USA > Indiana > Knox County > History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present; with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. ; together with an extended history of the colonial days of Vincennes, and its progress down to the formation of the state government > Part 26
USA > Indiana > Daviess County > History of Knox and Daviess Counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present; with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. ; together with an extended history of the colonial days of Vincennes, and its progress down to the formation of the state government > Part 26
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JOHNSON TOWNSHIP SCHOOLS.
The first schoolhouse in Johnson was the old "Township House of Learning and Worship," built in 1820. This stood on the land then belonging to St. Clair Minor. The patrons of this school were the Catts, Peas, Minors, Mails, Glasses, Edwardses, Purcells and others. This house was used until a comparatively recent date for the purpose indicated in its name. The earlier teachers were Rev. Benjamin Hall and a Mr. Martin. Hall had a wide reputation both as teacher and minister, and his death was of comparatively recent date. The teachers following these were Mace Wallace, a well-known teacher, Garret Cochran, two of the Wheelers and a man named Webb. The names of others have passed with the individuals. Though not the first to take advan- tage of the school system, it is believed the schools of Johnson equal any in the county as there are now eleven schoolhouses in the township, and twelve teachers are employed with an average length of term of nearly eight months. Deckertown in this township has a graded school. The building was erected in 1877 and is a two-story frame structure of three rooms. Only two of · the school rooms have been occupied heretofore, but in the future the three will be required.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
CHAPTER XII.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF THE COUNTY-A CONNECTED ACCOUNT OF THE VARIOUS CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS; THEIRO RIGIN, MEMBERS, MINIS- TERS, BUILDINGS, REVIVALS, CAMP-MEETINGS, AND GENERAL PROG- RESS, TOGETHER WITH MUCH OTHER MATTER OF PUBLIC INTEREST.
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL.
THE history of the Catholic Church of Vincennes, in the early years of its existence, is almost a history of Vincennes itself. The history really begins with Father Marquette and other Jesuit missionaries, who went forth with wonderful zeal for their relig- ion and fidelity for their king. Since 1748 the history is a mat- ter of record, yet some very authentic history exists before that date. Father Marest, in a letter dated Kaskaskia, November 9, 1712, says: "The French having lately established a post on the Wabash, demanded a missionary, and Father Mermet was sent them." True to the instincts of his teaching he labored zeal- ously with the French and their neighbors, the Indians. His efforts were particularly directed to the Mascoutins in trying to teach them the worship of the true Manitou. Father Mermet died at Kaskaskia. It is supposed that Father Senat was pastor at Vin- cennes about 1736. He accompanied an expedition under Francis Morgan de Vinsenné and Dartaquette against the Chickasaws, and perished along with his companions. The second record bears date April 21, 1749, and is signed by the Jesuit Father, Sabastian Louis Menrin, and records the marriage of Julien Trat- tier, of Montreal, Canada, and Josette Marie, the daughter of a Frenchman and an Indian woman. The following record of bap- tism is made on June 25, 1749:
I baptised John Baptiste, son of Peter Siapichagane and of Catharine Mekieve; Francis Filatraux was god-father, and Mary Mikitchenseire was god- SABAST. LOU. MEURIN.
mother.
The certificates are also signed by M. de St. Ange, "Lieuten- ant of Marines and Commandant for the King at Post Vincennes."
