History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois, Part 14

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Globe Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 704

USA > Illinois > Clay County > History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois > Part 14
USA > Illinois > Wayne County > History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois > Part 14

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It is no disparagement to Gov. Casey, though a great and talented preacher, to say, that he was not by any one regarded as the peer of the eloquent and inimitable Slocumb.

This most sacred spot is now a part of the domain of our truly worthy friend, Esquire Nathan Meritt. The springs thirty or forty rods to the southeast, on Section 18, are on the estate of Mr. Charles Winzenberger.

South of the Meritt camp ground one and one-fourth miles, and east of Burnt Prairie, was the Patten camp-ground. where the same preachers, in connection with some others, conducted a meeting in 1822. Meetings were kept up here for a number of years, and great good was evidently accomplished, as this means of gathering the people to- gether was continued, until houses of wor- ship were built of sufficient capacity to ac- commodate the multitude. Circumstances strongly indicate that the meeting about which Dr. William Beauchamp writes, and mentioned in Bangs history, occurred on this ground.

At these early meetings, though denomi- national in their character, the Cumberland Presbyterians and Methodists usually united

in bearing the burdens for the occasion and the labors of the altar; sometimes Methodists, at others, Presbyterian; their denominational features were only determined by the minis- ters in charge.

In the summer of 1827, and for some years afterward, the Methodists held a camp-meet- ing near a spring, on the Porter place, one and one-half miles northeast of Fairfield, under the charge of Jacob Delap, the pastor. James M. Massey first exhorted here. It was here that Charles Slocumb preached the funeral of John Barnhill and his wife. There were many converts and a great stir on the occasion. Daniel McHenry and Archy Rob- erts were active at this meeting.

Coming to this meeting, John Y. Brad- shaw, then a boy, was driving an ox team, when approaching the creek the thirsty oxen suddenly made a dash for the water, upset- ting the cart, and turning the box upside down, with old Mrs. B. and the camp provi- sions on the under side.

A vessel of honey was spilled on Mrs. B., when she hollowed lustily for dear life, de- claring that she was already killed dead, mashed flat, every bone in her body crushed into splinters, and that she was all covered with blood. When released, unhurt, she seemed greatly disappointed at finding no real blood, and left in high dudgeon, saying it was an unpardonable sin to attend a Meth- odist meeting anyhow, and that this was a judgment sent on her for so doing. She was never afterward seen in an ox cart riding to a Methodist camp-meeting.

In 1835, a Methodist camp-ground was es- tablished, and continued for some years after- ward, as such, on the Jonathan Douglas place, one and one-half miles west of south of the Grinnell Pond, where the old ceme- tery yet remains. Among the ministers pres- ent were Charles Slocumb, B. F. Kavanaugh,

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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

Thomas Hinds, James Crews and John Thatcher, then a young man on his way to Missouri. By some means, Brother Thatcher was regarded with suspicion, being an entire stranger, and so unministerial in his personal appearance. With what very different feel- ings and emotions did many of these same people regard him, when, after the lapse of nearly thirty years this truly wonderful man became their devoted pastor.

A great work was accomplished at the first meeting, and among the converts was a lad fifteen years of age, who afterward was and is now known as Col. Warren E. MeMackin, of Salem.

About 1838, the Methodists held a camp- meeting about two miles north of Scottsville, in the eastern portion of Wayne County. The encampment was afterward¿ made about one-half mile west of that village, where similar meetings were conducted for some years. We know nothing definite concerning the outcome of these meetings, nor who were present as ministers. It is, however, not probable that camp-meetings were maintained here for a series of years, without some good being accomplished. Circumstances strongly indicate that Methodist preaching was es- tablished in this community at an earlier period than we have been in the habit of placing it. The Mt. Carmel Circuit preacher, in 1820, had a preaching place in Wayne County; and as the territory east of the Lit- tle Wabash was connected with that circuit, it is probable that this is the place.

