Newspaper Articles About Tyler and Smith County, Texas, 1860-1862 Contributed by Vicki Betts 5 August 2002 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ***************************************************************** Articles About Tyler and Smith County, Texas 1860-1862 Transcribed by Vicki Betts Using the find button for Baptist TEXAS BAPTIST, January 5, 1860, p. 3, c. 7 [Summary: Wm. B. Featherston at Milam Male and Female Institute, Boston TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 5, 1860, p. 4, c. 2 Mrs. Mary Lynch, wife of Rev. Samuel Lynch and daughter of Jeremiah and Frances Henson, departed this life, in Houston county, Nov. 26, 1859, in the full hope of a blissful immortality. Sister Lynch was born Dec. 5th, 1824, in Roan county, Tenn, emigrated, with her parents, to Texas in 1840, professed religion and joined the Baptist Church, in 1853, Married Dec. 5th, 1844, and soon after joined the M. E. Church, South, in which she lived a faithful and devoted member until her departure from earth to glory. Sister Lynch was an affectionate wife, a pious Christian, a devoted member of the Church, and beloved by all who knew her:--she shared largely in the itinerant toils of her husband, and many, doubtless, who were saved from sin, through Christ, by her instrumentality, and have gone to glory before her, will welcome her home with loud hallelujahs, while those she has left behind will still toil on in grateful remembrance of her pious admonitions until they shall join her, with swelling anthems of praise, in notes sweet and full, around the blazing throne of God in heaven. She has left behind a bereaved husband and many friends; but they “mourn not as those who have no hope.” “Yes, her Christian course is run, Ended is the glorious strife, Fought the fight, the work is done, Death is swallowed up of life! Borne by angels on their wings, Far from earth the spirit flies,| Finds her God, and sits and sings, Triumphing in paradise.” N. W. Burks TEXAS BAPTIST, January 19, 1860, p. 2, c. 4 We are much pleased to learn from Br. J. F. Kelly, of Tyler, that our cause is prospering in that community. The Church is increasing and there is good prospect that the new house will be ready for use by the meeting of the Convention in June. We have felt a deep and abiding solicitude for this church, and we rejoice to hear that our brethren there are no longer divided in feelings, but are all harmonious and prosperous. The Female Institute too, we learn, is succeeding well under the direction of President J. T. Hand. He is spoken of as a man eminently qualified for his position. We do sincerely hope that he will be fully sustained by patrons, and be eminently useful in the cause of education in Texas. TEXAS BAPTIST, January 19, 1860, p. 2, c. 1 Notice.—The Executive Board of the B. S. Convention of Eastern Texas is to meet at Tyler on Saturday before the third Sabbath in March next. Members of the Board are requested to attend punctually on that day. TEXAS BAPTIST, March 8, 1860, p. 1, c. 2 From Ash Springs, I came to Tyler on my way home, where I spent last Saturday and Sunday. Here I met with Elder David C. Marlin, late from New Orleans. Brother Marlin is seeking a field of labor as a Baptist minister. An immense flood of immigration is pouring into Eastern Texas this winter. Our churches are receiving large associations from this source, and it is to be hoped that among them we shall receive a large reinforcement to our ministry. D. B. Morrill. TEXAS BAPTIST, April 19, 1860, p. 1, c. 2 Tyler Female Institute. Brother Baines: Feeling it due this flourishing institution, that its claims to the support of the Baptist of Eastern Texas, should be presented through the medium of their State organ, I hope you will allow me to intrude a small space on your columns for that purpose. This school, under the control of the Cherokee Association, is beautifully located in the town of Tyler, Smith county, Texas. —The handsome building erected for its use, although situated on an eminence overlooking the entire village, is perfectly retired and removed from everything calculated to attract the attention of the pupils from their legitimate duties. Commencing a little more than a year ago under the most discouraging auspices, and with but few in attendance; it has rapidly grown in public favor, until it now numbers eight pupils in regular attendance, while it is weekly receiving accessions. Under the supervising care of the President, our esteemed brother, J. Hand, who has shown himself an able and laborious instructor, seconded by his energetic corps of assistants, we have every thing to hope and nothing to fear for its future. The accession of Professor Leignoski [sic], late of Lagrange, Georgia, who has