ARTICLES ON TYLER
AND SMITH COUNTY, TEXAS
IN THE
TEXAS WESLEYAN BANNER
1851
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE
1851-1859
TEXAS WESLEYAN BANNER, March 29, 1851, p. 2, c. 5
Tyler Circuit.
Rev. Neil Brown writes:--"Our beloved Zion seems to languish, at
present, in these parts of the Lord's Vineyard; but, I trust, she will awaken
and shake off her slumbers, and put on her beautiful garments; and shine forth
as the brightness of the morning, that sinners may behold her beauty and
excellency, her grandeur and loveliness, and be speedily brought within her
embrace, by her hallowed influence, that the pages of your excellent
"Banner" may herald the joyful intelligence thereof, and the glad
tidings be borne to Heaven—"the dead's alive—the lost is found!"
TEXAS WESLEYAN BANNER, September 13, 1851, p. 2, c. 5
For the T. W.
Banner.
Tyler Circuit.
REV. C. RICHARDSON—Dear Bro.—I take my pen to write a few items for
the Banner, which may interest its readers.
The Lord is reviving his work on Tyler circuits.
At our third Quarterly Meeting, (held at Liberty,) embracing the 3d
Sabbath in July, we had indeed a "time of refreshing from the presence of
the Lord." Our much beloved
P.E. was not with us, (owing to sickness I presume,) but a number of local
brethren and sisters of the Presbyterian order, who lived near, acted nobly in
assisting and sustaining the meeting. The
Lord reward them liberally. Bros.
Green, Long, West and others, labored faithfully and effectually. The result of the meeting was about 15 or 16 conversions, 18
or 20 accessions, and a goodly number deeply concerned about their soul's
salvation. May God so rivet the
good impressions then and there made, that they may finally terminate in sound
conversion.
From
thence I went to my appointment on Tuesday, and there (the Lord being present)
had a good time; 5 accessions on that day.
I am still looking forward for greater times.
The
prospects on Tyler circuit, so far as I can judge, are very favorable.
May the good Lord carry on his glorious work, over the head of all
opposition; and to him be all the glory, now and forever amen!
My
health is a little delicate, but, thank God, I am still able to attend to my
work.
Yours truly,
NEILL BROWN.
Smith co., Texas, Aug 23d, 1851.
TEXAS WESLEYAN BANNER, October 25, 1851, p. 2, c. 4
For the Texas Wesleyan Banner.
Tyler Circuit, Sept. 24, 1851.
DEAR
BRO. RICHARDSON.—Through Divine Providence, I am again permitted to send you
another item of religious intelligence for your readers. On Wednesday, the 10th instant, at Pleasant Hill
meeting house, I commenced a meeting, which was continued 5 days and nights
successively. We had a refreshing
from the presence of the Lord, a time to be long remembered by all who were
present on the occasion. The result
was, 8 converts, 5 accessions and a general revival among the membership, and
many were deeply affected when the meeting was closed; and having no ministerial
aid on the occasion, I tried to preach from 2 to 3 times per day, and urged the
Stewards and Laity to assist me by exhortations, &c., which they did like
good soldiers of the Cross, and I thank God that we have in our ranks men and
women, too, of piety and intelligence who can greatly assist in the great work
of saving souls and spreading Scripture holiness over the earth; and in [inkblot]w
of th [inkblot] ectual labors of those who assisted me at this meeting.
I was forcibly impressed with the great amount of good that might be
effected by many of our good brethren, and sisters, too, if they would only take
up the Cross and go to work in the vineyard of the Lord.
I am fully persuaded that they could accomplish much good through Divine
assistance, if they would try; and I hope that those who so much assisted me on
this occasion, will be encouraged to take up the cross hereafter, and be
actively engaged in the service of the Lord.
O that all the members of Christ's mystical body were "lively
stones," and would all become "workers together with him" each
acting in his proper sphere, according to his gifts and abilities, as directed
in Rom., 12 Chap., and elsewhere; but the oft repeated phrase "I
can't," is a great (but dangerous) opiate paralyzing the noble
energies which God has given for the best of purposes.
