History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 22

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1108

USA > Ohio > Clinton County > History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families > Part 22

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).

The ministers who have served the church as pastors are: Rev. Elder S. Marshall,

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August 6, 1853, to February 11, 1854; Rev. J. N. Chapman, April 8, 1854, to May 12, 1855; Rev B. B. Bedell, October 8, 1856, to December 9, 1866; Rev. B. G. Siegfried, December 9. 1866, to May 31, 1808; Rev. A. E. Anderson. February 13, 1800, to some time later in the same year ; Rev. W. Kidder, July 9, 1870, to February 26, 1871 ; Rev. B. G. Siegfried, June 4, 1871. to June 23, 1872; Rev. B. H. Gardner, January 10, 1878, to June 7, 1873; Rev. W. E Prichard, October 1, 1874, to May 10, 1870; Rev. B. G. Siegfried, May 8, 1878, to 1881; Rev. A. K. Sargent, September. 1881, to 1887; Rev. N. E Bennett, two pastorages, covering eleven years; Rev. J. L. Gough, one year and five months; Rev. Mason, one year: Rev. Robert Golder, three and one-half years; Rev. Henry Brandt, April 1, 1907, to the present time (1015).

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, BLANCHESTER.

The First Baptist church at Blanchester was known as a Free-Will Baptist church upon its organization in 1852, later as the Free Baptists, and since 1913 as the First Baptist church. The early history of the church is more or less obscure, but It appears that meetings were held in private homes as early as 1845. It is certain that the first building was erected and dedicated In 1852, the lot on which the church stood being pur- chased of Christopher Lazenby. The first trustees of the church were Leri Sever, Bon- ham Fox and Edward Crossen. The charter members were Doctor Wilford and Jane Cusick. Jonathan and Joanna Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Day, Mrs. Rebecca Baldwin, Hitty Whitney and Mrs. Robert Stephenson. There may have been others, but, owing to the loss of the first record book, the list of charter members has been necessarily gleaned from the memories of some of the oldest living members at the present time.

The pastors from 1852 to 1879. supplied from Inquiry, served in the following order, the dates of their several years of service being unobtainable: Cyrus Dudley, O. E. Baker, P. W. Perry, Thomas Poston, I. D. Reed, Lash, Tribbetta and A. M. Simonton. The church record is complete since 1879 and the pastors since that year are as follows: W. C. Hulse, 1879-81 : C. A. Glenson, 1881-83 ; R. M. Cloud, 1884-89; M. S. Waller, 1889-91; B. F. Zell, 1891; Nathan B. Crabtree (and father) 1891-93 ; Samuel E. Kelley, 1894-97; A. R. Tonthacre, 1898-1901 (two years and nine months) : W. W. Deckard. 1001. November 1. 1903 (resigned) : Charles P. Collett, January 1, 1904-06: A. J. Osborne, 1906-09; Thomas Lasley, 1009-12; J. H. Hollingsworth, 1912-14; Andrew Turkington, January, 1014-June 1. 1915.

The present brick building was erected In 1881 and has been extensively improved from time to time, until now it is one of the most attractive churches in the town. A frame parsonage was built by the ladies of the church in 1890. There is probably not another parsonage In the state which has been erected under similar conditions. In 1875 there had been organized a Ladies Sewing Circle and for many years Mr& Sarah Smith was the untiring president of the organization. For at least ten years prior to 1800 this organization was engaged in raising money for a parsonage and, as one of the members of the club told the historlan, they had quilts and other products of their handiwork in every state in the union. They finally raised enough money to erect a two- thousand-dollar parsonage without calling on the men of the church for a single cent. This circle has also assumed the responsibility of keeping the parsonage in repair since it was built.

Another unique organization In the church is a band of young Indies known as the Silent Tollers. They were organized in 1891 under the presidency of Mrs. Minnie Rice and within five years they raised by their own united efforts five hundred dollars to clear the church of debt. Since that time they have raised money for carpeting the church, as well as making other valuable improvements. This same group of giris organized a mandolin club in 1895 and gave frequent concerts In the church and elsewhere. They

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played for entertainments, receptions, commencements and on various other occasions, and in this way raised enough money to buy a five-hundred-and-fifty-dollar vocalion.

