Henderson County, Kentucky - Chapter 23, 1887 (part 5 of 9)

In 1844 there was a great barbecue given near Spottsville, during the Clay and Polk campaign, where that great wit, Thomas Towles, a disciple of Mr. Clay, made in a speech, his celebrated comparison. Said he : " Gentlemen, you might as well compare the noise made by the "rack of a porter bottle to the wreck of matter and the crush of worlds, as to compare these two men."

The Founder

Major Samuel Spotts was a soldier, and spent but little time on his possessions. He entered the army in 1812 as Second Lieutenant, Fourteenth Artillery, and served up to 1829. Served with General Jackson throughout the Seminole and Creek Indian wars and was brevetted at New Orleans. In 1829 he was appointed by General Jackson, Major, and during the year appointed x\ssessor of the Port of New Orleans. While in New Orleans, and during the summer of 1833, he died of cholera. During the years 1827 and 1828 he was stationed at Fortress Monroe, and while there obtained a furlough and came West to look at his lands. He spent several summers on Green River with his brother-in-law, Robert Scott. Major Spotts married Harriet, a daughter of Dr. Chetherall, U. S. A., Charleston, South Carolina. She died June 10th, 1834, and was buried in the Henderson cemetery.

Is a flourishing town of five or six hundred inhabitants, large coal mines, operated by T. Shiver, and doing a large shipping business down the river. It has fine school and church advantages, good society, and all other claims necessary to make it a desir^lble locality to live in. It has local option, a flourishing lodge of Good Templars,

In 1861, Captain A. C. Bryant organized a company of Home Guards in the neighborhood of Spottsville. During the fall of the same year, the town was occupied by State troops under Captains Holloway and Starling, for the purpose of protecting the locks, it having been reported that Captain Daniel White, of Hopkins County* had been directed by General Buckner, of the Confederate army, to destroy them. Captain Holloway was relieved by the Thirty-second Indiana, United States troops.

Tillotson'S Precinct

This precinct, since the death of Mr. James Tillotson, was known for many years as Cross Plains, and of later years as Niagara. The voting place is now known as Niagara. As was the case with all other parts of the county in very early times, this particular part was largely invested by wolves, panthers, wild cats and such like, deer and turkey in abundance. '

Educational and church advantages were no better here than has been shown to exist in other precincts. It is enough to know that few hardy pioneers suffered as great privations as those elsewhere in the countv.

The people of this precinct first voted, as has been stated in the sketch of Robards," thereafter they voted for years at Tillotson's, then at Leigs' and then at Cross Plains. The present voting place is known as Niagara, but it is the same as Cross Plains. As a general thing this precinct, especially that portion between Anthoston and Green River, is mostly rolling land, yet of the best quality, producing the finest corn and tobacco. A great part of it is heavily timbered, dogwood, poplar, hickory and oak constituting the main growth. The farms are generally well improved and the farmers thrifty, energetic and well-to-do. It can be safelv a3serted that no better farminc: or grazing lands can be found than are to be had in this precinct, the Green River portion producing the finest tobacco.

The First Church

Known in this section of the country was a small log affair called " Shiloh." It was located near George Eakin's farm, was a Union church, and primitive schools were taught in it. Subsequent to that a Union church was built where Pleasant Valley Church now stands. In this church as well as Shiloh, schools were taught. Old Shiloh was a noted church, and great sermons for those early times, were preached in that little log hut dedicated to religion. The present church building at Pleasant Valley is a twg-story one, the lower story used for church worship, while upstairs the Masons hold their regular meetings. " Pleasant Valley " Lodge is composed of many of the best men of the precinct, and very many of its members are active workers in the order. This church is also a Union church. There is at the present time but one village in the precinct and that is the voting place known as Niagara. ,

At one time Ranger's Landing was a place of considerable importance, but it has lost its identity. Ranger's Landing is located upon Green River and was named in honor of Morris Ranger, of New York, the great cotton and tobacco king, who during the war caused to be built at this point a large, substantial and commodious factory for handling tobacco. For several years he carried on an immense business and really was a king in that territory. The factory is yet standing but in dreadful repair. Niagara is well located and is a thrifty little village.

J. W. Porter is the owner and operator of a large two-story tobacco stemmery, a house with a capacity of handling from three to four hundred hogsheads annually. He is a large, yet prudent and successful buyer.

Close to Niagara is the noted "Martha Brown's" Springs, a chalybeate water of fine quality. This old spring, in the times of Whigs, Know Nothings and Democrats was a noted gathering place for those political clans. The greatest men of the country have spoken from its hillside, and thousands of men have shouted themselves hoarse. The eloquence of Govs, Dixon, Powell, Kinney, Vance, Crockett, Hughes, Dallam and others have made the welkin ring. Those were good old t?lnes, the days of James Tillotson and others like him ; nothing of the kind has been witnessed since the war.

A postoffice was established at Niagara in 1882, prior to that time it was through the kindness of Mr. J. W. Porter that the people received their letters and papers. Mr. Porter has been postmaster for a number of years.

There is a district school taught at Niagara attended by a very rcbpectable number of pupils. Of late years a very handsome Union church has been erected. The business of Niagara, in addition to Porter's tobacco interest, consists of a grocery and general merchan* dise store owned by J. W. Porter, a drug, grocery and dry goods store, owned by Dr. J. M. Willingham, a blacksmith and wood working shop, by the Biggs Brothers, and a boot and shoe shop by Frank Bush.

Among the oldest inhabitants now living are : Sam'l E. King, John Dorris, E. C. Craig, C. C. Eades, John R. Knight, Robert Til- Idtson, Radford Dunn, Bradley Towler and George Triplett.

Educational Beginning To The Present

TT is a traditionary fact that among the earliest settlers of Hen- ^ derson County there were many men of ordinary education and considerable property, while there were many others lacking in the primary branches and very poor. As in most counties the majority excelled in intelligence the average population from which they had immigrated.

When, perhaps, as many as a dozen families had located upon a section of land from ten to fifteen miles square, there was an effort made to establish a school. As a unanimous thing a rude unhewn log cabin, at one end of which a chimney built of sticks and m?Id was erected. These buildings were covered with boards held to their places by poles as no nails were to be had. The cabins were never known to have windows, and only a small opening called a door. The benches or seats used, were made of logs split through the middle, and holes bored in the round side in which were driven common split sticks, which did the service of legs. In these rude cabins, the primitive teacher at a compensation of from fifty cents to one dollar per month for each scholar, taught reading, writing, spelling, and a little arithmetic. Many of those employed were men of superior intelligence and thorough teachers. Books were few, therefore, those to be had were thoroughly taught and as thoroughly studied. The readers used m early times, especially the " Old English " and the '*' National " were filled with the finest selections to be found in the English language. Many men with no advantages beyond those found in the pioneer schools, became noted professional and business men. As nothing beyond what has been mentioned was taught in these early schools, the teachers would go from one neighborhood to another and teach grammar for a term of five or six weeks. Writing and geography was also taught by these primitive teachers. Thus the children were offered an opportunity for acquiring a moderate education and very many of them embraced this opportunity, yet the majority of settlers enjoyed but poor facilities for obtaining this blessing. The thinly settled condition of the county and the extreme distance necessary to be traveled, in many instances offered an insurmountable obstacle. The woods were wild, no roads, and the dangers attending the daily walk, necessarily kept most persons from sending their little ones so far from home, consequently they grew up in ignorance. Nor was this all, money was very scarce and a large number of the inhabitants at that time found it impossible to raise the small sum charged by the teacher. As the county grew in population and wealth, there was a gradual improvement, but to this day, in many parts of the county> the people are nearly as far behind in educational matters as they were in primitive days. Some of the county school buildings at this day are yet the poorest cabins and not worth perhaps as much as fifty dollars. Of late years however there has been great improvement in the buildings.

Our system of common schools dates back to 1822. It was not however, until the act of Congress, approved June 23d, 1836, that any practical results were attained. During this year Congress apportioned about fifteen millions of dollars of surplus money in the treasury to the several older States in the form of a loan, of which Kentucky's share was $1,433,757. Though no provision of the law imposed on the State the obligation to devote this fund exclusively to purposes of education, yet it was asked on this plea and granted with this expectancy. Yet by act of February 23d, 1837, $l,nOO,000 only of the fund was set apart as the financial basis of our educational system, and by an act of February 16th, 1868, this amount was actually reduced to $850,000. This, then, is the origin and principal resource of our permanently invested school fund, from the interest of which, for many years, we derived our only public school revenues and from which a portion of our annual school revenues are now derived.

In 1838 the first school law was enacted for the establishment of common schools in Kentucky. An act was passed in 1847-8 providing for the submission of a proposition to a vote of the people to levy a tax of two cents on the one hundred dollars to increase the revenue for common school purposes. The people ratified this proposition by a large majority. Beginning with the fall of 1849, the convention for forming a new constitution was held. It was then by the eleventh article, the school funds, for which the State had executed her bonds to the State Board of -Education, were forever dedicated to common school purposes. In 1855 the people, by a large majority, ratified the proposition to increase the ad vaIore?n tax from two cents to five cents on the one hundred dollars. But little organic change was made in the school svstem until after the close of the civil war. At the August election, 1869, a proposition to increase the tax to fifteen cents was submitted and ratified by a large majority. Under this law, the aggregate amount of schooling was more than doubled and the quality of education greatly improved. Better teachers were employed and salaries of teachers prior to that time, fixed at from twelve to thirty dollars per month for three months, were raised to thirty and fortyfive dollars per month for five months.

