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 53

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 53

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In 1833, Elder Micajah B. Rowland joined the Union church by letter, and soon became pastor of the church, and was released from it in 1835. He after- wards removed to Iowa and continued to preach until he was worn out with old age.

In 1835, Samuel L. Dark, a licentiate, was received by letter, and was ordained in 1840. He now resides near Brooklyn, Schuyler county, and is still busily en- gaged in proclaiming the gospel far and near. There is something very peculiar in the conversion of this man. In 1831 he was in the Black Hawk war under General Duncan, and being from Schuy- ler county, and being unsurpassed for wit, humor and fun, he was called the " Schuyler County Fool-Killer," gener- ally among the camps; and having a won- derful memory and a great tact at mim-

icry,he was frequently engaged in preach- ing the funeral of dead horses and mules. While encamped in the bottom where the city of Rock Island stands, he was engaged in the funeral services of a de- funct mule; and during his solemn ap- peals to heaven, amidst a crowd of sol- diers, he was suddenly seized with strong convictions for his sins and blasphemies, and never found rest until he found it at the feet of Christ. Elder D. has preached so much in this county, and for a while resided in it, that we feel justified in giv- ing this remarkable incident in his life. The little band steadily increased in num- bers, holding their meetings in private houses, until finally they were enabled to build a house a few miles southeast of Middletown.

In 1838, Elder Robert Mays joined them by letter, and was for a while pastor of the church.

In 1838, Elder John Driskill joined them by letter and became their pastor, and remained with them till his death, which occurred in 1857 or 1858.

Elder George Tracy, of Hancock county, was pastor of the church for a few months, and on the 27th of May, 1858, he dropped dead at the saw mill at Tucker town. He was a worthy man, and much missed after his decease.

In September, 1858, Elder J. N. Van Meter became the pastor of this little band of christians, and sustained that relation for nearly a score' of years, as- sisted, however, for the last few years by Elders Jacob Castlebury and T. N. Frazee.

Elder Frazee, who was an able and worthy brother, died in March, 1873.

The church has met in the village of

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

Middletown for many years, and in 1875 built a new house of worship. It has never numbered at any one time, per- haps, over 35 or 40 members, but has dis- missed by letter, from time to time, enough members to form another re- spectable church or two, who have moved out of its bounds. Enough of its mem- bers have left the militant state and gone to the church triumphant to form a good sized congregation, as it has been orga- nized over 50 years. It has now 37 com- municants, all in peace.

The building of this denomination is located on section 8, and was erected in 1875, at a cost of $2,200, and is 36x52 feet in size. It is a good, substantial structure, and was dedicated in 1876 by Rev. Harry Taylor, of California. The present pastor is Rev. J. Saunders, of Littleton, Illinois, who holds services every two weeks.

ANTIOCII CHURCH, REGULAR BAPTIST, MIDDLETOWN.

This little church was organized in Mid- dletown in February, 1841, at which time the Union church held its meetings a few miles southeast of there. Elders T. H. Owen and Moses Frazee officiated in the constitution of this church. But four persons were ready to go into the organization at the time as a nucleus around which others were expected soon to gather. The constituents were John McCormick, Parthena McCormick, Wil- liam D. Stevens and Holly Edmonston. Immediately after they were organized six others were added to their number, and they afterward made a reasonable growth. In April of the same year Elder Owen became pastor of the church, and

the same year she connected herself with the Salem association of churches, which included parts of Hancock, Adams and Brown counties. In 1843 she built a house of worship in Middletown, where she held her regular meetings, attended by Elder Owen and occasionally by Elder Frazee. Finally, however, they found themselves deprived of a pastor, and be- coming satisfied that the labors of one could not be secured, they consulted to- gether and mutually agreed to dissolve the organization by giving each other letters of dismission to join other churches. This was done in October, 1849, since which the members have united elsewhere, the most of them join- ing the Union church, now meeting in Middletown.

Besides these two organizations, there have been one or more churches con- stituted, which had similar articles of faith to those of the present regular, or Old School Baptists, but have since gone with the New School party.

The regular Baptists have now but one church, which meets regularly within the county.

FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH, OF PRAIRIE CITY.

This society was organized in Septem- ber, 1857, by Elder John B. Fast, assis- ted by Elders S. Shaw and P. Christian. The first members were as follows :- Elder J. B. Fast and Sarah Fast, his wife; John J. Fast, Samuel Nestlerhode, and Catharine, his wife; William Nest- . lerhode, William Bolin, Adeline Tainter, and Belch Mary White. John J. Fast was the first clerk of the church.