But we should always bear in mind that "we are not sufficient of
ourselves, but our sufficiency is of God;" and that "we can do all
things through Christ, which strengtheneth us."
These, and the like phrases, are great tonics producing a most
salutary effect on all who duly consider and appreciate them; they give proper
tone to the whole system and stimulate to proper action.
I am still looking forward with intense anxiety to a greater ingathering
on Tyler Circuit, ere the close of the Conference year.
The Lord grant it, for Christ's sake, and to Him be glory evermore.
Yours truly,
NEILL BROWN.
TEXAS WESLEYAN BANNER, July 19, 1851
THE TYLER TELEGRAPH.—This paper is published at Tyler, Smith Co., by Davis Clopton & Co., at $2 per annum.
We have only seen the first two numbers, which are quite respectable in
appearance, and well filled with readable articles.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 27, 1857
For the Texas Christian Advocate.
STARRVILLE FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL.
The examination occupied the larger portion of two consecutive
days—beginning on Wednesday, the 29th of July—and embraced the
principal branches taught in female schools of the higher grade.
The Principal, Rev. M. H. Porter, commands our hearty approval for the
fidelity with which he has devoted himself to the improvement of his pupils.
He has succeeded in exciting in the minds of his scholars a generous
emulation, which has manifested itself in their gratifying proficiency.
Trustees, parents, and friends, who were in attendance, must all have
been greatly pleased with the manner in which the young ladies acquitted
themselves. Not the least
remarkable feature in the examination was the fairness with which it was
conducted.
Great
praise is due Miss Robins for the skill and progress she has made in imparting
the musical instruction afforded in this institution. The public concert gave ample evidence of her taste and
genius.
Not
less pleasing were the original essays, showing that composition had received
its full share of attention, and that the young ladies were not content with
merely admiring and treasuring the thoughts of others, but were capable of
originating thoughts of their own, and giving them charming expression.
It affords us pleasure to state that the occasion was one of thrilling
interest, and this interest was greatly increased by the very able and
appropriate literary addresses delivered at different hours during the
examination, by the Hon. George W. Chilton, of Tyler, Rev. Isaac Alexander, of
Gilmer, Hon. John Fowler, of Tyler, and Senator E. E. Lott, of this place.
Each and all of these gentlemen did honor to themselves, as well as to
the great cause which they advocated.
The
committee, in conclusion, would express themselves as most favorably impressed
with the high character, thorough discipline, and faithful instruction of this
institution; and would heartily commend it to the fostering care of the patron
Conference, and patronage of the community at large, as a school where the
female mind may be enlightened, and the female heart may be kept pure, elevated,
and refined.
H. B. Hamilton, }
Committee.
S. Lynch,
}
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 27, 1857, p. 1, c. 3
For the Texas Christian Advocate.
STARRVILLE MALE SCHOOL.
MR. EDITOR: The undersigned,
patrons of the above Institution, believing that a male school of high grade at
this place will do much to advance the interests of the Starrville Female High
School, under the patronage of the East Texas Conference, beg leave to submit a
few facts in relation to its present prosperity.
We
attended its public examination last week, and feel safe in saying it met the
most sanguine expectations of its friends and patrons. It commands a most liberal patronage, considering its infancy
and the local competition attending its start.
The examination attested that the branches in mathematics had been
successfully taught, while the other departments were all that could be desired.
Such has been the prosperity attending this school during its first
session, that it is the intention of the Principal to increase his corps of
teachers, and to enlarge the range of instruction, so as to embrace very thing
taught in our best academies.
It is
the intention of the Principal and friends to provide such accommodations as
will meet the necessities of the school in the amplest and most satisfactory
manner.
R. W.
Baxter, the Principal of the school, has won for himself a most enviable
reputation as a first-class teacher and earnest Christian.
In
conclusion, we most heartily recommend this institution to those who wish to
educate their sons.
