Samuel Wylie, Book
Preface
Let me share first why I have chosen to do this. First I have been ordained by the
same denomination as Samuel Wylie which is the Reformed Presbyterian Church. We
both were ordained what they call sine titulo, which is you are ordained before a
congregation calls you. Both of us were ordained to do mission work, to establish a
church or congregation.
I also have an interest for I see how people misunderstand how the Presbyterian
system works. For example a person does not just begin work to form a congregation
without authorization, or a group of people do not make a congregation without
presbytery saying they can do so from the Presbytery.
I have traced my roots back into Monghan County of the Republic of Ireland.
This would be back into the 1700. They came to Canada around 1820-30 and into
America in the 1860-70’s.
Chapter one: Samuel Wylie’s early life.
Samuel Wylie is a son of Andrew and Elizabeth Wylie, he was born in Moylarg,
County Antrim, Ireland, Feb. 19,1790. He was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church in Ireland. He came to America in 1807 and settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
He studied at the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1811. He studies theology at
the Philadelphia Seminary and was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church of
America. He was licensed to preach The Gospel by Middle Presbytery of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church on May 23,1815. He spent some time in the medical department of
the University of Pennsylvania.
Samuel was taught by Samuel B. Wylie at the Philadelphia Seminary. This
Samuel was born May 21,1775 in Moylarg, County Antrim, Ireland. He was an uncle to
Samuel Wylie. This Samuel was educated at the University of Glasgow, Scotland and got
his honorary degree of Master of Arts in 1797. He taught school in Ballymena, Ireland.
He was compelled to leave Ireland for he had gotten involved in the efforts in favor of the
Irish Independence. He came to America in October 1797. He settled in Philadelphia and
in 1798 was appointed to tutor at the University of Pennsylvania. He was licensed to
preach at Coldenham. New York June 24,1799. He was ordained sine titulo by the
Reformed Presbytery, at Ryegate, Vermont, June 25,1800, and was the first Covenanter
Minister ordained in America. (I am quoting from Glasgow) He preached various places
and was Installed at Philadelphia on November 20,1803. At the formation of the
Theological Seminary in Philadelphia he was chosen as a Professor and started in 1810
and resigned in 1817. He was re-elected in 1823 and resigned in 1828. In 1828 he was
elected to be a Professor of Latin and Greek at the University of Pennsylvania. He
distinguished himself with his knowledge of language. It says he “had an understanding
of fourteen languages and he was consulted in reference to this department of study by
scholars from all parts of
the country.”(1) Some of his writings include: “The Two Sons of Oil, or The Faithful
Witness for Magistracy and Ministry,… 1803.”(1) One of his sermons that is published is
“Obligation of Covenants” in 1804. (1)
It is said, “He accompanied the Rev, James McKinney throughout the South to
abolish slavery from the pale of the Covenanter Church.” (1)
My reason for this lengthy quote on Samuel B. Wylie is to show that this man was
Our Samuel Wylie uncle and was highly educated and was our Wylie’s Professor in the
Seminary.
Chapter Two: His Ordination
So the first about his ordination. Samuel Wylie graduated from the University of
Pennsylvania in Philadelphia in 1811. He went on to study Theology in Philadelphia.
And then was licensed to preach by the Middle Presbytery of the Reformed Presbyterian
Church on May 23,1815. This all before he could form a congregation out here. Yes he
had been out here before. In Glasgow's work he has him listed of coming here in 1816.
Others have him listed as coming here in 1817. He was then ordained by the Synod
which meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and this was on May 2,1818 and sent as a
missionary to Southern Illinois.
Chapter Three: His Church Work
In 1817 he went West exploring new fields for missionary work. It is said that he
came to Southern Illinois, also going on as far as Boonville Missouri. It is said he
preached in Tennessee and South Carolina. He was ordained sine titulo at the meeting of
Synod, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania May 2,1818 and was sent as a Missionary to
Southern, Illinois. He arrived on July 31, 1818 at Kaskaskia and he spent the rest of his
life in Southern Illinois. He labored in Randolph, and parts of St. Clair and Washington
Counties.
Rev. Samuel Wylie when he first came to the area serving as a missionary
preached at Associate Presbyterian congregations. One was the church near Preston
which claims first Presbyterian work in the State of Illinois. It was founded in 1810.
Another was for a congregation South West of Sparta(Associate Presbyterians at Union
Cemetery) and for settlers South East of Sparta(Reformed Presbyterians known as
Covenanter). Others point out that he preached at the associate congregation in Blair, Il.
This is South West of Sparta. This congregation moved to Rockwood, Il. It is still active
today being a part of the United Presbyterian Church.
This is where it gets complicated. The Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church,
General Synod claims the Bethel congregation was formed on May 24,1819. The Bethel
Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America claims June 19,1821 as the beginning
of the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian congregation.
Why it is so hard to understand is that three congregations have nearly the same
name. We have first the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church, which ever date you use
1819 or 1821 it was the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Church congregation at Eden.
Samuel Wylie preached for this congregation from its beginning, even before it was
officially called a congregation.
Rev. Samuel Wylie was first called in 1819 by both the Bethel Congregation and
by the Associate Presbyterian congregation at Preston. Rev. Wylie was to serve both on a
halftime bases. He was never installed. He was latter called again by the Bethel
congregation an installed June 19,1821.
At this time the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian congregation met at the grounds
which is now the Old Bethel Cemetery. There is different idea of where they meet. In
Glasgow's History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church published in 1888 he tells about
the church being surrounded by the cemetery. The first building was built in 1823. They
tell of its size as being 28’ by 40’. As Glasgow says, "In 1823 a comfortable frame
church building was erected surrounded by a spacious graveyard." He also states the
church rapidly growing until the church building was too small. In 1827 they decided
they needed to build a bigger church. They decided to build up in the town of Eden. In
Glasgow he states they had 350 communicate members at that time.
Twenty seven families did not wish to move up in Eden, and they petitioned The
Presbytery for the right to form a new congregation. On Nov. 5,1831 the Presbytery
formed the congregation and they chose the name Old Bethel Reformed Presbyterian
congregation. Of the 27 families two of the members were elders in the original Bethel
congregation. It shows they chose "Old" to try and say they were the original Reformed
Presbyterian congregation here. I will come back to this later.
In the Deed Records in the Randolph County Clerks office I found a listing where
Adam Wylie sold five acres to the Bethel Congregation(This being The Old Bethel
Congregation). This was found their and here is a copy of that.
Book P Page 128
Adam Wylie to the Trustees of Bethel Congregation
"Know all men by these present that I Adam Wylie of the County of Randolph and State
of Illinois for and in conservation of the sum of twenty five cents to me in hand paid by
the Trustees of Bethel Congregation in the county of Randolph and State of Illinois the
receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge we by their present give grant bargain sell
convey unto the said trustees of said congregation and to their successors in office for the
use of the people of said congregation a certain land attacked in the county and State
aforesaid and bounded and described as follows beginning at South West corner of the
East half of the South East Quarter of section five in Township five South of Range five
and running North with the line of said half Quarter section fifty-six …….poles thence
East fourteen and 28/100 poles thence South fifty-six poles thence West fourteen and
28/100 poles to the place of beginning containing by estimation five acres be the same
more or less together with all the privileges and appertainances to the said land…"
From Alvin McMaster Abstract of the farm land his grandfather bought it has this same
listings which Alvin let me copy. It has the same listing with this added lines.