within a week past, taken his place as principal of the Musical Department, gives an additional earnest of the determination of the trustees, to place it among those permanent institutions that have in all ages, and all countries been the great receptacles of learning and oracles of wisdom. It would not be saying too much that Prof. L., as a composer, as well as a teacher of music, has no superior in the United States. His musical compositions have been pronounced by competent judges of this delightful art, as productions of unsurpassed merit in this country. In connection with the commodious edifice, designed more especially for the Literary Department, steps are being taken to erect a neat building devoted exclusively to musical purposes. Here then, at a location containing both the requisites of health and easiness of access, are offered superior facilities for the acquisition of a finished education. And will not every Baptist in Eastern Texas, who has a daughter to educate, encourage this deserving Institution by sending her here to be taught, and using his personal influence in its behalf. Yours truly, W. H. Smith TEXAS BAPTIST, May 17, 1860, p. 1, c. 3 [Summary: List of new subscribers, many from Tyler, obtained by D. B. Morrill] TEXAS BAPTIST, May 17, 1860, p. 2, c. 3 The Eastern Baptist State Convention will meet in Tyler, Smith county, on Friday before the fourth Sabbath in June, 1860. A full attendance from all the churches is earnestly desired. [AUSTIN] STATE GAZETTE, July 7, 1860, p. 3, c. 2 The Baptist State Convention convened at Tyler, on the 22nd ult. TEXAS BAPTIST, August 23, 1860, p. 2, c. 1 Trustees E. T. B. College The Trustees of the East Texas Baptist College are hereby notified to attend a meeting of the Board in this place, on Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in September, next. A full meeting of the members is desired as business of much importance to the denomination will be presented for the action of the board. F. J. Kelly President B. T. E. T. B. C. R. A. Felton, Sec'y Tyler, Aug. 12, 1860. TEXAS BAPTIST, August 23, 1860, p. 2, c. 3 Tyler has been strictly guarded for several weeks. It is rumored that an effort was made to set fire to this town also, but I cannot vouch for the repot. [report from D. B. Morrill] [AUSTIN] STATE GAZETTE, October 13, 1860, p. 1, c. 4 Smith.—The Reporter speaks of the completion of the Baptist church. Corn is selling at $1.50 per bushel. Married, Mr. James Allen to Nancy L. Pace. TEXAS BAPTIST, October 18, 1860, p. 2, c. 3-4 Cherokee Association. Tyler, October 17th, 1860. This body has just closed the business of another of those annual convocations where Christian brethren meet, as the messengers or the churches and the body of Christ, "to set in order the thing's which are wanting in the Lord's house," to increase the ardor of Christian affection by the renewal of former acquaintance; by the exhibition of mutual faith, and the fruits of divine grace; to have our sister churches of what the Lord is doing; to learn the condition of the field in which you are called to labor; to awaken in our own influence of enlivened, Christian devotion; to experience "how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity;" with a zeal which may rouse the energies of our churches, and give a new impulse to our great denominational enterprise. There are a few of the benefits contemplated in these fraternal councils, but we fear they are too often overlooked, or not sufficiently appreciated by our churches. The above named body met with the Knoxville Baptist church according to appointment, and Brother r. R. Morrow being absent, the introductory sermon was preached by Elder J. S. Bledsoe; after which the letters were read from the different churches, and the body organized. Brother G. W. Slover, in accordance with the custom recently established in this body, resigned his place, and Brother W. Milborn was elected to preside. This custom of prohibiting an officer from holding an office more than one year together with the reasons given for it we believe to be wrong, but circumstances seemed to forbid a discussion of this subject before the body. But I propose discussing it thro' the paper in due time. The delegation was much larger than we anticipated. The letters reported a revival spirit in most of the churches, and many o them have received large accessions. The churches in the western part of our bounds are in a languishing condition, but this is owing doubtless—in part—to the fact that, they are nearly all destitute of the regular ministration of the gospel, had they have forgotten the injunction of the apostle, "forsake not the [illegible] of yourselves together as the [illegible]; [illegible] and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."