History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 40

Author: Case, Nelson, 1845-1921, ed
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 846

USA > Kansas > Labette County > History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens > Part 40

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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY

on the ground and commenced work Septem- ber 1, 1872. A brick building 27 by 65 was constructed as rapidly as could be done, and was completed in the following July. On July 12, 1873, Edmund S. Stevens, Mrs. Elizabeth Stevens, Mrs. Emily Fellows, Rev. Presley M. Griffin and Mrs. E. J. Griffin formed them- selves into and organized the First Congrega- tional church of Parsons. On the following day, Sunday, July 13, 1873, the church build- ing was dedicated by Dr. P. McVicar; the church was reorganized, and the pastor was ordained and installed by an ecclesiastical council. Mr. Griffin remained pastor till Au- gust 19, 1879, when he resigned, and was duly dismissed by the council. During Mr. Griffin's pastorate the church membership was in- creased from 5 to 62, and the entire church indebtedness was canceled. Mr. Grif- fin was succeeded by Rev. H. M. Burr, who came in November, and continued till May, 1880, when he was compelled by ill health to resign. From this time till September I. 1881, the church was without a pastor ; at that time Rev. C. Hartley came and stayed till June, 1882, when he resigned. In December, 1882, Rev. W. H. Utley became pastor, and contin- ued till February 1, 1886. In May of that year Rev. C. L. McKeeson accepted a call, and remained some two years. The church was then closed till the summer of 1890, during which time it seemed that the life of the church had entirely fled; but the membership again rallied, repaired the church, and extended a call to their first pastor, Rev. P. M. Griffin. who accepted, and began work September I, 1890, and continued till sometime in 1892. During his last pastorate a Young People's So- ciety of Christian Endeavor was formed and new vitality was put into the church in many ways. Since 1892 the pastors have been: T.

B. Jones, three years; A. W. Bishop, four years; L. G. Ruge, one year ; and the present pastor, T. B. Coachman. In 1894 a new small brick church replaced the original structure, which was torn down.

The Deerton Congregational Church was organized in the Dresser school-house, Dis- trict No. 51. July 22, 1877, by Rev. S. D. Storrs, with seven members. Rev. Alanson Bixby, of Oswego, was chairman of the meet- ing, and after the organization of the church he was at once chosen pastor; he served this church in connection with the church at Os- wego. There were 17 accessions during the year. At the close of that year Rev. Uriel Farmer was chosen pastor, and during the year steps were taken to erect a church and parson- age. George E. Wiley donated three acres of land on the northwest quarter of section 21, township 34, range 18, near the north line of Howard township, for church and parsonage. The parsonage was built during 1878. The church building was erected in the fall of 1879, and was dedicated January 24, 1880, the cor- ner-stone having been laid October 18, 1879. Mr. Farmer having served two years, lie re- tired, and Rev. Mr. Flint temporarily supplied the pulpit. Early in 1882 Rev. James Cooper became pastor, and served to the close of 1883. During his pastorate about 50 names were added to the list of members. With the open- ing of 1884 Rev. Howard Gilchrist entered on his pastorate, which continued till near the close of 1885, when Rev. Park A. Bradford preached for a time. This closed the work while the building remained at Deerton.

T'aleda .-- In the fall of 1886 the church building was removed from Deerton to Valeda. No services were held by the church until the fall of 1891. On September 27, 1891, the church was reorganized, with 33 members.

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Rev. S. B. Dyckinan was chosen pastor, and continued to serve in that capacity for some time. For several years past no pastor has been employed, and no regular services have been held in this church. The parsonage still remains at Deerton.

BAPTIST.

Altamont .- On June 18, 1882, a few fam- ilies,-viz .: of the Bonebrake families, Frank, May, S. M., Ezra, Amanda J., Luella: of the Baker family, Isaac. Aseneth, Thomas L., May C., Allen T., Melvina: George and Margaret Chapman, Jonathan and Sarah Self, and Ade- line Burns,-presented letters from other churches, and organized the Altamont Baptist church. Rev. T. C. Daniels was chosen as the first pastor ; he only served till Nov. 19, 1882. when he was followed by J. M. C. Reed, who served for three years. E. Estes, W. G. Slinker, W. T. Jackson, C. N. H. Moore, C. WV. Alexander and L. P. Day have been the subsequent pastors. In 1883 a building, cost- ing about $1,500, was completed and dedicated January 29, 1884, by Rev. A. S. Merrifield.