The Legislature in 1822 passed an act establishing school districts in the several counties of the State, and agreeably to that act, the County Court of Henderson County did, in the same year, proceed to lay off Henderson County into twelve districts. In 1839, on application of Col. Robert Smith, James S. Priest and Willie Sugg, Common School Commissioners for Henderson County, it was ordered by the County Court that the surveyor of the county lav off and divide the county into convenient school districts. In 1842, March 1st, the Legislature gave to the School Commissioners, or a majority of them, the power to district their county or to allow or modify the same as circumstances might require, without making application to the County Court, also authorizing the commissioners, or any one of them, co hold elections in any of the districts without any order from the County Court. Also power to appoint three examiners, who should be professional teachers, at or near the town of Henderson, whose duty it was to examine and give certificates to teachers. This act further stipulated that in case any district failed or neglected to levy a tax for the support of a common school, the citizens legally entitled to vote therein or a majority of them, might proceed to raise by subscription or otherwise, any sum of money for the support of a school, not less than enough to support a school for three months in each year, and upon this fact being certified to the School Commissioner by the Trustees of such district, they should then be entitled to their just proportion of the money allowed for the support of common schools. Under this law the schools of the county were conducted. The funds necessary to the successful carrying on

As before stated, in 1848 a proposition was submitted to the qualified voters as to the expediency of creating a tax of two cents on the one hundred dollars for common school purposes. It was supposed that there would be no objection to such an insignificant tax, yet Henderson County gave a majority vote of twenty-one against the proposition. It carried, however, in the State and proved in the end a blessing compared to what had been. Yet this sum was found in a short time afterwards to be too small for the purpose at hand, and in 1855 another proposition to increase the tax to five cents on the one hundred dollars was submitted to the qualified voters, and strange to say, was carried by a large majority, the county vote being for 1,011 against 398, a majority of 613. This tax, though small, yet had a most favorable effect for good. The county was again redistricted. Prior to the war there were many excellent schools in the town and county and there were but few unable to give their children an opportunity for getting a plain English education, but subsequent to the war this condition ot things changed very materially. The number of poor people was greatly increased, very many of them unable to pay tuition at all. This increase of poor people was due in a great measure to immigration into the county of persons from other States.

Had there been no public schools, the condition of the children would have been deplorable indeed. In 1869 an act to increase the school tax to twenty cents on the one hundred dollars was submitted to the qualified voters, and stranger than in the second instance, the proposition was badly defeated in this county. The city and Spottsville, praised be their names, did nobly by voting handsome majorities for the tax ; however, the tax carried by a large majority in the State, and the act of the Legislature became a law. Since that time the public or common school system in this county has becr;me respectable and has been the source of immense good to the youth of the county.

From 1850 to 18'/ 2, Rev. John McCullough held the ofiice of Common School Commissioner, and worked indefatigably in the interest of educating the young. He was extremely popular with the children, and was, perhaps, the best known man in the county. Dr.

H, H. Farmer, a man of superior qualifications, succeeded Mr. Mc- Cullough, and served in that capacity from 1872 to 1880. Mr. Ezra C. Ward was appointed to succeed Dr. Farmer. He served four years and was succeeded by A. L. Smith. In 1866 William Hatchitt was elected and is yet Commissioner.

The Olb. Seminary

This was the first school of any note in Henderson County. On the 10th of February, 1798, an act of the Legislature was approved, donating and setting a part of the public lands of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, 6,000 acres each, for the benefit of certain academies and seminaries of learning. A similar act was approved February 11th, 1809, eleven years afterwards, embracing like provisions and extending therein to Henderson and other counties. The following is a copy of section one of the act of 1809 :

'*Be it enacted hy the General Assembly, That the Justices of the County Courts of Henderson, Caldwell and Hopkins Counties are hereby authorized to procure to be located, surveyed and patented, 6,ooo acres of any vacant and unappropriated land in the Commonwealth for the use of Seminaries of learning within their respective counties, except the lands to which the Indian title is extinguished by the treaty of Tellico, and the lands lying west of the dividing ridge between the waters of Cumberland and Tennessee."

Under the terms of this act no person was to be permitted to settle upon any of this reservation after the expiration of one month's time from the passage of this act.

From absolute negligence, or else some other palliating reason, the Justices of Henderson County failed to locate, have surveyed and patented, the six thousand acres of land offered them by the State. Subsequent to this act, to-wit : on the thirty-first day of December, 1813, another act was passed establishing an Academy in the town of Henderson, to be known as the " Henderson Academy." Section two of this act constituted Adam Rankin, Joseph Fuquay, Daniel McBride, William R. Brown, James Hillyer, Richard Henderson and Wyatt H. Ingram a body politic and corporate to be known by the name of the " Trustees of the Henderson Academy.'' They were given perpetual succession and all the powers and privileges enjoyed by the Trustees of any Academy or Seminary of learning in the State. They were authorized in their corporate capacity to purchase or receive by donation any lands, tenements, hereditaments, moneys, goods, rents and chattels, and to hold the same by the name aforesaid, to them and their successors forever, for the use and benefit of the said Academy, and to sell the same if deemed proper and apply the proceeds to the use and benefit thereof.

and the following were present : Adam Rankin, Joseph Fuquay, Daniel McBride, James Hillyer, Wyatt Ingram and Richard Henderson. These trustees met at the house of Joseph Fuquay and severally took the oath of office as prescribed by the act. Dr. Adam Rankin was unanimously elected President of the Board and Richard Henderson, Clerk.

On the fourteenth day of June, 1814, it was ordered by the Board that Rev. Daniel Comfort be appointed a tutor to take charge of the pupils of the Academy for the space of six months, under the direction of the Board, and that he be paid for that time the sum of two hundred and fifty dollars. The price of tuition was fixed as follows : For the learned languages and sciences, $20.00 per annum , reading, writing, arithmetic and English grammar, $15.00; reading, writing and spelling, $10.00, and an additional charge of two dollars was made against each student to defray the expense of house rent and fuel.

The Board then rented of Mrs. Catharine Brent the old log house known for years as " Blackberry Hall," and the lot upon which it stood, and the garden lot, all for the sum of sixty dollars for one year. Old " Blackberry Hall," it will be remembered, stood on the corner of Ehii and Third cross streets, now handsomely improved. It was called Blackberry from the great number of berries growing around it.

On the third day of August, 1814, Richard Henderson died and his place was filled by the election of Walter Alves. Dr. Adam Rankin and William R. Bowen contracted with the Board to furnish wood to the Academy during the winter at one dollar per cord.

January 31st, 1815, an act of the Legislature was passed in creasing the number of trustees to seven, and at a meeting of the Board pursuant to the act the following were elected : John Holloway, General Samuel Hopkins, Obadiah Smith, Samuel Woodson, Samuel Casey and James M. Hamilton. Rev. James McGready, the great revivalist of 1800, was unanimously elected a member of the Board.

Lands had been located under the act in Hopkins County and a school house had been built on the Seminary ground in the town of Henderson. All things were now working as the trustees wanted. At a meeting of the Board, May 17th, 1815, the finance committee were instructed to report the best mode of increasing, and the propriety of selling, the Seminary lands. A committee was then appointed to have seats and desks built for the accommodation of the pupils. The school had so grown that it was found necessary to employ an usher or under teacher, and for this purpose Rev. Daniel Comfort was allowed $250, including board and tuition, for the purpose of employing . an usher or under teacher. The rules for the government of the school were very strict. Rule No. 7 was as follows :

" Reverence and obedience to teachers are the first duties of all students. A strict observance of decency and politeness in their deportment toward each other, as well as toward all other persons. Every species ot gaining, drunkenness, frequenting disorderly or immoral houses, keeping bad company, being found in unlawful assemblages, profane swearing, or bad or immoral conduct of any and every kind, is strictly and absolutely forbidden."

There were a great number of pupils, and it seems that the majority of them were credit pupils. Certain it was the Board, in the latter part of 1815, found itself in debt, and not only in debt, but involved in a serious unpleasantness with the principal, Rev. Daniel Comfort.

The tuition accounts were placed in the hands of the Sheriff for collection, and for the time being the Trustees had to individually pay off the then outstanding debts. On the 29th day of March, 1816, the Board discharged Mr. Comfort and directed the President, Dr. Rankin, to employ counsel and immediately institute suit against him for a breach of the contract entered into on July 10th, 1815. James M. Hamilton, Clerk of the Board, made the following laconic note at the close of this meeting : "The end of Daniel Comfort's reign in Henderson Academy."

From the very beginning it appears that the Board and Rev. Daniel Comfort failed to get along as smoothly as the necessity of the case demanded, and, as a necessary consequence, the influence of the school was impaired. Trustees became dissatisfied and resigned one after another, and eventually, as we shall see, the school, as an institute of learning, ceased to exist. There can be no doubt entertained of the great good brought to society, and the community at large, in the work of the trustees, and really, through their untiring labors and liberality, a good school was established and taught for many years. There was an outside trouble existing between the Board and Mr. Comfort, of which the records hint, but furnish no explanatory satisfaction.

