Ministers & Date of 1st Marriage Officiated in Lewis County
Eastham Ballinger, 1836
His father, Achilles Ballinger b 20-9-1766; d 24-8-1854; at age 84; living in the house with his dau. Elizabeth Carter, in the 1850 Census of Marion Co., Mo.
He was first a farmer in Amherst Co.,va.; then moved in 1796 to Garrard Co.,Ky; moved again in 1830 to Marion Co., Mo
Son Eastham was the 8th child and married first Levisa Smith and second Belinda Sanford
Eastham Ballinger b 5-2-1801 in Ky; d 3-2-1875; married on 15-4-1830 in Garrard Co.
Ky. to Leviticia Smith, who d about 1845; he then married Belinda Sanford, b 15-1-1802; 4 2-1-1893; he was a minister in Emerson, Marion co., Mo.
Mordicai Boulware, 1833
(1774 in Essex co., Va -1845 Marion co., Mo) married Mary (Polly) Wooldridge.
He was several years a preacher among the churches of Elkhorn Association. He was licensed to preach, in North Fork church, as early as 1813, and was ordained not long afterwards. He was one of the ministers constituting a Baptist church, elder William Hickman moderator, elder Silas M. Noel clerk; with the above ministers, James Suggett, John H. Ficklin, Mordecai Boulware, Theodoric Boulware; all those ministers agreed to give agency in the constituting of the Buck Run Church on the Forks of the Elkhorn in Franklin County, Ky in 1818. Boulware's brother Theodoric, who moved to Calloway county, Missouri, in October, 1827, wrote in his autobiography, ""My father moved to Kentucky, and settled at Craigs Station in what is now Garrard county, in 1784. We suffered much in the wilderness, from the fear of Indians, and the want of bread. For a time the settlers lived almost entirely on wild meat, without bread. In the year 1789, the inhabitants had become sufficiently numerous to defend themselves against the Indians." Mordecai Boulware was also one of the early ministers at North Fork Baptist on the north Elkhorn at Switzer.
Andrew Broddus, licensed 1836
Rev. Father Cosgrove This denomination [Catholic] has several churches in the county—at Canton, La Grange and Deer Ridge—but only one priest, Rev. Father Cosgrove, of Canton. They are all in a flourishing condition under this able man. Hist, p.193
Allen G. Galleher, Ordained Minister of the Presbyterian Church
A group of Presbyterians men procured a charter from the Missouri legislature of 1831-1832 establish Marion College and with the help of Colonel Muldrow secured a five thousand acre tract of land in Marion County, not far from Palmyra. Allen Gallaher was on the faculty as principal of the preparatory school, while the Rev. James Gallaher was professor of didactic theology and sacred eloquence. Although the effort eventually failed, a number of young men were educated and went on to share their learning. Louisa Daveiss writes from their farm in Lewis co. to her sister of the joy of attending Presbyterian services in nearby Marion co. and how "we frontier people" thought nothing of going 40 miles to attend. More on the College.
Elisha H. Grove, 1833
In 1835 he moved to Lewis County, Missouri, where the laborious self-sacrificing life work of himself and his Christian wife really began. Desiring to do the will of God towards his family and towards sinners, he labored on his little farm through the day, studied at night by the firelight, and on Sunday preached where Providence seemed to open the way. Quite a portion of this time he labored as missionary in the bounds of Bethel Association, which at that time embraced all the northeast quarter of the. state, and at other times for the General Association, through nearly all the counties north of the Missouri river, and between Illinois and Kansas. He writes: "In the winter of 1842 and '43, there was a general revival throughout the northeast part of the state. I preached to Mound Prairie Church, thirty-eight miles south of my home, and to North Wyaconda Church, sixty miles north, and at Gilead Church where my membership was. Four hundred were added by baptism that year to the churches in Northeast Missouri. I went the rounds once a month, baptizing every week. I have crossed
[p. 834]
the wide prairies, riding all day without the sight of a fire, when it was so cold that farmers were all housed. I have crossed the streams where the water would run over the back of my horse, carrying a rail on my shoulder to break the shore ice; sometimes swimming my horse, and riding all day in winter with wet clothing to meet my appointments."
Such were the sacrifices and hardships endured by our fathers in the ministry; so destitute and large also were the fields, and so few the laborers, that their temporal interests were allowed to suffer. Missionaries employed by the association had from fifty to sixty cents a day. This condition of things had reduced Bro. Haycraft to a condition of dependence. He became financially involved, and owing to the failure of crops was obliged to borrow money and pay large interest to save his home. About this time he decided to go to California in search of gold. "Some," he says, "that never gave anything towards supporting the gospel, considered it a great sin to leave the churches and go hunting gold, but I could see no other way to pay my debts."
n the spring of 1849 Mr. Haycraft started for the gold regions of California, leaving his wife and elder son to provide for the family. A five months' overland journey with ox-teams brought him to San Francisco, where he succeeded in accomplishing the object of his heart; and on the first day of April, the next spring (1850), he set sail for home by the way of the Isthmus of Panama, New Orleans and St. Louis, and arrived at La Grange in June. Of his arrival, he says: "I found myself surrounded by friends, and was brought the same evening to my home, where I found my family all well. The gratitude and thankfulness that I felt to my Heavenly Father, can better be imagined than expressed. Suffice it to say, so far as temporal matters are concerned, I paid my debts and have not been embarrassed since."
