USA > Indiana > History of Coffee Creek Baptist Association, (Southern Indiana): an account of present churches, and biographical sketches of its ministers > Part 9
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In 1847 his wife was removed by death, and was buried in the Sugar Creek Cemetery, near their home. She had been a faithful and beloved companion for forty-two years, and the blow to him was severe; yet he still continued in his ministerial work as before. He was subsequent- ly married to a very estimable lady, but lived with her but a very few years, as he too was summoned home on the 6th day of April, 1852, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. His companion survives him, and is now Mrs. Rowland, of North Vernon, relict of Thomas Rowland, deceased.
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ELDER CHARLES SNOWDEN.
The place of nativity and early history of Charles Snowden have not been ascertained, but it is believed that he came to this State from Kentucky as early as 1825. He located in Jen- nings County, and engaged in clearing up a farm. Not long after his arrival he united with Coffee Creek Church.
About the year 1834 he was licensed to preach, and in January, 1838, was ordained. He preached regularly at school-houses and private dwellings for some years, but it is not known that he ever engaged in pastoral duties.
Elder Snowden was considered to be an ex- emplary Christian, and was much respected as a citizen and neighbor. He was able in exhorta- tion and highly gifted in prayer, and his minis- terial labors were well received and productive of good, but as a preacher he never attained eminence. He remained in this vicinity but a few years, removing to Scipio, in Sand Creek Association, where he died.
ELDER ELIJAH SOMMERS.
Elijah Sommers was born about the year 1764. It is not known at what time he united with the
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church or when he was ordained, but in the early years of the present century he was a prom- inent revivalist of the Baptist denomination in Kentucky, and continued his labors as an evan- gelist many years, holding meetings in the bounds of several associations with very great success.
When an old man he came to Jefferson County, Ind., and united with Bethel Baptist Church. This church (afterward called Mount Gilead) united with Coffee Creek Association in 1839, Elder Sommers being one of her messengers. He was regular in his attendance at the anni- versaries for five years, and, though quite old, was vigorous, being prominent in all associational duties. He was an able, earnest speaker, ex- hibiting the zeal and energy of a young man, and was recognized as a minister of deep piety and more than ordinary ability. He died in March, 1844, aged about eighty years.
ELDER SAMUEL M. STORY.
Samuel M. Story was born near Rochester, N. Y., about the commencement of the present century, in which locality he resided up to the years of manhood, and where he received a liberal English education. He was a Baptist,
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and was probably licensed to preach before leav- ing his native State.
He removed to Vermont, where he soon en- gaged in preaching, and in the course of two or three years was ordained-time and place not known-and labored regularly in the ministry until he moved West.
He located on Six Mile Creek near Hardin- burg, Jennings County, Ind., about 1840, and soon afterward placed his letter in Coffee Creek Church, where he remained a member probably ten years. He devoted a large portion of his time to ministerial duties, and was counted one of the most able preachers of the denomination in that day as long as he remained in the work. Not long after the death of his wife, which oc- curred about 1852, he left the ministry, but continued to reside in the county to the time of his death in 1865.
ELDER JOHN CHAMBERS.
John Chambers was born in Shelbyville, Ky., June 5, 1800. At the age of nine years he came with his parents to Indiana, where they located on White River, Jefferson County. He resided with his parents, and assisted in clearing up and cultivating the farm until about twenty-four years
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of age, when he was married, and, purchasing land, opened up a farm for himself.
He professed faith in the Savior, was baptized by Elder Thomas Hill, Jr., and united with White River Church March 3, 1834. From the first he was an exemplary Christian, and had the entire confidence of his brethren in the church, which he retained through life. He was licensed to preach at White River in 1841, and ordained in 1842. From that time he devoted all his time to the ministry, except so much as was absolutely necessary to provide a living for his family, but little compensation ever being re-
ceived for pastoral services. His ministerial labors were principally in the bounds of Coffee Creek Association, though many times they extended into those of Madison, Brownstown and Bethel.
