Crawford County, Illinois - Chapter 9: Early Churches - Fraternities, 1909

And Denominations Which They Represented Fraternal Organizations In Robinson

AND DENOMINATIONS WHICH THEY REPRESENTED - -FIRST CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS AND LIST OF MEMBERS - OTHER ITEMS IN CHURCH HISTORY - FRATERNAL ORGANIZATIONS IN ROBINSON.

among the early settlers, receiving the hospitalities of humble abodes wherever night brought their daily journeys or their ministrations to a close. They were welcomed in every cabin; the nearest neighbors were notified of their presence, and gospel meetings were attended by as many as could be gathered together. The first public religious work in the county was done by Baptists. Then came the Methodists, to whom belongs the destinction of organizing at Palestine the earliest church in this locality, and erecting the first place of worship.

Daniel Parker and 'Thomas Kennedy were the early preachers in Crawford County, both belonging to the Hardshell Baptist denomination and both being early settlers of the county. Elder Newport, was also a diligent and zealous Baptist preacher, who itinerated throughout this section, his home being in what is now Clark County. Elder Parker preached in many parts of the country, extending his evangelistic work far and wide, and finally organizing a religious colony which flourished there under the name of the "Pilgrim Church." While living in Illinois he was prominent in a political connection, besides his ministerial duties serving as State Senator. Mr. Kennedy also took an active part in civil affairs, filling at various times the offices of County Treasurer, County Commissioner, Probate Judge, etc.

The first Methodist to preach in the county was Rev. John Dolliphan, who settled previously to 1820 in what was afterwards cut off as Lawrence County. The first pioneer preacher of this denomination in the settlement at Palestine was named Fox, and a few years after the building of the Methodist church there, one was erected by the Presbyterians. Among the earliest places of worship in the county was one at Hebron.

CHURCHES IN ROBINSON. - In the matter of religious endeavor the first organized body in Robinson was the Methodist Episcopal church. Of its inciplent stages little is now known, but a new brick edifice, costing $5,000, was erected as its place of worship in 1866, the pastor then being Rev. Mr. Massey, and the Sunday school Superintendent. John Maxwell.

The first Presbyterian church of Robinson was organized in 1848, sixteen members forming the nucleus on October 28, of that year, most of whom had belonged to the Palestine church, to which they afterwards returned. A reorganiza- tion under the name of the "First Presbyterian church of Robinson" was effected November 8, 1872, by Rev. Thomas Spencer and Elder Finley Paull with William C. Wilson, John H. Wilkin and Rufus R. Lull as elders, and Rev. Aaron Thompson as its first pastor. Mr. Thompson was followed in the pastorate by Rev. Thomas Spencer and Rev. John E.' Carson, successively.

The existence of the Christian church in Robinson dates from 1876. Its place of worship, begun in the following year, was finished in 1882. The more active of its first members were Mr. and Mrs. James M. Gardner, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Brown, Mrs. Mary Callahan, Hickman Henderson and M. C. Shepherd.

Robinson Mission Catholic church was organized by Father Kuhlman, of Marshall, Ill, in 1882, with a membership of fifteen families. its place of worship costing $700, and being built during that year.

LAMOTTE TOWNSHIP CHURCHES. - Among the arrivals in Lamotte Township were a few ministers of the gospel, the Methodists and Hardshell Baptists being the first denominations represented. Thomas Kennedy was a preacher of the latter sect, and, expounding the doctrine ox the former, were John Stewart, John Fox and "Father" McCord. The first church in Lamotte Township was the Lamotte Baptist church, organized by Elder Daniel Parker, and worshiping in a building on Lamotte Prairie. In 1848 Elder John Bailey and fifty others united to found the East Union Christian church in the southern portion of the township, the congregation then assembling in a log schoolhouse. Among the early pastors after Elder Bailey's time were Elders L. Thompson, John Mullins, David Clark, and G. W. Ingersoll.