In the thirty-five years of residence in Missouri, Mr. Haycraft has constituted thirteen churches and assisted in the ordination of seventeen ministers. He has preached seventeen years to one church, about fifteen to another, and eight to another. As pay for preaching to a church sixty miles from home, he received sixteen dollars, and thirty dollars from another thirty-eight miles from home.
William Hurley, 1836
Peter P. Lefevere, Catholic Priest
Merill, Eli, 1833-
Minter, J. A.
Rev. J. A. Minter of Canton, Mo., died at the Baptist hospital at St. Louis, Mo., Friday, April 16th, and was brought to Canton where he was buried Monday afternoon.
Rev. Minter was born In the state of Virginia, November 29, 1835. He was the youngest son of the Rev. Silas Minter, a Primitive Baptist minister. He was married to Miss Eliza Zigler of Henry county, Va., March 8th, 1856. There being no children born to this union two girls were reared by them. Mrs. Georgia Scott of Quincy, and Mrs. Julia Stone, wife of Rev. Achamond Stone of Aurora, Mo. Mrs Stone was adopted by them when a little girl. Her brother, William K. Shumaker, also made his home with them and was educated by them. Mrs. Minter died in September 1892. Rev. Minter was married to Miss Mildred B. Buford of LaBelle in October 1893. She survives him, having ministered faithfully and lovingly to him through all of his illness and suffering.
Rev. Minter was active in the Civil war having served in the capacity of colonel in the Confederate army. After the war he lived for a time in Memphis, Tenn., where he was engaged in business. He came to Lewis county a few years later and was converted and united with the Lewistown Baptist church in Nov. 1871, His work in the ministry was confined chiefly to Northeast Missouri and to Wyaconda Association. He served as Misslonary of Pleasant Grove and North Missouri Associations. He preached as pastor of twenty-five different churches, one of which (Shiloh) he served continuously for more than a quarter of a century. He also served as trustee and financial agent of LaGrange college for a time. According to the record kept by him, about 1,100 people were added to the church through his ministry. He was a man of a very strong personality, a simple gospel preacher, loyal to his convictions and fearless in the expression of them. He will be greatly missed by Baptist people of Northeast Missouri, for he was a leader among them.
A host of friends, among them many ministers, attended the funeral which was conducted at the Baptist church Monday afternoon by the Pastor of the church, assisted by Dr. A. S. Ingman and Rev. W A Crouch of LaGrange.
CLIPPED FROM
The Canton Press ![]()
Canton, Missouri
23 Apr 1909, Fri, Page 2
Rev. Shoats and Elder John Shanks, of Lewis, both of the Christian denomination, preached in this county at different
periods, prior to its organization. Knox co, Hist. p 584
Rev. Still, a Methodist circuit rider, held services in Edina, in 1840. Hist. p 584
Jeremiah Taylor, 1833
Denominations:
Baptists. 188-184
The first preachers of the Baptist denomination in Lewis County were Eli Merrill, Mordecai Boulware, Jeremiah Taylor, John Taylor and William Fuqua, all of whom lived in Marion, and visited the settlements here between the years 1829 and 1835, and held services at private houses.
In 1835 Rev. James M. Lillard came to the county, and was perhaps the first resident minister of his church, although Rev.Hay craft, of Highland Township, located here at an early Missouri. He has organized a score of churches, and performed the rites of baptism for more than a thousand persons. He is jet living, and it may fairly be said that he is still in service.
Wyaconda .—This church was organized in 1831,* with Rev. Jeremiah Taylor as pastor. The original members were Robert Sinclair and wife, James Thomas and wife, Newbold Cannon and wife, Mrs. Crooks, Mrs. Cannon, Justinian Mills and wife, Mrs. Hunsicker and Mrs. Oder. The first building was of log, but has been replaced with a commodious brick, 40x60 feet, costing $2,200. The church is situated two and a half miles west of Canton, in Canton Township. When finished it was dedicated by the Rev. James M. Lillard. The pastors serving the church have been the Revs. Eli Merrill, “ Billy” Fuqua, James M. Lillard, James M. Holt and Col. John Winter.
