USA > Kentucky > A history of Kentucky Baptists : From 1769 to 1885, including more than 800 biographical sketches, Vol. I > Part 43
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After laboring in the gospel ministry sixty-two years, the venerable John A. McGuire went to his final reward from his home in Monroe, Louisana.
DOCTOR NEWTON PORTER was one of the pastors of Eight- een Mile church. He has, however, held the pastoral office usually only for a short period, at any one church. He is a physician of high repute, and has an extensive practice. His habit, for many years past, has been to supply vacancies in pastorates, in the churches within his reach, until such churches could pro-
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cure other pastors, and, in this way, has been very useful in the field in which he operates. He is a man of extensive reading, and untiring industry. He is well versed in theology, and is a very fair speaker. He has been prominent in most of the pub- lic enterprises of his town and county, and is a most valuable citizen. How he can neglect a call from God to preach the gos pel, and divide his mind and heart so liberally among a great variety of worldly enterprises, when there is no such necessity laid upon him, must be left for him to answer to his Master.
D. N. Porter, son of Eli Porter of Welsh extraction, and a native of Virginia, was born in Henry county, Kentucky, Jan. 17, 1816. He is one of fourteen children born to poor parents, and could, therefore, obtain an education only by his own energies. He, however, began to teach school before he was sixteen years of age, and made this his occupation sixteen years, during which time he took a literary course at Georgetown College, and read medicine. Afterwards he graduated in medicine, with the honors of his class, in 1851, having previously practiced physic several years.
He professed experimental Christianity, atabout the age of thirteen, and was baptized into the fellowship of Campbells- burg church in his native county. By this church he was licensed to preach, in 1839, and ordained in 1841. Soon afterwards, he was called to the care of Eighteen-Mile church. Under hismin- istry, at this church, an extensive revival prevailed, in 1843, and 88 united with the church by baptism. After this, he was pastor of East church in Louisville two years. On leaving Louisville, he established himself in the practice of medicene at Eminence in Henry county. Here he has supplied various churches within his reach with such pastoral labors as his pro- fessional duties would permit. He has served Sulphur Fork Association as clerk eight years, and as moderator four years. He is still engaged in practicing his profession and preaching, at Eminence.
JOSEPH B. PORTER, brother of the above, succeeded D. N. Porter in the pastoral care of Eighteen-Mile church. After preaching a few years to this, and some other churches in Sul- phur Fork Association, he moved to Indiana, where he was long a useful minister of Jesus. He has recently moved to Kan- sas. Another brother, William H. Porter, spent some years
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in the ministry, in Ballard county. His gifts were meager, but he was a man of eminent piety. He has been dead several years.
JAMES STEPHEN DAWSON succeeded J. B. Porter as pastor of Eighteen-Mile church. Under his ministry, in 1852, the church received 61 by baptism. He was a timid, quiet man, of grave deportment, and hence not popular among strangers. But he was much beloved by those who knew him well. His pastoral charges were strongly attached to him, and gave him up with great reluctance. He was a sound, substantial preacher of good ability, and was successful as a pastor.
He was the son of Benjamin Dawson, a native of Orange county, Virginia, and was born in Fayette county, Kentucky, December 1, 1815. In early childhood, he was brought by his parents to Henry county, where he was raised up on a farm. He received a good English education, and became a practical surveyor. In 1835, he professed religion under the preaching of John S. Wilson, and united with the church at Newcastle. He afterwards moved his membership to Hillsboro' church in Henry county, where he was ordained a deacon, in April, 1844. The following month, he was licensed to preach, and, in July, 1846, was ordained to the ministry, by E. G. Berry, E. B. Stratton, D. N. Porter, and Smith Thomas. He was called to the care of Hillsboro' and Sligo churches in Henry county, New Providence in Trimble, and Eighteen-Mile in Oldham. He was probably a short time pastor of Liberty church in Oldham. He enjoyed a good degree of success, and the entire confidence of the people, and had laid the foundation for accomplishing a good life work. But he became restless, and, in 1854, moved to Daviess county. From the exposure, incident to settling in a new home, and the more humid and malarial climate of that region, he contracted disease of the lungs, of which he died, August 19, 1857.
