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 13
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STEPHEN D. TIDWELL.
Stephen D. Tidwell was born in War- ren county, Tennessee, November 30, IS40, and in 1851 emigrated to Carroll county, Arkansas, with his parents and five brothers and sisters, where he lived with them, working on the farm during crop time, and attending school fall and winter, until 1860. In August, 1858, he made a profession of religion and joined the M. E. church, south, to which his S. D. TIDWELL. parents belonged. He had strong im- pressions to preach the word; but he was very timid, there- fore he did not let anyone know his feelings on this matter, but kept waiting and looking for a Divine revelation, until the civil war seized the minds of all and shook the nation from center to circumference. In 1866 these impressions came back stronger than at first, and he resolved he would commence very soon, But he engaged in teaching private and public schools, which seemed to allay or satisfy his feel- ings to a certain extent, until he put the matter off still fur- ther in the future.
He married Margaret L. Creed, a daughter of Gideon Creed, of Hickory county, Missouri, November 15, 1869. To them were born three daughters and one son. He located in Polk county, Missouri, in 1871, where he has resided ever since. In the spring of 1871 he was led under peculiar cir- cumstances to investigate the communion question for the first time, as he was strongly in favor of open communion ; he thought the Lord's table was for all who had heard, whether they belonged to the church or not. The above in-
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vestigation led him where he had the least idea of going be- fore, and that was to identify himself with the stingy, bigoted Baptists, as he thought they were before. There were a few other points of doctrine studied at the same time, and the re- sults of the said personal investigation led him to believe that a church as an organized body of believers, and only members of the same, are authorized to hold up the picture of Christ's death till he comes. Brother Tidwell joined the Baptist Church of Christ at Mt. View, Polk county, Mis- souri, in 1871, and was elected clerk of the same, which position he has held for 23 years.
His occupation has been farming and teaching, except three winters, one of them was spent in feeding cattle, an- other in lecturing on political economy, and the third in rep- resenting Polk county in the Thirty-Third General Assembly. The thought of his mind for several years has been to give up teaching, and in the fall of 1893 he did not take any school. Those impressions to preach God's word came just strong enough, that he would try only a few times, and he prayed the Lord to bless with entire failure, or complete suc- cess, as the will of God might be in the work, or not. He commenced at Campbell's Grove on the third Sunday in De- cember, IS93, text, I Kings 18:21. The Lord gave liberty of speech, but no peculiar evidence of his call to the work, as he had expected, therefore did not leave another appoint- ment for the next month ; but being solicited to preach again at night he consented ; although oppressed with an aching heart he went back to preach that night. After the sermon a sense of relief and satisfaction pervaded the mind, insomuch that all doubt was driven away and a perfect confidence that the Lord, in His own way, has called and will help His ser- vant in ways unknown to him, so that His servant may not
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know at present, but shall know hereafter, more fully, the mind of the Lord. Having this confidence, however, that the Lord hath spoken he enters the arena with trembling heart, yet with bright anticipation that a way shall be opened for the fulfillment of the great commission: "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, baptizing them into the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and lo, I am with you alway unto the end of the world. Amen." Brother S. D. Tidwell was ordained to the full work of the ministry at the call of Mt. View church, in Polk county, Missouri.
REUBEN CURRAN TAYLOR.
Reuben Curran Taylor was born in Franklin county, Alabama, April 7, 1837. Moved with his father, Wm. Taylor to Texas county, Missouri, when about fifteen years old. From thence to Marion county, Arkansas, where, at the age of 22 he was married to Miss Susan Keeling, a na- tive of Tennessee, and daughter of Carlton Keeling, who emigrated to Arkansas about the year 1857. Of this happy union was born James Leonard Taylor, March IS, 1861, he being the eldest of a family of ten children, five boys and five girls, of whom two boys and three girls were called home in infancy and early childhood. The beginning of the Civil war called the father of our subject from the quiet pursuits of farm life to bear arms in defense of his country. The mother, being somewhat ambitious, resolved to be near her husband in this struggle. Therefore, as soon as arrangements could be made, she, with her infant son, joined the father at Spring- field, Missouri. Soon they were called upon to go to Fayetteville, Arkansas. The mother drove the team while the father was on duty. Thus, young Taylor's ears were early saluted by the booming of cannon and the rattle of
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musketry. At the close of the war the family moved to Polk county, Missouri, near Vaughn's Station, from thence to Marion county, Arkansas. Churches reviving again, the father, who had formerly been a member, identified himself with the United Baptist church. The mother united with the M. E. church of which she had formerly been a member.