In the summer and fall of 1866, a church building, 40x60 feet in ground

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

area, was erected, at a cost of about $5,000. At that time there were about 125 members. After Mr. Fast, the pas- tors have been as follows :- J. Phillips, who came in 1860; Milton McDonald, in 1861; M. S. Hubbell, in May, 1862; J. Reeve, 'in December, 1863; H. G. Woodworth, in 1865; E. D. Lewis, in 1869; J. J, Weadge, in 1871; H. Black- mar, in 1873; H. G. Woodworth, in March, 1874; he staid until January, 1875, after which there was a vacancy of several months; J. S. Dinsmore was the next pastor, and after he departed there was another vacancy for some time. S. J. Weed came in October, 1882. H. G. Woodworth, the present pastor, was called here in January, 1884.

The present officers are :-- J. Vose, L. B. Sanford, A. Record, S. T. Dodge, and J. W. Closson, trustees; A. Record, clerk; Mrs. J. Vose, treasurer. The church now has a membership of 76. Twenty-seven members have been taken in during the past winter, and 43 in the last year. The condition of the church is prosperous. There is a Sunday school in connection with the church, with about 70 members. The superin- tendent is J. W. Closson. The Woman's Missionary society is auxiliary to the church, and has officers as follows: Miss Anna Record, president; Mrs. H. G. Woodworth, vice-president, Mrs. Zacha- riah Foster, secretary; Mrs. Mantania, treasurer. This society supports a native zenana teacher in Orissey, Hin- doostan. This, however, is extra work. They send money to different missions, and this is their regular work. There is also a Children's Mission band, with the following officers: Miss Mary Vose,

directress; Miss Kittie Closson, presi- dent; W. S. Woodworth, secretary; Miss Myra Everly, treasurer.

Simon J. Weed, present pastor of the Cottonwood Free Will Baptist church, is a native of Gallia county, Ohio, born March 11, 1854. He grew to manhood there, and followed teaching for a time. In 1877 he entered Rio Grande college, Ohio, and attended two years. During the time spent in college he had a pas- torate at Harris, Ohio, which he held until 1881, when he went to Somerset county, Pennsylvania. He remained there until coming to his present loca- tion, which was in 1882. He was mar- ried in Gallia county, Ohio, May 15, 1878, to Sarah R. Allison. She died July 23, 1884, leaving one child, which died September 27, 1884.

GERMAN BAPTISTS OR DUNKERS.

The following account of this denom- ination was prepared by A. G. Black, a minister of this church and is believed to convey the correct and authentic in- formation in regard to this branch of christians:

In all their periodicals and records this sect is known as German Baptists, but always among themselves as Breth- ren, and are better known, perhaps, by others by their nickname, Dunkers. This denomination claims to have reorganized the church, with all of its primitive rites, in 1708 in Germany. The awakening that followed Luther's reformation caused many to seek after true "primi- tive christianity," who, from their chris- tian association together and fidelity to the teachings of their Master, were called "Pietists." Their zeal aroused the in-

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

dignation of the priesthood, who, by the relentless hand of persecution, drove them for protection to Witgenstein.

They still held to the name of Pietists, but not withstanding much difference of opinion among themselves, they called each other brothers and labored together. It was found necessary to have a form of regular church government. A con- vention for this purpose was held, which resulted in partial failure. There were eight souls who here covenanted with God in Christ Jesus-to take the bible as their man of council, and the gospel of their blessed Savior for their rule of faith and practice, ignoring all creeds and discipline of human invention, but resolved, by the grace of God, to make all things according to the pattern shown to them on Mount Zion. There were eight present at this convention. The little band made considerable headway for several years, when again they were driven from their homes by persecution. They sought shelter under the king of Prussia, and still further persecution followed, when they resolved to go to America, and in 1719 the first party landed, and in 1729 the remainder arriv- ed, and settled in Germantown, Pennsyl- vania. From this point they have spread all over the nation, numbering at pres- ent about 150,000, with 1,466 ministers, with 140 in Illinois.

Mr. A. G. Black, a minister of the Washington arm of the church, located in the county of Kosciusko, Indiana, came to this county in 1864, and after visiting the members residing here and in the western part of Fulton county, concluded to organize a church in this county, and on June 2d, 1865, through

the kindness of the friends in school dis- trict No. 8, in Mound township, were permitted to meet in their school house. There were 14 present: John Pool and wife, Henry Zuck and wife, John Crowl and wife, Joseph Rinker and wife, Mar- tin Myers and wife, Isaac Crosswait and wife, A. G. Black and wife, and some foreign brethren. After the usual solem- nities of such occasions, it was ascer- tained that John Pool and Henry Zuck were already authorized deacons, and A. G. Black a minister in the second degree. The members present, on being examin- ed separate and apart from the official members, agreed to accept them in their official capacity in the new organization. After the elders had dedicated them to their Lord and Master in solemn prayer to God, the organization was given the name of the Bushnell arm of the church. Since, 30 members have moved within the boundary of the congregation, and 34 joined by baptism, while 16 have re- moved-leaving a total of 62.