E. E. LOTT,
D. F. BARECROFT.
Starrville,
August 4, 1857.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 2, 1857, p. 3, c. 1
The
Reporter mentions a great railroad rally, in favor of the Southern Pacific Road,
at Tyler, on the 16th proximo.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 1, 1857, p. 3, c. 3
Rev.
Samuel Lynch, Tyler circuit, East Texas Conference, writes that at a protracted
meeting at Rocky Mount, six were converted, and eight joined the Church.
At a protracted meeting at Asbury Chapel, about fourteen were converted,
and eighteen were added to the Church. At
the fourth quarterly meeting, which was a camp-meeting, eighteen or twenty were
converted, and seventeen joined the Church.
Brother Burks, the Presiding Elder, preached a missionary sermon, and the
collection resulted in $5.46. Well
done for Tyler circuit! What
circuit will beat her!
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 15, 1857, p. 1, c. 1
For the Texas Christian Advocate.
CENTRE CAMP-MEETING.
DEAR BROTHER GILLESPIE:--I have cheering intelligence again to
communicate to the readers of the Christian Advocate, from Tyler Circuit,
East Texas Conference. The
Camp-meeting at Centre Camp Ground, in Smith county, Texas, began September 10th,
at early candle light, and closed Monday morning last, having been in session
thirteen days and nights. It was
the meeting of meetings. I never
witnessed a more powerful display of divine goodness in the salvation of the
people. We feel under many
obligations to the visiting preachers, who labored so faithfully.
We had some fifty conversions, during the meeting, and thirty accessions
to the Church. We would say in
conclusion, that Methodism is taking a deeper root in this portion of the
country than ever before. Books and
periodicals, explaining the way of holiness, are being distributed.
We have the Missionary cause before the people, and they are responding
nobly. A few more protracted
meetings, and we close our labors in this interesting field, where we feel that
the Lord has done great things for us, whereof we are glad.
SAMUEL LYNCH.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 15, 1857, p. 1, c. 3
LETTER FROM RUSK.
. . . . Leaving this place, I started for Starrville, in
Smith county, but getting out of my way, I did not get there, but about night
came to "Old Uncle Joshua Starr's," where I spent the night
pleasantly. Brother Starr lives
some one or two miles from Starrville.
The
schools, both male and female, in that place, are prospering, and with such men
as Brother Starr will prosper. The
Female High School, in particular, is doing very well in every department.
I will have to close this communication without giving you the "good
news," or protract it to too great length, so I prefer the former course. But one thing is certain, Tyler Circuit is going to send up
Missionary money to do some good.—Respectfully,
T. W. R.
Rusk,
Texas, September 29, 1857.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 22, 1857, p. 3, c. 1
A
letter from Rev. T. W. Rogers, dated Rusk Oct. 6th, East Texas
Conference, says that preparations are being made to "make all at
home" during the meeting of Conference.
He says, also, that Tyler circuit, he is informed, will send $1000 to
conference; $547 was collected at the camp-meeting lately held at Jamestown.
Endeavors will be made to raise a $1,000 Missionary fund.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 12, 1857, p. 3, c. 1
Rev.
S. Lynch, Tyler circuit, East Texas Conference, writes us that they have since
his last report, had two protracted meetings, and that ten more have been added
to the church.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 10, 1857, p. 2, c. 5
Palestine district, N. W. Burks, P. E.
Tyler
Circuit—Neill Brown
Tyler
Col. Mission—to be supplied.
Milton
H. Porter, principal of Starrville Female High School and member of Tyler
Quarterly Conference.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 12, 1858
A GOOD SERMON BY A GOOD MAN.
Mr. Editor:--I heard to-day, one of the best sermons I almost ever heard
in my life, preached by the Rev. Mr. Harris of the Presbyterian Church, from the
12th verse of the 92d Psalm. I
believe the ministers of that denomination are partial to the Psalms, and King
David is a great favorite with them. I
feel sure you will give space in your columns for a brief account of his
excellent discourse. . . . I never heard a sermon listened to with more earnest
attention than was good brother Harris's by his large congregation, who for more
than an hour delighted and edified them by his discourse. Many persons who heard him will never forget his beautiful
and encouraging text, and his feeling and eloquent illustrations of the meaning
of the sacred writer.