In 1844, the Methodists commenced hold- ing camp-meetings at the Mathew Crews en- campment, where the old Ebenezer Church stood, in the southwest corner of Massillon Township. These meetings were maintained for about eight years, and this place became somewhat noted as a Methodist center. There were some sweeping revivals here, by which barrassments, that would have made a less

great and lasting good was accomplished. It was said to be a custom with Mathew Crews, when people came from a distance to attend these meetings, to show them his past. ures, his corn, hay and oats, and tell them that all were free, and to help themselves.

About thirty years ago, a camp-meeting was conducted by the Methodists, one mile and a half southwest of Middleton, in Four Mile Township, on the land of Richard Jen- kins, but we have been unable to ascertain any facts concerning it, except that Rev. Thomas Casey was a prominent factor dur- ing the progress of the meeting.

There was a camp-meeting held about one mile north of the town of Middleton, shortly after the war, but our information concerning this, is even more meager than that of the first one.

These short accounts cover all the camp- meetings, conducted by the Methodist Epis- copal Church in Wayne County, so far as we have been able to learn.

After his return from the Black Hawk war, in 1832, Mr. Hugh Stewart removed to Fair- field, and as a consequence, regular circuit preaching was commenced, and has been mantained to the present time. There may have been a society, and Methodist preaching in the village before the coming of Mr. S. but, unless possessed of more definite infor- mation on the subject, we should hesitate to state this as a fact.

The town seems to have been largely given over to hardness, whisky drinking. fighting, gambling, and even worse things were prevalent, and but little attempt was made to conceal the dominant wickedness of the place. Mr. Stewart entertained preach- ing at his own residence, often supporting the quarterly conference. laboring and trust- ing, with a persistent eourage, amidst em-

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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

stout-hearted men quail, until a few addi. tional members were added to their little band. Jonathan Douglass, living five miles in the country, came into the town regularly, and attended to the duties of class leader. An attempt was made to build a church house, and a log pen was raised for that pur- pose, but they were unable to finish it, and the enterprise was abandoned. Preaching was, for a time conducted in the court house, and there were a few additions there, among whom we may mention Mr. John Wilson, but there came into office, men "dressed in a little brief authority," who were so indignant at the public building being desecrated by Gospel preaching, that the little band had to seek quarters, elsewhere. Mr. Stewart held to his purpose with such heroic constancy, that he may justly, under Divine Providence, be regarded as the Father of Methodism. in Fairfield. He has long since passed to his reward, but his memory is held in reverence by the few now living, who knew him, and, although he did not live to see the triumph of his work here, could he but come to Fair- field to-day, and see six good Christian church houses, each with a respectable hold- ing, the saloons banished, iniquity driven to dark corners, and Christ triumphant, his soul would be satisfied.

"Sow in the morn thy seed ; At eve, hold not thy hand ; To doubt and fear give thon no heed, Broadcast it o'er the land."

In 1832, the Illinois Conference established what was then called Fairfield Circuit, with James Hadley as pastor. We think his wife died here. Of the bounds of the work, at that time, we have no record; but the next year, it was again merged into the Wabash Circuit, and so remained until 1842, when Fairfield again appears on the minutes, and has so continued to the present time. Fair- | John Gilham.

field charge in 1842, embraced all the terri- tory lying between the Skillet Fork and Little Wabash Rivers, to the north line of Wayne County, with, probably the exception of two societies in Zif Township and some in the west part of the county. Out of this territory have since been formed Fairfield Station, Jeffersonville, Johnsonville, Mt. Erie and Liberty (Burnt Prairie) Circuits.

Robert E. Guthrie was appointed the first pastor of the new Fairfield Circuit, and Bar- ton Rande was Presiding Elder. Extensive revivals prevailed this year, and "Guthries revivals " are often spoken of by old citizens. During one of these meetings some young men were playing cards, in the woods near by, at night, when a meteor passed over, which, they thought, dropped close by them. They ran for the meeting with all the power that was left in them, and prayed and bel- lowed with their might, as though his brim- stone majesty had them already in his clutches. It was but a short time, however, until their pristine bravery returned, and they had no more use for meetings, until a tornado or something else should come along and give them another fright. In 1843, James M. Massey was pastor. He was a grand man, a workman indeed who passed to his reward in 1859.

