USA > Indiana > Shelby County > History of Shelby County, Indiana : from the earliest time to the present, with biographical sketches, notes, etc., together with a short history of the Northwest, the Indiana Territory, and the State of Indiana > Part 32
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Rouse, Phillip, died at Bowling Green, November 16, 1862. Ross, Thomas. killed at Resacca. May 15, 1864.
Stewart, James, died at Bowling Green, October 21, 1862. Speagle, George S., died at Sandersville, December 19, 1862. Stoddard, Marshall, died at Scottsville. Ky., November 26. 1862. Vanlew, John F., died at Sandersville, Tenn., January 15, 1863. Alexander, Thomas, died at Bowling Green, November 1, 1862. Brady, John, died at Gallatin. Tenn., April 25, 1863. Griffith, Luke, died at Bowling Green, October 15, 1862. Holdrom, Thomas J., killed at Resacca, May 14, 1864. Miller, Philip, died at Madison, February 20, 1864.
Company E. Seventy-ninth Regiment.
Burk, Edmund, killed by guard at Louisville. September 5. 1862. Dick, Samuel, died at Nashville. November 7, 1863. Davis, George W., killed at Atlanta, July 21, 1864. Fox. Daniel, killed at Stone River, January 2, 1863. Golding, William B .. died at Nashville. December 5, 1862. Hill, Milton, died at Louisville, December 30, 1862. Kendall, John E., killed at Stone River. January 2, 1863.
Larmore. Oliver P., died at Lebanon, Ky., November 15, 1862.
Laird, Robt., died at Louisville, October 25, 1862. Reed, James, died at Cave Springs, Ky., November 24, 1862. Smith, Henry, died at Nashville. December 15, 1862.
Tucker, Benjamin, died in Shelby County, November 24, 1862.
Company I, Seventh Cavalry ( One Hundred and Nineteenth) Regiment.
Chery, James, died in Andersonville, September 5, 1864. Peterson, William, died at Union City, Tenn., January 22, 1864. Phillippe, John W., died at Memphis, May 28, 1865. Robinson, Lewis, died at Andersonville.
St. John, Albert, died February 22, 1864, wounds.
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Company H, Ninth Cavalry ( One Hundred and Twenty-first) Regiment.
Avdelott, Joseph, died January 26, 1865.
Allison, William M., died February 24, 1865, wounds.
Bagley, Joseph, died July 13, 1864.
Bagley, Henry, died April 15, 1864.
Beckly, Charles, killed at Sulphur Trestle, Ala., September 25, IS64.
Colcaizer, Philip, died at Pulaski. Tenn., August 17, 1864.
Delano, Geo. W., lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865.
Goius, Milton, died at St. Louis, June 16, 1865.
Hill, Lorenzo D., died September 22, 1864.
Houton, Cassander T., killed at Sulphur Trestle, September 25, I864.
IIuls, Marion, died April 4. 1865.
Hulsopple, John, died at Pulaski, September 8, 1864.
Jenkins, John, died at Nashville, of wounds received September 25, 1864.
Pratt, Josiah, lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865.
Ross, William A., died at Nashville, March 19, 1865.
Smith, Milton, killed by guard at Vicksburg. July 11, 1865.
Strap, James H., died at Memphis, March 13, 1865.
Shull, John W., lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865.
Swango, Henry, died at New Orleans, April 27, 1865.
Vance, Wm. D., died at St. Louis, June 19, 1864.
Williams, John R., died in Rebel prison, February 5, 1865.
Company D, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment.
Holton, William F., killed near Kenesaw, July 17, 1864.
Company E, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment.
Denickson, John W., died near Atlanta, August 27, 1864, wounds. Company I, One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment. Pence, Jacob, died at Louisville, March 2, 1865.
Company I, Thirteenth Cavalry ( One Hundred and Thirty-first) Regiment.
Anderson, John B., died at Louisville, October 29, 1864.
Dodd, John M., died at Chattanooga, September 9, 1864. King, Thomas B., died at Murfreesboro, December 26, 1864.
Company F, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Regiment.
Gunning, Hiram, died at Baltimore, May 14, 1865.
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Company D, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment.
