al SI CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Goodkind Book Fund IN MEMORY OF MARTIN H. GOODKIND CLASS OF 1887 Cornell University Library BX 8249.05H42 History of the Methodist Church in Oma 009 208 NU olin Bh ee . 05 (442 iS lon y OF THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OMAHA anv SUBURBS. BY REV. JAMES HAYNES. WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY BISHOP JOHN P. Newman, D.D. a ae UF : / | 5s elit AY \ its ‘hy, ee ae PRINTED FOR THE AUTHOR A By THE OMAHA PRINTING COMPANY. 1895, f COD TEN TS: CHAPTER I. INITIAL WORDS. The story of the local Church not to be regarded as common- place—The deeds and words of participants making history —Outlines of actual happenings—Isaac F. Collins and Wm. H. Goode appear on the scene in 1855. The book treats mostly of the earlier and continuous work of the preachers and people of Methodism in Omaha and Suburbs. —The original Church worked alone till 1869—Men of sterling worth served in the pulpits—A mew society organ- ized in the north part of the city in 1870; and in 1872 another in the south part, and purchase a building—Eigh- teenth street church dedicated in 1874. ...........- page 1 CHAPTER II. PROGRESS OF THE CHURCH. Progress of the Church rehearsed—The First Church main- tains an ecclesiastical organization, without intermission, since 1855—forty years—The new village of Omaha rapidly improving—Rough characters infest the town—New- comers uniting with the Church—The effect of the money panic of 1857—Excitement on the attempt to perpetuate slavery in Nebraska—Population of Omaha estimated at four thousand, but the increase in membership not propor- tionate—In eleven years the Society transforms and makes a business block of their first house of worship—Sell bonds and get money to build a new church—All their property sold in 1867 to pay bondholders—A new church enterprise begun, Stern Ste: oak esa any eavkansee did B98 ee eens page 8 CONTENTS AND INDEX. CHAPTER III. PRELIMINARY REMARKS. A few living citizens remember when Omaha began being built— Omaha soon known abroad—The wide-awake itinerant soon on the ground—The first sermon ever preached in Omaha was by Peter Cooper, in 1854—A claim made that Wm. Simpson, of Iowa, had preached at an earlier date is probably erroneous. HISTORY. The earliest acts and achievements of the Church acquired from the oldest citizens—Isaac F. Collins the first pastor in Omaha—The site of the first Methodist house of worship—The lots donated—Description of the building —Dedicated December, 1856—The first Quarterly meeting held Sept. 12th, 1856, Wm. H. Goode, presiding—Names of communicants—The fourth session of the Kansas-Ne- braska Annual conference was held at Omaha, Bishop Scott, presiding—Quarterly meeting held at the present corner of Twenty-fifth street and Ames avenue, where a class had been organized—John M. Chivington succeeds Mr. Collins to the pastorate in Omaha, in 1857—The regular succession of pastors follows, including sketches of each to the date of publication................... page 36 CHAPTER IV. CHURCH BUILDING IN SUBURBS. The need of suburban churches accounted for—The first move- ment towards forming a second Society—Holding Sunday- school in a rented store building on Twenty-third street be- tween Izard and Nicholas—The mission prospered—A house was soon built at Izard and Twenty-first, a pastor invited, and aregular organization effected—Names of Trus- Iv CONTENTS AND INDEX. tees and the membership—House dedicated June 26th, 1870—The first, second and third pastors sketched—The house sold and moved to Eighteenth and California streets in 1874—-Dr.T B. Lemon becomes pastor; the official board is re-organized, and a good Sunday-school set in motion —Following is the succession of pastors—The property is sold and the money reinvested at the corner of Twenty- second and Seward streets, a new edifice built, dedicated and used for worship—Marsh, Savidge, Worley, Crane, Tindall, Beans and Barton followed as pastors in the order of their names. J M. Adair was appointed to a work including South Tenth street, in 1872, and in 1873 purchased the United Presby- terian church south of the Union Pacific railway tracks.— T. H. Tibbles succeeds him in 1875—Bishop Andrews comes to dedicate the house, but refuses, on account of its being cheap and small—John P. Roe becomes pastor and secures the payment of all indebtedness—P. C. Johnson an others follow in the pastorate down to date. Pastor M ‘“. built a new church during his administration, in v Society has since worshiped, and he caused the e ‘a good parsonage which has made a shelter for HUTT ss VEsSOTs »concannsscigssGatetalweken oe Oa hremat-es page 99 CHAPTER V. THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. The religious training of children neglected at home—The Sunday-school a substitute—Excerpt from the history of the First Methodist church—Mrs. Geo. A. McCoy was the instance of organizing the first Methodist school for children on Sunday, July 13th, 1856—-Fifteen scholars attend—Gov. Izard talks to them—In December of the same year the school was removed to the new church on Thirteenth stree-—W.R. Demorest, superintendent; and Wm. Ripley, CONTENTS AND INDEX. Mrs. McCoy, Mrs. Bryant and Mrs. Homan, teachers— J W. Tousley was elected superintendent in 1857, holding the office for nine years—In 1866 Pastor Slaughter succeeded Mr. Tousley and held the office during his pastorate of two years—Number of scholars reported, 265—Mr. Tousley is again elected—In 1869, after occupying the new church on Seventeenth street, Samuel Burns was chosen superintend- ent, and from that date and for four years, the school was a great factor in the church—A large sum of money was spent in its support—A flattering report was made to the Quarterly conference, Feb. 9th, 1872, giving the number of scholars at 667; and the expenses for the year, $1,154.50— The school has never since attained such excellence as under Mr. Burns's care—Other schools are mentioned in connec- tion with the several churches................... page 137 CHAPTER VI. HANSCOM PARK CHURCH. The continual growth of the city demanded another place of worship—In 1886 a Society was organized—-A lot purchased, and planning to build—Trustees elected, and H. Hy?