In 1844, Ephraim Joy, P.C .; John Van Cleve, P. E. 1845, Daniel Fairbanks. 1846, T. C. Lopas, a gifted but eccentric man, who never married. 1847, Jacob E. Reed, P. C .; W. H. Taylor, P. E. ; Thomas Parker, A. P. 1848-49, James Johnson. 1850, James Haley. 1851, Moses Shepherd, P. C .; W. W. Mitchel, P. E. 1852, Hiram Sears. 1853, Thomas Sharp, P. C .; J. I. Richardson, P. E .; John Wilson was elected Recording Steward this year, which position he has filled to the pres- ent time. 1854, James Knapp. 1855-56,

1857, Wesley Williams and

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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

John E. Taylor; G. W. Robbins, P. E. 1858-59. Samuel Walker, P. C .; William Cliffe. P. E. 1860, S. E. Willing and James Burke. 1861, John H. Lockwood. 1862, John Thatcher and William M. Owen; T. F. Honts, P. E. 1863, James A. Thrapp. 1864, Richard H. Massey. 1865, Fairfield was made a station and R. H. Massey, preacher in charge. 1866. R. H. Massey, P. C .; C. J. Houts, P. E. 1867, James Johnson, P. C .; Z. S. Clifford, P. E. 1868, William B. Bruner. 1869, J. S. Barnes. 1870-71, Simon P. Groves; R. H. Massey, P. E. 1872, Calvin Gibbs. 1873-74, John H. Hill, William F. Davis, P. E. 1875, J. A. Baird; John Leeper, P. E. 1876-77, Caloway Nash. 1878, James L. Wallar. . 1879-81, William F. Davis, P. C .; Owen H. Clark, P. E. 1882-83, Milo N. Powers, the present pastor.

For convenience, we have thought it best to give the chronological order of the pas- tors without disturbance, and recur again to the records, traditions and oral testimonies for a brief account of incidents that trans- pired from time to time. It must be remem- bered that ever since Fairfield became the head of a circuit, pastors and people lived on a more meager allowance than would now be deemed necessary for the ordinary day-labor- er's family's support. The preacher's disci- plinary allowance was $100 a year, with a like sum for his wife and a small stipend for each child under fourteen years of age. To this was added by the "estimating commit- tee" whatever sum was thought necessary for feeding the preacher's family and horse, fuel, etc., and this last was denominated " table expenses." The committee, in 1851, reported $70 as table expenses for Moses Shepherd and family. At a later time, when $140 were reported for John Gilham, he stated that it was more than was necessary,

so it was reduced to $128. In 1843, the fol- lowing, which may appear unique to some, was passed by the Quarterly Conference: " Resolved, That the stewards of this circuit be appointed a committee, to solicit and col- lect cattle, for the purpose of purchasing a horse for the preacher in charge." The sul)- ject was up again, and it is supposed Brother Guthrie obtained a horse, for in those days "trade and barter" was the rule, and as money was almost out of the question, the preacher took in payment anything that him- self and family stood in need of.

At the first Quarterly Conference this year, the public collection amounted to $1.52}, and the entire sum in cash, gathered from the seventeen appointments, footed up $5.62}, and the cash receipts for the year for Elder Randall and the pastor was $87.853.

At a little later period. as an evidence of the improvement in the times and more lib- eral ideas among the people, while Elder Van Cleve and Rev. Joy were conducting the meeting, the public collection amounted to $2, even.

