Jack County, TX - History - Springdale Baptist church ********************************************************************************** This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by: Dorman Holub Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ********************************************************************************** Building to be built in memory of the Pioneer Citizens of Keechi Valley A movement has just been started among the Baptists eight miles south of Jacksboro to build what they plan to be known as a memorial church to the pioneer citizens of Keechi Valley. Mrs. N. Atkinson, who owns one of the oldest ranches in Keechi valley has started the work by donating two acres of land which includes the same spot where the old Springdale Baptist church was organized, with the express understanding that a Baptist church be organized there again with the old name of "Springdale" and that it be held forever Baptist property under that name. Her husband was one of the constituent members in the old Springdale Baptist Church, the first Baptist church in Jack County, and he was also one of the members in a Baptist church near Oran, what in those days was known as "Black Springs." This church was organized before the Civil War by the lamented and much loved old pioneer missionary, Rev. N.T. Byers, who traveled over this country and preached wherever he could get a small number of people togeher. When the Indians stole his horses, as they did at times, he continued his work, traveling on foot. In those days up and down the Keechi Valley were pr! osperous settlements, bu tthe people were either all killed or driven back east by the Indians, many of those who left never returning to again make their homes there. It was during that terrible period of time that the Baptist Church was organized by Rev. N.T. Byers, of which Mr. Atkinson was a member was broken up, an dhas far as known he was the only member of the old church left in the Valley in Jack county, and Mrs. Anne Lasater the only member in Palo Pinto county. When old Springdale church was organized he was one of the few adult members who went into the organization. This church had the pleasure of visits from a number of pioneer preachers, among whom was that old Baptist veteran, Rev. G.W. Slaughter, father of Col. C.C. Slaughter of Dallas, whose home was in our neighboring county, Palo Pinto, where he suffered all the terrors and ravages of Indian depredations. When the Springdale church was organized it was a popular place with all the young people for miles up and down Keechi Valley, many of whom belonged to the old families who fought back the Indians and opened up the country for the present prosperous Jack county. Arrangements have been made to organize the church to be known as Springdale on the fourth Sunday in this month. Jacksboro Gazette Jacksboro, Texas Thursday, October 15, 1908