| has gloss | eng: "Raccoon" John Smith (1784 - February 28, 1868) was an early leader in the Restoration Movement. He played a critical role uniting the movement led by Thomas and Alexander Campbell with the similar movement led by Barton W. Stone and in spreading the message of the movement over much of 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. 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 spend three years traveling through Kentucky with Rogers encouraging congregations associated with the Stone and Campbell movements to unite. |
