"Religion and The Founding of the American Republic" was a 1998 exhibition at the Library of Congress in Washington, D. C. The exhibition essay contends, "The religion of the new American republic was evangelicalism which between 1800 and the Civil War was the grand absorbing theme" of American religious life. This evangelicism found expression in revivals. The Great Revival in Kentucky spawned by the Baptists, the Methodists and the Presbyterians, was used to illustrate this thinking.

The Virginia Alkires were one family who was a part of this Great Revival. They moved westward from Moorefield, (West) Virginia to Kentucky, then to Ohio within one generation. Later generations scattered into Indiana, Illinois, and then across the Great Plains and the Rocky Mountains into Oregon.

The early American records indicate Harmonus Alkire, married Mary Cramer near Northfield, Virginia in 1720.⁽¹⁾ Where they came from is still left to guesswork; but as German immigrants, likely, they landed in the settled colonies and then flowed down the valleys between the mountain ridges from Pennsylvania to Virginia.

Harmonus Alkire II, was born in Moorefield, Hampshire County, Virginia in 1730. Moorefield still exists as a village built on a grassy meadow near the joining of the Moorefield and South Branch of the Potomac Rivers. The mountain ridges parallel one another, running north and south, with the rich flood plain below. Grain fields were producing in the 1740s and the mills were already grinding meal. One of Harmonus' civic duties was to view, mark, and keep in repair the road from his place up to Peter Reed's mill on the South Fork.⁽²⁾ At this time, valid titles to the land had not been given to anyone.

Harmonus II was 17 when James Genn, a Virginia certified surveyor, surveyed the 55,000 acres of the South Branch Manor for the Right Honorable Lord Thomas Fairfax, Baron of Cameron in Scotland.⁽³⁾ George Washington, 16, was in the survey party. He recorded in his diary on Monday, March 23 [1748] that a great company of Dutch [German] people who lived along the South Branch River accompanied the surveyors while they worked.⁽⁴⁾

Between 1747 and 1748, at least three missionaries made their way into this "back" country of Hampshire County. Leonhard Schnell and Vitus Handrup wrote in their diaries, "the people are so forsaken that they haven't been to the Lord's Supper for four years." Mathias Gottlieb Gottschalk, another Moravian missionary, found "teaching of the Saviour very dear to them."⁽⁵⁾ The people asked him to send someone to teach the truth of the Gospel to the old as well as the young. These pioneers expected their churches to follow them wherever they traveled.

The Alkires had German neighbors who were Lutherans, Mennonites, Dutch Reformed Church members, with a few Dunkers and Presbyterians.⁽⁶⁾ The only record of the Alkire beliefs now to be found is in the E. W. Humphrey record where John Alkire was reported as a Deist.⁽⁷⁾

Harmonus II, 21, married Lydia Patten, 12, in 1751 at Moorefield. All of their children were [West] Virginians: William, Adam, Catherine, Margaret, Elizabeth, John, Dolly, Deborah, Michael, George, Sarah, Lydia and Harmonus.⁽⁸⁾

Lord Fairfax, Proprietor of the Northern Neck of Virginia, granted the Title to Lots 16 and 17 to Maunis Alkier on May 6, 1765.⁽⁹⁾ Maunis made his mark, a backards "N," for acceptance. "Maunis" was one of the many ways Harmonus' name was spelled.

In 1774-1775, Harmonus was listed on Captain James Parson's roll as a first lieutenant in the colonial army of Virginia. He served under Lord Dunmore in the Indian battles with Cornstalk in the Ohio country.⁽¹⁰⁾ The treaty was made at Camp Charlotte in the Scioto Valley, Ohio.^(111213) In the 154 days that Lt. Alkire served, he had seen the westward side of his mountains. He carried the visions of lush growth and opportunity to the folks back home. In 1788, Harmonus' sons: William (and his wife, Elizabeth Moore) and John (and his wife, Susan Nave(Naef)) were settled in Bourbon County, Kentucky.⁽¹⁴⁾

Over 7,000 people populated Moorefield by 1800, including 454 slaves.⁽¹⁵⁾ Harmonus II and Lydia Alkire started selling their Virginia land in 1789⁽¹⁶⁾ and purchased 20 acres for 41 pounds on the waters of Huston's Fork, Bourbon County, Kentucky.⁽¹⁷⁾

After the sales of their Virginia lands, Harmonus II and his family drove loaded pack-horses to the Kanawha River, built a keel boat and floated down the Ohio River to the mouth of the Slate River and thence to Harrod's Station, Kentucky.^{(18 19)} Harmonus I died there in 1796 at the reported age of 96 years.