/ “lard appointed pastor—G. M. Brown succeeds him, remaining five years—A costly, new church built, etc........ page 147 CHAPTER VII. TRINITY CHURCH. Early in 1887 a movement was made to establish a Society in Kountze Place—A site donated for a church—T. B. Hilton does some missionary work—J. E. Ensign began getting subscriptions—A. H. Henry appointed pastor—A contract let to build a house of worship—Began using the lecture room, July, 1888—Bishop Newman and R. N. McKaig dedicated the house, October 28th, etc........... page 156 VI CONTENTS AND INDEX. CHAPTER VIII. SOUTH OMAHA CHURCH. This Society regarded as suburban—T. B. Hilton assigned as pastor, September, 1886—No class yet organized—He accom- plishes the building of a church and parsonage—L. H. Eddleblute becomes pastor in 1887—Cutting down a high bank requires a new house of worship—Church Extension Society helps—In 1889 D. Marquette is appointed pastor — The new house cost $4,000o—Was dedicated—The number of members exceed one hundred—C. N. Dawson takes charge, September, 1890—The church is burned January 18th, 1893—Public sympathy aroused—Another, and the third, house built on the same site—Dedicated January atst, 1894—Present membership more than three hundred— Mr. Dawson serving the fifth year............... page 165 CHAPTER. PAGE 1X.—Monmouth Park Church......... 2. 2.0.0... 173 X.—West Omaha Church............0 000. cee eee ee 181 XI.—Southwest Church........ 2.0.0... eee cae 189 XMILj—Wesley Churebisise sv siecstes es oo een bane 195 XIII.—Castellar-street Church .... 0 2.0... 0.0.00... 202 XIV.—Benson Church......... 2.0.0.0 cece eee eee 206 XV.—The Methodist Hospital.... .... ......... ... 210 XVI.—Omaha Christian Advocate.......... ......... 220 SKETCHES OF MINISTERS. XVII.—Bishop John P. Newman, D.D., LL.D.. .. .... 225 XVIII.—Rev. W. B. Slaughter, D.D.................... 231 XIX.—Rev. T. B. Lemon, D.D........... sid. eee ana 240 XX —Rev. J. B. Maxfield, D.D..........0........... 247 XXT.—Rev. Henry T. Davisisnsciccceniis pon eaae en vee 254 XXIL—Rev. Geo. W. Frost, scccusanccccusgiescaenns 259 XXII—Rev: Joho Dalesiwss occ sageresesene saga ie vane 264 XXIV.—Rev. Robert Laing . ee WOE Sowene ns ake iit aed 207 VII List oF ILLUSTRATIONS. PAGE Seventecth; Sitheet COUPER oi. en coe en eon gna etme 17 Davenport Street: Church io. csate sceveds ke hed Rerecmen 23 BREW: Wi ECs TBC AR S aise csnin vies crc 4a ded thse od olen Ponca ees wpoaeaarean 109 Revi Ls-Fs Btittacssasswrgang aiaricenwelexawne oa adrtaninte 73 Revi E.. Wis. BEOSS sa iiaginyancaw es vege eae 2e eae mQEeE 177 Rev: GM. Brown, swias oulsbars Sonu eu hiescheue Bate dene I50 Reve 2, Cy Clendening exe's 3.202 sees cesses se smmeaeioadanns 128 Rév. Hy Te Davis: xasane verceavssiadagea iene Hee Re 40 Rev. Go N. Daws0ts es cy soare 8482 od gk ORES 169 Rev. John Dale... 12... ccc e eee cece tenn e eee es 265 Rev. Gilbert De La Matyr oc. 2c ieee adn 63 REV. ArOUM ENS ianeds Ge eadn Wane wa pacainunnat uni sines 185 Rev, HD, Fhe. ccecccee gees woes ane i Eee 76 Rev. (George, Wi Frost: cccccentaes aydanaaaaeem veda ees 261 PREV Gry We Ge es siecnaciiae ai en ea iaa 6 ain Piped eee ANE EY 66 Rev: James Haynes, cc.succsr om Hiway vues Yes casee Frontispiece Rev. Alfred. Hodgetts... 04 00cca00 seen ct se case daceane yee 131 Rev. DT, My SHOUSe soci gas sy aee needs Hes AG eRe R Set e's gI Rev. -PiG, Johnsons. esse seeeeagud aaamene “ears 107 Rey, Robert: Laing o.2-3 cee. se exes ian ia same ee sees es 268 Rev, “I, By Lemons werah cent oeaas dened sae Bee Meets 51 Rey, David Marquette 5. cc2 iquw ines eau sraunauanie “aamuere es 124 TReN N Be MaRtel soci pe ctiad 6 Sad back A Meal m & Baynes eve YO Rev RN OMOCK AIG ci, osc uch Bekeeuisad By aa mebanuomanies 87 Rew. &, BS. MGGl] ce pasves 340 408444e)0 Rdeodeweeeo cane d 04 Rev, John. E. MOGs satstewan, qiwts wide malig 199 Rey Bishop NEWMAN v.00 seehaseunct eerie ee anes aoa 227 Rew. Js Bi PHeSt 2 sxc an cannes cee emeea the oman Gem tee 135 Revs Jj. We. Robinson ty. .ias ais aasepenend crag and aes Me 160 Rew: -B A. Sandersom ove yees ye bany eu cp cationgietigen Sig a 163 VIII LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS, PAGE Revs CG: Wis Savidgecwns voy. siiaews cawlesed cece dageegs 84 Rev, JW, Shank sonuscaseecee bas aga eee ieeee ees seers Ii Rev, WB; Slaughter. csscc2cc6s at gates stecestegas 56 Rev. J. W. Stewart.....00........ fae aac AOA Ae 82 Rex Do Tindall yccctsscs ia erp eranecaunaateeteaas 118 Rev Pa Ge WE DSER fi 5 & widusccina-n Gneedd aebarbaunatameGeoesenies 133 Rev: H.C, Westwood js c.0 235 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. ranch.” The next day, by the same means, a fif- teen-mile drive was made, and at dusk reached a ranch kept by a Methodist woman. A cheery wel- come was given, anda meal prepared the like of which they had not partaken of for months! Later in the evening a government team of six mules was driven up drawing a great wagon in which were several soldiers. In the morning the soldiers proposed that Mr.:S. and his wife should be transferred to their wagon, in which manner they were taken to Denver. After spending sev- eral weeks at the City of the Plains and receiving no benefit, his physician suggested that Mr. S. must return to the States, Their friends at Rock- ford, Illinois, having learned of their troubles remitted $150, by the using of