USA > Illinois > Shelby County > Historic sketch and biographical album of Shelby County, Illinois > Part 26
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Cowden-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld. : . A. M. Wells, pastor : members, 130; churches, 3 : prop- erty, $3.500 : schools, 3: scholars 170.
Findlay-S. H. Whitlock, pres. cld. : J. M. Carns, pastor : members, 179 : churches, 3 : prop- erty $3.000 : schools. 4: scholars. 235.
Stewardson-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld .: J. M. Tull. pastor; members, 205: churches, 4: property. $4.750 ; schools. 3 : scholars. 310.
Tower Hill-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld. ; Jasper Miller, pastor : members, 275 : churches, 2 : property. $7.000 : schools, 2: scholars. 224.
Windsor-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld. : . 1. A. White, pastor ; members. 175 : churches, I : prop- erty. $3.500 : schools, 1 : scholars, 120.
Moweaqua-E. B. Randle, pres. eld. : Jos.
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Foxworthy, pastor : members, 225 ; churches. 1 : property. $7.000 ; schools. 1 ; scholars. 233.
Oconce-E. B. Randle, pres. ekl. : M. V. B. Ilill, pastor : members. 196; churches, 3: prop- erty. $4.500 ; schools. 3 : scholars, 226.
1899-Shelbyville-First church, S. H. Whitlock, presiding elder : H. H. Oneal, pastor : number of members. 378: number of churches, I : value of church property. $28,000 ; number of Sunday schools, 1: number of Sunday school scholars. 145.
Moulton-S. H. Whitlock, pres. cld. : E. K. Crews, pastor : members, 150 ; churches, 1 : prop- erty. $3.800 : schools. 1 ; scholars. 127.
Cowden-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld .: . A. M. Wells, pastor : members, 130: churches. 4 ; prop- erty. $4.8co : schools. 3 : scholars, 225.
Findlay-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld. : J. L. Dickson, pastor: members. 168: churches, 3: property, $5.000 : schools. 4: scholars, 226.
Stewardson-S. H. Whitlock. pres. ekl. : J. M. Eldredge, pastor : members. 275 : churches, 5 : property. $5.750 : schools, 4: scholars. 387.
Tower Hill-S. H. Whitlock. pres. eld. : G. W. Olmstead, pastor : members, 260; churches. 2 : property. $5.800 : schools, 2 : scholars, 210.
Windsor-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld. ; A. A. White, pastor ; members, 172 ; churches. 1 ; prop- erty. $3.700 : schools. 1 : scholars, 110.
Moweaqua-Horace Reed. pres. ekl. : Jos. Foxworthy, pastor : members, 221 ; churches. 1 ; property. $7.500 : schools, 1 : scholars, 226.
Oconee-Horace Reed. pres. eld. ; M. V. B. Hill, pastor : members, 233 ; churches. 3 : prop- erty. $4.500 ; schools, 3 : scholars. 246.
1900-Shelbyville-First church. S. H. Whitlock, presiding elder ; H. H. Oneal, pastor : number of members. 370: number of churches.
I : value of church property. $29.coo ; number of Sunday schools. 1 : number of Sunday school scholars, 181.
Moulton-S. 11. Whitlock, pres. eld. : J. L. B. Ellis, pastor: members. 150; churches. 1; property, $3.600 : schools, 1 : scholars. 140.
Cowden-S. 11. Whitlock. pres. eldl. ;----- pastor : members. 183: churches. 3: property. $4.000 : schools. 3 : scholars, 247.
Findlay-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld. : J. L. Dickson, pastor: members, 165: churches, 3: property. $5.000 : schools. 5 : scholars, 280.
Stewardson-S. 11. Whitlock, pres. cld .: J. M. Eldredge, pastor : members. 273 : churches. 5 : property. $5.500 : schools, 4: scholars, 225.
Clarksburg-S. 11. Whitlock. pres. eld .: C. W. Monson, pastor ; members, 90; churches, 2; property, $1,500 : schools, 2 : scholars, 89.