In 1867, John L. Myers and Jacob Burgard, who is now deceased, were cho- sen to the ministry, and in the same year Hiram Morrison and P. Carson were elected deacons, and in 1875 John Pool, Jr., was chosen to the ministry and Wil- liam Cook as deacon.

The tenets of the church are, in brief, as follows: They consider faith, repent- ance and baptism as essential to church membership, also valid christian baptism to be performed by "triune immersion," Matthew 28: 19; members are to observe all things Christ has commanded them, Matt. 28: 20; they are not to engage in carnal warfare, Isa. 2:4; Matt. 16: 52 and 5: 38-47; they are not to take an

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oath, Matt. 5: 33-37, James 5: 12; they are to wash one another's feet, as com- manded in John 13; and are to salute one another with the kiss, as commanded five times by the apostles, and observe plainness of dress as commanded in I. Peter 3, and other places.

Another church of this faith is located in Bethel township. The church edifice is situated on the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 18. It is a well-built and finished structure, 30x40 feet in ground area, and was com- pleted in 1883, at a cost of $1,200, by Pious Carson. Rev. Mr. Gibson offici- ated at the dedicatory services. The church at present is in a healthy and prosperous condition, with a member- ship of about 30 persons. Rev. John L. Myers is the present pastor.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH AT MACOMB.

The first discourse ever delivered by a Disciple in Macomb, was by Elder Livy Hatchitt, at the house of David Clarke, in the year 1835. Elder H. came to Macomb and endeavored to get the use of some public building, but was refused on account of his supposed heterodoxy. Mr. Clarke, who had read much of the writings of Alexander Campbell, and who subscribed generally to his views, offered his house, which was accepted. No special results followed the preach- ing, but it was supposed the "good seed " was sown, which brought forth fruit in after years.

By 1845 quite a number of Disciples had gathered in the neighborhood of Macomb, and they resolved to organize, if possible. They sent for Elder Daven- port, of Walnut Grove, now Eureka,

Illinois, who, not being able to come, sent A. J. Kane, now a resident of Springfield, but then a young evange- list. Elder Kane came, and securing the court house, preached with · such force and power as to turn 29 souls to the Lord. Dr. Young organized the congregation September 16, 1845, with 17 members, which, adding to the 29 obtained under Elder Kane's preaching, made a band of 46 earnest disciples.

The following are the names of the original 17 members: Benjamin F. Martin, William H. Franklin, James S. Palmer, James Clarke, William B. Pile, Hannah B. Pile, William Maxwell, Lucy Maxwell, Elizabeth G. Palmer, George Booth, Isabella Booth, Lucy Beard, Mar- garet Broaddus, Emily J. Sweeney, Sarah Bacon, Rachel Hampton, Maria J. Franklin. The following officers were chosen: B. F. Martin and W. H. Frank- lin, elders; James S. Palmer and James Clarke, deacons.

No regular preaching was had for some months, but the congregation met regularly upon the Lord's day to break bread. In 1845, a church building was erected, on Carroll street, east of Lafay- ette, which was in use until in 1877, when they erected the present house of worship, on West Jackson street. This edifice is 38x78 feet in ground area, and was built at an expense of $4,400, includ- ing the price of the lot. The following named have served as pastors of the congregation: Elders Livy Hatchett, W. W. Hopkins, W. P. Shockey, W. O. Miller, Samuel Lowe, J. C. Reynolds (about 11 years), J. H. Garrison; P. K. Dibble, J. H. Smart and G. W. Mapes. Several successful revivals have been

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

enjoyed by the church under the preach- ing of such men as A. J. Kane, William Brown, Ziba Brown, William J. Hous- ton, Dr. Hopkinson, John S. Sweeney, Samuel Lowe, J. C. Reynolds, Dr. Dun- keson, D. R. Lucas, P. K. Dibble and J. H. Smart. Since the organization nearly 1,000 persons have united with this church, and the present membership is about 200. A Sabbath school has been kept up by this congregation for at least 35 years, and is well attended.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, COLCHESTER.

