History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships, Part 44

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman
Number of Pages: 664

USA > Indiana > Randolph County > History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships > Part 44

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).

Shedville (half-mile east). --- The society was formed in 1877, and the house was built in 1880. The church was organized by Rev. Kahn and Witzel at the schoolhouse south of Shedville, with about thirty-two members. The present number is about one hundred. The preachers have been Addington and Cortner. Some of the members are John McProud, J. C. Jones, J. Ford, James McProud, C. B. Mel'roud, Henry Woodard, Jesse Pace, William Bales, Milton Meranda. The interest is strong and the attendance good, with a flourishing Sunday school.

Shiloh (two and three-fourth miles north of Farmland) .- Preaching had been begun by that denomination in the neigh- borhood before 1853; held in a log house east of Shiloh. The meeting-house (brick) was built in 1860. Last year a new frame church was erected near the former one (1880). The preachers have been Mullen, Barber, Wilkins, Ross, Terrell, Jackson, John- son, etc. The members have been Isaac Holloway and wife, John Mills and wife, John Goodin and wife, Philip Witzel, John Cortner and wife, Andrew Cortner and wife, etc. It has been during a portion of the time a large and flourishing society of 100 to 150 members; it is now not so large. They have had Snuday school more or less in past years, but there is none at the present time (1880).

Stony Creek (one mile west of Neff) .-- Was organized Febru- ary 20, 1858, by Elder William Terrell, with nineteen members -S. W. Smithson, D. S. Terrell, Isaac Thornburg, George Clevenger, William Clevenger, Isaac Faulkner, John W. Sanders, Peter Helm, etc. December 5, 1850, Pleasant Grove and Stony Creek Churches united as a monthly meeting under the name of Pleasant Grove Church, with officers as follows: J. M. Terrell, Clerk; Drummond S. Terrell, Ira Smithson, Deacons; Allen Hunt, Treasurer. Members up to October 5, 1858, 103; joined, January 18, 1860, 57; joined January 25, 1860, 65; others, 4, making a total of 229 members. It would seem that a new or- ganization of some sort was effected September 1, 1860, under A. M. and Samuel McNees, and that at some time seventy-seven names were taken. In 1865, four members were received, and, in 1867, forty-two members. Total of members, 1869, 65; 1870, 93; 1871, 90; 1872, 94; 1873, 71; 1877, 96; 1878, 97. A Sab- bath school has been maintained with more or less vigor and in- terest. The chapel was built about 1859. The preachers have been William Terrell, A. McNees, S. McNees, E. Hodson, Wrightsman, Roberts, Elisha Thornburg, Hardesty, Tingle, William Hunt (Methodist), Mullen, Minnick, Addington, Sharp, King, Cowgill, Johnson, Ross, Chandler, Leeks, I V. D. R. Johnson (present pastor).

Sugar Creek .- The Christians have a society on Sugar Creek, holding their meetings at the schoolhouse, northeast of W. C. Wilmore's. Rev. Thomas Addington, and, perhaps others, have preached there. We have obtained no details concerning them.

Union City, Ohio .- The first Christian Church of Union City, Ohio, was organized with thirty-five members, in 1861, by Elders Henry Gittinger, Harrison Vinson and C. M. Sharpe. Elder Gittinger was the first pastor. Other pastors were H. Vin- son, C. M. Sharp, A. W. Brodrick, J. Jacobs, J. Weeks, T. S. Wells and T. A. Brandon. The society built a church, corner of Osk and Plum, at a cost of $1,300. Builder, Jacob Deardoff; dedication by Elder Joseph Weeks. A debt was contracted by the building of the church, which the society could not pay; the

meeting house was sold to the United Brethren and the church was disbanded.

Unionsport .- The Christians have had preaching in this neighborhood for many years, though mostly in private dwellings and schoolhouses. About 1868, when the woolen factory was new, a meeting was held by them therein with good results, and there has been a society ever since. Some of the members have been Absalom Oren, J. C. Bates, William Aikens, Samuel Gil- lum, Mr. Merriwether, James Pursley, David Moore, Andrew Moore, Mr. Fister, John Moyer. Preachers, Isaac V. D. R. Johnson, Absalom Oren, Mr. Cropper, etc. The society occupies at present the meeting-house between Buena Vista and Unions- port.

