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 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22
Eld. G. L. Wilson died quite suddenly on October 10, 1896, in full possession of his mental powers. On the Sun- day preceding his death, himself and J. L. Kinder preached the funerals of Mrs. Tempa Hensley and the child of Peter Scroggins at Enon. Both coffins in the house at the same time; and on the 10th brother J. L. Kinder preached the funeral of Eld. G. L. Wilson at Enon, taking for his text, Micah 7:7, "I know my God will hear me."
ROBERT HOOK.
With a great degree of pleasure do we record the brief mention of such worthies as brother Robert Hook and his amiable wife. The former was born in East Tennessee October 14, ISO9 ; the latter in East Tennessee April S, ISII. They are Methodists, and living near the church, their bent forms are seen in the church at Enon, and with cane in hand they wend their way to and from the place of worship, full of interest for the dying ones around them. Several times has the writer enjoyed their hospitality and noted the deep concern they had for their numerous children and grandchil- dren. The writer hopes to meet them on the shores of eter- nal deliverance. [Brother Hook died March IS, 1897.]
WM. LOVETT.
Another veteran soldier of the cross in the neighborhood. of Enon has recently passed away to his eternal reward, brother Wm. Lovett. He was born in Washington county,
IS7
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Pennsylvania, April S, ISIO. Came to Scotland county, Missouri, in 1857, where he remained IS months. Since that time he has resided most of the time in Polk county, Missouri. Nine children were given to him, but only three survive. He was at the home of his daughter Viola at the time of his death. She, with her husband, Hilsman Davis, gave to the aged parent all the care that lay within their power.
JAMES BALLENGER.
James Ballenger was born in Jefferson county, Tennes- see, June IS, 1823. Converted in 1843. Joined church at Enon, Missouri. Moved to Missouri in IS39. Is a member of the church at Enon.
CALVIN HENRY DAVIS.
Calvin Henry Davis was born in Granger county, Ten- nessee, June 5, IS22. He moved to Greene county, Mis- souri, in 1838, thence to Polk county, Missouri, in 1839. Many of his children and grandchildren live near him and are ready to minister to his wants as he grows old and feeble. The true Christian can wear a crown of rejoicing on earth and a crown of glory in heaven.
WILLIAM FRANKLIN COMBS.
William Franklin Combs was born in Humphries county, Tennessee, February 14, 1830; moved to Kentucky in in- fancy, and to Polk connty, Missouri, in 1858. His wife is 54 years old, and the mother of II children, of whom four survive. He is a member at Enon.
MRS. D. E. SCHOFIELD.
Mrs. D. E. Schofield was born in Iowa, 1854. Her father, Mr. Farrar, was born in Pennsylvania and her mother
ISS
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
in Ohio where they were married. The subject of our sketch remained with her parents in Iowa 14 years, at which time she removed with her parents to Dallas county, Mis- sonri. At the age of 17 she professed faith in Christ and was baptized by Eld. Geo. Mitchell into the fellowship of the church at Buffalo, Missouri. Afterwards joined the church at Schofield Chapel. In 1872 she was married to Mr. Frank P. Schofield, son of "Old Father Schofield." Her husband was not a Christian, but her earnest entreaty and God's goodness in answer to prayer brought him to the Saviour and he became a Christian more than a year before his death, which event occurred February 15, 1878.
Her oldest, John F. Schofield was born March 21, 1875. He was converted and joined the Baptist church at Bolivar when 12 years old and has since lived a Christian life. Katie Schofield was born October 15, 1877. Was converted and joined the Baptist church at Bolivar when 10 years old. Sister Schofield lived on the farm three years after her hus- band's death, when she moved to Bolivar to educate her children in the Southwest Baptist college. At that time Eld. J. R. Maupin was president of the college. He soon gave her a position which she filled for several years. She has conducted the primary department in the college for a num- ber of years, giving her own children as well as others the benefit of her ripe experience. She has recently taken a po- sition in the college at Lexington, Missouri, under President W. A. Wilson; but says she has not lost a particle of inter- est in the "Dear old Southwest Baptist college at Bolivar." John F. received degree of A. B., May 29, 1895. Katie received diploma in music May 29, 1895.
