LETTER TO SHELBINA TORCHLIGHT

13 December 1901

Clarence, Mo.

Editors TORCHLIGHT.

We notice one of the Shelby County Herald readers is a little nervous and somewhat impatient over the write up of Bacon Chapel neighborhood. We never claimed perfection or infallibility, therefore errors and omissions are excusable; but we promise him in due time, some where along the line of about one hundred write ups, if we can keep up with his father’s location and occupation, in Oregon, South Missouri, Shelbina and then back to the old neighborhood, and find he ever held any position of trust or honor, or did anything professionally but farm, he will have proper notice in due time.

We begin this week’s write up with a short sketch of the life and work of one of Bacon Chapel’s worthy and noted citizens, Isaac H. Wailes. Mr. Wailes comes of Delaware parentage. He was born in Washington, D.C., 1824. In 1836 with a widowed mother he settled in Bacon Chapel neighborhood, where he grew to manhood living with his uncle, Judge Perry B. Moore; his father dying several years before he left Washington City. Mr. Wailes settled on a farm (after marrying) ¼ of a mile east of the church (now owned by Samuel Gunby) where he lived the greater portion of his life. Mr. Wailes was an ambitious energetic man. Although his opportunities for procuring an education were not the best; a common district school and with the help of his uncle he qualified for school teaching. He taught in the winter and farmed in the summer. I attended one school taught by him in the district in which I lived, the school house being located on the Robert Smith land, one mile west of the church. He was a fine teacher of his day; being systematic, exacting, firm in his rulings, yet ready at all times to assist his pupils in their studies. His chief aim seemed to be the advancement of his pupils. He read a great deal and kept posted on all matters of importance. He was conversant with the scripture and often have I spent the noon hour in listening to and discussing differences of opinion on the Bible politics and the events of the day.

Mr. Wailes was a man of strong prejudice, yet he respected and admired a man and even a school boy who had the ability and the courage to differ in opinion on any subject. While he was a member of Bacon Chapel church, like many good men he was not what is called a devoted church worker, but gave his time more to secular affairs. Although a boy when associated with him, yet, many pleasant and profitable hours have we spent in his company. Mr. Wailes followed farming and teaching till some time in the latter part of 1860, President Grant appointed him Post-master of Shelbina, this position he held for several years, until his death. He made a splendid officer. I doubt if Shelbina ever had a better one. He was a useful man in his day; as a farmer, school teacher, an officer and socially. The name of Isaac H. Wailes will be remembered by the citizens of old Bacon Chapel neighborhood for many years to come.

Charles E. Wailes, son of Isaac H. Wailes was born on his father’s farm, east of the church. Charlie left the farm before he was grown, settling in Shelbina with his father, where he had the benefit of her schools. Improving his opportunities he secured a good education, and adopted the profession of school teaching, which he followed for several years. Being ambitious and aspiring, which is commendable, he made the race for County Recorder at the last election and was elected. He is filling the office with credit to himself and satisfaction to the people. Charlie is a strong Democrat, and a member of the M.E.C.S. He is one of the younger members of Bacon Chapel neighborhood of whom the older members are proud.

Mr. John W. Wailes, brother of Isaac H. Wailes, was born in Delaware in 1826, and he too, with a widowed mother came to Missouri in 1836 and settled in Bacon Chapel neighborhood, making his home with his uncle, Judge Perry B. Moore. Mr. Wailes made a profession of religion early in life and joined the Bacon Chapel church and has been a humble, active, consecrated Christian ever since. He has been a Democrat all of his life, and a Southern man during the war, although he was forced into the militia in Shelbyville for a short time. Mr. Wailes never filled any office of trust or profit (Transcriber’s Note: The word “profit” is unclear, but this is my best guess.) but was the most active and devoted church worker in the neighborhood for many years. He was honored often by his church with an official position. He is probably the oldest licensed exhorter of the Bacon Chapel church now living. He was Sunday school Superintendent when I was a boy and I believe I am safe in saying he has filled the position of Sunday school superintendent longer than any man living in Shelby county. He was awarded the honor at one time for having the banner school of the county. It was the custom for the schools of the different localities to meet at a certain time and place and spend the day in making speeches, recitations, song and prayer service, each school having its own individual program.

At one of these annual gatherings, a small boy, member of Mr. Wailes’ school delivered an address that captured the prize. It was said by several after listening to the little boy’s speech, “that boy will make a preacher some day." His name will be given at the proper time and it will be seen that the prophecy has been fulfilled. Although this school was in the country and many of the teachers and scholars had to travel miles to reach it, it never ceased to be interesting, and this was largely due to the energy and zeal of the superintendent, Uncle John Wailes. Mortal man cannot comprehend or realize the good that has grown out of the influence and teachings of this Godly man; eternity alone can and will reveal it. Uncle John has lived to a good old age, being 75 years old. He is living with his son, Rev. J. A. Wailes in Shelbina, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life, a clear conscience, a clean heart and a bright, well grounded hope beyond the grave.

J. H. Pollard