Gilead .—The Rev. Jeremiah Taylor organized the Baptist Church at Gilead, Highland Township, in the month of May, 1833. The first members enrolled were Mrs. Briscoe, Mrs. Combs, Mrs. Shepherd, Walter Briscoe and wife, Stephen Briscoe and wife, Mrs. Bourne and Mrs. Hayden. As usual in that early day, the building was of logs, but as the country developed old things passed away, and a brick building is now seen where the old log church stood. Rev. Jeremiah Taylor not only organized but dedicated the church as well. Its subsequent pastors have been Revs. James M. Lillard, Neville Hay craft, John W. Rowe and James M. Holt.
Dover .—This church was organized in 1834, with the following members: George Neal, James M. Lillard, David Lillard, and their wives; Mrs. Nancy Cox, Mrs. Elizabeth Lancaster, and Austin Morris and wife. Rev. James M. Lillard was the pastor, and the first services were held in a log schoolhouse. The present building is a brick situated at the same place in
Union Township. It was dedicated by Mr. Lillard, and he has continued as its pastor to the present day.
La Grange .—The First Baptist Church of La Grange was organized in April, 1845, by Elders J. M. Lillard and P. N. Haycraft. There were nine original members, the church now num-
*One account says Wyaconda Church was organized in 1842, Gilead in 1843, and Dover in 1844. numbering 176. Its pastors have been Revs. P. N. Hay craft, J. M. Holt, M. M. Modisett, I. N. Denton, J. F. Cook, E. H. Sawyer, _. B. Ray, J. P. Green, I. R. M. Beeson, J. B. Starke, G. A. Crouch, J. B. Weber and D. T. Morrill. In 1887 a new building costing $4,000 was erected on Lot 1, Block 87.
South Fork .—This church was organized in the fall of 1843. The original members were Walter Emery, Elizabeth Emery,Benjamin Veers, Malinda Veers and Jackson Thompson. In October of the same year C. A. Maddox, Joshua S. Hobbs, Diana Thompson and L. G. Hatcher became members. Jackson Thompson was the first deacon, and J. S. Hobbs the first regular clerk. The first building, a log structure, was commenced in 1848, though not fully completed till April, 1849. T, P. House gave five acres of land on which to build it. The pastors serving this church were Revs. Jeptha S. Smith, from its organization to 1846; P. N. Haycraft, to 1848; J. S. Hobbs, to 1849; John W. Rowe to 1857, J. M. Holt to disorganization * of the church in 1867. The church was used by all denominations, Bishop Marvin preaching there in 1848. In 1860 a new brick church was built, but on the disorganization in 1867 was deserted, and the building is now in ruins in the midst of a dense forest. The graveyard was regularly laid out in 1855, but there were some burials prior to that time.
Providence .—Elders J. W. Rowe and C. V. Mattox organized the Providence Baptist Church January 22, 1848. The following persons were members: J. W., Louisa, and Dulcina Rowe; J. V. and Louisa Lillard; Jesse, Agnes and Catherine Ford; Robin, Nancy, Ninion, Simon, Mary and Louisa Ann Nichols; William, John and Sophia Fee; Jesse and Elizabeth Moore; David Hamilton and Martha Legg. The first building was of logs; it was erected by the farmers belonging to the church in 1852,and with such tools as they could readily obtain. No mechanic was employed except to make the windows and doors. Its cost was about $250. The present building stands on Section 23, Township 63, Range 8, one and one-half miles east of Williamstown, and was erected in 1867 at a cost of $1,775. The pastors have been Elders J. W. Rowe, James M. Holt, T. J. Musgrove, G. H. Lil¬ lard, R. V. L. Wayland, A. S. Ingman and W. D. Cave. The church has always been a very active one, and within the last three years has increased very rapidly in numbers and strength. It contributes over $300 annually for the support of the ministry and other church purposes. Its membership now numbers 202, and supports a flourishing Sunday-school of about sixty members, with James L. Fretwell, superintendent.
La Belle .—The First Baptist Church of this place was originally situated two miles northwest of LaBelle, and named Mount Pleasant. The building was a frame, erected in 1867 and costing $1,200. The church organization took place in September, 1856, with Elder J. W. Kowe, as pastor, and the following members: Jacob, Mary A. and Jane Zinn; John, Margaret M. and J. W. Stephens; John W. Allen; Benjamin C., Harriet, John T., Lydia M., Rebecca and James Lewis; L. W., and L. A. Harbison; Maria J. Bourne, Nancy Sanders, John and Sarah Briscoe, and W. and M. Burkhart. In 1883 the church, as a body, moved to La Belle and built its present house of worship, a frame, costing $2,500, which was dedicated in October of the same year. Rev. J. F. Cook, LL.D., preaching the sermon. The pastors have been the Revs. John W. Rowe, R. D. Truman, James M. Holt, D. T. Pulliam and W. D. Cave.
