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 12
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haven of rest beyond. His death occurred January 1, ISSS. Ten children were given to them, six sons and four daughters. Two of his sons were distinguished physicians (Elisha and Logan) ; Berry G. is an attorney at law in Lamar, Mo., and has been state senator from the 28th district in Missouri. The mother yet lives in Mt. Vernon, Mo. (1895).
Brother Thurman was elected a trustee of Southwest Baptist college in IS7S and continued in that office until ISSo. His name is treasured in the corner-stone of the college build- ing with the charter members, or first trustees. May the same spirit that actuated these pioneers be manifest in suc- ceeding generations, until other ages shall behold the fruition of the prayers, tears and hopes of the college builders.
ELD. D. G. YOUNG.
Eld. D. G. Young was born in Niagara county, New York, in 1829, and is a son of Uriah and Phoebe Young. Left an orphan when quite a small boy, Wm. B. Young, an uncle, who had married a sister of Phæbe (Gregory) Young, took the young lad to his home. About 1836, the youth went to Genesee county, Michigan, and grew to manhood. In IS55 he married Miss Margaret Pratt who was born in Shiawassee county, Michigan, in IS31. To this union was born one child, Margaret, who is now the wife of Milton Holly of Millbrook, Michigan. After one year of married life Eld. Young was left a widower,, and in 1857 he engaged in the teacher's profession, which he continued for some time in Williamson county, Illinois. In 1861 he married Miss Amanda E. Roberts, who was born in Williamson county, Illinois. Nine children were the fruits of this union. Seven now living. Emma, John C., Wm. E., Susie, James, Clarence and Ida. Eld. Young was converted at the age of
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IS, and in 1859 licensed to preach. The time of his ordina- tion is not given. He had four churches in charge in Williamson county, Illinois. Erected the Baptist church in Marion, Illinois, and was the pastor of that church when he came to Dade county, Missouri. He has had charge of five churches in Dade county, and organized the Baptist church at Greenfield. He was eight years circuit clerk and recorder of Dade county. He lived one and one-half miles north of Greenfield. He was trustee of Southwest Baptist college from ISSo to ISS3. Three of his children graduated in that institution, viz: Emma, who graduated in ISS3 with degree of A. B., followed by A. M. in 1886. She passed an examination by the mission board of the Southern Baptist convention and was accepted as a missionary to Canton, China, and sailed December 7, ISS3, on the steamship "Arabic," arriving at Hong Kong January 8, 1884. She had a school house built at a cost of $1300, and besides, she translated Bunyan's Holy War into the Cantonese vernac- ular. She remained at the post five years and returned. After her return she married Eld. Wm. S. Ayres, who is pastor Baptist church in Lowell, Massachusetts. John C., was graduated in ISS7 with degree of A. B., and in the fall of ISS7 he entered the Southern Baptist Theological semi- nary at Louisville, Kentucky. He was afterward ordained to the full work of the ministry at Gray's Summit, Franklin county, Missouri, the Presbytery consisting of Eld. Wm. H. Williams, editor of Central Baptist, and other ministers from St. Louis, Missouri. Wm. E., was graduated in ISS9 with degree of A. B.
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ELD. JAMES SCHOFIELD.
Eld. James Schofield was born in the state of New York June 7, ISO1. He was reared without the advantages of a liberal education, though by the energetic application of a naturally strong intellect he succeeded in over- coming many of the difficulties grow- ing out of these disadvantages. He was ordained to the work of the min- istry about 1830. After laboring over forty years in his native state he moved JAMES SCHOFIELD. to Illinois, settled in Kendall county, and engaged in the ministerial office three years. Then he accepted an appointment from the American Baptist home missionary society and labored nine years in Stephenson county, Illinois. His labors were blessed in the conversion of many souls. He assisted in the organization of thirteen churches; several of them he served as pastor.
In 1853, with a commission from the home mission soci- ety, he moved to Iowa, in which state he lived 12 years. He organized churches at Farmersburg, McGregor, Rossville, El- kader, Strawberry Point, Hardin and other places. To all of these churches he preached more or less until he accepted an appointment as chaplain in the United States army, which posi- tion he held for three years. In 1867 he moved from Iowa to Southwest Missouri and settled in Dallas county. This section of country had been devastated by the ravages of war. There were widows and orphans and great poverty and destitution. Churches had been dissolved, and the field was one for missionary work. He gathered the people to-
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gether in the forests, and there, with such comforts and con- veniences as nature may have provided, preached the gospel to listening souls.