Bonnicastle.
Tyler,
Texas, Nov. 29th, 1857.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 19, 1858, p. 2, c. 2
STARRVILLE
FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL is reported to us as enjoying a degree of prosperity which is
highly satisfactory. Located
centrally in the Conference, in a healthy region of country, surrounded by the
best social and religious influences, it should, as we think, enlist the
interest of the entire Conference; especially as it is proposed to educate the
daughters of the members free of charge for tuition. It is desired by the trustees, and recommended by your
committee, that Rev. Milton H. Porter, be continued as the Principal of the
Institution. He desires to erect a
boarding-house as soon as possible, and we recommend that our preachers and
people assist him in the enterprise with all their might.
We ask the appointment of the usual Visiting Committee.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, January 19, 1858, p. 2, c. 3
[resolution by the East Texas Conference]
THEATRES, BALLS, CIRCUSES, FAIRS.
Resolved, 1. That, in the
judgment of this Conference, the attendance, by our ministers or members, upon
theatres, circuses, balls, and dances of every description, is a palpable
violation of our General Rules which forbid "the taking of such diversions
as cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jesus," and that the Discipline
should be rigidly enforced in all such cases.
2.
That, as Suppers, Fairs, and Concerts are becoming very common in order
to raise money for various benevolent objects, and as some of our people go to
these entertainments, and justify themselves on account of their benevolent
character, this Conference unqualifiedly disapprove them, and will not
countenance the attendance of our people upon them.
R. S. FINLEY,
J. B. TULLIS,
J. W. FIELDS.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 15, 1858, p. 3, c. 2
Besides
those already noticed at Tyler, there have been several cases of smallpox in
Rusk county, and one or two at Canton in Smith county.
There was one death at Canton or vicinity.
From the care taken to prevent the contagion, it is hoped there will be
no new cases. The persons who
brought the disease into the country, came up Red River.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 23, 1858, p. 2, c. 7
STARRVILLE
FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL, under the patronage of the East Texas Conference, Rev. M. H.
Porter, Principal, is an excellent and prosperous institution, deserving of the
largest patronage. The East Texas
Conference commended it in the most flattering terms. Read the advertisement in this paper.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 23, 1858, p. 3, c. 2
Mr.
Reagan has introduced a bill into Congress to provide for the erection of a
building for the accommodation of the Federal courts, and for a post office, at
Tyler, in Smith county, in the State of Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, February 23, 1858, p. 4, c. 4
STARRVILLE FEMALE
HIGH SCHOOL.
Under the control of the East Texas Conference.
This institution is located at Starrville, Smith County, Texas. The next session will open on the first Monday in October next, and close on the last Thursday in July, embracing a term of ten months.
Board of
Instruction.
Rev. M. H. PORTER, Principal.
Mrs. CYNTHIA HAMILTON, Assistant.
Mrs. MATILDA TULLIS, Music Department.
Terms of Tuition per Session of ten Months.
Spelling, Reading, Writing, Primary, Geography, Grammar and
Mental
Arithmetic.
$20 00
The above continued, with English Grammar, Geography, Arithmetic,
Familiar
Science, Natural, Mental and Moral Philosophy, History,
Composition
and Letter Writing.
25 00
Chemistry, Algebra, Geometry, Astronomy, Botany, Rhetoric, Logic, Butler's
Analogy,
Latin and Greek.
30 00
Music on Piano Forte,
40 00
Use of Instrument,
10 00
Embroidery
20 00
Drawing or Painting
20 00
Students
charged from the time they enter, and no deduction made only in case of
protracted illness.
Payment
required at the close of the term. Ten
per cent. allowed on money paid in advance.
Board,
washing and lights, at from $7 to $10 per month. Persons wishing arrangements made for boarding, will address
Rev. J. M. Gill.
