Home Surname List Name Index Sources | Essie Fay CRELIA was born in 1900 in Weatherford, , Texas. She died in 1960 in Weatherford, , Texas. Spouse: Lem Hershel WEST. Essie Fay CRELIA and Lem Hershel WEST were married on 11 November 1917 in Parker Co. TX.529 Children were: Sylvia WEST, Lem Hershel WEST Jr., Elijah Lafayette WEST, Pete WEST, Shirley Marlene WEST, Wilbert Lee WEST. Case CRENSHAW (private). Spouse: Karen Marie BURNS. Mary M. CRESON53 was born on 16 February 1840.53 She died on 26 August 1869.53 She was buried in Groce Family Cemetery, Belleville, Lincoln Co., TN.53 Parents: . Parents: . Spouse: Thomas C. GROCE. Mary M. CRESON and Thomas C. GROCE were married on 25 October 1860 in Lincoln Co., TN.53 Children were: Thomas Franklin GROCE, Sarah R. GROCE, Marietta (Mary Etta ) GROCE. Susan Ann CRESON53 was born on 20 December 1848.53 She died in 1939.53 She was buried in Groce Family Cemetery, Belleville, Lincoln Co., TN.53 Parents: . Parents: . Spouse: Thomas C. GROCE. Susan Ann CRESON and Thomas C. GROCE were married on 31 October 1870.53 Children were: George W. GROCE, Johnny GROCE, Mattie GROCE, James C. GROCE. Elizabeth CRESWELL (private). Parents: Steven A. H. CRESWELL and Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Lorene CRESWELL (private). Parents: Steven A. H. CRESWELL and Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Mary CRESWELL (private). Parents: Steven A. H. CRESWELL and Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Mildred CRESWELL (private). Parents: Steven A. H. CRESWELL and Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Steven A. H. CRESWELL died on 14 July 1950. Spouse: Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN and Steven A. H. CRESWELL were married on 27 December 1897. Children were: Mildred CRESWELL, Willie CRESWELL, Temie CRESWELL, Lorene CRESWELL, Mary CRESWELL, Elizabeth CRESWELL. Temie CRESWELL (private). Parents: Steven A. H. CRESWELL and Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Willie CRESWELL (private). Parents: Steven A. H. CRESWELL and Stella Blanche ZIMMERMAN. Catherine Colette (adopted) CRETCHER (private). Parents: Lawrence Richard CRETCHER and Agnes Imogene GROCE. Lawrence Richard CRETCHER (private). Spouse: Agnes Imogene GROCE. Children were: Richard Paul (adopted) CRETCHER, Catherine Colette (adopted) CRETCHER. Richard Paul (adopted) CRETCHER (private). Parents: Lawrence Richard CRETCHER and Agnes Imogene GROCE. Heather CREWS (private). Parents: Norman CREWS and Pamela PARDUE. Levi CREWS (private). Spouse: Leannah ZIMMERMAN. Minnie L. CREWS (private). Spouse: Walter Weber CRISLER. Nancy Margaret CREWS17 was born about 1831 in Of Tennessee. Spouse: John Couch BILBREY Jr. Norman CREWS (private). Spouse: Pamela PARDUE. Children were: Paul Gardner CREWS, Heather CREWS. Paul Gardner CREWS (private). Parents: Norman CREWS and Pamela PARDUE. Spouse: Kristin WHITT. Catherine CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1609 in Of, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Scotland. Parents: William CRICHTON and Euphemia SETON. Charles CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1646 in Of, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Scotland. He died between November 1690 and March 1690 in V. P. He was buried in Dumfries. Parents: William CRICHTON and Penelope SWIFT. Elizabeth CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1632 in Of, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Scotland. She died on 5 December 1675. Parents: William CRICHTON and Penelope SWIFT. Spouse: Alexander MONTGOMERIE. Elizabeth CRICHTON and Alexander MONTGOMERIE were married in January 1658 in Ayrshire, Scotland. Children were: John MONTGOMERIE, Alexander MONTGOMERIE. James CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1611 in Of, St Leonards, Dumfries, Scotland. He died between February 1669 and December 1669. Parents: William CRICHTON and Euphemia SETON. John CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1613 in Of, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Scotland. Parents: William CRICHTON and Euphemia SETON. Mary CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1607 in Of, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Scotland. She died on 24 August 1674. Parents: William CRICHTON and Euphemia SETON. Mary CRICHTON36,56 was christened on 15 February 1644 in Dumfries, Scotland. She was born in 1644. Parents: William CRICHTON and Penelope SWIFT. Penelope CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1636 in Of, Sanquhar, Dumfries, Scotland. Parents: William CRICHTON and Penelope SWIFT. Robert CRICHTON36,56 was born in 1641. He was christened on 19 December 1641 in Dumfries, Scotland. He died Infancy. Parents: William CRICHTON and Penelope