Category Archives: Springfield History

Throughout most of Springfield’s history, burial in the cemetery has been the only option. However, late in the 20th century, the number of cremations increased rapidly, and in the 2020s cremations now make up the majority. Cremation is accepted and … Continue reading →

The Grandfather Clocks at Springfield Springfield has two magnificent antique grandfather clocks at the front of the worship room. In 1819, Joshua Anderson, a member of Springfield Meeting, married Rachel Carter, also a member. Both were born in Guilford County. … Continue reading →

Pine Woods Preparative Meeting Established in 1791, soon after and under the watchful eye of Springfield, Pine Woods sat two miles north of the present city of Thomasville. The building was also used as a schoolhouse. In the early 20th … Continue reading →

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 →