H. B. HAMILTON, Pres. Board.
H. H. Curl, Sec.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 9, 1858, p. 3, c. 2
RAINS
IN THE EAST.—The Tyler Reporter says:
"From every direction we hear of tremendous rains and consequently
high rivers. At Kemps' Ferry, the
Sabine is out of its banks and the ferry, we learn, has stopped.
The Neches is higher than was ever known before.
Old Red River is "booming," and full of boats.
The small-pox has left Tyler.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, March 30, 1858, p. 3, c. 2
The Tyler
Reporter gives the valuation of negroes in Smith county as $1,500,000, and
of lands, as $1,076,566. The editor
says the value of improved land in that county is from $8 to $12, and of
unimproved land from $2 to $5 per acre.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, April 13, 1858, p. 1, c. 4
ONE DOLLAR.
To the Preachers, Members, and Friends of the East Texas Conference.
I
propose to be one of five hundred, or more, who will give one dollar, or, more,
for the benefit of Starrville Female High School, to be paid by the fourth of
July next. The object of the
donation is to enable the Trustees to finish and furnish the buildings as they
should be, for comfort, and convenience. The
citizens have done well, and have not asked this Conference to assume any
liabilities, or appoint an agent for said institution.
There are certain improvements, absolutely necessary to be done this
year. As it is hoped, as the
Conference comes near to have the Bishop and many members to visit said school,
and deliver addresses on the subject of education.
As this is the only Female School directly under the control of the
Conference, we should make it worthy of the Conference, and merit liberal
patronage. The school is every way
worthy of a liberal support, doing well in all departments.
I do not set down the sum at the extreme low figure of one dollar,
because the people are not able, or willing to respond to any call that is
necessary to sustain the interest of the church.
the above sum will not interfere with any other contribution whatever. The donation will be judiciously applied by the Trustees to
the use above stated. Now let every
preacher, brother, sister and friend, as soon as you read this enclose, or hand
your preacher, your donation, and let it be sent to Rev. M. H. Porter,
Starrville, Texas, who will record your name and amount.
Come that dollar,--come send it along, and help build an edifice where
our daughters can be comfortable, and well instructed.
We shall expect a general response to this call, feeling satisfied that
all desire the cause of education still to go on.
Hoping we will have prosperous times, spiritually, temporally, and a
dollar for Starrville School. I bid
you adieu for the present. More
anon.
Millwood,
Texas, March 11, 1858.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, May 18, 1858, p. 4, c. 5
SITUATED WANTED.
As instructor of Mathematics, by a young man of some
experience, who is prepared to teach all the branches usually taught in our best
Academies and High Schools.
His
present engagement will terminate in August and he will be pleased to confer
with those who may desire his services either for the remainder of this year, or
for 1859.
His
experience has been in Schools of the first order.
REFERENCES.—Faculty
of the Georgia Military Institute, Marietta, Ga.; C. C. Richards, Principal of
Greenway Academy, Thomson, Ga.; Rev. J. R. Mason, Professor Mathematics,
LaGrange Female College, Lagrange, Ga.
ADDRESS
J. T. STROTHER.
Tyler, Smith Co., Texas.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, August 11, 1859, p. 3, c. 3
STARRVILLE FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL.
The fifth session of this School will open on the First
Monday in Oct. next, for the Term of Forty Weeks, under the Superintendence of
the Rev. John T. Kennedy, assisted, if necessary, by a competent Teacher.
Mrs.
M. J. Tullis, Music Teacher.
RATES OF TUITION:
Orthography, Reading, Writing, Primary Geography, and Oral
Arithmetic
$20
00
English Grammar,
Geography, Written Arithmetic, Familiar Science and
Composition
25 00
Natural Philosophy, History, Botany, Algebra and Composition
30 00
Mental and Moral Philosophy, Geometry, Chemistry, Rhetoric, Logic, Latin,
Greek,
French and Butler's Analogy
40
00
Incidental Expenses, each pupil
1 00
Music on Piano Forte and use of Instrument
50 00
Drawing and Painting
20 00
Embroidery
10 00
All
Students charged from the time they enter until the close of the Term, and no
deduction made except in cases of protracted sickness.
