with those who had before been members of Baptist Churches, to form a church near his home. This was done in 1818. His labors were not confined to this section, but in all directions he worked for the building of other churches. His first was the old Beulah Church between Sparta and Brooklyn. From this as a central point, his labors radiated in all directions. Often he would take long journeys on foot, leaving home frequently on Friday morning in order to meet his appointments at a distance. Often the streams were swollen so much that he was compelled to swim across. During the week he was an earnest, persistent student. His library was a plain English Bible, over which he pored by the aid of blazing pine knots, after his day's labors in the field. Through his exertions, which knew no wavering nor faltering, thriving churches were established in different parts of the county, and some in districts quite remote from others. His zeal and ability were so great and eminent that he remained in charge of several of these churches as long as he lived. Of the Beulah Church, the one he first organized, he was pastor thirty-five years; of Bellville, thirty-two. Between Burnt corn and Evergreen, in the Higdon settlement, a large and flourishing interest was established by him. By reason of his great partliamentary ability, he was chosen Moderator
