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MEMORIALS 
 
 eONCKRNINQ 
 
 SEVERAL MINISTERS 
 
 OTHERS, DECEASED 
 
 Religious Society of Friends, 
 
 WITHIN THK LIMITS OF 
 
 BALTIMORE YEARLY MEETIiXG. 
 
 1 J 
 
 BALTIMORE : 
 
 PUBLISHED BY ORDER OF THE YEARLY MEETING. 
 
 INNES & COMPANY, PRINTERS. 
 
 1875. 
 
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 W. L. Shoymaker 
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MEMORIALS, ^c. 
 
 [■Testimony of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting concerning 
 our ancient friendj Ann Moore, deceased. 
 
 An engagement of mind hath induced us to preserve 
 . gome account of the services of this, our valuable friend, 
 r the memory of whom is precious, and will not be easily- 
 erased from our minds. 
 
 By the accounts we have received, she was born in 
 fc Pennsylvania, the 16th of 9th month, 1710. But 
 / iier mother dying, when very young, she was placed 
 IT amongst Friends, and though she was visited in her 
 young and tender years with the incomes of divine 
 love, but for want of keeping close to the pure, unerring 
 guide, had many a bitter cup to drink ; yet the Lord 
 was pleased in mercy to visit her again with the day- 
 spring from on high, and by his righteous judgments, 
 she was made willing to become an instrument in his 
 hand ; and in the twenty-eighth year of her age ap- 
 peared in the ministry, and became a faithful laborer in 
 the Church of Christ. 
 
 In the year seventeen hundred and fifty-three, she, 
 with her husband and family, removed from Pennsyl- 
 vania to Maryland, and settled within the compass of 
 Gunpowder particular meeting; and notwithstanding she 
 had various trials and exercises to pass through, yet she 
 
was preserved, with becoming patience and resignation, 
 diligently attending meetings ; her example and deport- 
 ment therein becoming a Gospel Minister, she was fre- 
 quently qualified to administer suitably to the various 
 states of the people, often comforting the mourners in 
 Zion, strengthening and encouraging the hindermost of 
 the flock ; rousing the lukewarm and indifferent, with 
 faithful warnings to the backsliding and rebellious ; 
 solemn and awful in supplication, frequently exercised 
 therein for the Church of Christ, and the gathering in 
 of the outcasts of Israel and the dispersed of Judah ; 
 under which concern she travelled many journeys on 
 this continent, and once to Europe, in which she was 
 careful to have the unity of her friends at home ; and 
 by accounts received, her visits and Gospel labors were 
 to good satisfaction. 
 
 Most of the last three years of her life she resided in 
 Baltimore Town, where, though ancient and feeble, was 
 diligent in attending meetings, and continued bright 
 and lively in the ministry, laboring with zeal and fer- 
 vency in promoting the cause of God and the honor of 
 his everlasting Truth. 
 
 After about five weeks' illness, she departed this 
 life at her dwelling place aforesaid, the 11th of 11th 
 month, 1783, near the close of the 73d year of her age, 
 in full unity with her friends, and was decently in- 
 terred in Friends' burying- ground there, the 13th of 
 the same. — At which time a Testimony was borne to 
 the sufficiency of that Divine principle of light and 
 truth that qualified her to be a useful and serviceable 
 instrument in the Lord's hand, and earnest desires ex- 
 
pressed that those who have been in mercy favored with 
 renewed visitations from on high, and called to work in 
 the Lord's vineyard, might not draw back nor shrink 
 in the day of trial, but stand faithful, that they might 
 be enabled and qualified to fill the places of those 
 valiants that are called from works to rewards. 
 Signed on behalf of the aforesaid meeting, by 
 
 John Wilson, \ ^, , 
 Mary Parrish, / '^^^^''^' 
 
 Read and approved at our Quarterly Meeting, held 
 
 at Baltimore, the 4th of 2d month, 1786. 
 
 Signed by 
 
 Joseph Townsend, 1 ^j , 
 Mary Parrish, / ^ ^*^'''^- 
 
 A Testimony from Third-haven Monthly Meeting^ in Talbot 
 County^ Maryland^ held 30th day of 3d month, 1786, 
 concerning Joseph Berry. 
 
 This our esteemed friend and approved Elder, was 
 the son of James and Sarah Berry, of the county afore- 
 said ; who educated him according to our principles : 
 he was endowed with a good natural capacity, and as 
 he grew in years, his conduct and deportment became 
 more solid, grave and weighty ; he was zealous for the 
 cause of Truth, a diligent attender of meetings, and 
 careful to observe the time appointed, often concerned 
 to stir up others to the like decent and orderly practice ; 
 an affectionate husband and tender father, given to hos- 
 
6 
 
 pitality, a friend to the poor, and helpful to them in 
 their distress ; and by his sober and Christian conver- 
 sation, obtained a good report. His declining age was 
 attended with exercises and afflictions of various kinds, 
 all of which he endured with exemplary patience. In 
 the time of his last illness, he was preserved in much 
 stillness and resignation to the Divine will, and departed 
 this life at his own house, the 22d day of 10th 
 month, 1783, about the 7th day of his illness, in the 
 52d year of his age, and was buried in Friends' burying 
 ground at Tuckaho, on the 24tli of the same. 
 
 Signed in and by direction of the Meeting aforesaid, by 
 
 Tristram Needles, Clerh. 
 
 Read and approved in our Quarterly Meeting, held 
 at Cecil Meeting House, in Kent County, the 16th of 
 4th month, 1786. 
 
 Signed on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Richard Bartlett, Clerh. 
 
 A Testimony from Third-haven Monthly Meeting^ held the 
 30th of Sd month, 1786, concerning our esteemed frierid, 
 John Bartlett, deceased, 
 
 Son of Joseph and Martha Bartlett, of Talbot County, 
 Maryland, who educated him in the principles of Truth, 
 and as he grew in years grew in religious experience, 
 and by reason of his meek and upright conduct, was 
 beloved by most who were acquainted with him. He 
 was a tender, affectionate husband, exemplary in his 
 
behavior and solid sitting in meeting ; a useful member 
 of society, and approved in the station of an Elder. His 
 last illness was tedious, and attended with sharp afflic- 
 tion, in all of which he was preserved in exemplary 
 patience ; being much tried, as he expressed, with pov- 
 erty in the forepart thereof, yet was at times favored 
 with a renewal of strength, and a resignation of his will ; 
 being often in a weighty frame of mind, his expressions 
 were tendering and instructive. The morning before 
 his departure, appearing sensible his end w^as near, with 
 great solemnity and composure said, let all be still, and 
 in a short time quietly departed on the 26th of 8th 
 month, 1784, in the 43d year of his age, and was buried 
 at Friends' burying-ground at Third-haven, the 28th 
 of the same. . 
 
 Signed in and by direction of the Meeting aforesaid, by 
 
 Teisteam Needles, Clerh, 
 
 Read and approved in our Quarterly Meeting, held 
 at Cecil Meeting House, in Kent County, the 16th of 
 4th month, 1786. 
 
 Signed on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Richard Barteett, Clerh. 
 
 A Testimony from the Monthly Meeting held at Third- 
 haven, in Talbot County, concerning our beloved friend, 
 James Berry, deceased. 
 
 He was the son of James and Sarah Berry, of the 
 county aforesaid. In the time of his youth, he took 
 
8 
 
 delight in the pleasure and vanity of the world, but by 
 joining in with the visitation of Divine regard, merci- 
 fully extended, he became a useful member of society, 
 and an approved Elder in the Church ; his natural 
 abilities were extensive, of a quick discerning, and his 
 spirit in a good degree seasoned with the virtue of love, 
 rendered him very helpful in many difficulties in which 
 he was concerned for the testimony of truth. He was 
 an affectionate husband, and tenderly concerned for his 
 offspring, that they might come up in the fear and ad- 
 monition of the Lord. In the time of his last ilhiess, 
 he appeared in a good degree resigned to the will of 
 Providence, expressing that liis mind was calm and 
 quiet ; that he felt a continual flow of affection towards 
 his friends, and mankind generally, and desired there 
 might not be too much anxiousness for his recovery ; 
 that he felt his spirit comforted. He departed this life 
 the 24th day of 1st month, 1785, and was buried in 
 Friends' burying-ground, at Third-haven, the 26th of 
 the same, aged about 56 years. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting aforesaid, the 
 30th of 3d month, 1786, by 
 
 Tristram Needles, Clerk, 
 
 Read and approved in our Quarterly Meeting, held at 
 Cecil Meeting House, in Kent County, the 16th of 4th 
 month, 1786. 
 
 Signed on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Richard Bartlett, Clerh 
 
Testimony or Memorial concerning John Malsby. late of 
 Baltimore Town, deceased. 
 
 This our esteemed friend, was born in Pennsylvania, 
 the 17th of 9th month, 1753. His parents removed 
 with their family to Maryland, and settled within the 
 compass of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, whilst he was 
 young in years ; and being favored with an evidence of 
 Divine grace, with earnest desires to make the necessary 
 preparation for that awful summons — " S teward, give 
 an account of thy stewardship, for thou mayst be no 
 longer steward'' — which occasioned him to make a re- 
 ligious search and inquiry after the knowledge of God, 
 and that worship which is acceptable to him, but could 
 not enjoy true satisfaction of mind, until he came 
 amongst Friends, which was in the year 1773. And 
 having to experience the goodness of God to his soul, 
 wag concerned to bear public testimony thereto, and in- 
 vite others to come taste and see how good the Lord is 
 to them that love and fear his great Almighty name. 
 
 In the year 1778, he removed within the verge of 
 Pipe Creek Monthly Meeting, and soon after entered 
 into a marriage state with Mary Stare, a member 
 thereof; at which place he resided until the year 1783, 
 and then, with the concurrence of his brethren, removed 
 with his family and settled at Baltimore Town, where 
 he was a diligent attender of meetings, and carefully 
 concerned to take his family with him ; cheerfully giv- 
 ing up his time to the services of Truth, when under 
 appointment, but through diffidence, and under a sense 
 of his own weakness, was rather backward in his ap- 
 
10 
 
 pearances in the miDistiy, which were mostly short, but 
 frequently attended with the seasoning virtue of Truth, 
 made them acceptable and comforting to the living 
 amongst us, who are truly sensible of our loss, but we 
 trust it is his everlasting gain. 
 
 After a short illness, he departed this life at his own 
 house, the lOtli day of 9th month, 1785, aged near 
 32 years, and on the 11th, his remains were accompanied 
 by a number of Friends and others, to Friends' burying 
 ground there, and was decently interred, after which a 
 solid meeting was held and several Testimonies borne, 
 setting forth the uncertainty of our stay here, and the 
 necessity of having oil in our vessels that our lamps may 
 be kept burning against the midnight cry, ^' Behold, the 
 Bridegroom cometh, go ye forth to meet him/' 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Gunpowder Monthly 
 
 Meeting, held at Gunpowder, the 29th of 4th month, 
 
 1786, by '^ 
 
 Joseph Toavnsend, Clerk 
 
 The foregoing Testimony being read and considered 
 in our Quarterly Meeting, held at Baltimore the 6th of 
 5th month, 1786, was approved and signed on behalf 
 and by order of the same, by 
 
 Joseph Townsend, Clerk, 
 
 A Testimony from Deer Greek Monthly Meeting, concerning 
 our dear friend, Mart Cox, deceased. 
 
 She was born at Egham-hith, in Great Britain, and 
 was educated in the profession of the Church of Eng- 
 
11 
 
 land. Ill her youthful days she was much inclined to 
 the gayeties and fashions of the times, and in that situa- 
 tion was married to our late deceased friend, William 
 Cox, who soon after removed to this country, and set- 
 tled within the verge of this meeting ; he being a dili- 
 gent attender thereof, she gave up to accompany him, 
 and became convinced of the principle of Truth, as pro- 
 fessed by Friends ; being some time after received among 
 them, she became an exemplary member. About the 
 39th year of her age, she was called to the ministry^ 
 and for a number^ of years, her words were few and 
 pathetic ; she, however, grew in her gift, and with the 
 concurrence of her friends, visited many of the meetings 
 in the neighboring province; and a few years back, a 
 general one in company with our friend, Mary Husband, 
 to Friends in the lower parts of Maryland and Virginia ; 
 and so great was her zeal for the promotion of Truth, 
 notwithstanding her age and impaired state of health, 
 (her companions doubting her ability to perform,) she 
 gave up to travel to those remote meetings, over the 
 Alleghany mountains, and made a general visit to 
 Friends there, often having meetings also among those 
 of other societies, and was at times enabled to explain 
 the principle of Truth, and tell to others what the Lord 
 had done for her. 
 
 After her return, she was very weak in body, yet 
 often attended our meetings, even when hardly able to 
 get to her seat, frequently bore lively testimonies among 
 us, and her solid sitting was exemplary and instructive. 
 
 She was careful to attend meetings, and encourage 
 others to a like practice. She attended the Yearly 
 
12 
 
 Meeting at Baltimore, in sixth month last, though by 
 that time had become very feeble, but notwithstanding, 
 was enabled to attend every sitting except one ; from 
 thence she proceeded to Pipe Creek, and divers times 
 attended their meetings, to the admiration of those who 
 saw and knew her weak state ; she also visited some 
 families. 
 
 After her return, she expressed her sense of the good- 
 ness of Divine Providence, in enabling her to perform 
 the journey, which was accomplished with much diffi- 
 culty ; and soon after, her disorder increasing, she was 
 confined to her room, and passed through some deep 
 baptisms, in which time some who sat by, inquiring 
 how she felt, she answered, ^^ Oh ! if I could but feel 
 what I could wish, and what I have heretofore felt, then 
 I should have rest ; ^^ and fervently prayed that she 
 might be shown whether her suffering was on her own 
 account, or that of others, adding, if she could but find 
 favor at last, and have without a doubt as heretofore, an 
 evidence of eternal peace, she should be satisfied. The 
 next day she movingly broke forth with the following 
 portion of Scripture — "Comfort ye, comfort ye my 
 people, saith your God ; speak ye comfortably to Jeru- 
 salem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, 
 that her iniquity is pardoned, for she hath received of 
 the Lord's hand, double for all her sins.'' And some 
 time after further expressed, that the Lord had happily 
 sealed her peace, and in thankful praises she rejoiced 
 therein, and said, " Oh ! how sweet I feel ; I feel per- 
 fectly easy — some poor souls are trying all their lives to 
 get to Heaven, and how hard they find it ; whilst others 
 
13 
 
 are at ease, and take little care about it;" adding, 
 "those whom the Lord loveth, he chastiseth." Once, 
 on eating a little bread, she said, " how many poor af- 
 flicted ones I have given bread to; I could not see them 
 want whilst in my power, which is now a great comfort 
 to me ; '' and often expressed her concern for the youth, 
 saying, " By whom shall Jacob arise, for he is very 
 small ; " and dropped many lively exhortations to her 
 children, friends and others, who came to visit her. 
 
 On a number of friends being present, she said, " this 
 is a trying time ; all things must appear clear;" add- 
 ing, " we have often been favored together with that 
 sweet uniting power of Truth, which was always pre- 
 cious to me," At another time, after sitting in a solid 
 frame of mind, she broke forth, saying, " Oh ! the love 
 I feel that flows through Jesus Christ, which none can 
 feel but those who believe in him." 
 
 At another time, just before the close, being asked 
 how she did, she answered, " Just going to enter the 
 promised land ; " and to another who asked her, (when 
 the disorder had got to a great height, it being a morti- 
 fication,) if she was alarmed, she cheerfully answered, 
 " Nay, I feel that, that triumphs over death, hell and 
 the grave." She dropped many more comfortable and 
 edifying expressions, not now particularly remembered. 
 
 We have further to add, that she was a loving and 
 faithful wife, a tender parent, a sympathising friend, and 
 remarkably charitable to the poor. 
 
 On the 15th day of 8th month, 1790, about nine 
 in the evening, she quietly departed this life, without 
 sigh or groan, (aged about 69 years, a minister about 
 
14 
 
 30,) and on the 1 7th of the same, was interred in Friends' 
 burying-ground at Deer Creek, accompanied by a great 
 number of Friends and others, after which a meeting 
 was held and attended witli a stillness and gravity well 
 becoming the solemnity of the occasion. 
 
 Read and approved at Deer Creek Monthly Meeting, 
 held the 23d day of 12th month, 1790. 
 Signed by order thereof, by 
 
 JoHX Cox, Clerl:, 
 
 Sakah Ely, Clerh at this time. 
 
 Read and approved at our Quarterly Meeting, held 
 at Baltimore, the 5th of 2d month, 1791 — and signed 
 on behalf of the same. 
 
 Joseph Toavnsend, ) ^. , 
 Mary Peice, / ^'^^'^'^* 
 
 A Memorial from Gu?ipoivder Monthly Meeting^ in Mary- 
 land, concerning our esteemed friend, Susanna Brown, 
 {loidow of our esteemed friend, William Brown, deceased.) 
 
 She was born in 7th month, 1701, of religious 
 parents, Jolin and Hannah Churchman, of Nottingham, 
 in Pennsylvania; and in early life, through Divine 
 goodness, was brought to the knowledge of the blessed 
 truth. She was esteemed (in Philadelphia, where she 
 and her husband resided a considerable time) a religious, 
 useful woman in meetings for Discipline, and was there 
 appointed to the station of an Elder, and several times 
 travelled in company with Women Friends of the min- 
 istry, to different parts of this continent. 
 
15 
 
 In her pilgrimage through time, she witnessed no 
 small share of adversity, especially under the infirmities 
 of old age, within the last twelve years of her life ; yet 
 it appears to those who knew her, that after her eye-sight 
 failed, and her bodily strength was much reduced, the 
 power of true religion preserved her lively in her in- 
 tellectual faculties, and enabled her to show an in- 
 structive pattern of meekness, patience, resignation, and 
 extensive love to her fellow-members, and. others, often 
 intimating that she had a foretaste of that joy and hap- 
 piness which crowns the latter end of the redeemed, and 
 only waited the Lord's time to be released from her en- 
 feebled mortal state, to participate thereof with others 
 who were gone before. 
 
 Towards the conclusion of her time, she appeared to 
 have a clear sense that her departure drew near ; and 
 the morning of her decease expressed in a broken, ten- 
 der manner, her desires that her descendants and others 
 might endeavor so to live, that when they came to a 
 death-bed, they might be favored with the same clear 
 prospect she then had of enjoying a state of rest and 
 happiness forever. 
 
 She quietly departed on the 25th of 8th month, 
 1790, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at 
 Little Falls Meeting House, in Harford County, the 
 27th of the same, aged near 80 years. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Gunpowder Monthly Meet- 
 ing, held the of 1st month, 1791, by 
 
 David Brown, ) ^, , 
 EuTH Matthews, / ^^^^^^- 
 
16 
 
 Read and approved at Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 held 5th day of 2d month, 1791. 
 
 Joseph Towmsend, \ ^ij i. 
 Maey Price, / ^^^^^^' 
 
 Some account of our esteemed friend^ Philip Coale, late 
 of Dee?' Creek, in Harford County, Maryland. 
 
 He was son of vYilliam and Sarah Coale, and had an 
 education among Friends ; but in his youthful days, not 
 taking heed to the pure inward principle, he was led 
 into undue liberties, which after a time being made able 
 to condemn, he became a useful member of society, and 
 after some years, was appointed to the station of an El- 
 der, which he filled with a good degree of propriety ; 
 and although he had to labor hard for outward support 
 to a rising family, he was diligent in attending religious 
 meetings, and other services relating to Church affairs. 
 About two weeks before his decease, he was taken un- 
 well, and underwent grievous bodily affliction with much 
 fortitude of mind, till the last, often expressing his full 
 resignation to the Divine will, and that death was no 
 terror to him ; intimating that were it not for the care 
 and concern he felt for his dear wife and children, he 
 should have a choice in leaving this troublesome world ; 
 that in journeying through the wilderness thereof, he 
 had witnessed tribulation, and often felt the briars and 
 thorns ; adding, but this is my comfort, " It is through 
 much tribulation we are to enter the kingdom." 
 
 At divers times in his illness, he mourned on account 
 
17 
 
 of th« declined state of our Society, and often cried out 
 in language similar to that of the prophet, '^ Oh ! that 
 my head were waters and my eyes a fountain of tears, 
 that I might weep day and night for the slain and 
 wounded among the children of my people/' He like- 
 wise expressed much concern for active members in our 
 Society, that they might labor individually to fill up 
 their different stations with propriety; that many might 
 be thereby enabled to "cry aloud and spare not;'' to 
 lift up their voices like trumpets in warning the neg- 
 ligent and disobedient, in order to be fully clear in dis- 
 charge of duty towards them, whether they would hear 
 or forbear. He often repeated the gracious invitation 
 of the Most High, " Come unto me, all ye ends of the 
 earth, and be ye saved ; " and expressed the danger 
 there is where people get to think something of them- 
 selves, and fond of running unprepared to do what they 
 are not bidden ; adding, that nothing of self should ever 
 appear, either in our meetings for worship or discipline. 
 His concern appeared weighty on account of the man- 
 agenjent of Discipline in the Church, saying, that all 
 disorders should be taken notice of timely, wn'thout neg- 
 ligence or partiality in any case, in order that the 
 Church may be cleansed and kept wholesome, that no 
 occasion of stumbling may be ministered to the honest 
 inquirers ; and on account of the young generation 
 among Friends, his concern was remarkable, especially 
 for such of those of the meeting he belonged to, who 
 manifest a libertine disposition, earnestly desiring a 
 faithful discharge of duty might be timely exercised 
 towards all such. He uttered many other lively sen- 
 
18 . 
 
 fences not here noted, expressive of his zeal for the good 
 cause, and his care for the well-being of individuals. 
 About three days before his departure, he desired his 
 children to be called into the room where he lay, and gave 
 them very close and pertinent counsel ; charging them 
 to mind their dear mother's advice, and his, then given, 
 as from dying lips, with the counsel of their concerned 
 friends, whenever necessary, after he was gone, exhorting 
 them never to slight the counsel intended for their 
 benefit, as some had done ; then adding, he had faith to 
 believe they would be provided for. His tender wife 
 being at that time much affected, he spoke to her with 
 a pleasant countenance, and said nearly thus : " Oh I 
 my love, I wanted to tell thee, that although my bodily 
 affliction is great, I rejoice in my pains ; they bring me 
 nearer to my God, and for that reason I rejoice/' After 
 this, he often cried out with melody and fervency of 
 spirit, " My Lord and my God ; " and to some near 
 friends that were present, looking pleasantly at them^ 
 he said, " My dear hearts, you do not know how sweet 
 you all feel to me ; I am wrapt up in the bundle of love 
 and life; oh! how I long to feel more fully, the pre- 
 cious love and unity that is among the saints in heaven.'^ 
 At another time he said, " I can sing the song of Moses 
 and the Lamb, upon Mount Zion." In this manner he 
 continued while his strength and faculties remained; 
 the last words he was understood to express, were: 
 '' Oh ! Lord, deliver me out of all my troubles ; " 
 shortly after which he seemed to go into a sound sleep, 
 and departed without sigh, groan or struggle, on the 
 8th day of 4th month, 1791, about the 63d year of 
 
19 
 
 his age ; and we have no doubt of his being entered 
 into the full fruition of that joy, of which he had so 
 lively a sense or foretaste. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Deer Creek Monthly 
 Meeting, held the 26th of the 1st month, 1792, and di- 
 rected to be forwarded to the Quarterly Meeting. 
 
 John Cox, Clerh 
 
 Read in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, the 4th of 
 2d month, 1792, and referred to the Meeting for Suf- 
 ferings. 
 
 John Cox, Cley^h. 
 
 The Memorial of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, concertiing 
 our friend, Hannah Matthews, an Elder, late loife of 
 Oliver Mattheivs. 
 
 She was a diligent attender of meetings for worship 
 and Discipline ; was often employed in the services of 
 the Church, and her innocent, quiet deportment, ren- 
 dered those services acceptable. She was at times fa- 
 vored with a word of encouragement to the humble 
 travellers, and her heart, as well as house, were open to 
 receive her friends. 
 
 She divers times travelled as a companion to Friends 
 engaged in the ministry; was frequently employed in 
 visiting families within the compass of our Monthly 
 Meeting, which services appear to have been performed 
 to tlie satisfaction of Friends. 
 
 She was a good example in her family, watching over 
 her children, while under her care, to keep them in 
 
20 
 
 plainness and out of corrupt company ; endeavoring to 
 excite in parents and heads of families, a liiie concern ; 
 admonishing the j^outh to obey their parents in the 
 Lord; expressing desires that they might begin the 
 work of true religion, while young, and not put it off — 
 the author of which had been the staff of her life all the 
 day long, and had supported her through many close 
 trials. Although her outward faculties decreased to- 
 wards the decline of life, yet a lively, innocent sweet- 
 ness attended her mind to her close, which was on 
 the 15th of 11th month, 1791, and on the 17th of 
 the same was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at 
 Gunpowder Meeting House, in the 64th year of her 
 age. 
 
 Read and approved at Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, 
 held the 28th of 7th month, 1792, and signed by 
 direction of the same, by 
 
 David Brown, 
 
 Ruth Matthews, ^ 
 
 3WS, J 
 
 The foregoing Memorial was read in Baltimore 
 Quarterly Meeting, held the 4th of 8th month, 1792, 
 and directed to be forwarded to the Meeting for Suf- 
 ferings. 
 
 John Cox, 1 ^, , 
 Mary Rice, / ^^^^^*- 
 
 A Testimony from York 2Ionthly Meeting, concerning our 
 esteemed friend^ Elisha Kirk, deceased. 
 
 The remembrance of our beloved friend remains as 
 a good savour on many minds. 
 
21 
 
 He was born in East Cain, Chester County, Pennsyl- 
 vania, on the 25th of 12th month, 1757, of exem- 
 plary parents, Caleb and Elizabeth Kirk, and by at- 
 tending to the visitation with which he was favored, 
 almost in his infancy, he became an early example of 
 piety, and continuing faithful, received a gift in the 
 ministry, in which he appeared about the 20th year of 
 his age, and through humble attention to Divine light, 
 experiencing a growth, was enabled to divide the words 
 aright, and minister to the comfort and edification of 
 the Churches. 
 
 Although industrious in his outward calling, he did 
 not permit worldly concerns to hinder from the at- 
 tendance of meetings, or other religious services, being 
 skilful in maintaining our Christian Discipline, and was 
 favored with much place in treating with those who 
 had deviated from the paths of truth. His exemplary 
 conduct, and strict justice in his dealings, was a 
 striking proof of his love for the reputation of society, 
 and gained the esteem of most that knew him. With 
 the concurrence of friends at home, he visited most of 
 the meetings in North Carolina and New England, was 
 frequently engaged in visiting families, and very useful 
 therein. He was an aifectionate husband, a careful 
 parent and faithful friend, and his sympathy towards 
 those in difficult circumstances, was evident. 
 
 His constitution for several years was weakly, but 
 in 9th month, 1787, he was afflicted with a disorder 
 which continued changeable till 12th month, after 
 which it appeared to be the consumption, and, for the 
 most part, confined him to his chamber. 
 
22 
 
 In the forepart of his illness^ he expressed himself 
 much tried with a state of poverty of spirit, yet appeared 
 patient and resigned, waiting in humility for renewed 
 refreshment, which, in due season, he was favored to 
 experience, and having his heart filled with gratitude 
 and thankfulness for the favor he received, was enabled 
 to praise that great name he had learned to love, we 
 believe above all worldly considerations — with com- 
 posure of mind — giving directions about his outward 
 affairs, and would cheerfully speak of his change. 
 
 On the 5th of 4th month, 1790, after lying very 
 still and sleeping, his brother sitting near, when he 
 awoke he took him by the hand, and said with great 
 composure, and in an awful frame of mind, " I believe 
 I am going.'' His brother replied, " thou art not afraid 
 to go?" he answered, ^' No; " adding, "I am so filled 
 with joy and sweetness, I cannot forbear shedding tears," 
 and continued in a sensible, weighty frame of mind, as 
 if waiting for his change, often saying, ^^I am going in 
 peace." On the 11th of the month, many friends coming 
 into his chamber, he took leave of them in an affectionate 
 manner, and raising his voice, said, '^ Let all be faithful 
 to the precious gift the Lord has bestowed on them ; " 
 after which, lying still for some time, continuing sen- 
 sible, near the 8th hour in the evening, he quietly de- 
 parted this life ; and on tiie 13th, his corpse, attended 
 by a large concourse of Friends and others, was interred 
 in Friends' burying-ground, in York, in the 33d year 
 of his age, and the 13th of his ministry; and we doubt 
 not he is a partaker of that joy which crowns the labors 
 of the faithful. 
 
23 
 
 Read and approved in York Monthly Meeting, held 
 
 the 8th day of 8th month, 1792, and signed on behalf 
 
 thereof. 
 
 Ambrose Updegraff, Clerh, 
 
 Read in Warrington Quarterly Meeting, held the 
 
 27th of 8th month, 1792, and directed to be forwarded 
 
 to the Yearly Meeting. 
 
 Joel Wright, Clerh, 
 
 A Memorial of York Monthly Meeting, held the 7th of 
 Sth month, 1793, concerning our beloved friend, William 
 Matthews, deceased. 
 
 According to his own account, he was born in Staf- 
 ford County, Virginia, the 19th of 6th month, 17S2, 
 of exemplary parents, William and Mary Matthews, of 
 whose care he was early deprived, his father dying when 
 he was about seven years old, and his mother when he 
 was about fifteen. Notwithstanding he was thus left, 
 he was, through Divine favor, gradually brought for- 
 ward into usefulness in the Church, being concerned for 
 the increase of universal righteousness and peace amongst 
 mankind. About the 23d year of his age, he appeared 
 in the ministry, and for some time grew in his gift, and 
 gave convincing evidence of a heavenly call ; yet after- 
 wards meeting with losses, and becoming reduced to 
 difficult circumstances, he passed through a state of dis- 
 couragement, under which he was mostly silent; being, 
 however, preserved in the patience, laboring to have 
 everything removed which obstructed the offering his 
 
24 
 
 gift with acceptance, he was, after some time, through 
 gracious regard, enabled to accomplish that desirable 
 end ; and by humble attention and faithful obedience to 
 the openings of Truth, he became powerful in doctrine, 
 and eminent in our Christian Discipline, in the pro- 
 motion of which he was extensively useful ; his judg- 
 ment being sound and penetrating, his conversation edi- 
 fying and instructive; being also endued with right 
 qualifications to comfort the weak, strengthen the feeble- 
 minded, and powerfully warn and reprove the unruly. 
 
 Much of his time was dedicated to the promotion of 
 the cause of truth, and with the unity of Friends, he 
 visited most of the meetings on this continent, and spent 
 several years in religious labors among Friends, and 
 others, in different parts of Europe ; which, by accounts 
 received, was truly edifying and acceptable. 
 
