USA > Indiana > History of Coffee Creek Baptist Association, (Southern Indiana): an account of present churches, and biographical sketches of its ministers > Part 8
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Thus was lost to the community the presence of a remarkable· man, but his influence still lives. As a citizen and neighbor his character was irre- proachable; as a Christian, his daily walk and undoubted piety were recognized by all. Large, dignified and noble in appearance; with a good command of language and an impressive manner in presenting truth ; being an easy, fluent speaker, and a splendid singer, he was classed as the most popular orator of his day in this vicinity. Never putting himself forward, but ever shunning noto- riety, he was nevertheless forced to the front, and regarded as one of the leading spirits of the age.
Elder Hill was a man of peace-never "threw clubs," never sought controversy ; but when thrust upon him, no man could more ably defend the principles, or more clearly and concisely and forcefully present the distinctive tenets of the denomination. His was the happy "gift" to say just enough to clearly elucidate the position taken, and to leave unsaid everything that would tend to divert the mind from that position.
He was sound on all Baptist doctrines, and when deemed advisable to present them, used
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language that could not be misunderstood; yet the kind Christian spirit manifested, and the pure, gentlemanly deportment maintained, dis- armed undue criticism, and these discourses were kindly received by the numerous members of other denominations who listened to them.
I will close by giving the testimony of an aged pedobaptist (Thomas Rowland)-a man of piety and intelligence, who, from youth to old age, was a worthy member, and for many years a leader in the M. E. Church. This brother once said to the writer: "I have been intimately ac- quainted with Brother Hill for more than forty years, and can truly say I never heard him make a remark, in the pulpit or out of it, that I could wish he had not said."
ELDER WM. T. STOTT.
William Taylor Stott was born in Woodford County, Ky., in the year 1788. When quite young he was led to feel his need of pardoning mercy, and at the age of thirteen years gave his heart to the Savior; was baptized and united with a Baptist Church in the vicinity, continuing a faithful member as long as he remained in the State.
In the fall of 1815, with his family, he moved
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to Indiana Territory, locating near Vernon. A few other families located at Vernon the same season; and while preparing homes for them- selves, they did not forget their obligations to the Master, but immediately commenced hold- ing prayer-meetings, and the following spring were constituted into a church-Brother Stott and wife, and five others, being the constituent members. This church (Vernon) united with Silver Creek Association in 1816; was one that formed Coffee Creek Association in 1827, and Madison in 1833, in each of which Brother Stott was an active member, and Moderator of the last-named many years.
In the welfare and prosperity of Vernon Church he took an active interest, and was al- ways ready by word or deed to assist in all needed work. He retained membership in the same connection to the close of life, a period of sixty-one years-fifty-five of which he preached the gospel. He was early impressed with a de- sire to proclaim the good news of life and salva- tion, through Christ, to his fellow-men, and in this was encouraged by the church, which granted him license to preach, probably in 1822; and in the fall of 1825, he was "publicly set apart by ordination" to the work of the gospel ministry. From that time forward Elder Stott was fully
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identified with the ministry of the word, and was one of the early preachers whose labors were so greatly blessed in leading sinners to the Savior, and in building up and strengthening the Baptist cause in Southern Indiana. Always faithful, al- ways zealous for the truth, always ready to labor in any field where there was a prospect of ac- complishing good, his services were in great de- mand. In addition to regular pastoral work he traveled over a large section of country, and held protracted meetings with feeble churches, and in many places destitute of church organizations. Although remarkably firm and decided in his re- ligious principles, he was free from narrow-mind- edness and bigotry ; was kind, and courteous, and friendly with all denominations, and by all regarded as a pure, upright, consistent Chris- tian.
He was a cheerful supporter of Missions and all advance work of the denomination. In the fall of 1836 he accepted an appointment by the Ind. Bap. General Association, serving as mis- sionary of that body in 1837 and '38, and prob- ably longer, at a salary of $16.6623 per month for services rendered. The other missionaries of the State Association at that time were Elders Zachariah Bush, J. D. Crabbs, Madison Hume,
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and Reuben Coffey, each of whom received similar compensation.
