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Gc 977.2 T43h 1266829
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GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00827 3028
HISTORY
OF
Coffee Creek Baptist Association
( SOUTHERN INDIANA ) :
AN ACCOUNT OF
PRESENT CHURCHES,
AND
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF ITS MINISTERS.
BY
J. C. TIBBETS.
977.2 T43 h
CINCINNATI : Elm Street Printing Co., 176 and 178 Elm Street. 1883.
2
1266029
RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED TO
REV. ALLEN HILL,
A FRIEND AND FORMER PASTOR.
THE AUTHOR.
PREFACE.
IN compiling this work the author has endeavored, as far as possible, to give an accurate history, not only of the or- ganization and progress of the Association, but of its churches and ministers. The imperfect manner in which many of the church records have been kept, particularly in early times, has rendered the task difficult. Those early records are in some cases lost. At best they are fragmentary, and many items, which would now be of great interest, are omitted. Such being the case, the dates given in a few of the early pastorates may not be exact. While it is not claimed, therefore, that the work is entirely free from error, in this respect, it is believed to be as nearly so as possible.
But still more difficult has been the task of collecting a true history of some of the early ministers. As far as known, not one of these kept a diary, or left any account of his ministerial labors, or early history. In some cases, no traces even of their families have been found. In these cases the author has availed himself not only of church records and associational minutes, but of the memories of early settlers yet living.
Personal interviews with many of these pioneer settlers, in different neighborhoods, have been held; or, where this was not practicable, correspondence has been resorted to.
(iv)
V
PREFACE.
Many have been found who were well acquainted with those early preachers, and knew much of their pastoral work and worth, but could not tell definitely anything of their early histories, or when they left the Association, either by death or removal; consequently the dates, in a few cases, are only approximately given.
Several names of those who have aided in giving valuable information, are inserted in the body of the work, to whom the author tenders sincere thanks. For similar favors he is also indebted to Hon. Smith Vawter, late of Vernon, de- ceased; to Rev. John Stott, North Vernon; Rev. Wm. B. Lewis, Cana; Rev. W. Y. Monroe, North Madison; Judge D. M. Hill, Paris, and others.
In addition to the above sources of information, a residence of forty-four years within the bounds of the Association, and a personal acquaintance with most of the ministers who have labored here at any time during that period, justify the author, as he believes, in claiming this to be, with the ex- ceptions named, an "authentic history." -
J. C. TIBBETS.
PARIS, IND., June, 1883.
CONTENTS.
PART FIRST.
PAGE.
CHAPTER I.
Description of Country,
9
66
3. The Pioneer Preacher,
18
4. Church Faith and Polity, . 23
5. Associational Organizations, . 29
5. Coffee Creek Association, .
31
5.
Bond of Union, . 33
6. Anniversary Proceedings, .
38
60
7. Progress Made, 48
60
8. Enlarging the Borders, 55
66
9. General Summary, 61
PART SECOND.
HISTORY OF CHURCHES.
No. 1.
White River,
85
2. Scaffold Lick, 90
66
3. Coffee Creek, 94
4. Elizabeth, 98
5. Lick Branch, IOI
6. Freedom, 105
7. Hopewell, 109
8. Bethany, I13
" 9. Zion, 117
" IO. First Marion, 120 .
(vi)
2. Early Settlers, . 14
CONTENTS.
vii
No. II. Kimberlin Creek,
" 12. New Bethel, .
123
" 13. Lancaster, .
129
" 14. Hebron, 1 32
" 15. Tea Creek,
135
" 16. New Prospect,
138
" 17. Commiskey, 141
PART THIRD.
BIOGRAPHIES.
CLASS FIRST .- MINISTERS DECEASED.
No. I. Jesse Vawter,
. 143
60
3. James Alexander, . 152
66
4. John Vawter, I54
66
5. Alexander Chambers, 157
6. William Blankenship, 160
60
8. William T. Stott, 166
66
9. James Glover,
170
66
IO. John B. New,
172
66 12. John L. Jones, .
174
13. Jesse Miles, .
175
14. Jacob S. Ryker,
177
" 15. Jacob M. Cox,
. 178 " 16. Lawson Stephenson, 180
" 17. Zachariah Bush,
18I
" 18. John R. Tinder, 182
" 19. Joseph Hankins, 183 " 20. Jesse W. Robinson, 184
2. Thomas Hill, Sr., 147
7. Thomas Hill, Jr., . 162
II. John Bush, .
I74
PAGE.
