^7/^ y^^ /T-^ THE LIBRARIES Bequest of Frederic Bancroft 1860-1945 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST IN ILLINOIS 1 8 1 9—1 914 By NATHANIEL S. HAYNES, A.M Author of "Jesus as a Controversialist" Cincinnati The Standard Publishing Company A' Copyright, 1915 By Nathaniel S. Haynas ^-^-;2^-^C DEDICATION To those men and women, few but true, who hold lender and grateful memories of our glorious heroes of the LONG AGO, who are yet forceful factors in the MIGHTY NOW, who are inspired by the splendid vision of the BETTER TIME TO COME -to those elect remnants of the LORD, my faithful and glad fellow-helpers in this labor of love, with sincere appreciation, I dedicate this book. N. S. HAYNES. Decatur, Illinois, March 7, 1914. CONTENTS FACE Foreword 9 CHAPTER I. The Disciples of Christ — Their Place and Plea 13 CHAPTER n. Beginnings in Illinois 20 CHAPTER HI. Christian Education 33 CHAPTER IV. The Period of Conquest — The Era of Public Discussions 68 CHAPTER V. Benevolences 88 CHAPTER VI. Local Churches and Some of Their Organized Activities 109 CHAPTER VII. Biographies 461 CHAPTER VIII. Miscellanea 640 5 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE J. W. Allen 589 John C. Ashley 564 Atlanta Church 298 Allison Prairie Church Brotherhood Frontispiece Mrs. C. C. Babcock 464 Col. E. D. Baker 517 Barney's Prairie Church and Site 415 W. F. Black 633 Bloomington, First Church.. 281 Bloomington, Centennial Church 281 Bloomington, Second Church. 281 Walter P. Bowles 603 E. M. Bowman 106 Clark Braden 633 Mrs. O. A. Burgess 103 J. G. Campbell 517 Carbondale Church 367 Champaign Church 130 Charleston Church 130 Chicago, Englewood Church. 150 Chicago, Jacksonville Boule- vard Church 150 Chicago, Memorial Church... 150 Chicago, Metropolitan Church 150 John J. Cosat 517 Mrs. Persis L. Christian 103 Mrs. S. J. Crawford 103 Danville, First Church 407 Danville, Second Church 407 Danville, Third Church 407 Danville, Fourth Church 407 F. W. Darst 105 Miss Annie E. Davidson 103 Decatur, Central Church 298 Decatur, First Church 298 Decatur, First Courthouse... 347 Miss Elmira J. Dickinson 103 Daniel W. Ellege 630 John England 550 Eureka College 33 Eureka Church 415 J H. Gilliland 517 J. R. Golden 461 Thomas Goodman 603 N. S. Haynes 464 Bushrod W. Henry 564 R. E. Henry 461 T. T. Holton 589 Joseph Hostetler 464 D, R. Howe 630 C. J. Hudson 106 Jacksonville Church 298 A. J. Kane 550 W. P. Keeler 106 S. S. Lappin 564 Mrs. Catherine V. Lindsay. . . 103 Long Point Church 347 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS PAGE Macomb Church 130 Wm. T. Major 564 Map of Chicago Churches... 109 Map of Illinois Churches 109 J. B. McCorkle 570 D. D. Miller 550 G. W. Minier 570 Mt. Pleasant Church 347 M. O. Naramore 106 Normal Church 281 A. D. Northcutt 464 Paris Church 367 Pine Creek Church 347 Pontiac Church 415 Mrs. Lura V. Porter 103 E. J. Radford 589 James Robeson 570 Rockf ord Church Zdl PACK Rock Island Church 367 Wm. B. Ryan 464 Chas. Reign Scoville 633 J. W. Sconce 570 Dr. John Scott 630 C W. Sherwood 603 E. M. Smith 461 Springfield, First Church 130 O. W. Stewart 589 J. S. Swaford 106 The Sweeney Family 616 R. F. Thrapp 461 John W. Tyler 550 J. G. Waggoner 630 H. L. Willett 633 E. B. Witmer 106 John Yager 603 S. H. Zendt 461 FOREWORD At the annual meeting of the IlHnois Christian Missionary Society in Danville, September, 1911, Min. R. F. Thrapp introduced a resolution directing its State Board to appoint a committee of three to select a competent man to write the history of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois. Mins. R. F. Thrapp, J. R. Golden and R. E. Henry were constituted such committee. In November following they arranged with Min. N. S. Haynes to do this work. Upon the removal of Mr. Thrapp from the State, Min. S. H. Zendt was appointed to fill the vacancy, and upon the removal of Mr. Golden, Min. E. M. Smith was chosen to succeed him. The task of writing the history has proved to be more protracted and far more laborious than was anticipated. The chief difficulty was in securing the materials. Nearly all of the pioneers were dead. The records of many of the older congregations had nearly disappeared. But the main hindrance was the lack of appreciation by very many of such a volume and their consequent indifference to its preparation. Among a minority of willing and faithful helpers justice requires this grateful recognition of the assistance of Min. T. T. Holton and Prof. B. J. Radford. A decade ago Mr. Holton thought to write the biographies of the pioneer Christian preachers of Illinois. All the material he for- tunately secured at that time he graciously turned over to the author. Without his assistance it would have been impossible to make this volume what it is. A goodly number of the earliest churches of Christ in the State grew out of a reformatory movement that pre- ceded our own. These people were widely known as "New Lights." But, since they now disclaim this name, they are 10 FOREWORD throughout this work referred to as the ''Christian Denom- ination" — their accepted name. In speaking of those who serve in the high calHng of the Christian ministry designations more Scriptural are employed. In this work preachers are not called "elders," but ministers. Some ministers are elders, but all can not be; hence, as a general designation, it is wrong. Besides, there is no perceptible or special affinity between the Disciples of Christ and the Seventh-day Adventists, or the Latter-day Saints, that should lead to the general designation of our ministers as "elders." A true preacher is a servant of Christ, and this relation and its consequent obligations are Scripturally expressed by the word "minister." If an abbre- viation is needed, "Min." is easily written and is so used herein. Nor are preachers termed "clergymen," since the Spirit calls the Lord's "flock" his clergy or inheritance. The title "Reverend" and its contraction "Rev." are also avoided. By the mouth of David the Lord says "his name is holy and reverend," and it is not befitting that we so denote our- selves. If this title, which has become in recent years so glibly prevalent among the Disciples of Christ, is to be recognized and used, then why not "Very Reverend" and "Most Reverend," and so on up the scale to the climax of wicked assumption? In this work "Doctor" and its con- traction "Dr." are used to indicate a physician only. Its general use as meaning a teacher of religion, or of philos- ophy, is indefinite, and, if for no other reason, is objection- able. It is very gratifying that the facts in Chapter TI. have been so well authenticated. ]\Iany of these, together with the section on slavery in Chapter VIII., were presented in an address delivered by the author before the State Llistor- ical Society at Springfield in May, 1913. The incompleteness of and the inaccuracies in the his- tories of the local churches are attributable in large measure to the indifference and indisposition of many to furnish the data. Repeated appeals brought no responses. It was with FOREWORD 11 much regret that lack of space compelled the omission of the Hsts of the names of pastors, where they were furnished, since the growth of congregations has depended so largely upon these faithful servants of God. The preparation of the biographies has been no less difficult. It is painfully deficient both in the subjects and in their fair proportions of treatment. Without doubt the names of some who are not mentioned should appear, while some of those who do appear should have received less and others larger notice. Many deserving younger men have been crowded out. The names of others may be found in the chapter on education and elsewhere. At best this bio- graphical chapter is an approximation, but it is illustrative of the brave and true men and women to whom the present generation is indebted far more than it is aware. In writing these, the author has brought under contribution the recol- lections, associations and fellowships of sixty years and such researches as the time permitted. He has written in the love of the truth and with the best spirit of fairness and justice. It is believed that this volume will be a source of valuable information and joyfu) inspiration to many multitudes. The Author. CHAPTER I. THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST— THEIR PLACE AND PLEA. The great apostasy has perplexed all thoughtful people. The mystery of iniquity is an enigma of the later centuries. The church that was founded in the wisdom of God, and redeemed by the blood of his Son, forgot its heavenly origin and divine mission. Its light and power were lost and it became the nesting-place of unclean birds. That was a sad and sinful age upon which Martin Luther looked out. He beheld everywhere the usurpations of the Papacy. Priests and people were ignorant of the Holy Scriptures. The Pope arrogated to himself the prerogatives of God. The system of indulgences had grown to a scan- dalous height. John Tetzel, a Dominican friar, preached and peddled licenses to sin in Germany. Darkness covered the earth and gross darkness the people. Then God's great clock struck its spiritual midnight. These appalling con- ditions awakened and stirred the soul of the earnest German monk. He aroused in Germany a splendid turmoil of thought and precipitated a great battle between divine truth and human traditions. When its smoke had cleared away, these three things stood out clearly: First, the right of private judgment ; second, the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures, and, third, justification by faith. Luther was a child of Providence and a mighty man of God. He wrought mar- velous results. But even he could not make the journey from spiritual Babylon to spiritual Jerusalem in a day of human life. Bernhardin Samson, a Franciscan monk, went into Switzerland in 1518 selling indulgences. He was success- fully opposed by Zwingli, who appealed to the authority of 13 14 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS the word of God. This beginning of the Reformation in Switzerland produced the Reformed Church and the Heidel- berg Catechism or Confession, written in 1562. Meanwhile, John Calvin's great mind was engaged upon the religious problems of the time, and gave to the world the theological system that bears his name, but also the doctrine of the sovereignty of God. The Almighty is the supreme Ruler and Arbiter — not the man with the triple crown, whose throne is by the yellow Tiber. The principles of the Reformation swept across the English Channel. The Anglo-Saxons possess a marvelous power of genius for liberty, and that was fruitful soil. Henry VHL was on the throne. He had written a treatise denouncing Luther and defending the Pope. Just then his ardor for his lawful wife had cooled and he wished a divorce that he might marry pretty Anne Boleyn. The Pope said "No;" the King said "Yes," had his way and was excommunicated. The Parliament then passed the Act of Supremacy: "That the King, our sovereign lord, his heirs and successors, kings of this realm, shall be taken, accepted and reputed the only supreme head on earth of the Church of England, called the 'Anglicana Ecclesia.' " Thus the chain was broken that tied England to the Papal throne. The Episcopal Church had its beginning, and as the years passed grew gradually away from Papal errors to Protestant principles of Christian faith. And thus came the denial of the Pope's arrogant claim to the universal headship of the church on earth. A joint resolution of the English Parliament, June 12, 1643, convoked a synod to settle the government and liturgy of the Church of England, and to promote a more perfect reformation than had been obtained during the reigns of Edward H. and Elizabeth. What afterward came to be known as the Presbyterian "Confession of Faith" was finally adopted by the Assembly of divines in the month of December, 1646, approved by the Parliament of Scotland in 1647, and by the English Parliament in 1648. Thus THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 15 arose the Presbyterian Church with its different branches. About 1658 CongregationaUsm began to grow out of the Puritan movement in England. Out of the rehgious chaos of the sixteenth century came also the Baptist Church. Their earliest articles of faith were written by Zwingli in 1527. The London *'Con- fession of Faith" was formulated in 1689, and that which held for a century in the United States was cast in Phila- delphia in 1742. In their earlier years the Baptists were generally Calvinists. To Roger Williams, Welshman, Bap- tist, Reformer and founder of the State of Rhode Island, the world is indebted for the principle of the absolute separation of the ecclesiastical and civil powers. On the human side the Methodist Church was the product of the great mind, heart and conscience of John Wesley. His aim at first was to effect a higher type of life in the Church of England, of which he was a member. The first ''Articles of Religion" were prepared in 1784. His life and work gave tremendous emphasis to the doctrine of human responsibility and personal accountability to God. Thus for two hundred years the caravans of the Lord moved slowly along the way from spiritual Babylon to spiritual Jerusalem. W^ycliffe, Jerome of Prague, Huss, Luther, Erasmus, Zwingli, IMelancthon, John Knox, Calvin, Cranmer, John Robinson and John Wesley were the leaders whom the Lord raised up. They aimed and strove to recover the church, the body of Christ, from the ignorance, super- stitions, wrongs and oppressions of centuries. With their faces toward the new morning, they searched, struggled and suffered for Christ's sake — a glorious company of God's elect. Severally and successively they led the generations to higher planes of Christian 'truth and Hfe. ^ The ^ last centuries are debtors to them all. Ours is a splendid heritage from great souls who counted Christ and his truth more precious than their own lives. But, alas for the frailties of man! The creeds which the reformers thought and hoped to use as fulcrums for the 16 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS spiritual uplift of the people became barriers to Christian faith. Opinions about doctrines were substituted for personal trust in the Christ. Men were measured not by the word of God in their faith and lives, but by the opinions and creeds of fallible men. Theological warfare ensued. In their pul- pits, on the platform and through the press, preachers con- tended and discussed with one another. The leading questions were of orthodoxy rather than orthopraxy — correct thinking rather than right living. As churches grew in numbers and power, denominational pride dominated. The spirit of Jesus gave place to sectarian rivalries. Men wrangled and raged about their religious opinions. The seamless robe of the Master was rent many times. Bitterness banished brotherly love. Mutual appreciation was murdered by disparagement. Spiritual ostracism supplanted Christian fellowship. Broth- erly love was crucified on the cross of sectarian bigotry. The children of God came to hate one another for the love of God — as they supposed. Thus the church of the living God, torn and divided, was shorn of its power. Having lost its divine ideals, it lost its divine aims. The evangelization of the world was forgotten ; the salvation of the people was neglected. Out of this religious travail the Disciples of Christ were born. Assuredly the Christian world needed a new voice. Did they come to the Kingdom for such a time as that? The first thing they said was: "We be brethren. Let us not fight, but let us reason together." After a hundred years, the things they said are now beginning to be heard. Protestant believers were divided in their teachings and into many religious bodies. However, in the nineteenth cen- tury, these divine truths which had been elucidated and em- phasized by the great leaders of reformatory movements had come to be the common possessions of all evangelical believ- ers. They all held — and do yet hold — the right of personal judgment, the all-sufficiency of the sacred Scriptures as the rule of faith and life, the doctrine of justification by faith in Jesus Christ; all are united in the denial of the Papal head- ship of the church; all affirmed the supreme sovereignty of THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 17 God, individual responsibility and personal accountability to God; all stood for religious liberty and the absolute separa- ration of civil and ecclesiastical prerogatives and powers. The Christian peoples who are girdling the earth with this twen- tieth-century civilization are all united in these things. The Disciples of Christ have pleaded for a return to the word of God and the authority of Jesus Christ, the sole Lord and only Head of the church. The creeds of men may have served their purposes in former times, but they divide God's people, and division is weakness, inefficiency and appalling loss. Bishop Cranston, of the M. E. Church, before the Fed- eral Council of the Churches of Christ in America, said: "The church of Jesus Christ upon earth is constitutionally, intentionally and logically one, and we are staying apart without reason, economy or warrant of Scripture." As a revelation of God, the Bible is all-sufficient and alone-sufficient in the salvation of men and in their preparation for the eter- nal life. Amid all the clashing confusion of earth and time, only the authoritative voice of Jesus can bring assurance and peace. The Disciples plead for the reproduction of the Church of Christ, which is his body on earth ; for a return to and a restoration of primitive Christianity in all its fundamental elements. What is its basic teaching? What are its divinely appointed ordinances ? What its required and essential fruits ? What does the New Testament say? To the law and the tes- timony. "Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." Assuredly this is a safe and wise rallying-cry. The Disciples plead for the union of all God's people on the common, catholic grounds of the Bible. Divisions to-day are the crowning sin of Christendom. The Holy Spirit con- demned divisions when he spoke through apostles, and Jesus prayed for the unity of all his people "that the world may believe that thou hast sent me." All efforts for Christian union must fail that are based on denominational interpreta- tions of the Bible. Opinions may serve in their places, but 18 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS they must be subordinated to "thus saith the Lord." Hap- pily, all evangelized believers are now agreed in the catholic elements of the gospel ; namely, that Jesus is the Christ to save and the Lord to lead, that the Holy Scriptures can make a man of God perfect and thoroughly furnish him unto all good works, that immersion and the Lord's Supper are the ordinances given by him who has all authority in heaven and on earth, that Christ's people should wear his name, and that they should aim and strive to reproduce his life in their own. Tennyson expressed this goal when he wrote: "Step by step, with voices crying right and left, I have climbed my way back to the primal church, and stand within the porch, and Christ is with me." It is believed that the Scripturalness and catholicity of the position and plea of the Disciples of Christ are evidenced by the fact that so many ministers — to say nothing of thou- sands of others — have left the various denominational churches and now stand together on common ground and unitedly serve the one Master. From this multitude the fol- lowing are noted here as illustrating examples: W. H. Book, from the Baptist Church; M. M. Davis, from the M. E. Church; T. H. Adams, from the Protestant Methodist Church ; W. G. Loucks, from the Christian Denomination ; J. V. Updike, from the Church of God; James Small, from the Presbyterian Church; A. B. Jett, from the Cumberland Pres- byterian Church ; C. C. Redgrave, from the Congregational Church ; T. P. Bauer, from the Lutheran Church ; Claris Yeu- ell, from the Plymouth Brethren ; D. P. Shafer, from the Reformed Church ; James Vernon, from the Episcopal Church ; C. M. Price, from the Seventh-day Adventists ; D. H. Bays, from the Mormon Church, and T. J. O'Connor, from the Roman Catholic Church. Nearly all of these micn are living and are, or have been, active ministers of the gospel in the churches of Christ. Mr. J. Wood Miller, a Presbyterian minister, visited the Englewood, Chicago, Church of Christ on a Wednesday evening in 1912, and read from memory Mark's Gospel to THEIR PLACE AND PLEA 19 the congregation. Later he sent them the following note: My Friends : — Never was I so greatly pleased as in my reception at your church. It is only what could be expected from your most distinctly American of all the churches in the United States that I know of; organized here and having the stamp of the universal church, too, under the head of immersion, the original baptism; Christian, the original name; the whole Word as the only creed, and observing the Supper every Lord's Day, the primitive custom, with every saint a preacher. Having read Mark before perhaps five hundred churches, I recall no larger or more responsive prayer-meeting audience. CHAPTER II. BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS. The beginning of the nineteenth century witnessed a widespread revolt against human authority, both Papal and Protestant, in religion. Many men in many places came to see that God alone can be Lord of the conscience. Every- where these reformers, protesting against the creeds of coun- cils and the dogmas of fallible men, appealed to the Bible alone. Everywhere their aim was the emancipation of the church from the bondage of human traditions and rule. This movement first focalized in the religious body known as the "Christian Denomination." For many years they were called "New Lights," but since they have never recognized this name, it is unfair to so designate them. They were also called the "Christian Connection" and "Christian Church." Throughout this work they are referred to as the "Christian Denomination." Min. James O'Kelley withdrew from the Methodist Epis- copal Church during its first General Conference, held in Bal- timore in 1792. In his earlier years he was a classmate of Thomas Jefiferson and Patrick Henry. He was a popular preacher and an old presiding- elder from Virginia. He urged upon the conference the right of those preachers who thought themselves injured by the appointment of the bishops, to ap- peal to the general body, then in session. His appeal was in vain. Many individuals and local congregations, either in mass or in part, seceded with him. Appealing for public favor to the public spirit of the time, they for a few years called themselves Republican Methodists. At the close of the eighteenth century. Dr. Abner Jones resided at Hartland, Vermont. He was a regular Baptist, 20 BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 21 but he was especially averse to human creeds, which he re- garded as walls separating the followers of our Lord. And sectarian names grieved him much. In those years when a man of God got a new thought he was compelled to get a new church to put it in. So Dr. Jones organized a church at Lynden, Vermont, in 1802, with twenty-five members, and another church the same year at Hanover, New Hampshire, and a third at Pierpont, New Hampshire, in 1803. About that time Elias Smith, then a Baptist minister, was preaching with great success in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. He fell in with Abner Jones, and soon the church under his care was led to adopt the principles and position of the Christians. Barton W. Stone, a learned and eloquent minister, with- drew from the Presbyterian Church in 1804, and became very actively identified with the Christian Denomination. Thus there arose simultaneously in the East, South and West congregations that wished to be known simply as Christians. These were remote from one another and with- out a knowledge of one another's work. They urged the all- sufficiency of the Scriptures as the rule of faith and life, the democracy of the local church. Christian character as the test of fellowship, and the name ''Christian" to the exclusion of all denominational names. Those years were particularly auspicious for the proclama- tion of such Christian truths. Beginning in the last days of the eighteenth century with the Presbyterians in Tennessee and Kentucky, and continuing to near the close of 1801, there was a most extraordinary revival of religion. Caneridge, Kentucky, was its center; its circumference was almost the outer bounds of the nation. Its slogan was, "The Bible our rule of faith and practice." Many thousands turned to the Lord. Consecrated lives testified to the genuineness of their conversion. Its impressions were deep and its influences abiding. That revival was the John the Baptist of the movement inaugurated within less than two decades thereafter by the 22 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Disciples of Christ. This also had its beginnings in various localities — East, West and South. It came neither from the Biblical research nor thought of any one man. It was not accidental, but providential. Its members approached the Bible ''with all readiness of mind, examining the Scriptures daily." It is believed by many that Alexander Campbell was the founder of the religious body known as the Disciples of Christ. This is a mistake, and the abundant and incontestible facts of history prove it to be such. It was at least a decade after the beginnings of this movement in various places that Mr. Campbell became the champion and later the most pow- erful advocate of those principles of Christian truth which differentiate the Disciples from all other religious bodies. This last fact was the occasion that led many uninformed people to call those with whom Mr. Campbell found himself to be in full accord ''Campbellites." But this, to the Disci- ples, has always been an offensive nickname. Now it is no longer in use except in some back precincts where the trees grow tall and the brush thick, and hence the light of intelli- gence is slow in penetrating. William Barney came into what is now Wabash County, and settled about eight miles north of the site of Mount Carmel, in 1808. His family then consisted of himself and wife and the following children: George, William, Richard, James, Betsy, Jane, Sarah, Clara and Ann. Shortly after- ward, Mr. Barney's three sons-in-law, with their wives and children, also came. It is plain that this was a real Roose- veltian and patriotic family. Other settlers followed. Three forts for protection against the Indians in the locality were built. Seth Card came into this settlement in 1813. In 1814 he was a representative in the third Territorial Legislature, and in 1818 was a member of the convention that framed the con- stitution for the State. Evidently Mr. Card was one of the leading citizens of that section. He, with Minister James Pool and others, on the 17th of July, 1819, organized the BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 23 Barney's Prairie Christian Church. Seth Card was elected elder and Joseph Wood deacon. His grandson, O. H. Wood, now residing in that locality, has in his keeping the original book containing the record of this transaction. He is now in his sixty-eighth year, has been a member of the congrega- tion for over fifty years, and affirms that from its beginning the Barney's Prairie Church has always stood on apostolic ground. This congregation has had an unbroken and useful life for ninety-six years. Airs. Eliza Shoaff, Goldengate, Illinois, says that she was born in 1844 two miles north of the Barney's Prairie Church ; that her grandparents, Job and Abigail Pixley, came to this locality in 1817, and that not long afterwards they united with the church. Both Mr. O. H. Wood and Mrs. Shoaff unite in affirming the unquestioned statements of their parents and grandparents, that before 1819 there had been a "New Light" church — as they there called themselves — about seven miles from Barney's Prairie, and that it had failed ; and further, that when these people met on July 17 they decided to drop the name "New Light" and form a Christian church simply, which they did. Beyond question, in point of time, the Barney's Prairie Church leads all the Christian congregations in Illinois. The Coffee Creek Church in Wabash County was the sec- ond. The original record reads : "At a meeting held at Brother Daniel Keen's on Saturday before the fifth Sabbath in August, 1819, a church of Christ was constituted, consist- ing of seven members." (See Keensburg.) The testimony of the original records, the history of Wabash County and the memories of the oldest residents of the community unite in affirming that from the first this was simply a church of Christ and has always continued as such. Stephen England settled near the site of Cantrall, Sanga- mon County, in 1819. He ^^^as a native of Virginia, but grew to manhood in Kentucky. He was a Baptist preacher, but was acquainted with Barton W. Stone before coming to Illi- nois. Here he was never known as a Baptist minister. Shortly after settling here he invited the people to come to 24 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS his cabin for public worship. That the people were soul- hungry is indicated by the fact that two women walked two miles to the meeting through prairie grass as high as their heads. On May 15, 1820, he constituted in his own house the first church of Christ in this county. In all there were nine members whose names have come down to us. From that date to this it has always been known as the church of Christ, or Antioch Christian Church. When the village of Cantrall was laid out in the sixties, the place of meeting was moved there and the local designation was changed from Antioch to Cantrall. In the fall of 1826 the Little Grove Church of Christ, located six miles east of Paris, was constituted by Minister Samuel McGee. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Morrison and Mrs. Anna Fitzgerald, who had come from Kentucky, were the leaders in the formation of this congregation. From the first it was called "The Little Grove Church of Christ." MULKEYTOWN. Mr. T. K. Means was born in Tennessee in April, 1831, and was brought by his parents to Franklin County, Illinois, in 1834. He is still living at Mulkeytown. His mind is vig- orous and his thought clear. He says: The first settlers of this part of the country called themselves Baptists and met at the house of John Kirkpatrick, who settled here in 1818. But these people had been baptized in Kentucky and Ten- nessee by John Mulkey and his brother Philip, who were Baptist preachers, but went into the Reformation with B. W. Stone early in the last century. It is a fact that John Mulkey was tried for heresy in 1809 in Kentucky. No one now knows when these people left off the name "Baptist" and adopted the name "Christian," for there was no Baptist church and people who held to the usages of that church in this whole settlement. I have been told that the first man that preached the primitive gospel here was by the name of Underwood. The first preacher I ever heard was Elijah Spiller, who was an old man at that time and had lived here many years. But the man who did most of the preach- ing was by the name of Silas Reid, who came to the county in 1832. Afterward there came other preachers, of whom I can name Wm. BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 25 Bristow, John Hayes, Ulysses Heap, Wm. Chance and then a host of others. I once heard D. C Mulkey say that when he came to Illinois in 1832, his elder brothers, John M, and Jonathan H. Mulkey, were then living here and that they were devoted church-members at that time. Then we must infer there was a church organization at that time. From this testimony of Mr. Means and the lucid preach- ing of the pure gospel by John Mulkey, Sr., reinforced as he was by the splendid ministry of Barton W. Stone, the writer concludes that the beginning of the Mulkeytown Church of Christ may be fairly placed near the middle of the twenties. THE SPRING CREEK ( MT. ZION) BERLIN CHURCH. In 1818 Andrew Scott came from Crawford County, Indi- ana, and located near Richland, in Cartwright Township, Sangamon County. He was a minister whose aim was to teach and preach the true faith and the pure gospel. He at once began to hold meetings in the log cabins of the pioneers. In 1824 he settled near Island Grove — the woods skirting Spring Creek — a mile or two northwest of the site of old Berlin. There he met Theophilus Sweet, a Baptist preacher ot the old school. It was not long until Mr. Sweet was in accord with Mr. Scott in his Christian faith and preaching. Their united labors soon developed a Christian Church on Spring Creek that met for worship in the log schoolhouse. It was doubtless organized there. Much as we admire those brave pioneers whose voices rang true to the word of God, still we are reminded that they were fallible. In a time after the beginning of this church, one of its members, named William Grant, accused Preacher Andrew Scott in plain speech ot lying. Of his defense the subjoined documents have come down to us : Tazwell County, Illinois, June 30th, 1830. — We whose names are undersigned, having been formerly members of the church at Spring Creek in Sangamon County, by permission of the church in the big grove on Kickapoo, do send to the churches and all whom the 26 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS presents may concern, that Brother Andrew Scott was and is a min- ister in good standing among us. Signed: Isaac Carlock, James R. Scott, Samuel P. Glenn, Levin a Martin, Ruth B. Glen, John P. Glen, Daniel Vincent, Nancy Glen. Ann Vincent, I, John Glen, a member of the church of Christ at Big Grove, Kickapoo, do hereby certify that I have known Andrew Scott for forty years, and that I ever did consider him a man of truth and strictly honest. Given under my hand this 10th day of June, 1830. Signed: John Glen. The genuineness of these documents is attested by the following : I, M. B. Robertson, a Justice of the Peace in and for Sangamon County, Illinois, do hereby certify that the above are accurate copies of letters of commendation received by Andrew Scott, from the above parties. Given under my hand and seal this 15th day of October, 1913. M. B. Robertson, Berlin, Illinois, Oct. 15, 1913. Justice of the Peace. From these statements it is clear that there was a church of Christ in Big Grove, on the Kickapoo, in 1830. Nine members of this church had previously been members of the Spring Creek congregation. The latter was formed previous to this time, probably near 1825, the year after Messrs. Scott and Sweet began to work together. Those who are curious will be interested in the following. On the reverse side of the sheet of paper containing the above testimonials this certificate is written: This is to sertify that I was at the meten on Spring Creek for the perpes of setlen of Deficelty betwen Brother Scott and Brother Grant he charges Brother Scott ot lying But DiD not prov it it was not setled to the satisfaction of Brother Scott But was left to ware out. Jesse Wilson. The church of Christ in Big Grove, on Kickapoo, was short-lived, or soon met in another place under another name. BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 27 None of the historians mention it, nor is there a tradition of it in the memories of octogenarians. Ebenezer Rhodes was born in Holland in 1780. He came to America, and in 1824 to McLean County, settling in Blooming Grove, five miles south of Bloomington. He was a Baptist preacher and married the first couple in that county. Reuben Carlock was a native of Overton County, Tennessee. He came to Illinois in October, 1827, and settled in Dry Grove, five miles southwest of the site of the present town of Carlock. Minister William Brown, a Christian min- ister, came to visit his friend, Reuben Carlock, in 1828. In August of that year, Mr. Carlock yoked his ox-team to his wagon, and, accompanied by some members of his family and his guest, Preacher Brown, drove to the cabin of Eben- ezer Rhodes for a three-days' meeting. Then and there a little church was constituted. Thereupon the recognized leader, Ebenezer Rhodes, said : "And now, brethren, we must have some articles of faith." Then Reuben Carlock, drawing a small copy of the New Testament from his pocket and holding it up, said : "Brother Rhodes, this book has all the articles of faith we need." Mr. Rhodes at once and in full assurance answered : "That is true." Thereafter he was known as a Christian minister and continued to preach the gospel without the mixture of human traditions until his death in 1842. That little congregation was simply a church of Christ. In 1815 "Christian Settlement" was founded in Lawrence County, seven miles northwest of Vincennes, Indiana. It was made up of members of the Christian Denomination. For ninety-eight years that country community has been remark- able for its industry, sobriety, thrift and hio^h ideals. In 1828 the church there came fully to apostolic erounds. The first sermon ever preached in Hittle's Grove, near what became the town site of Armington, was by a Method- ist minister named Walker, but he did not form a class. This and other public meetings for worship were held in the log cabin of Michael Hittle. After a time two women 28 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS wished to be baptized, and a Baptist minister, probably Ebenezer Rhodes, was sent for. Finding no church there to vote on the fitness of the candidates, after dehberation it was decided to immerse them on the pubhc confession of their faith in Christ. Thereupon a Baptist church was constituted with seven members. On January 11, 1829, this congregation was reorganized on the following basis: **We, the under- signed, do give ourselves to the Lord and to each other as a church of Jesus Christ, to be governed by his word contained in the Old and New Testaments." This church has had an unbroken life to the present time. This agreement to consti- tute a church of Christ was signed by seventeen persons. In 1829 a church was constituted in the southern part of Marion County. It was known as the Mount Moriah Free Will Baptist Church. In 1837 its members dropped the words "Free Will Baptist" and substituted for them ''Christian," and since then, to this date, it has been known as 'The Mount Moriah Christian Church." From an old, original record-book the following is taken: April 30, 1831, the church of Christ on Cedar Fork of Henderson River, Warren County, was constituted upon the beilief that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the Word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice, and are sufficient for the government of the Church. The location was one and a half miles northwest of the present town of Cameron. This was probably the first church of Christ in the Military Tract. Some of its families became representatives in that part of the State and elsewhere. The second Sunday in July, 1831, Minister John B. Curl constituted the "Bear Creek" Church in Adams County, and also the "Mill Creek" Church in the same county before the close of the year. Mr. Curl labored diligently through all that section of the State, and three or four other congrega- tions were formed about the same time. Bushrod W. Henry was a native of Culpeper County, Virs^inia. He came to Illinois and settled in Shelbyville in 1830. He was then twenty-five years of age. He was a BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 29 Baptist preacher and man of superior mental endowments and magnificent personality. In July, 1831, he constituted the 'Tirst Baptist Church of Christ in Shelbyville." Within one year he was preaching clearly those Biblical truths com- monly held and taught by the Disciples. In 1834 Mr. Henry, with those of like views with him, were summarily expelled from the Baptist Church. Then the congregation in Shelby- ville dropped the name ''Baptist" and has since then been known as the ''Church of Christ." Mr. Henry has two sons living — Judge W. B. Henry, of Vandalia, and Minister J. O. Henry, of Findley. The latter is eighty-six years old. He was a comrade of Richard J. Oglesby in the Fourth Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Mexican war. Ever after- ward they were fast friends until "Uncle Dick" passed over the great divide. Mr. Henry clearly and positively affirms that his father was not assisted by any one except his wife in reaching his conclusions on the teachings of the Scrip- tures ; that together they, husband and wife, reverently and faithfully read themselves out of spiritual Babylon. By 1832 there began to be some general unity of thought and action among the widely separated Disciples in their efforts to restore the church after the New Testament pat- tern — in its teachings, its ordinances and its life ; so in this year a number of local churches had their beginnings. Most of them still live and have been forceful factors in building society. The church in Jacksonville had its beginning in that year. Several Christian families came to Morgan County from Kentucky in 1830 and 1831. Fourteen families of Disciples, then called Reformers by many, met together regularly that winter for public worship. In the summer of 1831 Josephus Iliett settled five miles east of Jacksonville. He was the first regular preacher of the Disciples in that section. James Green and ttarrison W. Osborn, of the Christian Denomination, were in that locality at that time. They preached in the courthouse and in schoolhouses as they had opportunity. In 1832 there were good-sized nuclei of Disci- 30 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS pies and members of the Christian Denomination in and around Jacksonville. It was in this year that the scholarly and pious Barton W. Stone came from Kentucky into the "Far West," as Illinois was then called. The reputation of this good man had preceded him, for he was an active factor in the Caneridge revival in 1800, whose influences and glory came to be more enduring than the stars. Mr. Stone made a tour through the Prairie State, preaching at Lawrenceville, Carrollton, Rushville, Springfield, Jacksonville and other places. He believed in and labored for the union of all God's people. At Jacksonville he laid his strong but tender hand upon the two separated bodies and left them united in one. This was in October, 1832. A similar result was effected at Carrollton a few days later. It may be properly noted here that the Disciples of Christ absorbed the larger part of the Christian Denomina- tion, not only in Illinois, but elsewhere. However, the latter body still lives. The appeal of both parties was to the Bible as the only recognized authority in religion, and in this way many of the latter concluded that the Disciples were nearer the divine standard than themselves. The church at Winchester was formed December 1, 1832. The old Union Church, located about ten miles west of Clin- ton, was constituted October 13 (the second Sunday), 1832. It was formed with seventeen charter members, under the spreading branches of a large white-oak tree, whose decay- ing stump marks the spot. This and the gravestones in the cemetery that grew around the house of worship, are silent sentinels of faded joys and departed glory. Hughes Bowles was the leader there. He was a product of the Caneridge (Ky.) revival, as were those associated with him in this be- ginning. His son, Walter P. Bowles, became the best known and most powerful preacher of his time in that section. He and Abraham Lincoln were familiar friends, and long before the immortal emancipator dreamed of place and fame, he said to Mr. Bowles: ''Wat, if I could preach like you, I BEGINNINGS IN ILLINOIS 31 would rather do that than be President." The old Union Church served its community and generation for just fifty years to a day, and then, railroads coming and towns grow- ing, it fell into sleep. Joseph Ilostetler was a great, strong man in his time. In his youth he became a member of the Tunker Church and soon thereafter a preacher. With little help, his own study of the Bible led him to the common basic principles of the gospel. He came from Indiana to Illinois in 1832, and in No- vember of that year organized the West Okaw Church of Christ. It was located about two miles west of the site of Lovington, and became the mother of a number of congre- gations of like faith in that section. West Okaw still lives and flourishes in the Lovington Church. In the early thirties a number of families came from Christian County, Kentucky, to Illinois, and settled in Walnut Grove, now known as Eureka. In April, 1832, thirteen Dis- ciples met in the log residence of John Oatman, that stood about one-half mile northeast of the railroad station now tl'iere, and organized a church. Since that time it has been known as the Christian Church (or church of Christ) at Eureka, and has been one of the most forceful agencies in the entire State for truth and righteousness. In 1833 churches of Christ were organized at Springfield, Lawrenceville, Decatur, Ursa, Little Mackinaw, ten miles south of Mackinaw town, and elsewhere. The Mount Pleasant Church, Hancock County, was or- ganized in 1834, and made a remarkable record through eighty years. Mrs. Georgenia Walton has been a member of this congregation for fifty-five years. She is a woman of rare intelligence and spirit. Speaking of the early years, she says : "We were Campbellites in those days. A boy in the M. E. Sunday School was repeating the names of the tribes in Canaan when Joshua led the Israelites into it. This boy said there were Canaanites, Amorites, Jebusites and Camp- bellites." This church also produced that great soul, Dr. William Z2 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Booz. In the early sixties he sent a communication to the Carthage Republican over the pseudonym ''Country Jake." The editor was so much impressed with its pungent character that he encouraged him to send weekly contributions. Thus zvas born, of these two fertile minds, provincial journalism in Illinois. This is less than a bird's-eye view of the beginnings of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois. Across the central and through most of the southern part of the State they continued to grow. Every inch of ground they occupy to-day has been won by battle. They met opposition, often bitter, always de- termined, from the older religious bodies. Where they are now strong 'in numbers, intelligent and wealthy and particu- larly "respectable," they are quickly and cheerfully recognized as ''orthodox" and welcomed to the "sisterhood of the churches." Without doubt, with the changing times they have all changed with them, and, by divine grace, for the better. CHAPTER III. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION. From the first the Disciples of Christ in Illinois have been earnest advocates of mental culture. In the early decades many of the leaders were well-educated men. In the fifties and sixties the question of establishing academies for work supplementing that of the public schools was considered in the annual State meetings. A few such schools were started m addition to the colleges organized. But the Civil War closed all of these, and within five years thereafter the State high schools were begun. But it is a painful and serious fact that the Disciples in Illinois for the last twenty-five years have failed to keep step with the great educational column in the State. It is a significant fact that the Disciples were the leaders of coeducation in Illinois. Oberlin College, Ohio, was formed in 1833, and from its beginning trained young people of both sexes. So did Antioch College, at Yellow Springs, Ohio, of which Horace Mann was the head. In Illinois, Shurtleff College was founded as Rock Springs Seminary in 1827, and removed to its present location in 1831-32. Young women were first officially admitted to this institution in 1871. Knox College was founded in 1837. It had a female collegiate de- partment from 1849, but it was not ''till the early seventies that the same courses were thrown open to women as to men." The school founded at Eureka in 1848 and that at Abingdon in 1853 were both coeducational from their begin- nings. So also were the other schools of the Disciples in Illinois. In 1900 there were 345 colleges and universities in the United States. Of these, 204 are coeducational. It is the 2 33 34 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS prevailing system in the West. Of the twenty-eight colleges in Illinois, twenty-six are open to women. The Disciples have also insisted that education should be affirmatively Christian ; hence the Bible has a fixed place in the curriculums of their schools. EUREKA COLLEGE. Eureka College was a child of Providence. Its founders were men who walked with God. Central Illinois, into which the first white settlers came, was a land of entrancing beauty. The wide prairies, with grassy billows, reached out until, to the human eye, they touched the horizon. The streams of water were skirted with trees, only a part of which had grown to stately size. Charming wild birds and graceful wild beasts abounded everywhere, untamed and untouched save by the red men. The first immigrants made their homes among the groves. The timber was needed to build their cabins, make their fires and fence their farms. The settlements were known by the names of the groves to which the first pioneers gave names. That one along the west line of McLean County and the east line of Tazewell, which in 1841 became Woodford County, was called Walnut Grove, because those trees, indicating a rich soil, grew there abundantly. Into this place, in the thirties, a number of families came from south- ern Kentucky. Among them there were Ben Major and Wil- liam Davenport, who were double brothers-in-law; Elijah Dickinson, Sr. ; B. J. Radford, Sr. ; William P. Atterberry, R. M. Clark, E. B. Myers, A. M. Myers, Caleb Davidson, M. R. Bullock and Thomas Bullock. Other influential men, as John Darst and A. G. Ewing, came later. The families of the first settlers were generally large and growing. The schools for the instruction and training of children in that period were of the subscription class, and were often *'kept" by impecunious and peripatetic pedagogues. While the pioneers were engaged in subduing their part of the earth, thus helping to lay the foundations of a mighty material em- pire, they were even more concerned about the mental and CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 35 moral training of their children. They felt keenly the in- adequacy of the ordinary facilities. In the fall of 1847 John T. Jones, an active and well-known minister among the Dis- ciples in Central Illinois, opened at Walnut Grove a select school for the education of girls, on a spot near the present site of Eureka College. In the following winter a malignant type of measles became epidemic in the community and broke up this school. In the summer of 1848 Mr. A. S. Fisher, a student from Bethany College, came to Walnut Grove. He was engaged by a number of the leading men of the community to conduct a school for a period of ten months. This school opened in a small frame building on September 10. The curriculum included the common English branches, with higher mathe- matics, natural philosophy, rhetoric, logic, etc. Evidently Mr. Fisher intended to earn his pay. The work of this school was suspended during a "big meeting" that was conducted by Mr. D. P. Henderson, an eminent evangelist of Jackson- ville, IlHnois. This meeting continued through "many days," and added about one hundred persons to the Walnut Grove Church of Christ. At its close the work of the school was resumed and continued until the following Fourth of July. As the school was successful, Mr. Ben Major and his co- adjutors arranged with the young teacher for its continuance. Mr. Fisher submitted the following conditions, which were accepted by the patrons : First, that an addition, properly fur- nished, be made to the schoolhouse; second, that he be per- mitted to employ an assistant teacher for the primary pupils ; third, that he be allowed the net income from tuition fees for his salary ; fourth, that adequate provision be made for board- ing all students who came from other localities. At this time a printed announcement of the school was circulated under the name of WALNUT GROVE SEMINARY. Miss Sue E. Jones, a daughter of John T. Jones and a graduate, was secured as assistant teacher. The school 36 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Opened with such an encouraging outlook and growing attend- ance that the need of a larger building than the one enlarged was obvious. Hence the promoters of the school met in the autumn of 1849 and decided to erect a two-story brick build- ing to cost not less than $2,500. Ben Major led in this en- terprise. In December of that year this building was first occupied, and the school was incorporated as WALNUT GROVE ACADEMY. Its management was vested in twelve trustees. Of this board, John T. Jones was president and A. S. Fisher secre- tary. In September, 1850, John Lindsay, a graduate of Bethany College and a young minister, was added to the academy as teacher of Latin and Greek. The first philosoph- ical and chemical apparatus was secured in 1851. In the same year, to the "State Meeting," which assembled with the Walnut Grove Church, the trustees of the academy ex- plained that they were endeavoring to establish an institution of learning where the young people of both sexes might re- ceive the advantages of a liberal education under the care and influence of Christian teachers and free from all sectarian prejudices. They hoped the school would serve the Disciples generally throuo-hout the State. The year 1852 was a remarkable one in Walnut Grove. The school was abruptly closed one month before the time by a scourge of Asiatic cholera which swept through the com- munity. Its chief victim was Ben Major, the founder of the school. His was a superior combination of head and heart. The best blood of the Huguenots and of Virginians filled his veins. A native of Kentucky and an owner of slaves, from early youth he had serious doubts on the question of human slavery. By the light of divine truth he reached his own purpose and matured his own plans. These were at variance with all his early teachings and antagonistic to all his family traditions and social relations. Having freed his slaves in the fall of 1835, he sent an agent with them to New York and shipped them to Liberia. In 1834, with his family of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION Zl seven, he moved from Kentucky to Illinois in an ox-wagon. Through a period of eighteen years he served the new set- tlement at Walnut Grove as counselor, physician, friend and genuine leader. A. S. Fisher justly shares the honor of founding this school. Of him Professor Radford has given this admirable pen-picture : He seemed not to us as a man of like passions with the rest. Frivolity was a stranger to him, and that he should make a mistake was out of the question. Grand and peculiar, he might have sat upon his pedagogical thronej. a sceptered hermit, but, much to our wonder, he went about the hard drudgery of pioneer school work with a con- stancy, a punctuality and devotion to duty which was in itself a profitable part of our course of instruction. Professor Neville used to call him 'an arithmetic in breeches.' but this was evidently, to use an arithmetical expression, reducing him to his lowest terms. He was accuracy incarnate. He impressed the ambitious student with the idea that inaccuracy was immoral, and that to make a mistake was unpar- donable. With infinite pains and patient repetition, he would lead even the dullest student to understand what had seemed to him hope- lessly incomprehensible. The lesson of the hour had the floor, and nothing else was to be recognized but a point of order, and he made a point of order all the time. In the years of his classroom ministry he inculcated upon thousands of youths such lessons of accuracy, indus- try and attention to the matter in hand as have in no small measure contributed to their success in life. After thirty-eight years of uninterrupted and self-sacri- ficing service, he left the college in 1885 and moved to Kan- sas City, Missouri. There he died in 1903. The ''State Meeting" that convened with the church at Abingdon in 1852 indorsed the movement to build up an in- stitution of learning at Walnut Grove for the education of their sons and daughters and to fit young men for the Chris- tian ministry. There were students then at the school from more than twenty localities in Hlinois and also from Indiana and Missouri. The same "State Meeting" also formed a Board of Education consisting of Ministers William Daven- port, John Lindsay, George W. Minier, Jonathan Atkinson, A. J. Kane and Prof. A. S. Fisher, the purpose of which 38 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS board was to consider and report ways and means of estab- lishing academies in various parts of the State under the ex- clusive management of the Disciples in Illinois. In 1852 the first post-office was established in Walnut Grove. Before that the nearest office was at Washington, eight miles west. Mr. Fisher was made the first postmaster. Everything was on the general-delivery plan. To add to the burdens of the patient professor, many letters at that time were sent C. O. D., the postage on them being paid by the receivers. John H. Neville, a graduate of Bethany College, suc- ceeded John Lindsay as teacher in the fall of 1852. One year thereafter the academy began its work with the following teachers: A. S. Fisher, J. H. Neville, Mrs. Sarah Fisher, wife of the principal, and Miss Elmira J. Dickinson. The Annual Meeting of the Disciples at Jacksonville in September, 1853, received the report from the Board of Edu- cation, It was distinctly significant in three particulars: First, coeducational — "that the brethren may endow their sons and daughters with a liberal education ;" second, that all education should be Christian — "the Bible should have a con- spicuous place in the daily exercises of every school. Having been prepared by the Author of the human mind, it is superior to all human productions in developing morality among any people;" third, an educated ministry — "that only an educated mind is competent to disengage the simple facts of Christianity from the many false dogmas with which they have become entangled through many centuries of false teachings and interpretations. Brethren, shall we have such schools among us and under our control?" These affirma- tions reflected fully the views of the Disciples in Illinois at that time. However, the Jacksonville meeting did not adopt the report. Other communities than Walnut Grove were am- bitious to establish such schools. The assembly decided to confine its activities exclusively to the direct work of evan- gelizing. Notwithstanding, the meeting voted in favor of raising $10,000 to endow a chair in Bethany College. Of CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 39 this sum, the people of Walnut Grove raised and paid $2,225. The academy grew in attendance so that a boarding-hall sufficient for the accommodation of fifty students was com- pleted in the summer of 1854. Its cost was mainly met by citizens of the community. Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Clark, who were admirable Christians, were placed in charge. The hall became a pleasant home for many occupants in the years fol- lowing. A music department was introduced with the session be- ginning in September, 1855. Miss Ellen F. True, of Mt. Vernon, Ohio, was the first teacher. A one-room frame building was erected just across the street from the academy for the use of this department. When not in use by music pupils it was occupied by other classes. For reasons about which annalists are silent, the people of Walnut Grove desired to change the name of their village and post-office ; so a committee of three was appointed near the close of 1854 — probably by the trustees of the academy — to choose a new name. Minister John Lindsay, one of the three, reported "Eureka," and the people, believing that they had found a favored spot in a goodly land, adopted it. As the result of an application and some necessary but altogether honorable caucusing, the Legislature of Illinois, by a special act passed in February, 1855, incorporated. EUREKA COLLEGE. Under the liberal provisions of this charter the institu- tion has continued uninterruptedly from September of that year to the present time. With the summer of 1855 the academy's work was merged into that of the college. The first Faculty was composed of the following: William M. Brown, president : A. S. Fisher, J. H. Neville, O. A. Burgess, Richard Conover, Mrs. Sarah F. Conover and Aliss Ellen F. True. Mr. Burgess remained but one year, preferring the work of the ministry to that of the classroom. He was a man of striking physique and commanding personality. Well 40 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS developed and finely disciplined, he was self-conscious and self-poised. With the mentality of a master and the tender heart of a woman, he was a regal man whose influence re- mained with all lives he touched. The new Board of Trustees turned their attention at once to questions of finance, grounds and a new building. The school had grown steadily in popularity, numbers and ef- ficiency; so enlarged accommodations became imperative. The campus, a tract of about fifteen acres, was the joint gift of Elias B. Myers and James Conover, residents of the com- munity and faithful friends of the school. Its graceful slopes that the bluegrass loves, covered with stately trees of the primeval forest, have always been regarded as an ideal spot for a college. Its charms appeal to the love of the beau- tiful in nature in all beholders. President Brown and Minister William Davenport served as solicitors of finance and promoters of the institution in many parts of the State. Within a few months about $60,000 had been secured in interest-bearing notes. One-third of these were to be used in the erection of the new building. Relying upon these notes and college friends, the trustees secured a loan and let the contract for the building in the spring of 1857. It was completed in the summer of 1858, and has been in continuous use since that time. This loan had the per- sonal guarantee of Messrs. John Darst, E. B. Myers and William Davenport, joint-leaders in this enterprise. The financial panic of 1857 swept the whole country like a cyclone. Banks failed and business was paralyzed. Farm- ers marketing their products were paid in bank notes, many of which depreciated from 10 to 100 per cent, within from one to sixty days. Printed "Bank Detectors" were circulated and consulted daily and eagerly. These conditions rendered many of the notes held by the trustees valueless, and hin- dered many patrons from sending their children to the schooL The college thus suffered its first reverse. However, the matriculation in this session numbered 276. Professor Neville left the school in the summer of 1857. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 41 The facile pen of Professor Radford has given this picture of him: He was singularly handsome, and the contour of his head and the expression of his face suggested the purely intellectual in a greater degree than I have seen in any other person. He loved intellectual exercise for its own sake. The emotional and physical demands must wait upon the mental. He had little patience with mediocrity. Aptness in a student covered a multitude of sins, and dullness would discount a whole catalogue of virtues. His intense intellectuality, which often slid into the minor key of abstractedness, led to many eccentricities, which were copied by us in the sincerest of all flattery — imitation. It was amusing, no doubt — all that awkward and misfit affectation of oddities in gait and manner and abstractedness. But when we call to mind what extravagances are indulged in by the worshipers of Browning, or Balzac, or Kipling ; what aping of royal eccentricities, deformities, and even vices, are common in high social life — we shall see that these rustic admirers of the brilliant young teacher were not fools above all that dwell upon the face of the earth. In January, 1857, Charles Louis Loos came to the college as its president. He was a graduate of Bethany, and had served three years as a teacher in that institution. He was a native of France and had heen trained in the Lutheran faith. His acceptance of the position of the Disciples came from a clear conviction of truth and duty. His change of church relation caused much bitterness among his Lutheran relatives. He remained at the head of the college only until the summer of 1858, when he returned to Bethany's Faculty. He was succeeded in the presidency by Mr. George Gal- lender, who came to Walnut Grove from Liverpool, England, in 1852. He was a Scotchman of fine mind and culture, and was highly esteemed by the students. Three years after his arrival in this locality, on a beautiful summer afternoon, be- fore a large concourse of people assembled on the bank of Walnut Greek, he declared in an impassioned address his joyful acceptance of the common, catholic principles of the New Testament faith, and, with his wife, was then immersed. Mr. Gallender did little classroom work, but his frequent lec- tures were a source of information and inspiration to the students. The session beginning September, 1858, opened 42 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS with the following Faculty: George Callender, B. W. John- son, A. S. Fisher, Dr. J. M. Allen, Misses Sue S. Smith, Elmira J. Dickinson and Jane Ewing. As early as 1849 a society was formed among the stu- dents for literary and social culture. It was named ''Walnut Grove Literary Institute." Its meetings were held on Friday evening of every week, and were a source of great profit and pleasure to its members. In after years it was incorpo- rated under the name, "Edmund Burke Society." In 1857 the Periclesian and Mathesian Societies were organized, the latter for the help of young men looking toward the Chris- tian ministry. These three societies were composed exclu- sively of males ; so in 1857 the Excelsior Society was formed for the advantage of young women. It continued as a helpful agency until in later years the Edmund Burke and Peri- clesian Societies declared ladies eligible to their memberships. Through the fifty-six years of the life of the college these societies have continued uninterruptedly. They have been valuable auxiliaries to the direct work of the institution. In 1860 the college graduated its first class — Mr. E. W. Dickinson. He was then, and has been through most of the years since, a resident of Eureka, and has been one of its most honorable and useful citizens. To the Faculty of September, 1860, there were added Messrs. R. H. Johnson and J. H. Rowell and Misses Sarah Lamphere and Mary G. Clark, making altogether a teaching force of nine persons. Both the attendance and work of the school were encouraging. In 1861 came the beginning of the great Civil War. The one thought then uppermost in the minds, and the one pas- sion that then dominated every other in the hearts of all of America's loyal sons and daughters, was the preservation of the integrity of our Federal Union. In response to the first call of President Lincoln for volunteers, five of the seven men who were members of the Senior class — one of whom was a teacher also — entered the military service. It is a fact significant of the loyalty of the Disciples of Illinois to our CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 43 flag that, in the awful period of storm and strife, the college graduated only three men. This institution has never been the slavish ally of any political party. Throughout its entire history it has always stood for those immutable principles of civic justice and righteousness that make peoples truly great and assure the life of the republic. B. W. Johnson succeeded to the presidency in 1862. He had performed the active duties of that office since 1858. He had been a student for three years in the academy, and there- after by two years' work in Bethany had graduated there. He was probably the best informed man on general history ever connected with the college. During that period many students listened eagerly to his remarkable and charming lec- tures on this subject. Mr. H. W. Everest came to the presidency in 1864. Leav- ing Bethany as a student because of his political convictions, he graduated from Oberlin. He left the presidency of Hiram College to come to Eureka. He was himself an untiring student of broad scholarship, a fine instructor in many lines of knowledge, and of superior executive ability. He was a modest man of fine personality who awakened commendable ambitions in his pupils and impressed them with high ideals. For more than half a century his influence was a potent factor in the lives of many who ever counted his guiding friendship a privilege. During the first three years of his administra- tion the number of students increased from 125 to 225. The close of the Civil War and the resumption of normal condi- tions contributed to this result. Then he was assisted by some able coadjutors in the school — H. O. Newcomb, a grad- uate of the University of Michigan, a kindly teacher upon whom "the boys" could always depend in "emergencies," and Dr. J. M. Allen, a lovable and stimulating instructor. In 1863 the deficit in current expenses became serious. A canvass of the community was made and enough money was secured to tide over for a time. In this and many other emergencies of the college Mr. John Darst was the leading man* 44 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Mr. Darst came from Ohio to Walnut Grove in 1851. Five years thereafter he laid out the town site of Eureka o.i land that he had previously purchased. He was the embodi ment of energy and industry, the soul of honor, "diligent in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord." Frequently he subordinated his personal interests to the public good. More than once he mortgaged his land to secure money to help the college. He was officially connected with the school for forty years and was one of its most steadfast and dependable friends. At a meeting held in Bloomington in 1868 to con- sider the educational interests of the Disciples in Illinois, reference was made to his liberality. Mr. Darst repHed: "Indeed, brethren, it has been a sort of selfish thing with me; for I feel a great deal happier than if I did not give." He was the open foe of the saloon, and contributed five sons to the Union Army. He was the helpful friend of young men preparing for the ministry. B. B. Tyler was one to whom he extended practical encouragement. Mr. Tyler said: *T want the world to know what John Darst did for me and for the church of Christ. HI have been worth anything to the world, let the grand good man have the honor that be- longs to him." In 1866 an effort was made to add a few thousand dol- lars to the endowment, but, inasmuch as the donors were made the preferred borrowers, a large percentage of these notes became worthless through unexpected business failures ; so the net result was small. The annual deficit increased in size like a rolled snowball. Overdue debts became an annoy- ance to the trustees and a very disagreeable inconvenience to the teachers. In this emergency individual claims were surrendered by numerous friends, a loan of $12,000 was secured, and thus temporary relief was attained. Meanwhile solicitors were afield. Among them were Dr. J. M. Allen and Ministers W. T. Maupin and W. G. Anderson. By 1867 the college had quite outgrown the capacity of the one building used for nine years. Its chapel was too small, the library and museum were overcrowded, and the CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 45 literary societies needed more room. Hence the chapel build- ing was planned, partly financed and finished in 1868. At the close of eight years' service Mr. Everest resigned in 1872. He was succeeded the following year by A. M. Weston, who had come to the college two years before. He was a graduate of Antioch College under Horace Mann, had served as city editor on a Cincinnati (O.) daily paper, had given three years of his life in the Union Army, rising from a private to a second lieutenancy, and thereafter had given five years to educational work. During the three years of his presidency at Eureka the number of students steadily in- creased each year. B. J. Radford, the second, was born in Walnut Grove and has passed most of the seventy-five years of his busy and fruitful life in that community. After more than three years of military service in the Federal Army, he graduated at Eureka in the class of 1866. Beginning at Niantic, Illinois, in 1868 and closing in Denver, Colorado, in 1892, he spent sixteen years in ministerial work, interspersed with teaching. His ministerial work was from 1871 to 1881 at Eureka, and with intervals at Des Moines, Iowa, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Beginning in 1870, he was a college teacher, serving thirty full years, including one year as president of Drake Uni- versity; the other twenty-nine years were given to Eureka College. He succeeded Mr. Weston in the presidency, con- tinuing two years in that position. His administration of all the interests of the institution was wise. Throughout his Hfe Mr. Radford has been an omnivorous reader, an earnest stu- dent, a great thinker, an inspiring teacher and an interesting public speaker. Further, he is a clear and forceful writer, his productions including some genuine poetry. He has an ap- parently inexhaustible fund of humor and anecdote and is thoroughly democratic in his instincts. His life has been filled with earnest toil and uncomplaining self-sacrifice. Dur- ing his long career as a teacher he came into personal touch and the range of mental influence with thousands of young people who "have passed through his classrooms. Hundreds 46 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS of these were preparing for the Christian ministry; so he has gripped the Hves of a larger number of youth by his po- tent personaHty than any other man ever connected with the institution. He has made an immeasurable contribution to the promotion of the Kingdom of God. Since 1886 he has been an associate editor of the Christian Standard. With Miss Jessie Brown he was coeditor of The Disciple for two years. For a period of ten years he was a popular lecturer on the Chautauqua platforms in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Tennessee, and for a much longer time in temperance and social-reform service. He is not without honor in his home community, for he has there united more couples in wedlock than any other man, while he has conducted probably one- half of all the funerals of those who now rest in Olio's silent city. 'The Professor" is still strong, active and helpful, and is fairly entitled to be known as the honorable and hon- ored "Sage of Eureka." H. W. Everest returned to the presidency of the college in 1877. For three years more he led the school with his fine energy and scholarship. During this time a boarding- house for young men, with a capacity for forty-eight, was built. But this hall and that one erected in 1854, having served well their purposes, have gone the way of all earth. Each in its time was full of the romances of youth — its joy- ous laughter and midnight oil — but now there remain of them only a few fading memories. In 1881, Dr. J. M. Allen was elected to the presidency. Giving up the practice of medicine, he began his thirty years' service in the college in 1857. He gave the college faithful and efficient work as teacher, solicitor and president. His life was filled with good deeds and self-sacrifice. With a keen sense of humor, apt incident and fitting anecdote, he was always popular. His manifest sincerity and loyalty to truth and right awakened noble ideals in his pupils. His fine character left an imperishable impress upon thousands of young men and women. The college prospered during the four years of his administration. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 47 The teachers here have always received small salaries. Tuition fees are quite insufficient to meet the current expenses of any average school. Another effort was made to increase the endowment, but with Hmited results. Hence an Aid Fund was begun, and by this method a goodly number of friends gave direct help for thirty years. During that period Minis- ter W. F. Black gave valuable assistance. For the most the teachers have been men and women who were self-sacrificing, esteeming the Christian training and culture of young people greater gain than material riches. And since teachers and taught have been in almost daily personal contact, the influ- ence of this consecration has imperceptibly transformed ideals of life in the students as the vernal sun changes the face of the earth. The curriculum was broadened with the passing years, and, considering its limited material resources, the college kept pace with educational progress in a marked degree. In 1884 a commodious audience-room, designed by Pro- fessor Radford, was erected on the college campus, called "The Tabernacle." It is 80 by 100 feet in dimensions, seat- ing twelve hundred people. Its cost was $4,000, w^hich was paid by citizens of the community. It stands on gently sloping ground that forms a natural amphitheater. For a period of twelve years the State Missionary Convention assembled there. It has served the college on Commencement and other occasions, and the community for various purposes, inclu- ding in the later years Chautauqua programs. In this year the union of Eureka and Abingdon Colleges was effected. The latter had been crippled years before by internal strife, and its popularity and usefulness much im- paired thereby. The public schools were growing steadily in efficiency and consequent appreciation. Removed from three to five decades from the period of pioneer school work, many Disciples did not understand the value and functions of colleges owned and directed by themselves. The material and mental steadily overgrew the spiritual in public esteem. Both of these colleges were receiving feeble financial support. 48 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and that came mostly from the two locaHties in which they were situated. In the early eighties it became apparent that both of them could not live. Pres. F. M. Bruner made herculean efforts to save the Abingdon school. He knew its value to the churches of Christ in that part of the State and at large. But it was not so written in the records of destiny. After correspondence and personal consultations, it was de- cided to unite the college interests of the Disciples in Illinois at Eureka. By this arrangement F. M. Bruner; his son, H. L. Bruner ; his daughter, Miss Lettie Bruner, and Mr. W. S. Errett became members of the Faculty of the united school. Up to that date Abingdon had graduated 164 and Eureka 133 young men and women, a total of 297. This number probably did not amount to one-tenth of those who had come under their helpful influences. Carl Johann became president in 1887. He had served in this capacity during the preceding year while Dr. J. M. Allen was afield for finance. Mr. Johann was a native of Switzerland, near the boundary-line of France. From his sixth year he attended school eleven months in the year, and at the age of fifteen graduated from the high school of his native city — Chaux-de-Fonds. During this period he acquired a knowledge of both the German and French languages, as both were in common use by the people of his native city. He was next sent by his parents to the College of Lausanne, where he completed its course of study in three years. Thereafter he was a student in the Universities of Aaran and Zurich for two years. At the age of twenty he went to Paris, France, to study, but within the year decided to come to America. Flere he readily acquired a knowledge of our language. After various experiences as farm-helper, tutor, surveyor and public-school teacher, he came to Eureka in the fall of 1876 as Professor of Modern Languages. He was connected with the college twenty years — eleven years as a teacher and nine as president. The attendance of students was steadily increasing, so that the boarding-halls were quite inadequate. At this juncture CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 49 Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Ford, then residents of Eureka and sin- cere friends of the school, tendered to the trustees as a gift their beautiful residence, with four and a half acres of ground adjoining the campus, to be made into a boarding- hall for young lady students. The conditions were that it should be suitably enlarged and be known as *'Lida's Wood" — in memory of their only daughter. At a cost of $10,000 the building was enlarged, completed and opened for students in the fall of 1888. After being used for five and a half years, this structure was burned to the ground January 11, 1894. It was soon thereafter rebuilt on a larger and better plan. The yard of 'The Wood" is covered with native, stately trees and is a charming place. The property has al- ways been a valuable and pleasing adjunct to the educational and social work of the institution. By 1890 the attendance of students had so increased that the classroom facilities were quite inadequate. The effort for a new building resulted in the completion of Burgess Mem.o- rial Hall in 1892, at a cost of $21,000. Of this sum, $10,000 was the gift of I\Irs. O. A. Burgess. The building was named by the Board of Trustees that it should stand as a memorial of her deceased husband, who, in its early years, had served as a teacher there and was a distinguished repre- sentative of the Disciples. In the session of 1892-93 there wevQ 386 students enrolled, while the teachers numbered nineteen. In 1890 the trustees bought a five-acre tract near the campus for an athletic park. At the same time they con- verted a part of the old college building into a gymnasium. In these years of encouraging progress and helpfulness there were silent and potent forces at work that were soon to challenge the very life of the institution. The first and smaller of the two chief influences was the financial panic of the early nineties. The depreciation of values, the stagnation of business, the tramp of millions of industrious men and women in search of honorable work, and the utter ruin of countless commendable enterprises, were appalling. This de- 50 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS prcssion reached many nations. Naturally, attendance de- creased at such educational institutions, while their friends were generally less able to furnish the money they needed. But the greatest and continuing force with which all such colleges in Illinois must take account is the public-school sys- tem of the State. Founded in 1825, it has grown steadily in efficiency and popularity. This enlargement was particularly apparent in the two closing decades of the nineteenth century. In 1870 there were only two public high schools in Illinois ; now (1912) there are v365 such schools in towns and cities, with fifty-seven township high schools having a four years' course — a total of 422. Many of them are accredited to the State University. The curriculum of these schools has grown until now it is fully equal to that of the church schools forty years ago. While these colleges enlarged their courses of study and became more efficient in their work, they did not keep up with the State's high schools in popularity. The latter came to be regarded as the ''People's College." Since about 1890, courses in these high schools have been elective, while at the present time there is a marked tendency toward vocational training. During this period of high-school growth the commonwealth had added to the two already in operation three additional Normal Schools — one in the east- ern, one in the western and one in the northern part of the State. Access is thus made comparatively easy and inex- pensive to most of the young people who desire to attend them. Meanwhile, the University of Illinois has continued to grow in every way. The expenses incurred in the estab- lishing, equipment and conduct of this superior system of mental development and culture are largely met by general taxation, while the ever-increasing attendance develops en- thusiasm in the student body. These things have had a marked influence toward decreasing the growth of church schools in attendance. By 1896 an indebtedness of $30,000 confronted the trus- tees. Minister J. H. Hardin had shown his ability as a solicitor in several fields ; so, upon the invitation of the board, CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 51 he accepted the presidency. It was understood that, for a time at least, his attention would be given to finance. Under his leadership the debt was paid and 200 acres of land in the corn belt of Illinois was given to the college by Mr. T. A. Bondurant, of De Land, Illinois. Mr. Hardin was a graduate of Kentucky and Missouri Universities, had served as presi- dent of Christian University at Canton, Missouri; as corre- sponding secretary of the American Christian Missionary Society, and in other responsible positions, before coming to Eureka. During his administration the academic garb was first introduced and worn at Commencement. The grade of work done by Eureka College is indicated, in some degree, by the following facts: The college was ad- mitted as a member of the Illinois Intercollegiate Oratorical Association in 1896. This is composed of Knox, lUinois, Monmouth and Eureka Colleges and Wesleyan and Black- burn Universities. For the ten years next ensuing, Eureka's place was this: 1896, second place; 1897, fourth; 1898, first; 1899, first; 1900, first; 1901, second; 1902, first; 1903, sec- ond; 1904, first; 1905, first — six firsts and three seconds for Eureka in one decade became painfully monotonous to the other colleges forming the association. Something had to be done ; so in 1906 the young men in Eureka preparing for the Christian ministry were, by a vote of the association, de- barred from its membership on the alleged ground that "they are professionals"! And, further, the same spirit and good work that fairly won these honors brought victory in other contests also. The only time Eureka had a representative in the Equal Suffrage Contest, the first place was given by every judge. The Peace Contest is open to all the colleges of the State. Eureka has taken fourth place, and in 1912 secured third, fourteen colleges competing. Even better suc- cess has been the order in Prohibition work. One third place, two seconds and two firsts make a worthy record. Twice have Eureka's representatives won high honors in the Inter- state Prohibition Contest. One year Eureka's representative tied for first place in thought and composition and ranked 32 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS third on the final grade, and in 1900 he took first place. Robert E. Hieronymus became president in 1900. Pie was born in Logan County, Illinois, in 1862, graduated from the State Normal in 1886, from Eureka in 1889, and thereafter was one year a student in the University of Michigan. He was a successful teacher in the college from 1890 to 1899, except two years in which he was engaged as superintendent of extension work in the University of California. During his presidency the central heating-plant was installed, and the college buildings were renovated, repaired and modernized. In the library $5,000 was invested and about twenty-five hun- dred volumes were added thereto. There were three problems that confronted the adminis- tration of Mr. Hieronymus, all of which had been accentuated by some preceding years. First, that of financial support was, of course, continuous. Second, the growing efficiency, popularity and geographical convenience of the system of the State schools, as above noted, imposed upon the church schools a very earnest and serious contest for students. Then, the question of holding growing and capable teachers was to be met — and it is yet. The college has developed some of its graduates into very efficient teachers only to lose a number of them at the time of their larger usefulness to other better com.pensating institutions. Through the initiative of President Hieronymus, the Young Men's and Young Women's Christian Associations were formed in the college. He encouraged and emphasized the Student Volunteer Movement and foreign mission service. By means of these agencies the Christian activities of the college were brought up to date, and its religious influences, uniting with those of other Protestant church schools in Illinois, made themselves definitely felt in the State schools of higher education. For sixty-five years Eureka has been a center of mis- sionary education and activity. The college was imbued with the aim long since. The list of missionaries whom the college has helped to train is a notable one. Of these, three died CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 53 before leaving their homes — Miss Lois E. A. Pratz, Miss AHce Ropp and Mr. Oliver Moody. The following, by lea- son of ill health induced by residence in foreign field, or from other considerations, have either returned to America, or arc now elsewhere and otherwise engaged: Mr. E. E. Paris, Mr. and i\Irs. Roscoe Hill, Mr. and Mrs. C. S. Weaver and Mr. and Mrs. L. C. McPherson. Those now at work in other fields are Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Menges, Mr. and Mrs. F. E. Hagin, Mr. and Mrs. R. D. McCoy, Mr. Leslie Wolf, Mr. R. R. Eldred, Mr. A. E. Cory, Miss Edna Eck, Miss Bertha Lacock, Miss Nellie Daugherty (who became the wife of Dr. Butchart), Emory Ross, Mrs. LilHe Boyer Hedges, Dr. E. B. Pearson, Lewis A. Hurt, Dr. W. H. Freymire and Miss Frances Irene Banta. But the greatest of all was the beau- tiful young woman, Miss Ella C. Ewing, who, when on the banks of the great Congo River, mid-continent, she lay dying of African fever, said, 'Tell them to come and take my place." In all, fifty-seven missionaries have received their training at Eureka ; also, fourteen teachers who have served in the Southern Christian Institute at Edwards, Mississippi, and two in the academy at Hazel Green, Kentucky. The Illinois Christian Educational Association was formed by a few devoted women in Eureka in 1899. Its object is to help secure the co-operation of friends through the State in the maintenance and enlargement of the college. One dollar a year is paid by every member. Since its beginning about five thousand persons have thus co-operated. The present membership is fifteen hundred. During its thirteen years the association has raised and paid to the college $45,000. In this agency Mrs. vS. J. Crawford has been the consecrated and honored leader. A campaign for a better endowment was inaugurated in the State Missionary Convention held at Paris in 1906. In January, 1912, the trustees reported that the college was en- tirely free from debt and that it had a bona-fide endowment of $170,000. The credit and honor of this achievement be- longs chiefly to Mr. H. H. Peters, who led in this campaign S4 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS for three years. A multitude of discouragements confronted him daily, but he went forward with the courage, the optimism and the resolute purpose that were simply admirable. How- ever, if the Disciples of Illinois think to conduct a creditable institution of learning for less than $1,000,000 in bankable endowment, they quite misread the signs of the times. The years of paltry parsimony in the best educational work have gone by. This school would have died long since had it not been that John Darst, Dr. N. B. Crawford, James P. Darst, and others while living, according to their financial ability, sustained it by thousands and tens of thousands of their own dollars. Fifty to sixty per cent, of all the money paid for this institution has been contributed by the com- munity in which it is located. This generosity has enriched the community. President Hieronymus brought the college to a standing among and recognition by the other educational forces of the State that it had never before had. During the nine years of his administration he put into the school the best of his fine mind and heart. The burdens were more than he could bear. Broken bodily health compelled him to relinquish the onerous responsibilities. Prof. A. C. Gray, who had taught in the college since 1908, served as acting president for two and a half years, not wishing to accept its leadership. Mr. Charles C. Under- wood became president in February, 1912. He was succeeded by Mr. H. O. Pritchard, September 1, 1913. H schools are to be measured by the men and women they train and contribute to society, then Eureka College is the equal of any educational institution in the State or the nation. Doing severally their duties wisely and well, her sons are met upon the farm and in the marts of trade, in teachers and physicians, at the bar and upon the bench, in editorial rooms and in the councils of state ; and her daugh- ters, if filling less conspicuous places, are no less helpful in serving their times. The following list of Christian ministers who received CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 55 their training chiefly at Eureka indicates in some degree the value of the institution to the church and to the world: GRADUATES. Those marked thus * are deceased. Adams, C. J. Allen, John W. Alsup, J. T. Bain, John. Barnett, H. M. Barnett, James A. Bennett, Harry Gordon Beshers, R. L. Boyer, E. E. Boyer, Thomas A. Breeden, H. O. Bullock, J. Harry Burgess, T. M. Burnhara, F. W. Cannon, Wm. H. Carpenter, J. W. Carpenter, W. J. Chandler, George F. Chenoweth, Irving S. Clark, H. D.* Clemens, J. A. Cobb, Abner P. Coleson, Hiram K. Cory, A. E. Crank, J. R. Dabney, C. B. Dabney, J. D, Dale, Hiram U. Davis, L. F. Deweese, W. D. Doan, R. B. Doney, O. K. Drummet, Wm. Ennefer, S. A. Faulders, L. I, Finger, S. Daisy Fisher, EH* Fisher, Stephen E. Garrison, VV. E. Genders, Henry* Ghormley, J. F. Gilliland, Ernest A. Giililand, J. H.* Green, W. A. Hagin, Fred E. Hallam, S. K. Harrington, L. S. Harris, J. E. Hart, E. J.* Haynes, N. S. Heckel, C A. Hieronymus, R. E. Horner, J. M. Hotaling, L. R. Huff, A. L. Huff, Lewie G. Idleman, Finis S. Jenner, H. H. Jones, Silas Jordan. O. F. Kern, W. H. Kindred, W. H. Kirk, James* Lappin, W. O. Lehman, L. O. Lichtenberger, J. P. Lyon, Clyde L. McBean, John L. McCoy, R. D. McKnight, J. P. McPherson, Lowell C. McReynolds, Paul Marlow, C. W. Marsh, Clark Mavity, Thos. W. Menges, Melvin Miller, Geo. A. Mitchell, Cyprus R, Nay, Roley Newton, R. H. Nichols, Fred S. Ogle, J. T. Oviatt, O. Q. Parke, Myrtle B. Parvin, Ira L. Peters, Geo. L. Peters, H. H. Pickerell, L. B. Price, Wm, Quinlan, J. G. Radford, B. J. Radford, Chas. T. Reichel, H. C. Reynolds, H. J. Richards, O. A. Richardson, W. F. Rogers, Edwin* Ross, Geo. W.* Ross, Charles W. Rowlison, C. C Sealock, B. H. Serena, J. A. Seyster, D. F. Shaw, Herbert P. Shaw, W. F. Shields, David H. Sinclair, C. C. Sinclair, Ellmore Sinclair, John A. Skelton, Leroy* Smith, F. E. Smith, F. P. Smith, J. F. Smith. O. L. Smith, W. G. Sniff, W. W. Spicer, W. E. 56 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Stauffer, C. R. Stewart, O. W. Stivers, J. T. Street, John W. Streibich, Harry M. Sutherland, Jos. R. Sutton, F. W. Sweeney, Geo. W. Thackaberry, F. M. Thomas, J. N. Thomas, R. E. Thomas, S. M * Thrapp, R. F. Tucker, Harry E. Vawter, S. D. Ven tress, K. C. \'ogel, Peter* Waggoner, H. G. Waggoner, J. G. Waggoner, W. H. Weaver, Clifford S. Wetzel, D. N. Williams, Charles Wilson, Arthur A.* Wray, Burton L. Zendt, S. H. NON-GRADUATE STUDENTS. Allen, J. Buford* Allen, James M.* Agee, Ivan W. Asbell, J. M. Beckelhymer, Isaac Beekman, J. V.* Berry, Geo. K, Berry, J. Festus* Borop, N. A. Bowen. F. L. Bradbury, D. C. Burr, Amos A. Calvin, F. N. Camp, J. W. Campbell, Walter S.* Cantrell, C. G. Carpenter, C. C. Clements, J. S. Cloe, J. N. Conner, A. M. Coombs, J. V. Cotterell, Henry A. Cragun. E. D. Cummings, Clark W. Dangerfield, Rachel Davis, F. S. Denham, W. W. Deweese, C. C* Dunkerson, Thomas* Earl, Henry S. Eldred, R. R. Engle. Ira Ennefer, W. L. Evans, Chas. E. Fannon, Shorland Finch, C. A. Finnell, Rufus Gains, C. R. German, W. C. Gilcrest, R. A. Gish, Ellis P. Golden, J. R. Golightly, T. J. Hale, A. M. Harker, J. N. Harward, H. G. Hayden, W. H.* Henry, A. W. Hiett, J. W. Hill, Lew D. Holloman, T. J. Hougham, C. D. Honn, D. W. Howe, D. J. Howell, R. E.* Humphrey, W. A.* Husband, David Jefferson, S. M.* Jewett, J. E.* Johnson, B. W.* Johnson, J. B. Johnson, R. H. Keller, E. H. Kindred, C. G. Kitchen, W. G. Lappin, J. C. Lappin, S. S. Ledgerwood, H. D.* Lessig, Ray S. Lester. J. N. iMcConnell, W. T. McCune, J. L. McElroy, G. W.* McPherson, J. H.* McPherson, R. P. Madden, D. W. Aladison, W. D. Maupin, W. T.* Medbury, C. S. Miller, John* Moffett, F. L. Moomaw, Otho Monser, J. W.* Organ, C. L. Porter, J. W. Poynter, D. J. Poynter, W. C* Pratt, B. C. Ragsdale, Alva Rowe, G. H. Russell, W. J. Rust, W. H. Scott, F. A. Scrivens, C. A. Shirley, Arnold Shurts, John W. Smith, J. T.* Smoot, C. E. Snively, Geo. L. Sorey, M. Lee Speck, J. R. Spicer, A. R. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 57 Spriggs, E. A. Sutton, F. W. Willoughby, W. D. Stauffer, C. Lee Sweeney, Z. T. Wisher, C. C. Stevenson. Marion Thomas, G. W. Wolfe, Leslie E. Stewart, James F. Thomas. L. R. Wright, N. J. Stout, Elijah* Tyler, B. B. York, P. F. Stout, John E. Weimer, G. M. Zinck, Gilbert To the list of those who were trained at Eureka for the service in the Kingdom of God, the following names should be added : Mrs. Caroline Neville Pearre, the mother of the Christian Woman's Board of Missions; Miss Elmira J. Dick- inson, her coadjutor in the national work and the mother of the Illinois C. W. B. M. ; Mrs. O. A. Burgess, the president of the national society for twelve years and one of its wisest leaders ; Mrs. S. J. Crawford and Miss Anna E. Davidson, who have given to the State Society invaluable assistance. THE DISCIPLES' DIVINITY HOUSE. This school originated in 1895, with Mr. Herbert L. Wil- lett as acting dean. Its purpose is to provide, at the University of Chicago, an organization of all students who look toward ministerial and missionary work. The House is an organic part of the university. In addition to the regular courses of the divinity school of the university, the House offers courses of instruc- tion to graduate students in the origin, teaching, history, aims and literature of the Disciples, for which work credit is given in the university. Since its organization about three hundred students — a few more or less — have availed them- selves of its advantages, including a number of missionaries. Mr. Willett is the present dean, and Mr. Errett Gates, who is also a member of the university corps of instructors, is associated with him in its work. The management of the House is vested in a self-perpetu- ating board of fifteen trustees who handle all property and appoint the instructors. In 1895 a lot 150x175 feet at the corner of Fifty-seventh Street and Lexington Avenue, just opposite the "University Quadrangles," was bought for 58 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS $13,000. On this the Hyde Park Church of Christ has a tem- porary chapel. In addition to this lot, the House has an interest-bearing endowment of $30,000. It is the purpose of the trustees to build on this lot a structure, costing about $150,000, which shall serve as the home of the Hyde Park Church of Christ, for the House with its office, library and classrooms, and which may further serve as the common meeting-place of all Disciples who may be in attendance at the university at any time. Mr. Charles M. Sharp is engaged to lead in this material enterprise, and also to serve as an addi- tional instructor in the House. The library was based on the private library of the late Min. J. T. Toof, to which has been added journalistic and other literature of the Disciples; also German and Scottish literature pertaining to religious conditions of society out of which the Restoration movement grew. This is the only school among the Disciples for the higher training of men entering the ministry of the word of God. The Bible chairs are to furnish college students with a knowledge of the Holy Scriptures. The city of Chicago affords endless facilities for practical work. It is a labora- tory of human life. ABINGDON COLLEGE. On the first Monday in April, 1853, Patrick H. Murphy and John C. Reynolds opened a school in Abingdon, Illinois. They called it Abingdon Academy. It met in the Christian Church, a plain frame building. It grew and prospered. Messrs. Murphy and Reynolds were graduates of Bethany College. They possessed the educational spirit of the great founder of that institution. It was their purpose to build up a first-class college at Abingdon. Within a period of seventeen months a three-story brick building, 40 x 60 feet in dimensions, had been erected and equipped, the school had been chartered by special act of the State Legislature under the name of Abingdon College, and in September, 1854, the institution opened its doors for busi- ness. The first name written on the registration list was Miss CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 59 Elvira Whitman, Cameron, Illinois. She was sixteen years of age. In the class of 1858 she graduated, taught four years thereafter, and in 1862 became the wife of Judge Dur- ham. They traveled very happily together past fifty Thanks- giving Days; when that of 1911 had gone, she went away to the Father's house. President Murphy was a product of the old church at Cameron. He was scholarly, a good teacher and executive, an eloquent preacher and a fine type of Christian gentleman. The college began most auspiciously. Everybody breathed daily the hopefulness and enthusiasm of youth. The country, the school, the building, the teachers and pupils were all young. The joy of living and learning was the keenest. Dur- ing the six years of Mr. Murphy's presidency 1,087 students were enrolled, of whom 600 were males and 487 females. In the summer of 1860 Mr. Murphy died of tuberculosis. He was succeeded in the presidency by J. W. Butler, who had been connected with the college from its beginning. Un- der his administration the school continued to prosper. New buildings were added at a cost of $40,000, and were fully paid for. The Civil War seriously affected the attendance at nearly all schools. However, the enrollment during nine years of Mr. Butler's ten years' administration was 1,604, of whom 983 were males and 721 females. During the later years of his administration a large number of the supporters and friends of the college concluded that the interests of the school would be promoted by a change in the presidency. These persons gave to Mr. Butler honorable recognition for his faithful and efficient service ; still, they insisted upon a change. Mr. Butler fully determined that there should be no change in his official relation to the college at that time. This led to factional spirit and continued contentions. The school lost its prestige and its friends fell away. This was the beginning of the end of the institution. At this juncture J. W. McGarvey, of Lexington, Ken- tucky, was elected president, but declined the honor. IVTr. Butler served till 1874, and was succeeded by Oval Pirkey, 60 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS who passed through troubled times. Clark Braden was at the head of the school in 1876-77. In the latter year F. M. Bruner came to the presidency. He was a man of fine schol- arship, unflagging industry and commendable ambitions. He fully realized the worth of the college as a factor in general education and particularly its value to the churches of Christ in the Military Tract and at large as well. His efforts through a period of seven years, to reanimate and rehabilitate the college, were herculean and self-sacrificing to a degree. But it was not so written in the records of destiny. The evils of vain ambition could not be undone. In 1884 the in- stitution became affiliated with Eureka College and its doors were closed forever. But Abingdon was worth far more than it ever cost. It gave to the church and society useful men and women whose influences for good have been widely impressed. Among these may be named A. P. Aten, C. C. Button, M. F. Button, G. T. Carpenter, H. H. Coffeen, George Dew, Judge Durham, Lizzie Dodge Carson, J. H. Garrison, J, H. Gilliland, William Griffin, Josephus Hopwood, Marion Ingles, Mrs. Libbie F. Ingles, G. H. Laughlin, J. M. Martin, C. E. Price, J. H. Smart, A. J. Thompson, J. T. Toof and Emma Veatch Lor- man. During the life of the college it had graduated 164 people, and about four thousand had come into direct touch with its helpful influences. Abingdon College had practically no endowment. BEREAN COLLEGE. This institution was organized at Jacksonville, under the general incorporation law of the State, April 25, 1854. Sec- tions 2 and 3 of the charter read as follows: The objects contemplated by this act of incorporation are to build up and maintain, in the town of Jacksonville, an institution of learning of the highest class, for males and females, to teach and inculcate the Christian faith and morality of the sacred Scriptures, and for the promotion of the arts and sciences. The trustees shall have power to erect the necessary buildings, to CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 61 appoint a president, professors and teachers, and other agents and officers ; to confer degrees in the liberal arts and sciences, and to do all other things for the encouragement of religion and learning which are lawfully done by the most approved seminaries and colleges in the United States. The first Board of Trustees was composed of Hon. Joseph Morton, President ; Jesse Galbraith, Secretary ; Joseph J. Cas- sall, Treasurer ; Nathan M. Knapp, Andrew J. Kane, William C. Mallory, Jacob Ward, James Simpson, Samuel G. Weag- ley, Samuel T. Calloway, Nimrod Deweese, Anderson Fore- man, Joel Headington, Jonathan Atkinson and William W. Happy, Sr. The Faculty was as follows: Minister Jonathan Atkinson, President, Professor of Latin and Greek, lecturer on sacred history and instructor in French ; William W. Happy, Jr., teacher of mathematics and the natural sciences and instructor in German ; Miss Melinda Bond, governess and teacher of history, rhetoric and philosophy; William D. HilHs, teacher of vocal music; Mrs. L. E. Hillis, teacher of instrumental music. The school opened the first Monday in October, 1854. The term was forty weeks of two equal semesters. During the first year ninety-six pupils were enrolled — fifty-nine males and thirty-seven females. In addition to academic courses, the study of the Bible was required of all students, and the president delivered every year a course of lectures on sacred history. The school was located a short distance east of the town on a five-acre campus, a quiet and beautiful place. The first term was held in a frame building located on one side of the ground. Meanwhile, an attractive brick building was erected. It was occupied by the school in 1855. This structure now forms the east part of Pasevant Memorial Plospital. In 1857 Minister Walter Scott Russell came to the presidency of the college. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1832, and graduated from Bethany College in 1856, and was a man of unquestioned culture and piety. He was at that time the pastor of the Jacksonville Church also. While his sincerity 62 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and Christian excellences were admitted, he was a mystic of the Samuel Taylor Coleridge school of thought. The faith of the versatile thinker was kaleidoscopical. Coleridge says of himself that he became so absorbed in abstract specula- tion that history, facts, and even poetry, became insipid to him. Mr. Russell became so attached to and absorbed in this theory that the Bible as a revelation from God became sec- ondary to the direct spiritual illumination of the soul by the Holy Spirit. Upon this theory he insisted. His teaching, in both the college and the pulpit, was subordinated to this idea. Some of our leading ministers became the open advocates of this doctrine. The school was fairly successful for four years. But the mystical teaching of Mr. Russell produced a division in the Jacksonville Church of Christ. This rupture forced the discontinuance of the college forever. Mr. Russell went into the service of the Christian Com- mission. While caring for sick and wounded soldiers he con- tracted disease at Vicksburg, Mississippi, from which he died there in November, 1863. Mr. Campbell, speaking to the students of Berean College in 1858, said: **W. S. Russell is admirably qualified for the responsible position he occupies." MAJOR SEMINARY Was founded by William T. Major at Bloomington in 1856. The institution had long been in the heart of its founder. It was first designed as a female orphan school. This aim was soon abandoned and the school became a seminary for the general education and culture of young women under the auspices of the Christian Church. A brick building five stories in height, costing about $20,000, was erected by Mr. Major. It was on Seminary Avenue — the street taking its name from the school — and Lee and Oak Streets. For a number of years the seminary was fairly prosperous. A goodly number of young women were helped to finer ideals and better preparation for their life-work. But tuition fees were insufficient to sustain an efficient Faculty. The public CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 63 schools grew in popularity, and coeducation found a larger following in the colleges of the time. The attendance of pupils at the seminary did not increase, and hence the enter- prise was abandoned in the later sixties. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS COLLEGE. In 1856 the Presbyterian Church erected a brick building for a college in Carbondale, Illinois. The structure was enclosed and partly plastered. The Civil War killed the enterprise. In June, 1866, a convention of members of the churches of Christ in that part of the State was held at De Soto. At this meeting a committee was appointed to negotiate for the Presbyterian building and grounds in Carbondale. In a second convention, held in De Soto in August of the same year, the purchase of the property by the committee was ratified, a Board of Trustees was elected, and Clark Braden was chosen as president. The title to this property was then vested in Messrs. J. M. Campbell and D. H. Brush. They sold it to these trustees for $10,000, the first named donating $1,000 and the last named $500 on the purchase price. Messrs. Lysias Heap, Pleasant Pope, B. F. Pope, Frederick Williams, Stephen Blair, E. C. Ford, John Goodall, F. M. Goodall and S. R. Hog gave severally $500, leaving a debt of $4,000. In this unfinished, unfurnished and dilapidated building, the first week in October, 1866, President Braden opened the school with eight pupils. At the close of the first year 155 different pupils had been enrolled. The second year, 1867-68, the enrollment went up to 240 pupils. The third year enroll- ment was 400 different pupils, of whom 360 were in attend- ance at the spring term. This was the largest enrollment of any school controlled by the churches of Christ up to that time. In the session of 1869 the Illinois Legislature enacted a law establishing a normal school in that city, in the southern part of the State, which would make the best dona- 64 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS tion to such school. There was very keen competition for this institution between Olney, CentraHa, Duquoin and Car- bondale. The last named was handicapped by its location, being only forty-five miles from the southern end of a State that is four hundred miles long. The chief claim of Carbon- dale was the great normal school in Southern Illinois Col- lege. The city of Carbondale proposed to purchase this school and its property and make them a part of their bid for the State Normal. The Faculty and the churches of Christ in that part of the State were urged to unite and work for the location of the State school there. President Braden and his wife, in addition to their arduous labors in the college, had spent $4,600 in finishing and furnishing the building. For its current expenses the college had cost no one a cent outside of tuitions. The interest on the $4,000 indebtedness had not been paid. At this juncture of affairs, in a meeting of the trustees and other friends of the college, Mr. Braden urged that the debt be paid off, that a wing to the building, which was over- crowded, be erected, and that the State Normal go to Olney, that then led the other cities in the bid. A goodly number of Disciples were in accord with these views. Mr. Braden and his faithful colaborers had built up a great school. From its beginning, normal work had been the leading feature. The clock of time was striking the crisis-hour of Southern Illinois College. The money was not forthcoming, and the property was sold to the city of Carbondale. It is clear that to this growing young college and its normal work, the prime factor of which was Clark Braden, the city of Carbondale is indebted for the Southern Illinois Normal University. THE BASTIAN SEMINARY. In September, 1868, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Bastian opened a school at Sullivan. They were well-educated and cultured people and saw clearly the need at that time of facilities that would supplement the limited work of the public schools. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 65 Possibly there was not a high school in the State at that time — certainly not more than one or two. Mr. Bastian had sold about one hundred scholarships. These were to run five years, which was the life-period of the institution. The curriculum included the studies usually found in the small college of that time. In these there were enrolled from fifty to sixty pupils, never more than seventy-five. The lower grades were in charge of Miss R. Latherman, with an average attendance of sixty-five pupils. The school did good work and exerted a fine influence in the town and on the surrounding community. This aim was most commend- able. Mr. Bastian preached for the Sullivan Church during this time. In addition to all these duties, the principal of the school and his wife boarded a number of the students in their own home to help meet their living expenses. They aimed to apply some of the receipts from the school on the purchase price of the property that was occupied. Mrs. Bastian before her marriage was Miss Eunice Jewett, of Dayton, O. Her father's house had been the stopping-place of many of the pioneers in the Restoration movement. She had a superior knowledge of the Scriptures and was a woman of fine mental and social culture. Her home was a charming place. In addition to all of her domestic and school responsibilities, she was noted for her wise counsel, her ministries of sympathy to the forlorn and benevolences to the poor. In her last illness, after the attending physi- cian had assured her that the end was near, the Sunday- school superintendent, not knowing her condition, came into her room for her advice about the children's program. This she gave, spoke of the Lord's promise and bade the superintendent a final good-by. The value of such a woman is beyond human estimate, and her influence never dies. After five years of usefulness the school closed from lack of support. With rare exceptions is educational work main- tained by tuition fees and infrequent donations. 2 66 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ALMA INDUSTRIAL COLLEGE. The thought of an industrial school at Alma originated with Mr. W. S. Ross, a graduate of Abingdon College, and pastor of the Alma Christian Church. The proposition was heartily favored by the community. Subscriptions were secured. Four acres of land were bought, and a good two- story, eight-room frame building was erected thereon. The title to this property was vested in a Board of Trustees. The school opened in September, 1896. It was coeducational and aimed to help worthy young people to start well in life. An option on 420 acres of land was secured, and a printing- office was bought and installed in the building. The aim was to have the boys work part of the time on the farm and the girls in the printing-office, and thus pay part of their expenses. In addition to this labor, every pupil paid $120 per annum. This work and cash secured for each and every pupil during the school year board and lodging, instruction and books. Experience proved that the school could not be maintained on this financial basis. Appeals for assistance in localities from which the school was easily accessible met with meager responses. Debt accumulated ; hence, in 1900, the school was discontinued. The property was sold, for public uses, for $3,000, which was said to have been one-half of its value. All debts were settled. The average attendance during the four years was about one hundred per year. The men who served as head of the school or president were H. Y. Keller, W. H. Boles, A. A. Hibner, Clark Braden, W. B. Bedell, P. J. Dickerson and Thomas Munnell. Mr. Munnell died just before the final closing of the institu- tion. His body is buried at Alma. This enterprise was most commendable. CHRISTIAN COLLEGIATE INSTITUTE. From 1881 to 1887 this school, which was of seminary rank, was conducted at Metropolis. The prime movers in the enterprise were Messrs. J. F. McCartney, Solomon Tan- CHRISTIAN EDUCATION 67 hauser, T. S. Stone, M. N. McCartney, William Wright and J. M. Elliott. The sessions were held in the old seminary building that stood at the corner of Katherine and Fifth Streets, opposite the Christian Church. The average attendance during the period was sixty pupils. There were from four to six teach- ers employed, whose financial support was received from tuition fees and personal donations to the institution. The curriculum included a normal course, English classics, a business course and instruction in the Bible. The growing aims and efforts of the high schools in a degree took the ground occupied by this institute; hence it was closed and the property sold. CHAPTER IV. THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST. The Era of Public Discussions. There were two causes that led to many pubUc debates between representatives of the Disciples and those of other religious bodies. The first was the spirit of controversy that was prevalent in most denominations at the beginning of the movement for the restoration of the New Testament church in its teachings, its ordinances and its life. The sermons of that time were full of denials and affirmations. Minister James Leaton, who was a member of the Illinois Conference and a godly man, was pastor of the First Methodist Episco- pal Church in Decatur from 1876 to 1878. During that time, speaking of the changed spirit of public discourses, he said to some friends: "Fifty years ago, whatever might be the sermon subject and text of the average Methodist preacher, the discourse generally closed with these words, 'So you see, brethren, that Calvinism can not be true. Let us pray.' " Secondly, the preaching of the Disciples was new and strange. They appealed to the word of God as the sole and final authority; others appealed to their varying human creeds and went to the Bible for texts to prove them. Great confusion of thought and statement was inevitable. Party spirit was dominant, denominational pride uppermost. The deed was subordinated to the creed. Church people disliked or even hated one another for the love of God. The Disci- ples were sometimes misunderstood, sometimes misrepre- sented, sometimes condemned, sometimes shamelessly and shockingly slandered, and very generally counted without the circle of orthodoxy. One of these preachers wrote in 1844 68 THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 69 as follows: "I have stood here alone for four years, a mark for sectarian malice to vent itself against. A short time since I was pointed out in a congregation by one of the called and sent as 'a water-washed, white-faced devil, a wolf in sheep's clothing, a preacher of damnable doctrines.' " To those who live in these better years such bigotry and base- ness seem hardly credible. The Disciples were compelled to fight. They have always been ready, and are yet v/here cir- cumstances require, to defend their teachings in the arena of public debate. In preaching the things which they sincerely believe to be the word of God and the requirements of our Lord, their preachers have many times clashed with others and frequently with unbelievers. The challenges for public discussion usually came from those who opposed. Their evan- gelists went often unheralded into many communities, pro- claimed an affirmative gospel of assurance and hope, and urged the people to read the New Testament. In this way thousands were won to the knowledge and obedience of the truth as it is in Jesus. Many came from churches to the common Christian ground. When local shepherds beheld such losses from their flocks they were filled with denominational fervor and indignation. Feeling fully assured of the cor- rectness of their own doctrinal positions and grieved at the losses of their members by what they conceived to be specious errors, they boldly proposed a public comparison of tenets. The aims of the debaters may not always have been single — the elucidation of the truth — nor the spirit with which they were conducted most commendable ; but unquestionably they have seriously jarred ''the kingdom of the clergy," broken up an incrusted formalism, and stimulated thousands to Bible reading and study. It is illogical and unwise to condemn a custom because its misuse or abuse is sometimes attended with objectionable features. Robert Owen, denying our Lord and his religion, openly defied the preachers of the United States to meet him in public defense of their teachings. Alexander Campbell was the only one to respond. The eight days' discussion in Cin- 70 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS cinnati, Ohio, April, 1829, assured the American people of the certainty of their Christian faith. The same mighty champion of the truth in January, 1837, in Cincinnati, Ohio, met Mr. ''Bishop" Purcell, of the Roman Catholic hierarchy, in a seven clays' debate. The book reports of these two dis- cussions are still worthy of a place in any library. Henry Clay was the presiding moderator during the discussion be- tween Mr. Campbell and Minister N. L. Rice (Presbyterian), at Lexington, Kentucky, in 1843. After the close of this discussion Mr. Clay said, "Alexander Campbell is the pro- foundest theologian and the ablest and most eloquent debater of this age." The public discussion of religious questions has divine warrant. The inspired apostles were frequently so engaged. Jesus himself was the greatest of all controversialists. If additional reasons need be cited, note this CLIMAX OF BIGOTED MENDACITY. An Irishman who signed himself 'The Rev. James Shaw, of the Illinois Conference, Methodist Episcopal Church, America," preached twelve years in the United States. At the close of this period he published a book of 440 pages, of which he was the author, entitled ''Twelve Years in America." It was sold in London, Dublin and Chicago in 1867. Two quotations are here made from it. They indi- cate the religious bigotry of that time, the mendacious slan- ders of Mr. Shaw, and the conditions that were thrust upon the Disciples and which they were compelled to meet. On pages 164-5 he says: Swedenborgians, Tunkers, Shakers, Winebrennarians, Christians and Campbellites form the completion of the minor unevangelical sects, most of whom are immersionists in their views of baptism. The largest of these sects is the last mentioned. They are the fol- lowers of the late Alexander Campbell, an Irishman by birth, a Pres- byterian minister in his younger days, a Baptist after, and, lastly, the founder of a sect who are numerous in the West. Mr. Campbell was a fine scholar, an eloquent controversialist, and a vohiminous writer. He died a year ago. His followers first assumed the name of THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 71 Reformers, then Disciples, now Christians, and by others are known as Campbellites. Mr. Campbell and his followers made an earnest attack on the leading doctrines and institutions of the churches and in their stead offered to the people salvation through imtnersion. He ridiculed the necessity of a change of heart, or the profession of the forgiveness of sins in any other way than by baptism. So easy a form of religion soon took hold of the indifferent and the irre- ligious: the system became popular, and thousands left the Baptist Church, and some the Presbyterian and others to join it, so that the denomination is made up of nearly all kinds of isms— Unitarian, Uni- versalist, and the apostates from other churches — the only bond of unity among them being baptism for the remission of sins. Speaking of his observations at Niantic, Illinois, Mr. Shaw says on page 294: In and around this town there was a large number of Campbellites, a sect to whom I have referred in Chapter X. on "American Churches." They viewed with jealousy the encroachments of the Methodists. As they were generally fond of controversy, and their preachers flippant proclaimers of the "Gospel in the Water," their sermons are a strange medley of all sorts of stuff about salvation by immersion. Their style — that of an auctioneer, reserving their wit and railing for other churches, and their praises for their own. Bible, missionai-y societies, Sunday schools, and colleges, received their loudest denunciations. Things the most sacred they ridiculed and institutions the most solemn they reviled. The Sabbath they disregarded ; the forgiveness of sins, a change of heart, they laughed at, unless what was connected with immersion. The divinity of Christ they did not generally believe in ; the personality and operation of the Holy Spirit they scoffed at. They were literally immersed infidels, having little of the form or power of godliness. Where evangelical churches were cold and lukewarm, these prospered; but when alive and earnest, the Campbellites sank to their coverts by the waters. Such choice bits of Christian literature are rare and should not be lost. The debates conducted by the Disciples in Illinois are a part of their history. It has been impossible to secure re- ports of all, but the follow^ing named will indicate in a fair degree their frequency, influence and the trend of thought of the times : 1840.— Maurice R. Trimble and R. U. Newport, of the "Two-seed Baptists," held a debate at Palestine. 72 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS In the forties Bushrod W. Henry held a number of dis- cussions of which no written record has been found. In this decade Walter P. Bowles held a discussion with James Barger, of the M. E. Church, at the Old Union Church in DeWitt County. The debate was reported greatly to Mr. Bowles' credit. 1848. — At Shelbyville, George Campbell met Hiram Buck, of the M. E. Church. 1852. — W. W. Happy held a discussion about this time with C. W. Lewis, of the M. E. Church, at Jersey Prairie, in Morgan County. 1855. — At Franklin, John S. Sweeney debated with Min- ister W. H. Pellatt, of the M. E. Church, the proposition that we are justified by faith only is a most wholesome doc- trine and very full of comfort. 1856. — Probably in this year John Lindsay debated with David Davis the question of Universalism, at Metamora. 1857. — A. D. Fillmore held a discussion at the Franklin Church, Edgar County, with William Shields, a "Hardshell Baptist." 1858. — About this year the following discussions were held: At Cruger, O. A. Burgess and John B. Luccock, of the M. E. Church, debated the usual questions of the time. Mr. Burgess was then a young man and had never engaged in public discussions. Mr. Luccock was fully matured and had participated in thirty-one debates before that time. He called Mr. Burgess "a stripling of a boy," and boasted that he would "make a halter and put it on the young colt and tie him up." Before the debate was over, competent critics said that the halter and tie-up had been very effectively ap- plied to Mr. Luccock. He took pleasure in contemptuously referring to Mr. Burgess as a "Campbellite." In Paris, N. S. Bastian debated the question of baptism with J. L. Crane, of the M. E. Church. Mr. Bastian had formerly been a presiding elder in that conference and had given Mr. Crane his license to preach. THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 73 At Mt. Pulaski, A. J. Kane and D. P. Bunn debated Uni- versalism. At Pontiac, Washington Houston held a discussion with an M. E. preacher. 1859. — At Whitehall, J. S. Sweeney debated the baptismal question with J. B. Logan, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. Mr. Logan was at that time the editor of the lead- ing denominational paper published in St. Louis. The dis- cussion was published in book form. Its spirit was fair and fine toned. From that time the Disciples began to increase in that section. At Glasgow, Mr. Sweeney and Minister Whiteside debated Universalism. Shortly thereafter Mr. Whiteside was taken ill and sent for Mr. Sweeney, who, being at the time in Wis- consin, could not respond to the call. Mr. Whiteside re- canted his Universalism, ordered all his books and papers bearing on Universalism destroyed, and shortly thereafter died. At Lexington, Benjamin Franklin met J. B. Luccock, who was then considered the champion of his denomination in such affairs. He sent his challenge to J. G. Campbell, who was then serving the Christian Church there as its minister. Mr. Franklin was chosen as their representative. People came from near and far. The interest was intense. Mr. Franklin, a plain and homely man, won the sympathy of the unchurched men of the community, a considerable number of whom arranged a private purse among themselves for him. A goodly number of these became Christians in the meet- ings that immediately followed the discussion. Probably in the same year the following debates were held: At Fairbury, O. A. Burgess met B. F. Underwood in a discussion upon materialism and Christianity. At Lincoln, John Lindsay met J. B. Luccock. At the White Oak Grove Church in McLean County, James Mitchell debated Universalism with Minister Davis, of Galesburg. 74 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS 1860. — Robert Foster debated with Daniel Waggle, of the "Dunkard" or Brethren Church, at Chapman's Point, in Macoupin County. Prior to this discussion the Brethren had held the sway in that community. After it they held nothing. Benjamin Franklin debated with D. P. Bunn the question of Universalism in Decatur. Mrs. Carrie Hostetter, who heard this debate, says that Mr. Bunn based his argument mainly on 1 Cor. 15:22: "For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive." When Mr. Franklin had clearly and fully replied to his opponent's arguments, he would say, "And now, since my time is not out, I will preach you a sermon." This he would then do. Judge A. J. Galla- gher, a man of superior judicial temperament and ability, was the presiding moderator. After the smoke of the battle had cleared, he said to a number of his friends, "The Scriptures being true, hell is a certainty." Judge W. E. Nelson says, "The results of the discussion were very satisfactory to us." From that time the Universalist Church in Decatur began to decline, and has long since disappeared from the map. At Waukegan, A. R. Knox discussed the same subject. The debate grew out of the visits of a Universalist minister to Gurnee, where Mr. Knox was then preaching. After the discussion there was no Universalist society formed or church built at either Gurnee or W^aukegan. It is a significant fact that Universalist churches flour- ished in most of the cities of central and northern Hlinois fifty years ago, but these are very nearly all now extinct. 1862. — About this time William Grissom held a debate with a Mormon elder in Washington Schoolhouse near Tpava. A Methodist minister of that section had said to the elder, "You do not preach the gospel ;" but he was not able to cope with the elder. Then Mr. Grissom, a pioneer Christian min- ister, was sent for. His work with the man from Salt Lake City was so thorough that he was glad to soon move on. A little time thereafter a congregation of Christians was formed there which in later years was merg-ed into the Ipava Church. 1864. — At the Big Creek Church, in Edgar County, Har- THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 75 mon Gregg and Marion Brown, a Calvinist Baptist, held a debate. Among other things, Mr. Brown affirmed that the law of Moses is as binding now as it was in any age of the world or on any people. After this discussion Mr. Brown lost the use of his reason for a time. Upon becoming nor- mal he united with the Christian Church and continued in the ministry to the close of his life. The presiding mod- erator, Mr. Otis Eldredge, also said that this discussion had led him to his Christian conclusions. At Tuscola, David Walk held a public discussion with a lawyer who was a member of the M. E. Church. Mr. Walk had held a meeting there in 1863 and organized a little church. He was opposed by the three churches that were there at that time. Returning next year, he was compelled to defend his teaching in a public debate. The Presbyterian preacher was slow of speech and the Methodist minister was thought not to be strong enough for the contest ; so a well- educated and glib-tongued attorney was chosen for the task. He affirmed that sprinkling is Scriptural baptism, and Mr. Walk that baptism preceded by faith and repentance is for the remission of sins. ^Ir. Walk, before uniting with the Disciples, had been actively engaged in the Methodist minis- try. This fact put ginger into the meeting. 1865. — Probably in this year David Walk and Minister Davies, of the M. E. Church, held a discussion at Berlin. 1866.— At Richview, Clark Braden and J. P. Den, of the M. E. Church, debated the question of baptism. At the same place ]\Ir. Braden and Prof. H. V. Spencer, of McKendree College, held a discussion on Bible revision. At De Soto, Mr.^Braden met Jacob Ditzler, of the M. E. Church. These men were two of the greatest debaters of that time. It was mutually arrangfed to consider the ques- tions of baptism, the work of the Holy Spirit and total hereditarv depravity ; but Mr. Ditzler, for reasons best kncv/n to himself, declined to debate the last two when they were reached. Dudley Downs and Minister Summerbell, of the old 76 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Christian Denomination, held a spirited discussion at Gintoru John C. Reynolds discussed the question of Universalism with John Hughes at Table Grove. It was about this time that W. K. Pendleton wrote: "The Universalists are full of debate. If all may be saved anyhow, why bother us Chris- tians in our concern to make certain those who have misgiv- ings on the subject? Our faith can not cause us to be lost; and it at least satisfies our anxiety in this life to follow our own convictions of duty." At Bridgeport, J. K. Speer and George W. Hughey, a presiding elder, met in the arena of discussion. Mr. Hughey was a man of commanding personality and a good voice. In this debate he took the position that the covenant of circum- cision (Gen. 17) was the covenant of grace, and did not rest infant baptism on the ground that baptism came in the room of circumcision — his discovery. During this debate a preacher of the M. E. Church expressed regret that the Saviour had used the word ''baptism" in connection with his religion. W. B. F. Treat and Minister Abbott debated Universal- ism at Olney. In this discussion Mr. Abbott declared that the apostles knew no more of grammar than a ten-year-old boy. 1867. — In a schoolhouse near Rural Retreat, in the north- ern part of Coles County, Harmon Gregg accepted a chal- lenge from James Shaw, of the M. E. Church, and an eight days' discussion followed. 1868. — The most significant discussion of this year was that held at Atlanta between O. A. Burgess and Dr. Chas. H. Burrows, a noted infidel. The Atlanta Christian Church was feeble at that time and held in contempt by the other churches of the place. Two of its members, Andrew Wright and Jefferson Houser, went to the ''union" prayer-meeting that was held the first week in January, and were met at the door of the M. E. Church and requested to leave, as no "Campbellites" were wanted in the meeting, they having been unanimously voted out as arch-heretics. THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 77 There was a "Freethinkers" club at Atlanta which in- cluded a number of the representative men of the place. ?^Ir. Burrows was their leader and champion. For more than a decade he had traveled and lectured on Free Thought, Phren- ology, Spiritualism and Mesmerism. He boldly assailed the doctrines of denominationalism and held out a standing chal- lenge to those who would defend them. He first met in a public discussion, in Atlanta, Owen Davis, a farmer and pioneer Baptist preacher, January 16-18, 1868, in the Christian Church. The results were not satis- factory to the Christian people of the community. Mr. Davis was an inferior debater. Shortly after he met Minister Orvis, of the Congrega- tional Church, in a debate. Mr. Orvis was a man of good education and well informed on the questions involved, but not much of a debater. After this, IMr. Burrows, like Goliath of Oath, defied the hosts of Israel. The Freethinkers were exultant, the friends of truth and righteousness discouraged. Andrew Wright, father of J. H. Wright, was making wagons in those days. He was a mild-mannered, gentle- speaking man, but counted it a part of his business to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. This was his opportunity, and in the month of May he had his David, in the person of O. A. Burgess, on the ground. Mr. Burrows affirmed that "the Book called the Bible is of human origin and fallible in its teachings, and that Jesus was nothing more than a man, born of woman, as other people are." The crowds attending were immense, men com- ing from other States. The interest was intense, the occa- sion crucial. Some parts of the discussion were thrilling and climacteric. In speaking of the virgin birth of Jesus, Mr. Burrows said, "It is impossible for any father to swear to his own child," to which Mr. Burs^ess replied, "This is a high compliment to Dr. Burrows' mother," which so angered Dr. Burrows and his followers that Mr. Burgess was threatened 78 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS with some of the *'hell fire" which he was in the habit of preaching to his people. In answer Mr. Burgess said: "I suppose you saw me going out through that window. I have stood where bullets flew thick and can not be intimidated by words. Dr. Bur- rows well knows that when one party generalizes, his oppo- nent has permit to particularize." John S. Sweeney passed Mr. Burgess a note which read, "Give it to him ; we are all here." The threat of violence was dismissed, and this incident closed, by Mr. Burgess, as he spoke in. his lion-like manner: "Bah ! a threat. The last refuge of a lost cause." In speaking of special Divine Providence, Dr. Burrows said: "I am an old infidel. Why does not God afflict me?" His defiance of the Almighty was blasphemous. While trimming hedge that season a thorn punctured his hand, causing blood poison, which necessitated several amputations, and he was left with one arm and one leg. Two of his grandchildren were baptized into Christ at Atlanta in 1893, and several since that time, one now work- ing in the Christian ministry. Mr. Burgess, at the close of the discussion, was presented with a floral bouquet, by Mrs. J. M. Brooks, for the Chris- tian women of Atlanta, as a public expression of their appre- ciation of his impassioned defense of womanly virtue. Infidelity lost much of its arrogance in Atlanta, after this. March 28, 1875, at the age of fift3^-one years and six months. Dr. Burrows died as he had lived, without God and without hope. In Duquoin, Clark Braden and R. C. Dennis debated in- fidelity. At the White House, or Pleasant Hill Church, in Law- rence County, D. D. Miller and James McMillan on one side debated with John Mack, a Presbyterian minister, the ques- tion of baptism and the operation of the Holy Spirit. No reason is given why two preachers should have been pitted against one. THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 79 In the college chapel at Abingdon, Pres. J. W. Butler conducted a discussion with Minister Smith, of the M. E. Church. At Westfield, Harmon Gregg and Hiram Ashmore, a Cumberland Presbyterian minister, met. Mr. Ashmore af- firmed that Jesus Christ is the eternal Son of God. At Timewell, A. P. Stewart and Minister Yates, of the Baptist Church, held a discussion, which was admirable for its fraternal spirit. 1869. — At Timewell, D. R. Lucas and Minister Thomp- son, of the Baptist Church, debated on foreordination, elec- tion and free-will. It was probably this year that Clark Braden and G. W. Hughey, of the M. E. Church, debated at Vienna on bap- tism, the work of the Holy Spirit, the M. E. Discipline and human creeds. 1870.— At Farmer City, R. B. Roberts and Minister Man- ford, of Chicago, debated Universalism. Clark Braden and B. F. Underwood held a discussion at Duquoin on Christianity and materialism. Mr. Braden this year met Samuel Binns at Casey, in dis- cussing the questions of baptism. Mr. Binns was a minister of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and much enjoyed the sobriquet of *'Campbellite-killer." But those whom he "slew" one day were always up and ready for the battle the next morning. Theodore Brooks and R. N. Davies, of the M. E. Church, conducted a public discussion at Mechanicsburg about this time. Both were men of fine mental development. Great throngs of people attended. Those who heard the debate still refer to it as ''a stem-winder." 1871. — S. K. Hallam conducted a discussion at Farmer City with C. C. Marston, on Seventh-day Adventism. This year Clark Braden met B. F. Underwood twice in discussing Christianity and materialism — first at Time and later at Bushnell. In the spring of this year G. M. Goode held a discussion £0 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS on the questions of baptism at Scottsville, with Ramsey Smithson, a presiding elder of the M. E. Church South. In those days Mr. Goode was called "the Macoupin boy." At the close of the debate Prof. M. G. Lain, the presiding moderator and a member of the Baptist Church, voluntarily gave Mr. Goode a note assuring him that his work was suc- cessful and satisfactory in every way. The report of this, going into the regions round about, much disquieted Mr. Smithson's friends, so they demanded that the discussion be repeated, that they might see how **the boy'' had so success- fully contended with a trained debater. Hence a second discussion of the same questions was held at Girard in the following July. Mr. Goode's friends were well pleased with the discussion and its results. His speeches were logical and alwavs in fine spirit. 1872.— Clark Braden and B. F. Underwood debated Christianity and materialism at Washington. Mr. Braden also met John Hughes at La Fayette in con- sidering LTniversalism. At Dudleyville, in May, Frank Talmage held a debate with T. C. Sharp on baptism and the work of the Holy Spirit. This discussion followed a meeting conducted by Mr. Talmage at that place in which about sixty persons turned to the Lord. Mr. Sharp gave the challenge. His home at that time was in Mt. Vernon. Illinois, where he was the pas- tor of the M. E. Church. He was accompanied to the de- bate by one of his leading members, Mr. R. M. Hawley, who, having listened to the discussion with candor, was then bap- tized by Mr. Talmage. In September of the same year Mr. Talmage debated at Greenville with Henry Sharp this proposition: "Christianity Is an Enemy to the Best Interests of Mankind." There were only about three Disciples at Greenville at that time. The closing night of the discussion Mr. Talma,8:e extended the gospel invitation. Mr. and Mrs. Frank Smith, who re- sided seven miles away, accepted Jesus, making the good confession. Inasmuch as they wished to be baptized the THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 81 same hour of the night, Hke the PhiUppian jailer, the minis- ter accompanied them home and baptized them. 1873. — Clark Braden debated infidelity at Bloomington with C. R. Sanborn, who referred to himself as a "Free Con- gregationalist." 1874. — In a Baptist church six miles east of Dongola, W. H. Boles debated Universalism with Matthew Stokes. Mr. Stokes gave up the battle at noon on the second day. Mr. Boles at once conducted a series of meetings in the near-by village of Moscow, which resulted in fifty accessions, the formation of a church and the purchase of a meeting-house. But the church was short-lived. At Lovington, C. H. Bliss pitched his tent and began preaching Seventh-day Adventism. A Christian minister, who was not well posted in the sinuosities of this error, in a trial with Mr. Bliss proved unsatisfactory. Whereupon Clark Braden was sent for. He walked direct from the rail- way station to the tent and said : ''Good morning. Here are seven propositions ; you can take your choice." It was agreed to debate three of them and then decide about the other propositions. The first round proved quite enough for Mr. Bliss. During the discussion Mr. Bliss' moderator rose up and said, "Mr. Chairman, I rise to a 'pint' of order." Where- upon a Dr. Collet, who had a fine sense of the ludicrous, in- stantly spoke out so that all the audience heard, "Why not make it a quart?" In this year an attempted discussion took place at St. Augustine between Minister W. R. Jewell and a Roman Catholic priest whose name is not recalled. O. A. Burgess summoned Mr. Jewell to the town by telegraph. Arrange- ments were soon made for a three evenings' debate, each dis- putant speaking one hour each evening. The priest af- firmed that "the Holy Roman Catholic Church is the only true church." In his first reply Mr. Jewell used history, to which the priest objected. The moderators sustained Mr. Jewell's contention. The priest then became angry, left the hall and did not return. Mr. Jewell continued for a few 82 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS days in a course of addresses on the question under discus- sion. 1875.— W. H. Boles and W. P. Throgmorton, Baptist, held a discussion at Marion. They considered "The Direct Impact of the Spirit, the Final Perseverance of the Saints and the Churches of Which They Were Members." These gentlemen were lifelong neighbors and friends. The debate was conducted in an admirable spirit. Mr. Boles followed it with a successful meeting. 1876. — In the summer of this year Clark Braden debated Christianity and materialism with B. F. Underwood in the city of Jacksonville. Brethren residing there proposed to Mr. Underwood to have this discussion repeated and published. They offered to pay him for his time and copyright. He replied, "Mr. Henderson, I am not ready to publish a de- bate with Braden." In the summer of 1875 Col. J. W. Judy, of Tallula, financed a tent meeting conducted by D. R. Lucas in Peters- burg. Before that the Disciples had been a feeble folk there, but at the close of this effort the church of Christ numbered 190 members. Before the close of the meeting Mr. Lucas had received several challenges for a public discussion. He accepted that one made by the Presbyterians. They chose Minister " D. R. Miller, of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, to represent them. In the preliminary arrangements he contended for three sessions a day of two hours each. Mr. Lucas was compelled to accept this condition or have no debate. At the end of the fourth day Mr. Miller was worn out and prostrated. This compelled an adjournment of the debate for six months. Then it was resumed and finished. During the discussion Mr. Lucas kept close to the Book and often repeated the maxim, "Where the Bible speaks, we speak ; where the Bible is silent, we are silent." In ailfirming that immersion is the action in baptism, he quoted Acts 8 : 38: "And they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch ; and he baptized him." Mr. Miller replied : "The Bible says baptized, not immersed. Now, what becomes of THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 83 your oft-repeated maxim, 'Where the Bible speaks, we speak.' " He rang the changes on this quite to Mr. Lucas' confusion. Finally it was agreed to leave to the German Lutheran min- ister to decide the meaning of the Greek word baptidzo. He reported that its primary meaning is "dip" or "immerse." Thus Mr. Lucas recovered his grip upon the audience. W. D. Owen served as Mr. Lucas' moderator, a Mr. Crozier was Mr. Miller's, while Judge Pillsbury presided. A question of order arose relative to the admission of a defini- tion of haptidzo in an old edition of Liddell & Scott's lexicon which the world's scholarship had compelled those editors to omit from all the subsequent editions of their dictionary. The debaters each made his statement, followed by each one's moderator. Then Judge Pillsbury decided in favor of Mr. Lucas. At once a Presbyterian gentleman, who had sandy hair and beard, not satisfied with the decision, arose to say a word. Quick as lightning G. M. Goode, who sat near him, arose and spoke out: "Hold on, my friend. Bro. Lucas will take care of Bro. Miller, Bro. Owen will take care of Bro. Crozier, but, my sorrel-topped friend, if you want anything, I am your man." The hilarity was so general and continued that the moderator declared an adjournment for dinner. The spirit of the whole community was changed for good by the debate. On its last day Mr. Lucas was invited by and took dinner with a Presbyterian elder who would not even condescend to speak to him during the progress of the tent meeting. Many courtesies were shown by others. 1877. — Mr. Braden debated Universalism with John Hughes at Lewistown. 1878. — Mr. Braden and W. F. Jamison held a discussion at Salem on Christianity and materialism. Messrs. Jamison, Underwood and men of that class were public lecturers who sometimes published infidel papers and traveled over the country sowing seeds of error, falsehood and unbelief. The only Christian thing to do was to rneet them in the arena of public discussion, expose their specious twisters and present the irrefutable evidences of divine truth. 84 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS 1879.— J. M. Radcliffe and C. H. Caldwell, Baptist, held a discussion at Samoth, which was repeated at the Seven- mile Baptist Church in Massac County. 1881. — William Grissom and J. F. Leake, a Baptist, de- bated the question of baptism for the remission of sins, at Meredosia. Mr. Leake had previously been affiliated with the Disciples. During the discussion he expressed his regret several times that a stronger man had not been chosen to meet him. Mr. Grissom replied that his brethren thought it unnecessary *'to load a cannon to shoot a mosquito." A son of Mr. Leake is now the pastor of the church of Christ at Newton, Iowa. 1883. — At Blandinsville, George F. Adams and William McNutt, Baptist, debated the two following propositions: *'The Scriptures teach that the only proper subjects of bap- tism in water are believers in Christ whose sins are re- mitted," and "The church of which I, G. F. Adams, am a member is identical in faith and practice with the church founded by Christ and his apostles." Great crowds of people heard this discussion. At Cuba, G. F. Adams and D. D. Swindle, Baptist, de- bated this proposition : "The church organization of which I, D. D. Swindle, stand identified, possesses the Bible char- acteristics which entitle it to be regarded as the visible Church or Kingdom of Christ." Mr. Adams affirmed a simi- lar proposition of the church of his fellowship. This dis- cussion was an intellectual and fraternal treat to those who heard it. Without a single exception, the disputants bore themselves as Christian gentlemen from beginning to end. As often as Mr. Swindle insisted that his church was the church of Christ, that often did Mr. Adams reply, "Then, why do you refuse to call it that?" In the New Hope Baptist Church, near Samoth, John Mecoy held a debate with Green W. Smith, a Baptist. 1884. — T. L. Stipp and L B. Grandy discussed Univer- salism at Hoopeston. Universalists sent the challenge. Mr. Stipp was chosen by the city ministerial association. He was THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST 85 its youngest member except one. A series of successful meetings followed the debate. 1886.— U. M. Browder and F. Smith, of the M. E. Church, discussed at Smithfield the following propositions: **The Scriptures teach that the sinner or ungodly is justified in the sense of pardoned, or remission of sins, by faith only," and, ''Baptism as commanded in the commission is in order to the remission of past sins." This discussion was full of smartness and sarcasm. 1887.— At Samoth, D. L. Kincaid and Green W. Smith, a Baptist, held a debate. 1888. — In the New Hope Baptist CKurch, in Massac County, J. M. Radcliffe and G. W. Smith, Baptist, held a discussion. 1889. — A discussion was held at Creal Springs led by J. F. Hight and Robert Huggins, a Christadelphian. T. L. Stipp and J. T. Pender, of the M. E. Church, de- bated the questions of baptism and faith alone, at Fisher. At Bellair, Clark Braden and E. S. Kelley discussed Mor- monism. 1890. — In April this year, at McVey, A. C. Layman and Elder Milliard debated Mormonism. These elders are ag- gressive and self-assertive. Their entrance into a community is with the avowed purpose of making converts to their faith. The most direct method of defeating their aims is by a public discussion. This debate was held in a large tent and put an end to their advocacy in that community. At Barry, H. C. Littleton and L. T. Nichols, a Christadel- phian, held a discussion. At its close, defeat was confessed, and long since Christadelphian theories and following disap- peared from that community. 1894. — In the Oakley Avenue Church, in Chicago, Clark Braden and John Williams held a debate on Adventism. Mr. Williams was the editor of the First-day Adventist organ. His defeat was thorough. 1896.— At Birds, S.^ C. Hill and Minister Filroe, of the M. E. Church, held a discussion. 86 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS In the Azotus Baptist Church, in Pope County, J. F. Plight and G. W. Smith, Baptist, conducted a debate. 1897.— At Joppa, J. F. Right and R. H. Pique, of the M. E. Church, debated. And so did J. B. Briney and W. P. Throgmorton, Baptist, at Dixon Springs. In the West Panther Creek Schoolhouse, in Calhoun County, J. M. Bovee and J. W. Miller discussed instrumental music in public worship. 1898.— J. F. Hight and C. M. Weaver, Primitive Baptist, met in a debate at New Burnside. In Astoria, H. C. Littleton and M. J. McClure, German Baptist, discussed trine immersion and feet-washing as church ordinances. At its close the German Baptist sentiment ex- pressed itself in the words, *'If we had known this man, we would have had a man from Pennsylvania to lead in the debate." The discussion helped the people in the community to a better knowledge of Scripture teaching on these subjects. At Orchardville, Clark Braden and I. N. White debated Mormonism. Mr. White was one of the twelve apostles of the Josephite party. 1899. — Mr. Braden led in the two debates of this year; first, at Alma, with I. N. White on Mormonism; second, at St. Elmo, with C. H. Bliss on Seventh-dayism. 1901. — Mr. Braden met Minister Hicks at Nebo in a com- parison of the church of Christ and the Baptist Church. 1902.— Mr. Braden met J. R. Roberts at Belmont on the subject of "Anti-ism." 1903. — And also A. P. Roberts at C^lney on the same subject. At Wayne City, Mr. Braden discussed the questions of baptism with D. B. Turney, of the Protestant Methodist Church. Mr. Turney was a very small man. 1908. — In February, at Colfax, J. Fred Jones affirmed in a public discussion that ''the immersion of a proper subject in water is Christian baptism." This was denied by U. Y. Gilmer, of the M. E. Church. THE PERIOD OF CONQUEST ^7 1909.— At Dahlgren, W. H. Boles and J. R. Daley, of the Primitive Baptists, each affirmed in a public debate that the church of which he is a member is the church of Christ. Through the four days there were great crowds and good nature throughout. J. F. Wright and F. M. Lawley, of the "Reorganized Church of Latter-day Saints," held a debate at Tunnel Hill. "The Saints" furnished the Disciples a boarding-place in their "temple" near Tunnel Hill, and accorded them great respect and hospitality. In the same year these two men held another discussion at Goreville. 1910. — W. H. Boles met Henry Sparling, one of "the Saints," at Springerton in a six days' debate of two four- hour sessions. The Mormons had a large church there. 1911. — In the Alt. Pleasant Church, in Massac County, D. N. Barnett held a debate with J. R. McLain, a Latter-day Saint. This led to another discussion at the same place between J. F. Hight and Mr. McLain. These one hundred specific mentions of public discussions were probably not one-half of the number in Illinois in which the ministers of the churches of Christ have partici- pated. It is apparent that these preachers have fought all along the line of battle, from gross materialism to instru- mental music in public worship, and generally at such times and places as the advocates of error led in open attacks and ag- gressive assaults upon the truth. They have successfully met the manifold vagaries of religious and irreligious thought, many-phased infidelity, Universalism, the dogmas of human creeds and Mormonism. Every essential position for which they have contended through the past seventy-five years is now admitted, if not practically accepted, by intelligent evan- gelical believers. The Disciples are orthodox. Public debates have mostly ceased, not because they were a failure, but be- cause they were a success. CHAPTER V. BENEVOLENCES. Section 1.— State Missionary Activities. Most of the pioneer preachers were missionaries sent of God and self-supporting. But at a very early day they saw clearly the need of united efforts. At the close of a pro- tracted meeting in Jacksonville, in October, 1834, it was decided to foster a co-operation among the churches. In that meeting B. W. Stone, John Rigdon, Alexander Reynolds, Josephus Hewett, H. W. Osborn, Abner Peeler, Edward D. Baker and others participated. John Rigdon was sent out as the evangelist for six months. This appeal was made to all the congregations in the State to unite in a voluntary association for the spread of the gospel. In March, 1836, John T. Jones and Guerdon Gates issued the final call for a proposed State Meeting in Jacksonville that fall. In 1839 a State Meeting was held in Pittsfield. In 1840 a call for ''Our Annual Meeting" to assemble in Springfield on Friday before the fourth Lord's Day in Sep- tember was signed by B. W. Stone, John T. Jones, Peter Hedenberg, D. P. Henderson, Henry D. Palmer, William Davenport, John Rigdon, D. B. Hill and Theophilus Sweet. One object of the meeting was to put "as many evangelists in the field as possible." In 1842 the Annual Meeting was held in Springfield. May 18, 1843, a call was sent out from Bloomington for a "State Meeting" to convene there on Friday before the fourth Lord's Day in August following, signed by W. T. Major and H. H. Painter, elders, and R. O. Warrener, evangelist. As stated in the call, the objects of the meeting an BENEVOLENCES 89 were "to cultivate acquaintance with each other, to hear of the success of the labors of our teaching brethren, to pro- mote brotherly love, advance the cause of union among the followers of Jesus, and, by teaching the truths of the Bible, edify and instruct each other and all who may attend." This meeting was well attended by brethren from different parts of the State. Co-operation was considered and dis- cussed. At its close J. A. Lindsay and H. D. Palmer became the evangelists in McLean and adjoining counties. In 1845 the State Meeting went to Pittsfield, and in 1848 to Walnut Grove (Eureka). Whether other such meetings were held in the interims, the extant records do not disclose. During that period of twenty years the facilities for traveling were limited to stage-coaches and private conveyances ; hence the distances were, relatively, far greater than now. But the pioneers made the journeys with eagerness, for the "State Meetings" were occasions of mutual assurance, the sweetest fellowship and great joy. They were a source of mutual strength, led to a clearer understanding of Scriptural teach- ing and did much active missionary work. In 1839 John Rigdon was engaofed as an evangelist in the counties of Adams, Brown and Pike. The same year ''Tobias Grider was appointed to ride as an evangelist in Shelby County, where there were few churches." November 20, 1842, a co-operation meeting was held at Marion composed of the representatives of eleven churches located in the counties of Franklin, Gallatin, Hardin, Perry, Pope and Wabash. Except two, those eleven churches are extinct. Minister J. M. Mulkey was chairman. In 1850 there was a co-operation of the churches in Mor- gan, Scott and Cass Counties, with Ministers Happy and Pyatt as evangelists. In April, 1851, Benjamin N. Hum- phrey, the corresponding secretary of this co-operation, re- ported 208 additions by the labors of Evangelists Happy and A. McCollum. In 1848, A. D. Northcut, who had come from Kentucky, 90 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS was employed by the co-operation of the churches in Shelby County as its evangelist. In the first year of this service he added more than three hundred people to the Lord. The co-operation in the same county in 1880 planted congrega- tions at Oak Grove and Mode. In 1851 the churches in Shelby, Moultrie and Macon Counties were engaged in co-operative missionary work. The following is an exact transcript from the minutes of the meeting : Proceedings of the cooperative meeting held at church called Bethel meeting house in Shelby County, State of Illinois. In complyance with arrangements made at a meeting held on Sand Creek in the County of Shelby: the brethren from the different named congrega- tions as here follows were in attendance. To make arrangements for evangelizing in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty one. The (brethren) delegates from six congregations were there. Bushrod W. Henry was made chairman and Henry Y. Kellar, secretary. The names of the different congregations that were there repre- sented were called for. 1st. West Okaw. Two delegates — James H. Kellar, John Wood. 2nd. Sullivan. Two delegates — William Kellar, N. F. Higginbotham. 3rd. Bethel. Two delegates — J. W. Sconce, B. W. Henry. 4th. Decatur. One delegate — S. Shepherd. 5th. Mud Creek. Two delegates — E. Waggoner, L. McMorris. 6th. Shelbyville. One delegate — ^John Page. It was suggested that the meeting adjourn till evening, hoping for the arrival of other delegates. This was voted down on the ground that "it would be giving sanction to a bad precedent — that was, one time to do business and doing it at another." The co-operation then decided to do its work "in the weak congregations and their immediate vicinity." Subscriptions were made as follows : West Okaw, $60 ; Sulli- van, $60: Bethel, $30; Mud Creek, $30; Decatur, $50; Shel- byville, $30; total, $260. At the night session the president suggested two evangelists — one an aged man and the other BENEVOLENCES 91 a young man — 'Vhich was unanimously concurred in.' Henry Y. Kellar was chosen as "the young preacher," and "B. W. Henry was selected as the senior evangelist." The co-operation decided to "pay the evangelists $26 a month."^ In 1854 the second meeting of the Southern lUinois Chris- tian Co-operation was held at Salem. This co-operation in- cluded the ten counties at the southern end of the State. The same year, June 14, a district co-operative meeting was held at Batavia. In the sixties there were county co-opera- tions in Tazewell-Mason, Fulton and Iroquois. In 1869, Mason County dropped out of the union with Tazewell and the latter established the church in Pekin. The same year the co-operation of the Northern District met at Batavia, November 12 and 13. In 1881 there were co-operations in the counties of Adams, Christian, Champaign, Douglas, Logan, McLean, Marshall, Pike, Shelby, Tazewell, Woodford and White. Within a year five of these had died a natural or violent death. These few facts indicate the convictions held and efforts made to care for weak congregations and plant churches in new fields by the co-operation of counties singly or unitedly. This work reached through about forty years. Hancock formed a co-operation of its churches in 1892 and continues to hold an annual meeting in the fall. The American Christian Missionary Society was formed at Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1849. It became the mother of all the wider missionary activities among the Disciples of Christ. Friday, September 20, 1850, the "State Convention of the Christian Church in Illinois began and held at Shelbyville." Those present were J. Atkinson, Theophilus Sweet, H. W. Osborn, Jas. A. Lindsay, W. F. M. Arny, A. Kellar, Morris R. Chew, Bushrod W. Henry, Wm. Davenport, J. T. Jones, H. D. Palmer, Wm. T. Major, G. W. Minier, John M. Hodge, Elijah Vawter, Alpheus Brown, James D. McPher- son, P. H. Murphy and A. A. Glenn. These men were delegates who represented local churches, counties and co-operations. Other congregations were repre- sented by letters. The number of Christian Churches then 92 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS in the State was 104, with an aggregate membership of 6,359. During the year then closing, l,i^o persons had been added to the churches. The first business transacted by this meeting was the or- ganization of "The Bible Society of the State of Illinois, auxiliary to the American Christian Bible Society." Next, "The Illinois State Missionary Society" was organized by the adoption of a constitution and the election of the following officers: President, Henry D. Palmer; Vice-Presidents, Wm. T. Major, Harrison W. Osborn, Bushrod W. Henry ; Man- agers, Jas. A. Lindsay, Morris R. Chew, Wm. Davenport, J. Atkinson, John H. Hodge, John E. Murphy, John Houston, E. W. Bakewell; Recording Secretary, A. J. Kane; Treasurer, William Lavely. Mr. Palmer presided at this meeting, and Mr. Vawter served as secretary the first day and was suc- ceeded by Mr. Minier. Some sessions of the convention were held in the M. E. Chapel, and their pulpit was filled on Sun- day, September 22. At nine o'clock that morning a business-meeting session was held. At ten o'clock, three o'clock and evening public worship was conducted in both chapels. In part of these meetings there were two sermons. On Monday morning the convention heard the "valedictory address by J. Atkinson, and adjourned to meet the next year at Walnut Grove." In 1852, Mr. Baily D. Dawson was chosen recording sec- retary and served eight years in this capacity. He is still living in Chicago and has furnished the writer valuable in- formation. In 1856, Dr. W. A. Mallory became State evangelist and served in this capacity till 1860. In 1856 the State was divided into fourteen missionary districts, which in 1861 were changed to four and these again to nine in 1864. During this period there was a written con- stitution, which was frequently changed, and life member- ships. Attention and financial aid were directed chiefly to the congregations in Peoria and Quincy. S. T. Calloway was corresponding secretary in 1858. In the Annual Meeting of BENEVOLENXES 93 1861 the question of a Students' Aid Fund was proposed, but it was defeated by a majority as not germane to the work of the society. W. J. Houston served as corresponding secretary and evangehst from 1860-63. In his first report, submitted in 1861, he said that during the year he had traveled 2,500 miles, preached 620 discourses "with numerous exhortations," and ''added 374 to the army of the faithful, principally by confession and baptism." For this superior service the society paid him $800. This sum included ''one coat received at Paris valued at $12." In 1862 he reported seven hundred discourses and "many exhortations" and over eight hundred additions. "Many new co-operations were organized during the year." That year three other evangelists were associated with Mr. Houston and their accessions totaled 1,349. A balance of $90 due on his first year's work was paid him then. During this period the society held a few semi-annual meetings, but they were soon found to be impracticable. John S. Sweeney served as corresponding secretary and State evangelist from 1863-65, and his father, G. E. Sweeney, by special vote of the society, also evangelized under its au- thority and auspices. One year J. S. Sweeney had sixteen evangelists at work. Mr. Henry C. Latham served as cor- responding secretary in 1865-66, but with only office duties. Minister A. H. Rice held the same title, doing active work in the field. Dudley Down succeeded as corresponding secretary and evangelist, but his devoted toil sapped his energies and sent him, within two years, into rapid decline and premature death. In 1870 work was begun under the "Louisville Plan," which was adopted at Louisville, Kentucky, in October, 1869. The State was divided into six missionary districts. This was the second period of missionary activity. J. C. Reynolds became corresponding secretary and State evangelist. His first task was to organize the districts and develop a senti- ment that would sustain an evangelist in the several divisions. 94 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS He was followed in this work, severally, by J. W. Allen, John Lindsay, W. T. Maiipin and J. H. Wright. Each did good service, aiming and striving to advance the Kingdom of God by all proper co-operative efforts. Mr. Wright or- ganized the Mt. Morris Church during his seven months' service. There was only a little money that came to support the work and it was a time of transition. During this period E. J. Lampton served as State evangelist and dedicated a mission chapel at Denver that had been built by the Mt. Pleasant country church, all in Hancock County. Before the close of the decade it was clear that the "Louisville Plan" would not be worked in Illinois. N. S. Haynes was chosen corresponding secretary and State evangelist in 1880 and entered actively upon the work the 1st of the following January. He served in this dual capacity till August, 1885, when he resigned because one member of the Board of Managers thought that too few per- sons were being added to the churches through the society's work. The next year W. J. Ford served as corresponding secretary. But the convention of 1886 returned Mr. Haynes to this office, and he continued as active manager of the work till August, 1891 — a period of nine years and eight months. The chief aim of his administration was a campaign of edu- cation for world-wide missions. This was one of the chief needs of the Disciples in Illinois at that time. The Foreign Society had been organized only about five years and its management was feeble. In 1881 he received $44.80 for Foreign Missions, of which $7.35 came from one of the leading churches of the State! Hence he laid hold of printers' ink, church papers and all available preachers for missionary education. In the spring of 1883 he mailed copies of a printed circular appeal, with fifteen thousand envelopes for Children's Day, to 260 of the best Bible schools in the State. Some of the aims and results of his work were the following: He disseminated continually missionary intelligence in every way possible; prepared and published a list of min- isters in the State in 1882, and of churches in 1883, both by BENEVOLENCES 95 counties ; reported the aggregate value of church property ; helped pastorless congregations and ministers without churches, and introduced and urged the co-operation of weak and near-together congregations in sustaining pastors ; lo- cated the churches of the State and had a map made of the same ; later redistricted the State, which arrangement remains unchanged; introduced the desirability of parsonages to public attention, there being only about three in 1880 — in 1913 there were 131 ; urged continually the moral and financial support of our colleges ; raised a few hundred dollars to assist in building the first creditable house of worship in Washington, D. C. ; led in the formation of two ministerial institutes — the Central, which continues to render helpful service, and one in the Military Tract, which was permitted to die years ago ; organized the State Encampment in 1887, which continued twelve years ; helped actively in founding and building the Students' Aid Fund ; increased the permanent funds from $455 to above $20,000; and in 1890, at the request of Dr. H. K. Carroll, special agent of the United States to secure data of religious bodies for the eleventh census, prepared and transmitted to him a complete list of the churches of Christ in Illinois, on schedules furnished by the Government. July 15, 1890, Dr. Carroll wrote him, saying: *'I have received from you Schedules 687 A, B, C, D, E and F. I am very much pleased, indeed, with the work you have done so faith- fully and promptly." The maximum for his traveling expenses in any one year was $152.68. Comparing 1880 with 1889, the remittances from Illinois were as follows : To the Foreign Society, $1,007 and $3,815; to the General Home Society, $230 and $3,534; to the State Society, $1,690 and $5,847, and to the State Sunday-school Association, $600 and $2,834. During the nine years and eight months' period, among the congre,2:atIons organized by the State Society were Champaign, Mason City, Newton, Onarga, Roodhouse and Streator, and among those fostered were Carbondale, three in Chicago (Englewood, Northside and Westside), Galesburg, Keithsburg, Mt. Pulaski, Paxton, Pekin, Prince- 96 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ton, Pontiac, Rock ford, Sterling and Taylorville. The asso- ciated evangelists during this period were Isaac Beckelhymer, W. H. and Marion Boles, T. A. Boyer, A. Campbell, H. C. Cassell, \V. H. Cannon, J. W. Carpenter, J. S. Clements, Jas. Connoran, J. E. Deihl, J. F. Ghormley, E. A. Gilliland, G. M. Goode, J. J. Harris, G. M. Hoffman, D. W. Honn, D. E. Hughes, W. A. Ingram, E. J. Lampton, L. M. Linn, Daniel Logan, L. B. Myers, C. B. Newnan, J. L. Parsons, G. W. Pearl, J. W. Robbins, J. R. Speck, J. Z. Taylor, H. R. Trickett, J. M. Tenneson and R. D. Van Buskirk. Some of these ministers served in the continued meeting only, and others of them in several periods or years. Min. G. W. Pearl began his service as corresponding secre- tary and State evangelist Aug. 1, 1891, and closed his term Dec. 31, 1896. No change was made in any way in the con- duct of the affairs of the society. Its work prospered and grew steadily in all lines. His management was wise. The evangelists during this period were J. S. Clements, O. W. Stewart, W. A. Ingram, S. S. Jones, Miss Sarah C. McCoy, C E. Evans, T. A. Boyer, E. A. GilHland, S. H. Creighton, T. F. Weaver, W. V. Boltz, R. H. Kline, G. W. Griffith, E. J. Ellis, F. L. Moffitt, J. F. Jones, J. P. McKnight. J. Fred Jones became State evangelist and corresponding secretary Jan. 1, 1896. In 1902 he became ''Field Secretary." The period covered by this survey closes with June, 1913, or seventeen and a half years. He states "the ideals during this period" as follows: 1. The organization and support of new churches in fruitful fields. 2. The aiding of weak churches, mainly by evangelistic meetings — about three hundred have been so helped. 3. The support of an evangelist in each district. 4. The needs of village and rural churches have been emphasized and the permanent co-operation of contiguous churches in supporting pastors has been urged. In 1896 the secretaries of the several missionary districts were made ex-officio members of the State Board and are so continued. BENEVOLENCES 97 The chief evangelists who were engaged in the State and district work, not including Chicago, were the following: J. T. Alsup, W. B. Bedall, Isaac Beckelhymer, C. H. Berry, R. Leland Brown, J. H. Beard, D. R. Beboit, R. L. Cartwright, W. R. Courter, J. D. and C. B. Dabney, F. L. Dairs, C. E. Evans, O. M. Eaton, W. A. Green, J. J. Harris, L. D. Hill, W. H. Harding, E. M. Harlis, George Hoagland, W. A. In- gram, Gilbert Jones, W. H. Kindred, S. S. Lappin, D. A. Lytle, H. E. Monser, M. W. Nethercutt, E. M. Norton, J. E. Parker, C. W. Ross, F. G. Roberts, T. J. Shuey, C. M. Smith- son, E. O. Sharp, Andrew Scott, F. M. Stambaugh, J. E. Stout, H. L. Veach, K. C. Ventress, J. O. Walton and J. D. Williams. Some of these served for longer and others for shorter terms. The more substantial churches formed were these : Alexis, Beecher City, Bunker Hill, Carlinville, Cowden, Fandon, Freeport, Findley, Havana, Indianola, Joliet, Johnson City, Kewanee, Kinmundy, Moline, Monticello, Ridge Farm, Rock Falls, Savana, St. Elmo, Tamaroa, Tampico, Villa Grove and West Frankfort. Following the plan of the Foreign Missionary Society, the State Board decided in 1904 to introduce the living-link feature ; hence the following churches have paid $200 or more per year for State mission work. Generally the congregations have chosen the mission points or weak churches they have assisted, and quite a number of these have been in their own cities or counties. This list is: Areola, Adams County churches, Armington, Bloomington First and Second, Cham- paign, Concord (Tazewell County), Camp Point, Carthage, Decatur Central, De Land, Englewood (Chicago), Gibson City, Jacksonville, Long Point, Mackinaw, Minier, Morgan County Bible schools, a Niantic brother. Normal, Peoria Cen- tral, Pittsfield, Paris, Pleasantview (Adams County), Quincy First, Springfield First, and Tazewell County churches. A goodly number of mission points and weak congrega- tions have been fostered by "Link" offerings or appropriations from the treasury of the society. This Hst follows: Anna, 98 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS $25 ; Alexis, $75 ; Ashland, $100 ; Bloomington Centennial, $200; Beardstown, $800; Bushnell, $200; Carlinville, $135; Chicago Heights, $25; Chicago Northside, $50; Cooksville, $100; Delavan, $60; Dixon, $225; Decatur, Leaftand Avenue, $272; Elgin, $200; Freeport, $800; Fulton, $825; Findley, $100; Galesburg, $25; Granite City, $300; Griggsville, $230; Havana, $510; Harvey, $250; Hillsboro, $900; Jacksonville (negro), $10; JoHet First, $162; Kankakee, $400; Kewanee, $2,600; McLean, $400; Minonk, $319; Mossville, $158; Mo- line, $1,600; Mt. Vernon, $250; Paris Mission, $200; Pon- tiac, $400; Polo, $813; Peoria, Howett Street. $810; Prince- ton, $50; Quincy Mission, $317; Rock Falls, $230; Rockford, $1,400; Rockford (negro), $50; Redmon, $600; Savana, $271 ; Springfield, Stewart Avenue, $900 ; South Chicago, $150; Streator, $2,265; Tampico, $145; Time, $250, and Villa Grove, $388. THE OFFICE. Up to 1902 all of the corresponding secretaries had pro- vided offices for the society's work at their personal expense. In that year an office was rented and, through the generosity of friends, suitably equipped with needed furniture. Min. W. D. Deweese was chosen office secretary and did much of the necessary printing up to August, 1913. For several years he has served as treasurer also. CHRISTIAN COADJUTORS. The convention of 1910 decided to employ two Christian students in the State University at Urbana to work among their fellow-students — a young man among the men and a young woman among the women. During the three school years following, these coadjutors were paid $25 per month — an aggregate for the period of $1,023. Mr. Stephen E. Fisher, for ten years the pastor of the University Place Christian Church, says: The organization of the men and women from Christian Church homes in Illinois who attend the university has proven, under the leader- BENEVOLENCES 99 ship of these special helpers, very effective. Committees on Bible-school work, church attendance, social life, etc., are constantly active. Many who would not otherwise do so hav2 been led to affiliate with the local church actively during college residence, and about twenty girls in the three years and fifteen young men in the two years have been led to Christ through confession and baptism. When we recall that these are the men and women who will hold the high places of power to-morrow in our nation, the value of this work is beyond estimate. In 1896 the reported number of churches was 730, with an aggregate membership of 95,257, while in 1913 the num- bers given were 692 congregations, with a total membership of 110,736. The value of the houses of worship and parson- ages was $4,299,710. The seating capacity of the buildings v/as 215,990. Mr. Jones gave eighteen of the best years of his life to this work. In addition to Peter Whitmer, IMin. D. R. Van Buskirk and Dr. George D. Sitherwood, all of Bloomington, as mem- bers of the State Board gave most valuable assistance ; so, also, has J. P. Darst, of Peoria, for twenty-five years. Section 2. — Independent and Individual Mission Work. The Yotsuya Mission, Tokyo, Japan (W. D. Cunning- ham, Director). — In 1906, J. P. Hieronymus, a banker of Atlanta, received a copy of the Tokyo Christian, which, he says, produced a "spontaneous combustion" in him. 'T be- lieve in both organized and individual missions," he says. Pie opened an account in his bank for Mr. Cunningham, and since then has received and remitted all sums sent him for this individual mission. In 1912 the amount was $266.81, which came from forty givers. He is pleased to continue as forwarding secretary. This mission has two hundred rope- holders in Illinois, including several organizations, each counted as one. W. H. Waggoner was born in Princeton, III, March 15, 1868 — Sunday mornine, just in ti-^e for the foreisfn mission- ary offering-. Educated in the public schools. Eureka College and Yale University. Mr. Waggoner has given his life to lecturing on world-wide missions. He uses maps, charts and 100 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS pictures with stereopticon. He is a great sower of good seed. His work receives the highest commendation. BuRKEY-SwoRD. — Daniel Burkey was reared with the Mennonites and united with the church of Christ at New Bedford, 111. He said to Mr. Sword in 1908: "I Jiave done little for the Master's Kingdom. I can not preach, but you can. Go into the field, receive what is paid you, and I will pay you the balance." The contract called for $1,500 per year and expenses. This arrangement continued four years. Mr. Sword proved to be a very sane and successful evangelist and Mr. Burkey found great joy in his support. In the period Mr. Burkey paid $776 and Mr. Sword received about twelve hundred people into the churches. Section 3. — Permanent Funds. The first suggestion of a permanent fund for missionary work in Illinois came from Mr. E. W. Bakewell, of Normal. At the State Meeting at Jacksonville in 1857 he publicly pledged himself ''to be one of eight to give $100, or one of fifty to give $1,000, within a year, toward establishing a per- manent missionary fund." Nothing immediately came from this proposition. In 1876 the subject was revived with the view of securing $10,000, the annual interest from which would support the State evangelist. The nation's centennial was thought to be a fitting time to begin the building of a living memorial. The proposition was presented in and indorsed by the State Convention and advertised through church papers and otherwise. Mins. J. J. Moss, A. H. Trow- bridge and a few others gave a little time to this work. The two men who started it with $100 each in cash were A. R. Knox and John Doyle. In the early eighties they were fol- lowed in like sums by J. O. Bolin, W. R. Carle, John V. Dee, Col. J. W. Judy and S. H. Anderson. In 1880, upon the earnest suggestion of Peter Whitmer, the sum to be raised was placed at $13,000. He was a banker of Bloomins^ton, and for twenty-six consecutive years the faithful and efficient treasurer of this fund. His annual reports were his joy. BENEVOLENCES 101 The largest gift from any one person came from the estate of Mrs. Sarah A. Starr, of Bloomington, in 1886~$10,000. The Permanent Funds now aggregate $37,504. Of this sum, $5,400 is in annuity bonds. In 1902 the Board arranged to issue such bonds. Mrs. Emily Booth Turner, of Quincy, born in Kentucky in 1825 and a lifelong, earnest Christian, gave to this fund $2,000 on the annuity bond plan. This fund will be increased within two years by $60,000 from the estate of Thomas E. Bondurant. From the estate of Dr. J. H. Breeden nearly $4,000 has been received recently. This income from the regular permanent fund should pay the cost of administration. students' aid fund. With the view of assisting young men of limited means in their preparation for the work of the Christian ministry, this fund was started in 1886. The moneys were to be loaned to approved applicants on their notes of hand for varying periods. A committee of three persons chosen by the convention has very efficiently handled this business throughout the twenty-seven years. Later the privileges of the fund were extended equally to young women preparing for special Christian service. August, 1913, this sum totaled $8,219. From September, 1886, to July, 1913, 799 loans were made to 255 students, eleven of whom were women. These loans aggregated $22,264. The results of this stimu- lating benevolence have been far-reaching. An application came to the committee years ago from Frank L. Bowen. He was well indorsed by the church at Rock Island, but the indorsers said frankly that, in their opinion, it was question- able whether the elements of a successful preacher were in him. The conscientious and judicial consideration of the application placed the committee ''on the fence." Finally, J. G. Waggoner said : "Brethren, let's take the risk and give the boy a chance." Then it was so voted. The many years of Mr. Bowen's fine ministry justify the committee's guess, and he will know before whom to lift his hat. 102 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Section 4. — State Conventions and Presidents. DATES. PLACES, PRESIDENTS. 1850 Shelbyville, H. D. Palmer. 1851 Walnut Grove, H. D. Palmer. 1852 Abingdon. W. W. Happy. 1853 Jacksonville, W. W. Happy. 1854 Decatur, \V. W. Happy. 1855 Charleston, W. W. Happy. 1856 M e c h a n i c s b u r g, W. W. Happy. 1857 Jacksonville. W. W. Happy. 1858 Bloomington, W. W. Happy. 1859 Lincoln. W. W. Happy. 1860 Carrollton, W. W. Happy. 1861 Eureka, John T. Jones. 1862 Abingdon. John T. Jones. 1863 Bloomington, John T. Jones. 1864 Lincoln. John T. Jones. 1865 Springfield. John T. Jones. 1866 Eureka, John T. Jones. 1867 Jacksonville, E n o s Camp- bell. 1868 Winchester, Enos Campbell. 1869 Macomb, Enos Campbell. 1870 Chicago. Enos Campbell. 1871 Bloomington, Enos Campbell. 1872 Bloomington, Enos Campbell. 1873 Jacksonville, A. A. Glenn. 1874 Eureka. J. H. McCullough. 1875 Bloomington. A. I. Hobbs. 1876 Eureka. S. M. Connor. 1877 Springfield, A. I. Hobbs. 1878 Eureka, A. I. Hobbs. 1879 Princeton. J. W. Allen. 1880 Bloomington, A. I. Hobbs. 1881 Jacksonville, N. S. Haynes. DATES. PLACES. PRESIDENTS. 1882 Macomb, A. J. Thompson. 1883 Springfield, G. M. Goode. 1884 Eureka, S. U. Connor. 1885 Eureka, S. M. Connor. 1886 Sullivan, J. G. Waggoner. 1887 Decatur, J. A. Roberts. 1888 Eureka, Hiram Woods. 1889 Eureka, A. N. Gilbert. 1890 Eureka, J. H. Gilliland. 1891 Eureka, F. N. Calvin. 1892 Eureka, A. P. Cobb. 1893 Eureka, W. A. Maloan. 1894 Eureka, W. A. Humphrey. 1895 Eureka, T. T. Holton. 1896 Eureka. L. B. Pickerill. 1897 Eureka, N. S. Haynes. 1898 Eureka, J. H. Hardin. 1899 Eureka, J. H. Smart. 1900 Bloomington, N. S. Haynes. 1901 Springfield, R. F. Thrapp. 1902 Jacksonville, W. \\'. Weedon. 1903 Ei:reka. J. E. Lynn. 1904 Champaign, W. H. Cannon. 1905 Decatur, Geo. A. Campbell. 1906 Paris, F. W. Burnham. 1907 Jacksonville, O. W. Law- rence. 1908 Chicago, H. L. Willett. 1909 Eureka. J. H. Gilliland. 1910 Springfield, J. W. Kilborn. 1911 Danville, J. R. Golden. 1912 Centralia, Silas Jones. 1913 Jacksonville, W. W. Weedon. Section 5. — The Christian Woman's Board of Missions. The first effective call to the women of the churches of Christ in the United States to organize for missionary work was issued in May, 1874, by Mrs. Caroline Neville Pearre, then a resident of Mason City, Iowa. In God's providence MRS. O. A. BURGESS. MRS. V. T. LINDSAY. MRS. S. J. CRAWFORD. MRS. ANNIE E. DAVIDSON. MISS. E. J. DICKINSON. MRS. L. V. PORTER. MRS. P. L. CHRISTIAN. BENEVOLENCES 103 this call proved to be bread cast upon the wide waters. On July 26, 1874, Miss Elmira J, Dickinson organized a local woman's missionary society at Eureka — the first in the State. About the same time Pastor J. H. McCullough and wife, of Bloomington; Isaac Errett, then preaching in Chi- cago, and Pastor J. W. Allen, of Jacksonville, formed similar societies in the churches of these several cities. The Illinois Christian Woman's Board of Missions was organized by Miss Dickinson at Eureka, Aug. 28, 1874, at the close of the annual meeting of the State Missionary Society. There were present about fifty women, who were encouraged in their action by Mr. John Darst, of Eureka, and Pastor Ira J. Chase, of Peoria. This was the first State organization of the Christian women. It was their expressed intention to become auxiliary to a national society which it was proposed to form at Cincinnati, Ohio, the next October. At this national meeting seventy-five women were present from nine States, ten of whom were from Illinois. Such was the beginning of a Christian activity that has been of incalculable value to the women themselves and the church at large. It has given to their fine minds and true hearts worthy ideals and aims, and has conserved the spiritual life of the churches and brought thousands to the knowledge of the truth and to the service of the Master. On the first Sunday afternoon following the meeting in Cincinnati, Elder Tyra Montgomery formed a woman's auxiliary in the church at Mattoon, of which Mrs. Caroline Montgomery was the first president. Miss Dickinson was chosen the first president at the for- mation of the Illinois Society, and for a decade thereafter did the difficult and heroic pioneer work that was needed to lay the foundation of a splendid superstructure. Those who followed in the presidency were Mrs. James Kirk, Mrs. Emma Campbell Ewing, Mrs. O. A. Burgess, Mrs. Persis L. Christian, Miss Anna May Hale, Miss Annie E. David- son, Mrs. Carrie F. Zeller and now Mrs. Lura Thompson Porter. 104 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS The corresponding secretaries have been Mrs. Ella Myers Huffman, Mrs. Happy, Mrs. M. M. Lindsay, Mrs. J. G. Waggoner, Miss Lura V. Thompson (two terms), Miss Rachael Crouch, Miss Gussie Courson and Miss Anna M. Hale. The treasurers in their order of service were Mrs. John Darst, Mrs. H. W. Everest, Mrs. Cassell, Mrs. M. B. Hawk, Mrs. S. J. Crawford, Miss Clara L. Davidson and now Miss Henrietta Clark. The superintendents of the Young People's Department were Miss Frank Haynes, Miss Annie E. Davidson, Miss Gussie Courson, Miss Minnie Dennis, Miss Lola V. Hale, Miss Irene Ridgely, Miss Clara B. Griffin, Miss Dora Gutherie and now Miss Effie L. Gaddis. Miss Dickinson gave the society, in various official capaci- ties, about thirty years of service; Mrs. S. J. Crawford was treasurer twenty-two years; Miss Annie E. Davidson in a dual capacity fourteen years, and Mrs. Porter fifteen years — to September, 1913. Twelve of the women above named have been "field workers ;" that is, they have gone through the State as educators and organizers. It may be truthfully said that all of these women in every official position have done their best ; hence the work has grown steadily from its beginning. The pioneers in this movement overcame, by their Christlike devotion, uninformed indifference and out- spoken prejudice and opposition, and they merit the greater honor. At the first meeting in 1874 there was "a collection taken of $5.41 for the State development ;" the total offerings for the year closing with June, 1913, were $24,392. Starting with nothing save prayer, purpose and promise, the auxil- iaries and circles reported at the same time were 266, with a membership of 6.277. In January, 1901, a State paper was started to help in this work. It was called The Illinois Quarterly, but became Mission Leaves in 1906. It was first issued from Athens, with Miss Anna M. Hale as editor; in 1904 from Eureka, with Miss Annie E. Davidson as editor, and in 1909, first BENEVOLENCES 105 from Cuba, then from Petersburg, with Mrs. Carrie F. Zeller as editor — to August, 1913. There were eighteen hundred of these Leaves then in circulation. The headquarters of the society have been Eureka for two periods, Jacksonville and Springfield. The office is now in the First Christian Church there, and Mission Leaves will be issued from that city. Miss Jennie Call is the editor and is also the corresponding secretary. This movement owes much to Illinois. Its mother, Mrs. Pearre, was trained in this State. So also was Mrs. Burgess, whose superior administrative ability kept her in the presi- dency of the national society ten years. Mrs. Christian, who was known as a ''queen of the platform," and who traveled ten years through the nation in the advocacy of this work, was a product of Illinois. Aliss Dickinson, who was first in self-sacrifice, suggested the thought of a missionary training- school. And this was actualized through the munificence of Mrs. Maude Detterding Ferris, a fair daughter of the Prairie State. The total receipts of the National C. W. B. M. for the year ending September, 1913, were $358,944. This society has in its employ 518 men and women, who are at work in the United States, western Canada, Mexico, Jamaica, Porto Rico, South America, New Zealand, India, China and Africa. Section 6. — Christian Home for the Aged. This Home is located at 873 Grove Street in Jacksonville. It is a two-story brick, modern building, with forty rooms, that stands on a beautiful lot of two and a half acres. It is the property of the National Benevolent Association and was bought in 1900 at a cost of $6,500. This money was fur- nished by Mr. John Loar, Mrs. Nancy Henderson and Mrs. Lou Deweese Kaiser — all members of the Jacksonville Church. The two women have passed to the life eternal. Since then a large addition was built to it. There are thirty rooms for the inmates, who are mostly women. Since its opening; there have been seventy-eight of these. It has always 106 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS been full, with a number on the waiting list. The annual current expenses amount to $6,000, which is paid from the offerings made at large to the National Benevolent Associa- tion. Admission is limited to members of the Christian Church. The Home is a credit to the Disciples of Christ and most worthy of their support. Mrs. Mary B. Thorn- berry is the present esteemed and capable matron. Section 7. — Chicago Missionary Society. Atty. Milton O. Naramore furnishes the following con- cise data: The Missionary Society was organized in the parlor of old Farwell Hall in 1887. The Christian Churches in the city at that time were the West Side (now Jackson Blvd.), Indiana Avenue, Englewood and the North Side (now Sheffield Ave.) and a few missions. Those present at the meeting were Dr. W. A. Belding, Geo. F. Childs, W. G. Morris, W. P. Keeler and some of the following, who earn- estly promoted the co-operation from the first; namely, Mins. J. W. Allen and Blackwell; A. A. Devore, who served as president for several years ; A. Larabee, C. C. Chapman, J. G. Hester and H. H. Hubard. Of all these, W. P. Keeler was actively identified with the society from the beginning, has given more years of faithful service than any other, and is still zealous for its usefulness. He was a native of Dan- bury, Connecticut. About 1855 the family home was where the Great Northern Hotel now stands. Chicago has been his place of residence ever since. In 1899 the society was reor- ganized and incorporated under the name of the "Chicago Christian Missionary Society." Under the constitution then adopted the society became a representative body consisting of delegates elected annually by the several churches of Christ in Chicago and Cook County. The first officers were: J. H. O. Smith, President; E. A. Orr, Vice-President; E. M. Bowman, Recording Secretary; J. C. Lindsay, Corre- sponding Secretary: Carl Bushnell, Treasurer; E. W. Darst, Superintendent of Missions, and A. Larabee, Assistant Super- intendent. Besides these, an executive board of seven is W. p. KEELER. J. S. SWAFORD. C. J. HUDSON. E. W. DARST. M. O. NARAMORE. E. M. BOWMAN. E. B. WITWER. BENEVOLENCES 107 elected annually, to which is committed the entire business of the society. The first board was composed of Milton O. Naramore, Chairman ; E. AI. Bowman, Secretary ; W. P. Keeler, E. B. Witwer, Carl Bushnell, Charles J. iludson and J. W. Swaford. One of the most effective means of arousing the churches to the needs of city missions was the plan inaugurated by this board of holding quarterly rallies of all the congrega- tions, at some central place on Sunday afternoons. The first of these was held at Kimball Hall, on Wabash Avenue, near Jackson, in February, 1900. This plan is still continued. Under the leadership of E. W. Darst, a tireless and devoted teacher of the gospel, city-mission work in Chicago moved forward with new life. In the few years he gave to this service, and during which he laid his own life on this altar, he fully proved the efficiency of this method. Most of the new churches of recent years stand as monuments to his wisdom and consecration. No great enterprise goes forward without a competent leader. Mr. Darst retired only wdien his failing health compelled. His life closed in a few years. He was succeeded by W. B. Taylor, who was also an indefatigable servant of Christ. During his term of service the plan of aggressive work in building up new missions through a superintendent was changed. Upon his retirement Asst. Supt. A. Larabee was given charge of this work, and continued therein till the close of his life. His Hfe and work are held in tender and grateful remembrance. In addition to the contributions of the Chicago churches, the work of this society has been financially helped by the American Christian Missionary Society, the Illinois Mission- ary Society and the National and State C. W. B. M. O. F. Jordan has been the faithful and efficient secretary of this society for five years. He has aimed to secure and present annually a tabulated report of the churches of Christ in Cook County, thus giving a bird's-eye view of the growth of the Disciples therein. 108 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Section 8.— The Chicago Union of Auxiliaries to C. W. B. M. This society was organized in 1894. Its object was to promote the special work of missions as represented by the C. W. B. M. The union has grown from seven auxiUaries with about fifty members to twenty-two auxiliaries and circles with a membership of 547. The quarterly meetings of this union for twenty years have been very helpful to the indi- vidual women, to the local auxiliaries and to the congrega- tions with which they are connected. The Chicago Union has always responded loyally to all calls of the National C. W. B. M., and it has co-operated actively with the General Home Society and the City Mission Board in organizing and sustaining missions in Chicago, thus helping to unitize this great work. In 1913 the Chicago auxiliaries raised and paid for their special work, $2,261. For a number of years the National C. W. B. M. has paid $1,200 for mission work in Chicago. M/ip OF Chicago, + r.A«MiTA^EAve wiss-K 2ARM0URAVC (NeqRo) 3ASHLANS 4AUSTIN SDou (XW. PULLMAN T?ArL f?OAOS ENTCI?|f<^ 5 CWlCA<^0-2y p ©LOCATION AIM DtPOTS (»7«' FR.X1 hlAi>tsoN5i? (zim-rRc^ HaBISOMST:) ^ 1 I ^ 1 3 iVir 6 12 -■2 r*' Is 9 1 20 11 % 120 1 7) value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1889; present enrollment, 36. Mr. E. J. Jeffries and Dr. William Olive led in the work of forming this church. They were heartily assisted by Mr. A. O. French, a prominent member of the M. E. Church. Capable ministers have served here, but the city is so largely made up of foreign-born people that the congregation grows slowly. It has given G. H. Rowe to the ministry. Messrs. Jeffries and Olive are elders, and H. M. Groves is clerk. Granite City, Present membership, 260; value of property, $9,000; Bible-school enrollment, 185. Marine. Present membership, 60; value of property, $2,000; Bible- school enrollment, 97. Nezv Douglas. Present membership, 90; value of property, including par- sonage, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 72. CHURCHES 311 Ridgely (Dorsey). Organized 1850, by Mrs. Matilda Dorsey O'Bannon; present membership, 10; value of property, $800. The chapel was built the same year. It is three miles east of Dorsey. The church is in good condition, with monthly preaching by W. H. Groner. G. R. Sutton, Moro, is the correspondent. Worde7i. Organized 1892, by W. Wilbur; present membership, 112; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1892; present enrollment, 108. There were fourteen charter members. The chapel was built in 1895. Mrs. J. R. Piper is the clerk. MARION COUNTY. Alma. Organized 1867, by John Ross; present membership, 50; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1867; present enrollment, 83. There were fifteen charter members. The church grew steadily for a time. It, like many others, came under the reactionary spirit of the early seventies, by which the numer- ical growth and spirituality were crippled for years. Cartter. Organized 1866, by W. C. Hill ; present membership, 35 ; value of property, $2,400; Bible school began 1866; present enrollment, 36. The Cartter Church is the outgrowth of the Harvey's Point congregation. In 1808, Captain Harvey and his com- panion overtook two horse-thieves on the road leading from Salem to Old Foxville, and captured them. In order to get some water. Captain Harvey left his companion in charge of the outlaws. But he left his gun, and when he returned one of the thieves fired upon the captain and killed him. So 312 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ill his honor the place was named Harvey's Point, This church, in the early years of its life, built a large frame house on the spot where Harvey died. Mins. William C. Hill, J. M. Mulkey and James Snow did much for the church in its earlier years. G. W. Stevenson came from this congregation to the ministry. The church grew feeble by removals, so in September, 1911, it was reorganized by Min. J. F. Rosboro in Cartter, the near-by railway town. Centralia. Organized 1856, by John A. Williams ; present member- ship, 675; value of property, $35,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, S35. This church was formed at Central City. It soon became apparent that the center of business would be moved to Centralia, and hence the church was transferred to that place. The eight charter members were the following: Jacob, Harriet and Simpson Frazier; Daniel Meyers, James and Jane McCarthy, Margeret Whitton and Louisa Hawkins. A lot was bought and a commodious frame building erected thereon. In 1866 this building was burned. Thereafter, for several years, the meetings were held in rented halls. As a consequence, the church continued to become weaker and weaker. In 1872 another frame chapel, costing $2,400, was erected. This gave place in 1909 to a new, modern and beautiful edifice, costing $32,000. This was during the pas- torate of J. F. Rosboro. During the Civil War and for years following, the church sustained serious injury from the bitter political feeling that then existed. The church is alive to all good works. Donohue Prairie (Kell). Organized 1898, by C. A. Burton ; present membership, 100; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1898; present enrollment, 100. CHURCHES 313 About 1850 a congregation was formed and met for worship in the residence of John Hill, Sr. As the years passed and churches were organized in that section, many of these members united with them. Through the work of W. C. Hill and others, the remnant of the old church was gathered up and a new start was made. The chapel was finished in 1899. The Church Extension Board loaned this country congregation $250, which has been paid. There were sixteen charter members. S. S. Turley, S. C. and Isaac Hill are elders, and the last named is clerk also. Gaston Grove (Cartter). Organized 1884, by J. H. G. Brinkerhoff; present mem- bership, 89; value of property, $900; Bible school began 1887; present enrollment, 46. A meeting was held in the Huff Schoolhouse in 1886 by Minister Brinkerhoff and was followed up by a year's work. There were forty-two charter members, most of whom came from the Mt. Moriah and Harvey's Point Churches. The site was selected and the Gaston Grove chapel was built. Like most country churches, there have been many losses by removals, but the work is maintained. This church has given A. Leroy Huff to the ministry. Bessie Huff is clerk. KelL Organized 1896, by J. F. Rosboro ; present membership, 15; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1895; present membership, 30. The preachers having served the church were C. A. Bur- ton, Clark Braden, W. J. Simer, R. M. Philips, F. O. Fannon and George Foley. Ktnmundy. Organized 1899, by J. H. Smart; present membership, 110; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1899; present enrollment, 134. 314 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS E. C. Bargh and his family, with a few other Disciples, had held meeting irregularly for thirteen years. Min. J. H. Smart, then the pastor of the church in Centralia, was engaged by the mission board of the district to hold a series of meetings and organize a church. This was done in the summer of 1899. These meetings were held in the M. E. Church South, and in a public hall. There were fifty char- ter members. A lot was bought and a good building finished the next year. The church has continued to grow in mem- bers and influence. Lovel Grove (luka). Present membership, 60; value of property, $1,050; Bible- school enrollment, 34. This church is about one mile south of the village of Omega. In the early fifties this congregation met in a log house about two miles south of the present chapel. It was known as Bee Branch Church. A nice, up-to-date country chapel was built in 1880. In the earlier years, H. A. Van- dusen, John A. Williams, John Tinkler, Rolla B. Henry, William T. Williams, H. A. Harrell and William Chaffin ministered to the people. All these have gone to their reward. W. J. Simer has served the church for the past thirty years. What better proof could be given of a genuine preacher and a fine people? From this church there came to the ministry H. A. Van- dusen, F. M. Philips, John Tinkler, W. J. Simer and A. A. Millican. Mt. Moriah (Mt. Vernon). Orsfanized 1829; present membership, 135; value of prop- erty, $500; Bible-school enrollment, 134. This is the oldest church in Marion County. It was organized as a Free Will Baptist church and held this name until 1837. In that year it renounced this name for ''Church ot Christ" and came into full accord with the principles of the Restoration movement. Among the consecrated leaders CHURCHES 315 in the early years there were William Chaffin, David R. Chance, Samuel Shook and Charles Drennen. They were pioneer preachers who underwent hardships and dangers uncomplainingly for the truth's sake. The first meeting-house was of logs. After its decay three successive frame buildings have been occupied. The second of these was partly wrecked by a windstorm, but was repaired and used till 1904, when the present neat chapel was built. It is located about eight miles southwest of Salem. John A. Williams was the gift of this church to the min- istry — a magnificent contribution. Odin. Organized 1878, by James M. Hawley; present member- ship, 188; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1878; present enrollment, 113. There were sixteen charter members. A neat frame church, costing $2,000, was built and occupied early in 1880. Before that the meetings were held in a public hall. This church gave to the ministry R. Leland Brown. He had served as a deacon and an elder before he was set apart to the ministry of the Word. He has served a number of strong churches, as well as the evangelist of the Seventh and Eighth Districts. ^ Pat oka. Organized 1875, by Samuel Hawley; present member- ship, 125; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1882 ; present enrollment, 129. This church made but little progress for five years. In 1880 it was reorganized by Min. J. D. Morgan. There were then twenty-nine males and eleven females composing the membership. The church then began to grow. A church building was erected in 1882, and in 1905 an addition was built, making it a very neat structure. A large portion of the membership reside in the country south of town. They have erected a chapel and maintain a Bible school there as well as in town. C. M. Ashton is clerk. 316 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Salem. Organized 1866, by John A. Williams ; present member- ship, 265; value of property, $25,000; Bible school began 1867; present enrollment, 310. This church was formed in the house of John A. Wil- liams. The members were few in number, but they at once bought a frame building that had been used by the Cumber- land Presbyterians. They repaired and used it until 1879. The next year a brick chapel was occupied. This gave way in 1906 to a new and modern building, costing about $22,000. This was during the ministry of F. O. Fannon. Mr. Williams preached for this church a long time. In its earlier years it was also served by John W. Monehan, John Bradley, J. O. Henry, J. H. G. Brinkerhoff and others. Sandoval. Organized 1889, by A. Martin; present membership, 320; value of church property, including parsonage, $6,000; Bible school began 1889 ; present enrollment, 144. The meetings of the congregation were held the first year in the Congregational Church. In 1890 the building now in use was erected during the ministry of J. H. G. Brinkerhoff. Smith's Grove (Kinmundy). Organized 1882, by Joseph D. Morgan ; present member- ship, 25; value of property, v$400; Bible school began 1882; present enrollment, 67. This church is about seven miles east of Omega. About eighty years ago a log church stood two miles east of Smith's Grove. It was known as the Bluflf Church because it stood on a high bank of Skillet Fork, by a rock-bottomed pool that has been used in baptizing through all these years. When the old log house burned down, some of the members formed the Old Union Church in Clay County. In the early eisrhties, .J D. Morgan gathered together members from the Old Union Church, and others living in Krutchfield Prairie, CHURCHES 317 and formed the Smith's Grove Church. The organization was in a schoolhouse, but a chapel was soon built which the congregation has outgrown. W. J. Simer has preached for this church for twenty-five years. Of it he says : 'This place can show more little folks out to Sunday school and church to the square foot than any place that I have ever been. Nearly all of the young folks are members of the church." Turkey Creek (Odin). Organized 1867, by A. Martin. This is a country church that has not grown much in work or membership. It is also called Deadman, and is three miles south of Odin. Youngs Chapel (Salem). Organized 1883, by John A. Williams ; present member- ship, 82; value of property, $500; Bible school began 1883; present enrollment, 46. A country church. Preaching services had been held in a schoolhouse in the community for forty years, but no organ- ization was made till 1883. There were about twenty char- ter members. J. H. G. Brinkerhoff and F. M. Morgan have served the church. Little Grove Church was two miles southeast of Cen- tralia, and formed in the thirties or early forties. It dis- solved about 1870. Ministers. J. W. Monnahan was a farmer, teacher and county super- intendent of schools in the sixties and seventies. A good preacher and able debater; an energetic and useful man. Samuel Shook resided on his farm three miles southeast of Centralia. His work was mainly in Marion County in the thirties. He traveled on horseback, followed by his dog *'Trip," that lay under the pulpit while his master preached. William Chaffin also resided on his farm in this county, where he preached in the thirties and also in Clay and Jef- 3\8 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ferson Counties. He had a habit of placing his hand upon his cheek while preaching, and often said: "I would work my finger-nails off before I would make a price for my preaching."' He died before the Civil War. David R. Chance lived on his farm five miles from luka. He was a forceful and useful man, going all over that region. At the table he would sometimes say: ''You can tell a preacher by the cups of coffee he drinks — one, two or three; I take three." Richard Huelin's home was near Walnut Hill in 1840. He was a plain man who knew the Bible and traveled and preached much. James Snow resided in the same community. He was a gcod man with a gentle disposition and his preaching con- trasted with most of that of his brother ministers. He resided on his farm and traveled widely. H. A. Vandusen lived on his farm near Omega. He was told that he had hurt a congregation by serving it for noth- ing. He replied : "I don't know but what that is true." He was a conservative, but earnestly opposed any thought of division on questions of opinion. It was in this county that an aged M. E. preacher said: '*A man can be a good Christian in any denomination except the Campbellite or Mormon." MARSHALL COUNTY. The Crow Creek congregation, afterward known as tlie Salem Christian Church, was located about seven miles south and a little east of Lacon. It was constituted probably in the home of Nathan Owen, just down the hill from the old Salem Cemetery, June 12, 1836. The agreement signed was the following: The believers in Christ on Crow Creek mutually agree to consti- tute themselves in a congregational capacity on the Bible alone, and to tpke the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments for their rule of f?ith, practice and discipline.. And to have their names registered together and to live in subjection to each other according to the above- named rule. CHURCHES 319 This is signed by Nathan and Elizabeth Owen, WiUiam B. and Stephen James, Milly Ann Davis, Isaac and EHzabeth Black, I. F. and Mary Ann Miller, Betsy Martin, vSusanah Bird, Elder H. D. and Patsey Palmer, Isaac and Eliza Polk, William and Alethee Maxwell. Meetings were held in the homes of the members and in groves when weather per- mitted. About 1845 a house was built which served the people except during protracted meetings or on County Co-operation days, when they adjourned to the groves. This chapel stood two miles east of old Salem Cemetery. Its walls were of brick made near by, but the lumber was hauled by ox teams from Chicago, a distance of 125 miles as the crow flies. Some of the sons of the men who helped in this work are yet living. In later years it was used for a schoolhouse and was finally torn down. Henry D. Palmer was doubtless the great spiritual leader in this work through many years and its influences were far- reaching. It was here that Mr. Palmer taught O. A. Bur- gess the right way of the Lord, saving him from unbelief and starting him on his great career. Nathan Owen was chosen deacon in 1836 and the next year Mr. Palmer was chosen elder. Both of them were resident preachers and farmers, as also John L. McCune. The church grew at one time to a membership of 193 and was visited by all the pioneer ministers in that section of the State. The last rem- nant of the membership went to Washburn about 1896. Belle Plain (La Rose). Organized 1845; present membership, 115; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $4,500 ; Bible-school enrollment, 92. Mr. A. F. Hatten, the clerk, says: The church of Christ at Belle Plain was organized at the head- waters of Crow Creek in a schoolhouse, May 10, 1845, by the follow- ing: William, Robert, Rebecca, Olive and James Bennington; Isaac M. and Eliza M. Polke, Elijah and Sarah Vandervoort, Geo. W. and Margaret J. Taylor, James and Mary Martin, Jane Hester and Mary Hatten. The meetings for worship were irregular for several years. 320 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS In 1854, at a meeting in James Martin's barn, an unsuccessful effort was made to build a chapel. But in 1856 Pattonsburg, the former name of the town, was selected as the place and the house was built there. It was then called the Liberty Church of Christ. This local name was dropped when the name of the place was changed. Among the early preachers there were James Robeson, John T. Jones, Amos Watkins, James A. and John Lindsay, and Carrol Ghent. Since then twenty-two others have served the church. Henry. Organized 1889, by T. A. Boyer; present membership, 54; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1889; present enrollment, 30. This congregation was the immediate result of a five weeks' meeting conducted by Evangelist Boyer. Many of its members have moved away, so that it has never grown to be strong. Miss Clara B. Waughop is the correspondent. Toluca. Organized 1858, by J. Q. A. Houston; value of property, including parsonage, $9,000; Bible-school enrollment, 170. For about thirty-four years this was known as the Antioch Church and was located one mile west of Toluca town site. Among the first families there were Skelton, Ball, Fetters, Bennington, Stratton and Trowbridge. It was a country church fruitful of great good. Leroy Skelton was given to the ministry. Toluca grew up when the railway was built and the chapel was moved there in 1892. A new building was erected in 1895. S. S. Lappin began his ministry in this church. MASON COUNTY. The following is furnished by Min. R. E. Henry, pastor of the Havana Church: The first church of the Christians dates its beginning from the coming into the county of Uncle Jimmie Ross, from Morgan County, CHURCHES 321 in 1840. He had been for more than forty years a class-leader in the M. E. Church, but before coming into this county he had been won by the plea of the Restoration. Upon his settlement on Quiver Prairie, six miles northeast of Havana, he began to preach from house to house, and in the spring of 1841, in an unfinished barn, with the assistance of Elder Josiah Crawford of the Old Salem Church, held a revival of several weeks and organized a church. Elder Craw- ford continued to preach here for many years once or twice a month, A building was later built and, while the work is not kept up at present, occasional services are held in it. Among the early preachers were William Davenport, W. A. Poynter, Andrew Page. John Lindsay and J. I. Judy. Of the charter members Grandma Kroell, formerly Mrs. Atwater, remains in vigorous health and mind at the advanced age of ninety years. The next church organized in the county some years after the one at Quiver was at Bath, which is still in fair condition. Some thirty-five years ago the church at Mason City was organized and is one of the strong religious forces in the eastern part of the county for righteousness. They have only recently built a fine house of worship. The work in Havana was organized about fifteen years ago by the State Missionary Society under the leadership of J. Fred Jones. Be- fore the church was organized, G. M. Goode and J. B. Dabney held a meeting, finding twenty-six who had fellowship with the church else- where and ready to organize. Twelve years ago a building was pur- chased from the Dutch Reformed Church and rededicated by J. H. Gilliland. The first few years the church was supplied by students from Eureka among whom for three years was Joseph Serena. Dur- ing the pastorate of Louis O. Lehman the work was organized at Topeka and Kilbourne. The work at the former place has been dis- continued, while at the latter place a good half-time work is main- tained with a Bible school. There) is also an organization of Disciples at Pleasant Plains and a work is maintained as a union church with the Baptists. In later years Min. J. M. Haiighey gave this county excellent service, often walking to his appointments. MASSAC COUNTY. Bethel (Grand Chain). Organized 1885, by George Barrows ; present member- ship, 60; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1885; present enrollment, 78. This church is near Hillerman. 