Tower Hill-S. H. Whitlock, pres. eld .: G. W. Olmstead, pastor ; members, 260: churches. 2 : property, $5 500 : schools, 2 : scholars, 270.
Windsor-S. 11. Whitlock. pres. eld. : E. K. Crews. pastor : members, 176 ; churches, 1 : prop- erty. $3.500 : schools, 2 : scholars, 165.
Moweaqua-Horace Reed, pres. eld. : J. Foxworthy, pastor : members. 310: churches, 1 : property, $7.500; schools, 1 : scholars, 251.
Oconce-Horace Reed, pres. eld. : D. 1). Kensil. pastor : members, 243 ; churches. 3 : prop- erty. $4.300 : schools. 3 : scholars, 237.
At the present time, there are, within the county. ten pastors, 2,220 members, 22 church buildings, property (including parsonages) valued at $69.400, twenty-four Sunday schools with 2.085 Sunday school scholars. The church is growing from year to year, and will no doubt continue to be in the time to come, as it has in the past, a great benefit to the people.
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FREE METHODIST.
(By Rev. A. J. Smith.)
In doctrine the Free Methodist church ad- heres closely to the standard bearers of the M. E. church. The difference is chiefly in church gov- erminent.
Since it is written "Let every one that weareth the name of Christ depart from iniquity," they make as a test of membership, the giving up of secret societies, the laying aside of superfluous adornings and the abstaining from the use of opiates, such as tobacco and opium. As a church they stand pledged to support the political party that promises the prohibition of the liquor traffic. Their constant aim being principle before policy.
COWDEN.
The first Free Methodist church in Shelby county was organized in 1881, by the Rev. W. B. M. Colt. in Cowden, after a very successful re- vival meeting in which the doctrine of entire sanctification was made prominent.
As a result of definite preaching of that doctrine and making the doctrine of Holiness a specialty, a great many were obedient to the faith, among whom were a number from the dif- ferent churches, and especially the M. E. church.
While many in the different churches, and outside of all churches, sought and professed to have obtained the experience referred to above. this preaching raised a storm of persecution, preachers taking a hand in it, until one promi- nent preacher said to his church: "Sit down on holiness, and sit down on it hard." Well that is what they did : they sat down so hard that the doctrine and its advocates were spread over a good portion of the county. But the main issue
was not as much over doctrine of holiness of heart, as holiness of life ; many claiming that the scriptures were opposed to the idea of a christian living without committing sin.
R. W. Sanderson was the first pastor, with W. S. Morrow as assistant, as the circuit then consisted of Cowden and Litchfield, with several societies between. The following year R. W. Sanderson was returned to what was then called the Cowden circuit, taking in Pleasant Grove and the okl Ridge which is now part of the Tower Hill circuit.
T. 11. Agnew was pastor in 1884, remaining one year, and was followed by T. J. Noland, with J. W. W. Kelley as assistant ; the class at Beth- any being organized that year, also the society at Pana in the same year.
Rev. W. C. Kelley was pastor in 1886-1887. during which time the Sylvan society was or- ganized. In the fall of 1888 H. F. Ashcraft was sent as pastor, and remained one year, being fol- lowed by R. W. Sanderson, who remained two years. Then pastors followed in this order: J. A. Eason, 1891; D. Kimbro, 1892: H. G. Ahlemeyer, 1893-1894: W. R. Benham, 1895- 1806: C. A. Fleming, 1897: B. F. Grigg. 1898- 1goo, remaining until March 20, 1901. when be- cause of poor health he resigned his work and Rev. C. A. Fleming, of Greenville, Illinois, was appointed to finish out the year.
At present the Cowden circuit numbers 114 members and six probationers, a total of 120; four local preachers ; three evangelists ; two Sun- clay schools, with twenty-eight officers and teach- ers, and 152 scholars : value of church property. $3,000.