Harmonus II purchased another 250 acres on the waters of the Huston's Fork of the Licking River, close to downtown Paris, Kentucky. An early historian of Bourbon County described these early pioneers as hardy, fearless, and self-reliant people where a man was esteemed for his merit, not his money.⁽²⁰⁾

In 1800, Harmonus Alkire II, died at the age of 70. His will names his six sons: William, John, Adam, Michael, Monis, George and six daughters: Catty, Elizabeth, Deborah, Margaret, Sally, and Liddy. Most of them signed an "X" to legal land documents; reading and writing were not common achievements on the westward side of the Appalachians Mountains.⁽²¹⁾

Several of the Alkire families were in Bourbon County on August 6, 1801, when the Cane Ridge revival meeting occurred. No doubt, the Alkires were aware of the meeting, if not actually in attendance. John Alkire, as recorded in Humphreys, "was converted at Cane Ridge, by hearing the young converts in that great revival speak of the goodness of God." He began preaching shortly thereafter. Elder Long, one of his converts, said John "had a loud, strong voice… great reformations followed his preaching wherever he went."⁽²²⁾ Later public records indicate that ordained ministers, John and George Alkire, officiated at weddings and funerals.

Shaw, in Buckeye Disciples,⁽²³⁾ notes that many religions were experiencing "awakening" during those days. Dr. Abner Jones, a Baptist, organized a church in 1802 in Lynden, Vermont. Elias Smith joined him shortly. James O'Kelley and Rice Haggard in Virginia were Methodist; and Barton W. Stone was Presbyterian. Barton W. Stone came to Williamsport, Ohio, where George Alkire and his brother, Michael, lived and held meetings in George's house in 1803. Stone returned in 1804 and organized a church there. The charter members included: Isaac Cade⁽²⁴⁾ and wife; John Teverbaugh and wife; George Alkire and wife Catharine Rush; brothers Isaac W. and Simon Hornback and their wives. Simon Hornback was married to George Alkire's sister, Sarah. Until the first meeting house was built of hewed logs in 1810, the group met in each other's homes.⁽²⁵⁾

This congregation had already been organized for three years when Thomas Campbell came to the United States in 1807.

Humphreys described George Alkire as "tall and slim in person; his peculiar forte, as a preacher, was his earnestness as a reasoner. He was plain and somewhat old-fashioned in his appearance....He had an independent mind, a good heart, and a self-sacrificing disposition....Elder Alkire was an honest man, somewhat inclined to speculation, and when an idea struck him favorably he embraced it. He was so free from sectarianism, that it might properly be said of him, that he was partially a member of all churches, and of none, as to entire union of faith."⁽²⁶⁾

The Williamsport church, the oldest church in the Deer Creek township⁽²⁷⁾ hosted several well-known preachers, including these noted editors: Barton W. Stone withThe Christian Messenger, Joseph Badger with The Christian Palladium,⁽²⁸⁾ and Isaac N. Walter with Gospel Herald. Joseph Thomas, a nephew of the White Pilgrim Joseph Thomas, was a good friend and traveling companion of George Alkire.⁽²⁹⁾

Other preachers mentioned included George Zimmerman,⁽³⁰⁾William Kincade James Hays,⁽³¹⁾ Matthew Gardner,⁽³²⁾ James Marom, George Alkire, James Burbridge,⁽³³⁾ S. Bradford,⁽³⁴⁾ Daniel Long,⁽³⁵⁾ John L. Green, Isaac Cade,⁽³⁶⁾ Benjamin Seevers, John L. Perkins, Enoch Harvey,⁽³⁷⁾ Thomas Hand, N. Dawson, C. A. Morse, T. A. Brandon, Peter McCullough, William Overterf, B. H. Chrisman, Josel Osgood, A. C. Hanger, and E. W. Humphreys.⁽³⁸⁾ Humphreys was later instrumental in establishing the Union Christian College in Merom, Sullivan County, Indiana. When he wrote The Memoirs of Deceased Christian Ministers, he was well acquainted with the Alkires and Williamsport.

This listing of names indicated a variety of leaders, some educated by self-teaching and others by schooling. The ministers in the list were from the Christian Connexion, the O'Kelly, or the Stone movements.

The White Pilgrim, Joseph Thomas, was baptized by James O'Kelley in 1807. He wore white apparel both summer and winter with his long hair combed down on his shoulders.⁽³⁹⁾ He described Deer Creek country in his writings: "The grass is now on a level half leg high, spear-grass, clover, and what is called prairie grass covers the earth and makes it the best summer range for cattle and horses in the known world." Thomas was delighted with the beauty, fertility and natural grandeur of the country.⁽⁴⁰⁾

The White Pilgrim noted that the people were working hard in corn planting season while he was there; however, he was chagrin that the women would not "trouble themselves to walk 6 or 7 miles to meeting."

Sat. 4th, [May 4, 1811] "I came to Alkier's (sic) meeting house (as it is called). This was a cold day for it snowed a little.

