History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 52

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150

USA > Illinois > McDonough County > History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens > Part 52

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).

This congregation was organized by Elder Doling, of Quincy, J C. Graves, Galesburg, J. W. Harrington, Sciota, and A. Blackburn, Macomb, May 9, 1875. The following were the original mem- bers: Andrew Pleasant, Hattie Pleasant, David and Emma Hammond, Winnie Fields, Matilda Mayweather, Wisten Jackson and Maria Sanford. The church has had two revivals, at which 13 were added to the church, making a member_ ship at present of 25. The church build- ing is situated on North Lafayette street, and was formerly owned by the First Baptist church, but purchased from them in 1876, $400 being the consideration. The annual contribution is about $240. The pastor's salary for one-half his time is $120 per year.

NEW HOPE BAPTIST CHURCH. [By Elder W. McNutt, Pastor.]

The Blandinsville Baptist church is a separate and distinct organization, hav-

ing a history peculiar to itself. Yet, some have thought that it is a mere con- tinuation of the old New Hope Baptist church, which was organized near this place years ago, and which eventually became extinct. Hence it becomes nec- essary in order to have a true history, that the history of each church be given.

New Hope church, according to the most reliable records now available, was organized by Elder John Logan and Deacons Thomas Matthews and Thomas Burnett, two and a half miles northeast of Blandinsville, in October, 1830, with a constituent membership of seven. The house erected was called a union house, was built mainly by Baptists and Re- formers, called Campbellites. Very soon, great dissatisfaction was experienced by the Baptists, which lead to the abandon- ment of the union house, and they built a house south of Blandinsville one-half mile, known by the name of New Hope church. Around, and near this church building became a prominent burying ground, and since the burning of the house the place is known as the South grave yard. This pioneer church was the religious home of Elder John Logan during the last years of his pilgrimage. He died a worthy member of New Hope church January 29th, 1851, having been its pastor for more than 13 years. He also had the honor of organizing the Salem Baptist association, which held its first session with the New Hope church in 1834. This church, in its day, was a beacon light in the "Military Tract," particularly in McDonough county. It is to be regarded as a kind of mother church, as many other congregations seem to have grown out of this pioneer

463

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

church. At one time this society num- bered as high as 140 members. But in" the slow movement of sluggish years, the house became old and somewhat dilapi- dated and shared an evil fate at the hands of some one who had more respect for the bible of God than for the house that contained it, and when the house had fallen to ashes, the bible was found in good shape, laying on a stump in the yard. This burning seems from the best evidences now among us to have been on the night of March 22, 1868. There has been no record kept that shows the burn- ing, or date. The only direct evidence we have as to the time, is that a well known citizen died on the night of the burning and was buried in that grave- yard next day. His tombstone says: March 22, 1868. This church, though in a depressed condition, in its latter years kept up its meetings and was represented in the association until 1868, or 1869. The minutes of 1868, is not at hand; but 1869 says: "no letter." We are informed that there was a meeting called at a pri- vate house for the purpose of giving out letters to those who wished them. This seems to have been the death struggle of New Hope church. The line of pastors so far as we have means of knowing, were: Elders John Logan, Joseph Botts, J. L. Trower, W. F. Forrest, W. Welch and J. Ray. So ends the history of New Hope church, and we now proceed to the history of

BLANDINSVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH.

By reference to the minutes of Salem Baptist association for 1870, we get sight at the organization.

"Rev. S. Pickard, during the month of

June, came among us and held a series of meetings which resulted in our organ- ization. By the blessing of the Great Head of the church, saints were revived and sinners made to bow.

"We were organized as the Baptist church of Blandinsville, on the 24th of June, 1870, by Elders S. Pickard and W. Hobbs, and publicly recognized as the Baptist church of Blandinsville, by a regular council called for that purpose. We now ask admission in your body as a member of the same. We have com- menced the erection of a house of wor- ship, which we expect to complete before winter.

"Have preaching every alternate Thurs- day evening by Elder J. J. W. Place, and occasionally by Elder N. Parks, of Raritan, on Sunday."

The constituent members who went into the organization of the Blandins- ville church were: Harriet Harmon, Mary A. Ward, Helen Gruber, Eliza Faigley, Edith Porter, Jane Ray, Pau- lina Logan, Eleseph Ray, James C. Faigley, Matilda Seybold, Isaac H. Bo- zarth and Henry Harmon.