126
Vili
CONTENTS.
PAGE.
" 21. John Hill,
185
" 22. Charles Snowden,
187
" 23. Elijah Sommers, · 187
"' 24. Samuel M. Story,
188
" 25. John Chambers, 189
" 26. James B. Swincher, 192
" 27. Wm. P. Newman, 193
194
“ 28. John Reece,
" 29. Timothy B. Lewis, 195
" 30. William Bussey, 197
" 31. A. Ward, · 197
" 32. Wm. A. Chambers, 198
CLASS SECOND .- MINISTERS LIVING.
No. I. Wm. B. Lewis, 200
2. Wm. Y. Monroe, 202
66
3. Wm. H. Lawrence, 205
206
4. George L. Mercer,
5. W. J. Buchanan, . 207
208
6. George King, .
209
7. G. W. Thompson, 210
8. Allen Hill, 212
66 9. Marion Noell,
214
" IO. J. N. Spillman, .. 216
" II. N. L. Petty, .
217
" 12. U. M. McGuire,
219
Conclusion, .
COFFEE CREEK ASSOCIATION.
PART I.
CHAPTER I.
Description of Country when first Settled.
COFFEE CREEK ASSOCIATION, at the present time, is composed of seventeen churches, em- bracing the western part of Jefferson County, the southern part of Jennings, and the eastern part of Scott, in Indiana, and covers an area of about 350 square miles. The few persons now living, who were here prior to the organization of the Association, in 1827, know what the condition of Southern Indiana was at that time better than it can be told them; but for the younger por- tion of the present generation it may be well to briefly outline the general appearance and sit- uation of the country, the character of the pio- neer immigrants, and the trials and hardships and dangers encountered by them in those early days.
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COFFEE CREEK
. The State of Virginia, which claimed the whole territory north of the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi, confirmed, in 1783, the bargain made by Gov. Henry, of Virginia, with Gen. George Rogers Clark, granting to him, and to his followers, 149,000 acres of land, in compensa- tion for military services rendered in the success- ful campaign of 1778-79. This grant, located in what was then Illinois County (now Clark), was deeded by the Continental Congress to Gen. Clark in 1786-Virginia having previously ceded the whole territory to the general government- and was the first point settled in Southern In- diana.
In 1787, Congress, in session at Philadelphia, organized this extensive scope of country into the Northwest Territory, and enacted necessary laws to govern in its settlement.
Prior to the ordinance of 1787, a few families had located at the head of the falls of the Ohio River, at a place they named Clarksville (now Jeffersonville). Aside from this, not a trace of the white man could be seen in all this region, except, perhaps, at a few trading points estab- lished by the French in the vicinity of the great lakes on the north; a small French settlement at Kaskaskia, Illinois, and a similar one on the east bank of the Wabash River, at Vincennes.
II
ASSOCIATION.
The whole of this vast territory, embracing more than one hundred million acres of fertile lands, was in the undisputed possession of the Indians, who made every possible exertion to prevent the encroachments of the whites.
The reports carried back to the States by the few exploring parties which had been out, of the remarkable productiveness of the soil, the salu- brity of the climate, and the wonderful beauty and grandeur of the scenery, induced immigra- tion. In a few years thousands of hardy pio- neers were locating homes in the new country. They were met and opposed by the natives at every point, but the indomitable will and per- severance of the whites enabled them to drive the red men back, step by step, and finally force them west of the Mississippi. This result, how- ever, was attained only after years of deadly struggle, and a great sacrifice of life; and it was, not until after the battle of the Thames, Octo -- ber 5, 1813, when the British and Indians, under the command of Gen. Proctor and the renowned. chieftain, Tecumseh, were totally defeated by the American troops, under Gen. Harrison, that any degree of security could be felt by the set- tlers.
It is not the present intention, however, to write a history of the Northwest Territory, but
.
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COFFEE CREEK
to briefly sketch the settlement and development of that small portion of it embraced in the bounds, and immediate vicinity, of Coffee Creek Association, with particular reference to the progress of the Baptist denomination.