Badger, Milton J., died at Columbia. Tenn., August 15, 1865. Newton, Thomas G., died at Indianapolis, March 3, 1865. Pearson, John J., died at Nashville. March 25, 1863. Roe, James M., died at Pulaski, May 12, 1865.
Robertson, Samuel, died at Nashville, June 27, 1865.
Company G, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment.
Crouch, George. died at Columbia, Tenn., April 12, 1865. Keith, William G., died at Nashville, March 22, 1865. Mosman, John C., died at Nashville, May 5, 1865.
Third Battery, Light Artillery.
Ray, Henry L., killed at Lone Jack, Mo., August 16, 1862.
Twentieth Battery, Light Artillery.
Kenedy, Albert, died at Nashville, February 10, 1863. Kenedy, Nathaniel, died at Nashville, April 15, 1863. Pope, Charles L., died at Nashville, May 3, 1863.
Grand Army of the Republic .- Nothing could be more natural than for those who had spent months and years together following the fortunes of war, to form a society somewhat exclusive in its character. It was natural for them to exclude all who had not shared the hardships of the camp nor been a soldier in fact. Such a so- ciety is the Grand Army of the Republic, one that pervades every part of the Republic where those who fought the battles of the Union are to be found. It is to-day one of the most extensive or- ganizations in the country. In Shelby County there are four lodges or posts of this order. They are: George Haney Post, at Morristown: Andrew Winterrowd Post, at Flatrock; Meredith Post, at Mt. Auburn: Dumont Post No. IS, at Shelbyville. The total membership in the county is about 300, of which 180 are at Shelbyville and vicinity. The organization is composed of Union soldiers, and an honorable discharge is necessary for membership.
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CHAPTER VI.
RELIGIOUS HISTORY-EARLY PIETY-THE METHODIST EPISCO- PAL CHURCH - ITS CLASSES AT MARION, SHELBYVILLE, WRAYS, BOGGSTOWN, BRANDYWINE, FAIRLAND, FLATROCK, NORRISTOWN. MARIETTA, MORRISTOWN, FOUNTAINTOWN, PLEASANT HILL, WALDRON, WINCHESTER, RIPPLE'S, TONERS, GENEVA, ACTON CIRCUIT AND CYNTHIANA-THE PRESBY- TERIANS AT SHELBYVILLE AND BOGGSTOWN-THE ROMAN CATHOLICS -THE MISSIONARY BAPTISTS - THE DISCIPLES AT SHEBYVILLE, MT. AUBURN. MORRISTOWN, CAVE HILL, GWYNNVILLE-UNITED BRETHREN -- METHODIST PROTES- TANT-SOUTHERN METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH -ADVEN- TISTS-CHRISTIAN UNION -LUTHERANS, ETC.
ELIGION has never been without its humble devo- tees: but it is, indeed. a matter of wonder that in the primitive days of Shelby County such a large pro- portion of the settlers should have been zealous advo- cates of the cause of Christ, and wide-awake partisans of some Christian denomination. Books were few and newspapers were well nigh unknown: the mental activ- ity was aroused and nourished almost wholly by atten- tion to and meditation upon the great themes of religious thought. Plain, practical religion, found abundant welcome in the hearts of sincere, simple-hearted, earnest men and women. Almost every denomination was represented among those who planted their homes within what is now Shelby County. The settler's cabin was scarcely completed before an itinerant was there with his Bible and hymn book gathering the families for devotion around the altar in the wilderness. Without the hope of remuneration, the pioneer preachers came to labor in the vineyard, foregoing all the joys of home, only to be instrumental in the salvation of souls. To those men, and their self-sacrificing devotion, do we owe the planting of churches and the hallowed influences as seen and felt in society everywhere. One of the most common modes of worship was what was called "family prayers." There was then most emphat- ically an American edition of that pious old Scotch practice so elo- quently described in Burns' "Cotter's Saturday Night."
THE NEW .ORK
ASTOR, LEM LAND TILDEN FOUNDATIONS
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The cheerfu' supper done, wi' serious face They, round the ingle, form a circle wide; The sire turns o'er, wi' patriarchal grace, The big Ha' Bible. ance his father's pride; His bonnet rev'rently is laid aside, His lyart haffets wearin thin and bare; Those strains that once did in sweet Zion glide,
He wales a portion with judicious care;
And, "Let us worship God!" he says, with solemn air.
