History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 96

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954

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 96
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 96
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 96

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

BOUNTY AND RELIEF.

The county paid $100,000 bounty, and the townships $70,000; total bounty, $170,000. The county furnished $22,000 relief, and the town. ships $9,500; total relief, $31,500. Total bounty and relief, $201,500.

LADIES' AND SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETIES.

The first recorded aid furnished was in November, 1861, when two large boxes of socks, blankets, quilts, shirts, drawers, handkerchiefs, pants, gloves, mittens, wines, etc., to the value of over $100, were sent to the county boys in West Virginia. Besides this $56 in money was sent for their use. A week or two later two larger boxes packed with $150

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ment and draft.

Quota under call of Ite-

Total of quotas and defi-

Credits by voluntary enlistments.

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worth of the same articles were sent to the boys in Missouri. There was also sent $33 in money. At this time also one large box was sent to the boys of the Thirty-eighth Regiment in Kentucky. At this time not less than $400 in money and supplies was thus utilized, to say nothing of the help given to soldiers' families at home. The good work continued all winter. In April, 1862, the ladies of Salem organized by electing Mrs. G. Knight, President; Mrs. Dawson Lyon, Secretary; Miss A. Wilson, Assistant Secretary; Mrs. John H. Butler and Mrs. Elizabeth Butler, Treasurers. At this time several large boxes of hospital supplies-lints, bandages, linens, wines, fruits canned, and delicacies-were sent to the wounded of Pittsburgh Landing, Shiloh, etc. The ladies of New Phila- delphia sent off at this time a large box of the same supplies, as did doubtless many other portions of the county. In a short time the society was abandoned, but was revived in subsequent cold months In January, 1865, there was raised for the soldiers' families of Salem $151.75, which was spent for meat. potatoes, flour, wood, etc. Much more might be said if records had been kept.

MINGLED JOY AND SORROW.

Early in April, 1865, came the news of the evacuation of Richmond, the flight of the Rebel Army, the surrender of Gen. Lee, and the surren- der of Gen. Johnson, all creating in the county intense joy. People were overcome with the glorious news. Nothing was done but to meet and congratulate and hold public meetings to voice the universal and overpowering happiness. In the midst of all this came the dreadful news that President Lincoln had been assassinated. The revulsion in public feeling was sickening. Many a man and woman had learned to love the name of Abraham Lincoln. He had led them through four long years of darkness and death, had been the cloud by day and pillar of fire by night through all the starless gloom of war, and now when the national heart was surging with boundless joy, and every knee was bent and every eye filled in grateful thanksgiving, to have the beloved Lincoln cut down, was indeed bitter and hard to bear. Scores wept as if they had lost their nearest friend. It was weeks before the people recovered from the stroke. Appropriate memorial services were held in the Chris- tian Church on Wednesday. April 19, a large crowd being present. The building was tastefully draped, as was also the whole town. A large silk flag hung on the left of the pulpit, twined with crape and evergreen sprigs; and over and around the pulpit were back-grounds of white draped with the sable trappings of death. Eulogies on the martyred President were delivered by Revs. H. R. Naylor and I. I. St. John.

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CHAPTER VIII.

BY PROF. JAMES G. MAY.

RELIGION'S HISTORY-THE BLUE RIVER FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH- SLUDER'S MEETING-HOUSE-THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, OR CHRISTIAN CHURCH-THE ROMAN CATHOLIC'S-THE FRIENDS OR QUAKERS -- THEIR EFFORTS AMONG THE INDIANS-THEIR DIVISION -- THE HIGHLAND CREEK MEETING-INTERESTING EXTRACTS-THE MOUNT PLEASANT CHURCHI-THE REGULAR BAPTISTS-THE PRESBYTERIANS-THE COV- ENANTERS-THE LUTHERANS-THE UNITED BRETHREN -- THE METHOD- ISTS-STATISTICS.

YOME of the early church organizations in Washington are either S dissolved or have been absorbed by other denominations. As early as 1810 there was an organization four miles south of Salem, in what is now Washington Township, called Blue River Separate or Free. Will Baptist Church. Under the original title this church maintained organ- ization for twenty-six years. At the March meeting, 1836, it was agreed "to have and keep a new church record or memorial of the names of all the Elders and brethren belonging to this branch or body." "Church of Christ " was the name adopted. Some of the prominent members of the original organization were: Amos Wright, Sr., John Wright, Philbert Wright, Peter Wright, William Wrigut and many others. There is a peculiarity in the records of this venerable church that merits special mention. The ministers bear the scriptural title of Elder. The church record runs thus: Elders, John Wright and Nancy, his wife, Jacob Wright and Rachel, his wife; Deacons, Rhinehart Ratts and Susannah Ratts, his wife, Philbert Wright and Elizabeth Wright, his wife, Jordan Johnson and Lavina Johnson, his wife. Also among the Elders the name of Jordan Johnson appears; also, Amos Wright, Jr., and Jane, his wife, Amos Wright, Sr., and Margaret, his wife.

