oua HpRois UNITEDTOETHREN HOME-MISSIONARIES Denominational Mission • Study Course * 'LIBRARY Cornell University Library BV 2766.U8W39 Our heroes; or, United brethren home miss 3 1924 009 655 386 The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924009655386 PHILIP UILLIAM OTTERBEIN DENOMINATIONAL MISSION STUDY COURSE OUR HEROES OR United Brethren Home Missionaries By W. M. WEEKLEY, D.D. Bilhop of Weit Dietlict H. H. FOUT, D.D. Editor Sundav-School Litcriture lutraduction by J. P. LANDIS, Ph.D., D.D. Dean Union Biblical Semiaaiy UNITED BRETHREN >-<. i , , HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY CT 904 U, B, Buildine [1^ Dayton. Ohio \ -> « l^ /• '<^iB -^ Copyright 1908, by United Brethren Home Missionary Dayton, Ohio / ■ ,„< S' i> % ■ '•■ 'xy > ■ f . .- \ ''" n. . ■<>> r**'*^ .{,X"' / jFotetootD It has not been our aim, in the preparation of the fol- lowing chapters, to give a connected history of the Church, but rather to present briefly the lives of a few of the haroes who wrought so nobly in the early days of the various conferences named., Very tnuch that the book contains never appeared in print before. This, no doubt, will interest the reader; and the Church at large, we are sure, will appreciate the fact that so much historical data have been gathered up and put into permanent form. A few years more, with others of the landmarks removed, and no little of this would have been lost beyond recovery. • Our task has been both pleasant and difiBcult. Pleas- ant, because in studying pioneer achievements we were constantly in comm anion with the brave and good, and experienced the thrill of a new purpose in our own lives; difficult, owing to the fact that but few of our missionary frontiersmen kept a diary, or received extended notice through the Telescope, or other publications. Some of whom we have written deserve a much fuller notice than we were able to give them. When we began to survey the field of heroes, it soon became apparent that we cbuld not, in our limited space, mention all who had been prominent in carving out the foundations on which those who followed them were to build. Many whose names do not appear were and are worthy in every respect. Be it far from any of us to covet their crowns. The reader will observe that east of the Mississippi River reference is made only to the fathers who have gone from us, while in the West several who are still living receive notice. In the older and more densely pop- ulated portions of the Church the number meriting recog- nition, of course, is much larger than in newer sections. The period covered in the East reaches back more than a century. In the West, Iowa excepted, the Church was not known prior to 1850. Some of the fields now occupied by us were only entered in recent years, hence many of the preachers who were first on the ground, and who sacrificed and suffered most in establishing United Brethrenism, are still living. To refuse these noble, consecrated men the recognition they deserve would be unjust. "Honor to whom honor is due" has been our motto. Since undertaking this work, however, we have decided to publish another volume, and a third, if need be, in order to include at least the more prominent among the Church's pioneers. In fact, a part of the material for another and similar publication is already in our hands. This statement is made not only to the Church at large, but especially to assure the brethren who have kindly furnished us personal reminiscences, and other informa- tion, that ere long what they have written will be used. It is to be regretted exceedingly that in some cases no record of any kind was kept. Many an earnest, success- ful toiler in the vanguard of the Church has quietly and almost unnoticed dropped out of the ranks In obedience to the death summons, and sleeps at present in an un- marked grave. No printed page tells the story of his useful life. Those who constitute the Church to-day, with few exceptions, do not know that such heroes ever lived. We must be content with the thought that all is written in God's book. Our purpose in preparing and publishing this volume has been to present to the Church, and especially to her young people, such a picture of our heroes and their achievements as will lead to a larger appreciation of their work, and inspire to a more ardent love and zealous service for the Church under whose banner they toiled as pioneer missionaries and nation builders. We owe a debt of acknowledgment and gratitude to friends in various sections of the country who have so kindly and generously assisted in the preparation of this volume by gathering and furnishing material. If the perusal of what is here presented shall lead to a larger study of the Church's work, and at the same time broaden the reader's conception of home mission work in its true relation to the universal spread of the truth, we will be satisfied. AUTHORS. Contents Chapter Page I. Genesis of the United Bbethbbn CiiuncH. . 11 II. The Saint Pato of the Church 20 Christian Newcomer. III. Pioneer Missionaries in Ohio 33 Andrew Zeller — George Benedum — Joseph Hoffman — Henry Kumler, Sr. IV. First Missionabt in Indiana 44 John George Pfrimmer. V. First English-Speaking Missionary 56 John Calvin McNamar. VI. First Missionary to the "Black Swamp". . . 63 Jacob Baulus. VII. "The Old Man Eloquent" 73 William Davis. VIII. A Pioneer Missionary in Western Pennsyl- vania 84 Jacob Ritter. IX. A Missionary Hero in the "Western Re- serve" 96 Alexander Biddle. X. Leader of the Advance Guard to Oregon. . 107 Thomas Jefferson Connor. XI. First Missionary to Michigan 118 Stephen Lee. XII. First Missionary to Tennessee 129 John Ruebush. XIII. Founder of the "Home, Frontler, and For- eign Missionary Society" 141 John Collins Bright. XIV. A Pioneer in Missionary and Educational Work 151 Jacob Bruner Resler. XV. A Hero of Lower Wabash Conference 160 Walton Claybourne Smith. XVI. Leader and Organizer of Work in West Virginia 171 Zebcdee Warner. Chapter Page XVII. Our Heroes in Iowa ]81 John Burns — A. A. Sellers — John Everhart. XVIII. OuE Heroes in Iowa — (Continubd) 192 D. M. Harvey — Abner Oorbin — George Miller. XIX. Bably Minnesota Workers 205 Edmund Clow — J. W. Fulkerson. XX. The Work in Missouri 213 M. Bratcher. XXI. Kansas Pioneers 221 William A. Cardwell— S. S. Snyder— Josiah Terrell. XXII. Trying Times Among Kansas Pioneers 231 G. M. Huffman — John R. Meredith. XXIII. Other Kansas Pioneers 238 J. R. Evans — J. R. Chambers — R. W. Parks —P. P. Smith— C. U. McKee. XXIV. Pioneers in Colorado 254 XXV. PiojSteees in Nebraska 262 William P. Caldwell — Elijah W. Johnson — George Fembers. XXVI. Brave Men in Calefornia 273 Israel Sloan — David Thompson — B. B. Allen — J. Dollarhide. XXVII. Brave Men in California — (Continued) . . . 282 Daniel Shuck — 0. W. Gillett. XXVIII. Pioneer Workers in Oregon 292 J. Kenoyer— C. C. Bell. XXIX. Columbia River Conference Heroes 305 William Daugherty — Washington Adams — J. S. Rhoads. XXX. First Workers in Oklahoma 315 J. M. liinsey — D. L. Doub — J. H. Darr. XXXI. Our Debt to the Pioneer 326 XXXII. The Harvest 330 Snttotiuctton It is a very auspicious omen that the churches are beginning to study in a somewhat systematic way the great work of missions. Many benefits will result from this. First, it will inevitably bring many persons to a clearer, truer conception of what the Church is and what it is for. Many seem to regard it as a religious club which does not even exact of its members the usual club obliga- tions. It is respectable and probably even advantageous to belong to church, for this may serve as a voucher of good character and add to business patronage. Others seem to regard the church as a vehicle and the members as passengers to be comfortably and safely con- veyed from this world to the heavenly mansions. All these enter the church from selfish motives, simply for their own good, with an eye to their temporal and eternal advantage, trying to curry favor in this way with the Almighty. But the mission, aim, and end of the church are to con- quer the whole world for Christ. Buddhism, Confucianism, Hinduism, Mohammedanism, and all other false religions are to be displaced by Christianity. Pantheism, ration- alism, materialism, atheism, and agnosticism are to be overthrown; intemperance, gambling, unchastity, oppres- sion, tyranny, covetousness, dishonor, dishonesty, and cruelty are to be done away. Is not this a large program? Until this is done, the kingdom of God or kingdom of heaven cannot be established in the earth, wherein the will of God is done as it is in heaven. Now, the church is nothing if not missionary. Her very spirit and genius are missionary. It is necessary to see and feel this before we shall have the wish, the will, the enthusiasm, the energy to make good that great final com- mand of our Lord, "Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations." The study of missions will largely con- tribute to this, until we Shall take an optimistic pride In the marvelous achievements of the truth of which the church is the custodian and the propagator. The regenera- tion of whole tribes, as also of individual sinners, witnesses to the divinity of our religion. The effects of Christian truth on such examples of de- pravity as Jerry McAuley and Samuel H. Hadley, thieves, bummers, thugs, liars, plug-uglies, who became very saints of light, itself shows the supernatural power of this truth. The study of missions makes us familiar with these "mir- acles of grace." Besides, there is no little educational effect to be derived from such study, which has so often been adverted to that I need here only to mention it. It is very important to note that the study of missions no longer denotes attention only to what the church is doing in foreign lands, but includes her work in the home land in the slums, in the negle'oted sections of our cities, and in the frontier settlements — what we now call "home missions." When we consider the many problems which confront the church in the United States, identical in part with those with which the United States Government has to grapple — problems which have been so graphically and forcefully presented by Doctor Strong in "The Challenge of the City," including the rapid and enormous accumula- tions of private and corporate wealth, "The Problem of Environment," and that of the people, noting especially the great influx of foreigners from every country under heaven, we see something. of their gravity. As Mr. J. E. McAfee said at the Pittsburg convention:' "Prom the ends of the earth they come . . . : Italian, Bulgarian, Bohe- mian, Moravian, Croatian, Slovenian, Dalmatian, Ruthe- nian, Roumanian, Norwegian, Armenian; East Indian, West Indian, Lithuanian, Hertzogovinian ; Russian, Ser- vian, Syrian, African, Cuban, Austrian; Polish, Turkish, Irish, Finnish, Flemish, English, Spanish, Danish; Chinese, Portuguese, Japanese; French and German, Dutch and Welsh, Magyar and Scotch, Korean and Montenegrin, Greek and Hebrew." If all these are to be Christianized, the church surely has a great work on her hands. If they are not Christianized, what will presently become of our Protestant, evangelical faith and works in this land? and what will happen to our morals and our American institu- tions? Scores of thousands of our citizens are entirely ignorant of these conditions; scores of thousands of our church- members know nothing whatever of the situation. But so long as they remain ignorant of these things they can take no interest in them nor help to remedy them. The study of home missions will dispel this ignorance, awaken inter- est, and enlist effort. Every church-member should, as far as he can, be intelli- gent on the subject of church problerns, the claims of the community and the country upon her,' and her consequent obligations. Surely it is no credit to a Christian man to be ignorant of what Christian work is in progress or what ought to be done. This holds good of the individual mem- ber of any individual denomination. As a United Breth- ren, one should desire to know as much as he can about his denomination, her past history, her present status, her work, her prospects, her spirit and genius. Familiarity with these will cause one to be a better United Brethren. I do not mean this in a sectarian or narrow sense, but in the sense that he will have more active interest in her undertakings, and he will see that he need not take on an apologetic look and tone the moment some one inquires to what church he belongs. Some of us have been speaking of our foreign mission- aries as "our heroes," "our jewels." A perusal of the pages of this book will make clear that the pioneers of our Church in many parts of our country, and especially west of the Mississippi River, have confronted as many and great dangers and have undergone as great hardships and suffered as great privations as those who have gone to China or India or Africa. Some have lived in sheds, in sod houses, have received almost no salaries, have traveled their circuits of hundreds of miles on foot, have suffered hunger — ^the wolf being often actually at the door; in danger from murderous Indians; they, their wives, and their babies have suffered from frozen ears, fingers, and feet, have wandered on the prairies in fierce blizzards with the mercury twenty and more degrees below zero — why? Certainly not for the salaries they received; surely not for the ecclesiastical emoluments heaped upon them, but for the gospel's sake and because they were bent on saving souls. - The authors have well named their volume "Our Heroes." Some of these brave, sacrificing souls are still living and are earnestly at work for the Lord. Those of us who shall study this book will thank Bishop Weekley and Doctor Font for bringing to the light this array of interesting, instructive, and often pathetic facts. The names of these "heroes" are indeed worthy of grateful remembrance, and those who are still toiling, some of them with something of the old-time sacrifice, will be cherished and loved by the Church as never before. Many will be the prayers called forth for God's richest, kindliest blessings upon them and upon the toil of their hands. How these short stories will rebuke many of us who re- fuse to lay hold of any work which does not promise a large salary and a fine church, with a span of fine horses or an automobile! The complaint is widespread that the ministry are too much concerned about their own tem- poralities and not enough for the spiritualities of the flock. Certainly the ministry should be adequately supported, but we make a grievous mistake when we make the im- pression that we are chiefly concerned for the welfare of "number one." May this book arouse our Church to larger efforts in J)uilding up the home resources, that thereby she may be the better qualified to discharge her full duty to the whole world. J. P. LANDIS. Union Biilical Seminary. OUR HEROES or United Brethren Home Missionaries CHAPTER I. Genesis of the United Brethren Church. It is difficult to find the source of any river. Rivulets run toward a thousand valleys, and the spring in which the remote seems to have its birth may have unseen streams reaching to far- distant fountains. The source of every river is in the clouds; their source is in the ocean, and the ocean a fountain because of the attraction of the sun. Equally difficult is it to find the sources, from the human side, of those great religious move- ments which have resulted, in one form or another, in positive benefit to the church of God and the general uplift of the race. The origin of United Brethrenism may be traced to those sources in all ages and among all religions where it has been insisted upon that spirit is more than form, and that character is more than ceremony. Elements from various sources contributed tO' the early development of the denomination. Philip William Otterbein, its founder, was a direct descendant of the 11 Our Heroes, or Reformation and the great Moravian revival. John George Pfrimmer was of Huguenot de- various scent. Johu Calvin McNamar Sources In illustrated those traits of Christian Development jjeroism and missionary power rep- resented by the Scottish yeomanry; and the an- cestry of John Collins Bright reaches back to the Puritan revolution in England. Otterbein was born in the ancient aud pic- turesque little city of Dillenburg, Germany, on the fourth day of June, 1726. A castle crowning the summit of a hill overlooking the city is the birthplace of an illustrious line of princes, in- cluding "William the Silent," the hero of the Dutch republic. These two names have given that little city its title to immortality. The Otterbein home was one where religion reigned, where high culture shed its refining in- fluences, where intelligent common sense guided day after day, where mutual helpfulness was in- culcated, and where mutual happiness was the constant aim. The example of a scholarly father was ever before the children, and the influence of a cultured mother was always felt ; but, above all, was a spirituality that never waned. Such an atmosphere was favorable to scholarship and religion, and it is not surprising that out of that home came great scholars and great Christians. At an early age Otterbein entered college at Herborn, an institution of the German Re- formed Church, of which he was a member and in which his father was an honored minister. Both in his home and college life he breathed a 12 United Brethren Home Missionaries decidedly Protestant atmosphere. Here the Ke- formed branch of Protestantism had been firmly established during the period of coTese"u£e ^he Eeformation. Not far away were the battle-grounds of Luther and Zwingli and Oalvin. These conditions were both a preparation and prophecy of no ordinary or uncertain kind. When twenty-three years of age, young Otter- bein was ordained to the gospel ministry. Here it may be noted that the ordination of ministers in the church which he subsequently founded is secured in regular line from the German Ee- formed Church — ^a line which is Unbroken as far back as history furnishes any records. The Ohurch may therefore take a little pride in claiming one of the purest and most churchly ancestries in ordination of which history gives a record. Early in his ministerial life, Otterbein heard the divine call through his church to dedicate his life to evangelism in America, His prompt obedience to the call furnishes a noble example c„ii t„ of heroic courage and self-sacrifice. MissionarT It meant the severance of the dear- est earthly ties, the turning away from prospects of rich and honor positions, to face the exposures and dangers of a sea voyage, and, if safely landed, the perils and privations incident to missionary work in a new and unsub- dued country. In the meantime, God was preparing the widowed mother for the ordeal of separation. 13 Our Heroes, or Had she not already said, "My William will have to be a missionary"? We may wonder if she had any presentiment that her son would plant a church which would become one of the most spiritual and the most admirable in spirit and polity in all Christendom. It is certain she died without the sight, and, it is probable, with- out the imagination of these coming glories to be started by her distinguished son. When the time for his departure came and she realized that it was to be a last kiss, a last look, the venerable, saintly mother rushed to her closet and prayed for added grace to make the sacrifice. On her return, she clasped the hand of her devoted son in hers, and, pressing it to her lips, said, "Go; the Lord bless thee and keep thee; the Lord cause his face to shine upon thee, and with much grace direct thy steps. On earth I may see thy face no more, but go." With what strange and beautiful grace can a mother's love bind its sacrifice to the altar. Mr. Otterbein came to America in 1752. It was in the early history of the full group of the original thirteen colonies, a quarter of a century before the era of independence. Amir"ca*" LaucasteT, Pennsylvania, was the scene of his first labors, then a German community of two thousand inhabi- tants. The six years which followed were fruit- ful of toils, trials, and confiicts, but also of great spiritual blessings. The time in which United Brethrenism took its rise demanded a practical theology and a re- 14 United Brethren Home Missionaries ligion of experience. Theory enough there was, but it was cold and dead. During the third year of Otterbein's ministry at Lancaster he was led into an experience which became the "key to his after life." He had preached a great sermon on repentance and faith, when an inquirer came to him for spiritual advice. His only reply was, "My friend, advice is scarce with me to-day." He then sought a secret place of prayer, and ceased not his struggle until he Experience Obtained the peace and joy of a conscious salvation. There his spirit came into vital, living touch with the risen Christ, and the darkness and unrest which had hitherto oppressed him fled away. He now takes his place in that heroic company of contempo- raries whose lives were a protest against in- differentism, irreligion, and high churchism through whom there came back to the ecclesiasti- cal world, scriptural spirituality, scriptural liv- ing, and a simple and scriptural ecclesiasticism. The spirit of the new awakening was con- tagious. Ministers of other denominations en- tered into a like experience. The Pentecost and birth of the denomination occurred at Isaac Long's barn near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1767. "The meeting," says Dr. C. I. B. Brane, "was appropriately held on Whit- onr Pentecost suutidc, aud the gathering of the people and the character of the services were distinctively pentecostal. People of high and low degree and representing al- most every phase of belief known to the 15 Our Heroes, or commonwealth of Israel, came from far and near and sat under the spell of gospel unity in that meeting. Eev. Martin Boehm, of the Mennonite Church, was the Peter of the occa- sion, and preached with such unction and power that souls were swayed like trees in the grasp of a mighty tempest; and when the sermon closed on the high tide of spiritual peace and power, Otterbein threw his arms about the preacher be- fore he had time to resume his seat, and tenderly said, 'We are brethren.' Scores of souls were saved that day, and hundreds wept for joy and praised God aloud." These two fathers, with George Adam Geeting, an early convert, became leaders in a great re- vival movement. A distinguished Methodist bishop has said: "If the message of Otterbein had been in the English instead of the German language, he would have been the logical leader of the general evangelical movement in Amer- ica" ; a movement which saved the new republic to evangelical Christianity and the religion of the Bible. Nothing could discourage or intimidate those knights errant of the new chivalry. They were mighty men in preaching, and still more mighty in prayer. They exercised a. weird tbe'FlThers fasciuatiou and were great evan- gelists. One of the books we need most is the true story of United Brethren evan- gelism. That story is at present scattered through local histories, or is perishing for lack of care, or has already perished. But even now 16 Andrew Zellek John G. Pfjummer Maktin Boehm Jacob Batjlus Geo. Eenedxtm United Brethren Home Missionaries an organizing mind could shape these scattered materials into a narrative of surpassing power and beauty. He must be a chilly United Breth- ren and a frosty American who can, hear the names of these heroes without a thrill of pride and gratitude. They must be counted among the creators of the American nation. "The Ger- mans," says Dr. A. W. Drury, "largely from Switzerland and the Palatinate, a'Na«on"' weTB to have a place scarcely second to that of the prepon- derating English population in the civil and religious history of the United States. The Christian missionary among them, therefore, was a builder of destiny." While Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Jay, and Hamilton were laying the foundations of government, and building up a system of free institutions, these heroes of the Cross were devoting themselves assiduously to the culture of the nation's heart. It is of exceeding interest to note the divine methods of training and enlisting human agencies in carrying ont His purposes. In the long vista of centuries intervening since the days of the apostles a few men have been called to walk apart with God in special training for these heroic tasks. Otterbein was preeminently of this select class. "His labors were begun with a sublime unconsciousness of the part that was to be performed, but he was not permitted to continue long without a conscious participation in a divine plan." Thirty-three years intervened between the birth of the Church and its official 17 Our Heroes, or naming at the conference of 1800, wliich con- vened at the home of Peter Kemp in Frederick County, Maryland. During this period the founders "unconsciously laid the lines of organ- ized church life; and when they came together in that conference a thousand influences and associations lifted up their voices and said, 'Let this child of Providence be christened.' " Some one has very wisely said, "We can under- stand human history aright only as we come to know that it is His history." It is from this point of view that the origin and growth of the United Brethren Church can be correctly inter- preted and appreciated. The foun- oH^ta*"""' ^^^ ^^* ^*^* permitted to close his life work without the satisfying prevision of abiding results. A short time before his death, in conversation with two of his close personal friends. Christian Newcomer and Jacob Baulus, he remarked, "The Lord has been pleased graciously to satisfy me fully that the work will abide." This is to-day one of the most cherished convictions of every loyal United Brethren. In the perspective of a century Otterbein rounds out with still increasing power, sym- metry, and grandeur of character. His work abides and his personality abides with it. His convictions were deep and powerful ; a preacher jAte of whose words stirred the multitudes po«er'"nd ^® winds stir the ocean, but who is Beauty himself calm, ruling the storm he had raised. In the gentleness of his nature he 18 United Brethren Home Missionaries may be likened to Melancthon. He was more re- served than Luther and more genial than Calvin. His kindness of heart, his amiability of temper and affability of demeanor made him every'wh^:^ a welcome guest. Eev. George Lancing Taylor, in an ode written in 1875, speaks of Otterbein as "Scholar, apostle, and saint, hy Ashury loved as a brother; Sage in counsel, and mighty in prayer as Elijah on 'Camel; Founder and head of a people, a godly, fraternal communion." His death is an exceptional memory. It set a seal upon a strangely noble life, and inspired with new force the gospel which he lived and proclaimed. On the eve of his departure, No- vember 17, 1813, with heaven written upon his face, he said, "Jesus, Jesus, I die, but thou livest, and soon I shall live with thee." To his friends he exultingly whispered: "The conflict is over and past. I begin to feel an unspeakable fullness of love and peace divine; lay my head upon my pillow and be still." "Stillness reigned in the chamber of death; no, not of death — the chariot of Israel had come." His body sleeps beside the church in Baltimore, Md., that bears his name. 19 CHAPTER II. The Saint Pmil of the Church. The history of the heroes of the Cross of the United Brethren Church in America begins with a trio of illustrious characters — Otterbein, Boehm, and Geeting. Of their talents and min- isterial graces a discriminating cotemporary and colaborer, who knew them well, gives the follow- ing sketch : "Otterbein was argumentative, eloquent, and often terrible. In the elucidation of Scripture he was very clear and full, few being his equal." "Boehm was the plain, open, and frank ex- pounder of God's Word, being all animation, all life; often irresistible, like a mighty current, carrying his hearers into deep water." "Geeting was like a spring sun rising on a frost-silvered forest, gradually affording more heat, more light, until you could hear, as it Avere, the crackling in the forest and the icy crust be- ginning to melt and fall away, and like a drizzling shower ending in a clear and joyous day. He was the St. John of the Clover Leaf." The death of these three leaders marked the close of the first great period in our history, the period of origins and organization. It was fol- lowed by a period of expansion and by gradual transformation and development. If these three represent the "inner circle" of the apostolic col- 20 United Brethren Home Missionaries lege, then Christian Newcomer, the fourth in or- der, represents the great apostle of the Gentiles in missionary zeal and evangelistic endeavor. He was bom in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, January 21, 1749, three years before Mr. Otter- bein arrived in Amerlcau His father was a native of Switzerland, having emi- K'n'riy i!i£e grated to America in his childhood with his parents. The discipline of young Newcomer's humble home inured him to a life of toil and enabled him to welcome the rough tasks which in the divine plan he was to meet later in life. He was peculiarly fitted both by nature and grace, not only for the work of a pioneer missionary, but to be a master spirit among the pioneers. His father was a carpenter by trade, which trade the son learned and pur- sued. So it is said of the world's first and greatest Missionary, whose life and work among men marks the beginning of the truly heroic age, "He was a carpenter, and the son of a carpen- ter." When about seventeen years of age, Mr. New- comer became deeply interested in the matter of his personal salvation. His parents were both pious members of the Mennonite Society, "in which were still to be found remains of that ardent piety which two hundred years before had blazed up gloriously under the labors of Menno Simonis." Their piety and devotion had made a deep impression upon his mind. "Often," said he, "I saw them kneeling together in silent 21 Our Heroes, or prayer." An incident which shows the strong trend of his conviction and feelings at this time is thus related : "I remember once being in the Early ^^Id at work, when the grace of Reiisioua God wro'Ught such powerful con- struggies viction in my heart that I went down on my knees in a hollow place in the field, crying to the Lord and saying, 'O thou blessed Savior, I will cheerfully believe in thee, for thou art my Redeemer, and I am the purchase of thy most precious blood." The various experiences through which he passed before fully yielding himself to God were similar to those of James Chalmers, of missionary fame. Twice he had been led intO' the light, and as many times had fallen back intO' the darkness, all of which he attributed to his disobedience to the will of God respecting his life work. Finally, after fleeing from duty for several years, the hand of sore affliction is placed upon him, and one night, in a secret place of prayer, there wrestled with him the angel of the covenant until the day was dawning, when he fully surrendered his will to God, and was made a crown prince. About that time, Mr. Newcomer became acquainted with Otterbein and Geeting, and, finding the doctrines they preached in such per- fect harmony with his own expe- A Child ot . , • • J , . 1 o , , , Providence neucc, he joiued himself to them and to their society. He was pecu- liarly a child of the hour, and his life was as truly providential in its relation to the formative period of his denomination as Avas that of Mr. 22 United Brethren Home Missionaries Asbury to the church he helped to found in America. He had, in a conspicuous degree, the three qualities which Emerson has said "attract the reverence of mankind — disinterestedness, practical power, and courage." His disinterest- edness is shown in his habitual sacrifice of those things which most men count dear unto them- selves. This is apparent in every Character"' ^*®P ^^ ^^^^ caxecr. There is not a single sentence in his jour- nal (which covers the last thirty-five years of his missionary work ) , or in the comment of a cotemporary, that in the remotest way suggests that he ever put self before the interests of the kingdom of Christ. Not since the apostolic age has the church produced a grander illustration of the power of the gospel to subdue human selfishness and to make Jesus Christ supreme in the life^ He belongs to the magnificent army of those who counted not their lives dear unto themselves that th^ might win souls to Christ. For fifty-three years he was in the saddle almost constantly, bearing the message of salvation to multitudes in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Vir- ginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and once visit- ing Canada. Newcomer was a born bishop. After the death of Otterbein, Boehm, and Geeting, the infant Church instinctively turned to him as its leader. He was elected active bishop in 1813, again elected bishop in 1814, and with the formation of the General Conference in 1815 he was five 23 Our Heroes, or times successively reelected. His practical power is shown in the manner in which he or- ganized and controlled the new dualities of "societies." "Under his influence, Character -' largely, the so-called 'unsectarian' were to become a denomination, and the so- called 'society' was more fully toi develop the character of a church." Up until this time there had been noi definite f ormi of government for the little bands of worshipers which had now begun to grow and develop. Organization, and that at once, became an imperative necessity, and Bishop Newcomer, who was brought to the king- dom for such a time, proved himself equal to the task. Opposition to his work manifested itself in local communities, in annual conferences, even in the General Conference sessions ; but his enlarged view, single aim, and unremitted effort more and more prevailed. He Organiser formed classcs, and with his own hands stitched the first class-book and assisted in preparing a manuscript disci- pline which is still preserved. Power and repose, velocity and steadiness of movement, intensity and equipoise are commingled wonderfully in this man with a mission from God. He showed great tact in controlling and even subduing opposition. He was the first of the early fathers to gather missionary money in order toi do more aggressive work. Bishop Newcomer is some- times called, and properly so, "the refounder of the Church." "Humanly speaking," says his biographer, "had it not been for the tact and 24 United Brethren Home Missionaries good sense and piety of this man of God, we might not, as a denomination, be in existence to- day." In a very special sense. Bishop Newcomer was the father of the itinerant preaching system, to which the Church has adhered. He regarded it as an apostolic mode adapted to the circum- stances of new and sparsely-settled districts. By his example he illustrated the tremendous effec- tiveness of the plan. Who can imagine what a failure United Brethrenism would have been in America if the itinerancy had not been estab- lished? Otterbein inaugurated it; Newcomer upheld it. His moral courage is shown in the manner in which he bore the contumely and the reproach of the formalism and unbelief of his times and the opposition of his own people toi his plans and progressive views, which he was convinced were in harmony with the purposes of God. His phys- ical courage is shown in the manner in which he faced and subdued ignorant and brutal mobs. He was a hero of the strongest fiber. He was born to do and to dare. Thirty- spitit*^*""* eight times he crossed the Alle- ghany Mountains. On these trips he passed through a thousand perils, yet these perils and escaipes, which he forgot as soon as over, he referred to simply as the "pepper and salt" which gave zest to his further and greater efforts. Nothing could relax his energy or ex- tiuguish his zeal. It is said that he always kept a good horse, kept him in good condition, and 25 Our Heroes, w when well mounted took but little account of heat, or cold, or distance. On he went, traveling at the rate of six thousand miles a year, until he almost died in his saddle. The secret of New- comer's marvelous success lay in his love for souls, which developed into a passion that noth- ing could cool or conquer. No matter where he went or what were his surroundings, this ruling bent of his soul was manifest. His journeys often consumed whole days and nights, amid perils of robbers and wild beasts of the forest, often traveling a whole day with nothing to eat. Sometimes he was heard to say, when enduring privations and facing seemingly t"oT^so"u insurmountable difficulties: "One soul is worth more than the whole world. What if we risk our all, if we venture our lives to gain one soul for Jesus? If success- ful, we will be amply rewarded for all our toil. Let us go !" Mr. Spayth, who had the advantage of a per- sonal acquaintance with him, says: "Often he was compelled to make forced rides, to expose his person in the most inclement season of the year and the stages of high water; but none of these things could check him in his course. The writer, when traveling Susquehanna Circuit, in the year of 1812, in the depth of winter, all cold and snow, had a meeting in Berks County. While preaching. Brother Newcomer's tall figure made its appearance at the door. I beckoned to him to come to the stand, but, the room being crowded, he remained where he was, and, with- 26 United Brethren Home Missionaries out leavmg the door, closed the meeting with a very impressive exhortation, and sang and prayed. I pronounced the benediction. The audience made a move to leave. Now was New- comer's time ; he shook hands with one and then with another, addressing some by name, exhort- ing all, young and old, with a voice and visage as spiritual and holy as if he had just come from the court of heaven. Many began to weep, and we had a gracious and powerful blessing. Thus often, when it was thought that he was far away, he would come upon meetings unexpectedly and unloosed for, but his coming was everywhere and always hailed with joy." Bishop Newcomer was preeminently a man of prayer. Closely in this respect did he follow in the footsteps of his Lord. No part of his journal is of more thrilling interest than the numerous entries in relation to his seasons of Prayer Life prayer. Oucc he speaks of gaining the summit of a mountain through much difficulty, where he erected an altar of prayer and offered up praises and thanksgiving to God. Then, after malting supplications for all his brethren in the ministry, he implored the divine favor and protection on his further jour- ney. Again, he is found kneeling on the banks of a swollen stream in central Ohio, pouring out his heart to God in thanksgiving for delivering him safely over. No picture of this Church father has been handed down, but he is described as being tall in stature, of commanding figure, somewhat bent, 27 Our Heroes, or with , Dantean eyebrows, overhanging eyes of a singularly penetrating sweetness when they looked at you. His veoy presence, like that of Thomas Guthrie, subdued the ignoble and base in those about him, and suggested better thoughts. While conducting a meeting in one of the most wicked towns in York County, Pennsyl- vania, and where some of his associates had pre- viously suffered bodily injury at the hands of a mob, which opposed their work, the following incident occurred : One afternoon several women came to the altar of prayer, one of whom was the wife of the leader of the opposition. A spy, whO' occupied a place at the window, hurriedly carried the news to the man, who was working in an oil mill not far away. He immediately dropped his work, and without coat or hat and with arms bare to the shoulders, came running like a demon. Mr. Newcomer said tO' the people, who witt^Men were trembling with fear, "Don't be alarmed; I '11 meet him." Soi he went- to the door and greeted the man with the words, spoken in a gentle tone of voice, "I sup- pose you want your wife." "Yes," answered the man, whose countenance burned with anger, "and I will knock any man down who interferes in the matter." "Well, come right in," said New- comer, "I '11 show you where she is." The man hesitated as he stepped inside the door, when Mr. Newcomer placed his hand upon his shoul- der and escorted him down the aisle. They had made but a few steps when the man was seized 28 United Brethren Home Missionaries Avith conviction, and, falling upon the floor, be- gan to plead piteously for mercy. That man was Christian Grumbling, whoi subsequently became one of the pioneer missionairies in the territory now occupied by the Allegheny Conference. Speaking of his conversion, Mr. Grumbling said: "Before we got far down the aisle, that old man's hand (referring to Newcomer) became too heavy for me to carry, and when I saw my wife down there praying, I fell right down by her side and cried, 'God be merciful to me, a sin- ner,' and that night wife and I were both gloriously saved." In the summer of 1810 Mr. Newcomer made his first journey west of the Alleghanies. His previous missionary tours had extended west- ward as far as Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, which, like Antioch, had become a new center for the extension of the early mis- west "'"'""•''' sionary work of the Church. Here great revivals of religion occurred in 1803. The following entries appear in New- comer's journal, bearing dates of November 10 and 11 of that year : "November 10. Preached at John Bonnet's. I had not sjwken long before some of my hearers fell to the floor. Others stood trembling, and cried so loud that my voice could not well be heard." "On the 11th we had a meeting at Swopes, and here the power of God was displayed in a most marvelous manner. The whole congregation was moved, and seemed to wave like com before a 29 Our Heroes, or mighty wind. Lamentatioii and mourning were very general. Many were the wounded and slain. Some of the most stubborn sinners fell instantly before the power of Grod. The meeting continued the whole night, and some were enabled to re- joice in the pardoning love of God." On the first of July, 1810, Newcomer pursued his journey westward from Mt. Pleasant. Some- where on the summit of a mountain he knelt be- side an altar which he had built of stone, where, Jacob-like, he saw the angels of God going up and coming down before him. Then reverently he arose and pursued his lonely and perilous way into the swamps and forests of Ohio. Fre- quently he was heaird to remark while traveling through the Scioto and Miami valleys, "Oh, what a country this will be in a half century hence." How much grea.ter prophet was he than Presi- dent James Monroe, who, about the same time, made the famous, ludicrous prophecy, "Ohio will never become a habitable country." On this jour- ney Mr. Newcomer attended the initial session of the Miami Conference, the second of the de- nomination, which convened in Boss County, Ohio, August 13 of that year. He reached his home in Pennsylvania, September 14, at which time he writes: "After being twelve weeks on my journey, I reached home this evening, and found my family well. Praise the Lord, O my soul, for all his goodness and mercy." These annual missionary tours westward were continued for nineteen consecutive years, which included a journey of from 1,600 to 2,000 miles 30 United Brethren Home Missionaries on horseback. In 1817 this veteran hero of the Cross made his first tour in the State of Indiana. The country was then a pathless wilderness. He was compelled to hire guides to conduct him through the forests. Eeaching Clark County, he writes: "Bless the Lord. This morning I am well and determined by grace to do and suffer his will. I am now in Clark ^aiana Couuty, Indiana, more than one hundred miles from the State of Ohio." One hundred miles from Ohio was con- sidered "far out West" in those days. It is diffi- cult to realize that even seventy-five years ago Ohio was a State on the northern frontier or confines of Christian civilization. Illinois was the frontier State in the Middle West, and Mis- souri in the far South. Michigan and Arkansas were organized territories, but beyond these States was an unorganized and, most of it, unex- plored wilderness and pathless desert, where the buffalo roamed at will and where the savage had his home. Bishop Newcomer made his last trip west when in his eighty-first year, riding on his horse, on this occasion, fifty-two miles in one day. On his return from this journey, in the early autumn of 1829, it was apparent that his health was failing. The thirty-eight pilgrimages across the Alleghanies and through the swamps and stagnant waters of the western He'ii^b wood had so preyed upon him as to • enfeeble his step and cause his strong form to totter. Six months later, and 31 Our Heroes, or eight days before his death, this veteran soldier of the Cross mounted his horse for his last earthly journey, attempting to meet an engage- ment in Virginia. Proceeding as far as Boons- boro, Maryland, he remained for the night. On the following morning, finding himself quite ill, he gave up his intended journey and returned to his home to die. On his arrival, March 4, 1830, the following closing paragraph of his journal was written : "I lay down my pen, and the Lord knows whether I shall be able to resume it again. The Lord's will be done. Amen." The end of such a life, as we might anticipate, was beautiful and peaceful. Let us glance into his chamber on March 12, just before his trans- lation. We see him rise from his Rest at Last bed without any assistance, and kneel before that throne where he had formed an acquaintance with the Lord many years before. When the prayer is ended, the chariot is waiting to take him to his coronation. The long, weary marches are over and the hero of many a hard-fought battle exchanges his armor for a crown of fadeless glory. No eulogy can exalt such a man. The work of his heroic life cannot be estimated, and we who read his wonderful story to-day must feel our hearts thrill with enthusiasm and stir with de- sire to follow in his footsteps and malre our lives count for something in the great work for which he gave his all. 32 CHAPTER III. Pioneer Missionaries in Ohio. The admission of Ohio into the Union in 1802 marked the beginning of the tide of immigration westward, and with it the development of "God's great West" with its then undreamed-of magni- tude and possibilities. Little did the pioneer settlers imagine that they were preparing the future gxeat arena that was to determine the final outcome for Jesus Christ over every oppos- ing enemy in the world, and where the struggles for mastery between faiths and races and civil- izations would be decided. Among the Abrahams of the Church who at the divine call first left their homes in the East and went out to build the altars of Jehovah in the promised lands of the West, were Andrew Zeller, John G. Pfrimmer, George Benedum, Jacob Baulus, Henry Kumler, Sr., Jacob An- trim, and Joseph Hoffman. The career of those heroes of the Cross was a continual glow of incandescent zeal and marvel- ous success. No loftier example of Christian heroism and consecration to the work and pur- pose of Christianity has been held up since the apostolic age. They endured hardness and priva- tion without a murmur; talked naturally about 33 Our Heroes, or religion in private and in public ; were not bur- dened with useless erudition or with overmuch philosophy; but they had good news to tell and they told it eagerly, with the eloquence of love and the logic of experience. If ever the wilder- ness did bud and blossom as the rose, that blush of beauty followed the meanderings of these servants of God and was like fragrant flowers that leave a long perfume. The first United Brethren society west of the Ohio Kiver was organized by Andrew Zeller near Germantown, Montgomery County, Ohio, in 1806. Almost simultaneously, probably a few months later, George Benedum began mis- sionary work near Lancaster, Fairfield Coun- First u. B. ty, Ohio. Probably to no two Society individuals is the Church in Ohio in Ohio g^ much indebted for its early and rapid growth and its present strength and pros- perity. Brave and true men were they, toiling under many disadvantages, but laying with patience the foundation of the goodly temple which their successors have reared. The time had now arrived for the organiza- tion of a western conference. The distance was too great and involved too much time and ex- pense for the ministers of Ohio to attend the Miami conference in the East. The Miami Conference Coufereuce was therefore organ- organized. j^^^^ ^^^ second of the Church in the historic order. The initial session was held at the home of Michael Crider in Ross County, Ohio, August 13, 1810. Christian Newcomer 3 4 United Brethren Home Missionaries presided. Fifteen ministers were present. But little business was transacted apart from the simple organization. The occasion is spoken of rather as one of prayer and meditation. It was one of those historic moments when men chosen of God dimly realize that they are facing a mis- sion of vast and mysterious magnitude, and therefore humble themselves before Almighty God and seek to know his will. The company was composed of strong and varied personalities — ^men of giant hearts and stalwart frames. They were marked by a mighty faith that laughed at impossibilities and cried, "It shall be done." From that mount of com- munion they went forth with a new touch of God upon them to inaugurate a new era of prog- ress in the early history of the denomination. The original area embraced by the conference included all the State of Ohio, with the eastern portions of Indiana, the special center of work being the Miami, Scioto, and Muskingum val- leys. These men of God were to be found throughout this great territory wherever the bushman's blaze was to be seen or the sound of his ax was to be heard. Eagerly they followed the tract or trail of the settlers, in search of those shepherdless sheep scattered throughout the wilderness. By day they Misstonarier preached on stumps and in bams, and by night they slept in shanty or shack, often hearing the howl of the wolf, and sometimes the war-whoop of the painted savage. Through such toil and peril more than 35 Our Seroes, or a thousand additions were made to the confer- ence in a single year. ANDREiW ZESIiLBR Andrew Zeller was born in Berks County, Pa., in the year 1755. Of his early history noth- ing is recorded. He was of as obscure an origin as David, and he took the same way to the head of the kingdom, by doing his best at the seeming impossible, and trusting in God. His religious life and work began about the year 1790, when he was converted and united with the Church. Newcomer's journal reveals the high regard in which he was held by the early fathers. In the year 1806, Mr. Zeller and his family immigrated to Ohio, locating near Germantown, where he built a humble home and consecrated it to the private and public worship of God. He assisted in the organization of the Miami Con- ference and was also a member of the General Member of Conference of 1815, at which time First General he was elected bishop. In this Conference position he Served mth great efift- ciency for six years. In times of perplexity he was one of the first men to whom his brethren and even his colleagues turned. His counsel was always invaluable. He was a man of profound faith and of great humility. He possessed a quiet dignity of manner that never forsook him. In old age his appearance has been likened to that of an apostle. He was a man of magnetic personality, and 36 United Brethren Home Missionaries tliose who were brought within his influence were strangely drawn toward him. Mr. Spayth relates this story of