The recognizing council met the first Thursday in August, 1870. The churches represented were: Sciota, Elm Grove, Bushnell, Independence, Hillsborough, Raritan, and St. Mary's. Was organized by electing Elder J. G. Ward, moderator, and E. Rogers, clerk. During the first year the membership increased to 34.

The house was located on Maple street, on the east end of town; but was not fin- ished as anticipated in the report to as- sociation in 1870. It was then thought that the house would be finished by the coming winter, but the association min-

464

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

utes of 1871, show some reverses that retarded the work. "Our church build- ing which was in course of erection, and upon which we had expended some $1,200, was blown down by the severe storms of last spring." Consequently, the house did not reach its completion until 1872. That year the Salem Bap- tist association met with the Blandins- ville church, September 14, 15, 16, 1872. At which time we get the following: "Blandinsville-We welcome the dele- gates and visiting brethren to our house of worship, and to our homes, etc. Have succeeded in completing our house of worship; have paid on it $2,256, leaving a balance of $850, yet due." Elder J. M. Harrington, then of Kentucky, had been written to, to be present at this associa- tion and dedicate the new church house. He complied with the request. Held a series of revival meetings in which the church was greatly strengthened and dedicated the house free from debt. At this time Elder Wm. Hobbs was pas- tor, preaching once a month for the church. The house was of good size, frame, without any gaudiness in appear- ance, or style.

The grounds, house and church prop- erty, has been estimated at $4,000, with- out including its recent improvements.

The line of pastors, as the record shows is as follows: Elder J. H. Delano was called to the care of the church in March, 1871, and served but a short time, as it appears that Elder Hobbs be- came his successor, February, 1872. After which, Elder Delano was recalled in 1873, and resigned in 1876. After this resignation, Rev. G. E. Eldridge served for a while. Eldridge was followed by

Elder J. Wood Saunders, who came to the pastorate, August, 1877, and resigned July, of the year following. . Next was Elder T. W. Jones, who served but a short time and resigned. Elder S. J. McCormick was successor to Jones, and resigned in November, 1881. Elder W. McNutt, then of Indiana, was called to the church in December, 1881, for one year, to serve Blandinsville and Hills- borough churches for a salary of $1,000. At the expiration of the year, the call was made for time indefinite, for the Blandinsville church, each party having the right, upon three months notice, to sever the relation of pastor and church. During the last year, 1884, the church has had many improvements made, both inside and out, until it now compares favorably with any in this part of the state. Among the improvements may be mentioned the additional building of ample dressing rooms and baptistry, all beautifully constructed, witlı a vestibule in front, having appropriate doors of en- trance. The outside of the house is deeply painted in stone color, while the inside is finely papered after the most approved style of church work. These improvements cost about $800.

The present membership is about 135. As a class of citizens, the Baptists of Blandinsville will not suffer in contrast with any other people, in point of wealth or intelligence. The church is in sym- pathy with all of their great denomina- tional interests, schools, colleges, mis- sions, etc. The officers are: W. H. Grigsby, S. J. Grigsby, H. K. Prather and James N. Pennington, deacons; J. V. M. Hardesty, A. Pennington and O. P. Pennington, trustees; James R.

465

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Ward, church clerk; and W. H. Grigsby, church treasurer.

On the 3d of January, 1885, Elder McNutt offered his resignation as pas- tor, to take effect the last of March fol- lowing.

Preaching is held every Sunday, morn- ing and evening; covenant meeting Sat- urday before first Sundays, at 2 p. m .; prayer meetings every Thursday night, and Sabbath school every Sunday morn- ing.

Elder Wm. McNutt was born in the eastern division of the state of Tennes- see, March 19, 1823. He professed faith in Christ Jesus, August 22, 1847, and and was baptized by Elder W. F. For- rest, then of McMinn county, Tennessee, but whose mortal remains now rest in the city cemetery at Macomb. Mr. Mc- Nutt was baptized into the fellowship of New Friendship Baptist church, in Bradley county, Tennessee. He was licensed to preach the gospel of Christ by the New Friendship Baptist church, on the 6th of April, 1850, and ordained on the 3d of August following, by order of New Friendship Baptist church, un- der the hands of Elders Isaac Chrisman, James Scarbury and J. H. Cawood, who constituted the presbytery. He was married to Mary A. Gatewood, of Polk county, Tennessee, March 17, 1853. He removed to Indiana in August, 1864, and from that state to Blandinsville, McDon- ough county, in April, 1882. He is still a resident there, and the pastor of the Baptist church.

