USA > Arkansas > History of Methodism in Arkansas > Part 21
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34
257
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
whole desire was to be a blessing to the Church, and that the Church should be a blessing to him, and no man in his time did so much to 'spread holiness in these lands' as B. F. Hall.
" But our leader-our brother-has gone from earth. He passed over life's battle-field a valiant soldier of the cross. We hope, we trust, the griefs of this life have ended in the joys of the life eternal. Although dead, his effective work and good deeds will live after him. Long may the name and memory of the generous and gifted Hall be cherished by the people of North Middle Arkansas !"
John Harris .- The death of the venerable John Harris, which occurred during this decade, carries us back to the beginnings of Methodism in Arkansas. It will be remem- bered that he was the second itinerant preacher to enter the the Territory of Arkansas. Some of the old pioneers delight to talk of the ministry of this old veteran. We have heard most graphic descriptions of his personal appearance, his methods of travel in those primitive days, when he would frequently have to travel for days without finding a house at which to stop, when he would camp out and find for his only shelter some friendly tree. They would tell of his hair- breadth escapes and how he crossed swollen streams before there were any ferries or bridges for the accommodation of the traveler. The following sketch will be of interest to the reader of these pages:
" The venerable John Harris, after a long and eventful pil- grimage of many years, died during this year. It will be remembered that he was the second itinerant preacher to enter the Territory of Arkansas; William Stephenson being the first. John Harris was admitted on trial in the Missouri Conference in 1816, and appointed to the Wabash Circuit, Illinois District. In 1817 he was appointed to the Hot Springs Circuit, which at that time embraced the greater part of the Territory of Arkansas. In 1818, Cache River
17-M
258
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
Circuit. In 1819, Boone Lick and La Moine. In 1820, Bellevue. In 1821, Mount Prairie Circuit. In 1822, Ar- kansas Circuit. In 1823, Fishing Creek. In 1824, Bellevue. In 1825, Fishing River. In 1826, La Moine Circuit. . His health failing in 1827, he was placed on the superannunted list. In 1828, New Madrid. In 1829, Helena Circuit. In 1830, Chicot Circuit. In 1832 he was again placed on the superannuated list. In 1833 he located. In 1839 he was readmitted into the traveling connection. In 1844 he was again placed on the superannuated list, and remained in that relation until his death in 1867. It will be seen from this list of appointments that this old pioneer was prevented by feeble health from the active labors of the Church for many years. We are not to suppose that these were years of idleness. Whether in the local ranks or on the superannu- ated roll, he labored to the full extent of his ability. The old citizens of Arkansas delight in telling of the many re- markable incidents connected with his eventful life. The following letter from the venerable preacher to his son will be of interest to many :
" MY DEAR SON-I have concluded to write you a few lines. , it may be my last. I have just returned from a camp-meet- ing in the neighborhood of Lewisburg, at which I met some eight or ten preachers, with Bro. Carlisle at their head. It was a peculiar meeting to me, as well as to many others, for the power of God was manifested in a glorious manner to many precious souls. It was thought when I left on Tuesday that some forty had found salvation, and the meeting was progressing with increasing interest. I returned home sick and have not been able to sit up part of the time since. But I feel that I am fast recovering, and that by God's blessing I shall be able to attend our last quarterly meeting next Sabbath. I have attended three different appointments in Conway County, each continuing from five to seven days, and it seems a marvel how I have been sustained by the
259
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
power and grace of God. Our camp-ground was near Sister Isaacs'. It has a splendid arbor and some eight large camps have been built. The shed cost $250. The people came together in the spirit of true worship, and the Holy Spirit was felt in every sermon. Bros. Duncan, Mc., and Caldwell were there and did good work, Bro. Duncan, in his ecstacy, shouting at the top of his voice that he would be in my bundle when God came to gather up his jewels. He found himself in good company, for Bros. Carlisle and Rainwater and Greer all acknowledged the same, and poor Bro. Har- rison, if he could rise from the dead, would have said the same. I do not suppose, my son, that ever such a train of circumstances as was presented to a minister of Christ in this country is likely to occur again. When I preached on Mon- day from Sam., iii, 26 : ' It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.' In my closing remarks to the preachers, I told them not to be dis- couraged ; that God's salvation was spreading and getting wider and deeper. I adverted to the time when the presi- dent of the meeting was in the arms of his mother forty years ago, and the streams of salvation started from his father's house in the cane-brakes of Arkansas ; the stream had carried many to heaven. Such streams of light, life and power rolled over the congregation and the whole en- campment that all parts felt the shock. I felt thankful God had given me the privilege to clear my skirts of the blood of souls once more.