Sun. 5th. "A large congregation attended at this place. There is a large society of members here, and one preacher. They appear to be in a prosperous state. The most of them have been baptized.... The Christian church was established here before any other denomination; no other has succeeded here since....The inhabitants are generally industrious, hard working people, much given to farming what may distinguish the people is their plainnes [sic]…. One thinks himself no higher than the other and the other no lower than he. They may be said to be rough and somewhat uncouth to people of polish manners and refinements but appear to be easily pleased, seem to have a happy turn to be agreeable to each other....They are not given to such extravagancies in gambling, fighting, stealling (sic), etc...; but this maybe chiefly owing to their being men of age and families....I suppose the most of them are republicans, for they detest slavery and bondage from every point of view."⁽⁴⁰⁾

Humphrey reported that John Alkire⁽⁴¹⁾ and Forgus Graham⁽⁴²⁾ were both converted at the Cane Ridge revival. Farmers and ministers by 1812, Alkire and Graham held camp-meetings near their homes and fed their own beef to the great crowds who came to hear them. Forgus came to Madison County, Ohio, in 1807 and organized the first Christian society in Pleasant township on June 30, 1812.

Abner Jones, O'Kelley, and Stone movements were meeting in a General Conference by 1820.⁽⁴³⁾

John Alkire's son, Leonard, bought his first land in Sangamon County, Illinois, from the government in 1824, a practice which he continued until 1854.⁽⁴⁴⁾ His parents, John and Susan, joined him in Sangamon County in 1824, and began to purchase land by 1825.

David Millard, an influential spokesperson for the Jones-Smith movement from New York, established

The Gospel Luminary in 1825. In June, 1826, a report of the Christian Conference held at Deer Creek, Pickaway County, Ohio, and signed by George Alkire and Enoch Harvey, Elders, was published on the front page of the Millard paper.⁽⁴⁵⁾

The conference discussed church government and support of the ministry. Many preachers traveled among the brethren without support, in hazardous conditions, leaving their own families to fend for themselves at home. "Their funds are nearly exhausted…scarcely ever is there a collection made of money to bear their expenses." Many church people believed that was the way that it should be. No doubt, George Alkire could understand this problem since he had been an itinerant preacher for more than 20 years by this time.

Church government was a major concern of George Alkire. He had made his own observations of what happened to church groups who were left to flounder and/or disappear after the visiting preacher traveled on. He believed the new converts would continue to meet and worship if they were organized with a fledgling leadership.

In Joseph Badger's report of a trip he made to Williamsport, Ohio in 1925, he spoke in "respectful terms" of George Alkire.⁽⁴⁶⁾ The next year, Badger noted in his journal: "In Elder Alkire's vicinity the churches have received large additions of late."⁽⁴⁷⁾

Gospel Luminary⁽⁴⁸⁾ carried the proceedings from the 1826 yearly meeting and conference at Williamsport. The listing of elders present included: George Alkire, James Burbridge , Samuel Wilson, Enoch Harvey, Alexander Owen, Isaac N. Walter⁽⁴⁹⁾, Martin Baker, Joseph Thomas, Joseph Baker,⁽⁵⁰⁾ George Limmerman,⁽⁵¹⁾ Samuel Rogers, Benjamin Breton, Matthew Gardner, George A. Patterson, James Baker, Isaac Cade. Unordained preachers were: Zarah Curtiss,⁽⁵²⁾ William Dickinson, and Isaac Hornback.⁽⁵³⁾

After the conference was concluded, a church meeting was held. Outdoor stands in four different places were attended by "respectable and well behaved" folks. By noon Sunday, thousands were on the ground; however, a rainstorm drove the crowds for shelter. The meeting house soon overflowed and many from the crowd went away. A large collection was taken for the visiting preachers. "The most perfect decorum was observed" George Patterson, clerk of the conference, wrote and "all appeared solemn as that eternity which had been preached to them." This was a direct contrast to what had happened 25 years earlier at Cane Ridge.

Gospel Luminary had an editorial about the April 12 meeting at Deer Creek, "it will be seen that active exertions are being made by 'our brethren' [The Christian Connexion was recognizing Deer Creek as our brothers] at the west to set the things in order that are wanting among them." The editors continues, "We solicit a correspondence with Elders Stone, Smith, Purviance, McCoy, Adams, Gardner, and others whom though unseen we love." This was a listing of Stone people with which theGospel Luminary, a Christian Connexion paper, wanted to correspond.⁽⁵⁴⁾

Barton W. Stone's paper, Christian Messenger, was first published in 1826 in Georgetown, Kentucky.

Still showing a concern about the shouting, barking and such like in the worship service, Alkire wrote to the Christian Messenger⁽⁵⁵⁾ "God in a gracious and powerful manner, has once more visited us on Deer Creek....The converts come out firm and solid, with less noise than I ever saw in a revival."

In an April, 1832 article in the Luminary,⁽⁵⁶⁾ Alkire stated he was almost 50, had been a minister for 25 years and had been ordained when he was 20 years old. The eight-page article, started on the front page of the Luminary, was an essay about the quality of church leadership needed. Alkire bemoaned that he had planted many churches that were prospering when he left them only to return to find not a trace nor a mark of that church. "I am confident for want of a proper administration of the government and in this state of confusion the greater part of the labours of the travelling [sic] preacher is lost."