He applied himself to the work of building houses of worship for the people of God and such as attended worship with them. One of these churches perpetuates his memory by his name, by which the church is known and will likely be while time shall last. It is called Schofield Chapel.
Since his coming to Missouri Eld. Schofield has not re- ceived more than fifty dollars for his ministerial services. Yet he is a decided advocate of ministerial support where the congregations are able to pay it. He is also a decided friend to ministerial education. He has assisted in the or- ganization of forty-three churches in his life work. He has ever been steadfast in maintaining and teaching the distinctive doctrines of the Baptist church, believing that New Testa- ment ordinances in manner and order of observance are of Divine authority, and that man has no right to omit or modi- fy them.
Eld. Schofield is the father of eighteen children, ten sons and eight daughters. These were the offspring of three different marriages. The oldest son, Eld. J. V. Schofield, is well known to all readers of western Baptist periodicals. Major General Jno. M. Schofield, of the United States army, is too well known to require notice in a brief compilation like this. Yet his greatness as a soldier and chief captain may be an aggravation to him if the bitterness of his carnal nature is not assuaged and overcome by the love of God. We know not whether he is born of God or no; but this may be done for him by his relatives and friends, viz: a united prayer to the Lord of Lords, may be made for him, that he may fill his post with dignity and honor, actuated, not only by
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love for his country, but by a sense of his responsibility to man, and of love to God. Having love to God, through faith in Christ, he shall be able to rule his spirit here and to rule in eternity hereafter.
The writer has occasion to remember an interview with the General while he (the General) was commandant of Department of Missouri. A brother-in-law of the writer was in prison in Gratiot, St. Louis, Mo. I made five visits to St. Louis in behalf of that brother-in-law, going from Monroe county, Missouri. Four of the visits had been made without effect, although I had taken some friends along, and one time the prisoner's wife was along. I began to cast about me to see what was best. I found it necessary to have influence at headquarters. Being acquainted with Hon. J. D. S. Dryden, of the supreme court of Missouri, and further, to fortify myself with him, I had a mutual acquaintance, brother Thos. E. Hatcher, to write to the judge. Having all things ready, I set out on my fifth journey. I found the Judge in St. Louis. We went together to headquarters. The doors flew open, we were at once in the presence of Gen. Schofield, with cordial hand-shake. My request was made known, and, sooner than it has taken to record the fact, an order was made out for the release of my captive brother, and while the provost was perfecting the order, I suggested the name of Wm. Paynter, and Judge Query put in the name of an old neighbor of his, Mr. Thomas. We went home with three happy souls. The application, often made of this incident, is: A sinner, all are sinners, is in the prison house of sin ; a sense of want and utter destitution is felt; an appeal is made to God; no relief is found, but tak- the Savior along, the doors are open, and, through Him, we have access to the throne of grace.
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We will now resume the thread of household lineage. Geo. W. is prominent in military affairs; Elisha died in Richmond, Virginia; Frank D. was a farmer in Dallas county, Missouri ; Charles B., a graduate of West Point. Two young men are living and are now in our midst occupy- ing stations in civil and social life, so far as we know, in an honorable and upright manner. Fred, as he is familiarly called, is the editor of a political paper, called the Star- Leader, in Humansville, Missouri. Ed is living in Bolivar, Missouri. He married Miss May Clark. To them was given one son. Fred married Miss Ina Critcher and their union was blessed by the addition of two children.
ELD. GREENBERRY MITCHELL.
Eld. Greenberry Mitchell was born about February 6, 1$22. Ordained to the full work of the ministry in the year IS49 at the call of the Baptist church at Enon, Lawrence county, Tennessee, with the following presbytery, viz: Eld. J. C. Sparkman and Eld. R. C. Mabrey, who, having examined Bro. Mitchell, found him GREENBERRY MITCHELL orthodox, and by order of the church set him apart to the work of ministry. Eld. Mitchell died May 27, ISSS, aged 66 years, 3 months and 21 days. The writer has used some diligence, but has failed to get full details of this illustrious brother's history ; he feels that there is a link out of the chain. He finds it often the case that more in- formation is gained from friends abroad than those at home. The writer was personally acquainted with Eld. Mitchell for a short period, and feels that he deserves a warm place in the affectious of the people.
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ELD. J. F. INGRAM.