Ten
per cent. allowed on all advance payments, and the same will be required if not
paid at the close of the term.
For
Boarding, address Rev. James M. Gill, or Dr. I. P. Lowery.
JAMES M. GILL, P. B. OF T.
H. H.
CURL, Sec. B. T.
Starrville, Texas, July 14, 1859.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, September 29, 1859, p. 2, c. 7
Jasper
Starr proposes to publish at Starrville a new paper to be called the
Student's Guide.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 6, 1859, p. 2, c. 6
Rev.
M. H. Porter writes from Smith Circuit: At
the Jamestown and Chapel Hill Camp-meeting we had quite a revival; mostly,
however, among the Church members. Several
were happily converted. At the
Antioch Church, some six or seven miles from the Camp-ground, there was a
gracious revival going on during the Camp-meeting.
This meeting resulted in the conversion of quite a number, and some
twenty joined the Church. By dividing our ministerial forces, we did double the work
that time. Bro. s. K. Stovall, the
Junior Preacher, was here wonderfully blessed; preached afterward far beyond
what he had done before.
Another
correspondent writes in relation to the same meeting and Circuit:
The Missionary collection was six hundred fifty dollars.
We have it in contemplation to build a male school of a high order, and
locate it in Jamestown. The house
to be built of brick fifty by seventy feet, and two stories high, and then to
make a presentation of it to our Conference.
We have now about five thousand dollars pledged for it, and still expect
to get more. Our country is
proverbial for health and good society.—Our crops of corn are abundant, but
cotton is cut short by at least one half—such a failure as was never known
before in Smith County.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 13, 1859, p. 2, c. 6
JAMESTOWN,
Sept. 28—The Methodists at Jamestown, Smith County, Texas, contemplate
building a two-story brick house, 50 by 70 feet, the upper story for a M. E.
Church, South, and the lower story for a Male High School. We anticipate offering the School to the Conference.
We have $5000 subscribed and want as much more.
On the
second Saturday, inst., we commenced a meeting at Asbury Chapel, on Smith
Circuit; held five days, and the Lord blessed us abundantly.
Bros. Neal Brown and J. B. Hall assisted—thirteen conversions and 16
accessions to the Church.
W. B. LONG.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, October 13, 1859, p. 2, c. 7
PACIFIC
RAIL ROAD.—The Tyler Reporter speaks favorable of the prospects.
Other papers are also abundantly encouraged.
Those who have hitherto been unbelievers "are now convinced that the
road will be built." It is
believed that "T. Edgar Thompson, so justly celebrated as the greatest
railroad man in America, will, at an early day, assume the Presidency."
The State suit against the Railroad has been decided in favor of the
Company.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 3, 1859, p. 1, c. 1
STARRVILLE FEMALE HIGH SCHOOL.
ED. ADVOCATE.—By the permission of the editor, we wish, through the
columns of the Advocate, to call the attention of the public, and particularly
of the Methodists, to the Starrville High School, as a suitable place for their
daughters to receive a full, critical and polished education.
Our
school is now supplied with a full corps of competent teachers, who will spare
no pains in instructing and advising the young ladies entrusted to their care.
Although
their advancement in those sciences which will be most useful to them through
life is the primary object of our School, yet their moral and religious training
is a consideration too important to be overlooked, and will be carefully guarded
by the Faculty of this institution. We
would, by no means, make the impression, that sectarian sentiments are here
taught. Mothers who may entrust
their daughters to our care, may feel assured that they will be parentally and
carefully managed. The Methodists
of East Texas have long enough given their daughters to others to be educated in
their institutions, and our own schools have been neglected, while our daughters
have been entrusted not unfrequently to men by no means strictly pious or even
moral. It is time that our Church
awake to their duty, and to their interest. The time has arrived in the history of this country that the
Methodist Church must take a decided stand in the great cause of education.
