USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 41
USA > Illinois > Moultrie County > Combined history of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, Illinois : with illustrations descriptive of their scenery and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 41
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Sullivan Church. Previous to the laying out of the town of Sullivan, there was an organized congregation on Asa's creek, at the house of Levi Patterson in 1840. It was organized by Levi Fleming. The el- ders were Joshua Patterson and Frederic Hoke. It had not exerted much influence until reorganized by B. W. Henry in 1846. Thisorga- nization worshiped in the school-house in Sullivan, which was also used for a court-house. The elders of this organization were F. Iloke and D. Patterson. Internal discord and the want of a suit- able and permanent place of worship retarded the success and growth of this organization until 1842, when A. H. and H. Y. Kel- lar again organized the congregation, many joining it from the Lo- vington church. Shortly after the church procured the use of the Methodist meeting-house for the purpose of holding a protracted meeting, which was commenced by John Wilson, of Mechanicsburg, assisted by Eld. Manning T. Smith, and continued by B. W. Henry to its close with 50 additions. The congregation proceeded to build a house of worship which was completed in 1853, after which they procured the services of J. S. Etheridge and B. W. Henry, both of whom had moved to Sullivan. In 1856, H. Y. Kellar moved to Sullivan and preached half the time for the church. Dr. A. L. Kellar, who had also become a resident, divided the remaining half of the time, during this year, with B. W. Henry. From the spring of 1856, to the fall of 1858, beside the regular preaching, there were five protracted meetings conducted by as many different preachers.
First, A. J. Cane; second, Wm. Mathes; third, W. M. Brown; fourth, Milton Hopkins ; fifth, A. I. Hobbs. Three of the above were from Indiana, and two from Illinois, From 1858 to 1864 the care of the church was chiefly in the hands of Dr. A. L. Kellar and B. W. Henry. In October, 1864, elder William Black held a meeting which resulted in eighty-scven additions. In 1865 J. K. Lncas became pastor of the church, and continued his labors to 1867, when elder N. S. Bastion, in conjunction with L. P. Phillips, continued the ministerial charge to 1874; after which elder Avery was in charge for a short period. James Hyatt was next in charge, who labored for one year for the congregation. At the beginning of the second year of his labors the church was divided, one part meeting in Elder's Hall, and the other in the church. After the division, Elder Germane was in charge of the old church, and Elder Tomlinson presided over the congregation meeting in the hall. In 1879 the two congregations were united, since which time J. M. Morgan has been the only salaried preacher until the present year. They now enjoy the labors of N. S. Bastion. The intervening time has been occupied by Dr. A. L. Kellar, resident in the church and the eldership.
There have been several protracted meetings held during this time by persons not named in the foregoing list. In 1866 J. W. C. Covey held a meeting with ninety additions. Elder Wm. Patterson has held two very successful meetings. Sullivan congregation was organized in 1846 with fourteen charter-members. At the union of the two congregations there were one hundred and eighty eight members; since which time the church has lost by death seven, dismissed by letter twenty eight, leaving at this date, November, 1830, one hundred and fifty-three. Present eldership, A. L Kel-
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
lar, J. H. Waggoner, Dr. T. Y. Lewis and W. P. Hoke. The congregation met in the school house and court house until 1853 ; then in their new building, which was a neat frame house 40 by 60, with belfry, bell and vestibule. Worth of building about $2,500. There has been a Sunday-school in connection with the church since its organization.
Whitley Creck Church -The following is the report from Whit- ley Creek as given by A. H. Edwards, The Christian church at Whitley creck was constituted in the year 1837 by Tobias Grider. The number of charter members two, John Hendrieks and his wife Cynthia. Samuel M. Smyser joined the church immediately after its organization. His wife soon followed, and not long after John W. Edwards and wife from the Baptist, and Nancy Drain, Joseph Lilly and wife from the world. All these united with the infant church. Thus the congregation gradually increased for a few years under the labors of elder T. Grider. About the year 1841, he being engaged elsewhere, the congregation called elder Levi Fleming to preach for them, and in that year a meeting of three or four days was held, brethren John Goodman and Samuel Pepper being present. During this meeting there were eight or ten additions to the congregation by baptism. In those days breth- ren Bushrod W. Henry and John Storm visited the congregation frequently. In August, 1843, elder Heury assisted by brethren Fleming and Pepper, held a mecting of three days, which resulted in the addition of five or six members by baptism. The whole number of members at that time, including the new converts, was about twenty-five, and of that number two only remain in the con- gregation, A. H. Edwards and Nancy Davis, widow of Allen Da- vis. A few others have membership in other congregations; most of them have gone to their homes "over there." In 1855 B. W. Henry held a protracted meeting, at which a goodly number made the good confession He held another in 1857 with the same re- sults. In 1862, '63 and '64, J. M. Morgan preached, in the course of which time he baptized a great many. A meeting was held in November, 1870, by Paul Bagley, which resulted in the addition of fifty or more by baptism, beside many reelaimed. The meeting lasted three weeks. Since that time elder P. P. Warren has held some successful meetings, and in the fall of 1877, elder F. Wall held a protracted meeting, at which twenty or more were baptized. The exact number that have been added to the congregation since it was organized cannot be known ; but it is certain that over three hundred have been enrolled. Many have died, and many moved away, and some have gone back to the world, so that the number of members at this time is not more than one hundred and twenty. The number of clders is five; deacons, three. At present the church has a good frame house, and has had a Sunday-school asso- ciated with its work a large part of the time.