Richwood's Baptist church, in the southern portion of the township. was organized by Elder D. Y. Allison, with eight members, in 1871, holding its meetings in the Harding schoolhouse. In 1873 it built a frame church edifice and its pastors, succeeding Mr. Allison, have been J. L. Cox, Jacob Clements and Isaiah Greenbaugh. The Union church. built in 1871, through subscriptions from different denominations, stands at the Jack Oak Cemetery, in the northern part of the township, where lie the remains of many of the pioneers, among them Thomas Gill, a soldier under Gen. Putnam, and others buried as early as 1825, including several Indians. Near this cemetery is a church built by the Dunkards in

1882. In the southwest part of the township stands Swearingen Methodist Episcopal Chapel, whose first pastor was Rev. 7. B. Reeder. Harmony church, built by popular subscription and usable by all denominations, stood in the nortbwest corner of the township.

FIRST CHURCH IN PALESTINE. - The first church organization in Palestine was the Methodist Episcopal, which was started in 1828 or 1829, its first preachers being "Father" McCord and Rev. John Fox. In 1872 the congregation, after occupying various places of worship, purchased a building erected for a town-hall and adupted it to their religious services. Rev. Thomas J. Massey was the first minister occupying the pulpit of the new church, with Arthur Vance as Sunday School Superintendent.

In 1831, Rev. John Montgomery and Isaac Reed, of Pennsylvania and New York, respectively, organized the first Presbyterian church in Palestine at a meeting held May 14-16, the original members being Ann Malcom, Hannah Wilson, John Houston, John Malcom, Phoebe Morris, Nancy Houston, Anna Piper, Jane Houston, James Caldwell, Alfred Lagow, Eliza Houston, Henry Lagow, Margaret Eagleton, Wilson Lagow, Mary Ann Logan, James Eagleton and Wilson Lagow. The elders then chosen were Wilson Lagow and John Houston. Succeeding them in this capacity, at an early date were H. T. Beam, J. C. Ramey, Dr. J. 8. Bringle, James Eagleton, Dr. E. L. Patton, J. H. Richey, James C. Allen, J. M. Winsor, Andrew McCormick and Finley Päull. All of the original members of this church have long since finished their earthly course. The reverend gentlemen ministering to the church for a period of some

White, James Crawford, Isaac Bennett, E. W. Thayer, R. H. Lilly, Joseph Platt, John Crozier, J. M. Alexander, Joseph Platt (a second time), A. MeFarland, Thomas Spencer, J. E. Carson and S. W. Lagrange. At the time of its semicentennial anniversary, in 1881. the number of persons connected with the church, from the date of its organization, was stated to have been 440, two other churches in the meantime having been formed from this membership. The congregation, at the outset, held its services in a carpenter shop, and, in 1849, built a church edifice 38 by 50 feet, and costing $1,300, which in course of time was enlarged and remodeled.

HUTSONVILLE CHURCHES. - Religious work in Hutsonvile Township was first undertaken by the Quakers in the early '20s, holding their meetings in a double log house, and some years later in a log church in the same vicinity. Next. they built a frame church at the "cross roads," and subsequently another, on "Quaker line." The Baptist denomination organized a church at Hutsonville in 1856, through the efforts of Elders J. W. Riley and E. Frey, who were sent by the Baptist Missionary Board at Palestine. The first pastor was Elder Frey, who was followed in turn by Elders Asa Frakes, A. J. Fuson, and J. L. Cox. The first members were Hezekiah Winters, Daniel S. Downey, Jane Barlow, Anna Paine, Maria Vance, Phebe Downey, Joseph Medley and Mary Medley. A frame church, 24 by 36 feet, was built in 1865, at a cost of $1,000. It was located three and a half miles northwest of Hutsonville and in the next two decades the membership increased to 140.

On the Sunday before Christmas in 1832, in a small partly finished building in Water Street, owned by T. C. Moore, the first sermon was preached in Hutsonville by Rev. James MeCord, an itinerant Methodist minister, and eight years later a Methodist church was organized in this locality, the pulpit having since been occupied by a long list of preachers of that denomination. In the early '50s, a brick church was erected.

The Christian chureh of Hutsonville was organized in the '40s, and built a frame edifice in 1860. It had as its early pastors Elders Alfred F. Small William Tichnor, James Morgan, aud William P. Black.

