 1859 he
spent sixty days and nights in crossing the Atlantic. Mr.
490 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Butler has done but little ministerial work in Illinois except
in a general way. He served for a time the church at
Batavia and on the editorial staff of the Christian Century.
He is widely known as a writer, his contributions having
appeared many times in the Millennial Harbinger, New York
Independent, Christian Standard and other papers. He is a
man of fine mental and spiritual culture. His literary taste
is discriminating and refined. His wife, Marie Radclift'e
Butler, was for a long period well known as a charming
writer. Mr. Butler firmly believes the gospel as it is writ-
ten in the Book.
W. F. Burnham.
Chapin, 111., 1871.
Educated in public schools, Illinois College and graduated
at Eureka in 1895. He learned telegraphy and worked at the
business in Illinois and Montana for a period of five years.
He served as pastor in Carbondale, Charleston, Decatur
Central, and is now with the First in Springfield. In Mr.
Burnham are combined the qualities of a successful minister.
He is the secretary of the National Commission on Christian
Judge Albert G. Burr.
Western New York, 1829. 1882, Carrollton, 111.
Was brought by his widowed mother to Illinois in 1830.
The first home was near Springfield. He was almost entirely
a self-educated man. At the age of twenty he taught a
school at Vandalia. In 1850 he went to Winchester and in
1856 was admitted to the bar. He served two terms in the
Legislature and was a member of the Constitutional Con-
vention of 1862. In 1868 he moved to Carrollton, where he
resided till the close of his life. He was a member of the
fortieth and forty-first Congresses. In 1877 he was elected
circuit judge, and served in this position till the day of his
final victory. As a jurist, Mr. Burr was eminent and had
few equals. His analyses of intricate questions were clear
and explicit and his decisions satisfactory. As an orator he
was well-nigh perfect. In his early years he entered the
BIOGRAPHIES 491
Christian Church, and to the close of his life he was not
only a member, but a support and an inspiration. When
there was no other one present in the Lord's Day meetings
to preach, he proclaimed the unsearchable riches. While he
filled high positions and was the peer of any man, he was
not in the least ostentatious or distant. He had a genuine
affection for and was intimately associated with the common
people. As man and jurist he made it the rule of his life
to do justly and love mercy. He frequently expressed him-
self in verse. The following was written by him about 1852:
LIFE'S VOYAGE.
Though waves may swell and billows rise,
And threatening clouds hang o'er the skies,
O'er me and mine —
Though driven on where breakers roar,
And ragged rocks surround the shore,
I'll not repine.
Though riding on the maddened wave,
To time and circumstance a slave,
I'll bear my lot;
I'll raise aloft religion's sail,
And strive to ride throughout the gale,
And falter not.
Though friends upon the sea of life
Are from my bosom torn in strife,
And by the swell
Of ocean wave, borne from my side,
I'll bid them with a stoic's pride
A long farewell.
Though all desert me in the gloom
And leave me o'er life's sea to roam
Without one friend,
Still I will always onward keep,
Triumphant o'er the raging deep,
Till life shall end.
Alexander Campbell.
Was born Sept. 12, 1788, in the County of Antrim, Ire-
land. He was descended from Scotch and Huguenot ances-
tors. Both his physical and mental constitution was vigorous
492 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and well balanced. From his earliest years he was trained
by his learned and accomplished father in habits of severe
application. He was a graduate of the University of Glas-
gow. Reared in the strictest school of Presbyterianism, he
early formed and cultivated habits of piety and a taste for
theological studies. From his youth he had a profound
reverence for the word of God.
He came to America in 1809 and joined his father,
Thomas Campbell, in western Pennsylvania. From that
time father and son were one in their aims, spirit and work.
Both were deeply impressed with the conviction of the evils
and inherent sinfulness of sectarianism. Their first advocacy
was the repudiation of human creeds as tests of fellowship,
and the union of all our Lord's people upon the catholic
truth of the Bible as the only authoritative standard of
faith and practice. Taking their stand upon the principles
set forth in the "Declaration and Address," neither foresaw
the conclusions to which he would be led. They and those
associated with them searched the Scriptures as free as pos-
sible from party bias. From these investigations they con-
cluded that sprinkling for baptism and infant membership
in the church were unauthorized of God. They were there-
fore accordingly immersed and united with the Regular Bap-
tists. It was stipulated, however, that they should not be
required to subscribe to any creed or articles of faith other
than the Bible. After a few years in this fellowship they
found it prudent to withdraw. There were prejudiced and
intolerant men who held a leading influence in the Redstone
Association who were unwilling to break from the Baptist
name, creed and traditions. They stirred up fierce opposi-
tion against those who stood for the catholic truth of the
New Testament. Hence the Campbells, and others who held
to the principles of the "Declaration and Address," cut loose
from their religious connections and entered untrammeled
upon the advocacy and the defense of the plea for the return
to primitive Christianity.
Alexander Campbell died in 1866.
BIOGRAPHIES 493
John C. Campbell.
Bourbon County, Ky., 1813. 1901, Elcomington, 111.
Mr. Campbell became a Christian at North Middleton,
Ky., in 1832. In 1834 he was married to Miss Sally Ann
Campbell, who was the partner of his faithful labors for
almost sixty-seven years.
He passed one year as a student in the State University
at Bloomington, Ind.
In 1849 he came to McLean County, and bought and
settled upon a small farm five miles south of Bloomington.
This he made his home for twenty-four years. His first
residence there was a log cabin. With the proceeds of his
labor on his land he supported his family.
He began to preach the gospel about 1840, and made
this the chief business of his life until incapacitated by the
disabilities of age. This work was done mainly at his own
charges. In 1853, in the schoolhouse of his community, he
organized a church of thirteen people, which he named the
Grassy Ridge Christian Church. Here, by his faithful and
loving ministry, hundreds were turned to the Lord. This
little congregation became a mother of churches. Besides,
at one time during this period there were twenty individuals
or families who were members of the church in Bloomington,
who had begun the Christian life at Grassy Ridge. Among
those who came there to preach on Mr. Campbell's invita-
tion were John I. Rogers, B. K. Smith, John B. New,
George Campbell, B. U. Watkins, Walter P. Bowles, James
Robeson, Dudley Downs, James Mitchell, G. W. Minier, T.
V. Berry, B. B. Tyler, Dr. J. M. Allen, B. W. Johnson and
D. R. Van Buskirk. These ministers were usually enter-
tained in Mr. Campbell's hospitable home. Evidently he
believed in having the very best in the kingdom.
He was a man of God in whom was united a strong will
with a gentle spirit, self-sacrifice with cheerful hopefulness,
the trust of a little child with the courage of a Daniel, and
a beautiful simplicity and sincerity of life.
<94 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Thomas Campbell.
Was born in County Down, near Newry, Ireland, Feb. 1,
1763. His father, Archibald Campbell, was a soldier in the
British Army under General Wolfe and was at the capture
of Quebec. He was a strict member of the Episcopal
Church. But its rigid formalities repelled the son, Thomas,
in his early life. He found more congenial associations
among the warm-hearted and zealous Seceders — the body of
the Presbyterians that had separated from the established
church of Scotland in 1733. He was educated in the Uni-
versity of Glasgow. In 1787 he was married to Miss Jane
Cooneigle, a descendant of the French Huguenots. She was
a woman of fine mental and moral endowments. From his
early manhood, Thomas Campbell was a reverent and earnest
student of the Bible. Upon the completion of his theological
course, he became a minister in the Scotch Seceder Church,
with the full credentials of the Christian ministry. After
one pastorate, he came to America in 1807 and settled in
western Pennsylvania. There he found many of his friends
who had preceded him to this country. At once he began
to preach to them. His charitable spirit and able expositions
of Scripture drew around him the pious of different
churches. There were no reasons for the separation of these
sheep in that new country, but rather many for their union
in public worship and Christian work on Bible principles.
They agreed to form an association of Christians to meet
statedly for personal advancement in knowledge and duty.
Thus came into being the "Christian Association" of Wash-
ington, Pa. Under its auspices the "Declaration and Ad-
dress," written by Thomas Campbell, was issued in 1809.
For its catholicity, its exaltation of the word of God, its
clear statement of the only ground of practical Christian
union, its recognition of the sole and supreme authority of
our Lord the Christ, it was a remarkable production. In
significance it ranks with the ninety-five theses that Luther
nailed upon the gate of the church at Wittenberg.
BIOGRAPHIES 495
Thomas Campbell lived a full century in advance of his
generation. He was a rare and beautiful soul. In him the
vital elements of Christ's gospel united in charming fruition.
At the age of ninety-one he passed on.
W. H. Cannon.
Near Pittsfield, 111., 1862.
Grew up on the farm. Educated in the public schools,
Eureka College and Drake University. Has been pastor at
Sterling, Illiopolis, Lincoln (two terms), Lexington, Eureka,
Chapin, Pittsfield, and now at Central in Decatur. Mr. Can-
non is a man of very clear perception and a superior min-
ister.
W. R. Carle.
In 1870, Mr. Carle was elected to the lower house of the
twenty-seventh Legislature of Illinois on the Democratic
ticket. He was a successful business man and accumulated
much property. He was a member of the Wapella Church,
which town was his home. In religion he was conservative,
but held that Christians should pay one-tenth of their income
to the Lord's work. He did something for two of our col-
leges in his last years. He was never married, and for many
years made his home with his uncle and aunt, Joshua and
Margaret Carle. They were natives of West Virginia and
were immersed by Alexander Campbell.
Joshua Carle claimed that he was the first among the
pioneers to "publicly teach the universal priesthood of all
believers."
Thomas Carlin.
Near Frankfort, Ky., 1789. 1852, Illinois.
Came to Illinois in 1812, settling near Carrollton. He
was twice elected to the State Senate. Commanded a bat-
talion in the Black Hawk War. Was elected Governor of
the State in 1848, serving four years. Historians say he was
one of the best Governors the State ever had. Mr. Carlin
was a member of the church of Christ in Quincy.
496 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
IV. P. Carrithers.
Sullivan County, Ind., 1829.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1847. Educated in
the public school. Served in the ministry for forty years.
His preaching was mainly in Livingston, Marshall, Ford and
McLean Counties, but he also worked in Missouri, Iowa and
Nebraska. Mr. Carrithers is a gentle, earnest and faithful
man whose ministry was distinctly constructive. His home
is at Saunemin, where he quietly awaits the day of his coro-
nation.
John Chandler.
Was born near Cynthiana, Ky., March 25, 1822, and is
now (1913) a resident of Decatur, 111. His early education
was such as was afforded by the winter country schools of
Kentucky and Ohio at that time.
Crawford County, 111., was organized in 1817. Coles
County was cut out of Crawford in 1831, and Douglas
County was cut out of Coles in 1857. Mr. Chandler came
to what is now Douglas County in 1838. Here he became
a schoolteacher and an official. Before the division of Coles
County, he served as assessor and treasurer; after the
division, he was deputy sheriff, then served as county clerk
two and one-half years by appointment, and the next four
years by an election in Douglas County. He was in the
Mexican War.
Mr. Chandler was the presiding moderator in the debate
between David Walk and the M. E. attorney at Tuscola in
1863. Shortly thereafter, he became a Christian. When the
little congregation needed a house of worship, he furnished
$3,450 of the $3,800 that it cost. He never received any
money returned. The building was a two-story frame. Mr.
Walk said that his wife would conduct a "dav school" on the
first floor, but this aim was not realized. The most of Mr.
Chandler's many years were passed on his farm. He has
lived a long, an honorable and a useful life — a public-spirited
and intelligent gentleman.
BIOGRAPHIES 497
Bernard J. Claggett.
Lexington, 111., 1861.
Educated at Wesleyan. Farmer and banker. Served as
mayor of Lexington and in the House of the Legislature;
elected in 1892. Long time a member of the Lexington
Church.
/. S. Clements.
Edgar County, 111., 1856.
His grandmother, Mary Holland, came out of the Pres-
byterian Church with Barton W. Stone at Caneridge, Ky.,
and his mother was baptized by Maurice R. Trimble in
southern Illinois. He grew up on the farm, attended the
public schools and was five years at Eureka. He has been
in the ministry thirty-eight years, an energetic pastor and
successful evangelist in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, hav-
ing added near ten thousand members to the churches. His
single purpose has been to preach the pure gospel and follow
the Master. "If I had my life to live over again, I would
do just what I have done, barring a few mistakes."
L. E. Chase.
Coolville, O., 1876.
Grew up on the farm. Attended the country school, the
village his"h school, Hiram College and the University of
Illinois. Taught school at nineteen. The first year of his
married life he worked on a farm and preached to weak
churches in Ohio. For this service, he received twenty-five
cents in money and much valuable experience. Then he went
to a small church in Michigan for full time at $300 per
year. While there, the advice and encouragement given him
by A. P. Frost, the father of Miss Adelaide Frost, were
worth as much to him as years of college work. After five
years in Michigan, he came to Illinois, where he has served
the churches at Armington, Leroy, Carbondale, New Bed-
ford and Palmvra. He was converted in a little country M.
E. church. While he never joined the church, his Methodist
498 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
brethren treated him most fraternally. He has helped in the
building of three houses of worship, and has received more
than two thousand into the church.
A. P. Cobb.
Wooster, O., 1853.
Mr. Cobb's family came to Decatur in 1867. Here he
attended school, and while in his teens learned the machinist
trade. He was strong in body and vigorous in mind, and
made good progress in both lines of work. In those years
he was in the school of adversity as well. Graduating at
Eureka in 1878, he entered the ministry. As a pastor he
served the church at Normal two periods, at Springfield six
years, at Des Moines, la., and San Antonio, Tex. For ten
years he served as an efficient evangelist in the United States
and Canada. He held successful meetings in Boston, New
York City, Minneapolis and other great centers. For four-
teen years he has been the platform manager at summer
Chautauquas. In him industry, large energy and capacity
for work, with thirst for knowledge and wide readings, have
united in producing a scholar of more than average attain-
ments.
The Connors.
James Connor was born in Tennessee in 1810, was brought
to Indiana in 1812, and died there in 1893. His ministry in
Illinois reached only from 1859-65. He resided on his farm
near Humboldt. That was the time of monthly preaching
and protracted meetings. He worked in Coles, Moultrie and
Douglas Counties. He was a preacher for more than sixty
years.
S. M. Connor was a son of James Connor. He served
the Normal Church two terms and the churches at Girard
and Virden. His period of work in Illinois was from
1878-88. In laying the foundation of the church at Normal
he stood brave and firm against bitter sectarian opposition.
Daniel Connor, a brother of Tames, resided in Cumber-
BIOGRAPHIES 499
land County for about thirty years, and preached in that
part of the State.
John H. Coats.
A preacher for many years and a long-time elder of the
church in Winchester. Military service in Company A,
Sixty-eighth, and Company K, Fourteenth Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. Captured and several months a prisoner in Ander-
sonville. Treasurer of Scott County for several years, mem-
ber of the Illinois Legislature in 1882, and Presidential
elector in 1896.
Nathan E. Cory.
Ohio, 1837.
Mr. Cory attended the Baptist College at Franklin, Ind.,
and Oskaloosa College, la. He was a lay preacher in the
Methodist Church before uniting with the Christian Church
in 1857. Besides holding a great number of meetings in
Illinois, he served the churches at Monmouth, Virginia, Mt.
Sterling, Barry, Colchester and Augusta. He has been a
faithful preacher of the word of God and his ministry has
always been constructive. Between four and five thousand
people were added to the church in Illinois by his labors.
He is father of A. E. Cory, a missionary in China.
John J. Cosat.
»
Vermillion County, 111., 1844.
Grew to manhood on the farm, receiving only such edu-
cation as the common schools of the time could give him.
Returning to civil life in the summer of 1865, he began as a
teacher in the public school, in which he continued for about
thirty years. He became a Christian in 1866, and four years
thereafter was ordained to the ministry by the old Union
Church and the venerable Rolla M. Martin. Since then he
has preached almost continually on Saturdays and Sundays,
much of the time without financial compensation. He has
fostered weak congregations, brought into the kingdom about
three thousand people, organized churches and endured hard-
500 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Mr. Cosat's is a
peaceable disposition, but he has always been ready to defend
the truth. Being invited there in 1893, he held two public
discussions in Labette County, Kan., with Priest Peter Fer-
rell, of the Roman Catholic Church. The propositions were
the following: "The Holy Scriptures alone furnish all the
necessary knowledge to obtain pardon and everlasting life,"
and, "To pray acceptably to God, our prayers should be
addressed to the Holy Virgin, saints and angels." In 1895
he debated the question of instrumental music in public wor-
ship with Min. William Elmore, at Bismark, and in 1898 the
same question with Min. J. W. Perkins, at Georgetown. Mr.
Cosat has stood for better things in Christian life, and his
ministry has been a very great help to the congregations in
Vermilion County.
His military record was one of unusual brilliancy and
thrilling to a degree. Being away from home on a visit, at
the beginning of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Fifth Wis-
consin Infantry. He was under the command of General
Sheridan at Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, Winchester and
Cedar Creek; later, under General Meade at Petersburg,
Sailor's Creek and on to Appomattox. On the morning of
Apr. 6, 1865, Lieutenant-General Ewell had placed his corps
in rifle-pits on the brow of a hill south of Sailor's Creek.
This Confederate force was savagely and simultaneously
assaulted by the Second and Sixth Federal Corps, and with
such skill and determination as to virtually destroy it. In
this assault, Mr. Cosat and five of his comrades were sepa-
rated from their regiment, with the Confederate forces
between them. The official report of Thomas S. Allen,
colonel in command of the regiment, War Records, History
of Appomattox Campaign, page 953, gives the names of the
six men ; to-wit : Sergeant Anetis Cameron, Corporals
Charles Ronsfhan and August Brocker, and Private John W.
Davis, of Companv C, and Corporal John J. Cosat and Pri-
vate Herod W. True, of Company I, all of the Fifth Wis-
consin Volunteer Infantry. Sergeant Cameron suggested
BIOGRAPHIES 501
that they try to capture General Ewell. The six men ran
across an open field and took position in a fence row that
had grown up in dense brush. The sergeant crawled to the
end of this, and reported that General Ewell, his staff and
body-guard, probably a hundred in all, were riding directly
toward them. The sergeant ordered that, when the Confed-
erates came within hearing distance, they move in single file
with cocked guns out of the brush — the sixth man stopping
at the edge — and he himself would demand the surrender.
General Ewell, thus completely surprised and supposing there
were many Federals concealed in the brush, at once ordered
his adjutant-general (Beglar) to unfurl the white flag, which
he did. Shortly thereafter this immortal six had the honor
of presenting to General Meade this famous old, battle-
scarred veteran of the Confederacy, his staff and body-guard,
as prisoners of war.
Walter R. Couch.
Wabash County, III., 1839.
The parents of Walter R. Couch settled in Wabash
County in 1816. At the age of sixteen he became a Chris-
tian at the historic Barney's Prairie Church under the
ministry of William Courter, who was one of the faithful
preachers of the early days. When a young man he began
to preach. He graduated from Northwestern Christian Uni-
versity, now Butler College, and thereafter gave eleven years
to churches in Indiana. He then returned to Illinois. While
he managed his farm in Wabash County, his time and talents
were mainly given to the service of the churches in that and
contiguous counties. For fifty years he has been actively
and faithfully identified with the work of the Lord, and his
generous and helpful services have been widely influential in
promoting every good cause.
William L. Crlrn.
Washington County, Ind., 1829. 1910, West Frank-
fort, 111.
502 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
He taught school in his neighborhood and served three
years in the Union Army during the Civil War. He came
to Franklin County in 1865, but did not enter the ministry
till four years later. Thereafter his farm was the center
from which he radiated in all directions — conducting meet-
ings, holding public discussions and organizing churches.
He was an earnest student of the Bible itself. In preach-
ing a sermon on "Sanctification" he quoted 130 passages by
his memory, as shown by a stenographic report. His knowl-
edge of the Scriptures was comprehensive and profound;
his sermons clear, forceful and impressive. He lived close
to nature and near to God.
Daniel H. Darling.
Painesville, O., 1834. 1909, Joliet, 111.
Was educated in the schools of his native town. His
life-work was teaching and training the young. Before
reaching his majority he began his work at Toledo, O. Next,
he was principal of the school at Lockport, 111., for three
years, and then superintendent of schools in Joliet up to the
beginning of the Civil War. He returned to this position in
1882, and continued therein till 1896, when failing health
compelled his retirement. His fine character left imperish-
able impressions upon the multitudes of children.
He was rejected, because of his size, by the recruiting
officer in Chicago in 1861. Then he went to Michigan,
where, receiving authority from the Governor, he raised
Company C of the Seventh Cavalry. He was engaged in all
the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and participated
in many battles. He was wounded at Gettysburg, but would
not leave the field till the battle ended. After the close of
the Civil War he continued in the military service on the
Western plains against the Indians. There he was colonel
in command, and helped in opening the Overland Mail Route
to California. He retired bv reason of broken health.
Mr. Darling- entered Christ's service in early life, and
was active and earnest therein to its close. In Joliet he
BIOGRAPHIES 503
worked and worshiped with the Baptist Church until he
thought the time had come to form a congregation after the
New Testament pattern. He was its leader and support in
every way.
William Davenport.
Jessamine County, Ky., 1797. 1869, Nebraska City, Neb.
Mr. Davenport was a man of large physical, mental and
spiritual strength. He became a lawyer, and his fine pres-
ence and oratorical powers gave promise of a brilliant career.
In early life he united with the Baptist Church, but, hearing
the advocates of the primitive gospel, he was captivated by
the simplicity and Scripturalness of their teaching. He then
united with the church of Christ and entered its ministry
with characteristic enthusiasm. He came with his family to
Walnut Grove (Eureka) in 1835. There he settled on his
farm, but his life's work was preaching the gospel, of which
he was a powerful advocate. His public ministry reached
many places, both near and far, in Illinois and was greatly
blessed. He was also one of the leaders in founding the
school at Eureka, and, having married a sister of Ben Major,
helped to cast that community in a superior mold.
Miss Elmira J. Dickinson.
Hopkinsville, Ky., 1831. 1912, Eureka, 111.
Few women in Illinois exerted a wider or better influence
on her generation than Miss Dickinson. Her father brought
her in 1835, with his family, to Walnut Grove, now Eureka.
This was her place of residence throughout her life. She
was in almost all of her Christian service a true pioneer.
Beginning her teaching with the "little ones" in the academy,
she continued her work in the classroom through twenty-
nine years. She was actively associated with the Woman's
Christian Temperance Union, and traveled in its interest
during its formative period for five years. It was her desire
to serve in some foreign mission field, and, as the Disciples
of Christ had not then reached this point in their growth,
504 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Miss Dickinson asked the Baptists to send her out. They
could not accept her unless she would become a Baptist,
which she could not do. The Woman's Union Missionary
Society of New York were financially unable to send her.
Thus was she providentially kept at home for a larger
service. She became the founder and leader of the Chris-
tian Woman's Board of Missions in Illinois, and one of the
most efficient co-operants in their national society. Her self-
imposed task of laying the foundation of this work in Illinois
was a most difficult one. As a missionary advocate and edu-
cator she was an unwelcome visitor in many places. Not a
few wished that she would pass them by. She was keenly
sensitive to all this uninformed indifference and crass oppo-
sition, but with a divine vision she bore it all and worked on.
The years vindicated her wisdom, and a multitude of
Christly women now rejoice in the magnificent results and
move forward. Her life was thoroughly devoted, and her
moral courage the finest. She was a true handmaid of the
Lord, whose work will survive all the mutations of time.
Dudley Downs.
Edgar County, 111., 1838. 1869, Minnesota.
Mr. Downs' parental inheritance was excellent. He went
to school in the country and at Paris. He entered the Chris-
tian ministry early in life. After one year in Pennsylvania,
he returned to Illinois, where his work was chiefly done. He
served at Wapella and Clinton, and was State Evangelist for
several years. Also, he helped edit a monthly Christian
paper for several years.
Mr. Downs was a man of sweet spirit and gentle dispo-
sition, but he was full of moral courage and energy. He
was wholly consecrated to his work and wore himself out
in it all too soon.
W. F. Eastman.
New York, 1847. 1909, Illinois. _
Mr. Eastman received a liberal education in his native
State and was for a time a schoolmaster there. He was well
BIOGRAPHIES 505
read and versatile. He became a Disciple from intelligent
conviction, and throughout his life was as true to his ideals
as the needle to the pole. In him, gentleness and firmness
were united so as to remind one of his Master. His esti-
mable wife was an earnest Congregationalist, so that his
church life was lived alone. In a modest but becoming man-
ner he always showed his colors. Every one that knew him
knew that he was a member of the church of Christ. He
was the prime mover in the formation of the church at Ster-
ling. Thereafter, he went West, and, by a mistake in judg-
ment in business, he lost not only the means he had accumu-
lated, but was left heavily involved. He then came to
Moline, 111., and engaged in the newspaper business. This
paper he made one of the most influential in northern Illinois.
Again he took his own place in planting a church of Christ
in that city as its sustaining force. He was serving as post-
master there in 1909. As the end approached, he took $500
from the bank and paid the last dollar of indebtedness that
he had unfortunately incurred more than twenty years before
that time. Then he said, "I will never have a home on this
earth, but will have to wait for a mansion in heaven."
L. N. Early.
Boone County, Ky., 1848.
Attended public and private schools at Petersburg, Ky.
Taught ten years. Next, after seven years' work, graduated
with first honors from the classical and Biblical schools of
Kentucky University. Later, did work in the University of
Missouri, where he received his A.M. degree, and at Har-
vard. Has served the church at Grayville, Kansas and Dan-
ville Second. Is a good teacher and preacher.
Caleb Edzvards.
Brighton, England, 1832. 1905, Quincy, 111.
Was brought to Cincinnati, O., in 1844, and came to
Edwards County in 1848. He did not begin to preach till
1864. From that time to the close of his life he gave him-
506 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
self to a most sincere and upbuilding ministry. He was
unassuming, gentle and steadfast, and was loved by many
people. He dropped dead on a street in Quincy.
Daniel W. Elledge.
Bourbon County, Ky., 1813. 1890, Yoncolla, Ore.
Daniel W. Elledge was one of our true pioneer preachers.
In 1816 his parents brought him from Bourbon County, Ky.,
to Edgar County, 111. They were high Calvinists, and com-
monly called, in the vernacular of the time, "Hardshell Bap-
tists." They were ambitious to make a Baptist preacher of
this son, and hence gave him unusual attention. The schools
of the community were not of a very high grade. Any man
who could read, write and teach arithmetic was considered
a competent master. But young Elledge hungered for
knowledge, was a keen observer and thoughtful. In later
years, on one of his preaching-tours, he met a college-bred
minister who, after hearing him preach, said, "Bro. Elledge,
where did you receive your education?"
"Down in Edgar County, at the Big Creek Schoolhouse."
"You use good language for one with only a common-
school education."
Mr. Elledge was a student of the Bible from his boyhood.
Shortly after his marriage in 1831, Michael Combs came over
from Indiana and held a meeting in the neighborhood. He
organized a Christian Church. Mr. Elledge was one of the
converts and soon thereafter began to preach. At first his
efforts were poor, but he improved rapidly. The earlier
years of his ministry were confined mainly to Edgar, Clark
and Coles Counties, where he preached in log cabins of the
people, in schoolhouses and in groves. He was a logical
reasoner and an earnest exhorter. Many were turned to the
Lord by his preaching. About the year 1833 he moved to
Clark County, and settled on a new tract of land some three
miles east of Dalson Prairie. While he improved his farm
and from it supported his family, his preaching was stead-
fastly continued. About 1836 he organized his home church,
BIOGRAPHIES 507
six miles west of his residence and three miles west of Dai-
son Prairie. This he named the Blue Grass Christian
Church. Later he helped build their house for public wor-
ship.
The path of his ministry was marked by converts, con-
gregations formed and their houses built. Not infrequently
he was associated with Nathan Wright and Michael Combs,
of Indiana, and Thomas Goodman, of Illinois, in what were
called "Big Meetings." And they were big in clear-cut
teaching of the Bible, big in fellowship and hospitality, big
in sincerity and simplicity, big in Christian joy and help-
fulness, and big in results, for they were the enduring foun-
dation of our civilization. They were big in everything
except the financial compensation of the preachers. There
was little money in circulation, and frequently these pioneers
were squeamish about "taking pay for preaching." But the
pioneer sisters knew that a man needed food and clothing,
so every now and then they gave Bro. Elledge a pair of
home-made woolen socks, and on one occasion they gave
him enough of homespun "Blue Jeans" to make him a pair
of trousers. As his physical weight had come to be 230
pounds, it is apparent that this was a liberal donation. Many
of the early settlers kept a few sheep and raised flax to make
their own clothing.
Game was plentiful in southeastern Illinois. At one
time Mr. Elledge had seven deer hung up in the woods. On
another occasion, having killed one of these fine animals
about a mile from his home, he left it on the ground till he
could "get the old mare and sled to haul it home." On his
return he found that a panther had dragged the carcass to
the side of an old log and had covered it up with leaves.
While Mr. Elledge cleared and cultivated his land, he
carried a copy of the New Testament in his pocket. When
he sat down to rest he would read it. At one time, he was
preaching at the home of Robert Downs, father of Dudley
Downs, in the southern part of Edgar County. Because of
the crowd of people, the preacher stood just inside the
508 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
entrance door, and, turning around, he saw one of Mr.
Downs' three large hounds standing with his front feet on
the threshold, stretching his head upward. Quick as light-
ning the preacher's big fist smote the hound's jaw, knocking
him out into the middle of the yard. ''My book tells me to
beware of dogs," said Mr. Elledge, and went on with his
sermon as though nothing had happened.
In 1853 he sold his farm and moved to Putnam County,
Mo. He settled within three miles of the Iowa State line.
In that new country he began his work again as a frontier,
pioneer farmer and preacher. For a number of years he
stood alone in that region as an advocate of the New Testa-
ment order. According to the customs of the time, the
Methodists took pleasure in calling him "the fighting Camp-
bellite preacher." But in one public discussion they learned
to respect him. His ministry in northern Missouri was sig-
nally fruitful in people turned to the Lord and churches
constituted.
In 1865, Mr. Elledge sold his farm and moved to Oregon,
where he continued his earnest ministry through the Grand
Ronde Valley, at Eugene, at Portland, at Salem three years,
and at various places in the State of Washington.
When the infirmities of his body became such that he
could not stand in preaching, he sat and taught the people
the word of God. He fought a good fight, he kept the
faith, and on his little farm near Yoncolla, Ore., in his sev-
enty-fourth year, he finished his triumphant course and went
away to receive his eternal crown.
John Ellis.
The vital data of this good preacher failed to come in
answer to earnest requests. It is probable that he was asso-
ciated with the Christian Denomination, but he preached for
a few of the churches of Christ in Madison County, 111., in
the early seventies. Later he served some kindred congrega-
tions in western Pennsylvania. He was then an asred and
feeble man. In answer to protests against his holding to
BIOGRAPHIES 509
*:;s ministry under such conditions, he replied that he wished
to ^o on to the close of his earthly life. Let the following
poem (his production) be his memorial. It was popular for
a ! «ng period and is worth preserving.
The writer is indebted to Min. A. J. Carrick, Montezuma,
la., for these copies:
THE WHITE PILGRIM'S GRAVE.
(Written at Johnsonburg, N. J., 1836.)
I came to the spot where White Pilgrim lay,
And pensively stood by his tomb;
When, in a low whisper, I heard something say:
"How sweetly I sleep here alone.
"The tempest may howl and the loud thunders roll,
And gathering storms may arise ;
Yet calm are my feelings, at rest is my soul,
The tears are all wiped from my eyes.
"The cause of my Master impelled me from home,
I bade my companion farewell :
I left my sweet children who for me now mourn,
In far distant regions to dwell.
"I wandered an exile and stranger below,
To publish salvation abroad;
The trump of the gospel endeavor to blow,
Inviting poor sinners to God.
"But when among strangers, and far from my home,
No kindred or relative nigh,
I met the contagion and sank in the tomb,
My spirit to mansions on high.
"Go tell my companion and children most dear,
To weep not for Joseph, though gone ;
The same hand that led me through scenes dark and drear,
Has kindly conducted me home."
REPLY TO WHITE PILGRIM.
(Written at Yellow Springs, O., 1843.)
I called at the house of the mourner below,
I entered the mansion of grief;
The tears of deep sorrow most freely did flow;
I tried, but could give no relief.
510 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
There sat a lone widow, dejected and sad,
By affliction and sorrow oppressed;
And there were her children in mourning arrayed,
And sighs were escaping their breast.
I spoke to the widow concerning her grief,
I asked her the cause of her woe ;
And if there was nothing to give her relief,
Or soothe her deep sorrows below.
She looked at her children, then looked upon me
(That look I shall never forget),
More eloquent far than a seraph could be ;
It spoke of the trials she met.
"The hand of affliction falls heavily now,
I'm left with my children to mourn ;
The friend of my youth lies silent and low
In yonder cold graveyard alone.
"But why should I murmur or feel to complain,
Or think that my portion is hard?
Have I met with affliction? 'Tis surely his gain —
He has entered the joy of his Lord."
M. R. Elder.
Illinois, 1836. 1907, Harristown, 111.
Mr. Elder was an active and useful preacher in west-
central Illinois for forty-five years. His disposition was
genial, his heart tender and sympathetic, and loyalty to the
Lord supreme.
Ashley J. Elliott.
Evansville, Ind., 1862. 1910, Peoria, 111.
Mr. Elliott was a "railroad man" of fine mind and habits.
His business brought him into contact with many men and
its conduct was recognized as exceptionally forceful and
efficient. Without obtrusiveness, every one who wished knew
where he stood. He was never ashamed of his Master or
his church. He hated intemperance of all kinds, including
the use of tobacco. He was resourceful and had perspective
and initiative. To him belongs the honor of first "building
a church in a day."
BIOGRAPHIES 511
John England.
Kentucky, 1811. 1884, Illinois.
John England was a son of Stephen England. The
family came into Sangamon County in 1819, where Stephen
England formed, in the following year, the first church of
Christ in central Illinois. It is now known as the Cantrall
Christian Church.
John England's education was very limited. He grew up
before the schoolhouses were built. What he learned, he
knew well. He became a blacksmith, wagon-maker, farmer
and preacher. As a minister he was well and widely known
and very useful. He moved with his family to Logan
County, where he entered forty acres of land, and as the
years passed added to it until he owned 140 acres, where he
resided the larger part of his life. This was near Mt.
Pulaski. He preached at the Antioch Church, now Cantrall;
Athens ; Wolf Creek, now Barclay ; Fancy Creek, now Wil-
hamsville ; Mt. Pulaski, at different places along Lake Fork,
and elsewhere. His memory of the Scriptures was surpris-
ing. He always had conscientious scruples about taking
money for preaching. This, to some, was a very wholesome
doctrine and full of comfort. Indeed, in everything Mr.
England was finely conscientious. His son, A. T. England,
says that his father was "always, in his deals, afraid he would
get the better of the other fellow." Further: "If, in the
evening, the topic of conversation would run upon anything
of a financial character, in five to ten minutes he would be
sleeping; but if there would be anything said pertaining to
the Scriptures and the life beyond, he would be standing on
his feet in a few minutes talking. He never seemed to be
the least tired or skeptical about his hope for the future
world. His mind was earnestly set on what good he might
do other people. I have known him to ride fifteen miles
home after preaching at night before he went to bed. I used
to think the people gave him such wonderful troubles about
coming to settle difficulties in the churches. One of the
sisters sent for him one day, and when he got there she told
512 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
him that she 'had terribly fell out with her man' and was so
troubled that their little boy would necessarily 'have the
husband's stock somewhat.' There and then she wanted
father to tell her if they couldn't cut one of the boy's blood-
veins and let the husband's part of the blood run out of him
— then he would be purely of her blood."
"Uncle John" England's hospitality was known afar in
that day, when the latch-string always hung outside of the
door. Quoting again from his son: "Billy Brown, A. J.
Kane, Walter Bowles and the Pickrells from Mechanicsburg
would often come to our place. You better believe I had a
hustling time taking care of their horses. It didn't make any
difference what denomination a preacher was, we always
kept him for nothing. Sometimes the old folks would go
away, and my older sister and I concluded we would charge
the people for staying all night. She did the cooking and
I tended to their horses and made out their bills. The first
thing I bought with my part of the money was a pair of
boots with red on the tops. I was ten years old, and oh, but
I stepped high, for this was the first pair of boots I ever
had. Father would scold me like everything when he got
home."
John England was a true servant of God and his fellow-
men — self-forgetful, self-sacrificing and supremely loyal to
his Christian convictions. He died in great hope of the life
to come.
Robert Seymour Ensign.
Dalton, Mass., 1836. 1912, Long Point, 111.
Was of Puritan lineage and Revolutionary stock. Both
of his grandfathers served with distinction in the Colonial
Army. He was a manufacturer of woolen goods and a
farmer. He came to Illinois in 1864, settling on a farm near
Dana. There he was a schoolmaster and filled such civil
offices as he was elected to. While yet a young man, he
became a Christian, uniting with the Baptist Church. He
united with the church of Christ at Dana on his coming
BIOGRAPHIES 513
there. Later he moved to the vicinity of Long Point. It
was at his suggestion that the work there was started that
led to the organization of the church of Christ. He was
one of its charter members, and was chosen one of its first
elders, in which capacity he served to the close of his life.
He was a modest and unassuming man, of ability and genu-
ine worth, and had the moral courage to apply the principles
of our Lord's teachings to personal conduct in all of life's
practical affairs.
Alfred Flower.
Albion, 111., 1822. 1907, Worcester, Mass.
Beginning in his early manhood, Mr. Flower gave sixty-
five years to the ministry of the gospel. Most of his work
was done in Illinois, but he labored also in Indiana, Ken-
tucky, and in the closing period of his life in New England.
At this time he spent his winters in Florida, where he
preached continually. The church in St. Petersburg was
founded and fostered by him. In him, there was a fine
correlation of mind and heart. He was a man of superior
spiritual fiber, broad culture and genuine sympathies. His
expository sermons were interestingly illustrated and most
helpful. In his prime, he often arose at three or four
o'clock in the morning to reach his appointments, and much
of his ministry was without financial compensation. His
faith was always serene and his love sincere. His patience
never grew weary and his enthusiasm never faltered. He
moved toward the land of eternal dawn with the hopefulness
of youth. He was a son of God and a friend of men. Mrs.