Three of the pioneer preachers of this ancient organization were Amos Wright, Sr., John Wright and Peter Wright. Seventy- four years have gone by since these men first preached to that people. Preachers and people, with perhaps one single exception, are all gone. That exception is Evans Wright, now called very old. These old settlers were excellent people. Elder Jacob Wright was the son of Elder John Wright. Look- ing on the third, fourth and fifth generations of these persons the thoughtful are ready to exclaim: "Surely, the footsteps of the good are ordered by the Lord." In a new meeting.house the reorganized body is still an active, influential church. As of yore. it nurtures good men and women.

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SLUDER'S MEETING-HOUSE.

Another branch of the Separate, or Free-Will Baptist Church was organized perhaps in 1821, about four miles northwest of Salem. The place of organization was called Sluder's Meeting-house. Without the church record the names of the officers and members cannot be given. Tradition says that Henry Sluder and John Carter were the leading members. For many years the church has been disbanded.

THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

Of the "Church of Christ," Dr. Bryant, in his article for the Centen- nial Democrat, says: "There are (in 1876) about twenty congregations in the county. There is also quite a number of preachers among the brethren in the county, viz: Enoch Parr, John Mavity, William Frantz, Peter Canble, Aaron Hubbard, Allen Philputt, Elders Rudder and Tur- ner." Since his article was written, John Martin and Aaron Hubbard are both deceased, and Allen Philputt has become a pastor of a church at Bloomington. James M. Philputt is filling the position at Salem occu- pied by his brother Allen. Col. Heffren, in his Centennial article says that "The Christian Church was organized in 1849, with Jacob Wright as pastor. The active male membership are: Jonas B. Berkey, Joel S. Denny, William M. Clark, Absalom L. Martin, John B. Clark, Newton Zink, and J. B. Neal, and others. James M. Philputt is the present minister. He is a young man of much promise. The present membership is 233. This church has a commodious house of worship, neatly fitted up. This is said to have been erected in 1850. Connected with the church is a well sustained Sabbath-school.

In Washington County the Christian Church is a large, influential denomination, having twenty-two society organizations. At Martins- burg an influential organization of this order has been sustained many years. Martinsburg is in Jackson Township. The church was organized as early as 1830, and a commodious house of worship was erected and comfortably furnished soon thereafter. The early and prominent minis- ters were: Absalom Little, Thompson Little, Richard Lane, John Mavity, William Frantz and Mr. Collins. In 1884 this church reported 127 members in regular standing. Big Spring, in Pierce Township, has a membership of 120. In this church the leading members are: Anderson Martin, J. B. Markland, Nelson Markland, George C. Crim, William Watts, W. S. Crim, Enos Turner and others. The character of such members of church invariably gives tone to the whole community. Kan- sas, in Howard Township, has a commodious house of worship, with an acceptable membership of 175. This church contains such men as John W. Hall, Beuford Hall, Paul Newby, John M. Sherwood, Elder James Rudder, and others equally worthy. Mt. Tabor, in Vernon Township, numbers 175 members in good standing. William Standish, Levi Stand-

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ish, Nelson Stephenson, Benjamin Stephenson, Peter Chastain, Elder A. Gordon are prominent members of Mt. Tabor. Campbellsburg Church, in Brown Township, has a commodious, neat, and well-furnished house of worship, with a membership of 150. Among the members of this church are such worthy citizens as Nicholas Naugle, Christian Prow, Simeon Pollard, James Hubbard, and others. The men and women of this church would be an honor to any community. Fort Hill, in Washington Town- ship, has a good house of worship, and reports 65 members in fellow- ship. The leading members of Fort Hill are Josiah Johnson, Edward Johnson, Adam Mitchell, Samuel H. Mitchell, James Brewer, Hiram Mitchell, James Rudder and others. Walnut Grove in the northwest part of the county is a flourishing church, having 106 members.