Prairie Valley .- On May 20, 1876, a Bap- tist church was organized at Prairie Valley school-house, District No. 31, three miles northeast of Parsons, with II members. It had grown to 28 members in 1884, when it disbanded, the members mostly uniting with the church in Parsons. During its existence its pastors were: 1876-81, J. M. C. Reed; part of 1881. J. C. Richardson : 1883-84, J. S. John- son.

Oswego .- The First Baptist church of Os- wego was organized at the court-house April 28, 1869, with the following members: Rev. Thomas Clark and wife D. Clark, Rev. Zach- ariah Harris and wife Anna J. Harris, Rev. T. J. Flouronoy and wife Virginia Flouronoy,

and mother Nancy P. Flouronoy, John S. Read and wife E. C. Read, Elijah Read and wife Sarah Read. Sarah N. Carr, Anna M. Bridg- man, Jerusha P. Smith, John Garrett, Jemima Garrett, and George W. Kingsbury. Rev. M. A. Clark, home missionary, was present, and acted as clerk. Rev. C. A. Bateman, of Che- topa, was also present, and gave the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Thomas Clark acted as moderator. John S. Read was elected clerk, Thomas J. Flouronoy, deacon, John S. Read, T. J. Flouronoy and G. W. Kingsbury, trus- tees. On May 8, 1869, a meeting was held, at which it was voted, on motion of Mr. Flouro- noy, to proceed to build a house of worship. Subscription papers were put in circulation and reference is made to the matter at several meet- ings during the year, but no results are re- ported. On June 9, 1869, "the subject of foot- washing in connection with the supper was introduced by Bro. Flouronoy. There being no second to his motion, there was no action had upon the subject." There seems to have been no employment of a pastor during 1869 or 1870, but Rev. Thomas Clark preached quite regularly the first year. On May 20. 1870, Rev. F. L. Walker arrived in Oswego, and at once took charge of the church, and to his faithful labors during the next twelve years, more than to any other human agency, are the Baptists indebted for the privileges they enjoy today. In September of that year a building committee was appointed, lots on which to build were selected and donated by the town company, and preparations were com- menced in earnest to have a church building. The foundation was laid early in the spring of 1871, and was inclosed by midsummer of the following year. Though not finished, the church held their first services in the new house on July 13, 1872, with 13 persons present, only

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HISTORY OF LABETTE COUNTY

eight of whom were members. Services con- tinued to be held there till winter, when other quarters had to be secured. The next year the church was plastered and seated. Mr. Walker continued as pastor of the church till the close of 1881, when he severed his relations and went further west. In April, 1882, Rev. C. T. Daniel accepted a call, and at once entered upon his pastorate, which was continued till March, 1883, when he resigned, and the church re- mained without a pastor until April, 1884, when Rev. J. M. Lackey accepted a call, and remained only till September. During the summer of 1883 the church was refurnished in- side and reseated. In February, 1885, Rev. Chas, J. Bowles accepted a call, and served the church until the close of 1886. In March, 1889, Rev. Robert Smith became pastor, and continued as such to July, 1890. The church was then without a regular pastor until April, 1891, when Rev. C. N. H. Moore commenced his services as pastor, which terminated with July, 1894. The church was then without a pastor until the last of April, 1896, when Rev. Arthur Creary was employed ; he filled the pul- pit until the last of July, 1900, since which time the church has been without a pastor. The B. Y. P. U. was organized in April, 1891, with Miss Nellie Harrison as president. Since then a number of persons have held that po- sition.