Elder John Logan was born in Rock- bridge county, Virginia, February 14, 1793. His father, Samuel Logan, was a native of Ireland, who emigrated to this

country when about 20 years of age, and was married about the year 1789 to, Ann Wylie. A short time after the birth of John, his parents removed to Garrett county, Kentucky, making the journey with two pack horses, on which all their worldly goods were borne. He was a self-made man in every sense of the word. On account of the extreme pov- erty of his parents, he only obtained such education as the common schools of that early day afforded, but he had a thirst for knowledge, and read with avid- ity every book he could get, thus storing his mind with information that was of service to him in after years in the pro- clamation of the gospel. On the 28th of November, 1816, he was married to Nancy Newell, in Simpson county, Ken- tucky, and at once removed to Sumner county, Tennessee, where he lived for five years. It was here, under the preaching of Elder Lee Allen, that he was converted to Christ, and where he and his estimable wife were buried in baptism on the 3d day of October, 1819, and on the first Sunday in November of the same year they united with the New Hope Baptist church, in Simpson county, Kentucky. From the time of his con- version he began the proclamation of the gospel. In October, 1823, he removed to Dubois county, Indiana, where he re- mained for four years. When he first settled here he thought to engage no more in the preaching of the gospel, imagining his labors were fruitless. He had been in the neighborhood but a short time when he attended a religious service at the house of a neighbor, when the following dialogue occurred: "John, did you ever preach?" "I don't know."

466

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

"Did you ever try?" He had to admit that he had. "Why, don't you know the Lord will kill you if you don't do His work? Now, we must have preaching, and you must do it." A load was lifted from his mind, and never after that did he fail to preach as an opportunity offered.

He was regularly ordained by Elders Graham, Charles Harper and David Hornaday, and in the spring of 1828 moved to this county, and settled near the present town of Industry, living one season in the old block house, of which mention is made elsewhere in these records. The block house at this time was the property of William Carter, who learning Elder Logan was coming to the neighborhood to live, was watch- ing for him, and when he made his ap- pearance with the two-horse team, with his family and entire household goods packed therein, he was hailed by Mr. Carter, who asked him where he was going to live. He replied that he had ar- ranged with a family in the neighborhood to occupy a part of their house. Mr. Carter then said: "Now, see here, Mr. Logan, I have lived long enough in this world to know that no house is large enough for two women. There is that old block house over there, if that will suit, you can take it and use it as long as you like, and it shan't cost you a cent." The offer was thankfully received, and the place was soon made ready for the use of the family. Here they lived until fall, when they moved into a more com- fortable house, where they remained un- til the following year, when another move was made to Schuyler county, which place was made their home until

the fall of 1835, when they again re- turned to McDonough, this time settling near the present town of Blandinsville, and where they lived until the day of Mr. Logan's death. While living in the old block house he preached in the neigh- borhood, and organized the first Sunday school ever held in the county. As a preacher, Elder Logan was energetic and earnest in the extreme-an . off-hand speaker, never writing his sermons, and seldom using notes. His whole heart was in his Master's work, and he labored earnestly and zealously in the field in which he was called upon to occupy. In the spring of 1832 he received the ap- pointment of missionary from the Home Missionary society of Boston, Massa- chusets. For this he was excluded from the Spoon River association in the Sep- tember following. Previous to this he was what is known as a Regular Baptist, a branch of the Baptist family opposed to missionary societies and salaried preachers, but which, we believe, up to this time had never made the same a test of fellowship. His exclusion from the association did not cause him to lose interest in the work, but rather made him the more zealous, and we find him preaching everywhere in the region known as Military Tract, the unsearch- able riches of God, and his work seems to have been specially blessed to the sal- vation of many. As a citizen he was eminently a man of peace; a christian father and husband, ever teaching his children that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. While living in Schuyler county he was elected justice of the peace, but held the office but a short time, believing it incompatable

467

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

with his duties as a minister of Christ. The result of his union with Nancy Newell was the birth of 13 children, eight of whom are now living.

BAPTIST CHURCH, BUSHNELL.

