USA > Indiana > Vanderburgh County > Evansville > A Century of history of the Walnut Street Presbyterian Church of Evansville, Indiana : with sketches of it's [sic] pastors, officers, and prominent members and reminiscences of early times > Part 7
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15
Mrs. Gilleland was a valuable aid to her husband in his work, a pleasant companion and a loving mother, de- voting herself to the comfort and happiness of her family, and the blow whicks severed her from her children and friends was severely felt. After her husband's death she was inconsolable, and she was ready to express herself in the words of Father Ryan:
"My feet are weary and my hands are tired, My soul's oppressed, And with desire, I now desire Rest only rest ; And I am restless, still Far down the west Life's sun is setting, and I see the shore Where I shall rest."
CHAPTER XX.
THE ELDERS AND EARLIEST MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.
The present elders are Messrs. Edward T. Sullivan, James L. Orr, Robert Smith, J. N. McCoy, Byron Parsons, Samuel Q. Rickwood, Herman Pfafflin and Melvin H. Lock- year.
89
DR. SAWYER AND DR. TYRRELL.
Among those who have resigned or ceased to act in the capacity of Elder we find the names of Dr. Sawyer and Dr. C. C. Tyrrell, both of whom are still in Evanscille and are among the oldest citizens. They have both seen all the changes that have taken place in Evansville in the last three or four decades, and are sincere Christian people interest- ed in the welfare and prosperity of the church.
MR. HIRAM K. WELLS,
Who was also an Elder, has removed with his wife to El- mira, N. Y., where they reside with their daughter. Few persons ever lived in Evansville who enjoyed more of the confidence and respect of every one than Mr. and Mrs. Wells. They have passed many mile-stones on their life's journey and are cheerful and happy in their old age.
MR. CHARLES S. WELLS,
A brother of Mr. Hiram K. Wells, came to this place many years since with his family, only one member of which, Mrs. Helen Keller, is here at this time. Mr. Wells was an Elder and superintendent of the Sabbath School and an excellent man. He died early in life and his loss was severely felt in the church, as he was one who had a power- ful influence for good in any place or position.
DANIEL G. MARK
Was a native of Gettysburg, Pa. He came to Evansville in 1850, where he lived over thirty years. After coming to the place, Mr. Mark united with Wal- nut Street Church and was chosen El- der in 1869. He was one of the most efficient Elders, and spared no pains or efforts in his power to further the in- terests of the church, giving generous- ly of his time and means to the work. He was an excellent neighbor and friend, and with a liberal hand extend- ed help to the poor and needy. His estimable wife survives him, but has never recovered from the sorrow of her be- reavement. Mr. Mark served as an Elder with Mr. Shank- lin, Mr. Orr and Mr. Luke Wood, all of whom, with Mr. Chas. Wells, have passed away since 1860.
90
M. MYRON W. SAFFORD
Came to Evansville to establish a school which was taught in the school house seen in the picture beside the little Church on the Hill. His wife and her sisters, the Misses Morton, who assisted in the school, were sisters of the present Vice President, Hon. Levi P. Morton. They were all New England people with the staunch principles of that old land. Mr. Safford was also an elder. He died some years ago.
GOV. CONRAD BAKER.
Reference has already been made in these pages to Gov. Baker and his lovely wife, whose presence always brought life and pleasure into every circle where she was welcomed. Her bright and happy face is still remembered by her old friends. She was a sister of Thomas E. Garvin and Mrs. Louisa Casselberry. Gov. Baker came to Evansville in early times, and did not wait for church members to call upon him before he chose his place of worship. He knew where he belonged, and worshiped as his fathers had done in the Presbyterian church. He was a lawyer of a high and honorable character, and this was what won for him the position of Governor of the State of Indiana. During his stay here his beloved wife was called from earth, and after some years he married Miss Charlotte Chute, a daughter of Father Chute and an estimable woman.
The first house Gov. Baker occupied after coming to Evansville was a little cottage still standing on Second street, not far from Walnut Street Church. It was once a charming little home, made so by tasteful hands. After- wards Gov. Baker built the house now occupied by Mr. D. B. Kumler, on First street. After he was elected Governor he moved to Indianapolis, where his family remained after his death.