Eld. J. F. Ingram was born in Polk county, Missouri, December 5, 1839. Was reared in Polk county and without much schooling, but like his brothers Isaac and Charles he had learned to read. Had an inquiring disposition, a good judgment and could weigh the arguments arrayed for or against the scriptures.
At the age of 21 he was married to Miss M. J. Keeling. The children that have been given them are Wm. A., M. J. (the only girl), D. M., J. T. (de- ceased), John Q. and Chas. E. Eld. Ingram was converted at about 14 years of age and joined at Enon. His wife also moved her membership from Salem, five miles southeast from Bolivar, and joined with him at Enon. After the civil war they became members at Pleasant Hill, where brother Ingram was licensed and afterward ordained to the full work of the ministry. The presbytery was as follows: Elds. D. P. Brockus, G. M. Botts, Jas. Schofield, J. R. Callaway. Eld. Ingram died January 3, 1893. His ordination occurred December 7, ISS4, and his last sermon was preached Decem- ber 3, 1892, text, Math. 5:16.
Our brother has gone to that favored land, Severed for awhile by death's cold hand. Hope, still clinging with fond embrace, Whispers, "We yet shall meet him face to face."
ELD. ROBERT ROSS.
Eld. Robert Ross was born in Todd county, Kentucky, January 3, 1814. He was ordained to the full work of the ministry, the presbytery consisting of Elds. Wm. Tatum, Jas. Bradley and Wm. B. Senter. He was instrumental in building up Slagle church, in Polk county, Missouri. Us- ually Eld. Ross was a man of few words, mild and peace-
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able in his habits, but when aroused he could carry his audi- ence with him as he would tell the story of the cross. His first wife died in the triumph of faith; his second wife sur- vives him. Eld. Ross died in faith November 29, ISS9.
ELD. JAS. S. BUCKNER.
Eld. Jas. S. Buckner was born in Bradley county, Tennessee, August 7, 1832. He was converted in 1849, licensed in IS56, and ordained to the full work of the minis- try in 1857. He has been an efficient minister of the gospel for many years and will doubtless bring many sheaves with him into the garner, where we are led to believe he will re- ceive the welcome plaudit, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord." The missionary spirit seems to have been born in him. The writer has known him for a number of years, in Cedar and adjoining counties, at associations, churches and church trials. In all of them his voice has been heard in the defence of truth and right. He has been moderator of Greene county association for twenty-two years, and so far as we know there is no disposition to change the record. His hospitable mansion is a veritable Baptist home where the weary pil- grims may find rest to their souls and bodies too. He was married to Miss E. W. Stone in IS5S. He has been in the employ of the general association as Sunday school mission- ary and did a great and good work in establishing Sunday schools in southwest Missouri. Twice has he been to Cali- fornia, but Missouri has home attractions that bring him back. May he long live to bless his relatives, and aid in the overthrow of error amid the scenes of his early conquests.
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ELD. WM. B. EPPS.
Eld. Wm. B. Epps was born in Ruth- erford county, Tennessee, February 25, IS24; converted in the year 1841 ; joined the church about two years afterward ; was ordained in 1860. Preached the gos- pel in Greene, Polk and adjoining coun- ties of Missouri, his adopted state. He preached about the point where Schofield WM. B. EPPS. Chapel is located some six years before a church was organized. He was elected to the pastorate of the little organization, since called Schofield Chapel, and continued in that office for eighteen years. He has been pas- tor of churches at Republic, at Mt. Olive, in Dallas county, and for six or eight years at Providence.
He came to Missouri in 1840; it was then a new coun- try. He has witnessed the wonderful growth of the popula- tion, and especially of the Baptist faith, so dear to his heart. When the college was established in Bolivar he was among the early patrons of that institution. Some of his children are laid away, awaiting the resurrection. He has one son at home, the youngest, whom we naturally look upon as the prop and sure support of his aged father and mother.
Eld. Epps married Miss S. A. Estes February 27, 1848. Nine children were born to them, viz: Margaret E., next a pair of girl twins, A. S. M. and R. N. A., Mary F., Louisa J., Johnson L., Wm. E. McC., Sarah Clementine and How- ard Newton. None are living but the oldest and youngest.
ELD. REUBEN C. GILMORE.