Windsor .- The church was built in the fall of 1859. Rev. Larkin Mullen was the preacher. Others have been Messrs. Minnick, Wells, Wilkins, Elisha Thornburg, William Terrell, T. Addington, Humphrey, etc. The class at one time was strong and flourishing, but is not nearly so large now. Members, Mr. Gable and wife, John Woolford and wife, John M. Terrell and wife, Jacob Carver and wife, Joseph Thornburg and wife, Elisha Thornburg and wife, T. W. Thornburg and wife, Amburn and wife, Amos Smith and wife, Jonathan Thornburg und wife, be- sides others. The church stands near the cemetery and the schoolhouse a short distance southeast of town.

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.

Winchester .- About 1870, a church of this order was formed at Winchester, embracing a small number of members. Meas- ures were taken looking to permanent occupancy of the field; a subscription was raised for a meeting-house, a lot was purchased, a preacher engaged, etc. The movement, however, seemed not to succeed, and, though the organization may never have been formally dissolved, yet for some years no direct, definite activity has been shown, any further than that the place has been visited occasionally by Rev. L. P. Rose, Congregational Home Mission- ary Agent for the State of Indiana, and that religious services have been conducted by him in Winchester during his visits to the place. Rev. J. G. Brice, clergyman and missionary agent, resided for many years at Winchester, preaching and lecturing and making collections for missionary purposes through portions of Indiana and Ohio. Not very long ago, he removed to Weston, Mo., where at the latest knowledge he was living in a green and vigorous old age. Congregationalists have been residents of the county at various times and dates, but for the most part they have united with other branches of the Christian body. A Con- gregational Church was once attempted at Buena Vista by Rev. J. G. Brice about 1846, but no success attended the effort.

DISCIPLES' CHURCH.

This body of Christians (called sometimes Campbellites, from Alexander Campbell, and sometimes Reformers and also Christians, etc.), came into this region shortly after their first rise, and formed churches at various points. Some of their early preachers, such as Elder Benjamin Franklin and others, assisted in planting their so- cieties in this county and the ones adjoining. Some debates have been held here by their champions with opponents in doctrine or practice, and, from the first, the adjacent portions of Wayne and Randolph have been to them congenial ground. (See Reminiscen- ces of Rev. H. C. Tillson.) Yet there are now only a few churches of the order in the county, some accounts of which are subjoined hereto. Their societies at present are Union City, Winchester, Spartanburg, Gilead, White River Chapel, New Lisbon. Preachers, C. G. Bartholomew, J. T. Shaw, I. P. Watts, W. D. Stone, Revs. Vinson (father and son), Slon, Polly, Ellis, etc.

Bethphage (south of Spartanburg). - The meeting-house be- low Jesse Jordan's was built very early, being, perhaps, first in the county built by the Disciples. It was erected probably about 1838 or a little later. Bethphage was a famous place in its day; one or more debates were had, which were largely at- tended; at least, one powerful revival was held, perhaps more, and many members were gained to the Disciples, and the inem- bership became so numerous and extensive that two congrega- tions were at length formed-one at Sugar Grove near Benja-

145

HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

min Elliot's, southeast of Spartanburg, and one at Gilead, southwest of the same village. They were built in 1854 or about that time, Gilead, probably, somewhat later, and Bethphage went into disuse. A special detailed history of Bethphage, with membership, etc., has not been obtained. Some of the preach- ers were Elders Franklin, Swallow, etc. The latter held a series of meetings with very powerful results, bringing in many new members.

Gilead .- Was built somewhat after 1854, as one of two churches growing from the society at Bethphage. It continues to this day a flourishing society, with preaching, Sunday school, etc. Some of the members have been Henry D. Nichols, Isaac Nichols, Murray Chenoweth, Columbus Chenoweth, Harvey Platt, Henry Thomas, John Mann, James Peelle, John Peelle, Samuel Hill, etc , John Kelly, James Kelly, several Hills, Mr. Throckmorton, with the wives of most or all of the above.