SWIFT. William CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1576 in Of Sanquar, Dumfries, Scot. He died Bef 24 1642-3 Mar. Spouse: Euphemia SETON. Euphemia SETON and William CRICHTON were married about 1604. Children were: William CRICHTON, Mary CRICHTON, Catherine CRICHTON, James CRICHTON, John CRICHTON. William CRICHTON36,56 was born about 1605 in Of, Sanquar, Dumfries, Scotland. He died about 1691. Parents: William CRICHTON and Euphemia SETON. Spouse: Penelope SWIFT. Children were: Charles CRICHTON, Elizabeth CRICHTON, Penelope CRICHTON, Robert CRICHTON, Mary CRICHTON. Faye CRICK (private). Spouse: William "Bill" Pallos JOHNSTON. Aaron CRIGLER (private). Spouse: Catherine CRISLER. Children were: Rosanna CRIGLER. Rosanna CRIGLER255 was born on 24 April 1780 in Culpeper Co., Va.255 She died in January 1846.255 REFN: 3564 Parents: Aaron CRIGLER and Catherine CRISLER. Spouse: Frederick ZIMMERMAN. Rosanna CRIGLER and Frederick ZIMMERMAN530 were married on 18 December 1801 in Madison Co. VA. THE EMIGRATION TO KENTUCKY CHAPTER I The first settlement in Boone County was made at Petersburg, then called Tanner's Station, from the Rev. John Tanner, the first Baptist preacher in this part of the state. The settlement was made on his lands by a company from Pennsylvania, some twenty years earlier than the settlement from Virginia. Hopeful Church, Boone County, was settled within a few years after the first settlement of the state, at Harrodsburg and Boonesborough. The times were still in great confusion and the great events of the recent years were fresh in mind. Kentucky had been known as Transylvania and there had been many difficulties of various kinds, which only partly ceased when the Transylvania Colony had been given up and the country organized as a county of Virginia and called Kentucky About this time the state of Franklin was formed out of the territory now known as Tennessee. The state was poor and there was little or no money. It was enacted that a pound of sugar should be worth a shilling, the skin of a raccoon or a fox, a shilling, three pence, a gallon of good rye whiskey, two shillings, six pence, a gallon of peach brandy, or a yard of good linen, three shillings and etc. A bear skin, otter skin or deer skin was supposed to be worth six shillings. Much merriment was caused by this and it was claimed that at least this currency could not be counterfeited, but it was not long before a bundle of otter skins were found to be coon skins with otter tails sewed on them The leading currency in Virginia was tobacco and the most valued property was the slave. The early servants, as a rule, were not Africans, but whites, who from poverty or crime had fallen into slavery. (From History of the people of the U.S., McMaster, Vol I, Pg. 264.) Indeed, we have seen that some of our German fathers, starting out from Pennsylvania, were sold for their passage, and thus they came to Virginia. and their descendants afterward to Kentucky. At one time (1671) there were three white servants to one black in Virginia. Later white slavery was discontinued and the bondage of the blacks was made perpetual Kentucky was organized as a separate state territory in 1790, and was admitted as the second state in the union in 1792, and our church history proper open a few years later. Rev. William Carpenter, then pastor at Madison, Virginia made a journey to Kentucky in 1804. His journal now before us records the expense at eighteen pounds, or say ninety dollars, but he is silent at to the object of his visit. As several families from Virginia moved here the year afterward, we are no doubt right in assuming that he came to Kentucky on a tour of investigation and that those who came twelve months later came with his approval and likely at his suggestion Rev. D. Harbaugh, in his history of Hopeful Church, says that "On the 8th. of October, 1805, the following brethren and sisters left Madison, Virginia.... George Rouse, Elizabeth Rouse, John House, Milly House, Frederick Zimmerman, Rose Zimmerman, Ephraim Tanner, Susanna Tanner, John Rouse, Nancy Rouse and Elizabeth Huffman. They with their families arrived in Boone County, the 25th. of November, 1805 It is difficult for us at this time to conceive the trials and the hardships of these early pioneers. They could bring but part of their meager possessions with them and they must submit to a long, slow and dangerous journey. They gathered with their great Conestoga wagons on the banks of the Rapidan, and first they went to New Market, Virginia, thence they traveled down the Shenandoah Valley until they came to the Holston River and they followed up that until they struck the path that Daniel Boone had made through the forest from North Carolina to Lexington, Kentucky. From