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Source: Church History Vol. 4 Chapter 24 Page: 428 (~1884)

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428 J. E. Stout, station agent; L. C. Bush, restaurant; G. J. Cherry, city marshal; G. Collins, harness-maker; Gustav Hildebrand, blacksmith; J. Roeder, transfer agent; John Ed Leuettke, city miller; W. C. Perry, ex-mayor; R. S. McWilliams; John W. Weeder, shoemaker; J. H. Kitridge, lumber dealer; B. F. Bennett, carpenter.

About this time there were violent demonstrations of the spirit of persecution in Southern Missouri and Northern Arkansas. Elder B. V. Springer had previously been laboring in that region, and had been threatened with violence. He arranged to return there, and Elder Heman C. Smith engaged to meet him. Elder Smith arrived there in June, but Elder Springer was detained and did not appear.

The following from Elder Smith written from Walnut Ridge, Arkansas, August 1, l883, will explain the situation:

I preached several times at the house of Bro. James R. Jones, and sent an appointment to Shiloh Schoolhouse for Saturday night, July 21. After arriving in the neighborhood, I was advised not to go to the house as violence was threatened. I went and preached without molestation. Some friends guarded me home, refusing to leave me until I was safe at my lodging; but saw nor heard anything from the enemy. Sunday, the 22d, I spoke again, and left an appointment for night; but lo, when we arrived there, we found the house nailed up. Some friends who felt enraged, burst open the window and opened the door; but learning the house was closed by authority from the man holding the deed for the land, I refused to enter, but repaired to Mr. Frank Grey's, and spoke there that night and the night following. So many were the threats, and so wild the excitement ran, people were afraid to come out nights, and so we thought it best to hold meeting in daytime. The brethren and friends erected an arbor, by a nice cool spring, and there we broke the bread of life each succeeding day, to the few who had the courage and disposition to come out. Last Sunday (the 29th) we had fair liberty and a good audience both morning and evening, and more interest was manifested than before. I think the ice is broken, and good may be done, if labor is bestowed wisely. On the 24th, two notices were handed me, which were found on a tree near Rock Springs. I will copy for the benefit of your readers:

"this is true"

"this July the 20 1883 We understand that old Springer is to Bee in 2 day and We understand that you have rub up youre guns and have Bin trainin for the Battle our old Gins is Eatten up By the rust the old Clost Clipper is all right the rust Wont tackle hur She Shaved one old Mans old Ball headed hog thief and we think that She is good for old Smith and Springer and all the rest of the clan if they want any thing out of us

(page 428)

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