USA > Illinois > De Witt County > History of De Witt county, Illinois. With illustrations descriptive of the scenery, and biographical sketches of some of the prominent men and pioneers > Part 37
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Rev. R. N. Barnes succeeded Mr. Meginnis in 1870; he re- mained two years. He pushed forward the work of his predeces sor till the audience-room and towers were finished, and the entire building stood out a gem of architectural richness and beauty for some months ; and then a storm of wind prostrated the main tower, which was 180 feet high. In 1872, Rev. W. H. II. Adams was placed in charge, and for three years he had perhap- more attentive listeners than any minister who had preceded him in Clinton. With a wide range of thought and concise- ness in stating his views, he had an easy elegance in language and manner that was unusually attractive and proved him worthy of any pulpit, even in metropolitan cities. Dr. Adams is now the esteemed President of Illinois Wesleyan University. Dr. H. Bnek having dedicated the basement in 1870. Rev. Dr. Ives, of New York, as isted by Rev. Bishop Bowman, of St. Louis, made the last dedication December 20th, 1874. In 1875, '76, '77, G. W. Gray ; 1878, James Leaton ; 1879, A. Semple ; 1880, W. Stevenson, served as pastors. During Dr. Gray's term a con- siderable religions interest was awakened in his congregation in his first year, and in 1877 he contributed largely to the success of the cause of temperance in the city and county. This year, the "tidal-wave" of temperance spread over every State in the Union. In 1881, Mr. Stevenson's removing in May his vacancy was supplied by Rev. G. W. Henning, and in September he was reappointed.
WAYNESVILLE M. E. CHURCH.
Waynesville circuit was formed over forty years ago, and has not had its name changed. Rev. John Sinclair and Zadok Hall organized the first Methodist society in Waynesville, in 1834; in a few years considerable additions were made to their num- bers; camp-meetings were held near by. Sinclair Cartwright, Chase Trotter, Barger James, R. E. Guthrue and G. Rutledge, were, consecutively, presiding elders of Waynesville charge. Pastors also served them year after year, till in 1847, a board of trustees was elected. A commodious brick church was erected in 1849 by the active management of the Rev. Wm. Hindall, then pastor. Methodism was a strong force about this period ; but the rising town of Atlanta, on the Chicago and St. Louis railroad, drew away so many business men and Methodists from Waynesville, the church declined in its strength materially with the town. Linus Graves, J. R. Doolittle, the Elder, Mr. Samp- son, Col. Gambrel, Harry Maltby, and others once valuable workers for the church here, removed or died; and now the aged Mrs. Gambrel and Mrs. Miles, and one or two others, remain as relics of former years ; and the old records disappearing, only the last twenty-five years can be stated of the historic life of this
church. In 1857, A. Simple ; 1858, W. R. Howard ; 1859, J C. Rucker, G. 11. Adams ; 1860 and '61, W. R. Howard. Un- der his labors, three new churches were erected on the circuit. In 1862 and '63, J. C. Rucker : 1865, J. W. Warfield; 1866 and '67, B. Barthlow ; 1868, Samuel II. Pendleton; also 1859 and '70, among the other ministers were S. Middleton, B. F. Hyde and Dr. Lapham; 1871, V. Randolph; and in 1880, IIenry Adams, who was reappointed in 1881. Rev. S. Il. Pen- dleton was converted and learned to preach at Waynesville, and was so well estecnied for his piety and gifts, that the Waynesville people welcomed him to the charge of the circuit the first three years of his ministry. He afterwards removed to Kansas, and is now a presiding elder in one of its conferences.
The societies forming Waynesville pastoral charge are Mt. Tabor, Green Valley and Kenney.
MIT. TABOR M. E. CHURCH.
