USA > Missouri > Polk County > The history of the Polk County Baptist Assciation : with history of churches, biographies, Southwest Baptist College, articles of faith, and church covenant > Part 11
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twelve years. One year I baptized 302 persons into the fel- lowship of the churches of Southwest Missouri. Up to the present time I have baptized 2,500 persons. I have witnessed some 3,000 professions of faith in Christ. I have baptized over one hundred Pedos and Campbellites and five Catholics. I am doing less work this year than any year of my life. I have organized quite a number of churches in the state, aided in the ordination of some ten or twelve brethren to the min- istry."
" In ISTS I met with Eld. J. R. Maupin in Southwest Missouri, and in the woods, on our knees, in prayer to Al- mighty God for guidance, we commenced work for South- west Baptist college. It was opened in September, IS78, in Lebanon, Mo. Then in the spring of 1879 it was located in Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri, by a board of trustees. I was president of the board of trustees for two years. Was also appointed financial agent of the college and superintend- ent of the building, and no man knows, and no man ever will know what I went through in that work. The very hard work my wife went through broke her down, and November 13, ISSI, she died at our home in Sentinel Prairie, and was buried in the cemetery at Bolivar. There and then was buried my heart's delight and hope of a happy life. I have been, am now, and will be an unhappy man while life lasts. She was my heart's delight. For her I toiled. The very thought of her sweetened all my toils and trials. All were made easy by her, and for her. Hence all that is buried with her."
"June 3, 1883, I was married to Mrs. Matilda Ball, of Morgan county, Missouri. I continued my work as mission- ary for the board, and as pastor of churches up to the pres- ent ( 1893). Have baptized over 400 since coming to Mor-
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gan county, making full 2,500 baptized in my life work, up to March 23, 1893. I am now in my seventy-fourth year, so I feel my life work drawing to a close. I can do but little more, so looking over all the past, I can only say, I have done what I could. I would be glad to visit all the churches in old Polk county, and preach for them; may God bless them all."
The writer, or transcriber, of this foregoing sketch has been intimately associated with Eld. Jehu Robinson since the location of the college in Bolivar in 1879, and no man has made more sacrifices, or contributed more to build up our religious, social or educational interests than he has. No man has been so well qualified as he to go into the pioneer districts and awaken a revival spirit among the people.
ELD. W. F. SPILLMAN.
Eld. W. F. Spillman was born in Tennessee, March 5, IS21. He was the son of Thos. and Frances Spillman. In boyhood he spent a number of years in Allen county, Kentucky, where, in IS40, he was converted, and united with the Bethlehem Baptist church, and was soon after or- dained by Elds. Zechariah Emberson and Thos. Scribner. He moved to Polk county, Missouri, in 1854. He became a member of Mt. View church and spent several years in Polk and surrounding counties in faithful and efficient labors as a minister of the gospel. He was at the organization of Freedom association and was chosen missionary. It was said of him that he occupied the stand to preach and stood some time without speaking; finally, after smacking his lips together, he began slowly to talk. His friends, who thought of engaging him as missionary, were "down in the mouth," and were doubtful about the propriety of choosing him, but
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as he proceeded and began to warm up on his subject they were convinced "that he would do."
A part of a letter from some one in Collin county, Texas, written September 1, 1869, is before me, giving an account of the manner of his death. "Your letter of inquiry has come to hand. I will answer it as far as I am able. I attended on him in his sickness, was with him when he died. He was sick five or six weeks. The first part of his sickness was fever brought about by getting overheated. He went out with the army and was in what was called the Farming- ton fight east of Corinth. The day was very hot and the soldiers had to wade water and mud, also had to pass through dense undergrowth, which caused it to be very sultry.