Lexington they took the ridge route, now the Lexington Pike, to Kennedy's Ferry at Covington. The greater part of the country was then a perfect wilderness. These families, however, were furnished with cabins, with the exceptions of George Rouse, who pitched his tent in the dense forest, not far from where Hopeful Church now stands. Burlington, the county seat of Boone County, consisted of a few houses, a log courthouse and a log jail house. Florence had no existence. Where Covington is now situated, there was a farm and orchard; Cincinnati consisted of two brick houses with a number of log cabins. Here amid the Beech forests, those hardy pioneers set themselves to work to help bring about the great results of the after years The History of the Evangelical Lutheran Congregation of Hopeful Church, Boone County, Kentucky. A discourse delivered at its 48th. Anniversary, January 6, 1854 THE ORGANIZATION OF HOPEFUL CHURCH CHAPTER II As soon as the brethren had erected their cabins, they resolved, though destitute of a good pastor, to hold religious meetings in private families. The first meeting was held at George Rouse's at the close of 1805, or at the beginning of 1806. The meetings were conducted in the following manner; After a suitable hymn, one of the brethren offered prayer, after which Ephraim Tanner read a sermon selected from Rev. Shubert's sermons. After the sermon, the exercises were conducted with prayer and singing. These exercises were conducted in the German language and kept up regularly, unless providentially prevented, every Sabbath for nearly eight years, or until October, 1813 The old church in Madison County, Virginia was composed of both Lutheran and Reformed members, and it was the custom at that time for the Lutheran and Reformed members to worship in the same church. Indeed, there was so little difference between them in some places, that it is an old story that the only way you could tell them apart was by the Lutherans saying, "I ater unser" and the Reformed, "Unser I ater. When Ephraim Tanner wrote to Father Carpenter for advice, he sent them a constitution and advised them to organize a church, which they did, January 6, 1806. We have the old German constitution with it's signatures of the fathers before us, yellow and worn with age, we handle it tenderly, for it is a document of precious value. Rev. II in his discourse translates it entire and we give his excellent translation "We the undersigned, living in Boone County, State of Kentucky, members of the Evangelical Lutheran and Evangelical Reformed Church unite in the following articles of agreement for our government... 1. We will unite in the establishment of public worship in our midst according to the Protestant faith, and by God's help we will continually uphold it We will unite in the erection of a small house, which shall be regarded at a union house of worship, in which we will unitedly worship God. 3. One of us, for which it is most convenient, shall give an acre of ground upon which said house shall be built and this acre of ground with all that shall be built thereon, or that pertains to it, shall forever belong to this united congregation and their successors; so that he who gives it shall not have the power to sell it to any other person 4.To prevent discord and offenses, no one shall be permitted to conduct public worship in the house owned by us unless he is a regular Lutheran or Reformed minister 5. We will assembly ourselves every Sabbath or as often as circumstances will permit, and by reading a sermon and with singing and prayer, we will strengthen one another when we have no pastor 6. We will unite in inviting a worthy minister, at least once a year, or oftener if possible, to preach the word of God to us, according to the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles, and administer the Holy sacraments; for which we will reward him according to our ability 7. It shall be the duty of each one belonging to the congregation to lead an orderly, Christian and virtuous life; to abstain from all gross sins, such as cursing, swearing, card playing, drunkenness and all such ungodly action 8. Should anyone be guilty of any of the above sins, which may God in his mercy prevent, then the remaining brethren shall have the power and it shall be their duty to deal with him according to the directions of our Savior, Matt. XVIII -15-17 The above articles shall remain unchanged until all the members, or at least a majority of them, shall deem it necessary to alter or amend them. Adopted on the 6th. day of January, 1806 Five of these brethren came in 1805, five came later. George Rouse gave an acre of land on which to build a church, and accordingly in 1807, they built a cabin church. It was a cabin church