Stricklin School-house .- The church at Stricklin School-house was organized in September, 1880, by Elder Haulman, of Macoupin county, Illinois. Charter members, thirty-six; one added since. Elders-Alexander Rose and J. F. Hoke.
West Hudson .- The church at West Hudson School-house was organized by Elder Orgot in 1875. At the time of organization there were, including the officers, nine members. Elders, John Hyland and B. F. Taylor; deacons, Ewing Baylis and A. H. Morgan. Present elders, A. H. Morgan, Wm. Lenox and Thomas Lansden ; deacons, Wm. Hakle and James Hudson. Elder Orgot preached for the congregation one year. December, 1877, David Campbell was called to the charge of the church for one year. At the expiration of Elder Campbell's time, Elder Thomas Edwards was engaged, and has continued in their service. Elder Lynn held
two meetings for the church in this year (1880), with thirty addi- tions. From the time the church was organized until David Camp- bell began his labors, there were no additions to the church. During his ministry there were two or three additions per month. The present number of communicants is eighty-five, with Sunday-school in operation most of the time.
Pleasant Hill Church .- The Pleasant Hill Church was organized March 21, 1880, by Elder J. C. Haulman. The number of charter members was eighteen ; since, eighteen more, making a total of thirty-six. Officers at organization-Elders, D. C. Frantz, A. D. Gilbert. Deacons, Jacob Pca, Alfred Rhodes. Officers at present date-Elders, Jacob Pca, D. C. Frantz. Deacons, Alfred Rhodes, C. Davis. Elder Haulman has been preaching for the church since its organization, twice per month. The church is held in Pleasant Hill School-house.
The Church at Summit .- This church has been organized some twenty years. They have a good house, and have enjoyed the labors of many efficient preachers at different times. Who the officers are and what the membership to date, the writer cannot give. The following are the names of some of the preachers who have labored for them : Tobias Grider, P. P. Warren, Elder Cols- ton, M. T. Smith and J. A. Morgan. The church being in the south-east corner of the county, the members are largely from other countics.
Jonathan Creek Church -The above is one of the first congrega- tions of the county ; in fact, the first church on the creek, and ante- dates the county itself.
It was instituted by Levi Fleming, who lived in this vicinity as early as 1840. It has suffered many vicissitudes in its history, some- times prosperous and again unprosperous. James Mathers is one of the elders at present. The church generally maintains a Sunday- school. They have a very good house for a country building ; the house is in Section 33. There is a cemetery close by. This church has at different times enjoyed the labors of many preachers, among whom are the following : Levi Fleming, B. W. Henry, Tobias Grider, Michael Combs, Thomas Goodman, James Conner, Sen., Dr. A. L. Kellar, J. M. Morgan, Christian and Joseph Hostetler, and more than all others, David Campbell and J. W. Perkins.
Union Prairie Church .- The above named congregation has a good frame building on Seetion 12, in Jonathan Creck township. This organization dates baek twelve or fourteen years, and has wielded great influence for good at different times, but at others has been torn by internal dissensions, the principal cause of trouble being the Woman's Rights question. They are at peace at the present time. The elders are James Powel and Cephas Hancy. They have a Sunday school most of the time. They have had the labors of elder Bour, James Conner, Sen., J. W. Perkins, J. M. Morgan, elder Humphries, clder Miller, Thomas Goodman and David Campbell. The last named owned a house and small tract of land near the church, the gift of the congregation, as a token of their love and esteem for his labors of love among them.