The Trustees were getting deeper and deeper in debt every day, and how to remedy matters was a question difficult of solution. Elisha N. Plumb had arrived from Philadelphia and his traveling expenses amounted to $59.93. This amount had to be raised by the Trustees, and so it was all along the line. It wa» proposed to sell the Academy grounds. Then, again, the Legislature was asked to pass a law authorizing the Trustees to raise a sum not exceeding $3,000 by lottery. This the Legislature did, but the lottery never materialized. Francis E. Walker, Robert Speed, James Wilson and Robert B. Streshly were appointed to superintend the lottery, but from some unknown cause the scheme was abandoned. Robert Terry preferred charges against Mr. Plumb for expelling a scholar without authority, and again for immoderate correction. The Board adjudged Mr. Plumb guilty, and directed that only switches should be used in correcting scholars.

On the first day of March Mr. Plumb vacated and on May 14th Rev. D. C. Banks took charge as principal of the Academy, and the number of pupils limited to forty. Payments had become more prompt and the number of pupils increased. It was now determined to employ an assistant to Mr." Banks, and on the twentieth day of April, 1822, a contract was entered into with Mr. Banks, as principal, and Miss C. Selliman, as assistant, at and for the sum of $1,200, with the understanding that Miss Selliman would take charge of the female pupils in a separate room, under the general superintendence of the Trustees and the principal. It was then ordered that the price per session for female pupils be fixed at eight dollars and the number limited to twenty.

Rev. Banks taught up to January 1st, 1823, when Rev. Henry Gratton was employed as principal. Mr. Gratton's health failed him, and on the sixth day of February, 1820, he resigned. Thereupon a contract was effected with Captain Francis E. Walker, with a curious proviso. It was resolved by the Board that in place of the usual vacations allowed by the rules that Captain Walker (who was a lawyer) be permitted to take the time required by the sessions of the several courts beyond the usual vacations. It was then ordered that sixteen weeks' tuition should be considered as completing a session of the school. Prior to February 27th, 1824, the Seminary building had been used by any religious denomination desiring to hold services. Upon one occasion, it is said that the door of the building was unintentionally locked again'st a certain congregation which had assembled for worship. Captain Daniel McBride, a Christian man and at one time a trustee, seeing this, applied the heel of his unqualified brogan, and without the use q^ magical words, bolts, hasps and fastenings flew in every direction. The parson at the head of his flock immediately entered, and in a few moments was feeding his lambs upon such spiritual food as he was able to^'command from his limited acquaintance with the holy book. Without pretending to know positively, it may be inferred, however, that from this proceeding emanated the following :

'' Resolved y That after the first of April next, religious societies of any kind be prohibited from holding their meetings in the Academy without the consent of the Board of Trustees.

''That Captain Smith, Captain F. E. Walker, James Alves and Robert Speed be appointed a committee to have the door of the Seminary thoroughly repaired, a good lock put on it, and such other repairs made as to them may seem necessary and practicable."

Captain Walker gave up the school at the end of his first year and from that time there was never another teacher employed by the Trustees. August 21st, 1824, Rev. Azra Lee was granted the use of the Academy for a short time. February 19th, 1825, the Board turned over to James Hillyerthe globes and tables in part payment of a debt due him. A committee was then appointed to settle all outstanding claims against the Board.

On the twenty-fifth of February, 1826, the Academy was let free for one year to George Gayle, provided he would organize a school. Mr. Gayle taught for three years, when the building was let to a Mr. Endicott On the twenty-second day of October, 1838, Edmund L. Starling, William Rankin, Daniel H. Deacon, Wyatt H. Ingram, John G. Holloway and Thos. Towles, Jr., were appointed Trustees. A number of land warrants, calling for hundreds of acres of land had been located in Hopkins County and no attention whatever had been given this liberal donation from the State. The new Trustees above named, took the matter in hand and appointed Thomas Towles, Jr., a committee to make provisional arrangement with Ambrose G. Gordon to preserve the lands belonging to the Seminary and lying in Hopkins County.

On the twenty-fifth day of February, 1839, Robert Speed was appointed to superintend the Seminary lands, with authority to sell at the best price, taking care to sell in such quantities and such shape as would leave no refuse lands, and at the same time bring the best price. On the twentieth day of November, 1839, Ambrose G. Gordon was appointed in place of Speed with the same instructions.

July 18th, 1840, John McCullagh was permitted to take possession of the Seminary building as the tenant of the Board. He occupied it for three years. July 12th, 1843, the Board took possession of the building and directed a committee to examine the same and report any necessary repairs, and to devise a plan for the reorganization of the Academy. Edmund H. Hopkins, from the committee reported a plan which was tabled by a large majority and that was the last of the Academy.

From June, 1814, to July, 1843, the Trustees, without the hope of pecuniary fee, managed this property, keeping a good school and frequently paying out of their own pockets amounts necessary to keep it from surrendering to the inevitable fate of all institutions without money. A large majority of our oldest citizens were educated at the old Seminary, and very many yet considered young men learned the primary branches in that school.

A debt of gratitude is due to those old men, who toiled and selfsacrificed for the good of the youths of the town and surrounding country, which can never be paid, for they ha^^e gone never to return. No school was taught after the reign of Mr. McCullagh, at least so far as the Trustees were concerned. The record of the school was a high one, and perhaps no institution was ever better managed or more closely guarded in all of its important points.

On the eleventh day of June, 1853, the Trustees leased the Seminary lot to D. R. Burbank for $15 per annum. June 10th, 1854, the power of attorney given Ambrose Gordon, of Hopkins County, was revoked and Henry J. Eastin appointed agent of the Board, with power to investigate the landed interest, but more especially the coal interest in Hopkins County, and to settle with Mr. Gordon for lands sold by him. From this time on to 1868 the Board of Trustees were as vigilant as possible, yet with all their watchfulness land sharks and timber thieves continued to annoy them. A large number of acres had been sold, and in many instances to worthless parties. Suits had to be instituted and the lands reclaimed. The expense of this litigation and the expense of an agent and surveyor continually watching squatters and unscrupulous settlers, was necessarily heavy, and not until after the war were the lands considered valuable.

On the tenth of April, 1868, William Rankin, former Treasurer of the Board, tendered his report of moneys and notes on hand. The following is a copy :

Mr. Rankin was succeeded in 1868 by Hon. Henry F. Turner, and on the twenty-first day of January, 1871, he, as Treasurer, tendered the following report :

On the fifteenth day of March, 1869, the Henderson High School was incorporated, and on the same day an act to organize and establish a system of public schools in Henderson was passed. Section fifteen of the act, so far as the same refers to the Henderson Academy is here given :

" The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Henderson shall provide the funds for building the school houses and paying all expenses of said public schools, and for that purpose an act entitled an act to establish an ' Academy ' in the town of Henderson, in Henderson County, and the several acts amendatory thereof be and they are hereby repealed, and that all the property, money, rights and credits of the said Henderson Academy be and they are hereby vested in the Board of Trustees created by this act, and the said Board of Trustees are authorized to sell and convey all the real estate and interest therein thus transferred to them and apply the proceeds thereof, and also any money or credits now held by said academy or belonging to it. and any money otherwise provided by this act to the erection of school houses in the City of Henderson."

In obedience to this act, on the twenty-first day of January, 1871 the Treasurer was directed to pay over to the Trustees of the Henderson High School all of the money and notes held by him as Treasurer of the Academy.

The Trustees of the Henderson Public Schools, proceeding under this act, were prompt in demanding of the Trustees of the Henderson Seminary the funds and lands held by them. The demand was as promptly rejected. Suit was then instituted for the property, and in the due course of time, after much litigation, the same was compromised to the satisfaction of all parties concerned. Since that time the property has been controlled by the Board of Trustees of the Henderson High School, composed of the Trustees of the Henderson Public Schools and three members appointed by the County Court.

Of late years all of the Hopkins lands have been sold, and recently the lot on the corner of Fourth and Elm Streets in the city, was disposed of at a good round sum. The fund now in the hands of R. E. Cook, Treasurer of the High School Board, amounts to twentytwo thousand and five hundred dollars. Nineteen thousand invested in bonds and three thousand five hundred held in notes of the Ohio Valley Railway Company. Thus it will be seen that after a period of nearly seventy-five years of vexation of spirit, the original trustees and their successors in office have succeeded in saving a handsome school fund, which land pirates and other genteel robbers spent years in trying to get their iron grasp upon. As it is, many hundred acres of land were lost, but to the fidelity of the old trustees all honor is due for securing what is left.

Henderson High School

Thus it will be seen that out of the old Henderson Academy came the present high school, and that the property originally held by the Trustees of the old academy is now held by the high school board. On the fifteenth day of March, 1869, the high school was chartered and on the first day of May, 1873, the following named met and organized as the Board of Trustees : E. L. Starling, Jr., President ; S. B. Vance, G. M. Priest, Dr. P. Thompson, John Reichert, C. Bailey, John B. Hart and Jacob F. Mayer, Trustees on behalf of the city ; Larkin White, Henry F. Turner and George W. McClure on the part of the county. The county is equally interested with the city in this school.

This magnificent institution has proven a great blessing to the youth of the city and county. Its educational advantages are of the highest order and terms very reasonable. In fact, so much so no young man or woman need go without a first-class education. There are two competent teachers employed, a principal and assistant, under |.he supervision and control of the Superintendent of the public school.