in reality, built of unhewn logs. The roof and door were made of clapboards; the floor with puncheons, and the seats were made of saplings. An opening was made at each end by sawing out some logs for windows. They were always open, that is, without sash or lights. They had neither stove nor fireplace in it, and yet they met for worship during the winter. Such were some of the inconveniences and privations of our fathers and mothers ______________________________________________________________________ ____________________ Harbaugh's Historical Discourse - Pg. 6-7 The Tanner family has had a large place in the Pioneer development of the church and Ephraim Tanner and his descendants have wielded the larger part of that great influence. His wife, Mrs. Susannah Tanner was born in Madison County. Virginia, November 20, 1784, and died in Boone County, Kentucky, in December 12, 1870. She was among the early settlers of this county, coming here with her husband, Ephraim Tanner, in 1805. The world owes a great deal of gratitude to the sturdy pioneers of those early days who by great sacrifices and labor prepared the way for better things in our time. Mother Tanner was a woman of character and influence in her own day and her influence continues to increase as the years move along. She was the mother of fourteen children. They became a large and growing influence in the community and their descendants today are numbered by scores, while by marriage they are related to practically everybody in the vicinity. The quiet, pious, industrious character of the parents has descended to the generations following and Mother Tanner's character may be held dear for long years to come while all about us are beheld the influences she helped to put in motion Joel Tanner is past ninety-four years of age and while he is unable to travel far he is still active about home and is in good health for one of his years. He was for long years an active member at the Hopeful Church, but some time he has been unable to get to church, but he has never lost his interest in the church and he remains true to his profession of faith. Ephraim is ten years younger, but he is fully as feeble as his elder brother. He was also very active in the church until recent years. Moses Tanner was the most recent of the brothers to pass away. He died January 2, 1895, when more than seventy six years old, and left a precious memory as he was noted for a sincere Christian man. Simeon, another brother, died April 1, 1891, aged 85 years, 4 months and 3 days. He left a large family, most of whom are active members in one or another of the Boone County churches. He had been an active and faithful member for years and was a leader in prayer and song, when near death's door he had his sons sing and his pastor pray with him. His widow under a burden of years and heavy affliction survived him a few years and kept her faith from amid all the trials of suffering and infirmity. THE PIONEERS AND THEIR FIRST PASTOR CHAPTER III The men who signed that first constitution were devoted and faithful, and surely these hardy pioneers, here on the frontier holding weekly services for nearly eight years without a pastor, are worthy of much honor. Jacob Rouse had been a soldier all through the Revolutionary war and no doubt others of them who were heroes too, for they all made brave soldiers of the cross Ephraim Tanner who was then not forty years old, had written to Father Carpenter in Virginia for a constitution and advice about organizing a congregation, and when they began services, he usually read the sermon. He was a man of strong character and far reaching influence. Simeon Tanner, who signed the constitution at the same time, was his brother. Jacob, Aaron and Moses Tanner who united later were his brothers, while by his sisters he had a wide circle of relations. Elizabeth married Solomon Huffman, Susan became the wife of Joshua Zimmermann. Annie married Benjamin Aylor; Jemima, Henry Aylor; and Nellie married the Rev. Jacob Crigler He had fourteen children, Rhoda, who married William Aylor, Benjamin, Frances who married Augustus Carpenter and afterward an Adylotte. Simeon, Joel, Enos, Caleb, Joshua, Ephraim, Moses, Susannah who married Eli Carpenter, Aaron, Cornelius and Mary who married Noah Surface. These nearly all, or possibly all, united with the church, and some of them became very useful members. Many interesting things are told of "Uncle Ben" who was decidedly active and faithful. Joel, Ephraim and Mary are still spared through the youngest is nearly three score and ten. All the rest have gone to their final rest and reward. The three remaining are all faithful members of Hopeful Church, and we hope they may "go late to Heaven. From the first it was resolved that