The denomination of protestants known by the name of Christian, have a church and congregation at Colchester. This was organized during the month of March, 1867, with the following original members: David Blazer and wife; Daniel Mckinley and wife; James Hood and wife; Mrs. Samuel Parks and one or two others. About the first of the next month following its inception, a revival was held under the charge of the first minister, Rev. C. Ades, who was assisted by J. C. Reynolds. This meeting was held for six weeks, and a great awaken- ing occurred, and 117 members were added to the new church. This placed the church on a firm footing. The first officers were S. Stevens, Daniel McKin- ley, M. Stookey, John Patrick and David Blazer, elders; James Dickinson and Thomas Honn, deacons; S. Stevens, M. Stookey, J. Patrick, James Dickinson and D. McKinley, trustees. The church edifice, which is a neat, substantial frame structure, was erected in 1868. It is 36x 56 feet upon the ground and cost some $3,400 to build. The present member- ship of the church is about fifty. S. D.

Mills and William Morrison are the present elders; John H. Stevens and Adam Taylor, deacons; J. H. Stevens is the clerk, and Mrs. A. J. Stevens, treas- urer. The present minister is Rev. J. S. Gash. A Sabbath school is held in' connection with the church, over which S. D. Mills presides as superintendent.

BLANDINSVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

We are indebted to M. P. Hayden, the present pastor of this church, for the following account of the congregation under his care:

This is the oldest church of this de- nomination in the county. It was for- merly known as Liberty church, the place of meeting being two miles north of town. It was organized in 1832. In 1849, it was decided to change the place of worship to Blandinsville. A new meeting house was built in the town, which was finished in 1852. Since that time, the church has experienced various fortunes, sometimes enjoying prosperity, sometimes enduring adversity. During. the war, the church was somewhat divided, and feelings of animosity en- gendered on account of disturbances and political strifes incident to that period. The following persons have served as pastors of the church: James K. Knox, Uriah Long, A. J. Kane, James D. Eads, John Rigdon, J. M. Dodge, James R. Ross, Dr. Bacon, Cornelius Ades, Patrick Murphy, Bedford Murphy, J. M. Mar- tin, Robert Lieurance, J. H. Coffee, S. K. Hallam, H. R. Trickett, J. F. Leek, T. H. Goodnight and G. F. Adams. Through the labors of G. F. Adams, who was pastor of the church from Decem- ber, 1879, to June, 1884, the church was

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

greatly strengthened in numbers and in- fluence, so that the membership, at one time, was over four hundred. This num- ber, however, has been diminished by deaths, removals and other causes, until its present membership is about three hundred and fifty.

In 1881, a new house of worship was erected. It is an attractive wooden edi- fice, worth about $5,000. It is neat and commodious, and complete in all its ar- rangements. M. P. Hayden, the pres- ent pastor of the church, began his labors in October, 1884, and is an able disciple of the Master. The church has a live, successful Sunday school, with T. H. Williams as its efficient superin- tendent. The meetings of the church are well attended, and the church, in all its departments of work, is in a healthy, prosperous condition. The present officers of the church are as follows: Elders, M. P. Hayden, William Camp- bell, Preston Huston, James P. Hitch; deacons, W. P. Welch, Byers Hensley, George Russell, Frank Fuhr; trustees, Howard Campbell, E. G. Griffin, Byers Hensley, George Russell and James P. Hitch.

MOUND CHRISTIAN CHURCH, MOUND TOWNSHIP.

This church was organized in 1857, by Elder J. B. Royal, with the following original members: Nelson and Eliza- beth McManamie, Samuel and Sophia Henry, Emeline Harris, Daniel W. and Ann Wilson, Henrietta Thomas, Nar- cisses Langsford, Daniel Boughman, Jonathan Yocum, Thomas Simmons, James H. Langsford, Burton Wilson and wife, Ann Wilson, B. B. Wilson, Eliza-

beth Wilson, Lucinda Simmons, Joseph W. and Mary S. James, William Sim- mons, Thomas and Elizabeth Mckenzie, Mary Honeycutt, Diana Jones, Char- lotta James, Jerusha Pumphrey, George Walters, Elmira Harris, Simpson Mer- rill. Jonathan Slocum, Simpson Mer- rill and Samuel Henry were chosen as elders. Nelson McManamie was the first deacon, and Samuel Henry was the first clerk. Meetings were held regu- larly in school houses until 1864, when the present church structure was com- pleted. It is located on section 14, and was built at a cost of $2,000. It is a good frame building, 30x45 feet in size. At one time the membership numbered 100, but many have since moved away. The succession of pastors since the or- ganization, have been J. B. Royal, Elder Smart, David Thompson, Thomas Dun- canson, Alpheus Brown, H. C. Little- ton, J. B. Royal, H. C. Littleton and Thomas Weaver. This latter gentleman completed his labors with the church in 1881, since which time the society has been without a regular pastor, although services are still held occasionally.