This society worshipped in a school-house for a number of years. Its leading members were Wiley Marvel and sons. with their families ; John Barr and family, John Humphrey; Joshua Humphrey and Jos Leonard, and some others. By the activity of the Rev. W. R Howard. a neat house of worship was erected in 1861 and '62, and while the writer was pastor, the year after, a meeting was held, when a number of young men embraced religion ; two of whom became earnest ministers of the gospel in Illinois conference, one transferred to Iowa, and the other, I think, to Tennessee conference. The venerable Wiley Marvel is perhaps the oldest Methodist in De Witt county, and his sister, Mrs. Gambrel, relic of Col. Gambrel the oldest Methodist lady. Mr. Wiley has, all his years in the church, been a model Christian ; combining deep piety with cheerful moderation, being plentiful in good works.
KENNEY M. E. CHURCH
Was organized mostly of members formerly composing the Pleasant Valley Society. Under the pastorate of Rev. Wm. B. Howard, a comfortable house of worship was erected by the Pleasant Valley members in 1861. Rev. Joseph Howard and Wm. Humphrey contributed largely to this enterprise; but when the town of Kenney had been established several years, it was thought prudent (as the church was three miles distant) to remove it to Kenney, which was done in 1875. Kenney was connected awhile with Chestnut, in Logan, and with Maroa, in Macon county ; but at present with the Waynesville circuit. The pastors have been, in 1874, Robert Stephens ; 1875, W. A. Smith ; 1876, F. M. Hays; 1877, - Tombs ; 1878 and '79, W. R Howard ; 1880 and '81, Henry Adams.
In August, 1×78, Rev. Joseph IToward, a member of this church, died at the advanced age of eighty one years. He re. moved from Ohio to this eounty in 1834, and took his share of the privations, and did his part in the labors of the early set- tlers. During his entire life he was known as possessing ster- ling worth as a citizen and Christian gentleman, and as a wise counsellor on questions of county and ecclesiastical policy in several relations. His funeral discourse was by Rev. Dr. Buck. Many public men of the county attended the funeral services at Kenney.
In the winter of 1881, Rev. Henry Adams had a very profit- able series of meetings in Kenney. By his fervent ministry the membership of the church was doubled, and a marked moral improvement has pervaded the general community since that meeting. Dr. Adams is the son of Rev. H. C. Adams, of Clin- ton, who was one of the most successful evangelists in the
136
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
county for about forty years. Though now near seventy years of age, his mental activity and snap has not abated. The inci- dents connected with his life would make a book of attractive interest. The membership at Kenney numbers about eighty. There is also a prosperous Sabbath-school.
GREEN VALLEY SOCIETY
Was organized by Rev. Robert Stevens in 1874. Under his labors, a handsome church was erected about half way between Clinton and Waynesville. The membership is small. John Pollock and Wm. Armstrong, and their families, have been active supporters of religion in this society, a few others co-ope- rating. This society forms part of Waynesville circuit. Mt. Tabor and Green Valley, and Kenney, have the same pastor, and have preaching every two weeks. The presiding elders lately serving on Waynesvile circuit have been M. Buck, W. S. Prentice, P. Wood, C. W. C Munsell and W. N. MeElroy.
WAPELLA M. E. CHARGE.
Wapella began when the Illinois Central Railroad was com- pleted. Among the first Methodi-ts located there were Thomas Loar, James Stone, Henry Morrison, the elder Mr. Martin, and Williams, and Mrs. Gates; afterwards James Willis, H. A. Rucker and their families. In 1857 the society formed part of Randolph Grove circuit, and the writer served them in this pas- torate for that and the following year : in 1859, W. R. How- ard ; 1860-1, W. E. Johnson. After this Wapella was attached to Dewitt circuit ; and 1862-3 II. C. Hockenship. In 1863 the church was built and was dedicated by Rev. Hiram Buck. In 1864-5, J C. Rucker ; 1866, H. C. Hockenship. Then the society was transferred to Heyworth circuit. In 1867, C. G. Bradshaw became pastor, I think, for two years. His preaching was a delight to his hearers. He took in some valuable persons into church membership. Mr. Bradshaw is not now a minister at all. Then followed in the pastoral charge: Fu 1869, S. Mid- dleton ; 1870, T. J. N. Simmons ; 1871. S. H. Martin. This was Mr. Martin's first itinerant year. He had been an uncom- mon useful local preacher, welcomed in every part of the county for thirty years. He was raised in the Roman Catholic church, and after his conversion he was soon licensed to exhort, and his own mother, a catholic, was converted to Christ under his labors -the first fruit in his spiritual conquest. His power to interest his hearers in pulpit or conversation was surpassed by few preachers, however much they might excel him in literary cnl- ture. Wapella society, after this year, was united to De Witt circuit.
