USA > Indiana > Orange County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 23
USA > Indiana > Washington County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 23
USA > Indiana > Lawrence County > History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc > Part 23
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
CHAPTER VIII.
BY HAMILTON .TILL-ON. A. M., N. I.
REIN.for. HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY FROM THE EARLIEST TIVI DO THE PRESENT, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF THE ORIGIN OF THE VARIOUS ORGANIZATION, A LIST OF MEMBERS AND MINISTERS, A DES RIPTION OF REVIVAL. AND CHURCH CUSTOMS. A STATEMENT OF THE ELECTION AND DEDR ATION OF BUILDINGS. A LIST OF OFFICERS, AND A BITE OUT- LINE OF SUNDAY-SCHOOL WORK.
BEDFORD PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
T THE history of the Bedford Presbyterian Church begins with the itis- tory of Palestine. In 1819 Isaac Rend. a missionary from the Eastern States. entered Indiana to establish Presbyterian Churches. He was a very peculiar man. a "natural Yankee; " traveled in a Dearborn wagon and encountered many haps and mishaps. the story of which he preserved in a book. Entering Palestine. he preached in the temporary court house and organized a small church. the Elders of which were Samnel Hender. son and Philip Ikerd. The first members of this church were S. Hen- derson and family, P. Ikerd and family, William Crawford and family and William Barnhill. To this congregation he preached occasionally till Palestine was moved to Bedford. in 1825. Occasionally, also. W. W. Martin, father of C. B. H. Martin, D.D., acted as pastor. Likewise, Remley. who lived at Livonia, preached at various points through this part of the State, as at Palestine, Bono, Livonia. etc. But when Palestine was found to be the land of unpromise and was moved to Bedford. the ark of the church seems to have been left behind. for not until 1831 was church worship observed in Bedford. But on May 7 of that year Isaac Reed called the members of the church together. William Crawford, Samuel Henderson and Philip Ikerd were the first Elders, and the follow- ing appear as the names of the first members of the Bedford Presby. terian Church: Lawrence Ikerd, Christiana Ikerd, Philip and Susana Ikerd. Jonathan Henderson, Jane Henderson, Samnel and Rhoda Hen- derson. William and Jane Crawford, Sarah McClelland, Sally Ikerd. James and Sarah Wilson. Robert and Margaret Robinson, Alexander and Rebecca Mckinney. and Henry Lowrey. These are all dead now. The majority of them at that time lived east of Bedford.
CHURCH BUILDINGS.
Meetings were tirst held at the court house and at the houses of the various members at and near Bedford. Before any Presbyterian
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Church building was erected, Mr. Kittredge held services regularly once a month at the residence of William Crawford, east of town. About 1840 a peculiarly shaped brick house was erected where the present church stands. It was built by Jonathan Jones. In 1868 the present neat little brick church was erected in its stead. It was built by Thomas Stephens at a cost of $7,000; is finished and furnished in good taste with modern conveniences. It is located on the southeast corner of Lincoln and Sycamore Streets. In 1848 the church divided into Old School and New School factions. The Old School being in the minority, withdrew, leaving the New School in possession of the church building. For their accommodation the Old School in 1850 built a large brick house where the Methodist Church now stands, on the southwest corner of Church and Locust Streets. It was arranged for church and school purposes; was two-story, the upper being a large room reached by a double flight of stairs on the east end, outside. The lower story had two or three recitation rooms. When the Old School and New School factions united in 1859, the first building was the one occupied by the church thus formed. The Old School building, however. became the property of the Independent Church, but in 1560 it was purchased by the Methodists and by them remodeled into their present church building.
MINISTERS.