ANDERW ELIAS SHIRLEY was pastor of Eighteen-Mile church,
· from about 1862 to 1878, and it is probable that no pastor of that old fraternity was ever more beloved, or was more deserv- ing of such love. He was the highest type of a Christian. His piety was deep, sincere and unpretending. His whole nature seemed to be suborned to, and pervaded by the Holy Spirit. He talked perpetually of the religion of Jesus Christ, and in such
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a manner as to make all who heard him, feel that his heart was overflowing with the love of the Redeemer. His conduct and conversation always made a strong impression in favor of a holy religion, wherever he went. He was never austere. His tem- perament was warm, and his manner affectionate. He was us- ually very cheerful, and his humor probably never met its equal. He was the life and joy of every social circle he entered. And yet, his religion so profusely pervaded everything that per- tained to him, that the deepest and most lasting impression he made on man, was, that "he was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith."
Mr. Shirley was an only child, born of wealthy parents, and raised in the city of Louisville. His father dying, while he was an infant, he was left to the care of his mother, who gave him a good education. In early life, he joined the Campbellite church, of which his mother was a member. Arriving at man- hood, his health being somewhat delicate, he went to Trimble county, and spent some time with some relatives. Attending a Baptist church, with his kinsfolks, he became deeply convicted of his guilt and depravity in the sight of a holy God. After seeking the Lord earnestly for some time, he was made to re- joice greatly in a sense of " the love of God shed abroad in his heart by the Holy Ghost given to him." In applying to Middle Creek church (in Trimble county) for membership, he stood up and related his Christian experience, and closed with a fervent exhortation and an invitation to the unconverted to come for- ward for prayer. Quite a number came, and he knelt down and prayed for them. Thus began the ministry of that devoted ser- vant of Jesus Christ. He was received into the church, and was baptized, probably by A. M. Ragsdale.
Returning to his home in Louisville, he united with Wal- nut Street church, where he was ordained to the ministry. He labored some time as missionary in the city, and was instru- mental in building, in 1848, a good house of worship for Port- land Avenue church. After this, he went to Collin county, Texas, where he spent several months in holding meetings, in which a large number was baptized. Returning to Kentucky, he moved, with his mother, to his farm in Jefferson county. He was soon afterward called to the care of Eighteen Mile, Har- rods Creek and Liberty churches, all in Oldham county. In
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this field, he labored successfully and with much satisfaction to . the churches. He afterwards raised up Falls of Harrods Creek church, in Jefferson county, of which he was chosen pastor. This church was afterwards dissolved. He accepted a call to the church at Mt. Washington, in Bullitt county, where he preached two years. He was also pastor of Westport church in Oldham county, several years.
From early life, Mr. Shirley was subject to seasons of men- tal depression. Once or twice he was rendered incapable of preaching for several weeks. In 1878, a recurrence of this mel- ancholy ultimated in insanity, from which the best medical skill that could be procured failed to recover him. He was sent to the insane asylum at Anchorage, where he still remains, with little hope of his recovery.
Mr. Shirley was an orator, a poet and a humorist by nature, and a devout christian and earnest preacher by grace. He pos- sessed, if not the highest, yet rare intellectual gifts. He had a familiar acquaintance with the finest prose and poetical writers in the English language. He had a very annoying impediment in his enunciation, which much marred the force and beauty of his sermons, especially when delivered before a strange audi- ence. He was, in his best mood, a good writer, and some of his printed productions were fine models of popular sermons. But above all, he was a good man and true, and left an impres- sion on the people of Oldham county that will not be effaced in one generation.