South Liberty has fifty active members. The chief male members are: Levi D. Martin, David Shepherd, James Shepherd, Ransom Wright, William Coleman, Elder William Frantz, and others. College Hill in Pierce Township has seventy- five members, of whom David Motsinger, Washington Newland, Robert Elrod, Lemon Baker, John Tash and Wes- ley Hartley are active members. Cross Roads in Franklin Township con- tains ninety.two communicants. At Fredericksburg a church building was recently erected and a church organized, but the leading members and num- ber have not been ascertained. The date of the organization of the church at Prowsville, the number of members and the names of the active member- ship have not been ascertained. W. E. Johnson, Secretary of the county meeting, has submitted the following: number of organizations in the county, 22; number of church edifices in the county, 21; number of male members, 900; number of female members, 1,300; total. 2,200; number admitted to full membership during the year, 300; value of church property, $15,000; amount paid ministers' salaries, $3,000; other expenses, $1,100; missionary, charitable and other contributions, $250; number of pupils attending Sunday school, 700; Sunday school teachers, 120; average number of attendants at public service, 125. At Little York there is a church and house of worship, but the number of mem- bers and the date of organization have not been ascertained. The mem- bership of the Christian Church in Washington County is a power. Such power creates no small amount of responsibility. Such respon- sibility demands immense thought and well-directed, intelligent action. A people so powerful should be wonderfully diligent in well-doing.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.

The only Roman Catholic Church organization in the county is in Salem. The house of worship is in the most eligible situation in the town. The dedication occurred June 2, 1857 by Bishop M. J. Spaulding, of Louisville, Ky. Fathers P. J. Murphy, Neeron, Doyle, Gintz, Ponsor, Kintrip. Dick and Kenneth have served as Priests a: various times. Many of the members have moved away.

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THE FRIENDS OB QUAKERS.

In 1828, in the West, an unfortunate division occurred in the Friends' denomination. The name "Friend" is taken from what the Blessed Master said to his disciples. Said He, "Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you." Among themselves their different meetings are known by the names given to their monthly and quarterly meetings. Blue River Monthly, two miles northeast of Salem, was established in 1815. Its principal members were emigranta mostly from North Carolina. After the schism alluded to, one branch bore the name of "Orthodox Friends," and the other branch is popularly called the "Hicksites." A cor- respondent of the latter branch, speaking about the deplorable division, says "that body is known as the Hicksite Branch, from their holding similar views with Elias Hicks of Long Island, which name they do not own in the sense as his followers; for they follow no man or set of men." The following is taken from an old record: "At a monthly meeting, opened and held at Blue River, the first day of the seventh month, 1815, agree- ably to our request and the directions of the following extract: 'The committee appointed to visit the Friends of Blue River reports that they all attended, except two who gave their reasons for non-compliance. The others reported that they were free that request should bo granted, with which this meeting unites and confirms a monthly meeting there, to be held on the first seventh day of each month, and to be known by the name of Blue River Monthly Meeting, and appoint Jesse Bond, Andrew Hoover, Daniel Paulding, Ephraim Owen, Henry Yount, John Wagoner and Owen Lindley to attend the opening of said meeting, on the first seventh of next month. and report their care to the next quarterly meeting.'"

Thus were the Friends of Washington County fully harnessed for their Christian and benevolent works. For twelve consecutive years they worshiped and labored in peace and harmony. In their organization as a Christian Church that most worthy man, William Hobbs, was appointed Clerk pro tem. To show with what prudence and care the good Friends managed all their church business, it is only necessary to mention that when a permanent Church Clerk was to be appointed, Zechariah Nixon, John Chawner. William Hobbs, William Lindley and Thomas Draper were required to take into consideration and propose a Clerk to the meeting. Again, Thomas Draper, Elisha Hobbs, William Trueblood, Levi Munden, Robert Green, Jacob Morris and John S. Chawner are appointed to make choice of'and propose two persons to the next meeting to stand in the place of overseers. But the beauty of their exact systematic arrangements does not stop here. William Hobbs is appointed Recorder of Births and Deaths, and Jesse Stanley is appointed Recorder of Marriage Certificates. A careful study of the church economic policy of the Friends establishes the fact that as a

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religious organization the society advocates peace, justice between man and man, active benevolence, industry, economy, opposition to every shade of oppression, and steadfast devotion to honestly directed efforts to educate the young. Every child of a Friend is early taught that honest labor in the humblest calling is honorable.

RELIGIOUS EFFORTS AMONG THE INDIANS.

