Fyke's Grove Church

FYKE'S GROVE CHURCH

Established 1813

byMary Sue Head
© 2011

The minutes dating back to 1813 are found on the first page of Volume I. These are very dim and nearly impossible to read. The minutes for October 24, 1835 are on page preceding the first listed membership lists on page 13.

Names of the members of Spring Creek of Sulphur with letters to show how we have disposed of them. D stands for Dec'd. Ds for Dismissed. E for Excluded.

Ds Barton Coats

Ds Thomas Plaster

D William Carter, dead

D John Dorris

Ds Willie Powell

Thomas Sheperd

Ds James Swafford, E

D Robert Redding

D Shields Booker

D Isaac Menees

D Francis Pride

E Pleasant Easley

Ds Howell Sellars

E John Fyke

Ds Shatteen Moore

Jeremiah Batts

Ds Thomas James

E Joseph Johnson

E George Hart

Ds Joseph Washington

E Wm. B. W. Powell

E Wm. D. Dorris

Ds Joseph Farmoer

Charles Saunst

John J. Dunn

Ds Mary Coats

Ds Mary Plaster

Ruth Carter

Ds Phebe Dorris

Ds Catherine Powell

Elizabeth Sheperd

Ds Sarah Swafford

D Sarah Redding

Ann Booker

E Nancy Menees

Elizabeth Pride

D Mary Easley

D Nancy

Ds Dorcas Sellars

Betty Fyke

Mary Jackson (?)

D Mary Pride

Ds Nancy James

E Elizabeth Johnson

Elizabeth Hart

Ds Mary Washington

Ds Polly H____

Ds Elsey Jerphen

Ds Milicent Farmour

E Polly Southern

Ds Polly F_______

It appears that the book was written in randomly as the page preceding the names on next page were for February 1, 1815.

Corner of page torn off

___wton

___megee

___n Fyke

___n Pride

_aleb Winters

Isaac Winters

Josiah Winters

Caleb Winters Jr

Lewis Winters, Dead

Aaron Winters

John C. Menees, Excluded

Micager Watkins

Ds James Reasons

Ds David C. Penney

D Holland Darden

Ds Jesse Darden

Ds Jesse Davis

Ds Duncan Reasons

E Jesse Bowers

Ds Britan Massey

Polly Egman

Rachel Ryan

Abagail Mangle

Ds Elizabeth Moore

Ds Polly Magee

D Priscilla Batts

Frances Pride

E Elizabeth Head

Catherine Winters

Polly Powell

Sally Winters

Ds Elizabeth Plaster

Dimaris Sellars

E Betsey G. Menees

Nancy Watkins

Ds Charlotte Reasons

Keziah Penney

Martha Darden

Ds Eleanor Darden

D Lucinda Darden

Ds Margaret Murphee

E Mi_key Brewer

Mary Spence

Ds Olive Haley

Ds Mary Ann Heley

Ds Elizabeth James

Ds Ann Darden

D Sally Day

Ds Nancy Esley

D Keziah Balentine

D Keziah Taylor

Ds Mary Grizard

Priscilla Adams

Mary Magdolene Stark

Ann Fountain

Elizabeth Nipper

Nancy Mathews

Dis Casander Draughon

X Polly E. Stark, Dead

X Elouisa P. Menseese

D Elizabeth Robertson

Nancy Edwards

Polly Morris

D Nora, a servant

D Essey, a servant

Ds Willin, a servant

E Richard, a servant

D Clabourn, a servant

E Jacob, a servant

X Sister, a servant as dead

X Peggy, a servant as dead

X Priscilla, a servant

Delia, a servant

Violet, a servant (crossed out)

X Milie, dead

In the first few pages of Minute Book 1 are found these names as person who "defend and support" the artices of faith:

Barton Coats, Mary Coats, Wm. Dorris, Polly Fykes, Wilie Powell, Polly Felts, Miles Draughon, Nancy Adams, James Swafford, Mary Vaughn, Thomas Shepherd, Ruth Carter, William C_____, Elizabeth Shepard, Chatteen Moore, Sarah Redding (dead), John Fikes, Ann Booker, Robert Redding, Dorcus Utley, _____ Sellars, C___ Dorris, ____ Booker, Sara Ann Swafford, along with Nero, Vilet, E___ Willing, Roselly, Delis (dis), Lister, Peggy. The last eight named appear to be servants as no last names are listed.