KING'S CHURCH was at first located in the south-eastern part of Jefferson county, on a small stream called Back Run. The original name of the church was Cane and Back Run. Its location was changed to its present site, in the north-east corner of Bullitt county, and in 1817, it took its present name. It was gathered by William Edmund Waller, Sr., who probably minis- tered to it from its constitution, in 1800, till 1802. After this, Henson Hobbs became its pastor-perhaps in 1803. It first united with Salem Association, at its meeting at Long Run meeting house, in 1801. In 1803, it went into the constitution of Long Run Association. At this period, it numbered fifty-
1 eight members. Its membership declined in numbers till about 1818, when it enjoyed a revival; and increased to seventy-two members. In 1827, under the ministry of Z. Carpenter, twenty-
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three were baptizea, and its membership increased to one hun- dred and nine. In 1833, William P. Barnett succeeded John Holland as its pastor, and, from that time, it enjoyed much prosperity for a number of years. In 1839, it was so much agitated cn the subject of "the missionary system," that it refused to send messengers to the association. But next year it had decided in favor of missions, and reported to the associa- tion a membership of one hundred and sixty-four. This was the highest number it has ever reached. Its largest ingathering, during any one year, was in 1869, when it received thirty-two by baptism. Its revivals have been very frequent, and its course remarkably smooth and even. Its membership in 1880, was one hundred and fifty-five. That excellent minister, T. II. Coleman, was then its pastor. George Marshall was raised up to the ministry in this church, and supplied its pulpit a few months in 1822-23, having been ordained during the latter date. Of its early pastors, W. E. Waller, Henson Hobbs, Z. Carpen- ter and John Holland, sketches have been given. W. E. Pow- ers is now (1885) its pastor.
WILLIAM PADDOX BARNETT was pastor of King's church about forty-three years. He was born in Jefferson county, Ky., in 1803. His parents being poor, he received only a limited common school education. He was brought up in the faith of the Methodist church, of which his parents were members. But being early led to Christ among the Cumberland Presby- terians, he identified himself with them, and remained in their fellowship a few years. But becoming interested on the subject of baptism, he was led to adopt the views of the Baptists, upon which he united with the church at Floyd's Fork, in his native county, and was baptized by Z. Carpenter about 1827. Being soon afterwards liberated to exercise a preaching gift, he was ordained to the ministry in 1829, and immediately called to the care of Floyd's Fork (now Fisherville) church. He grew rap- idly in favor with the people, and was soon one of the most pop- ular preachers in Long Run Association. He was soon pastor of four churches, and so continued, most of his time, till the encroachment of old age admonished him to narrow the field of his labors. He was, during a ministry of forty-six years, pastor, at different periods, of Floyd's Fork, Chenowith's Run, Jeffer- sontown, Pleasant Grove, and Long Run in Jefferson county ;
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Buck Creek, in Shelby; Little Union, Plum Creek and Elk Creek, in Spencer ; and Mt. Washington and Kings, in Bullitt. To the last named he was called in 1833. To this church he moved his membership, and ministered to it, with the exception of one year, (1859), till he finished his earthly course. He died of a congestive chill, at his home in Jefferson county, September 18, 1876.
As a man, W. P. Barnett was honorable, dignified, conser- vative and reliable, and commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. Few men ever maintained a more fault- less christian character. His preaching gifts were not extraor- dinary. He was sound in the faith of the Gospel, plain and direct in his manner of address, and thoroughly versed in the sacred scriptures. He enjoyed a good degree of success during his ministry. He was a good pastor, a wise adviser and a safe exampler.
CONCORD church is located in the southern part of Barren county, two or three miles from Big Barren river. It was con- stituted in 1800, most probably by John Mulky who was its first pastor. It went into the constitution of Green River Associa- tion, the same year it was gathered. During the great revival, which immediately followed its constitution, it received large accessions, and in 1802, numbered eighty-two members, having received thirty-one by baptism that year. After this, it increased - in numbers very little, till about 1839, when it reached a member- ship of 144. Up to this period, it appears to have moved on ct on ve ing vas the rap- pop- astor- 1 the harmoniously. It was an influential church in Green River Association, till 1830, when it entered into the constitution of Barren River Association. For about ten years, it main- tained a respectable position in that body. But in 1841, it with five other churches, drew off from Barren River Association, on account of that body's favoring missionary operations, and entered the same year into a small fraternity, now known as original Barren River Association. This untoward movement was under the leadership of Seth Bradshaw, the pastor of Con- cord church. Mr. Bradshaw afterward became convinced of eld of his error, and returned to the mother Association. This caused astor, Jeffer- division in Concord church. Both parties organized, and, fo. several years, the two churches, bearing the same name and unty; professing the same faith (except that they disagreed about .