Barton W. Stone and "Raccoon John" Smith, as a representative of Alexander Campbell, shook hands on an agreement of unity between the two groups in 1832 at the Hill Street Christian Church in Lexington, Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, in 1834, Stone moved on westward to Jacksonville, Illinois, taking The Christian Messenger with him. He had started purchasing Illinois Government Land in October, 1830.⁽⁵⁷⁾

The Christian Palladium⁽⁵⁸⁾ reported that the Ohio Central and Deer Creek Conferences met in Hebron, Ohio, on December 26, 1834. Derostus F. Ladley was elected president,⁽⁵⁹⁾ William B. Harding was secretary. Others present included: George Alkire, James Hayes, Harry Ashley.⁽⁶⁰⁾

Thomas Cotterill, George Alkire, and D. F. Ladley were to draft a circular letter about church government, support of the ministry, and Christian Sunday School. D. F. Ladley wrote that at the public worship after the conference closed, Elders Alkire and Long delivered two very interesting and impressive discourses.

According to Illinois Land Records, George Alkire purchased lands from the federal government in Illinois on May 11 and August 1, 1836.⁽⁶¹⁾

Ohio Deer Creek Conference was held in Palestine August 18, 1838, and was reported in the Christian Palladium.⁽⁶²⁾ Elder David Roberts was elected chair and John G. Green as assistant clerk. Elders present: George Alkire, David Roberts, Henry S. Bradford,⁽⁶³⁾ Samuel R. Dawson,⁽⁶⁴⁾ James Green. Licentiates: Cyrus Gordy, John R. Green. Representatives from Williamsport included: Cyrus Gordy, Ebenezer Davis, and Abraham Halstead,⁽⁶⁵⁾ Williams Francis, and John Hornback.

Christian Palladium carried a report from Christian Union Conference meeting at Williamsport, September 6, 1838. A newly organized conference, Anglaise (Ohio), presented its letter to petition for admission into this conference and was accepted.George Alkire, Enoch Harvey, and James Smith were appointed to send a letter to unrepresented conferences, asking for their views on how to achieve "a more perfect union as well as how to plant and organize churches."⁽⁶⁶⁾

Deer Creek Christian Conference of Ohio, Mt. Sterling, April 17, 1840, charged George Alkire, William B. Hand, John N. Perkins, and James Smith to write a letter to the periodicals asking the conferences to consider the following four points and to publish their findings: church government, the operation of the Spirit, a proper name for the church (whether that be Christian church, Church of Christ, or Disciples), and the design and objective of baptism.⁽⁶⁷⁾

An invitation was extended to all conferences to join in a general convention with a delegation of "holy men" from each congregation. The time and place suggested were Cincinnati in October, 1840.

Christian Palladium reported the minutes of Ohio Central Christian Conference that met in Mt. Liberty, August 18, 1840. Elder Zarah Curtiss, which had been unlicensed at the 1826 conference, chaired the meeting.

The subject of a general convention to reconcile certain differences existing in the churches was discussed at length by George Alkire, D. Long, D. F. Ladley, J. W. Marvin, A. Stevens,⁽⁶⁸⁾ John Hayes, J. O. Harris, J. Plumb, O. True.⁽⁶⁹⁾

After the speeches were over, the Ohio Central Christian Conference passed a resolution "that this conference do (sic) not as yet see the storm our brethren are so fearful of, nor do they think it expedient to meet in such a convention." There were 124 members at the conference, 36 Elders, 25 licentiates, 2 female laborers, 61 delegates representing 1,484 communicants which showed an increase of 718 over the last year's number.⁽⁷⁰⁾

From Pittsfield, Illinois, December 19, 1840, G. Alkire writes to Stone that he is thankful he can again preach even though he cannot see his audience because of his failing eyesight. Depressed, he writes that the sun of his life will set soon; but even in this state of health, he reported travels in Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois.⁽⁷¹⁾

In January 27, 1841, George writes from Pittsfield, Illinois to the church at Jamestown, Ohio. The epistle was a travel log of his journey from Ohio to Illinois. Alkire preached regularly and set in order the things that were wanting on his "long but pleasant" journey. He visited overnight with Brother Stone in Jacksonville. He had been preaching in Pike County at the Highland, Pittsfield, Barre, and Perry congregations. Most of the congregations in the West have seemed in general union, with only a few exceptions where lines of distinction had been drawn between "the Reformers" (Campbellites) and the Old Christians. Once again Elder Alkire made the plea for unity and closed with "Finally, Brethren, farewell; be perfect, live in love and the God of love and peace shall be with you…."⁽⁷²⁾

The Christian Messenger carried minutes by B. F. Van Dooser⁽⁷³⁾ of the Christian conference at Highland, Pike County, Illinois, April 9, 1841. Present were: George Alkire, B. W. Stone, J. Burbridge, D. Roberts, Wm. Strong, Wm. Gale, D. Henry, C. Bolin, J. Sweet, J. Green Jr., Wm. Gilliam.

Elder G. Alkire gave the opening address. Wm. Gilliam was asked to chair the conference and B. F. Van Dooser to be secretary. A committee of five, including Alkire, was chosen to arrange the business that was to come before the meeting.

The agenda of issues and resolutions was printed:
 

1. What qualifies a person to become a member of the church? Conference decision: faith, repentance and obedience to the Gospel.