Sarah Flower Adams, author of the hymn, "Nearer, My
God, to Thee," was his cousin.
Dr. Robert Foster.
Tennessee, 1814. 1875, Palmyra, 111.
Mr. Foster was a unique character. Small in body, he
was in mind alert and quick to learn and understand. At
the age of fifteen he was baptized by Philip Mulkey in Ten-
17
514 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
nessee. His father was a high and stern Calvinist and drove
Robert from home when he became a Christian. So he came
to Illinois with Tandy Trice, a pioneer preacher. The period
of his youth must have been diligently improved, for he
became a successful physician and remarkable preacher. The
Christian ministry was the absorbing and consuming work of
his life. His labors were chiefly in central Illinois, where
he was associated with D. P. Henderson, W. P. Bowles, B.
W. Henry, A. J. Kane and other mighty men of that time.
How much this part of the State is indebted to his zeal, toils
and sacrifices, only a few know. After he was well started
in the ministry, he made a visit to his childhood's home in
Tennessee. While there, he conducted a meeting of days,
and baptized his mother, two brothers and a sister. His
proud father gave him no countenance, and he came away
without even seeing him. In April, 1836, he started horse-
back on an evangelizing tour, and the next November
reported 150 baptisms. In 1837 he was associated with B.
W. Stone in a meeting in Lynnville.
In December, 1838, he was married to Miss Mary A.
Burnett, near Palmyra. They began housekeeping in a log
cabin on Wolf Creek, north of the site of Riverton. One of
their sons, W B. Foster, became a brilliant and successful
preacher, but died in his young prime. Several other chil-
dren survive.
At one time, Dr. Foster had a lucrative medical practice
in Carlinville, but this could not tie him to that profession.
His desire to preach pushed all else aside. His generosity
knew no limit. It was that trait in him that led Dr. Bostick,
of Scottsville, to say: "Robert Foster is the smartest man I
ever knew, but has the least common sense of any man I ever
saw." John M. Palmer said that Robert Foster would give
away the last dollar he had, then borrow another dollar and
give that away.
He is said to have been the ablest and most convincing
preacher in the State on the Bible way to become a Chris-
tian. Claiborn Hall, long a great man of God at Athens;
BIOGRAPHIES 515
Thos. E. Bondurant, first at Mechanicsburg, and M. M. and
G. M. Goode, first at Chapman's Point, were turned to the
Lord by Mr. Foster. He called the younger Mr. Goode his
"son Timothy." Preaching on the conversion of the jailer,
and replying to the contention that there were infants in this
family, Mr. Foster said: "This jailer had one daughter. She
married a shoemaker who was lame in one leg and blind in
one eye. How did I learn this? Why, just like the preach-
ers who say there were babies in this family who were
baptized. / inferred it." His sermon on Philip and the
eunuch was made very striking by modernizing the Scripture
to suit the then prevalent conception for conversion.
Some amusing incidents are told of him. In those days
it was the custom to have high, boxed-up pulpits. Mr. Fos-
ter was too short to see over the big Bible ; so he was pro-
vided with a box on which to stand. When he began to
exhort, he could not stay on the box, so his head would
appear and disappear behind the high enclosure. A little
girl in the audience witnessed his movements and was much
troubled thereby ; so she began to cry, saying : "Mother, why
don't they let him o-u-t?"
Some of the good sisters somewhere had given him a
stiff-bosomed shirt. They were shocked to notice at an out-
of-doors baptismal occasion, when Mr. Foster removed his
coat, that he had his shirt on front part behind, so occupied
was he with his work. He was always himself. He did not
"put on" or play a part. His eccentricities were as natural
as the color of his eyes or the shape of his face.
At the close of his life, he said to George Sims, an aged
comrade in the gospel: "Brother Sims, what a blessed thing
it is that a Christian can die and exchange his old, wornout
body for a spiritual one with Christ."
Chas. W. Freeman.
Greenup, 111., 1859.
Grew up on the farm. Attended country school, County
Normal and State School at Normal, 111. He was a teacher
516 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
for eleven years in the country and town schools. When
twelve years of age he made a violin of a cigar-box and
learned to play about eighty pieces by ear. Later he studied
music. Before his conversion, he made music for dances;
since then he has made music more earnestly for the Lord.
The first three years of his preaching were connected with
his work as a schoolmaster. During that period he received
less than three dollars for his ministerial service. His work
in Illinois was mostly in southeastern counties. Mr. Free-
man has been an earnest and efficient evangelist, having led
in eighty revivals. He baptized his own mother on the
seventieth anniversary of her birth. His preaching always
rings true to the word of God, of course.
Seth Card.
Came from an Eastern State to Barney's Prairie settle-
ment, in what is now Wabash County, in 1813. He was a
man of ability, initiative and perspective, and was probably
the leading man in that section. He was a member of the
third Territorial Legislature, and was also a member of the
convention that framed the State Constitution in 1818. He
was the first elder of the Barney's Prairie Church. To him,
with Min. James Pool, Joseph Wood and others, is due the
honor of starting that church on the apostolic basis. Mr.
Card died in 1845.
James S. Gash.
Kentucky, 1833. 1909, Illinois.
Mr. Gash turned to the Lord at the age of thirty. He
began preaching at once. His ministry was confined to the
Military Tract. For many years he led the singing in his
home church at Macomb. At the time of his death he had
united more people in wedlock than any minister in McDon-
ough County. He was a brotherly man of sweet spirit and
a consecrated and helpful Christian. His end came by
apolexy. The democracy of the gospel was well illustrated
in his spirit and life.
J. H. GILLILAND.
COL. E. D. BAKER.
JOHN J. COSAT.
J. G. CAMPBELL.
BIOGRAPHIES 517
Clay F. Gaumer.
Knox County, O., 1870.
Grew up on the farm. Taught school and attended
school, graduating with honor from the Ohio Northwestern
University in 1893. Was principal of the public schools at
Sidell, 111., for nine years, when he resigned to enter the
ministry in 1903. Mr. Gaumer has given the churches of
that part of Vermilion County helpful service. He was
elected to the forty- fourth General Assembly of Illinois on
the Prohibition ticket ; and again in 1906 by a large majority.
James H. Gilliland.
Illinois, 1855. 1912, Illinois.
Mr. Gilliland was born on his father's farm near Ver-
mont. While a boy he lived and worked there. He grad-
uated from Abingdon College in 1875, and from Eureka in
the class of 1880. The following year he received from the
latter institution his master's degree.
He served the church at Mechanicsburg four years and
at Harristown until he was called to Bloomington in Febru-
ary, 1888. His service in that city has been well called "a
monumental ministry." Under his wise leadership and force-
ful, Scriptural preaching the congregations there grew from
one to three, with large, modern, well-equipped buildings
paid for, and the number of Disciples increased from four
hundred to about twenty-five hundred. The ministry of very
few men is crowned with such substantial and abiding results.
As a man and a minister, Mr. Gilliland was unassuming
and wholly without ostentation. His master ambition was
to be a capable and faithful preacher of the Word. He read
widely and wisely, and thought profoundly and clearly upon
all the great religious problems of our time. His last work
was the preparation of an address on "Twenty-five Years of
Christian Work in Bloomington," read by another at the
seventy-fifth anniversary of the formation of the Christian
Church in that city. In its closing he said : "The ministry of
the Word is the transcendent calling. It is a God-revealing,
518 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Christ-uplifting and Bible-interpreting calling. The preacher
may well visit the critic's school, but his residence is at the
interpreter's house. The ministry is a man-saving, a truth-
seeking, a world-redeeming calling. The minister is the
champion of the needy, the advocate of the poor, the pro-
tector of the helpless, the apostle of every good cause. Hon-
ored with the presence of God and his power, clothed with
the authority of Jesus and the truth, directed by the prin-
ciples of faith, love and sacrifice, the ministry is the supreme
calling among men."
In his passing, the cause of truth and righteousness sus-
tained a distinct loss. The hearts of thousands were touched
with sincere regret and sorrow. "He sets as sets the morn-
ing star that goes not down, but melts away into the light
of heaven."
Archibald A. Glenn.
Nicholas County, Ky., 1819. 1901, Wichita, Kan.
Mr. Glenn was of Scotch-Irish lineage. His paternal
grandfather came from Ireland to America just before the
Revolution. His mother was a Kentuckian — a woman of
refinement and great strength of character.
His father's family moved to Indiana in 1820, from there
to Vermilion County, 111., in 1823, and afterward to Schuyler
County. The father died in 1832, leaving his family but
little property. Archibald, then a lad of fourteen, with his
mother, kept the family of six younger children together and
managed the farm. When his brothers were older and able
to work, Archibald went to Rushville, learned the printing
business and published a paper in the interests of the Whig
party. Next, he went to Mt. Sterling and became a book-
keeper in a store. In 1853 he was elected county clerk.
This was the beginning of his political career. He served
as superintendent of schools in Brown County one term. He
was a delegate to the convention that amended the State's
Constitution in 1862. General Lippencott, State Auditor in
1868, regarded Mr. Glenn as one of the most capable mem-
BIOGRAPHIES 519
bers of the State Board of Equalization. He was elected to
the State Senate in 1872, and became president of that body
and ex-officio Lieutenant Governor in 1874. The little school
training- that Mr. Glenn received was in the country schools.
Technically, he was not an educated man, but he came, by
reading and absorbing the contents of many good books, into
the possession of a prodigious fund of information that he
used with commanding ability.
He was a member of the church of Christ at Mt. Ster-
ling and was a staunch and true Disciple. Always and
everywhere and in all things he stood four-square for the
best things of life.
Galen M. Goode.
Macoupin County, 111., 1842.
Grew up on farm. Attended public schools. Began
preaching about 1863. He has served the churches at
Illiopolis, Harristown, Normal, Buffalo, Hartsburg and Lex-
ington, Mo. Besides, much miscellaneous Christian work.
He has been a genial man of fine humor and wit and always
devoted to the truth. He is the father of Min. W. S. Goode,
of Ohio.
M. M. Goode.
Illinois, 1835.
A brother of G. M. Goode. Was a very active and useful
preacher in Illinois in the earlier years. Entered the min-
istry in 1862. Served at Antioch, Berea and Literberry, in
Morgan County, and Petersburg. These two brothers had
quick wit and fine humor and were most enjoyable com-
panions. But he went to Missouri more than thirty years ago.
In August, 1867, he conducted a public discussion at
Palmyra, 111., with Min. Richard McVey, of the M. E.
Church. One of the speeches of Mr. Goode was full of
unction, and as he spoke a Mr. Vancamp pressed his way to
the front to make the erood confession : he was at once fol-
lowed by two sisters, Misses Lucy and Leona Gardner, Rich-
ard Allyn and Taylor McPherson. Then Mr. Short, who
520 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
was Mr. McVey's moderator and a teacher in the female
college at Jacksonville, stepped to the front and exhorted the
people to come forward and confess the Saviour. It was a
moment of profound spiritual pathos. At the meeting for
immersion the following day a number of others turned to
the Lord.
Thomas Goodman.
Virginia, 1808. 1888, Charleston, 111.
In early manhood he was a schoolmaster and a merchant,
and accumulated some property. Meanwhile, he was preach-
ing some, and the conviction grew in him that he ought to
be wholly consecrated to the work of the Christian ministry;
hence, to this work he gave his life and in it spent most of
the means he had acquired.
He came to Illinois in the pioneer days. While yet a
schoolteacher he would often ride horseback to his appoint-
ments, preach Saturday evening and twice on the Lord's Day,
then ride most of the night to begin his school work Monday
morning. Later his preaching-tours were so extended that
two or three days' riding was required, and on these trips
as often as necessary he swam his horse through swollen
streams.
"Uncle Tom" Goodman was one of the most intense men.
His was the material of which heroes and martyrs are made.
He was never kept in his bed by sickness a whole day in his
life until his last illness, that lasted only three days. He
never voted, but when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for the
Presidency in 1860 the conscience of the preacher was sorely
tried, such was his admiration for the great man. To have
stipulated a term of ministerial service for a named amount
of money would have been to Mr. Goodman well-nigh an act
of sacrilege. It was said of him that if one would quote
from memory or read a passage in the New Testament, he
could at once name the chapter and verse. In his preaching
he often became so impassioned with the love of the truth and
his desire for the salvation of people that he dashed little
BIOGRAPHIES 521
flecks of foam from his mouth like a mighty warhorse in
battle.
He conducted the funeral of Thomas Lincoln, the father
of Abraham Lincoln, a few miles southeast of Mattoon,
where the sacred dust of the paternal progenitor of the
great Emancipator lies entombed. Thomas and Nancy Lin-
coln were members of the Christian Church.
Mr. Goodman, with patient and well-directed aim, hum-
bled himself through his life; so God has highly exalted him*
John R. Golden.
McLean County, 111., 1876.
Grew up on farm. Learned carpenter's trade. Educated
at Eureka College. Was pastor at Moweaqua, Walnut, Gib-
son and Westside Church in Springfield. Was elected to the
House of the Legislature on the Prohibition ticket in 1906.
Elijah Goodwin.
Ohio, 1807. 1889, Ohio.
Elijah Goodwin belonged to Indiana, as that was his
home most of his life. But since nc man did more to plant
the Restoration movement in Edwards, Wabash and White
Counties than he, these lines are due here. At the age of
fourteen he became a member of the Christian Denomina-
tion. Four years later he was licensed by their conference
to preach. In a few years his preaching began to distress
their older ministers. He soon identified himself with the
Disciples. His ministerial labors in the counties above
named, as well as southern Indiana and northern Kentucky,
were incessant. Besides, he did considerable editorial work.
His book of sermons entitled "The Family Companion" was
published in 1873. If any one thinks he was only a common
backwoods preacher, let him learn his mistake by reading it.
At the time of his decease his talented and accomplished
wife was the editor of the Christian Monitor. The closing
words of the last of three poems she wrote on the death of
her husband follow:
522 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
"His glorious crown of silver hair !
His face like marble, pure and fair;
His folded hands, in holy calm,
Worthy to bear the martyr's palm.
I'll lay white flowers upon his breast,
Emblem of his peaceful rest;
Never more for him shall be
The pain of death's Gethsemane."
Moses Goodwin
Was a younger brother of Elijah Goodwin. He had little
of school training, but knew the Bible from end to end. He
was strong both physically and mentally, and was a born
orator. No one ever went to sleep or became indifferent
when he was preaching. Through the teaching and preach-
ing of Maurice R. Trimble, of Knox County, Ind., Moses
came fully into the Restoration movement a little before his
brother Elijah. While Moses Goodwin was preaching for
Union Church in Gibson County, Ind., that congregation
came over bodily into "gospel order," as they called it, with-
out change of name, officers or records. The only change
apparent afterward was that the mourners' bench was used
no more and penitent believers publicly confessed their faith
in the Christ and were baptized for the remission of sins.
Moses Goodwin settled in White County, 111., some time
before 1840. Feb. 24, 1839, he organized the Christian
Church at Seven-mile Prairie, which became the mother of
all the churches of Christ in White County. His labors
were constant and successful, but they undermined his health.
He died at Grayville about the time he reached his prime.
Harmon Gregg.
Illinois, 1830.
Mr. Gregg was born in a log cabin a short distance west
of the site of the city of Charleston. Indians were still liv-
ing thereabout. In the winter-time he attended school in a
log house when the days were not fit to break and scutch
flax. In 1849 the California gold fever attacked him. He
BIOGRAPHIES 523
crossed the plains with the view of gathering gold by the
basketful. Like many others, in this he was disappointed,
and after two years returned to Illinois. The trip had cost
him two years of schooling.
In the southeast part of Douglas County there was a
community of intelligent settlers. It came to be known as
Rural Retreat and is yet so called. A debating society was
formed and its weekly meetings were held in the schoolhouse.
In these meetings Mr. Gregg soon became an active par-
ticipant.
It was not long until the Disciples in the community
encouraged him to preach. He was modest and timid, but
they insisted. Thus it was that he was led into the ministry.
His work was done mainly in Douglas, Coles and Edgar
Counties. Associated with him were A. D. Fillmore, Thomas
Goodman, Gershom Rude, Joseph Hostetler and W. F. Black.
One day Mr. Gregg was plowing in his field. A neighbor
residing five miles away called on business. In the course
of the conversation the caller misquoted a passage of Scrip-
ture, which Mr. Gregg corrected. Then the neighbor so
persistently besought him to come over and preach in their
schoolhouse that a promise was given. The results were
conversions among the people, the organization of a church
of Christ and the building of a substantial church. His
ministry was continued there four or five years. A good
sister remarked to the preacher one day that honey-bees
always did well for a man who lived amicably with his wife;
whereupon, she gave him a colony. This was the sole mate-
rial compensation received from that congregation for those
years of service. Frequently Mr. Gregg's preaching was of
the militant type. It could hardly have been different. In
those years he and his brethren, pleading for the authority
of Jesus Christ and the word of God, were often called
"water-dogs" by pious denominationalists. Sometimes even
women would shake their fists in his face and mutter their
dissent. But this preacher was always true to the word of
God.
524 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Tobias G rider.
Monroe County, Ky., 1800. 1880, Shelby County, 111.
At the age of twenty he married and moved to Indiana,
where he soon became a Christian and began to preach. He
came to Illinois in 1836, and settled on Sand Creek in Shelby
County, where he died. As a proclaimer of the gospel, he
labored under many disadvantages, but by persevering indus-
try he supported his family from his farm and gained a good
knowledge of the Scriptures. His life was filled with self-
sacrifices for others' good. He was never called an eloquent
preacher, but his sermons were full of Bible truth, logically
stated, and he was a powerful exhorter. Many hundreds
were won to Christ by his ministry, in which he continued
faithful unto death.
W . M. Groves.
Hancock County, 111., 1865.
Educated in the public schools of his native county and
Abingdon College. As pastor, he served the churches at
Stillwell, Columbus, Rushville, Carrollton, Girard, Shelby-
ville and Petersburg. He is a leader among the Odd Fellows
of Illinois. He was first elected to the State Legislature in
1909, and is now (1913) serving his third term.
John I. Gunn.
Scotland, 1866.
Educated at Evanston, 111. Served several years as a
minister in the M. E. Church. Mr. Gunn combines the
literary and spiritual in fine proportions, and his ministry is
pleasing and profitable.
George F. Hall.
Near Clarksville, la., 1864.
Mr. Hall began his mundane career in a log cabin and
grew up on the farm. He attended the district school and
four and a half years in Drake University. He has read
widely and written much. In 1904 he received the Ph.D.
BIOGRAPHIES 525
degree from what was then known as Ruskin University.
The aggregate sale of his books has been about one hundred
thousand volumes. He paid his way in school by his own
labors. Thereafter he served as pastor five years in Kansas
and seven in Illinois. Meanwhile, he was afield as a very
forceful and successful evangelist. And he gave not a few
lectures on a variety of subjects. For nearly seven years he
preached Sunday mornings at Bush Temple of Music,
Chicago, to multitudes of people. In this work he was
unassisted save by the volunteer offering of the people who
attended there. Mr. Hall is vigorous in body and brain.
He is not easily abashed or discouraged. His sermons have
always rung true to the word of God.
/. C. T. Hall.
Ewel, England, 1818. 1901, Albion, 111.
Was brought by his parents to America in 1821, and later
into Edwards County. At the Little Prairie Church there he
became a Christian and a minister. He worked with his
hands to* support himself and family while he preached, and
was successful both in his secular business and his public
ministry. He was a lover of good books and had a large
library. He was firm in his faith, a man of sweet and
gracious spirit, and, with his increasing means, liberal to a
fault. For about sixty-one years he continued his public
service in southern Illinois, but particularly in Edwards
County. A short time before his death he said: "It is the
last step that a man makes that takes him into heaven."
Jonathan Hall
Was for many years an efficient elder of the Old Union
Church. Beginning in 1873, he served as judge of DeWitt
County for four years.
Caleb Hawline
Was baptized by Abner Peeler in August, 1836. He began
as a local teacher in the Hittle's Grove Church in 1840, con-
526 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
tinuing until his death in 1901 — over sixty-one years. In
1871 he preached fifty-nine sermons, married three couples,
and received a total compensation of $2.10.
/. E. Harris.
Fulton County, 111., 1854.
Educated at Abingdon College. Is a farmer and grain-
dealer. Served three terms as mayor of Bushville, and was
elected to the House of the Legislature in 1904-06.
/. /. Harris.
Summit County, O., 1853.
Grew up on the farm and with decidedly infidel notions.
Fortunately, marrying a Christian of intelligent convictions,
she led him to the knowledge of the truth. Then he attended
Bethany College a year. He served as pastor in Ohio and
Michigan, and came to Illinois in 1887. His eight years'
pastorate at Duquoin was a great blessing to the church in
every way. Since then he has resided in Marion and has
evangelized and served congregations. He was the evan-
gelist of the Eighth District three years, and has been a
public advocate of prohibition. Mr. Harris is one of the
common people, a man of fine common sense and a true
preacher. His ministry in southern Illinois has been dis-
tinctly constructive.
W. W. Happy.
Kentucky, 1806. 1875, Illinois.
At the age of eighteen, Mr. Happy united with the Bap-
tist Church. He came to Jacksonville in 1830, and soon
thereafter became a member of the church of Christ there.
In the thirties he was twice elected to the lower House of
the Illinois Legislature from the Jacksonville district as a
Whig. He served his constituents with fidelity and efficiency.
When about thirty years of age, he was urged by his
brethren to give his life to the Christian ministry, and shortly
thereafter entered upon this work. He traveled through the
BIOGRAPHIES 527
State with Mr. Campbell in 1853 in the interest of Bethany
College, and frequently preached for the churches they
visited. Later, the great reformer said of Mr. Happy that
in intellectual endowments he was the equal of any man in
the West, and that his grasp of the scheme of redemption
was quite superior. He was a great thinker and had the
courage of his convictions. His affiliation with the Russell
defection grew out of his deep spiritual desires and his long-
ing to be right with God. His return to the church in later
years was evidence of his Christlike humility. He was a
Christian pioneer of noble character, who gave his life in
unselfish devotion to the gospel's advocacy. He died in
humble circumstances.
/. M. Haughey.
Jamestown, O., 1833. 1912, Mason City, 111.
Became a Christian in 1859 at Rothchild's Schoolhouse,
west of Lincoln, 111., under the preaching of Minister Good-
sell, of the Baptists. In June, 1861, he took charge of the
Baptist Church in Mason City, and the following winter
transferred his membership to the church of Christ in that
place. Thereafter, his ministry was continuous till failing
health compelled his retirement. He never sought to serve
a church because of the salary, but supported his family by
the newspaper business. In his ministry he walked through-
out Mason County and added multitudes to the Lord.
On one occasion he was preaching, in a schoolhouse packed
full of people, on "The Four Baptisms." Just in front of him
sat an old gentleman with steady eyes on the preacher. He
spoke first of the baptism of suffering; second, of water, and,
third, of fire. "Now I come to the baptism of the Holy
Spirit," said the preacher. Just then the old gentleman
extended his arm full length, and, pointing his index finger
almost into the speaker's face, said, loud enough for all to
hear, "Yes, sir, and it's the only baptism I'd give a snap
for, by ginger." He had formed the habit of saying "by
ginger" in his youth, and it stuck.
528 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Robert Moffett Allison Hawk.
Indiana, 1839. 1882, Washington, D. C.
Brought with his father's family to Carroll County, 111.,
in 1846. Educated in common schools and at Eureka Col-
lege. First lieutenant of Company C, Ninety-second Regi-
ment Illinois Volunteers, in 1862. Promoted to captaincy
early in 1863. Lost his right leg in the battle of Raleigh,
N. C., the day of Lee's surrender. Breveted major by Presi-
dent Johnson for meritorious service. Was county clerk of
Carroll County from 1865 to 1878. Was elected to forty-
sixth and forty-seventh Congresses from the Fifth District.
On the night before the assembling of the convention of his
district to nominate him for the third time, Major Hawk
was stricken by apoplexy and died within a few hours at
his rooms in Washington, D. C., at 11 P. M., June 29, 1882.
General and Mrs. John A. Logan were with him at the time
of his death. Major Hawk was a large man in every way —
physically, mentally and morally. He was a commanding
personality, and commanded the confidence and respect of all
who knew him. He was a faithful Christian man.
Morgan P. Hayden.
Deerfield, O., 1845.
Graduated at Hiram College. He served two periods in
Illinois covering twelve years — at Ludlow, Blandinsville,
Augusta, Watseka, Rock ford, Washington and elsewhere.
Mr. Hayden has a fine knowledge of the Bible, out of which
he has enriched his generation.
Lysias Heape.
York County, Pa., 1813. 1889, Illinois.
Mr. Heape's family moved to Ohio in 1816. He was
baptized there in 1832 by Wm. Dowling. He came to Perry
County, 111., about 1835. Soon he was chosen as an elder
of a congregation near Duquoin. In the discharge of his
Scriptural duties he was soon led into the work of the min-
BIOGRAPHIES 529
istry. In his experience he had the privations and the joys
of a pioneer preacher. From 1847 to 1855 he was employed
by a Co-operation of Christian Churches in southern Illinois.
D. P. Henderson.
It is humiliating to the writer that such a fine character
and useful life fails of a befitting mention from a lack of
the facts. Mr. Henderson was, at different times, actively
associated with the churches of Christ in Illinois for fifty
years. He was a successful pastor and evangelist and a
resourceful leader in co-operative missionary work and Chris-
tian education. He was a writer and editor as well. He
worked in the thirties in Morgan County and one of his
pastorates was in Chicago. T. T. Holton says of him: "He
was a model of grace for an old man and very winning and
persuasive in his address. I think in his youth he could have
courted a princess. He was a man of wonderful energy,
though slight of build." When clerk of the court in Jack-
sonville, he preached in villages and country churches on the
Lord's Days. His great meeting in Louisville, Ky., in
which five hundred additions were received, called special
attention to him. During his pastorate there, the great
pillared Temple at the corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets
was erected. In its basement the Foreign Christian Mis-
sionary Society was organized. In the same place a daily
morning prayer-meeting during the Civil War was held, and
the unity of the congregation was thus conserved. He was
an earnest Union man, and there were influential numbers
there who differed with him. Mr. Henderson was thoroughly
democratic. He knew nothing of snobbery save as he saw it
in others. While a forceful leader, he was admirably con-
ciliatory. He was a fine example of the snaviter in modo,
fortiter in re. D . , TJ7 ,.,.
Bushrod W. Henry.
Culpeper County, Va., 1805. 1879, ShelbyvilleT 111.
Became a member of the Baptist Church at the age of
nineteen and soon after began to preach. Came from Ten-
530 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
nessee to Shelby County, 111., in the fall of 1830. His min-
istry among the Baptists there was fruitful, resulting in the
formation of several congregations. In 1832 he began to
preach clearly three things : "The Bible as an infallible guide,
baptism for the remission of sins, no name but Scriptural
names for the followers of Christ to wear." In reaching
these conclusions, his son, J. O. Henry, testified that his
father was helped by no human being except his wife. Sym-
pathizers with the views of Mr. Henry early began to be
called "The Henry Party." These questions were debated
until in 1834, when Mr. Henry and his friends were sum-
marily excluded from the Baptist Church. This date was
recalled because it was associated with the "sickly season"
which occurred in that year.
Before this time among the converts of Mr. Henry were
Willis Whitfield, Colonel Vaughn and Silas Rhodes, who
never left the fellowship of the Baptist Church.
He was a man of prodigious industry. He led the work
on his six-hundred-acre farm and traveled and preached in
many places — a strong, valiant and intelligent proclaimer of
the Word. In the earlier part of his ministry he was county
evangelist for two years in Shelby. The first year he
received as salary enough blue jeans for a pair of trousers,
one pair of home-made woolen socks and $1.25 in money.
The next year his salary was five dollars in cash. He was
the first Disciple of Christ to take part in Sunday-school
work in that county, helped in the organization of the State
Missionary Society at Shelby ville in 1850, and was one of
the original trustees of Eureka College. He was a mighty
spiritual force in his time, all the while exemplifying his
preaching by his daily life. In 1868 a venerable and stately
man went into the church in Springfield one Lord's Day
morning and sat down well forward. He declined an invita-
tion to preach, but presided at the table. He said: "This is
an institution of the Lord's own appointment. The command
to do this in remembrance of him is so gentle that it sounds
like a request of one who loves us and desires to be remem-
BIOGRAPHIES 531
bered. That member of the church of Christ who has no
providential hindrance and yet refuses to be present and bear
a part in this memorial service, deliberately decides, for that
time at least, he will not obey his Lord." That man was
Bushrod W. Henry.
Mrs. O. W. Stewart and Mrs. Errett Gates are two of
his grandchildren.
James 0. Henry.
Culpeper County, Va., 1827. 1914, Findley, 111.
Was the eldest son of Bushrod W. Henry. He was a
preacher of the gospel for sixty-five years. Most of his
ministerial work was done in Fayette and Shelby Counties.
He served in Company E of the Fourth Regiment Illinois
Volunteers during the Mexican War. He and Richard J.
Oglesby were in adjoining companies, and formed a friend-
ship there that continued through their lives. Ever after-
ward when they met it was "Jim" and "Dick" until the latter
came to honors. When Mr. Oglesby was the last time Gov-
ernor, Mr. Henry took luncheon with him at the Mansion.
Then they slowly walked together to the entrance of the
State House grounds. The time of their final separation
had come. "Well, Jim," said the Governor, "we have been
friends for a long time. In life you took one course and I
another. If I had my life to live over again, I would pursue
the course you have followed." Then they shook hands for
the last time on earth and the eyes of both of the old boys
were more than moist.
Rolla B. Henry.
1887, Clay County, 111.
The earlier years of his ministry were given to Ohio. In
Illinois he preached for congregations in Clay County, where
he also served as county judge for a number of years. He
never allowed his official duties to interfere with his regular
ministerial work. He was a fine Christian gentleman who
commanded high respect and general esteem.
532 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
William C. Hill.
Zemuree, Term., 1828. 1908, Illinois.
His parents brought him to Illinois in 1829 on a pack-
horse. They went to Montgomery County, but afterward
settled on Turkey Creek, south of Odin, in Marion County.
He had the education imparted in backwoods subscription
schools. He became a Christian in 1841 under the ministry
of Mr. Schooly, and began to preach in early life. His min-
istry in southeastern Illinois reached through sixty years,
during which he immersed about five thousand people. His
work was in the pioneer settlements and for many years in
private houses and groves. He encountered intense bigoted
sectarianism, generally ignorant and superstitious. He was
a valued counselor and rarely equaled as a controversialist in
private personal encounters. Many congregations grew from
his labors. His sincerity in all he said and did, his earnest,
sympathizing nature and his power in exhortation enabled
him to win many souls for Christ, while his own life strength-
ened and confirmed their faith. His many and great sacri-
fices have had their reward.
Judge Andrew Hinds.
Eden, Vt., 1822. 1887, Lena, 111.
Was admitted to the bar in 1846, and came to Stephen-
son County, 111., in 1849. There he taught school, farmed,
served as county treasurer and county judge and as a mem-
ber of the board of supervisors for twenty years. While a
member of the State Legislature, he introduced the Hinds
prohibitory liquor bill. It did not pass, but was an important
step in the right direction. He was one of the most trusted
men in his county, and was an intelligent and faithful
Christian.
David Hobbs.
Shelby County, Ky., 1807. 1876, Liberty, 111.
Mr. Hobbs was trained up in the Baptist Church. His
education was such as the common schools at that time
BIOGRAPHIES 533
afforded. He came to Illinois in September, 1830, and set-
tied near the site of Columbus. There he taught school as
he had in his native State. He also owned and tilled a farm.
He early became an earnest and devout student of the sacred
Scriptures. This led him to reject the custom of "relating
an experience" on becoming a Christian, and to the adoption
of the Scriptural order. In 1832 he preached in the resi-
dence of John Yeargin, who had preceded him from
Kentucky. This was the first sermon in Gilmer Township.
With ten others, he moved to Concord Township. It is
claimed that on Apr. 24, 1835, he organized the church, on
the Bible as the all-sufficient creed, known now as the Pleas-
ant View congregation. He served this church as elder and
it? principal teacher till 1850. While a resident of Adams
County, he associated with John B. Curl, T. S. Brockman,
James McPherson and Wm. H. Strong in the pioneer work
of the gospel. His ministry was extended into the contigu-
ous counties and beyond. In 1850 he sold his farm and moved
to Pike County, where he gave himself more exclusively to
preaching.
Mr. Hobbs would never accept any civil or military office
and held himself wholly aloof from politics. He was six feet
and three inches tall, well proportioned and very strong.
Having read himself to the apostolic ground, his ministry
was fruitful of great good.
Jacob Hodgen
Was born in Hodgenville, Ky., in 1793, and came to Pike
County, 111., in 1832. Mrs. Emma Crow, of Pittsfield, has
written of him as follows:
He was in turn a wagon-maker, farmer and merchant. He was
one of the grand characters among the pioneers of the county and the
church. Of the strictest integrity, sturdiest manhood and unwavering
faith, he was a man whose faith and opinions commanded the respect
of his fellow-men. His genial and whole-souled nature made him a
host of friends, and his enthusiasm in the cause of Christianity made
his house the home of the ministry so that it was known as "the
preachers' hotel." It was said of him that whatever the need, he
534 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
stepped into the breach, whether it was to pray, to preach, to plead
or to cry.
Such was the character and spirit of the man who helped
so much in laying the foundations of a purer gospel in Pike
Mrs. Sarah A. Holman
Was a unique personality. She was intelligent, cultured,
independent, self-reliant, and had visited many places of
interest in the United States and had traveled throughout
Europe, Egypt and Palestine. She first visited the Central
Christian Church in Peoria during the pastorate of N. S.
Haynes. At that time she looked as if she might be fifty
years young; her actual age was seventy-two. She was a
widow. Her husband had lived and died a member of the
Baptist Church — a devout Christian man. Her only living
child was a married daughter, who soon after passed away.
Mrs. Holman said to the pastor, in a personal interview, that
when a young woman she had heard Alexander Campbell
preach, and that she could not conscientiously become a
member of any church but the Christian ; that her home had
never been where there had been such a congregation, and
so through her life she had stood aloof from all churches.
Within a few weeks she was led by the pastor to publicly
accept Christ and place her membership in the Central
Church. She was not then a resident of Peoria, but was
lr.ter. When she came to be baptized it was found that the
baptistery had sprung a leak and was empty. "There it is
again," exclaimed Mrs. Holman; "the Lord intends that I
shall never be baptized." The minister assured her that the
Lord had nothing to do with the leaky pool, but maybe the
devil had. At the conclusion of her baptism three days after-
ward, she said to the two women that assisted her: "And
now, ladies, what do I owe you?" They were shocked and
protested. She answered: "It is my custom to pay those
who assist me in any way." When further protest would
have been rudeness, they each accepted the five dollars that
she gave each of them and turned it into the church hymnal
BIOGRAPHIES 535
fund. Mrs. Holman passed to the life to come, at the age
of ninety-three years. During the twenty-one years in
which she was a member of the Central Church, she gave to
it, to Eureka College and the Church Extension Society the
aggregate sum of $22,000.
William Holt.
Illinois, 1837. 1880, Illinois.
Mr. Holt was born in Edgar County. His ministry was
mainly there and in the surrounding territory. He was
highly esteemed as a man and was an able and brilliant
preacher. Familiar with the Scriptures, he presented their
teaching in a clear, logical and forceful manner. The
results of his ministry were abiding. His sun set at his
life's noon.
Thomas Tilghman Holton.
Aberdeen, O., 1839.
Nature cast Mr. Holton in a large mould. His grand-
father, William Holton, served through the War of 1812 and
was in the battle of- Tippecanoe. There he commanded a
company in which were four of his brothers. He was also
a member of the first legislative body of Virginia, his
adopted State. From Fanquier County he migrated to
Mason County, Ky., where William Holton, the father of
the subject of this sketch, was born. His mother was Sally
Price Tilghman, a native of Albemarle County, Va. Both
branches of his family were of pre-Revolutionary stock.
He enjoyed superior educational advantages. He went
to the country school, to Aberdeen Seminary, to the South-
western Normal School at Lebanon, O., and graduated from
Bethany College July 4, 1862. Before he was seventeen he
was a schoolmaster at Genntown, O. On a certificate marked
100 he conducted a school of eighty-five pupils efficiently for
nine months. Leaving Bethany after graduation, he served
as vice-president of Jefferson College, near Louisville, Ky., of
which O. A. Bartholomew was president. Early in 1864,
Mr. Holton became the head of Falmouth Academy. Miss
536 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Sally E. Holton, his sister, served as assistant. Under their
lead this school did superior work for two and a half years.
In 1866 he became pastor of the church at Vincennes,
Ind. In 1868 he became pastor of the church at Springfield,
111. Next he served the Berlin Church, and at the same time
was principal of the public schools there for three years. In
1873 he moved to Lincoln and served the church there and
at Atlanta half-time each. Thereafter, with Lincoln as the
center, he ministered to many churches; as, Broadwell,
Mason City, Pekin, Old Union, Hallville, Emden, Bethel,
Delavan and Eminence. The Old Union Church he served
fourteen and a half years. In the meantime, he moved to
Tallula and served the church there four years, and to De
Land also, with the same period of pastorate.
During his first years in Lincoln he did considerable
secular work, clerking in bank and bookstore. Later, he
served eight years as circuit clerk in Logan County. There-
after, when his political principles had improved and his civic
perspective became clarified, he stood for the State Legisla-
ture on the Prohibition ticket and received five thousand
votes.
His religious experiences have been marked. When a
young man at school, he had for his room-mate Ira J. Bloom-
field, who won his star in the Civil War. The two attended
Sunday school and church together. Being well intentioned,
they decided to become members of this church, provided
they could be immersed. The minister, however, desired
that they should "conform to their religious usage." They
were likely lads, so the preacher left with them a booklet
entitled "Immersion Not Baptism." This declared that
immersion was "unscriptural, inconvenient and indecent."
When the dominie returned he found the lads unchanged.
"Well, now," he said, "boys, we want you, and will immerse
you if that is your choice." Whereupon, they declared that
neither he nor his church had any right to do an unscriptnral
and indecent thing in the name of the Lord. In 1858, Mr.