Once or twice a day, in the morning just before breakfast or in the evening just before retiring to rest, the head of the family would call those around him to order, read a chapter. announce the hymn and tune by commencing to sing it. when all would join; then he would deliver a most fervent prayer. If a pious guest was present he would be called on to take the lead; and in those days if a person who praved in the family or in public did not pray as if it were his very last on earth, his piety was thought to be defective.
Methodist Episcopal Church, Marion."-The first regular preaching place in Shelby County was at the house of Mrs. Jane Sleeth, one mile north of Marion. Later meetings were held at the house of William H. Sleeth. The Sleeths were native Virginians, and having enjoyed the privilege of religion in their native homes, they could not long forego that pleasure, and at once began to make preparations for religious worship here. In the fall of 1821, John Sale, Aaron Wood, James Horn and William Beechamp held meetings at the above named places. After a few years ' the school-house was used for a meeting place until 1840 when the society which was known as Sleeth's Class. was removed to Ma- rion, and the meetings held in the school-house until the erection of the present frame building in 1862.
A class paper, which is now in possession of Mr. Sleeth. of Shelbyville, reveals some facts of interest about the early members and ministers, and reads as follows: "Class paper of Sleeth's class for 1837, Shelbyville Circuit, Indiana Conference, Ministers in Christ, James Havens, P. E .: Elijah Whitten, C. P .: John B. Birt, A. P .: Members of the Class - Jacob Winton, Class leader: Jane Winton and William II. Sleeth, Recording Stewards; Evaline Sleeth, Margaret Sleeth. Sarah Hacker, Caleb Sleeth, Thomas Hacker, Cyntha Kuster, Sarah A. Moffit, Robert Bene- field, Stephen Giel, Nancy Giel."
This the oldest organization in Shelby County, has pursued its course with variable success for sixty-six years, and is still in a vigorous and healthy condition. The present church house, which was built in 1862, is a commodious frame building, and with recent
"A considerable portion of the facts for this church were furnished by Rev. George Curtis, D. D.
S
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improvements that have been made, it will answer the purpose of the congregation for many years. Among the early ministers, the names of James Corwin and James Havens deserve special men- tion. They were both able and energetic workers. The following ministers have been assigned to this charge since 1877: T. C. Crawford. John Machlin. J. H. Doddridge, W. B. Clancy, Albert Cain, Frank Tincher, J. McCaw, and B. F. Morgan. The church membership at present numbers about 105.
Shelbyville Methodist Episcopal Church. - The introduction of Methodism into Shelbyville dates from the year 1823. During that year praver meetings were held at private houses and preaching was had in a few instances by ministers who were passing through from Cincinnati to Indianapolis. Revs. Jesse Hale and James Horn may be mentioned among the number. During the year 1824, Rev. Hale administered the ordinance of baptism to the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Van Scyoc. The next year, IS25, the following settlers were organized into a class: Elisha Mayhew, wife and two daught- ers, James and Jerusha Van Scyoc and Mrs. Catharine Goodrich. These seven persons constituted the first Methodist organization and their place of meeting was in the cabinet shop of Jacob Shanks, which stood on Washington street. Of these seven pioneer Christians much might be written, but suffice it to say that each of them lived to see the church, the foundation of which they had laid in the wilderness, grow, prosper and accomplish much good. Late in the fall of 1824, J. C. Sleeth came to Shelbyville from Virginia. Though he brought a letter of membership with him he does not appear to have been of the first class formed in Shelby- ville. but not long after he became a member and a class leader. Mr. Sleeth built a log cabin on Tompkins Street, and a chair shop on the lot adjoining. Besides being used as a chair shop and post office it was also used as a place of worship, but for quarterly meet- ings Shanks' Cabinet Shop was used. These shops were privileged with hearing the eloquence of more than ordinary men. Strange, the eccentric and eloquent: Wiley. the natural logician and organ- izer: Havens, the faithful and intreped apostle of the order: Hale and Sale, the rugged pioneers; Griffith the pre-eminently good man, and many others of lesser note, but equally warm hearts here preached a gospel of love and full salvation. These old buildings have long since passed away and their existence is only known in the memory of the oldest patriarch.