Elder Stott's field for mission work was Jen- nings and adjacent counties. He assisted in collecting and constituting several churches, and his reports for each year were very satisfactory. As long as physical strength permitted, he was regular in his attendance at the house of God; but during the last four or five years of his life he was greatly afflicted, and seldom able to go from home. He bore all with true Christian fortitude, and when at last the summons came, it found him fully prepared and anxious to de- part and be with the Savior. He died on the 14th of April, 1877, in the eighty-ninth year of his age, and in the seventy-seventh of his Chris- tian life.
What a wonderful advancement in the Baptist denomination of the State Father Stott was per- mitted to witness! When he was baptized, the first year of the present century, but little was known of the Northwest Territory. A few set- tlements had been made along the Ohio River in what is now Indiana. There was but one Baptist Church, and it had less than one dozen members, and no resident minister. He lived to see Indiana one of the great States of the Union, embracing in her population 41, 191 Bap-
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tist communicants, organized into 566 churches and 30 Associations, and with 437 ordained ministers. Behold! what hath God wrought!
ELDER JAMES GLOVER. ·
James Glover was born August 14, 1792, in Virginia: While a youth he came with his parents to Kentucky, and resided in that State until about nineteen years of age, when he came to Indiana, locating near Madison.
The Ist day of June, 1813, he married Miss Elizabeth Vawter, daughter of Elder Philemon Vawter. When about twenty-four years of age he was converted, was baptized by Elder Jesse Vawter, and united with Mount Pleasant Church, where, a few years later, he was licensed to preach, in which he engaged to a considerable extent, particularly in the lower part of Jefferson County, bordering on Clark. In 1824, in that vicinity, and largely through his efforts, Eliza- beth Baptist Church was constituted-Brother Glover and wife and six others being the con- stituents-where, in the fall of 1825, he was ordained, and continued a faithful laborer in the vineyard of the Lord to the close of life.
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In 1827, Elder Glover was called to the pas- torate of Elizabeth Church, faithfully sustaining that relation to the time of his death, a period of thirty years. He also preached at many other points in the counties of Jefferson and Clark, as well as on the opposite side of the river, being instrumental in leading many persons to the Savior and in building up weak churches.
The introduction of what was called "Camp- bellism " into the Baptist churches of Southern Indiana, and the consequent discord and division which ensued, particularly during the decade from 1830 to 1840, was a source of great embar- rassment to Elder Glover in his pastoral work; but the firm, consistent adherence to principle on his part, as also of other leading ministers of the denomination, resulted in restoring harmony and concert of action, and in a few years the cause was much stronger than before the time of those severe trials.
In the organization of Coffee Creek Associa- tion, Elder Glover took an active interest, and was ever present at the annual meetings when. not providentially detained. He was also an energetic worker in all branches of Christian. duty, but, as was common with ministers of that day, received but little compensation for services. He and his companion were compelled to labor
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diligently to provide for themselves and five children.
His last appointment to preach was at Kim- berlin Creek, but before the time arrived he was stricken with cholera, and died July 3, 1856, having preached the gospel nearly forty years.
Sister Glover is still living, and furnishes the material for the above sketch. Though now in the eighty-sixth year of her age, she is quite vigorous of mind and body; yet she expects soon to join her companion, with whom she cheerfully struggled through so many years of toil and privation, and with him enjoy that rest which remains to the people of God.
ELDER JOHN B. NEW.
John B. New was born in North Carolina November 7, 1793. While yet in early child- hood, his parents moved to Gallatin County, Ky., where he was reared to manhood. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, and shortly after its close made profession of religion, and united with the Baptist church at New Liberty, in what is now Owen County, retaining membership until some time in 1817, when he came to Indiana. Obtaining work in Madison, he united by letter
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with Mount Pleasant Church, and was there licensed to preach about the year 1822.
Soon after this event, he went to Kentucky and was married. Returning to this State, he located at Vernon, uniting with the Baptist church there, and in the fall of 1825 was "set apart" by ordination. Entering heartily into ministerial duties, he held meetings at many places through Jennings and adjoining counties, and, being a fluent speaker and good singer, his services were in much demand, and he was soon quite a popular preacher.