IS9
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
MERIDA N. WILLS.
Merida N. Wills of Lamar, Missouri, was born in Macoupin county, Illinois, June 15, 1828. His father was a native of Kentucky and his mother of North Carolina. In 1858 he was married to Miss Susanna L. Lamarr, a na- tive of Macoupin. When married he was not worth twenty dollars all told; but is at the present time engaged in the banking business and is considered one of the wealthy men of the day. He and his amiable wife are, and have been members of the Missionary Baptist church for over 40 years. Three sons and three daughters were given to them. Two of the sons Wm. M. and T. L. attended the Southwest Baptist college at Bolivar in the years ISSo-82. Their father, M. N., was trustee of the college from ISSo to IS83. The writer has occasion to remember the unbounded hospital- ity of M. N. Wills. In 1874 as we were traversing the earth for the health of an invalid wife, accompanied by three children, Mary, Wiley and Mattie, our hap was to fall into Lamar, Missouri, and eventually under the hospitable roof of brother Wills, where we spent a few days quite pleasantly, barring the sickness of the invalid.
HENRY C. TURK.
Henry C. Turk was born in Hickory county, Missouri, April 27, 1850. His parents, Andrew and Mary (William- son) Turk were born in Roanoke and Floyd counties re- spectively. Henry C. was married to Miss Maria F. Robin- son, daughter of Eld. Jehu Robinson, January 26, 1873. She was born in Webster county, Missouri, in 1855, and is the mother of four children, two of whom are living, Pearl and Earl. Andrew J. and Charles A. are deceased. Since writing the above it is said there is another whose name is
190
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
not at hand. Brother and Sister Turk are members of the Missionary Baptist church. Their daughter Pearl professed faith in Christ in the great meeting commencing December 31, 1893, and continuing until Sunday, February 18, 1894, whereat there were about 73 professions. Brother Turk was a member of the board of trustees of Southwest Baptist col- lege. He died at his home in Polk county, Missouri, August 24, 1895.
JAMES P. SLAGLE.
James P. Slagle was born November 22, 1828, in Henry county, West Tennessee. His father and mother were na; tives of Kentucky, and his grandparents were from Virginia. His father died in 1851, and the mother in 1856. James is the sixth of eight children, six now living. He married Miss Barbara L. Barham, a native of Kentucky, in 1855. She was born in 1833. To them were born nine children, eight living: Wm. F., Alice E., Benjamin P., Fannie B., Chas. C., Wade H., Ella C. and Emma V. (twins). Brother and Sister Slagle are members of Slagle Creek church, eight miles south of Bolivar, Brother Slagle was elected trustee of Southwest Baptist college in 1884, and has maintained that position to the present ('96).
ELD. W. H. BURNHAM, D. D.
Eld. W. H. Burnham, D. D., was born in Boone county, Missouri, June 30, 1839. He was raised on a farm and attended occasionally the common schools of the neigh- borhood. In 1853 he professed faith in Christ and united with New Salem Baptist church near his home at Ashland, and soon became quite active in the young men's prayer meeting. He entered Wm. Jewell college in 1857 under the presidency of the celebrated Wm. Thompson. He
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
spent four years at Wm. Jewell and one year at the State University, graduating at the latter, after which he entered into ministerial work in Callaway county, and was very suc- cessful. In 1868 he delivered the annual sermon before the Society of Religious Inquiry in the Westminister Presby- terian college, an honor never accorded to a Baptist minister before.
