USA > Indiana > Pike County > History of Pike and Dubois counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. : together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 33
USA > Indiana > Dubois County > History of Pike and Dubois counties, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, reminiscences, notes, etc. : together with an extended history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the state of Indiana > Part 33
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Class of 1877-Emma Johnson, Ambrose Johnson, W. E. Lamb.
Class of 1878-J. L. Mount, W. H. Brenton.
Class of 1881 -- Cora Selby, E. J. Beardsley, Fred Selby, Mar- shall Burrees, colored.
Class of 1884-Lulu Bartlett, Minerd Burrees, colored.
Class of 1885-Anna Hewins, Anna Lamb, Minnie Selby, Edith Lamb, Belle Shawhan, Emery Green.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
CHAPTER VIII.
BY PROF. Z. T. EMERSON.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY-THE OLD CIRCUIT RIDERS- MEETINGS OF THE EARLY TIME-THE FORMATION AND DEVELOP- MENT OF ORGANIZATIONS-THE ERECTION AND COST OF BUILDINGS- CAMP MEETINGS -- SUNDAY-SCHOOLS, ETC .- NAMES OF MINISTERS AND MEMBERS.
T HE religious history of Pike County is very closely connected with its early settlements. Immediately following the first set- tlers, came the pioneer ministers, ever ready to share in the hard- ships, and cares, and dangers of pioneer life. With unflinching zeal they carried their work into every part of the country.
Camp-Meetings .- In the early history of the church, particu- larly of the Methodists and Cumberland Presbyterians, there being no churches, and few and incommodious dwellings, these dwellers of the forest met, in the Indian summer days of autumn, to hold camp-meetings. Hundreds flocked to these meetings from far and near, and ministers without regard to creed, poured forth their warnings with apostolic zeal. Often the burning eloquence of these men so wrought on the emotions of their hearers, that hundreds were stricken with conviction, and amid the glimmering camp fires or "the struggling moonbeam's misty light," their lamentations and cries for mercy arose on high. No language could describe the effect of their mingled songs and shouts and lamentations. The site selected for these meetings was always near some spring or other suitable place for water. The Centennial says: "The first camp-meeting was held in 1825, by the Cumberland Presbyterians at the end of Hosea Smith's Lane, on the hill near White Oak Springs.
" They also held camp-meetings in 1826 and 1827. In 1828. the Cumberland Presbyterians and Methodists held union meet- ings for two successive years. In 1829, a number of ministers of both denominations were present; among them Rev. John Strain. who was a man of extraordinary power. During one of his ser
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
mons, Rev. Hiram A. Hunter, while attempting to make a report of it for preservation, fell unconscious, and lay in that condition for hours, as did also Rev, John Decker, and may be others throughout the audience.
"In 1830 and 1831, the Presbyterians, Methodists and Cumber- land Presbyterians held union meetings. At that time the camp burned, and was never rebuilt. In 1833, the Cumberland Pres- byterians erected a camp near Petersburg, in what is now George- Davidson's wood-pasture. In 1839, the Methodists built a camp on the grounds of Rev. John Decker, three miles northeast of Petersburg, and held meetings for four years at that place. In 1848, they erected a camp on the farm now owned by George H. Siple, and held yearly meetings for three years at that place. They also held camp meetings at Mount Pleasant Church in Clay Township, in 1854 and 1855; also on the farms of Samuel Jen- kins in Logan Township; these were the last camp-meetings held in the county, their days of usefulness having passed away." It would not be proper to pass the subject of camp-meetings, with- out mentioning the matter of "Jerks." This was a peculiar affec- tion, brought on by the tremendous tension of the nervous sys- tem during the excitement of these religious revivals. The dis- ease was indicated by a jerking and violent contortions of the body. It afflicted both saint and sinner. Its cause has never been fully understood.
