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 20
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Eld. D. P. Brockus, sr. Schofield, 1879 to 1897. A. J. Hunter, Bolivar, 1879, to 1887. Eld. D. G. Young, Greenfield, 1880 to 1883. Eld. T. J. Akins, Humansville, 1880 to 1882. M. N. Wills, Lamar, 1880 to 1883. Dr. G. W. Givens, Windsor, 1880 to 1883. Eld. J. C. T. Wood, Walnut Grove, 1880 to 1881. Arch Hopper, Humansville, 1882 to 1885. *Eld. Isaac Ingram, Slagle, 1883 to 1885. Hon. M. L. Reynolds, Buffalo, 1883 to 1894. WV. A. Nelson, D. D., Springfield, 1884 to 1885.
W. S. M. Barnett, Polk, 1884 to 1887. Eld. J. W. Haines, Bolivar, 1884 to 1897. Jas. P. Slagle, Slagle, 1884 to 1897. Eld. B. L. Mitchell, Knobnoster, 1884 to 1887. *WVm. Cary, Bolivar, 1885 to 1890. *Eld. J. R. Maupin, Bolivar, 1885 to 1885.
D. B. Gray, Bolivar, 1885 to 1897. R. W. Richardson, Omaha, 1885 to 1887. *E. Austin, Bolivar, 1886 to 1889. J. P. Brownlow, Buffalo, 1887 to 1887. Capt. W. M. Delaplain, Bolivar, 1887 to 1997.
C. W. Hamlin, Springfield, 1887 to 1893. *C. T. Robinson, Bolivar, 1889 to 1893. W. S. Askren, Bolivar, 1889 to 1897. A. J. Lower, Bolivar, 1889 to 1892. *J. W. Burks, Humansville, 1888 to 1890. Dr. I. M. Jones, Bolivar, 1890 to 1897.
Eld. B. F. Chamberlin, Polk, 1891 to 1897. J. O. McGee, Fair Play, 1891 to Eld. O. L. Brownson, Palmyra, 1892 to
*H. C. Turk, Bolivar, 1892 to - Judge N. Pope, Preston, 1892 to 1897. H. B. Utley, Bolivar. J. L. Kinder, Bolivar. Jno. H. Tatum, Springfield.
Eld. J. H. Stinecipher, Buffalo.
J. T. Wilson, Bolivar, 1896 to 1897. *Deceased.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
ELD. J. R. MAUPIN.
Eld. J. R. Maupin, the first president of Southwest Baptist college, was born in Schuyler county, Missouri, June 19, 1852. He obtained his early education in the public schools of Illinois, and taught in the district schools of Missouri. He entered La Grange college, where he took the degree of A. B. in 1877, followed by the degree of A. M. soon afterwards. He began to preach in 1874, and became pastor of Ten Mile Baptist church, in Lewis county, Missouri, in the same year. He was also missionary in Wyaconda and Mt. Pleasant associations for a short time. After his graduation he attended one session of the theological sem- inary at Morgan Park, Ill.
He was elected president of the Southwest Baptist college in 1878, and continued to hold this office until 1885, with what ef- ficiency can be seen by the general work of the school in that period, and its successful following in after years. He was for a short time editor and proprietor of the Baptist Herald, at Leb- anon, Mo. He was elected a member of the board of trustees im- mediately on his resignation of the presidency of the faculty. In the summer of 1885 he moved to Kansas City for the purpose of establishing a Baptist paper, but on October 8, 1885, death called and his labors were ended.
ELD. A. S. INGMAN.