"…..my seal this first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty six.
Adam Wylie (seal)
It was recorded 9th day of June 1836"
This land is on the hill and it would be between Alvin McMasters house and Scott
McMasters house. This shows they were out their in the 1836. They were the Old Bethel
group from Eden. In the article: "from A Presbyterian Heritage Exhibit, June/July 1987"
is this writing. "The first house of worship was built about the time that Mr. Wallace
became pastor. It was a frame building and stood on the hill near Adam Wiley's resident.
It was destroyed by fire in 1852. A brick church was built the following year on Plum
Creek more then a mile S/W of the old site."
This last building is located East of Houston and was used until 1975. I Robert Morrow
pastored that congregation as well as the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian congregation in
Sparta located on Vine and Osborn. These two congregations united Jan. 1st 1975.
Let me go back to the meeting place of the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Congregation
that Rev. Samuel Wylie preached at in the beginning. In an article copied by Elda
McCormick Jones from The Sparta News, Sparta, Illinois newspaper dated August
18.1921, I an going to quote or copy a good bit of that article.
"The first Covenanters were James M. Gray, James Wilson and John McMillan. They
were later joined by John McDill, Thomas Armour and Alexander Alexander. In 1819
these men organized the first Covenanter Society not far from where the town of Houston
is located. Mr. Wylie called a meeting of these men and a few others who had joined
them, and at the home of James McClurkin constituted the first session of the Reformed
Presbyterian Church in Illinois. These men received members by certificate and
profession. There is no record of how many communicants there were at the first
communion. This first communion was held at the farm of James McClurkin, now known
as the Willie Weir farm. The second communion as held in 1820 on the Samuel Little
farm, now owned by one of our members, Mrs. Sarah Reid. Two elders were added at
this communion.
"In 1821 the congregation made a call for Rev. Wylie and on June 1821, he was installed
pastor of the Bethel Congregation at a salary of $200 for one-half time. Rev. Wylie
located in O'Possum Den Praire.
"Some time after the last communion the congregation decided to erect a house of
worship. The spot chosen was the place where the last communion was held, a little west
of the Gulf and Valley Coal Mine. The church was frame, 28X40. The timber was taken
from the native woods and some of the members cut and hued timbers for the frame,
Others cut and split clapboards while others sawed boards for the floor with the old whip
saw. This building was so far advanced in 1823, that they decided to hold their spring
communion in it. That Sabbath was a very wet day. The congregation met and went
ahead with the service, but when the services were over the streams were so swollen that
it was impossible to cross them. Some people went home with the ones that lived close to
the church and the rest remained in the church. By morning the streams had gone down
enough to let people cross. This building was used by the congregation for six or eight
years, By this time the church had become too small for the congregation and a enlarged
building was needed."
I have two problems with the above items in that article. In the first paragraph it does not
show the congregation recognized by the presbytery. It reminds me of the days in
Scotland when the people met in societies. It appears this is what happened here. They
met and worshipped and had the sacraments and this all before they had an official
congregation. It wasn't until 1821 when that was done.
Second it is about the location of the worship site. I grant that they could of meet for a
short time by the creek site. But I have two things that led me to believe the church at one
time stood in the Cemetery site. First that in Glasgow's work he has it listed as being
surrounded by the cemetery. His book was published some 30 years prior to the above
article. Second I have visited that Old Bethel Cemetery and there is a large area on the
top of the high ground where it is clear of all stones. You can see this is where a large
building could of stood at one time. I have gone and staked out the size of the first church
(28-40) in that open area and there is plenty of room. We have the first burial in the Old
Bethel Cemetery recorded in 1819 when the daughter of William Chambers died and he
asked if she could be buried on the Alexander farm. Mr. Alexander was one of the first
listed to be a part of this Bethel congregation.
Later I will show how Samuel Wylie and Adam Wylie had large holdings of Land in and
around Eden.
Rev. Samuel Wylie is the pastor of the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Congregation as
they begin building up in Eden. They finished it in 1831 and there are writings that talks
about a beautiful brick building. They continue to grow.
At there summer 1833 Synod meeting of the Reformed Presbyterian Church there was a
split and the denomination was officially divided. The one group chose the same name as
before, that is Reformed Presbyterian Church. They became know as Reformed
Presbyterian Church, General Synod. They also became known as the "New Light"
group. The other group or side became known as Reformed Presbyterian Church of North
America. They also became known as the "Old Light" group.
The Bethel Reformed Presbyterian congregation here at Eden divided like the
denomination. They also chose the same name. So from 1833 to 1975 we had two
congregations claiming the same name, "Bethel Reformed Presbyterian". The Old Light
group claimed the new brick church building that was built in 1831. Rev. Samuel Wylie
and the New Light group chose to build across the street in Eden with also another brick
church building.
This is a copy from the Deed Record book for the Group That Rev. Samuel Wylie
is pasturing after the split. I want you to notice the date, Dec. 19.1835.
Book P Page 133 Certificate of the Trustees of Bethel Congregation dated December
19th,1835.
"We the undersigned William McCormick, John McCaughen,and Ebenezer Alexander
hereby certify that at an election held at the new brick church on
Saturday December 19,1835 for trustees for Bethel Congregation in the Township of
Bethel County of Randolph and State of Illinois as provided for by the act approved
February the 6th 1835 and to take effect March the 1st 1835 concerning religious societies
that we were duly elected on said day for four years we further certify that it is the wish
of the people of said congregation that the be known by the name of Bethel Congregation
in testimony whereof we the trustees elect of said congregation have hereunto set our
names and affixed our seals according to the above date.
Ebenezer Allenander
John W. Caughan
William McCormick
From the Deed Record book at the Randolph County Clerk's office this is the deed given
now by Rev. Samuel Wylie to the congregation he left.
Book P Page 135 Deed of Bargain and sale from Samuel Wylie and wife to Andrew
Miller
"This indenture made the tenth day of Feburary in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty six between Samuel Wylie of the county Randolph State of
Illinois and Margaret his wife of the one part and Andrew Miller of the same county and
state of the other witneyeth that the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of
the sum of Thirty six dollars and twenty five cents Covenant money of the United States
to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part at and before the unseating and
delivery of these presents the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged have granted
bargained sola aliened conveyed and confirmia and by these presents do grant bargain
and sell alien convey and confirm unto the said Andrew Miller party of the second part
his his heirs and apozins for ever a certain lot or tract of land situated ying and being in
the county of
Randolph afore said containing five acres being that lot on which the first Bethel brick
Church now stands which lot is bounded and descripted as follows beginning at a post
twenty two (22) poles north of the S.W. Corner of the East half of the S. E. qu of section
(5) five Township five (5) South Range five (5) West and Turning thence West thirty-five
poles to a post thence North a sufficient distance to make five acres suppose to be twenty
five poles and twenty one and 3/7 links to a post thence East thirty-five poles to a post
thence South to a post at the beginning being in all five acres together will all the estate
light title and interest of the said Samuel Wylie and Margaret his wife party of the first
part and each of them of in and to the same on any part thereof to have and to hold said
lot of land with all the members and appertainances their unto belonging unto the said
Andrew Miller party of the second part his heirs and aligns forever and the said Samuel
Wylie doth for himself his heirs exsecutors administrators and aligns covenant and agree
to and with the said Andrew Miller party of the second part his heirs and aligns to
warrant and and forever aijourn to above described lot of land to him the said Andrew his
heirs and apigns against him the said Samuel his heirs and apigns and against all persons
whatsoever lawfully the same in testimony where of we have herein to set our names and
seals the day and date above written…"
(All that is on page 135)
In the above record in the middle it says: "containing five acres being that lot on which
the first brick Church now stands." This was done February 10.1836. You notice Samuel
Wiley had recorded the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian, General Synod on December
1835.
