Eagle Creek Resident Bio: Sam Hines

Interview conducted March 27, 1910, by Sarah Conrad

(Sam Hines is Sarah's preacher.)

1. Name: Samuel Jackson Hines

2. Date of Birth: July 16, 1866

3. Place of Birth: Eureka, Montana

4. Parents: Jim and Anna Hines

5. Siblings: Brothers: Thaddeus Junction (1861-), Warren Marker (1880-) Sisters: Darlene Scilia (1858-), Myrtis Comfort (1872-)

6. Describe your childhood. I grew up on a potato farm. I was the baby of the family. My mother was almost 40 when she had me. My father was a godly man, very wise and shrewd. From him I learned that a life devoted to theology must involve practical living.

7. What did you enjoy doing as a child? Listening to my father play the violin while my mother sang.

8. What is your earliest memory? Playing in a rocky creek behind our house.

9. How old were you when you went on your first date and where did you go? 14. Took Carla ( can't quite remember her name) to a dance in town.

10. Married? Wonderfully. Crystal Rene Davenport on December 25, 1886.

11. How did you meet your spouse? In college, I worshiped at the Sandy Springs Church of Christ. Crystal went there one Sunday via the invitation of a friend.

While serving communion I spilt grape juice on her white dress. This was quite embarrassing, especially for a young man studying to be a preacher. She was not too angry and sympathized with my plight. To her it was of little matter. I was so bedazzled by her beauty and grace that I did not mind all of the attention.

12. Children: Edwin Roy (1888-), Pamela Lisa (1890-), Kevin Mark (1891-)

13. Grandchildren: Gardenia Evelyn Hines, Mary Kate Hines' daughter, born January 22, 1909. Mary Kate is due for another one in May.

14. Pets? I had a couple of cats and a turtle when I was a youngster.

15. Education: Bachelor of Divinity, Ruiz University, Wallace, Idaho.

16. What brought you to Eagle Creek? Invited by my mentor, Rodney Baker, to fill in for him one Sunday. Crystal and I loved the church and the small town. When Rodney was "called home to be with the Lord" the elders sent word that they'd like me to be the new preacher.

17. Current friends: Michael Conrad, Larry Hall, Augustus Grossman

18. Occupation: Preacher. Eagle Creek Memorial Church.

19. What was your first job? Picking potatoes.

20. How much did you make? 10 cents a bushel.

21. What did you like to do in your free time? Work with clay.

22. What are you doing now? Reviewing post-sermon notes with Crystal.

23. Do you admire a famous person? Mark Twain.

24. What makes them admirable? He has a unique philosophy and perspective about life.

25. What is your favorite food? Grilled onions.

26. What is your favorite color? Blue

27. What is your favorite song? The God of Abraham Praise by Thomas Olivers.

28. Hobbies: Model ship building.

29. Name of the last book you read? Life of Knowles Shaw, The Singing Evangelist by William Baxter.

30. Tell me about a memorable moment in your life; a time you will never forget. When I was 10 years old I inadvertently shot a friend in the foot with a bow and arrow. Ever since then I have been a most prudent individual.

31. What things do you find yourself doing that you said you'd never do? Being silly. I always thought I'd be a rather sober man, but, as I get older, I see the manifold joys that life has to offer. .

32. What are the goals you are still working toward? I'd like to have 400 in attendance on a Sunday.

33. When people look back at your life, how do you want to be remembered? As agreeable and fair.

34. What is your favorite outdoor activity? Gardening.

35. Do you attend church or religious services? From time to time, if I'm not out fishing.

36. What is your favorite Bible verse? Ephesians 3:20-21

37. What makes you happy? Seeing people mature and become self relient.

38. What makes you sad? Unkept ptomises. Ill tempered mannerisms.

39. What frightens you? Sending the wrong message to those whom I love the most. I want my children to always know that I am there for them. However, with my schedule, I am often absent.

40. What is there about you that would surprise people if they found out? The night before Crystal and I met I almost asked another gal to marry me. Fortunately, I lost my nerve. Today she is married to a lawyer in Billings, so I am confident that she is mutually happy with our destinies.