In 1876 he moved to Clarksville, Missouri, and was successful in many revival meetings in several places. He was also pastor of the churches at Troy in Lincoln, and at Bowling Green in Pike county. In ISSo he was recalled to his old field in Callaway and has filled the pastoral office at the Second Fulton, Richland, Unity, and Dry Fork churches, leaving them all in a flourishing condition. Dr. Burnham has held two discussions with men of the Campbellite persuasion, Mr. Marlow and Mr. Jarrett, com- ing off with acknowledged and flattering honors.
On Monday, April 1, ISS9, the board of trustees chose as a new faculty for Southwest Baptist college Eld. W. H. Burnham, A. M., D. D., for president, Eld. J. R. Downer, Eld. R. E. L. Burks and J. R. Lightfoot to carry on the col- lege work. At the call of the church Eld. Burnham was elected pastor with a salary of $700. September 4, 1889, session opened again with the following faculty: Eld. W. H. Burnham, A. M., D. D., president and professor of men- tal and moral science ; Jas. A. Beauchamp, A. B., professor of mathematics ; Eld. R. E. Burks, A. B., professor of an- cient languages ; J. R. Lightfoot, B. L., professor of natural sciences; Miss Ella Prather, teacher of instrumental and vocal music ; Miss Ida C. Post, principal of preparatory de- partment; Jas. A. Beauchamp, secretary of faculty. The next year, 1890-91, the same faculty, except Mrs. Pearl
192
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
(Burnham) Beauchamp was principal of preparatory de- partment, and B. H. Parrish of commercial department, and Miss Sue Duncan of music department.
Eld. Burnham continued as pastor of the church until the time of his resignation as president of the college, which occurred February 1, 1892. Then he accepted the church at Humansville. Subsequently he returned to his old field in Callaway, where he is successfully engaged in the ministry.
There are but few men, if, indeed, there be any in America, who could surpass in oratory, or in profound depth of thought, or logical deduction, the subject of our sketch. It has often been said by numbers: "I can always be inter- ested, and can always learn something in listening to the well arranged sermons of Dr. Burnham."
ELD. GEORGE W. WHITE.
Eld. George W. White was born August 13, 1807, in Henry county, Kentucky, and was the son of John and Elizabeth White, of King and Queen county, Virginia. His father was personally acquainted with George Washington. His education was lim- ited, because in his early youth there were no public schools, and private ones afforded very limited facilities for instruction. At 20 years he was mar- GEO. W. WHITE. ried to Elizabeth Connelly. To them were born nine children, four of whom are living. In 1850 he was married to Martha Harper. To them was born one child. In 1836 he professed faith in Christ and joined the Missionary Baptist church and began immediately to preach.
193
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
He served as pastor at Mt. Olive, Sycamore Chapel and New Madrid Bend, all in Tennessee. The first 17 years, the second five years, and the third five years. He baptized over 100 persons in the Mississippi below the mouth of the Ohio river. In 1854 he moved to Greene county, Missouri. He served as pastor at Mt. Pleasant, 5 years ; Prospect, 5 ; Stony Point, 5; Ash Grove, 5; Kelley, 5; Concord in Polk, 5 ; Slagle Creek, 10; Cedar Bluff, 8; Tatum Chapel, 18, and Friendship, 10, besides visiting other churches, organizing churches and ordaining ministers and deacons.
An incident is related of him that happened during the Civil war. It was at a time when a great many southern sympathizers were being reported as aiding and abetting southern soldiers. One day a company of German Federal troops came to his house and in a very insolent manner de- manded of him his "arms," (meaning fire arms.) He told them he would surrender them, but when he handed them his Bible and hymn book, telling them these, were his only arms and that if they could use them to better advantage than he could, they were welcome to them, they stole away in a shamefaced manner. Eld. White died on his farm in Greene county, Missouri, November 22, 1896.
JOHN W. BURKS.
John W. Burks was born in Miller county, Missouri, in 1854, and is the son of Wm. G. and Louisa (Granstaff) Burks. Wm. G. was born in Tennessee in ISog. Miss Granstaff was born in Tennessee about 1831. Settled in Miller county, Missouri, in 1853. Moved to Callaway in 1855. Wm. G. died in Callaway April 7, 1886. John W. received his education in Westminster college, Fulton, Mo. Taught school three years. Studied law with Hon. I. W.
