This is a letter that was with my grandmother, Mary Rachel GEAN GILMAN’S belongings. My mother had this and passed it on to me. Maybe someone can add to the history of this Church. My surnames in the letter are GILMAN, GEAN, MAHON and PERRY.
Shady Grove Church, – Out of which came Johnson Grove Church
Organized June 13, 1855 with two members, a Brother WILDER and Simon D. SPIGHT. Preachers assisting in the organization, Samuel H. BETHEL, David JORDAN and Z.N. MORRELL. Brother BETHEL was the first Pastor. Simon SPIGHT , first clerk.
In August 2 were received by letter, Ann NUNN and Alsey NUNN and Issac KOONCE by experience.
Almost at every meeting, they called “mourners” and often the clerk would say, “Many came forward”.
In August 1836 Zilpha NUNN and her sister Nancy NUNN joined by letter.
They observed the Lord’s supper 3 times a year regularly.
Many of the slaves of David NUNN, Great Grandfather of I.B. TIGRETT were received and Baptized into the fellowship of the Church.
Pa (Franklin Epperson MAHON) joined the Church on Sunday, Sept. 12, 1837 and on Sept. 17 was Baptized in the Forked Deer River at Eaton by Pastor Bro. BETHEL.
During a revival in November 1837, Aunt Clemenda (MAHON), another white woman, and a negro slave joined at the same time and were Baptized by HALLIBURTON.
Martha MAHON joined the Church. First Sunday in March 1838. I think she married John MAYFIELD and went to Texas with Uncle Bently(MAHON).
At the meeting in July, Brother F.E. MAHON (Franklin Epperson MAHON) came to Church and confessed he had done wrong in quarreling with Bro. SPIGHT and was forgiven.
Elizabeth MAHON(Aunt Bessie evidently) joined the Church third Sunday in October 1839.
On third Sunday in October 1940, Eliza Jane MAHON or Elizabeth Jane MAHON(hard to read) joined the Church and was Baptized Saturday before first Sunday in December.(It says 1940, but could be 1840??)
Bently MAHON joined the Church on third Sunday in March 1843 and was Baptized the following day.
I am to get the other old Church book from Hill BURNETT and will follow up this and let you have the data.
I never knew before where Mat (MAHON) got her name, Martha Clemenda, did you know?
NOTE, We have greatly enjoyed Ruth’s(GILMAN) visit, only wish she could have stayed longer. I know you have missed her. She is a fine girl and we are fond of her.
Bob MAHON
Who would be Robert PERRY MAHON.
Contributed by Karen Martin