USA > Kentucky > Henderson County > History of Henderson County, Kentucky > Part 40
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Commencing with 1880, Miss McCullagh has graduated annually from two to eight young ladies. Her commencement exercises have proven of the highest and most interesting order, and her examina- tions have given the utmost satisfaction to patrons and friends of the seminary. While the intermediate and higher branches are thoroughly taught, the primary department is made a special feature of the school. Music is made an essential feature, and both vocal and instrumental instruction is given by the best of teachers. There is no school in Kentucky more deserving, and there is no school in the State better equipped in its every department for educational work. The school building is a large and commodious one, supplied with all of the necessary furniture and apparatus necessary to the comfort and pleas- ure of the students. One year ago Miss McCullagh transferred the principalship of the seminary to Miss S. E. Steele and Prof. J. M. Bach, both thoroughly competent and capable of keeping the school up to its past high standing. There are eight teachers in the school, Miss Steele presides in the department including Latin, mathematics, and higher English, Rev. J. M. Phillips, D.' D., mental and moral philosophy and rhetoric ; Mrs. J. M. Bach, elocution ; Mrs. Fanny P. McCullagh, penmanship and preparatory studies ; Madame Fauche Scott, French and German ; Prof. J. M. Bach piano, organ and theory ; Mrs. Henrietta Stoltz Bach, art of singing, piano, history of music ; Mrs, M. S. Vigus, art studies, drawing and painting.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
HOME SCHOOL FOR GIRLS.
Two years ago this school was organized by Miss Mary Stewart Bunch, principal, and in June last closed its second annual term. During the session of the Legislature of 1876, '77, a most liberal charter was granted the Home School for girls. Its diplomas rank with any institution of learning in the State, and those desiring to fit themselves for teachers will find in its provisions special advantages. The prin- cipal, Miss Bunch, is a highly educated lady, and one who has had large experience in the art of teaching and training the young. Her school is divided into three departments, primary, intermediate and collegiate. Every study is taught necessary to the graduating of ac- complished and cultured ladies. Miss Bunch is assisted by Miss Ad- rienne Blackwell, who has charge of Latin classes, Madame Fauche Scott, French and German; Miss Mary L. Withers. instrumental music ; Mrs. Mary E. Vigus, the art of drawing, painting, designing, decorative and industrial art, wood carving, etc. This school is largely patronized, and at its First Annual Commencement held last June, graduated four young ladies with the highest honors.
SCHOOL FOR BOYS.
At the instance of several parents who were anxious that their sons should be thoroughly educated, Prof. J. Lewis Cobb, of Augusta, Kentucky, an instructor, not alone of local, but of State, reputation, came to Henderson two years ago and established a school upon a higher and more satisfactory basis than had ever been the case before. He is a thorough diciplinarian and holds his school under most excel- lent control. His large experience in teaching fits him eminently for the position, and as a matter of fact his compliment of students is easily kept up to its fullest number.
In addition to the schools mentioned, there are several others : Miss Sue. S. Towles presides over a flourishing school for the young, Mrs. A. T. Lewis rejoices in a large patronage. Miss Lizzie Jones will open a school this fall.
THE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Is one of the largest in the city and is in every way a most worthy and creditable institution of learning.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOR COLORED CHILDREN.
On Tuesday, November 21st, 1871, the Common Council of the City of Henderson passed the following ordinance :
"Be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of Henderson, that the following named residents of the City of Henderson, Dr. Pinkney Thomp- son, H. S. Park, A. F. Parker. Jacob Held, Jr., and Y. E. Allison, be and they are hereby appointed Trustees of the public school for colored children in the City of Henderson, established by an act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, entitled an act to establish a public school tor colored children in the City of Henderson, approved March 10th. 1871, Said Trustees to hold their office for two years and until their successors are qualified."
On the twenty-seventh of the same month the following named persons, being a majority of those named in the above ordinance, to-
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
wit : Jacob Held, Dr. Pinkney Thompson, H. S. Park and Y. E. Allison, met at the dwelling house of Jacob Held, in the City of Hen- derson, and took the oath required by law and the constitution as such Trustees ; which oath was administered by E. L. Starling, Mayor of said city. Whereupon they organized by unanimously elect- ing Jacob Held President and Y. E. Allison permanent Secretary.