James M. Massey's regular appointments, besides occasional preaching places, in 1843, were Fairfield, Bovee's, Hay's, Thomas Brad- shaw's, Harris', Massillon, Ebenezer, Mabry's, Wood's, Stewart's, Hutchcraft's, Staley, W. W. George's, Powles', Gillison's, Hamil- ton's, New Schoolhouse, N. Harlan's, G. Bradshaw's, Capt. Clark's, Gaston's and Reed's; involving not less than 300 miles travel each month. In some instances two of these may have been classes in the same ap- pointment.

Ebenezer, a log house, was the only Methodist Episcopal Church house on the circuit. In 1850, a Board of Trustees was appointed for a church house to be built in Fairfield. In 1851, under the pastorate of Rev. Moses Shepherd, the frame church

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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

house, 32xt5 feet, was contracted at $700, and commenced.

In 1852, John Gillison, the most active member of the first society in Wayne Conn- ty, passed away. At the Second Conference in 1853, {Rev. Hiram Sears reported that " Ninety have joined the church since con. ference; eleven by letter, and seventy-nine on probation; seventy-five have professed re- ligion; three have been expelled for dram- drinking; two have been received into full connection, and one died and gone to heaven."

This year, we find the names Galbraith's, Farmer's Schoolhouse, Locust Grove, Shaw's, White's, Sampson's, Hill's and Enterprise as preaching places, or classes. In 1854, Thomas Sharp, at the Third Conference re- ported 101 received on probation. In 1855, the members in the societies were -- Fairfield, 44; Bovee's, 26; Tibbs', 4; Hill's, 8; Jeffer- sonville, 5; Fanrote's, 11; Organ, 42; Ebe- nezer, 42; Woodland, 54; George's, 10; Craven's, 4; Staley's, 4; Mabry's, 35; in all, 287.

A number of appointments had been at- tached to other circuits. Jonathan Douglas, a very prince among class leaders, died this year. John M. Walden was at this time a local preacher at Fairfield. The class leaders were Charles Sibley, John Chambers, Israel For- acre, Ellis Evans, William Rutger, Clinton McMacken, Daniel Creighton, F. George, David Staley, William Sampson and J. Mon- roe. In 1856, according to the records, the preacher's claim was apportioned for the first time, among the classes, which secured more satisfactory collections. At the same time, the conference "approved the action of the board of trustees of the church in Fair- field, in borrowing money, to save the house from being sold," and $117 was contributed at the same time by persons present. The .

records do not show when this church had been completed.

In 1860, Samuel Walker reported over two hundred accessions to the church. George Clinton McMacken, a sweet singer in Israel, died this year. John M. Creighton was ap- pointed a steward this year, and from this time until his triumphant death, the finances of the church were looked after in a more business-like manner. The exhorters at this time were Lewis H. Baker, John Russell, G. Bradshaw-W. C. Borah, O. G. Trussell, R. D. Ellis, C. A. Young, J. W. Wheeler, and J. Miligan. Early in 1861, Brother Willing's health failed and James Burke was appointed to supply his place. In 1864 the parsonage question was agitated, the final result of which was the purchase of the house now used for that purpose.

We will state here, lest the matter be for- ever lost, that many years ago, a man named Owen, donated the lot where F. M. Woolard's barn now stands, to the M. E. Church. On this was a shanty of some kind, fit for no one but a Methodist preacher to live in. There is a tradition that James Hadley lived in this shanty when his wife died. The lot was sold by the church.

Fairfield Station-In 1865, at the annual conference at Olney, Fairfield was made a station, and at the first quarterly conference, January 6, 1866, the official board consisted of Christopher J. Houts, P. E .; R. H. Massey, P. C .: David Campbell. William M. Owen, J. G. McCoy, M. W. Collins, and Fayette Turney, local preachers ; O. G. Trussell, ex- horter ; John Wilson, W. M. Owen, F. George, Dr. D. Adams, R. Schell, T. T. Bonham and E. C. Owen, stewards; Charles Sibley, and Francis George, class leaders, and C. Sibley, Sabbath School Superintend- ent.

This year, a centenary fund of $180, and

Francis Swoog

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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

$10 for church extension was raised. For bell, repairs on church, and parsonage. $837 were contributed. besides the regular church expenses.

