USA > Texas > Johnson County > A memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas together with glimpses of its future prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time, and full-page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section > Part 22
USA > Texas > Hill County > A memorial and biographical history of Johnson and Hill counties, Texas : containing the early history of this important section of the great state of Texas together with glimpses of its future prospects; also biographical mention of many of the pioneers and prominent citizens of the present time, and full-page portraits of some of the most eminent men of this section > 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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44
The trustees, feeling then that they had sufficient authority to proceed, and having secured legal authority to control the school property by means of a lease for twenty-five years, took charge of the school. They ex- pended over $1,000 of their lodge funds, and many members also gave liberally of their individual means, even involving themselves in debt for the purpose, in order that a per- manent good school be established and main- tained. Seven acres of land were donated by L. B. Trulove, John P'yle, A. J. Brown and J. J. Ramsey.
Meanwhile, in 1875, Prof. I. A. Patton, who was teaching in Grimes county, was so- licited to come and take charge of the school under the new arrangement. Complying, he commenced teaching in the old union church in September of that year. The Institute.
182
HISTORY OF JOHNSON
building was completed the next year, a two- story frame, 30 x 70, and cost, including furnishings, etc., 84,000, or more. The pub- lie pulse was still in favor of the regime adopted and continued to pledge their support. From the beginning the school was a decided sneeess. The Professor had three assistants and taught there until 1878. The school had forty boarding pupils from adjoining sections of the country. The insti- tution had a normal and even a law depart- ment. It was entirely an independent school, receiving no funds from the publie treasury. In time, with a small appropria- tion from the public funds, a free school was added, and the institution finally grew wholly into a free or publie sehool.
The school opened with only sixteen schol- ars, but during the year 168 pupils were in attendance, and this was gradually inereased with the increase of population. At length the Masonie lodge sold the building to pri- vate parties.
Profs. Fuller and Posey, who had been as- sistants, succeeded Prof. Patton, and follow- ing them was Rov. J. R. Clarke from Cle- burne.
In 1869 there was an "Alvarado College," with Rev. John Collier as president, assisted by four teachers. During the year 1890 a vote was taken on the proposition that the city take control of the public schools within its limits, with a majority against it
The city now has as good a system of schools, and as good school patrons, as any in the State.
SOCIETIES.
Alvarado Lodge, No. 314, F. & A. M., was established in 1869, and the first officers were A. J. Chambers, W. M .; J. C. Weaver, S. W .; and Joel Higgins, J. W. There are now 133 members, and the present officers are A. Y. Weaver, W. M .; R. A. Claunch, S. W .; T. S. Armstrong, J. W .; W. R. Bounds, Secretary; W. B. Norman, Treasurer; V. L. Lamothe, Tiler. Preceding Mr. Weaver, W. M. St. John was W. M., who is now dis- triet deputy.
Alvarado Chapter, No. 132, R. A. M., was established in 1875, the first officers be- ing, Ben Barnes, II. P .; II. C. Renfro, E. K .; and J. G. Woodson, E. S. The present offi- eers are, W. M. St. John, HI. P .; W. A. ITouch- in, E. K .; John Duke, S .; A. Y. Weaver, Secretary; and E. W. Carter, Treasurer.
The present Masonie building, on the north side of the square, is a two-story brick erected about 1881. The blue lodge first met at the union church building, in the second story, then at the old Masonic Insti- tute, now known as the high-school building, and next in their present structure.
Alvarado Lodge, No. 181, 1. 0. 0. F., was organized May 18, 1881, by district deputy M. S. Kalle of Cleburne. First of- ficers: A. Y. Weaver, N. G .; W. C. Wright, V. G .; R. M. Chapman, Secretary, and P. P. Smith, Treasurer. There were probably abont seven or eight members, but now there are about ninety-five, and the present officers are: B. G. Prestridge, N. G .; V. L. La- mothe, V. G .; J. M. Bettis, Secretary; W. C.