The history of the church would not be complete without making mention of the bell. It was bought in Cincinnati in the fall of 1855 and was the first church bell hung in Blanchester. The following eight persons donated the one hundred and fifty dollars necessary to make the purchase: Dr. Wilford Cusick, $30; Bonham Fox, $30; Joseph D. Smith. $15: Jonathan Fox, $15; Hetty Whitney. $10; Rebecca Baldwin, $10; Edward Day, $10; Robert Stephenson, $10. This bell still calls the members to worship.

Au interesting incident in the church occurred on May 30, 1915. On that day the report of the Sunday school of sixty-three years previous (May 30, 1852) was rend in the Sunday school. A striking coincidence of the report was that there were ninety-one pupils present in 1952, the same number in attendance in 1915. An old record gives the following teachers of the Sunday school in 1858: Thomas Ball, H. Halford, William Plerson, Moves Pierson. R. S. Eastham, Nancy Pierson. Della Cusick, Martha Titus, Rebecca Baldwin and Esther Gustin. The report of September 19, 1858, the date these teachers were elected, closes by saying that "I think by God's help this will be a good school. May the God of Jacob bless us and may much good be done. William P. Wolf. secretary."

The Sunday school in 1915 had two hundred and twenty-five enrolled. William C. Arbogast Is the superintendent. There are forty children on the cradle roll and a goodly number are enlisted in the home department. On each Easter Sunday flower seeds are given to all the children and the flowers later find their way into the bomes of the sick and afflicted.

As has been previously stated, the church was known as a Free-Will Baptist church at the beginning, but it is not generally known outside of the church that several years later the church dropped the word "Will" and simply called themselves Free Baptists, In 1913 the church voted to become a Regular Baptist church under the local name of the First Baptist church of Blanchester. This did not imply any change in church pollty or discipline and was only a formality which was deemed best for the church. Some time before this permission had been given by the general conference to call all Free Baptist merely Baptists and it was in accordance with this ruling that the Blanchester church changed Its name.

The church now has a membership of two hundred and is in a very flourishing con- dition. The pastor's salary is raised by the duplex envelope system and is paid him in weekly installments.

COWAR'S CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Baptists of Washington township effected the first religious organization in the township about the year 1818-19 The charter members, nine in number, were Peter Leurance, Sr., Peter Lieurance, Jr., Lucy Lieurance, Hannah Lleurance, William Mount. Hannah Phillips, Amy Phillips, Susan Conner and Polly Michael. Early records are not available, but it seems certain that in 1818 or 1819 the elder Peter Lieurance donated n tract of land for a church and cemetery, and that a rude log church was at once erected. This first church was not near the present building, which was erected some years later in the eastern part of the township. The present building is a frame structure and cost eighteen hundred dollars at the time it was erected.

Rev. Hiram Burnett helped to organize the church in 1818 and remained its pastor for many years afterward. He was followed by Jacob Layman and James How. About 1835 Elliott Raynes, an eloquent preacher from Kentucky, came into the neighborhood and preached the doctrines of Alexander Campbell so effectively that he practically split the Baptist church in twain. In fact the Christian church thus organized soon became the leading church of the township and has so remained to this day. James How, Jobn

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Rodger, together with Rev. Raynes, were the leaders in the new church. The list of ministers, as furnished by the church, is not complete, and the dates given supposedly indicate when each pastorate began Whether the minister served until his successor was appointed is not known. The list as furnished follows: Rev. Layman, 1838-39; David Pond, 1840; Wedge, 1845; Waters, 1848; E. Tilton, 1850; J. B. Sutton, 1851 ; H. H. Brown, 1856: G. Taylor, 1858; J. Sargent, 1860; John Dunkleman, 1861; R. Cunningham, 1$70; J. R. Powell, 1871: D. D Johnson, 1875-89; John Barrett, 1894; Jacob Baker, 1896; C. E. Griffin, 1897; J. H. Cosby, 1898-1900; J. L. Maddox, 1903; C. W. Sbinn, 1905; G. C. Crippen, 1000; M. F. Bagby, 1007: N H. Long. 1910-15.