11 322 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS Brookpovt. Organized 1885, by Dr. D. M. Breaker; present member- ship, 60; value of property, including- parsonage, $2,600; Bible school began 1885 ; present enrollment, 79. This church lived ten years without a building. It has grown and done good service all the time. Joppa. Organized 1881, by C. H. Waddell ; present membership, 40; value of property, including parsonage, $1,800; Bible school began 1881 ; present enrollment, 50. There were seventy-three charter members. The church made no progress for five years. Under the ministry of R. P. Warren new life came to it; but he was killed in 1890 by a runaway horse. Another period of depression followed. Under the ministry of O. J. Page the church took on new life. In 1895 a new building was erected. Liberty Ridge (Metropolis). Organized 1867, by Dr. Joseph Brown ; present member- ship, 40; value of property, $1,200; no Bible school. A country church located six miles northwest of Metrop- olis. It was organized in a log schoolhouse. Soon thereafter a cheap building was erected which in later years was mod- ernized and rebuilt. In its early years Stanton Fields preached for the congregation. Little Rock (Unionville). Organized 1875, by W. W. Dugger; present membership, 80; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1875; present enrollment, 75. This church is made up of negroes. It is located in the east end of the county. They meet regularly every Lord's Day for worship, with half-time preaching. They are doing good work. CHURCHES 323 Metropolis. Organized 1864, by Joseph Brown ; present membership, 300; value of property, inckiding parsonage, $3,100; Bible school began 1867; present enrollment, 160. The church was at first made up largely of refugees who had come from Kentucky and Tennessee during the Civil War. After its close many of them moved away. The organization was made in the courthouse. The first church house was built in 1867. It was wrecked by a cyclone and rebuilt. This church has baptized more than one thousand people. It has given to the ministry J. P. Alsup, B. L. Beshers and T. J. Golightly. J. F. McCartney was one of its most force- ful and useful men. The first pastor was B. C. Deweese; the last, J. S. Clem- ents. Mt. Pleasant (Brookport). Present membership, 24; value of property, $800. Conservative. Samouth. Present membership, 40; Bible-school enrollment, 50. This is a union church. Unionville. Organized 1865, by W. W. Dugger ; present member- ship, 100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1902; present enrollment, 100. This place is ten miles southeast of Metropolis. Mr. Dugger was invited to preach in the M. E. Church, which he did. The invitation was soon withdrawn. Min. G. W. Hughey, of the M. E. Church, denounced Mr. Dugger as a ^'Baptist infidel," and of his brethren in faith he said: "They are not Christians, but Campbellites, and Campbellites they shall be called." However, a church was organized that aimed to be Christian only. A small church building was 324 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS erected which was the first owned by the Disciples in the county. Another and better house has since been built. MENARD COUNTY. Athens. Organized 1838, by John A. Powell; present member- ship, 201; value of property, $5,500; Bible-school enrollment, 146. A wagon-maker named Brockman went from Jackson- ville to Athens about 1836. He was quite an exhorter and moved those who heard him to tears. About that time a large, well-formed man, with a powerful voice and dressed in homespun, began to preach there; he spoke just as the Disciples preached on Pentecost and afterward. That was John A. Powell, of Sugar Grove. Shortly he secured Evan- gelist Robert Foster to help in a meeting. There a little congregation was formed. But by reason of a lack of com- petent leadership, in a few years the congregation went down. Peter Akers, M. E. Church, did what he could in three-hour sermons toward pounding the life out of this little church. About 1850, Adam Grove, a tailor, located in Athens and began to agitate the question of a church of Christ there. He was soon joined by James Mott, a cabinet-maker, who, with others, began to build a small brick chapel about 1851. The lot cost $10 and is yet owned by the congregation. The trustees at that time were C. R. Pierce, John Jordan, Wil- liam Price, James Hall, William Primm, Robert Edwards, and A. H. Foster, clerk. The congregation was served by the central Hlinois pioneer preachers of those years. Dur- ing the earlier years of the Civil War the congregation again went to pieces. But it was renewed again in 1864 by the return and faithful ministry of Clayborne Hall. Since then the work has gone steadily on. In 1858 a new building was erected. Mr. Hall was a faithful man and to him this church is CHURCHES 325 much indebted. Twenty-one years of his life were passed in Iowa. Greenviezv, Organized 1869, by D. D. Miller; present membership, 215; value of property, including parsonage, $2,700; Bible- school enrollment, 140. 'The church of Christ, meeting for worship at Green- view, 111.," grew out of the efforts of the church at Sweet Water. Previous to the organizing there was regular preaching for eight months in a hall by Mins. T. W. Raney and D. T. Hughes. All of the charter members except one came from Sweet Water. They were: Wm. N. and Silas Alkine, C. R. Rice, M. M. Ingle; G. W., Elijah C., Nancy and Manda A. Pierce ; S. H. Blane, William C. and Elizabeth S. Yowell, D. T. and Martha Hughes, Paulina and Jane Killion, Mary A. Propst, Mary Samson, James Meadows, Lewis and Eliza Yuens, J. H. Applegate, Annie Cogal and Alvina Roberts. These members mutually pledged them- selves to faithful Christian service to the close of their lives. The congregation grew in numbers. In 1870, C. R. Pierce and James Yowell were chosen as elders, with Alonzo Matts and Mr. Ingle as deacons. In 1879 the place of meeting was changed from a hall to the Baptist chapel and the two Sunday schools united. Then, being without a pastor, the congregation waned for a few years. Then Joel Shoemaker served as pastor. The church house was not built until 1890. Then there was a reconsecration of the members, led by Min. David Husband. There were about forty persons. Chas. Smoot, J. P. Lichtenberger, C. A. Heckel, W. T. McConnell, Mr. Allen, Lewis Goos, J. W. Flynn and R. D. Cartwright have served the congregation. C. W. Freeman i?, now pastor. E. A. Propst has served as superintendent of the Bible school since its beginning. S. H. Blane and family have been most helpful members. It has given to the ministry Ralph Callaway. 326 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Petersburg. Organized 1863, by Alexander Johnston ; present mem- bership, 620; value of property, $30,000; Bible school began 1863 ; present enrollment, 275. In the forties, Aaron B. White, a Christian minister residing in Petersburg, and his sons cleared out the under- brush and built a stand for an open-air meeting just across the street east from his residence. This is the spot on which the present church now stands. Evangelist W. H. Brown preached on that outdoor stand in 1846; with what results it is not known. About 1860 the Davis, Arnold, Lamar, Capps and Cheaney families were residents of that community and began to meet on the Lord's Days for public worship accord- ing to the word of God. The L. A. and Jackson Whipp families came, too, a little later. The most zealous and devoted of all these was Mrs. James W. Cheaney, whose presence in the house of the Lord is to this day an inspira- tion. The first elders were Dr. K. B. Davis and Robert Arnold. A few years after the organization L. A. Whipp was made an elder, and continues to this time to fill the place with zeal and earnestness. In 1875 a forward move- ment, led by Mrs. Cheaney, was determined upon. Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Judy, of Tallula, promised their help. When the big tent in which the meeting was to be held was hauled from the depot to the location. Colonel Judy rode astride of it. Some of his friends along the street twitted him. Within two months, they learned that he who laughs last laughs best. The meeting conducted by Evangelist D. R. Lucas resulted in about 260 additions and placed the church firmly upon its feet. The first house was built in 1876 and the present modern structure in 1909, during the pastorates of W. M. Groves and B. H. Sealock. J. W. Judy and W. G. Green, of Tallula, and L. A. Whipp and A. G. Nance have given the church valuable financial support. The pastorate of M. M. CHURCHES 327 Goode is remembered to have been oi great service to the congregation. Two public debates were held here — the Lucas-Miller and J. S. Sweeney with Min. "Universahst" Marvin. The church has had eleven pastors. Dr. D. T. Hughes, Harrison Osborne, John Owen and Dr. L. A. Engle were among the early preachers. Szueet IVater. Organized 1825; present membership, 115; value of prop- erty, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 100. Menard County was a part of Sangamon until the meet- ing of the General Assembly in 1838-39. The first name of this locality was Sugar Grove, which was applied to it because of the large grove of these trees that grew there. The congregation was first organized as a Baptist church; next it affiliated with the "New Lights," or Christian Denom- ination ; later it became a part of the Restoration movement. The earliest extant records bear date of 1851. The mem- bers of the congregation at that time were the following: William, Elizabeth, Catherine, John N., James, Alvira and John D. Alkine ; Thompson, H. D., Tomsey, Margaret and Elizabeth Hughes ; Joseph N. Peeler ; Amanda and AleHssa Whipp; J. N., Franklin, Jemima, Stephen and Ervilla Pow- ell; Lucinda Propst ; George, Madeline, Edward and Marea Blane; Arminda, O. P., Nancy, George W. and Louisa Bracken ; Charles, Cleva and Susan Montgomery ; Jane and Mary Ann Swank ; Louisa Gibbs, Malinda Taylor, Angline Shure, William and Thrissa McFadden ; William, Elizabeth and Catherine Engle ; Elizabeth, Jane and Abner Peccla ; Putnam Brown, Cloe Creviston, F. P. Cowan, Hermann and Sarah Sykes. At that date, William Alkine was an elder and William Engle was chosen to that office. Thompson Hughes and Joseph N. Peeler w^ere the deacons. J. N. Powell was an evangelist. ]\Irs. Elizabeth Propst and her husband were killed on their way to Oregon by Indians. Wm. Ribea, a minister of the Christian Denomination, 328 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS preached in this community after the congregation had left that fellowship. He affirmed that they had departed from the ground they once occupied. He hence instituted a new church, to which some of the members attached themselves. About 1866 another disturbance arose relative to employ- ing J. K. Speer as their minister. It was held that he taught ''soul sleeping" and kindred theories. The questions were threshed out in a public debate in January, 1867. Mr. Speer affirmed that "death extinguishes man's conscious existence." ]\Iin. L. M. Linn opposed. The church then numbered about 230 members. About twenty-three persons followed Mr. Speer, including one elder and one deacon. They built a chapel, but discussions among themselves soon ended the society. The Presbyterians bought the house. A few returned to the church. In the earlier years. Dr. W. A. Mallory, Peter Vogel, T. W. Rainey and E. G. Rice preached for the congregation. For many years C. E. Smoot gave them most helpful service. About thirty others have preached here. The present large brick church was built in 1861. The old chapel is now used as a dwelling. The church ordained to the ministry D. I. Hughes, Dr. L. A. Engle and C. E. Smoot. Tallula. Organized 1834, by Theophilus Sweet ; present member- ship, 200; value of propertv, $5,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 200. In October, 1834, "the church of Christ in Clary's Grove" was formed oi the six following persons: John Willson, William G. White, Jane White, Jesse L. Trailor, Obedience Trailer and Miss Lydia Ann Caldwell. James W. Simpson and wife came from Kentucky the following year and at once united with the church. Their meetings were held in their residences and the old-time schoolhouse until the chapel was built in 1844. After serving them twenty years, it was sold. CHURCHES 329 Besides Mr. Sweet, this church was ministered to by Robert Foster, B. W. Stone, Maurice R. Trimble, W. W. Happy, W. H. Brown and others of the heroes of the faith. But the congregation always met for the divinely appointed worship upon the Lord's Days. The coming of a railway built Tallula, and the place of meeting and local name were accordingly changed. The Tallula chapel was dedicated by John O'Kane in January, 1865. From first to last, this church has been served by about fifty preachers. This church has held in its fellowship an unusual num- ber of brainy, forceful and helpful men and women. Colonel Judy and his wife, Dr. J. F. Willson and wife, W. G. Green, and not a few others, were of this class. MERCER COUNTY. Keithsbiirg. Organized 1864, by Elias Shortridge ; present member- ship, 142; value of property, $5,200; Bible school began 1866; present enrollment, 128. The organization of the church was made in the old brick schoolhouse three miles east of town. Prayer-meetings were held there every Sunday when no preacher was present. Ministers Shortridge, Speer, Warren, Fiske and Lucas preached there and in the courthouse in the town, which was the meeting-place within a year or two. Levi Ender gave the ground and the first chapel was occupied in 1866. This was enlarged and reconstructed in 1909. There were about fifty members when the first chapel was built, all of whom have gone hence except Josephus Ogle and wife, of Waterville, Wash., who wait in the dawn of the endless day. They were consecrated members and most helpful to the church. Among the ministers who have served the church there were J. B. Royal, Mr. Kincaid, M. Jones, L. M. Linn, James Connoran, F. M. Branic, Wm. G. Smith, J. E. Parker, E. 330 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Ward, G. E. Sheerer, A. A. Burr, J. Quinlan, W. E. Meloan, John Larimore and L. F. DePoisters. S. M. Booie was an efficient and faithful elder in the congregation for fifteen years — till his death in 1893. The church has given to the ministry F. VV. and F. A. Emmerson. New Boston. Organized 1902, by G. E. Sheerer ; present membership, 152; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 64. Ohio Grove (Aledo). Present membership, 40; value of property, $1,000; Bible- school enrollment, 7S. This church is six miles southeast of Aledo. It is an old congregation. In the sixties there was a congregation at the village of Sunbeam that was probably the progenitor of Ohio Grove. MONTGOMERY COUNTY. Barnett. Organized 1878, by J. S. Sweeney ; present membership, 40; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 40. This was first known as the Shaw's Point Church and moved after the town grew on the new railroad. While in the country, it had a large and influential membership. Harvel. Organized 1888, by Isaac Beckelhymer; present member- ship, 89 ; value of property, including parsonage, $2,300 ; Bible school began 1888; present enrollment, 80. Daniel Adams led in the formation of this congregation. Evangelist Beckelhymer led in a three weeks' meeting and organized with twenty-three members. These meetings were held in the M. E. chapel, for which the community had paid with the understanding that it should be for all Christian CHURCHES - 331 people. In another meeting the next year the doors were closed against Mr. Beckelhymer. A chapel was soon finished. The church was once temporarily crippled by an unwor- thy pastor from Arkansas. Air. Beckelhymer is held in high regard by this church. They have had many protracted meetings and have always maintained the order of the Lord's house on the Lord's Day. H. M. Carey is clerk. Hillsboro. Organized 1905, by E. O. Sharpe; present membership, 60; value of property, $2,200; Bible school began 1905; present enrollment, 64. Mr. Sharpe, as evangelist of the Fifth District, first preached in the courthouse in 1904. A series of meetings, continuing fifty-one days, was led by Evangelists Lawrence and Edward Wright. There were seventy-one charter mem- bers. Mr. Sharpe became the first pastor. A good lot was bought and the chapel finished in 1909. J. W. Wilkes is clerk. Irznng. Organized 1853; present membership, 100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1890; present enroll- ment, 75. There were eighteen charter members, some of whom were: J. M. Taulbee; James, Nancy and Maria Markham ; Elijah, Mary, William and Eliza Osborn ; James Osborn and wife and son; Henry Lowery and wife and two daughters. Maria Markham is the sole survivor. They held their meet- ings in the schoolhouse when it was available and in groves in the summer-time. Ministers Ward and Taulbee preached when a place could be secured. In 1876, Minister Gilbert reorganized the congregation with twenty-one members. In 1878 a chapel was built and L. M. Linn served the church one-half time. W. H. Boles held a great meeting in 1885. Then J. H. Garrison preached for the church. Finis Idle- man held the congregation a good meeting. The resident 332 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS pastor is C. W. Garst. W. M. Berry has led the Bible school faithfully and efficiently as superintendent since its beginning. B. B. Tyler held a meeting here, as district evangelist, in 1863, which he then thought a failure, but it gave J. C. Mason, now of Texas, to the church and to the Christian ministry. Litchfield. Organized 1856, by J. C. Reynolds ; present membership, 742; value of property, $11,000; Bible school began 1856; present enrollment, 743. Minister Reynolds was evangelizing under the direction of the State Board w^hen the church was constituted. Among the first who preached there were Ministers Sims, W. H. Brown, J. W. Kellar, J. S. Sweeney and B. B. Tyler. First a small frame chapel was built. Later a one-room brick building. During the pastorate of Mr. Purlee the present edifice was erected at the corner of Union Avenue and Harrison Street. Among those who did faithful service in establishing the church there were W. C. Henderson, H. A. Jones, Thomas Harlow, M. C. Hoagland, Mrs. Matilda O'Bannon and Mrs. Adeline Elliott. Charles W. Ross closed a very successful pastorate of several years in 1913. I. W. Agee is the present pastor. Pleasant Hill (Barnett). Present membership, 71 ; value of property, $1,000; Bible- school enrollment, 58. Raymond. Organized 1871, by Minister Ewing; present membership, 156; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1871; present enrollment, 151. Meetings were held in a storeroom for a year when the chapel, which is still used for public worship, was built. Min. J. W. Ballinger reorganized the church in 1875 with forty-three members and served as pastor for two to three CHURCHES 333 years. The officers at that time were J. R. Wylder, Orman White, J. \V. Potts, D. J. Parrott and Isaac Dodson, elders; J. H. Nevins, T. J. Scott, W. A. Parrott and S. W. McElroy, deacons. Then there was occasional preaching by sundry ministers till 1890. Isaac Beckelhymer then served as pastor and was followed by others. The congregation has had about thirteen protracted meetings by as many evangelists. Miss Lou Watson was given to the ministry and served the church efficiently as its pastor. The congregation is united in its work, has a good C. E. and a well-attended mid-week prayer-meeting. Fred Guthrie is the clerk; C. F. Shaul, pastor. Waggoner. Organized 1889, by Lsaac Beckelhymer ; present member- ship, 114; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1889 ; present enrollment, 79. The Sulphur Spring congregation was organized in 1857. Its location was four miles west of Waggoner on the east edge of Macoupin County. Its first elders were W. H. Kent, Wm. Street, Robert Brown and C. F. Richard- son. It served the community well during the period of its life and disbanded in 1884. The building is now used for funerals only. A large cemetery has grown around it. The Waggoner congregation was organized by members from Sulphur Spring. There were about twenty charter members. Jefferson Borton, H. H. Beekman and Willis Plain were the first elders. In 1890 the ladies' aid society bought two lots and the chapel was finished in 1893. Mean- while the meetings were held in a hall. The same year Mrs. McCoy Crank held a successful revival. The congre- gation has had eleven pastors. Orin Dilly is in the sixth year of a very helpful pastorate. Walslrc'ille. Organized 1874, by T. J. Shelton ; present membership, 50; value of property, $2,200; Bible-school enrollment, 56. 334 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Min. A. D. Northcutt was prominent in the beginning of this effort. The organization was made in the town hall with ten charter members. With little social influence or means, and overshadowed by three strong denominations, this little band trusted God, went to prayer and work and grew up to an influential position. The pastors were L. M. Linn, J. H. Garrison, J. H. Smart, H. P. Tandy and L. F. Wood. For several years the Baptist chapel was used. In 1878 a very neat house of worship was built. A number of ministers preached for the congregation through several years. In 1904 their chapel was destroyed by fire. The Bible school secured the priv- ilege of using the M. E. chapel, but was turned out the next year. The second building was finished early in 1908. J. E. Story, Miss Rachael Dangerfield and Isaac Beckel- hymer have served the congregation in recent years. Miss Dangerfield was the pastor when the last house was built. There is a good C. E., and the congregation is active under the ministry of W. A. Green. T. O. Tiffin is the clerk. MORGAN COUNTY. Antioch (Jacksonville). Organized 1833, by D. P. Henderson ; present member- ship, 40; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 45. The location is seven miles east of Jacksonville, on the Springfield road. The neighborhood was settled by people from Kentucky, many of whom were Disciples before leav- ing that State. For a time meetings were held in residences. In 1835 a substantial frame building was erected. This housed the congregation till 1876, when it was sold to Isaac Findall, who moved it to his farm, where it is still used as a shop and carriage-house. In that year the present com- fortable house was built during the pastorate of M. M. Goode. He was highly esteemed there for his personal worth and for his work. CHURCHES 335 A. Campbell and B. W. Stone visited the church in its early period. Mr. Stone died near there and his body rested in its cemetery for a time. Other ministers who served the church were E. G. Rice, M. R. Elder, J. B. Graves, J. W. Strawn and H. P. Shaw. Mr. Shaw and his wife left the congregation to go as missionaries to China. During the past twenty years many of its members have rented their farms and moved to the city; hence the struggle to exist. Berea (Prentice). Organized 1852 ; present membership, 75 ; value of prop- erty, $550; Bible-school enrollment, 35. The church was organiz2d August 15, with twenty-five charter members. A part of the agreement was as follows : We, the body of Christ, agree to organize ourselves after the prim- itive practice ; to watch over one another and to admonish each other, for our good; to take the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments for our rule of faith and practice. . . . We agree to continue stead- fastly in the apostles' doctrine, in fellowship, in breaking of bread and in prayers ... to be known as the church of Christ on Indian Creek, meeting at Morgan Schoolhouse No. 2. Charles Rowe was chosen elder, and Joel Robinson and Wesley Corrington, deacons. Mr. Rowe was a product of this church and served it as elder and preacher for six years. Most of the first members came from the Antioch congregation. It was ministered to at times by most of the preachers of that time and section. Four of its leading members were Joel and Isaac Robinson, Dr. John C. Cobb and Benjamin Mclntyre. Chapin. Organized 1875, by H. C. Cassell ; present membership, 240; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible school began 1875 ; present enrollment, 108. The earliest organization of a church of Christ in this community was the old ]\Ianvaisterre or Jordon congrega- tion, three miles east of the site of Chapin. In March, 1839, 336 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS nine Disciples of Christ entered into a covenant to observe the ordinances of the Lord as revealed in the New Testa- ment. They were Nathaniel and Martha LI. Fisk, Thomas O. and Nancy Taylor, Jane Hill, Mary Boyd, Catherine Gillpatrick, and Nathan J. and Mary Averitt. Mr. Fisk was the first preacher and served the church four and a half years. Meetings were held in homes and schoolhouses till a chapel was built. It stood in the cemetery that is still used. This congregation grew till its members were scattered through that entire region. For the accommodation of those residing toward the northwest, the Bethel congregation was formed at a point one and a half miles from the site of Chapin. This was a part of the Manvaisterre Church until the time of the Civil War, when Minister Mclntire organ- ized a church. The shifting population and the coming of railways long since carried it away. A colony from the old church moved into Macon County and formed the nuclei of the Long Point and Niantic con- gregations. It was a fruitful hive, and the influences of the Taylors, Averitts, Boyds. Jones, Tichnors, Bobbitts, Camp- bells, Strodes, Riggs, Hatfields, Pruitts, Mansfields and many others of their time are yet widely out-reaching. They were heroes of the faith in their day the fragrance of whose mem- ories yet lingers. In 1877 twenty- four people from the Jordon and Bethel congregations enrolled into the Chapin Church, so this church came of fine spiritual ancestry. The Congregational chapel was bought, which served until the present building was erected in 1902. It has given to the ministry F. W. Burnham and Ivan W. Agee. Since its formation more than five hundred people have been led by it in the way of Hfe. Concord. Organized 1868, bv William Rice; present membership, 96: value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1868; present enrollment, 90. CHURCHES 337 Christian ministers preached about the site of Concord in the early sixties. A chapel was built seven miles to the northwest, which was sold to the Lutherans and then another was built in the town. This house was rebuilt in 1911. Twenty-four ministers have served the church, which has done good work. S. M. Henderson is an elder and the clerk. Franklin. Present membership, 140; value of property, including parsonage, $4,900; Bible-school enrollment, 120. Jacksonville ( Central ) . Organized 1832, by B. W. Stone ; present membership, 1,200; value of property, $85,000; Bible school began 1860; present enrollment, 900. This church was organized in October in the old court- house that stood near the southwest corner of the square. There w^ere seventy-two charter members. Among them were Harrison W. Osborne, Philip Coffman, John T. Jones and Josephus Hewitt — all leading spirits. The meetings for public worship were continued in the courthouse and residences of the members until a chapel was built on Beardstown Street, which is now North Main Street. This chapel served until the early fifties, when, dur- ing the pastorate of A. J. Kane, a two-story brick building- was erected on the same street. Joel Pledington taught school in this house. It was in use till 1869, when, during the pastorate of Enos Campbell, a new brick house was built on East State Street. This was enlarged and remodeled in 1888, while A. N. Gilbert was pastor. The present stone structure was finished during the pastorate of R. F. Thrapp in 1906. Throughout its life this church has always held a goodly number of representative citizens. Its ministers also have generally been men of a high type. Among the pioneers, besides those above named, there were Henry Cyrus, the first pastor; Jerry jLancaster, Jonathan Atkinson, W. W. 338 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS Happy and D. P. Henderson. The church was divided dur- ing the pastorate of W. S. Russel by his unscriptural teach- ing. The two parties came to a mutual agreement in 1866, and under the superior ministry of Enos Campbell were welded into one. The teaching of Mr. Russel not only crippled the church for a time, but also affected adversely other congregations in the county and lost to the Disciples Berean College. W. W. Happy, Sr. and Jr., James Stark and William Gilliam were ordained to the ministry by this congregation. The pastorate of Mr. Thrapp ''was characterized by splendid missionary expansion and progressive civic reform." This is a great church, abounding in many good works. Jacksonville ( Negro ) . Organized 1904, by E. i\L Harlis ; present membership, 35; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1894; present enrollment, 25. A mission Bible school was begun by Minister Harlis on South Mauvaisterre Street in 1894. This was fostered by the First Christian Church and especially by Mrs. E. C. Ewing. Ten years afterward this mission grew into a church. Mr. Harlis has been faithful in his work. He still ministers to the congregation. The C. E. numbers twenty- five. Literherry. Organized 1869, by E. W. Clark ; present membership, 160; value of property, $4,500; Bible school began 1869; present enrollment, 176. E. G. Rice and M. M. Goode w^ere two of the early min- isters. The church is now active and zealous. Lynnville ( Jacksonville ) . Organized 1833, by Barton W. Stone ; present member- ship, 140; value of property, including parsonage, $4,500; Bible school began 1863; present enrollment, 138. CHURCHES 339 The church was constituted in the residence of James Leeper. The officers were James B. and WiUiam Gordon, elders, with John Banson, James Leeper and A. A. Wilson, deacons. Besides Mr. Stone, among the early ministers there were D. P. Henderson, Dr. Robert Foster, W. W. Happy, Jonathan Atkinson, A. J. Kane, E. L. Craig and E. G. Rice. The first chapel, built in 1838, was a union house. It was sold for taxes in 1848 and bought by the Disciples. It gave place to the present house in 1882. This church ordained A. C. Foster and Joseph B. Camp to the ministry. John B. Gordon was elected to the Legislature, for two or three terms, in the seventies. S. F. Campbell and Geo. W. Camp were leading members of the church and citizens in the community for many years. Mr. Camp was the father of John B., Mark D. and Joseph B. Camp. In the union chapel Min. Peter Akers, of the M. E. Church, on one Sunday preached four hours in order "to keep the Campbellites from occupying the house the same ^^' Oak Ridge (Prentice). Organized 1876. The location is twelve miles northeast of Jacksonville. The members of a congregation that had worshiped a period at the old Jordanville Schoolhouse, with some friends, met on March 18, 1876, at the residence of Lewis Hamilton. They decided to build a chapel at the old Stockton Cemetery. This house was finished in 1878. The charter members were Rosetta Armstrong, Samuel and Catherine Beach, Margaret Coker, Margaret Coulston ; Tyre, John, Julia and Anna Brown ; Mary Demarest, John Hamilton, J. L. and Mary S. Jordon, Charles Paul, William Robinson, Isaac Smith, and A. B., Elizabeth and Emma Wiswell. The elders elected were John Hamilton, A. B. Wiswell and Tyre Brown. About seventeen preachers have served the congregation. 340 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Waverly. Organized 1847, by Austin Sims ; present membership, 131; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1847; present enrollment, 90. This is an average church of its class. IVoodson. Organized 1869, by E. G. Rice and H. W. Osborne; pres- ent membership, 151 ; value of property, including parsonage, $4,500; Bible school began 1868; present enrollment, 93. This church was the result of a series of meetings con- ducted by Ministers Osborne and Rice in the schoolhouse in 1868. There were thirty-five charter members, some of whom came from the "Old Concord" congregation. The latter, located about six miles northeast of Woodson, was once a strong and prosperous country church, but the adverse tides carried it away. The Woodson chapel was built in 1869. Ministers Osborne and Rice first preached for the congregation for several years, part time. William Ferguson was for a long time a true and faithful elder, feeding and leading the fiock. Dr. G. W. Miller, a practicing physician of the town, having served the church well as an elder, was ordained to the ministry and has been the pastor for nineteen years. The church is well organized and active in good works. MOULTRIE COUNTY. In 1832, A. H. Kellar, Abram Southern, Rebecca Stevens, and a few other Baptists from Kentucky, with Joseph and Solomon Hostetler and their wives from Indiana, came together in November and organized the West Okaw Church of Christ. Joseph Hostetler was an ordained minister, while his brother Solomon and A. H. Kellar were teaching elders. They were righteous men, full of zeal. The West Okaw Church may properly be called the mother of all the Chris- tian Churches in the county. Its meetings, when the weather CHURCHES 341 compelled, were held in the twenty- feet-square log school- house, with stick-and-mud chimney at the west and with a log left out at the east end for a window. It had what was known as a weight-pole roof. From this point the primi- tive gospel began and continued to be sounded out. From Cunningham's Grove on the north to Jerry Provolt's at the forks of the Okaw on the south, the seeds of the truth were sown by this pioneer church. In 1837, Levi Flemiming, a zealous preacher, settled on upper Jonathan Creek and laid the foundation of the church there. Later the Lillys and the Smysers came from Kentucky and settled on Whitley Creek. They were re-enforced by Jackson Storm, a preacher from Tennessee, who, like Apollos, was mighty in the Scriptures ; also by Tobias Grider from Indiana. These Disciples were further helped, as occasion per- mitted or required, by Bushrod W. Henry, of Shelby County, and John W. Tyler and Geo. A. Patterson, of Macon County. These were all men whose chief learning had been acquired in the school of the great Teacher. The congregation that could have regular preaching once a month considered itself very fortunate, and if there were no additions at these meetings it was thought something was wrong. There were giants in those days who would suc- cessfully grapple with sectarian dogmas and throttle the mightiest champion of human authority as binding on men's consciences. Levi Flemming and Jackson Storm were two of the pioneer preachers of whom the printed records say little, but their names are in the book of life and long ago they went to their rewards in heaven. The Wilburn Creek Church, for a long time a flourish- ing and forceful country congregation, yielding to the law of change, has disbanded. These men were supremely loyal to the truth and with them the word of the Lord was final. 342 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Allenville. Organized 1884, by H. Y. Keller ; present membership, 200; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1895; present enrollment, 113. The church met for worship in the old Nelson School- house until the chapel was built. Arthur. Organized 1882, by W. F. Black ; present membership, 132; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1882; present enrollment, 168. This church grew out of a series of meetings led by Evangelist Black. It was organized in an implement store. A chapel was finished in the fall of 1883. This gave place at the close of 1909 to the present house, costing $8,000. Joel T. Davis was then pastor. Bethany. Organized 1881, by S. B. Lindsey; present membership, 180; value of property, $4,500; Bible school began 1881; present enrollment, 89. There were twenty charter members. The first elders were Charles Ronley, A. S. Younger and G. W. Logan, and the first deacons, W. W. Lennell, William Gough and W. J. Ledbretter. The house of worship was completed and occupied at the close of 1882. Cadiiell. Organized 1902, by J. O. Henry ; present membership, 86; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1902; present enrollment, 68. Organized in a schoolhouse. Church built the next year. A fine community. Rich soil, with very muddy roads in wet weather. A C. W. B. M. CHURCHES 343 D alt on City, Organized 1865, by John W. Sconce; present member- ship, 73; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1865; present enrollment, 51. About the year 1865, John W. Sconce, assisted by J. W. Tyler, of Decatur, and Jackson Page, of Shelby ville, formed a church of Christ in the New Hope Schoolhouse near Free- land's Point. When Mr. Sconce settled in Dalton City, in 187v3, through his earnest effort a church building was put up there and the congregations at New Hope transferred their place of meeting thither. Gays. Organized 1869, by Thomas Goodman ; present member- ship, 150; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1871 ; present enrollment, 104. Met in schoolhouse for two years, when chapel was fin- ished and occupied. The first elders were Edward Rouse and W. S. Colson ; the first deacons, W. T. Watson and S. P. Bristow. E. C. Harrison is now the clerk. Jonathan's Creek (Sullivan). Organized 1859, by Christie Hostetler ; present member- ship, 70; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1862; present enrollment, 80. Organized in the Landers Schoolhouse, where it met for three years. In 1862 a church house had been built at the Jonathan's Creek Cemetery, and was occupied. This gave place to a new house in 1891. David Campbell was given to the ministry. The church is six miles east of SulHvan. Lake City. Organized 1886, by Minister Gates ; present membership, 33; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1886; pres- ent enrollment, 32. 344 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS John T. Howell, John McMullin, and John and Frank Lovings and their families, led in the formation of this church. The chapel was built the same year. There are many Irish Papists in the community. After a few years members of the church began to sell their farms and move. This continued until only a few Disciples are left. Loz'ington. Organized 1832, by Joseph Hostetler ; present member- ship, 408; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1865 ; present enrollment, 324. On Nov. 17, 1832, a meeting was held at the home of Nathan Stevens, one mile west of the place where Lovington has grown, on the Okaw River, and a church was organized with seventeen members. Joseph Hostetler, who had come from Indiana that year, was the leader in this work. He and his brother Solomon had been preachers in the German Baptist Church, but were now proclaiming the primitive gospel. A. H. Kellar, a farmer and Regular Baptist preacher, associated himself with them. These three were the first elders. The church w^as known as the Okaw Church of Christ. The meetings for public worship were held in the residences and schoolhouses until 1846. Then a small frame building was erected one mile south of the site of Lovington, on the old Kellar farm — now the Lovington Cemetery. The congregation sustained a steady growth under the leadership of Min. H. Y. Kellar until 1866. In that year a large frame building was erected on the present church site in Lovington. This w^as used until 1901, when the present church was built. It is a large, modern brick structure, well adapted to the work of the church. F. C. Overbaugh was the pastor at that time. The church now has nine elders and thirteen deacons, the largest Bible school in Moultrie County, with Senior and Junior C. E. societies. This church has given to the ministry Finis Idleman and Paul E. Million. H. Y. Kellar came from the Okaw Church. CHURCHES 345 Smyser (Gays). Organized 1837, by Tobias Grider; present membership, 180; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1858; present enrollment, 63. This is frequently called the Whitley Creek Church from the near-by stream of water of that name. S. M. Smyser was one of the leading members in the early days ; hence it came to be known by his name. Its location is about seven miles northwest of Mattoon. The charter members were John and Synthia Hendricks, S. M. and Rebecca Smyser, Polly A. Hendricks and John Hendricks, Jr. Their names are fragrant remembrances. A church home was built at once. It was used till 1875, when the present house was erected. Tobias Grider, Jack Storms and B. W. Henry preached there in the thirties and forties. S. M. Smyser and A. H. Edwards were efficient elders who served the church for a long time. In the sixties, J. G. Waggoner was "working the roads" in that community. At the time, S. M. Connor was holding a series of meetings there, and became sick. Mr. Smyser said to Mr. Waggoner: "Go home and get ready to preach to-night." Had this church done nothing more in its seventy-five years than produce and give to the world J. G. Waggoner, its work would have been most com- mendable. J. H. McCormick, E. L. Lilly, J. D. Layton and Henry Boyd are the present elders. Sullivan. Organized 1840, by Levi Fleming; present membership, 561; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1856; present enrollment, 219. Before the town of Sullivan was laid out, a little church was formed at Asa's Creek by Min. Levi Fleming, in the home of Levi Patterson. It made little progress until reg.r- ganized by B. W. Henry in 1846 with fourteen members. This church worshiped in the schoolhouse in Sullivan, which was also used as a courthouse at that time. The lack of a 346 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS suitable and permanent place of worship, and internal dis- cord, retarded the growth of the church. Later, A. H. and H. G. Kellar set things in order and a number came in from the Lovington Church. About 1852 a series of meetings, conducted by Mins. John Wilson and B. W. Henry, was held in the M. E. Church. A house of worship was finished and occupied in 1853. In after years revivals were conducted by A. J. Kane, William Mathes, W. M. Brown, Milton Hop- kins, W. F. Black, A. L Hobbs, T. A. Boyer and C. R. Sco- ville. In the fifties, Mins. J. S. Etheridge, B. W. Henry, H. Y. and Dr. A. L. Kellar moved to Sullivan and con- tributed much to the growth of the church. Later there came J. R. Lucas, L. P. Phillips, N. S. Bastian and James Hyatt. At the beginning of his second year the church was divided, but was reunited five years thereafter. There fol- lowed J. M. Morgan, Dr. A. L. Kellar, Thomas Edwards, L. C. Haulman, E. H. Kellar, J. S. Clements, J. P. Davis, G. E. Piatt, B. C. Lamplugh, A. J. DeMiller, J. E. Diehl, J. M. Bovee, Edwards Davis, M. J. Martin, Amzi Atwater, T. F. Weaver, E. W. Brickert, E. E. Curry, H. A. Davis, J. M. McNutt, J. W. Waters, J. W. Kilborn and W. B. Hopper, the present pastor. In July, 1901, a new and commodious brick building was finished and occupied. The church has an L. A. society, C. W. B. M. auxiliary and girls' missionary circle. The church at Sullivan was not singular in its damaging experiences. Not a few of those that are now strong and efficient passed through similar trials. The preachers were not always wise. But their problems were many and the support for their families came largely from their manual toil, and they held to no principles of self-seeking poli- ticians. Oftener disturbances arose from men of partial knowledge and small vision who assumed to be bosses rather than leaders in the congregation. They were generally good men with confused aims. Happily such conditions have largely passed. CHURCHES 347 Union Prairie (Arthur). Organized 1870, by Nathan Wright; present membership, 47; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1873; present enrollment, 35. Among the ministers who have served the church, there were David Campbell, Abram Bovie, James Connor, Thomas Goodman, Harmon Gregg, H. Y. Kellar, J. O. Henry, Clin- ton Hostetler, W. M. Gordon, L. M. Mulligan and John Howell. The congregation has a good house for worship, located three and one-half miles west of Arthur and one-fourth mile west of the Douglas County line. It was built in 1865. Much of the labor was donated by brethren and friends. The Haneys and Powels were among the prominent charter members. OGLE COUNTY. Grand Detour, Organized 1894, by J. B. Wright; present membership, 27; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1895; present enrollment, 34. This little church was a child of persecution. Minister WVight began to preach to a few Disciples there in a union chapel. Conversions resulted almost immediately, which called for an organization. This was made with thirty-one charter members. Meanwhile, the legal owners of the prop- erty shut the Disciples out of the chapel. The use of the schoolhouse was also denied them. This treatment aroused the interest of others, so that five months thereafter a new church house was ready for use. A good Bible school and C. E. are maintained. Mt. Morris. Organized 1880, by J. H. Wright; present membership, 93; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1880; present enrollment, 143. A few Disciples had held some meetings for worship in 348 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS a hall, with an occasional sermon by L. D. Waldo, of Rock- ford, and D. R. Howe, of Lanark. In March, State Evan- gelist Wright organized the church with the following twenty-eight charter members: Mrs. Sarah Warner, Mrs. Mary E. Thomas, Mary E. Spielman, Mrs. Anna I-X»ng, Mrs. Rose Diehl, Mrs. E. Miller, Geo. S. Kennedy, Wm. S. and Catherine Blake, Charles G. and Sarah Blakslee, Hattie Finnikle, Mrs. Eliza Hammer, Jacob and Susan Keedy, Mrs. Laura Kennedy, Charles and Mrs. Vallee Keedy; Florence y., Fannie and Susan Long; Adam Shaw, Letha Sprecher, Mrs. Susan Thomas, Anna and Mildred F. Thomas, and Mary E. and Clay Wagner. Of these, the seven first named only are living. A brick building was bought of the Lutherans and remod- eled. The pastors were G. W. Ross, J. H. Carr, T. B. Stanley, J. B. Wright, C. T. Spitler, G. W. Pearl, D. G. Wagner, D. F. Seyster, Mr. De Roister, Mr. Goss, Mr. Hacker, and now H. F. Sayles. Those given to the ministry are J. H. Shellenberger, Z. O. Doward, D. H. Wagner, J. W. Baker, W. F. Kohl and H. L. Eyrick. Pine Creek (Polo). Organized 1860, by Robert Moffett and Charles Sher- wood ; present membership, 98 ; value of property, $3,500 ; Bible school began 1860; present enrollment, 55. This is one of the truly great churches of Illinois. It is located ten miles southeast of Polo. Into this community there came, about 1857, David I. Funk, Charles Widney, Abram Witmer, David Bovey and other kindred spirits. Mr. Funk was a native of Washington County, Md. For thirty years he had been an elder in the ''Dunker" Church, but under the preaching of Mr. Campbell was led to more Scriptural ground. He died in 1876 at the age of eighty- nine years. These men, with their families, began to hold meetings for public worship in the Pennsylvania Corners CHURCHES 349 Schoolhouse. Here the church was organized. At this meeting Robert Moffett presided and C. W. Sherwood served as secretary. The officers elected were Charles Wid- ney, Abram Witmer, G. T. Johnson, elders, with David I. Funk, Daniel Bovey and John Welty, deacons. The chapel was built at the same "corners" the same year. In after years a lecture-room was added and other modern improvements made. It still serves the community well. Of the earlier preachers who served the church, other than Mr. Sherwood and Mr. MofTett, were Geo. F. John- ston, John Ross, Daniel and Henry Howe, L. D. Waldo, Adam Adamson, Mr. Thornberry and Jasper Moss; later came G. L. Applegate, T. B. Stanley, G. W. Ross, J. H. Carr, G. W. Pearl, W. H. McGinnis and J. E. Wright. D. F. Seyster is now in the fifth year of the third period of his pastorate. The congregation has made very liberal and cheerful con- tributions of its members to the churches at Mt. Morris, Polo, Grand Detour and Dixon. Besides, the following men have been given by this fruit- ful mother to the Christian ministry: Geo. Hamilton, D. F. Seyster, G. A. Miller, L. T. Faulders, C. Roy Stauffer and C. Lee Stauffer. This church has indeed walked well pleas- ing before the Lord to have had her service crowned with such significant products. The congregation has been always actively interested in all missionary and benevolent activities. W^hen the question came up in the district missionary convention of trying to establish a church of Christ in the city of Sterling, one of the delegates of the Pine Creek congregation spoke with such confidence and earnestness that the vote was unanimous to begin the effort at once. Henry H. Powell has been Bible-school superintendent for thirteen consecutive years. Besides the names already written, those of Wilson, Hammer, Drenner, Johnson, Wise, Netz, Pohrer, Wolf, Sheely and Higby will be honored and remembered for fidelity and good works. 350 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Polo. Organized 1904, by B. H. Sealock; present membership, 94; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1904; present enrollment, 112. There had been occasional preaching in Polo by Christian ministers before the formation of the congregation. The Pine Creek Church gave to it some of its most valued mem- bers, but with the kindest spirit. The Baptist chapel was bought, remodeled and repaired. John M. Grimes is the pastor. PEORIA COUNTY. Peoria Central. Organized 1845 ; present membership, 635 ; value of prop- erty, $40,000; Bible school began 1855; present enrollment, 792. There were twelve charter members. The last of these to die was Mrs. Eliza Wadsworth Smith, who passed away in 1904. The first elder was William Til ford, and the first deacon, Sampson Schockley. For a time these Disciples met from house to house to keep the Lord's ordinances, later in the engine-house in the 200 block on North Adams Street, and afterward in the old courthouse. The first church build- ing was erected, costing $3,600, in 1855. It was the first public building in the city with a self-supporting roof. Peo- ple said it would fall in, but it still stands at the corner of Franklin Street and Seventh Avenue. The present location at the corner of Monroe and Fulton Streets was bought of the "New School Presbyterians" in 1875. It had on it an old-fashioned brick building that was comfortable, but unin- viting. Ira J. Chase was pastor at that time. A modern and convenient edifice was erected in 1894 during the pas- torate of J. M. Kersey. This building was destroyed by fire early in 1913. In its earlier years the church had such preaching as it could get. When there was none, Deacon Schockley con- CHURCHES 351 ducted the worship on the Lord's Day morning. His trade was a brickmason ; his business was to serve God. Some of the pastors were John Lindsey, I. N. Carman, D. R. Howe, John Miller, John O'Kane, William Thompson, Ira J. Chase, B. O. Aylesworth, J. B. Mayfield, N. S. Haynes, J. M. Ker- sey, J. P. McKnight, G. B. Van Arsdale, H. T. Burns, W. F. Turner, and now M. L. Pontius. The baneful influence of denominationalism is such that the Disciples have found it necessary to come to social as well as ecclesiastical recognition in cities before they have made much growth. This condition has developed a superior type of character. Not a few choice spirits were grown in this church. Among them were Miss Pauline White, a mem- ber since 1854, and her sisters. In the last days of the church's weakness, Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Darst were invaluable helpers ; the Ford family, particularly ''Aunty Ford," a beau- tiful flower whom God caused to bloom on earth for awhile, that his people might have here an object-lesson of what heaven is to be; the Shockley family; and the schoolmaster who declined a handsome compensation to lead the singing in a near-by congregation, to perform this service in the Central free of charge, C. R. Vandervoort, whose sun set at his high noon. H. C. Reichel and Harry Streibich were given to the ministry. Peoria — West Bluff Chapel. This is a mission Bible school. It was the first chapel ever built in one day. The credit of the conception belongs to Mr. A. J. Elliott. The Brotherhoods of the Central and Howett Street Churches, re-enforced by about sixty volun- teers of the local carpenters' union, united in building the chapel on May 30, 1910. Min. William Price had laid the foundation. Peoria — Howett Street. Organized 1909, by William Price; present membership, 192; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1875; present enrollment, 365. 352 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS About 1875, Mr. A. B. Tyng, Sr., an active member of the Reformed Episcopal Church, started a mission Sunday- school at Cedar and Brotherson Streets. It was called the Tyng Mission. As it was about to be abandoned, the women of the W. C. T. U. assumed the duty of its maintenance. Through the influence of Mrs. F. M. Barrett it passed to the Central Church in 1885. Thereafter a lot was bought at 224 Howett Street, and later a chapel was built thereon. This was during the pastorate of N. S. Haynes at the Cen- tral Church. Afterward this building was enlarged. Fos- tered faithfully by members of the Central, the Howett Street school grew finally into an independent congregation. Among these were J. P. Darst, William Ford and Miss Lorena Simonson, who has given twenty-eight years of service there as a teacher — a rare and beautiful example of efficient devotion. Of late years, Mr. M. W. Rotchford has been Bible-school superintendent and an enthusiastic helper. The neighborhood was as unpromising thirty years ago as a field could well be. The gratifying results are the blessings of the Lord upon prayerful and faithful work. On June 17, 1841, Dr. P. G. Young reported the organ- ization of a church of Christ, with sixteen members, at Mount Hawley. In 1842 he reported the organization of a church of forty members at Rome, on the west bank of the Illinois River. As late as 1888 there was a self-supporting church at Elmore. It sustained a pastor for full time, gave the com- munity helpful service, and contributed to missions. The changing tides of population carried all these away. PERRY COUNTY. Duqiioin. Organized 1857, by Lysias Heape; present membership, 650; value of property, including parsonage, $22,000; Bible- school enrollment, 266. Previous to 1857 there was monthly preaching in resi- CHURCHES 353 dences by Ministers Pyle, Wells, and Dr. Isaac and J. N. Mulkey. In that year, Messrs. Keyes and Metcalf, the founders of the town, gave the feeble congregation a lot on which the chapel was built. Some of the charter members were Lysias Heape and family, William and Abner Wil- hams, Mrs. McElvain Wells, Mr. Pyle, Isaac Wheatley and family, Daniel and Frederick Williams, John Brown, Robert Parks, Thomas Wiffin and family, and Robert J. Wheatley, who had just moved from Pennsylvania. In after years he was a great man of God and a tower of strength in the church. In 1857 a financial panic swept the country like a cyclone. Poor crops came the next year, and muttering thunderings of the Civil War were heard. Besides, at that time more papers avowedly infidel were taken and read in Duquoin than those that were Christian. Early in 1861, Mr. Wheat- ley sent for O. A. Burgess. He preached to an audience of fifty people for days and thought to quit. But, encouraged by Mr. Wheatley, he continued to use his splendid spiritual artillery upon the strong citadel of Satan until seventy per- sons surrendered to King Jesus. Later W. F. Black, J. Z. Taylor and Ira J. Chase led the church in great revivals. The eight years' pastorate of J. J. Harris was a rich blessing to the church. In that period the new church was built. Adam Adcock is now leading the flock in all good ways. R. A., a son of R. J. Wheatley, has been a faithful mem- ber since the Burgess meeting. Frien dship ( Tamaroa ) , Organized 1867, by P. W. Jones ; present membership, 60; value of property, $600; Bible school began 1867; pres- ent enrollment, 85. A country church three miles west of Tamaroa. It was instituted by Mr. Jones, a Baptist minister. In 1869, G. W. Puckett, another Baptist minister, located with the church. On the first Saturday in March, 1870, the declaration of 12 354 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS faith, covenant and rules of decorum were repealed and the Bible alone, without any other written creed, was adopted as the rule of faith and practice. Moderator, G. W. Puckett; clerk, S. C. Moore. The present house of worship was built in 1870. Elders, D. L. Benson, John Miller; deacons, Michael Goos, Abraham Heape. Besides Mr. Puckett, the following have served the church: Lysias Heape, J. N. and Isaac Mulkey, John A. Wil- liams, Louis Goos, David Husband, and now J. J. Harris one-fourth time. Two young men were given to the ministry — Louis Goos and C. W. Marlow. Tamaroa. Present membership, 50; value of property, $3,000; Bible- school enrollment, 57. PIATT COUNTY. Antioch (Atwood). Organized 1854, by John C. Mathes; present member- ship, 50; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enroll- ment, 50. The beginning of this church, located about six miles north of Atwood, was unique and significant. Jacob Mos- barger was born in Indiana in 1818 and settled near the site of this church in 1844. He was an infidel. In 1853 a hurt befell him which put him on his back for eleven months. He read everything within his reach and then asked for the Bible. It was to him a book of surprising interest. He read and read until he decided that he should become a Christian ; so he sent for Mr. Mathes, in Indiana, to come and baptize him. He came, preached awhile and immersed Jacob Mos- barger and his wife, who was a member of the ''New Light" congregation in that community; Gilbert Green and his wife Martha, David Samuels and his wife Ruth, and Gilford Green. These seven were formed into a church of Christ. CHURCHES 355 They met in the Gregory log schoolhouse. About 1866 a chapel was built which in later years was remodeled. Jacob Mosbarger was elder of this church for forty-five years. During this period he rarely missed one of its meetings. On Thursday afternoons he and his sons always left the field one hour earlier than usual that they might attend the weekly prayer-meetings two and a half miles distant. He was a great and good man of God. Elijah Goodwin, Joseph Hostetler and J. C. Mathes served the church for twenty-five years. Then James Con- nor and J. W. Monser did good work here. Atzvood. Organized 1879, by John C. Mathes ; present membership, 112; value of property, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 75. The following is the church covenant: We, whose names are subscribed, agree with each other, that we will take the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, known as the Bible, as the only rule of faith and practice, and that we will take the name "Christian" as the only divinely authorized name and will be known as the Church of Christ at Atwood, Douglas and Piatt Counties. The county line passed through the center of the town. The charter members were Peter, W. H. and Hannah Mos- barger; Frank and Angelina Browning; Aaron and Anna Shaw ; John C., Ruth J. and J. Mathes ; Adam Star, Nancy Painter and Nancy Tryon. The present elders are Wm. White, J. H. Easton and C. M. Flickinger. The chapel was built in 1883, following a good revival by W. F. Black. Bement. Organized 1862; present membership, 120; value of prop- erty, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 125. There were seventeen charter members, with William Munroe and J. Ruble, elders, and Samuel Hopkins and Thomas Dunn, deacons. Among those who were especially 356 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS helpful to the church were G. W. Thompson, pastor in 1878-79, who collected the church records ; C. H. Bridges, E. H. Graves and C. E. Evans. The church is active and prosperous with good officers. In 1913, Mrs. Lillie Bowyer Hedges went from this church as a missionary to Central Africa. Cerro Gordo. Organized 1883, by H. F. Tandy; present membership, 74; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 67. This church has had varied experiences that are common to those in small towns. It has lost by removals until it is feeble De Land. Organized 1877, by Samuel Lowe; present membership, 199; value of property, including parsonage, $15,500; Bible- school enrollment, 191. Min. Charles Rowe first preached the plain gospel in this neighborhood in the early seventies. He was followed by Min. S. K. Hallam, who was pastor at Farmer City. Among the charter members there were Mrs. Martha Bondurant, Thomas E. Bondurant, Mr. and Mrs. Joel Churchill, and Mr. and Mrs. H. G. Porter, all of whose services to the congre- gation were invaluable. A union chapel was built, the Protestant Methodists shar- ing it one-half. During the pastorate of J. M. Francis a new building was erected, which was much enlarged and improved during the pastorate of W. T. McConnell. J. H. Stambaugh is now pastor. The church is active in all good works. Hammond. The church here was organized about 1875 by the Macon County Missionary Co-operation, Min. Thomas Cully serving as the evangelist. The ultra-conservatives have long since taken it off the map as an active force for truth and righteousness. CHURCHES 357 Monticello. Organized 1911, by Andrew Scott; present membership, 39; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1911; pres- ent enrollment, 131. In years past a church was organized here, but it failed. The charter members of the present congregation were Mrs. Hattie Eshelman, Gussie and Mrs. L. M. Baker, Mrs. J. L. Hicks, Mrs. J. Hough, Mrs. Cora Johann, W. M. and Mrs. Hannah Holden, R. M. Wilkens and wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Cramer, Mrs. Lillian Henry, Mrs. J. C. Miller, Pansy Dool- ing, L. E. Bowyer and wife, J. D. Duffy and Mrs. Hanna T. Anderson. The unused Baptist chapel was bought. PIKE COUNTY. Atlas. Organized 1908, by J. R. Campbell; present membership, 140; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1910; present enrollment, 90. There were two families in this village who called them- selves Christians only. The spiritual life of the place had run low, so they decided to organize a church of Christ. Several successful meetings were held. A house of worship was occupied in 1910. Leonard Angel was ordained to the ministry. Barry. Organized 1842; present membership, 275; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $18,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 250. The earlier records of this church were burned. It has served the community well. Bee Creek (Pearl). Organized 1911, by G. W. Williams; present membership, 60; value of property, $500; Bible-school enrollment, 40. 358 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS This congregation is five miles south of Pearl. It is Chambersburg. Present membership, 326; value of property, including parsonage, $7,500; Bible-school enrollment, 166. An old church with a good record. Oscar Dennis is cor- respondent. ^ ^ Detroit. Organized 1882; present membership, 133; value of property, including parsonage, $6,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 152. An old church that has served the community well. Glen Fields, Pittsfield, is the correspondent. It is a fine com- """''y- El Dara. Organized 1873, by W. H. Crow ; present membership, 190; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible school began 1873; present enrollment, 100. This church was the first result of a meeting held by Mr. Crow. There were twenty-four charter members. Of these there are now (1913) living: Mrs. Martha Coley, Mrs. Cyn- thia Worsham, Mrs. Charlotte Pursley, Mrs. Ethel Pursley- Brown, Mrs. Jennie Pursley-Reynolds and Mrs. Mary Hewitt. The church continues to do good work. J. W. Pearson Green Pond (Pearl). Present membership, 100; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 60. This church dates back to the log house with puncheon floor. It is alive under the half-time preaching of S. R.. Lewis. Geo. Graham, R. R. 1, is correspondent. Griggsville. Organized 1876, by R. H. Moss ; present membership, 116; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1876; present enrollment, 75. CHURCHES 359 The churches of Christ in Pike County had long desired to plant a congregation after the New Testament pattern in this thrifty town. Its New Englandism was slow to accept anything that had its beginning west of Boston. D. R. Lucas held a great tent meeting shortly after the organization. It proved an expansion, but not a growth. Since then the work has been difficult and slow. A large house was planned, but never finished. The present house was built during the pastorate of J. E. Diehl. J. D. Dabney is the pastor. Independence (Pittsfield). Organized 1858, by James Burbridge ; present member- ship, 160; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1882; present enrollment, 101. At first the congregation was called the Highland Church of Christ. In 1882 it took the village name. James Bur- bridge, Robert Nicholson and Andrew Main led in the move- ment. The present building was completed in 1866. Most prominent in this work were Joseph Troutner and Robert Nicholson. The church has had the services of thirty-seven ministers. Martinshurg. Present membership, 75; value of property, $2,000; no Bible school. An old church of good but conservative people. Milton. Present membership, 250; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 142. An old church that has done much good work. It has always had many superior people. C. E. Bolin, Jr., is cor- respondent, ^j J Organized 1885; present membership, 200; value of prop- erty, $5,000 ; Bible school began 1885 ; present enrollment, 165. 360 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS The first elders were G. W. Burbridge and N. B. Grimes, with T. J. Shaw, James Burbridge and G. N. Creech, deacons. There were about fifty original members. J. J. W. Miller served as pastor for a number of years. J. D. Harpole and T. L. Minier are among the active members. New Canton. Present membership, 75; value of property, $2,000; Bible- school enrollment, 67, A weak church. New Hartford. Organized 1851, by Hardin Gooden and David Roberts; present membership, 150; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1851; present enrollment, 152. The first officers were Wm. Shambaugh and W. H. McClintock, elders, and W. R. Mathes, Jonathan Goble and D. K. Harris, deacons. All of them have passed on. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse till 1856, when a chapel was built, which was used until 1903, when the pres- ent building was erected. From first to last, about six hundred people have held membership here. The church has entirely transformed the life of the community. J. W. Pearson is now pastor. There is a Y. P. S. C. E. and C. W. B. M. Elmer Attor, Pittsfield, is correspondent. Old Pearl (Straut). Present membership, 60. An old church of conservatives five miles south of Pearl. Pearl. Organized 1885, by C. H. Maynard and M. L. Anthony; present membership, 277; value of property, $2,000; Bible- school enrollment, 200. This congregation was formed in the M. E. chapel. It struggled along till 1894, w^hen its own home was finished. CHURCHES 361 To this an addition was built in 1906. H. S. Van Dervoort and M. L. Anthony held successful revivals. The church is active in all missionary and benevolent work. It has given O. C. Bolman to the ministry. Min. W. H. Kerns furnished these facts. Perry. Organized 1837, by David Hobbs; present membership, 330; value of property, $4,000. Near the site of Perry, in the residence of Nicholas Hobbs, this church was organized, with the following among the charter members: Abraham Chenoweth and wife, Gideon Bentley and wife, William Van Pelt and wife, Samuel Van Pelt, Nicholas Hobbs and others. Mr. Hobbs, Mr. Chen- oweth and William Van Pelt were the first elders and they taught the people the Word for a few years. The first house of worship was built in 1839. Four years thereafter, W. H. Brown, the great evangelist, held a series of meetings, and the multitudes attending were so great that one side of the chapel was removed and a shed was added to accommodate the people. This house gave place in 1851 to a more commodious building, and this to the third house in 1880, during the pastorate of John T. Smith. Two of the early preachers were Wm. Strong and John Curl. The first pastor was David Hobbs. The helpful families in the church have been the Chen- oweths, Dorseys, Brownings and others. Pittsfield. Organized 1836, by Mr. Jacob Hodgen; present member- ship, 600; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1855 ; present enrollment, 37. The first meetings for public worship that aimed to follow the apostolic pattern were held in the house of Afr. Hodgen. Then they met in various halls in the then village, and next in the courthouse. In 1841 the organization was completed, with the follow- 362 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ing charter members: W. H. Strong and wife, Jonas Clark and wife, Jacob Hodgen and wife, Jonathan Piper and wife, John G. Shastid and daughter (later known as Mrs. Cow- den), Joseph Sanders and wife, Caroline Barber and Calista Bennet (afterward Airs. Holmes). The elders were Jacob Hodgen and Jonas Clark ; the deacon was Joseph Sanders. Soon after this time many others were added, among whom were the Wyatts, Bennetts, Hendricks, Rubles, Quimbys and Johnsons. Among the early-day preachers, there were Wm. Gale, W. H. Strong, James Burbridge and Charles Bolin. Mr. Strong became the first regular minister in 1839. In the same year the "State Meeting" was held with this church. In 1844 a small frame chapel was bought from the Con- gregationalists. This gave place, in 1853, to a two-story frame building. The lower story was owned by a stock company and used for school purposes. This house was used for twenty- five years and was filled with many sacred memories. In 1890, during the pastorate of W. A. Meloan, a modern brick structure was erected. Five years later, two rooms were added during the ministry of Geo. L. Snively. To the Christian ministry the church has given C. G. Kindred, W. H. Cannon and Clarence Rainwater. The pas- torate of H. D. Clark is very tenderly remembered. The church has many honored names of men who grew large in character and usefulness, among them Hicks, Bar- ber, Hall, Swan, Steers, Binns and Chamberlain. Pleasant Hill. Present membership, 231; value of property, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 90. This church is about forty years old and has done good work. W. E. Turnbaugh is correspondent. Rock Hill (Nebo). This is six miles west of Pearl. CHURCHES 363 Rockport. Organized 1869; present membership, 44; value of prop- erty, $3,000; Bible-school enrollment, 69. F. M. Curver, S. Lomax and J. Ogle formed this church. By removals and deaths it soon failed. It was revived by Min. T. J. Keller and started again with 115 members. Upon the removal of Mr. Keller, another disbanding followed. In 1911 he returned, and through his efforts the congregation again began to work with fourteen members. A modern chapel, with a concrete basement, was built and the outlook is better. Time (Pittsfield). Present membership, 15; value of property, $1,000; no Bible school. This is seven miles southeast of Pittsfield. The com- munity has been seriously handicapped by infidel notions. POPE COUNTY. Dixon Springs. This church is five miles east of Grantsburg, near the road leading from Vienna to Golconda. It is of the ultra- conservative class. Thirty years ago there was a church at Golconda that aimed to be Christian only, but removals and deaths dis- solved it. Within the last decade, Mins. K. A. Williams and R L. Cartwright conducted meetings there. Some turned to the Lord. Again, those who could serve as leaders moved away. Mr. Kimball led the first effort. Dehvood. Organized 1912, by E. C. Stark; present membership, 12. Mr. Stark recently located in this community and needed a church home for himself and family. Aided only by the Lord, he went to work to make one. As nearly always in the beginning, the preaching of the primitive gospel raised the ire of sectarians. They demanded a public debate. Mr. 364 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Stark accommodated them. Then they denied him the fur- ther use of the pubHc-school house. His teaching was grossly misrepresented, and a boycott was made as effective as could be. PULASKI COUNTY. America. Organized 1889, by L A. J. Parker; present membership, 55; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1889; present enrollment, 30. Christian Chapel (Pulaski). Organized 1890, by I. A. J. Parker and S. A. Holt; pres- ent membership, 73; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1899; present enrollment, 50. Grand Chain. Organized 1858 ; present membership, 73 ; value of prop- erty, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 80. PUTNAM COUNTY. Putnam. Organized 1850, by D. R. Howe; present membership, 100; value of property, $2,000; present enrollment, 50. This place was called Snatchwine until the railroad came. The chapel was built in 1866 and is still in good condition. This little church was fruitful in preachers. First, there was John Wherry, a farmer, a strong, prayerful and true man of God. Next, his son-in-law, J. F. M. Parker, then his two sons J. E. and Lesly Parker, Mr. Malone, Mr. McCurdy, and possibly others. William Drake is correspondent. RANDOLPH COUNTY. Mt. Summit t (Leanderville). Organized 1887, by David Husband ; present membership, 40; value of property, $1,000. In 1844, Herman Husband, with his wife, came from CHURCHES 365 Somerset, Pa., and settled in the southern part of this county. They were both earnest Christians. The first meeting con- ducted by a Christian minister was by Wm. Lile in 1855, in the home of Mr. Husband. Next, Lysias Heape preached there. He was a great preacher, and his sermons usually were from two to three hours long. A schoolhouse was built near by during the Civil War and was used for public worship. Dr. Hezekiah Hodges, a country physician, and Wm. Frederick, a miller, preached there. These men, with Mr. Husband, supported themselves and their families by their daily labors while they proclaimed the gospel. In 1886, Min. L. M. Linn and H. D. Banton held a meeting and formed a church at Rockwood. They were followed by Dr. Isaac Mulkey. The church passed away. In 1869, Peter Vogel, of Duquoin, held a meeting and formed a congrega- tion at Mill Creek. J. Buford Allen served as its pastor. It also failed. About 1872, John Friend and John Jones, two young men from the Bible School at Lexington, Ky., held a meeting at Mt. Summit and formed a congregation. It continued only a few years. J. T. Baker gathered a con- gregation at Baldwin, but it also failed. In 1886, David Husband, a son of Herman Husband, held a seventy-one days' meeting and reorganized the Mt. Summit Church. Then they were turned out of the schoolhouse. The first name on the subscription-list to build a chapel was Albert Conder, a boy five years of age, who pledged a coonskin. The house was built and dedicated free from debt. It still stands and is used in worship. David Husband and T. J. Holloman were given to the ministry by this county. RICHLAND COUNTY. Antioch (Olney). Present membership, 81; value of property, $590; Bible- school enrollment. 47. Like many others, nothing more could be learned. Z66 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Berryville ( Parkersburg) . Present membership, 80; value of property, $1,000; Bible- school enrollment, 47. Calhoun. Organized 1864, by Erastus Lathrop ; present member- ship, 66; value of property, $700; Bible school began 1864; present enrollment, 58. The first meetings were held in the schoolhouse and grove till 1867, when the chapel was built. During this period the preaching was done mainly by Minister Lathrop, an aged and godly man, and Marion Shick. A. J. Brittain and James Hundley were the first elders, with Harry Barney, Henry Dean and Lewis Van Matre, deacons. All these are dead except Mr. Brittain. The church has had high and low tides in its life. It has always maintained worship on the Lord's Day when without a preacher. Has a C. E. society. John Crawford was given to the ministry. Noble. Organized 1884, by H. M. Sanderson, Sr. ; present mem- bership, 72; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1885 ; present enrollment, 40. A good C. E. society. J. W. Whitaker was given to the ministry. Olney. Organized 1866, by W. B. F. Treat; present member- ship, 280; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1866; present enrollment, 195. For ten years there were only a few members, who wor- shiped in a rented hall. G. W. Morrell, a much-loved resi- dent minister, was the chief servant of the church during this period. A commodious house of worship was built in 1896, to which additions were made in later years. The church is harmonious and hopeful, with good organized activities. CHURCHES 367 Parkersbttrg. Present membership, 124; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 150. A good C. E. society. Prairie Hall (Claremont). Present membership, 35; value of property, $1,000. ROCK ISLAND COUNTY. Mo line. Organized 1906, by O. W. Lawrence; present member- ship, 152; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1906; present enrollment, 200. The house of worship was built in 1909. The church was formed and fostered by the State Board of Missions. Mr. W. F. Eastm^an was the leading spirit. Rapids City. Organized 1847; present membership, 10; value of prop- erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 24. This was once a prosperous coal-mining community, but when the mineral was exhausted the town lost its popula- tion. A fine brick building was erected in 1850. Messrs. Steele and Shadle were the first elders. Ministers Lucas and Sherwood were among the first preachers. By removals and death the church went down and the house was closed for many years. The same was true of the M. E. Church. Mrs. C. C. Babcock revived the work in the seventies. Now there is only a small Bible school. Perry Willard is the elder. Rock Island First. Organized 1868, by C. W. Sherwood ; present member- ship, 725; value of property, including parsonage, $45,500; Bible-school enrollment, 353. In March, 1856, a few Disciples met in Rock Island for public worship. These meetings continued for two years, 368 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS when it was thought best to discontinue them. Through the invitations of P. L. Mitchell and Mrs. Almyria Holt, the State Board of Missions sent Evangelist C. W. Sherwood there in March, 1868. Just twelve years to a day from the last meeting held in 1858 the Disciples again met and the organization was effected. Some of the same wine was used on both occasions, having been faithfully kept by Mrs. Holt, and the same basket, containing a dollar or two in nickels and dimes placed therein ten years before, and cared for by Mrs. Holt, the former treasurer, was used at that time. In April, Minister Sherwood reported to State Sec. Dudley Downs that the mission then numbered thirty persons, Mr. Mitchell rented the hall over the post-office, which was used as the place of meeting. In 1870 he purchased the old Baptist chapel, remodeled and refitted it, and gave it to the congregation. During this period 746 people had been received, but there were but 370 when they left the old house, the differ- ence having gone in the usual ways. In 1895, Mrs. Mary Wadsworth offered to replace the old chapel with a new and commodious structure as a memorial of her beloved father, P. L. Mitchell. The conditions were that the congregation should furnish and care for the build- ing and that its doors should be open to all who would enter, without price. With many tender memories and tearful hearts, the old home was left. The new one was first fully occupied in January, 1896. Since then the church has con- tinually grown in strength and usefulness. It has given Frank L. Bowen and Fred S. Nichols to the ministry. Rock Island Second (Thirty-sixth Street and Fifteenth Avenue). Organized 1913, by J. Fred Jones; present membership, 45; value of property, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 110. For several years a Bible school had been conducted CHURCHES 369 under the superintendency of Dr. J. D. Nichols. In the church there were twenty-five charter members. SALINE COUNTY. Eldorado. Organized 1903, by Gilbert Jones ; present membership, 100; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1903; present enrollment, 75. Mr. Jones was residing here while serving as evangeHst of the Eighth Missionary District. The church grew out of meetings conducted by him in the public-school building. There w^ere thirty-three charter members. The same year a lot was bought and a chapel built thereon. Before leaving it, Mr. Jones placed the church well upon its feet. J. H. Bramlet, J. A. Davis, Mrs. C. E. Osburn and family, S. S. Karnes, with the Bean and Banks families, con- tributed much to the progress of this church. Harrishurg. Present enrollment, 100; value of property, $2,200; Bible- school enrollment, 108. Stone Fort. Organized 1898, by I. A. J. Parker ; present membership, 25 ; no church building ; Bible school began 1898 ; present enrollment, 25. Miss Flora Parker is clerk. SANGAMON COUNTY. Auburn. Organized 1868; present membership, 70; value of prop- erty, $3,000 ; Bible school began 1868 ; present enrollment, 40. One or two efforts to form a church here that should be Christian only had come to naught. But in the spring of 1868 the following named Disciples constituted themselves into such church: A. G. and Mary A. Harvey, John and Laura Piper, George W. and Margaret Hackley, M. G. and 370 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Mary E. Wads worth, A. M. and Salome T. Black, and Nancy F. Wineman. Meetings for public worship were held on the second floors of store buildings. A good Bible school was held. fVeaching for half-time was arranged. John Piper and G. W. Hackley, two carpenters of limited means, led in the building enterprise. The former gave the lot. On a $600 subscription they began to build a house. When the structure was about ready for the doors and win- dows, it was wrecked one night by a hurricane. It was the only building in the town that was damaged. The next day the two carpenters began on the work again. After two or three years the building was finished. These facts attest their faith and heroism. Barclay. This congregation grew from the Wolf Creek Church, located two miles southeast, which was one of the early churches of the county, and prosperous and influential in its time. As indicating the conceptions of "discipline" then cur- rent, the following transcript is made from the original rec- ords of the Wolf Creek Church: Jerry Richerson husband of Alley Richerson. The above named person is excommunicated from this congrega- tion for the following disobedience. He dissembled from the Brethren, almost altogether. (Forbiden Hebrews 10 & 25). His works were those of the flesh. (Galac'ans 5 & 22-23.) we are commanded to withdraw ourselves from every person who walks disorderly. Second Thessalonians 3rd & 6. and first Corinthians 5 & 4 says. In the name of our Lord, Jesus Christ, when you are gethered together and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, to deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh that the Spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. This done Feb. 7th, 1841. W. M. Ellis, Clerk. On the same day and in the same formal manner, Alley Richerson was excommunicated because "she did not meet with Brethern on the first day of the week to commemorate the death and suffering of our Savior, violated even the laws of morality, in her conversation ; in short, she refused to CHURCHES 371 live that character and carry out that principle taught in the Christian Religion," etc., etc. The Wolf Creek Church was organized Sept. 3, 1837, with Adam J. Groves, Rezin H. Constant and Melitus W. Ellis as elders, and Samuel Wilson, James Taylor and Wil- liam F. Elkin as deacons. Up to Feb. 5, 1849, there had been 282 members. The old building was burned, so that in 1890 the chapel in Barclay was built and the congregation met there. Removals and the influx of miners decimated the congrega- tion so that only a small Sunday school is kept going. Berlin. Organized 1825, by Andrew Scott; present membership, 80; value of property, including parsonage, $1,500; Bible school began 1867; present enrollment, 100. (See Chap. II.) In its early years the church was served by Andrew Scott, Theophilus Sweet, Judge J. W. Taylor, A. J. Kane and Dr. Mallory. Charles O. Rowe came from Indian Creek and so strengthened the congregation that a frame chapel was built in 1842, one and a half miles north- west of Berlin. Then it was known as the Mt. Zion Chris- tian Church. The elders then were Mr. Scott, William Grant and Henry Ellis. Then Harrison Osborn and Robert Fos- ter served the church for six years. It was here, in 1855, that Mr. Foster, removing his coat in order to immerse thirty converts in Spring Creek before a large assembly, dis- closed the fact that he was wearing his "boiled shirt" with the bosom behind. In 1859 a new chapel was built in Berlin, which thereafter became the place of meeting. This town was the boyhood home of War Governor Richard Yates. Early in 1861 he visited the place and made a "war speech" in the Christian chapel that g^reatly perturbed the congrega- tion. Two of his sisters, Mrs. Martha Scott and Mrs. Elliott, were members here. A four davs' public discussion was held in this house during the Civil War. Since then sixteen pastors have served the church. 372 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Buffalo. Org-anized 1875, by G. M. Goode and J. B. Allen; pres- ent membership, 125 ; value of property, including parsonage, $4,000; Bible school began 1875. Two pastors, G. j\I. Goode, then of Hliopolis, and J. B. Allen, then of Mechanicsburg, conducted a series of meet- ings in the schoolhouse in the fall of 1874. The work was purely missionary on their part and resulted in eight conver- sions. The organization of thirty members was made early hi the following January. T. J. Underwood, John Jacobs and Samuel Garvey were chosen elders. A church building, costing $2,000, was erected the same year. Cantrall. Organized 1820, by Stephen England; present member- ship, 125; value of property, including parsonage, $3,300; Bible-school enrollment, 29. (See Chap. II.) In 1819 a band of pioneers made the first settlement north of the Sangamon River, a few miles northwest of Springfield. Stephen England was the leader. He was born in Virginia in 1773. When quite young he was taken to Bath County, Ky. There he married Anna Harper. They became the parents of twelve children. The family moved to Madison County, O., in 1813, and in the fall of 1818 to Madison County, 111. Mr. England was a Baptist preacher in Kentucky, but was never known as such in Sangamon County. In June, 1819, he first preached to his neighbors who assembled in his home. The next year (May 15) he formed a church with the following members: Stephen and Anna England, Jachoniah and Nancy Langston, Levi and Fanny Cantrall, Mrs. Adelphia Wood, Mrs. Sarah Cantrall and Mrs. Lucy Scott. This was the first church organized in this county. These nine people then signed the following agreement: We, members of the church of Jesus Christ, being providentially moved from our former place of residence from distant part, and CHURCHES 373 being baptized on the profession of our faith and met at the house of Stephen England, on a branch of Higgins Creek, in order to form a constitution, having first given ourselves to the Lord and then to one another, agree that our constituion shall be on the Holy Scrip- tures of Old and New Testaments, believing them to be the only rule of faith and practice. In 1823 a log meeting-house was built one and a half miles southeast of the site of Cantrall, near what is now known as the Britten Cemetery. The cracks were chinked, and greased paper was used for the windows. This primi- tive temple was built by the volunteer labor of the settle- ment. In 1846 the second house was built in the village, and the third in 1873. Mr. England continued to serve the church till his death, preaching his last sermon sitting. He solemnized the first marriage in the county in his own home. On one occasion a couple came from Fort Clark, now Peoria, to be married by him. The congregation was served by about all of the pioneer preachers of central Illinois. It gave John England and R. E. Dunlap to the ministry. Besides these, many great and good men and women have gone forth from this church. David England served the congregation as an officer over half a century. George T. Sayles as an efficient elder for forty years, and later, John and Robert Grant and John S. Lake have given invaluable service. The names of Carlile, Livi and John T. Canterbury, Hiram Powell, "Uncle Jack" Cline and Carlile Witts are cherished. The church has always been missionary. It was never affiliated with the Christian Denomination. Clear Lake (Springfield). Organized 1865, by A. J. Kane; value of property, $1,500. The cfharter members of this church were H. D. Turley and wife, M. D. Whitesides and wife, B. Turley and wife, J. Cartmel and wife, C. Churchill and wife, B. F. White- sides and wife, Mrs. Black, T. King and Mary F. Turley. Its house of worship was built the same year. For many 374 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS years the church was a strong force in the community for truth and righteousness. Its most active and useful members were H. D. Turley and family. Denominational opposition was active for a long time. It was here that A. J. Kane baptized Dr. W. A. Mallory. By deaths and removals the church has become feeble. The remnant are dividing between Riverton and Springfield Churches. Dazuson. Organized 1887; present membership, 30; value of prop- erty, $2,500; Bible school began 1887; present enrollment, 30. The chapel was bought of the Presbyterians. The con- gregation has lost by removals. The influx of coal miners adds to the difficulties to be met. Illiopolis, Organized 1866, by C. P. Short; present membership, 408; value of property, including parsonage, $17,600; Bible school began 1868; present enrollment, 240. The original members of this church were Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Ford, Mr. and Mrs. W. F. Garvey, Mr. and Mrs. John C. McGuffin, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bourland, W. L. Rob- erts, W. N. Streeter, F. M. Green, Mrs. Mary Ruby, Mrs. Sarah Dake, Archibald Boyd and Mrs. Mary Skeen. For a long time the meetings were held in the M. E. Church, with only occasional preaching. But this privilege was withdrawn and the meetings were held in the public- school house. On a cold, misty, windy day in November, 1867, the con- gregation met in the street in front of a hotel, as the school- house was undergoing repairs. At this meeting there were eight conversions to Christ, and the determination to build was reached. A plain frame house was finished and occu- pied in August, 1868. This served the church until 1909, v;hen the building was reconstructed, enlarged and mod- ernized during the pastorate of Robert A. Sickles. CHURCHES 375 The church has always had some admirable men and women. The present pastor is B. H. Sealock. It has given to the ministry John McGuffin and Charles O. Williams. Possibly H. M. Brooks should be credited here. Loami. Organized lcS92, by C. S. Medbury ; present membership, 150; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1892; present enrollment, 75. The church was organized with sixty-eight charter mem- bers. A convenient frame building, costing $3,400, was occupied the following January. The church has had twelve pastors and has done fine service. Mechanicsbiirg. Organized 1845, by Walter P. Bowles ; present member- ship, 175; value of property, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible-school enrollment, 100. Mr. Bowles and Dr. Robert Foster preached the apostolic gospel in the early forties in this community. The people met in residences, barns, groves and schoolhouses. There were about thirty charter members. The first officers were Wm. S. Pickrell, John Churchill and John Dawson, elders, with James McRee, Joseph Green and Wileby Churchill, deacons. The house of worship was finished in 1856. Mr. Pickrell gave the lot and made the brick used in the con- struction. It still stands, having received only modern improvements. The dedication sermon was preached in August, 1856, by A. Campbell. Besides Ministers Bowles and Foster, A. J. Kane, W. H. Brown, W. A. Mallory, A. D. Northcutt, and John Wilson, who was a product of this church, served the congregation in its earlier years. By 1885 the tide had gone out so that John Garvey, with twenty-four women, constituted the membership. Miss Emma Pickrell, a daughter of Wm. S. Pickrell, during this period superintended the Bible school and administered the Lord's Supper with grace and fidelity. 376 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS In 1887, Evangelist W. F. Black conducted a great revival, since which the work has moved forward. This church is noted for the number of great, noble and helpful people it has produced. The Pickrells, Garveys, Churchills, Elkins and others are enshrined in the hearts of many. Pleasant Plains. Organized 1869, by John Wilson ; present membership, 102; value of property, including parsonage, $4,000; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 78. W. M. Brown preached the gospel in this community in the early years. There was a congregation of Christians formed four miles east of the town site and worshiped there for several years. The town grew when the railroad was built. The church was formed in a hall. In 1870 the house of worship was built. A period of strife and division ensued, but gradually disappeared. In the earlier years, A. J. Kane, G. W. Minier, Ministers Osborn, Norton, Burton and John Lemmon served the con- gregation. Riverton. Organized 1876, by Dr. W. A. Mallory; present member- ship, 90; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1876; present enrollment, 50. Meetings for public worship had been held in school- houses in the neighborhood of Riverton for years. The first name of the town was Howlet. This was the home of Dr. Mallory. He first preached in the village ''little brick school- house" in 1874, and then baptized the first converts there — Louise Fox and Georgiana Flagg. In 1876, Evangelist Logan conducted a series of meetings with about fifty con- verts to Christ. A small building was then rented and regu- lar church work begun. But the M. E. congregation offered more rent and got the use of the room. Then the Christian congregation went to the Good Templars' Hall. Next, the Opera Hall was used. Then Temperance Hall again. Jacob CHURCHES 377 Bunn, of Springfield, gave the congregation a lot, but they v/ere unable to build a chapel thereon. The death of Dr. Mallory proved a severe loss to the congregation, and they scattered. A few stood true to their convictions of Christian truth and duty; they were Emma King and Mrs. Amanda Steele and her daughter Etta, who is novv^ Mrs. Etta C. White, the church clerk. During the pastorate of J. B. Briney in Springfield, he preached here occasionally. In 1894, B. F. Flagg and Archie Neal led in an effort to revive the work. Min. J. O. Sutherland conducted a series of meetings and reorganized the church. The next year an effort was made to build a chapel, but it only partially succeeded. But the women held true until the house was finished, furnished, and even mod- ernized and improved. The ashes made by burning the mort- gage were turned over to the church clerk to keep. Riverton is a coal-mining town. Its population is shift- ing. The congregation is composed of laboring people. The legalized groggeries do their fatal work. It is said that min- isters do not wish to reside there. Rochester. The first church by this name was formed in Rochester Township, independent of the South Fork congregation, in 1841. A. Richardson and B. Williams were elected elders, with S. West and W. Bashaw, deacons. This congregation was served by Mins. W. M. Brown, A. J. Kane, W. P. Bowles and W. A. Mallory. For years it was strong and a power for good in the community. Organized 1877, by A. J. Kane; present membership, 90; value of property, including parsonage, $2,500; Bible school began 1877; present enrollment, 50. With the coming of the railroad, the town grew and the place of meetino;' was changed. The first elders were W. P. Clark and J. McClure, with W. Windsor and S. Wolford, deacons. The chapel was built in 1877. A. J. Kane and W. A. Mallory served the church for 378 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS several years. There followed a few ministers whose lives did not vindicate their calling, and disturbance ensued. The church, however, has recovered and is doing good work. Springfield — First. Organized 1833, by Josephus Hewitt ; present member- ship, 992; value of property, $133,000; Bible school began 1848; present enrollment, 450. Were this not a great and good church, it would be untrue to its antecedents. Minister Hewitt was a man of superior versatility and eloquence, and passed like a comet through the Springfield sky. In the residence of Mrs. Gar- ner Goodan, located on the lot now occupied by the Chicago & Alton passenger station, the church was constituted in October with the following charter members : Philo and Mar- tha Beers, Joseph and Lucy Bennett, Alfred and Martha Elder, Dr. James R. Gray, Mrs. Garner Goodan, Mrs. Ann McNabb, William Shoup, Reuben Radford and Elisha Tabor. To these were soon added America T. Logan, wife of Judge Stephen T. Lcran ; Gen. Jas. Adams, Lemuel and Evaline HigiW, Mordecai Mobley and wife, George Bennett and wife, Col. E. D. Baker and wife, the Woodworth family and otliers. The passing years further brought to and took away from this fellowship Alexander Graham, its second minister ; Wm. H. Brown, its third, and great evangelist ; William Lavely and Daniel B. Hill ; A. J. Kane, whom it added to the Chris- tian ministry ; Jonathan R. Saunders ; Mary Logan, who became Mrs. Milton Hay ; J. W. Taylor, who was an earnest preacher and served four years as county judge; John G., Thomas C. and Wm. F. Elkin ; Richard Latham, J. H. Pickrell and his sister, Mrs. H. P. Pasfield, and many others whose names are held in sacred remembrance. In that hon- orable company, A. J. Kane may easily be counted the leader. The gospel, working through his clear mind and pure heart, gave direction to the thought and character of the church. His wife, Mrs. Caroline Beers Kane, was the CHURCHES 379 last one of the old guard to pass to the church triumphant. The first house of worship was of brick, completed in 1834, and stood on the north side of Madison Street, between Fourth and Fifth; the second in 1853, at the northeast cor- ner of Sixth and Jefferson ; the third in 1882, at the corner of Fifth and Jackson, built during the pastorate of J. Buford Allen ; the present splendid edifice was finished in 1912, dur- ing the pastorate of F. W. Burnham, and stands on the southeast corner of Sixth and Cook Streets. This church has now many good people who abound in good works. They supported Mrs. Susie C. Rijnhart in Tibet; paid $2,500 to build a dormitory in Tokyo, Japan, when Miss Rose J. Armbruster went out there, and pays $600 yearly to the Foreign Society. Dr. Paul Wakefield and his wife, who is a daughter of Mrs. Lindsay, went out from this church to China, and E. T. Williams left its pastorate thirty-five years ago for the same field. He is secretary of the American Legation at Peking. The church has enter- tained the National Missionary Convention twice and the State Convention six times. The pastors have mostly been noted men. Besides those already named, the list includes the names of D. R. Howe, L. B. Wilkes, T. T. Holton, H. W. Everest, J. M. Atwater, J. Z. Taylor, E. V. Zollars, J. B Briney, A. P. Cobb, J. E. Lynn and F. W. Burnham. Among the now forceful members are H. C. Latham, Charles P. Kane, B. R. Hieronymus, L. H. Coleman (whose son, C. B. Coleman, entered the ministry and is a teacher in Butler College), Mrs. Catherine Lindsay (for thirtv years president of the C W. B. M. auxiliary), G. A. Hulett,^ C. E. Brown and Mrs. Mary L. Morrison. Others equally worthy, both among the dead and the Hving, have their names in God's book of remembrance. Springfield — Stewart Street. Organized 1905, by C. C. Morrison ; present membership, 550; value of property, $10,000; Bible-school enrollment, 264, 380 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS This church was the result of a tent meetnig conducted by C. C. Morrison in the southeast part of the city while he was pastor of the First Church. A good property costing $9,000 was completed and occu- pied in May, 1906. This congregation was nourished and helped by the other two churches of the city. It does good work. The pastors were R. A. Finnell, H. H. Jenner and Gifford Earnest. Springfield — West Side. Organized 1902, by J. E. Lynn ; present membership, 674; value of property, $45,000; Bible-school enrollment, 346. On the 5th of January, 1902, this church was organized, its Bible school formed and its building dedicated. There were ninety-eight charter members and twelve were added that day. The church has grown seven-fold, possesses an admirable spirit and is doing excellent work. In 1910 an addition was made to the building, costing $14,000. The church has given Chester Gruble to the ministry. Salisbury. Organized 1875, by John Lemmon ; present membership, 50; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1875; pres- ent enrollment, 57. This is an inland village in the northern edge of the county. The subscription paper for building the house had some unique conditions; as, 'The house should be used for religious purposes only ; that no entertainment that required admission fee at the door should be given there, or any polit- ical meeting held there ; and when not in use by the owners, the church of Christ, it should be open to all religious pro- clivities." It has served the community well for a third of a century. South Fork (Rochester). Organized 1832, by W. P. Bowles ; present membership, 75; value of property, $1,000: Bible-school enrollment, 50. This congregation is located southwest of Rochester. It CHURCHES 381 was organized in the residence of Thos. Baker, that stood one and one-half miles west of the town site. The charter members were W. P. Bowles and wife, A. Bowles and wife, Joseph Walter, Elizabeth Bowles, Anna Payne, J. Baker and wife, Thos. Baker and wife, A. Richards and wife, W. Poor and wife, E. Delay, D. Stokes and L. Gooden. The church now has preaching part of the time. Williamsville. Organized 1842; present membership, 200; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $11,800; Bible-school enrollment, 137. This church was first organized in the home of W. F. Jones. At first it was known as the Fancy Creek Christian Church. There were members scattered from Wolf Creek to Fancy Creek; hence, about thirty of them withdrew from the Wolf Creek congregation and organized at Fancy Creek. Meetings for public worship were held in the homes of the people until 1856, when the Lake Schoolhouse was secured. In 1858 a house of worship was built in Williams- ville, and thus the name of the congregation was changed. In 1852, W. Jones and James Lester were chosen elders, with G. W. Constant and J. Barr as deacons. In 1866, A. J. Kane ordained T. M. Helm and A. W. Elder as elders, and F. A. Merriman, C. Turley and J. Groves as deacons of this congregation. Minister Kane served the church for several periods as preacher in charge. J. S. Sweeney held a public discussion here with Minister Davies, of the M. E. Church. By this, many people in the community were helped to a better knowledge of the Scrip- tures. This church is composed of excellent people. For many years it has been noted for its liberality and fidelity in all Christian work. The Richland congregation, twelve miles westward of Springfield, and four miles east of Pleasant Plains, was a 382 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS country church of the early time. For many years it was the home of John Wycliffe Taylor and his wife,' Aunt Salhe. SCHUYLER COUNTY. Bader. Present membership, 90; value of property, $1,000; Bible- school enrollment, 73. Bethany (Rushville). Organized 1S71, by Alpheus Brown and A. S. Robinson; present membership, 30; value of property, $600; Bible school began 1871 ; present enrollment, 37. The church has been served chiefly by the pastors in Rushville. Browning. Organized 1894, by L. F. Davis; present membership, 12; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1894; present enrollment, 48. Meetings were held in a hall for a year and a half, v/hen the chapel was built. Camden. Organized 1865, by Henry Smithers ; present member- ship, 45; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1865; present enrollment, 92. The church was reorganized in 1871. Besides Mr. Smith- ers, the following ministers have served the congregation: \V. T. Dunkerson, Martin Sharpies, Alpheus Brown, Henry Pruett, B. F. Shepard, C. B. Newnan, J. O. Walton, D. E. Hughes, Hervey Scott, C. B. Dabney, Geo. Chandler and W. E. Roberts. Frederick. Organized 1890, by D. E. Huehes ; present membership, 12; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1852; present enrollment, 59. A Sunday school was begun in 1852. A number of Dis- CHURCHES 383 ciples resided here, for whom J, B. Royal and Orin Dilley preached occasionally. The church was organized at the close of a meeting conducted by Minister Hughes. A chapel was built at once. As preachers, D. L. Kincaid, W. G. Groves, L. F. Davis, Isaac Beckelhymer, J. W. Knight and Clyde Lyon have served the congregation. Removals and indifference have made the church few and feeble. Pleasantview, \^alue of property, $600; Bible-school enrollment, 60. Ray. Organized 1895, by D. E. Hughes ; present membership, 7S\ value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1890; present enrollment, 84. Public worship was conducted in the schoolhouse until the chapel was built the next year. Besides Mr. Hughes, H. C. Littleton, G. W. Ford, J. W. Carpenter, G. W. Ross, H. L. Maltman and Evangelist J. D. Williams have served the church. Rushville. Organized 1833, by Barton W. Stone; present member- ship, 225; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 200. The first preaching in Schuyler County by a Christian minister was about 1829 by James Hughes. He was on his v/ay home from Ohio to Missouri and stopped at the home of Benjamin Chadsey, one of the prominent early settlers. This was two and a half miles northeast of Rushville. The preaching of Mr. Hughes was eagerly welcomed by the scattered Christians in the community. In 1832, Barton W. Stone came up from Jacksonville and held a series of meetings in the old log courthouse in Rushville. His preaching awakened great interest in the community. In 1833, James W. Davis and James Urbank 384 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS came from Kentucky to continue the work. The organiza- tion of the church was perfected December 29. The first house of worship was built in 1834 and the present one in 1874. The congregation has passed through high tides and low tides of prosperity and spiritual Hfe. SCOTT COUNTY. Exeter. Organized by David Hobbs ; present membership, 88 ; value of property, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 78. Glasgow. Present membership, 45; value of property, $1,000; Bible- school enrollment, 40. Manchester. Organized 1864; present membership, 68; value of prop- erty, $1,500; Bible-school enrollment, 45. Two of the charter members were James F. Curtis, who was baptized by Mr. Campbell in 1832, and Mrs. Eliza Billings, who is the sole survivor. J. R. Belvins is the clerk. Winchester. Organized 1832; present membership, 300; value of prop- erty, $7,000; Bible-school enrollment, 140. Early in the thirties a few families of Disciples came to Winchester. They soon found one another. As a result, they instituted regular weekly meetings in their homes for public worship. They ''broke bread," read the Scriptures and exhorted one another. Among them there were Levi Harlan and Theophilus Sweet, to whom, doubtless, belongs the honor of this beginning. In 1838 this church had 100 members. In the earlier years a lot was secured in the southeast part of town and a substantial brick house built thereon. This served the congregation until 1855, when it was sold to the Roman Catholics. A more central place was secured and a CHURCHES 385 two-story brick structure was erected and furnished in 1866, during the pastorate of T. J. Marlow. A modern edifice was completed in 1913. Among the early preachers here there were William Strong, John T. Jones, D. P. Henderson, W. H. Brown, J. S. Patton, W. W. Happy, John Atkinson ; then David Hobbs, N. S. Bastian, E. P. Belsher, J. H. Coats, J. S. Sweeney and others. The church has the usual auxiliaries and is in a healthy, growing condition. SHELBY COUNTY. About 1837, Min. B. W. Henry organized a congrega- tion near his home on the west side of Okaw Township. Two or three years later a log house was built for the double purpose of school and church, and was so occupied for about twenty years. Among the pioneer preachers who worked there were B. W. Henry,- Tobias Grider, Fleming, Goodman, Storm, Mulkey and Sconce. In the early fifties it was active in co-operative missionary work. The changing tides of human life later on carried it away. In 1871, Min. P. P. Warren organized the Bethany con- gregation in Windsor Township with fifty-three members. From 1860 preaching had been kept up at this point by Ministers Warren and Tobias Grider, under the direction of the Sand Creek Church, and the converts thus made were received by this congregation until the new organization. Minister Warren served Bethany once per month for more than twenty years. The chapel was built in 1871. The con- gregation gave A. J. Nance to the ministry. It died by con- servatism. The Green Creek congregation was formed in Big Spring Township about 1850 and did good service. In 1855, Evan- gelist Thomas Goodman organized the Mount Pleasant con- gregation in Prairie Township, and this absorbed the first named. The meetings were held first in the Baker, and next in the Forrest, Schoolhouse. 