Family History Research Assistance for Franklin County, Iowa
CHURCH:WEST FORK
West Fork Church, near Hampton, Iowa, was organized in 1871. The church united with the Turkey River Association of Primitive Baptists, of northeastern Iowa, and was listed in 1874 (the oldest association minutes presently available). West Fork Church hosted the annual Association on several occasions, the latest of which we have a record being in 1888.
Elder A. J. Norton, who was ordained at Little Village Church in Crawford County, Ill., moved to Hampton from Wisconsin in 1869. When West Fork Church was organized, he became the pastor, and continued in that relation until his death, which occurred at his home on Walnut Street, in Hampton, on December 15, 1898. The church had been meeting in his home on the fourth Sunday of each month and Saturday before.
Elder Edwin A. Norton (son of A. J. Norton) united with this church by letter, date unknown. He was ordained to the ministry here in December 1895. Elder William Stillwell united with the church in 1889 by relation, and was also ordained to the ministry by this church in December 1895.
SURNAMES OF MEMBERS:
Allen, Brown, Butler, Eitel, Esslinger, Harlan, Jeffers, Jordan, Layton, McMillin, Norton, Stillwell, Tolbert, Woodley (very incomplete list due to loss of records).
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