An old Revolutionary hero, by the name of Harsin, came to Shelbyville about the time of the organization of the church, but it is now a disputed question as to whether he was a member of the first class. He built a log cabin near where the C., I., St. L. & C.
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depot now stands. In his house prayer meetings were frequently held, which were always characterized by religious fervency. From Sleeth's and Shanks' shops, the society in a few years occupied the court house, and later, more permanently, the brick school-house, standing on the ground of the present public school building on Franklin Street. From the school-house they went, in 1832, to the first church building, which was just erected on Mechanics Street. In IS51, a new church was erected on Washington Street, and was used by the congregation until the dedication of the present build- ing.
In 1825, the Rushville Circuit was formed, with John Strange as Presiding Elder, and Stephen R. Beggs, preacher in charge. The circuit then included six towns, Shelbyville among the number. Within the same territory there is now sixty Methodist churches, and sixteen circuits, which require the services of twenty-eight preachers. Both Strange and Beggs were men of great ability. The latter left Indiana, and in 1832, became the first resident mis- sionary to the few traders then in Chicago, and to him is due the honor of establishing the Methodist Church in that great city. Rev. Strange continued to preside over the circuit until the sum- mer of IS28, and the same year James Havens became the succes-
sor of Rev. Beggs. Havens continued with greater or less frequency as Pastor, Presiding Elder or Visitor at Shelbyville, un- til his death, which occurred in 1864. He was referred to by one high in official authority as the Napoleon of Methodist preachers in eastern Indiana, and to him he said the State owed a heavier debt of gratitude for the efforts of his long and valuable life to form society on the basis of morality, education and religion, than any other man living or dead.
In 1828, Allen Wiley succeeded Strange as Presiding Elder, and served in that capacity until 1833. James Havens succeeded to the place and served until 1836, when the Shelbyville Circuit was cre- ated. The pastors who served during the same period were: John Kerns, 1828; Joseph Tarkington and William Evans, 1829; Amos Sparks and J. C. Smith, 1830; Charles Bonner and C. Swank, 1831; S. W. Hunter and Isaac Kimball, 1832; I. N. Elsberry and David Stivers, 1833: Joseph Carter and C. B. Jones, 1834; Joseph Carter and Thomas Gunn, 1835.
The legal existence of the Methodist Church commenced May 7, 1831, with the following members constituting the first board of trustees: Dr. E. J. Beall, Elisha Mayhew, George Harsin, David Thacher and Robert Telton. A lot was procured and a building 30x45 feet in dimensions was erected that answered the purpose for twenty years. Besides James Havens, the circuit was presided over
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for the fifteen years ending in 1850, by Elders Augustus Eddy, L. W. Berry and E. R. Ames. Rev. Elijah Whillen was preacher in 1836-37. During his term of service Shelbyville became the head of a circuit with twenty-two appointments. Quarterly Conference was for the first time held in Shelbyville, consisting of the pastor; James Wray and J. B. Birt, local preachers; Peter Stemback, Ab- salom Paris, Archibald Clark and Barnabas Wray, exhorters; David Thacher, John Nail, J. Michael, David Hacker, leaders; David Thacher. Edward Toner, Thomas G. Mendehall, William Farrow and W. H. Sleeth, Stewards. In the latter part of the thirties the venerable Dr. Robins became a steward, and since that time has served in all the offices of the church, and it can truly be said that none has served the church more faithfully (see elsewhere for sketch ). Other pastors: John W. Sullivan and J. B. Birt, 1837; James Scott and George Havens, 1838: Richard Hargrave and J. S. Barwick. 1839: H. S. Dane and J. V. R. Miller, 1840: H. S. Dane and J. D. Templin, IS41: Jacob Mevers and James Webb, IS42: C. B. Davidson and G. H. McLaughlin, 1843: C. B. David- son and S. P. Crawford, 1844: Seth Smith and James Corwine, 1845: A. H. Shaeffer, 1846: James Crawford, 1847-48; John S. Winchester, 1849, and John W. Sullivan, 1850-51. During the period from 1836 to 1850, the names of Voorhis Conover, Jeremiah Bennett, Isaac Sorden. Jacob Kennerly, William Hacker, Cyrus Wright, T. G. and James M. Randall and Willis Wills, appear on the church records among those who were most active in the work. A parsonage was built during the same period and the church work put upon a solid foundation. Shelbyville Station was estab- lished in 1851, and an official board organized with J. S. Campbell, W. Swift and Dr. H. Cowger as new members. The board of trustees purchased a lot on Washington Street on which to erect a commodious brick church. The enterprise was successful, and in August, 1852, the church was finished and dedicated on the first Sabbath of October-Bishop Osman C. Baker, officiating.