The Second Baptist church of Oswego was organized by the colored people, in 1880. Cor- nelius Johnson secured its organization, and became its first pastor. Since then the church has had the following pastors: A. W. Green, J. J. Johnson, J. R. White, T. T. Ward, D. T. Carriway, N. C. Robinson. In 1882 the church put up quite a good frame building on the southwest corner of block 2, in which they held services till September, 1884, when it was

burned. Services were then conducted in the A. M. E. church for some time. In July, 1885, they commenced the erection of a new church on the site of the old one, and got it inclosed that fall, although it was not completed until the next year. Rev. N. C. Robinson has been pastor of this church the past ten years, and lias rendered faithful and efficient service.

Mount Pleasant Baptist church (composed of colored members) was organized several miles northeast of Oswego, in 1887. The fam- ilies composing it having for the most part moved from that vicinity, the organization was removed to Oswego in 1896. They have used dwelling houses or rented rooms in which to hold their services so far, 'but they are at present erecting a neat frame church in the west part of Oswego. J. J. Johnson has been pastor of this church from its organization.

Mound Valley Township .- A Baptist church was organized in the fall of 1871, at the home of J. G. Phenix, in the west part of Mound Valley township, by Rev. N. L. Davis. This organization was maintained some three or four years, when it was dis- banded on account of other churches being organized, which drew away the members.

Wilsonton .- The Wilsonton Baptist church was organized June 5, 1892, with Rev. J. D. Hopper as pastor, and a membership of seven or eight.

A Baptist church was organized at Wil- sonton (probably) in 1894. Under the lead and management of Elder Hopps, a building was erected in that and the following year, and dedicated August II, 1895.

Hackberry church was organized Novem- ber 26, 1870, in the residence of Mr. DeGraw, in Hackberry township, by Rev. F. L. Walker. J. B. Ellis and Isaac Strickland were elected deacons. Services have ever since been main-

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tained in the Ellis school-house, in District No. 45. Its pastors have been F. L. Walker, George Richardson, William Richardson, C. T. Floyd, George Goodwin, and W. G. Slinker ..

Pleasant Hill church is located on the north- west corner of section 12, in the southeast cor- ner of Hackberry township. It was organized in the spring of 1885, by Rev. C. T. Floyd, the membership coming principally from the Chetopa church. On May 25, 1885, work com- menced on a church building, which was com- pleted, and on September 6th of that year was dedicated by Rev. J. P. Ash.

Lennis .- In the fall of 1877 Rev. Mr. Gar- rison held a protracted meeting in the school- house in District No. 38, and organized a church. In 1878 they built a small frame church on the northeast corner of section 23, but after a time removed it to the southwest quarter of section 24. After Dennis was start- ed they moved this building there, where they still use it as their house of worship.

Mound Valley .- J. H. Tibbits, Sarah Tib- bits, Milo Hildreth, Samuel Guthrey, Judson Wilson, H. W. Savage and Allison Savage constituted the first membership of the first Baptist church of Mound Valley, which was or- ganized at the home of J. H. Tibbits, three miles south of Mound Valley, on April 1, 1871, by Rev. F. L. Walker. On the following day, Sunday, Mr. Walker preached at the school- house in the town of Mound Valley, at which place services were thereafter held till the com- pletion of their church building in 1882. In January, 1880, lots were procured : in Febru- ary a building committee was appointed, and in September the work of building was begun. As the building was mostly erected by volun- teer work, it was some time in course of con- struction. It was dedicated, free of debt, on October 29. 1882. Mr. Walker remained in charge of the church for seven years, and was

succeeded by Rev. George Goodwin, who re- mained about a year, when Rev. W. G. Slinker was called, and continued as pastor for seven years, at the close of which Rev. C. T. Floyd became pastor. R. R. Coleman, who died in January, 1882, was one of the efficient work- ers of the church. In January, 1885, this church joined with the Methodists in their building in holding a revival meeting under the leadership of Rev. W. H. Hulbert, an evangelist. This was one of the most remark- able revivals ever held in the place. The Baptists realized from it an addition of 52 members. Mr. Floyd served as pastor until the close of 1893, since which time the church has had the following pastors: C. N. H. Moore, - Doughty. J. H. Jettmore, W. E. Powell, Levi Lottman, I. D. Newell and R. N. New- man.