The church has an active Sunday school and a Junior Missionary Society. The present church building was erected in 1897 and dedicated on August 15 of that year.

BLANCHEATER PRIMITIVE BAPTIATS.

The Blanchester Primitive Baptist church is the only one in Clinton county and dates from 1885. For some time prior to that year services had been held in private homes, hut in that year the present house of worship was erected. Among the early prominent members were Corwin Reed and wife. J. C. Keaton and wife, H. C. Baker and wife and Mrs. Benjamin Wilson. Most of these are still living. The few pastors of the church include Walter Yeoman, Corwin Reed, George Waddell and C. P. Ballard. the present incumbent. Reverend Ballard became connected with the church as pastor in March, 1012, and has settled in Blanchester to spend the remainder of his daya. He will no doubt remain in charge of the church as long as he lives. He also preaches at Waynesville. Laurelville and Cumberland. none of these churches, however. being in Clinton county. The Blanchester congregation numbers seventeen persons. They have no church auxiliaries of any kind, their belief being that they are unnecessary. The Primitive Baptists call themselves Regular Baptists, and they are also known as "Hard- Shell" Baptists,

As far as has been ascertained, the ouly other Primitive Baptist churches in the county were in Vernon township. The Clarksville church was established as early as 1523, but it did not seem to have maintained an organization only for a short time. Another church of this denomination is reported as having been built on the college town- ship road. a mile and a quarter north of Clarksville. This church early disappeared and nothing definite concerning it has been found. According to the most reliable acermts, the Primitive Baptists were unable to attract the younger generation and that, with the death of the first members, the church ceased to exist. Whatever the cause may he. it is certain that as a distinct denomination it will soon have disappeared altogether in Clinton county.

WILMINGTON COLORED BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Colored Baptists of Wilmington and vicinity effected a formal organization in 1850 with the following charter members: A. G. Mallory, Daniel Jackson. Fannie Lewis. Benjamin Morris, Phoebe Morris, Jacob Emmons, Katherine Mallory and Asa Pratt. For the first two years the members met at their homes, but in 1872 they erected a substantial little brick church. The first pastor was Am Pratt, who was assisted by. and Inter succeeded by, Jacob Enanons, Owing to various causes the church was unable to maintain an effective organization and a few years ago meetings were discontinued altogether.

CENTRAL. CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The Central Christian church of Wilmington is an offshoot of the regular Baptist church, which in the early years of the nineteenth century worshipped on the south side of Columbus street, between Walnut and Lincoln. The separation occurred In 1528 or 1529, and almost the entire membership of the Baptist church went with the Christian church. Services were continued for a time in the old church and the Baptist church

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remained only in name. But, inasmuch as the ground on which the house stood was donated for purposes of the Baptist church, otherwise to revert to the donor, they removed the material to a lot on Walnut street, between Columbus and Locust streets, and there built a one story brick church, which bullding they occupied until the erection of the present beautiful church edifice. The church building on Walnut street was erected about the year 1833 or 1834. The early records of the church are very incomplete, and the pioneer ministers and charter members are not named. The first pastor of the church of whom there is any record is Rev. Thomas J. Melish, who assumed the pastorate in 1851. The membership at that time was one hundred and five.

From reliable sources the information is gathered that, preceding 1851, and, in fact, about the time of the church organization, much credit should be given the memory of Rev. George MeManis. It is to him that the church is indebted for the spirit of truth and righteousness in this locality. Among those who have labored for the church may be mentioned Revs. Aylett Rains, Willlam Pinkerton, E. H. Hawley and those grand old pioneers of the reformation, Walter Scott and D. S. Burnett. Later pastors have been 8. H. Bingman. 1874-75; W. S. Tingley, 1876; A. A. Knight, 1877-70; Carroll Ghent, 1880- $1; C. J. Bartholomew, 1882-83; W. D. Moore, 1883-86; George Anderson, 1888; J. B. Knowles, 1886-87; Gny Waters, 1889-91; Enos Campbell, 1801-92; F. M. Green. 1892-96; W. A. Roush, 1896-98; A. B. Griffith, 1898-99; E. J. Menchem, 1000-08; J. M. Gordon, 1008-10; E. 8. DeMiller, 1910 --.