Monticello Baptist Church was organized December 5, 1863, by Rev. J. M. Holt. The first members were J. B. Parthenia, Cleopatra and Thomas G. Wallace and wife Narcissa; William F., and William Smith and wife Martha; D. F., Louis C., William H., Delia, Alice, Isabelle and N. C. Staples and wife Susan; William Fible and wife; William F., David and Nancy Ragan; William W. Walters and wife; Fountain and Mary Rutledge; R. S. Briscoe and wife; William S. Sterritt, Mattie Tompkins, Nancy Simpson, Hazie Mattingly, Elizabeth McAllister, Elizabeth Barman, and two colored persons. The church building, a brick, 56x36, was erected in the fall of 1869 at a probable cost of .$1,500, the dedicatory sermon being preached the following January by Rev. J. F. Cook, LL.D. The pastors who have had charge of this congregation were J. M. Holt, from 1863 to 1867; T. J. Musgrove, July, 1867, to March, 1869; William Cleaveland, 1869-70; J. F. Cook, 1870-75; D. B. Ray, 1875-77; James M. Lillard, 1877-81; T. N. Sanderson, 1881-83; D. T. Pulliam, 1883-84; T. J. Musgrove, 1884-85; T. N. Sanderson, 1885 to the present.
Lewision .—This church was originally named the Corinth Baptist Church, and was organized by Elder James M. Lillard, on the third Saturday in October, 1866, at the Turner schoolhouse, in Dickerson Township. The first members were W. T. and M. S. Humphrey, E. H. and Mary J. Nunn, T. A. and L. A. Piner, William B. Wallace, William H. and E. D. Crews, William H. Turner, S. D. Mattingly, J. D. Payne, A. Slaughter, J. W. Cooper, P. K. Walters, S. L. Bodefer, E. J. Bichardson and others—thirty-five in all. In 1869 this church united with two other denominations in building a union house. The building was a frame, 40x60, costing §1,800, and was erected on the north¬ west corner of the Widow Graves farm, in Dickerson Township. In 1872 the building was moved to Lewiston, and placed upon its present site. Elders P. N. Hay craft, J. M. Lillard, J. M. Holt, W. D. Cave, D. T. Pulliam, J. M. Holt and James Boan have been pastors of this church. The present membership of this church consists of 124 communicants.
Mount Olivet Church was built and dedicated in 1880, the church organization having occurred December 19, 1879. The building is a frame, 44x60, and valued at §1,000. It is situated on Section 16, Township 60, Bange 8. The organizing ministers were W. D. Cave, T. Scott and A. W. Johnson, and the first communicants were T. J. and Sarah J. McCann, E. B. and Amanda Hay craft, J. D. McCann, J. G. and Mary Wallace, AY. D. and Nancy O. Briscoe, W. H. and Ann AYallace, Susan McCann and Bev. Joseph Shumate. The membership now numbers 120. The pastors who have administered to the spiritual needs of this congregation are Bevs. William D. Cave, A. S. Ingman, G. C. Brown and A. AY. Johnson.
Durham ,—This church was organized April 26, 1879, and the building erected the same year. It has never been dedicated but is out of debt, §800 having been expended in its erection. The original members were L. M. and Elizabeth Humston, J.G. Humphrey, Amos and Nancy Leake, and about twenty-five others. present membership, 144. Services are held monthly,the following pastors having had the church in charge: Bevs. Joseph Shumate, T. E. Smoot, T. N. Sanderson, W. D. Cave, J. H. Terrill and T. S. Scott. The Sabbath-school consists of eighty-five members, the superintendent being W. C. Cave.
Tolona .—The present membership of the Baptist Church at Tolona is thirty-three. The organization was effected May 3, 1885, by Elders G. A Crouch and O. F. D. Wilson. The latter has been pastor since the organization. The constituent members numbered twenty-five, viz.: M. It. Pritchard, James Fretwell, Allen Hibler, Albert Hibler, Lee Hibler, William Dacon, B. E. McKenney, James Bell, John King, Arthur Walters, Everett Walters, E. Dubois, M. E. McKenney, Susan Hibler, Emma Pritchard, Nora Bell, Maud Bell, Ettie Dance, Caroline Boyle, Ada Briscoe, Kate Cooper, Minnie Johnson, Minnie Kaiser, Lyda Walters and Annie Washburn. The church building, a frame, was erected in 1885, and will cost, when entirely completed, about $600. The Methodist Episcopal Church owns an interest in the building, but has no organization. The Christian denomination holds services here, which are generally conducted by Bev. J. M. Smith, of Lewiston. Hist, 1884-1888
Christian.
The first congregation in Lewis County holding to the principles of the present Christian Church organization was formed at Twyman Moore’s residence, on Durgan Creek, by Rev. Eastham Ballenger. It is claimed that the date of this meeting was in July, 1833. At that period the members were often called ‘'New Lights.” The names of those present at this meeting can not now be ascertained.
