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 16
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ELD. J. W. MAYFIELD.
Eld. J. W. Mayfield was born in Polk county, Missouri, January 11, 1856. Born again in 1873. United with the Baptist church, Providence, Polk county, then moved his membership to Rock Prairie church, which licensed him to preach in the year 1879, and which also called for his ordina- tion, which was done April 27, 1884, by the following pres- bytery, viz: Elds. J. H. Highfill, D. P. Brockus, G. B. Mitchell and W. B. Epps. Since that time Eld. Mayfield has occupied the pulpit in the churches of Polk, Greene and Dallas counties, and is actively engaged proclaiming the gos- pel word at the present time.
He was married to Miss Ada E. Roberts, June 16, 1881. The children given them were Oscar A., born Oc- tober 3, 1882 ; Bessie B., born February 16, 1885; Arthur Clyde, born February 26, 1887 ; Chloe, born April 9, 1889 ; Ray, born October 31, 1892. Ada, the mother, was born in Polk county, Missouri, February 3, 1863. Her father, E. P. S. Roberts, was born in Lexington, Missouri, January 24, 1833, and her mother, Sarah R. Roberts, daughter of
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Eld. Elijah Williams, was born in Polk county, Missouri, January 25, 1836. Eld. Mayfield is at present writing ('96) pastor of Rock Prairie church and preaching two Sundays in the month.
ELD. J. W. HAINES.
Eld. J. W. Haines, the compiler of events in this book, was born near Oldtown on the Little Miami river, three miles from Xenia, the county seat of Greene county, Ohio, March 6, IS26. His parents were Reuben and Nancy (Connelly) Haines, who were born, the former in Old Virginia in, or near Winchester, the latter supposed to have been born in Virginia. They
J. W. HAINES. were married in Greene county, Ohio, April 25, 1825. His father was born and bred a Quaker until his majority, or at the age of 21, he was excluded on account of marrying out of the church. He would also suf- fer himself to muster on the days of military parade.
The subject of this sketch was the oldest of ten children, five of whom were born to Reuben and Nancy (Connelly), and five to Elizabeth T. (Baker.) The parents and five of the children have passed over the leaden river. The re- maining five must follow on. The parents were Methodists at the time of their death and brought up their children in that faith ; but the eldest, by a strange providence, was led to embrace the faith as propagated by the Baptists, which event occured in the year 1853, in the town of Palmyra, Marion county, Missouri. The next year he was licensed by the church at Palmyra and sent to the Baptist Male and Female seminary at the above place. In the year IS55, Au-
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gust 2, he was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Wilkerson. Five children is the fruitage of this marriage. The mother and two of the children have bidden a final farewell to earth. The remaining ones are now grown and married. Their names in the order of their birth are, Mary J. (Holder), Wi- ley Green, Martha F. (Owen). In September, 1876, J. W. Haines was married a second time, to Mrs. Jemima Dwyer of Dade county, Missouri. She was the fortunate possessor of two children, Emily V. and Wm. E. Dwyer. One has been added who is called Israel, born August 14, 1877, in Cedar county, Missouri. The writer was licensed by the church at Palmyra, Missouri, in 1854, and ordained to the full work of the ministry in IS60, at the call of the church at Littleby, in Audrain county, Missouri, the presbytery consist- ing of Elds. Nathan Ayres and Robert Painter.
Since writing the foregoing, a cousin, D. T. Haines, of Muncie, Indiana, has sent a brief history of the Haines fam- ily as follows: "Richard Haines, a member of the Quaker sect, lived in Northampton county, England, and was born about the year 1642. His wife's name was Margaret. The maiden name not known. They had four sons: John, Wm.