Parsons .- First Baptist Church : In the summer of 1871 Rev. F. L. Walker, of Oswe- go, visited Parsons and held some meetings. Perhaps other ministers may also have ren- dered them some services. A few Baptists in that vicinity got together, and even went so far as to commence the foundation for a church, but they were so few in number and so scattered that the enterprise was for a time abandoned. On March 2, 1873, Rev. Robert Atkinson preached in the Methodist church, and took the first steps toward organizing a church at that place. The organization was perfected March 30, 1873, with a membership of 12, composed of George, Susan and Emma Everhart, Letitia Rockhold, Isaac Neptune, Benjamin F., Martin W., Mary B. and Lizzie Elliott, Ella Hall, Alice Scholl, and R. M. Don- elly. The following officers were then elected : Rev. Robert Atkinson, pastor and moderator ; R. M. Donelly, clerk; Mrs. Lettia Rockhold, treasurer ; W. P. Scholl, J. B. Stilwell, J. R. Bennett and Mrs. Lettia Rockhold, trustees;

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J. W. Fee, W. P. Scholl and J. B. Stilwell, deacons. F. L. Walker and Thomas W. Green served as pastors till 1874; during that year Elihu Gunn preached for them a while, after which the church was inactive till September I, 1877, when it was reorganized by Rev. Mr. Garrison, and a room secured on Forest av- enue, in which meetings were held till the church was erected. In October, 1879, the foundation for the new church was laid, and on January 31, 1880, the building was occupied. In 1887 the building was enlarged and im- proved, at a cost of over $3,000, and on Feb- ruary 5. 1888, was dedicated by Rev. Robert Atkinson. The church has had two quite marked revivals, one in 1884 and the other in 1887. The following have served as pastors : F. M. Iams, H. M. Carr. W. H. Irwin, L. J. Dyke, A. J. Essex, W. C. Harvey, J. T. Haye, , H. M. Carr, C. H. DeWolfe, H. G. Fraser and J. T. Crawford. The last named gentle- man has served from 1897 to the present date. A number of years ago, a Young People's So- ciety of Christian Workers was organized in this church, of which H. F. Hixon was elected president: Rev. J. T. Hoye, G. H. L. Cope- land and T. W. Flitton also served as presi- dents. The name was later changed to that of the Baptist Young People's Union.

Second (or New Hope) Baptist church : This church was organized by the colored peo- ple April 29. 1876, with 13 members. Rev. Thomas Wilson, of Ottawa, and Rev. David Payne, of Humboldt, were the ministers who effected the organization, and Mr. Payne be- came the first pastor. A building was erected during the summer of 1876, which structure was replaced in 1893 by a new brick edifice, costing about $3,000. Rev. A. Fairfax has heen pastor since 1885.

Mount Pleasant Baptist church is located

in Parsons, and is also composed of colored members. It was organized May 27, 1886. Rev. G. W. Parks, of Oswego, acting as moderator, and J. W. Brown, as secretary. W. A. Walton was the first pastor. The con- gregation still occupies the frame church that was erected in 1891, at a cost of $1,500. Rev. D. D. Payne has been pastor since 1890.

Mount Zion Baptist church is a small or- ganization of colored members; it has no church building and holds services irregularly.

Richland .- A Baptist church was organized in the Richland school-house, in District No. 94, in May, 1877. Rev. F. L. Walker preached the organization sermon, and Rev. J. L. D. Williams gave the charge to the church. Mr. Williams was the first pastor, and served one year. Following him the church has been served by George Goodwin, Mr. Merry, C. A. Daniels, J. S. Johnson, and W. G. Slinker. In 1885 a new church building was erected on the northwest quarter of section 26 in Canada township. The first service was held therein on November 1, 1885, and the house was dedi- cated on December 6, 1885, by Rev. E. Estes, of Altamont.

Edna .- On Feb. 2. 1872, Rev. F. L. Walker, of Oswego, assisted in organizing what was then called the Mount Zion Baptist church. Services were held in the Lieb school- house, in District No. 85, and also in other of the school-houses in that part of the county. In the fall of 1883 work was commenced on a church building in Kingston; the following summer it was finished and dedicated. The town of Kingston having been abandoned and the business consolidated with Edna on the completion of the railroad, in 1886, this church building was removed to Edna. The follow- ing have served as pastors of this church: George Richardson, four years; George H.

