Untitled Document

THE CHURCHES

The Congregational Church. Although a number of the colonists were members of this religious faith in their former homes, it was not till October, 19, 1889, that they organized the church here. Previous to this time, however, Rev. Ithamar Pillsbury, of Andover, was employed to preach to them one fourth of his time, through a part of 1837, and to about November, 1838. He often walked from one charge to the other, and when the reader will recollect the entire absence of bridges, compelling him to wade or swim the streams, he will properly judge the labors of this man, and of his indefatigable industry. Rev. W. F. Vaill was sent here by the Connecticut Home Missionary Society, arriving at Wethersfield November 21, 1888. The follownig, year, at the date mentioned the church was organized at the house of Col. John H. Wells, with fifteen members. They were : Rev. Joseph and Mrs. Goodrich, Rev. William Vaill, Nancy T. Little, Mrs. Rhoda Blish, John H. Wells, Mrs. Julia Wells, L. C. Sleight, Hosea and Mrs. Buckley, Deacon Zenas Hotchkiss and wife, Norman Butler and wife, and Francis Loomis. Rev. Vaill remained pastor some eight years

. As has been stated, the meetings were held for some time in private residences ; Col. Blish's being the largest, was often used. for this purpose. Mrs. Blish is now the only one of the original fifteen who comprised. the first members, now living in this vicinity. In the Summer of 1888, a log church was elected, and used until the year 1849, when a frame structure was built, which is yet standing. In 1851, a good parsonage was erected. On the organization of the Congregational Church in Kewanee, many of the members from Wethersfield united there, it being a more convenient location. Gradually almost all went there, until now but a small number remain, and no regular service is maintained. Following the Rev. Vaill was Rev. Samuel Ordway, who remained about three years. He was succeeded by Rev. Darius Gore, who was pastor about the same length of time, when R. S. Thrall came, who preached one and a half years. Rev. W. T. Bartle was the next pastor, and. preached for two years. After him was Rev. Thomas Snell, who remained one and a half years, and was succeeded by Rev. Robert Rudd, who filled the pulpit one year. The next was.Rev. B. B. Parsons, who was installed pastor August 17, 1859, and remained. in charge some time. He was followed by Rev. L. D. Pomeroy, whose pastorate extended over four years, and was succeeded by Rev. Rider, who preached some two years. VRev. W. T. Bartle was again called, and preached for them one year. From that time the church began to decline, owing to the members uniting at Kewanee, and has sustained no regular ministry since.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL

The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1841. The meetings were held for some time in residences, and at other times in the school-house, until the year 1853. In 1851, a commodious house of worship was commenced, but not completed and occupied until 1853. The formation of the society in Kewanee, with which many of this church united, caused a decline in the church here, and it was finally abandoned.

THE BAPTIST CHURCH

The Baptist Church was organized at a council held September 23, 1843, by eight persons, viz : Elder Edward Otis, Charles B. Miner, Mary G. Miner, Edward Otis, Merrill Otis, Hileman Otis, and. Hannah and Sarah Otis, united. The first three of these were from Connecticut, the remainder from Ohio. It was not until two years afterward that preach ing was secured. During this time, Elders Otis, Jonathan Miner and others officiated. During the Summer of 1845, Elder Charles E. Tinker was secured to preach one Sunday in each month, and so continued for five years. The meetings were sometimes held on the north side of Barren Grove, and at other times at the west end, in school-houses, and often in the open air. For the last two years of this man's labors the meetings were not held at Wethersfield, and this church ultimately became the Baptist Church at Annawan. Another church was established at . Wethersfield, May 17, 1851, with eleven members. They were : Ezekiel Cole, Mrs. Maria Cole, John Ewing, Mrs. Keziah Ewing, Mrs. Jane White, Mrs. Susan Ellenwood, Mrs. Caroline Pur yiance, Mrs. Maria F. Miner, Charles B. Miner, Mrs. Mary A. Miner, and Austin S ykes. Of these, the last three named are members.

In July, 1852, Elder J. M. Stickney commenced to preach for this charge, remaining but a short time. He was succeeded by J. S. Mahan, from Galesburg. They now numbered only nine members, but in 1854 were greatly increased, over fifty uniting. Elder Mahan resigned in 1855, and was followed by Dr. J. M. Winn, who was succeeded the same year by Elder S. P. Ives. The following Summer, the members, by a majority vote, decided to remove their place of worship to Kewanee, and sold. their unfinished brick church to the School Trustees of Wethersfield. From that time the congregation assumed the name of the First Baptist Church of Kewanee. Other churches were established in this colony, but they are now extinct, or the members are so few that no regular organization is sustained. As the colony is the source from which all the affluence, position and wealth of Kewanee were obtained, this extended sketch is given it. Many pages could be filled with incidents connected with the early life of these people, but space forbids their insertion, save a few, which the reader will find in a chapter already referred to.

Henry County Voters and Taxpayers

Illinois Ancestors