In 1872 W. F. Lowe ; 1873, D. Brewer was appointed; 1873- 4-5, N. S. Morris ; 1877-8, L. P. Deatheridge ; 1879 and '80, W. A. Mckinney. In 1881 the present charge was formed, con- sisting of Wapella, Bells S. H. and Long Point societies, with Rev. Mr. Tindale, a young man of fine attainments, is in charge.
Bell's school house, five miles north-east of Wapella, has been a place for Methodist preaching about twenty years. About that time Henry Bell, - Letzenberger, William Bell, Wm. Smith, William Letzenberger, with their families, including Mrs Elizabeth Ewing and her mother, removed from Clinton M. E. church, and with some others, formed a Methodist society in Wil- son township, where they had located on a beautiful ridge of land, with the usual agencies to promote religious life. Of that colony, Mrs. Ewing aud her respected mother, William Bell, William Smith and the elder Mrs. Letzenberger have died. In 1865 a revival of unusual interest prevailed in this society. The
writer began the meeting while school was in session, holding service at noon recess. The lady then the teacher became deeply anxious her pupils should become Christiaus, and well was she rewarded ; for every one of them united with the church, and all but one made a joyful profession. Several heads of fami- lies, and nearly all the young people in the neighborhood, em- braced religiou. Two young men, subjects of this revival, have since received a classical education and for several years been members of the annual conference, and are now filling important appointments.
Few societies have held on in religious life with such uniform regularity ; yet strangely this is the only Methodist Episcopal church having regular preaching for years that has not built a church.
LONG POINT M. E. CHURCH.
Twenty years ago this society was in a fair state of prosperity. There seems to be no record when preaching began in this part of the county. The writer became acquainted with them as pastor for two years in 1857 and '58. Then, and years after, it formed a part of Randolph Grove circuit. In 1858 the meeting- honse was completed. Among the principal members then were John Wilson, Henry Morrison, Myrus Boling, Widow Scott, and their families, and Mrs John Brown. Myrus Boling and family left the church ; John Wilson died, and his family and Henry Morrison moved away, leaving a few only to " hold the fort " They have most of the time had the same pastors as Wapella. A debate occurred years ago in Long Point M. E. church be- tween Rev. John Luccock, Methodist, of Peoria, and Rev. Mr. Franklin, of the Christian church, from Cincinnati, with no visible beneficent results. One mile from this place of Methodist worship, the Christian church has their church, rendering it difficult for both to prosper so near each other in a conntry neigh- borhood. Under the lahors of their present minister, Rev. Mr. Tindale, a good congregation is in attendance, and hopeful pros- perity may be looked for hy this society.
FARMER CITY M. E. CHURCH.
The beginning and growth of Methodism about Hurly's Grove has been related already. The noble men who labored for and fostered an earnest christianity in Hurly's Grove settlement in the early years of this county, laid the stable foundations that form the underlying granites of Farmer City Methodist Chris- tianity now After belonging to Marion mission for several years, Mt. Pleasant circuit was formed in 1839; and as the pas- tors who served on this circuit for many years have already been named, we may only now say, precious be the memory of Horace Maynard, R. Winans Clark, Paxton Cummins, Abbott Goddard, John Sinclair, Peter Cartwright, Norman Allyn, William Hin- dall, and John S Barger, who years past " ceased from their labors; their works follow them " Their spiritual offspring now compose an important und influential part of the member- ship of this station. While these ministerial worthies planted the Gospel in Hurly's Grove, thirty, forty, and fifty years ago, the soil in which they planted it was rich in unusual fertility. Few communities in any county had for first settlers a better class of men than those that settled about Hurly's Grove. Fewer still have had so many men of sterling religious worth ; and smaller yet are the number of communities who have raised up so many children to follow in the steps of their parents in busi- ness enterprise and decided piety than the Hurly's Grove people -Richard Kirby, Charles McCord, Dennis Hurly, John Weed-
1.7
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS
man, John Darmer, Asa Weedman, Wm. MeCord. and others who have ceased to live, belong to this roll of honor.