" Oh, that you, my son, may have the spirit of your God, then you will succeed.
" Your mother is very feeble. I know not that we shall see you on earth again; our life is on a slender thread. Elizabeth and her husband are with us at home; he has been licensed to preach. I think he will offer himself to the Conference. He promises usefulness to the Church if faith- ful to his God. Your poor mother is desirous of starting to
260
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
Missouri. She is hardly able to go. The Lord pity and bless us in mercy. Let us all meet in heaven. Amen. " JOHN HARRIS."
Rev. Cadesman Pope, says : " Rev. John Harris once re- lated to me an incident, which occurred in his life. He was on his way to an appointment one Saturday, and his road led him by a cross-road grog-shop, where a number of men were assembled, drinking and in high spirits. When they saw him coming some one of the company proposed to treat him, and if he would not drink with them they would pour it down him. All agreed to this. As he approached, they accosted him : Good morning, stranger ; take something to drink ! Harris politely declined, but they insisted, but he still refused. Finally they told him he had to drink. He saw determination in their eyes, and wondered what he should do. All at once it occurred to him to appeal to their patriotism. He said: Gentlemen, this is a free coun- try ; you have a right under the laws to drink, if you wish to do so, and I, as a freeman, have the right to decline ; now in the name of our liberties, in the name of our fathers, who fought for these liberties, I appeal to you. Will you force a freeman to drink, when he is conscientiously opposed to it? At this a stalwart fellow stepped out, threw off his coat, and with clenched fists, said : The first man that touches this stranger will have me to whip. They knew him too well to touch the stranger, and so he went on his way rejoicing. The man was an old Revolutionary soldier, and the appeal in the name of the Revolutionary fathers stirred his patriotism, and he was now as ready to fight for the rights of a single freeman as he once was for the liberties of his country."
A comparison of the growth of the population of the State with the growth of the Church during the decade from 1870 to 1880, will show that the Church has grown a little more rapidly than the State. The population of the State in 1870
261
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
was 484,471. In 1880 it was 802,524. The membership of the Church in 1870 was 29,855. In 1880, 43,917. The increase of growth in the State was about 66 per cent, while in the Church it was about 68 per cent. This growth of the Church represents a large degree of vitality in the denomi- nation.
The Arkansas Conference for 1880 met at Fort Smith, November 10th, Bishop McTyiere, President. The admis- sions on trial were George W. Damon, Joseph H. Bradford, Joseph M. Floyd, George W. Hill and B. C. Curry. The transfers to the Conference were William L. Keith, W. J. Clark, W. D. Matthews, Thomas J. Taylor and L. W. Har- rison. Bishop George F. Pierce presided at the White River Conference and the Little Rock Conference. The admis- sions on trial at the Little Rock Conference were Edgar M. Pipkin, T. E. Townsend, J. T. Thornton, H. P. Blakeley and Thomas G. Galloway. The transfers to . the Conference were W. W. Graham, G. B. Baskerville and F. L. Carl. The additions to the White River Conference were John C. Ritter, Louis Kelly, William Martyn, Joseph S. Brook, John P. Hillburn, Thomas B. Hillburn, James E. Gay, H. E. Flem- ing, S. W. Register, John Moore, Riley P. Harwood. By transfer, J. J. Brooks, J. R. Jones and Z. W. Richardson.
There were two deaths in the Arkansas Conference dur- ing the year-John M. Bewley and Benjamin L. Ferguson. As there were no memoirs furnished the Conference we are unable to give any definite information in regard to them. From the general minutes we learn that John M. Bewley was admitted on trial in the Conference in 1867. In 1868 he traveled the Dover Circuit. In 1869, Piney Circuit. In 1870, Bluffton. In 1872 he was placed on the supernumerary list. In 1873 he was on the superannuated roll, in which re- lation he continued until his death in 1880.
Benjamin L. Ferguson was admitted into the Conference in 1874, and was appointed to the Fort Smith Circuit. In
262
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
1875-6 to the Yellville Station. In 1877, Van Buren Station. In 1878-79, Ozark Circuit. From the information we have been able to obtain he was a good man and faithful pastor.
The Arkansas Conference for 1881 met at Dardanelle, October 19, 1881, Bishop Pierce, President. George W. Atkins, Benjamin C. Mathews, Owen H. Tucker, James H. Cummings, William E. Wilson were admitted on trial.