183
AND HILL COUNTIES.
Wright, Treasurer. This lodge owns a build- ing on the north side of Poindexter street, a two story brick, well equipped as a lodge for the amplified work of the degrees.
Vashti Lodge, No. 80, Daughters of Re- bekah, was organized in 1886. There are now fifty members, and the officers are: Mrs. George Bristley, N. G .; Mrs. A. D. Deam, V. G .; Mrs. Sallie Baillio, Secretary; and Mrs. V. L. Lamothe, Treasurer. This lodge is in a strong, healthy condition.
Alcurado Lodge, No. 138, K. of P., was organized Angust 13, 1890, by distriet deputy J. A. Lindgren of Cleburne, with the following oflieers: M. Sansom, P. C .; 11. Voss, C. C .; F. B. Baillio, V. C .; W. B. Norman, K. of R. and S .; Charles Voss, M. of E .; N. F. Sparks, M. of F .; R. M. Chap- man, Prelate,-and twenty-seven members. The membership now is thirty-six, and the officers: F. B. Baillio, P. C .; G. C. Fahm, C. C .; George Bristley, V. C .; 1I. T. Campbell, Prelate; J. W. Stark, K. of R. and S .; W. E. Werkheiser, M. of E .; R. T. Duncan, M. of F. The lodge meets every week, at Odd Fellows' hall.
Alvarado Lodge, No. 1,503, K. of II., was established March 19, 1879, with ten members. The first officers were: D. J. Baley, D .; C. M. Burks, V. D .; I. A. Patton, P. D .; G. W. Cotter, A. D .; N. Davis, R .; A. Y. Adair, Treasurer; F. M. Davis, G .; A. M. Morgan, F. R .; J. B. Johnson, Guardian; W. R. Stockton, Chaplain; and II. J. Smith, Medical Examiner and Sentinel. There have been two deaths in this lodge. Regu- far meeting, first and third Wednesdays of
each month, in the Opera House. R. J. Brown is now dictator, and J. W. Stark reporter.
Danube Lodge, No. 1,080, K. and L. of 17., was organized July 28, 1885, by Deputy D. C. B. Connely, of Austin, Texas. The fol- lowing were the first officers: W. M. St. John, P. P .; A. M. Morgan, P .; Mrs. Mary L. Ross. V. P .; T. F. Norman, Financial Secre- tary; G. W. Carter, Treasurer; Dr. C. A. Schultz, Medical Examiner. The lodge has increased from eighteen to forty-six members. The present officers are: Dr. B. G. Pres- tridge, P .; Mrs. Mary L. Ross, V. P .; W. M. St. John, Financial Secretary; and J. E. Stil- well, Treasurer. The lodge meets the first and third Thursday nights in each month, at the city hall. It has paid death claims to the amount of $12,000, and is financially a substantial institution.
Council Noland, Knights of the Golden Rule, was organized in Alvarado, March 16, 1881, with a membership of twenty-seven. First officers: Judge W. F. Ewing, P. C .; Colonel W. C. Smith, C .; J. D. Osborne, V. C. and Med. Ex .; Rev. Osear Hightower, Prel- ate; V. M. Hightower, M. at A .; Thomas A. Scurlock, Secretary; W. B. Bishop, Treas- urer; J. II. Vosburg, Ilerald; D. R. Moody, Janitor. The regular meetings, every alter- nate Friday night.
Alvarado Cump of Ex-Confederate Vet- erans .- December 21, 1889, a goodly crowd of those who wore the gray met at the opera house for the purpose of forming a camp. The honse was called to order by Hon. J. C. Brannon, who stated the object of the meet-
184
HISTORY OF JOHNSON
ing. Colonel G. C. Fahm was elected chairman, and F. B. Baillio, secretary. A committee on permanent organization was appointed, consisting of J. D. Griffin, I. A. Patton, W. A. Ilonehin, Jesse M. ITill and F. B. Baillio.