On Friday 3rd day of February 1815 the named members were constituted into a separate church:

Thomas Plasters

Frances Pride

Isaac Meneece

Jeremiah Batts

Pleasant Easley

Thomas James

Joseph Johnson

Caleb Winters

Joseph Farmour

Issac Winters

Josiah Winters

Lewis Winters, dead

William B. ______

William Dorris

Mary Plasters

Mary Pride

Elizabeth Pride

Catherine Powell, Excluded

Nancy Meneece

Polly Easley

Polly Hawkins (?)

Nancy James, dismissed

Elizabeth Johnson

Elsey Vaughan

Elizabeth Moore

Polley Southern

Milicent Farmore

Catherine Winters

Abegail Man_____

Elizabeth Head

Mikey H___

Mary Washington

Marious Morris

____ B_____

Marious Morris

Polley Powell

This was apparently to separate the members of Spring Creek of Sulphur Fork and Spring Creek of Red River churches.

On another page of the minutes is found "A list of the names of the Members belonging to the church at Sulphur Fork" in 1851.

Miles Draughon, dead

Jeremiah Batts, dead

John J. Dunn

Josiah Winters

Isaac Nave

William Stroud

Alexander Robertson

Isaac Winters, dead

M. V. Fyke, dead

Polly Egmon

Catherine Winters

Marymagdolene Stark

Rachel Draughon

Polly Fyke

Polly Powell

Demais Sellars

____ Fountain

Elizabeth Nipper

Nancy Eddings

Ann Hart

Elizabeth Robertson

Nancy Matthews

Sally Winters or Williams

Frances Mathes

Polly Barnes

Elizabeth Pride

Goodspeed's History of Tennessee in 1886, states that the Church was located "at head of creek where railroad crosses." This was verified by Mrs. Obera Drake James, whose mother, Minnie Fyke Drake related the same to her. She further stated the Yankee Soldiers who died during the North's occupation of the area, were buried near the church and that their bodies were exhumed, after the war, and returned to the north for permanent burial.

Minutes indicate services were held in June and July of 1865 but the minutes book reads that Spring Creek Baptist Church met on the 4 Lords day in August 1865 with the following minutes found.

"The Predstinarian Baptist Church at Spring Creek of Sulphur Fork hase agreed to moove there plac of worship to a knew school on the premise of John Fyks on account of the destrucktion of there old meeting house by the Federals, about a mile and a half north-east, the said John Fyk has deeded one acre of land to the use and benefit of the old order of Baptist as long as they see proper to accept the same."
A. Robertson, Clerk

At the September meeting "The church took in consideration the destruction and loss of there meeting hous and to try and to recover damages for the same and appointed Brethen J. J. Dunn and William Stroud to attend to this business." Nothing was found to indicate the group received payment for their loss.

On Saturday preceding the 4th Lord day in April 1870 "The building comity ther reported that the meeting house was completed and was dischar- . A deed was then handed in which was maid by J. P. Fyke & Jeremiah Fyke for a porshin of land suficient for meeting house purpose to have and to hold as long as they wish to yourse it for that purpos, The church then appointed the Clerk to hold in said deed until called for. done this conference Apr. 23, 1870." A. Robertson, C Clerk."

Robertson County, TN Deed Book L, pg. 250 shows the following deed:

BAPTIST SOCIETY from SAMPSON MATHEWS-Nov 30th 1815

This indenture made this 18th Day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand and eight hundred and fifteen between Sampson Mathews of the County of Robertson & state of Tennessee of the first part and the pastor and members of the Baptist Church of the other part, Witnesseth that Whereas the Baptist Church hath built a house for the purpose of devine worship on the land of Sampson Mathews near the big spring on Spring Creek of the Sulphur Fork now the said Mathews for the good will and affection he bears toward the Church and for the valuable consideration of the affection aforesaid doth hereby Convey unto the said Church and their successors the following piece or parcel of Land. Beginning at a black oak on the bank of Spring Creek Turning north twelve poles to two Hickories on the side of the public road thence Eastwardly with said road sixteen poles to a Hickory and white oak on the bank of the Creek thence down the same as it meanders to the Beginning including the meeting house and a spring Containing by supposed estimation three fourths of an acre, be the same more or less, and the said Sampson Mathews for himself -his heirs executors & administrators doth hereby covenant promise and agree to and with the said paster and church and their successors that he will warrant and defence to the said church & their successors the free use and that they shall enjoy unmolested the free privilege of the house water and premises before mentioned as long as the present church or their successors may see cause to occupy the same for the purpose of devine service, that is, such as may use it for the above purpose that are the same faith and order of the present church now occupying it, Believing in Election effectual calling and final perseverance of the saints---In witness whereof the said Sampson Mathews hath hereto set his hand and atines his seal the day and year first above written-----