Chapter four: Federal Land Grants to Samuel and Brother Adam Wylie.
Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database
Click the name of the purchaser below to view the detailed record of the purchase.
Legal
Sect- TwnRa- Meri- Date
Name of Purchaser
Description
ion
ship
nge dian
Purchased
County
5 records are displayed.
The maximum number displayed is 500. If a MORE button appears below,
click for additional records.
WYLIE SAMUEL
08/10/1821
WYLIE SAMUEL
08/02/1822
WYLIE SAMUEL
05/05/1837
WYLIE SAMUEL
12/11/1839
WYLIE SAMUEL
06/05/1819
E2SE
80
E2SE
RANDOLPH 40
NENE
RANDOLPH 40
SESW
RANDOLPH 40
E2SEDSIC
RANDOLPH 80
RANDOLPH
24
2.00
05S
08W
3
05S
05W
3
04S
06W
3
04S
05W
3
05S
08W
3
160
06
1.25
50
01
1.25
50
04
1.25
50
24
2.00
160
Samuel Wylie owned 280 acres in five land grants.
Samuel first purchase was 6-5-1819 for 160 acres in Township 5 South, Range 8
West of section 24. Legal description is E2SEDSIC or East ½ of Southeast corner of
section 24. This is of Evansville, Il. Evansville is in section 13 and 24.
His second purchase is on 8-10-1821 for 160 acres in Township 5 South, Range 8
West of section 24. Legal description E2SE or East ½ of Southeast corner of section 24.
This is another 160 South of Evansville. So he has 320 acres here by 1821.
The another one is 8-2-1822 for 40 acres in Township 5 South, Range 5 West, of
section 6. Legal description is E2SE or East ½ of Southeast corner of section 6. Sparta is
in section 6. This land would corner up to the land of the Old Bethel Cemetery.
Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales Database
Click the name of the purchaser below to view the detailed record of the purchase.
Legal
Sect- TwnRa- Meri- Date
Name of Purchaser
Description
ion
ship
nge dian
Purchased
County
10 records are displayed.
The maximum number displayed is 500. If a MORE button appears below,
click for additional records.
WYLIE ADAM
E2SE
05
05S
05W
3
06/17/1828
WYLIE ADAM
09/30/1834
WYLIE ADAM
03/09/1836
WYLIE ADAM
02/07/1837
WYLIE ADAM
12/09/1835
WYLIE ADAM
11/20/1835
WYLIE ADAM
06/15/1836
WYLIE ADAM
11/20/1835
WYLIE ADAM
12/06/1836
WYLIE ADAM
12/06/1836
RANDOLPH
C
C
C
C
C
80
SENE
RANDOLPH 35.37
N2NE
RANDOLPH 70.74
NENW
RANDOLPH 35.37
LOT12
RANDOLPH 45.86
SESW
RANDOLPH 40
W2NW
RANDOLPH 80
NENW
RANDOLPH 40
W2NE
RANDOLPH 80
NENW
RANDOLPH 40
1.25
100
05
1.25
05
1.25
05
1.25
15
6.75
20
1.25
23
1.25
29
1.25
27
1.25
27
1.25
05S
44.21
05S
88.42
05S
44.21
06S
308.81
04S
50
04S
100
04S
50
04S
100
04S
50
05W
3
05W
3
05W
3
05W
3
05W
3
06W
3
05W
3
06W
3
06W
3
Adam Wylie owned 487.44 acres in ten land grants. Four of these, those listed in
Township 5 South, Range 5 West of section 5 is what make up where Eden is located. He
owned 220 acres plus in this.
The T6S R5W section 15 Lot 12 is just East of Steelville section 16.
April 24th, 1849 Adam Wylie sell’s to Samuel Wylie two listings of land and 10 lots in
Eden, for $3000.
Describes the lands: "the following …….land situate, lying, and beinging, in the County
of Randolph and State of Illinois and designated as the East ½ of NE gr. And NW Gr of
NW Ga. Of section 5 and the NE Ga. Of the NE Ga. Of section eight and the W ½ of Lot
No. nine and Lot No. twelve in Section sixteen in T. 5, S. R. 5 W. and Block No. four and
Lots three and eight in Block one, Lots three and eight in Block sixteen, and Lot six in
Block eighteen, and Lot nine in Block twenty, and Lots No. three and ten in Block 14 in
the town of Eden."
I have looked on this Web site for all the officers of the Bethel Reformed Presbyterian
Congregation. These are the ones who got land grants and the number of them.
Andrew Miller has 4, records are displayed.
The maximum number displayed is 500. If a MORE button appears below,
click for additional records.
MILLER ANDREW
03/02/1830
MILLER ANDREW
04/27/1833
MILLER ANDREW
02/11/1836
MILLER ANDREW
03/26/1838
W2SW
80
SESE
RANDOLPH 40
NESE
RANDOLPH 40
SEN
E2SW
RANDOLPH 80
RANDOLPH
09
1.25
08
1.25
05W
3
05S
05W
3
05S
05W
3
05S
05W
3
50
08
1.25
50
17
1.25
05S
100
100
Chapter five: Deeds from Chester Court House
I chose to try and find all the deeds listed to the Wylie’s. I looked in all the books
from the earliest which is 1812 and stopped with 1851.
Deed Records at Randolph Court House in Chester, Il
Book M dated 1812-1815
page 255 dated August 23,1814
"John Edgar and Rachel his wife to James Johnson: This indenture made this
twenty third day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and
fourteen. Between John Edgar of Kaskaskia in the County of Randolph in the Territory of
Illinois Esquire and Rachel his wife of the one part and James Johnson of the County of
St. Clair in the said Territory of the other part witnesseth. That the said John Edgar and
Rachel his wife for and consideration of the sum of Three Hundred and twenty four
dollars lawful money of the united to them in hand paid by the said James Johnson at or
before the ensealing and delivery of these present to the Receipt whereof is hereby
acknowledged have granted bargained sold released and confirmed. And by these present
do grant bargain sell release and confirm. Unto the said James Johnson his heirs and
afsigns. All their estate right title interest. Property claim and demand whatsoever of in
and to a certain tract of land containing three hundred and twenty being a part of the
donation of four hundred acres being given and granted to James Wiley by an act of
Congrepar having been the head of a family in the Illinois Country."