 After his return, he gradually declined in health, but 
 was enabled to perform several visits to the neighboring 
 meetings, when under great weakness of body, thereby 
 manifesting a concern for the promulgation of the Gos- 
 pel. At length, being confined to his chamber, he 
 dropped many solid remarks, some of which were as 
 follows : " As I have for many years past, been uneasy 
 with the great pains and expense taken by Friends, as 
 well as others, in making coffins to inter the dead, which 
 appear to me superfluous and extravagant, my desire is 
 that mine may be made of either pine or poplar, without 
 ridge or moulding, but quite plain.'^ Some time after- 
 ward, he informed that he had kept notes of his travels, 
 for his own satisfaction, but had no desire they should 
 be made public, and on looking over them, and re- 
 
25 
 
 membering the gracious help he had experienced to 
 discharge what appeared to be required of him, he had 
 been encouraged to press forward ; and though the re- 
 marks he sometimes made might appear to some as too 
 censorious, yet he believed our Society, as well as others, 
 suffered loss by a floating ministry, that hath a tendency 
 to lead the mind from inward humble waiting upon the 
 pure gift, and many could bear testimony that it had 
 been his care, both by precept and example, to promote 
 silent waiting, having often been much concerned on 
 account^of so many words amongst Friends. 
 
 In a time of great bodily weakness, he expressed a 
 desire that soon after his change. Friends in Europe 
 might be informed thereof, and his very affectionate 
 love remembered to them, believing this language to be 
 proper — '^ In my bonds and afflictions have I begotten 
 you in the Gospel of our Lord, through Jesus Christ ;" 
 as many of them could testify that he had been instru- 
 mental, through mercy, in "turning them from dark- 
 ness to light, and from under the power of Satan to 
 serve the living God." "It was," said he, "the Lord's 
 doing, and marvellous in mine eyes" — adding, "It is 
 remarkable that my mind hath, for several days past, 
 been much in Europe, and seemed to pass along to 
 almost all the meetings I was at, remembering how it 
 was with me at most of them." At another time, sev- 
 eral friends coming into his room, he said, " I feel my 
 mind covered with a degree of reverent thankfulness to 
 the Lord for all his tender mercies to me, even from my 
 youth ; he has snatched me as a brand from the burn- 
 ing, and has been with me in heights and in depths, and 
 
26 
 
 although it has pleased him to brmg me clown as iuto 
 the valley of Achor, yet he has opened a door of hope 
 from thence." Adding, " I feel the same degree of ani- 
 mating love for my friends that ever I did, but I have 
 been led into a line that has cut me off from flattery and 
 applause — yet I never found any true or solid peace in 
 anything, but in being faithful to God and man ; '^ and 
 further said, he had a comfortable hope that when these 
 slight afilictions were over, all would be well. At 
 another time he lamented that any who had been favored, 
 should become familiar with those who were enemies of 
 the cross of Christ, as he saw a danger attending it, and 
 of weakness ensuing. 
 
 After a time of great bodily affliction, a friend coming 
 in, he said, " this has been a hard night and day so far, 
 but I believe I shall not have many more, and it mat- 
 ters not how few, if I am but found of that happy 
 number whose works have been such that they shall be 
 pronounced blessed ; but I find it to be a great work to 
 be thoroughly sanctified in body, soul and spirit." 
 
 On taking leave of one of his sisters, (two others 
 being present,) he said, " I esteem it a great favor, that 
 I feel my mind much weaned from all things here 
 below, and the natural part in me much subdued, yet I 
 feel you near to me, not only in an outward relationship, 
 but through the grace and goodness of the Lord, we 
 have been united together in the one spirit, baptised 
 with the same baptism, into the one body, and drank 
 together of the same spiritual fountain." 
 
 At another time, a few Friends coming into his room, 
 silence was experienced to cover with incomes of ten- 
 
27 
 
 deriiig love for a short space ; he then expressed that 
 he often thought since he had lain there, though in 
 great bodily pain and distress, that he had great cause 
 to be thankful in feeling his mind in such a quiet, so 
 resigned, and no ways anxious about the event ; al- 
 though at times it appeared a very awful thing to be 
 placed in a state never more to change; yet at such 
 times he said he felt an humble trust that he should be 
 received into the place of rest and peace prepared for all 
 the Lord's depending children — not for any merit of 
 his, for all that he had done in promoting Truth and 
 Righteousness in the earth, was the Lord's work. Add- 
 ing, " we have been baptised together into the unity of 
 the one spirit, which the world, and those who live in 
 the spirit of it, know not/' 
 
 The day before his departure, he said, '^ Those who 
 put off the great and necessary work of the soul's sal- 
 vation, and conclude it is time enough when on a sick 
 bed, will find themselves much mistaken, unless it is 
 through adorable mercy indeed." 
 
 An intimate friend taking leave of him, he expressed 
 a love for Friends^ and that he was thankful he felt it 
 so ; after repeating what directions he had given re- 
 specting his burial, he expressed a desire that the good 
 hand that had been with him all his life long, might 
 continue to be with him to the end ; — which we believe 
 was mercifully granted. 
 
 He quietly departed on the 7th of 5th month, 1792, 
 
 in the 60th year of his age, and was interred on 
 
 the 9th of the same, in Friends' burying-ground, in 
 
 York Town, his corpse being attended by a large num- 
 
 3 
 
28 
 
 ber of Friends and others, after wliich a solemn meeting 
 was held. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of our aforesaid meeting, by 
 
 Eli Kirk, Clerh. 
 
 The foregoing Testimony was read and approved in 
 Warrington Quarterly Meeting, held the 26th of 8th 
 month, 1793, and directed to be forwarded to the Meet- 
 ing for Sufferings. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of the Meeting, 
 
 Joel Wright, Clerh, 
 
 A Memorial from Westland Monthly Meeting, in Wash- 
 ington County, Pennsylvania, concerning William 
 Wilson. 
 
 He was born in Kent County, in the State of Dela- 
 ware, in the year 1739, and was received into member- 
 ship with Friends at Duck Creek Monthly Meeting, 
 wliere he continued until the year 1781, when he re- 
 moved and settled with his family within the verge of a 
 meeting held at Westland, being the only one then held 
 west of the Alleghany mountains. He was, by certifi- 
 cate, well recommended to Hopewell Monthly Meeting, 
 and a few years after, by that meeting appointed to the 
 station of an Elder, in which he was preserved an ex- 
 am])le of plainness and humility. 
 
 He manifested a religious care for the support of good 
 order among the few Friends then settled in these parts, 
 and after meetings for Discipline were established, he 
 
29 
 
 was very serviceable in them, which, with other meet- 
 ings, he diligently attended, a good example, in bringing 
 his family with him, careful not to let his outward af- 
 fairs hinder him from what he believed to be his re- 
 ligious duty, yet was industrious and careful in pro- 
 viding for the necessary support of his family. 
 
 Towards the latter end of 6th month, 1795, he was 
 taken ill of a nervous disorder, and on the 26th of 
 the same month, (though through difficulty,) he attended 
 Redstone Monthly Meeting, where he earnestly recom- 
 mended Friends to faithfulness in the support of our 
 Christian Discipline. 
 
 The like concern accompanied his mind the day fol- 
 lowing, at our own Monthly Meeting, which he was 
 favored to sit, until the close, and was the last meeting 
 he was enabled to attend, being soon after confined to 
 his room. 
 
 To a few friends who came to see him on the 5th of 
 7th month, he expressed himself to the following im- 
 port : '^ Whether I am to be taken from you at this 
 time, or not, I cannot tell ; nor is it any concern to me; 
 all seems quiet and easy, unless I am deceived ; and I 
 hope my Master will be so kind as not to let me be de- 
 ceived. As I have passed some of the late wearisome 
 nights, I have been looking over some of the past ac- 
 tions of my life, and the situation of many of my friends, 
 and I think I have been favored to see the states of some 
 more clear than ever I did in all my life ; and oh ! the 
 world, seems to have a greater hold on our Society 
 than anything else; the unprofitable pursuit and desire 
 after its wealth and treasures, does sorrowfully obstruct 
 
30 
 
 the growth and progress of true reJigion in some, 
 especially those who are favored with the brightest 
 talents/^ Some time after, several others coming in, his 
 son asked him whether he thought so much company 
 hurt him ; he replied, " I don't know that it does much, 
 if Friends keep still and quiet, according to the nature 
 of the occasion; I have often thought how careful 
 Friends should be in such cases, yet there is a use to the 
 poor afflicted spirit, in Friends going to see one another 
 in their afflictions." He was preserved in great com- 
 posure and quietude of mind, plainly evidencing that 
 the thoughts of death, which he apprehended was ap- 
 proaching, was no terror to him, being often favored to 
 communicate suitable advice and counsel to those who 
 visited him, showing that the ardor of his mind for the 
 welfare of his fellow-creatures, was unabated in this 
 awful season. 
 
 On the 8th of the aforesaid month, he appeared par- 
 ticularly concerned for his children, and towards eve- 
 ning, having them collected, had a solid opportunity 
 with them, earnestly desiring that they might be pre- 
 served within the bounds of true moderation and plain- 
 ness, submitting to the Gospel order of our Society, as 
 Truth requires; with much suitable advice for their 
 present and future welfare ; at the close taking a solemn 
 farewell ; — and then said to an affectionate sister who 
 attended him : " I have done — done with this world, 
 and feel perfectly easy." 
 
 The night following, through the severity of the dis- 
 order, he became somewhat delirious, and growing 
 gradually weaker, continued much in a child-like state 
 
31 
 
 until the morning of the 15th, when he quietly departed 
 this life, in the 56th year of his age, and on the 16th, 
 was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at Westland. 
 Given forth by our aforesaid Meeting, held the 22d of 
 8th month, 1795, and signed on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Thomas Farquhar, Clerh. 
 
 The above Memorial being produced to Fairfax 
 Quarterly Meeting, held the 5th of 10th month, 1795, 
 was read, and upon deliberation, was approved and 
 directed to be signed on behalf of said meeting, and 
 forwarded. 
 
 James Moore, Clerh 
 
 A Testiynony from Monallan Monthly Meeting^ in Pennsyl- 
 vania, concerning our beloved friend, Isaac Everitt, 
 deceased. 
 
 He was born in Nottingham, Chester County, Penn- 
 sylvania, the 17th day of 12th month, 1737; and 
 removed, when young, with his parents, who settled 
 about twelve miles from Pipe Creek Meeting, in Mary- 
 land, which Meeting he, through considerable difficulty, 
 attended, often going on foot, and underwent some very 
 close trials and exercises of mind, on a religious account, 
 but being preserved in a good degree faithful to the dis- 
 coveries of light, he became a conqueror through faith. 
 In the year 1761, being entered into a married state, 
 he removed and settled within the verge of Huntingdon 
 Meeting, now a branch of this Meeting, where he re- 
 
32 . 
 
 sided until his decease. About the 20th year of his 
 age, he appeared in the ministry, and abiding under the 
 humbling baptisms of Christ, he experienced a growth, 
 until he became an eminent minister of the Gospel ; 
 being, like the good Scribe, frequently enabled to bring 
 forth out of the treasury, things new and old ; in the 
 exercise of his gift, he was often favored to speak to the 
 states of others, in a very instructive and edifying 
 manner. 
 
 He was truly serviceable in our meetings for Disci- 
 pline, carefully manifesting a disposition not to prefer 
 his own judgment to that of his friends. From his 
 youth, his steady and exemplary conduct in the attend- 
 ance of our religious meetings, was highly worthy of 
 imitation. 
 
 He several times, with the concurrence of his brethren 
 at home, visited most of the meetings of Friends in 
 Pennsylvania, and a considerable number of those in 
 Maryland and Virginia; and in the years 1789 and 
 1790, he performed a religious visit to Friends in the 
 New England States, and that of New York ; and about 
 a year before his decease, he visited the meetings of 
 Friends in the Jerseys, and some of those in New York, 
 producing, at his return from these visits, accounts from 
 Friends, expressive of his labors among them having 
 been to general satisfaction. 
 
 For several years of the latter part of his life, he 
 labored under various bodily infirmities, which made 
 travelling very afflictive; and in the latter end of 
 7th month last, was taken with a complicated disorder, 
 which settling on his lungs, rendered him incapable of 
 
33 
 
 much communication, but appeared through the course 
 of his sickness, to be favored with a quiet mind, entirely 
 resigned — manifesting no anxiety concerning the event. 
 He several times before he was taken with his last ill- 
 ness, expressed, that he believed his day's work was 
 nearly done ; and a few days before his departure, said 
 that his will was taken away, and that he had no desire 
 to be raised again. 
 
 He quietly departed this life, on the 4th of 8th 
 month, in the year 1801, aged about 64 years — a min- 
 ister about 44 — and was interred in Friends' burying- 
 ground, at-Huntingdon, the 5th of the same — after which 
 a solemn meeting was held. 
 
 Signed by direction and on behalf of our aforesaid 
 Meeting, held the 19th of 5th month, 1802. 
 
 Isaac Pearson, Clerh 
 
 The foregoing Testimony being read in our Quarterly 
 Meeting, held at Warrington the 23d of 8th month, 
 1802, was approved and signed in and on behalf 
 thereof, by 
 
 Amos Farqtjhar, Clerh. 
 
 A Testimony from Hopeiuell Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
 our esteemed friend, Martha Mendenhall, deceased. 
 
 She was born the 14th of 2d month, 1713, and 
 called to the work of the ministry in the 19th year of 
 her age, being diligent in the attendance of meet- 
 ings, both for Worship and Discipline, and humbly at- 
 
34 
 
 tentive to the pointings of Truth ; in the exercise of her 
 gift, she became an able minister of the Gospel, and 
 sometimes visited the meetings of Friends in other parts 
 of this continent. She was often enabled in the decline 
 of life, and even about a week before her departure, to 
 communicate to the consolation of those present, her 
 testimony being sound and edifying. She was a tender 
 parent, a nursing mother in Israel, being humble and 
 meek in deportment, she was beloved by most who 
 knew her. Her iUness was short, in which she several 
 times expressed her desire to be unclothed of mortality, 
 and that she was satisfied she had not her day's work to 
 do. A few moments before her departure, she was 
 lieard to say, " This is the happiest day I ever expe- 
 rienced ; now. Father, thou art come ; I have been look- 
 ing for thee all this day ''— then quietly departed this 
 life, on the 28th day of 10th month, 1794, in the 
 82d year of her age — a minister about 62 years — and 
 was next day interred in Friends' burying-ground at 
 Tuscarora. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of the above Meeting, held 
 by appointment the 25th of 9th month, 1797. 
 
 James Mexdenhall, Clerh at this time. 
 
 Phebe Steer, Clerk. 
 
 The within Memorial was read and approved in our 
 Quarterly Meeting, held at Fairfax, the 2d day of 
 10th month, 1797. 
 
 Signed by order thereof, 
 
 James Moore, Clerk. 
 
35 
 
 Some account of the last sickness, expressions and death, of 
 EuTH Walton, icife of Benjamin Walton, of Pike Bun 
 Township, Washington County, and State of Pennsyl- 
 vania. 
 
 She was confined about six months, with a compli- 
 cation of painful disorders, which she endeavored to bear 
 with patience. In the'forepart of her sickness, she ex- 
 pressed to some friends, who had a favored opportunity 
 with her and family, a concern which had often been on 
 her mind, and especially of late, that Friends might 
 transact their Church business in the life, and avoid all 
 forms that did not add weight to the cause; and she 
 was particularly exercised about the manner of some 
 Preparative Meetings answering the queries^ which she 
 thought was in too easy, formal a way, and the meeting 
 did not get down into a close inspection of its state ; so 
 that where deficiencies were found, care might be taken 
 to have them removed. 
 
 She in an affectionate manner, expressed to her hus- 
 band, a few weeks before her death, that she thought 
 her stay with him would not be long ; and that she had 
 found it to be a great thing to be wholly weaned from 
 the world ; yet she fully believed that when she went, 
 she should go in innocency. 
 
 She manifested a care during her confinement, not to 
 express more of her state of mind, or assurance of future 
 peace, than she sensibly felt ; though when inquired of, 
 she gave full satisfaction in that respect, in a modest 
 way. 
 
 She dictated a letter to such of her children w^ho were 
 
36 
 
 married, and settled at a distance, wherein she mani- 
 fested a desire, that their affections might be so weaned 
 from the things of time, as to make suitable preparation 
 for eternity ; and that they might attend to this im- 
 portant business whilst in health, and be ready to wait 
 on the pains of the body, when brought to such a time 
 as had then fallen to her lot. 
 
 She was very much concerned for her children who 
 were unmarried ; tenderly and pressingly exhorting them 
 to plainness and sobriety. Her care was not altogether 
 confined to her own ; but she took opportunities to 
 communicate to others, what impressed her mincj con- 
 cerning them. 
 
 At one time, she had her present children called to 
 her, and expressed to tliem, and several other friends, to 
 the following import, which she afterwards desired might 
 be spread amongst Friends, viz : — 
 
 " Having my mind gathered inward, and viewing 
 time near and close, and eternity at hand, I heard a 
 voice intelligible to mine inward ear, saying, call in thy 
 sons and thy daughters, and tell them I have no pleasure 
 in prodigal sons and daughters, or haughty sons and 
 daughters; tell them that I loath all these; and the 
 cause appeared plain to my understanding, why they 
 were called prodigal, and haughty sons and daughters ; 
 and it was thus said — they run on in their own wills, 
 and do not ask counsel of me, nor of them whom I have 
 placed as counsellors ; but have chosen their own ways, 
 and run out into the vain and foolish fashions of the 
 world, the sons in their prodigal dress, and the daughters 
 in their short waists, and round head-dress ; these things 
 
37 
 
 I feel the Lord^s controversy to be against ; these things 
 have lain heavy on my mind for several days, but 
 through the Lord's tender mercy, I have been abilitated 
 to relieve my mind towards my dear children, now 
 present ; but I feel the concern to extend further, havmg 
 observefl with sorrow of heart. Friends' children pur- 
 suing the vanity of dress, and some of the dear babes 
 trained up in it; for .these things my heart mourns. 
 Oh ! parents, what are you about ? Know assuredly, that 
 inquisition for blood will be made; what will you 
 answer the Lord when it is demanded of you, what have 
 you done with those tender lambs committed to your 
 care ? I desire that every class may be aroused to con- 
 sider these things, that they may know what they shall 
 answer when they are called to an account, and in a 
 particular manner, the Elders, and all the watchmen 
 and watch women to w^honi the care of the flock is com- 
 mitted. Oh ! saith my soul, that you, through a faith- 
 ful discharge of duty, may render np your accounts with 
 joy, and not with grief." 
 
 She departed this life (we believe) in a sweet frame 
 of mind, the 2d of 6th month, 1805, in the 61st 
 year of her age, and was interred in Friends' graveyard, 
 at Pike Run, after which a solemn meeting was held. 
 
 Signed on behalf of Westland Monthly Meeting, held 
 the 24th of 8th month, 1805, by 
 
 Thomas Farquhar, Clerh, 
 
 At Redstone Quarterly Meeting, held at Westland, 
 the 2d day of 9th month, 1805, the above Memorial 
 
38 
 
 was read, approved, and directed to be forwarded to the 
 Meeting for Sufferings. 
 
 Signed on behalf of said Meeting, by 
 
 Thomas Farquhar, Clerh 
 
 A Testimony from Pipe Creek Monthly Meeting, in Mary- 
 land, held the \Wi of Sth motith, 1806, concerning our 
 esteemed frie?id, Anthony Poultney, deceased. 
 
 He was a steady, exemplary Elder, a meek and 
 peaceable man, who had rather suffer wrong than con- 
 tend for worldly interest ; much concerned for the pro- 
 motion of the cause of Truth and Righteousness in the 
 earth ; a worthy example of Christian patience, under 
 many years of great bodily affliction ; remarkable in at- 
 tention to, and sympathy with the sick and afflicted, 
 and very tender and humane to the animal creation. 
 
 He departed this life the 25th of 7th month, 1805, 
 aged about 53 years. 
 
 Signed on behalf of our said Meeting, by 
 
 Thomas Russel, Ch^k 
 
 Read and approved at Warrington Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, held the 25th of 8th month, 1806. 
 Signed by order of said Meeting, by 
 
 Isaac Pearson, Clerk, 
 
39 
 
 The Memorial of Indian Spring Monthly Meeting^ con- 
 cerning Mary Brooke, deceased. 
 
 This our beloved friend, was born near Monocacy, 
 in Maryland, in the year 1734. She was very early 
 deprived of the advantages of parental guardianship, 
 and instruction, by the decease of her parents ; but seek- 
 ing to become acquainted with the teachings of Him 
 who is declared by the royal Psalmist, to be the " Father 
 of the fatherless," she found him to be indeed her 
 " Helper ; " so that when young, she witnessed, to her 
 inexpressible comfort, many precious seasons of Divine 
 communion, particularly between the ages of eighteen 
 and twenty-one years, most of which time she resided 
 in North Carolina, where she encountered great diffi- 
 culties and hardships in getting to the meetings of 
 Friends. These seasons of favor and confirmation, she 
 has been heard in her advanced age, pathetically and 
 gratefully to commemorate in her public addresses to 
 the youth. Returning from Carolina to Monocacy, 
 about her 21st year, she very soon afterwards appeared 
 in the ministry, to the satisfaction of her friends; and 
 in her 24th year, in company with Sarah Janney, John 
 Hough, and her brother William Matthews, performed 
 an acceptable religious visit to all the families consti- 
 tuting Fairfax Monthly Meeting, at that time very 
 large, and the members widely dispersed. In the same 
 year, she was married to Roger Brooke, of Sandy Spring 
 Particular Meeting, in Maryland, where she continued 
 to reside the remainder of her life. For several years 
 after her marriage, her services in the ministry were 
 4 
 
40 
 
 confined principally within the limits ot the Quarterly 
 Meeting to which she belonged, though she occasionally 
 visited some other meetings in Maryland, Virginia and 
 Pennsylvania. During the revolutionary war, she ex- 
 perienced many very trying seasons, which she was fa- 
 vored to pass through with such a degree of prudence 
 and patient resignation, as obtained the respect and admi- 
 ration of her friends and acquaintances. Nearly the 
 whole of this period, her lips were sealed as to minis- 
 terial service ; but after these proving dispensations had 
 passed over, her public appearances again became fre- 
 quent, to the gteat satisfaction of her friends ; sometimes 
 visited neighboring meetings — and in the year 1793, in 
 company with her sister, Margaret Elgar, she visited 
 most of the meetings in Virginia, and shortly after, with 
 the same friend, nearly all the meetings of Friends in 
 New Jersey, and a considerable number in the States of 
 New York and Pennsylvania. She was afterwards en- 
 gaged in visiting the families of Friends composing 
 Baltimore and Fairfax Monthly Meetings. The en- 
 dorsements on the certificates and minutes, which she 
 obtained for these purposes, uniformly expressed the 
 satisfaction of the visited, with her Gospel labors. 
 
 As to our own knowledge of her qualifications as a 
 minister, we may say, that her communications were 
 seldom large, but the matter generally appropriate, and 
 the delivery thereof accompanied with such life and 
 sweetness, as rendered her appearance both impressive 
 and acceptable. The tenor of her life also demonstrated, 
 that she did not place her exclusive reliance on precept 
 and theory, for inculcating the interesting truths of the 
 
41 
 
 Gospel, but was careful to adorn tlie doctrines she de- 
 livered, by a strict adherence to the practical duties of 
 religion, and to support a conduct correspondent with 
 her profession, by which she became a shining example 
 to the Christian traveller. 
 
 The influence of religion on her temper, which pro- 
 duced an innocent cheerfulness in her life and conver- 
 sation, greatly endeared her to a large circle of ac- 
 quaintance, and in a particular manner to her own 
 family, in the management of which, she eminently 
 possessed the desirable talent of so blending authority 
 with endearment, as in a good degree to restrain their 
 wanderings, while she secured their affections, whereby 
 she so entirely obtained the confidence of her offspring, 
 that from their youth even to advanced age, her society 
 was to them an enjoyment, her breast the repository 
 of their secrets, and her advice their resource in diffi- 
 culties. 
 
 We believe few have performed the pilgrimage of 
 life, who have more amply discharged their several 
 duties to their Maker, to their families, and to their 
 fellow-creatures at large, from youth to old age, than 
 this much endeared friend ; and having, as we believe, 
 *^ fought the good fight," she has now finished her course, 
 and we doubt not, has received a crown of righteousness. 
 May this consideration prove an incitement to us, who 
 are yet permitted to remain on the stage of action, so to 
 imitate her example, walking " by the same rule,'' and 
 minding " the same things," that we also may, in the 
 end, look with humble confidence to the same Divine 
 source for an everlasting reward. She departed this 
 
42 
 
 life, after a short but painful illness, in great resignation, 
 
 the 25th day of 4th month, 1808, in the 73d year 
 
 of her age, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground 
 
 at Sandy Spring, the 26th day of the same month. 
 
 Signed on behalf of Indian Spring Monthly Meeting, 
 
 held at Sandy Spring, the 21sfc day of 4th month, 
 
 1809, by 
 
 Roger Brooke, 1 a, , , 
 Deborah Thomas, j 
 
 Read and approved at Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 
 held the 8th of 5th month, 1809, and signed on behalf 
 
 thereof. 
 
 William Ken worthy, \ >->/ t. 
 Esther Townsend, / ^'^^'^*- 
 
 A Testimony of Miami Quarterly Meeting, in the State of 
 Ohio, concerning John Simpson, deceased. 
 
 As the evening of the day of this our beloved friend, 
 was closed, in this part of the country, we apprehended 
 it proper for us to give some account of his labors and 
 services, during the short period of his residence within 
 the limits of this Quarter. 
 
 After his arrival among us, in 8th month, 1810, 
 and until nearly the conclusion of the following winter, 
 he attended many meetings among Friends, and also ap- 
 pointed meetings among other people, wherein he was 
 made a channel through which flowed freely much 
 salutary counsel and encouragement. In the 3d month 
 following, he was taken with a severe illness, but re- 
 
43 
 
 covered so as to be enabled to attend our Quarterly 
 Meeting in 5th month, though under considerable 
 bodily indisposition. On first day night, the 16th of 
 6tli month, he uttered the following supplication : 
 "Most Righteous Father, thou knowest that a tried 
 remnant yet continue to love thee more than all things ; 
 be pleased, therefore, to go with them and support them 
 through the heights and through the depths, and the 
 many trials that may be allotted to their portion. And 
 enable them, O righteous Father, in every dispensation 
 of thy love, in the sincerity of their hearts to ascribe 
 unto thee, the honor and the glory, forever and for- 
 everraore.'' 
 
 His spirit was often engaged in prayer for the youth, 
 once in particular, " that the Heavenly Father would 
 be pleased to pour out of his Spirit upon sons, and upon 
 daughters." And often invited those about him to 
 come with him into the house of prayer, and pray with 
 him and for him. A few days before his decease, he 
 desired the following Testimony to be taken down in 
 writing, and spread among Friends, as his last legacy. 
 He remarked, that the nearer he drew to the close of his 
 life, the plainer he saw, and the clearer evidence he 
 had, that one of the greatest deceptions upon mankind, 
 was the persuasion that they could be Christians with- 
 out spiritual baptism ; and it was his earnest desire that 
 they might not be deceived, but be willing to endure 
 the baptism of Christ ; frequently repeating, " there is 
 no other way, there is no other way." 
 
 He often expressed that he had great peace of mind 
 in having been obedient to what he believed to be his 
 
44 
 
 Heavenly Father's will in coming to this Western 
 country to finish his work ; that it crowned his evening 
 with joy, though it tended to lay his body far from his 
 near and dear connexions, to which he was resigned ; 
 that he was glad he had returned to Waynesville, for 
 he felt himself among his friends ; frequently saying, 
 "I feel like one that has done his day's work. I have 
 fought the good fight, and all is well — dust must re- 
 turn to dust/' 
 
 About half-past 12 o'clock on the morning of the 
 30th of 8th month, 1811, he quietly departed this 
 life; and on the morning of the 1st of 9th month, 
 his body, attended by a large number of Friends, and 
 others, was interred in Friends' burying-ground, at 
 Waynesville, with a solemnity suitable to the occasion. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of the aforesaid Meeting, 
 held the 9th of 5th month, 1812, by 
 
 Benjamin Hopkins, Cleric, 
 
 A Testimony from Gunpowder Monthly Meeting^ in Mary- 
 land, concerning our friend and Elder in the Church, 
 William Amos, deceased. 
 
 This our dearly beloved friend, was born about the 
 1st of 3d month, 1717, old style, and educated a 
 member of the Episcopal Church. At the age of nine- 
 teen years, it appears he was an officer in the militia, 
 but whilst in that station, it was, through Divine mercy, 
 opened to his understanding, that the kingdom of Christ 
 
45 
 
 was a peaceable kingdom ; he, therefore, not conferring 
 with flesh and blood, became obedient to the heavenlj 
 vision, and resigned his office. 
 
 His understanding being enlightened to behold the 
 emptiness of all outward forms and ceremonies in re- 
 ligious worship, he was often led into silent retirement; 
 and apprehending his mind to be drawn to a certain 
 place, then a forest, for the purpose of retirement on the 
 first day of the week, he yielded thereto, and on the 
 way was led to call on two others in his neighborhood, 
 and invite them to accompany him — they consented, 
 and continued regularly to meet with him ; in about six 
 weeks, their number increased to nine persons. 
 
 About this time, apprehending that they were united in 
 faith and principle, with the profession of Friends, they 
 concluded to apply to the Gunpowder Monthly Meet- 
 ing, to be taken under its notice. They were received 
 into membership by that Meeting, and a meeting house 
 built, and a meeting settled by the name of Little Falls, 
 where they had at first assembled. Before he had any 
 acquaintance with Friends, he was summoned as a wit- 
 ness, and required to take an oath, when he found him- 
 self constrained to refuse, notwithstanding heavy pen- 
 alties were threatened as the consequence; yet, being 
 enabled patiently and steadfastly to bear his testimony, 
 he was, after some time, discharged. 
 
 In process of time, he also saw the inconsistency of 
 supporting a ministry by hire ; and at one time stood 
 almost, if not quite, alone in those parts, in refusing to 
 pay the tax imposed for that purpose; and although 
 this testimony exposed him to some close trials and suf- 
 
46 
 
 ferings, yet he appears to liave faithfully maintained his 
 integrity. 
 