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Goodwin, four years; W. G. Slinker, sixteen years; C. T. Floyd, two years ; Foster, one year; J. S. Harvey, since 1899.

Labette .- Rev. G. W. Richardson com- menced preaching in a log cabin on section 27, belonging to A. W. Richardson's estate, in the fall of 1867. He continued to preach at in- tervals in that vicinity until the church was or- ganized. The organization of the Labette Baptist church took place on (or about) July 25, 1870, at the residence of R. K. Jones, with the following members: Elder, G. W. Rich- ardson; R. K. Jones, Martha Jones, Victoria Jones, and John Richardson. It was not un- til 1877 that a house was erected by the church. Before that, meetings were held in various places, but principally in the hall or school- house. Quite a portion of the time the church has been without a pastor. The following is a list of those who have served as pastors : G. W. Richardson till 1879, J. W. Sage two years, C. T. Floyd six months, F. M. Bowman sixteen months, C. J. Bowles one year, E. Estes one year, J. T. Crawford two months in his vacation, J. W. Jones one year, W. T. Jackson, J. R. Alexander, T. M. Cooper and W. R. Newman. On June 7, 1900, the church build- ing was blown to atoms by a tornado that swept over the county. The church soon went to work to erect a new building, and are now just completing it at a cost of about $1.300.

Chetopa .- Of the work of the Baptists be- fore the war, Dr. Lisle says: "The Baptists had preaching at our school-house occasion- ally, but had no organized church in the neigh- borhood : there were several respectable mem- bers of that church here." The first service of the Baptist denomination in Chetopa after the war of which I have learned was a sermon by Rev. C. A. Bateman on April 18, 1869, a pre- liminary meeting of those desirous of organ-

izing having beent held on April 10, 1869. The First Baptist church of Chetopa was or- ganized on April 24. 1869, by W. A. Clarke, who was Sunday-school missionary of the Baptist Publication Society, and C. A. Bate- man, the latter of whom at once became its pastor, in which capacity he served the church till after the dedication of its building. To his enthusiasm was largely due the rapidity with which their building was pushed forward. On February 9. 1870, they commenced work, and on August 14, 1870, their house was dedi- cated, the sermon being preached by Rev. F. M. Ellis, of Lawrence. In November, 1870, Rev. A. L. Rigby accepted a call to the pastor- ate of the church, and remained two years, during which time the chairs with which the church was first seated were removed and good pews put in their place, the grounds were fenced, and other improvements made. From the close of 1872 on for several years the church was without any regular pastor, and and consequently suffered very materially in its strength. Mr. Walker, of Oswego, gave them some help: in 1874 Rev. W. W. Kane, of Ten- nessee, preached for them a few months, and other ministers occasionally gave them some service. In July, 1879, Rev. C. T. Floyd be- came pastor, and remained in charge till 1882. In January, 1883, Rev. William Wilbur ac- cepted the pastoral call tendered him, and con- tinued as such till September. 1885. In 1887 the church called Elder Knapp, who served them one year. Rev. D. W. Harvey became pastor in 1888, and remained two years; Elder White followed him, being in turn succeeded after several years' service by A. J. Foster, who served one year ; then W. G. Slinker gave four years' service, and was suc- ceeded by the present incumbent, James Harvey.

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The Second Baptist church of Chetopa is composed of colored members. It was organ- ized in 1882, and has a building free from debt. It has had the following pastors : Jerry Houston, P. Botts, C. T. Tillman, A. W. Green, R. Cartwright, J. R. White, - Steward, J. A. D. Jenkins, M. C. Cox, S. S. Alexander, H. H. Curtis, - Morrill, and J. N. Dun- can.

Bethlehem Baptist church was formed of members who withdrew from the Second church (last above), in 1896. In 1899 they erected a home of their own and have been supplied with preaching by pastors from other towns. Rev. L. H. Houston served them for a time, and led the work in the erection of the church.

GERMAN BAPTISTS.