194
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Boulware of Fulton. Admitted to the bar at Fulton in ISSO. Associated with C. W. Hamlin at Bolivar and Humansville in the practice of law. He was married Febru- ary, ISSS, to Mrs. Johanna C. (Emmons) Key, a native of Callaway county, Missouri. He was a member and agent of the board of trustees of Southwest Baptist college. He was also clerk of Freedom association in the year ISSS-S9; also an active worker in the Sunday school cause. Died in Humansville.
WM. F. BURNES.
William F. Burnes was born in Greenville county, South Carolina, February 15, 1829. His parents were Thomas J. and Rebecca (Childress) Burnes. William F. had but little schooling ; he learned to read in Sunday school. In his twen- tieth year he married Miss Maliney A. Singleton, a native of South Carolina. Five children were the fruit of this mar- riage, viz: Mary J., Wesley J., Galloway W., Elizabeth and Albert, the latter two dead. Their mother (Malviney A. ) died April 10, 1858, in Polk county, Missouri. Wm. F. married again September 16, 1860, Mary J. Parrish, who was born in Polk county, March 13, 18+1. Eight children were given to them, five living: Hazeltine, wife of W. W. Hig- ginbotham; Orleana, wife of Dr. Wm. Nicholas; Darinda A., I. V. and DeLacey. Ann died at the age of 19 years, Edward and Frank died in infancy. Wm. F. has been a member of the Baptist church for a number of years. He is at present ('94) a member at Pleasant Hill, six miles east of Bolivar.
DR. ISAAC MARION JONES.
Dr. Isaac Marion Jones was born in Delaware county, Ohio, March 22, IS41, and is the son of Abraham and Sarah (Lewis) Jones, natives of New Jersey. Isaac M. is the
195
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
youngest and only son living, and was married August 30, 1858, to Miss Christina Leffler, of Muskingum county, Ohio. Nine children were given to them, of whom four survive: James A., Thomas J., Pleasant W. and Mary A. Both parents are members of the Baptist church. Isaac M. grad- uated from the St. Louis Medical college in 1872, and has practiced in Polk county since that time. His residence is eight miles northwest from Bolivar. Largely through his in- fluence the Salem Baptist church was erected in his neighbor- hood. The Doctor was chosen as one of the trustees of Southwest Baptist college in IS91 and still fills that office ('96). His time and his money are always freely given for church or college work.
PROF. JULIUS M. LEAVITT.
Prof. Julius M. Leavitt was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, August 18, 1857. He was educated in the public schools and in Hopedale Normal college, graduating in 1879, and in 1881 he was principal of Hopedale public schools. In 1882 he was principal of schools in Effingham, Ill., after which he took a post-graduate course at Ann Arbor, Mich. In that year he was elected professor of higher mathematics in the Southwest Baptist college, vice-president in 1884, and president in 1886. He received the honorary degree of A. M. from Ewing college, Illinois, and Ph. D. from Mt. Leb- anon University, Louisiana.
He was married to Miss Florence J. Baldwin, of Hope- dale, Ohio, a graduate of the musical department of Hope- dale Normal college and of Dana's Musical Institute, Warren, Ohio. She was principal of Hopedale musical department for some time, also at Southwest Baptist college. Four chil- dren were given to them, the order of their birth as follows:
196
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Thomas J., born March 16, ISSO; A. Felch, born Novem- ber 26, ISS5 ; Fred J., born December 31, IS91 ; Daniel W., born August 4, IS96. Prof. Leavitt was in 1894-6 county attorney for Polk county. He is a member of Bolivar Bap- tist church and a teacher in the Sunday school. His son Thomas is also a member, having been converted during the great meeting held at the Baptist church in 1894.
