USA > Georgia > Irwin County > History of Irwin county > Part 35
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 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41
BEN HILL COUNTY CREATED.
An act of the Legislature approved July 31, 1906. Beginning at the point where south line of lot number one hundred and sixty-seven in third district Wilcox County crosses the Alapaha River and running east along south line to northeast corner of lot one hundred and fifty-nine in third district Irwin, thence north to northeast corner of number one hundred and seventy- two in third Wilcox, thence east to northeast corner number one hundred and seventy-four in third district Irwin, thence southi to northeast corner of number one hundred and fifty- seven in third district Irwin and thence east to northeast corner of number one hundred and fifty-six in third district,
447
PUBLIC SITES, COURTHOUSES, ETC.
thence south to northeast corner of sixty-six in third district Irwin, thence east to northeast corner number sixty-two in third district Irwin, thence south to northeast corner number thirty-two in third district Irwin, thence east to southeast corner of number two hundred and thirty-three in fourth dis- trict Irwin, thence north to southwest corner number two hundred and six in fourth district Irwin, thence east to south- east corner of thirty-nine in fourth district Irwin, thence north to east line of number thirty-nine to Ocmulgee River, thence westerly along Ocmulgee to point where House Creek empties into Ocmulgee, thence westerly along House Creek where it crosses north line of two hundred and fifty-five in third District Wilcox, thence west along north line of two hundred and fifty- five and district lines between first and third districts in Wilcox County to Alapaha River, thence in a southerly direction along the Alapaha to starting point.
OCILLA.
Prior to the opening of the turpentine distillery by Drew Brothers, at Swan, Hon. J. A. J. Henderson bought lots of land number forty-two and forty-three in fifth district Irwin County, Georgia, upon which the town of Ocilla is located. He there engaged in farming, stock raising, merchandising and owned a water gristmill. Later he entered into the manufacturing of spirits of turpentine and resin. He was one of the most public-spirited and far-seeing men who ever lived in Irwin
IRWINVILLE
3RD COUNTY CITE
OCILLA DI PRESENT COUNTY CITE
IRWIN
Map No. 10 .- Irwin County, after creation of Ben Hill County.
.
448
HISTORY OF IRWIN COUNTY
County. He was largely interested in securing the extension of railroad from Lulaville through Fitzgerald south to his place, the present site of Ocilla. Soon through his influence a very large sawmilling plant, Smith Thomas & Com- pany, was erected at Ocilla and this place began to grow and flourish and was soon recognized as the rival of the neighboring city of Fitzgerald. It was the rival not only in a business way but also its rival in desiring courthouse. Each recognized the fact that condi- tions would have to change if either Irwin County Jail. ever secured a courthouse and the solu- tion to the question was the creation of new counties, taking from the county of Irwin quite a bit of its territory west of and surrounding Irwinville, making ad- ditional counties, leaving the remainder in such shape, with territory taken from near Irwinville, as to secure the required results ; whereupon Tift and Turner counties were created, tak- ing a very large amount of territory from Irwin. Next Ben Hill County was created largely out of Irwin County territory, making Fitzgerald the county site, giving them their long cherished desire, a courthouse. This left the old county site on one side of the county with the line of Turner County seven miles on the west, the line of Tift the same distance on the southwest, the line of Ben Hill five and a half northeast. all caused by adherents of county sites for Tifton, Ashburn, Fitz- gerald and Ocilla.
A petition with requisite number of voters' names was filed with the Ordinary requesting an election upon the question of removal of a courthouse from Irwinville to Ocilla. An election was ordered. At the time of this election the courthouse was new and in a state of good repair. The jail was almost new, a brick building with steel cells, water works, sewerage, etc. Numerous charges of irregularities were made by both parties to the controversy. It was alleged by the Irwinville supporters that voters' list showed there were cast in favor of removal
449
PUBLIC SITES, COURTHOUSES, ETC.
1564 votes, 1,022 of whom were Negroes, that 795 of this number did not give in or pay poll tax for the year 1906 in Irwin County and were not citizens of the county at the time of the election. It was First Missionary Baptist Church, Ocilla, Georgia. further alleged that one hundred and forty-seven voted in favor of removal to Ocilla who had never registered as required by law, that a number voted under assumed names. It was a very stubbornly fought election on both sides. The matter was carried before the Sec- retary of State and from him to Legislature, still despite a stub- born fight on the part of Irwinville adherents, the Legislature voted to move the county. site from Irwinville to Ocilla where it is at this time.