Eld. A. S. Ingman, the second president of the college, was born in Marion county, Missouri, March 12, 1855, and was one of its first professors. He was also secretary of the faculty until his resignation in 1880. He had been a student at LaGrange, and also of the theological seminary at Louisville, Kentucky. He was elected president of Southwest Baptist college in May, 1885, and resigned the 27th of February following, on account of ill health. He was elected pastor of the church at Bolivar on Thursday, Sep- tember 2, 1886, and continued in that office until September 1, 1887. He returned to Lewis county, Missouri, where he enjoys good health and the unbounded love of the brethren in the busy field of pastoral labor. His wife, Sister Lydia, enjoys good health. The Lord has conferred on them many favors. He has given them good brethren and sisters in the churches, good health, and six good children, three girls and three boys. The names of the girls
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MRS. LYDIA INGMAN.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
are, Louanna, Laura and Mary; the boys are, David King, Ray Hansbrough and Abner Smith, jr. Their ages are as follows: Louanna, born Nov. 2, 1881; Laura Frances, born March 18, 1883; Mary Belle, born May 30, 1885; David King, born June 14, 1890; Ray Hansbrough, born December 3, 1892; Abner Smith, jr., born March 22, 1895.
Prof. J. M. Leavitt, Dr. W. H. Burnham, Eld. R. E. L. Burks and Prof. A. B. Bush occupied the president's chair successively after the departure of Elds. Maupin and Ingman. Brief histories have been written in the third book. We will now prsesent the promised sketches of the graduates, as far as could be ascertained.
CLASS OF 1882.
William S. Ayres was born in Russellville, Kentucky, October 10, 1862, and removed to Sulphur Springs, Texas, when he was about ten years old. He received his early education from his father, who was a teacher; attended Southwest Baptist college in 1880, and was graduated in 1882 with the degree of A. B., fol- lowed by the degree of A. M., in 1885. He entered the Newton Center Theological Institution in the fall of 1882. Six months before his graduation he was called to one of the most influential churches in the east, the Morthen Street Baptist church, Lowell, Mass. Thinking that the work was too large for so young a man, he would not give his consent to accept. They urged, how- ever, and he accepted; was ordained June 4, 1885; was graduated on the 12th with the degree of B. D., and began his pastorate on the following Sunday. He is still the pastor of Morthen Street church, and is endeavoring to have a new church building, the old one, after serving its purpose for fifty years, was burned down on the last day of the old year.
May E. Mitchell entered college at Bolivar in 1879, and was graduated in the class of 1882 with the degree of B. S., followed in 1885 by the degree of M. S. She taught the grammar school of the Hiawatha, Kansas, public schools from the time of her grad- uation until she was recalled in 1884 to take a position in the fac- ulty of her alma mater, where she remained until 1885, when she was married to Eld. O. L. Brownson, a class-mate, and removed to Shelbina, Missouri, and has ever proved to be a pastor's help- meet until the Lord called her from earth to heaven, during the pastorate in Springfield, Missouri.
.
R. K MAIDEN.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Eld. R. K. Maiden entered the college in 1879 and was gradu- ated in 1882 with the degree of B. S., followed by M. S., in 1885. He is a minister of the gospel and has been pastor of a number of churches in Polk and Greene counties. Since he has left this field he has been called to the care of Pleasant Hill Baptist church in Cass county, Missouri, serving them a number of years. He afterward accepted a call from the church at Nevada, Missouri, subsequently at Independence, Missouri, where, rumor says, he has been instrumental in building up a strong church and a magnificent church house. Recently he resigned his charge at that place, but the people were not willing to accept his resigna- tion. However, he has accepted the care of a church at Carthage and has entered upon his labors at that place. On Tuesday, June 2, 1896, the board of trustees of Southwest Baptist college con- ferred degree of D. D. on Eld. Robert K. Maiden. At night Eld. Maiden delivered the annual address to the literary societies of Southwest Baptist college. The theme "Life's Dimensions," looking at life from three standpoints of individualism, socialism and spiritism. His discourse was replete with profound thought, as he displayed in his inimitable way, the symmetrical character of the well developed man. It was truly an intellectual feast. Eld. Maiden has recently accepted the care of a church at Lee's Summit and will also engage with Eld. S. M. Brown in the establishment of a Baptist paper in Kansas City, Missouri, called the Word and Way.