Holton was baptized by Min. Marsena Stone and received
BIOGRAPHIES 537
into the Baptist Church. He related no visions nor won-
derful experiences. The formula that the preacher used was
this: "My brother, upon a confession of your faith in the
Lord Jesus Christ and by his authority, I baptize you into
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy
Spirit, for the remission of sins." Up to this time this
young man had thought to become a lawyer. Now the good
Baptist sisters urged him to prepare to preach the gospel;
thus God changed his life purpose. During his four years
at Bethany he changed his church affiliation. On one occa-
sion, George W. Minier said to him: "Brother Holton, you
are entirely too modest." So he entered into the active work
of the ministry only by the urgency of the lamented preacher,
J. Z. Taylor.
Mr. Helton's life has been very active and fruitful. He
has been much in demand for public addresses, at Commence-
ments, on Memorial Days, at Old Settlers' Reunions, Fourth
of July celebrations and Ministerial Institutes. He has
united in marriage six hundred couples, has preached one
thousand funerals, and led near two thousand persons into
the kingdom of God. Such facts indicate his wisdom, his
worth and his place in the confidence and affections of the
people. He has filled a large place of usefulness, preaching
in schoolhouses and doing most all sorts of miscellaneous
and unclassified Christian work.
In 1907 he moved to Bloomington. Since then, his help-
ful ministry has been continued in the regions round about.
Joseph Hostetler.
Kentucky, 1797. 1870, Illinois.
Joseph Hostetler was a remarkable man. He is properly
classified with the pioneer preachers of Indiana, but his
services in Illinois entitle him to this notice here.
He was of German blood and German Baptist parentage.
Though a typically mischievous boy, under the influence of
his mother he very early in life learned to love the Scrip-
tures, particularly the biographies of the Old Testament
538 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
characters. In the great revival of 1811 he wished to enter
the church, but his parents thought him too young. But one
of his companions, of his own age, was received upon the
following experience, which illustrates the prevalent thought
of the time on the subject of conversion. When asked to
describe the work of grace upon his heart, the lad sobbingly
replied: "I don't know as I has any work of grace to tell.
I is a poor sinner."
"Do you believe in Christ?" asked the leader.
"Oh, yes, ever since I can recollect."
When further asked if he had dreamed anything remark-
able, he related, in substance, as follows: He went to bed
as usual in great distress; dreamed that he was going he
knew not where, when the devil met him and was hurrying
him off toward hell; thinking himself lost forever, just then
a young man met them and rescued him; and that he then
awoke in a transport of joy. Whereupon, a gray-haired
deacon arose and said: "Brethern, I have been a Baptist for
twenty-five years, and ef I ever heerd a experience of true
grace, this boy has given us one. So it is with the poor
sinners. They are goin' they know not where 'tel the Lord
meets 'em. I can interpret this dream. He's powerfully
converted. Glory to God." This incident impressed young
Hostetler deeply. As he had no such experience, he read
the Bible through and with remarkable persistence searched
the New Testament, where he learned that his faith in
Christ and repentance toward God should be expressed in
his public confession of the Lord Jesus and his baptism "for
the remission of sins." In his nineteenth year he was thus
received into the German Baptist Church by his uncle, Adam
Hostetler.
Shortly thereafter he was married and about the same
time authorized by the church to preach. On that solemn
occasion his uncle presented him with a small Bible, saying:
"Preach and practice only what you find in this Holy Book."
Many things were yet confused in the thought of this young
preacher, but he made daily use of the Bible and an English
BIOGRAPHIES 539
dictionary. About 1824 the first volume of the Christian
Baptist fell into his hands, which he read with eagerness, but
not with entire approbation. He was strong, self-reliant,
clear-minded, purposeful, and with a tremendous capacity
for work, both physical and mental. In mature life he spoke
both the English and German languages with equal ease and
fluency. He was noted for the accuracy of his speech, both
in his private conversation and in his public addresses.
Mr. Hostetler came to Illinois in 1832 and settled on a
farm about twenty miles east of the then village of Decatur.
There he served as a pioneer farmer and preacher, organ-
izing in that year what was then called the Okaw Church.
He entered Decatur the same year to preach. The Meth-
odists and Presbyterians had preceded him, and, according
to the custom of those days, bitterly denounced his discourses
as Campbellism, Romanism, infidelity, etc. Such men as he
are never intimidated, and a number of the people, hearing
his message, believed in Jesus Christ and were baptized.
The first church in Decatur, that was Christian only, was
organized there by him in 1833. He moved there the next
year, and during his two years' residence supported his
family by the practice of medicine, for which he had fitted
himself by his unflagging industry. He returned to Indiana
in 1836.
During this period of four years, he met Bushrod W.
Henry, a mighty, resolute and deeply religious Baptist
preacher. He also met John W. Tyler, also a Baptist min-
ister of fine mind. Both of these men had come from
Kentucky to Illinois in the early thirties. Under the guiding
influence of Mr. Hostetler, Mr. Tyler discarded his "articles
of faith" for the Scriptures solely and dropped his denomina-
tional name for Christian only. Mr. Tyler conducted the
obsequies of Mr. Hostetler, and in his funeral discourse
stated this fact as it related to himself. Mr. Hostetler
returned to Lovington, 111., in 1861, where he passed the
remnant of his days. He was a self-reliant and aggressive
leader of men.
540 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS -
Daniel Radcliffe Howe.
Ohio, 1819. 1905, Illinois.
James Howe, the father of the subject of this sketch, was
a native of Virginia and a Baptist preacher. He was a mem-
ber of the Mahoning Association and came with its members
into the Restoration movement. So spiritually D. R. Howe
was both free-born and of the blood royal. In his youth he
attended private schools in Ohio. In 1835 he came with his
parents to Burean County, 111. There at Leepertown he went
to school six weeks to George W. Minier. A little knowl-
edge of Latin and Greek he got by the help of his brother-
in-law, Amos Hays. At twenty-one he taught the first
school ever held in Green County, Wis. He became a
Christian in his eighteenth year and thereafter preached
some for seven years. Then he became a settled minister of
the churah at Princeton at a salary of $250 a year. He
served there through a period of ten years, during the last
half of which he received $1,000 per year. He served the
churches at Washington two terms, Peoria, Springfield,
Minonk, Quincy, Putnam, Henry, Lanark two terms, Monroe,
Wisconsin two terms, two terms at Princeton, and Ulysses,
Neb. Besides, Mr. Howe was a very successful evangelist
and a noted builder of church houses. He was one of the
finest men of his time. In him there were combined
in an unusual degree the elements of a great gospel
preacher. He enlightened the mind by a knowledge of the
Scriptures and then appealed to the heart and conscience
with great earnestness. Withal, he had fine business ability.
During the fifty years of his active ministry he missed the
public worship on the Lord's Day only eight times.
In 1860 he was elected to the House of the State Legis-
lature, where he gave the great war Governor of Illinois
faithful support. , . TT
John PI oust on.
Near Blandinsville, 111., 1848.
Educated at Abingdon College. Farmer, live-stockman
and banker. Elected to the House of the Legislature in
BIOGRAPHIES 541
1908, 1910 and 1912. Mr. Houston has been an elder in
the Blandinsville Church for thirty-five years.
The Houston Brothers.
They were Washington J., John Quincy A. and Jefferson
P. Houston. All natives of Bourbon County, Ky. Moved
to Bloomington, Ind., in 1840, and to Illinois in 1857, settling
in La Salle County.
Washington J. Houston.
Kentucky, 1814. 1873, Illinois.
Was a very successful evangelist, baptizing several thou-
sand converts, chiefly in central Illinois. He preached for a
time under the auspices of the State Board of Missions,
served as financial agent of Eureka College, and met all
errorists in public discussions as they desired. His closing
years were spent at Marshall, where he died.
John Q. A. Houston.
Kentucky, 1821. 1870, Illinois.
He was employed as an evangelist in Marshall and
Livingstone Counties, and also by the State Board. He
was a sweet singer, which contributed to his ministerial work.
His labors reached south to Centralia. While engaged at
Maroa in raising funds to complete the church building, he
sickened and died there.
Jefferson P. Houston.
Kentucky, 1816. 1892, Missouri.
His work was confined to Livingstone and near-by
counties.
John S. Hozvard.
Tennessee, 1807. 1890, Ohio.
With his father's family came to Illinois in 1817 and
became a part of the Christian Settlement on Allison Prairie.
He became one of the earlier preachers in that section. He
542 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
resided in Russellville, where he proclaimed the gospel and
in the regions beyond. A true man and faithful servant of
God, he passed on at the age of eighty-three.
William A. Howard
Came from Kentucky and settled in the southern part of
Fulton County about 1840. He there cleared and cultivated
his farm. His most used tools were his ax and mattock. He
was a strong man, both physically and mentally. For years
he chopped, grubbed, split rails and worked his land six days
in the week, and preached two or three sermons on the
Lord's Days. Often he would walk five miles, preach two
sermons in a schoolhouse, and return to his home congrega-
tion for a discourse in the evening. Like most men of his
time and place, he was clad in homespun. He was a devout
man, well versed in the Scriptures and gave himself to his
Master's work. In a wide territory he was well known and
tenderly loved by many people. He moved to Texas in 1857.
Charles E. Hull.
Salem, 111., 1862.
Mr. Hull has been a merchant, an editor and otherwise
usefully and successfully engaged. He was elected to the
House of the General Assembly in 1879 and to the Senate
in 1896 and 1904. He is an active member of the church at
Salem.
Andrezv J. Hunter.
Indiana, 1831. 1913, Paris, 111.
Shortly after his birth, the parents of Mr. Hunter moved
from Greencastle, Ind., to Illinois, and settled on a farm in
Hunter Township. He graduated from Edgar Academy in
1848 and began his business life as a civil engineer. Then
he studied law, was admitted to the bar and in a few years
became a prominent attorney. In 1864 he was elected to the
State Senate. He was a member of the National House of
Representatives in the fifty-third and fifty-fifth Congresses,
and rendered efficient service on various committees. During
BIOGRAPHIES 543
the latter, he voted for the appropriation of fifty million
dollars to be put into the hands of President McKinley for
carrying on the war with Spain. Mr. Hunter was a lifelong
Democrat, but he was always stronger than his party,
because he possessed the confidence and respect of the people
on account of his character. His heart always beat in sym-
pathy with the sons of toil, for from them he sprang. Hence
he championed the interests of the laboring people. He was
a large-hearted, generous and broad-minded man, a splendid
"mixer." In the days of his prime he was a superior f'._t-
form orator. For more than fifty years he was a member
of the church at Paris. In addition to serving the church as
trustee and elder, during all this period he was the chief
usher stationed at the main entrance at both Sunday meet-
ings, where he received the people with dignity and cordiality.
And thousands found pleasure in going to worship there
because of this sincere and hearty welcome.
Harrison T. Ireland.
La Forte County, Ind., 1848.
Came to Marshall County, 111., in 1855. A farmer. Was
elected to the House of the Legislature in 1904-6-8-10. Mr.
Ireland has long been a useful member of the Washburn
Church.
James E. Jewett.
Belfast, Me., 1844. 1912, Lincoln, 111.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1856, who settled on
the wild prairie in Livingston County four miles northeast
of Gridley. His education was received in the public schools
of that time. Mr. Jewett came of fine, patriotic stock. One
of his grandfathers, John Cochran, was a member of the
"Boston Tea Party," a soldier in the Revolution and an
inmate of a British prison for nine months. His paternal
grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. He himself
enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, as a private in Company G, 129th
Illinois Infantry, in which he served with superior courage
544 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and distinction till the close of the war. He followed the
flag through all that high carnival of blood and death that
led to Atlanta, to the sea and to the "Grand Review" at
Washington, D. C.
Returning home, he went to the farm, next to the school-
room as teacher, and then to the ministry of the gospel. He
also read law and was admitted to the bar, but only little
of his time was given to the practice of this profession. He
was also prominent in some of the fraternal societies of the
State, and filled a number of minor civil offices with recog-
nized ability and credit.
His mind was always alert and his life full of action.
His disposition was genial and kindly and his companionship
pure and helpful. He sought and saw the best in human
life and was serene in adversity.
Hale Johnson.
Indiana, 1847. 1902, Illinois.
Mr. Johnson's father, Dr. John B. Johnson, served as
assistant surgeon during the Civil War. His grandfather
was a Baptist minister who was a chaplain in the War of
1812. Hale Johnson inherited the fighting blood of his
ancestors. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in Company
D, 135th Indiana Infantry. He, with his father's family,
came to Illinois in 1865.
Mr. Johnson was an attorney. His residence was in
Newton. He became a Christian in 1870. To the close of
his life he was a praying, active, sincere man. His church
came first in his life. His generosity was unfailing. His
last contribution, made the day before he died, was to a
Christian Orphans' Home. He was open-minded, always
willing i:> investigate and learn what would contribute to the
religious, social and civic betterment of society.
At one time he was mayor of the city of Newton. In
1882 he left the Republican party because it refused to
submit a prohibition constitutional amendment to a vote of
the people. In a public address he gave Min. N. S. Haynes
BIOGRAPHIES 545
the credit of pulling him loose from his old party moorings.
Thereafter, he was one of the most effective, prominent and
influential party Prohibitionists in America. He served well
on committees, State and national. In 1896 he was nomi-
nated for Governor. Later in the same year he was placed
on the national ticket for the Vice-Presidency, with Joseph
Levering for the office of President. During this campaign
he stumped in more than thirty States, speaking day and
night. While party Prohibitionists have rarely been success-
ful as such, the fruits of their self-sacrificing and heroic
labors are manifest in the growing public sentiment that
finds increasing expression in State and national legislation.
The Christian conscience of the nation has decreed that the
liquor traffic must die. The handwriting is even now on
the wall.
Mr. Johnson's death was tragic. He had gone to a
country merchant to try to persuade him to settle a debt
peaceably. The merchant became enraged and shot him. A
few hours later the assassin committed suicide. Mr. John-
son's untimely death was deplored, particularly among
Prohibitionists. They placed a beautiful monument over his
grave in the cemetery at Newton.
William H. Johnson
Was born near Enfield, 111., in 1841. The family from
which he came has been noted for its intelligence, patriotism
and loyalty to Christian convictions for a hundred and fifty
years. His grandfather, Arthur Johnson, was a soldier in
the Revolution. The subject of this sketch received such
education as the time and place of his residence afforded.
He became an attorney and a Christian of intelligence and
culture. Enlisting in 1861 in Company I, First Regiment
Illinois Cavalry, he was made first sergeant, and after four
years of service he was mustered out as first lieutenant of
Company I, Eighty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. In 1880 he was chosen an elector and voted
directly for Garfield for President. In 1882 he was elected
18
546 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
to the State Legislature. He has served several congrega-
tions as preacher in charge. He is a modest, sympathetic
and all-round Christian man.
John T. Jones.
Cincinnati, O., 1795. 1877, Eureka, 111.
Mr. Jones was one of the true leaders of the Restoration
movement in Illinois in its beginning. In 1831 he came from
Cincinnati to Jacksonville. There he gave the church for
fifteen years active and efficient service. He moved to
Eureka in 1847. He was a gentleman of fine intelligence
and culture. His hospitality was cheerful and his dignity
commanding. With the beginning of the college, he was
made a trustee, and for twenty-five years never missed a
board meeting. His discrimination between things funda-
mental and incidental was superior. When objections were
urged to voluntary meetings of individuals and representa-
tives of congregations for the most effective dissemination
of the truth, he was one of the first to answer these clearly
and conclusively. He was a minister, a schoolmaster and a
writer. His counsel was always wise and his spirit amiable
and conciliatory. His influence was distinctly constructive.
The memory of the just is his.
6". 5\ Jones.
Bath County, Ky., 1859.
Educated in country schools, at Ladoga find.) Normal,
Owingsville (Ky.) Seminary, North Middletown (Ky.)
College, and in classrooms as a teacher. Came to Illinois in
1884, and for a decade he served the churches at Homer,
Champaign and St. Joseph. In 1894 he became pastor of
the First Church in Danville, which he continued to serve
for eight years. Then he went to the Third Church, where
he continued for ten years. When Mr. Jones went to Dan-
ville the Disciples numbered about 150, with a property
worth about $3,000. At the close of his eighteen years he
left four churches whose combined membership is near two
BIOGRAPHIES 547
thousand, all well housed in properties whose aggregate
value is about $85,000. He received into the congregations
there near two thousand people, fourteen hundred of whom
were by primary obedience. That work will be his enduring
memorial.
E. A. Jordan.
Rockport, Ind., 1880.
The facts in this sketch were furnished the author by
Mr. Jordon in writing.
His parents were both devout members of the Roman
Catholic Church. He attended the public schools. In 1888
the father sold his farm, moved to New Boston, Ind., in the
same county, and there engaged in the grocery and saloon
business — a business not thought to be inconsistent among
Roman Catholics. The son was then placed in the parochial
school there, which was taught by the sisters. In this school
the doctrines of the Roman Church were given prominence
and the rudiments of true education were sadly neglected.
At ten years of age he was confirmed by Bishop Donahue,
of Indianapolis. Shortly thereafter, his mother died, leaving
three sons. She had dedicated this son in his early life to
the priesthood, and her dying request of her husband was
that he would send this son to St. Meinrod Monastery to
prepare him, that she might thus fulfill her vow. In that
institution, which was in charge of the Benedictines, he
remained eight years. He completed the college course and
received the A.B. degree. Then two years were passed in
the seminary, where he took the minor vows and deacons'
orders. He was held to this work by the memory of his
mother's vow. It was a custom of the seminary for the stu-
dents to be sent out on Sundays to near-by hamlets, to
conduct "missions" or religious services. He, with others of
his fellow-students, went to Eddyville one third Sunday in
the month. They found the room they expected to use occu-
pied by a band of people who called themselves "Christians."
Min. Ira Scott, an elderly man, preached. He announced
that the Catholic students were there to conduct their
548 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
"mission" and asked the people to remain and hear them.
This kindness caused the students to feel rather small, since
they had remained outside the building throurh Mr. Scott's
meeting. At the close of the students' "mission," one of
them, Loyola Chatron, challenged Mr. Scott to debate the
question which of the two churches was right. Chatron was
well versed in the traditions and doctrines of Rome, was
brilliant, and had recently come from the Jesuit College in
Rome. He had a mighty good opinion of himself. Min.
W. B. F. Treat represented the church of Christ and Mr.
Chatron the Romanists in a week's public debate. Mr.
Treat's powerful logic in presenting the word of God and
facts of history was irresistible. The first result of the dis-
cussion was that five students of the monastery left the
Roman Church. Mr. Jordon was one of these. For a year
thereafter he was tossed about on a sea of doubt. He
regarded all Protestants as alike. Finally, he found the
people who took the word of God as the only rule of faith
and practice. He was baptized by Min. J. T. Jacobs, of
Rockport, Ind., and greatly enjoys his freedom in Jesus
Christ. He later baptized his father, who had opposed his
son's leaving the Roman Church in every possible way. Mr.
Jordon is pastor of the church at La Harpe.
Jacob Judy
Became a Christian in Greene County, O., before he was
fifteen years of age and just before a church of Christ was
organized in his home. This was early in August, 1828.
He applied for and received a letter, of which the following
is a copy:
The Baptized Church of Jesus Christ, meeting at Brother Jacob
Darst's, Greene County, Ohio, believing the Scriptures of the Old
and New Testaments to be the Word of God and the only and all-
sufficient rule of faith and practice to any Christian Church, and
whereas our Brother Jacob Judy, having requested a letter of dis-
mission in order to join a church where God in his divine providence
may cast his lot, This is to certify that he is a member in good stand-
ing and in full fellowship with us and his brethren in the Lord, and
BIOGRAPHIES 549
when received by you he is dismissed from us. And may the God of
all grace preserve you and him to his Heavenly Kingdom is the
prayer of your brethren in the Gospel bonds.
Done by order of the church when met on Saturday before the
third Lord's day in August, 1828. JACOB DARST, Clerk.
Signed in behalf of the Church.
Mr. Judy's recollection was that this was a Baptist
church. He came to Illinois in 1824. He helped to build the
first house in Mackinaw, and then assisted Mordecai Mobley,
who lived and kept a store in this building. Later, Mr.
Judy built him a home in Hittle's Grove, and was one of the
active Christian men of the neighborhood. Later his home
was in Atlanta, where he died in September, 1903. Had he
lived till the following January, he would have been one
hundred years old. He always wished to say a word or two
at every meeting. The substance of his talks was: "Let us
love one another. How great is the goodness of God."
These words will always go with his memory.
/. /. Judy.
Mackinaw, 111., 1832. 1913, Independence, Mo.
Mr. Judy became a Christian in 1848 under the preach-
ing of Walter P. Bowles. He gave about forty years to the
ministry. His work was mainly in Tazewell, Logan, Mason
and Fulton Counties. For a period of twenty years he
received an average of one hundred persons by conversion,
and organized twelve congregations. His work also reached
out into Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas.
Col. J. W. Judy.
Clark County, Ky., 1822.
During the years of his active life, Mr. Judy was one of
the most favorably and widely known men in the State. He
was colonel of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In the
siege of Vicksburg he was on the firing-line for forty-five
days. He came to Illinois in 1851, and was a farmer in
Menard County. After the war, he served as a member of
550 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
the State Board of Agriculture, and during a period was its
president. He was an expert on thoroughbred cattle, and
traveled from ocean to ocean as an auctioneer of such live
stock. He is a fine type of Christian gentleman. His wife,
Mrs. Kate A. S. Judy, was a daughter of J. W. Simpson,
of Clary's Grove Church, and was highly esteemed by many
for her Christian activity and usefulness. The home was
at Tallula, where Mr. Judy waits in the twilight of life for
the eternal morning.
Andretv J. Kane.
Guilford County, N. C, 1817. 1896, Springfield, 111.
Both of Mr. Kane's parents died in his infancy. He
grew to manhood in the home of his eldest brother, Morri-
son Kane. This was in Indiana. At Indianapolis, in 1836,
he became a Christian under the preaching of John O'Kane
and Love H. Jameson. At twenty-one he began life for him-
self. He went to Chicago, thence to Peoria, and on to
Sangamon County in 1839. His first work there was to
assist in building the first bridge across the Sangamon River.
By trade he was a carpenter. Uniting with the church in
Springfield, he was led by its members to give his life
to the Christian ministry ; hence, he began the study of
Hebrew, Latin, Greek and English Literature under private
tutors. Later, he was ordained by the church. Of Mr.
Kane's ministry, T. T. Holton has well written:
His field of labor was central Illinois, though he at times passed
the border of the State. He went on horseback with his saddle-bags
behind him — in one side was his Bible ; in the other, baggage. He
rode through a country sparsely inhabited and when there were but
few settled pastors. No man was better known than he — no voice
more widely heard in those early days of the settlement and develop-
ment of central Illinois. Meetings were held, churches organized,
infant congregations cared for, and occasionally an encounter was
had with some champion of opposition in public debate. Some of his
evangelistic meetings were marvelously successful for the time, and
his converts ran into the thousands. He regarded not the clouds or
the wind. I have seen him ride up to his door with his ears frozen
and his beard bristling with icicles, but never for a moment thinking
ANDREW J. KANE.
DAVID D. MILLER.
JOHN W. TYLER.
JOHN ENGLAND.
BIOGRAPHIES 551
of quitting his work. It was with great reluctance that within a year
of his death, at eighty years of age, he found he must relinquish all
further efforts to preach.
Mr. Kane was a passionate lover of the Bible. He
devoured its great truths. He was jealous of its integrity
and its interpretation. Always abreast of the times in
religious thought, he vigorously opposed the trend of
destructive criticism. Judge W. E. Nelson said of him:
"He was a most efficient preacher of the gospel — a man of
great power — deeply convinced of the authority and sover-
eignty of God, of the divinity of the Christ and of the force
and authority of the Bible." He was a reasoner rather than
an exhorter, but his sermons appealed both to the imagina-
tion and the conscience. A careful reader and painstaking
student, this master workman was heard by intelligent people,
even in his closing years, with delight. A wide-visioned
man, he assisted in the organization of the State and General
Missionary Societies. One who knew him well said: "When
Bro. Kane stands like a giant before the congregation, shuts
his lips together, runs his left hand under his chin, and gives
an emphatic look upward and all around, you are going to
hear something."
"His life was gentle; and the elements
So mild in him, that Nature might stand up,
And say to all the world, This was a man."
Dr. A. L. Kcllar.
Oldham County, Ky., 1827. 1908, Covina, Cal.
Was the youngest of eight children. He received, for
his time, an exceptionally good education in Bacon College,
and graduated from the medical department of the Uni-
versity of Louisville, Ky., in 1851. In the same year he was
ordained to the ministry. He came to Decatur, 111., in 1852
and began his practice there, but most of the years of his
active life were passed at Sullivan. There he was one of
the most persevering and efficient men the church ever had.
His medical practice was very large, but much of it paid
552 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
him little or no money. His disposition was most charitable.
For forty- four years he practiced the healing art for both
body and soul. He was rugged in body, vigorous in mind
and energetic in action. His faithful services were a distinct
contribution to the foundations of society in the counties of
Macon, Moultrie and Shelby. He was well known and
highly esteemed by many for his integrity of character.
Min. E. H. Kellar, of California, is his son.
H. Y. Kellar.
Oldham County, Ky., 1825. 1902, Effingham, 111.
Mr. Kellar and his brother, Dr. A. L. Kellar, were sons
of A. H. Kellar, a Baptist minister who came to Moultrie
County in 1832. There meeting Joseph Hostetler, he chose
to be simply a Christian and assisted in the formation of the
West Okaw Church of Christ. H. Y. Kellar's education
was limited to the common schools of that time, but he came
to be a well-informed and well-developed man. For a num-
ber of years he served as a schoolmaster. In 1847 he was
ordained to the ministry by the West Okaw Church. He
served congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa
and California, but the larger part of his ministry was given
to Illinois, both as evangelist and pastor. He assisted in the
organization of the State Missionary Society at Shelbyville
in 1850, and was a member of its board of managers for
many years. He was always the advocate of an educated
ministry. He was an earnest preacher, but not a disputant.
He was a ready helper in every good work, a wise coun-
selor and a faithful servant of God and his fellow-men.
Nathan M. Knapp.
Member of Winchester Church. Member of the Consti-
tutional Convention of 1847, of State Legislature in 1850,
and paymaster in the Federal Army in the sixties. Retired
with rank of lieutenant-colonel. Mr. Knapp was a man full of
vigor and action and exerted a wide influence.
BIOGRAPHIES 553
James Worcester Knight.
Illinois, 1869. 1902, California.
Was a son of Moses H. Knight. Attended school at
Eureka. Was engaged in the newspaper business and in the
public advocacy of good citizenship. In this later work, Sec.
J. Fred Jones met him in 1896 and induced him to enter the
ministry. He served the churches at Browning, Youngs-
town, Frederick, Carlinville and Champaign. When the
University Place Church was nearing completion in 1902
under his leadership, ill health compelled him to go to Cali-
fornia, where he died the next spring.
Moses H. Knight.
Vermont, 1830. 1878, Illinois.
Mr. Knight's parents were devout old-school Presby-
terians, while an uncle, who had much influence over him,
was an earnest Congregationalist. He was educated in a
Baptist school. These surroundings greatly perplexed him
in his religious views. He came to Illinois in 1850, settling
in the western part of McLean County. He heard Min. J.
G. Campbell present the simple New Testament teaching, and
accepted with joy. He was ordained to the ministry in 1858,
and continued faithfully therein for a period of twenty
years. He served the churches at Lower and Upper White
Oak and various communities in the northeast part of the
county, where he was associated with Mr. Campbell in evan-
gelistic work. In his preaching trips he traveled horseback
or walked. Much of his service was without financial com-
pensation. He was a pure, true and efficient servant of God
and men.
A. R. Knox.
New York, 1824. 1914, Waukegan, 111.
Shortly after his marriage in 1846, Mr. Knox, with his
wife, came to Lake County, 111. Both were active members
of the Baptist Church. He was a "licentiate" and she a
pioneer and leader in all church work. He heard that a
minister had been traveling in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana,
554 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and that his "preaching was tearing Baptist churches all to
pieces." On inquiring, he learned that the name of this
disrupter was Alexander Campbell. There were at that
time a few Disciples scattered through that section who had
come from Ohio. Some of them loaned Mr. Knox a copy
of the "Christian Baptist." Before they had read the book
half through, he and his wife were in full accord with the
principles and aims of the Restoration movement. To these
their lives were devoted. They were the parents of Mrs.
Louise Kelly, so widely and favorably known as a Christian
woman of superior ability and usefulness. For more than
half a century, Mr. Knox lived and labored in Lake County
for the primitive gospel. With a well-informed faith, he
was as immovable as a mountain. In his evening-time he
waited in the twilight of the eternal day.
E. J. Lampton.
Was born in Kentucky, reared in Missouri, became a Chris-
tian in 1852, entered the ministry in 1859, and continues
therein. He gave twenty years' work to Illinois, during
which time he baptized about three thousand people and
added not a few others to the churches. His work, like his
character, is of the substantial kind.
6*. 5. Lappin.
Wayne County, 111., 1870.
The same year his parents moved to Missouri. Six
years thereafter, while the family was returning in a movers'
wagon to their former home in Illinois, the father died and
was buried on the way. S. S. Lappin grew to his majority
on the farm, working there and in stores, and attending and
teaching schools. At the age of six years he had read
McGuffey's old "Third Reader" through three times, having
learned the words by spelling them aloud to his mother,
whose eyesight was too dim to make out the letters. At
twenty-one he began to preach in schoolhouses and country
churches, but was still selling goods in a store in Fairfield.
BIOGRAPHIES 555
After one year in Eureka College, he served the churches
at Toluca, Washburn, Paxton, Atlanta and Stanford. He
entered the editorial office of the Christian Standard in 1909,
where he continues as its managing editor. Through the
school of early adversity, his native endowments, with grace
and grit, have led him to a place of great usefulness.
He has two brothers who are twins, and were born after
their father's death : John C, a teacher in Phillips University,
Enid, Okla., and William O., a teacher in Atlantic Christian
College, Wilson, N. C.
Richard and Henry C. Latham — Father and Son.
James Latham, the father of Richard, was the first settler
within the bounds of what is now Logan County. He was
a Virginian, but came to Illinois from Union County, Ky.,
where all of his ten children were born.
Richard Latham was born about 1799, and came to
Illinois in 1819, soon after locating at Elkhart. There he
was married and built the best residence of the early settlers.
This home came to be known near and far as one of unusual
hospitality even in that period of domestic generosity. He
became a Christian during the wide-reaching revival in
which Robert Foster was the chief factor. For several
years he went to the Lake Fork Church, eight miles east of
Elkhart, and rarely missed a meeting there. When not
there, the order of the Lord's house was maintained in his
own home. This led to the formation of the Elkhart con-
gregation. In 1852 he moved to Springfield. He was soon
made an elder of the church there, and filled this place till
his passing in 1868. Of him a writer has well said:
Of the character of Richard Latham we find only good to record.
He was a man whose honor was dear to him as his own life and
whose word was sacred as his oath. While his career in the main
savored little of adventure or striking achievement, it was enriched
throughout by kindness and the benefactions which quietly but cease-
lessly welled up from the bounty of his nature, endearing him to all
with whom he came in contact. For miles around he was known as
"Uncle Dick," and the whole community looked to him as arbitrator,
556 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
guardian and adviser, rarely questioning the wisdom voiced in his
gentle counsels.
He presided at the Lord's table in such a way as to make
all present feel thrilled and worshipful. When his sacred
dust was borne away to its final resting-place, the number
of gray-haired men who followed was a sight to see.
The epitomized character of Henry C. Latham may be
written in four words — an ideal Christian gentleman. He
is a worthy son of an honored sire. For many years he has
been steadfast and reliable in the First Church of Springfield.
There is no part of the worship that he has not led and no
part of the service that he has not performed, and all has
been done well. He has been a lifelong student.
John Lemmon.
Sangamon County, 111., 1838.
• Grew up on the farm and attended the public school. En-
listed in Company D, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Lost his right leg and index finger on his left hand in the
battle of Black River — the last stand the Confederates made
outside of Vicksburg.
After the war, attended Bible College at Lexington, Ky.,
three years. Then taught school. Entered the ministry in
1874. Has served fourteen congregations in central Illinois,
that at Buffalo seven years.
Mr. Lemmon is a man of clear and deep convictions —
sincere, frank and outspoken. When a ministerial institute
had given a half-day to the consideration of an unprofitable
subject, he then publicly asked : "How long will it take this
kind of talk to convert the world?" He holds that the same
wise economy should be used in the management of public
trusts as is exercised in one's personal business.
Silas White Leonard.
Louisville, Ky., 1814. 1870, near Centralia, 111.
His parents dying when he was quite young, he was
adopted by a Captain White, a Baptist, who reared and
BIOGRAPHIES 557
educated him in Ohio. He began to preach the primitive
gospel at the age of twenty, but spent much time in teaching
vocal music for the next eight years. About 1848 he, with
A. D. Fillmore, published "The Christian Psalmist." It was
in figure- faced notes and was the first hymnal having the
music ever in use among the churches of Christ. It reached
a circulation of 560,000 copies. In 1856 he moved from
Jeffersonville, Ind., to his farm near Centralia, where he
resided to the close of his life. From that point he went out
and preached in many places. He was a sweet-spirited, but
an aggressive and progressive, preacher.
Five days before his death he rode nine miles horseback
and gave a temperance lecture. The cold thus contracted
hastened his demise. He had just finished a new "Psalmist"
in both kinds of notes, at a cost of $3,000, and had placed
the material in the publisher's hand when his call came.
Cicero J. Lindly.
Near St. Jacobs, 111., 1857.
Graduated in scientific and law departments of McKen-
dree College and admitted to the bar in 1879. He has
farmed extensively and has been active in civil life for many
years. He has served as county judge in Bond County, was
Presidential elector in 1884, and served also as Railroad and
Warehouse Commissioner. Was elected to the House of the
Legislature in 1902, 1904 and 1906. Mr. Lindly is an active
member of the Greenville Church.
James A. Lindsey.
Kentucky, 1792. 1872, Illinois.
Mr. Lindsey came to Illinois in 1824 and settled in Taze-
well County. At that time he was a Baptist. In 1827 he
associated himself with the Disciples. He was a reverent
and faithful student of the Bible, and early in his life became
a preacher of the primitive gospel. He resided on his farm.
He carried a small copy of the New Testament in his pocket,
and as he plowed he read and thought on the Word. This
558 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
was a custom of most of the pioneers. He was the leading
spirit in the formation of the Mackinaw Church in 1837,
which at once formally recognized his ability and fitness to
preach the gospel and commissioned him thereto. After
that, his wife superintended the farm and his sons did most
of the work there. One year he evangelized on the condi-
tion that his brethren pay the wages of a male helper on his
farm. Most of his ministry, reaching through sixty years,
brought him little or no money compensation. Much of his
work was done in Tazewell County, but he also evangelized
and formed congregations in McLean, DeWitt and Marshall
Counties, also west of the Illinois River. His style of
preaching was exegetical. He read and unfolded a chapter,
more or less. His sermons usually continued from one and
a half to two hours. He taught people publicly and from
house to house. This was the business of his life. Once
where he stayed overnight he so taught the host and his
wife that they expressed the wish to enter the Christian life.
The next morning, before leaving, he immersed them. He
patiently bore the derision that was too often thrown at the
Disciples in the earlier years. As he rode quietly along the
roads he sometimes would hear people say: "There goes a
Campbellite. See the hump on his back." He was ardently
missionary in his convictions, teaching and life. Three of
his sons were preachers. From his home near Lilly, where
he had resided for thirty-eight and a half years, he passed
to his great reward.
John Lindsey.
Christian County, Ky., 1821. 1887, Eureka, 111.
Came with his parents to Tazewell County in 1824. Was
a son of James A. Lindsey. Graduated at Bethany College
in 1848. For some time was a traveling companion in the
ministry with Alexander Campbell. Was a teacher in Wal-
nut Grove Academy and a valuable helper at Eureka College
in many ways through many years. He served as pastor
with many churches, but was more engaged in evangelistic
BIOGRAPHIES 559
work. About five thousand persons were added to the
churches through his efforts. Mr. Lindsey's life was a very
useful one to his time. He was always outspoken on the
right side of every moral question.
Henry C. Littleton.
Ipava, 111., 1851.
Received such education as the common schools afforded.
After his baptism by Dr. J. H. Brinkerhoff in 1867, he
served as a lay preacher. Then he traveled with some of
the strong preachers of that time, by whom he was instructed
in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He served
the churches at New Philadelphia, Bryant, Cuba, La Harpe,
Barry, Mason City, Pekin and Astoria. He was a single-
purposed, guileless and industrious preacher whose service
was always constructive. He moved to Iowa in 1900.
F. M. Lollar.
Ingraham, 111., 1840.
Mr. Lollar grew to manhood on a farm in Clay County
and attended the subscription and public schools of his com-
munity. He entered the military service in October, 1861,
and served four years and three months in Company F,
Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged
with the rank of captain. Upon his return home he attended
school and taught schools. He did not begin to preach until
1882. Then he served the Ingraham Church part time for
twenty years and the Union Chapel Church for eleven years.
He held many successful revivals in Clay and Effingham
Counties. He was a good man of fine common sense, whose
work the Lord richly blessed. He moved from his farm in
1904 to Olney and from there in 1908 to Wynne, Ark.
Pent on Lutnm
Was another of the old-time preachers of White County.
He lived in Seven-mile Prairie. His labors were contem-
poraneous with those of Moses Goodwin. While he always
560 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
resided on his farm, he was a man of some culture. He
was a pleasing and inspiring speaker. A man who had been
reared a Methodist heard Mr. Lumm preach one day. At
the close of the sermon, with tears streaming down his
cheeks, he turned to the man who sat next to him and said:
"That is the first Methodist sermon I ever heard in my life."
Jonas Lumm, of Grayville, who was also an old-time
preacher, was Fenton's brother.
Alexander McCollum.
Washington County, Pa., 1820. 1895, Taylorville, 111.
Grew up on a farm in Miami County, O., and received
his early education there. Taught school and studied medi-
cine, but did not graduate. First united with the Baptist
Church, but, hearing Alexander Campbell in a public debate,
he took the Bible alone as the rule of his faith and practice.