LICKING TOWNSHIP CHURCHES. - Religious work in Licking Township is believed to have been first undertaken by the Quakers, who organized a society in its northern part, using the dwelling of James Dixon as a meeting place for several years. Thomas Cox, William Dixon, I. Beeson and William Lindley, with their families, Mrs. James Dixon, Mrs. Thomas Cox, and Nathan Musgrove and his family were the original members. After keeping up their organization for twenty years, most of the time worshiping in the schoolhouse on the Dixon farm, the society was dissolved, the last preacher being Andrew Tomlinson. In 1848 the Methodist denomination formed a class in the Mount Pleasant schoolhouse, where their services were held until the building was torn down, after which they continued to worship in the Union schoolhouse. A Methodist church was organized at Portersville with twenty members, who met in the old log schoolhouse until the erection of the Union church building in 1875. The original organization was under the auspices of the Protestant Methodists, who gave way to the Methodist Episcopal Society in 1878. Some of the early pastors were Jackson Anderson, Daniel McCormick, R. Travers, R. Wright, J. D. Dees, Newton Stauffer and J. M. Jackson.

In 1866 Rev. Richard Belknap started the United Brethren Mission at Annapolis. with a membership of about fifty persons. After preaching two years he was succeeded by Rev. James Page, and he in turn by the following ministers: Messrs. Shepherd, Samuel Starks, John Helton, Samuel Slusser, Ephraim Shuey, Daniel Buzzard, William Hillis, and others.

In 1875 the Methodists of Annapolis, together with some of the society which worshiped at Willow church, formed a class consisting of twenty-three members. Some of its ministers have been R. Wetherford, Ira King, Allen Bartley, Newton Stauffer, James G. Dees and John M. Jackson. Jointly with the United Brethren the society used the Union church building. an edifice 32 by 48 feet in dimensions, which was erected by popular subscription in 1875 and dedicated in August of that year.

In the same year, Elder Wood organized the Christian church, of Portersville, with twelve members, soon increasing to seventy. To this society have ministered in succession the following pastors: William Beadle, and Elders McCash Lockhart, Conner, Boor, Grimm, and others, The church building, 35 by 50 feet in size, was erected by the general public, and is open to all denominations. The West Harmony Christian church, which was organized at White's Prairie. in the western portion of the township, and included among its members many of the most worthy people in that locality, built its place of worship about 1876. 6

CHURCHES IN OBLONG TowNSHIP. - The first religious services in Oblong Township were held in the cabins of the pioneer settlers and the old Mount Comfort church near the southern part of the township was probably the first organized body of worshipers. The Methodists were early in the field, and among the original ministers of that denomination were William St. Clair, C. C. English, John Leeper, J. P. Rutherford, and Messrs. Wallace and Noll. In 1856 the Oblong church was formed, the first meetings being held in the home of Owen Jarrett, Lydia Leech, Mr. and Mrs. Owen Jarrett and Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Dulaney being the first members, and David Caudman and his wife joining at the second service. About 1866, the Baptists erected their house of worship. The Prairie Methodist church in the northern 'part of the township had its beginning in 1857, and through the efforts of Rev. John Leeper, about sixty persons became members. The congregation being scattered, was divided in 1879, each division building a church in 1881, the Prairie and Dogwood, which have since been ministered to by the following reverend gentlemen (besides some already mentioned): Messrs. Taylor, Hardaker, Sappington, English, Glatz, Lopas, Grant, Carson and others.

In 1862, the Wirt Chapel Christian church was organized in the Wirt sehoolhouse by Elder G. W. Ingersoll, and its house of worship, in the western portion of the township, was built in 1875. Among its first pastors were Elders Ingersoll, Daniel Conner and Daniel Gray. Several Baptist ministers held irregular services at Oblong village in early days, among them Daniel Doly, Richard' Newport, Daniel Parker and Thomas Canady. The denomination built a church in the eastern part of Oblong and organized a society in 1872. The members at that time were Margaret and D. W. Odell, Margaret Eaton, John B. Smith, Christian Eoff, Nancy Smith, Samuel R. Mock, Eliza Ellis. Amelia Mock and Blanche Gill.