2. How is a church organized? Conference decision: humble, obedient believers do by giving themselves first to the Lord and then to one another. The group becomes fully organized when they appoint and ordain elders and deacons.

3. Who are proper officers of the church and their duties? Conference decision: Elders should attend to the spiritual concerns of the church; deacons are to care for its temporal matters.

4. By what name shall the church be called? Conference decision: church of God or of Christ.

5. Does God give his spirit to his children? If so, how? Conference decision: Yes, by faith and obedience.

6. Shall we send out and support one or more evangelists? Conference decision: send out D. Roberts and Wm. Gale and plan to support them.

7. What cooperation should exist between the preacher and those to whom they preach? Conference decision: The congregations should contribute to the preachers' temporal wants and encourge them in their work.

Reportedly, the conference experienced a great unity of mind and spirit, as rarely seen before.

Chair William Gilliam requested the Christian Palladium (Christian Connexion) and the Christian Messenger (Stone) to publish these minutes.⁽⁷⁴⁾

In the Christian Palladium, Alkire wrote to Brother Marsh that during the last year he had traveled 2,300 miles in poor health as well as poor eyesight. Elder Alkire had been confined to his home for four years before 1841.

Alkire detailed some of his travels during the last month. He visited with Brother Riggs in Scott County; Riggs had served in the Illinois State Legislature in 1818 and later in the 48^th and 49^th United States Congress.⁽⁷⁵⁾ Alkire journeyed on to Jacksonville to meet with Elders Stone, Jones, Henderson, Vandozer. Alkire writes, "the church in this place seems to be spiritual and intelligent, manifesting the spirit of union and friendship." At Island Grove, he attended a meeting at Brother Wm. Grants where he met Elder Scott.

Traveling on, G. Alkire crossed the Sangamon River at Elder Marshs, the publisher's brother. Elder Marsh did not charge George for crossing the river even though Marsh was a rigid Reformer [Campbellite].  George held a meeting at his nephew's house, Wm. B. Cautrell, where he again met Brother Bandozer.⁽⁷⁶⁾ After leaving relatives and brethren, he traveled to Fountain County, Ia.⁽⁷⁷⁾ He preached four times near Covington to divided congregations, part Reformers and part Old Christians. Some objections were made by the Reformers to Alkire's sermons; however, all came to give him "the right hand of fellowship" at the close of the meeting.

He stayed with Judge Burbridge in Crawfordsville. While crossing the stream at Alexander's crossing, water ran into his carriage. This reminded him of an earlier accident crossing the Big Vermillion in eastern Illinois. "My papers and books were spoiled and clothing much injured."

In New Paris, Ohio, he met with Elders Purviance and Adams; Alkire said he preached to large, attentive, intelligent crowds here. Purviance with a classical education had represented both Kentucky and Ohio in state legislatures. Purviance and Stone were long-time friends, both coming from the Presbyterian movement to sign "The Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbtery."

Traveling on to Eaton in Preble County, he preached, by candlelight at the home of Judge Munfort. Brother Hathaway, a nephew of Levi Hathaway, closed the meeting. In Dayton, Alkire stopped to see Dr. Bowen, in Enon to see Elder Ladley with whom he had worked at Deer Creek, and then to Ebenezer to spend the night with Elder Briney. He met his good friend, Joseph Thomas, whom Alkire had wished for in one of his letters from Illinois, and Dr. Winans Borgman. The three men preached that night and "closed in all good feeling." Most of these preachers were of the Christian Connexion. Alkire seemed to travel freely among the Christian Connexion and the Stone people; he very much wanted a union of these believers.⁽⁷⁸⁷⁹⁾

Christian Palladium reported Deer Creek Church Conference, at Mt. Sterling August 12, 1841. Elder Joseph Thomas was chair and Henry S. Bradford, Clerk.George Alkire, J. N. Perkins, E. Harvey and others discussed a religious periodical and a hymn book for the churches in the state of Ohio. Delegates to the Union Christian Conference in Ohio were to present the necessity of a paper and a hymn book to this gathering. The delegates were C. Gordy, J. N. Perkins, J. Thomas, Geo. Alkire, Bradford. Also,  the conference agreed to give Elder George Alkire a letter of commendation to take with him to Illinois.⁽⁸⁰⁾

George, Catharine and four of their children (Mary, Rebecca, Barton W., and Abner) migrated to Hadley Township, settling on section 31. The other four children joined them in the next year: Wesley J., Lydia, Gideon, and Josiah. The sons took care of the farming of the land.⁽⁸¹⁾

Christian Palladium reported that the Illinois Union Conference met at the Baptist Church in Barry, Pike County, Illinois, on November 19, 1841. William Gilliam was the chair and Job Sweet the secretary. Elder G. Alkire gave the opening address and served on the meeting agenda committee.

Alkire was an active participant in debating the issues to form a new conference. The resolutions included: Efforts would be made by elders and brethren to preach for the destitute.

The brethren were to contribute to sustain those who were preaching. Pike County would be the territory for the conference to be called Christian Union Conference. Membership would include elders, deacons, delegates, and brethren. The conference would patronize the Christian Palladium, the Christian Messenger, as well as other not named papers. Elder David Roberts would be the book agent.