The Trustees purchased a lot at the corner of First and Alves Streets, 75x200 feet, and had erected thereon a frame building with two rooms, each 30x30 feet. The school was opened September 2d, 1872, with Professor Sam'l Harris (white), superintendent and teacher, and Mrs. E. P. Thompson (colored), assistant. The latter served three months and resigned, after which the Board employed Mrs. Mary Letcher who, with Professor Harris, continued in the school to the close of the session in 1874.
After this the Board employed John K. Mason, superintendent and teacher, and Martha J. Mason, his wife, assistant, who still oc- cupy the positions. Mason and his wife were citizens of Louisville, but had for several years been teachers in the Runkie Institute at Paducah, Kentucky.
In 1878 the City Council added another room to the school building and another teacher, Miss Virgie D. Harris, a graduate of the school, was employed as second assistant. Miss Harris held the position to the close of the session June, 1882.
The Board having made other additions to the building, the ses- sion of 1882-83 opened with four teachers, as follows : John K. Mason, superintendent and teacher ; Mrs. Martha J. Mason, first assistant ; Miss Alice D. Moting, second assistant ; William H. Hall, third as- sistant.
This school is governed by the same rules and the same text books as are used in the public schools for white children, and its ses- sions are of the same length, ten months'. This school has three de partments, namely : primary, elementary and intermediate, in the latter physiology and book-keeping are taught. The attendance has steadily increased from 145 pupils in 1874 to 368 enrolled in 1882, an increase of 152.4-73 per cent.
In addition to the revenues derived from the sources authorized by the act of the Legistlaure, approved March 10th, 1871, this school receives its pro rata of the State fund for common school purposes, which, at $1.30 on each of the 588 persons of school age enrolled in 1883, amounts to $764.40.
The average cost of maintaining this institution is about $1,300 per annum. This school has proven a blessing to the children of colored parents, as it is a credit to those who were instrumental in its organization. No bickerings or complaint has marred its peace, and at no time has a demand necessary been denied. Many of our best people have manifested an interest in its good government and bless- ings, and a commendable spirit of liberality has ever guided the Council in its protecting care.
RELIGIOUS.
CHURCH HISTORY.
FROM ITS EARLIEST ASSOCIATIONS WITH THE COUNTY.
MONG the earliest settlers of this county were a number of Baptists, who erected perhaps the first house of religious wor- ship ever known in the county. In the year 1808, a church called " Grave Creek " was organized, taking its name from a small stream which now forms a part of the boundary line between this and Web- ster County. The members of this congregation or colony in the earliest days lived at a great distance apart, and for many years had no house of worship, yet they held their monthly meetings at the cabin of some one of its members. Elder John Dorris, a plain Christian worker, who lived then in what is now Hopkins County, was the first pastor of the church.
Among the earlier members were the ancestors of many families yet residing in Henderson County. There were the Jones, Thomas, Hamptons, William and Elijah King, Nathan Walden, Lazarous Powell, George Negly, Garrett Willingham and many others whose names cannot be recalled.
There were colored members of this church from the beginning and there continued to be such up to the time of freedom, when they established separate churches of their own. As an evidence of the religious enthusiasm and earnestness which guided the people in those days, many members of this church rode along by-paths, through thickets and dense forests for more than twenty miles to attend their church meetings. Here the general congregation
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
continued, to worship until the year 1815, when a new and better church was built upon the spot where the present Grave Creek Church stands, retaining the name, although located fifteen miles away from that historic stream.
A few years after the establishment of this church a new body, consisting in part of some of its members, organized a church near Hebardsville which they named Bethel.
Most of the Baptist Churches in the county turned to old Grave Creek, as the parent stem, recognizing it as the beginning. All of the ministers of this denomination in early times, were illiterate, un- learned men, but they were enthusiastic, earnest Christian workers, and all of one book. They studied their Bibles diligently and were untiring in going from place to place preaching the Gospel as they understood it, for which they received but scanty remuneration.
The good these pious old teachers did among the rude and uncultured settlers was very apparent, and but for their influence it is quite probable the country would have gone back into that wild and uncivilized condition in which it was found. Within twenty five years from the organization of the first congregation, several new churches were formed and the denomination, in its increase, kept step with the increase of the population. It had its seasons of revival and decline, with nothing remarkable in its history until 1830 and 1834.