While this committee were out, engaged in consultation, Colonel T. G. Miller enter- tained the house with a feeling address. The committee then made the following report: That this organization be known as the Alva- rado Camp of Ex-Confederate Veterans; and that its officers shall consist of a commander, vice-commander, quartermaster, adjutant and chaplain. For commander they recommended W. R. Bounds; vice-commander, G. C. Fahmn; quartermaster, J. B. Griffin; adjutant, F. B. Baillio; chaplain, Rev. T. G. Miller.
They further recommended that a com- mittee of five be appointed on constitution and by-laws, and report at the next meeting. The chairman appointed J. D. Griffin, I. A. Patton, Jesse M. Hill, W. A. Honchin and F. B. Baillio.
At this point Colonel J. L. Morgan, the engle orator of Johnson county, in response to request, made a flaming speech, such as is seldom surpassed in logic and eloquence; every one felt disappointed at the brevity of his address.
After resolving to assist in the formation of a camp at Cleburne, the meeting adjourned to January 2, following.
Following is the present roll of members:
NAME. Co. REG. STATE, ETC.
Adams, J. S. B, 22 Ga. Battal
Albert, E. T F.
10 Va.
Albert, II. S. .Q,
Va.
Albert, J. II. F,
10 Va. Cav.
Anderson, G. W K, 17 Ga.
Bast, N. W
18 Tex. Cav. Goring's Miss. Battal.
Brannon, J. C.
Brown, A. J. E,
32 Tenn.
Barnes, Ben. .C, 12 Tex.
Brady, G. W
A,
61 Ala. Inf.
Best, C. M. B,
9 Ala. Inf.
Blair, S. J.
D,
Bounds, W. R. D,
Baillio, F. B.
Brand, D. P. M 1I,
Brundage, W. E. .A,
Blackwell, -
11 Ala.
Bledsoe, J. S. 33 Tenn.
Brown, M. A. A,
Boyd, M. E.
F,
28 Ga. Inf.
Chamblee, R. J C,
5 Ala.
Collins, J. L. War Ship Alabama.
Claunch, A. J D,
Claunch, R. A. D,
Campbell, E. C.
Culberson, W. A
Cates, J. J
Petersburg (Va.) Art.
Corson, J. 11,
11 Ala. Inf.
Carter,
C,
15 Ark.
Champion, J. M 2 Miss.
Davis, Harrison
1 Ga. Battery.
Davis, William
K,
5 Tex.
Davis, B. F
2 Ga. State Troops.
Easterwood, James A.
English, W. R.
Borders Tex.
Evans, L. S. C,
8 Ga. Cav.
Estes, II. II. D,
5 Ga.
Flippo, J. T 26 Ala.
Fortenbury, II. F. .A,
Ark.
Fabm, G. C
B,
22 Ga. Bat. Art.
Gibson, J. II. Ga. Bat. Gritlin, J. D. Roddy's Scouts.
Gabrielle, L. F F
13 Ala.
Gill, S. S. I,
T'enn.
Grissom, II. B 11,
2 Miss. Cav.
Graham, W. M. B, 4 Tenn.
Gragg, O. F.
Ala.
7 Tenn. Cav.
Ashcraft's Miss.
Buckner's Escort, La.
Roddy's Cav.
44 Ark.
Ala.
11 Tex. Inf.
11 Tex. Inf. Transp. Dept., Dallas.
9 Ga.
Tefse In Hies
185
AND HILL COUNTIES.
Harrison, T. W 14 Tenu. Cav.
Houchin, W. A A,
3 Mo. Bat.
Hill, J. M. .C, Tenn Cav. 1
Ihildreth, W. H[ I,
Inte luson, C. L 11,
Hall. B F. I,
26
Tex.
Holcomb, II. P F,
39
Ala.
Hutton, J. K. P A,
4 Tenn. Cav.
Honea, S. N .G,
22
Morgan's Cav.