At the conclusion of the report, it was noted that Elder G. Alkire had been received as a member of the conference upon the presentation of his letter of commendation from the Deer Creek Conference. He was in a leadership position before the letter was presented.⁽⁸²⁾

In the Christian Messenger, the Winchester, Illinois meeting report was given with the following preachers present: Barton W. Stone; Barton W. Stone Jr., George Alkire, James Burbridge, William Gale, David Roberts.⁽⁸³⁾

A few weeks later, Stone died in Hannibal, Missouri, in November, 1844. He was buried for three years in Jacksonville, Illinois, and then removed to Cane Ridge, Kentucky. Alkire's relationship with Stone continued from 1803, if not before, until Stone's death in 1844. Alkire and Stone had attended the State Meeting in Winchester, Illinois together, Stone's last one. One of Alkire's sons was named Barton W. Alkire, no doubt, because of George's fondness of Stone. In Alkire's prospectus for his autobiography, he promised to related "many interesting incidents - not before published - connected with the life and public services of Elder Barton W. Stone."⁽⁸⁴⁾

George's son, Barton W., joined the California Gold Rush in 1849-50 and returned to Illinois the next year a richer man able to support his parents and unwed sisters.

As far as known, George Alkire's brothers did not publish any writings. However, the family was interested in education. The proceeds from Elder Alkire's book were to go to Christian University, Canton, Missouri, and North-Western Christian University at Indianapolis.

John Alkire's daughter, Sarah, married Joseph Powell.⁽⁸⁵⁾ Three of their sons, John Alkire Powell, Noah Powell and Alfred Powell led the large group of Christians migrating to Oregon in 1851. Jerry Rushford'sChristians on the Oregon Trail, Chapter 10, describes this generation of Alkire grandchildren in the Restoration Movement. John A. Powell was on the Board of Trustees of Christian College, just as his son, Franklin Smith Powell was.⁽⁸⁶⁾

This generation also produced J. N. Halstead, son of Nancy A. Alkire and Elliot Halstead. Nancy was the daughter of George's brother, Michael. Dr. J. N. Halstead moved to Merom, Sullivan County, Indiana and invited his Williamsport, Ohio, minister, E. W. Humphreys, to preach at his house near the Wabash River in Indiana. Merom had recently lost the county seatstatus to Sullivan, leaving a lovely courthouse empty. E. W. Humphreys, with the support of J. N. Halstead, acted as the General Agent to convince the Christian Church Conference to locate the Union Christian College at Merom, where it stayed from 1860 to 1924.⁽⁸⁷⁾

In 1854, an announcement of a prospectus for the life of Elder George Alkire was published in the Christian Evangelist, Ft. Madison, Iowa. The volume was to include the journal of Alkire's life. Later, the Christian Recordreported Elders Henderson and Shannon had taken the Alkire journal in hand and would bring it out soon. At the time of this writing, a copy of the journal has not been located.

Also, in 1854, a book written by Elder George Alkire,The World That is and That is to Come or a treatise on the primitive condition of man was published by Sentinel in Springfield, Illinois. Likely,The World That Is ... was the outcome of the prospectus. Alkire, in his writing over the years, had been concerned with church government and church unity.⁽⁸⁸⁾ G. Alkire's writings had reflected peace, love and unity. The World That Is ... is a renouncement of Roman Catholicism. It would seem this book might have reflected more the thinking of the editors, Elder Henderson⁽⁸⁹⁾ and Shannon, rather than Alkire.

Elder Alkire's last printed article to be located was in 1854 on Church Government.⁽⁹⁰⁾ He seems to have not published after 1854, even though he lived until 1868.The Palladium, The Christian Messenger, the Luminary were no longer publishing; the editors he had worked with were no more.

Where he obtained his education is a mystery. George Washington reported in his journals the existence of a school at Old Fields, near Moorefield in Virginia, and likely there were other schools in Kentucky; but most of George's syblings signed the deeds selling their father's estate with an "X". Yet George wrote clearly, developed his themes logically, and had a command of grammar and writing.

He mourned when his books became wet when he tried to cross a stream in his carriage. He mentioned these authors without titles in his writings: Mosheim, Adam Clark of England, Chronology of Usher, Clinton, and Dr. John Cuming of London. Whether by self-education or schooling, he used the tools of education.

The thunderstorm passed leaving only the droplets of water falling off the tree leaves onto the tombstone of George Alkire in Barry, Hadley township, Pike County, Illinois. The inscription reads:
 

George Alkire
b. 1781 d. July 21, 1868

Here lies a man that has died at his post aged 87 years.
Having embraced the Christian religion in Kentucky at the age of 17 years.
Bearing the testimony faithfully until the day of his death.

Back to George Alkire Page Back to Restoration Movement Texts Page

1. Wilmer L. Kerns, Historical Records of Old Frederick and Hampshire Counties, Virginia (Bowie, Maryland: Heritage Books, 1992), 103.