The ministers have been as follows: After its organization in 1831 by Isaac Reed, the first regular minister was Solomon Kittredge, who remained such with a short intermission until November, 1847. John M. Bishop succeeded him and continued to act as pastor till 1859. About 1548 the church was divided into Old School and New School ; but these factions were united in 1559, forming what they termed the Independent Presbyterian Church. Of the Old School the first minister was R. M. Roberts, having eighteen members. He was followed by John G. Will- iamson. Garey and Sickles. The ministers of the Independent Church have been Edward Barr, C. B. H. Martin, F. M. Symmes, J. B. Crowe, Robert Shaw, Preston Mckinney and W. J. Frazer, the last of whom is now in charge. The present Elders are: Col. A. C. Voris, L. H. Dale, William Fisher, D. W. Parker and Thomas V. Thornton; the Deacons: S. D. Luckett and Hamilton Stillson. The church is in a prosperous condition, with a membership of about eighty-five; connected with the church is a Sunday. -chool having an attendance of eighty scholars, ten teachers and two offi- cers. It is under the superintendence of Samuel D. Luckett.
BEDFORD METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
In 1526 a little band of about forty Methodists was organized into a regular church called the Methodist Episcopal Church of Bedford. Among the first members appear the familiar and respected names of George McNight and wife, Mrs. Joseph Rawlins, Mrs. Joseph Glover.
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Ellen Peters, Mrs. Campbell and daughters, Alex Butler and wife, Robert Dougherty. wife, son and daughter, Mrs. Jane Fisher. Mrs. David John- son. MIrs. Jesse Johnson. Mrs. Michael Johnson, MIrs. William Stipp. John Head, wife and two daughters. John Brown, wife and three dangh- ters, James Denson and wife, John Newland and wife. William Temple. ton and wife, Holland Pitman and wife, John Simms, wife and son. John Edmondson, wife and daughter. This church in its infancy had the good fortune to be born well. The first minister was Edmond Ray. a man remarkable for his earnest. plain. straightforward love of truth. Other early ministers of this section were Aaron and Enoch Woods, MIr. Tolbert and Bishop R. R. Roberts. The last, who is now so well remem- bered throughout the State, was a resident of Lawrence County in Bono Township, and by his eloquence and zeal soon became one of the fore- most Methodist preachers in the West. He was Bi-hop of the Methodist Church of the United States. The first Presiding Elder was Jolin Arm- strong, and the following were the first officers of the church: Marquis D. Knight, Lazarus Barkley, David Johnson, William Stipp, William Johnson, Jesse Johnson. John Whitted and Michael Farmer. They are all dead now but Jesse Johnson. He is one of Shawswicks Township's most extensive and substantial farmers. David Johnson was a brother of Jesse, and during his life sought ways to make himself useful to the church and neighborhood.
The church grew. and a decade of prosperity found it in need of a commodious church building. Accordingly, in September, 1535, land was purchased of John J. Barnett. on which a large brick building was erected. It is now occupied by the Catholic denomination. and occupies the northwest corner of High and Culbertson Streets. The Trustees of the church at the time of its building were: M. D. Knight. Alex Butler and John Edmondson. The old brick with its church-going bell served the people some thirty five years. The bell was on the old church and was the first bell in Bedford. At this time or about the year 1870, the congregation purchased the church owned by the Old School Presbyte- rians. They have renovated the building and now have a very pleasant house of worship. Stephen Bowers was the Pastor in 1866-68; J. E. Brant, 1868-70; G. W. Bower, 1870-71; O. H. Smith. 1871-73: John Poucher, 1873-75; J. W. Asbury. 1575-76: John Walls. 1876-77: T. D. Welker. 1878-79: W. W. Webb, 1879-80; J. V. R. Miller. 1SS1-52; M. S. Heavenridge. 1852-54: and William Telfer is the present incum- bent. having been appointed Pastor in August. 1554. Present member. ship is 125, with 16 probationers. Value of present church and parson- age. ahont $8,000. The church is free from debt. Present officers appointed August. 1884: Pastor. William Telfer; Local Preacher. S. A. Rariden: Trustees of church and parsonage. M. N. Messick. President: H. H. Walls, Secretary: W. P. Hodge. L. E. Daggy, and George B. Fer-
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
guson. The Sunday school is in good working condition, under the superintendency of George B. Ferguson. Its membership is 150, with twelve teachers.