The Cumberland Presbyterian Church .- The Cumberland Presbyterian Church had its origin in Pike County, and possibly in the State, in a camp-meeting held at White Oak Springs in 1821. This meeting was conducted by ministers from Kentucky, who had traveled all the way on horseback. The ministers, by whom this meeting was carried on, were William and John Bar- nett (two of Alex Downey's cousins), Hiram A. Hunter, William Lynn, William Chapman and David Lowery. At this meeting were over eighty conversions, and about forty of these joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, and immediately at the close of the meeting the congregation of that denomination was formed. This congregation is thought to have been the first in the State, although there was one organized near Owensville, at old Mount Zion, about the same time. The first pastor of the congregation was John M. Berry, who was ordained in 1822, and remained as
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
pastor about one year. After Berry there was no regular partot. although occasional preaching, till 1835 when James Richey be- came pastor and remained until 1843. The following minister- have preached to this congregation at different times, although possibly not in the order named: John Edmunson, David Dow. Walter Scanks. H. D. Onyett, Lewis Wilson. A. T. Hutchinson. M. M. Smith. O. E. Hart. Ebenezer. Ben and Ephraim Hall. J B. Madden and C. W. Yates, the present pastor. This congress- tion at first worshiped in private dwellings and the old court house, but in 1542 a new brick church was erected not far from the public square. Among the principal donors to this house were Jesse Alexander, Matthew Foster (grandfather of Hon. J. W. Foster), Peter Tislow and Peter Brenton. Members of the first congregation were Jeremiah Gladdish and wife, Mrs. Lindsey, Jacob Meade, Lucy Meade and Mrs. Miley, the only one of these now living. Judge Sawyer. John Summers and Jeremiah Gladish were among the first elders. The first Sabbath-school of this church was organized about 1840, and has continued to the present time. and is now quite prosperous. It was continued through the suni- mer months only, till 1833, when, through the influence of Mrs. Miley and a few other ladies, it was carried on through the win- ter months. The example was soon followed by other schools. The pastors have usually acted as Sunday-school superintendents, The old church house is being replaced by an elegant new one. at a cost of about $6,000. The following persons have given very liberal aid in the construction of the new house: M. M. Thomas, Sarah Ash, J. J. Eisert and Mary Ann Park. The membership of the church is about 131, who pay their pastor a salary of $700.
The Bethlehem congregation was organized, and worshiped under an old shed, near Union, about 1540. This congregation used the old shed as a place of worship until 1850, when the Bethlehem Church house was erected, mainly by Oliphants, Col- vins, Fredericks, Donaldsons, Lindys and Crow. It is thought Bethlehem congregation was organized by James Richey. Among the first members were Mrs. Hudleson ( the first Cumber land Presbyterian in Clay Township). Joseph Davidson and wife. Edmunson and wife, Mr. Lindy and the White family, Mr. White being the first elder. The church at Union was built mainly by
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
J. T. Kime and Alonzo Hillman, acting as solicitors, at a cost of $1.650. It maintains a good Sabbath-school, of which A. Hill. man is superintendent. The churches at Bethlehem, Union and Olive Branch are called the Bethlehem congregation. Those mainly instrumental in the erection of Olive Branch were A. Johnson, Mr. Carr and Michael Kime. The first church was a log structure, built in 1846; the new one in 1858. The first members of this congregation were Michael Kime and family, A. J. Johnson, Isaac Carr. Felix Falls and S. G. Barrett. The strength now is about forty-five. Among the pastors who have preached to Bethlehem congregation are James Richey, William Lynn, John and George Edmunson, Stewart, Dorr, Bates, Lewis Wilson, T. B. McCormick, James Gleason and M. E. Chappell.
The White River congregation was organized May 29, 1875, with Mason Hedrick as pastor. The first membership was thirty- four, and it has had a steady increase, until it now numbers sev- enty. The elders of the church have been: W. H. Kelso, Henry Stone, A. L. Case, Jonas Robinson, John W. Griffith, Quincy Harper and Alva Pierce. The congregation worships at the Gray Church, just across White River. This is a neat house, and was built as a "union" church, at a cost of $2,000. This congrega- tion has had but two pastors, Mason Hedrick and W. B. Craw- ford, the present pastor. It has maintained a very flourishing Sabbath-school-Union School -- since April, 1882.