 He was also a zealous advocate in the cause of the 
 oppressed descendants of the Africans, and one of the 
 first to liberate those in his possession ; and after making 
 this sacrifice to justice, labored in much love and ten- 
 derness to induce others to do likewise. 
 o Soon after he was received into membership, from the 
 flowing of love and good will in his heart, he felt an 
 engagement to impress his mind to invite others to 
 become partakers of that inheritance which at times he 
 had to experience in retirement ; often setting forth the 
 benefits which attended those who humbly waited on 
 the Lord. And as he grew in years, he grew in his 
 gift, and became an able minister, it being evident that 
 his love for the eternal good of mankind, increased with 
 his years ; often repeating in his public Testimonies, 
 that song of the angels to the shepherds, " Glory to God 
 in the highest, on earth peace, good will towards men.'' 
 Thus living in near unity with his friends, he was much 
 employed in the service of the Church, and truly help- 
 ful therein. 
 
 Having earnestly labored for the good of his fellow- 
 creatures, he often expressed the ardent desire of his 
 mind to turn men from darkness to light, and from the 
 power of Satan unto God; being himself an example of 
 meekness, resignation, piety, benevolence and charity, 
 whereby he secured the general esteem and good will of 
 those who knew him. 
 
 At the burial of his wife, which was but a few days 
 before his departure, when a number of his friends and 
 
47 
 
 neighbors were assembled on that occasion, as he lay on 
 his bed, he delivered an awakening testimony, calling 
 their attention in the most pressing and moving manner, 
 to consider their latter end, that the joy of acceptance 
 might be their consolation ; saying to a friend who in- 
 quired how he was, ** my greatest desire is to be with 
 my dear and suffering Lord." 
 
 Thus our beloved friend, during the course of a very 
 long life, continued to support the various testimonies 
 which he was called to bear, to the edification and en- 
 couragement of many. 
 
 He departed this life on the 26th day of 2d month, 
 1814, and was gathered as a shock of corn fully 
 ripe, in the 97th year of his age, having been a minister 
 about 70 years; and was decently interred in the family 
 burying-place, attended by a large number of his friends 
 and neighbors. 
 
 Signed the 27th of 9th month, 1815, on behalf of 
 the meeting aforesaid, by 
 
 Thomas Scott, Clerh at this time. 
 
 The foregoing Memorial was read and approved in 
 our Quarterly Meeting, held at Baltimore the 5th of 8th 
 month, 1816, 
 
 Signed on behalf thereof, 
 
 Philip E. Thomas, Clerk. 
 
48 
 
 A Memorial from Monallan Monthly Meeting, in Pennsyl- 
 vania, concerning Abel Thomas. 
 
 As Memorials of the faithful, when deceased, may 
 afford encouragement to survivors to follow their pious 
 examples, we are engaged to give this short Testimony 
 concerning our esteemed friend, Abel Thomas. 
 
 He removed with his family, and settled within the 
 verge of this meeting, in the year 1801, being by Exeter 
 Monthly Meeting, recommended a Minister, in which 
 station he labored as a faithful servant of Jesus Christ ; 
 and having been taught in the school of Christ, he was 
 often favored, like the good Scribe, to bring forth out of 
 the treasury, things both "new and old" — and under 
 the influence of his Heavenly Master, was enabled to 
 preach the Gospel ; " not with enticing words of man's 
 wisdom, but in demonstration of the spirit, and of 
 power,'' — appearing cautious not to presume to speak 
 without assurance of necessity being laid upon him. He 
 was often made willing to travel in truth's service, and 
 visited nearly all the meetings of Friends on this con- 
 tinent. Towards the latter part of his time, like one 
 industriously engaged to perform his allotted portion 
 of labor, he seldom missed one year without being out 
 on a religious visit, evincing great firmness and per- 
 severance in travelling, when he believed it was re- 
 quired of him. 
 
 He mentioned to a friend several months before his 
 decease, that he believed his time in this world was 
 nearly over; and a few days after his return from his 
 last journey, he was confined at home, having been for 
 
49 
 
 several years previous, increasingly afflicted with acute 
 bodily pain, which he bore with becoming patience. 
 During his last sickness, when capable of rational con- 
 versation, he uttered some weighty remarks. 
 
 At one time, in conversation with some friends in re- 
 gard to the probability of his continuing here, he said : 
 " The language that has run through my mind for some 
 time past, has been, that by and by, I shall see that 
 peaceful shore, when I shall be no more troubled.'^ 
 And on taking leave of a friend, he said : " I am in great 
 pain, and desire to be remembered by Friends, not as 
 a forsaken soul, but as one that has hope in Jesus 
 Christ.^^ 
 
 He quietly departed this life, at his own habitation, 
 the 21st day of 3d month, 1816, in the 79th year of 
 his age. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the aforesaid Meeting, held the 
 
 22d day of 8th month, 1816. 
 
 William Wright, ? p/ t. 
 Hannah Garretson, ) ^^^^^^* 
 
 Read in and approved by Warrington Quarterly 
 Meeting, held the 26th of 8th month, 1816. 
 
 Israel Howell, Cleric, 
 
 A Memorial concerning Hannah Litle, deceased. 
 
 The circumstances attending the removal of our 
 valued friend, Hannah Litle, from this life, having 
 furnished evidence (in addition to a cloud of witnesses 
 
50 
 
 who have gone before her) of the all-sufficient power of 
 redeeming love, we are induced, for the benefit of sur- 
 vivors, to give some account of her deportment and 
 usefulness, during her residence within the verge of 
 Indian Spring Monthly Meeting. 
 
 In the year 1800, she removed with her husband and 
 six small children, from Philadelphia to the City of 
 Washington, where there was no meeting, and but very 
 few members of our Society. Her exertions to attend 
 such meetings as were within her reach, and the practice 
 at other times, of collecting her children into silent 
 waiting on the first day of the week, we have no doubt, 
 were attended with a blessing — and after a few years, 
 a meeting was indulged, and ultimately established in 
 Washington. 
 
 About this time, she first appeared in the ministry ; 
 her communications were frequently short, but generally 
 sound and acceptable; and although her ministerial 
 labors were principally confined within the limits of 
 the Yearly Meeting of which she was a member, yet 
 the humility with which her gift was exercised, endeared 
 her to many amongst us, and contributed to enlarge her 
 capacity for usefulness in tiie church. 
 
 In turning our attention to a view of some other 
 features of the Christian character, as exemplified in 
 this our dear friend, her usefulness among the sick and 
 afflicted was strikingly conspicuous. Her experience 
 of the sustaining influence of religion, and a just esti- 
 mate of the efficacy of a dependence upon its divine 
 author, rendered her company and services peculiarly 
 acceptable, as she was able to enter into sympathy with 
 
51 
 
 the suftering and afflicted, and to administer appropriate 
 consolation to their conditions. And whilst discharging 
 these interesting services, opportunities were afforded for 
 diffusing a knowledge of our principles, among an exten- 
 sive circle of acquaintances, composed of the various 
 ranks of the people with whom she associated ; and it 
 is believed, that the degree of faithfulness with which 
 she was enabled to support the testimonies which our 
 Society profess, added much to the place she occupied in 
 the minds of those who were not in membership with 
 us. 
 
 Though encompassed with many difficulties, she was 
 favored to raise her children in a religious and circum- 
 spect manner, and to impress their understandings with 
 the unspeakable importance of an early and devoted 
 attention to the dictates of the principle of truth in 
 their own minds. 
 
 As a human being, surrounded with those infirmities 
 to which all are liable, we are not disposed to portray 
 her character as having been without its frailties. Her 
 own estimate of it was far different, as may be evinced 
 by the following extract from one of her letters, written 
 to a friend in the early part of her last illness : — " The 
 €nd appears to be nigh, and the consideration that the 
 talent, small as it is, has not been faithfully occupied, 
 solemnly occurs." But as this impression (the obvious 
 effect of the power of redemption) tended to humble 
 her mind, she became sensible of an increase of the 
 peaceable pursuits of righteousness, and was enabled to 
 commemorate, with reverent thankfulness, the great and 
 unmerited favors which had been dispensed to her — 
 5 
 
52 
 
 saying, " how much has been done for me I so much 
 quietude of mind, accompanied with an expectation that 
 I might soon pass away; but there is more suffering 
 for me — I seem to have got back into the world." 
 
 The time of Yearly Meeting having arrived, she 
 appeared cheered with the prospect of seeing again 
 many friends to whom she was affectionately attached : 
 and said, there seemed to be something which bound 
 her to this world until the Yearly Meeting was over. 
 In the course of that week, several visits were made to 
 her, to mutual comfort ; the result of one of these we 
 feel disposed to recite. A remark was made to her by 
 a friend, that it was an unspeakable favor that her mind 
 was preserved in so much quietude and resignation, 
 under the solemn circumstances in which she then was. 
 Upon which she saiil, "My heart bows in humble 
 gratitude to the great source of everlasting goodness, 
 for the present and many past favors which have been 
 vouchsafed to me, a poor, feeble worm of the dust, in 
 that he not only condescends to visit me by his faithful 
 and favored servants, but that day by day I am en- 
 abled to experience the sustaining presence of his ail- 
 preserving power upon my spirit." Some days after 
 this, when her sufferings were increased by the progress 
 of the disease, she said, "I don't see to the end, and I 
 have no business to see it" — and very soon added, 
 " Oh ! how solemn is the view, and yet how quiet — I am 
 afraid of insensibility." On the succeeding evening, to a 
 young woman who visited her, she very appropriately 
 addressed an affectionate admonition, to shun the paths 
 of folly and vanity, and to prepare for such a time as 
 
53 
 
 slie then experienced ; she concluded with these expres- 
 sions : '* When I look towards death, there is no sting, 
 but joy and gladness forever more." 
 
 When under the pressure of great bodily suffering, 
 she frequently expressed a fear of becoming impatient, 
 yet uniformly manifested a humble submission and. 
 acquiescence with the divine will. We may conclude 
 with saying, that as the solomn close drew near, 
 not only " the peaceable fruits of righteousness were 
 seen," but we trust that " quietness and assurance for- 
 ever " became her precious possession. She was per- 
 fectly collected and sensible to the last ; and departed 
 this life in the city of Baltimore, the 6th of 11th month, 
 1817, in the 60th year of her age; and was interred in 
 Friends' burying-ground, the burial being attended by 
 a large number of Friends and others. 
 
 Signed in and on behalf of Indian Spring Monthly 
 
 Meeting, held at Sandy Spring, the 17th of 4th month, 
 
 1818. 
 
 Thomas P. Stabler, \ j^j i, 
 Anna Thomas, j ^^^^'^' 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 11th of 5th month, 1818, and signed by direction and 
 on behalf thereof. 
 
 Philip E. Thomas, \ pj l 
 Grace Knox, J ** 
 
64 
 
 A Testimony from Hopewell Monthly Meeting, revised by 
 Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, concerning James Menden- 
 
 HALL. 
 
 This our beloved friend was born within the verge 
 of this meeting, on the 10th day of 12th month, 
 1751. In his youth he manifested an amiable disposi- 
 tion, but as he advanced in age, the fascinating and de- 
 lusive enjoyments of time, with the prospects of pleasure 
 from the indulgence of his passions, had the usual 
 effect upon his inexperienced mind, and led him in some 
 degree from the path of innocence. But his course was 
 early arrested by an attention to the quickening influ- 
 ences of divine power upon his own heart. These gave 
 him not only a true perception of the source from which 
 ahme real happiness can be derived, but effectually per- 
 suaded him to dedicate himself to it, and to forsake 
 those pursuits which he was enabled clearly to discern 
 were no more than " lying vanities" — promising enjoy- 
 ments they could not give, because of their impure, 
 transitory and unsubstantial nature. 
 
 About the 25th year of his age, he appeared as a 
 minister, to the satisfaction of his friends. In this de- 
 partment of religious service, his communications were 
 sound and edifying — plain, persuasive, and without 
 affectation. He was eminently qualified as a laborer in 
 the discipline of the church, and in this sphere of en- 
 gagement, his services will long be remembered in all 
 those meetings of which he was a member ; and wherein 
 he diligently exerted himself as a mild, yet zealous 
 advocate for good order, and an able counsellor in rela- 
 
55 
 
 tion to the concerns of righteousness. Nor were his 
 useful efforts restricted to the bounds of our own 
 Society : — he was attentive also to discharge the obliga- 
 tions of Christian duty to his neighbors — as helper in 
 their necessities — a peace-maker, and friendly adviser 
 in their difficulties. He several times travelled to a 
 considerable extent in the work of the ministry ; and 
 upon his return, produced satisfactory accounts that his 
 gospel labors among his brethren had been acceptable. 
 His last illness was of a nervous kind ; and though 
 the usual evidences of the vigor and comprehensiveness 
 of his mind, were from its commencement, much im- 
 paired by it, he retained those marks of innocence 
 which, as they are the effects of the divine government, 
 furnish a well-grounded hope that his spirit was pre- 
 pared, upon the dissolution of its earthly tabernacle, to 
 be admitted among ^^the general assembly and church 
 of the first born, which are written in Heaven.'' 
 
 He deceased on the 25th day of 8tli month, 1816, 
 aged about 65 years — a minister nearly forty years. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the Monthly Meeting of Hope- 
 well (in Virginia), held the 7th day of 8th month, 1817. 
 
 Jacob Rees, Clerk. 
 
 A Testimony from Goose Creek Monthly Meeting, concern- 
 ing Hannah Janney. ^ 
 
 Our much beloved friend Hannah Janney, was born 
 of English parents, soon after their arrival in Phila- 
 delphia, and was brought up in that city. After her 
 
66 
 
 marriage, she removed with her husband to Virginia, 
 and settled near the place where this meeting is now 
 held. Being concerned for the promotion of the cause 
 of truth, she was put into the station of an Elder, early 
 in life. In plainness and moderation she was a good 
 example, and diligent in the attendance of meetings ; 
 careful also to take her children and family with her ; 
 and often in the language of affection, to invite her 
 friends to a due discharge of that important and inter- 
 esting duty. 
 
 It was frequently her lot to be united with others in 
 visiting the families of Friends, and though a woman 
 of few words, she was well qualified to sympathise with 
 those engaged in the ministry ; and as occasions ap- 
 peared to require, to lend a hand of help, and admin- 
 ister a word of encouragement to the humble traveller. 
 We believe it may truly be said, that her " adorning 
 was that of a meek and quiet spirit,'^ and that as " a 
 mother in Israel,'' it was her earnest concern to watch 
 over the flock and family, for good. For some years 
 before her decease, her advanced age and growing infir- 
 mities prevented her getting to meeting ; but on the 
 return of those of the family who went, she would fre- 
 quently inquire whether the}' had been favored with a 
 good meeting. 
 
 During her last illness, which continued about six 
 weeks, she was remarkably calm and quiet, and made 
 but little complaint either of pain or sickness. She 
 appeared to retain her religious sensibility to the last, 
 and would frequently offer " praises to the fountain of 
 divine mercy, for the many favors conferred on her, a 
 
57 
 
 poor unworthy creature.^' In reply to being asked how 
 she was, she often observed, that '^ she felt sweet com- 
 posure to surround her, and nothing but love to cover 
 her heart/' Her mind appeared at times to abound 
 with love to the author of all good, that she could not 
 to the full express the glow of satisfaction with which 
 she was favored, otherwise than by breaking forth in 
 "praises to her Creator/' To a friend who came into 
 the room a few days before her decease, she said, " I am 
 glad to see thee, this has been a blessed morning : 
 peace and glory appear to be shining around me." To 
 another friend she said, " Mind that precious gift ; be 
 faithful to it, and do not leave it." 
 
 After she was deprived (through infirmities) of the 
 power of attending meetings, she would often say, " it 
 was a great consolation to her, now in the decline of 
 life, that she had been faithful in the attendance of 
 meetings, when ability of body was afforded." She often 
 said " that she had passed through various trials and 
 exercises in life ; and frequently had to recur to the 
 promise of our blessed Saviour, that though in this 
 world we shall have tribulation, in him we may have 
 peace : which she had experienced to be verified." She 
 was very desirous to be fully given up, as to adopt the 
 language, '' Thy will, and not mine, be done ; that if she 
 could but be favored, when time here to her should be 
 no more, to have an admittance into the glorious man- 
 sions of everlasting rest and peace, the end would crown 
 all." 
 
 Her weakness gradually increasing, she came to a 
 peaceful close, and quietly departed this life, on the 
 
58 
 
 23d of 2d month, 1818, in the 93d year of her age, and 
 on the day following was interred in Friends' burying 
 ground at Goose Creek, 
 
 Signed by direction of the meeting, held the 30th of 
 7th month, 1818. 
 
 Amos Gibson, \ pj j. 
 Jane Janney, J ^^ ^* 
 
 A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Baltimore, for the 
 loestern district, concerning Elizabeth Gtillingham. 
 
 Our deceased friend, Elizabeth Gillingham, was born 
 at Elkridge, a few miles from the City of Baltimore, on 
 the 19th of 8th month, 1761. She was the daughter 
 of William Hay ward, a valuable minister of the Society 
 of Friends, to whose tender and religious care, much of 
 that circumspection which marked her conduct through 
 life, may, no doubt, be attributed. 
 
 The following testimony delivered during her last 
 illness, evinces her early concern to lay hold on eternal 
 life. " I can recollect, when very young, how I desired 
 to render up unto the Lord the first fruits of my life, 
 and not to make Him an offering of the refuse only." 
 And in one of her addresses to her heavenly Father, 
 she said, " I have delighted in thy law, ever since I 
 was a child. I have feared thee, ever since I knew 
 there was such a Being.'' 
 
 In the year 1786, she was married to James Gilling- 
 ham. In the management of her household affairs, 
 and in her furniture and dress, she was plain and ex- 
 
59 
 
 emplary ; often lamenting the wide departure from 
 humility and self-denial observable in many who pro- 
 fess to be the followers of Christ. Some years after 
 marriage she was, with the unity of her friends, ap- 
 pointed an Elder, in which station she continued until 
 her death. 
 
 Her mind was deeply interested on the important 
 subject of education ; she thought it great presumption 
 in parents to indulge their children in undue liberties, 
 in expectation that Divine grace would restore them, 
 after they had run their career of pleasure ; she was a 
 tender and affectionate mother, careful to guard her 
 children against a familiar intercourse with the world, 
 which she viewed as always dangerous and often sub- 
 versive of religious principles. 
 
 The disease which terminated her life was a cancer 
 of the breast, the first symptoms of which made their 
 appearance about the end of 3d month, 1817. A sur- 
 gical operation, which she bore with Christian fortitude, 
 was shortly after performed ; this proving unsuccessful, 
 she was subjected to a lingering and painful disease, 
 during the progress of which, so eminently was she 
 favored with resignation to the Divine will, that in the 
 midst of excruciating pains, she often cried out, '^ Lord, 
 thou doest all things well ; when I feel the incomes of 
 thy divine love, how light it makes all my afflictions." 
 The strength and virulence of the disorder increasing, 
 she looked with awfulness, but without dismay, to the 
 period of dissolution, saying, " death has no terrors.'^ 
 
 The following are selected from the many expressions 
 uttered by her in the course of her sickness : — To some 
 
60 
 
 sympathising friends who visited her, she said, " It is 
 the most desirable state to which we can attain, to be 
 able to say in the truth, ^ thy will be done,' this is what 
 I strive to arrive at." In her afflictions she recognised 
 the hand of a merciful Father, and desired that the 
 sufferings which were intended for her sanctification, 
 might not be spared, but that the designs of the 
 Almighty respecting her might be accomplished ; in a 
 season of deep exercise she prayed, '' O Lord, touch my 
 lips with a live coal from thy holy altar, that I may 
 speak of thee ; if thou hast anything for me to do, be 
 pleased to manifest it. I have loved thy law ; thou hast 
 followed me all my life long, what shall I render unto 
 thee for thy mercies? I thank thee that thou hast 
 opened my mouth to speak of thy wonderful works 
 and deliverances." 
 
 At another time, '^ Thanksgiving and praise, honor 
 and high renown be unto thee, O Father, who art 
 worthy of all, I render thee thanks for this affliction ; 
 though the suffering has been great, thou knowest that 
 I have not murmured ; grant me one of the lowest man- 
 sions in thy kingdom, if I be found worthy." Under 
 a humbling sense of the necessity of a close attention 
 to divine directions, she said, " Oh ! what an excellent 
 thing it is to wait for the Lord, to know when he is 
 pleased to open, and when to withhold the spring of 
 life ; he is a God of order, and not of confusion ; and that 
 which he does not put forth, will not profit the people. 
 I have had a view of the beautiful order that was estab- 
 lished among his people formerly, in their journeying ; 
 they had a pillar of cloud to direct them by day, and a 
 
61 
 
 pillar of fire by night; and when the cloud abode upon 
 the tabernacle, they journeyed not, but when the cloud 
 was taken up they journeyed. Oh ! may we be willing, 
 when the cloud rests upon the tabernacle, to remain 
 within our tents." 
 
 While laboring under great difficulty of breathing, 
 she said, *'My sufferings are very great, but how light 
 when compared to those of the Lamb of God, who 
 suffered for us, when the sweat dropped from him, as it 
 were great drops of blood, when he cried out. My God ! 
 my God ! why hast thou forsaken me ! " At anotlter 
 time after a season of deep suffering she uttered the 
 following, ^* O Father ! thou hast granted me a renewal 
 of thy love, thou hast replenished my soul with a fresh 
 visitation ; praises be unto thee, thou Holy One ! O 
 Lord ! all is thine ; I offer up all unto thee, I cast all 
 my cares upon thee.'' Several days before her close 
 she expressed her belief that she should enter into 
 everlasting rest, and said that though the time of her 
 departure might not be very near, she wished the present 
 to be a parting season with all her family : she then 
 took a solemn farewell, in the Lord, of each of them, 
 earnestly offering up her intercessions for them, at that 
 throne to which she appeared to have gained so near 
 an access. She still continued occasionally, as her 
 rapidly declining strength would permit, to deliver 
 many precious testimonies, furnishing comfortable evi- 
 dence to those around her, that wiiile the natural life 
 was gradually decaying, the spiritual life was daily 
 acquiring renewed strength. 
 
 The day preceding her decease she said with com- 
 
62 
 
 posure, " Come, Lord Jesus ! come quickly, I am 
 
 ready aud willing. Thou, O Father ! hast prepared me 
 
 for it ; I have nothing to do but to die." Some time 
 
 after she said, "I am afraid that I am too anxious to go ; 
 
 if the Lord see meet to try me yet more, his blessed will 
 
 be done.-^ The next day, feeling the approach of death, 
 
 she said, '^ Thy will be done.'' A few minutes before 
 
 she exi)ired she appeared to be engaged in ])rayer, and 
 
 was distinctly heard to utter these words, '^ Come, Lord 
 
 Jesus, come;'' then looking aronnd on her children she 
 
 said " farewell ; " and quietly departed, on the 22d day 
 
 of first month, 1819, in the 58th year of her age, and 
 
 we have no doubt entered into the rest prepared for the 
 
 righteous. The day fallowing she was interred in 
 
 Friends' burying-ground in the City of Baltimore. 
 
 Approved by the Monthly Meeting of Baltimore for 
 
 the Western district, held the 7th day of 4th month, 
 
 1820, and signed by direction and on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Andrew Ei.licott, 1 ^/ t. 
 Hannah Talbot, f ^^^''f^^- 
 
 Approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, held the 
 8th of 5th month, 1820, and directed to be endorsed 
 aud forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 
 
 Philip E. Thomas, Cleric. 
 
 Rebecca Procter, Clerk for the day. 
 
63 
 
 A Testimony of Warrington Quarterly Meeting, concerning 
 our ancient friend, Margaret Elgar, deceased. 
 
 She was born on the 2d of 2d month, 1739-40, old 
 style, in Frederick county, Maryland, of religious 
 parents, William and Mary Matthews, the former 
 deceased before her birth, the latter about her eighth 
 year ; and though deprived of her mother's pious and 
 tender care at so early an age, yet her counsel was re- 
 membered with much filial affection. 
 
 In 1771 she entered into the marriage state with 
 Joseph Elgar, and after residing a short time at Sandy 
 Spring, in Maryland, removed within the verge of this 
 Quarterly Meeting. At Warrington monthly meeting 
 she was appointed to the station of an Elder; and in 
 1790 was recommended as a minister by Monallan 
 monthly meeting. In the three succeeding years she 
 visited all the meetings belonging to this quarter, and 
 the families of two of its monthly meetings, as also 
 several meetings belonging to other quarters, and after- 
 wards made several religious visits to different meetings 
 in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
 Virginia and Ohio, which, from the testimonies re- 
 ceived, were satisfactory. 
 
 In the year 1807 she became a member of York 
 Monthly and Particular Meeting, where she was fre- 
 quently engaged in the exercise of her* gift, to the 
 strengthening of the weak, and the stirring up of the 
 lukewarm — often inviting the youth to advocate the 
 precious cause of Truth — a cause which she testified 
 was dignified with honor and crowned with an endless 
 6 
 
64 
 
 life. In 1811 she met with a close trial in the death 
 of her husband. She was endued with a strong mind 
 and enlarged understanding, which under the influence 
 of religious principle rendered her very serviceable in 
 the church ; she was zealous for the support of the dis- 
 cipline, the right exercise of which she esteemed to be 
 of great importance to the growtli and preservation of 
 our Society; and remarked that in the course of her 
 experience, see had observed where this was neglected, 
 meetings declined. She was often engaged in humble 
 supplication for the preservation of Friends everywhere, 
 that by filling up their ranks in righteousness they 
 might bring glory to the Great Name. We believe it 
 may be said of her, that she was an instrument in the 
 divine hand, to whom the metaphor applies, " How 
 beautiful are the feet of those that preach the gospel of 
 peace, and bring glad tidings of good things." In her 
 declining years she was remarkably preserved in the 
 life of religion ; her public testimonies carried with 
 them the evidence of a mind rightly exercised in the 
 solemn engagement to which she was called; her min- 
 istry was sound, and attended in an eminent degree with 
 the baptising power of truth, without which preaching 
 is vain. In her intercourse with society, she was 
 affable and easy of access, and was pleased with the 
 company of religiously inclined young people, by whom 
 she was much beloved. 
 
 In her last illness she was confined to her room about 
 six weeks, in which time she suffered much bodily pain. 
 Her disorder was an affection of the breast, which made 
 verbal communication difficult; yet it was evident that 
 
65 
 
 she enjoyed great serenity of mind, expressing an entire 
 resignation to the divine will, whether her disease should 
 terminate in life or in death. On the 29tli of 3d 
 month, 1821, she departed this life as one falling asleep, 
 in the 82d year of her age, and was the next day in- 
 terred in Friends' burying-ground at York. 
 
 Read and approved by Warrington Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, held the 27th of 8th month, 1821, and signed on 
 behalf thereof, by 
 
 Eli Elliott, \ qj.^j^^ 
 Maky Willis, / ^^^^''^' 
 
 Testimony of Deer Creek Monthly Meeting ^ concerning bur 
 ancient friend^ Mary Mifflin, deceased. 
 
 We think it expedient sometimes to preserve the re- 
 membrance of those worthies who have been removed 
 from the field of labor, not only as an acknowledgment 
 due for the benefit of their services, but in order that 
 others might be incited by their instructive examples, 
 to perseverance in the path of dedication. Of this 
 number was our beloved friend above mentioned. 
 
 She was the daughter of Joshua and Mary Pusey, of 
 London Grove, Pennsylvania, and was in her early- 
 years sensibly affected with the visitations of divine life 
 and grace, and by adhering thereunto, was preserved 
 from the vanities and follies which often divert and 
 alienate the minds of youth from the due remembrance 
 and awful regard of the Creator. The love of God in- 
 fluencing her mind and opening her understanding, she 
 
66 
 
 became concerned for the general good of mankind, 
 and received a gift of the ministry of the gospel of 
 Christ, jpefore she had attained to the age of seventeen ; 
 and being faithful to the measure received, her gift was 
 enlarged, and she became an eminent instrument in the 
 Lord's hand, to publish the glad tidings of the gospel 
 of peace. In her 19th year she was united in marriage 
 with Joseph Husband ; and some time after removed 
 with him and settled within the limits of Deer Creek 
 monthly meeting, of which she was for many years a 
 useful member, both as a minister, and as one zealous 
 for the maintenance of order and the discipline of the 
 church. In the year 1786 she experienced a close 
 trial in the loss of her husband, but was enabled to 
 offer him up without a murmur, trusting alone to that 
 arm that had supported her in every trying dispensa- 
 tion. Such was the divine consolation witnessed at the 
 time of this bereavement, that she has been heard to 
 say, that she had, for many months, no room for sorrow. 
 Being left a widow and mother of eight children; she 
 experienced many difficulties; all of which she was 
 enabled to surmount by a steady, yet humble reliance 
 on him who never forsakes the widow and fatherless 
 who put their trust in him. And notwithstanding the 
 incumbrance of a helpless family, she found time to at- 
 tend the religious meetings of which she was a member ; 
 as also to visit in gospel love, many of the meetings of 
 Friends in different parts of Pennsylvania, Maryland 
 and Virginia. 
 
 She was afterwards joined in marriage with Daniel 
 Mifflin, and removed with him to his residence in 
 
67 
 
 Accomac county, in the State of Virginia. After the 
 death of her last husband, she removed to Baltimore, 
 where she enjoyed for many years the society of her 
 friends, who appreciated her usefulness as a minister 
 and Friend, concerned for the promotion and prosperity 
 of truth. In 1820, she again removed, in order to 
 spend the remnant of her days at Deer Creek. Here 
 as long as her bodily health would permit, she was a 
 diligent attender of meetings for worship and discipline, 
 wherein she often experienced a living engagement in 
 the exercise of her gift in the ministry, to extend to her 
 fellow- members and others, counsel, exhortation and 
 comfort, with undiminished weight and Gospel 
 authority. 
 
 In her last illness, she endured her sufferings, which 
 were at times severe, with a good degree of fortitude and 
 resignation : often expressing the sweet composure and 
 serenity of her feelings, and her gratitude to the author of 
 her being for many particular favors conferred through 
 the course of a long life. She expressed entire resigna- 
 tion either in life or death ; often declaring how happy 
 she was, and saying, " I am at times able to sing that 
 holy song. Glory to God in the highest, on earth peace 
 and good-will to men." Towards the close of her life 
 she appeared rather anxious for her departure, and at 
 one time was heard to say, " Painful are my days, O 
 Lord, and wearisome my nights ; nevertheless thy will 
 be done, both in life and death ; if more suffering is 
 allotted to me, do thou sustain me in it, that thy name 
 in all things may be glorified." 
 
 She departed this life on the 28th of 3d month, 1823, 
 
68 
 
 in the 81st year of her age, leaving her friends and 
 relatives in a well-grounded hope that she had entered 
 into the mansions of rest. 
 
 Signed by direction, and on behalf of Deer Creek 
 Monthly Meeting, held the 12th day of 2d month, 
 1824, by 
 
 Thomas Worthington, 
 
 Mary B. Coale, 
 
 I Clerks. 
 