(there is another paragraph, RM)
Book N none found
Book O 1822-1834 none found
Book P 1834-1837
Book P Page 122
"This indenture made this ninth day of December the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty five between Adam Wylie of Randolph County State
of Illinois of the one part and Samuel G. Thompson commissoner to sell School lands in
Randolph County of the other part Witnesseth that the said Adam Wylie and in
considerationm of the sum of 308 Dollars and 82 cents currant money of the United
States to him in hand paid by said Samuel G. Thompson commissoner at and before the
sealing and delivery of those present the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have
given, granted bargained and sold and by these do grant, bargain and sell unto the said
Samuel G. Thompson commissoner or to his succefer in office the use of the inhabitants
of Township five South of Range five West….."
( Down in deed Adam Wylie takes a promisser note that he will pay $102.94, in
Janurary 1837, 1838 and 1839 with 6% interest)
Book P Page 128
Adam Wylie to the Trustees of Bethel Congregation
"Know all men by these present that I Adam Wylie of the County of Randolph
and State of Illinois for and in conseration of the sum of twenty five cents to me in hand
paid by the Trustees of Bethel Congregation in the county of Randolph and State of
Illinois the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge we by their present give grant
bargain sell convey unto the said trustees of said congregation and to their succesors in
office for the use of the people of said congregation a certain land attacked in the county
and State aforesaid and bounded and described as follows beginning at South West
corner of the East half of the South East Quarter of section five in Township five South
of Range five and running North with the line of said half Quarter section fiftysix
…….poles thense East fourteen and 28/100 poles thense South fiftysix poles thense West
fourteen and 28/100 poles to the place of beginning containing by estimation five acres
be the same more or less together with all the privileges and appertainances to the said
land…"
This from Alvin McMasters Abstract. (My Comment this is actually Old Bethel
Congregation)
Adam Wylie to the Trustees of Bethel Congregation
Know all man by these present that I Adam Wylie of the County of Randolph and
State of Illinois for and in consideration of the sum of twenty five cents to me in hand
paid by the Trustees of Bethel Congregation in the County of Randolph and State of
Illinois the receipt whereof I do hereby acknowledge as their presents give grant bargain
sell and convey unto the said Trustees of said congregation and to their succesors in
office for the use of the people of said congregation a certain land situated in the county
and state aforesaid and bounded and described as follows, beginning at the South West
corner of the East half of the South East quarter of section five in Township five south of
Range five West and running North with the line of said half quarter section
fiftysix…….poles Thense East fourteen and 28/100 poles thense south fifty six
……..poles thense West fourteen and 28/100 poles to the place beginning continaing be
estimation five acres be the same more orless…..
…..my seal this first day of January in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred
and thirty six.
Adam Wylie (seal)
th
It was recorded 9 day of June 1836
(Once again this is the Old Bethel Congregation)
From Abstract of Title in possession by Alvin McMaster
Adam C. Wiley and wife Jane to Samuel Little, Robert Wier, John Findley and
William Edgar, Trustees of Old Bethel Congregation in connection with the Reformed
Presbyterian Church and holding her Distinctive principals as Exhibited in her well know
Standards, and their successors and assigns.
Warranty Deed
Dated November 4,1839
Recorded-------------------.
Book "R" page 619
$2.00 and the advantage of having a place of public worship near them.
Conveys all that tract or parcel of land, situate ane being in the county of
Randolph and State of Illinois beginning at a stone at a point South 19 West 504 links
distant from the Northeast Corner of the W½ of the NW¼ of Section 23, T. 4 $., R. 6 W.,
running East 22 poles to a stone, thence South 22 poles to another stone thence West 22
poles to another stone thence to beginning 22 poles (Containing 3 acres, more or less)
Acknowledged on January 26,1840, before John A. Wilson, Justice of Peace of
Randolph County, Illinois.
Robert Morrow's comment on this Abstract. This land was deeded from the
United States of America to Adam C. Wylie, June 21,1837 80 acres. On June 15, 1836
we have recorded another 80 acres.
When Adam C. Wilie transferred land to the church his wife is listed a Jane. In a
recorded deed dated March 24,1851 Adam C. Wylie wife is listed as Rossana. They
deeded the 80 acres described E½ of the NW¼ of section 23, T. 4 S., R. 6 W. and they
deeded it to John Wylie.
Adam C. Wylie deeded the other 80 to John Wylie Nov. 24,1849 and recorded
May 30, 1851. Book "Z" page 465.
John Wylie sold the East 80 to Daniel R. McMaster on January 7,1859 and
recorded Feburary 28,1859 in book "LL" page 373.
John Wylie sold the west 80 to Henry Wylie in July 2,1853 and recorded
February 6,1854 in Book "DD" page 114.
Henry Wylie then sold the West 80 to Daniel R. McMaster on November 18,1864
and recorded November 24,1864 in Book "VV" page 707. It tells about the 3 ½ acres off
the East Side.
Next act is listing Daniel R. McMaster death and on August 17,1880 S.B.
McKelvy
Book P Page 130 James McAnuty and wife to John Wylie (Aug. 29,1834)
"This indenture made the 29th day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand
eight hundred and thirty four between James McAnuty and Margaret his wife of
Randolph County and State of Illinois of the one part and John Wylie….." (They paid
$350) ……"certain tract and parcel of land lying and being in the County Randolph and
State aforesaid being the North half of the North West quarter of section fourteen in
Township five South of Range six wist containing eighty acres…."
Recorded 9th day of June 1836
Book P Page 133 Certificate of the Trustees of Bethel Congregation dated December
19th,1835.
"We the undersigned William McCormick, John McCaughen,and Ebenezer
Alexander hereby certify that at an election held at the new brick church on
Saturday December 19,1835 for trustees for Bethel Congregation in the Township of
Bethel County of Randolph and State of Illinois as provided for by the act approved
Feburary the 6th 1835 and to take effect March the 1st 1835 concerning religiou societies
that we were duly elected on said day for four years we further certify that it is the wish
of the people of said congregation that the be known by the name of Bethel Congregation
in testimony whereof we the trustees elect of said congregation have hereunto set our
names and affixe our seals according to the above date.
Ebenezer Allenander
John W. Caughan
William McCormick
Book P Page 135 Deed of Bargain and sale from Samuel Wylie and wife to Andrew
Miller
"This indenture made the tenth day of Feburary in the year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty six between Samuel Wylie of the county Randolph
State of Illinois and Maragarethis wife of the one part and Andrew Miller of the same
county and state of the other witneyeth that the said parties of the first part for and in
consideration of the sum of Thirty six dollars and twenty five cents Covenant money of
the United States to them in hand paid by the said party of the second part at and before
the unseating and delivery of these presents the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged
have granted bargained sola aliened conveyed and confirmia and by these presents do
grant bargain and sell alien convey and confirm unto the said Andrew Miller party of the
second part his his heirs and apozins for ever a certain lot or tract of land situated ying
and being in the county of Randolph afore said containing five acres being that lot on
which the first Bethel brick Church now stands which lot is bounded and descripted as
follows beginning at a post twenty two (22) poles north of the S.W. Corner of the East
half of the S. E. qu of section (5) five Township five (5) South Range five (5) West and
Turning thence West thirty-five poles to a post thence North a sufficient distance to make
five acres suppose to be twenty five poles and twenty one and 3/7 links to a post thence
East thirty-five poles to a post thence South to a post at the beginning being in all five
acres together will all the estate light title and interest of the said Samuel Wylie and
Margaret his wife party of the first part and each of them of in and to the same on any
part thereof to have and to hold said lot of land with all the members and appertainances
their unto belonging unto the said Andrew Miller party of the second part his heirs and
aligns forever and the said Samuel Wylie doth for himself his heirs exsecutors
administrators and aligns covenant and agree to and with the said Andrew Miller party of
the second part his heirs and aligns to warrant and and forever aijourn to above described
lot of land to him the said Andrew his heirs and apigns against him the said Samuel his
heirs and apigns and against all persons whatsoever lawfully the same in testimony where
of we have herein to set our names and seals the day and date above written…"
(All that is on page 135)
Book P
Page 324 Power of Attorney from the heirs of the Rev. William Martin to
The Rev. Samuel Wiley
It names various people and it says, "all in Scotland," and it names one, "Of city
of Glasgow." It goes on to name others and says, "That the Rev. William Martin of the
Reformed Church, same time of Ireland, but who emigrated to South Carolina, America,
same time about the year seventeen hundred and seventy two….."
