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 21
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Dr. J. M. Dunnegan was born in Bolivar, Missouri, July 14, 1868. Received his education in the public schools of Bolivar un- til the fall of 1884 he entered Southwest Baptist college and graduated in the spring of 1888 with the degree of B. S. Studied medicine under Dr. Farmer in Bolivar. Graduated in Missouri Medical college, March 31, 1891. His father is the ever vigilant, successful banker, has reared his two boys, W. and J. M., under the shadow of the banking institution until gradual assimilation has taken place, and they are now first class cashiers in their father's Polk County Bank.
Troy C. Hatler was born in Polk county, Missouri, near Slagle, February 2, 1860. Was reared on the farm and schooled in the district and moving into Bolivar with his parents (Jeffer- son B. and Theresa E.). He attended the graded school of Bolivar until the fall of 1886, when he entered the Southwest Baptist college and graduated in the spring of 1888 with the degree of A. B. Troy engaged with his father and brother Ben in the hard- ware business in Bolivar and in the milling business. Troy was married January 21, 1893, to Miss Rose Wilcox, who was born April 8, 1862, near Pleasant Hope, Polk county, Missouri. Miss Rose was matriculated in 1886 in Southwest Baptist college, and continued her studies in that institution till the year 1892. Troy made profession of the religion of Christ and found his hope, as he stated, on the night of the 16th of October, 1884, and was bap- tized by the writer, on Sunday the 19th.
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CLASS OF 1889.
Eld. D. F. Adams is recorded as having entered Southwest Baptist college in 1887 and graduated with the degree of A. B. in 1889. He entered with a good degree of enthusiasm into the work of the ministry. First in a church south of the city of St. Louis, Missouri, and a successful pastorate for a term of years. His field of labor was changed to Richland, Missouri. Since that we have had no report from him; but indulged the hope that in- creasing years bring abundant rewards.
B. B. Kirby was matriculated in Southwest Baptist college in 1885, and graduated in 1889 with the degree of B. L. We have no data: but naturally conclude from the active, business disposition of the man that he will make his mark in the world. In 1894 he was practicing medicine in Dadeville, Missouri.
J. W. Clark entered Southwest Baptist college in 1888 and graduated with degree of B. L. in 1889. Since his graduation he has been engaged in teaching. He is now engaged in the prac- tice of medicine at Halfway ('95).
Eld. Philip M. Johnson was reared in Greene county, Mis- souri. Entered Southwest Baptist college in 1887 or 88. Gradu- ated in 1889 with the degree of B. L. since that he received the degree of A. M. He received an appointment by the missionary board at Boston, Massachusetts, and with his wife (nee Lindsay) sailed for the country of the Telegus. Arriving at that land he was immediately introduced by the noble veteran of the cross, Dr. Jno. E. Clongh, who had been on the field for some time be- fore, and who had with six native assistants baptized 2,222 candi- dates in one day. Eld. Johnson, coming into that work shortly after this, assisted in baptizing a great number of candidates, and was soon in possession of the language, and was being rapidly fitted for good work, when his wife, losing her eldest born, began to decline, and it was found necessary to relinquish the work and return to their native land. Since their return Eld. Johnson has written and published a book in which is set forth in a very interesting manner the life and religion of the Telegus.
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Prof. J. R. Lightfoot was born in Polk county, Missouri, November 19, 1866. His father, Henry B. Lightfoot, was married to Miss Nancy J. Fisher, May 19, 1863. To them were given eight children, five sons and three daughters, in the following order, viz: Emma E., Ellie E., James R., William H., John F., Josiah, Chloe E. and Clyde A. The subject of our sketch, James Robert, with the sisters and brothers, received his educa- tion in the district schools of Polk county. J. R. LIGHTFOOT. He completed the public school course at the age of 17. He entered the Southwest Baptist college in Septem- ber, 1884, and graduated from said college in May, 1889, with the degree of B. L. Upon his graduation he was elected to the chair of natural science and English in his alma mater, which position he has filled continuously for eight years. He was happily con- verted and joined the church at Mt. View, in Polk county, Mis- souri, in. December, 1880. He was united in marriage to Miss Grace Seevers, daughter of Dr. John Seevers, of Osceola, Mo. To them was given a son, Seevers Lightfoot, who was born December 20, 1891.