Richard and Joseph. They all emigrated to America in the year 1682, on board the ship Amity, Richard Diamand, master. Richard, the father. died on board the vessel, and Joseph was born on the same vessel., The wife and children settled in West Jersey. Richard jr. married Mary Carlisle. Their oldest named Abraham, settled in Frederick county, Virginia, and died in 1760. Their son Robert, married Elizabeth Harseman. Robert was born about 1740. The children given to Robert and Elizabeth were Nathan, John, Robert, Samuel and Noah. John married Elizabeth Allen. There were born to them eight children. The fifth was
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Reuben, the father of the one who writes this sketch. The reader may observe that here is a record reaching over a period of 252 years. If all this host can meet in heaven and enjoy its felicity, surely, we may say, "What a happy meet- ing that will be !"
ELD. NOAH J. STINECIPHER.
Eld. Noah J. Stinecipher was born January 19, 1852, in Greene county, Missouri. Professed religion August, 1866. United with the Baptist church at Pleasant Hill, Dal- las county, Missouri. Baptized by Eld. C. L. Alexander, October, 1866. Licensed to preach September 29, 1882, or- dained January 9, 1884. Except four years of missionary labor, he has been pastor of two to four churches. He mar- ried Miss Madoria P. Wright, daughter of Eld. Wm. Wright (deceased). Two children were born to them. The oldest died in infancy. The youngest, Effie Susan, survives. After six or eight years had elapsed Eld. S. married again. This time to Miss Sarah Strickland, sister of Eld. Z. T. Strickland and niece of Elds. Wm., Frank and Robert Law- ler. To them were born one son and two daughters. The son died in infancy. The girls are named Pearl and Obedi- ence. Eld. N. J. is pastor of New Hope church, Dallas county, Missouri ( 1895).
Z. T. SIMMONS.
Z. T. Simmons was born in Marion county, Missouri, near Ebenezer church, west of the village of Philadelphia, September 27, 1848. He was married to Miss Martha J. Barrett November 22, 1872. She was born in the same com- munity near Ebenezer, September 18, 1852. The fruit of this union was two children, viz: Lena M. and Clyde. Lena was born in Marion county, Missouri, September 29, 1873.
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Clyde was born in Marion county, Missouri, July 6, 1875. Sketches given in Book IV. Brother Simmons is a first-class carpenter and works steadily at his trade. He is also profi- cient in the department of music and leads the choir in the Baptist church at Bolivar. He is quite liberal with his well earned money and gives to every interest rightly demanding support. Moved to Webb City, Missouri, April, '96.
WILLIS J. TILLER.
Willis J. Tiller was born in Warren county, Kentucky, March 10, ISIS. He was raised by pious parents and pro- fessed religion in his 15th year; was baptized soon after by Eld. D. L. Mansfield. He moved with his parents to Mis- souri in 1839; joined Providence church in Polk county, Missouri, in IS40, and served as clerk a year or two. In IS43 or 44 he withdrew from Providence and joined Friend- ship church in Upshur Prairie in the southeast corner of the
county. This church dissolved in three or four years, and lettered off its members who were in good standing. Bro. Tiller held his letter until about IS61 or 62, and put it in the church at Brighton. "Let me say to the reader: Never hold your church letter any longer than you have an opportunity to put it in a church ; for I grew wild, neglected my duties, went on from bad to worse, drinking some, though never in the mire, yet I saw the course I was pursuing would not do. It was leading me down, and leading others down to perdition. When I put my letter in the church at Brighton I promised my God, if He would forgive me for the way I had done, I would lead a different life, and for the last thirty years I have tried to do my duty, and I feel the Lord has blessed me in my efforts to serve Him. A few years ago I was afflicted with that terrible disease called cancer, and expected to be eaten
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up with it. I prayed fervently to Jesus to have mercy on me and save me from such a death. I got well. Should I not dear reader, bless and praise His holy name forever and ever?" Bro Tiller has been married several times. Nine children have been given to him. Four are gone to the bet- ter land. Two of them sweet babes, and two of them grown. These left evidence that they were prepared to die. The five who are living are all professors of religion. There will be a happy reunion some day, an unbroken family, singing praises about the throne of God.