Down further in the deed it says, "that we reposing, trust and confidence in the
Rev. Samuel Wylie, Shannens, Randolph County, Illinois, have therefore named
constituted and appointed the said Rev. Samuel Wylie to be our true and lawful
attorney…."
It also goes onto page 325.
Book P
Page 326 Starts on the bottom of page and goes on to page 327
Receipt by Rev. S. Wylie in behalf Mary Brown Claim of the Estate of
Rev. Wm. Martin.
Mrs. Mary Brown was a sister of Rev. William Martin. Rev. Wylie stettled her
estate. "Recorded this 6th day of December 1836..."
Book Q Dated 1837-1839
Book Q
Page 248 and 249 William Wylie for Mortgage Samuel G. Thompson
"This indenture made this seventh day of August in the Year of our Lord one
thousand eight hundred and thirty seven between William Wylie of the County of
Randolph and State of Illinois of the one part and Samuel G. Thompson commissioner to
sell the school lands of the same county and state of the other part. Witnesseth that the
said William Wylie for and in consideration of the sum of fifty dollars to him in hand
paid by the said Samuel G. Thompson commissioner at and before the sealing and
delivering of these presents the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have given
granted bargained hold. By these pesent do give grant bargainsell unto the said Samuel G.
Thompson commissioner or to his successor in office for the use of the inhabitants of
Township five South of Range seven West all that certain Lot of Land being a part of
section sixteen known and designated on the map of said section as made by the Trustees
of School Lands …."
(This land is South West of Preston)
Book Q
Page 266 Adam Wylie and wife for deed to John Ewing.
"This indenture made this twelfeth day of August in the year of our Lord one
Thousand eight hundred and thirty seven being the sixty second of the Independence of
the United States of America, between Adam C Wylie and Jane Wylie his wife, of the
county of Randolph and State of Illinois of the one partand John Ewing of the County and
State afore said of the other part…." "……Forty acres of land, being the South half of the
West Half of the North East Quarter of section number twenty seven in Township No.
four South of range No. six West…"
(This land is East of Huston)
Book R Dated 1838-1840
Book R Page 201 Adam Wylie and wife for deed to Samuel Nesbitt
Date is 1838, October 9th
For $24.20. "parcel tract or lot of ground lying and being situate in the county and
state aforesaid and known and designate as follows namely lot numbered four in Block
numbered sixteen in the town of Eden"
Book R page 200 Adam Wylie and wife to deed to Samuel Nesbit.
Date is October 9,1838
For $25.00
Lot # seven, in block sixteen, in the town of Eden
Book R
page 137 Adam Wylie and wife to deed David Munford.
Date Oct 9,1838
For $12.50
Lot # eight, in Block five in the town of Eden
Book R
page 139-140 Adam Wylie to Mortgage to Robert Clark
Recorded January 25,1839
Loaned $350
Looks like three properties
" township number five South of Range number five West and " (This is East of
Sparta and Eden.)
1. North West fourth of the South West fourth of section numbered sixteen in said
Township and range containing forty acres. (Section sixteen is south and East of Eden)
2. "the East half of the North East Quarter of section numbered five same
township and range containing eighty acres". (This is a part of Eden
3.
Book R
Page 360-361 Hugh Wylie and Jane his wife deeds to Alexander Wylie
Date is: July 6th, 1839.
$200 Description of land: "The East Half of the South East Quarter of sectionNo.
Thirty-two in Township No. four South of Range No. six, containing eighty acres…"
(This is South and a little West of Houston)
Book R
Page 364 Samuel Wylie deed to Mary Coulter
Dated July 16: 1839
Paid $00.25 cents
Description: "Lot numbered one in Block numbered twenty five in the town of
Eden…"
At the bottom it has; "Signed sealed and delivered in presence of Adam
Wylie and Hugh J. McGueren." Then signed by Samuel Wylie.
Book R
Page 368 Adam Wylie and wife deed to Samuel Burns
Date: October 9th, 1838
Adam Wylie and wife Jane to Samuel Burns
Land described as: " Lot numbered six in Block numbered one in the town of
Eden."
Recorded 6th day of August 1839
Book R
Page 372 Samuel Wylie deed to Alexander McKelvy
Date: July 16th, 1839
$5.50
Lot numbered nine in Block numbered seven in the town of Eden.
"Signed sealed and delivered in presence of Adam Wylie and Hugh J. McGuire
and signed by Samuel Wylie."
Book R
Page 379 Adam Wylie and wife to deed Absalom Wilson
Dated: October 9,1838
$19.00
Lot numbered nine in Block numbered fourteen in the town of Eden.
Book R
Page 546 Adam Wylie and wife deed to Robert Nesbit
Dated: October 9th,1838
$26.00
Lot numbered five in Block numbered sixteen in the town of Eden.
Book R
Page 627-628-629 Adam Wylie and Jane his wife deed 3 to Oliver
Bannister
Date: Feburary 12th, 1840
$80.00
Lots numbered two, three and five in Block numbered three; and lots numbered
seven in Block numbered thirty two in the town of Eden
Book R
Page 644 Adam Wylie and wife deed to Joseph Mawhinney
Date: October 9th, 1838
$14.00
Lot numbered six in Block numbered fifteen in the town of Eden
Deed Record Y 1850
Book Y
Page 81 Rev. Samuel Wylie deed to Alex N. Elliot
Date: July 16th, 1839
$10.50
Lot numbered eight, in Block numbered seven in the town of Eden.
Book Y
Page 177 Alex Wiley deed to R. W. Marshall
Date: November 19, 1841
$100.00
Described such: "containing forty acres more or less, the same being the North
West Quarter of the North East Quarter of section no. twenty three,Township four, South
of Range no. six West
(This land is East of Houston and North of the Road.)
Book Y
Page 275 Joseph Wiley deed to Jarad Rule
Date: August 28, 1847
$160.00
Described as: "As the North East Quarter of the South East Quarter of section
thirteen in Township four South of Range seven West of the…."