At the age of nine James was sent to a country school which he attended about two months during the summer, walking a distance of two and a half miles to and from school each day. This was kept up every year until James was 18 years old, never attending more than two and a half months at a time. James was always a close observer of re- ligious worship and by the early training of a pious mother was early impressed with the necessity of salvation. At the age of twelve was deeply convicted of sin and went forward for prayer and religious instruction. But those conducting the meeting made the mistake of thinking him too young to understand things of God and did not try to point him to the great fountain for cleansing from sin; whereupon, he being visited by the tempter, resolved never to go forward again. After this the good Spirit seemed to go from him and although he was delighted to see his friends saved, he seemed not to be impressed with the need of seeking Christ for himself until October, 1879, in a meeting held by Eld. A. R. Stephenson at Old Blue Mountain Baptist church in Stone county, Arkansas, he was again deeply convicted of sin. Surrendering his aversion to the anxious seat he promptly went forward and was graciously saved. He at once joined this church and was baptized by Eld. Stephenson.
For some time he enjoyed going to church and hearing the word, but upon moving into a community destitute of church and religious worship, grew careless of his Christian
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duty, drifting on in an aimless sort of way, doing nothing for the Master's cause ; indeed, indulging in many things unbe- coming a follower of the lowly Nazarene, until in the sum- mer of ISS4, while attending school in Barry county, Mis- souri, he attended a revival meeting at Mineral Springs, and there received a renewal of the joys of salvation, became an active worker in the church, and began to feel impressions of a Divine call to the gospel ministry. This, however, he strove against.
Leaving school in September, he went to Carroll county, Arkansas, where he was married to Miss Mattie Belle Thom- ason October 26, 1SS4, she being not yet 16 years of age, was born in Washington county, Arkansas, November 19, IS68. She is the daughter of Milton Marion Thomason, who resides at this time near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. Mrs. Taylor, who was not a Christian at the time of her marriage, was soon after converted at family worship held by her hus- band at her father's house. The Thomasons were all Meth- odists. Mrs. Taylor did not unite with any church until the year ISSS, when they moved into a community where there was no Baptist church, she, with her husband joined a Methodist class. All this time Mr. Taylor felt deeply the call to preach, but would not yield until God drew forth the chastening rod, which came in the form of affliction. Mrs. Taylor was seized with a severe attack of brain fever, which brought her near to death. At this time Mr. Taylor retired to a lonely place to implore aid from on high. While there, the Spirit seemed to say, "Do my will." "I will," was the answer, "grant my request and I will labor in Thy vineyard." The answer to this prayer in the speedy recovery of Mrs. Taylor was astonishing to all who knew of her condition. At the next prayer meeting Mr. Taylor announced his inten-
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tion to do whatever the Lord called upon him to do. His brethren at once besought him to enter the ministry, which he consented to do, and was licensed by Eld. P. B. Sum- mers, of Harrison district, Arkansas Conference of M. E. church, south, on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in Sep- tember, ISSS.
Rev. Taylor was of a conscientious and studious nature and began at once to study the word of God touching the doctrines of his church. He soon began to express some dissatisfaction with the teaching of the same. His friends sought to quiet this uneasiness by citing him to differ- ent works on theology, viz: Wesley's writings, the Metho- dist's Armor and Ralston's Elements of Divinity; but so far from quieting his dissatisfaction, they only tended by their inconsistent dealing with God's word, to thoroughly ground that dissatisfaction and of studying carefully the word for himself.