 Read m and approved by Nottingham Quarterly 
 
 Meeting, held at Little Britain, the 20th of 2d month, 
 
 1824, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Peter Askew, \ ^^, ■, 
 Sarah Clemment, J ^^^^'^^* 
 
 A Testimony of Little Britain Monthly Meeting^ in Lan- 
 caster County^ Pennsylvania^ concerning our beloved 
 friend^ Mercy Brown, v^ho was the daughter of Caleb 
 and Abigail Shreeve, and was born at Mansfield in 
 Burlington county^ New Jersey^ the Ifith of 12th month, 
 1763. 
 
 By her own account her mind was accompanied with 
 earnest desires after the knowledge of the truth in early 
 life, and from her youth, she was diligent in the atten- 
 dance of religious meetings. 
 
 We are informed by Friends of Upper Springfield 
 Monthly Meeting, in New Jersey, that her deportment 
 in life was circumspect and exemplary, and her conver- 
 sation agreeable and instructive. In the year 1798, 
 
69 
 
 after a time of deep conflict and close exercise of mind, 
 she appeared in the line of gospel ministry, to the satis- 
 faction of Friends ; and abiding in faithfulness, under the 
 forming hand of the divine power, she became a rightly 
 qualified instrument for usefulness in the church. It 
 also appears that in the year 1800, she felt her mind 
 drawn in Gospel love to travel in the ministry, and 
 visited the meetings of Friends in the upper parts of 
 New Jersey, the northern parts of Pennsylvania, and 
 the settlements of Friends in Canada, to the peace of her 
 own mind ; and by accounts received, to the satisfaction 
 of the Friends visited. 
 
 Prior to her settlement with us, the same fervent de- 
 sire for the prosperity of truth made her willing at 
 many other times, to leave her habitation and engage in 
 arduous exercising visits, to the meetings of Friends, of 
 her own and other yearly meetings, in all of which she 
 had acceptable service, and the reward of peace. 
 
 In the year 1808, she joined in marriage with our 
 friend Jeremiah Brown, and came to reside among us, 
 an approved minister, from Upper Springfield Monthly 
 Meeting aforesaid, and labored faithfully in the cause 
 of truth and righteousness, not only amongst us, but 
 also in visiting different meetings in various parts : the 
 last weighty service of this kind in which she was en- 
 gaged, was a religious visit in the summer of 1819, to 
 the families of Friends within the compass of Baltimore 
 Monthly Meeting for the western district, which she 
 performed to the comfort and satisfaction of Friends 
 generally. 
 
 She was endowed with a clear and comprehensive 
 
70 
 
 mind, and by submitting to the direction of her Divine 
 Master, was made useful to her sisters in transacting the 
 weighty concerns of society. She also had an exten- 
 sive and lively gift in the ministry ; her communica- 
 tions being plain and edifying, and accompanied with 
 the baptising power of truth, so that her labors in the 
 Lord^s vineyard will, we trust, be lastingly remem- 
 bered. She felt earnest solicitude for the young and 
 rising generation, and frequently in her public testi- 
 monies, tenderly invited them to choose the Lord for 
 their portion, and the God of Jacob for the lot of their 
 inheritance, with many other heart tendering excite- 
 ments for their growth and stability in the truth. Her 
 sittings in our meetings were humbling and instruc- 
 tive. She was a truly affectionate wife, a kind sympa- 
 thising friend, and a promoter of peace and harmony 
 amongst her neighbors. 
 
 For the last six months of her life she was chiefly 
 confined to her chamber, and although she did not com- 
 plain of much sickness nor pain, until towards her close, 
 she gradually declined under the effect of a slow dis- 
 ease, during which time she uttered many weighty and 
 lively expressions ; and after mentioning much love to- 
 wards her connexions and friends, she in moving 
 language said, she felt love for the whole human family. 
 One morning after passing through a trying night she 
 said, " Oh that I could be released altogether and be at 
 rest; I often feel very poor, but have no remorse of 
 conscience nor condemnation ; I only crave an easy 
 passage at last, and hope the Lord will receive my soul, 
 then all will be well." And she frequently said that 
 she saw nothing but peace before her. 
 
71 
 
 She was favored to retain her senses to the last, and 
 lay mostly in a quiet frame of mind, expressing a grate- 
 ful sense of the kindness of her physician, and of those 
 who attended upon her, and departed this life in peace,^ 
 the 24th of 10th month, 1823, in the 60th year of her 
 age, and we have no doubt has received the reward of 
 " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into 
 the joy of thy Lord." 
 
 Signed in, and on behalf of said monthly meeting, 
 the 15th of 5th month, 1824, by 
 
 John Kirk, 1 ^^^^^ 
 Agness King, j 
 
 Read in, and approved by Nottingham Quarterly 
 
 Meeting, held the 20th of 8th month, 1824, and signed 
 
 by direction thereof, by 
 
 Peter Askew, 1 ^, -, 
 Sarah Clemment, / ^^^'^' 
 
 Testimony of Nottingham Monthly Meeting respecting 
 Elizabeth Pugh, lately deceased. 
 
 Under a humbling sense of the loss we have sus- 
 tained, by the recent removal of our beloved friend 
 Elizabeth Pugh, and while the precious savor of her 
 exemplary life and Gospel services remains fresh on 
 our memory, we are concerned to give a short testimony 
 of her zeal and faithfulness in the cause of Truth. She 
 was born in Ireland, and when young, came with her 
 parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Hudson, to live within 
 
72 
 
 the compass of our meeting. By her own account she 
 was favored with religious impressions in early life, but 
 for want of due attention to Divine Grace, which would 
 preserve from the besetting snares of the w^orld, she 
 often suffered her mind to stray from the path of true 
 dedication. 
 
 Some years after her marriage, she was favored with 
 a powerful awal^ening visitation, accompanied with a 
 solemn impression of mind, that if the favor then 
 offered was not embraced, it might be the last. Where- 
 upon she was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 
 and was enabled to enter upon a state of humble wait- 
 ing upon God, in the way of his blessed manifestation 
 of himself to her, and therein witnessed divine help 
 and strength afforded to preserve ; and as she thus 
 came to experience the mercy and goodness of her 
 Divine Master, she felt it to be her duty to give public 
 testimony thereof, in our religious meetings, in which 
 weighty service she was at times fervently engaged for 
 about eighteen years. Her early appearances were in 
 much simplicity and brokenness of spirit, and abiding 
 under the sanctifying influence of that power that 
 qualifies for true Gospel ministry, she gradually evinced 
 an increase of solid weight, frequently enlarged with 
 much energy and sweetness on the loving kindness of 
 our heavenly father to the children of men, in favoring 
 them with the visitations of his love, revealing in their 
 hearts a knowledge of his will, and affording a capacity 
 to work out the salvation of the soul; under a living 
 sense thereof, she often declared it to be an unspeak- 
 able favor that we are permitted to unite with our 
 
73 
 
 friends in quiet retirement from worldly cares; and 
 she often expressed her anxious solicitude on behalf of 
 herself and dear friends, that such opportunities might 
 be improved to benefit. 
 
 She was a worthy example of diligence in the atten- 
 dance of our religious meetings, and her humble, rev- 
 erent demeanor -therein gave convincing evidence of 
 the fervency of her spirit. 
 
 To those under suffering, as opportunity was afforded, 
 she was always found to be a sympathising friend; 
 and the last act of her public ministry was, a supplica- 
 tion for the support of those under affliction, interced- 
 ing for them with the father of mercies with much 
 solemnity and fervency of spirit. 
 
 Her last illness was short and painful, during which 
 she feelingly expressed her " submission to the Divine 
 will,^' adding that she " had experienced a distressing 
 time as to the body, but her mind was at peace, that 
 she had often believed it to be her duty to plead with 
 her fellow-beings to prepare for such an awful time as 
 this.'' At one time speaking to her children she said, 
 " I believe I have not much to say at present, but think 
 I am resigned to bid you all farewell, and may the 
 Lord be pleased to be with you as he has been with 
 me.'' 
 
 Her husband having mentioned to her the probability 
 of her dissolution being near, she answered, ^' It must 
 be so," and at another time said, '^ How pleasant I feel ! 
 Oh ! when will the precious moment come?" 
 
 She quietly departed this life the 18th of 7th month, 
 1825, in the sixtieth year of her age. 
 
74 
 
 Read and approved by Nottingham Monthly Meet- 
 ing, held the 6lh of 9th month, 1825, and directed to 
 be signed by the clerks. 
 
 John Chew Thomas, \ pj h 
 Ann Coale, j ^^ ' 
 
 Read and approved by Nottingham Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, held at East Nottingham, the 25th of 11th month, 
 1825. 
 
 Peter Askew, \ CI k 
 
 Hannah Churchman, j ^^ ^• 
 
 A Memorial of the Monthly Meeting of Baltimore, for the 
 Western District, concerning our friend, Evan Thomas, 
 deceased. 
 
 He was born in Montgomery county, in this State, 
 on the 21st day of 11th month, 1738, old style. To 
 hold up to survivors, the example of one who has 
 peacefully finished the career of probation ; to exhibit 
 in a condensed view, the prominent steps by which he 
 was conducted through the chequered scenes of life, and 
 to endeavor to impress on our minds that the Spirit of 
 Truth, the only safe guide to salvation and preserva- 
 tion, and which is one in all, whether as a reprover or 
 a refiner, a leader or a comforter, according as our 
 various states and conditions require, still follows us 
 in all our wanderings, in order to bring us back to the 
 true fold of rest and peace — is the object of this memo- 
 rial. 
 
 i 
 
75 
 
 From some documents left in the handwriting of 
 this our beloved friend, it appears that his mind was, 
 at an early age, solemnly impressed with religious sen- 
 sations, and that in this tender frame he was often deeply 
 affected in reading the journals and other writings of 
 primitive Friends, in which are recorded their trials 
 and sufferings for conscience -sake, and that desires were 
 then excited that he might attain to a measure of that 
 faith and patience which they manifested under the 
 most trying dispensations; thus furnishing additional 
 evidence, that, at an early period in life, the human 
 mind is susceptible of divine impressions, and that the 
 touches of the heavenly father's love are coeval with 
 the first dawn of reason and reflection. But there is a 
 countervailing influence which too often effaces these 
 precious impressions. Collision with a world lying in 
 wickedness has a powerful tendency to stamp upon the 
 soul its own harsh and unlovely features, in place of 
 the fair characters delineated by the Divine hand. 
 
 Thus it appears by these documents, that before he 
 had reached his sixteenth year, the contaminating influ- 
 ence of evil communication, that powerful corrupter of 
 good manners, had nearly obliterated all the traces of 
 those tender impressions which had been made upon 
 his mind, and that about this time a severe sickness, 
 from which recovery seemed very doubtful, was the 
 means used, in the ordinations of infinite wisdom, to 
 draw him back into the paths of innocence and safety. 
 Deeply exercised under this heavy affliction, from a dis- 
 tressful consciousness of departure from the pointings 
 of truth, he was reduced to a willingness to enter into 
 7 
 
76 
 
 covenant with the creator and preserver of men, that if 
 he would spare him longer he would endeavor to be 
 more circumspect in life and conversation. For about 
 four years after his recovery from the above mentioned 
 sickness, he passed his time mostly in retirement, being 
 chiefly employed in reading and study, and was in some 
 measure preserved from relapsing into the spirit of the 
 world. During this period of seclusion it was, that the 
 suggestion first entered his mind, that a dispensation of 
 the Gospel ministry would be communicated to his trust. 
 This suggestion was, however, in a short time banished, 
 and another trial of his steadfastness succeeded. With 
 some young men in the neighborhood, possessing a 
 literary taste and fascinating manners, he formed an in- 
 timate acquaintance, and not at first perceiving that 
 under an imposing exterior there were concealed liber- 
 tine principles, the fruitful source of licentious morals, 
 his mind, by insensible degrees, became alienated from 
 the love of retirement, and he was led gradually into 
 the vortex of a very corrupting and dangerous associa- 
 tion, in which he continued for several years, although 
 he was mercifully preserved from the grosser vices, and 
 on that account ventured to consider himself as stand- 
 ing on safe ground; yet the keeper of Israel who slumbers 
 not, nor sleeps, did not permit him to remain at ease in 
 this state of false security ; for in seasons of retirement, 
 and in the solitary hour, the witness for God in the soul, 
 that teacher that cannot be removed into a corner, would 
 break in upon every false rest. Often was the day 
 which had been spent in unprofitable company, or in 
 idle and profane conversation, succeeded by a night of 
 
 I 
 
77 
 
 deep condemnation and horror. A return to company 
 and amusement was the usual, though ineffectual re- 
 source for quieting those uneasy feelings, and counter- 
 acting those heavenly visitations, which in one state of 
 the mind will be hailed as inexpressibly precious, whilst 
 in another they will be viewed with aversion. Thus 
 in alternations of disobedience and remorse, he con- 
 tinued until the year 1766, when he entered into the 
 married state. 
 
 From this time ambition for distinction in the world 
 took possession of his mind, and the conjuncture of cir- 
 cumstances which soon after occurred was favorable to 
 the growth and development of such feelings. During 
 the ferment, which about that time began to agitate 
 these United States, then British Colonies, and which 
 eventuated in the Revolutionary war, he was carried 
 along with the popular current; and having been 
 present at a general meeting of the county, called on 
 occasion of the alleged public grievances, he was 
 chosen a delegate for the first convention of this State, 
 held at Annapolis, which he attended, and the proceed- 
 ings adopted by that body appearing in his view not 
 to be inconsistent with the principles professed by 
 Friends, received his support. Under the illuminat- 
 ing influence of that faithful monitor of the soul, 
 which continued to follow him, his understanding, how- 
 ever, became opened clearly to perceive that the measures 
 which he was promoting would eventually lead to open 
 war ; he immediately withdrew from any farther active 
 agency in public concerns, and although returned a 
 delegate to the second convention, he declined serving. 
 
78 
 
 This devotion to principle was followed by further 
 openings of that light, which discovers to us our real 
 standing in the sight of infinite purity, and by an in- 
 creased faithfulness he became more and more humbled 
 under the operations of the divine hand, and was ren- 
 dered willing to resign that ambitious love of distinc- 
 tion which had heretofore so entirely engrossed his re- 
 gard. The conflict between inclination and a clear sense 
 of duty was painful in the extreme. To give up the 
 flattering prospects of worldly honor, to one occupying 
 a prominent station in society, and in the prime of life, 
 during an eventful crisis in public affiiirs, was found to 
 be a sacrifice which could only be made by a dedication 
 to religious principle ; believing, however, that it was 
 called for, this sacrifice was made, and he has left it as 
 his testimony, that in the reward of the peace which 
 followed there was an abundant recompense. 
 
 The Society of Friends had until this time, in com- 
 mon with others in these parts, fallen very generally 
 into the practice of keeping slaves, but as every act of 
 obedience to the manifestations of truth upon the mind 
 prepares the way for the further openings of divine 
 light upon our understandings, so " the spirit which 
 searches all things," discovered to him the iniquity of 
 holding his fellow-men in a state of personal bondage, 
 and yielding to the visitation, he soon became entirely 
 convinced of its inconsistency with that primary duty 
 of a Christian, which is, to " do unto others as we would 
 they should do unto us.^' He was strengthened faithfully 
 to bear an upright testimonyagainst the practice, though 
 then a generally prevailing one, by manumitting and 
 
79 
 
 restoring to their just rights those of the African race 
 who were in his possession. This compliance with duty, 
 it appears, not only disencumbered his mind from a 
 heavy burden which sorely pressed upon it, but opened 
 his way for future service and usefulness in the church. 
 
 From this time he became regular and diligent in 
 the attendance of meetings, and active in the exercise of 
 the discipline, and was soon laid under the necessity of 
 testifying to others what the Lord had done for him, 
 in order to encourage them in the path of righteousness. 
 During the Revolutionary war he suffered great loss of 
 goods, in support of his testimony to the peaceable 
 character of Christ's kingdom, as well as for refusing 
 to take the oath of allegiance, and for declining to pay 
 taxes levied for the support of the war. During this 
 period he also suffered deeply for the exercise of his gift 
 as a minister of the Gospel ; all which trials it appears 
 he bore with patience, meekness, and an unshaken re- 
 liance on the Divine support. He had a clear and 
 strong testimony against the use of intoxicating liquors 
 as a beverage, which by a consistent example he sus- 
 tained to the close of his life. Within a short time 
 before his decease, he stated with great emphasis and 
 feeling, in a public meeting, that for the last sixty years 
 he had not, to his knowledge, swallowed one drop of 
 distilled spirits, nor in any degree indulged in the un- 
 necessary use of intoxicating drinks. 
 
 Under the influence of the love of the Gospel, which 
 enlarges the soul in affectionate desires for the welfare 
 of others, he was often engaged to travel abroad and 
 appoint religious meetings, both among Friends and 
 
80 
 
 other people, in which service he was frequently occu- 
 pied as long as physical strength would permit. Pos- 
 sessing strong powers of mind, and a highly cultivated 
 understanding, he was in the exercise of his ministerial 
 gift, concise, clear and convincing, and being courteous 
 and aifable in his manners, he generally gained the re- 
 spectful notice and regard of those to whom his labors 
 were directed. Under the influence of that charity 
 which breathes peace on earth and good -will to men, he 
 was led into deep sympathy for the Indian natives of 
 this country, and when far advanced in life, was drawn 
 to visit some of the tribes northwest of the river Ohio. 
 In this visit through a country then a wilderness, he 
 endured many privations and suffered much fatigue, 
 and exposure to personal danger ; he was, however, pre- 
 served through them all, and has often been heard to 
 say, that he felt peace of mind for his dedication to this 
 service, and gratitude for the Divine protection and sup- 
 port which he experienced throughout the arduous jour- 
 ney. Friends of this monthly meeting amongst whom 
 he walked, with exemplary circumspection, in much 
 unity and nearness of affection, during many of the last 
 and best years of his life, can testify from personal 
 knowledge, with what innocence and childlike sim- 
 plicity, c(mfbrmably with the meekness and gentleness 
 of Christ, he deported himself — with what sweetness 
 he manifested that he was in possession of that love 
 which is the essential characteristic of the Gospel — 
 with what clearness to the last he bore witness to 
 the universality and efficacy of the " one spirit," by 
 which all who yield to its influences are baptised into 
 
81 
 
 one body, and become living members of the church of 
 Christ, often quoting in his public communications, and 
 with great earnestness and force, dwelling upon that 
 declaration of the Apostle Paul, deeply interesting in 
 thespiritual relation, '^ The grace of God which bringeth 
 salvation, hath appeared unto all men, teaching us that, 
 denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live 
 soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world, 
 looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appear- 
 ance of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, 
 who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from 
 all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, 
 zealous of good works/' In a word, how he adorned 
 the doctrine of God our Saviour, in all things, by a life 
 and conversation becoming the Gospel. 
 
 For some time before his last sickness, he appeared 
 to have a presentiment that the time of his sojourning 
 was drawing to a close, and frequently mentioned it to 
 his family, accompanied with the consolatory reflection 
 that he was prepared to obey the summons — that he 
 felt no fears and saw no cloud in his way — that having 
 endeavored honestly to be faithful to the discoveries of 
 duty upon his own mind, he could adopt the testimony 
 of the same apostle, when he had the termination of life 
 full in view, '^ The time of my departure is at hand : I 
 have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, 
 I have kept the faith ; henceforth there is laid up for 
 me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the right- 
 eous judge, will give me at that day, and not to me 
 only, but unto all them that love his appearing." 
 
 In the latter part of the 9th month he was taken 
 
82 
 
 with his last sickness, which was not attended by much 
 bodily pain. He lay in great calmness and resignation, 
 having no will of his own about the issue, but cheerfully 
 committing all to the sovereign disposer of events. In 
 the communications addressed to his family, who were 
 with him, he confirmed with his dying breath the testi- 
 mony which he had sustained through a long series of 
 years, that it is only by a single attention and obedience to 
 the manifestations of the principle of Divine light and 
 life in the soul, that we can attain to life and salvation ; 
 and that however we may, like Nicodemus formerly, be 
 brought by outward observation to acknowledge Christ, 
 as a teacher come from God, yet this would not be suffi- 
 cient, as we might still be ignorant of the spiritual 
 nature of the Gospel dispensation, and of the operations 
 of that internal power which alone can raise the soul, 
 dead in sin and trespasses, to spiritual life, by the resur- 
 rection of Christ. In this resigned state he remained 
 waiting his change, and quietly departed on the 11th 
 day of 10th month, 1826, aged near 88 years. 
 
 Signed by direction, and on behalf of Baltimore 
 Monthly Meeting, for the Western District, held the 
 7th of 9th month, 1827. 
 
 William E. Bartlett, Clerk at this tirae. 
 Catharine M. Smith, Clerk for the day. 
 
 Read and approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 
 held the 12th of 9th month, 1827, and signed on behalf 
 
 thereof. 
 
 Thomas P. Stabler, Clerk for the day. 
 
83 
 
 Memorial of Alexandria Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
 Edward Stabler. 
 
 Edward Stabler was born at Petersburgh, in 
 Virginia, on the 28th day of 9th month, 1769. Having, 
 early in life, yielded to the refining and regulating in- 
 fluences of Divine love, by its operation his spiritual 
 vision became purged from those mists which constitute 
 that delusive medium through which things of an 
 evanescent and unsubstantial nature are, in our view, 
 vested with the attributes of permanency and solid 
 value, and was directed singly to that light which 
 makes manifest, and which, by detecting the fallacy, 
 enables us to distinguish between what is essentially 
 good, and that which is evil. Having reduced the 
 principles which he adopted to the test of experience, 
 and finding that they were of efficacy sufficient to 
 sustain him, and of power enough to maintain their 
 integrity and authority over the soul, " he staggered 
 not at the promises of God through unbelief, but was 
 strong in the faith, giving glory to God." He ventured 
 his all upon them, and by a steadfast adherence to the 
 eternal and immutable principles of Truth, he witnessed 
 a solid establishment on that which stands independent 
 of the wisdom and contrivances of men. In the gradual 
 progress of discovery, he became sensible of the absolute 
 necessity of investigating things for himself, and knew 
 their certainty from the evidence of those internal 
 senses by which Divine and spiritual objects are appre- 
 hended, weighed and appreciated. His acquaintance 
 with the Scriptures was extensive, for he had studied 
 
84 
 
 them diligently, and was mainly coocerned to bring to 
 this study the requisite qualification for prosecuting it 
 successfully, — an honest desire to read them in that 
 light which alone is able to give a right understanding 
 of them. Having thus early entered into the School 
 of Christ, and having been a diligent scholar, in the 
 course of instruction he became obedient to his teacher, 
 and in due time he so unreservedly yielded obedience 
 to the great primary law of the Institution, viz., the 
 law of Love, that the exercise of that principle appeared, 
 ever after, to constitute the leading feature in his char- 
 acter. 
 
 Endowed by nature with a clear, comprehensive and 
 discriminating mind, capable of weighing evidence, 
 when objects were presented to his view accompanied 
 by the testimony sufficient to establish their nature, the 
 first step, in the conclusions of such a mind, was, to 
 embrace the Truth in the love of it ; the next, to do 
 what was required. Having ascertained for himself 
 that the path of safety was the way of the Cross, he 
 turned a deaf ear to the alluring calls and solicitations 
 of the honors, the pleasures, and amusements which 
 the world presents. He shunned not the burden of 
 that restraining power which, when faithfully borne, 
 operates as a salutary check upon that indulgence of 
 the affections and lusts which is inconsistent with the 
 even tenor of the life of a follower of Christ — a rela- 
 tion to the holy Head of the Church in which it was 
 the chief labor of his life to stand, not by the exercise 
 of a heated zeal for dogmas and opinions, but by a 
 faithful submission to the law of the Spirit of life, in 
 
86 
 
 Christ Jesus our Lord, *' which Paul said had set him 
 free from the law of sin and death/^ and will emancipate 
 every soul that yields to its dominion, from the degrad- 
 ing servitude of sin and corruption. Having, in this 
 manner, submitted to the baptizing power of Truth, 
 and suffered his mind to be gradually trained to obedi- 
 ence under the discipline of the Cross, he became pre- 
 pared for the Master's use ; and feeling a necessity laid 
 upon him, to declare to others " what the Lord had done 
 for his soul," he made his first appearance in the min- 
 istry, in the 37th year of his age. His communications 
 and testimonies were clear and perspicuous, and well 
 calculated to fix the attention of those to whom they 
 were addressed. He possessed a rare felicity in eluci- 
 dating and enforcing those deeply interesting views 
 of Divine and spiritual truths, which were opened in 
 his own mind. He was no less happy in his illustra- 
 tions of Scripture. These were always rational and 
 instructive, and not seldom luminous and attractive. 
 Nor was his usefulness as a testimony-bearer to the 
 truth, confined to public occasions. His colloquial 
 powers, in the private circle, were of the first order ; 
 and his amiable disposition, his bland and gentle 
 manners, opened for him a wide avenue to the hearts 
 and affections of the young. To these, his conversa- 
 tion, which generally turned upon subjects of a deeply 
 interesting character, proposed in a manner suitable to 
 their age and understanding, was peculiarly attractive ; 
 and which being accompanied by an evidence of affec- 
 tionate love and regard for the tender lambs of the flock, 
 rendered the impression irresistible. 
 
86 
 
 There is a cloud of living witnesses who can testify 
 to the pure and evangelical nature of his ministry ; 
 calling the people from names to things, from the empty 
 shadow to the living substance. Actuated by the 
 spirit and love of the Gospel — the distinguishing mark 
 of true discipleship, which knows no distinction of 
 sects or parties — he was induced frequently to leave his 
 temporal concerns, to travel extensively in the ministry ; 
 in which service his labors were very acceptable to 
 those for whose sake they were undertaken. In the ex- 
 ercise of his gift in the ministry, one great object was, 
 to impress the minds of his hearers with the importance 
 of examining things for themselves, of attending to 
 their own experience, of reading over and over the 
 leaves of their own lives, which were always open 
 before them ; that this examination honestly undertaken 
 and faithfully prosecuted, in that ^' light which makes 
 manifest," would result in a clear view of the distinc- 
 tion between good and evil, accompanied by a full con- 
 viction that the one always blesses, and tlie other as 
 uniformly torments. There being but one source of 
 good, every thing that blesses, or produces good, must 
 proceed from it. In all his communications, he quoted 
 largely from the Scriptures, which he fully believed to 
 have been written by holy men as they were inspired 
 by the Holy Spirit. His belief in the Divinity of 
 Christ, the Son of God, and sent of the Father, and 
 his indispensable agency in the redemption of man, 
 was unqualified. That '' Christ is the wisdom of God 
 and the power of God " — that the operation of this 
 power is unlimited either by time or space — *' before 
 
87 
 
 Abraham was I am " — ^' it is the spirit that quickeneth, 
 the flesh profiteth nothing," and that " if any man 
 have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his," are 
 Scripture testimonies, to which he not only yielded a 
 full assent, but could set his seal from the evidence 
 within himself, that these testimonies were true. He 
 was very fully impressed with the truth of the Scripture 
 declaration, that " God is love," and that all the deal- 
 ings of God to man are in love. '' God so loved the 
 world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoso- 
 ever believeth in him should not perish, but have ever- 
 lasting life." True Gospel love extends to enemies, 
 *' to love our neighbors as ourselves," and to ^' do unto 
 others as we would that they should do unto us." In 
 a word, " Love is the fulfilling of the law." 
 
 We who have been witnesses of his labors, of his 
 valuable services, and of his blameless life, have 
 thought it right to put upon record a short memorial of 
 this our beloved friend, now removed from amongst us, 
 that the younger portion of the present generation, and 
 those who may succeed them, may be encouraged to 
 emulate his example and come forth as standard-bearers 
 in the cause of truth and righteousness, in their day 
 as he did in his. To whomsoever he was known, and he 
 was very generally known to the body of Friends in 
 this country ; to many of us, particularly, who have 
 for a long series of years been his contemporaries and 
 intimately acquainted with him, his memorial is already 
 written, engraved on the living tablets of our hearts 
 and affections, in characters deeper and more indelible 
 than the pen of mortal can trace, 
 ^8 
 
88 
 
 He was diligent in the attendance of meetings estab- 
 lished in the order of society, and concerned to en- 
 courage others to increased faithfulness in the discharge; 
 of that important duty. The last communication 
 which he delivered was a very impressive one, on the 
 importance of silence, enforcing the doctrine by appro- 
 priate Scripture authorities. 
 
 Within the circle of his own family, his deportment 
 was marked by obedience to the same blessed principle 
 that actuated him when more immediately before the 
 eyes of the world. The emotions of a temper naturally 
 ardent, often occasioned him close trials and conflicts of 
 feeling, but which he was enabled to restrain by the 
 controlling influences of Divine Grace. His carriage 
 towards every member of his family, both as a husband 
 and a parent, was exceedingly affectionate and exem- 
 plary, and showed that his aim was to promote their 
 happiness as far as it was in his power. He secured the 
 affections of his children while their minds were yet 
 tender, by the principle of love ; and when their under- 
 standings became sufficiently matured, he endeavored to 
 urge upon them every motive which could influence 
 a rational mind to pursue that course of conduct and 
 faithfulness of which he was himself so bright an ex- 
 ample. 
 
 The last meeting he attended was very small, and 
 silent. At the close of it, he remarked to a friend, that 
 he would be willing to go and sit there, as long-as any 
 one should be left to sit with him, the openings of Di- 
 vine Truth upon his mind, that day, had been so 
 precious. 
 
89 
 
 In his last sickness, his mind was in a sweet and re- 
 signed state, and at one time, he was observed to close 
 his supplication to the Throne of Grace, with these 
 words, " Thy will be done." 
 
 His useful and exemplary life was terminated at 
 Alexandria, D. C, on the 18th of 1st month, 1831, 
 in the sixty-second year of his age. 
 
 Signed by direction and on behalf of Alexandria 
 Monthly Meeting, held the 21st of 7th month, 1831, by 
 Benjamin Hallowell, "I ^, , 
 Margaret Hallowell, j ^ ^^ ' • 
 
 At Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, held at Goose Creek, 
 the loth of 8th month, 1831, the above memorial 
 was read, and after solemn consideration, approved. 
 
 Signed by direction of the Meeting, by 
 
 William Stabler, Clerh. 
 
 Read and approved at a Yearly Meeting of Friends, 
 held in Baltimore, for the Western Shore of Marvland 
 and the adjacent parts of Pennsylvania and Virginia, 
 by adjournments, from the 29th of 10th month to 
 the 31st of the same, inclusive, 1832. 
 
 Philip Evan Thomas, Cleric. 
 