Sampson Mathews SEAL

Signed sealed & acknowledged

in presents of us

Jas Johnson

John Dorris

On the last few pages of Vol. I

minutes is found the following:

Deaths

Issach Winters

"Hour number in 1870"

1. J. L. Dunn

2. Wm. Stroud

3. Isaac Nave

4. A. Robertson

5. N. T. Dammon

6. J. V. Hollan

7. J. H. Johnson

8. John Edwards

Deaths

Mary Eggman

Mary Comings

N. J. Lipscomb

Frances Matthews

1870

1. Ailsy Dammon

2. Nancy Dammon

3. Mrs. Stroud

4. Obedience Hollan

5. Avaline Draughon

6. Ann Hart

7. Sara Williams

8. Louisa Batts

Minutes of meeting in May 1871 are found in the first pages of Volume II followed by page 3 by:

Hour Number in 1871

J. L. Dunn

W. M. Stroud

Isaac Nave

A. Robertson

N. T. Dammon

J. V. Holland

J. H. Johnson

John Edwards, dead

Washington Matthews

Thos. L. Batz

Alcy Dammon

Nancy Dammon

Mrs. Stroud

Obedience Hollan

Adeline Draughon

Ann Hart, dead

Surel Williams, dead

Louisa Batz

Mrs. Elizabeth Barnes

Mrs. Elizabeht __ Morris

Mrs. Martha Matthews

Sister Thomas Dammons

Mrs. Francis Barnes

Mrs. Jane Draughon

Mrs. Maranda F. Fyke

Volume II, page 18, Jan 15, 1876

Males

J. L. Dunn

W. M. Stroud

I. Nave

A. Robertson

N. T. Dammon

J. V. Hollan

J. H. Johnson

Washington Matthews

Thos. J. Batts

Females

Ailsy Dammon

Nancy Dammon

Sister Stroud

Obedience Holland

Eveline Draughon

Louisa Batt

Elizabeth Barnes

Elizabeth Morris

Martha Matthews

Sister E. L. Dammon

Fanie Barnes

Jane Draughon

Maranda Fyke now Draughon

Page 20.

J. L. Dunn

___ Nave

A. Robertson

N. T. Dammons

J. V. Holland, dismissed

J. H. Johnson, excluded page 25

J. I. Batts

J. W. Sherrod

J. B. Barnes

Phillip Sneed

R. T. M. Jones

W. H. Menees, transferred to page 53

Page 21.

Ailcy Dammon

Nancy Dammon

Nancy Stroud

Obedience Holland, dismissed, page 50.

Eveline Draughon

Louisa Batts, dead, Apr 1877, page 29

Elizabeth Barnes

Elizabeth Morris

Martha Matthews, excluded 28th.