him which came under his own observation : "While on his official tour in 1815, he had to have a small piece of work done, in the town of M. The mechanic was a worthy man, but would not attend church or hear preaching. While doing the work he cast a heed- less look at Bishop Zetller, who stood not far away with his hands folded before him. The man looked the second and third time, but with feelings which had begun tO' steal on him, for which he could not account. Another look, and an arrow shot through his heart. From that moment he had no rest (the stranger stood ever before him with folded bauds, and, as he thought, praying to God for his soul) till God spoke peace to him. That man has ever since been a constant Christian." As a preacher. Bishop Zeller was thoughtful, pesrsuasive, and dignified, always attractive and winning to the hearer. He had not the culture of Otterbein nor the eloquence of Geeting, neither did he embody the elements of leader- ship that Newcomer possessed, but he was en- dowed with those fine traits of noble minds, ten- derness and justice, without which all real in- tellectual powers, however brilliant, are but as the glitter of icebergs or the cold glare of lonely mountain peaks. When the day of his departure came. May 25, 1839, Miami Conference was in session in Ger- mantown, only a mile from his residence. Be- 37 Our Heroes, or fore his spirit took its flight aad dwelt with the angels he sent and received many greetings of love and faith. "With much of the Bventide Same longing for a double portion of the spirit Elisha sought of his Master, the entire conference remained to attend the funeral of him who was very prop- erly regarded as the father of the Church in the West, in so far as it had a human father." gborgb: bbnbdum George Benedum, who was among the earlier fruits of the revival of religion in Pennsylvania, was admitted into the Hagerstown Confer^ce in 1794, in the twenty-ninth year of his age. The date of his removal to Ohio was most probably early in 1806. He was perhaps known as widely and favorably in the early history of the Church in Ohio as any other man. Among those who were won to Chrisi) during the early years of his evangelistic work were four young men who became useful and honored ministers — Dewalt Mechlin, Louis Kramer, John Smaltz, and Bishop Samuel Heistand. He assisted in the organization of Miami Conference and was a member of the first, third, fifth, and sixth Gen- eral Conferences. Mr. Benedum was a preacher of fine ability. Bishop Russell, his intimate friend, pays him the following tribute : "He possessed high-class natural endowments. His apprehension was quick, judgment accurate, imagination fertile. At a camp-meeting I heard him preach a sermon 88 United Brethren Home Missionaries before the sacrament, on Isaiah 53 : 12, and such was the profundity of thought, such the power of the Holy Ghost in the sermon, that it seemed to me that heaven and earth were coming to- gether." As an evangelist Mr. Benedum was most suc- cessful, and in building up new converts in the faith and turning young men toward the min- istry he perhaps had no superior in his day. "He traveled extensively, preached much, and gathered full harvests into the Master's garner, receiving of earthly compensation but slight measure, but of the eternal in great abundance." After a faithful service as missionary in central Ohio for thirty-one years and having reached the age of seventy-two years, he was called from labor to reward. JOSEPH HOFFMAN Among the early and valuable additions to the new conference from the East was Joseph Hoff- man, who with his family moved to Ohio in 1817, and who in the divine plan was to wear the mantle of Bishop Zeller. He was a great preacher and evangelist, possessing a mighty courage and forceful personality. His life re- sembled not so much the beautiful river whose broad stream winds through rich and varied scenery, but that which cuts a deep and rapid channel through rugged rocks and frowning wilds, leaving the impress of its power in the productiveness of the region through which it has passed, which but for it would remain deso- Our Heroes, or late and barren. At a distance Bishop Hoffman seemed brusque and cold, but at close range he was the most companionable of men, abounding in good will, wit, and geniality. He spent a winter in New York, during which time he was invited toi speak in some of the lead- ing pulpits of the city. "Had rest been his object he might have been settled there in a, very desirable living which was proffered him." The years of his itinerant work included long and perilous missionary journeys, both in the United States and Canada, but they resulted in the sal- vation of multitudes of souls and in laying the foundations of churches whose membership still live to praise him. He spoke with equal fluency in the English and German languages. The life of Bishop Hoffman shone undimmed to the last. While preparing to attend the dedi- cation of a church near his home at Euphemia, Ohio, on a Sabbath morning, in the seventy-sixth year of his age, "without any previous illness, the chariot of Israel and the horsemen thereof came along and the man of God, like Elijah, dropi>ed the mantle which he had worn so long and so worthily and ascended to the heights of glory." HENRY KUMLER, SR. The conference was also favored in having as one of its early recruits Henry Kumler, Sr., who possessed in an eminent degree the qualities of character demanded by that strategic time. His work as an itinerant began in 1815. In 40 United Brethren Home Missionaries intensity of missionary zeal and distances ti'av- eled he, perhaps, more nearly approximated Newcomer than any of the early fathers. His first charge in the mountains of Virginia re- quired a journey of about four hundred miles, in order to give each congregation preaching once in four weeks. In 1817, when serving a district as presiding elder, he almost went to his death in his zeal for souls, preaching two and three times a day for fourteen consecutive weeks. On his recovery the following year, he took up his work with the same degree of energy. During the first eight years of his superintendency, following the year 1825, when he was elected" bishop, he crossed the Alleghanies on horseback eighteen times. In 1819, Mr. Kumler, with his family, immi- grated to' Ohio and settled near Miltonville, in Butler County. When his house was completed he dedicated the largest and b^t room to the worship of God. Here services were held and scores of souls from year to year were bom into the kingdom. His own children were converted at an early age and united with the Church. Their lines have gone out wherever the United Brethren Church has become known. Bishop Kumler was a forceful preacher. "His gifts and graces as a minister were somewhat peculiar, though not easily surpassed." He ex- hibited a mighty love — a love for God and a love for his fellow-men. He was indeed a master in Israel. To him, probably more than to any other man, Bishop Zeller excepted, the Church is in- 41 Our Heroes, or debted for its early planting and training in the Miami Valley. In January, 1854, at the advanced age of seventy-nine y^s, he entered upon his reward. To these might be added a galaxy of others, if space would permit, who deserve a place on the same roll of honor. Among them are Daniel Troyer, Aaron Farmer, the first editor of the Church, Francis Whitcomb, and Christian Flinchbaugh, the "Peter Cartright of the Miami Valley." These were stalwart sons of nature and mighty in holy deeds. They were strongly Characteristics individual jet eminently sane; pio^ne« neither learning nor ignorance Preachers made them mad. They told good news; they brought tidings of great joy into many a home and many a community; they hated sin, but loved the people ; they feared God and nothing else in the world. The following tribute might be placed upon each of their -graves : "They tamed a wild people and brought them and their children to the strength and joy of righteousness; not so much by their restric- tions as by their convictions, by their open self- denial and abundant labors, their manly bear- ing, their brotherly kindness, their devotion of mind and heart to the Avork of saving men and women." Within thirty-five years the one western conference of 1810 grew into eight, and the boundaries of the Church were extended westward to the Mississippi Eiver and beyond. It is only by the study of local United Breth- ren history that an adequate conception of the 42 United Brethren Home Missionaries labors of these heroes of the Cross and their con- tribution to American civilization can be framed. They represented the highest type of Christian character, and knew the joy of salva- tion. Wherever an early United Brethren appeared there was proof that religion did not make men miserable. Men knew them as they walked along. Mankind is wont to reverence the memory of warriors and statesmen, and it is right ; but how much more should the memories be held sacred of those who by loyally placing their all on the altar of the Christian religion, and ■Ho^r'^ "' devoting a long life of indescrib- able toil, hardship, and anxiety to their convictions of duty to God and man, finally succeed in ^tablishing as a mighty up- lifting power for the intellectual, social, moral, and religious elevation of the race — an organ- ization that works on through the centuries to make men better and happier. 43 CHAPTER IV. First Missionary in Indiana. The gifts laid upon Christ's altar by the pioneer missionaries of the United Brethren Church were priceless gifts, and the divine Master is more and more honoring and blessing them to enrich the faith and stimulate the zeal of their spiritual posterity. Among these early benefactors who wrought nobly as true nation- builders was John George Pfrimmer, the first United Brethren minister in the State of In- diana. Few men have been a greater power for spiritual good, have endured more varied expe- riences, or have left a more enduring name upon the early missionary work of the Church than has this hero of the Cross. John George Pfrimmer was a native of Alsace, an old German province on the Rhine, ceded to France in 1648. His birthplace was the charm- ing little village of Bissheim, near Strasburg. He was brought up in the Re- Ancestry* formed Church and was educated in both the German and French languages. He studied medicine and surgeiy and entered the French navy as a surgeon at the age of eighteen. He was with the French fleet commanded by Count DeGrasse in the West Indies, when attacked by the English Admiral 44 United Brethren Home Missionaries Rodney, off the coast of Dominica, April 12, 1782, which fleet consisted of more than thirty ships. This was one of the most obstinately- contested engagements that ever took place be- tween two nations, being kept up, without inter- mission, nearly twelve hours. DeGrasse was totally defeated and taken prisoner, having lost three thousand men and six hundred wounded. In that engagement, Doctor Pfrimmer received a saber cut in the face, which mark he carried to his grave. In the year 1788 he immigrated to the United States and settled in eastern Pennsylvania. He was converted in the year 1790 and soon after found the grace which Otterbein experienced during his ministry in Lancaster. Ere long he Conversion ^^^^ upou hls heart thc burden of Call to the call to the ministry and at once Ministry began to preach. "His eminent fitness to preach manifested itself in the impres- sions which his discourses made upon his hear- ers, and in view of his education, talent, grace, and commanding powers as a speaker, he was regarded as a great accession to the strength and influence of the rising Church. Through his efficient labors he was instrumental in bringing the gosi)el to many hearts and planting the Church through a large part of western and central Pennsylvania." In the year 1800 he began his labors west of the Alleghanies, and after' eight years succeeded by the help of his associates, in establishing a succession of mission stations from central 45 Our Heroes, or Pennsylvania to the western borders of Indiana. Beginning in the Susquehanna Valley, he moved westward by stages, first locating in Westmore- land County, then in Somerset County, and finally in Washington County. Moving Under his ministry a gracious re- TVestward . , r . -, orvn vival of religion took place m 1803 west of the Alleghany Mountains in what was called the "Glades." The meeting at Bonnet's Schoolhouse was especially one of great power. He was perhaps among the very first of the pioneer missionaries of the Church to visit those communities, and out of these early beginnings has grown one of the largest and most influen- tial conferences in the denomination. In his M^ork in western Pennsylvania he was assisted by Christian Burger and Abraham Draksel. In 1808, following the tide of emigration through the swamps and forests of Ohio, he reached Harrison County, Indiana, where he finally settled, without, however, intermitting his itinerant labors. Here he entered a quarter section of land upon which part of the town of C orydon now stands. It was the same year in which James Madison was elected President. The United States of America then comprised seventeen States, Vermont, Kentucky, and Ten- nessee having been added to the original thir- teen. The population of the entire country, in- cluding the Territories, was about seven million. Almost the entire population at this time was east of the Alleghany Mountains. West of these the settlements were few, small, and scattered. 4G United Brethren Home Missionaries Harrison County, Indiana, in which Doctor Pfrimmer had located, was organized tliat same year. General Harrison, the first territorial governor, appointed him, with two others, as county judges. They held the first judgf ^^^^^ ^* Corydon, May 10, 1809, and divided the county into town- ships, laid out roads, and licensed ferries and hotels. Any historian who undertakes to enumerate the formative forces of the State of Indiana and leave out of the calculation Doctor Pfrimmer and his immediate coadjutors, writes an incomplete history. His chief work was to purify society in its genesis. He was a great foundation-builder and primitive organizer. He planned wisely for the superstructure, but had not the material with which to do more than begin the erection, and that, of necessity, was simple and rude in his lifetime. Doctor Pfrimmer, with his family, reached southern Indiana when the country was an almost unbroken wilderness, and to him belongs the honor of planting the first United Brethren First tj. B. society in that State. He made ex- chnrcii teusive missionary tours in the In inaiana Wabash valleys, preaching wher- ever an opportunity presented itself. With the tide of emigration. United Brethren families were coming to find homes in this wilderness of rich soil. These were sought out by Doctor Pfrimmer and made the nucleus of United Brethren churches. From his wilderness home he made at least four journeys across the Alle- 47 Oil?- Heroes, or ghanies, visiting the churches in Pennsylvania and Maiyland. He was a charter member of the Miami Con- ference. Soon after its organization a district called "The Kentucky and Indiana District" was constituted, of which he was appointed pre- siding elder. From the conference of 1816, which convened in Montgomery County, Ohio, Bishop Newcomer accompanied him into Indi- ana. The country was almost entirely without roads, and in New Lexington they were obliged to hire a pilot to conduct them through the forests. During the journey Bishop Newcomer made the following entry in his journal : "We came to-day to an elevated spot of ground, from which we had an extensive view of the surround- ing country. Here I humbled myself on my knees in gratitude to God, who, in mercy, had preserved me in the wilderness to the present time." We have in this note a glimpse of Indi- ana more than ninety years ago. It is not prob- able that those venerable fathers, prophets as they were, when treading the wilderness on Indian trails or blazing their way through the pathless woods, guided by a compass, could have believed that in so short a period as ninety-two years a great State would spring up, and that the United Brethren Church, which had then a few feeble societies, would number several strong conferences with fifty thousand mem- bers. Doctor Pfrimmer was a courageous man. His elements of leadership were easily recognized. 48 United Brethren Home Missionaries He was brave as a lion and at the same time one of the gentlest of men. President William Henry Harrison, who was his personal friend, is reported to have said that "Doctor Pfrimmer had all the genius and skill of a military leader, and if he had turned his attention to military affairs, he might have been one of the greatest generals of his day." He Avas am eloquent preacher, always clear, concise, and scriptural. His fund of general knowledge, it is said, was wonderful. His ser- mons were highly impressive, instructive, and abiding in their effects. He had a broad knowl- edge of the Scriptures and knew how to wield effectively the sword of the Spirit. As an evan- gelist he was strong. "His revival preacber and meetings wcrc as the harvest is be- fore the reaper. There was always a reaping and a gathering of fruit unto eternal life." His zeal for souls knew no bounds. Neither rains, nor floods, nor storms, nor any other ordinary difficulties seemed to have daunted him. He was never so happy as when on a horse going from place to place, seeking to tell men of Him who came to save the lost. During the entire period of his missionary life his salary ranged from |40 to flOO a year. In 1820, Doctor Pfrimmer began Sunday- school work in his new church at Corydon, which was the first United Brethren church- house west of the Ohio Kiver. So' far as is known in history, it was the first United Breth- ren Sunday school organized in our Zion. But 49 Our Heroes, or it is clearly evident that like organizations had been effected by the Church father before this date. We find that twenty years prior to this time Doctor Pfrinuner was engaged in this same kind of work. Bishop Newcomer, having visited him at his home in Pennsylvania, makes the fol- lowing entry in his journal, dated May 21, 1800 : "To-day I came to Brother Pfrimmer's. About thirty children had assembled at his house to whom he was giving religious instruc- tion. Some were under conviction. I also- spoke to them. Their hearts were sensibly touched. May the Lord convert them truly." We learn from this that Doctor Pfrimmer believed in child conversion and that he regarded the chil- dren as part of his pastoral fold. Otterbein and Asbury were giving attention to the religious education of the children much earlier than this, but it is not fair to say that either of these Founder of Our Church fathers instituted Sunday snnday-schooi schools proper. Gradually the American Sunday school took shape, aud it was during the opening years of the nineteenth century that there was breathed into it the breath of life. When the American Sunday-School Union was organized in 1824, careful inquiry failed to discover more than one hundred Sunday schools connected with churches. Doctor Pfrimmer has the distinction of being the founder of Sunday-school work in the United Brethren Church. He was an edu- cated, aggressive, far-seeing prophet, who laid thus the foundation of an institution which ip- 50 United Brethren Home Missionaries eludes the entire denomination, and at the pres- ent time outnumbers it by twenty-three per cent. Next to the Pfrimmer Chapel in Corydon, which was built in 1814, perhaps the Cross Eoads Church in Harrison County was the most influential of the early mission churches of In- diana. The society was organized by Jacob Antrim, that seraphic singer and sweet gospel preacher, who accompanied Bishops Newcomer and Zeller from Pennsylvania to Ohio in 1818. In the Miami Valley, and especially in southern Indiana, he was remarkably suc- jacob Antrim cessful as a soul-wiuuer. The Cross Eoads church was the scene of many a triumph for the Master. It was the spiritual birthplace of several of the leading ministers of the State. The following account is given of the conversion of John Flora in the early history of the Church : "He was a talented young man, of a skeptical turn of mind, well in- formed in infidel literature and skillful in argu- ment. When he attended religious services, he used to call in question what they said and did. The conversion and changed life of an old drunkard in the neighborhood set him to think- ing. Discovering the old reformed drunkard at prayer in the woods one day, it set the infidel to thinking more seriously, and, hearing his testi- mony concerning the power of A Remarfcabie Qjinst to save, oue day at the Cross Conversion ' »^ Eoads Church, almost overcame him. At the same service a pupil of his school, a young lady for whom he had great re- Our Heroes, or spect, gave a touching testimony. This com- pletely broke him doAvn. His skepticism left him and he went bounding through the large congregation, crying at the top of his voice, "Here comes a Saul of Tarsus," meaning that he had been a strong opposer to the Christian re- ligion. He fell at the altar of prayer and was converted. Later he entered the ministry and accomplished great good in the pioneer mission work of southern Indiana." Doctor Pfrimmer possessed a great soul. He Avas a man of broad vision and always exhibited a splendid type of optimism. A grandson who resides at the old homestead, writes: "Grand- father's life outside of his ministerial work was an active one. His practice as a physician in- cluded a large territory, even riding as far as forty miles to see a patient. I A Great imagine his success as a doctor was Soul o largely due to his cheery nature. In my younger days, when meeting old men, upon learning that my name was Pfrimmer, they would often ask if I was related to Doctor Pfrimmer, and when I answered in the affirma- tive, they would say : 'Well, he was a good doc- tor, a great preacher, and such a jolly old soul. You could not be sick long after he came to see you, even if you did not take any medicine.' " His matchless energy, noble unselfishness, and Chris- tian intrepidity made him a living example of that higher, nobler life into which he constantly endeavored to lead others. 52 United Brethren Home Missionaries He died at his home in Harrison County, In- diana, September 5, 1825, in his sixty-fourth year, having been in the ministry thirty-five years. In 1824 he made his last visit east of the Alleghany Mountains. In May preceding his death, he attended the General Conference, which convened in Tuscarawas County, Ohio, where he took an active part in the business and preached with his accustomed clearness and power. After the Conference, he returned to his home in Indiana, when he ex- DeatT"*""' pressed the conviction that his "race was run" and that he was soon going toi join the great assembly in heaven. He declared that his hope in the Redeemer was unshaken and that it afforded him great joy as his end drew near. While he was uttering these words, his countenance beamed as with a light which was visible upon him in death. His body sleeps in the cemetery just across the road from Pfrimmer Chapel, and is marked by a marble slab bearing the following inscription: "Eev. John G. Pfrimmer, bom in France, July 24, 1762; came to the United States in 1783 and settled in Pennsylvania; then removed to' Indi- ana in 1808 ; died September 5, 1825. Deceased established the first United Brethren society in Indiana. He rests from his labors and his works do follow him." 53 Our Heroes, or LESSON I. Chaptee I. 1. What can you say of the origin of the United Brethren Church? 2. Name some of the sources that contributed to its devel- opment. 3. When and where was Philip William Otterbein born? 4. What can you say of his home and college life? 5. What can you say of the line of ordination in the United Brethren Church? 6. When was Otterbein called to missionary work? To what field? What town? 7. Describe the home-leaving. 8. What can you say of the religious conditions of the colonies at that time? 9. What new experience came to Otterbein at Lancaster? 10. When and where did our denominational Pentecost occur? 11. When and where was the denomination ofBcially named? 12. What of the heroism of the fathers and their work? 13. What did Otterbein say of his impressions regarding the permanency of the work? • 14. What can you say of Otterbein's life and influence, in the perspective of a century? 15. What was Eev. George Lansing Taylor's tribute to Otter- bein? Chaptek II. 1. What period in the history of the United Brethren Church closed with the death of Otterbein, Boehm, and Geeting? 2. What period in the history of the Church began with Christian Newcomer? 3. What can you say of his early life ? Date of birth ? 4. What can you say of his early religious struggles? 5. What relation did he sustain to the founding of the Church? 6. What were some of his leading qualities of character? 7. What can you say of him as an organizer? 8. What relation did he sustain to the itinerant preaching system of the Church? 9. How many times did he cross the Alleghanies? 10. What can you say of the distances he traveled, and the perils and hardships of the way ? 11. What does Mr. Spaythe say of Newcomer's work and influence ? 12. What can you say of his prayer life? 13. Give circumstance of Christian Grumbling's conversion. 14. Give date and brief review of Newcomer's first visit to Ohio. IB. Give date and incidents of his first visit to Indiana. 16. In what year did he make his last pilgrimage West? What was his age? 17. Where and when did he make his last entry in hla diary? 18. What period of his ministerial life does his diary cover? 19. Describe his death. 54 United Brethren Home Missionaries Chaptee hi. 1. When was the State of Ohio admitted into the Union? 2. Who were some of the first United Brethren missionaries In the new State? 3. What can you say of these early heroes of the Cross? 4. When, where, and by whom was the first United Brethren society organized in Ohio? 5. Where and by whom was another society organized about the same time? 6. Why was It necessary to organize a new conference west of the Ohio River? 7. When, where, and by whom was Miami Conference organ- ized? 8. What was the original area embraced by the conference? 9. How many additions were made to the conference in a single year? How were these results achieved? 10. When and where was Andrew Zeller born? 11. What can you say of his early history ? 12. When did he immigrate to Ohio, and where did he locate? 13. When was he elected Bishop, and how long did he serve? 14. What incident does Mr. Spayth give of his personality and Influence? 15. What can you say of George Bedenum? 16. What four men were won to Christ during his early mis- sionary work? 17. What did Bishop Russell say of him as a preacher? 18. What can you say of Bisliop Joseph Hoffman? 19. Give brief sketch of the life of Bishop Henry Kumler Sr. 20. Give some characteristics of these pioneer preachers. Chapteb IV. 1. Who was the first United Brethren missionary in Indiana? 2. Where was John George Pfrimmer born? 3. What can you say of his birthplace and early education? 4. What was his early occupation? In what great battle did he participate? 5. When did he come to America, and where did he locate? 6. When was he converted, and called to the ministry? 7. When did he begin his labors west of the Alleghanies? 8. Give stages of his journey westward? When did he reach Indiana ? 9. How many States did the United States of America then comprise? What was the population of the country including the territories ? 10. What appointment did Doctor Pfrimmer receive from Gen- eral Harrison, the territorial governor? 11. When and where was the first United Brethren church organized in the State of Indiana? 12. What was the condition of the country at that time? 13. What can you say of Pfrimmer's courage and hardships as a missionary? 14. What did President William Henry Harrison say of him? 15. Who was the founder of our Sunday-school work? 16. When and by whom was the Cross Roads Church organized in Harrison County ? 17. What remarkable conversion occurred at that place? 18. What is said of Doctor Pfrimmer as a physician? 19. When and where did he die? How is his grave marked? 55 CHAPTER V. First English-Speaking Missionary. One small life In God's great plan. How futile It seems as the ages roll, Do what it may, or strive how it can. To alter the sweep of the Infinite whole. But the pattern is rent where the stitch is lost. Or marred where the tangled threads have crossed. And each life that fails of its true intent Mars the perfect plan that its Master meant. — Susan CooUdge. The place occupied by the life and work of John Calvin McNamar in the early development of the denomination is worthy of a fine apprecia- tion. The call of the Church was first to the German people and churches, and toi these the labors and preaching of the fathers continued with but little exception until Htatorr 1813, when Mr. McNamar, known in history as the "first English preacher" of the denomination, joined the Miami Conference. The time had now come, because of the preponderance of the English language and the new religious life awakened by United Brethren evangelists, when the demand for Eng- lish preaching was imperative. To meet this de- mand and to open toi the Church this larger door of usefulness and power, McNamar was brought to the kingdom. Prom the time he entered the itinerancy, the work began to spread into the English communi- 56 United Brethren Home Missionaries ties in Ohio and Indiana, and, indeed, in all directions. The number of preachers who could speak the English language only was rapidly multiplied, and within six years eight ministers were added to the English force of the new con- ference. Mr. McNamar was bom in Virginia in 1779. No record is given of his early life. He was of Scotch descent and his religious life and mis- sionary zeal were in. harmony with the self-sacri- fice and dauntless courage of his race, which has earned high distinction and achieved large suc- cess in all fields of missionary service. His religious life began in 1811, when he came into the community of Germantown, Ohio, as a school-teacher, having been employed by citizens of Mr. Zeller's neighborhood. He form- erly resided in Fairfield, Green County, and is described by one who knew him as "a small, lithe, sharp-visaged, witty man, careless alike of his temporal and of his spiritual interests." The brother who went to Fairfield with his large covered wagon to remove the "schoolmaster," with his family, tO' the new theater of his labors, was much surprised and deeply party"^ grlevcd, to find a large and noisy dancing party at his house giving him a farewell visit. The dance occupied the entire night, and the company remained until the departure of the family for Germantown in the early morning. It was at a meeting held in Mr. Zeller's barn the same year that Mr. Mc- Namar, under the influence and preaching of 57 Our Heroes, or that saintly man of God, yielded his life to Christ. Soon after his conversion he experi- enced a call to the ministry, and in 1813, upon the recommendation of Mr. Zeller, he was granted license to preach, and received into the Miami Conference. To the present generation of United Brethren John Calvin McNamar is only a name; to his own generation he was for many years a marvel in intelligence, eloquence, evangelism, and con- structive leadership. For a quarter of a century he stood high in the councils of the Church and was connected with some of its most important legislation. He was a delegate to Elected ^^ ^jjjj.^ gf^j^ ^ j^^j^ General Bishop * ' Conferences. As a mark of the high esteem with which he was held by these bodies, he was elected to succeed Bishop New- comer in the bishopric. His reasons for declin- ing this responsibility and honor are not given. Mr. McNamar has the distinction of having formulated and introduced the first financial plan for the local congregation in the history of the Church. His wise statesmanship enabled him to see that without an adequate ministerial support the Church, with all its zeal, would run a brief race and produce few abiding results. Author of Accordingly, in the General Con- Financiai fereucc of 1826 he offered a resolu- tion which required the presiding elder and the preacher in charge to appoint a circuit steward for every circuit, and that each class should also be required to select a steward ; 58 United Brethren Home Missionaries and that it should be the duty of these officers to make quarterly collections, in money or goods, for the preacher in charge, and report to each quarterly conference. After an extended discus- sion the resolution was adopted. One argument of Mr. McNamar for the resolution was that the year before he had received the meager sum of 141.16 for his year's work. Mr. McNamar is spoken of as a preacher of high rank, brave, unpretentious, practical, and spiritual. He was unsurpassed in his qualities to capture new communities. There must have been peculiar power in his preaching and a pecu- liar adaptability to the hearts and to the spir- itual needs of the people. Multitudes flocked to hear him. His characteristic Scotch humor was deliberate, like his reasoning; so that seldom, in spite of its exuberance, did he suf- CharacterUtlcs f j^ ^ ^j ^ ^^ ^ f j^j as FreacIieT f serious thought, which he wielded like a flaming sword. Of his characteristics we quote the following from Lawrence's history: "He used correct and forcible language; spoke slowly, distinctly pronouncing every word. Being well versed in polemic divinity, he de- voted much attention to the exposition and defense of the fundamental doctrines of Chris- tianity. . . . His sermons on the divinity of Christ, often preached to immense congrega- tions at camp-meetings, made a profound im- pression. It must not be inferred, however, that he was a religious pugilist, devoting his whole time in the pulpit to theological disquisitions 59 Our Heroes, or and finding his reward in the defeat of his an- tagonist or in the applause of his friends. Far from it. He was not a vain theologian. His object was to save men; and he had the happy faculty of following up a clear exposition and masterly defense of some great truth with a heart-searching application." Mr. McNamar had the evangelistic spirit to an intense degree, and the spread of the Ke- deemer's kingdom was to- him paramount to all things else. He had the zeal of the early dis- ciples, and, regardless of the cost to himself, went everywhere in his large frontier parish preaching the gospel of the king- Missionary ^^,^ g^ ^^ ^ ^^^^ ^j SUperb courage. To him even roads and paths seemed useless. If his horse could not carry him, he led the horse, or, leaving him be- hind, went on foot. He frequently slept in the wilderness, but he was never lost. His long jour- neys were often made extremely difficult by unto- ward condition of the roads and by overflomng creeks and rivers. As an itinerant he was an ex- ample of punctuality. "When the time arrived for him to start to an appointment," says George Bonebralce, "he was off. He would wait for no one, and listened to no excuses. Eain, snow, mud, swollen streams, and floating causeways — any of these, or all of them combined, could not change his purpose. Nothing but a physical impossi- bility would detain him from an appointment." "By this kind of work," says Mr. Lawrence, "he planted the larger part of the early English 60 United Brethren Home Missionaries United Brethren churches in southwestern Ohio and southern Indiana, and he was not only emi- nently successful in organizing churches aud forming circuits, but also in reinforcing the ministry. An examination of the minutes of the Miami and Indiana conferences, from 1814 to 1834, will show that to Mr. McNamar, as an agent of providence, the Church is indebted for a large number of the most effective itinerant ministers who entered the ranks during that in- teresting period of her history." He was a typical itinerant and presiding elder. He believed in the system and illustrated its effectiveness and adaptability by his life. The old-fashioned circuit with its quarterly meetings enabled the pioneer preachers to reach the people in their homes and in large gather- ings; the camp-meetings so admirably suited to the genius of United Brethrenism and the social necessities of new communities brought into co- operation the strongest ministers of the denom- ination — and there were giants in those days. Mr. Spayth has beautifully said : "J. C. Mc- Namar, a true son of the gospel, determined to march in the front ranks of the ministerial army. He chose the frontier country for his field of gospel labor. To forego all sorts of com- fort, to range the forest, to carry the gospel to the newly-arrived inhabitants, to A Tribute scek the lost and scattered of Israel, was his employment, no matter how poor or destitute they or himself were. Miami, Indiana, White River, and Wa- 61 Our Heroes, w bash conferences will long be blessed with the increase of his labors." He had none of this world's goods. This will be understood when it is known that his salary ranged from $40 to |130 a year, and that he had a large and very helpless family to support. He evidently was tested by these hardships, for in a letter to a friend he once wrote : "I want faith, courage, patience, meekness, and love. When others suffer so much for their temporal inter- ests, surely I may suffer a little for the glory of God and the good of souls." It puts fortitude, all-devout, invincible, into a missionary tO' be convinced that he is sent of God. In the year 1846 this faithful soldier of the Cross, after a service of thirty-six years, was called to his heavenly reward. His body sleeps in a lonely cemetery near Jordan Village, Owen County, Indiana. No shaft of granite or marble marks his resting-place, but he has a memorial more enduring than these in the ever-widening influence of his good and useful life. 62 CHAPTER VI. First Missionary to the "Black Swamp." Among the earliest religious workers in north- western Ohio were the pioneer ministers of the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, the first of whom was the subject of this sketch. Previous to the year 1823, a strong tide of immi- gration set in toward this new territory of the then frontier State, and among the early settlers of the Sandusky Valley were a number of United Brethren families, including some local preachers. These pioneers held meetings in their respective neighborhoods and prepared the way for the missionaries whO' were sent into this region by the Muskingum Conference, as early as the year 1829. These heroes of the Cross at that date had a string of appointments extend- ing from Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, to Lower Sandusky, Ohio. In common with other pioneers, these preach- ers endured many trials and privations, and per- formed much toilsome and difficult work for meager and uncertain salaries. Pioneers of They met with abundant succes.s North Ohio •' in evangelistic work and in the temporary organization of religious societies; but, owing in part to the constant shifting of 63 Our Heroes, or population, they did not, as a rule, succeed in establishing permanent societies and building church-houses as well as those who came later and labored in towns and villages. Their preaching-places were mostly in private houses, barns, schoolhouses of log structures, or in the open air in the summer season, in the shade of forest trees. Their appointments were often in widely-separated neighborhoods, connected only by winding forest roads or Indian trails, which, in case of deep snows, could only be traced by the "scotched trees" along the route. These pas- sages were often quite impassable on account of high water and the almost inter- of Travel Difficulties minable, sticky, black mud, some- times hiding treacherous beds of quicksand. These preachers usually traveled on foot or on horseback, and preached every day in the week and two or three times on Sunday. Their meetings were as well attended on week day as on the Sabbath. Farmers, in those days, cheerfully left their work to attend religious services. In times of "big meetings" they came from several adjoining neighborhoods, even in bad weather, and over bad roads, on foot, on horseback, and not infrequently in large wagons or sleds, drawn by ox teams. In the year 1822, Jacob Baulus, with his family, emigrated from Frederick Ck)unty, Maryland, to the forests of the "Black Swamp," near Lower Sandusky, now Fremont, Ohio, where he was the first evangelical minister to raise the gospel standard among the few white 64 Jacob Ritter AIjKXAMJKK BII)UI.E United Brethren, Home Missionaries inhabitants then living in that section, and while the aboriginal race had yet full possession east and west of the Sandusky River. The name of Jacob Baulus is among those which appear the most frequently in the early Church records, many allusions to him occur- ring in Newcomer's journal. He shared the warm personal friendship of Otterbein and Boehm, and, indeed, most of the early Church fathers. He was a member of the conference of 1800, which convened at the home of Peter Kemp, two miles west of Frederick City, Mary- land. This was one of the most important gath- erings in the early history of the Church. It possessed the character of a General Conference, and had much to do with shaping the future of the denomination. In 1805 the conference con- vened at the home of Mr. Baulus. That was the last conference attended by both Otterbein and Boehm. For a number of successive conferences in early years of the century Mr. seereTarT* Baulus acted as secretary. He made it a rule to conclude his record with a brief prayer, the following of which is a specimen: "Lord Jesus, be with thy servants. Mold them after thine own image. Give them godly zeal and untiring faithfulness. Let thy virtues shine in them and thy light shine through them, and may many be brought to light, and we will ascribe all the praise to God. Amen." Jacob Baulus was bom March 10, 1768. He was of German descent, his great ancestor, 65 Our Heroes, or Henry Baulus, having immigrated to this coun- try from Germany in 1735. The descendants of this honored German father have been noted for the moral and religious influence they have exerted, the extent of which can be known only in the great hereafter. When a boy in his teens, Jacob Baulus consecrated his young life to God, and at eighteen years of age entered the min- istry. On the Sabbath after reaching his frontier home, in the wilds of northern Ohio, he felt it his duty, as a minister of the gospel, to use his influence to have the Sabbath day properly observed. He went around the little town and told the people what he came for — ^to live among them and have them live as Christian people. He went from house to house and store to store and induced the people to- close their places of business and observe the Sabbath. Sabbath Previous to his coming, Sunday Observance ^^ "^ had been to them like any other day. Several families residing in the town were considered very undesirable and dangerous people, among whom was a Mr. Dew and his family; also a man by the name of Sanford Maines. Meeting him one Monday morning in the village, Mr. Baulus inquired, "Is your name Sanford Maines?" He said it was. "They tell me," said Baulus, "you are a set of horse thieves, and I warn you to take care." "What!" ex- claimed Maines, apparently surprised. Mr. Baulus repeated the same words and passed on. The next night his buggy was taken to a thicket 66 United Brethren Home Missionaries and burned. Many snch incidents occurred in those days. When it is remembered that this was only eight years after the close of the last war with England, at which time this whole region was overrun with the British and their savage allies, the Indians, the present generation can form some just conception of the hardships to be en- countered and privations to be endured in enter- ing this primeval forest to estab- Encountered ^^^^ homes aud lay the foundation of a Christian civilization. When it is further considered that these pioneers cut the first wagon road from the Sandusky Eiver to the Muskallounge Creek, a better conception will be had as to the newness and wildnesg of the region round about, when we remember that wild game and wild men abounded throughout the territory. Mr. Baulus not only preached to the new settlers whenever opportunity offered, but he opened the house and spread his table for evangelistic ministers of all denominations. He entered a large section of land in the Black Swamp, as is shown by the land patents granted him^ by President Monroe and Jackson. Primitive Many of those old parchment deeds Methods ot are to be seen now. This section Surveying p,f ^jjg couutry being little more than a wilderness, surveys and surveyors were almost unknown. The description of one piece of land at about this time proves this. The deed says, "Starting from the center of Muskallounge Creek east, so many turns of a wagon wheel." It 67 Our Heroes, or is at once seen how very indefinite! this is, as no size of the wagon wheel was given, and it has caused considerable controversy as to how much land this piece contained. For these items of interest we are indebted to Mr. J. Burgner, an old and honored citizen of Fremont, Ohio. From 1822 to 1829, Mr. Baulus devoted much of his time to missionary work, making many long and perilous journeys through the wilds of the country west of Tuscarawas County. A number of preaching places were established and new classes organized. In 1829 the General Conference recognized this growing mission and made it a part of Muskingum Conference. At the next session of the Conference, Mr. Baulus was elected presiding elder of this new district, and Rev. John Zahn was appointed missionary to aid in the work. The following year Revs. Israel Harrington and J. Harrison were ap- pointed by the Conference to work in this new district. It was necessary for ministers to travel one hundred- miles from the borders of Mus- kingum Conference and through a wilderness in order to reach this new mission field. About this time the forces were greatly strengthened by a strong current of immigration from Mary- land and Pennsylvania, among whom were sev- eral United Brethren famili^, including a half dozen or more ministers. In 1833 the General Conference authorized the organization of a new conference to be 68 United Brethren Home Missionaries known as the "Sandusky Conference." In May, of the following year the new body held its first session at the home of Philip Bretz in Seneca Sandnsky County. Bishop Heistand organ- conference ized the conference with the fol- organized lowing ministers: Jacob Baulus, George Hiskey, Jeremiah Brown, O. Zook, John Crum, V. T. Tracy, Jacob Bare^ O. Strong, Henry Errett, J. Smith, Lawrence Easterly, Jacob Cramer, J. Alsop, Benjanjin Moore, Daniel Strayer, Israel Harrington, Jacob Crum, Henry Kimberlin, and John Fry — twenty in number. At this early date no statistics were kept of members received, so that we have no means of knowing what the membership was or how rapidly it increased. The following breth- ren were admitted at this first session of the conference : John Davis, Jacob Garver, Stephen Lilebridge, A. Winch, J. 0. Eice, and B. F. Kauffman. Thus the conference entered upon its career with an enrollment of twenty-six preachers. Two years later seven fields of labor were reported, with many inviting territories to be occupied at once. Mr. Baulus was greatly re- joiced over the growth of the work. At a camp- meeting in 1837 he arose and said : "Praise the Lord, fifteen years ago I was the only United Brethren preacher in this district; now there are more than thirty." Mr. Baulus was an infiuential leader and a good builder. He always shared in the largest measure the confidence of his brethren. By his early advent and labors in the State of Qhio he 69 Our Heroes, or became the father of the Sandusky Conference. The sturdy character of the men he gathered about him, as of those who follofwed in their steps, indicates how wisely and efflciently he laid the foundations of the Church in that region. The Black Swamp is no Bnuder more, and the desert has literally been made to rejoice and blossom as the rose. Upon those early foundations has risen the largest conference in the denomina- tion and from the few scattered members he gathered in the wild forests of northern Ohio has now grown an army upon the same territory twenty thousand strong. Father Baulus was a noble type of the hardy pioneer preacher. For the love of Him whom he served he welcomed rough tasks, and in his name cheerfully went into dark and dangerous places. During his early ministry he traveled extensively over Maryland, Virginia, and Penn- sylvania. After coming to Ohio his voice was heard in almost every community where the Church had. an organization. When preaching at one time in Cincinnati, he was presented with a cane. It was of yery light wood, -wdth a turned ivory top. Small tassels hung from it a short distance below the handle. The cherished relic is now in possession of his grandson, who resides in Fremont, Ohio. Mr. Baulus was an able preacher. "He was highly distinguished for an exemplary and pious life; in mind, clear-sighted, comprehensive, and correct." He was a man of strong convictions. 70 United Brethren Home Missionaries Faith was the substance standing under his per- sonality, and that faith was so firmly rooted and grounded in the Word of God that nothing could move him. He knew his Bible ; his u^fluentiai sermous were rich in gospel truth. He prayed in the language of Scripture ; he was intensely earnest. His armor was always bright ; not one particle of rust could be found upon it. His enthusiasm was infec- tious; no man could be slothful or indifferent when about him. He despised lukewarmness. His faithful, genial spirit endeared him to all the young men of his conference. Age was on his head, but youth was in his heart. His physi- cal strength continued until he reached his eightieth year. This is marvelous when we con- sider the fifty-six years of exposure, of self-sacri- fice, of battle with stem conditions, and of cease- less effort to extend the Redeemer's kingdom through which he passed in his missionary work. The last four years of his life were years of great alHiction, as the result of the privations and toil incident to his pioneer missionary life. On the 20th of April, 1851, he entered upon his reward, having reached the mature age of Honrl"^ eighty-four years. The evening of his life was beautiful and peaceful. Having spent himself with such splendid hero- ism, in such sublime service, he was able to say with the great Paul, as the shadows gathered, "1 have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness." 71 Our Heroes, or Among the heroic colaborers of Mr. Baulus, perhaps Stephen Lilebridge did more than any other man of his day to build up the cause of Christ in the conference. He was bom Jan- uary 31, 1815, converted at the age of eighteen, and united with the Church. Soon he entered the ministry and for eight years uhfbridge served the Church faithfully as an itinerant. "To go where brethren had yet no name or home, and where Christ was seldom preached by any minister, and still less known, was his peculiar call, as it was his pleasure and delight." During the eight years of his missionary life, his annual pay was less than flOO, with the one single exception. He suffered much from the want of suitable cloth- ing during the winter season, which was one of the causes of his untimely death. From his diary, it appears that during his brief career he preached 1,930 sermons. After forming many new societies and winning hundreds to Christ, at the age of twenty-eight, on the 25th of May, 1843, he went to his reward. Large, indeed, would be the list of other heroes of faith from Baulus to the present in this great conference, who deserve a place in these records. 