USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky Baptists : From 1769 to 1885, including more than 800 biographical sketches, Vol. I > Part 34
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In 1799, he took charge of a little church called Mill Creek, five miles east of the present site of Bardstown. He found that John Bailey's "hell redemption" theory had been adopted by one or more of its members, and openly refused to commune with the church. This brought about a proper discipline, and the church has since occupied a respectable position, in the de- nomination. In 1802, Mr. Penny was instrumental in gather-
ing Goshen church, in Anderson county. Of this church, he was chosen pastor, and served it till his son William was or- dained to the ministry. In 1801, he aided William Hickman, Senr., and Warren Cash in raising up South Benson church, in Franklin county. This church raised up a pastor, William Hickman, Junr., who preached to it more than forty years. Be-
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sides those already named, Mr. Penny aided in gathering a number of other churches, to which he ministered till they could be supplied. As he advanced in years, and churches and preachers greatly increased in numbers, he narrowed the field of his labors. At his death, he was preaching to Salt River, Little Flock, and Fox Creek churches, all in Anderson county.
The last sermon he preached was at Salt River, in the Spring of 1833. When he closed his discourse, he addressed an exhortation to the people, to whom he had preached now about 35 years, after this manner: "My dear brethren and sis- ters, the dreadful scourge of cholera is now raging in the land, sweeping away its thousands to their long home. Before another church meeting shall come around, many of us may be in the great Eternity. Perhaps this is the last time you will ever hear my voice on Earth." Then stretching forth his hand to the un- converted, he said, with great tenderness: " How oft would I have gathered you, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but ye would not." Coming down on the floor, he invited all who desired to be prayed for to come for- ward. Quite a number came, and he knelt and prayed with them for the last time.
A few days after this he was attacked by cholera, with great violence, and it became apparent that his time was short. He bore his sufferings with calmess and patience, talking to those around him, of the glorious land and the heavenly Jeru- salem that he was about to enter. A few moments before he breathed his last, he looked around on his friends, and said: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith : henceforth there is a crown of righteousness laid up for me, which the Lord, the Righteous Judge himself, shall give to me." A few moments more, and his spirit was with that Savior whom he had so faithfully preached. This was on the 15th of June, 1833.
In doctrine, Mr. Penny held the views of Andrew Fuller. His manner of speaking was clear, brief and pointed, and thor- oughly Biblical. It is said that he seldom preached longer than thirty-five minutes. He exhorted sinners to repent, and invited them forward for prayer.
His grand-daughter thus describes his personal appearance : " He was small in statue, fair complexion, had keen blue eyes
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William White Penuy.
and a Roman nose. He was very straight in his carriage, and rather prided himself on being old-fashioned. He always dressed in snuff colored cloth. His coat was rather of a military cut, with straight breast and collar, and ornamented with plain silver buttons, each of which bore his initials. He was a neat, plain
looking, plain spoken old gentleman." He raised seven sons and two daughters, all of whom became Baptists. Two of his sons, William and Eli, became preachers. Eli embraced the Two-seeds theory, and was preaching in Missouri as late as 1867.
WILLIAM WHITE PENNY, son of Elder John Penny, was born in Anderson county, Kentucky, July 12, 1790. He was baptized by his father into the fellowship of Salt River church, in his 20 year. He studied medicine under an " Indian doctor " of the name of Richard Carter, of Shelbyville, and acquired a considerable reputation as a " Root and herb doctor." While under Carter's t'catment for scrofula, and, at the same time, un- der his tuition, Mr. Penny wrote the Auto-biography and medi- cal practice of this local celebrity, in prose and verse, which the unlettered doctor fathered and sent forth to the world, in an oc- tavo volume of 500 pages. The book has very little merit of any kind. except as a curiosity in the world of letters
Mr. Penny was ordained to the ministry, at Goshen church in Anderson county, by William Hickman, Sr., William Hick- man, Jun., and John Penny, and became pastor of that church, in 1822. This position he filled till his death. He also had the care of Unity and Shawnee Run churches, in Mercer county, a short time, but gave up his charge of them, on account of his medical practice. Mr. Penny's principal gift was that of exhortation. He was tender and affectionate in his address, and usually wept freely while exhorting sinners to repent. He was a man of great benevolence, and was much loved and honored by. the poor around him, to whom his hand was always open. He often held meetings at his own house, and a considerable num- ber of people was converted, under his ministry. He died of cholera, in great triumph, in 1833.