Nathaniel T. Allison, of Higginsville, Mo., after teaching several years, entered Southwest Baptist college in 1879, and was graduated in 1882 with the degree of B. S., and in 1885 with the degree of M. S., followed in 1887 with the honorary degree of A. M. He was principal of the primary department 1879-81, pro- fessor of languages and literature 1881-3, secretary of faculty from 1879 to 1883, principal of high school in Sumpterville, Flor- ida, 1883 to 1884, principal of high school in Louisiana, Mo. He was in business a year in Alabama and Georgia. He was presi- dent of Lafayette college. He has held several pastorates in Missouri, but had to give up the ministry on account of throat troubles.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Olean S. Brownson came to Bolivar in 1879 and entered col- lege and was graduated with the degree of B. S. in 1882, followed by M. S. in 1885. He is a minister of the gospel. He has been pastor of the church at Appleton City, Shelbina, Springfield and Palmyra, Mo.
CLASS OF 1883.
Thomas O. Cary was born in Mercer county, Pennsylvania, and entered the college in 1879, and was graduated in 1883 with the degree of B. S., followed in 1886 by the degree of M. S. He has for a number of years been engaged in business in Bolivar, Mo., also in Trinidad, Colorado, and is at present in Bolivar.
James M. Yarbrough entered the institution in 1878 and grad- uated in 1883 with the degree of B. S., followed by the degree of M. S. in 1886. He was for a number of years assistant in the pre- paratory department of the college. After his graduation he be- came principal of the Walnut Grove, Mo., public schools. Mar- ried a Miss Wood and settled down in Springfield, Mo., and en- gaged in the insurance business. Was elected November 6, 1894, to the office of circuit clerk of Greene county, Missouri.
Eld. Judson A. Elliott was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, September 15, 1855, and was educated in the public schools of Illinois and Kansas. He entered the college in 1879 and gradu- ated in 1883 with the degree of B. S., followed by the degree of M. S. in 1886. He was financial agent of the college in 1883 and 1884. He was examined by the executive committee of American Baptist Missionary union, November 17, 1885. Passed a successful examination, but for want of means the board advised him to en- ter Morgan Park theological seminary, which he did, and remain- ed until spring, when he accepted the care of the Deer Park church, La Salle, Ill. Continued his pastoral labors until the fall of 1887, when he entered the Southern Baptist Theological sem- inary, where he desired to complete his theological course. He accepted the care of the church at Monticello, Illinois. He is now ('95) pastor of a Baptist church in Kansas City, Mo. He is the fortunate possessor of an amiable helpmeet, the partner of his toils and his life, the daughter of the venerable Jehu Robin- son.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Emma M. Young studied and taught for some time in an academy at Greenfield, Mo., after which she entered the college at Bolivar in 1881, and was graduated in 1883 with the degree of A. B., followed by A. M. in 1886. She was soon after examined by the Mission board of the Southern Baptist convention for for- eign missions. She was passed, and sailed from San Francisco December 7, 1883, on the steamship Arabic, arriving at Hong Kong January 8, 1884. In one year she had learned the Chinese lan- guage and taken charge of a school., She has established a school for girls, built a $1,300 school house, translated Bunyan's Holy War in Cantonese vernacular, and is superintending several other schools. After remaining five years she returned to her home near Greenfield, Mo. In a few months she was married to Eld. Wm. S. Ayres, our first graduate, and went immediately to Low- ell, Mass.
CLASS OF 1885.
Arthur S. Dunn was born in Effingham county, Illinois, Nc- vember 16, 1850; moved thence to Garnett, Kansas, thence to La- mar, Missouri, attended the high school at Lamar, Missouri, several years and entered the Southwest Baptist college in 1881. He was graduated in 1885 with the degree of A. B. Was a student of pharmacy in the offices of G. G. Cunningham, Lamar, Missouri, R. G. Pegnes & Co., Siloam Springs, Arkansas, and is a prescription clerk in the office of C. B. Mann. Olympia, state of Washington.