ELD. THOMPSON PITTS.
Eld. Thompson Pitts was born in Logan county, Ken- tucky, in the year ISOS. Professed faith in Christ at an early age and joined the Baptist church and began preaching in his native state. In 1841 he moved to Missouri and set- tled in Hickory county, two miles west of Pittsburg and lived there until his death which occurred in the fall of 1862, or 1863. Eld. Pitts was one of the pioneer Baptist preach-
ers. He, with others, was in the organization of the first Baptist association in Hickory county. He cheerfully en- dured all the privations of a new country, preaching, baptiz- ing and officiating in all the business of the church, and all the good he did in the service of God cannot be told. Eld. Pitts was a meek and lowly follower of the blessed Saviour, and died in the faith. Eld. Pitts had a wife and six sons, all of whom are dead but two sons.
ELD. W. N. HATFIELD.
Eld. W. N. Hatfield was born July 2, 1849, in Cooper county, Missouri. His father, T. W. Hatfield, was a native of Tennessee, and his mother of Pennsylvania. Eld. W. N. Hatfield was converted November, 1867, at Mt. Carmel church, Morgan county, Missouri, under the preaching of
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Eld. Shannon Akin and baptized by him in November, 1867. Licensed by order of the church at Bethel in St. Clair coun- ty, Missouri. Ordained to the full work of the ministry by the church at Mt. Zion, in Dallas county, Missouri, .the presbytery consisting of Elds. D. Hitson, H. C. Ayres, W. D. Cheek, Joseph Musteen and Wm. Hoover, and has since been constantly employed as pastor of from one to four churches, and a portion of the time engaged as mission- ary. Was married to Miss Nancy Ann Orsburne, May 30, 1869, in Dallas county, Missouri. Sister Nancy was born April 14, 1850, in above county and was converted in 1868 and united with the Presbyterians; but afterward united with the Baptist church at Mt. Zion, being baptized by Eld. E. D. Fortner. The children born to them in the order of their birth were Joiney, James Robert, Martha Belle, and John William. Four in number.
FRANCIS TILLERY.
Francis Tillery was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 4, 1824. Professed religion in his 20th year and united with the church at Third Creek in Knox county, Tennessee. Married to Miss Margaret Ann Kelley, November 28, 1844. She professed religion and united with the church at Third Creek. Moved to Missouri and settled in Polk county and united with the church at Brush Grove. Afterward became members in the organization of the church at Humansville, called Senter. In a year or two brother Frank was ordained a deacon by said church. Afterward he and his wife united with the church at Rondo, called Mission Chapel, where they are at this writing active members. Brother Tillery has exercised a great influence in the maintenance of the churches in which he has lived. He has been successful in the prosecution of his business affairs and now owns exten-
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sive tracts of farm land adorned with elegant residences. His rents are bringing a handsome revenue, which it is hoped is ample to sustain him in the decline of life. His purse is not closed to the calls of the church and the great mission work.
The ancestors of brother Tillery emigrated from Eng- land, as supposed, on the father's side, and on the mother's side from Germany. In the father's family were thirteen children, as follows : Sarah, Samuel, Barbara Ann, John, Andrew, Francis, Thomas, Phoebe, Jacob F. and Mary E., twins, Harriett Elizabeth, William and James. Of these thirteen children, Sarah, Samuel, Barbara Ann, Andrew, Phoebe, Harriett Elizabeth and James are dead. To Fran- cis, the subject of this sketch, and Margaret Ann, two chil- dren were born, viz: Ann Eliza, who was married to James Mashburn, July 6, 1866, and Samuel S. who was married to Miss Frances Brown. Ann Eliza was born December 31, IS48. Samuel S. was born April 2, 1857. Samuel S. and wife are living in Humansville, Missouri, and are en- gaged in mercantile pursuits.
