USA > Missouri > DeKalb County > History of Andrew and De Kalb counties, Missouri : from earliest time to the present; together with sundry personal, business and professional sketches and family records. besides a condensed history of the state of Missouri, etc > Part 52
USA > Missouri > Andrew County > History of Andrew and De Kalb counties, Missouri : from earliest time to the present; together with sundry personal, business and professional sketches and family records. besides a condensed history of the state of Missouri, etc > Part 52
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Cumberland Presbyterian Church .- The Cumberland Pres- byterian Church of Stewartsville has a history dating from
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the 18th day of September, 1865, and is indebted for its organization, and a large measure of subsequent success, to the earnest efforts of Rev. W. O. H. Perry. Prof. Perry began preaching in the village a short time prior to the above year, and in a short time succeeded in awakening quite an interest in the cause of Christianity as taught by his church, the immediate result of which was the organization of a society with the following members: William E. Staggs and wife, Milton H. Finch and wife, James W. Brazington and wife, Lorenzo T. Perry and wife, Mrs. Lizzie Perry, W. C. Perry and wife, Sarah Perry, George B. Perry and Margaret Hayter. Rev. W. O. H. Perry looked after the interests of the society from 1865 until 1870, and did much toward placing it upon a permanent basis. Rev. O. D. Allen served as pastor from 1870 until 1872, having been succeeded the latter year by Rev. Mr. Miller, who preached for the congregation regularly until 1875. W. O. H. Perry again became pastor in 1875, and was sub- sequently followed by Rev. F. M. Miller, and he in turn by Rev. C. B. Powers. At the expiration of Mr. Powers' term, Prof. Perry was then the third time appointed to the pastorate, the duties of which he is discharging at the present time. The society holds its meetings in the Unity Church, in which it owns a one-fourth interest. The present membership is about eighty. The local officers are W. C. Perry, clerk; A. D. Capps, James Watson, J. B. Shewey and W. C. Perry, elders; Alfred Hoggatt and Joseph Pickett, deacons.
Christian Church .- This society was organized March 1, 1867, with the following members: I. H. Majors, Elizabeth Majors, Laban Savage, R. J. Biggerstaff, Harley Crews, Malinda Crews, Anna Hudson, Anna White, Nancy Moore and Mary Culbert- son. I. H. Majors and Walter Savage were elected elders, and R. I. Biggerstaff and S. S. Mathes, deacons. The first regu- lar pastor was Elder John W. Hopkins, a minister of fine ability, whose efforts induced many to identify themselves with this church, having the Bible alone for its creed and rule of practice. Elder William Rogers was the next pastor, and after him, from time to time, came Elders Barrow, Hensell, Cartwright, Ellis, Pickerell and others who did not sustain the pastoral relation.
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The growth of the congregation during the first few years of its history was very encouraging, and in 1881 the wants of the society foreshadowed the necessity of a house of worship, serv- ices previous to that time having been held in different places in the town. A lot on the corner of Ninth and Clinton Streets was purchased, upon which, before the close of the above year, a substantial frame edifice was erected, at a cost of $1,500. At this time the church is without a regular pastor, but services are held each Lord's day, at which prominent lay members officiate. Be- tween sixty and seventy persons constitute the present member- ship, and the congregation is reported in a fairly prosperous con- dition. The elders are William Smith and Walter Savage; deacons, Daniel Bennett and W. D. Totten.
Latter Day Saints .- A branch of the Latter Day Saints was es- tablished in Stewartsville in 1882, through the efforts of Elders William Lewis, J. T. Kinneman and J. M. Terry. About forty per- sons went into the organization, a number which has since been in- creased to over one hundred. For some time public worship was held in Snow's hall, and later Buck's opera house was secured, which answered as a meeting place until the erection of the beau- tiful frame temple of worship in 1885. The house stands in the northwest part of the town, is 36x60 feet in size, with a seating capacity of over 500, and represents a capital of $2,000. The elders above named have ministered to the church since its or- ganization, services being held every Lord's day. The branch has enjoyed much prosperity, and the membership is constantly increasing. J. M. Terry is superintendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of about forty scholars. The teachers are D. R. Baldwin, Mrs. Bettie Smith, Mrs. Jacob Dice and Miss Delphine Worden.