which they made their way to Chicago. Mr. Slaughter was brought across the plains on a bed in a freight wagon. The trip was one of fatigue and anxiety to his wife. From a robust | man of two hundred and ten pounds he had been reduced to one hundred and thirty-two; and for many months after returning his recovery was doubtful. His devoted wife with ceaseless solicitude attended her husband on this tedious overland journey, for which she received grateful mention from their many friends. And her helpful, intel- ligent and willing efforts thereafter, and as long as he lived, in bearing her share of the burdensome > 236 - REV. W. B. SLAUGHTER, sacrifices in the ministry as an itinerant’s wife, should be recorded as a perpetual example. Nor was she ready to relinquish her toil after her hus- band had gone to rest. Her younger son must be educated at a denominational school outside of the State. Using her preserved energy she accom- plished her purpose, and now enjoys the result of her interest in his welfare in seeing him ordained and installed in the work of the ministry. As soon as Mr. Slaughter’s health allowed he re-entered the effective work. Meanwhile he made a trip to Nebraska City to help establish his eldest son in business. By request he preached, and among the auditors was a Methodist from Omaha, who, on reaching home, spoke so favor- ably of the sermon, that a telegram was sent asking him to come and preach on the next Sabbath. He responded by his presence, preached, and was waited upon and invited to accept the pastorate of the Church. Consenting, he entered upon his first work in Nebraska, in which State he remained ever after till his death, which occurred at his home in the suburbs of Omaha, July 26th, 1879. Mr. S.’s introduction to Omaha, and his invi- tation to accept the pastorate of the Church, was for the purpose of filling out a fraction of a year. The pulpit had been left vacant by the dismissal of W. M. Smith in 1865; and the following two years he served very acceptably receiving each year a salary of $1,500. At the session of the Conference » 237 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. at Peru, April, 1868, he was granted a super- numerary relation, In 1870 he was again made effective and appointed to Bellevue, where he remained two years; in 1872-3, Brownville; in 1874- 5 and 6, Lincoln, when he was appointed to the Omaha district, in 1877, During the second year in the office of presiding elder he ceased at once to work and live, at the age of fifty-six years. While stationed at Brownville he wrote an able work entitled ‘‘Modern Genesis,” which he pub- lished in 1876. At the time of.his death he had collected a good deal of matter for, and com- menced writing, a history of Methodism in Nebraska. He was an able and frequent corre- spondent of our Church periodicals, a careful student and an accurate thinker; and if his life had been spared longer the Church would have derived more substantial evidence of his worth. William B. Slaughter was born near Pen Yann, Yates county, N. Y., July r5th, 1823. In his youth he yearned for an education. His father, though an intelligent farmer, was not inclined to favor his son’s ambition. His privileges were limited to attending a country school only during the winter season. In the cropping and harvest- ing seasons his services were required on the farm. Sometimes while at work in the field he managed to keep a book before him by attaching a small frame to the handle of the plow, and in this way solved problems or conjugated latin verbs. 238 =- REV. W. B. SLAUGHTER. His father perceiving his longing for more knowledge reluctantly consented to his going from home to attend a school of higher grade. But he had to begin teaching at the age of sixteen to pro- vide means with which to pay expenses, and could attend school only the remainder of the time. By practicing the strictest economy he enabled him- self finally to enter Genesee College, at which he took a thorough course, as a classmate of Wm. H. DePuy, who afterwards and for a long time was assistant editor of Zhe Christian Advocate, and through the columns of the great paper made extensive and appreciative mention of his death. Mr. Slaughter received the degree of D.D. from Allegheny College, and did honor to the dis- tinction in after life. At the General conference held at Baltimore, in 1876, Dr. Slaughter was chairman of the delegation elected by his Confer- ence. He was also appointed by the General conference a member of the Book Committee to assist in scanning the work and accounts of the agents of the Book Concern. CHAPTER XIX. ‘THOMAS B. LEMON, D.D. R. T. B. LEMON was born in Charlestown, Virginia, November 3d, 1819, and at the date of his demise was in his seventy-first year. Huisdeath occurred at his home in Omaha, surrounded by his family, at 10 o’clock Wednesday night, February 19th, 1890, after anillness of only afew weeks. He had been indisposed, however, for several months on account of: aggravating pulmonary trouble affecting mostly his throat; but later assuming a more serious character, prostrated him, and to which his vital forces had to succumb. It is need- less to say that his decease was the occasion for mourning throughout the State because a good and useful man and friend had fallen. He left the wife of his younger years and five grown up children—three sons and two daughters —all of whom, except the eldest son, live in Omaha. If he had lived one day longer the forty- fourth anniversary of his married life would have occurred. No Methodist preacher was more widely known in Nebraska than Thos. B. Lemon. His labors were intimately connected with the history of the denomination in this State for thirty years, and had been distributed nearly over all portions of the growing commonwealth. . 