This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 edition. Excerpt: ... HISTORY OF THE WACO BAPTIST ASSOCIATION From Its Organization In 1860 To The Year 1897. CHAPTER II. FIRST HALF OF FIRST DECADE--HISTORY FROM DATE OF ORGANIZATION TO CLOSE OF THE CIVIL WAR. 1860-1864. The territorj of Waco Association was originally part of the field of Trinity River Association, and later of both Trinity River and Richland. Prior to the formation of the Waco Association the rich country of Falls and McLennan counties, was but sparsely settled. It was the Texas frontier. Except in the Brazos bottom the lands were thought to be worthless, save for grazing purposes. Wild beasts, long horn cattle and skulking Indians disputed every acre of the territory with the advancing tide of population. Here and there little settlements formed, villages came into existence and the wild desert rapidly changed into fruitful fields of corn and broad, snowy "patches" of cotton. With the first people came Baptists, who organized themselves into churches at Waco, Marlin, Bosqueville, Bold Springs, Union Springs, White Rock, Blue Ridge, Cow Bayou (now Mooreville), Caddo and Perry (now Moody). Waco, Marlin, Bosque (now Bosqueville), Perry, Blue Ridge and Caddo previously held membership in Trinity River Association. Perry church withdrew from Trinity River in 1859 and united with Leon River; afterwards went into the organization of McGregor Association; did not unite with Waco Association till 1890. While Rock, Bold Springs and Union Springs were connected with Richland Association. At the meeting of Richland (third session), with Bold Springs church, October 15, 1860, the following was adopted: "Whereas, It is contemplated by some of the churches of this Association to enter into a new Association to be formed at Waco, on Friday before the...