JESSE BEWLEY.
Jesse Bewley was born April 15, 1837, in Barren county, Kentucky. Was married to Miss Mary J. Davis October 18, 1855. Moved to Missouri in the spring of 1856. Settled in Henry county for a season and afterward settled in Polk county, where he still lives. Converted in 1870 and united with the church at Oak Grove. To brother Bewley and Mary J. were born seven children as follows: Nancy Elizabeth, Sarah Ann, John W., James Thomas, George W., Julia B., and Mary I. All these are living ('94) except George W., and all are professors of religion. Mary J., the wife, died September 12, 1868.
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Brother Jesse Bewley was married a second time to Miss Ada T. Spilman in Polk county, February 26, 1871. Five children were given to them, viz: Eliza J., Jacob, Cora A., and Ada. (One is omitted.) All of the children are dead but Ada. Eliza J., died February 10, 1872. Jacob died January 28, IS74. Cora A. died September 4, IS77. Ada Spilman, the wife. died January 28. ISSO. She was converted and united with the church at Mt. View in Polk county. The first wife was not a member of the church. Ada, the daughter of the second wife, made a profession of religion in IS94. Brother Bewley married a third time to Mrs. C. E. (Haines) Odum, October 7; ISSo, in Polk county, Missouri. No children were given to them. Sister C. E. was converted at the age of 14 and united with the Methodists and remained with them until the fall of IS93; when she united with the Baptist church at Turkey Creek in Polk county.
ELD. OBADIAH SMITH.
Eld. Obadiah Smith was a native of Kentucky, and Lu- cinda, his wife, was born in North Carolina. They settled at an early day in Howard county, Missouri, whither they had immigrated with their parents. They were married in that county about 1832, and came to Cedar county, then called Rives. They made a home in the wilderness where Indians and wild animals abounded. Eld. Smith began his theological studies soon after his first marriage. He was an able minister and a large landholder. He served in the Black Hawk war. After his return from the legislature, session of 1862-63, he was shot in his door yard while stand- ing by the side of his wife. Eld. Smith's first wife was a sister of his second wife. Six children were born to the second wife. These are outlines. The molding influences
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of a man's life and character can never be fully estimated. The presumption is, they will be properly measured in the world to come. A corrected account of Eld. Smith's life is seen in Duncan's History, where he is reported to have been born August 6, 1806. He was married four times. The first and second wives were sisters, (Hartman). The one who survived him was named Eliza Preston. He was or- dained at the call of Cedar church in Cedar county, Missouri, Elds. Wm. Tatum and D. R. Murphy the presbytery. Eld. Smith was an itinerant as well as pastor in the bounds of Cedar association.
SAMUEL A. DEROSSETT.
Samuel A. Derossett was born November 16, 1834, in Roane county, Tennessee, and moved with his parents to Missouri in 1841; settled on Slagle Creek in Polk county. His father's name was John and his mother's name was Martha ( Pritchett) Derossett. They were born in Virginia and North Carolina respectively. Bro. Derossett, the subject of our sketch, was converted in 1850, baptized by Eld. I. In- gram, and united with the church at Slagle Creek. Married April 7, 1857, to Miss Margaret Adeline Slagle, daughter of John Slagle. Brother and Sister Derossett have suffered with various afflictions that have kept them on the border of death for a long time, and strange to say their temporal affairs have prospered wonderfully. They are at this time, '96, able to attend church, and it is their delight to be found at their reg- ular church meetings. The first preacher Bro. Derossett ever heard was Eld. D. R. Murphy in the old Zumwalt house near where Uncle Cal. Davis lived, and about 112 miles from Enon. At the Zumwalt house Enon church was first or- ganized.
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ELD. M. A. WOLFE.