Mr. Spillman was taken sick in a day or two afterward and remained sick until he died. When the army vacated Corinth I was detailed as his nurse. Was sent to Okalona hospital. When we arrived all the wards of the hospital were full. I stretched a blanket in as cool a place as possi- ble and placed Mr. Spillman under it. He was unable to walk, had to be carried. I obtained some cool water. He seemed to be easy and in his right mind, talked freely, asked me if he had been troublesome to wait on, and seemed to be more lively. Weather very hot. I was fanning him. A gentleman came along and asked me whom I was fanning. I told him it was Mr. Spillman, a Baptist minister from Mis- souri. The gentleman's name was Goodnight, of Kentucky, also a Baptist minister. He and Mr. Spillman were old ac- quaintances. They knew each other. They talked together some time. I then asked Mr. Goodnight if he had any idea where I could get Mr. Spillman in a hospital. He told me he thought he could, and went himself and got a bunk in ward No. 24, and assisted me in getting Mr. Spillman to the
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hospital and called to see me afterward. Mr. Spillman was in his right mind, only when the fever was high or under the influence of medicine. He had no fear of death ; was will- ing to go at God's call ; spoke of his family often ; said he wanted to see his dear wife and children, but said that cir- cumstances forbid his seeing them ; seemed to regret the con- dition of his family, but said that he would leave them in the hands of a merciful God; hoped that his son would live to get home and raise his family ; had no fears as to his ac- ceptance with his heavenly Father. The doctors kept him stimulated with wine, so at times he was not in his right mind. He lay in the hospital ten days before he died. I was by the side of his bunk all the time. He died calmly and without a struggle. If ever I stood by the bedside of a good man and saw him expire, it was brother Spillman. I am satisfied that your loss is his gain. His walks in the army were such as to convince every one that he was a man of God and that he loved God's people. He preached for us at Rienzi not long before he was taken"- Here the narrative closes and we have no clue to the last word, or the writer. We have enough, however to assure us of the sterling worth of the man. Impressed as he was with the spirit of his Master, he could be none other than a brave soldier, whether in defense of his country or his religion.
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ELD. ISAAC INGRAM.
Eld. Isaac Ingram was born November 29, 1825, in Pulaski county, Kentucky. "My parents were Methodists. I was christened in infancy. My parents moved to Illinois in 1835 and in IS37 moved to Polk county, Missouri, where they re- sided until removed by death. (Father lived to the 90th year or over.) Here they joined the M. E. church. I of ISAAC INGRAM. course was a member and remained so until I professed faith in Christ. Soon afterward joined the Enon Baptist church, Polk county, Missouri. Licensed to preach in 1857 and was ordained in 1858, the presbytery con- sisting of Elds. T. J Kelley and W. B. Senter, and in the spring of the same year was called to the care of Providence church, also of Hopewell church in Freedom association, and in the fall of 1859, at Freedom association, was elected missionary for one year. Then at the next association was reappointed for another year.
Then the war came on and I moved to Morgan county, Missouri. Was called to the care of three churches. Re- turned to Polk county, February, 1866, and in 1867 accepted care of Slagle Creek church and Mt. Olive, in Dallas county, and in 1868 called again at Mt. Olive. In March, 1867, called to the care of Slagle Creek church, served one year and resigned on being appointed missionary by the general association for Southwest Missouri. Labored two years, at the close of which I went into pastoral work again and con- tinued until my health failed me, and compelled me to aban- don that kind of work. I am now trying to do something in
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the Sabbath school for Jesus. My last pastorate was at Enon, where I first became a Baptist and was ordained to the ministry."
The foregoing sketch was written by the elder himself. I hope he will pardon me if I subjoin an item or two. I formed the acquaintance of this good brother in 1879. He was the oldest of three of his brothers who were Baptist preachers. I had previously learned to know his brother Charles, who labored with me in the same association in Cedar county. Both these brethren were brought up without any education, except what they picked up as best they could by
observation. But such was their assiduous application, coupled with good judgment, that they became leaders in their several fields of labor. They were engaged in many a theological combat, in which, according to current rumor, they came off victorious. I was present at one of the con- tests, in which Eld. Chas. Ingram was pitted against an Ad- ventist. The latter displayed considerable learning and was provided with maps and pictures of dragons and prophetic symbols. Eld. Charles appeared to be rather weak, so much so that his friends rallied around him and suggested some points that they thought would be helpful. But the elder waited until the Adventist had spent all his material, and then such an array of solid scripture, piled up and poured down upon the devoted head of the learned Dutchman as effectually drove him to the wall. Adventism was from that day on below par in that neighborhood. Eld. Isaac was engaged with a noted Campbellite named Bills. They met several times. The time was again set, but Bills failed to come to time, and there has been a reign of quiet for years.
The elder is still living near Slagle in Polk county. Though quite feeble, he still manages his farm and attends
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the meetings of his church and Sunday school. He is a man of decided convictions, and having taken his position, nothing can swerve him from his position, unless by the most palpable evidence. And his strenuous adherence will some- times take on the appearance of obstinacy. He and his brother Charles have both been members of the board of trustees of Southwest Baptist college in Bolivar. Charles has passed beyond to the land where there is no weeping.
