Oneida Baptist Institute was founded by James Anderson Burns[1] with the intent of bringing an end to the culture of feuds and violence in Clay County, Kentucky.

"[2] With the help of H. L. McMurray, a Baptist preacher originally from Kansas, Burns selected a site for the school and recruited members of the warring clans to work together to build it.

[3] The founder was correct and the collaborative efforts of many in starting the school put an end to the feuding in the area.

The first building was completed in 1899 and classes began on January 1, 1900, with four teachers and 125 students.

[5] In February 2020, the parents of a Kentucky teenager filed a lawsuit against Oneida Baptist Institute.