Baines, George Washington, 1809-1883.

Reverend George Washington Baines, Sr. was born on 1809 December 29, near Raleigh, North Carolina. He was the oldest son of Reverend Thomas Baines and Mary McCoy. George spent most of his childhood in Georgia and Alabama where he failed to receive a formal education. Baines, Sr. began teaching himself at the age of twenty-one and soon attended the University of Alabama where he studied until 1836. He was forced to withdraw during his senior year because of poor health.

George's professional life was driven by his faith. In 1832, Baines, Sr. had a conversion experience under the ministry of T.J. Fisher at a camp meeting ten miles south of Tuscaloosa, Alabama. He was baptized in Salem Church, was licensed to preach by the Philadelphia Baptist Church of Tuscaloosa County in 1834 July 20, and was ordained by Grant Creek's Church in 1836 August 7. He moved to Arkansas in 1837 to combat his lingering health issues. During his seven years of residency in the state, Baines, Sr. organized three Baptist churches and baptized approximately 150 members. He also served in the Fourth Arkansas Legislature as a representative of Carroll County from 1842 to 1843. In 1840, he married Melissa Ann Butler with whom he had ten children.

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