Was licensed to preach in 1844 as a man of recognized
ability. He came to Morgan County about 1850. In that
section he was associated with D. P. Henderson, W. W.
Happy and others in evangelistic work. He became the
pastor of the Taylorville Church in 1856, but in 1858 moved
to a farm in Locust Creek Township. There, in a settle-
ment of Ohioans, he formed a Christian congregation that
gave P. D. Vermillion to the ministry. This band never
built a chapel. In 1863, Mr. McCollum returned to Taylor-
ville, where he resided till the close of his life. He rendered
the church there most valuable help. From that place he
preached in all the surrounding region for miles and years.
He led Mrs. Henry Davis to the Lord — she was the mother
of Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. Detterding, both of honored
memory. Mrs. Davis and her husband built the present
house of worship in Taylorville.
Mr. McCollum lived in a time when liquor was in most
homes, but he never knew its taste. In his ministry he was
intrepid and aggressive. On one occasion he entered a
denominational assembly in the country. The regular min-
ister did not come; so the leaders, after a private consulta-
BIOGRAPHIES 561
tion, asked the unorthodox McCollum to "make a few
remarks." He opened up with such unction that there were
tears in many eyes and not a few fervent "Amens." He
came to the great commission, and the tears gave place to
disappointment and the "Amens" to vexation. Next he
stood on Mt. Zion under the throne of the King and amid
the fiery tongues of Pentecost. The preacher's words did
not affect the people like those of Peter. There were hurried
nods and whisperings among the leaders, and a concerted
move among them toward the door. The people followed —
so did the preacher, proclaiming insistently the word of the
Lord. It was an irregular panic, and looked like a flight
from fire or an invasion of Indians. Away went the people
down the main road with the preacher a close second, still
making himself heard and understood. He told them about
Philip in Samaria. At another sign from the leaders the
people took to the woods in squads and singly. The peerless
defender of the faith poured the truth into the squads as he
came upon them. An elderly man, out of breath, heard the
whole story of the eunuch's conversion ; a woman with a
babe in arms heard for the first time about the salvation of
Lydia. Had it not been for the saplings and pawpaw bushes,
the whole history of conversions would have been declared.
John Byram McCorkle.
Lawrenceville, 111., 1819. 1882, Eureka, 111.
His father, Richard B. McCorkle, with his family, moved
to Tazewell County about 1830 and settled a few miles
north of Washington. There he built a strong log residence
that furnished a home and a safe place for women and chil-
dren during the raids of Indians upon the early settlers. His
eldest daughter married John Johnson, and became the
mother of three noted preachers — B. W., R. H. and J. B.
Johnson.
During his early manhood, J. B. McCorkle marketed
farm products at Ft. Dearborn, now Chicago. He seized
every opportunity for his mental discipline and the acquire-
562 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ment of knowledge, including night schools. In his Chris-
tian service he was was much helped and encouraged by
Sanford Gorin, an older elder of the Washington congrega-
tion. He moved to Eureka in 1869. He served the college
as financial agent, preaching as he went among the churches.
He evangelized under the auspices of the missionary co-op-
eration consisting of Woodford, Tazewell and McLean
Counties. During his public ministry, which he continued as
long as his bodily health permitted, he baptized over one
thousand persons. Most of this work was done at his own
charges, supporting his family meanwhile by other means.
His hospitality was so generous that his home in Washington
was nicknamed "The Campbellite Hotel." In this, many of
the pioneers were entertained. Often in his evangelistic
meetings he sang a solo just before his sermon. His faith
in the word of God was abiding. Daily in his home his
family assembled for worship.
W. H. McGinnis.
Missouri, 1838. 1904, Illinois.
Entered the Christian ministry through the action of the
church at Louisiana, Mo., in 1860. The same year he came
into Illinois, where he continued his work to the close of his
life. He wrote a few years before his decease: "As you
probably know, my preacher-life has been a very humble
and uneventful one. My first regular work was in the
counties of Brown and Schuyler in 1862. At that time I
was almost the only Christian preacher, outside of Quincy,
in all that region between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.
The Civil War was then on. Hundreds of soldiers were
being brought back — sick, wounded, dying and dead. Many
nights I rode on horseback, through mud and darkness, to
be at the places where soldiers were to be buried, and give
consolation through the preaching of the gospel. In the first
five years of my ministry, although I baptized many hun-
dreds of people, I did not receive enough money to buy my
clothes. The first State convention I attended was in Bloom-
BIOGRAPHIES 563
ington in September, 1863. On the first morning of the
convention the ground was covered with a heavy frost — a
splendid corn crop was in ruins. A sadder- faced audience
I never looked into. Robert Foster said: 'Let us brace up.
I move that the janitor make a fire, and that Bro. Fillmore
lead us in one of his best songs.' Both of these things were
done, and through our prayers the Lord's work moved on
gloriously."
While Mr. McGinnis was a faithful preacher of the
Word, he was pre-eminently a man of peace. Through the
gentleness of his spirit and the sweetness of his disposition,
the influences of his consecrated life were as wholesome and
abiding as the sunshine.
John Henry McGuffin.
Scott County, Ky., 1844. 1891, Illiopolis, 111.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1857. Educated in
the public schools and the Mechanicsburg Academy. Enlisted
in the Tenth Illinois Cavalry in July, 1862, and at the end of
three years was mustered out as corporal of Company G.
He was engaged in secular business till 1886, when he
entered the ministry. He was a man of fine character and
did efficient service in the few years of his ministry.
George G. McManus.
Jefferson County, Ky., 1804. 1888, Odessa, Tex.
Began preaching in Ohio in 1824. In 1843 came to
Princeton, 111. Did much pioneer work in Bureau County
with a most unselfish and devoted spirit. He served as
county judge for several years. Moved to Kansas in 1873,
where he lost his wife by a fire. Mr. McManus was one of
the Lord's great men.
Jo Major.
Walnut Grove, 111.. 1834. 1913, Eureka, 111.
A son of Ben Major. For many years a trustee and
liberal financial supporter of Eureka College. He was cap-
564 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
tain of Company A, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
A braver man never followed a flag in all the fortunes of
war. His patriotism was wholly unselfish and his Christian
life modest.
William Trabue Major.
Frankfort, Ky., 1790. 1867, Bloomington, 111.
For many years this name was as familiar to the people
of Bloomington as the name of the city itself. He was edu-
cated at Georgetown, Ky., and came to Bloomington in 1835.
His removal to Illinois grew out of his aversion to negro
slavery. He was a descendant of the Huguenots and was a
man of earnest religious convictions.
For six years he was a member of the Baptist Church,
but in 1830 he was excluded from the fellowship of that
body because he held and advocated religious views which
he believed to be more in harmony with the Bible than those
preached by the Baptists at that time. It was in this way
that he came thus early into the movement looking to the
reproduction of the New Testament church. He was the
leading spirit in the organization of the Christian Church in
Bloomington. He built, almost single-handed, its first house
of worship. Through the active years of his .life he gave
the congregation his thought, prayers, time, energy and
means. When no minister was present, he preached, and
frequently baptized candidates. He presided well at the
Lord's table and exhorted his brethren to fidelity and good
works. While the orthodoxy of the Disciples was for years
a perennial question with his religious neighbors, Mr. Major
knew whom and what and why he believed, and was as
immovable as a mountain.
The growth of the city and his foresighted investments
brought to him considerable property. He was a public-
spirited citizen. The first public hall for general uses was
erected by him at the southeast corner of Front and East
Streets, in 1852. In this the first Republican State conven-
tion was held in May, 1856. In this year he also founded
WILLIAM T. MAJOR.
BUSHROD W. HENRY.
JOHN C. ASHLEY.
S. S. LAPPIN.
BIOGRAPHIES 565
Major Seminary, which, next to his church, he loved and
pnzed. Dr wmiam A Mallor.
Kentucky, 1822. 1884, Illinois.
The parents of Mr. Mallory came from Kentucky to
Illinois in 1827, and settled in what is now Clear Lake
Township, Sangamon County. His mother's brother, John
Dawson, came with them. Mr. Mallory became a Christian
at Clear Lake in 1844, under the preaching- of A. J. Kane.
He began teaching school in 1841. At the same time he
began the study of medicine with Dr. John Todd, of Spring-
field. Later, he pursued his medical studies at Laporte,
Ind., and then practiced his profession, for a time, at Beloit,
Wis. In 1847 he was in the Louisville (Ky.) Medical Col-
lege, and in 1848 located at Fort Madison, la. Near that
city he was married to Miss Susan A. Johnston in 1848.
They returned to Springfield the next year.
In August, 1852, he began the publication of the Chris-
tian Sentinel. From this date, his thought and energy were
mainly given to the work of the ministry. In March, 1856,
he entered the service of the State Missionary Society, in
which he continued until the outbreak of the Civil War.
He was commissioned by Governor Yates, in January,
1862, as a recruiting officer. This work resulted in the
enlistment and organization of the 114th Illinois Volunteer
Infantry, in which Dr. Mallory became captain of Company
C. After one year's service at the front, he resigned by
reason of ill health.
Thereafter, his time and energies were given chiefly to
the work of the gospel. His ministry was confined to central
Illinois. He resided at Howlet, now called Riverton. One
of the sermons that he preached with great power was based
on these words: "For the time is come that judgment must
begin at the house of God ; and if it first begin at us, what
shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?
And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the
ungodly and the sinner appear?" It was a sermon not soon
566 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
forgotten. He was a man of fine courage and cultured con-
science, of kindly heart and generous helpfulness. His active
and useful life was cut short by typhoid fever and blood
George Watson Mapes.
Near Auburn, N. Y., 1828. 1898, Des Moines, la.
The earlier years of his life were passed in Ohio and
Indiana. In 1852 he united with the Baptist Church. In
1853 he brought his family to Bureau County, and the fol-
lowing year united with the church of Christ in Ohio Town-
ship. He bought and cultivated a new farm, but was
ordained to the ministry in 1856. From 1868 his time was
wholly given to the ministry. He planted a congregation in
his home neighborhood and others elsewhere in that county,
was a successful evangelist, and served as pastor at Putnam
and Princeton, leading at the latter place in building the
chapel that is still used. At Washington and Macomb, two
terms, where a chapel was also built during the time, he also
was pastor. Then his ministry was given to Missouri and
Iowa. Mr. Mapes was a good business man, but in his life
the material was always subordinated to the spiritual. He
was gentle and earnest, kindly and strong. Failing health
did not abate his zeal. "I must die with the harness on,"
he said, and so exchanged his cross for his crown.
Geo. W . Martin.
An elder of the Winchester Church. Captain Company
H, 129th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Served one term as
sheriff of Scott County and three terms as circuit clerk.
Died in 1910, in Harvard, Neb.
Rolla M. Martin.
Monongalia County, Va., 1816. 1878, Danville, 111.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1820, who settled
near Georgetown. Vermilion County. There were many
Indians then in Illinois. Mr. Martin grew to manhood on
his father's farm. He attended a few subscription schools
BIOGRAPHIES 567
for a little time, but most of his mental training was acquired
by his personal efforts. His mother was solicitous and ambi-
tious for her son, and so got for him all the books she could.
The Bible was the chief one in the collection. The books
young Martin studied with earnestness and persistence — oft-
times by the light made by the burning of hickory-tree bark
or a grease-lamp. Such was his progress and growth, that at
the age of seventeen he became a teacher. His early man-
hood was spent chiefly in the schoolroom. At twenty-five,
he was ordained to the ministry and continued therein until
his death.
Mr. Martin was a large man in every way. His weight
was 250 pounds, well built, of superior mental powers, of
fine personality and noble bearing. He was a prince among
men. He was a forceful speaker, with fine reasoning
ability. His life falling in the formative period of the Res-
toration movement, he was frequently led into public dis-
cussions. In these, he wielded the sharp sword of the Spirit
with unusual power. Religious errors fell before his Biblical
logic like grain before the sickle. On one occasion, Mr.
Martin, with H. H. Gunn and George Y. Stipp — the father
of T. L. Stipp — held a public debate with three Universal-
ists. It was an interesting time. Riding homeward with one
of his opponents, he said : "Bro. Martin, see, here is water ;
what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Mr. Martin
responded: "If thou believest with all thine heart, thou
mayest." The man replied : "I believe that Jesus Christ is
the Son of God." Then and there the man was baptized.
About 1856, Mr. Martin held a public discussion at Myers-
ville with an M. E. preacher named Garner. He insisted
that Philip and the man of Ethiopia did not go down into
the water, but only near to it or only to it, and Philip
sprinkled water upon the man. Mr. Martin replied by quot-
ing, in a like way, Matt. 8:32: "The whole herd of swine
ran violently down a steep place to or near the sea and per-
ished on dry land." During this debate, Mr. Martin was
accosted on the street by a member of the M. E. Church,
568 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
named Smith, who inquired: "Suppose a man makes the good
confession, as you require, and on the road to the water to
be baptized a limb from a tree falls on him and kills him,
what would you do with him?" Mr. Martin promptly
replied: "I would bury him."
Mr. Martin was a. soul-winner as well as a defender of
the truth. During- his ministry he baptized more than three
thousand people and formed a goodly number of churches.
For many years he was the only Christian minister residing
in Vermilion County. His trials for Christ's sake were
many. He often rode long distances to his appointments,
through all kinds of weather and roads and across swollen
streams that endangered his life. Twice he was elected
treasurer of Vermilion County, but declined further civil
service because it hampered his work as a preacher. He
still lives in the lives of multitudes.
/. D. Metcalf.
Hopkinsville, Ky., 1834. 1887, Girard, 111. _
Was brought, when a year old, by his parents to Illinois.
They settled in Greenfield. Mr. Metcalf moved to Girard
in 1856, and there resided to the close of his great and good
life. He was a successful general merchant, lumber dealer
and banker. He became one of the leading citizens of that
community, and was held in high esteem both for his per-
sonal worth and his public spirit. He served the church
most efficiently as an elder for twenty-one years, when his
life closed. His Christian outlook was world-wide, and in
his last will he remembered State, Home and Foreign Mis-
sions in $1,000, severally. His head was clear and his heart
tender, and his influence for Christ will be felt till time falls
asleep on the bosom of God.
David D. Miller.
Zanesville, O., 1815. 1895, Illinois.
Mr. Miller was of German-Scotch blood. His grand-
father, John Miller, held the rank of major in the Revolu-
BIOGRAPHIES 569
tionary Army. In 1798 he colonized Millersburg, Ky. His
father, Adam Miller, was a high Calvinist and an old-school
Baptist who farmed and preached. The boy, David, could
not believe that God was a respecter of persons; so he ran
away from home to attend a Methodist camp-meeting. This
did not help him. His father moved his family to a four-
hundred-acre farm in Cass County, Mich., in 1854. There
he worked on his farm, went to school, learned the trade of
carpenter and read the Bible earnestly.
In 1859 he returned to Ohio. Here he became a Chris-
tian in 1841 at the Brushy Creek Church, which was twenty
miles from his home. Through the influence of Elder Baker,
who was the ablest attorney in Licking County and a great
bishop of the congregation, Mr. Miller entered the ministry.
His first work was that of a missionary, or evangelist, in
four counties of central Ohio, under the direction of the
Elizabethtown Church. His salary was to be $200 a year,
which he was to collect himself. Mr. Miller says: "Then I
thought of the dying Irishman, who willed $200 each to his
several sons. When the boys inquired where the money was
to come from, the father replied: 'You must look after that
yourselves.' " He said further : "Much of my best work was
done outside of the pulpit. I would sometimes form classes
of young people in a neighborhood and explain the Scrip-
tures to them." In his autobiography he gives this incident
also : At the Yearly Meeting at Austentown Valley, the birth-
place of the Restoration movement in the Western Reserve,
fifty ministers were present and eight thousand people
assembled. All the churches and schoolhouses for ten miles
around were used for overflow meetings. William Hayden
preached the anniversary sermon, opening with these words:
"A quarter of a century ago to-day we met on this ground
as a Baptist Association. We resolved to throw away every-
thing but the gospel, and there was not a man among us
that knew what the gospel was ; but we have found out what
it is, thank God." He paused, wiped the tears from his face,
stretched his hands toward the vast throng, and said: "See
570 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
here; what have we done in twenty-five years? We've set
hell afire, made the devil mad and astonished the natives."
Then, Isaac Everritt, who sat beside Mr. Miller, whispered
in his ear: "That's Billy Hayden; he says what he pleases."
In that meeting Mr. Miller was an active participant.
He followed his inclination for evangelistic work, for
which he was well fitted. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Ken-
tucky, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas are all indebted
to his self-sacrificing toil. During the forty-one years of his
ministry he baptized about four thousand people, engaged
in eight public discussions and did an immense amount of
hard gospel work. He was a man cast in an iron mould, but
with a tender heart and cheerful disposition. For his faith
in God he would have as willingly have gone to the stake
as he did to breakfast. His temperament was poetic, and
patience the woof of his soul. In politics, he was an Aboli-
tionist— by heredity and environment. He lived and died in
the fear of the Lord and the love of man.
James J. W. Miller.
Illinois, about 1831. 1907, Illinois.
Began to preach at the age of eighteen years. Educa-
tional opportunities were limited, but he grew into the use
of pure and forceful language. His field of labor was lim-
ited to Pike, Calhoun, Green and Macoupin Counties, but he
did considerable work in Missouri. In his revivals he laid
the beginning of many churches. He was a man of high
ideals, candid and devoted to truth and duty. His indus-
trious habits were well known. When not preaching, he was
engaged in manual labor. For fifty-five years he proclaimed
the glad tidings to his fellow-men.
George W. Minier.
Ulster, Pa., 1813. 1902, Chicago, 111.
Mr. Minier was of German and English parentage. Both
of his grandfathers were soldiers in the Colonial Army. He
was educated at the Athens University, Pennsylvania. At
GEORGE W. MINIER.
JAMES ROBESON.
JOSEPH B. McCORKLE.
JOHN W. SCONCE.
BIOGRAPHIES 571
the age of nineteen he became a schoolmaster in New York
State. In those early years he also developed his ability to
speak in public.
He came to Illinois in 1837 and settled in Bureau County,
where he resided for ten years. While there, he surveyed
the State road from Peru to Knoxville and taught schools.
One of these was at Leepertown.
Jan. 1, 1839, he was married to Miss Sarah Ireland. To
this union six sons and six daughters were born. In 1839
he surveyed a part of the Illinois River bottom about
Starved Rock.
In the spring of 1841 he was immersed by Dr. P. G.
Young in or near Magnolia, 111.
In 1847 he came to Bloomington and opened a high
school for young people. The next year he conducted the
same kind of school at Mackinaw.
In 1851 he moved to his farm in Tazewell County, near
the Little Mackinaw Church. He got his land from the
Government with soldiers' warrants. The land cost him
eighty-three cents per acre. Soon after he became a Chris-
tian he was induced to enter the ministry. He was with
Alexander Campbell on a part of his tour through Illinois
in 1853. In the earlier years of his ministry, he preached
now and then at Bloomington, Elkhart, Fremont, Mackinaw
town, Little Mackinaw, Hittle's Grove, Washington, Waynes-
ville, Le Roy, Springfield, Peoria, Pekin and elsewhere. Dur-
ing those years he was associated with H. D. Palmer, Wm.
T. Major, William Davenport, Andrew Ross, William Ryan,
O. A. Burgess and other distinguished men. In 1867, in
company with Messrs. Blackstone, Boyer and Stroud, he
platted the town that bears his name. It is located three and
a half miles south of his old home.
In all-round culture and Christian character, there were
few, if any, superior to Mr. Minier in the period of his
prime. He was rated high in educational lines. Frequently
he was called upon for lectures. In schools, sometimes his
subject was trees; then again it was birds. He was presi-
572 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
dent of the North American Forestry Association, also of
the State Horticultural Society. He was also a member of
the National Peace Society and an earnest advocate of its
principles ; also of all temperance work.
In his young manhood he was very handsome. His ele-
gant appearance and refined manners attracted all classes.
He was welcomed by the young as well as the old. Little
children would run out to meet him where he was being
entertained. With his brethren in the ministry he was
always cordial and entirely free from any feeling of jealousy.
He never preached a long sermon, and his services were in
wide demand for weddings and funerals and other public
or semi-public occasions. He never used tobacco in any
way, in which he was in striking contrast with some of his
contemporaries. He could easily quote from Milton, Young
and, especially, from Shakespeare. "He saw sermons in
stones, books in brooks and good in everything." In the
pulpit he was a teacher. His speaking was on a dignified
level. He depended upon the truth of God, presented dis-
tinctly and carefully. He never got lower than a high level.
There was in him a fine sense of humor. While he did
not encourage unseemly demonstrations, he enjoyed a ripple
of appreciation that fit the occasion. At one time, a good,
sedate sister called him to account for creating what she
called "unholy levity" in the congregation. In all kindness,
he responded:
"My dear sister, you would forgive me if you knew how
much I keep back."
He had his troubles, as other men have, but he never
intruded them on his friends. He never went around look-
ing "blue." At one time one of his friends said to him :
"Bro. Minier, how do you seem so cheerful when you have
been walking through deep waters?" He replied: "My dear
brother, trouble is the last thing in the world to nurse. I
must save my strength to do my work. I will not waste
time on what can not be remedied. Any trouble that comes
to me I will not lay upon the hearts of others."
BIOGRAPHIES 573
One of his moral axioms was this: "When we have done
what we can to make the world wiser, better and more beau-
tiful, we should be satisfied."
"Only the actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in
the dust."
Mordecai Mobley.
Was one of the early settlers of Sang-amon County, where,
in 1824, he was married. In his youth he was "wild," but
in the wave of religious interest that passed over that county
by the preaching of Dr. Robert Foster, Mr. Mobley became
a Christian. He continued in the Lord's service with great
energy. He served as justice of the peace, and was con-
nected with the land office at Springfield. Meanwhile, he
was active in the church there. He moved to Dubuque, la.,
in 1850, and at once set about to establish a church there.
He was not a preacher, but he taught the people who met
for public worship on the Lord's Day and led them in all
good works. President Lincoln made him postmaster at
Dubuque. He was a man who sought first the kingdom of
God. At eighty-five years he died in Washington, D. C.
F. L. Moore.
Illinois, 1857.
Mr. Moore was born three miles west of Clinton, among
the blackjack and sassafras trees. He is still considered to
be a young man. When he was twenty-eight years of age,
his education had neither limit nor boundary line. Then he
left the jeweler's bench and spent four months in Eureka
College. That he might continue his work there, he asked
a loan of a small sum from a rich man, who refused and
severely criticized him for having left a good business and
wasting his time in college. The most of his ministerial
work has been done in Missouri and Kansas, as pastor,
evangelist and Bible-school evangelist. His ability as an
artist and an engraver has greatly helped in his blackboard
and chart work. In late years he has served the Abingdon
Church with efficiency. Mr. Moore has never found time to
574 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
waste with the higher critic and has never overtaxed his
mind in trying to find out whether Moses wrote the Penta-
teuch with a goose-quill pen or not. He has never had any
more sense than to believe that the gospel is the power of
God unto salvation, and has baptized multitudes. He hopes
to preach until he is ninety, and then move out on a little
garden- farm.
G. W. Morrell.
Illinois, 1831. 1909, Illinois.
One of the self-sacrificing and devoted preachers of the
earlier years. His ministry was chiefly in Richland, Wayne,
Wabash, Clay, White and Lawrence Counties. To him, the
church in Olney is much indebted. His ministerial labors
reached also into Indiana and Ohio.
The Mulkeys.
The Mulkey family came to America from Sweden about
1650 and settled on a part of the territory watered by the
Delaware River and Bay. Their history, is an interesting
one. They were men of earnest Christian convictions and
high moral purpose and courage. As far as known, there
was only one exception — he was a shocking pervert.
William F. Mulkey.
A successful business man and a faithful Christian. He
represented his district in the House of the Twenty-ninth
General Assembly. He refused a nomination to the State
Senate in 1880.
John M. Mulkey,
For whom Mulkeytown, in Franklin County, received its
name, with his brother Jonathan H., came from Tennessee
to Illinois in the early thirties. He built the first house on
the site of Mulkeytown in 1837. The post-office was called
Little Muddy, because it had been previously established at
the house of John Kirkpatrick, who lived near Little Muddy
Creek. The name was not changed to Mulkeytown till after
BIOGRAPHIES 575
the Civil War. Another brother, Dr. C. F. Mulkey, came
from Tennessee to the same locality in 1832, and was
engaged for a time with John M. in the mercantile business.
Philip Mulkey
Came to this locality in 1835 and spent the balance of his
life in preaching the gospel and teaching school. His four
sons, three of whom are named above, all preached, but
were chiefly engaged in other business.
John Newton Mulkey.
Tompkinsville, Ky., 1806. 1882, Glasgow, Ky.
John Mulkey, the father of John Newton, moved from
Tennessee to Kentucky about 1801, and settled on Mill
Creek, some two miles from Tompkinsville. In 1809, while
preaching a sermon at the home of William Simms, from
the tenth chapter of John, and making a strong effort to
maintain the doctrine of Calvinism, his own arguments con-
vinced himself that this teaching was false. The Stockton
Valley Association, to which the Mill Creek Church belonged,
called him to account. The upshot of the matter was that
John Mulkey left the Baptists and took many of the Mill
Creek Church with him. These met together on the third
Saturday in November, 1809, and, after prayer, organized a
church on the Bible alone, rejecting human creeds, confes-
sions of faith and books of discipline. This congregation
came to be known as the "Bible Alone Church." Hence, it
is plain that his son, John Newton Mulkey, was as near
religiously free-born as any one of his time. He began to
preach in East Tennessee in 1831. In the summer of 1832,
two miles west of Wolf River, Clay Co., Tenn., in the Lib-
erty meeting-house, he preached a sermon on "The Weekly
Meeting- of the Church to Break Bread." He came to
Illinois in 1857, settling in Perry County. He was reckoned
the most powerful preacher of this name, and the equal of
the best of his time. He preached the Word clearly and
with unusual sympathy for all those whom he addressed.
576 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
While supporting his family from his farm for twenty years,
he did efficient ministerial work in southern Illinois. The
closing years of his life were passed in Kentucky. It is
estimated that he preached ten thousand sermons and
immersed nearly that number of believers.
Dr. Isaac Mulkey
Came to Illinois in 1846. He united the healing art and the
work of the ministry. His preaching was continuous. He
resided in Carbondale and died at Ashley.
Besides these named above, other Christian preachers of
this family went West — some to Missouri, some to Arkansas
and others to Oregon.
Patrick H. Murphy.
Warren County, Ky., 1828. 1860, Abingdon, 111.
Came to Warren County in 1833. Became a Christian at
the old Coldbrook Church at the close of 1840, and was for-
mally ordained to the ministry in 1850. Was educated at
Galesburg and Bethany College. Mr. Murphy and J. C.
Reynolds opened an academy at Abingdon in 1853. By its
efficiency the school quickly grew into popularity. This led
to the beginning of Abingdon College in 1854. Mr. Murphy
became its first president and filled the position most suc-
cessfully till his early death. Meanwhile, he served the
Abingdon Church as its pastor. He was a fine scholar, a
good executive and a high type of Christian gentleman. His
demise was an irreparable loss to the cause of Christian
education in western Illinois.
Clement Nance, Sr.
Pittsylvania County, Va., 1756. 1828, Floyd County, Ind.
This man was never in Illinois, and he died two years
before the dissolution of the Mahoning Association, by which
action Alexander Campbell was formally separated from
the Baptists. The appearance of this notice of Mr. Nance
here would seem to be an anachronism. What, then, is its
BIOGRAPHIES 577
apology? Probably not more than once in a century have a
man's posterity been so impressed by the blood and faith of
a great progenitor. Mr. Nance became a Christian in the
Methodist Church in 1773. In 1790 he received license to
celebrate the rites of marriage as a Baptist, giving bond for
the same with a security in the sum of $2,500. He was
married to Mary Jones and they became the parents of
twelve children. Their descendants, with their families, now
number about thirty-five hundred, and are scattered through-
out the middle and far West. Mr. Nance came from Vir-
ginia into Kentucky in 1803, where he stayed about eighteen
months. It is highly probable that during this time he met
Barton W. Stone, for thereafter to the close of his life he
was a steadfast advocate of the principles of the Restoration
movement.
Some of his descendants were the Burtons of Woodford
County, of whom Mrs. B. B. Tyler is one ; the Richardsons
of Adams and Woodford Counties, of whom are A. A. and
Min. Frank Richardson ; John Oatman, the founder of the
church at Eureka, married a daughter; the Mitchell, Long,
Harber and Nance families all carry the blood of Clement
Nance, Sr., as do many others in a less ratio. "Uncle Jimmy
Robeson" was his son in the gospel. Most of his posterity
have been Disciples of Christ. In a larger or smaller degree
the churches at Eureka, Mount Zion (near by), Secor,
Bloomington, Lexington, Sterling, Blandinsville and Quincy
have received his marvelous impress. He laid his wand of
empire on generations and sends his message of high pur-
pose down the ages.
Dr. W. P. Naramore.
New York, 1824. 1910, Illinois.
His parents died when he was young. He grew to man-
hood on a farm near Chardon, O., in a family named King.
They were most earnest Disciples and gave this youne man
an excellent Christian training. He graduated at Williams
Medical College in Ohio at the age of twenty-one. Coming
19
578 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
to Stephenson County, 111., in 1846, he entered upon the
practice of medicine. Finding in his new home no church
built after the apostolic pattern, he proceeded to establish
one. About two miles west of the village of Oneca, his then
place of residence, was the Van Meter settlement. There he
established the Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ and ministered
to it many years. Of that congregation, Judge Andrew
Hinds was an active member. Later, Dr. Naramore preached
in the Baptist chapel in Lena and elsewhere in the county.
Meanwhile, he continued in the practice of his profession
assiduously. While he never sought any public office, he
was a member of the State Legislature in 1859-60, and also
a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1862.
He introduced Judge J. M. Baily and R. R. Hitt into public
life. He greatly desired to enter the Federal Army during
the Civil War, but the men enlisting in a large section of
Stephenson County positively insisted that he stay at home
and care for their families while they were away. This he
did free of charge to all of them. For twenty-five years he
was president of the Old Settlers' Association of that county.
He was always firm in his Christian faith. His intelli-
gent conscience permitted no concessions to error or com-
promise of gospel truth. His sincerity, wide information,
admirable spirit and steadfast devotion to high ideals made
him a superior Christian man. His fine character com-
manded the fullest confidence and highest esteem of all his
fellOW-CitizenS. jjr-n- r- AT r
William E. Nelson.
Sparta, Tenn., 1824.
Mr. Nelson's mother was a devout Presbyterian and his
father a member of the same church. When William was
about eighteen years of age, he attended a union revival, in
which Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians participated.
During this meeting those who "got through" laughed
immoderately. But William failed of "the blessing." Then
he betook himself to his father's office, who was an attorney,
to pray. It was not long till he, too, was laughing; where-
BIOGRAPHIES 579
upon, the minister assured him that he was accepted by the
Lord. He then united with the Presbyterian Church, and he
became quite "a respectable member." However, he was
disquieted about his baptism. Shortly, a "Campbellite"
preacher named Hooker passed that way. But the sheriff
locked the courthouse against him. Then the preacher took
to the woods. William was inclined to hear him, although
he thought this minister had no more religion than a horse.
That sermon on "Rightly Dividing the Word" set him to
thinking and to reading the Bible. Seven years later, another
preacher of the same fellowship passed that way. Nine
miles north of Sparta, he preached in a schoolhouse to just
four people — a man and his wife who were simply Chris-
tians, the negro janitor and young Nelson, who had gone out
on horseback to hear the sermon. There he halted the
formal closing of the meeting to make the good confession.
Shortly thereafter, he was immersed in a creek. His mother
cordially encouraged her son in his chosen course.
Mr. Nelson came to Decatur in 1857. During all the
years of his virility he was an active and helpful member
of the church. His custom was to read one or more books
of the Bible through at a sitting and every week; thus his
knowledge of the Scriptures came to be comprehensive and
profound. He was elected a circuit judge in 1876 under the
new law, but failed of a re-election in a district that was
overwhelmingly against him politically. In 1886 he was
chosen county judge, in which position he served eight years.
Mr. Nelson is probably the most widely known and best
loved man in Macon County. In 1912 the city of Decatur
named one of its public parks for him. The experiences of
eighty-nine years have not frozen the cheerful humor and
keen wit out of him. At his eighty-eighth birthday he wrote
the following:
VERBAL INSPIRATION OF THE BIBLE.
Numerous articles have been written to prove the verbal inspira-
tion of the Bible, all of which make numerous quotations from the
Book itself to prove the proposition. For instance : "The word of the
580 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Lord came to Ezekiel, saying." The fault of this method is apparent
in that it makes the Book itself the witness ; but it must be remem-
bered that a good many persons do not accept the Book as from God.
In the matter of a divine revelation two factors must be con-
sidered : First, God, who knew the truth concerning facts unknown to
man, was sovereign, and had power to make promises and keep them ;
and man, who did not know and was to learn and obey, considering
the powers of his reasoning, and capability to understand.
In considering these factors, the nature of both must be taken
into view. God had created man, and, being omniscient, knew that
man had ears and a mouth, and could speak and receive and com-
municate with ideas in the use of language composed of words.
Knowing this, God made his revelation to man in words that the
man could understand. If he did not, then His revelation misleads
instead of improving. This we can not believe with our idea of God's
omniscience and goodness, and the very purpose he had in view in
making the revelation. Hence the words were chosen by Him with
the view to man's information, and must have been selected by God
as suitable and apt to convey to man God's idea.
This is the common-sense view and is the simple argument for
verbal inspiration. It is irrefutable in man's reason and proves verbal
inspiration without the Book as witness. It appeals alone to man's
capability to reason — an argument addressed to man's common sense.
Andrew D. Northcutt.
Montgomery County, Ky., 1813. 1890, Christian County,
111.
Mr. Northcutt was of Welsh extraction and a self-made
man. His grandfather, Jeremiah Northcutt, served seven
years as a soldier in the Colonial Army and was present at
Yorktown at the surrender of Cornwallis. Mr. Northcutt's
school privileges were very limited, but his persistent indus-
try fitted him for the work of teaching. He came to Illinois
in the fall of 1836, and for fifty-four years he resided, suc-
cessively, in Sangamon, Shelby and Christian Counties. He
was a successful farmer and stock-raiser and he was a suc-
cessful preacher as well. He entered the church in 1843
and the work of the ministry shortly thereafter. With his
pioneer neighbors he ate and slept, exchanged work in the
harvest-fields, joined in the drives to the markets in the
genuine spirit of Christian democracy. With them he toiled
BIOGRAPHIES 531
and sweat six days in the week, and to them he sweat and
preached on the seventh.
But he was not an exhorter. His speech ran evenly and
calmly always. He was a man of superior natural powers
of mind; analytic, logical, clear and argued with a force
peculiarly his own. He was energetic and tireless in the
organization and upbuilding of churches among the people
of central Illinois, at a time when churches were few and
far between, and the visit of a minister of any denomina-
tion an event in the community. As illustrating the denomi-
national feelings at the middle of the nineteenth century, he
related the following incident: The Methodist Sunday schools
along the Sangamon River westward from Decatur united
in the celebration of the Fourth of July in an assembly that
convened in one of the inviting natural groves contiguous to
that stream. Among the banners carried in the procession was
one representing a big frog in the act of jumping into the
stream traced below, and across the form of the ugly
amphibian was printed the word "Campbellite" ! However,
Mr. Northcutt cherished well-defined friendships for his old-
time friends.
Harrison W. Osborne.
Kentucky, 1800. 1883, Illinois.
Was baptized by Barton W. Stone in 1817, and two years
thereafter was ordained to the ministry. Thus he early
became actively associated with Mr. Stone in his reformatory
work. Mr. Osborne came to Morgan County about 1830,
and was an earnest preacher in the Christian Denomination
until the union of the "New Lights" and the "Reformers"
into the Jacksonville Church of Christ by Mr. Stone in
1832. Thereafter, to the close of his long and useful life,
he was a faithful teacher of the truth as it is in Jesus. He
was a small man physically, but with superior mental endow-
ments and spiritual culture. He rode horseback over a wide
territory and was very prompt in meeting all his engage-
ments. His manner wns modest and his voice gentle, but he
emphasized those teachings of the Scriptures with great
582 HISTORY OF THE DlSCiPLES IN ILLINOIS
earnestness that his hearers most needed. Colonel Judy says
of him: "He was quite eloquent, hewing close to the line all
the way through." His last years were passed at Berlin,
Sangamon County. There his beautiful and winsome char-
acter so took hold of the community that many of the young
people thought they could not be married without "Uncle
Harrison," and his services were in wide demand for
funerals. When the burden of years became heavy upon
him, he said: "I am waiting for my Saviour's welcome on
the other shore."
George Carroll Oiven.
Poplar Grove, Tenn., 1812. 1890, Columbus, Kan.
His father was a well-known Methodist preacher in his
locality in Tennessee. The family came to Macoupin County
in 1830. Three years later, George united with the Meth-
odist Church. In a short time he entered the Christian
Church and its ministry. He was abundant in labors in that
section of the State as a forceful and convincing preacher.
His life was passed on the farm, and his ministerial services
were mainly without money compensation. Later in life, he
preached in Mississippi, Louisiana and Kansas. While on
the way to fill an appointment, his last illness smote him
and death took him. He had been a preacher about fifty-five
years, and had aided in the organization of many churches.
A. N. Page.
Mrs. Mary A. Grove Page was baptized in 1836 in a
meeting held at Panther Creek, Wood ford Co., 111., by those
great pioneers, William Davenport, James Robeson and Jas.
A. Lindsey. Her husband, A. N. Page, was baptized by
Henry D. Palmer in 1844. Mrs. Page said that her husband
was converted by a personal study of the Word, and when
the minister came along he was baptized. Immediately
thereafter he began what would now be called cottage
prayer-meetings. His neighbors were invited to his home
and to the homes of two other families of the community,
BIOGRAPHIES 583
where they sang, studied the Bible, prayed and observed the
Lord's Supper. With this start, Minister Palmer called him
to the ministry. In this service he continued fifty years. He
did missionary work in Woodford, Mason, Tazewell, Liv-
ingston and other counties. He led many people in central
Illinois to Christ, and he was there known and loved by
many.