Vernon Church was a member of Silver Creek Association at that time, and Elder New was a messenger to that body until the organization of Coffee Creek, in the bounds of which he labored quite successfully for a few years. Hav- ing imbibed the principles taught by Alexander Campbell, he ceased to preach Baptist doctrines, and finally united with the Christian Church about the year 1833, holding membership and preaching in that connection up to the time of his death, which occurred January 21, 1872, in the eightieth year of his age.
The dates in the foregoing were furnished by Elder Hickman New, of Vernon, brother of the deceased.
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ELDER JOHN BUSH.
It is thought that Elder John Bush was a native of Kentucky, and was a member of the Baptist Church, and probably an ordained minister, be- fore leaving that State. As early as 1825 he came to Indiana and united with Harbert's Creek Church. He was a messenger from that body to Silver Creek Association in 1826, which is the first time his name is found on the record.
At the organization of Coffee Creek Associa- tion, he was a messenger from Harbert's Creek, and from 1828 to 1832 a messenger from Bear Creek, both churches going with Madison Asso- ciation the year last named. In that body his name appears on the minutes up to 1837, and he was pretty extensively engaged in pastoral work to that date, since which I find no mention of him, except in the Circular Letter of Coffee Creek Association of 1840, written by Elder John Vawter, where the name of John Bush is given as one of the Baptist ministers who had died within the past few years.
ELDER JOHN L. JONES.
Nothing has been learned of the history of Elder John L. Jones prior to the year 1828. At
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that time Ebenezer Church (Jackson County) was received into the Association, Elder Jones being one of the messengers, and it is probable that he had been ordained before coming to Indiana, though this is not known.
He was a man of good intellect and good preaching talent, was actively employed in min . isterial duties, and a prominent man in the Asso- ciation as long as he remained in it. The last time his name appeared on the minutes was in 1832. It was about that time he embraced the doctrines of Campbell, and so ceased to preach in the Baptist denomination. He subsequently united with the "Disciples," and, it is believed, preached for them as long as he lived.
LATER .- The name of Elder Jones was placed with the deceased ministers under the impression that he died many years ago; but I have lately been told that he still lives-his home being with a daughter at Indianapolis-that he is past ninety years of age, and nearly blind and helpless. Of the correctness of the statement I have no knowledge.
ELDER JESSE MILES.
For most of the following I am indebted to Brother Enos Miles, of Mud Lick, Jefferson County.
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Jesse Miles was born in Virginia-time and place not known. When quite young, he came with his parents to Woodford County, Ky., where he resided until nineteen years of age, when he married Miss Sarah Christie and settled on a farm in Shelby County. Not long after this event he and his wife united with a Baptist church called Indian Fork.
Brother Miles was licensed to preach at this church, and subsequently ordained, but the dates are not known. Not long after his ordination, the subject of communing with persons holding slaves so agitated the church that it caused division, Elder Miles, with others, withdrawing. He preached as Freethinker or Independent while he remained in Kentucky, and after com- ing to Indiana, in 1814, he still preached as an Independent for several years.
About the year 1821 he united with the Bap- tist Church at Versailles, and was pastor there and at many other places, very good results attending his ministrations. Versailles united with Coffee Creek Association in 1827 and with Madison in 1832, Elder Miles being a member of the former four years and the latter some twelve or fifteen, in each body occupying a prominent position, and being considered a preacher of good attainments and usefulness.
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Sometime between 1840 and 1850 he moved to Wisconsin, uniting with a Baptist church there, and continuing to preach until the feeble- ness of old age compelled him to desist. He and his wife raised a large family of children, and lived together happy in the enjoyment of each other's society and the affection of relatives and friends to an advanced age, probably about eighty.
ELDER JACOB S. RYKER.
Jacob S. Ryker was one of the early settlers of Jefferson County, coming to this State from Kentucky. He was a member of White River Church, into which connection he had been re- ceived about the year 1820, and where, in 1825, he was licensed to preach.
In the spring of 1826 he moved to the vicinity of Indian Kentucky Church, some eight miles north from Madison, where he became a mem- ber and also pastor. In the fall of the same year he was a messenger to Silver Creek Association, and was a member of the Committee on Division at that session.