7 Tex.
Jack, W. II
Tex. State Troops.
Jones, 11. R.
3 Va. Howitzers.
Johns, N. II
3 Ala.
Killough, S. B.
12 Tex. Cav.
1 Tex. Cav.
Liles, . .C, 22 26 Ala.
Martin, G. F. II,
Moore, Patrick II,
Miller, T. G., Lt. Col ..
Morgan, W. P'
Metze, Joe
Terry's Tex. Rangers.
MeClang, J. W D, Norman, L.
Orr, Reuben (colored) 36
Odom, W. H F,
Tex. Cav.
Oliver, J. II. B,
Posey, J. R K,
39
Ala.
Pollard, D. P.
5 Ala. Steed's Battery.
1 Tex.
12
Miss.
Powell, B. F F,
Porter, R. K .A,
17
Ga. Terrell's Tex.
Rivers, A B, Rogers, R. II. 11, 10 Ala.
Russell, 11. C, Reynolds, E. T.
3 Ark.
Rutledge, R. G
9 Tenn.
4 Ari.
30
Ala.
Sandlin, A. W G,
1
Miss.
Stephens, W. 1) 11, Shropshire, D. N. C,
12
Tex. Cav.
Sparks, S. J
1 Tex L'g'n, Ross' Brig.
1 Miss. Cav.
Cobb's Legion.
12
Whitted, W. D. 40 Ala.
Westberry, Albert
10
Ga.
Walker, II. C.
Miss.
Watson, W. C.
D,
19 Tex.
Wright, J. II
4 Ala. Cav.
Young, J. E.
II,
4 Ala.
The present officers of the camp are: W. A. Culberson, Captain; Jesse M. Ilill, First Lieutenant; W. A. Houchin, Second Lien- tenant; F. B. Baillio, Adjutant; J. D. Griffin, Quartermaster; C. L. IIntehison, Vidette.
Rev. W. C. Crawford, the only survivor of the signers of the Texas declaration of inde- pendence, is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Kounee, two miles south of Alvarado. Hle is now about eighty-eight years of age, a zealous Methodist. That declaration of in- dependence, the reader will recollect, was made in 1836, at Washington, on the Brazos.
JESSE M. III.L .-- When one would go in search of patriotism, patriotism of that in- tensity that would sacrifice not only fortune and every prospect of material success, but life itself, let him come to the South, the scene of the late Confederate Government. It has been wisely remarked that little credit would be due the North if an army of cowards only had been vanquished, and perhaps no one realizes the metal of his Southern brother better than does the man who fought in the Union ranks. Among the many citizens of the South who were loyal to their convictions in the face of the horrors of war, was Jesse M. 1lill, whose history is outlined briefly as follows: lle was born in MeMinn county, Tennessee, January 15, 1839, and is a son of James and Elizabeth (Mayfield) Hill, natives of South Carolina; both the father and mother .
Powell, J. M A, l'atton, I. A., Ist .B,
Porter, II. L. .C,
26 Miss.
Gritlin's Tex. Battery
Strong, W. F D, Smith, T. C. G,
1 Tex.
Thompson, E I, Thompson, A. R .. ... C,
4 Tenu. Cav.
63 T'enn.
Jones, A. T .G,
Knight, L. S. G,
S. C. Rifles.
Miss. Inf.
41 Tenn. Cleburne's Escort.
19 Tex. Cav. Tappan's Ark. Brig. Ala.
60 Ga.
186
HISTORY OF JOHNSON
came to Tennessee in early life, their families removing to MeMinn county about the year 1810. The maternal grandfather of Jesse M. Ilill was Jesse Mayfield; his father was a soldier in the Revolutionary war, and par- ticipated in some of the noted engagements of that struggle. James Ilill was a farmer by occupation; he was not spared to give to his son that guidance and direction which only a parent's love suggests, his death oe- eurring when his only child was between three and four years oldl; the mother passed from this life ten years later, so that in child- hood Mr. Ilill was thrown upon his own re- sources. Ile received a superior education for that day, and at the age of eighteen years apprenticed himself to a brick-maker; he had just finished his term of service in this capacity when the memorable year of 1861 dawned upon the world.