2. Lyman Chalkley, Chronicles of the Scotch-Irish Settlement in Virginia: extracted from the original court records of Augusta County, 1745-1800 (Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing, 1980), vol. 2, 55, 361.

3. Commander Alvin Edward Moore, History of Hardy County of the Borderland (Parsons, West Virginia: McClain Printing Company, 1963), 15.

4. Ibid., 18.

5. William J. Hinke and Charles E. Kemper, eds., "Moravian Diaries through Virginia," Virginia Magazine of History and Biography, XII (June, 1905), 57.

6. Moore, 60.

7. E. W. Humphreys, Memoirs of Deceased Christian Ministers; or, Brief Sketches of the Lives and Labors of 975 Ministers Who Died Between 1793 and 1880 (Dayton, Ohio: Christian Publishing Assn., 1880), 15.

8. Daughters of American Revolution record number 445811 proven by Esther Muriel Hurst Haines.

9. West Virginia State Archives, Lord Thomas Fairfax Land Grant to Maunis Alkier (Charlotte, West Virginia, 6 May 1765), 243.

10. James R. Glacking, "Alkire Family," Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly XIV:11 (Summer, 1982), 77.

11. Virginia. Executive Department.Romney Payroll (Richmond, Virginia: Virginia State Library), 4-5.

12. Daughters of the American Revolution, DAR Patriot Index. (Washington, D. C., 1966), 8.

13. John H. Gwathmey, Historical Register of Virginians in the Revolution (Richmond, Virginia: The Diety Press, 1938), 8.

14. Glacking, 80.

15. E. L. Judy, History of Grant and Hardy Counties, West Virginia (Charleston, West Virginia: Charleston Printing Company, 1951).

16. West Virginia, Hardy County, Deed Book 2, (Moorefield, West Virginia, 1789-92), 36-37.

17. Kentucky, Bourbon County, Deed Book D (Paris, Kentucky), 424.

18. Judge James M. Carter, The Carter, Alkire, Kennedy, Williams, and Related Families (Salt Lake City, Utah: Genealogical Department, Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints, n.d.), p. 430.

19. Esther Muriel Hurst Haines letter (Boca Raton, Florida, 5 May 1971). Copy in my possession. Mrs. Haines was the granddaughter of Sarah who was the daughter of Michael Alkire.

20. William Henry Perrin, ed., History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky (Cincinnati, Ohio: Art Guild Reprints, 1882), 39.

21. Kentucky, Bourbon County, Will Book B (Paris, Kentucky), 82-83.

22. Humphreys, 15.

23. Henry K. Shaw, Buckeye Disciples: A History of the Disciples of Christ in Ohio (St. Louis: Christian Board of Publications, 1952), 11.

24. Humphreys, 76.

25. E. M. T. "Peek at the Past," Williamsport [Ohio] News, 23 March 1978.

26. Humphreys, 16-17.

27. Aaron R. Van Cleaf, History of Pickaway County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens (Chicago: Biographical Publishing Co., 1906), 113.

28. Humphreys, 33.

29. Ibid., 363.

30. Ibid., 402.

31. Ibid., 165.Hayes was a writer for early volumes of Gospel Herald.

32. Ibid.,138-141,

33. Ibid., 71. Burbridge was a companion of George Alkire in Ohio and later in Pike County, Illinois. He wrote for early periodicals.

34. Ibid., 64-65.Bradford, born in New York, was the minister of Williamsport and Mt. Sterling churches and wrote for the Palladium.

35. Ibid., 207-209.Long, born in Maryland, was a prominent figure in Central Ohio and Deer Creek Conferences.

36. Ibid., 76.

37. Ibid., 157-158.Harvey, a physically massive-sized man, was a prominent minister of the Deer Creek Conferences.

38. Robert A. Brown."Historical Minutes of the Proceedings of the Peru Convention, the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees of Union Christian College," Story of Union Christian College Merom (Sullivan County) Indiana 1859-1924, (Owensboro, Kentucky: McDowell Publications, 1981)10-14.

39. Joseph Thomas.The Life of the Pilgrim Joseph Thomas containing an accurate account of his Trials, Travels and Gospel Labours up to the Present date (Winchester, Pennsylvania: J. Foster, Printer, 1817), 181.

40. Ibid., 183-190.

41. Humphreys, 15.

42. Ibid., 145.

43. Shaw, 18.

44. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales. http://www.sos.state.il.us/depts/archives/data_lan.html.

45. George Alkire and Enoch Harvey, "Address of a Christian Conference, held at Deer Creek, Pickaway County, Ohio, to churches within that Conference and to the saints scattered abroad," Gospel Luminary 2:6 (June, 1826) 125-132.

46. E. G. Holland, Memoir of Rev. Joseph Badger, 281.

47. Ibid., 290.

48. George A. Patterson, "Yearly Meeting and Conference at Williamsport Ohio," Gospel Luminary 2 (1826)234-236.

49. Humphreys, 376-378.Walter, born in Ohio, preached in New York City and baptized 2,343 persons. He was an editor of Gospel Herald.