William E. Young entered Southwest Baptist college in 1886 or 1887, and graduated from said college with the degree of A. B. His mind is beyond the ordinary calibre, and stored as it is with intellectual lore, he will be capable of filling any station within ' the gift of the people. Let us hope that a good report shall come, telling of achievements full of glory.
CLASS OF 1890.
N. H. Franklin, of Lone Spring, Hickory, county, Missouri, entered Southwest Baptist college in 1888 or 1889, and graduated from said college with the degree of M. L. in 1890. Having no statistics with reference to him, we must be content with bare mention.
Ben Hatler was born April 22, 1871, near Slagle, Polk county, Missouri, and like his brother Troy, was reared on the farm and schooled in the districts until the entrance to Southwest Baptist college in Boliyar in the fall of 1887, and graduated in that insti-
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tution in 1890, with the degree of B. S. He has been engaged with his father and brother in merchandising and milling since 1891, and is now ('97) engaged in merchandising.
Mrs. Grace (Seevers) Lightfoot was born in Madison county, Iowa, September 22, 1871. Her father, Dr. John Seevers, was born in Mahaska county, Iowa, June 30, 1843, and was married to Miss Fidellia Freeborn, who was born in Steubenville, Ohio, June 29, 1851, and moved with her parents to Iowa at the age of three years. To them were given seven children, five girls and two boys. The oldest boy died at the age of 16 months. The order of their birth as follows: Iowa, Grace, Nellie, Roxy, Austin Flint, Ruth and Glover. MRS. GRACE LIGHTFOOT. Grace, the second, received her education with her sisters in St. Clair county, Missouri, and after completing the public school course she entered Southwest Baptist college, along with her sister Iowa, and both graduated and received the degree of B. L. in 1890. She was converted in 1886 and united with the Presbyterians. In 1893 she united with the Baptist church at Bolivar, Mo. Dr. Seevers came to St. Clair county, Missouri, in 1881. Miss Iowa was chosen as one of the teachers in the public school at Bolivar, Mo., in 1894, and is now (1897) teaching at Osceola. MISS IOWA SEEVERS. 'i:
L. E. Brown is reported as a graduate with the degree of B. L. but his sketch is not at hand and can only say that his post- office address is at Cross Timbers, Hickory county, Missouri.
CLASS OF 1892.
A. M. Sams was born in northeast Missouri. His father settled in Bolivar, and dying, the family settled in Webster county, Missouri, a few miles east of Marshfield. The son, A. M. attended the college at Bolivar until the spring of 1892, when he graduated with the degree of A. B. His deportment in school
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and church gives promise of usefulness and efficiency in whatso- ever sphere he may be placed.
Miss Lena Simmons was born in Marion county, Missouri, September 29, 1873. Her schooling was in the public schools of Marion and St. Clair counties. Lena entered Southwest Baptist college in the fall of 1889 and graduated in the spring of 1892 with the degree of A. B. She was employed a good portion of the time in 1891 and 1892 as teacher in the college. Current rumor has it that she is well versed in science and in the classics. It is also reported that she is teaching, at this writing, ('94) in the state of Texas.
Miss Bertie Collins Bushnell was born September 11, 1873. Graduated at high school in 1889. Entered Southwest Baptist college the following fall, where she graduated with the degrce of B. S. in 1892. She was salutatorian of her class.
CLASS OF 1893.
Miss Bettie Ross was the only graduate of 1893. She was born in Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri, November 1, 1872. Her parents were Hon. John W. Ross, a native of Fayette county, Kentucky, and Sallie E. (Mumford) Ross, a native of Wilson county, Tennessee, and they were married in Clarksville, Tenn., September 24, 1870. The fruit of this marriage was two daugh- ters, Miss Bettie, as above, and Marian Sea Ross. The latter was born in Bolivar, Mo., December 22, 1875. These two daughters attended the public school in Bolivar until the fall of 1890, when the eldest, Miss Bettie, entered Southwest Baptist college, and graduated in the spring of 1893 with the degree of A. B. The younger entered Southwest Baptist college in the fall of 1894, and continued her studies through the year. The eldest has taught in the districts one year, and in the public schools of Bolivar one year, and with such acceptance that her services as teacher are in demand.