they would have a regular minister, at least once a year, to administer the sacraments, and Rev. William Carpenter, of Madison, Virginia came here at least twice for that purpose. In October, 1813, he moved here and became their first regular pastor. He was born in Virginia, May 20th., 1762. When only sixteen years old, he entered the army and served as a soldier until the end of the Revolution. He seems to have studied theology under the Rev. G. Henkel, and he was a member of the Pennsylvania Ministerium, it was likely he was ordained by that body. His ordination must have been satisfactory, for he was called upon to minister in the Episcopal pulpits without question He was a man of good education and worthy character. We have before us a system of theology which he likely copied from his instructor, but there are many reasons for believing that he was a good scholar and a sound Lutheran. He was somewhat quiet and dignified but he always had a pleasant greeting for everyone. There must have been much of the soldier militant in his appearance, as he wore knee breeches and gold buckles as long as he lived. He was a man of means, but very kind to the poor, and the very soul of honor. At one time, going to his crib, he discovered a neighbor there stealing corn. When he saw the preacher coming, he was greatly frightened and began to empty his sack in a hurry. "Hold on, Hold on," cried the parson, waving his cane at the frightened neighbor. "You surely wouldn't have come here for the corn unless you needed it. Now fill your sack and go along, and when you need corn again, come and ask me for it and don't steal it." At another time a man by the name of Jacobs who lived in the village of Covington, was trying to buy corn and he learned that Father had corn for sale, so he sent a man out over, or rather, through the mud roads to get corn, with instructions to pay his price. On arriving, he said, "Have you any corn to spare?" "Yes Sir," was the reply. "I came out to buy some." "Have you got the money to pay for it?" said Father Carpenter. "Yes Sir, I have." "Well, you cannot get any corn here. If you have money, you will have no trouble in getting corn. I must keep my corn for the poor people who have no money to buy. It is said that he would sell only a small quantity, two bushels and a half to one person, and that before his death, he burned about $300.00 worth of notes given for corn, that the makers of the notes might never be pushed for payment. When he came to Kentucky, he moved to the place where his grandson, Columbus Carpenter now lives, and there was his home until he died, February 10, 1833, aged 70 years, 8 months and 20 days His eldest son was Jeremiah Carpenter, who was born August 15, 1795. He married Julia Ann Rouse who was two years his junior and that faithful couple and their descendants have performed a very important part in the development of the churches Jeremiah Carpenter was a charter member of Ebenezer Church and he was one of the first delegates to the Miami Synod. Through a long and useful life he gave himself with zeal to a worthy service. He died January 4, 1868, but his worthy wife who has left a very precious memory did not depart this life until April 15, 1875 William Eli Carpenter was the son of Jeremiah Carpenter. He was born February 9, 1819. He was married in his twentieth year, November 22, 1838, to Susannah Tanner. They had seven children, six girls and one boy. One of these, Susan Alice, died in infancy, another Mrs. Emily Lampton, died January 1, 1870, in her twenty second year, and the others, Mrs. Amanda Rice, Mrs. Mary E. Glacken, Mrs. Arminta Conrad; Jeremiah Carpenter, and Mrs. Hattie Denady are still living in Boone County. Mrs. Susannah Carpenter died January 10, 1856, and seven years later, March 19, 1863, he married Lucy Ann Smith. By this union there were four children. Two died when real small, the others, James Carpenter and Mrs. Lucy Hearne are still living. Almost the entire relationship are members of the Lutheran Church and most of them members of Ebenezer congregation, a large majority of whose members are of his descendants and relations He was a charter member of Ebenezer Church which was formally organized only a few days after his first wife's death. His father was the first on the roll and the two were the largest contributors to the building of the church, he leaving his father $25.00. He was a man of great industry and wonderful perseverance in all his undertakings. He was an active, prominent and useful member of the church and his descendants can read no better monument to his memory than to keep the church prosperous, which was so dear to his heart. Two sisters, Mary F., and Susan, married William and Henry Dixon. They and their Husbands