—Heb. 10:25. Several important reports were made and adopted by the body, but in such haste as to prevent any discussion which might awaken a deeper interest in behalf of the objects under consideration. Some attention is being given to Sabbath Schools, and the religious instruction of the colored population, by our churches, and wherever Sabbath schools are faithfully conducted, no arguments are necessary to show the utility of the enterprise. We were impressed with this fact in the recent awakening at Tyler, where nearly all of the conversions were confined to the young men and young ladies engaged in the Sabbath school. Wherever our colored population have had access to gospel privileges, and efforts have been made to bring them under its influence, bearing any due proportion to the importance of the work, we have seen the most cheering results. The cause of education is receiving a commendable degree of attention by this body. Our Female school located at Tyler, is in a healthful and flourishing condition; possessing such educational advantages as will soon make it, what our denomination demands, an institution of the highest moral, and literary character. It is surrounded by faithful, energetic, and self-denying brethren, who watch its interests with ceaseless vigilance.—The trustees have recently purchased additional lots adjoining the school tract, which completes a beautiful college campus. [Illegible] commodious music [illegible] and purchases of fine instruments for the school. In this outlay they have involved themselves personally—if I am correctly informed— to the amount of about one thousand dollars, trusting to the Christian benevolence of the brethren for whom they act, to come to act as agent, and we hope that, as he is doing his work without pecuniary reward, our brethren will not only give him a hearty welcome, when he shall visit them, but a liberal subscription for the female college. Our Association closed on Monday evening, the 15th inst., after a very harmonious, but hasty session. The brethren with whom it was held, although they had expressed fears that the severe drought would deprive them of the pleasure of entertaining the body, received us cordially, and I have seldom seen such a body better provided for. The next session of this body will be held with the church at Jamestown, Smith county, 18 miles east of Tyler. D. B. Morrill TEXAS BAPTIST, January 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 7 Tyler, Jan. 21, 1861. Bro. Editors: I have just removed my family to Tyler, the field of my future labors. . . . But little religious interest is manifested in this section of the country at present. The great national storm, which threatens the destruction of every Southern interest, seems to urn every thought, feeling and inquiry in the direction of Southern rights and protection. . . . I greatly fear that our brethren are not sufficiently watchful of their spiritual interests in this time of peculiar trial. . . . D. B. Morrill. TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 24, 1861, p. 1, c. 4 Christmas Celebration. The churches, sabbath schools, and citizens of Tyler, accompanied by the Brass Band of this place, formed a procession to celebrate the birthday of the world’s Redeemer, who said, “suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not.” From the size of the procession and the number of children, one would suppose none were forbidden, each marched under their appropriate banners, while the “Lone Star Flag” rolled in majestic splendor far above us. The day was bright and lovely. Prof. Lignoski gave us most excellent music, and the Methodist church was crowded to overflowing with anxious listeners. The reading of the 133d Psalm—“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity,” and prayer to Almighty God, &c. Col. Chilton, on the part of the Baptist Church, was introduced by John Douglas, Superintendent, who gave a short but well-timed address, urging union of effort in the aggregate; but with a strict reference to each denomination having its own religious nursery in the person of a well-conducted sabbath school; each possessed with the same Bible; all receiving appropriate instructions, where free religious though is enjoyed—all of which was heartily responded to by the writer. Judge Turney, on behalf of the Christian Church, arose and delivered a good speech, showing a perfect model of every virtue of his discipleship, both as it regards the special graces of his character, and the union and combination of them in all their proportions, strength and consistency. Long may he live to go in and out among the children. Tyler is surely the Emporium of East Texas. The able professional men, all the