240 - REV. THOMAS B. LEMON. Dr. Lemon entered upon the work of the min- istry in the old Baltimore Conference, where he labored for ten years, often preaching to mixed congregations of whites and slaves, the latter admiring him much asthe former, For reasons of his own he desisted, and, turning his attention to the law, removed to Chicago. Afterwards, in 1857, he sought a new field in the farther west. Setthng in Bellevue, Nebraska Territory, he opened a law and land office. But before the end of three years he decided to re-enter the ministry, and accepted work under the presiding elder of the Omaha district, John M. Chivington. He was given charge, in 1860, of De Soto, at that time an important steamboat landing south of the present site of Blair. In the spring of 1861 the Kansas-Nebraska Conference was divided, the latter henceforward including only the Territory of Nebraska. The session was held at Nebraska City, and he was admitted and appointed to the city in which the conference was held, at that date the best and most populous town im the Territory, where he labored for two years, At the close of this term he was appointed to Omaha City, Isaac Burns being presiding elder. In 1865 Mr. Lemon was himself elevated to the office of presiding elder and appointed to Omaha district, which at that time comprised all the settled territory in the State north of the Platte river, Long and tedious drives » 241 METHODISM IN OMAHA. over unworked roads, poor accommodations for himself and team were part of the lot of the incumbent of the office. Closing his term on this district, in 1869, he was transferred to Nebraska City district. Till this date there had been but two districts in the conference; but settlements began being made up the Platte and to the west so rapidly that a new. map of the country was needing, and a third dis- trict was constructed, which, in honor of America’s great president, was christened Lincoln. After two years of labor on the Nebraska City district, he was appointed the second time to Nebraska City station, where he remained three years, the limit of the pastoral term having been extended. Dr. Lemon was returned to Omaha in the fall of 1874 and stationed at the Eighteenth Street Church, which had hitherto been known as Second Church, and located at Izard and Twenty-first street. The building was moved during the sum- mer from the old to the new location and fitted up in tasteful style. The Society was made up in part of the persons who felt they could no longer toler- ate the action of the officers of the First Church, and others who had a membership in the Second Church before the house was moved to the new site. He served these people one year, when his capabilities as the president of a district could no longer be dispensed with, and he was returned to Nebraska City district to fill out the term. - 242 - REV. THOMAS B. LEMON. At the session of the Conference at Omaha, in 1877, Mr. Lemon was appointed by Bishop Bow- man as presiding elder of Kearney district on the western margin of population. This region had been almost devastated by grasshoppers only two years before. It included at that time all there was of western Nebraska beyond Kearney. With some reluctance he took charge of this pioneer field, but courageously entered upon the execution of duty as an obedient Methodist clergyman, though dubious that his strength was adequate to the task before him. The first two years it kept the name of Kearney district. The following four years, the work having expanded, it was known as West Nebraska Mission, and Mr. Lemon was made by the bishops, super- intendent. At the expiration of the sixth year the territory was organized as an Annual conference, and he was appointed again presiding elder of Kearney district, which now in territory was small compared with itself six years before. But the hard work and exposure had worn greatly upon him. Soon after Conference he and his devoted wife went to Denver in order to give him some relief from work and a little time to recuperate before entering upon his duties on the district. After returning he started to North Platte to hold a quarterly meeting. While in transit he was smitten with paralysis on the train and had to be taken home. The following Febru- + 243 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. ary he was seized with a second stroke. Recover- ing as much as to be able to travel he sought vigor in California. Keeping charge of the dis- trict till the close of the year, he was given the appointment of Tract agent merely to save him from superannuating; and at the ending of the second year was transferred, first to the Nebraska Conference, and was made financial agent of the Wesleyan University, at Lincoln. In a short time, preferring to have his home at Omaha, he was transferred to the North Nebraska Conference. He was holding the office of agent at his death. After going to the immense district to which he was unexpectedly appointed—a district comprising 20,000 square miles, including thirty counties, the larger share of which had to be organized for church work—Mr. Lemon visited Ogalalla. Here he found only cattle owners and herders, who, on his proposing to preach to them, made an arrange- ment for services by procuring a place and making known to their comrades that there would be preaching at acertain hour. A good-sized assem- bly met to whom he discoursed in a manner that satisfied them that they had heard no ordinary man. At the close, a suggestion was made by some one of the audience that a collection be taken; and in a few minutes $75 were secured and handed to him, besides their paying his hotel bill. He was besought to return and hold service again. » 244 REV. THOMAS B. LEMON. The above notes are indicative of the esteem in which Mr. Lemon