E. L. Damons, dead page 43

Fanie Barnes

Jane Draughon

M. E. Batts

L. M. Sherrod

C. A. Jones

M. S. Fyke

S. A. Menees

Transferred to page 52

Vol. II page 52. 1882

OB J. J. Dunn, dead 58

OB Issac Nave, dead 70

OB A. Robertson, dead 90

OB N. T. Dammon

9 T. J. Batts, dismissed by letter 74

42 J. W. Sherrod

48 J. Barnes

49 William Barnes

44 Phillip Stroud

47 R. T. M. Jones, dismissed by letter 88

48 W. H. Menees

55 W. H. Dammon

unreadable

73 Washington Matthews, restored

74 Wm. Dammon

75 B. E. Jackson

79 Wm. Duff

85 Wm. Menees

87 Joe Barnes

87 Andrew Harrison, excluded 94th page

101 John Drake

OB Ailsy Dammon, dead 66

OB Nancy Holman

OB Nancy Stroud, dead page 56

5 Elizabeth Barnes

7 Elizabeth Morris

9 Fanny Barnes, dead

9 Jane Draughon

60 M. E. Dammon

V. E. Dammon

A. M. Dammon

____ Bryan

unreadable

65 J. J. Barnes

73 Martha Matthew, restored

75 Almira Draughon

75 D. A. Sneed

Leland Jackson

76 Nannie Hunt

94 L. A. Draughon

98 Minnie Fyke

101 Mollie Matthews

101 Mollie Fyke

105 M. R. Jones

105 Edna Nipper

Volume II, page 120, transferred to page 308

OB N. T. Dammon, dead

42 J. W. Sherrod, dead

J. B. Barnes

Wm. Barnes

44 Phillip Sneed

48 W. H. Menees

55 W. H. Dammon

65 R. S. Draughon

W. I. Moon

73 Washington Matthews, dead 145

74 William Dammon, dead

75 H. Draughon

B. C. Jackson, dead 139

79 William Duff, excluded

85 William Menees, excluded

87 Joe Barnes

101 John Drake

111 Edward L. Travis

112 Robert L. Menees

Thomas E. Morris, dead

John Sellars, dead pg 149

113 Henry Clinton Fyke

110 William Henry Carpenter, excluded

141 M. H. Stark

145 George Barnes, dismissed by letter

149 B. F. Walker

159 Thomas Stroud

160 L. B. John

172 Harley G. Fyke, dead

Volume II page 121

OB Nancy Holman, dead

5 Elizabeth Barnes, dead

7 Elizabeth Morris, dead

10 Miranda Draughon, dead

42 L. M. Sherrod, dead

42 P. S. Sellars (Dammons), dead

47 M. S. Fyke, dead

48 S. A. Menens, dead

56 Laritta Draughton, dead

60 M. E. Dammon, dead

65 E. A. Ruffin, dead

65 N. J. Heflin, dead

65 Bettie Menees Bryan

65 V. E. Moon, dead

65 A. M. Dammon, dead

75 Martha Mathews dead page 115

75 D. A, Sneed, dead

75 Leland Jackson, dead

76 Nannie Hunt, dead 115
94 L. A. draughon

98 Minnie Fyke Drake, dead

101 Mollie Matthews, dead page 115

101 Mollie Fyke

105 M. R. Jones

105 Edna Nipper, dead page 147

112 Rosa F. Fyke

112 Lizzie Holman

112 Mary Ann Menees, dead page 143

112 Polly Nipper

113 Jennie Fyke

112 Ella Sneed, Joined Missionaries

112 Elise Andre

124 Mrs. Betty Barnes, dead

133 Mrs. Pearl Barnes

141 Mrs. Artimus Parting Stark, dead

141 Mrs. Priscilla Mosely, dead

145 Mrs. Addie Walker, by letter

145 Miss Ida Walker, by letter

145 Mrs. M. A. Duff, dead

145 Mrs. Mary Barnes, Dis. by letter

148 Almer Menees, Dis. by letter 173

160 L. J. Johnson, dead

160 V. A. Stroud

160 Emma Darrah (Damon), by letter 123

172 Tempta Fyke, dead

172 Lottie Boyd Fyke

172 Betty Lee Fyke, Missionaries

176 Mrs. Jimmy Duff

176 Annie Lou Draughon Mallory

Volume II page 308

Names of Men

Page

O.B. N. T. Dammon, Joined Methodist

42 J. B. Barnes, dead 201

42 Wm. Barnes, dead 186

44 Phillip Sneed, dead

48 W. H. Menees, Dismissed by letter page 120

55 W. H. Dammon, dead

65 R. S. Draughon, dead

W. I. Moon, dead

75 H. C. Draughon, dead 184

87 Joe Barnes, dead

101 John Drake, dead 12/27/53
111 Edward C. Travis

112 Robert L. Menees, dead

113 Henry Clinton Fyke, dead

149 B. F. Walker Dismissed by Letter

159 Thomas Stroud, dead

160 L. B. Jackson, dead
172 Harley E. Fyke, dead

189 Claiborne Pyram, dead Page 197

193 Felix Duff Excluded 8/10/41 Page 219

198 J. F. Kinkade Dismissed by Letter Page 201

215 Graydon Thomas Simmons

Matthew Vincent Simmons 1-1-59 Missionary Baptist

217 Robert Lee Simmons

Lee Guthrie Simmons

223 Frank Fyke

259 M. W. Agee Dismissed by letter Page 264

248 John Matthews

286 Monte Smith

288 Lovic Hallums Matthews

Volume II Page 309

Names of Women

Page

O.B. Nancy Holman Dismissed by Letter

10 Maranda Draughon, dead

42 P. S. Sellars, dead

47 M. S. Almon

56 Loretta Draughon, dead 186

60 M. E. Dammon, dead 200

65 E. A. Ruffin, dead 201