New Lisbon (Jackson Township). --- Was formed July 7, 1830. Several preachers had held meetings some years before-Elibu Harlan, Hosea Tillson and perhaps others. Meetings were held at private dwellings-first at Thomas Wiley's; also at Mr. Reeves,' Mr. Skinner's and elsewhere, and, in the summer, in the grove. The first members were Thomas Wiley and wife, John Skinner, James and Anna Skinner (parents of Mrs. James Reeves), James Roeves and wife, Putnam and Milly Campbell, Charles and Per- lina Smith, William Pratt and wife. Thomas Wiley and Charles Smith were chosen Elders, and John Skinner, Deacon. The first church was of hewed logs and it stood near the old ceme- tery, having been built before 1839 and named Carmel Meeting- House. The second church was a nice frame edifice, and was built in 1855. The society is at this time (July, 1881), build- ing a large church near the site of the second one. The preach. ers have been Thomas Wiley, John Thomson, William Murray, Valentine Thomson, George W. Thomson, Farrell Vincent and Enos Polly. They were without regular preaching for a long time. Mr. Polly has been their pastor most of the time for ten or twelve years. Their Sunday school began about twenty years ago. and, though awkward and irregular at first, has grown to be a prosperous school. The society may be regarded at present as in a flourishing condition. Some of the chief members, be- sides the original members above mentioned, have been James Wickersham and wife, Abram Smith and wife, Jacob Mangas and wife and children, David Banta and wife and children, William Ross and wife, Isaac Beal and wife, James Lambert and wife and doubtless many others not now recollected. The New Lis. bon Church was the first built in the township. The Baptists had preaching in early times at Mr. Beach's, near Allensville and in that neighborhood, but their church was built in Jay County, near North Salem. The new Disciple Church was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies in the presence of a large and in- terested congregation on Sabbath, October 24, 1881. Some sta- tistics, etc., of the church are as follows: By 1843, there had been fifty-one members; by September, 1867, there had been 346 members in all. There was a revival in August, 1871, and twenty two joined at one time; twenty-five joined in 1873; fifty- five in 1874 (forty-seven in December); eleven in 1875 and twenty-five in 1875. Atthe renewal of the society in 1871, there were seventy-one members, and 176 have joined since that time. In all, there have been 522 members, of whom some 170 still belong. The size of the new meeting-house is 37x55 feet, and it cost $2, - 000. The building committee are Eli Mangas, Daniel Mussul- man and George Warner.

Salem (four miles southwest of Union City). - Was established about 1843. For a considerable time the church flourished. A meeting-house was built some thirty years ago, and there has been a large and thriving society. Among the preachers have been Messrs. Barnhill Polly, W. D. Stone and others. By re- movals, deaths, etc., the church has been greatly reduced, and for some time preaching has been intermitted. We have no definite account of the society.

Spartanburg .- As early as perhaps 1838 or 1839, or may be sooner, meetings began to be held in Greensfork Township by the Disciples. A Christian (New Light) Church had existed be- fore that time at Bethel, Wayne Co., Ind., and, at the time the