72 CHAPTER VII. "The Old Man Eloquent" Among the names which stand high in the annals of the missionary work of the Church in the home land is that of William Davis, a pioneer in the States of Ohio, Indiana, and Iowa, where yet some live to speak of his power as a preacher and of his rare qual- f'm* *^^ ities of mind and heart. One of In History our bishops has said, "William Davis is perhaps known more widely and favor- ably in the history of the Church than any other man save those who were intimately connected with its origin." He was born in Ontario County, New York, January 3, 1812, the second son and fourth child of Ezra and Lucretia Davis — good, honest, hard- working Christian parents, who taught their children early in life to revere and practice the tenets of the Christian religion. This early training, by constant precept and example, was the means of bringing all the family of children within the Church early in life. It was during the early boyhood of Mr. Davis that the family emigrated to Indiana. About the year 1820, they are engaged in clearing a homestead in the wilds of the southern part of 73 Our Heroes, or that then frontier State. When less than seven- teen years of age, young Davis was converted and received into the Church under the ministry of Rev. Aaron Farmer. Soon he became im- pressed with the duty of trying to save others, and, notwithstanding his extreme youth, he at once began the work. At the organization of the Indiana Conference on May 27, 1830, he was licensed to preach, and appointed to his first circuit. The tea-ritory comprised several coun- ties in northern Indiana, with twelve appoint- ments. Clad in homespun and on foot, he started for his circuit. After reaching it, the distance be- tween appointments was sometimes so great that he would have to start as soon in the morning as it was light enough to see the trail (for even the Indian roads of to-day are of vast improvement over those of that day), taking c/rc^t'** yfith. him for a lunch some corn- dodgers and dried venison, this being the principal diet. With his Testament, he prepared his sermons as he trudged along, often singing the praises of his Master in the beautiful hymns so popular and soul-stirring in those days. Once, on returning home from his circuit, he enjoyed a treat, the like of which up to that time he had never before enjoyed, as he related it. During; his absence, it fnrp'rtse secms that his father and older brotlier had gone to Logansport, and on returning, brought back a gallon of New Orleans molasses, and for their Sunday dinner 74 United Brethren Home Missionaries his mother and sisters had prepared the follow- ing menu : Extra fine com bread, fried venison, roast pheasant, butter, and New Orleans molas- ses. This was a feast that was remembered dur- ing the remainder of his days. Wheat bread was a luxury not to be indulged in by the frontier people in those days, and New Orleans molasses was a treat. His salary for the year was not sufficient to enable him to purchase a horse, so after working several months on this frontier charge, and with occasionally the benefit of a borrowed horse, he hired out to work for a man for the sum of eight dollars per month, and by so doing obtained the means for purchasing a preacher's outfit, con- sisting of horse, saddle, bridle, saddle-bags, a homespun suit, and a pair of leggings. His ordination occurred at the second session of Indiana Conference, when less than twenty years of age. He was by that conference, which met in Harrison County, assigned to St. Joseph Mission. The distance to be traveled in making one tour of the territory was more than three hundred miles. He went to it on horseback, and, there being no roads leading that way, he trav- eled by Indian trails made by the Miami and Pottawottomi tribes, who, when Tribes ^® passed through, were just going to the Government Agency to re- ceive their yearly stipend. Between Logansport and South Bend, a distance of eighty miles, but two white families lived; and, not being accus- tomed to traveling alone among the Indians, Mr. 75 Our Heroes, or Davis felt himself in no little danger when meet- ing many squads of from ten to fifty, often in lonely places along the routes. They, however, did the young missionary no harm, and he reached his mission field in good health and spirits. The mission embraced three counties in Indiana and two ih Michigan, with ten appoint- ments, among them Elkhart, Indiana, where he delivered the first sermon ever preached in that town. He also preached the first sermon in Michawatka, which at that time consisted of an Indian wigwam and several scattered cabins. His salary for the year was twenty-five dollars. Mr. Davis was elected presiding elder when twenty-two years of age, and served in this capacity with marked ability for quite a number of years. He was one of the principals in effect- ing the organization of the Wabash Conference, the first session convening in Parke County, Indiana, in September, 1835. Thir- olnference ^®^^ miuistcrs wcre enrolled and six circuits were outlined, divided into two presiding-elder districts. The elders chosen were William Davis and John Denham. Though young in years, Mr. Davis was regarded as one of the wisest and safest counselors of his times. He had the prudence, the foresight, and firmness of age. He was united in marriage while on his way to conference in 1835 to Miss Charlotte Miller, a young tailoress of Middletown, Ohio, who was visiting in the vicinity at that time. They both rode the same horse to the conference. Mrs. 76 United Brethren Home Missionaries Davis proved to be a most devoted sympathizer and helper to her husband in his missionary work. Previous to her maariage she had earned and saved a little money, and with it they pur- chased about sixty acres of timber land near South Bend, Indiana, in what was called "The Thick Timber." There a humble log cabin was erected, into which they moved, and here for five years they lived ; but the work of the minis- try was by no means abandoned, though but little in the way of salary resulted. During these five years sixty dollars represented his en- tire cash receipts. Mrs. Davis, A Heroine being au expert with the needle, had, by exchanging her skill and labor for the skill and labor of the wood- chopper, succeeded in having forty acres of the land cleared of the timber and made ready for planting. The farm was subsequently sold and the proceeds invested in a stock of goods at Bluffton, Indiana, around which town the work of these self-sacrificing servants of God centered. A little later, through the treachery of a part- ner, they awoke one day to find themselves penniless. About this time Mr. Davis had been away on a long trip and had received very little salary. The time was approaching for him to again go to his work, but the last morsel of food was almost gone. Mrs. Davis noticed that he seemed somewhat cast down in spirit. Coming into the house one day, he said, "My dear, I have made up my mind not to go; I cannot think of going away and leaving you and the little ones 77 Our Heroes, or without the necessities of life." She turned to him and said: "Go and do your duty; go and preach the gospel. Don't trouble about us; God will take care of us." Mr. Davis was considered one of the most elo- quent men of his times. Throughout the Central West he was familiarly known as the "Old Man Eloquent." The following para- E^uent" graph is from the pen of Col. Rob- ert Cowden, who, when visiting Lisbon, Iowa, in 1881, attended services in the church where Father Davis worshiped at that time : "The occasion at the moment was a com- munion service. I occupied a seat in the rear, and was looking downward when I was attracted by the sound of the most melodious voice I had ever heard, uttering the most gracious and elo- quent words. On looking up, I saw Father Davis leaning heavily on his cane and in the act of dismissing a table of communicants. I then understood why every one who knew him re- marked his voice of remarkable sweetness and his words of matchless eloquence." He possessed a personality of great charm and strength. He was five feet ten inches tall, of spare body, but large, bony frame. His face was lean, large mouth, broad high fore- characteristics head, large bright eyes, and promi- nent chin. He was of mild, pleas- ant manner, and friendly smiling countenance. In the pulpit he was solemn, deliberate, and dignified. His words were well chosen and his expression of thought was clear, convinc- 78 United Brethren Home Missionaries ing, and impressive. A common remark about his preaching was, "William Davis can say as much in twenty-five words as almost any other man can say in one hundred words." As a pastor he was invariably popular and successful — loved and respected by all. His spirituality was a charm. In conversation he always introduced religion, and did so without giving offense. In evangelistic work he was eminently successful, whether as circuit preacher or presiding elder. Some idea of the intensity of his itinerant work may be obtained from a letter written by Mr. Davis to a friend in 1846, which is as fol- lows : "A few evenings ago, while sitting by my fire- side, looking forward to the labor and exposure and privation which I must endure during the conference year which has just commenced, my mind was carried back toi the past, whereupan I hunted up my old diary, by the aid Personal ^ j^j j^ j reached the following Letter ° facts and conclusions : That I have been an itinerant minister in the United Breth- ren Church sixteen years; that I have traveled for ministerial purposes 54,200 miles; that I have preached (or tried to preach) 5,110 ser- mons; that I have received as an earthly remu- neration |652 ; that the Lord has hitherto helped me ; and that it would be wickedness to distrust so good a friend in time to come. "My time has been spent chiefly on the fron- tiers, among poor people; and could I lead some of my rich brethren along Indian trails or more 79 Our Heroes, or dimly-beaten paths to the cabins in the woods and introduce them to meanly-clad parents, sur- rounded by almost naked children, and let them worship and mingle their prayers, songs, and tears around the same altar, they too would love those poor brethren, excuse their scanty contri- butions, and of their abundance give something for the support of the missionary who, perhaps, with ragged clothes and naked knees ( for I have preached with naked knees) is preaching on the frontiers. I do love the poor pioneer brethren in their cabins, and sympathize with the mission- ary who brings to them, at great personal sacri- fice, the bread of life; and if after death my spirit should be permitted to visit my brethren on earth, I would fly on speedy wings to the suf- fering missionary and whisper consolation in his ears." Who can read these utterances without feel- ing the heroism and grandeur of his character? He was a hero of the highest order. With his undaunted courage, he showed great tact, as the following incident will illustrate: One day he was riding through a dense forest, when he saw a man with a rifle on his shoulder approaching him. Knowing that in those days there were highwaymen infesting the forests, and noticing that the man was of very coarse, rugged appear- ance, he did not feel very safe, and ca^n°e ^* ^^^^ resolvcd to resort to stra- tegy; so, on meeting the man, he reined up his horse and said, "My friend, have you seen any lost sheep around in these parts?" 80 John O. Biimi Jacob B. Re.si.kr Thomas J. Connor m M « ^ E Ph ^i Si Wo" ra H O United Brethren Home Missionaries "No," said the man, "I have not. Have you lost any sheep?" "No, sir," said the preacher, "I have not, but my Master has, and he has sent me out into this new country to see if I could find any of them." "Then you are a stranger in these parts, are you?" said the man. "Yes, sir, I am," said the preacher, "and I am trying to find where Mr. Blank lives, for I am to preach in his house to-night." "Oh !" said the man, who, after all, had a big, generous heart under his rough exterior, "then you are a preacher, are you?" "Yes, that is what they call me," said Davis, "but I am just hunting up the lost sheep of the house of Israel, for that is what the Lord has sent me out into this wild country to do." "Well," said the man, "I think you can do it. A man that can talk to a stranger as you do is the man for me. Mr. Blank's clearing is just a mile away. I was going out on a hunt for wild tur- keys, but I '11 be around in time to hear you preach to-night." Mr. Davis thanked him and passed on. He had made one friend and cap- tured one man's confidence by his tact. True to his word, the hunter was there to hear him preach that night, and in due time was converted and became one of the prominent pioneer work- ers in the Church. Mr. Davis availed himself of his early advan- tages, meager though they were, to obtain an education. Its defects were constantly repaired in his subsequent life by diligent study on hoi*se- back and beside the cabin fires of the new settlers. He served for a brief time as one of the 81 Our Heroes, or editors of the Telescope, and in 1849 was elected to the presidency of Otterbein University. This, however, was too confining, and College after one year we find him launch- Fresldent •' ing out into ministerial work again by accepting the pastorate at Seven Mile, Ohio, where, for a time, in addition to his ministerial duties, he entered upon the practice of medicine, simply to meet the actual and increasing wants of his family, he having qualified himself for that profession, with all his sacrifices and hard labor, by completing a course in the Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati. There came a time when he found his profes- sional work encroaching upon his ministerial duties, and as preaching was his life work, he gave up his practice of medicine to accept a call from the church at Muscatine, Iowa, removing with his family to that place in 1862. Here he remained two years, when he removed to West- ern College, where he became both pastor and president of the college, the former relations lasting three years and the latter about two. During this pastorate there occurred at Western Great ^ue of the most extensive revivals Revival of religion perhaps ever known in "^" the United Brethren Church in the State. The work of the meeting exhausted his strength; he was forced to retire for a few months. Early the next year he was appointed presiding elder over the whole of the Iowa Con- ference, which relations he filled for three years. During this time he removed to Lisbon, where he 82 United Brethren Home Missionaries subsequently became pastor of the Lisbon con- gregation for five consecutive years. At the close of this term his health permanently gave way. During the four closing years of his life he was an invalid. On January 31, 1878, his sun set calmly without a cloud. At five o^clock in the evening he closed his eyes ; then, leaving his clay casket, he entered upon his heavenly reward. His memory is a precious legacy. Longfellow has said : "When a great man dies. For years beyond our ken, The life he leaves behind him Lies upon the paths of men." And so William Davis has not been forgotten. The life he left behind him has not faded out, but has been growing more resplendent as the years have passed, and it still lies, and long will continue to lie, "upon the paths of men," bright- ening their way to the kingdom of heaven. 83 CHAPTER VIII. A Pioneer Missionary i/n Western Pennsylvania. The early days of Jacob Ritter were spent in a humble home near Chambersburg, Pennsyl- vania, where he was born March 28, 1815. Here, under the kind care of a good father and mother, and with plenty of plain food, sunshine, and out- door exercise, he grew to be a strong, bright boy. As a rule, indeed, with scarcely an exception, the pioneer missionaries of America come not from homes of luxury, filled with sunshine and the fragrance of costly flowers, but from homes Early where poverty has made them fa- schooi miliar with the stern realities of Advantages ^yf^ jj.^ paTButs Were Very poor, but, nevertheless, had high ambitions for their son. At the age of twelve years he was placed in the family of his brother-in-law, residing in Ohambersburg, where he was given the privilege of a four years' course in the high school, where he laid the foundation of what was then consid- ered a fair education. When seventeen years of age> young Hitter was converted in the old stone church at Oham- bersburg, where a great revival was in progress. It was near midnight, and but few people re- mained in the house, when suddenly there came 84 United Brethren Home Missionaries a joy into his heart such as he had never before experienced. So clear to him was his acceptance with God that he never thereafter doubted the reality of experimental religion. A few weeks later he united with the Church and at once be- gan religious work. During the same year he was given license to exhort, and though a mere boy, he attracted much attention as a public speaker. We have the following account, from his own pen, of his first sermon : "We were having a great meeting in Green- castle. Brother Glossbrenner was there. He was quite a young man then. Brother Reinhart was also present and assisted in the meetings. Much interest was awakened among the colored people at the sam.e time, and they called on us to give them preaching every night. Brother Glossbren- ner sent me to preach to them. A large number of white people attended. The text selected was, "Behold, I stand at the door and Sermon kuock." Bcforc I went, I prayed to God in my closet that if he wanted me to preach, he should indicate it to me by giv- ing me some converts that night. Although I had been deeply impressed prior to this, yet then and there God blessed me powerfully. There were eleven seekers at the altar and seven con- versions, while many others were made to re- joice." In 1833, a few months later, he attended the conference at Millarsburg, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, where he was given license to preach. At that conference, pressing calls came 85 Our Heroes, or from the mountain regions in the western part of the State, where some of our people had located. In response to these calls, Mr. Eitter was appointed to what was then called Hunting- ton Circuit, although not at this time a properly- organized circuit. The field embraced the larger part of six counties, was about three hundred miles in circumference, with but one small church-house and a class of thirteen members at Bellefonte. A large field, therefore, was opened, in which the boy preacher could test his mettle. Had he not possessed grit and push, he would have given up at the sight of such work. In those days, comparatively little attention was given to the matter of organization or the formation of classes. So absorbed were the mis- sionaries in the work of evangelism that they seldom took time to number Israel. To this work Mr. , Bitter devoted himself with all the ardor of his soul. It was in hannony with his usual sagacity and foresight, which an- An Organizer ticipatcd SO many of the institu- tions and departments of Church work in later times. He went from house to house, talking and praying with those who pro- fessed conversion, and who claimed, after a fashion, to have a membership in the Church, as well as with others whose bias was in our favor. Within six months the boy preacher had col- lected over one hundred names, which he formed into classes and organizations. Later he received others into the Church publicly. During the year he held a camp-meeting on the circuit, 86 United Brethren Home Missionaries which resulted in seventy-five conversions, sixty of whom united with the Ohuirch. Prejudice against the work gradually subsided, and Mr. Eitter went to conference the following year to report a membership on the mission of above two hundred. The territory he then traveled has since developed into eight circuits and six sta- tions. Another new department introduced by Doc- tor Ritter was that of ministerial support. It had been the custom of the early fathers to preach without demanding a salary. As a rule, they had other sources of income. Doctor Ritter gave his entire time to the work and had no other means of support. The Methodist Church was also passing through this same stage of transi- tion. Bishop Asbury preached many years for the small sum of sixty dollars a Work"'""'"' ye^- Doctor Ritter advocated that ministerial support was absolutely essential, and in harmony with the divine plan in the evangelization of the world. It was under protest that he first asked the people for free- will offerings for the support of his work. When introducing those new measures, he manifested a noble Christian spirit and showed great ability in meeting and subduing opposing elements. During the second year of his work on the charge he succeeded in installing stewards at each ap- pointment. For some time following, at several of the appointments, the doors were closed against him on this account, but he continued his work with even greater diligence, preaching in 87 Our Heroes, or private homes and in the open air, where souls were saved and added to the Church at almost every service. Doctor Eitter was also a leading spirit in the pioueer educational work of the Church. He has the distinguished honor of having taken the first definite steps toward the establishment of an Pioneer In iustitutiou of learning. In this Edncationai movemeut he was heartily sup- ^"* ported by Isaiah Potter, J. R. Sitt- man, J. Wallace, I. J. Huber, W. Beighel, and J. B. Ressler. The following resolutions appear in the Alle- gheny Conference Minutes of 1847 : "Resolved, That this conference take into con- sideration the propriety of erecting a literary in- stitution to be located where this conference may direct, for the education of our young people, and that said institution, with all pertaining to it, to be under the direction and control of this conference. (Signed) J. Ritteb." ''Resolved, That this conference now take some efficient measure to carry this project into opera- tion, such as the electing of trustees and an agent who shall travel to solicit funds for the support of said project. ( Signed) I. Pottee." "Resolved, That Brother Jacob Ritter be ap- pointed traveling agent to travel during the present year through the conference district to solicit donations to be appropriated to the build- ing of a literary institution of learning. "(Signed) I. J. Huber." 88 United Brethren Home Missionaries "Resolved, That any minister of our confer- ence who opposes Brother Bitter in the collec- tion of funds for the contemplated institution or exerts aai influence against him, shall be liable to charges. (Signed) I. Potter." Before the adjournment of the conference in which these resolutions were introduced and en- dorsed, and notwithstanding the opposition which was asserted, |1,800 was secured on the conference floor with which to begin the enter- prise. Doctor Ritter has justly won for himself a place among the heroes in the pioneer work of the Church. He served twenty-four years as an itinerant in the mountains of Pennsylvania, where his salary averaged scarcely one hundred dollars a year. The traveling, including thou- sands of miles per year, was done on foot or on horseback. He moved about once nin»ant ^^ ^^^ years, sometimes a distance of one hundred miles in a road wagon. He was the founder of several of the largest and most influential churches in the con- ference. He built the first church in Johnstown, where he found ten members and no class organ- ized. He was placed there as a missionary, the conference appropriating fifteen dollars the first year, after which this small appropriation was withdrawn. Doctor Ritter spared himiself in nothing, but gave himself fully to God. He had a will that was once his Ofwn, but he transferred it to the S9 Our Heroes, or keeping and guidance of the Lord, whose faith- ful servant he was. When he entered the minis- try, he had a good horse and about two hundred dollars in money ; when he located, after twenty- four years of missionary service, all that he had received from the Church and all his own money, even his watch, were gone. He knew the mean- ing of poverty and suffering, his family living on bread and water, potatoes and molasses and garden teas, without a cent of money in the house for weeks at a time. He was a preacher of unusual power, swaying the people by the force of his emotion, eloquence, and earnestness. He was also a most tender and successful pastor. When located where it could be done, he would visit the sick, not only in the town, but would make long journeys in the new mountain territories in order to whisper the mes- sage of salvation into the ears of pattor" *^^ suffering and dying. He was always kindly received and saw many blessed of God on their sick-beds. Indeed, he was considered a master in the art of pastoral visiting. His custom was, after greeting the family, to speak a few words of comfort and en- couragement, probably reading a few verses of scripture, and always invoking the peace of heaven upon the home. On one occasion, when passing through a certain town, he stopped to visit the proprietor of a hotel, a very worldly gentleman. He was kindly received and invited to remain for dinner. Before leaving. Doctor Eitter remarked that it was always his custom to 90 United Brethren Home Missionaries have a few words of prayer on such occasions. The gentleman was manifestly embarrassed by the statement, and said that he had thirteen boarders who were at that time in the barroom, and that he did not know how it would strike them. "Oh," said the preacher, "I will make that all right," and, entering the barroom, he invited them to come in for the service. All were sub- dued by the presence of the man of God and readily consented to his request. Among them was a music-teacher, whom the preacher invited to sing a few verses, after which the minister offered a fervent prayer. All were melted to tears, aad, on leaving, the music-teacher pressed a little paper into the hand of Mr. Ritter, which contained |7.50, remarking that his mother was a praying woman and that the prayer had awak- ened tender memories and had deeply touched his heart. The roads in the mountain district where Mr. Ritter traveled were in bad condition. He writes: "I never stuck in the mud as did Mr. Cartwright, but several times I had to swim my horse across the swollen streams. I put my saddle-pockets over my shoulders. Hardships got up ou my kuces in the saddle, and went over safely. Frequently I slept in garrets covered with clapboards, through which the snow sifted, while the winds blew, and in the morning my bed would be cov- ered with snow and sleet." He was a man of action and would surmount seemingly unsur- mountable difficulties in order to meet his en- 91 Our Heroes, or gagements. During the twenty-four years of his itinerant life he claims to have missed only one appointment, a blinding snowstorm and drifted snow hedging up his way. Doctor Ritter was a close student. For several years he devoted most of his little income to the purchase of books. During the early period of his ministry he secured Fletcher's Notes, Wat- son's Institutes, Brown's Biblical Dictionary, the works of Josephus, and Clark's Commentary. He was an able writer. His productions, both in the Telescope and in book form, A student bear the stamp of scholarship and careful research. He was a wise, far-seeing, and aggressive man ; his schemes were large; his faith was strong, his labors unremit- ting, and he deservedly held a high place in the thought and confidence of his colaborers. In 1850, Doctor Ritter located and moved to Liverpool, Pennsylvania, where he took up the practice of medicine and became eminently suc- cessful as a physician. He then had the misfor- tune to have his home burned, with all of his possessions. His turning away from the ministry became a matter of future regret. Speaking in a conference session some years later, his heart was broken, when he remarked: "Let me here say that although I was literally starved out of the field, yet I have regretted a thousand times that I located. Since that time my sea has been a rough one, and although I still try to preach and heal the sick and often do some good, I hope, in talking and praying with the dying, yet the 92 United Brethren Home Missionaries command, 'Go preach,' seems constantly before me. I speak from a sad experience. Brethren, called of God to the ministry, do not locate." From his final report to his conference, we insert the following : "Brethren of the conference, we have no reason to be discouraged, for it is but a few years since we organized in these mountains, at which time we had to beard the lion and hear the yell of the panther; had but a few members, some two or three circuits, half a meeting-house, R'e"ort ^^^ ^ ^^^ preachers; but, few as they were, they felt their commis- sion written in letters of fire on their hearts, and, under God, we have prospered. We have at pres- ent more than fifty preachers, about thirty meet- ing-houses, twelve circuits, two stations, one mis- sion, about four thousand members, and at present have invitations to the State of New York and in almost every conceivable direction, and to some of the greatest cities of our Union. The Lord who calmed the sea and shook the ocean will make the world know that he is our God and that we are not the least among the nations." On the morning of February 4, 1901, having reached the mature age of eighty-five years, ten months, and six days, this veteran soldier of the Cross was released from service to enter upon his reward in heaven. He died at Liverpool, Pennsylvania^ His body sleeps in the beautiful little cemetery of that mountain town, awaiting the resurrection morning. 93 Our Heroes, or LESSON II. _ Chapter V. 1. What place did John Calvin McNamar occupy in the early development of the denomination? 2. When was he born, and of what nationality was he? 3. Where, and under what circumstances was he converted? 4. Whom was he elected to succeed as Bishop? 5. Of what financial plan was he the author? 6. What can you say of him as a preacher? 7. What can you say of his power with men? 8. Give brief statement of his missionary zeal. 9. What did Eev. George Bonebrake say of him? 10. In what special work was he peculiarly effective? 11. What was Mr. Spayth's tribute to McNamar? 12. When and where did he die? Where was he buried? Chaptee VI. 1 Who were among the first missionaries of north Ohio? 2. What were some of the difficulties of travel? 3. Who was the first missionary in the "Black Swamp"? 4. What can you say of Jacob Baulus prior to his coming to Ohio? 5. When did he reach his frontier home, and what was his first work? 6. Describe the conditions he met in his mission field. 7. Who were some of his first helpers? 8. When was Sandusky Conference organized, and with how many members? 9. What can you say of Jacob Baulus as a builder? 10. To what special things may his Infiuence be attributed? 11. What of his term of service and the spirit of this hero of the Ci-oss? 12. What was his dying testimony? 13. Who is mentioned as one of Mr. Baulus' most helpful eolaborers ? 14. What is said of the work of Stephen Lllebridge? Chapteb VII. 1. What is said of the prominence of William Davis in the history of the Church? 2. When and where was he born, and what was his early training ? 3. When was he converted and when did he begin his ministry ? 94 United Brethren Home Missionaries 4. When was Indiana Conference organized? 5. Describe Mr. Davis as lie started to his first circuit, and the perils of the journey. 6. What happy surprise did his mother and sisters arrange for him on his return? 7. How did he purchase his first "preacher's outfit"? 8. Describe his journey to St. Joseph mission. 9. In what towns in northern Indiana v/as he the first min- ister to preach the gospel? 10. When was Wabash Conference organized? 11. Name some of the trials that came to Mr. Davis during his ministry in north Indiana. 12. What can you say of him as a preacher? 13. What incident is given of his tactful capture of u man? 14. In what different capacities did he serve the Church? 15. What can you say of him as presiding elder and evangelist? Chaptek VIII. 1. When and where was Jacob Hitter born ? 2. What were his early school advantages? 3. When and where was he converted? 4. When did he unite with the conference, and where did he begin his itinerant work? 5. In what kind of work was Doctor Kitter a pioneer? 6. What place does he occupy in the pioneer educational work of the Church? 7. What term of service did he give to missionary work in the mountains of Pennsylvania? 8. What can you say of his sacrifices and struggles with poverty ? 9. What is said of him as a preacher? As a pastor? <10. Describe his visit with the hotel proprietor. 11. What does he say of the difBculties of travel in western Pennsylvania at that time? 12. What is said of Doctor Eitter as a student? 13. Give brief statement of his final report to his conference. 14. What statement did he make near the close of his life? 15. When and where did he die? Where was he buried? CHAPTER IX. A Missionary Hero in the "Western Reserve." Among the many gifted and heroic men who have devoted their lives to the cause of pioneer mission work in the United Brethren Church, none have met with more distinguished success than Alexander Biddle. His paternal grand- father was a native of Hesse-Cassel, Germany, With his three brothers, Peter, Ancestry Thomas, and Andrew, he emigrated to America about the year 1760, settling in the colony of Maryland, from which colony Andrew served with distinction as an offi- cer in the War of the Eevolution. His mother was of English descent, her people having emi- grated from England with the second Lord Balti- more about the year 1647. Alexander Biddle was bom in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, April 24, 1810. When five years of age, his father cut his way through the dense forests into Beaver County, where he moved his family. In that lonely region of pure air and rugged scenery the boy grew to manhood. Thus, at the very outset, he was inducted into the expe- rience of pioneer life. To settle in a new couutry and to go forward in the face of obstacles came natural to him. From his parents he inherited 96 United Brethren Home Missionaries a hardy constitution and the highest principles of independence, industry, and downright hon- esty. His school advantages were very limited. The tuition of an Irish schoolmaster for two winter seasons gave him the rudiments of read- ing, writing, and arithmetic, but in after years he applied himself closely as a student and built up an education of surprising breadth and thorough- ness. Until he was about eighteen years of age, young Biddle gave the matter of religion but little thought. He occasionally attended the serv- ices of the Episcopal Church with his mother, of which she was a member. On a summer evening, in the year 1828, while leisurely walking one of the streets of Pittsburg, he passed a plain church- building in which services were then being held by the colored people. He was attracted within Turning- ^J the loud volce of the minister. Point who was picturing in livid colors In Life ^^^ sufferings of a lost soul. The sermon made a profound impression upon the young man. Indeed, it was the turning-point in his life. While attending a. Methodist camp- meeting some time later, a mighty conviction of sin came upon him, but not until the fourth of October of the following year did he experience the peace of forgiveness, at which time he joined the United Brethren Church, and was baptized in the Ohio Eiver by Rev. Jacob Geisinger. De- scribing his experience, he says: "As we came up out of the water, the glory of God seemed to appear. The sky flamed with supernatural 97 Our Heroes, or brightness; the hills about me were transformed into mountains of gold; the river was as the River of Life, and the trees as the trees of Para- dise. Heaven was opened and in its splendor my soul was bathed." He believed he had seen the King in his beauty, and in the strength of that faith he walked all his days. Mr. Biddle at once began religious work, and at twenty years of age his ability as a preacher was attracting much attention. He joined the Muskingum Conference in 1831, and was licensed to preach by Bishop Henry Kumler, Sr. His first circuit to which he was appointed by that confer- ence covered Harrison, Guernsey, First circntt aud MouToe couuties. It was two hundred miles around, with twenty- four appointments. There being but two little church-buildings in the territory, he held services in private homes, in barns, or in the woods, as seemed best. His father gave him a horse, saddle, and the indispensable saddle-bags, while his mother furnished his wardrobe. His library con- sisted of a Bible and hymn-book. A little later he added Walker's Dictionary and Clark's Com- mentaries. He had a clear, ringing, majestic voice and was a sweet singer; but, above all, he had his marvelous personal experience to tell, and tell it he did with boundless enthusiasm. At the end of the year he reported fifty additions to the Church and a salary of fifty-four dollars. The following year he was appointed to Lisbon Circuit. It was three hundred miles in circum- ference, with twenty-four appointments and no 98 United Brethren Home Missionaries church-houses. Four new societies were formed, out of which grew the Western Reserve Confer- ence. Seventy-two new members were added to the Church during the year, and for his work he received seventy-two dollars. Four years later he was appointed to this same charge, which then included four hundred miles of travel, with forty-nine appointments. James McGraw was appointed to assist in the work. It was a year of marvelous success. A meet- victOTics ^^§ ^^^ ^^^*^ ^^ Beaver County, Pennsylvania, resulting in forty conversions, of whom three became preachers. A wonderful manifestation of power Avas also witnessed at a camp-meeting in Stark County, Ohio. A band of wicked men organized to break up the meeting. McGraw was preaching when the mob appeared. He hesitated for a moment, when Mr. Biddle arose, and, lifting his massive form to its great height, he cried with a mighty voice, "Lord God Almighty, let thy power come." The people responded, "Amen," and come it did. The leader of the mob fell upon the ground, crying for mercy, while his fol- lowers fled, and a harvest of souls was gathered. "In the Western Reserve, distances between settlements were generally great, and the roads very bad — mere paths, made by cutting out the underbrush and marking the trees. As the soil is composed of rich clay and loam, and as much of the country is flat, the roads in all seasons be- came very muddy ; and when half frozen in the spring and fall, our horses suffered extremely. In 99 Our Heroes, or passing across a prairie from one ridge of tim- bered land to aaother, in foggy or snowy weath- er, one was often out of sight of timbered land, and the paths were so dim, especially in snow- storms, that the traveler risked losing his way and perishing of the frost before he could reach a human habitation. To increase the danger, these prairies were frequently covered with wa- ter, and if frozen, but not so as to bear man or beast, both were liable to be wounded by the ice. We had but few bridges and were obliged to ford streams, or to cross the ice. Sometimes we took saddle and saddle-bags toi a canoe and swam the horse by its side; sometimes when unable to get our horses across we went to our appointments afoot rather than disappoint a congregation. Preachers were often lost in the woods. Lemuel Lane was attacked one night by wolves; sticks, clubs, shouts proved ineffectual; he bethought himi of music charming the savage breast; he sang, and the retreating wolves left him to sleep in the snow." These words of a missionary, written in 1832, may give some idea of the diffi- culties encountered by Mr. Biddle on his first mission fields. This veteran hero of the Cross recognized the period from 1837 to 1847, when he served as pre- siding elder, as the golden years of his ministry. They were fruitful of toils, trials, and conflicts and most marvelous victories. In the year 1841 he found a community dominated by a Mr. Dilk, who professed to be God. He was a large man, of most commanding presence, piercing eye, 100 United Brethren Home Missionaries thrilling voice, and overmastering will. In the face of the greatest opposition and threats of injury, Mr. Biddle conducted a meeting in that community, which resulted in com- Bn^^ pletely breaking the power of this false prophet and adding many of his delivered followers to the Church. Return- ing from this triumph, he found his home in ashes and his family homeless and broken- hearted. He rode by the ruins, unmoved, to where his family was stopping, but when his little boy, John, climbed upon his knee and placed his arms about his neck and with sobs said, "Papa, we have no home," the mighty spirit of his father gave way, and, rising from his seat, he turned his face to the wall and wept like a child. But his' poverty and privations were soon forgotten in his purpose to glorify God and save souls — an aim which he con- stantly pursued like a giant of destiny, with no regard for losses, defeats, or obstacles. As a preacher and evangelist, Alexander Biddle stands in the history of the early mis- sionary work of Eastern Ohio without a peer. A few of his triumphs are here given: At the dedication of a church in Rochester, Pennsylvania, seventy were at the altar at one time and over one hundred were added to the church. One of his greatest triumphs came at a camp- meeting held on his father-in-law's farm. It was a veritable Pentecost. On Sunday morning the service began at eight o'clock and confinued 101 Our Heroes, or throughout the entire day. It seemed that noth- ing could stop it. Sinners flocked to the altar, found peace, and went away to bring others. All day and all night the glorious work went on, and not until the new day opened could the preacher stop for rest. The spoils of that day and night were over one hundred souls. Near Canton, Ohio, he began a mission in a new community, and held services in a wagon shop. The first week but little impression seemed to be made, but on the second Sabbath the congregation was mightily moved. The preacher swept everything before the torrent of his eloquence. Thirty-five persons came to the altar during the sermon. The Trin^pLs"" whole community was reformed, a class of seventy-five members or- ganized, and a church-house built. In one year, in his district, one thousand new members were added to the church. He closed his fifteen years of service in the Muskingum Conference with a wonderful revival in Stark County, Ohio, where scores of souls were converted and united with the church. When he joined the confer- ence in 1831, there were three itinerant mem- bers; when he left in 1848, there were twenty- eight ministers and charges. Most of this in- crease is due to his powerful infiuence and work. Thei'e were times when Mr. Biddle and his family were in great want. In 1850 he endorsed notes for friends and was compelled to pay them. One of his children thus speaks of that occasion : 102 United Brethren Home Missionaries "I was in my ninth year when the sheriff came to attach father's property. He asked how many horses we had, how many sheep, and all about his property. Father told him the truth to the letter and gave their probable value. We had some twenty or thirty sheep and mother thought a great deal of them. After the papers had been made out and a neighbor went on his bond for the property, mother said to him, with tears in her eyes, 'Why did you not save out a few of the sheep?' He made no reply." In 1847, Mr. Biddle moved to Crawford County, Ohio, and the following year joined the Sandusky Conference. His distinguished ability and leadership were at once recognized. He represented the conference in the General Con- ferences of 1857, 1861, and 1865. In these gath- erings he always took a prominent part, and on each of these occasions he was prominently spoken of for bishop. He identified himself with every progressive movement of the Church and was a close student of theology and history. He saw his Church changing, but he kept abreast of his age and was always young and receptive. His loyalty to his Church was one of his chief characteristics. He was one of the A Prophet Lord's prophets, who saw 'things that were to be and spoke of them as if already present; hence he was a leader of God's hosts. In the midst of discouragement he was always brave; in counsel, always wise; in service, always ready. His son, an attorney in Fort Scott, Kansas, says: "I never saw father 103 Our Heroes, or weep but twice. One morning, as he was spread- ing the clothing of my mother's death-bed over a pile of stones in the yard, and hanging some on the trees, while her body was in a coffin in the room, I, a boy of nine years old, spoke to him about my mother, and it so affected him that he wept aloud, and caused me to shudder. I could not conceive how so strong a man could give way as he did on that occasion, but it was like tearing an oak-tree out by its roots. On another occasion, father's district as presiding elder was in western Ohio, quite a distance from home, and he was away from' home on each trip nine weeks. This was shortly after my mother's death in 1857, and our house was kept by a housekeeper. When he left us on the first trip, as he bade us good-by, great tears coursed over his cheeks." One of the great occasions of Mr. Biddle's life, showing his power over men, came to him while residing in Gallon, Ohio. One of his parishioners, a railroad engineer, had been killed in a railway collision. When the people began to gather for the funeral, it was apparent that the church would accommodate but a small per cent, of the gathering throng, so he sug- gested that they adjourn to the public square. Using a carriage as his pulpit in the center of the square, he addressed the assembled multi- tudes. He was in good condition, and his great, thrilling voice rang out over the vast throng. The people hung upon his eloquent words for one hour, and began to stir only when he sat 104 United Brethren Home Missionaries down. A prominent attorney wlio was present gives the following descldption : "The square was literally packed with people. Every office Power ^Ji^ every building around the as a square was filled. Every one could Preacher hear him distinctly, and he seemed to speak from inspiration. He held this vast assemblage for one hour. Not one person left, and he had perfect order from the beginning of his discourse to the end." Mr. Biddle was a man of large mold in body and mind, full of vigor and hope. He was fearless, independent, and industrious, positive and progressive. He grew with the people and was always abreast of the foremost ranks of his time. Mr. Biddle was an optimist of the noblest type. He was wholly given up to God and absorbed by his prospects, which constantly ex- panded before his vision. God and the world passed before him ini greatness. He had the divine ability of heart to separate the grandeur of earth from its infirmities, to An Optimist heai* strains of beautiful music rising above its harshest tumult, and thus the road of life was taken up by his great heart and transfigured until it became like Jacob's ladder — a way to heaven. The discipline of life served to broaden and deepen his faith, so that at last he stood as nearly a perfect specimen of fully-rounded char- acter as could be found. He belonged to a class of men who seem to be chosen of Heaven to illus- trate the sublime possibilities of Christian 105 Our Heroes, or attainment — men of seraphic fervor and devo- tion, and whose one overmastering passion is to win souls to Christ and to be holy like him them- selves. Father Biddle retired from active service in 1876, but did not cease to preach until he had passed his eightieth year. He was for sixty- eight years a minister in the United Brethren Church, and at the time of his death was the oldest living preacher in the denominationl The burdens of those years were exceedingly heavy, but his physical endurance kept pace and he had reason to be thankful that he was of the hardy race of American pioneers. On the first of February, 1899, having reached the mature age of eighty-eight years, nine months, and seven days, he exchanged earth for heaven and everlasting life. Awhile before his death he wrote: "I am feeling keenly the bur- den of almost eighty-seven years, but I am en- joying fair health. As to the future, I am living by the day, with a bright prospect IIupL"^ 0* *^« heirship of eternal life. In the quiet of my lonely home, my soul feasts on the riches of divine grace. The time of the sunset has come, and its tints are those of a golden autumn day. The sun is going down without a cloud, and as the earthly is fading out of sight, the heavenly breaks upon my vision and I long to be at home in the bright, eternal day which has no sunset." His body sleeps beside the Biddle Church, a few miles from Gallon, Ohio. 106 CHAPTER X. Leader of the Advance Guard to Oregon. The pioneer missionaries of the Church who opened up to Christiani civilization the great West were a militant force. They have consti- tuted the vanguard of American civilization in its march westward. "The warfare Force"* ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ agalust the untamed forces of nature, but also against the unchecked and undisciplined passions of men. They walked their rough pathway with a firm step that indicated a strong faith and a lofty objective." Their spirit was heroic; ease and earthly reward they sought not. Great is the debt of the nation to those men, and scant the patience we need show toward their critics. Upon the breaking out of the gold excitement in California in 1849, and the establishment of the overland route between the States and the Pacific Coast, the Willamette Valley of Oregon Territory, being of easy access from the mining region, began to fill up rapidly with immi- grants. These early settlements grew more rap- idly on account of the grants of land by the Government to actual settlers. Among those who immigrated to Oregon in those early days _were several United Brethren families. Faithful 107 Our Heroes, or to their Church attachment and feeling the dearth of spiritual instruction in that new and unevangelized country, they began ore^'"" ^ P^®^ through the Telescope that the Church might send them preachers of their own denomination to bring the bread of life to the needy, perishing souls of that then foreign country. In the meantime God was preparing a man in central Indiana to answer the call, in the person of T. J. Connor. He was at this time presid- ing elder of the newly-organized White River Conference. These appeals from far-off Oregon so touched his heart that he came tO' recognize them as a call of God toi him' personally. He was. born near the little village of Colerain, Hamilton County, Ohio, April 6, 1821. About two years later he was taken by his parents, James and Mary Connor, to Franklin County, Indiana. At the age of thirteen he was con- verted and united with the Church. It was under the ministry of Aaron Parmer, whose heroic services in the pioneer work of the Church in Indiana have been an inspiration tO' those who have come after him, that young Connor received his early religious impressions. At that early age he gave evidence of a call to the ministry. Five years later he was given license to preach, and six years later he began his itinierant work in the Indiana Conference. Mr. Connor was married in September, 1838, to Miss Phoebe N. Borden, who became a faith- ful sharer and sympathizer in all his future toils 108 United Brethren Home Missionaries and sacrifices. She, tooi, was impressed with the call from Oregon. One evening in the winter of 1851 they talked the matter over; Answered ^^®^' kneeling in prayer amid sobs, they consecrated themselves anew to God for his service in that far-away field if he wonld open the way. The following day Mr. Connor wrote a little article which was published in one of the Church periodicals, advocating the opening of this new mission and volunteering to go as a missionary if the Church so desired. Within a short time he was invited to attend a missionary conference at Canal Winchester, Ohio. During the meeting he delivered an address of great power which stirred the hearts of all present. Many spoke of it as the greatest missionary address to which they had ever listened. Dr. L. Davis, in a few well-chosen words, appealed to the audience for an offering, and in a few moments five hundred dollars were secured for work in Oregon. In January, 1852, Mr. Connor was appointed missionary to Oregon, with the recommendation that he organize a colony to go with him, and that he go out in 1853. On learning of his ap- pointment, he wrote: "The recollections of eighteen years of delightful and intimate asso- ciation with the Church in Indiana about to be broken up, and the difficulties, dangers, and pri- vations of the journey, and last, but not least, the responsibilities of the mission ran through my mind like electric flashes, which for a time 109 Our Heroes, or well nigh overwhelmed me and prompted the in- voluntary exclamation, "Lord, who is sufficient for these things?" He at once began the preparation for the jour- ney, recommending that a colony of from thirty to forty families be induced to immigrate, which would form the nucleus of a circuit ; then a con- ference; afterwards many conferences on the Pacific Coast. Plans for the colony now began Fi-eparatien ^^ take shape. Couucil Bluffs was for the named as the meeting-place, and jonrney ^p^.j gQ , 1853, was determined upon as the date for leaving. Mr. Connor left his home at Hartsville, Indiana, February 4, for Cincinnati, Ohio, from which place he went by boat to Keokuk, Iowa, arriving March 24, and before the meeting of the Board of Missions he was far on his journey toward the mission field. On his arrival at Keokuk he met with his first discouragement. A gentleman who had promised to have his teams in readiness in order that they might proceed by wagon to Council Bluffs, had disappointed him and declined to go with him, which placed Mr. Connor in a very trying and embarrassing position. But he could not be de- feated, because he did not doubt God's plan con- cerning his future work. He at once began to Early arrange his own outfit, and after DiBconrase- ten days' arduous work started on "*"** his journey to Council Bluffs. At some point on the way he was detained three days by constant rain and high water. At an- other point his teamster received a severe wound 110 United Brethren Home Missionaries by an unfortunate stroke of an ax, which dis- abled him for further service. On that morning, April 16, he writes: "This is surely a dark day for us. I am entirely destitute of help, with the care and management of four yoke of cattle and two horses on my hands. But, although our way seems hedged up and the prospect rather gloomy, I feel confident that all is right." On May 2 he reached Council Bluffs, where he found sixteen families in waiting. Four besides himself were ministers, in all about ninety-eight persons, among whom was his faithful associate and sharer in his toils and triumphs in his mis- sionary work, Mr. J. Kenoyer. Three days later, when ready to start on the long journey fraught with constant hardship and peril, he writes : "It is with long and lingering looks and thoughts of former days that we leave the settle- ments behind us. Before us are the much dreaded plains and mountain heights inhabited only by poor savages. May the God of Israel direct our steps." No missionary of the Cross ever faced a more heroic undertaking. It involved greater hard- ships than would a journey to-day to the re- motest corners of the earth. The difficulties of the journey will be appreciated if it is borne in mind that the missionary party were all stran- periis E^^^ i^ ^^^ country, that there was o« *i«e no well-defined road, and fre- ^^^ quently not even a trail or a track, except that of the buffalo. When Doctor Whit- man and Mr. Spaulding were sent out by the 111 Our Heroes, or American Board in 1836, and were arranging to have their wives accompany them, the first white women that ever crossed the continent, an Indian artist in Pittsburg said, "You might per- haps get through yourselves, but you can never get the women through ; they will be kidnaped." Mr. Connor, being a man of actions rather than speech, did not write a detailed account of the journey. On June 17 he writes: "We have reached Fort Laramie, on the Platte Eiver. Company all well. Travel on the plains, though laborious and perilous, is n|ot entirely destitute of interest. The scenery is most delightful ; the Indians are numerous." Two months later he writes: "We are now fifty miles east of Grand Rounds, 260 miles from the Dalles, and about 220 miles from Oregon City. We have suffered much from thirst, hunger, and storms, which sometimes threatened our lives. Our teams are so far reduced that we shall not be able to pass the Cascades without buying more. Completed ^"^ progress has been slow, our trials great, but the God of Israel has been with us and mercifully protected us." On October 9 he reports the following from Maysville, Oregon : "We have accomplished our long and perilous journey. Our company was blessed with health except my wife, who was taken seiriously ill September 10, and for some eight days was apparently at the point of death. We reached the Dalles of Columbia on the 19th of September, and, owing to the affliction of my wife, James Edwaa-ds and myself decided to go 112 United Brethren Home Missionaries tla.e rest of the way by water. The other members of the company preferred crossing the moun- tains, and hence our little consecrated band was broken after having stuck together and shared each others' joys and sorrows through the long trip thus far. Brother Berthands came out to meet us some twenty miles east of the Cascades, bringing with him a fine, fat ox for beef and a fresh yoke of work cattle, which afforded Brother Kenoyer much-needed assistance." "On the 26th, Brother Edwards and myself, with our families and effects, reached the settle- ments in the long-sought Willamette Valley. Here we arrived six months and eighteen days from the time we left our pleasant homes in Indiana. Five months and twenty-eight days from the time we left Council Bluffs." It had been the purpose of the missionaries to start a United Brethren colony, but they soon found that this would be impracticable, as they could not find desirable unoccupied land in suffi- ciently large bodies to do so, so they scattered about in the Willamette, which M^as very much better, from the standpoint of a missionary en- terprise, than the colonial scheme; each family became a nucleus for a United Brethren society. Mr. Connor, who was appointed by the Board of Missions to superintend the work, at once began his missionary tours, assists! by Mr. J. Kenoyer. They at first spent about three months looking up United Brethren people. They traveled extensively through the wild sec- tion of the Willamette and Umpqua valleys. 