Besides what the Free Methodist church represents in Cowden it has had the missionary spirit every since its organization, and every
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year, with very few exceptions, has had a camp meeting in close proximity to the town lasting about two weeks, during which hundreds have been saved and gone out to other neighbor- hoods and other denominations to carry the gospel of full salvation. At these annual gather- ings there are able and spiritual men in charge. who have left "all" for Christ and have the work so at heart that God has ever been pleased to bless them with out-pouring of the spirit in Pen- tecostal measure.
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A number of Cowden's most honored citi- zens are members of the F. M. church, toiling. sacrificing and contending for the faith once de- livered to the saints. Among them we mention Lou Torrence, who was noted as a man of busi- ness in church and state. He is among the first to obtain the experience and defend the doctrine of Entire Sanctification. He met a violent death. being crushed by an infuriated beast, but "his works do follow him." Then there were James Frizzell. Milton Hunter, the Kesler Bros., be- sides others who were charter members, some of whom have gone to their reward, while others of them still walk these mortal shores and tell with burning zeal and holy fervor the trials and triumphs of their faith during nearly of a quarter of a century in which they have stood for the principles of righteousness and reform.
TOWER HILL.
The church at Tower Hill was organized by T. J. Noland. the pastor, and J. W. W. Kelley. in 1883, after a very successful re- vival meeting in which a few promi- nent people of the town received the doc- trines and experience taught by the Free Metho- (lists, i. e .. repentance, faith, justification and sanctification.
The pastors of the church who have traveled the Tower Hill circuit since Bros. Noland and Kelley, are, respectively, as follows: Levi Coch- ran, 1884: A. J. Edwards, 1885: J. L. Wiliford. 1886: B. F. Grigg. 1887-1888: D. W. Salla, 1889- 1900: M. A. Cox. 1891; W. W. Bruce. 1892- 1893: A. J. Smith, 1894-1895 : A. H. Ahlemeyer. 1896-1897-1808: A. L. Crumbly. 1899: J. F. Deremiah. 1900.
Among the prominent lay members of this society who ought to be mentioned are Mr. Frank Corley and wife. and Mr. John Sharrock.
The church at "the Hill" was built in 1884. and dedicated by W. B. W. Colt, with not one dollar of indebtedness at the time of dedication. At present there are three churches and a par- sonage on the circuit. The second church was built at Coll Springs. During the labors of .1. J. Smith in 1894 and '95 the church was built at Lakewood and the parsonage was enlarged.
SHELBYVILLE.
The class at Shelbyville was organized in 1884. by T. J. Noland and J. W. W. Kelley. The preachers following were : Sister Julia Thacker. Brothers Cox. Fouler. Good. Deremiah, Coch- ran, Johnson, McMillen. Johnson, re-appointed. Denton. Maning. Ella M. Smith and .A. J. Smith. The church was built during the labors of Sister Thacker.
The society in the city and the one at Sylvan have been united as a circuit part of the time and the rest of the time divided into two appoint- ments. Our work at Shelbyville has suffered from different causes, the principal one being that a certain class was led away with some who denounced all churches and overthrew the faith of others.
Among some of the leaders and charter
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members we mention William Bivins, J. W. Johnson, Sister Hart and Sister O'Brien. Dur- ing the labors of Ella M. Smith, in 1900, and A. J. Smith, in 1901, the work has been greatly strengthened and some improvements made on the church building.
The society is still small, but most of the members can be found at class and prayer meet- ing, and are liberal in supporting the gospel. A very prosperous Sunday school is superintended by Mrs. Pearl Cox.
The next annual Free Methodist camp meeting will be held at Shelbyville on the fair grounds, where from fifty to one hundred tents are expected to be put up, and where a number of prominent workers will be present to help make the meeting a success.
THE BAPTIST.
(By Rev. Audrey A. Todd.)
The Church of God is one of the primal factors in the development of any county. The hardy pioneer and the itinerating herald of the cross have together entered the wilderness and subdued it ; one by the use of the axe and plough- share, the other by "the sword of the Spirit."