The Universalist church of Oblong, with a membership of twenty, was organized in 1878, and built a house of worship the same year, Rev. Mr. Harris being the first pastor He has been followed by Rev. C. C. Neff, Rev. M. L. Pope, Rev. S. S. Gibb and others.

the lead in seniority, having been organized in 1825 by Rev. John Stewart, one of the pioneer Methodist preachers in the Wabash Valley. Among the persons who participated in its formation were Smith Shaw and his wife, L. B. Carter, James and Nancy McCord, John and Mary Fox, Nancy Funk, Margaret Carter, Edward L. Cullom, Mary Cullom, Jacob and William Garrard and their wives, and Daniel and Christian Funk. Its first place of worship, a 26 by 40 feet frame structure, was built in 1845, and in 1879 another edifice, 30 by 50 feet, was erected. This congregation has had a number of offshoots, among them being one at Palestine. The list of early pastors includes the names of Rupert Delapp William McReynolds, John McReynolds, Samuel Hulls, James M. Massey, Asa McMurtry, James F. Jaquess and many more.

Canaan Baptist church was founded about 1820, by Elder Daniel Parker, and was first called the "Little Village Baptist church." It was organized near Fort Allison, and later moved to Montgomery Township. Liberty Baptist church was organized July 15, 1843, by Elders William S. Bishop and Stephen Kennedy. Among its original members were Rebecca Rush, Amos Rich, D. Y. and Sarah Allison, Elizabeth Highsmith, Sina Allen, Isaae Martin, Thomas F. Highsmith, William V. Highsmith, Mary Martin. and Benjamin and Jane Long. The first house of worship, a log building, was 18 by 20 feet in size, to which an addition of the same dimensions was afterwards made. Its list of early pastors include Elders Hezekiah Shelton; A. J. Fuson, Solomon D. Monroe and D. Y. Allison The Society built its second church edifice in 1874. From its membership two other churches were organized.

A few families, mainly from East Tennessee, constituted the nucleus of the United Presbyterian church of the village of Morea, as well as the Associated and United Presbyterian churches of Duncanville, which were under the supervison of the Northern Indiana Presbytery and were organized by Rev. James Dixon. A. J. Rankin was the first pastor, being installed in 1852. Some years afterwards a church edifice was erected which served as a place of worship until the early '70s. Mr. Rankin was succeeded by Rev. J. D. McNay, and during his pastorate the societies were united under the name of the United Presbyterian church. This church was split into two factions, one portion being organized under the care of the Presbytery of Southern Indiana, with thirty-eight members, Rev. Alexander McHatton, becoming the pastor in 1861. They erected the first building in the village of Morea. An offshoot of this soclety erected a church edifice at Duncanville, the minister being Rev. Hugh MacHatton who was followed in turn by Rev. O. G. Brockett.

The, Green Hill Methodist Episcopal church was organized in the early '50s, with twelve members, the church edifice being dedicated by Presiding Elder C. J. Houts, and being used also by the Christian denomination as their place of worship.

Good Hope Baptist church, one of the earliest religious organizations of the township, held its first services in a log building in 1848, among its first members being George Parker, Hiram Jones, Sampson Taylor and wife, W. F. Allen, William Croy, S. Goff and William Carter.

The United Brethren church at New Hebron was built by public. subscription in 1855, Rev. Mr. Jackson being one of its early ministers, and Samuel Bussard and the Gear family among its first members.

MARTIN TOWNSHIP CHURCHES. - The first religious exercises in Martin Township were held in a barn belonging to Daniel Martin, and were conducted by Elder Stephen Canady, a Baptist preacher. The men took their wives and children to the place of meeting, waiting outside until the end of the services, when they shouldered their guns and hied to the woods to spend the remainder of the day in hunting.

Jesse York, of Oblong Township, started the first Methodist society in the dwelling of Joseph Garrard, about the year 1846, the original members of the class being Mr. and Mrs. Samuel R. Boyd, Mr. and Mrs. John Haskins, Jacob Garrard and his wife, Polly Garrard, Lillis Peacock and his wife, Caroline Donald and Margaret Higgins. Rev. Mr. York, a very earnest and diligent minister, preached a number of years, and Dr. Hally, an equally devoted worker in the cause, added considerably to the congregation. Periodical services were later held in the schoolhouse until 1881, when, together with the United Brethren the church erected a house of worship Just north of Hardinville.