113 Our Heroes, or The first quarterly conference was organized in May, 1854. It was a delightful service. More than a year had passed since they had enjoyed such a privilege. At this meeting a number of souls were converted and ten were added to the Church. The offerings amounted to eighty dol- lars. The work was then divided into two dis- tricts, each embracing an area of about three thousand square miles. The northern district, in charge of Kenoyer, was named Yam Hill. The southern district was named Willamette. This territory was constantly enlarged Then— Now durlug the year. At this time Ore- gon Territory, including Washing- ton and Idaho, contained about twenty thousand white people. Now the State has a population of at least one million people. Sixty years ago the Indian population was probably about one hundred thousand; now it is less than twenty thousand. The people then lived in small log cabins with an earth floor and a roof made of pine boughs. In place of glass windows, cotton cloth was used. They seldom used chairs. Four stakes driven in the ground and covered with rough boards made their table. All cooking was done over an open fire. They had no matches, but obtained their fire by flint and steel. Mr. Connor and the three ministers accom- panying him have the honor of being the first United Brethren preachers to bear the gospel message to the people of this new and undevel- oped country of such marvelous possibilities. In a letter dated July, 1854, he says: "Our work 114 United Brethren Home Missionaries is, in some respects, hard and attended with peculiar trials, and in our travels E^Z^tcLa through the country, instead of meeting smiling faces and welcome greetings of brethren beloved, it is often a cold reception of strangers from whom we have to beg the privilege of preaching in their homes. We do not present this as a complaint, neither are the tears, which interrupt me in penning these lines, tears of rebellion." The home of this hero of the Cross, as far as he had a home, was at Oorvallis. He writes from there, March 14, 1885 : "We have an interesting Bible class, and expect ere long to erect a house of worship at this place. Many calls come tO' us from a distance to which we cannot possibly re- spond. I know not how to supply these wide- spreading, extensive fields. We n^d help, both of men and means. Frequently we labor for days in succession single-handed, preaching, exhort- ing, singing, and praying with mourners until compelled to desist. We sometimes think of our ministerial brethren in the East, a few of whom are comparatively idle. Gould they be with us one month, though they might have to^ ride all day and at night wrap themselves in a blanket and lie down under the open sky to sleep, yet with all these privations and hardships they could not be induced to exchange it for that deadly inactivity in which some of them are dragging out their unhappy existence." On August 30, 1855, four ministers met in Lynn County, Oregon Territory, and organized 115 Our Heroes, or the Oregon Conference. Rev. Mr. Connor was elected to preside. A membership of 235 was re- ported scattered over the territory of seven counties. These results were most Conference gratifvinff wheu the conditions of Organized » .; o the country were taken mtO' ac- count. Much time was spent by the missionaries in making explorations. The following year an increase of 180 members and many new appoint- ments were reported. During that year they passed through the horrors and excitement of an Indian war. Only a few years before, the hor- rible massacre of Doctor Whitman and his noble band of fourteen missionaries occurred. But in the face of this gireat danger, Mr. Connor and his heroic helpers kept up their appointments and went on with their regular work. In 1857 he returned East to attend a session of the General Conference. Part of his mission was to interest the Church in the work and to secure, if possible, more laborers to ^^l assist him. His visit was very gratifying to the Church and quite satisfactory to himself. His appeals for Oregon, based upon the actual needs of the people, as well as the future outlook of the country, were most effective. In July of the same year he started on his re- turn voyage from New York, but little account of which is given. He writes from Portland, August 6: "At six o'clock this morning we landed at Portland. We had rather a tedious voyage, but in the main a pleasant one. We 116 United Brethren Home Missionaries touched at Eangston, on the Island of Jamaica, tarried one night at Aspenwall, reached San Francisco on the 31st, and shipped for Oregon. Health has been good except seasickness." In 1874, Mr. Connor was compelled to retire from active work on account of failing health. The following year he returned to his native State, Indiana, where he spent the closing years of his long and useful life. He died at Greens- burg, Indiana, on the second day of June, 1898, at the age of seventy-eight years. The bravery and unselfish devotion of this hero of the Cross, with his unstinted missionary labors, is a rich legacy. After six months of trials, perils, and privations, recorded only by the angels, the journey of three thousand miles over hot and dreary plains and through danger- ous mountain passes was accomplished, and the courageous pioneer in due time laid the founda- tions of our work in Oregon and the extreme northwestern section of the United States. The high esteeon in which this servant of God was held by his brethren in Oregon, is evinced in the fact that he was elected to preside over every session of their conference from the time of its organization in 1855 until the visit of the regu- lar bishop in 1864. He is describe! by Bishop Edwards as "about medium size, light complex- ion, with a countenance expressive of decision, firmness, purity, and intelligence. His erect form, sober, pious face, and his earnest, devo- tional spirit, gave him the appearance of supe- rior sanctity and dignity." 117 CHAPTBE XI. First Missionary to Michigan. The subject of this sketch was born in Eliza- bethtown, Canada, September 23, 1814. His father was a Quaker by birthright, and his mother was a devout Methodist — a woman of rare gifts, of strong character, and of intense piety. Throughout his boyhood he Farcntage was surrouuded by the most help- ful and inspiring of precepts and examples. To the tactful and careful guidance of a Christian moither, the achievements of his life are largely due. Her love, sympathy, and prayer were his guiding star. At the age of seventeen, young Lee was con- verted at a camp-meeting not far from his home, and united with the Methodist Episcopal Church. His brother Alfred, a few years his senior, was also converted at the same meeting. These boys would go to a schoolhouse on the corner of their father's farm, and alone hold prayer-meetings. One evening, a gentleman of Beginniiis ^^^ commuuity passing by, saw a Rciisioas light in the schoolhouse, and, look- in to see what was going on, . he observed the boys engaged in a prayer service. At the close of the meeting he heard them 118 United Brethren Home Missionaries agree to meet there againi in one week from that date. The gentleman was not a Christian, and, thinking he would surprise the boys and so in- timidate them that they would abandon their services, he spread the news among his irre- ligious acquaintances and had the house filled at the next meeting ; but, to the surprise of all, the services went on as usual. These meetings were continued and resulted in the salvation, of many souls and the building of a church in that com- munity. Soon after his conversion, Mr. Lee was called to the ministry, but reluctantly made known his impressions, because of his timid and retiring disposition and the fact that his educational advantages up until that time were very limited. His father also sought to discourage him. About this time young Lee was called upon by his pas- tor to announce a hymn and pray at the close of a service, and while doing so, the Exhort ** minister slipped a paper into his pocket. On examination he found it Avas a license from the quarterly conference to exhort. He then passed through a period of struggle and doubt as the result of his disobe- dience. This rebellion, he said later in life, almost ruined him. At the age of twenty-one he left Canada and moved to Ohio, settling a few miles north of Bucyrus, where he was engaged for a year or more in teaching. In the meantime, he was united in marriage with Miss Harriet 0. Parme- lee. Later they both attended a classical sem- 119 Our Heroes, or inary at Norwalk, of which Dr. Edward Thomp- son, who subsequently became president of Ohio Wesleyan University, was the prin- schooi cipal. He was a warm friend of Mr. Lee, and did much to aid him in completing his course of study in that institu- tion. Near the close of his course in the sem- inary he had the great misfortune to lose his little home, with all his earthly goods, by fire. In the mnter of 1845-46, he was teaching school in a neighborhood where but few pro- fessed Christianity. It was his custom to open the school by reading a scripture lesson and offering a prayer. One morning when he arose from his knees, he observed a number of the older scholars weeping. He went to them to find out what was the matter. They answered that they wanted himi to pray for them; so he prayed again and others joined. He tried the third time to take up school work, but could not, so they had meeting all day and preaching that night. A great revival followed, resulting in sixty conversions. About this time, a United Brethren Discipline came to the hands of Mr. Lee, who was at once Changed impressed with its directness, sim- churcb plicity, and fervency, both in rela- tion to its statement of doctrine and of church government. After much prayer and thought he fully made up his mind to change his church relations, which he did a lit- tle while later. In 1848 he joined the Sandusky Conference 120 United Brethren Home Missionaries and was appointed to "Bean Greek Circuit," near the Michigan State line. With his wife and four children he started in a one-horse buggy for his field of labor. His oldest daughter, then quite young, thus relates her memory of the journey: "We had, oh, such a time! The mud was deep, and the last few miles the ground seemed to be covered with water. It was wade circuit ^^^ splash all the time. A few days after reaching our destination we all took the ague, and a good deal of the time we could hardly carry water enough to drink, as we had to carry it a quarter of a mile." The circuit was large and Mr. Lee had to be away from home most of the time. There were times during the year when the family was really in destitute cir- cumstances. One morning Mr. Lee was on his horse to leave for one of his farthest appoint- ments, when his wife told him there was nothing in the house with which to get another meal. He wanted to go and borrow something, but she said, "NO' ; if it is your duty to preach, some way will be provided," so he turned away with a heavy heart for a two weeks' journey. About eleven o'clock the same day, Mrs Lee heard a rap at the door. She answered the call and found a woman on horseback with a big basket in front of her and a sa^ck of flour behind her. In the basket she had potatoes, meat, sugar, tea, and other good things. At another time he was about to start on a tour to be absent for several weeks. The family had a good breakfast together, but it took all the 121 Our Heroes, or provisions that were in the house. When, Mr. Lee learned this, he was greatly troubled. After a few moments' thought, he read a lesson from the Bible and then very fervently prayed for direction. Presenting the case to the Lord, he said : "I cannot leave my family to Varied starve. We have no food, no money. Trials ' " If it be thy will that I go on this journey to preach thy word, and to try to build up thy church, open the way. Provide for the family necessities." Just as the prayer was ended there was a knock at the door, and a boy had come with a load of provisions. The father then read from the sixth chapter of Matthew, emphasizing the eighth verse, after which the family knelt together again and offered a prayer of thanksgiving. The father then started on his long journey. Near the close of the conference year a gentle- man by the name of Reynolds, residing in Michigan, having heard of Mr. Lee, came to visit him with a special request that he come into their community and hold a meeting, Mr. Lee responded to the call and was much en- couraged with the r-esults of the meeting. He reported this visit to the conference, and, to his surprise, he was appointed by the conference to open a mission in this new field. At that time First u. B. ^^^ Church had no missionary so- missionary ciety, but the members of the con- inMicMgan f^rence pledged fifty dollars, and with this amount the work was started. Mr. Lee was, therefore, the first United Brethren minis- 122 United Brethren Home Missionaries ter to enter the State of Michigan as a resident. Teams were sent to move Mm, and on the day that Zachariah Taylor was elected President of the United States, this hero of the Cross, with his noble family, reached his Michigan home in the midst of a great snowstorm. He at once went ahout the work of organizing classes and making missionary excursions. The hardships and privations endured during this period of his history are set forth by his daughter in the following words : "We had a struggle to live. We did not have cake or pie in the house for over a year, and father would not eat them, when aAvay from home, because he knew we could not have them at home. Oh, but those were dark days ! We were sick a good deal. In August of that year a great sorrow fell upon our home in the death of our darling baby brother, Adelbert Lawrence." Mr. Lee was fearless and courageous in the face of opposition. On one of his prospecting tours he met a gentleman who invited him to preach in his community and to make his home a stopping-place. This involved quite a distance of additional travel. On reaching the community he was informed that the gentleman whose invi- tation he had accepted had been in the habit of inviting ministers to his community and then by controversy and ridicule drive them away. Sir. Lee stated, "The appointment is made and I ex- pect to fill it." After retirinig for prayer that God would direct him, he found his way to the little log schoolhouse where he had been an- 123 Our Heroes, or nounced to preach. He found the gentleman seated on the platform with slate and pencil in hand, and as the sermon went on he began to take notes and record his criti- An Incident cisms. Presently, he laid down his slate and began to weep. At the close of the sermon he rose and confessed his wrongdoing before the people and proposed to live a better life, and, appealing to the audience, asked if any one would join him in the resolu- tion. Several responded and the meeting closed. Four weeks later the preacher was there again, but learned that this man, whose name was Sutherland, had thrown off all his good impres- sions and would antagonize him. Early in the services Sutherland entered the room defiantly and seated himself by the side of the preacher on the platform. At the close of the sermon he arose and with sarcasm sought to frighten the preacher and destroy his work. When he was through with the harangue, Mr. Lee rose and said, "Mr. Sutherland, by the grace of God, I mean to whip you to-night," not meaning, of course, any i)er- sonal violence. Sutherland sprang to his feet, smote his fists together, and said: "That's it. Now we are in for it." A stout Irishman, fearing that he might do the preacher personal injury, stepped up and seated himself near to protect the preacher. Mr. Lee told the people how he and Sutherland had first met, reciting his previous treatment of other men and thereby pre- venting the people of the settlement from enjoy- ing the privileges of church and worship. He 124. United Brethren Home Missionaries branded it as the basest hypocrisy and ingrati- tude. Then, appealing to the audience, he cried out : "Do you intend to endure such c^nr'ase'ou"* treatment? Do you intend to let this man control your community and abuse and drive away those who would bring you the gospel?" The people shouted, "No, no." "Then," said the preacher, "rise above him and let him know that you will no longer submit to such things." The service closed. Sutherland went to his home, passed a restless night, rose early the following morning and went to his sawmill and hung himself, but his engineer came in time to release him and save his life. He lived two years after that. When dying, he was visited by a young minister, who asked the privilege of praying for him. He answered, "No, it will be of no avail." Then he referred to the meeting of two years before, when he grieved the Holy Spirit, and was thereafter absolutely aban- doned. During the second year of Mr. Lee's ministry in Michigan he went into Jackson County to open up work. The first tour covered a period of seven weeks, during which time he was not able to communicate with his family. In the meantime his little daughter Emma, whom he almost idolized, was taken away. During the journey he lost his valuable horse ^tr*." and had no means at the time to Trials purchase another. The way now seemed very dark. He was among strangers, without money or means of travel, but in a very 125 Our Heroes, or definite way God turned the hearts of the people toward him as in the case of the great apostle after his shipwreck. In a little time he was pro- vided with another horse, and the closing months of the year were blessed with gracious revivals of religion and many additions to the Church. In a certain community, noted for its wicked- ness and opposition to missionary work, Mr. Lee manifested great courage and had what would seem to be hairbreadth escapes from losing his life. He was to preach in a place one night, when some one had placed a large block of wood just behind the desk, heavily charged with powder and with a fuse attached. Mr. Lee being called in another direction tO' attend a funeral, secured a local preacher to fill the appointment. While the opening prayer was being offered, the explosion came. The stick of wood went up through the roof and no one was hurt. The house was full of people. The meet- ing proceeded as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. A little while later some straw and dry wood were piled against the preacher's barn and set on fire. The barn was blackened for several feet, but the boards did not get charred and the fire went out. The EsXrs missionary's statement was, "The Lord quenched the fire." Follow- ing this a few weeks, a stranger called to stay over night, wanting to resume his journey very early in the morning. Mrs. Lee went to the well for water and noticed a white dust on the inside 126 United Brethren Home Missionaries of the curb, and some of the powder floating on the M^ater. She did not use it, but went to a spring some distance away to get water for brealtfast. Mr. Lee went to the class-leader the following day, and they two took of the powder, which was very abundant, and had it analyzed by two different chemists, each of whom pro- nounced it arsenic. The class-leader cleaned the well and nothing was said about it in the neigh- borhood. About ten years later a man in the community, after losing his wife, daughter, and property, and when under the hand of sore afflic- tion, confessed that he had been guilty of these several sinful acts. He suffered greatly and "could not die," he said, "until he had confessed these crimes." After sixteen years of heroic service, Mr. Lee's health broke down. His labors extended over the Ohio border north into Isa.bella County, up into the pine regions. Out of the work he opened up in Michigan and to which he gave his best years, have been developed all our work in that State. In the year of 1865 Mr. Lee returned to Ohio, residing for a time in Westerville, then in Gallon, afterward in Elmwood, Illinois, where he died January 11, 1874, and where his body sleeps, awaiting the resurrection. A very happy incident occurred eleven days before his death, which was a fitting prelude to his entrance upon his heavenly reward. It was the occasion of a family reunion planned by his children. The day was indeed "very much like lieaven," as the father described it; but late in 127 Our Heroes, or the day lie felt his strength giving way, and so informed the family. That night he had what he called "a vision of heaven." It vfslon"^'^ so enraptured him that he rejoiced with exceeding joy. The venerable servant of God then began to view death as God views it, and, instead of shrinking from it as many do, he rejoiced in the prospect of entering upon the heavenly glory which had opened to his vision. Ministers of the town and community called in turn to hear him tell the story. It was eleven days before his departure. The day before his death, seeing his family in tears, he said : "Now, I don't want any of you to weep; I want all to be calm and quiet. I think the change has about come. There is noth- ing to fear. That God who has been my support in the past is still the same. I feel that all is well." 128 CHAPTEK XII. First Missionary to Tennessee. The name of John Ruebush deserves a place in the splendid list of heroes who distinguished themselves in the pioneer missionary work of Place the denomination. There have Among the been men who could more success- fully carry on work once started, and by patient, long-continued effort enlarge and extend that work, but few have there been who were more enthusiastic, more untiring, more courageous, or more successful in prepar- ing the way by opening new and unknown fields than he. John Euebush was born in Augusta County, Virginia, in 1816. His parents were sturdy, stanch, upright people of German descent. The environment and discipline of his early life were such as to develop rugged qualities of character and fit him for a brave and strenuous career. His religious life dates from 1834, when he was converted and joined the United Brethren Church. His call to the ministry immediately followed, and within the same year he was given quarterly conference license to preach. In 1841 he joined the Virginia Conference and was assigned tO' a circuit in Frederick County, 129 Our Heroes, or Maryland, which he served with marked suc- cess for two yea,rs. His second pastorate was in Washington County, Maryland, where his Beginning work as an evangelist was most Work as an fruitful. Some yet live to bless Itinerant j^.^ jjjgjjjQj,y ^^^fy Were led to Christ during the early years of his ministry. In 1844 he traveled in West Virginia, where he assisted in opening up new work in the remote mountain regions of that State. At the conference of 1850, which convened near his home in Augusta County, Virginia, he was elected presiding elder. His administration was characterized by aggres- sive missionary work. The boundary lines of his mountain district were pressed westward until they included territory now occupied by the West Virginia Conference. Mr. Euebush was a born leader. It required neither time nor study to recognize the man of startling mental energy, of aggressive will, independent, fearless, a man of large horizon and of bold enterprises ; yet be- neath this exuberance of rugged, physical, and intellectual activity it was easy to discover an intense devotion to his beliefs and a complete abandonment of himself to the work and pur- pose of his life. In 1856, when the Virginia Conference de- cided to open a mission in East Tennessee, the thought turned instinctively to Tennr^cT *" ^^^- I^T^ebush as the logical leader in the new enterprise. By appoint- ment of the conference, on the first Monday in April he left his fathetr's house for the mission, 130 United Brethren Home Missionaries taking with him his young wife and little son in a buggy. After a journey of two weeks or more, he reached the territory to which he had been assigned. He began at once to search for members of the Church who had moved out from Virginia. In his first report he says: "I have found thirteen members scattered over a large territory. I have preached at a number of appointments, introducing the Church. My con- gregations are very large and attentive. At this time I have my work arranged in the form of a three weeks' mission circuit. Last Sabbath I preached in the woods to a large congregation; in the afternoon at a Methodist church, but the people could not all get in the house." His work at this time was mainly in Washing- ton, Green, and Johnson counties. As he had no houses of worship, he must find places wher- ever he could — ^in schoolhouses, in private homes, or in the woods. His ability as a preacher and his success in the work created jealousy that closed the doors of preaching- houses of other denominations to him. Under those circumstances he was not discouraged, but his custom was to gather his congregation in the groves, where he loved to preach Groves** '" ^^^ gospcl. Hc was advised on one occasion to leave the country or to suffer personal violence, but he was marked by a faith and courage which feared no man. He has recorded in a letter how his heart was filled with love, his eyes with tears, and his mouth with arguments, as he stood, on one of these 131 Our Heroes, or occasions, looking into the faces of the rabble. Like Socrates and Paul, he bore the persecu- tions of the multitude, fearing not what man might do unto him. There were days when Mr. Ruebush would spend as many as eight hours in public worship. When doors were bolted against him, he would lead his audience into the groves and there preach as eloquently as though he were occupying a cathedral. In December, 1856, he writes: "I never felt as well satisfied that I was where God wanted me to work as I have since I am on this mission. My congregations are large and very attentive. I have more calls than three men can fill. We feel the need of church-houses of our own. I have been preaching in some of the schoolhouses belonging to the county, but they will not accom- modate the people. When it is not too cold, I preach out of doors. Many of these houses have neither stoves nor fireplaces in them. I fear we will be hindered this winter. May I express the hope that some of our Virginia and Maryland brethren with whom I have served for fifteen years will see if they have not something to spare to help us build a church in Tennessee?" At one place, a man who was an avowed enemy to Christianity, in order to defeat Mr. Ruebush in his purpose to conduct services in the community, took up the floor opposition ^j ^j^g schoolhouse. But it took Conqnerea more than this to' defeat the coura- geous missionary. He stood on the doorstep and preached with more than usual power. At the 132 United Brethren Home Missionaries conclusion of the sermon a dozen or more people were kneeling in prayer. Among them- was the wife of the man who was bitterly opposing the work. During the same day he sought a confer- ence with Mr. Ruebush, when he apologized and, in tears, asked not only his forgiveness but his prayers, and invited him to hold sem^ices in his own home. A great revival followed, and the first United Brethren church in the State was subsequently built in this community. It was during this meeting that the following remark- able incident occurred: A few persons cove- nanted to pray for the conversion pialTe/ "' ^^ ^ family in the neighborhood that carried on a distillery. With- in one week from the time the prayer circle was formed, every member of the family was con- verted, and within another week the old distil- lery was torn down. The name of this family was Peters. One of the sons, t/ohn Peters, subsequently entered the ministr-y and served the Church as an honored minister for twenty years or more. October 25, 1857, after having been in charge of the mission for twelve months, he made the following report from Washington County, Ten- nessee: "I devote all my time to the mission; I have eleven appointments. The amount thus far paid on salary is |15.82. The ministers of other denominations receive small sums, but the brethren seem willing to do what they can. We held our quarterly conference and appointed a board of trustees to secure grounds on which to 133 Our Heroes, or erect a churcli and also toi take steps to hold camp-meetings. Sabbath morning we had a love feast. When preaching hour arrived, the house, though a large brick structure, could not con- tain more than half the people. The doors, win- dows, and aisles were filled. Some old-fashioned shouting occurred during the services." Much opposition was created against Mr. Eue- bush and his work by an editorial that ap- peared in the "Knoxville Whig" in the summer of 1858, in which the writer sought to prejudice the people against this noble man of God by Opposition asserting that he hailed from Ohio, Kno™viue ^^^ ^^® Circulating literature det- whiB rimental to the interests of the citizens of the State. In answer to these misrep- resentations of the Knoxville paper, John Law- rence, editor of the Religious Telescope, wrote a vigorous article in which he said : "The editor of the Whig is alarmed at the success of our faithful missionary in bringing souls to Christ, and is anxious to hedge up his way or drive him from the field by raising the cry of 'Wolf ! wolf !' Rev. John Ruebush does not hail from Dayton, Ohio, as his assailant says. He was never, to our knowledge, in Dayton. He was born, reared, and licensed to preach in Virginia, and in Vir- ginia he has preached for fifteen years. United Brethren missionaries never raise insurrections, and never circulate incendiary documents. We defy the Whig, its correspondent, and the rest of mankind to produce a single instance of the kind." 134 United Brethren Home Missionaries How mucli injury this persecution did Mr, Ruebush by hedging up his work, we do not know. He fearlessly continued his work, clearly and boldly declaring the principles of the Bible and the doctrines of the Church, ignoring the vituperation of the Knoxville Whig .and the jeers and taunts of others. In a letter written about this time he says : "I have preached about four times a week and part of the time attended tAvo weekly prayer-meetings. I have fourteen appointments, four classes, and have received into the Church sixty-six members. We are now engaged in building the first United Brethren church-house in the State of Tennessee." In the year 1859, Bishop Glossbrenner visited him and conducted the dedicatory services of the church. From his account of the visit, pub- lished in the Telescope, we give the following extracts: "The Brethren have built a neat and comfortable chapel; it is out of debt. Brother Ruebush has something in the treasury for another church. When I arrived, the services had begun. Some of the brethren Ded'cated ^^^ brought their families to the meeting in their wagons, and were tenting on the ground about the church. During the services of the day twenty-five persons pro- fessed conversion. Brother Ruebush has had hard work as a missionary, but he has not labored in vain. The singing, praying, and preaching he has done would almost kill two ordinary men. He should have help imme- diately. At least two more missionaries are 135 Our Heroes, or needed. A more kind and hospitable people I never met." In the year 1860, on the eve of the breaking out of the Civil War, Mr. Ruebush found the difficulties in his work increasing. He found himself facing the turbulent times which so greatly interfered with all church work in that section. For a time, however, he preached with his usual freedom, but later he was compelled to confine his labors to the rural community in which he resided, and finally felt it necessary to Work abandon the field and seek work in remporariiy auother section. In speaking of Abandoned ^-^^^^ troublous times he said: "These were months in which there were many trying experiences, narrow escapes, privations, fatigues, exposures, and financial losses." But even amid these difficulties he said: "As soon as the war is over there will be a ripe harvest- field for the United Brethren Church in East Tennessee." These words were prophetic. A membership of five thousand in Tennessee, Geor- gia, and Louisiana is now reported as the out- growth of his work. At the close of the war Mr. Euebush resumed his labors in Tennessee. The questions that for years had disturbed the peace of the State Avere now forever settled. He found not Work only a state of religious destitu- tion, but the people were really suffering from want of bread and clothing. D. A. Beauchamp, who had been sent from Indiana to aid in the work, gives the following descrip- 136 United Brethren Home Missionaries tion in a letter to the Telescope under date of December 5, 1866: "From what my eyes have seen, and from what I have learned since being here, I am led to believe that had we, in many parts of Indiana, that to contend with which they have had here, many of us would have left our homes and lands and gone into the army to save our lives, or else we would have settled in dens and caves of the earth, as did hundreds here." The Tennessee Conference was organized by Bishop Glossbrenner, November 22, 1866. Three ministers were present — J. Euebush, A. G. Evans, and D. A. Beauchamp. At this confer- ence Enos Keezel and E. J. Bishop received license to preach; 209 members were reported, 18 Telescopes taken, five Sunday organ'tler schools Organized, with 31 teachers and 206 scholars. Mr. Ruebush was elected presiding elder. The following year a gain of 106 was reported in the membership, making a total of 315. Having laid what seemed to him a good foun- dation for a permanent work, Mr. Ruebush had a desire to return to his old conference, where he might spend the closing days of his life with the friends and amid the scenes of his childhood and young manhood. In October, 1869, he took a transfer to Virginia Conference, where he served most efficiently either as pastor or as pre- siding elder during the remainder of his life. His devoted wife died at Keedysville, Mary- land, in March, 1878. She had been a faithful 137 Our Heroes, or helper and sharer with her husband in the hard- ships and privations of his missionary life and work. From this great sorrow, "Uncle John," as he was familiarly known, never fully recov- ered. Three years later he, too, Death entered upon his heavenly reward. In the fall of 1881 he baptized some persons by immersion, and, riding home, a distance of three miles, without change of cloth- ing, he took that fatal disease, pneumonia, and died at Leitersburg, Maryland, December 16, 1881. He was buried by the side of his wife in the beautiful resting-place of the dead at Keedysville, Maryland. Mr. Ruebush was a strong preacher and a most successful evaaigelist, being frequently spoken of as "the Moody of Virginia Confer- ence." The spell of his voice was wonderful, and not less wonderful its range of power. He was a master in illustrating great truths, which, with his earnest application, forced conviction to the minds and hearts of his hearers. Many yet live who were won to Christ by his ministry, while many more have passed over the river. 138 United Brethren Home Missionaries LESSON ill. Chapter IX. 1. When was Alexander Biddle born? 2. What is said of his ancestry? 3. What were his early school advantages? What of his later education ? 4. When and where did his religious life begin? 5. By whom was he baptized, and what was his experience? 6. When did he begin the ministry? In what conference? 7. Describe his first circuit and his ministerial outfit. 8. Give some of his experiences on Lisbon Circuit. 9. How was the mob defeated at the camp-meeting in Stark County? ' 10. What trials came to him in 1841 and 1850? 11. Name some of his triumphs in evangelistic work. 12. What had been the growth of the Muskingum Conference during his fifteen years of service? 13. When did he unite with the Sandusky Conference? 14. What is your estimate of Alexander Biddle and his service to the Church? Chaptbb X. 1. What is said of the pioneer missionaries in the opening paragraph of this chapter? 2. What followed the breaking out of the gold excitement in California in 1849? 3. What led to the opening up of United Brethren missionary work In Oregon? 4. Give circumstances leading up to Mr. Connor's appoint- ment to that field. 5. When was he appointed, and with what recommendation? 6. When and from what place was the journey begun? 7. What were some of the early discouragements he met? 8. Who was his associate in the eaterprise, and what was the size of the colony? 9. What can you say of the magnitude of the undertaking and the perils of the way? 10. How much time was spent on the journey? 11. Describe Oregon then and now. 12. State briefiy the difficulties of the work in the field. 13. What impression do you get of Mr. Connor from his letters ? 14. When and where was the Oregon Conference organized? 139 Our Heroes, or Chapter XI. 1. Who was the first United Brethren missionary in Michigan ? 2. When and where was Stephen Lee born? 3. When and under what circnimstances did he begin religious worlj? 4. Under what circumsteinces was he giyen license to exhort? 5. What were his educational advantages? 6. How and why was he led to change his church relations? 7. When did he join the Sandusky Conference, and to what circuit was he appointed? 8. Describe his journey with his family to the new territory, and the varied trials of the year. 9. What does the daughter say of their trials on their first Michigan charge? 10. Eelate his encounter with and triumph over Sutherland. 11. What occurred during his tour In Jackson County, Michi- gan? 12. Relate some of his persecutions and narrow escapes. 13. What splendid vision opened to him eleven days before his death ? 14. What was his dying testimony? Chapteb XII. 1. Who was the first United Brethren missionary in Ten- nessee ? 2. Where and when was John Euebush born? 3. When did he begin his work as an Itinerant? 4. What can be said of his power and activity as a leader ? 5. When did he go to Tennessee as a missionary? 6. What can you say of his courage In the face of difficulties? 7. Where did he especially find pleasure In preaching the gospel ? 8. What Incidents are given of overcoming opposition? 9. What remarkable answer to prayer Is recorded? 10. When and where was the first United Brethren church in Tennessee dedicated? 11. Why did he temporarily abandon the field? 12. When did he resume his work in Tennessee ? 13. When was the Tennessee Conference organized? 