Oliver J. Page.
Edwards County, 111., 1867.
Was a teacher in Eureka College. Served as principal
of the Metropolis High School and pastor of the church
there. Elected to the House of the Legislature in 1898.
Henry D. Palmer.
Charleston, S. C, 1781. 1861, Illinois.
Mr. Palmer, in his early manhood, was a carpenter.
Before his conversion it was his custom to work seven days
in the week. He cared nothing for God. The church near-
est his home in Tennessee belonged to the Presbyterians.
One of its members was a good Christian woman who was
a neighbor of the Palmer family. She often invited them
to go to meeting with herself and family, but Mr. Palmer
always replied: "I am too busy." One Sunday morning she
stopped and first asked Mrs. Palmer to go with them. She
replied: "I'll go if Henry will; you ask him." So she went
out to his shop and said : "Won't you go to church with me
to-day ?" He replied : "No, I haven't time." Then she said :
"Henry, some time you'll have time to die," and left him.
That proved the alarm-bell to him. Shortly he went into his
residence and said : "Wife, let's go to church." They went,
and kept going. They together read the Bible and prayed.
In due time they wished to unite with the church. As they
objected to being sprinkled, the Presbyterian minister
immersed them. Just before he was baptized he took his
tobacco from his pocket and threw it far away, saying: "I
read in the Bible that we must put away all filthiness of the
584 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
flesh." As he continued to study the Bible, he found that
he could not subscribe to the Westminster Confession of
Faith; so in kindness he withdrew and united with the Bap-
tists. He came to Illinois first in 1819, and for a time was
associated with the "Christian Settlement" that had been
formed the year before in Lawrence County, seven miles
northwest of Vincennes, Ind. The locality is now known
as Allison Prairie. The settlement was founded and the
church there formed by the good people of the Christian
Denomination. Mr. Palmer was then formally affiliated with
them. He left there and went to Indiana, but returned to
Illinois in 1835 and settled on Crow Creek, in Marshall
County. There he bought a farm, on which he made his
home to the close of his life. Thereafter, his course was
that of the brave and self-sacrificing pioneers. He traveled
and preached far and near. He was one of the strongest
preachers of the period, and most of the infant churches of
central Illinois were helped by his able, Scriptural sermons.
He was present and helped in the formation of the General
Christian Missionary Society at Cincinnati, O., in 1849. In
1850 he was at Shelbyville, and assisted in organizing the
State Missionary Society and was chosen its first president.
He taught O. A. Burgess the way of the Lord, baptized
him and induced him to become a preacher.
I. A. J. Parker.
Farmington, Tenn., 1840.
When a little child, was taken with his father's family
to Tippah County, Miss. There he grew to manhood. His
father was a Christian preacher, so the son received a good
education for that day. He became a Christian in 1858. At
seventeen he became a schoolmaster and continued in this
work until the Civil War began. He enlisted in the First
Alabama Federal Cavalry and was honorably discharged as
first lieutenant. He came to Johnson County, 111., in 1865.
There he has been a farmer, merchant, schoolmaster, singing
teacher and preacher. In 1888 he was elected to the House
BIOGRAPHIES 585
in the General Assembly. Mr. Parker is a man of fine char-
acter. He is modest, cultured and sweet-spirited and devoted
to the truth as it is in Jesus. His ministry in southern
Illinois has been a blessing to many. He has taught 113
singing-classes and in this way won the hearts of the young
people, and then won them to Christ. He has evangelized,
established congregations and cared for them. One elder
said: "Bro. Parker has completely transformed the character
of this community during his ministry."
Two of his sons, W. A. and B. E. Parker, are Christian
ministers, and also his son-in-law, E. W. Sears.
John F. M, Parker.
Knox County, O., 1838. 1906, Galesburg, 111.
When a child he came with his father's family to Illinois.
Was educated in the public schools and Berean Christian
College at Jacksonville. He entered the active ministry at
the age of nineteen, in which he continued forty-five years.
He organized and built up the church at Putnam, which was
his home. His ministry extended over the southern section
of the Military Tract. He served as State evangelist of Min-
nesota for several years, where his heroic work was fruitful
of results that remain to this day. His faith was rich and
strong, his Tife gentle and peaceable, his character beautiful
and winsome. He gave himself heartily to the Restoration
movement, although the active years of his life were passed
on his farm, where most of his ten children grew up. Within
eleven months he lost a son, a daughter, his farm and his
wife. But then he said : "I know whom I have believed, and
am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com-
mitted to him against that day." Mins. J. E. and L. G.
Parker are his sons.
Abner Peeler.
No name is met more frequently among the pioneer
preachers of central Illinois than Abner Peeler's. He was
abundant in labors, preaching the gospel over a wide scope
586 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
of the new and sparsely settled country. Yet little of him
went into the written records of the times. He was a man
of varying moods. In the thirties he, with Hughes Bowles,
began a meeting of days in a log-cabin residence of one of
the brethren. Within a few days the meeting failed to come
up to Mr. Peeler's expectations and he became discouraged.
He told Mr. Bowles that he was too sick to help that even-
ing, and that he would lie down on the bench and listen to
the songs and sermon. Such difficulties challenged the
courage of Mr. Bowles, so he then preached with such
power that several persons went forward to make the good
confession. This at once restored Mr. Peeler to his normal
condition of health. He was instantly upon the floor, and,
without coat or boots, made such an exhortation that the
entire assembly was moved and a number of others turned
to the Lord. After that, Mr. Peeler was often referred to
as "the preacher who exhorted in his stocking feet." But
he was a farther-seeing man and advised his brethren to
move out of the woods and settle on the prairies. At one
time he resided in White Oak Grove, in Wood ford County.
L. B. Pickerill.
Woodford County, 111., 1853.
Educated at Eureka and at the Bible College, Lexington,
Ky. His ministry has been wholly given to the churches
of Christ in Illinois, which he has served faithfully and well.
William S. Pick r ell.
Montgomery County, Ky., 1807. 1870, Mechanicsburg,
Accompanied by his brother, Jesse Pickrell, he came to
Sangamon County in 1828. Together the two brothers had
three horses and $300. He entered land where Mechanics-
burg now is and later laid out that village. He was a man
of public and patriotic spirit, and came to know personally
every man of prominence in the then large county of Sanga-
mon. In the Black Hawk War he messed with his friends,
BIOGRAPHIES 587
Abraham Lincoln, John T. Stewart and Elijah lies. He
became a major in the State Militia.
He became a Christian in 1842. At once he took an
active and leading part in the church. A man of superior
capabilities and spirit, he served the congregation with great
efficiency in every position. When no preacher was present,
he spoke well to the people. He was always ready for
every good work — to instruct the untaught, to encourage the
discouraged, to strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowing,
to assist the needy and help bury the dead. His home was
noted for its hospitality near and far. Many found a
cheerful welcome. At a "State Meeting" held there in 1856,
his home entertained sixty-four delegates. As his ten chil-
dren grew of age to attend public worship, those who, for
any reason, were required to stay at home, cried. One of his
daughters became the wife of Harvey N. Edwards, another
of George Pasfield, and a third of Wm. Bayard Craig. The
last, Miss Emma, led the congregation in a period of weak-
ness— superintending the Bible school, presiding at the Lord's
table, and doing whatever needed to be done until the tide
turned in the congregation's life.
Mr. Pickrell was a tall, large man, with a florid com-
plexion and gracious manner. He was a prince of the
Lord's. D. ..
/. Henry rickrell.
Mechanicsburg, 111., 1834. 1901, Springfield, 111.
Was a son of W. S. Pickrell, and widely and most favor-
ably known to many still living. He was a most faithful
Christian everywhere and in all things. He was always
willing to assume the hardest tasks, always cheerful, hope-
ful, full of faith and forgetful of self. He was heard to
say that he had not missed a prayer-meeting in forty years.
W. O. Pinnell.
Oldham County, Ky., 1824. 1899, Paris, 111.
Was a fine farmer, stockman and banker in Edgar
County. He was active in raising the Seventy-ninth Illinois
588 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Volunteer Infantry, in which he served as captain of Com-
pany H. He was a member of the Twenty-eighth General
Assembly, served as county clerk in Edgar and as mayor and
postmaster at Paris. He was a member of the congrega-
tions at Kansas and Paris.
James Pool
Came to the Barney's Prairie settlement in what is now
Wabash County from Hamilton County, O., in 1815. He
was the first minister of the Barney's Prairie Church and
continued in that relation until his death in 1854. He was
a godly man and very considerate of the feelings of others.
On one occasion he entertained a brother overnight. Early
next morning he built a rousing fire in the open fireplace in
the room where his guest was sleeping. He thought to fur-
ther please him by playing on his violin. The guest arose
and said: "Bro. Pool, you have offended me." Whereupon,
Mr. Pool, laying his violin on the fire, said: "I will never
offend you again." Such condescension to the Christian
weakness and prejudice indicates the spirit of this good min-
ister of Jesus Christ, who, through thirty-three years of
pioneer toil, laid deep and strong the foundations of this
great church.
William C. Poynter.
Barren County, Ky., 1821. 1899, Albion, Neb.
Came with his father's family to Illinois in 1836, settling
at Palestine, Wood ford County, which was then a part of
McLean. Shortly thereafter, he became a Christian under
the preaching of Wm. Davenport, and at once a diligent stu-
dent of the word of God. He carried his Testament in his
pocket and in a few years could quote most of it from his
memory. In 1852 he lost one of his arms by an accident.
This turned him from farming to preaching. His ministerial
work was mostly in Wood ford County, but it reached over
much of central Illinois. In Iroquois County he was a
pioneer, laying the foundation at Watseka, Wroodland and
Onarga, in the Spring Creek community. In Boone County,
B. J. RADFORD.
OLIVER W. STEWART.
T. T. HOLTON.
JOHN W. ALLEN.
BIOGRAPHIES 589
Neb., he did similar effective work. His preaching produced
an intelligent faith in men that lasted and held them stead-
fast to Christian duty. Mr. Poynter filled a number of civil
offices. Of his two sons who reached maturity, the elder,
W. A. Poynter, held several honorable positions in the State
of Nebraska, one of them being Governor, while the younger,
D. J., is still a preacher and an editor there.
/. A. Reed.
Ohio County, Ind., 1842.
Is a farmer and resides at Mason. Served through Civil
War in the Eighty-third Indiana Infantry. He was elected
to the House of the Legislature in 1906.
John C. Reynolds.
Kentucky, 1822. 1906, Illinois.
Mr. Reynolds came to Illinois in 1839. He settled in
Warren County, a few miles west of Abingdon. He was
licensed to preach in 1850 by the Meridian Church of Christ.
He graduated at Bethany and was one of the founders of
Abingdon College. In this school he served as teacher for
six years. For two years he was president of Christian
University at Canton, Mo. The other years of his active
life were given to the work of the Christian ministry in
Illinois and Missouri. In 1867 he became the proprietor and
editor of the Gospel Echo, and continued in this work for
a period of six years. He grasped and clearly under-
stood the subjects to which he gave his attention. His
method was distinctly didactic. He was as humble, sincere
and guileless as a little child. His sympathies were as wide
as the needs of humanity. His faith was always serene, his
work led by high ideals and his life a benediction to his
generation.
Elbert G. Rice.
Columbia, Tenn., 1823. 1892, Jacksonville, 111.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1832. Their home
was made near the present village of Riggston. His train-
590 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ing in the public and subscription schools was supplemented
by his lifelong readings and study. Thus he came to be a
well-informed man, with good ability to think, reason and
preach. He knew the Bible well and was sincerely devoted
to the Restoration movement. Mr. Rice was a successful
farmer throughout his life, in Cass County for fourteen
years, but most of the time in Morgan. He served fre-
quently as an evangelist, but was particularly a friend of the
weak and needy congregations. These he would help until
they could help themselves, and then turn to other like
places. In him were united many admirable traits. He was
an intelligent, modest, gentle and strong, highly esteemed
man and much loved by all. For many years he was a very
valuable factor in the Jacksonville Church. His life and
ministry were richly blessed of God. Of his eleven children,
nine are living. , ... _,.
/. M. Riggs.
His grandfather, Scott Riggs, came to Illinois in 1815
and settled on Allison Prairie, in Lawrence County, which
was then a part of Crawford. He was a blacksmith, farmer
and preacher. He served as a member of the first Legis-
lature of the State in 1818. He was active in uniting the
Christians and Disciples in that part of the State. He
moved to Scott County in 1825, and was a member of the
church at Exeter at the time of his death.
J. M. Riggs served one term as sheriff of Scott County,
was a member of the Twenty-seventh Illinois Legislature,
of the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth United States Con-
gresses, was nineteen years a member of the Winchester
Board of Education, and an officer of the board during the
entire period. He has long been an active member and
efficient officer of the Winchester Church.
James Robeson.
South Carolina, 1797. 1888, Secor, 111.
The family of James Robeson moved from South Caro-
lina to Kentucky on horseback in 1798, settling at the present
BIOGRAPHIES 591
site of Hopkinsville. There he grew to manhood on a farm
on a part of which the courthouse now stands. He attended
such schools as were within reach at that time, and after-
ward a select school conducted by Barton W. Stone. In
1813 he became a Christian under the ministry of Mr. Stone,
and shortly thereafter entered the ministry. About this time,
Mr. Stone and Clement Nance, Sr., were starting on a
preaching tour from New Albany to Crawfordsville, Ind.
Young Robeson accepted an invitation to accompany them.
On the return trip they stopped overnight at the home of
Mr. Nance, and, according to the custom of the time, had
preaching. Young Robeson said to the girls in the Nance
family that they should not tell any one that he was a
preacher. But they, with true girlish impulse, spread the
report quickly and widely. That evening he was impressed
to preach his first sermon before a large audience and in the
presence of Messrs. Stone and Nance. This was the begin-
ning of a laborious and fruitful ministry that reached
through a period of seventy years. He traveled with Mr.
Stone not a little, preaching from house to house and hold-
ing series of meetings in the fall season. During these
earlier years, Mr. Robeson was profoundly impressed by the
beautiful spirit and strong life of Mr. Stone. These preach-
ing tours reached into Tennessee and Missouri also.
In 1822, Mr. Robeson was married in Kentucky to Miss
Jane A. Earle. They were the parents of eleven children.
In 1835 he sold his lands in Kentucky and freed his
twenty slaves, giving the State his bond for $100,000 for
their maintenance. Coming to Illinois, he settled in Taze-
well County on a piece of land that is now the north edge
of Eureka. After a short residence in Washington, he
moved to a point eight miles southeast of Eureka and there
started a town that he named Bowling Green. Here he
was engaged in merchandising. But he held to his preach-
ing constantly and faithfully in all the regions around his
places of residence. Much of his preaching was in the
hewed-log schoolhouses, so he came to be called the hewed-
592 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
log preacher. In the earlier years of his ministry he was
opposed to a preacher's receiving money for their public
services, but later he came to see the Scripture teaching on
the subject. Reverses in his secular business probably
accentuated this.
In 1841 he was elected to the State Legislature. He
declined a second term on the ground that no preacher has
time to so use. He was associated with Ben Major and
Thomas Bullock in leading the movement that resulted in the
organization of Woodford County from slices of McLean
and Tazewell Counties in 1841.
In 1857 he sold his farm and moved to Secor. There-
after, he was engaged in evangelistic work for about eight
years under the auspices of the McLean County Co-opera-
tion. In the later years of his life he was known as "Uncle
Jimmy Robeson." He was one of God's elect. In his
sermons the love of God for man predominated. He was a
fine exhorter. Many, many great audiences were moved to
tears by his persuasive pleadings. Sitting in a chair, he
preached his last sermon at the age of ninety-one. He was
mighty in prayer, his supplications now melting his hearers
into tears, now lifting them to the gates of glory. His
courage equaled his pathos. On one occasion, at Money
Creek, twelve miles southwest of Lexington, McLean County,
he conducted a very successful meeting. Among the num-
ber was a wife whose husband swore that he would shoot
any man who baptized her. His neighbors said he was a
dangerous man and tried to dissuade Mr. Robeson. He
replied: "If she comes, I will baptize her, knowing that I
will be doing my Master's will." A great concourse of
people assembled at the usual place on the banks of the
Mackinaw the next Sunday. The husband was there with
his gun in hand. Mr. Robeson first offered one of his
powerful prayers that touched and subdued all hearts. The
wife was baptized without disturbance. A short time
thereafter, Mr. Robeson baptized the husband at the same
place.
BIOGRAPHIES 593
Levi Mac Robinson.
Susquehanna County, Pa., 1831.
His early life was spent on the farm. His education
began in a log schoolhouse. At eighteen he was converted
in the United Brethren Church and began at once in the
active service of the Lord. He came to Mt. Pulaski, 111.,
in 1860 and served congregations thereabout. Through the
loving and faithful ministry of Dr. J. M. Allen, Mr. Robin-
son united with the Christian Church. Since then, until the
heavy hands of the years laid their disabilities upon him,
he was an active and faithful preacher in many fields in
central Illinois. From his home in Mt. Pulaski he responded
to many calls from many people and places. There he is
now, a highly respected and revered citizen.
Charles 0. Rowe.
Delaware County, N. Y. 1893, Laramie, Wyo.
Mr. Rowe was first a blacksmith, and the action of the
smith characterized, in a measure, his public ministry — he
hit hard licks. He began to preach at the Berea Church, in
Morgan County, in 1852. His last sermon was on Christmas
Day, 1892, on "Posting the Books for Fifty Years." He
did successful work in Illinois for many years. Mr. T. T.
Holton furnishes the following, incidents that will portray
the man and his manner:
THE SAPSUCKER SERMON.
When pastor of the church at Berlin in the sixties, he was walking
to church on Sunday morning when his attention was attracted by a
sapsucker at work. He was impressed and said to himself, "That
bird never planted the tree, and had it been left to him there would
have been no sap there." Instantly the sermon he had prepared for
that morning was placed on file and he proceeded to make some shoes
that would fit, as was his manner. He spoke of human parasites,
hangers-on, deadbeats ; legislators who traveled on passes while the
masses paid their railroad fares, and members of the board of equali-
zation who did the same ; of the leeches and bloodsuckers of society ;
of loafing big boys who ate the bread of their mothers' toil ; of
"sanctified" husbands who loafed at stores while their wives made the
594 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
living; of the fellows who came to help after the fire was out, and, by
contrast, of the praise and credit that should be given honest laborers
in all necessary industries. The sermon was remembered many years.
Another incident was
THE Pious DOG.
Mr. Rowe began a protracted meeting in a country church in
Illinois. The first night the people came in crowds and with
them came many dogs — he guessed the number at sixty. In
the main there was no particular disturbance until two of the
unfriendly curs came into collision. He met the emergency by
saying just before dismission: "Now, brethren, the dogs are all
right. They seem to enjoy being here. They like to come to
church. They like to be with their folks. A dog would rather be
with a man than to be with another dog. I find no fault with the dog
or his master. But, brethren, dogs have no souls. The preacher has
no mission to dogs, and the attendance of so many dogs with different
dispositions, and different views upon the subjects of the day, may
cause a clash and seriously interfere with the meeting. Now, will
you not all just tie up your dogs to-morrow night at home and see
how we will get along without them." The suggestion was fully
acted upon. The next night Mr. Rowe was well up on Jacob's ladder
in his sermon, when a startling crash was heard; the door flew wide
open, and a great dog, with chain about his neck and an attached
post upon his shoulders, moved to the front of the platform, stopped
and looked with evident satisfaction at the audience. The sermon
ended and every one laughed. The post was detached and the dog
led out. Mr. Rowe concluded the meeting as follows : "Brethren,
there is a great lesson for all of us in what we have seen here to-night.
This pious dog has taught us what we should not forget. He wanted
to come to meeting to-night because he had been here before. I have
just learned that he has been a regular attendant. You can not keep
the regulars away. You can not tie them up so they will not break
away and come. Brethren, get the habit of being here and you will
like it and can't be kept away. Then, this good dog wanted to be with
his folks. He chose his society. He was restless away from those
who befriended him. So ought those to be who stay away from the
house of God. Wake up and come where you will enjoy your best
friends. This brave dog tugged at his post that held him and never
let up till he was with his folks in the house of the Lord I close
with one suggestion, that this pious dog be allowed to be present
every night of the meeting if he chooses to come. Let us be dis-
missed." ., , ,-,
Andrew Ross.
In the year 1845, John, Joseph and Andrew Ross, three
of the sons of Min. William Ross, a Methodist preacher of
BIOGRAPHIES 595
Tuscarawas County, O., came to Illinois and settled in Ohio
Township, in the northern part of Bureau County. These
sons were following in the religious footsteps of their father.
John was an ordained minister, while Joseph and Andrew
were class-leaders in the Methodist Protestant Church.
Before leaving Ohio, John had become somewhat skeptical
about the Scripturalness of some of the teachings of the
church of which they were members. In their new home the
three brothers began a careful and sincere study of the
Scriptures to satisfy themselves on these questions. This
investigation led them to leave the Methodist Church, to be
immersed and to identify themselves with those who desired
to be known as Christians only — rejecting human creeds and
accepting the Bible as the sole Scriptural guide. They began
preaching these truths from house to house, and soon organ-
ized the Ohio Township Church of Christ. About this time,
John Ross built a new barn, in which meetings were held for
a time. Here George McManis and Minister Parkerson
helped them in protracted meetings. Later, the congrega-
tion met in the new schoolhouse. Afterward, a chapel was
built on the farm of John Ross. These Disciples met with
opposition from their religious neighbors. Hence, they were
called upon to defend their teaching. This made them thor-
ough Bible students and able exponents of the word of God.
John Ross moved to Pine Creek, in Ogle County, where
he served the church. Later, he moved to Alma, 111., where
he resided till his death. Thereafter, the chief responsibility
devolved upon Andrew. He continued to look after his large
farm through the week, preach for the congregation on Sun-
days, and usually invited a large number of his hearers to
go home with him to dinner. He reared a large family of
his own and some adopted children besides. He was diligent
in business, generous with his accumulations, fervent in
spirit and walked in fear of the Lord and the high favor of
men. At ninety his heart rests upon the divine promises
and his eye is fixed upon the eternal city. He is of the class
that has greatly enriched the world.
596 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
George W. Ross.
Macon County, 111., 1855. 1910, Vermont, 111.
His early life was passed upon the farm. He attended
the public schools, Kentucky University, and graduated from
Eureka College in 1881. Nearly all of his ministry was
given to Illinois, the closing seventeen years with the Ver-
mont Church as its pastor. Three days before his death, he
drove fifteen miles to conduct a funeral. His wish was to
"die in harness."
Charles W. Ross, one of the most capable preachers in
the State, is his son.
Joseph B. Royal.
1816. 1898, Vermont, 111.
Became a Christian in Sangamon County. Like his
Master, he was a carpenter before he became a preacher.
His home was at Vermont for many years. With that town
as a center, he preached throughout the Military Tract. He
baptized about four thousand persons. The strength of his
life was given to his generation. It was a time of sacrifices.
Preachers' salaries were small, and ofttimes a part was never
paid. But his heart was in his work. He went afoot or on
horseback to his appointments. He preached in homes,
barns, groves, courthouses and schoolhouses. For more than
fifty years he held steadily on in his ministry till the dis-
ability of age laid its hand upon him. In his prime he was
a power in the pulpit.
John L. Routt.
Eddyville, Ky., 1826. ^ Denver, Col.
Was brought in his infancy by his parents to Illinois.
Served as captain of Company E, Ninety-fourth Illinois
Infantry, through the Civil War. Was appointed Governor
of the Territory of Colorado by President Grant, and after
its admission as a State in 1876, he was twice elected as its
chief executive. Mr. Routt was probably the first man
BIOGRAPHIES 597
among the Disciples to pay $10,000, in one sum, to the work
of the church. This he did toward the erection of the First
Christian Church in Denver, Col., of which he was a
member.
Gershom L. Rude.
New York, 1808. 1890, Illinois.
In early life, Mr. Rude learned the blacksmith's trade.
He spent some time in Ohio, where, at Harrison, he became
a Christian and at once entered into active service in the
church. He became associated with George Campbell and
Sidney Rigdon, who afterward became a Mormon. Later,
Mr. Rude moved to Indianapolis, Ind., and just outside its
limits he had his shop. In this city his devotion to the Lord
and his ability as a public teacher of the Word was recog-
nized. He was associated with Mins. John C. New, John
O'Kane, Henry R. Pritchard and Love H. Jameson.
Mr. Rude came to Edgar County in 1855 and located a
few miles northeast of Paris. Here, upon his farm, he
opened a blacksmith shop, united with the Paris Church and
began to preach on Sundays. The passing years were more
and more given to the work of the ministry. He went where
he was invited. His work extended into Coles County, and
in Edgar County there were few communities where he did
not preach, oftentimes without money and without price.
Through life he was an incessant and discriminating reader.
His knowledge of the Bible was such that he would locate
quickly almost any passage read or quoted to him. He
clothed his thought in good language. His style was clear,
argumentative and very dogmatic. In his best years his
ministry turned many to the Lord. Withal, he was a good
singer, and usually started the songs in his meetings. He
was generous, benevolent and kindly in heart. He was, dur-
ing the Civil War, an ardent Unionist and the incarnation
of moral courage. Political feeling was unusually warm in
the southern part of Edgar County, as well as elsewhere,
during that period. Mr. Rude was preaching in those parts
then. Before beginning his discourse there on one occasion,
598 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
he said: "Some people are always crying peace, peace. In
the name of God, if you want peace, why don't you have it?
You cry peace with a revolver in each pocket and the devil
in your heart." People often became so angry with him for
his preaching that they furiously declared that they would
never hear him again ; but these generally did hear him again,
and many of them, sooner or later, became Christians only.
William B. Ryan.
Virginia, 1800. 1877, Missouri.
Mr. Ryan's family moved to Logan County, Ky., in 1818,
and from there to Logan County, 111., in 1830. The latter
trip was made in an ox-cart and required three weeks' time.
The settlement was in Eminence Township. His first home
there was a log cabin, in which the family passed the winter
of "the deep snow."
In 1839 he and his wife were baptized by Walter P.
Bowles. He at once began to preach. He was affectionately
called by most people "Uncle Billy." As a pioneer preacher,
he was a favorite with the early settlers in Logan, Tazewell
and DeWitt Counties. His meetings were held in dwellings,
schoolhouses, mills, or anywhere he could assemble an audi-
ence. One of his favorite expressions was, "Remember the
warning of Mt. Sinai." He was a great admirer of Alex-
ander Campbell, who was once his guest. When traveling
north from Springfield in 1853, Mr. Campbell was accom-
panied by G. W. Minier and others. They stopped at the
home of Mr. Ryan for dinner. They found Mr. Ryan busy
making ax-handles. These Mr. Campbell examined, making
suggestions as to their weight, size, shape, etc. The two
hours' visit was much enjoyed by all. As they left, Mr.
Campbell expressed himself as being much pleased with Mr.
Ryan. His home on the border of the "Big Prairie" was
the stopping-place for most travelers passing through that
region. His hospitality knew no bounds. His latch-string
was always out. Abraham Lincoln was often his guest. A
business letter from Mr. Lincoln to him is a much-prized
BIOGRAPHIES 599
keepsake of his grandsons. He, with eighteen others, organ-
ized the Bethel Church in the northern part of Logan
County. He was its first pastor, and there he passed many
pleasant and profitable years. His was a busy life. He
worked on his farm to support his family, served four years
as associate judge in his county, and was a soldier in the
Black Hawk War. He was twice married. Few men can
show more clean pages in the "Book of Life."
Judge Charles J. Scofield.
Carthage, 111., Dec. 25, 1853.
Grew up to his fifteenth year on a farm. Then began
the classical course in Christian University, Canton, Mo.
Graduated with A.B. degree in 1871. Then taught three
years in Carthage High School. Meanwhile, read law and
was admitted to the Illinois bar in June, 1875. Began at
once the practice of law. In October following, lie v/as
appointed master in chancery of the circuit court of Han-
cock County, which position he filled for ten years. Mean-
while, he was a busy lawyer. In June, 1885, he was elected
one of the judges in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, comprising
the counties of Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Fulton,
Brown, Schuyler and Pike. Re-elected in 1891, thus serving
on the circuit bench twelve years. He declined the third
nomination. In 1893, Judge Scofield was appointed by the
Supreme Court of the State one of the judges of the Appel-
late Court for the Fourth District to fill an unexpired term
of one year. At its close he was reappointed for three
years, thus serving four years on the Appellate bench and
until his service as circuit judge terminated. On the death
of Judge Scott in 1909, Judge Scofield was urged to become
a candidate for the nomination to the Supreme Court, but
declined because of his disinclination to enter personally into
a political contest. Since his retirement from the bench in
1897, his practice has extended throughout Illinois and into
other States. The class of his cases has made him, in con-
siderable measure, a lawyer's lawyer.
600 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Mr. Scofield became a Christian at the age of twelve.
Coming to maturity, he found the church at Carthage finan-
cially weak; hence, he began to supply its pulpit. This led
to his becoming its pastor, which place he filled for about
twenty years. Such salary as was paid him was turned to
the work of the church.
In every way Mr. Scofield is a man of the highest type.
His power of analysis is unusually superior, and his grasp
of a subject is masterful. Preachers who hear him in a
sermon are delighted.
John W. Sconce.
Nicholas County, Ky., 1824. 1910, Kansas.
Mr. Sconce came with his parents to Vermilion County,
111., in 1830, and in 1836 to Shelby County. At the age of
nine he started to school. The only book he 'had was a copy
of the New Testament, his parents being too poor to buy
others for his use. He was baptized by Bushrod W. Henry
in 1841. He began to preach at the White log schoolhouse,
Todd's Point Township, in 1849. The same year he located
on a farm six miles north of Shelbyville. The churches of
the county engaged him to preach in destitute places. His
ministry was fruitful and many were turned to the Lord in
various localities. In 1863 he moved to a farm in Moultrie
County, where, for ten years, he continued the same kind
of work that he had done in Shelby. His family was sup-
ported mainly by his farms. In 1873 he settled in Dalton
City. Chiefly through his labors, a church of Christ was
established there.
In 1876 he moved to Mt. Ayr, la. In that new country
he continued successfully his pioneer work as a preacher.
Ten years thereafter he moved to Attica, Kan. There he
continued in the same sort of work until the infirmities of
age compelled him to give it up. Of such as he the Lord
will make up his jewels.
In such sacrifices of self have the beginnings of the King-
dom been laid through all the centuries.
BIOGRAPHIES 601
Andrew Scott.
Melrose, Scotland, 1857.
Came to America in 1863. Educated in the public schools
of Canada and at Hiram College. Established the first
church of Christ at Portage la Prairie, Man., Can., in
1881. In Illinois he was the very successful evangelist
of the Sixth District for three years. He has served as
pastor in the churches at Normal, Danville and Hoopeston,
where he now is. Mr. Scott's Scotch heart always beats
loyal to the truth as it is in Jesus.
Charles L. Scott.
On a farm in Edwards County, 111., 1876.
Was principal of public schools in Grayville. Elected to
the House in the Legislature in 1908, 1910 and 1912.
Dr. John Scott,
Vermont, 1790. 1883, Prairie City, 111.
Was one of the strong men of his time — physically, men-
tally, morally and spiritually. He was a farmer, a school-
master, a surveyor, a physician and a preacher. When about
eighteen years of age, he made the trip, on board "The
Clermont," from New York to Albany. He came into
Fulton County in 1839. There he, with other pioneers,
formed what came to be known as the Scott Settlement. It
was about five miles north of the site of Cuba. He later
made his home elsewhere in Fulton County, and at these
places had for his neighbors and friends the families of
McBeth, Bell, Rigdon. Oglesby, Reed, Markle, Dr. Speer,
Bangman, Boynton, Wheeler and Levi T. Scott. The wife
of Levi Scott was Mary Doyle, whose family came from
Kentucky to Peoria Countv in 1835. For many years the
Doyle family were influential as Christians in that county.
For about twelve years after coming to Fulton County, Dr.
Scott gave much time to preaching in the cabins of the
pioneers, in log schoolhouses and elsewhere. On canvas, he
602 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
made an outline of Solomon's Temple and its furniture, by
which to instruct people through eye-gates. During this
period he was associated with the Christian Denomination.
In 1851, Michael and Job Coombs, brothers and ministers
of the churches of Christ in Indiana, came that way.
Through their preaching, Dr. Scott and a considerable num-
ber of friends were led to accept the more apostolic teach-
ing. They were baptized on a Monday forenoon in the trans-
parent waters of Lost Grove Creek as it ran its way among
blooming flowers and singing birds. In 1855 there was a
considerable exodus of these people into McDonough County.
They located on new farms near the site of Bushnell. Here
Dr. Scott again took up his faithful and loving ministry and
continued in it until handicapped by the burden of years.
He was a strong and true man, whose life was full of good
deeds.
These facts were furnished by a step-grandson, I. N.
Scott, New Sharon, la.
Walter Scott
Was born in Moffat, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, Oct. 31, 1796.
His parents were people of fine intelligence and culture.
They were all members of the kirk. He was educated in the
University of Edinburgh. When a young man, on the invi-
tation of his uncle, George Innes, he came to New York.
For a time he taught a classical school on Long Island.
Later, he went to Pittsburgh. There he soon made the
acquaintance of a fellow-countryman, Mr. George Forrester.
In his home he found a welcome. Mr. Forrester was a min-
ister of the Haldanean school. At that time he was con-
ducting a school and also preaching to a small membership
whom he had collected together. He invited Mr. Scott to
examine the Scriptural claims of pedobaptism, in which he
had been trained up. He made a faithful investigation of the
subject. His reverence for the authority of God's word led
him to the conclusion that it was a defenseless relic of the
Papacy and wholly without divine warrant. Hence he was
CHARLES W. SHERWOOD.
JOHN YAGER.
WALTER P. BOWLES.
THOMAS GOODMAN.
BIOGRAPHIES 603
immersed by his friend, Mr. Forrester. He at once became
an earnest and persistent student of the Holy Scriptures.
He opened a classical and English high sciiool, but these
duties he did not permit to interfere with his assiduous and
systematic study of the Bible. It was not long until, on one
of Mr. Campbell's visits to Pittsburgh, he and Mr. Scott
became personally acquainted. Both were men of brilliant
and admirable qualities. They were further attracted by
their mutual conclusions on great Scriptural questions. From
that time they were co-operants in the reproclamation of the
gospel as it was first preached by inspired men.
David Franklin Seyster.
Pine Creek Township, Ogle Co., Ill, 1858.
Trained in country schools, high school and Eureka Col-
lege. Preached first sermon in 1888 at La Claire, la.;
walked across Mississippi River on the ice to reach there.
Has served the churches at Coleta, Pine Creek three terms,
Kankakee, where he also preached Sunday afternoons for
two years in the State Hospital by appointment of its super-
intendent, Lynnville, Mt. Morris, Lanark and Savanna.
Everywhere his work has been fruitful in additions and
spiritual results.
Cragy J. Sharp.
A native Scotchman who settled in Bureau County in
1848. A successful farmer and preacher. Associated with
the Ross brothers in the church near Ohio. Fine Bible
scholar and preached without money compensation from one
to three times every Sunday for years. He helped a number
of young men in securing their education at Abingdon,
among them G. T. Carpenter.
Charles W. Sherwood.
Keepskill, N. Y., 1830. 1877, Rockwell, la.
Came to Whiteside County, 111., in 1842. There he grew
up on a farm near Coleta. His parents were Methodists
604 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and most excellent people. Charles resided in a community
of Disciples of Christ and became a Christian only at the
age of twenty-one. At the "social meetings" on the Lord's
Day he began to speak, which led into the ministry. Then
he farmed in the summer-time, mended shoes during the
winter, and preached on Sundays as he could find oppor-
tunity. As he sat on his bench a copy of the Bible and
Webster's Dictionary lay open before him — so he kept peg-
ging away. As a preacher he was popular with all classes
because he preached the truth in love. He was a fine, all-
round minister who traveled from place to place with his
horse and buggy. His evangelistic labors were chiefly in
northern Illinois, where he baptized about six thousand per-
sons. Editor B. W. Johnson once referred to him as "the
noble-hearted Sherwood, the Lion of the North."
W. /. Simer.
Marion County, 111., 1849.
Was educated in the public schools and has applied him-
self diligently to reading and study at home. Began to work
for himself at the age of seventeen and to speak in public
at twenty-five. He taught school and has a good library.
He resides on his own farm, has always been a public-
spirited citizen, and for over thirty years a faithful preacher.
He is a man of fine common sense, sweet disposition and
kindly impulses, and is popular among all classes and ages
of people. His post-office is Kinmundy.
James W. Simpson.
Kentucky, 1804. 1861, Illinois.
After his marriage to Miss Emma Hathaway, near Mt.
Sterling, he came to Illinois in 1835 and settled in Clary's
Grove, Menard County. There he soon became the leading
man in the church, and never for one minute faltered in his
devotion to its best interests and in his defense of the primi-
tive gospel to the day of his death. As an elder for years,
he conducted the public worship when no preacher was pres-
BIOGRAPHIES 605
ent, teaching and admonishing his brethren and continually
abounding in all good works. His house was the minister's
home. He was one of the Lord's great men. He was the
father of Mrs. J. W. Judy and Mrs. S. B. Callaway.
Jerome H. Smart.
Missouri, 1842. 1913, Clovis, N. M.
Mr. Smart joined the Baptist Church when he was fifteen
years of age. He gave the Government over four years of
military service in the Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer
Infantry. At the close of the war he entered Abingdon
College, from which he graduated in 1868. During this
time he changed his church affiliation. The plain gospel over-
came his temperamental Baptist proclivities. After his grad-
uation, he taught in a school two years. Then he entered
the ministry. His work was at Macomb, Col fax, Centralia,
Winchester, Waukegan and Danville chiefly. Besides this,
he was associated with the Christian Publishing Company for
twelve years. Mr. Smart's ministry was always safe and
constructive.
H. H. Smithson.
Marion County, 111., 1843.
As soon as he was able to perform manual labor, he
worked in a mill until he was of legal age, meanwhile attend-
ing the public schools three months every year. In 1865 he
moved to Fayette County, where he taught in the public
schools and preached for twenty-eight years. Thereafter,
for a decade he gave himself wholly to the ministry. His
life has been faithful and useful.