The Church at Dalton City .- This congregation was organized by elder Garvin, of Ohio, about the year 1872. He held a mecting in the village by which many were added to the church. These, with others who had been members at other points, he organized into a congregation. As soon as organized they proceeded to build a house, in which they received very great aid from Thomas Dalton, who was not a member of the church. The house is a very neat frame strueture, about 34x35 fect, with all modern appliances for comfort in a village church. Elder John Sconce, a resident minis- ter, devoted much time to the church in its infancy, and since his
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
removal, elder Thomas Edwards and many others have laborcd for them. They usually have a live Sunday-school. Clerk of the church, David Ingraham.
Bailey School House, Lovington township. This congregation was organized by Joseph Hostetler, in the year 1869, with twenty members. T. C. Wood, clder ; Joseph Freeman and John Howel, deacons They have had several additions since their organization. The present officers are, elders, T. C. and J. H. Wood; deacons, John Howel and William Bailey. These last deacons have had mu h of the pecuniary work of this church to sustain. They have Sunday-school, and enjoy the labors of Elder J. W. Tyler at present. Elder John Mathes has labored for them in the past.
Lake City .- This church was organized by Elder E. Jay Hart, in 1877, with about twenty members. The elders who were elected having moved away, and the church having no certain place of meeting and being unable to build, is not prospering. They have had the labors of H. Y. Kellar one ycar, one-fourth of the time, also Elders J. W. Tyler, Weakley and S. B. Lindsley.
The Christian church of Moultrie county, has since her or- ganization been the friend of education. As early as 1853 she engaged in the work of building an academy in the town of Sullivan. A wing of the building was erected in 1854, with the intention of finishing a good-sized building in the future. The canvass for funds was made by Dr. J. L. Etheridge, who met with good success. When the wing was completed a school was com- menced, but the death of Dr. Win. Kellar and other circumstances interfering with the progress of the work, it was abandoned and the building sold. For many years the churches of Macon, Shelby, and Moultrie kept an evangelist in the field. In 1862 and '63 Moultrie county alone sustained an evangelist. There have been several congregations organized in the county beside those whosc history is given, but from various causes they have ceased to meet. The total number of members in the county at present is between one thousand and twelve hundred. There are five resident preach- ers, only one of whom, N. S. Bastion, gives his entire time to the work. The others follow secular.occupations and preach occasion- ally.
CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
MOULTRIE COUNTY. BY REV. J. N. HOGG.
Bethany Congregation was organized by Rev. David Foster, May 14th, 1831, in the dwelling-house of Captain James Fruit, Shelby county, Illinois, (now Moultrie).
The following named persons were the first members of said or- ganization, viz : Thomas D. Lansden, Peggy Lansden, Nancy E. Lansden, (now Ashmore', Susan A. Lansden, Andrew M. Bone, Lucinda Bone, Elias Kenedy, and Abby Kenedy, eight in number, all of whom are now dead except Nancy E. Ashmore, who now lives in Bethany, and still holds her membership with Bethany congre- gation. The organization is nearly fifty years old. Thomas D. Lansden was received and elected Ruling Elder at the organization of the church. In September, 1832, Andrew M. Bone was elected Elder by the church, and ordained by Rev. David Foster. In June, 1834, George Mitchel and Benjamin Simms were elected and or- dained Elders. July 9th, 1836, James Fruit, George Mitchel, Ben- jamin Simms and Thomas D. Lansden were elected Trustees for said organization.
August 10th, 1836, James Fruit, Daniel Pound and Elias Ken- edy were ordained Elders for Bethany congregation, by Rev. Joel Knight. Soon after the organization of the church there were thir-
ty members added, which, with the eight original members, made thirty-cight in all. At two other meetings (dates not known), there were fifty-two members added, which made a total of ninety.
August 11th, 1845, we find a re-organization of Bethany congre- gation, and the following persons were elected and ordained Elders : Robert Crowder, E. M. Lansden, William Foster, Alfred Ashmore, and James Freeland. In the year 1856 the membership was one hundred and fifty-three. In the year 1859 the membership was three hundred and sixty-two, showing an increase of over two hun- dred members from 1859 to 1872. The following are the names of the ministers who have had charge of Bethany congregation from its organization to this date: Revs. David Foster, Cyrus Haynes, Daniel Traughber, Joel Knight, J. S. Gordon, James S. Freeland, Thomas A. Bone, Robert Hill, J. J. Kenedy, Abner Lansden, G. W. Montgomery, C Y. Hudson, J. M. Bone, J. W. Wood, J. C. Crisman, J. M. McPhersen, and J. N. Hogg. The longest time occupied by any one of these men does not exceed five years. Un- der their ministry there have been many precious revivals of reli- gion, and many additions to the church; these additions running from 60 to 75 members. Among those who have professed Christi- anity, and joined Bethany church, are the following who have be- come ministers of the Gospel in the C. P. church, viz : Revs. J. M. Bone, Thomas Bone, James Freeland, A. K. Bone and William Bankson. Her members, or those who have been members in other years, are scattered in all the western states.