14. What can you say of this hero of the Cross in the closing years of his life? 140 CHAPTER XIII. Founder of the Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society. The name of John Collins Bright is revered by lovers of our Zion because of the heroic service he rendered in the pioneer work of laying the foundations of some of our most cherished insti- tutions. His ancestors were Eng- Ancestry lish, having emigrated to America about the middle of the eighteenth century. Fortunate is the child who can listen to stories of ancestors whose lives are proudly traced back through England's noblest families. Such was the privilege of the descendants of this distinguished family. The name is connected with some of England's most noted statesmen and churchmen. William E. Gladstone regarded John Bright, "The Quaker Statesman," as the greatest orator, of which he had knowledge, that ever addressed the British Parliament. Major Bright, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch, waiS married in 1799 to Miss Deborah Moore. A little while later, perhaps during the following year, they moved to Fairfield County, Ohio, and made for themselves a home in the wilderness. Their sole wealth on arriving in Ohio was a few cooking utensils, some blanket-s, a gun, and a pony. 141 Our Heroes, or John Collins Bright was born near Canal Winchester, Ohio-, October 13, 1818. Of his childhood days we have nothing of extraordinary Birth and note. He was always, according to Early his mother's testimony, an obe- Expericnces ^^^^^ ^^^ industnous boy. His boyhood days were full of hardships incident to the times in which he lived, as the country was new and the land was to be cleared and made ready for cultivation. Many an adventure, hunt, and ramble were taken in early years and ten- derly recalled in later life by Mr. Bright. He enjoyed hunting and never was without a gun during his lifetime. He was sensitive and refined and was never known to use a vulgar expression or any unbecoming language whatever. In 1830 the family moved to Hancock County, Ohio. On their way, while passing through Columbus, they had great dif&culty in crossing a swamp on Broad Street, about three squares from the present State Capitol. Soon after reaching his new home he attended a camp- meeting conducted by the cele- conT^ersion brated evangelist, Michael Long, where he was converted. He at once expressed a desire to enter the ministry and was granted quarterly conference license in the United Brethren Church. From that time the blessings of God in ai very definite way rested upon his life and upon his work. In 1841 he united with the Sandusky Conference and v/as appointed to a circuit. As an itinerant he was most successful, both as evangelist and 142 United Brethren Home Missionaries organizer. He steadily enlarged the borders of his charge by organizing new classes and press- ing his way into new communities. With in- creased intensity and zeal he continued his mis- sionary work both as circuit preacher and pre- siding elder until the year 1851, when the Lord opened to him a door intoi a new department of work, for which he had been in special training. The command of Jehovah came to the General Conference ini 1841, saying, "Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the cur- tains of thine habitations; spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes." Spiritual leaders and prophets were now coming to see the need of planning for a larger fu- Epo "h' ture of usefulness. With some the conviction was profound that the Church should take an advance step in provid- ing for the education of her youth. This convic- tion, however, was not widespread. It is fair to say that some of these fathers, seeing the churches in which culture was most common, under the sway of a lifeless formalism, con- cluded, in a not very logical but very natural way, that there was some connection between higher education and a spiritual death so preva- lent in their day ; and so they not only failed to see the necessity of the educational work, but some of them actually feared it as hostile to the spiritual life and power of the Church. Mr. Bright was a stanch friend of Otterbein Uni- versity, the pioneer college of the Church, and its founding was to him a prophecy of the larger 143 Our Heroes^ or success of the future. He saw then what most men see now — that the Christian college is fundamental and vital in the work of the Church. He was instrumental in turning many young people toward this institution, as well as turning many of its noblest young men toward the gospel ministry. In 1852 the need of a more vigorous and aggressive evangelism became apparent, and the devising of plans for the inauguration of such a Organized movemcut was engaging the atten- missionary tiou of many of the leaders of the Movement ohurch. lu this movemeut Mr. Bright was the recognized general. His great soul was fired with an intensity that is inde- scribable, for the immediate building up of mis- sions in the new States and Territories, Canada, and far-off Africa. He had already proven him- self a successful pioneer preacher, presiding elder, home missionary, and a friend of educa- tion and of whatever else would bless mankind. At a session of the Sandusky Conference, held in Johnstown, Ohio, in 1852, a committee was appointed to consider the question of world-wide missions, of which Mr. Bright was made chair- man. From the report of that committee, which was adopted by the conference, appears the fol- lowing resolution: "The time has fully come when the United Brethren Church should unite her whole strength in a missionary society, which shall include not only the home, but the frontier and foreign fields." Under the inspira- tion of the report, about seven hundred dollars 144 United Brethren Home Missionaries were secured on the conference floor for starting the work. The action of this conference, under Mr. Bright' s heroic leadership, led Founder ol =" . Missionary the wsLj for the Organization, the Society following May, by the General Conference, of a Home, Frontier, and Foreign Missionary Society. He is justly regarded as the founder of this society, and was very prop- erly and very wisely chosen as its first corre- sponding secretary. The two most important acts of this General Conference, which convened at Miltonville, Butler County, Ohio, was the organization of this society and the authorizing of the removal of the Publishing House from Circleville, Ohio, to Dayton. Mr. Bright brought into his new work as sec- retary the splendid leadership and organizing ability that had marked his administration of earlier responsibilities, and the results were immediate and inspirational. The following paragraph from an article written in the first issue of the Missionary Telescope, a little monthly sheet started by the Board of Missions, and of which, by virtue of his office, he became editor, will illustrate his zeal : "We have no time to waste in mere compliments. Missionary ^^ therefore beg leave at once to Secretary < t2 pq a o b H United Brethren Home Missionaries of grace to keep and guide always brings peace and rest of heart, no matter how great the toil and sacrifice required. One day while returning home from an ap- pointment, in company with his wife and babe, he was suddenly overtaken by the most furious blizzard he had ever witnessed. The Biixzard*" " suow was already thiree feet deep. In a few minutes after the storm struck them every vestige of the broken path seemed to disappear. They were eight miles from the parsonage, the most of the distance being across an unsheltered prairie. In addition to the falling snow, the gale gathered up that which had already fallen and hurled it into their faces. He says, in describing the event: "A team just behind us wandered from the road and went with the storm until they found a pile of straw into which the driver crawled, and thus saved his life. Placing Mrs. Harvey and the baby in the bottom of the sleigh, and covering them com- pletely with a quilt and buffalo-robe, I tried to guide the horses. If ever I strained my eyes for two hours, I did it then. Providentially, we kept in the right direction, and reached home in safety. When gathered about our humble fireside we sang praises to God for his abound- ing mercies." On account of the freezing weather and the re- currence of storms, it was difficult to hold reviv- als ; and with no such meetings, and the people, generally pinched by poverty, the missionary's family was reduced to almost absolute want. Let 193 Our Heroes, or him tell it : "Upon returning home from a meet- ing I was trying to hold, to see how things were going, my wife met me at the door with a look which betokened discouragenuent. Family In When I asked to know what the Want , , , , , ■ J , trouble was, she burst into tears, and said: 'We've been living on short rations now for three days, and the last mouthful of provision is gone. We haven't a l3ite for dinner.' After putting my team away, I knelt in the barn all alone with my Heavenly Father and laid the case before him. When I arose I felt sure he would come to our relief in this extremity, but I did not know how. Before the dinner hour came, however, a man from a distant neighbor- hood drove up with some flour, po- Reiief Came tatocs, meat, and enough money to buy us a small supply of groceries. He also most earnestly requested that I come over and preach for them. So the promise was fulfilled — 'Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou Shalt be fed.' " Mrs. Harvey tells how the pangs of hunger were felt by her little children once in the absence of their fatheir. And the fact that she could not help them made her very heart bleed. For two weeks they provided their bread by grating corn on a piece of tin punched full of A ToncUnK holes. This was a slow process of Scene , , ^ obtaining meal, but there seemed to be no other way. One day a little darling, who had heard so much in the home about God's 194 United Brethren Home Missionaries love and mercies, came to her mother and said, "Mamma, is the Lord going to let us starve to death and papa away?" The touching ap- peal was more than the mother could stand. Hearing that a certain neighbor was to butcher that day, she went over to buy some meat, but was sternly turned away because she had no money. Then it was that she sought out the secret place, and looked up through tear-dimmed eyes to Heaven for help. It was a period of keenest struggle between poverty and fear on one hand, and prayer and faith on the other; but faith triumphed. The following day a young man, who had been converted a short time be- fore, was impressed while dressing meat that he ought to give the preacher's family some, and so brought them enough to supply their needs for quite a while. Some may question the correctness of these statements, or at least the propriety of publish- ing them; but upon what grounds? Does not God hear and answer prayer? and is not the promise to the poor who lack bread? Others may quibble if they will, or reason as they please ; we believe the meat was sent in answer to the good woman's prayer. The South Dakota Mission Conference was organized in 1871. Mr. Harvey became a mem- ber of it four years afterward, and A New Field Settled lu OheTokee County, north- western Iowa, which constituted a part of the conference territory. The field he was asked to serve did not contain a single or- 195 Our Heroes, or ganized class. He was simply turned loose with the charge that he should plant and build up the United Brethren Church, which he did. Times were unusually stringent. The grasshop- per raid had spread desolation throughout that region. Poverty, like a gaunt specter, stared the people in the face until many, overcome by fear, left their claims and returned to the East. But amid it all Mr. Harvey remained at his post. His financial remuneration that year was |50.00 from the people, and |40.00 from the Parent Board. Of his work in after years, when a presiding elder, Mr. Harvey has this to say : "As I traveled the district through those years, and witnessed the sufferings of the preachers for want of food and comfortable homes, I wondered again and again how they could endure so much without a word of complaint." But with their suffer- ings came great victories. A missionary wrote the General Secretary as follows: A Shout of "After almost four months of un- Triumph , . . ceasing labor m revival work m South Dakota, fighting the powers of darkness day and night on every side amid blizzards and freezing winds, we have seen over one hundred souls come up out of the cleansing fountain washed with the blood of the Lamb." We cannot resist the conviction that the church of God to-day would be leagues beyond where it is if its divinely-appointed representa- tives thought and talked less about salary and more about winning sinners. Since revivals 196 United Brethren Home Missionaries seldom fail to call out the best the people have, the matter of first importance then is to have revivals. Where a mission is unable to at least comfortably support its pastor, the general Church is duty bound to give aid. In no other way can a symmetrical denominational life be developed and sustained. The boundaries of this conference in later years have been so changed from time to time that at present it is known as North Nebraska. Though the membership is small, and limited in financial resources, it is, nevertheless, under a wise leadership, making a most commendable record in service and growth. ABNBR CORBIN Among those who wrought mightily in estab- lishing United Brethrenism in Iowa was Abner Corbin. He was born in Hampshire County, Virginia, September 23, 1823. When twenty-one he accompanied his parents to Iowa, and soon ther^ifter was converted, joined the United Brethren Church, and was licensed to preach. He took up the regular work of a missionajry about 1848, and thenceforth was one of the most active and efficient among the pio- neers. His labors extended westward in the State as far as Fort Des Moines and were of the most strenuous character. He kept a Fnshes brief diary for the first two or three Westward /. . . years of his ministry, which shows that his going and preaching were constant. 197 Our Heroes, or A page or two from his jottings will tell the story of his work during his second year, and give the reader a glimpse of what circuit-riding in Iowa meant in those early days. "Saturday, October 14. This is our first quar- terly meeting. Brother Byrd and several others came in Brother Stipp's wagon. Brother Byrd presided in the absence of the elder. I preached at night from Psalms 20 : 5, called for mourners and eight came to the altar. The ark of God moved forward and seven were converted. We had a joyful time in the Lord. Four joined the Church. "Sunday, 15. We had a speaking meeting, and Brother Byrd preached at eleven o'clock and lifted a collection, but it was small. After this I opened the doors of the church, and two joined. We had a time of rejoicing. At night I tried to preach. When the people began to shout I called for mourners and several Freachea Came out. Three were saved and Daily one joined the Church. God's power was manifested in a wonderful manner. I preached again on Monday night and we had a good time. "On Tuesday I went to Brotheir John Baily's and preached to about fifteen persons. Next day I traveled through the rain about twenty miles to Brother Davis' where I had an appointment at four p.m. Thursday I rode to Brother Jacob Bonebrake's where I preached with good liberty. Friday I preached at the home of Brother Pear- cey. Saturday held meeting at Stipp's at eleven 198 United Brethren Home Missionaries o'clock and at Father DeMoss' at night. Had good liberty. One joined the Church. "Sunday preached at Father Helm's on White Breast. Monday at four p.m. at Knoxville. Had good liberty. One joined the Church. At night we had prayer-meeting and the Lord was with us. Two joined the Church. The Swims River next day, Tuesday, I preached at Brother Jiles' at three p.m., after swimming my beast across the South Three River, and crossing over myself on a few logs tied together. I preached again that night. "Wednesday, 25. breached at Ooppock's after swimming my horse across the Middle and Upper rivers, and, though I was late, the Lord was with us, and that to bless." So the man of God continued. These extracts merely give an example of what he did week by week during the early years of his frontier work. His consecration was thorough. Every few pages in his diary we find recorded a prayer for divine guidance and help in winning sinners to the Cross. The fact that at every service he opened the doors of the Church, and was con- stantly receiving members, indicates an unques- tionable loyalty to his Church for which he was sacrificing so much. His reference to his marriage is somewhat amusing, but indicates that his mind was on his work rather than on his wife. Marries "Leaving Brighton I traveled into Marion County, and on the tenth of April, 1850, 1 was married to Lucinda DeMoss. 199 Our Heroes, or The next day I started for my mission again, and reached it about the twentieth." It is to be presumed that the new Avife accompanied him, and thereafter shared, in a cheerful spirit, the labors and hardships of her husband. The fact that she was a DeMoss is a guarantee that she was a typical United Brethren and deeply re- ligious. Once in a while the clouds gathered about Mr. Corbin, but in every case he records the worth of prayer. In one instance, after prayer and victory, he breaks forth shouting: "Now, Lord, thy heavenly grace bestow; My heart to cheer while here below; That I the gospel trump may blow. And by it more thy sufferings show." On the fly leaf of his diary is written in the style of his day the following verses which doubt- less expressed his conception of the mission and work of a true gospel messenger : "Oh, let all the people know, When I 've ceased my work below, That I was not ashamed to go About the gospel trump to blow. "Tho' my talents are but small, Let me still the louder call; Till I 've preached the word to all ; At my post then let me fall." This brave warrior yielded up his spirit at Western College, Iowa, in 1862, while yet in the prime of a noble, consecrated manhood. 200 United Brethren Home Missionaries GBORGK MIIiliBR Among the many recruits from other States who joined the workers in Iowa, it is proper to mention the name of George Miller. He be- longed to a family of preachers, having four brothers who, like himself, have given their lives to the ministry of the United Brethren Church. Mr. Miller moved from Ohio in 1872 and identi- fied himself with the Des Moines Conference, where he served two years as pastor, and as pre- siding elder ever since. The first session he attended, presided over by Bishop J. Dickson, was assembled in a little schoolhouse, twelve by fourteen feet in size, in Page County. Here the business was transacted and the religious services conducted. At this time the conference contained only 1,200 mem- bers, distributed over twelve pastoral charges. The salai'ies of the preachers ranged from $50.00 to 1150.00. His first and only circuit was Carlisle, which comprised eleven appointments, and these had to be filled every two weeks. The year previous to his coming the entire Confer- First circuit ence had paid only $75.00 for mis- sions. Carlisle was assessed $20.00 for this interest, but Mr. Miller being an adept in raising money, as his subsequent history clearly shows, brought up to the next session in cash for missions, $101.50. When it was seen what he had done, having raised more than all the conference beside, some of his brethren got up and said, "If God will forgive us, we will never 201 Our Heroes, or coine up again with such reports." Thereafter the work of gathering mission funds took on new life, and brought to the treasury largely increased offerings. When elected presiding elder the district paid only 1350.00. Out of this pittance, of course, house rent and traveling expenses had to be met. In order to economize in both men and money, he was given Des Moines Mission one year in connection with a small district of six charges. The conference appropriated $50.00. The mis- sion paid $150.00 and the district |175.00. His house rent was $15.00 per month. Becoming painfully conscious of the situation Borrow* Money confroutiug him, aud not wishing to Pay BUls * , .,, . ■, to leave any store bills unpaid at the end of the year, he borrowed $200.00, at a high rate of interest, to square up accounts. When he found at conference time that he had $50.00 left, he generously refunded the amount that had been appropriated. The hardships he endured and the discouragements encountered were not unlike those of other pioneers who wrought at his side, or had preceded him in this difficult field. Among his early experiences there is one es- pecially which he has never forgotten. In one of his trips out on his district he Pans From ^^giB caught iu a snow-storm of un- Kxhaustlon ^ usual seventy, and, with two others, was fourteen hours going from Lehigh charge to Scranton — a distance of only ten miles. Much of the way they had to shovel through 202 United Brethren Home Missionaries drifted snow, with mercury forty degrees below zero. When within half a mile of their objec- tive point they were so nearly exhausted that they hitched their team to fence-posts, covered the animals with blankets, and endeavored to walk to the railroad station. But the elder had no strength remaining. After reaching the rail- road track, only a short distance away, chilled and helpless, he fell, unable to go any farther except as assisted by his companions. His face and hands were so severely frozen that the outer skin all pealed off, and it was months before the effects of the awful experience were removed. At another time his life was imperiled by his horse breaking through the ice as he was endeav- oring to cross Grand River. He described with much feeling the privations endured by some of his pastors and their fam- ilies. In some instances the children went bare- footed all winter, while their mothers were too poorly clad to attend church. As there were no parsonages then, the meanest kind Hardships of qj shacks Were sometimes occupied. Pastors '^ Nothing better could be had. Mr. Miller declares that it was no uncommon thing in winter time to find, upon awaking in the morn- ing, that two or three inches of snow had blown in upon the bed and floor during the night. Many times, seeing the condition of the poor pastor and his home, the elder might have been observed going about through the neighborhood from house to house gathering food for them, and money with which to purchase clothing. 203 Our Heroes, or. At that time quarterly meetings were usually held in private residences, or in little school- houses, as church edifices were few and widely separated. But a better day has dawned for preachers and people in Iowa. Thirty-five years has made a great change. While the work goes slowly, on account of the constant migration of the people to other sections and for other reasons, yet a good supply of churches and par- sonages and a better support financially have removed many of the inconveniences and diffi- culties incident to pioneer days. 204 CHAPTER XIX. Early Minnesota Workers. Up to 1849 the population of Minnesota, which was then made a Territory, did not exceed six thousand souls. When admitted to the Union, nine years afterward, this handful had grown to one hundred and fifty thousand. There was something about its climate, soil, and scenery which made it famous and attracted homeseek- ers from all the East. Perhaps no new section in the Northwest could ever boast of a more widely representative population than Minne- sota had in its early days. Its first territorial legislature was composed of men who had come from thirteen different States — not foreigners, as we now have them, but sturdy Americans, patriotic and Christian, as their official record abundantly proves. It is a question whether any commonwealth was ever constructed upon a foundation more stable and abiding than that which was laid by the framers of Minnesota's laws. A stable "Liberty and Law, Religion and Foundation -^ ' ° Education" are the four great cor- ner-stones. In view of these things we are not surprised to find emigrants pushing their way into the new Territory, and that among them were United Brethren from every State from Illinois to Pennsylvania. 205 Our Heroes, or The first preacher, Edmund Clow, of the old Rock Eiver (now Northern Illinois) Con- ference, went there in 1854 and finding the peo- ple scattered, like sheep without a shepherd, at once began to minister to them. The outlook seemed so hopeful that upon returning to his Conference the following year he asked and re- ceived ordination that he might go back prepared to administer the sacraments, and to organize churches. A mission called "Pine Creek" was mapped out and placed under his care. J. W. FTJUtERSON In the meantime the Missionary Board had been appealed to on behalf of the new field, and at once laid its hands on J. W. Fulkerson as a suitable representative for such a work. The new man chosen was born in Frederick County, Virginia, January 16, 1822. When seventeen he was converted, and four years later joined the Virginia Annual Conference, in which he spent thirteen years as an itinerant. Mov- ing west, he stopped for a fe^\' months in Iowa, and then, at the behest of the Board, proceeded to the field assigned him. On the 26th of September, 1856, he took his family and household goods aboard a little steam- Rests with a er at Muscatine, and started up the Fellow- Mississippi. His objective point Ministei: ^^^ Dacato, in Winona County, a small river village, where he was met by Edmund Clow and taken to his home some miles dis- tant. Here they tarried and rested a few days, 206 United Brethren Home Missionaries Writing concerning thedr stay with this servant of the Church, Mr. Pulkerson said, "They did not have very much to eat, but cheerfully divided with us, so it turned out that we all had plenty." It was simply another instance where the meal and oil were increased as God's servants had need. Securing two light wagons the missionary re- loaded his family and their belongings and started westward for Olmsted County, where he pitched his tent and held his first public meeting near the site of what afterward became the town of Eyota. Speaking of his field he comments as follows : "I found a sparsely settled country. The im- provements consisted chiefly of log cabins, rough board shacks, and sod houses. About each of these from five to twenty acres of land had been broken. What money the people Condition of j^g^j ^.g^g Spent during the long Country l- a o Winter that followed, so that when spring came many were discouraged and home- sick. Living was high for both man and beast. I paid one dollar and fifty cents a bushel for oats, and two dollars and fifty cents for the first bushel of seed-corn. Pork was twenty-eight cents per pound and flour nine dollars per hun- dred. Potatoes could not be had at any price as they were all frozen before Christmas. On the second of December snow began to fall and continued without abatement for thirty-six hours, which left the ground covered at a depth of five feet. Wild animals and birds by instinct 207 Our Heroes^ or gathered in flocks and perished. It was a per- iod of great suffering." When this storm began a teacher who boarded with the Birda and missionarv dismissed his school and Animals Perish , , • -i . i , .^ ■ urged his pupils to hura-y to their homes. But one dear little girl lost her course and perished in the cold. The search for her body by parents and sympathizing friends con- tinued for thirty days before it was recovered. Such hardships brought a new experience to Mr. Fulkerson, but his courage was dauntless and his faith victorious. He was there to stay regardless of consequences to himself and family. In his devotion to the work and determination to succeed he was very much like Ignatius de Loyola whose zeal for the mother-church led him to say : "At the command of the Pope I will em- bark for any coast in a vessel without a mast, rudder, or stores." Only such men win. Mr. Fulkerson early became a student of hu- man nature, and thus learned to adapt himself to his environments, whatever their nature. When he started in the ministry his Christian mother most generously advised him as to what and how he should do when away from home. She said : "John, your rest must be A Mother's jjj labor. Greet all with a smile. Advice Make your back fit everybody's bed. By your social life attract the people, and by your religious life save them." This counsel he remembered and followed as long as he re- mained in active service. On the fifth of August, 1857, the first session 208 United Brethren Home Missionaries of the Minnesota Conference was opened with Bishop Lewis Davis presiding. Only four — John Haney, Edmund Clow, John Murrell, and J. W. Fulkerson — were present to enter the new organization. The reports showed twenty-nine appointments, fourteen classes, and two hundred and forty-seven members. The three men who gave themselves to the work the following year received in financial support, including $400 appropriated by the Gen- eral Board, $564.60, or |188.20 each. On this amount, with the little that could be grown at home, the missionary supported his family. But amid it all, so he informs us, he was happy and hopeful in his work. During the year his labors Avere unusually strenuous and his personal dis- comforts many. Long trips across storm-swept prairies, amid sleet and snow, without any friendly home to offer shelter, not infrequently endangered life itself. Not being Poncho Worn g^^^e to provLdc Suitable wraps for the frigid climate, he made a sort of poncho out of a blanket, such as the Indians wore, and used it until a friend, lately from the East, loaned him his sealskin overcoat for the rest of the winter. On one trip he rode his horse twenty-eight miles, the coldest day he ever witnessed, in the face of a northwest wind, without stopping to warm and with nothing to protect him but his Indian garb. About this time he met a Jesuit priest, who said he had slept fourteen nights under snow, farther north. 209 Our Heroes, or Subsequent to this the General Missionary Secretary, in describing the work in Minnesota, wrote : "When in the providence of God his peo- ple are required to make great sacrifices for him, grand results aire sure to follow. A Secretary's j^^st fall it Seemed hard to ask a Report brother who had removed to west- ern Iowa, two hundred miles, to educate his fam- ily, to move back again in just one year; and another, to take a field of labor that would keep him most of the time from an aflfiiicted wife, who could not be moved." In 1865, I. L. Buchwalter, a presiding elder, described the situation thus : "There seems to be a general spirit of prayer among us here this year, and especially on the border. Reviv- als are being promoted and new classes organ- ized. On Ottumwa mission we have started a new class of thirteen, embracing the best citizens of the neighborhood. It was at this place where the Indians did such terrible work in slaughter- ing the whites in 1862. It is quite on the border in sight of the boundless prairies. The preach- ers here have to work for very small salaries. The people are poor, having just come in. Many live in sod houses, partly underground, and roofed over with poles, brush, and earth. They have no lumber with which to build, or money to buy. Food for the preacher's horse can scarcely be found. Much hay was burned last fall by untimely prairie fires. Yet, how wel- come to this people in rags is the preaching of the gospel with its cheering, soothing voice." 210 United Brethren Home Missionaries Mr. Fulkerson, in a letter recently written, re- fers to the Indian outbreak mentioned in the foregoing report. He says : "It was a great loss to Minnesota when, in August of 1862, twenty- one of her noble sons and daughters were cruelly slain by the Sioux Indians. The Indian Sabbath before the outbreak I yis- ited the neighborhood where the. massacre occurred and organized a class of thir- teen members. Some of our people had moved there from my neighborhood, and I wished to save them to the Church. With one of these families I tarried on Sunday night. The next morning I was up and away as the sun made golden and beautiful the eastern horizon. I left the brethren full of good cheer, not so much as dreaming of the awful fate that awaited them. But the plot had b^n formed and before I reached home had been executed in cold blood." How narrow the escape of the missionary! While the laymen slain were noble souls and were greatly needed in building up the Church in the "Star of the North," how much greater the loss would have been to that section, and to the whole Church, if their leader had been num- bered with them. Jealousy and whisky were the main causes of the massacre. The Government felt most keenly the loss of these citizens, and with- ^^"*^ . in a few months had arrested, con- Punishment . victed, and executed, on the same gallows, seventeen of the leading offenders. Mr. Fulkerson, the hero of so many battles, 211 Our Heroes, or has never quit the field to which he was assigned more than a half century ago. At the age of eighty-seven he retains his mental powers in a remarkable degree and is as much concerned in the progress of his Church as ever before. In his last message he says : "I am jealous for God's truth. The more of the Bible we have woven into our lives the richer our experience, the more successful our labors, and the brighter our hope of heaven. If I had my life to live over I should spend it in the Church of the United Brethren in Christ. The name is richer and sweeter to me now than ever before." 212 CHAPTER XX. The Worjc in Missouri. As has been noted elsewhere, the first United Brethren class known in Missouri was organ- ized in Clark County in 1851, by John Ever- hart, of the Iowa Conference. The second was established not long afterward in Union County by Ira B. Ryan, of the same conference. The first regular preaching, however, was done in the southwestern portion of the State ^■'■** bv Henry Kumler, Jr., Josiah Ter- rell, and others, and here, m 1853, a conference was organized. Mr. Kumler was sent as a missionary by the Board. In 1858 the conference north of the Missouri River, composed mainly of ministers who for- merly belonged to the Des Moines Conference, was launched by Bishop Edwards. That the first conference organized still existed, and was independent of the second, are facts clearly shown by Daniel Shuck, who spent the year 1858-59 in the State under the direction of the General Board. In his diary we find this item : "October 1. Missouri Mission Conference met in its fifth session at the residence of Brother Coblentz. Members present. Bishop D. Edwards, W. B. Southard, A. P. Floyd, and D. Shuck. We closed our meeting on Sabbath, the tenth." 213 Our Heroes, or Doctor Berger, in his history of the Church, says the North Conference was organized Octo- ber 18, at Atlanta, in Macon Conferences Countv. If this be correct, then Organised evidently the Bishop went to the last-named point direct from the session referred to by Mr. Shuck. In a succeeding chapter we shall have occasion to speak further, and at length, of this missionary's labors in Missouri. It is a question whether the ministers of any part of the great Southwest have ever made a more heroic effort to build up and sustain the Church than have those who chose Missouri as the scene of their toil. As no authentic history of the two conferences in their early years can be found, except what Missionary Shuck inci- dentally furnishes, we are unable to give the reports of the workers, and consequently know nothing of the pecuniary support they received. The proceedings of the North Conference for 1862 show eight missions and one circuit. Seven men were employed and received an aggregate salary of $938.00. Of this amount $500.00 was furnished by the Mission Board. But great re- vivals were promoted in spite of the Great cxcitement occasioned by the war, AcWeTemcnts ^7 and the utter contempt m which the Church was held by extreme political parti- sans. The membership was increased from three hundred and forty-eight to nine hundred and ninety. The next session was held in April, 1864. Twelve preachers reported a salary, all told, of 214 United Brethren Home Missionaries $1,604.21, including another $500.00 from the Board. The Secretary of the 1865 session in- serted in the minutes the following comment which is significant: "Had some drawbacks this year. Old rebel Pap Price made a raid into Missouri. Some of the preachers were shot at, but the Lord spared us all." This shows some- thing of the tension under which the missionairies carried forward their work; nevertheless they reported progress in some regards. Membership rpj^g nuniber of fields had grown to seventeen, and the aggregate mem- bership enlarged to 1,337. The salary and ap- propriations aggregated |1,293. The two pre- siding elders together received $419.16. The enlargement of the work was truly marvelous under the circumstances. God so blessed it that at the end of 1867 the number of communicants was 2,382. With what tireless zeal and effort the gospel messengers pressed their cause, and with what courage they braved the hardships which must have come to them and their fam- ilies ! M. BRATCHBK, Only one of the older ministers in the State \remains to connect us with the sixties. Mr. M. Bratcher has been in constant service, until re- cently, since 1869. His first year was spent on Eagleville Circuit, and the next on Marysville. The last named consisted of eighteen appoint- ments located in portions of Nodaway and Worth Counties, Missouri, and Page and Taylor 215 Our Heroes, or Oounities, Iowa. This indicates that the boun- daries of the conference extended across the State line, and included a small portion of southwestern Iowa. The field was sixty miles long, north and south, and forty east and west. Each appointment was filled every two weeks, which made it necessary to preach every day in the week cf/cnH ^^^ three times on Sunday. Of course, such a charge kept the preacher away from home nearly all the time, hence he was compelled to study on horseback, and in that way prepare himself for examina- tion in his conference reading-course. At times, owing to the deep interest he felt in some book he might be reading, he would become utterly ob- livious of his surroundings. On one occasion, while thus absorbed in his studies, his horse, un- noticed, took the wrong course, and when he came to himself he was so be\\dldered that it took him some time to determine where he was, and how to get back to the main road again. At conference he reported seventy-two acces- sions and a salary of |269.00. He Requisites to alwavs cousldered three things as Success •' . ^ essential to ministerial success; namely, grace, good sense, and courage. And all these requisites he possessed in a large degree. The next conference was held at Avalon, one hundred and sixteen miles distant, and every foot of the journey had to be made on horse- back through the mud. On his return he was compelled to ride two miles through water mid- 216 United Brethren Home Missionaries side to his horse in crossing the Shoal Creek bottoms. Soon after entering the work of his confer- ence, his faithful companion and helpmeet in Christian service bade him and their six little children good-by, and pushed out into the vast unseen. He speaks of this as the "hardest trial" of his life, but he has never forgotten the exper- ience which made her last moments so glorious and heaven like. Pointing upward, and with a face all wreathed in smiles, she exclaimed, "I see Him ! oh, I see Him !" After sharing with her husband in whatever fell to Companion |.|^g j^^ ^f ^u itinerant in that day, Dies " ' how fitting that she should be given a vision of her Lord as she gave to her husband and little ones the last farewell; and will not the dear Savior recognize her when the crown- ing-time comes as the copartner of his servant in the ministry of reconciliation? When Mr. Bratcher joined the conference he was made Missionary Treasurer. A number of the preachers received $50.00 each from the Gen- eral Board. This, to be sure, was a small amount, but it often saved them from serious embarrassment. To them it meant so much that at the end of each quarter they would beg him to borrow the pittance due them and pay it if he did not have it in the treasury. As we go over the work of the heroes of a half century ago, and see how inadequate their support was, and then consider what they had to do in return for the little salary paid them, we are astonished 217 Our Heroes, or and wonder how it all happened. For many years Mr. Bratcher's pay did not average more than 1160.00 While moving from Kidder to Eagleville in a wagon one Septembeir morning, soon after conference, a most distressing accident occurred. Little Milton, a six-year-old boy, lost his balance, fell to the ground, and was instant- ciiiid Kiued ly killed by a wheel which crushed his head. The remains were ten- derly gathered up and carried back to the Wheeler graveyard, where they were laid away to rest by the side of his sainted mother. When the sad funeral was over, the father and remain- ing members of the family journeyed on to their appointed field. The real struggles of that year were never known, perhaps, to any souls on earth outside the little group in the parsonage; but the good angels of God dwelt there, and in their ministries of love filled with comfort and hope the bereft heart. This old servant of the Church still lives, though nearly blind and almost helpless. In reviewing the long years of his ministry he thinks not of their hardships. "After all," he says, "the yoke has been easy and the burden light." While the financial conditions in Missouri have greatly improved in recent years, and our pastors are receiving a better sup- A Hopeful pori; than ever before, yet many of them work on a salary by no means adequate to their needs. Though the membership of the conference has been greatly depleted by 218 United Brethren Home Missionaries removals, and in various other ways, we never saw the day when the Church in Missouri was so well equipped for service and success as at present. Despite the adverse conditions which have prevailed from first to last, we have accum- ulated Church and parsonage property worth more than |100,000, and the work of building still goes on. The membership is gradually growing at present, and everywhere throughout the conference there is to be found an optimism and enthusiasm which presage achievements hitherto unknown among our workers. 219 LESSO^ V. Chapteh XVII. 1. What did eastern people think of the West? What is the real character and value of Iowa as a State? 2. Who was the first United Brethren minister to settle in Iowa ? 3. Tell of A. A. Sellers, his removal to Iowa, and his search for Mr. Byrd. 4. When and by whom were the first classes formed 'in Iowa? 5. Tell of Mr. Sellers' experience in storm and in swollen stream. 6. Who sent Mr. Everhart to Iowa, and what of his work, his hardships, his preaching ability, etc. ? 7. What do you recall about the meeting at the home of Joel Shively ? 8. When and where was Iowa Conference organized, and how was the Church introduced into Colum'bus City ? Chapter XVIII. 1. Tell of the early recollections of D. M. Harvey, of his experience in the blizzard, of his family's sufferings, of his removal to South Dakota Conference, of the hardships endured by him and his coworkers there. 2. What of Abner Corbin? What does his diary say about his work, his experiences in swimming rivers, etc. ? 3. When did George Miller go to Iowa, and what was the financial record of Des Moines Conference up to that time? 4. Describe his experience in snow-storm ; also the sufferings of the pastors under him. Chapter XIX. 1. What United Brethren preacher first went to Minnesota? 2. When and by whose appointment did J. W. Fulkerson go? 3. What does he say about the country at that time, its people, winters, etc. ? 4. When was the conference organized? What membership? What salaries, etc. ? 5. What advice did Mr. Fullierson's mother give him? 6. What is said of the Indian outbreak? 7. What is the feeling of the old hero at this time? Chapter XX. 3. Who first preached in Missouri, organizing classes? 2. Tell something of the early organization of the conferences, revivals, salaries, etc. 3. Describe the work and peculiar trials of M. Bratcher, as an itinerant, also in the loss of his wife and child. 4. What is the present outlook of the conference? 5. Should work planted at so great a cost be hun-iedly abandoned ? 220 CHAPTER XXI. Kansas Pioneers. When the United Brethren entered Kansas the Territory was in the throes of civil strife. Senator Stephen A. Douglas had introduced a bill in Congress the year before providing for the recognition of Kansas and Nebraska as Terri- tories, but the bill contained a clause which left with the people of each Territory the matter of deciding whether it should be slave or free. The .adoption of the measure unrelt"* ^'^^ ^ plain violation of what was known as "The Missouri Compro- mise," which had been agreed upon and meant that slavery was not to be extended beyond Mis- souri. The agitation in Congress was soon trans- ferred to Kansas, and the peojjle there divided into the Slavery and Free-Soil parties. The struggle between the two parties became desperate. The election in 1854 resulted in the triumph of the pro-slavery party, and in 1855 a legislature was convened at Lecompton, later and for many years the seat of our Lane University. The Free-Soil party, which charged that frauds had been perpetrated in the election, in various ways, called another legislature at Topeka and set up a rival government. The strife and blood- 221 Our Heroes, or slied which followed attracted the attention of the whole country, and everywhere the people bemoaned the condition of "bleeding Kansas." Missouri, a slave State, was bent on Bleeding forciug her questionable system Kansas o "a .; upon the new Territory, and to carry out her program sent hundreds of her voters across the line to control the elections, l^o man along the border was safe if he dared to express adverse sentiments, or appeared to sym- pathize with the Free-Soil advocates. Such a state of affairs, in the very nature of things, wonld make church work slow and un- certain of success. ■WILIilAM A. CAKDWBIili In 1855 the General Board sent W. A. Card- well, of White River Conference, as a mis- sionary to Kansas. So far as we are able to determine, only one missionary, S. Y. Lum, a Congregationalist, preceded him in the new field. Mr. Oardwell moved his family in a wagon, and was one hundred and thirty-five days mak- ing the journey. Upon reaching the Territory, he found himself homeless, penniless, and almost friendless. Settling in a shack at Home ^^S Springs, he at once began a survey of the country, and soon had an appointment for every day in the week. Some of the preaching-places were a day's travel from home. "Wind and tide" were against the hero. No support for his family, and a bloody 222 United Brethren Home Missionaries political controversy, created conditions which tried his very soul. Including the small appro- priation made by the. Board, his salary for the first year did not exceed |65.00. How his de- voted wife and children existed during this try- ing period, God only knows. We rejoice in the thought, however, that he does know and has a perfectly kept record of it all. Mr. Cardwell was a man who thought for him- self, and had the courage of his convictions. He stood for the freedom of Kansas, and had made bold to express his views whenever there was occasion for it. Such a course prea°neT°"* made him a target for the pro- slavery element, and consequently endangered his life. His neighbors who were friendly with him, but not with his views, fre- quently warned him against further denuncia- tion of slavery and whisky ; but to him the path of duty seemed clear, and he was bound to walk in it regardless of personal results. On one occasion he met twelve "border ruf- fians" squarely in the road. They were all armed, and he was quick to see that his safety lay in a bold front; so he walked right up to their guns, which were leveled at him, as though he utterly disregarded them. The usual ques- tion was put to him — "Where are you from?" to which he replied immediately, "Kentucky." This seemed to satisfy them. His answer was true, though he had lived many years in Indiana after leaving his Southern home. J. G. Bright, the General Missionary Secre- 223 Our Heroes, or tary, about this period wrote as follows: "The political sky in Kansas is cloudy at present, but freedom must in the end prevail. If Kansas should ever be a slave State, we ought not to abandon it. The gospel of Christ is light, and wherever the dark cloud of slavery is spread, there the light should be diffused. Mobbed"'*^* Through sore trouble and perse^ cutions the brethren continued to prosecute their work. Frequently they have been mobbed, waylaid, shot at, threatened, and troubled on every hand, but they are not in des- pair." Again he says: "If our brethren who are now in Kansas have preached between stacks of arms ; if they have seen brother pursu- ing brother with a view to kill; if they have seen the smoke and heard the roar of cannon ; if they have had their own property stolen; yea, more, had revolvers and knives pointed at their hearts, and threatened with instant death, — I say, if men M'ho have passed through such expe- riences as these say they are not discouraged, what should be our response?" A dozen armed "bushwhackers" came to arrest Mr. Oardwell one day at his home, and found him digging a well. In obedience to their or- ders he came out, but upon reaching the surface found himself in front of a dozen guns. Un- daunted by these he began to ridi- Bnemi!fs^ culc them for their cowardice, say- ing, "Surely twelve brave men would not think of firing on an innocent man, and he unarmed," whereupon the leader of the 224 United Brethren Home Missionaries squad remarked : "Don't shoot, boys. I'll never stand by and see as brave a man as he is, killed." For political reasons a number of persons had been arrested and imprisoned at Lecompton. One or two of these were special friends of the preacher. Anxious to see them, he went to the Suard and asked permission to enter the jail. The gruff reply was : "No, sir. Jesus Christ him- self couldn't get in if he were here." "If I am not mistaken, he is in there now," replied Mr. Oardwell, and quietly walked away. The first United Brethren class in the Terri- tory was organized by him at Big Springs in 1855, consisting of thirteen members. Of this number, four — B. S. Moore, Mat- cJ-ureu-HoV^r ^^^ Oardwell, D. Lawrence, and Nancy Brooks — still survive. The following year a church-edifice of stone and cement was erected under the missionary's supervision for the new class, a cut of which may be seen on another page. About the time the Church was established here a certain doctor decided to set up a saloon, and accordingly purchased a barrel of whisky. Satan is always most active when the work of God prospers. But the alert Cardwell was de- P,„t termined that the infiuence of his Temperance receut revival efforts should not be '^'^**' counteracted in any such fashion; so he called a meeting of the citizens, mounted the whisky barrel, and made such a withering speech against the proposed saloon that the in- dignant people proceeded at once, without cere- 225 Our Heroes, or mony, to empty the barrel's contents into the doctor's yard. Such was Mr. Oardwell's way of doing things ; and such has been the method of Kansas ever since in dealing with the liquor traffic. Indeed, it may be truthfully said that Kansas is great to-day because the foundations on which her moral, civic, and commercial interests rest were made broad and strong by the noble men who laid them. S. S. SNYDER This gallant member of the King's guard, sent by the Board from the Allegheny Confer- ence in 1856 to assist Mr. Oardwell, became a victim of political guerillas, and laid down his life in attestation of his loyalty to the Church, and his love of human liberty. He was the first presiding elder of the conference, and by his pulpit utterances and newspaper articles, aroused against himself the most intense hatred and opposition on the part of the Church's ene- mies. His life was threatened almost daily. His friends cautioned him to be more conserva- tive, but the brave Snyder, like Enoch, God's prophet before the flood, contin- Gnerriurs "^ *» ^a^^u the peoplc "of all their ungodly deeds." Finally, the por- tentous cloud, which had been so long gather- ing, broke in fury upon the town of Lawrence, where he lived. A young school-teacher from Kentucky, by the name of Quan trill, raided the place at the head of an armed force, reduced it 226 United Brethren Home Missionaries to ashes, and mercilessly killed one hundred and fifty of its citizens. Mr. Snyder was found in his barn-yard, and instantly shot down at the hands of the bloodthirsty mob. Thus on that fateful day there were left to mourn eighty new- ly-made widows and two hundred and fifty newly-made orphans. This was in 1864. It is clear, from what we have shown, that the civil strife which existed in Kansas during the first ten years of the Church's operations there, and the consequent bloodshed and social es- trangements, made the work difficult and pain- fully slow. But a braver, truer band of men never lived and wrought than were the TJnited Bi'ethren who planted and nurtured the Church of their choice on Kansas soil during these per- ilous times. JOSIAH TISRREIili Josiah Terrell moved to Kansas from southern Missouri in 1856, and joined himself to the handful of workers already on the ground. While preaching in Missouri he suffered many indignities at the hands of the Church's oppos- ers, being threatened more than once with mob violence. But, like many of his contempora- ries, he had given himself to the cause of human freedom, and to the work of the Church, and proposed to carry out the program at all hazard. His chivalry knew no fear ; his zeal for the king- dom knew no languor. Serving as presiding elder in Kansas for yea!rs he became well known and was loved by all the churches. 227 Our Heroes, or Though his support was pitifully small, and his privations manifold, he always took a hope- ful view of things, and believed most implicitly in a sustaining and over-ruling Providence. One illustration will serve to show the true spirit of the man. One day, when travel- Ri™r" ^"*" ^°S ill company with missionary Cardwell, his horse mired as he en- tered a stream, and fell in the ice-cold water. The rider, however, with rare presence of mind, kept in the saddle, and when the horse finally came tO' his feet again, shouted at the top of his voice, "Glory to God for salvation." After rid- ing many miles farther in his wet clothes, in the face of a cold March wind, he preached with great power to a crowded house. It may not be out of place, in this connection, to give, briefly, the history of a church bell with which this pioneer had to do. While it may have but little relation to the general purpose of this book, it will, without doubt, interest the reader, as it has in it a touch both of the roman- tic and pathetic. On his way from General Conference in 1849, he purchased a bell in Cincinnati for a certain church in Illinois, and as he could get it for half price, paid for it himself. When the bell was put up he had a note made in the quarterly conference record to the effect that g"^'' " the property was his, and should be so recognized, until paid for. After a while the preaching-place was dropped, the church sold, and a law-suit instituted by 228 United Brethren Home Missionaries certain parties to secure the bell. While the trial was in progress the real owner rode into town, and, hearing of what was going on, at once looked up the old quarterly-conference minutes, presented them to the court, and demanded the property, which was awarded him without hesi- tation. In 1854 he moved the bell in his wagon to Missouri, later tO' Mound Oity, Kansas, and finally to Lecompton, when he sold it to the Presbyterians for ninety dollars. A few years passed and these people gave up their appointment here, and built in the town of Perry, north of the Kaw River, a mile and a half distant. Being in need of a bell they decided to transfer to the new church the one they had left in Lecompton, and accordingly sent for it. But the denizens of the little burg re- captured fuscd most positlvelv to see it moved. They had paid for it, they said, and proposed to keep it. Nothing more was said for the time. Finally, the Fourth of July came around. The people of Lecompton were patriotic, and all went out to a grove a mile or two away to celebrate. Upon returning home in the evening they were greatly surprised to hear the clear tones of their venerable bell ringing out from the cupola of the Perry Presby- terian Church, it having been carried away in their absence, and without their knowledge. This was not all. Father Terrell, in his last years, moved to Perry and died there; and this same bell called the people to his funeral, which was conducted by Dr. G. M. Human, and tolled 229 Our Heroes, or a solemn requiem as the procession started toward the place of his burial. ORGANIZATION OF KANSAS CONFERENCE. On the 30th of October, 1857, Bishop David Edwards organized the Kansas Conference in a sod house owned by S. S. Snyder. Other helpers, who will be noticed later, had come in by this time. Five ministers besides the Bishop and two laymen were present. The church- membership was about two hundred. The follow- ing appointments were made : S. S. Snyder, pre- siding elder. Tecumseh, W. A. Cardwell; Big Springs, A. M. Thornton; Lawrence, S. Kret- zinger ; Prairie City, J. S. Gingefrich ; Upper Ne- osho, G. Perkins ; Lower Neosho, A. Bixler ; Fort Scott, J. Terrell; Ossawotamie, W. Huffman. 