CLASS OF 1894.
Clyde Simmons was born July 6, 1875, in Marion county, Missouri, and enjoyed the same advantages in schooling with his sister Lena. He entered Southwest Baptist college in the fall of 1890, and graduated in 1894 with the degree of A. B. Since his graduation he remains with his parents, ready equipped for
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life's battles. Shall it be, that the Lord will direct his footsteps in some honorable career, in which the plaudits of earth and heaven shall nltimately be "Well done."
Carl S. McGee was born at Fair Play, Missouri, January 11, 1873. Attended the public schools at Fair Play until January 1, 1890, when he entered the service of the Mercantile Company in Fair Play. Entered Southwest Baptist college in the fall of 1890, and continuing until the spring of 1894, except the fall term of 1891, when he engaged with the above company, making three and one- half years in college, graduating in May, 1894, with the degree of B. S. His father, J. O. McGee, was born in Tennessee, December 17, 1847. His mother, M. E. (Eaton) McGee, was born in Tennessee, September 7. 1850. They were married September 12, 1869. Their daughter, Flora, was born July 14, 1870, and was married to Abram Clevenger in 1892. Win. M. McGee was born September 19, 1875, at Fair Play, Polk county, Missouri. Carl has been teaching in the district sehools.
Miss Anne Ward Bushnell was born in Bolivar, Polk county, Missouri, April 27, 1875. Graduated at the public school of Boli- var, in the spring of 1891. Entered Southwest Baptist college in the fall of 1891 where she graduated with the degree of B. S. in the spring of 1894. She was salutatorian of her class.
CLASS OF 1895.
W. W. Jarnagin was born in Polk county, Missouri, Febru- ary 5, 1870. His father, A. W. B. Jarnagin, was born in Ten- nessee, September 27, 1835. His mother, Amanda Jarnagin, was born in Tennessee, February 15, 1842, and died August 9, 1882. When W. W. was old enough to attend school he lived so far away from the school house that he had but little benefit in the way of education. He attended the public school at Fair Play two years, beginning in 1888 in the primary department under Prof. P. B. Wonacott. He entered Southwest Baptist college, September 4, 1890, with a full determination to graduate in the A. B. course. And this resolution he carried out in full, paying his own expenses and receiving the degree on the 29th day of May, 1895. Brother Jarnagin will pardon the writer, it is hoped, if we point to him as an encouraging example of diligence and perseverance.
PROF. C. E. HIGGINS.
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HISTORY OF POLK COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Charles Edson Higgins, son of Edson J. and Mary E. Higgins, was born in Kane county, Illinois, August 24, 1868. His father was a direct descendant of the Puritans, who landed at Plymouth in 1620. His mother was a descendant of Walter Palmer, who also was a Puritan and one of the leading families of New Eng- land. . His parents moved to Henry county, Missouri, in the fall of 1869, where his father engaged in school teaching and stock raising until the spring of 1875, when they moved to St. Clair county, Missouri, where he gave his entire attention to farming and stock dealing, which he followed with marked success until the summer of 1882, when, overcome with constant toil, he was attacked with typhoid fever, and, after an illness of five weeks, died September 27, 1882. He had been a graduate of Poughkeepsie college, New York, and, appreciating the value of an education, resolved that his children should be thoroughly endowed with education. But he had purchased six hundred acres of land, and had not completed the payments at the time of his death. This brought greater responsibility upon the mother and Charles, who was then only fourteen years of age, but by careful management the last payment was made, and their home was their own. Charles E. professed religion at the age of twelve years, and united with the Cumberland Presbyterian church at Chalk Level at the age of sixteen. He has been an earnest worker in the cause of Christ and an uncompromising opponent of the liquor traffic.