NEW SALEM CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The congregation known by the above name, was organized, April 8, 1859, by Rev. J. B. Royal, of Vermont, Fulton county, in what was known as the Wet- sel school house, with the following list of members: William A. Griffin, Francis Epperson, James D. Swartz, Daniel Wilson, Hugh Chapman, William Kel- ley, Jane Kerr, Julia Ann Chapman, Sarah Swearingen, Almira Hays, Josiah Herlocker, Margaret Herlocker, Mary J. Griffin, George Kerr, Caleb Hipsley,

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

America McVey, and Jane Chapman. Francis Epperson, W. A. Griffin, and Daniel Wilson, were appointed elders. For some years previous to this, how- ever, services were held in the school house by these same people, but no or- ganization was formed until the above date. The following is the covenant of organization entered into: "We, the undersigned, disciples of Christ, in obedience to the Great Head of the church, do now solemnly and joyfully agree with each other, to walk together in the Lord with brotherly love, as a church of Christ, and do also take the bible as our rule of faith and practice. Done in Wetsel school house, in New Salem township, April 8, 1859." A fine church edifice was erected by this con- gregation in the fall of 1867, on the northwest quarter of section 34, at a cost of $2,200. It is a well built structure, 32x45 feet in size, and well finished in- side and out. For the first nine years of its existence, Rev. Joseph B. Royal labored in this vineyard, and was suc- ceeded by John Reynolds, and others. Rev.' Alexander Johnson dedicated the church building, December, 1867, and preached here for about one year. He was followed by Rev. Henry Smither, A. P. Aten, and others. The committee on building the church were W. A. Griffin, W. B. Swango, William Hodgen, and William Beckwith. The elders, were W. A. Griffin and Samuel Frost. In 1871, these resigned, and Stewart Piles and W. B. Swango, were appointed in their place, but the latter refused to serve, and in 1881, Mr. Piles emigrating to Kansas, the office of elder has been discharged by Richard Pennington,

alone. The church has a present mem- bership of about 35, and is in a good, healthy condition.

BEDFORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH, BLAN- DINSVILLE TOWNSHIP.

This congregation was organized, April 7, 1850, by Elder Milton Dodge, 'with the following members: Richard Bright- well, Eliza Brightwell, Elizabeth Bright- well, Charles Bradshaw, John Gibson, Elizabeth Johnson, Benjamin Moore, Margaret Moore, Robert McCaully, Mar- garet McCaully, Noble Ousley, Naoma Ousley, William and Grace Pennington, McKamy . Ruddle, Rachel Spikers, Peter Shelly, William and Silva Arnold, James and Margaret Cyrus, Elizabeth Duncan, Margaret Emerson, Walter Huston, Sr., Walter Huston, Jr., James and Harriet Hamilton, Joel B. and Cath- arine Huston, Waney Huston, Sr., Waney Huston, Jr., Zelpha Huston, David Shel- ley, Elizabeth Shelley, Eliza Spiker, Horatus and Eliza Weston.

The following persons have served as pastors: Elders Dodge, Patrick Mur- phy, Bedford Murphy, Reynolds, Kern, Ades, Ross, Lieurance, Coffee, Lucy, Fisher, Wallace, Huston, Goodnight, James McGuire.

The church building is located upon the northeast quarter of section 5, Blan- dinsville township, and is valued at $1,500. The parsonage is valued at $1,200. Salary of pastor, $800. Pres- ent membership about 200, the annual contribution being about $1,200. The average attendance in Sunday school is about 100, with an annual collection of about $90, and much genuine interest is displayed.

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HISTORY OF MCDONOUGH COUNTY.

SCIOTA CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The church structure of this congre- gation was erected in 1869, before the organization of the church. It is a good frame building, 32×46 feet, and cost $2,250. William H. Franklin was the prime mover in this work. The building committee consisted of W. H. Franklin, John Dew, and J. M. Russell. Before the building of the church, meetings were held in a shed, built for the pur- pose, on ground near the church. Here Elders, J. C. Reynolds and Coffee held a meeting, the first of this denomination in the town. Elder J. B. Royal preached the first sermon in the church, while Elder J. H. Garrison delivered the dedi- catory sermon. Elder S. K. Hallam was the first pastor, J. H. Seaton, the second. The first elders were Larkin Osborn and William Smith; deacon, Silas Woodside. The congregation, which had run down considerably, was reorganized, January 27, 1876, with seven members, and at present, is in good running order, with a fair member- ship.

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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 53

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