EDMUND WALLER began his ministry at Salt River church. He was born in Spottsylvania county, Va., January 1, 1775, and was the son of William E. Waller, a pioneer preacher who moved, probably with Lewis Craig's traveling church, to what
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is now Garrard county, Ky., in the fall of 1781. After remain- ing here about five years, he moved to Fayette county, and settled near Bryants Station. Here his son Edmund was reared to manhood, with a very scant education. He learned the trade of a house carpenter, and, when he arrived at the age of manhood, entered upon the labors of his calling, with energy and industry. He was married early to Ann Durrett, who lived but a few months after her marriage. He afterwards mar- ried Betsy Lightfoot, about the year 1800.
Tradition has it, that Edmund Waller sought and obtained hope in Christ, at about the age of 13 years. But on account of the popular prejudice against children's joining the church, he did not make a public profession of religion, until the third Saturday in March, 1798, when he was baptized into the fel- lowship of Bryants church in Fayette county, by Ambrose Dudley. In October, 1800, he was excluded from the fellowship of the church, for attending a dancing school. In the following March, he was restored to the fellowship of the church, and granted a letter of dismission. Meanwhile, he had moved within the present limits of Anderson county. Here he and his wife, Betsy, united with Salt River church, then under the pastoral care of John Penny, in April, 1801. This was in the midst of the great revival. Mr. Waller's zeal in prayer and exhortation induced the church to grant him liberty to exercise his gift, in April, 1802. In consequence of some misunderstanding between him and his pastor, the church ordered that he should be publicly rebuked, "which was done by Bro. Hickman," in February, 1804. This difficulty was probably the cause of delaying his ordination. In January, 1805, a small church of 27 members, located somewhere near the southern line of Shelby county, and known as Bluestone petitioned Salt River church to grant Mr. Waller a letter of dismission, to join it. The request was granted, and Mr. Wal- ler united with that body. The design, no doubt, was to have him ordained, and to secure his services as pastor. Bluestone, church was admitted into Long Run Association, in 1804, and probably maintained an existence, only about five years. Mr. Waller was a member, and, no doubt, the pastor of this church, from 1805, till 1808. During the latter date, he was called to Hillsboro' church in Woodford county. He at once moved to
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the territory of this fraternity, and entered on his pastoral la- bors. Two years after this, he moved to Jessamine county and took the care of Mt. Pleasant church, still retaining the care of Hillsboro.' Besides these, he was, during his ministry, pastor of several other churches, at different periods. Among these were Shawnee Run, Danville, Clover Bottom, Nicholasville, and Glens Creek. To the last named and Mt. Pleasant, he de- voted the pastoral labors of his latter years. He died at his home in Jessamine county, in the Autumn of 1842.
Edmund Waller was reckoned among the able ministers of his day. He probably had no superior, as a pastor, in the state. His success in bringing sinners to Christ was extraor- dinary. He is supposed to have baptized about 1, 500 persons. He was a diligent reader, and a close student of the Bible. He opposed the methods of current missionary operations, in the earlier years of his ministry, but became warmly in favor of missions and higher education, especially for ministers of the gospel, in later years. Two of his sons, the distinguished John L. Waller, and the brilliant young N. B. Waller, occupied the Baptist pulpit.
JORDAN H. WALKER was baptized into the fellowship of Salt River chuch, in 1810. He was a prominent and active member of the church, especially in its business affairs, till 1838, when, on the death of John Penny, he was ordained to the min- istry, and called to the pastoral care of the church. He was a man of fair ability, but does not appear to have been profitable in the ministry. He was strongly opposed to missions, and soon led his charge into an anti-missionary association. He was prob- ably pastor of some other anti-missionary churches. He was highly esteemed by his brethren in Licking Association. He died at his home in [or near] Lawrenceburg, December 25, 1862.
Mr. Walker was a man of eminent respectability, and puri- ty of character. He was, it is believed, a number of years clerk of one of the courts at Lawrenceburg, and was a valuable and respected citizen.