 A Memorial of York Monthly Meeting, Pennsylvania, 
 concerning our deceased friend, Thomas Wetherald. 
 
 This our beloved friend was born in Bainbridge, 
 Yorkshire, England, on the 14th of 1st month, 
 
90 
 
 1791. He had a birthright and education in the 
 Society of Friends, but whilst young in years, it 
 appears, from his own account, that he wandered far 
 from the Heavenly Father's house, led astray by the 
 allurements of tlie world. In the succeeding years of 
 his life, he often had to acknowledge the dangers he 
 encountered, and the injuries ho sustained in his youth, 
 by yielding too much to the excitements of a lively, 
 but untutored imagination ; being, as he said, some- 
 times transported to the high places of the earth ; 
 whence the riches, the honors, and the pleasures of 
 time were opened to his view, accompanied by the 
 suggestion, that all these might be his if he would 
 bow down and worship the god of this world. 
 
 But through the adorable mercy of Infinite Goodness 
 he was not permitted to rest in this state, but was closely 
 followed by ^^ the reproofs of instruction, which are the 
 way of life,'' and being at length met with, as " in the 
 cool of the day," he was brought under deep condem- 
 nation, on account of his transgressions. In this situa- 
 tion, under much humiliation of spirit, being reduced 
 to a state of great mental conflict and self-abasement, 
 when, as he himself expressed it, " the heavens appeared 
 as brass, and the earth as iron," taught by the things 
 which he suffered, "he came to himself/' and felt de- 
 sirous to return to the Father's house. He essayed to 
 approach the throne of grace, saying, " If I perish, I 
 will perish at thy footstool, begging mercy." When he 
 became thus willing to submit to the operation of the 
 Divine Hand, and patiently to endure the fiery baptism 
 for a season, He who regards the truly penitent, and 
 
91 
 
 wlio will not ^^ break the bruised reed, nor quench the 
 smoking flax, until judgment is brought forth unto 
 victory," was graciously pleased to regard his petitions, 
 point out to him the true path, in which he might wit- 
 ness salvation himself, and thereby become qualified to 
 warn others and declare unto them what God had done 
 for his soul. But notwithstanding he was thus favored 
 through Divine assistance, to renounce the delusions of 
 his youth, and *^ like a merchantman seeking goodly 
 pearls, who when he had found one pearl of great 
 price," was made willing to sell all that he had in order 
 that he might possess this precious treasure. He still 
 <?xperienced, through the weakness induced, in conse- 
 quence of his early deviations, that his warfare was not 
 yet accomplished, and that watchfulness is indispensable 
 during the term of our probation. On this account, he 
 was at times constrained, in the love of the Gospel, to 
 warn the young and rising generation against the im- 
 jn'oper indulgence of imagination, as well as against 
 reading pernicious books, which fill the mind with de- 
 ceptive notions; exhibit artificial views of life and 
 manners; weaken attachment and devotion to sound 
 principles, and destroy the relish for that salutary and 
 substantial food which imparts nourishment to the 
 soul. 
 
 In the year 1819, with the concurrence of Friends, 
 he removed, with his family, to the United States of 
 America, and settled in Trenton, New Jersey ; and 
 being faithful to the gift conferred upon him, and his 
 Gospel communications being accompanied with a lively 
 demonstration of the life and power of truth ; and 
 
92 
 
 friends feeling near unity with him in these exercises, 
 he was, in due time, recommended as a minister. 
 
 After a few years' residence in Trenton, he removed 
 to the city of Washington, within the limits of Alex- 
 andria Monthly Meeting. During his residence there, 
 he performed several extensive visits, in the love of the 
 Gospel, to the meetings of Friends, in diiferent parts of 
 this country. Situated as he was here, amidst a people 
 but little acquainted wMth the doctrines and testimonies 
 of Friends, and at a time when opinions prevailed rather 
 unfavorable to our religious society, his residence at 
 Washington afforded frequent opportunities of laying 
 before them a correct statement of our principles. 
 These opportunities were often embraced by him, in 
 which he powerfully, faithfully, and perspicuously ex- 
 plained the views of the Society, to the great satisfaction 
 of many, who, before, were but partially informed res- 
 pecting our religious views. 
 
 Having at this time a young family just coming into 
 active life, for whose interests in every relation, and 
 particularly for whose preservation from the many 
 hurtful things to which youth are liable, he felt a lively 
 concern, and apprehending their situation in Washing- 
 ton to be one of great exposure and danger, he believed 
 it best, on their account, to seek a more retired residence. 
 In 1829, he removed and settled on a farm, within the 
 limits of our meeting, of which he was a diligent 
 attender, both for worship and discipline. 
 
 With the concurrence of his friends, he often 
 appointed meetings amongst other religious professors, 
 in which his communications were generally accept- 
 
 i 
 
93 
 
 able to those to whom they were addressed. For this 
 service he was eminently qualified ; his testimonies for 
 truth were clear and connected. They were addressed 
 to the understanding, rather than to the passions of his 
 hearers, and above all, his communications being 
 seasoned with '^ salt, and delivered in the demonstration 
 and power of the Spirit," it may be truly said, he was 
 an able and eminent advocate of the noble cause which 
 he had espoused. He was indeed, a ^' workman, that 
 needed not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of 
 truth,'' directing his hearers, not to men, nor to books 
 for instruction, but to the immediate revelation of 
 Christ in the soul, which ever has been, and which will 
 always continue to be, the only way to life and salva- 
 tion. Those extraordinary energies of mind with 
 which he was endowed, and which, in early life, while 
 uncontrolled by the regulating power of truth, which 
 alone can educe order from confusion, in all those who 
 remain passive under its meliorating operation, were 
 impotent to deliver from the servitude of sin and cor- 
 ruption, which have a tendency to divert from the 
 path of rectitude, when brought under the dominion of 
 sovereign grace, rendered him an efficient instrument 
 in urging and enforcing on the minds of the people, 
 clear and convincing evidences of things not seen by the 
 natural eye, but distinctly apprehended, in that internal 
 vision which is opened in the soul, by " the true light 
 that lighteth every man, that cometh into the world ;" 
 furnishing another signal evidence of the sufficiency of 
 divine principle to establish harmony and peace in the 
 soul. 
 
94 
 
 He was a firm believer in the Divinity of our Lord 
 and Saviour Jesus Christ, who was, and who still is 
 *'the wisdom and power of God," manifest in the flesh ; 
 and he was often led to sp3ak of the glorious triumph 
 of Divine love and power, displayed in the life and 
 sufferings of the blessed Messiah, over all the powers 
 of darkness and wickedness of men. 
 
 Being of a benevolent disposition, he was, in his 
 social intercourse, affable and cheerful ; in all his deal- 
 ings he was strictly uprigiit, and in his habits, ex- 
 emplary ; and although it was his lot to incur persecu- 
 tion and calumny, in him was remarkably realised the 
 example of his Divine Master, who, " when he was re- 
 viled, reviled not again." 
 
 In the 2d month, 1832, he opened in our monthly 
 meeting, a prospect of visiting Fairfax Quarterly* 
 Meeting, and of appointing some meetings in the course 
 of his journey, as truth might open the way, and 
 obtained a minute of concurrence. He left home and 
 attended our quarterly meeting at Warrington, held the 
 same month, intending to proceed thence on his pro- 
 posed visit. At this meeting he was largely engaged 
 in Gospel communication, both on the first and second 
 days of the week, to a numerous assembly, composed of 
 people of different denominations, explaining the true 
 worship, and testifying that it consists not in words or 
 set forms, but in a communion with the Divine Master, 
 through the medium of His own good Spirit, proving 
 that this revelation never had ceased, and affirming 
 that it would continue to the end, and that nothing 
 would obstruct its blessed operation, but resistance on J 
 
95 
 
 our part to its righteous government. After speaking^ 
 for a considerable time, he said, '^ Nature is giving way,, 
 and I must draw to a close,'^ and then in a very feeling 
 manner called the attention of the meeting to the great 
 truths that had been addressed to them, remarking, 
 that this would probably be the last opportunity of the 
 kind he would ever have with them in mutability, and 
 concluding by bidding them an affectionate farewell. 
 After meeting he went to a friend's house, where he 
 remained that afternoon, intending next morning to 
 proceed on his way to Fairfax, but finding his health 
 too precarious to admit of his pursuing the journey, he 
 returned home. He attended but two meetings after- 
 wards, in which he had good service. 
 
 His indisposition, which proved to be an affection of 
 *the breast, continuing to increase, medical aid was 
 called in, and he appeared, in some measure, relieved. 
 The opinion of his physician was, until within a few 
 days of his decease, that he would recover. Being- 
 asked his own feeling respecting the issue of the dis- 
 ease, he replied, that " the end was hid from him, but 
 said his confidence was unshaken ;" adding, " Will not 
 the Judge of the whole earth do right?" The 
 symptoms soon after becoming more alarming, his 
 strength was so much prostrated, that he could com- 
 municate but little, and that with difficulty. Yet in a 
 letter to a friend, written not many days previous to 
 his close, were the following expressions, ^^ Should ever 
 any farther requisitions,' either in a private or more 
 public way, be made, I hope to be faithful ; for never 
 was the cause of truth and righteousness dearer to me, 
 than in this state of extreme weakness.^' 
 
96 
 
 He was preserved in a calm and composed state of 
 mind, manifesting entire resignation throughout the 
 whole of his illness, and after patient endurance of 
 great bodilyaffl iction, he quietly departed this life, on 
 the 1st day of 6th month, 1832, in the 42d year of 
 his age, and was interred in Friends' burying-ground, 
 at York, on the 3d of the same month, attended by a 
 great concourse of Friendsa nd citizens. 
 
 Signed in, and on behalf of York Monthly Meeting, 
 held the 7th of 2d month, 1833. 
 
 Jonathan Jessop, I p/ .z. 
 
 Hannah Updegeaff, / ^^ ^* 
 
 Read and approved by Warrington Quarterly 
 Meeting, held the 11th of 2d month, 1833. 
 
 Jonathan Jessop, \ r^j i 
 Jane Jessop, / ^^^^*^^' 
 
 A Testimony of Baltimere Monthly Meeting^ for the 
 Western District, concerning our deceased friend, Eliza- 
 beth Thomas. 
 
 When a valuable example is removed, and the tender 
 exhortations of a dear friend are no longer heard amongst 
 us, we believe that it may be profitable to those who 
 have experienced such privations, to preserve some 
 memorial of the virtues which have once stood con- 
 spicuous. Under the influence of these feelings, this 
 brief account of the life of our beloved friend, Elizabeth 
 Thomas, has been written. She was born in Kent Co.. 
 in the State of Maryland, on the 18th of 2d month. 
 
 I 
 
97 
 
 1778. Her parents, Robert and Ann George, were ex- 
 emplary members of the Society of Friends, and care- 
 ful to educate their children in a knowledge of the 
 principles which they professed. She was, however, 
 deprived of both her parents about the 20th year of 
 her age, and in consequence of this loss, was exposed to 
 a path of great difficulty and danger. Upon their de- 
 cease, she removed into the family of a near relation^ 
 not members of our Society, and was thus introduced 
 into a circle of gay and fashionable acquaintances ; but 
 notwithstanding the attractions and allurements by 
 which she was surrounded, she was remarkably pre- 
 served in singleness of mind, and was a sincere lover of 
 the truth. She had not made much outward profession 
 of religion, but continued to be a constant attender of 
 her meeting, although it was situated seven miles dis- 
 tant from her residence, and was at that time without 
 any outward ministry. In the 23d year of her age she 
 was married to Philip E. Thomas, and removed to the 
 city of Baltimore, where she continued to reside until 
 the time of her death. The many excellent traits 
 which adorned her character endeared her to all who 
 knew her. 
 
 Her natural disposition was cheerful and happy, her 
 feelings were amiable and kind towards all, and to her 
 family and friends she was tenderly attached. Pos- 
 sessing an abundance of the things of this world, her 
 mind was still preserved from the influence of its fasci- 
 nating pleasures. 
 
 The fleeting joys of life had not the power to detach 
 her from the path of duty. 
 
98 
 
 She viewed the things of time as unsubstantial 
 treasure, and was sincerely desirous of laying a more 
 sure foundation for everlasting peace. Thus impressed 
 with a sense of our great responsibility as rational 
 beings, her mind was seriously concerned for the future 
 welfare of the whole human family, and about the year 
 1804 she first appeared in public communication, 
 tenderly inviting all to choose the Lord for their portion. 
 
 Her Gospel labor being acceptable to her friends, she 
 was in due time received by the meeting as an approved 
 minister. Cherished and beloved by her friends, she 
 lived in great harmony with them; but the endearing 
 ties of domestic life were not permitted to engross her 
 whole attention. In the midst of the bounties of Provi- 
 dence and the enjoyment of social intercourse, she re- 
 membered the poor and tenderly sympathised with the 
 afflicted. 
 
 And notwithstanding her constitution was delicate, 
 tind the cares of a family were now resting upon her, she was 
 ^t all times interested in the cause of humanity, visiting 
 the sick and administering consolation to the sufferer. 
 
 When physical strength permitted, she was prompt 
 in her exertions to alleviate tlie distresses of the needy, 
 and the blessings which she had freely received were 
 dispensed with a liberal hand. But whilst engaged in 
 these acts of benevolence, she was ever careful to avoid 
 an ostentatious display of her own works, and in many 
 instances the grateful acknowledgments of those who 
 had experienced her kindness conveyed the only in- 
 formation which was possessed by her most intimate 
 friends of what she had done. For several years pre- 
 
99 
 
 vioiis to her death her health was gradually declining, 
 iind she was frequently so much reduced by disease 
 that there appeared but little prospect of her recovery. 
 
 These afflictions she bore with that meekness which 
 has ever characterised the true followers of Christ. In 
 the latter part of the year 1835 a cancerous tumor was 
 discovered in her breast, which subjected her to much 
 severe suffering, and in condescension to the anxious 
 wishes of her friends she submitted to a surgical opera- 
 tion. 
 
 But medical skill proved unavailing ; the disease 
 again appeared witli increased violence, and though she 
 was prevailed upon to have the operation repeated, she 
 appeared herself perfectly sensible that no benefit would 
 result from it. As the disease progressed her sufferings 
 became still more severe, which produced extreme de- 
 bility of the nervous system, and rapidly prostrated her 
 remaining strength. She was still graciously supported 
 through all her sufferings, frequently expressing an 
 entire resignation to the Divine will, and a firm con- 
 viction that this visitation was permitted, not wholly on 
 her own account, but that if duly improved it would be 
 sanctified to some others. In the early part of 9th month, 
 1837, she became very feeble, so that she was seldom 
 able to sit up, but still continued to converse with her 
 friends. Upon one occasion, when surrounded by her 
 family, after a time of solemn quiet she said, '' The day 
 that I have just passed has been to me a season of sore 
 and deep affliction, and oh ! that I may be supported in 
 patience and resignation to bear the sufferings that may 
 yet await me. I have all my life had an appalling dread 
 
 9 
 
 LOfC. 
 
100 
 
 of death by cancer, from an apprehension of its lingering 
 and excruciating misery ; but I now fervently crave that 
 I may resign myself without a murmur to this dis- 
 pensation. Many and sore have been the baptisnls 
 that have been allotted me, and at times the billows 
 have passed very high over my head ; but although my 
 grain of faith has been tried to within a hair's-breadth, 
 so far, it lias not wholly failed me, and I have never 
 doubted the sufficiency of that power on which my soul 
 has reposed for safety. And now, O Lord, may I once 
 more be permitted to supplicate for a continuance of Thy 
 mercy and goodness towards me in the awful and try- 
 ing season to which I am approaching. Forsake me 
 not, I beseech Thee, O God ! for I am sensible that it is 
 Thou alone that can support me. Withhold not from 
 me, O Father! a sense of Thy presence; be with me 
 tlirongh the valley of the shadow of death, and grant 
 that the dispensation may be sanctified, not only to my 
 own further refinement, but that it may also be made a 
 blessing to those around me." 
 
 Notwithstanding her physical sufferings were extreme, 
 her mind still continued to be clothed with a sweet in- 
 ward peace, which was far more precious to her than all 
 outward enjoyments. To a friend who called to see her, 
 and who expressed much sympathy with her in her 
 severe affliction, she replied, ^^Of ourselves we can do 
 nothing; but through the adorable mercy of infinite 
 goodness, so far, I have been sustained, and my mind is 
 preserved in calmness and peace, and at times the lan- 
 guage of my heart has been, ^ Return to thy rest, O my 
 soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee.'" 
 
 During the night of 11th of 10th month she slept 
 
101 
 
 unusually well, and on the following morning appeared 
 to be refreshed, and was more free from pain than she 
 had been for a long time. After giving directions re- 
 specting some tokens of gratitude which she wished to 
 have presented to the domestics in her family, slie calmly 
 added : " There is now nothing in my way, and I have 
 not any solicitude nor choice as regards the time of my 
 departure, but feel wholly resigned to the Divine 
 Will. A full assurance is given me that there is a 
 place prepared for me, where there will be neither 
 pain nor sorrow, but peace and joy forevermore.'^ 
 From this time she remained in a tranquil state of mind, 
 waiting the expected summons, and appearing to desire 
 stillness rather than conversation. Her pain was fre- 
 quently severe, and her strength continued gradually to 
 decline until the morning of the 18th of 10th month, 
 1837, when her gentle spirit was released, and, as one 
 falling into an easy sleep, she quietly passed away, being 
 in the 60th year of her age. 
 
 Having submitted in early life to the purifying in- 
 fluence of the Holy Spirit upon her mind, she was en- 
 abled with unwavering faith to pursue her path of duty, 
 and in the various relations of her domestic, social and 
 religious obligations she was a precious example. And 
 having carefully occupied the talents committed to her, 
 we doubt not that her spirit has realised the ^fulfilment 
 of the promise of our Divine Master, " Blessed are the 
 pure in heart, for they shall see God.'' 
 
 Approved and signed by direction of Baltimore 
 Monthly Meeting for the Western District, held 6th 
 month, 8th, 1838. 
 
 Joseph Tuener, Jr., \ ^7 t. 
 Eliza Marsh, / ^^^™' 
 
102 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 the 13th of 6th month, 1838, and signed by direction 
 and on behalf thereof. 
 
 John Gillingham, \ ^, j 
 -r rt , r Clerks. 
 
 Jane Gillingham, j 
 
 Read and approved in the Meeting for Sufferings, 
 
 held 29th, 10th month, 1838, and signed hy direction 
 
 thereof. 
 
 Wm. E. Bartlett, Clerk, 
 
 Approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, held 10th 
 month, 1838. 
 
 William Stabler, \rrj j, 
 Eliza Marsh, / cierics. 
 
 A Testimony of Baltimore Monthly Meeting for the West- 
 ern District, concerning our deceased friend, John Liv- 
 ingston. 
 
 He was born in Scotland, and emigrated to America 
 about the year 1788, and soon after his arrival settled 
 in Bladensburg, where he was engaged as the preceptor 
 of an academy. After remaining about ten years in this 
 station he removed to Alexandria, where he first became 
 acquainted with some members of our Society and occa- 
 sionally attended the meetings of Friends. 
 
 In the year 1802 he was invited by the citizens of 
 Frederick to accept of a situation in a literary institution 
 in that city, to which he agreed, and accordingly re- 
 moved there. 
 
 During his residence in these several places it appears 
 
103 
 
 that by his upright and correct deportment he ac- 
 quired the respect and confidence of the inhabitants, and 
 was held in very general esteem by them. 
 
 In the year 1807 he was encouraged by some friends 
 of Baltimore to open a school in this city, and from that 
 period continued to reside amongst us until his death. 
 From the time of his settlement here he became a steady 
 attender at our meetings, and was, at his request, re-' 
 ceived into membership. 
 
 About the year 1812 he first appeared in the ministry, 
 and though his communications were generally short, 
 they were attended by a satisfactory evidence that he had 
 been rightly anointed and called to this service, and he 
 was, with the general unity of his friends, received as 
 an approved minister. Being naturally endowed with a 
 strong and comprehensive intellect, which was highly 
 cultivated by a liberal education, and being faithful to 
 the manifestations of Divine light upon his own mind, 
 he became a valuable instrument in the cause of truth 
 and righteousness; adorning the doctrines which he in- 
 culcated by a life and conversation consistent with the 
 precepts that he taught, and exhibiting in his deport- 
 ment an upright and faithful example of moderation, 
 humility and self-denial. 
 
 During the latter part of his life he was frequently 
 engaged in visiting the meetings of Friends within this 
 and some of the neighboring yearly meetings, and a few 
 years before his decease he made a visit to a part of the 
 meetings within the limits of Ohio and Indiana Yearly 
 Meetings. 
 
 Though considerably advanced in life, his constitution 
 
104 
 
 remained firm, and the powers of his mind appeared to 
 have been in no way impaired ; he was, however, sud- 
 denly, while in the full enjoyment of his accustomed 
 health, attacked with a severe illness, which from its 
 commencement gave strong indications of its fatal char- 
 acter. He was sensible of his situation, but remained 
 calm and resigned, bearing his affliction with great meek- 
 ness aud patience. 
 
 A short time before his decease, one of his attendants 
 witnessing his severe suffering and extreme difficulty of 
 breathing, said to him, " We feel much concerned for 
 thee;" he replied,"! believe it, but there is no need : 
 death is the inevitable lot of all — do not be too much 
 concerned." Being then asked if he had any prospect 
 as to how his disease would terminate, he said, " I have 
 not, but feel altogether easy with respect to it, and per- 
 fectly satisfied whatever may be the result." 
 
 The following morning, upon his expressing that the 
 night he had just passed had been one of very great suf- 
 fering, and tliat he now apprehended a speedy change, 
 he was asked if there were any whom he wished par- 
 ticularly to see; he replied that if it should be the 
 opinion of the physician that he might live a few hours 
 longer, he would be glad to see all his friends. A 
 friend present then asked him if he had anything further 
 to recommend to them than that principle of truth 
 within to which he had so often been concerned to in- 
 vite their attention. Upon which he said with much 
 earnestness, " No, no, nothing more. It is sufficient. 
 I feel that iu this time of trial, it is able to support and 
 sustain my mind in perfect peace," with many more 
 expressions of the same import. 
 
105 
 
 The physician then coming iti, he inquired of him as 
 to the probable time that he might continue, and not 
 receiving an immediate answer, he said emphatically, 
 *' Doctor, I have no fear ; I have for many years en- 
 deavored to keep my mind in unity with the Divine 
 principle, and so to live that I might be in readiness 
 to render up my life to Him who gave it. I feel quite 
 €asy, and my heart is filled with love to all mankind.'' 
 
 Observing that his wife was much overcome with 
 grief, he desired her to be composed and to give him up, 
 saying, " Do not hold me ; be thankful that we have 
 lived so happily together. There is nothing in my 
 way; my heart is filled with peace and love." He 
 then gave messages of love to some of his absent rela- 
 tives, and particularly naming one of them, he added, 
 ■'^ And tell her that I die in the faith in which I have 
 lived." 
 
 Hi« powers of expression having nearly failed, he 
 took an aifectionate leave of all present, breathed very 
 gently a few minutes, and expired as a child falling 
 iisleep — thus affording the most unquestionable evidence 
 that his redeemed spirit has entered into that rest pre- 
 pared for the righteous from the foundation of the 
 world. He departed this life on the morning of the 
 :27th of 2d month, 1838, after an illness of about four 
 days, being in the 73d year of his age. 
 
 Approved and signed by direction of Baltimore 
 
 Monthly Meeting for the Western District, held 6th 
 
 montli, 8th, 1838. 
 
 Joseph Tuener, Jr., ) ^j . 
 Eliza Marsh, J ^^^^*^'^- 
 
106 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 the 13th of 6th month, 1838, and signed by direction 
 and on behalf thereof. 
 
 John Gillingh am, 1 rii ,]. 
 Jane Gillingham, j 
 
 Read and approved in the Meeting for Sufferings, held 
 
 28th of 10th month, 1838, and signed by direction 
 
 thereof. 
 
 Wm. E, Bartlett, Clerh, 
 
 Approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, held 10th 
 
 month, 1838. 
 
 William Stabler, \ ^j 7 
 Eliza Marsh, / ^^^''''^• 
 
 A Memorial of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, concerni?ig Jesse 
 GovER, vjho departed this life the 12th of 11th month, 
 1842, in the blst year of his age. 
 
 Our esteemed friend, Jesse Gover, had a birthright 
 among Friends, and also his education, until he was of 
 a suitable age for apprenticeship, when he was placed 
 out of the neighborhood of Friends, and with a man 
 who was not a member. This circumstance afforded 
 him an opportunity to depart from some of the requisi- 
 tions of the Society, yet he said his right of membership 
 was like an outward hedge or guard about him, which, 
 with Divine assistance, res trained him from immoral acts. 
 
 About the thirty-fifth year of his age his mind be- 
 came seriously impressed with a sense of duty to Him 
 who had hitherto preserved him, and who alone he felt 
 
107 
 
 to be able to lead and sustain him through life. Being 
 thus concerned to come forward in obedience to the teach- 
 ings of the Spirit of Truth, in a way to be useful to his 
 fellow-creatures, and conducive to his own everlasting 
 happiness, he felt himself called to the ministry, and by 
 obedience to the call he improved in his gift, ac- 
 knowledging the power which regulates all Gospel min- 
 istry, and the insufficiency of human wisdom without it. 
 He learned from experience that it is now as it was in 
 times which are passed: whoever moves rightly in the 
 ministry must attend to the teaching of the Holy 
 Spirit, which alone is sufficient to lead the humble and 
 obedient traveller in safety through this world of pro- 
 bation. Christ, the divine leader and teacher of His 
 people, goeth forth before His servants and directeth 
 them in the way of righteousness. But many, through 
 unwillingness to follow Him, and by indulging in self- 
 ish propensities, let the good seed which is sown in 
 them perish in the wilderness of this world's cares and 
 allurements. This having been known to our dear de- 
 parted friend, he earnestly admonished us to be obedi- 
 ent and receive instruction to build a spiritual ark of 
 safety from the floods of this world's wickedness. A 
 short time before his last sickness he was led in his pub- 
 lic testimonies to view the awful ness of death (espe- 
 cially as regards the unregenerate and unprepared), and 
 said, "It was approaching near some present, it might 
 l^e himself, or it might be some other; if himself, 
 it was a matter of no great alarm, as he felt a will- 
 ingness to go when his day's work was done and his 
 Divine Master called him to rest." 
 
108 
 
 During his kvSt sickness he was for about six weeks 
 mostly confined to his bed, and he was preserved in much 
 resignation and Christian fortitude, expressing that he 
 felt entirely resigned to the will of his Heavenly Fa- 
 ther, and that it was matter of astonishment to him 
 how everything connected with this world was kept out 
 of his mind. He expressed much love for the mem- 
 bers of this meeting, with desires for their advancement 
 in the best things ; and when speaking of individuals, he 
 said he desired their attention to the things that belong 
 to their everlasting peace. When several of his family 
 were sitting in the room, he said, " Oh, seek wisdom from 
 above, which is peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, 
 full of mercy and good fruits, and will ever direct you 
 aright. '' 
 
 He greatly desired for his children that they should 
 walk in wisdom's ways, and that they might live in the 
 truth. He had expected to attend Baltimore Yearly 
 Meeting, which was held at the time of his illness, and 
 one day he observed, " I never wanted to be at our 
 yearly meeting more than I wished to be at this, but He 
 that does all things right has ordered it otherwise," and 
 expressed that he felt sweet peace to clothe his mind. 
 At another time he said this passage of Scripture pre- 
 sented to him, " They that wait upon the Lord shall re- 
 new their strength," and added, the truth of this he had 
 experienced. 
 
 During his sickness he frequently appeared in suppli- 
 cation. He often said that he never loved his friends 
 more than at that time, and that he felt nothing but 
 love for all mankind — that it reigned over all; that he 
 
109 
 
 felt comfort, the arm of Divine goodness being under- 
 neath to support. He was a recommended minister up- 
 wards of ten years, in which time he travelled in the 
 ministry in Ohio and several times in different parts of 
 Pennsylvania. He frequently visited our neighboring 
 meetings, and when at home was diligent in attending 
 our own. He often expressed the great consolation ex- 
 perienced in solemn, silent worship, and the importance 
 of a guarded care not to interrupt such solemnity by 
 iiny creatnrely activity. His labors of love were edify- 
 ing, and while we deeply feel his loss, we are comforted 
 in believing that he rests with the faithful of all ages 
 who have been made perfect through resignation to the 
 Divine will. 
 
 Signed by direction and on behalf of Fairfax Monthly 
 Meeting, held the 10th of 5th month, 1843. 
 
 AVm. B. Steer, ) ^, , 
 Susan Walker, J ^^^^'^'^* 
 
 E-ead and approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, 
 held at Goose Creek, the 21st of 8th month, 1843, and 
 directed to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings. 
 
 Henry S. Taylor, \ pj t. 
 
 Susan Walker, / ^^ ** 
 
 Read and approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, 
 held in the city of Baltimore, by adjournment, 10th 
 month, 30th, 1843. 
 
 Wm. E. Bartlett, Clerk, 
 
no 
 
 A Memorial of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
 our deceased friend Mary .D. PricEj loife of Mordecai 
 Price of Samuel. 
 
 As this our dj-parted friend has finished her course, 
 and we doubt not has received a crown of life in the 
 mansions of eternal rest and peace, w^e feel a concern for 
 the encouragement of survivors to give forth a testimony 
 concerning her. 
 