Isaac is meekly waiting, quietly waiting,
Expecting to hear the gracious call.
His brother Joseph, too, has gone. Dost hear the grating, Nay, rather, a welcome voice, vouchsafed to all,
Who love his appearing, we are constantly nearing The awards of His infinite love, in the mansions above.
[Eld. Isaac Ingram died April IS, 1897, since the above was written. ]
ELD. BURROW BUCKNER.
Eld. Burrow Buckner was born in Lawrence district, South Carolina, in 1796. He was uncle to Eld. H. F. Buck- ner, missionary to the Indians. Under parental care he grew up a farmer's boy in East Tennessee. His education was limited. He was led to the cross at the age of 19 years, and seven years after entered the ministry, under his own appoint- ment, to the Cherokee Indians in northern Georgia and south- ern Tennessee. Here he soon gathered a church of the na- tives, preaching mainly at such times as the labors of the farm would permit him.
He moved to Missouri in 1840 or IS41, occasioned by the emigration of the Cherokee nation from Georgia to their present home. For a time after he came to Missouri he held what was then called anti-mission views, but was convinced of his error, and was for some 20 years a useful minister of the
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New Testament in Sac River, Liberty, Spring River and afterwards Union association. His forte was in exhortation, in which he greatly excelled. In fact, when aroused, he had few equals. He was also regarded as an excellent disciplinarian, both in his family and in his churches. In this he was truly a bishop.
In August, 1861, having gone to the blacksmith shop to get his horse shod for the purpose of going to the association, he was suddenly stricken with apoplexy, and died before his wife could reach him. The wife of his early life, Mrs. Ma- tilda Buckner, survived him, and was, we think, in 1875, liv- ing in Dade county, Missouri.
Tradition says : "All the Buckners of the United States descended from three English brothers named Benjamin, Jesse and John, who came to America in colonial days. John, the middle brother, moved to Georgia in 1792. They were all large men, having large ears, high cheek bones, large blue eyes and hair black and straight. All of them be- came Baptists ; Benjamin was a minister, and all had large families."
ELD. J. E. B. JUSTICE.
Eld. J. E. B. Justice was born in Buncombe county, North Carolina, April 23, IS17. Settled in Greene county, Missouri, in 1843, two and a half miles from the city of Ash Grove. He has been actively engaged in the ministry in Greene and surrounding counties ; has been a consistent land- mark Baptist, endeavoring to avoid the rock of fatalism and the quicksands of Arminianism. He was associated with the prominent workers in Liberty association, as well as in Sac River association. His companions in religious conflict were such men as W. B. Senter. Elijah Williams, T. J. Kelley and others, and many a battle has been fought, and
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glorious victory won. We would be glad to chronicle some of the events of his life, but have not the facts at hand. A short acquaintance with Eld. Justice has impressed the writer with the fact that he is a zealous minister, a conscientious man, and an upright citizen. What a blessing it would be if our land was settled with people like that !
HON. SAMUEL L. SMITH.
Hon. Samuel L. Smith was born in Franklin county, Missouri, in 1830; son of Thomas and Esther (Hutton) Smith, natives of Kentucky and Alabama respectively. The parents were married in Kentucky about IS12, came to Franklin county, Missouri, in ISIS, remained there a short time, moved to Gasconade county, and in IS4S came to Cedar county, there being but two or three settlements be- tween there and Fort Scott, Kansas. The country at that time was full of Indians, wild animals were to be found everywhere, and in establishing their little home in the wil- derness all the hardships and privations incident to pioneer life were experienced.
Here the father died in 1857 at the age of 63 years. He was a successful minister of the Baptist church for over forty years, and established many churches in Southwest Missouri. He was a soldier in the war of ISI2. His wife died in 1863 at the age of about seventy years. She was a member of the Baptist church, and was a Christian woman in the true sense of the term.
Hon. Samuel L. Smith is the ninth of seven sons and five daughters, two sons and two daughters now living, born to his parents. These children are named as follows: Wm., Margaret, wife of James P. Caldwell, both of Cedar county ; Polly C. wife of Clark Hardin, of Oregon, and Samuel L.