This election caused untold political and personal strife and my advice to all communities is to avoid if possible court- house removal wrangles as they cause dissensions it takes years to remove. It arrayed personal and political friends against each other which only time can heal. I am happy to state that Irwin County has recovered from her latest removal quarrel, we are at peace with one another and I trust no remnant of the last removal question rankles in the heart of either foe or friend.
From presentments of Grand Jury at March term, 1910, it appears that the present courthouse cost the county $52,641.00 and the land upon which it and the jail is situated cost $2,- 500.00.
CHAPTER 13.
COUNTY COURT.
At the October term, 1892, of the Superior Court of Irwin County, the Grand Jury recommended the establishment of a county court and recommended that the county authorities arrange with suitable parties to create a chain gang and elected or recommended the appointment of J. B. Clements as county judge which appointment was made by Governor Northern.
In view of the fact that the writer of this sketch was judge of this court for sixteen years, I shall only give the findings of the various Grand Juries in reference to said court.
The first Solicitor of the county court was the Honorable Tom Eason, Solicitor-General of the Oconee Circuit, who was a fearless prosecuting officer, a thorough gentleman and ful- filled the duties of the office in a most creditable manner.
At the October term, 1893, the Grand Jury had this to say in reference to the County Court in their general present- ments: "We find the books of this officer neatly and cor- rectly kept, with proper entries showing the amount of money received from fines and forfeitures and proper vouchers show- ing disposition of same. In view of the fact that the Coun- ty Court has been recently established we have tried to be thorough in our investigation and have compared this court with our Superior Court.
"We find that our County Judge, J. B. Clements, has re- ceived from fines and forfeitures and the hire of misdemeanor convicts the sum of $2,087.81; of this amount, $166.64 was re- ceived for hire of four Superior Court convicts, which amount was paid to Tom Eason, Solicitor-General, Superior Court, leaving a balance arising from fines and forfeitures and hire of County Court convicts the sum of $1,921.17.
"We find he has paid costs to various county officers for costs, the sum of $1,152.90, leaving a balance of $768.27, which has been paid into the county treasury for all of which coun- ty judge has proper vouchers.
"There has been disposed of in County Court forty civil
451
COUNTY COURT
cases and seventy-seven criminal cases making a total of one hundred seventeen cases disposed of.
"There is but little business on the dockets in shape to be disposed of. By reference to county commissioners' books, the court has cost including judge's salary, jury and bailiff fees, in fact, total cost has been for whole time County Court has been in operation the sum of $409.86, leaving a net bal- ance clear profit to the county of $358.41. Thus we see Coun- ty Court has disposed of one hundred seventeen cases, has cost our county nothing, or has paid all expenses and has balance to its credit of more than enough to pay county judge's salary for next twelve months. Further, we find that the jail fees are carefully looked after and collected by county judge and paid back into county treasury."
October adjourned term, 1894, County Court after paying all costs turned into county treasury, $967.71.
At November term, 1896, the Grand Jury reported County Court had paid all expenses and had paid into county treasury a net amount of $2,073.03.
At April term, 1898, general presentments show that county judge, after paying all expense of the court, turned into coun- ty treasury, $1,046.69.
At same term Grand Jury recommended appointment of W. F. Way as Solicitor of County Court. Colonel Tom Eason had been Solicitor from court's establishment until this time.
At November term, 1898, Grand Jury reported county judge had paid into county treasury over and above all expenses the sum of $719.83.
At October term, 1900, the Grand Jury reported that coun- ty court Judge, J. B. Clements, had paid into county treasury after all costs had been paid the sum of $560.01.
At September term, 1901, Grand Jury presentments say : "J. B. Clements, our model county judge, made his report to our body as the law directs, showing the court during the last twelve months has contributed to county revenues the net sum of $1,772.29. We congratulate the judge and our people upon this excellent showing, embodying his report as a part of our general presentments and ask its careful perusal by the taxpayers of the county."
