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Abner Peeler |
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No name is met more frequently among the pioneer preachers
of central Illinois than Abner Peeler's. He was abundant in labors,
preaching the gospel over a wide scope of the new and sparsely settled
country. Yet little of him went into the written records of the times.
He was a man of varying moods. In the thirties he, with Hughes Bowles, began a meeting of days in a log-cabin residence of one of the brethren. Within a few days the meeting failed to come up to Mr. Peeler's expectations and he became discouraged. He told Mr. Bowles that he was too sick to help that evening, and that he would lie down on the bench and listen to the songs and sermon. Such difficulties challenged the courage of Mr. Bowles, so he then preached with such power that several persons went forward to make the good confession. This at once restored Mr. Peeler to his normal condition of health. He was instantly upon the floor, and, without coat or boots, made such an exhortation that the entire assembly was moved and a number of others turned to the Lord. After that, Mr. Peeler was often referred to as "the preacher who exhorted in his stocking feet." But he was a farther-seeing man and advised his brethren to move out of the woods and settle on the prairies. At one time he resided in White Oak Grove, in Woodford County. |