In 1829, he removed his membership to Hebron, a church recently constituted, and was there ordained to the ministry of the word in
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1830, and became its pastor. He retained mem- bership at Hebron, according to the best infor- mation I can obtain, to the close of life.
Elder Ryker was a member of Coffee Creek Association four years, and was regarded as a man of piety and consistent Christian deportment, with good preaching talent and good business qualifications. With his church he went into the organization of Madison Association, in the bounds of which he labored until called to join the blood-washed throng of the redeemed.
ELDER JACOB M. COX.
Jacob M. Cox was born in Fayette County, Pa., December 15, 1799. When a youth, he was brought by his parents to Kentucky, where he resided until the fall of 1818 (probably), when he was married, and soon after moved to Jefferson County, Ind. The following winter he united with Mount Pleasant Church, where he received license to preach, either in 1827 or 1828.
In May, 1829, Hopewell Church was consti- tuted, and Brother Cox moved his membership to that point, it being nearer his residence. He was ordained at Hopewell in 1830, and in March
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following called to the pastorate, serving success- fully until he moved from the county, a period of fifteen years. During that time he also held pastoral relations with Bethany, Lick Branch, White River, Mount Moriah, Zion and others, in all of which his services were efficient and productive of good.
In 1845, he moved to Jennings County, and united with Graham Church, Madison Associa- tion, serving as pastor several years; and also at Hopewell, Ripley County; Bethel, New Marion, Otter Creek and Brush Creek, and at Taylorville, Sand Creek Association, continuing to preach until health and strength failed.
During the early years of his ministry, Elder Cox was compelled to labor hard in clearing up a farm in the green woods; and, indeed, with a large family to support, and with but small com- pensation for pastoral services, industry and fru- gality were indispensable; yet in his later years he was placed in very comfortable circumstances. Secular employment, however, was never allowed to interfere with ministerial duties.
In visiting the sick and afflicted ; in comforting the bereaved; in rendering the last sad duties to the departed, and in ministering to the needs of all classes, Elder Cox was the peer of any other. As he lived, so he died-an humble, faithful
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follower of Jesus; loved and respected by all, and at peace with God and all mankind.
He died on Sunday morning, September 15, 1867, aged nearly sixty-eight years. The follow- ing day he was buried in Graham Cemetery, funeral services being conducted by Elder F. D. Bland. Remarks were also made by Elders W. T. Stott, Thomas Hill, R. Wilson, - Griggs and J. S. Reed.
ELDER LAWSON STEPHENSON.
Lawson Stephenson was licensed to preach by the Bethel Baptist Church in 1828, and ordained at Liberty Church (Jefferson County) in 1831. In that year, and the year following, he was a messenger to the Association, after which, with his church, he went into the organization of Madison Association, and his name is not again on our Minutes.
I have not been able to learn anything of his early history, nor anything in regard to his min- isterial labors later than 1832, only that he sup- plied several churches; that he was a man of excellent character; that he was beloved in the community, and that he continued to preach until the time of his death, which occurred about the year 1838.
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ELDER ZACHARIAH BUSH.
Zachariah Bush was a native of Kentucky, where he was born about the year 1794-locality not known. He came to Indiana as early, probably, as 1820, and settled on Slate Creek, Jennings County, where he opened up a farm. Before leaving Kentucky, he had married a very estimable young lady; and a few years after coming to this State, both united with Coffee Creek Church, being from the first noted as very humble, consistent Christians.
Brother Bush was licensed at Coffee Creek in 1831, and ordained in March, 1832. He zealous- ly pursued his ministerial calling; and, although uneducated, was a man of good natural ability; was a pleasant speaker; was highly gifted in exhortation; was a splendid singer, and had rare qualifications for pioneer work.
About the year 1836 or '37 he moved to Scott County, and united with Friendship Church. At that time he was employed as missionary by the General Association of Indiana, and was very successful in his work in Scott and adjacent counties. He also did considerable pastoral work; his time being fully occupied in the du- ties pertaining to the ministry.