In May, 1837, a small congregation was organized at the schoolhouse on Little Sugar Creek, half a mile west of Benjamin, by Bey. Ballenger. The members were Elijah Patterson and his wife, Caroline; John Shanks and his wife, Elizabeth; James Sutton and his wife, Margaret; William H. Durrett and his wife, Mary; and Mrs. Ledford. Meetings were held at first in the schoolhouse. During the war the present church building, called Sugar Creek Church, was built. This congregation united with that at Monticello, when the latter was first organized, and met with it for some time, and then returned to Sugar Creek. After Bev. Ballenger the next preacher to the Sugar Creek Church was Elder John Shanks, who is happily still in service.
The Christian Church at Monticello was organized by Eastham Ballenger in the fall of 1839. The members were Coleman Ammerman, Mrs. Matilda Blair, Mrs. Bansom Beddish, Hoard Boberts and wife, Frank Bichardson and wife, John Shanks and wife. Elder Jacob Creath, of Palmyra, was the first resident pastor. The society steadily progressed, and has been one of the most earnest and successful of the county.
La Belle Christian Church was built in 1870. It is a frame structure, costing $2,200, and was dedicated by Elder Benjamin Smith. The original members were Hudson Bourne, William P. Graves, George C. Hinson, Samuel Ewalt, David Wilson, Joseph Bowles, Jacob Juda, Jacob Morton, Thomas Sullivan, Frank Bourne, John Wright and their wives and Martha Zimmerman and Ann Poage. The church organization was effected by Elder John Shanks, Sr. The first ruling elders were Hudson Bourne, William G. Graves and Jacob Morton. The present elders are Samuel Ewalt, William G. Graves and Edward Robinson. Prior to the erection of the church preaching was held in the Bowles schoolhouse, La Belle Township. The pastors of this church have been Elders John Shanks, Sr., John Bisk, Clark, Doyle, Hosea Northcutt and Dr. J. Lucas.
Antioch.—The first organization of the Christian Church at Antioch was effected in about 1847 at the Bowe schoolhouse on upper Sugar Creek. Some of the first members were Thomas Baker, John Lay and Joe Steele and sons. The origin of the church was occasioned by a visit to the neighborhood of the renowned Bishop Marvin, who held a very successful meeting for the Methodists. The Disciples sent for Elder John Shanks, to hold a meeting for them, to meet the result of the Bishop’s meeting. Elder Shanks came, held the meeting and organized the church. The church building, a large and commodious brick, was erected a few years before the war. Bev. John Bisk, of Canton, has been the regular pastor of this church nearly ever since its organization. Hist, p. 190-191
Methodism.
The first regularly sent preachers of Methodism in Lewis County were Bevs. Dole and L. B. Stately, who held meetings in the neighborhood of Canton and La Grange in 1835, and perhaps earlier. According to the statements of Mrs. Mary Patrick, of Highland Township, at whose father’s house services were frequently held, these pioneer ministers were circuit riders sent out by the Missouri conference to work in the then wilderness of Northeast Missouri. The circuit was very extensive, the labor hard, and the remuneration small. There were few or no church-houses in the county, and meetings were uniformly held at private houses, and occasionally at the few scattered school-houses. As early as in 1840 a church was organized in La Grange, and Judge Anderson states that the first Methodist Church organization in the county was formed at the house of Capt. William Pritchard, on the Cottonwood Prairie, as early as 1832. The Cottonwood Prairie was the expanse of river bottom on which were afterward built the town of Tully and the northern part of the town of Canton.
Rev. Samuel G. Patterson was another pioneer Methodist preacher, and perhaps he, too, was a circuit rider. In about 1836 he held the first camp-meeting in the county at the site of Mount Moriah Church. The presiding elder, Rev. Andrew Monroe, was present at this meeting, and preached to the large congregation subsequently, at different times, until the outbreak of the civil war. In the spring of 1840 Fred Agee and others organized a class in Deer Ridge Township, at the house of Preston Richardson. The members met at the houses of one another until the building of the Walker schoolhouse, when services were held therein. This class was the foundation upon which the present Deer Ridge Church was constituted.
Upon the division of the church, in 1844-45, the Methodists in this county went with the Methodist Episcopal Church South. There were very few members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, or “ Northern ” Methodists, in the county until after the war. Hist, p 187-188
Methodist Episcopal.