In the early history of this church, the missionary cause was not heard of ; neither had Alexander Campbell become famous. About the year 1830 the friends of foreign missions began to urge their claims upon the attentions of the Baptists of Western Kentucky, and about the same time, many members of the churches had begun to adopt the views embraced by Alexander Campbell. The Henderson County churches were then profoundly agitated on the missionary question and concerning the doctrine taught by Mr. Campbell, and as the result of his teaching, the Baptist denomination lost many of its members. In 1834 the Anti-Missionary party had a majority in the Highland Association, of which body the churches of Henderson County formed a part. In consequence of their ill-advised course, four churches, of which Grave Creek was one, seceded from the body and formed an association among themselves known as "Little Bethel." Since that time the Missionary body has greatly increased, while the Anti-Missionary have scarcely an existence.
Among the seceding ministers were William Hatchitt, F. L. Garrett and Richard Jones; of Henderson County, and Wm. Morrison, of Union County.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
Mr. Hatchitt was the father of Mr. Jas. D. Hatchitt and Rev. A. Hatchitt and grandfather of the late Sheriff, Wm. Hatchitt, all gentlemen greatly esteemed for their business and social worth. He was also for many years pastor of Grave Creek Church and was beloved by his flock and all who knew him for his kindness of heart, amiability of character, soundness of mind and inflexible firmness in the discharge of his everyday duty.
There are now in the county nine white Baptist Churches, with a membership of more than fifteen hundred. There are also five or six colored churches in the county, nearly if not fully equal to the whites in point of membership. The General Baptist and Arminian Open Communion denomination have one church in the county.
The Henderson County Association of United Baptists is COM- POSED EXCLUSIVELY of the white churches.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.
The history of this church dates back to the year 1839. It originated in a remarkably successful revival meeting conducted by Rev. J. L. Burroughs, D. D., now of Norfolk, Va., in the old Union Meeting House, which was located in what is now the City Park. Before this meeting there were only three or four persons of the Baptist faith living in the town, one of whom, the wife of Mr. Jas. W. Clay, afterwards became a pillar of the church. She lived to an extremely advanced age and was the last of the group of constituent mem- bers in the organization of the body that passed away. Soon after the meeting referred to, the old house was condemned as unsafe and the organization was effected in the home of Mr. Fountain Cun ningham. W. H. Cunningham and John C. Cheaney were the first deacons of the new organization and Elder N. B. Wiggins was its first pastor.
Of the original members thirty-five in number, none are living except Mr. John O. Cheaney, who for a number of years has lived with a son in the State of Arkansas.
Immediately after the organization, an effort was made to build a house of worship which resulted in the erection of the first structure, located on the corner of Elm and Center Streets. For the first decade of its history, the church grew rapidly in numbers and influ- ence, and soon became the strongest and most influential body of the town.
Yearly several meetings were held, during which large numbers were converted and brought into the fellowship of the church. Elder
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
Wiggins' pastorate terminated at the end of three years. The records of the church fail to show who his successor was. In the year 1851, Rev. John Bryce, of Virginia, was called to the pastorate care of the church, and entered on the work. He was a man of distinguished piety, eminent ability and varied attainments. He was, when converted, a lawyer, and had been Master in Chancery for several years under Chief Justice Marshall. After entering the ministry he served as chaplain in the U. S. army during the war of 1812. He was appointed by President Tyler surveyor of Shreveport, La , and Confidential Agent of the Government during pending negotiations for the annexation of 'Texas. During his stay in Louisiana, he organized the Baptist Church at Shreveport and succeeded in placing it on a foundation of enduring prosperity. His pastorate in Henderson extended through a period of eleven years, during which time the church was united, peaceful and prosperous. He died July 26th, 1864, loved and honored by all, -at the advanced age of ninety years.
During the war period Elder J. H. Spencer, A. J. Miller, D. D., and R. S. Callahan each served the church in the pastoral relation for brief periods. Elder B. T. Taylor followed in the pastorate for two years and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Talbird, D. D., who continued until March the first, 1872. His ministry was marked by that deep devotion to the interests of religion that endears a pastor to his people, and the church was greatly strengthened.