He was married August 2, 1888, to Miss Docia Garnett. One child, Mary Emogene, was born to them July 20, 1891. Miss Gar- nett was born in St. Clair county, Missouri, September 29, 1868. She was a young lady of amiable qualities, a true Christian, and possessed a good education. Since her marriage she has been the friendly advisor and encouraging supporter of her husband in all his trials and difficulties, and he attributes much of his success in life to her kindly sympathy. In the press of business he never lost his desire for an education. He visited his brother, who was attending Southwest Baptist college, and was particularly at- tracted toward the college on account of the religious as well as intellectual training received by the students. He resolved to en- ter its walls and qualify himself for life's duties. And, though
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in the midst of cruel gibes and false predictions, he entered the college September 6, 1892, and graduated in the spring of 1895 with the degree of B. S. And afterward he was chosen to preside over a select school at Pleasant Hope. But the president of his alma mater laid hands upon him and secured his services as assist- ant teacher, and he has filled the place acceptably since the fall of 1895 to the present, 1897.
Miss Zoe Hatler is a native of Polk county, Missouri. Born April 29, 1877. Her childhood was spent in the country some six miles southeast from Bolivar, also the beginning of school days; but moving with her parents to Bolivar, she there entered the publie school and remained as a student until the fall of 1892 she entered Southwest Baptist college where she pursued her studies until the spring of 1895, graduating with the degree of B. S. She was salutatorian of her class.
Miss Gertrude Hoekenhull was valedictorian of her class on the occasion of her graduation on the 29th of May, 1895. and re- ceived the degree of A. B. Residence near Polk, Polk county, Missouri.
O. E. Baker, of St. Clair county, Missouri, entered Southwest Baptist college in the fall of 1890 and pursued his studies therein until the spring of 1895, receiving the degree of A. B. as a reward of assiduous labor. He has erected an institution of learning at Dunnegan. Polk county, Missouri, the Dunnegan Springs Train- ing school, of which he is president.
CLASS OF 1896.
John H. Baker was the only graduate of this year. He re- ceived the degree of A. B. on Wednesday, June 3, 1896, and is associated with his brother, O. E., in the school at Dunnegan.
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Eld. George W. Sherman was a native of Indiana. His parents moved from that state and settled in Brighton, Polk county, Missouri, where his father now resides ('97). The writer baptized him and he became a member of the church at Brighton. Brother Geo. was very active and zealous in religious work. He would appoint prayer-meetings at private houses in and around Brighton until there was a general religious interest in the whole neighborhood. Brighton church is sup- posed to be largely due to this influence. G. W. SHERMAN. He attended Southwest Baptist college three years. Was ordained Sunday, September 16, 1888, at the church at Brighton. He was married to Miss Sallie Browulow at her home in Buffalo, Dallas county, Missouri. Attended sev- eral terms in Baptist Seminary at Louisville, Kentucky. Now resides in Tennessee.
Eld. Charles Ingram was raised in Polk county, Missouri, where his parents had set- tled in an early day. He was married to Miss Mackey, whose relatives also live in Polk county. His death occurred in the midst of his usefulness and greatest efficien- cy, leaving a large family on the homestead in Cedar county, Missouri. Most, if not all his children, settled ón good homesteads in Cedar county. Some notice of him is given in the life of Eld. Isaac Ingram, as published CHARLES INGRAM. in this book. Eld. Charles was a member of the board of trus- tees of Southwest Baptist college in the first years of its organ- ization.
BOOK V.
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
1. OF THE TRUE GOD .- We believe that there is one, and only one living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of Heaven and Earth:1 inexpressibly glorious in holiness.2 and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love;3 that in the unity of the God- head there are three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit;4 equal in every divine perfection,5 and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. John 4:24. God is a Spirit. Ps. 147:5. His understand- ing is infinite. Ps. 83:18. Thou whose name alone is Jehovah, art the Most High over all the earth. Heb. 3:4; Rom. 1:20; Jer. 10:10.
2. Ex. 15:11. Who is like unto thee-glorious in holiness? Isa. 6:3; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16; Rev. 4:6-8.
3. Mark 12:30. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength. Rev. 4:11. Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory, and honor, and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.
4. Matt 28:19. Go ye therefore and teach all nations, bap- tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. John 15:26. When the Comforter is come, whom
.
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I will send you from the Father, even the Spirit of Truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me. 1 Cor. 12:4-6; 1 John 5:7.
5. John 10:30. I and my Father are one. John 5:17, 14:23, 17:5, 10; Acts 5:3, 4; 1 Cor. 11:10, 11; Phil. 11:5, 6.
6. Eph. 11:18. For through Him (the Son) we both have an access by one Spirit unto the Father. ? Cor. 13:14. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Rev. 1:4, 5, and 11:7.
