POPE CO, AR - Mahlon Bewley Biography - Bio ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free Information on the Internet, data may be used by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or for presentation by other persons or organizations. Files may be printed or copied for Personal use only. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for purposes other than stated above must obtain the written consent of the file contributor. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Biography REV. MAHLON BEWLEY Rev. Mahlon Bewley, Methodist Minister came to Pope Co., AR from Virginia, then Alabama between 1826 and 1830. He settled in Boiling Springs, one of the first settlements in Pope Co. A large camp meeting was held at Boiling Springs in the early 1830's. Out of this meeting, Mahlon Bewley established the first Methodist church in Pope Co. He and his four preacher sons John M., Robert S., George W., and Nelson R. organized the church and a log building was built in 1832. Rev. Bewley was also given credit for naming Boiling Springs. The name was given because water seemed to boil out of the ground for no apparent reason. Boiling Springs is also known as Boiling Springs Campground or Campground. Many Bewley descendants still live in the area today. Mahlon Bewley opened the first school in the area. It was first held in his home then later on in the church building. His son, Robert S. Bewley also taught there as did his son-in-law Benjamin Langford. He died c1831 and is buried at Boiling Springs Cemetery.