THE BEDFORD CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
The true history of the Christian Church of Bedford reaches back over a period of about fifty years, though her authentic or written his- tory extends back only to 1846. In 1535 Elder J. M. Mathes was induced to leave an appointment to preach in the court house. This appointment was filled, and he afterward visited the town quite frequently, and gained some adherents. During the succeeding eleven years quite a number of members of this body of people moved into the town, and these, with the increase from those ontside, gave quite an increase to that faith. In May. 1540, all things having been prepared, Elders O'Kane and Jamesou were invited to visit them for the purpose of effecting an organization. For the first few years after the organization they met in the schoolhouse and Baptist Church, but later in the Presbyterian Church. and then in their present house. The foundation of the building was laid in 1554. The superstructure was reared the following year. and the basement. thongh unfinished. was occupied the fall of 1855. Elder J. Mathes has been connected with this church more or less intimately from it> incipieney. Aside from him the first preacher employed was Elder M. J. Edmondson. and the succeeding year. IS51, Aaron Hubbard was selected to fill his place.
The familiar names of Joseph Rawlins, Michael Malott, William McLane. Alex Dunibue. Samnel Irwin. Elisha Boyd. John Thompson. David Boland. Dr. Foote and George Thornton, are mentioned as the first contributors to the building fund. The rest of the means necessary was mainly procured from the Christian brotherhood of the county through the personal efforts of Stever Younger and Elder J. M. Mathes. The charter members were thirty-three in number, comprised of the following persous: A. G. Young, Henrietta Young. A. Gelwick, Sarah Gelwick, David D. Campbell, Mary Campbell, Mary F. Reed. Mary A. Roach. J. T. Sullivan. Ann Sullivan, Thomas Lockhart, Nancy L. Lockhart, Solo. mon N. Hostetler. Catharine Hostetler. Maria L. Hostetler, Joseph Hos- tetler. Elizabeth Hostetler. David G. Gray, Thomas M. Boyd, Polly A. Boyd. Hiram Malott. Ennice Malott. Jesse Adamson. Evaline Adamson, Eli-La Boyd, Phabe Boyd. Tina Culbertson, William E. Boyd, John Williams. Elizabeth Williams, Isaac Williams, Rebecca Williams, Cor- nelia P. Williams. The congregation was officered as follows: Elder, Joseph Hostetler: Deacons. Isaac Williams. A. G. Young. Elisha Boyd, A. Gelwick: Clerk. A. Gelwick. On the 19th of January, 1551, Milton Mckee was elected as an Elder of the congregation. On the Sth of Octo. ber. 1-52. Heury Davis was chosen as Elder to act with the then present Board In 1533. Henry Davis. Stever Younger and Elisha Boyd were
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
elected Trustees. In July. 1853, the membership was fifty-one, an increase of only eighteen for five years. In August, 1S56, the members were seventy-six, an increase of twenty-five in three years. On the 19th of April. 1859, William Duncan. Levi Houston and J. W. Newland were elected Trustees. The number of members August 19, IS5S. was 112. In January 20. 1859. D. G. Gray was chosen Deacon. April, 1859. Eller J. M. Mathes was employed to preach monthly. In June of 1500. Eller Mathes commenced the first very successful meeting held under the auspices of this congregation. during which there were 70 additions. 48 of whom came by confession and baptist. As would be expecte.l. the church was very much encouraged by this result. In September of the same year. J. W. Newland and Samuel W. Short were ordained Elders and D. G. Gray and D. F. Tilford Deacons. In August, 1562. the mem. bership was 217, 66 having been received during the year. In July, 1864. the membership was 252. Received by baptism during two years. 30. At this time the church was officered as follows: Elders. J. M. Mathes, Stever Younger, S. W. Short. Henry Davis. J. W. Newland. In July. 1865, the membership was 260: additions for year, 15: Sunday. school scholars. 100; teachers. 12. Following is a list of the men employed as Pastors from the date of organization to present time. Sep - tember 1. 1884: J. M. Mathes, about eleven years: T. P. Connelly: I. N. Porch, one year; J. C. Winter, one year; J. 7. Taylor, three years: W. H. Tiller, four years: James A. Beattie, four years: C. P. Hendershot elected September 20. 1882. and is the present incumbent. Church officers in 1870: Elders-J. M. Mathes, Stever Younger, J. W. Newland. A. J. Hostetler. D. G. Gray; Deacons. D. F. Tilford, Jacob Walheiser. W. C. Winstandley, G. W. Adams, I. N. Hostetler, T. H. Malott: Trus- tees-J. M. Daggy, J. W. Palmer. W. C. Winstandley. William Rays. lale. T H. Malott. R. A. Beattie was elected in July. ISS1.