The Public School

On the first day of June, 1869, an act was passed, incorporating the Henderson Public School, and authorizing by a majority vote of the citizens, the issue of fifty thousand dollars of city bonds for the purpose of erecting a suitable building for school purposes. As soon thereafter as possible, an election was ordered and the act submitted to the people for their ratification or rejection.

The desire on the part of the people for greater and more liberal education of the youth had become widespread and almost unanimous, consequently the act was ratified by a large majority vote. The Council thereupon met and directed the issuing of the city bonds to the amount of $50,000, and the following Board of Trustees were elected : A. H. Talbott, Jacob Held, L. H. Lyne, J. F. Mayer, James F. Clay, Dr. P. Thompson, John B. Hart and P. B. Matthews ; E. L. Starling, President ex officio. On the fifteenth day of June, 1869, the bonds were issued and were soon after sold at par. On the ninth day of July, 1869, the Board purchased of John W. Alves 158x300 feet of ground on the corner of Elm and Green Streets, paying him therefor the sum of six thousand six hundred dollars cash. A, H. Talbott, a member of the Board, was sent to Louisville to investigate and secure a plan and specifications for a suitable school building. He contracted with A. H. Clark, an architect of prominence, and soon thereafter the plan was adopted by the Board and the building commenced. In 1870 the handsome and commodious building now standing on the corner of Green and Center Streets was completed, and the first school opened in September of that year. ,

This building is a three-story brick with basement. It contains fourteen large rooms, with an assembly room of double size. It is supplied with the latest and most improved furniture, slate black boards, etc. There are thirteen teachers connected with the public schools, and two with the high school. The rooms are graded and presided over by excellent teachers. The children of the city are educated free of charge, while non-resident pupils are taxed a small tuition fee. The attendance is large, every room being well filled. This school is justly regarded as one of the best of its class in the State - a fine education is offered to any and every child who will receive it. Prof. Maurice Kirby, now principal of the Louisville Mail High School, was elected first Superintendent and Miss Lydia Hampton, now principal of the Hampton Female College, Louisville, prin cipal of the high school. The corps of teachers employed were mostly trained in the finest schools of the country, and from that beginning the school took, and has maintained a high rank among the educational institutions of the State. ^^

Before another history of Henderson is written, we shall have, perhaps, another public school and high school building surpassing the splendid structure, now the pride of the city. Prof. Edward Clark, the present superintendent, is a gentleman of superior learning, a teacher of ability and a man of most excellent executive judgment, and very .popular with both teachers and pupils. On the sixth day of May, 1878, the Trustees of the German school, then being taught in their school building on corner Third and Ingram Streets, donated the entire property to the public school and closed their school.

Henderson Female Seminary

Following in the footsteps of her distinguished father, Rev. John McCullagh, who taught in Henderson for many years, and to whom a majority of the young men of the town, at that time, owe their educatian, Miss McCullagh conceived the idea, in 1879, of establishing upon a permanent basis a first-class female seminary - a seminary from which young ladies could be graduated with the highest honor, and enter society fully equipped for its severest tests. To this end, therefore, she applied for, and was granted by the Legislature of itentucky, on the twenty-seventh day of February, 1880, a charter, liberal in its provisions, and confering upon her all the right given any of the colleges of the State. Under this charter Miss McCullagh was recognized as principal of the seminary, and the following named gentlemen appointed directors : Hon. H. F. Turner, James R. Barrett, Dr. W. M. Hanna, Colonel A. S. Winstead, Hon. John Young Brown, Thomas Soaper, Ben. C. Redford, David Clark and James S Alves. With this Board of Directors, composed as it was of the very best material to be found in the community, and Miss McCullagh as principal, the seminary could not be expected to prove less than a splendid success, and such it has been from its commencement. The school has been largely patronized by the best people of the city, the number of pupils last term aggregating in English and the languages seventy-six. In vocal and instrumental music fifty-six, and in drawing and painting nine.

Commencing with 1880, Miss McCullagh has graduated annually from two to eight young ladies. Her commencement exercises have proven of the highest and most interesting order, and her examinations have given the utmost satisfaction to patrons and friends of the seminary. While the intermediate and higher branches are thoroughly taught, the primary department is made a special feat«re of the school. Music is made an essential feature, and both vocal and instrumental instruction is given by the best of teachers. There is no school in Kentucky more deserving, and there is no school in the State better equipped in its every department for educational work. The school building is a large and commodious one, supplied with all of the necessary furniture and apparatus necessary to the comfort and pleasure of the students. One year ago Miss McCullagh transferred the principalship of the seminary to Miss S. E. Steele and Prof. J. M. Bach, both thoroughly competent and capable of keeping the school up to its past high standing. There are eight teachers in the school. Miss Steele presides in the department including Latin, mathematics, and higher English, Rev. J. M. Phillips, D. D., mental and moral philosophy and rhetoric ; Mrs. J. M. Bach, elocution ; Mrs. Fanny P. McCullagh, penmanship and preparatory studies ; Madame Fauche Scott, French and German ; Prof. J. M. Bach piano, organ and theory ; Mrs. Henrietta Stoltz Bach, art of singing, piano, history of music; Mrs, M, S. Vigus, art studies, drawing and painting.

Home School For Girls

Two years ago this school was organized by Miss Mary Stewart Bunch, principal, and in June Jast closed its second annual term. During the session of the Legislature of 1876, '77, a most liberal charter was granted the Home School for girls. Its diplomas rank with any institution of learning in the State, and those desiring to fit themselves for teachers will find in its provisions special advantages. The principal, Miss Bunch, is a highly educated lady, and one who has had large experience in the art of teaching and training the young. Her school is divided into three departments, primary, intermediate and collegiate. Every study is taught necessary to the graduating of accomplished and cultured ladies. Miss Bunch is assisted by Miss Adrienne Blackwell, who has charge of Latin classes, Madame Fauche Scott, French and German; Miss Mary L. Withers, instrumental music ; Mrs. Mary E. Vigus, the art of drawing, painting, designing, decorative and industrial art, wood carving, etc. This school is largely patronized, and at its First Annual Commencement held last June, graduated four young ladies with the highest honors.

School For Boys

At the instance of several parents who were anxious that their sons should be thoroughly educated. Prof. J. Lewis Cobb, of Augusta, Kentucky, an instructor, not alone of local, but of State, reputation, came to Henderson two years ago and established a school upon a higher and more satisfactory basis than had ever been the case before. He is a thorough diciplinarian and holds his school under most excellent control. His large experience in teaching fits him eminently for the position, and as a matter of fact his compliment of students is easily kept up to its fullest number.

In addition to the schools mentioned, there are several others : Miss Sue. S. Towles presides over a flourishing school for the young, Mrs. A. T. Lewis rejoices in a large patronage. Miss Lizzie Jones will open a school this fall.

The Catholic School Public Schools For Colored Children

"Be it ordained by the Common Council of the City of Henderson, that the following named residents of the City of Henderson, Dr. Pinkney Thompson, H. S. Park, A. F. Parker. Jacob "Held, Jr., and Y. E. Allison, be and they are hereby appointed Trustees of the public school for colored children in the ^ity of Henderson, established by an act of the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, entitled an act to establish a public school tor colored children in the City of Henderson, approved March loth, 1S71, Said Trustees to hold their office for two years and until their successors are qualified."

wit : Jacob Held, Dr. Pinkney Thompson, H. S. Park and Y. E. Allison, met at the dwelling house of Jacob Held, in the City of Henderson, and took the oath required by law and the constitution as such Trustees ; which oath was administered by E. L. Starling, Mayor of said city. Whereupon they organized by unanimously electing Jacob Held President and Y. E. Allison permanent Secretary.

The Trustees purchased a lot at the corner of First and Alves Streets, 75x200 feet, and had erected thereon a frame building with two rooms, each 80x30 feet. The school was opened September 2d, 1872, with Professor Sam'l Harris (white), superintendent and teacher, and Mrs. E. P. Thompson (colored), assistant. The latter served three months and resigned, after which the Board employed Mrs. Mary Letcher who, with Professor Harris, continued in the school to the close of the session in 1874,

After this the Board employed John K. Mason, superintendent and teacher, and Martha J. Mason, his wife, assistant, who still occupy the positions. Mason and his wife were citizens of Louisville, but had for several years been teachers in the Runkie Institute at Paducah, Kentucky.

In 1878 the City Council added another room to the school building and another teacher, Miss Virgie D. Harris, a graduate of the school, was employed as second assistant. Miss Harris held the position to the close of the session June, 1882.

The Board having made other additions to the building, the session of 1882-83 opened with four teachers, as follows : John K.Mason, superintendent and teacher; Mrs. Martha J. Mason, first assistant ; Miss Alice D. Moting, second assistant ; William H. Hall, third assistant.

This school is governed by the same rules and the same text books as are used in the public schools for white children, and its sessions are of the same length, ten months'. This school has three de partments, namely : primary, elementary and intermediate, in the latter physiology and book-keeping are taught. The attendance has steadily increased from 145 pupils in 1874 to 368 enrolled in 1882, an increase of 152.4-73 per cent.

In addition to the revenues derived from the sources authorized by the act of the Legistlaure, approved March 10th, 1871, this school receives its pro rata of the State fund for common school purposes, which, at $1.30 on each of the 588 persons of school age enrolled in 1883, amounts to $764.40.