MT. SALEM church was originally called Hurricane. It is located in the southern part of Lincoln county. It was consti- tuted a United Baptist church, of nine members by Joel Noel and John Mason, September 15, 1798. Some of its early mem-
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bers were Evan Jones, Samuel Jones, Joseph Baker and Warren Clark.
Joel Noel was probably the first pastor of this church, the growth of which was, for many years, very slow. It united with Tates Creek Association, to which it reported in, 1800, fourteen members. The great revival, the year following, brought its membership up to thirty-four. In 1810, it united with Cumberland River Association, which had been constitu- ted the year before, to which it reported, in 1812, forty-seven members. It remained in this Association till about 1843, when South Kentucky Association of United Baptists was formed, and it became a member of that body. At this period it num- bered 136 members. Moses Foley was many years the beloved pastor of this church. The church continued a course of great prosperity from 1843, till 1875. At the latter date, it num- bered 231 members. But soon after this it became much dis- tracted by internal discord, and, in 1879, was reduced to sixty- nine members. Since that time, it is said, better prospects have opened up before it, and it is hoped that it will soon return to its ancient prosperity. This body has on its record, a resolution worthy of notice. It reads as follows :
"Resolved, That we believe it to be wrong for a brother to engage in preaching, or having public religious gatherings, un- less the church be satisfied that he can do no more good than harm." The church is now located at Mckinney, and J. M. Coleman is its pastor.
STEPHEN COLLIER, one of the early pastors of Mt. Saiem church, was born in East Tennessee, in 1772. He united wit. a church in his native country, 1802, and was shortly afterward put into the ministry. He moved to Kentucky an ordained preacher, not far from the year 1810, and settled in Rockcastle county. He united with Flat Lick church, in Pulaski county. Of this church, Mt. Salem and others, he became pastor. He labored in the ministry, in this field, about thirty-three years, with much approbation and success. He died of a cancer on his lip, which confined him to his house, about a year, May 12, 1844.
Of this good man, John S. Higgins, who was long his co- laborer in the ministry, writes: "Stephen Collier was a large portly man of good common sense, strong voice, and a good gift of exhortation. With a burning zeal, he proclaimed the
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Henry F. Buckner.
gospel of God with great success in his own, and several of the surrounding counties. He was poor in the things of this world, but rich in faith, warning men and women everywhere he went, to repent and believe the gospel."
HENRY F. BUCKNER, son of Daniel Buckner, succeeded his father in the pastoral care of Mt. Salem church, in July, 1847. He was born in Cooke county, Tenn., December 18, 1818. He exhibited, in early childhood, a great love of books, and through the willing sacrifices of his parents, acquired an ac- ademic education, in his native state, after which he finished his education at the State University of Alabama. In 1832 he pro- fessed religion and was baptized by his father into the fellowship of Madisonville church, Monroe county, Tennessee. He was ordained to the ministry, in Alabama, in 1840. In 1842 he married in Pulaski county, Kentucky, and was afterward em- ployed by the General Association of Kentucky Baptists as missionary among the mountains of that State. He labored in this capacity about three years, when about 1847, he settled on a small farm in Pulaski county. On July 3, of that year, he was called to the care of Mt. Salem church, and, perhaps some others. In 1849, he went as a missionary to the Creek Indians, and, with but two short interruptions, labored with the red men of the forest more than forty years. He was a strong, active man, and seemed to enjoy almost perfect health, till the fall of 1882, when he died of pneumonia.
MILL CREEK church is located on a small stream from which it derived its name, one and one-half miles south of Tompkins- ville, in Monroe county. It is, by several years, the oldest church on the southern border of Kentucky, east of Big Bar- ren river. The first settlers of that region seem to have been North Carolinians, but emigrated directly from the Holston Valley in East Tennessee. The church appears to have been gathered by John Mulky, sometime during the year 1798. The earliest record now existing, states that on the 11th of Septem- ber of that year, John Mulky and John Wood were chosen to the (Mero District) Association, on Cumberland river. In Oc- tober, the minutes of the association wore read, and Philip Mulky was appointed a deacon. In the following April, the church decides that it is wrong to hunt horses or cattle on Sun- day. John Mulky was granted a certificate that he might ob-
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tain license to celebrate the rites of marriage. In 1800, Ben Gist was elected to an eldership. The church calls helps to in- stall its minister, and in September, appoints John Mulky, Ben. Gist, John Wood and Thomas Sullivan to an association on Lit- tle Barren. At this time the church entered into the constitu- tion of Green River Association.