The following is a list of protracted meetings:
Name of Evangelist.
Time of Meeting
Numler o: Additing.
J. M. Mathes
June. 1960
Mr. Miller.
May. 1866
J. Z. Taylor.
Sept .. 1867
B. F. Franklin.
March. 1-64
19
J. Z. Taylor.
Jan ..
169
W. B. F. Trent.
Jan .. 1~30)
A. Proctor ...
Jan ..
1571
.J. L .. Parsons. W. H. Tiller
Feb .. 1474
43
J. L .. Par-ons.
March. 14;7
J. (. Tully
Nov .. 1877
11
A. I. Hobits.
Ort .. 1875
14
.I. Z. Taylor.
April. 1840
43
.I. A. Beattie.
March. 1 ~~ 1
W. . I. Howe.
March. 1842
W. J. Howe.
June. 1×82
(. P. Hendershot.
Jan .. 1943
T. J. Clark and C. P. Hendershot
Max. 1844
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The official Board of the congregation for 1884 is as follows: Elders -J. M. Mathes, elected April. 1559; Isaac Kern, September, 1882; E. J. Robinson, October, 1582. Deacons-D. F. Tilford, elected Sep- tember. 1559: G. W. Adams, W. C. Winstandly, J. ; W. Mitchell, October. 1SS2; W. P. Malott, October, 1882; J. V. Mathes, May, 1883; J. H. Cox, May, 1853. Trustees- W. C. Winstandley, elected Septem- ber. 18>2; W. P. Malott, September. 1852; D. F. Tilford, September, 1882. J. W. Mitchell, September, 1582: G. W. Allen, September. 1882. Clerk-D. W. McDaniel, elected May, 1SS ?. The present membership is 400.
In Lawrence County there are some twenty or more congregations of the Christian Church. but statistics from only a portion could be gath- ered:
Nate of congregation.
Number of Members.
Value of Property.
Bartlettsville
125
$ 600
B-dfond
Cuit
Bryantsville ..
52
Christian U'nion.
60
2,000
Indian Creek Bridge
32
400
300
250
Leesville.
13
800
Mount Pleasant.
64)
600
Port William
1,200
Popcorn
25
Springville
100
BEDFORD BAPTIST CHURCH.
In 1540 Thomas Robertsou held a revival in the court house. lasting two weeks. He then continned it in the Presbyterian Church building for some time with considerable success, the result being that in June of the following year a regular church organization was effected. Ministers from the (inthrie, Bethel, Bathahara and Salt Creek Churches were pres- ent. and after n sermon by T. N. Robertson, a council composed of T. N. Robertson. Moderator, and P. Parks, Clerk, was organized The fol- lowing persons presented letters for constitution: Abraham, Anna. Will- iam. Rachel and Martha Mitchell. Mary Borland, Nancy Wilder. Levina Carlton. Abigail Scoggans. Samuel and Lucinda Hanna. Lucretia Hampton. Anna Gyger. Ann Owens, Sarah Gabbart, Ruth Perry. Sarah Perry. Tabitha Gyger. Jane Dougherty. Jane Heacock, Ephraim Trabue, Elizabeth Trabue, Edna Robertson and Emily Heacock. The member ship quickly grew. Within a short time the church enrollment showed fifty members. Among those joining were the Gelwicks. Gabbarts. Jeters. Phipps. Mrs. Foote. Mrs. Borland. Mrs. Carlton and others. Many of these names still appear as members. to which may be added as present families represented. the Harrisons. Gaineys. Elliotts. Stalkers. Parks and others. Meetings were hell first in the court house, then in the