HON. WM. BAKER,
Who was a brother of Gov. Baker, came to this place a few years later than his brother and was highly esteemed. He was a native of Pennsylvania which was honored by her sons. He was educated to thorough business habits, which told in his success in life. Mr. Baker was mayor of the city for several years, and to him the city is indebted for some of its most valuable improvements and the honest ad-
91
ministration of the law during the period in which he held office. He and his wife were exemplary members of the church and were interested in all its affairs and Mr. Baker rendered it important and valuable service as Treasurer for 15 years. Mr. and Mrs. Baker are neither of them now liv- ing.
MR. AND MRS. LAWRENCE,
Whose names and faces were familiar to us many years ago. Mrs. Lawrence was a sister of Mrs. Dr. Sawyer, and is remembered as a person who had many friends. She was a genial, kind hearted woman and an efficient member of the church, always ready to do more than her share of the hard work so necessary to be done in the church in early times. When the new church was erected Mr. Lawrence presented it with a handsome marble pulpit. Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence are still living, their home is Chicago.
MR. AND MRS. HORACE E. PLUMBER
Were members of the little Church on the Hill. They were New England people. Mrs. Plumber is still living and has been a widow many years. She has seen severe affliction, but welcomes old age with cheerful resignation. Mrs. Plumber now attends the First Avenue Church, where with- out doubt she is an energetic worker in its interest, as she was in the old church.
MRS. J. E. MASON,
Though not one of the oldest members of the church, she was one of those quiet Christian women whose life was a lesson from which all could learn truth and purity of pur- pose. She lived what she believed, by her death her friends and the church sustained a great loss. She was for years, together with her husband, a member of the choir. She now sings the songs of the redeemed.
There are others whose faces would be missed from their accustomed places as much as the pulpit or the organ, and it is hoped that their seats may not be vacant for many years to come. Among these are still some who used to worship in the old church and sing in its choir.
92
MR. AND MRS. SAMUEL E. GILBERT,
Both of whom have given many years of faithful service to the choir, and can be relied upon for the fulfillment of all the duties required of them as church members. Mr. Gilbert came to Evansville in 1850 and has been a success- ful merchant, but is now retired from business. His estim- able wife is a native of this place and is a sister of David J. Mackey.
MRS. THOMAS E. GARVIN
Is also remembered as belonging to the choir in years that are past and is known at this time as a valuable member of Walnut Street Church, ready to assist in any good work, kind and warm hearted to her friends of whom she has many. Beside her in the choir of long ago stood a beloved relative of hers. The name of Nellie Warner, (afterwards Mrs. Culbertson), brings before us a queenly and elegant woman. After her marriage to Mr. Culbertson of New Albany, she resided in that place where she was highly es- teemed.
Death, who "loves a shining mark," removed her a few years since from a lovely home where, with wealth and a benevolent heart she was accomplishing a great amount of good. She possessed a remarkable degree of taste and cul- ture and seemed especially designed as a leader in society, and in the church. Her efforts in sustaining an orphans' home were deserving of great praise. She contributed free- ly of her means, her time and talents to its support. Her removal from a life of usefulness was very much deplored in her home and by those intimately associated with her in works of benevolence and chority.
Of the early members who are still active in church work are Mrs. James H. Cutler, Dr. and Mrs. Tyrrell, Dr. and Mrs. Sawyer, MrsMary Babcock, Mrs. Nancy M. Mc- Clain and Mrs. James Davidson. All of the above persons have contributed in every way to the good and prosperity of the church, and are consistent Christian people.
There is also an army of resolute and cheerful servants in the cause of their Master, those best known to the writer are Mrs. Samuel Bayard, Mr. and Mrs. Dalzell, Mrs. Isaac Keen, Mr. James L. Orr, Mrs. Gilchrist, Mrs. James M. Shanklin, Mrs. Read, Mr. Robert Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sullivan, Mrs. Mathilda Goodge, Mr. W. H. Lehn-
93
hard, Mr. and Mrs. McCoy, Miss Anna Farrell, Mrs. North Storms, Mrs. W. S. French, Mr. and Mrs. Phil. C. Decker, and many of the later members are also worthy of men- tion herein, besides the young people who are zealous in good works and with young and willing heart and hands great good will be accomplished.
The history of the above people should be found in the next volume.