 Her parents were Moses and Hannah Dillon, mem- 
 bers of the religions Society of Friends; in which she 
 was educated. She has often been heard to say thaty 
 " in very early life (about the tenth year of her age) she 
 was impressed with a belief that, though we might not 
 be able to read a ^vord, the grace of God, which bringeth 
 salvation, and hath appeared unto all, is sufficient, if 
 attended to, to guide us safely througli all the varied 
 trials and vicissitudes of this probationary scene." Thi& 
 faith continued with her through life. In a meeting,, 
 about a year before her death, she said, '' if it were to 
 be her last testimony, she had nothing else to recom- 
 mend us to, but to be gathered inward to the witness of 
 God in the soul, that we inight experience light, life 
 and love, to rise into dominion, whereby we might be 
 enabled to unite in an anthem of praise to Him w^ho 
 maketh the sun to shine on the evil and on the good." By 
 attention to this Divine principle she was mercifully 
 preserved through the slippery paths of youth ; so that, 
 when invited by her friends (some of whom were in 
 fashionable life) to join them in their amusements and 
 parties of pleasure, she consented not ; and by faithfully 
 
Ill 
 
 attending to the guidance of the Spirit of Truth, she 
 never, as she said, knowingly "deviated in point of lan- 
 guage, dress, or manner, though her natural disposition 
 being very lively an ^ active, much inclined her to in- 
 dulge in these things. ' In the twenty-seventh year of 
 her age she a}>pt are<l in the ministry, and being taught 
 in the schroJ of Christ, and faithful to his teachings, 
 she was niU'ii favored, like the good Scribe, " to bring 
 forth of her treasure things new and old." She was 
 remarkably qualified to administer to the various states 
 of the people, comforting the mourners in Zion, encour- 
 po'-;g the hindmost of the flock, arousing the lukewarm 
 Had indifferent, and faithfully warning the backsliders 
 and rebellious. She was often deeply exercised on account 
 of " the immoderate anxiety and exertions for the 
 things of this world, which she said prevailed too much 
 amongst us, and occasioned dimness of sight, and blast- 
 ing and mildew to that fruit which the Father in Heaven 
 was looking for." Yet, she " knew it was right to be 
 diligent in procuring the necessary comforts of this life, 
 and that her mind was frequently favored with peace 
 and satisfaction when laboring honestly to obtain them." 
 In accordance with PauFs testimony, she believed that 
 " our own hands should minister to our necessities." 
 With the concurrence and unity of her Monthly Meet- 
 ing, she at several times obtained minutes to travel 
 abroad, and sometimes to visit the families of her own 
 and other meetings ; in which service she was acceptable. 
 Her concern for her own family, whom she tenderly 
 loved, was unceasing, often engaging her to call them 
 together, to wait in silence, and encourage them to be^ 
 10 
 
112 
 
 come followers of Christ within, by which they would 
 experience the blessing of preservation through the 
 chequered scenes of life, and witness that peace which 
 sweetens every bitter cup — that peace which the world 
 with all its pleasures cannot give, neither with all its 
 adversity take away. This, she said, was her prayer 
 for them more than for any earthly treasure. When 
 prevented by sickness, at one time, from attending meet- 
 ing, she said, " I have endeavored as much as in me 
 lies, to watch over my children for good, and keep them 
 out of the way of evil, in their infantile years, taking 
 them with me to our religious meetings, with sincere 
 desires that neither worldly care, nor worldly profit, 
 should prevent us from assembling together for the pur- 
 pose of Divine worship ; and it is now my great desire 
 that my children may be preserved alive in that prin- 
 ciple which would enable them to perform this reason- 
 able duty; through which they would become useful 
 members in the Society to which they are attached; 
 and when they shall be called upon to give up their 
 stewardship, whether in the days of their youth, or fur- 
 ther advanced in life, they may find a place of rest for 
 their souls." 
 
 In 1839, twelfth month, 19th, she wrote thus : " I feel 
 deep affliction of mind, and am not able to see the in- 
 tention or event, but beg for preservation and patience 
 in the faith of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ ; for 
 I know that the blessed foundation of God standeth 
 sure, having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are 
 His; and no other foundation can be laid than is already 
 laid, which is Christ, the Rock of Ages, against which 
 
113 
 
 nothing shall be able to prevail. In full assurance of 
 this, may est thou, O my soul ! be gathered daily in 
 firmness and stability, in close attention and watchful- 
 ness ; that when under proving and trial, I may ex- 
 perience deliverance through His p(3wer from all the 
 wiles of the wicked; and I believe as I endeavor to 
 keep in faith and patience. He will open the way, as 
 He has often done, for the relief of my mind. Oh ! that 
 all who desire to be true followers of Christ would be- 
 lieve, and trust in the all-sufficiency of the power of His 
 resurrection renewed in us; that we might mercifully 
 escape the many snares iu which the unguarded are 
 often entangled.'' 
 
 At another time she wrote, " I feel, this morning, a 
 quiet mind, which I desire to be humbly thankful for, 
 and to prize more than the gold of Ophir. In this 
 state of mind I queried with myself to know if I had 
 aught against any. I could not find that I was accused 
 with hard tiioughts, nor any feeling that would come 
 under the ilescription of envy, hatred, or malice. How 
 precious is that feeling that can breathe glory to God 
 in the highest, on earth peace, and good will to men ! 
 Oh ! how often we ought to try ourselves, prove our- 
 selves, to know what spirit we are of; whether of the 
 spirit of Christ, or of the spirit of anti-Christ ; and en- 
 deavor, under every dispensation, however proving and 
 hard for flesh and blood to bear, to keep in the Vine, 
 which is Christ, that we may be fruit-bearing branches 
 to the praise of the great Husbandman." 
 
 She was kind and affectionate to her friends, sympa- 
 thised deeply with the afflicted of every class and de- 
 
114 
 
 scription, and extended a helping hand whenever and 
 wherever it was in her power, being faithful to the 
 smallest intimations of duty. It might be truly said of 
 her, like Mary of old, she had chosen that good part 
 which should not be taken from her. 
 
 AVithin the last few years of her life, and in a de- 
 clining state of health, she passed through a series of 
 afflictions with entire resignation to the Divine Will ; 
 often using the words of Job, '' Shall we receive good 
 at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil ?" 
 During this time she twice visited some parts of Penn- 
 sylvania. The last time, in very feeble health, she at- 
 tended the Yearly Meeting in Philadelphia, and some 
 adjacent meetings, and was favored to return with the 
 reward of peace and satisfaction to her own mind. This 
 seemed nearly the finishing of her work ; though she " 
 attended her own meeting, during the summer, as often 
 as she was able. 
 
 In the beginning of the tenth month, 1843, she was 
 confined to her room, with a chill, hectic fever, and 
 cough, which gradually wore her away without much 
 pain. She lay in great peace and composure of mind ; 
 saying she felt that she was passing a pleasant winter, 
 that her work was done, that she had done it in the day 
 time; that her Heavenly Father had brought her 
 through all her trials and afflictions, and that she could 
 then praise and adore His holy name, who liveth forever. 
 Thus she lay, apparently without a cloud to intervene, 
 until the 23d of 2d month following, on the morning of 
 which, a friend being present, and her husband entering 
 the room, she remarked, '^ that the time of her depar- 
 
115 
 
 ture had nearly arrived, but a few hours more." He 
 said he thought so. She then feelingly said, ^* What a 
 Heavenly Father ! What a Heavenly Father ! What a 
 blessing ! " and shortly after quietly departed in the 63d 
 year of her age. She was buried in Friends' burying 
 ground at Gunpowder, on the afternoon of the 25th of 
 the same month. 
 
 She has left us an example which, if we are faithful 
 to follow, we too may, in the winding up of all things 
 here below, have the same evidence that she had, that 
 our work is done, and receive the answer of " Well 
 done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the 
 joy of thy Lord." 
 
 Signed on behalf of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, 
 held 7th of eighth month, 1844, by 
 
 Elias Matthews, \ rij j, 
 Edith M. Price, / ^^^^'^^' 
 
 Read and approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 held at Gunpowder the 9th of ninth month, 1844, and 
 directed to be forwarded to the Meeting for Sufferings., 
 
 Caleb Stabler, Xni i- 
 Mary B. Husband, I^^^^^^- 
 
 Read and approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, 
 held in the city of Baltimore by adjournment, tenth 
 month, 2.6th, 1844, and signed on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Wm. E. Bartlett, Clerh. 
 
116 
 
 A Memorial of Centre Monthly Meeting in Centre County, 
 Pennsylvania, concerning William Fisher. 
 
 As the memory of the righteous is often blessed to 
 survivors, we feel a concern to preserve the following 
 testimony concerning our beloved friend, William 
 Fisher, lately deceased. He was born of exemplary 
 parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Fisher, in Chester 
 County, Pennsylvania, on the 21st of 1st month, 1751, 
 where he resided until the year. 1800, when he removed 
 with his family and settled within the verge of what now 
 composes this meeting. Here he remained until his de- 
 cease, filling for many years the important station of an 
 Elder of the Church, for which service he was well 
 qualified, being concerned to extend a word of encourage- 
 ment to the diffident and unassuming, and also to re- 
 prove forward spirits by his mild and gentle admoni- 
 tions. 
 
 Being naturally of an even temper, and having yielded 
 to the influence of Divine Love, that voice of good 
 which speaks within the soul, as clearly manifested in 
 his life and conversation, it appears to have gained for 
 him the good will and esteem of his neighbors and ac- 
 quaintances generally, and qualified him for a peace- 
 maker in his neighborhood ; in which capacity he was 
 often engaged. 
 
 The following circumstance, as related to a friend by 
 himself, is deemed worthy of notice : Two neighbors, 
 laboring under some difficulty in regard to their deal- 
 ings, agreed to go to his house and refer the matter to 
 him. Upon consideration, he invited them into a pri- 
 vate room, and after hearing them, advised them in his 
 
117 
 
 mild and gentle manner, " to leave self in the other 
 room " and he thought they could settle the difficulty 
 themselves. This had such an impression on their 
 minds, that they succeeded in settling their differences 
 without his further aid or assistance, and parted good 
 friends, thus realising the truth of that saying of Jesus, 
 " Blessed are the peace-makers, for they shall be called 
 the children of God/^ 
 
 He was a remarkably kind and loving husband, a 
 benevolent parent, and in short he was hospitable to all ; 
 administering to their necessities, both spiritual and tem- 
 poral, as far as he was of ability, often expressing that 
 he had (with the blessing of Heaven) as much of this 
 world's goods as he desired, which was a comfortable 
 home. 
 
 His Christian feelings were strongly enlisted for the 
 sufferings and privations of the people of color, and he 
 held a prominent place among his fellow-citizens as an 
 advocate of this oppressed class, often pleading their 
 cause in the spirit of meekness and love. He was also 
 concerned to stir up the minds of Friends to a close ex- 
 amination of this important testimony, that the standard 
 of truth and justice might be exalted. His interest in this 
 righteous cause increased with his years so much, that 
 during the latter part of his life he entirely refrained from 
 the use of the productions of unrequited toil. He also felt 
 a lively interest for the welfare of the aborigines of our 
 country, and watched with deep concern those measures 
 which affected their rights ; being frequently engaged in 
 portraying the wrongs and cruelties inflicted upon them; 
 and in striving to awaken a sense of justice in their 
 behalf. 
 
118 
 
 He was a faithful attender of the meeting to which he 
 belonged, which was very small for many years, it being 
 often his lot to be one of two or three assembled ; yet 
 according to his own account, he many times experienced 
 the fulfilment of the Master's promise, " Where two or 
 three are gathered togetlier in my name, there am I in 
 the midst of them.'' He was favored to see the meet- 
 ing considerably increased, in which he manifested a 
 lively interest, desiring that Friends might practically 
 carry out those noble and dignified testimonials, as pro- 
 fessed by the Society, which promote peace on earth and 
 good will to all mankind. 
 
 He was a good example in just dealing, and en- 
 deavored strictly to comply with his engagements. And 
 as he advanced to old age, his mind became centred on 
 Divine things, and consequently his conversation was 
 much of Heaven. His heart and house appeared to be 
 always open to the reception of the weary traveller. 
 
 As age and infirmity of body increased, he became 
 unable to attend meeting for some months previous to 
 his death ; yet he often expressed that he still had the 
 Comforter, which had been with him through life, as 
 his support in old age and infirmity. 
 
 He was always rejoiced to see his friends, often hav- 
 ing a word of encouragement for them, to be faithful in 
 performing that which was made manifest by the light 
 of truth. By attending to that principle, he had been 
 preserved in a good degree from giving way to the many 
 temptations with which we are all surrounded. 
 
 He often expressed a willingness, or rather a desire, to 
 be released yet desiring that the Lord's will (and not 
 
119 
 
 his own) might be done. Indulging the comfortable 
 reflection that he had endeavored to do his day's work 
 in the day-time, he appeared to be waiting in full ex- 
 pectation and unwavering confidence of receiving the 
 joyous message of " Well done, good and faithful ser- 
 vant, enter thou into the joy of thy God." In this 
 blessed state the tried and faithful spirit enjoys the com- 
 munion of all that have realised in their experience that 
 the Lord "is a refiner with fire and a fuller with soap/' 
 cleansing and purifying from all sin and defilement, and 
 preparing the soul to enjoy the full fruition of bliss and 
 repose through the endless age of eternity. May these 
 things excite in us, his survivors, a living concern for 
 our own establishment on the alone sure foundation of 
 justice and truth, and for the promotion of truth and 
 righteousness in the earth. 
 
 During his last illness he frequently expressed the 
 gratitude he felt for the many blessings bestowed upon 
 him. 
 
 He observed one day to a friend sitting by, "Blessed 
 are they that hunger and thirst after righteousness, 
 for they shall be filled." He also made many other in- 
 structive remarks, at various times. 
 
 His weakness increasing, his strong constitution gra- 
 dually gave way. He retained his mental faculties with 
 the exception of a few days, until near the close, which 
 occurred on the 3d of 7th month, 1845, when he quietly 
 and peacefully departed in the ninety-second year of his 
 age. 
 
 His body was interred on the 5th in Friends' bury- 
 ing ground at Bald Eagle. 
 
120 
 
 A Testimony from Little Falls Monthly Meeting^ in the 
 State of Maryland, concerning Judith Preston. 
 
 In a lively remembrance of the exemplary life of 
 our dear friend, Judith Preston, we feel engaged to 
 record a brief testimony concerning her, in order that 
 others, seeing the blessed fruits of her dedication to the 
 principle of truth, a measure, or manifestation of which 
 is graciously given to us all, may be encouraged to 
 " walk by the same rule, and mind the same thing." 
 
 She was the daughter of Isaac and Hannah Hollings- 
 worth, late of New Castle county, in the State of Dela- 
 ware, and was born on the 21st of twelfth month, 1776. 
 Her mother had her birth and education among the 
 Episcopalians, and in the bringing up of her children 
 was not concerned to lay them under those restraints in 
 relation to plainness which we believe the truth leads 
 into. With a lively relish for social enjoyments, and a 
 strong disposition to indulge in fashionable dress, she 
 was left at liberty, and furnished with the means to 
 gratify her taste in the choice of her apparel. She has 
 been heard to say, that under these circumstances, when 
 at a store, engaged in buying her clothing, she felt the 
 circumscribing influence of truth on her mind so clearly, 
 that she was constrained to purchase contrary to her 
 natural inclination, and that, in thus yielding to her 
 convictions, she found great peace of mind. Thus, by 
 an early submission to the cross of Christ, she was en- 
 abled to withstand the ensnaring allurements incident 
 to youth, and attained that cheerful serenity of mind 
 and stability of deportment which marked her character 
 through all the vicissitudes of her future life. 
 
121 
 
 About the twentieth year of her age she requested to 
 be received into membership with Friends, and her re- 
 quest being granted, she became a member of Center 
 Monthly Meeting, one of the constituent branches of 
 Philadelphia Yearly Meeting. 
 
 On the 19th of fourth month, 1797, she was 
 joined in marriage with our friend David Preston, and 
 in that relation sustained the character of a true and 
 faithful helpmeet for more than forty-eight years. 
 As the head of a family, she looked well " to the ways 
 of her household," not eating " the bread of idleness ;" 
 nevertheless she was "a lover of hospitality,'^ "mindful 
 to entertain strangers," and cheerfully exerted herself 
 for their accommodation. 
 
 In the education of her children she was religiously 
 concerned that they might be furnished with instruction 
 to fit them for usefulness in this life ; but above all, 
 that they might, by submission to the visitations of the 
 Heavenly Father's love, be prepared for the higher en- 
 joyments of that life which shall never have an end. 
 When engaged in the necessary concerns of the day, 
 with her little family of children around her, she would 
 frequently cause one of them to read aloud in the Bible, 
 or some other instructive book, for the improvement of 
 the whole, thus endeavoring to make such occasions 
 profitable, both to the interests of this world and of 
 that which is to come. She discouraged the reading of 
 much of the light literature which so greatly abounds 
 in the present day; believing from her own experience, 
 that it had a tendency to draw the mind away from 
 that state of watchfulness to which we are all emphati- 
 
122 
 
 cally called. Instead of works of fiction, she frequently 
 recommended the perusal of the scriptures of truth, and 
 such other books as would furnish profitable instruction 
 to the mind, and qualify for usefulness both in civil and 
 religious society. 
 
 By example and precept she endeavored to bring up 
 lier family in the regular attendance of meetings for 
 divine worship ; never admitting any trifling inconve- 
 nience as a sufficient excuse for remaining at home ; 
 but often pressed through great difficulties to join with 
 her' brethren and sisters, in making this public acknow- 
 ledgment of our obligations to the bountiful ^' Giver of 
 every good and perfect gift." And when assembled 
 for this solemn purpose, she was an instructive example 
 of reverent waiting upon God, and of fervent labor for 
 that " bread which cometh down from heaven and giveth 
 life to the world." John vi, 33. 
 
 In the course of her religious progress she had to 
 pass through some deep baptisms, under which she was 
 concerned patiently to bear her afflictions, and quietly 
 submit to the Divine will. On one of these occasions, 
 as she afterwards mentioned to a friend, she was brought 
 so low, under a sense of the many besetments attending 
 her, that she desired death rather than life. Upon which 
 a language was intelligibly addressed to her spiritual 
 ear, saying, " Thou must be in the world, but not of the 
 world." Having thus passed through those dispensa- 
 tions which prepare for service in the militant church, 
 she became qualified tenderly to sympathise with the 
 afflicted, and to be helpful as " a companion in tribula- 
 tion" with the traveller Zionward ; being, at times. 
 
123 
 
 with much feeling, enabled to drop " a word in season to 
 them that were weary/^ Isaiah 1. 4. In seasons of 
 sickness and suffering, she was actively engaged as a 
 skilful and tender nurse, and as such, will long be 
 affectionately remembered by her neighbors and friends, 
 to whose relief she cheerfully devoted her time and 
 talents. 
 
 About the year 1 806, she removed with her husband 
 and family to the State of Maryland, and settled within 
 the compass of Little Falls preparative meeting, then 
 a branch of Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, when she 
 was appointed to the station of an Elder, in which she 
 was continued during the remainder of her life, fulfilling 
 its duties in true humility and with souud judgment, to 
 the entire satisfaction of Friends, and benefit of the 
 church, being often dipped into feeling sympathy with 
 those who were called to " labor in the word and 
 doctrine/' As a disciplinarian she was careful for the 
 preservation of good order, and in her labors for that 
 end, evinced much of that *^ wisdom which is pure, 
 peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy 
 and good fruits, without partiality and without hypoc- 
 risy." 
 
 On the morning of the day on which she died, she 
 desired her family might be called into her chamber, 
 saying she wished to take leave of them while her 
 mental and bodily strength were sufficient for the pur- 
 pose. To her daughters she addressed herself in a 
 very affectionate manner, saying, " Be good girls. You 
 know what is right. You have been good children to 
 me ; the Lord will reward you." To one of her sons 
 11 
 
124 
 
 she expressed herself more at large, though with some 
 difficulty, and concluded by saying, " A moral life is 
 not a sufficient preparation for such a time as this." 
 And then, after cautioning her young family not to 
 suffer the world, or the things of the world, to have too 
 deep a place in their affections, she said, " God is an all- 
 sufficient helper to those who trust in Him and obey 
 Him, often making a way for them where there has 
 appeared no way." Then, after a solemn pause, she 
 added, ^* Now I leave you to the Lord." 
 
 To a friend wlio spoke to her concerning the change 
 about to take place, she mentioned her satisfaction at 
 the prospect ; and after expressing a sense of her many 
 deficiencies, she said, "But if we are sufficiently 
 humble, they will not be laid to our charge." 
 
 About 8 o'clock the same evening, after an illness of 
 ten days, she quietly departed this life the 29th of 8th 
 month, 1845, in the sixty-ninth year of her age, leaving 
 her friends and relatives the well-grounded hope that 
 she has entered the mansions of everlasting rest; and 
 on the 31st of the same, her remains were interred in 
 Friends' burial-ground at Little Falls. 
 
 Signed by direction of the Monthly Meeting, held the 
 3d of third month, 1846, by 
 
 ^Benjamin P. Moore, \ ^7 t. 
 Martha E. Tyson, / ^^^^^^• 
 
 Read in, and approved by Baltimore Quarterly 
 Meeting, held the 9th of third month, 1846, by 
 
 Caleb Stabler, \ ^, , 
 
 Mary B. Husband, / ^^^^'^^^ 
 
125 
 
 Read, approved, and directed to be printed, by Bal- 
 timore Yearly Meeting of Friends, held 26th of 10th 
 month, 1846, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Thomas P. Stabler, \ r>j t, 
 Maetha E. Tyson, / ^^^^^' 
 
 A Memorial from Indian Spring Monthly Meeting^ in Mary- 
 land, concerning owr^eceasecZ/ne?ic?, Deborah Stabler. 
 
 In commemoration of a life of faithfulness to the 
 manifestations of light and truth upon her mind, we 
 are induced to record our sense of the life and character 
 of this our dear friend. 
 
 She was born at Beaver Dam, in Goochland County, 
 and State of Virginia, on the 25th of 11th month, 1763. 
 Her parents, Thomas and Elizabeth Pleasants, were ex- 
 emplary and valuable members of the Society of Friends, 
 and she has often been heard gratefully to acknowledge 
 the benefits derived from their tender solicitude and 
 affectionate care for her present and future welfare. 
 
 According to the testimony of her contemporaries, 
 she was distinguished, even in early life, by a circum- 
 spect and prudent deportment, which obtained for her 
 the confidence of a large circle of acquaintance and re- 
 lations, and rendered her the object of their affectionate 
 regard. 
 
 In the twenty-sixth year of her age she entered into 
 the married state with William Stabler, of Petersburg, 
 Virginia, and soon afterward they went to reside at 
 Leesburg, in Loudoun County, of that State. In the 
 
126 
 
 year 1793 they removed from Leesbiirg and settled 
 near Sandy Spring Meeting House, in Montgomery 
 County, Maryland, where she continued to reside during 
 the remainder of her life. In this important movement 
 they were careful not only to wait for satisfactory evi- 
 dence of its propriety in their own minds, but to obtain 
 the approbation of her father and other valued friends. 
 
 As she advanced in age, through obedience to the 
 manifestations of truth, her heart became enlarged in 
 the love of the Gospel, for the best interests and welfare 
 of herself and others ; and through faithfulness to 
 Divine requirings, she became eminently useful by her 
 example and instructive conversation, both to the mem- 
 bers of her own religious society, and to a large and ex- 
 tensive acquaintance with others. 
 
 About the year 1804 she became exercised under a 
 prospect that she should be called into the work of the 
 ministry. The concern of her mind, preparatory to 
 entering on this important service, was deep and weighty. 
 Under the operation of the Divine power, which re- 
 duces the creature into a humbling sense of its own 
 inability to do any good thing, she was brought into a 
 very low state both of body and mind ; and when finally 
 called into the service, her health and strength were so 
 mucli reduced that she had to be carried into the meet- 
 ing where she first appeared as a Gospel minister. 
 
 In the future exercise of her gift, her communications 
 being attended with the life and power of truth, were 
 acceptable to her friends ; and she was soon afterwards 
 recommended by the monthly meeting of which she 
 was a member, as a minister of the Gospel. In this 
 
127 
 
 capacity, with the approbation of her friends, she several 
 times paid religious visits to the meetings within the 
 verge of her native State, and other places, particularly 
 in the States of Pennsylvania and Ohio. Her appear- 
 ances in the ministry, though frequent, were never long 
 or burdensome ; but uniformly accompanied with an 
 evidence that her qualifications for the work were de- 
 rived from the fountain of all good. Like "the scribe 
 who is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven," she 
 was enabled frequently to "bring forth out of the 
 treasure, things new and old," to the comfort and edifi- 
 cation of her friends and others. 
 
 In the year 1806 she was brought into deep trial and 
 suffering by the sickness and death of her affectionate 
 husband, through all whicli slie was sustained by the 
 Divine arm in patience and resignation. After his 
 decease, she wrote a short account of him for the benefit 
 of survivors, from which the following is an extract : 
 " Thus ended the useful life of my amiable and ten- 
 derly affectionate husband, and on the day following, 
 his remains were interred in Friends' burying-ground, 
 after which a solemn meeting was held, and a living 
 testimony borne to the all-sufficiency of that power 
 which had enabled him to maintain the conflict through 
 much suffering, and finally, I trust, to find rest from all 
 trouble." 
 
 The natural endowments of her mind were large, 
 and by a patient submission to the Divine will, and to 
 those baptisms which refine and purify the heart, she 
 became qualified for extensive usefulness in the church. 
 With clear perceptions and a sound judgment in things 
 
128 
 
 pertaining to the discipline of tiie Society, she was emi- 
 nently serviceable in the yearly meetings as well as in 
 other meetings, for the support of our Christian testi- 
 monies, and of the good order established among us. 
 Thus by a faithful attention to her duties as a member 
 of the body, and humble reliance on the blessed head 
 of the church, through whose mercy she had been sup- 
 ported in many trials and afflictions, she was enabled, 
 in the full assurance of faith, to testify, that she had 
 " not followed cunningly devised fables, but the pure, 
 living, eternal substance." 
 
 During a long life she continued to discharge her 
 duties as a parent, friend, and neighbor, with fidelity 
 and diligence; in all which relations she possessed the 
 full confidence and most affectionate regard of those 
 among whom her lot had been cast. Being much con- 
 cerned for the welfare of her children, she faithfully ex- 
 erted all the influence of a mother's love, to guard them 
 from the corruptions that are in the world, and often 
 with deep solicitude and reverence of soul, approached 
 the footstool of Divine mercy in prayer on their behalf. 
 
 In the latter part of her life she was subject to much 
 suffering from indisposition and bodily infirmity, and 
 for several years before her death was seldom able 
 to attend meetings for Divine worship. But having 
 done her day's work in the day-time, and discharged 
 with fidelity the duties of her stewardship, we believe, 
 under all her trials, she enjoyed the happy assurance 
 that there was laid up for her a crown of righteousness 
 which fadeth not away. 
 
 For several months previous to her decease, the 
 
129 
 
 powers of nature gradually declined, without much in- 
 crease of her sufferings. During this period she often 
 mentioned her conviction that the time of her departure 
 wes very near at hand, and expressed a fervent desire 
 that she might be preserved patiently to wait in the will 
 of her Divine Master to the end. 
 
 As the time of her removal approached, no cloud 
 obscured her vision, no darkness veiled her prospects of 
 the future. Her understanding remained unimpaired 
 apparently to the last moment of her life, and after an 
 illness of five days she quietly departed this life, on the 
 27th of 6th month, 1845, in the eighty-second year of 
 her age. 
 
 Signed by direction and on behalf of Indian Spring 
 Monthly Meeting, held 1st month, 7th, 1846, by 
 
 Caleb Stablee, \ rii i 
 Saeah T. Beooke, / ^^^™- 
 
 Read and approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 held 9th of 3d month, 1846. 
 
 Caleb Stablee, Xr? i 
 Maey B. Husband, / ^^^™' 
 
 Read, approved, and directed to be printed by Balti- 
 more Yearly Meeting of Friends, held 26th of 10th 
 month, 1846, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Thomas P. Stablee, \ ^7 t. 
 Maetha E. Tyson, / ^^^^^^^' 
 
130 
 
 A Testimony from Gunpowder Monthly Meeting, in the 
 State of Maryla^jid, concerniny our beloved friend^ Mary 
 Matthews, deceased. 
 
 She was the daughter of Thomas and Catharine 
 Cooper, of Baltimore County, Maryland, and was born 
 7th month, 15th, 1779. In her youth she was much re- 
 strained from unprofitable company. Her parents, how- 
 ever, not being members of our religious society, she had 
 but little knowledge of its principles until she went to 
 reside amongst Friends, at about the 16th year of her 
 age. By the influence of their example, and the opera- 
 tion of the Divine Spirit on her mind, she began, as she 
 said, to feel drawn in love towards this Society ; and, 
 near the 21st year of her age, made a request to Gun- 
 powder Monthly Meeting to be united in membership 
 with Friends, which request was granted. 
 
 Under a weighty sense of the importance of such a 
 change, she has often been heard to say that it was the 
 fervent aspiration of her mind, at that time, that she 
 might so conduct herself through life as not to bring 
 reproach upon the truth. 
 
 She was afterwards joined in marriage with our friend, 
 Eli Matthews, and settled within the verge of this 
 meeting. 
 
 As she was attentive to the gradual unfoldings of 
 truth upon her mind, and obedient thereto, she sub- 
 mitted to what she believed was required of her, and, 
 in much humility and self-abasement, appeared in 
 public testimony; and, on the 7th of 8th month, 
 1822, was recommended as a minister. 
 
 She was truly an affectionate wife, a tender mother^ 
 
131 
 
 and a good neighbor; kind and hospitable in her house, 
 sympathising with the tried and afflicted, not with- 
 holding from the poor and needy, but liberally admin- 
 istering to tlieir necessities. 
 
 She was diligent in attending meetings. By her 
 solid deportment therein, it was manifest that she was 
 endeavoring to serve her Master, and she encouraged 
 her family in the same religious duty, believing it to 
 be an indispensable obligation not to forsake the assem- 
 bling of ourselves together, in order to perform worship 
 to Him from whom we receive every good and perfect 
 gift. She was also concerned at seasons to collect her 
 family around her in silence, and was favored therein to 
 speak suitably to them. She frequently appeared in 
 public testimony, reminding us of the necessity of a strict 
 examination of our hearts, and a faithful dedication 
 thereof to the Lord ; and feelingly held forth the lan- 
 guage of encouragement to the exercised traveller Zion- 
 ward. 
 
 She felt deeply interested for the rising generation, 
 and was earnestly solicitous that they should individu- 
 ally know how good the Lord is. 
 
 Feeling her mind engaged in the year 1830, to at- 
 tend the Yearly Meeting in Ohio, and having the con- 
 sent of the Monthly Meeting of which she was a mem- 
 ber, she performed that service, accompanied by her 
 husband ; and several times, with the consent and en- 
 couragement of her friends, visited other meetings, and 
 the families composing them, as well as those of the 
 meeting to which she belonged, we believe, to the satis- 
 faction of her friends, and the peace of her own mind. 
 
132 
 
 The last visit she paid to families, was in company 
 with Ann P. Jackson, who then was on a religious visit 
 to this meeting in 11th month, 1846; at the close 
 of which she remarked to one of her children, that she 
 thought she should not be long with them, which im- 
 pression was soon verified. When apparently in her 
 usual health, she was taken suddenly ill on the evening 
 of the 28th of 1st month, 1847, and departed this life 
 on the succeeding morning, in the 68th year of her 
 age. Her remains were interred in Friends' burying 
 ground at Gunpowder, on the day following. Having 
 accomplished her warfare, and finished her work, we 
 doubt not that she is in the fruition of that joy which 
 awaits the righteous and crowns the labors of the 
 faithful. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the aforesaid meeting, held 8tb 
 month, 4th, 1847, by 
 
 Elias Matthews, \ rij t, 
 Edith M. Price, / ^'^^*^^- 
 
 Read and approved at Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, 
 held at Gunpowder the 13th of 9th month, 1847, and 
 signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Thos. p. Stabler, Clerhfor the Day. 
 Mary B. Husband, Clerk. 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting 
 of Friends, held 10th month, 25th, 1847, and signed 
 by direction thereof, by 
 
 Thos. P. Stabler, ) ^, , 
 Martha E.v Tyson, / ^^^"^"^^ 
 
133 
 
 A Testimony of Baltimore Monthly Meeting for the West» 
 em District, concerning our friend, Jacob Lafetra, de- 
 ceased. 
 