Hopewell Methodist Episcopal Church is situated in Salem Township; it was built in 1881, is a frame (38x41) and cost about $1,000. It was dedicated by Rev. William Enzart, in the same year of its erection. A class of nearly fifteen members, had been organized about the year 1865, by Presiding Elder Hanley, with Rev. T. F. Williams, pastor, and Elizabeth Cole leader; she has remained in that position ever since. The class at one time, increased to nearly seventy-five members, and was in a prosperous condition, but, in 1885, a great many became “sanctified,” withdrew from the church, and united with the Holiness Order. The present class does not exceed eighteen members. The preachers in charge have been Revs. O. Martin (two years), J. F. Williams (three years), P. Feiffer (three years), Beardsley (three years), Steiner (two years), Lewis, Wilson, and Still, the present pastor.
Lone Star Church of the Methodist Episcopal society, was organized in 1873, by Rev. D. Rozelle, who was also its pastor. Other pastors have been Revs. E. B. Cater, F. M. Green, J. W. Turner, Mat. Cordray and Charles Riggle. Services have thus far been held at “ Lone Star ” schoolhouse. The present class numbers about eighteen.
Methodist Episcopal South.
Canton .—The Southern Methodist Church at Canton was organized in 1845 or 1846. George Cordell, Middleton Smoot, William Ellis, Thomas O. Reese and William Pritchard were among the first members. A commodious brick edifice was erected in 1847, and remodeled in 1865, at a cost of $1,500. It is the oldest church in the town. Every other protestant denomination in the place worshiped within its walls prior to the building of their own edifices. Before the war the organization had a good seminary under its control, but the war closed it, and the building passed into the hands of the school board, and is now used as a public school building. The present membership of this church is 125.
Durham, Methodist Episcopal Church South was organized in December, 1881, by Rev. James Penn. The original members were J. M. Nunn and family, James A. Goings and wife, E. S. Turner, Mrs. Ann M. Brown, Mrs. Sarah Buckley and family, Mrs. M. J. White, Mrs. Catherine Gaines and family and P. F. Musick. The present membership is thirty-five. The church was erected just before the organization, and all paid for, so far as completed, $800 being expended. Preachers in charge have been Revs. James Penn (two years), J. R. Kendall, J. D. Shook and T. M. Patterson. Services are held monthly. The Sunday-school consists of forty scholars. Mr. Fletcher, a young man, is superintendent at present, but that position had been held by J. M. Nunn, many years. Hist. p. 189
Presbyterians -
Perhaps the first resident Presbyterian minister was Bev. Joseph Anderson, who came from Ohio in the fall of 1835, and located in the southern part of the county, in what is now Highland Township. His location was at the site of the town of Kennonsville, of which he was the founder. Under his ministration churches were organized in early days at McPheter’s mill, on the lower Fabius, at the Travis schoolhouse, on Sugar Creek, and at Monticello. Hist. p. 192
Towns:
Lagrange There are nine church organizations with houses of worship, viz.: First and Second Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal South, German Methodist, Christian, Baptist, Lutheran, Congregational, and Catholic. Hist. p. 193
First Presbyterian Church, La Grange , was organized November 3, 1844, by Bev. John Blatchford, D. D., and Bev. F. B. Gray. The original members were A. Thayer, Mary Thayer, Joel B. and Frances Parsons, Mrs. Phila Lovell and Mrs. Matilda Hagood. The present membership is only twenty-six, though since the organization of the church there have been 265 members connected therewith. At the commencement of the war the church was self-sustaining, there being nearly 100 members. Among its elders have been some of the leading citizens of the county, viz.: Joshua F. Amos, Samuel McAfee, Lycurgus La Fon, Albert Poage, Joseph McAfee and John C. McAfee. Since the erection of the church a live, earnest Sunday-school has been in continuous operation. The building, of brick, was erected, at a cost of $2,500, in the year 1848, and is still in a good state of preservation. In the autumn of 1850 it was dedicated by Bev. W. W. Whipple, a man pre-eminent in the history of this church as a faithful Christian minister. He was its pastor between the years 1845 and 1861, and in connection with his ministerial labors taught one of the first graded schools of the county. Other ministers serving this church have been Revs. James H. Darrah, 1862; L. W. Dunlap, 1868-67; A. S. Powell, 1867; George F. Davis, 1868-73; Thomas Gallaher, D. D., 1873-83. Since 1885 Revs. S. D. Conger anclM. B. W. Granger have preached the word within these walls. Hist. p. 192-193
Southern Presbyterian, La Grange .—James F. Hutton, W. S. Bohon, John F. Johnson, Julius Poage, S. N. Blackwood, J. Y. Hutton, Jane Bohon, Susan Cashman and Ann, S. N. and S. J. Poage, were the first members of this church. The organization was effected August 20, 1866, by Rev. D. H. Hicks. Three years later, in 1869, a frame building was erected at a cost of $2,400, and dedicated April 18 of the same year. Rev. W. W. Robinson, of Westminster College, conducted the dedicatory services. The membership now consists of thirty-five persons. Pastors of this church have been Revs. D. H. Hicks, H. P. S. Willis, Carr B. Boyd, O. B. Caldwell, L. P. Bowen and T. B. Lunsford.