was held by the people among whom and in whose interests he labored. His judicious and hearty familiarity with his friends, whether in or out of the Church, was never chal- lenged. His personnel was impressive; though possessing a stalwart frame, his kind and benignant face was an index that no one need feel afraid of his approach. The welcome he would give his friends would insure from them reciprocal kind- ness. No Methodist preacher living in Omaha ever acquired among the chief citizens more rever- ence than he. Rev. Dr. Maxfield, an intimate and old asso- ciate in the Conference, in speaking him, says: ‘“‘My acquaintance with Dr. Lemon dates back to 1861, the year of the admission of both of us to the traveling ministry. He has always exercised a commanding influence in the Church, In his prime he was counted among its foremost orators. In later years he was characterized by prudence, sound judgment and far-seeing sagacity. He was a faithful servant of the Church and of his family. His friendship was true as the needle to the pole. He will not be forgotten nor his place soon be filled.” Nor is this all of Dr. Lemon’s history. His superiors in authority appointed him a member of the general Missionary committee in which office he served four years, and a like term as a member 245 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. of Church Extension committee. He was elected by the ministerial members of the Conference which he served as a delegate to the General con- ference, twice. First to the session which met in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1872; and next in Cincinnati, in 1880. Asa preacher, Dr. Lemon was argumentative and didactic, always purposing to give his hearers something instructive and helpful. He was, in a word, a teacher of the Word, and eloquently impressed his thoughts upon his auditors. His sermons were convincing and well elucidated. In the earlier days of Methodism in Nebraska he deserved and received the chief appointments, where his influence in the pulpit and in pastoral work might be most efficient. 246 - CHAPTER Xx. DR. J. B. MAXFIELD. R®*: John B. Maxfield, D. D., was born at Syracuse, N. Y., in 1832; and was converted in a revival held by the Wesleyan Methodists at Wad- dell’s meeting house, Knox County, Ohio, Febru- ary, 1856. Soon after this he left Ohio, and early sought a membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church at Waymansville, Indiana, in April, 1856. Going to Kansas the following year he was just in time to familiarize himself with the contention as to whether that Territory should be free or slave soil. Thenceforward regarding himself called to preach the gospel, he was recommended by the proper body and admitted on trial at the first ses- sion of the Nebraska Annual conference holding at Nebraska City, April, 1861, Bishop Morris presid- ing. From that date to the present his member- ship has been continuous. He prides himself in never having missed the roll-call at the opening of a session. Theentire settled portions of the Ter- ritory of Nebraska were included in the Conference at the time of his admission. Twenty-two preach- ers were appointed to fields of labor, and the lay membership reported to be 948. Mr. Maxfield’s first appointment was to - 247 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. Beatrice circuit as junior, Joel Mason being his colleague and preacher in charge; and in 1862 he had charge of De Soto; 1863, Decatur, from which circuit, after making one round, he was removed by the presiding elder, Isaac Burns, to take the superintendency of the Pawnee Manual Labor school, where he remained four years; 1867-8, Belle- vue; 1869, Mt. Pleasant; 1870, Plattsmouth; 1871, ' presiding elder of Beatrice district, serving a full term of four years; and at the expiration of the term was transferred, in 1875, to the North Nebraska district, serving which four years, he was appointed at the nineteenth session of the Conference, held at Lincoln, October, 1879, to First Church, Omaha. After serving two years, though his Official Board requested his return, Bishop Foster, partly on account of the Conference terri- tory having been divided, overruled his personal protest and appointed him to the Omaha district, which he served the following four years. In 1885 Bishop Andrews appointed, him at the request of the Trustees of that institution, to the presidency of the North Nebraska Conference College, at Central City. At the end of eighteen months ill health compelled his resignation. Taking a trip to California and the resting from application to study, his health was in a measure restored by the meeting of the next session of Conference, and he was appointed to the Norfolk district, which he served the full limit of six years. . 248. REV. JOHN B. MAXFIELD. The writer, in the columns of one of our official papers, said of him when his work was nearly closed on the last-named district: Dr. Maxfield is closing his term on the district most satisfactorily to himself and his preachers. He has been able to meet every appointment during the past year, and his health is now more rugged than formerly. The Doctor has good gifts for filling the office, and, by the way, has a happy facility in helping the preachers who are in his care. He has aneye to every kind of church work, and lends aid to every enterprise that may be on hand which promises to promote the cause of God or be of avail in any manner to the membership. His plans are usually well-contrived and he exe- cutes them without friction.” He was again appointed to the Omaha district at the session of Conference at Norfolk, Septem- ber, 1893, after the boundary of the district had been narrowed on the north and west. Dr. Maxfield was elected by his ministerial brethren four times as delegate