The Little Rock Conference for this year met at Pine Bluff. D'Arcy Vaughn, Joseph Nicholson, William B. White- sides, William A. Steele, William T. Venable, Charles M. Keith, John R. Sanders, Luke G. Johnson, John W. Whaley and H. C. Thompson were received on trial.
The White River Conference for this year met at Beebe, December, 1881. Josephus Anderson presided over the Conference until the third day, when Bishop McTyiere ap- peared and took the chair. The admissions on trial were R. R. Raymond, R. S. Ellis and R. D. Woodley. The transfers to the Conference were W. A. Dollar and W. A. Gardner.
The Arkansas Conference for this year met at Bentonville, November 15, 1882, Bishop Granberry, President. The following were admitted on trial: J. J. Tarlton, Homer L. Jamison, George W. Williams, Frank Nailor, A. M. Elam, Charles H. Carey, J. E. Sutton, John M. Cantrell. By transfer, M. E. Butt, W. R. Gardner, D. J. Weems, J. R. Steel, Elijah Dickens and J. W. Bryant.
There were four deaths in this Conference during this year. Thomas R. Nichols, Felix L. Hartin and Jacob W. Shook. The following memoirs were furnished the Confer- ence minutes :
" Thomas R. Nichols died near Van Buren, November 25, 1881. He came to us from the Tennessee Conference in October, 1876, and labored faithfully among us until his death. He traveled in the order named : Spadra, Valley Springs, Marshall and Pleasant Hill Circuits. It was said
263
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
of him that he was a close student, good preacher and a consecrated Christian."
" Felix L. Hartin .- The Rev. Felix L. Hartin, aged thirty- one years, entered into rest, after a brief but painful illness, August 25, 1882, at Cabin Creek, Ark. He came to us as a traveling Elder from the South Carolina Conference, De- cember, 1878, and has been doing faithful service in this Conference ever since. On the Paris, Booneville, Sugar Loaf and East Clarksville Circuits, he showed himself to be 'a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.' He had been nine years a preacher; was a close student, a preacher of good ability, a deeply pious man, and a true itinerant. He gave promise of great usefulness. He would not go in debt. He was not ashamed to work with his own hands to minister to his necessities. He sold books, circulated the paper, took up collections, held protracted meetings, and tried to do all the duties, great and small, of a traveling preacher. He had been feeble all the year, but if he had been well and strong he could not have done more than he had planned to do. He began his protracted meetings weak in body but strong in faith. His spirit was on fire to save sin- ners, but his physical prostration unfitted him for the ardu- ous labors of the pulpit and the altar. Nevertheless, he did what he could,, and more than he ought to have done. When he should have been at home resting and fighting against disease, he was, night and day, 'battling for the Lord.' His strength failed him at Knoxville. He said : ' I will go home and rest, and be ready for my meeting next week at Mount Olive.' He went home, but to grow worse and worse until he sweetly breathed his last. He did not think of dying. To get well and be at his loved employ was his great desire. None of us thought him dangerously ill until a few hours before his death. He left no testimony but a pious life and blameless ministry. In the conclusion of his last sermon he opened, as it were, the pearly gates
264
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
and took us to the tree of life, and the crystal river, and the God-built mansions. His last work was in the altar. point- ing sinners to the Lamb of God. He said to his wife when he came home weak and weary : 'Wife, I have enjoyed so much religion at Knoxville.' His body sleeps on a hill-top which overlooks the little Town of Cabin Creek. He fell in the prime of life and in the midst of abundant labor. His death is a great loss to us. We sympathize most deeply with his sorrowing wife, so soon made a widow. But he has gone up on high to join the godly company, who have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb."