The ministers of Mt. Pleasant circuit, in 1859, C. Y. Heco : 1860-1. W. B. Barton : 1862, C. Arnold. During Mr. Arnold's term, the main body of the present church was built; in 1-63. B Barthlow ; 1864, S. Shinn ; 1865-6, G. B. Wolfe; 1867, MI. M. Davidson. In 1>68, Mt. Pleasant had its name changed, and the circuit, so long bearing a worthy record, passed away, and Farmer City became a station, and Rev. 1. T. Orr, its first min- ister in charge. The church has now two wings to the main building, affording increased capacity for an audience, and with sliding doors, convenient for class-room‹. It is ample in size, avoiding architectural attractiveness, but is a model of chasteness and comfort. Mr. Orr served this station three years; was highly esteemed by his people, and gathered many into the church ; in 1871, M. W. Everbart ; in 1872. Ira Emerson: 1873, J. B. Seymour ; 1874-5, J. Shaw ; 1876, D. Gay ; 1877, W. F. T. Spruill ; 1878-9, J. T. Orr; 1880-1, M. A Hewes
During the pastorates of Mr. A. T. Orr, Mr. Shinn, Mr. Da- vidson, Mr. Everhart, Mr Shaw, and Mr. J. T. Orr, the church was encouraged by special revival seasons and additions to their numbers. Farmer city station forms one of the charges of Champaign District, and the presiding Elders have been A. Semple, R. Travis, H. Buck, W. N. MeElroy, and now J. G. Little.
A Society has recently been formed at Weedman, a rail-road town, a few miles from Farmer city, and by the efforts of John Weedmin and others, a handsome church has been erected. This Society is supplied with preaching by the pastor at Farmer city.
DE WITT M D. CHURCH.
The town of De Witt (formerly named Marion', forty-five years ago, gave name to an important Methodist mission, several hundred miles around it. In early years this was the focal point where camp-meetings were held. Gabriel Watt, Amos Shinkle, Col. Geo. Lemon, Wm. Cottingham and others, were members then. In 1853 a house of worship was built, and the Society met in this place till six or seven years pa-t it fell, or was blown down ; and has not been erected since. A parsonage was se- cured in 1860, which is still occupied by the ministers in charge. George Nixon, who died a few years since, was a member of this Society Mr. Nixon had been a trustee of the church in Clin- ton, and was a heavy contributor to that elegant structure. The Society has, by the courtesy of the Protestant Methodists, wor- shipped in their church since they lost their own. The number of members is only about twenty.
Rucker chapel Society belongs to De Witt circuit. Before 1865, for many years a Methodist Society worshipped at Brit- ton's school-house, on the north fork of Salt creek. Mr. William Walden, Nehemiah Cain, John Cain, - Charles Cain's family, Mr. Vandewater, and Mr. Gear. The Brittons and others, held many joyful meetings in those years in that neighborhood. For a long time the house of Chas. Cain and his brothers was the resting- place of many a weary preacher. Mrs. Charles Cain was one of those "elect ladies " who left a sweet and hallowed influence on all who knew her. The elder Mr. Genr was one of the best of class-leaders, and like "Barnabas," a son of consolation. In 1864 the church was built, and the following winter a revival of impressive interest followed. The writer was assisted by Rev. Robert Taylor, of the Cumberland Presbyterian church, in con- ducting these meetings.