Besides those before mentioned the church has lost by death many valuable members. On this list we find the names of Dr. Wilcox and wife, Mrs. James E. Blythe, Dr. Morgan and wife, Mrs. James L. Orr, Mr. Sellman, wife and son, (these were the entire family,- Mr. Swanson and wife, Mrs. Dutcher, Mrs. Lydia Bell and Mr. Luke Wood, who was an elder, as was also his grandfather of the same name who died many years since. Mr. James R. Goodlett was also an elder in early times. He was the father of our present mayor, Hon. N. M. Goodlett, and a man of sterling worth and integrity.
More than thirty families have removed from Evans- ville to different parts of the country in the last five years, who were connected with the church. Among those who went to California was Mrs. George Start, who was an ac- tive and useful member of the church. Mrs. C. K. Drew removed to New Orleans, and both of these persons have passed away from the scenes of time.
Death seems to have been busy in the early days of the new year. The chimes of '92 had scarcely ceased when his cold hand was laid upon a good man, once an elder of Walnut Street Church.
Dr. L. G. Johnson was for several years a resident of Evansville. He was a homeopathic physician and was highly respected in this community. His home was in St. Louis and in a few days after his death his wife was called to fol- low him to the "better land." Their remains were brought to this place for interment.
94
CHAPTER XXII.
THE CHILDREN.
"In memory's mellowing glass how sweet Our infant days, and childish joys to greet, To roam in fancy in each cherished scene."
Among those who have a warm place in the heart of the writer are the dear children and to them hearty con- gratulations are extended that they live in this age of pro- gress when so many new inventions and improvements make the world to them almost paradise compared with what it was years ago when life seemed barren of enjoy- ment for children. Even the picture books of the present time are an education to a child.
In a well remembered home of seventy years ago where there was the best collection of books in the neighborhood, except the library of the minister, there were but two books which contained pictures and these were the "Babes in the Woods" and "Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress." The first was a good book to call out the sympathies of a child for the poor little babes in the lonely woods, but what a sad lesson in human nature was learned from the character of the un- cle. It is a wonder that the child who read this book was not afraid of its uncles afterwards. Then Bunyan's old man he called Christian, who would not lay down his burden, was a perfect mystery to the childish mind, it could not compre- hend why he was so persistent in carrying that bundle. These books were chosen as the most interesting to a child from among such as Baxter's Saints' Call to the Unconvert- ed, Jonathan Edwards' writings, and others of a kindred name and character. The Sunday-school books were the first that were written for children and some of them were written for children and some of them were far beyond their comprehension. The children of this age of the world are the most important persons in the community, in-
95
asmuch as there is more thought given to their care, education and training as well as to their happiness and welfare than is given to any other class of society, and also because they are to fill the places now occupied by others and their influence for good or evil is to affect the world when the sceptre has fallen from the hands of those who now rule.
The responsibility resting upon the children of these days is very great, the facilities for obtaining knowledge are so much better than they ever were before, that every child is in a measure responsible for his improvement of these opportunities. The children have the benefit of the knowledge attained by the greatest minds, in science, art and literature ; the lightning is harnessed and driven at the will of man; thunder, which was once known only as the voice of God, is now heard without terror. The earth gives up its treasures, buried cities, with all the pomp and wealth of other ages, are excavated, and the temples and palaces of nations that have passed away, are brought to light. The revelations of science in the past few years have al- most made a new world of this mundane and most divine painting, which lend a refining influence that cannot be de- rived as well from any other source. Literature provides for every desire of the mind in pursuit of knowledge or pleasure ; while there is much literature that it is a great waste of time to read, there is a wealth of thought in the best authors that will enrich and elevate the mind of the studious. Every child should cultivate a taste for music and reading, and the young should especially choose those au- thors who give them ideas that they may carry with them through life, and that will have a good influence upon them here and hereafter.
The idea at this day, seems very old-fashioned that young people should not attend theatres and dances, and play cards. It is either right or wrong to encourage the pursuit of such pleasures. Many thoughtful and experi- enced persons have decided that it is wrong, and are ready to ask: "Is it right to waste the time that could be better employed, in preparing for, and attending dances and the- atres? Is it right to encourage the expenditure of money in this way, by young persons who need to save their earn- ings to begin a successful life? Should respectable and re- ligious parents countenance theatrical people with whom they could not think of allowing their children even an ac- quaintance? Is there any good derived from card playing ?