The average cost of mamtaining this institution is about $1,300 per annum. This school has proven a blessing to the children of colored parents, as it is a credit to those who were instrumental in its organization. No bickerings or complaint has marred its peace, and at no time has a demand necessary been denied. Many of our best people have manifested an interest in its good government and blessings, and a commendable spirit of liberality has ever guided the Council in its protecting care.

Religious Church History

/^MONG the earliest settlers of this county were a number of J ^ Baptists, who erected perhaps the first house of religious worship ever known in the county. In the year 1808,* a church called " Grave Creek " was organized, taking its name from a small stream which now forms a part of the boundary line between this and Webster County. The members of this congregation or colony in the earliest days lived at a great distance apart, and for many years had no house of worship, yet they held their monthly meetings at the cabin of some one of its members. Elder John Dorris, a plain Christian worker, who lived then in what is now Hopkins County, was the first pastor of the church.

Among the earlier members were the ancestors of many families yet residing in Henderson County. There were the Jones, Thomas, Hamptons, William and Elijah King, Nathan Walden, Lazarous Powell, George Negly, Garrett Willingham and many others whose names cannot be recalled.

There were colored members of this church from the beginning and there continued to be such up to the time of freedom, when they established separate churches of their own. As an evidence of the religious enthusiasm and earnestness which guided the people in those days, many members of this church rode along by-paths, through thickets and dense forests for more than twenty miles to attend their church meetings. Here the general congregation continued, to worship until the year 1815, when a new and better church was built upon the spot where the present Grave Creek Church stands, retaining the name, although located fifteen miles away from that historic stream.

A few years after the establishment of this church a new body, consisting in part of some of its members, organized a church near Hebardsville which they named Bethel.

Most of the Baptist Churches in the county turned to old Grave Creek, as the parent stem, recognizing it as the beginning. All of the ministers of this denomination in early times, were illiterate, unlearned men, but they were enthusiastic, earnest Christian workers, and all of one book. They studied their Bibles diligently and were untiring in going from place to place preaching the Gospel as they understood it, for which they received but scanty remuneration.

The good these pious old teachers did among the rude and uncultured settlers was very apparent, and but for their influence it is quite probable the country would have gone back into that wild and uncivilized condition in which it was found. Within twenty five years from the organization of the first congregation, several new churches were formed and the denomination, in its increase, kept step with the increase of the population. It had its seasons of revival and decline, with nothing remarkable in its history until 1830 and 1834.

In the early history of this church, the missionary cause was not heard of ; neither had Alexander Campbell become famous. About 'the year 1830 the friends of foreign missions began to urge their claims upon the attentions of the Baptists of Western Kentucky, and about the same time, many members of the churches had begun to adopt the views embraced by Alexander Campbell. The Henderson County churches were then profoundly agitated on the missionary question and concerning the doctrine taught by Mr. Campbell, and as the result of his teaching, the Baptist denomination lost many of its members. In 1834 the Anti-Missionary party had a majority in the Highland Association, of which body the churches of Henderson County formed a part. In consequence of their ill-advised course, four churches, of which Grave Creek was one, seceded from the body and formed an association among themselves known as " Little Bethel." Since that time the Missionary body has greatly increased, while the Anti-Missionary have scarcely an existence.

Among the seceding ministers were William Hatchitt, F. L. Garrett and Richard Jones; of Henderson County, and Wm. Morrison, of Union County.

Mr. Hatchitt was the father of Mr. Jas. D. Hatchitt and Rev. A. Hatchitt and grandfather of the late Sheriff, Wm. Hatchitt, all gentlemen greatly esteemed for their business and social worth. He was also for many, years pastor of Grave Creek Church and was beloved by his flock and all who knew him for his kindness of heart, amiability of character, soundness of mind and inflexible firmness in the discharge of his everyday duty.

There are now in the county nine white Baptist Churches, with a membership of more than fifteen hundred. There are also five or six colored churches in the county, nearly if not fully equal to the whites in point of membership. The General Baptist and Arminian Open Communion denomination have one church in the county.

First Baptist Church

The history of this church dates back to the year 1839. It originated in a remarkably successful revival meeting conducted by Rev. J. L. Burroughs, D. D., now of Norfolk, Va., in the old Union Meeting House, which was located in what is now the City Park. Before this meeting there were only three or four persons of the Baptist faith living in the town, one of whom, the wife of Mr. Jas. W. Clay, afterwards became a pillar of the church. She lived to an extremely advanced age and was the last of the group of constituent members in the organization of the body that passed away. Soon after the meeting referred to, the old house was condemned as unsafe and the organization was effected in the home of Mr. Fountain Cun ningham. W. H. Cunningham and John C. Cheaney were the first deacons of the new organization and Elder N. B. Wiggins was its first pastor.

Of the original members thirty-five in number, none are living except Mr. John O. Cheaney, who for a number of years has lived with a son in the State of Arkansas.

Immediately after the organization, an effort was made to build a house of worship which resulted in the erection of the first structure, located on the corner of Elm and Center Streets. For the first decade of its history, the church grew rapidly in numbers and influence, and soon became the strongest and most influential body of the town.

Wiggins' pastorate terminated at the end of three years. The records of the church fail to show who his successor was. In the year 1851, Rev. John Bryce, of Virginia, was called to the pastorate care of the church, and entered on the work. He was a man of distinguished piety, eminent ability and varied attainments. He was, when converted, a lawyer, and had been Master in Chancery for several years under Chief Justice Marshall. After entering the ministry he served as chaplain in the U. S. army during the war of 1812. He was appointed by President Tyler surveyor of Shreveport, La , and Confidential Agent of the Government during pending negotiations for the annexation of Texas. During his stay in Louisiana, he organized the Baptist Church at Shreveport and succeeded in placing it on a foundation of enduring prosperity. His pastorate in Henderson extended through a period o^ eleven years, during which time the church was united, peaceful and prosperous. He died July 26th, 1864, loved and honored by all, at the advanced age of ninety years.

During the war period Elder J. H. Spencer, A. J. Miller, D. D., and R. S. Callahan each served the church in the pastoral relation for brief periods. Elder B. T. Taylor followed in the pastorate for two years and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Talbird, D. D., who continued until March the first, 1872. His ministry was marked by that deep devotion to the interests of religion that endears a pastor to his people, and the church was greatly strengthened.

Rev. H. H. D. Straton was called to the pastorate in June, 1872, and served the church with great acceptance for two years and a half. Elder R. D. Peay was called to the pastoral care of the church April 14th, 1875, and entered on the work the 25th of that month. His administration, though characterized with great pulpit ability and much fervency, faithfulness and zeal in pastoral work, was not marked by church growth and power, owing to losses occasioned by removals and deaths. The church was weaker at the close of his pastoral work (May 1st, 1879), than at its beginning, four years previous. From this time until June the first, 1882, the church had no regular pastoral ministrations. Its pulpit was supplied occasionally by Elder R. D. Peay, who continued to reside in the city, and visiting ministers to the city. As a result, there was no growth, but rapid decline in power and life.

Elder R. S. Flemming was called to the pastorate June 1st, 1882. He continued in this relation for about one year and resigned. During the year 1883, the church was without a pastor and its services were irregular and poorly maintained. It steadily declined in numbers and ability until it was thought to be unable to sustain a pastor. In the early Spring of 1884, the Board of State Missions proffered to assist the church, and at the suggestion of the brethren of that Board, Rev. J. M. Phillips, D. D., its present efficient pastor, was called to its pastoral care. At the time Dr. Phillips assumed charge of this church, it had well nigh ceased to exist as a church organization. It was seldom opened for worship and the old building was lamentably out of repair. It had fallen from the once strongest denomination in the town to the weakest in the city, with only a few faithful members left to bear testimony to its once great strength. It had become now a Mission Church, supported in great part by the State Board of Missions. Of course, then, when Dr. Phillips came to its rescue as pastor, he recognized at a glance the great work and responsibility before him in reorganizing the congregation and bringing it from a confused and demoralized state to a church of strength and self-supporting. He applied himself with a confiding faith and diligence of purpose, few men have ever exhibited either in the ecclesiastical or secular world. His strong preaching and earnest work soon began to speak for itself, and in a short time new life was supplied, and where but a short time before all was lifelessness, now there was an activity of Christian purpose making itself felt throughout the city. How well Dr. Phillips has succeeded can be narrated in a few words. Since his arrival, three years ago, there has been raised and expended in the improvement of church property over four thousand dollars, and about two hundred and fifty persons have been received into the church. The total number of members at this time aggregates about three hundred and twenty-five, the church building one of the handsomest in the city, the Sunday school a very large one. The church is once again self-supporting. During the early Spring of 1887, the largest religious revival ever held in Henderson was conducted m this church by Revs. Weaver and Hale, of Louisville, assisted by Dr. Phillips. For weeks and weeks the building was filled to its utmost capacity at night service and over two hundred attached themselves to the congregation.

Among the number of ministers now preaching, who were ordained by this church, are : Rev. George F. Pentecost, a preacher of world-wide fame, having filled some of the most important pulpits in this country and now in charge of one of the largest churches in Brooklyn, New York ; the Rev. Wm. Harris, who preaches with great acceptance to a large church in St. Louis, Mo., and the Rev. J. H. Butler, who is pastor of a very large and important church in Covington, Ky.