452
HISTORY OF IRWIN COUNTY
At September term, 1902, the Grand Jury reported that county judge, from September 7, 1901, to August 30, 1902, af- ter paying all costs of court, had turned over to treasurer, $1,738.27 net.
At April term, 1903, the Grand Jury returned the following presentments : "We find only one quarterly term case un- disposed of and two monthly term cases. On criminal docket forty undisposed of cases. Of this number twenty-eight have not been arrested. This is evidence to the taxpayers of the county that county judge is active in the discharge of his of- ficial duties and from the financial record of this court as is shown below is further evidence which no doubt will be ap- preciated by the people. There was received from September 1, 1902, to September 2, 1903, $5,050.92. Paid out all cost which was $2,044.13, leaving a net balance turned over to county treasurer, $3,006.79."
During the year, 1904, County Court paid to treasury over expenses, $363.85.
At September term, 1905, there was no tax collected for coroner or County Court as this court was self-sustaining; no tax ever being levied for its support except first year which was not needed or used for said purpose.
These presentments also show the County Court after pay- ing all expenses up to August 26, 1905, has paid into treasury a net amount of $6,805.20.
Same presentments have this to say in reference to judge of County Court: "County Judge Clements' records are nice- ly kept and no suggestions could be made, whereby any im- provements could be made."
At September term, 1906, Grand Jury presentments state County Court has paid into treasury, $1,005.75, after paying all expenses of the court.
At September term, 1907, the following appears in Grand Jury presentments : "We find that the present term of J. B. Clements, Judge of our County Court, will expire during the coming fall. We therefore unanimously request and recom- mend that this efficient officer, who has so faithfully and ably filled this important office ever since its creation, fifteen years ago, be made his own successor if he will accept the position."
453
COUNTY COURT
At September term, 1908, the following appears in general presentments : "We, the Grand Jury, looking to the best in- terests of the county, respectfully ask that our Governor Hoke Smith appoint Judge J. B. Clements, Judge of County Court of Irwin County.
"County judge paid into treasury, $633.36 above expenses."
At March term, 1909, the Grand Jury recommended abolish- ment of County Court and establishment of City Court.
Honorable R. M. Bryson was appointed Judge for the Coun- ty Court which position he filled from January 1, 1909, to Au- gust, 1909, when, by act of the Legislature, the County Court was abolished and the City Court of Ocilla was established in its stead with Honorable H. E. Oxford, Judge of said court from August, 1909, to January 1, 1913, when this court was abolished and the City Court of Irwin County established with Honorable Philip Newbern, Judge from January 1, 1913, to August, 1915, when the City Court of Irwin County was abolished by act of the Legislature.
CHAPTER 14. CHURCHES-NEW HOPE, BRUSHY CREEK, BETHLE- HEM, MOUNT ZION, RICHARDSON AND UNION CHURCHES AND GILDERS BLUFF.
One of the oldest churches in originally Irwin County is New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, which is located about two miles south of Abbeville, Georgia, now Wilcox County, on the Dixie Highway, leading from Abbeville to Fitzgerald, Ben Hill County, Georgia. This church was constituted in July, 1830.
The presbytery or ministers in the constitution of this church were Wilson Conner, David Wood and Jordan Baker.
The minutes of the church from its constitution to April 30, 1842, a period of twelve years, have been lost. There is a list of those belonging to the church on March 5, 1842, which is as follows :
M. Adams, Mary Adams, Jacob Barrentine, Elizabeth Bar- rentine, Samuel Brown, James Brown, Susan Brown, James D. Brown, Elizabeth Brown, Lewis Ball, Nancy Ball, Elizabeth Davis, Joseph Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Jr., Mary Fitzgerald, John Fitzgerald, Matilda Fitzgerald, Thomas Gibbs, Nancy Gibbs, John Gibbs, Rebecca Gibbs, Stephen Godwin, Ruthie Gibbs, Josiah Keen, Elizabeth Keen, Sarah Luke, Nancy Luke, Elizabeth McCall, Alice Miller, Penelope McCormick, Abigale McDuffie, Jeremiah Mathews, David E. McAnaly, Eden McAnaly, Anderson Miller, Amy Miller, James McGee, Frances McGee, George R. Reid, Celia Reid, Jacob Roads, Drewry Reaves, Elizabeth Reaves, Sarah Statum. James Smith, John Tomberlin, Elizabeth Tomberlin, Lemuel Tayler, Re- becca Tayler, Dennis Tayler, Seaborn Tayler, Jinsey Tayler, Joe, a black man.