to the General con- ference—Brooklyn, Philadelphia, New York and Omaha sessions. And he served one quadrennium as a member of the General Missionary and Church Extension committees. He was foremost in 1884 in settling the boundary line between the North Nebraska and West Nebraska Conferences, advo- cating and assuring the change before the com- mittee on boundaries in the General conference. - 249 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. He took an active part in 1888 in securing the fol- lowing session of the General conference at Omaha; and was appointed at that session one of the seven commissioners to fix upon the place of holding the session of 1892, Dr. Maxfield is widely known in this State, first as a circuit rider pioneering in new settlements, and later as sharing with his co-workers in the best appointments, as well as receiving honors from the Church and his peers. But he has spent more than half of his life in the ministry in traveling dis- tricts, for which work, in the judgment of the bishops, he has skillful adaptation. His long and unremitting labors in Nebraska entitle him to be recognized as the senior and patron of the Confer- ence. His acquaintance with many of the leading men of the denomination, and his intimacy with several of the bishops, give him an enviable pres- tige which he aims to use to no one’s hurt, In the Conference his influence is unimpaired and legiti- mate. No one in the Conference is invited oftener to dedicate churches. In this work he is popular as a money-getter, and on account of his personal liberality in assisting, if need be, with his own check on the bank. His contributions are note- worthy because of their frequency, and his willing- ness to assist in every enterprise the Church in his field has projected. As a preacher he is lucid, versatile and extem- 250 REV. JOHN B. MAXFIELD. poraneous, speaking as one having authority to promulgate the doctrines of the christian life, and to represent the theology of the Church in whose ministry he is a mouthpiece. He enjoys the privilege of the pulpit, and uses it as a forum from which to plead the cause he advocates; and with fluent and ornate speech, pure diction and thoughtful logic to demonstrate the profit there is in godliness. Though seldom using a manuscript in discoursing, his sermons read as if their com- position had been well matured, and are ingen- iously arranged. In debate on the conference floor, when aroused, his declamation is earnest and incisive, but rarely vindictive. Presiding in Quarterly conference Dr. Maxfield appears to as good advantage as in the discharge of any of the duties of his office. He prepares himself for the work to be done in the chair, and is able to instruct in Church or parliamentary law; and his rulings are rarely ever questioned, or an appeal taken from his decisions. An occurrence of no ordinary kind while Dr. Maxfield was an Omaha pastor, in 1880, is given here as a bit of history: When General Grant took a brief lay-off at Omaha, on his memorable trip around the world, in answer to an invitation from the pastor, the ex-president attended service at the First Methodist Episcopal Church, on Sun- day, and was an interested listener from the pew 251 METHODISM IN OMAHA. to one of Dr. Maxfield’s best discourses. The event was heralded to the world by newspaper reporters who came from abroad and were favored with admission to the sanctuary. While living in Kansas he was one day travers- ing a prairie on horseback when two armed bush- whackers rode up one on each side of him, and at the point of revolvers, captured him. He was unarmed, and for a few minutes felt more than uncomfortable. He was suspected, and correctly, too, of being in sentiment with the free state move- ment at that time causing a bitter and uncompro- mising hostility from the advocates of more slave territory. In a few minutes, and before a decision was reached in respect to his case, there came in sight twofootmen. Hiscaptors probably thinking two captives better than one, left young Maxfield that they might quickly investigate the rights of the others. But Mr. Maxfield made use of his chance by putting spurs to his horse, and turning aside from the trail, made good time at right angles from the course he had been traveling, and escaped. This little episode clings vividly to his recollection yet as being a purposed providential interference. God had a work for him to do in His vineyard. During Dr. Maxfield’s term of service on the North Nebraska district he came very nearly being drowned in aswollen and unbridged stream that he attempted to ford in the night. He and two gen- tlemen riding in a spring wagon drawn by a pair of 252 REV. JOHN B. MAXFIELD. fine horses started to a quarterly meeting eighteen miles distant, and late in the afternoon encountered a terrific rain and thunder storm. They were soon thoroughly drenched, but a majority decided to continue the journey till reaching their destination. About three miles short of the place they came to a creek so full of water that almost as soon as the horses stepped in they began swimming. The darkness was intense. The team in swimming was washed by the surging current below the exit, facing an abrupt bank. The horses turned down the stream, the wagon upset in, perhaps, ten feet of water with the presiding elder under it. He was under the water and on the surface alternately till almost exhausted, and at last began swimming down stream in search of a landing place. Finding a clump of weeds, he felt for and found the bottom. His companions had reached the bank and came to his relief. The horses were drowned, he lost his satchel filled with his manuscript sermons, books and clean linen, and had no dry suit in which to appear either in private or public. 