Eld. Reuben C. Gilmore was born in Polk county, Missouri, January 7, 1841. Professed faith in Christ in
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IS57 and united with the Baptist church at Enon, Polk county, Missouri, in 1859. Was married to Miss Victoria A. Brient, March 31, 1861. Licensed by Slagle Creek church, December, 1870, and regularly ordained by the same church, December, 1872.
"Not having the benefits of an education I gave my- self to study and gained what knowledge I could that was practical. I met with a serious loss in the death of my wife, which occurred October 24, 1889. She proved to be a help- meet indeed. From her I received great encouragement in my ministerial work. Three years of my ministerial work was done in Stone, Christian and Barry counties in Mis- souri. I have done pastoral work for the following churches viz: Mt. Zion, in which time they built their present house of worship; Prairie Mound built their present house also ; Pleasant Hill, Pleasant Ridge 11 years, and present pastor ; Turkey Creek 7 years, and present pastsr (Jan. '94) ; Con- cord in Greene county, Missouri, and short pastorates with other churches. The presbytery in my ordination consisted of Eld. G. W. White and «Eld. Isaac Ingram."
ELD. J. C. T. WOOD.
J. C. T. WOOD.
Eld. J. C. T. Wood was born Septem- ber 19, 1847, in the southwest part of Polk county, Missouri. His parents came from Monroe county, Tennessee, to Missouri in the spring of 1840. Eld. Wood was converted October 11, 1865, and baptized on the 13th of the same month into the fellowship of Turkey Creek Baptist church, in Polk county, Missouri; was licensed by the same
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church soon after, and May 9, 1875, was ordained at Bethle- hem church, Dade county, Missouri, where he had transfer- red his membership, the presbytery consisting of Elds. Chas. Ingram and Monroe Fleming, and deacons J. B. Thurman, - -
- Crossling, T. D. Dotson and J. B. Clay.
Eld. Wood was married to Miss M. S. Kelley, daughter of Eld. T. J. Kelley. Five children are the fruit of this union, four sons and one daughter. Only one survives, P. M., the eldest. Walter C., the youngest, departed this life November 24, 1896, at three o'clock A. M., while at his home. He was happily converted before his death.
Eld. Wood has distributed his ministerial labors in Dade, Cedar, Greene and Polk counties, and was in 1894 pastor of Campbell's Grove, Mt. Zion, Rose Hill and Concord in Greene county. He has been moderator of Polk County as- sociation for five successive years. In the chair he presides with dignity and impartiality, his decisions generally meeting with the concurrence of the body. The same will power displayed in associational government he carries with him in revival work, so that, under God, he is very successful in winning souls to Christ. We trust the Lord will use him many days in the building up of His kingdom and the pre- paration of material for that great temple built without hands. Eld. Wood has been a member of the board of trus- tees of Southwest Baptist college a number of years.
W. J. ESKEW.
W. J. Eskew was born March 2, 1855, in Polk county, Missouri, at Sharon on the Gulf railroad. He was converted in the fall of 1873 ; was unwilling to accept it until February 13, 1889, his spiritual joy was restored unto him. Joined Sharon Baptist church and in September, 1890, was licensed
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to preach the gospel to a dying world. He was married on the 7th of May, 1874, to Miss R. A. Warren. Five chil- dren was the fruit of this union, three sons and two daughters, viz: George F., James L., Polly Ettie, John W., Cordelia Alice. His wife died March 1, ISSS. Brother Eskew maintains his family on the farm, but his delight is to be in a meeting, where sinners are being saved; and often has he rendered good service in prayer, exhortation and in singing ; he has a good voice and is a charming leader in revival songs.
ELD. DANIEL P. BROCKUS, SR.
Eld. Daniel P. Brockus, Sr., was born in Polk county, Missouri, Febru- ary 24, 1842. His father, David Brockus, came from Granger county, Tennessee, in 1835, and located in Polk county, Missouri; his mother, Elizabeth A. Box, came from Jeffer- son county, Tennessee, in 1838 or 1839, and they were married in April, IS41. Daniel, the subject of this D. P. BROCKUS, SR. sketch, was reared on the farm and aided in the support of a large family; and having to walk two miles to school, and school time from three to four months in the year, and that generally in the busy fall season, served to limit his education very much.
In August, 1865, returning from service in the unhappy strife between the north and the south, in a few days he is found in the school room, teaching. He soon bought a farm in the southeast part of Polk county, where he has continued to make his home to the present time. He was married to Miss Mary M. Periman, of Morrisville, Polk county, Mis-
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souri, January 11, 1866. The fruit of this union was four daughters and two sons, viz: Fernitia A., Electa M., Re- gina C., Henry D., Benjamin F. and Ursula E., all of whom are now living, and members of the Baptist church.