ELD. J. L. LEONARD.
Eld. J. L. Leonard was born in Perry county, Missouri, December 14, 1865. When one year old, his father moved to Webster county, Missouri. His father and mother were natives of Missouri and were married in 1859. Her maiden name was Hattin and was of Dutch descent and her religion was Catholic. His father J. A. Leonard was born in Perry county, Missouri, November 19, 1834. His mother died when the subject of our sketch was but six weeks old. After a few years his father married again, and this time, to Miss Amanda E. Dixon, who proved to be a mother indeed to the tender ones committed to her care. There were four children by the first wife, and three by the second, five girls and two boys. One of the boys died while young.
Brother John, if he will allow the familiar appellation, was called to struggle against the inconveniences of poverty ; but he was early impressed with a strong desire for an edu- cation. To this end he labored, working, day after day, to obtain his cherished object. It is but slender wages the farm hand receives for his daily toil; but as he acquired a suffi- ciency for teaching he was enabled by this means to supply his physical and mental wants until at last providentially thrown into Southwest Baptist college. In the meantime there arose another desire, which he struggled against for a
197
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
number of years. A desire to preach, or shall we call it a divine call? His mind seemed to have no rest until at last he yielded without reserve to the Great Arbiter of Destiny, and was willing to say. "Thy will, not mine, O Lord !" Since that time he has enjoyed the sweet peace of religious conse- cration. He professed faith in Christ in his 14th year and was baptized in February, ISSO. Was licensed July, 1890, and ordained in December, 1891. Since that time he has been actively engaged in the ministry, having a church under his care in Dallas county, also in Greene, and one in Polk county, besides carrying on his studies and reciting in the college. He earned and received the degree of A. B. in Southwest Baptist college, May 29, 1895. Brother John has spent one year in the Southern Baptist Seminary, Louis- ville, Kentucky, June 5, 1896.
DANIEL P. BROCKUS, JR.
Daniel P. Brockus, jr., was born February 19, 1871, in Greene county, Missouri, and is a great-grandson of the la- mented veteran of the cross, Eld. Daniel R. Murphy, who won so many trophies in pioneer service as a defender of the faith in the Baptist ranks. Daniel P. was converted in Sep- tember, 1887, at a meeting in Webster county, Missouri, conducted by Eld. Huber Youngblood. Was licensed to preach the everlasting gospel in December, IS90. Attended Southwest Baptist college one term, beginning December 6, 1890, and continuing to May, 1891. He has exercised his gifts as a minister until the present time. In addition to this he has taught a number of terms of school in Dallas and Polk counties. He has shown considerable talent in the dis- cussion of theological subjects in the Baptist paper published at Monett. He was ordained to the full work of the minis- try March 29, 1896, at Slagle church, Polk county, Missouri.
198
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
ASA KERBY.
Asa Kerby was born October 4, 1829, in Howard county, Missouri. His parents were John and Mary (Whorton) Kerby, born in Kentucky and Virginia respectively, and mar- ried in Kentucky, February 2, 1825. Located in Howard county in 1828. All the family were Baptists. Asa received his education in the old log school house. He worked as a hired hand for some time, but has farmed on his own account in Howard, Randolph and Polk counties for many years. He was married to Miss Susan J. Warford, daughter of John and Mary Warford, February 13, 1832. Six children were given to them, viz: Mary A., wife of D. K. Griffen, of Meade county, Kansas; Sarah E., wife of George W. Ed- miston; John W. ; Fannie M., wife of H. J. F. Caldwell. Two died while young, James B., at five years, and Jennie M., at four years of age. Brother Kerby is a deacon in the Baptist church.
ELD. G. H. HIGGINBOTHAM.