Methodist Churches .- The first church services ever held in Pike County, were at Highbanks, the date of which is unknown although they antedated 1820 some years. The class was com- posed of a body of persons who emigrated from North Caro- lina. Owing to some schism in the class to which they belonged, they withdrew from the Methodist Episcopal Church and organ- ized themselves into the "Christian body" at Highbanks. The local ministers of this class were William Hargrave, Barnett and Harbard DeBruler, but on the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Pike County, all these again joined the mother church except Mr. Case, wife, son and daughter who joined the Presbyterians and a few who went to the Universalists. The first class of Methodists was organized at the house of Arch- ibald Campbell in April, 1822. Mr. Campbell being a black- smith by trade and a Methodist by faith, the itinerant ministers
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
frequently ~topped with him to have their horses shod and for entertainment. Not only were there regular preaching services at Mr. Campbell's, but quarterly meetings as well. Minis- ters were supplied to this class from the first till 1832 by the Tennessee conference and then by the Illinois conference until the formation of the Indiana conference. On the removal of a number of families from Daviess County to Petersburg in 1828, a new class was organized at that place. Mrs. Osborn, Eber (her son), two of the Kinmans, Mr. and Mrs. Campbell and Levin Young were members of the first class. Of the second were Samuel, Rebecca, Catharine and Irene Stuckey, Thomas and Mary Palmer, John McIntyre, and Fanny McIntyre, Henry Merick, wife and daughter, Lydia McIntyre, Samuel Stuckey, Jr. and Catharine his wife. Samuel Stuckey was the first class leader. The two classes were in a few years merged into one. Services were held at Mr. Campbell's and other private residences or the old court house until 1835, when a small house, about 30x35 feet was erected a short distance from the public square. This house cost about $400, but was built mainly by donations in work and material. This building served as a place of worship till 1855, when a new and more commodious structure was erected on the site of the old parsonage ground at a cost of $1,900. The following is a list of the presiding elders of this class: James Armstrong, James Hamilton, Samuel Hamilton, George Socke, Samuel Thompson, John Miller, Henry S. Talbot, John Kern, Jehu Keiger, Elijah Whiten, Henry S. Robinson, George Walker, J. J. Stallard, Hay- den Hays, Aaron Turner, Grim and Talbot. Those named below have preached to this class at different periods: Richard Har- grave, son of William Hargrave of Highbanks, preached in 1821, and joined the conference in 1824; Joseph Tarkington, James L. Thompson, Alfred Arrington, John M. Green, Ingle, Samuel Reed, Eli C. Jones, Whiting, Caldwell, Chapman, Car- ter, Charles Slocum, Hobbs and Daniel Davis. This class has had a steady and healthful growth and now numbers about 190 members. The salary of the pastor is $600.
The Sabbath-school of this class was organized in 1828 and since 1855 has been kept running through the entire year. Among the Sabbath-school superintendents are named Mitchell, John MeIntyre, William Hawthorn and J. B. Young.
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
The Methodist Church at Union was organized at the house of Joshua Young. The class built a log-house of worship about one mile east of Union at Wesley Chapel, but a new house of worship was built at Union in 1881 and the class was changed to that place. O. H. Chapman, I. C. Jones, Wilkinson. Spencer and Patterson were some of the older ministers; the later were three of the Woodses, Davis, Hilliard and MeRoberts. This class has an elegant house of worship and has a membership of about 100.
Mount Pleasant class was organized in 1856, at the Bailey Schoolhouse in Logan Township by N. Patterson. Bailey re- mained the place of worship till about 1860. The house was erected by John Smith and Elias Hunt, the principal donors be- ing Thomas Bailey, Richardson, Jenkins, Wesley Whitehead, Felix Falls and William Smith. The first members were Thomas Bailey and wife, J. Richardson and wife, Felix Falls and wife, Wesley Whitehead and wife, A. Hoover and wife, William Smith and wife. The total strength now is about seventy.
There are two classes of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Jefferson, one at Pleasant Grove, the other at Otwell. The one at Otwell was organized in 1858 with about twelve members. The class has been reasonably prosperous and in 1863 built a neat church house about 30x30 feet.
United Brethren Church .- These people have the follow- ing church organizations in Pike County; Otwell, Cup Creek, Atkinson Chapel, Butler Chapel, and White River Chapel. The latter was built in 1867. This house was erected by private donation, mainly by Washington and Samuel Vansickle, William Crandall, William Foust, and William Sappenfield. This church also has a very neat parsonage, and a membership of about forty. The following ministers have preached to this people: Jacob Scammahorn, J. W. Tucker, R. Binkley, John Elliott, Lewis Jameson, James M. Fowler, Joseph Bosley, William F. Green, John Grubb, E. Thomas, Thomas Butler, Thomas Hitchcock, John H. Barnett, Martin Tucker, A. H. Chittenden, B. W. Bow- man, C. C. Rucker, I. K. Haskins, and J. W. DeMunbrun. The following have been elders: L. S. Chittenden, John Elliott, Jacob Scammahorn, John Breeden, Daniel Shuck, J. O. Current, J. M. Fowler. I. K. Haskins, and J. F. DeMunbrun. However,
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
the first United Brethren Church was organized at the house of Stephen Wheatley in the year 1834; that house stood about the center of where Justus Miller's orchard now is. Its mem- bers were John and Mary Miller, Hannah, their daughter, Abel and Nancy Dewitt, Martha Miller and Nancy Davis, all of whom were members of John Miller's family, except Nancy Davis. Mr. Miller was a member of the United Brethrer Church when he came to this county. The first preaching was in his house by Aaron Farmer, a man from Perry County. Silas Davis from Dubois County near Huntingburg effected an organ- ization. Charles Mills was the first revivalist after the organ- ization. Frederick Kennawyer from Crawford was an old time preacher. The organization did not have regular preaching for some time after organization. They built their first church house in this county in 1853 about one mile west of Pikeville. This was built of hewed logs, and when raised, they used cattle to draw the logs to the top of the building. In 1882, the old house was torn down and rebuilt, with some additions, near the old site. It is still the place of worship for this organization. The mem- bership of the same is over one hundred. Butler Chapel was the second built in the county. The history of the other churches could not be procured.