96
If so, does the good counteract the harm which has so often followed it-the dishonesty and ruin of thousands ?"
The time has been when religious persons disapproved of these amusements, and churches (Walnut Street Church included), called their members to account to the session for drinking intoxicating liquors, playing cards and attend- ing theatres. The question might be asked, are these things any nearer right now than they were then?
Diversions for children should be simple and well se- lected; those should be chosen about which there is no doubt of their being conducive to health of the body and mind ; late hours and excitement should always be avoided.
While the minds of the children are developing, the parents, perhaps, realizing from their own experience that life may not be to them always a garden of flowers, en- deavor to afford them all the pleasure in their power to con- tribute, and with great painstaking and trouble they fur- nish entertainments of various kinds, none of which are enjoyed to their fullest extent more than those of the Christmas holidays. Fifty years ago Christmas was scarcely talked of and never celebrated in Evansville. The old English people were sometimes known to tell of what they used to do in England at Christmas. There were a few Episcopalians or Catholics here then who would have been most likely to have noticed that day; the other de- nominations were not quite sure about the date of the event which Christmas commemorates and it passed quietly away. Now all seem to agree upon the same time, and the churches from the old Puritan stock are ready to mark the day with festivities, and even the Jewish people give pre- sents to their friends and children on Christmas.
The following newspaper account of a merry Christ- mas entertainment for the children, finds a place here with the hope that in some unaccountable manner this volume may survive the wreck of years, and perhaps be found among the other rubbish of some garret in the latter part of the twentieth century (when the manner of spending Christmas may have changed as much as it has in this century), and may afford some of the remote posterity of the actors in the celebration of 1891 an opportunity of see- ing how their ancestors spent Christmas:
97
SANTA AT CHURCH THE CROWNING EVENT OF CHRISTMAS-TIDE -CHILDREN MADE HAPPY.
A Delightful Evening Spent at Walnut Street Presbyterian Church
"Last evening the parlors of Walnut Street Presbyteri- an Church were well filled with the boys and girls of the Sunday School and their friends who came to enjoy to- gether the Christmas entertainment.
The room was beautifully decorated with palms, holly, Alabama smilax and mistletoe, and bright lamps added to the pleasing effect. A stage had been erected in the corner of the room, on which was a fire-place with a tall brick chimney. The bright-faced happy children in their pert- tiest clothes made by far the sweetest and most attractive picture.
After the opening chorus and an appropriate talk from Mr. James L. Orr, the infant class marched in and took their places on the platform, where they knelt and repeated a sweet little prayer. Miss Bessie Valentine made the open- ing adress very cutely.
In 'Christmas Music,' Milton Pullis, Walter Schnaken- burg, John Storms, Jessie Connor, Edward Hankins, Allen Hawkins and Hallie Crawford represented musical instru- ments.
Misses Mabel Lahr, Madeline Norton, Lillie Hodson, Mamie Goodge, Louise Robinson, Eloise Decker, Mabel Mel- vin and Mildred Cutler represented a flower in the "Christ- mas wreath.'
The tableaux were a very pleasing part of the even- ing's entertainment. In 'Christmas Rich and Poor,' Helen Paine, Helen Venneman and Carl Schnakenburg made a very pretty picture, and Miss Emily Sullivan will not soon be forgotten as she stood leaning upon the cross in 'Rock of Ages.'
A quartet was admirably rendered by Messrs. Walter Decker, Harry Little and John Strain. Little Misses Edith Wing and Ruth Lehnhard sang 'Christmas Thoughts' very sweetly, and Messrs. M. Z. Tinker and Oliver C. Decker de- lighted the audience by their rendition of 'Star of Bethle- hem.'
98
At the close, Santa Claus with Frances Overman, Lo- raine Cutler and Tunis Ross made two beautiful tableaux, 'Christmas, Night and Morning,' and as an ending Santa Claus came through the window with the remark that Christmas was over and he had no presents left, but a hap- py thought struck him, that he might distribute the bricks from the chimney as he would have no further use for it this year. Accordingly it was torn down and to their de- light and surprise each one found himself possessed of a brick in the form of a box of candy.