230 CHAPTER XXII. Trying Times Among Kansas Pioneers. While strong men were added to the ministry of the conference from time to time, the work, nevertheless, was difficult for many years. Va- rious reasons conspired to make it so. The con- stant agitation of the slavery question, and the deadly hostility aroused among the Southern and Northern people who had gone thither to live, militated greatly against religious work in general, and especially in communities where both elements were represented. Brother was arrayed against brother. Despite this situation, however, our membership grew, until it num- bered nine hundred and twenty-eight by 1860. The increase came largely from the United Brethren who had moved in from other States. In the midst of the political turmoil, which continued without abatement, came the great drouth, unparalleled in American history. An old settler describes it thus: "Enough rain did not fall in some localities from early in the fall of 1859 until midsummer in 1860 to lay the dust. In the spring, farmers went to work with the hope and expectation that rain A Desiruetive ^quM comc, but they were disap- pointed. Vegetation tried to start up, but soon died ; springs and creeks went dry ; wells gave out, and many persons were forced to 231 Our Heroes, or. haul water for drinking and cooking purposes for miles. Finally, the hot winds set in, blister- ing and withering everything in the line of veg- etation that possessed a semblance of life. Mer- cury was driven higher than it has ever been since, and the fields and prairies were as brown and dead as in winter. Then began that re- markable exodus which, in seventeen months, reduced the population of the Territory from 115,000 to less than 75,000. Our Church in its organization was almost ruined. Many classes disappeared entirely, while in other cases only mere skeletons were left; but, be it said to^ the honor of our preachers, that, with an exception or two, they all stood to their posts. When one of them was asked why he did not go, too, he re- plied : "Because I am needed here ^IT" worse than ever before. If the people starve, I will starve with them. It seems clear to ma that all the heroes have not gone down to death on the bloody battle-field." This graphic portrayal of the sufferings which came to the pioneers in Kansas will give the reader a faint conception of what it cost our missionaries, and others, to establish United Brethrenism in that section, and thus make pos- sible the splendid achievements which have fol- lowed. The Civil War following the famine, as is well known, kept the whole country in a state of unrest for several years. Kansas suffered its full share of the results. So it may be said that 232 United Brethren Home Missionaries the first decade of the Church's operations in this field, including Missouri, was a period of the most strenuous effort accompanied by a devotion and heroism unsurpassed in the history of Amer- ican missions. Other men of faith and valor, beside those al- ready named, like William Huffman, Henry Bell, and N. Bixler, joined the forces of the new conference in the early fifties, and wrought nobly as the heralds of truth. Their names not only deserve mention here, but are worthy of a place among the heroes enumerated in the elev- enth chapter of Hebrews. G. M. HITFFMAJV Among the early effective workers in North- east Kansas was G. M. Huffman. In 1869 he was given annual conference license by Bishop J. Markwood, and appointed to his first field — New Lancaster Circuit. For fifteen years his salary ranged from |125 to ^npTort *275. He gave all his time to the ministry. During this period, and ever since, except five years, he furnished his own house. "The coldest winter we ever passed in Kansas," he writes, "we lived in a house with nothing but weather-boarding between us and weather thirty degrees below zero. That was our hard year, but we had a great revival during the winter." While Mr. Huffman's educational advantages were limited to a brief period in "Old Western," he has always been a student, and so may be 233 Our Heroes, or reckoned a man of learning. His main source of culture, he says, has been the "New York Inde- pendent," which he has read continually for the last thirty-five years. To his wife he pays the following beautiful tribute : "I must give credit for whatever of suc- cess that has come to my ministry to the one who has for forty years 'halved my oi^ovT" sorrows and doubled my joys.' The zeal for the cause of Christ which characterized her grandfather, John Nei- dig, burns in her heart to this day. If I could live my life over again I would spend it in the ministry without any regard to the hardships it might entail. My only desire would be to make of myself a better preacher than I have ever been." JOHN R. IHBRBDITH This brother, prominent for many years in the early work of the Church in Kansas, had his ups and downs, encouragements and discourage- ments, with every other preacher who was faith- ful to his calling, and loyal to the best interests of the Church he loved and served. At the very threshold of his itinerancy, Mr. Meredith was thoroughly tested. The poverty among some of the people was appalling. Being unmarried, he devoted all his time to the work, sharing with his parishioners the morsel they had to divide. His salary for the first year was only fifty dollars. Out of sympathy for the poor, he gave them all his clothing except the 234 United Brethren Home Missionaries suit he wore. In late winter and early spring Ms pony, for want of grain, which could not be had, became too weak to carry him, thus making it necessary for him to travel his large field on foot. A fact which merits emphasis here is that the laymen of ttimes suffered just as much as did the ministers, yet were willing to divide the little they had with the man of God sent to preach among them. The following incident from Mr. Meredith's own pen will serve as poTCTty* "' ^" illustration : "One evening, af- ter preaching," he says, "a brother asked me home with him for the night, and the invitation was cheerfully accepted. When there, however, I was puzzled to know how they could furnish me a place to sleep. The house was a little plank shack of one room, and contained only one bed. But I finally dismissed the sub- ject from my mind, remembering that I was their guest, and that it was their business to provide accommodations. After conversing pleasantly for an hour or two, and some one having sug- gested that it was bed-time, the good man of the house went out and brought in an armload of dry prairie hay and threw it on the fioor. Then the wife, who seemed to understand her part, spread a clean sheet over it, tucking it carefully under the hay on all sides, added the needed quilts and pillows, and then I was informed that my bed was ready. The rest it afforded was greatly enjoyed, as I was exceedingly weary." The generous souls who so cheerfully 235 Our Heroes, or furnished, the primitive accommodations no doubt were made happy over the thought that they were entertaining God's herald, and were led to serve the Church thereafter with a grow- ing love and devotion. Mr. Meredith had faith. He believed in that Providence which is pledged to care for the saints. The element of trust had been instilled into his early home life; yet he never lost sight of the thought that God helps those most who try to help themselves. When stationed at Leavenworth, he had occasion to test most fully the assurance of the Word. The class was small and poor. Fifty dollars had been appropriated by the Missionary Board, but that was barely enough to pay rent. For many weeks during this year his wife was dangerously ill. Not be- ing able to hire help, he had to be nurse and cook, preacher and pastor. At last his sister- in-law came to his relief, and assumed a part of his care. One day, after the noon The wolf at . jj informed him that noth- the Door ' ing was left for supper — not a thing. He replied that it was a little strange that everything should give out at once. He had no money, and did not want to ask for cr«iit at the grocery. In the meantime he was pray- ing most earnestly for light and help. Toward evening his sister-in-law asked him what he was going to do. He told her he did not know cer- tainly, but thought things would come out all right. Finally, the hour for prayer-meeting came, and he went, as usual. After the service 236 United Brethren Home Missionaries he started home, but was called back by some one. Upon returning he was shown a large basket filled with provisions, such as caTe^"'"' bread, coffee, sugar, butter, meat, and a dressed chicken — the very thing his sick wife needed. In addition, a little purse of four dollars was placed in his hands. The recipient was so overjoyed that he could not express his gratitude. When he reached home and emptied his basket his sister-in-law threw up her hands in amazement and shouted, "Rob Meredith, M'here on earth did you get all that?" The reply was, "The Lord gave it to me." Re- ferring to the matter long afterwards, he said, "I believed it then, and I believe it now — the Lord gave it to me." At another time, while in Leavenworth, they were reduced to corn bread and water, but a good Providence sent relief, thus verifying the prom- ise, "But my God shall supply all your need ac- cording to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 237 CHAPTER XXIII. Other Kansas Pioneers. J. R. Evans, a crusader of the Illinois Confer- ence, was among the early United Brethren who chose southeast Kansas as his field, and gave it many years of his mature life. His memory is precious to all who knew him. Unremitting in toil, unswerving in purpose, and unfaltering in faith, he had a large part in laying the founda- tions of his Church, and in preaching the gospel to all the people in the parts where he spent his last days. Owing to the long distances he had to travel, together with the excessive labor thrust upon him, he was kept away from home almost con- stantly. Once, after an absence of butlmie *^^ weeks, he remained with his family only one night, and his de- voted wife spent all that night washing and dry- ing his clothes, that he might be able to get away early the next morning. As a presiding elder he was strong, heroic, wise, and fatherly. During an exceedingly dry year he traveled continuously among the churches to encourage them, and to aid and comfort the poor itinerants who, like himself, had been reduced to the point of suffering. But 238 United Brethren Home Missionaries great revivals resulted from his visits through- out the district, which reached far to the West. The people were in a mood to hear and heed the messages of God, and by hundreds turned their faces toward the "better country," and decided to lay up for themselves treasures beyond the reach of famine and death. What had not been dried up by the scorching sun was destroyed by grasshoppers, which were gradually moving east- ward, like a great army, in quest of food. The Osage Conference, which had been organ- ized in 1870, met this year (1874) at Greeley, Kansas; and while Bishop Glossbrenner was reading the appointments the grasshoppers be- gan to light about the church, and by the time ,r,,g the congregation was dismissed, Grasshopper the grouud was literally covered Invasion with them, and devastation fol- lowed in their wake as they swept on toward the Missouri line. When the good Bishop saw the poveirty and hardships that awaited his devoted pastors and missionaries, he wept like a child, and tried to encourage them with the assurance of help from the Church in the Bast. Later, several hundred dollars were raised through his efforts, and sent to their relief. One remarkable thing about this conference session was that every preacher was returned to the field he had served the previous year, and not a man among them flinched in the presence of the certain hardships which stared him in the face. Strong men weire seen to weep as they looked upon their dependent ones. They were content to go hun- 239 Our Heroes, or grj themselves, but could not stand it to hear their children cry for bread. In the midst of the awful famine, which ap- pealed so powerfully for outside help,- Mrs. Susan Cardwell, wife of William A. Card- well, mentioned at length in another chapter, wrote a letter to Mrs. President ADiieai to Grant, with whom she had become Presiaent ' acquainted during war times, and told her about the excessive sufferings of the people in Kansas on account of the grasshopper invasion. She assured the lady of the White House that, though her husband was a minister, he did not need help, but plead most earnestly and tenderly that the President, or some one else in authority, might be enlisted in the interest of the helpless sufferers about her. The appeal so impressed the President that he immediately took steps to relieve the distressing situation, and the Secretary of War kindly answered the letter, assuring the good woman that her request had been granted, and that supplies would be forwarded at once from St. Louis. This caused many to rejoice, and to pour out their hearts in thanksgiving to God. Mr. Evans, like the general he was, stood in the front ranks among his noble fellow-toilers, and sounded the note of victory from one end of the line to the other. Once he rode eighty miles to attend a quarterly meeting, and received only seventy-five cents for his services. Sometimes the life of a good man means as much, or more, than his words. So it proved in his case, at least with 240 United Brethren Home Missionaries one soul. Mr. George Gay, in his travels one day, came upon an emigrant family. In talking with them he found that the wife Tho Power ^^ motheT was a United Breth- of Example ren, and got from her the story of her conversion. She said she had never heard, or spoken to the man who was the means of her salvation. When living in another part of the country, she looked out from her window one cold, stormy day, when it seemed too awful for any one to be out, and saw an old man trudging along through the drifted snow. She did not have any idea who it was, but remarked that somebody must be sick, or dead, as nothing else would induce a man to ttiu the risk of freezing. A neighbor, who happened to be present, then looked out, and recognizing the lone traveler said, "Why, that's Mr. Evans, the old preacher, on his way to fill his appointments." "What!" exclaimed the woman, "that poor, old man fac- ing all this storm for the sake of sinners, and I unsaved!" So the Holy Spirit that day blessed the faithfulness of his servant to the saving of a sinner. The last full year the old hero ever spent on a circuit he witnessed over a hundred conver- sions, and received as many into the Church. His end was triumphant. Having EnT""*'"' preached fif ty-edght years, he was a ripe sheaf for the heavenly garner. When a friend asked him how he felt, he replied, "All these years I have been living for this hour, and it is all right now." How much richer 241 Our Heroes, or heaven must have been in moral worth the day the conqueror reached home. To his loved ones he did not leave that doubt- ful blessing — a large fortune, but he left that priceless heritage vi^hich money cannot buy — a. name without a stain, a reputation without a blemish. J. R. CHAMBEIRS It is a pleasure to know that a few of the Church pioneers who took part in opening up the work in some portions of Kansas and in other western States still remain, and can give, by word or pen, their own experience back in the days when it meant so much to be an itinerant. Among these is J. R. Chambers, a member of Neosho Conference. Soon after returning home from the Civil War, in which he had served, he entered another army under the ban- ner of the Cross, and gave himself thereafter to the ministry of the United Brethren Church. His lot was the same as that of his comrades in service when the country was comparatively new, and the crop failures, for one reason or another, were so frequent and disastrous. He tells us that the wolf came so near Fa^""'"^ his door at times that nothing was left on which to subsist but bread and home-made coffee. As the children did not like the coffee, they had to be content with br^id alone. He preached at one point all year, and at three others for three months, and, all told, re- 242 United Brethren Home Missionaries ceived only |3.75. Many times he would walk twenty-five miles on Saturday, preach at ten- thirty on Sabbath, walk twelve circntt™" miles to another place and hold service at four o'clock in the after- noon, preach again at night, and then walk home, twenty-five miles, on Monday, where he put in the next four days trying to provide for his dependent family. When presiding elder he was often absent eight weeks at a time, while his devoted helper in the Lord, and the little ones, were a mile distant from the nearest neighbor. Others suffered in like manner, but not being here to tell the story themselves, and having left no written record behind, we shall never know to what extent they served and endured until the "books are opened" at the last great day, and their works are made manifest in the white light of the throne. B, W. PARKS While the Church operated in the eastern part of the Territory as early as the fifties, it could move westward only as the tide of emigration rolled that way, hence the process was slow. When it is iremembered that Kansas is four hun- dred miles long, east and west, it will be seen that time was required to build up settlements even half way across this great stretch of coun- try. But as communities sprang up our preach- ers, as a rule, were on the ground to look after their spimtual needs, and to care for the sheep of our own fold. It is to be regretted that in 243 Our Heroes, or later years, when the population increased so rapidly, we were unable, as a Church, to meet the demands made upon us. Early in 1871, R. W. Parks, of the Cen- tral Illinois Conference, moved into the Arkan- First In s^s valley, and was the first United Arkansas Brethren to lift the banners of his ^^ Church in all that country. In fact, no services, so far as he could ascertain, were held by any church in the valley, except in the village of Wichita, and there only occa- sionally. While there were not many people to be gotten together in any neighborhood, Mr. Parks at once recognized their needs, and began to plan appointments over as much territory as he could possibly cover. In May of this year he organized the first class, called Pleasant Valley, some fifteen miles from Wichita, in what is now known as Southwest Kansas Conference. The charter members were E. H. Clark and wife, F. M. Dick and wife, and R. W. Parks and wife. The next March he held a revival here, which added sixteen to the little organization. This was the first revival held by any of our preachers in the valley. At this time he did not know of a United Brethren minister nearer than a hundred miles. A lone servant he was, far away from kindred and friends, riding across bleak prairies, at times through blinding snow- storms, not knowing whither to turn for food or shelter, that he might minister to perishing souls, and plant firmly the standard of his beloved Zion. 244 United Brethren Home Missionaries His wife's people in Ohio were anxious to have her come home, and offered to defray all ex- penses; but she said: "No, I will not do that. Let them send me the money to live on and I will stay here in the work." And so she did. When the Osage Conference met in the fall of 1872, Mr. Parks requested, by letter, that a pre- siding elder be sent to the field he had under- taken to cultivate, for the purpose of organi- ing a mission. Accordingly, D. oprned""""" Wenrich visited him shortly there- after, organized his appointments into a mission, and called it "Little Kiver." The next year he and another brother drove one hundred and fifty miles to conference in a covered wagon, camping along the way wherever night overtook them. Returning home, he started afoot to the field assigned him, fifty miles distant, not knowing that he would get a dollar for the year's toil except what the Board and eastern friends might furnish. This was the drouth and grasshopper period, when every particle of vegetation in all that country was destroyed. The people and preachers suf- fered greatly, but, as has been noted elsewhere, aid came from outside sources in time to relieve their distress, and to help them along until an- other harvest could be gathered. When the Arkansas Valley, now Southwest Kansas, Conference was organized, in 1881, Mr. Parks was one of its charter members, and con- tinued in the work for many years. Like nearly all the other preachers of his day in central Kan- 245 Our Heroes, or sas, he had to provide for his family in part by locating them where they could till the soil, or otherwise secure employment. Though he was influential and successful as a pioneer, and was respected wherever he went for his ability and untiring efforts, his salary only averaged about $200 a year through all the period of his active service. At this time he is living at Toronto, Kansas, ripe in years, rich in experience, strong in faith, and joyous in hope. It is proper in this connection to refer again to Mr. George Gay, who was Mr. Parks' associ- ate on the frontier for many years. Though mod- est and retiring in disposition, his courage was lion-like. Through heat and cold, through rain and storm, he continued in his chosen work. He might have been seen week by week driving a farm wagon across prairies or up and down the Walnut Valley. He carried with Fr^itfons ^^^ ^ mess-chest, provisioned at home, and slept in or under his wagon on the banks of the Antelope, or wherever he chanced to be when darkness came on. When compelled to cease his itineraries be- cause of old age, he set about to make permanent the work in his own community, and so remained true till death to the vows of his early ministry. Being a United Brethren by birth, tastes, in- tuitions, and aspirations to manliness of char- acter and usefulness of life, he illustrated through his entire career those lofty traits typ- ical of the Church's noblest sons. 246 United Brethren Home Missionaries F. P. SMITH Among the preachers who entered the work in central southern Kansas a third of a century ago, none, perhaps, was more faithful and self- sacrificing than F. P. Smith. The first confer- ence he attended, the Osage, was held in 1875. The next year he became a member, and there- after was identified with every interest of his chosen field. He was one of the twenty min- isters who entered into the organization of Ar- kansas Valley Conference. The newn^s of the country, the poverty of the people, and the dif- ficulty of the work in general, created conditions which thoroughly tested the mettle of every man who went to the front. From 1871 to 1881, eighteen charges had been formed in this new territory, showing how rap- idly United Brethrenism had taken root in the virgin soil of Kansas. A glance at the minutes of the earlier sessions of the conference will reveal some- o^stoly thing of the real sacrifices made by its loyal representatives. One of the presiding elders says : "I traveled during the year, 4,402 miles. Sal^y, $268.78. Traveling expenses |71.04, leaving a balance of |197.74." The other elder received, above expenses, $225. The next year one of these men reported |400 salary, less |100.04 expenses. Two hundred serv- ices were held, and five thousand nine hundred and fifty-five miles traveled. The other received $375.50, and preached three hundred and four- teen sermons. Of course, from this pittance all 247 Our Heroes, or expenses had to be met. And be it said to the honor of these heroes that they gave all their time to the work. The records show that as late as 1887 the average salary was only |152.11. Mr. Smith's first charge was Sheridan Mission, which paid him nine dollars in addition to the twenty dollars appropriated by the conference. At one of the conferences Bishop Kephart, after listening to a number of reports, said: "Brethren, how do you get along? uZi'"'^ What do you live on?" Instantly one of the men, noted for his wit and directness, replied, "Live on? Why, Bishop, we live on sand and scenery." At the session of the Southwest Kansas Con- ference held in Wichita, in August, 1907, Mr. Smith read a paper on the history of the Church in the Arkansas Valley, giving some interesting personal reminiscences, which we here subjoin : "The happiest days of my life were spent at the front with saber flashing in the sunlight, with cannon booming in the distance, and with musket rattling on every hand. Yes, at the front, where the battle is warmest, is the grand- est place of all. At the front with Happy wife and little children, with ap- pointments thirty-five miles apart, and living for weeks at a stretch on com bread and water. But what of it? it was the best bread I ever tasted, and the water was the purest and the most delicious I ever drank. When we got tired of sod houses within, and of the howling of wind and wolves without, we did not hurry back 24S United Brethren Home Missionaries to some of the stronger charges to find a hearth- stone already warmed, but proceeded to build churches of our own. "While in the West it fell to my lot to care for an annual conference, which proved quite a task. No one was expected to pay for his meals. I was getting along nicely providing homes, but then, as now, the pastor was expected to do his share of entertaining. At this time we were poor, and had no money. There were no gro- cares for ceries of auv kind in the house. A a Conference ^ bit of meat and a very little flour constituted our supply. Wife was worrying a good deal. In fact, I was, too, on the sly, but I kept humming the chorus, 'I'm the child of a King.' Then I would say to wife, 'Be quiet, dear, God is our Father.' The conference was to meet on Thursday. About noon Tuesday a young man came to our door with a beautiful young lady and inquired, 'Is this where the min- ister lives?' You can gu^s what he wanted. After the marriage ceremony he put a ten-dollar gold piece in my hand, and then bade us good-by. When I looked around, wife was crying. I said to her, 'Dry your tears; here are the groceries for conference.' I thought, then, and think now that the Lord sent that young couple to the par- sonage just to help us. "While in that short-grass country I got in debt |20, and some how could not get out. The firm I owed kept dunning me for the money until I was in distress. I tried to explain, but they failed to understand my situation. One day, 249 Our Heroes, or upon going to the post-office, I received two leif ters. The first one I opened was from my cred- itors, and was full of criticism and insinuations. It questioned my honesty and right to preach. It was a sad moment. Finally, I In Debt Opened the other letter, and, to my utter amazement, it contained a |20-draft from Brother John Dodds, of Dayton, Ohio. I can never describe my gratitude and feelings of joy at that moment. I had never seen Brother Dodds, nor even communicated with him. Many years afterward I met him at a General Conference, and told him all about it. With tears he said, 'Never mind, dear brother, I have been doing this kind of work for a long time.' " On one occasion, Mr. Smith says, his presiding elder visited him when all they had to set before him was corn bread and water. After the frugal meal, they bowed in prayer around the table, while the elder poured out his heart to the Father of mercies in prayer. It was an hour of precious fellowship. About this ^ *"* time this same elder wrote Mr. liCtter Smith, saying, "Only God and the good angels know what my family is suffering for the sake of the Church." How blessed the thought that God did know all about it. Years ago this dear soul who wrote so tenderly of his family, quit the cross for a crown, and en- tered upon his long-sought rest. Surely the Mas- ter will accord such heroes a place very near him- self in glory. 250 United Brethren Home Missionaries Among the charter members of this conference was J. H. Snyder, one of the West's strongest men, and secretary of the General Conference since 1885. C. IT. mcKBE: The first United Brethren preacher to settle within the bounds of what now constitutes Northwest Kansas Conference was C. U. McKee, formerly an itinerant in the old Bast Des Moines Conference. He pitched his tent in Mitchell County, near Beloit, in 1873. At this time we had no class organizations in the county, nor anjw'^here else westward in the State. Soon, however, he began to make ap- pointments where enough people could be gotten together to have preaching, and, as the result, societies were formed at various points, which afterwards developed into centers around which strong charges were built. In 1878, he erected the first United Brethren house of worship in his country, and now the oldest church edifice in the confer- Bnut piMt ence. For his first six years' work he received in salary $150. This meant, of course, that he had to labor with his hands between Sundays, as did nearly all the pioneers. The truth is, we would have but little in the West to-day if the early preachers had not so toiled. In 1879, the Northwest Kansas Conference was set off to itself, with twenty-three ministers and thirteen charges. McKee was made secre- 251 Our Heroes, or tary, and served in this capacity for several years thereafter. He also traveled as presiding elder nearly a score of years. He knew, as did but few others, what the pastors in those early days of the conference had to undergo, Frontier ^^^^ wrftes most tenderly about Hardships '' them. "The hardships of these men of God," he says, "were such as frontiersmen al- ways have to suffer — exposure, scarcity of food and clothing, extensive travel, hard work, heat and cold, drouth and flood. Their families shared all these trials in a noble spirit of self- sacrifice. In view of the little support received, God only knows how they managed to live and get along. But they did live and labored on 'as seeing Him who is invisible,' and wrought glo- riously for the Church." It would be a pleasure to mention, in this con- nection, the other twenty-two brave men who en- tered the conference as charter members with Mr. McKee, but lack of space forbids. Suffice it to say that they Avere faithful to every trust im- posed, and suffered much for the Church's sake, "that they might obtain a better resurrection." That the reader who is unacquainted with frontier life may get a glimpse of what it means, we give the following somewhat amusing inci- dent: E. Shepherd, of this con- fnrfdenV fereucc, who was elected presiding elder at its first session, was preaching one Sunday in a "dugout." Because of the elder's presence, the little room, probably sixteen by twenty feet in size, was crowded with 252 United Brethren Home Missionaries anxious, earnest listeners. Eight in the midst of the service, a horse hitched outside took fright, and suddenly sprang upon the roof of the dirt house, which was not sufficiently strong to bear him up. It is easy to imagine the sur- prise and consternation of the worshipers, in- cluding the preacher, when the animal's legs came crashing through between the poles used to support the sod covering. A stampede fol- lowed, which, of course, broke up the meeting, and the men hastened to rescue the horse from his suspended position. Such were the places in which quarterly meetings were held. Northwest Kansas is one of the most vigorous conferences in the West, and is manned by pas- tors who give themselves, without reserve, to its work. At the close of the first year ^"'■■'' the conference had increased its Records membership from 752 to 1,389. The thirteen pastors, however, received in the aggre- gate only $1,450.48, or an average, each, of $111.58. The highest salary, $190, was received by J. H. Bloyed on Lawrence Creek Circuit. Next came J. J. Burch, on Wolf Creek, with $185. A. S. Poulson ranked third, reporting $175.58 from Salem, while J. McMillen stood fourth, with $160.50 from White Rock. But the workers of to-day are faring better. "One sow- eth and another reapeth." This is the divine law, and holds good in the church as well as in nature. It has been decreed that "both he that soweth and he that reapeth shall rejoice to- gether" in the final gathering of the harvest. 253 CHAPTER XXIV. Pioneers in Colorado. E. J. Lamb, who became prominent in the early work of the Church in Nebraska and Colo- rado, was born in Indiana, January 1, 1832. In 1842 his parents moved to Iowa, and fifteen years later the young man, with thirty-five others, landed in eastern Kansas. Here he re- mained for nine years, when he located in Saline County, Nebraska. Two years later he decided upon the ministry as his life work, and began to preach on the frontiers of Nebraska and Kansas. Those were trying days. The battle for bread and raiment with the new settlers was fierce and long. Mr. Lamb was fully awake to the situ- ation, and understood well what an Trying itinerant's life would mean to him. Days He says: "We preached in dwell- ing-houses, many of them constructed of sod, and sometimes in dugouts. Occasionally, the luxury of a fairly good schoolhouse was offered for serv- ices. We succeeded in organizing a number of classes on Little Blue, Turkey Creek, and the West Blue. It was not all sunshine, however, with us. The red skins annoyed us a good deal. The Omaha and Pawnee tribes had to pass through our sparsely-settled neighborhood in going to and from their hunting-ground farther 254 United Brethren Home Missionaries west. They would both beg and steal when camping near us. Farther on we had more seri- ous trouble with them. They be- c"** m came exasperated over what they considered an encroachment of their rightful domain — their buffalo hunting- grounds — by the whites, and determined to drive the settlers out of the country. A large body of the Sioux swept down the Little Blue River, kill- ing many settlers and stealing a large number of horses and cattle. They came close to our neighborhood and massacred a number on Big Sandy. I was called upon to preach the funeral of some who were murdered in their harvest- fields. A Mrs. Eubanks and a Miss Laura Roper were taken prisoners; also two children, who were tomahawked on account of their crying from fright. "A number of us, one hundred or more, went to the front under Governor Butler's orders to guard the borders. We moved our families to Big Blue River, and there threw up a sod em- bankment for a breastwork of protection in case the Indians should venture that far ©ist." This indicates something of the actual dangers which confronted the early ministers in their work in the Northwest. Later, we will have oc- casion again to refer to the Indian uprising in this section, and to the cruel killing of one of our ministers. In the spring of 1870, Mr. Lamb, with W. J. Caldwell, and a layman, John Elliott, traveled two hundred miles to attend an annual confer- 255 Our Heroes, or ence held at Lecompton, Kansas, when he was ordained by Bishop Dickson. During the follow- ing winter, while in a great revival, Goes to a^ letter was received by him from Colorado .^ ^^ _,, . , . -Hr. . n D. K. Phckinger, Missionary Sec- retary, saying: "The Board has this day de- cided that you go to Colorado and join Eev. St. Clair Boss in missionary effort for the upbuild- ing of our cause in Christ's name, and for the glory of God in those far-off mountains and vales." With this order came a draft for $200, T\'hich indicated the Board's faith in him and the territory to which he was being directed. May 25, 1871, he bade his wife and little ones good-by, and started. It required a horseback ride of three days to reach the nearest railroad station — Junction City, Kansas. He felt sad over the parting. He says : "For a short time I experienced a feeling of loneliness. Home and a loving wife and children are a blessing to be appreciated, and the separation seems to intensi- fy that home feeling. But self-denials must be endured, and trials overcome in order to final triumph." Beaching Denver, he walked twelve miles down the Platte Biver to the home of Mr. Boss. The year was spent in preaching, pros- pecting, organizing, and such other Builds First -^rork as usually falls to a frontiers- church -r-r ■, •-. man. He built the first United Brethren church in Colorado, eleven miles below Denver, near the Platte Biver, assisted by Mr. Charlton, a local preacher. He not only 256 J. Kenoyer Mus. J. KENOYEI! Wm. K. Courskv WlI.LrA.M Daughkety Mhs. William DAUtjHEiiXY Daniel Shuck United Brethren Home Missionaries superintended the work, but labored with his own hands for days and weeks. They erected a tent near by, where they ate and slept while thus engaged. In his autobiography he describes most vividly his experiences this year. Sometimes he was greatly encouraged ; at other seasons he had his misgivings. Some blessed and helped him; others opposed and hindered his work. On one occasion he was even shot at by a hidden foe. In early fall he visited Estes Park, far back in the mountains. Before returning, a lady friend in- sisted upon his taking her revolver with him, de- claring that he did not know what emergency might arise for its use. On the way back to fill his appointments, some thirty or forty miles dis- tant, as he was winding his way around the banks of the St. Vrain, to avoid Attacked by wadlug the Stream, he came upon Monntalu l.lon " ' ^ an open piece of ground where grew some currant bushes covered with ripe ber- ries. Pausing a few moments to sample them, he was suddenly surprised and alarmed at the appearance of a huge mountain lioness only a few rods distant. Evidently she had whelps nearby, and had come to their rescue. Before he could get his revolver in hand the angry beast was almost close enough to leap upon him. Fi- nally, he let drive at her. The big pistol sounded like a cannon in the stillness of the mountains. With a snarl, and a bound in the opposite di- rection, she disappeared in the bushes. More than likely the bullet took effect, but the 257 Our Heroes, or preacher did not tajrry to investigate. He was only too willing to part company with his newly- found foe, and with a crescendo movement scur- ried onward toward a safe retreat. In referring to the exciting experience afterwards he re- marked that had it not been for the gun his lady friend gave him, the scriptural prophecy of the lion and lamb lying down together would cer- tainly have been fulfilled. At the end of a thirty-mile journey, he lodged at a ranch-house, and rested on the floor on some old quilts. The next morning he was out be- times, and trudging along toward his Sunday preaching-places. In this connection it may be proper to speak more particularly of the Colorado Conference. The work there has always gone slowly. For various reasons it is a diflcult field to cultivate. An ever-changing population makes permanency next to impossible. This is true with all the denominations. The migration of some of our people thither induced the Board to send St. Clair Ross, of the Illinois Conference, among them as a missionary in the fall of 1869. He bore his own expenses in going, but Workers ^^ appropriation of $200 was made for his support the first year, and |115 additional was collected from outside sources. The next man on the ground was W. H. McCormick, of the Central Illinois Con- ference, who followed Mr. Ross in the spring of 1870. He was a professional teacher, but seeing the great need of preachers, he threw himself 258 United Brethren Home Missionaries into the itinerancy of his Church, and for years was a prominent figure in the councils and per- sonnel of the new mission field. Perhaps no one gave the work more standing in its earlier his- tory than did Mr. McOormick. In 1872 the Colorado Conference was organ- ized by Bishop Dickson. The charter members were St. Clair Ross, A. Hartzell, Conference g^^^ -^ g McCormick. The mis- organized . , , ■, ,, sion charges numbered three, namely, Denver, Ealston, and Left Hand. To each was appropriated $266. There were also three classes, with an aggregate membership of seventy-two. The following year L. S. Cornell, a man of culture and strength, was added to the working force, and the four mis- sionaries received each, upon an average, |309.82. Eather small the compensation for a quartet of brave, active men, willing to give themselves to pioneer service. Mr. Cornell later became prom- inent as a leader in the educational work of the State, and won distinction as the superintendent of its free schools. Returning to the labors of E. J. Lamb, it should be said that after spending a year in Col- orado he returned to Nebraska, and Nebraska" ^^^ employed by the Board to as- certain, as nearly as possible, the number of our people that had settled in that new country. One hundred dollars were appro- priated to defray expenses. Mr. Lamb, however, was averse to going alone, and offered Byron Allen, a local preacher, the whole of the ap- 259 Our Heroes, or propriation if he would accompany him. When informed tliat their mission would be to visit among all the people, natives, Swedes, Bohe- mians, and others who might come in the way, Allen replied : "Certainly I will go. I fought all through the Civil War, and why should I fear sinners, Swedes, Bohemians, or the devil him- self?" After traveling over the central and south- eastern portions of the State, visiting from set- tlement to settlement, and frequently from house to house in a neighborhood, their work was finally concluded and reported back to the Board. Seven hundred and sixty- Reports to three members, forty classes, twen- Board ' '' ' ty-one local preachers, and thirty- one Sabbath schools had been found. Our peo- ple and preachers had gone there mainly from Iowa and Kansas. The report was so encour- aging that a new conference was organized in October of 1873 by Bishop Glossbrenner, with eight hundred and forty-one communicants, twenty-six ministers, six circuits, and thirteen missions. IMr. Lamb, in a short time, removed his family to Colorado, where he continued in active service as a pastor and presiding elder for many years. At this writing he lives at Estes Park, a beau- tiful summer resort, some thirty-five miles dis- tant from Loveland. Though seventy-six years old he is quite strong, and preaches nearly every Sabbath during the summer and fall to the many who gather there for health and pleasure. 260 LESSON VI. Chaptbh XXI. 1. What were the political conditions In Kansas in the fifties? 2. Who went to Kansas as the first United Brethren mission- ary, and when? 3. What of his courage and the dangers to which he was exposed ? 4. What report did Secretary Bright make concerning the worlt? 5. When and where was the first class organized and the first church built? 6. When and where was the first temperance battle? 7. Relate the cause of S. S. Snyder's death. 8. What was the character of Josiah Terrell's work? Recall the story of the church bell. 9. When, where, and by whom was Kansas Conference organized ? Chapter XXII. 1. What was the experience of the Church In those days? What of the awful drought? 2. Tell something of the life of Doctor Huffman; also of John R. Merideth. Chaptbb XXIII. 1. Give the experiences of J. R. Evans when presiding elder. Review the grasshopper invasion, the 1874 conference, and the securing of Government help by Mrs. Cardwell. 2. How was a lady saved through Mr. Evans without know- ing or hearing him ? 3. What of the hardships of J. R. Chambers and family? 4. Where did R. W. Parks settle, and what was the nature of his work at first? 5. What of George Gay, his associate? 6. When did F. P. Smith become an itinerant, and what support did he and others receive? 7. What does he say about the frontier? About providing for conference and about his debt? 8. What is his testimony concerning his presiding elder? 9. What preacher first settled in Northwest Kansas? Give his early work and his estimate of his colaborers ? 10. Relate incident connected with Elder Sheperd. Chapter XXIV. 1. Give briefly the service of E. J. Lamb up to the time of his appointment to Co.lorado? Tell of his experience with the red man. 2. When was he appointed to Colorado and by whom? 3. Teii of his encounter with a mountain lion. 4. When was the Colorado Conference organized, and who were its leaders? 5. For what purpose was Lamb employed by the missionary Board in Nebraska? 261 CHAPTER XXV. Pioneers in Nebraska It may not be generally known in the Church that a mission conference was organized in Ne- braska by Bishop Edwards in 1858. J. M. Dosh, of Des Moines Conference, was the leading spirit in the new enterprise. But slow progress was made for want of men and money. In 1861 it numbered only one hundred and thirty-five members. Shortly after this it was discontin- ued, and placed under the care of what was then known as West Des Moin^ Conference. Our people, howeTer, continued to come in from va- rious sections until, as has been noted elsewhere, they numbered nearly eight hundred, and again it was found necessary to organize. Nebraska is a great State, and has furnished a splendid field for the Church, though we have not been able to cultivate it as its real needs de- manded, or as the opportunities would have per- mitted. A large portion of it is still genuine home mission territory, and appeals strongly to the general Church for help. ' WIIiLIAM P. CAIiD-WXlIili William P. Caldwell was a captain, cour- ageous and noble, and proved a very great factor in establishing United Brethrenism in eastern Nebraska. Settling near where the town of 262 United Brethren Home Missionaries Swantom now stands, he began to exercise in public, and very soon was in great demand as a leader in prayer and social meetings. This was in 1865. As yet he was not licensed to preach, but the more thoughtful and pious with whom he worshiped were impressed that the ministry was his divinely-appointed field, and often talked with him upon the subject. Finally MiS"t* ^® yielded, and a year later entered the active work of a missionary itinerant. Both his pulpit and social qualities conspired to make him popular, hence the people were always glad to hear him preach. Some who lived thirty miles distant would attend his services. He traveled on horseback, preached every night in the week, and three times on Sun- day. When appointed by the Kansas Confer- ence to Turkey Creek Circuit, he was the only regular traveling preacher in Nebraska, and his territory embraced the entire State. He had thirty appointments. With such a field it is easy to see why he was kept on the go inces- santly. He was preeminently a soul-winner. In the pulpit his appeals were tender and convincing; but he was not confined to the public congrega- tion in his work. He always had a message for the individual, whether in field or pLo^ie*"**^ shop, whether on the public high- way or in the home. He would sometimes start out eairly on the Sabbath and walk for miles and miles, inviting the people, and especially the indifferent, to come and hear the 263 Our Heroes, or word. Such a man always wins. God give us more like him! His salary as a pastor ranged from $37 up to $150. One year it reached |175, including a missionary appropriation of |25. After a few years he was elected presiding elder. A leading minister, Solomon Weaver, of the Kansas Conference, opposed his eleva- tion, saying: "Brethren, don't elect him. If you do you will spoil a mighty good circuit preacher, and make an exceedingly poor presid- ing elder." But the good brother was mistaken in his man. Mr. Caldwell continued in the oflfice some twenty years, serving his conference and Church with great acceptability. His son, Schuyler, says, in a communication: "We boys stayed at home with mother and worked to make a living, while father traveled all the time. It was three hundr^ and fifty miles around one of his circuits, but he made it every three weeks, and got $37 for ^""'" the year's work. This was but a Testimony '' faia* sample of much of his early ministry. Meeting his appointments sometimes meant the swimming of swollen streams, and the facing of blinding snow-storms, but he never complained. Before he left us for heaven he had the satisfaction of knowing that three thousand souls had been converted and brought into the €hurch through his labors." As a preacher he was not broadly informed. He had but little time to spend with his library at home, yet he was a student. The Bible with him was first and foremost. He studied it on 264 United Brethren Home Missionaries: horseback, or as he rested by the wayside. Sometimes in the home where he chanced to tarry, the midnight hour would find him reading the old Book by the dim, flickering light of the "tallow dip." So, while he did not know much about the sciences, he understood the philosophy of salvation's plan, and how to win men to Christ. A few years before his death he asked the conference for a rest of twelve months, which was cheerfully granted. But he *i""'*'^"* could not rest: he did not know Quit Work ' how. To work had become second nature with him ; so he made appointments and preached . nearly as often as if he had been in charge of a circuit. When the year was up he reported two new classes, and ninety accessions. With him it was battle and victory to the very last. No mortal ear ever heard him sound a re- treat or ever complain of the lot which had be- fallen him. His life was one long journey up- ward without a halt, or single step backward. As a fitting expression of appreciation, and to perpetuate his memory in the Ohuirch to which he gave his life, the East Nebraska Conference erected the first temple of worship in Lincoln, the capital of the State, engraving thereon "Caldwell Memorial." SIMEON AUSTIN One of the charter members of the East Ne- braska Conference was Simeon Austin, who settled in York County in 1867, and began to 265 Our Heroes, or pr^ich in the different neighborhoods in reach of him. Though poor in this world's goods, he possessed great energy and zeal, and counted it a pleasure to suffer hardships for the sake of the Church. Having a faith well grounded in the Word, he ever stood ready to defend what he con- ceived to be right. He really loved controversy, and feared not to cross swords with any foe, no matter how giantlike he might appear. At the first session of the conference he was elected one of the presiding elders, and remained Elected ^^ tJi® position for many yealrs. In Presiding Serving his district he drove a span of ponies hitched to an old buggy, partly constructed by himself. Thus he traveled month by month, sometimes lodging with a friend, at other times camping out, using his buggy for a shelter, mother earth for a bed, and his grip for a pillow. He seemed determined that no obstacle should turn him aside from the path of duty, or from the achievement of what- ever task he sought to accomplish. One example will suffice: At the close of a certain conference session, held in a country church, a few farmers loaded the preachers and visitors into their bobsleds and started for the railroad station six miles distant. The waters were high, the snow deep, and the wind blew furiously. When within two miles of the depot they encountered a sheet of water and ice some twenty rods wide, occasioned by the river overflowing its banks. It was too deep to drive the sleds through; what was to be done? 266 United Brethren Home Missionaries Presiding Elder Austin determined not to miss his train. After a brief consultation he said: "I am the oldest man in the crowd. An Instance T^Jj^ ^i^J foUoW me?" Aud with his grip in hand he plunged into the icy water. Six others followed. But when they reached the station it was found that there was no train within forty miles of them headed their way. Then what? No conveyance could be had of any kind for any price. One of the party lived at Blair, twenty-six miles away. After another council they determined to walk eight miles over the railroad track to the next town, where they secured conveyance, and reached Blair at ten o'clock that night. How grateful they were to get something to eat and to find a warm home in which to dry their frozen garments. Mr. Austin, during this most trying ordeal, remained cheerful and did much to rally the spirits of his weary comrades in travel. A brother who knew him well and worked long at his side, refers to him as one of God's noble men — a brave soul who never flinched in the presence of duty, nor complained over his lot, no matter how hard and trying. At each recurring sunset he pitched his tent on higher ground, un- til heaven was gained. ELIJAH W. JOHNSON Another worthy pioneer in Nebraska United Brethrenism, and whose name deserves a place in the list of heroes recorded in this volume, was Elijah W. Johnson. He moved from Illi- 267 Our Heroes, or nois in 1866, and located in the eastern part of the State, where he preached for a time as op- portunity was afforded. When the conference was organized in 1873, he was chosen secretary, and reelected thereafter twenty times. In 1875 he was made presiding elder. These were hard days for the itinerant in a new and sparsely settled ter- secretary ritorv, because of the vastness of and Elder '' ' the field and the stinted financial support received. As emigrants crossed the Mis- souri River, they located all along the border north and south. A fair proportion of these were United Brethren. To follow them, and to answer all the calls for preaching, meant in- creased labor, and extended itineraries. Mr. Johnson was a man of indomitable pur- pose, and therefore suited to the kind of service thrust upon him. With a courage born of faith he stood ready to grapple with any problem in the line of his work, however great and diflcult it might appear. The snow-storms which so fre- (juently swept over the prairies, rendering the roads impassable for days, and even for weeks at a time, greatly hindered the preachers in mak- ing good their appointments, and in holding revivals. The presiding elder had his full share of difficulties from this source. A single inci- dent from his own pen will suffice to show what he had to encounter at times: "In February of 1877, I held a quarterly meet- ing at the union schoolhouse, in Cass County, near the present town of Elmwood. Sabbath 268 United Brethren Home Missionaries morning was favorable, and the people came from far and near. About eleven o'clock it be- gan to snow, and kept on until the storm was blinding. The people, after church, all went to the nearest neighbors, hoping that E^erieme ^^^ ^^"^8' they could get away to their homes; but there M-^as no let up in the snowfall for the next twenty-four hours. What crowds of us there were in little shacks! Where I stopped we numbered seven- teen, and only three beds. The brother was out of coal, but fortunately had some corn ahead, so he sat by the little stove all night, and fed it corn. Some slept on chairs, others in the beds, while others, still, stretched out upon the floor. The building was a primitive homesteader's shack of about twelve by fourteen feet, to which had been added a kitchen, eight by twelve feet. When permitted to go out the next afternoon we found the snow-drifts so deep that travel seemed impossible. "My next quarterly was on Plattsmouth Cir- cuit, twenty-five miles distant. Though I was eighteen miles from the nearest railroad station, I determined not to miss my engagement. After waiting two days I found a man who seemed compelled to attend court at Plattsmouth, and he agreed to give me a place in his bob-sled if I would help him through the snow- A^Long drifts. Thursday morning we started. His wraps were a couple of old quilts. On we went, sometimes in the road, sometimes through the fields, and ofttimes 269 Our Heroes, or through or over immense accumulations of snow. Sometimes we walked — ^just anything to get along. Finally, in the evening, and after travel- ing all day without seeing food or fire, I turned aside and found a United Brethren homa I could not express my gratitude to God for his abounding goodness in leading me that day, and in giving me a resting-place for my weary body." FARTHER TO THE WEST. When it became known that the south central portion of the State was exceedingly fertile, and promised to become wealthy in time, the people migrated thitherward in gr^it numbers. Our preachers, with that broad, hopeful spirit which almost invariably characterizes the pioneer, joined the procession and located on the frontier for the purpose of ministering to the spiritual needs of the new settlers, and of planting early among them the United Brethren Church. In 1878 the West Nebraska Conference was oiTganized. The handful of workers who consti- tuted it were brave — ^heroic enough West NebraKka ^.