all became active members of the Ebenezer Church, but they have all passed away except Henry Dixon, who at a ripe old age is still an active man, and he is known and esteemed by a wide circle of friends Mrs. Mary F. Dixon died at her home in Richwood, Ky., April 27, 1898, aged 66 years, 6 months, and 26 days. She was brought up in the fear of God and the faith of the Lutheran Church, and when only sixteen years of age, she was married to Henry Dixon, whom she lived in happy wedlock for more than fifty years. Her husband and her six children survive her, Viz.; Mrs. Julia Smith, Mrs. Virginia Dobbins, Mrs. Ettie Hogratta, and W. E. Dixon of Richwood, Mrs. Adah Surface of Gunpowder, and T. E. Dixon of Limaburg, Ky "Aunt Polly" was a woman of most excellent Christian character and highly esteemed by all who knew her. She was a faithful member of the Ebenezer Church and a great help and comfort to her pastor and to others and always bore worthy testimony to her faith by a consistent life and conversation. She was known far and wide for her cheerful and generous hospitality, and she never seemed more happy than when entertaining friends. She had not been in good health for some years, and her last illness was long and painful but she never murmured or complained. She was conscious of her approaching end and gave her last greeting and consolation to the family and friends. The ministrations of love or the skill of the physicians did not seem to cure or alleviate her pain and her useful life was crushed out by suffering, and her spirit sought a sweeter rest with its Giver Mrs. Susan Dixon, her faithful sister, who was raised in the same Christian home, died Nov. 20, 1909, age 62 years, 4 months, and 18 days. She had been for sometime in poor health, but she never shirked her duty and she was a kind and faithful woman, devoted to her children and loyal to her church and friends. Six children survive her, three boys and three girls. Mrs. Hattie Waller, of the Verona Neighborhood, Misses Mary and Virginia Dixon, and John B., H. P., and Jerry Dixon of Crescent, all except the first and last named are members of the Ebenezer Church. John B. Dixon has long been a member of the council and he has ever been active and faithful in the discharge of his faithful duties Abel Carpenter, a brother of William Eli, is the oldest living Grandson of Rev. William Carpenter. He was born Dec. 26, 1824, and he is therefore in the 78th. year of his age. He has long been a Christian man of exemplary character and he is now living near Florence, Ky., where in a quiet honorable way, he is passing the evening of life, awaiting the home where sorrow never comes. THE FIRST COMMUNION, A NEW CONSTITUTION AND A NEW CHURCH CHAPTER IV The first recorded communion was held on "Holy Whitsunday," 1814, we copy the list, spelling and all: Christopher Zimmerman, ux Maria, Daniel Beemon, George Rausch, ux Elizabeth, John Rausch, ux Nancy, Frederich Tanner, Jemima Tanner, John Beemon, ux Peggy, John Hauss, ux Milley, Joshua Beemon, Frederich Zimmerman, ux Rosina, Layanna Christler, Aaron Tanner, Benjamin Aylor, ux Anna, Jacob Hauss, ux Susanna, Rosina Rausch, Nancy Christler, Susanna Barlow, Elizabeth Hofman, Jacob Rausch, ux Anna, Amey Rausch, Molley Rausch, Peggy Hauss, William Carpenter, ux Polly, Summa. At the next communion held on Whitsunday, 1815, the following were received by confirmation, William Rausch, Abraham Rausch, John Cristler, David Christler, Jonathan Carpenter, Jeremias Rausch, Elisha Rausch, Polly Otterbach, Julianna Rausch, Julianna Carpenter, Polly Hofman, Elle Hofman At the congregational meeting held Jan. 6, 1815, a new and much longer constitution was proposed and adopted. It breathes throughout a spirit of devotion and piety, and deep and abiding loyalty to the Lutheran Church. Provision was made to elect three deacons every three years, and at that first election, Daniel Beemon, George Rouse and Ephraim Tanner were elected for three years, at expiration of that time, Ephraim Tanner was re-elected and Jacob Holtsclaw and Ephraim Utz elected to serve with him. At the next election in 1821, two others were elected to serve with Ephraim Tanner, Viz: Jacob Rouse and John House. No other officers were provided for when the constitution was first adopted. Not only was the new constitution explicit as to the duties of the pastor and the deacons, or the Vorstecher, as the Germans appropriately called them, but it also said some very plain things about the duties of the members, as for instance, the following: "He must model his life according to the Christian ordinances, and if he deviates there from, he must be cheerfully corrected, everyone must contribute according to his means as God has blessed him, whether it be much or