This Society is the largest Methodist organization in the 18
county. not belonging to any town. In 1881 they renovated their church inside and out, and it is said to look better now than when it was finished seventeen years ago.
Weldon Society also forms part of the pastoral charge of De Witt circuit. Weldon, on the Wabash rail-r ad, has been built only a few years. In 1876 there was a small number of Methodists living in the vicinity of Wellon ; these aided largely by the citizens, erected quite a creditable Methodist church. Little progress, however, has been made in adding to the nu- merical strength of the Society.
Swisher's school-house is the place where preaching is hell by the ministers of De Witt circuit. There is a small Society here.
PARNELL SOCIETY: This infant church organization began like the village itself, in IS$1. The first thing done was the election of a board of trustees, and then building a church dedi- cated on January 8th. 1882 by Rev. W. II. II. Adams, D. D., of Illinois Wesleyan University.
These five Societies, De Witt, Rucker's chapel, Weldon, Swisher's, Parnell, with Deland Society in Pratt county form De Witt circuit pastoral charge. The pastors who have pre- sided on this circuit have been: In 1861, G. Adams ; 1862-3, H. (' Hockensmith ; 1864-5, J. C' Rucker; 1563-7, H. C. Hockensmith : 1868. G. Garner ; 1870, T. D Weems ; 1871, D. A. Grimes : 1872 W. F. Lowe; 1873. D. Brewer; 1874-5-6, N. S. Morris: 1577-6 P. Deatherage; 1579 ; and S. W. A. McKin- ney; 1881, Uriah Warringtom-Choate. The Presiding El- ders have been the same as for Farmer city >tation.
STATISTICS OF M. E. CHURCH BY PASTORAL CHARGES.
Tomber
rılı.
Mil
Clinton.
929
-220,000
$12 m
$1455
Waynesville.
12.500
1200
Wappella
1700
Farmer city,
297
1、 H)
1200
De Witt. .
1200
Summary,
1022
$55 500
84000
THE PROTESTANT METHODIST CHURCH.
A society of the Protestant Methodist Church was organized in this county in 1850, at De Witt, then at several other points, till a circuit with regular preaching was established. After some years a substantial brick house of worship was erected in the town of De Witt. The annual conference was held in this building soon after it was completed. The following facts are all the writer has been able to obtain for this history : The Rev. John L. Scott, the present worthy pastor of the Protestant Methodist Church in this county, informs me that De Witt circuit has five preaching places in this county, one at De Witt with fif- teen members, one at Prairie Centre with fifty, one at Swisher's with twenty, one at Walnut Grove with twelve, one at Fullerton with fourteen, and one at Davenport with ten members. There are two other societies on the circuit ; part of the members reside in this county, and the whole number in the pastoral charge is 166. The present pastor organized the societies at Swisher's and at Fullerton. Mr Scott has been quite successful in securing additions to the church at several point -. Rev. W'm. Cotting- ham and Rev. Archibald McConkey, of De Witt, have for many years been active and earnest laborers in this branch of the Church of Christ.
138
HISTORY OF DE WITT COUNTY, ILLINOIS.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
BY REV. D. MACARTHUR.