This is East of Baldwin)
Book Y
Page 348 Adam Wylie and wife deed to William L. Nikes
Date: March 4th, 1850
Adam Wylie's wife is listed as Rosannia.
$160.00
Described as: "The East half of the South West Quarter of section No. 11, eleven
Township No. 4 four, South of Range 5 five West, containing eighty acres."
(This is North West of Coulterville)
Deed Record Z 1850-1851
Book Z
Page 197 Adam Wylie and wife deed to Rev. Samuel Wylie
Date: April 24th, 1849
$3000.00
Describes the lands: "the following …….land situate, lying, and beinging, in the
County of Randolph and State of Illinois and designated as the East ½ of NE gr. And NW
Gr of NW Ga. Of section 5 and the NE Ga. Of the NE Ga. Of section eight and the W ½
of Lot No. nine and Lot No. twelve in Section sixteen in T. 5, S. R. 5 W. and Block No.
four and Lots three and eight in Block one, Lots three and eight in Block sixteen, and Lot
six in Block eighteen, and Lot nine in Block twenty, and Lots No. three and ten in Block
14 in the town of Eden."
(This is in Township 5 South and Range 5 West and in sections 5 and 8)
(It has 10 lots listed in the above) (Then there is other lands involved in this)
Book Z
page 229 Adam Wylie and wife deed to William Robertson
Dated: May 4th , 1836
$100.00
Described: containing forty acres, being the North East Quarter of section No.
twenty nine in Township No. four South of Range No. five West, and also one other forty
acres of land lituste in the County and State aforesaid the same being the South East
Quarter of the South West Quarter of section No. twenty in township No. four South of
Range No. five …."
(This is South of Tilden in section 20 and 29)
Book Z
Page 316 Samuel Wylie and wife deed to James G. and Samuel Burns.
Date: January 4, 1851
$105.00
Lots No. 1 and 2 Block number four (4) in the town of Eden.
Book Z
Page 406 Certificate of the Trustees of the associate Reformed Church
Sparta.
"We and each of us do hereby certify that on the 13th day of January 1851, we
were chosen and elected Trustees pf the First Associate Reformed Church of Sparta to
hold said office of Trustee for the term of twelve months or until our successors shall be
elected."
Signed by John Taylor
R. Bailey
Aaron M. Allen
Book Z
Page 465 Adam G. Wylie deed to John Wylie
Date: November 26th , 1849
$100.00
Described as: West half of the North West Quarter of section twenty three,
Township No. four South of Range six West containing eighty acres.
(To this point 31 deeds are recorded)
( Let me make summastion. I have recorded 31 deeds up through Deed Record Books Z.
Book Z which is for 1850-1851.
We have eight Wylie's listed.
1. Adam Wylie appears to be listed the most. Adam Wylie sells 21 lots in Eden, 10 of
these to Samuel Wylie.
2. Adam Wylie owned two 80 acre farms which are a part of section 23 of Township 4
South, Range 6 West. (These are now of the McMaster farm to the NW of Sparta.
3. Adam Wylie owned 80 acres a part of section 11 of Township 4 South, Range 5 West.
This is just Northwest of Coulterville.
4. Adam Wylie had 80 acres being in Section 5 of Township five South, Range 5 West.
(This is where Eden is located.)
5. Adam Wylie Gave land for a school in Township 5 South, Range 5 West. (No amount
of land is given)
6. Adam Wylie had 40 acres about two miles south of Eden in Township 5 South, Range
5 West in section 16.
7. Adam Wylie had 40 acres in Section 27 of Township 4 South, Range 6 West. (This is
East of Houston on North side of the road.)
8. Adam Wylie has two listing of land in the sell to Samuel Wylie; one is in Section 5 and
the other in Section 8. (Section 5 includes Eden section 8 is land directly south of Eden.)
Chapter Six
Where these Reformed Presbyterians come from:
It appears they are mainly Scot-Irish and mainly came to America from Ireland. A
lot came from the Carolina’s and mainly to get away from the slave issue. I have read the
minutes of the Old Bethel Reformed Presbyterian Congregation and in different locations
they ask about slaves. One is where a man got an inheritance from the south and Session
asked him if any of this included a slave.
So a lot of them came here from the South. But others came from Ireland into
Canada and New York State. I have read the letters of the William Hayes collection. In
that it shows that Adam Wylie, Oliver Bannister and Andrew Miller all game here from
Galway, New York.
Chapter Seven Two letters Written to William Haynes
Andrew Miller to William Hayes 1829031401
Bethel Randolph County 14th March 1829 Dear Friend Here is that long letter you have
been looking for. I hope you will not be angry with me seeing you get two in one. The
sheet is large I intend to fill it. I received yours dated 13th October that day four weeks it
was posted which was very interesting as it contained much both of a private and public
nature. I am sorry to hear your disappointment by Mr. McKee. I hope my fears respecting
Galway Congregation will be disappointed. I fear Vital (?) religion it (illegible words) I
shall have at the place of this. I shall in the first place begin where I left off when I last
wrote in the Spring of the year. I then told you of some calculations. I have more now I
will tell you what is performed that you may be able to think for yourself if the moving to
this country has not bettered my condition. We have all enjoyed good health. Charles had
a light attack of the ague fever in the fall but has got entirely over. Peggy remains still
healthy and well pleased, with the country. The boys is more fleshy than ever you saw
them. So are all the girls. We had a very fine crop. We raised upwards of 1000 bushels
corn of sale 170 bushels at 20 cents per bushel on the ground. Part is yet therein. I think I
shall be able to sell all I can spare at 25 cts where it lies. I have also about 70 bushels of
castor beans which sells at one dollar per bushel and about 100 bushels oats and 1000
weight of (illegible word) which will be about 300 lb when clean. Peggy says it is the
best quality of cotton that ever she saw. Jean has had as much weaving as she could do. I
have more fine (illegible...seems to be talking about livestock) and 20 Hogs about one
year old (illegible words).
On the 24 of December the boys and myself commenced the building of a house & half
of a barn and had them both raised before yesterday. The house is 28 by 30, story and
half high. The largest building in the settlement. The same plan as the one I left except no
stoop on the front. The inside the same. When you come walk in by the same door you
will think you are again in Galway. The Barn is 70 1/2 by 30 the roof on the long way. (?)
a number that was at the raising never sawed frame raised before. We calculate (illegible)
in the barn this Summer. I think by the time you read this we will be in it. The place is
near to Mr. Wylie and the meeting house in sight of both in the open prairie where we
can see over 5 or 6 1000 acres clear of timber. The place where I have built resembles
that of your own house only when you (illegible) north I would look south. I have plenty
of water at all times as near as to that which goes through your orchard. This settlement is
increasing very fast both in numbers and conveniences . There is a steam mill to be built
this Summer about 2 miles from our house both for sowing (?) and for grinding. Its fuel
will be coal where the engine will be able to (illegible words) from where they are dug.