, Between the years 1790 and 1795, a few set- tlements were made along the northwest bank of the Ohio River, above Clarksville. These gradually increased from year to year, but it was not until about the time of the organization of a separate territorial government for Indiana, in 1809, that any considerable number of these were extended into the interior. This act great- ly stimulated immigration, and several of the States, particularly Kentucky, North Carolina and Virginia, soon furnished recruits to come over and take possession of the land.
In that year (1809) a few families from North Carolina and Kentucky settled about ten miles north from the Ohio River, and about the same distance west from where now is the city of
Madison, on White River. In 1810 a single family from Virginia (Solomon Deputy) located on Coffee Creek, in the southern part of Jen- nings County. About the same time a small settlement was made on Lewis' Creek, Jefferson County, some four or five miles south from Cof- fee Creek; and a little later, a company from
13
ASSOCIATION.
Kentucky, attracted by the fertile valley of the Muscatatack, where Vernon now stands, made that point their future home. Other families came in from time to time, selecting lands, and thus settlements were made through the wilder- ness, generally from three to five, often from ten to twelve miles distant from each other. The ratio of increase advanced each year, and, after the battle of the Thames, before mentioned, so rapidly was the country developed, that, in 1816, Indiana was admitted a State into the Union.
At the time of the first settlements, this whole section of country was a dense, unbroken forest. Hill and valley, high land and low, were alike covered with a heavy growth of timber. Not a tree had been cut down; not a road opened ; not even a foot-path marked out, except the In- dian trails leading from the Ohio River back to their villages on the Wabash and other streams.
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COFFEE CREEK
CHAPTER II.
Early Settlers-their Labors and Rewards.
As a general rule, the early settlers were hon- est, industrious, frugal, hardy and courageous men and women. With but little, if any, edu- cation ; without culture or polish; in many cases rude of speech and rough in appearance, they were, nevertheless, kind-hearted and benevolent, and ready at all times to assist those in need. So noted was their hospitality, that the remark, "The string of the latch always hangs outside the door," justly became a proverb. And not only were they kind, and humane, and hospit- able, but very many of them were truly pious. They had given their hearts to the Savior; were humble, devoted Christians; and when they came to the new country brought their religion with them, and the voice of praise and prayer ascended nightly from their humble homes. Quite a number of these immigrants had been enured to frontier life before leaving the States, and this experience was of great advantage in fitting them for the many toils and hardships
15
ASSOCIATION.
incident to the pioneer. These were, indeed, almost innumerable.
The first thing to be done, after selecting the land, was to clear off a small space and erect a cabin. This was made of small trees, cut into logs about eighteen feet long, placed across each other and notched together at the ends, making a room about sixteen feet square. Sometimes the building was larger-often less. Into this moved the whole family, with their household effects ; cooking, eating and sleeping in the same room. Not a plank could be had for doors or floors; not a pane of glass; not a nail. Even the roof was made of split boards and weighted down with poles. With a quilt hung up at the entrance to serve as a door; with the bare ground for a floor ; and with an opening in the roof for the egress of smoke, to answer for a chimney, the building was complete; until the approach of winter made it necessary to fill the interstices between the logs with strips of wood and cover them with clay mortar.
As a protection against attacks of hostile In- dians, as soon as possible, large log forts, block- houses and stockades were erected at central points, into which, when an alarm was given, the settlers from many miles distant repaired, taking with them their stock and household
16
COFFEE CREEK
goods, as much as possible. Here they remain- ed until it was considered safe to return to their cabins. At such times, when it was necessary to labor outside of the enclosure, part of the men stood guard while others worked; and even at their homes, when cutting down timber or cultivating the ground, it was common to have the trusty rifle strapped across the back, or standing where it could be reached at a moment's notice.
To prepare for the first crop, the trees were felled in piles or windrows, as much as possible, and planting done between the trunks by lifting the soil with a hoe and depositing the seed. The cultivation was also with the hoe, as the great quantity of green roots rendered the use of the plow impossible. When the corn was matured it was converted into meal, either by being beaten in a wooden mortar, or ground in a hand-mill. This was the supply for bread --- the rifle furnished the meat. Salt, and a few other necessaries, could be had at the Ohio River and carried to the settlements on horse- back-the only mode of conveyance.