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The last named was reared on the frontier, with but meager chances for an education. He emigrated with his parents to Cedar county, and in 1849 was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Casey, a native of Virginia, and the daughter of Thos. and Sarah A. Casey. Mr. and Mrs. Casey were among the first white settlers of Cedar county, locating here about 1835, and spent the remainder of their lives here. Mrs. Casey died in 1837, and Mr. Casey was killed by bush- whackers in 1862. To Mr. and Mrs. Smith were born four children, two daughters now living ; Emily H., wife of Wm. Casey, and Eliza E., wife of Prof. George M. Liston.
Mr. Smith lived on Cedar Creek until 1852, then near his present farm, where he has 1, 100 acres, all in one body, one of the best farms in the county, and with 700 acres in cultivation. All this is the result of industry and good man- agement, as he started in life a poor boy, and his first forty acres were entered with money earned by day labor. He is now one of the county's most substantial farmers and stock- raisers. His first tax was but two and a half cents. He was converted in Hopewell church on Cedar Creek, Cedar county, Missouri, in August, 1852. He served six years, or three terms, in the Legislature, representing Cedar county, Missouri. His first wife died July 25, 1881. She was a member of the Baptist church. His second marriage took place in September, 1884, to Mrs. Clementine Williams, nee Rankins, a native of Tennessee, who came with her parents to Cedar county, Missouri, at an early day. Brother and sister Smith have been members of the Baptist church for many years. Brother Smith is not to say a handsome man, but there is in his countenance and conversation some- thing that strikes your attention, and you feel instinctively that you are in the presence of a master mind, that is no way
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loth to grapple with the most important subjects. In the councils of the state, as also in the deliberations of Baptists in church work, or in the associations, his voice may be heard, and in every case with manifestations of profound respect. His heart and purse are open to the crying wants of church and people.
DR. PETER B. SMITH.
Doctor Peter B. Smith was born near Cedar Springs, in the north part of Cedar county, Missouri, in 1844; son of Eld. Obadiah and Lucinda (Hartman) Smith, natives of Kentucky and North Carolina respectively, but early settlers of Howard county, Missouri. Dr. P. B. Smith was the third of six children born to his father's second marriage, and with the exception of the time between 1877 and ISSo, he has spent all his life in Cedar county, Missouri. He was married in 1866 to Miss Mary E., daughter of John and Martha Eslinger, natives of Indiana and Kentucky respect- ively, but early settlers of Cedar county, where Mr. Eslinger died before the war ; Mrs. Eslinger still living. Mrs. Smith was born in Cedar county, Missouri, and, by her marriage to Dr. Smith, became the mother of nine children, three sons and four daughters now living. Dr. Smith was ordained in 1871. Graduated from the American Medical college, St. Louis, and is a leading practitioner in Cedar county. Mrs. Smith has been a member of the Baptist church since 1867, and is an active worker in the same.
HARDEN M. WILLIAMS.
Harden M. Williams was born on his present farm in Cedar county, Missouri, November 21, 1842 ; son of Robert and Lavica Williams. He is the fifth of four sons and two
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daughters. Those living are Francis M. of Nebraska; Fer- netta, wife of James M. Preston ; Harden M., and J. K. P., all of Cedar county, Missouri. Harden M. married Miss Ida Sherman in 1869. She was born in Cass county, Mis- souri, in 1853, and is the daughter of John and Elizabeth Sherman, natives of Vermont and Ohio, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Sherman were married in Ohio and came to Cedar county a few years previous to the war. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born four children. Three sons living, J. Robert, Oscar E. and Freddie M. He and wife are mem- bers of the Baptist church, in good standing for more than twenty years. He was converted in time of the war in Little Rock, Arkansas, in IS63.
J. K. P. WILLIAMS.
J. K. P. Williams, youngest brother of H. M., was born in Cedar county, Missouri, in 1845. Joined the Bap- tist church in IS66. Was married in 1874 to Miss Martha Ann Metcalf, daughter of Eld. Jno. T. and Susan C. Met- calf, natives of Virginia. Eld. and Mrs. Metcalf were married in Chariton county, Missouri. Eld. Metcalf is deceased. He has been a successful minister for many years. He once represented St. Clair county in the Legislature. To Mr. and Mrs. Williams have been born nine children, three sons and one daughter living. They have been mem- bers of the Baptist church for a number of years, and he has been clerk in the same for twenty years. The writer was pastor of Cedar church in Cedar county, beginning service on Saturday, January S, 1876, and continuing one year. The Williams, Smiths and Prestons above mentioned were members of what was then called. "Old Cedar church." Eld. Metcalf resigned in 1875. Eld. Metcalf was chosen
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moderator of Antioch and Cedar County associations for a number of years. His son-in-law, J. K. P. Williams was invariably chosen clerk.