The church edifice now occupied by this congregation is located on the corner of South and Columbus streets. It is an imposing structure. one-story high, with free- stone trimmings. The basement is of brick and was completed in the spring of 1874. being first occupied in the spring of that year. The main auditorium remained in an unfinished state for more than five years. It was completed and was formally dedicated on Sunday, April 16. 1852, by Rev. Isnac Errett. D. D., of Cincinnati. It was finished at a cost of ten thousand dollars. On the northwest corner of the front of the building 18 a large tower, surmounted by a tall spire. The bell of the old church was suspended in this tower, but inattention to the iron fastenings left it insecure, and. on a Sunday in January, 1875. while the sexton was ringing It for Sunday school. the bell broke loose and fell to the pavement, breaking it into pieces. The following June, a new bell was seenred and suspended. Its weight is seven hundred and fourteen pounds; with hanging attachment, about one thousand pounds.

NEW ANTIOCH CHURCH. By J. W. Robinson.

The society which subsequently became the New Antioch Christian church was organized by Elder Samuel Rogers in 1816 and was known at the time of its organization as the "Newlight" church. The New Antioch church is located on the Wilmington and Lexington pike, near the village of New Antioch and five miles southeast of Wilmington. the county seat of Clinton county.

The change of name from "Newlight" to "Christian" was gradual, lasting for a year or more. The first radien! change was noted when George McManus, a sinner, demanded baptism at the hands of Elder Samuel Rogers. It took much reasoning to convince Elder Rogers that a penitent believer should be baptized "for the remission of sins." This occurred in January, 1827. and after that date this iden of the meaning of baptism waa taught. About one year later the Lord's Supper was made a weekly observance, and It has so continued to the present time. About the same time the views of the Camp- bells began to be agitated, and they were embraced by this congregation as far as they accorded with the views of the New Testament. Thus the "Newlight" church was merged into the Christian, or Church of Christ, about the year 1827.

A few of the persons that labored in this church in its infancy. besides Elder Samuel

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Rogers, were Aylette Rains, William Irvin, J. Lucas. B. ['. Watkins, Walter Scott, David Thompson, Joshua Swallow, Jonas Hartzel, D. S. Burnett, George McManus, James Vandervort, L. H. Jamelnon, H. K. Hoshour and B. F. Pirkey. A few of the charter members were Jonah Vandervort, the Bashores, Roberts, Huls and Mckenzies.

When the congregation was first organized the people met at the homes of the mem- bers, or in their barna, or held open-air meetings, and when a building became necessary a small brick church was built. This was erected in the year 1822 near the site of the present church. This small building was used until a more commodious structure was built in 1807. The first house was built with a large open fireplace in each end. The pulpit was on one side and the entrance on the other. It was lighted with tallow candles in tin hangers on the walls, with two or three on the pulpit.

The church was named "Antioch" by Elder Rogers. Later the village near by took the same name, and still later the "New" was prefixed when a postoffice was established there.

On account of incomplete records, nothing is known as to the cost of the first church building. Suffice it to say that the labor in erecting it was donated by only a very few of the members. The records of the present bullding show that it cost about two thou- Rand seven hundred dollars in money, besides much donated labor by members of the congregation. According to the specifications, the house was to be a neat, substantial brick structure, with stone foundation, the size to be thirty-five by forty-five feet. Barnett Bashore, William Walker and P. H. Vandervort, as trustees of the church, let the contract of the building to William McMillen, of Wilmington, received the subscrip- tious and paid for the building when completed.