Disciples arose under the lead of A. Campbell, the society at Bethel divided, a majority going with the Disciples. The Christians afterward bnilt a church at Hollandsburg, and both societies remain till this day. Before very long the Disciples began to hold meetings in Randolph County and a society was formed in the region south of Spartanburg. Between 1839 and 1846, probably about 1840, a hewed-log meeting-house was built, largely by the efforts of John Sterling, who lived where Ephruim Bowen now resides, east of Jesse Jordan's place, between Jesse Jordan's and Joshua Thomas.' That church stood for many years and was a famous center of religions influence in its day. Before that house was built, meetings were held at the old school- house north of the Jordan' place. The hewed-log church wa called Bethphage, and in that house the noted debate was hel.i between Benjamin Franklin, the distinguished Disciple preacher, and Mr. Randolph, one of the leading Methodist clergymen of the time. In the same church, Rev. Swallow conducted a rev. val meeting, as the result of which eighty converts joined the Disciples. The same Randolph above named engaged in severi .. debates upon slavery with Moorman Way, Pusey Grave, Arnold Buf am, and perhaps others at Arba, Bethel and may be elsewhere. Some of the early Disciple preachers were Elders Tillson, Frank- lin, Elihu Harlan, Valentine Harlan, Miller, Windsor, Swallow and others. The revival under the labors of Rev. Swallow so il :- creased the numbers and enlarged the bounds of the society, that in process of time, two other houses were built-Sugar Grow., southeast of Spartanburg, in about 1854, and Gilead, southwest of Spartanburg, some years later. Some of the chief member of the Bethphage Church at first were John Sterling and Arthur Hagepeth and wife, Mr. Howe, etc. The meetings there were at length discontinued, and the church itself has been re- moved for many years. The Sugar Grove Church also has fallen into disuse for some time. The society at Gilead still contin- nes to be flourishing, with an active Sunday school. Some thir- teen years ago, or about 1868, a society was gathered and a church was built at Spartanburg, which still stands and is occu- pied by the society in that vicinity. Some of the chief members there are Clement Alexander, James Rubey, Jeremiah Horn, Benjamin Shaw, Levi Hill and others. A Sunday school is held in connection with the church, which is reasonably flourishing from year to year. In the fall of 1881, Elder Ellis, pastor of Winchester, began preaching work with the Spartanburg con- gregation also. A series of meetings was held, lasting several days, with the result of a renewal of religious interest and th. prospect of a higher Christian life among the members and in the community. The Superintendent of the Sunday school, dur- ing 1881 and 1882, was Charles F. Tucker.

Sugar Grove (near Ben Elliot's place). - This church w. built in about 1854, being erected by a portion of the Bethphag, congregation, out of which two societies grew-Sugar Grove and Gilead. This church was used for meeting purposes till the Spartansburg Church was built, after which it gradually ceased to be used, though it is standing at the present time. We have not a particular statement of the items of history connected with this congregation, although some additional information may bc found in the statement concerning Spartansburg and vicinity.

Union City ..- Was organized in 1858 by Rev. Thomas Wiley, with twenty-four members. The Trustees were Simeon Bran- ham, Thomas Wiley, Isaac Beal, J. E. Paxson. The first Elde- was Rev. Thomas Wiley, who was also pastor. The original records are lost and the first Deacons and Clerk are unknowr. The pastors have been Revs. Wiley, Barnhill Polly, Thompson. Harrison, Moore, Aylesworth, Howe, Tully, Bartholomew aint Sloan. The Elders are Henry Polly, B. F. W. Stewart, W. H. Anderson, John W. Starbuck, James White, Jefferson Gist. The. Deacons are William Strawbridge, James M. Warren, E. L. An- derson, D. L. McDonald. The Trustees are Simeon Branham, William H. Anderson, Thomas Jones, Ephraim H. Bowen, Gab- riel Fowler. Clerk, William Commons; Treasurer, D. L. Mc- Donald. Number in Sunday school, 200 to 275. Superintend- ent, William A. Wiley. Pupils, 175 to 250. Teachers, twenty- five. Secretary, B. F. W. Stewart. Choir Leader, William A. Wiley. Their church building was the first house of worship>