^j ^j.y ^q work out for themselvcs. Organized "^ ' with but little outside help, the problems of growth and permanency. The men in the vanguard suffered as did others who were thrust upon the great prairies to battle with famine and storm and hostile tribes. Some of the fields projected by the new conference em- braced two or three counties, or large portions thereof, and were traveled afoot by the mission- aries assigned to them. 270 United Brethren Home Missionaries In 1879 crops were so short, and food and clothing so scarce, that the Missionary Society made a general call for help, which was for- warded in time to relieve the brethren who were so sorely in need. One of the suffereirs, writing to Secretary Flickinger, said : "Here let me refer to the goods and money received A Touchine for the missionaries not long ago. They have all been distributed. What happiness and encouragement they brought to us ! What a lighting up of drooping spiirits! The warming of the little ones in the home, and the feeding of the hungry, have been the source of many new and holy impulses, and led to the forming of many new resolutions to do more for the Savior. I can speak only of their tears and words of gratitude. They tell of emotions which cannot be expressed." gborge: fkmbbrs When West Nebraska Conference was organ- ized there were a good many Germans in its ter- ritory, and in some of the Kansas counties nearby. George Fembers, being a German by birth and education, asked permis- HisBionary to gj^jj ^^ carry the word to his peo- pie wherever he might find them in the new country. The favor was granted, and he at once set about his work with that devout- ness and steady purpose so characteristic of his race. But the career of the anxious herald in this particular field was brief. A cruel death was not very fair away. 271 Our Heroes, or A northern tribe of Cheyenne Indians, settled by the Government in the early seventies in the Indian Territory, now Oklahoma, had grown dis- satisfied with their surroundings, Tronbiewifu j^jj^ determined to return to thedr Indians , old home on the Sioux reservation near the Black Hills, in South Dakota. The de- serters were led by Chief Dull Knife, and num- bered about one hundred and fifty, and two hun- dred women and children. For some cause they became exasperated and slew, without mercy, thirty-two whites in Decatur and Rawlins coun- ties, Kansas, as they passed through. Mr. Fem- bers was in Rawlins County at the time, and in the path of their raid. About daybreak one morning they reached the place where he had tarried for the night. The man of the house was shot down in the yard. The mis- s™in"'^ sionary, hearing the report of their guns, and surmising what it meant, ran out of the house, but was not allowed to es- cape. His dead body was left lying in its own blood only a few rods distant, and later was buried on the spot by unknown hands. A young girl fourteen years old made her escape, with a little brother, to a strip of timber near by, where she Avas found by J. G. Martin, a United Breth- ren, some days later, almost crazed by hunger and excitement. Several years after the lone preacher's death, his conference had his body exhumed and rein- terred in a church cemetery in Redwillow Coun- ty, Nebraska, near the home of Mr. J. Mason. 272 to ^ H _ td ^ ap CHAPTER XXVI. Brave Men in California In the early fifties we had a few United Breth- ren preachers in California who had gone thither to find homes, and, if the way opened, to aid in establishing the Church. Among these were David Thompson, B. B. Allen, and J. H. May- field. California then, as now, was a difficult field to cultivate, owing, largely, to social condi- tions. The constant moving of United Brethren to the coast, however, soon led the Missionary Society to undertake the opening of work in the "Golden State," as it already had done in the State of Oregon. ISRAEL SI^OAN The first representative sent out by the Board was Israel Sloan, formerly a missionary in Canada. He sailed from New York in October of 1858, and landed safely at San Francisco after a voyage of twenty-four days. Having some means at command, he volunteered to pay his own moving expenses, and during the next four years drew largely upon his private resources in order to remain in the work. Unlike many others who settle in new countries, he gave his full time to the ministry. His labors were ex- ceedingly fruitful, resulting in the organization of a number of classes. Indeed, the outlook was 273 Our Heroes, or so encouraging that he recommended to the Gen- eral Board the formation of a mission confer- ence, which was agreed to, and, accordingly, the first session was held in 1861, be- ^"''' ginning January 16. Mr. Sloan Opened Up *'*--_.. , , was elected Bishop pro tern, and conducted, in a regular way, the business of the session. The ministers present, besides himself, were: D. Troxel, D. Thompson, and J. Dollar- hide, of the Iowa Conference. The distribution of the workers was as follows : District and Dry Creek Mission, Israel Sloan; Yolo and Solano missions, J. Dollarhide; Sacramento, D. Thomp- son. Thus the California Conference was launched with three itinerants, twenty appoint- ments, six classes, and seventy-five members. The next session was called for September 13, 1862. Again Mr. Sloan presided. We are in- debted to J. H. Becker for the following syn- opsis of the proceedings of this conference, and for other items which he gathered while on the coast and preserved : "The second annual conference of the United Brethren, of California, met at Sloan's school- house, Yolo County, September 13, 1862, Sloan in the chair. Brother Dollarhide conducted the devotional exercises. "Members present: I. Sloan, B. B. Allen, A. Musselman, William Wresser, D. Thompson, and J. Dollarhide. The organization was completed by electing William Dresser secretary. "Brother Allen reported Solano Mission as having twenty-nine members at the end of the 274 United Brethren Home Missionaries year. He also reported |36.45, presiding elder's salary. Time employed, four months. "Musselman and Dresser were elected to re- ceive elders' orders. The appointed Committee on Boundaries brought in their report, which was adopted. "Dresser reported Yolo Mission as having twenty members at the end of the year. Two classes were in an organized condition ; one Tel- escope was taken, and eleven months had been employed. "The correction of the itinerant list showed the following workers, I. Sloan, A. Musselman, J. Dollarhide, and William Dresser. "Sloan and Musselman were elected piresiding elders, Sloan being appointed to Humboldt and Musselman to Sacramento Valley District. "On motion, each preacher, whether traveling or local, was to preach a sermon on missions dur- ing the year, and use every laudable means to ob- tain missionary money. Also, to establish Sab- bath schools. Brother Allen was appointed to preach a missionary sermon during the confer- ence session. "The Committee to station the preachers con- sisted of three, namely, Musselman, Allen, and Sloan, the Bishop pro tern. "By motion, the Book Concern was requested to donate $400 in Hymn-books, Disciplines, and Harps (a revival song-book). "The place of holding the next conference was left to the presiding elders. Conference then ad- journed. 275 Our Heroes, w "Eevs. Alexander, Musselman, and William Dresser were solemnly ordained to the office of elder after the morning sermon on Sabbath, Sep- tember 14, by the Bishop pro tern., assisted by Eevs. J. DoUarhide and B. B. Allen." Mr. Sloan was appointed to a distant charge. In a letter to the Telescope shortly after confer- ence, he said, "It falls to my lot to go to Hum- boldt Bay, a distance of three hundred and forty miles from Sacramento across the Coast Range Mountains." He might have sent some one else to this far-off mission, and himself remained where the work would have been less vexing, and the surroundings more congenial, but it was not like the hero to do so. He chose for himself the hardest field. The moving of his family and goods was a great undertaking in view of the mountains to be crossed, and the lack of trans- i,ons, Danger- poptatlon facilitics. Mrs. Sloan de- ODS Move ^ scribes the journey most graphic- ally in a recent communication : "We shipped our goods by steamer to Humboldt, and ourselves went over the mountains. The trip was hard and dangerous. When we struck the mountains proper the M^agon-road ran out, and the balance of the way, one hundred and fifty miles, had to be made on horseback, v.'ith dangers besetting us on every hand. The Indians were on the war- path and doing their most bloody work. We found that an escort of armed men was neces- sary, which it took some time to provide for. During the entire journey we had been camping 276 United Brethren Home Missionaries out, cooking our meals, and sleeping on the ground. While trying to arrange for the guard that was to accompany us, our children took doAvn with the measles. Then we tried hard to get shelter, but no one was willing to take in a family of five, and measles added. The October rains had set in, and we were in despair. The two youngest children we feared Children would uot recovcir. About ten o'clock one morning our nearest neighbor, a quarter of a mile distant, came over to see how we were doing. He was a Virginian, and very hospitable. When he saw how bad the children were, he gathered the oldest in his strong arms, asked us to follow with the others, and led the way to his house. Upon reaching his door he said to his wife : 'Mother', these children would have died out there, and could we ever have forgiven ourselves? Pull out the trundle- bed.' So he installed himself nurse, and kept watch day and night until they were better. The 'mother' of the house was very much upset for a day or two, but after that we became fast friends, and in the years that followed we always found a hearty welcome with father and mother Burns. Since then I have crossed over this same mountain trail twenty-six times, the last three Avith teams." The next summer Mr. Sloan received word that the work in the Sacramento Valley was not in a prosperous condition, and decided to spend a few weeks on his former field, hoping thereby to encourage the brethren, and, if possible, to re- 277 Our Heroes, or trieve any losses that had been sustained. On the twenty- third of June he started upon his long journey. Everything went well until he started down the Cache Creek Mountains. At a very steep, narrow place, his pony became unmanage- able and ran away, throwing him violently to the ground. Some one living two and Mortally ^^ jja,lf mlles distant found him in an unconscious condition, and took him to his house on a sled drawn by oxen. Later, he was removed to the residence of Nelson Dun- ning. It was several days before he could give an intelligefnt account of the accident. What a distressing situation! One hundred and eighty-five miles from his family, and mor- tally hurt. Weeks passed by, but his faithful wife heard nothing from him. She became uneasy and impatient. Something was wrong, she felt, but knew not what. The clatter of horses' feet, or the sound of a neighbor's footfall, awakened mingled feelings of hope and fear. Finally, she received a letter from him stating that he would soon be home; but he did not come. It is next to impossible for those of us who live under bet- ter and more favorable conditions to appreciate the situation of this poor woman. After several long weeks Mr. Sloan was placed on a steamer bound for Humboldt Bay. The voyage was rough and the entire ^"™® crew was endangered by a heavy coast storm. The captain thought several times that Mr. Sloan was dying, and asked him for his last message to his family and 278 United Brethren Home Missionaries church, but the man of faith said : "No, we shall land safely, and I shall be spared to give my parting words. This is my last request of my Heavenly Father, and I am sure he will not fail me." The captain testified that he had never be- fore witnessed such submission and faith in God. The vessel landed August 30, and just twenty- four hours afterward he died. Immediately upon his arrival at Humboldt Bay a messenger was despatched for his wife, who brought her to his bedside by four o'clock the next morning. The meeting was affectionate, and the closing hours of his life, which followed, were filled with deepest interest. Let his faithful helper in the Lord tell the story. Memories of the occasion tarry with her to this day, and no doubt will be revived when she meets and greets him in heaven. "I found him," she says, "sweetly waiting and trusting. He said, 'I knew you would come.' He first gave full directions about our children, and then talked over the work of the Church, saying : "All my spiritual interests I leave in your care through the Church. If you can use any argu- ment to get some one to come and take full charge of the work, do so.' Then he Triumphant g^id : 'Dou't weep, but sing. I thought death would be a cold, tur- bulent stream, but if this is death, it is sweet to die. Sing.' There were two strange women in the room, and turning to them in the midst of my weeping, I asked them to sing, but they could not. Again^^my husband said, 'Don't weep, but sing.' I 279 Our Heroes, or asked, 'What shall I sing?' He replied, 'On Jor- dan's stormy banks I stand,' lining the entire hymn of eight stanzas, two lines at a time, as was the custom then. Kneeling at his side, I sang it all but the last two lines-. Before reaching these his spirit took its flight." The following appeared in a local newspaper immediately after the funeral : "Rev. Mr. Sloan went below some few months since, and his long delay caused alarm to his family, consisting of wife and three children. "On the 30th day of August he came on the steamer, sick and apparently near to death. He was carried to William's Hotel, from whence he sent for the undersigned, who immediately sent for his wife, who arrived the morning of the 31st, at four o'clock. After the arrival of his wife, his mind was most of the time incoherent, but he enjoyed lucid intervals, during which he con- versed with her, and bade adieu to friends, and expressed a willingness "to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better." "Several of his friends from Eel Elver and members from his Church, were prompt in com- ing to his assistance, and conveyed his remains to Eel River for burial. "Peace to the memory of a good man and a faithful servant oi Christ ! Blessings upon his afflicted widow and fatherless children! Truly, the community that shall favor them in their afflictions shall inherit a blessing. "A. J. HUESTIS. "Eureka, September 4, 1863." 280 United Brethren Home Missionaries An aged minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, who knew Mr. Sloan intimately, de- scribes him thus: "He was a tall man of about forty-five years. As a preacher he was strong, and attracted the people to him. Being deeply pious, and spiritual, he left his impress on men wherever he met them. He was A Bcnuiicni zealous, and devoted all his time to ministerial work. In a few short years he had planted nearly a score of classes in the farming sections of the State. He was a self-denying man, deserving a much better sup- port than he received, but I never heard him utter a word of complaint. He lived like a hero, and died like a saint." How true that all the martyrs were not burned at the stake, nor put to death by the veageful sword. In the life and labors of this godly man we see something of what it cost to plant the Church in California, thus giving it a part in bringing to God a country so rich in its resources and possibilities. 281 CHAPTER XXVII. Brave Men in California: — Continued. It is a delight to trace the records of men who, in the long ago, consented to do pioneer work, and counted it a joy to suffer the hardships in- cident to such a life. How such characters stand out in contrast with those ministers of to-day who shirk difficult fields, and demand the very best the Church has to give ! We are some- times led to wonder whether such men are in the pulpit from a sense of duty or from motives purely selfish. The ministry means nothing if we divest it of the element of heroism. There is a certain kind of daring, a chivalrous spirit which attaches to the high and holy calling, and is displayed in all the plans and public minis- trations of a true gospel herald. Service with him comes before salary. DANIEL SHUCK The annals of the Church present but few names, if any, more illustrious than that of Daniel Shuck. His pioneer labors were not confined to one conference, but ex- A Great tended to various portions of the Church, and covered a period of thirty-five years or more. Modest in disposition, massive in intellect, strong in character, unflag- ging in zeal, dauntless in courage, and holy in life, he presents a model worthy of emulation by 282 United Brethren Home Missionaries every young preacher who seeks a place and part in the special work of soul-M'inning. Mr. Shuck was born in Harrison County, Indi- ana, January 16, 1827. At the age of fifteen he was converted, and at once took up the duty of family prayer in his father's house. When he was seventeen he began to preach, and was placed on a circuit by the presiding His Early elder under an experienced pastor, and soon thereafter joined the Indi- ana Conference. In one of his memorandum- books he tells the story of his ministerial career, in outline, from 1844 to 1860. Here it is as he jotted it down : "In March, 1844, I joined the conference in Franklin Chapel, Union County, Indiana. Trav- eled Corydon Circuit three months, and Wash- ington nine months. Received |70. In 1845, six months on Liberty Circuit. |60. In the fall of 1845 I went to the State University at Bloom- ington, where I continued until September, 1846. Then I taught school three .months in George- town, Indiana. January, 1847, I was sent to Laughery, and traveled one year. Received |80. In January, 1848, I was returned and traveled until September. Received |87. The year 1848- 49 stationed at Zion Chapel. Salary |80.54. New Albany mission, 1849-50. Received |60.67. Returned for another year. Salary |99.36. Again sent back. Received |102.97. During the year 1852-53 I presided over the whole confer- ence which then embraced the work in Kentucky. fl77.65. The next year was returned to New 283 Our Heroes, or Albany. Salary received, |128.25. Again trav- eled New Albany, and remained until March, when I was elected agent of Hartsville Univer- sity in which position I labored until the fall of 1856. Eeceived as salary for the two years, |400. The year 1856-57 I spent at Hartsville school as an assistant. Eeceived |100. For the year 1857- ■ 58 I had charge of Newburn Circuit and Harts- ville Station. Eeceived from both works, |280. In September, 1858, I was sent to Missouri as a missionary. Eemained until 1859. Eeceived 1350. Prom September, 1859 to 1860 I presided over the East District of Indiana Conference. Eeceived |216." This brief summary of sei'vice, reaching over a period of sixteen years, might easily be ex- panded into a volume if we but knew the un- written history of those years — the labors and privations, the battles and triumphs which came to the life of the young hero — ^making it so val- uable to the Church he served. Mr. Shuck was sent by the Mission Board to southern Missouri late in 1858. The Church there, owing to the slavery agita- Missionary tiou, and othcT hiudrauces, had to Missouri -11,1.^,1 -r-r made but little progress. He reached the field in time to attend the fifth ses- sion of the conference, which met October first, at the residence of Jacob Coblentz, a local preacher. The active ministers present were W. B. Southard, A. P. Floyed, Bishop Edwards, and himself. As the early minutes of the conference have been lost, and as there exists some confu- 284 United Brethren Home Missionaries sion as to the first meetings of this body, this itein taken from Mr. Shuck's diary, which was wiritten at the time, may prove of historic value, since it gives us a glimpse of the work in those dark days which no other records seem to fur- nish. Mr. Shuck was elected presiding elder, and also given Saint Aubert Circuit. The year was fraught with hardships and a''"*^ ri perils. His firat quarterly meet- ing was on the Ozark Mission. As he made notes along the way, it might be well to let his diary tell the story. No one will ques- tion its correctness: "Monday, November 22. Though the morning was disagreeable, six inches of snow having fal- len during the night, I started to the first quar- terly meeting on the Ozark Mission. Reached Jefferson City a little after noon, where I got my horse shod, and then journeyed on thirteen miles. Tarried all night with a member of the church. The next morning I paid my bill, one dollar, and continued my journey. About two o'clock it turned quite cold. While I was going through a prairie I was sorely tempted to turn back. The roads were so bad, the distance still so great, the probability that I could not reach the place in good season, and that bad weather would prevent a good attend- ance at the meeting, were reasons so clear to my mind that I actually turned back and traveled a short distance three times. But when I consid- ered the weakness of the brethren in number, the many discouiragements under which they had 285 Our Heroes^ or labored, the great need of affording them aid, and the advaoitages which might be taken of my absence, I concluded to go on. The wind blew and blew and continued to blow. A Long; How I shivcred ! but on I went to Trip Versailles. The morning of the 24th was clear. Old Sol arose in brightness and glory. Continued my journey. Traveled for the day thirty-eight miles, and put up with a Mr. Davis. Next day I traveled thiirty-eight miles and lodged at a tavern in Boliver. The 26th con- tinue my journey. About one o'clock it began to rain, but I dared not stop. Put up at night three miles from Greenfield. The 27th found me still going. At half-past one o'clock I reached Brother J. Terrell's — the place of holding the meeting." So to hold a quarterly meeting this missionary traveled from Monday morning until Saturday afternoon through snow and mud and storm — a distance, probably, of two hundred miles. This put him in the extreme southwestern part of the State. What the financial compensation was for this trip, and all the work connected therewith, he does not tell us ; but he does mention another instance where he made a long journey at a cost of $15, and received only $5 for his services. Because of his anti-slavery opinions he was closely watched, and his utterances noted. At one time a certain vigilance com- ute In mittee at a secret meeting had his Danger '^ name under consideration, and it was proposed by a leading layman of another- 286 United Brethren Home Missionaries church to give him so many days in which to leave the State; but an outsider by the name of Moore, who had heard him preach, opposed such action on the ground that Mr. Shuck was a, good preacher and Christian gentleman. The resolu- tion was defeated. Mr. Shuck's travels were so incessant, and the work entailed so strenuous, that his health gave way, which made it necessary for him to resign at the end of the year, and return to his old con- ference. But the Church soon laid its hands upon him for mission Avork in another field. As has already been stated, the work about this time in California and Oregon seemed to justify the sending of a man there to superin- tend it; accordingly the General Confeirence of 1861 elected him Bishop for the coast ; but owing to the excitement and uncertainties Eieoted Bishop caused by the Civil War, he did not for Const •' ' get away until midwinter in 1864. The voyage from New York, which began Feb- ruary 3, lasted thirty-five days. His arrival in the far-away land was an occasion of great joy. The death of Israel Sloan, an acknowl- edged leader, had greatly disheartened our peo- ple and preachers in California, and many doubted whether the work could be longer sus- tained. Touching the coming of the Bishop, C. W. Gillett, a worthy preacher of the confer- ence, made the following entry in his journal : "The Harrow Brothers were the only ones in the ministry who were doing anything at all for the cause, consequently when the Bishop arrived the 287 Our Heroes, or Church was almost in an unorganized state. But a change was soon visible. Letters were written from friend to friend, 'The Bishop has come.' Those who had been predicting the certain death of the Church, changed their opinion, while the true friends of the cause rejoiced, and deserters felt like returning to their former allegiance." At the conference which convened the 11th of the following November, the membership in Cal- ifornia was reported at one hundred and fifty- one. Six fields of labor were supplied, and one left without a pastor. Here, as elsewhere, the Bishop was almost constantly visiting the local churches, counseling with the preachers, show- ing them what and how to do, and encouraging the laity to be faithful and loyal to the Church. On the 26th of July he and his wife started in a private conveyance for Oregon. Two other families accompanied them. They traveled dur- p,„,„ ing the daj^ and camped out beneath California the clouds Or star-Ut dome at night. to Oregon They were ten weeks on the way, stopping each Sabbath to fill appointments previously arranged. At the end of the fourth week he spent four days at a camp-meeting near Oakland, Oregon. When he left, the meeting closed. On Thursday morning, August 23, they all met about the altar in the tabernacle for a final handshake and farewell. In referring to it Mr. Shuck says: "There was a deep feeling. After we had taken the parting hand the whole audience was stirred. A poor backslider talked. The interest grew, and we could not close. 288 United Brethren Home Missionaries Eleven joined the Church, and as many were converted." This was pretty good for a closing service on a week-day morning. During the camp thirty-one united with the Church. On Thursday, September 29, the Oregon Con- ference met in Polk County, near Salem, the cap- ital of the State. The attendance was small, only nine ministers being present. Holds ^j- ^jjg close of the session he turned Conference . „ , . . . his face homeward, visiting on his return some charges missed on his way to con- ference. This trip gave him a thorough knowl- edge of the work in Oregon, as he preached on nearly every field in the conference district. It required twenty-nine days to make the trip back to California. All went well during most of the journey. On the fifth day, however, be- fore reaching home, late in the evening, he was attacked by two robbers. The following is his account of it : "On the 27th of October, 1864, we were at- tacked by two highway robbers who met us in the way. As we were moving along slowly, one of them seized my right hand, at the same time pre- senting his revolver at my breast Two* Me ""^ and demanding my money or my life. I gave him what money I had in my pocket ; then he demanded my revolver. I informed him that I did not carry one. After he searched me and satisfied himself that I had told the truth, he ordered me out of the buggy, tied my arms with a rope, and ordered me forward to the side of my horse. The other man then led 289 Our Heroes, or the horse about one hundred yards from the road into a basin. The one in charge of me all the time held his revolver near my breast. When at a safe distance from the road, my wife was taken out of the buggy and thoroughly searched for money. Then the trunk was broken open and all the good clothes taken out of it. The satchels were also robbed of whatever was considered valuable. My gold watch and pocket-knife were taken. In all, they robbed us of more than $100. Then they loosed my arms, ordered us into the buggy, and with an oath told us to drive toward Oroville. With the Butte Mountains to guide us in our course, we soon rounded into the main road again, and between nine and ten o'clock we arrived at Father Boulware's where we received a hearty welcome. Sixty miles' travel this day, robbed of all our good clothing and money, ex- cept five dollars, a greenback worth two dollars, closed a tour of more than 1,500 miles in my own conveyance in wearisome journeyings and ardu- ous official and ministerial labors in the cause of the Master. Thanks be to God for his sustain- ing grace." When the Cascade (now Columbia River) Conference was organized in 1865, his field was enlarged by several hundred miles. He even served as presiding elder in the Serves as jjg^y Conference a part of one year, Presiding Ellder , , . , , 7 that he might add to its ministerial force, and thus make its growth more certain and rapid. During his superintendency of the coast work, from 1864 to 1869, his salary aver- 290 United Brethren Home Missionaries aged, yearly, $608.50. What an unselfish life was his ! Away from kindred and friends of his youth, in peril among savages and Royal Service highwaymeu, at times not having even the ordinary comforts of life — all for the sake of Jesus Christ and the Church he loved. Angels smile when such a picture passes before them. On the second of November, 1900, this royal knight of the Cross fought and won his last bat- tle, and then, sheathing his sword, and putting aside the insignia of war, he took up the victo'r's crown to wear it forever. "Thy saints In all this glorious war, Shall conquer though they die; They see the triumph from afar, By faith they bring it nigh." 291 CHAPTER XXVIII. Pioneer Work in Oregon. Pioneer work in Oregon lias continued from its earliest settlement down to tlae present time. As emigrants pushed their way farther and farther back into the valleys and mountains, gospel messengers accompanied them, or soon followed, organizing Sunday schools and reli- gious societies, and in various ways made them- selves useful in building up communities of sterling character and worth. Some of the pas- tors there to-day manifest by their faith and toil just as much chivalry as did the fathers who crossed the Rockies a half-century ago. J. KJENOYBR In 1853, the year the Missionary Society was organized, J. Kenoyer, of Indiana, with a number of families, crossed the plains and moun- tains into Oregon. What the colony possessed of earthly goods was conveyed in wagons. The journey was long and exhausting. A false guide led them far out of the way, which caused many weeks of unnecessary travel, a part A jouroey of Qf ^^^ time over a trail which no Waay Months white man's foot seemed ever to have pressed. The starvation point was so nearly reached by a part of the company, that they actually ate the bacon rinds which they had saved for use in manufacturing soap when they should reach their destination. Occasion- 292 United Brethren Home Missionaries ally they bought salmon of Indiaa traders, but it was old and musty. Then their flour gave out, and for months, even after they had got settled, there was not a dust in their poverty-stricken homes. This is the testimony of one of the com- pany yet living. Though the trip was undertaken in March, it was December before the Willamette Valley, their objective point, was finally reached by all the colonists. We have no means of ascertaining what these chevaliers received by way of sup- port for the first year, though something was furnished by the White Kiver and Scioto con- ferences, but it is evident that they did much preaching. By the time the Board met the fol- lowing June, a quarterly conference had been organized, and progress reported. While the General Society made appropri- ations from year to year, as its depleted treas- ury would permit, the salaries of the missionaries were so inadequate that they were compelled to engage in secular work at times to keep soul and body together. Mr. Kenoyer Hara Times ^^,^g kuowu to make rails at one dollar per hundred, and at the same time pay ten dollars per hundred for flour, in order to provide for a family of seven. For many years he gave the best of his time and strength to the work in western Oregon, seeking out new appointments, holding camp-meetings, and caring for the churches. By the time the conference was organized others had come in to strengthen the forces, and to share the respon- 293 Our Heroes, w sibilities and hardships of the new field. Prom- inent among these was J. Harriett who wrought nobly in the beginning of the work. When the Cascade (now Columbia River) Conference was organized in 1865, Mr. Kenoyer was present and elected as its first presiding elder, which enabled the preachers and people to enjoy the benefits of his pulpit ministrations, and ripe experience in pioneer work. J. J. Gallaher tells of meeting the old hero late one evening near where the town of Poster now stands, on the Umatilla River. He was afoot, with saddle-bags across his shoulder. When asked where he was going at such an hour, he replied, "To the camp-meeting up in the Walla Walla Valley, and I thought I BxcessiTc would rather travel at night as it Privations . ,,,.,_, ° ,, , IS SO much cooler." He had al- ready walked a long distance, and now, having rested a day or two, was starting out upon an- other eighty-mile jaunt. As he would have to journey half this distance before seeing a resi- dence, he was further asked where he would stop to rest. "When I get too tired to go any farther," he said, "I will lie down under the sage- brush and take a nap." This illustrates what itinerating meant on the coast fifty years ago. Others besides Mr. Ken- oyer were subjected to the same hardships and dangers, and perhaps as willingly made that self- surrender to the work of God which the exigen- cies of the hour demanded. To just such lives the Church owes its success. 294 United Brethren Home Missionaries Mr. Kenoyer was a pulpiteer of marked abil- ity. Though not a college man, he was a close and constant student of men and books, and knew how to utilize what he read. His fame spread far and wide. Soon after reaching Ore- gon he spent a Sabbath on a Methodist camp- ground. The meeting was in charge of T. H. Pern, a presiding elder. When At Metuocust ^qi^ ^j^^t Keuoycr, of the United Camp-Meeting „ ,, ^, , • .1. j- Brethren Church, was m the audi- ence, he requested him to come into the pulpit and close the service. The preacher in home- spun, however, preferred to sit at the root of a tree some distance away, where he could look the speaker in the face; but promised to come for- ward at the proper time and take the meeting in hand. The sermon was eloquent and convin- cing. When Mr. Kenoyer arose every eye was upon him. He was in the very prime of a well- developed manhood, straight as an Indian, with coal-black hair hanging well down around his neck and shoulders. His suit was threadbare from long usage. Finally, he began, and as he warmed up in his exhortation he poured forth such a torrent of argument and pleading and warning that the people were overwhelmed. The presiding elder shouted "Amen," saints clapped their hands for joy, while ^xhortati^ sinners wept and cried to Heaven for mercy. At last he leaped out of the pulpit onto the ground, still inviting the unsaved to come about the altar in quest of sal- vation. It was a thrilling moment and one of 295 Our Heroes, or victory, for that morning forty persons bowed in prayer at the sacred place. How some of these veterans could preach! Their commission and message were divine. "Thus saith the Lord" was the basis of every sermon. It is not strange, then, that preaching with such a genesis should end in an apocalypse of Jesus Christ — a vision of him crucified, risen, and glorified. At this early period there were no railroads in Oregon, and but few were able to afford a car- riage. Preachers did not fall in this class. Some traveled on horseback; others walked. It was no uncommon thing to meet a gospel herald with an ax on his shoulder, not as a weapon of de- fense, but carried for the purpose Crossing ^f felling trees across swollen streams ^ streams on which he might pass over. If no tree could be found, he would wade or swim and, after landing safely, build a fire under a fir tree and camp for the night, or long enough to dry his clothing. No wonder such men enjoyed preaching the word when opportunity was presented; and no wonder the people loved them, and were charmed by their rugged eloquence. They Happy In were supremely happy. No glory equaled that of the Cross. Occa- sionally they came down to bread and water, but they ate and drank with cheerfulness. They could say, "All this — and Christ," as did the old lady when she held up before Bishop Burnett a crust of bread. 296 United Brethren Home Missionaries "No foot of land do I possess. No cottage in this wilderness," made music when sung by these veterans in serv- ice. Yes, music which awoke echoes amid moun- tain fastness, or, like an Ji3olian Harp, broke the silence of the plains, and charmed the lone traveler in search of a resting-place. Happy are they who can chisel out of circum- stances, made adverse by poverty and affliction, monuments as enduring as immortality itself. It is deserving of mention here that the Ore- gon Conference received no help whatever from the General Board from 1865 to 1873 — a fact which greatly complicated and hindered its work and threatened its very existence. C. C. BBIili It was on the seventh of December, 1882, that 0. 0. Bell reached Philomath, Oregon, wet and muddy, having walked six miles from Oor- vallis through rain and mud and pitch darkness. He had journeyed all the way from his Indiana home for the purpose of entering the ministry of Oregon Conference, and of aiding to the fullest extent possible in laying broader and deeper the foundations of the Church in the coast regions. As if to break in the newcomer, the elder ap- pointed him pastor of Philomath Early Circuit. Though the charge was a hundred miles long, it did not con- tain a United Brethren, or a house of worship of any description. Before the year closed, how- ever, conditions had changed. A number of re- 297 Our Heroes, or vivals were held, and three classes organized. His cash compensation was seven dollars. His second yea,r was spent near Oregon City. Having no means of conveyance, he traveled the charge on foot, walking usually twenty miles on Sunday, preaching twice and holding two class- meetings. Not having time to stop with any one for dinner, he carried his own lunch with him, which he ate as he hurried from one point to an- other. His wife also did much wife Walks walMug iu her endeavor to assist the inexperienced itinerant. Dur- ing one of his meetings she walked four miles every night for two weeks, and every night it rained. For this year's service, including do- nations, they received $76.85. Small pay, to be sure; but on the other hand they had some blessed experiences which were of more value to them than gold. At times they did not have enough money to buy a postage-stamp ; but they lived. Mr. Bell's next field was Vancouver, in Wash- ington. "On this charge," he writes, "we were blessed with great revivals, and over a hundred accessions to the Church, yet our support was very meager. At one time we had eaten all the food in the house, and being shut in by one of the heaviest snows and sleets the and Furi""" country had ever known, and hav- ing burned all the wood we could find, we were compelled to seek shelter else- where. Putting Mrs. Bell on our pony, I led the way, breaking the heavy snow-crust, and so we 298 United Brethren Home Missionaries made a trip of six miles to a Methodist home, where we were cared for over night. The fol- lowing day we went two miles farther to some of our own members where we remained nearly a month." During his first five years in Oregon his sup- port, including the small missionary appropri- ations, did not aggregate more than $600. In all these years he did not live once in a parsonage, or own a horse and buggy. All he could claim, and that only a part of the time, was a pony and a cart. "When presiding elder," he says, "I found th'e work diflflcult and exhausting. The district was over five hundred miles long. Some A Presiding ^f |.jjg ^^Ips off from the railroad Elder ^ were as follows : From Sheridan to Tillamook, sixty miles ; to Tigh from The Dalles, forty miles ; from Eoseburg to Marshfield, eighty- five miles; from Melford to Waldo, forty miles. The hardest trips were those to Marshfield and Tillamook, which involved the crossing of the Coast Range Mountains. No one unaccustomed to these mountains can know what it is to cross them in winter time." In his earlier experiences he recalls a memor- able night which was spent all alone and away from human habitations. He says : Ni'ht"""""* "^* '^'^^ ^ lonely night, with the roaring, lashing waves of the Pa- cific on one side, and the wilds of the coast land on the other. Several times during the night I had to pull off my shoes, roll up my trousers, 299 Our Heroes, or and wade the streams wMch cross the beach into the ocean. At four o'clock in the morning I fell in company with a man, and twice took him on my back and carried him across the creeks." Mr. Bell kept a record of the more than three hundred quarterly meetings he held during the years of his eldership. Here are a few items which show what his men undesr- How Pastors -^'ent in order to serve their charg- es, and thus help on the work of the conference: "Roseburg Mission— J. L. Tay- lor, pastor; members, twenty-four; appropri- ation, |60 for the year. Salary — first quarter, $4.79; second quarter, |6.28; third quarter $9.87; fourth quarter, $31.21. Irving Circuit — F. H. Neff, pastor; members, one hundred and five. Salary — first quarter, $18.98; second quarter, $34.20; third quarter, $53.64; fourth quarter, $90.68." Though this pastor had a large family to provide for, and in point of ability was able to fill any pulpit in the Church, yet his pay in dollars and cents up to and including the last quarterly only amounted to $197.50. Here follows a college and seminary graduate of character and ability. "Philomath Station — B. E.. Emerick, pastor. Salary — first quarter, $27.64; second quarter, $74.45; third quarter, $43. 39; fourth quarter, $59.88. No appropria- tion." The foregoing fields fairly represent the sup- port obtained by our workers in Oregon only a few years ago, and which is but little, if any better at present with many of them. 300 United Brethren Home Missionaries The presiding elder's report in 1900 shows that the office did not have much in it except hard work, and a growing responsibility. Here it is: "Quarterlies held, sixty-five; sermons preached, one hundred and forty; salary re- ceived, $646; miles traveled, 13,800; traveling expenses, |153.50; stationery and rent, |95; net salary, $397.50." Bishop N. Castle, in a communication to the Missionary Board in 1883, makes the following touching statement respecting the Bishop Castle's goast work : "Ministers are turn- Testimony mg aside year after year to some secular calling in order to supplement a deficient salary. We have sustained losses the past year, and anticipate losses the coming year from the same cause. There is something stern in these necessities. All one has to do to test it is to come down to the same plane with these men. It is not a salary of $1,000 that they ask, but simply for food and clothing. Are they not worthy of this? How the hearts of these lone missionaries are touched and stirred as they look out upon the awful destitution to be seen on every hand — a destitution both spiritual and financial." A VBTEKAN-'S TESTIMONY An old warrior writing from Oregon declares that none on the coast has suffered more than those who have stood identified with Philomath College. "These men," he says, "were able to fill lucrative positions, in or out of the Church, 301 Our Heroes, or but did not seek them. Though their salaries ranged only from $350 to |500 a year, they stood true to the educational, and other vital interests of the denomination on the Pacific coast. Are not such heroes worthy of the highest praise and appreciation the Church can give? "Among the many faithful, devoted men with v/hom I have served, I must mention H. S. Epperly. He was an intimate friend of Mark Twain's, when engaged in news- A-Nobie Hero paper work in Nevada. In natural intellect and wit he was not far be- hind the famous humorist. His life was mostly spent in sin, not being converted until fifty-five years of age. When saved he did not confer with 'flesh and blood,' but at once placed his property on God's altar, and used it to sustain the work until all was consumed. Soon after entering upon the 'new life,' he left his home in northern Idaho, and, with his wife, drove a team five hundred miles over rough mountain roads to Myrtle Point, Oregon, where he had a number of relatives and friends whom he wished to lead to his new-found Savior. His mission was a glorious success. Not only were the special ob- jects of his concern saved, but nearly all the com- munity as well, and brought into the Church. Our entire work in Coquelle and Coos counties is largely due to this man's self-sacrificing min- istry. "After a few years he went to Waldo, a rich mining district, where he had other friends in whom he was particularly interested. Here also 302 United Brethren Home Missionaries he had great revivals and organized two church- es. From this field he made his last trip to con- How He ference, traveling over five hun- Reached drcd miles in private conveyance, on ercnce ^,j^^ poor man was too sick much of the time to care for his team, or to drive it, but his faithful wife was always at his side, and proved equal to every task. She not only looked after his horse and buggy, but preached for him when he was unable to fill his engagements. "My last visit with the dear brother was in his little parsonage, a board shack, by the side of a miner's ditch forty miles from any railroad. He was then nearing the end, but was happy in the thought that he would soon exchange his humble home for 'a mansion in the skies.' " And so he died. He could sing, "Let me go, for bliss eternal Lures my soul away, away; And the victor's song triumphant Thrills my heart — I cannot stay." 303 LESSON Vil. CHA.PTEB XXV. 1. Give brief history of early work In Nebraska. 2. Outline the life of V.'. P. Caldwell, his methods of work, reTivals, salai'y, service as presiding elder, etc. 3. Can you recall his son's testimony? 