This is a copy of a record book of the Pleasant Hill Methodist Church in Washington Township, Guernsey County, Ohio. The front portion of this manuscript contains the history of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church, which we provide here, and biographies of their pastors up to 1953. Starting on page 18 you will find the Membership Record for the church beginning in 1829 and through January of 1894.
Lou Smith, an 83-year-old former slave from Platter, Oklahoma, recalls her experiences of slavery and subsequent freedom. She was raised by her parents, both former slaves, and worked as a nursemaid for white families. Smith describes the harsh treatment by her mistress, contrasting it with the kindness of her old master. After the Civil War, she recalls the struggles for survival and the community dynamics. Smith also shares her beliefs in superstitions and traditional medicine practices, reflecting on her life filled with both hardship and familial bonds.
Thomas Samuel McWilliams, born on November 22, 1865, in Kentucky, was an influential minister and educator. He earned degrees from Central College and Princeton Theological Seminary. Married to Susan Probasco Nipgen in 1887, he served as pastor in several churches, including First Presbyterian Church in Chillicothe and Calvary Presbyterian Church in Cleveland. Notable for his leadership, he chaired the committee that established the Association of Federated Churches of Cleveland and presided over the Cleveland Peace Society. He enjoyed golf as a leisure activity.
William Lenox McWilliams, born on April 29, 1865, in Missouri, is a prominent figure in Miami, Oklahoma. Initially a pioneering physician and one of Miami’s first settlers, he transitioned to finance, becoming president of the First National Bank and an influential organizer in local politics. Active in the republican party, he served as mayor and was involved in various community initiatives. A successful rancher and businessman, McWilliams has left a lasting impact on the region through his diverse contributions and investments.
Robert J. McWilliams, born in New York in 1825, was a key figure in Oregon’s early business landscape, primarily in lumbering and steamboat construction. After moving to Michigan, he ventured westward, establishing himself in Milwaukee, Oregon, where he operated sawmills and built the Veranda Hotel. His work included lumber for notable steamboats on the Columbia River. McWilliams also engaged with local Native American tribes and undertook mining expeditions. Later, he contributed to various enterprises in La Grande and Summerville before settling in Elgin, Oregon.