2. OF THE SCRIPTURES .- We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction,1 that it has God for its author, salvation for its end,2 and truth for its matter;3 that it reveals the princi- ples by which God will judge us;4 and therefore is, and shall re- main to the end of the world, the true centre of Christian bunion, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried. 6
Places in the Bible where taught.
1. 2 Tim. 3:16, 17. All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. Also, 2 Pet. 1:21; 2 Sam. 23:2; Acts 1:16; 3:21; Jno. 10:35; Luke 16:29-31; Ps. 119:111; Rom. 3:1,2.
2. 2 Tim. 3:15,-able to make thee wise unto salvation. Also, 1 Pet. 1:10, 12; Acts 11:14; Rom. 1:16; Mark 16:16; Jno. 5:38, 39.
3. Prov. 30:5, 6. Every word of God is pure. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. Also Jno. 17:17; Rev. 22:18, 19; Rom. 3:4.
4. Rom. 2:12. As many as have sinned in the law, shall be judged by the law. Jno. 12:47, 48. If any man hear my words, the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Also 1 Cor. 4: 3, 4; Luke 10:10-16; 12:47-48.
5. ' Phil. 3:16. Let us walk in the same rule; let us mind the same thing. Also, Eph. 4:3-6; Phil. 2:1, 2; 1 Cor. 1-10; 1 Pet. 4:11.
6. 1 Jno. 4:1. Beloved believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. Isa. 8:20. To the law and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this word, it is be-
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cause there is no light in them. 1 Thess. 5:21. Prove all things. 2 Cor. 13:5. Prove your own selves. Also, Acts 17:11; 1 Jno. 4:6; Jude 3:5; Eph. 6:17; Ps. 119: 59, 60; Phil. 1:9-11.
3. OF THE FALL OF MAN .- We believe that Man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker;1 but by voluntary trans- gression fell from that holy and happy state;2 in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners,3 not by constraint but choice;4 being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin,5 without defence or excuse. 6
Places in the Bible where taught;
1. Gen. 1:27. God created man in his own image. Gen. 1:31. Aud God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good. Eccle. 7:29; Acts 15:26; Gen. 2:16.
2. Gen. 3:6-24. And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise; she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat; and gave also unto her husband with her, and he did eat. Therefore the Lord God drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way to keep the way of the tree of life. Rom. 5:12.
3. Rom. 5:19. By one man's disobedience many were made sinners: John 3:6; Ps. 51:5; Rom. 5:15, 19, 8:7.
4. Isa. 53:6. We have turned, every one to his own way. Gen. 6:12; Rom. 3:9-18.
5. Eph. 2:1-3. Among whom we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath even as others. Rom. 1:18. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. Rom. 1:32, 2:1-16; Gal. 3:10; Matt. 20:15.
6. Ez. 18:19, 20. Yet say ye, Why? Doth not the son bear the iniquity of the father? The soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father. neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. Rom. 1:20. So that they are without excuse.
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Rom. 3:19. That every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Gal. 3:22.
4. OF THE WAY OF SALVATION .- We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace;1 through the mediatorial offices of . the Son of God;2 who, by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin;3 honored the divine law by his personal obedience, 4 and by his death made a full atonement for our sins;5 that having risen from the dead, he is now enthroned in heaven;6 and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.7
Places in the Bible where taught:
1. Eph. 2:5. By grace ye are saved. Matt. 18:11; John 4:10; 1 Co. 3:5-7; Acts 15:11.
2. John 3:16. For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 1:1-14; Heb. 4:14, 12:24;
3. Phil. 2:6, 7. Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Heb. 2:9, 14; 2 Cor. 5:21.
4. Isa. 42:21. The Lord is well pleased for his righteousness sake; he will magnify the law and make it honorable. Phil. 2:8; Gal. 4:4, 5; Rom. 3:21.
5. Isa. 53:4, 5. He was wounded for our transgressions; he was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. Matt. 20:28; Rom. 4:25, 3:21-26; 1 John 4:10, 2:3; 1 Cor. 15:1-3; Heb. 9:13-15.
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