13 386 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS James Carr preached for this congregation for thirty years, and died Uiere in 1880 in a good old age, loved and respected by all. Others who preached here were Tobias Grider, Wm. Colson, A. A. Lovins, J. L Seward, J. M. Mor- gan and Isaac McCash. In January, 1880, Min. L. M. Linn held a meeting of days in Shelby Township and formed the Oak Grove congre- gation with thirty-six members. A union chapel, part Uni- tarian, was built. The spiritual life is feeble. In 1873, Tobias Grider formed the Union congregation in the Hidden Schoolhouse, on the Hne of Okaw and Shelby Townships, with fourteen members. It died at the close of thirty years. Min. B. R. Gilbert organized the Zion congregation on the west side of Todd's Point Township in 1878 with thirty- two members. The same year a chapel costing $1,200 was built. The church met regularly for worship on the Lord's Days and maintained a mid-week prayer-meeting. It died of conservatism. In April, 1860, Min. John Sconce formed a congregation in a log schoolhouse near the northeast corner of Todd's Point Township with fifty-eight members, which was known as Welborn Creek Church. A chapel costing $1,200 was built in 1871, located three miles north of the site of Findley. The growth of towns on railways reduced its strength, but its dissolution was hastened by a contention of two of its men over a stalk-field. It disbanded about 1900. The house still stands there. Its remnants went to Findley and Bethany Churches. The Pleak congregation, six miles southeast of Mowea- qua, was formed with twenty members by Min. J. D. Morgan in 1880. A substantial chapel was built in a few years, but the title never passed to the congresfation. A political quarrel divided the membership and killed the church. F. M. Pleak, the leader of this work, died in 1902. Many of these were sincere but mistaken efforts to justly apply the great principles of the gospel. CHURCHES 387 Ash Grove (Windsor). Organized 1832, by Jackson Storm ; present membership, 400; value of property, $4,000; Bible-school enrollment, 80. This location is four miles southeast of Windsor. For many years it was known as the Cochran's Grove Church. It was organized in a log residence. Some time later a log chapel was built, which was used till 1858. Then a large frame building was erected, which in turn gave place to the present building in 1887. The site of these four buildings has changed but little. The lot, with the adjacent cemetery ground, was given to the congregation by Greenup Storm, one of the strong and godly pioneers. The thirteen charter members were; John Storm, Sr., and wife, Wm. Duggar and wife, Wm. Bennett and Vv^ife, Daniel Green and wife, John Storm, Jr., and wife, Joseph Dickerson and wife, and Stella Good. The church has had a long, useful and honorable life. It was the mother of Windsor, Gays and Lower Ash Grove, a conservative society. W. B. Bennett served the congregation fifty years as an elder. Most of the pioneers of that section preached there. H. H. Harrell served the church ten years. It is now in sympathy with world-wide missions. It has given to the ministry James Brady, W. R. Storm and Homer Storm. Brunsivick. Organized 1860, by B. W. Henry; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1869; present enrollment, 57. For many years this was known as the Antioch Church of Christ. The charter members were John, Sr., Sarah S., James and Mary, Andy and Elizabeth Barrickman ; Martha Christman, Rebecca Galyer, W. H. Jackson, Leah James; William, Isaac, Sr., Samuel, Nathan, Eleanor, Lydia and Ellen Killam ; E. J. and James ^Tiller, Jacob Morehouse, Hiram and Rachel Pogue, Henry and Isabel Prichard, H. C. and Margaret Robertson, John and Eliza Smith, and C. L. Scott. 388 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS When the village of Brunswick grew up about the church its name was changed to harmonize therewith. The present chapel was built in 1868. An organ was first used in 1910 Cozuden. Organized 1899, by W. Bedell; present membership, 120; value of property, $2,100; Bible school began 1899; present enrollment, 145. This church started right and has grown steadily in use- fulness. It is well organized. The active members include the McMillen, Mason, Reynolds, Ballenbaugh, Prater and Jewett families. Findlay. Organized 1906, by H. E. Monser; present membership, 90; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1906; present enrollment, 94. Mr. and ]\Irs. A. H. Terry moved from Shelbyville to Findley in 1903. The Christian Church there was so con- servative that it was doing little. In 1905, through the influ- ence of Mrs. Terry, an auxiliary to the C. W. B. M. of twelve members was formed. A meeting by Mr. Monser in November, 1906, resulted in the organization of a church of eighty-eight members. It is active and aggressive. A brick building was finished and occupied in January, 1909. Miss Olive was set apart to the ministry by this church. There is also a conservative church here. Henton. Organized 1850, by B. W. Henry; present membership, 127; value of property, $4,500; Bible-school enrollment, 100. Mr. Henry and others preached for several years in this community before 1850. There were twenty-five charter members in the Prairie Bird Church. This beautiful name gave way to Henton when the railroad came and the village started. The first elders were Lindsay McMorris, Chatter CHURCHES 389 Kelly and Elijah Waggoner, and the first deacons, J. T. and \K. M. Smith. The first house was built in 1857. J. O. Henry was here ordained to the ministry. Herrick. Present membership, 25; value of property, $2,000; Bible- school enrollment, 84. Mode, Organized 1880, by L. M. Linn ; value of property, $500. Evangelist Linn, working under the auspices of the County Co-operation, held a meeting of weeks in the winter of this year and formed the church with fifty-one members. A union chapel was built shortly thereafter. Now there is only a small Bible school. Mozveaqua. Organized 1896, by M. Ingles; present membership, 258; value of property, $6,000; Bible school began 1896; present enrollment, 119. William Richhart led in the formation of this church. On his invitation the first sermons by a Christian preacher were delivered by Minister Doty. There were forty-two charter members. A good church building was soon put up. A. R. Spicer was the first pastor. New Liberty (Windsor). Organized 1871. About 1840 a log chapel was built in the northeast corner of Windsor Township. It had two chimneys and a dirt floor. Ministeis Grider, Henry, Storm, Fleming and Goodman preached there. The resident members formed part of the Sand Creek Church till 1871, when a separate congregation, called Wolf Creek, was formed. The log house had then disappeared, for meetings were held in the Dodson and Baker Schoolhouses till 1874, when a chapel was built. The 390 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS name was then changed to New Liberty. It gave Jesse Baugher to the ministry. About 18S0, under the lead of P. P. Warren, it became ultra-conservative. Rocky Branch (Tower Hill). Organized 1850, by B. W. Henry. Meetings were held in Rose Township by Ministers Henry, M. R. Chew and Edward Evy about this date in resi- dences, in Black Log Schoolhouse and in a grove. One of these, conducted by Mr. Henry, resulted in fifty conversions. The consequent congregation passed through many expe- riences, prosperous and adverse. Many times all efforts ceased. A neat chapel was built. Now no meetings of any kind are held. Sand Creek (Windsor). Organized 1834, by John Storm ; present membership, 25. This place is three and a half miles northwest of Wind- sor. The eleven charter members were Benjamin Weeks and wife, Joseph Baker, wife and son, Ashley Baker and wife, Louis Ledbetter and wife, Sarah Bougher and Rachel Wallace. Min. Tobias Grider gave one acre of land for the building-site. The first house was of logs, built in 1834; the second, a frame, built in 1857, and the third, a brick, built in 1874. For fifty years this congregation was prosperous and useful. It enrolled from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred members, and gave to the ministry Isaac Miller, Nathan Rice, P. P. Warren, A. A. Loomis and L. P. Phillips. In the log chapel in 1850 a missionary co-operation, including Shelby, Moultrie and Macon Counties, was formed. Peace and prosperity continued till 1889, when Min. Daniel Som- mer came and began an as^gressive opposition to the use of instrumental music in public worship and other "innova- tions." This church had never used an organ and had no thought of introducing one until the preaching of Mr. Som- mer created a desire and a demand for its introduction. CHURCHES 391 This led to a division in 1904 and to a suit at law for the property. This was decided by the State Supreme Court at the October term, 1905, in favor of the conservatives, they being the majority. It was here that the pigmy and disloyal "Address and Declaration" was issued in 1889 (see Chap. VIIL). By that act thi^ church wrote 'Tchabod" in large letters upon its record. Those members who protested against these puerile pro- ceedings have since then conducted public worship and work in a near-by schoolhouse. They have been faithful and blessed of God. Shelhyvillc. Organized 1831, by Bushrod W. Henry; present member- ship, 500; value of property, $7,500; Bible school began 1831 ; present enrollment, 140. This church was constituted as the "First Baptist Church of Christ in Shelbyville." Mr. Henry's sermons reflected his growing knowledge of the Scriptures and called out the opposition of his conservative Baptist brethren. Their doc- trinal differences widened so that Mr. Henry and his friends were excluded from the Baptist fellowship. By 1834 they had discarded the name Baptist, and by 1836 had fully organized "the church of God in Christ in Shelbyville." The first elders were B. W. Henry and J. J. Page. The former giving much of his time to evangelizing, the care of the church devolved chiefly upon Mr. Page. For thirty-five years he was a most faithful elder in every way as set forth it\ the New Testament. Reuben and Martha Wright, Mrs. Enfield Tacket and Mrs. Polly Smith were also among the first members whose devotion to the church was long known. Mr. Henry continued his ministry with the congregation as he was able. About 1845 the first church house was built. It stood diagonally across the street from the present build- ing. This was used until alx)ut 1878. when the brick build- ing still in use was finished. In 1849, A. D. Northcutt served the church, which prospered under his ministry. 392 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS About the same time, Min. W. II. Brown held a public debate in the Christian chapel. General Thornton served as presid- ing moderator. The discussion resulted in greatly strength- ening the church of Christ. Some of the pastors who have served the church were N. S. Bastian, Dr. A. L. Kellar, Theo. Brooks, J. G. Wag- goner, and now W. G. McColley. It gave O. P. Wright to the ministry. J. Fred Miller, Wm. Chew, W. F. Turney and J. W. Loyd are held in grateful remembrance. J. D. Miller and W. C. Kelly have been active and efficient members for the past twenty years. The church is well organized, with an average aggressive- Stewardson. Present membership, 320; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 142. Tower Hill Organized by W. H. Boles; present membership, 50; Bible-school enrollment, 46. Windsor. Organized 1857; present membership, 273; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $3,500; Bible school began 1860; present enrollment, 110. It is not known who of the pioneers planted this congre- gation or the exact year. It was served in its earlier period by those ministers who laid the foundations of the Restora- tion movement in that section. Later, there were Z. T. Sweeney, Thomas Edwards and J. H. Hite. Many pro- tracted meetings were held by Ellis Zound, Isaac Mulkey, W. F. Black, Wm. Patterson, James Connor and E. J. Hart. A. D. Fillmore, the sweet singer, led the church. The chapel was built in 1859. In the later seventies. Dr. Jesse Yoar left by his will $1,000 to the congregation to be permanently invested for its benefit. CHURCHES 393 J. H. Price and Thomas Henry were elders and strong men in the community. Mr. Henry served in the House of the General Assembly of Illinois. J. D. Bruce, a deacon, is the sole surviving charter member. ST. CLAIR COUNTY. East St. Louis First. Organized 1890, by J. T. Boone; present membership, 445; value of property, $34,000; Bible school began 1890; present enrollment, 149. This church had what most people call a feeble beginning. There were eight women, residents here at the time, who had been Disciples at various other places. These united their heads and their hearts to have a church home that should be Christian only. A third-floor hall was secured and Minister Boone, then a resident of St. Louis, Mo., conducted a two weeks' meeting with thirty additions. Then the thirty-eight members organized and moved to another hall. Next, meet- ings were held in a schoolhouse until the growing congre- gation moved into their chapel at Seventh Street and St. Clair Avenue. There they met for nineteen years. In 1910 they moved into the beautiful modern edifice at the corner of Washington Place and Belmont Avenue. The church has had fifteen pastors, the present minister being Meade E. Dutt. There is a strong Papal following in this city, yet this church of Christ has moved steadily forward. Many things have happened in their Christian service which have caused their hearts to rejoice. Their prospects are bright. East St. Louis — Lansdowne. Organized 1905, by C. O. Reynard; present membership, 120; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1905; present enrollment, 162. This was the second church in St. Clair County that aimed to be Christian only. There were thirty-two charter 394 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS members. The first meetings were held in a portable school building, the use of which was secured for this purpose by Mr. D. Walter Potts, city superintendent of the public schools. A chapel was built in a short time. Mrs. Agnes Potts, whose father was a minister and who is the oldest member of the congregation, had much to do with its organization. The first elders were J. H., A. A. and D. Walter Potts. There are many "Potts" in this church, but the material is good. STARK COUNTY. La Fayette. Organized 1847, by John E. Murphy ; present member- ship, 62; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible school began 1848 ; present enrollment, 46. The charter members were Charles, Tyrus, Laura, Ezra and Emiline Himes ; Lewis H., David T. and Polly M. Fitch; Flenry Hardman, Hyram Nance, William and Maria Lake, and Melia Dunbar. The first elders were Charles Himes and John Bryan ; the first deacons, Lewis H. Fitch and William Lake. Fifteen members were added Aug. 21, 1848. There were nearly one hundred on the roll at the end of 1858. The earlier ministers, besides Mr. Murphy, were M. P. King, F. M. Dodge and Messrs. Woodruff, Sick, Yearnshaw, Davenport, Arne and Adams. The first money paid for missions was $7.40. It was col- lected and paid over by the church treasurer, W. Lovely, to the State Missionary Society, meeting at W^alnut Grove, Sept. 5, 1851. These data are taken from the first records of the church by Irvin Ingles. Toulon. Organized 1849, by David McCance; present membership, 82; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1855; present enrollment, 65. CHURCHES 395 The organization was made in the old courthouse, with the following charter members: David McCance and wife, Edward Wilson and wife, Elijah McClennahan and wife, Henry Sweet and James Boles. The congregation grew, so that meetings were held next in the schoolhouse, then in Temperance Hall, which was the place of meeting till 1855, when the present church building was erected. Robert H. Newton and Clyde Lyon have gone from this church into the ministry. There was a church also at Wyoming, but it was short- lived. A church with six members was formed at the residence of Ephraim Barth, in the south part of this county, in 1846. STEPHENSON COUNTY. ■ Frceport. Organized 1906, by O. F. Jordon and J. M. Taylor; present membership, 60; value of property, $4,000; Bible school began 1906; present enrollment, 60. This work has been difficult and slow, but under the pas- torate of E. T. Cornelius it has advanced to hopefulness. The meetings have been held in the courthouse, Y. M. C. A. building and, for a considerable time, in the Masonic Temple, but a chapel in the near future is a possibility. A small congregation was formed in this county in 1840 by Henry Howe. About 1847, Dr. W. P. Naramore formed a church of Christ about two miles west of Oneca, where he then resided. It was known as the Mt. Pleasant Church and still lives. TAZEWELL COUNTY. The first sermon preached in Little Mackinaw Township was in the home of Thomas F. Railsback by Min. John Oat- man in 1831. This residence was four males south and one- quarter mile east of Mackinaw town. Li ^fr. Railsback's residence the Little Mackinaw Church was organized in 396 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS 1833, but its local name was applied later. The original members were Thomas F. Railsback and wife Louisa, A. B. Davis, Catherine Allensworth, and Benjamin lierndon and wife Nancy. For many years they met in a log schoolhouse one-half mile south — at the Gaines Cemetery. Mere rests the sacred dust of these six godly pioneers. Min. James A. Lindsey was the first preacher in charge. Others who followed him were Wm. Ryan, Wm. Davenport, H. D. Palmer and G. W. Minier. From 1853-63 their meet- ings were held one mile north in the Four Corners School- house. In 1863 a church building was erected two miles eastward. This place is three miles north of Minier. For nearly forty years at this place this church did admirable work. For decades the Little Mackinaw Church was well and widely known. New towns grew as the railways were built. Out of this hive there went swarms of Disciples, to Mackinaw town, to Minier, to Concord and to Lilly congre- gations. And so the dear mother died, and in 1893 her house was sold. The records are with W. L. Dickson, Minier, 111. The Antioch Church was located six miles south of Fre- mont and one and a half miles east of the village of Dillon. It was organized in the middle thirties and was the first church in that township. Those forming it were Jesse Fisher, Jerome Waltmire, William Dillon, Abner Rulon and others. The first building was erected in 1838 and the pres- ent one in 1858 at a cost of $600. It is beautifully located and is yet in good condition. The congregation has disap- peared. Its records are with William Bennett, Delavan, 111. Tennessee Point Church v/as about three miles northeast of Fremont. It consisted of only five families; namely, the Front, Speece, I. Stout, Shaw and A. N. Page. Their meet- ings were held in a schoolhouse. It disappeared with the forming of the Concord congregation. The Hieronymus Grove Church house, located four miles northeast of Armington, was built, at a cost of $3,000, in 1869 by Enoch Hieronymus, deceased. The congregation organized in October. It did good work for forty years and CHURCHES 397 then disbanded, its members uniting with other near-by churches of Christ. All of its original members have passed except B. R. Hieronymus, of Springfield, and Wm. Darnell, of Stanford. For a little while there was a small congregation in Fremont, but they never owned a chapel. Wm. Gaither, Stephen Stout and Wm. Johnson and wife were members there. They united with the Antioch congregation. At the village of Boynton a church grew and served for many years, but finally failed by reason of removals and the formation of congregations in other towns. The Armington people are giving the Boynton community some attention. An earnest effort was made to establish a church after the primitive order at Delavan. Mr. Jerome Waltmire, a sincere and devoted Disciple, moved there to reside and led in the effort. Through his work a good church house was built and a congregation gathered. Delavan had a large per- centage of people of New England blood and traditions and they were mostly satisfied with the denominational phases of faith and life. The effort failed and the property was sold. Concord (Minier). Organized 1870, by George Campbell; present member- ship, 90; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 107. A Sunday school was formed in the Black Jack School- house about 1863, about eight miles northwest of the site of Minier. Beginning in 1867, Mr. Slater taught the school there for two years and often preached on Sundays. He made a number of converts. Others who preached there in the early days were James Robeson, James and Ira Mitchell, Bailey Chaplin, Caleb Hainline, Eli Fisher, G. W. Minier and Isaac and Elijah Stout. These ministers received little or no remuneration for this work. Those meetings were attended by multitudes and many became Christians. There were forty or more charter members, thirty-one of whom brought letters from the Little Mackinaw Church. It was 398 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS about this time also that the congregation at Tennessee Point disbanded and some of those members came here. Under the leadership of Min. Isaac Stout a church house was completed in 1872. Most of the materials, except the heavy timbers and walnut seating, were hauled from Peoria. Samuel Nutty gave one acre and a half of ground for the site. An addition was made to this building in 1894. Mr. Campbell conducted the worship when the house was first occupied and gave to the place and congregation the local designation ''Concord," and he prayed that it might never become a discord. Since then, preaching has been maintained half-time, but rarely has the observance of the Lord's Supper been omitted. A good Bible school and C. W. B. M. are maintained. Deer Creek. Organized 1906, by A. L. Huff ; present membership, 91 ; value of property, $1,400; Bible school began 1896; present enrollment, 50. This church came of the conscious need of divine truth bv a number of Disciples. The charter members were Mr. and Mrs. D. C. Slyter, Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Peifer, Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Davis, Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Foster, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Wagner, Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Graham, Dr. C. M. Chapman, Miss Ruth Chapman, Wilford ]\Iiller, Isaac Malone, Albert Foster, John P. Hall, William Therolis, Mrs. Nancy S. Bogardus, Mrs. Fanny M. Stumbaugh. Mrs. Seville M. Mooberry, Mrs. Sadie Ammerman, Mrs. Alice Ransburg, Misses Grace and Cora Ransburg, and Miss Adda Ten Eyck. The meetings were held in a public hall. Then the Pres- byterian chapel was bought and improved. Lilly. Org-anized 1837, by Janies A. Lindsey; present member- ship, 79; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1871; present enrollment, 90. CHURCHES 399 In 1859 a number of members peaceably withdrew from the Mackinaw Church and formed a congregation at the Mt. Pleasant Schoolhouse, the former meeting-place. It was one mile south of Lilly, which fjrew after the building of the railway. In 1871 the present chapel was erected there, which has since been the meeting-place. The church has never been strong, but has done good work. William Lindsay, one of its charter members, devoted his best energies to this church as an elder for more than forty years. Mackinaw. Organized 1837, by James A. Lindsey ; present member- ship, 509; value of property, $20,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 417. Min. James A. Lindsey came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1824 and settled in the eastern part of Mackinaw Town- ship, Tazewell County. It is provable that meetings for public worship were held in his residence. A meeting was held in what in later years was known as Mt. Pleasant Schoolhouse, and from the record made at the time the fol- lowing is copied : On Saturday, the last day of September, 1837, a meeting was held at a schoolhouse. Elder Jas. A. Lindsey addressed the meeting, urging the propriety of organizing a church in our immediate neighborhood on purely gospel principles. Before adjourning, the Disciples present mutually agreed to procure letters of commendation from the churches where they held membership and at a future meeting effect such an organization. Accordingly, on the following Thursday, the 5th day of October, a meeting was held at the residence of Michael Hittle, and the church was fully organized. The following preamble was pre- sented : "We whose names are herewith subscribed, all having been im- mersed on a profession of our faith in Jesus Christ the Son of God, do agree to associate and co-operate as a church of Christ, to be known by the name of the 'Congregation of Disciples of Christ,' and meet for worship in Tazewell County, Til., Township 24 North. Range 2 West of the 3rd. Principal Meridian ; taking the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament for the articles of our faith, and the law of our Lord as exhibited in the New Testament and the precepts taught 400 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS by our Lord and his Apostles, together with the examples of the churches set in order by them, as the law and rule of discipline. May the Lord help us to know and do his will." The foregoing was then signed by the following persons : James A. Lindsey, Jane Lindsey, Michael Hittle, Mary Hittle^ R. F. Houston, E. I. L. Houston, Nehemiah Hill, Emely Hill, Jas. Lindsey, Mariah Lindsey, Jesse E. Jackson, Catharine Jackson, Elijah Sargent, Elinor R. Miller, Elizabeth Lindsey, Delila Lindsey, Wm. Lindsey, Alfred Lindsey, John Lindsey, David Lindsey, Samuel Flesher, Geo. Hittle, Nancy Hittle : twenty-three. R. F. Houston was chosen clerk, Geo. Hittle and Samuel Flesher were chosen elders, and Michael Hittle and Nehemiah Hill as deacons. James A. Lindsey, being at that time an efficient preacher with extended acquaintance, was chosen as evangelist and authorized to administer all the ordinances and perform all the duties usually recognized as belonging to a preacher of the gospel. It was unani- mously agreed on that occasion to meet on the first day of every week for worship if not providentially prevented, or by general agree- ment to meet with congregations at near-by neighborhoods. Alexander B. Davis, clerk of Little Mackinaw Christian Church, was clerk of this meeting. Such was the beginning of this church, at first called Mt. Zion, that has come steadily on its way through seventy-six years. Ordinarily no records were kept of meetings in those early times. The names of those coming into the church were added and cases of discipline were noted. Names and dates of additions to this church indicate a regular growth, mostly by primary obedience. The following deserved tribute has been paid to the mem- ory of three of those pioneers: Samuel Flesher, though not a preacher, was well read in the Bible, of unblemished character, fluent in exhortation and delighted in the public service of the church. The church sustained a serious loss when in May. 1841, he was accidentally drowned. George Hittle, though his German brogue somewhat hindered his speech, by his earnest zeal, his deep piety, his thorough knowledge of the Bible and withal his cheerful, social manner with everybody, had a power not often excelled as a leader. Often as he stood before the little gatherings, telling of the supreme love of the Saviour, his deep-feelirg exhortation had a joyous effect on all that heard. He died in 1842. Michael Hittle was active as a deacon for more than twenty years. CHURCHES 401 He held steadfastly to the supremacy of the gospel and helped in its furtherance, particularly in charity for the needy. He died in 1888. In the earlier years the congregation enjoyed the preach- ing of Ministers Lindsey, Davenport, Palmer, Jones, Peeler, Robeson, Major and Minier. In 1846-47, William Davenport rode horseback from Eureka once a month and preached three sermons each time to the church. He was paid $2.50 per trip. Up to 1848 the congregation had no settled place for its meetings. In that year they decided to hold the regular meetings in the village of Mackinaw, and soon built a church house there, which was the first in the township. This house was first seated with six-inch boards laid on some kind of supports. On these the people sat the day the house was first used and listened attentively to Henry D. Palmer preach a sermon three hours long. The second house was built in 1875. This church finds much satisfaction in the fact that it has always been missionary in sentiment and practice. In 1850, James A. Lindsey went as a delegate to Shelbyville when the State Missionary Society was organized. Pie was made chairman of that meeting and counted it one of the supreme joys of his long and faithful ministry. The church record shows that $10 was contributed to State Missions Aug. 31, 1851. The church holds in sacred and honored memory the names of not a few men and women ; among them are Solo- mon Puterbaugh, H. J. Puterbaugh and wife, and George Patterson. About three thousand people have been members of this church. It has given to the ministry John Lindsey and Roscoe Hill M alone (Green Valley). Organized 1866; present membership, 20; value of prop- erty, $1,200; Bible school began 1866; present enrollment, 52. This church is six miles southwest of Green Valley. The 402 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS first records were lost. A reorganization was made in 1879, when the location was changed four miles and a new house bnilt. Like all country churches, the numbers are continually reduced by removals. The Bible school is Evergreen. There have been thirty-seven preachers who have served here. Minicr. Organized 1874, by charter members ; present member- ship, 222; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1874; present enrollment, 150. The charter members were the following: James E. and Ann P. Railsback, N. P. and Catherine Williams, Louisa Railsback, Mary Elliff, T. L. Minier, Jennie Edmiston, John V. Quigg, Elizabeth and Betsy Johnson, Lou Ireland, Lou McDowell, Carrie Baker, Sophia, Rodney J. and Mary Mitchell. All of these were former members of the church of Christ at Little Mackinaw. The first officers were R. J. Mitchell and J. B. Chaplin, elders, and B. N. Ewing, J. W. Chidister and L. L. Munn, deacons. The church has had some superior people, one of whom was Rodney J. Mitchell. Pekin. Organized 1876, by W. F. Richardson ; present member- ship, 250; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1876; present enrollment, 310. This church was organized by the Tazewell County Christian Co-operation. It was the first result of a month's series of meetings led by Mr. Richardson. There were thirty-two charter members. Of these, Mrs. Emma Inman is the only faithful member remaining here now. The Co-operation rented the Universalist chapel for one year. The management of the congregation was given temoorarily to a business committee. Later Joseph Hiett, B. R. Hierony- mus and J. E. Jewett w^ere chosen elders, and J. S. .Salee, William Hiett, James Newkirk and Jobe Hedges, deacons. During the pastorate of T. T. Holton, a lot was purchased CHURCHES 403 for $500 and a chapel, costing $3,000, was built thereon. Later, it was enlarged and improved. During the first years the pulpit was supplied by Profs. B J. Radford, H. W. Everest and others. The first pastor did the church much harm. The records made commendable mention of Mrs. Frances E. V^an Etta for her wise and efiicient services. The church has all helpful auxiliaries. Washington. Organized 1834, by Richard B. McCorcle ; present mem- bership, 110; value of property, $3,700; Bible-school enroll- ment, 70. The following were the charter members: Richard B. IMcCorcle, Isabel McCorcle, James and Mary McClure, John and Martha Johnson, William Holland, Sr., Peter and Cath- erine Scott, Dr. and Mrs. Goodwin, Ruful and Catherine North, Eliza McCorcle, Levi and Mrs. Moulton, Josiah and Mrs. Yager. This church has had its ups and downs. Many of its members have gone West to found homes in the newer coun- try. They are faithful Christians in Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska and other States. At Ulysses, Neb., twenty-six of the char- ter members were from the Washington Church. It is not now as strong as formerly. The first building was erected in 1850, a brick which is now used by the German Lutheran congregation. More room being needed, the second house was finished and occupied in 1869. This building was burned the following February. The third house was completed and occupied in August, 1870. This was burned in October, 1876. The fourth and present building was first used in July, 1877. The church has given to the ministry three brothers — B. W., R. H. and J. B. Johnson, sons of John and Martha John- son — and James Kirk. The church still has its face toward the future and is Durposeful. 404 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS UNION COUNTY. Anna. Present membership, 115; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 108. Toledo (Cobden), Present membership, 50; value of property, $1,000; Bible- school enrollment. 36. This is one of the oldest churches in the State. Converts were immersed here as early as 1836. This is the home of Min. C. S. Towne, now past eighty, an able writer and faithful preacher. Robert Brown, R. R. No. 1, is the cor- respondent. VERMILION COUNTY. July 12, 1836, Dr. W. Walters wrote that he had organ- ized a church of Christ in Danville ; also four others in Ver- milion County ; further, that he had gone twenty-two miles west of Danville and there organized another church. W. S. Shockey and Hughes Bowles were associated with Dr. Wal- ters in these evangelistic labors in those early days. About 1875 there was a small congregation at Fair- mount, but the chapel was sold under the mortgage and the members scattered. Ahin. Organized 1897, by T. L. Stipp ; present memoership, 85 ; value of property, $2,300; Bible school began 1887; present enrollment, 60. This congregation was the first direct result of a series of meetings conducted by Evangelist Stipp, with seventy-five additions. The place was an old building that had been used for a saloon, but became a public hall after the town expelled the traffic. The sittings were chiefly boards placed on the ends of beer-kegs. An old pool-table added to the furnish- ings. The chapel was built the next year. Mr. Stipp continued CHURCHES 405 his ministry half-time for three years. Since then tlie life of the congregation has been precarious. However, a good school is maintained and the public worship is kept up regu- larly. Antioch (Rossville). Organized 1866, by James Connor, Sr. ; present member- ship, 195; value of property, $12,500; Bible school began 1868; present enrollment, 191. This location is six miles southeast of Hoopeston. The congregation grew out of a meeting of days conducted by Minister Connor, who served the church several years. The charter members were Mrs, Huldah Brown, Joseph Heaton and wife, Samuel B. Smith and wife, Joseph Youngblood, Frank Youngblood and wife, David Newman and wife, John Norton and wife, John Oliver, Peter Marlatt, Thomas Bietz and wife and Mrs. Mary Kight. All of these have gone to their long home except Joseph Youngblood and Mrs. Thomas Bietz. In 1868 two acres of ground were secured and a frame chapel built thereon. This was a union chapel, being shared in its uses by Methodist brethren. It was added to in 1890. In 1910 a new structure of brick, fully modern and very convenient and pleasing, was erected. This is known as the Antioch Church of Christ. It has always had the missionary spirit. Every year the congre- gation makes its offerings to all the regular benevolences. In 1911 they amounted to $240. This church has given to the Christian ministry Turlie McConnell, Eldon Norton, Rudolph Heicke and Orren Ora- hood. Irving Cromkite, R. R. 2, is the clerk. Bethany. Organized 1875, by J. C. Myers; present membership, 20; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1875; present enrollment, 40. 406 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS The location is five miles northwest of Danville. It is also known as Lone Oak. For years the congregation held large influence for good in a wide community. Preachers who made their opinions of equal authority with the Scrip- ture came and sowed the seeds of dissension. Wrangling supplanted worship, and vilification of men the praise of God. The congregation was divided and feebleness followed. Bismark. Organized 1880, by T. L. Stipp; present membership, 100; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1880; present enrollment, 60. Mins. J. J. Cosat and J. C. Myers were associated with Mr. Stipp in forming this church. There were about forty charter members. The first officers were Riley Chandler, Wm. Wilson and Samuel Munnell, elders ; with David and Andrew Claypool and Wm. Holland, deacons. The church was rent with division on the question of instrumental music, Sunday school and missions. Finally, those opposing these things withdrew. The congregation then reorganized and turned its thought and efifort to do the things that please God. They have semi-monthly preaching, but the public worship every Lord's Day. J. J. Cosat is the pastor. Catlin. Present membership, 212; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 161. Central Park (Danville). Organized 1909, by E. M. Norton; present membership, 47; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1909; present enrollment, 57. This congregation is also known as Brook's Chapel. It is in a suburb of Danville, with both electric and steam roads, and has a fine class of citizens. The faithful work of Minister Norton led also in build- ing the chapel. Roy Cronchite is the pastor. CHURCHES 407 Center Point (Fairmount). Organized 1891, by B. N. Anderson; present member- ship, 50; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1891; present enrollment, 57. The location is six miles southwest of Fairmount. The congregation contributes to missions and other benevolences. There is a good Bible school, with Adda Smith, superin- tendent. The elders are E. L. Hawkins and E. F. Hines. Geo. F. Hedges is the clerk. Half-time preaching by Pastor H. H. Williams. Cheneyville. Organized 1891, by J. N. Lester; present membership, 109; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1891; present enrollment, 77. The present elders are J. M. Swaner and Frank Dice, with Quince Teagarden and Oscar Young, deacons. B. T. Nicholson is the pastor. This is his first work in Illinois. He is an alert and earnest minister. Danville First. Organized 1871, by John F. Rowe; present membership, 407; value of property, including parsonage, $35,000; Bible school began 1871 ; present enrollment, 261. Minister Rowe conducted a meeting of days in Lincoln Hall, on West Main Street, near the location of the Plaza Hotel, which resulted in the formation of this church. There were about forty members. H. A. Coffeen, Parley Martin and Geo. Dillon were the first elders. Soon thereafter a small chapel was built on Franklin Street where 415 is now. This was used till 1895, when the present commodious edifice was erected on the corner of Oak and Seminary Streets, dur- ing the pastorate of S. S. Jones. W. R. Jewell first preached for the congregation, mean- while editing a secular paper. The church and Bible school are thoroughly organized for efficient service. In 1912, $450 was paid for missions. 408 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS In the years of struggle, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram Woods were most valuable members. Danville Second. Organized 1899, by S. S. Jones ; present membership, 100; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1899; present enrollment, 72. This church was formed in a rented building in German- town, which is now a part of Danville, with seventy-five charter members. It was later incorporated as "The Second Church of Christ." Danville Third. Organized 1902, by S. S. Jones; present membership, 770; value of property, $20,000; Bible school began 1902; present enrollment, 396. This congregation is the outgrowth of a mission formed by the First Church in the northern part of the city in 1901. Those directly interested "covenanted together to form a church to be known as the Third Church of Christ of Dan- ville, Illinois." The meetings of the congregation were held in a hall, a storeroom and the Garfield School building till the completion of the church building in 1904. It is located on the corner of English and Walnut Streets. S. S. Jones was the first pastor. Danville Fourth. Organized 1904, by E. M. Norton ; present membership, 120; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1904; present enrollment, 95. There were about seventy-five charter members. The elders are Jehiel Vance, Jacob Knee, John Hilman, Joseph Boles and Harris Smith, with Dr. Redmon, Dell Peeler and Edward Swisher, deacons. Its location is at the northwest corner of Fourth Street and Cunningham Avenue. The min- istry of S. S. Jones in Danville was richly blessed. CHURCHES 409 Fithian. Organized 1884, by B. A. Anderson; present membership, 11; value of property, $1,000; no Bible school. Formerly this church was a power for good in the com- munity. Death and removals have nearly dissolved it. Fithian is a good little town in a fine agricultural section. Georgetown. Organized 1901, by S. S. Jones; present membership, 198; value of property, $7,000; Bible school began 1901; present enrollment, 145. This congregation started with ninety-two members in January, and before the close of the year had housed itself in a good brick building. James H. Hewitt has been one of the most valuable factors in the church. F. H. Vernon is the pastor. Henning. Organized 1898, by J. W. Street; present membership, 140; value of property, $2,250; Bible-school enrollment, 139. The church was constituted in a hall. There were seven- teen charter members, most of whom have moved away or died. With experiences that are common to village congre- gations, it prospers and does good. C. C. Gaumer is the pastor. Miss Edith E. M. Seymore is correspondent. Hoopeston. Organized 1873, by Rolla M. Martin; present member- ship, 535; value of property, including parsonage, $20,000; Bible school began 1873 ; present enrollment, 270. This church of Christ had its beginning almost with the city. The few members there first met in storerooms and shops. J. F. I^vlathers and Rolla M. Martin were the early preachers. The first house of worship was built in 1873, under Mr, 410 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Martin's ministry. The present brick edifice was erected in 18S^, during the pastorate of R. H. Robertson. Hoopeston is a city of superior intelligence, and the church of Christ is abreast of the times. Andrew Scott is pastor. Indianola. Present membership, 68; value of property, $3,500; Bible- school enrollment, 67. Lowe's Chapel (Danville). Organized 1876, by J. C. Myers; present niembership, (:^\ value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1876; present enrollment, 50. This chapel is eight miles southeast of Danville. Mr. Myers, like his Master, w^as a carpenter, so after forming the congregation he built their chapel. James A. Fishback is elder ; Oscar Huff and Joseph Fish- back, deacons, and J. J. Cosat, minister for one-fourth time. The church has never been strong, and has been further handicapped by ultra-conservative preachers. No. Eight (Armstrong). Organized 1888, by Wm. Hamilton : present membership, 23; value of property, $400; Bible school began 1892; pres- ent enrollment, 37. This congregation was formed in No. 8 Schoolhouse, in Champaign County, with about eighty members. When the chapel was built, in 1892, it was located in Vermilion County, five miles southwest of Armstrong. Among the charter members were O. P. and Allen McGlaughlin and wives, Anthony Long and wife. James Stuckey and wife, John Jeakim, Marv and Carrie Robertson, Viola McGlaughlin, and Jessie and Flora Tattershell. From the first. 157 persons have held membership here. Harley Fetters is clerk. CHURCHES 411 A^^. Ten (Potomac). Organized 1870, by Rolla M. Martin; present member- ship, 270; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 131. The charter members were George, Georgt W., Irene, Jr., Margaret, Samuel, Matilda and Irene French; Hosea, Alonzo, Ellen, Warren and Sarah Knight; Caleb and Mary J. Albert ; William, Martha, Samuel, John and Rebecca McGee ; Jane Sweet, Rebecca Clemm, Louisa Cronkhite and Mary Tillotson. The first officers were Hosea Knight, elder, with George French and Caleb Albert, deacons. To the original twenty-three members, 321 have been added. The church is wide awake to Home and Foreign Mis- sions. It is served by four elders and fourteen deacons. E. C. Creighton is the clerk, and E. M. Norton, pastor. It is located six miles southeast of Armstrong. Oakwood. Organized 1886, by Minister Pine; present membership, 129; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1886; present enrollment, 130. There were fourteen charter members. In 1892 the con- gregation was reorganized by S. H. Creighton with 114 members. The house is modern, the Bible school front rank and a mid-week prayer-meeting. Geo. J. Huff is the pastor full time. Contributes to Home and Foreign Missions. W. D. Rogers is the clerk. Potomac. Present membership, 125; value of property, $3,500; Bible-school enrollment, 103. Prairie Chapel (Rossville). Oro-anized 1865, by Rolla M. Martin: present member- ship, 74; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 110. 412 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS This chapel is five miles west of Rossville. A few scat- tered neighbors were gathered together by Minister Martin at old Blue Grass. They soon moved their place of meeting to the home of Simon Armentrout, thence to the Bratton Schoolhouse till 1866, when the present building was bought of the United Brethren and moved to the present site. It has been repaired several times and is now a creditable house. The congregation has grown through trials and struggles to efficiency. Minister Martin served the church twenty years. C. F. Gaumer has served the church for the past eight years. There is a good board of thirteen officers. Charles Villiars is the clerk. Ridge Farm. Organized 1899, by C. E. Evans; present membership, 50; value of property, $3,000; Bible school began 1899; present enrollment, 48. P. F. York is the pastor of this church. It contributes to missions, and is striving to attain unto the best things in Christian service. There is a good board of six officers. L. C. Osborne is the clerk. Rossville. Organized 1894, by S. R. Creighton ; present membership, 264; value of property, including parsonage, $12,000; Bible school began 1894; present enrollment, 154. Sidell. Organized 1895, by S. H. Creighton; present member- ship, 125; value of property, including parsonage, $7,500; Bible school began 1895 ; present enrollment, 138. For a few years, meetings were held in the Maple Grove Schoolhouse, a few miles southwest of Sidell. These led to the building of a union chapel in the north end of Edgar County in 1882. In 1884, Evangelist W. F. Black conducted CHURCHES 413 a meeting of days there, when most of the congregation became Christians only. These he then organized into the Antioch Christian Church. In about ten years this congre- gation was absorbed by others, and the chapel was sold and turned into a barn. Evangelist Creighton held a meeting in Sidell in the Baptist chapel in 1895 and organized a church of Christ of about one hundred members. Among them were members from Antioch, a goodly number of Baptists and converts to the Lord. The church has given Clay F. Gaumer to the Christian ministry and Mrs. Marie Jackson McCoy to the mission field ^ •' ^ * Union (Danville). Organized 1838, by Jacob Swisher; present membership, 60; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1850; present enrollment, 50. The location is seven miles northwest of Danville. This congregation has been served by all the first and second gen- eration of Vermilion County preachers, among them Robert Sears, H. H. Gunn, W. P. Shockey, Wm. Mapes, R. M. and J. L. Martin, J. H. Broom, Abner Hubbard and J. H. Mavity. It has given the following men to the Christian ministry: Wm. Pilkington, J. H. Martin, J. J. Cosat, T. L. Stipp, O. B. Gravat and P. L. Cunningham. The church was divided through the preaching of ultra- conservatives. These damages have been measurably repaired by the ministry of J. J. Cosat, who is serving the congregation for the twenty-fifth year as its pastor. They maintain a good Bible school and C. E. Bertha White, R. 2, is the clerk. Walnut Corners (Danville). Organized 1843, by H. H. Gunn ; present membership, 98; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1875; present enrollment, 72. 414 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS In the early forties the Stony Creek Church was consti- tuted some ten miles northeast of Danville. It continued in a prosperous condition till 1856, when the new railroad started a town three and a half miles away, called State Line, Ind. Then most of the congregation moved into a new brick building in that town. However, a cemetery had grown near the old church. For the convenience of funeral occa- sions, the house was remodeled and repaired. After some years a Bible school was formed for the neighborhood, and from this school grew the Walnut Corners Church. The school is front rank and there is a good C. E. J. C. Myers, J. J. Cosat, W. H. Kerr and others have served the church. John Smith and Irvine Cunningham are the elders. Westville. Organized 1866, by R. M. Martin ; present membership, 40; value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1907. This church was first organized on the site of Westville. It grew to a membership of four hundred and exercised a wide influence for good in the surrounding community. Then a strong ultra-conservative preacher was engaged to serve the congregation. Under his teaching, in six years it sickened and died, and its members were scattered to the four winds. In 1907, Min. E. M. Norton gathered up and reorganized the surviving remnants. A building formerly used by the Presbyterians was bought. It was much damaged by a stroke of lightning in 1912, and the title is in litigation. So a union school is held in the Congregational chapel. A. C. Ellsworth and C. M. Snooks are the elders. Willow Springs (Grape Creek). Organized 1870, by J. H. Martin ; present membership, 40; value of property, '$1,000; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 50. It is located one mile southeast of Grape Creek. The CHURCHES 415 spiritual life is feeble. Samuel Jumps and John Wilson are the elders. WABASH COUNTY. Adam's Corners (Allendale). Organized 1851, by William Courter ; present member- ship, 75; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 33, At a meeting the fifth Lord's Day in June, at the resi- dence of Allen R. Jackman, it was decided that, for the con- venience of that part of the Barney's Prairie Church living in that neighborhood, a congregation be established at Adam's Corners. Soon afterward a union chapel was built. This was burned. Then the Christian congregation built a house of their own. Mr. Courter served both as minister and elder. Under his untiring efforts the church grew to be strong and influ- ential. It is still one of the best country congregations in the county. Many of its members are leading citizens. Geo. W. Morrell preached here three years with fine results. A flourishing Bible school and the regular worship are well attended. Allendale. Organized 1891 ; present membership, 117; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $3,700; Bible school began 1891; present enrollment, 143. There were forty charter members. The chapel was built the same year. There is an efficient Y. P. S. C. E. and Bible school, of which F. S. Gray has been superintendent since the church was started, except three years. John Walser is clerk. Antioch (Keensburg). Organized 1886, by Loean Gillaspie ; present membership, 70; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1886; present enrollment, 50. This congregation is thirteen miles southwest of Mt 416 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Carmel. There were fifteen charter members. James H. Dinnel and A. B. Denham were chosen elders, and W. B. Stewart, deacon. The first chapel was built as a union house in 1870, but in 1886 the legal title passed to the Christian congregation. A. B. Denham, an ef^cient elder for twenty-six years, was recently lost by removal. James Deputy is clerk. Barney's Prairie (Allendale). Organized 1819, by James Pool ; present membership, 140; value of property, $1,350; Bible school began 1860; present enrollment, 110. William Barney, with his family, left the banks of the Genesee River, in New York, in 1808. They came by raft down the Ohio River to the mouth of the Wabash. There the raft was sold and a keel-boat bought. In this they pushed upstream to Ramsey's Rapids, afterward the site of Bedell's Mill. This was eight miles up-river from the site of Mt. Carmel. His family consisted of Mr. Barney, his wife and his twelve children and three sons-in-law. (See Chap. II.) The male members of the family struck out through the forest to find a place on which to build their cabins. They reached a beautiful stretch of land, covered with grass ten feet high, and afterward known as Barney's Prairie. Shortly afterward came Mr. Barney's three sons- in-law. They were Ranson Higgins, Philo Ingram and Wil- liam Aldridge. Other settlers were then in that section and still others came afterward. Among these were Seth Card and Gervaise Hazelton. These two men located Palmyra, two and a half miles north of the site of Mt. Carmel, near the river Wabash, Apr. 22, 1815. But Palmyra was abandoned in 1821 because of its unhealthiness. The Indians had so told the settlers, and it proved true. This section was then in Edwards County, which was created by an act of the Territorial legislative body in 1814, and which reached north to the Canadian line. CHURCHES 417 Joseph Wood came to the settlement about 1815. Ira Keen and others came from Ohio, New York, Virginia and Kentucky — all by the rivers. Fort Barney was built in 1811. It was northwest of Pal- myra. Fort Wood was southwest and Fort Compton north- east of Palmyra. These places were from five to eight miles apart. These forts were built by placing large poles firmly in the ground, reaching up about twelve feet, the top ends hewed off to sharp points. Early settlements were made round about these forts for protection, since the Indians had murdered several families near Fort Compton. On a woodland spot, midway between the forts, a meet- ing assembled on July 17, 1819, and then and there organ- ized the Barney's Prairie Christian Church. Seth Gard was elected elder; Joseph Wood, deacon, and Jarvis Fordice, clerk. The number of charter members is not known, but they had mostly come from the East and were the most intelligent and influential people in the settlement. (See James Pool, Seth Gard and Joseph Wood in biographies.) Some of these people had been members of the Christian Denomination, known at that time as "New Lights." But when they formed the Barney's Prairie Church, they re- nounced the name *'New Light" and decided to be known simply as Christians. This is the written record, which is confirmed by the testimony of D. H. Wood — now near seventy years of age — a grandson of Joseph Wood, the first deacon. He has been a member of this church for fifty years, and through all these years had heard that this church started on apostolic ground. The congregation met later near Fort Barney, in a grove near the prairie. Here a stand was built and surrounded by seats made of split logs, smoothed on the flat sides. They were more substantial than comfortable. Public worship was held here when the weather permitted ; otherwise, in dwell- ings or barns. In 1843 a chapel was built. This has been repaired and refurnished and is still in use. This was the first church of Christ in Illinois. 14 418 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Bellmoiif. Organized 1896, by Erastus Lathrop; present member- ship, 110; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1876; present enrollment, 75. The first members were Dr. N. Briston and wife, Christ Shoenert and wife, John J. Sloan, A. W. French and wife, Wm. H. Davis, A. P. Manley, John G. McClary and wife, Mariah E. Knowles, Eliza J. Rigg, Nancy Jane Carter, Lafayette Read, Alice Bristow, Clara Briston, Lydia E. Kimbel, T. H. Burton, Ellen Imes, Nancy J. Parmenter, Elizabeth Sloan, Thompson Davis and Elizabeth M. McClary. Messrs. Briston, McClary and Baird were chosen elders, and Burton and French, deacons. The organization was made in the office of Dr. E. T. McClane, where the meetings for public worship were held till 1879, when the vSilvan M. E. meeting-house, that stood five miles north of the village, was bought. As it was a very strong building, it was torn down, moved to town and rebuilt. This was done mainly by the volunteered labor of the members. Since then it has been much improved. The church has been fruitful of good. D. M. Durham is the pastor. ^^ , Keensburg. Organized 1819, by its members ; present membership, 180; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 100. The original record reads as follows: At a meeting held at Brother Daniel Keen's on Saturday before the fifth Sabbath in August, 1819, a church of Christ was constituted consisting of seven members : 1 — Thomas Thompson : 2 — Nancy Thompson : 3 — Daniel Keen : A — Polly Keen : 5 — William Arnold : 6 — Ely Reed: 7 — Dennis Sayles. The record shows that John Auldridge was chosen as the first elder, and Daniel Keen, the first deacon; that meetings were held monthly and that additions were made to the church at these meetings, and also that several were dropped from the record for various reasons. In 1825 the church reported twenty-eight members in good standing. CHURCHES 419 This was the Coffee Creek Church, located one-half mile east of the site of Keensburg. The place of meetings was changed to the village in 1882. This congregation has from its beginning, in 1819, always been a church of Christ; it was never of the Christian Denomination. Such is the united testimony of the oldest residents of the community, the original records of the con- gregation and the history of Wabash County. It was, there- fore, only six weeks younger than the Barney's Prairie Church. Lancaster (Mt. Carmel). Organized 1842, by Maurice R. Trimble; present mem- bership, 95; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 85. Lancaster was formerly known as Round Prairie. In the life of Elijah Goodwin (pp. 183-4) the following lines appear : During this year [1842] a Methodist preacher named Dickens made an appointment on Round Prairie to preach on baptism. There being no meeting-house in the settlement, one of our brethren opened his large barn for the occasion. Thci preacher came and put in two days preaching on the subject. The brethren sent me word that I must come and give them a two days' meeting and preach on the same subject. This I could not do, but sent them an appointment, promising^ to give them two days' preaching in one. I went and preached in the same barn five hours without leaving the stand. I spoke on the sub- ject, action and design of baptism. Preached two hours and thirty minutes and gave an intermission of fifteen minutes. Then I resumed the subject and preached two hours and thirty minutes more — all before leaving the stand. The large barn was full of people and a great multitude stood outside before a larga door the whole time, giving the most earnest attention. Elijah and Moses Goodwin, H. A. Hayward, James Pool, Joseph Ballard, and probably others, had preached the apostolic gospel in this community previous to Elijah Good- win's five-hour sermon. Alfred Flower came later. This church organized the third Lord's Day in October and had the following charter members: William Ridgeley 420 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and Robert Johnson, elders ; Horace A. Woodward and John Higgins, deacons, with Wm. Clark, Sophia Woodward, Hiram and Polly Couch, Lydia McMillen, Martha Jones, Sarah Russell, Nancy and Elizabeth Lewis, Maria Courter, Sarah Pryant, Warren and Tamar Winders. Mr. Woodward, one of the first deacons, was a famous showman in his early life and had built the large barn (where big meetings assembled), in which to keep the animals of his menagerie during the winters. He died in Grayville in 1878. The organization of the church is still celebrated by an annual meeting the third Sunday in October. Public worship, a basket dinner and a home-coming of former residents, make it a delightful occasion. Min. W. R. Couch has written these words: "The most, perhaps all, of the charter members of the Lancaster Church were converted imder the preaching of Elijah and Moses Goodwin and Maurice R. Trimble at the old stand on Barney's Prairie." The last of them to go home to God was Elder John Hig- gins, of blessed memory, who died in 1902. The church has given to the ministry James McMillen and James E. Moyer. This is now a weak church. L G. Williams is the min- ister in charge. Lick Prairie (Mt. Carmel). Organized 1830, by Joseph Wasson ; present membership, 125; value of property, $600; Bible-school enrollment, 45. This church is located twelve miles west of Mt. Carmel. Among the charter members there were Adam, Samuel, John and Andrew Baird ; Eli Moore, Thomas and William Hill, John Steward, Samuel and Eban Putnam, and all their wives severally. This was organized as a church of the Christian Denomination, but in 1853, when another chapel was built, it became a part of the Restoration movement. Elijah and Moses Goodwin did efficient service at this place. The first house of worship was of logs, built in 1831. This was used for fourteen years. Then another log house CHURCHES 421 was built one mile south of the present site. By 1853 the congregation had outgrown the building. Then a union chapel was built, the Universalists using it one-fourth of the time. Elements so conflicting were not peaceable. After twenty-eight years of confusion, the old house, being unfit for use, was torn down. In 1881 a neat frame chapel was built and called the Garfield Memorial Church. Maud (Mt. Carmel). Organized 1896, by Geo. W. Morrell; present member- ship, 90; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1896. This church is located about five miles west of Mt. Car- mel. It was the first general result of a meeting held in the schoolhouse there by Minister Morrell. The charter mem- bers were James, Winifred and Lula Bell; John and Vashti Williams; Henry Obold and wife; J. R., Jr., Virginia, Jane and Flora V. Brines; David P. Wright, Harris Roll and wife, David K. and Rosaline Seiler, David H. and Susan Brown, Hannah Aborn, Anna Fearheiley, Mary Read, Samantha Van Senden, Mary E. Halbig, Irene Bell, Rose Getz and Cassie Shellhorn. Mrs. H. Aborn and husband gave one acre of land and the chapel was built thereon in 1896. This church is in a farming community and is sustained v/holly by farmers. Since 1901 they have the ''Annual May Meeting." Meetings for worship are held forenoon, after- noon and evening, a free basket dinner intervening. In the afternoon the anniversary sermon is preached and the church roll is called. There are two elders and four deacons. D. M. Durham is now pastor. Mt. Carmel. Organized 1862, by D. D. Miller; present membership, 760; value of property, $15,000; Bible school began 1862; present enrollment, 335. This church had thirty-three charter members. Only one of them — Maria L. Filton — is left in the community. The 422 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS first officers were, elders, John A. Morgan and Charles Red- man ; the deacons, Amos Walter and Daniel Titus. The first house of worship was built in 1864, which was enlarged and remodeled in 1893. The first meetings were held in the courthouse and were violently opposed by relig- ious bodies then established in the city. But it has grown to be strong and representative. All departments of Chris- tian growth and service are aggressive. Besides Mr. Miller, who worked under the auspices of the State Missionary Society, the following evangelists held meetings here: Franklin, Black, Clements, Ingram, Coombs, Courter, Pearl, Updike, Martin, Scoville, Thompson and Wilhite. W. W. Weedon is the pastor. WARREN COUNTY. Alexis. Organized 1897, by J. C. Alsup; present membership, 60; value of property, $3,000. Berzi'ick. Organized 1902, by D. E. Hughes; present member- ship, 58. ^ ^' Cameron. Organized 1831 ; present membership, 290; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $6,500; Bible-school enrollment, 144. This church, with its antecedents, is one of the oldest and most interesting in the State. Its first name was Cold- brook, because a cold spring there formed a cold brook. The location was one and a half miles northwest of the site of Cameron. It was on the old trail leading from Peoria to Oquaka and about midway between the sites of Galesburg and Monmouth. A little town grew up around the Cold- brook Church that was called Savana. With the building of the railroad in 1854-55 the place and name of the church were changed and the village faded away. CHURCHES 423 The original record-book is still in the possession of the Cameron Church, and from it the following facts are gleaned : "On the 30th day of April, 1831, this church was consti- tuted upon the belief that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the only rule of faith and practice and suf- ficient for the government of the church." The names of the seventeen persons who signed this covenant were these: William M., EHzabeth, EHjah, Sr., Margaret, Sr., Elijah, Jr., Margaret, Jr., Davidson ; Henry E., Elizabeth and John G. Haley; John E. and Frances Murphy; Richard and Nancy Ragland, and William, Sarah, Josiah and Julia \\^hitman. Three of these men were preachers — William Whitman, John E. Murphy and Elijah Davidson — and as many as eight of them were good public speakers. Squire Whitman, a nephew of William and Josiah Whitman, with his wife and sixteen other members of this church, went to Oregon in 1850 by the old caravan route, and there helped to found the town of Monmouth and to plant the college there. The Coldbrook congregation called itself ''the Church of Christ on Cedar Fork of Henderson River," Warren County. The record-book says : ''Second Saturday in Feb., 1832. Agreed to send four dollars by Elijah Davidson, Jr., to St. Lewis to purchase a record-book for the church and one gallon of wine. "Second Saturday, Aug., 1833. Agreed to meet on every Sabbath for worship." For two years the record-book was made to do duty for other than church business. For example, on the first page there is a "Receipt for Felon," apparently from the pen of Henry Haley. It reads: "Bathe the part affected in ashes and water, take the yolk of an egg, six drops of the spirits of turpentine and a few beet leaves cut fine, a small quantity of hard soap, and one teaspoonful of snuff or fine tobacco, then add one teaspoonful of burnt salt and one of Indian meal and apply to the part affected." The records of per- sonal business transactions also appear. But in June, 1834, 424 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS "the church appointed four brethren to transcribe the church book, leaving out all that the church now believes unneces- sarily committed to record." The second Saturday in June, 1832, the church debated the question, "What encouragement should be granted young gifts by the church?" It was decided that it was the duty of every individual member to teach the Scriptures to the best of his ability, and those having the ability to teach publicly should be given letters of recommendation by the church. In December, 1834, some parties wished to be married, so a few members of the church met on the 11th of that month and "appointed Alex. Reynolds to solemnize the right." But the following month the church took time by the forelock for the matrimonial business and authorized Joseph and Isaac Murphy, in addition to Elijah Davidson and William Whitman, who had been previously appointed, "to solemnize the right of matrimony." In December, 1838, the church granted one, J. R. Melton, this right, but the fol- lowing ]\Iarch they examined his case, found him to be an impostor and excluded him from the church. In May, 1834, the congregation received by immersion "Bro." Richard, a colored man ; in 1838, Sister Polly, a col- ored woman, and in 1843 by commendation Sister Susan Richardson, a colored woman. This church grew and prospered. It had the word, the spirit and the blessings of the Lord. In its earlier years it was served by Mins. Alexander Davidson, Levy Hatchett. Pat- rick H. Murphy, J. W. Butler, J. C. Reynolds, L. S. Wal- lace, George W. Lucy, S. T. Shelton and Alexander John- son, who were all farmers. Two deacons were chosen in 1833, but not till 1850 was an elder elected in the person of Samuel Shelton. In 1839 three swarms went out from the fruitful hive. The second Sunday in February the church granted permission to organ- ize a congregation "across the creek." This became the Talbot Creek Church. The last Lord's Day in March, twenty-two persons received letters who became the nucleus CHURCHES 425 of the Monmouth Church. June 26 there were twenty-six persons who received letters and formed the Meredian Church. These Christians aimed to be strictly apostolic, but only with the passing years did they come to see some minor matters clearly. In the late thirties Elijah Goodwin, of Indiana, visited the congregation and preached one Lord's Day morning. Then a leading brother, presiding at the table, proceeded to break the loaf into small pieces con- venient for each to take one. Whereupon, Mr. Goodwin spoke aloud: "Don't, brother. Let the disciples break the bread." The effect was like a thunderbolt from a clear sky. Silence brooded for a minute. Then the people saw, and from that time the custom was changed. On one Sunday morning the congregation met for worship, but the preacher failed to come, so a social meeting was held. During the singing of the closing hymn, a stranger, who was passing through to another State, went forward to accept Jesus as his Saviour. The leaders were puzzled ; so they sent the stranger back to his seat in the chapel, extended the cus- tomary invitation and announced the invitation hymn. Then the earnest traveler was received according to their custom and went on his way rejoicing. The brethren had to be "regular." When Mr. Campbell preached in the State before rail- ways were built, he was often conveyed from place to place by friends. One of these called his attention to the great fertility of the soil and the wealth that would be produced from it. He replied : "Yes, but how hard it will be for the people to live as Christians." Naturally, there was a wide- spread wish to see him and hear him preach. A crowd of people waited to welcome him. In it was a man of bucolic habits who, as the great preacher approached, said to his wife: "Arise, Peggy, and behold him with your natural eyes." In 1860 the old chapel was moved from Coldbrook to Cameron. In 1890 a new house was built. Since then Clark H. Marsh was given to the ministry. 426 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Coldbrook No. 2 (Cameron). Organized 1839; present membership, 200; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $4,200; Bible-school enrollment, 114. The Talbot Creek Church was formed in the northeast corner of Monmouth Township at the home of William Hopper, March 3, of forty-three members, most of whom were of the mother congregation and five miles northeast of it. Some of the ministers who resided near the Talbot Creek congregation and were members of it were S. L. and Thomas Wallace, John E. and Joseph E. Murphy and F. M. Bruner. In 1845 the congregation built a small frame chapel. In 1860 a more commodious house was built two miles east and one mile south of the former place, which is four miles north of Cameron. Here a modern frame build- ing was erected in 1895. The name Talbot Creek gave place to Coldbrook. This is three miles nearly north of the first place of this name. It is a living and flourishing country congregation. Gerlaw. Organized 1859; present membership, 100; value of prop- erty, including parsonage, $8,000; Bible-school enrollment, 109. In 1859 a number of members from the Talbot Creek Church organized at Mauch's Grove, a few miles north. When the railway was built and the town started, the meet- ing-place was changed to Gerlaw. At a critical time in this congregation, Min. J. W. Kelsey rendered very helpful service. Monmouth. Organized 1839; present membership, 930; value of prop- erty, $30,000; Bible-school enrollment, 247. This congregation was a child of the Coldbrook Church. In March of this year twenty-two persons received letters and these became the charter members of the Monmouth CHURCHES 427 Church. This city is the center of United Presbyterianism ill Illinois. The Christian Church has grown slowly but steadily to influence. Pastor D. E. Hughes has served it well for more than a decade. Rosevillc. Present membership, 160; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible-school enrollment, 73. Yoiingstoivn. Present membership, 230; value of property, $2,500; Bible-school enrollment, 80. WASHINGTON COUNTY. Ashley. Organized 1871, by John A. Williams; present member- ship, 90; value of property, $800; no Bible school. Mr. Williams conducted a series of meetings in the Bap- tist chapel, but formed the Christian congregation in the residence of Robert Coffey. The charter members were G. W. Cammack and wife, Thomas Graves, Byron Marrow and wife, Wallace Coffey and wife. Drew Foster and wife, Mollie Hammond and I. J. Reeder and wife. For years the church did good service, but is now feeble in every way. It gave F. M. Morgan and one other to the ministry. This was the early Christian home of J. F. Winters, who has been for many years one of the most helpful members of the First Church in Lincoln, Neb. WAYNE COUNTY. Baily. Organized 1867, by Jas. A. Chowning; present member- ship, 65; value of property, $1,000. For eighteen years this congregation met for worship in residences, groves and schoolhouses. In 1885 a chapel was built on the farm of Daniel Logan. 428 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS To the ministry this little congregation has given Daniel Logan, Samuel and Charles L. Wood. The latter is reported as a strong and effective preacher and a member now (1913) of the State Legislature. Beech Bluff (Fairfield). Organized 1912, by Wylie H. Keen; present member- ship, 26; no church property; Bible-school enrollment, 70. This congregation, located about six miles southeast of Fairfield, is one of its children. Black Oak (Fairfield). Organized 1909; no church building. This is a mission point of the Fairfield Church. It is six miles east and north of there. It was organized with forty-five members and did well for several years. Then a traveling preacher of the ultra-conservatives came in and measurably crippled its usefulness. Boyleston. Organized 1890; value of property, $800. This is a child of the Fairfield Church, six miles west. In this small village five denominations sought to control. The house was completed in 1892 and the little church prom- ised good until an ultra-conservative preacher came in and divided them. Buckeye (Jeffersonville). Organized 1840; present membership, 85; value of prop- erty, $500; Bible school began 1869; present enrollment, 73. In 1839 a number of families emigrated from Columbiana, Carroll and Stark Counties, O., and settled in Lamard Prairie. All of these were Disciples. Among them there were Jesse Milner, Isaac and Edward Whitaker, Jonas and F^entore Lumm, John MoHan, Martin Emmons. Noah Towns, James McNeeley, John Skelton, James A. Maslan and Townsend Richards. About the same time a few fami- CHURCHES 429 lies came from Tennessee and settled in the same neighbor- hood. Among them were the Butcher and Candle families, Edward Puckett and others, who were also members of the Christian Church. At that time Lamard Prairie was very sparsely settled, there being only a few squatters there. There was neither church nor school near this settlement. The first work of these settlers was to locate their homes, build their houses and clear up a little land for cultivation. Their next work was to build a house that would answer the double purpose of school and church. They called this house "Buckeye," and it still stands as a memorial of those royal pioneers. It is not now known all who went into this church, but among them were a number of preachers who did good work in establishing the primitive gospel in this and adjoining counties. Buckeye was indeed a glorious and fruitful mother. About thirty ministers have served here. The chapel was built in 1871. In 1850-52 another large immigration came from central Ohio and settled in the western part of Lamard Township. Among them were Isaac and George Brock and John Bunt- ing. The two last named were preachers who helped much in building up the Christian Church. Cisne. Organized 1854, by Peter Stine and George Brock; pres- ent membership, 150; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1878; present enrollment, 140. This church was organized at the Way Schoolhouse, where it met until 1874, when it moved to Cisne. The house was built the previous year. George Brock, Peter and Stephen Stine, J. C. Ashley, Michael and John Flick and others came from Monroe County, O., in the forties and early fifties and settled near the site of Cisne. They were all Disciples. They all knew the Bible. Many of them carried a copy of the New Testa- ment in their pockets and were prepared to give a "thus saith the Lord" for all doctrinal questions. They wielded a 430 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS molding influence in the community and left a rich legacy to their posterity. Oscar Eaton entered the ministry here. The congregation has steadfastly discouraged all games of amusement. Fairfield. Organized 1853, by J. C. Ashley; present membership, 320; value of property, $5,000; Bible school began 1878; present enrollment, 225. The beginning of the record is this: The names of the members of the Church of God in Fairfield, Wayne County, Illinois. The following named persons met and organized upon the Word of God alone as the only Rule of Faith and Practice, constituted this the 18th day of October, A. D. 1853. Min- ister present. Elder J. C. Ashley. Names of Disciples: William McNeely appointed Deacon ; Sampson Wickersham, George W. Tur- ney, J. IM. Kenner, America Kenner, Cyntha i\nn Edmonson, Antha Wickersham, Bridget E. McNeely, James T. Organ, James Austin, R. P. King, Parlia Ann Ayles, Virginia Spooner, Edwin A. Spooner, Ermess Organ, Charles Lichtenberger and Jane his wife. Meetings for worship were held in residences, court- house, opera-hall and Cumberland Presbyterian Church until 1883, when a building was erected. Harry Holmes and J. C. Hall were given to the ministry. This church has been exceptionally wise in establishing three congregations in its adjacent territory. It is still fruit- ful in all good works. Frame (Mill Shoals). Organized 1842 ; present membership, 65 ; value of prop- erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 60. About 1842 a few Disciples from Tennessee settled in and around Turney's Prairie, about six miles south of Fair- field, and formed a congregation in the Walker Schoolhouse. This is now known as Frame. Some of the charter members were William Boye, P. J. and Thomas Puckett, Joseph Odell, John Shruseberry and Anderson Walker. They toiled CHURCHES 431 together and met great opposition in building up primitive Christianity in their community. Jeffersonville. Organized 1861, by D. D. Miller; present membership, ^2>', value of property, $1,600; Bible school began 1871; present enrollment, 98. The church was organized in the schoolhouse and set in order when the house of worship was occupied in 1871. At this time, Jasper Branch, Jesse Ward and John Morlan were chosen elders and continued for many years true serv- ants of the Lord. The church has the honorable credit of giving to the min- istry the Lappin brothers — S. S., J. C. and W. O. Lappin — also Daniel Logan, Jr. Organized 1911. Middleton (Keenes). Present membership, 85 ; Bible-school enrollment, 100. Mount Erie. Organized 1911, by O. M. Eaton; present membership, 52; value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1911 ; pres- ent enrollment, 125. This congregation was the result of a series of meetings held by Evangelist O. M. Eaton. The church building was erected in 1912. L G. Williams is serving the church as Oakwood (Goldengate). Organized 1895; present membership, 130; value of prop- erty, $2,000; Bible school began 1908; present enrollment, 250. A congregation was organized in a barn in the village of Goldengate. The ministers present and participating were Z. A. Harris, H. H. Peters and C. L. Wood. Meetings for public worship were held in the public-school house, which after a time was closed against the Disciples. The congre- 432 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS gation, being then without a house in which to meet, dis- banded. In 1908, Min. I. G. WilHams held a meeting in the Oakwood Schoolhouse, two and a half miles north of the village, and in the same year Min. W. H. Keen organized a congregation there. A good chapel was built. Pleasant Grove (Jeffersonville). Organized 1854, by J. C. Ashley; present membership, 200; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1870. This congregation was a swarm from the old Buckeye hive. It is four miles west of Buckeye and was formed for the convenience of the members residing in the community and for the purpose of extending the gospel. Among the charter members there were George and Isaac Brock, Joseph Phillips, Townsend and Sylvester Richards, George Sim- mons, Robinson Lappin, Henry Henthorn and Jesse Ward. This church is apostolic in its faith and practice. From the first there have been men in the congregation able to speak to edification. It has turned out a good many preach- ers, but not of the professional class. It has preaching one Sunday in the month, but the communion service has not been omitted ten times in fifty years, except on unusual occa- sions. Quietly and without discord, the work has moved steadily on through fifty years. A goodly number of the men and women who received their Christian training in this country church are now scattered from Ohio to the Pacific Coast, but they are in the front ranks of useful service. A plain frame chapel, built in 1866, is still in use. About fifty preachers have served here. Pleasant Hill (Cisne). Organized 1873 ; present membership, 65 ; value of prop- erty, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 60. This congregation is located four miles northeast of Cisne. There was preaching in the community from 1855 by Ministers Schooley, Jerry Butcher and Barney Robertson. When the chapel was built, the church was organized with CHURCHES 433 about twenty charter members. Meets every Lord's Day for worship with or without a preacher. Rinard. Organized 1909, by E. E. Violett and Adam K. Adcock ; present membership, 40; value of property, $1,700; Bible school began 1909; present enrollment, 48. Church building occupied in 1910. S. E. Fugate has entered the ministry. Six Mile. This is one of the oldest churches in the west side of the county. Willard T. Luther, Wm. Hill, H. Swan, Rose Rich and others did the early preaching. But its growth was due to John Wright, the first elder, and Samuel Wood, a young man and one of the first converts. Besides Samuel Wood, the congregation has sent out Charles L. Wood and W. W. Solomon as ministers. T limey's Prairie. Organized 1839, by Moses and Elijah Goodwin; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1845. This congregation was formed at the Anderson Walker Schoolhouse. It is not known when the first house of wor- ship was built. The present is a neat frame chapel, where the members meet regularly. J. T. Purvis has entered the ministry. Wayne City. Organized 1887, by J. S. Rose; present membership, 125; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1888; present enrollment, 70. The congregation was organized in the M. E. Church. There were sixty charter members. J. M. Lee, J. C. Ashley and W. W. Reid were chiefly instrumental in the formation of the church, and its first elders. There is a ladies' aid and Y. P. S. C. E. 434 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Zif (Clay City). Organized 1878, by J. C. Black and W. W. Weedon; present membership, 42; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1878; present enrollment, 31. Congregation met in residences and schoolhouse till the chapel was built in 1896. In former years there were churches at Barnhill, from which came W. W. Weedon ; Gum, that gave W. M. Garri- son and Leander Harrington to the ministry ; at Brown's, at Blue Point, at Brush Creek, at Pleasant Hill, at Gethsemane and other points, but by reason of emigration and new con- gregations springing up in new villages grown by railroads, all these organizations have disappeared. WHITE COUNTY. Ashland (Mill Shoals). Organized 1883, by W. H. Johnson; present membership, 57; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1883; pres- ent enrollment, 40. This is a country church in the northwest part of the county. The congregation was formed under the lead of Mr. Johnson as president of the County Co-operation. George B. Carter gave for a building-place an acre of ground from the corner of his farm, on which there was a fine grove of ash-trees ; hence the local name of the church. The house was built in 1884. Bryant's Valley (Crossvllle). Present membership, 100; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 100. Carmi. Organized 1851, by P. K. Dibble; present membership, 125; value of property, $20,000; Bible-school enrollment, 130. The twelve charter members were as follows: Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Hay, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Hay, Mr. and CHURCHES 435 Mrs. D. G. Hay, Airs. Mary Robinson, Mrs. Sarah Kearney, Mrs. Robert Gamble, Miss Susan Wood, Miss Mary DeTest and Miss Shoemaker. At first meetings were held in the courthouse. Many came into the church. The first house was a small brick, built in 1852; the second, a frame, built in 1867, and the third and present modern edifice in 1905, during the pastor- ate of Frank Thompson. Alfred Flower was the first pastor. The church is active and ambitious for the highest use- fulness. These members of this church have served the county: Jesse Grissom as treasurer, William Poynton as circuit clerk, Arthur Poynton as deputy, and Otis Downen as deputy county clerk. Mrs. Mary Robinson was the widow of Gen. John M. Robinson, who served in the United States Senate from Illi- nois from 1830 to 1841 and was a justice of the State's Supreme Court when he died. Enfield. Organized 1868, by W. H. Crow; present membership, 77', value of property, $1,800; Bible school began 1868; present enrollment, 55. Jonah Marian and Naomi, his wife, were the leading spirits in this organization. He, Jacob Fleck and J. B. Holmes were the first elders. Mr. Crow resided in Enfield at the time. He was teaching in the public school as well as preaching. Other faithful members were Mr. Stile, Tolvin Rice, G. W. Berry and J. B. Odell. There were faithful sisters too. The chapel was built in 1890. Grayville. Organized 1840, by Elijah Goodwin : present member- ship, 165; value of property, $5,000; Bible-school enroll- ment, 164. Minister Goodwin began to preach in Grayville in 1837. The following were the seven charter members: Daniel 436 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Buckley and wife, Jeremiah Ruth and wife, Martha Lumb, Sarah Mills and her sister, later Mrs. B. W. Kenner. Mr. Buckley was the first elder, Mr. Ruth the first deacon. Besides Mr. Goodwin, among the preachers of the earlier years there were Andrew Beard, D. K. Biddle, Moses Good- win, J. W. Allen, W. P. Slade, Mr. Goff and W. F. Black. The first building was erected in ' 1844 and the present one in 1872, the latter during Mr. Allen's pastorate. The church has passed through many trials, but is now alert and active. Its roll has many honored names. Mill Shoals. Organized 1911, by themselves; present membership, 62; value of property, $1,200; Bible school began 1911; present enrollment, 50. Disciples residing here had owned a lot for some time. In 1911 they decided to build thereon and a neat frame chapel went right up. Then they organized and began to keep the ordinances of the Lord. The outlook is bright. The elders are J. B. Johnson, L. D. Harland and Goodwin Bucket. Seven Mile (Carmi). Organized 1839, by Moses Goodwin ; present membership, 90; value of property, $800: Bible-school enrollment, 70. This church, located six miles northwest of Carmi, was one of the pioneer churches of White County. The follow- ing is a copy of a paper that was written by one of the orig- inal members, Dr. Martin Johnson : "The Christian Church at Seven-mile Prairie was organized on the 24th day of February, A. D. 1839, by Elder Moses Goodwin, upon the following constitution : to-wit : 'We take the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the onlv rule of our faith and practice.' " Those who then sigrned this agreement were Arthur Johnson, Lucy Johnson, John Johnson, Polly John- son, A. L. Johnson, Luranah Johnson, Martin John- son and Comfort Johnson. These eight people — and other CHURCHES 437 baptized believers who later affiliated with them — came from the Old Union Church of the Christian Denomination in Gibson County, Ind. Another entry, on August 21, of records show that there were twenty-eight members, that Moses Goodwin had moved to the Prairie and united with the church, and that he and A. L. Johnson were elders of the congregation, with John and James M. Johnson, deacons. Hon. W. H. Johnson, of Lancaster, 111., writing of these people and this church, says: My great-grandfather, Arthur Johnson, and wife, and my grand- father, John Johnson, and his wife, original or charter members of the Seven Mile Prairie Church, had bean charter members of the Old Union Church in Indiana, which organized over one hundred years ago. About the time the church in Seven Mile Prairie was organized, Elder Moses Goodwin succeeded in bringing Old Union Church, as a whole, into what was called the Campbell Reformation. Elijah Goodwin, whose mother (then the wife of my Grandfather Johnson), brother Moses and two sisters (Mrs. Luranah Johnson and Mrs. Axie Crabtree) lived in the Prairie, often visited the neighbor- hood and preached here. Moses Goodwin and Fenton Lumm, both natural orators and splendid preachers, lived in Seven Mile Prairie and their labors took in all the surrounding country. My uncle, Arthur Johnson, one of the first elders, was an able preacher and a strong defender of the faith, but never became an evangelist. He conducted three public discussions successfully. Frank Murdock, S. F. Rogers. Barton W. Kello and Isaac Kello were faithful ministers sent out by Old Seven Mile Prairie Church. There have been three chapels. The first of logs, with a long shed on the south side, built on the land of John Johnson. The second, a frame, near the east end of the ijridge over the creek. The third stands on the Carmi and Mill Shoals Road nearly a mile east of the second house. This church has contributed much to the production of other congreg^ations. Its members held clearly defined con- victions of Christian truth and were filled with the spirit of conquest. Spnngerfon. Present membership, 100; value of property, $1,000; Bible-school enrollment, 84. 438 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS WHITESIDE COUNTY. Coleta. Organized 1847, by Henry Howe and John Yager; pres- ent membership, 71; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1855 ; present enrollment, 73. In 1837 the Yager family came from Ohio and settled in Genesse Grove, about three miles from the site of Coleta. The Stanley, Crum and Nance families, from dif- ferent places, soon followed. John Yager, then a young farmer and minister, began to preach at the Grove and to the widely separated pioneers more or less regularly. Min. Henry Howe came down from Wisconsin and held a pro- tracted meeting. Then the church was formed with the following members : John Yager and wife, Mrs. Rose Ann Crum- Wick, John Moxley and wife, Mrs. Margaret Ann Crum- Wick, Miss Rose Ann Crum, Clement D. Nance and wife, Airs. David Nance, Benjamin Tripp, Mrs. Sarah Jane Crum- Stanley and Samuel Landis and wife. The following were converted during Mr. Howe's meeting: Thomas J. Stanley and wife, Pleasant Stanley, Wm. Stanley and wife, David Nance, John T. Crum, John Hill, John Shepherd and wife, Miss Ruth Nance, Nathaniel Landis, Mr. Sperling and wife, and Dr. Hopkins and wife. These thirty were the charter members. This meeting was held in the house of John Mox- ley. The place of baptizing was Moxley's Ford, and was for many years. To these were soon added Wm. Crum and wife, John Tryer and wife. Dr. Dodd and wife, C. W. Sher- wood and wife, Oscar Royer and wife, Fred Strand and wife, Henry Mason and wife, James Mason and wife, C. B. Peugh and wife, and Mrs. Polly Harrison, who came from North Carolina and was well known for her fidelity to the Lord's work. John Yager and Clement D. Nance were the Scriptural elders for many years. The first deacons were Thompson and William Crum and David Nance. The first meetings were held in the cabins of the settlers, CHURCHES 439 next in the schoolhouse till 1864, when a chapel was built, mainly by John Yager. This gave place to a more modern building in Coleta about 1885. C. W. Sherwood, E. J. and F. B. Stanley were given to the ministry. This congregation was composed of substantial people and exerted a fine influence in its own community. It was a willing helper in establishing churches of Christ in that part of the State. r- • trie. Organized 1870, by J. N. Smith and Chas. W. Sherwood; present membership, 100; value of property, $4,200; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 58. In the early sixties, Erie was known chiefly for its sand- fleas and Jim Pratt, a local and noted infidel. His aim was to run every preacher out of the town who tried to preach the gospel there. Whereupon, at the solicitation of Mr. Matthews, a loyal and royal Disciple, Pastor J. N. Smith came down from Lanark and ground Mr. Pratt through the mill of a public debate. The next spring, Mr. Smith returned and organized a church with thirteen charter mem- bers. Of these, Luther Alatthews and Mrs. Carrie Matthews-Greidly are the only survivors. They first met in the schoolhouse. In 1871 an old chapel was bought and remodeled. Later, a good house was built. Among those who served the congregation there were John Yager, L. D. Waldo, D. J. Howe, T. B. Stanley and Mrs. Clara C. Babcock. The feeble condition of the church led Mrs. Babcock to take up its care. She served it three terms, aggregating fourteen years. Fulton. Organized 1896, by N. S. Haynes and Mrs. C. C. Bab- cock; present membership, 40; Bible school began 1896; present enrollment, 45. The church has never secured a firm hold in the com- munity. It has given Frank Bear to the ministry. 440 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Rock Falls. Organized 1905, by H. E. Monser and W. E. Spicer; present membership, 200; value of property, $2,300; Bible school began 1897; present enrollment, 272. About 1890, Arthur Babcock, son of Mrs. C. C. Babcock, gathered together in his own home a number of children who were not attending Sunday school. The number grew to near one hundred. An appeal to the general public for means to build a chapel was well answered. Mr. Morrell gave the lot. Mrs. Babcock conducted a meeting of days at the dedication and about twenty were added to the Sterling Church. The organization of the Rock Falls congregation was delayed till 1905. Elmer Frost and Walter Miner became ministers. Sterling. Organized 1875, by Knowles Shaw and J. J. Moss; pres- ent membership, 276; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1875 ; present enrollment, 163. The churches of Christ in northern Illinois, though few in numbers, have always been aggressively missionary. They led in and financed the effort that produced the Sterling Church. Evangelist Knowles Shaw conducted a tent meeting that continued thirty-three days. There were about seventy-five charter members. For five Lord's Days the Coleta congregation came en masse, bringing provisions to feed all the hungry, and for three Sundays the Pine Creek Church did the sa^ie. The first elders were W. F. Eastman, J. S. Detweiler and Geo. W. Nance, and the first deacons, R. B. Colcord and J. D. Nance. Six great meetings have been held by evangelists since the first one. The church has given to public service Mi«=s Mary Kings- bury, a missionary in India ; Mrs. Clara C. Babcock, G. W. Pearl, S. H. Zendt, L. O. Lehman and Miss Rachel Crouch. CHURCHES 441 In 1880 the State Board fostered the church by $360 and Peter Whitmer, of Bloomington, by $400, both on condi- tion that the congregation purchase and pay for a chapel, which was done. Tampico, Organized 1900, by J. S. Clements; present membership, 95; value of property, $3,500; Bible school began 1900; present enrollment, 60. This year the State Mission Board sent Knox P. Taylor here to hold a two weeks' Bible-school institute on condition that the Yorktown congregation follow up with a meeting. This was done, but it cost Yorktown thirty of its own members. WILL COUNTY. JoHet First. Organized 1897, by John Williams ; present membership, 50; value of property, $8,200, Bible school began 1897; present enrollment, 45. There were twenty-one charter members. The house of worship was finished and dedicated free from debt in 1905. This was largely due to the liberality of Col. D. H. Darling and his wife, who were devoted members of the church. Slow but steady progress is made now. In 1905 the Central Church was organized with forty- two members by Sec. J. Fred Jones. It grew out of a fac- tional spirit and after a short period disbanded. WILLIAMSON COUNTY. The early churches were organized in residences, groves and schoolhouses. Some of them were short-lived, but served as seed-sowers in planting the primitive gospel. The exact dates can not be given, but they were planted in about the following order and principally by the men named below : About 1840 a church was formed in the Pulley settlement, northeast of Marion; one in the Grain settlement, west of 442 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Marion; one in the Goodall settlement, east of Marion; another north of Spillertown, where a log chapel was built. Then came the Lake Creek Church in the northern part of the county and Bond Church in the northwest corner. These all served their time and have long since become extinct. Wm. H. Willford, of Tennessee, was one of the first Christian ministers who came to this county. About 1840 he located near Crab Orchard. He owned the first printing- press in the county and issued a small paper called the Western Monitor. He also published a few books and preached the gospel. Arch T. Benson, a Marion merchant, preached the gospel from house to house in a very acceptable and sympathetic manner. Among others of the early preachers were Dr. Bundy and William Spiller, of Marion; Cyrus Heape, of Tamaroa ; Mathew Wilson, of Carterville, and Isaac and Newton Mulkey, of Mulkeytown. Carterville. Organized 1885, by J. J. Hudson ; present membership, 290; value of property, $10,000; Bible school began 1885; present enrollment, 225. Met in hall till chapel v/as built in 1888. The commo- dious brick structure came recently. Active church, with good C. E. ^ 7 ca • Creal Springs. Organized 4895, by J. J. Bobbitt; present membership, 50; value of property, $700; Bible school began 1895; pres- ent enrollment, 40. A product of the Eighth District. Only a Bible school has been maintained for several years. Fordville (Carterville). Oreanized 1868, by Mathew Wilson ; present member- ship, 25; value of property, $500; Bible school began 1870; present enrollment, 74, CHURCHES 443 Three miles southwest of Carterville. When Mr. Wilson reached the community to preach, it was dark and no one- had brought a light. He began by saying: "Seeing that you people are in darkness, I will proceed to give you the light of the gospel." The chapel was built in 1870. Repeated swarms from this Christian hive have reduced its numbers. H err in. Organized 1864, by Samuel Wilson; present membership, 145; value of property, including parsonage, $5,000; Bible school began 1864; present enrollment, 184. Meetings were held in the schoolhouse till 1867, when a modest chapel was built. It gave way in 1898 to the present building. The original members were Newton Bradley, Samuel Stotlar, William and Louisa Williams ; George, Nathan and Sarah J. Cox; Eliza Spillar, Eliza Stotlar and ''Grandma" Lawrence. Johnson City. Organized 1904, by Gilbert Jones ; present membership, 90; value of property, $2,000; Bible school began 1904; present enrollment, 54. This congregation \vas the result of a five weeks' meeting conducted by District Evangelist Jones. There were sixty charter members. The chapel was built at once. Mr. Jones w^orked thereon in the daytime and preached at night. This task, including manual and ministerial labor, was the gift of Mr. Jones. Marion. Organized 1865, by H. T. Banta and A. T. Benson ; pres- ent membership, 430; value of property, including parsonage, $18,500; Bible school began 1865; present enrollment, 213. The house of worship was erected in 1875 and remodeled in 1901. A goodly number of representative people have always belonged to its membership. 444 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Reeves. Organized 1905, by F. L. Davis ; present membership, 125; value of property, $2,000; Bible-school enrollment, 80- Chapel built in 1896. Irregular preaching. Shiloh (Marion). Organized 1866, by Mathew Wilson ; present membership, 100; value of property, $800; Bible-school enrollment, 48. Three miles north of Marion. Organized in a grove. Have done good work and do yet. West Chapel (Carbondale). Organized 1897, by F. M. Phillips ; present membership, 35; value of property, $800; Bible school began 1899; pres- ent enrollment, 60. This is six miles south of Carterville. Organized in schoolhouse. Chapel built in 1894. A congregation at Grange Hall, and another at Rairs Grove, both having chapels, have ceased to meet. WINNEBAGO COUNTY. Rockford. Organized 1856, by A. P. Jones and Wm. Hayden ; pres- ent membership, 291; value of property, $25,000; Bible- school enrollment, 369. There were thirty-five charter members in this organiza- tion. The church made feeble progress and disappeared in the early nineties. The property was sold for debt. Other Disciples moved into the city and the Central Christian Church was formed by Min. L. E. Prather in 1898. During the seven years' pastorate of O. F. Jordan, a stone chapel was bought and paid for, but durin^f the next ministry, that of W, B. Ward, this property was sold and the present prop- erty, better located, was bought. Wm. B. Clemner, the pres- ent well-equipped and efficient pastor, led in the erection of this fine building. CHURCHES 445 WOODFORD COUNTY. The county-seat of Woodford has had three locations. This fact has naturally led to changes in population. The first was Versailles, located four miles southeast of Eureka, the second, Metamora, and the third. Eureka. There was a congregation of Christians at Versailles in the early years, and also a second one when the place had become wholly rural, but both passed away. At Metamora there was for- merly a self-supporting church of Christ, but later the com- munity became so Romanized that only a union church has been maintained for two decades. The Panther Creek congregation was the second church of Christ formed in the county, according to the testimony of Mr. Aaron A. Richardson. It was located about five miles southeast of Eureka and about six miles southwest of Secor. It was organized about 1840, with Amos Watkins and James Robeson, elders, and Warren Watkins one of the deacons. The first meeting was held in the residence of Amos Wat- kins, says Mr. Richardson. "The first time I ever remember being at church was in this house. John Hibbs preached the sermon. My grandmother united and Elmia and Martha Watkins were baptized that day." This church continued until about 1860. Many of its members had moved away. Of the remainder, some went to Secor, others to Palestine. Palestine congregation was located about seven miles east and south of Eureka. The meeting-house of the Panther Creek Church was moved there. It carried on its work for about fifty years, but has ceased to be. A congregation was formed at Cram's Schoolhouse, about two and one-half miles northeast of the site of Secor. This was probably about 1848, as the McCords, Patricks and Eillberrys were among its members. This was known as the Panther Grove Church. Sympson Y. Barnard and Wm. Perry were the first elders. Meetings were later held in Willow Tree Schoolhouse and finally moved to the village of Roanoke. 446 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS There was a flourishing church at Bowhng Green, a vil- lage eight miles southeast of Eureka, in the early fifties. For some years this was the home of Min. James Robeson. This congregation long since passed away. The Partridge congregation was located west of Meta- mora, but conservatism finally closed its doors. Caccjwz'ia. Organized 1903, by E. O. Sharp ; Bible school began 1903. The church at Washburn planted a mission here. The meetings were held in a storeroom, the use of which was given by its owner, Mr. C. B. Pickerell. Mr. Sharp was the evangelist of the Fourth ]\Iissionary District when the organ- ization was effected with twenty-seven members. Thereafter, the preaching was by the pastors of the Washburn congre- gation and Eureka College students. During the ministry of B. L. Wray, a substantial chapel was built, the church became self-supporting and was fairly prosperous. But removals and death soon weakened it. Now the congregation is made up of members of various denominations and is ministered to by Fred Carr, of Eureka. El Paso. Organized 1864, by John Lindsav : present membership, 250; value of property, $12,000; Bible school began 1864; present enrollment, 125. For twenty years this church was feeble. The following was the beginning: We, the undersigned disciples of Christ, do hereby constitute our- selves into a congregation of Christ for the purpose of worshiping God together in El Paso, taking the Bible as our rule of faith and practice, and to be known and styled the Christian Church in El Paso, Illinois. The forty names which were subscribed were these: J. 11., Juliett, Mary L. and L. B. Moore ; M. R. Bullock, John and Margaret Canfield, Jane and Alice Dixon, Maggie Him- mond, Jackson Luttril, Sarah C. Bayles, Lucenda and Evar- CHURCHES 447 gatine McLord, Mary Packard, Elizabeth King, M. Potter; F. J., S. J., Martha and Maria Barnard ; Mary Ann Stephen- son, Mary Brewer, Amanda J. WilHs, John and Hannah D. Hibbs, Mary Smith, Ehzabeth O'Neal, Esther Reeves, M. W. and Julia Y. Thompson, Hannah Montgomery, D. P. and M. A. Harber, Agnes and Elmira Gibson. John Hibbs and D. P. Harber were chosen elders, with F. T. Barnard and (afterward) Cyrus Gibson, deacons. This meeting was held at 10:30 a. m. on July 4, 1864. John Lindsay and James Robeson both preached. The church was then constituted by the labors of Mr. John Lind- say, working in the service of the Woodford County Co-operation. J. H. Moore, Chairman. A small frame chapel was built in 1865. The pulpit was supplied for fifteen years. But El Paso did not increase in population as rapidly as it was surmised at that time that every railroad crossing would. The church lapsed from the spring of 1881 to December, 1886. Then E. J. Lampton held a meeting of days and reorganized the congregation with thirty-four members. This was the beginning of the permanent growth of the church. J. E. Jewett, J. D. Dabney and C. S. Medbury were then pastors. During the latter's ministry the congregation grew, and the present building was finished in 1895. Eureka. Organized 1832, by John Oatman ; present membership, 805; value of property, including parsonage, $23,400; Bible school began 1852; present enrollment, 526. In April, 1832, what was then known as the Walnut Grove Church of Christ was organized in the log-cabin resi- dence of Min. John Oatman, that stood about one-half mile northeast of the railway depot now there. The thirteen charter members were the following: John Oatman and Nancy, his wife, and their children, Eliza, Joseph, Clement, Jesse and Hardin Oatman ; Daniel and Rhoda Travis, Joshua and Mary Woosley, and Samuel and Rebecca Arnold. 