 He was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, on 
 the 23d of 12th month, 1777, and continued to reside 
 with his parents until the 17th year of his age, when he 
 was placed in the family of a relation as an apprentice, 
 in which he remained until the year 3 800, when he re- 
 moved and settled in Rahway, and soon after entered 
 into the marriage state with Phebe Hallett, a member 
 of that meeting. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1804 he removed to Bal- 
 timore, and became a member of Baltimore Monthly 
 Meeting. 
 
 Very early in life he was favored to see the excellence 
 of Christianity as professed by the Religious Society of 
 Friends, and by obedience to its Divine manifestations 
 in himself, he was preserved from the corruptions of the 
 world, and gradually prepared for usefulness in the 
 Church. 
 
 When about thirty-three years of age, his mind be- 
 came deeply impressed with the belief that a dispensa- 
 tion of the Gospel ministry was committed to him, and 
 having pass.ed through the necessary baptisms for this 
 weighty service, he, in much humility and feeling, ap- 
 peared in our meetings, to the satisfaction of Friends, 
 and to the edification of the body. 
 
 The care and support of a family having devolved 
 upon him, he was diligent in attention to his business ; 
 and in the early part of his life did not feel himself 
 called to travel much abroad as a minister, but was con- 
 
134 
 
 cerned to set a good example at home, not only in at- 
 tendance of religious meetings, but in the various con- 
 cerns and duties of civil life. His ministry was sound 
 and edifying — the fruits of a living concern for the 
 spiritual welfare of his hearers ; and although not with 
 eloquence of speech, or any desire to fill their ears with 
 unfelt truths, it was in the demonstration of the Spirit, 
 and under a living concern to draw the attention from 
 outward dependencies, to the inward evidence of Divine 
 truth, as the only means of man's salvation. 
 
 In the latter part of his life, with the unity and ap- 
 probation of the Monthly Meeting of which he was a 
 member, he visited several of the Yearly Meetings of 
 Friends on this continent, as also a number of the other 
 meetings of Friends in different sections of the country, 
 to the satisfaction of those he visited and to the peace of 
 his own mind. 
 
 In the year 1848, about one year before his decease, 
 he attended the Yearly Meeting of Genesee, on his way 
 to visit the settlement of Indians under the care of 
 Friends at Cattaraugus, having been many years an ac- 
 tive and deeply concerned member of the committee 
 who stood appointed to extend assistance to this greatly 
 injured people. On his return from this service he ex- 
 pressed the satisfaction he felt at witnessing the great 
 improvement that had taken place in their social and 
 moral condition, and the general comfort in which many 
 of their families now lived. 
 
 From this time, with the exception of his having 
 visited Fairfax and Warrington Quarterly Meetings, 
 and the Monthly Meetings belonging to the latter, he 
 
135 
 
 was but little from home, but seemed to be quietly set- 
 ting his house in order for the final summons, which, 
 when it came, found him not only with his lamp 
 trimmed, but burning with more than wonted bright- 
 ness. 
 
 About the early part of the 7th month last, his health, 
 which for some time previous had been delicate, began 
 sensibly to decline; he, however, continued to attend 
 meetings as long as his strength permitted, which was 
 until about four weeks before his decease. 
 
 During his last illness, which was attended with no 
 bodily pain, his mind was preserv^ed in uninterrupted 
 peace. He expressed an ardent desire that the Society 
 df Friends might become more faithful to the cause of 
 truth, and in the support of the valuable testimonies 
 that had been committed to it. Referring to the ex- 
 pressions of George Fox, " Friends, be faithful to the 
 Light," he said he believed that this, if followed and 
 obeyed, would be found sufficient for us under all cir- 
 cumstances. Instead of this, however, he feared too 
 many were seeking an easier way in which they might 
 find liberty to travel more conformably to their own 
 natural inclinations. 
 
 In addressing himself to a friend who sat by him a 
 short time before his decease, he expressed his deep sense 
 of the Divine favor in that, though weak in body, he 
 should be so entirely free from pain or uneasiness of any 
 kind. He remarked, as he lay in this quiet, retired 
 state, that his mind had often been led to visit the meet- 
 ings of Friends in many places, and to lament their de- 
 clining condition : this, he said, was the effect of un- 
 12 
 
136 
 
 faithfulness and departure of too many from the ancient 
 foundation on which our early Friends were concerned 
 to build — a humble dependence upon the manifestations 
 of Divine truth on our minds. 
 
 The practice of reading the modern publications now 
 widely circulated by speculative men on religious sub- 
 jects, he believed had brought darkness and confusion 
 upon many. Some of these appeared to be deluding 
 themselves with the opinion that they had advanced to 
 a higher degree of religious knowledge than our prede- 
 cessors, but in the end they would find that they had 
 been building on a foundation which could not stand. 
 The truth is the same to-day, yesterday and forever. It 
 is simple, — it is plain ; and all that was necessary on our 
 part, is faithfulness and obedience to its openings and 
 requirements. ^ 
 
 A few days before his close he observed to his 
 children who were attending on him, that he supposed 
 the doctor had nearly gone through with all the reme- 
 dies he could apply for his relief? One of them answered 
 she believed he had, and she thought it right he should 
 know the physician had intimated'that medicines were 
 now unavailing except as palliatives, but that she ex- 
 pected he was resigned and felt nothing in his way. 
 
 He paused for some time, and then replied, that like 
 others he had strong earthly ties, that he felt himself a 
 poor worm of the dust and merited nothing, that through 
 mercy he saw now nothing in his way, and that he had 
 been endeavoring to attain to that state in which he could 
 say, " Thy will, O Lord, be done." 
 
 During his illness he often reverted to his own un- 
 
137 
 
 worthiness and inability of doing much good for the 
 cause of truth, but said his concern for its advancement 
 was above every other desire, except the salvation of his 
 own soul. He observed that he had endeavored to be its 
 advocate as ability had been afforded, and had felt it to 
 be his duty to encourage all to faithfulness in attending 
 meetings, and from early life, when in health, had done 
 so himself, and knew from living experience there was 
 sweet comfort in it, besides it was no more than our 
 reasonable duty. 
 
 On one occasion he remarked '*he could with sincerity 
 say, that he felt nothing but love towards the whole 
 human family, and desired that the Lord would draw 
 them more and more unto Himself, and gather them all 
 by the crook of His love. He added, " If I have ever 
 found the way that leads to the knowledge of Divine 
 truth, it has not been by following after those who cry, 
 * Lo ! here is Christ, or Lo ! He is there,' but by draw- 
 ing nigh to and becoming centered on the power of 
 Divine love in the soul." 
 
 The day previous to his death, after his bed had been 
 changed, which produced great exhaustion, he lay some 
 time with his eyes closed, and then observed, "It is a 
 very serious thing to think of passing into a state of fixed- 
 ness where there will be no more change.'' One present 
 replied, yes, it is a serious thing, but with him it was 
 also a glorious thing, and she doubted not that all who 
 were present felt the desire that their latter end might be 
 like his, and that they also might "die the death of the 
 righteous." He now again opened his eyes, and look- 
 ing at her, said, " I desire not great things, for I deserve 
 
138 
 
 them not ; all I ask is a place in one of the least of mj 
 Heavenly Father's mansions.^' 
 
 A friend calling in to see him, he desired he would 
 git near him, and pathetically exhorted him to yield 
 obedience to the Divine requisition, remarking, '' obe- 
 dience is better than sacrifice, though we know both are 
 called for/' and added, '* I believe that many feel much 
 more interest in Society than they manifest, but this 
 alone will not do, there must be a coming up to the 
 work. Oh ! that there was more individual faithfulness. 
 I desire thou may be one of the wise ones. The judg- 
 ments of the Lord are mixed with mercy, and the mercy 
 seat is above the judgment seat." On another occasion, 
 alluding to a spirit of forwardness, which he felt con- 
 strained to testify against, he said, "A show of religion 
 will not answer ; the external appearance of consistency 
 was not all that was requisite to qualify for service, even 
 though there might be a willingness, there must also be 
 a Divine command, as was exemplified in the case of 
 Uzza, when he saw the ark of the Lord jostled, and be- 
 lieved it was likely to fall ; under this apprehension, 
 feeling, no doubt, desirous for its preservation, he, in 
 his own will put forth his hand to steady it, and was 
 smitten with death." A like consequence, though per- 
 haps not to the same extent, follows every unauthorised 
 service. 
 
 At another time to a dear young friend with whom 
 his spirit had deeply sympathised, he said, "It is of 
 very small consequence whether we are found doing 
 much or little, so that we endeavor faithfully to per- 
 form that which is required of us. Tiiis is the test, and 
 
139 
 
 I would have all encouraged, for Divine goodness often 
 makes a way, where to the human understanding there 
 appears to be no way, so that many have been enabled 
 to step safely along in a path which the vulture's eye 
 hath not seen, but which is broad enough for his children 
 to walk in." 
 
 " Since I have been laid on this bed of sickness — I 
 cannot call it of suffering — I have felt, and for many years 
 previous, a deep concern that we may pay more atten- 
 tion to substantial truths ; and as it regards our religious 
 duties, not be influenced by the theological notions of 
 the day, or by the learning of men of deep scientific re- 
 search, but by the simple teaching of the spirit of truth 
 in our own minds, which if attended to would be suf- 
 ficient." To another, he said, " Let thy mind be turned 
 to the fountain of living waters, thou wilt never regret 
 it, and when called to bid adieu to all terrestrial things, 
 it will be thy stay and support." 
 
 His strength, under the debilitating effects of his dis- 
 ease, continued gradually to decline until the afternoon 
 of the 20th of 8th month, 1849, when, in perfect sere- 
 nity, and with faculties apparently unimpaired, he 
 quietly departed, being in the 72d year of his age, and a 
 minister nearly forty years. 
 
 Signed by direction, and on behalf of the Monthly 
 Meeting aforesaid, held 9th month, 6th, 1849. 
 
 Edward H. Stabler, 1 p/ l 
 Mary C. Stabler, j ^r . . 
 
 Approved by Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, held 9th 
 month, 10th, 1849, and signed by direction thereof. 
 
 Edward H. Stabler, \ fyj h 
 Mary C. Stabler, / ^'^^'^- 
 
140 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held 10th month, 29th, 1849, and signed by direction 
 thereof. 
 
 Thos. p. Stabler, \ nj h 
 
 Maegaret Hallowell,, J ^^ • 
 
 Memorial of Alexandria Monthly Meeting^ concerning our 
 deceased friend^ William Stabler. 
 
 When one with whom we have been closely united in 
 religious communion, and who has long been actively 
 concerned for the welfare of society and the advancement 
 of truth, is removed from works to rewards, some state- 
 ment of the prominent circumstances of his life seems 
 appropriate, not for the adulation of the dead, but for 
 the encouragement and support of the living. With 
 this view our Monthly Meeting believes it right to pre- 
 pare the present memorial. 
 
 William Stabler was born at Alexandria, on the 25th 
 of 10th month, 1795. His father, Edward Stabler, was 
 favorably and extensively known as a minister in the 
 Society of Friends, and the subject of the present memoir, 
 being his oldest son, engaged in business with him, and 
 it may be said was reared by his side, an d continued 
 with him till the close of his father's life, which occurred 
 in the 1st month, 1831. Being of a retired, contem- 
 plative turn of mind, William Stabler generally pre- 
 ferred to listen to the conversation of others rather than 
 converse himself. When occasion seemed to require 
 him to engage in conversation, however, he was ani- 
 mated, interesting, and instructive, his remarks generally 
 
141 
 
 tending to something practically useful and improving 
 to the mind and heart. 
 
 In the year 1827 he was placed in the station of over- 
 seer of Alexandria Preparative Meeting, and was a meek 
 and faithful servant of the church, watching over the 
 flock for good. He was diligent in the perusal of the , 
 Holy Scriptures, and his love for these precious records 
 increased as his mind became more devoted to the cause 
 of his Heavenly Father, finding them to correspond 
 with his own experience in his spiritual journey. 
 
 He was appointed an Elder in Alexandria Monthly 
 Meeting in the year 1834, the duties of which respon- 
 sible station he performed with great tenderness and 
 faithfulness, acting under the influence of love for both 
 truth and its instruments, which gave right qualifica- 
 tion for successful labor. And as an encouragement to 
 others in like stations to seek a similar qualification, it 
 may be mentioned that no instance is known where any 
 unpleasant feeling on either side resulted from his labor, 
 however close, but rather increased respect and affection, 
 verifying the declaration, " the work of righteousness 
 shall be peace.'^ Dur ing the time he stood in the sta- 
 tion of an elder, and be fore he had appeared in the public 
 ministry, he was concerned to visit the families of 
 Friends, constituting Goose Creek, Fairfax, and Hope- 
 well Monthly Meetings, branches of Fairfax Quarter, 
 for which service he obtained a minute of unity from the 
 Monthly Meeting. This duty he performed to the great 
 satisfaction of those he visited, and to the comfort and 
 peace of his own mind. 
 
 In the year 1845, having frequently spoken in our 
 
142 
 
 meetings, much to the satisfaction of Friends, he was 
 recommended as a minister of the Gospel, and thus re- 
 leased from the stations of overseer and elder, the duties 
 of which he had so long and so satisfactorily performed. 
 He did not speak frequently in the exercise of the mia- 
 istry, but his communications were always impressive 
 and instructive ; not so much calculated to move the 
 passions as to convince tlie judgment, and incline the 
 hearts of his hearers to a practical examination of the 
 subject of religion for themselves. 
 
 He delighted to draw the attention of his audience, 
 especially the young, to the goodness and love of his 
 Heavenly Father, and the sufficiency of His grace and 
 teachings in the soul to lead them into all truth, and to 
 effect their salvation, if they would yield a humble 
 obedience thereto. Believing it right to confine his re- 
 marks principally to the concern under which he felt a 
 Divine commission to rise and speak to the people, his 
 communications were generally brief. 
 
 He performed with the approbation of his Monthly 
 Meeting and to the satisfaction of those among whom 
 he labored, as well as to the relief and strength of his 
 own mind, several religious visits, both to the meetings 
 and families of Friends within the limits of Philadel- 
 phia, New York, and Baltimore Yearly Meetings. He 
 possessed remarkable qualifications for successful labor 
 in families, ^^ rightly dividing the word of truth.'' The 
 last visit that he paid was to the families of Friends 
 belonging to Warrington Quarterly Meeting, Pennsyl- 
 vania, in the 11th and 12th months, 1851. 
 
 The prospect of this visit was peculiarly trying to 
 
143 
 
 him, and after his return he remarked to his wife, that 
 before he left home the language had been addressed to 
 his spiritual ear, in view of this service, " Be thou faith- 
 ful unto death, and 1 will give thee a crown of life," 
 and that he believed his religious labors from home 
 were now about closed. 
 
 During the early part of his last illness he expressed 
 himself at different times in substance as follows : 
 
 " All the pain and suffering I experience are nothing, 
 while I continue to be favored as I am with the pres- 
 >€nce of the Divine Master. I have nothing to ask for, 
 nothing to pray for ; my Heavenly Father has already 
 given me all I need. I can now say with the prophet 
 Simeon, when he took up the child Jesus in his 
 arms, ^ Lord, now lettest thou thy servant go in peace, 
 for mine eyes have seen thy salvation.' '' To his wife 
 he said : " Depend on the arm of thy Heavenly Father, 
 and he will be thy husband and protector." When 
 near his close he expressed perfect reliance on that Di- 
 vine Power that had always sustained him hitherto, and 
 which he had no doubt would continue to do so to the 
 end. He encouraged those around him to place their 
 reliance on Divine direction and help in their every-day 
 concerns, assuring them that they would thus be sus- 
 tained in their journey through life. 
 
 He bore his protracted sickness with great patience 
 and resignation to the Divine Will, and after gradually 
 sinking for several days, he calmly breathed his last on 
 the 24th of 9th month, 1852, in the 57th year of his 
 age. 
 
 In the decease of this beloved friend our religious 
 
144 
 
 society has lost one of its most valued and useful ministers 
 and members. He filled with propriety and dignity 
 the various relations of life, being an affectionate son, a 
 good husband, a kind and sympathising friend, a meek 
 and devout Christian, and we have good grounds to be- 
 lieve that he has been received into those mansions of 
 eternal bliss prepared for the righteous from the foun- 
 dation of the world. 
 
 Signed by direction and on behalf of Alexandria 
 Monthly Meeting, in the State of Virginia, held 7tb 
 month, 21st, 1853, by 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, Clerk for the day, 
 Margaret E. Hallowell, Clerk. 
 
 Approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, held at 
 Goose Creek, on the 15th of 8th month, 1853. 
 
 William B. Steer, 1 ^, t 
 
 Margaret E. Hallowell ; / 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held by adjournments from 31st of 10th month to 3d 
 of 11th month inclusive, 1853. 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, 1 ^, 7 
 Margaret E. Hallowell, J 
 
 Memorial of Alexandria Monthly Meeting, concerning Mary 
 Stabler, deceased, 
 
 Mary Stabler was born at Alexandria, on the 8 th 
 of 9th month, 1783. She was the daughter of William 
 and Susannah Hartshorn, who were careful to give her 
 
145 
 
 a guarded religious education iu conformity with the 
 principles of Friends. 
 
 In the year 1808 she was united in marriage with 
 Edward Stabler, and thus came in charge of a family of 
 children by his previous marriage, the youngest of whom 
 was but about four years of age. In this delicate rela- 
 tion she was truly a pattern, fulfilling all her responsible 
 duties with the utmost fidelity, impartiality and mater- 
 nal affection, and although she became the mother of a 
 large family of her own, she seemed to know no differ- 
 ence in her parental care and solicitude, but the stream 
 of precious love flowed uninterruptedly and equally to 
 all her husband's children. This feeling continued to 
 the close of her life. She regarded all as her own chil- 
 dren, and appeared to be concerned for their true inter- 
 ests and welfare equally, and it is encouraging to add 
 that her concern and regard were appreciated and re- 
 ciprocated by them. 
 
 Her husband was often brought under exercise to 
 travel from home in the service of the Gospel ministry, 
 and she proved a true helpmeet in his spiritual as in his 
 temporal concerns, encouraging him to faithful obedi- 
 ence to every manifestation of the Divine Will, cheer- 
 fully taking on herself the responsible and heavy charge 
 of the family, and submitting to the sacrifices attendant 
 on his absence, in order that his mind might be relieved 
 and the cause of truth and righteousness promoted. 
 
 She was for many years, and till the period of her 
 close, both overseer and elder in our meeting, and per- 
 formed the dutiesof these responsible stations with great 
 firmness, discretion and gentleness. As an elder she 
 
146 
 
 was truly a nursing mother in the chtirch ; encouraging 
 the desponding, restraining the forward, sympathising 
 with the afflicted, and saying to all in the expressive 
 language of example, ^* Follow me as I follow Christ/' 
 In our meetings for worship, the sweetness and serenity 
 of her countenance while engaged in silent communion 
 with the Holy Spirit, have often been encouraging to 
 others, and an incentive to them to seek for the same 
 holy intercourse with the adorable Author of our being. 
 
 Of her it might have been truly said, as of the virtu- 
 ous woman described in the Proverbs, " She openeth 
 her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law 
 of kindness ; she looketh well to the ways of her house- 
 hold, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children 
 rise up and call her blessed ; her husband also, and he 
 praiseth her." 
 
 Being left a widow in 1831, with a large family, the 
 youngest only about nine months old, she was unremit- 
 ting through the remainder of her life in the discharge 
 of her maternal duties, and concerned to educate her 
 children in the principles of truth. 
 
 In her last illness, which was of short duration, she 
 early became sensible that her close was near, and 
 having lived in great circumspection, she was entirely 
 prepared for the event, the prospect of death having no 
 terrors to her. After giving directions in relation to 
 her temporal concerns, she sent messages of love and 
 affectionate remembrance to numerous friends far and 
 near, mentioning their names, and seeming to forget no 
 one. She said she felt love for everybody. One of her 
 friends coming to her bedside, she told .Jia that she was 
 
147 
 
 nearly gone, but that she felt entirely willing and pre- 
 pared to go ; not from any good she had done, but through 
 the kindness and mercy of her Heavenly Father. 
 
 She said it was astonishing to herself that she should 
 feel so calm at such a time ; that there was nothing in 
 her way, and that she regarded this tranquil state of 
 mind as a great favor. She earnestly enjoined her chil- 
 dren "to love one another; to strive to do right, and 
 become standard-bearers in the cause of truth," and 
 recommended faithful obedience to the inward monitor. 
 She expressed much concern for our little meeting ; that 
 it might continue to be rightly supported, to the honor 
 and glory of the great Head of the Church ; and she 
 was very desirous that the young people, members of 
 society, might be consistent and faithful in their walk- 
 ing through life, to the benefit of society and of them- 
 selves. 
 
 Throughout her sickness she seemed to think little 
 about herself or her sufferings, a trait of character for 
 which she was always remarkable ; but her chief concern 
 was for the welfare of others, far and near, her love em- 
 bracing the whole human family. On the morning of 
 the 29th of 4th month, 1853, she calmly and peacefully 
 breathed her last, in the 70th year of her age, leaving 
 an example to survivors worthy of imitation, and show- 
 ing with what composure and serenity a Christian can 
 die. 
 
 Signed by direction and on behalf of Alexandria 
 Monthly Meeting, in the State of Virginia, held by ad- 
 journment, on the 10th of 8th month, 1853, by 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, Clerhfor the day. 
 Maeqaret E. Hallowell, Clerh, 
 13 
 
148 
 
 Approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, held at 
 Goose Creek, on the 15th of 8th month, 1863. 
 
 William B. Steer, \ r>7 i 
 
 Margaret E. Hallowell, j ^^^^^^' 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held by adjournments from 31st of 10th month to 3d of 
 11th month inclusive, 1853. 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, \ nj i 
 
 Margaret E. Hallowell, j ^^ ^' 
 
 As we have been bereaved by death of our beloved friend, 
 Susannah Jewett, we feel that some account of her life 
 and ministerial labors should be recorded for the edifica- 
 tion of survivors, as well as a just tribute to her memory. 
 
 She was the daughter of Hugh and Susannah Judge, 
 members of our religious Society, from whom she re- 
 ceived early religious instruction ; but being of a bright 
 and cheerful temperament, she was led for a time to cling 
 to the fascinations of earth, and seek enjoyment in its 
 deceptive allurements. But the ever-watchful monitor 
 within often and solemnly warned her that hers was 
 not to be the life of inactivity and ease, and that she 
 was called to bear the cross of Christ. Although for 
 a time she resisted this impression, as opposed to her 
 natural inclination, yet, at the early age of sixteen, she 
 took His yoke upon her, and evinced to the world that 
 she had resolved to follow Him and pursue the narrow 
 path, though it should lead her into the valley of deep 
 humiliation. 
 
149 
 
 At seventeen years of age she appeared acceptably to 
 her friends as a minister of the Gospel. In the year 
 1808 she was married to our friend, John Jewett, and 
 became a member of Deer Creek Monthly Meeting. 
 His tender, religious care and correct judgment were to 
 her, throughout her after life, a comfort and encourage- 
 ment. 
 
 Her ministry was powerful, close and lucid, and 
 though deeply trying to her feelings, she felt bound to 
 deal plainly with the follies and shortcomings of the 
 times, as well as to exhort her hearers to turn from dark- 
 ness unto light. She was often led to dwell emphatic- 
 ally on the subject of hireling ministry in powerful and 
 impressive language, admonishing those engaged in the 
 ministry to give freely what they had freely received, 
 solemnly warning her hearers to beware of a man-made 
 ministry ; exhorting all to come to the fountain of light 
 and life, in the assurance that God would teach His 
 people himself, and that the Gospel of Christ should be 
 dispensed without money and without price. 
 
 To the youth, who were always objects of her espe- 
 cial consideration and affectionate solicitude, she would, 
 in persuasive language, portray the happiness and beauty 
 of a life devoted to religion and virtue, and the import- 
 ance of an early sacrifice. To the members of her small 
 meeting she held forth the language of encouragement, 
 reminding them that strength consisted not in numbers, 
 and exhorted them to look for the blessing that was 
 promised to the two or three that should be gathered in 
 the name of Christ. 
 
 She was a diligent attendant of meetings, and often 
 
150 
 
 left her large family to visit those at a distance, per- 
 forming arduous journeys, impelled by an earnest desire 
 to fulfil her duty to others — and from those meetings 
 testimonials were returned of her acceptable Gospel 
 labors. 
 
 In the social circle she was cheerful and instructive, 
 and in scenes of sorrow or in tlie chambers of sickness, 
 her feeling heart and tender hand, her strength of mind, 
 her religious counsel and sympathy, rendered her pres- 
 ence peculiarly comforting and desirable ; thus was she 
 often a blessing to those who mourned. 
 
 Her summons to relinquish her stewardship was 
 sudden, and her illness too severe to aiford an oppor- 
 tunity for much expression ; but her long life of devotion 
 to her Heavenly Father's will required no such seal to 
 impress upon the minds of survivors, the firm con- 
 viction that she has been received with the blessed lan- 
 guage, " Well done, good and faithful servant, enter 
 thou into the joy of thy Lord." 
 
 She departed this life on the 13th of 9th month, 1853, 
 in the 73d year of her age. 
 
 Read and approved in Deer Creek Monthly Meeting 
 of Friends, held at Broad Creek, the 17th of 8th month, 
 1854, and signed by direction and on behalf thereof, by 
 
 David G. McCoy, 1 ^, , 
 Hannah Jones, / 
 
 Eead and approved by Nottingham Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, held at East Nottingham the 25th of 8th month, 
 1854, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Vincent Stubbs, \ ci k 
 
 Priscilla S. Parry, j ^ ^' 
 
151 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held by adjournments, from the 30th of 10th month, to 
 the 2d of 11th month inclusive, 1854. 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, 
 Margaret E. Hallowell. 
 
 A Testimony of Deer Creek Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
 our late, much beloved friend, John Jewett. 
 
 Believing it to be consistent with Divine wisdom, 
 that the memory of the j ust should be preserved as way- 
 marks, or additional incentives to the living to draw 
 near to Christ, the fountain of light and life, which ever 
 has preserved the servants of God, this meeting feels a 
 concern to prepare the present memorial. 
 
 It may be said in truth that this, our beloved friend, 
 was a consistent example from youth to advanced age ; 
 doing justly, loving mercy, and endeavoring to walk 
 humbly with his God, and manifesting a deep concern 
 for the promotion of righteousness in the earth. He 
 was a constant attendant of meetings for worship and dis- 
 cipline, often very impressively encouraging others to the 
 performance of this reasonable duty, in the meek per- 
 suasive manner peculiar to himself, calculated to leave 
 the impression that our true happiness can only be se- 
 cured by the faithful discharge of all our duties whilst 
 in this state of being. 
 
 He filled the station of an Elder, much to the satis- 
 faction of Friends, during a large portion of his useful 
 life, being always concerned to maintain the health and 
 
152 
 
 reputation of Society. Being blessed with a sound mind 
 and good judgment, he was particularly useful in meet- 
 ings for discipline, having a care not to move therein 
 without the impression of Divine authority ; when his 
 ''views were given in submission, with clearness and sim- 
 plicity. 
 
 He was frequently from home on the important con- 
 cerns of Society, and also as a companion for his beloved 
 wife on religious visits, and we have reason to believe 
 that he was, in the hand of his Divine Master, exten- 
 sively useful. 
 
 Within the last few years of his life his health de- 
 clined, so as sometimes to prevent his attending meet- 
 ings, which was felt to be a privation ; he, however, at- 
 tended several of the sittings of our last Yearly Meet- 
 ing in Baltimore, at one of which he was taken ill, but 
 so far recovered before the meeting closed as to attend 
 (although in a very feeble state) a part of two sittings. 
 On one of these occasions, in the last communication he 
 ever delivered in that meeting, he most affectionately 
 and impressively remarked, that "as we abide in a 
 humble, watchful frame of mind, we shall come to wit- 
 ness the love of God abounding over all in our hearts^ 
 and while looking forward to the close of life with the 
 hope of enjoying a blessed immortality, we shall be able 
 to adopt the language of the Apostle : ^I am now ready 
 to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand : 
 I 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, which the Lord^ the righteous 
 judge, shall give me at that day, and not to me only^ 
 
153 
 
 but to all them that love his appearing/'' Em- 
 phatically adding, "This can only be achieved, my 
 friends, by striving against all evil.'' 
 
 After this he so far revived as to be able to re~ 
 turn home and attend a few meetings, when he was 
 again taken ill, and his system became so paralysed that 
 he was deprived of the power of speech, and for several 
 weeks lay in a helpless, innocent, child-like state, until 
 the 28th day of 1st month, 1854, when it pleased his 
 Heavenly Father to remove him from works to rewards, 
 in the 77th year of his age. 
 
 Thus has it pleased Him who gave, to take from us 
 this, our dear and much beloved friend, leaving a void 
 amongst ns which can only be filled by the faithfulness 
 of those left behind. May we therefore all be willing to 
 draw near to the all-sustaining power, which raised and 
 enabled him to show forth by a practical righteous life 
 that he had indeed overcome the world, and loved God 
 above all, and his fellow-men as himself. 
 
 Read and approved in Deer Creek Monthly Meeting 
 of Friends, held at Broad Creek, the 17th of 8th month, 
 1854, and signed by direction and on behalf thereof, by 
 
 David G. McCoy, \ ^ , 
 Hannah Jones, / ^^^^^' 
 
 Read and approved by Nottingham Quarterly Meet- 
 ing, held at East Nottingham, the;25th of the 8th month,. 
 1854, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Vincent Stubbs, \ n/ l 
 Priscilla S. Parry, / ^^^^^' 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meetings 
 
154 
 
 held by adjournments, from the 30th of 10th month, 
 
 to the 2d of 11th month inclusive, 1854. 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, 
 Margaret E. Hallowell. 
 
 A Memorial of Little Britain Monthly Meeting^ concerning 
 our deceased friend, Elizabeth Smedley. 
 
 When the faithful are removed, a tribute to their 
 memory is due, for " blessed are the dead who die in 
 the Lord." Though such have passed away from hu- 
 man view, yet they speak through their past example 
 and precept, inviting survivors to " follow them as they 
 have followed Christ." 
 