Zion Baptist Church

The Zion Baptist Church was constituted October 15th, 1853, Elders John Bryce, William Hatchett and John G. Taylor, officiating. The following named persons went into the constitution : Miles H. Cooksey, Elizabeth E. Cooksey, Mary C. Cooksey (now Baskett), Zepheniah Griffin, John W. Matthews, Francina Griffin, Prudence Blackwell, Wm. E. Bennett, Sarah Bennett, Elizabeth Hatchett, Charles E. Cooksey, Ann E. Negley, Martha S. Dunn, Nancy Griffin, John Matthews, Philip Matthews, James H, Hatchett, Henry H. Farmer and Jenny, a colored woman belonging to E. T. Cheatham. Total, 19.

Rev. Isham R. Allan was elected pastor, Wm. E. Bennett and Zephenia Griffin elected deacons, and H. H. Farmer elected clerk. The third Sabbath in each month and Saturday before were agreed upon the regular meeting days of the church.

H. H. Farmer was dismissed by letter in 1857, P. D. Negley was chosen to fill his place as clerk, and he has continued to discharge the duties of that office up to the present time. The church was admitted to membership in the Little Bethel Association in 1854.

Elder Allan continued to serve the church as pastor, being called every year till 1860, when the church made the call indefinite. In 1862 Elder J. M. Dawson was chosen as pastor, but declined the call, and Elder A. Hacthett was called and accepted. He was succeeded by Elder N. Lacy in 1865. Elder J. B* Haynes, followed him in 1867.

In 1869 the church agreed to have service twice a month and fix the pastor's salary at ^400. Before the year closed the pulpit was declared vacant and Elder A. J. Miller was called in July of the same year. At the September meeting Elder Miller requested the church to call some one else as his time was all taken up. The church declined to take action in that direction, and the matter was continued. At the October meeting the church invited Elder Miller to preach for them at their November meeting, at which time they agreed to call a pastor. For some reason he did not accept the invitation, and Rev. Dr. H. Talbird preached.

In January, 1870, Elder Miller was again called and accepted and continued to serve the church as pastor till October, 1874, when he resigned to move to Missouri. Elder S. F. Thompson was called at the same meeting but he did not accept. The church then called Elder Miller in June, 1875, but he declined. Elder G. A. Coulson was called in February and accepted. The next year he resigned and moved South, and Elder R. D. Peay was called to supply. In March, 1877, Elder Miller was^^again called and he accepted. He has continued to serve the church in that relation till the present time, 1882.

The church is located in one of the best communities in the county, and has a present membership of 235, among whom are some of our most worthy citizens. M. H. Cooksey, Wm. E. Bennett, B. Tanner and Hatchett have been active financial agents in the church, which responsibility is now borne by E. T. Smith and James H. Moss. P. D. Negley, the clerk, has the best kept church record in the county.

The church occupies the handsomest church building in the county outside of Henderson, erected in 1867, and the sisters keep it nicely furnished. Dr. Miller, their present pastor, says, '* there is not a better set of women on the earth than the sisters of Zion Church." First and last the church has received into her fellowship 340 members, 247 of that number were received by baptism. The present pastor having baptized 141 of that number. The oldest candidate for baptism was Nancy Johnson, aged 68 years, the youngest being Talbird J . Miller, aged 10 years.

Christian Church

This religious body of people, known as Deciples or Christians, had its first beginning in Henderson through the preaching of Elder William Brown, in the year 1841. At that time there were but two members of the church living in the town, viz: Philip Vanbussum and his wife.

In 1844, William Steele, a silversmith and a local preacher, moved to Henderson. Subsequent to his coming, he and his wife and Philip Vanbussum and his wife organized themselves into a congregation and met for worship on the Lord's day at one of the two houses. This little, but intensely earnest congregation, struggled for nearly two years, and then from some cause became disorganized.

In 1854 Elder P. H. Morse visited Henderson and held a successful meeting, baptizing and receiving into the church sixteen additions. The church was then organized with a membership numbering twenty.

In 1854 the congregation determined to build, if possible, a house of worship which they could call their own. They knew their weakness, but holding a firm faith in their ultimate triumph they undertook the preliminary step, so important, that of raising the necessary funds to carry out the plans of the building. By industry, selfdenial and almost superhuman efforts upon the part of that good old Christian man and wife, Mr. and Mrs. Philip Vanbussum, in the following year the congregation did worship in a temple they called their own. The little house of God was built on the corner of Washington and Green Streets, and was dedicated by the lamented John F. Johnson, brother of Richard M. Johnson, Vice President of the United States, and Elder R. Ricketts.

While this was not an imposing structure in architectual design, it was nevertheless lai^ge enough for a number of years and as comfortable a building as any congregation of Christians could want.

In 1861, during the sad and terrible war between the States, this church building was taken by the Federal authorities and used as a military prison and hospital, and during that time the congregation became once more disorganized and scattered. After evacuation by the soldiery and a reasonable certainty that the war was over, the church was renovated, thoroughly cleansed and made suitable for holding services in once more.

In the year 1865, Elder George Plattenburg, a minister of great pulpit power, reorganized the congregation, getting together a membership of twenty-three. For one or two years the church flourished under the ministration of Elder Plattenburg, till his removal to Missouri. In 1869 Elder R. C. Flower accepted the pastorate and immediately held a very successful protracted meeting, adding to the membership thirty-five names.

During this time the congregation elected Henry C. Kerr and Philip Vanbussum elders, David N. Walden, John B. Mallory and Orville Collins deacons. For several years Elder Flower continued to labor with great zeal, preaching and working in the interest of the church.

In 1876 Elder J. P. Hadley was called to fill the place made vacant by the resignation of Elder Flower. He began a useful and successful ministry, but, when in the zenith of his work, was stricken with typhoid fever, from which he soon after died. At the death of Elder Hadley, Elder Carter was called by the church, but remained only a short time. He was succeeded by Elder L. H. Stine, a young minister of great energy, and one who soon made himself beloved by all Christian denominations, by his Christian and unpretentious daily walk. He remained with the church a little over a year, when he resigned and was succeeded by Elder R. C. Cave, of Hopkinsville. Elder Cave, according to agreement, preached twice a month, morning and evening. His great personal popularity as a man coupled with his brilliant pulpit oratory, attracted large congreg'ations and gave to the church a standing it had never before attained. A deep interest was awakened in many members, who, prior to that time, had become indifferent. They were aroused to the importance of the work, and apparently manifested a new and deeper confidence by buckling on the Christian's armor and going out into the broad field spread before them, laboring earnestly to build up the Master's kingdom in this community. Elder Cave preached here only a few months, when he was called to the church in Nashville, Tennessee.

January 1st, 1882, he was succeeded by Elder James C. Creel, of Glasgow, Kentucky, a great worker and preacher of power. During the ministry of Elder Creel the membership was wonderfully increased. During that time there were eighty-two accessions and the membership numbered 173. After a brief ministry of nearly two years he was succeeded by Rev. B. C. Deweese, under whose administration the congregation has steadily increased.

This congregation is now one of the strongest in the city, and gradually but surely growing still strongei. During the year 1882, this house of worship was greatly enlarged and handsomely improved. The building at this time presents a very handsome appearance, in fact is regarded by many as the handsomest front exterior in the city. It has all the modern appliances and therefore is both comfortably and conveniently arranged.

During the fall of 1886 Elder Deweese resigned the pastorate of the church and was succeeded January 1st, 1887, by Rev. William B. Taylor, of Newcastle, Ind., but a native of Kentucky. The congregation were fortunate in securing so excellent a man and preacher. Elder Taylor accompanied Rev. McGarvy, of Lexington, Ky., in his travels through the Holy Land.

The following are the officers of the church : Elders - J. D. Robards, J. F. Ruby, Henry C. Kerr, John B. Mallory, Philip Vanbussum. Deacons - A. J. Miller, Frank Hart, E. F. Robards, James H. Kerr and O. W. Rash.

The German Evangelical Church

This church was established in Henderson in the year 1871, through the efforts of Rev. C. Kranz, who was at that time Inspector of the then nearly erected Pro Seminary of the German Evangelical Institute of the West at Evansville. Rev. C. Kranz had charge of the congregation for some time, coming down from Evansville by boat, and holding services for the congregation regularly every Sunday.

In the year 1872, when Rev. Kranz removed from Evansville, the congregation was for a time without a minister ; subsequent to that time Rev. Eppens took charge of the aforesaid institute, which was now changed into a college,. Rev. Kranz induced him to take charge of the Henderson congregation. Two months after this the church elected Mr. Eppens minister, and he removed to this place. He retained charge of the church a little over two years, after which time he resigned his position and removed to Hermon, Mo. Notwithstanding this, the good work of building up the congregation was not neglected. A young minister, who had just graduated from the Seminary of Missouri, and who was just recently ordained for the ministry, was sent to take charge of this little but faithful congregation of Christians.

This divine was the Rev. H. Brenner, who from the beginningwon the confidence and esteem of the people and members of his church, and the community at large of the City of Henderson. By this time the church had become well established, but a house for worship had not yet been built. At that time, and indeed from the beginning, their meetings were held in the so-called Thompson Chapel. Dr. Pinkney Thompson and other members were kind enough to let the use of the Chapel to this little band of Christian soldiers for the term of three years. For such kindness the church acknowledges its obligation, and will ever hold them in grateful re- membrance. A necessity had now arisen of haying a church building which they could call their own; the want of a house for worship owned by the congregation was keenlf felt by the members, and a determin^ ation to that end was faithfully embraced. It was the ardent wish of the members to build right away, but, numerically speaking, they were so small the project seemed untenable ; however, in the year 1873, in the autumn, a meeting of the members was held, and the erection of a church building was proposed and resolved upon, the building to be thirty-six by fifty-six feet, but this plan was afterwards abandoned, and a resolve made to erect a house of much lar£:er size.

