|
Reverend
John Dawson Steele's
Legacy
Lives On In Kentucky
Pioneer
Preacher Rode Many Miles By Horseback
Through
Adair And Surrounding Counties
By Cindy
Whitis - 2004
Reverend
John Dawson Steel, or "Father Steele" as he was affectionately
called, was instrumental in the formation of a new denomination
in south-central Kentucky.
John was one of three children born to William and Mary Dawson
Steele, who were early pioneers from Virginia. William brought
his wife, his widowed mother-in-law, and some of her children
into Lincoln County, Kentucky, in 1797. William and Mary moved
on to Adair County, Kentucky, where William farmed and reared
two daughters, Elizabeth and Susannah; and one son, John.
On March
11, 1813, John married Sally Settles in Adair County. In 1814
their son, Dawson Steele, was born. He was followed by: William,
Ermine, Emily, Robert, Sarah, Harriet, Isaac, and John (Jr.).
John grew up in a religious household, was active in his local
church, and was even elected to represent his church in the local
Baptist Association. However, by 1830 he was greatly influenced
by a new movement that was just beginning in Kentucky led by
Alexander Campbell. Brush Arbor meetings and tent meetings drew
large crowds and his followers were given the name "Campbellites."
Eventually, they became the Disciples of Christ or Christian
Church. The History of Baptists in Kentucky has this entry:
"The Russell's Creek Baptist Association met on September
18, 1830, and refused to permit Elder John Steele to preach the
introductory sermon, because he had adopted the views of Alexander
Campbell since the last session."
In the coming years Reverend John Steele would be instrumental
in organizing and starting Christian churches in the Adair and
Green County area. In 1830 he helped organize Mt. Pleasant Christian
Church. In August of that year 14 members constituted a church
and selected Reverend John D. Steel as their minister. Charter
members were: Nancy Browning, Gilmore Callison, Martha Callison,
William Callison, Benjamin Edrington, John Edrington, Thomas
Edrington, Anna McClure, Abraham Sallee, Charity Smith, Mary
Smith, John Steele, and Sally Steele.
Also, in 1830 he was busy organizing the Mt. Gilead Christian
Church. Bricks were made right there on the Irvine farm by members
of the community. Local craftsman cut yellow poplar and made
pews that are still in use today. This church is located on the
Adair and Green County line at the camp of the Long Hunters.
Reverend Steele did not confine his ministry to the Adair County
area. He was known to travel by horseback many miles to preach.
The Greensburg newspaper, The Kentucky Republican, published
this announcement in 1832: "On Friday the 7th day of September,
God willing, elders J. D. Steel, William Steerman, and Nathan
Waters will address the people of the Christian religion in Campbellsville
on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday the 8th, 9th, and 10th in this
place."
A denominational newsletter, The Christian Messenger, later known
as The Millenial Harbinger recorded some of Reverend Steele's
travels between 1832 and 1851: Creelsborough (Russell County),
Columbia (Adair County), Bethel Meeting House, Mt. Gilead (Green
County), Dudley's Meeting House, Jamestown (Russell County),
Burkesville (Cumberland County), Campbellsville (Taylor County),
and Perryville (Mercer County).
M. A. Stemmons gave this amazing report from Stanford, Lincoln
County, Kentucky, in 1842: "I sit down this Lord's morning
to inform you of the success of the Gospel within the last six
weeks, all within ten miles of this place. This has been principally
under the labors of our young and excellent Brother Carroll Kendrick.
He had the aid of Brother John Steele and others at Hustonville
where 124 were gained, many of them of the highest rank and intelligence.
At McCormick's, five miles away, 96 were gained in seven days.
Brothers Kendrick and Steele were the only preachers. At Gilbert's
Creek, eight miles away, in six days Brother Kendrick alone got
50; and at Rush Branch, two-and-one-half miles from this, and
here at night, 156 were gained in seven days. At Logan's Creek
and Maple Swamp, ten. In all, 436 in six weeks, all within ten
miles of this place."
Reverend Steele's influence was not confined to Kentucky. In
1833 a large group of Adair Countians, including his parents,
moved to Illinois. Also among them were Elizabeth "Betsey"
Steele, and her husband, Nathan Massie. The Restoration Movement
in Hancock County, Illinois, records their arrival and formation
of their church. Mt. Pleasant Church is located midway between
Carthage and Plymouth, ten miles from each. Into this locality
in 1833 they came from Columbia, Adair County, Kentucky. Among
them were Gilmore Callison and his wife, Elizabeth; her brother,
James McClure (who had been baptized by the pioneer Christian
preacher, John D. Steele, and who was the father of Mrs. Smith);
Mrs. Betsey Massie (who was the sister of Mr. Steele); Green
Browning; and others. These five people met on the first Lord's
Day after their arrival at the home of Mr. Callison to "break
bread" and then formed a Church of Christ.
This was the first Christian Church in Hancock County, and it
became the mother of other congregations. Plymouth, Carthage,
Augusta, Oak Grove, Denver, and Bently are her spiritual children.
Reverend Steele and his family later moved to what is known today
as Steele's Knob in Casey County, Kentucky, receiving a land
grant for 76 acres on Martin's Creek.
During the Civil War skirmishes occurred nearby. Wild Riders
Of The First Kentucky Cavalry by Sergeant E. Tarrant, a history
of this Union Regiment, records the capture of three Confederate
soldiers: "Captain Drye was ordered to report with his command
to Colonel O. H. Moore at Lebanon, Kentucky. Soon after arriving
Captain Drye was ordered to Washington County, Kentucky, to intercept
some Rebels supposed to be cut off from Morgan's command. Drye
soon scented the trail and followed it through the northern part
of Marion County and into Casey County. At Austin Thompson's
on Martin's Creek he ran upon them and took them by surprise.
The commander of the squad, Captain Thomas Bullitt, and two of
his men mounted their horses and attempted to escape, but Captain
Drye was on a fleet horse, and as swift as the wind he chased
them for a while when a well-directed shot from his pistol brought
the rebel captain down. The other two men surrendered. The disabled
captain was taken to Elder J. D. Steele's nearby, where he lay
for some time and finally recovered."
Reverend Steele had spent nearly 50 years in the ministry when
he met with Brother J. Bowman of Poplar Hill, Kentucky, in 1874.
Brother Bowman recalled: "During the winter I was called
to preach four discourses at Pleasant Valley, some 40 miles from
this place, and there I had the pleasure of meeting with old
Father Steele, Elder John Smith's old companion. He is yet able
to preach, and he knows well how to do it. At the close of my
meeting he gave me $5 and the church gave me the same. God bless
the dear old brother."
Failing health caused Revered Steele to move in with his daughter,
Sarah Coppage, and her family. His last will and testament is
recorded in 1876 in Marion County, Kentucky. His portrait is
now in the collection of the Kentucky Historical Society in Frankfort,
Franklin County, Kentucky. His was a life spent in service to
God and others, and now at rest, his legacy lives on.
Cindy
Whitis, 1836 Ridge Creek Lane, Knoxville, IN 37938, shares this
article with our readers.
|