Responding to the eall, he enlisted in Com- pany C, First Tennessee Cavalry, Vaughan's Brigade. This company first served on escort duty as couriers and guards, was in several small skirmishes and participated in the bat- tle at Rock Castle, Kentucky, under General Zollicoffer; the company then returned to Cumberland Gap and joined General Bragg on his raid through Kentucky, returning to Tennessee and remaining at Murfreesboro until ordered to Vicksburg; here Mr. IIill participated in the siege, was taken prisoner and paroled July 7, 1863, and exchanged September 12, 1865. Company C thon joined General Bragg immediately after the battle of Chickamauga, Tennessee, continuing with him some time; a portion of the company
then went to MeMinn county, gathering re- fruits and deserters, being reunited at the battle of Missionary Ridge only to be eut in two by the enemy. Mr. Hill next went with a portion of his company to General Long- street, and his first engagement after the company was dismounted was at New Hope Church; the first important engagement after this was at Martinsburg, where some 400 or 500 Federals were captured; thence the com- pany went to Maryland and participated in the struggle at Fredericksburg, going after- ward to a point within three miles of the city of Washington and capturing the outer works; they then fell baek, crossed the l'oto- mac river at Leesburg; then followed the en- gagement on the Washington and Winches- ter pike, thus ending a march of 600 miles, interrupted with numerous skirmishes. After the siege of Vicksburg he was made Third Lieutenant, and was promoted to the place of First Lientenant, and finally beeame Captain, although his commission did not reach him until after the surrender. This was a just recognition of his merit, but Mr. Ilill was willing that hostilities should cease with the new title untried. During General Early's raid Mr. Ilill commanded a company, for at New Hope Church a great many officers were killed and captured, and from this cause Mr. Ilill was senior officer, and really filled the position of Captain during a long period of the war. Ile was in the battle of Winches- ter and then at Fisher's Hill, where he was wounded in his left shoulder; he did not stop for treatment, though his arm Kvas dis- abled; after the battle he remained at a farm
-
187
AND HILL COUNTIES.
house for ten or twelve days, and then made his way to General Early's headquarters, only to find his command had been sent into Ten- nessee. Ile received a pass and transporta- tion from General Early to Bristol, Virginia, where his company was rejoined. After this a few minor battles were fought, and then came news of Lee's surrender; the division moved over into North Carolina, thenee to Washington, Georgia, and there disbanded.
After the declaration of peace Mr. Ilill made his way directly to Texas, locating in llill county, where he remained eighteen months. Ilis first occupation was gathering up horses and cattle, and then he secured a contract for laying brick at Waco, thus going back to the vocation of his early youth. Ile carried on this trade until 1872, when he came to this county and settled where he now resides, purchasing 550 acres of land in 1873, and began making improvements; he has added to this traet until he now owns 900 aeres, all of which is under cultivation ex- cepting 150 acres, which are in pasture. Ile makes a specialty of raising fine mules for the market, and is the owner of some thor- oughbred horses which might arouse the envy of a Kentucky breeder. He has contributed very materially to the development of this business in the county, and is able to exhibit some of the finest specimens of horses and mules in the county.
Mr. Ilill was first married in September, 1870, to Miss Fannie A. Barnes, a daughter of A. J. Barnes (see sketch of Moses Barnes). Mrs. Ilill died in the year 1872. In 1875 Mr. Hill was united to Miss Maggie Atehley,
a daughter of Dr. Calvin Atehley, of this county; he settled here in 1868, and died in 1882. To Mr. and Mrs. Hill were born three children: Willie, Mattie, who died at the age of two years, and Bettie. The mother of these children died in 1883. In February, 1886, Mr. Ilill was married to Miss llermi- one Barrett, of Anderson county, Texas, a daughter of John and Mary Barrett. Of this union four children have been born, only one of whom is living-Jessie. Mrs. Hill is a worthy member of the Baptist elinreh.