Unity Church Building .- The largest house of worship in Stewartsville, and one of the finest specimens of church architect- ure in De Kalb County, was built by the Presbyterians, Cum- berland Presbyterians and South Methodists, in 1869-70, at a cost of $5,000. It stands on the corner of Fourth and Clinton Streets, and is an ornament to the city. The Methodists and Cumberland Presbyterians have each a fourth interest in the building, and the Presbyterians a half interest. The Sunday-
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school which has been mentioned in connection with the history of the latter church is a union school, supported by the three denominations.
At the village of Clarksdale, in Washington Township, is a Christian Church, organized in the fall of 1886 by Elder Adams, which numbers at this time forty-five communicants. The offi- cers are William Thomas, elder; Benjamin Morton, clerk. A frame building, situated in the northern part of the village, was erected about the time of the organization. The society supports no regular pastor. The Latter Day Saints and Missionary Bap- tists hold services in the same building, but as yet have no reg- ularly organized congregations in the town.
CHURCHES OF MAYSVILLE.
The religious history of Maysville dates from the founding of the town-the majority of the early settlers having been active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South society, which was established as long ago as 1846. This was perhaps the first Methodist class organized in De Kalb County, but of its early history but little is now known, no authentic records having been kept or preserved. The old log courthouse was used as a meeting place for a number of years, and later services were held in the room now used as a printing office by G. W. Gwathmey. Until 1860 the society grew and prospered, but with the breaking out of the war political differences arose, which, with the scattering of the members about that time, soon led to a disorganization of the society.
Maysville Methodist Episcopal Church .- To Rev. J. R. Herbert the credit is due of sowing the seed which, under his watchfulness and care, germinated and developed into the Meth- odist Church of Maysville. Mr. Herbert, in the year 1865, visited the town, and, gathering the few Methodist families of the community together, organized them into a class, the transaction bearing date of June 19 of the above year. The meeting for organization was held in the old schoolhouse, and from the most reliable information accessible, about thirteen persons identified themselves with the society in the capacity of members. Among this number are remembered John Taylor and
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wife, W. D. Lee and family, Josiah Beatty and wife, Seth Brant and wife, and J. W. Fawcett and wife. John Taylor and W. D. Lee were appointed class leaders, and Josiah Beatty and Seth Brant, stewards. This was the first point established in the Maysville circuit, Missouri and Arkansas conference, and from a very small beginning soon grew into quite a flourishing organi- zation. Rev. Mr. Herbert preached one year, during which time a very successful revival was held, resulting in an accession of over fifty members to the church. This year has long been re- membered as one of great prosperity, and the good seed then sown has since blossomed and ripened into abundant fruit. Rev. A. J. Gaither was the next pastor, and preached one year. The successor of Mr. Gaither was Rev. W. H. Hanley, a man of fine talents, and a good preacher. He sustained the pastoral relation one year, and was succeeded by Rev. W. H. Turner, under whose pastorate of three years the society increased to over 200 members.
It was during the latter years of his administration that societies were organized at Mount Hope, Hickory Grove and Fairport, in the formation of which quite a number of members withdrew from the Maysville congregation. This loss, while deeply felt, was in a great measure repaired by Mr. Turner, whose superior powers as a revivalist soon had the effect of caus- ing large numbers to identify themselves with the church. The next pastor was Rev. T. B. Bratton, who after preaching a short time was succeeded by Charles Balom, a local preacher, who served out the regular term. Rev. Isaac Hill followed Mr. Balom, and ministered to the church with great acceptance for one year. His successor was Rev. G. H. Stocking, who is re- membered as one of the most popular and successful pastors of the Maysville circuit. He preached for a period of three years, during which time his different charges greatly increased in numerical strength and influence. Rev. J. W. Bovee was the next pastor, and after him came O. Bruner, who ministered to the con- gregation for two years, the first of which was one of considera- ble prosperity. Rev. W. F. Fletcher served three years, and was succeeded by Rev. Charles Cooper, whose pastorate extended over a period of two years. He was very popular with the church and people, and his administration is remembered as one of the 25A
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most successful for substantial growth in the history of the con- gregation. Following Mr. Fletcher came Rev. Thomas Wolcott, who preached one year, at the end of which time Rev. C. T. Phillips was appointed to the circuit. As a pulpit orator Mr. Phillips ranks among the talented preachers of Northern Missouri, while few surpass him as a revivalist and energetic worker. His pastorate was signalized by prosperity throughout the circuit, and the effects of his self-denying and earnest efforts will long be felt by the Maysville congregation. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. R. L. Jamison, a minister widely and favorably known throughout Northern Missouri. He is a fit suc- cessor to Rev. Mr. Phillips, and has already endeared himself to his congregation by his Christian character and pulpit ability.