Brother Brockus embraced religion August 16, 1860, and in a few weeks afterward united with the Baptist church at old Freedom, and was baptized by Eld. Isaac Ingram, who was at that time missionary of Freedom association. Was licensed to preach by the church at Rock Prairie, De- cember 25, 1875, and was ordained to the full work of the ministry, June 23, 1878, the presbytery consisting of Elds. G. W. White, G. B. Mitchell, Wm. B. Epps, Geo. Suter and Chas. L. Alexander. Soon after this he gave up the occupation of teaching in the district schools, for the larger vocation of calling sinners from darkness unto light and from death unto life. He has had the care of a number of churches varying in length of time from one year to nine years. The following named churches have received his in- struction and guidance, viz: Grove Chapel, Reynolds Chapel, Macedonia, Fair Grove, Pleasant View, Slagle Creek, Pleasant Hill, New Hope, Concord, Brighton, Buffalo and now ( 1894) pastor at Schofield and Louisburg. He has served as trustee of Southwest Baptist college since its location in Bolivar. A word added to his manuscript will certainly be forgiven. Eld. Brockus has been trustee of the college and his prayers have gone up to the God of heaven and earth, for its maintenance and perpetuation. He has not been slack in his gifts, but has contributed freely of his money and time for its support; has been a constant patron, sending his children to be educated within its walls.
The people, seeing his judicious management of his domestic affairs, have seen fit to call him for a portion of
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his time to the adjustment of affairs in the county court, where, as presiding judge, he may give wholesome counsel and wise direction in the complex system of municipal government.
ELD. W. C. ARMSTRONG.
Eld. W. C. Armstrong was born in Lexington, Lafay- ette county, Missouri, June 19, 1861. Removed with his father to Pulaski county, Missouri, in 1864. His father was a poor, hard-working man, and was not able to give his chil- dren the advantages of education. We will continue the narrative in his own language:
" While I was yet very young my heart panted after a thorongh education. I saw no beauty in life without an edu- cation. To accomplish this end, my way seemed to be con- tinually hedged in with various sorts of hindrances. At the age of nine I felt the wooings of God's Spirit upon my heart. With this I struggled frequently until in my seven- teenth year I gave my heart to God on the 30th day of No- vember, 1877. Inspired with this new life, the burning de- sire which I had always felt for an education was greatly in- tensified. I began to ask myself the question, what shall I do in life? For years I struggled without a purpose. At last, being discouraged, I resolved to give up the one dear object of my life, my determination of securing a good edu- cation. With this thought before me, and yet a dense fog of doubt about me, I was married to Miss Lina Glover on the 26th day of June, ISS3, at Richland, Mo. But God was not in this step. The storm-clouds of God's disapproval gathered thick and fast. The home was erected. The Lord placed within it a bright little daughter. I felt the call of God upon me, but refused to give up. On the 11th day of
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July, 1884, the hand of death was laid upon my wife, and she was taken. With streaming eyes I cried to God for help. On the last of the following September, as I sat with my dy- ing babe in my arms, my heart turned toward God while I said : "It is enough, I give up. Take me as I am. Thou hast swept from me every fond hope of earthly joy, now give me the richer hope of heaven." From that time on my purpose in life has been fixed. I entered Southwest Baptist college as a ministerial student in January, 1886, graduating with second honors in the close of ISS9 with the degree of B. S.
I was ordained to the work of the ministry at Bolivar, Missouri, May 5, 1889. My first charge was in a mission field of North Springfield, Missouri, where, on July 28, ISS9, we organized the East Avenue Baptist church of that city, with eleven constituent members. We remained there 14 months, during which time there was erected a very sub- stantial church building. The membership increased to 65, a well organized Sunday school and everything in good shape. From thence I went in response to a call of the church at Aurora in October, IS90, thence to Verona and Purdy, thence to Willow Springs in October following. The Lord is blessing the church greatly in the latter place. I can say with Job, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord;" for since I have given up and entered his work he has given me fourfold. I was married June 19, 1889, to Miss Agnes Brockus, of Schofield, Missouri. To us was given, on the 25th of March, 1890, a little daughter, and then a son, on the third day of September, 1891. So we are happy in the Master's service, with a home full of love and joy and light.
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