History of Sullivan Township
Fifth Paper
Churches and school-houses were, for many years unknown. Finally, however there was a house erected on “the State road” which served both for “a meeting,” as well as a school house.
They had not regularly established minister, and the people depended on, no and then, an occasional sermon from any minister, who happened to be traveling through the country.
Hospitality then was considered a duty. The weary traveler found a warm welcome at the fireside of the pioneer. As soon as they learned they were entertaining a minister, he would be invited to preach, and when consenting, someone would start out and notify the neighbors of the fact. How eagerly would eneli and avail themselves of the privilege of listening to the word for God. No foolish pride kept them from the “house of worship” although, many times, a yoke of oxen and a sled were their only conveyance.
Ho great has been the change in Sullivan, since then. Now there are six churches, and sixteen school-houses. To look back and see what it was, even thirty years ago, and what it is to-day, the change seems almost miraculous. Yet perseverance and industry, can accomplish almost anything. It would be a difficult task to find a more energetic and industrious class of farmers in any community than Sullivan affords.
In conclusion, I would remark that Sullivan is very often called the “Town of roads,” and justly too, for it is hardly possible to travel a mile in any direction without coming to a “four corners.”
To the lover of wild and rugged scenery it has many attractions. Its hills and valleys, dotted here and there by farms and farm-houses, present, indeed, a scene of beauty and loveliness.
SOURCE: The Agitator, September 18, 1867
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