Different denominations have sent com- missioned emissaries into these new fields, not to war upon each other, but to vie in holy emula- tion that the opening territory might become subjected to our Saviour.
Prominent among the great denominations thus sending out forerunners with Gospel tidings of great joy is the Baptist church with its mil- lions of communicants.
An ordained minister of this denomination, Bushrod Henry by name, was the first to enter
the present limits of Shelby county in the inter- ests of his church. In the year 1830, three years subsequent to the organization of the county, he preached in the village of Shelbyville. In the course of two years he had baptized over eighty persons and founded a church. He labored with all the energy of an apostle, and became greatly endeared to his people.
A modern house of worship was soon erected and Zion prospered. The pastor, how- ever, began to disseminate the doctrines of one Alexander Campbell, and in a few years boldly declared himself in favor of these views. He ac- cordingly, with most of his membership, voted in favor of striking the word "Baptist" from their denominational name, and became by their own act "The Church of Christ in Shelbyville." Thus it happens that the Baptist church is the local parent of a child of another name.
The subsequent work. of the denomination in this city is subjoined below. From the be- ginning thus traced, the work has grown until there are now 10 churches within the county, with a total membership of 896, and a Sunday school enrollment of 502. No fact speaks better for any section of county than a corresponding development in church and school life with other interests of a secular nature.
We give a list of the churches, their membership, etc., that the reader may under- stand how the work has become disseminated through all parts of the county, and the relative importance of the proportions assumed.
Shelbyville-A. A. Todd, pastor ; Walter C. Headen, Shelbyville, clerk ; total membership, 219: Sunday school enrollment, 104; value of church property, $5,000.
Shelby-E. Beckett, pastor; Miss Cora Pope, Oconee, clerk ; total membership, 26.
Lakewood-M. C. Jones, pastor; C. F.
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Bowman, Lakewood, clerk; total membership. 26.
Little Flock-W. F. Buskirk, pastor : Daniel Miller, Robinson Creek, clerk ; total member- ship, 37.
Moweaqua-Jos. B. Rogers, pastor : Rosella Thomas, Moweaqua, clerk ; total membership. 344: Sunday school enrollment. 333; value of church property, $5,000.
New Hope-M. C. Jones, pastor: Wm. Barton, Lakewood, clerk ; total membership. 87.
Union-C. P. Roberts, pastor ; Julia A. Cal- vert, Brunswick, clerk ; total membership, 57.
Providence-C. P. Roberts, pastor : W. T. Neil, Tower Hill. clerk ; total membership, 25.
Richland-G. W. Syfert, pastor; M. Richt- ards, Strasburg, clerk; total membership. 69; Sunday school enrollment, 65 ; value of church property, $1,200.
Windsor-Total membership, 6.
SHELBYVILLE.
The following is a more detailed account of the Baptist church in Shelbyville. In 1862 a second Baptist church, claiming no parentage from any previous organization was formed in the town. Rev. R. R. Coon. of Pana. appears to have superintended the formation of the work. He became pastor in 1862, resigning his work in the fall of 1864. In the spring of 1865, Rev. Wm. Stillwell, of Kentucky, was called as pastor, re- signing in the spring of 1867, at which time the church seems to have become extinct.
The present Shelbyville Baptist church was organized on the 17th of September. 1868. Rev. W. H. Steadman was called as pastor. April 3. 1869. In 1870, the present church edifice was erected at a cost of $8,600, located at the south- west corner of Wood and North Second streets. In June, 1871, Mr. Steadman resigned his pas- torate, the church having a season of prosperity.
In September, 1871, Rev. J . H. Phillips. though personally unknown to the church, upon recommendation, was extended a unanimous call and served the church with great acceptance till the 31st of October, 1874.
In 1875. Rev. A. L. Seward served the church for six months, and in 1876. the church recalled Mr. Phillips, who ultimately accepted. His second resignation was effected September 24th. 1878, much to the reluctance of the Baptist people.