448 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Meetings were held in the residences of the settlers, in groves and in the barns of Daniel Meek, Caleb Davidson and Ben Major until the summer of 1846, when the ''old meeting-house" was built. It stood on the spot now occupied by the Soldiers' Monument in Olio Cemetery. This build- ing was used until 1864, when a two-story brick house was erected on the site of the present structure. At that time the pulpit was filled by H. W. Everest, Dr. J. M. Allen and A. G. Ewing. The present edifice was erected in 1901 during the pastorate of N. S. Haynes. The Sunday school was organized in 1852 with Ben Major as superintendent. Previous to this a Bible class had been conducted by Min. John T. Jones, which met in the homes of its members. The school was broken up in 1852 by cholera. Mr. Oatman served the church three years. In 1836, Ben Major and Elijah Dickinson, Sr., were elected elders and continued with active efficiency until relieved by death — the former in 1852 and the latter in 1862. Min. William Davenport was the local minister of the church from 1835 to 1855. When he was away the elders led the public wor- ship. From 1855 to 1868 the pulpit was supplied, in addition to the three above named, by O. A. Burgess, C. L. Loos, William Poynter and B. W. and R. H. Johnson. In 1868, A. S. Hayden became the pastor of the congregation, serving three years. During the next fifteen years the pulpit was filled by B. J. Radford, H. W. Everest and Dr. J. M. Allen, very much the longer part of the period falling to Mr. Radford. The two brief pastorates during this period were those of J. H. Berry and B. J. Pinkerton. The pastors who succeeded were J. G. Waggoner for two terms, W. H. Cannon, N. S. Haynes, A. W. Taylor and D. H. Shields. Great special meetings were held with the congregation by Evangelists D. P. Henderson, James Robeson, Alexander Proctor, William Davenport, Knowles Shaw and George F. Hall. This has been, and is yet, one of the great churches of CHURCHES 449 the State. For eighty years it has been noted for its cheer- ful hospitality, generous liberality and its manifold good works. Minonk. Organized 1865, by John Roberts; present membership, 69; value of property, $3,200; Bible school began 1867; present enrollment, 75. The first meetings were held in the old East Side School- house once a month, alternating with the Baptists, Presby- terians and Methodists. The first elders were Craigie Sharp, Sr., Jonathan Macy and Joseph F. Burt. The deacons were Wm. Norris, J. T. Taylor and J. L. Vance. The building was first occupied in 1867. It was remod- eled in 1907. About 1870 the harmony and usefulness of the congre- gation were seriously impaired by strife over the use of an organ in the public worship. The pastors were J. C. Stark, A. H. Trowbridge, J. F. Ghormley, S. D. Vawter, G. A. Miller, Paul H. Castle, F. E. Hagin, D. H. Shields and Byron Piatt. These were at intervals as death and removals depleted the membership. The church house was closed from the fall of 1897 to the close of 1904. Then W. F. Kohl, the pastor at Rutland, revived the remnant and reorganized the congregation with eighteen members. Since then, J. H. Bullock, C. D. Hougham, H. C. Reichel, Ernest Reed, Silas Jones and F. M. Morgan have served the church. R. L. Beshers is the present pastor. Clara B. Vance is the clerk. Mt. Zion (Eureka). Organized 1855, by John T. Jones and William Poynter; present membership, 40; value of property, $1,500; Bible school began 1855 ; present enrollment, 38. On April 29, in the schoolhouse which stood near the site of the present chapel, "the church of Christ, meeting 16 450 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS for worship at the head of Walnut Grove," was constituted with the following members: Joshua, Sarah V., James, T. C and Eleanor R. Jones; Jane Todd; William S., Sarah C. and Rhoda J. Magarity; Robert Carr; R. R., Mary A. and John Grady; William T., Senith A., Mary and Elijah Woos- ley; Margaret and P. Buckner Stitt; Martha, Peter, Susan and Mary Crow ; James R., Letitia A. and Adolphus G. Oat- inan ; David and Martha Harber ; Mary and Lucy W. Parke ; Mary W. and Lorenzo Bateman ; James, Nancy O., J. Pleasant and Eliza J. Mitchell; Robert, Harriett, Sarah A. and John Foster ; Robert and Mary A. Nance ; Solomon, Thomas, Wilson, Sarah A., Nathan and Sarah Tucker; Har- riett, Ellis, Caroline and Nancy J. Trunnel ; Patsey Parker, Albert U. Barber, Isaac Swearingen, Jacob A. Casart, Alonzo Pratt, William Higgens, George Davier; John C, Sarah, William, Susan and Nancy Mitchell. Most of these brought letters from "The Church of Christ, Walnut Grove." Joshua Jones, Robert Foster and Wm. S. Magarity were elected elders ; William Mitchell, James R. Oatman and Wilson Tucker, deacons; James R. Bateman, clerk, and William Mitchell, treasurer. This little congregation, located about four miles north- west of Eureka, has always held a large percentage of most excellent Christian people. About 125 preachers have ministered here. Many of them were college students who have gone forward to the first rank in the ministry. Roanoke. Organized 1872, by J. B. McCorkle; present membership, 20; value of property, $2,500; Bible school began 1872; present enrollment, 30. The first meetings were held in the old Bunch School- house, then at the Willow Tree Schoolhouse. While the meetins^s were held in these places, 1872 to 1874, Min. Rufus Gish, a "Dunkard" preacher, used to debate with Mr. McCorkle. CHURCHES 451 Mr. D. F. Fanber gave lots for the church building, and the chapel was dedicated by Dr. J. M. Allen in 1874. Min- isters McCorkle and W. C. Poynter served the congregation on alternate Sundays for several years, and the latter con- tinued his service after the decease of the former. Messrs. D. T. Fanber, C. M. Stephens, B. G. Kindig and J. R. Wilson were some of the men who did faithful work in the earlier years. Secor, Organized 1862, by James Robeson; present membership, 30; value of property, $1,000; Bible school began 1862; present enrollment, 50. Minister Robeson, assisted by Min. John Lindsay, held a meeting of days in an old corn-crib, during which over forty people turned to the Lord. The first elders were James ]\L Richardson and H. B. Mathews, and the first deacons, Aaron A. Richardson, Henry B. Smith, and Garrett and Rankin Armstrong. The congregation met for worship in the little old school- house until the chapel was built. As the years passed, an increasing percentage of Germans came into the community. The church finally divided on questions of opinion. In 1898 the conservatives received a deed to a lot that specifically proscribes the use or placing of any musical instrument on the premises, the organizing of any societies of any kind, and the permission to preach in the house by any one who favors these prohibited things. That both congregations have maintained only a feeble life under all the circum- stances is apparent. Washhurn. Organized 1864, by David Sharpies; present membership, 250; value of property, including parsonas^e, $10,500; Bible school beean 1864; present enrollment, 297. Evang-elist Sharpies was in the service of the Woodford County Co-operation when he held the meeting that resulted in the formation of this church. There were thirty charter 452 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS members, the larger part of whom came from Vernon Schoolhouse, two miles southeast, and the old Salem Church, seven miles northwest of Washburn. In 1867 a substantial building, just across the line in Marshall County, was dedicated by Min. Theodore Brooks. In 1890 it was moved to a more suitable location nearer the center of the village, remodeled and enlarged. Additional improvements were made in it during 1912. The following pastors have served the congregation: John L. McCunne, Charles Rowe, David Sharpies (two periods), Hugh B. Rice, John D. Henry, Theodore Brooks, A. P. Cobb, J. A. Brenenstuhl, R. E. Dunlap, WilHam Hay- den, W. A. Humphrey, S. S. Lappin, L H. Fuller, J. W. Kilborn, H. H. Jenner, Rochester Irwin and R. G. Jones. The church has always held its ministers in high esteem, for they have been very worthy men. From the first, it has grown in numbers and influence. No discord has ever stained its fair name nor hindered its admirable progress. It has always responded promptly to all calls for benevolent work. It is well organized and officered. It has given to the Christian ministry L. B. Pickerell, Stephen E. Fisher, Charles Richards and Gilbert Gish. Section 2. Bible Schools. The Disciples of Christ in Illinois were slower in the appreciation of the value of Sunday schools than other evangelical bodies. Their first work was to clear away the theological debris of the centuries by teaching and preaching the word of God. Very naturally, this advocacy was addressed to adult rather than to adolescent minds. Only with the passing years was the necessity and duty of child-train- ing recognized. With it came questions about methods and m.any meetings for conference and fraternal discussions. To the State Meeting that convened in Springfield, Aug. 30, 1865, Eli Fisher, evangelist in the Second District, reported: BIBLE SCHOOLS AS2 "In reference to the Sunday-school enterprise, I have to say that there is Httle interest taken in it." From the extant information, it is a fair conclusion that only from one-third to one-half of the churches of Christ in Illinois had Sunday schools at that time. All of them were primitive and many suspended during the winter. An effort was made to convene a State Assembly in the Sunday-school interest at Macomb, Feb. 19 and 20, 1868, but the attendance was more local than general. An insti- tute was held there November 11-13, the same year. The State Missionary Convention met there in 1869 and gave some attention to Sunday-school work; so also did the con- vention in Chicago in 1870. In the early seventies, Mr. L. FI. Dowling served as Sunday-school evangelist for a time. The State Convention held in Jacksonville in 1873 resolved in favor of a State Assembly in the interest of Sunday schools, to convene in the following October. It appears that this meeting did not convene until the spring of 1874, when the State Sunday-school Association was organized. Thereafter, these meetings were held for eleven years in the month of May, with limited and somewhat local attendance. At these meetings, primary questions were considered and interest in the work was stimulated. The vState Missionary Convention at Springfield, Aug. 29, 1877, declined to take t)ver the work of the State Sunday-school Association ; so it convened for its business on the morning of the 30th. Ira J. Chase was president, and that forenoon addresses were made by B. J. Radford, N. S. Haynes and J. Carroll Stark, the last named speaking on "How to Interest Children in Church Services." The total receipts for that year were $75, and the expenditures were $35. In 1882 the question of a closer relation of the two State Assemblies came up again, but with no definite results. In the early eighties a meeting of the executive committee of this Association convened at the residence of N. S. Haynes in Decatur. Its chairman, Min. J. W. Allen, said that its object was to inaugurate aggressive work in behalf 454 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS of the Sunday schools in the State. He proposed very earnestly that Mr. Knox P. Taylor be recalled from Texas and be given this business. This was done, although not a dollar for his support was in sight and offerings for all general Christian activities were then small. For about two years all the meetings of this executive committee were held in the same place where it first met, always including free entertainment. The return of Mr. Taylor to the State was a godsend. No man has ever given a superior service to Illinois. His vocabulary was limited, but his soul was large. His sincerity and piety left imperishable impressions upon all with whom he associated. Frequently his hosts saw him upon his knees in communion with his Father. He taught people by eye-gate and ear-gate, the Bible first, then methods of school work. Having come through denominationalism, he had much sympathy for his brethren who were still enmeshed therein. He believed the plain truth, and taught it as though all who heard him accepted it. Mr. Taylor continued in the active service of the Association till 1900, and thereafter as his waning strength permitted. The Association generally met in May. The following are the places that afforded free entertainment to its mem- bers, the years and additional evangelists: Sullivan, 1886, J. Jones; Decatur, 1887; no report for 1888; Jacksonville, 1889. Mr. S. W. Leffing^vell then became assistant evan- gelist, but, finding his need of a better knowledge of the Bible, he turned himself into Eureka College for a year's study under the lead of Prof. F. M. Bruner. Then he con- tmued with the Association till 1894. Charleston, 1890, J. M. Morris and David Husband; Bloomington, 1891, when the four evangelists last named reported sixty-one additions to the churches: Lawrenceville, 1892, Mrs. Sarah C. McCoy and Charles Ballard : Olney, 1893, G. W. Warner ; Carthasre, 1894; Decatur, 1895, Miss Anna M. Hale: Peoria, 1896, Miss Hale: Danville, 1897, Miss Hale; Decatur, 1898; Eureka, 1899, when the State Sunday-school Association ceased to be and its work was properly committed to the BIBLE SCHOOLS 455 State Missionary Society. Under its direction, Min. A. C. Roach worked from 1901-03. He organized missions at Bradford, Cambridge, Wyoming and Kewanee, but only the last named of the four infants survived and grew into a church. Min. M. McFarland was Bible-school evangelist in 1905, and Min. Marion Stevenson from Sept. 1, 1905, to Feb. 28, 1907. Mr. Stevenson combined a fine knowledge of the Scriptures with the best modern Bible-school methods ; hence his period of service was the beginning of clearly defined and definite aims in Bible schools. A fruitful har- vest continues to grow from his wise seed-sowing. Mr. Clarence L. DePew entered this work Oct. 1, 1907, and continues therein. His aim has been to bring the schools up to the best national ideals, first in grading them, and, second, in making them "Front Rank." Graded schools have the following classification: First, the family, which includes (1) the Home Departm.ent, who are non-attendants, and (2) the Cradle Roll, which includes infants, from birth to three years. Second, Elementary, including (I) Beginners, four and five years; (2) Primary, six to eight years; (3) Juniors, nine to twelve years. Third, Secondary: (1) Intermediate, from thirteen to sixteen years, and (2) Seniors, from seventeen to twenty years. Fourth, Adult, all over twenty years of age. A Front Rank school aims and tries to conform to the following standard: 1. Workers' conference at least monthly, using a prepared program and library. 2. Teacher-training class. 3. Graded school, using graded lessons. 4. Bibles owned generally and used in the school. 5. Organized classes. All secondary and adult classes holding International certificates. 6. Service, which includes (1) definite instruction on temperance, (2) evangelistic or direct efiforts to lead the 456 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS members of the school to become Christians, and (3) mis- sionary education and offerings. In 1911 there were 169 Front Rank schools, of which sixty-five had reached all the requirements and were awarded the seals and pennant. These numbers grew steadily, so that in July, 1913, there were 202 in the Front Rank, of which eighty-two had reached all the requirements. In 1913 there were in all the Bible schools of Illinois forty-three hundred organized adult classes, of which twelve hundred belonged to the Disciples. In the teen age they then had eighty-six organized classes. For several years they have had more than four times as many students and graduates in teacher-training than were enlisted in all other schools in the State combined. For the year closing July, 1913, they had 1,048 out of a total of 1,360 in teacher-train- ing classes in Illinois. In sixty years the Disciples have come from the foot to the head of the evangelistic class in the appreciation of and efficiency in the Bible school — one of the greatest agencies for the salvation of the world. In 1907 there were 223 that contributed $1,293 to the National Benevolent Association. To the same cause, 246 schools in 1913 contributed $3,195. There were 627 schools reported in 1913, with an aggre- gate membership of 81,576. Section 3. Christian Endeavor. The Endeavor movement was begun in February, 1881. A few years thereafter many young people in the churches of Christ in Illinois organized themselves into these societies. They were classified into Senior, Intermediate and Junior. These grew steadily. The first years were filled with the enthusiasm of youth, and in a measure the movement became interdenominational. Among the Disciples in Illinois the high tide was reached in 1897, when they had, of the three CHRISTIAN ENDEAVOR 45? classes, 577 societies, with an aggregate membership of ten thousand or more. During the later period of the Eureka Encampment, which ran from 1885 to 1899, the young people occupied a Saturday with very profitable programs. Up to that time, the sphere of the Christian Endeavor had not been clearly defined; so there was a tendency to make a church within the church. Local church officers, instead of helping and directing, generally held themselves aloof, while missionary secretaries actively encouraged separate and special contributions. The State Endeavor Society had a complement of officers. For the young people all this had an educational value. When the tide of enthusiasm reached its crest it at once began to recede. By 1905 it was decided that so many State officers were not needed ; hence they gave place to a superintendent. Min. H. H. Peters gave gratu- itous but efficient service in this position for four years, resigning in 1910. Later, State Endeavor was incorporated in the work of the State Missionary Society. In 1913 there were 284 societies reported, with an aggregate membership of 9,571. The Endeavor work has been helpful to the Disciples of Christ in Illinois. 1. It has taught many young people to take active parts in public worship and continues to train others for service. 2. To many of them it has opened the window of world-wide missions and they have seen some- thing of human needs. Their support of mission places in the State was most commendable. 3. It has cultivated the spirit of fraternity and co-operation among the young people of the various communions and has promoted the idea of Christian union. 4. The failure of some local societies in their virility or their lives has been due not so much to their unwillingness to serve, as a lack of practical encouragement by church officers. Very rarely has an Endeavor society risen above the spiritual level of the church of which it is a part. Its present need is the active and practical encourage- ment by the spiritual officers of the churches. 458 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Section 4. The Brotherhood. The organization of the Brotherhood among the Disciples of Christ was made during the National Missionary Conven- tion at New Orleans, La., in 1908. Mr. R. A. Long, of Kansas City, Mo., was the first president, and through his ability as an organizer and his financial liberality, the move- ment was given wide publicity and made good progress. The organization in Illinois was effected at the State Mis- sionary Convention at Eureka in 1909. Toller Swift served the first two years as president, and was followed by Min. J. A. Barnett to the present time. The Brotherhood aims to promote general church inter- ests. It seeks to train the men of the churches for greater and more effective service. It encourages Bible study and the organization of men into large Bible-study classes. A number of young men have already been led into the Chris- tian ministry through the observance of Men's and Boys' Day by the churches. The men have become more generally interested in missions, benevolences and educational institu- tions. Many students have been induced to attend the col- leges of the Christian Church through this agency. Investi- gation of these educational institutions and a report on their equipment and needs has been made by the National Broth- erhood. A helpful service has been afforded in the large number of conferences conducted upon men's work in the churches. It affords a common platform, program and ao:ency for the co-operation of all benevolent activities. These aims are commendable, but too general to insure the continuance of this Brotherhood in Illinois. When they determine to build up and sustain a representative Christian college, they will have an object worthy of their splendid abilities. The work of the Brotherhood, local and general, is wisely and well directed by the secretary of the National Society, Mr. E. E. Elliott, Kansas City, Mo. According to his annual MINISTERIAL ASSOCIATIONS 459 report in 1913, there were 933 local Brotherhoods affiliated with the national organization, of which over two hundred were in Illinois. Section 5. Ministerial Associations. There had been meetings of ministers of the Christian Church in Illinois previous to 1873, with varying aims. On July 14 of that year fifteen preachers from the central part of the State assembled in Springfield. This meeting was in response to a call signed by H. W. Everest, Thomas Mun- nell, and J. W. and J. B. Allen. Mr. Everest was then pastor of the Springfield Church. He stated that the object of the meeting was, if thought best, to form a Ministerial Union, the aim and work of which should be to place the State missionary work upon a better footing, and especially to devise some ways by which the weak and languishing churches could be helped. This Ministerial Association was formed the next day with A. J. Kane, president ; H. W. Everest, vice-president, and N. S. Haynes, secretary. Nine of the preachers present pledged $500 to begin the work, which was to be done under the direction of the State Missionary Society. The Minis- terial Association of Central Illinois grew in numbers and did very efficient service for a period of six years. Its sec- ond meeting was held in Jacksonville, in ^Tay, 1875 ; the third at Peoria, in May, 1876; the fourth at Normal, in May, 1877. There was a special meeting of this Association at Springfield in August, 1877, when it was decided to make the aims and work of the Association more directly ministerial than they had hitherto been. In 1878 the Association met in August at Eureka, in 1879 at Princeton, and in 1880 at Bloomington, which was the last. In the spring of 1882 the Central Illinois Ministerial Institute was oro-anized, and has continued to the present time with very helpful annual meetings. 460 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS About the same year the Ministerial Institute of the MiHtary Tract was formed. At one of its annual meetings there were present ninety-three preachers and elders. Unfor- tunately, it was permitted to die years ago. The Ministerial Institute of Southern Illinois was formed in the nineties and continues to this time. These institutes should become fixed spiritual feasts for the Christian ministers of the State. The Chicago Christian Ministerial Association. This Association was organized about 1894. It has met weekly from September to June. Its membership includes the pastors of the churches of Christ in Chicago and its environs, including Harvey on the south, Evanston on the north and Maywood on the west, with teachers and resident students of the Disciples' Divinity House. Two of the pas- tors serve on the board of the Chicago Christian Missionary Society, all of the pastors in its quarterly rallies and city mission work, and, with other representatives of the several congregations, these pastors serve in the annual city mission business session. Its members are also affiliated with the organized union for civic reform work in the city, including the Law and Order, Young People's Civic and Anti-Saloon Leagues ; also with the Laymen's Evangelistic Movement and Laymen's Missionary Council. Min. O. F. Jordan, secretary of this Ministers' Association, co-operates with the Feder- ated Council of Churches. Herbert L. Willett represented the Association on the Chicago Vice Investigation Committee. Its members also co-operate in the quarterly C. W. B. M. meetings, and some are active in the IMen and Millions cam- paign. R. E. HENRY. S. H. ZENDT. R. F. THRAPP. Committee. J. R. GOLDEN. E. M. SMITH. CHAPTER VIL BIOGRAPHIES. George F, Adams. Born in Elizaville, Ky. Died in 1884, at Blandinsville, 111. Educated in the schools of his native village and the Bible College of Kentucky University. He came to Illinois about 1870. Held several pastorates, for which work he was not well fitted, but in the evangelistic field he was an unusually brilliant and successful preacher. Many were well taught and brought into the church through his ministry. His early death came by an accidental gunshot wound. /. Buford Allen. Fleming County, Ky., 1847. 1902, Spokane, Wash. Was the youngest of three brothers who served in the Christian ministry — Dr. J. M. and J. W. Allen being the other two. Was educated in the public schools at Blooming- ton and at Eureka College. He began the study of law with Judge W. E. Nelson, of Decatur, but soon decided to enter the ministry. Besides other congregations in Illinois, he served the First Church in Springfield for a period of seven years. His health failing, he moved to Hutchinson, Kan., and later to Spokane, Wash. Mr. Allen was a clear and vigorous thinker, a sincere and frank man and an efficient preacher. John W. Allen. Kentucky, 1843. Mr. Allen was a native of Fleming County, Ky. He was well born and has always been a fine type of a Christian gentleman. After three years' service in the Federal Army, 461 462 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS during which time he "did duty" at Donaldson, Shiloh and Vicksburg, he graduated at Eureka in 1867. He ministered to the church at Grayville, 111.; served as State evangelist for one and one-half years; was pastor at Shelbyville and Jacksonville, and the following sixteen years in Chicago, two years with the South Side Christian Church, two years with the First, now a part of the iMemorial, and twelve years with the Westside, now the Jackson Boulevard Church. That was the period in which the Disciples in the commercial metropolis were coming out of religious contention, chaos and confusion into sympathetic activities and orderly co-op- eration. It was a time of stress and storm, and Mr. Allen put into it virile years of his splendid life. To no one man is our cause in Chicago more indebted for a saner spirit and better vision than to him. His ministry has always been Scriptural, unselfish, forceful, sympathetic and constructive. Since 1895 his work has been in Spokane, Wash. William G. Anderson. Jeflferson County, Ind., 1818. 1908, Colfax, 111. Came to McLean County in 1855. In 1858 he settled on a farm of 350 acres on the upper Mackinaw. When the railroad was built, the town of Colfax was located on part of his land. This, with the underlying coal, placed him in good pecuniary circumstances. Mr. Anderson received a limited education, but he had fine common sense and was devoted to duty. He preached much in the pioneer days, served as field solicitor for Eureka College five years, and was a public-spirited, progressive and aggressive citizen. John Clinton Ashley. On Atlantic Ocean, 1800. 1850, Walnut Hill, 111. ^ He was one of the pioneer preachers of the Restoration movement and a coworker with A. Campbell. He was on a missionary tour from Ohio into Illinois when he sickened and died. His body was buried at Walnut Hill. BIOGRAPHIES 463 Dr. John Kossuth Ashley. Portsmouth, O., 1824. 1905, Cisne, 111. A son of the former. Having graduated in medicine from the Ohio State University at Athens, he practiced his profession in that State for ten years. He came to Wayne County in 1856, and continued his work there till the close of his life. He was an intelligent, broad-minded and useful Christian man. The Ashley family was interesting and distinguished. John M. represented Toledo (O.) district in Congress for a long term of years, and was a trusted adviser of President Lincoln in the dark days of war. Later, he was appointed territorial governor of Montana by President Grant. E. M. Ashley was engaged in the department of public surveys for a long period. During this time he entered the land on which the city of Denver, Colo., now stands. Mrs. Alice Porter, of Albion, is a daughter of Dr. Ashley. Aaron Prince Aten. Near Eaton, O., 1839. Mr. Aten came to Illinois in 1849, where he grew up on a farm. Educated at Rochester Seminary and Abingdon College. Received the A.B. and A.M. degrees, and later the LL.D. degree from another institution. He was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1860 and has preached continu- ously since. With his ministerial service he has united edu- cational work through many years. He was pastor of the churches at Rochester and La Fayette and Abingdon, mean- while serving as principal of Rochester Seminary and eight years as professor of belles lettres in Abingdon College. From 1861-65 he was recording secretary of the T. C. M. S. and a member of its board of managers. In 1864 he was the evangelist of the society in the old Tenth District. In 1876, Mr. Aten left Illinois. Since then he has been busy in his twofold service in Texas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Kan- sas and Oklahoma. In 1913 he was pastor of the Southside 464 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Christian Church in Oklahoma City. Besides, he has done considerable editorial and literary work. It goes without saying that Mr. Aten has been a very active man, but his good habits have helped to wide and varied usefulness and continued efficiency. Elias Ayles. Was born in Washington County, O., 183L He became a Christian in 1863 and began preaching at once. He was also a railway engineer. Loss of hearing came with advanc- ing years, so that he was compelled to cease work. He is a man of fine character whose life has been filled with good works. He resides at Fairfield. Mrs. Clara Celestia Hale-Babcock. Fitchville, O., 1850. Her father was a Methodist preacher of the most rigid t3'pe. The daughter was zealous in her religious life and was quite content with the teachings of her church. She was past her twenty-fifth natal day before she ever heard a ser- mon from any other class of preachers. Curiosity led her to attend church one evening in Sterling, 111., when Evangelist Geo. F. Adams was conducting a series of meetings there. As she passed out, Mr. Adams said to her: "I hope you enjoyed the services." She made no reply. He repeated the inquiry. She answered: *1 can't say that I did." He asked her what there was in the meeting that she did not approve. Several persons had publicly confessed their faith in Christ. Waving her hand, she said: *'Is that all there is in it? Dare you make it so easy to get into Christ?" He answered: "You must be accustomed to the use of the mourners* bench." "Surely I am," she replied. He said: "You are the very woman I have been looking for. If you will bring me a Scriptural authority for it, chapter and verse, I will install it to-morrow night." She said, "I will," and passed on, Mr. Adams remarking, "You know there are no records of conversions outside of the Acts of the Apostles, A D. NORTHCUTT. JOSEPH HOSTETLER. MRS. C. C. BABCOCK. N. S. HAYNES. WILLIAM B. RYAN. BIOGRAPHIES 465 so it must be there." Mrs. Babcock did not sleep that night till she had read the Book of Acts. Not finding what she read for, in the morning she visited her pastor and asked him where she could find in God's word authority for the altar. He answered: "Where have you been? Have you been listening to that Campbellite exhorter over the river?" She said "Yes." Then he said: "He will lead you to the devil, for they are not orthodox. They don't believe in the Holy Spirit or in prayer." She replied that she had not gone from choice, "but you have not answered my question." After some other such conversation, the pastor said that the altar for those trying to come to Christ was not commanded, but the church teaches it as a good method. Then she asked: "How much does the church teach that is not in the Bible? If you have one human plan, how shall we know the divine plan? It weakens my faith." A few evenings later Mr. Babcock persuaded his wife to hear Mr. Adams again. On that occasion she witnessed Scriptural baptism for the first time, and the sermon was on baptism. Passing out, Mr. Adams asked her about the Scripture for the use of the mourners' bench. She replied frankly: "It is not there and we have no right to use it." He inquired: "Have you been baptized?" "Not according to that form," she answered. "AVill you not obey Christ in the Bible way?" he asked. She went home sad and thoughtful. The next morning she w^ent to see her pastor, who prayed with her and scolded her. "Will you immerse me?" she asked. "No, no; you have been baptized according to your father's faith and the church's teaching," he answered. She said: "What does the Bible teach? You must show me where the Scripture com- mands sprinkling or I shall go down into the water like my Saviour." A week later, Mr. and Mrs. Babcock were bap- tized by Mr. Adams. With Bible in hand, she went from door to door of her friends, many of whom turned to the Lord. She did not formally unite with the Sterling Church until she first measured its teachings and practices by the word of God. Later, she went out into the service of the W. 466 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS C. T. U. in Illinois. Being in Erie on a Sunday, she was induced to speak to the Christian congregation in the fore- noon. The presence and approval of God were so manifest that she was led to continue in the service of that congre- gation. Later, after wise counsel and mature deliberation, she was ordained to the Christian ministry in 1888. Her work proved a great blessing to the church in that part of the State. She proved herself both a good evangelist and pastor. She has conducted twenty-eight fruitful meetings and has made about fourteen hundred converts, one thou- sand of whom she baptized with her own hand. The little church of Erie she served altogether fifteen years. In that community she preached 172 funeral sermons. She w^as the first woman in Illinois to enter the Christian ministry. In all this splendid service she had the cordial moral support of her husband. After twenty-five years of this work, she has retired to the quiet of a Canadian farm home. George E. Bacon. Madison, Ind., 1851. 1896, Aurora, 111. Came with his parents to Kansas, 111., in 1854. His mis- chievous disposition in boyhood was irrepressible. Coming to maturity, he entered the ministry, but soon decided that he was unwilling to make the full surrender that its obliga- tions impose. He became a lawyer and State's attorney of Edgar County. In 1886 he was elected to the State Senate and returned in 1890, serving eight years. He was a fluent and brilliant orator. In the formal eulogies pronounced by representatives of the General Assembly upon John A. Logan, Mr. Bacon's far surpassed all others. Col. Edzvard D. Baker. London, England, 1811. 1861, Ball's Bluff (Va.) Bat- tlefield. At the age of four years this boy was brought to Phila- delphia, and at the age of fifteen he was teaching school. He was admitted to the bar in Carrollton, 111., in 1830; the BIOGRAPHIES 467 next year married Mrs. Mary Ann Lee, and in 1832 partici- pated actively in the Black Hawk War. It was shortly after his marriage that he was immersed and became a member of the church in Carrollton. It is not probable that he was formally set apart to the Christian ministry, but his ardent disposition, superior ability as a public speaker and his sincere devotion to the pure gospel led him to its public proclamation for near a decade. He also baptized some converts. Alin. W. H. Cannon, pastor of the Central Church, Decatur, says that his own grand- father, Hardin Goodin, wdiom he knew well, was immersed by Mr. Baker in Honey Creek, Pike County. Nor was this an exceptional instance. He was also associated with those Disciples in the early thirties at Jacksonville in their first efforts looking toward co-operative missionary work. In 1835 he moved to Springfield. There he met and became the sincere and lifelong friend of Abraham Lincoln. Two such magnificent and magnanimous souls could easily understand and love each other. This friendship proved of incalculable value to the Federal Union in the black night of bloody horrors in which both suns went down. In 1837, Mr. Baker was elected to the House in the Legislature and in 1840 to the Senate. In 1844 he beat Mr. Lincoln for the nomination for Congress on the Whig ticket, and was elected. But Mr. Lincoln's feelings were reflected in the fact that a baby boy who came into his home in 1846 was named Edward Baker Lincoln. While representing the Springfield district in Congress, Mr. Baker raised a regi- ment of infantry and saw active service as its colonel in the Mexican War. Meanwhile, his official duties calling him to Washington, he addressed the House of Representatives wearing his military uniform. In 1848, Colonel Baker, rather than contest a second time with Mr. Lincoln the nomi- nation for Congress, moved to Galena. There he was nomi- nated on the Whig ticket, and elected. Mr. Lincoln was returned from the Springfield district. In 1851, Colonel Baker was engaged in superintending the construction of the 468 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Panama Railroad. In 1852 he moved to California. In San Francisco he quickly took a leading place at the bar, and for eight years was one of the representative and most influ- ential citizens of the State. Upon the urgent invitation of friends he was induced to move to Salem, Ore., in February, 1860. Such was his fidelity to principle, his commanding ability, his matchless eloquence and urbanity, that he was elected to the United States Senate at the next meeting of the Oregon Legislature. In 1912, Mr. E. R. Kennedy published a volume entitled 'The Contest for California in 1861," in which he clearly shows that it was chiefly through the statesmanship of Colonel Baker that the Pacific Coast was then saved to the Union. The book is charmingly written and is a distinct con- tribution to American history. With the coming of the Civil War, Mr. Baker was busy in the United States Senate. However, he raised a regiment in New York and Philadelphia of sixteen hundred men and was commissioned to command the brigade to which it belonged. It was encamped near the Capital. On August 1, 1861, members of the Senate hastily summoned Colonel and Senator Baker to the chamber to reply to a speech, to be delivered there that day by Senator Breckenridge, of Ken- tucky. He came in, laid his sword upon his desk, and sat down to listen. His reply is classed among the great ora- tions of the world. James G. Blaine says that its delivery was the most extraordinary of any occurrence that ever transpired in the Senate chamber. October 21, having stood at the head of his brigade for hours against great odds, he was struck by four or five rifle- balls almost simultaneously and fell in death — *'as gentle and pure and unselfish and generous and eloquent and valiant a man as ever cheerfully gave his life for a noble cause." Mrs. Judith Bradner, a charter member of the First Church in Bloomington, passed on in 1912 at the age of ninety-eight years. She at one time entertained at dinner in her home Stephen A. Douglas, Abraham Lincoln and Edward D. BIOGRAPHIES 469 Baker. She described Mr. Baker as a most attractive per- sonality, a fine conversationalist and an engaging presence, at once commanding and kindly. A marble statue inscribed "Baker" stands in one of the rooms of the nation's Capitol. Dr. J. W. Ballinger. Emmerson, Mo., 1837. 1879, Niantic, 111. Most of the life of Mr. Ballinger was passed in the State of his birth. In the five closing years of his life, which were devoted to the Niantic community, he gripped the people as few men can. In the places of his residence he served as elder, teacher, physician and minister. He was careful to remember the poor, but held continuously the good will of all classes. He was one of the truest friends of humanity and the noblest pattern of manhood. N. S. Bastian. Was of Holland descent and a native of New York State. He received a liberal education, and throughout his life was esteemed both for his learning and culture. He became a member of the M. E. Church in early Hfe, and shortly thereafter entered the Christian ministry. In 1843 this church wished to send a missionary to one of the districts of the West African coast. Mr. Bastian was asked to go. After consideration, he answered: "Christ died for me. I will go." His first child was born there. The native chiefs came from far to see a white baby and make it a present. The child lived only a few months. After a time, Mr. Bastian was sent to Europe on business connected with the African mission. He left his wife there and set sail. On his voyage, one evening just after he had retired to bed and before he had closed his eyes, apparently his wife stood before him. Ere he could address her, she vanished. When he landed in Europe he met orders from his Mission Board to return to America. Landing in New York, he was met bv a member of the Board, to whom he said, "Have you heard from Africa?" The reply was, "Yes, And Sarah is 470 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS dead." This was Mr. Bastian's wife. On comparing the day and the hour, he found that his wife had gone to be at home with her Lord at the moment when he saw her appear- ance to him on shipboard. Mr. Bastian's studies of the New Testament had unsettled his thoughts on the subject of Christian baptism. Finding himself more in harmony with the Baptist than with the Methodist Church, he peaceably changed his ecclesiastical affiliation. Coming West, he soon fell in with the Disciples. He was at once attracted and charmed by the Scripturalness of their preaching and the simplicity of their plea; hence, he was not long in casting in his lot with the people whose teaching and practice were so fully in accord with his own conclusions. Some of his Methodist brethren said that the fact of his "joining the Campbellites" was proof that *'he was rattled ;" whereas, his thoughts and aims were only mov- ing in wider orbits. His sacred dust and that of his second wife — a Christian woman ot the highest type — repose in unmarked graves at Sullivan, 111. Nor is a memorial window there in the house of God for these, his faithful servants. Archibald T. Benson. Tennessee, 1818. 1894, Marion, 111. Came to Williamson County when a young man, and shortly thereafter became a Christian and a preacher. His ministry reached out to many places in that part of the State. In the years of his active service, he baptized more converts, married more couples and conducted more funerals than any preacher in the county. He served as chaplain of the 128th Illinois Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. He was noted for his hospitality and many good works. Charles J. and Thomas V. Berry. St. Andrews, New Brunswick. 1871, Lincoln, TIL St. Andrews, New Brunswick, 1822. 1882, Creston, la. Charles J. came to Boston when in his teens, and for a BIOGRAPHIES 471 period was a member of the Tremont Temple Free Will Baptist Church. His moral convictions were strong, and his opposition to slavery and all secret societies became so radical that, as his pastor, Nathaniel Colver, put it, "Charles com- pelled the church to dis fellowship him." Meanwhile, by the. aid of the Millennial Harbinger, he came to a knowledge of the Restoration movement. Whereupon, he helped his brother Thomas in the formation of a church of Christ and instituted worship on the Lord's Days after the apostolic example. In 1855 he succeeded James Darsie as pastor of the church at Connersville, Pa. He came to Illinois in 1859, and resided at Princeton, Abingdon and Lincoln, at which places, or in the surrounding sections, he labored assiduously in the gospel till his death, which came by tuberculosis. Thomas V. also came to Boston in his teens, and there learned the trade of a piano-maker. In 1845 he learned the gospel from a Mr. Dungan, of Baltimore, who had gone to Boston to buy leather goods. To the little church formed there Thomas gave most of his earnings from his manual labor for hall rent, etc. He graduated from Bethany. Com- ing to IlHnois in 1860, he first served the Bloomington Church seven years and later the churches at Princeton, Lin- coln and Monmouth. These brothers were the sons of Methodist parents. The home was one of regular prayer and practical piety. They were men of a high spiritual type and gave their time to crenuine service. ^^ t i^t r, i-, ^ Dr. James M. Bell Sangamon County, 111., 1856. Educated at the University of Michigan. Was elected to the House of the Legislature in 1910-12. Dr. Bell is a member of the church at Rochester. Prof. W. F. Black. Moorefield, Ky., 1839. 1908, Chicao:o, 111. Mr. Black's early years were passed in schoolrooms as student and teacher. He graduated at Asbury, now DePauw 472 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS University, and spent some time at Hiram while J. A. Gar- field was there. He entered the ministry at the age of eighteen, and for many years was a very popular and suc- cessful preacher. He served as pastor at Terre Haute, Greencastle and Indianapolis, Ind., and Tuscola and Chicago, 111., and was president of the Northwest University, now Butler College, in 1872-74. He was best known as a great evangelist. His meetings in cities, towns and country were equally successful — the additions were counted by hundreds and by thousands. Many of these were leading and influ- ential citizens of their communities. He did his work with- out the aid of professional singers or special helpers. His custom was to teach the people the Scriptures and follow this lesson in the same meeting with a great sermon. Illinois owes much to his self-denying and faithful service, for not a few of her feeble congregations were thereby saved from death to large usefulness, and many from all classes of society were led to know and to walk in the better way. He is held in tender memory by a host of grateful friends. William Henry Boles. Perry County, 111., 1850. Educated in country schools, Ewing College and Butler College. Entered the Christian ministry in 1870. Served the churches at De Soto, Marion, Carbondale, Duquoin, Pekin and Christopher as pastor. Mr. Boles has been widely and well known for a quarter of a century as a live wire. He has been a successful evangelist and a popular lecturer, speaking to many multitudes on Mormonism, the liquor traffic, evidences of Christianity, Romanism, and other sub- jects that delude and enslave people in error. He was never known to run away from a public discussion when it was thrust upon him. He is industrious, genial, democratic and enthusiastic in his work. Over eight thousand people have been added to the churches by his ministry. In March, 188S, he conducted a series of meetings in Duquoin. At its beginning he entered into an agreement with Dr. A. J. Fish- BIOGRAPHIES 473 back, a rationalist of local notoriety. First, the doctor was to hear every sermon preached by Mr. Boles. Second, for two hours a day, four days in the week, they were privately to consider the fundamentals of Christianity. Third, if the doctor was convinced that the Bible came from God and that Jesus is divine, he should quit the "Freethinkers" and preach the gospel henceforward. Fourth, if Mr. Boles should be convinced to the contrary, he should quit the pulpit and take the platform for infidelity. Before the meeting closed, Dr. Fishback became a Christian. To the close of his life, nine years thereafter, he was an able minister of Jesus Christ. Mr. Boles is a brave and unselfish patriot, and bears in his body the marks of the Lord Jesus. Dr. William Boos, Woodford County, Ky., 1831. 1901, Carthage, 111. Those who were personally acquainted with this gentle- man called him a noted physician, preacher, philosopher and friend. His father's family came to Illinois in 1837, and in 1839 into Hancock County. Orphaned of his parents at the age of fourteen, he was one of six children left penniless and alone. He appealed to the judge for the privilege of choosing his own guardian, which was granted. In the home of this friend he became one of the family. The only schoolbook he there had was an English novel, from which he would read aloud to the pleasure of the whole school. By his persistence and pine-knot efforts, at the age of fifteen he secured a subscription school, which he taught in the kitchen of David Mason's cabin. The money thus earned was used to enable him to make some trips to Carthage and to buy and borrow some books. For three years he studied medicine, for his great ambition was to be a physician. Meanwhile, he taught schools as necessary. He became a Christian under the ministry of Gilmore Callison and began to preach at the age of seventeen. His knowledge of the Bible soon became remarkable, and later he was widely rec- ognized as an eloquent preacher. A minister of another 474 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS church asked Dr. Booz to come to Pontoosuc at one time and meet an opponent in a public discussion. So well was the work done that the opponent failed to appear the second evening. All his life he was a country doctor. Despite his early disadvantages and later handicaps, he rose to wide recogni- tion. At one time he had the entire practice in 170 square miles around his home, except in twelve families. He had patients all c>ver western Illinois as well as in Iowa, Mis- souri, Ohio and Kentucky. When he began the practice of medicine at the age of twenty-two, he laid down certain rules, from which he never deviated through the forty-seven years of his professional work. He was always a hard stu- dent — a pr<3gressive, a discoverer, a leader. During the period of his practice he rode more than one-half-million miles, mostly through the brakes of Crooked Creek. He regarded a call to a bed of pain as a call to duty. Through trackless forests, bridgeless streams and Egyptian darkness, he made countless trips to the homes of suffering, and oft- times where no compensation could be expected except the love and gratitude that followed him to his dying day. He was the embodiment of cheerfulness, and his peculiar per- sonality inspired his patients with confidence. Without personal political ambition, he was a leader in politics. He wrote well. His papers for township literary societies were gems of pathos, wit and homely good sense. In the early sixties he sent a communication to the Carthage Republican over the pseudonym, "Country Jake." The editor was so impressed with its pungent character that he encouraged him to send weekly contributions. Thus was born provincial journalism in Illinois. In medicine Dr. Booz was a genius, to the world a Chris- tian, to his contemporaries a philosopher, and to his family and to all people, a gentleman. He was the soul of honor, justice and generosity. There was not a selfish or mean streak in him. The pride of his Kentucky blood was appar- BIOGRAPHIES 475 cnt in his exalted character. And a country doctor all his life because he wanted to be I Thomas E. Bondurant. Near Mechanicsburg, III, 1831. 1905, De Land, 111. His parents were Kentuckians who came to Illinois in 1828. In 1854, Mr. Bondurant entered 290 acres of land in Piatt County, under the graduation act of Congress, at fifty cents per acre. He moved there in 1856, which was his home to the close of his life. The year before he had attended Eureka College, but, becoming engrossed in his business, did not return. Mr. Bondurant was never married. In 1861 his mother and a sister. Miss Mary E. Bondurant, went to De Land, and the three constituted the family. Throughout his life he was a farmer and live-stock man. He was a shrewd and far-sighted business man. His advice to men starting in life was, *'Buy land." He continued to follow this maxim, and accumulated large property. He came into the church in 1851, and for fifty- four years was an intelligent and active Christian. He always stood openly for the better things in life and against the saloon and kindred evils. And he was never willing to compromise with wrong. He was generous to many worthy causes while he lived, but did not talk about his benefactions. At the time of his decease, his estate was valued at about $450,000. By his last will, the larger part of this wealth is to be used, after ten years, for educational and missionary purposes. His end was peace. Hughes Bowles. Virginia, 1786. 1846, DeWitt County, 111. This man came from Virginia to Caneridge, Ky., and was probably a product of the great revival held there in 1801. His education was limited, but he was a great reader and a good historian. He united with the Baptist Church and was 476 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS licensed to preach. He soon decided that denominationaHsm was wrong, and he beheved that God had revealed to every man his whole duty in plain and unmistakable terms in the Bible. He settled on a farm in DeWitt County, near the site of Old Union Church, Turnbridge Township, on the banks of Salt Creek, in the spring of 1830. He had then been mar- ried twice and was the father of twelve living children. Members of his family maintained the farm of two hundred acres while the father gave his time to preaching the gospel. His trips were made on horseback and reached from ten to fifty miles. The storms of the winters, the miry sloughs and swollen streams of the springs and early summers frequently challenged the faith and courage of the itinerant preachers. But Mr. Bowles seldom missed an appointment. He was well versed in the Scriptures and could almost quote the New Testament from beginning to end. Asso- ciated with him in his Christian work there were Abner Peeler, powerful in argument and appeal and a true prophet's vision; James Scott, who spoke with the "old Bap- tist tone," and when the weather was warm would, in the progress of his sermon, lay off his coat, unbutton his collar and sleeves and plead most earnestly with his hearers ; and Alfred Lindsey, mild, gentle and with wonderful winning power. Ten dollars was the largest sum Hughes Bowles ever received for holding a meeting, which was at the Lake Fork Church. This money he gave to a Mrs. Frakes, a widowed sister in the Lord, who was thrown from her horse, breaking her hip, while going to his meeting. He was a kind and sympathetic man, but very positive. All his chil- dren were in the fold ere their father went away to be with the Good Shepherd. David Bowles. Bourbon County, Ky., 1825. 1911, Emden, Til. David was the oldest son. He was a farmer, residing on Delavan Prairie, in Logan County. He read much, was BIOGRAPHIES 477 decidedly conservative and a good public speaker. He assisted in the organization of several churches within the radius of his Christian service. March 10, 1903, from his home in Emden, 111., David Bowles wrote to T. T. Holton. From his communication the following is taken: I do not know of a meeting-house in this part of the State before 1840. The people met for worship in the summer-time in the groves, in the winter-time in their dwelHng-houses. The houses were nearly- all log cabins eighteen feet square. Two beds in this room. A big fireplace in one end. No windows. Glass could not be had. So, you see, this left but a small meeting-house. But you would be surprised at the number of people that would get into one of these houses for worship. The young women and some married women would pull off their shoes and get up on the beds, till sometimes there would be from eight to ten on each bed. Some people may say, "This is unreason- able — the beds could not hold them up." They were not such bedsteads as we have now. Usually there was but one post to the bedstead. Holes bored into the logs of the wall with a two-inch auger and a strong rail sharpened to fit was inserted and strong rope cords made at home of hemp made them very strong. Still, once in awhile, one of these cords would break and let them to the floor. Soon everything would be quiet again. With all orr glorious meetings we would sometimes have some of the ridiculous. I will only name one or two. One cold winter day we met at old Father Hall's. Bro. Walter Bowles was to preach. The house was just such as I have described, with a loft laid with large clapboards. A ladder going up in the right-hand corner by the fireplace. The door shut. A lamp lighted. Brother Walter stood right by or under the ladder that led to the loft. He was lining his hymn, when a big tomcat raised a racket up in the loft and came tearing down the ladder. Brother Walter rather dodged. But some of the older ones were able to sing the hymn. The house was so crowded that none could kneel. Everybody's face was turned toward the fire. While Brother Walter was offering prayer the cat that had got whipped came and sat down in front of the fire. The cat that had whipped came slipping through the crowd, and, seeing the one he had whipped sitting before the fire, he aimed to give him a big lick. But the other saw him in time to slip out of the way. The boss cat went right under the fore-stick into the fire and came out squalling and carried the fire and coals back through the crowd. Old Mother Hall saw it would set the house on fire. Broke in with a broom on him. Everybody in the house saw it, and Brother Walt brought his prayer to a close very quickly. Soon we were dismissed. 478 HICTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS I will give just one more to show the inconveniences we had to labor under. We had prayer-meeting at old Bro. James Ferrice's one right. The old grease-lamp was stuck in the wall of the house just about as high as a man's shoulder. Bro. Ambrose Hall was up talking. Forgot himself and threw his head back, and the blaze was all over his head in an instant. Some of the brethren sprang to him and extin- guished the flame. So that brought that meeting to a sudden close. This is enough of the ridiculous. William F. Bowles, Kentucky, 1829. William F. Bowles was brought by his parents to Illinois in 1830. He became a Christian at thirteen and served the Old Union Church as deacon and elder for many years. A great student of the Bible, his judgment was regarded as based upon truth and justice. He always helped in the aggressive work of the church, and his conclusions on church government were rarely questioned. His one son and four grandchildren are all prominent in the work of the church. He is the sole survivor of the family that came to Illinois, and resides with his son in Des Moines, la. Walter P. Bozvles. Kentucky, 1811. 1863, Illinois. This man was the most forceful and noted of this remarkable family. He was the son of Hughes and Ruth Prather Bowles. During his mature years he was called by nearly all of his acquaintances ''Wattie Bowles." He was physically a man of the finest type. Standing six feet and one inch in his stocking feet, his weight was 190 pounds. Rarely could any man follow him with ax, cradle or scythe. He could stand with both feet in a half- bushel measure and shoulder four bushels of wheat in one sack. There was an admirable co-ordination between his phys- ical forces and his mental enere^ies. At about the age of twenty-two he was married to Miss Isabel Wallace, a daugh- ter of Col. Andrew Wallace, who served in our army in the war of 1812. At that time Mr. Bowles could not read. His BIOGRAPHIES 479 wife proved herself to be a fine teacher — her husband an unusually bright pupil. Five years thereafter he could quote nearly all of the New Testament from memory, and before the close of his life, most of the Old as well. His memory was extraordinary. He knew the map of Palestine better than most people know their own State. Of course Mr. Bowles was a farmer, owning and culti- vating his land. But shortly after his marriage he became a preacher. Those who heard him, testify that he was pow- erful and eloquent. His superior ability to sing and induce others to sing, added much to his efficiency. He was mighty in prayer as well. Sometimes he would stop in his discourse, drop down upon his knees, and passionately plead for the salvation of sinners. In plowing-time he would work in his fields Saturdays till 11 o'clock a. m., then come to his house. Then he would whet his razor on his boot-leg, hone it on the palm of his left hand, and shave his face clean and smooth without the aid of a mirror ; then grease his boots, wash up and redress ; after eating his dinner, he would saddle his horse and gallop away ten to thirty miles and preach Saturday night and Sunday in a residence or schoolhouse to fifteen or more people. For this work he received not a dollar. His reward was the sweet conscious- ness of duty well done and that God was pleased. Thus he traveled through DeWitt, Sangamon, Morgan, Logan and McLean Counties. At one time he held a "big meeting" in the barn of John Campbell, in Tazewell County, at which three hundred additions were received. Mr. Bowles lived in a farmhouse in Turnbridge Town- ship. He was a pronounced antislavery man and a lifelong friend of Abraham Lincoln, who was entertained a number of times in the hospitable home of Mr. Bowles. In the earlier period of Mr. Lincoln's life, on one of these occa- sions he said: "Watt, if I could preach like you, I v/ould rather do that than be President." Mr. Bowles was absolutely fearless. In one of his meet- ings in a schoolhouse two young men got to playing cards. 480 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Me asked them to desist, urging that it was quite out of place. In a few minutes they were at it again. The preacher said they must stop it. When they started their game the third time he walked back to them, grasped each one by his collar with his vise-like hands, led them to the door, bumped their heads together and told them to go. They went. At one time Mr. Bowles and his cousin, John G. Camp- bell, of McLean County, were driving together in some kind of a one-horse rig. At high noon they came to the home of a pioneer farmer, located not far from the present site of Waynesville. The farmer and his "hired man" had just come in from the field, when the following conversation took place : "Hello, neighbor," called out Mr. Bowles ; "we wish to go to New Jerusalem and have stopped to ask you about the way." "To where?" asked the farmer. "To New Jerusalem." "Never heard of any such place. This road leads up to Eloomington." "No," answered Bowles, "we are going to New Jerusa- lem. But we are hungry. Now, if you will give us our dinner and feed our horse I will tell you the way to New Jerusalem." "The devil you will," answered the farmer. "I will give you your dinners and feed your horse for fifty cents." When they had finished dinner, Mr. Bowles pushed back a little from the table and began to preach to them the way of the Lord. When they rose from their places it was to go to a near-by stream, where Mr. Bowles baptized the farmer, his wife and the hired man — the entire family. His body sleeps in Old Union Cemetery, within six feet of the spot where stood the pulpit in which he had preached hundreds of times. God always provides the man for the time, and Wattie Bowles was a child of Providence. BIOGRAPHIES 481 Christopher C. Boyer. Edgar County, III, 1839. 1908, Edgar County, 111. Mr. Boyer resided on a farm all his lite in the county of his birth. However, for a long period he was an active but a conservative and useful minister, chiefly in Edgar, Coles and Clark Counties. His financial compensation for his ministerial labors was always small. He was the father of Min. T. A. Taylor and Prof. E. E. Boyer, of Eureka College. Clark Braden. Trumbull County, O., 1831. Mr. Braden graduated from Farmers College, Cincin- nati, O., in 1860. No one aided him by a dollar after he left the country district school. For ten years he labored, taught and attended school as he could. Aiding his younger brothers and sisters, in their struggles for an education, delayed the completion of his own course. His father and mother were pioneer Abolitionists and active teetotaler- temperance advocates from 1835 to 1855. Mr. Braden was himself in line with the enemies of slavery from his youth. He cast his first vote for Freesoil in 1852. He stumped and voted for Fremont in 1856, and for Lincoln in 1860. In this work his life was twice in peril from friends of the saloons and thrice by Mormons. He made war speeches and carried a gun as a soldier in the 127th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Many years of his life have been given to educational work. In this field he filled many positions, from the teacher of a "deestrick skule and board round" to the presi- dency of three colleges. He has served in the Christian ministry for fifty-seven years and has been pastor of thirty-five churches. He has been a voluminous writer and has edited one political and one religious paper. He has delivered more than six thou- sand lectures. He has conducted 133 public discussions, on nearly all topics agitating the public mind. Twenty-six of 16 482 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS these discussions were in Hlinois. He was endorsed for more than one hundred other debates at which his opponents failed to appear, including "Seventh-dayists," infidels and Mormons. For more than twenty years it was a standing formula with these errorists, when they challenged for a debate, to condition, "any one except Braden." Some of his opponents, when hard pressed by Mr. Braden, uncere- moniously fled from the halls where the discussions were in progress, amid the jeers and hisses of audiences. His debates and lectures have reached through many States and Provinces of Canada. In April, 1872, Mr. Braden sent a challenge to the great agnostic, Robert G. Ingersoll, to debate in Peoria. When asked by Colonel Wright, "Why do you not accept?" he replied, "I am not such a fool as to debate. He would wear me out." Mr. Braden's last public discussion was successfully conducted in his sev- enty-eighth year. A prominent minister declared in a church paper that Mr. Braden, by his assaults upon errors and his earnest advocacy of the truth, had saved the Pacific Coast from a tidal wave of infidelity. Mr. Braden was sometimes criticized for his neglect or disregard of the social ameni- ties of life. However, he was always a companionable man, when he had time. A fine physique has enabled him to do the work of two or three men. He has been "a crank all his life and grows no better," for he is now an active advo- cate of Christian socialism. The storms of eighty years have not cooled the ardor of his love for "the truth as it is in Jesus." For more than sixty years he has studied, inves- tigated, written, taught and debated, and through these six eventful decades his master aim has been, "Accept the Christ's teachings, live the Christ life, realize the Christ char- Dr. J. H. Breeden. Sullivan County, Ind., 1834. 1911, Tpava, 111. Dr. Breeden was a born leader of people. He came from Pike County, III, about 1858, and settled in the village of Summum, in Fulton County, to practice medicine. At that BIOGRAPHIES 483 time his material possessions consisted of his wife — a woman of superior mind and heart — one son, a pony, a dog, a Uttle house furniture and his medicine-case. He began hfe there in a two-roomed house, in which he resided for a long time. His first concern was the formation of a church in his new home, after the primitive order, for he had learned the word of God and how to preach it. He was chiefly instrumental in establishing the church in Summum, and its care devolved mainly upon him for many years. Besides, he was active in preaching the gospel in the communities around and about. Meanwhile, his work as a physician grew and increased and became very extensive. In this he was sincere, prudent, frank and kindly, so that his friends were counted by thou- sands. He was a genial and companionable man. With the acquisition of property his liberality grew. He was the friend of every good cause and the liberal supporter of every good work. For a term of years he served well as a trustee of Eureka College. During his life and by his last will he contributed thousands of dollars to advance the kingdom of God. He was a brotherly man, skillful in his profession, successful in business and a good preacher as well. H. O. Breeden is his gifted son. /. H. G. Brinkerhoff. Hackensack, N. J., 1844. Came with his father's family to Illinois in 1852. Edu- cated in common schools, Steele's Seminary, Indiana Normal, and graduated in law at McKendrie College. He has taught in high schools twenty years, been frequently engaged in newspaper work and has preached the gospel as well. H. M. Brooks. Meigs County, O., 1855. Was educated in the school of hard manual v/ork and trained in the common and select schools, U. C. College and literary correspondence courses of two universities. He was an ordained minister in the Christian Denomination for four 484 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS years. In January, 1889, at Illiopolis, 111., he united with the Christian Church during the pastorate of XJ. M. Browder. He served the Paris Church with much efficiency; also preached for the Kansas and Bell Ridge Churches in Edgar County, and the church at Tuscola, besides churches in other States. He has organized five congregations and induced fourteen young men to enter the Christian ministry. He conducted the funeral of Dennis Hanks, who taught Abra- ham Lincoln to read. Mr. Hanks died at the age of ninety- three years from the effects of a runaway. Theodore Brooks. Came from Troy, N. Y., to Lexington, III, in 1860. The recently formed church there had invited him to become its pastor. He served this congregation and that at Lincoln half-time each. Mr. Brooks was a scholarly man, with a ready command of a fine vocabulary. Of companionable disposition, he was a superior conversationalist. As a preacher he was fervent and interesting. It was his custom when he came to Illinois not to preach "first principles" and to never give, at the close of his sermons, the pubhc invita- tion for people to accept the Saviour. One Sunday in June, 1861, when preaching in Lexington, he was informed that a lady wished to present her letter and be received into the congregation ; so he gave the invitation. While the hymn was being sung, a gentleman passed up one aisle and his sister the other — both to make the good confession. The preacher, learning the facts, cried out, "O God, forgive my lack of faith !" His continued ministry in Illinois was most helpful to both congregations and preachers. George Matthew Brown. Kentucky, 1816. 1893, Pike County, III. He was a brother of Wm. H. Brown, and was usually called Matty Brown. He was peculiar to marked eccen- tricity, but did useful work in Pike County and elsewhere. BIOGRAPHIES 485 William M. Brown, Kentucky. 1863, Tennessee. This man was a striking personality. He was six feet and two inches in height and of fine form, weighing two hundred pounds. His head was large, his face strong and clean-shaven, and his dark hair he wore long for a male and decidedly pompadour. He came to Springfield in 1841 and for a time was pas- toi of the church there. He was elected as the first president of Eureka College, but his service was only nominal. His chief work was that of an evangelist. In this sphere he was probably the most noted among the Disciples during his period of service in Illinois. He was regarded as a powerful preacher. His sermons united argument with impassioned appeal. In dealing with what he considered denominational doctrinal errors he was often as inexorable as logic could be, even to rasping. On one such occasion, a woman auditor, not in sympathy with all his teaching, per- sonally expressed the wish that she ''might have his scalp for a scrub-brush." At one of the earlier State Meetings held in Springfield, the mountain-top was reached on the Lord's Day. It was the custom then, at the close of the communion, to shake hands throughout the assembly. Some of the elder brethren would embrace each other and weep tears of joy. On this occasion, Mr. Brown and the gentle Barton W. Stone were quite carried from the usual self- poise by the ecstacy of joy. Then Mr. Stone cried out, "Brother Brown, you speak too harshly of people's errors. Dear brother, when you find a stone across the path of truth, just carefully roll it away, but don't try to spat the man who laid it there." It is said that a sermon that he delivered at Mt. Pulaski, following the Kane-Bunn debate on Universalism, was such a terrific indictment of other Protestant preachers and so filled with ginger and salt, that several days passed before those in the great audience regained sufficient composure to talk about the discourse. 486 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS To his aggressiveness he added a brilliant imagination. His pictures of heavenly things were sublime. Great crowds attended his meetings and many were turned to the Lord. After all, a sweet tenderness was in his soul. Conducting a meeting in Bloomington in a cold winter, he was entertained in the inviting home of Dr. R. O. Warriner. After the even- ing meetings, going home the doctor led his little daughter Belle by the hand. The child, tired and very sleepy, as all normal children should be in such circumstances, cried. Then Mr. Brown would sing to her: "Rings on her fingers, bells on her toes, She keeps boohooing wherever she goes." The churches at Springfield, Bloomington, Pittsfield, and at many other places in the State, are yet much indebted to this great preacher. He became chaplain in the Thirty-eighth Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and, contracting a cold at the battle of Chickamauga, died ten days later. Uriah Marion Browder. Jamestown, O., 1846. 1907, Dayton, O. Mr. Browder was a pastor and evangelist and a public debater in Illinois for a period of the seventies and eighties. He was clear in thinking, masterful in logic, and forceful in the presentation of the truth, which he never questioned or compromised. He was the author of several books. Francis M. Bruner. Kentucky, 1833. 1899, Iowa. Mr. Bruner was of German ancestry and rugged pioneer progenitors. His boyhood and youth were passed upon his father's farm in Illinois. He si'raduated from Knox College in 1857 w^ith the honors of his class. He went to Europe in 1858, where he spent three years at the Universities of ITalle in Prussia and '1 Ecloe de Paris in France. Some time was also passed in the great libraries, the museums and art galleries of Berlin and London. He was a diligent stu- BIOGRAPHIES 487 dent and an indefatigable worker, so that he came to a strength of intellect, breadth of scholarship and greatness of character that made him the peer of the best men of his time. He was captain of Company A of the Seventh United States Colored Infantry one year, during which time he con- tracted the germs of relentless disease from which he was never thereafter free. In 1866-67 he was a member of the Illinois Legislature, serving with high honor. In 1870 he became president of Oskaloosa College, Iowa, where he served efficiently as executive, teacher and solicitor for six years. He was induced to accept the presidency of Abingdon College in 1877. Into his efforts to restore the school to its former prosperity and usefulness he threw the indomitable energy of all his splendid faculties; but the seeds of its death had already been sown. With the union of Abingdon and Eureka Colleges he became the head of the Bible Department. The ripest fruit of his whole life was there gathered by the young men who sat in the shade of this great tree. After four years there, failing health com- pelled his resignation. Mr. Bruner was a great teacher of the word of God. His much learning did not make him mad in either mind or heart. Intellectual pride and self-righteousness had no place in him. Cast in a heroic mold, he was genuinely humble and loving. In health and sickness, in prosperity and adversity, in appreciation of his worth or its lack, he was a great soul who moved forward unwaveringly to his high aims. John Buckles. Illinois, 1822. 1909, Illinois. In 1822, when John Buckles was three weeks old, his parents left White County, 111., to find and make a home in that part of central Illinois now known as Logan County. John was the third child, and on this journey was carried in the arms of his mother, who rode on horseback. The distance was about 150 miles as the crow flies. The hard- ships of such a trip are unknown to most people of this day. 488 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS At that time there were only six famihes living within the present boundaries of Logan County. John's father, Robert Buckles, was a man of iron mold. Without the education of schools, he answered clearly all the questions that per- tained to his business and life. At the outbreak of the Black Hawk War he was one of the first to enlist, and bunked with and fought side by side with Abraham Lincoln. John's mother, Mary ("Polly") Birks Buckles, was one of the uncrowned heroines of history. She was the mother of fifteen children. The family residence was a mud-daubed cabin. In this for many years she did all the cooking before an open fireplace, made all the clothing for her family from the raw materials, and when her husband was absent from home at some distant market, or at war, she would fell the trees and cut the wood for use during the cold winters. It was a new land upon which the Buckles babies first looked out. Small growths of trees skirted the streams of water, and the wide prairies, reaching out in every direction to the horizon, were seas of grass and wild flowers. Wolves howled, foxes stole and wildcats screamed. Great herds of agile deer moved gracefully hither and thither, and count- less thousands of wild chickens made the prairies vocal with their thrummings in the early mornings of spring. And there were 'coons in those days. Later in his life, John Buckles said: "Well do I remember the winter I captured thirty of these midnight travelers, and the day I received my first money — fifteen dollars in silver — for their hides. It was one of the happiest events of my life." He attended school altogether about one year. The house was made of logs, with the ground for a floor, split logs for seats and the chil- dren's knees for desks. In his early manhood he assisted his father in driving hogs to Racine, W^is., and sheep to St. Louis, Mo. In his twenty-second year he helped a neighbor drive a herd of cattle to the New York City market, and again in the following year, 1845. It was he who led the largest ox before the drove. The time required for the round trip was 130 days — one hundred in going and thirty BIOGRAPHIES 489 in returning. His pay was twelve dollars per calendar month. Such experiences cultivated his inbred industry and thrift, taught him independence of judgment and self- reliance, and developed his sagacity, courage and force. By commendable methods as farmer and stockman, he accumu- lated good property and Hved a long and useful life. He was an open foe of the organized liquor traffic, a helpful friend of our college and a sincere disciple of our Lord. His life is a heritage to his children and his children's children. 0. A. Burgess. Thompson, Conn., 1829. 1882, Chicago, 111. Mr. Burgess came of Puritan stock. His mother trained him in the straitest thought of Calvinism. Her death came in 1843, which led the son to seek the Lord. He failed to receive the blessing at the ^'mourners' bench" and turned away from religion, believing himself given over to hardness of heart or predestined to be damned. He attended Norwich Academy, New York, and came to Metamora, 111., in 1847, where he taught three years. He became a Chris- tian in 1850 under the ministry of Henry D. Palmer. Shortly he went to Bethany College, reaching there with $4.50, but by resourceful labors graduated in 1854. His life thereafter was passed in Illinois and Indiana, where he served as teacher in Eureka and president of Butler College, pastor of churches and as a mighty champion and triumphant defender of the truth of the gospel against all opposers. Thomas D. Butler. Shrewsbury, England, 1838. The chief event of Mr. Butler's childhood was a visit of Alexander Campbell to his native city in 1847. It was then arranged that Thomas should be sent to Bethany College in a few years. But his father dying soon, postponed the visit of the son until he reached his majority. In 1859 he spent sixty days and nights in crossing the Atlantic. Mr. 490 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Butler has done but little ministerial work in Illinois except in a general way. He served for a time the church at Batavia and on the editorial staff of the Christian Century. He is widely known as a writer, his contributions having appeared many times in the Millennial Harbinger, New York Independent, Christian Standard and other papers. He is a man of fine mental and spiritual culture. His literary taste is discriminating and refined. His wife, Marie Radclifte Butler, was for a long period well known as a charming writer. Mr. Butler firmly believes the gospel as it is writ- ten in the Book. W. F. Burn ham. Chapin, 111., 187L Educated in public schools, Illinois College and graduated at Eureka in 1895. He learned telegraphy and worked at the business in Illinois and Montana for a period of five years. He served as pastor in Carbondale, Charleston, Decatur Central, and is now with the First in Springfield. In Mr. Burnham are combined the qualities of a successful minister. He is the secretary of the National Commission on Christian Judge Albert G. Burr. Western New York, 1829. 1882, Carrollton, 111. Was brought by his widowed mother to Illinois in 1830. The first home was near Springfield. Fie was almost entirely a self-educated man. At the age of twenty he taught a school at Vandalia. In 1850 he went to Winchester and in 1856 was admitted to the bar. He served two terms in the Legislature and was a member of the Constitutional Con- vention of 1862. In 1868 he moved to Carrollton, where he resided till the close of his life. Fle was a member of the fortieth and forty-first Congresses. In 1877 he was elected circuit judge, and served in this position till the day of his final victory. As a jurist, Mr. Burr was eminent and had few equals. His analyses of intricate questions were clear and explicit and his decisions satisfactory. As an orator he was well-nigh perfect. In his early years he entered the BIOGRAPHIES 491 Christian Church, and to the close of his Hfe he was not only a member, but a support and an inspiration. When there was no other one present in the Lord's Day meetings to preach, he proclaimed the unsearchable riches. While he filled high positions and was the peer of any man, he was not in the least ostentatious or distant. He had a genuine affection for and was intimately associated with the common people. As man and jurist he made it the rule of his life to do justly and love mercy. He frequently expressed him- self in verse. The following was written by him about 1852: LIFE'S VOYAGE. Though waves may swell and billows rise, And threatening clouds hang o'er the skies, O'er me and mine — Though driven on where breakers roar, And ragged rocks surround the shore, I'll not repine. Though riding on the maddened wave, To time and circumstance a slave, I'll bear my lot; I'll raise aloft religion's sail. And strive to ride throughout the gale, And falter not. Though friends upon the sea of life Are from my bosom torn in strife. And by the swell Of ocean wave, borne from my side, I'll bid them with a stoic's pride A long farewell. Though all desert me in the gloom And leave me o'er life's sea to roam Without one friend. Still I will always onward keep. Triumphant o'er the raging deep, Till life shall end. Alexander Campbell. Was born Sept. 12, 1788, in the County of Antrim, Ire- land. He was descended from Scotch and Huguenot ances- tors. Both his physical and mental constitution was vigorous 492 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and well balanced. From his earliest years he was trained by his learned and accomplished father in habits of severe application. Fle was a graduate of the University of Glas- gow. Reared in the strictest school of Presbyter^anism, he early formed and cultivated habits of piety and a taste for theological studies. From his youth he had a profound reverence for the word of God. He came to .\merica in 1809 and joined his father, Thomas Campbell, in western Pennsylvania. From that time father and son were one in their aims, spirit and work. Both were deeply impressed with the conviction of the evils and inherent sinfulness of sectarianism. Their first advocacy was the repudiation of human creeds as tests of fellowship, and the union of all our Lord's people upon the catholic truth of the Bible as the only authoritative standard of faith and practice. Taking their stand upon the principles set forth in the "Declaration and Address," neither foresaw the conclusions to which he would be led. They and those associated with them searched the Scriptures as free as pos- sible from party bias. From these investigations they con- cluded that sprinkling for baptism and infant membership in the church were unauthorized of God. They were there- fore accordingly immersed and united with the Regular Bap- tists. It was stipulated, however, that they should not be required to subscribe to any creed or articles of faith other than the Bible. After a few years in this fellowship they found it prudent to withdraw. There were prejudiced and intolerant men who held a leading influence in the Redstone Association who were unwilling to break from the Baptist name, creed and traditions. They stirred up fierce opposi- tion against those who stood for the catholic truth of the New Testament. Hence the Campbells, and others who held to the principles of the ''Declaration and Address," cut loose from their religious connections and entered untrammeled upon the advocacy and the defense of the plea for the return to primitive Christianity. Alexander Campbell died in 1866. BIOGRAPHIES 493 John G. Campbell, Bourbon County, Ky., 1813. 1901, Bloomington, 111. Mr. Campbell became a Christian at North Middleton, Ky., in 1832. In 1834 he was married to Miss Sally Ann Campbell, who was the partner of his faithful labors for almost sixty-seven years. He passed one year as a student in the State University at Bloomington, Ind. In 1849 he came to McLean County, and bought and settled upon a small farm five miles south of Bloomington. This he made his home for twenty- four years. His first residence there was a log cabin. With the proceeds of his labor on his land he supported his family. He began to preach the gospel about 1840, and made this the chief business of his life until incapacitated by the disabilities of age. This work was done mainly at his own charges. In 1853, in the schoolhouse of his community, he organized a church of thirteen people, which he named the Grassy Ridge Christian Church. Here, by his faithful and loving ministry, hundreds were turned to the Lord. This little congregation became a mother of churches. Besides, at one time during this period there were twenty individuals or families who were members of the church in Bloomington, who had begun the Christian life at Grassy Ridge. Among those who came there to preach on Mr. Campbell's invita- tion were John I. Rogers, B. K. Smith, John B. New, George Campbell, B. U. Watkins, Walter P. Bowles, James Robeson, Dudley Downs, James Mitchell, G. W. Minier, T. V. Berry, B. B. Tyler, Dr. J. M. Allen, B. W. Johnson and D. R. Van Buskirk. These ministers were usually enter- tained in Mr. Campbell's hospitable home. Evidently he believed in having the very best in the kingdom. He was a man of God in whom was united a strong will with a gentle spirit, self-sacrifice with cheerful hopefulness, the trust of a little child with the courage of a Daniel, and a beautiful simpHcity and sincerity of life. 494 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Thomas Campbell. Was born in County Down, near Newry, Ireland, Feb. 1, 1763. His father, Archibald Campbell, was a soldier in the British Army under General Wolfe and was at the capture of Quebec. He was a strict member of the Episcopal Church. But its rigid formalities repelled the son, Thomas, in his early life. He found more congenial associations among the warm-hearted and zealous Seceders — the body of the Presbyterians that had separated from the established church of Scotland in 1733. He was educated in the Uni- versity of Glasgow. In 1787 he was married to Miss Jane Cooneigle, a descendant of the French Huguenots. She was a woman of fine mental and moral endowments. From his early manhood, Thomas Campbell was a reverent and earnest student of the Bible. Upon the completion of his theological course, he became a minister in the Scotch Seceder Church, with the full credentials of the Christian ministry. After one pastorate, he came to America in 1807 and settled in western Pennsylvania. There he found many of his friends who had preceded him to this country. At once he began to preach to them. Flis charitable spirit and able expositions of Scripture drew around him the pious of different churches. There were no reasons for the separation of these sheep in that new country, but rather many for their union in public worship and Christian work on Bible principles. They agreed to form an association of Christians to meet statedly for personal advancement in knowledge and duty. Thus came into being the ''Christian Association" of Wash- ington, Pa. Under its auspices the "Declaration and Ad- dress," written by Thomas Campbell, was issued in 1809. For its catholicity, its exaltation of the word of God, its clear statement of the only ground of practical Christian union, its recognition of the sole and supreme authority of our Lord the Christ, it was a remarkable production. In significance it ranks with the ninety-five theses that Luther nailed upon the gate of the church at Wittenberg. BIOGRAPHIES 495 Thomas Campbell lived a full century in advance of his generation. He was a rare and beautiful soul. In him the vital elements of Christ's gospel united in charming fruition. At the age of ninety-one he passed on. W. H. Cannon, Near Pittsfield, 111., 1862. Grew up on the farm. Educated in the public schools, Eureka College and Drake University. Has been pastor at Sterling, Illiopolis, Lincoln (two terms), Lexington, Eureka, Chapin, Pittsfield, and now at Central in Decatur. Mr. Can- non is a man of very clear perception and a superior min- ister. IV. R. Carle. In 1870, Mr. Carle was elected to the lower house of the twenty-seventh Legislature of Illinois on the Democratic ticket. He was a successful business man and accumulated much property. He was a member of the Wapella Church, which town was his home. In religion he was conservative, but held that Christians should pay one-tenth of their income to the Lord's work. He did something for two of our col- leges in his last years. He was never married, and for many years made his home with his uncle and aunt, Joshua and Margaret Carle. They were natives of West Virginia and were immersed by Alexander Campbell. Joshua Carle claimed that he was the first among the pioneers to "publicly teach the universal priesthood of all believers." Thomas Carlin. Near Frankfort, Ky., 1789. 1852, Illinois. Came to Illinois in 1812, settling near Carrollton. He was twice elected to the State Senate. Commanded a bat- talion in the Black Hawk War. Was elected Governor of the State in 1848, serving four years. Historians say he was one of the best Governors the State ever had. Mr. Carlin was a member of the church of Christ in Quincy. 496 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS W. P. Carrithers. Sullivan County, Ind., 1829. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1847. Educated in the public school. Served in the ministry for forty years. His preaching was mainly in Livingston, Marshall, Ford and McLean Counties, but he also worked in Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska. Mr. Carrithers is a gentle, earnest and faithful man whose ministry was distinctly constructive. His home is at Saunemin, where he quietly awaits the day of his coro- nation. John Chandler. Was born near Cynthiana, Ky., March 25, 1822, and is now (1913) a resident of Decatur, 111. His early education was such as was afforded by the winter country schools of Kentucky and Ohio at that time. Crawford County, HI., was organized in 1817. Coles County was cut out of Crawford in 1831, and Douglas County was cut out oi Coles in 1857. Mr. Chandler came to what is now Douglas County in 1838. Here he became a schoolteacher and an official. Before the division of Coles County, he served as assessor and treasurer; after the division, he was deputy sheriff, then served as county clerk two and one-half years by appointment, and the next four years by an election in Douglas County. He was in the Mexican War. Mr. Chandler was the presiding moderator in the debate between David Walk and the M. E. attorney at Tuscola in 1863. Shortly thereafter, he became a Christian. When the little congregation needed a house of worship, he furnished $3,450 of the $3,800 that it cost. He never received any money returned. The building was a two-story frame. Mr. Walk said that his wife would conduct a ''dav school" on the first floor, but this aim was not realized. The most of Mr. Chandler's many years were passed on his farm. He has lived a long, an honorable and a useful life — a public-spirited and intelligent gentleman. BIOGRAPHIES 497 Bernard J. Claggett. Lexington, 111., 1861. Educated at Wesleyan. Farmer and banker. Served as mayor of Lexington and in the House of the Legislature; elected in 1892. Long time a member of the Lexington Church. /. 5'. Clements. Edgar County, 111., 1856. His grandmother, Mary Holland, came out of the Pres- byterian Church with Barton W. Stone at Caneridge, Ky., and his mother was baptized by Maurice R. Trimble in southern Illinois. He grew up on the farm, attended the public schools and was five years at Eureka. He has been in the ministry thirty-eight years, an energetic pastor and successful evangelist in Illinois, Missouri and Kansas, hav- ing added near ten thousand members to the churches. His single purpose has been to preach the pure gospel and follow the Master. 'Tf I had my life to live over again, I would do just what I have done, barring a few mistakes." L. E. Chase. Coolville, O., 1876. Grew up on the farm. Attended the country school, the village hieh school, Hiram College and the University of Illinois. Tausfht school at nineteen. The first year of his married life he worked on a farm and preached to weak churches in Ohio. For this service, he received twenty-five cents in money and much valuable experience. Then he went to a small church in Michigan for full time at $300 per year. While there, the advice and encourasrement given him by A. P. Frost, the father of Miss Adelaide Frost, were worth as much to him as years of college work. After five years in Michig^an, he came to Illinois, where he has served the churches at Armino^ton, Leroy, Carbondale, New Bed- ford and Palmvra. He was converted in a little country M. E. church. While he never joined the church, his Methodist 498 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS brethren treated him most fraternally. He has helped in the building of three houses of worship, and h;.s received more than two thousand into the church. A, P. Cobb. Wooster, O., 1853. Mr. Cobb's family came to Decatur in 1867. Here he attended school, and while in his teens learned the machinist trade. He was strong in body and vigorous in mind, and made good progress in both lines of work. In those years he was in the school of adversity as well. Graduating at Eureka in 1878, he entered the ministry. As a pastor he served the church at Normal two periods, at Springfield six years, at Des Moines, la., and San Antonio, Tex. For ten years he served as an efficient evangelist in the United States and Canada. He held successful meetings in Boston, New York City, Minneapolis and other great centers. For four- teen years he has been the platform manager at summer Chautauquas. In him industry, large energy and capacity for work, with thirst for knowledge and wide readings, have united in producing a scholar of more than average attain- ments. The Connors. James Connor was born in Tennessee in 1810, was brought to Indiana in 1812, and died there in 1893. His ministry in Illinois reached only from 1859-65. He resided on his farm near Humboldt. That was the time of monthly preaching and protracted meetings. He worked in Coles, Moultrie and Douglas Counties. He was a preacher for more than sixty years. S. M. Connor was a son of James Connor. He served the Normal Church two terms and the churches at Girard and Virden. His period of work in Illinois was from 1878-88. In laying the foundation of the church at Normal he stood brave and firm against bitter sectarian opposition. Daniel Connor, a brother of James, resided in Cumber- BIOGRAPHIES 499 land County for about thirty years, and preached in that part of the State. Johi H. Coats, A preacher for many years and a long-time elder of the church in Winchester. Military service in Company A, Sixty-eighth, and Company K, Fourteenth Illinois X'olunteer Infantry. Captured and several months a prisoner in Ander- sonville. Treasurer of Scott County for several years, mem- ber of the Illinois Legislature in 1882, and Presidential elector in 1896. Nathan E. Cory. Ohio, 1837. Mr. Cory attended the Baptist College at Franklin, Ind., and Oskaloosa College, la. He was a lay preacher in the Methodist Church before uniting with the Christian Church in 1857. Besides holding a great number of meetings in Illinois, he served the churches at Monmouth, Virginia, Mt. Sterling, Barry, Colchester and Augusta. He has been a faithful preacher of the word of God and his ministry has always been constructive. Between four and five thousand people were added to the church in Illinois by his labors. He is father of A. E. Cory, a missionary in China. John J. Cosat. Vermillion County, 111., 1844. Grew to manhood on the farm, receiving only such edu- cation as the common schools of the time could give him. Returning to civil life in the summer of 1865, he began as a teacher in the public school, in which he continued for about thirty years. He became a Christian in 1866, and four years thereafter was ordained to the ministry by the old Union Church and the venerable Rolla M. Martin. Since then he has preached almost continually on Saturdays and Sundays, much of the time without financial compensation. Fie has fostered weak congregations, brou,2;ht into the kingdom about three thousand people, organized churches and endured hard- 500 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ness as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. Mr. Cosat's is a peaceable disposition, but he has always been ready to defend the truth. Being invited there in 1893, he held two public discussions in Labette County, Kan., with Priest Peter Fer- rell, of the Roman Catholic Church. The propositions were the following: 'The Holy Scriptures alone furnish all the necessary knowledge to obtain pardon and everlasting life," and, "To pray acceptably to God, our prayers should be addressed to the Holy Virgin, saints and angels." In 1895 he debated the question of instrumental music in public wor- ship with Min. William Elmore, at Bismark, and in 1898 the same question with Min. J. W. Perkins, at Georgetown. Mr. Cosat has stood for better things in Christian life, and his ministry has been a very great help to the congregations in Vermilion County. His military record was one of unusual brilliancy and thrilling to a degree. Being away from home on a visit, at the beginning of the Civil War, he enlisted in the Fifth Wis- consin Infantry. He was under the command of General Sheridan at Harper's Ferry, Martinsburg, Winchester and Cedar Creek ; later, under General Meade at Petersburg, Sailor's Creek and on to Appomattox. On the morning of Apr. 6, 1865, Lie.:tenant-General Ewell had placed his corps in rifle-pits on the brow of a hill south of Sailor's Creek. This Confederate force was savagely and simultaneously assaulted by the Second and Sixth Federal Corps, and with such skill and determination as to virtually destroy it. In this assault, Mr. Cosat and five of his comrades were sepa- rated from their regiment, with the Confederate forces between them. The official report of Thomas S. Allen, colonel in command of the regiment, War Records, History of Appomattox Campaign, page 953, gives the names of the six men ; to-wit : Sergeant Aneus Cameron, Corporals Charles Rous^han and Ausrust Brocker, and Private John W. Davis, of ComDany C, and Corporal John J. Cosat and Pri- vate Herod W. True, of Company I, all of the Fifth Wis- consin Volunteer Infantry. Sergeant Cameron suggested BIOGRAPHIES 501 that they try to capture General Ewell. The six men ran across an open field and took position in a fence row that had grown up in dense brush. The sergeant crawled to the end of this, and reported that General Ewell, his staff and body-guard, probably a hundred in all, were riding directly toward them. The sergeant ordered that, when the Confed- erates came within hearing distance, they move in single file with cocked guns out of the brush — the sixth man stopping at the edge — and he himself would demand the surrender. General Ewell, thus completely surprised and supposing there were many Federals concealed in the brush, at once ordered his adjutant-general (Beglar) to unfurl the white flag, which he did. Shortly thereafter this immortal six had the honor of presenting to General Meade this famous old, battle- scarred veteran of the Confederacy, his staff and body-guard, as prisoners of war. Walter R. Couch. Wabash County, III, 1839. The parents of Walter R. Couch settled in Wabash County in 1816. At the age of sixteen he became a Chris- tian at the historic Barney's Prairie Church under the ministry of William Courter, who was one of the faithful preachers of the early days. When a young man he began to preach. He graduated from Northwestern Christian Uni- versity, now Butler College, and thereafter gave eleven years to churches in Indiana. He then returned to Illinois. W^hile he managed his farm in Wabash County, his time and talents v^ere mainly given to the service of the churches in that and contiguous counties. For fifty years he has been actively and faithfully identified with the work of the Lord, and his generous and helpful services have been widely influential in promoting every good cause. William L. Crim. Washington County, Ind., 1829. 1910, West Frank- fort, 111. 502 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS He taught school in his neighborhood and served three years in the Union Army during the Civil War. He came to Franklin County in 1865, but did not enter the ministry till four years later. Thereafter his farm was the center from which he radiated in all directions — conducting meet- ings, holding public discussions and organizing churches. He was an earnest student of the Bible itself. In preach- ing a sermon on ''Sanctification" he quoted 130 passages by his memory, as shown by a stenographic report. His knowl- edge of the Scriptures was comprehensive and profound ; his sermons clear, forceful and impressive. He lived close to nature and near to God. Daniel H. Darling. Painesville, O., 1834. 1909, Joliet, 111. Was educated in the schools of his native town. His life-work was teaching and training the young. Before reaching his majority he began his work at Toledo, O. Next, he was principal of the school at Lockport, 111., for three years, and then superintendent of schools in Joliet up to the beginning of the Civil War. He returned to this position in 1882, and continued therein till 1896, v/hen failing health compelled his retirement. His fine character left imperish- able impressions upon the multitudes of children. He was rejected, because of his size, by the recruiting officer in Chicago in 1861. Then he went to Michigan, where, receiving authority from the Governor, he raised Company C of the Seventh Cavalry. He was engaged in all the campaigns of the Army of the Potomac and participated in many battles. He was wounded at Gettysburg, but would not leave the field till the battle ended. After the close of the Civil War he continued in the military service on the Western plains ap^ainst the Indians. There he was colonel in command, and helped in opening the Overland Mail Route to California. He retired bv reason of broken health. Mr. Darlinsf entered Christ's service in early life, and was active and earnest therein to its close. In Joliet he BIOGRAPHIES 503 worked and worshiped with the Baptist Church until he thought the time had come to form a congregation after the New Testament pattern. He was its leader and support in every way. William Davenport. Jessamine County, Ky., 1797. 1869, Nebraska City, Neb. Mr. Davenport was a man of large physical, mental and spiritual strength. He became a lawyer, and his fine pres- ence and oratorical powers gave promise of a brilliant career. In early life he united with the Baptist Church, but, hearing the advocates of the primitive gospel, he was captivated by the simplicity and Scripturalness of their teaching. He then united with the church of Christ and entered its ministry with characteristic enthusiasm. He came with his family to Walnut Grove (Eureka) in 1835. There he settled on his farm, but his life's work was preaching the gospel, of which he was a powerful advocate. His public ministry reached many places, both near and far, in Illinois and was greatly blessed. He was also one of the leaders in founding the school at Eureka, and, having married a sister of Ben Major, helped to cast that community in a superior mold. Miss Elmira J. Dickinson. Hopkinsville, Ky., 1831. 1912, Eureka, 111. Few women in Illinois exerted a wider or better influence on her generation than Miss Dickinson. Her father brought her in 1835, with his family, to Walnut Grove, now Eureka. This was her place of residence throughout her life. She was in almost all of her Christian service a true pioneer. Beginning her teaching with the ''little ones" in the academy, she continued her work in the classroom through twenty- nine years. She was actively associated with the Woman's Christian Temperance Union, and traveled in its interest during its formative period for five years. It was her desire to serve in some foreign mission field, and, as the Disciples of Christ had not then reached this point in their growth, 504 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Miss Dickinson asked the Baptists to send her out. They could not accept her unless she would become a Baptist, which she could not do. The Woman's Union Missionary Society of New York were financially unable to send her. Thus was she providentially kept at home for a larger service. She became the founder and leader of the Chris- tian Woman's Board of Missions in Illinois, and one of the most efficient co-operants in their national society. Her self- imposed task of laying the foundation of this work in Illinois was a most difficult one. As a missionary advocate and edu- cator she was an unwelcome visitor in many places. Not a few wished that she would pass them by. She was keenly sensitive to all this uninformed indifference and crass oppo- sition, but with a divine vision she bore it all and worked on. The years vindicated her wisdom, and a multitude of Christly women now rejoice in the magnificent results and move forward. Her life was thoroughly devoted, and her moral courage the finest. She was a true handmaid of the Lord, whose work will survive all the mutations of time. Dudley Downs . Edgar County, 111., 1838. 