Mr. Ilill has for many years been associ- ated with the Masonie fraternity; he is also a demitted member of the I. O. O. F. of Alvarado.
CHURCHES,
In 1863 there were four church denomi- nations in Alvarado, all worshiping in the . " union" building on ground deeded for the purpose by William Balch. It was a good two-story frame structure, the Masonie fra- ternity owning the upper story, while the lower story was used for both church and sehoo! purposes. Each denomination had its Sunday, and the fifth Sunday of the month, when there was one, was the property of the " world, the flesh and the devil," as the worldly member of the board of trustees fa- cetiously worded it. The building was con- trolled by a board of trustees, one from each denomination and one outsider. The first member from the " outside world " was Joel Iliggins, and the second Dr. A. Y. Weaver. It was finally sold, torn down and taken away.
189
HISTORY OF JOHNSON
Methodism .-- Rev. W. G. Veal was among the first ministers of this denomination here, and soon after his work was begun in this community a society was organized. Rev. McShaun was another pioneer Methodist preachor in this vicinity, and subsequently Dr. Stockton.
The Methodists built a house of worship of their own in 1880-'81: size 32 x 60 feet. It was burned in 1886, the fire being occasioned by the explosion of a lamp under a cotton covering of an arbor addition just as the congregation was gathering for the evening service. The present editiee, south of the southwest corner of the public square, was erected in 1887, at a cost of $6,750. It is by far the finest church building in Johnson county. It will seat about 500.
The present number of members is about 220, of whom the class-leader is R. P. San- som. There are seven stewards,-I. A. Pat- ton, T. W. Harrison, R. P. Sansom, B. M. Sansom, D. J. Howard, G. W. Skinner and Dr. H. C. Purdom. G. C. Fahm is superin- tendent of the Sunday-school, which has an average attendance of about eighty. In can- nection with the church is also a ladies' aid society, which has done a great deal of good work. Pastors-Revs. Robertson, Johnson, L. Lanntz, W. II. LeFevre, J. M. Bareus, C. S. MeCarver, T. S. Armstrong, ete. J. M. Armstrong is the present inenmbent. Le- Fevre, who was here when the present church was built, had also the greatest revival, when over 100 joined the church.
Presbyterianism was introduced into this county at Alvarado, as follows: At a meeting
of the Presbytery of Central Texas, held in Waxahachie, May 30, 1874, upon application a committee was appointed to organize a Presbyterian church at Alvarado, " if the way be clear." The committee consisted of Revs. J. A. Walker, J. A. Smiley and W. C. John- son, with Elder I. N. Buie, now at Hillsboro. April 24 the first members organizing were A. B. and John E. Painter, W. C. Alexander, Miss Elizabeth D. Alexander, Mrs. M. E. Alexander (wife of W. C.), Miss E. R. Paint- er, Mrs. M. Painter, Mrs. P. E. Gamble, Mrs. B. J. Walker (wife of J. A.), and Miss Jennie Hasty. Elders, A. B. Painter and W. C. Alexander; and Deacon, John E. Painter. Rev. J. A. Walker was engaged to preach every fifth Sunday, that being the only day in which the house of worship could be se- cured.
May 30, following, a session was held in which A. B. Painter's name was droppod from the roll, he having joined the Baptist church; and E. C. and E. Campbell wore received as members. August 28, A. B. Painter returned to the fold, expressing regret at having left it. Mrs. Sarah Lilly was received as a mem- ber.
Very soon, however, this church was trans- ferred to Cleburne. See under that head for a continuation of its history.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church .- Rev. Wear (or Weir) was one of the first ministers of this denomination at Alvarado and vicinity, continuing for a number of years; also Joseph Wilshire. About the close of the war, or immediately after, a congregation was organ- ized at this place, with about thirty members.