There is also (illegible word) of lime stone at hand. The castor oil prep is a very
promising the owner has more on hand about 3000 Bushel. We have had an
Extraordinary Pleasant Winter Both dry and Warm Except 2 Weeks in last Month was
Said to be very Cold yet not like the Cold of Galway We have now the appearance of
Spring the grass (illegible words). The house We leave is to be filled with a family about
as large as our own from Kentucky Members of our church there is an account of several
more from there coming this spring.
last fall there was nine families came in all in a bunch all Covenanter all of them well
Pleased with the Country. The Congregation is in a very thriving State at present it now
consists of about 170 Members in full comunion with a very large proportion of Children
that looks the most healthy that I have ever seen there has been Nine Baptised in a Day.
there is now Eleven Societies in the Congregation (illegible word) Sat in My house that
Evening I did not count the number which was I think not far short of 30 There is
upwards of 50 young and old belongs to it (text missing) in another part then what they
see in Galway When the General meeting is Called every Delegate must have a written
certificate else has his seat on the first thursday of April it is to Meet and Decide where
the Gen Meeting house is (text missing) Shared Whether it be where it now is at Mr.
Wylies House I think the Votes will be very (text missing) a tie. Mr. Wylie has a very
active religious congregation he is himself an Extraordinary Preacher much esteemed by
his People last Week his Wife Presented him with very fine Son. I'm just now told that in
the congregation there is 16 Children to Baptize that none of the Mothers but one has
been able to come out with them. There has been More health enjoyed here since We
came than ever I have seen among as many People there has been 3 or 4 Deaths the last
year within the Bounds of ten Miles 2 in Child bed 2 of a Bileous kind I do not know of
one Sick individual at present I think by this time you be almost tired of reading yet I
cannot stop till I tell you that all my family wishes to be remembered to your houshold
connections [ illegible words] tell them we remember them all with respect.
Would you be so kind as Mention to Miss Thomson that Peggy and me both thank the She
could make a very handsome living in this Country Could She find her way thither any
person that is willing to Work can have a home of there own and live well it now Said that
next year every actional [?] settler which has no land shall be intitled to 80 Acres Provided
the[y] pay the Tax for this reason [illegible words] is living land. I have Sit down in this way
I would be very Glad if you would find some way to Send a letter to James Which I have
Directed to your care as there has been several wrote to him which received no answer to I
think his Direction is not Well understood, by us else not correct you will receive it with this
at the Post Office Let me know how he and family does Write on receipt of this and Say if
we are to expect to see you in the fall there is an excellent section of land belonging to the
town [?] will be Sold in the fall it going on to me I have room for no more I remain your
affectionate Wellwisher Andrew Miller ADDRESS: Mr. William Hayes Saratoga County
Galway State of N. York RETURN: Shannons Store, 111 March 16th Postage: 25
Oliver Bannister to William Hayes 1829081301
The soil is rich the fruits (?) abundant & the congregation
are not equaled in intelligence. In this county they are all very friendly & especially Mr.
Wylie who is a fine man & a great preacher he wishes me to settle in the (illegible). I
have moved 1 1/2 miles from Mr. Miller to a mill where I am putting my business in
immediate operation. No clothier (?) in 60 miles---I think the county fully meets my
expectation.
Oliver Bannister to William Hayes 1829112001
We have had Mr. Wylie every Sabbath but one--he comes forth as a bold Champion of
the everlasting gospel & preaches to a larger congregation. I am much pleased with his
witness & good performance. The 18th Oct. was the Sacrament. Friday previous was the
fast. The practice is not to eat or drink 'till the sun be down. The day appeared to be
carefully observed. Saturday the preparation day & text Hosea 14: 1,2,3 verses on the
Sabbath. The assembly so great the services of the day were performed in a grove near
the meeting hour when about 180 commemorated our (illegible words). So many meeting
together from different parts of the earth (some "came out of great tribulation") seemed as
a token of that day when "many shall come from the east & west & sit down in the
kingdom of Heaven" (illegible word). All mine are theirs & theirs are mine & I am
glorified in them--a contribution was lifted a few days since from the children at (torn
out) $15 in aid of the American Colonization Society. The children are healthy & well
instructed. Ours have been to school most of the time since we landed--tuition $(a
peculiar mark here) per annum. I visited one of the schools saw more than 20 present &
what appeared regular. They were nearly all of a size. A. Millers Family are in health &
the most industrious in the (illegible) has been prospered & are much (illegible). Andrew
is learning the tanning business & they & especially Mrs. M. is much (illegible) at the
(illegible) news from James in your letter.
We have had Mr. Wylie every Sabbath but one--he comes forth as a bold Champion of
the everlasting gospel & preaches to a larger congregation. I am much pleased with his
witness & good performance. The 18th Oct. was the Sacrament. Friday previous was the
fast. The practice is not to eat or drink 'till the sun be down. The day appeared to be
carefully observed. Saturday the preparation day & text Hosea 14: 1,2,3 verses on the
Sabbath. The assembly so great the services of the day were performed in a grove near
the meeting hour when about 180 commemorated our (illegible words). So many meeting
together from different parts of the earth (some "came out of great tribulation") seemed as
a token of that day when "many shall come from the east & west & sit down in the
kingdom of Heaven" (illegible word). All mine are theirs & theirs are mine & I am
glorified in them--a contribution was lifted a few days since from the children at (torn
out) $15 in aid of the American Colonization Society. The children are healthy & well
instructed. Ours have been to school most of the time since we landed--tuition $(a
peculiar mark here) per annum. I visited one of the schools saw more than 20 present &
what appeared regular. They were nearly all of a size. A. Millers Family are in health &
the most industrious in the (illegible) has been prospered & are much (illegible). Andrew
is learning the tanning business & they & especially Mrs. M. is much (illegible) at the
(illegible) news from James in your letter.
Why I Robert Morrow have included these two letters one by Andrew Miller and
the other by Oliver Bannister, is they give a lot of insight as to what draws people to this
area. First is the land opportunity, the other is the church. It also gives me some insight
into the personality of Rev. Samuel Wylie. Notice what they say about him.
This is from Millers Letter:
last fall there was nine families came in all in a bunch all Covenanter all of them well
Pleased with the Country. The Congregation is in a very thriving State at present it now
consists of about 170 Members in full comunion with a very large proportion of Children
that looks the most healthy that I have ever seen there has been Nine Baptised in a Day.
there is now Eleven Societies in the Congregation (illegible word) Sat in My house that
Evening I did not count the number which was I think not far short of 30 There is
upwards of 50 young and old belongs to it (text missing) in another part then what they
see in Galway When the General meeting is Called every Delegate must have a written
certificate else has his seat on the first thursday of April it is to Meet and Decide where
the Gen Meeting house is (text missing) Shared Whether it be where it now is at Mr.
Wylies House I think the Votes will be very (text missing) a tie. Mr. Wylie has a very
active religious congregation he is himself an Extraordinary Preacher much esteemed by
his People last Week his Wife Presented him with very fine Son. I'm just now told that in
the congregation there is 16 Children to Baptize that none of the Mothers but one has
been able to come out with them. There has been More health enjoyed here since We
came than ever I have seen among as many People there has been 3 or 4 Deaths the last
year within the Bounds of ten Miles 2 in Child bed 2 of a Bileous kind I do not know of
one Sick individual at present I think by this time you be almost tired of reading yet I
cannot stop till I tell you that all my family wishes to be remembered to your houshold
connections [ illegible words] tell them we remember them all with respect.
