John Smith (Restoration Movement)

Smith was born in what is now Sullivan County, Tennessee, in 1784 to a family of Regular Baptists. Smith moved with his family to what is now Clinton County, Kentucky. His doubts regarding these doctrines meant that when he met Alexander Campbell in 1824 he was open to the Restoration Movement themes that salvation is open to all based on faith in Christ, repentance from sin and baptism by immersion. He died in Mexico, Missouri on February 28, 1868, and was buried next to Nancy. The Raccoon John Smith House, in Owingsville, Kentucky, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. ==Career==

After meeting Alexander Campbell, Smith soon became a leader in the Restoration Movement, working primarily among the Baptists in Kentucky. A preliminary meeting of the two groups was held in late December 1831, culminating with the merger on January 1, 1832. Two representatives of those assembled were appointed to carry the news of the union to all the churches: John Rogers, for those associated with Stone; and Smith for those associated with the Campbells. They spent three years reporting the news to the associated churches. Despite some challenges, the merger succeeded. Many believed the union held great promise for the future success of the combined movement and greeted the news enthusiastically. Smith spent three years traveling through Kentucky with Rogers encouraging congregations associated with the Stone and Campbell movements to unite. ==References==