On the 13th of February, 1862, a little knot of the people of Bushnell, who were of the Baptist denomination, gath- ered together, and effected an organi- zation of a society. Elder H. S. Warren acted as moderator of the meeting, and John F. Smith, as clerk. The original members of the infant church, that gave in their allegiance at that meeting, were: J. F. Smith, Jonathan Greene, William Greene, H. S. P. Warren, Mary A. Smith, Lucy P. Greene, Jane Fuson, Angeline Kinyon, William S. Hummel,' Moses Wilson, Esther Adams, and Laura J. Warren. It was recognized as a church on the 16th of April, 1862, and Rev. H. S. P. Warren installed as pas- tor. Meetings were held for a time in the German Methodist church, and in Andrew's and Smith's halls. In 1866, the society erected a church, a neat structure, 36x44 feet in size, at a cost of $2,700. It has since been enlarged to 66 feet in length, and is valued at about $3,500. The growth of the church has been gradual, mostly by members mov- ing in from other places, and in the con- version of the children and friends of its members. The church has had several revivals of religion, but no very exten- sive work. The present membership is 150.

As has been already mentioned, Rev. H. S. P. Warren was the first pastor. , He retained that relation with the church until 1865, when he was succeeded by

Rev. William T. Bly, who remained one year. Rev. E. Russ served from in 1866 to 1868, when he was followed by Rev. William T. Hill, who preached for about two years. In 1870, Rev. J. J. W. Place was called to this pulpit, and re- mained with this people a short time. Following him was Rev. G. P. Gyle, and he by Rev. Niles Kinney. Rev. Charles Cross served one year in the pulpit of the church, and was followed by Rev. J. C. Hart, who remained until 1879. Rev. R. C. Ray became pastor of the church during the year 1881.

BAPTIST CHURCH AT TENNESSEE.

The Baptist church at Tennessee was erected in the fall of 1865, and was or- ganized by Rev. W. R. Welch, with a class of about 25. The edifice is a frame structure, 40x60 feet in dimensions. E. Corfield has held service in the church for the past two years and a half, every four weeks. The present deacons of the church are M. Stewart and A. T. Salis- bury, having served in that capacity for about four years. M. Stewart, S. Moore, and A. T. Salisbury, act as trustees of the church at present, and have also retained that position for four years past. The present membership num- bers about 20.

BAPTIST CHURCH, SCIOTA.

The First Baptist church, of Sciota, was organized February 16, 1870, at a meeting held in the Christian church, by J. L. Benedict, D. D. The first mem- bers of the organization were J. M. For- rest and wife, Misses L. E. and T. E. Forrest, James Russell and wife, Mary Buckhart, John Seybold, and R. N.

468

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Henderson. The first regular pastor was Rev. Joseph Delano, and A. M. Newton was the first clerk of the churchi. Meetings were held in the Christian church until a church edifice of their own was erected, which was in 1871. It is a good, plain church - structure, about 30x40 feet, with a well proportioned spire rising from the center of the front, which contains a good-toned, ordinary- sized bell. The building cost $1,950. The present membership is about 90, and the contributions are about $700 per annum. The first sermon preached by a Baptist minister in Sciota, was by Elder Sutton, in the year 1868. The succession of pastors to the pulpit of this church, are J. M. Harrington, G. T. Calvin, James Rone, J. E. Todd, R. C. Ray, and Jacob Cornelius, the latter serving as pastor at present. There is also a Sunday school in connection with the church.

INDEPENDENT BAPTIST CHURCH, OF EMMET TOWNSHIP.

The church building of this congre- gation is located upon section 10, of Emmet township, and was erected in 1858 or 1859. The organization was originally perfected July 4, 1847, with a membership of eight, and until the erection of a house of worship, met in a school house. Among the first mem- bers were William Pennington and wife, Mrs. Eliza· Hardin, Jacob Clem- mer and wife, Mrs. Mary Simmons, William Drain and wife and Eliza Hardin. Rev. J. Owen was the first pastor. The church continued to grow slowly for a time until the Evangelist, Freeman came, when it prospered quite

rapidly, and at one time had a member- ship of 220, and church property to the amount of $600. Some of the members died, a large number were dismissed by letter, and several others were excluded, and the congregation is no longer in existence.

HILLSBOROUGH BAPTIST CHURCH, OF BLANDINSVILLE TOWNSHIP.

This congregation was organized in 1849, and in the year following a good frame house of worship was erected, at a cost of $2,000. It is located on the southeast quarter of section 18. The house at present is in good repair. The membership is about 100. The follow- ing persons liave served as pastors: Elder J. G. Ward, William Forrest, John Ray, and Elder William Hobbs, who came among this people in 1868.