It was at New Hope Church, where the first split in the Primitive Baptist denomination occurred. This split or divi- sion was over the question of foreign missions. Some favored foreign missions while others as vigorously opposed the same which resulted in a division in the church. Those favoring foreign missions withdrew from the church and formed a Mis- sionary Baptist Church, while those opposing foreign missions
455
CHURCHLES
remained in the old line Primitive Baptist Church. This ques- tion of missions was the only question dividing them as both had the same articles of faith and practices in the church, both having the same mode of baptism, same mode in admin- istering the Lord's Supper, and both practicing foot washing and using the same discipline. The following brethren served the church as pastors :
Richard M. Tucker, 1842.
Joseph Davis also preached at this church in 1842, 1843.
James Stevens preached in 1843, also E. Hunter, Drewery Reaves and Richard Tucker.
Drewery Reaves was ordained to preach the gospel on the first Saturday in October, 1843; J. E. Smith and Richard Tucker were the presbytery. On October 5th, 1844, Joseph Davis was licensed to preach.
John Tomberlin preached on November 30, 1844. Benjamin Griffin preached August 6, 1846.
Joseph Davis was ordained to preach the gospel on April 3, 1847, J. E. W. Smith and Richard Tucker were the presby- tery in the ordination. Joseph Davis was called as an assist- ant pastor on December 1, 1849, R. M. Tucker was pastor.
Richard Tucker served as pastor of this church until Sep- tember, 1852, a period of ten years if not longer as the minutes of the church prior to 1842 have been destroyed.
Joseph Davis was called as pastor August 5, 1853. Cornelius Tyson preached on August 6, 1863.
Richard M. Tucker was called as pastor February, 1855. C. Buie preached August 1, 1856.
James Davis called as pastor December 6, 1856, and he re- fused the call and on April 4, 1857, Richard M. Tucker was called and accepted. J. J. Hancock preached July 3, 1858.
James G. Davis called as pastor January 1, 1859.
R. M. Tucker was called as pastor March 26, 1864. H. Hunter, Jacob Young and J. M. Field preached on August 3, 1867. Hardy Hunter preached February 6, 1869. Jacob Young preached October 6, 1869.
Richard M. Tucker was called as pastor of this church through life or as long as he should be able by health to at- tend it, on January 6, 1872. David W. Taylor was licensed
456
HISTORY OF IRWIN COUNTY
to preach August 2, 1872. David W. Taylor preached May 3, 1873.
Zara Paulk was called to pastoral care of the church to fill place of Rev. R. M. Tucker, deceased, on October 21, 1874 ; in December, 1874, he refused the call and John Church- well was called in his stead.
David Taylor was called to the pastoral care of the church May 1, 1875, and Elders John Churchwell and Joseph Han- cock were the presbytery to ordain him.
John Churchwell was called as pastor November 6, 1875. David W. Taylor was ordained to preach on August 4, 1877; John Churchwell and Richard Tucker were the presbytery.
David W. Taylor was called as pastor March 1, 1879.
Richard Tucker of Pleasant Hill Church was called as pastor November 1, 1879.
David W. Taylor was called as pastor November 25, 1882.
I. H. Hall was called as pastor November 2, 1889. James K. Brown was licensed to preach January 31, 1891.
D. W. Taylor was pastor in 1902. He also was pastor in 1916 and Henry Hall assistant pastor.
W. A. Wade came to the pastorate May 1, 1917.
R. T. Meadows called as pastor February 5, 1921.
J. W. McMillan called as pastor June, 1921.
W. A. Wade called as pastor June, 1922.
M. T. Shepherd called as pastor January, 1927.
The following gentlemen were deacons of the church : Miles Adams was deacon of the church and died in 1843 and James Brown was selected in his stead. Josiah Keen was chosen December 14, 1847; James Brown, March 31, 1849; Josiah Keen, August, 1854. George R. Reid was chosen as deacon August 1, 1855, and was ordained March 2, 1856, by Elders R. M. Tucker and Joseph Davis. David E. McAnally elected deacon December 25, 1865, and R. M. Tucker and J. J. Han- cock acted as the presbytery in his ordination. James Mixon was chosen as deacon May 2, 1874, and was ordained by John Churchwell and Joseph Hancock. Josiah Keen was elected deacon March, 1905,
457
CHURCHES
CHURCH'S CLERKS.