In 1802, Mill Creek church reported to Green River Asso- ciation, forty-two baptisms, and a total membership of 120. In 1805, it entered into the constitution of Stockton Valley Asso- ciation, For a number of years, this church was very large and prosperous. But John Mulky led off a large faction of the body to the Arians, or Stoneites. After a while another faction went off with the Campbellites, and, finally the remnant of the church split on the subject of missions. Now (1885) the old church, which is the mother of many daughters, some of whom are illi- gitimate, is feeble and ready to die, scowling at missions, theological schools, benevolent societies, and "money-hunters."
JOHN MULKY was the first preacher of which there is any tradition, that labored in southeastern Kentucky. He appears to have been very active and successful. Besides preaching in the territory of Mill Creek, which was very extensive at first, he extended his labors beyond Green River, into the interior of the State. For a time he preached monthly "on Pittman," in Green county, and in Russells settlement in Adair. He was regarded as a preacher of good ability. But he was unstable and "carried about by every wind of doctrine." First falling into 'Arianism, and then into Campbellism, as tradition has it, he probably did the cause of Christ more harm than good. He, however, maintained, as far as known, an unblemished moral character.
PHILIP MULKY was raised up to the ministry in this church during the great revival, at the beginning of the century. It is believed that the now venerable John Newton Mulky* of Glas- gow, Kentucky, who is highly esteemed as a preacher, among the Campbellites, is a son of Philip Mulky.
WILLIAM CHISM, a good man of small gifts, lived in Mon- roe county, and was a number of years the preacher in old Mill Creek church. John Garrot* is its present pastor.
*Has recently died.
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Dripping Spring Church
DRIPPING SPRING church was, at first, called "the Sinks of Beaver Creek." It is distinguished for its having been "the church home" of Robert Stockton and the Warders. It is lo- cated within the present limits of Metcalf county, and was con- stituted, in 1798. By whom it was gathered is uncertain, but most probably by Alexander Davidson. It had built an edifice, known as Beaver Creek M. H. previous to June, 1799. It uni- ted with eight other churches in the constitution of Green River Association, at Mt. Tabor, in Barren county, the third Saturday in June, 1800. In the fall of 1802, it reported to that body, a membership of 133. Previous to this time, it held in its membership three preachers-Robert Stockton, Alexander McDougal and Robert Smith. The last two soon afterwards went to other churches, and the first became pastor of the church. The church dismissed members to form new churches around it till, in 1812, it numbered only 81. After this, it was prosperous until 1830, when it entered into the constitution of Barren River Association. Soon after this, the churches of this body began to be greatly agitated on the subject of missions. Campbellism also carried off many of their members. In 1836, Dripping Spring, with five other churches, withdrew from Bar- ren River Association, on account of that fraternity's favoring missionary operations, and entered into the constitution of a small fraternity of anti-missionary churches, since known as "Original Barren River Association." At this time, Dripping Spring church reported 13 members. In 1859, it had increased to 108 members. It has considerably diminished since that time, but is still a respectable church in its Association. Eph- riam Butram, a respectable preacher, is its present pastor.
Robert Stockton and Alexander McDougal were both dis- tinguished preachers in their day. They were co-laborers, for a short time, in Dripping Spring church, but which of them was its first pastor, or whether either of them was regarded as pas- tor of the church, during their joint labors there does not ap- pear. But Mr. Stockton was pastor of the church for many years afterwards. He was one of the most laborious and suc- cessful ministers among the Baptists of Virginia, and is said to have been thrust into jail at one time, "for preaching the gos- pel contrary to law."
ROBERT STOCKTON was born of Presbyterian parents, in
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Albemarl county, Va., Dec. 12, 1743. He received a moder- ate English education, and was brought up to the trade of a hatter, by which he acquired a good estate.