Eld. M. A. Wolfe was born in Greenwood, Johnston county, Indiana. Moved with his parents, Dr. G. W. and Marie B. Wolfe to Howard county, Indiana, (a part of the Miami Indian Reserve, Kokomo being the county seat.) Here he grew to manhood on the farm, with meagre oppor- tunities for an education. On the second day of April, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss L. J. Collins and in the winter of 1867 both were converted and added to the church at Alto under the pastorate of Eld. P. McDade. In IS68 he moved with his wife and two small children to Vernon county, Missouri. Feeling strongly impressed to preach the gospel he became an active member in the church, and the church, being convinced of his call to the ministry, called a presbytery, and on the fourth Sunday in March, IS71, set him apart to the full work of the ministry. This was done by request of Old Sulphur Springs church, of which he has been pastor for 17 years and up to the present ('94). He has preached for other churches as follows: Schell City, Sheldon, Olive Branch, Osage Valley, Blue Mound, Liberty, Glade Spring, Eldorado Springs, Second church of Nevada. These churches are all in Nevada association. He also preached one year in Cedar County association for Old Cedar church. During these years he has baptized hundreds of converts.
In 1873, feeling the need of better preparation to preach, he went to William Jewell college ; but being short of means he only went one term, but has since pursued his studies at home as best he could. In 1884 or 5 he became connected with the Southwest Baptist college as financial agent, and raised several hundred dollars and was a member of the board of council. He has had some opportunities for worldly
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honor, being nominated by the people of his county for the Legislature ; but declined the honor, believing that he had a more honorable position than could be conferred upon him. In faith he is an unflinching, uncompromising Baptist of the landmark order, believing that though there are many con- verted people among other denominations, they are human organizations and not churches.
ROBERT FRANKLIN CONLEY.
Robert Franklin Conley was born in Montgomery coun- ty, Missouri, December 20, 1832. His father was born in Fauquier county, Virginia. His mother, Elizabeth (Beatty) Conley, was born in Montgomery county, Kentucky, and in the latter county, in the year 182S, they were married. Elev- en children were born to them, in the order of their birth as follows : John Beatty, Geo. Washington, Robert Franklin, Jas. Henderson, Lucretia, Charles, Cornelius, Sarah Lee, Harvey, David, Thomas. Five of these are living, John B., Robert F., Cornelius, Harvey and Thomas. The subject of our sketch, Robert F., was married to Miss Janetta Rogers in Adair county, Missouri, May 20, 1858. Their children that were given them were Josiah, Joseph, Anna Elizabeth, John William, Susan. Three of these, Joseph, John W., and Susan were living in. 1894. Bro. Robert F. was con- verted in 1854 and joined Bear Creek church in Adair county, Missouri. His wife had joined the same church before her marriage. Bro. Conley was elected and ordained a deacon in Bear Creek church in 1867, and still holds the office in the church at Rondo, in Polk county, Missouri, called Mission Chapel, 12 miles north of Bolivar, Missouri.
J. W. LIGHTFOOT.
J. W. Lightfoot was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, April 30, 1846. His father, David L. Lightfoot, was born
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in Simpson county, Kentucky, February 10, 1823, and was married June 11, 1843, to Miss Sarah H. Chapman. They moved to Missouri in IS51. Five children were given them, viz: John Wesley, Henry M., David William, Sarah Jane and Jackson B. The latter two are dead. His wife also died August 16, 1856. David L., the father, married Miss Mahala Taylor and raised three children, viz: Calvin L., Noah W., and Christopher C .; but in October, 1892, the father died. John W., his son, married Miss Rebecca F. Richards, daughter of uncle Jack and Rebecca Richards, August 9, 1868. Eleven children were given to them ; seven girls and four boys. Arty, May 11, 1869; Laverna, January 21, 1871 ; Carter, November 13, 1872 ; Bertie, April 5, 1875 ; Allety, February 23, 1877; Isaac N., January 18, 1879; Lillie, February 9, ISSI ; Albert and Elbert, twins, August 17, 1883; Mattie, March 11, 1885 ; Julia M. A. June 26, 1887.