When the farming community of Washington County had abundant labor in removing the heavy forests from their new farms, the Friends, besides looking carefully to the comfort and well-being of their own woodland homes, allowed their hearts to go out in earnest sympathy for the culture and comfort of the poor Indian. Within a year after the organization of the Blue River Monthly, steps were taken to look after the savage people of prairie and forest. To this end, a meeting was held in Blue River Congregation on the 6th of January, 1816, at which the following business was transacted:

" A committee was appointed to propose the names of suitable Friends to compose a Standing Committee to promote the civilization of the Indian natives, offered the meeting the names of the following Friends, viz: Joseph Steer, William Woods, Horton Howard, Emmor Bailey, Jonathan Taylor, Rowse Taylor, Isaac Darker, Daniel Mickner, Lewis Walker, George Starbuck, Thomas Garretson, Enos Grave, John Dingee, William Heald, Samuel Woolman, Isaac Harvey, Caleb Harvey, David Brown, James Degg, John Townsend, George Sugarts, Walter Canada. Joseph Tomlinson and Richard Barrett, which is approved by the meet- ing, and they are appointed to the service, either by co-operating with com- mittees of other yearly meetings, or separately in such manner as may be proper, and calculated for the amelioration of the condition of the Indians."

The appointment of so large a committee of energetic, intelligent men, at that early day, clearly shows that the pioneer Friends had large hearts for proper benevolent operations. At the same meeting a com- mittee " to consider the establishment of an Institution for the Instruc- tion of our Youth," was appointed. At this date, their meeting-house was in process of construction.

DIVISION OF THE QUAKER ORGANIZATION.

Thus harmoniously this large congregation of good people moved forward in every commendable work, until the poisonous apple of deadly discord was ruthlessly hurled into the very heart of that peace- loving com- munity. The accursed apple moved with cyclonic velocity. Where peace, harmony and love dwelt, envy and bitter hate came. In 1827 the secular newspapers were filled with the story of the raging conflict, and really contributed much fuel to the consuming fire. For the time, in the hearts of many worthy, peace-loving men and women, cruel madness

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seemed to reign. Thus was the grand old Blue River Monthly Meet. ing torn asunder. The one body became two-the Hicksites and the Orthodox. The former being the more numerous, seized upon the church house and property, and still hold the same. A member of the Hicksite Body writing to a friend, says that the Hicksites "held their first monthly meeting after the division in the first month of 1828." The statement is erroneous. The actual separation did not occur till some time after that date. In the latter part of March, 1828, a very able Orthodox minister from New England held service, both parties being present, and made a most vigorous exertion to prevent the coming schismn. The same writer says: "They continued on at the old house, under the old name, their number then, adults and minors, being about 290."

THE HIGHLAND CREEK MEETING.

In 1841 a meeting of the same order was established five miles northwest of Salem, under the name of Highland Creek Meeting. Some of the members composing this meeting were: Abraham and Fereby Bundy, Levi and Anna Knight, Thomas and Gulielma Morris, Samnel Coffin, Nathan and Mary D. Trueblood, James and Ann True- blood, Charles and Elizabeth S. Brooks, Nathan and Polly Howell, Joshua. Sr. and Zilpha Trueblood, Thomas and Lemira Nixon, William and Ruth Lewelling, and Darius Peden. Blue River Monthly Meeting of this branch of Friends is now held at the last named place, and the Quarterly Meeting once in the year. The present number enrolled belonging to Highland particular meeting, is about ninety. Connected with this branch is a flourishing Sabbath-school which was commenced in 1867. The people connected with this branch are mostly good, enterprising citizens. As far as is known, at the present no antipathy, the one toward the other, exists. Kindness and peace prevail. Some idea further may be gathered from the old records, how these church troubles were handled fifty-six years since. At an Orthodox meeting held May 3, 1828, among other things transacted, the following occurred: "The committee appointed to visit the Monthly Meetings pro- duced the following report: 'We, the Committee appointed to visit the Monthly Meetings, have gone into the labor so far as to visit Driftwood, Blue River aud Lick Creek, and have labored therein as ability was afforded, and seeing the sorrowful situation Blue River Monthly Meet- ing is in, on account of the prevalence of the spirit of strife and division among many of the members thereof, the Committee was brought under deep exercise. and after solemnly viewing their case, are united in sentiment, that said meeting is not capable of transacting the business of a Monthly Meeting to the honor of truth, and think to propose to the Quarterly Meeting the propriety of laying said meeting down.' " The report in behalf of the Committee was signed by