Rev. H. H. D. Straton was called to the pastorate in June, 1872, and served the church with great acceptance for two years and a half. Elder R. D. Peay was called to the pastoral care of the church April 14th, 1875, and entered on the work the 25th of that month. His administration, though characterized with great pulpit ability and much fervency, faithfulness and zeal in pastoral work, was not marked by church growth and power, owing to losses occasioned by removals and deaths. The church was weaker at the close of his pastoral work (May 1st, 1879), than at its beginning, four years previous. From this time until June the first, 1882, the church had no regular pastoral ministrations. Its pulpit was supplied occasionally by Elder R. D. Peay, who continued to reside in the city, and visiting ministers to the city. As a result, there was no growth, but rapid decline in power and life.
Elder R. S. Flemming was called to the pastorate June 1st, 1882. He continued in this relation for about one year and resigned. During the year 1883, the church was without a pastor and its services were
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
irregular and poorly maintained. It steadily declined in numbers and ability until it was thought to be unable to sustain a pastor. In the early Spring of 1884, the Board of State Missions proffered to assist the church, and at the suggestion of the brethren of that Board, Rev. J. M. Phillips, D. D., its present efficient pastor, was called to its pastoral care. At the time Dr. Phillips assumed charge of this church, it had well nigh ceased to exist as a church organization. It was seldom opened for worship and the old building was lamentably out of repair. It had fallen from the once strongest denomination in the town to the weakest in the city, with only a few faithful members left to bear testimony to its once great strength. It had become now a Mission Church, supported in great part by the State Board of Missions. Of course, then, when Dr. Phillips came to its rescue as pastor, he recognized at a glance the great work and responsibility before him in reorganizing the congregation and bringing it from a confused and demoralized state to a church of strength and self-sup- porting. He applied himself with a confiding faith and diligence of purpose, few men have ever exhibited either in the ecclesiastical or secular world. His strong preaching and earnest work soon began to speak for itself, and in a short time new life was supplied, and where but a short time before all was lifelessness, now there was an activity of Christian purpose making itself felt throughout the city. How well Dr. Phillips has succeeded can be narrated in a few words. Since his arrival, three years ago, there has been raised and expended in the improvement of church property over four thousand dollars, and about two hundred and fifty persons have been received into the church. The total number of members at this time aggregates about three hundred and twenty-five, the church building one of the hand- somest in the city, the Sunday school a very large one. The church is once again self-supporting. During the early Spring of 1887, the largest religious revival ever held in Henderson was conducted in this church by Revs. Weaver and Hale, of Louisville, assisted by Dr. Phillips. For weeks and weeks the building was filled to its utmost capacity at night service and over two hundred attached themselves to the congregation.
Among the number of ministers now preaching, who were ordained by this church, are : Rev. George F. Pentecost, a preacher of world-wide fame, having filled some of the most important pulpits in this country and now in charge of one of the largest churches in Brooklyn, New York ; the Rev. Wm. Harris, who preaches with great acceptance to a large church in St. Louis, Mo., and the Rev. J. H. Butler, who is pastor of a very large and important church in Coving- ton, Ky.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
ZION BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Zion Baptist Church was constituted October 15th, 1853, Elders John Bryce, William Hatchett and John G. Taylor, officiating. The following named persons went into the constitution : Miles H. Cooksey, Elizabeth E. Cooksey, Mary C. Cooksey (now Baskett), Zepheniah Griffin, John W. Matthews, Francina Griffin, Prudence Blackwell, Wm. E. Bennett, Sarah Bennett, Elizabeth Hatchett, Charles E. Cooksey, Ann E. Negley, Martha S. Dunn, Nancy Griffin, John Matthews, Philip Matthews, James H. Hatchett, Henry H.' Farmer and Jenny, a colored woman belonging to E. T. Cheatham. Total, 19.
Rev. Isham R. Allan was elected pastor, Wm. E. Bennett and Zephenia Griffin elected deacons, and H. H. Farmer elected clerk. The third Sabbath in each month and Saturday before were agreed upon the regular meeting days of the church.
H. H. Farmer was dismissed by letter in 1857, P. D. Negley was chosen to fill his place as clerk, and he has continued to discharge the duties of that office up to the present time. The church was ad. mitted to membership in the Little Bethel Association in 1854.