Eld. G. H. Higginbotham was born in Wayne county, Kentucky, June 1, 1843. At two years of age his father moved to Polk county, Missouri. He was reared in Polk county, and was married March 1, 1863, to Miss Mary A. Mckinney, who was also born in Wayne county, Kentucky, October 19, 1842. To them were born nine children, seven living: John T., Elizabeth R., Mary C., Lucy A., Gideon F., James W. and Mattie S. Two deceased were Ella M. and Charley W. Eld. G. H. professed hope and was bap- tized and was a member of Pleasant Hill church, five miles east of Bolivar; but after conceiving that he had found a better hope, and one that he could rely upon, he was baptized at the request of the church by Eld. Chas. Ingram, in the
199
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Pomme de Terre. He was afterward licensed to preach, May, 1883. In May, ISSS, he received ordination at the hands of Elds. G. M. Botts and W. W. Palmer.
ELD. G. M. BOTTS.
Eld. G. M. Botts was born in Randolph county, Mis- souri, October 5, 1848, and received his education in the dis- trict schools. He was married to Miss Sarah E. Higgin- botham, in Polk county, Missouri, February 13, 1868. Their children were M. M. Ora (wife of I. V. Burnes), born July 23, 1869; Frank R. M., born April 8, ISSo; Dona R. R., born November 18, 18S2 ; Emily B., born January 26, 1884 ; Wm. T. E., born July 20, 1889. Sister Sarah E., the wife and mother, was born in Polk county, Missouri, October 16, I S4S. The father of Eld. Botts was born in Virginia Jann- ary 9, ISII. The Elder was converted in 1865, and was or- dained on Sunday, January 20, 1884, the presbytery consist- ing of Elds. W. A. Wilson and J. W. Haines.
ELD. JAS. OWEN.
Eld. Jas. Owen was born in Cannon county, Tennessee, October 2, 1834. His father was born in Virginia, and his mother in Tennessee. He was married to Lucinda Brown, March 30, 1853. Eight children were given to them, six girls and two boys. Eld. Owen was converted November, 1856, and baptized by Eld. W. Spilman and became a member of Mt. Zion church, Polk county, Missouri, and remained as such until the organization of Pleasant Ridge church four miles southwest from Mt. Zion. Was licensed to preach by the church at Pleasant Ridge, April 16, 1870, and ordained November 17, ISS9, presbytery consisting of Elds. C. F. Fain and F. M. Kelley and deacon Alexander Davis, and is at the present time ('97) a member at Pleasant
200
HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Ridge. He has occupied his farm of 260 acres near Aldrich, Missouri, since March, 1853. He has not exercised his gifts in the ministry for some time on account of throat troubles ; but there are many ways in which men may preach ; by example, in which steadfastness in principle may be maintained, by precept, in which truth and doctrine shall be enforced, by love of the brethren, which indicates a union with Christ.
ELD. SAMUEL W. AILEY.
Eld. Samuel W. Ailey was born July S, IS50, in Cal- laway county, Missouri. His father was of German descent and was raised up in the Lutheran faith. His mother's maiden name was Susan C. Millikin. There were three children, S. W., James A., and S. E. T. The latter mar- ried - Heydon. Eld. Ailey was convicted of sin under the preaching of Eld. James Kennon. The text used was Jeremiah S:22. Eld. Kennon baptized him on the first Sunday in May, 1864. Received license to preach Saturday before the third Sunday in September, 1872, and was or- dained on Tuesday, December 23, 1873. Presbytery was as follows: Eld. Jehu Robinson, Geo. W. Kelley, Jacob Newhart and deacons Wm. Heydon and Tilman Patterson.
Eld. Ailey was married October 29, 1874, to Miss Rutha E. Thompson. She has proved to be a helpmeet indeed, a true and faithful wife and loving companion. She was born March 17, 1855. Professed hope in August, 1871. Bap- tized by Eld. G. W. Kelley September 3, 1871. To them were given children, two of whom are living. Susan E., the eldest, born May 10, 1877; Margaret J., the youngest, born November 18, 187S. Both of these professed hope at a meeting held by Eld. S. S. Pike at Union Grove.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.