Very early in life, his mind became impressed upon the subject of religion, and he united with the Presbyterian church. When he was of sufficient age, he entered the army as a cap- tain in the service of the King of England. While performing duty in this capacity, he became much troubled about the sal- vation of his soul. He engaged much in secret prayer. and meditation, till he experienced a very joyful change in his feel- ings. Never having been taught the nature of experimental religion, he knew not what so peaceful and happy a state of mind and heart meant. Not long afterwards, he heard a Mr. Davis preach on the subject of experimental religion, and immediately recognized the exercises of his own heart to be the work of divine grace. An investigation of the scriptures convinced him of the duty of believers' baptism. He therefore submitted to that ordinance, at the hands of Samuel Harris, in 1771, and united with a Baptist church in Henry county.
Immediately after his baptism, he rejoined his company, called them into line, and spoke to them to the following pur- port : " Gentlemen, I have found another King, and have en- listed in His service. I am now going to leave you. But, be- fore we part, allow me to read from the order of my Command- er." He then read a chapter from the Bible, and called on them to join with him in prayer. This done, he resigned his captaincy, and entered actively into the service of his new Master.
Few men in Virginia were ever more active and zealous in preaching the gospel, or more successful in winning souls to Christ, than Robert Stockton. He was among the most active ministers in building up the churches of Strawberry Associa- tion. In a letter to Robert B. Semple, he stated that he had been present at the constitution of eleven churches, within the bounds of that organization. J. B. Taylor says that these churches were built up mainly by Mr. Stockton's labors. He was pastor of two churches-Snow Creek in Franklin county and Leatherwood in Henry. He was instrumental in gather- ing both of these churches. He was many years Moderator of Strawberry Association.
A ti th bo ra fe was cha
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Robert Stockton.
During the Revolutionary War, and just before the battle of Brandywine, Mr. Stockton, like David, visited the army to see how his brethren did, and to administer to their wants. During the battle, he fell into the hands of the British, and was kept a prisoner two years. When he was permitted to return home, he found that his faithful wife had not only supported her family, but had paid off all his debts. The maiden name of this excellent woman was Katherine Blakey. On the re- fusal of her parents to consent to her marrying young Stockton, the youthful lovers eloped to North Carolina, and were mar- ried, when she was only fourteen years of age.
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On his return from his long imprisonment, Mr. Stockton continued to labor in the same field, with his wonted zeal and success, till near the close of the Century, when he began to think of moving to a new country. R. B. Semple says of him, at this period : "Although his usefulness was so obvious in this country, and although he was among the richest men in those parts, his mind was not at rest. From some cause, not known to the compiler, he moved to Kentucky and settled within the limits of Green River Association." This removal occurred in 1799. Mr. Stockton settled in what is now Met- calf county. Here he united with Dripping Spring church, which had been constituted the year before. In June of the following year, messengers from nine churches assembled at Mt. Tabor church in Barren county, for the purpose of organ- izing an association. Mr. Stockton was chosen Moderator, and Green River Association was constituted.
Mr. Stockton was called to the care of Dripping Spring church, which was prosperous under his charge as long as he was able to preach. He was also Moderator of Green River Association, till he became too old and feeble to fill the posi- tion. His arrival in Kentucky, just at the commencement of the great revival, was very propitious. In this great work, he bore an active part. Many valuable young preachers were raised up, and the churches became numerous and strong. A few years more of faithful labor, and the aged servant's work was done. He died in great peace, in the fall of 1825. The character of his labor is well portrayed by Robert B. Semple, in the following language :
" Mr. Stockton had always an inclination to travel, and
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perhaps no man ever traveled to greater advantage. For, poss- essing an invincible boldness, it was quite unimportant to him what kind of a house he went to, whether saint or sinner, friend or opposer. He never failed, wherever he went, to enter largely into religious conversation ; and having great command of his temper, and great presence of mind, he often made re- ligious impressions upon minds previously swallowed up by prejudice. It was also an invariable rule with him to propose, and, if permitted, to perform family worship. In doing this, he would often exhort the family a half hour or more. It is very entertaining to hear Mr. Stockton relate the various adven- tures of his life, respecting the things of this sort."
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