George R. Reid was the church's clerk in 1842, holding this position until July 31, 1847, when he was granted a letter of dismissal from the church and Lewis Ball was elected clerk of this church. On March 31, 1849, George R. Reid joined the church by letter and was re-elected clerk. Smith Turner was elected clerk of the church May, 1864. George R. Reid was re-elected clerk March 2, 1867. July 6, 1872, George R. Reid asked to be relieved of the clerkship which request was granted and James K. Brown was elected clerk in his stead, until March 3, 1905, when he was retired. W. A. McCall was elected clerk July, 1905, and Smith Statum, July 7, 1907.
The following persons joined the church from January 1, 1842, by experience of grace, and confession of faith: Rebecca Taylor, April, 1842; Dennis Taylor, April 1, 1843; Jinsey Taylor, June 4, 1843; David W. Taylor, August 4, 1870; Mary Ann Taylor, March 27, 1880; Katherine A. Taylor, September 25, 1880; J. W. Taylor, June, 1911; Mary Taylor, June 7, 1919 , Eady Bishop, August 1, 1856; John Ball, August 21, 1880; Martha Ball, August 27, 1881; Elizabeth C. Bruce, August 6, 1893; Nancy S. Blossomgame, February 3, 1894; Charlie R., Bruce, February 3, 1894; Luera Bruce, February 3, 1894; Vina Bruce, February 3, 1894; Nathan Bruce, February 3, 1894; Emma Boman, August 4, 1916; Mary Bruce, February 3, 1894 ; James K. Brown, November 30, 1867; Eliva Cason, February 3, 1894; D. J. Cook, April 2, 1910; Sally Cobb, February 3, 1894; Cyrilda Davis, March 31, 1877; William H. Dickey, July 7, 1888; Franklin Denard, February 3, 1894; Martha Eason, February 3, 1894; Elizabeth Everett, February 3, 1894; Jane Elder, June, 1900; Annie Fitzgerald, June 3, 1911; Ruthie Gibbs, September 3, 1843; Martha Gibbs, September 13, 1884; Susan Amanda Gibbs, September 26, 1885 ; Isaac Gibbs, October 10, 1885; I. H. Godding, December 2, 1893; John Gibbs, Sep- tember 28, 1895; Rachel Gibbs, September 28, 1895; Eliza- beth Gibbs, August 6, 1904; Franklin Gibbs, September 3, 1904; J. S. Gibbs, September 2, 1905; Nancy Gibbs, August 4, 1916; Frances Harroll, June 6, 1868; Joe Hill, September 13, 1884; Lidd Harroll, September 28, 1895; Lene Hartfield,
458
HISTORY OF IRWIN COUNTY
August 1, 1919; Josiah Keen, August 24, 1847; Elizabeth Keen, August 24, 1847 ; Josiah Keen, September 24, 1863; Mary E. Keen, June 6, 1896; Annie Keen, June, 1900; Mamie Keel, August 4, 1900; Josiah Keen, October 1, 1904; Terecy Keen, July 1, 1905 ; Daniel L. Luke, July 6, 1859, (received by letter) ; Sarah Luke, July 16, 1859, (received by letter) ; Kathrine Mc- Call, November 7, 1869; James Mixon, September 6, 1873; Sarah E. Minchew, February, 1886; Elizabeth Minchew, Sep- tember 15, 1884; E. McAnally, February 3, 1894; Mealie Mc- Anally, February 3, 1894; W. A. McCall, August 6, 1904; Abra- ham Nipper, May 4, 1844; Elizabeth Odom, September 3, 1904 : Absalam Posey, October 21, 1865; Sarah Posey, May 2, 1868 ; Jacob H. Roads, November 5, 1842; Jackson Rogers, May 2, 1868; John J. Rogers, September 13, 1919; Martha Rogers, September 13, 1919; J. F. Rogers. September 28, 1885 ; James Smith, September 2, 1843; Smith Statum, July 3, 1897 ; R. J. Statum, September 28, 1917; Jean Wilson, August 9, 1919.