146

HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

erected in the town. It was a frame, 40x45 feet, commenced in 1853, completed in 1858. Jere Smith gave a lot to the society at first and afterward another, at the solicitation of Simeon Branham, Esq., one of the Trustees. The house became too small for the increasing congregation, and the society have erected a massive brick edifice, 48x92} feet, Gothic style, J. C. Johnson, Fremont, Ohio, architect. The cost of the building complete was $13,500. Since the organization, 622 persons have been connected with the church and the present number of members is 450. Series of meetings have been held from time to time in addition to the regular and constant weekly and Sabbath services, by the pastor and others, and great numbers have been brought to profess faith in Christ and to submit to the seal of the covenant in the ordi- nance of baptism. The congregations in this society are large, attentive and interested, and the various services of the sanctuary are well sustained. The Superintendent of the Sunday school, William A. Wiley, has held that position from the commence- ment. The church has a fine organ and a large and well-trained choir, whose skill and spirit add greatly to the interest of the sanct- uary service, and William A. Wiley is also leader of the choir. Elder Bartholomew resigned the pastorship in the summer of 1880, and the position remained vacant for some months, the pulpit services being supplied meanwhile by Rev. Polly, one of the Elders of the congregation. In January, 1881, Elder Sloan, late from Richmond, Ind., was called to be pastor of the church, and was installed to the position with simple and impressive cer. emonies. Elder Sloan enters upon his new labors with this large and interesting flock under favorable auspices and with encouraging tokens of unity and harmony among the people of his charge, and of increasing interest by the members of the society in the work which the Lord has committed to their care in the great vineyard. The first members were about twenty- four in number, among whom were Rev. Thomas Wiley and wife, Simeon Branham and wife, Isaac Beal and wife, Barnhill Polly and wife, Peter Nickum and wife, John Harlan and wife, Austin Williams. In January, 1866, there were 135 members; at the close of 1869, 125 members. In the succeeding years, the num- ber of persons joining the church was as follows: 1870, 32; 1871, 10; 1872, 7; 1873, 22; 1874, 58; 1875, 51; 1876, 86; 1877, 126; 1878, 14; 1879, 25; 1880, 67. The Elders have been Thomas Wiley, Barnhill Polly, Uriah Ball, David Polly, John Harlan, Valentine Thomson, N. Bowles. The Deacons have been Cor- nelius V. Harlan, James White, Levi Hill, Henry V. Polly, David McDonald, J. T. Shaw, J. J. Downing, William Pinkerton, Isaac Beal, Samuel Sutton, B. F. W. Stewart.

When the enterprise of building the new church was set on foot, the following gentlemen were chosen as a Building Com- mittee, viz .: William H. Anderson, David Polly, William A. Wiley, Simeon Branham, E. H. Bowen, John W. Starbuck, John L. Frank, J. R. Jackson (resigned from ill health).

The foundation of the church was laid during the fall of 1875, and the building was first occupied for religious services on the first Sabbath of March, 1878.

The cost of the edifice was about $13,500. Before the organ- ization, in 1858, Union City had been a point of missionary work from the first settlement of the town.

This church is very prominent in the denomination, being among the largest in the State. Several large religious conven- tions have been held at this place with this congregation, the latest in 1881, being a large and enthusiastic assembly, and last- ing nearly a week.

White River Chapel (north of Snow Hill). - There was preach- ing at Timothy Hinshaw's and elsewhere for six or eight years, as far back, perhaps, as 1850, or sooner.

The church was built in 1856.

The members of the society were Uriah Ball, Isaac Engle, Timothy Hinshaw and wife, Riley Lloyd and wife, and others.

Preachers, John Carnahan, Thomas Wiley, Thomas Burnan, Moses Swallow, Mr. Henry, etc.

The society is at present dormant. The Friends now use the house for worship and Sunday school.

Winchester .--- Elders Butler K. Smith and George W. Thomp- son, the former residing near Indianapolis and the latter at Union

City, Ind., held a meeting in the Disciples' Church at Winches- ter, Ind., August 25 and 26, 1866; and on Lord's-Day, August 26, 1866, the brethren and sisters were formed into a church by agreeing to a covenant as follows:

"The undersigned, met together on the fourth Lord's-Day in August, 1866, at the Christian (Disciples') Church in Winches- ter, in Randolph County and in the State of Indiana, agree to accept the Bible as the revelation God has given men, and as their rule of faith and practice; and hereby enroll ourselves as a · Church of Christ, at Winchester, Ind., and promise and cove- nant to labor faithfully as servants of Christ to build up His . church upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone."

First members -Jeremiah Smith, Isaiah P. Watts, William D. Frazee, Joshua C. Multbie, Elizabeth C. Maultbie, Elias Cleven. ... ger, Martha M. Clevenger, Robert R. Williams, Vashti Williams, Sarepta C. Williams, Mary E. Browne, Beulah Leak, Malinda Patty, Sarah Ireland, Minerva Shaw, Sarah Irvin.

