Biographical Sketch of George Watson Mapes


Text from Haynes, Nathaniel S. History of the Disciples of Christ in Illinois 1819-1914, Cincinnati: Standard Publishing Company, 1915. Page 566 . This online edition © 1997, James L. McMillan.

Born: Near Auburn, New York, 1828.
Died: Des Moines, Iowa, 1898.

The earlier years of his life were passed in Ohio and Indiana. In 1852 he united with the Baptist Church. In 1853 he brought his family to Bureau County, and the following year united with the church of Christ in Ohio Township. He bought and cultivated a new farm, but was ordained to the ministry in 1856. From 1868 his time was wholly given to the ministry. He planted a congregation in his home neighborhood and others elsewhere in that county, was a successful evangelist, and served as pastor at Putnam and Princeton, leading at the latter place in building the chapel that is still used.

At Washington and Macomb, two terms, where a chapel was also built during the time, he also was pastor. Then his ministry was given to Missouri and Iowa. Mr. Mapes was a good business man, but in his life the material was always subordinated to the spiritual. He was gentle and earnest, kindly and strong. Failing health did not abate his zeal. "I must die with the harness on," he said, and so exchanged his cross for his crown.


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