1869, Minnesota. Mr. Downs' parental inheritance was excellent. He went to school in the country and at Paris. He entered the Chris- tian ministry early in life. After one year in Pennsylvania, he returned to Illinois, where his work was chiefly done. Pie served at Wapella and Clinton, and was State Evangelist for several years. Also, he helped edit a monthly Christian paper for several years. Mr. Downs was a man of sweet spirit and gentle dispo- sition, but he was full of moral courage and energy. He was wholly consecrated to his work and wore himself out in it all too soon. IV. F, Eastman. New York, 1847. 1909, Illinois. Mr. Eastman received a liberal education in his native State and was for a time a schoolmaster there. He was well BIOGRAPHIES SOS read and versatile. He became a Disciple from intelligent conviction, and throughout his life was as true to his ideals as the needle to the pole. In him, gentleness and firmness were united so as to remind one of his Master. His esti- mable wife was an earnest Congregationalist, so that his church life was lived alone. In a modest but becoming man- ner he always showed his colors. Every one that knew him knew that he was a member of the church of Christ. He was the prime mover in the formation of the church at Ster- ling. Thereafter, he went West, and, by a mistake in judg- ment in business, he lost not only the means he had accumu- lated, but was left heavily involved. He then came to Moline, 111., and engaged in the newspaper business. This paper he made one of the most influential in northern Illinois. Again he took his own place in planting a church of Christ in that city as its sustaining force. He was serving as post- master there in 1909. As the end approached, he took $500 from the bank and paid the last dollar of indebtedness that he had unfortunately incurred more than twenty years before that time. Then he said, 'T will never have a home on this earth, but will have to wait for a mansion in heaven." L. A^. Early. Boone County, Ky., 1848. Attended public and private schools at Petersburg, Ky. Taught ten years. Next, after seven years' work, graduated with first honors from the classical and Biblical schools of Kentucky University. Later, did work in the University of Missouri, where he received his A.M. degree, and at Har- vard. Has served the church at Grayville, Kansas and Dan- ville Second. Is a good teacher and preacher. Caleb Edzvards. Brighton, England. 1832. 1905, Quincy, 111. Was brought to Cincinnati, O., in 1844, and came to Edwards County in 1848. He did not begin to preach till 1864. From that time to the close of his life he gave him- 506 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS self to a most sincere and upbuilding ministry. He was unassuming, gentle and steadfast, and was loved by many people. He dropped dead on a street in Quincy. Daniel W. Elledge. Bourbon County, Ky., 1813. 1890, Yoncolla, Ore. Daniel W. Elledge was one of our true pioneer preachers. In 1816 his parents brought him from Bourbon County, Ky., to Edgar County, 111. They were high Calvinists, and com- monly called, in the vernacular of the time, "Hardshell Bap- tists." They were ambitious to make a Baptist preacher of this son, and hence gave him unusual attention. The schools of the community were not of a very high grade. Any man who could read, write and teach arithmetic was considered a competent master. But young Elledge hungered for knowledge, was a keen observer and thoughtful. In later years, on one of his preaching-tours, he met a college-bred minister who, after hearing him preach, said, "Bro. Elledge, where did you receive your education?" "Down in Edgar County, at the Big Creek Schoolhouse," "You use good language for one with only a common- school education." Mr. Elledge was a student of the Bible from his boyhood. Shortly after his marriage in 1831, Michael Combs came over from Indiana and held a meeting in the neighborhood. He organized a Christian Church. Mr. Elledge was one of the converts and soon thereafter began to preach. At first his eflforts were poor, but he improved rapidly. The earlier years of his ministry were confined mainly to Edgar, Clark and Coles Counties, where he preached in log cabins of the people, in schoolhouses and in groves. He was a logical reasoner and an earnest exhorter. Many wxre turned to the Lord by his preaching. About the year 1833 he moved to Clark County, and settled on a new tract of land some three miles east of Dalson Prairie. While he improved his farm and from it supported his family, his preaching was stead- fastly continued. About 1836 he organized his home church, BIOGRAPHIES 507 six miles west of his residence and three miles west of Dal- son Prairie. This he named the Blue Grass Christian Church. Later he helped build their house for public wor- ship. The path of his ministry was marked by converts, con- gregations formed and their houses built. Not infrequently he was associated with Nathan Wright and Michael Combs, of Indiana, and Thomas Goodman, of Illinois, in what were called ''Big Meetings." And they were big in clear-cut teaching of the Bible, big in fellowship and hospitality, big in sincerity and simplicity, big in Christian joy and help- fulness, and big in results, for they were the enduring foun- dation of our civilization. They were big in everything except the financial compensation of the preachers. There was little money in circulation, and frequently these pioneers were squeamish about "taking pay for preaching." But the pioneer sisters knew that a man needed food and clothing, so every now and then they gave Bro. Elledge a pair of home-made woolen socks, and on one occasion they gave him enough of homespun ''Blue Jeans" to make him a pair of trousers. As his physical weight had come to be 230 pounds, it is apparent that this was a liberal donation. Many of the early settlers kept a few sheep and raised flax to make their own clothing. Game was plentiful in southeastern Illinois. At one time Mr. Elledge had seven deer hung up in the woods. On another occasion, having killed one of these fine animals about a mile from his home, he left it on the ground till he could "get the old mare and sled to haul it home." On his return he found that a panther had dragged the carcass to the side of an old log and had covered it up with leaves. While I\Ir. Elledge cleared and cultivated his land, he carried a copy of the New Testament in his pocket. When he sat down to rest he would read it. At one time, he was preaching at the home of Robert Downs, father of Dudley Downs, in the southern part of Edgar County. Because of the crowd of people, the pren.cher stood just inside the 508 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS entrance door, and, turning around, he saw one of Mr. Downs' three large hounds standing with his front feet on the threshold, stretching his head upward. Quick as light- ning the preacher's big fist smote the hound's jaw, knocking him out into the middle of the yard. ''My book tells me to beware of dogs," said Mr. Elledge, and went on with his sermon as though nothing had happened. In 1853 he sold his farm and moved to Putnam County, Mo. He settled within three miles of the Iowa State line. In that new country he began his work again as a frontier, pioneer farmer and preacher. For a number of years he stood alone in that region as an advocate of the New Testa- ment order. According to the customs of the time, the Methodists took pleasure in calling him "the fighting Camp- bellite preacher." But in one public discussion they learned to respect him. His ministry in northern Missouri was sig- nally fruitful in people turned to the Lord and churches constituted. In 1865, Mr. Elledge sold his farm and moved to Oregon, where he continued his earnest ministry through the Grand Ronde Valley, at Eugene, at Portland, at Salem three years, and at various places in the State of Washington. When the infirmities of his body became such that he could not stand in preaching, he sat and taught the people the word of God. He fought a good fight, he kept the faith, and on his little farm near Yoncolla, Ore., in his sev- enty-fourth year, he finished his triumphant course and went away to receive his eternal crown. John Ellis. The vital data of this good preacher failed to come in answer to earnest requests. It is probable that he was asso- ciated with the Christian Denomination, but he preached for a few of the churches of Christ in Madison County, 111., in the early seventies. Later he served some kindred cono-rega- tions in western Pennsylvania. He was then an aeed and feeble man. In answer to protests against his holding to BIOGRAPHIES 509 his ministry under such conditions, he replied that he wished to go on to the close of his earthly life. Let the following poem (his production) be his memorial. It was popular for a long period and is worth preserving. The writer is indebted to Min. A. J. Carrick, Montezuma, la., for these copies: THE WHITE PILGRIM'S GRAVE. (Written at Johnsonburg, N. J., 1836.) I came to the spot where White Pilgrim lay, And pensively stood by his tomb; When, in a low whisper, I heard something say: "How sweetly I sleep here alone. "The tempest may howl and the loud thunders roll, And gathering storms may arise; Yet calm are my feelings, at rest is my soul, The tears are all wiped from my eyes. "The cause of my Master impelled me from home, I bade my companion farewell : I left my sweet children who for me now mourn. In far distant regions to dwell. "I wandered an exile and stranger below, To publish salvation abroad ; The trump of the gospel endeavor to blow. Inviting poor sinners to God. "But when among strangers, and far from my home, No kindred or relative nigh. I met the contagion and sank in the tomb. My spirit to mansions on high. "Go tell my companion and children most dear. To weep not for Joseph, though gone; The same hand that led me through scenes dark and drear, Has kindly conducted me home." REPLY TO WHITE PILGRIM. (Written at Yellow Springs, O., 1843.) I called at the house of the mourner below, I entered the mansion of grief; The tears of deep sorrow most freely did flow; I tried, but could give no relief. 510 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS There sat a lone widow, dejected and sad, By affliction and sorrow oppressed; And there were her children in mourning arrayed, And sighs were escaping their breast. I spoke to the widow concerning her grief, I asked her the cause of her woe ; And if there was nothing to give her relief. Or soothe her deep sorrows below. She looked at her children, then looked upon me (That look I shall never forget). More eloquent far than a seraph could be; It spoke of the trials she met. "The hand of affliction falls heavily now, I'm left with my children to mourn ; The friend of my youth lies silent and low In yonder cold graveyard alone. "But why should I murmur or feel to complain, Or think that my portion is hard? Have I met with affliction? 'Tis surely his gain — He has entered the joy of his Lord." M. R. Elder. Illinois, 1836. 1907, Harristown, 111. Mr. Elder was an active and useful preacher in west- central Illinois for forty-five years. His disposition was genial, his heart tender and sympathetic, and loyalty to the Lord supreme. Ashley J. Elliott. Evansville, Ind., 1862. 1910, Peoria, 111. Mr. Elliott was a "railroad man" of fine mind and habits. His business brought him into contact with many men and its conduct was recognized as exceptionally forceful and efficient. Without obtrusiveness, every one who wished knew where he stood. He was never ashamed of his Master or his church. He hated intemperance of all kinds, including the use of tobacco. He was resourceful and had perspective and initiative. To him belongs the honor of first ''building a church in a day." BIOGRAPHIES Sll John England. Kentucky, 1811. 1884, Illinois. John England was a son of Stephen England. The family came into Sangamon County in 1819, where Stephen England formed, in the following year, the first church of Christ in central Illinois. It is now known as the Cantrall Christian Church. John England's education was very limited. He grew up before the schoolhouses were built. What he learned, he knew well. He became a blacksmith, wagon-maker, farmer and preacher. As a minister he was well and widely known and very useful. He moved with his family to Logan County, where he entered forty acres of land, and as the years passed added to it until he owned 140 acres, where he resided the larger part of his life. This was near Mt. Pulaski. He preached at the Antioch Church, now Cantrall; Athens; Wolf Creek, now Barclay; Fancy Creek, now Wil- hamsville ; Mt. Pulaski, at different places along Lake Fork, and elsewhere. His memory of the Scriptures was surpris- ing. He always had conscientious scruples about taking money for preaching. This, to some, was a very wholesome doctrine and full of comfort. Indeed, in everything Mr. England was finely conscientious. His son, A. T. England, says that his father was ''always, in his deals, afraid he would get the better of the other fellow." Further: *Tf, in the evening, the topic of conversation would run upon anything of a financial character, in five to ten minutes he would be sleeping; but if there would be anything said pertaining to the Scriptures and the life beyond, he would be standing on his feet in a few minutes talking. He never seemed to be the least tired or skeptical about his hope for the future world. His mind was earnestly set on what good he might do other people. I have known him to ride fifteen miles home after preaching at night before he went to bed. I used to think the people ,eave him such wonderful troubles about coming to settle difficulties in the churches. One of the sisters sent for him one day, and when he got there she told 512 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS him that she 'had terribly fell out with her man' and was so troubled that their little boy would necessarily 'have the husband's stock somewhat.' There and then she wanted father to tell her if they couldn't cut one of the boy's blood- veins and let the husband's part of the blood run out of him — then he would be purely of her blood." "Uncle John" England's hospitality was known afar in that day, when the latch-string always hung outside of the door. Quoting again from his son : ''Billy Brown, A. J. Kane, Walter Bowles and the Pickrells from Mechanicsburg would often come to our place. You better believe I had a hustling time taking care of their horses. It didn't make any difference what denomination a preacher was, we always kept him for nothing. Sometimes the old folks would go away, and my older sister and I concluded we would charge the people for staying all night. She did the cooking and I tended to their horses and made out their bills. The first thing I bought with my part of the money was a pair of boots with red on the tops. I was ten years old, and oh, but I stepped high, for this was the first pair of boots I ever had. Father would scold me like everything when he got home." John England was a true servant of God and his fellow- men — self-forgetful, self-sacrificing and supremely loyal to his Christian convictions. He died in great hope of the life to come. Robert Seymour Ensign. Dalton, Mass., 1836. 1912, Long Point, 111. Was of Puritan lineage and Revolutionary stock. Both of his grandfathers served with distinction in the Colonial Army. He was a manufacturer of woolen goods and a farmer. He came to Illinois in 1864, settling on a farm near Dana. There he was a schoolmaster and filled such civil offices as he was elected to. W^hile yet a young man, he became a Christian, uniting with the Baptist Church. He united with the church of Christ at Dana on his coming BIOGRAPHIES 513 there. Later he moved to the vicinity of Long Point. It was at his suggestion that the work there was started that led to the organization of the church of Christ. He was one of its charter members, and was chosen one of its first elders, in which capacity he served to the close of his Hfe. He was a modest and unassuming man, of abiUty and genu- ine worth, and had the moral courage to apply the principles of our Lord's teachings to personal conduct in all of life's practical affairs. Alfred Flozver. Albion, 111., 1822. 1907, Worcester, Mass. Beginning in his early manhood, Mr. P'lower gave sixty- five years to the ministry of the gospel. Most of his work was done in IlHnois, but he labored also in Indiana, Ken- tucky, and in the closing period of his life in New England. At this time he spent his winters in Florida, where he preached continually. The church in St. Petersburg was founded and fostered by him. In him, there was a fine correlation of mind and heart. He was a man of superior spiritual fiber, broad culture and genuine sympathies. His expository sermons were interestingly illustrated and most helpful. In his prime, he often arose at three or four o'clock in the morning to reach his appointments, and much of his ministry was without financial compensation. His faith was always serene and his love sincere. His patience never grew weary and his enthusiasm never faltered. He moved toward the land of eternal dawn with the hopefulness of youth. He was a son of God and a friend of men. Mrs. Sarah Flower Adams, author of the hymn, ''Nearer, My God, to Thee," was his cousin. Dr. Robert Foster. Tennessee, 1814. ^ 1875, Palrnyra, 111. Mr. Foster was a unique character. Small in body, he was in mind alert and quick to learn and understand. At the age of fifteen he was baptized by Philip Mulkey in Ten- 17 514 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS nessee. His father was a high and stern Calvinist and drove Robert from home when he became a Christian. So he came to lUinois with Tandy Trice, a pioneer preacher. The period of his youth must have been dihgently improved, for he became a successful physician and remarkable preacher. The Christian ministry was the absorbing and consuming work of his life. His labors were chiefly in central Illinois, where he was associated with D. P. Henderson, W. P. Bowles, B. W. Henry, A. J. Kane and other mighty men of that time. How much this part of the State is indebted to his zeal, toils and sacrifices, only a few know. After he was well started in the ministry, he made a visit to his childhood's home in Tennessee. While there, he conducted a meeting of days, and baptized his mother, two brothers and a sister. His proud father gave him no countenance, and he came away without even seeing him. In April, 1836, he started horse- back on an evangelizing tour, and the next November reported 150 baptisms. In 1837 he was associated with B. W. Stone in a meeting in Lynnville. In December, 1838, he was married to ]\Iiss Mary A. Burnett, near Palmyra. They began housekeeping in a log cabin on Wolf Creek, north of the site of Riverton. One of their sons, W B. Foster, became a brilliant and successful preacher, but died in his young prime. Several other chil- dren survive. At one time, Dr. Foster had a lucrative medical practice in Carlinville, but this could not tie him to that profession. His desire to preach pushed all else aside. His generosity knew no limit. It was that trait in him that led Dr. Bostick, of Scottsville, to say: ''Robert Foster is the smartest man I ever knew, but has the least common sense of any man I ever saw." John M. Palmer said that Robert Foster would give away the last dollar he had, then borrow another dollar and give that away. He is said to have been the ablest and most convincing preacher in the State on the Bible way to become a Chris- tian. Claiborn Hall, long a great man of God at Athens; BIOGRAPHIES SIS Thos. E. Bondurant, first at Mechanicsburg, and M. M. and G. M. Goode, first at Chapman's Point, were turned to the Lord by Mr. Foster. He called the younger Mr. Goode his ''son Timothy." Preaching on the conversion of the jailer, and replying to the contention that there were infants in this family, Mr. Foster said: "This jailer had one daughter. She married a shoemaker who was lame in one leg and blind in one eye. How did I learn this? Why, just like the preach- ers who say there were babies in this family who were baptized. / inferred it." His sermon on Philip and the eunuch was made very striking by modernizing the Scripture to suit the then prevalent conception for conversion. Some amusing incidents are told of him. In those days it was the custom to have high, boxed-up pulpits. Mr. Fos- ter was too short to see over the big Bible ; so he was pro- vided with a box on which to stand. When he began to exhort, he could not stay on the box, so his head would appear and disappear behind the high enclosure. A little girl in the audience witnessed his movements and was much troubled thereby; so she began to cry, saying: ''Mother, why don't they let him o-u-t?" Some of the good sisters somewhere had given him a stiff-bosomed shirt. They were shocked to notice at an out- of-doors baptismal occasion, when Mr. Foster removed his coat, that he had his shirt on front part behind, so occupied was he with his work. He was always himself. He did not "put on" or play a part. His eccentricities were as natural as the color of his eyes or the shape of his face. At the close of his life, he said to George Sims, an aged comrade in the gospel: "Brother Sims, what a blessed thing it is that a Christian can die and exchange his old, wornout body for a spiritual one with Christ." Chas. W. Freeman. Greenup, 111., 1859. Grew up on the farm. Attended country school, County Normal and State School at Normal, 111. He was a teacher 516 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS for eleven years in the country and town schools. When twelve years of age he made a violin of a cigar-box and learned to play about eighty pieces by ear. Later he studied music. Before his conversion, he made music for dances ; since then he has made music more earnestly for the Lord. The first three years of his preaching were connected with his work as a schoolmaster. During that period he received less than three dollars for his ministerial service. His work in Illinois was mostly in southeastern counties. Mr. Free- man has been an earnest and efficient evangelist, having led in eighty revivals. He baptized his own mother on the seventieth anniversary of her birth. His preaching always rings true to the word of God, of course. Seth Card. Came from an Eastern State to Barney's Prairie settle- ment, in what is now Wabash County, in 1813. He was a man of ability, initiative and perspective, and was probably the leading man in that section. He was a member of the third Territorial Legislature, and was also a member of the convention that framed the State Constitution in 1818. He was the first elder of the Barney's Prairie Church. To him, with Min. James Pool, Joseph Wood and others, is due the honor of starting that church on the apostolic basis. Mr. Card died in 1845. James S. Gash. Kentucky, 1833. 1909, Hlinois. Mr. Gash turned to the Lord at the age of thirty. He began preaching at once. His ministry was confined to the Military Tract. For many years he led the singing in his home church at Macomb. At the time of his death he had united more people in wedlock than any minister in McDon- ough County. He was a brotherly man of sweet spirit and a consecrated and helpful Christian. His end came by apolexy. The democracy of the gospel was well illustrated in his spirit and life. J. H. GILLILAND. COL. E. D. BAKER. m JOHN J. COSAT. J. G. CAMPBELL. BIOGRAPHIES 517 Clay F. Cannier. Knox County, O., 1870. Grew up on the farm. Taught school and attended school, graduating with honor from the Ohio Northwestern University in 1893. Was principal of the public schools at Sidell, III, for nine years, when he resigned to enter the ministry in 1903. Mr. Gaumer has given the churches of that part of Vermilion County helpful service. He was elected to the forty-fourth General Assembly of Illinois on the Prohibition ticket ; and again in 1906 by a large majority. James H. Cilliland. Illinois, 1855. 1912, Illinois. Mr. Gilliland was born on his father's farm near Ver- mont. While a boy he lived and worked there. He grad- uated from Abingdon College in 1875, and from Eureka in the class of 1880. The following year he received from the latter institution his master's degree. He served the church at Mechanicsburg four years and at Harristown until he was called to Bloomington in Febru- ary, 1888. His service in that city has been well called "a monumental ministry." Under his wise leadership and force- ful. Scriptural preaching the congregations there grew from one to three, with large, modern, well-equipped buildings paid for, and the number of Disciples increased from four hundred to about twenty-five hundred. The ministry of very few men is crowned with such substantial and abiding results. As a man and a minister, Mr. Gilliland was unassuming and wholly without ostentation. His master ambition was to be a capable and faithful preacher of the Word. He read widely and wisely, and thought profoundly and clearly upon all the great religious problems of our time. His last work was the preparation of an address on "Twenty-five Years of Christian Work in Bloomington," read by another at the seventy-fifth anniversary of the formation of the Christian Church in that city. In its closing he said: "The ministry of the Word is the transcendent calling. It is a God-revealing, 518 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Christ-uplifting and Bible-interpreting calling. The preacher may well visit the critic's school, but his residence is at the mterpreter's house. The ministry is a man-saving, a truth- seeking, a world-redeeming calling. The minister is the champion of the needy, the advocate of the poor, the pro- tector of the helpless, the apostle of every good cause. Ilon- ored with the presence of God and his power, clothed with the authority of Jesus and the truth, directed by the prin- ciples of faith, love and sacrifice, the ministry is the supreme calHng among men." In his passing, the cause of truth and righteousness sus- tained a distinct loss. The hearts of thousands were touched with sincere regret and sorrow. "He sets as sets the morn- ing star that goes not down, but melts away into the light of heaven." Archibald A. Glenn. Nicholas County, Ky., 1819. 1901, Wichita, Kan. Mr. Glenn was of Scotch-Irish lineage. His paternal grandfather came from Ireland to America just before the Revolution. His mother was a Kentuckian — a woman of refinement and great strength of character. His father's family moved to Indiana in 1820, from there to Vermilion County, 111., in 1823, and afterward to Schuyler County. The father died in 1832, leaving his family but little property. Archibald, then a lad of fourteen, with his mother, kept the family of six younger children together and managed the farm. When his brothers were older and able to work, Archibald went to Rushville, learned the printing business and published a paDer in the interests of the Whig party. Next, he went to ]\It. Sterling and became a book- keeper in a store. In 1853 he was elected county clerk. This was the beginning of his political career. He served as superintendent of schools in Brown County one term. He was a deles^ate to the convention that amended the State's Constitution in 1862. General Lippencott, State Auditor in 1868, regarded Mr. Glenn as one of the most capable mem- BIOGRAPHIES 519 bers of the St2te Board of Equalization. He was elected to the State Senate in 1872, and became president of that body and ex-officio Lieutenant Governor in 1874. The little school training that Mr. Glenn received v^as in the country schools. Technically, he w^as not an educated man, but he came, by reading and absorbing the contents of many good books, into the possession of a prodigious fund of information that he used with commanding ability. He was a member of the church of Christ at Mt. Ster- ling and was a staunch and true Disciple. Always and everywhere and in all things he stood four-square for the best things of Ufe. Galen M. Goode. Macoupin County, 111., 1842. Grew up on farm. Attended public schools. Began preaching about 1863. He has served the churches at Illiopolis, Harristown, Normal, Buffalo, Hartsburg and Lex- ington, Mo. Besides, much miscellaneous Christian work. He has been a genial man of fine humor and wit and always devoted to the truth. He is the father of Min. W. S. Goode, of Ohio. M. M. Goode, Illinois, 1835. A brother of G. M. Goode. Was a very active and useful preacher in Illinois in the earlier years. Entered the min- istry in 1862. Served at Antioch, Berea and Literberry, in Morgan County, and Petersburg. These two brothers had quick wit and fine humor and were most enjoyable com- panions. But he went to Missouri more than thirty years ago. In August, 1867, he conducted a public discussion at Palmyra, ill., with Min. Richard McVey, of the M. E. Church. One of the speeches of Mr. Goode was full of unction, and as he SDoke a Mr. Vancamp pressed his way to the front to make the srood confession : he was at once fol- lowed by two sisters, Misses Lucy and Leona Gardner, Rich- ard Allyn and Taylor McPherson. Then Mr. Short, who 520 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS was Mr. McVey's moderator and a teacher in the female college at Jacksonville, stepped to the front and exhorted the people to come forward and confess the Saviour. It was a moment of profound spiritual pathos. At the meeting for immersion the following day a number of others turned to the Lord. Thomas Goodman. Virginia, 1808. 1888, Charleston, 111. In early manhood he was a schoolmaster and a merchant, and accumulated some property. Meanwhile, he was preach- ing some, and the conviction grew in him that he ought to be wholly consecrated to the work of the Christian ministry; hence, to this work he gave his life and in it spent most of the means he had acquired. He came to Illinois in the pioneer days. While yet a schoolteacher he would often ride horseback to his appoint- ments, preach Saturday evening and twice on the Lord's Day, then ride most of the night to begin his school work Monday morning. Later his preaching-tours were so extended that two or three days' riding was required, and on these trips as often as necessary he swam his horse through swollen streams. ''Uncle Tom" Goodman was one of the most intense men. His was the material of which heroes and martyrs are made. He was never kept in his bed by sickness a whole day in his life until his last illness, that lasted only three days. He never voted, but when Mr. Lincoln was a candidate for the Presidency in 1860 the conscience of the preacher was sorely tried, such was his admiration for the great man. To have stipulated a term of ministerial service for a named amount of money would have been to Mr. Goodman well-nigh an act of sacrilege. It was said of him that if one would quote from memory or read a passage in the New Testament, he could at once name the chapter and verse. In his preaching he often became so impassioned with the love of the truth and his desire for the salvation of people that he dashed little BIOGRAPHIES 521 flecks of foam from his mouth like a mighty warhorse in battle. He conducted the funeral of Thomas Lincoln, the father of Abraham Lincoln, a few miles southeast of Mattoon, where the sacred dust of the paternal progenitor of the great Emancipator lies entombed. Thomas and Nancy Lin- coln were members of the Christian Church. Mr. Goodman, with patient and well-directed aim, hum- bled himself through his life ; so God has highly exalted him* John R. Golden. McLean County, III, 1876. Grew up on farm. Learned carpenter's trade. Educated at Eureka College. Was pastor at Moweaqua, Walnut, Gib- son and Westside Church in Springfield. Was elected to the House of the Legislature on the Prohibition ticket in 1906. Elijah Goodwin. Ohio, 1807. ^ ^ 1889, Ohio. Elijah Goodwin belonged to Indiana, as that was his home most of his life. But since no man did more to plant the Restoration movement in Edwards, Wabash and White Counties than he, these lines are due here. At the age of fourteen he became a member of the Christian Denomina- tion. Four years later he was licensed by their conference to preach. In a few years his preaching began to distress their older ministers. He soon identified himself with the Disciples. His ministerial labors in the counties above named, as well as southern Indiana and northern Kentucky, were incessant. Besides, he did considerable editorial work. His book of sermons entitled *'The Family Companion" was published in 1873. If any one thinks he was only a common backwoods preacher, let him learn his mistake by reading it. At the time of his decease his talented and accomplished wife was the editor of the Christian Monitor. The closing words of the last oi three poems she wrote on the death of her husband follow: 522 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS "His glorious crown of silver hair! His face like marble, pure and fair; His folded hands, in holy calm, Worthy to bear the martyr's palm. I'll lay white flowers upon his breast, Emblem of his peaceful rest; Never more for him shall be The pain of death's Gethsemane." Moses Goodwin Was a younger brother of Elijah Goodwin. He had little of school training, but knew the Bible from end to end. He was strong both physically and mentally, and was a born orator. No one ever went to sleep or became indifferent when he was preaching. Through the teaching and preach- ing of Maurice R. Trimble, of Knox County, Ind., Moses came fully into the Restoration movement a little before his brother Elijah. While Moses Goodwin was preaching for Union Church in Gibson County, Ind., that congregation came over bodily into "gospel order," as they called it, with- out change of name, officers or records. The only change apparent afterward was that the mourners' bench was used no more and penitent believers publicly confessed their faith in the Christ and were baptized for the remission of sins. Moses Goodwin settled in White County, 111., some time before 1840. Feb. 24, 1839, he organized the Christian Church at Seven-mile Prairie, which became the mother of all the churches of Christ in White County. His labors were constant and successful, but they undermined his health. He died at Grayville about the time he reached his prime. Harmon Gregg. Illinois, 1830. Mr. Gregg was born in a log cabin a short distance west of the site of the city of Charleston. Indians were still liv- ing thereabout. In the winter-time he attended school in a log house when the days were not fit to break and scutch flax. In 1849 the California gold fever attacked him. He BIOGRAPHIES 523 crossed the plains with the view of gathering gold by the basketful. Like many others, in this he was disappointed, and after two years returned to Illinois. The trip had cost him two years of schooling. In the southeast part of Douglas County there was a community of intelligent settlers. It came to be known as Rural Retreat and is yet so called. A debating society was formed and its weekly meetings were held in the schoolhouse. In these meetings Mr. Gregg soon became an active par- ticipant. It was not long until the Disciples in the community encouraged him to preach. He was modest and timid, but they insisted. Thus it was that he was led into the ministry. His work was done mainly in Douglas, Coles and Edgar Counties. Associated v/ith him were A. D. Fillmore, Thomas Goodman, Gershom Rude, Joseph Hostetler and W. F. Black. One day Mr. Gregg was plowing in his field. A neighbor residing five miles away called on business. In the course of the conversation the caller misquoted a passage of Scrip- ture, which Mr. Gregg corrected. Then the neighbor so persistently besought him to come over and preach in their schoolhouse that a promise was given. The results were conversions among the people, the organization of a church of Christ and the building of a substantial church. His ministry was continued there four or five years. A good sister remarked to the preacher one day that honey-bees always did well for a man who lived amicably with his wife ; whereupon, she gave him a colony. This was the sole mate- rial compensation received from that congregation for those years of service. Frequently Mr. Gregg's preaching was of the militant type. It could hardly have been different. In those years he and his brethren, pleading for the authority of Jesus Christ and the word of God, were often called "water-dogs" by pious denominationalists. Sometimes even women would shake their fists in his face and mutter their dissent. But this preacher was always true to the word of God. 524 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Tobias G rider. Monroe County, Ky., 1800. 1880, Shelby County, III At the age of twenty he married and moved to Indiana, where he soon became a Christian and began to preach. He came to IlHnois in 1836, and settled on Sand Creek in Shelby County, where he died. As a proclaimer of the gospel, he labored under many disadvantages, but by persevering indus- try he supported his family from his farm and gained a good knowledge of the Scriptures. His Hfe was filled with self- sacrifices for others' good. He was never called an eloquent preacher, but his sermons were full of Bible truth, logically stated, and he was a powerful exhorter. Many hundreds were won to Christ by his ministry, in which he continued faithful unto death. W. M. Groves. Hancock County, 111., 1865. Educated in the public schools of his native county and Abingdon College. As pastor, he served the churches at Stillwell, Columbus, Rushville, Carrollton, Girard, Shelby- ville and Petersburg. He is a leader among the Odd Fellows of Illinois. He was first elected to the State Legislature in 1909, and is now (1913) serving his third term. John I. Gunn. Scotland, 1866. Educated at Evanston, 111. Served several years as a minister in the M. E. Church. Mr. Gunn combines the literary and spiritual in fine proportions, and his ministry is pleasing and profitable. George F. Hall. Near Clarksville, la., 1864. Mr. Hall began his mundane career in a log cabin and grew up on the farm. He attended the district school and four and a half years in Drake University. He has read widely and written much. In 1904 he received the Ph.D. BIOGRAPHIES 525 degree from what was then known as Rnskin University. The aggregate sale of his books has been about one hundred thousand volumes. He paid his way in school by his own labors. Thereafter he served as pastor five years in Kansas and seven in Illinois. Meanwhile, he was afield as a very forceful and successful evangelist. And he gave not a few lectures on a variety of subjects. For nearly seven years he preached Sunday mornings at Bush Temple of Music, Chicago, to multitudes of people. In this work he was unassisted save by the volunteer ofTering of the people who attended there. Mr. Hall is vigorous in body and brain. He is not easily abashed or discouraged. His sermons have always rung true to the word of God. /. C. T. Hall. Ewel, England, 1818. ^ 1901, Albion, 111. Was brought by his parents to America in 1821, and later into Edwards County. At the Little Prairie Church there he became a Christian and a minister. He worked with his hands to support himself and family while he preached, and was successful both in his secular business and his public ministry. He was a lover of good books and had a large library. He was firm in his faith, a man of sweet and gracious spirit, and, with his increasing means, liberal to a fault. For about sixty-one years he continued his public service in southern Illinois, but particularly in Edwards County. A short time before his death he said: "It is the last step that a man makes that takes him into heaven." Jonathan Hall Was for many years an efficient elder of the Old Union Church. Beginning in 1873, he served as judge of DeWitt County for four years. Caleb Hainline Was baptized by Abner Peeler in August, 1836. He began as a local teacher in the Hittle's Grove Church in 1840, con- 526 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS tinuing until his death in 1901 — over sixty-one years. In 1871 he preached fifty-nine sermons, married three couples, and received a total compensation of $2.10. /. £. Harris. Fulton County, III, 1854. Educated at Abingdon College. Is a farmer and grain- dealer. Served three terms as mayor of Bushville, and was elected to the House of the Legislature in 1904-06. /. /. Harris. Summit County, O., 1853. Grew up on the farm and with decidedly infidel notions. Fortunately, marrying a Christian of intelligent convictions, she led him to the knowledge of the truth. Then he attended Bethany College a year. He served as pastor in Ohio and Michigan, and came to Illinois in 1887. His eight years^ pastorate at Duquoin was a great blessing to the church in every way. Since then he has resided in Marion and has evangelized and served congregations. He was the evan- gelist of the Eighth District three years, and has been a public advocate of prohibition. Mr. Harris is one of the common people, a man of fine common sense and a true preacher. His ministry in southern Illinois has been dis- tinctly constructive. W. W. Happy. Kentucky, 1806. 1875, Illinois. At the age of eighteen, Mr. Happy united with the Bap- tist Church. He came to Jacksonville in 1830, and soon thereafter became a member of the church of Christ there. In the thirties he was twice elected to the lower House of the Illinois Legislature from the Jacksonville district as a Whig. He served his constituents with fidelity and eflficiency. When about thirty years of age, he was urged by his brethren to give his life to the Christian ministry, and shortly thereafter entered upon this work. He traveled through the BIOGRAPHIES 527 State with Mr. Campbell in 1853 in the interest of Bethany College, and frequently preached for the churches they visited. Later, the great reformer said of Mr. Happy that in intellectual endowments he was the equal of any man in the West, and that his grasp of the scheme of redemption was quite superior. He was a great thinker and had the courage of his convictions. His affiliation with the Russell defection grew out of his deep spiritual desires and his long- ing to be right with God. His return to the church in later years was evidence of his Christlike humility. He was a Christian pioneer of noble character, who gave his Ufe in unselfish devotion to the gospel's advocacy. He died in humble circumstances. 7. M, Haughey. Jamestown, O., 1833. 1912, Mason City, 111. Became a Christian in 1859 at Rothchild's Schoolhouse, west of Lincoln, 111., under the preaching of Minister Good- sell, of the Baptists. In June, 1861, he took charge of the Baptist Church in Mason City, and the following winter transferred his membership to the church of Christ in that place. Thereafter, his ministry was continuous till failing health compelled his retirement. He never sought to serve a church because of the salary, but supported his family by the newspaper business. In his ministry he walked through- out Mason County and added multitudes to the Lord. On one occasion he was preaching, in a schoolhouse packed full of people, on "The Four Baptisms." Just in front of him sat an old gentleman with steady eyes on the preacher. He spoke first of the baptism of suffering; second, of water, and, third, of fire. ''Now I come to the baptism of the Holy Spirit," said the preacher. Just then the old gentleman extended his arm full length, and, pointing his index finger almost into the speaker's face, said, loud enough for all to hear, "Yes, sir, and it's the only baptism I'd give a snap for, by ginsrer." He had formed the habit of saying "by ginger" in his youth, and it stuck. 528 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Robert Moffett Allison Hawk. Indiana, 1839. 1882, Washington, D. C. Brought with his father's family to Carroll County, 111., in 1846. Educated in common schools and at Eureka Col- lege. First lieutenant of Company C, Ninety-second Regi- ment Illinois Volunteers, in 1862. Promoted to captaincy early in 1863. Lost his right leg in the battle of Raleigh, N. C., the day of Lee's surrender. Breveted major by Presi- dent Johnson for meritorious service. Was county clerk of Carroll County from 1865 to 1878. Was elected to forty- sixth and forty-seventh Congresses from the Fifth District. On the night before the assembling of the convention of his district to nominate him for the third time, Major Hawk was stricken by apoplexy and died within a few hours at his rooms in Washington, D. C, at 11 p. m., June 29, 1882. General and Mrs. John A. Logan were with him at the time of his death. Major Hawk was a large man in every way — physically, mentally and morally. He was a commanding personality, and commanded the confidence and respect of all who knew him. He was a faithful Christian man. Morgan P. Hayden, Deerfield, O., 1845. Graduated at Hiram College. He served two periods in Illinois covering twelve years — at Ludlow, Blandinsville, Augusta, Watseka, Rockford, Washington and elsewhere. Mr. Hayden has a fine knowledge of the Bible, out of which he has enriched his generation. Lysias Heape, York County, Pa., 1813. 1889, Illinois. Mr. Heape's family moved to Ohio in 1816. He was baptized there in 1832 by Wm. Dowling. He came to Perry County, 111., about 1835. Soon he was chosen as an elder of a congregation near Duquoin. In the discharge of his Scriptural duties he was soon led into the work of the min- BIOGRAPHIES 529 istry. In his experience he had the privations and the joys of a pioneer preacher. From 1847 to 1855 he was employed by a Co-operation of Christian Churches in southern IlUnois. D. P. Henderson. It is humiliating to the writer that such a fine character and useful life fails of a befitting mention from a lack of the facts. Mr. Henderson was, at different times, actively associated with the churches of Christ in Illinois for fifty years. He was a successful pastor and evangelist and a resourceful leader in co-operative missionary work and Chris- tian education. He was a writer and editor as well. He worked in the thirties in Morgan County and one of his pastorates was in Chicago. T. T. Holton says of him: "He was a model of grace for an old man and very winning and persuasive in his address. I think in his youth he could have courted a princess. He was a man of wonderful energy, though slight of build." When clerk of the court in Jack- sonville, he preached in villages and country churches on the Lord's Days. His great meeting in Louisville, Ky., in which five hundred additions were received, called special attention to him. During his pastorate there, the great pillared Temple at the corner of Fourth and Walnut Streets was erected. In its basement the Foreign Christian Mis- sionary Society was organized. Li the same place a daily morning prayer-meeting during the Civil War was held, and the unity of the congregation was thus conserved. He was an earnest Union man, and there were influential numbers there who differed with him. Mr. Henderson was thoroughly democratic. He knew nothing of snobbery save as he saw it in others. While a forceful leader, he was admirably con- ciliatory. He was a fine example of the siiaviter in niodo, ' ' Bushrod W. Henry. Culpeper County, Va., 1805. 1879, Shelbyviller 111. Became a member of the Baptist Church at the age of nineteen and soon after began to preach. Came from Ten- 530 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS nessee to Shelby County, 111., in the fall of 1830. His min- istry among the Baptists there was fruitful, resulting in the formation of several congregations. In 1832 he began to preach clearly three things: "The Bible as an infallible guide, baptism for the remission of sins, no name but Scriptural names for the followers of Christ to wear." In reaching these conclusions, his son, J. O. Henry, testified that his father was helped by no human being except his wife. Sym- pathizers with the views of ]\Ir. Henry early began to be called ''The Henry Party." These questions were debated until in 1834, when Air. Henry and his friends were sum- marily excluded from the Baptist Church. This date was recalled because it was associated with the ''sickly season" which occurred in that year. Before this time among the converts of Mr. Henry were Willis Whitfield, Colonel Vaughn and Silas Rhodes, who never left the fellowship of the Baptist Church. He was a man of prodigious industry. He led the work on his six-hundred-acre farm and traveled and preached in many places — a strong, valiant and intelligent proclaimer of the Word. In the earlier part of his ministry he was county evangelist for two years in Shelby. The first year he received as salary enough blue jeans for a pair of trousers, one pair of home-made woolen socks and $1.25 in money. The next year his salary was five dollars in cash. He was the first Disciple of Christ to take part in Sunday-school work in that county, helped in the organization of the State Missionary Society at Shelbyville in 1850, and was one of the original -trustees of Eureka College. He was a mighty spiritual force in his time, all the while exemplifying his preaching by his daily life. In 1868 a venerable and stately man went into the church in Springfield one Lord's Day morning and sat down well forward. He declined an invita- tion to preach, but presided at the table. He said: "This is an institution of the Lord's own appointment. The command to do this in remembrance of him is so gentle that it sounds like a request of one who loves us and desires to be remem- BIOGRAPHIES 531 bered. That member of the church of Christ who has no providential hindrance and yet refuses to be present and bear a part in this memorial service, deliberately decides, for that time at least, he will not obey his Lord." That man was Bushrod W. Henry. Mrs. O. W. Stewart and Mrs. Errett Gates are two of his grandchildren. James O. Henry. Culpeper County, Va., 1827. 1914, Findley, 111. Was the eldest son of Bushrod W. Henry. He was a preacher of the gospel for sixty-five years. Most of his ministerial work was done in Fayette and Shelby Counties. He served in Company E of the Fourth Regiment Illinois Volunteers during the Mexican War. He and Richard J. Oglesby were in adjoining companies, and formed a friend- ship there that continued through their lives. Ever after- ward when they met it was "Jim" and "Dick" until the latter came to honors. When Mr. Oglesby was the last time Gov- ernor, Mr. Henry took luncheon with him at the Mansion. Then they slowly walked together to the entrance of the State House grounds. The time of their final separation had come. "Well, Jim," said the Governor, "we have been friends for a long time. In life you took one course and I another. If I had my life to live over again, I would pursue the course you have followed." Then they shook hands for the last time on earth and the eyes of both of the old boys were more than moist. Rolla B. Henry. 1887, Clay County, 111. The earlier years of his ministry were given to Ohio. In Illinois he preached for congregations in Clay County, where he also served as county judge for a number of years. He never allowed his official duties to interfere with his regular ministerial work. He was a fine Christian gentleman who commanded high respect and general esteem. 532 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS William C. Hill. Zemuree, Tenn., 1828. 1908, Illinois. His parents brought him to Illinois in 1829 on a pack- horse. They went to Montgomery County, but afterward settled on Turkey Creek, south of Odin, in Marion County. He had the education imparted in backwoods subscription schools. He became a Christian in 1841 under the ministry of Mr. Schooly, and began to preach in early life. His min- istry in southeastern Illinois reached through sixty years, during which he immersed about five thousand people. His work was in the pioneer settlements and for many years in private houses and groves. He encountered intense bigoted sectarianism, generally ignorant and superstitious. He was a valued counselor and rarely equaled as a controversiaHst in private personal encounters. Many congregations grew from his labors. His sincerity in all he said and did, his earnest, sympathizing nature and his power in exhortation enabled him to win many souls for Christ, while his own life strength- ened and confirmed their faith. His many and great sacri- fices have had their reward. Judge Andrew Hinds. Eden, Vt., 1822. 1887, Lena, 111. Was admitted to the bar in 1846, and came to Stephen- son County, 111., in 1849. There he taught school, farmed, served as county treasurer and county judge and as a mem- ber of the board of supervisors for twenty years. While a m.ember of the State Legislature, he introduced the Hinds prohibitory liquor bill. It did not pass, but was an important step in the right direction. He was one of the most trusted men in his county, and was an intelligent and faithful Christian. David Hobbs. Shelby County, Ky., 1807. 1876, Liberty, 111. Mr. Hobbs was trained up in the Baptist Church. His education was such as the common schools at that time BIOGRAPHIES 533 afforded. He came to Illinois in September, 1830, and set- tied near the site of Columbus. There he taught school as he had in his native State. He also owned and tilled a farm. He early became an earnest and devout student of the sacred Scriptures. This led him to reject the custom of "relating an experience" on becoming a Christian, and to the adoption of the Scriptural order. In 1832 he preached in the resi- dence of John Yeargin, who had preceded him from Kentucky. This was the first sermon in Gilmer Township. With ten others, he moved to Concord Township. It is claimed that on Apr. 24, 1835, he organized the church, on the Bible as the all-sufficient creed, known now as the Pleas- ant View congregation. He served this church as elder and its principal teacher till 1850. While a resident of Adams County, he associated with John B. Curl, T. S. Brockman, James McPherson and W^m. H. Strong in the pioneer work of the gospel. His ministry was extended into the contigu- ous counties and beyond. In 1850 he sold his farm and moved to Pike County, where he gave himself more exclusively to preaching. Mr. Hobbs would never accept any civil or military office and held himself wholly aloof from politics. He was six feet and three inches tall, well proportioned and very strong. Having read himself to the apostolic ground, his ministry was fruitful of great good. Jacob Hodge n Was born in Hodgenville, Ky., in 1793, and came to Pike County, 111., in 1832. Mrs. Emma Crow, of Pittsfield, has written of him as follows: He was in turn a wagon-maker, farmer and merchant. He was one of the grand characters among the pioneers of the county and the church. Of the strictest integrity, sturdiest manhood and unwavering faith, he was a man whose faith and opinions commanded the respect of his fellow-men. His genial and whole-souled nature made him a host of friends, and his enthiisiasm in the cause of Christianity made his house the home of the ministry so that it was known as "the preachers' hotel." It was said of him that whatever the need, he 534 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS stepped into the breach, whether it was to pray, to preach, to plead or to cry. Such was the character and spirit of the man who helped so much in laying the foundations of a purer gospel in Pike ^* Mrs. Sarah A. Holman Was a unique personality. She was intelligent, cultured, independent, self-reliant, and had visited many places of interest in the United States and had traveled throughout Europe, Egypt and Palestine. She first visited the Central Christian Church in Peoria during the pastorate of N. S. Haynes. At that time she looked as if she might be fifty years young; her actual age was seventy-two. She was a widow. J-Jer husband had lived and died a member of the Baptist Church — a devout Christian man. Her only living child was a married daughter, who soon after passed away. Mrs. Holman said to the pastor, in a personal interview, that when a young woman she had heard Alexander Campbell preach, and that she could not conscientiously become a member of any church but the Christian ; that her home had never been where there had been such a congregation, and so through her Hfe she had stood aloof from all churches. Within a few weeks she was led by the pastor to publicly accept Christ and place her membership in the Central Church. She was not then a resident of Peoria, but was later. When she came to be baptized it was found that the baptistery had sprung a leak and was empty. ''There it is again," exclaimed Mrs. Holman ; "the Lord intends that I shall never be baptized." The minister assured her that the Lord had nothing to do with the leaky pool, but maybe the devil had. At the conclusion of her baptism three days after- ward, she said to the two women that assisted her: "And now, ladies, what do I owe you?" They were shocked and protested. She answered : "It is my custom to pay those who assist me in any way." When further protest would have been rudeness, they each accepted the five dollars that she gave each of them and turned it into the church hymnal BIOGRAPHIES 535 fund. Mrs. Holman passed to the life to come, at the age of ninety-three years. During the twenty-one years in which she was a member of the Central Church, she gave to it, to Eureka College and the Church Extension Society the aggregate sum of $22,000. William Holt. Illinois, 1837. 1880, Illinois. Mr. Holt was born in Edgar County. His ministry was mainly there and in the surrounding territory. He was highly esteemed as a man and was an able and brilliant preacher. Familiar with the Scriptures, he presented their teaching in a clear, logical and forceful manner. The results of his ministry were abiding. His sun set at his life's noon. Thomas Tilghman Holton. Aberdeen, O., 1839. Nature cast Mr. Holton in a large mould. His grand- father, William Holton, served through the War of 1812 and was in the battle of Tippecanoe. There he commanded a company in which were four of his brothers. He was also a member of the first legislative body of Virginia, his adopted State. From Fanquier County he migrated to Mason County, Ky., where William Holton, the father of the subject of this sketch, was born. His mother was Sally Price Tilghman, a native of Albemarle County, Va. Both branches of his family were of pre-Revolutionary stock. He enjoyed superior educational advantages. He went to the country school, to Aberdeen Seminary, to the South- western Normal School at Lebanon, O., and graduated from Bethany College July 4, 1862. Before he was seventeen he was a schoolmaster at Genntown, O. On a certificate marked 100 he conducted a school of eighty-five pupils efficiently for nine months. Leaving^ Bethany after graduation, he served as vice-president of Jefferson College, near Louisville, Ky., of which O. A. Bartholomew was president. Early in 1864, Mr. Holton became the head of Falmouth Academy. Miss 536 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Sally E. Holton, his sister, served as assistant. Under their lead this school did superior work for two and a half years. In 1866 he became pastor of the church at Vincennes, Ind. In 1868 he became pastor of the church at Springfield, 111. Next he served the Berlin Church, and at the same time was principal of the public schools there for three years. In 1873 he moved to Lincoln and served the church there and at Atlanta half-time each. Thereafter, with Lincoln as the center, he ministered to many churches ; as, Broadwell, Mason City, Pekin, Old Union, Hallville, Emden, Bethel, Delavan and Eminence. The Old Union Church he served fourteen and a half years. In the meantime, he moved to Tallula and served the church there four years, and to De Land also, with the same period of pastorate. During his first years in Lincoln he did considerable secular work, clerking in bank and bookstore. Later, he served eight years as circuit clerk in Logan County. There- after, when his political principles had improved and his civic perspective became clarified, he stood for the State Legisla- ture on the Prohibition ticket and received five thousand votes. His religious experiences have been marked. When a young man at school, he had for his room-mate Ira J. Bloom- field, who won his star in the Civil War. The two attended Sunday school and church together. Being well intentioned, they decided to become members of this church, provided they could be immersed. The minister, however, desired that they should "conform to their religious usage." They were likely lads, so the preacher left with them a booklet entitled 'Tmmersion Not Baptism." This declared that immersion was ''unscriptural, inconvenient and indecent." W^hen the dominie returned he found the lads unchanged. "Well, now," he said, "boys, we want you, and will immerse you if that is your choice." Whereupon, they declared that neither he nor his church had any right to do an unscriptural and indecent thing in the name of the Lord. In 1858, Mr. Holton was baptized by Min. Marsena Stone and received BIOGRAPHIES 537 into the Baptist Church. He related no visions nor won- derful experiences. The formula that the preacher used was this: "My brother, upon a confession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and by his authority, I baptize you into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, for the remission of sins." Up to this time this young man had thought to become a lawyer. Now the good Baptist sisters urged him to prepare to preach the gospel; thus God changed his life purpose. During his four years at Bethany he changed his church affiliation. On one occa- sion, George W. Minier said to him : "Brother Holton, you are entirely too modest." So he entered into the active work of the ministry only by the urgency of the lamented preacher, J. Z. Taylor. Mr. Holton's life has been very active and fruitful. He has been much in demand for public addresses, at Commence- ments, on Memorial Days, at Old Settlers' Reunions, Fourth of July celebrations and Ministerial Institutes. He has united in marriage six hundred couples, has preached one thousand funerals, and led near two thousand persons into the kingdom of God. Such facts indicate his wisdom, his worth and his place in the confidence and affections of the people. He has filled a large place of usefulness, preaching in schoolhouses and doing most all sorts of miscellaneous and unclassified Christian work. In 1907 he moved to Bloomington. Since then, his help- ful ministry has been continued in the regions round about. Joseph Hosteller. Kentucky, 1797. 1870, Illinois. Joseph Hostetler was a remarkable man. He is properly classified with the pioneer preachers of Indiana, but his services in Illinois entitle him to this notice here. He was of German blood and German Baptist parentage. Though a typically mischievous boy, under the influence of his mother he very early in life learned to love the Scrip- tures, particularly the biographies of the Old Testament 538 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS characters. In the great revival of LSll he wished to enter the church, but his parents thought him too young. But one of his companions, of his own age, was received upon the following experience, which illustrates the prevalent thought of the time on the subject of conversion. When asked to describe the work of grace upon his heart, the lad sobbingly replied: "I don't know as I has any work of grace to tell. I is a poor sinner." '*Do you believe in Christ?" asked the leader. "Oh, yes, ever since I can recollect." When further asked if he had dreamed anything remark- able, he related, in substance, as follows: He went to bed as usual in great distress; dreamed that he was going he knew not where, when the devil met him and was hurrying him off toward hell; thinking himself lost forever, just then a young man met them and rescued him ;' and that he then awoke in a transport of joy. Whereupon, a gray-haired deacon arose and said: "Brethern, I have been a Baptist for twenty-five years, and ef I ever heerd a experience of true grace, this boy has given us one. So it is with the poor sinners. They are goin' they know not where 'tel the Lord meets 'em. I can interpret this dream. He's powerfully converted. Glory to God." This incident impressed young Hostetler deeply. As he had no such experience, he read the Bible through and with remarkable persistence searched the New Testament, where he learned that his faith in Christ and repentance toward God should be expressed in his public confession of the Lord Jesus and his baptism "for the remission of sins." In his nineteenth year he was thus received into the German Baptist Church by his uncle, Adam Hostetler. Shortly thereafter he was married and about the same time authorized by the church to preach. On that solemn occasion his uncle presented him with a small Bible, saying: "Preach and practice only what you find in this Holy Book." Many things were yet confused in the thought of this young preacher, but he made daily use of the Bible and an English BIOGRAPHIES 539 dictionary. About 1824 the first volume of the Christian Baptist fell into his hands, which he read with eagerness, but not with entire approbation. He was strong, self-reliant, clear-minded, purposeful, and with a tremendous capacity for work, both physical and mental. In mature life he spoke both the English and German languages with equal ease and fluency. He was noted for the accuracy of his speech, both in his private conversation and in his public addresses. Mr. Hostetler came to Illinois in 1832 and settled on a farm about twenty miles east of the then village of Decatur. There he served as a pioneer farmer and preacher, organ- izing in that year what was then called the Okaw Church. He entered Decatur the same year to preach. The Meth- odists and Presbyterians had preceded him, and, according to the custom of those days, bitterly denounced his discourses as Campbellism, Romanism, infidelity, etc. Such men as he are never intimidated, and a number of the people, hearing his message, believed in Jesus Christ and were baptized. The first church in Decatur, that was Christian only, was organized there by him in 1833. He moved there the next year, and during his two years' residence supported his family by the practice of medicine, for which he had fitted himself by his unflagging industry. He returned to Indiana in 1836. During this period of four years, he met Bushrod W. Henry, a mighty, resolute and deeply religious Baptist preacher. He also met John W. Tyler, also a Baptist min- ister of fine mind. Both of these men had come from Kentucky to Illinois in the early thirties. Under the guiding influence of Mr. Hostetler, Mr. Tyler discarded his ''articles of faith" for the Scriptures solely and dropped his denomina- tional name for Christian only. Mr. Tyler conducted the obsequies of Mr. Hostetler, and in his funeral discourse stated this fact as it related to himself. Air. Hostetler returned to Lovington, III, in 1861, where he passed the remnant of his days. He was a self-reliant and aggressive leader of men. 540 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Daniel Radcliffe Howe. Ohio, 1819. ^ 1905, Illinois. James Howe, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a native of Virginia and a Baptist preacher. He was a mem- ber of the A/Iahoning Association and came with its members into the Restoration movement. So spiritually D. R. Howe was both free-born and of the blood royal. In his youth he attended private schools in Ohio. In 1835 he came with his parents to Burean County, 111. There at Leepertown he went to school six weeks to George W. Minier. A little knowl- edge of Latin and Greek he got by the help of his brother- in-law, Amos Hays. At twenty-one he taught the first school ever held in Green County, Wis. He became a Christian in his eighteenth year and thereafter preached some for seven years. Then he became a settled minister of the chureh at Princeton at a salary of $250 a year. He served there through a period of ten years, during the last half of which he received $1,000 per year. Pie served the churches at Washington two terms, Peoria, Springfield, Minonk, Quincy, Putnam, Henry, Lanark two terms, Monroe, Wisconsin two terms, two terms at Princeton, and Ulysses, Neb. Besides, Mr. Howe was a very successful evangeHst and a noted builder of church houses. He was one of the finest men of his time. In him there were combined in an unusual degree the elements of a great gospel preacher. He enlightened the mind by a knowledge of the Scriptures and then appealed to the heart and conscience with great earnestness. Withal, he had fine business ability. During the fifty years of his active ministry he missed the public worship on the Lord's Day only eight times. In 1860 he was elected to the House of the State Legis- lature, where he gave the great war Governor of Illinois faithful support. ^ , rr John Houston. Near Blandinsville, 111., 1848. Educated at Abingdon College. Farmer, live-stockman and banker. Elected to the House of the Legislature in BIOGRAPHIES 541 1908, 1910 and 1912. Mr. Houston has been an elder in the Blandinsville Church for thirty-five years. The Houston Brothers, They were Washington J., John Quincy A. and Jefferson P. Houston. All natives of Bourbon County, Ky. Moved to Bloomington, Ind., in 1840, and to IlHnois in 1857, settling in La Salle County. Washington J. Houston. Kentucky, 1814. 1873, Illinois. Was a very successful evangelist, baptizing several thou- sand converts, chiefly in central Illinois. He preached for a time under the auspices of the State Board of Missions, served as financial agent of Eureka College, and met all errorists in public discussions as they desired. His closing years v^ere spent at Marshall, where he died. John Q. A. Houston. Kentucky, 1821. 1870, Illinois. He was employed as an evangelist in Marshall and Livingstone Counties, and also by the vState Board. He was a sweet singer, which contributed to his ministerial work. His labors reached south to Centralia. While engaged at Maroa in raising funds to complete the church building, he sickened and died there. Jefferson P. Houston. Kentucky, 1816. ^ 1892, Missouri. His work was confined to Livingstone and near-by counties. John S. Hozvard. Tennessee, 1807. ^ 1890, Ohio. With his father's family came to Illinois in 1817 and became a part of the Christian Settlement on Allison Prairie. He became one of the earlier preachers in that section. He 542 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS resided in Russellville, where he proclaimed the gospel and in the regions beyond. A true man and faithful servant of God, he passed on at the age of eighty-three. William A. Hozuard Came from Kentucky and settled in the southern part of Fulton County about 1840. He there cleared and cultivated his farm. His most used tools were his ax and mattock. He was a strong man, both physically and mentally. For years he chopped, grubbed, split rails and worked his land six days in the week, and preached two or three sermons on the Lord's Days. Often he would walk five miles, preach two sermons in a schoolhouse, and return to his home congrega- tion for a discourse in the evening. Like most men of his time and place, he was clad in homespun. He was a devout man, well versed in the Scriptures and gave himself to his Master's work. In a wide territory he was well known and tenderly loved by many people. He moved to Texas in 1857. Charles E. Hull. Salem, HI., 1862. Mr. Hull has been a merchant, an editor and otherwise usefully and successfully engaged. Pie was elected to the House of the General Assembly in 1879 and to the Senate in 1896 and 1904. He is an active member of the church at Salem. Andrezv J. Hunter. Indiana, 1831. 1913, Paris, 111. Shortly after his birth, the parents of Mr. Hunter moved from Greencastle, Ind., to Illinois, and settled on a farm in Hunter Township. He graduated from Edgar Academy in 1848 and began his business life as a civil engineer. Then he studied law, was admitted to the bar and in a few years became a prominent attorney. In 1864 he was elected to the State Senate. He was a member of the National House of Representatives in the fifty-third and fifty-fifth Congresses, and rendered efficient service on various committees. During BIOGRAPHIES 543 the latter, he voted for the appropriation of fifty milHon dollars to be put into the hands of President McKinley for carrying on the war with Spain. Mr. Hunter was a lifelong Democrat, but he was always stronger than his party, because he possessed the confidence and respect of the people on account of his character. His heart always beat in sym- pathy with the sons of toil, for from them he sprang. Hence he championed the interests of the laboring people. He was a large-hearted, generous and broad-minded man, a splendid *'mixer." In the days of his prime he was a superior ['„t- form orator. For more than fifty years he was a member of the church at Paris. In addition to serving the churc'.. as trustee and elder, during all this period he was the chief usher stationed at the main entrance at both Sunday meet- ings, where he received the people with dignity and cordiality. And thousands found pleasure in going to worship there because of this sincere and hearty welcome. Harrison T. Ireland, La Forte County, Ind., 1848. Came to Marshall County, 111., in 1855. A farmer. Was elected to the House of the Legislature in 1904-6-8-10. Mr. Ireland has long been a useful member of the Washburn Church. James E. Jewett. Belfast, Me., 1844. ^ ^ 1912, Lincoln, 111. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1856, who settled on the wild prairie in Livingston County four miles northeast of Gridley. His education was received in the public schools of that time. Mr. Jewett came of fine, patriotic stock. One of his grandfathers, John Cochran, was a member of the ^'Boston Tea Party," a soldier in the Revolution and an inmate of a British prison for nine months. His paternal grandfather was a soldier in the War of 1812. He himself enlisted Aug. 7, 1862, as a private in Company G, 129th Illinois Infantry, in which he served with superior courage 544 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and distinction till the close of the war. He followed the flag through all that high carnival of blood and death that led to Atlanta, to the sea and to the "Grand Review" at Washington, D. C. Returning home, he went to the farm, next to the school- room as teacher, and then to the ministry of the gospel. He also read law and was admitted to the bar, but only little of his time was given to the practice of this profession. He was also prominent in some of the fraternal societies of the State, and filled a number of minor civil offices with recog- nized ability and credit. His mind was always alert and his life full of action. His disposition was genial and kindly and his companionship pure and helpful. He sought and saw the best in human life and was serene in adversity. Hale Johnson. Indiana, 1847. 1902, Illinois. Mr. Johnson's father. Dr. John B. Johnson, served as assistant surgeon during the Civil War. His grandfather was a Baptist minister who was a chaplain in the War of 1812. Hale Johnson inherited the fighting blood of his ancestors. At the age of seventeen he enlisted in Company D, 135th Indiana Infantry. He, with his father's family, came to Illinois in 1865. Mr. Johnson was an attorney. His residence was in Newton. He became a Christian in 1870. To the close of his life he was a praying, active, sincere man. His church came first in his life. His generosity was unfailing. His last contribution, made the day before he died, was to a Christian Orphans' Home. He was open-minded, always willing t3 investigate and learn what would contribute to the religious, social and civic betterment of society. At one time he was mayor of the city of Newton. In 1882 he left the Republican party because it refused to submit a prohibition constitutional amendment to a vote of the people. In a public address he gave Min. N. S. Haynes BIOGRAPHIES 545 the credit of pulling him loose from his old party moorings. Thereafter, he was one of the most effective, prominent and influential party Prohibitionists in America. He served well on committees, State and national. In 1896 he was nomi- nated for Governor. Later in the same year he was placed on the national ticket for the Vice-Presidency, with Joseph Levering. for the office of President. During this campaign he stumped in more than thirty States, speaking day and night. While party Prohibitionists have rarely been success- ful as such, the fruits of their self-sacrificing and heroic labors are manifest in the growing public sentiment that finds increasing expression in State and national legislation. The Christian conscience of the nation has decreed that the liquor traffic must die. The handwriting is even now on the wall. Mr. Johnson's death was tragic. He had gone to a country merchant to try to persuade him to settle a debt peaceably. The merchant became enraged and shot him. A few hours later the assassin committed suicide. Air. John- son's untimely death was deplored, particularly among Prohibitionists. They placed a beautiful monument over his grave in the cemetery at Newton. William H. Johnson Was born near Enfield, 111., in 1841. The family from which he came has been noted for its intelligence, patriotism and loyalty to Christian convictions for a hundred and fifty years. His grandfather, Arthur Johnson, was a soldier in the Revolution. The subject of this sketch received such education as the time and place of his residence afforded. He became an attorney and a Christian of intelligence and culture. Enlisting in 1861 in Company I, First Regiment Illinois Cavalry, he was made first sergeant, and after four years of service he was mustered out as first lieutenant of Company I, Ei^g^hty-seventh Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In 1880 he was chosen an elector and voted directly for Garfield for President. In 1882 he was elected 18 546 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS to the State Legislature. He has served several congrega- tions as preacher in charge. He is a modest, sympathetic and all-round Christian man. John T, Jones. Cincinnati, O., 1795. 1877, Eureka, 111. ]\Ir. Jones was one of the true leaders of the Restoration movement in Illinois in its beginning. In 1831 he came from Cincinnati to Jacksonville. There he gave the church for fifteen years active and efficient service. He moved to Eureka in 1847. He was a gentleman of fine intelligence and culture. His hospitality was cheerful and his dignity commanding. With the beginning of the college, he was made a trustee, and for twenty-five years never missed a board meeting. His discrimination between things funda- mental and incidental was superior. When objections were urged to voluntary meetings of individuals and representa- tives of congregations for the most effective dissemination of the truth, he was one of the first to answer these clearly and conclusively. He was a minister, a schoolmaster and a writer. His counsel was always wise and his spirit amiable and conciliatory. His influence was distinctly constructive. The memory of the just is his. S. S. Jones. Bath County, Ky., 1859. Educated in country schools, at Ladoga find.) Normal, Owingsville (Ky.) Seminary, North Middletown (Ky.) College, and in classrooms as a teacher. Came to Illinois in 1884, and for a decade he served the churches at Homer, Champaign and St. Joseph. In 1894 he became pastor of the First Church in Danville, which he continued to serve for eight years. Then he went to the Third Church, where he continued for ten years. When Mr. Jones went to Dan- ville the Disciples numbered about 150, with a property worth about $3,000. At the close of his eighteen years he left four churches whose combined membership is near two BIOGRAPHIES 547 thousand, all well housed in properties whose aggregate value is about $85,000. He received into the congregations there near two thousand people, fourteen hundred of whom were by primary obedience. That work will be his enduring memorial. t- ^ t j E. A. J or don. Rockport, Ind., 1880. The facts in this sketch were furnished the author by Mr. Jordon in writing. His parents were both devout members of the Roman Catholic Church. He attended the public schools. In 1888 the father sold his farm, moved to New Boston, Ind., in the same county, and there engaged in the grocery and saloon business — a business not thought to be inconsistent among Roman Catholics. The son was then placed in the parochial school there, which was taught by the sisters. In this school the doctrines of the Roman Church were given prominence and the rudiments of true education were sadly neglected. At ten years of age he was confirmed by Bishop Donahue, of IndianapoHs. Shortly thereafter, his mother died, leaving three sons. She had dedicated this son in his early life to the priesthood, and her dying request of her husband was that he would send this son to St. Meinrod Monastery to prepare him, that she might thus fulfill her vow. In that institution, which was in charge of the Benedictines, he remained eight years. He completed the college course and received the A.B. degree. Then two years were passed in the seminary, where he took the minor vows and deacons* orders. He was held to this work by the memory of his mother's vow. It was a custom of the seminary for the stu- dents to be sent out on Sundays to near-by hamlets, to conduct "missions" or religious services. He, with others of his fellow-students, went to Eddyville one third Sunday in the month. They found the room they expected to use occu- pied by a band of people who called themselves "Christians." Min. Ira Scott, an elderly man, preached. He announced that the Catholic students were there to conduct their 548 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ''mission" and asked the people to remain and hear them. This kindness caused the students to feel rather small, since they had remained outside the building throuHi j\Ir. Scott's meeting. At the close of the students' ''r.iission," one of them, Loyola Chatron, challenged Mr. Scott to debate the question which of the two churches was right. Chatron was well versed in the traditions and doctrines of Rome, was brilliant, and had recently come from the Jesuit College in Rome. He had a mighty good opinion of himself. Min. W. B. F. Treat represented the church of Christ and Mr. Chatron the Romanists in a week's public debate. Mr. Treat's powerful logic in presenting the word of God and facts of history was irresistible. The first result of the dis- cussion was that five students of the monastery left the Roman Church. Mr. Jordon was one of these. For a year thereafter he was tossed about on a sea of doubt. He regarded all Protestants as alike. Finally, he found the people who took the word of God as the only rule of faith and practice. lie was baptized by Min. J. T. Jacobs, of Rockport, Ind., and greatly enjoys his freedom in Jesus Christ. He later baptized his father, who had opposed his son's leaving the Roman Church in every possible way. Mr. Jordon is pastor of the church at La Harpe. Jacob Judy Became a Christian in Greene County, O., before he was fifteen years of age and just before a church of Christ was organized in his home. This was early in August, 1828. He applied for and received a letter, of which the following is a copy: The Baptized Church of Jesus Christ, meeting at Brother Jacob Darst's, Greene County, Ohio, believing the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments to be the Word of God and the only and all- sufficient rule of faith and practice to any Christian Church, and whereas our Brother Jacob Judy, having requested a letter of dis- mission in order to join a church where God in his divine providence may cast his lot, This is to certify that he is a member in good stand- ing and in full fellowship with us and his brethren in the Lord, and BIOGRAPHIES 549 when received by you he is dismissed from us. And may the God of all grace preserve you and him to his Heavenly Kingdom is the prayer of your brethren in the Gospel bonds. Done by order of the church when met on Saturday before the third Lord's day in August, 1828. Jacob Darst, Clerk. Signed in behalf of the Church. Mr. Judy's recollection was that this w^as a Baptist church. He came to Illinois in 1824. He helped to build the first house in Mackinaw, and then assisted Mordecai Mobley, who lived and kept a store in this building. Later, Mr. Judy built him a home in Hittle's Grove, and was one of the active Christian men of the neighborhood. Later his home was in Atlanta, where he died in September, 1903. Had he lived till the following January, he would have been one hundred years old. He always wished to say a word or two at every meeting. The substance of his talks was: ''Let us love one another. How great is the goodness of God." These words will always go with his memory. /. /. Judy. Mackinaw, 111., 1832. 1913, Independence, Mo. Mr. Judy became a Christian in 1848 under the preach- ing of Walter P. Bowles. He gave about forty years to the ministry. His work was mainly in Tazewell, Logan, Mason and Fulton Counties. For a period of twenty years he received an average of one hundred persons by conversion, and organized twelve congregations. His work also reached out into Iowa, Missouri and Arkansas. Col. J. IV. Judy. Clark County, Ky., 1822. During the years of his active life, Mr. Judy was one of the most favorably and widely known men in the State. Fie was colonel of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In the siege of Vicksburg he was on the firing-line for forty-five days. He came to Illinois in 1851, and was a farmer in Menard County. After the war, he served as a member of 550 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS the State Board of Agriculture, and during a period was its president. He was an expert on thoroughbred cattle, and traveled from ocean to ocean as an auctioneer of such live stock. He is a fine type of Christian gentleman. His wife, Mrs. Kate A. S. Judy, was a daughter of J. W. Simpson, of Clary's Grove Church, and was highly esteemed by many for her Christian activity and usefulness. The home was at Tallula, where Mr. Judy waits in the twilight of life for the eternal morning. Andrezv J. Kane. Guilford County, N. C., 1817. 1896, Springfield, 111. Both of Mr. Kane's parents died in his infancy. He grew to manhood in the home of his eldest brother, Morri- son Kane. This was in Indiana. At Indianapolis, in 1836, he became a Christian under the preaching of John O'Kane and Love H. Jameson. At twenty-one he began life for him- self. He went to Chicago, thence to Peoria, and on to Sangamon County in 1839. His first work there was to assist in building the first bridge across the Sangamon River. By trade he was a carpenter. Uniting with the church in Springfield, he was led by its members to give his Hfe to the Christian ministry ; hence, he began the study of Hebrew, Latin, Greek and English Literature under private tutors. Later, he was ordained by the church. Of Mr. Kane's ministry, T. T. Holton has well written : His field of labor was central Illinois, though he at times passed the border of the State. He went on horseback with his saddle-bags behind him — in one side was his Bible ; in the other, baggage. He rode through a country sparsely inhabited and when there were but few settled pastors. No man was better known than he — no voice more widely heard in those early days of the settlement and develop- ment of central Illinois. Meetings were held, churches organized, infant congregations cared for. and occasionally an encounter was had with some champion of opposition in public debate. Some of his evangelistic meetings were marvelously successful for the time, and his converts ran into the thousands. He regarded not the clouds or the wind. I have seen him ride up to his door with his ears frozen and his beard bristling with icicles, but never for a moment thinking ANDREW J. KANE. DAVID D. MILLER. JOHN W. TYLER. gi^P t JOHN ENGLAND. BIOGRAPHIES 551 of quitting his work. It was with great reluctance that within a year of his death, at eighty years of age, he found he must rehnquish all further efforts to preach. Mr. Kane was a passionate lover of the Bible. He devoured its great truths. He was jealous of its integrity and its interpretation. Always abreast of the times in religious thought, he vigorously opposed the trend of destructive criticism. Judge W. E. Nelson said of him: *'He was a most efficient preacher of the gospel — a man of great power — deeply convinced of the authority and sover- eignty of God, of the divinity of the Christ and of the force and authority of the Bible." He was a reasoner rather than an exhorter, but his sermons appealed both to the imagina- tion and the conscience. A careful reader and painstaking student, this master workman was heard by intelligent people, even in his closing years, with delight. A wide-visioned man, he assisted in the organization of the State and General Missionary Societies. One who knew him well said: ''When Bro. Kane stands like a giant before the congregation, shuts his lips together, runs his left hand under his chin, and gives an emphatic look upward and all around, you are going to hear something." "His life was gentle; and the elements So mild in him, that Nature might stand up. And say to all the world, This was a man." Dr. A. L. Kcllar. Oldham County, Ky., 1827. 1908, Covina, Cal. Was the youngest of eight children. He received, for his time, an exceptionally good education in Bacon College, and graduated from the medical department of the Uni- versity of Louisville, Ky., in 1851. In the same year he was ordained to the ministry. He came to Decatur, III, in 1852 and began his practice there, but most of the years of his active life were passed at Sullivan. There he was one of the most persevering and efficient men the church ever had. His medical practice was very large, but much of it paid 552 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS him little or no money. His disposition was most charitable. For forty- four years he practiced the healing art for both body and soul. He was rugged in body, vigorous in mind and energetic in action. His faithful services were a distinct contribution to the foundations of society in the counties of Macon, Moultrie and Shelby. He was well known and highly esteemed by many for his integrity of character. Min. E. H. Kellar, of California, is his son. //. F. Kellar. Oldham County, Ky., 1825. 1902, Effingham, HI. Mr. Kellar and his brother, Dr. A. L. Kellar, were sons of A. H. Kellar, a Baptist minister who came to Moultrie County in 1832. There meeting Joseph Hostetler, he chose to be simply a Christian and assisted in the formation of the West Okaw Church of Christ. H. Y. Kellar's education was limited to the common schools of that time, but he came to be a well-informed and well-developed man. For a num- ber of years he served as a schoolmaster. In 1847 he was ordained to the ministry by the West Okaw Church. He served congregations in Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Iowa and California, but the larger part of his ministry was given to Illinois, both as evangelist and pastor. He assisted in the organization of the State Missionary Society at Shelbyville in 1850, and was a member of its board of managers for many years. He was always the advocate of an educated ministry. He was an earnest preacher, but not a disputant. He was a ready helper in every good work, a wise coun- selor and a faithful servant of God and his fellow-men. Nathan M. Knapp. Member of Winchester Church. Alember of the Consti- tutional Convention of 1847, of State Legislature in 1850, and paymaster in the Federal Army in the sixties. Retired with rank of lieutenant-colonel. Mr. Knapp was a man full of vigor and action and exerted a wide influence. BIOGRAPHIES 553 James Worcester Knight. Illinois, 1869. 1902, California. Was a son of Moses H. Knight. Attended school at Eureka. Was engaged in the newspaper business and in the public advocacy of good citizenship. In this later work, Sec. J. Fred Jones met him in 1896 and induced him to enter the ministry. He served the churches at Browning, Youngs- town, Frederick, Carlinville and Champaign. When the University Place Church was nearing completion in 1902 under his leadership, ill health compelled him to go to Cali- fornia, where he died the next spring. Moses H. Knight. Vermont, 1830. 1878, Illinois. Mr. Knight's parents were devout old-school Presby- terians, while an uncle, who had much influence over him, was an earnest Congregationalist. He was educated in a Baptist school. These surroundings greatly perplexed him in his religious views. He came to Illinois in 1850, settling in the western part of McLean County. He heard Min. J. G. Campbell present the simple New Testament teaching, and accepted with joy. He was ordained to the ministry in 1858, and continued faithfully therein for a period of twenty years. He served the churches at Lower and Upper White Oak and various communities in the northeast part of the county, where he was associated with Mr. Campbell in evan- gelistic work. In his preaching trips he traveled horseback or walked. Much of his service was without financial com- pensation. He was a pure, true and efficient servant of God and men. A. R. Knox. New York, 1824. 1914, Waukegan, III. Shortly after his marriage in 1846, Mr. Knox, with his wife, came to Lake County, III. Both were active members of the Baptist Church. He was a ''licentiate" and she a pioneer and leader in all church work. He heard that a minister had been traveling in Kentucky, Ohio and Indiana, 554 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and that his ''preaching was tearing Baptist churches all to pieces." On inquiring, he learned that the name of this disrupter was Alexander Campbell. There were at that time a few Disciples scattered through that section who had come from Ohio. Some of them loaned Mr. Knox a copy of the ''Christian Baptist." Before they had read the book half through, he and his wife were in full accord with the principles and aims of the Restoration movement. To these their lives were devoted. They were the parents of Mrs. Louise Kelly, so widely and favorably known as a Christian woman of superior ability and usefulness. For more than half a century, Mr. Knox lived and labored in Lake County for the primitive gospel. With a well-informed faith, he was as immovable as a mountain. In his evening-time he waited in the twilight of the eternal day. E. J. Lampton. Was born in Kentucky, reared in Missouri, became a Chris- tian in 1852, entered the ministry in 1859, and continues therein. He gave twenty years' work to Illinois, during which time he baptized about three thousand people and added not a few others to the churches. His work, like his character, is of the substantial kind. 6'. S. Lappin. Wayne County, 111., 1870. The same year his parents moved to Missouri. Six years thereafter, while the family was returning in a movers' wagon to their former home in Illinois, the father died and was buried on the way. S. S. Lappin grew to his majority on the farm, working there and in stores, and attending and teaching schools. At the age of six years he had read McGuffey's old "Third Reader" through three times, having learned the words by spelling them aloud to his mother, whose eyesight was too dim to make out the letters. At twenty-one he began to preach in schoolhouses and country churches, but was still selling goods in a store in Fairfield. BIOGRAPHIES 555 After one year in Eureka College, he served the churches at Toluca, Washburn, Paxton, Atlanta and Stanford. He entered the editorial office of the Christian Standard in 1909, where he continues as its managing editor. Through the school of early adversity, his native endowments, with grace and grit, have led him to a place of great usefulness. He has two brothers who are twins, and were born after their father's death : John C, a teacher in Phillips University, Enid, Okla., and William O., a teacher in Atlantic Christian College, Wilson, N. C. Richard and Henry C. Latham — Father and Son. James Latham, the father of Richard, was the first settler within the bounds of what is now Logan County. He was a Virginian, but came to Illinois from Union County, Ky., where all of his ten children were born. Richard Latham was born about 1799, and came to Illinois in 1819, soon after locating at Elkhart. There he was married and built the best residence of the early settlers. This home came to be known near and far as one of unusual hospitality even in that period of domestic generosity. He became a Christian during the wide-reaching revival in which Robert Foster was the chief factor. For several years he went to the Lake Fork Church, eight miles east of Elkhart, and rarely missed a meeting there. When not there, the order of the Lord's house was maintained in his own home. This led to the formation of the Elkhart con- gregation. In 1852 he moved to Springfield. He was soon made an elder of the church there, and filled this place till his passing in 1868. Of him a writer has well said: Of the character of Richard Latham we find only good to record. He was a man whose honor was dear to him as his own life and whose word was sacred as his oath. While his career in the main savored little of adventure or striking achievement, it was enriched throughout by kindness and the benefactions which quietly but cease- lessly welled up from the bounty of his nature, endearing him to all with whom he came in contact. For miles around he was known as "Uncle Dick," and the whole community looked to him as arbitrator, 556 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS guardian and adviser, rarely questioning the wisdom voiced in his gentle counsels. He presided at the Lord's table in such a way as to make all present feel thrilled and worshipful. When his sacred dust was borne away to its final resting-place, the number of gray-haired men who followed was a sight to see. The epitomized character of Henry C. Latham may be written in four words — an ideal Christian gentleman. He is a worthy son of an honored sire. For many years he has been steadfast and reliable in the First Church of Springfield. There is no part of the worship that he has not led and no part of the service that he has not performed, and all has been done well. He has been a lifelong student. John Lemmon. Sangamon County, 111., 1838. Grew up on the farm and attended the public school. En- listed in Company D, Thirty-third Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Lost his right leg and index finger on his left hand in the battle of Black River — the last stand the Confederates made outside of Vicksburg. After the war, attended Bible College at Lexington, Ky., three years. Then taught school. Entered the ministry in 1874. Has served fourteen congregations in central Illinois, that at Buffalo seven years. Mr. Lemmon is a man of clear and deep convictions — sincere, frank and outspoken. When a ministerial institute had given a half-day to the consideration of an unprofitable subject, he then publicly asked : "How long will it take this kind of talk to convert the world?" Tie holds that the same wise economy should be used in the management of public trusts as is exercised in one's personal business. Silas White Leonard. Louisville, Ky., 1814. 1870, near Centralia, 111. His parents dying when he was quite young, he was adopted by a Captain White, a Baptist, who reared and BIOGRAPHIES 557 educated him in Ohio. He began to preach the primitive gospel at the age of twenty, but spent much time in teaching vocal music for the next eight years. About 1848 he, with A. D. Fillmore, pubhshed "The Christian Psalmist." It was in figure- faced notes and was the first hymnal having the music ever in use among the churches of Christ. It reached a circulation of 560,000 copies. In 1856 he moved from Jeffersonville, Ind., to his farm near Centralia, where he resided to the close of his life. From that point he went out and preached in many places. He was a sweet-spirited, but an aggressive and progressive, preacher. Five days before his death he rode nine miles horseback and gave a temperance lecture. The cold thus contracted hastened his demise. He had just finished a new 'Tsalmist" in both kinds of notes, at a cost of $3,000, and had placed the material in the publisher's hand when his call came. Cicero J. Lindly. Near St. Jacobs, 111., 1857. Graduated in scientific and law departments of McKen- dree College and admitted to the bar in 1879. He has farmed extensively and has been active in civil life for many years. Fie has served as county judge in Bond County, was Presidential elector in 1884, and served also as Railroad and Warehouse Commissioner. Was elected to the House of the Legislature in 1902, 1904 and 1906. Mr. Lindly is an active member of the Greenville Church. James A. Lindsey. Kentucky, 1792. 1872, Illinois. Mr. Lindsey came to Illinois in 1824 and settled in Taze- well County. At that time he was a Baptist. In 1827 he associated himself with the Disciples. He was a reverent and faithful student of the Bible, and early in his life became a preacher of the primitive gospel. He resided on his farm. He carried a small copy of the New Testament in his pocket, and as he plowed he read and thought on the Word. This 558 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS was a custom of most of the pioneers. He was the leading spirit in the formation of the Mackinaw Church in 1837, which at once formally recognized his ability and fitness to preach the gospel and commissioned him thereto. After that, his wife superintended the farm and his sons did most of the work there. One year he evangelized on the condi- tion that his brethren pay the wages of a male helper on his farm. Most of his ministry, reaching through sixty years, brought him little or no money compensation. Much of his work was done in Tazewell County, but he also evangelized and formed congregations in McLean, DeWitt and Marshall Counties, also west of the Illinois River. His style of preaching was exegetical. He read and unfolded a chapter, more or less. His sermons usually continued from one and a half to tvv^o hours. He taught people publicly and from house to house. This was the business of his life. Once where he stayed overnight he so taught the host and his wife that they expressed the wish to enter the Christian life. The next morning, before leaving, he immersed them. He patiently bore the derision that was too often thrown at the Disciples in the earher years. As he rode quietly along the roads he sometimes would hear people say: 'There goes a Campbellite. See the hump on his back." He was ardently missionary in his convictions, teaching and life. Three of his sons were preachers. From his home near Lilly, where he had resided for thirty-eight and a half years, he passed to his great reward. John Lindsey. Christian County, Ky., 1821. 1887, Eureka, 111. Came with his parents to Tazewell County in 1824. Was a son of James A. Lindsey. Graduated at Bethany College in 1848. For some time was a traveling companion in the ministry with Alexander Campbell. Was a teacher in Wal- nut Grove Academy and a valuable helper at Eureka College in many ways through many years. He served as pastor with many churches, but was more engaged in evangelistic BIOGRAPHIES 559 work. About five thousand persons were added to the churches through his efforts. Mr. Lindsey's Ufe was a very useful one to his time. He was always outspoken on the right side of every moral question. Henry C. Littleton. Ipava, III, 1851. Received such education as the common schools afforded. After his baptism by Dr. J. H. Brinkerhoff in 1867, he served as a lay preacher. Then he traveled with some of the strong preachers of that time, by whom he was instructed in the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. He served the churches at New Philadelphia, Bryant, Cuba, La Harpe, Barry, Mason City, Pekin and Astoria. He was a single- purposed, guileless and industrious preacher vv^hose service was always constructive. He moved to Iowa in 1900. F. M. Lollar. Ingraham, 111., 1840. Mr. Lollar grew to manhood on a farm in Clay County and attended the subscription and public schools of his com- munity. He entered the military service in October, 1861, and served four years and three months in Company F, Forty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He was discharged with' the rank of captain. Upon his return home he attended school and taught schools. He did not begin to preach until 1882. Then he served the Ingraham Church part time for twenty years and the Union Chapel Church for eleven years. He held many successful revivals in Clay and Effingham Counties. He was a good man of fine common sense, whose work the Lord richly blessed. He moved from his farm in 1904 to Olney and from there in 1908 to Wynne, Ark. Fenton Lmmn Was another of the old-time preachers of White County. He lived in Seven-mile Prairie. His labors were contem- poraneous with those of Moses Goodwin. While he always 560 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS resided on his farm, he was a man of some culture. He was a pleasing and inspiring speaker. A man who had been reared a Methodist heard Mr. Lumm preach one day. At the close of the sermon, with tears streaming down his cheeks, he turned to the man who sat next to him and said: "That is the first Methodist sermon I ever heard in my life." Jonas Lumm, of Grayville, who was also an old-time preacher, was Fenton's brother. Alexander McCollum, Washington County, Pa., 1820. 1895, Taylorville, 111. Grew up on a farm in Miami County, O., and received his early education there. Taught school and studied medi- cine, but did not graduate. First united with the Baptist Church, but, hearing Alexander Campbell in a public debate, he took the Bible alone as the rule of his faith and practice. Was licensed to preach in 1844 as a man of recognized ability. He came to Morgan County about 1850. In that section he was associated with D. P. Henderson, W. W. Happy and others in evangelistic work. He became the pastor of the Taylorville Church in 1856, but in 1858 moved to a farm in Locust Creek Township. There, in a settle- ment of Ohioans, he formed a Christian congregation that gave P. D. Vermillion to the ministry. This band never built a chapel. In 1863, Mr. McCollum returned to Taylor- ville, where he resided till the close of his Hfe. He rendered the church there most valuable help. From that place he preached in all the surrounding region for miles and years. He led Mrs. Henry Davis to the Lord — she was the mother of Mrs. Hoover and Mrs. Detterding, both of honored memory. Mrs. Davis and her husband built the present house of worship in Taylorville. Mr. McCollum lived in a time when liquor was in most homes, but he never knew its taste. In his ministry he vvas intrepid and aggressive. On one occasion he entered a denominational assembly in the country. The regular min- ister did not come; so the leaders, after a private consulta- BIOGRAPHIES 561 tion, asked the unorthodox McCollum to "make a few remarks." He opened up with such unction that there were tears in many eyes and not a few fervent ''Amens.'' He came to the great commission, and the tears gave place to disappointment and the *'Amens" to vexation. Next he stood on Mt. Zion under the throne of the King and amid the fiery tongues of Pentecost. The preacher's words did not affect the people like those of Peter. There were hurried nods and whisperings among the leaders, and a concerted move among them toward the door. The people followed — so did the preacher, proclaiming insistently the word of the Lord. It was an irregular panic, and looked like a flight from fire or an invasion of Indians. Away went the people down the main road with the preacher a close second, still making himself heard and understood. He told them about Philip in Samaria. At another sign from the leaders the people took to the woods in squads and singly. The peerless defender of the faith poured the truth into the squads as he came upon them. An elderly man, out of breath, heard the whole story of the eunuch's conversion ; a woman with a babe in arms heard for the first time about the salvation of Lydia. Had it not been for the saplings and pawpaw bushes, the whole history of conversions would have been declared. John Byram McCorkle, Lawrenceville, III, 1819. 1882, Eureka, 111. His father, Richard B. McCorkle, with his family, moved to Tazewell County about 1830 and settled a few miles north of Washington. There he built a strong log residence that furnished a home and a safe place for women and chil- dren during the raids of Indians upon the early settlers. His eldest daughter married John Johnson, and became the mother of three noted preachers — B. W., R. H. and J. B. Johnson. During his early manhood, J. B. McCorkle marketed farm products at Ft. Dearborn, now Chicago. He seized every opportunity for his mental discipline and the acquire- 562 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ment of knowledge, including night schools. In his Chris- tian service he was was much helped and encouraged by Sanford Gorin, an older elder of the Washington congrega- tion. He moved to Eureka in 1869. He served the college as financial agent, preaching as he went among the churches. He evangelized under the auspices of the missionary co-op- eration consisting of Woodford, Tazewell and McLean Counties. During his public ministry, which he continued as long as his bodily health permitted, he baptized over one thousand persons. Most of this work was done at his own charges, supporting his family meanwhile by other means. His hospitality was so generous that his home in Washington was nicknamed 'The Campbellite Hotel." In this, many of the pioneers were entertained. Often in his evangelistic meetings he sang a solo just before his sermon. His faith in the word of God was abiding. Daily in his home his family assembled for worship. W. H. McGinnis. Missouri, 1838. 