The above history as given is only what may be deemed a mere sketch, as I find that the church records, covering a period of years fron about 1836-7 to 1858-9 are lost, except the transfer of names.
We have now four ordained Elders, four Deacons, and 307 mem- bers enrolled, many of whom are gone to other states, leaving us an actual membership of 257.
The church pays a yearly salary of $700 for pastoral work, with parsonage, etc., and have made a donation to their pastor of $65 in the past year. In a word, I regard the church in good working condition. A part of two other organizations have been taken from Bethany congregation, viz: Newhope and Sullivan.
Many incidents might be given occurring all along Bethany's history, which if we thought would be admissible, we would take pleasure in writing. We find, in looking over the records, there have been over 1,000 names recorded on the rolls.
The influence growing out of Bethany congregation, for good, is almost boundless. Many good men and women have fallen asleep in Jesus, who were members of this church ; some of these have been great friends and supporters of the cause of religion and humanity. We would like to write of them but must forbear; they are dead, yet speak ; yea, their empty seats in church seem to speak for them. Oh that all who are in this world would so live as to leave a good influence behind. We have a church house, frame building, and a parsonage, and $3,000 in the treasury ; no debt of any kind hangs over the church. The present membership is united and in harmo- ny so far as my knowledge extends.
The first Sunday-school was organized at Andrew Bone's dwelling, in April, 1832, by John Barber. David Strain was elected super- intendent, and Andrew Bone, Sen., Thomas D. Lansden, James Fruit, Elias Kenedy and Larkin Beck were teachers. The school adjourned to an unoccupied cabin, about three-quarters of a mile south of Bethany, where it met during the summer and fall of 1832. The school was discontinued during the winter ; except that the larger scholars met at the house of their respective teachers during the winter for instruction. In this year, there was a gracious re- vival, in which all the Sunday-school scholars professed religion who had reached the years of accountability.
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HISTORY OF SHELBY AND MOULTRIE COUNTIES, ILLINOIS.
In the spring of 1833, the school was reorganized in a log school- house, about one mile south of where Bethany is now located. An- drew Bone was elected superintendent, and the above-named per- sons were elected teachers, with the addition of Daniel Pound. Here the school continued for two years. In the year 1836, the school was held in the log church, built on the grounds where the present C. P. Church house now stands, and where the village of Bethany is located. A habit was formed and continued for some time of the school going into winter quarters. But this habit was finally broken up, and the school has continued from year to year with little cessation. I will here give an incident out of many that might be given. Soon after the organization of the school, a minis- ter came out to Illinois to see his relatives. He attended the school, and while sitting in his seat, the bare-footed boys and girls kept coming in, and seeing so much interest manifested by all, be wept profusely; and said to those present, "I have wondered many times why it was that you left your church in Tennessee and came out here to this wilderness ; but it seems to me, I can now see why you came ; it was God who sent you here to engage in this good work."
The school at this writing is in a flourishing condition. It has sixteen teachers, with the other officers necessary. The school num- bers in summer as high as 225; in winter it runs down to sometimes less than half that number. It runs all the year around, and never lacks for means to buy all necessary supplies, in the way of papers, lesson leaves, quarterlies, etc. The young and old are alike en- gaged in this good work. Our house is getting too small, and we shall soon have to build again or enlarge the present house of wor- ship. Our membership as a church and Sunday-school, extends over a large scope of country ; and those attending come in wagons and carriages with their families. All are seemingly eager to en- gage in the good work of Sunday-school and church.
Sullivan Congregation .- The Sullivan congregation was organized at Sullivan, Illinois, on the third Sabbath in November, 1848, by the Revs. Joseph M. Bone, Joel Knight and A. M. Wilson. The number of members at the organization was nine; and at present numbers thirty. The elders are Robert H. Sharp, John. A. Free- land, Addison McPheters and John M. Ashworth ; one elder, P. B. Knight, has moved to Lincoln, Illinois ; the other elders still live in Sullivan.