The next two years the church, crippled with a standing debt, continued only with occa- sional supply work. Rev. I. N. Hobart. Superin- tendent of State Missions, did much to liquidate the debt. Thomas M. Thornton may be men- tioned as one of the most liberal givers.
In the fall of 1880, the church, now free of (lebt, extended a call to Rev. Wm. M. Barker. who served the church till January, 1883.
Rev. B. F. Patt, one of Shelbyville's untiring pastors, served the church six and one-half years. from April, 1883 until December. 1889.
Rev. John P. Styler served as pastor from the spring of 1890 to the spring of 1892. Rev. W. W. Williams served the church from De- cember, 1892, to December. 1893.
Rev. L. H. Williams, a graduate of Shurt- leff. served as pastor for four years, from June. 1894 until April, 1898.
Rev. J. F. Spilman from January. 1899 to October, 1899.
Rev. L. M. Goff from January, 1900 to Oc- tober, 1900.
The present pastor. Rev. Audrey A. Todd. upon a unanimous call, accepted the pastorate and began his labors early in January, 1901. The church is united and is made up of some of Shel- byville's most excellent people. Every depart- ment of work is encouraging to the new pastor. The Sunday school, under the wise leadership
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THOMAS H. GRAHAM.
THOMAS H. RIGHTER.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
DR. ANDREW C. JACKSON.
William Henry Jackson, the father of our sub- ject, was one of the pioneers of Shelby county. He was a native of Ohio, coming to Illinois at an early day. His death did not occur until the present winter 1900-'01. His familiar figure was seen upon the streets until a very short time be- fore the reaper .cut down the long-standing grain. Mr. Jackson was a successful, honest, respected citizen whose name will long be remembered throughout the county. The mother of our sub- ject was Mary Burke, of Pennsylvania, who some years prior to the death of her husband, crossed into the unseen. Andrew spent his early life upon a farm in Pickaway township and attended the district school. He early gave evidence of mental aptitude and he subsequently developed his training at Valparaiso, Ind., and at the Louis- ville Medical college, from which he was gradu- ated in the class of '97. One year the doctor spent rusticating in the west : while there he rode upon a ranch as a cow-boy. In November. 1893. Andrew Jackson and Jennie, daughter of Robert and Sarah Benfiel, were united in marriage. Two sons have been born to them-James Roy, and - Lloyd. The doctor began his practice at Henton (Prairie Bird) shortly after his graduation, where he has ever since enjoyed an increasing degree of confidence and respect among the country folk who surround him. The doctor is a friend of democracy politically, we could scarcely ex- pect an Andrew Jackson to be otherwise : and fraternally he is a Modern Woodman. As a practitioner he stands well among the medical
fraternity of the county. He seems to under- stand and successfully treat the different forms of disease. We predict that he will bear untarn- ished the good name of his father.
GUY CUTLER.
The editor of the Findlay Enterprise, Guy Cutler, is a well-known citizen of Shelby county, having lived within its borders most of his life- time. He was born on a farm in Rose township. May 10, 1871. the son of James T. and Lucretia (Guion) Cutler. His education began in the dis- trict schools, and ended in the public schools of Shelbyville.
Early in life Mr. Cutler evidenced an apti- tude for journalism and the printing business. and learned the printers' trade in an office in Shelbyville. Later he went to Chicago, where he spent several years in a large job printing establishment, and became a very efficient work- man. One evidence of this is the fact that for three years he had charge of the United States Army printing office, a position which he held to the eminent satisfaction of those concerned.
For a time Mr. Cutler was proprietor of the Windsor Gazette, but in 1892 he disposed of that plant and established the Enterprise at Findlay. Two years later he sold that paper, and spent the succeeding three years in Chicago. In 1897 he returned to Findlay and repurchased the Enter- prise, and since that time has devoted himself to making his business a success, and is fast
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accomplishing his purpose. Prior to the presi- dential campaign of 1900, the Enterprise was in- dependent in politics, but in that campaign came otit as a staunch republican organ.