After the passage of this resolution to build, a committee was appointed consisting of the following gentlemen and members : Henry Kleymeier, William Brenning and Fred. Juergensmeier, to be known as a building committee. These gentlemen, as well as all of the members of the church, showed a lively interest in the building and the progress of the church. The building committee carried out the work allotted to them with much sacrifice of time, but the Lord well rewarded them for all their labor in the good cause, for they have thereby promoted his kingdom in the City of Henderson. The work of building this Christian temple was an arduous one, but in the course of time, enough money had been raised to authorize a beginning and the contract for the house according to the plan and specifications furnished was let out. The work was hurried on as quickly as possible and as circumstances would admit. To-day this church building, a splendid brick, with its tall slender steeple points to Heaven and stands as an ornament of God's blessings and man sacrificing, indefatigable labor. It is located on the corner of Ingram and First Streets, and is now a beautiful home for these God-serving people.

On the fourteenth day of December,1873, the church was dedicated. It was a beautiful clear day, the sun, the great ruler of lights, arose that morning in all of his splendor, although during the whole of the previous week it had rained continuously. The day was a joyful and blessed one for this congregation. There were many guests and friends from Evansville, numbering, perhaps, as many as three hundred, and at morning service not more than half of those in attendance were able to gain admission within its sacred walls. The act of dedicating was performed by the pastor of the church, Rev. H. Brenner, assisted by Rev. Chris. Schenk, of Evansville, who preached the dedicatory sermon, choosing as his text "The Serving Martha." After the morning service a sumptuous dinner was served in the City Hall on Main Street, American and German ladies serving in the good work of hos- pitality. To this dinner all of the guests from Evansville as well as the home congregation were invited. The ladies of the church were especially active in preparing the feast, and then in contributing to the comfort and enjoyment of all who honored the hall with their presence. At the afternoon service, Rev. D. O. Davies, of the Presbyterian Church, this city, preached a sermon in English, and was

Posey County, Indiana. At the evening service Rev. Chris. Schenk, Jr., and the Rev. J. M. Pringle, of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, this city, addressed the congregation, the latter in the English language. The Rev. Chris. Schenk closed the services of the day in a few well chosen remarks gratifying to the congregation. The choir of the Zion Church of Evansville, led by Mr. Victor Wattle, and the choir of St. Paul Episcopal Church of this city, led by that cultured and popular gentleman, Prof. C. F. Artis, served an important part in the dedicatory services of the day.

In the year 1878, the Rev. H. Brenner was called away from the good work he had been instrumental in bringing to such a happy actuality, and accepting a call to the church in Chattanooga, Tennes.^ee. Before leaving, however, the Rev. C. Mueller was called to the Henderson church and installed by him as his successor, and under his spiritual guidance the building up of the church was continued. Rev. Mr. Mueller remained in charge of the church about two years, when he accepted a call to the church in Newport, Kentucky. Once again the little, but struggling flock was left without a shepherd. For a time the Rev. A. Michel, then residing in Princeton, Indiana, came to Henderson, preaching for the congregation once in every two or three weeks. After many fruitless efforts of the President of the Second District of the Synod, urged by the congregation here, the Rev. C H. Viehe, M. D., formerly of Freelandsville, Indiana, was called and accepted the pastorate of the church, and was installed on the eighth day of May, 1881, by the late Chris. Schenk, of Evansville, Indiana. Since his residence and patient labor, assisted by the working laity, many improvements have been made to the church property, and a large number added to the communicant list. At present about thirty families of our German population take a warm active interest in the church, and are connected by membership. The attendance at regular services are generally large and devout, manifesting a religious zeal, which has been a prominent shining characteristic of the church since its little beginning, only a few years ago.

Under the ministration of Dr. Viehe, the church has e^rown and is now one of the largest congregations in the city. The Doctor is a mnn of comprehertsive views and an actice worker, and so far as our limited knowledge extends, greatly beloved by his flock.

The Methodist Church

Was pioneer in Henderson County. As far back as 1805 the records are distinct. In that year there was a small Methodist society found in what is now the City of Henderson. They worshiped in a brick church, which was situated oh the present vacant lot (Public Square) just south of the Court House, and was used as a Union Church.

The Rev. Thomas Taylor was the first Methodist preacher of whom any record can be had as connected with the church in Henderson. The work was then called Red Bank Circuit.

J. D. Bennett, who is now living, and a member of the Louisville Conference, was the pastor in 1835-6. A. L. Alderson was the preacher. x\bout this time the name was changed to that of Henderson Circuit ; it was in the Paris District Tennessee Conference. Mr. Aiderson was succeeded by the Rev. Joseph P. Stanfield in 1837-8. Mr. Stanfield was very successful as a revivalist and a large number of souls were converted under his ministry. He was followed by the Rev. Robert Gardner, and the membership at this time did not exceed 20 or 30. It was during his pastorate that the first great revival in Henderson is to be recorded. It is worthy of remark that while Mr. Gardner was the pastor, this revival was the result of the joint labors of the sweet-spirited Edwin Roberts and the preacher in charge.

In 1839 another revival followed of still larger proportions than the one in 1838. It was during this meeting that the Rev. W. H. Sandefur (" Uncle Billy," as we call him) was connected with the church. He is now superannuated, but was for many years an active and very useful local preacher. He is still living, but is unable to preach on account of age and feebleness. His name stands on the Quarterly Conference Journal as a local elder.

In 1840 we find the Methodists worshiping in a little frame church which stood right where the First Colored Baptist Church now stands, and was built during this year, and was the result doubtless of the revivals that preceded it.

Henderson was made a station in 1842, with Richard D, Neale as presiding elder and James J. Ferree as preacher in charge. The first Quarterly Conference for the Henderson station was held December 10th, 1842. It was then in the Hardensburg District, Kentucky Conference.

This year the Register shows the following list of official members : Trustees - Thomas Evans, Sr., Wm. B. Rudy, James H. Rudy, Daniel Rudy, James C. Hicks, Stephen R. Wilson, Elias Barnard, Charles T. Sandefur, Jacob N. Miller.

On November 13th, 1842, there were just thirty-seven members and eleven probationers on the roll. There is an item of interest recorded in the minutes of the Quarterly Conference, which met tenth of December.

Good Old Days Of Yore

But times have changed. A pair of boots now would cost more than the whole amount collected during that quirter. This conference year there were twenty-six infants baptised, and among the number we note the names of W. S. Thomas Jefferson and Adam Rankin Johnson and John Jordan Holloway.

The Quarterly Conferences were short, since it only required about one finger's length to record all the minutes, and only two questions were asked, viz: First - Are there any complaints or appeals ? Second - Where and when shall the next quarterly meeting be held ?

During the early part of 1843 Zion was attached to the Hender son station. No mention of Sunday schools is made until February 17th, 1844, when we have the following note in the Pastors Report, under the head of Sabbath Schools : " One formed with near forty scholars." It is a fact, however, that there was a Sunday school that met in the Court House and was in a flourishing condition several years previous to this one. In 1843 '44, Richard Tydings was P. E. and J. J. Ferree, Pastor.

In 1844 '45, Rev. N. B. Lewis, father of Rev. J. W. Lewis, the present Pastor, was Presiding Elder, and Rev. J. M. Cook ' was Pastor. He was a supply not yet in the Conference. This record occurs in the minutes of the last quarterly conference for that year, which met June 21st, 1845''46, the voice of the conference was taken upon division (of the church). They voted in favor of the South. That year the P. E. received $45 and the Pastor, $48.56. The charge at this time was in the Morganfield church and being on the border, they were allowed to vote as to whether they would adhere to the Church North or South. Hence the vote above referred to.

In 1845, '46, Rev. N. H. Lee was Presiding Elder and Rev. F. M. English, Pastor. In 1846 '47, N. H. Lee was Presiding Elder, and Abram Long, Pastor. Along here the records are very meager. In 1847, '48, Rev. A. H. Redford was Presiding Elder and Rev. W, Alexander, Pastor.

The lot on which the present church stands, was bonght of Mr. Geo. Atkinson for $1,500 in 1850, and the lot where the Colored Baptist Church now stands, was sold for $900. The subscriptions to build the present church were secured largely in the second year of Rev. G. H. Hayes' term as Pastor, in 1855.

The first story was built under the administration of Rev. J. A. Henderson, in 1856. Here it stood for some time for want of funds to finish. During the term of J. J. Talbott, in 1859, the building was completed in its present form.

The Methodist Church now has, within the city limits, one church and parsonage, recently purchased, and one District parsonage, all of which property aggregates about $15,000 in value. There are two hundred and twenty-five members and one hundred and forty Sunday school scholars. A good library belongs to the Sunday School. It is now in a more flourishing condition than ever before, so far as I can gather from the history, which I have carefully read.

One fact deserves special mention : from the time this work became a station, in 1842, it has remained a station uninterruptedly to the present day.

P. E. And P. C.

The existence of the Second Presbyterian Church of Henderson, is an apt illustration that we should not " despise the day of small things," and an encouragement to those who labor earnestly and faithfully in the Master's vineyard that " in due time they shall reap if they faint not."