Rev. A. M. Wilson was pastor of the Sullivan congregation part of his time for two years. Thomas A. Bone from October 1, 1850, until his death. James S. Freeland from the fall of 1851, until the spring of 1855. Joel Knight from the spring of 1855 until the fall of 1865. G. W. Montgomery part of his time in the years 1865 and 1866. Robert Hill in 1868 ; Stephen Goodknight for the year 1872; John W. Wood three months in the winter of 1872 and 1873; W. W. M. Barber for the years 1874 and 1875; A. B. McDavid in 1876; F. M. Johnson, 1878 ; G. W. Montgomery sup- plied at two other periods, dates not now known.
The Sunday-school has continued nearly all the time, results not given, and we have no means of ascertaining what has been the re- sults of her labors for the years it has existed. They have a church- house 40x50 feet, worth about two thousand dollars.
The above data was furnished by John A. Freeland.
Summit Congregation .- The Summit congregation was organized at Summit, Moultrie county, Illinois, January 24, 1872, by Revs. J. P. Campbell and James Whitlock, of Foster Presbytery. Twenty- three persons went into the organization. W. J. Langston, E. W. Rousc, S. F. Gammill and Theophilus Manson were the elders ; the latter two acted as deacons for a few months. Rev. J. P Campbell served as pastor three and a quarter years, Rev. G. W. Montgomery
one year, Rev. W. W. M. Barber one year, Rev. A. B. McDavid one year. Then W. W. M Barber two and a half years, to date December 30, 1878; Samuel G. Frost, Robert S. Ball and George A. Domblazer were elected trustees. February 2, 1879, G. N. Snapp joined by letter as an elder, and was by the congregation elected an elder. There are now thirty-six members, and three ruling elders.
The church takes a leading part in a Union Sabbath-school, but have no school under their exclusive control, but furnish all the teachers and part of the officers of the Union school. They have no church property that they control, but worship in the Christian Church building. The above was furnished by Rev. W. W. M. Barber.
New Hope Congregation .- New Hope congregation of the C. P. Church was organized by Rev. C. Y. Hudson on the 2d day of July, 1871, with a membership of thirty-seven persons. The following named persons were elected Elders of the congregation, viz : Samuel D. Freeland, Alexander M. Craig, Joseph Bankson, and David Stark. Mr. Stark died a short time after he was elected, and James T. Hill was elected to fill his place. The following persons have been elders since in this congregation, viz : J. R. Wear, Edmund Widick, W. S. Bates, James M. Moor, A. S. Freeland and W. R. Rouse. The following named persons are now Elders : C. W. Cloud, S. D. Freeland, A. S. Freeland, and W. R. Rouse. They compose the session at present. Brother Wear resigned ; Bates moved to Nebraska without taking a letter; Hill moved west soon after he was elected ; brothers Craig, Bankson, and Widick are still Elders of this congregation, but seldom attend to any of the duties of their office, so the church had to elect others to fill their places. The Deacons elected at the organization of the congrega- tion were brothers A. S. Freeland and John Burg. These both went west, and their places were filled by the election of the follow- ing persons, viz : W. H. Doner, Michael Ekiss, W. R. Rouse and Lewis Elliott ; two of whom still serve the church as Deacons, viz : Brothers Ekiss and Elliott. Rev. C. Y. Hudson is the only minis- ter that ever had charge of this congregation from its organization, in 1871, until June of the present year, 1880; at this time he became unable to labor. He resigned his charge, and Rev. J. M. McPher- in has been supplying the congregation since that time. Rev. C. Y. Hudson had preached in this neighborhood about twelve years, but is now unable to preach from hoarseness; otherwise he is in good health for a man of his age. The congregation has had a Sabbath- school through the spring and summer seasons, but generally closed out in the fall, before cold weather. The attendance has generally been small, ranging from fifty down to a dozen, or less. There have been a great many superintendents in this school. J. B. Knight, now dead, was the first superintendent ; S. D. Freeland acted for several terms; J. M. Moor, J. N. Shelton, C. W. Cloud, Joseph Bank- son, J. F. Knight, J. L. Yeakle, Lewis Elliott, and perhaps others have been superintendents at different times. There has been rather an increased interest in the school for the last two years, except a while during last fall. At that time the interest seemed to subside for a time, and the school was suspended. Soon after its suspension there was a meeting called for the purpose of reorganizing. J. L. Yeakle was elected superintendent, and B. F. Grindol assistant. The school has been running a few weeks very well. There are about five or six classes, with as many teachers, and about thirty scholars ; and it is to be hoped that the interest will increase instead of diminish. New Hope Church has been organized over nine years ; the number of professions during the time has been about two hundred ; number of members received into the church, one hundred and ninety. The real strength of the church at present is
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