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
In December, Madame Trattier, whose marriage was before men- tioned, died and was buried in the church "under her pew on the Gospel side." The last recorded official act of Father Meurin was the burial of the wife of a corporal in the garrison, March 17, 1753. Father Meurin was called to a broader field, and was succeeded at Vincennes by the Jesuit Father, Louis Vivier, from 1753-56. His first record was a marriage, May 20, 1753, and on the 24th the burial of Pierre Leonardy, lieutenant of the garrison; his last was. August 28, 1756. Half of the records are of "red or In- dian slaves " belonging to the commandant and to the inhabitants. The last Jesuit missionary at Vincennes was Father Julien Du Vernay, from 1756-63. In the interval from 1763-70, Phili- bert dit Orleans, a notary public, kept the records. In 1770 the Very Rev. Pierre Gibbault arrived in Vincennes, where he re- mained at intervals till 1770. On his arrival at Vincennes he es- timated the population at 700 or 800. Col. Clark met Father Gibbault at Kaskaskia and explained his intention of capturing Vincennes, and sent him back to use his influence with the French for the American cause. The people were assembled in the church and the matter explained by Father Gibbault, when they, en masse, took the oath of allegiance to Virginia and chose Capt. Helm com- mandant of the post, from which the cross of St. George was hauled down and the stars and stripes unfurled to the breeze. Gov. Hamilton took possession again in a short time in the name of the British king, but it was again retaken by Clark's heroic band Feb- ruary 25, 1779. During the interval from 1775-84 Philibert again performed the duties as done heretofore. In 1784 Father Gibbault again visited Vincennes, accompanied by Rev. M. Paget, who invalidated the work done by Philibert. In May Gibbault again took up his residence in Vincennes. A church was in ex- istence at Vincennes as early as 1750, as Father Meurin records the burial of Madame Trattier in that year, in the church, "under her pew on the Gospel side." Father Gibbault says, in 1784, a new church had been built, 90x42 feet, and he had adopted the old one as a parsonage. At this time English names appear on the register. In July, 1786, for the first time a man was buried who had been murdered by the Indians. In 1789, Father Gibbault installed Pierre Mallet, a layman, as guardian
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
of the church until the arrival of Rev. M. Flaget, in 1792. Father Flaget found the church in Vincennes in a sad con- dition. The building was poor, open and neglected; the altar, a temporary structure, was of boards, and badly put together. He found the congregation in a worse fix even than the church. Out of nearly 700 but twelve could be induced to approach holy com- munion during Christmas festivities. He labored zealously among the French, who, he says, were intermarried with the Indians, and had contracted many of their savage habits, and were more careless than the Indians. Rev. Flaget, after a brief interval, was succeeded by Father Levadoux, sent at the request of Col. Vigo; was succeeded by Rev. John Francis Rivet.
He was particularly zealous among the Indians. Many mar- riages and baptisms among the Indians were recorded by him, the greater number being among the Pottawattomies. There were also many among the tribes of Miamis, Shawanees, Charaguis, Piankeshaws, Weas, Sioux and Kaskaskias. The first record was the marriage of a Pottawattomie to a Shawnee. He mentions with praise "the old praying man," Louis, a converted chief, who died at their encampment on White River. Father Rivet died January 31, 1804, the only one of thirty up to 1834 who died at that place. The tenth in order was Rev. Donatian Olivier, in 1805, who was succeeded in 1806 by Father Nerinckz for a short time, and he by Father Urban Guillet, a monk, in 1808; in 1809 he was succeeded by Father Olivier. In 1810 came Father Etienne Theodore Badin; in 1813 Father Olivier, and in 1814 Bishop Flaget paid two visits to Vincennes, and the same year Rev. G. J. Chabat had charge. In 1817 Father Rosati was called; in 1818 Rev. Father Acquaroni, and in the same year Rev. Anthony Blanc, followed by Father Jeaujean. In 1819 Rev. A. Ferrari; 1820, Rev. M. Dakman; 1821, Rev. Richard; 1823, Rev. Father Champomier; 1826, Father Durbin; 1827, Father Abell, Father Fouché; 1830, Father Timon; 1831, Fathers Picot and Reynolds; 1833, Rev. S. P. Lalumire and Father Petit; 1834, Bishop Bute. In 1836, Rev. G. de la Harlandiere till 1839; Rev. Aug. Martin until 1843; Rev. T. Courjault until 1846, and Rev. Ernest Audran until 1870. Rev. John Contin had charge till 1876, when Rev. John Gueguen succeeded him, who had for his as-
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HISTORY.OF KNOX COUNTY.
sistants Revs. Mousset and Oster respectively. Rev. Hugh Peyth- ien was the next in order, assisted by Rev. Oster at first, and after- ward by Rev. Thomas Mclaughlin. This congregation numbers about 250 families. On its grounds are the church, library and episcopal residence. Faux Chenal and St. Rose are attended from Vincennes. A large brick schoolhouse stands near the ca- thedral, which is used as a boys' school, and is taught by the Brothers of the Holy Cross. The girls have been taught by the Sisters of Providence since their arrival in the diocese. The attendance of the two schools is about 200.