253 CHAPTER XxXI. REV. HENRY 1. DAVIS. HE person and character mentioned is well known in central and southern Nebraska as a pioneer Methodist preacher. He has filled so many fields of labor to which his itinerary has called him during more than thirty-five years of continuous traveling as a circuit rider, stationed pastor and presiding elder that he knows nearly every appointment in the region designated. At the period of his landifg in Nebraska there were no charges that could offer the inducement of a good salary to a preacher. Mr. Davis had to take the risk, and depend for sustenance on the gen- erosity of the people whom he served, If his sup- port was meagre, but at the same time, a willingness to contribute to his living was shown, he would do with less, however much he might be pinched for the commonest of food and clothing. He is well qualified to furnish facts and figures respect- ing an itenerant’s life and sacrifices in early times in Nebraska. Many of such facts and some of the figures are given in his book, ‘‘Solitary Places Made Glad,” which he published a few years since. He passed through the roughing era, and is at this day able to perform duty cheerfully and effectively on the Beatrice district in the Nebraska Conference. + 254 - REV. HENRY T. DAVIS. As a presiding elder he has spent more than one- third of his time since coming west, and bids fair to be able to work for years to come. Henry T. Davis was born in Springfield, Ohio, July 29th, 1832, and was converted March 4th, 1853, at South Bend, Indiana. He was inclined to the ministry from the beginning of his religious life; and soon after his conversion a friend pro- vided him with a scholarship at Asbury (now De Pauw) University. Before the expiration of his probationary membership in the Church, he was appointed class leader by the pastor at Green- castle, the seat of the University. On the 23d of June, 1855, he was examined on ‘‘ Doctrines and Discipline” by the presiding elder, Aaron Wood, before the Quarterly conference, and the next morning license to preach was put in his posses- sion. Mr. Davis was admitted on trial in the North- west Indiana Conference and ordained deacon by Bishop Waugh, in October, 1857, and appointed to Russellville circuit as junior preacher. The fol- lowing two years he was sent to Sanford circuit as preacher in charge. In the summer of 1858 andin the midst of a prosperous year he had such a desire to go west that he resigned his charge, packed and shipped his household effects to a new destination. This removal was hastened by the receipt of a letter from his half-brother, Wm. M. Smith, at that time pastor of our Church at Omaha, at which point he 255 - METHODISM IN OMAHA, landed from a Missouri river steamer, July 13th, and supped at Col. John Richie’s that evening. Bellevue circuit had been reserved for him by the presiding elder, Wm. H. Goode, and he soon afterwards took charge of the uncultivated field. He shall be permitted to tell the story of his introduction to Bellevue circuit in his own way: ‘«When we reached Bellevue we found no Church organization. The outlook was not encouraging, but gloomy in the extreme. A class had been organized but had gonedown. Methodism had no standing, and the people looked at us with curious eyes. The foundation of the Church had to be laid, and we were there for that purpose, and went to work with a will. I sent an appointment to preach at Fairview eight miles west, and on Sun- day morning started on horseback. We had been told that it was beautifully located, overlooking all the surrounding country. I rode on till I thought it must be near, and began looking for the new town. At length, away to the right of the road, I saw a little shanty; reined up my horse, and turned towards the shanty, but before reaching it was met by the man of the house. I said, ‘Will you tell me the way to Fairview?’ ««*OQ, yes; which way did you come?’ «««From Bellevue.’ ‘«¢You came the traveled road, I suppose?’ “«¢ Yes, sir.’ 256 - REV. HENRY T. DAVIS. «««You passed Fairview two miles east of this. There are no houses there yet!’ *‘T told him I had sent an appointment to preach there that day. ‘**Go back. Robert Laing lives there, and I expect the meeting is to be at his house.’ I rode back, saw a log cabin off to the south, with some trees about it, and found a number of people waiting forthe preacher. Ina grove near by I preached my first sermon in Nebraska to about a dozen hearers.” Remaining in charge of the circuit till the end of the conference year, in the meantime having moved to a claim eight miles west of Bellevue, Mr. Davis attended the meeting of the Conference in April, 1859, at Omaha. He was admitted by transfer, and on the Sabbath ordained elder by Bishop Scott. From the Bishop he received, at this session, his appointment to Omaha. In speaking of the removal from the claim to his new charge, Mr. Davis says: ‘To obtain a carriage in which to ride was out of the question, We tried to hire a span of horses and wagon in which to move, but in vain. So we had to do the next best thing, take what we could get—an ox team. Into the wagon we loaded our goods, and about the twenty-fifth day of April the pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Omaha, and his wife, might have been seen riding behind a yoke of oxen up Farnam street and down Seventeenth to the parsonage.”’ 