The presiding elders who served this district from 1850 to 1875 were: J. Takington, 1851: A. Robinson, 1853: T. M. Eddy, 1855; F. C. Holliday, 1857: T. H. Lynch, 1860; John A. Brouse, 1861; E. G. Wood. 1862: J. G. Lathrop, 1865: F. C. Holliday, 1867; R. D. Robinson, 1868: F. C. Holliday, IS71; W. Terrell, 1872, and F. C. Holliday, 1873. The pastors for the same period were: John W. Sullivan, 1851; Ashbury Wilkinson, 1852; Giles C. Smith, 1853-4; W. W. Snyder, 1855-56; Thomas G. Beharrell, 1857-58; William Montgomery, IS59-60: John G. Chafee, 1861; T. H. Lynch, 1862-64: J. S. Tevis, 1865-66; T. G. Beharrell, 1867-68; E. L. Dolph, 1869-71; George P. Jenkins, 1872-73, and R. Rob-
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erts, IS74-75. For this period there was nothing remarkable in the church's history except its rapid growth and spiritual enthusi- asm. During this time many of the most scholarly and able min- isters of the State preached here, among whom the names of Rev. Giles G. Smith and Thomas H. Lynch deserve special mention. The former was noted for his classical attainment and great power in the pulpit, while the latter was a most symetrical character.
Other members who were officially connected with the church as class leaders, stewards and trustees were : J. Nichols, N. Thompson, Elisha Smith, James Dorsey, E. T. Bussell, E. W. Wheeler, William Moore, William Randall, B. Pettit, J. H. Sprague, Joseph Smithers, Benjamin Powers, George W. Toner, W. S. Marsh, J. C. Green, Elijah Powell, W. S. Mahan, M. Robins, William Brown, J. S. Campbell, A. Davis, Thomas Devoll, H. Clarkson, A. O. Porter, Alfred Bowman, D. L. Conroy, Thomas Wray, A. D. Lynch, Perry M. Green, William F. Green, Samuel Mason, B. B. Cooper, Elias Thompson, J. K. Jamison, John Wise, Roval Jennings, J. A. Young, John D. Pierce, George W. Kennedy, J. M. Hester, J. B. Pugh, William Lacy, J. H. Enos, Sidney Robertson. In 1876 and 1877, Rev. George L. Curtiss served as pastor of the church with great acceptability. He is a forcible speaker, a man of classical learning, and has accomplished much in scientific investigation. The church has been served since 1877, by Rev. J. G. Shafee, S. F. Tincher, J. K. Pye, and J. A. Sargent the present incumbent. During the incumbency of Rev. Chafee the old building was remodeled and enlarged. The basement is divided into four rooms which are used for class rooms, study and Sunday school room. The second floor consists of one large audience room 40x90 feet in dimensions. The church was dedicated in ISSI, Bishop Walden, of Cincinnati, officiating. The estimated value of church property, including parsonage which stands on the corner of Mechanics and Tompkins Streets, is $20.000. The present mem- bership is about 400. There is sustained in connection with the church a well regulated Sunday School as well as such auxiliary organizations as the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies.
Wray's Meeting Housc .- In the winter of IS21 and '22, James and Thomas Wray, with their wives and Huston Ray and wife, came to Shelby County from North Carolina, and settled in the woods about three mile northwest of Shelbyville. James Wray was a Methodist preacher, and after they had cleared a small tract of land and planted the corn, made arrangements for the organization of a Methodist Society, James Scott, who was in charge at Indianapolis at that time, visited the neighborhood and organized the church. The following year Revs. Jesse Hale, George Horn and John
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Miller, were the pastors in charge. The house in which the church was organized was a log cabin built and used by James Wray as a dwelling. It was built of small logs or poles, and although not very commodious it answered both the purpose of church and resi- dence for several years.