CLASS OF 1886.
Charles W. Alexander entered La Grange college in 1879 and remained two years. After teaching for some time, he entered Southwest Baptist college in 1883 and was graduated in 1886 with the degree of B. S. During his last year in school he was tutor in several branches. He was ordained in 1883 to the gospel ministry; entered the Southern Baptist Theological seminary at Louisville, Kentucky, in 1886; was pastor of Baptist church at Galveston, Indiana. Since called to a church in Illinois; but ru- mor tells us that Missouri claims him and that he was comfort- ably quartered with a prominent church on her soil until, alas, it was so, he took the Oklahoma fever and is now domiciled in that promising region, where, formerly the Indian and coyote
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
held undisputed sway. He has erected a monumental dwelling out of the native sod and enjoys the encouraging smiles of his life long companion, who is none other than the earnest, com- petent teacher in Southwest Baptist college, Miss Belle Hans- brough. May heaven's benedictions rest upon them, and as they approach the sunset of life, may it be, as the shock of ripe corn is gathered into the garner, they, too, shall be safely housed in mansions of eternal rest.
Louis S. Bowerman was born in Dresden, Saxony, May 9, 1864; was graduated with honors from the Springfield, Missouri, high school in 1883; entered William Jewell college, Liberty, Mis- souri, in 1883, and remained one year; entered Southwest Baptist college in 1884, and was graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1886. One of the citizens' gold medals for excelling in oratory was awarded to him in 1886. He entered as a theological student in Newton Center, Massachusetts, to be graduated in 1889.
Louis E. Christian was born in Shelby county, Missouri, April 10, 1857. After a pastoral course at the Shelbina Collegiate Insti- tute at Shelbina, Missouri, he entered Southwest Baptist college in 1884, and was graduated with the degree of B. L. in 1886. He has for many years been a teacher, and has since his graduation taught in Vernon county, Missouri. In 1887 he was elected school commissioner of Vernon county.
Columbus I. Davis was born in Dallas county, Missouri, April 13, 1860. Attended the Buffalo, Mo., high school 1877-82. Began the study of law in 1882, but finding his education insufficient, he says, " I believe Providence directed me to Southwest Baptist col- lege," where he entered in 1882, and was graduated with the de- gree of A. B. in 1886. He received the first gold medal for excel- ling in oratory in 1885. He was professor of mathematics in Mt. Lebanon college, Louisiana, in 1886-7. In the fall of 1887 he ac- cepted a position in the Athenian Institute, Athens, La. Later in the year he was elected president of the Coushatta Male and Female college, at Coushatta, La. Conducted that school three years. Then attended law school in Vanderbilt university one year, graduating in 1891. Practiced law in Paris and Dallas, Texas, eighteen months. Was in a business college in Flatonia, Texas, one session. Chosen to the office of president of Arcadia
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Male and Female college, northwest part of Louisiana, in 1893. Elected annually for 1894, 1895 aud 1896. Was married in Henry county, Missouri, to Miss Alice E. Garland, September 18, 1888. A son was born to them August 18, 1889, receiving the euphonious name, Garland.
Orra M. Townsend was born July 26, 1867. Educated in the high schools of Osceola, and Bolivar, Missouri. Entered South- west Baptist college in 1883 and was graduated with the degree of B. S., in 1886, when 18 years old, and the next youngest of the graduates. Studied law in the office of Hon. J. W. Ross, and was admitted to the bar at Marshfield, Missouri, in 1887. In the fall of 1887 he entered the law department of the University of Michigan, where he graduated in 1888, taking the degree of L. L. B. He is now ('97) with his father in the abstract office in Boli- var, Missouri. He was married to Miss Vernie F. Bushnell, one of the graduates in the musical department of Southwest Baptist college, June 21, 1893. Vernie was born August 28, 1871. Took the degree of B. S. in Southwest Baptist college in 1888, the youngest graduate, being 17 years old.