257 METHODISM IN OMAHA, At the fourth session of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, which met at Omaha April 14th, 1859, Mr. Davis was first introduced to his co-laborers in the ministry, and henceforth shared with his brethren in enduring or enjoying, as the case might be, whatever fell to his lot in regard to fields of labor. Before he had been three years on Nebraska soil he was appointed in April, 1861, presiding elder of Nebraska City district. The area of the district included all of the charges south ofthe Platte river, covering the territory of the present Nebraska Conference and the eastern part of the West Nebraska. Mr. Davis has served as presiding elder two terms on the Nebraska City district, one term on the Lincoln district, part of a term on the Omaha district and is now serving on Beatrice district. He has twice been a delegate from his own Con- ference to the General conference, first in 1864, and again in 1876, His exposures have been enough to wear a man out, but through all he escaped nearly unharmed. He now preaches with earnestness and effect, and has been the means of leading a great many to Christ during the long term of years he has faith- fully spent in the vineyard of the Lord. - 258 - CHAPTER XXII. REV. GEO. W. FROST. EO. W. FROST was the son of a Methodist preacher; his birthplace being in New Eng- land amid the rugged scenery of the Green Moun- tain State, at Barre, Vermont. His father will- ingly subjecting himself to all the privations of the life of an itinerant, at any early day moved to the vicinity of Boston. Like other traveling preach- ers, however, of that period in the history of the denomination, his stay was limited to one, or at most, two years in the same charge. But the edu- cation of his children was attended to with the utmost care, as they had the privileges of the best schools in the country; and the pains taken in their culture at the family fireside insured their improvement in morals. After preparing himself for college, Mr. Frost’s health failed, and his physician advised absolute rest, and insisted that his studies must be pursued privately. He, however, made companions of his books, adding four years of professional study, after which he entered the Methodist ministry. His appointments included some of the best Churches in New England, among them Malden, Charleston, Watertown and Boston. While sta- tioned at Watertown he was married to the young- est daughter of Rev. Geo. Pickering, at that date » 259 - METHODISM IN OMAHA. one of the most noted divines of Methodism. On account of the infirmities of Mrs. Pickering Mrs. Frost soon afterwards was summoned to her fath- er’s home to be with and care for her aged parent. This required Mr. Frost to quit the itinerant ranks, but he continued to preach, and at the same time was engaged in teaching as principal of a largeand flourishing school. About the time of the breaking out of the rebellion he was thrown from a carriage receiving such injury as that for four years he did little else than seek restoration. Mr. Frost at this date was living at Cambridge, Massachusetts, and his medical attendants advised a change of climate; and at the same time he received the offer of a situation in 1865 as Purchasing Agent of the Union Pacific railway, requiring his removal to Omaha. He accepted, and, coming west, assumed the duties in connection with the greatest railroad enterprise that had ever before been attempted on the con- tinent. He purchased and shipped materials used in the construction of this overland highway to the amount of $15,000,000, and accounted for it with such precision as to remove all suspicion of dis- honesty. He continued in the employ of the cor- poration till the completion of the road, and after- wards was connected with various enterprises, among which is that of chairman of the building committee of the Omaha High School, a structure costing about a quarter of a million dollars, 260 REV. GEO. W. FROST. Mr. Frost was a member of seven sessions of the legislature of Nebraska. He was appointed agent of the Crow Indians in 1877, and went to the reservation in July of that year on the Yellow- REV. GEO. W. FROST. stone river in Montana, where he remained a year and ahalf. Returning to Omaha he was engaged for some time in settling with the government. There was a disagreement in his and the depart- 261 METHODISM IN OMAHA. ment’s accounts, but the matter was adjusted finally according to his books. He was a member of the Methodist Ecumeni- cal Council, by the appointment of the American bishops, which was held in London, England, September, 1881. As awriter Mr. Frost’s ability was long since admitted. His numerous contributions both to the secular and religious press attest the forceful- ness of his pen. ; Mr. Frost was often in the pulpit, and was regarded an able and instructve preacher of the gospel; and if his entire time had been given to the ministry he doubtless would have acquired a good measure of eminence. In personal appearance, Mr. Frost was con- spicuous. His frame was stalwart, his facial features indicative of intelligence, and his bearing that of a refined gentleman. In private he was sociable and entertaining, and he took pleasure in making calls on his friends. But he esteemed it a privilege to mingle in public with his brethren in using the means of grace. Even when worship- ing in the pew the house of God was to him a favorite resort. But the time came when he must yield to the fell destroyer, and his ‘‘well-wrought” frame was prostrated by sickness. He patiently awaited the summons to leave all pertaining to earth. During his latest illness and only a few days before his 262 REV. GEO. W. FROST. departure he called his wife and daughter one morning to tell them of the great blessing he received during the night in answer to fervent prayer. Said he, ‘‘My whole soul was filled with such joy, rest and peace as I never before expe- rienced,” The night before he expired he con- ceived himself in a great revival. He said to his- family, ‘‘There are eight hundred conversions ! Shout! Shout!” NS SN \ AK AN NY NS \ SY \ \W NN AA \ NS NY A x Sy ww \ \ A \ Y Ye SAN AA \ AY \ i ‘ \\ we RG oN \ ‘ AN ~ S i ANY \ \ \ Sy : \\ = SN Rhee Ny \ | .