Within the next five years we must raise a high standard of mental
training, or the influence of our church must wane in this great land of
Methodism, for which our hardy and Christian pioneers have spent their fortunes,
their talents and their lives.
We
expect to make Starrville High School a standard of female accomplishment—a
place where young ladies may be proud to have received their education.
The
academical year of this Institution commenced on the third instant, and will
continue forty weeks. If we are not
mistaken, this is the only female school under the care of the East Texas
Conference; and we would be glad if the preachers would keep their respective
charges posted on this subject.
In
sending your daughters to Starrville, you are not only sending to one of the
most quiet and pleasantest villages in the South, but you also educate them
cheaper than in any like school in the country.
Good boarding can be had, all things found, for ten dollars per month.
Tuition as low as any good school. Brethren,
send your daughters, and give our school a fair trial. We
offer you good society, a healthy location, and temperate community, (for no
liquors are allowed to be sold in the place,) as inducements to patronize our
school.
B. W. S. ALEXANDER, Principal.
Starrville, Smith Co., Texas, Oct. 10.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 17, 1859, p. 2, c. 1
Rev.
R. W. Thompson writes from Garden Valley, Nov. 1st:
"My year's work is almost done on this circuit.
I have received more than one hundred members into the Church this
year."
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 17, 1859, p. 4, c. 2
SAMUEL
THOMAS STEWART, son of Rev. George A. and Mary Stewart,--formerly of Coosa
county, Ala.—died at the residence of his father Smith co., Texas.
Sept. 17, 1859.
He was
born April 29, 1838, lived to the age of 21 years, 4 months, and 18 days.
Samuel was a member of the Temple of Honor, had filled every office in
the same with dignity and honor. The
Order appreciated him while living honored him with a decent interment when
dead, and felt, in his death, that one of its most valuable members was taken
away. Our beloved brother had also
been a member of the M. E. Church, South, for several years.
He loved his Church, was devoted to her interests; was an obedient son,
even to the end. We had no young
man to whom we looked for more than was promised in him.
He was a young man of more than ordinary mind, kind disposition, simple
heart, rarest prudence, and unquestioned piety; blending in himself the humility
of a child and discretion of a father. He
was studying for the ministry, and would have made a man of whom we would not
have been ashamed. His death was as
much lamented as that of any young man could be.
We have lost a brother, God received a child; we are one less on earth,
the pious dead one more in Heaven. May
God sanctify his death to our good!
J. ALEXANDER.
Jamestown,
Oct. 17, 1859.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, November 24, 1859, p. 4, c. 2
The
house of J. B. Hall has been visited by the angel of Death, on two occasions
during the present year.
DR. J.
W. H. HALL, son of J. B. and Mary C. Hall, was born June 24th, 1835,
and departed this life June 7th, 1859.
James
spent the winters of '56 and '57 in Philadelphia, as a medical
student—returned home in March of '57, and spent the remainder of the year at
his father's house. Early in '58 he
began to practice his profession with great promise of success, but during the
summer found himself too feeble for the labor of his calling, and returned home
to recruit his health. He remained
feeble during the winter, and early in the spring it was too clearly seen that
his condition was no better. About
the first of May, he was afflicted with a pain in his eye, which was accompanied
by disease in other parts of the body, and, seemingly, to cure one disease was
but to encounter another. Thus he
lived in great affliction up to the 7th of June, and fell asleep at 8½
o'clock in the morning.
From
the beginning of his sickness, he was deeply engaged in seeking that peace which
passeth understanding. A few days
before his death, he called me to his bedside, and said:
"The Lord has blessed me."
The state of his mind, and the manner in which he afterwards bore his
afflictions—which were exceedingly severe—make it evident that a change had
passed upon him. I asked a few
hours before he expired, if he knew he was soon to die?
He answered: "I
do." "Do you feel that the Lord will sustain you?"
"I know he will." This
was perhaps his last sentence. Oh!