BISHOPS.
The see of Vincennes was erected in 1834, and the Rt. Rev. Simon G. W. Bunti was made its first bishop, and performed the work of that office faithfully until his death in June, 1839. Rt. Rev. Celestine Rene Lawrence Guynemer de la Hailandiere became the second bishop of the diocese of Vincennes in 1839, and remained in that office till his resignation in 1847. John Stephen Bazin was consecrated bishop of Vincennes October 24, 1847, but died April 23, 1848. Rt. Rev. James M. Maurice de Long d'Aussac de St. Palais was administrator of the diocese from the death of Bishop Bazin, April 23, 1848, till his consecration January 14, 1849. His death occurred June 28, 1877. Rt. Rev. Francis Silas Chatard was duly installed bishop August 11, 1878. Since his installation the residence of the bishop has been at Indianapolis instead of Vincennes.
CHURCH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST.
Previous to 1851 the German Catholics worshiped at the cathedral, with occasional services in German. In 1846 Rev. Charles Oppermann attended them, and in 1847 Rev. Conrad Schneiderjans, with their residence at the cathedral. In 1851 Rev. Nicholas Stauber built the first church, a portion of the present church, of brick, 80x40 feet. After Stauber came Rev. Leonard Brandt, who had charge till 1856. The first resident priest was William Engeln, who remained till 1853. The first pastor, Rev. Aegidius Joseph Merz, took charge in September 1863. In 1866 he removed the sanctuary and enlarged the build-
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
ing in the form of a cross. It is now 154x40 feet, and has a transept 80x40 feet. The congregation numbers about 350 families. The grounds and buildings are considered among the finest in the diocese. Their erection and completion are largely due to the present pastor, Rev. Merz. The first school was opened in 1851, and taught in private houses for several years. In 1856 a small one-story brick house was erected on the present church property. In 1873 Father Merz had this removed, and erected in its stead the present spacious two-story building. The school is taught by a layman and four Sisters of Providence. The attend- ance is about 300 children.
THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF VINCENNES.
This church was organized by Rev. Samuel B. Robertson, of Kentucky, in 1806, a short distance in the country. The Rev. Samuel T. Scott was the first pastor. He began his work in 1807. Preaching in Vincennes was either in private houses or in the old court house at the corner of Third and Buntin Streets. Member- ship was held either with the upper or lower congregation until 1833, when the number of members in Vincennes was deemed sufficient for a separate organization. To the Rev. Scott is due the credit of establishing the Presbyterian Church in Vincennes and Knox County. Rev. Scott continued his work with the church till his death in 1827, and was succeeded by his son-in-law, Rev. S. R. Alexander, who continued to preach in Indiana until within a few years past. Rev. Scott was an intimate friend of Gen. Harrison and Col. Vigo, the wife of the latter being a member of the church. On January 5, 1833, the following persons were or- ganized into a church at Vincennes: John Buner, Samuel Harris, Lydia Harris, Samuel Smith, James Kuykendall, Sarah Hay, Patsey Hill, Elizabeth Decker, Mrs. Shaddock, John McGriffin, Elizabeth Wyant, Minerva Roseman, Andrew Graham, Mrs. Gra- ham, Elizabeth Graham, Jane Suler, Mrs. Driatt, Francis Bruner, Joseph Maddox, Mary Small, Elizabeth Smith, Catherine Kuy- kendall, J. D. Hay, R. Dooley, Elizabeth McCall, William R. Mc- Call, John C. Holland, Elias Budle, Hannah Wise, Mrs. Lucree and Mrs. Nycewonger. A considerable amount of funds was raised in the East for the erection of the new church. This was