Living thus, surrounded by dense forests, in which were bears, wolves, panthers, and other wild animals in abundance, and through which the more dreaded red men often passed ; without
17
ASSOCIATION.
mills, without stores, without mail facilities ; with- out schools, or churches, or other advance works of civilization ; with neighbors three or four miles distant, and no way of visiting these but by trav- eling a-foot or on horseback, guided only by blazed trails made by cutting a small piece of bark from the sides of the trees; with no one near to assist in time of sickness; being in a measure cut off from intercourse with their fel- low-men, their lives were truly lonely and full of peril. But they bore all these privations with cheerfulness; they were working with a purpose. Not only were they preparing for themselves and their children permanent and valuable homes, but were helping to develop this vast territory, and lay a solid foundation for our grand moral, intellectual and Christian commonwealth.
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COFFEE CREEK
CHAPTER III.
The Pioneer Preacher.
THE first of these were Baptist ministers from Kentucky, who, with true missionary zeal and promptitude, came to look after the spiritual needs of the settlers. They traveled from neigh- borhood to neighborhood, having religious con- versation and prayer with the "new-comers, " and preaching in their cabins when thought advisable. Some of the early settlers were Baptists, and these were organized into churches as soon as practicable. As early as 1798, Elder Isaac Edwards, of Kentucky, constituted a Bap- tist Church on Owen's Creek, near the Ohio River, in what is now Clark County. There were only four members-two men and their wives, viz .: John Fislar, Sophia Fislar, John Pettet, Catharine Pettet. This was the first church in Indiana. The name was soon changed to "Silver Creek, " and subsequently to "Charles- town," by which it is still designated.
Other Baptist ministers from Kentucky came over and labored as missionaries, and soon some
19
ASSOCIATION.
of these, with others from adjacent States, lo- cated permanently, and were joyfully welcomed. Soon, too, the ministry was re-enforced by men raised to the work on our own soil. In 1802, James Abbot was ordained at Silver Creek, and other ordinations followed from time to time at different points, so that earnest workers for the Master kept even pace with the development of the country.
These pioneer preachers were poor men, and, though compelled to labor with their hands to support their families and open up farms, yet found time to travel long journeys and preach in destitute neighborhoods; to constitute churches ; to baptize believers; to visit the sick ; to attend funerals; to encourage and cheer the despond- ent, and in every way minister to the needs of the people as only a beloved preacher of the gospel can. And this they did without desire- or expectation of earthly reward. They sought to glorify the Master by comforting his children and pointing sinners to the cross, and in these labors were greatly blessed and encouraged.
When a new settlement was made it was soon visited by some of these missionary workers, who would call upon each family, and before leaving, if desired (and it is believed this was universally the case), would make an appoint-
20
COFFEE CREEK
ment for another visit. Churches were constituted wherever a few "believers " were found ; some- times, as before related, with but four members -often with not more than six or eight-and, feeble as were such little bands, they immediately arranged for regular meetings. The pastoral care of the new churches devolved upon the missionary, yet he continued to seek out new fields, and thus the work grew upon his hands. Most of the early churches in Southern Indiana (Baptist and Methodist-probably others) grew from such small beginnings.
A noticeable fact in regard to those old fathers - is that, while their long journeys were made on horseback through dense forests without roads -often in very inclement weather, with many large and rapid streams to cross, and many perils and discouragements to contend with-yet they rarely failed to meet their engagements. Notice- able, also, is the fact that they rarely failed to find a good congregation. Men, women and children, from settlements many miles distan would be present as attentive listeners.
' Many of the early preachers were men of marked ability ; men peculiarly fitted for the work before them; men whose minds seemed to grasp the possibilities of the future of this country and to realize the importance of laying a foundation
2I
ASSOCIATION.
of correct moral and Christian principles; men who were willing to hazard their lives, and to endure the hardships and toils and self-denials inseparably connected with frontier life if, by so doing, they might win souls to Christ. With but very limited education ; without religious books or papers, or helps of any kind save the Bible; seldom even having the privilege of hear- ing a sermon from their brethren in the ministry, they were, nevertheless, able preachers. Their text-book was the Bible-their theme, Christ crucified. Realizing their own ignorance, they went to the All-wise for guidance; feeling their weakness, they trusted to the out-stretched Arm for strength. At all times and under all circum- stances that simple, child-like faith and trust in the Savior was exhibited that is born only of the Spirit of God. Their sermons were neces- sarily original. Their figures and illustrations were drawn from subjects familiar to their auditors, and presented in language easily un- derstood by all. Particularly were they power- ful in prayer and exhortation, and not unfre- quently every face in the congregation would be bathed in tears. Hence their influence for good was very great, and the love and esteem, and veneration even, accorded to them, was truly wonderful.