1904, Illinois. Entered the Christian ministry through the action of the church at Louisiana, Mo., in 1860. The same year he came into Illinois, where he continued his work to the close of his life. He wrote a few years before his decease: "As you probably know, my preacher-life has been a very humble and uneventful one. My first regular work was in the counties of Brown and Schuyler in 1862. At that time I was almost the only Christian preacher, outside of Quincy, in all that region between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. The Civil War was then on. Hundreds of soldiers were being brought back — sick, wounded, dying and dead. Many nights I rode on horseback, through mud and darkness, to be at the places where soldiers were to be buried, and give consolation through the preaching of the gospel. In the first five years of my ministry, although I baptized many hun- dreds of people, I did not receive enough money to buy my clothes. The first State convention I attended was in Bloom- BIOGRAPHIES 563 ington in September, 1863. On the first morning of the convention the ground was covered with a heavy frost — a splendid corn crop was in ruins. A sadder- faced audience I never looked into. Robert Foster said: 'Let us brace up. I move that the janitor make a fire, and that Bro. Fillmore lead us in one of his best songs.' Both of these things were done, and through our prayers the Lord's work moved on gloriously." While Mr. McGinnis was a faithful preacher of the Word, he was pre-eminently a man of peace. Through the gentleness of his spirit and the sweetness of his disposition, the influences of his consecrated Hfe were as wholesome and abiding as the sunshine. John Henry McGuffin. Scott County, Ky., 1844. ^ 1891, Tlliopolis, 111. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1857. Educated in the public schools and the Alechanicsburg Academy. Enlisted hi the Tenth Illinois Cavalry in July, 1862, and at the end of three years was mustered out as corporal of Company G. He was engaged in secular business till 1886, when he entered the ministry. He was a man of fine character and did efficient service in the few years of his ministry. George G. McManus. Jefferson County, Ky., 1804. 1888, Odessa, Tex. Began preaching in Ohio in 1824. In 1843 came to Princeton, 111. Did much pioneer work in Bureau County with a most unselfish and devoted spirit. He served as county judge for several years. Moved to Kansas in 1873, where he lost his wife by a fire. Mr. McManus was one of the Lord's great men. Jo Major. Walnut Grove, III, 1834. 1913, Eureka, 111. A son of Ben Major. For many ^^ears a trustee and liberal financial supporter of Eureka College. He was cap- 564 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS tain of Company A, Eighty-sixth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. A braver man never followed a flag in all the fortunes of war. His patriotism was wholly unselfish and his Christian life modest. William Trahiie Major, Frankfort, Ky., 1790. 1867, Bloomington, 111. For many years this name was as familiar to the people of Bloomington as the name of the city itself. He was edu- cated at Georgetown, Ky., and came to Bloomington in 1835. His removal to Illinois grew out of his aversion to negro slavery. He was a descendant of the Huguenots and was a man of earnest religious convictions. For six years he was a member of the Baptist Church, but in 1830 he was excluded from the fellowship of that body because he held and advocated religious views which he believed to be more in harmony with the Bible than those preached by the Baptists at that time. It was in this way that he came thus early into the movement looking to the reproduction of the New Testament church. He was the leading spirit in the organization of the Christian Church in Bloomington. He built, almost single-handed, its first house of worship. Through the active years of his life he gave the congregation his thought, prayers, time, energy and means. When no minister was present, he preached, and frequently baptized candidates. He presided well at the Lord's table and exhorted his brethren to fidelity and good works. While the orthodoxy of the Disciples was for years a perennial question with his religious neighbors, Mr. Major knew whom and what and why he believed, and was as immovable as a mountain. The growth of the city and his foresighted investments brought to him considerable property. He was a public- spirited citizen. The first public hall for general uses was erected by him at the southeast corner of Front and East Streets, in 1852. In this the first Republican State conven- tion was held in May, 1856. In this year he also founded '* WILLIAM T. MAJOR. BUSHROD W. HENRY. JOHN C. ASHLEY. S. S. LAPPIN. BIOGRAPHIES 565 Major Seminary, which, next to his church, he loved and prized. ^^^ William A. Mallory. Kentucky, 1822. 1884, IlHnois. The parents of Mr. Mallory came from Kentucky to Illinois in 1827, and settled in what is now Clear Lake Township, Sangamon County. His mother's brother, John Dawson, came with them. Mr. Mallory became a Christian at Clear Lake in 1844, under the preaching of A. J. Kane. He began teaching school in 1841. At the same time he began the study of medicine with Dr. John Todd, of Spring- field. Later, he pursued his medical studies at Laporte, Ind., and then practiced his profession, for a time, at Beloit, Wis. In 1847 he was in the Louisville (Ky.) Medical Col- lege, and in 1848 located at Fort Madison, la. Near that city he was married to Miss Susan A. Johnston in 1848. They returned to Springfield the next year. In August, 1852, he began the publication of the Chris- tian Sentinel. From this date, his thought and energy were mainly given to the work of the ministry. In March, 1856, he entered the service of the State Missionary Society, in which he continued until the outbreak of the Civil War. He was commissioned by Governor Yates, in January, 1862, as a recruiting officer. This work resulted in the enlistment and organization of the 114th Illinois Volunteer Infantry, in which Dr. Mallory became captain of Company C. After one year's service at the front, he resigned by reason of ill health. Thereafter, his time and energies were given chiefly to the work of the gospel. His ministry was confined to central Illinois. He resided at Howlet, now called Riverton. One of the sermons that he preached with great power was based on these words: 'Tor the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God ; and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?" It was a sermon not soon 566 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS forgotten. He was a man of fine courage and cultured con- science, of kindly heart and generous helpfulness. His active and useful life was cut short by typhoid fever and blood poisoning. ^ „, ^ ,, ^ ^ ° George Iv atson Mapes. Near Auburn, N. Y., 1828. 1898, Des Moines, la. The earlier years of his life were passed in Ohio and Indiana. In 1852 he united with the Baptist Church. In 1853 he brought his family to Bureau County, and the fol- lowing year united with the church of Christ in Ohio Town- ship. He bought and cultivated a new farm, but was ordained to the ministry in 1856. From 1868 his time was wholly given to the ministry. He planted a congregation in his home neighborhood and others elsewhere in that county, was a successful evangelist, and served as pastor at Putnam and Princeton, leading at the latter place in building the chapel that is still used. At Washington and Macomb, two terms, where a chapel was also built during the time, he also was pastor. Then his ministry was given to Missouri and Iowa. Mr. Mapes was a good business man, but in his life the material was always subordinated to the spiritual. Fie was gentle and earnest, kindly and strong. Failing health did not abate his zeal. 'T must die with the harness on," he said, and so exchanged his cross for his crown. Geo. W. Martin. An elder of the Winchester Church. Captain Company H, 129th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Served one term as sheriff of Scott County and three terms as circuit clerk. Died in 1910, in Harvard, Neb. Rolla M. Martin. Monongalia County, Va., 1816. 1878, Danville, 111. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1820, who settled near Georgetown, Vermilion County. There were many Indians then in Illinois. Mr. Martin grew to manhood on his father's farm. He attended a few subscription schools BIOGRAPHIES 567 for a little time, but most of his mental training was acquired by his personal efforts. His mother was solicitous and ambi- tious for her son, and so got for him all the books she could. The Bible was the chief one in the collection. The books young Martin studied with earnestness and persistence — oft- times by the light made by the burning of hickory-tree bark or a grease-lamp. Such was his progress and growth, that at the age of seventeen he became a teacher. His early man- hood was spent chiefly in the schoolroom. At twenty-five, he was ordained to the ministry and continued therein until his death. Mr. Martin was a large man in every way. His weight was 250 pounds, well built, of superior mental powers, of fine personality and noble bearing. He was a prince among men. He was a forceful speaker, with fine reasoning ability. His life falling in the formative period of the Res- toration movement, he was frequently led into public dis- cussions. In these, he wielded the sharp sword of the Spirit with unusual power. Religious errors fell before his Biblical logic like grain before the sickle. On one occasion, Mr. Martin, with H. H. Gunn and George Y. Stipp — the father of T. L. Stipp — held a public debate with three Universal- ists. It was an interesting time. Riding homeward with one of his opponents, he said: ''Bro. Martin, see, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" Mr. Martin responded: 'Tf thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest." The man replied : 'T believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God." Then and there the man was baptized. About 1856, Mr. Martin held a public discussion at Myers- ville with an M. E. preacher named Garner. He insisted that Philip and the man of Ethiopia did not go down into the water, but only near to it or only to it, and Philip sprinkled water upon the man. Mr. Martin replied by quot- ing, in a like way. Matt. 8:32: "The whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place to or near the sea and per- ished on dry land." During this debate, Mr. ^lartin was accosted on the street by a member of the M. E. Church, 568 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS named Smith, who inquired : "Suppose a man makes the good confession, as you require, and on the road to the water to be baptized a limb from a tree falls on him and kills him, what would you do with him?'' Mr. Martin promptly replied: "I would bury him." Mr. Martin was a soul-winner as well as a defender of the truth. During his ministry he baptized more than three thousand people and formed a goodly number of churches. For many years he was the only Christian minister residing in Vermilion County. His trials for Christ's sake were many. He often rode long distances to his appointments, through all kinds of weather and roads and across swollen streams that endangered his life. Twice he was elected treasurer of Vermilion County, but declined further civil service because it hampered his work as a preacher. He still lives in the lives of multitudes. /. D. Metcalf. Hopkinsville, Ky., 1834. 1887, Girard, 111. ^ Was brought, when a year old, by his parents to Illinois. They settled in Greenfield. Mr. Metcalf moved to Girard in 1856, and there resided to the close of his great and good life. He was a successful general merchant, lumber dealer and banker. He became one of the leading citizens of that community, and was held in high esteem both for his per- sonal worth and his public spirit. He served the church most efficiently as an elder for twenty-one years, when his life closed. His Christian outlook was world-wide, and in his last will he remembered State, Home and Foreign Mis- sions in $1,000, severally. His head was clear and his heart tender, and his influence for Christ will be felt till time falls asleep on the bosom of God. David D. Miller. Zanesville, O., 1815. 1895, Illinois. Mr. Miller was of German-Scotch blood. His grand- father, John Miller, held the rank of major in the Revolu- BIOGRAPHIES 569 tionary Army. In 1798 he colonized Millersburg, Ky. His father, Adam Miller, was a high Calvinist and an old-school Baptist who farmed and preached. The boy, David, could not believe that God was a respecter of persons ; so he ran away from home to attend a Methodist camp-meeting. This did not help him. His father moved his family to a four- hundred-acre farm in Cass County, Mich., in 1854. There he worked on his farm, went to school, learned the trade of carpenter and read the Bible earnestly. In 1859 he returned to Ohio. Here he became a Chris- tian in 1841 at the Brushy Creek Church, which was twenty miles from his home. Through the influence of Elder Baker, who was the ablest attorney in Licking County and a great bishop of the congregation, Mr. Miller entered the ministry. His first work was that of a missionary, or evangelist, in four counties of central Ohio, under the direction of the Elizabethtown Church. His salary was to be $200 a year, which he was to collect himself. Mr. Miller says: "Then I thought of the dying Irishman, who willed $200 each to his several sons. When the boys inquired where the money was to come from, the father replied: 'You must look after that yourselves.' " He said further : "Much of my best work was done outside of the pulpit. I would sometimes form classes of young people in a neighborhood and explain the Scrip- tures to them." In his autobiography he gives this incident also : At the Yearly Meeting at Austentown Valley, the birth- place of the Restoration movement in the Western Reserve, fifty ministers were present and eight thousand people assembled. All the churches and schoolhouses for ten miles around were used for overflow meetings. William Hayden preached the anniversary sermon, opening with these words : "A quarter of a century ag-o to-day we met on this ground as a Baptist Association. We resolved to throw away every- thing but the gospel, and there was not a man among us that knew what the gospel was ; but we have found out what it is, thank God." He paused, wiped the tears from his face, stretched his hands toward the vast throng, and said: "See 570 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS here; what have we done in twenty-five years? We've set hell afire, made the devil mad and astonished the natives." Then, Isaac Everritt, who sat beside Mr. Miller, whispered in his ear: "That's Billy Hayden; he says what he pleases." In that meeting Mr. Miller was an active participant. He followed his inclination for evangelistic work, for which he was well fitted. Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Ken- tucky, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri and Kansas are all indebted to his self-sacrificing toil. During the forty-one years of his ministry he baptized about four thousand people, engaged in eight public discussions and did an immense amount of hard gospel work. He was a man cast in an iron mould, but with a tender heart and cheerful disposition. For his faith in God he would have as willingly have gone to the stake as he did to breakfast. His temperament was poetic, and patience the woof of his soul. In politics, he was an Aboli- tionist — by heredity and environment. He lived and died in the fear of the Lord and the love of man. James J. IV. Miller. Illinois, about 1831. 1907, Illinois. Began to preach at the age of eighteen years. Educa- tional opportunities were limited, but he grew into the use of pure and forceful language. His field of labor was lim- ited to Pike, Calhoun, Green and Macoupin Counties, but he did considerable work in Missouri. In his revivals he laid the beginning of many churches. He was a man of high ideals, candid and devoted to truth and duty. His indus- trious habits were well known. When not preaching, he was engaged in manual labor. For fifty-five years he proclaimed the glad tidings to his fellow-men. George W. M inter. Ulster, Pa., 1813. 1902, Chicago, 111. Air. Minier was of German and English parentage. Both of his grandfathers were soldiers in the Colonial Army. He was educated at the Athens University, Pennsylvania. At ri GEORGE W. MINIER. ^jV. JAMES ROBESON. ^i^^ JOSEPH B. McCORKLE. JOHN W. SCONCE. BIOGRAPHIES 571 the age of nineteen he became a schoolmaster in New York State. In those early years he also developed his ability to speak in public. He came to Illinois in 1837 and settled in Bureau County, where he resided for ten years. While there, he surveyed the State road from Peru to Knoxville and taught schools. One of these was at Leepertown. Jan. 1, 1839, he was married to Miss Sarah Ireland. To this union six sons and six daughters were born. In 1839 he surveyed a part of the Illinois River bottom about Starved Rock. In the spring of 1841 he was immersed by Dr. P. G. Young in or near Magnolia, 111. In 1847 he came to Bloomington and opened a high school for young people. The next year he conducted the same kind of school at Mackinaw. In 1851 he moved to his farm in Tazewell County, near the Little Mackinaw Church. He got his land from the Government with soldiers' warrants. The land cost him eighty-three cents per acre. Soon after he became a Chris- tian he was induced to enter the ministry. He was with Alexander Campbell on a part of his tour through Illinois in 1853. In the earlier years of his ministry, he preached now and then at Bloomington, Elkhart, Fremont, ]\fackinaw town. Little Mackinaw, Hittle's Grove, Washington, Waynes- ville, Le Roy, Springfield, Peoria, Pekin and elsewhere. Dur- ing those years he was associated with H. D. Palmer, Wm. T. Major, William Davenport, Andrew Ross, W^illiam Ryan, O. A. Burgess and other distinguished men. In 1867, in company with Messrs. Blackstone, Boyer and Stroud, he platted the town that bears his name. It is located three and a half miles south of his old home. In all-round culture and Christian character, there were few, if any, superior to Mr. Minier in the period of his prime. He was rated high in educational lines. Frequently he was called upon for lectures. In schools, sometimes his subject was trees; then again it was birds. He was presi- 572 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS dent of the North American Forestry Association, also of the State Horticultural Society. He was also a member of the National Peace Society and an earnest advocate of its principles ; also of all temperance work. In his young manhood he was very handsome. His ele- gant appearance and refined manners attracted all classes. He was welcomed by the young as well as the old. Little children would run out to meet him where he was being entertained. With his brethren in the ministry he was always cordial and entirely free from any feeling of jealousy. Fie never preached a long sermon, and his services were in wide demand for weddings and funerals and other public or semi-public occasions. He never used tobacco in any way, in which he was in striking contrast with some of his contemporaries. He could easily quote from Milton, Young and, especially, from Shakespeare. "He saw sermons in stones, books in brooks and good in everything." In the pulpit he was a teacher. His speaking was on a dignified level. He depended upon the truth of God, presented dis- tinctly and carefully. He never got lower than a high level. There was in him a fine sense of humor. While he did not encourage unseemly demonstrations, he enjoyed a ripple of appreciation that fit the occasion. At one time, a good, sedate sister called him to account for creating what she called ''unholy levity" in the congregation. In all kindness, he responded: "My dear sister, you would forgive me if you knew how much I keep back." He had his troubles, as other men have, but he never intruded them on his friends. He never went around look- ing ''blue." At one time one of his friends said to him: "Bro. Minier, how do you seem so cheerful when you have been walking through deep waters?" He replied: "My dear brother, trouble is the last thing in the world to nurse. I must save my strength to do my work. I will not waste time on what can not be remedied. Any trouble that comes to me I will not lay upon the hearts of others." BIOGRAPHIES 573 One of his moral axioms was this: "When we have done what we can to make tlie world wiser, better and more beau- tiful, we should be satisfied." "Only the actions of the just smell sweet and blossom in the dust." Mordecai Mob ley. Was one of the early settlers of Sangamon County, where, in 1824, he was married. In his youth he was "wild," but in the wave of religious interest that passed over that county by the preaching of Dr. Robert Foster, Mr. Mobley became a Christian. He continued in the Lord's service with great energy. He served as justice of the peace, and was con- nected with the land office at Springfield. Meanwhile, he was active in the church there. He moved to Dubuque, la., in 1850, and at once set about to establish a church there. He was not a preacher, but he taught the people who met for public worship on the Lord's Day and led them in all good works. President Lincoln made him postmaster at Dubuque. He was a man who sought first the kingdom of God. At eighty-five years he died in Washington, D. C. F. L. Moore. Illinois, 1857. Mr. Moore was born three miles west of Clinton, among the blackjack and sassafras trees. He is still considered to be a young man. When he was twenty-eight years of age, his education had neither limit nor boundary line. Then he left the jeweler's bench and spent four months in Eureka College. That he might continue his work there, he asked a loan of a small sum from a rich man, who refused and severely criticized him for having left a good business and wasting his time in college. The most of his ministerial work has been done in Missouri and Kansas, as pastor, evangelist and Bible-school evangelist. His ability as an artist and an engraver has greatly helped in his blackboard and chart work. In late years he has served the Abingdon Church with efficiency. Mr. Moore has never found time to 574 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS waste with the higher critic and has never overtaxed his mind in trying to find out whether Moses wrote the Penta- teuch with a goose-quill pen or not. He has never had any- more sense than to believe that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and has baptized multitudes. He hopes to preach until he is ninety, and then move out on a little garden- farm. G. IV. Morrell. Illinois, 183L 1909, Illinois. One of the self-sacrificing and devoted preachers of the earlier years. His ministry was chiefly in Richland, Wayne, Wabash, Clay, White and Lawrence Counties. To him, the church in Olney is much indebted. His ministerial labors reached also into Indiana and Ohio. The Mulkeys. The Mulkey family came to America from Sweden about 1650 and settled on a part of the territory watered by the Delaware River and Bay. Their history is an interesting one. They were men of earnest Christian convictions and high moral purpose and courage. As far as known, there was only one exception — he was a shocking pervert. William F. Mulkey. A successful business man and a faithful Christian. He represented his district in the House of the Twenty-ninth General Assembly. He refused a nomination to the State Senate in 1880. John M. Mulkey, For whom Mulkeytown, in Franklin County, received its name, with his brother Jonathan H., came from Tennessee to Illinois in the early thirties. He built the first house on the site of Mulkeytown in 1837. The post-of^ce was called Little Muddy, because it had been previously established at the house of John Kirkpatrick, who lived near Little Muddy Creek. The name was not changed to Mulkeytown till after BIOGRAPHIES 575 the Civil War. Another brother, Dr. C. F. Mulkey, came from Tennessee to the same locaUty in 1832, and was engaged for a time with John M. in the mercantile business. Philip Mulkey Came to this locality in 1835 and spent the balance of his Hfe in preaching the gospel and teachmg school. His four sons, three of whom are named above, all preached, but were chiefly engaged in other business. John Newton Mulkey. Tompkinsville, Ky., 1806. 1882, Glasgow, Ky. John Mulkey, the father of John Newton, moved from Tennessee to Kentucky about 1801, and settled on Mill Creek, some two miles from Tompkinsville. In 1809, while preaching a sermon at the home of William Simms, from the tenth chapter of John, and making a strong effort to maintain the doctrine of Calvinism, his own arguments con- vinced himself that this teaching was false. The Stockton Valley Association, to which the Mill Creek Church belonged, called him to account. The upshot of the matter was that John Mulkey left the Baptists and took many of the Mill Creek Church with him. These met together on the third Saturday in November, 1809, and, after prayer, organized a church on the Bible alone, rejecting human creeds, confes- sions of faith and books of discipline. This congregation came to be known as the "Bible Alone Church." Hence, it is plain that his son, John Newton Mulkey, was as near religiously free-born as any one of his time. He began to preach in East Tennessee in 1831. In the summer of 1832, two miles west of Wolf River, Clay Co., Tenn., in the Lib- erty meeting-house, he preached a sermon on "The Weekly Meeting of the Church to Break Bread." He came to Illinois in 1857, settling in Perry County. He was reckoned the most powerful preacher of this name, and the equal of the best of his time. He preached the Word clearly and with unusual sympathy for all those whom he addressed. 576 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS While supporting his family from his farm for twenty years, he did ethcient ministerial work in southern Illinois. The closing years of his Hfe were passed in Kentucky. It is estimated that he preached ten thousand sermons and immersed nearly that number of believers. Dr. Isaac Mulkey Came to Illinois in 1846. He united the healing art and the work of the ministry. His preaching was continuous. He resided in Carbondale and died at Ashley. Besides these named above, other Christian preachers of this family went West — some to Missouri, some to Arkansas and others to Oregon. Patrick H. Murphy. Warren County, Ky., 1828. 1860, Abingdon, 111. Came to Warren County in 1833. Became a Christian at the old Coldbrook Church at the close of 1840, and was for- mally ordained to the ministry in 1850. Was educated at Galesburg and Bethany College. Mr. Murphy and J. C. Reynolds opened an academy at Abingdon in 1853. By its efficiency the school quickly grew into popularity. This led to the beginning of Abingdon College in 1854. Mr. Murphy became its first president and filled the position most suc- cessfully till his early death. Meanwhile, he served the Abingdon Church as its pastor. He was a fine scholar, a good executive and a high type of Christian gentleman. His demise was an irreparable loss to the cause of Christian education in western Illinois. Clement Nance, Sr. Pittsylvania County, Va., 1756. 1828, Floyd County, Ind. This man was never in Illinois, and he died two years before the dissolution of the Mahoning Association, by which action Alexander Campbell was formally separated from the Baptists. The appearance of this notice of Mr. Nance here would seem to be an anachronism. What, then, is its BIOGRAPHIES 577 apology? Probably not more than once in a century have a man's posterity been so impressed by the blood and faith of a great progenitor. Mr. Nance became a Christian in the Methodist Church in 1773. In 1790 he received license to celebrate the rites of marriage as a Baptist, giving bond for the same with a security in the sum of $2,500. He was married to Mary Jones and they became the parents of twelve children. Their descendants, with their families, now number about thirty-five hundred, and are scattered through- out the middle and far West. Mr. Nance came from Vir- ginia into Kentucky in 1803, where he stayed about eighteen months. It is highly probable that during this time he met Barton W. Stone, for thereafter to the close of his life he v/as a steadfast advocate of the principles of the Restoration movement. Some of his descendants were the Burtons of Woodford County, of whom Mrs. B. B. Tyler is one ; the Richardsons of Adams and Woodford Counties, of whom are A. A. and Min. Frank Richardson ; John Oatman, the founder of the church at Eureka, married a daughter; the Mitchell, Long, Harber and Nance families all carry the blood of Clement Nance, Sr., as do many others in a less ratio. "Uncle Jimmy Robeson" was his son in the gospel. Most of his posterity have been Disciples of Christ. In a larger or smaller degree the churches at Eureka, Mount Zion (near by), Secor, Bloomington, Lexington, Sterling, Blandinsville and Quincy have received his marvelous impress. He laid his wand of empire on generations and sends his message of high pur- pose down the ages. Dr, W. P. Naramore. New York, 1824. 1910, Illinois. His parents died when he was young. He grew to man- hood on a farm near Chardon, O., in a family named King. They were most earnest Disciples and gave this youn? man an excellent Christian training. He graduated at Williams Medical College in Ohio at the age of twenty-one. Coming Id 578 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS to Stephenson County, 111., in 1846, he entered upon the practice of medicine. Finding in his new home no church built after the apostolic pattern, he proceeded to establish one. About two miles west of the village of Oneca, his then place of residence, was the Van Meter settlement. There he established the Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ and ministered to it many years. Of that congregation, Judge Andrew Hinds was an active member. Later, Dr. Naramore preached in the Baptist chapel in Lena and elsewhere in the county. Meanwhile, he continued in the practice of his profession assiduously. While he never sought any public office, he was a member of the State Legislature in 1859-60, and also a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1862. He introduced Judge J. AI. Baily and R. R. Hitt into public life. He greatly desired to enter the Federal Army during the Civil War, but the men enlisting in a large section of Stephenson County positively insisted that he stay at home and care for their families while they were away. This he did free of charge to all of them. For twenty-five years he was president of the Old Settlers' Association of that county. He was always firm in his Christian faith. His intelli- gent conscience permitted no concessions to error or com- promise of gospel truth. His sincerity, wide information, admirable spirit and steadfast devotion to high ideals made him a superior Christian man. His fine character com- manded the fullest confidence and highest esteem of all his fellow-citizens. rrrvT- t- at i William E. Nelson. Sparta, Tenn., 1824. Mr. Nelson's mother was a devout Presbyterian and his father a member of the same church. When William was about eighteen years of age, he attended a union revival, in which Methodists, Baptists and Presbyterians participated. Duringf this meetinsf those who "got through" lau.gfhed immoderately. But William failed of "the blessing." Then he betook himself to his father's office, who was an attorney, to pray. It was not long till he, too, was laughing; where- BIOGRAPHIES 579 upon, the minister assured him that he was accepted by the Lord. He then united with the Presbyterian Church, and he became quite "a, respectable member." However, he was disquieted about his baptism. Shortly, a "Campbellite" preacher named Hooker passed that way. But the sheriff locked the courthouse against him. Then the preacher took to the woods. William was inclined to hear him, although he thought this minister had no more religion than a horse. That sermon on "Rightly Dividing the Word" set him to thinking and to reading the Bible. Seven years later, another preacher of the same fellowship passed that way. Nine miles north of Sparta, he preached in a schoolhouse to just four people — a man and his wife who were simply Chris- tians, the negro janitor and young Nelson, who had gone out on horseback to hear the sermon. There he halted the formal closing of the meeting to make the good confession. Shortly thereafter, he was immersed in a creek. His mother cordially encouraged her son in his chosen course. Mr. Nelson came to Decatur in 1857. During all the years of his virility he was an active and helpful member of the church. His custom was to read one or more books of the Bible through at a sitting and every week; thus his knowledge of the Scriptures came to be comprehensive and profound. He was elected a circuit judge in 1876 under the new law, but failed of a re-election in a district that was overwhelmingly against him politically. In 1886 he was chosen county judge, in which position he served eight years. Mr. Nelson is probably the most widely known and best loved man in Macon County. In 1912 the city of Decatur named one of its public parks for him. The experiences of eighty-nine years have not frozen the cheerful humor and keen wit out of him. At his eighty-eighth birthday he wrote the following: Verbal Inspiration of the Bible. Numerous articles have been written to prove the verbal inspira- tion of the Bible, all of which make numerous quotations from the Book itself to prove the proposition. For instance: "The word of the 580 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Lord came to Ezekiel, saying." The fault of this method is apparent in that it makes the Book itself the witness; but it must be remem- bered that a good many persons do not accept the Book as from God. In the matter of a divine revelation two factors must be con- sidered: First, God, who knew the truth concerning facts unknown to man, was sovereign, and had power to make promises and keep them ; and man, who did not know and was to learn and obey, considering the powers of his reasoning, and capability to understand. In considering these factors, the nature of both must be taken into view. God had created man, and, being omniscient, knew that man had ears and a mouth, and could speak and receive and com- municate with ideas in the use of language composed of words. Knowing this, God made his revelation to man in words that the man could understand. If he did not, then His revelation misleads instead of improving. This we can not believe with our idea of God's omniscience and goodness, and the very purpose he had in view in making the revelation. Hence the words were chosen by Him with the view to man's information, and must have been selected by God as suitable and apt to convey to man God's idea. This is the common-sense view and is the simple argument for verbal inspiration. It is irrefutable in man's reason and proves verbal inspiration without the Book as witness. It appeals alone to man's capability to reason — an argument addressed to man's common sense. Andrew D. Northcutt. Montgomery County, Ky., 1813. 1890, Christian County, in. Mr. Northcutt was of Welsh extraction and a self-made man. His grandfather, Jeremiah Northcutt, served seven years as a soldier in the Colonial Army and was present at Yorktown at the surrender of Cornwallis. Mr. Northcutt's school privileges were very limited, but his persistent indus- try fitted him for the work of teaching. He came to Illinois in the fall of 1836, and for fifty-four years he resided, suc- cessively, in Sangamon, Shelby and Christian Counties. He was a successful farmer and stock-raiser and he was a suc- cessful preacher as well. He entered the church in 1843 and the work of the ministry shortly thereafter. With his pioneer neighbors he ate and slept, exchanged work in the harvest-fields, joined in the drives to the markets in the genuine spirit of Christian democracy. With them he toiled BIOGRAPHIES 581 and sweat six days in the week, and to them he sweat and preached on the seventh. But he was not an exhorter. His speech ran evenly and calmly always. He was a man of superior natural powers of mind; analytic, logical, clear and argued with a force peculiarly his own. He was energetic and tireless in the organization and upbuilding of churches among the people of central Illinois, at a time when churches were few and far between, and the visit of a minister of any denomina- tion an event in the community. As illustrating the denomi- national feelings at the middle of the nineteenth century, he related the following incident : The Methodist Sunday schools along the Sangamon River westward from Decatur united in the celebration of the Fourth of July in an assembly that convened in one of the inviting natural groves contiguous to that stream. Among the banners carried in the procession was one representing a big frog in the act of jumping into the stream traced below, and across the form of the ugly amphibian was printed the word "Campbellite" ! However, Mr. Northcutt cherished well-defined friendships for his old- time friends. Harrison W, Osborne. Kentucky, 18C0. 1883, Illinois. Was baptized by Barton W. Stone in 1817, and two years thereafter was ordained to the ministry. Thus he early became actively associated with Mr. Stone in his reformatory work. Mr. Osborne came to Morgan County about 1830, and was an earnest preacher in the Christian Denomination until the union of the *'New Lights" and the '"Reformers" into the Jacksonville Church of Christ by Mr. Stone in 1832. Thereafter, to the close of his long and useful life, he was a faithful teacher of the truth as it is in Jesus. He was a small man physically, but with superior mental endow- ments and spiritual culture. He rode horseback over a wide territory and was very prompt in meeting all his engage- ments. His manner was modect and his voice gentle, but he emphasized those teachings of the Scriptures with great 582 HISTORY OF THE DISCiPLES IN ILLINOIS earnestness that his hearers most needed. Colonel Judy says of him: "He was quite eloquent, hewing close to the line all the way through." ?lis last years were passed at Berlin, Sangamon County. There his beautiful and winsome char- acter so took hold of the community that many of the young people thought they could not be married without ''Uncle Harrison," and his services were in wide demand for funerals. When the burden of years became heavy upon him, he said: *1 am waiting for my Saviour's welcome on the other shore." George Carroll Ozven. Poplar Grove, Tenn., 1812. 1890, Columbus, Kan. His father was a well-known Methodist preacher in his locality in Tennessee. The family came to Macoupin County in 1830. Three years later, George united with the Meth- odist Church. In a short time he entered the Christian Church and its ministry. He was abundant in labors in that section of the State as a forceful and convincing preacher. His life was passed on the farm, and his ministerial services were mainly without money compensation. Later in life, he preached in Mississippi, Louisiana and Kansas. While on the way to fill an appointment, his last illness smote him and death took him. He had been a preacher about fifty-five years, and had aided in the organization of many churches. A. iV. Page. !Mrs. Mary A. Grove Page was baptized in 1836 in a meeting held at Panther Creek, Woodford Co., HI, by those great pioneers, William Davenport, James Robeson and Jas. A. Lindsey. Her husband, A. N. Page, was baptized by Henry D. Palmer in 1844. Mrs. Page said that her husband was converted by a personal study of the Word, and when the minister came along he w^as baptized. Immediately thereafter he began what would now be called cottage prayer-m.eetines. His neighbors were invited to his home and to the homes of two other families of the community, BIOGRAPHIES 583 where they sang, studied the Bible, prayed and observed the Lord's Supper. With this start. Minister Palmer called him to the ministry. In this service he continued fifty years. He did missionary work in Woodford, Mason, Tazewell, Liv- ingston and other counties. He led many people in central Illinois to Christ, and he was there known and loved by many. Oliver J. Page. Edwards County, 111., 1867. Was a teacher in Eureka College. Served as principal of the MetropoHs High School and pastor of the church there. Elected to the House of the Legislature in 1898. Henry D. Palmer. Charleston, S. C, 178L 1861, Illinois. Mr. Palmer, in his early manhood, was a carpenter. Before his conversion it was his custom to work seven days in the week. He cared nothing for God. The church near- est his home in Tennessee belonged to the Presbyterians. One of its members was a good Christian woman who was a neighbor of the Palmer family. She often invited them to go to meeting with herself and family, but Mr. Palmer always replied: *T am too busy." One Sunday morning she stopped and first asked Mrs. Palmer to go with them. She replied: 'T'll go if Henry will; you ask him." So she went out to his shop and said: ''Won't you go to church with me to-day?" He replied: "No, I haven't time." Then she said: "Henry, some time you'll have time to die," and left him. That proved the alarm-bell to him. Shortly he went into his residence and said : "Wife, let's go to church." They went, and kept going. They too^ether read the Bible and prayed. In due time they wished to unite with the church. As they objected to being sprinkled, the Presbyterian minister immersed them. Just before he was baptized he took his tobacco from his pocket and threw it far away, saying: "I read in the Bible that we must put away all filthiness of the 584 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS flesh." As he continued to study the Bible, he found that he could not subscribe to the Westminster Confession of Faith; so in kindness he withdrew and united with the Bap- tists. He came to Illinois first in 1819, and for a time was associated with the ''Christian Settlement" that had been formed the year before in Lawrence County, seven miles northwest of Vincennes, Ind. The locality is now known as Allison Prairie. The settlement was founded and the church there formed by the good people of the Christian Denomination. Mr. Palmer was then formally affiliated with them. He left there and went to Indiana, but returned to Illinois in 1835 and settled on Crow Creek, in Marshall County. There he bought a farm, on which he made his home to the close of his life. Thereafter, his course was that of the brave and self-sacrificing pioneers. He traveled and preached far and near. He was one of the strongest preachers of the period, and most of the infant churches of central Illinois were helped by his able. Scriptural sermons. He was present and helped in the formation of the General Christian Missionary Society at Cincinnati, O., in 1849. In 1850 he was at Shelbyville, and assisted in organizing the State Missionary Society and was chosen its first president. He taught O. A. Burgess the way of the Lord, baptized him and induced him to become a preacher. /. A. J. Parker. Farmington, Tenn., 1840. When a little child, was taken with his father's family to Tippah County, Miss. There he grew to manhood. His father was a Christian preacher, so the son received a good education for that day. He became a Christian in 1858. At seventeen he became a schoolmaster and continued in this work until the Civil War bee^an. He enlisted in the First Alabama Federal Cavalry and was honorably discharged as first lieutenant. He came to Johnson County, 111., in 1865. There he has been a farmer, merchant, schoolmaster, singing teacher and preacher. In 1888 he was elected to the House BIOGRAPHIES 585 in the General Assembly. Mr. Parker is a man of fine char- acter. He is modest, cultured and sweet-spirited and devoted to the truth as it is in Jesus. His ministry in southern Illinois has been a blessing to many. He has taught 113 singing-classes and in this way won the hearts of the young people, and then won them to Christ. He has evangelized, established congregations and cared for them. One elder said: ''Bro. Parker has completely transformed the character of this community during his ministry." Two of his sons, W. A. and B. E. Parker, are Christian ministers, and also his son-in-law, E. W. Sears. John F. M. Parker. Knox County, O., 1838. 1906, Galesburg, 111. ^ When a child he came with his father's family to Illinois. Was educated in the public schools and Berean Christian College at Jacksonville. He entered the active ministry at the age of nineteen, in which he continued forty-five years. He organized and built up the church at Putnam, which was his home. His ministry extended over the southern section of the Military Tract. He served as State evangelist of Min- nesota for several years, where his heroic work was fruitful of results that remain to this day. His faith w^as rich and strong, his Tife gentle and peaceable, his character beautiful and winsome. He gave himself heartily to the Restoration movement, although the active years of his life were passed on his farm, where most of his ten children grew up. Within eleven months he lost a son, a daughter, his farm and his wife. But then he said: 'T know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have com- mitted to him against that day." Mins. J. E. and L. G. Parker are his sons. Ahner Peeler. No name is met more frequently among the pioneer preachers of central Illinois than Abner Peeler's. ^ He was abundant in labors, preaching the gospel over a wide scope 586 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS of the new and sparsely settled country. Yet little of him went into the written records of the times. He was a man of varying moods. In the thirties he, with Hughes Bowles, began a meeting of days in a log-cabin residence of one of the brethren. Within a few days the meeting failed to come up to Mr. Peeler's expectations and he became discouraged. He told Mr. Bowles that he was too sick to help that even- ing, and that he would lie down on the bench and listen to the songs and sermon. Such difficulties challenged the courage of Mr. Bowles, so he then preached with such power that several persons went forward to make the good confession. This at once restored Mr. Peeler to his normal condition of health. He was instantly upon the floor, and, without coat or boots, made such an exhortation that the entire assembly was moved and a number of others turned to the Lord. After that, Mr. Peeler was often referred to as ''the preacher who exhorted in his stocking feet." But he was a farther-seeing man and advised his brethren to move out of the woods and settle on the prairies. At one time he resided in White Oak Grove, in Woodford County. L. B. Pickerill. Woodford County, 111., 1853. Educated at Eureka and at the Bible College, Lexington, Ky. His ministry has been wholly given to the churches of Christ in Illinois, which he has served faithfully and welL William S. Pickrell. Montgomery County, Ky., 1807. 1870, IMechanicsburg", 111. Accompanied by his brother, Jesse Pickrell, he came to Sangamon County in 1828. Together the two brothers had three horses and $300. He entered land where Mechanics- burg now is and later laid out that village. He was a man of public and patriotic spirit, and came to know personally every man of prominence in the then large county of Sanga- mon. In the Black Hawk War he messed with his friends, BIOGRAPHIES 587 Abraham Lincoln, John T. Stewart and Elijah lies. He became a major in the State Militia. He became a Christian in 1842. At once he took an active and leading part in the church. A man of superior capabilities and spirit, he served the congregation with great efficiency in every position. When no preacher was present, he spoke well to the people. He was always ready for every good work — to instruct the untaught, to encourage the discouraged, to strengthen the weak, comfort the sorrowing, to assist the needy and help bury the dead. His home was noted for its hospitality near and far. Many found a cheerful welcome. At a ''State Meeting" held there in 1856, his home entertained sixty-four delegates. As his ten chil- dren grew of age to attend public worship, those who, for any reason, were required to stay at home, cried. One of his daughters became the wife of Harvey N. Edwards, another of George Pasfield, and a third of Wm. Bayard Craig. The last. Miss Emma, led the congregation in a period of weak- ness — superintending the Bible school, presiding at the Lord's table, and doing whatever needed to be done until the tide turned in the congregation's life. Mr. Pickrell was a tall, large man, with a florid com- plexion and gracious manner. He was a prince of the /. Henry Pickrell. Mechanicsburg, 111., 1834. 1901, Springfield, 111. Was a son of W. S. Pickrell, and widely and most favor- ably known to many still living. He was a most faithful Christian everywhere and in all things. He was always willing to assume the hardest tasks, always cheerful, hope- ful, full of faith and forgetful of self. He was heard to say that he had not missed a prayer-meeting in forty years. W. 0. Pinnell. Oldham County, Ky., 1824. 1899, Paris, Til. Was a fine farmer, stockman and banker in Edgar County. He was active in raising the Seventy-ninth Illinois 588 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Volunteer Infantry, in which he served as captain of Com- pany H. He was a member of the Twenty-eighth General Assembly, served as county clerk in Edgar and as mayor and postmaster at Paris. He was a member of the congrega- tions at Kansas and Paris. James Pool Came to the Barney's Prairie settlement in what is now Wabash County from Hamilton County, O., in 18LS. He was the first minister of the Barney's Prairie Church and continued in that relation until his death in 18.^4. He was a godly man and very considerate of the feeHngs of others. On one occasion he entertained a brother overnight. Early next morning he built a rousing fire in the open fireplace in the room where his guest was sleeping. He thought to fur- ther please him by playing on his violin. The guest arose and said: "Bro. Pool, you have offended me." Whereupon, Mr. Pool, laying his vioHn on the fire, said: 'T will never offend you again." Such condescension to the Christian weakness and prejudice indicates the spirit of this good min- ister of Jesus Christ, who, through thirty-three years of pioneer toil, laid deep and strong the foundations of this great church. William C. Poynter. Barren County, Ky., 1821. 1899, Albion, Neb.^ Came with his father's family to Illinois in 1836, settling at Palestine, Woodford County, which was then a part of McLean. Shortly thereafter, he became a Christian under the preaching of Wm. Davenport, and at once a diligent stu- dent of the word of God. He carried his Testament in his pocket and in a few years could quote most of it from his memory. In 1852 he lost one of his arms by an accident. This turned him from farming to preaching. His ministerial work was mostly in Woodford County, but it reached over much of central Illinois. In Iroquois County he was a pioneer, laying the foundation at Watseka, W^oodland and Onarga, in the Spring Creek community. In Boone County, B. J. RADFORD. OUVER W. STEWART. T. T. HOLTON. JOHN W. ALLEN. BIOGRAPHIES 589 Neb., he did similar effective work. His preaching produced an intelligent faith in men that lasted and held them stead- fast to Christian duty. Mr. Poynter filled a number of civil offices. Of his two sons who reached maturity, the elder, ^^ . A. Poynter, held several honorable positions in the State of Nebraska, one of them being Governor, while the younger, D. J., is still a preacher and an editor there. /. A. Reed. Ohio County, Ind., 1842. Is a farmer and resides at Mason. Served through Civil War in the Eighty-third Indiana Infantry. He was elected to the House of the Legislature in 1906. John C. Reynolds. Kentucky, 1822. 1906, Illinois. Mr. Reynolds came to Illinois in 1839. He settled in Warren County, a few miles west of Abingdon. He was licensed to preach in 1850 by the Meridian Church of Christ. He graduated at Bethany and was one of the founders of Abingdon College. In this school he served as teacher for six years. For two years he was president of Christian University at Canton, Mo. The other years of his active life were given to the work of the Christian ministry in Illinois and Missouri. In 1867 he became the proprietor and editor of the Gospel Echo, and continued in this work for a period of six years. He grasped and clearly under- stood the subjects to which he gave his attention. His method was distinctly didactic. He was as humble, sincere and guileless as a little child. His sympathies were as wide as the needs of humanity. His faith was always serene, his work led by high ideals and his life a benediction to his generation. Elbert G. Rice. Columbia, Tenn., 1823. 1892, Jacksonville, 111. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1832. Their home was made near the present village of Riggston. His train- 590 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ing in the public and subscription schools was supplemented by his lifelong readings and study. Thus he came to be a well-informed man, with good ability to think, reason and preach. He knew the Bible well and was sincerely devoted to the Restoration movement. Mr. Rice was a successful farmer throughout his life, in Cass County for fourteen years, but most of the time in Morgan. He served fre- quently as an evangelist, but was particularly a friend of the weak and needy congregations. These he would help until they could help themselves, and then turn to other like places. In him were united many admirable traits. He was an intelligent, modest, gentle and strong, highly esteemed man and much loved by all. For many years he was a very valuable factor in the Jacksonville Church. His life and ministry were richly blessed of God. Of his eleven children, nine are living. . , . „. His grandfather, Scott Riggs, came to Illinois in 1815 and settled on Allison Prairie, in Lawrence County, which was then a part of Crawford. He was a blacksmith, farmer and preacher. He served as a member of the first Legis- lature of the State in 1818. He was active in uniting the Christians and Disciples in that part of the State. He moved to Scott County in 1825, and was a member of the church at Exeter at the time of his death. J. M. Riggs served one term as sherifif of Scott County, was a member of the Twenty-seventh Illinois Legislature, of the Forty-eighth and Forty-ninth United States Con- gresses, was nineteen years a member of the Winchester Board of Education, and an ofHcer of the board during the entire period. He has long been an active member and efficient officer of the Winchester Church. James Robeson. South Carolina, 1797. 1888, Secor, 111. The family of James Robeson moved from South Caro- lina to Kentucky on horseback in 1798, settling at the present BIOGRAPHIES 591 site of Hopkinsville. There he grew to manhood on a farm on a part of which the courthouse now stands. He attended such schools as were within reach at that time, and after- ward a select school conducted by Barton W. Stone. In 1813 he became a Christian under the ministry of Mr. Stone, and shortly thereafter entered the ministry. About this time, Mr. Stone and Clement Nance, Sr., were starting on a preaching tour from New Albany to Crawfordsville, Ind. Young Robeson accepted an invitation to accompany them. On the return trip they stopped overnight at the home of Mr. Nance, and, according to the custom of the time, had preaching. Young Robeson said to the girls in the Nance family that they should not tell any one that he was a preacher. But they, with true girlish impulse, spread the report quickly and widely. That evening he was impressed to preach his first sermon before a large audience and in the presence of Messrs. Stone and Nance. This was the begin- ning of a laborious and fruitful ministry that reached through a period of seventy years. He traveled with Mr. Stone not a little, preaching from house to house and hold- ing series of meetings in the fall season. During these earlier years, Mr. Robeson was profoundly impressed by the beautiful spirit and strong life of Mr. Stone. These preach- ing tours reached into Tennessee and Missouri also. In 1822, Mr. Robeson was married in Kentucky to Miss Jane A. Earle. They were the parents of eleven children. In 1835 he sold his lands in Kentucky and freed his twenty slaves, giving the State his bond for $100,000 for their maintenance. Coming to Illinois, he settled in Taze- well County on a piece of land that is now the north edge of Eureka. After a short residence in Washington, he moved to a point eight miles southeast of Eureka and there started a town that he named Bowling Green. Here he was engaged in merchandising. But he held to his preach- ing constantly and faithfully in all the regions around his places of residence. Much of his preaching was in the hewed-log schoolhouses, so he came to be called the hewed- 592 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS log preacher. In the earlier years of his ministry he was opposed to a preacher's receiving money for their public services, but later he came to see the Scripture teaching on the subject. Reverses in his secular business probably accentuated this. In 1841 he was elected to the State Legislature. He declined a second term on the ground that no preacher has time to so use. He was associated with Ben Major and Thomas Bullock in leading the movement that resulted in the organization of Woodford County from slices of McLean and Tazewell Counties in 1841. In 1857 he sold his farm and moved to Secor. There- after, he was engaged in evangelistic work for about eight years under the auspices of the McLean County Co-opera- tion. In the later years of his life he was known as "Uncle Jimmy Robeson." He was one of God's elect. In his sermons the love of God for man predominated. He was a fine exhorter. Many, many great audiences were moved to tears by his persuasive pleadings. Sitting in a chair, he preached his last sermon at the age of ninety-one. He was mighty in prayer, his supplications now melting his hearers into tears, now lifting them to the gates of glory. His courage equaled his pathos. On one occasion, at Money Creek, twelve miles southwest of Lexington, McLean County, he conducted a very successful meeting. Among the num- ber was a wife whose husband swore that he would shoot any man who baptized her. His neighbors said he was a dangerous man and tried to dissuade Mr. Robeson. He replied: 'Tf she comes, I will baptize her, knowing that I will be doing my Master's will." A great concourse of people assembled at the usual place on the banks of the Mackinaw the next Sunday. The husband was there with his gun in hand. Mr. Robeson first offered one of his powerful prayers that touched and subdued all hearts. The wife was baptized without disturbance. A short time thereafter, Mr. Robeson baptized the husband at the same place. BIOGRAPHIES 593 Levi Mac Robinson. Susquehanna County, Pa., 1831. His early life was spent on the farm. His education began in a log schoolhouse. At eighteen he was converted in the United Brethren Church and began at once in the active service of the Lord. He came to Mt. Pulaski, 111., in 1860 and served congregations thereabout. Through the loving and faithful ministry of Dr. J. M. Allen, Mr. Robin- son united with the Christian Church. Since then, until the heavy hands of the years laid their disabilities upon him, he was an active and faithful preacher in many fields in central Illinois. From his home in Mt. Pulaski he responded to many calls from many people and places. There he is now, a highly respected and revered citizen. Charles 0. Roive. Delaware County, N. Y. 1893, Laramie, Wyo. Mr. Rowe was first a blacksmith, and the action of the smith characterized, in a measure, his public ministry — he hit hard licks. He began to preach at the Berea Church, in Morgan County, in 1852. His last sermon was on Christmas Day, 1892, on ''Posting the Books for Fifty Years." He did successful work in Illinois for many years. Mr. T. T. Holton furnishes the following incidents that will portray the man and his manner: The Sapsucker Sermon. When pastor of the church at Berlin in the sixties, he was walking to church on Sunday morning when his attention was attracted by a sapsucker at work. He was impressed and said to himself, 'That bird never planted the tree, and had it been left to him there would have been no sap there." Instantly the sermon he had prepared for that morning was placed on file and he proceeded to make some shoes that would fit, as was his manner. He spoke of human parasites, hangers-on, deadbeats ; legislators who traveled on passes while the masses paid their railroad fares, and members of the board of equali- zation who did the same; of the leeches and bloodsuckers of society; of loafing big boys who ate the bread of their mothers' toil; of "sanctified" husbands who loafed at stores while their wives made the 594 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS living; of the fellows who came to help after the fire was out, and, by contrast, of the praise and credit that should be given honest laborers in all necessary industries. The sermon was remembered many years. Another incident was The Pious Dog. Mr. Rowe began a protracted meeting in a country church in Illinois. The first night the people came in crowds and with them came many dogs — he guessed the number at sixty. In the main there was no particular disturbance until two of the unfriendly curs came into collision. He met the emergency by saying just before dismission: "Now, brethren, the dogs are all right. They seem to enjoy being here. They like to come to church. They like to be with their folks. A dog would rather be with a man than to be with another dog. I find no fault with the dog or his master. But, brethren, dogs have no souls. The preacher has no mission to dogs, and the attendance of so many dogs with different dispositions, and different views upon the subjects of the day, may cause a clash and seriously interfere with the meeting. Now, will you not all just tie up your dogs to-morrow night at home and see how we will get along without them." The suggestion was fully acted upon. The next night Mr. Rowe was well up on Jacob's ladder in his sermon, when a startling crash was heard; the door flew wide open, and a great dog, with chain about his neck and an attached post upon his shoulders, moved to the front of the platform, stopped and looked with evident satisfaction at the audience. The sermon ended and every one laughed. The post was detached and the dog led out. Mr. Rowe concluded the meeting as f ollov.^s : "Brethren, there is a great lesson for all of us in what we have seen here to-night. This pious dog has taught us what we should not forget. He wanted to come to meeting to-night because he had been here before. I have just learned that he has been a regular attendant. You can not keep the regulars away. You can not tie them up so they will not break away and come. Brethren, get the habit of being here and you will like it and can't be kept away. Then, this good dog wanted to be with his folks. He chose his society. He was restless away from those who befriended him. So ought those to be who stay away from the house of God. Wake up and come where you will enjoy your best friends. This brave dog tugged at his post that held him and never let up till he was with his folks in the house of the Lord I close with one suggestion, that this pious dog be allowed to be present every night of the meeting if he chooses to come. Let us be dis- missed." .J J-, Andrezv Ross. In the year 1845, John, Joseph and Andrew Ross, three of the sons of Min. William Ross, a Methodist preacher of BIOGRAPHIES 595 Tuscarawas County, O., came to Illinois and settled in Ohio Township, in the northern part of Bureau County. These sons were following in the religious footsteps of their father. John was an ordained minister, while Joseph and Andrew were class-leaders in the Methodist Protestant Church. Before leaving Ohio, John had become somewhat skeptical about the Scripturalness of some of the teachings of the church of which they were members. In their new home the three brothers began a careful and sincere study of the Scriptures to satisfy themselves on these questions. This investigation led them to leave the Methodist Church, to be immersed and to identify themselves with those who desired to be known as Christians only — rejecting human creeds and accepting the Bible as the sole Scriptural guide. They began preaching these truths from house to house, and soon organ- ized the Ohio Township Church of Christ. About this tiiiie, John Ross built a new barn, in which meetings were held for a time. Here George McManis and Minister Parkerson helped them in protracted meetings. Later, the congrega- tion met in the new schoolhouse. Afterward, a chapel was built on the farm of John Ross. These Disciples met with opposition from their religious neighbors. Hence, they were called upon to defend their teaching. This made them thor- ough Bible students and able exponents of the word of God. John Ross moved to Pine Creek, in Ogle County, where he served the church. Later, he moved to Alma, 111., where he resided till his death. Thereafter, the chief responsibility devolved upon Andrew. He continued to look after his large farm through the week, preach for the congregation on Sun- days, and usually invited a large number of his hearers to go home with him to dinner. He reared a large family of his own and some adopted children besides. He was diligent in business, generous with his accumulations, fervent in spirit and walked in fear of the Lord and the high favor of men. At ninety his heart rests upon the divine promises and his eye is fixed upon the eternal city. He is of the class that has greatly enriched the world. 596 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS George W. Ross. Macon County, 111., 1855. 1910, Vermont, 111. His early life was passed upon the farm. He attended the public schools, Kentucky University, and graduated from Eureka College in 1881. Nearly all of his ministry was given to Illinois, the closing seventeen years with the Ver- mont Church as its pastor. Three days before his death, he drove fifteen miles to conduct a funeral. His wish was to "die in harness." Charles W. Ross, one of the most capable preachers in the State, is his son. Joseph B, Royal. 1816. 1898, Vermont, 111. Became a Christian in Sangamon County. Like his Master, he was a carpenter before he became a preacher. His home was at Vermont for many years. With that town as a center, he preached throughout the Military Tract. He baptized about four thousand persons. The strength of his life was given to his generation. It was a time of sacrifices. Preachers' salaries were small, and ofttimes a part was never paid. But his heart was in his work. He went afoot or on horseback to his appointments. He preached in homes, barns, groves, courthouses and schoolhouses. For more than fifty years he held steadily on in his ministry till the dis- ability of age laid its hand upon him. In his prime he was a power in the pulpit. John L. Routt. Eddyvllle, Ky., 1826. ^ ^ Denver, Col. ^ Was brought in his infancy by his parents to Illinois. Served as captain of Company E, Ninety-fourth Illinois Infantry, through the Civil War. Was appointed Governor of the Territory of Colorado by President Grant, and after its admission as a State in 1876, he was twice elected as its chief executive. Mr. Routt was probably the first man BIOGRAPHIES 597 among the Disciples to pay $10,000, in one sum, to the work of the church. This he did toward the erection of the First Christian Church in Denver, Col., of which he was a member. Gershom L. Rude, New York, 1808. 1890, IlHnois. In early life, Mr. Rude learned the blacksmith's trade. He spent some time in Ohio, where, at Harrison, he became a Christian and at once entered into active service in the church. He became associated with George Campbell and Sidney Rigdon, who afterward became a Mormon. Later, Mr. Rude moved to Indianapolis, Ind., and just outside its limits he had his shop. In this city his devotion to the Lord and his ability as a public teacher of the Word was recog- nized. He was associated with Mins. John C. New, John O'Kane, Henry R. Pritchard and Love H. Jameson. Mr. Rude came to Edgar County in 1855 and located a few miles northeast of Paris. Here, upon his farm, he opened a blacksmith shop, united with the Paris Church and began to preach on Sundays. The passing years were more and more given to the work of the ministry. He went where he was invited. His work extended into Coles County, and in Edgar County there were few communities where he did not preach, oftentimes without money and without price. Through life he was an incessant and discriminating reader. His knowledge of the Bible was such that he would locate quickly almost any passage read or quoted to him. He clothed his thought in good language. His style was clear, argumentative and very dogmatic. In his best years his ministry turned many to the Lord. Withal, he was a good singer, and usually started the songs in his meetings. He was generous, benevolent and kindly in heart. He was, dur- ing the Civil War, an ardent Unionist and the incarnation of moral courage. Political feeling was unusually warm in the southern part of Edgar County, as well as elsewhere, during that period. Mr. Rude was preaching in those parts then. Before beginning his discourse there on one occasion, 598 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS he said: ''Some people are always crying peace, peace. In the name of God, if you want peace, why don't you have it? You cry peace with a revolver in each pocket and the devil in your heart." People often became so angry with him for his preaching that they furiously declared that they would never hear him again ; But these generally did hear him again, and many of them, sooner or later, became Christians only. William B. Ryan, Virginia, 1800. _ 1877, Missouri. Mr. Ryan's family moved to Logan County, Ky., in 1818, and from there to Logan County, HI., in 1830. The latter trip was made in an ox-cart and required three weeks' time. The settlement was in Eminence Township. His first home there was a log cabin, in which the family passed the winter of "the deep snow." In 1839 he and his wife were baptized by Walter P. Bowles. He at once began to preach. He was afifectionately called by most people ''Uncle Billy." As a pioneer preacher, he was a favorite with the early settlers in Logan, Tazewell and DeWitt Counties. His meetings were held in dweUings, schoolhouses, mills, or anywhere he could assemble an audi- ence. One of his favorite expressions was, "Remember the warning of Mt. Sinai." He was a great admirer of Alex- ander Campbell, who was once his guest. When traveling north from Springfield in 1853, Mr. Campbell was accom- panied by G. W. Minier and others. They stopped at the home of Mr. Ryan for dinner. They found Mr. Ryan busy making ax-handles. These Mr. Campbell examined, making suggestions as to their weight, size, shape, etc. The two hours' visit was much enjoyed by all. As they left, Mr. Campbell expressed himself as being much pleased with Mr. Ryan. His home on the border of the "Big Prairie" was the stopping-place for most travelers passino- through that region. His hospitality knew no bounds. His latch-string was always out. Abraham Lincoln was often his guest. A business letter from Mr. Lincoln to him is a much-prized BIOGRAPHIES 599 keepsake of his grandsons. He, with eighteen others, organ- ized the Bethel Church in the northern part of Logan County. He was its first pastor, and there he passed many pleasant and profitable years. His was a busy life. He worked on his farm to support his family, served four years as associate judge in his county, and was a soldier in the Black Hawk War. He was twice married. Few men can show more clean pages in the "Book of Life.'' Judge Charles J. Scofield, Carthage, III, Dec. 25, 1853. Grew up to his fifteenth year on a farm. Then began the classical course in Christian University, Canton, Mo. Graduated with A.B. degree in 1871. Then taught three years in Carthage High School. Meanwhile, read law and was admitted to the Illinois bar in June, 1875. Began at once the practice of law. In October following, he v/as appointed master in chancery of the circuit court of Han- cock County, which position he filled for ten years. Mean- while, he was a busy lawyer. In June, 1885, he was elected one of the judges in the Sixth Judicial Circuit, comprising the counties of Adams, Hancock, McDonough, Fulton, Brown, Schuyler and Pike. Re-elected in 1891, thus serving on the circuit bench twelve years. He declined the third nomination. In 1893, Judge Scofield was appointed by the Supreme Court of the State one of the judges of the Appel- late Court for the Fourth District to fill an unexpired term of one year. At its close he was reappointed for three years, thus serving four years on the Appellate bench and until his service as circuit judge terminated. On the death of Judge Scott in 1909, Judge Scofield was urged to become a candidate for the nomination to the Supreme Court, but declined because of his disinclination to enter personally into a political contest. Since his retirement from the bench in 1897, his practice has extended throughout Illinois and into other States. The class of his cases has made him, in con- siderable measure, a lawyer's lawyer. 600 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Mr. Scofield became a Christian at the age of twelve. Coming to maturity, he found the church at Carthage finan- cially weak; hence, he began to supply its pulpit. This led to his becoming its pastor, which place he filled for about twenty years. Such salary as was paid him was turned to the work of the church. In every way Mr. Scofield is a man of the highest type. His power of analysis is unusually superior, and his grasp of a subject is masterful. Preachers who hear him in a sermon are delighted. John W. Sconce, Nicholas County, Ky., 1824. 1910, Kansas. Mr. Sconce came with his parents to Vermilion County, 111., in 1830, and in 1836 to Shelby County. At the age of nine he started to school. The only book he had was a copy of the New Testament, his parents being too poor to buy others for his use. He was baptized by Bushrod W. Henry in 1841. He began to preach at the White log schoolhouse, Todd's Point Township, in 1849. The same year he located on a farm six miles north of Shelby ville. The churches of the county engaged him to preach in destitute places. His ministry was fruitful and many were turned to the Lord in various localities. In 1863 he moved to a farm in Moultrie County, where, for ten years, he continued the same kind of work that he had done in Shelby. His family was sup- ported mainly by his farms. In 1873 he settled in Dalton City. Chiefly through his labors, a church of Christ was established there. In 1876 he moved to Mt. Ayr, la. In that new country he continued successfully his pioneer work as a preacher. Ten years thereafter he moved to Attica, Kan. There he continued in the same sort of work until the infirmities of age compelled him to give it up. Of such as he the Lord will make up his jewels. In such sacrifices of self have the beginnings of the King- dom been laid through all the centuries. BIOGRAPHIES 601 Andrew Scott, Melrose, Scotland, 1857. Came to America in 1863. Educated in the public schools of Canada and at Hiram College. Established the first church of Christ at Portage la Prairie, Man., Can., in 1881. In Illinois he was the very successful evangehst of the Sixth District for three years. He has served as pastor in the churches at Normal, Danville and Hoopeston, where he now is. Mr. Scott's Scotch heart always beats loyal to the truth as it is in Jesus. Charles L. Scott. On a farm in Edwards County, 111., 1876. Was principal of public schools in Grayville. Elected to the House in the Legislature in 1908, 1910 and 1912. Dr. John Scott. Vermont, 1790. 1883, Prairie City, 111. Was one of the strong men of his time — physically, men- tally, morally and spiritually. He was a farmer, a school- master, a surveyor, a physician and a preacher. When about eighteen years of age, he made the trip, on board "The Clermont," from New York to Albany. He came into Fulton County in 1839. There he, with other pioneers, formed what came to be known as the Scott Settlement. It was about five miles north of the site of Cuba. He later made his home elsewhere in Fulton County, and at these places had for his neighbors and friends the families of McBeth, Bell, Rigdon. Oglesby, Reed, Markle, Dr. Speer, Bangman, Boynton, Wheeler and Levi T. Scott. The wife of Levi Scott was Mary Doyle, whose family came from Kentucky to Peoria Countv in 1835. For manv years the Doyle family were influential as Christians in that county. For about twelve years after coming to Fulton County, Dr. Scott gave much time to preaching in the cabins of the pioneers, in log schoolhouses and elsewhere. On canvas, he 602 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS made an outline of Solomon's Temple and its furniture, by which to instruct people through eye-gates. During this period he was associated with the Christian Denomination. In 1851, Michael and Job Coombs, brothers and mhiisters of the churches of Christ in Indiana, came that way. Through their preaching, Dr. Scott and a considerable num- ber of friends were led to accept the more apostolic teach- ing. They were baptized on a Monday forenoon in the trans- parent waters of Lost Grove Creek as it ran its way among blooming flowers and singing birds. In 1855 there was a considerable exodus of these people into McDonough County. They located on new farms near the site of Bushnell. Here Dr. Scott again took up his faithful and loving ministry and continued in it until handicapped by the burden of years. He was a strong and true man, whose life was full of good deeds. These facts were furnished by a step-grandson, I. N. Scott, New Sharon, la. Walter Scott Was born in Moffat, Dumfrieshire, Scotland, Oct. 31, 1796. His parents were people of fine intelligence and culture. They were all members of the kirk. He was educated in the University of Edinburgh. When a young man, on the invi- tation of his uncle, George Innes, he came to New York. For a time he taught a classical school on Long Island. Later, he went to Pittsburgh. There he soon made the acquaintance of a fellow-countryman, Mr. George Forrester. In his home he found a welcome. Mr. Forrester was a min- ister of the Haldanean school. At that time he was con- ducting a school and also preaching to a small membership whom he had collected tosfether. He invited Mr. Scott to examine the Scriptural claims of pedobaptism, in which he had been trained up. He made a faithful investigation of the subject. His reverence for the authority of God's word led him to the conclusion that it was a defenseless relic of the Papacy and wholly without divine warrant. Hence he was ^ CHARLES W. SHERWOOD. 4 JOHN YAGER. WALTER P. BOWLES. THOMAS GOODMAN. BIOGRAPHIES 603 immersed by his friend, Mr. Forrester. He at once became an earnest and persistent student of the Holy Scriptures. He opened a classical and English high scnuol, but tliese duties he did not permit to interfere with his assiduous and systematic study of the Bible. It was not long until, on one of Mr. Campbells visits to Pittsburgh, he and Mr. Scott became personally acquainted. Both were men of brilliant and admirable qualities. They were further attracted by their mutual conclusions on great Scriptural questions. From that time they were co-operants in the reproclamation of the gospel as it was first preached by inspired men. David Franklin Seyster. Pine Creek Township, Ogle Co., 111., 1858. . Trained in country schools, high school and Eureka Col- lege. Preached first sermon in 1888 at La Claire, la. ; walked across Mississippi River on the ice to reach there. Has served the churches at Coleta, Pine Creek three terms, Kankakee, v/here he also preached Sunday afternoons for two years in the State Hospital by appointment of its super- intendent, Lynnville, Mt. Morris, Lanark and Savanna. Everywhere his work has been fruitful in additions and spiritual results. Cragy J. Sharp. A native Scotchman who settled in Bureau County in 1848. A successful farmer and preacher. Associated with the Ross brothers in the church near Ohio. Fine Bible scholar and preached without money compensation from one to three times every Sunday for years. He helped a number of young men in securing their education at Abingdon, among them G. T. Carpenter. Charles IV. Sherzvood. Keepsklll, N. Y., 1830. 1877, Rockwell, la. Came to Whiteside County, 111., in 1842. There he grew up on a farm near Coleta. His parents were Methodists 604 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and most excellent people. Charles resided in a community of Disciples of Christ and became a Christian only at the age of twenty-one. At the ''social meetings" on the Lord's Day he began to speak, which led into the ministry. Then he farmed in the summer-time, mended shoes during the winter, and preached on Sundays as he could find oppor- tunity. As he sat on his bench a copy of the Bible and Webster's Dictionary lay open before him — so he kept peg- ging away. As a preacher he was popular with all classes because he preached the truth in love. He was a fine, all- round minister who traveled from place to place with his horse and buggy. His evangelistic labors w-ere chiefly in northern Illinois, where he baptized about six thousand per- sons. Editor B. W. Johnson once referred to him as "the noble-hearted Sherwood, the Lion of the North." W. J. Simer. Marion County, 111., 1849. Was educated in the public schools and has applied him- self diligently to reading and study at home. Began to w^ork for himself at the age of seventeen and to speak in public at twenty-five. He taught school and has a good library. Ke resides on his own farm, has always been a public- spirited citizen, and for over thirty years a faithful preacher. He is a man of fine common sense, sweet disposition and kindly impulses, and is popular among all classes and ages of people. His post-office is Kinmundy. James IV. Simpson. Kentucky, 1804. 1861, Illinois. After his marriage to Miss Emma Hathaway, near Mt. Sterling, he came to Illinois in 1835 and settled in Clary's Grove, Menard County. There he soon became the leading man in the church, and never for one minute faltered in his devotion to its Lest interests and in his defense of the primi- tive gospel to the day of his death. As an elder for years, he conducted the public worship when no preacher was pres- BIOGRAPHIES 605 ent, teaching and admonishing his brethren and continually abounding in all good works. His house was the minister's home. He was one of the Lord's great men. He was the father of Mrs. J. W. Judy and Mrs. S. B. Callaway. Jerome H. Smart. Missouri, 1842. 1913, Clovis, N. M, Mr. Smart joined the Baptist Church when he was fifteen years of age. He gave the (jovernment over four years of military service in the Twenty-fourth Missouri Volunteer Infantry. At the close of the war he entered Abingdon College, from which he graduated in 1868. During this time he changed his church affiHation. The plain gospel over- came his temperamental Baptist proclivities. After his grad- uation, he taught in a school two years. Then he entered the ministry. His work was at Macomb, Colfax, Centralia, Winchester, Waukegan and Danville chiefly. Besides this, he was associated with the Christian Publishing Company for twelve years. Mr. Smart's ministry was always safe and constructive. H. H. Smithson. Marion County, III, 1843. As soon as he was able to perform manual labor, he worked in a mill until he was of legal age, meanwhile attend- ing the public schools three months every year. In 1865 he moved to Fayette County, where he taught in the public schools and preached for twenty-eight years. Thereafter, for a decade he gave himself wholly to the ministry. His life has been faithful and useful. C. M. Smithson. Fayette County, 111., 1877. A son of H. H. Smithson. Grew up on a farm. Attended public schools and Austin College in Effingham. Taught six years in public schools. Began his ministry in 1900. Served county and village churches. Pastor at Gray- 606 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ville, Mt. Vernon, Flora and St. Elmo. Is now at Streator. He is ambitious to be helpful beyond the local field of his labors. George L. Snively. Mr. Snively was born in the same house and immersed in the same baptistery in Cuba that his father was. He became a Christian under the ministry of H. C. Littleton. Soon thereafter Mr. Littleton said to him : "How would you like to go to school and prepare to preach the gospel?" *'Do you think I could do it?" *'Yes," was Mr. Littleton's assurance. Mr. Snively attended school at Eureka and the Bible College at Lexington, Ky., but he did not graduate. How- ever, by attendance at university lectures, correspondence courses and personal application, he grew to be a very capable and efficient minister. For a number of years he was associated with his father in the county clerkship of Fulton County and other lines of business, which gave him a good commercial training. Mean- while, he was preaching upon the Lord's Days. After sev- eral successful pastorates, he became the first general secretary of the National Benevolent Association of the churches of Christ, in 1901. The results of his five years of service in this capacity were exceedingly gratifying. Then he was successfully associated with the Christian PubHshing Company, St. Louis, Mo. Following his earnest desire, in 1907 he became a gen- eral evangelist. Here God has used him in turning thousands to the Prince of peace. He has also come to be one of the most efficient men in the ''dedication of new churches," in which work he has won hundreds of thousands of dollars to sacred uses. Mr. Snively has always been too busy and earnest, and the needs of the world have been too insistent in his con- science, to give any time to untaught questions or doubtful disputations. He believes the Book and preaches the truth. BIOGRAPHIES 607 Ellis J. Stanley. Whiteside County, III, 1842. Came to his manhood in his native county. Took a little turn at military service the last year of the war in the 156th Regiment Illinois Volunteers. Attended Bethany College. Most of his ministerial work has been done beyond Illinois, but here he has served the Table Grove and Armington con- gregations and elsewhere. Thomas B. Stanley. Carroll County, 111., 1851. 1912, Cedar Rapids, Ta. In early hfe, Mr. Stanley dedicated his life to Christ. Besides his home and his congregation, he was trained in the public schools and at Eureka College. He was actively engaged in the ministry until failing health interfered. Then his aim was to constantly serve others as he was able. He worked with the congregations at Coleta, Normal, Atlanta and elsewhere. His ideals were high, his Hfe's aim single and his fidelity to God's word unquestioned. E. C. Stark. New Harmony, Ind., 1853. This man is a good preacher, with continuing experiences. He grew to manhood in White County, 111., with such educa- tional advantages as the public schools of the period afforded, but all the time since he has read and studied. He joined the M. E. Church at sixteen, but two years thereafter united with the church of Christ at West Salem, 111. He taught school and preached in Edwards County for ten to thirteen years, served four years as evangelist in Virginia, then, for a period of eleven years, with the churches at Fisher, Farmer City, Delavan, Champalg-n and others In that section. Went to an abandoned farm in southern Illinois to solve the old- asfe problem. But he is still active and u'^efnl as a preacher. Here are a few of his pick-ups: He h^s found a new church, indigenous to southern Illinois, calling themselves "Social 608 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Brethren." One of their preachers, in explaining to his con- gregation the words of Jesus, "Suffer Uttle children to come unto me," said: "The Lord allowed little children to suffer that they might come unto him." Another one of these preachers read the words, "prepare you victuals," in Josh. 1:11, "prepare your vehicles," and explained it by saying, "Grease the axles, tighten the nuts, etc." One of the accredited ministers of a strong church in southern Illinois said, "The only Bible in the world was hid in the corner- stone of a temple," but he did not know what temple. Again, the same preacher, in explaining 1 John 1 : 9, "His seed remaineth in him," said, "Jesus and John the IBaptist did not marry ; their seed remained in them." In the course of a public discussion between Mr. Stark and Min. John Ralph, Baptist, the latter said: "Mr. Stark seems to think that I am an 'ignoramemus.' " David Morse, a prominent Cumberland Presbyterian preacher, said in a funeral sermon, "Everything that lives shall live again in human form." Mr. Stark is a fine character. /. Carroll Stark. Stow, O., 1830. 1908, McMinnville, Tenn. He had the advantages of the farmer boys of those days and in that section. To these he added two years in Hiram College. At the age of twelve he was baptized by Alanson Wilcox, and to render this act of submission to his Master's will he walked three miles and returned before changing his clothes. He was in the work of the ministry at twenty. Before coming to Illinois, he served churches in Ohio, New York, Indiana, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. In this State he served at Princeton, Ohiotown, Belleplain, Antioch (now Toluca), Augusta, Table Grove, Greenville, Salem, Duquoin, Blandinsville and Hamilton. Besides this, he evangelized in twenty-two States and Provinces. His public ministry reached through fifty-eigfht years. He held many formal debates on various subjects pertaining to religion. Probably the last of these was in 1903, on "Instru- BIOGRAPHIES 609 mental Music in the Church of Christ," at Henderson, Tenn., with Joe S. WaUick. His last pastorate was at Tullahoma, Tenn. Later, he moved to a ranch near McMinnsville, and preached almost every Sunday to the mountain people, although he was in his seventy-ninth year. Mr. Stark was a brave and true soldier of the great Commander. He was passionately devoted to his Leader, and carried his banner triumphantly through the storm and smoke of every battle. Sincere and frank as a child, he could have but little patience with the duplicity of sectarian chiefs. Yet his heart was as tender as it was true. James Stark. Auchtermuchty, Scotland, 1815. 1892, Augusta, 111. Mr. Stark came to America with his uncle, John Deon, in 1835. Mr. Deon was acquainted with Alexander Camp- bell in Scotland, and they became his guests upon their arrival at Bethany. While there, Mr. Stark was baptized by Wm. Hayden. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Jackson- ville, where he took membership in the church and was associated in its work with John T. Jones, D. P. Henderson, Josephus Hewitt, W. W. Happy, Peter Hedenburg, Philip Cofifman and others. He was ordained to the ministry by this church in 1837. Like nearly all of the pioneer preachers, he was compelled to provide for the material needs of him- self and his family by secular work ; so he engaged in a general merchandising business there, and also in Augusta, whither he moved in 1842. His education was obtained by his own efforts. He was well informed in the affairs of church and state. In the pulpit and on the platform he was a fluent and eloquent speaker. In the church he enjoyed the personal friendship of Mr. Campbell, B. W. Stone, James Challen and O. A. Burgess, and in the State was personally acquainted with Abraham Lincoln, S. A. Douglas and Col. E. D. Baker. He was a member of the House of the Gen- eral Assembly in 1846, and was a Presidential elector in 1860, casting his official vote for Mr. Lincoln. In his social 20 610 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS relations he was affable, and as a public speaker pleasing, so that he was heard with enthusiasm by public audiences. A great man, with clear convictions of truth, right and duty, he fought a good fight and kept the faith. James F. Stewart, Peelar Station, Va., 1847. Was a mail-carrier, farmhand, carpenter and lumber merchant. Attended the public schools and Eureka College. Gave Illinois churches ten years of upbuilding work. lie has a son in Johnson's Bible School preparing for the min- istry, which he considered "a. far better place for such work than Chicago." Oliver IV. Stewart. Mercer County, III, 1867. Grew up on the farm. Graduated from Woodhull High School and from Eureka College in 1890. Evangelist in Illinois three years and served as pastor of the church at Mackinaw. Was a leader of the Illinois Christian Endeavor Union. In 1896 he became actively identified with the Pro- hibition party, and since then he has given himself almost exclusively to this work. In 1902 he was elected from the Hyde Park District in Chicago to the State Legislature, where he served with unusual efificiency. Of one of his speeches there, Senator L. Y. Sherman said: "It was the finest and most eloquent speech I ever heard in an Illinois Assembly." Mr, Stewart is the ablest advocate of Prohibi- tion principles who has graced the rostrum in twenty years. He is sane and sensible, wise and witty, persuasive and practical. Plis frank fairness, irresistible logic of facts, superior vocabulary, fluency of utterance and fine presence unite in making him a most interesting and persuasive orator. At the national convention of the party at Indianapolis in 1904, a circular on the subject of the candidacy of Gen. Nelson A. Miles was distributed. Among others, the names of James A. Tate and Oliver W. Stewart were signed. Both BIOGRAPHIES 611 of these are members of the Christian Church. The Voice, which was then controlled by John G. Woolley, called the document a *'Campbellite" circular. It was a gratuitous insult. Seven years thereafter, Mr. Woolley ate his own words on Prohibition in a most shameless degree and thereby became ''the lost leader." No one has found occasion to question Mr. Stewart's loyalty to the principles of the purest patriotism. T. L. Stipp. Illinois, 1848. Mr. Stipp was the son of a Predestinarian Baptist min- ister and was born in Vermilion County, where the larger part of his life has been passed. He graduated in the law class of the University of Michigan in 1871, but a change coming into his life-purpose, he was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1875. He has served twenty Illinois churches and four in Indiana. His ministry has been especially helpful to the weaker churches. Through all kinds of adverse and disagreeable conditions he has traveled on horseback to keep his engagements with them and very often at small financial compensation. His good business ability led him to buy Illinois land when the price was low, and to hold it. His seven living children are active members of the church of Christ. Barton W. Stone. Near Port Tobacco, Md., 1772. 1844, near Jackson- ville, 111. Mr. Stone's father died when he was a little child. In 1779 his mother moved with her large family of children and servants to the backwOods of Virginia, in Pittsylvania County. Some of his brothers were soldiers in the Army of the Revolution, and the family was otherwise subjected to the vicissitudes of the war. From childhood, he had a deep hunger for knowledge. He was early sent to school and made unusual progress. After five years in the country school, his teacher pronounced him a finished scholar. He 612 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS soon decided to qualify himself for a barrister. In 1790 he entered Guilford Academy, in North Carolina, and deter- mined to acquire an education or die in the attempt. There he completed the academic course. While there, in much agony of soul, he turned to the Lord, uniting with the Pres- byterians. With it came the desire to preach the gospel. His special preparation for the ministry was attended with great anguish of mind. The Osage Presbytery licensed him to preach in 1796. He was presented with a Bible, not the Confession of Faith. Then he started on a preaching tour over the mountains that brought him, at the close of the year, to Caneridge and Concord, Ky. With these churches his ministry was richly blessed. In the fall of 1798 the Presbytery of Transylvania met to ordain him to the pastorate of the two congregations. He declined to sub- scribe unqualifiedly to the Confession of Faith, but answered, "I do, as far as I see it consistent with the word of God." His study of the Bible was with an open mind and many prayers; so within two years he was relieved from the per- plexity and distress in which the labyrinth of Calvinism had involved him. Henceforth he was a free man. With the turning of the century, he caught the spirit of, and became an active participant in, that great revival that marked the beginning of a new era in Christian teaching and life. Mr. Stone and his coadjutors preached that God loved the whole world and sent his Son to save men ; that the gospel is the means of salvation, but it will never be effectual to this end until believed and obeyed by us. "Man-made creeds we threw overboard and took the name 'Christian,' the name given to the disciples by divine appointment first at Antioch." "The sticklers for orthodoxy amongst us writhed under these doctrines," says Mr. Stone. "The sects were roused. The Methodists and Baptists, who had long lived in peace and harmony with the Presbyterians, and with one another, now girded on their armor and marched into the field of con- troversy. These were times of distress. The spirit of partyism soon expelled the spirit of love and union; peace BIOGRAPHIES 613 fled before discord and strife, and religion was stifled and banished in the unhallowed struggle for pre-eminence." This was in 1803. The next year, Mr. Stone formally withdrew from the Presbyterian Church. Thus the ship of the com- mon, catholic gospel, whose compass had been lost for fifteen centuries, was again launched upon the wide sea of human life. Mr. Stone continued an earnest student of the Scrip- tures; so after a time he was immersed, as were many of those associated with him. 'The churches and preachers grew and were multiplied." They came gradually to appre- hend the application of their principles to the details of doc- trine and duty. Mr. Stone, after his removal to Lexington, Ky., made a trip to Meigs County, O., for the purpose of immersing a Presbyterian m.inister named William Caldwell. While there he preached, on its invitation, to the Separate Baptist Association then assembled there. He says: "The result was, that they agreed to cast away their formularies and creeds, and take the Bible alone for their rule of faith and practice — to throw away their name 'Baptist' and take the name 'Christian' — and to bury their association, and to become one with us in the great work of Christian union. Then they marched up in a band to the stand where Mr. Stone was preaching, shouting the praises of God, and pro- claiming aloud what they had done. We met them, and embraced each other in Christian love, by which the union was cemented." Mr. Stone says of Alexander Campbell when he first came into Kentucky: "I heard him often in public and in private. I was pleased with his manner and matter. I saw no distinctive feature between the doctrine he preached and that which we had preached for many years, except on baptism for remission of sins. Even this I had once received and taught, as before stated, but had strangely let it go from my mind, till Bro. Campbell revived it afresh." When Mr. Stone moved to Georgetown, Ky., he met John T. Johnson, "than whom there is not a better man. We plainly saw that we were on the same foundation, in the same spirit and preached the same gospel. We agreed to 614 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS unite our energies to effect a union between our different societies. This we easily effected in Kentucky." Mr. Stone came to Morgan County, 111., in 1832, and resided on his farm four miles from that place. Thereafter, he preached with great earnestness. He was a finely educated man, speaking the French language, reading the Hebrew and teaching the Greek and Latin. He was a most successful teacher, and often turned to this profession for the support of himself and family. Mr. Stone is justly entitled to far greater credit and honor for his work in the Restoration movement than has ever been given him. Like truly great men, he was simple and transparent. On one occasion, he entered the home of John T. Jones just as the family was going to dinner. The good wife, as was the custom, began to apologize for her dinner. Whereupon, Mr. Stone replied: "Sister, if we are Christians, it is good enough and we ought to thank God for it; if we are not Christians, it is too good for us." At another time, Charles W. Jones, a son of John T., was con- veying Mr. Stone from the town to his farm by a conveyance drawn by one horse. He thought the horse was being driven too hard, and asked Charlie if he had ever heard the horse's prayer to his master. The driver answered he had not. Then Mr. Stone said: **On the hill speed me not, down the hill push me not, on the plain spare me not and in the barn forget me not." When he joined the innumerable host of just men made perfect his body was buried in a locust grove on his farm. When the farm was sold it was reinterred in the Antioch Church Cemetery near by. Later, it was taken to Cane- ^^^^^' ^y- Isaac Stout, Clinton County, O., 1822. 1900, Pekin, Til. Was brought by his parents to Illinois in 1827. The family settled near Bloomins^ton, in what came to be known as Stout's Grove. His mother died soon thereafter, and his father when Isaac was fifteen. Then he made his home with BIOGRAPHIES 615 an uncle. There he learned many kinds of hard manual labor. In his manhood he was a farmer, carpenter, brick- mason and house-painter. To him belongs the credit of inventing and patenting the first riding cultivator. The rise of prices consequent upon the Civil War made their manu- facture unprofitable. His education came in the log school- house period, but both his mind and heart were finely trained. He was baptized by Min. James A. Lindsey in 1842 and began at once to speak in the social meetings of the church. A basket meeting had been well announced for a certain Sunday at the Antioch Church, south of Tremont. A great concourse of people assembled, but W. P. Bowles, the star preacher for the occasion, failed to come. The elders assem- bled and with moral compulsion absolutely impressed Isaac Stout to address the multitude. An elder announced: ''Bro. Bowles has not come, so Bro. Isaac Stout will talk to us a while and give the invitation." Mr. Stout shook like a pendant leaf in the wind. At the invitation three persons went forward to become Christians. Mr. Stout sat down. "Take their confessions," said the elder to him. It was announced that Bro. Stout would preach again in the after- noon. He could eat but little dinner, but he preached. Then four more people turned to the Lord. Whereupon, Mr. Stout assuredly gathered that God had called him to preach the gospel. His ministry was mainly in Tazewell County, but evangelistic work reached into McLean, Logan and DeWitt. He was a successful preacher, measured by the best standards. He built with his own hands the chapel of the Concord congregation, from foundation to pulpit. When he came to dedicate it, he spoke not one word about his own labor on the building. In his judgment, far more important interests then demanded the attention of the assembly. He was a fine soul whose modesty was a measure of his great- ness. In 1864 he enlisted in Company A, 108th Illinois Volun- teer Infantry, and was at Spanish Ford and the battle of Mobile. 616 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Emanuel Stover. Ohio, 1822. 1890, Illinois. Was an active member of the church at Lanark and help- ful to the congregations in that part of the State. He was second lieutenant in Company B, Seventy-first Regiment Illinois \'olunteers. He served two terms in the House of the Illinois General Assembly. A man of fine character. /. O. Sutherland Was born in Alarion County, Ind., 1848. He worked at Patoka, 111., where he began his ministry. He served the church at Sailor Springs and founded the churches at Latham, Riverton, Dawson and Morgansville. He is a plain, sincere man and good preacher, whose thirty years* work in the ministry has been fruitful. The Sweeneys. The Sweeney family, the father and four sons all able ministers of the primitive gospel, was one of the great spiritual forces of the Restoration movement. They all served for varying periods in Illinois. George E. Szueeney. Kentucky, 1807. 