One of the things about the whole was the donation given by the boys and girls as a Christmas offering to Park Chapel.
Both old and young were so pleased with the success that they decided to re-appoint the same committee, Mrs. Sue M. Barton, Mr. Will C. Paine and Mr. James L. Orr to attend to all their future affairs of this kind."
CHAPTER XXIII.
In giving an account of the lives of all the good men and women who are mentioned in these pages, full justice, perhaps, in some instances, may not have been done; at the same time there has been no desire on the part of the com- piler of this book to over-rate anyone whose name appears in it. The fact that in the long period of seventy years, among those pastors mentioned, there has been no one who has not honored his calling, is a subject of congratulation. It will be seen that the subjects of some of these sketches have shown great energy and practiced great self-denial in order to fit themselves for the life they choose, and that the desire to do good was the ruling motive of their labors. There is a sublimity in the thought of men devoting their lives to the good of others. The world holds out many in- ducements to follow its varied pursuits of pleasure, fame and wealth, which may all array themselves before young men, but those who choose the ministry for their calling seldom look forward to any of these. The reward of the just and merciful will be theirs.
It has been impossible to obtain sketches of all the El- ders deceased, as well as photographs of some of the clergy- men.
Several of the pastors have furnished their histories, which has been a great assistance in collecting facts in re-
99
gard to their lives, and for this they will please accept many thanks. Some of the pastors were not married, others had wives who had the care of families of small children, or who were invalids, which prevented their being efficient workers outside of their own homes, and though sketches of them might be interesting as those written, it has not been possible to obtain them.
To the kindness and skill of Mr. Charles V. Worthing- ton and Mr. W. S. Douglas, is due the credit of the portraits and illustrations.
If there is anything in these pages that can give of- fense to anyone, it is unintentional, and there is no one to blame but the writer, who has only good will to all.
The church records contain over four hundred names of members of the church; also the names of one hundred and thirty baptized persons. They show that one hundred and thirty-two persons have been married by the ministers of the church within the last five years.
There is one feature that is worthy of note in the rules of the Presbyterian Church, which is that a person once a member is always a member, until dismissed by letter, and wherever he goes or whatever befalls him, the church never loses its interest in his welfare and happiness; its sym- pathies go out to him in affliction, and it rejoices with him if he rejoice. There are the names of some on the church books as members, who were reared in the atmosphere of church influences, who, for reasons of their own, are no longer devoted to the church as formerly. This must be a source of deep regret to those who valued their society and influence, and if the time ever comes when their interest in the church and its welfare revives, they will be joyfully welcomed back to its services and its friendship. When one gives up the God and faith of his fathers, he is like a ship at sea without a rudder or compass, he is biown about by every "wind of doctrine." When he loses sight of the light- house of Faith, Hope also disappears.
In calling to mind the scenes and persons of the past and particularly those who have been gone from us so long, the writer, although not a spiritualist, has seemed to shake hands with these old friends, and recollections come up of the pleasant social intercourse enjoyed with them. Do they
100
know that they are remembered ,and do they think of their old friends ?
There are few of the older church members living, and as the "whispering leaves" of life's autumn fall around them, and one after another of those who have walked to- gether in life's pleasant pathway, disappear among the shadows, may those who take their places find only "ways of pleasantness and paths of peace."
"When on my day of life the night is falling And, in the winds from unsunned places blown, I hear far voices out of darkness calling My feet to paths unknown.
Thou who hast made my home of life so pleasant, Leave not its tenant when its walls decay.
O Love divine, O Helper ever present, Be thou my strength and stay.
Be near me when all else is from me drifting, Earth, sky, home's pictures, days of shade and shine, And kindly faces to my own uplifting The love which answers mine.
I have but Thee, O Father! Let Thy spirit Be with me then to comfort and uphold ;
No gate of pearl, no branch of palm, I merit, Nor street of shining gold.
Suffice it if-my good and ill unreckoned, And both forgiven thro' Thy abounding grace- I find myself by hands familiar beckoned Unto my fitting place.
Some humble door among Thy many mansions, Some sheltering shade, where sin and striving cease, And flows forever through Heaven's green expansions The river of Thy peace.
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.