Altamont .- The first organization of Ger- man Baptists or Dunkards in Labette county was formed at the home of Mrs. Salome Kreighbaum, in Hackberry township, Decem- ber 31, 1878, with 23 members. Meetings were thereafter held at the Lockard school- house in District No. 28, and in other districts. This became the church now located near Alta- mont. In 1900 a new church building was erected some two and a half miles northeast of Altamont at a cost of about $900. The membership is about 40. John Ward, Joel Eikenbury and Noah Oren are ministers. Christian Kingley was one of the first min- isters.

Parsons .- An organization was formed in Parsons some ten years ago, which has had a steady growth and now numbers about 60 members. In 1898 they erected a church edi- fice at a cost of about $1,500.

Neosho Township .- In November, 1881, Elders Sidney Hodgden and Martin Nehr

formed an organization in the school-house in District No. 21, in Neosho township. In the fall of 1882, some 20 members from this or- ganization withdrew, and formed a new organ- ization called the

Brethren .- They organized at Pleasant Valley school-house, in District No. 48, where they were ministered to by Rev. A. J. Hixon. This organization was united with the one in Parsons after 1892.

PREDESTINATION BAPTISTS.

An organization of this denomination was formed at the Hawkins school-house, in Dis- trict No. 92, about 1875, by Noah Showalters, who became its pastor, and continued as such for several years. T. B. Lee and Isaac Mc- Carty have also been pastors of this church.

CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN.

In 1872 Rev. J. W. Alexander organized a Cumberland Presbyterian church in Harmony Grove school-house, in District No. 30, to which he preached for some time, but after a few years it was allowed to lapse.

UNITED PRESBYTERIAN.

Chetopa .- Rev. J. A. Adair was the first United Presbyterian minister to preach in the county. He visited Chetopa and vicinity, and preached several times in the spring and sum- mer of 1868. On May 4, 1869, the United Presbyterian congregation was organized, with a membership of 10, Rev. E. C. Cooper preach- ing, and presiding at the organization. Crans- ton Taylor, J. A. Endsley and Edwin Johnson were elected elders, and were ordained on May . 10, 1869. Mr. Cooper supplied the church for some months, and on September 12th held the first communion service. On March 28, 1870, a church meeting was held, and a constitution

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and by-laws adopted. William Liggett, Rob- ert Phillips, John Haughey, Edwin Johnson and T. J. Calvin were elected trustees. On July 18, 1870, a congregational meeting was held, and action taken looking toward the building of a church; and on Sept. 24, 1870. at another congregational meeting, it was re- solved to erect a brick building, 36 by 40 feet. A building committee was appointed, and the work commenced at once. The building was completed in the spring of 1871, and on Oc- tober 29, 1871, it was dedicated, Rev. J. A. Heron preaching the dedicatory sermon. Be- fore the building was completed the south wall was blown down, which added to the cost and extended the time required for completing the building. The lots for the church and parson- age were donated by the town company ; $1,500 was furnished by the Church Extension So- ciety. The church cost about $5,000. Pre- vious to securing a regular pastor. Rev. J. C. McKnight did considerable preaching for the church. On January 4, 1871, a call was ex- tended to Rev. W. A. Findley to become pas- tor, which he accepted, and continued to serve in that capacity till the close of 1872. Some two or three calls for a pastor were extended and declined. Finally, on December 22, 1875, a call was made to Rev. J. D. Graham, which was accepted, and he faithfully served the church during the next ten years, demitting his charge January 19. 1886. Rev. J. A. Thompson was the next pastor called, and he was installed April 27, 1887, but was released on July 14th following, to accept the presidency of a college. Rev. J. P. Gibson, having ac- cepted a call, entered upon his pastoral duties in December, 1887. and closed them in Octo- ber, 1889. During his pastorate, in 1888, a parsonage was erected, at a cost of about $1,300. In 1890 Rev. L. W. Williams became

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History of Labette County, Kansas, and representative citizens, Part 40

Author: Case, Nelson, 1845-1921, ed Publication date: 1901 Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 846

Author: Case, Nelson, 1845-1921, ed
Publication date: 1901
Publisher: Chicago, Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 846