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missionary operations) worshiped, on different days, in the same house.
But in 1858, the Missionary church dissolved, and left the Anti-missionary church in possession of the house. It still be- longs to the Anti-mission Association.
According to tradition, Jchn Mulky gathered this old church, and preached to it a short time. This tradition is at least highly probable, as he was nearer its location than any other preacher is known to have lived at that period. Some- thing has been said of him elsewhere.
CORNELIUS DUESE was a licensed preacher in this church, as early as 1802, and it is not improbable that he was in its con- stitution. He was a native of South Carolina, and emigrated to Kentucky, not far from the year 1800, and settled in Barren county. Here he became a member of Concord church, and when Mulky joined the Arians, he having been ordained to the ministry, succeeded to the pastorate. He was also called to the care of Mt. Pleasant church in the same county. He was re- garded a good man, was very active and zealous in the ministry, and was much beloved by the people. But he was "unstable in all his ways." He soon followed Mulky to the Arians. When the "Emancipation Association of Baptized Friends of Human- ity" was formed, in 1807, he, with John Murphy and John H. Owen became a member of that society, and finally, in his old age, joined the Campbellites. He died at a good old age, about the year 1840.
ISAAC COULSON TRACY, one of the early pastors of Concord church, was the son of Michael Tracy, a native of Ireland, and was born in North Carolina about A. D. 1790. In his early childhood he was carried to Allen county, Kentucky. Here he was brought up to manhood, receiving a better education than was usual for that time and place. About 1811 he went to In- diana and took up his residence. His parents were irreligious, and he grew up a wild, reckless youth. Soon after his arrival in Indiana, violent earthquakes prevailed in that region. Among many others he became much alarmed about the condition of his soul. Ultimately, he professed conversion, and joined the church. About 1815, he returned to Allen county, Kentucky, and united with the church at Puncheon Camp. Here he was put into the ministry, and called to the care of the church. He
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was also called to the care of Concord and Caney Fork churches in Barren county. He improved rapidly in speaking, and took rank with the ablest ministers in Green River Association. His churches flourished under his ministry, and by his labors many sinners were led to Christ.
But in the midst of great usefulness and popularity, his mind became wrecked, and he had to be sent to the insane asylum. He partially recovered, and returned to his family. Sometimes he appeared entirely sane, and preached with great clearness and force. But his mind was freakish and could not be relied on. He was before and after his insanity, a man of a very devotional ·spirit. It was his constant habit to sing a hymn of praise when he awoke in the morning, and before he arose from his bed. He continued to preach, during his lucid seasons, up to the time of his last illness. He died rather suddenly, Nov. 15, 1862.
SETH BRADSHAW succeeded Isaac C. Tracy, in the pastoral care of Concord church. He was the son Allen Bradshaw, and was born in Franklin county, Virginia, August 15, 1795. Here he was brought up on a farm, and received but a very meager education. He emigrated to Barren county, Kentucky, in 1817, and the following year, was married to Judy, daughter of Reu- ben Harrison.
Mr. Bradshaw was a fine specimen of a Kentucky back- woodsman. He was a large man, of a very powerful frame, possessed of a high sense of honor, and dauntless physical cour- age. He was regarded "the best man in the county," and in this opinion none concurred more heartily than himself."
In a new country where much labor and strong muscle are required, to clear away the forests; where danger is to be met by physical courage, and where the land being sparsely settled by unlettered people, the laws of the country are so illy en- forced that every man becomes "a law unto himself," a high type of manhood is a most useful, as well as a most honorable attainment. To be "the best man in the county," at the period of Mr. Bradshaw's youth, was a higher ambition, and conferred much higher honor than "going to the General Assembly." Hence every young man was anxious to be considered a 'hoss."
