The Rev. Archer Smith
Not known as well as J.D. Griffith or Robert Stevenson, perhaps because his activities were earlier, Ward was important to the formation of Baptist Churches in the area and baptized both Griffith and Stevenson. The sketch and individual church histories credit him with organizing Milton, Union, Macedonia, Mt. Zion and Rykers Ridge Baptist Churches. He also served Indian-Kentuck Church where he was messenger to the Madison Baptist Association from 1840 through 1847. While his efforts were rewarded in baptizing new members, financial rewards did not follow. For the eight years he worked in Indiana, he spent $3,000 of his own funds and was reduced to poverty because of the lack of financial support. Smith returned to Kentucky in 1847, settling near La Grange where he reportedly fared better financially. Two years later, he moved to Carrollton, serving Carrollton, Whites Run and other churches. This scenario is provided by the sketch. However, the 1850 census shows Ward, age 35, living in Shelby Township. In 1853, he bought a farm in Trimble County, but continued preaching. The sketch reports he had nine daughters and two sons. It reports he was married twice but did not give his wife's name. Smith is credited with baptizing 2,000 persons and traveling over 50,000 miles. He apparently continued serving congregations in Indiana as the Long Run Association minutes show him preaching at Spring Branch Baptist Church in 1859. Spring Branch, is located in Craig Township, Switzerland County.
|