The Hardinville Christian church was organized in 1850, services being held in the schoolhouse until a church edifice was erected in 1858 by general subscriptions. Among the pastors and stated supplies have been Elders Morgan, Allan G. MeNees, F. M. Shirk, Messrs. Beard and Lockhart, P. C. Cauble, John Crawford and Salathiel Lamb.

HONEY CREEK CHURCHES. - The first religious service in Honey Creek Township of which any account has been handed down were held in the old Lamotte schoolhouse, and were conducted by Elder Daniel Parker, who preached in all the counties in this part of the State. John Parker, his brother, also of the Hardshell Baptist persuasion. likewise preached first in the cabins, and afterwards in the schoolhouse, and Thomas Kennedy was of the pioneer Baptist preachers of the township.

Bethel Presbyterian church, founded in 1853 by Rev. Joseph Butler had among its first members John Duncan and Mrs. S. M. Duncéán, A. D. Delzell, Mrs. M. E. Delzell, William Delzell, Mrs. M. J. Delzell and L. B. Delzell.

Beckwith Prairie Presbyterian church was organized by Rev. E. Howell, Rev. Allan McFarland and Elder Finley Paull, with twenty-eight members, and built its house of worship in 1859. The first elders were James Richey, Samuel J. Gould and William Delzell, and its early ministers included A. McFarland, J. C. Thornton. Aaron Thompson, Thomas Spenser, and John E. Carson.

FRATERNAL ORDERS. - Robinson Lodge, No. 250, A. F. & A. M, of Robinson was organized in 1856, the charter members being John T. Cox, Charles Meilley, Joseph H. Huls, John D. Smith, Daniel Perrine, J: C. Ruddell, J. M. Alexander, and Irving Heustis. Its first master was John T. Cox, with Daniel Perrine as Senior Warden, J. H. Huls as Junior Warden, D. M. Mail, Treasurer and Irving Heustis, Secretary.

Robinson Royal Areh Chapter, No. 149, was organized December 1, 1871, the more prominent charter members being W. F. Fleek, S. Taylor, J. O. Steel, John Newton, I. D. Mail, J. L. Cox, J. M. Jarrett, S. Midkiff, A. J. Haskett, C. M. Patton, E. Callahan, William C. Wilson, William C. Jones, George W. Harper and William Dyer. The charter of this organization was allowed to lapse. The charter members of Crawford Lodge, No. 24, I. O. O. F., formed in 1855, were James 8. Barbee, William Barbee, William C. Wilson, S. H. Decius and A. W. Gordon.

In August, 1880, was organized Robinson Lodge, No 1744, Knights of Honor, among the charter members being: I. L. Firebaugh, Peter Walker, Zalmon Ruddell, C. H. Grube, A. B. Houston, J. P. Murphy, J. C. Olwin, M. C. Mills, A. H. Waldrop and T. 8. Price. | organized October 5, 1853, under E. B. Ames, Grand Master. Its first officers were B. F. Robinson, Master; Joshua Davis, Senior Warden; and J. J. Petri, Junior Warden. Hutsonville Lodge, No. 106, I. O. O. F., was organized October 15, 1852, under W. L. Rucker, Grand Master, the charter members being Andrew P. Harness, J. M. Wilhite, W. T. McIntire, Liberty Murphy and J. N. Cox. Osmer Lodge, K. of H., was organized June 9, 1881, among the charter members being C. Rodgers, John Olwin, G. V. Newton, C. W. Keys, William Eaton, M. P. Rackerby, Daniel Holderman and J. L. Musgrave.

GRAND ARMY PosTS. - There are four Posts of the Grand Army of the Republie at the present time in Crawford County, viz.: Alfred Harrison Post, No. 152, Palestine; Henry Longenecker Post, No. 171, Robinson; Albert Wood Post, No. 175, Oblong; and Joseph Shaw Post, No. 235, Annapolis.