Planted in faith, and nurtured by the prayers of God's people, the spreading branches of this vine, so humble in its beginning, has borne, and is bearing, precious fruit, that should fill the heart of every Christian with devout thankfulness and gratitude to Him who " alone o:iveth the increase."

To Dr. Pinkney Thompson, the mo^t indefatigable worker and the most liberal contributor, the success of the enterprise is largely due, and the labors of the little band who, with Dr. Thompson, through long years of patient seed sowing worked and waited, should be held in lasting remembrance.

The question of establishing a Mission School in the southeastern part of the city, for the purpose especially of gathering the poorer classes of children who did not attend Sabbath School elsewhere, had been frequently discussed among the officers of the Presbyterian Church, until in 1868 it was determined to make an effort in that direction.

A most eligibly located lot, situated on the corner of Washington and Alvasia streets, was purchased at a cost of $1,000, and a plain, substantial frame house erected on it at a cost of nearly $1,000. Almost the whole of this expense was borne by a few persons, and that their children may know and emulate their go6d deeds, the names of those who so liberally responded to the call are given, viz.: Mrs. R.

In November, 1868, the building having been completed, was dedicated. The venerable Sunday School Missionary, Rev. John Mc- Cullough, was present and took part in the exercises, and at the close of his inimitable address he named the building " Thompson Chapel," in recognition of Dr. Thompson's very valuable services in bringing the matter to so successful an issue.

The Sabbath School was duly organized, with Dr. Thompson as Superintendent, and W. H. Noaks, Librarian. Of those, who during sixteen vears labored in maintainins: and carrvins: on the school, we mention the names of Misses Nannie and Alice Rankin, Mrs. Mary Barret, and her daughter. Miss Mary Barrett, Mrs. Eliza Jones, Mrs. Jennie Cissell, Miss Lucy Beverly, C. G. Henson, Posey and Willie Marshall. Many of these were tried and valued teachers in the Old School, but with the hope of doing more good they cast in their lot with the new enterprise. The expenses of running the school during this time were borne almost entirely by Dr. Thompson.

The population in the vicinity of the Mission School increased very rapidly, and the field seemed so encouraging that in 1884 the oflficers of the Presbyterian Church deemed, in the providence of God, the time had come to organize at the Mission School another church. Between 1868 and 1884 the name Thompson Chapel seems to have been dropped and the school was called the Chestnut Hill Mission School - perhaps as a more euphonious title and also in honor of a large chestnut tree which still stands near the Sunday School room.

In January, 1884, a petition signed by certain members of the Presbyterian Church was presented to the session, asking to be set apart for the purpose of organizing a church to be called the Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church of Henderson. In the afternoon of March 2d, 1884, the session having at their own request dismissed for that purpose the following members, viz.: P. Thompson, Mrs. Nannie Thompson, M. Yeaman, Mrs. Julia Yeaman, J. C. Allin, Mrs. Susan Allin Mrs. R. H. Elam, Miss Mary McCullagh, Miss Lucy Beverley, Mrs. Helen Henry, W. H. Noakes, B. W. Powell, Edward Atkinson, Mrs. Nanni^ Atkinson, Mrs. Mary Erhman, Mrs. Ella Helm, Mrs. Cornelia Hill, Miss F. A. Briggs and W. J. Marshall, Jr., who were organized into a church. Immediately after the organization the congregation met and proceeded to the election of officers. The following persons were chosen elders, viz.: P. Thompson, J. C. Allin, M. Yeaman and Edward Atkinson. W. J. Marshall, Jr., and W. H. Noakfes were elected Deacons. These officers were then ordained and installed, except that J. C. Allin having been an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Louisville, and P. Thompson, who had been an elder in the First Presbyterian Church of Henderson, were installed but not ordained.

Rev. Angus McDonald having been invited to visit the church, came to Henderson, and on April 10th, at a meeting of the congregation, he was unanimously called to be the pastor of the church. Mr. McDonald accepted the call and entered upon his work the first Sabbath of May, 1884, and was installed on June 8th. The selection of Mr. McDonald as pastor seems to have been a most fortunate one in every particular, and under his care the church has made a growth and progress rarely equalled. Soon after Mr. McDonald began his labors the congregation resolved to build a new house of worship. With them to resolve was to perform. A committee was appointed to secure means, who zealously entered upon the work, and the congregation responded with the most commendable liberality. They did not want any second class affair. The handsomest church in the City of Henderson was the measure of their ambition, and in this we are very forcibly reminded of the action of the Mother Church when they undertook to build in 1840. The work was pushed on, and at a cost of $9,000 the building was completed, and on August 9th, 1885, was dedicated by Rev. B. M. Palmer, D.D., of New Orleans, who preached an appropriate sermon from Ezekiel 47, 9 : "And everything shall live whither the river shall come."

On November 9th, 1883, at a congregational meeting held for the purpose of electing additional elders and deacons Messrs. R. A. Bradshaw and William T, Beverley were chosen elders and J. R. Dabney, W. J. Mann, H. W. Kohl and B. M. Powell deacons, who were ordained and installed on the following Sabbath.

On August 1st, 1886, Mr. Edwin Hodge was elected a deacon, having previously held the same office in the First Church. Since its organization the Second Church has received a large accession of members and it is a singular coincident that the number received the first year of Mr. McDonald's pastorate was fifty-two and during the second year exactly the same, making an average accession of one member for each Sabbath in the two years. The roll of the church now contains five elders, five deacons and one hundred and seventythree members.

The Sunday School now numbers twenty-two teachers and one hundred and seventy scholars. Last year an addition was made to the Sunday School room for the accommodation of the infant class department, of which Miss Mary McCullagh is Superintendent. The addition cost $300 and was paid for by the weekly collections of the Sunday School.

By W. J. Marshall

The writer undertakes, with no little hesitation, the preparation of this narrative, yet the task having been assigned him by the session of the church, he accepts it cheerfully, and whatever care and toil may be required in the work, will be to him "a labor of love," thankful for another opportunity of serving the church, he will count it no small honor to have his name go down to our children's children associated with her's :

It is doubtless a fact that there were many Presbyterians in this section of the country previous to the close of the last century, but if there were any organized churches of that denomination existing then, the records have been entirely lost.

No doubt the division of the Cumberland Presbytery at the beginning of the present century, which resulted in the formation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, exercised a most unfortunate influence on the spread and efficiency of Presbyterianism in this whole region.

We learn from the county records that Rev. Jas. McGready was in the county officiating at marriages as early as 1800, his presence here being, most probably, for the purpose of preaching to the scattered churches or where there was no church organization, to the scattered flock.

After the formation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, there seems to have been separate organizations, but when or by vvhom organized we have no means of finding out. From the recollection of some of our oldest members we learn that about the year 1806, "Revs. Beatty, Dunleary and Parkins came to Henderson and held meetings. About 1809, Rev. Jas. McGready, formerly of North Carolina, removed from Russellville, Ky., settled near Henderson, and, together with Father Temple, ministered for several years to this church. Mr. McGready died December 28i.h, 1815, and his funeral was preached in the log Court House of Henderson by the Rev. Mr. Scott, of Vincennes, Jnd.

In the year 1813, Rev. Wm. Gray, from Union County, came into the field and labored as an Evangelist until 1814, at which time Rev. Daniel Comfort, from Princeton, New Jersey, was called to the church, and in addition took charge of the Henderson Seminary. He remained here until about 1820, and from that date to the year 1824, Rev. Daniel Banks, of New Haven, Conn., preached as an Evangelist.

Mrs. Margaret A. Barbour, who was a daughter of Rev. James McGready and the widow of Ambrose Barbour, deeded in the year 1822, to " John Posey and Fayette Posey, Elders of the Presbyterian congregation in Henderson, Ky., in connection with the Synod of Kentucky and the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in the United States of America, for the use and benefit of the said Presbyterian Congregation one acre of ground, being lot No. 222 on the pl,at of said town and adjoining the Public Square." This is the earliest record we can find relating to the church, although it is known that for years previous to this, Captain John Posey and Major Fayette Posey had been ruling elders in the church and tradition has o-iven us also the names of John Hancock, McCombs and Heroit, also ruling elders, but who had probably died previous to the making of this deed.

From 1824 to 1840, the church was served at irregular intervals by the following ministers : Isaac Baird, R. Lapsley, two Hamiltons, Philips, John and Wm. Dickey, John Herby Lilly, Geo. McAfee and John Lyle. Through all these long years, the church seems to have made almost no progress. In the division, the bulk of the Presbyterians in this region seems to have gone over to the Cumberlands, and we are told that, at one time, the Presbyterian Church was reduced to fifteen or twenty members. The Posey brothers, their families, and a few mothers in Israel, all told, were left. But these clung to the covenant. God heard their prayers and they lived to see the church built up and extended, many of their descendants being brought into the fold.

About the year 1839, a young stranger, whom it ieems a kind providence had especially fitted and sent to accomplish a great work for the church, came to the county - unknown and poor, he made friends wherever he went, and ere long he had gained both the esteem and confidence of the whole community. I allude to Elder John McCullagh, to whom under God the church owes more for the prosperity she has since enjoyed than to any other person. For a few months he taught school in the family of Captain John Posey, who resided in the country ; then, coming to town, he took charge of a school known as the Henderson Eclectic Institute.