J. W. and Rebecca, the parents, professed religion and joined the church at Oak Grove in Polk county, September, 1871. Two years afterward they became members at New Hope and remained there about ten years. The church de- sired to exalt him to the deaconship, but he refused because he felt his unworthiness. In 1884 he joined at Mission Chapel, where he was again solicited for the same office ; but he again refused for the same reason. He and his ami- able wife have been battling for the Lord for 23 years and not tired yet; but expect by the grace of God to hold out faithful to the end and finally wear a crown that will outshine the noon-day sun.
JOHN LIGHTFOOT.
John Lightfoot was born in Allen county, Kentucky, May 13, 1820. His father was born in Virginia near Rich-
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mond and his mother in South Carolina. Her maiden name was Barbara Lambert. They were married in Warren county, Kentucky. The fruit of this marriage was thirteen children of whom five were boys and eight girls, as follows : John, the subject of our present history, Sarah, David L., Polly, Esau Jackson, Elizabeth, Mahala, Melissa, Malinda, Henry Bannister, Rebecca, Josiah, Barbara Dorothy. Of the boys, two are living ('94), John and Henry. Of the girls four are living, Elizabeth, Melissa, Malinda and Bar- bara D. All are members of the Baptist church. John was married to Keziah H. Chapman, of Warren county, Ken- tucky, June 23, 1842. Five boys and five girls were given them: Henry Jackson, born July, 1843; Mary Elizabeth, David Nathaniel, March 4, 1847; John Salathiel, Barbara Malinda, Wm. Alexander, Louisa Frances, a boy whose name is not at hand, twins were born - named Armilda Jane and Zerilda Catharine. Five of the foregoing are at this date ('94) living, viz; H. J., D. N., J. S., W. A., and L. F. Three of these are members of the church.
Brother John Lightfoot was converted about IS39 and joined church at Union in Warren county, Kentucky. His wife had been a member of the same before. Moved to Missouri in the fall of 1851 and joined with his wife at Mt. View 12'miles northeast of Bolivar. Eld. Thompson Pitts was pastor at that time. After the Civil war, the church at Oak Grove was organized, of which brother and sister Light- foot were constituent members. Brother Lightfoot was elected deacon and is still in office. His wife died June 20, IS92. Brother Lightfoot was justice of the peace one term of four years. It may well be said of the brother that his life has been spent in honest toil upon the farm. Punctual
ELD. W. T. CAMPBELL.
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to his appointments at the church, and in his neighborhood. True to principle and firm in his doctrines.
ELD. W. T. CAMPBELL.
Eld. W. T. Campbell is well known to many in Missouri but the importance of the work upon which he has entered makes it desirable that all should become acquainted with him, and so we introduce him to our brotherhood. Brother Campbell is a native of Arkansas, but moved in early life to Missouri. He was born in 1852 and was converted in 1867. He entered William Jewell college in 1872, where he re- mained for six years; was ordained in January, 1876, while in college, and was supplying two churches in the country for two years before leaving it. During the summer of IS78 he supplied the church at Clinton, Missouri, and entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary of Louisville, where, in addition to his regular course of study, he preached for the Portland Avenue Baptist church, where he did good service for the Master. But the work was too much for him, and he was compelled to leave the seminary on account of failing health from overwork. He accepted a call to Westport, a part of Kansas City, and two years afterwards resigned to accept the appointment of missionary in Kansas City, where his work was greatly blessed. In 1884 he organized the Olive Street Baptist church with 30 members, and after a hard struggle, overcoming many difficulties, the church became not only self-supporting, but was one of the most liberal churches in the state, in proportion to their ability. The church numbered 360 when he resigned in January, I891, to go to Palestine. Upon his return from Palestine he took charge of the Wabash Mission, Chicago, where he labored with great acceptance. But his heart was in Missouri, and
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