little for the maintaining and carrying forward of God's work in the congregation. Through the mercy of God, we should avoid all gross sins and vices, such as cursing, swearing, lying and cheating, carnal sins, fortification and adultery, drunkenness, immoral plays, gambling, obscenity, horse racing, as also hatred, enmity, strife against neighbors and all other sins and vices, forbidden in the word of God and offensive to a good Christian and he shall lead a consistent and pious, industrious Christian life; through which the doctrine and the Church of Jesus Christ will become beautiful and adorned. On the 6th. of Jan, 1823, at a congregational meeting held at the house of Jacob Rouse, the question relative to the building of a new church was taken up for consideration. When Father Carpenter spoke upon this subject, he become affected that he gave vent to his feelings, burst into tears and said, "Allebauen gute Haeuser und lassen Gott in der Huettte wohnen!" (All build good houses and let God live in a tent.) This had such an affect on the brethren, that they at once resolved to build a new church. Therefore in the summer of 1823, a log church was built. It was 25 feet by 50 feet in the old style with an end gallery and a high pulpit. This old church is now on the farm of E. O. Rouse and is used as a barn, lately re-roofed and otherwise repaired The constitution of 1815 was signed as follows: William Carpenter, Daniel Beemon, George Rouse, Ephraim Tanner, Christopher Zimmerman, Frederick Tanner, Jacob Rouse, Benjamin Aylor, John House, John Rouse, John Beemon, Aaron Tanner, Simeon Tanner, Michael Rouse, Jeremiah Carpenter, William Rouse, Sr., Abraham Rouse, John Cristler, David Cristler, Jonathan Carpenter, Jeremiah Rouse, Elisha Rouse It was, of course, all written in German and it was so used until 1846, when an English translation was made by Noah Surface. The services were conducted exclusively in the German language until 1824, when Father Carpenter began to use English half of the time in preaching and soon English was used altogether. Father Carpenter would gladly have used English sooner, but Sprachgrist, which we sometimes call a somewhat oritund euphemism, conservatism, was very strong, and he was very careful not to force matters and thus, bring trouble. Thousands in our country are now being lost to our church by similar tenacity, holding unto a strange language that must sooner or later give way to the language of the land in which we live. If this were the place for discussion of the subject, various things could be said The manner of conducting services then was very much as present, except of course, there was no organ. Stress was laid upon catechization, which was conducted in both German and English, and as English Catechisms could not be conventionally secured, they had some printed in Cincinnati, which cost 25 cents a piece. Abraham Beemon is the first recorded baptism, but closely following is a long list of those who afterwards became useful citizens and members in the church. Few, if any of the fathers seems to have neglected to consecrate their children unto God in his appointed way. It was unusual then, as in early Bible times, when a family was converted, for the whole family to be baptized at once, and there is still in the congregation a Mother who thus presented at one time, six children for baptism, the youngest being only six weeks old. Silas CRIGLER was born on 30 October 1799 in Madison County, Virginia. He died on 31 December 1841. Spouse: Catherine ZIMMERMAN. Catherine ZIMMERMAN and Silas CRIGLER were married on 23 October 1836 in Boone County, Kentucky. Children were: Sylvester Haas CRIGLER. Sylvester Haas CRIGLER was born on 19 March 1841 in Monroe County, Missouri. He died UNKNOWN in Dent County, Missouri. Parents: Silas CRIGLER and Catherine ZIMMERMAN. Spouse: Amanda Malvina YOWELL. Amanda Malvina YOWELL and Sylvester Haas CRIGLER were married on 17 November 1868. Spouse: Fannie Aline STORY. Fannie Aline STORY and Sylvester Haas CRIGLER were married on 24 February 1892. Rachel CRINER65 was born in 1774 in North Carolina.65,171,172,173,174 2 SOUR S070441 3 DATA 4 TEXT Date of Import: 12 Apr 2002 Spouse: John COUNTS. Rachel CRINER and John COUNTS were married in 1800.65 Children were: Jesse Thomas COUNTS. ? CRISLER175 died on 14 August 1897 in Newton Co., IN. Parents: Charles Lewis CRISLER and Susan Catharine CHILDERS. Abraham Lewis CRISLER105,106,108,110,318,319,320,321,531 was born about 1819 in Boone County, Kentucky.105,106,110 In 1850 he was in farmer.110 Census Microfilm Records: Indiana, 1850 from the National Archives Disk 4, p 19800, Shelby Co., Liberty Twp, p 317, Dwelling 102, Family 104 Abraham S. Crisler 30 M Ky Farmer $2000 Isabella " 22 F " Roxanna " 1 F Ind Mary " 72 F Va