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
done through the influence of Revs. Alexander and Hawley. A brick church was erected at the corner of Fifth and Busseron Streets, 40x60 feet. The first pastor of this church was Rev. W. W. Martin, who remained from January, 1833, till 1835; others have been John McNarr, 1835-36; Thomas Alexander, 1836- 47; John F. Smith, 1847-56; John W. Blythe, 1856-58; J. F. Jennison, 1859-60; Eli B. Smith, 1861-66; John F. Hendy, 1868-72. On April 20, 1872, there occurred a division in the church, and eighty-seven members withdrew and organized themselves into the Second Presbyterian Church. For a time they worshiped in the old frame building used as the university, but soon erected the large brick church near the corner of Main and Sixth Streets at a cost of $9,000; each also erected parsonages for their pastors. On April 8, 1873, the First Presbyterian Church being without a pastor, the two united on Rev. Joseph Vance. The two churches are now united. There were debts overhanging both parsonages, and by agreement the First was sold to pay the debts of both; the church on Main Street was taken for preaching services, and the other for Sunday-school, prayer meeting, etc. In 1884 a new and elegant church was erected on Sixth Street, opposite the university. This church is the most handsome in the city, and cost about $14,000. Rev. E. P. Whallon became pastor of this church August 13, 1878, and has served acceptably ever since. The present membership of the church is about 300.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF VINCENNES.
This church was organized in 1803 by Rev. William Winans. Rev. Winans was an intimate friend of Gen. Harrison, and was a frequent guest at his house. Mr. Winans' first appointment was "in a small room in Post St. Vincent. The appointment was at night, and tallow candles were used to give light for the occa- sion. Gov. Harrison held one of the candles while the minister read his text and his hymn. The government officers, a few En- glish and French settlers, and two or three Indians made up the congregation." The Rev. Winans was succeeded in the pastorate in 1810 by John M. Baker, and he by Thomas Stilwell in 1811. In 1812 came James Turner, and Rev. Richard Richardson in
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
1813. Zachariah Chitten was pastor in 1814, and John Shrader in 1815. The last named did as much, or more, perhaps, than any other man to build up Methodism in southern Indiana. The next was Thomas Davis, in 1816; James McCord, in 1817, and a part of the time Charles Slocum; and in 1818 John McCord. The appointments then extended over Knox, Daviess, Martin and Greene Counties. Steps were taken April 18, 1828, for the erec- tion of a church. For $50 Lot 132, the same "being on the cor- ner of Buntin Street and the third street parallel with the Wa- bash River," was procured. The deed was made to David S. Bonner, Richard Posey and Thomas Collins, of Lawrence County, Ill., and their successors in office forever, by John Cleves and Symmes Harrison, attorney-in-fact for Gen. Harrison, of North Bend, Hamilton Co., Ohio. It was to be used for the erection thereon of a Methodist Episcopal Church. The church was for the preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church to expound "God's Holy Word," and "for all other denominations of rep- utable standing when not in use by the Methodists, subject, however, to the wish of a majority of the trustees." The present church stands on the same lot, the house having been twice re- modeled. This church now numbers about 350 members, and maintains a Sabbath-school of about 200. The church owns its house and parsonage, and is out of debt. The present pastor is Rev. W. H. Grim.
THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The Christian Church in Vincennes was organized on the third Sabbath in June, 1833. Among the first members were H. D. Wheeler and wife. Other old members were Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler, Mrs. Harriet Judah, Dr. John R. Mantle and Stephen Burnet. The congregation worshiped in private houses, the court house, and in the town hall till 1846, when a brick house was erected on the corner of Buntin and Perry Streets. The trustees at that time were Dr. John R. Mantle, Alpheus Draper and H. D. Wheeler. In 1878 this house was repaired and re- modeled at a cost of $3,600. The congregation has had the fol- lowing pastors: Elijah Goodwin, one of the pioneers of the State; P. K. Dibble, J. M. Mathews, Dr. Eccles, O. A. Bartholo- mew, T. T. Holton, W. H. Tiller and Thomas J. Clark, who has
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
been serving this congregation for the last thirteen years. The church, according to its custom, maintains a Sabbath-school, which now numbers about 125. The membership of the church is about 200.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The organization of the Baptist Church in Vincennes is due mainly to the exertion of Mrs. Heberd, who began to make efforts to secure a pastor and have a church organized in 1860. The Rev. J. S. Gillespie came to Vincennes in September, 1861, and held a series of meetings in the Methodist Episcopal Church. He returned again in February, 1862. The Rev. Gillespie re- signed a prosperous church at Greencastle and refused a tempting offer at Terre Haute and came to Vincennes, where he had not even a church organization. Meetings were held in the city hall at first, and prayer meetings at the house of the Rev. Gillespie, at the corner of Sixth and Cherry Streets. The church was or- ganized at the Rev. Gillespie's May 1, 1862, with the follow- ing members: Mrs. Heberd, Mrs. Buck, Mrs. Flora, Mrs. Gus Wise, Miss L. Duree, Miss M. Gillespie, Mrs. L. Gillespie, Rev. J. S. Gillespie and Christian Raller. Sunday-school was organized in the city hall with eighteen members. The erection of a house was begun under very discouraging circumstances. A lot was procured from J. C. Denny for $1,200, and a house erected at a cost of $4,600. This, with the lot and improvements, made a total cost of about $6,000. The bell and furnishing of the church were added in 1868. Mrs. Gus Wise and the Rev. Gillespie were particularly prominent in the erection of the church. After having completed the church and established it on a good basis the Rev. Gillespie resigned in 1867, and was suc- ceeded by the Rev. L. D. Robinson, who remained two years. B. F. Cavens became pastor in 1871, and continued in that office two years; Dr. Stinson, of Terre Haute, from March to July, 1873. On July 1, 1875, Rev. J. Brandenburg accepted the pastorate and remained six years. On February, 4, 1883, Rev. J. H. But- ler became pastor. During the last few years the church has had great prosperity, having had over 100 accessions, and all debts of the church paid off.
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HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
ST. JAMES' EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The parish of St. James of Vincennes was organized by Rt. Rev. Jackson Kemper, October 27, 1839. The following were elected vestrymen: George Davis, George Cruikshank, John Cruikshank, James W. Greenhow, Samuel Langdon, A. T. Ellis and Joseph Somes. George W. Davis and James W. Greenhow were chosen wardens; Joseph Somes, treasurer, and G. W. Rath- bone, clerk of the vestry. The use of the large room in the town hall was obtained and fitted up at a cost of $117.21. Services were held there from February 5, 1840, till the consecration of the church in August, 1843. St. James has always had talented rectors and its membership embraces some of the most wealthy and refined people in the city.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
This was originally the St. John's Evangelical Church. The first building stood on the corner of Eighth and Scott Streets. Services were originally held in the Vincennes Market House. The first church was 36x60 feet. In 1859 a division of the church took place, and the Lutherans remained in possession of the church by paying those who withdrew the sum of $400. The present organization took place August 29, 1859, under the ministrations of the Rev. Peter Seuel, who continued pastor of this church till 1866, when he was succeeded by J. D. F. Myer, and he in 1873 by J. W. Mueller. The old church was torn down in 1876 and a new brick church erected in its place at a cost of about $9,000. The building is 40x70 feet. This denom- ination has a large Sunday and day school.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
This church was organized on the separation of the St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church in August,1859, by Rev. C. Hoff- meister. The leading members at that time were John Haman, Frederick, William and Peter Ritterskamp, Jacob Brenhaus, Louis Bonsil and August Kitcher. A frame building was erected in 1862, on the corner of Fifth and Hart Streets, at a cost of $1,000, size 24x50 feet. In 1866, a frame parsonage was built at a cost of $1,200. The following have been pastors: Rev. C. Hoffmeister,
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. HISTORY OF KNOX COUNTY.
F. Darlitz, William Jung, N. Burkart, P. Weber and Albert Schey. The church maintains a Sunday-school, also a parochial school.
AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF VINCENNES.