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Perhaps no body of men ever more literally obeyed the injunction of the Apostle (Rom. xii., 10-13, N. V.): " In love of the brethren be tenderly affectioned one to another; in honor preferring one another; in diligence not sloth- ful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; rejoic- ing in hope; patient in tribulation ; continuing steadfastly in prayer; communicating to the necessities of the saints; given to hospitality."
And these remarks are applicable not only to our Baptist fathers, but to those of other de- nominations as well. They were true men- true to the Master, true to the needy by whom they were surrounded, true to their convictions of duty-a noble, consecrated band, who cheer- fully did the work allotted to them, and did it as no other class of men could; and, having "laid a foundation" "according to the grace of God" given unto them, joyfully put aside their armor and passed to their reward.
23
ASSOCIATION.
CHAPTER IV.
Faith and Polity of Early Churches.
THE first Baptist churches adopted what was called the "Philadelphia Confession of Faith." This "Confession," or Christian Belief, may be concisely stated as follows :
They believed in one only living and true God, JEHOVAH, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth, revealed under the personal and relative distinctions of Father, Son and Spirit; that man, by voluntary transgression, is under just condemnation to eternal ruin; that, through the mediatorial offices of the Son, the way of life and salvation is made possible; that salvation is wholly of grace, and is freely be- stowed upon all who truly believe and accept Christ; that it is the immediate duty of all to render willing obedience to the requirements of the gospel, and that nothing prevents the salva- tion of the vilest sinner but his voluntary refusal to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ; that such refusal will separate the wicked from the right- eous throughout eternity; that infants and im-
-
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beciles, though not capable of embracing Christ through faith, yet having never voluntarily trans- gressed, are subjects of grace, and are freely saved through the atonement. They believed the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be of Divine appointment, and the only rule of faith and practice for God's people; that Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances established by the Savior; that Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, and is a symbol of the burial and resurrection of Christ; that "com- munion" is a memorial of the broken body and shed blood of the Redeemer, to be partaken of by his disciples only.
The visible, Gospel Church they believed to be a company of baptized believers, united in holy covenant for the express purpose of observ- ing the teachings and executing the will of the Savior. Of necessity, such a body must be fitly framed together, and "built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ him- self being the chief corner-stone." To be fitly framed implied that the material should be fully prepared before being placed in the "Temple of the Lord," and this preparation consisted in being "born again," "born of the Spirit," "sanctified in Christ Jesus." Hence such as are capable of exercising belief, having "repent-
25
ASSOCIATION.
ance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ," and such only, are properly pre- pared to be joined into the frame-work of this. building-the Church of Christ.
The recognized officers of the Church were Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons. Pastors were called Elders, and their duties were to publicly preach the gospel and visit from house to house; to labor for the spiritual welfare and growth of the Church; to administer the ordi- nances of baptism and communion, and to point sinners to the cross. The Deacons assisted the Pastor in looking after the welfare of the Church ; had particular oversight of the poor, and made necessary arrangements for and assisted in the administration of the ordinances.
The business meetings of the Church were always opened by the reading of Scripture, praise- and prayer. The perfect equality of the mem- bership was recognized, and each one not only had the privilege of voting, but was urged to do- so. A clear majority, after a full understanding. of the case in hand, decided all matters before the Church, except the reception of members, which must be by unanimity. Believing regen- eration an essential prerequisite to membership, a careful examination of candidates was always instituted, who, if approved, were welcomed 3
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COFFEE CREEK
to all the privileges of the Church as soon as baptized.
It was considered the duty as well as privilege of the Church to seek out and encourage those possessing ministerial "gifts." When satisfied that a brother was endowed with such gifts, liberty was granted him to preach in the bounds of the Church. This liberty would subsequently be extended to other neighborhoods, and, if his efforts proved satisfactory, he was licensed to preach the gospel "wherever God, in his provi- dence, might cast his lot." When fully satisfied of his fitness for ministerial work, application was made to sister churches to send messengers to unite with the church where the candidate held membership in examining him in regard to his views of Bible doctrine, call to the ministry, fitness for pastoral duties, etc., and, if approved, he was "fully set apart, by the solemn service of prayer and imposition of hands, to the re- sponsible work of the gospel ministry."
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