In 1872. Mrs. Nancy Gillison, an old veteran passed away.

During the pastorate of Rev. Calvin Gibbs, the question of church building was agitated. and. near the close of the year, at an official meeting, Dr. John L. Handley presented the following: " Resolved, that we build a new Methodist Episcopal Church in Fairfield."

A committee was instructed to secure Lot No. 58, for which $650 was paid.

In 1874, the board reported the sale of the old church for $1,000, reserving its use for two years, also, retaining the seats, which were finally placed in the basement of the new church.

In 1875, John Wilson, John L. Handley, E. Bonham, Dr. C. W. Sibley, A. H. Baker, G. J. George, R. D. Adams, S. M. Staley and F. M. Woolard, were elected trustees of church property. Mrs. Esther Harper, mother of Rev. L. A. Harper, died this year, at a great age, having served her Master from childhood.

March 1, 1875, a contract was entered into with John Barlow, of Olney, and Wells T. Clark, of Fairfield, for the construction of a brick church, 101x45 feet wide, accord- ing to plans and specifications, furnished by Barlow, for $9,455. Darling & Ford con- structed the brick work for contractors.

It was then determined to put on a slate roof at an additional cost of $350, and this, with the cost of the bell, $325, organ, $300. chandeliers, $225. furniture, $75, car- pets and matting, $165, with some minor expenditures, brought the entire cost up to $11.577.

On June 16, 1876, the new church was

dedicated by Bishop Thomas Bowman, on which occasion over $4,000 was subscribed for the liquidation of claims. A large por- tion of this subscription, however, was never realized, and a debt hung over the church until the summer of 1883, when, by heroic efforts, the last dollar of indebtedness against Fairfield Methodist Episcopal Church property, amounting, principal and interest, to $2,350 was paid.

The first substantial revival in Fairfield, was under the labors of Elder Cliffe and Samuel Walker. In 1864, through the labors of R. H. Massey, there occurred a good revival among the Sabbath School scholars.

In 1869, under the labors of W. B. Bru- ner, there was manifested general seriousness in the congregation. which, by the Sabbath School Convention, immediately following, was turned into earnest inquiry, and culmi nated in a grand work under J. S. Barnes, when abont 120 were converted. S. P. Groves and J. A. Baird, also had revivals. In 1880, through the labors of W. F. Davis, assisted by Thomas Massey, there was a re- vival in the new church, in which 170 were converted.

As a matter of fact, seldom equaled, we are prepared to state, that, of eighty-seven pastors and elders, having the oversight of this work since 1816, Mrs. Francis George has known eighty-six of them, while John Harris, the first one, doubtless, visited her father's (John Gillison) house, in her early childhood. Some of the early preachers she knew in later years.

Among the local preachers who have la- bored in Wayne County. we have secured the names of Archibald Roberts, Andrew Mauld- ing, James Crews, Benjamin S. Mabry, Amos Phelps, Jacob O. Feather, John Rutger, William Rutger, Robert H. Ellis, Robert D. 7

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HISTORY OF WAYNE COUNTY.

Ellis, William M. Owen, Asa B. Owen, John Chambers, -- Carr, George Swain, -- Price. Elliott Robberts, Greenup Bradshaw, Cephas A. Young, Joseph, Winchester, Dr. William Johnson, Johnson Monroe, Abraham Johnson, John M. Walden, David Moore, Sr., David Campbell, Minsey James, William West, Thomas Mason, Thomas Cottingham, James Sloatt, Dr. Alex Jessup, David Koontz, Joseph Cook, William Neal, J. C. Williams, S. H. Williams, Jourdan C. Patterson, Stan- ford Ing, C. McKelvey, John Griffith. Joe Helm, G. G. Helm, William C. Borah, Ed- ward Ulm, Dr. J. B. Hall, David Moore, Jr., Dr. J. S. Miligan, Dr. H. C. Thrall, --- Jaggers, F. M. Woolard, Dr. E. West, Dr. A. C. Gonterman, John Cook, W. F. Massey, J. H. Hodges, Fayette Turney, Dr. J. G. McCoy, M. W. Collins, Alex Blakely, Fur- ney Stanley, Israel Turner. Dr. George Camp, Charles Coker, William Smith.