He died on the 18th of September, 1841, aged about forty-seven years. Although an or-
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dained minister less than ten years, he had be- come well and favorably known throughout this section, and his death was a great loss to the denomination. Two days after the decease of Elder Bush, his wife followed him to the spirit- land. They had lived happily together, and their pure Christian deportment had won for them the love and good will of all the followers of the Lamb, wherever they were known.
ELDER JOHN R. TINDER.
The name of John R. Tinder appears on the Minutes of Coffee Creek Association for the first time in 1832, when he came as an ordained min- ister and messenger from Ebenezer Church, Jack- son County. In 1834 he was a messenger from Union-that being the last time he was present as a messenger. In 1836, mainly through his in- fluence, four churches united in forming Browns- town Association ; and he was its Moderator and leading minister many years.
Elder Tinder was a man of much more than common intelligence and influence in his day. When young in the ministry, he embraced anti- mission sentiments and was a leader in the cause. Indeed, he appears to have been a "born ruler,"
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and his tact for organizing and leading was sur- passed by none in this vicinity. He was honest in his convictions, and only opposed "men- made" societies because he believed them to be opposed to the teachings of the Bible. In his later years, however, he saw differently, and was hearty in the support of all denominational enterprises. As a preacher he was quite popular -having a good command of language, an im- pressive manner of delivery, and the power of controlling the emotions of his auditors in an eminent degree.
John R. Tinder was a son of James Tinder, who was a licentiate, and member of Ebenezer Church. It is thought they came from Ohio, but the early history or close of life of either one is not known.
ELDER JOSEPH HANKINS.
At the sixth session of the Association, in 1832, Elder Joseph Hankins was a messenger from Milton Church, in Jefferson County. He was a member of the Committee on Division of that year, and his church was one that was dis- missed to form Madison Association; conse- quently, he was a member of Coffee Creek As-
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sociation but one session. I have not been able to learn anything of his history, either before or after the date named.
ELDER JESSE W. ROBINSON.
The parents of Jesse W. Robinson immigrated from Kentucky about 1820, and located in the western part of Jennings County, Ind .- Jesse at that time being some twelve or fifteen years of age. When about twenty-four years old he was united in marriage with Miss Nancy Scott, and not long after, was baptized and received into the fellowship of Coffee Creek Church, his wife being already a member.
He was subsequently licensed to preach at Coffee Creek, and ordained to the ministry in 1837, the ordination of John Hill occurring at the same time. Elder Robinson enlisted active- ly in ministerial duties, and, though uneducated, was quite a popular preacher. He remained in the Association but a few years-as he moved to Jackson County; but continued in the minis- try through life. It was largely through his ef- forts that Liberty Association was organized in 1847; and he was a leading man in that body, and prominent in all denominational work in that vicinity. He died during the war, probably
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in 1863 or '64-his wife and several children surviving him.
ELDER JOHN HILL.
John Hill was born in Henry County, Va., November 2, 1787. When a youth, he went with his parents to Tennessee; thence to Ken- tucky, where they located in Pulaski County. In 1805 he married the daughter of Malachi Cooper, a Baptist preacher of the vicinity.
A few years after marriage they united with the Sinking Creek Baptist Church, retaining their membership several years, when they were dismissed by letter and moved to Montgomery County, Ala., uniting with a church there.
Brother Hill was subsequently licensed to preach, but the name of the church and date of license are not known. He remained in Alabama several years, and engaged to a con- siderable extent in preaching. During his so- journ there, his father's family had removed to Jennings County, Ind. In the course of a few years he made them a visit, and purchased a farm, bringing his family to it soon after. He united with Coffee Creek Church (his father be- ing pastor), where he took an active part in all church-work, and frequently preached there and
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at other points. In August, 1837, he was "set apart" to the ministry by ordination.
Not long after his ordination, he removed to Clinton County, Ind., and there located perma- nently. He actively engaged in the ministry of the word, and his pastorates extended to many churches, and embraced a large scope of coun- try. He was a man of good preaching talent; of unblemished Christian character; of fine so- cial qualities. His services were in great demand, and highly appreciated both by the church and community.
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