Mr. Bradshaw was proud of his manhood, and embraced
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every convenient opportunity to display it. To use his own words, he "would rather fight than to eat, any time." He was a bold, reckless sinner, and like the unjust judge, "he feared not God nor regarded man.". He continued his career of high- handed wickedness, till he was about thirty years of age. But the spirit of the Lord can find way to the stoutest heart. Mr. Bradshaw felt and acknowledged the power of divine grace. He was baptized into the fellowship of Concord church by Isaac C. Tracy, about the year 1825, His conversion was very marked. He immediately began to call on his associates to repent and turn to God. Although he was a poor speaker, he possessed good judgment and an earnest manly zeal, and his gift appeared to such maifest advantage, that he was soon ordained to the min- istry, and called to the care of Concord church. He was also called to the care of Poplar Log, Glovers Creek and Puncheon Camp churches. These churches prospered under his ministry and he enjoyed a good degree of success in his general labors, for a number of years. But about 1833, the subject of sys- tematic missionary operations began to agitate the the churches of Barren River Association, of which Concord was a member. Mr. Bradshaw was a man of marked influence, and, being un- informed on the subject of missionary operations, he became the leader of the Anti-missionary party. When the split in the Association occurred, in 1841, he identified himself with the Anti-missionary Association. By that means he lost his influence outside of the small faction of which he was the leader.
After several years, he became better informed on the sub- ject, acknowledged his error, and returned to the missionary body. He continued to preach till near the close of his life, but never regained his former influence among the people. His last moments were spent with the most joyful anticipations of heavenly bliss. He seemed already to have entered the joys of heaven before he quitted the pains of earth. He left the scenes of mortality, May 20, 1860.
BOGGS FORK church was located in the eastern part of Fay- ette county. It was first called Boffman's Fork church of Sep- arate Baptists, and belonged to Old South Kentucky Associa- tion. The earliest mention of it, on any accessible record, was in 1799, when there was an unsuccessful attempt made to unite it and Boones Creek church of Regular Baptists in onc body.
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The next year, it united with Tates Creek Association of United Baptists. At this time, it numbered 22 members, among whom were Squire Boone, Jun., Roger Jones and James Bentley. During the next year, it enjoyed a great revival, and 100 were added to its membership. It now (1801) numbered 122 members. Soon after this, it built a good stone house, for that period, on a small stream, from which its second name was derived, some two miles south of the present village of Athens. At this house, Tates Creek Association, met in 1806, and again, in 1817. At the former date, the church num- bered only 88 members. In 1823, it entered into the consti- tution of Boones Creek Association, which was formed at its meeting house, the fourth Friday in April, of that year. It remained a member of that body till 1840, when it accepted the proposition which had been made to it by Boones Creek church, 41 years before. These two churches united in one, built the present Baptist meeting house at Athens, and retained the name of Boones Creek church. At the time of this union, Boggs Fork numbered about 66, and Boones Creek, about 96 members.
SQUIRE BOONE, JR., appears to have been the first pastor of Boggs Fork church, and it is probable that he was instrumental in gathering it. He was a native of North Carolina, and was the son of Squire Boone, Sen., and a nephew of the famous Kentucky hunter and explorer, Daniel Boone. His father was a Baptist preacher, as were his son and three of his grand sons. Squire Boone, Jr., was among the early settlers of Madison county, where he united with Tates Creek church of Sep- arate Baptists. In this church he was licensed to exercise a preaching gift, as early as 1790. Towards the close of the cen- tury, he moved to Fayette county, where he became pastor of Boggs Fork church. He is supposed to have been a preacher of very moderate gifts. It is not known that he was pastor of any church except Boggs Fork. He died about 1820. There is, at hand, no means of knowing who were the subsequent pastors of this church.
There was some good work accomplished in the cause of ; Christ during the year 1800, dark and gloomy as was the be- ginning of that period. Of the six churches, ascertained to have been constituted during the year, a majority are strong,
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influential bodies, and all of them, still have an existence. It will be observed that four of them were planted along the northern border of the State. Here appeared the first gleam- ings of the approaching revival, at least among the Baptists, and, as in the first revival that ever occurred in Kentucky, in 1785, so also the greatest revival that has ever occurred among the Baptists in this State, began to be manifested under the la- bors of John Taylor, who aided in gathering three, if not four, of the six churches, constituted in 1800.
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