General Baptists .- The General Baptist denomination had its origin in Pike County, in a schism in the United Baptist de- nomination. Elder Samuel T. Thompson and James Thomas, not being permitted to practice free communion in the United Bap- tist denomination, with seventeen lay members, withdrew from the United Baptists in the year 1851, and organized themselves into a church, taking the name of Flat Creek Church of Free Communion United Baptists, Samuel T. Thomson serving as pas- tor and preaching in other places. They continued a separate organization for about eight years; in the meantime, Elder Thompson had organized eight churches with a membership . f about 300 and had organized them into the Flat Creel Association of Free Communion United Baptists. Having become acquainted with the General Baptists, and finding their doctrines and usages were the same as their own, and having been visited by Elder T. M. Strain and G. P. Cavanaugh of Liberty As- sociation of General Baptists in the autumn of 1859, these eight
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
church of Liberty Association of General Baptists were ory !!! ized into an association taking the name of United Association . : General Baptists. The association grew so rapidly that it was thought best. in the meeting of the association in IS69. to divide the association. The original churches in Pike and adjoining connties were formed into a new association adopting the name of Flat Creek Association of General Baptists. The following churches were the original churches organized by Elder Thomp- son: Flat Creek. Bethel. Mount Olive. Little Bethany, Mount Zion, Enon. and Ridge. In 1870, the association contained 2.017 communicants. but becoming so large. a number of the churches were detached and added to a new association. The Flat Creek Association in 1951 numbered 500 members, not all, however, lived in Pike County. The following were pioneer min- isters: Elder Thomas Boling. Simeon Wood, William T. Hop- kins. and Samuel T. Thompson; other ministers: William MI. Chisser. J. J. Laswell, J. W. Shouse, J. G. Jackman, I. Smith, R. M. Lucas. A. C. West, D. F. Philips, J. N. Baggarly. J. Evans, William F. Robertson and F. E. King. Elder Samuel T. Thompson may very properly be considered the founder of this people as he organized most of the churches that first constituted it. with several others that were left in the United Association. The association for 1885 reported the following churches with their membership in the county :
Flat Creek Church. A. C. West. pastor, membership, 91: Shepherd's Chapel. A. E. Wood, 35; Liberty. W. M. Chesser. 9>; White River. W. M. Chesser, 30; Mount Tabor, G. T. Hutchin- son. 37; Olive Branch, H. C. Clinton, 20; Winslow, W. M. Ches- ser, 62; New Liberty, A. C. West, 56; Pikeville, A. C. West, 27; Pleasant Hope, A. C. West, 77.
Regular Baptists. - The first preaching by the Regular Bap- tists, was about the year 1811, at the residence of Col. Henry Hopkins, by Ehlers Alex Diven. William Hanks, William Rick ets and Jeremiah Cash. The first church was organized near High Banks about 1816, at Randle Letts.
Our best itormation is that David Hornaday, John Colwell Levi Kinman. Capt. Isaac Coan, Joseph Chew, Jonathan Postle- wait. Duncan. Judge Hammond, and possibly their families elonged also: among these Hornaday and Cash were preachers
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
A schism arose among the Regular an I Missionary Baptists, and the church was ruined-most of the members joining the Univer- salists; a result of questions that "gender strife," and are of "no profit." The following is an account of the churches in Pike County: Harvy's Creek Church was constituted at the house of James Lumsdale, a short distance west of Union, February 98. 1823. by Elders Alevan lor Diven and William Hanks. Among the members of the constitution were William Wright and wife. Fielding Colvin and wife, Mary Lumsdale, Elizabeth Shaw- hun and Elizabeth Davidson. The first was a log church, built on the land of Dr. Joseph Davidson. Alex Diven was the first pastor. Their pastors have been Jeremiah Cash. Samuel Fitten- ger. James Stricklan.l. A. D. Newton. J. C. Riggin, Charles Sands. J. W. Arnold. and J. W. Richardson, the present pastor. They worship at GHladl lish Chapel .. Since Elder Richardson's pas- torate, the church has increased from thirteen to eighty-five. Little Zion was organized January S. 1548, at the residence of Elizabeth Colvin, by Elders Larken Burchfield and Samuel Fettinger. The following names are in the constitution: James Kinman and wife. John Kinman and wife. David Hillman and wife, George Fettinger and wife, and eight others, all of whom were dismissed by letter from Harvey's Creek Church to form a new one. Elder Fettinger was the first pastor and served till July, 1855; James Strickland from that time till December 14, 1867; Charles Sands until October 16, 1870; James Strickland again till No- vember 8. 1874, when J. W. Richardson became pastor. The church has a convenient house of worship about one-half mile from Union, with a membership of seventy-six.