After meeting in the schoolhouse for one year, the church in- augurated a movement for the erection of a house of worship, work upon which was commenced in 1866. M. Lavering donated one acre of ground for the purpose, and during the administra- tion of Rev. Hanley a beautiful frame building, 38x40 feet, was erected, the aggregate cost of which was about $3,000. . The committee which pushed the building forward to completion was composed of Josiah Beatty, W. D. Lee and John Taylor. The house has been repaired at different times, and is now one of the most commodious temples of worship in the county.
In 1870 a frame parsonage was built. It was used until 1886, at which time the present neat parsonage was erected at a cost of $1,300, the proceeds arising from sale of the old building and a part of the church ground. The membership of the church at this time (1887) is 164. The officers of the congre- gation are Josiah Beatty and W. H. Deppen, stewards; A. E. Putnam, George Howell, W. H. Deppen, George Crenshaw and Josiah Beatty, trustees.
Under the auspices of the Methodist Church, the first Sunday- school in Maysville was organized in 1865, with W. D. Lee, superintendent. This school has been kept up ever since, and at this time has an average attendance of nearly 100 scholars. The officers are George W. Crenshaw, superintendent; G. W. Howell, assistant superintendent, and Harry Inghram, secretary. The following teachers were elected in 1887: A. E. Putnam, R.
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A. Howell, Jr., I. B. Willis, W. P. Addison, Flora Jennings, Nannie Howell, Nellie Roush and Mrs. C. E. Moss.
Baptist Church .- Of the earliest efforts to establish this church in Maysville but little is now known. A few Baptist families set- tled in the vicinity of the town, and at their earnest solicitations Rev. David Anderson began visiting the place and holding meet- ings in the courthouse as early as 1854-55. These meetings, although held at irregular intervals, finally led to the organiza- tion of a church in comformity to the usages and practices of the denomination, the original membership of which numbered about twelve or thirteen, among whom were the following: Mor- ris Lavering and wife, John Whitechurch and wife, Alexander Carter and wife, Mrs. Carter, - Rhoades and wife, and Miss Rhoades.
Alexander Carter and Morris Lavering were chosen deacons, and Rev. Mr. Anderson was duly called and appointed pastor. Mr. Anderson was a man of great personal piety, and a sound though not a brilliant pulpit orator. He visited the little society once a month for several years, and added to the church from time to time, until there were about thirty members belonging. The membership became scattered at the breaking out of the war, and within a short time thereafter meetings ceased altogether, and the society was disbanded.
In April, 1867, a reorganization was effected through the labors of Rev. T. N. O'Bryan, who constituted the present Baptist Church of Maysville, with the following members: A. M. Chris- more, Ira Brown, T. N. O'Bryan, John Whitchurch, Phebe Whitchurch, Elizabeth Scott, Sarah Stobbs, Mrs. Scammerhorn, Mrs. C. C. Bacon, T. M. Dougherty and Mary A. Briscoe. Rev. T. N. O'Bryan was the first pastor, and by his earnest and self- denying labors did much toward awakening an interest in behalf of the church. The next pastor was Rev. Elias George, who ministered to the congregation the greater part of the time for eight or ten years. Elder George is a man of genuine piety, thoroughly devoted to all the interests of the church, and during a long residence in Maysville has won a prominent place in the respect and confidence of all classes of people. His suc- cessor was Rev. T. M. S. Kinney, who preached regularly for
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two years, after whom Mr. George again became pastor. Rev. George H. Berry was the next regular preacher, and is remem- bered as a very able and successful pastor, his labors with the church having been crowned with abundant success. Rev. Sam- uel Smith succeeded Mr. Berry, but did not exercise the pastoral relation for any great length of time, preaching in all about eight months. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. Mr. Butts.
For some time after the organization, meetings for worship were held in the schoolhouse, and later the courthouse was secured for church purposes. In 1869 a movement to erect a building was inaugurated. A lot was procured on Main Street, and a brick building 54x60 feet in size started. The house was completed and subsequently dedicated, the aggregate cost of the same having been nearly, if not quite, $5,000. This is the best house of worship in the city, and has a seating capacity of about 400.
The membership of the church at this time is about fifty. The present officers of the congregation are Israel Miles, Nathan- iel Rogers, W. B. Kline and Frank Osborne, deacons, and Will- iam Meek, clerk. The Sunday-school under the auspices of the church is well sustained, and has an average attendance of fifty-five. N. A. Rogers is superintendent, Edward Smith, sec- retary, and Dora Osborne, organist. Teachers are Mrs. Israel Miles, Ella Cook, Mrs. S. W. Holmes, William L. Meek, Mrs. Samuel G. Loring and Miss Luella Smith.
