In 1786 James Lemen, with his wife and family, along and several others, settled in Illinois. A few weeks later Mrs. Lemen’s sister and her husband were killed by Indians and their two children were taken to Wisconsin, where one died and the other was eventually ransomed. It is said that during 1789 and 1790 ten percent of the American population in that part of this country were murdered by Indians.
Into that environment, James Smith, a Separate Baptist preacher from Kentucky, carried the gospel. The Lord blessed and a number of people were born again. Before much else could take place, Smith, and others, were captured by Indians. While a certain Mrs. Huff was being murdered, Smith fell to his knees and began to pray and sing. This so terrified the natives, to protect themselves, they decided to spare his life. Eventually, they let French traders know that they had a white man they were willing to sell. The Illinois settlers and Kentucky friends of Smith raised $170 and purchased his redemption. (I guess that was the value of a Baptist preacher back in the day.)
After his recovery, Elder James Smith re-entered Illinois. He met with James Lemen and others, teaching and preaching the gospel and Bible doctrine. Then on this day in 1796 the first Baptist church in Illinois, was organized in the home of the Lemens. It grew and flourished for many years, producing other churches through its evangelism and membership.
Source: “This Day in Baptist History,” Thompson and Cummins.