This church was organized by Rev. W. P. Quinn. Among the first members were Samuel Clark, Cornelius Sims, A. Me- gill, James Brunswick, William Johnson, Mary Johnson, Henry Rider, Anna Rider, T. Perry and H. H. Stewart. Services were held at the residences of members until the erection of a frame building 35x50 feet, at the corner of Tenth and Buntin Streets. Extensive repairs were made on this church in 1850. In 1875 a new brick church 35x50 feet was erected on the site of the old church, at a cost of over $5,000. The following have been pas- tors of this congregation: Revs. Daniel Winslow, G. W. Johnson, Robert Johnson, James Curtis, Robbin Jones, W. R. Revels, Benjamin Hills, Emanuel Wilkerson, John Turner, B. L. Brooks, Levi W. Bass, Thomas Strotter, H. C. Nelson, Madison Patison, G. N. Black, William Jackson, H. B. Smith, J. H. Alexander, I. S. 'Lewis, Jesse Bass, H. H. Wilson, J. R. Ferguson and Jason Bun- dy. The church is out of debt and has a membership of about 150.
CHURCHES OF WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP.
The lower settlement of Washington attended church at old Indiana Church, and as churches were few and settlements scat- tering, people went long distances to church. The people living in the northern and western parts of the township were accommo- dated at Maria Creek. In the vicinity of Bruceville services were held at the residence of Maj. Bruce, also at the Rev. Richard Posey's. The first ministers to labor in Washington were Isaac McCoy, Moses Tremble, Albert P. Shaw, John Harrison, Richard Posey, William Hargrave (a son-in-law of Posey), William Brat- ton, J. Miller and Solomon Teverbaugh, an exhorter. Preaching was held by the Methodists in Bruceville as early as 1820, but no class was organized by them until 1832. The house of worship belonging to the Methodists was not erected till 1840. This de- nomination now has a new and elegant house and a membership of 100. The Presbyterian Church was organized in 1840 and the house erected in 1845. The membership of this denomina-
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tion is not large. The Christian Church was organized in 1841, and the house erected in 1843. This people have also an excel- lent house and a membership of over 100. The Christians here, as elsewhere, maintain an excellent Sabbath-school.
CHURCHES OF WIDNER TOWNSHIP.
Marie Creek Baptist Church is beyond question the pioneer Baptist Church of Indiana. It bears the same rank among Bap- tist Churches that Indiana does among Presbyterians. Marie Creek was organized May 20, 1809, by Elder James McQuaid, with thirteen members, ten of whom lived in the vicinity of Marie Creek and three in Illinois. The members were A. Polk, Will- iam Polk and Sally, his wife, John Lemon and Polly Lemon, Charles Polk and Margaret Polk, William Bruce and Sally Bruce, and Charles Polk, Sr .; Samuel Ellison and wife Phebe, and a colored man, William Morris, were from Illinois. Isaac McCoy and wife joined soon after. Mr. McCoy became pastor of the church. He was a man of remarkable merit and was a lion in the cause. A log meeting-house about twenty feet square was erected in 1810. This old house was used as a temporary residence by G. S. Cox, who came to the township in 1821. A schism arose in the church which caused a division in 1824. Marie was rebuilt in 1837 and now stands on Location 238, but a short distance from where the old church stood, and bears the date, 1809, in the cor- ner-stone. Marie Creek Church is a kind of Mecca for the old pioneers, and it brings to their minds many fond recollections of the past. A Methodist class was organized at Miller's residence in 1818. The first members of this class were A. Miller, wife, and two sons, Samuel and John, and Hugh Ross and wife. Soon after the families of John Scanling, Jacob Miller, J. Baker and Mr. McIntire became members of this class. This organization still exists, but no house was erected till some time between 1840- 50. It is now called Morris Chapel. A class was also organized in Freelandsville in 1875. The members consisted of G. W. Staf- ford, Anna Freeland, L. Patterson, R. D. Patterson, S. Johnson, John Johnson, E. Johnson, Mrs. C. Johnson and a few others. Their first house of worship was the old schoolhouse, which was purchased by them and refitted in comfortable style in 1875.
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