Elder Chambers was not a brilliant preacher, but was a man of good intellect, and his sermons were practical and earnest, coming from the heart and reaching the hearts of his hearers. He was sound in doctrine, was a safe counselor and ever a beloved pastor. A pastorate of more than twenty-five years at his home church, of seventeen years at New Bethel, and many years at other points, proves with what love and esteem he was held by his brethren. His moral stand-
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ing and integrity were also appreciated by the community, as evidenced by his being chosen to serve many times as Justice of the Peace, Township Trustee, County Commissioner, Coun- ty Treasurer and member of the State Legisla- ture. While filling these civil offices, however, he never lost sight of the fact that he was an Embassador for Christ, which he considered the highest calling conferred on man.
Soon after the adjournment of the forty-eighth session of the Association, in 1874-of which he was Moderator, and which position he had before several times filled-Elder Chambers was stricken with paralysis, and was a great sufferer. from that time until called home, a period of nearly eight years. For a number of months before death he was as helpless as an infant. His only anxiety expressed, when conscious, was that the summons might come and he be at rest. He died the 5th of August, 1882, aged eighty-two years and two months. He had re- sided in Jefferson County seventy-three years; was a member of White River Church forty- eight years, and a minister forty-one years.
Brother Chambers left no family. He had been twice married, but both wives preceded him to the grave. His only child, a daughter of his first wife, died in early girlhood.
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ELDER JAMES B. SWINCHER. .
James B. Swincher was born in Frankfort, Ky., October 29, 1803, and died at Vernon, Ind., September 9, 1879; consequently was a little less than seventy-six years old.
He came when a lad with his parents to Jefferson County, and resided with them, assist ing his father in opening and cultivating a farm, until twenty-one years of age, when he married and commenced farming for himself in the im- mediate vicinity. Bethany Church was consti- tuted at his father's house in 1838, and not long after the subject of this sketch was received into membership by experience and baptism. He soon took part in social meetings, and erelong engaged earnestly in exhorting sinners to em- brace the Savior, and accept salvation on the terms of the gospel.
In January, 1842, the church recognized his talent by granting him license to preach, and in the fall of the same year he was ordained to the ministry and immediately called to the pastorate, in which relation he continued until his removal to Vernon, a period of sixteen years. He also held pastorates with many other churches, usu- ally having the care of three or four at the same time, and was quite successful in his work. He was, for a number of years, Clerk of the Asso-
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ciation, and always manifested a deep interest in its proceedings, and in all other branches of Christian duty.
After moving to Vernon he actively pursued his ministerial calling, preaching extensively in the bounds of Madison Association, and still continuing pastoral relations with several churches in his old neighborhood. As a general rule his pastorates were long and attended with success.
With a fair education and a willingness to cheerfully do his full share in all departments of church work, he held a prominent position in the denomination, and was always reliable. In all business transactions he was prompt; in all his appointments, punctual; of even temper, never being highly elated or unduly depressed, he ever manifested, what in reality he was, a true Christian gentleman.
Elder Swincher was three times married. His last wife, formerly Miss Ward, and a son of his second wife are all the family he left.
ELDER WM. P. NEWMAN.
Of the early history of Wm. P. Newman nothing is known. In 1844, Second Madison (colored) returned him as an Elder, and he was
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at the Association that year, but his name is not again on the record. Second Madison was represented at the sessions of 1845 and 1846, since which time no record of the church is found, and nothing can be learned either of the church or Elder Newman.
ELDER JOHN REECE.
John Reece came from Kentucky to Jefferson County, Ind., at an early day. About the year 1835 he was converted and became a member of White River Church, where he was licensed in 1839, and "fully set apart to the ministry by ordination" in 1846. He engaged in the work to a considerable extent, holding meetings at various places in the bounds of the Association for some five or six years, but it is not known that he ever had special charge of any church as pastor.
In the spring of 1852 he started with his fam- ily for Texas, but, before reaching the place of his destination, he was attacked with malarial fever, and died on Red River among strangers March 14, 1852.
But little has been learned of his personal history or ministerial labors, yet I am assured that he was a man of piety and true moral
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worth, beloved and respected by his brethren and neighbors.
ELDER TIMOTHY B. LEWIS.