Salem Church, La Grange .—The German Congregational Church at La Grange was organized March 27, 1869, by E. B. Turner, superintendent of the American Home Mission of the Congregational Church. The first members were Frederick Bergeman, Henry Hetzler, Wil. Meircord, John Klusmeier, Herman Meier, Simon Hageman, John Tache and others. A frame church, costing over $3,000, was erected on Lots 3 and 4, Block 15, of Marlowe’s addition, in 1869, and dedicated the same year. The pastors serving this church were Revs. Jacob Schwarz, 1869; S. S. Wurttenberg, 1869; John Schaerer, Zurich, Switzerland, 1870; Charles Schwarzauer, Saxony, Germany, 1879; J. J. Simon, Germany, 1881; Emil Schneider, Germany,
1882; Jacob Reuth, Switzerland, 1884. The present membership exceeds forty.
Steffenville
The society of German Baptists was organized at Steffenville in about the year 1883 by Rev. John Hays, with four members, viz.: Conrad Steffen and wife, Emeline Steffen and a Mr. Loer. Rev. Conrad Steffen was the first subsequent pastor. The membership is now seventeen. Services have thus far been held in the Steffenville schoolhouse. Hist. p. 192
The War.
May 25 a Union meeting was held at Gilead Church. James Waggoner was chairman, and G. S. Carnahan, secretary.
Speeches were made by Dr. J. A. Hay, John M. Glover and Dr. John Taylor. Dr. Hay was of this county, but Glover and Tay¬
lor came over from Knox, in response to the Macedonian cry from the Union men of Lewis. Straight-out Union resolutions were adopted, one of which read:
Resolved, That the United States is the wisest and best government on earth.
We are opposed to its disruption in any event. If the people will stand by it
loyally and faithfully, it will protect them fully and carefully. P. 72
p. 83 Dover Church by Hance Caldwell and Willis T. Ball, and taken to Green’s camp, where he was kept a prisoner for some days, being released at last and sent to Palmyra. When captured Lieut. Rickey was in a buggy with a companion near Dover Church, where a company of Union Home Guards was drilling. Col. Woodyard was somewhat concerned about the fate of Rickey, and addressed a letter to Col. Green, through Judge Henderson Davis, on the subject of the arrest, exchange and release of prisoners by both parties, demanding the instant release or exchange of Rickey.
In 1865, Elder B. H. Smith was called from the pastorate of the first Christian Church, St. Louis, to the presidency of Christian University. The building was soon repaired, everything connected with the school soon brightened, and the second year of the new administration showed the roll of matriculates to be over 200 in number, from nine States and Territories of the Union. This prosperity continued, and grew each successive year of President Smith’s administration for ten years, when he was called to the presidency of Hesperian College, California.
President Smith was succeeded by Dr. W. H. Hopson. The administration of the latter gave promise of success, but ill health compelled his resignation after serving one year. Dr. Hopson was succeeded successively by B. L. Cave, I. C. Reynolds, and Oval Pirkey, each of whom served two years with varied success, impeded by many obstacles and discouragements.
In 1885, the State Convention of the Christian Brotherhood, of Missouri, passed a resolution, almost unanimously, that Christian University, of Canton, Mo., and the female Orphan School, of Camden Point, Mo., be brought under the immediate auspices of the brotherhood through the State convention, and that these schools be regarded as the special care of the brotherhood—pledging the same to their aid, support and patronage.
SOCIETY of FRIENDS, in Gilead, Lewis County, MO
Started 1866; laid down 1872
(no minister or justice of the peace officiating at marriages but they were recorded in the County Marriage Books)
WHEREAS, Richard T. Ellis in the County of Lewis, State of Missouri son of Jonathan & Susannah ELLIS of the said county and state aforesaid and Judith J. LUKINS daughter of Samuel B. & Deborah J. LUKINS of the said county and state aforesaid having made known their intentions of marriage with each other before a Monthly Meeting of the Religious Society of Friends held at Gilead in the said county and state aforesaid Parents consent being given them Proposals of marriage were allowed at the meeting
And these presents are to certify to whom it may concern that this full accomplishment of their intentions this the third day of eighth month of the year of our Lord 1868 THey the said Richard T. Ellis and Judith J. Lukins appeared in a public meeting of the said people held at Gilead in the County and State aforesaid, Richard T. Ellis taking Judith J. Lukins by the hand declared that he took her to be his wife promising with devine assistance to be unto her a loving and faithful husband until death should separate them and then Judith J. Lukins did in like manner declare that she took him Richard T. Ellis to her husband promising with devine assistance to be unto him a loving and faithful wife until death should separate them.
And moreover they the said Richard T. Ellis and Judith J. Lukins (she according to customs of marriage adopting the name of her husband) did as a further confirmation thereof there and then to these presents set their hands.