C. M. Smithson.
Fayette County, 111., 1877.
A son of H. H. Smithson. Grew up on a farm.
Attended public schools and Austin College in Effingham.
Taught six years in public schools. Began his ministry in
1900. Served county and village churches. Pastor at Gray-
606 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ville, Mt. Vernon, Flora and St. Elmo. Is now at Streator.
He is ambitious to be helpful beyond the local field of his
labors.
George L. Snively.
Mr. Snively was born in the same house and immersed
in the same baptistery in Cuba that his father was. He
became a Christian under the ministry of H. C. Littleton.
Soon thereafter Mr. Littleton said to him : "How would you
like to go to school and prepare to preach the gospel?"
"Do you think I could do it?"
"Yes," was Mr. Littleton's assurance.
Mr. Snively attended school at Eureka and the Bible
College at Lexington, Ky., but he did not graduate. How-
ever, by attendance at university lectures, correspondence
courses and personal application, he grew to be a very
capable and efficient minister.
For a number of years he was associated with his father
in the county clerkship of Fulton County and other lines of
business, which gave him a good commercial training. Mean-
while, he was preaching upon the Lord's Days.- After sev-
eral successful pastorates, he became the first general
secretary of the National Benevolent Association of the
churches of Christ, in 1901. The results of his five years of
service in this capacity were exceedingly gratifying. Then
he was successfully associated with the Christian Publishing
Company, St. Louis, Mo.
Following his earnest desire, in 1907 he became a gen-
eral evangelist. Here God has used him in turning thousands
to the Prince of peace. He has also come to be one of the
most efficient men in the "dedication of new churches," in
which work he has won hundreds of thousands of dollars to
sacred uses.
Mr. Snively has always been too busy and earnest, and
the needs of the world have teen too insistent in his con-
science, to give any time to untaught questions or doubtful
disputations. He believes the Book and preaches the truth.
BIOGRAPHIES 607
Ellis J. Stanley.
Whiteside County, 111., 1842.
Came to his manhood in his native county. Took a little
turn at military service the last year of the war in the 156th
Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Attended Bethany College.
Most of his ministerial work has been done beyond Illinois,
but here he has served the Table Grove and Armington con-
gregations and elsewhere.
Thomas B. Stanley.
Carroll County, 111., 1851. 1912, Cedar Rapids, la.
In early life, Mr. Stanley dedicated his life to Christ.
Besides his home and his congregation, he was trained in
the public schools and at Eureka College. He WLS actively
engaged in the ministry until failing health interfered. Then
his aim was to constantly serve others as he was able. He
worked with the congregations at Coleta, Normal, Atlanta
and elsewhere. His ideals were high, his life's aim single
and his fidelity to God's word unquestioned.
E. C. Stark.
New Harmony, Ind., 1853.
This man is a good preacher, with continuing experiences.
He grew to manhood in White County, 111., with such educa-
tional advantages as the public schools of the period afforded,
but all the time since he has read and studied. He joined
the M. E. Church at sixteen, but two years thereafter united
with the church of Christ at West Salem, 111. He taught
school and preached in Edwards County for ten to thirteen
years, served four years as evangelist in Virginia, then, for
a period of eleven years, with the churches at Fisher, Farmer
City, Delavan, Champaign and others in that section. Went
to an abandoned farm in southern Illinois to solve the old-
age problem. But he is still active and useful as a preacher.
Here are a few of his pick-ups: He has found a new cVirch,
indigenous to southern Illinois, calling themselves "Social
608 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Brethren." One of their preachers, in explaining to his con-
gregation the words of Jesus, "Suffer little children to come
unto me," said: "The Lord allowed little children to suffer
that they might come unto him." Another one of these
preachers read the words, "prepare you victuals," in Josh.
1:11, "prepare your vehicles," and explained it by saying,
''Grease the axles, tighten the nuts, etc." One of the
accredited ministers of a strong church in southern Illinois
said, "The only Bible in the world was hid in the corner-
stone of a temple," but he did not know what temple.
Again, the same preacher, in explaining 1 John 1 : 9, "His
seed remaineth in him," said, "Jesus and John the Baptist
did not marry; their seed remained in them." In the course
of a public discussion between Mr. Stark and Min. John
Ralph, Baptist, the latter said: "Mr. Stark seems to think
that I am an 'ignoramemus.' " David Morse, a prominent
Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, said in a funeral sermon,
"Everything that lives shall live again in human form."
Mr. Stark is a fine character.
/. Carroll Stark.
Stow, O., 1830. 1908, McMinnville, Tenn.
He had the advantages of the farmer boys of those days
and in that section. To these he added two years in Hiram
College. At the age of twelve he was baptized by Alanson
Wilcox, and to render this act of submission to his Master's
will he walked three miles and returned before changing his
clothes. He was in the work of the ministry at twenty.
Before coming to Illinois, he served churches in Ohio, New
York, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and .South Dakota.
In this State he served at Princeton, Ohiotown, Belleplain,
Antioch (now Toluca), Augusta, Table Grove, Greenville,
Salem, Duquoin, Blandinsville and Hamilton. Besides this,
he evangelized in twenty-two States and Provinces. His
public ministry reached through fifty-eight years. He held
many formal debates on various subjects pertaining to
religion. Probably the last of these was in 1903, on "Instru-
BIOGRAPHIES 609
mental Music in the Church of Christ," at Henderson, Tenn.,
with joe S. Wallick. His last pastorate was at Tullahoma,
Tenn. Later, he moved to a ranch near McMinnsville, and
preached almost every Sunday to the mountain people,
although he was in his seventy-ninth year.
Mr. Stark was a brave and true soldier of the great
Commander. He was passionately devoted to his Leader,
and carried his banner triumphantly through the storm and
smoke of every battle. Sincere and frank as a child, he
could have but little patience with the duplicity of sectarian
chiefs. Yet his heart was as tender as it was true.
James Stark.
Auchtermuchty, Scotland, 1815. 1892, Augusta, 111.
Mr. Stark came to America with his uncle, John Deon,
in 1835. Mr. Deon was acquainted with Alexander Camp-
bell in Scotland, and they became his guests upon their
arrival at Bethany. While there, Mr. Stark was baptized
by Wm. Hayden. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Jackson-
ville, where he took membership in the church and was
associated in its work with John T. Jones, D. P. Henderson,
Josephus Hewitt, W. W. Happy, Peter Hedenburg, Philip
Coffman and others. He was ordained to the ministry by
this church in 1837. Like nearly all of the pioneer preachers,
he was compelled to provide for the material needs of him-
self and his family by secular work ; so he engaged in a
general merchandising business there, and also in Augusta,
whither he moved in 1842. His education was obtained by
his own efforts. He was well informed in the affairs of
church and state. In the pulpit and on the platform he was
a fluent and eloquent speaker. In the church he enjoyed the
personal friendship of Mr. Campbell, B. W. Stone, James
Challen and O. A. Burgess, and in the State was personally
acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, S. A. Douglas and Col.
E. D. Baker. He was a member of the House of the Gen-
eral Assembly in 1846, and was a Presidential elector in
1860, casting his official vote for Mr. Lincoln. In his social
20
610 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
relations he was affable, and as a public speaker pleasing,
so that he was heard with enthusiasm by public audiences.
A great man, with clear convictions of truth, right and duty,
he fought a good fight and kept the faith.
James F. Stewart.
Peelar Station, Va., 1847.
Was a mail-carrier, farmhand, carpenter and lumber
merchant. Attended the public schools and Eureka College.
Gave Illinois churches ten years of upbuilding work. He
has a son in Johnson's Bible School preparing for the min-
istry, which he considered "a far better place for such work
than Chicago."
Oliver W. Stewart.
Mercer County, 111., 1867.
Grew up on the farm. Graduated from Woodhull High
School and from Eureka College in 1890. Evangelist in
Illinois three years and served as pastor of the church at
Mackinaw. Was a leader of the Illinois Christian Endeavor
Union. In 1896 he became actively identified with the Pro-
hibition party, and since then he has given himself almost
exclusively to this work. In 1902 he was elected from the
Hyde Park District in Chicago to the State Legislature,
where he served with unusual efficiency. Of one of his
speeches there, Senator L. Y. Sherman said: "It was the
finest and most eloquent speech I ever heard in an Illinois
Assembly." Mr. Stewart is the ablest advocate of Prohibi-
tion principles who has graced the rostrum in twenty years.
He is sane and sensible, wise and witty, persuasive and
practical. His frank fairness, irresistible logic of facts,
superior vocabulary, fluency of utterance and fine presence
unite in making him a most interesting and persuasive orator.
At the national convention of the party at Indianapolis
in 1904, a circular on the subject of the candidacy of Gen.
Nelson A. Miles was distributed. Among others, the names
of James A. Tate and Oliver W. Stewart were signed. Both
BIOGRAPHIES 611
of these are members of the Christian Church. The Voice,
which was then controlled by John G. Woolley, called the
document a "Campbellite" circular. It was a gratuitous
insult. Seven years thereafter, Mr. Woolley ate his own
words on Prohibition in a most shameless degree and thereby
became "the lost leader." No one has found occasion 'to
question Mr. Stewart's loyalty to the principles of the purest
patriotism.
T. L. Stipp.
Illinois, 1848.
Mr. Stipp was the son of a Predestinarian Baptist min-
ister and was born in Vermilion County, where the larger
part of his life has been passed. He graduated in the law
class of the University of Michigan in 1871, but a change
coming into his life-purpose, he was ordained to the work
of the ministry in 1875. He has served twenty Illinois
churches and four in Indiana. His ministry has been
especially helpful to the weaker churches. Through all kinds
of adverse and disagreeable conditions he has traveled on
horseback to keep his engagements with them and very often
at small financial compensation. His good business ability
led him to buy Illinois land when the price was low, and to
hold it. His seven living children are active members of
the church of Christ.
Barton W . Stone.
Near Port Tobacco, Md., 1772. 1844, near Jackson-
ville, 111.
Mr. Stone's father died when he was a little child. In
1779 his mother moved with her large family of children
and servants to the backwoods of Virginia, in Pittsylvania
County. Some of his brothers were soldiers in the Army of
the Revolution, and the family was otherwise subjected to
the vicissitudes of the war. From childhood, he had a deep
hunger for knowledge. He was early sent to school and
made unusual progress. After five years in the country
school, his teacher pronounced him a finished scholar. He
612 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
soon decided to qualify himself for a barrister. In 1790 he
entered Guilford Academy, in North Carolina, and deter-
mined to acquire an education or die in the attempt. There
he completed the academic course. While there, in much
agony of soul, he turned to the Lord, uniting with the Pres-
byterians. With it came the desire to preach the gospel.
His special preparation for the ministry was attended with
great anguish of mind. The Osage Presbytery licensed
him to preach in 1796. He was presented with a Bible, not
the Confession of Faith. Then he started on a preaching
tour over the mountains that brought him, at the close of
the year, to Caneridge and Concord, Ky. With these
churches his ministry was richly blessed. In the fall of
1798 the Presbytery of Transylvania met to ordain him to
the pastorate of the two congregations. He declined to sub-
scribe unqualifiedly to the Confession of Faith, but answered,
"I do, as far as I see it consistent with the word of God."
His study of the Bible was with an open mind and many
prayers; so within two years he was relieved from the per-
plexity and distress in which the labyrinth of Calvinism had
involved him. Henceforth he was a free man. With the
turning of the century, he caught the spirit of, and became
an active participant in, that great revival that marked the
beginning of a new era in Christian teaching and life. Mr.
Stone and his coadjutors preached that God loved the whole
world and sent his Son to save men ; that the gospel is the
means of salvation, but it will never be effectual to this end
until believed and obeyed by us. "Man-made creeds we
threw overboard and took the name 'Christian,' the name
given to the disciples by divine appointment first at Antioch."
"The sticklers for orthodoxy amongst us writhed under these
doctrines," says Mr. Stone. "The sects were roused. The
Methodists and Baptists, who had long lived in peace and
harmony with the Presbyterians, and with one another, now
girded on their armor and marched into the field of con-
troversy. These were times of distress. The spirit of
partyism soon expelled the spirit of love and union; peace
BIOGRAPHIES 613
fled before discord and strife, and religion was stifled and
banished in the unhallowed struggle for pre-eminence." This
was in 1803. The next year, Mr. Stone formally withdrew
from the Presbyterian Church. Thus the ship of the com-
mon, catholic gospel, whose compass had been lost for fifteen
centuries, was again launched upon the wide sea of human
life. Mr. Stone continued an earnest student of the Scrip-
tures; so after a time he was immersed, as were many of
those associated with him. "The churches and preachers
grew and were multiplied." They came gradually to appre-
hend the application of their principles to the details of doc-
trine and duty. Mr. Stone, after his removal to Lexington,
Ky., made a trip to Meigs County, O., for the purpose of
immersing a Presbyterian minister named William Caldwell.
While there he preached, on its invitation, to the Separate
Baptist Association then assembled there. He says: "The
result was, that they agreed to cast away their formularies
and creeds, and take the Bible alone for their rule of faith
and practice — to throw away their name 'Baptist' and take
the name 'Christian' — and to bury their association, and to
become one with us in the great work of Christian union.
Then they marched up in a band to the stand where Mr.
Stone was preaching, shouting the praises of God, and pro-
claiming aloud what they had done. We met them, and
embraced each other in Christian love, by which the union
was cemented." Mr. Stone says of Alexander Campbell
when he first came into Kentucky: "I heard him often in
public and in private. I was pleased with his manner and
matter. I saw no distinctive feature between the doctrine
he preached and that which we had preached for many years,
except on baptism for remission of sins. Even this I had
once received and taught, as before stated, but had strangely
let it go from my mind, till Bro. Campbell revived it afresh."
When Mr. Stone moved to Georgetown, Ky., he met John
T. Johnson, "than whom there is not a better man. We
plainly saw that we were on the same foundation, in the
same spirit and preached the same gospel. We agreed to
614 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
unite our energies to effect a union between our different
societies. This we easily effected in Kentucky." Mr. Stone
came to Morgan County, 111., in 1832, and resided on his
farm four miles from that place. Thereafter, he preached
with great earnestness.
He was a finely educated man, speaking the French
language, reading the Hebrew and teaching the Greek and
Latin. He was a most successful teacher, and often turned
to this profession for the support of himself and family.
Mr. Stone is justly entitled to far greater credit and
honor for his work in the Restoration movement than has
ever been given him. Like truly great men, he was simple
and transparent. On one occasion, he entered the home of
John T. Jones just as the family was going to dinner. The
good wife, as was the custom, began to apologize for her
dinner. Whereupon, Mr. Stone replied: "Sister, if we are
Christians, it is good enough and we ought to thank God
for it; if we are not Christians, it is too good for us." At
another time, Charles W. Jones, a son of John T., was con-
veying Mr. Stone from the town to his farm by a conveyance
drawn by one horse. He thought the horse was being driven
too hard, and asked Charlie if he had ever heard the horse's
prayer to his master. The driver answered he had not.
Then Mr. Stone said: "On the hill speed me not, down the
hill push me not, on the plain spare me not and in the barn
forget me not."
When he joined the innumerable host of just men made
perfect his body was buried in a locust grove on his farm.
When the farm was sold it was reinterred in the Antioch
Church Cemetery near by. Later, it was taken to Cane-
rid&e' Ky' Isaac Stout.
Clinton County, O., 1822. 1900, Pekin, 111.
Was brought by his parents to Illinois in 1827. The
family settled near Bloomington, in what came to be known
as Stout's Grove. His mother died soon thereafter, and his
father when Isaac was fifteen. Then he made his home with
BIOGRAPHIES 615
an uncle. There he learned many kinds of hard manual
labor. In his manhood he was a farmer, carpenter, brick-
mason and house-painter. To him belongs the credit of
inventing and patenting the first riding cultivator. The rise
of prices consequent upon the Civil War made their manu-
facture unprofitable. His education came in the log school-
house period, but both his mind and heart were finely trained.
He was baptized by Min. James A. Lindsey in 1842 and
began at once to speak in the social meetings of the church.
A basket meeting had been well announced for a certain
Sunday at the Antioch Church, south of Tremont. A great
concourse of people assembled, but W. P. Bowles, the star
preacher for the occasion, failed to come. The elders assem-
bled and with moral compulsion absolutely impressed Isaac
Stout to address the multitude. An elder announced: "Bro.
Bowles has not come, so Bro. Isaac Stout will talk to us a
while and give the invitation." Mr. Stout shook like a
pendant leaf in the wind. At the invitation three persons
went forward to become Christians. Mr. Stout sat down.
"Take their confessions," said the elder to him. It was
announced that Bro. Stout would preach again in the after-
noon. He could eat but little dinner, but he preached. Then
four more people turned to the Lord. Whereupon, Mr.
Stout assuredly gathered that God had called him to preach
the gospel. His ministry was mainly in Tazewell County,
but evangelistic work reached into McLean, Logan and
DeWitt. He was a successful preacher, measured by the
best standards. He built with his own hands the chapel of
the Concord congregation, from foundation to pulpit. When
he came to dedicate it, he spoke not one word about his own
labor on the building. In his judgment, far more important
interests then demanded the attention of the assembly. He
was a fine soul whose modesty was a measure of his great-
ness.
In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, 108th Illinois Volun-
teer Infantry, and was at Spanish Ford and the battle of
Mobile.
616 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Emanuel Stover.
Ohio, 1822. 1890, Illinois.
Was an active member of the church at Lanark and help-
ful to the congregations in that part of the State. He was
second lieutenant in Company B, Seventy-first Regiment
Illinois Volunteers. He served two terms in the House of
the Illinois General Assembly. A man of fine character.
/. 0. Sutherland
Was born in Marion County, Ind., 1848. He worked at
Patoka, 111., where he began his ministry. He served the
church at Sailor Springs and founded the churches at
Latham, Riverton, Dawson and Morgansville. He is a
plain, sincere man and good preacher, whose thirty years'
work in the ministry has been fruitful.
The Sweeneys.
The Sweeney family, the father and four sons all able
ministers of the primitive gospel, was one of the great
spiritual forces of the Restoration movement. They all
served for varying periods in Illinois.
George E. Sweeney.
Kentucky, 1807. 1899, Kentucky.
Was the father. He came to Illinois in 1855. His first
work was with the Berean and Scottville Churches, in
Macoupin County, then at Barry. Returning to Scottville
in 1861, he evangelized for five years in the counties of
Macoupin, Sangamon, Morgan and Green. His last pas-
torate, which closed in the spring of 1868, was at Kansas.
In his funeral discourse at the obsequies of Mr. Sweeney,
at Paris, Ky., May 25, 1899, Pres. C. L. Loos said: "Our
good Father above gave to our brother unusual vigor of
body and mind up to a high degree. It was providentially
a munificent inheritance from the sturdy Scotch-Irish stock
of his ancestors: his father died one hundred years old.
Doubtless, his thirst for knowledge, his keen interest in
BIOGRAPHIES 617
things worthy of a human soul, kept alive his intellectual
and even his bodily vigor. Some men die in the outer,
because they die in the inner, man; they have lost the life
of the soul. Internal often begets external decrepitude.
"And his entire rich and strong life, devoted to the great-
est cause on earth — the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ.
For seventy-one years he was a minister of the Word of life.
What a record is this in the life of a man! The first year
he was a Baptist preacher, a good prelude to the seventy
years devoted to the mighty plea for the complete restoration
of apostolic Christianity."
Mr. Sweeney's wife was his equal in native endowments
of mind, with which she combined a very sweet and gracious
disposition.
William G. Sweeney
Was the oldest son. He did comparatively little work in
Illinois. His death occurred at Dubuque, la., in 1897.
George W. Sweeney
Served for a time in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois as
pastor and evangelist, but most of his life has been passed
outside of the State.
Z. T. Szveeney
Is the youngest of the four sons. He and N. S. Haynes
began their work in the ministry together — in May, 1868,
at Kansas, 111. — except that Mr. Sweeney had two weeks the
start, which he has always held. Shortly thereafter they
were invited to conduct a meeting in a near-by schoolhouse
in the country. They promised a few evenings' meetings, as
their joint stock of sermons would not warrant anything
farther. After the meeting the first evening, they were
guests of a childless couple — sincere and devout Christians.
The young preachers ever afterward held them in the high-
est esteem and even admiration. A chapter was read, prayer
was offered and the young men were lighted to their sleep-
618 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ing-room on the first floor. At once, the chickens, ducks and
geese under the floor set up most unusual and vociferous
alarms, as if disturbed by predatory varmints. The outcries
soon subsided, and the theologs, having disrobed, climbed
upon chairs to get into bed — it was so high. The jump into
the immense depths of feathers was like a dive into the crest
of an ocean wave. But they were jolly. Then, just as
Morpheus waved her magic wand, a mouse scampered across
their breasts, hitting Mr. Sweeney first. His cry was dis-
tressing, but did not bespeak his courage; for here was the
embryo of that Z. T. Sweeney who, in after years, should
vanquish any lion of German rationalism who might uncon-
sciously devitalize the glorious gospel of our Lord. He has
had wide experiences, is a charming public speaker and is a
man of large mould and usefulness.
John S. Sweeney.
Kentucky, 1832. 1908, Kentucky.
Mr. Sweeney came to Illinois in 1854, and began the
practice of law at Greenfield. He made his home with
Judge Short, a prominent member of the M. E. Church and
a leading citizen of the community. One Saturday evening
he invited Mr. Sweeney to go with him on the morrow to
hear his minister review "Campbellism." That great gospel
advocate had made a preaching tour through Illinois in 1853,
and many of the orthodox pulpits wrere busy reviewing his
teachings and protecting their flocks against the new "here-
sies." In his discourse, the M. E. preacher affirmed that Mr.
Campbell had said that he "could take the vilest sinner into
the water and bring him out a saint." As was the custom,
opportunity was given, before the close of the meeting, for
any one to ask questions ; whereupon, Mr. Sweeney arose
and quietly asked where, in his writings, Mr. Campbell had
ever made such a statement. The preacher, with a glower-
ing look, replied: "Have you come here to break up my
meeting?" Judge Short instantly replied: "No, Bro. Powell;
it is a fair question and one that I also would like to have
BIOGRAPHIES 619
answered." The preacher promised to produce it at another
time, and thus the incident closed. Immediately upon the
dismission of the congregation, the few Disciples present
came to Mr. Sweeney, and, learning from him that he was
"of their faith and order," insisted that he answer the dis-
course which they had just heard. He declined, but thus
it was that he was turned from the practice of the law to the
preaching of the gospel. He was a faithful student of the
Scriptures and a man of fine discrimination, and in him the
logical faculty was united with a keen sense of humor. In
the first year of his ministry, five hundred people became
obedient to the faith under his preaching. Riding along one
day, he fell in with a company of people assembled at the
usual place for baptizing, on the bank of Apple Creek. The
Baptist minister, a Mr. Johnson, was assuring the people
that the converts to be then immersed had all "been born
again," and had all received the assurance of the forgiveness
of their sins at the "mourners' bench," for which he thanked
God. Permission being granted, Mr. Sweeney said: "I
would like to ask if Baptist converts are all 'born of water'
on dry land?" Mr. Johnson replied: "Sir, you are a Camp-
bellite, and desire to disturb our meeting."
A meeting of the ministers was convened in Springfield
in the later fifties with the purpose of "disciplining" one of
their number. This action Mr. Sweeney earnestly opposed,
contending that it was contrary to the congregational inde-
pendence of the New Testament, and as forming a possible
precedent that would result in evil. In such cases, the
preacher is responsible to the local church in which he holds
membership.
Probably the most eminent service ever rendered the Dis-
ciples in Illinois by Mr. Sweeney was in his course toward
the Russell defection. Walter Scott Russell was a graduate
of Bethany College. Shortly thereafter, he became an
extreme and pronounced mystic. Associated with him were
some of our leading preachers in the State, who became open
advocates of this doctrine. Among these were T. J. Melish;
620 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Frank Apperson, a brilliant young Englishman; F. N. Car-
man, publisher of the Christian Sentinel, the only paper of
the Disciples in the State at that time, which indorsed the
articles and addresses of Mr. Russell; W. W. Happy, an
able and veteran preacher, who was then president of the
State Missionary Society, while Samuel Callaway was its
treasurer, and Prof. P. Lucas, of Berean, was its secretary.
All of these men were in full accord with the views of Mr.
Russell. These men thought to reform the Restoration
movement on the basis of this inner-light theory. The State
Missionary Convention met in Bloomington, September,
1858. The new doctrine was uppermost in the minds of all.
It was the general feeling that a real crisis was at hand. On
the evening of the second day of the meeting, Mr. Sweeney
was to preach. Not one person knew anything of his attitude
toward the new teaching. Intense anxiety pervaded the
great assembly of the saints. Mr. Sweeney chose for his
text, John 16:13, 14, and unfolded it into a most masterful
sermon. It was a pivotal discourse that was to make or
unmake myriads, and he rose fully to the occasion. The
peculiar teachings of Mr. Russell were clearly shown to be
contrary to the Scriptures and enlightened human reason.
This was the beginning of its end. The new movement was
put upon a course of rapid and ultimate extinction. Mr.
Russell died. Professor Lucas went to the law; Messrs.
Carman, Callaway and Happy to the Baptists, but later the
last named returned to the Disciples. Mr. Melish went to
the Baptists and later to the Episcopalians. Berean College
went to ruin. And in later years the breach in the Jackson-
ville Church was wholly healed.
Mr. Sweeney was a participant in about seventy-five
public discussions, generally against his inclination.
Frank Talmage.
Pennsylvania, 1874.
Mr. Talmage was educated in the public schools of Phila-
delphia, his birthplace; in the seminary at Pennington, N. J.,
BIOGRAPHIES <521
and Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa. He was a minister
in the M. E. Church, and after one year's service in Perry
County, Pa., was sent by Bishop Kingsley to Missouri in
1866. This was because the ministers of the M. E. Church
North were scarce in Missouri at that time, and many of
those in the M. E. Church South were unable to take the
"ironclad oath," thus leaving Methodist churches in Missouri
in bad condition.
In July, 1867, Mr. Talmage left the M. E. Church and
became a Christian only. Since then he has continued his
ministry among the Disciples. lie came to the pastorate
of the Marine Church, in Madison County, 111., in 1872.
His useful ministry in that and St. Clair County reached
through several years. At times he was associated with John
Ellis, the veteran preacher. When conducting a meeting
with the Fairview Church, Mr. Talmage baptized the con-
verts in a near-by stream. Some mischievous boys of the
neighborhood would come to the place and climb out on a
limb of a tree near the pool and make remarks about the
baptizings. Brethren were indignant and wished to have the
boys arrested, but the preacher dissuaded them. The next
day, during the ceremony, one venturesome boy got out on
the extreme end of the limb and yelled out, as a candidate
v/as baptized, "Dip him again !" At that moment the over-
hanging limb broke and the boy fell into the water and dis-
appeared. Serious as was the occasion, the crowd laughed
outright as the minister fished that mischievous boy out of
the water. This incident ended all that trouble. Among
the converts at the Fairview Church were Jonas Tontz and
wife. Mr. Tontz was a member of the State Legislature in
1872. Mr. Talmage left Illinois after a few years. He is
now preaching at Roswell, N. M.
George W. Tate.
Decatur County, Ind., 1841. 1905, West Salem, 111.
Grew up on the farm. Received his mental training in
the public schools, in Normal School at Kokomo and the
622 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Seminary at Peru. Taught school for several years.
Entered ministry in 1873. He was a gospel preacher of the
best type. A successful evangelist, pastor, public debater and
church-builder. He was interested in the cause of Christ at
home and abroad, and always co-operated in every good
work.
Dr. G. W. Taylor.
Saratoga County, N. Y., 1815. 1913, Princeton, 111.
At the age of twelve years, Mr. Taylor left his parental
home in Oneida County to make his own way in the world.
He then had only twenty-five cents in money and but little
education. In 1840 he united with the Congregational
Church, but later left it and united with the M. E. Church.
About 1851 he visited a brother whose home was near
Buffalo. While there, he heard a Christian preacher, where-
upon he declared that he had heard "the first gospel ser-
mons." At once he and his wife accepted the common
truth. He came to Princeton, 111., in 1853. His profession
was the practice of medicine, but when he was about fifty
years of age he was set apart to the work of the ministry,
in which he did excellent service. The church at Humboldt,
Kan., is a product of his work. Dr. Taylor was always
actively identified with all of the co-operative missionary
work of the church.
Knox P. Taylor.
Logan County, Ky., 1835. 1812, Bloomington, 111.
Came to Illinois in 1851, and the years of his virile man-
hood were lived chiefly in this State. From 1881 to 1904,
he devoted his strength to our Bible-school work. He went
up and down the State, in its highways and into its byways,
with maps, charts, pictures and blackboards. He taught the
word of the Lord; he emphasized the value of Sunday-school
work, urged better methods and higher efficiency. He did
more to help the Disciples in this State to appreciate the
value of Bible-school teaching than any other man who has
served herein.
BIOGRAPHIES 623
Mr. Taylor was an humble man of gentle spirit, kindly
impulses and helpful purpose. He was the embodiment of
sincerity and simplicity. The professional and perfunctory
awakened in him feelings of aversion. He was a great
teacher of the Scriptures. By him, people were instructed
in Biblical geography, chronology and history, and in great
spiritual truths as well.
The men and women of active age in nearly all of our
Illinois churches need now to learn what this prophet of God
was trying to teach them forty years ago. The value of the
Bible-school work is not yet understood nor its importance
appreciated in this year of grace.
Mr. Taylor was wholly devoted to his Master's service.
He is held in loving and grateful remembrance by thousands
of Illinois Disciples with whom he lived and for whom he
labored. Great is his reward in heaven.
Harry Robert Trickett.
Nottinghamshire, England, 1840. 1909, Keokuk, la.
Came to America in 1852. In his young manhood he
returned to England, where he finished his education in
King's College, London. He was educated for the law, but
soon decided for the ministry. After his return to the
United States, he bought a farm in Montebello Township,
Hancock County, which was his home to the close of his
life. However, he held pastorates in Illinois, Iowa and Mis-
souri. Besides, he did much effective evangelistic work. Mr.
Trickett was a great preacher. Judge C. J. Scofield says:
"I have heard him preach sermons as able as the best I have
ever heard from the pulpit." He took a deep interest in the
living questions of the day, sometimes made political
speeches, was a brilliant conversationalist and a fine writer.
His contributions to religious papers always attracted atten-
tion because of their vigorous thought and superior diction.
In the closing years of his life it was his custom to write a
Christmas sermon for the Nauvoo Independent. The closing
words of his last sermon were the following: "In all proba-
624 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
bility, this is the last Christmas sermon I shall write you.
Accept as my Christmas gift. It is all I have to give, you
know. There will be no Christmas festivities for me. I
am old and feeble and lonely, but my heart goes out to you
in good wishes. I am very thankful for the warmth and
shelter of the hospital, and, while I think and hope that God
may give me strength and health again, yet I do not know,
nor do I care overmuch. It is well, no matter what happens.
Living or dying, I have partaken of the Christmas melodies.
I see beyond the shadow of the cross, and have passed into
the garden of Joseph of Arithmathea, and am standing
among the white lilies of the resurrection. I see that the
risen Lord and the Babe of Bethlehem are one, and I cry
in the words of the grand old chant, 'O Lamb of God,
who taketh away the sin of the world, have mercy on me.
Amen and amen.' "
Harvey M. Trimble, of Princeton, III.,
Was born near Wilmington, O., Jan. 27, 1842. Mr. Trim-
ble's parents were sturdy members of the Restoration move-
ment. The family came to Princeton in 1843. He attended
the public schools and Eureka College. He enlisted as a
private in Company K, Ninety-third Regiment Illinois Vol-
unteer Infantry. Was elected sergeant-major, and later was
commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment.
He was in the battles of Champion Hill, campaign and siege
of Vicksburg — being under fire almost every day — Mis-
sionary Ridge, Allatoona, Savannah, and not a few skir-
mishes. He was on the march to the sea and campaign of
the Carolinas, was present at the surrender of Gen. J. E.
Johnston, and then to the grand review at the capital of the
nation. Mr. Trimble did not miss a battle in which his
regiment was engaged, the casualties of which were 418 out
of 718 men who were engaged in action. For fourteen days
he was a prisoner of war, coming to his release on his
twenty-first birthday. Quite naturally, therefore, since its
beginning he • has been actively associated with the Grand
BIOGRAPHIES 625
Army of the Republic. He was elected its commander-in-
chief in 1911.
Returning to Princeton, he studied law and was admitted
to the bar. He served as deputy clerk, and master in
chancery of the circuit court in Bureau County. He was
county judge for more than fifteen years, and circuit judge
in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit six years. The whole
length of his service on the bench was twenty-one years and
six months. Probably no man who has served the people
as a judge in Illinois has had fewer of his decisions reversed
by the higher courts.
He has also been a useful officer of the Board of Educa-
tion in his home city, and of the township high school, which
was the first of its kind in the State, and of the Public
Library Board.
Mr. Trimble is an elder of the Princeton Church and an
interesting gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet.
Maurice R. Trimble
Was a pioneer preacher of Knox County, Ind. He owned
a farm, on which he resided, ten miles north of Vincennes.
But much of his work was done in Illinois. Indeed, he was
the Nestor of the Restoration movement from Hutsonville
to Golconda. His home was at the former place for a time.
His courageous and devoted labors laid the foundation for
many congregations in that section. In the forties, there
were bands of outlaws that overran several counties in
southern Illinois. An organization, styling themselves "Reg-
ulators," was formed to crush them. These soon became as
lawless as the outlaws. Civil anarchy was rampant. Mr.
Trimble continued his ministry in the midst of the violent
disturbances, publicly denouncing the wrong-doers. On one
occasion he was baptizing some converts in the Ohio River,
when some of the outlaws made a murderous attack upon
him. Mr. Trimble defended his life by resisting the assault
to the utmost. When the encounter was over, two of the
outlaws were wounded and one of them was not. Gradually
626 ' HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
the civil disturbance wore itself out and society returned to
its normal conditions. Through it all, Mr. Trimble preached
the gospel of salvation and peace.
William C. Trimble.
Antioch, O., 1830. 1913, Princeton, 111.
Mr. Trimble united with the church of Christ in 1842,
at the village of Antioch, near his birthplace, under the
preaching of Walter Scott. This fact places him among the
beginners. He came to Bureau County, 111., in the fall of
1843, and was associated with the church in Princeton since
1844, which church he served for more than forty years as
an elder. He was a faithful preacher and evangelist, and
was instrumental in bringing into the church about one
thousand people, who were instructed in the gospel. His
ministry was wholly devoid of a stipulated financial compen-
sation. For a period, he was noted for his controversies in
Christian papers upon some things that he thought to be
innovations — a going back to Babylon rather than a restora-
tion of the apostolic church. Among these was the popular
conception of "the one-man pastorate in our churches." He,
with others, held that it was not warranted by the Scrip-
tures; that one minister should not be expected to do the
work of the eldership and of the evangelists. This conten-
tion was summarized in the Christian Standard by Isaac
Errett, its editor, in April, 1885, as follows:
Let it be understood that in the imperfect condition of most of
our churches the employment of one man as a teacher and preacher
and a co-operator with the elders in ruling, is justifiable as a necessity,
but is not accepted as a finality. It should be the aim and ambition of
all churches to reach a more complete organization of forces such as
the Scriptures contemplate ; namely, a plurality of elders or bishops
whose business it shall be to teach, preach and rule, dividing the labor
among themselves as may best sustain the interest of the church, and
compensated for the time given to their duties, and also according
to their necessities. Such an eldership we have seldom had in any of
our churches.
Mr. Trimble was hopeful that the Scriptural ideals might
BIOGRAPHIES 627
be realized, and was encouraged by the distinct tendency of
these later days. "We can never have a most efficient min-
istry without an efficient officiary."
Allen Harvey Trowbridge.
Salem, Ind., 1826. 1902, Rutland, 111.
Mr. Trowbridge became a Christian at the age of fifteen.
Shortly after his marriage in 1851, he started, in a
movers' wagon, across the wild prairies to the new home in
Marshall County, 111. It was a little cottage on the unbroken
sea of grass about five miles from Pattensburg, now Belle-
plain.
In his early ministry he did an extensive missionary
work, preaching the gospel, as opportunity offered, in barns,
dwellings, groves and schoolhouses. This work laid the
foundation for a goodly number of churches. He was asso-
ciated with the three brothers — Washington, Jefferson and
John Houston — formerly so well known in Livingstone
County, where they lived, labored, sang and preached for
many years. The churches at Toluca, Rutland, Ancona,
Minonk, Saunemin, Dana, Flanagan and Washburn are
much indebted to him. In his earlier ministry he traveled
and served churches within a radius of fifty miles of his
home.
Mr. Trowbridge was a good business man, as well as an
excellent minister. He gave liberally to missions and all
good works. He was one of the early friends of Eureka
College, and gave time and means for its support. His four
children were educated there.
He was a broad-minded man, companionable in dispo-
sition, diligent in business, fervent in spirit, and always seek-
ing first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
John W. Tyler.
Fayette County, Ky., 1808. 1888, Macon County, 111.
Mr. Tyler's genealogy is traced to the same line from
which came the tenth President of the United States. He
(528 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
united with the Cane Run Baptist Church, near Lexington,
in 1834, and soon entered actively the ministry.
In the fall of 1834 he moved to Montgomery County,
Ind., and shortly organized there a congregation of believers
under the name of the "United Baptist Church of Christ."
This name suggests the convictions of Christian truth and
the tendencies of Christian feeling that were beginning to
manifest themselves in many places about that time. The
following year he came to Morgan County, 111., where he
met the great revivalist and reformer, Barton W. Stone. In
1836, Mr. Tyler came to Macon County, where he bought
and settled on a farm five miles east of the village of
Decatur. By the force of his character, he soon became an
influential and leading citizen. He was an intelligent and
successful farmer, and accumulated property, but at the
same time devoted himself with zeal and energy to the public
proclamation of the gospel. His labors were extended into
the counties of Shelby, Christian, Sangamon, Logan, DeWitt
and Piatt. He was influential in establishing numerous
churches and chiefly at his own charges. His ministry con-
tinued through a period of fifty-two years. He conducted
the funeral of the magnificent pioneer, Joseph Hostetler, at
Lovington, in 1870, and in his address said: "I am indebted
to Bro. Hostetler for my better understanding of the gospel."
