George Joseph Vining:
An Account of His Life

[This section -- Chapter 11 -- does not appear at all in the Van Frank transcript. The following section -- Chapter 12 -- does not appear at all in the Pine Bluff Civil War Round Table booklet]

Chapter 11

The first Sabbath after I came back to Pine Bluff, I went with Cornelia, as has so long been our regular custom, to the Old Methodist Church, the frame building that stood near Simmons Brick 4^th and Main. The old wood building was venerable with age, and scarred with shot and cannon ball as was the Court House, sharing some of the results of the Battle. Had worshipped in it before the war, and old time recollections crowded my mind, as I thought of so many even then, who I knew so well there that had gone to their reward -- He that doeth good to Live everlasting, He that doeth evil -----

We were glad to hear John Carr preaching. After the sermon was over, we went forward and made ourselves known to him. Oh, but he was glad to see us, but could hardly believe it and kept repeating, and is this my old friend, George Vining. We had parted soon after Shiloh. Well I joined the church, and stayed with him perhaps till his time was out. He started the New Main Street Church, and perhaps finished it, but so many of us moved out on Lakeside -- it used to be a lake. It was proposed that we organize another church. Bro. Carr was still in Pine Bluff -- he had either served his term some where else and got back or his time was not out, do not remember. He did serve all 3 of our churches. He held prayer meetings over on Lakeside, and most of the people came to them. The majority of the meeting were held at our house, so many young people gathered there. Young people included your mother and myself and part of Tom's family. We had a good time. Bro. Carr said, "Lakeside Church, was conceived and birthed in the prayer meetings at our house. It was a favored place, as all came to it. Our first pastor was Bro. Brinkley. We organized with six members the first Sabbath in the old Jordan School House. I was No. 1, the first member enrolled at the old Lakeside. Your Mother was 2^nd, Tom and his wife 3^rd and 4^th, John McCain and his wife 5^th and 6^th; next Sunday, Brewster and his wife with others ran up to 12, the following Sabbath to about 20, and so on. I tried to get them to appoint an Historian -- it was talked of for a while and then dropped. We soon started and built the present Lakeside Church -- against considerable opposition from the Parent Church. They thought we didn't need any, after it was built -- said it would not be filled in 20 years. The congregation has out grown it long ago -- and are preparing to build a fine one.

Well, I was an honored member there, an officer, Bible Class teacher, Class Leader and Exhorter. Most always, with one or two exceptions, in close touch with the Pastors. I was made an Exhorter and could (as it was offered me) have received a license to preach. I wanted to badly -- but circumstances and environments were against me. I knew I was not gifted, or had any ability -- yet could over-come that with God's help: after thinking over the matter, concluded that I could serve God better as a good lay-member, than a poor preacher. So I've worked that line ever since. All the Preachers soon found they could depend upon me in my place -- all of them favored me; I've done best under Carr and Watson. I went with Carr and our wives, out in the country to hold meetings -- we helped him in leading song and prayer; and once when he was taken suddenly ill, I filled his place as best I could; he generally asked my advice, approbation and criticism, there was a close bond between comrades in the War -- Soldiers of the Cross -- Brethren in Christ. Friends from youth, companions in old age. He once said, "George, I'd love you if it was only for your girls sake." Fannie was his favorite. At his Memorial service, I gave testimony as to his Life and Character.

Today is Feb. 9 - 1908. Will be 72 years of age March 25 - if I live to see it.

I see by the papers, Tannehill is dead -- another "before the War" gone. When I came down here from Mattoon, there were about ten here out of the 9^th Regiment. Now there are but 2 left -- Brewster and myself. There were about 40 of the old timers here then -- now there are but 12 or 13 -- all that I can recall -- and they are going fast.

When I look back down the vista of 72 years, I become aware and amazed at what God has brought me through -- so few see the Hand and Mercy of God in their lives -- but my whole life and lips are given to Him in prayer and Thanksgiving for His wonderful Mercy and loving care for us. I am waiting in His promise, "For at eventide it shall be light!"

These lines have been written in a desultory manner, from memory -- may they prove a guide post -- to you -- pointing you to the Lamb of God -- Who died for every man who will take up his cross and follow Him.

There only is safety. But again I praise God for what He has done for me and what He has brought me through.

Your Loving Father,

Editor's Comments

George Joseph Vining retired after many years in the grocery business in Pine Bluff. He and Cornelia has 6 sons, Thomas W., who died when they lived in Mattoon, Ill.[a son named Victor died in Mattoon; Thomas survived in Pine Bluff until 1941], Fred E., George J. Jr., Arthur, John, and Nuse Vining. They had 2 daughters, Fannie G. [should be Fannie C.], who married H. P. Alexander, and preceded them in death in 1895, and Nellie Vining, who married Benjamin H. Christopher.

The house in which Lakeside Church was "conceived and birthed in prayer meetings" stood at 1308 Chestnut. It was torn down to make way for Parkview Apartments. George and Cornelia Vining had "37 wonderful years" together, and lived in this house until Cornelia's death, after a long illness, on Nov. 18, 1900. Around a year later, George married Amelia R. Schwind and they resided at 23^rd and Main. George J. Vining died of pneumonia, Mar. 15, 1915, just 10 days before his 79^th birthday.

The Pine Bluff Commercial on Mar. 16, 1915 called him, "One of the oldest and most respected citizens of Pine Bluff." The Commercial also wrote, "Mr. Vining was an educated man and of literary tastes and inclinations and always took great interest in all questions pertaining to the City's welfare."

We can be grateful to Mr. Vining for taking part of 1907 and 1908 to write his life story. It has enabled us to take a brief walk with him and he has given us a glimpse of life as it was in the last century around Pine Bluff. Mr. Vining loved history and his belief in preservation for future generations should serve as an example to us to take care of the things our forebearers have left to us. We need to preserve and restore before elements and apathy consume our treasures from the past. Let us not leave our children's children a world of concrete and glass, but give them the opportunity to walk with their great-grandfathers from generations past, to know them and love them, lest all be forgotten.