The original members were James and Tabitha Wray, Thomas and Elizabeth Wray, Huston and Margaret Ray, Susanah Bass, Guillia Beverly and Rhoda Templeton. The old log building in which the church was organized soon gave place to a larger and more comfortable structure which was used until 1829, when a large hewed log church house was erected on land donated by Col. Gregory and Capt. Templeton. The ground is now used for a cemetery just south of the site of the old church house on land donated by Benjamin Bass. A new frame with modern improve- ments has been completed, and there a different generation worships. The history of Methodism of Wray's, now known as Center, is one of continued success, it has an active membership at present of about sixty. Rev. J. P. Pell is the present pastor.
Boggstown .-- What was for several years known as Boggs- town Methodist Episcopal Church, was organized at the house of Mr. Hough, and four years later removed to the house of Adam McFadden, one mile south of the present site of Boggstown. Among the original members were Mr. Hough and wife, Adam McFadden and family, William Edwards, Sophia Edwards, Reuben Strickler and wife, Jackson Strickler, Caroline Strickler, James Donnelly, and David Smith and wife, and three families by the name of Carson. Besides at McFadden's, meetings were held at the Presbyterian Church and occasionally at the barn of a Mr. Cas- ler, two miles south of Boggstown. In 1850, the present frame church was erected at Boggstown, and the society has since been known by that name. The church has had a hard struggle for life. It has passed through adversity and trials. It has suf- fered from its enemies within and its foes without, but has always stood the storms and at present has a membership of ninety-five.
Brandywine. - The first effort to organize was made in the fall of 1827, and a meeting for that purpose was held at the house of Mrs. Seena, near Fairland. Until 1849, the date of the building of the first church, services were held at the houses of the follow- ing settlers: G. G. Harsins, Messrs. Dements and Quinn's. For the first few years the church had a hard struggle for life at Bran- dywine. Two parties of rough squatters had camped, one north and the other east of the town. Between the two was a path crossing Harsin's farm. The squatters were an idle and worthless class, and had protested against the preaching of the doctrine of
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the Methodist Church in the community. They frequently held mock prayer meetings before the door of the settler's cabin. These proceedings so exasperated the Christian people that they rose in might and put a stop to such lawlessness. In 1847, Sugar Creek Circuit (now Fairland) was formed out of parts of Shelbyville and Edinburg Circuits and Pleasant View Mission. Rev. E. R. Ames was Presiding Elder, and A. H. Shafer, preacher. The church has been very prosperous. In later years, Rev. Mathew Sedgwick, a local preacher, did much good work. Thomas Hacker, now dead, was one of the most active members. He was an earnest, conscientious Christian, and devoted all his energies to the cause of religion.
Fairland. - The Methodist Episcopal Church was formed at Fairland in 1855. The moving spirit in the organization was Matthew Mitchell, who was at the time, pastor in charge of the London Circuit. The early leading members were: Thomas Hacker and family, Dr. Lewis and wife and Mrs. Hoskins. Thomas Hacker was class leader and Dr. Lewis, Steward. A church building was commenced in 1856, by Rev. George Win- chester, and completed in 1858, under the pastorate of Rev. R. S. Barnes. The house was dedicated January 18, 1859, by Dr. E. G. Wood. A Sunday School was organized before the church was finished, with Dr. Lewis, Superintendent. This school has done good work for the children of Fairland and vicinity. It is safe to say that but few of the organizations have received more benefit from the Sunday School work than has this organization. Rev. J. W. Dashiel, A. M., who served the church in 1877, '78, was one of the ablest men ever connected with the circuit. He was fol- lowed by Revs. G. C. Clouds. B. F. Morgan. The present pas- tor, J. P. Pell, is now serving his third year. He is a native of Kentucky, where he was born in 1819. He has been preaching for many years, having been ordained in 1850. He served three years as Chaplain of the Twelfth Kentucky Cavalry during the late war.
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