courts, the schools, and its daily magnificent improvements, surrounded by a rich and fertile country, and its central position for the capital—for it not only wants to go out of the Union, but to have a State east of the Trinity. I see Capitol Hill from my windows, forty (40) acres of beautiful land reserved. Added to this the depot of the Trinity and Tyler Railroad, and on the east side the Pacific Railroad, will make Tyler all that the flesh pots would have it to be. Mr. Editor, do not think I am jesting, but “come and see” in pursuance to resolution passed in the Sunday school convention at Rusk, May 22d, 1860: “To hold its next session in Tyler, commencing on the Monday after the third sabbath in June, A. D., 1861;” and that the following persons be respectfully requested to deliver a speech or written essay on the following: 1st. Origin and design of Sunday school. Col. Wm. P. Hill. 2d. The present state and future prospects of the Sunday school. Rev. R. S. Finley. 3d. Duties of officers and teachers. Col. John G. Gooch. 4th. Duties and privileges of Sunday school scholars. Rev. Wm. B. Hill. 5th. The duty of pastors to Sunday schools. Rev. J. E. Carnes. 6th. The duty of parents and guardians to Sunday schools. M. H. Bonner, Esq. Being Secretary of the Sunday School Society, I feel free to request the preachers to bring all the statistics, and each a layman to cooperate with us. Wm. Witcher. Tyler, Texas, Jan. 5, 1861. [MARSHALL] TEXAS REPUBLICAN, June 13, 1863, p. 2 "The annual meeting of the Eastern Texas Baptist Convention will be held with the Baptist Church in Tyler, commencing Friday before 4th Sabbath in June. Delegates will report themselves at the Drug Store of Felton & Wiggins." J. W. Jones, J. T. Hand, Nat. G. Smith, W. S. Walker, Wm. B. Featherston. BELLVILLE [TX] COUNTRYMAN, June 20, 1863, p. 1, c. 1 The East Texas Baptist State Convention meets at Tyler on the 26th inst. SAN ANTONIO DAILY HERALD, December 12, 1865, p. 2, c. 4 From Tyler. The Tyler Reporter has the following: Marrying seems to be all the rage now-a-days, and Tyler shares her quota with her sister towns; and is properly fulfilling the sacred teachings of Scripture, by "marrying and replenishing" the earth. We, the Local, standing out in the cold, with no endearing embrace, and none to say "My Dear," &c., can only congratulate the fortunate and say "a long life" &c. Bully for all young Benedicts. You have acted like sensible men. Hope you will succeed in life. The Supper and Fair, on last Tuesday evening given by the ladies to raise money to repair the Baptist Church, is said to have passed off well, and with a pretty heavy collection. It was a magnificent affair, and is quite creditable to those who got it up. We always like to encourage anything religious. The receipts of the evening, we understand, were $71,50 specie; $23,00 greenbacks. Two Freedmen were committed to jail by his Honor, Mayor Poleiys [sic] for theft, and are required to wait and see what disposal on the next District Court will make of them. We are rather disposed to believe that they were going into the bread business, because of their stealing about forty bushels of wheat at one whack. SAN ANTONIO DAILY HERALD, December 22, 1865, p. 2, c. 3 From Tyler. The Reporter says: Local sometimes goes to church, and though not much of a christian, is, nevertheless, very much in favor of good behavior at such places. He therefore marks, with no little ratification, a considerable change for the better of late in this respect about Tyler, and hopes for an increase. He remarks, independently, thus: The man or woman who does not behave well in church, shows bad raising, or a very great disregard for good raising. The hammer, saw and brush are doing their work in Tyler, and improvement is visible on all hands. Large supplies of new goods are constantly arriving, much business is being transacted, and our town is beginning to assume much of its former appearance. Our friends in the country are notified that they can get almost anything they want here, provided they have the cash to buy with. The first quarterly meeting of the M. E. Church at this place, was held here, concluding last Saturday. A series of meetings is now being held in the Baptist Church here. The gifted and eloquent Mr. Bayliss, of Marshall, is present, and has delivered several powerful and impressive sermons. Considerable interest is manifest among the people. We welcome back among his old friends, and to his old home, our young friend Alf. Davis. Four and a half years of war and absence have made but little change in him, and he appears very much the same jolly Alf. S. M. Warner, whilom editor of the Reporter, turned up here all right a day or two ago, having just returned from a visit North.