Through a long residence in Macon County, he com-
manded the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens and
the love and fellowship of his brethren. He was a farmer,
schoolmaster, justice of the peace and minister. He was a
genial and cheerful man of optimistic temperament. After
his removal to Decatur, he had the misfortune to fall and
break one of his limbs at the hip joint. A friend called dur-
ing his long and painful confinement to inquire about his
condition. He replied that he was doing pretty well, but
that Dr. McMillen had him nailed up in a lumber-yard just
then, but he would be all right when he got out of that!
In midsummer of his eightieth year he received a kick upon
his head from a horse that brought his beautiful life to a
BIOGRAPHIES 629
tragic close. He was the father of the brothers, B. B. and
J. Z. Tyler. y ; ymhoutin
Is a native of Edgar County, 111., and has resided there all
his life — since 16^2. He attended the common country
school in winter and worked on his father's farm through
summer. In 1861 he entered the military service in Com-
pany H, First Missouri Engineers, where he continued for
three years and two months. He entered the ministry in
1868. Since then he has served constantly. His work has
been done chiefly in Edgar and twenty-seven near-by counties
in Illinois and Indiana — mostly in rural congregations and
new fields and gospel-destitute places. He has preached in
private residences, sheds, halls, groves and schoolhouses.
From the schoolhouses the preachers are now debarred by a
wrong notion. For years, Mr. Vanhoutin has read from
memory the Scriptures to the public assembly. His ministry
has been modest, self-sacrificing, useful and fruitful of much
H. G. Van Dervoort.
Lafayette, Ind., 1846.
Was brought to McLean County, 111., in 1849. His early
life was spent on the farm. He attended the public schools,
developed a hunger for the knowledge of good things and
has kept company with many books. In 1864 he took a turn
at military service in Company B, 150th Illinois Volunteer
Infantry. In 1867 he entered the ministry, and during the
next eighteen years preached for most of the Christian con-
gregations— often two or three at a time — in McLean County
outside of Bloomington. He served Stanford five years.
Besides one short period in Missouri and Kansas each, he
has worked for churches in Adams, Green, Hancock and
Morgan Counties. Then he has done not a little evangelistic
work. During the forty-three years of his continuous min-
istry, he took only one month for a vacation. In Mr. Van
Dervoort the finer elements of Christian manhood are united.
The results of his ministerial work are of the best.
630 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
Dr. Samuel Van Meter.
Grayson County, Ky., 1824. 1902, Charleston, 111.
At fifteen, he was apprenticed to a tanner, but bought his
time. In 1844 he took up the study of medicine with Dr.
T. B. Trower. In 1849 he went to California, practicing his
profession on the way. Returning, he settled in Charleston.
In 1857, with Dr. H. R. Aller, he established an infirmary
there which was very successful. For a period of forty
years he was as well known as any man in that part of the
State. He was a devout Christian and an efficient elder of
the Charleston Church. During the pastorate of F. W.
Burnham, Dr. Van Meter frequently voiced the opening
prayer at the Sunday morning worship. These were always
childlike in faith and simplicity, but beautiful and impressive.
Samuel Vaughn.
Lincoln County, Ky., 1836.
Came with his father's family to Bond County in the fall
of 1839. Settled on a farm near Woburn, which is his pres-
ent home. Received such education as the period and
community afforded. Served the Woburn Church as Bible-
school superintendent and as an elder, each for thirty-five
years. Is still well and active, a teacher in Bible school. He
has seldom missed a Sunday from church in forty years.
Has served as county commissioner, and in 1900 was a mem-
ber of the Legislature. He became a Christian at the age
of twenty-three and a charter member of the Woburn
Church.
John Garland Waggoner.
Moultrie County, 111., 1844.
Mr. Waggoner's parents both died when he was a little
child, so he grew to manhood in the home of Mr. A. H.
Edwards, whose wife was his father's sister. Its ideals and
influences were most helpful to the boy, and in 1859 he was
baptized by Bushrod W. Henry and then decided to give his
life to the ministry. He taught schools and supplied pulpits,
JOHN G. WAGGONER. DANIEL R. HOWE.
DANIEL W. ELLEDGE. DR. JOHN SCOTT.
BIOGRAPHIES 631
thus working his way through college, graduating from
Eureka in 1872. Thereafter, he was pastor in Illinois at
Harristown, Shelbyville, Eureka for two terms — added mak-
ing eleven years — Princeton, Canton and Lanark. He served
as field secretary of Eureka College for five years,, inducing
not a few students to come to the school, and turned- toward
its support about $80,000.
Mr. Waggoner is a superior type of Christian minister.
He has never made any claims to "smartness," but he is an
unassuming, sincere and faithful preacher of the gospel. His
spiritual vision is wide, compassing all the interests of the
kingdom of God. He is patient, gentle, sincere and truer
than steel to the Christian truth and personal duty. Will-
ingly and cheerfully he goes out of his way to do any one
a favor or kindness. Mrs. Susie M. Minges, who has served
well as a missionary in Cuba, is his daughter. William H.
and Harvey G. Waggoner, both consecrated ministers, are
his sons.
When Mr. Waggoner was a young man, he was "work-
ing the roads" one day in Moultrie County. At that time,
Evangelist S. M. Connor was conducting a series of meet-
ings with the Whitley Creek Church. Becoming quite ill,
and hence unable to preach one evening, one of the leading
members of the congregation handed Mr. Waggoner fifty
cents, saying to him : "Go home and get ready to preach
to-night." This was his first financial compensation for
preaching.
Lorenzo D. Waldo.
Batavia, N. Y., 1819. 1888, Rockford, 111.
Educated in the public schools and by the light of his own
farm fireside. Grew into the eldership and an earnest min-
istry. For twenty-five years he preached up and down the
Rock River, fifteen of which were given to the Rockford
Church. A dozen counties in northern Illinois and southern
Wisconsin were blessed by his consecrated life. He was
greatly loved by many for his fine character and work.
632 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
• Thomas S. Wall.
Illinois, 1848. 1884, Illinois.
Mr. Wall was a consecrated preacher who did much hard
work, as pastor and evangelist, in Cumberland, Clay, Jasper,
Marion and Wayne Counties.
W. W. Weedon.
Columbiana County, O., 1846.
Came to Illinois in 1860. Settled in Wayne County.
Attended common and high schools. Farmed and taught
school there till 1878, except one year given to military
service in the Eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry.
Entering the Christian ministry in 1878, he has served as
pastor the churches at Brownstown, Edinburg and South
Fork, near by; Blue Mound, Taylorville, Williamsville,
Marion, Assumption, and is now at Mt. Carmel. He was
elected to the State Legislature and served in the session of
1890-91. Mr. Weedon has been an active member of, and
popular in, a number of fraternal societies. But with him
the Lord's work has always held first place. He is a man
of fine common sense and brotherly disposition. People like
him for what he is. His ministry has always been con-
structive and far-reaching in its results.
E. C. Weekly.
Kentucky, 1821. 1897, Chicago, 111.
Was baptized by Barton W. Stone. In Kentucky, he was
a successful builder of chapels. Came to Illinois in 1864,
settling in Decatur. He continued his ministerial labors
until his failing health forbade any further effort.
Miss Mary S. Welch.
Miss Welch has been one of the most forceful and useful
women in DeWitt County. Through her own efforts mainly,
she came to be an efficient teacher in the public schools.
From 1873 she served as county superintendent of schools
HERBERT L. WILLETT.
CHAS. REIGN SCOVILLE.
WILLIAM F. BLACK.
CLARK BRADEN
BIOGRAPHIES 633
for a period of seventeen years at a time when most men did
not accord the right of women to this office. Her intelligent
faith and faithful work were invaluable to the Clinton
Church. She bravely stood by it and fostered it when it was
little, poor and despised by the self-righteous. Of late years
she has been the superintendent of the Rest-room in Clinton.
Henry Wiley.
Mr. Wiley enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company H,
Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Promoted to captain
in December, 1862. Was in the battles of Pea Ridge,
Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Mis-
sionary Ridge, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin
and Nashville.
He is a fine Christian, whose home is at Paris.
Herbert L. Willett.
Michigan, 1864.
Mr. Willett is of the finest mental discipline and tre-
mendous capacity for work. After graduating at Bethany
in 1886, he preached seven years. He studied one year at
Yale, one at Berlin, and received his doctor's degree from
the University of Chicago in 1896. He taught three years
in the Bible chairs at Ann Arbor, Mich. After forming the
Hyde Park Church, he preached there three years. Then he
was with the First Church two years. In 1908 he brought
about a union of the last named with the Memorial Baptist
Church, known now as the "Memorial Church of Christ,"
and has since then served as its minister. Besides, he has
done much miscellaneous preaching in not a few denomina-
tional pulpits in Chicago and elsewhere.
Mr. Willett is one of the most democratic of university
men, and of engaging personality. He is always a pleasing
and persuasive preacher. It has been said that no honest
man can hear him publicly present the proofs of the Scrip-
tures and then say that he does not believe the Bible without
a feeling of shame. He is a prolific writer, and for some
634 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
things that he has thus said he has subjected himself to the
criticism of his fellow-Disciples.
A Church Federation Council meeting was held in
Chicago in February, 1910. After the session of the day,
there was an informal dinner at the Great Northern Hotel,
followed by brief speeches by different men. Next to the
last to speak was a minister noted for his denominational
proclivities. He said that it was puerile to array the Scrip-
tures against denominational Christianity when there were
Jewish Christians, Gentile Christians, etc. Then he remarked
that the people who had the most to say about unity were
the most sectarian of all, and even little. He was once in a
Western town where the people were holding a revival, and
they advertised as the one true apostolic church of Christ,
that there was only one people who had the presumption
and littleness to do that, etc. When Mr. Willett rose and
began in his most gracious manner, attention was riveted
upon him. After a word of introduction, he took up the
address just heard by saying: "In regard to our people
whom Dr. has done us the honor to mention." Then
followed a skillful, polished and thoroughgoing answer. It
was a clear, full and unanswerable defense of the Disciples.
And there was an eloquent silence that followed it.
At present, Mr. Willett holds an associate professorship
of Semitic Languages and Literature in the University of
Chicago. In this position he discharges efficiently the duties
that are his. ,,, ....
John A. Williams.
Shelby County, Ind., 1818. 1907, Marion County, 111.
In 1834 his father brought his family to Illinois and
settled near the village of Walnut Hill, in Marion County.
Here he made a farm on the timber-land, and here John
worked, went to school a little and grew to manhood. He
became a Christian at the old Mt. Moriah Church and began
to preach in his twenty-eighth year. From 1850 his time
was mainly given to the ministry of the Word. His evan-
gelistic tours were frequently made on horseback from fifty
BIOGRAPHIES 635
to one hundred miles. From Shelbyville to Cairo, and from
the Wabash to the Mississippi River, he proclaimed the
gospel for sixty years. His chief compensation was the
assurance of his Master's companionship and his approval
of duty unselfishly and faithfully done. Mr. Williams was
a superb man physically, being over six feet tall and finely
proportioned. His mental powers were far above the aver-
age. His knowledge of the Bible was full and clear. His
sermons were logical and convincing. His manner was
winning. He was known, honored and loved by thousands
of people of every kind.
Samuel V. Williams
Came to White County in the fifties and died at Enfield
about 1872. He was a very successful country preacher. At
one time he went to a co-operation meeting held with the
White Oak Church in the edge of Hamilton County. The
attendance was large, the interest fine, but the preachers
were few. So a young college minister was pressed into
service for the occasion. His sermons were good, but did
not reach the people. Finally, Mr. Williams arrived, and, of
course, did the preaching. His eyes were keen and black,
his hair long and black, his voice superior, his general
appearance imposing and his knowledge of his subject thor-
ough. The evening was pleasant, the well-seated and well-
lighted grove inviting and the large audience expectant. At
the close of the discourse a dozen people responded to the
gospel invitation, and many others came in the following
William T. Williams.
Bath County, Ky., 1810. 1890, Jefferson County, 111. _
He united with the Christian Church and entered its
ministry about 1857. For fifteen years before that time he
had served as an itinerant Methodist minister. He was a
talented, well-educated man, owned and used a large library,
had a fine memory — reading much of the Bible without the
text — held many public discussions and formed not a few
636 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
churches in southern Illinois during the last thirty-three
years of his life.
John L. Wilson.
Tennessee, 1816. 1881, Illinois.
In 1816, Mr. Wilson's parents came to Illinois and resided
in White, Bond and Montgomery Counties, respectively. In
1839 he moved to Mechanicsburg, where he was married in
1843. By the church there he was ordained to the ministry
in 1852. He served that congregation one-half time as its
pastor for two years. Thereafter, to the close of his life, his
energies were devoted to the work of evangelizing.
Physically, Mr. Wilson was a large man, standing more
than six feet tall, and was well proportioned. He was a timid
man, but his faith in Jesus and his love of the gospel made him
a very useful and powerful preacher. On one of his evangel-
izing tours in central Illinois he came to an assembly of wor-
shipers. The M. E. preacher, according to the custom of his
class in that time, was earnestly aiming to show his hearers
that the forgiveness of sins, on the human side, is conditioned
upon faith only, and is in no way connected in the New Testa-
ment with baptism. In his sermon he several times quoted our
Lord's commission, as recorded by Mark, as follows : "He that
believeth, and so forth, shall be saved." This was too much
for Mr. Wilson, so, just before the meeting closed, he pub-
licly announced that he would preach in the schoolhouse at a
named date, and that the subject of his sermon would be
"And So Forth." Many audiences in central Illinois heard
that discourse with pleasure and profit.
In his residence near Harristown he retired to rest
March 1, 1881, in his usual apparent excellent health. On
the morrow he was not, for God had taken him.
Mathew Wilson.
Tennessee, 1822. 1901, Hot Springs, Ark.
Became a Christian in 1837. Six years thereafter he
was consumed with zeal to preach the gospel. But he could
BIOGRAPHIES 637
not read. His wife, whom he had just married, taught him,
and his progress in knowledge was such that he was set
apart to the ministry in 1848. A loyalist refugee from Ten-
nessee, he came to Williamson County in 1865 and settled
on a farm near Herrin. Then he. went preaching wherever
people would assemble. He served as evangelist in the six
southern counties for six years, and organized more congre-
gations in that section than any other man. He had an
impediment in his speech, but none in his Christian zeal.
Charles L. Wood
Was born on his father's farm in Wayne County, 111., 1868.
Attended the schools of the community. He is a man of
energy and resolution. For twenty-two years he has given
the Christian Churches of Wayne County his best work as a
preacher. He served a term in the Spanish-American War.
Now he looks after a 320-acre farm, cries an average of
150 public sales a year, and preaches every Lord's Day.
In 1912 he was elected to the House in the forty-eighth
General Assembly.
. Joseph Wood
Was a Virginian by birth. Traveling on the rivers, he
reached the Barney's Prairie settlement in 1815. He was a
man of intelligence and influence and earnest religious
nature. He served as commissioner of post-roads. His
death came rather early in life. He was the first deacon of
the Barney's Prairie Church, and a son or grandson of his
has been in the officiary of that congregation from 1819 to
the present time.
Claiborne Wright,
Indiana, 1819. 1896, Mason, 111.
Came from Johnson County, Ind., in 1861, and settled on
a farm two miles east of Mason. He was the first Christian
minister to reside in Effingham County and pioneer preacher
of a fine grade.
A poet friend wrote these lines, among others, about him :
638 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
"Claiborne Wright ! a name through which we see
All that a minister of God should be —
A name itself significant, 'round which
Our human virtues clustered rank and rich;
An ample soul perfected on a plan
That comprehended all the best in man,
And in the largeness of its vision saw
The beauty of eternal love and law.
"Against all wrong he waged a ceaseless war,
And kept his soul as stainless as a star;
Along the awful highways of the world,
He bore the banner of the Lord unfurled,
Willing to follow — not afraid to lead
When duty called him, in the time of need;
No soldier of the cross — no braver knight
E'er donned the armor, when the cause was right."
John Yager.
Pennsylvania, 1808. 1894, Illinois.
Mr. Yager became a member of the Christian Denomina-
tion in 1829 in Ohio, but in 1834 he transferred his member-
ship to the church of Christ — probably under the ministry of
Robert Milligan. He was ordained to the ministry in 1836
and purposed to give himself wholly to its work. His wife
objected so earnestly that he gave that up. Coming to
Illinois the same year, he bought a large tract of land at
Genesse Grove, in Whiteside County, which he held during
his lifetime. He became very well versed in the Scriptures
and a capable teacher. He was short in stature, but robust
and compact in body; a large, well-formed head, a superior
mind and a heart aflame with the love of the Master and his
pure gospel. He was a born leader of men. His prayers
were an inspiration to those who heard them. He was
active and aggressive in Christian service for fifty years, and
helped in the formation of all the churches of Christ in that
part of the State.
Charles Yelton.
Near Lexington, Ky., 1823. 1904, Newton, 111.
Came to Illinois in 1852 and settled in Jasper County,
BIOGRAPHIES 639
which was the place of his residence throughout the larger
part of his life. Shortly thereafter he began to preach.
He was a soldier in the Mexican War. In 1861 he
became captain of Company H, Thirty-eighth Illinois In-
fantry. Later, he was chaplain of the 143d Illinois Infantry.
In these positions he acquitted himself in a manner becom-
ing a Christian military officer.
His ministry was confined mainly to Jasper and the sur-
rounding counties. There his labors were fruitful in much
good. When he prospered in business, he rendered to the
Lord of his increase. At an early age the care of his wid-
owed mother and her younger children devolved upon him.
His life was full of joyful helpfulness. His last years were
passed in Newton, where he delivered his last sermon on
the eighty-first anniversary of his birth.
P. F. York.
Indiana, 1849.
Came with his parents to Illinois in 1855, who settled at
Wenona. He is a nephew of the Houstons. Was educated
at Wenona Seminary and Eureka College. Has now served
the ministry of the Christian Church forty-two years — at
Paxton, Leroy, Maroa, Girard, Sidell and other places.
CHAPTER VIII.
MISCELLANEA.
DATES.
The dates of many events in pioneer years were fixed in
the minds of people by occurrences that could not be easily
forgotten. The winter of 1830-31, December to February,
was the time of "the deep snow," which covered the ground
through central and northern Illinois to the depth of four
or five feet. The year 1834 was impressed upon the mind
because it was "the sickly season" — many were ill and not a
few died. "The sudden freeze" came Dec. 20, 1836. The
temperature was warm till noon of that day, when very sud-
denly the wind veered and at once became so cold that boiling
water thrown up into the air came down in icedrops. Ponds
and streams were frozen over so quickly that frogs' heads
were caught in the ice, and myriads of wild water- fowl
were seized in the same manner and perished.
"DISGUISED DEISM" OR "SOCINIANISM."
In 1883, Dr. Jesse H. Smith resided at Chatham, 111. He
was a successful practitioner and an able preacher of the
gospel. He was a man of fine character which commanded
universal respect. His nephew, J. Addison Smith, was then
pastor of the Presbyterian Church (South) at Des Peres,
St. Louis Co., Mo. This gentleman in that year addressed
the following communication to his cousin, Miss Lillie
Smith, at Chatham:
In your last postal card you refer to the conversation we had in
the grove. About that conversation, I have this much to say: That I
am sorry I mentioned the subject if it is painful to you. I had no
wish to hurt your feelings. This you know. I was only stating a
640
MISCELLANEA 641
fact ; viz., that your church was not regarded by the thinking world as
an orthodox body. The Synod of Missouri last month sent up another
overture to the next General Assembly of our church on this very
subject. Our General Assembly has already uttered its voice on this
subject, maintaining that the followers of Alexander Campbell are not
evangelical, and, consequently, can not be recognized as orthodox min-
isters in pur church courts. The history of the above overture is
simply this : A few months ago the Presbytery of La Fayette, in this
State, sitting in Sedalia, invited the minister of the Christian Church
in that city to sit with the Presbytery as a visiting brother. Imme-
diately this sprung the question whether the brother in question was
a minister in an orthodox church. Several of the members of the
above Presbytery objected to receiving the brother because our highest
court, the General Assembly, had declared most emphatically the
church in question could not be recognized as a church of Jesus Christ.
This question was taken by the above Presbytery to Synod, and we
discussed it there, and then sent it up to the next Assembly, that is to
meet in Vicksburg, Miss., in May. When the question came up in the
Synod of Missouri there was a great deal of feeling on the subject.
Many of us were enjoying the hospitality of the members of the Chris-
tian Church, and it almost seemed a breach of courtesy for us to
openly assail their church. I was the second one to gain the floor of
the Synod, and before beginning my speech stated that many of the
bre';.iren felt great delicacy in saying anything on the subject in hand,
for they were partaking of the hospitality of the members of the church
in question. I stated that in my speech there would not be any bitter-
ness or venom, for I had a dear relative, a man of princely gifts, who
was a minister in this church. I then showed that the question was not
whether this single minister here or there was sound. I believed my
uncle was sound and orthodox ; but that was not the question before
the Synod. It was this : Taking that body as a body, are they orthodox
according to the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist and Episcopal way
of thinking? I then attempted to show that the only way we could get
at the question in this form would be to go to the very fountain-head
of the system; viz., to Alex. Campbell himself, and, examining that
system there, to answer whether it was orthodox ; I bade the Synod
remember that whatever that brother believed was a true exponent of
the system. No, for A. Campbell confessed in his debate with Dr.
Rice at Lexington, Ky., that "he had in his church all sorts of men
preaching all sorts of doctrines," and so what one brother regarded as
Campbellism another brother would ignore as such ; so, this being
true, one would be compelled to go to the fountain-head, Campbell
himself, and see what his views were.
And I then stated that the highest authority of this continent, of
whom it was said that he did not have a superior in the world,
Dabney of Virginia, who was professor of theology for thirty years,
642 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
once said to me personally that the system of Alex. Campbell was
nothing but disguised Deism. I referred the members of Synod to
the finest critique of Campbell's system that has ever appe'ared in
America, from the pen of the above Dabney in the Southern Presby-
terian Review for July, 1880. Then I attempted to show the exact cor-
respondence between Campbell's system and Socinianism. In fact, it
has often been said, the truth of which can not be doubted, that Camp-
bell received his system not from himself — it did not originate with
him — but from Faustus Socinus, of Poland. Doubtless, you know Alex.
Campbell was a licentiate of the Seceder Church, Scotland. He came
to America as such, but his father, Thomas Campbell, having been
called upon to stand trial before the Presbyterian Church for some
little matter, this seems to have irritated young Alex. Campbell, and
he then (possibly to spite, as he thought, the Presbyterian Church)
began with his father to drift farther and farther away from the
church in which he and his father had been licensed. Meeting up with
the writings of Socinus, he absorbed them, and here is the starting of
the system before us. The points of correspondence between Camp-
bellism and Socinianism are so well defined that they are not ques-
tioned. Take only three, to say nothing of others: 1st, original sin;
2nd, atonement; 3rd, the nature and work of the Spirit, and I might
add a 4th ; viz., the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now,
Lillie, my speech before Synod was so courteous to the feelings of the
members of the Christian Church that were present during the discus-
sion— no bitter language was used — so that not one took offense, and
when, by appointment of Synod, I had to preach at the Christian
Church on Sabbath night, I had a splendid congregation and they
treated me with the utmost courtesy.
After repetitions in 110 words, Nephew Smith continues:
Now, Lillie, I am very sorry that this question has been sprung,
for you know I do not wish to do or say anything that will give you
pain, nor to estrange Uncle Jesse. Now, you may think that I am
writing about something of which I am ignorant when I write about
your body. But I know whereof I speak. I have known of your body
for years. I do not pretend to say anything about your type of
religion in the State of Illinois, whether your body there is orthodox
or not, but I do pretend to say that I know something about it in Texas
and in this State. In Texas your ministers carried on at such a rate
that it was regarded by some strict Presbyterians as a desecration of
the Sabbath to attend their church, and I was possibly fifteen years of
age before I was allowed to hear those of whom it was said that
"they ridicule the Holy Spirit." Understand. Lillie, T have met with
your people. I have argued with them, and I know what some of
them believe and what they do not believe. One of the soundest
preachers (regarded sound by your body) of your church in north-
MISCELLANEA 643
western Missouri had a conversation with me, and from ms conversa-
tion he denied the personality of the Holy Spirit and makes it [him. —
AUTHOR] a mere influence. Remember, he was one of your soundest
men in that section of the State. I could say a great deal more on the
subject, but I will stop. I am sorry that you requested me to write a
letter showing the correspondence between the two systems spoken of.
In closing I bid you remember the connection in which I spoke of
these two things in that grove. You remember I said I was anxious
to have Uncle Jesse when the Presbytery of St. Louis met at my
church, but that I was prevented from so doing by the following con-
sideration; viz., that if he were present I would wish him to be invited
to sit as a visiting brother, but as soon as this would be mentioned
there would be a conflict and clash, as members of Presbytery would
oppose such a move on the ground that the body he represented was
not orthodox. This, I said, would have hurt uncle's feelings and
mine. It was in this way I came to make the remark in question. I
am sorry I made it if the mere statement of a truth (so regarded by
our Assembly) should cause offense. 1 dislike these arguments, for
they accomplish no good. Sometimes they are forced on us in order
to conserve the truth and the gospel of Christ in its purity, as was the
case in the Synod. I have no hope of changing your mind on the
grand principles involved in these statements. If your system is Scrip-
tural and will do to base your hopes for eternity on, then you keep it.
Of course, I must be permitted to acquiesce in the opinion of all ortho-
dox churches of the world — that it is antiscriptural and, consequently,
will not do to rest on for eternity. Now, Lillie, remember you
requested this letter; take it in the spirit in which it is written.
God bless you richly and you all.
Your affectionate cousin,
J. A. S.
To this loquacious letter Dr. Smith shortly made the fol-
lowing reply:
DEAR SIR: Lillie, on reading your last letter, felt that I should
know its contents, and, accordingly, gave it to me to read. Its contents
surprised and grieved me no little. And after reading it I feel it my
duty to address you, and, if possible, to open your eyes to the heinous-
ness of your sin. First charge — That A. Campbell stole or borrowed
his distinctive views of the Christian religion from Socinus. This is
as false as perjury and base as slander. It is the repetition of a thread-
bare slander against the sainted dead. If your salvation from Gehenna
depended on the proof of this charge from his writings, your doom
would be inevitable. Hear the accused in his own defense. He said
nearly sixty years ago : "While I renounce the metaphysical jargon
found in creeds on what is called the doctrine of the Trinity, such as
644 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
eternal generation, etc., I regard Arianism, scmi-Arianism and Socin-
ianisni as poor, miserable, band and naked nonsense and absurdity."
In the face of this disclaimer, what is your charge but a false fabrica-
tion? a slander?
Again, A. Campbell published approvingly fifty-nine years ago :
"From my heart 1 pity the Socinians. I compassionate their temerity,
and would not, the Bible being in my hand, rush into the presence of
the quick and dead with their sentiments for twice the value of the uni-
verse." A. Campbell entertained and taught but one view in reference
to the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit ; viz., that they
are essentially and eternally divine and underived in any sense of gen-
eration known to man. We, like the Saviour, receive not honor from
men (John 5:41-44). Those that did so had not the love of God in
them. True honor comes from God only, and not from the thinking
world, the General Assembly. Here read the enclosed paragraph from
A. Campbell. As he said of the Socinians, so say I of you — from my
heart 1 pity you. I compassionate your temerity in ignorantly and
willfully slandering the dead in Christ.
Forty years ago, when I knew as little of Socinus and Alex. Camp-
bell as 1 now do of the man in the moon, I heard your venerable father
make the same statement about A. Campbell that you wrote to Lillie.
Where he got his information, I never knew, but suppose it was from
some retail shop or peddler, as I never knew him to read a line in one
of A. Campbell's works in my life. A little second-hand information
from your father, seconded by your Virginia idol, seems to constitute
your stock in trade. With all your silly pedantry and boasted acquaint-
ance with our people and teaching, 1 have no idea you ever read any
two of A. Campbell's works in your life. If so, which? Will you
please answer? You said to Lillie, "The Christian Church is not to
be judged by a few sound preachers here and there," and then, without
quoting a single sentence from any of our published works to convict
us, you seek to condemn us from something you understood one of our
preachers to say in private and probably excited controversy. Verily,
the lame limp and theological policemen usually sit on stools with two
legs of unequal length, as in this case.
Your second charge — "That A. Campbell's views of the Christian
religion are nothing but disguised Deism." I am reluctant to answer
this charge because its barefaced falsity demands more severity than
I can consistently employ. Do angels of light yet transform themselves
into scavengers? To me it sounds like a pansophical egotist. Just such
creatures said worse things about the blessed Saviour eighteen hun-
dred years ago. If the statement is not the offspring of ignorance,
then the doctrine of total depravity is true in some cases. That old
soldier of the Cross, if he knew of this vile aspersion, would justly
rebuke me in the day of eternity if I failed to say a word in his exon-
eration. "Nothing but disguised Deism !" The man who toiled with
MISCELLANEA 645
tongue and pen for half a century in the defense of revealed religion
"a Deist"! Ihe man who has done more to eliminate falsehood,
destroy priestcraft and reveal the rottenness of human systems and
creeds "a Deist" ! Angels of God, where are you encamped and how
restrained? Thank God for his noble life and imperishable memory!
I owe him more this day for a clear and satisfactory conception of the
Christian religion than to all the priests and scribes of Christendom.
And, now that his sun of life is set and the night of death rests as a
mantle upon his ashes, miserable sectarian owls leave their hiding-
places to hoot at his memory.
You say, 1st, that you are sorry that you mentioned the subject if
it is painful to her, and, 2nd, that you were only stating a fact — that
her church was not regarded by the thinking world as orthodox; and,
3rd, that your General Assembly had decided that we are not evangel-
ical. Reply 1. When a man vends or peddles a slander against a man
or religious body, it is a royal apology to tell the wounded, "I am sorry
I said it, but it is true and I know it." 2. "Thinking world" ! Your
pedantic character is accurately photographed by Job 12:2: "No doubt
ye are the people, and wisdom will die with you." Again he says
(13:4, 5) : "But ye are forgers of lies, ye are physicians of no value.
O that ye would altogether hold your peace, and it should be your
wisdom." 3. "General Association has decided that we are not evan-
gelical." Poor, despised children of God! What next? The pope's
bull of excommunication is published — "Ye are not evangelic." The
iron bedstead has been made. "Ye are not orthodox," but you through
this device and hellish malice can receive the proper stature. Let me
say plainly, if our recognition depends upon our falling down and wor-
shiping the image you have set up (your creed), or kissing the big toe
of your Holiness, the great Dabney, then we are prepared for lions'
dens and fiery furnaces. As to whether we represent a pure Bible
Christianity, we court investigation before a proper tribunal, but not
before a sectarian court, council and witnesses. If all these should
either be dishonest or prejudiced, how could an honest man get jus-
tice? From self-styled orthodoxy may the good Lord deliver us; for
it was the orthodox priests and rulers that crucified Jesus of Nazareth.
Many years ago a boastful deist of Scotland came to America and
challenged the clergy of the United States to measure swords with him.
Who met and discomfited this Goliath? The pansophical clergy? No,
sir. It was the now sainted dead but vilely aspersed A. Campbell. The
bulwark he then threw around the Christian religion will be an honor
to himself and a glory to the church to the end of time. His colaborers,
ignorantly or spitefully called his followers, have caught his inspira-
tion, and for the last twenty-five years, it is said by those who have
investigated the matter, more than fifty per cent. o_f all the debates in
the United States against infidels, atheists and deists have been con-
ducted by them. Under the plea we have made in the last half century,
646 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
over half a million believing souls have rallied to the Cross of Christ.
Here we raise our Lbenezer, and under God will push his victories
over sectarianism, deism and atheism till all the Philistian hosts are dis-
comfited and destroyed.
All praise to the saints of God in Sedalia! It is not the first time
God's children have heaped coals of fire on the heads of their enemies.
The Master taught them, "If your enemy hunger, feed him." Let me
be plain with you. Your reference to Mr. Dabney, of Virginia, is both
idolatrous and blasphemous, for you say "the highest authority of this
continent is Dabney of Virginia." In this bald sentence, even the
authority of the Lord Jesus Christ is not excepted. Now, should you
not qualify the above statement by the word "human"? I shall not
be surprised to learn that you have joined the pious old lady in her
reverent exclamation, "Glory to King Beelzebub !"
Finally, one of two things remains for you to do-|-either furnish
the proofs of your allegations, or confess your sin. I will wait and see.
Your uncle,
DR. J. H. SMITH.
A CHICKEN STORY.
The story of the pioneers would be incomplete without
mention of their open-hearted hospitality. It was generous
to a fault and contributed very much enjoyment to their
otherwise circumscribed lives. In those days, chicken was a
"company" dish. As soon as the yellow-legged variety was
introduced they were at once associated with the Methodist
preachers. But these good brethren did not have a monopoly
of this toothsome luxury. While the preachers of those
days received little cash, and often none, they were royally
entertained. The best things to eat were theirs. In every
community there was at least one family that gladly wel-
comed the messengers of the Cross.
In the early day, on a Saturday afternoon, two tired
preachers rode up to one of those homes where the latch-key
was always out. In a little while the cry of a hen was
heard and two small boys, intent on a tragic business, were
seen by a passing neighbor. One of the boys held the fowl
by the feet and head, with the neck stretched across a log.
The other boy stood with uplifted ax. The proceedings
moved slowly; so the passing neighbor called out: "Why
don't you cut her head off and be done with it? Say, Bub,
MISCELLANEA 647
let go that bill or you'll get your hand cut off sure." The
older boy replied: "But we want to chop the neck right up
to the head and the old thing won't hold still." "What's the
use? Whack away," replied the neighbor. "Lots of use,"
said the older boy; "there's two preachers in the house, and
the neck's all we'll get."
In the seventies, John A. Logan was a candidate for the
United States Senate. The Legislature was deadlocked by
a tie. Then a Democrat in the House died. But that dis-
trict was overwhelmingly Democratic ; so the Republicans
let their nomination go by default. However, a large num-
ber of sewing-machine agents got busy in that district. They
drove good teams and the wagons were loaded with sewing-
machines. On the side they whispered to every solid
Republican: "Go to the polls at four o'clock in the afternoon
and vote for Mr. Blank ; mum is the word." The game won.
The Democrats, thinking it unnecessary to vote, stayed at
home, and the Republicans elected their candidate. This
broke the deadlock, and that vote returned Mr. Logan to
the Senate. And that man was one of the boys who years
before had stretched the old hen's neck across the log.
The resourcefulness of youth is prophetic.
THE SEAT OF AUTHORITY.
The Preachers vs. the Local Church.
Shortly after the close of the pastorate of Alexander
Johnson in Springfield, early in 1856, Mr. B. F. Perkey,
having preached there a few times, was engaged to serve
the congregation as its settled minister. It soon became
apparent that his manner of life was bringing reproach on
the cause of Christ. Whereupon, the elders of the church
waited upon him and advised him that "such was the oppo-
sition to his further continuance as pastor that his services
could no longer be profitable, and, in their judgment, ought
to cease." Already there had been some misunderstanding
between Mr. Perkey and a few members of the church.
648
Then he accused the congregation of violating a compact
and doing him great injury. Without any conference with
the elders or any knowledge of the church, he mailed a
circular to the Christian ministers of the State, calling upon
them to meet in Springfield "to consider questions of great
importance." Forty-two preachers responded to the call.
Mr. Perkey then arraigned the church and one of its mem-
bers in particular for trial on charges which he had pre-
pared. He demanded that the ministers thus assembled
should take upon themselves the task of calling the church
to account for its bad faith toward him. The congregation
was wholly ignorant of the purpose of this ministerial con-
vention, had not been made a party to its proceedings, and
hence had no opportunity of making its defense. But before
the convention adjourned it appointed a committee to
mete out to the congregation such discipline as, in their
judgment, it deserved. In due time the committee made a
report, which they styled their "decision." They found that
"the grievances of Bro. Perkey are great. The church at
Springfield has done him a palpable injury by violating the
solemn pact, and should make reparation." This led the
congregation to appoint a committee to consider the case.
Their report was made to the church and by it adopted Feb.
8, 1857. It settled several things. This report bears the
unmistakable stamp of that master mind, A. J. Kane. It
was as follows:
CHRISTIAN MEETING-HOUSE, Springfield, Feb. 8, 1857.
At a meeting of the congregation in Springfield, Feb. 8, 1857, the
following report was read and adopted :
"WHEREAS, Jonathan Atkinson, Theophilus Sweet, E. W. Bakewell
and I. N. Carman, the majority of a committee appointed by the late
Preachers' Convention held in this city, have presented the elders of
this church with a copy of what they style their 'decision,' in which,
among other things, they assume to decide as follows:
" 'The grievances of Bro. Perkey are great. The church at Spring-
field has done him a palpable injury by violating a solemn compact,
and justice and love alike bind them to make reparation, as far as pos-
sible, for the injury, pecuniary and otherwise, sustained by him and
the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.'
MISCELLANEA 649
"And, WHEREAS, The investigation of said grievances (as they term
it) was altogether partial and ex parte, insomuch as they only heard
his statement, and such evidence as he saw tit to produce, and did not
receive or seek any other, although informed that they could have any
information in possession of the elders in relation to matters properly
submitted to said committee, nor was the church permitted to select
any part of the tribunal ;
"Therefore, Resolved, That we utterly repudiate and deny the
authority arrogated by said committee to try this church or to pass any
decision on its action.
"Resolved, That a church properly organized is responsible to no
tribunal on earth, except to the civil law in cases under its cognizance,
and that we regard this action of the committee as an assumption of
power, unwarranted by the word of God or the practice of the Chris-
tian Church, and a bold attempt to lord it over the heritage of God.
"Resolved, That when this church feels itself incompetent to man-
age its temporal and spiritual affairs, and deems it necessary to have
assistance, it not only has the right, but claims the right, to choose a
part, at least, of the tribunal to which matters may be properly sub-
mitted.
"Resolved, That the statement of said committee that 'the church
in Springfield has done him a palpable wrong by violating a solemn
compact,' is reckless and without foundation.