Spouse: Miss ARNOLD. Spouse: Isabella BYLAND. Isabella BYLAND and Abraham Lewis CRISLER were married on 20 June 1848 in Shelby County, Indiana.108,321 Children were: Roxanna CRISLER, William M. CRISLER, John M. CRISLER. Alexander CRISLER532,533 was born on 18 September 1851 in Liberty Township, Randolph County, Illinois.532 He died after 1900 in Randolph County, Illinois.532 A Few Pioneer Families of Randolph County, Illinois, p 112-113. John Crisler married Harya Hindman. They were both natives of Kentucky and both came to Randolph County when young. John Crisler [sic - should be John's son Alexander] was a blacksmith in Rockwood precinct and was 15 years old at the death of his father. He aided his mother until her death in 1876. He married Miss Nancy Lowry in 1871. Their children were: John, Clemie, James, Edgar, Byrd and Willis, residing with an aunt in Chester, Ill., and tow deceased. Mrs. Crisler was a daughter of Hugh and Sarah Lowry, who resided in the county for many years. The father came from Ireland and the mother from Alabama. Mrs. Crisler died May 16, 1886 and July 4, 1888, he married Margaret Lowry, a sister of his first wife. They had a daughter, Sadie, three years old in 1894. When Alexander wrote the above, tradition states that Alexander Crisler was a first cousin to John M. Crisler, son of Rev. Silas Crisler. After examining the Crisler genealogy and associating dates, etc, we think that Alexander was a first cousin once removed and not a first cousin to John M. Crisler. The double names in the pioneer families give trouble now when some relatives and others would call them by their first name and other relatives called them by their second name, and neither one call them by their full name or give an initial of one of their names. Beyond a reasonable doubt, Alexander Crisler's father was John P. Crisler, son of John Crisler, who was a brother of Rev. Silas Crisler.
Spouse: Nancy LOWRY. Nancy LOWRY and Alexander CRISLER were married in 1871.534 Children were: John L. CRISLER, William CRISLER, Clementine CRISLER, James H. CRISLER, Edgar C. CRISLER, William Byrd CRISLER, Willis D. CRISLER. Spouse: Margaret LOWRY. Margaret LOWRY and Alexander CRISLER were married on 4 July 1888.534 Children were: Sarah "Sadie" C. CRISLER. Alice Gertrude CRISLER106,317,434 was born on 18 August 1855 in Grundy County, Illinois.106,317,434 She died after 1900 in Illinois.106 This information is from the Descendants of Michael Clore Database © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by Cathi Clore Frost. Parents: Benjamin Allen CRISLER and Elizabeth Anne FRENCH. Allen Verden CRISLER106,317,434 was born on 15 September 1852 in Grundy County, Illinois.106,317,434 He died about 1910 in Glen Ellyn, Du Page County, Illinois.106 This information is from the Descendants of Michael Clore Database © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by Cathi Clore Frost. Parents: Benjamin Allen CRISLER and Elizabeth Anne FRENCH. Spouse: Clara CONNER. Clara CONNER and Allen Verden CRISLER were married in 1877.317 Children were: Lewis Allen CRISLER. Allison Wilson CRISLER175 was born in 1858. Parents: Hamilton CRISLER and Elizabeth Mary BLANKENBAKER. Alvena CRISLER (private). Parents: Fred CRISLER and Mary Louise THOMAS. Spouse: Glen FORTNER. Children were: Glen FORTNER, Debbie FORTNER. Alvina CRISLER (private). Parents: Moses CRISLER and Betty WILSON. Alvina CRISLER (private). Parents: Charles Arlen CRISLER and Ursla BERCIER. Amy Emeline CRISLER106,317,434 was born on 1 February 1841 in Shelby County, Indiana.106,317,535 She died after 1900 in Grundy County, Illinois.106 This information is from the Descendants of Michael Clore Database © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by Cathi Clore Frost. Parents: Benjamin Allen CRISLER and Elizabeth Anne FRENCH. Spouse: Adam J. WHITE. Amy Emeline CRISLER and Adam J. WHITE were married on 16 February 1864 in Grundy County, Illinois.316,317 Amy Ethel CRISLER99 was born on 21 March 1898 in Waldron, Shelby County, Indiana.99 She died on 23 October 1993 in Waldron, Shelby County, Indiana.99 This information is from the Descendants of Michael Clore Database © 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006 by Cathi Clore Frost. Parents: James Alfred CRISLER and Ethel DENTON. Spouse: George W. APPLE. Amy Ethel CRISLER and George W. APPLE were married on 17 December 1918 in Waldron, Shelby County, Indiana.99 Children were: George Alfred APPLE. Angela E. CRISLER175 was born on 19 May 1883 in Newton Co., IN. She died on 19 August 1917. Parents: Charles Lewis CRISLER and Susan Catharine CHILDERS. Spouse: ? PORTER. Spouse: James HEMPHILL. Angie CRISLER (private). Parents: Louis Claude CRISLER and Arlis BELGARDE. |