The following were received into the church by letter : Drewery Reaves, July 1, 1843; Elizabeth Reaves, July 1, 1843 ; Lewis Ball, July 1, 1843 ; Nancy Ball, July 1, 1843; James Mc- Gee and wife, August 1, 1843; James Brown, March 31, 1849 ; Susana Brown, March 31, 1849; George Reid, March 31, 1849; Celia Reid, March 31, 1849; Penelope Shannon, November 1, 1856; Rev. Richard M. Tucker, August 6, 1870; W. H. Dickey, December 2, 1893; J. T. Johnson, November 4, 1904; Sammie Hancock, July 7, 1908; Rebecca Hancock, July 7, 1908; L. N. Patten, January 31, 1914; J. I. Patten, July 4, 1914.
Restorations : George R. Reid, March 2, 1867 ; Joseph Davis, June 5, 1875; George R. Reid, April, 1881; Brinkley Bishop, September 1, 1894 ; Elizabeth Bruce, August, 1908 ; Frank Gibbs, August, 1910; Elmira Cason, May 6, 1911; W. A. McCall, De- cember 2, 1911.
The following were dismissed from the church by letter : Jacob Taylor, August, 1854; Sarah Taylor, August, 1854; Jere- miah Mathews, September 3, 1842; Amy Miller, February 3, 1844; John Gibbs and wife, February 3, 1844; Drewery Reaves and wife, February 3, 1844; Elizabeth Tomberlin, August 31, 1844; Penelope McCormick, November 30, 1884; Jacob Bar- rentine and wife, May 3, 1845; Joseph Davis and wife and
459
CHURCHES
mother, December 6, 1845; James Brown and wife, July 31, 1847; George R. Reid and wife, July 31, 1847; Sarah Luke, July 31, 1847; James McGee and wife, February 5, 1848; Thomas Gibbs, February 5, 1848; Jacob Taylor, August 4, 1854; Sarah Taylor, August 4, 1854; Nancy Luke, December 1, 1865; Daniel Luke, August 26, 1861; Sarah Luke, August 26, 1861; Joseph Davis and wife, February 27, 1864; D. E. McAnally and wife, February 27, 1864; Jackson Rogers, No- vember 6, 1869; David E. McAnally and wife, January 31, 1874 ; Penelope Shannon, April 6, 1878; Joe Hill, July 31, 1886; Isaac Gibbs, July 31, 1886; Susana Mandy Gibbs, July 31, 1886; Martha Gibbs, July 31, 1886; Elizabeth Gibbs, July 31, 1886; Sarah E. Minchew, July 31, 1886; W. H. Dickey, De- cember 31, 1892; Nathan Bruce, March 3, 1894; Mary Bruce, March 3, 1894; Lucy Bruce, March 3, 1894; Sally Cobb, March 3, 1894; C. Cason, March 3, 1894; Frankie Dennard, March 3, 1894; Martha Eason, March 3, 1894; Elizabeth Everett, March 3, 1894; Nancy Blossomgame, March 3, 1894; J. T. Johnson, January 5, 1907; Martha Ball, May 6, 1911; Annie Fitzgerald, August 2, 1912.
The following were excommunicated: Josiah Keen, October 14, 1848; Joe, a black man, March 4, 1843; Anderson Miller, November 4, 1843; Jacob Roads, November 2, 1844; Lemual Taylor, July 4, 1846; Seaborn Taylor, August 1, 1846 ; Rebecca Taylor, October 31, 1846; Dennis Taylor, October 31, 1846 ; Abigale McDuffie, October 31, 1846; Josiah Keen, October 14, 1848.
On May 21, 1864, a charge was preferred against George R. Reid for affiliating himself with the Masonic lodge and the following conference on June 25, 1864, he was excommunicated from the church. He had been a faithful brother in the church, one of its deacons, and the church's clerk for a number of years. This was a clear case of convicting a man for some- thing they knew nothing of, as if they were Christian them- selves, they were as guilty as Brother Reid, as all Christians, if genuine, are Masons whether they have ever seen a Masonic lodge or not. On the other hand all Masons are not Christians.
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.