There are, doubtless, others whose names we have been unable to obtain.

In addition to the list of local preachers, the following have entered the traveling con- nection from this county: James M. Massey, Arthur Bradshaw. Thomas Parker, James A. Robinson, John H. Hill, Lewis A. Harper, Charles E. Creighton, James A. Baird, Will- iam M. Owen, Fayette Turney, David Moore and possibly others.

Feeling that this work would be incom. plete without some further allusion to that most wonderfully gifted man, Charles Slo- cumb, and fully realizing our inability to do full justice to the subject, we can only hope to so far rescue his memory from the oblivion into which it is fast falling, as to preserve some facts worthy of the attention of the future historian, that will enable him, who- ever he may be, to present a character sketch betitting this truly great man. We have been driven to the conclusion that he scarcely had

an equal as a preacher in the West, and it is doubtful whether his superior exists there to. day. However strange these statements may appear, they are based upon the fact that when he stood beside men of such recognized ability as William Beauchamp, S. H. Thomp- son, Hooper Crews, Zadoc Casey and John Van Cleve, he was regarded as surpassing them all in eloquence, and it was no nncom- mon thing for some of these men to put Slo- cumb forward on occasions where it would have been considered almost presumptuous for them to preach when he was present.

Again, we have conversed with men of in- telligence who knew Slocumb well; men who have kept pace with the times, and have heard some of the most eloquent men of the church or State, and they all, without a sin- gle exception, unite in the opinion that he was not equaled by any of them as an orator.

Charles Slocumb was born in Kentucky (probably Union County) in the latter part of the eighteenth century, and came with his parents to White County, Ill .. in 1812, where he entered Gen. Hargrave's rangers against the Indians in 1814. He was converted, it is thought, in 1815, in White County, and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church, and commenced preaching immediately, as we find him on Vincennes Circuit in 1816. We traveled, in connection with the annual con- ference, some eight or ten years, at different times In his person he was tall and erect, magisterial in his bearing, and presented the appearance of one born to lead men. He was of dark complexion, with dark hair and fascinating black eyes, and possessed a mag- netic influence that won all hearts that came in contact with him, and retained their con- fidence to the last. "As true as Slocumb's preaching," became a by-word, when men wished to add force to any assertion they had made.

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In reading the Scriptures or lining the hymns. his emphasis was natural, and it was done with such elegance and grace that the true force and poetic meaning were im. pressed upon his hearers. His gestures were easy and graceful, and so true to nature that they were said to almost speak, and greatly contribute to the interest of his wonderful displays of eloquence. His voice was sonor- ous, possessing great scope and capable of great endurance. In prayer, he was compre- hensive. earnest and reverent; with no as- sumed adulation of the Deity that he did not feel ; no attempt at personal display ; nor did he presume upon God's ignorance by telling him of things that he did not already know. In his preaching he was solemn, pro- found, deeply experimental and practical.

His eloquence was always powerful, some- times almost irresistible, and in its effects upon his bearers, learned and unlearned alike, was truly wonderful. He challenged the intelligence of his audience, and spoke as one commissioned by the Great King, failing not to bring a message of peace and love. Men totally indifferent to the preach- ing of others would, as if bound by some unseen hand or magic spell, hang upon the words of Charles Sioenmb with a rapt atten- tion that made them oblivious of all that was passing around them; and often, without seeming consciousness of the fact, would stand leaning forward, as if fearful that some of his words would be lost. So pure was his life, and so upright his walk, that he won the hearts of men, even those who re- garded not his teaching.

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History of Wayne and Clay counties, Illinois, Part 14

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Chicago : Globe Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 704

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Chicago : Globe Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 704