Elder Allan continued to serve the church as pastor, being called every year till 1860, when the church made the call indefinite. In 1862 Elder J. M. Dawson was chosen as pastor, but declined the call, and Elder A. Hacthett was called and accepted. He was succeeded by Elder N. Lacy in 1865. Elder J. B. Haynes, fol- lowed him in 1867.
In 1869 the church agreed to have service twice a month and fix the pastor's salary at $400. Before the year closed the pulpit was de- clared vacant and Elder A. J. Miller was called in July of the same year. At the September meeting Elder Miller requested the church to call some one else as his time was all taken up. The church de- clined to take action in that direction, and the matter was continued. At the October meeting the church invited Elder Miller to preach for them at their November meeting, at which time they agreed to call a pastor. For some reason he did not accept the invitation, and Rev. Dr. H. Talbird preached.
In January, 1870, Elder Miller was again called and accepted and continued to serve the church as pastor till October, 1874, when he resigned to move to Missouri. Elder S. F. Thompson was called at the same meeting but he did not accept. The church then called Elder Miller in June, 1875, but he declined, Elder G. A. Coulson
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
was called in February and accepted. The next year he resigned and moved South, and Elder R. D. Peay was called to supply. In March, 1877, Elder Miller was again called and he accepted. He has continued to serve the church in that relation till the present time, 1882.
September 17th, 1870, John W. Hicks and B. Tanner were or- dained as deacons, Elders A. J. Miller and T. L. Brooks officiating. June, 1874, James R. Bennett and William Hatchett were ordained as deacons, Elders A. J. Miller and P. H. Lockett, officiating. In No- vember, 1882, James H. Moss and E. T. Smith were ordained as deacons, Elders A. J. Miller and G. W. Givens, officiating.
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The present Board of Deacons consists of Wm. E. Bennett, John W. Hicks, J. R. Bennett, E. T. Smith, P. D. Negley, Wm. Hatchett and J. H. Moss.
The church is located in one of the best communities in the county, and has a present membership of 235, among whom are some of our most worthy citizens. M. H. Cooksey, Wm. E. Bennett, B. Tanner and Hatchett have been active financial agents in the church, which responsibility is now borne by E. T. Smith and James H. Moss. P. D. Negley, the clerk, has the best kept church record in the county.
The church occupies the handsomest church building in the county outside of Henderson, erected in 1867, and the sisters keep it nicely furnished. Dr. Miller, their present pastor, says, "there is not a better set of women on the earth than the sisters of Zion Church." First and last the church has received into her fellowship 340 mem- bers, 247 of that number were received by baptism. The present pastor having baptized 141 of that number. The oldest candidate for baptism was Nancy Johnson, aged 68 years, the youngest being Talbird J. Miller, aged 10 years.
This church is now under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Solomon.
CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
A BRIEF OUTLINE OF THE HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, HEN- DERSON, KENTUCKY.
This religious body of people, known as Deciples or Christians, had its first beginning in Henderson through the preaching of Elder William Brown, in the year 1841. At that time there were but two members of the church living in the town, viz: Philip Vanbussum and his wife.
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HISTORY OF HENDERSON COUNTY, KY.
In 1844, William Steele, a silversmith and a local preacher, moved to Henderson. Subsequent to his coming, he and his wife and Philip Vanbussum and his wife organized themselves into a congre- gation and met for worship on the Lord's day at one of the two houses. This little, but intensely earnest congregation, struggled for nearly two years, and then from some cause became disorganized.
In 1854 Elder P. H. Morse visited Henderson and held a suc- cessful meeting, baptizing and receiving into the church sixteen ad- ditions. The church was then organized with a membership number- ing twenty.
In 1854 the congregation determined to build, if possible, a house of worship which they could call their own. They knew their weakness, but holding a firm faith in their ultimate triumph they un- dertook the preliminary step, so important, that of raising the neces- sary funds to carry out the plans of the building. By industry, self- denial and almost superhuman efforts upon the part of that good old Christian man and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Vanbussum, in the fol- lowing year the congregation did worship in a temple they called their own. The little house of God was built on the corner of Washing- ton and Green Streets, and was dedicated by the lamented John F. Johnson, brother of Richard M. Johnson, Vice President of the United States, and Elder R. Ricketts.
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