Timothy B. Lewis was born in the year 1819, in Steuben County, N. Y. In 1820 he was brought by his parents to Indiana, where they located on Slate Creek, in the southern part of Jennings County. Here Timothy was reared to manhood, assisting his father in farming. When about twenty-two years of age he married, and bought land about three miles from the home- stead, again engaging in clearing up land for a farm.
Being raised by pious parents, and being a remarkably moral and steady young man, he early gave his heart to the Savior. He united with Coffee Creek Church, where, a few years later, he was licensed to preach, which he did to a considerable extent in destitute localities, par- ticularly in the southwestern part of Jennings County, and in Jackson and Scott.
In April, 1849, First Marion Church was con- stituted at a school-house near his residence-he and his wife being of the constituents. Brother Lewis had been preaching at the school-house for some time, and immediately after the consti-
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tution, was called to the pastorate. In August, of the same year, he was ordained as a "minis- ter of the Baptist Church of Christ." He was pastor at First Marion altogether about nine years, and also had the care of several other churches, being actively engaged in the ministry as long as he remained in the State.
In 1865 he sold his farm and moved to Riley County, Kan. - purchasing a farm in the vicinity of Manhattan-where he diligently pursued his ministerial calling, serving as pastor with severa churches, and continuing in the work until a few weeks before his death, which occurred in 1877. His wife and several children were left bereaved.
Brother Lewis was not a scholar, was not an orator, was not counted as a very able preacher yet he was ever regarded as one of our best and most efficient pastors. His undoubted piety his zeal in the cause of Christ; his love for the Master and for the souls of the perishing ; his truly Christian character, and his untiring efforts to do good, were universally acknowledged; and it may be safely said, no one in all this commu nity held a warmer place in the hearts of his fellow-men than did Timothy B. Lewis.
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ELDER WILLIAM BUSSEY.
William Bussey located in Scott County, Ind., probably as early as 1835. I have been told that he was a native of New York, but know nothing definite of his early history. He had an older brother, Amos, who was a Methodist preacher in this vicinity for many years. Will- iam at first belonged to that denomination, and was, I think, a local preacher.
About 1848 or'50 he left that connection and united with the Liberty Baptist Church, where he was ordained in 1854. He heartily enlisted in ministerial duties, and for many years did regular pastoral work, preaching at times for many of the churches in the southern part of the Association, and some in the bounds of Brownstown. His services were well received, and in some cases were quite successful. His last pastorates were at Kimberlin Creek and Hebron, in 1867, not long after which he left the ministry. He died in the early part of 1881, leaving a wife, but I do not know whether there were any children.
ELDER A. WARD.
The first account I have of Elder A. Ward he was a messenger to the Association in 1856,
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coming from White River Church. He retained his membership there, and was regular in his attendance at the anniversaries until 1862; but I find no account of his being engaged in pas- toral work at any time.
In the spring of 1863 he moved to Missouri -place not known. Neither is it known whether he engaged in ministerial duties there, or whether he is yet living.
ELDER WILLIAM A. CHAMBERS.
Being personally acquainted with many rela- tives and friends of Elder William A. Chambers, I anticipated no difficulty in securing his full history. For some cause, however, repeated letters have elicited no response, and I must rely on my own knowledge of the man for a brief sketch.
Wm. A. Chambers was born near Kent, in Jefferson County, Ind., and when a young man professed religion, was baptized and admitted to membership in White River Church, retaining the connection to the close of his life. In 1861 he was licensed to preach; in 1866, ordained; and in July, 1867, while preaching at his home church, fell from the pulpit-DEAD.
Brother Chambers resided on a farm, but his
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main business for several years had been school- teaching, in which profession he was a success. With a good intellect and a good education; with clear and quick perceptions; being "apt to teach," and having rare social qualities, he was deservedly popular. As a preacher he bid fair to take high rank. While a licentiate, he had pastoral care of several churches, and at the time of his death was serving three or four. He was recognized as a rising man, and his sudden death was a great shock to the denomination as well as the community.
Brother Chambers left a wife (daughter of Wm. Buxton, and now wife of Deacon John H. Conway, of Crawford County), and, I think, two or three children.