Whole number of members, 122; present number, 50.

Several have died, among whom is Judge Jeremiah Smith, who departed this life December 28, 1874, and whose funeral services were conducted by Rev. G. W. Thompson. His remains were interred in the Union City Cemetery.

The first Deacons were appointed September 9, 1866-R. R. Williams, Joshua C. Multbie.

R. R. Williams was also Clerk and Treasurer. In 1868, he moved away, and, March 29, 1868, Edmund Engle was chosen in his place.

Trustees were elected January 16, 1875, as follows: Thomas M. Browne, I. P. Watts, Edmund Engle.

Elders elected December 26, 1875: I. P. Watts, James Hou- ser, Felix Simms.

Deacons were chosen: Nelson Toland, Edmund Engle (chosen before).

Deaconesses: Elvira Toland, Minerva Shaw.

A new meeting-house was built during 1875-76, and dedica- ted June 4, 1876.

The church has maintained regular Sabbath services, as also social and prayer meetings and Sunday school.

Rev. I. P. Watts has been their regular preacher for several years.

Many persons have preached, and sometimes protracted meet- ings have been held, with various results.

The congregations have been small, but the church has cour- ageously maintained its ground with a settled purpose to bear aloft the standard of the cross.

The Sunday school numbers from thirty to forty pupils.

The clergymen who have preached to the church at Winches- ter have been G. W. Thompson, Butler K. Smith, Jeremiah Smith, I. P. Watts, Wm. D. Frazee, E. Goodwin, Samuel Mat- thews, Uriah Ball, R. T. Brown, --- Wayand, Barnhill Polly, Thomas Munnell, Hardin Harrison, Benjamin Franklin, Elder Davis, J. O. Beardslee, Enos W. Polly, J. H. Vinson, H. T. Mor- risen, Russell T. Prichard, J. W. Ferrell, George W. Bailey, T. B. Scoville, D. H. Gary, C. A. Burgess, - - Belding, J. C. Tully, C. G. Bartholomew, N. A. Walker, J. B. Ludwig, Felix Simms.

Their first meeting-bouse had been built by the Presbyterians some years before, being a small frame structure, which is still standing, but has not been used as a church for several years.

The present place of worship is a substantial brick edifice, in the south part of town, on Meridian street.

In the fall of 1881, Elder Ellis was engaged as their Pastor, . who has a fine reputation as an active and reliable worker, and who appears to give good satisfaction.

A series of meetings has been in progress during the winter of, 1881-82, with considerable effect and several accessions.

FRIENDS.

The first settlement of Friends known in Indiana was in 1806. The first meeting-house was built of logs. The first ., yearly meeting for Indiana was opened in 1821. The old Friends' meeting-house at Richmond was first occupied in 1824,

CHRISTIAN CHURCH. MAIN ST. WINCHESTER. RANDOLPH, CO IND.

RANDOLPH COUNTY BANK, WINCHESTER, RANDOLPH, CO. IND.

147

HISTORY OF RANDOLPH COUNTY.

and the present one in 1878. George Fox began to preach in England in 1647. There are now in the world twenty-six yearly meetings of Friends. Indiana Yearly Meeting used to embrace all the territory west of Ohio. There are now in those bounds four Yearly Meetings, Indiana, Western, Iowa and Kansas. In- diana Yearly Meeting has thirteen Quarterly Meetings, and is held at Richmond, Ind., and has 18,000 members. Western Yearly Meeting was set up in 1857, and is held at Plainfield, Hendricks Co., Ind. It has fourteen Quarterly Meetings. Kan- sas Yearly Meeting was set up in 1872. It is held in Leaven- worth, and has four Quarterly Meetings, and 5,000 members. Iowa Yearly Meeting is held at Oskaloosa, and has eleven Quar- terly Meetings, and 10,000 members.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships, Part 44

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman Number of Pages: 664

Author: Tucker, Ebenezer
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : A.L. Klingman
Number of Pages: 664