Christian Church .- A church was organized in Maysville about 1848 or 1849, by Elder Joseph Shannon, who began visiting the town prior to that time, and holding public services in the old courthouse. Owing to the absence of records it will be impossi- ble to enter into a detailed account of the proceedings of this church during the early years of its history, but from the most reliable authority it appears that a strong membership was gath- ered in a short time after the organization. Among the early ministers was Elder J. W. Hopkins, who, with Elder Shannon, did the greater part of the preaching for several years. The church became quite popular in an early day, and until the breaking out of the war it grew and prospered, and became the
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leading religious organization in the town. With the beginning of the troubles between the North and South, however, internal dissensions arose, the ultimate result of which was a complete dis- memberment of the society early in the sixties. From the time of its dissolution until 1869 no efforts were made to revive the church, but in the latter year, through the instrumentality of Henry E. Glazier, Elder Benjamin Lockhart was induced to visit the town and hold a series of meetings, the immediate result of which was the organization of a society of sixty-five members, nearly all of whom joined the church during the progress of the revival. The organization completed, a movement was inaug- urated for the purpose of building a house of worship. Accord- ingly a lot was purchased on Jackson Street, upon which, in 1870, a beautiful and commodious frame building, representing a cap- ital of about $3,700, was erected. It was formally dedicated to the worship of God in December of the above year, and has been used by the congregation ever since. The first officers of the church were James Sloan and L. L. Daniels, elders; H. E. Glazier and Albert E. Ginn, deacons. Elder Lockhart served one year as pastor, and was followed in regular order by Elders Thomas Williamson, Thomas Graves, John Claypool and W. C. Rowe. Besides the regular pastors many other ministers of the gospel from abroad visited the church from time to time, and broke to them the bread of life. Of late years, however, the church appears to have lost, in some degree, its former spirit of aggressive work, and is not so strong numerically as in its early days. No regular preaching is sustained, and Lord's day serv- ices, formerly conducted by lay members, are now remembered as things of the past. There is still a membership, however, of about ninety, and efforts are now being made to procure the serv- . ices of a pastor. G. W. Lipscomb and James Mahan are the elders. The following are the names of the deacons last chosen: Henry Newby, Albert Ginn, Henry Miles and Charles Weldon. The Sunday-school, under the auspices of the church, is in a prosperous condition, and has an average attendance of seventy. Judge W. H. Rogers is superintendent, and G. B. Atterbury, assistant superintendent. The teachers are Mrs. G. B. Atterbury, Mrs. Kate Lipscomb, Mrs. H. L. Miles, Mrs. Ed. Mitchell, Miss Bertie Glazier and Miss Etta Atterbury.
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Methodist Episcopal Church South .- This society was organ- ized in November, 1886, by Rev. J. T. McDonald, pastor in charge of the Maysville Mission. The organization was effected with about thirty members, a number which has not increased to any appreciable extent since. Meetings are held in the Meth- odist and Baptist Church buildings, and the society, although few in numbers, gives promise of a bright future. The pastor, Rev. Mr. McDonald, is a man of good pulpit ability, and has won for himself the reputation of an earnest and conscientious worker.
CHURCHES OF OSBORNE.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- This church was organized in the fall of 1865, by Rev. J. H. Hanley, who preached for the congregation for some time thereafter. In 1872 a house of wor- ship costing $1,600 was erected on Clinton Avenue, and twelve years later improvements to the amount of $1,400 were added, making it one of the best church edifices in the county. The following pastors have had charge of the church from time to time: Revs. T. B. Bratton,-Parker, Mr. Williams, Robert Dev- lin, Charles Hill, I. V. Ismond, R. Haler, J. Cox, E. Rozzell, C. T. Phillips and W. H. Welton. The present incumbent is Rev. Mr. John. The society has enjoyed a reasonable degree of pros- perity, and at this time numbers over fifty communicants. The stewards are F. P. Patrick, Thomas Butler and William Fickes; trustees, A. W. Doane, A. L. Morgan, William Fickes, I. B. Bloom and P. M. Hatch. Connected with the church is a pros- perous Sunday-school, which under the efficient superintendency of Thomas Butler has been the means of accomplishing much good in the community. The average attendance is sixty ; teach- ers: Fannie Bloom, Mrs. Freeman, Mrs. Farr, Chauncy Curtis, Mrs. Chauncy Curtis, Mrs. John,-Patrick and Mrs. Mary Leroy.