189
AND HILL COUNTIES.
The ruling elders were Joel Higgins, Mr. Suoalgrass, Thomas Poindexter and William Ramsey. They had services in the union building already described, until the present whtice was erected, about 1888, costing about ¿2,000, the lot being donated. It is situated southeast of the square. There are now about forty five members; there have been as many na ninety-nine. Present ruling elders: Dr. C. P. Hudson, - Woods, W. M. St. John, James St. John, Peyton Campbell, E. Y. Adair. Present pastor, R. L. MeElree, pre- ceded by W. C. Rushing, Daniel G. Molloy, 1. S. Davenport, J. B. Groves, Jolin Collier and another. Revs. MeElree and Davenport have served each at two different periods. Rev. J. B. Groves and W. D. Wear did the most pastoral work here. Superintendent of of the Sunday-school, Dr. C. A. Schultz; as- sistant superintendent, W. M. St. John.
Baptist Church .- The credit of the first organization of a Baptist church in Alvarado is due to Rev. W. G. Gentry, at the old schoolhouse or " union church" and school building, October 6, 1861, and he was the pastor for a time. W. B. Senter was pastor [863-'73, followed by J. R. Kelly, II. C. Renfro, J. R. Clarke, 1877-'86, J. W. Capps a year, A. M. Johnson six months, and L. S. Knight, the present incumbent, during the last two years. At present there are 170 members or more. This is the strongest church in the " Alvarado Baptist Associa- tion," comprising about thirty churches. The present deacons are J. M. Prestridge, William Jack, S. A. Bryant, S. II. Walker, Daniel A. Clayton, W. F. Moore. Messrs.
Prestridge and Jack are the oldest members: the former is now clerk of the church. Mr. Bryant is also superintendent of the Sunday- school.
The present house of worship, briek, 40 x 60 feet, was erceted between 1874 and 1878, and is now valned at $1,500. It is located a little south of west from the public square.
The primitive Baptists have a few small churches in the eastern part of Jolinson connty. Rev. T. G. Miller, from Tennessee, now deceased, preached several times in Al- varado, some years ago. This denomination now has an organized church near Rock Tank, ten miles south of Cleburne, where A. C. Spears is a deacon. The preachers there are Revs. John Berry and - Shipman. Another church, called Mount Moriah, exists at Le Grande schoolhouse, about ten miles north of Alvarado. Ben Davis is one of the deacons.
The Christian Church has about thirty members in Alvarado. At a former period there has been a greater number. For the last year the pastor has been Elder J. J. Ifall, residing at Cedar Hill, Dallas county. The local elders are W. R. Bounds and Mr. Wor- ley. Religious services the third Saturday and Sunday of each month, at tho Sonth Al- varado schoolhouse.
While on religious subjects we may incor- porate by the way some examples of queer theological questions debated in Alvarado during the first week of December, 1879, be- tween Dr. Caskey of the " Christian" church and Rev. Sledge of the Baptist church. Their propositions were: 1 .-- The Scriptures teach that baptism is one of the pre-requisites to
190
HISTORY OF JOHNSON
the remission of sins to the penitent believer. Caskey attirmed. Sledge denied. 2. The Scriptures teach that Missionary Baptist churches are the only visible churches of God on carth. Sledge affirmed, Caskey denied. 3 .- The Scriptures teach that the church to which Mr. Caskey belongs, called by him and his brethren the " Christian" church, and by J. J. Sledge the " Campbellite Society," is entitled to the name ". Christian" according to the Scriptures. Caskey affirmed, Sledge denied. 4 .-- In order to be saved sinners inust be born of the spirit, repent and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Sledge affirmed, Caskey denied. 5 .-- All true saints will be finally and completely saved in heaven. Sledge affirmed, Caskey denied.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.