" Jacob W. Shook .- The subject of this memoir, the Rev. Jacob W. Shook, was born in Madison County, Mo., Janu- ary 29, 1823. At 7 years of age his father and family re- moved to Hempstead County, Ark., where he grew up to manhood. He joined the Methodist Episcopal Church at 14 years of age, and in a few months afterwards embraced and publicly professed religion. He was admitted on trial in the Arkansas Annual Conference, M. E. Church, South, in 1845. and remained effective until the Conference of 1869, at Fay- etteville, when he located and remained thus for three years. In 1872 he was readmitted, and five years afterwards became supernumerary, at the Fayetteville Conference of 1877, and was continued in this relation till the Conference of 1880, at Fort Smith, when he was appointed to the Illinois Circuit, and in August of 1881, was compelled by failing health to desist from active labor, having, in April of that year, under- gone the deep sorrow of losing by death his devoted and estimable wife, whose maiden name was Sarah Hulsey, to whom he was married March 24, 1853. In March, of 1882, he went to Florida, hoping to recuperate his health, but was attacked by pleurisy, and after a painful illness of several days, attended by one of his sons, he closed his ministry on earth, and was called, we doubt not, to a bright reward on
265
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
high, leaving two sons with their families, and the Church, to mourn his loss. His ministry ran through a term of nearly thirty-seven years, during which time he was recognized by all who knew him as an humble, devoted man of God, true to the Church, and full of faith and the Holy Ghost. The absence of proper data forbid furnishing the various appoint- ments he filled in the Conference. Suffice it to say he filled a number of important appointments-was chosen imme- mediately after the war to come West, as Presiding Elder of the Fayetteville District, and reorganize, as best he could, our scattered flocks, many of whose homes had been laid desolate in ashes by the sad fortunes of war. A man of God has fallen from our ranks, whose soul was fired with love to God and man; whose preaching was often in de- monstration of the Spirit and power. Let us gird up our loins and press on to meet and greet him on the bright celes- tial shores."
" Rev. Thomas Hunt was born in Buncombe County, North Carolina, February 18, 1814. He was admitted on trial in the Arkansas Conference in 1847, and was a faithful, earnest worker as long as his health would permit. He was a strong, earnest preacher. Whether on a mission among the colored people on the Arkansas and Red Rivers, or on a first-class circuit, he was always found faithful. He delighted in our ยท Methodist economy, and fully believed our doctrines, and he was fully able to defend both. He was a true friend and rather a bitter enemy until there were signs of forgiveness, then he was as tender as a child, and as forgiving as the law requires. He was a great admirer of real greatness and honor, and had a perfect contempt for petty jealousy and little meanness. He was a sincere Christian. He trusted in God and was faithful in duty. For several years he was a great sufferer, and yet with patient resignation to the will of God."
" Robert W .. Evans .- Of this devoted young preacher we
266
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
have but little information, as no memoir was published in the Conference minutes. He was admitted into the travel- ing connection in 1874, and appointed to the Centerville Circuit. He filled in the order named the following pasto- ral charges : Centerville, Toledo and Bright Star ; remain- ing for two years on each one of these. He was an excel- lent young preacher, of studious habits, and was well re- ceived on all the works where he traveled."
The venerable Bishop Payne died during this year at his home in Aberdeen, Miss. The Committee on Memoirs of the Little Rock Conference presented the following notice of his death :
" Rev. Robert Paine, D. D., Senior Bishop of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, was born in Person County, North Carolina, November 12, 1799. In early life he removed to Giles County, Tennessee. Soon after this he was con- verted under the ministry of the Rev. Thomas L. Douglass, and this conversion was demonstrated to be real by a long life of devotion to Christ. He joined the Tennessee Con- ference in 1818, and for a long number of years he labored in circuits, stations and districts with very great acceptability and usefulness. In the autumn of 1829 he was elected Presi- dent of LaGrange College, and for nineteen years he dis- charged the various duties with singular success and fidelity.
" He was a member of five General Conferences, and was a . leading spirit in the ever-memorable session of 1844, and was the chairman of the committee on the plan of separa- tion. He was an active member in the Convention that organized the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Louis- ville, Ky. He was elected Bishop by the General Confer- ence that met at Petersburg, Va., in 1846, the first of the Church, South. He filled that office with great ability for thirty six years.
"Bishop Paine was truly a great and good man. In every way he was the highest style of manhood. His views of the
267
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
doctrines of Christianity were broad and catholic. He was a firm man without austerity ; a statesman of high order. As a minister, he ranked high. Those who listened to him in his best moods, say that he was never equaled in our Church, nor surpassed in any other. His long life was with- out a blot. He worked faithfully while able, and then suf- fered patiently until the Master called him higher."
The Arkansas Conference for 1883 was held at Clarks- ville, November, 14-19, Bishop Granberry, President. J. B. Stephenson, B. W. Aston, Russell R. Moore, Louis S. Bird, Edwin L. Massey, and John R. Maxwell were received on trial. William Penn, W. S. Scott, B. H. Greathouse and B. H. Thrower, were received by transfer.