Mr. and Mrs. Taylor joined the Oregon Baptist church in Jasper county, Missouri, and were baptized by Eld. C. W. Keeling. Brother Taylor was licensed to preach No- vember 9, ISS9, by the Oregon Baptist church, and began to preach wherever an opportunity was afforded, working as a farm laborer to gain a livelihood for his family, which now consisted of the wife and two children. On Saturday before the fourth Sunday in February, IS90, he was elected pastor of Spring River church. This church petitioned for his ordination, which petition was granted by the Oregon Bap- tist church, the presbytery consisting of Eld. W. A. Pipkin, moderator, W. H. Brown, clerk, C. W. Keeling and T. J. Green. This was done March 9, IS90, and on the fourth Sunday in the same month baptized his first candidate into the fellowship of Spring River church. On July 7, 1890,
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after stacking straw on the farm of G. R. Meador until noon, Eld. Taylor bid adieu to manual labor trusting in Him who said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel," and launched forth on the ocean of ministerial labor. His first effort without ministerial aid was put forth at Wisner school house in Jasper county. Missouri, where he labored eight days and witnessed nine professions. This greatly encour- aged him and on to greater achievements. He began to feel the necessity of a better education, and contemplated enter- ing Pierce City College. His wife being in poor health, he went to Eureka Springs to rest and recuperate. In the meantime he had been called to the pastorate of Belfast church, Newton county, Missouri, this occupying one-fourth of his time. He now had one-half time employed, with a salary of one hundred and ten dollars per year.
His friends urged him to go to school, which he resolved to do, and on the first Sunday in September arrived at Pierce City with ten dollars in cash, all told, with which to keep his family and board himself while at school. He was deter- mined, however, and forming a club with W. A. Pipkin, G. S. Maness and T. P. Barnard, all ministerial students, they rented rooms and began to keep "bach." The Lord raised up friends for the enthusiastic young preacher, and before the wolf came to the door the church of which he was a member came to his rescue with substantial aid. But this was not suf- ficient to supply long the constantly recurring wants, and upon receiving a letter from his wife that the family was in need, he began to think that his most cherished hope would not be realized. So in the evening he retired to a grove about a half mile northeast of the college, and there asked God to direct him. Next morning he went to a friend and made known his desire to borrow $25. This request was
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complied with. It soon became apparent that with cooking, keeping rooms in order, and from five to seven studies, to- gether with preaching every Saturday and Sunday, it was too much for his robust constitution, so he resolved to try and pay for his board, and thus obtain more time for his studies. Whereupon he went to board with Eld. J. M. Bent, D. D., who was one of those affectionate, noble-hearted men whom to know is to love. Shortly after this the Lord moved the hearts of the faithful brethren and sisters of Pierce City, who have won the undying love of more than one struggling preacher, to care for this one also. So he was kindly in- formed that he was to board with the members of the church, staying a week at a time with each of those who went into the scheme.
It was a hard year, and the demands of a needy family made it, as he thought, apparent that he must say good-bye to school before the year closed. Upon informing the kind- hearted president, he said : "Brother Taylor, I do not think it necessary ; you are well up with your studies and can take time to hold a meeting of ten days or two weeks, and keep up with your classes." The advice was taken. A church near Mt. Vernon wanted a meeting. An appointment was made. But he must fill his regular appointment with Spring River. Who could describe his thankfulness and delight when he found that (it being the first meeting in the year), over and above his regular monthly wages, they had raised as a New Year's present $28.30. On Monday he proceeded to his appointment, held ten days, and witnessed five conversions, and received $20. With a glad heart he returned to school, plunging into his work with renewed energy, clinging more firmly to the promise, " Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end." Through the influence of Eld. H. G. Young-
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blood, who was a student and classmate, he was called to the care of the church at Seneca, Mo., for half time, with a sal- ary of $200 per year. Having now all his time full, and a salary of $310 per year, which, by economy, was sufficient to meet the necessities of his family, and so the year ended with an indebtedness of $25.