 Such we believe was the blessed experience of our be- 
 loved friend Elizabeth Smedley, who has recently been 
 removed by death from our midst. 
 
 She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Ham- 
 bleton, and was born on the 14th day of 5th month, 
 1786. 
 
 In very early life she experienced the Divine Spirit 
 to operate upon her mind, frequently causing the tears 
 to flow before she was sensible from whence the influ- 
 ence came; but like the child spoken of in Holy Writ, 
 she was attentive to the voice of the Lord, who mani- 
 fested Himself and ofttimes protected her juvenile feet 
 from wandering in forbidden paths. 
 
 On one or two occasions she was induced to depart 
 from the truth on some trivial account, but her ever- 
 present monitor suffered her not to close her eyes in re- 
 
155 
 
 pose until she had souglit forgiveness. Thus we see 
 that even in childhood's tender years, if the mind yield 
 obedience to the monitions of truth it will be supported 
 through every temptation. 
 
 As she approached womanhood and took her position 
 in social society, her lively, buoyant temperament in- 
 duced her to indulge in excess of dress and amusements 
 for a season, but not without great conflict of mind, for 
 He who had been her preserver in youth still followed 
 her closely, marring the anticipated pleasure, and point- 
 ing out to. her a higher source of enjoyment. 
 
 In early life she delighted in the perusal of the Holy 
 Scriptures, and would often retire alone to solitary places, 
 to read over and ponder on the invaluable truths con- 
 tained therein. So important did she deem these sacred 
 writings, that she not only continued to read them at- 
 tentively in her own family through life, but it was her 
 concern affectionately to invite her hearers to a more fa- 
 miliar acquaintance with them, as a precious means of 
 instruction in those spiritual truths which pertain to the 
 highest interests of the soul. After her marriage with 
 our friend Eli Smedley, her mind continued to be deeply 
 exercised ; she felt it to be an imperative duty to attend 
 her meetings, and for some time was tried therein with 
 drowsiness, so much so that human nature would have 
 been willing to have plead excuses to absent herself' 
 therefrom, but nothing short of implicit obedience to 
 known duty could insure the possession of that peace 
 her spirit longed for. 
 
 While partaking of that heavenly bread which nour- 
 ishes the soul, she was not permitted to eat it alone ; and 
 
156 
 
 as her concern for others increased, she felt constrained 
 to invite them to come and partake and know for them- 
 selves the realities of the fruits of obedience to Divine 
 commands. 
 
 Before submitting to this requirement she passed 
 through deep conflicts of spirit, but it was shown to her 
 that obedience was better than sacrifice, and she sub- 
 mitted to the heavenly vision. 
 
 She was an affectionate wife, a tender mother, and 
 sympathising friend ; nor were her sympathies confined 
 within the pale of our Society; her compassionate spirit 
 extended to the oppressed and suffering of all classes. 
 Her disposition was cheerful, but her mind was deeply 
 devoted to her Master's service. While her hands were 
 employed in her daily avocations she was not absorbed 
 in earthly things, but experienced Jeep travail of spirit 
 for Zion's welfare and the enlargement of her borders, 
 or enjoyed sweet communion with her God. Her min- 
 istry was in plainness of speech, but attended with Di- 
 vine authority. Her chief concern was to turn the hearts 
 of the people '^ from darkness to light, and from the 
 power of Satan unto God." The youth were ever ob- 
 jects of her deepest solicitude and affectionate considera- 
 tion, and her impressive appeals to them to make " an 
 early sacrifice " will, in due time, we trust, produce their 
 fruits, as " bread cast upon the waters." 
 
 In the love of the Gospel she was frequently engaged 
 in visiting the neighboring meetings, as well as numer- 
 ous meetings within the limits of Philadelphia Yearly 
 Meeting, and on every such occasion, we believe, returned 
 with the reward of peace. 
 
157 
 
 Her last public communication was at the funeral ot 
 an aged neighbor, on which occasion she was led to speak 
 powerfully to a large audience, portraying the awful 
 danger of putting off the great work of the souFs salva- 
 tion until the eleventh hour, and earnestly entreating 
 them to prepare for the solemn change. Her fervent 
 appeals on that occasion, we trust, will live long in the 
 memory of many present. 
 
 A few days after she was attacked with severe illness, 
 but her conscious moments were employed in commem- 
 orating the goodness and loving- kindness of her Re- 
 deemer, saying : " I have bowed in humility before 
 thee, O Father ! I have long sat in the valley of deep 
 humiliation ! I have known thy love and thy power 
 round-about to support me; I have felt, too, the power 
 of the great dragon to entwine around me, ready to 
 draw me down, but I trusted in thy promise, ^ My grace is 
 sufficient for thee,'^' with much more of the same import, 
 sufficient to evince to those around her that her work 
 was done. On the evening of the 24th day of 3d month, 
 1858, after an illness of thirty-six hours, she quietly 
 breathed her last, in the 72d year of her age, having 
 been a minister twenty -seven years. 
 
 Read in and approved by Little Britain Monthly 
 Meeting, held at Eastland, the i4th day of 8th month, 
 1858, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Joel Smedley, \ nj k 
 
 Priscilla S. Parry, j ^^ ^' 
 
 Read in and approved by Nottingham Quarterly 
 
158 
 
 Meeting, held at East NottiDgham, the 20th of 8th 
 month, 1858, and signed by direction thereof, by 
 
 Joel Smedley, \ ni l 
 
 Priscilla S. Parry, j ^^^*'^^- 
 
 Approved by the Meeting for Sufferings, held 25th 
 of 10th month, 1858, and signed by direction thereof. 
 
 Edward H. Stabler, Cley^h, 
 
 Approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 27th of 10th 
 month, 1858. 
 
 Benjamin Hallowell, \ ni t, 
 Margaret E. Hallowell, / ^^^^f^- 
 
 A Memorial of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, concerning our 
 beloved friend^ Miriam G. Gover, deceased. 
 
 She was born in Loudoun County, Virginia, in the 
 year 1791. Her parents were Henry and Ann Taylor. 
 She had not a birthright in the Society of Friends, nor 
 was her early education amongst them, but rather with a 
 class of society in which the young people were in the 
 practice of indulging in much gaiety and frivolity. Her 
 natural temperament led her to wear gay apparel and to 
 join in the amusements of the day, thus floating thought- 
 lessly with the current. 
 
 But whilst quite a young woman, she was favored 
 with a visitation of Divine love, by which she was 
 olearly shown that she must change her course, and that 
 the only way to be at peace would be to heed the inward 
 teacher, and that in so doing she must take up the cross 
 
159 
 
 to her natural inclination, renounce the vanities of the 
 times, and adopt in lieu thereof such a course as obe- 
 dience to truth would point out to a watchful mind. 
 She has often been heard to describe the great conflict 
 of spirit, the struggling of self to overcome the convic- 
 tions of duty, that she might not have to bear the taunts 
 and sneers of her volatile friends ; but she always ac- 
 knowledged the goodness and wisdom of her Heavenly 
 Father in holding her firmly by the cords of love, so 
 that she could have no peace, but often wet her pillow 
 with tears of anguish at what seemed to be her hard lot, 
 until the mastery was gained, and she was made willing 
 to follow His teaching. But when it was shown her 
 that she must abase herself yet more — that she must at- 
 tend Friends' Meetings — that she must adopt their plain 
 costume, and speak their plain language, then she felt 
 like giving out ; but thanks to His adorable mercy, she 
 has often exclaimed, even to this end, strength was af- 
 forded to yield to His requirings. 
 
 After a time she was impressed with a sense that it 
 would be right to apply for admission into membership 
 with Friends, and she was accordingly received when 
 she was about 18 years of age. 
 
 In the year 1814 she was joined in marriage with 
 Jesse Gover, with whom she lived in true affection 
 twenty-eight years, when he was removed by death in 
 the year 1842. 
 
 They each received about the same time a gift in the 
 ministry, and she was recommended as a Minister by 
 her Monthly Meeting in the year 1834. 
 
 For a long time her communications were generally 
 14 
 
160 
 
 short, but bearing evidence of Divine authority, they 
 were impressive, and always acceptable. Being now 
 fully committed to her Master's calling, she became 
 watchful and obedient to His requirings. She was a 
 constant attender of all the meetings to which she be- 
 longed, both for worship and discipline, and was a re- 
 markable example to all, her deportment therein being 
 that of one engaged in true worship, and seeking sweet 
 communion with her Maker. 
 
 She was often called on to visit other parts of the 
 Lord's vineyard, and it was well known to the con- 
 cerned members of her own meeting, how deep was her 
 travail of spirit, fearing lest she might outrun the Mas- 
 ter, and doubting her own ability for the work. On 
 such occasions she often needed Christian encourage- 
 ment, seldom or never the word of caution. Her con- 
 cerns were weighed so long and so well, that when ex- 
 pressed in her meetings it was always with a clearness 
 and precision that left no doubt on the minds of her 
 friends as to the source from whence the call emanated. 
 
 She travelled much, and labored extensively for the 
 cause of truth. Her communications were seldom doc- 
 trinal, but practical. She was very charitable to other 
 denominations, believing there were good persons in all 
 societies; that all who know their Master's will, and do 
 it, shall be accepted of Him. Her house was always 
 open to receive her friends. Her manner was kind and 
 pressing to all alike, without respect to persons. In this 
 she appeared to exemplify that endearing quality of our 
 nature — love, which in its perfect exercise, comprehends 
 our whole duty to God and to our fellow-creatures. 
 
161 
 
 The operation of this love in her heart led her to ac- 
 complish many arduous journeys, to visit those remote 
 from meetingSj and often to encourage and streugthen 
 the afflicted ; and we believe there are many persons in 
 the laud who can bear witness that she was the means, 
 in His hands, of awakening and comforting their des- 
 ponding souls. 
 
 We wish not to write a eulogy upon her character, but 
 we would hold up to the remembrance of the living 
 those special testimonies to which it appeared to be her 
 concern to call our attention. For members of our So- 
 ciety she seemed often concerned to impress the young 
 to observe plainness of apparel. She was aware that in 
 the view of some this was considered a trivial matter, 
 but with this, as with all other subjects requiring a 
 yielding of the will, if it was felt to be right, it was no 
 longer a small matter, but being a duty, it should be ob- 
 served. She had herself, in youth, been made to see the 
 folly of decorating the body, the time thus wasted being 
 precious moments that might otherwise be applied in 
 doing much good in the world. And few persons have 
 labored more diligently with their own hands than she 
 has done. 
 
 Another subject she was accustomed to impress upon 
 the minds of her hearers, was the importance and rea- 
 sonableness of the duty of assembling ourselves for Di- 
 vine worship, and the real joy which it had been her ex- 
 perience to know on such occasions, and that such might 
 be the experience of us all if we would diligently labor 
 for reconciliation and communion with the Father, who 
 is ever waiting to be gracious ; that she could in truth 
 
162 
 
 say she had never once regretted having assembled with 
 her friends at the place apj)ointed for Divine worship. 
 
 Daring the recent troubles that have divided our once 
 prosperous land, our meeting-liouse was for a number of 
 months used as quarters for soldiers. We met with 
 them regularly, often with much weight and anxiety of 
 mind, that truth might be exalted. We remember her 
 as a remarkable instance of the influence of one of solid 
 deportment, silently waiting upon her God, evidently 
 stilling the restless spirits of the soldiers ; and when she 
 would raise her voice in obedience to His requiring, the 
 effect was often manifest in their manner, that they 
 were moved with a sense of His presence and power y 
 and we think their minds were frequently awakened to 
 profitable impressions. 
 
 With her, as with all rightly concerned minds, our 
 national troubles w^ere much deplored. But we believe 
 she well knew where to look for comfort in affliction, and 
 that she relied in full faith upon His power. 
 
 She was suddenly prostrated with a disease of the 
 heart, and after a few hours' illness, departed this life 
 on the morning of the 18th day of 4th month, 1863, 
 in the 73d year of her age. Her remains were followed 
 to the grave the next first day afternoon, by a large 
 concourse of friends and neighbors, and a peculiarly 
 solemn meeting was held on the occasion. 
 
 We trust her labors for the cause of truth and 
 righteousness will long bear fruits, and that we who 
 have known her and so often been instructed by her, 
 will remember and profit by her earnest appeals and 
 encouraging language, and con nually strive so to live 
 
163 
 
 that we may in the end be accounted worthy to receive 
 a crown immortal. 
 
 Signed on behalf of the Fairfax Monthly Meeting, 
 held the 12th day of 8th month, 1863, by 
 
 Wm. Williams, \ ^. . 
 Eliza H. Walker, J ^^^* '^^• 
 
 Read and approved in Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, 
 held at Goose Creek, the 17th of 8th month, 1863, and 
 signed on behalf thereof, by 
 
 Edward Brown, 1 pj , 
 Eliza Brown, J 
 
 Read and approved by Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held by adjournments from the 26th of 10th month to 
 the 29th of the same, inclusive, 1863. 
 
 Benjamin Hallo well, X^ij j. 
 Mary G. Moore, / ^^^''''^' 
 
 A Memorial of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, concerning our 
 deceased friend, Louisa Steer. 
 
 When the good and faithful are called from work to 
 rewards, we believe it right to keep some little record 
 of their lives, for the encouragement of those who may 
 follow after them. 
 
 Our dear friend, Louisa Steer, was the daughter of 
 David and Mary Brown, of Frederick County, Virginia. 
 She was born on the 16th of 4th month, 1800. 
 
 Her parents were not members of the Religious So- 
 ciety of Friends, but her training was in that direction. 
 
164 
 
 and early in life she became convinced that true peace 
 is to be found only in a denial of self, and taking up 
 the cross and following a meek and lowly Saviour. 
 In the 22d year of her age she requested, and was re- 
 ceived a member of Hopewell Monthly Meeting, and 
 the same year was united in marriage with William B. 
 Steer, and became a member of Fairfax Monthly 
 Meeting. Their house might almost be said to be an 
 asylum for the afflicted. Many homeless and destitute 
 ones sought and found a refuge there. Their necessities 
 were relieved and their wants ministered unto tenderly, 
 remembering the words of our Divine Teacher, " Inas- 
 much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these 
 my brethren, ye have done it unto me.'* 
 
 She was a diligent attender of meetings, and an 
 earnest worker in all that she thought would promote 
 the cause of truth and righteousness on earth, pleasant 
 and instructive in conversation, and always careful to 
 let no utterance pass her lips calculated to injure or 
 hurt the feelings of another ; "truly, love and humility 
 marked her character. 
 
 She travelled extensively in the ministry. Near the 
 close of her life she visited in Gospel love all the yearly, 
 and many of tlie subordinate meetings of Friends with 
 whom we are united. When a duty presented, with 
 singleness of purpose she gave herself to it till it was 
 accomplished ; indeed, to do the will of her Father 
 seemed to be her meat and her drink. 
 
 Her last illness was short and severe, which she bore 
 with Christian fortitude, and was released on the 23d of 
 fourth month, 1870, aged 70 years. 
 
165 
 
 Signed on behalf of Fairfax Monthly Meeting, held 
 
 7th month, 12th, 1871. 
 
 Elisha H. Walker, 1 ^^^^^^ 
 Mary E. Williams, j 
 
 Eead in and approved by Fairfax Quarterly Meeting, 
 held at Goose Creek, 8th month, 21st, 1871. 
 
 Robert F. Roberts, 1 ^^^^,^^^ 
 Lydia Lupton, j 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held by adjournments, from 30th of 10th month to 2d 
 of 11th month, inclusive, 1871. 
 
 William Wood, 1 p., 
 Mary G. Moore, / '^^^^''^' 
 
 A Memorial of Centre Monthly Meeting, concerning our 
 deceased friend, G-ulielma Wilson. 
 
 The subject of this memoir was born in Chester 
 County, Pennsylvania, on the 8th day of 12th month, 
 1794. 
 
 Her parents, Job and Hannah Packer, were members 
 of the Religious Society of Friends, of which she had 
 a birthright. They removed to Clinton County, Penn- 
 sylvania, when she was three years of age. Early in 
 life she was deprived, by death, of the Christian care of a 
 concerned mother, but she realised that the Divine 
 Master was ever near to direct her goings. She was 
 often heard to speak of the gracious dealings of her 
 Heavenly Father towards her when quite young, so 
 
166 
 
 that she was enabled to experience the love of God to 
 be shed abroad in her heart. Being remotely situated 
 from Friends, she grew up amongst a different class of 
 people. In the eighteenth year of her age she entered 
 into marriage with our late Friend, Robert Wilson, with 
 whom she lived about forty-three years. They settled 
 in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania, when it was quite 
 a wilderness — livino; from amono^st Friends, the 
 society of her choice, but she was not left comfortless. 
 As she was willing to ask her Heavenly Father for 
 strength to do her duty to her family and fellow-creatures, 
 she sweetly realised the promise given, " Ask and ye 
 shall receive." 
 
 In the year 1825 she removed with her family to 
 Centre County, within the limits of this meeting, 
 where she passed the remainder of her life. She felt a 
 deep interest in the promotion and advancement of 
 society, and was a diligent attender of meetings when 
 health would permit. Her seat vvas seldom vacant. 
 She was ever ready to encourage the weary traveller 
 Zionward, evincing a great concern for the youth. 
 Though greatly in the cross she felt called to speak in 
 public, but as she was willing to yield obedience, it 
 brought peace to her own mind. In due time her gift 
 was acknowledged, and she was recommended as a 
 Minister. She bore a faithful testimony to the prin- 
 ciples of our Society, and was an example worthy of 
 imitation, often expressing thankfulness to her Heavenly 
 Father in supporting her under many trials. She 
 was of a delicate constitution, but of an industrious 
 turn, and to use the proverb, " She seeketh wool and 
 
167 
 
 flax, and worketh willingly with her hands." She was 
 always cheerful, and her heart and house were ever 
 open to her friends. Being unable to attend meeting 
 for several years before her death, she desired Friends 
 to come and sit with her and her family, which request 
 was granted. These seasons she greatly appreciated, 
 and how strong were her religious feelings in silent 
 worship may be discovered from some lines penned by 
 her, which are as follows : " O Lord, in silence have 
 I sought thee; in silence have I found thee; in silence 
 have I worshipped thee ; in silence hast thou shown me 
 thy wonderful works." She continued to grow weaker 
 as her years increased, and was afflicted with a disease 
 of a chronic nature, so that her suffering was great, but 
 she was often heard to say, " Why is it that I am so long 
 continued ? Oh, how I desire to be released ! I want 
 no more of this world's goods ! " She expressed love 
 to all her fellow-creatures, saying, " I love them all ! " 
 While she had strength to speak, she gave good advice 
 and counsel to her children. 
 
 She quietly breathed her last, as one falling into a 
 sweet sleep, on the 16th of 3d month, 1870, in the 
 seventy-sixth year of her age. By her request a solemn 
 meeting was held at her house, after which her remains 
 were interred in Friends' burial-ground at Centre. 
 
 Approved by Centre Monthly Meeting, held eighth 
 month, 10th, 1871. 
 
 Eeuben Underwood, Clerh. 
 
 Elizabeth Iddings, Clerk for the day. 
 
 Approved by Centre Quarterly Meeting, held 9th 
 month, 4th, 1871. 
 
 William P. Fisher, \ ^7 t. 
 Elizabeth Iddings, / ^ ^^™- 
 
168 
 
 Read and approved in Baltimore Yearly Meeting, 
 held by adjournments, from 30th of 10th month, to 2d 
 of 11th month, inclusive, 1871. 
 
 William Wood, I rtj l 
 Maky G. Moore, J ^^^^^^' 
 
 Memorial of Baltimore Monthly Meeting of Friends^ con- 
 cerning Martha E. Ttsojt. 
 
 Believing from the lessons of our individual ex- 
 perience, as well as from the truths of the inspired 
 volume, that the '^ memory of the just is blessed," and 
 profitable to survivors, in the encouragement afforded 
 by the example they leave behind them ; we have 
 deemed it our duty to our children, and those of our 
 '^ household of faith" who are to follow us in the 
 pilgrimage of life, to give our testimony to the purity 
 of heart. Christian virtue, and earnest devotion to her 
 Divine Master's will, which so conspicuously marked 
 the life and character of our deceased friend, Martha E. 
 Tyson. 
 
 She was the daughter of George and Elizabeth 
 Ellicott, and was born at Ellicott's Mills (now Ellicott 
 City) in the year 1795; was married to our late friend, 
 Nathan Tyson, in 1815, and for more than fifty years 
 thereafter, was a bright and shining example of all that 
 we appreciate and love in the varied relations of wife, 
 mother and friend. 
 
 Having from her childhood been a regular attendant 
 of her Meeting, her interest and convictions increasing 
 
169 
 
 as the years rolled by, she was oftea called into its 
 services, and was eminently faithful in the performance 
 of them. Especially was she fitted for .such missions 
 as required the extension of the hand of sympathy, 
 combined with gentle admonition, iier presence carrying 
 with it such power that few could resist its most per- 
 suasive influence. 
 
 This diligence in the attendance of Meeting was 
 characteristic of our dear friend. Rarely indeed was 
 her seat vacant, even when bodily infirmity would seem 
 to require it ; and she was remarkable for her solid de- 
 portment therein, her countenance bearing the impress 
 of devotion while engaged in vocal or silent prayer. 
 She was often led to remarks expressive of the peace 
 and solemnity which sometimes covered her spirit in 
 these seasons of social worship ; frequently quoting the 
 exclamations of the Psalmist, as indicative of her feelings 
 on these occasions : " Thou anointest my head with oil, 
 ray cup runneth over ; surely goodness and mercy shall 
 follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in 
 the house of the Lord forever." 
 
 In the thirty-fifth year of her age, she was appointed 
 to the responsible position of an Elder of this Meeting ; 
 and although very reluctant at that period of life to 
 assume the important duties of this station, feeling that 
 the care of a large family of children demanded a 
 mother's solicitude and a mother's attention ; yet she 
 performed those duties to the satisfaction of her friends 
 for many years. 
 
 In the year 1838, she with her family removed, and 
 settled for some vears within the limits of Little Falls 
 
170 
 
 Monthly Meeting, where she soon after appeared 
 frequently in the ministry. Her communications, 
 though usually short, were impressive, acceptable and 
 convincing ; were generally of a practical character, 
 seldom doctrinal, and always pervaded with the deepest 
 reverence for the Divine Father, and Christian charity 
 towards all His children ; recognising the great fact 
 that all who seek to know the Father's will, and do it, 
 will be accepted with Him, without regard to sect or 
 creed. She inculcated the mingling of religious obliga- 
 tions with the smallest acts of daily life, as the truest 
 means of showing our allegiance to the " King of 
 Kings ;'' believing that the Father ofttimes reveals 
 HimseL'Un simple ways, which, if accepted cheerfully, 
 become as stepping-stones to higher states yet unrevealed. 
 A favorite sentiment often quoted was — 
 
 " Count that day lost, whose low-descending sun 
 Marks, in its course, no generous action done." 
 
 Her offerings in the line of the ministry were accom- 
 panied with such evidences of the power of Truth, that 
 her gift was recognised, and she was approved as a 
 minister by this Monthly Meeting, in 1861. During 
 part of her absence from the city, and some years subse- 
 quently, she served as Clerk of the Women's Yearly 
 Meeting. 
 
 The improvement and development of all our facul- 
 ties, and a higher standard of education in our Society, 
 was a subject which for many years deeply interested her 
 mind. Recognising our responsibility to our Heavenly 
 Father for the right use of all His gifts, and believing 
 
171 
 
 the cultivation of our intellectual powers renders us 
 more useful to each other, in " bearing one another^s 
 burdens/' and thus " fulfilling the law of Christ ; '^ she 
 earnestly advocated this view on all suitable occasions, 
 offen referring to the past records of our Society for 
 illustrations of high intellectual culture, in connection 
 with deep spiritual experience, exemplified in the life 
 and labors of Robert Barclay, William Penn, Isaac 
 Pennington, and others, whose records are among the 
 brightest pages of our history. The interest awakened 
 by her and a few concerned Friends in this particular, 
 originated the movement which culminated in the estab- 
 lishment of Swarthmore College. 
 
 Although her public appearances were of so marked a 
 character, it was in the privacy of domestic li.''^ that the 
 "' fruits of the Spirit" were more strikingly manifested. 
 Her home was the abode of Love, and bore beautiful 
 evidence of the prevalence of this attribute of the 
 Divine Mind ; exemplifying also that endearing quality 
 of our nature, which in its proper exercise, comprehends 
 our whole duty to our Heavenly Father, and to one 
 another. 
 
 The reading of the Bible in her family circle was 
 marked; these seasons bearing evidence of the high 
 value which she pjaced upon the Sacred Writings, and 
 the deep, reverent spirit that clothed her mind while she 
 read. 
 
 To the subject of prayer, its sanctity, and the bless- 
 ings received through its exercise, as the turning of a 
 child to a loving parent, she was often led earnestly to 
 call attention ; and her desire that the young should be, 
 15 
 
172 
 
 from their earliest years, imbued with a sense of its 
 helpfulness, was most feelingly expressed both in public 
 and private opportunities. She viewed it, as " our^Hw- 
 lege, to raise our souls to our Father in Heaven, and 
 by continued watchfulness and holy trust, so to attune 
 them into harmony with His, that ^ not my will, but 
 Thine/ should be the breathing of our highest aspira- 
 tions ^^ ; ever believing in the promise, " Thou wilt 
 keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee, 
 because he trusteth in Thee." 
 
 Of her it may be emphatically said, that emulating 
 the example of the Divine Master, she " went about, 
 doing good ; " not only visiting " the widow and the 
 fatherless in their affliction," and ministering to the 
 necessities of the destitute ; but she was often favored 
 to speak " the word in season " to the little ones of the 
 flock, those who felt that their " family was poor in 
 Manasseh, and they the least in their Father's house." 
 
 To these she gave the " right hand of fellowship," 
 and by her tender admonitions and her loving counsels, 
 she aided and encouraged them, so that they were ready 
 to rise up, ^' and go on their way towards Zion," re- 
 joicing. 
 
 Early in life's morning (as has been said) she entered 
 into the vineyard of the Lord, and there diligently 
 wrought in His holy service, resting not at the noon- 
 tide hour, growing not weary with the day's long toil ; 
 while the increasing sweetness of spirit, the widening 
 of all her sympathies, and the added tenderness in their 
 expression, marked the closing of a day growing richer 
 and more beauteous to the end. And as the sunset 
 
173 
 
 hour drew near, and the gracious message came to her, 
 ''Cease now from thy labors, for the task assigned thee 
 is accomplished ;" though she meekly folded her hands, 
 and rested from active service, she ceased not to " pray 
 for the peace of Jerusalem" and the "enlargement of 
 her borders '^ ; nor did she fail to exhort those around 
 her, to enter as faithful laborers into the " fields white 
 unto harvest," and fill the places there left vacant. 
 
 While thus resting, and patiently waiting, she fre- 
 quently observed, with child-like love and trust, " The 
 Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He raaketh 
 me to lie down in green pastures, He leadeth me beside 
 the still waters." 
 
 It was clearly evident to those who were privileged 
 to watch with her during the closing hours of her life, 
 that the Father's "banner over her was love"; and 
 that His peace, even the " peace that passeth all under- 
 standing," had been given to her in full measure, so 
 that nothing could disturb or make her afraid. 
 
 She had nothing to do but to wait — })atiently and 
 reverently wait — for the summons that should call her 
 from " works to rewards," and bid her enter into the 
 "joy of her Lord." 
 
 And thus daily growing in the knowledge of heavenly 
 things, clothed with the spirit of prayer as with a gar- 
 ment, and clasping more and more closely the Father's 
 hand ; on the 5th day of 3d month, 1873, in the 78th 
 year of her age, she passed away from earth, to dwell, 
 we reverently believe, forever with Him, in whose 
 '' presence is fulness of joy," and at whose " right hand, 
 there are pleasures forever more." i 
 
174 
 
 Read in, and approved by, Baltimore Monthly 
 Meeting of Friends, held 9th month, 10th, 1874. 
 
 Geraed H. Reese, \ m i- 
 
 Elizabeth M. Sutton, ] '^ 
 
 Read in Baltimore Quarterly Meeting, held at Gun- 
 powder, 9th month, 14th, 1874, and directed to be for- 
 warded to the Representative Committee of Baltimore 
 
 Yearly Meeting. 
 
 Wm.' C. Haviland, I ^j 7 
 Rebecca M. Thomas, ] 
 
 Read in Baltimore Yearly Meeting of Men and 
 Women Friends. 
 
 William Wood, I n/ i 
 Mary L. Roberts, ) ^^ ^* 
 
LIST OF MEMORIALS. 
 
 PAGE. 
 
 Ann Moore, 3 
 
 Joseph Berry, 5 
 
 John Bartletl, 6 
 
 James Berry, 7 
 
 JohnMalsby, 9 
 
 Mary Cox, 10 
 
 Susanna Brown, ........ 14 
 
 Philip Coale, . 16 
 
 Hannah Matthews, 19 
 
 ElishaKirk, 20 
 
 William Matthews, 23 
 
 William Wilson, . 28 
 
 Isaac Everitt, 31 
 
 Martha Mendenhall, .33 
 
 Ruth Walton, ; . . 35 
 
 Anthony Poultney, 38 
 
 Mary Brooke, 39 
 
 John Simpson, 42 
 
 William Amos, 44 
 
 Abel Thomas, 48 
 
 Hannah Litle, 49 
 
 James Mendenhall, 54 
 
 Hannah Januey, 55 
 
/ 
 
 176 
 
 page/ 
 
 Elizabeth Gillingham, 58 
 
 Margaret Elgar, 63 
 
 Mary Mifflin, . . " 65 
 
 Mere}' Brown, 68 
 
 Elizabeth Pugh 71 
 
 Evan Thomas, 74 
 
 Edward Stabler, 83 
 
 Thomas Wetherald, 89 
 
 Elizabeth Thomas, 96 
 
 John Livingston, 102 
 
 Jesse Gover, 106 
 
 Mary D. Price, 110 
 
 William Fisher, 116 
 
 Judith Preston, 130 
 
 Deborah Stabler, . 125 
 
 Mary Matthews, 130 
 
 Jacob Lafetra, . . 133 
 
 William Stabler, 140 
 
 Mary Stabler, . , 144 
 
 Susannah Jewett, 148 
 
 John Jewett, 151 
 
 Elizabeth Smedley, 154 
 
 Miriam G. Gover, 158 
 
 Louisa Steer, 163 
 
 Gulielma Wilson, 165 
 
 Martha E. Tyson, 168 
 
 ^7T^ 
 
iV?S.^.!iiy O"" CONGRESS 
 
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