1899, Kentucky. Was the father. He came to Illinois in 1855. His first work was with the Berean and Scottville Churches, in Macoupin County, then at Barry. Returning to Scottville in 1861, he evangelized for five years in the counties of Macoupin, Sangamon, Alorgan and Green. His last pas- torate, which closed in the spring of 1868, was at Kansas. In his funeral discourse at the obsequies of Mr. Sweeney, at Paris, Ky., May 25, 1899, Pres. C. L. Loos said: ''Our good Father above gave to our brother unusual vigor of body and mind up to a high degree. It was providentially a munificent inheritance from the sturdy Scotch-Irish stock of his ancestors ; his father died one hundred years old. Doubtless, his thirst for knowledge, his keen interest in BIOGRAPHIES 617 things worthy of a human soul, kept ahve his intellectual and even his bodily vigor. Some men die in the outer, because they die in the inner, man; they have lost the life of the soul. Internal often begets external decrepitude. "And his entire rich and strong life, devoted to the great- est cause on earth — the kingdom of God in Jesus Christ. For seventy-one years he was a minister of the Word of life. What a record is this in the life of a man! The first year he was a Baptist preacher, a good prelude to the seventy years devoted to the mighty plea for the complete restoration of apostolic Christianity." Mr. Sweeney's wife was his equal in native endowments of mind, with which she combined a very sweet and gracious disposition. William G. Szveeney Was the oldest son. He did comparatively little work in Illinois. His death occurred at Dubuque, la., in 1897. George IV, Sweeney Served for a time in Chicago and elsewhere in Illinois as pastor and evangelist, but most of his Hfe has been passed outside of the State. Z. T. Szveeney Is the youngest of the four sons. He and N. S. Haynes began their work in the ministry together — in May, 1868, at Kansas, 111. — except that Mr. Sweeney had two weeks the start, which he has always held. Shortly thereafter they were invited to conduct a meeting in a near-by schoolhouse in the country. They promised a few evenings' meetings, as their joint stock of sermons would not warrant anything farther. After the meeting the first evening, they were guests of a childless couple — sincere and devout Christians. The young preachers ever afterward held them in the high- est esteem and even admiration. A chapter was read, prayer was offered and the young men were lighted to their sleep- 618 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ing-room on the first floor. At once, the chickens, ducks and geese under the floor set up most unusual and vociferous alarms, as if disturbed by predatory varmints. The outcries soon subsided, and the theologs, having disrobed, climbed upon chairs to get into bed — it was so high. The jump into the immense depths of feathers was like a dive into the crest of an ocean wave. But they were jolly. Then, just as Morpheus waved her magic wand, a mouse scampered across their breasts, hitting Mr. Sweeney first. His cry was dis- tressing, but did not bespeak his courage ; for here was the embryo of that Z. T. Sweeney who, in after years, should vanquish any lion of German rationalism who might uncon- sciously devitalize the glorious gospel of our Lord. He has had wide experiences, is a charming public speaker and is a man of large mould and usefulness. John S. Sweeney. Kentucky, 1832. ^ 1908, Kentucky. Mr. Sweeney came to Illinois in 1854, and began the practice of law at Greenfield. He made his home with Judge Short, a prominent member of the M. E. Church and a leading citizen of the community. One Saturday evening he invited Mr. Sweeney to go with him on the morrow to hear his minister review "Campbellism." That great gospel advocate had made a preaching tour through Hlinois in 1853, and many of the orthodox pulpits were busy reviewing his teachings and protecting their flocks against the new "here- sies." In his discourse, the M. E. preacher affirmed that Mr. Campbell had said that he ''could take the vilest sinner into the water and bring him out a saint." As was the custom, opportunity was given, before the close of the meeting, for any one to ask questions ; whereupon, Mr. Sweeney arose and quietly asked where, in his writings, Mr. Campbell had ever made such a statement. The preacher, with a glower- ing look, replied: "Have you come here to break up my meeting?" Judge Short instantly replied: "No, Bro. Powell; it is a fair question and one that I also would like to have BIOGRAPHIES 619 answered." The preacher promised to produce it at another time, and thus the incident closed. Immediately upon the dismission of the congregation, the few Disciples present came to Mr. Sweeney, and, learning from him that he was **of their faith and order," insisted that he answer the dis- course which they had just heard. He declined, but thus it was that he was turned from the practice of the law to the preaching of the gospel. He was a faithful student of the Scriptures and a man of fine discrimination, and in him the logical faculty was united with a keen sense of humor. In the first year of his ministry, five hundred people became obedient to the faith under his preaching. Riding along one day, he fell in with a company of people assembled at the usual place for baptizing, on the bank of Apple Creek. The Baptist minister, a Mr. Johnson, was assuring the people that the converts to be then immersed had all "been born again," and had all received the assurance of the forgiveness of their sins at the ''mourners' bench," for which he thanked God. Permission being granted, Mr. Sweeney said: "I would like to ask if Baptist converts are all 'born of water* on dry land?" Mr. Johnson repHed: "Sir, you are a Camp- bellite, and desire to disturb our meeting." A meeting of the ministers was convened in Springfield in the later fifties with the purpose of "disciplining" one of their number. This action Air. Sweeney earnestly opposed, contending that it was contrary to the congregational inde- pendence of the New Testament, and as forming a possible precedent that would result in evil. In such cases, the preacher is responsible to the local church in which he holds membership. Probably the most eminent service ever rendered the Dis- ciples in Illinois by Mr. Sweeney was in his course toward the Russell defection. Walter Scott Russell was a graduate of Bethany College. Shortly thereafter, he became an extreme and pronounced mystic. Associated with him were some of our leading preachers in the State, who became open advocates of this doctrine. Among these were T. J. Melish; 620 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Frank Apperson, a brilliant young Englishman ; F. N. Car- man, publisher of the Christian Sentinel, the only paper of the Disciples in the State at that time, which indorsed the articles and addresses of Mr. Russell ; W. W. Happy, an able and veteran preacher, who was then president of the State Missionary Society, while vSamuel Callaway was its treasurer, and Prof. P. Lucas, of Berean, was its secretary. All of these men were in full accord with the views of Mr. Russell. These men thought to reform the Restoration movement on the basis of this inner-light theory. The State Missionary Convention met in Bloomington, September, 1858. The new doctrine was uppermost in the minds of all. It was the general feeling that a real crisis was at hand. On the evening of the second day of the meeting, Mr. Sweeney was to preach. Not one person knew anything of his attitude toward the new teaching. Intense anxiety pervaded the great assembly of the saints. Air. Sweeney chose for his. text, John 16:13, 14, and unfolded it into a most masterful sermon. It was a pivotal discourse that was to make or unmake myriads, and he rose fully to the occasion. The peculiar teachings of Mr. Russell were clearly shown to be contrary to the Scriptures and enlightened human reason. This was the beginning of its end. The new movement was put upon a course of rapid and ultimate extinction. Mr. Russell died. Professor Lucas went to the law ; Messrs. Carman, Callaway and Happy to the Baptists, but later the last named returned to the Disciples. Mr. MeHsh went to the Baptists and later to the Episcopalians. Berean College went to ruin. And in later years the breach in the Jackson- ville Church was wholly healed. Mr. Sweeney was a participant in about seventy-five public discussions, generally against his inclination. Frank Talmage. Pennsylvania, 1874. Mr. Talmage was educated in the public schools of Phila- delphia, his birthplace ; in the seminary at Pennington, N. J., BIOGRAPHIES 621 and Dickinson College at Carlisle, Pa. He was a minister in the M. E. Church, and after one year's service in Perry County, .Pa., was sent by Bishop Kingsley to Missouri in 1866. This was because the ministers of the M. E. Church North were scarce in Missouri at that time, and many of those in the M. E. Church South were unable to take the ''ironclad oath," thus leaving Methodist churches in Missouri in bad condition. In July, 1867, Mr. Talmage left the M. E. Church and became a Christian only. Since then he has continued his ministry among the Disciples. He came to the pastorate of the Marine Church, in Madison County, 111., in 1872. His useful ministry in that and St. Clair County reached through several years. At times he was associated with John Ellis, the veteran preacher. When conducting a meeting with the Fairview Church, Mr. Talmage baptized the con- verts in a near-by stream. Some mischievous boys of the neighborhood would come to the place and climb out on a limb of a tree near the pool and make remarks about the baptizings. Brethren were indignant and wished to have the boys arrested, but the preacher dissuaded them. The next day, during the ceremony, one venturesome boy got out on the extreme end of the limb and yelled out, as a candidate v/as baptized, "Dip him again !" At that moment the over- hanging limb broke and the boy fell into the water and dis- appeared. Serious as was the occasion, the crowd laughed outright as the minister fished that mischievous boy out of the water. This incident ended all that trouble. Among the converts at the Fairview Church were Jonas Tontz and wife. Mr. Tontz was a member of the State Legislature in 1872. Mr. Talmage left Illinois after a few years. He is now preaching at Roswell, N. M. George W. Tate. Decatur County, Ind., 1841. 1905, West Salem, 111. Grew up on the farm. Received his mental training in the public schools, in Normal School at Kokomo and the 622 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Seminary at Peru. Taught school for several years. Entered ministry in 1873. He was a gospel preacher of the best type. A successful evangelist, pastor, public debater and church-builder. He was interested in the cause of Christ at home and abroad, and always co-operated in every good w^ork. Dr. G. IV. Taylor. Saratoga County, N. Y., 1815. 1913, Princeton, 111. At the age of twelve years, Mr. Taylor left his parental home in Oneida County to make his own way in the world. He then had only twenty-five cents in money and but little education. In 1840 he united with the Congregational Church, but later left it and united with the JM. E. Church. About 1851 he visited a brother whose home was near Buffalo. While there, he heard a Christian preacher, where- upon he declared that he had heard "the first gospel ser- mons." At once he and his wife accepted the common truth. He came to Princeton, III, in 1853. His profession was the practice of medicine, but when he was about fifty years of age he was set apart to the work of the ministry, in which he did excellent service. The church at Humboldt, Kan., is a product of his work. Dr. Taylor was always actively identified with all of the co-operative missionary work of the church. Knox P. Taylor. Logan County, Ky., 1835. 1812, Bloomington. 111. Came to Illinois in 1851, and the years of his virile man- hood were lived chiefly in this State. From 1881 to 1904, he devoted his strength to our Bible-school work. He went up and down the State, in its highways and into its byways, with maps, charts, pictures and blackboards. He taught the word of the Lord ; he emphasized the value of Sunday-school work, urged better methods and higher efficiency. He did more to help the Disciples in this State to appreciate the value of Bible-school teaching than any other man who has served herein. BIOGRAPHIES 623 Mr. Taylor was an humble man of gentle spirit, kindly impulses and helpful purpose. He was the embodiment of sincerity and simplicity. The professional and perfunctory awakened in him feelings of aversion. He was a great teacher of the Scriptures. By him, people were instructed in Biblical geography, chronology and history, and in great spiritual truths as well. The men and women of active age in nearly all of our Illinois churches need now to learn what this prophet of God was trying to teach them forty years ago. The value of the Bible-school work is not yet understood nor its importance appreciated in this year of grace. Mr. Taylor was wholly devoted to his Master's service. He is held in loving and grateful remembrance by thousands of Illinois Disciples with whom he lived and for whom he labored. Great is his reward in heaven. Harry Robert Trickett. Nottinghamshire, England, 1840. 1909, Keokuk, la. Came to America in 1852. In his young manhood he returned to England, where he finished his education in King's College, London. He was educated for the law, but soon decided for the ministry. After his return to the United States, he bought a farm in Montebello Township, Hancock County, which was his home to the close of his life. However, he held pastorates in Illinois, Iowa and Mis- souri. Besides, he did much effective evangelistic work. Mr. Trickett was a great preacher. Judge C. J. Scofield says: "I have heard him preach sermons as able as the best I have ever heard from the pulpit." He took a deep interest in the living questions of the day, sometim.es made political speeches, was a brilliant conversationalist and a fine writer. His contributions to relig-ious papers always attracted atten- tion because of their vigorous thought and superior diction. In the closing years of his life it was his custom to write a Christmas sermon for the Nauvoo Independent. The closing words of his last sermon were the following: "In all proba- 624 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS bility, this is the last Christmas sermon I shall write you. Accept as my Christmas gift. It is all I have to give, you know. There will be no Christmas festivities for me. I am old and feeble and lonely, but my heart goes out to you in good wishes. I am very thankful for the warmth and shelter of the hospital, and, while I think and hope that God may give me strength and health again, yet I do not know, nor do I care overmuch. It is well, no matter what happens. Living or dying, I have partaken of the Christmas melodies. I see beyond the shadow of the cross, and have passed into the garden of Joseph of Arithmathea, and am standing among the white lilies of the resurrection. I see that the risen Lord and the Babe of Bethlehem are one, and I cry in the words of the grand old chant, 'O Lamb of God, who taketh away the sin of the world, have mercy on me. Amen and amen.' " Harvey M. Trimble, of Princeton, III., Was born near Wilmington, O., Jan. 27, 1842. Mr. Trim- ble's parents were sturdy members of the Restoration move- ment. The family came to Princeton in 1843. He attended the public schools and Eureka College. He enlisted as a private in Company K, Ninety-third Regiment Illinois Vol- unteer Infantry. Was elected sergeant-major, and later was commissioned first lieutenant and adjutant of the regiment. He was in the battles of Champion Hill, campaign and siege of Vicksburg — being under fire almost every day — Mis- sionary Ridge, Allatoona, Savannah, and not a few skir- mishes. He was on the march to the sea and campaign of the Carolinas, was present at the surrender of Gen. J. E. Johnston, and then to the grand review at the capital of the nation. Mr. Trimble did not miss a battle in which his regiment was engaged, the casualties of which were 418 out of 718 men who were engaged in action. For fourteen days he was a prisoner of war, coming to his release on his twenty-first birthday. Quite naturally, therefore, since its beginning he has been actively associated with the Grand BIOGRAPHIES 625 Army of the Republic. He was elected its commander-in- chief in 1911. Returning to Princeton, he studied law and was admitted to the bar. He served as deputy clerk, and master in chancery of the circuit court in Bureau County. He was county judge for more than fifteen years, and circuit judge in the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit six years. The whole length of his service on the bench was twenty-one years and six months. Probably no man who has served the people as a judge in Illinois has had fewer of his decisions reversed by the higher courts. He has also been a useful officer of the Board of Educa- tion in his home city, and of the township high school, which was the first of its kind in the State, and of the Public Library Board. Mr. Trimble is an elder of the Princeton Church and an interesting gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet. Maurice R. Trimble Was a pioneer preacher of Knox County, Ind. He owned a farm, on which he resided, ten miles north of Vincennes. But much of his work was done in Illinois. Indeed, he was the Nestor of the Restoration movement from Hutsonville to Golconda. His home was at the former place for a time. His courageous and devoted labors laid the foundation for many congregations in that section. In the forties, there were bands of outlaws that overran several counties in southern Illinois. An organization, styling themselves "Reg- ulators," was formed to crush them. These soon became as lawless as the outlaws. Civil anarchy was rampant. Mr. Trimble continued his ministry in the midst of the violent disturbances, publicly denouncing the wrong-doers. On one occasion he was baptizing some converts in the Ohio River, when some of the outlaws made a murderous attack upon him. Mr. Trimble defended his life by resisting the assault to the utmost. When the encounter was over, two of the outlaws were wounded and one of them was not. Gradually 6Z6 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS the civil disturbance wore itself out and society returned to its normal conditions. Through it all, Mr. Trimble preached the gospel of salvation and peace. William C. Trimble. Antioch, O., 1830. 1913, Princeton, 111. Mr. Trimble united with the church of Christ in 1842, at the village of Antioch, near his birthplace, under the preaching of Walter Scott. This fact places him among the beginners. He came to Bureau County, 111., in the fall of 1843, and was associated with the church in Princeton since 1844, which church he served for more than forty years as an elder. He was a faithful preacher and evangelist, and was instrumental in bringing into the church about one thousand people, who were instructed in the gospel. His ministry was wholly devoid of a stipulated financial compen- sation. For a period, he was noted for his controversies in Christian papers upon some things that he thought to be innovations — a going back to Babylon rather than a restora- tion of the apostolic church. Among these was the popular conception of **the one-man pastorate in our churches." He, with others, held that it was not warranted by the Scrip- tures ; that one minister should not be expected to do the work of the eldership and of the evangelists. This conten- tion was summarized in the Christian Standard by Isaac Errett, its editor, in April, 1885, as follows: Let it be understood that in the imperfect condition of most of our churches the employment of one man as a teacher and preacher and a co-operator with the elders in ruling, is justifiable as a necessity, but is not accepted as a finality. It should be the aim and ambition of all churches to reach a more complete organization of forces such as the Scriptures contemplate ; namely, a plurality of elders or bishops whose business it shall be to teach, preach and rule, dividing the labor among themselves as may best sustain the interest of the church, and compensated for the time given to their duties, and also according to their necessities. Such an eldership we have seldom had in any of our churches. Mr. Trimble was hopeful that the Scriptural ideals might BIOGRAPHIES 627 be realized, and was encouraged by the distinct tendency of these later days. "We can never have a most efficient min- istry without an efficient officiary." Allen Harvey Trowbridge. Salem, Ind., 1826. 1902, Rutland, 111. Mr. Trowbridge became a Christian at the age of fifteen. Shortly after his marriage in 1851, he started, in a movers' wagon, across the wild prairies to the new home in Marshall County, 111. It was a little cottage on the unbroken sea of grass about five miles from Pattensburg, now Belle- plain. In his early ministry he did an extensive missionary work, preaching the gospel, as opportunity offered, in barns, dwellings, groves and schoolhouses. This work laid the foundation for a goodly number of churches. He was asso- ciated with the three brothers — Washington, Jefferson and John Houston — formerly so well known in Livingstone County, where they lived, labored, sang and preached for many years. The churches at Toluca, Rutland, Ancona, Minonk, Saunemin, Dana, Flanagan and Washburn are much indebted to him. In his earlier ministry he traveled and served churches within a radius of fifty miles of his home. Mr. Trowbridge was a good business man, as well as an excellent minister. He gave liberally to missions and all good works. He was one of the early friends of Eureka College, and gave time and means for its support. His four children were educated there. He was a broad-minded man, companionable in dispo- sition, diligent in business, fervent in spirit, and always seek- ing first the kingdom of God and his righteousness. John IV. Tyler. Fayette County, Ky., 1808. 1888, Macon County, 111. Mr. Tyler's genealogy is traced to the same line from which came the tenth President of the United States. He 628 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS united with the Cane Run Baptist Church, near Lexington, ill 1834, and soon entered actively the ministry. In the fall of 1834 he moved to Montgomery County, Ind., and shortly organized there a congregation of believers under the name of the ''United Baptist Church of Christ." This name suggests the convictions of Christian truth and the tendencies of Christian feeling that were beginning to manifest themselves in many places about that time. The following year he came to Morgan County, 111., where he met the great revivalist and reformer, Barton W. Stone. In 1836, Mr. Tyler came to Macon County, where he bought and settled on a farm five miles east of the village of Decatur. By the force of his character, he soon became an influential and leading citizen. He was an intelligent and successful farmer, and accumulated property, but at the same time devoted himself with zeal and energy to the public proclamation of the gospel. His labors were extended into the counties of Shelby, Christian, Sangamon, Logan, DeWitt and Piatt. He was influential in establishing numerous churches and chiefly at his own charges. His ministry con- tinued through a period of fifty-two years. He conducted the funeral of the magnificent pioneer, Joseph Hostetler, at Lovington, in 1870, and in his address said: 'T am indebted to Bro. Hostetler for my better understanding of the gospel." Through a long residence in Macon County, he com- manded the confidence and esteem of his fellow-citizens and the love and fellowship of his brethren. He was a farmer, schoolmaster, justice of the peace and minister. He was a genial and cheerful man of optimistic temperament. After his removal to Decatur, he had the misfortune to fall and break one of his limbs at the hip joint. A friend called dur- ing his long and painful confinement to inquire about his condition. He replied that he was doing pretty well, but that Dr. McMillen had him nailed up in a lumber-yard just then, but he would be all right when he got out of that! In midsummer of his eightieth year he received a kick upon his head from a horse that brought his beautiful Hfe to a BIOGRAPHIES 629 tragic close. He was the father of the brothers, B. B. and J' ' y ' J. J. Vanhoutin Is a native of Edgar County, 111., and has resided there all his life — since 1842. He attended the common country school in winter and worked on his father's farm through summer. In 1861 he entered the military service in Com- pany H, First Missouri Engineers, where he continued for three years and two months. He entered the ministry in 1868. Since then he has served constantly. His work has been done chiefly in Edgar and twenty-seven near-by counties in Illinois and Indiana — mostly in rural congregations and new fields and gospel-destitute places. He has preached in private residences, sheds, halls, groves and schoolhouses. From the schoolhouses the preachers are now debarred by a wrong notion. For years, Mr. Vanhoutin has read from memory the Scriptures to the public assembly. His ministry has been modest, self-sacrificing, useful and fruitful of much ^ ' H. G. Van Dervoort. Lafayette, Ind., 1846. Was brought to McLean County, 111., in 1849. His early life was spent on the farm. He attended the public schools, developed a hunger for the knowledge of good things and has kept company with many books. In 1864 he took a turn at military service in Company B, 150th Illinois Volunteer Infantry. In 1867 he entered the ministry, and during the next eighteen years preached for most of the Christian con- gregations — often two or three at a time — in McLean County outside of Bloomington. He served Stanford five years. Besides one short period in Missouri and Kansas each, he has worked for churches in Adams, Green, Hancock and Morgan Counties. Then he has done not a little evangelistic work. During the forty-three years of his continuous min- istry, he took only one month for a vacation. In Mr. Van Dervoort the finer elements of Christian manhood are united. The results of his ministerial work are of the best. 630 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Dr, Samuel Van Meter, Grayson County, Ky., 1824. 1902, Charleston, III At fifteen, he was apprenticed to a tanner, but bought his time. In 1844 he took up the study of medicine with Dr. T. B. Trower. In 1849 he went to Cahfornia, practicing his profession on the way. Returning, he settled in Charleston. In 1857, with Dr. H. R. Aller, he established an infirmary there which was very successful. For a period of forty years he was as well known as any man in that part of the State. He was a devout Christian and an efficient elder of the Charleston Church. During the pastorate of F. W. Burnham, Dr. Van Meter frequently voiced the opening prayer at the Sunday morning worship. These were always childlike in faith and simplicity, but beautiful and impressive. Samuel Vaughn. Lincoln County, Ky., 1836. Came with his father's family to Bond County in the fall of 1839. Settled on a farm near Woburn, which is his pres- ent home. Received such education as the period and community afforded. Served the Woburn Church as Bible- school superintendent and as an elder, each for thirty-five years. Is still well and active, a teacher in Bible school. He has seldom missed a Sunday from church in forty years. Has served as county commissioner, and in 1900 was a mem- ber of the Legislature. He became a Christian at the age of twenty-three and a charter member of the Woburn Church. John Garland Waggoner, Moultrie County, HI., 1844. Mr. Waggoner's parents both died when he was a little child, so he grew to manhood in the home of Mr. A. H. Edwards, whose wife was his father's sister. Its ideals and influerxes were most helpful to the boy, and in 1859 he was baptized by Bushrod W. Henry and then decided to give his life to the ministry. He taught schools and supplied pulpits, JOHN G. WAGGONER. DANIEL R. HOWE. f t DANIEL W. ELLEDGE. DR. JOHN SCOTT. BIOGRAPHIES 631 thus working his way through college, graduating from Eureka in 1872. Thereafter, he was pastor in Illinois at Harristown, Shelbyville, Eureka for two terms — added mak- ing eleven years — Princeton, Canton and Lanark. He served as field secretary of Eureka College for five years, inducing not a few students to come to the school, and turned toward its support about $80,000. Mr. Waggoner is a superior type of Christian minister. He has never made any claims to "smartness," but he is an unassuming, sincere and faithful preacher of the gospel. His spiritual vision is wide, compassing all the interests of the kmgdom of God. He is patient, gentle, sincere and truer than steel to the Christian truth and personal duty. Will- ingly and cheerfully he goes out of his way to do any one a favor or kindness. Mrs. Susie ^I. Minges, who has served well as a missionary in Cuba, is his daughter. William H. and Harvey G. Waggoner, both consecrated ministers, are his sons. When Mr. Waggoner was a young man, he was "work- ing the roads" one day in Moultrie County. At that time, Evangelist S. M. Connor was conducting a series of meet- ings with the Whitley Creek Church. Becoming quite ill, and hence unable to preach one evening, one of the leading members of the congregation handed Mr. Waggoner fifty cents, saying to him : *'Go home and get ready to preach to-night." This was his first financial compensation for preaching. Lorenzo D. Waldo. Batavia, N. Y., 1819. 1888, Rockford, 111. Educated in the public schools and by the light of his own farm fireside. Grew into the eldership and an earnest min- istry. For twenty-five years he preached up and down the Rock River, fifteen of which were given to the Rockford Church. A dozen counties in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin were blessed by his consecrated life. He was greatly loved by many for his fine character and work. 6Z2 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Thomas S. Wall. Illinois, 1848. 1884, Illinois. Mr. Wall was a consecrated preacher who did much hard work, as pastor and evangelist, in Cumberland, Clay, Jasper, Marion and Wayne Counties. W. W. Weedon. Columbiana County, O., 1846. Came to Illinois in 1860. Settled in Wayne County. Attended common and high schools. Farmed and taught school there till 1878, except one year given to military service in the Eighth Regiment Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Entering the Christian ministry in 1878, he has served as pastor the churches at Brownstown, Edinburg and South Fork, near by; Blue Mound, Taylorville, Williamsville, Marion, Assumption, and is now at Mt. Carmel. He was elected to the State Legislature and served in the session of 1890-91. Mr. Weedon has been an active member of, and popular in, a number of fraternal societies. But with him the Lord's work has always held first place. He is a man of fine common sense and brotherly disposition. People like him for what he is. His ministry has always been con- structive and far-reaching in its results. E. C. Weekly. Kentucky, 1821. 1897, Chicago, 111. Was baptized by Barton W. Stone. In Kentucky, he was a successful builder of chapels. Came to Illinois in 1864, settling in Decatur. He continued his ministerial labors until his failing health forbade any further effort. Miss Mary S. Welch. Miss Welch has been one of the most forceful and useful women in DeWitt County. Through her own efforts mainly, she came to be an efficient teacher in the public schools. From 1873- she served as county superintendent of schools HERBERT L. WILLETT. CHAS. REIGN SCOVILLE. % %% ^I^Jk WILLIAM F. BLACK. CLARK BRADEN BIOGRAPHIES 633 for a period of seventeen years at a time when most men did not accord the right of women to this office. Pier inteUigent faith and faithful work were invaluable to the Clinton Church. She bravely stood by it and fostered it when it was little, poor and despised by the self-righteous. Of late years she has been the superintendent of the Rest-room in Clinton. Henry Wiley. Mr. Wiley enlisted, in August, 1861, in Company H, Fifty-ninth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. Promoted to captain in December, 1862. Was in the battles of Pea Ridge, Corinth, Perryville, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, Mis- sionary Ridge, Chickamauga, the Atlanta campaign, Franklin and Nashville. He is a fine Christian, whose home is at Paris. Herbert L. Willett. Michigan, 1864. Mr. Willett is of the finest mental discipline and tre- mendous capacity for work. After graduating at Bethany in 1886, he preached seven years. He studied one year at Yale, one at Berlin, and received his doctor's degree from the University of Chicago in 1896. He taught three years in the Bible chairs at Ann Arbor, Mich. After forming the Hyde Park Church, he preached there three years. Then he was with the First Church two years. In 1908 he brought about a union of the last named with the Memorial Baptist Church, known now as the "Memorial Church of Christ," and has since then served as its minister. Besides, he has done much miscellaneous preaching in not a few denomina- tional pulpits in Chicago and elsewhere. Mr. Willett is one of the most democratic of university men, and of engaging personality. He is always a pleasing and persuasive preacher. It has been said that no honest man can hear him publicly present the proofs of the Scrip- tures and then say that he does not believe the Bible without a feeling of shame. He is a prolific writer, and for some 634 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS things that he has thus said he has subjected himself to the criticism of his fellow-Disciples. A Church Federation Council meeting was held in Chicago in February, 1910. After the session of the day, there was an informal dinner at the Great Northern Hotel, followed by brief speeches by different men. Next to the last to speak was a minister noted for his denominational proclivities. He said that it was puerile to array the .Scrip- tures against denominational Christianity when there were Jewish Christians, Gentile Christians, etc. Then he remarked that the people who had the most to say about unity were the most sectarian of all, and even little. He was once in a Western town where the people were holding a revival, and they advertised as the one true apostolic church of Christ, that there was only one people who had the presumption and littleness to do that, etc. When Mr. Willett rose and began in his most gracious manner, attention was riveted upon him. After a word of introduction, he took up the address just heard by saying: *'In regard to our people whom Dr. has done us the honor to mention." Then followed a skillful, polished and thoroughgoing answer. It was a clear, full and unanswerable defense of the Disciples. And there was an eloquent silence that followed it. At present, Mr. Willett holds an associate professorship of Semitic Languages and Literature in the University of Chicago. In this position he discharges efficiently the duties that are his. , , . tjt-h- John A. Williams. Shelby County, Ind., 1818. 1907, Marion County, 111. In 1834 his father brought his family to Illinois and settled near the village of Walnut Hill, in Marion County. Here he made a farm on the timber-land, and here John worked, went to school a little and grew to manhood. He became a Christian at the old Mt. Moriah Church and began to preach in his twenty-eighth year. From 1850 his time was mainly given to the ministry of the Word. His evan- gelistic tours were frequently made on horseback from fifty BIOGRAPHIES 635 to one hundred miles. From Shelbyville to Cairo, and from the Wabash to the Mississippi River, he proclaimed the gospel for sixty years. His chief compensation was the assurance of his Master's companionship and his approval of duty unselfishly and faithfully done. Mr. Williams was a superb man physically, being over six feet tall and finely proportioned. His mental powers were far above the aver- age. His knowledge of the Bible was full and clear. His sermons were logical and convincing. His manner was winning. He was known, honored and loved by thousands of people of every kind. Samuel V. Williams Came to White County in the fifties and died at Enfield about 1872. He was a very successful country preacher. At one time he went to a co-operation meeting held with the White Oak Church in the edge of Hamilton County. The attendance was large, the interest fine, but the preachers were few. So a young college minister was pressed into service for the occasion. His sermons were good, but did not reach the people. Finally, Mr. Williams arrived, and, of course, did the preaching. Flis eyes were keen and black, his hair long and black, his voice superior, his general appearance imposing and his knowledge of his subject thor- ough. The evening was pleasant, the well-seated and well- lighted grove inviting and the large audience expectant. At the close of the discourse a dozen people responded to the gospel invitation, and many others came in the following ' William T. Williams. Bath County, Ky., 1810. 1890, Jeflferson County, 111. ^ He united with the Christian Church and entered its ministry about 1857. For fifteen years before that time he had served as an itinerant Methodist minister. He was a talented, well-educated man, owned and used a large library, had a fine memory — reading much of the Bible without the text — held many public discussions and formed not a few 636 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS churches in southern HHnois during the last thirty-three years of his hfe. John L. Wilson. Tennessee, 1816. 1881, Illinois. In 1816, Mr. Wilson's parents came to Illinois and resided in White, Bond and Montgomery Counties, respectively. In 1839 he moved to Mechanicsburg, where he was married in 1843. By the church there he was ordained to the ministry in 1852. He served that congregation one-half time as its pastor for two years. Thereafter, to the close of his life, his energies were devoted to the work of evangelizing. Physically, Mr. Wilson was a large man, standing more than six feet tall, and was well proportioned. He was a timid m.an, but his faith in Jesus and his love of the gospel made him a very useful and powerful preacher. On one of his evangel- izing tours in central Illinois he came to an assembly of wor- shipers. The M. E. preacher, according to the custom of his class in that time, was earnestly aiming to show his hearers that the forgiveness of sins, on the human side, is conditioned upon faith only, and is in no way connected in the New Testa- ment with baptism. In his sermon he several times quoted our Lord's commission, as recorded by Mark, as follows: "He that believeth, and so forth, shall be saved." This was too much for Mr. Wilson, so, just before the meeting closed, he pub- licly announced that he would preach in the schoolhouse at a named date, and that the subject of his sermon would be "And So Forth." Many audiences in central Illinois heard that discourse with pleasure and profit. In his residence near Harristown he retired to rest March 1, 1881, in his usual apparent excellent health. On the morrow he was not, for God had taken him. Mathew Wilson. Tennessee, 1822. 1901, Hot Springs, Ark. Became a Christian in 1837. Six years thereafter he was consumed with zeal to preach the gospel. But he could BIOGRAPHIES 6^7 not read. His wife, whom he had just married, taught him, and his progress in knowledge was such that he was set apart to the ministry in 1848. A loyahst refugee from Ten- nessee, he came to WiUiamson County in 1865 and settled on a farm near Herrin. Then he went preaching wherever people would assemble. He served as evangelist in the six southern counties for six years, and organized more congre- gations in that section than any other man. He had an impediment in his speech, but none in his Christian zeal. Charles L. Wood Was born on his father's farm in Wayne County, 111., 1868. Attended the schools of the community. He is a man of energy and resolution. For twenty-two years he has given the Christian Churches of Wayne County his best work as a preacher. He served a term in the Spanish-American War. Now he looks after a 320-acre farm, cries an average of 150 public sales a year, and preaches every Lord's Day. In 1912 he was elected to the House in the forty-eighth General Assembly. Joseph Wood Was a Virginian by birth. Traveling on the rivers, he reached the Barney's Prairie settlement in 1815. He was a man of intelligence and influence and earnest religious nature. He served as commissioner of post-roads. His death came rather early in life. He was the first deacon of the Barney's Prairie Church, and a son or grandson of his has been in the officiary of that congregation from 1819 to the present time. Claiborne Wright. Indiana, 1819. 1896, Mason, 111. Came from Johnson County, Ind., in 1861, and settled on a farm two miles east of Mason. He was the first Christian minister to reside in Effingham County and pioneer preacher of a fine grade. A poet friend wrote these lines, among others, about him : 638 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS "Claiborne Wright! a name through which we see All that a minister of God should be — A name itself significant, 'round which Our human virtues clustered rank and rich; An ample soul perfected on a plan That comprehended all the best in man, And in the largeness of its vision saw The beauty of eternal love and law. "Against all wrong he waged a ceaseless war, And kept his soul as stainless as a star; Along the awful highways of the world, He bore the banner of the Lord unfurled, Willing to follow — not afraid to lead When duty called him, in the time of need; No soldier of the cross — no braver knight E'er donned the armor, when the cause was right." John Yager. Pennsylvania, 1808. 1894, Illinois. Mr. Yager became a member of the Christian Denomina- tion in 1829 in Ohio, but in 1834 he transferred his member- ship to the church of Christ — probably under the ministry of Robert Milligan. He was ordained to the ministry in 1836 and purposed to give himself wholly to its work. His wife objected so earnestly that he gave that up. Coming to Illinois the same year, he bought a large tract of land at Genesse Grove, in Whiteside County, which he held during his lifetime. He became very well versed in the Scriptures and a capable teacher. He was short in stature, but robust and compact in body; a large, well-formed head, a superior mind and a heart afiame with the love of the Master and his pure gospel. He was a born leader of men. His prayers were an inspiration to those who heard them. He was active and aggressive in Christian service for fifty years, and helped in the formation of all the churches of Christ in that part of the State. Charles Yelton. Near Lexington, Ky., 1823. 1904, Newton, 111. Came to Illinois in 1852 and settled in Jasper County, BIOGRAPHIES 639 which was the place of his residence throughout the larger part of his life. Shortly thereafter he began to preach. He was a soldier in the Mexican War. In 1861 he became captain of Company H, Thirty-eighth Illinois In- fantry. Later, he was chaplain of the 143d Illinois Infantry. In these positions he acquitted himself in a manner becom- ing a Christian military officer. His ministry was confined mainly to Jasper and the sur- rounding counties. There his labors were fruitful in much good. When he prospered in business, he rendered to the Lord of his increase. At an early age the care of his wid- owed mother and her younger children devolved upon him. His life was full of joyful helpfulness. His last years were passed in Newton, where he delivered his last sermon on the eighty-first anniversary of his birth. P. F. York. Indiana, 1849. Came with his parents to Illinois in 1855, who settled at Wenona. He is a nephew of the Houstons. Was educated at Wenona Seminary and Eureka College. Has now served the ministry of the Christian Church forty-two years — at Paxton, Leroy, Maroa, Girard, Sidell and other places. CHAPTER VIII. MISCELLANEA. Dates. The dates of many events in pioneer years were fixed in the minds of people by occurrences that could not be easily forgotten. The winter of 1830-31, December to February, was the time of "the deep snow," which covered the ground through central and northern Illinois to the depth of four or five feet. The year 1834 was impressed upon the mind because it was *'the sickly season" — many were ill and not a \few died. "The sudden freeze" came Dec. 20, 1836. The temperature was warm till noon of that day, when very sud- denly the wind veered and at once became so cold that boiling water thrown up into the air came down in icedrops. Ponds and streams were frozen over so quickly that frogs' heads were caught in the ice, and myriads of wild water-fowl were seized in the same manner and perished. "Disguised Deism" or "Socinianism." In 1883, Dr. Jesse H. Smith resided at Chatham, 111. He was a successful practitioner and an able preacher of the gospel. He was a man of fine character which commanded universal respect. His nephew, J. Addison Smith, was then pastor of the Presbyterian Church (South) at Des Peres, St. Louis Co., Mo. This gentleman in that year addressed the following communication to his cousin, Miss Lillie Smith, at Chatham : In your last postal card you refer to the conversation we had in the grove. About that conversation, I have this much to say: That I arn sorry I mentioned the subiect if it is painful to you. I had no wish to hurt your feelings. This you know. I was only stating a 640 MISCELLANEA 641 fact; viz., that your church was not regarded by the thinking world as an orthodox body. The Synod of Missouri last month sent up another overture to the next General Assembly of our church on this very subject. Our General Assembly has already uttered its voice on this subject, maintaining that the followers of Alexander Campbell are not evangelical, and, consequently, can not be recognized as orthodox min- isters in our church courts. The history of the above overture is simply this : A few months ago the Presbytery of La Fayette, in this State, sitting in Sedalia, invited the minister of the Christian Church in that city to sit with the Presbytery as a visiting brother. Imme- diately this sprung the question whether the brother in question was a minister in an orthodox church. Several of the members of the above Presbytery objected to receiving the brother because our highest court, the General Assembly, had declared most emphatically the church in question could not be recognized as a church of Jesus Christ. This question was taken by the above Presbytery to Synod, and we discussed it there, and then sent it up to the next Assembly, that is to meet in Vicksburg. Miss., in IMay. When the question came up in the Synod of Missouri there was a great deal of feeling on the subject. Many of us were enjoying the hospitality of the members of the Chris- tian Church, and it almost seemed a breach of courtesy for us to openly assail their church. I was the second one to gain the floor of the Synod, and before beginning my speech stated that many of the bre'-iren felt great delicacy in saying anything on the subject in hand, for they were partaking of the hospitality of the members of the church in question. 1 stated that in my speech there would not be any bitter- ness or venom, for I had a dear relative, a man of princely gifts, who was a minister in this church. I then showed that the question was not whether this single minister here or there was sound. I believed my uncle was sound and orthodox ; but that was not the question before the Synod. It was this : Taking that body as a body, are they orthodox according to the Presbyterian, Methodist, Baptist and Episcopal way of thinking? I then attempted to show that the only way we could get at the question in this form would be to go to the very fountain-head of the system; viz., to Alex. Campbell himself, and, examining that system there, to answer whether it was orthodox; I bade the Synod remember that whatever that brother believed was a true exponent of the system. No, for A. Campbell confessed in his debate with Dr. Rice at Lexington, Ky., that "he had in his church all sorts of men preaching^ all sorts of doctrines," and so what one brother regarded as Campbellism another brother would ignore as such ; so, this being true, one would be compelled to go to the fountain-head, Campbell himself, and see what his views were. And I then stated that the highest authority of this continent, of whom it was said that he did not have a superior in the world, Dabney of Virginia, who was professor of theology for thirty years, 642 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS once said to me personally that the system of Alex. Campbell was nothing but disguised Deism. I referred the members of Synod to the tinest critique of Campbell's system that has ever appeared in America, from the pen of the above Dabney in the Southern Presby- terian Review for July, 1880. Then I attempted to show the exact cor- respondence between Campbell's system and Socinianism. In fact, it has often been said, the truth of which can not be doubted, that Camp- bell received his system not from himself— it did not originate with him— but from Faustus Socinus, of Poland. Doubtless, you know Alex. Campbell was a licentiate of the Seceder Church, Scotland. He came to America as such, but his father, Thomas Campbell, having been called upon to stand trial before the Presbyterian Church for some little matter, this seems to have irritated young Alex. Campbell, and he then (possibly to spite, as he thought, the Presbyterian Church) began with his father to drift farther and farther away from the church in which he and his father had been licensed, fleeting up with the writings of Socinus, he absorbed them, and here is the starting of the system before us. The points of correspondence between Camp- bellism and Socinianism are so well defined that th^y are not ques- tioned. Take only three, to say nothing of others: 1st, original sin; 2nd, atonement; 3rd, the nature and work of the Spirit, and I might add a 4th ; viz., the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, Lillie, my speech before Synod was so courteous to the feelings of the members of the Christian Church that were present during the discus- sion — no bitter language was used — so that not one took offense, and when, by appointment of Synod, I had to preach at the Christian Church on Sabbath night, I had a splendid congregation and they treated me with the utmost courtesy. After repetitions in 110 words, Nephew Smith continues: Now, Lillie, I am very sorry that this question has been sprung, for you know I do not wish to do or say anything that will give you pain, nor to estrange Uncle Jesse. Now, you may think that I am writing about something of which I am ignorant when I write about your body. But I know whereof I speak. I have known of your body for years. I do not pretend to say anything about your type of religion in the State of Illinois, whether your body there is orthodox or not, but I do pretend to say that I know something about it in Texas and in this State. In Texas your ministers carried on at such a rate that it was regarded by some strict Presbyterians as a desecration of the Sabbath to attend their church, and I was possibly fifteen years of age before I was allowed to hear those of whom it was said that "they ridicule the Holy Spirit." Understand, Lillie, I have met with your people. I have argued with them, and I know what some of them believe and what they do not believe. One of the soundest preachers (regarded sound by your body) of your church in north- MISCELLANEA 643 western Missouri had a conversation with me, and from nis conversa- tion he denied the personahty of the Holy Spirit and makes it [him. — Author] a mere influence. Remember, he was one of your soundest men in that section of the State. I could say a great deal more on the subject, but I will stop. I am sorry that you requested me to write a letter showing the correspondence between the two systems spoken of. In closing I bid you remember the connection in which I spoke of these two things in that grove. You remember I said I was anxious to have Uncle Jesse when the Presbytery of St. Louis met at my church, but that I was prevented from so doing by the following con- sideration ; viz., that if he were present I would wish him to be invited to sit as a visiting brother, but as soon as this would be mentioned there would be a conflict and clash, as members of Presbytery would oppose such a move on the ground that the body he represented was not orthodox. This, I said, would have hurt uncle's feelings and mine. It was in this way I came to make the remark in question. I am sorry I made it if the mere statement of a truth (so regarded by our Assembly) should cause offense. 1 dislike these arguments, for they accomplish no good. Sometimes they are forced on us in order to conserve the truth and the gospel of Christ in its purity, as was the case in the Synod. I have no hope of changing your mind_ on the grand principles involved in these statements. If your system is Scrip- tural and will do to base your hopes for eternity on, then you keep it. Of course, I must be permitted to acquiesce in the opinion of all ortho- dox churches of the world — that it is antiscriptural and, consequently, will not do to rest on for eternity. Now, Lillie, remember you requested this letter; take it in the spirit in which it is written. God bless you richly and you all. Your affectionate cousin, J. A. S. To this loquacious letter Dr. Smith shortly made the fol- lowing reply: Dear Sir: Lillie. on reading your last letter, felt that I should know its contents, and, accordingly, gave it to me to read. Its contents surprised and grieved me no little. And after reading it I feel k my duty to address you, and, if possible, to open your eyes to the heinous- ness of your sin. First charge — That A. Campbell stole or borrowed his distinctive views of the Christian religion from Socinus. This is as false as perjury and base as slander. It is the repetition of a thread- bare slander against the sainted dead. If your salvation from Gehenna depended on the proof of this charge from his writings, your doom would be inevitable. Hear the accused in his own defense. He said nearly sixty years ago: "While I renounce the metaphysical jargon found in creeds on what is called the doctrine of the Trinity, such as 644 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS eternal generation, etc., I regard Arianism, scmi-Arianism and Socin- ianism as poor, miserable, Lund and naked nonsense and absurdity." In the face of this disclaimer, what is your charge but a false fabrica- tion? a slander? Again, A. Campbell published approvingly fifty-nine years ago : "From my heart I pity the Socinians. 1 compassionate their temerity, and would not, the Bible being in my hand, rush into the presence of the quick and dead with their sentiments for twice the value of the uni- verse." A. Campbell entertained and taught but one view in reference to the divine nature of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit; viz., that they are essentially and eternally divine and underived in any sense of gen- eration known to man. We, like the Saviour, receive not honor from men (John 5:41-44). Those that did so had not the love of God in them. True honor comes from God only, and not from the thinking world, the General Assembly. Here read the enclosed paragraph from A. Campbell. As he said of the Socinians, so say 1 of you — from my heart 1 pity you. I compassionate your temerity in ignorantly and willfully slandering the dead in Christ. Forty years ago, when I knew as little of Socinus and Alex. Camp- bell as 1 now do of the man in the moon, I heard your venerable father make the same statement about A. Campbell that you wrote to Lillie. Where he got his information, I never knew, but suppose it was from some retail shop or peddler, as I never knew him to read a line in one of A. Campbell's works in my life. A little second-hand information from your father, seconded by your Virginia idol, seems to constitute your stock in trade. With all your silly pedantry and boasted acquaint- ance with our people and teaching, I have no idea you ever read any two of A. Campbell's works in your life. If so, which? Will you please answer? You said to Lillie, 'The Christian Church is not to be judged by a few sound preachers here and there," and then, without quoting a single sentence from any of our published works to convict us, you seek to condemn us from something you understood one of our preachers to say in private and probably excited controversy. Verily, the lame limp and theological policemen usually sit on stools with two legs of unequal length, as in this case. Your second charge — "That A. Campbell's views of the Christian religion are nothing but disguised Deism." I am reluctant to_ answer this charge because its barefaced falsity demands more severity than I can consistently employ. Do angels of light yet transform themselves into scavengers? To me it sounds like a pansophical egotist. Just such creatures said worse things about the blessed Saviour eighteen hun- dred years ago. If the statement is not the offspring of ignorance, then the doctrine of total depravity is true in some cases. That old soldier of the Cross, if he knew of this vile aspersion, would justly rebuke me in the day of eternity if I failed to say a word in his exon- eration. "Nothing but disguised Deism!" The man who toiled with MISCELLANEA 645 tongue and pen for half a century in the defense of revealed religion •*a Deist"! Ihe man who has done more to ehmmate falsehood, destroy priestcraft and reveal the rottenness of human systems and creeds "a Deist" ! Angels of God, where are you encamped and how restrained? Thank God for his noble hfe and imperishable memory! I owe him more this day for a clear and satisfactory conception of the Christian religion than to all the priests and scribes of Christendom. And, now that his sun of life is set and the night of death rests as a mantle upon his ashes, miserable sectarian owls leave their hiding- places to hoot at his memory. You say, 1st, that you are sorry that you mentioned the subject if it is painful to her, and, 2nd, that you were only stating a fact— that her church was not regarded by the thinking zuorld as orthodox; and, 3rd, that your General Assembly had decided that we are not evangel- ical. Reply 1. When a man vends or peddles a slander against a man or religious body, it is a royal apology to tell the wounded, "I am sorry I said it, but it is true and I know it." 2. "Thinking world"! Your pedantic character is accurately photographed by Job 12:2: "No doubt ye are the people, and wisdom will die with you." Again he says (13:4, 5) : "But ye are forgers of lies, ye are physicians of no value. O that ye would altogether hold your peace, and it should be your wisdom." 3. "General Association has decided that we are not evan- gelical." Poor, despised children of God! What next? The ^pope's bull of excommunication is published — "Ye are not evangelic." The iron bedstead has been made. "Ye are not orthodox," but you through this device and hellish malice can receive the proper stature. Let me say plainly, if our recognition depends upon our falling down and wor- shiping the image you have set up (your creed), or kissing the big toe of your Holiness, the great Dabney, then we are prepared for lions' dens and fiery furnaces. As to whether we represent a pure Bible Christianity, we court investigation before a proper tribunal, but not before a sectarian court, council and witnesses. If all these should either be dishonest or prejudiced, how could an honest man get jus- tice? From self-styled orthodoxy may the good Lord deliver us; for it was the orthodox priests and rulers that crucified Jesus of Nazareth. Many years ago a boastful deist of Scotland came to America and challenged the clergy of the United States to measure swords with him. Who met and discomfited this Goliath? The pansophical clergy? No, sir. It was the now sainted dead but vilely aspersed A. Campbell. The bulwark he then threw around the Christian religion will be an honor to himself and a glory to the church to the end of time. His colaborers, ignorantly or spitefully called his followers, have caught his inspira- tion, and for the last twenty-five years, it is said by those who have investigated the matter, more than fifty per cent, of all the debates in the United States against infidels, atheists and deists have been con- ducted by them. Under the plea we have made in the last half century. 646 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS over half a million believing souls have rallied to the Cross of Christ. Here we raise our Ebenezer, and under God v^^ill push his victories over sectarianism, deism and atheism till all the Philistian hosts are dis- comfited and destroyed. All praise to the saints of God in Sedalia ! It is not the first time God's children have heaped coals of lire on the heads of their enemies. The Master taught them, "If your enemy hunger, feed him." Let me be plain with you. Your reference to i\ir. Dabney, of Virginia, is both idolatrous and Llaspliemous, for you say "the highest authority of this continent is Dabney of Virginia." In this bald sentence, even the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ is not excepted. Now, should you not qualify the above statement by the word "human"? I shall not be surprised to learn that you have joined the pious old lady in her reverent exclamation, "Glory to King Beelzebub!" Finally, one of two things remains for you to do — either furnish the proofs of your allegations, or confess your sin. I will wait and see. Your uncle, Dr. J. H. Smith. A Chicken Story. The story of the pioneers would be incomplete without mention of their open-hearted hospitality. It was generous to a fault and contributed very much enjoyment to their otherwise circumscribed lives. In those days, chicken was a "company" dish. As soon as the yellow-legged variety was introduced they were at once associated with the ]Methodist preachers. But these good brethren did not have a monopoly of this toothsome luxury. While the preachers of those days received little cash, and often none, they were royally entertained. The best things to eat were theirs. In every community there was at least one family that gladly wel- comed the messengers of the Cross. In the early day, on a Saturday afternoon, two tired preachers rode up to one of those homes where the latch-key was always out. In a little while the cry of a hen was heard and two small boys, intent on a tragic business, were seen by a passing neighbor. One of the boys held the fowl by the feet and head, with the neck stretched across a log. The other boy stood with uplifted ax. The proceedings moved slowly ; so the passing neighbor called out : "Why don't you cut her head off and be done with it? Say, Bub, MISCELLANEA 647 let go that bill or you'll get your hand cut off sure." The older boy replied: "But we want to chop the neck right up to the head and the old thing won't hold still." "What's the use? Whack away," replied the neighbor. "Lots of use," said the older boy; "there's two preachers in the house, and the neck's all we'll get." In the seventies, John A. Logan was a candidate for the United States Senate. The Legislature was deadlocked by a tie. Then a Democrat in the House died. But that dis- trict was overwhelmingly Democratic; so the Republicans let their nomination go by default. However, a large num- ber of sewing-machine agents got busy in that district. They drove good teams and the wagons were loaded with sewing- machines. On the side they whispered to every solid Republican: "Go to the polls at four o'clock in the afternoon and vote for Air. Blank ; mum is the word." The game won. The Democrats, thinking it unnecessary to vote, stayed at home, and the Republicans elected their candidate. This broke the deadlock, and that vote returned Mr. Logan to the Senate. And that man was one of the boys who years before had stretched the old hen's neck across the log. The resourcefulness of youth is prophetic. The Seat of Authority. The Preachers vs. the Local Church. Shortly after the close of the pastorate of Alexander Johnson in Springfield, early in 1856, Mr. B. F. Perkey, having preached there a few times, was engaged to serve the congregation as its settled minister. It soon became apparent that his manner of life was bringing reproach on the cause of Christ. Whereupon, the elders of the church waited upon him and advised him that "such was the oppo- sition to his further continuance as pastor that his services could no longer be profitable, and, in their judgment, ought to cease." Already there had been some misunderstanding between Mr. Perkey and a few members of the church. 648 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS Then he accused the congregation of violating a compact and doing him great injury. Without any conference with the elders or any knowledge of the church, he mailed a circular to the Christian ministers of the State, calling upon them to meet in Springfield "to consider questions of great importance." Forty-two preachers responded to the call. ]\lr. Perkey then arraigned the church and one of its mem- bers in particular for trial on charges which he had pre- pared. He demanded that the ministers thus assembled should take upon themselves the task of calling the church to account for its bad faith toward him. The congregation was wholly ignorant of the purpose of this ministerial con- vention, had not been made a party to its proceedings, and hence had no opportunity of making its defense. But before the convention adjourned it appointed a committee to mete out to the congregation such discipline as, in their judgment, it deserved. In due time the committee made a report, which they styled their "decision." They found that "the grievances of Bro. Perkey are great. The church at Springfield has done him a palpable injury by violating the solemn pact, and should make reparation." This led the congregation to appoint a committee to consider the case. Their report w^as made to the church and by it adopted Feb. 8, 1857. It settled several things. This report bears the unmistakable stamp of that master mind, A. J. Kane. It was as follows : Christian Meeting-house, Springfield, Feb. 8, 1857. At a meeting of the congregation in Springfield, Feb. 8, 1857, the following report was read and adopted : "Whereas, Jonathan Atkinson. Theophilus Sweet, E. W. Bakewell and I. N. Carman, the majority of a committee appointed by the late Preachers' Convention held in this city, have presented the elders of this church with a copy of what they style their 'decision,' in which, among other things, they assume to decide as follows : " 'The grievances of Bro. Perkey are great. The church at Spring- field has done him a palpable injury by violating a solemn compact, and justice and love alike bind them to make reparation, as far as pos- sible, for the injury, pecuniary and otherwise, sustained by him and the cause of our Lord Jesus Christ.* MISCELLANEA 649 "And, Whereas, The investigation of said grievances (as they term it) was ahogether partial and ex parte, insomuch as they only heard his statement, and such evidence as he saw tit to produce, and did not receive or seek any other, although informed that they could have any information in possession of the elders in relation to matters properly submitted to said committee, nor was the church permitted to select any part of the tribunal ; "Therefore, Resolved, That we utterly repudiate and deny the authority arrogated by said committee to try this church or to pass any decision on its action. "Resolved, That a church properly organized is responsible to no tribunal on earth, except to the civil law in cases under its cognizance, and that we regard this action of the committee as an assumption of power, unwarranted by the word of God or the practice of the Chris- tian Church, and a bold attempt to lord it over the heritage of God. "Resolved, That when this church feels itself incompetent to man- age its temporal and spiritual affairs, and deems it necessary to have assistance, it not only has the right, but claims the right, to choose a part, at least, of the tribunal to which matters may be properly sub- mitted. "Resolved, That the statement of said committee that 'the church in Springfield has done him a palpable wrong by violating a solemn compact,' is reckless and without foundation. "Resolved, That this church approves the action of the elders in communicating to Elder Perkey 'that such was the opposition to his further continuance as pastor of the congregation, that his services could be no longer profitable and. in their judgment, ought to cease,' and we believe it was done with the best of motives for his good, and for the interest of the cause of Christ. "Resolved, That the church holds itself amenable to no Conference, S>Tiod or Convention, claiming the exclusive right to control its own private and public concerns, but willing and desirous to co-operate with others in promoting the great cause of religion as long as such right is conceded. "Resolved, That while we are disposed to respect the brethren com- posing the committee, as ministers and proclaimers of the gospel, so long as they confine their operations to the legitimate work to which they are called, we must most decidedly, in the fear of God and in all Christian forbearance, utterly repudiate and set at naught the so-called decision so far as it relates to this church. "(Signed) A. J. Kane, "RicHARn Latham, "Joseph Bennett, *'A. C Constant, "Committee." 650 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS When the "Campbellites" Were Not Evangelical. The following incident explains itself. It is from the pen of Mr. Henry C. Latham, now a banker of Springfield, written in 1903. In Christian character and reputation he was the equal, if not the superior, of those who disbarred him. He wrote: In regard to the episode of the Y. M, C. A., it was I who had the experience. About 1864 an attempt was made to organize the Y. M. C. A. ; perhaps two hundred young men had assembled in the First Pres- byterian Church, and the constitution was presented for adoption. The first item provided that all members of "evangelical" churches should be eligible as members. I raised the question as to what was meant by "evangelical," for it had been hinted that the "Disciples of Christ" were not so considered. They replied that no question should be raised as to my eligibility as a member. I replied I was not asking the question for myself alone, that I had no desire to become a member of any organization where my brothers could not be freely admitted. In the discussion, Bro. J. C. Tully and two men from the Congregational Church came to my aid, and we attempted to amend the constitution by inserting "that any person who believed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God, and had accepted him as their Saviour, may become a member," etc. Thereupon, a stranger in the city who happened to be present made a strong speech against the change, and stated that the wording of the constitution as presented had been found necessary to keep out the Unitarians, Universalists and the Campbellites, and before anything was accomplished the meeting adjourned, several stating openly that they did not care to belong to a religious organization where I and my brethren could not be admitted. The attempt at organ- ization at that time failed, but later an organization was effected, and I afterward became president of this same association. Women as Preachers and Pastoral Helpers. The entrance of women into the public ministry of the churches of Christ in Illinois was as quiet as the rising sun. They had served with efficiency in so many semi-public rela- tions and places that this final step was easily taken. It seemed to have been Providential. To Mrs. C. C. Babcock, of the Sterling Church, belons^s the honor of having been the pioneer in this service. All of her valuable public min- istry had the cordial approval of her husband. As far as learned, the other women who have entered the Christian MISCELLANEA 651 ministry in Illinois are the following: Mary Pickens Buck- ner, of Augusta; Miss Rachel Crouch, who married Mr. Neil Derrick; Aliss Rachel Dangerfield; Miss Daisy Finger; Mrs. Lew D. Hill, wife of Minister Hill; Mrs. Rochester Irwin, wife of Minister Irwin; Mrs. Ida K. Jordon, wife of O. F. Jordon; Miss Bertha Merrill; Mrs. H. E. Monser, wife of Minister Monser; Miss Sadie McCoy, who married ]\Iin. J. R. Crank — she was employed by the State Mission Board in 1893 and added 127 people to the churches in 188 days of service; Aliss Sadie Olive; ]\Iiss Myrtle Park, who married Min. W. H. Storm after a successful pastorate of five years with the Carlock Church; Miss Myrtle Very, Miss Ava S. Walton and Miss Lou Watson. Among the women missionaries who have gone out from the churches in Illinois there are : Miss Frances Irene Banta, and Miss Nellie Daugherty, who married Dr. James Butch- art, to China ; Miss Mary Kingsbury, Mrs. Kate Lawrence Brown and Miss Myra Harris McLeoud, to India ; Mrs. Marie Jackson McCoy to Japan, and Mrs. Lillian Boyer Hedges to Africa. In the public ministry of the gospel, women have acquitted themselves well in every way. Conservatives and Progressives. In coming out of spiritual Babylon, most of the Disciples of Christ have traveled, for varying periods, through foggy fields of confused thought. The average man, even in enlightened America, does not think clearly and analyze logically. To discriminate between the fundamental and the incidental in New Testament teaching was difficult for many ; so fifty years ago two tendencies in Christian thinking were developed and have kept step with the life and growth of the Disciples. The causes and development of these elements are well stated by Prof. B. J. Radford in these words: There were, as in all parties and organizations, conservatives and progressives in our early churches. When in any movement the pro- gressive element becomes active and aggressive, the conservatives 652 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS become reactionary. "Extremes beget extremes," and just in propor- tion as progressives go too fast or too far, the conservatives go too slow, or countermarch. When the progressives, as they often do, both in state and church, show a readiness to adopt new things without much regard as to their constitutionaHty or orthodoxy, the conserva- tives begin to suspect and oppose everything they adopt without much regard to its constitutionality or orthodoxy or desirability. It was not until after the Civil \\ ar that these two tendencies became sufficiently pronounced amorg us to cause contention and partisanship. But the conservatism of the first decade after the Civil War would be liberal in comparison with its character to-day, and the progressivism of that decade would seem almost reactionary comj^ared with that of to-day. Verily, we see an extreme begetting an extreme. Premising that it would be unfair to our early conservative and progressive leaders to hold them responsible for the extremes into which the movements which they promoted have run, we may say that these two movements in the churches of Christ were led, respectively, by two great and good men — Benjamin Franklin and Isaac Errett. About these gathered cap- tains of hundreds and captains of thousands. The conservatives had an influential and ably edited organ in the American Christian Review. This prompted the establishment of the Christian Standard, as the organ of the progressive element, which under the sane and brilliant guidance of Isaac Errett became a mighty force in our evangelistic, missionary and educational development. The great body of the Disciples of Christ in the United States is not aligned with either extreme, but is the middle- of-the-road class. They are open-minded, hospitable toward all truth, and have a supreme regard for the authority of the Bible. The conservatives have differed widely among them- selves. Those of this element in Kentucky and Tennessee are of a type and class superior to those in Illinois. Plere, for the last twenty-live years, Min. Daniel Sommer, of Indiana, has been the recognized leader. While he has per- sistently declined to make any reply to direct communications of the writer, his position may be learned from the so-called Sand Creek Address and Declaration, of which he is the accredited author, or, at least, its inspirer. It is as follows: ^Teeting assembled at Sand Creek (Church), Shelby Co., 111., Aug. 17, 1£89. To all those whom it may concern, Greeting: Brethren — For many years, as Disciples of Christ, we have taken the position that in matters of doctrine and practice, where the Bible MISCELLANEA 653 speaks, we speaic, and where the Bible is silent, we are silent. We have hcid that notiiing should be thought, received or practiced religiously for which we can not produce a "Thus saith the Lord." For a long time the above principles were satisfactorily observed and we were happy and prosperous, with one heart, and we lived in peace and grew in strength through the harmony of our creed for the restoration of primitive apostolic Christianity in spirit and in practice. We discarded all man-made laws, rules, disciplines and confessions of faith as a means of governing the church. \v'e call attention to some painful facts and considerations. There are among us those who teach and practice things not taught nor found in the New Testament. Against these we have repeatedly protested. Vv'e complain of and protest against unlawful methods resorted to in order to raise money for relig- ious purposes ; the holding of church festivals of various kinds ; the selected choir ; the man-society and missionary work ; the one-man- imported preacher; these being objectionable and unauthorized things now taught and practiced in many congregations to the great grief and mortification of some of the members. To those who teach such things and to those who practice the same we submit that they are not in harmony with the gospel, but in opposition thereto ; that it is only safe to teach and practice what the divine record enjoins upon the disciples. We beg you to turn speedily and at once from such things. To you who practice and teach these vicious things we say that we can not tolerate the things of which we complain. This Address and Declaration is net made in the spirit of envy or hate or malice; it is only actuated from a sense of duty, believing that the time has come when a more dcUnite character should be known and recognized between the church and the world. \\ ith this end in view, and for the purpose of counteracting the usages and practices, this effort on the part of the congregations below named is made; from a sense of duty we say: That all who are guilty of teaching, allowing or practicing the many innovations aid corruptions to which we have referred, after having been admonished and having had time for reflection, if you do not turn from such abominations, we can not and will not longer regard you as brethren. This document bears thirteen sipfnatures, claiming to rep- resent five country congregations. Kindness impels the with- holding of these names. This crass and papistic address is silent on "the organ question," which was the crux of the controversy. To paralyze Christian activities is supreme folly, and to divide churches of Christ by questions of opinion is a heinous sin. It seems never to have occurred to the radical advocates of these opinions that, according to 654 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IX ILLINOIS themselves, the Scriptures are silent on most of these things and therefore they themselves should be. A good man and a long-time elder in one of the best churches in the State says : *'The conservatives are for the most part good Christian people. They are narrow and need educating. Fifty years ago many of us whom they now call progressives were con- servatives. Treat them kindly and in a few years they will be progressives and we will again be conservatives." All that can be here written of the extreme progressives is this: An association of scholarly and younger men was formed to propagate their peculiar teachings. It was called *'The Campbell Institute" and had its headquarters in Chicago, where for a time it published the Scroll as the organ of its propaganda. It furnished the ministers who in late years have left the catholic position of the Disciples of Christ for denominationalism. The present position and aims of these progressives are given in the following statement: \. Constant restatement to ourselves and the Christian world of the conditions which inspired the leaders of the movement to their early efforts, and the historic reasons for the origin, growth and con- tinuance of the Disciples of Christ in the efforts to promote the unity of the church. 2. Present and continued efforts to promote the actual unity of the churches as imposed by our history and justified by the experience of the church during the past century and more. 3. Earnest co-operation with all Christian forces in the efforts to realize this unity. In such a work some body of people will naturally have to take the lead. The Disciples are committed to such efforts by their historic testimony and many notable examples of practical effort in this direction. It is their duty to be leaders and not mere followers in such a crusade. This need involve no compromise in matters^ of conviction. Nothing would be gained by such a shading of conviction. At the same time, some will be able in all good conscience to go further than others in their overtures for common work and worship, and by efforts of this character the cause of Christian unity will be promoted. 4. That unity will take form most speedily in the actual^ forrna- tion of union churches in localities where Disciples can unite with Baptists, Corgregationalists, or others, reducing competition and pro- moting the interests of the kingdom of God. This type of union will probably become increasingly common as the movement spreads. It will not interfere with such exchanges of courtesies as may promote MISCELLANEA 655 good feelings between various religious bodies. But, in the nature of the case, it will give visible demonstration of the practical nature of that unity toward which the church looks with hope. The exchange of ministers by the different religious bodies will be a step in the same direction, where such action involves no surrender of convictions, but only a recognition of the broader fellowship of the churches. 5. The necessary ground and justification for these efforts to realize the ideals of unity in a practical way is the recognition by the Disciples of Christ of the Christian character and brotherhood of all the followers of Jesus of whatever name, and the frank and generous avowal that the convictions and beliefs of all such must be held sacred and significant in any plan of unity. One need not share in all regards the beliefs or customs of his religious neighbors in order to yield to them the right of testimony and practice, under the obligations of con- science and loyalty to Christ. We are not keepers of our brothers' consciences, but we are witnesses of a great and neglected truth, and of the fact that truth is entirely consistent with variety of doctrine and usage, within the broad circle of the Christian faith. 6. What form the united church of the future may take does not concern us. We may have our own beliefs on that question. But we may be assured that the Spirit of God, operating in the lives of believ- ers, will form for Himself a body such as shall be fitted for the largest service in the furtherance of the ideals of the Kingdom of God. This program elicits little criticism where its advocates hold fast the Deity of Jesus and make the word of God a finality. Slavery. What was the attitude of the Disciples in Illinois toward slavery? By 1861 they had grown to number possibly twenty thousand in the State. In all discussions upon the question of slavery that culminated in the Dred Scott decision — the deepest and most damning nadir of our national annals — they were active participants. In the thirties, forties and fifties many Disciples came into Illinois from Kentucky, Ten- nessee and Virginia. Some of those who settled in the border counties were pro-slavery, but the most of these immigrants came because of their aversion to the "peculiar institution." For example, Ben Major, who came from Ken- tucky and settled in Walnut Grove in the early thirties, freed his slaves and sent his agent with them to New York City in 1834 to pay their passage to Liberia. Of those Disciples 656 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS who came into Illinois, during the three decades named, from the States east of us, nearly all were antislavery except those from southern Indiana. In the early forties two colonies of Ohio people came to Illinois. Of these, Dr. J. P. Walters, now a resident of Fairfield, says: "The two colonies of Christians who came from Ohio and settled in Wayne County in earlier years were decidedly antislavery in their political convictions, there being abolitionists in each of the companies. These people were important factors in mould- ing the political sentiment in this county in the years 1840 to 1861. The attitude of the Disciples of Christ during those years throughout this portion of the State was deci- dedly antislavery, but in border counties pro-slavery sentiment prevailed. In evidence of which it is a fact that this county raised more than its quota of soldiers in every call for vol- unteers, and that the prevailing religious convictions in quite a number of the military organizations in this part of the State was that of the Disciples of Christ." Edwards County, sometimes called "Little Britain," because so many English people settled there in the earlier years, was not only opposed to slavery, but outlawed the liquor traffic fifty years ago. The preponderating religious influence in the county during that period has been that of the Disciples. Hon. W. H. Johnson was a member of the House from White County in the General Assembly of 1882. The family to which he belongs has been noted for its intelligence and patriotism for 150 years. He affirms that most of the Dis- ciples in that part of Illinois in its formative period were opposed to slavery. The Gale families came from Ohio into Lake County, the Moffett and Hawk families into Carroll County in the early years. These were all antislavery people. The writer is indebted to Prof. B. J. Radford, the "Sage of Eureka," for the following: Oi the Disciples of Christ who came into Illinois np to 1861. the great majority were immigrants from Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. MISCELLANEA 657 They were pretty evenly divided between Henry Clay Whigs and Jack- son Democrats — the Whigs predominating in the central and the Demo- crats in the southern portions of the State. The Clay Whigs leaned strongly toward abolitionism and many of them were supporters of the Liberian Colonization Society. The Democrats were mostly pro- slivery, or indifferent to the slavery question. In the breaking up and recasting of parties in the fifties, the Whigs in the churches of Christ generally became Republicans and the Democrats followed Douglas. When Douglas was repudiated by the pro-slavery Democrats, the majority of his followers among the Disciples remained loyal, but a considerable minority supported Breck- enridge — probably one-sixth of the voters in our churches in the State. When the Secession movement began, the patriotic course of Douglas rallied his followers almost unanimously to the defense of the Union. Many of them from our churches entered the military service and a considerable per cent, of them came out Republicans. Not a few of the Breckenridge followers sympathized with the Secessionists, and some of them gave aid and comfort to the enemy. I believe that more than 90 per cent, of our people in the State were loyal, a good showing when we consider their antecedents. The following are the names of a few representative Disciples of Christ who were active in their antislavery views : Dr. W. P. Naramore, of Stephenson County ; Mins. A. H. Trowbridge and H. D. Palmer, of Marshall; Ben Major, of Woodford; William T. Major, of McLean; John Johnson and Min. Geo. W. Minier, of Tazewell; J. W. Simpson and Col. J. W. Judy, of Menard; J. S. Anderson and Min. E. G. Rice, of Morgan ; William B. King and William S. Pickerill, of Sangamon ; George Redmon, of Edgar; Min. William Schooley, of Clay, and Dr. John Kos- south Ashley, of Wayne. These men were the peers in every way of their contemporaries in these several counties — intel- ligent, strong, active and forceful citizens — and they were only a few of a great host. Many Democrats in the North held with Mr. Douglas to the doctrine of "popular sovereignty," but the attack on Fort Sumter, Apr. 12, 1861, by Traitor Beauregard opened their eyes to see the real spirit and aim of the slaveocracy. They would let the black race suffer on, but they could not see our flag shot into the dust. Then quickly indifference gave place 658 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS to patriotic devotion to the Union, the preservation of whose integrity was then paramount to all things else. From a wide range of personal acquaintance and many sources of information, the conclusion of the writer is that less than two per cent, of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois sympa- thized enough with the would-be Confederacy to even wish for its success. It is proper to note here that a number of the great Protestant churches had been split in two by the question of slavery long before its climax was reached in the Civil War. But the Disciples of Christ went through that frightful shock without even a thought of division. Their common faith in the conquering Christ and the catholic gospel subor- dinated lifelong prejudices and flaming political passions to the interests of the kingdom of God. Problems of the Rural Churches. Had President Roosevelt done nothing else than to set the American people to thinking upon questions of country life, his administration would go into history as momentous. The commission that was appointed at his suggestion made its investigation of living conditions in rural localities and submitted its report to Congress, but, for some reason, or no reason, Congress refused to publish it. Parts of it were given to the public by newspapers, and so the leaders in sec- ular education, including particularly scientific agriculture, have taken up the work. And since then the Department of Agriculture has instituted a Rural Organization Service, of which Dr. Thomas N. Carver is the head. There are six million farmers in the United States. Nearly two and a half million of the farms are worked by tenants, which compli- cates all rural problems. Christian men are primarily interested in the religious conditions of rural communities. In Illinois, country society has been in a continual flux during the last sixty years. Towns grew as steam railroads were built, and thus many MISCELLANEA 659 country congregations gave up their lives. These were also further affected by the construction of suburban Hues, by the removal of land-owners from the country to towns and cities and renting their lands, by emigration to the farther West, and by the introduction and use of automobiles. The forces of evolution — domestic, social, economic, civic and religious — are active and potent in American life. Among the ministers of the Christian Church in the State, Min. J. W. Street, of Mackinaw, has given the subject of rural congregations more earnest study than any other. The facts he furnishes should challenge the most serious atten- tion. In his classifications, all churches in places of twelve hundred people or less are counted rural. He bases his con- clusions on our year book's data and the Federal census of 1910, and they are as near accurate as they can be made. The total number of Christian Churches in Illinois in 1911 was 745, of which 559 were rural. Of these rural congrega- tions, 173 reported in 1911 a total gain of 5,736; 188 reported an aggregate loss of 5,454, while 198 had neither gained nor lost ; thus the net gain for the 559 churches for the year was 282. For the year closing June 30, 1912, 150 rural churches reported a gain of 4,592 members, 152 of them a loss of 4,407 communicants, and 215 had neither gained nor lost; thus 517 rural churches in that year had a net gain of only 185 members. These 559 congregations were served by 249 ministers, but many of these preached where they did not reside. Not until 1910 did the State Board of Missions give par- ticular attention to this wide, important and needy field. The convention of 1913 voted to place a trained expert in this service as soon as the finances would warrant. Mr. Street savs further: In 1910, 168 rural churches gave $1,995 for State Missions; in 1911, 198 gave $2,286 for the same work, and, in 1912, 204 such congregations gave $2,646 for the same cause. Further, he addressed a list of questions to a number of 660 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS ministers in Illinois serving churches in cities of ten thou- sand or more population, from twenty-three of whom replies were received. First twenty of these twenty-three city min- isters were converted in rural churches, as were also fourteen of the Bible-school superintendents and eighteen of the chair- men of the boards of officers ; eighteen of these pastors began their ministries in rural communities, but only five of these while so engaged made any specific study of the com- munity with reference to its economic, social, educational and recreational needs. The figures indicate the large con- tribution that our rural churches have made to our metro- politan ministry. In looking into the youthhood of Christian ministers, the phrase, ''grew up on the farm," occurs with surprising fre- quency. The great value of rural-church work is illustrated by the lives of two brothers — W. J. and G. T. Carpenter. They were born in Nelson County, Ky., and brought to Illi- nois by their widowed mother when the younger, George T., was eight years of age. They passed their boyhood's years on a farm in Bureau County. Both secured a college educa- tion. They opened a preparatory school Sept. 2, 1861, in the unfinished building at Oskaloosa, la. The next year they began the work of the college. The older brother taught there eight years, and then went to California because of his wife's poor health. George T. served as a teacher in the school for ten years, then gave four years to editorial work on the Evangelist and' returned to the college in 1877 as its president. In 1881 he became chancellor of Drake University and gave efficient service in that position till his death in 1893. Mrs. W. B. Craig is his daughter. Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann Willson (An incident of the earlier days.) The following incident is from the pleasing pen of ^lin. T. T. Holton. It well illustrates the simplicity, trustfulness, MISCELLANEA 661 devotion and fidelity of the earlier days. Mr. Holton was pastor at Vincennes, Ind., at the time. He says: It was midsummer of 1866, and the sands were hot in the streets of old Vincennes. 1 was then about six months along in my first pas- torate. On many accounts, a vacation would have given me multiplied satisfaction. One Saturday morning there came to my door two old- fashioned persons in a one-horse, old-time buggy. The man in the case beckoned me to approach, and informed me at once that they two were Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann Willson, on their way to Allison Prairie, 111., for a week's meeting, and desired me to get ready at once and go with them. Said Uncle Joe : "I am old and heavy, and am not able to preach. I want you to go along and do the preaching. I'll manage and maybe exhort a little, and Aunt Ann will put in a word when she feels like, and there is nothing better on hand." "But, Bro. \\ illson," I said, "it is now Saturday; there is no one to fill my place to-morrow. And, besides, I would not think it right for me to go away without seeing some of the officers of the church in regard to it." "Bro. Holton, I will wait fifteen minutes ; you rush around and see one or two if you think it necessary. And tell them that Uncle Joe wants you, and wants you bad, and wants you right otY, for I have an appointment to hold meeting at eleven o'clock this forenoon at a schoolhouse between Vincennes and Allison Prairie." The upshot of it was, I went. "Get right in with us; it will be a little snug, but it's warm and we can stand it." People noticed us as we passed down the street and over the Wabash. "Bro. Willson," said I, "you don't expect that there'll be any meeting a hot day like this, and Saturday at that?" "Indeed, I do. When I was here a year ago I announced it in the hearing of all that I would be thar — Saturday before the first Lord's Day in August — one year from that time. And I'll be there and there'll be a meeting." "Of course, you have written them within a few weeks, reminding them of the appointment." "No, sir; not one word has passed between us in the twelve months. But this is the way I've done for years. They know Uncle Joe'Il be there, and I know they'll be there. So be thinking, for you'll have to preach — if I give out." Aunt Ann nodded that that was just the way it would be. Uncle Joe was right. We had a crowd. And all three of us took some part in the meeting. At the close Uncle Joe said to the congregation : "To-night we begin a seven days' meeting on Allison Prairie. And I want you all to be there — this may be Uncle Joe's last trip to Illinois." At night the schoolhouse on Allison Prairie could scarcely hold the people. After preaching. Uncle Joe talked a few minutes while I fanned him with my huge palm-leaf fan. He told the people that he was there for their good, that he simply wanted them to do r'ght. and that less than seven confessions — one for each day — was net to be thought of. He and Aunt Ann met with a hearty greetinff. Even the 662 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS day meetings were well attended. And there was great enthusiasm. It was hot night and day. No one could walk barefooted on the sand till the sun went down. The house was packed with eager listeners every night. And toward the end of the week the yard was full. The people were so close to me 1 could make no gestures, and 1 was as wet while preaching as if I had been dipped in the Wabash. Then I took the fan, and Uncle Joe, either sitting or standing, would tell the folks they ought to do right. Aunt Ann did the most of her talking at the day meetings. The necessity for a meeting-house large enough to hold the people was grandly evident, and before the close of the meeting $1,400 was subscribed to that end. On the seventh and last night of the meet- ing, four young girls were handed through the windows by their par- ents and friends and managed to get near enough to the preacher for him to take their confessions. Saturday morning found us at Russell- ville for one more sermon and for baptism. There were several addi- tions at that meeting. And I remember baptizing twenty-two persons at that time. We had other baptisms, I think, during the v^-eek, so that at least twenty-seven additions were gained. "My time is up," said Uncle Joe, "and I must go on to Hutsonville, for I told them a year ago I would be there to-night." They gave Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann $28, and they were very glad and thankful. He told me he had preached for years without any pay whatever, except "two bits" that a sister brought in the corner of her apron, and he spent that for fer- riage before he got home. He gave large credit to Aunt Ann, who ran the sawmill at home while he was away preaching. The year following, Uncle Joe was on hand again, making his annual round, and this time he impressed Bro. Alvord into service. And again there were many additions. He notified me that the bap- tizing would be done just across from Vincennes ; so a number of us went out and greeted the veteran, and witnessed the baptisms. And here a singular circumstance happened. There was a gypsy camp near by. and before the meeting concluded an aged gypsy came forward and made the good confession. Upon arising from the water, he put his hand into his pocket, pulled out a silver dollar, and offered it to the preacher. Of course, it was refused. He told me he had been a believer for a long time and had greatly desired to be baptized. He went on his way rejoicing. I never had the pleasure of meeting Uncle Joe and Aunt Ann again. They have long since gone to their reward. I am hoping to meet them in the city that hath foundations. . . . Joseph Willson took his stand with the Disciples in 1833. He organized over forty churches and received more than two thousand converts. His home was in, or near, Loogootee, Ind., at the time of the above meetings. MISCELLANEA 663 CHRISTIAN PAPERS PUBLISHED BY THE DISCIPLES OF CHRIST. This survey does not include the pubHcations of local churches. The Christian Messenger. — This was the first periodical published in Illinois in the advocacy of the New Testament order. It was moved by its owner and editor, Barton W. Stone, from Georgetown, Ky., to Jacksonville, III, in 1833. It continued with some interruptions till 1847, when it was merged with the Bible Advocate. In 1838, Mr. Stone moved to his farm near Jacksonville and the publication of the paper was discontinued for awhile. It was announced in December that it would shortly reappear at Columbia, Mo., but this aim was not reached. At that date it was "hoped that letters may not come to us free from postage." Its pub- lication was begun again in September, 1840, at Jackson- ville. It was then a thirty-two-page monthly, with Thomas M. Allen and Jacob Creath, Jr., both of Missouri, as asso- ciate editors. In 1843 it was announced that the Messenger had not been issued for several months, the ice having blockaded navigation in the Illinois River so that no stock paper could be had. Further, that, by the advice and co-op- eration of D. P. Henderson, its publication would be resumed soon. The Berean. — Alexander Graham came from Tuscaloosa, Ala., where he had published The Disciple, to Springfield, 111., in 1838. There he founded The Berean. It was a "monthly magazine, neatly gotten up on good paper and con- tained much sense and valuable information." Evidently it was short-lived. The Christian was published at Edwardsville in 1847. A. Padon was editor. Price, 75 cents per year. Nothing fur- ther has been learned about it. The Monthly Commentator. — There is still extant a notice of the discontinuance of this publication in 1865 for lack of 664 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS patronage. Alfred Padon was its editor. No post-office is given. The same notice says that there were three period- icals published by Illinois brethren that year. The Christian Freeman was published at Jacksonville in 1860. Of it nothing more is known. The Bible Advocate. — The place of publication was changed from Jacksonville to Carrollton in 1860. E. L. Craig and J. S. Sweeney were its editors. It is highly improbable that two Christian papers were published in Jack- sonville the same year ; hence, it may be that the Advocate was a new name for the Freeman. The Gospel Echo. — A monthly magazine. E. L. Craig, editor. It was pubHshed in Quincy in 1859. From 1861 to 1869 it appeared from Carrollton. It is probable that it absorbed the Bible Advocate in 1864. In 1865 The Echo appeared as a weekly, but its financial support was such that it could not long be continued as such. In 1S68, The Echo went to Macomb, with J. C. Reynolds as editor. Shortly thereafter, J. H. Garrison became associate editor. In 1869, The Echo bought the Christian Herald. This was a small monthly owned and edited by J. W. Karr and Dudley Downs. It was started at Wapella in 1865. The next year it was moved to Eureka, where its publication was continued till 1869. Early in 1872, The Echo bought The Ch'istian, then pub- lished at Kansas City, Mo., and the two papers then consoli- dated. The Echo was moved from Macomb to Quincy in March, 1872. There the paper was issued weekly under the title of The Gospel Echo and Christian. One year there- after the name was shortened to The Christian. It was the purpose of the editors of The Echo in 1871 to take the paper to Chicago, and arrangements had been fully effected, but the great fire in October burned them all away. The Chris- tian Publishing Company was organized in St. Louis, Mo., in November, 1873, and the Quincy paper went there as part of the company's assets, in January, 1874. The Evangelist came in its thirteenth year from Oska- MISCELLANEA 665 loosa, la., to Chicago in 1878, where it was published until 18S2. B. W. Johnson was its editor. The paper was the property of the "Central Book Concern." An effort was made in 1881 to unite this company with the Christian Pub- hshing Company, of St. Louis, but it went over till 1882, when The Evangelist was consolidated with The Christian and left the State. The Christian Sentinel. — A monthly magazine, edited by Dr. W. A. Mallory. He began its publication in Springfield in 1855. John F. Rowe was associate editor. In 1857 it was published in Peoria, with I. N. Carman and O. A. Burgess as editors. Shortly thereafter it disappeared. The Herald of Truth. — A monthly magazine, the life of which was two years or a little longer. It was first pub- lished at De Soto and then at Carbondale. D. H. Banton and John Lindsey were its editors. The Evangelist at Work was a small paper owned, edited and published by Min. T. S. Wall in Wayne County for a year or two about 1880. Mr. Wall's aim was to reach fam- ilies with Christian intelligence who were reading no church paper. His effort was wholly unselfish and most commend- able. The Rock was a small weekly paper, owned and edited for several months in the early seventies by Min. T. J. Shel- ton, who was then pastor of the church at Waverly. The editor was erratic and his paper spicy. Illinois News — a monthly, four-page paper — was edited and published by the State mission office in the interest of the State work. It was begun in October, 1901, and discon- tinued January, 1910, inclusive. It was a valuable little paper, but failed because of insufficient financial support. It just about paid its way, but the board of managers were unwilling to employ additional help that seemed necessary for its continuance. W. H. Boles has published the following papers: 1890-92, The Idea, Springfield — temperance ; 1894, Illinois Christian, Eureka; 1897-99, The Plow and Hammer, Alma — religious 666 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS and educational; 1905-07, Uncle Sam, Marissa — temperance and patriotic. The Christian Century. — The Christian Oracle was founded by Min. F. M. Kirkham and Gen. F. M. Drake at Des Moines, la., in 1884. Its purpose was to serve particu- larly the churches of that State. It was moved to Chicago in 1891 and aimed for a larger constituency. For eight years Mr. Kirkham continued as owner and editor. In 1899, J. H. Garrison purchased the paper, and his son, Mr. A. O. Garrison, became managing editor. For a short time, Min. George A. Campbell was editor. In 1900 the stock of the Oracle Publishing Company was bought by a group of men, headed by Min. Charles A. Young, and the name of the paper changed to The Christian Century. During the next seven years, Mins. J. J. Haley, F. G. Terrell and H. L. Wil- lett edited the paper. In 1908 the paper was purchased by the New Christian Century Company, a new corporation. Messrs. C. C. Morrison and H. L. Willett became joint editors. At the beginning of 1913, the Disciples Publication Society, a company without capital stock and not for pecuniary profit, was incorporated and purchased the assets of the Century Company. Mr. Morrison is now the sole editor, with Mr. Willett as associate. Books and Their Authors. The following is an incomplete list -^f books that were written by their authors while they resided in Illinois: E. S. Ames. — The Psychology of Religious Experience; The Divinity of Christ. N. S. Bastion. — Babylon in Jehovah's Kingdom. Clark Braden. — Braden-Hughey Debate; Braden-Kelley Debate; Ingersoll Unmasked; Refutation of Accepted Theory of Dates; Refutation of Atheistic Evolution; Problem of Problems; Trials and Crucifixion of Jesus. /. H. G. Brinkerhoff. — History of Marion County, Illinois. N. E. Cory. — The Polymathist. MISCELLANEA (^1 Miss Elmira /. Dickinson. — History of Eureka College. H. IV. Everest. — The Divine Demonstration ; The New Education. Errett Gates. — The Early Relation and Separation of Baptists and Disciples; The Disciples of Christ. George F. Hall. — Plain Points on Personal Purity ; The Model Woman ; Some American Evils and Their Remedies ; Tabernacle Talks ; Pitfalls of the Ballroom ; Revivals and How to Have Them ; Belgian Hare Standard Manual ; The Lord's Exchequer ; Temple Addresses. N. S. Haynes. — Children's Question Book ; Jesus as a Con- troversialist ; History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois, George W. Nance. — Nance Memorial. /. C. Myers. — Buds and Flowers. D. Walter Potts. — A Fortnight in London Schools. B. J. Radford. — Court of Destiny. Charles J. Sco field. — A Subtle Adversary ; Altar Stairs. Robert A. Sickles. — The Mystery of the Immortality of the Soul. /. Carroll Stark. — The King and His Kingdom. Herbert L. Willett. — Basic Truths of the Christian Faith; The Call of the Christ; Life and Teachings of Jesus; The Moral Leaders of Israel (Part L) : The Moral Leaders of Israel (Part II.) ; Our Plea for Union and the Present Crisis ; Prophets of Israel ; The Ruling Quality ; Studies in the First Book of Samuel ; The Teachings of the Book. A. M. Weston. — The Evolution of a Shadow. The Old Songs. The songs and the singing were features of the early churches in Illinois. The Disciples desired and sought to have their sacred songs accord with and express the truth as revealed in the word of God. Objectionable matter v/as eliminated. For example, the invitation hymn beginning, "Come, humble sinner, in whose breast A thousand thoughts revolve," 668 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS was changed in the fourth stanza from "Perhaps he will accept my plea" to ''Surely he will accept my plea;" and in the fifth stanza from "I can but perish if I go" to "I can not perish if I go." They believed that the attitude of Queen Esther before her tyrant husband, Ahasuerus, was not a fitting likeness of a penitent sinner before the loving Lord who died for him. They were also careful about the tunes they used. Noth- ing was sung because it was venerable or stately or had orthodox sanction. The tunes must be such as to enable the heart to understand and be edified. Toward God the singing was worship, and toward men instruction and invitation, encouragement and warning, comfort and inspiration. The singing, being . properly regarded as worship, was never turned over to professionals. God's children praised him. There were no choirs, quartets or soloists nor musical instru- ments, except sometimes a tuning-fork. A musical brother — generally an officer or the preacher — ''raised the tune" or "started the hymns." Frequently he marked the time by a patting of his foot on the floor. Generally he "lined out" the words, for hymn-books were few and sold high. But the Disciples did not take kindly to "lining out." It was lacking in simplicity and equality, upon which they insisted. The first book of their own making which they used was without notes — a pudon^r little thing 2^ x 3% inches, in pearl or five-point type. The book has 1,324 hymns, and the col- lection equals in its excellence any now in use. The pioneers sang largely in the minor strains, for there was much opposition, misrepresentation and persecution — even from their fellow-Christians — and their lives were full of hardships and trials. They shared, in a measure, the feel- ings of the Jews by the rivers of Babylon, where they hung their harps on the willows and sat down and wept. The music of the pioneers had not much of the high notes of triumph, success and victory such as characterize that of our day. It was full of pathos, sweetness, earnestness and MISCELLANEA 669 strength. Here are a few of the songs they sang through many years: "How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord, Is laid for your faith in his excellent word." "Amazing grace ! how sweet the sound ! That saved a wretch like me." "How happy are they who their Saviour obey, And have laid up their treasures above." "I would not live alway; I ask not to stay Where storm after storm rises dark o'er the way." "O Love divine, how sweet thou art! When shall I find my wandering heart All taken up in thee?" "Blow ye the trumpet, blow The gladly solemn sound." "I'm not ashamed to own my Lord Nor to defend his cause." "Jesus, I my cross have taken, All to leave and follow thee." "Go on, you pflgrims, while below, In the sure path of peace." "Am I a soldier of the cross, A follower of the Lamb?" "'Tis religion that can give Sweetest pleasure while we live." "My Christian friends in bonds of love. Whose hearts the sweetest union prove." The last was often sung at the close of their meetings, or when some beloved member was bidden farewell, or the preacher was about to depart to other fields. Then the whole congregation rose, and, going forward, one by one, would shake hands with the one going away, and this was generally attended by a brotherly handshaking throughout the assembly. The old songs! Mothers sang them as lullabies in their homes and their tired little children were lulled to sleep. Way- worn pilgrims sang them and received new strength and 670 HISTORY OF THE DISCIPLES IN ILLINOIS courage. .The assemblies of God's children sang them and were aquiver with holy emotion and high purpose. They kept fresh in the Christian conscience the eternal Ought and transformed character into the divine likeness. Age recalls them out of the years long gone and wonders whether the land of endless day is not the place of sublimest songs of eternal youth. COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES This book is due on the date indicated below, or at the expiration of a definite period after the date of borrowing, as provided by the library rules or by special arrangement with the Librarian in charge. DATE BORROWED DATE DUE DATE BORROWED DATE DUE C28 (1149) 100M ,. Y y 938.,92 f n33 COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY 0035521902 o* ^> NEDWICK'S BOOK STORE 534 So. Michigan Ave. CHICAGO 5, ILL. NEW - OLD - RARE FEB 5 1951