1879 Ames - Holton Hymnal

This hymnal was published in 1879. It belonged to my Great Grandmother. 

The Gospel Hymn and Tune Book was published in 1879 

by the American Baptist Publication Society

The Ames family farmed in Edgar County, Illinois 

after returning from the gold fields of California

Nellie Ames  (Helen Elizabeth born 1866), sister of Urania Ames (born 1857)

Nellie married Samuel Dickinson. Urania married Henry Holton.

Nellie was the mother of Garnett (b 1890*) and Ruth (b 1892*) Dickinson who were raised with my grandfather, Caryl Holton as sisters after their mother died in 1895. When Nellie died she also left a year old son, Horace Dickinson. I am not sure where the father Samuel Dickinson and baby Horace went after Nellie's death. 

My Great Grandmother Ura (Urania) Ames was born in 1857 in the 

gold rush town of Forest City, Sierra County, California. She later married Henry Caryl Holton. They lived in Sidell, Illinois and were parents of our grandfather Caryl Ames Holton.

Some thoughts as I hold this hymnal

It's amazing that it has survived and stayed in the family over 130 years. 

According to the History of Edgar County Illinois (1879), Alson and Betsey Urania Howell Ames, parents of Helen Elizabeth (Nellie) Ames Dickinson and Urania (Ura) Ames Holton, were "charter members" of the Baptist Church in Sidell, Illinois. 

The 1911 History of Vermilion County Illinois indicates Urania (Ura) Ames Holton was a member of the Baptist Church along with her "sons and daughters." Evidently Henry Holton, husband and father, was not a member of the Baptist Church. No church is mentioned for him. At some point the Holtons became Methodists. I think that happened when Caryl Holton and Celia Cathcart were married. I think the Cathcarts were Methodists in Sidell, Illinois. 

Singing and church hymns are part of our family heritage. I have fond memories of singing in church standing next to my father. Hymn singing is one of my favorite parts of worship. Tender feelings and insights often come to me when singing hymns. Dad enjoyed playing hymns on the piano. He had quite a collection of hymnals. When Grandpa, Caryl Holton, was in his final days on earth, Dad often went to the First Street house and played hymns for his father. 

Note - Dates need to be verified

The hymnal is 7" x 5" x 3/4"