50. Ibid., 37-39.

51. Ibid., 402. Zimmerman is likely the correct spelling.

52. Ibid., 103-104. Curtiss, born in Plymouth, Conn., was a military man of the staff of General Howe.

53. Ibid., 173. Hornback was ordained by George Alkire.

54. David Millard, ed., "The Christian Brethren at the West," Gospel Luminary,(June 1826), 140-141.

55. George Alkire, "Letter to Brother Stone," Christian Messenger, 4 (1829), 119-120.

56. George Alkire, "Ohio Church Government," Gospel Luminary, 5:7 (April, 1832), 205-213.

57. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales.

58. Derostus F. Ladley and William B. Harding, "Ohio Central Conference," Christian Palladium, 3 (1834-5), 318.

59. Humphreys, 197. Ladley, born in Chester County Pennsylvania, came to Ohio in 1832. He was ordained by Elders Walter, Currier, and Badger. As a man of taste, precision and order, Ladley acquired a library of well-selected books. He preached and wrote for the Palladium.

60. Humphreys, 28-29.

61. Illinois Public Domain Land Tract Sales.

62. David Roberts and James Smith, "Ohio Deer Creek Conference," Christian Palladium, 7 (1838-39), 200.

63. Humphreys, 64-65. Bradford, born in 1809 in New York, moved to Ohio in 1832; and by 1839, he was the minister in
charge of the church at Williamsport.

64. Ibid., 107. Dawson, a colonel in the militia, married Dorothy Abigail Alkire, daughter of Adam Alkire, George's brother, and his wife, Margaret Hornbeck.

65. Ibid., 405. Halstead was ordained by George Alkire, Isaac Cade, and George Zimmerman in 1806. Two of Halstead's children married children of George's brother, Michael Alkire. Hannah Halstead m. Benjamin Alkire and Albartis Halstead m. Ruanna Alkire.

66. Enoch Harvey, "Ohio Union Conference," Christian Palladium, 8 (1838-9) 199-200.

67. George Alkire, Wm. B. Hand, John N. Perkins, James Smith, "Letters," Christian Palladium, 8 (1839-40), 45.

68. Humphreys, 343-344. Stevens, born in Vermont, compiled and published Union Hymn Book in Vermont, joined the Central Conference in 1839 and became the conference president in 1842.

69. Ibid., 367. True, born in Connecticute, a theologian, wrote for papers.

70. Isaac N. Walter, "Conference Minutes," Christian Palladium, 9 (1840-41), 156-57.

71. George Alkire, "Letter to Brother Stone," Christian Messenger, 11 (1840), 178-179.

72. George Alkire, "To the Church at Jamestown, O., with the Elders and Deacons," Christian Palladium, 8(1939-40) 366-67.

73. Humphreys, 94. Van Dooser was born in New York. He wrote frequently for the Palladium.

74. Wm. Gilliam, "Minutes of a Christian Conference at Highland, Pike County, Illinois, April 9th, 1841,) Christian Messenger, 7 (June, 1841), 342-3.

75. Nathaniel S. Haynes, History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois 1819-1914 (Cincinnati: Standard Publishing Co., 1915), 590.

76. Likely B. F. Van Doozer from New York.

77. Likely Fountain County, Indiana, which lies between Illinois and Ohio.

78. George Alkire, "Letter to Br. Marsh," Christian Palladium, 9 (25 My 1841), 78-79.

79. G. Alkire, "Letter to Br. Marsh," Christian Palladium, 10 (1 October 1841), 170.

80. Joseph Thomas, "Ohio Deer Creek Conference," Christian Palladium (Dec. 1841), 239.

81. Barton W. Alkire, History of Pike County Illinois; Together with sketches of its cities, villages, and townships, educational, religious, civil, military, and political history; Portraits of Prominent Persons and biographies of Representative Citizens. (Chicago: Chas. C. Chapman and Co., 1880), 741.

82. Wm. Gilliam, "Illinois Union Conference," Christian Palladium 10 (15 March 1842), 351.

83. P. Henderson, "State Meeting," Christian Messenger (October, 1844), 183-186.

84. D. Bates, ed., "Eld. Alkire's Life," Christian Record (February 1854), 61-62.

85. James R. Glacking, "Alkire Descendants," Illinois State Genealogical Society Quarterly, XV:1 (Spring, 1983), 39.

86. Jerry Rushford, "Three Brothers for Oregon 1851," Christians on the Oregon Trail (Joplin, Missouri: College Press Publishing Co., 1997), 129-143.

87. E. W. Humphreys, "The Rise of Union Christian College," Our Work I (May, 1876).

88. Elder George Alkire, The World That Is and That Is To Come or a treatise on the primitive condition of man (Springfield, Illinois: Sentinel Book and Job Office, 1854).

89. Henderson was an editor of the Christian Messenger, a clerk of the court in Jacksonville and a long-standing minister.

90. George Alkire, "Church Government--No. 1," Christian Evangelist, 5:4 (April, 1854), 132-136.

Erma Jean Loveland
Abilene Christian University
Abilene, Texas
lovelande@acu.edu