Clinton .- The first Baptist Church of Clinton, Ills., was orga- Dized February 1st, 1839, in the house of George L. Hill. The following ministers and brethren constituted the council who was called upon for the purpose of assisting in the organization of the church, viz: Rev Jonathan Mirriam, Rev. Isaac Newell, and brethren William Randolph and Jacob Coppenbarger. The usual proceedings, in such ca-es, were had, and the church was duly organized according to the usages of the Baptist denomina- tion. The names of the constituent members were, Rev. Joel Hulsey, George L. ITill, William Ilulsey, John McAboy, Polly Hulsey, Elizabeth Hulsey, Louisa V. Ilill, Mary McAboy, and Sarah F. Hickman. Brother George L. Ilill was the efficient church clerk for a number of years, to him, in fact, the church owes to a great extent, its existence and present standing in the community
The following named Pastors have served the church, Rev. Joel Hulsey, from February 1-39 to December 1841; Rev. William McPherson, from January, 1842 to May, 1>54 ; Rev. Lncias H. Gibbs, from June, 1854 to Angust, 1654 ; Rev. Zenas Hall, from December, 1854 to February, 1855; Rev. Thomas Rees, from June 1855 to November 1856; Rev. Overton Ely, preached occasionally to the church for some time ; Rev. W. G. Johnson was pastor from June, 1857 to April 1859 ; Rev. J. Z Zimmerman, from June, 1860 to April, 1861 ; Rev. H. B. John- son, from June, 1861 to March, 1862; Rev. D. MacArthur, from July, 1865 to March, 1870; Rev. C. A. Quirell, from March, 1870 to June, 1871 ; Rev. J. W. Rees, from Sept 1871 to March 1873; Rev. J. Storrs, from Aug 1873 to Dec. 1873; Rev L. J. Huntley, from Jan. 1874 to April 1>74; Rev. Joseph H. Sedge- wick, from Oct. 1874 to Dec. 1876; Rev. D. MacArthur, from September 1877 to October, 1-81. Rev. J. W. Estey, an evan- gelist, held a protracted meeting, which resulted in great and permanent good to the community and the church, in the year 1859. A house of worship was erected early in the history of the church. In 1866 the church resolved to build a new meet- ing house, the result was, the present commodious building, seat- ing capacity about two hundred. The building and lots cost $7,000, all paid for. The church at present is ont of debt. Considering the financial condition of the membership of the church, they may be said, to give cheerfully and liberally for the maintenance of the church at home, and also to the varions benevolent enterprises of the denomination at large. The pre- sent membership is fifty-five. This church has sustained an efficient Sunday School since the year 1859; there is at present a membership of 140 scholars. The present Superintendent, B. n- jamin T. Hill, is doing a great amount of good, he is aided by an efficient force of teachers.
The following statement may be accepted as the historical characteristics of the Baptist denomination in the United States. The Baptists are a denomination of evangelical Christians, who hold that the immersion of Christian believers is of universal obligation, and practice accordingly. "They hold this, because they acknowledge no master but Christ ; no rule of faith but His word; no baptism but that which is preceded and hallowed by pers nal piety ; no church but that which is the body of Christ, pervaded, governed and animated by His Spirit." Ever since the Church and State were first united, the Baptists have suffered every form of persecution on account of their loyalty to the doc-
trine of soul liberty. The historian Bancroft, speaking of the German Baptists, says : " With greater consistency than Luther, they applied the doctrines of the reformation to the social posi- tions of life, and threatened an end of priest-craft and king-craft, spiritual domination, title and vassalage. They were trodden under foot with foul reproaches and most arrogant scorn, and their history is written in the blood of thousands of the German peasantry ; but their principles, secure in their immortality, es- caped with Roger Williams to Providence, his colony is witness that naturally the paths of the Baptist are paths of freedom, pleasantness and peace." Mr. Locke has truly said : "The Baptists were from the beginning, the friends of liberty, just and true liberty ; equal and impartial liberty." Yet, until the Quakers arose in 1660, the Baptists stood alone in its defence. A writer in the New American Cyclopedia, says: " Among the Baptists, Christian freedom found its earliest, its staunchest, its most consistent and its most disinterested champions. Nor less powerful has been the influence of the Baptists in the United States. Introduced into Rhode Island with Roger Williams and John Cook, in 163%. Their history for more than a century in most of the colonies is that of proscribed and banished men, yet persecuted themselves, it is their glory never to have persecuted others." On the code of laws established by them in Rhode Island, Judge Story says: "We read for the first time, since Christianity ascended the throne of the Caesars, the declaration that conscience should be free, and men should not be punished for worshipping God in the way they were persuaded he requires." From that declaration Rhode Island has never departed, and in this it was followed, first by Pennsylvania and New Jersey, after- wards Virginia, and since by all the United States.
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