Wallace W. Lawton entered Southwest Baptist college in 1881 and was graduated in 1886 with the degree of A. B., since which time he has taught in the public schools of St. Clair coun- ty, Missouri. He is now ('96) circuit clerk of St. Clair county, Missouri.
J. C. Pike was born at Slagle, Missouri, January 25, 1863; entered Southwest Baptist college in 1881. Was awarded a gold medal for excellence in oratory in 1884, and was graduated in 1886 with the degree of B. S. Prior to his graduation he taught school, and immediately after he was elected professor of mathematics and history in Pierce City, Mo. Pres. W. A. Wilson says of him: " He has given perfect satisfaction in every re- spect." The trustees of his alma mater J. C. PIKE. elected him in 1888 a professor in this insti- tution. He is teaching ('96) at Hamilton, Mo., receiving $100 per month.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
CLASS OF 1887.
Perry T. Allen was born in Clinton county, Illinois, March 10, 1865; entered the Southwest Normal University at Carbon- dale, Illinois, in 1883, and the Southwest Baptist college in 1884; was awarded a gold medal for excellency in oratory in 1885, also the Hunter prize for the best senior orator in 1887, and was graduated with the degree of B. S. in 1887. Studied law in the office of prosecuting attorney, Jas. T. Neville, in Bolivar, Mis- souri. He married Miss Jennie Wolford and set up an office in Springfield, where he is now ('96) engaged in the practice of law.
Ada Allen, after a course in the Bolivar high school, entered Southwest Baptist college in 1884, and was graduated in 1887 with the degree of B. S. She received the gold medal in 1885, of- fered by Prof. Leavitt for the best recitation. She was elected teacher of the grammar school in the public schools of Bolivar in the fall of 1887.
Martha F. Haines was born May 21, 1867, in Monroe county, Missouri. Entered college in 1879, and by teaching a part of the time, and attending college part she was graduated in 1887 with the degree of B. L. In the fall she accepted a position in Frank- lin county, Missouri, where she taught. She has taught in the public schools of Polk county, Missouri, at Polk, Sunset, Run- yan's, Fair Play and at Bolivar. She was married to Mr. N. D. Owen at 8 P. M. October 4, 1893. There was born to them a son, March 19, 1895, named Cletus Leonard.
Leonidas O. Lovan entered the college in the year 1884 and was graduated in 1887 with the degree of B. S. After leaving the school he was occupied in his father's store as clerk.
Arthur T. Matthews, of Fairfield, Mo., entered school at Bol- ivar in 1880, and by teaching in the public schools of his own county, and attending when not teaching, he completed the course in 1887, and was graduated with the degree of B. L. in 1887, since which time he has been teaching. He was married to Miss Nellie W. Stiles May 27, 1888.
Anna M. Mitchell, of Greenfield, Mo., entered college in 1882, and was graduated in 1887 with the degree of B. L. She has taught several terms of school, and in the fall of 1887 was elected
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
teacher of the grammar school in the Greenfield public schools. She was married, after this, to Mr. Thos. L. Brown, of Arcola, Dade county, Missouri, who was also a student of the college.
Demetrius W. Talbot was born in Virginia. After attending a commercial college for some time, he entered Southwest Baptist college in 1884, and was graduated in 1887 with the degree of B. S. Since that time he has engaged in teaching. When the Okla- homa territory was opened in 1889 he cast his lot among the eager seekers of land in the new country, and obtaining a foothold he established himself and became one of its enterprising citizens. He represented one of the counties in the first legislative assem- bly.
A. H. Schofield was born at Yorkville, Ill., April 30, 1866. At- tended Springfield, Mo., high school in 1881-2. Entered South- west Baptist college in 1882 and was graduated in 1887 with the degree of A. B. Became editor and proprietor of the Polk County Leader in 1887; removed it to Humansville, Mo., in 1888, and com- bined it with the Star, with the hyphenated name, Star-Leader. He was married to Miss Ina Critcher.