But, says he, a stronger trial of faith and courage was to be made. On May 27, 1891, another was added to the family in the person of a little girl, to which he gave the name of Effie. Mrs. Taylor was seized by a severe attack of fever, against which she struggled for many days, coming down to where her feet almost touched the brink of the chilly waters of death, and after a mighty struggle against our Father's wi'l we were compelled to surrender little Effie to go and dwell with the angel band. After many days anxious watching, Mrs. Taylor was pronounced by the physician to be safe. All this time expenses were enormous and had in- volved us in debt. So the cherished hope of another year in Pierce City faded. Eld. Taylor resumed his work in the ministry with a heavy heart. Having resigned his work at Spring River and Belfast he was called as supply to Carl Junction church, Jasper county, Missouri, during the absence of the pastor, Eld. J. M. Smith. In August, IS91, he was called to the care of Lebanon church, Laclede county, Mis- souri, for all his time. This was a new church, composed of all grades of society, and knowing nothing of Baptist usage and no house to worship in, it was a hard field. The first Sunday in September Eld. Taylor preached his first sermon as pastor of this church in the Campbellite house of worship, for which he paid $2 per service, but this luxury was soon denied them and he rented the S. Methodist house for $5, using it at odd hours so as not to interfere with them ;
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this however was soon denied them. Eld. Taylor then re- solved to go to the court house, which could be had free, but this was a very undesirable place. The people, however, became accustomed to it and gathered in large crowds to hear the simple gospel of Christ.
Meanwhile steps had been taken toward erecting a church house. A lot was secured and work began and was carried on with unabated zeal. On the fourth Sunday in May, 1892, the church, with its thankful pastor, gathered in their new house of worship to celebrate the Lord's supper and offer a vote of thanks to the county officials for the use of the court house, The church house, however, was not finished, only enclosed. It was a neatly arranged frame structure with a capacity of seating about 500 persons, and costing when finished, about $3,500. It was finished and dedicated by Eld. J. F. Hamp- ton, who succeeded Eld. Taylor, he giving up the work in October, 1892, to go to Bolivar, Missouri, to take the care of the church and attend Southwest Baptist college. On November 12, moved to Bolivar and entered on his work as pastor and student. At commencement in 1893 won gold medal in prize contest, the prize being offered by the W. C. T. U.
He resigned the pastorate at Bolivar September 6, 1893, and accepted the missionary work of Polk County association for a short season, and did a good work. The board being unwilling to incur a debt was obliged to stop the work. Eld. Taylor was in 1894 pastor and resident at Humansville, one- half time at Boulevard, Springfield, and one-half at Humans- ville. Eld. Taylor has witnessed during his brief ministry between 500 and 600 conversions and baptized about 125 persons. His family consists of a wife and three children. Of the latter, the eldest, Virgil Oscar, was born April 27,
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1887 ; Myrtle was born December S, ISSS; Homer was born July 24, 1893.
ELD. F. J. LEAVITT.
Eld. F. J. Leavitt was born October 26, IS44, in Gouv- erneur, New York. His parents, William A. and Electa J. Leavitt, were of New England ancestry. He was reared on a farm and had the opportunity of attending country schools from three to five months in each year, until he was about sixteen, when he was permitted to enter the Wesleyan acad- emy in his native town. Here he remained until the first year of the Civil war, when he enlisted. Being discharged the next year returned home, and after a few months re- entered the academy. When I8 years old he taught his first school in a Scotch settlement in his own country. Here his uncle, B. F. Leavitt, taught school when a young man. One of the trustees that employed him also hired F. J.
In 1864 he re-enlisted, and after a few months was taken prisoner, and saw no more field service. He was discharged from military service June 21, IS65. In October following he came with his parents to Missouri, settling in De Kalb county. He was converted and joined the Hopewell Baptist church, in said county, in August, the next year. The meet- ing was held in the woods, and was conducted by the pastor, Eld. T. N. O'Bryant, assisted by other ministerial brethren. At this meeting there were about forty professions.
Young Leavitt was early impressed with a call to the ministry, though he did not respond fully until four years later. Meanwhile he taught school in various places, and, as he believes, was successful. Finally, having decided to make the ministry his life work, he entered William Jewell college in 1871. The death of his father in IS69 left on his
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hands the care of the family for a time, and prevented his entering the college earlier.
In the early part of 1873 he entered the pastorate at Hamilton, Mo., and was ordained in May, of the same year. In November, 1873, he was united in marriage with Miss Fannie S. Hill, of St. Joseph, Mo. He remained pastor of this church about seven years, dividing the time with the church at Breckenridge, Missouri, for five years. He then accepted a call to the church at Trenton, Missouri, remain- ing five years. Received and accepted a call from the churches at Lathrop and Plattsburg, Missouri. In 1887, he moved to Urbana, Illinois, serving as pastor two years. Went to La Moille in the same state and remained pastor for 15 months, when he received a call from the Robberson Avenue Baptist church, Springfield, Missouri. He accepted and entered upon his work March 1, 1891, and is still serv- ing the same (February, 1894).