Joel HOSKINS,
Jos. STRETCH,
J. Fan & Rate FRAZIER,
Nixon ORRMAN,
Mary W. OVERMAN,
Wm. HAWARTH,
Daniel SHAFER,
M. E MAGGARD,
Augustavis ODOR,
Callie & Mary DAVIS,
R. B. TURNER,
James F. HALL,
John A. SUBLETT,
Barton TURNER,
John H. ODOR,
Geo W. DUNN,
William FURGERSON,
Fred SMITH, John MORRIS,
S. B. LUKINS,
Jonathan & Susanna ELLIS,
Robert JOHNSON,
Thos. B. BEARSON,
Charles W. LUKINS,
John G. MULLIKEN,
C. E. PEARSON,
Jonathan W. ELLIS
30 Mar 1870, page 203
Jonathan W. Ellis of Gilead Monthly Meeting in the County of Lewis, State of Missouri son of Jonathan & Susan ELLIS of the County, State & Meeting aforesaid and Mary J. SMITH of Morgan co., OH, the latter (deceased) *I assume this means her parents, having proposed marriage with each other at a religeous meeting of the Society of Friends held at Gilead and the case being considered by a Monthly Meeting of said society held at Gilead and no obstruction appearing they were liberated to accomplish their marriages.
And these presents may certify whom it may concern that in consideration thereof they appeared in a public meeting of said society held at Gilead on the thirtieth day of third month A. D. eighteen hundred and seventy and there took each other as husband and wife in the holy covenant of marriage and did to these presents set their hands. She according to custom of marriage adopting the name of her husband.
Joel HOSKINS, Allen MENDENHALL
Francis TABER, Perry WARD
S. B. LUKINS, George BAILEY
Thos. B. PEARSON, Emma M. LUKIN
Wm. YOUNG J. P. FRAME
Nixon ORRMAN, Josephine CREASY
Mary C. PIERSON Mady HOSKINS
Mary DAVIS, Jonathan ELLIS
Philadelphia CONING, Richard T. ELLIS
John H. ODOR, Aquilla ELLIS
Jane ANTRAM, Ellen SMITH
A. NELSON, Joseph P. SMITH
Fred SMITH, Claris V. HALLE
Gustavis ODOR Jonathan & Susanna ELLIS
CURRENT CHURCHES OF LEWIS COUNTY
Canton, Missouri
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-288-5583
407 NORTH 6TH, CANTON MO 63435
SAINT JOSEPH CATHOLIC CHURCH, 573-288-3198
812 LEWIS STREET, CANTON MO 63435
CANTON CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 573-288-3018
512 COLLEGE STREET, CANTON MO 63435
IMMANUEL METHODIST CHURCH, 573-288-3427
601 WASHINGTON STREET, CANTON MO 63435
BLUFF SPRINGS CHURCH, 573-288-3760
HIGHWAY 51, CANTON MO 63435
Maywood, Missouri
HESTER BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-439-5707
RURAL ROUTE 1, MAYWOOD MO 63454
SOUTH UNION BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-478-3640
MAYWOOD MO 63454
La Grange, Missouri
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-655-4692
407 NORTH 7TH STREET, LA GRANGE MO 63448
GREEN CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-655-4490
109 NORTH 3RD, LA GRANGE MO 63448
NOTRE DAME CATHOLIC CHURCH, 573-655-4296
812 LEWIS STREET, LA GRANGE MO 63448
LA GRANGE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 573-655-4571
4TH AND SKINNER, LA GRANGE MO 63448
FOURSQUARE GOSPEL CHURCH, 573-947-6292
2646 COUNTRY CLUB, LA GRANGE MO 63448
LUTHERAN CHURCH OFFICE, 573-655-4416
704 WEST LEWIS, LA GRANGE MO 63448
METHODIST CHURCH, 573-655-4328
200 NORTH 4TH, LA GRANGE MO 63448
La Belle, Missouri
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 816-462-3426
PO BOX 112, LA BELLE MO 63447
MT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH, 816-462-3948
LA BELLE MO 63447
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 816-462-3362
PO BOX 31, LA BELLE MO 63447
Lewistown, Missouri
CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 573-497-2473
109 EAST QUINCY, LEWISTOWN MO 63452
METHODIST CHURCH, 573-497-2500
108 NORTH OAK, LEWISTOWN MO 63452
Durham, Missouri
DURHAM BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-478-3435
DURHAM MO 63438
Ewing, Missouri
ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH, 573-494-3526
25 HADFIELD DRIVE, EWING MO 63440
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-494-3422
100 SOUTH MCKINLEY, EWING MO 63440
NELSONVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH, 573-439-5491
EWING MO 63440
QUEEN OF PEACE CHURCH, 573-494-3494
307 NORTH MAIN STREET, EWING MO 63440