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Thomas Hadley and Amy Lindley. The Quarterly Meeting approved the report, and thus at this date, the Orthodox Blue River Quarterly Meeting was sadly, mournfully laid down. The next step on the part of the Quarterly Meeting was to attach Blue River Monthly Meeting to Lick Creek Monthly Meeting. Lick is in Orange County. This state of things could not be permanent. The Washington County Friends would entertain a longing for a home church sound in the faith. But the trouble had not yet come to an end. On the 24th of January, 1829, the Orthodox Blue River Quarterly Meeting proposed holding its sessions in the Old Meeting.house. The following record tells the result: "The meeting having convened, time and place, in order to transact the business of a Quarterly Meeting, consistent with the design of our institutions, but finding the doors of our Meeting-house fastened and guarded by those who have separated themselves from our Society, and who have been regularly disowned, therefore we unite in adjourning to meet at 1 o'clock, at Nathan Trueblood's Mill House, about one mile and a half from the Church-house." At this Quarterly Meeting, Blue River Friends were granted the privilege of resuming their monthly meetings. Their meetings were ordered to be held at the meeting-house, if practicable, and if not, at the house of William Hobbs. Holding meetings at the meeting. house proved not practicable, and consequently for a time, regular meetings of the Orthodox Society of the Friends of the Blue River region were held at the residence of William Hobbs. At as early date thereafter as possible, a commodi us meeting-house was erected. The location is about three miles north . east of Salem. At this point, ever since, these good Friends, in peace, in harmony have worshiped and prospered.

MOUNT PLEASANT MEETING-HOUSE.

Prior to the unhappy schism, and as early as 1820, a community of Friends erected a meeting-house in Vernon Township, at the source of Twin Creek. In this house regular worship was conducted many years. The noted members were: Andrew Knight and family, and the families of James Meredith, Jehu Cox, Jesse Stanley, John Meredith, Mark Maud- lin, Libni Coffin, Jacob Mendenhall, Zebdiel Macey and Benjamin Overman. The men of these families were the active members of the church, and were reputed excellent citizens. Their meeting-house was called Mount Pleasant. Now the house is among the things that were, and the society was long since disbanded.

THE REGULAR BAPTIST CHURCH.

In 1876 James M. Hodges, a very intelligent Regular Baptist, pre- pared a paper for the Centennial Salem Democrat, in which is sketched carefully, and almost minutely, the operations of the Regular Baptists in Washington County. In this article much will be taken from that

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paper. Mr. Hodges' work, in narrative, is susceptible of very little improvement. He commences with Sharon, the first Baptist church estab- lished in Washington County. Its organization took place September 7, 1810. The membership was composed mostly of immigrants from North Carolina and Kentucky. This church had no honse of worship until July. 1814. Mr. Hodges says: " At that date a rude house of hewn logs, with very poor fixtures, was built. The church record shows seventy members enrolled. The first regular pastor was Elder John Wilson. ID 1817 James McCoy was called to preach, and in 1819 was ordained to the full functions of the ministry, and soon thereafter he was called to the pastoral care of the church, which relation continued until the disso- lution of the church in November, 1830. Elders Moses Sellers and Isaac Worrall united by experience with this old body. Afterward, before they were ordained to the ministry, they removed their membership to Bap- tist churches in other counties, but after their ordination they preached much in Washington County. Jesse Spurgeon, John Coffey, David Fouts and Enoch Parr were ' Clerks of Sharon.' Washington Township claims this ancient church family."

The organization of Hebron Church with only thirteen members, occurred August 21. 1819. In 1876 there were but fourteen communi- cants. In other days the number, in all probability, exceeded one hun- dred. The Pastors, James McCoy, John Wilson and Archibald Johnson. Jesse Spurgeon, Alexander Watts, Isaac Hornady, Enoch Parr, John Mor- gan and James Russell all served in the office of Clerk. The location of Sharon is in Franklin Township seven miles southeast of Salem. About ten miles east of Salem Zoar Church is situated. Its organiza- tion took place in 1830. At one time, it is said, this church numbered seventy-five members. Elder John Wilson was pastor.

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History of Lawrence, Orange, and Washington counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, together with interesting biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc, Part 96

Author: Goodspeed Brothers Publication date: 199-?] Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.] Number of Pages: 954

Author: Goodspeed Brothers
Publication date: 199-?]
Publisher: [Salem, Mass. : Higginson Book Co.]
Number of Pages: 954