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Presbyterian Church, then at the residences of various members. as at John Gyger's, Alexander Beasley's and others, when, in May, 1943. the propriety of building a meeting-house was first agitated. A plat of ground was purchased from Mr. Phelps at a cost of $300. This plat inclosed two lots, and on one of these the church was built. On the other lot stood a log residence, which, for a time, was used as a parsonage; but to relieve the church of debt this lot and parsonage were sold to R. M. Parks for $300. The church building erected is the present brick. It is large and commodious. The brick work was furnished by McDaniel, and the wood-work by Thomas Whitted. having a total cost of $1,500 The following have been the ministers connected with the church: T. N. Robertson, who was called at the first regular meeting. He con. tinuel as Pastor for the first seven years, and after an absence of seven- teen years returned in 1865 and served a short time. Then R. M. Parks. J. D. Crabbs, William McCoy, M. D. Gage, J. B. Porter, William McNutt, L. W. Bicknell and John M. Stalker, who is the present sup. ply. The first Deacons were Joseph Whitted and Robert Mitchell. chosen on the fourth Saturday of March, 1542. The Clerks have been as fol- lows: In January, 1842, Robert Mitchell was elected Clerk, and held this piace until January, 1840; since that time Mr. Alexander Beasley served two years. In 1848 Mr. Davis Harrison was elected, and has served most of the time since, with the exception of two short terms of H. J. Reed and J. P. Parks. Soon after its organization the Baptist was the most prosperous church in Bedford. In 1550, ten years after its organization, the church enrollment was 110. Its present member- ship is about forty. Connected with the church is a small Sunday. school.
THE BEDFORD GERMAN METHODIST . HURen.
The first German church in Bedford was a Presbyterian organiza- tion, whose building stood where Thomas Whitted's mill now stands. The house was a frame story and a half, purchased of Peter Francis, and afterward sold to Thomas Whitted. Their first and only pastor was Rev. Koph from Brownstown, who in 1864 organized a church with the following members: William Roach and wife, Jacob Deihl and wife, Peter Deibland wife, Mrs. Jacob Walheiser and John Pegan. Koph was not acceptable to the members, and when in 1866 Friedrick Ruff, a Methodist minister from New Albany, preached in Bedford, he won most of the members to his faith. Occasional services were held by the Methodist Germans, but in 1871 Philip Duher preached for them regularly, meeting at the houses of John Haase, John Benzel and MI. Splitgaher. The following were the charter members: John Haase and wife. John Bensel and wife, MI. Ben- sel and wife, William Bensel and wife, William Steinhagen, William Krenke and wife, M. Splitgaber and wife, and Ferd Bensel and wife. For a year they were without a church building. In 1872, however.
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
they purchased a small frame schoolhouse on Eastern Avenue, between Mitchell and Culbertson Streets, which they furnished for church pur- poses. Their prenchers have been as follows: Philip Duher, Liech. Lep- pert. Huber Kunschek, Schruf and Arlinger, the present incumbent. Their Trustees have been as follows: John Haase, William Krenke, Louis Gerber. Charles Haase, John Bensel, William Bensel. August Schultz and Ferd Bensel. Their present membership numbers fifty- three. with a vigorous Sunday-school of sixty.
.T. VINCENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, BEDFORD.