Miller calls Rev. Wylie “an extraordinary preacher much esteemed by his
people.” Mr. Miller shows what he thinks of this man.
Now look at what Bannister says: “We have had Mr. Wylie every Sabbath but
one--he comes forth as a bold Champion of the everlasting gospel & preaches to a larger
congregation. I am much pleased with his witness & good performance.”
I am also impressed by the listings about the numbers of the congregation. In
Glasgow History book it lists 350 communicate members. This is when they are in Eden
before to break. Communicate members are only adults so this does not count the
children. So this shows the size of the congregation is very large. It also tells that at some
of the communion services they had so many they had to hold it out doors under the trees.
I have read that one has figured that he took in 1000 people during his life time. I can see
that could sure be true. Rev Wylie served from 1817 until he retired in Feb. 20,1870. He
died at his home in Sparta, Illinois March 20,1872. So he did serve over 50 years. He was
ordained in May 2, 1818. So he had a very impressive life. Also along with that church
work is his relationship to his brother Adam Wylie which lead to the establishment of the
town of Eden.
Chapter eight Samuel and Adam Wylie establish the town of Eden
At the Randolph County Courthouse in Chester, Ill. I have found the plat map of
Eden. It is in a Black Cabinet listed as # 20. I have made copies of that document. It was
recorded March 15, 1838. This is what is said on the document, “Be it remembered that
on the 15th day of March 1838 personally appeared before the undersigned, a probate
justice of the peace in afor said County of Randolph, Samuel Wylie, Adam Wylie and
wife Jane his wife, the proporitors of the Town of Eden, and severally acknowledged that
the above plat represented said Town and that they relinquished their right of interest in
and to the Streets and Allys and public Square as the same are thereon designated and as
is required by law in such cases. And the said Jane the wife of the said Adam being by
me examined separately and apart from her said husband acknowledged that she
voluntarily and freely acknowledged the same without any compulsion of her said
husband. In Witness of which I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year
above written.
James Thompson, seal
Probate Justice of the Peace.
Let me go back and show you Adam Wylie at one time owned all of this land as
he got four federal land grants which gives him title to all this. We have the deed that
records this:
“April 24th, 1849 Sell to Samuel Wylie two listings of land and 10 lots in Eden, for
$3000.Describes the lands: "the following …….land situate, lying, and beinging, in the
County of Randolph and State of Illinois and designated as the East ½ of NE gr. And NW
Gr of NW Ga. Of section 5 and the NE Ga. Of the NE Ga. Of section eight and the W ½
of Lot No. nine and Lot No. twelve in Section sixteen in T. 5, S. R. 5 W. and Block No.
four and Lots three and eight in Block one, Lots three and eight in Block sixteen, and Lot
six in Block eighteen, and Lot nine in Block twenty, and Lots No. three and ten in Block
14 in the town of Eden."
This shows how closely the brothers worked on this Town ot Eden.
Now on this plat map we have listed 32 Blocks of land. We have three Main
Streets running east and West, and named: Crown Street, Church Street and Spring
Street. We have seven streets running North and South and naming them from the West:
Vine Street, Walnut Street, Chestnut Street, Washington Street, Adams Street, Jefferson
Street and Madison Street. Between these 32 Blocks we have a alley running between
them. So we have four alleys running East and West. We have block 5 listed as
Washington Square and Public Square. Today this is used as Eden Park. On this map is
listed out the two church properties. Original Church is listed as taking up block 21. 2nd
Church takes up 3/4 of 13 and all of block 20.
Another point of interest is the street width is listed. Crown is 100 ft. wide, and
Church and Spring 82 ½ ft wide. The North and South are all listed as 82 ½ ft. wide,
except Washington it is 100 ft. wide. Another exception and that is between Block 26 and
27 Walnut is only 60 ½ ft wide. Most Blocks have 10 lots in them.
Chapter Nine: The Samuel Wylie burial site:
This one I have really wrestled with. At the Sparta City Hall which keeps The
listings of all the burial sites. It has two listings for Rev. Samuel Wylie. First is Range 3
and Lot # 7. As far I see he still owes that space. This is third row in from the East and
seven Lots in from the North which is Mound Street. This space is vacant with no stones
on them or anything.
Second is Range 7 and Lot #5. This is now 7 rows in from the East and 5 lots
from the North which is Mound Street. Written on this page in the book, “transfer to
Dwight Fulton 1-3-74 “ (I wonder if this is not 1-3-1874) My reason for that is the burial
listings that are recorded three of them are before 1-3-1974. Listed on this page are these
four names with these dates. Margaret Fulton born 1860 buried 1929. Dwight D. Fulton
born 1856 buried 1940. Floence L. Fulton born 1895 buried 1971. Dwight Fulton Born
1896 buried 1984.
Second note at top of page, “graves 5 and 6 to David A. Fulton 1-17-85 by letter
of transfer and deed # 895.”
Next we have in the Evergreen Section of Caledonia Cemetery these four
tombstones. 1. William T. Wylie, March 1829 Dec. 1909. 2. Agnes H. Wylie, May 1837
Jan. 1919. 3. Samuel Wylie, May 1789 July 1873 and under that Margaret M. Wylie
Jan. 1809 Dec. 1836. 4. Walter L. Wylie Aug. 27,1875 May 24,1936.
Question what do I do now? I have proof that Rev. Samuel Wylie at one time
owned two different lots in another part of the cemetery. One was sold off after his
recorded death in 1-3-1874. Samuel death is recorded as March 20,1872. Second concern
is Samuel’s first wife was buried in 1836 and he in 1872. What types of stones were used
in that day. Was it not the white flat stone. Third the stones in Evergreen section are
granite. Also Samuel’s wife is listed on his stone. It would appear they were put their at a
latter date.
The first burial date of the other three stones is 1909. The stone lists William T.
Wylie born March 1829 and buried Dec. 1909. This stone is for Samuel and Margaret
Wylie’s son which is recorded born March 29,1829 and he is recorded to have died Dec.
9,1909.
Samuel Wylie’s second wife was Mrs. Margaret Black Ewing of Pittsburgh, Pa. to
this marriage is recorded two sons where born. Johnson Wylie born in Milton, Pa. 1855
and died in New York 1932. Second son was Samuel Wylie born in 1857. I have this
wife dying in New York.
Index and References
Area Presbyterian Church Histories
From a Presbyterian Heritage Exhibit, June/July 1987
History of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in America
By W. Melancthan Glasgow
Published in 1888
Old Bethel Cemetery
Sparta, Illinois
This article is in the Sparta Library and lists all those buried in this cemetery.
Presbyterian Churches in the Area.
This article is in the Sparta Library and has a listing of 53 different congregations.
Bethel Church is 100 Years Old
This article appeared in The Sparta News, Sparta, Illinois
Dated August 18,1921
Session Minutes of the Congregation of Old Bethel
Reformed Presbyterian Church, 1840-1856
These were copied by the Marissa Historical Society
Abstract of Title, provided by Alvin McMaster
Plat Book of Randolph County Illinois
Randolph County Farm Bureau
Sparta, Illinois
Where Illinois Began
By Carol Pirtle
1995
Randolph County Clerk's Office
Deed Record Books beginning 1814 up to1851
History of Randolph, Monroe and Perry Counties, Illinois