"And I heard a voice from heaven, saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth : Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."-Rev. xiv. 13.
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CLASS SECOND -- MINISTERS NOW LIVING.
ELDER WM. B. LEWIS.
THE oldest minister now in the Association is Wm. B. Lewis, of Cana, Jennings County. He was born in Steuben County (now Yates), New York, November 15, 1816. At the age of four years he came with his parents to Indiana, and has resided in the same vicinity ever since.
His parents were Baptists and exemplary Christians. The early religious training of a mother who was particularly noted for her piety and Christian zeal caused him, when quite young, to think seriously of his need of pardoning mercy, yet he did not openly confess Christ until about twenty-one years of age. At that time he made a profession of religion, was bap- tized by Elder Thomas Hill, Jr., and received into the fellowship of Coffee Creek Church, where he continues to hold membership.
Not long after he united with the church his mind was drawn to the importance of preaching the gospel, and he commenced to publicly ex-
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hort his fellow-men to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. In 1843, Coffee Creek Church granted him license to preach, and in 1848 he was ordained.
From that time forward Elder Lewis devoted a large portion of his time to ministerial work, though, in common with other preachers of his day in Southern Indiana, he was compelled to engage to a considerable extent in secular em- ployment to support his family. He probably never received as much as $100 in any one year for ministerial services, except when in the em- ploy of the General Association.
His pastorates have extended over a large section of country, he having labored in the bounds of Bethel, Madison, Brownstown and Coffee Creek Associations. For some. years past he has not been in regular pastoral work on account of failing health, yet still preaches in neighboring churches and school-houses when able to do so. His disease being paralysis and nervous debility, he can seldom go from home, and, of course, can not expect ever again to en- gage in active ministerial work.
Elder Lewis could not be styled eloquent nor a fluent speaker, yet his sermons were sound, were well prepared, and exhibited a depth of thought and a thorough understanding of the
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Scriptures rarely surpassed by any preacher of this vicinity.
He was not quick to arrive at conclusions, his mind requiring time to look at the subject in all its bearings, but when convinced of the correct- ness of any principle, it became a fixed fact-a part of himself-never to be abandoned. His early espousal of anti-slavery and temperance principles rendered him unpopular in some local- ities, yet he never swerved from what he deemed to be his duty, but boldly advocated his princi- ples whenever the occasion demanded it. He was Moderator of the Association at the sessions of 1875 and 1876, since which he has not been present at the anniversaries.
Elder Lewis was married in 1835. His wife is still living, as are a son and three daughters.
ELDER WM. Y. MONROE.
Wm. Y. Monroe is a native of Oldham Coun- ty, Ky., where he was born April 3, 1824. When a youth he came with his parents to Scott County, Ind., where he resided until some years after his ordination.
In 1842, he made a public profession of faith in Christ and united with the Methodist Protest-
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ant Church, in which connection he remained a member until December, 1849. At that time, his views on baptism and church polity having been changed, he united with the Liberty Bap- tist Church, and was immediately licensed to preach, delivering his first sermon the evening of the same day.
In December, 1850, Brother Monroe was fully set apart at Liberty Church, by ordination, to the work of the gospel ministry, and from that time has devoted his life mainly to the responsi- ble duty of preaching the word. Several of the first years of his ministry were devoted to the domestic mission work of the Association, preaching in destitute localities, his labors being crowned with good results. After four or five years of this service, he resigned in order to devote all his time to pastoral duties, in which also his labors have been greatly blessed.
While in connection with Coffee Creek Asso- ciation, he was for several years Clerk of that body, and was ever an active, influential mem- ber; and when, in 1858, he removed to the Madison Association, it was cause of deep regret to his brethren and friends where he had labored. He located at North Madison, and was imme- diately called to the pastorate of the church there for half time, which relation he has sustained for a period of twenty-five years.
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During the Rebellion Elder Monroe raised a company for the 82d Ind. Vol. Infantry, going out with them as Captain. After his return he was twice elected Treasurer of Jefferson County, in which position he maintained the character of the pure public officer and true Christian
ยท gentleman. His pastoral relations at North Madison were continued while attending to his official duties as Treasurer, and he also preached at other points as opportunity presented. Since that time he has been fully engaged in ministerial work, often attending churches from forty to sixty miles distant, and sometimes much farther.
