Rev. Jacob Van Meter Rhoads

Rev Jacob Van Meter Rhoads BIRTH 30 Mar 1793 Hardin County, Kentucky, USA DEATH 18 Nov 1871 (aged 78) Chesterfield, Macoupin County, Illinois, USA BURIAL Rhoads Cemetery Chesterfield, Macoupin County, Illinois,

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"ELDER JACOB V. RHOADS was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, March 30th, 1793. He spent his minority with his father, in the faithful discharge of his filial duties. He was converted in 1811, and in 1812 baptized into the fellowship of the Rock Creek United Baptist church in Kentucky [in Grayson County, S/E of Leitchfield]. He was licensed to preach by this church in 1821---and in 1831 ordained. In 1831 he emigrated to Illinois, and in October settled at Rhoads' Point, Macoupin county. In 1832 a church was constituted at this point [Mt. Pleasant, near Medora, in Chesterfield Twp., C: 21 Apr 1832], of which he became pastor, and retained the pastorate for 27 consecutive years; probably the longest pastorate ever held by a Baptist minister in Illinois. He aided in the constitution of 17 churches, and at different times was pastor of 13 of them. During his life he was pastor of 17 churches. For more than fifty years his life was one of unremitting toil, self-abnegation and sacrifice for the good of others. His name was widely known, and his influence immeasurable. His ministry was peculiarly successful. He seemed exactly adapted to reach the masses, and hundreds were converted under his preaching. His leading elements of character were an inflexible purpose, and an unwavering zeal---indefatigable industry, and spotless integrity, tender conscientiousness and unyielding devotion to principle. He was a good citizen, and affectionate husband, a tender and a loving father, a devoted Christian man. He died with armor on. Stricken down with paralysis, in 1871, at the advance age of 78, he fell asleep. During his last hours, he gave clearest evidence that the cause of Christ had the first place in his heart." [From page 316 of the "History of Madison County, Illinois", 1882.]