Some indications of the progress of the times are noted when we take into con- sideration that a beginning was made with fireplace and tallow candles, thence to wood stoves and kerosene lights, thence to coal stoves and gasoline lamps, thence to a furnace and gasoline lighting plant.

The congregation purchased a parsonage in the village In 1908 for one thousand five hundred dollars. This dwelling proved unsatisfactory and in 1913 it was sold and a new parsonage erected near the village at a cost of one thousand eight hundred dollars. A minister is now employed all his time, instead of half of his time, as was the practice for many years.

Many ministers have preached for this congregation since its organization, some of whom were Jobn Boggs, W. J. Irvin. Jobn Taft, John I. Rogers. E. I. Vandervort. Samuel Matthews. A. D. Fillmore, A. Gardner. R. L., Howe, J. H. Dodd, E. H. Hawley, W. C. Rogers, Thomas D. Garvin, J. H. Jones, A. A. Knight, F. M. Green, J. C. Irvin, J. M. Pyle. Josephus Blair. S. H. Bingman, J. S. Hughes, W. J. Howe, Samuel Traum, John Truax, W. D. Moore, E. D. Murcb, J. Irvin West, E. P. Couch, T. S. Buckingham, H. M. Garn. R. H. Dodson. G. W. Hall, and the present minister, H. S. Snyder.

Seevral persons who have been members, and some of whom began the Christian life with this congregation, have gone forth as ministers of the gospel, namely: James Vandervort, F. I. Vandervort, George MeManus, Samuel, William and David Matthews, 1 .. E. Brown. J. S. Hughes, W. J. and R. L. Howe, J. M. Pyle, F. P. Sayers, Nathan Sims, W. J. and W. S. Utter, and Arthur W. Vandervort.

At present the congregation numbers about one hundred and sixty members. They have maintained a Lord's Day school for many years, meeting every Sunday and teaching the Scripture lesson as given in the International Sunday School Lesson Helps. The Ladies' Ald Society has been a live auxillary to the church for several years, and much work in a material way has been accomplished by them that otherwise might have remained undone.

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MARTINSVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The Christian church at Martinsville was organized. February 17, 1886, by Rev. J. T. Crawford, with the following charter members: Lewis Achor, John Crawford, Joseph F. Hunter, Lydia C. Hunter, Odesan Hunter, Iona Hunter, Maggie Hunter, Isaac Flora, John Carman, Margaret Carman, John F. Wells, Anna Wells, Emma J. Peake, Florence West, Letitia Batta, John W. Green, Kate B. Dimmit, Jane Bliderbank, Alex- ander Bilderbank, Lydia Achor, George H. Smith, Ruth Crawford, Dora Harris, J. W. Vance, Sarah A. Vance, Adaline Thornhill, Cora Crawford, Maria A. Smith, Sallie R. Moon, I .. A. Davis, E. J. Hogan, Lucretia Hunter, M. J. Flora, Q. R. Sever. Martha Stratton, Alice Davis, Emily Peale, John McColister, Nancy Gibson, Mary Brown, Mary Hendee, Elizabeth Turner. William Peale, Barney A. Thornhill, Emma McCann, Eva Trenary, Emma Trenary, Jacob Hoggett, William Flora, Wesley Reese, Callle Reese, Clara West, Josiah West, Olie Flora, Cary Hamilton, Elinie Hamilton, Tobias Hamilton, Eliza- beth Hamilton, Rebecca Hamilton, J. T. Crawford, Elvira Crawford, Ella J. Crawford and Emma Hamilton, a total of sixty-five charter members.

George H. Smith was the first elder and Joseph Hunter one of the first deacons. Among the pastors who have served the church may be mentioned J. T. Crawford, Wash- Ington Ruble, W. L. Neal, Q. A. Randall, W. D. Moore, H. C. Garn. C. C. Smith, E. J. Meacham, Hubert Snyder, Kelly O'Neal, Ira Allemong and C. C. Wilson, who has been the pastor since 1913. Reverend Wilson also serves the church at Macedonia, two and a half miles west of Martinsville.