Father, sustain us all in this hour!
VIRGINIA
CLAYTON, younger sister of James, was born August 23rd, 1852, and
died at 8 o'clock, Sept. 7th, 1859.
Virginia
was a child of promise, beloved by her little associates, and devoted to her
Sabbath School, in which she learned something of that land to which she has
gone—and of Him who took her to Himself:
"This lovely bud, so young and fair,
Call'd hence by early doom;
Just came to show how sweet a flower
In Paradise would bloom."
J. ALEXANDER.
Jamestown,
Nov. 10, '59.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 1, 1859, p. 2, c. 6
ED.
ADVOCATE.—We have just closed an interesting protracted meeting of two weeks
continuance, at which we have had some twelve conversions, and as many
accessions to the Church. Last
night I closed my years' work in this station.
We have had a net increase of fifty white members, besides some among the
blacks. We have an interesting
Sabbath School. The Superintendent
and Teachers intend keeping it up through the winter. We have organized a juvenile Missionary Society.
In a word, our cause has a hold on this community that it never had
before. May the Lord continue to
bless this people, and send them pastors after his own heart, who shall feed the
flock with wholesome food.
We had
the efficient aid of our much esteemed Bro. Tullis, P. E., and Bro. Williams, of
Virginia, at our late protracted meeting. We
are leaving this little station with claims all met, and a heart full of love to
the people. Yours truly,
J. W. FIELDS, Pastor.
Tyler, November 14,th, 1859.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 15, 1859, p. 2, c. 3
APPOINTMENTS OF THE EAST TEXAS CONFERENCE.
Palestine district—J. B. Tullis, P. E.
Tyler Station—J. W. Fields.
Tyler Circuit—W. K. Masten.
Starrville Female High School—B. W. S. Alexander, Principal.
Greenville District—L. R. Dennis, P. E.
Garden Valley—W. J. Popham.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 22, 1859, p. 1, c. 2
STARRVILLE HIGH
SCHOOL.
A Female Institution located at Starrville, Smith County.
The Board of Trustees report that the material for the brick building,
recommended by the Conference at its last session, is being collected, and that
a contract has been made for its speedy erection—that, owing to failing
health, Rev. J. G. Kennedy, the late able Principal, has resigned, and that his
place has been filled with Rev. Benj. Alexander, late of the Missouri
Conference, whom they represent as possessing complete qualifications for the
position. The number of pupils in
attendance was fifty-two. The
entire amount of collections by the Agent, Bro. Starr, is $1865; and the amount
paid out by him for the repairs, painting, &c., of the Institution, and
received by him for expenses, is $1069 41; leaving a balance of $795 59.
Resolved,
That we retain full confidence in the Starrville High School as an excellent
Conference Institution, and rejoice in the evidences of its prosperity—that we
concur in the appointment of Rev. Joshua Starr as Agent, and will cheerfully
co-operate with him in his good work—that the following named persons will be
appointed Trustees for the ensuing year: Traveling
preachers—R. S. Finley, J. W. Fields, John B. Tullis, Wm. B. Hill.
Laymen—Joshua Starr, J. M. Gill, D. F. Barcroft, R. T. McFarland, Dr.
F. W. Holland, Asa Holt, Wm. B. Ross, Josiah Ogburn, J. P. Lowery.
TEXAS CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE, December 22, 1859, p. 2, c. 2
DEATH
OF REV. H. B. HAMILTON.—The Presiding Elder of the Clarksville District, East
Texas Conference, died of Typhoid fever, at Paris, on the 5th inst.
The Paris Visitor says of him:
"From
our brief personal acquaintance with the deceased, we had a high opinion of his
character, as a man, and as a sincere and devoted christian:
While he was plain and straight forward in his manners, he was earnest
and zealous in the service of his Master. He
was one of those christians who act as well as talk religion, and hence
he exerted a great influence upon those around him.
He illustrated the principle, that a good example and a consistent course
of life exert more influence than many precepts.
He will not be soon forgotten by the members of this community."