ELD. JOSEPH R. CALLAWAY.
Eld. Joseph R. Callaway was born in Knox county, Tennessee, July II, ISII. Professed hope in Christ when about 19 years of age, and immedi- ately began preaching. When about 25 years of age he married Miss Mary M. Wilson, who bore him four children, three sons and one daughter. The
eldest was Jas. R., the second Jno. F., JOSEPH R. CALLAWAY. the third Ben H., and the fourth Flor- ence, now Cunningham. Moved to Missouri in March, 1839; settled in Polk county. Assisted in organization of a large number of churches, notably Freedom church, which was situated in Polk county, one mile south of the present site of Halfway.
At that age it was not expected of preachers to make any charge for preaching, nor was it often thought of upon the part of church members, but on one occasion, at Free- dom church, Eld. Callaway had acquitted himself so well that the people gave him nearly $100. Brother S. O. Gor- don gave him a twenty dollar gold piece, and brother Thos. Higginbotham gave him $5, the first money he ever received for preaching.
He was very popular in those days. He was a man of great strength physically as well as mentally. He was over six feet in height, shoulders broad and sinews well knit. At the house-raising, or Fourth of July festivity, he was the
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acknowledged peace-maker. There was sure to be a broil with some unruly neighbors, who had a " fuss" to settle; but the "peace-maker" would boldly step between the belliger- ents, take them by the arm and command the peace. If they were still obstinate, he would give them some forcible re- minder that prudence was the better part of valor, and he was usually successful in bringing about a settlement of diffi- culties.
The wife of his early youth departed this life in the year IS71, the month and day not given. After some years had elapsed Eld. Callaway married again, but no date is given. The Elder maintained unusual vigor for one of his age until a short time previous to his death, which event oscurred April 2, 1891.
A brighter page and golden pen Will chronicle the deeds of men. His faith will stand while deeds of yore Shall perish, to be seen no more.
THOMAS HIGGINBOTHAM.
Thomas Higginbotham was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, May 14, 1822. Professed hope in Christ in his 17th or ISth year. Married Miss Rachel Mckinney, and moved to Missouri, his father-in-law also with him, and several others. The wagon in which the two families came, was drawn by two yoke of oxen, brother T. H. owning one yoke of oxen. Two children were born to them in Kentucky, Gideon H. and John J. They settled in Polk county Missouri, where they made a permanent home. Nine chil- dren were added to them in Missouri, viz: Sarah, wife of Eld. G. M. Botts; Reuben F. ; Polly Ann, wife of Jasper Vickery ; two died in infancy; Joseph, Wm. W., Martin T., and Robert, the youngest, who died in -, aged 16 years.
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At the time brother Higginbotham settled in Polk county, (in the spring of 1845) the country was quite new, the farmer could get his course and, with little variation, could go straight to mill, though many miles away. When meeting time came, they could yoke up the oxen and go ten miles in good time. And in time of revivals would prepare rations for several days and camp at the meeting-place. They would turn the oxen out on the rich, high grass and they would fare sumptuously. Brother Higginbotham is still living, vigorous and healthy (June, 1896.) He has moved from the farm to Bolivar and enjoys the repose so much sought after by the many. He is moving gracefully toward the sunset of life, his hands full of wealth earned by patient toil, economy, and wise investment of time and means. His children and grandchildren are settled in Polk county, except Reuben, who is in the state of Washington, and a grandson in California. He and his wife ( Rachel) were constituent members in the organization of Freedom church in the autumn of IS45.
J. B. THURMAN.
J. B. Thurman was born in Kentucky in ISI4, and about the year IS32 came to St. Louis county, Missouri. Afterward came to Moniteau county, where he married Miss Jane Allee. He was a blacksmith by trade, but in later years followed farming. He moved to Miller county, then to Morgan county, and finally to Dade county in IS68, where he owned a good farm near Cedarville. He was a member of the church at Cedarville, where the writer first knew him, also a deacon and influential member. He moved from Ce- darville to the county seat, Greenfield. After a useful life of several years at that place he made his last move to the
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