The following facts were furnished by Daniel Driscoll: There were Catholics in Lawrence County as early as 1835, but not till about 1850 was mass said. During the building of White River Railroad bridge, about 1550, Patrick Murphy, a priest of St. Mary's. Martin County, said mass at the residence of John Johnson, Sr. In June, 1851. he held mass also in the old court house in Bedford, which town he visited occa- sionally till 1-59. During that year Lonis Neyron made a few visits, and from 1960 to 1864 Joseph O. Reiley, of Greencastle, was the pastor in charge. The congregation then numbered twenty-five families. among whom were the Johnsons. Fillions. Francises, Gaussins, O'Briens, and nearly all the others who now belong. Mass during this time was said either in private honses or in the hall over the store of J. Peter Francis, the clothier, who was one of its most active members. Many masses were said at the home of George Heitger, Sr. With the arrival of Philip Doyle, the next visiting pastor. came the idea of building a church. In 1564 a lot was secured near the corner of High and Culbertson Streets, just in the rear of the present building, which was then a Methodist Church. The building progressed until the corner stone was laid. In 1566 material was on the ground to proceed with the construction. Just at this time the Methodists were anxious to build, and an exchange was made, in which the Methodists received the material of the untinished church and $500 for their own building. They then built on the corner of Church and Maple Streets. This exchange was made during the attendance of Charles Mongin. of Crawfordsville, who remained until 1887. The Rev. Julins Clement. of Greencastle, now mnade oue visit. From the time (19;>; that Henry Kessing became resident pastor at Blo mington. Bedford was regularly attended by him until July, 1877. Leopold M. Burkhardt came from July. 1877, until March, 1-79. In March. 1579. John B Unverzegt took charge, and visited St. Vincent Church until 1\83. during which time many improvements were made on the church and a $1.100 parsonage purchased. In 1879 Francis Silas Chatard. D. D .. visited Bedford and administered confirmation. John B. Unverzagt was succeeded by T. H. Logan, who has the chinrch in a very flourishing -tate. A majority of the present families consti-
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HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
tuted the early congregation, consisting of the families of George Heit. ger, Sr., J. Peter Francis, Joan Johnson. Sr., John Fillion. Felix Gaus. sin. Patrick Sherlock. William Ryuu. Martin O'Brien, James McMahon, John McMahon, Patrick Moran, Peter Richard. Jeremiah Driscoll, David Torpy. Michael O'Connell, Dennis O'Connell, Joseph Rime, Maurice Leehey. Denuis Breen, Daniel Sullivan. Joseph Barbara. and Messrs. Costillo. Dusard, Bissot and Buscheree. The presen: Trustees are: George Heitger, Jr., James Leighton. Michael Hacket, George Gretzer and Otto Graff.
BETHLEHEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
A> a branch of the Bedford Presbyterian Church grew Bethlehem. Among the members appear the names of the Crawfords, Hendersons, Johnsons. Fishers and others. many of the best and most influential members of the church. Before any Presbyterian meeting.house was built in Bedford. Mr. Kittredge preached regularly at the residence of William. Crawford, so that the members of the Bedford Church who lived in the Crawford settlement withdrew and formed Bethlehem. This was abont 1840. The first members were William Crawford and wife. Cranson Swan and wife, Mrs. James Sparks, Samuel Henderson and wife. George Dodd and wife. David Johnson and wife and William Fisher and wife. The first Ruling Elders were D. R. LaForce. C. T. Swan. Samuel Henderson and George Dodd. In 1>43 William Crawford donated ground for church and graveyard. The house is a frame bnild. ing. still standing. now used as a dwelling. and is owned by John C. Crawford. son of William. It ceased to be used for a church twenty or thirty-years ago. The first preachers who used it were Sol. Kittredge. W. W. Martin, father of C. B. H. Martin. D. D .. Samuel Hart. John Dale, occasionally, John W. Williamson and Robert Roberts. Some of the members who joined the church under these were Crawfords, Swans. Ellisons. Angeline M. Harris, Elizabeth M. Johnson. J. N. Dale, the Martins and others. For fifteen or twenty years this church flourished and did well.
SALT CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH.
Salt Creek was one of the first Baptist Churches in Lawrence County. It was the third oue embraced in White River Association, at its form. ation. "on the third Saturday in October. in the year of our Lord. 1521." It is a strong church. In 1821 it had forty three members, one less that the membership of the largest church entering into the formation of White River Association. It was constituted in 1819. having among its first Messengers Abraham Mitebell. James Mundel !. Richard Williams Jesse Rector. William Cook, Thomas Mundell. Beverly Gregory. Samnel Mundell. James Pace. Levi Mitchell. Elbert Jeter. Gideon Potter, I Mitchell. L. Mitchell. G. Foster. I. Pace. J. Williams and others. The building erected for a meeting-house stool near the road. on the Old
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