The church now has a membership of one hundred and fifteen. Mrs. W. H. Cline has been the clerk of the congregation for the past fifteen years and has kindly furnished all of the data for this volume. The auxiliaries include the Bible school, Ladies' Ald Society and the Christian Women's Board of Missions. The present building was erected in 1886, at a cost of nineteen hundred dollars. Many Improvements have been made in the building since that time.

MACEDONIA CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

The beginning of the Macedonia Christian church, located in Washington township, about two and a half miles west of Martinsville, is more or less obscure, due to the fact that the early records of the church are gone. It appears that it was organized as the result of a split of the Baptists of that community about 1535. In that year Elliott Raynes, a Christian minister from Kentucky, came to Washington township and suc- ceeded in creating a schism in the Baptist church of the township. His followers organ- ized a church, which became known as the Macedonia church. The only charter member whose name has been preserved is Micajah Moore. The present frame building was erected in 1867. at a cost of twelve hundred dollars. The present site is about two miles southeast of the place where the first log church stood. Later, a log church was built on the present site. Elisha John was the first elder; George Henry Smith became an elder in 1872.

Among the pastors have been Charles Araline. David Thompson, William Thompson, . Asbury Gardner, Josephus Blair, J. F. Rowe. Peter W. Sblek, W. D. Moore (1882-83). Q. A. Randall (1802-1902), E. T. Hayes (1902-05). Charles Smith (1906-08), Hubert Snyder (1908-11), Earl Barr (April-June, 1914) and C. C. Wilson, the present Incumbent. The membership is one hundred and thirty.

WILMINGTON WALNUT STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST.

The Wilmington Walnut Street Church of Christ was organized March 15, 1908, with the following charter members: W. C. Applegate. Jobn Doyle, David H. Sherman, J. I .. Rannella, J. D. White, Joseph R. Booher. W. G. Talmage, Mary J. Mckenzie, J. F. Ben- nett, Alice M. S. Davis, Lillie M. Applegate, Nora Sherman, Alice L. Sherman, Ida Ben-

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nett, Arzona MeKay. Ella N. Doyle, Laura B. White, Ivy R. Booher, Margaret C. Blair, Mrs. A. J. Wilson. Charles A. Hatfield, U'la A. Bentley, J. M. Wisecup, Rhoda E. Wisecup, Sara E. Wisecup, Jessle F. Wisecup, Mrs. Sarab Doyle, Mrs. Mary Wilson, Mra Cora Wilson West, Mrs. Etfe Bennett Thatcher. Itoy P. Bennett, Mrs. Elina Bennett, Earl T. Bennett, Robert W. White, Mrs. Ella White, Mrs. Martha E. Doan, Amanda Wilson, Eliza Wilson, Herbert Porter, Bertha Porter, Mamle B. Pigeon, A. J. Wilson, Nellie Moore, Mrs. Ella Thompson. Arlando Thompson, C. A. Rannells, Clora K. Rannells, Sara W. Rannella, Edith K. Rannells, J. M. Mckay, Thomas D. Moore, C. H. Hart, N. H. Moore, Martha Moore, T. Errett Rannells, Sattie Hartman, William B. Rannells, Levi Bennett, I. A. VanDevort, Alice C. VanDevort, Gusta VanDevort, John W. Jacks, Minnle A. Jacks. Sarah Bennett, Mary E. Rannells, Leab L. Rannells. L. Etta Rannells, Lula B. Rannells. Lester Thatcher, Salathial Harris, Mrs. Salathial Harris, Rush Harris and Mrs. Rush Harris: elders. J. F. Bennett. F. D. Blair, J. M. MeKay, J. M. Wiseup; deacons. I. A. VanDervort. J. J. Rannells, J. D. White, Orlando Thompson, W. C. Applegate, C. A. Rannells, John Doyle; trustees. A. J. Wilson, N. H. Moore, C. A. Rannells, J. D. White, L. A. VanDervort.

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History of Clinton County, Ohio Its People, Industries, and Institutions, with Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families, Part 22

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1108

Author: Albert J. Brown (A.M.)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Chicago : W.H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1108