Huckins, James, 1807-1863

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James Huckins was one of the most influential Baptist ministers in Texas during the nineteenth century and fought vigorously to establish churches and schools along the frontier. James was born in Dorchester, New Hampshire, on 1807 April 8. He was orphaned at the age of six, but he was able to find comfort in his faith which he professed at age fourteen.

After completing a degree at Brown University and theological training at Andover, Massachusetts, Huckins volunteered to travel to Texas as a Baptist missionary. He established a number of churches including one of the first Baptist churches at Galveston in 1840. James was married to Rhoda Barton on 1832 September 18. They had four children: Caroline, Emiline, Sarah, and Mary. In addition to his pastoral obligations, Huckins was active in organizations such as the Union Association, the Texas Baptist Home Mission Society, and the Texas Baptist Educational Society. In 1841, Huckins built the First Baptist Church in Houston. Huckins, a slave-owner, resigned from the Home Mission Society in 1845 because of the divisiveness of the issue.

When Baylor University was created at Independence in February 1845, Huckins served as one of the first trustees and was influential in securing funds for the fledgling institution. He left Texas in 1859 to pastor Wentworth Street Baptist Church in Charleston, South Carolina. During the Civil War, Huckins was active in ministering to the wounded around Charleston and served as a Confederate Army chaplain. Significantly weakened by the burdens of war, James Huckins died in his sleep in 1863 August 6.

From the description of James Huckins family papers, 1819-1918, undated 1832-1864. (Baylor University Libraries). WorldCat record id: 773299679

Archival Resources
Role Title Holding Repository
referencedIn Creson, Sarah Hawley, 1903-1983. Sarah Hawley Creson papers, 1819-1974. Daughters of the Republic of Texas Library
creatorOf Huckins, James, 1807-1863. James Huckins family papers, 1819-1918, undated 1832-1864. Baylor University Libraries, Moody Memorial Library
referencedIn Baylor, R. E. B. (Robert Emmett Bledsoe), 1793-1873. Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor papers, 1812-1981, undated 1837-1873. Baylor University Libraries, Moody Memorial Library
Role Title Holding Repository
Relation Name
associatedWith Baylor, R. E. B. (Robert Emmett Bledsoe), 1793-1873. person
associatedWith Baylor University corporateBody
associatedWith Baylor University (Independence, Tex.) corporateBody
associatedWith Creson, Sarah Hawley, 1903-1983. person
associatedWith Davis, Mary Huckins. person
associatedWith Huckins, Sarah. person
Place Name Admin Code Country
Texas
Independence (Tex.)
Subject
Baptists
Baptists
Education, Higher
Occupation
Activity

Person

Birth 1807

Death 1863

Information

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