Pleasant Ridge Church was organized at the Pleasant Ridge meeting-house. south of Petersburg. Saturday, November 23, 1872. There were thirty-three members in the constitution, all of whom had been members of the White River Church. There were three ministers belonging to this church, yet it elected no regular pastor till January. 1976. when it chose Elder J. W. Richardson, who served through eight prosperous years: then it chose Elder William Gammon. The membership is now seventy- seven.
South Fork Church was organized at Pleasantville, March 19. 1864. It was composed of eighteen members of the Walnut
HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Grove Church of Warrick County. Elder Samuel Fettinger had brea preaching in the neighborhood two or three years betor- the church was constituted at South Fork, and was the first pas- tor. By the labors of Elders Fettinger, Strickland, Thomas, Arnold, Hume and others, this church reached nearly 100 in num- bers, when a division arose of the question of secret societies. The majority kept the house, and the minority withdrew to Pleas- antville. The first is called the Radical Anti-Secret Society party of South Fork, and numbers less than fifty; the other was pronounced by a council of six churches to be the "South Fork Church in order." Neither branch, however, tolerates secret societies ; the last named body now numbers 108 members. There is no essential difference in doctrines or practices between the two factions, and the " preacher jealousy " seems to have been the real cause of the difficulty. Elder William S. Green is pastor of the Pleasantville Church.
White River Church was organized at the house of Jeremiah Arnold in Jefferson Township on the 11th of April, 1835, by Elders Jeremiah Cash, Lewis Duncan, and Elihu Holcomb. Elder Cash was its first pastor, and he was succeeded by Elder Fettin- ger, who served till 1872, when Elder J. W. Richardson was chosen, who has since served as pastor. In 1872, thirty-three members of this church were dismissed by letter, to constitute Pleasant Ridge Church. Since that time the old body has increased to seventy, and has built a neat house, Arnold Chapel, about six miles east of Petersburg.
Patoka Association .- All of the foregoing churches, and Walnut Grove, which house is in Warwick County, once be- longed to Salem Association, but in October, were organized into a new association called Patoka Association, at Gladdish Chapel, five miles west of Petersburg.
At the meeting of the association in 1880 it numbered 370, in 1884 it numbered 531.
The meeting of the association is on Friday before the second Sunday in October. To place the Regular Baptists before the public properly on one point of doctrine their Ninth Article of Faith is here quoted:
Art. 1X. "We believe that all persons who die while in a state of infancy are regenerated and saved by Christ through the spirit."
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HISTORY OF PIKE COUNTY.
Lutheran Church at Stendal .-- The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Augsburg confession was organized in 1860, with eight members: Frederic Salman, Sr., Henry Gille, Rudolf Butka, Christian Rebber, Frederick Brust, Frederick Pickhart, Henry Katterjohn and Henry Wellmeyer.
Not being able to keep a pastor and build a house they held their meetings at Frederick Salman's, which meetings were con- ducted by Rev. F. A. Graetz, from Holland, Dubois County, who was of the same denomination. In 1863 they built a log church, 2>x36 feet, at a cost of about $150. At this time the church called Rev. W. G. C. Bauermeister, who remained among them twelve years. His work proved a success, for at the expiration of that time the congregation numbered sixty members and had built a new church 40x60 feet, with a tower eighty feet high, at a cost of $2,500, together with a parsonage 16x32 feet, two sto- ries high, at a cost of $600. In 1879 Rev. Bauermeister accept- ed a call from a congregation in Dearborn County, and Rev. E. Mahlberg came in his stead and remained three years, when he answered a call from Pittsburgh, Penn. The present minister is the Rev. August Stein.
The present membership is sixty. The church maintains a day-school, four days of the week, during the winter months, and Sunday-school during the summer. Henry Gille and Rudolf Butka are the only two living members of the first organization. These two were then, as now, the leading members of the church. The church holds services every Sunday at 10 o'clock. Rev. Bauermeister donated two acres of ground for a church, parson- age and graveyard.
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