There were four deaths in the Arkansas Conference dur- ing this year. John J. Roberts, Jesse Griffin, Edwin R. Harrison, and William K. Pugh.
John J. Roberts .-- In the death of John J. Roberts, the Church in Arkansas lost one of the old veterans, whose labors did much to establish the Church upon a solid basis. in an early day. The minutes of the Conference contain the following account of this devoted man :
" He was a native of Green County, Pennsylvania, and at the time of his death was 66 years old. He was converted and joined the Methodist Church in 1835. He spent several sessions in Allegheny College, and returning to his home,. was licensed to preach, and was received on trial in the Pittsburg Conference, and transferred to the Arkansas Con- ference by Bishop Morris. He immediately started for his new field of labor, and landed at Helena, the seat of the Conference, November 1.4, 1842. He was sent that year to. the Mount Vernon Circuit, where he had fine success.
" He filled the following charges in the order named : Van Buren, and Fort Smith Station, Batesville Circuit, Washington Circuit, in Hempstead County.
" For more than forty years he stood as a champion in
1
268
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
our Israel, sustaining all the relations of an itinerant preacher with great acceptability. During this time his heart was made glad at the sight of more than 6000 souls being led to God. The writer (Rev. James A. Anderson) asked him the day before he died what message he had for his brethren of the ministry. 'Tell them,' he said, 'I died all right, and without the shadow of a cloud.' He died March 14, 1883. His last words were 'Light! light! light !!! '"
Jesse Griffin .- This faithful servant of Christ was 82 years old at the time of his death. He professed faith in Christ and joined the Methodist Church at the age of 20 years. By the pressing request of his brethren he was licensed to preach in 1838. He moved to Arkansas in 1853, and was received on trial in the Arkansas Conference the same year and was appointed to the Gainesville Circuit. He was or- dained Elder at this Conference, which was held by Bishop Andrew, at Tulip, Ark. In 1854 Brother Griffin was sent to the Lebanon Circuit ; 1855-6 to the Jasper work; in 1857 to the Waldron Circuit; in 1858 to the Ozark Circuit. At the close of this year he located and remained in the local ranks eight years, during which time he traveled several works as supply. In the fall of 1866 he was readmitted, and was ap- pointed to the Big Creek Circuit, which charge he filled two
successive years. In the fall of 1868 he was sent to the Clinton Circuit, which work he also traveled two years in succession. In 1870 he was appointed to the Big Creek Circuit the third time. In 1871 he was appointed to the Marshall Circuit, where he traveled two years, and in 1873 he received his last appointment, which was the Bluffton Cir- cuit. At the close of this year Brother Griffin was granted a supernumerary relation. At the next Conference, which was held in 1875, he was granted a superannuated relation, which relation he sustained until God took him to the home of the good, June 28, 1883. At times, for several years, Father Griffin suffered much; but that God who cheered
269
HISTORY OF METHODISM IN ARKANSAS.
his boyish heart, and sustained him during his many years. of itinerant life, did not forsake him in his old age. Last year the writer conversed frequently with Father Griffin. He found him cheerful and hopeful. For a number of years his. natural vision had failed, but his faith vision became brighter and brighter. Father Griffin died a triumphant death, and his works are following him.
Edwin R. Harrison was the son of R. L. and M. L. Har- rison ; was born December 4, 1837, and died July 31, 1883. His father was a preacher before him. He was converted in his youth in the year 1851, under the ministry of Dr. A. R. Winfield. He was licensed to preach in the year 1860,. and was ordained Deacon in 1864 and Elder in 1866. He was. married to Miss A. C. Harshaw at Hickory Plains, Ark., October 3, 1866. At the session of the Little Rock Con- ference, in 1861, he was admitted into the traveling connec- tion, and traveled in that Conference till the fall of 1866, when he located. He remained in the local ranks thirteen years, and in 1880 was readmitted into the Little Rock Con- ference and transferred to the Arkansas Conference, and was appointed to the Point Remove Circuit, which he served one year. At the next Conference he was appointed to the Opelo Circuit, where he remained that year-1881-and this Conference year till his death. He died in peace in his own home, leaving his wife and four children to mourn his. departure. Brother Harrison was a good man, and desired to do good. He was not demonstrative in spirit nor labor, but loved God and his cause. He was prevented from do- ing that amount of itinerant work which he desired to do by matters which he regarded sufficient to justify his course in reference to his itinerant life. In peace he closed his earthly course, and laying his armor by, passed into rest-into the home of the just.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.