Category Archives: Springfield History

James Edward “Jimmie” Lewallen was one of the founders of NASCAR racing. He was born in Archdale August 22, 1919, the son of Roy Jordan Lewallen and Ella Williard Lewallen. In the 1930’s moonshine was a major home industry in … Continue reading →

Robert Maxwell Rees (1928-2011) was the longest-serving pastor in Springfield’s history. He and his wife, Avis Logue Rees (1929-2023) lived for 35 years next door at the parsonage from 1961 to 1996. Max was born in Economy, Indiana the 4th … Continue reading →

Mel Downing Jr. (1941-2009) was the longest-serving music minister in Springfield’s entire history. During his 47 years of service to Springfield, he touched many lives and helped many pray through his music. Music was his true passion his life’s calling … Continue reading →

Charles F. Tomlinson (1871-1943) and Sidney H. Tomlinson (1876-1949) grew up at Springfield Friends, and were major players in the furniture industry. Charles, the older brother, graduated from Guilford College in 1893. He was deeply interested in the YMCA, which … Continue reading →

During the period of Reconstruction following the Civil War many northern Friends held deep concerns for the Friends of the stricken Southland. Among those who felt such concern and answered their call were William S. and Amanda Buffington Richardson. The … Continue reading →

Mahlon Hockett (1772-1850) may have been one of the original members of Springfield Monthly Meeting. His parents were Joseph and Phebe Hoggatt. (There are several spellings of the family name, which were often used interchangeably.) Mahlon Hockett was married to … Continue reading →

Of all the Quakers who are buried at Springfield Friends Cemetery, one of the least-known and most interesting is a man named Yardley Warner (1815-1884). He was born in Pennsylvania in 1815, and he and his family were active on … Continue reading →

Although more people today remember the four Blair sisters (Ada, Emma, Martha and Eva), in many ways the three Blair brothers are even more remarkable. While most of the Blairs were involved in education early in their lives, the three … Continue reading →

For most of the early 20th century, Springfield was enriched by the ministry of four remarkable sisters from the Blair family. Each in her own way affected hundreds of people in the meeting and in the community. Ada Blair (1864-1956) … Continue reading →

Francis T. King (1819-1891) was intimately associated with the work of Baltimore Yearly Meeting for more than forty years. He was born in Baltimore in 1819, where his father, Joseph King, was engaged in business as a shipping merchant. After … Continue reading →