ELD. SIMON P. COLLINS.
Eld. Simon P. Collins was born in Rockingham county, North Carolina, June 22, 1828. Emigrated to Kentucky 1 832. Married November 24, 1854. Professed hope Au- gust, 1852. Came to Missouri in the spring of 1856. Li- censed before the war. Ordained about ISS5. Settled in Cedar county, Missouri, at an early day. Still resides on the beautiful undulating prairie of the western side of Cedar county. The writer has been acquainted with him for a number of years and believes him to be a staunch defender of Baptist principles.
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ELD. J. M. PAYNE.
Eld. J. M. Payne was born January 7, 1854, in Johnson county, Arkansas. At the age of nine years moved with his parents to Greene county, Missouri. There he grew up to manhood. Sep- tember 7, 1876, he was united in mar- riage with Miss Nancy E. Barclay, of Pleasant Hope, Polk county, Missouri. To them have been born eight children, J. M. PAYNE. five boys and three girls, the order of their birth as follows: Pearl E., Elijah D., Arctus Otto, Tabitha K., Daniel J., Edward F., Oliver M. H., Elizabeth R. ' Eld. Payne professed faith in Christ October 29, 1876. Joined the church at Rock Prairie. Soon impressed to the work of the gospel ministry. After seven years struggling against the Spirit, he resolved to do the will of God and commence preaching. He was a licentiate about 15 months. His ordination was called for by the church at Rock Prairie, and July 3, 1887, was set apart to the full work of the min- istry. He accepted a call to the pastorate of Red Bird church. Crawford county, Arkansas, to which place he moved. This was his first pastorate. After preaching for this and other churches, he was appointed missionary of Clear Creek association. Coming again to Missouri, his la- bor in the ministry has been in Dallas and Polk counties. Since this was written Eld. Payne has moved to the Indian Territory. His present address is Pierce City, Missouri, (1897).
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ELD. GEORGE LEWIS WILSON.
Eld. George Lewis Wilson was born in Logan county, Kentucky, April 25, 1824. Moved to Missouri IS44. Married in Arkansas in 1843 to Miss Mary Copeland. Converted in the year 1846. Ordained to the gospel ministry by the call of the church at Enon in Polk county, Missouri, in 1874, presbytery consisting of Elds. T. J. Baucom and J. W. Matthews. He has, since his ordination, been pastor of a number of churches. Has been steadily employed un- til the last two years, 1892-93. He wishes it distinctly under- stood that he never exacted a definite salary from any church over which he was called to preside. He served the church at Enon three years and received from that church for the three years work $8.50. Eld. Wilson, so far as we are able to judge, has the cause of God at heart. He desires to see sinners converted and prepared for heaven and immortal glory. His family consists of his wife, Mary, daughter of Col. A. M. Copeland of Murray county, Tennessee. She was born in said county and state, July 24, IS25. There were born to them as follows: Thomas, who died in IS months, was born March 18, 1844; Jas. M. December IS, 1845; Elizabeth, September 16, 1847; Geo. L., November 29, 1849; Ben F. who died in 18 months, was born Novem- ber 29, 1851 ; Mary J., August 23, IS54 ; Hezekiah F., De- cember 21, 1856; Rufus K., February 20, 1859; Sarah C., February S, 1862 ; Nancy P., July 14, 1864. Elizabeth died October 29, IS63. Stacy B. was born May 29, 1868.
Here follows a brief notice of brother Robert Wilson, a brother of Eld. G. L. Wilson. This devoted brother was born in Logan county, Kentucky, in ISIo. Converted in 1836. Joined the Baptist church immediately. Moved from Arkansas where he had been located for some time, to Ver-
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non county, Missouri. While in Arkansas he married Miss Maria Copeland. Moved to Polk county, Missouri, in 1866, and has been a faithful member of the church at Enon for a number of years. His children so far as we know, are all members at Enon and doubtless prepared to meet their par- ents who have already passed over to be with God.
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