"Resolved, That this church approves the action of the elders in
communicating to Elder Perkey 'that such was the opposition to his
further continuance as pastor of the congregation, that his services
could be no longer profitable and, in their judgment, ought to cease,'
and we believe it was done with the best of motives for his good, and
for the interest of the cause of Christ.
"Resolved, That the church holds itself amenable to no Conference,
Synod or Convention, claiming the exclusive right to control its own
private and public concerns, but willing and desirous to co-operate
with others in promoting the great cause of religion as long as such
right is conceded.
"Resolved, That while we are disposed to respect the brethren com-
posing the committee, as ministers and proclaimers of the gospel, so
long as they confine their operations to the legitimate work to which
they are called, we must most decidedly, in the fear of God and in all
Christian forbearance, utterly repudiate and set at naught the so-called
decision so far as it relates to this church.
"(Signed) A. J. KANE,
"RICHARD LATHAM,
"JOSEPH BENNETT,
"A. C. CONSTANT,
"Committee"
WHEN THE "CAMPBELLITES" WERE NOT EVANGELICAL.
The following incident explains itself. It is from the
pen of Mr. Henry C. Latham, now a banker of Springfield,
written in 1903. In Christian character and reputation he
was the equal, if not the superior, of those who disbarred
him. He wrote:
In regard to the episode of the Y. M. C. A., it was I who had the
experience. About 18b4 an attempt was made to organize the Y. M. C.
A.; perhaps two hundred young men had assembled in the First Pres-
byterian Church, and the constitution was presented for adoption. The
first item provided that all members of "evangelical" churches should
be eligible as members. I raised the question as to what was meant by
"evangelical," for it had been hinted that the "Disciples of Christ" were
not so considered. They replied that no question should be raised as
to my eligibility as a member. I replied I was not asking the question
for myself alone, that I had no desire to become a member of any
organization where my brothers could not be freely admitted. In the
discussion, Bro. J. C. Tully and two men from the Congregational
Church came to my aid, and we attempted to amend the constitution
by inserting "that any person who believed that Jesus was the Christ,
the Son of God, and had accepted him as their Saviour, may become a
member," etc. Thereupon, a stranger in the city who happened to be
present made a strong speech against the change, and stated that the
wording of the constitution as presented had been found necessary to
keep out the Unitarians, Universalists and the Campbellites, and before
anything was accomplished the meeting adjourned, several stating
openly that they did not care to belong to a religious organization
where I and my brethren could not be admitted. The attempt at organ-
ization at that time failed, but later an organization was effected, and
I afterward became president of this same association.
WOMEN AS PREACHERS AND PASTORAL HELPERS.
The entrance of women into the public ministry of the
churches of Christ in Illinois was as quiet as the rising sun.
They had served with efficiency in so many semi-public rela-
tions and places that this final step was easily taken. It
seemed to have been Providential. To Mrs. C. C. Babcock,
of the Sterling Church, belongs the honor of having been
the pioneer in this service. All of her valuable public min-
istry had the cordial approval of her husband. As far as
learned, the other women who have entered the Christian
MISCELLANEA 651
ministry in Illinois are the following: Mary Pickens Buck-
ner, of Augusta; Miss Rachel Crouch, who married Mr. Neil
Derrick; Miss Rachel Dangerfield; Miss Daisy Finger; Mrs.
Lew D. Hill, wife of Minister Hill; Mrs. Rochester Irwin,
wife of Minister Irwin; Mrs. Ida K. Jordon, wife of O. F.
Jordon; Miss Bertha Merrill; Mrs. H. E. Monser, wife of
Minister Monser; Miss Sadie McCoy, who married Min. J.
R. Crank — she was employed by the State Mission Board in
1893 and added 127 people to the churches in 188 days of
service; Miss Sadie Olive; Miss Myrtle Park, who married
Min. W. H. Storm after a successful pastorate of five years
with the Carlock Church ; Miss Myrtle Very, Miss Ava S.
Walton and Miss Lou Watson.
Among the women missionaries who have gone out from
the churches in Illinois there are: Miss Frances Irene Banta,
and Miss Nellie Daugherty, who married Dr. James Butch-
art, to China ; Miss Mary Kingsbury, Mrs. Kate Lawrence
Brown and Miss Myra Harris McLeoud, to India; Mrs.
Marie Jackson McCoy to Japan, and Mrs. Lillian Boyer
Hedges to Africa.
In the public ministry of the gospel, women have
acquitted themselves well in every way.
CONSERVATIVES AND PROGRESSIVES.
In coming out of spiritual Babylon, most of the Disciples
of Christ have traveled, for varying periods, through foggy
fields of confused thought. The average man, even in
enlightened America, does not think clearly and analyze
logically. To discriminate between the fundamental and the
incidental in New Testament teaching was difficult for many ;
so fifty years ago two tendencies in Christian thinking were
developed and have kept step with the life and growth of
the Disciples. The causes and development of these elements
are well stated by Prof. B. J. Radford in these words:
There were, as in all parties and organizations, conservatives and
progressives in our early churches. Vv'hen in any movement the pro-
gressive element becomes active and aggressive, the conservatives
652 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
become reactionary. "Extremes beget extremes," and just in propor-
tion as progressives go too fast or too far, the conservatives go too
slow, or countermarch. When the progressives, as they often do, both
in state and church, show a readiness to adopt new things without
much regard as to their constitutionality or orthodoxy, the conserva-
tives begin to suspect and oppose everything they adopt without much
regard to its constitutionality or orthodoxy or desirability. It was not
until after the Civil War that these two tendencies became sufficiently
pronounced among us to cause contention and partisanship. But the
conservatism of the first decade after the Civil War would be liberal
in comparison with its character to-day, and the progressivism of that
decade would seem almost reactionary compared with that of to-day.
Verily, we see an extreme begetting an extreme. Premising that it
would be unfair to our early conservative and progressive leaders to
hold them responsible for the extremes into which the movements
which they promoted have run, we may say that these two movements
in the churches of Christ were led, respectively, by two great and good
men — Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Errett. About these gathered cap-
tains of hundreds and captains of thousands. The conservatives had
an influential and ably edited organ in the American Christian Review.
This prompted the establishment of the Christian Standard, as the
organ of the progressive element, which under the sane and brilliant
guidance of Isaac Errett became a mighty force in our evangelistic,
missionary and educational development.
The great body of the Disciples of Christ in the United
States is not aligned with either extreme, but is the middle-
of-the-road class. They are open-minded, hospitable toward
all truth, and have a supreme regard for the authority of the
Bible. The conservatives have differed widely among them-
selves. Those of this element in Kentucky and Tennessee
are of a type and class superior to those in Illinois. Here,
for the last twenty-five years, Min. Daniel Sommer, of
Indiana, has been the recognized leader. While he has per-
sistently declined to make any reply to direct communications
of the writer, his position may be learned from the so-called
Sand Creek Address and Declaration, of which he is the
accredited author, or, at least, its inspirer. It is as follows:
Meeting assembled at Sand Creek (Church), Shelby Co., 111., Aug.
17, 1889.
To all those whom it may concern, Greeting:
BRETHREN — For many years, as Disciples of Christ, we have taken
the position that in matters of doctrine and practice, where the Bible
MISCELLANEA 653
speaks, we speaic, and where the Bible is silent, we are silent. We have
held that nothing should be thought, received or practiced religiously
for which we can not produce a "Thus saith the Lord." For a long
time the above principles were satisfactorily observed and we were
happy and prosperous, with one heart, and we lived in peace and grew
in strength through the harmony of pur creed for the restoration of
primitive apostolic Christianity in spirit and in practice. We discarded
all man-made laws, rules, disciplines and confessions of faith as a
means of governing the church. We call attention to some painful
facts and considerations. There are among us those who teach and
practice things not taught nor found in the New Testament. Against
these we have repeatedly protested. W-e complain of and protest
against unlawful methods resorted to in order to raise money for relig-
ious purposes ; the holding of church festivals of various kinds ; the
selected choir; the man-society and missionary work; the one-man-
imported preacher; these being objectionable and unauthorized things
now taught and practiced in many congregations to the great grief and
mortification of some of the members. To those who teach such
things and to those who practice the same we submit that they are not
in harmony with the gospel, but in opposition thereto ; that it is only
safe to teach and practice what the divine record enjoins upon the
disciples. We beg you to turn speedily and at once from such things.
To you who practice and teach these vicious things we say that we
can not tolerate the things of which we complain. This Address and
Declaration is not made in the spirit of envy or hate or malice; it is
only actuated frcm a sense of duty, believing that the time has come
when a more definite character should be known and recognized
between the church and the world. With this end in view, and for the
purpose of counteracting the usages and practices, this effort on the part
of the congregations below named is made; from a sense of duty we
say: That all who are guilty of teaching, allowing or practicing the
many innovations and corruptions to which we have referred, after
having been admonished and having had time for reflection, if you do
not turn from such abominations, we can not and will not longer
regard you as brethren.
This document bears thirteen signatures, claiming to rep-
resent five country congregations. Kindness impels the with-
holding of these names. This crass and papistic address is
silent on "the organ question," which was the crux of the
controversy. To paralyze Christian activities is supreme
folly, and to divide churches of Christ by questions of
opinion is a heinous sin. It seems never to have occurred
to the radical advocates of these opinions that, according to
654 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
themselves, the Scriptures are silent on most of these things
and therefore they themselves should be. A good man and
a long-time elder in one of the best churches in the State
says : "The conservatives are for the most part good Christian
people. They are narrow and need educating. Fifty years
ago many of us whom they now call progressives were con-
servatives. Treat them kindly and in a few years they will
be progressives and we will again be conservatives."
All that can be here written of the extreme progressives
is this: An association of scholarly and younger men was
formed to propagate their peculiar teachings. It was called
"The Campbell Institute" and had its headquarters in
Chicago, where for a time it published the Scroll as the
organ of its propaganda. It furnished the ministers who in
late years have left the catholic position of the Disciples of
Christ for denominationalism. The present position and aims
of these progressives are given in the following statement:
1. Constant restatement to ourselves and the Christian world of
the conditions which inspired the leaders of the movement to their
early efforts, and the historic reasons for the origin, growth and con-
tinuance of the Disciples of Christ in the efforts to promote the unity
of the church.
2. Present and continued efforts to promote the actual unity of the
churches as imposed by our history and justified by the experience of
the church during the past century and more.
3. Earnest co-operation with all Christian forces in the efforts to
realize this unity. In such a work some body of people will naturally
have to take the lead. The Disciples are committed to such efforts by
their historic testimony and many notable examples of practical effort
in this direction. It is their duty to be leaders and not mere followers
in such a crusade. This need involve no compromise in matters of
conviction. Nothing would be gained by such a shading of conviction.
At the same time, some will be able in all good conscience to go further
than others in their overtures for common work and worship, and by
efforts of this character the cause of Christian unity will be promoted.
4. That unity will take form most speedily in the actual forma-
tion of union churches in localities where Disciples can unite with
Baptists, Corgregationalists, or others, reducing competition and pro-
moting the interests of the kingdom of God. This type of union will
probably become increasingly common as the movement spreads. It
will not interfere with such exchanges of courtesies as may promote
MISCELLANEA 655
good feelings between various religious bodies. But, in the nature of
the case, it will give visible demonstration of the practical nature of
that unity toward which the church looks with hope. The exchange of
ministers by the different religious bodies will be a step in the same
direction, where such action involves no surrender of convictions, but
only a recognition of the broader fellowship of the churches.
5. The necessary ground and justification for these efforts to
realize the ideals of unity in a practical way is the recognition by the
Disciples of Christ of the Christian character and brotherhood of all
the followers of Jesus of whatever name, and the frank and generous
avowal that the convictions and beliefs of all such must be held sacred
and significant in any plan of unity. One need not share in all regards
the beliefs or customs of his religious neighbors in order to yield to
them the right of testimony and practice, under the obligations of con-
science and loyalty to Christ. We are not keepers of our brothers'
consciences, but we are witnesses of a great and neglected truth, and
of the fact that truth is entirely consistent with variety of doctrine and
usage, within the broad circle of the Christian faith.
6. What form the united church of the future may take does not
concern us. We may have our own beliefs on that question. But we
may be assured that the Spirit of God, operating in the lives of believ-
ers, will form for Himself a body such as shall be fitted for the largest
service in the furtherance of the ideals of the Kingdom of God.
This program elicits little criticism where its advocates
hoM fast the Deity of Jesus and make the word of God a
finality.
SLAVERY.
What was the attitude of the Disciples in Illinois toward
slavery? By 1861 they had grown to number possibly twenty
thousand in the State. In all discussions upon the question
of slavery that culminated in the Dred Scott decision — the
deepest and most damning nadir of our national annals —
they were active participants. In the thirties, forties and
fifties many Disciples came into Illinois from Kentucky, Ten-
nessee and Virginia. Some of those who settled in the
border counties were pro-slavery, but the most of these
immigrants came because of their aversion to the "peculiar
institution." For example, Ben Major, who came from Ken-
tucky and settled in Walnut Grove in the early thirties, freed
his slaves and sent his agent with them to New York City
in 1834 to pay their passage to Liberia. Of those Disciples
656 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
who came into Illinois, during the three decades named, from
the States east of us, nearly all were antislavery except those
from southern Indiana. In the early forties two colonies of
Ohio people came to Illinois. Of these, Dr. J. P. Walters,
now a resident of Fairfield, says: "The two colonies of
Christians who came from Ohio and settled in Wayne
County in earlier years were decidedly antislavery in their
political convictions, there being abolitionists in each of the
companies. These people were important factors in mould-
ing the political sentiment in this county in the years 1840
to 1861. The attitude of the Disciples of Christ during
those years throughout this portion of the State was deci-
dedly antislavery, but in border counties pro-slavery sentiment
prevailed. In evidence of which it is a fact that this county
raised more than its quota of soldiers in every call for vol-
unteers, and that the prevailing religious convictions in quite
a number of the military organizations in this part of the
State was that of the Disciples of Christ."
Edwards County, sometimes called "Little Britain,"
because so many English people settled there in the earlier
years, was not only opposed to slavery, but outlawed the
liquor traffic fifty years ago. The preponderating religious
influence in the county during that period has been that of
the Disciples.
Hon. W. H. Johnson was a member of the House from
White County in the General Assembly of 1882. The family
to which he belongs has been noted for its intelligence and
patriotism for 150 years. He affirms that most of the Dis-
ciples in that part of Illinois in its formative period were
opposed to slavery.
The Gale families came from Ohio into Lake County, the
Moffett and Hawk families into Carroll County in the early
years. These were all antislavery people.
The writer is indebted to Prof. B. J. Radford, the "Sage
of Eureka," for the following:
Of the Disciples of Christ who came into Illinois up to 1861, the great
majority were immigrants from Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.
MISCELLANEA 657
They were pretty evenly divided between Henry Clay Whigs and Jack-
son Democrats — the Whigs predominating in the central and the Demo-
crats in the southern portions of the State. The Clay Whigs leaned
strongly toward abolitionism and many of them were supporters of
the Liberian Colonization Society. The Democrats were mostly pro-
shvery, or indifferent to the slavery question.
In the breaking up and recasting of parties in the fifties, the
Whigs in the churches of Christ generally became Republicans and
the Democrats followed Douglas. When Douglas was repudiated by
the pro-slavery Democrats, the majority of his followers among the
Disciples remained loyal, but a considerable minority supported Breck-
enridge — probably one-sixth of the voters in our churches in the State.
When the Secession movement began, the patriotic course of Douglas
rallied his followers almost unanimously to the defense of the Union.
Many of them from our churches entered the military service and a
considerable per cent, of them came out Republicans. Not a few of
the Breckenridge followers sympathized with the Secessionists, and
some of them gave aid and comfort to the enemy. I believe that more
than 90 per cent, of our people in the State were loyal, a good showing
when we consider their antecedents.
The following are the names of a few representative
Disciples of Christ who were active in their antislavery
views : Dr. W. P. Naramore, of Stephenson County ; Mins.
A. H. Trowbridge and H. D. Palmer, of Marshall; Ben
Major, of Woodford; William T. Major, of McLean; John
Johnson and Min. Geo. W. Minier, of Tazewell; J. W.
Simpson and Col. J. W. Judy, of Menard; J. S. Anderson
and Min. E. G. Rice, of Morgan ; William B. King and
William S. Pickerill, of Sangamon ; George Redmon, of
Edgar; Min. William Schooley, of Clay, and Dr. John Kos-
south Ashley, of Wayne. These men were the peers in every
way of their contemporaries in these several counties — intel-
ligent, strong, active and forceful citizens — and they were
only a few of a great host.
Many Democrats in the North held with Mr. Douglas to
the doctrine of "popular sovereignty," but the attack on Fort
Sumter, Apr. 12, 1861, by Traitor Beauregard opened their
eyes to see the real spirit and aim of the slaveocracy. They
would let the black race suffer on, but they could not see our
flag shot into the dust. Then quickly indifference gave place
658 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
to patriotic devotion to the Union, the preservation of whose
integrity was then paramount to all things else. From a
wide range of personal acquaintance and many sources of
information, the conclusion of the writer is that less than
two per cent, of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois sympa-
thized enough with the would-be Confederacy to even wish
for its success.
It is proper to note here that a number of the great
Protestant churches had been split in two by the question of
slavery long before its climax was reached in the Civil War.
But the Disciples of Christ went through that frightful
shock without even a thought of division. Their common
faith in the conquering Christ and the catholic gospel subor-
dinated lifelong prejudices and flaming political passions to
the interests of the kingdom of God.
PROBLEMS OF THE RURAL CHURCHES.
Had President Roosevelt done nothing else than to set
the American people to thinking upon questions of country
life, his administration would go into history as momentous.
The commission that was appointed at his suggestion made
its investigation of living conditions in rural localities and
submitted its report to Congress, but, for some reason, or
no reason, Congress refused to publish it. Parts of it were
given to the public by newspapers, and so the leaders in sec-
ular education, including particularly scientific agriculture,
have taken up the work. And since then the Department of
Agriculture has instituted a Rural Organization Service, of
which Dr. Thomas N. Carver is the head. There are six
million farmers in the United States. Nearly two and a half
million of the farms are worked by tenants, which compli-
cates all rural problems.
Christian men are primarily interested in the religious
conditions of rural communities. In Illinois, country society
has been in a continual flux during the last sixty years.
Towns grew as steam railroads were built, and thus many
MISCELLANEA 659
country congregations gave up their lives. These were also
further affected by the construction of suburban lines, by
the removal of land-owners from the country to towns and
cities and renting their lands, by emigration to the farther
West, and by the introduction and use of automobiles. The
forces of evolution — domestic, social, economic, civic and
religious — are active and potent in American life.
Among the ministers of the Christian Church in the State,
Mm. J. W. Street, of Mackinaw, has given the subject of
rural congregations more earnest study than any other. The
facts he furnishes should challenge the most serious atten-
tion. In his classifications, all churches in places of twelve
hundred people or less are counted rural. He bases his con-
clusions on our year book's data and the Federal census of
1910, and they are as near accurate as they can be made.
The total number of Christian Churches in Illinois in 1911
was 745, of which 559 were rural. Of these rural congrega-
tions, 173 reported in 1911 a total gain of 5,736; 188
reported an aggregate loss of 5,454, while 198 had neither
gained nor lost ; thus the net gain for the 559 churches for
the year was 282.
For the year closing June 30, 1912, 150 rural churches
reported a gain of 4,592 members, 152 of them a loss of
4,407 communicants, and 215 had neither gained nor lost;
thus 517 rural churches in that year had a net gain of only
185 members.
These 559 congregations were served by 249 ministers,
but many of these preached where they did not reside.
Not until 1910 did the State Board of Missions give par-
ticular attention to this wide, important and needy field. The
convention of 1913 voted to place a trained expert in this
service as soon as the finances would warrant.
Mr. Street says further: In 1910, 168 rural churches
pave $1.995 for State Missions; in 1911, 198 gave $2.286 for
the same work, and, in 1912, 204 such congregations gave
$2,646 for the same cause.
Further, he addressed a list of questions to a number of
660 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
ministers in Illinois serving churches in cities of ten thou-
sand or more population, from twenty-three of whom replies
were received. First twenty of these twenty-three city min-
isters were converted in rural churches, as were also fourtee'n
of the Bible-school superintendents and eighteen of the chair-
men of the boards of officers; eighteen of these pastors
began their ministries in rural communities, but only five of
these while so engaged made any specific study of the com-
munity with reference to its economic, social, educational
and recreational needs. The figures indicate the large con-
tribution that our rural churches have made to our metro-
politan ministry.
In looking into the youthhood of Christian ministers, the
phrase, "grew up on the farm," occurs with surprising fre-
quency. The great value of rural-church work is illustrated
by the lives of two brothers — W. J. and G. T. Carpenter.
They were born in Nelson County, Ky., and brought to Illi-
nois by their widowed mother when the younger, George T.,
was eight years of age. They passed their boyhood's years
on a farm in Bureau County. Both secured a college educa-
tion. They opened a preparatory school Sept. 2, 1861, in
the unfinished building at Oskaloosa, la. The next year
they began the work of the college. The older brother
taught there eight years, and then went to California because
of his wife's poor health. George T. served as a teacher in
the school for ten years, then gave four years to editorial
work on the Evangelist and' returned to the college in 1877
as its president. In 1881 he became chancellor of Drake
University and gave efficient service in that position till his
death in 1893. Mrs. W. B. Craig is his daughter.
UNCLE JOE AND AUNT ANN WILLSON
(An incident of the earlier days.)
The following incident is from the pleasing pen of Min.
T. Holton. It well illustrates the simplicity, trustfulness,
MISCELLANEA 661
devotion and fidelity of the earlier days. Mr. Holton was
pastor at Vincennes, Ind., at the time. He says :
It was midsummer of 1866, and the sands were hot in the streets of
old Vincennes. I was then about six months along in my first pas-
torate. On many accounts, a vacation would have given me multiplied
satisfaction. One Saturday morning there came to my door two old-
fashioned persons in a one-horse, old-time buggy. The man in the case
beckoned me to approach, and informed me at once that they two were
Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann Willson, on their way to Allison Prairie, 111.,
for a week's meeting, and desired me to get ready at once and go with
them. Said Uncle Joe : "I am old and heavy, and am not able to
preach. I want you to go along and do the preaching. I'll manage
and maybe exhort a little, and Aunt Ann will put in a word when she
feels like, and there is nothing better on hand."
"But, Bro. Willson," I said, "it is now Saturday; there is no one to
fill my place to-morrow. And, besides, I would not think it right for
me to go away without seeing some of the officers of the church
in regard to it." "Bro. Holton, I will wait fifteen minutes ; you rush
around and see one or two if you think it necessary. And tell them
that Uncle Joe wants you, and wants you bad, and wants you right off,
for I have an appointment to hold meeting at eleven o'clock this forenoon
at a schoolhouse between Vincennes and Allison Prairie." The upshot
of it was, I went. "Get right in with us ; it will be a little snug, but
it's warm and we can stand it." People noticed us as we passed down
the street and over the Wabash. "Bro. Willson," said I, "you don't
expect that there'll be any meeting a hot day like this, and Saturday at
that?" "Indeed, I do. When I was here a year ago I announced it in
the hearing of all that I would be thar — Saturday before the first
Lord's Day in August — one year from that time. And I'll be there and
there'll be a meeting." "Of course, you have written them within a,
few weeks, reminding them of the appointment." "No, sir; not one
word has passed between us in the twelve months. But this is the way
I've done for years. They know Uncle Joe'll be there, and I know
they'll be there. So be thinking, for you'll have to preach— if I give
out." Aunt Ann nodded that that was just the way it would be. Uncle
Joe was right. We had a crowd. And all three of us took some part
in the meeting. At the close Uncle Joe said to the congregation :
"To-night we begin a seven days' meeting on Allison Prairie. And I
want you all to be there — this may be Uncle Joe's last trip to Illinois."
At night the schoolhouse on Allison Prairie could scarcely hold the
people. After preaching. Uncle Joe talked a few minutes while I
fanned him with my huge palm-leaf fan. He told the people that he
was there for their good, that he simply wanted them to do right, and
that less than seven confessions — one for each day — was net to be
thought of. He and Aunt Ann met with a hearty greeting. Even the
662 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
day meetings were well attended. And there was great enthusiasm. It
was hot night and day. No one could walk barefooted on the sand till
the sun went down. The house was packed with eager listeners every
night. And toward the end of the week the yard was full. The people
were so close to me 1 could make no gestures, and I was as wet while
preaching as if I had been dipped in the Wabash. Then I took the
fan, and Uncle Joe, either sitting or standing, would tell the folks they
ought to do right. Aunt Ann did the most of her talking at the day
meetings. The necessity for a meeting-house large enough to hold the
people was grandly evident, and before the close of the meeting $1,400
was subscribed to that end. On the seventh and last night of the meet-
ing, four young girls were handed through the windows by their par-
ents and friends and managed to get near enough to the preacher for
him to take their confessions. Saturday morning found us at Russell-
ville for one more sermon and for baptism. There were several addi-
tions at that meeting. And I remember baptizing twenty-two persons
at that time. We had other baptisms, I think, during the week, so that
at least twenty-seven additions were gained. "My time is up," said
Uncle Joe, "and I must go on to Hutsonville, for I told them a year
ago I would be there to-night." They gave Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann
$28, and they were very glad and thankful. He told me he had
preached for years without any pay whatever, except "two bits" that a
sister brought in the corner of her apron, and he spent that for fer-
riage before he got home. He gave large credit to Aunt Ann, who ran
the sawmill at home while he was away preaching.
The year following, Uncle Joe was on hand again, making his
annual round, and this time he impressed Bro. Alvord into service.
And again there were many additions. He notified me that the bap-
tizing would be done just across from Vincennes; so a number of us
went out and greeted the veteran, and witnessed the baptisms. And
here a singular circumstance happened. There was a gypsy camp near
by. and before the meeting concluded an aged gypsy came forward and
made the good confession. Upon arising from the water, he put his
hand into his pocket, pulled ort a silver dollar, and offered it to the
preacher. Of course, it was refused. He told me he had been a
believer for a long time and had greatly desired to be baptized. He
went on his way rejoicing.
I never had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann
again. They have long since gone to their reward. I am hoping to
inset them in the city that hath foundations. . . . Joseph Willson took
his stand with the Disciples in 1833. He organized over forty churches
ard received more than two thousand corverts. His home was in, or
near, Loogootee, Ind., at the time of the above meetings.
MISCELLANEA 663
CHRISTIAN PAPERS PUBLISHED BY THE
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST.
This survey does not include the publications of local
churches.
The Christian Messenger. — This was the first periodical
published in Illinois in the advocacy of the New Testament
order. It was moved by its owner and editor, Barton W.
Stone, from Georgetown, Ky., to Jacksonville, 111., in 1833.
It continued with some interruptions till 1847, when it was
merged with the Bible Advocate. In 1838, Mr. Stone
moved to his farm near Jacksonville and the publication of
the paper was discontinued for awhile. It was announced in
December that it would shortly reappear at Columbia, Mo.,
but this aim was not reached. At that date it was "hoped
that letters may not come to us free from postage." Its pub-
lication was begun again in September, 1840, at Jackson-
ville. It was then a thirty-two-page monthly, with Thomas
M. Allen and Jacob Creath, Jr., both of Missouri, as asso-
ciate editors. In 1843 it was announced that the Messenger
had not been issued for several months, the ice having
blockaded navigation in the Illinois River so that no stock
paper could be had. Further, that, by the advice and co-op-
eration of D. P. Henderson, its publication would be resumed
soon.
The Berean. — Alexander Graham came from Tuscaloosa,
Ala., where he had published The Disciple, to Springfield,
111., in 1838. There he founded The Berean. It was a
''monthly magazine, neatly gotten up on good paper and con-
tained much sense and valuable information." Evidently it
was short-lived.
The Christian was published at Edwardsville in 1847. A.
Padon was editor. Price, 75 cents per year. Nothing fur-
ther has been learned about it.
The Monthly Commentator. — There is still extant a notice
of the discontinuance of this publication in 1865 for lack of
664 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
patronage. Alfred Padon was its editor. No post-office is
given. The same notice says that there were three period-
icals published by Illinois brethren that year.
The Christian Freeman was published at Jacksonville in
1860. Of it nothing more is known.
The Bible Advocate. — The place of publication was
changed from Jacksonville to Carrollton in 1860. E. L.
Craig and J. S. Sweeney were its editors. It is highly
improbable that two Christian papers were published in Jack-
sonville the same year; hence, it may be that the Advocate
was a new name for the Freeman.
The Gospel Echo. — A monthly magazine. E. L. Craig,
editor. It was published in Quincy in 1859. From 1861 to
1869 it appeared from Carrollton. It is probable that it
absorbed the Bible Advocate in 1864. In 1865 The Echo
appeared as a weekly, but its financial support was such that
it could not long be continued as such. In 1868, The Echo
went to Macomb, with J. C. Reynolds as editor. Shortly
thereafter, J. H. Garrison became associate editor. In 1869,
The Echo bought the Christian Herald. This was a small
monthly owned and edited by J. W. Karr and Dudley Downs.
It was started at Wapella in 1865. The next year it was
moved to Eureka, where its publication was continued till
1869.
Early in 1872, The Echo bought The Chnstian, then pub-
lished at Kansas City, Mo., and the two papers then consoli-
dated. The Echo was moved from Macomb to Quincy in
March, 1872. There the paper was issued weekly under the
title of The Gospel Echo and Christian. One year there-
after the name was shortened to The Christian. It was the
purpose of the editors of The Echo in 1871 to take the paper
to Chicago, and arrangements had been fully effected, but
the great fire in October burned them all away. The Chris-
tian Publishing Company was organized in St. Louis, Mo., in
November, 1873, and the Quincy paper went there as part of
the company's assets, in January, 1874.
The Evangelist came in its thirteenth year from Oska-
MISCELLANEA 665
loosa, la., to Chicago in 1878, where it was published until
1882. B. W. Johnson was its editor. The paper was the
property of the "Central Book Concern." An effort was
made in 1881 to unite this company with the Christian Pub-
lishing Company, of St. Louis, but it went over till 1882,
when The Evangelist was consolidated with The Christian
and left the State.
The Christian Sentinel. — A monthly magazine, edited by
Dr. W. A. Mallory. He began its publication in Springfield
in 1855. John F. Rowe was associate editor. In 1857 it was
published in Peoria, with I. N. Carman and O. A. Burgess
as editors. Shortly thereafter it disappeared.
The Herald of Truth. — A monthly magazine, the life of
which was two years or a little longer. It was first pub-
lished at De Soto and then at Carbondale. D. H. Banton
and John Lindsey were its editors.
The Evangelist at Work was a small paper owned, edited
and published by Min. T. S. Wall in Wayne County for a
year or two about 1880. Mr. Wall's aim was to reach fam-
ilies with Christian intelligence who were reading no church
paper. His effort was wholly unselfish and most commend-
able.
The Rock was a small weekly paper, owned and edited
for several months in the early seventies by Min. T. J. Shel-
ton, who was then pastor of the church at Waverly. The
editor was erratic and his paper spicy.
Illinois News — a monthly, four-page paper — was edited
and published by the State mission office in the interest of
the State work. It was begun in October, 1901, and discon-
tinued January, 1910, inclusive. It was a valuable little
paper, but failed because of insufficient financial support. It
just about paid its way, but the board of managers were
unwilling to employ additional help that seemed necessary
for its continuance.
W. H. Boles has published the following papers: 1890-92,
The Idea, Springfield — temperance ; 1894, Illinois Christian,
Eureka; 1897-99, The Plow and Hammer, Alma — religious
666 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
and educational; 1905-07, Uncle Sam, Marissa — temperance
and patriotic.
The Christian Century. — The Christian Oracle was
founded by Min. F. M. Kirkham and Gen. F. M. Drake at
Des Moines, la., in 1884. Its purpose was to serve particu-
larly the churches of that State. It was moved to Chicago
in 1891 and aimed for a larger constituency. For eight
years Mr. Kirkham continued as owner and editor. In 1899,
J. H. Garrison purchased the paper, and his son, Mr. A. O.
Garrison, became managing editor. For a short time, Min.
George A. Campbell was editor. In 1900 the stock of the
Oracle Publishing Company was bought by a group of men,
headed by Min. Charles A. Young, and the name of the
paper changed to The Christian Century. During the next
seven years, Mins. J. J. Haley, F. G. Terrell and H. L. Wil-
lett edited the paper. In 1908 the paper was purchased by
the New Christian Century Company, a new corporation.
Messrs. C. C. Morrison and H. L. Willett became joint
editors. At the beginning of 1913, the Disciples Publication
Society, a company without capital stock and not for
pecuniary profit, was incorporated and purchased the assets
of the Century Company. Mr. Morrison is now the sole
editor, with Mr. Willett as associate.
BOOKS AND THEIR AUTHORS.
The following is an incomplete list "f books that were
written by their authors while they resided in Illinois:
E. S. Ames. — The Psychology of Religious Experience;
The Divinity of Christ.
N. S. Bastion. — Babylon in Jehovah's Kingdom.
Clark Bradcn. — Braden-Hughey Debate; Braden-Kelley
Debate ; Ingersoll Unmasked : Refutation of Accepted Theory
of Dates; Refutation of Atheistic Evolution; Problem of
Problems; Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus.
/. H. G. Brinkerhoff. — History of Marion County, Illinois.
N. E. Cory.— The Polymathist,
MISCELLANEA 667
Miss Elmira J. Dickinson. — History of Eureka College.
H. W. Everest. — The Divine Demonstration; The New
Education.
Errett Gates. — The Early Relation and Separation of
Baptists and Disciples ; The Disciples of Christ.
George F. Hall. — Plain Points on Personal Purity; The
Model Woman ; Some American Evils and Their Remedies ;
Tabernacle Talks ; Pitfalls of the Ballroom ; Revivals and
How to Have Them; Belgian Hare Standard Manual; The
Lord's Exchequer; Temple Addresses.
N. S. Haynes. — Children's Question Book ; Jesus as a Con-
troversialist ; History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois.
George W. Nance. — Nance Memorial.
/. C. Myers. — Buds and Flowers.
D. Walter Potts. — A Fortnight in London Schools.
B. J. Rod ford. — Court of Destiny.
Charles J. Sco field. — A Subtle Adversary; Altar Stairs.
Robert A. Sickles. — The Mystery of the Immortality of
the Soul.
/. Carroll Stark. — The King and His Kingdom.
Herbert L. Willett. — Basic Truths of the Christian Faith;
The Call of the Christ ; Life and Teachings of Jesus ; The
Moral Leaders of Israel (Part I.): The Moral Leaders of
Israel (Part II.) ; Our Plea for Union and the Present
Crisis ; Prophets of Israel ; The Ruling Quality ; Studies in
the First Book of Samuel ; The Teachings of the Book.
A. M. Weston. — The Evolution of a Shadow.
THE OLD SONGS.
The songs and the singing were features of the early
churches in Illinois. The Disciples desired and sought to
have their sacred songs accord with and express the truth
as revealed in the word of God. Objectionable matter was
eliminated. For example, the invitation hymn beginning,
"Come, humble sinner, in whose breast
A thousand thoughts revolve,"
668 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
was changed in the fourth stanza from "Perhaps he will
accept my plea" to "Surely he will accept my plea;" and in
the fifth stanza from "I can but perish if I go" to "I can not
perish if I go."
They believed that the attitude of Queen Esther before
her tyrant husband, Ahasuerus, was not a fitting likeness
of a penitent sinner before the loving Lord who died for
him.
They were also careful about the tunes they used. Noth-
ing was sung because it was venerable or stately or had
orthodox sanction. The tunes must be such as to enable the
heart to understand and be edified. Toward God the singing
was worship, and toward men instruction and invitation,
encouragement and warning, comfort and inspiration. The
singing, being properly regarded as worship, was never
turned over to professionals. God's children praised him.
There were no choirs, quartets or soloists nor musical instru-
ments, except sometimes a tuning-fork. A musical brother —
generally an officer or the preacher — "raised the tune" or
"started the hymns." Frequently he marked the time by a
patting of his foot on the floor. Generally he "lined out"
the words, for hymn-books were few and sold high. But the
Disciples did not take kindly to "lining out." It was lacking
in simplicity and equality, upon which they insisted.
The first book of their own making which they used was
without notes — a pudgy little thing 2^x3% inches, in pearl
or five-point type. The book has 1,324 hymns, and the col-
lection equals in its excellence any now in use.
The pioneers sang largely in the minor strains, for there
was much opposition, misrepresentation and persecution —
even from their fellow-Christians — and their lives were full
of hardships and trials. They shared, in a measure, the feel-
ings of the Jews by the rivers of Babylon, where they hung
their harps on the willows and sat down and wept. The
music of the pioneers had not much of the high notes of
triumph, success and victory such as characterize that of our
day. It was full of pathos, sweetness, earnestness and
MISCELLANEA 669
strength. Here are a few of the songs they sang through
many years:
"How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent word."
"Amazing grace ! how sweet the sound !
That saved a wretch like me."
"How happy are they who their Saviour obey,
And have laid up their treasures above."
"I would not live alway; I ask not to stay
Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way."
"O Love divine, how sweet thou art!
When shall I find my wandering heart
All taken up in thee?"
"Blow ye the trumpet, blow
The gladly solemn sound."
"I'm not ashamed to own my Lord
Nor to defend his cause."
"Jesus, I my cross have taken,
All to leave and follow thee."
"Go on, you pMgrims, while below,
In the sure path of peace."
"Am I a soldier of the cross,
A follower of the Lamb?"
"'Tis religion that can give
Sweetest pleasure while we live."
"My Christian friends in bonds of love.
Whose hearts the sweetest union prove."
The last was often sung at the close of their meetings,
or when some beloved member was bidden farewell, or the
preacher was about to depart to other fields. Then the whole
congregation rose, and, going forward, one by one, would
shake hands with the one going away, and this was generally
attended by a brotherly handshaking throughout the assembly.
The old songs ! Mothers sang them as lullabies in their
homes and their tired little children were lulled to sleep. Way-
worn pilgrims sang them and received new strength and
670 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS
courage. The assemblies of God's children sang them and
were aquiver with holy emotion and high purpose. They
kept fresh in the Christian conscience the eternal Ought and
transformed character into the divine likeness. Age recalls
them out of the years long gone and wonders whether the
land of endless day is not the place of sublimest songs of
eternal youth.
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