BAPTIST CHURCH, PRAIRIE CITY.

The Baptist church of Prairie City was organized November 9, 1856, by Elder E. J. Lockwood, with the follow- ing 14 members: Alonzo Barnes, Mar- tha L. Barnes, William Davis, Susan Davis, Kate Smith, J. B. Robinson and wife, Ann Legg, M. Heminover, Martha Macomb, T. C. Luther, Porter J. Jack, Ruth H. Bell and Rebecca Barnes. Meetings were held in the school house until 1850. when a good frame church edifice was erected, at a cost of $2,000. It is 32x48 feet, with a spire containing a fair-sized bell. It is situated on Smith street, near Main. The first deacons chosen were M. Heminover and Alonzo Barnes. Mr. Barnes was also chosen clerk. The following have served this church as pastors: S. A. Kingsbury, H.

469

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

S. P. Warren, C. Hutchins, E. J. Lock- wood, Danforth C. A. Hewett, A. J. Col- ville and S. H. D. Vaughn.

CEDAR CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH, OF WALNUT GROVE TOWNSHIP.

The church structure is located on section 22. It is a good frame building, 26x46 feet, and was erected in 1872, at a cost of $1,500.

UNION REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH OF BETHEL TOWNSHIP. .

While the Old School, Regular Bap- tists, are strong in numbers, influence and respectability in some other parts of this state, and more particularly in some of the other states, and have some very ably edited papers, yet, in all McDon- ough county they make but a poor show as to numbers, and as to their standing and influence in civil society they claim only their proportionate part with the rest of the community.

In the month of November, 1831, . Elder Logan and Elder Stephen Strick- land constituted a Baptist church in Bethel township, named Union, com- posed of 10 members, four males and six females: John Gibson, Nancy Gib- son, William Stephens, Sarah Stephens, James Edmondston, Polly Edmondston, Richard Morris, Abigal Ferguson, Cass- anda Morris and Sarah C. Palmer. Elders Logan and Strickland do not ap- pear to have met with this little church often after `they organized her, but in July, 1832, Thomas H. Owen, a licen- tiate, visited and preached to them. Owen located in Hancock county, and was afterward ordained a minister, and became a man of ability. He repre- sented his county in the general assem-

bly of Illinois one or more terms, then emigrated to Zem Zem, California, where he still lives, and is able to preach and write some to the edification of the saints. John Gibson, one of the consti- tuents of this church, was one of the early settlers in the county, and located at an early date on the road from Ma- comb to Quincy, where he resided till his death, April 22, 1869. Uncle John Gibson was as well known among the Baptists of the surrounding country as any other private member. He had much intercouse with them, his doors always open to receive them, and on two occasions of the annual associations- being held near him, he fed over 200 persons, and also lodged them in his house and in his barn, often telling his brethren, in his jovial way, that the "soft side of a board was good enough for a Hardshell Baptist."

In 1832 the church called Elder Wil- liam Bradley to the pastoral care of the same. Early in the fall of 1832, this church sent messengers to the Spoon River Association, and was received into her correspondence and fellowship, al- though she was composed of "Regular" Baptist churches, associated together for . mutual edification and correspondence. The little church of Union, in Novem- ber of the same year, considered the propriety of changing the name by which she was known from United to Regular Baptist, and the change was made by unanimous consent. Her rea- sons for dropping the name United, and assuming the name, Regular, she be- lieved to be of sufficient importance to warrant the change of this qualifying appellative attached to what was origi-

470

HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

nally the Baptist church. First, she found that the articles of faith of the Association of the Regular Baptist churches were substantially the same as her own; secondly, she had learned to her deep sorrow and grief that many bearing the name of United Baptist churches had, as she verily believed, de- parted from the faith and practice of the gospel, and hence she, for the sake of consistency, harmony and good order, took the name of Regular Baptist by mutual consent. In doing this, however, she did not change a single article of her faith, or a single clause in her rules of decorum. And what is here said of the Union church in dropping the United and assuming the name Regular Baptist, may be said of many similar ones throughout the south and west, and even elsewhere.

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.

History of McDonough County, Illinois, together with sketches of the towns, villages and townships, educational, civil, military and political history; portraits of prominent individuals, and biographies of the representative citizens, Part 52

Author: Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co. Number of Pages: 1150

Author:
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Springfield, Ill. : Continental Historical Co.
Number of Pages: 1150