4. How did the conference honor him at last? 5. Tell the story of S. Austin. 6. Also of E. W. Johnson. 7. Did the Church move westward? Tell about it. 8. Did the missionaries suffer? 9. What have you to say of George Fembers, his work and death at the hands of Indians? Describe the last scene. Chapter XXVI. 1. Who was the first missionary to California, and when did he go? 2. When was the first conference held, and what the outlook? 3. - How far did Missionary Sloan have to move, and what trials beset him on the way? 4. What dangers confronted him, and what was the afBiction that came to his home? 5. How did he come to his death? Give the circumstances in detail. 6. Tell of his triumphant death. Chaptbe XXVII. 1. When and where was D. Shuck born, and when did he en- ter the Church and ministry? 2. Briefly outline his career from 1844 to 1858. 3. Tell of his work in Missouri and trace him on the district. 4. When and for what purpose did he go to the coast? Ex- plain the nature of his work. 5. Describe his trip to Oregon in a buggy, the camp-meetings visited, the holding of Oregon Conference, and his return. 6. Where and how was he robbed on this trip? 7. What was his support? 8. When was he translated? 9. What special points or characteristics in the lives of these two heroes impress you as most valuable? Chaptbk XXVIII. 1. Divide the hardships endured by the colonists in their journey to Oresron. 2. What did J. Kenoyer do to help support his family? 3. What did he do for Western Oregon? 4. What was his relation later with Cascade Conference? 5. What does Mr. Gallaher say about him? 6. What of his pulpit ability? Tell about his visit to camp- meeting. 7. How did the preachers travel? 8. Were the pinnfprg happv in their work ? 9. Tell some of C. C. Bell's early experiences, his support, 10'. 'how did his pastors fare when he was presiding elder? What of his own work and support? 11. How did Bishop Castle view the field? 12. What is said about the teachers in Philomath College? 13. Give something of H. S. Bpperly's life. 14. What of his last days? 304 CHAPTER XXIX. Columbia River Conference Heroes. A brother writes : "Seldom, if ever, in modern times, has it fallen to the lot of ministers to suf- fer more among civilized people than have the representatives of the United Brethren Church in far-away Columbia River, first known as Osage Conference." While the Missionary Board was sadly lim- ited in funds, and could give but little aid to its workers, it must be remembered that those among whom they labored were also pioneers, and consequently unable to support their pas- tor in anything like a creditable manner. Under such conditions the best and Trying strougcst preachcrs were com- Clrcumstances ^ ^ pelled, at times, to turn aside to secular pursuits. Other denominations, who understood better than we the value of home missions, and who contributed largely to the same, were able to keep their missionaries in the field. By so doing, they steadily grew, and with their growth their claims upon United Brethren weire greatly strengthened; for, if they erected churches in which to worship, and provided par- sonages, and an adequate material support for their preachers, did they not have a right to ex- pect the sympathy and assistance of those to whom they ministered? Is it not natural for 305 Our Heroes, or Christians to go where their spiritual needs are supplied? The first United Brethren missionary to Washington Territory was William Daugh- erty. He was sent from Oregon ^M!"."!!'° Conference in 1863. At that time Washington the settlements were few and widely separated. A person might have trav- eled a whole day, and in some directions for days, over mountains or along winding rivers, without seeing a house, or a single human being. After searching out the country for a year or more, Mr. Daugherty returned to Oregon, and reported the outlook, which led the conference to send another worker in the person of Washington Adams. The first missionary, however, was not per- mitted to return. During one of his long rides through a desert place where no water could be had, he became so thirsty that when he did find water he drank too much, and in a few weeks died from the effects. But his end victory m ^,a,s peace. That faith which had Death ^ so chajracterized him in his life- work, was all victorious when the last solemn ordeal came, enabling him to shout, "Stars in my crown ! stars in my crown !" When Mr. Adams saw the greatness of the new country, and the absolute need of reinforce- ments, he appealed to the presiding elder of Oregon Conference, J. Kenoyer, to come to his assistance. The old hero not only heard, but heeded the Macedonian cry, and in a few weeks 306 United Brethren Home Missionaries was on the ground ready for whatever might come in the line of duty. Later these workers were joined by O. Osborn, S. Coston, and J. J. Gallaher, the last named being a quarterly-con- ference preacher. In 1865 Bishop Shuck organized the Cascade Conference, with three missions. Kenoyer was Cascade elected presiding elder. Walla Conference Walla and Touchet missions were Organized giyg^ ^^ g CostOU, with J. J. Gallaher as assistant. Umatilla was left un- supplied, but was blessed through the winter with the labors of the elder who, having visited it, was snow-bound for many weeks. In speaking of the early years of the confer- ence, J. J. Gallaher says the fields of labor were exceedingly large, extending from fifty to one hundred miles, and that in making long trips in mid-winter he more than once froze his hands and face. His first year's salary was $150; the next |45, while the third year it was pushed up again to $108. By way of supple- menting this pittance he taught a class or two in vocal music. He was compelled to do some- thing besides preaching. And so were all his brethren. J. S. RHOADS Many items connected with the early work of this conference, which, we are sure, will interest the reader, are furnished by J. S. Rhoads. Himself converted at a great camp-meeting on the coast, and licensed to preach in 1868 by 307 Our Heroes, or Bisliop Shuck, his observations and experiences reaching back nearly forty years, will prove most helpful and instructive to the student of pioneer days. Mr. Rhoads married the third daughter of J. Kenoyer, and so is able to furnish im- portant data respecting his father-in-law, which is noted under another heading. It is exceed- ingly fortunate for many a preacher that his wife grew up in a minister's home, having been thus prepared for the peculiar trials and respon- sibilities of a life so very impor- A^patthfui taut to the ChuTch. Speaking of his wife, Mr. Rhoads says: "She began life as the daughter of a minister, and will die the wife of one. For the Church she has done much, suffered much, and sacrificed all. She has gone with me through all these years on and up." What a beautiful and justly merited tribute to a helper so faithful and devoted. One of the early and most devoted mission- aries to Oregon and Washington was Wil- liam Gallaher, a native of Illinois. For many years the echo of his stentorian voice was heard among the mountains of the coast, and the scat- tered churches, many of them weak and dis- pirited, were thrilled and encour- HefCT*' aged by his presence and person- ality. Mr. Rhoads refers to him as "one of the safest counselors, soundest Bible preachers, and most successful revivalist con- nected with the early history of the Columbia River work. God endowed him with splendid S08 United Brethren Home Missionaries gifts as a minister, and gave him a definite re- ligious experience preparatory to his career as a gospel pioneer. After long years of service his testimony is : "I have preached in this field when the laborers were few. If my memory serves me well, there were two years when the presid- ing elder and myself were the only men in the work. We preached amid great difficulties, and endured great hardships." Such were the experiences of many others. We regret very much that for want of space all the worthies of early times, both East and West, cannot be mentioned in this volume. When one of the pastors returned home, after a long absence, he found the fare of the family reduced to potatoes. When he sat Down to down to the frugal repast he was Potatoes " ^ so overcome that he could not eat. Turning to his companion in sacrifice he said: "Wife, I can't stand this any longer. I can do. better for you and the babies by quitting the pul- pit and working with my hands." The answer was just what might have been expected from an angel of God. "No, dear, no. I'd rather live on bread and water than have you give up your work." One of the presiding elders was so sickened over the hardships of his pastors and their fam- ilies that he resigned his office, and refused to serve longer. It was hard to keep men at work under such conditions. The wonder is that any stayed. Only those who were under the "woe is me if I preach not the gospel" remained long to 309 Our Heroes, or fight against the tremendous odds which con- fronted them. One of the preachers during a long journey "fell among thieves" and narrowly escaped with his life. The objective point was one hundred and seventy-five miles distant. The first day he traveled on mule-back fifty miles, and slept in the open with his saddle for a pillow, and his blanket for a bed. The next night Amone j^g lodged in a haymow, owned by a highwayman of the worst sort. He and two Indians, a little while before, as was learned afterwards, had robbed a cattle-buyer of a large sum of money and ultimately were sent to prison for the crime. Before daylight the next morning the preacher was out and on his way, little thinking, perhaps, of any danger that might befall him. Two miles distant, as he approached the banks of the Col- umbia Kiver, his mule suddenly dashed out of the road, and made a circuit of a hundred yards, or more, before reentering the highway. The rider was puzzled to understand Waylaid the auimal's behavior. When in the road again, however, he looked back and observed in the early twilight, which was reflected upon the bosom of the stream, three men in concealment under the bank, and within a few feet of where "they thought the traveler must pass. Fortunately, they had been eluded by the instincts of the faith- ful animal. But all was not over. In a few minutes the preacher heard a "whoop" behind 310 United Brethren Home Missionaries him, and, looking back, saw an Indian on a pony pursuing at full speed. He knew some- thing would have to be done quickly, but what that "something" would be was a most serious problem. There was no doubt in his mind but what the mule in a long race would distance the pony, but in a short run he feared results. So he decided to appear as indifferent as possible, and let the red rascal come up to his side and then employ whatever strategy he could to pre- vent immediate hostilities. He addressed the Indian in his own tongue, but got no reply, which indicated a sulky mood on Front* *^^ P^* ^^ *^^ ^^^ ^^^^- "^^^^ remembering an old saying among frontiersmen, "As long as you can get an Indian to eat, he will not harm you," he untied a loaf of bread, which was hanging to his saddle, and offered it to him, but the hospitality was spurned at first. All this time they were hurrying along — the mule in a trot, and the pony in a gallop. Finally, the loaf was accepted and eagerly devoured in a little while by the hungry savage. Then he began to talk, telling the preacher how strong and brave "Indian" was, exhibiting at the same time the muscles of his bare arm. The preacher retorted by telling him how strong and brave "white man" snudes the was. lu the meantime he rode as Einemy close to his unwelcome comrade as he could get, that he might be able to grapple with him in case an attempt were made to use knife or gun. Observing that the pony was weary 311 Our Heroes, or. and panting for breath, the intrepid itinerant saw his opportunity and vigorously spurred his mule, which darted away at full speed. The Indian, disappointed and angry, sprang from his pony and thrashed it furiously with his raw- hide thongs, then renewed the pursuit; but all in vain. The mule was speeding away at a gait not to be overtaken, and so saved the life of the itinerant. In 1879 J. H. Vandever wrote from Walla Walla : "Here we are in the midst of this mass of dying men, without churches, and almost without means. What can we do? My heart is broken, and my very soul is over- signiacant whelmed when I think of the desti- Letters tution of this country." A year later the presiding elder of the conference wrote the Missionary Secretary as follows: "This is a hard year on itinerants. Much damage has been done by high waters, and there seems to be no money for the preacher or the church." These reports lift the curtain and give us a glimpse of what it meant to serve the conference in those trying days. At the same time they show how pluckily our men endured rather than vacate the ground which they had been able to occupy at so great a personal cost. What serTice ^ fg^ Were philosophers enough to understand that the best and surest way to save one's life is to give it for others. And this self giving of our own, as well as of other missionaries, not only on the coast but from sea to sea, will, in the end, constitute 312 United Brethren Home Missionaries one of the most thrilling chapters in America's redemption. We hear much said, and justly, too, of the heroic spirit which leads the missionary on for- eign shores to press his way into forest and jungle, among uncivilized tribes, that he may preach the word and offer salvation to the be- nighted ; but just as much devotion and heroism have been displayed among American frontiers- men in giving the gospel to their fellows, and in making their country the richest and most invit- ing beneath the sun. In so far as the matter of financial remuneration is involved, many of our home toilers make far greater sacrifices than do any who work abroad. To the records for the proof. At this time the coast work is problematic — exceedingly so — ^and the reasons are apparent. Lack of support tells the whole story. "Twenty- five years of constant work on the coast," writes a brother, "has proven to me that it is not every man that will stick to the ministry here. Many are willing to taste its experiences; others will consent to live on them for a few A Test of years, but the cases are rare where Courage "" ' men have been willing to make them thedr constant diet for a quarter of a cen- tury. While I have been, I trust, fairly cour- ageous for the United Brethren Church on the coast, yet I must confess that within the last feAV years my faith in the work has been severely tried. The occasion for this has been my fears that the Church in the East would not rise to 313 Our Heroes, or the needs of the field, and thus permit all these years of toil and sacrifice to be lost to our cause, if not to the kingdom of Christ. The future will tell as to whether my fears have been well founded or not." That the Church in the East does not fully realize the needs of the West, and the vast op- portunities constantly opening up before us, is sadly true. For every hundred dollars appro- priated by the Board west of the N^rde?''" Mississippi, a thousand should be spent; and even then the real de^ mands of the work would not be met. The problem of securiiig to the Church permanency and expansion in this rapidly-growing section can be solved only through the agency of Home Missions. This is the time for the great conferences of the Church to fly to the relief of the little, strug- gling missions throughout the West and South. God's plan is for the strong to help the weak, for the rich to aid the poor, and for the old to care for the young. Shall we carry out the di- vine program? Everything depends upon it. 314 CHAPTER XXX. Our First Workers in Oklahoma Ab might have been expected, many of our people in Kansas, and other adjacent States, turned their faces toward Oklahoma when it was opened for settlement in 1889, to secure homes, and to contribute, as far as might be, to the de- velopment and permanency of what was soon to become a great commonwealth in the sisterhood of States. Its climate was known AttraXe ^ ^^ healthful, and its soil rich and productive. Even the name "Oklahoma" — "Beautiful Land" — had its charm, and lured many a denizen from farm and village to seek the goodly place. The preachers who followed became real pioneers, and sub- jected themselves to all the danger and privations and inconveniences incident to settlement in a new country. J. M. LINSEY Mr. Linsey moved from Kansas to Oklahoma in 1889, shortly after the territory was opened for occupancy, and located near Hennessey. At this time, however, he was not a minister, but soon after settling in his new quarters was li- censed to preach, and so has the distinction of being the first United Brethren to enter the min- isterial ranks in the new country. Two days 315 Our Heroes, or after his arrival, though only a layman, he held a prayer-meeting at a neighbor's house, and such was the interest aroused that an Holds First appointment was made for the Praycr-Mcctlng ^^ next Thursday evening in another private home. The man of the house was con- verted that night — possibly the first public pro- fession ever made by any one in the community. It is praiseworthy in Mr. Linsey that he was deeply affected by the great spiritual destitution of the people, and decided to make preaching his life work. The prayer and social meetings were kept up all winter, resulting in many conver- sions, and forming a nucleus around which United Brethrenism was to be built up in Okla- homa. In early spring a rude church-edifice was constructed out of logs, with a dirt floor and rough board seats. Mr. Linsey's first circuit, called Cooper Creek, furnished abundant opportunity for work, but gave very little of the material in return. Every- body was poor. During the year he traveled nearly four thousand miles in filling his appoint- ments. For the first two years he received |176. He writ^: "How earnestly we prayed and be- sought the General Church to come J!*"'" ^ ^ to our relief in Oklahoma. Towns Prayed For were springing up like magic every- where, but we could not enter them for want of money and men. The heart grew sick as we saw other churches gathering in our members — garnering the fruits of our earnest toil. The few men we had were doing their best, some of them 316 United Brethren Home Missionaries going almost day and night, but the task was too great. Often Father West, the first presid- ing elder, and his dear old companion, would have to camp by the roadside over night on the way from one quarterly to another. They did not expect a thousand dollars, but were satisfied with |200." So the work was carried forward. Great re- vivals were promoted, and marvelous conver- sions witnessed; but somebody was willing to pay the price, and did. On his way Dangers ^q gjj engagements on one occasion, Enconntered . . . , m company with ms wife, Mr. Tvinsey found the Cimarron River too deep to ford, so he went some miles to another place, but found it no better there. Being anxious to get over, he plunged in and swam his team a good part of the way across. The current washed some things they were carrying out of the buggy, and almost upset the vehicle in the midst of the tide. It was a time when steady nerves were required. Upon reaching the shore, Mrs. Linsey fainted in the arms of her husband, as the result of the fearful strain she endured while passing through the exciting ordeal. Other and siinilar experience are recited by Mr. Linsey. The whole way of pioneer work was rough and toilsome. Only those run in a heroic mold are fit for the frontier. There must be sweat and blood and faith and devotion in the mortar if the foundations are to be strong and abiding. 317 Our Heroes, or D. L.. DOUB Among the first to pitch his tent in Oklahoma, and to give himself unreservedly to missionary work, was D. L. Doub. At the close of the old Kansas Conference session, held at Lecomp- ton in September, 1892, he started for McLoud — a distance of nearly five hundred miles. A spring-wagon was secured for the trip, and such articles stored therein as the preacher and fam- ily, three in number, would need for their over- land journey. Carrying with them a small tent, they were prepared to camp out at Moving ii. nigjjt rpj^g flj.g^ Sabbath was spent just south of the Kansas line, in what was known as the Cherokee Indian Strip. The time was occupied in reading, prayer, and meditation. Nothing unusual occurred except that a hoop snake, three feet long, with its poi- sonous stinger, was found crawling among the pillows which had been thrown upon the grass. The next night they lodged within the Oto Reser- vation. Soon after dark it began to rain, and when Mr. Doub awoke his feet were lying in the water, which had stolen into the tent and satu- rated their bed. In speaking of the trip Mr. Doub says : "The last day, especially, was long and wearisome. We had to cross the Kickapoo Indian Eeserva- tion — a distance of thirty miles. Among the rpj^g rainfall continued all day. In- dians were to be seen all along the way, but not a single white man was found until late in the evening. We had great diffi- 318 United Brethren Home Missionaries culty in keeping in the right track, as there weire only dim Indian trails to follow. These crossed each other so frequently that we could hardly be sure of our course at any time. As we could not speak the Indian language, and they would not speak ours, if they knew it, we were left to do the best we could. The Kickapoos were a bad tribe, and had made the Government much trouble, so it was but natural for us to keep an eye on them, and to make the best time possible in order to get out of their domain. Late at night we found a log cabin of one room occupied by a widow, and were reluctantly taken in. Making our bed on the floor by the stove, we removed our wet clothing and lay down to rest and slumber. How thankful we were for a log cabin to shelter us from the storm !" In a few days the preacher, having reached his objective point, had selected a "claim" which an- other was willing to relinquish for a small sum. Pitching their tent for a couple of Destination weeks thev constructed a log house, Readied ^ . and partly covered it with clap- boards; but before it was done they started out to do missionary work. Going some forty miles to Edmond, they found a destitute settlement, and at once began a meeting, which resulted in an organization of twenty mem- woriE bers. Other points in time were Begun added, so that the preacher found it necessary to make the trip every two weeks in ministering to the converts won in his first cam- paign for souls. About fifteen miles of his route 319 Our Heroes, or lay through the Kickapoo Reservation, and fre- quently he and his family camped out in these wilds over night, sleeping on the ground beneath their buggy. They were thus not only exposed to the pilfering Indians, but to dangerous an- imals which infested the country, such as wolves and panthers. Once in a while a ^"* stray mountain lion was seen. Dur- Anlmals . . „ mg his first year there a young lady was dragged from her horse by a vicious panther, as she was going home one night from a dance, and partly eaten before found by her friends. For two or three years Mr. Doub remained on his land, preaching the word here and there to as many as would hear it. With no appropri- ation from any source, and receiving only |80 for the first three years' work, it was well to own a bit of real estate on which to live, if nothing more. It became necessary for the good wife to teach school, and thus supplement, in an addi- tional way, the little on which they had to sub- sist. Mr. Doub did not go to the new Territory pri- marily to get land, but to preach. The land merely helped him to provide, in a way, for his family while he continued his missionary labors. It was under such circumstances as these, while so peculiarly surrounded, that the Death in ^pj^l of his life Came. The death tne Mome angel, one sad day, knocked at the door of their humble home, and with icy fingers arrested the heart-throb of the wife and mother. 320 United Brethren Home Missionaries Then it was that the lonely herald, far out on the frontier, cried up to God through the shad- ows, as never before, for a guiding hand and for sustaining grace. With the loved one laid away to rest, and with a renewed consecration to the work of soul-win- ning, he gave himself anew to the mission on which the Great Father had sent him, and so continues therein to this day. He was soon elected presiding elder and served a district eight years. While in this capacity his soul was often tried and his physical strength thoroughly tested, i At this time railroad advan- tages were exceedingly limited, as they are yet in some portions of the State, hence, he was com- pelled to travel by private conveyance. Indeed, if public transportation facilities had been ever so abundant, he could not have District profited by them, as he did not have money to pay his fare. The distances were great, the roads bad in winter, and many of the streams treacherous and dan- gerous. He carried with him an ax and gun. The former he needed often to clear away the brush when, on account of high water or muddy roads, he was compelled to turn aside from the main highway ; the latter was useful in bringing down game when it came in his way. As he traveled in a wagon, the ax sometimes proved useful also when repairs had to be made. More than once his life was imperiled in cross- ing the Cimarron and South Canadian rivers. In some cases the stretch between quarterlie^s was 321 Our Heroes, or so great that he had to carry food for his ponies and a lunch for himself, and camp out on the plains alone through the night. ^m*erued TMs was genuine frontier work, though it occurred only a few yeairs ago. As the brother looks back over those harrowing experiences, he is made to see, more and more, the good hand of God, which led him in the right way, and so graciously pre- served his life. The first year as superintendent he received from the conference and General Board, |180. For the next two years it was |200 each, and thereafter a trifle higher. But he lived, sup- ported his family, and was happy in his ap- pointed work. J. H. DARR Heroism lends charm to history; or, to be more exact, we may say it makes history. The student of the past has but little interest in the life that was destitute of this exalted element. For want of a better interpretation, we define true heroism to be the soul's best D*ftn*d" impulse — that glow and warmth which the Infinite imparts to man, his noblest creatura It is seen in the lower walks of life, as well as in the higher; in the humble peasant as well as in the dashing chief- tain who wins on the field of battle. No general ever displayed more heroism than did the early preachers in the United Brethren Church, and those, as well, who yet serve in frontier fields. 322 United Brethren Home Missionaries They have gloried in whatever exalted Christ, and made his cross the symbol of death to sin. Love of ease and pleasure and fame has never lured many of them from the path of duty, or caused them to grow weary of their God-ap- pointed task. J. H. Darr moved from Iowa to Okla- homa in 1893. His bold, daring spirit suited him to a new country, and to the hardships it invariably entails. Though sixty years old he entered as heartily into the work as did the younger men, and for several years made a noble record in missionary labors. He was known frequently to drive his team all night to reach his appointments the next day, or to get to the bedside of his sick wife. Once in crossing the North Canadian River his ponies Te™ Mired mired in the quicksand, and seeing the danger they were m, he plunged into the water to his armpits and re- leased them from the carriage, thus enabling them to get to shore. After landing his buggy he drove on to his appointment, some miles dis- tant, where he preached in his wet clothes to an expectant audience. He even made friends among the Indians, who learned to respect him, and in one instance, especially, showed a readiness to fight for his protection. The circumstance was FHenT"""'' ^» f oUows : Oue morning before daylight, while driving homeward, armed highwaymen attempted to hold him up, but his horses dashed away from them and 323 Our Heroes, or made sure his escape. In a few moments he ran on to some of his red-sldnned friends whose at- tention had been attracted by the preacher's calls for help, and, possibly, the firing of guns. When they found who he was, and what had happened, they were bent on avenging the wrong; but the messenger of peace, whose mission was to save men rather than kill them, dissuaded them from any such bloody intent. Sometimes he went when, perhaps, he should have stayed at home. He suffered frequently and much from heart trouble. In going from one of his appointments to another, on one oc- casion, he was overcome by the dread disease, and when found by some traveler was lying partly out of his buggy in an unconscious con- dition. His trusted team was still jogging along in the right direction the same as if the owner's hand had been guiding them. For all his work and travel, by day and by night, through sunshine and storm, in the midst of peril and affliction, the veteran received less than $200 a year upon an average. Poor pay, hard work, glorious revivals — a singular combi- nation, as some might view it, but one that filled the hero's heart with abounding joy. Many other brethren who toiled in the found- ing of the Church in Oklahoma deserve notice in this connection, but chapters would miiei- Faithful njg required to tell it all. A. 0. Ones ^__ West, W. M. Tillbury, P. B. Gould, W. M. Ayers, J. Barricklow, andE. H. Stokes- berry were on the ground early, and did noble 324 United Brethren Home Missionaries service. The conference was organized in 1897, and is making splendid progress, though at tre- mendous cost on the part of the faithful men who are doing the work. The present appropriation by the Parent Board of f2,000 a year ought to be multiplied several times over, if we are to occupy all the places where the Church is needed and called for in the new State. 325 CHAPTER XXXI. Our Debt to the Pioneer. From the standpoint of both religion and patriotism we owe a debt of gratitude to the noble pioneers who blazed the way across the continent from east to west for our glorious civilization, and who made possible the achieve- ments which have so distinguished us as a na- tion. The home missionary has always been at the front, and has proven himself a factor of great potency in molding the characters and shaping the destinies of new emigrant communities. They not only loved the church, but they also Loyal to loved thdr country's flag. The lit- church and tie schoolhouses and church-edifices ""'"*' built by them, in the long ago, have enlarged and developed into great institutions of learning, and magnificent temples of worship. Of all these we are justly proud. Their very presence kindles within the bosom feelings of ad- miration, and leads us to exclaim, "See what God hath wrought." But we must not forget that these churches and schools of higher learning are largely the product of the humble mission- ary who was among the very first to construct his sod house on the prairie, or to plunge into the forest and build the log cabin. 326 United Brethren Home Missionaries J. H. Snyder, in a ringing address before the Southwest Kansas Conference, on the occa- sion of its quarter-centennial celebration, in 1907, said: "Historians delight in t .^'■""""* recording the deeds of valorous Tribute " . warriors, of eminent service in statesmanship. Every student is familiar with the name of Leonidas, the brave Spartan, who fell at Thermopylae ; of Hannibal, who dared the Hellespont ; of Napoleon, who scaled the rugged Alps ; of Washington and the patriots at Valley Forge; of Grant, the victor at Appomattox; of Sheridan, the storm center at Winchester; of Sherman, who led his legions down to the sea ; of Lee and Jackson and their brave comrades — these were heroes of war. In statesmanship the world has had its Gladstone, its Pitt, its Patrick Henry, its Webster and Clay, its Jefferson and Lincoln; but how about the heroes of the Cross? We are pointed to the achievements of the gos- pel over ignorance and superstition; to trans- formed communities where heathen customs have given way to Christian civilization; but who were the pioneers in these social and ethical movements? "We have read with delight the life and labors of John G. Paton, the apostle of the New Heb- rides ; of John Hunt among the ferocious canni- bals of Fiji; of Mackay on the Is- Abroad"*' ^^^^ ^^ Formosa; of Livingstone and of Moffatt in the wilds of Cen- tral Africa; of Judson in India — ^indeed, of hun- dreds whose names have been heralded to coming 327 Our Heroes, or ages, whose deeds have b^n more chivalrous than those upon the field of carnal strife, or within the halls of national legislation ; but how about those pioneers in our own dear land — ^pio- neers whose deeds were so noble, whose sacrifices were so great, and whose crowns are now so lustrous? Men who wrought nobly in their day, " 'Then sank into their native clay.' "Is it enough that their names are recorded in the 'Book of Life'? Shall the tramp, tramp, tramp of the sacramental host pass over the fields where they wept and plead and fell at last as martyrs to the divine call of the gospel, with- out a thought of the cost of their blessings, or of the distinguished lives which wrought out our exalted privileges?" The home missionaries have done more than any others to promote the nation's greatness. Honor the ^^^ ^o make its Protestantism in- Home fluential and mighty; but hitherto Missionary ^^^^ have received only stinted credit. We have been inclined to look beyond the seas for the hero. A few of our pioneers, like Doctor Whitman, have been accorded a place in our country's annals, but the vast ma- jority of them have been forgotten — ^yes, forgot- ten, though they were good, and brave, and vic- torious. Our frontiersmen in Christian service to-day are not appreciated by the Church at large, be- cause the nature of their work is not rightly un- derstood. The great body of United Brethren 328 United Brethren Home Missionaries have but little conception of what it means to itinerate in some of the western and southern conferences. They would stand appalled if they could enter the homes of some of our faithful workers and once observe their scant supply of furniture, raiment, and other comforts. They are in the work for Jesus' sake. To build up the Zion to which they have plighted fidelity for all time is more to them than to accumulate abund- ant riches. "If in civic affairs the heroic are honored, and their names are heralded abroad as synonyms of manly courage, and models of worthy emula- tion," do not the noble cavaliers at the front, where the battle never abates, and All on the where "restful days come not this Altar . ,, -, Side the grave," deserve great praise for that strength of brain and heart and life which they have so unreservedly consecrated upon the altars of the church? That their names are written among the stars, no one can doubt ; that they deserve to be there, no one will question. 329 CHAPTEK XXXII. The Harvest Our country owes its greatness, largely, to Home Missions — a fact not understood and ap- preciated by the masses. The first and most im- portant thing in a community is to plant a Chris- Home Mission, tian church, which invariably be- nnd onr comcs a Center of good morals and Country civic viHues. Man must worship or retrograde in his nature. The highest alti- tude of a noble manhood can be reached only by the soul rising Godward. It is impossible for men to be brought into right relations with each other until they recognize their true relationship to the Infinite. Hence, as Christian communi- ties are multiplied, the State becomes Christian, and such commonwealths increased in number make a nation righteous and powerful. In ecclesiastical affairs we have an exact par- allel. The founding of churches must precede everything else. Even foreign mission work is Home Missions impossible in the absence of the and the home church, which must furnish Church ^j^g workers and guarantee their support. Foreign missions are logically and necessarily the products of home missions. The same thing is true in our educational undertak- ings. The planting of churches must come first, 330 United Brethren Home Missionaries both as to time and importance, since we must look to these for students, and the money with which to build and endow. This philosophy like- wise holds good in relation to our publishing in- ferests. We must first have church organiza- tions and Sabbath schools, before we can hope to circulate the Religious Telescope and other periodicals. It were vain to try to produce a book literature without a reading constituency. True it is that the college and publishing plant are tremendous factors in making a denomina- tion strong and prosperous; and no church merits success, or even an existence, that does not provide such helps; but before every other agency comes the missionary who prepares the soil and scatters the fruitful seed. We have shown in the preceding chapters what it cost the pioneers to lay the foundations of the Church, and to blaze the way for its for- ward march along side of other and similar forces which have been so potent in making the nation great. Now we change the view Point viewpoint. It is well for a church Changed ^ occasionally to measure itself, and take an inventory of its assets. In this respect, however, the United Brethren Church has hith- erto been exceedingly modest — too much so, in- deed. She has always been slow to advertise her "towers" and "buhvarks" and "palaces." Our expenditures for home missions have been comparatively small. Up to 1853 no systematic plan was in vogue for the collection and disburs- ing of missionary funds, and prior to that the 831 Our Heroes, or Church's growth had been exceedingly slow. The entire membership was only 47,000. The number of church-houses was very little, if any above five hundred, with only here and there a parsonage. The Publishing House could only muster assets to the amount of $13,000. The Religious Telescope was a four-page paper, with a circulation of about five thousand copies. In fact, we scarcely had. enough to make a record of. As yet there were no organized connectional departments. Some of the conferences raised a little missionary money, but used it mainly for local purposes. In point of equipments, such as are essential to aggressive, thorough-going work, we were meagerly supplied. But what has come to pass since then? What the progress made? As the Missionary Society began to gather funds, and distributed them here and there, Growth of though in small sums, for the ex- tension of the Church's borders, its life-throb was felt in fields that never could have been occupied in the absence of such an agency. During the first four years of its history new missions were opened in Oregon, Michigan, Mis- souri, Nebraska, Kansas, and Canada. The Church Erection Society has also wrought nobly in the department of home missions by way of housing and making permanent the congrega- tions organized in the new territories we now occupy. East of the Mississippi the Church is particu- larly strong. In Pennsylvania, including the 332 United Brethren Home Missionaries District of Columbia, and small portions of Maryland and New York, the membership is 60,000. The church-houses numbering 530, and the parsonages, numbering 201, are valued at Present |2,765,117. In Ohio the communi- strength of cauts aggregate 64,500, while the chnrcu churches, 682, and the parsonages, 159, are worth |2,304,000. Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Minnesota contain a membership, all told, of 72,000, with 915 church- es and 241 parsonages worth |2,000,000. In the South, including the Virginias, the total enroll- ment of members is 34,000. These own 446 church-edifices, and 77 parsonages, valued at $617,712. Between the Mississippi and the Rockies, the territory embraced in the West Dis- trict, and a most promising home mission field, we have 39,000 adherents who control 570 church-buildings, and 225 manses, listed at $1,335,106. Beyond the Rockies we operate in California, Oregon, and Washington, with a membership of 3,500. The fifty churches and thirty-six parsonages there are put down at $214,030. The foregoing figures thrown together give us, in the United States, approximately 275,000 members, with church- and parsonage- buildings worth 19,250,000. Fifty years ago the educational facilities of the Church were sadly limited, both in the num- ber and character of its institu- fntmntiTs tioiis; now we have a full dozen of these, which are valued above $1,000,000. Possibly we have too majiy. Less 333 Our Heroes, or money spent on buildings, and larger sums ex- pended on equipments, might mean more for the Church. A magnificent Publishing House, worth $1,- 000,000, has grown out of the little plant rated at 113,000 in 1853. It is in place also to mention the grand Sun- day-school army of the Church, 342,500 strong, and the Young People's organizations which have enrolled a membership of 83,700. These statements, showing the steady, solid growth of the Church, abundantly demonstrate what has been giained through the uncea,sing toil, and unflinching fidelity of her pioneer sons and daughters. They also show clearly the value of home missions. We have a splen- KansaH »d (jj^ example in Kansas, where the Home Miaslons ^ ' Board has spent more money in the last half century than in any other State. The net amount appropriated foots up |47,709.32. This may appear to some as quite an outlay for a small church; but what we have in the "Sunflower State" proves that the expenditure was worth while. The church-membership is nearly 16,000, and the Sabbath-school enroll- ment 21,800. The 284 churches and parsonages are worth |446,105. Besides these we have Campbell College which, as an asset, may be put down at |75,000. Nor is this all. Fully |20,000 has gone from the State into the missionary treasury, saying nothing about the many thou- sands that have been contributed for foreign mission work through the Woman's Missionary 334 United Brethren Home Missionaries Association, and to other general interests. For the year ending May 1, 1908, the appropriations of the Home Board to the State aggregated $1,300, while the returns foot up nearly |3,000. In view of these facts and figures do Home Mis- sions pay? Has the expenditure of |47,709.32 in Kansas been a profitable investment to the Church? We should say so. But much more could and would have been done if the gifts had been multiplied. Because of the inability of the Board to give the needed aid, many precious opportunities, in various portions of the country, have been let slip, and through such failures vast numbers of our people have been lost to the opportnnutea Qhurch. We have not been able to Lost keep pace with the onward flow of emigration into new sections of the West. In many instances the doors have been effectually closed against us, and the losses thus sustained can never be retrieved. But other openings, big with promise, are presented, and challenge the loyalty of the Church. If we enter these, well and good ; if we do not, then God will thrust for- ward some other agency, put his blessing upon it, and compel us to stand aside. In this connection mention should be made of the fact that the most remarkable growth ever known in the Church during any Thre^velps"* three years of her history, every- thing considered, has been expe- rienced since 1905, when the General Conference organized the Home Missionary Society into a 335 Our Heroes, or distinct department. During tMs period the most aggressive work lias been done. Steps have been taken looking toward the planting of the Church in many of our great centers of popula- tion, and likewise in new sections of the country in need of religious workers, for the twofold purpose of securing permanency to the denomi- nation, and of enlarging her efficiency in soul- winning. In 1905 we had sixty-eight missionaries in the home land; now they number one hundred and twenty. And this force could be increased a dozenf old within a very short time if we had the funds with which to insure their support. In many of the mission fields the work has been greatly accentuated by old-time revivals, which came as the result of much faith and toil; and continued victories may be expected in propor- tion as men and money are consecrated to the work. Evidently a crisis period A Crisis j^as come. The future of the Period Church depends largely upon what we do now. Intensified effort means an enlarged vision and greater achievements; a slackened hand means a retreat to the rear, and a loss of precious opportunities. We are glad that plans have already been per- fected for the organization of a mission district which will embrace western Okla- A New homa, formerly known as "No Confierence Man's Land," the Texas panhandle, and eastern New Mexico. United Brethren by hundreds are moving into this part of the South- 336 United Brethren Home Missionaries west, and axe forming a nucleus around which we hope to build up a prosperous conference. As the country is new, it furnishes a genuine type of pioneer life. The "sod house" and "plank shack" of one room, many of them Genuine ^j^j^ ^jj.^ floors, may be found by Pioneer lilfe ' '' '' thousands. The people who have gone to the frontier, with rare exceptions, are a noble folk, and are deserving of praise for hav- ing given themselves to the task of developing and making fruitful and glorious these hitherto unsettled portions of our vast domain. In their splendid efforts to build up the kingdom of heaven in their midst, through the United Breth- ren Church, they merit, and should have the sym- pathy and unlimited cooperation of the older and stronger conferences. Those who help such struggling communities and colonies at a time like this, not only exhibit their devotion to the Church, but as well their patriotism and love of "native land." Great openings are presented in all the im- mense regions farther to the west and north- west; also in Arkansas, southeast Texas, and Louisiana. In the last-named Farther soutfc State a vigorous little conference is already in operation, and is forging its way into destitute communities as rapidly as could be expected with the men and money at command. The spiritual needs there are especially great. In large portions of the State Protestantism is unknown. The French, who predominate, as a class, are as ignorant and 337 Our Heroes, or helpless as a vicious, debauched, imported priest- hood can keep them. Are they not our neigh- bors? And, if so, does not the very spirit of the gospel lay upon us the obligation of ministering to them? But why make particular mention of this or that section? No matter whither we turn, the same vision greets us — "fields already white to harvest." An eminent authority on religious statistics estimates that out of 87,000,000 of peo- ple in the United States at this time, only about 21,000,000 are members of Protestant evangelical churches. What a field for evangelism the re- maining millions presents! Shall we marshal our forces, with other churches, for the redemp- tion of the home land? For, be it remembered that in so doing we contribute most to the universal spread of the truth. We shall become a world power in proportion as we become a home power. America is the key to the whole situation. Her position is strategic as a world power. Every time she speaks the nations of earth give heed. When she moves they hear America First ^he tread of her advancing steps. Let her enthrone Jesus the Lord in all her social, commercial, political, and reli- gious affairs, and the very ends of the earth will hasten to join in the final coronation. The part of the United Brethren Church in bringing the glad day may be great and glori- ous, if she will but strengthen her agencies, and devote her money to so noble a cause. One dollar 338 United Brethren Home Missionaries per member, yearly, for the Home Mission Board should be the minimum offering. The interests A Can to ^t stake are many, mighty, and United eternal. We can afford to give, and give heroically. Every indi- cation points to the fact that God is realigning his forces for a last, decisive conflict. United Brethren should get in line, for will not heaven expect such a church to be at the front when the final victory comes? "Onward ! upward ! throneward !" is the order which comes ringing down from the skies. In the meantime, we will remember the heroes of the past, and count it a privilege and joy to wreathe their brows with chaplets of praise. "For truth with tireless zeal they sought; In joyless paths they trod — Heedless of praise 'or blame they wrought, And left the rest to God. The lowliest sphere was not disdained; Where love could soothe or save, They went, by fearless faith sustained, Nor knew their deeds were brave. "No sculptured stone in stately temple Proclaims their rugged lot; Like Him who was their great example, This vain world knew them not. But though their names no poet wove In deathless song or story. Their record is inscribed above; Their wreaths are crowns of glory." 339 LESSON VIII. CHAPTER XXIX. 1. Tell something of the early history and difficulties of the work in Columbia Eiver Conference. 2. Who were the first preachers? Tell of Wm. Daugherty. 3. When and by whom was the conference organized? 4. What Is said of J. J. Gallaher? 5. What do you recall concerning J. S. Ehoads? 6. What tribute is paid Wm. Gallaher? 7. Tell of the privations some endured — what they had to eat, etc. 8. Give the preacher's experience with highwaymen, Indiaas, etc. 9. What was said by those who wrote of the work? 10. Did the worls teat the courage of the pioneers ? 11. Do home missionaries suffer as much as do those who work In the foreign field? 12. What of the coast work and Its needs? 13. What is the duty of the Church toward it? CHAPTER XXX. 1. What of Oklahoma? 2. What United Brethren first preached there? 3. Tell of the first prayer-meeting Mr. Llnsey held and what followed. 4. What was his first circuit and experiences thereon? 5. Who was the first presiding elder? 6. Give the preacher's experience in crossing the Cimarron River. 7. Tell of Mr. Doub's trip to Oklahoma. 8. Where did he settle and first begin to preach? 9. What made camping out dangerous? 10. Tell of the great sorrow that came to the missionary's life. 11. Give his experience and support while a presiding elder. 12. What other helpers joined them? CHAPTER XXXI. 1. What do we as a Church and nation owe the pioneer? 2. What tribute does Doctor Snyder pay these noble heroes? 3. Do our home missionaries get the credit due them for their heroism and sacrifices? 4. Does God honor them? CHAPTER XXXII. (Studt/ this olia/pter well.) 1. Show the importance of home missions to our country's growth and worth. 2. Show the relation of home missions tO' the other great departments of the Church, like education, publishing interests, foreign missions, etc. 3. What was the Church's strength before any home mission work was done? 4. Show the strength of the Church now in sections named. B. What of the Colleges and Publishing House? 6. What has home missions done for Kansas? 7. What has Kansas done for the Church? 8. What of the opportunities in the West? 9. What has the Home Mission Board done since 1905? 10. Is the way open to organize new conferences, and should it be done? 11. What Is said of pioneers and frontier life? 12. Are the openings in the South hopeful? 13. What is the call of the United Brethren Church, and what must she do? 340