First Presbyterian Church .- This society dates its history from the 6th of June, 1868, at which time a small organization was established by Rev. E. B. Sherwood. Among the early mem- bers were William E. Loring, Sidney J. Brown, T. J. Edie, Nancy Edie, Mrs. Harriet W. Higgins, Miss Carrie W. Higgins and Mrs. Alice A. Loring. William E. Loring was elected elder, Rev. C. W. Higgins, clerk. The first pastor was Rev. C.
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W. Higgins, to whose efforts the church was largely indebted for the prosperity it enjoyed during the first few years of its his- tory. In the year 1870 the congregation erected its church edifice on Clinton Avenue. The building is frame and of the English gothic style of architecture, and cost, including church furniture, the sum of $1,100. The yard in which the building stands was formerly used for a burying ground, but the bodies were subsequently moved to the new cemetery.
The successor of Rev. Mr. Higgins in the pastorate was Rev. Mr. Thornton, after whom came Rev. E. B. Sherwood. Follow- ing the latter was Rev. J. F. Clarkson, who in turn was succeeded by D. F. McLeod. In December, 1885, the society was changed to a Congregational Church, by which name it has since been known. The number of communicants at this time is quite small, but the society is reported in a fairly prosperous condition. The Union Sunday-school held in the church has been regularly and successfully kept up, and has proved not only of inestimable bene- fit to the young, but a great blessing to the church. Dr. S. F. Blair is superintendent and D. McRea, assistant superintendent and secretary. The following is a list of teachers for 1887: Will- iam Carr, Mrs. Thomas O'Neal, Mrs. D. M. McRea, Mrs. D. S Thompson and Miss Lilly Holtzapple. Average attendance, fifty.
Baptist Church .- On December 1, 1870, the Baptist Church was constituted with the following members: Joseph Truex and wife, C. Hoffman and wife, Mrs. A. Peach, Silas H. Murray and wife, Dr. Benjamin Franklin and wife, Thomas L. Bowen and wife, Emery Sheak and wife, Mrs. J. L. Chapman and L. Toby. The organization was effected by Rev. Robert Livingston, who ministered to the congregation until 1873, at which time Rev. D. G. Saunders became pastor. Mr. Saunders is well known to the people of De Kalb County, and occupies a prominent place in the ministry. He is an able pulpit orator, much devoted to his call- ing, and during his eleven years of pastorate at Osborne the church increased quite rapidly in numbers and influence. In 1881 the membership was 102. One year prior to that date a beautiful gothic structure, on the west side of Clinton Avenue, opposite the public school building, was erected, and solemnly dedicated to the service of God. The building is a fine specimen of church architecture, and represents a capital of $3,000.
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At the expiration of Elder Saunders' long pastorate, a call was extended to Rev. F. W. Houchens, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. C. L. Butts. The pastor at this time is Rev. James E. Hughes.
Conspicuous among. the early members of the congregation was Joseph Truex, who was chosen to the offices of deacon and clerk at the time of the organization. He was one of the pillars of the church, and for many years looked after its interests, ever ready to lend the helping hand in its seasons of need. While not so strong numerically as formerly, the church is still in a flour- ishing condition, the communicants at this time numbering about 100. The officers are J. F. Hughes, H. C. McGlasson, O. F. Stephens, deacons ; J. F. Hughes, S. C. Carter and Walden Kelly, trustees; Ed. Truex, clerk. A valuable auxiliary of the church is the Sunday-school, the officers of which are O. F. Stephens, super- intendent and Ed. Truex, secretary.
Methodist Episcopal Church South .- The Osborne Method- ist Church South was organized in the year 1870, and at this time has an active membership of about eighty-five. Three years after the organization, the beautiful gothic building, faultless in design, and surmounted by a graceful spire, was built at a cost of $3,400. The following preachers have sus- tained the pastoral relation to the church from time to time: Revs. H. A. Davis, C. Grimes, D. F. Bone, Rev. Dr. Keener, G. Tanquary, C. J. Vandeventer, D. C. O'Howell, W. A. Hanna, L. B. Madison, William Wainright, and the present incumbent, A. V. Bailey. Officers of the congregation for 1887 are Daniel Coil and James Phelps, stewards, and L. B. Hitt, class leader.
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