Note from Sandy Bauer: The church history of Webber Township mentions this church. My Davis ancestors were part of this church. Also mentioned is Abraham Marlow, my 3rd great grandfather who is buried at Black Oak Ridge Cemetery. His farm next to the cemetery is still owned by his descendants and designated an Illinois Centennial Farm since it has remained in the Marlow family for over 100 years.

The pioneers of Webber Township looked early to their spiritual welfare as well as their temporal. Meetings were held at private houses. Congregations assembled regularly in the old Ridge Schoolhouse, and preaching was held whenever a preacher came along.

The first religious society formed in the township, perhaps, was the old Council Bluff Church. Among the early members were the Caseys, Maxeys and Johnsons, and Thomas Casey, A. Maxey and Simeon Walker were among the preachers.

The Black Oak Ridge Methodist Church was organized about 1855. Among the original members were John Fagan and family, D. B. Davis and family, and Abraham Marlow and wife; the first class-leader was D. B. Davis. A flourishing Sunday school with about thirty pupils is maintained.

Hickory Hill United Baptist Church was organized in 1868, and the Dales and Davises were among the first members. Elder C. Richardson is the present pastor.

Source: History of Jefferson County, IL
William Henry Perrin - 1883
Page 375, 376