N. J. Heflin, dead 188

Bettie Menees Bryan, dead 221

V. E. Moon, dead

64 A. M. Dammon Hart, dead 180

75 Almira Draughon Menees

Leland Jackson, dead 6/11/58

94 L. A. Draughon, dead

98 Minnie Fyke Drake, dead

101 Mollie Fyke Dead

105 M. R. Jones Draughon Dismissed by Letter

Rosa F. Fyke, dead 5/47
Mrs. Lizzie Holman, dead

113 Mrs. Jennie Fyke, dead

Ella Sneed Bone Joined another church

112 Alice Andre Smelser, dead

124 Mrs. Bettie Barnes Dismissed by letter 197

133 Mrs. Pearl Barnes

141 Mrs. Artimus Perting Stark, dead

Mrs. Priscilla Moseley, dead

145 Ida Walker, dead

Mrs. Mary Ann Duff, dead

160 L. J. Johnson, dead

V. A. Stroud, dead

172 Mrs. Tempa Fyke, dead

Lottie Boyd Fyke

Bettie Lee Fyke, Dismissed.

176 Mrs. Jimmie Duff

Annie Lou Draughon Mallory Dismissed by letter

215 Sal lye Mae Simmons

217 Chloe Mae Simmons

223 Myrtle Fyke (Mrs. Frank Fyke)

261 Lillian Keith Simmons

Beulah Holman

Elizabeth Holman (Elam)

287 Genene Smith

Nov. 1893

Seats and lamps for church were bought.

May 22, 1915

"Met in School House on account of the west wall of the church having fallen down". "R. S. Draughon, H. C. Fyke and B. A. Walker to investigate what can be done toward repairing church and report the next meeting.

Elder E. L. Anderson, Mod, R. S. Draughon, Clerk"

June 26, 1915

Report passed over til next meeting,

July 24, 1915

Committee reported that they had decided that it would be useless to "remoddle the wall of the old church. The church then appointed the same committee as Building committee and try see whether a new church could be built or not and report the next meeting."

August 1915

No preaching at the church—Met at Head's. Church-Sister Duff and Felix Duff joined the church.

Sept. 25, 1915

On Sat. before the 4 Sunday in Sept 1915 the church met according to appointment in the New Church

Oct 23, 1915

"The church being complete except painting floors and seats. Elder E. L. Anderson presiding. Homecoming Dates: August 1, 1948 and August 14. 1949

These minutes were studied for the history of the church and for family history. The excerpts found here were of family interest to the writer and are by no means the only items of interest found. The standards set by our forefathers, as to their conduct both in and out of church, could well be used today. As time permits more data will be gathered and added.

30 June 1994

Copies available on request (at cost 4 to 8 cents per page)

Any additions or corrections should be directed to:

Mary Sue C. (Mrs. Bobby M.) Head

5965 Highway 41 North

Cedar Hill. TN 37032-4865

NOTES TAKEN ABOUT INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS

Minutes for Apr. 1836

Levi Dunn was appointed to take subscriptions to pay for roof of church.

Ailsy Dammon joined this church 4 Lord's Day Sept. 1862 by letter

Noel Thomas Dammon joined by experience and baptism Oct. 1868

Nancy Dammon joined by experience and baptism Aug. 1869

Vol. II pg. 74

"On Sunday June 20, 1886 met at waters and attended the ordiance of baptism of Wm. Dammon at 8 1/2 o'clock P. M."

Vol. II

Pg 5. Sister Mary E. Elizabeth Barnes baptized Oct 1877

pg 58. J. J. Dunn listed as died Aug 31, 1883

pg 55. W. H. Dammons joined Aug. 1888

pg 8. Joe Barnes Baptized on Oct 19, 1889

pg 101. John Drake Baptized on Tues. at 9 o'clock AM Oct 16, 1892

pg 94. Andrew Harrison was excluded because of disorderly conduct.

pg 49 P. S. (Pelina Susan) Dammon joined Aug 19, 1880

pg 60. M. E. Dammon received by experience and baptism Oct 18, 1883

pg. 64 & 65

V. E. Dammon (Moon) joined Oct 1884

A. M. Dammon joined in 1870s

Priscilla Mosely joined Oct 14, 1899

pg 66. "Sister Ailcy Dammon departed this life Jan 10, 1885. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away. T. J. Batts, Clerk"

pg 149. John Sellars died Oct 1901 and buried at Fyke's Grove

pg 43. E. L. Dammon died 21 June 1879

No date nor page "Priscilla Dammon died Aug 1932

Sister M. E. Dammon departed the life Jan. 7, 1919

Brother J. B. Barnes departed this life Aug. 20, 1919

Sister Drake died in Nov. 1940, funeral by Elder W. A. Shutt

Brother John Drake passed away on Dec. 27, 1953 and was buried at Elmwood Cemetery, Springfield, Tennessee