Possessing fine social qualities, being a fluent and easy speaker, sound and reliable in Bible doctrine, and an indefatigable worker, ever man- ifesting a deep interest in all Christian work, he is justly regarded as one of the most successful pastors in Southern Indiana. He has for years been the efficient Moderator of Madison Asso- ciation, a Director of the Indiana Baptist State Convention, and an active participator in all advance movements of the denomination. His failing health has for several years been cause of deep solicitude on the part of his numerous friends, and especially so as they realize that he is constantly overworked.
Elder Monroe buried his first wife shortly
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after the close of the war. He subsequently married Miss Julia Williams, of Lancaster. His Post-office address is North Madison, Ind.
ELDER WM. H. LAWRENCE.
Wm. H. Lawrence was born in Clark County, Ind., in 1821. When nine years old his parents moved to Jennings County, locating about six miles south from Vernon. Here, at the age of nineteen, he united with Mount Moriah Church, of which he continued a member until the church disbanded, when he united with Coffee Creek, holding membership there until the spring of 1882.
Brother Lawrence was licensed to preach by Mount Moriah Church in 1857, and in August, 1860, was there ordained to the ministry, in which calling he labored to a considerable extent for several years, mostly preaching in destitute localities, though sometimes employed in regular pastoral work.
For several years past he has not been in the ministry, devoting his time to farming when able to attend to business. At the organization of Commiskey Church in April, 1882, Brother Lawrence was a constituent member and one of the principal movers in the enterprise, and,
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though in feeble health, manifests a good degree of interest in the cause.
The first wife of Brother Lawrence died some four years ago. He has recently married Mrs. J. C. Coryea, of Jefferson County. His Post- office is Commiskey, Jennings County, Ind.
ELDER GEORGE L. MERCER.
George L. Mercer was born in Spencer Coun- ty, Ky., April 15, 1827, and came to Scott County, Ind., in 1845. In June, 1846, he vol- unteered in the United States Army, and served one year in the Mexican War, participating in several engagements, particularly the terrible battle of Buena Vista, February 22 and 23, 1847.
Returning from Mexico, he resumed the pro- fession of school-teaching, which has been his principal employment for thirty-seven years. In August, 1849, he married Miss Catharine A. Ringo, who died in 1855, and soon after he went back to Kentucky. While there, in December, 1857, he married Miss Nancy G. Wells, and returning, located near Vienna, Scott County, which is his Post-office.
He was converted in 1849, but did not make a public profession until September, 1851, when
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he united with Kimberlin Creek Church, where he still holds membership, and where, in 1860, he was licensed to preach. In October, 1861, he was ordained, and has held pastorates at Vienna, seven years; Centerville, four years; Bethel, two years, and assistant at Kimberlin, two years. Besides these he has done consid- erable mission work in destitute localities, and has assisted in constituting two churches in his field of labor.
Elder Mercer has been in feeble health for four or five years past, but has recently been engaged in two or three protracted meetings with good results.
ELDER W. J. BUCHANAN.
W. J. Buchanan was born in Hendricks Coun- ty, Ind., May 21, 1839. He was converted and united with the Clayton Baptist Church, same county, December 10, 1858, and was there licensed to preach in May, 1860.
Not long after this event he moved to Jeffer- son County, and, uniting with Zoar Church, became its pastor, where he was ordained to the ministry in 1862. He served as pastor at Zoar in all six years, and was also pastor at Elizabeth in 1864, 1865 and 1866; at Hebron in 1866, and
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at New Bethel in 1867, in the fall of that year returning to Hendricks County and locating at Belleville, where he still resides.
Since leaving our Association Elder Buchanan has been actively engaged in the ministry, and, although nearly blind for the past eighteen months-not being able to read-he still esteems it his highest privilege and delight to preach Christ, the way, the truth and the life.
The first wife of Brother Buchanan died Feb- ruary 22, 1875, leaving three children. He is now living with a second wife and has one child.
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