Perchance the most pleasing event of Mr. Cutler's life occurred on the roth of August. 1892, when he was married to Miss Belle Gilpin, (laughter of Isaac and Ellen (Reynokls) Gilpin, of Windsor. She is a genial, sociable lady, and has many very warm friends in the eastern side of Shelby county. Mr. and Mrs. Cutler are the parents of four bright and pleasant children, the names of whom are as follows: Margaret, Min- nie, James G. and S. E. The home life of this family is comfortable and happy, and they are held in high esteem by the residents of Findlay. Socially, Mr. Cutler is a member of the Ma- sonic fraternity, and is the present Worshipful Master of Findlay lodge, No. 831.
SAMUEL H. WRIGHT.
The subject of this biography is a son of Shelby county. All his life has been spent here save a period of six years which he spent in farm- ing and stock raising in the state of Kentucky. He may be said to be of English-German parent- age. His father, William, was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, and settled on section 26, Todd's Point township, this county, in his young manhood. The mother was a native of Ten- nessee ; her maiden name was Martha Dowdy. She came to Illinois early in life with her parents. When Mr. Wright settled in Todd's Point there were scarcely more than a half dozen families in the east end of the township. Into his home were born nine children, only five of whom are still living ; but, strangely, they all reside in Shelby county.
Our subject had only a common school education, but he made good use of the meagre opportunities afforded him. As a young man he was not vigorous in body, and was accordingly given the work of a herdsman. He frequently had charge of three or four hundred head of stock as they fed over these rich prairies. The father, as may be inferred from the preceding statement, was a very successful farmer; at the time of his death he was one of the most well-to- do and favorably known men of the county. Samuel Henry began farming for himself about two miles from his birthplace when he was about twenty-five years of age. In the year 1870, on the fourteenth day of February, he was united in marriage to Miss AAmanda Albro, of this county. One child was born to them which died in in- fancy. Mr. Wright suffered the loss of his girl- wife and was subsequently married on he 27th day of January, 1876, to Miss Nancy Shouse, of Henry county, Kentucky. Six children have blessed this union, one of whom (Ernest) died in infancy, and one (Adda May) died in the flower of her young womanhood, at the age of twenty- one years. The living are: Martha Ellis, Vir- ginia Pearl, a graduate from the city school ; Daniel D., who is to be graduated this year, and Newton. For three years Mr. Wright conducted an implement business on South Morgan street. For nine years he has been a resident of the city, having come here to educate his children. Honor is due the man who having not received such training himself, still recognizes the value of it,- and provides thus amply for his children. Mr. Wright has been clerk of his township and in many other ways has been made to feel the con- fidence which his friends repose in him. On the financial and governmental questions of the day he is in spirit a republican, but, yielding obed- ience to the voice of his own conscience, he votes the prohibition ticket. We are glad to re-
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cord one such voter in the annals of Shelby coun- ty history. Mr. Wright and family are devoted members of the Christian church. They live in a handsome residence of their own on North Broadway, in addition to which they own a farm of three hundred twenty acres of good land. The family is such that we feel safe in predicting that for years to come the name "Wright" will be among the honored ones of the county.
DR. ODES O. WHITTINGTON.
On the fourth day of October. 1869. the subject of this sketch was born. His birth place was in Cold Spring township. this county. His parents, Joseph and Joanna (Buchanan) Whit- tington have borne ten children, two of whom (lied in infancy, and Raleigh, July 26th. 1897: the living are: Hattie. Ella. Noi. Ida. William H .. Frank. Odes O., of whom we write.
Dr. Whittington was reared to hard labor. being born on a farm ; he is another example of that sterling manhood which has its rise in rural life. His early educational advantages were limited to those furnished by the district school. but at the age of twenty-one years he was able to gratify one of his ambitions, and matriculated with the Missouri Medical college in St. Louis. He was graduated from this institution in the class of '97. with eighty-two other students. At the time of his graduation he was marked 100 in his chemistry examination, thus winning the prize offered by Prof. Chas. O. Curtman, one of the most eminent chemists in the country.
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