Luella B. Wilcox. after attending the Morrisville college for some time, came to the college at Bolivar in 1879. She received the Mathetrophean prize for the best recitation in 1885, and was graduated in 1887, with the degree of B. L. She was married the following summer to Mr. N. C. Faulkner.
John C. Young entered the college in 1882, and was graduated in 1887 with the degree. of A. B. Entered the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky., in the fall of 1887. He graduated in that institution and has been ordained to the gospel ministry and called to the care of the church at Gray's Summit, in Franklin county, Missouri.
CLASS OF 1888.
S. A. Hoover, principal of public schools of Bolivar, received degree of A. B. in Southwest Baptist college May 24, 1888.
L. M. Tiller was born in Greene county, Missouri, July, 1855. His parents settled at an early day in Polk county, Missouri, near Pleasant Hope. He entered Drury college, in Springfield; was in that school about two years. Taught in Greene and Polk coun-
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
ties seven years. Elected probate judge of Polk county, Missouri, filling the office with acceptance. Received honorary degree of B. L. by curators and faculty of Southwest Baptist college in May, 1888. Married to Miss Lettie Brown, at Bolivar, Mo., Au- gust 3, 1892. To them was born a daughter, November 12, 1893, named Arva. Judge Tiller is a substantial citizen of Bolivar, and has been engaged in merchandising since the expiration of his office.
Eld. R. E. L. Burks, A. M., was born in Miller county, Mis- souri, September 6, 1864. His parents were Wm. G. and Louisa (Granstaff) Burks, who were born in Eidson county, Tennessee. Moved to Callaway county, Missouri, in 1855. The father, Win. G., died in Callaway county, April 7, 1886. The mother, Louisa, is living at this date ('97) with her son in Bolivar, Mo. The sub- ject of our sketch received his education in part in the public schools of Callaway county. Entered William Jewell college in the spring of 1885, and remained there one year. Entered South- west Baptist college in the spring of 1886, and graduated in 1889 with the degree of A. B. Since that time he has received the de- gree of A. M. from the same institution, and by the same institu- tion was called to the chair of Latin and Greek, which chair he filled from 1890 to 1895. In addition, he was elected to the office of president of Southwest Baptist college in 1892. Eld. Burks professed a hope in Christ in 1883 and joined the Union Hill Bap- tist church, in Callaway county, Missouri. Licensed by the same to preach, and was subsequently ordained to the full work of the ministry by the Baptist church at Bolivar. Mo., presbytery con- sisting of Elds. J. M. Bent, D. D., of Springfield, Mo., J. M. Wheeler, pastor of Bolivar church, W. J. Hunter and J. W. Haines. Eld. Burks was called to the care of the church at Hu- mansville, Mo., in 1889 and served fifteen months, resigning to take the chair above named. He was called to the pastorate of the church at Prairie Mound, three miles south of Bolivar, and Mission Chapel No. 1, twelve miles north of Bolivar, and after- ward, November 1, 1893, to the pastorate of Bolivar church, which office he filled with singular fidelity and efficiency. Eld. Burks resigned the presidency of Southwest Baptist college at the close of the school year in 1895, and afterward accepted the care of
ELD. R. E. L. BURKS.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Webb City Baptist college, in Jasper county, Missouri, which opened in September, 1895. Eld. Burks and Miss Ida Utley were married June 20, 1889, in Polk county, Missouri. Their children born to them were Willie, born April 1, 1890; Arthur, born Janu- ary 10, 1892, and a third child born in Bolivar, Mo., September 27, 1895. Miss Ida entered Southwest Baptist college in the year 1880-81, and continued until 1887-88. Ada, her sister, entered the same school in 1879-80. They were twins, born January 5, 1852. Miss Ada died November 30, 1881. Their brother, H. B. Utley, was born January 13, 1858, and was married to Miss Ada Mitchell September 2, 1883. Eld. Burks was again called to the care of Bolivar Baptist church, and has entered into active labor as pas- tor, beginning January, 1897.
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