Columbia THE LIBRARIES Bequest of Frederic Bancroft 1860-1945 ^ LIFE AND LABORS Rev. Reuben Gaylord some Jnssioyj-RZ' ASD SrPESIBrELSDXBT MH A H M 5. FOR XMMMASKA jlSD WESTRE. HIS WIFE "Serr^-: :: _ : _d. weJ7 d:r; -.HA Rxrs Pbxst:> - OHnun A i A/ v 4 oil Copyrighted, 1889, by Maky W. Gayloed. DEDICATION. to his personal friends, to the surviving members of his college class, to the churches of iowa and nebraska, to his brethren in the ministry, to his children, and to the city of omaha whose highest prosperity he so earnestly sought, this memoir is respectfully dedicated by The Author. NOTE. The commencement of these Memoirs dates back to the second year after Mr. Gay lord's decease. When much pre- paratory work had been done, two seasons of long and severe illness discouraged the writer, and the undertaking was prac- tically abandoned. But in the summer of 1887 eastern friends expressed so strong a desire for such a Memorial, that a promise was made to resume the work as soon as circumstances would permit. This book now given to the public is the fulfillment of that promise. The author wishes to acknowledge her obligations to various friends for valuable aid in the preparation of this volume. CONTENTS Introduction. PAGE 1 CHAPTER I. Early Days. 1812—1830. Norfolk. Ancestiy. Parents. School Days. Second Home. Pond Hill School House. Loon Meadow. Reminiscences. Home Life. Temperance Reform. Conversion. Preparation for College. Rev. Ralph Emerson 7 CHAPTER II. College Life. 1830—1834. Infancy of Railroads. Ride to New Haven. Examina- tion. Hazing. Scholarship. Revival of 1831. Tutor Pettingell. Rev. Joseph Eldridge. Gradua- tion. Invitation to Illinois College 25 CHAPTER III. Teaching and Journeying. 1834—1837. New Preston. Going West. Illinois in Early Days. Founding of Illinois College. Rev. Theron Bald- win. Jacksonville. Work as Tutor. Vacation Trips. Engagement. Letters. Study of Theology. Redeeming the Time. More Work. Horseback Ride to Connecticut. Springfield, 111., Indianapolis, Colum- bus, O., Central New York, and Albany in 1837. Arrival at Home • 37 Vlll CONTENTS. CHAPTER IV. Yale Seminary. 1837—1838. . PAGE Return to New Haven. Theological Studies. Letters to Miss Burton. Dr. Taylor. Anti-Slavery Meetings. Interesting Exercises at the Second Centennial of New Haven Colony. Licensed to Preach. Preaching at New Preston . Iowa Educational Association . Names of Members. Commission from A. H. M. S. for Henry County, Iowa. Ordination. Leaving Home. Journey to Iowa 75 CHAPTER V. Iowa . 1838—1843. Black Hawk War. First Settlement. Marriage. Mt. Pleasant. Work. Organization of Churches at Danville, Fairfield, Farmington, Brighton, Washing- ton and Mt. Pleasant. Removal to Danville. Flint Creek. Abner Kneeland. Death of Mrs. Gay lord. Congregational Association of Iowa. Visit to the East. Journeying. Two Trips to Davenport. Ap- peal for Help. Second Marriage. Log Cabin Life. A Prairie Fire. Pioneer Experiences. Funerals.... 97 CHAPTER VI. Life in Danville. 1843—1855. Andover Band. Meeting in Denmark. Iowa College. Installation. Bereavement. Church Building. Dedi- cation. Letters to Mrs. Gay lord. Trustee Meetings in Davenport. Contributions to Foreign Missions. Weddings. A Visit East. Select School. Oregon Emigration. Fruitage. In Labors Abundant. Re- vivals. Congregationalism in Iowa. Cases of Con- version. Church Self Supporting. Journey to Nebraska. Invitation to Omaha. Farewell Sermon . . 127 CONTENTS. IX CHAPTER VII. Nebraska. 1855—1859. PAOE Kansas-Nebraska Bill. Nebraska. An Appeal for a man. Removal to Omaha. Cold and Privation. Sickness and Death. Organization of Churches at Omaha, Fontanelle and Other Places. Church Building. Mrs. Gay lord's Visit East. Letters. Hard Times. Visit to Danville. From Danville to Omaha Again . Gold Excitement 173 CHAPTER VIII. A Growing Field. 1859—1864. Church Organization. Pike's Peak Excitement. Emigra- tion. A Journey East to Secure Funds for Fontanelle College. St. Joseph. Quincy. Illinois Association. New York City. Henry Ward Beecher. Large Sympathy but Little Money. Commencement at New Haven. Class Meeting. A Cold Summer. Return Home. An Anniversary . The War. Nebraska Troops. Bus}' Days. "Home Missionary Box." The Bell. Organization of Church at Nebraska City. Donation Party. Union Pacific Railroad 211 CHAPTER IX. Home Missionary Superintendent. 1864—1870. Needed Rest . Appointment as ' ' Agent " of the A . II . M . S . Bushwhackers. Omaha Pastors. Revival at Glen- wood. Delegate to National Council. Explorations. Organization of Churches at Greenwood, Oakfield, Bartlett, Camp Creek, Columbus, Schuyler, Elkhorn, and Milford. Omaha off the List. Sunday School Work. Resignation. Trip to Utah. Touring in Colorado 263 X CONTENTS. CHAPTER X. Closing Years. 1870—1880. PAGE Work at LaPlatte, Irvington, Papillion and Other Points. Dr. Badger's Death. Fontanelle. Twentieth Anni- versary of Omaha Church. A Night Walk. Reports of Labor. A Lost Child. Removal to Fontanelle. Gov. and Mrs. Richardson. Col. Kline. Omaha Sunday School Anniversary . Jalapa . Home Mission- ary Contributions. Death of a Sister. A Visit in Iowa. Last Weeks. Fallen in His Armor 319 CHAPTER XI. In Memoriam. 1880. Funeral Services. Memorial Services. Interesting Testi- monials and Reminiscences from Numerous Friends.. 355 CHAPTER XII. Gleanings and Incidents. 1812—1880. Mr. Ga}dord as a Sermonizer. Funeral Sermon of L. S. Jaggar. Characteristics. Incidents. Thoughts and Sayings. Memorial Sermon, March 20, 1870. Letter to Denmark Association. Memorial Sermon, May 7, 1876. Funeral Seraion of Col. William Kline. Last Sermon, January 4, 1880. Nebraska. Education. Fontanelle College. Norfolk. Miscellaneous 387 INTRODUCTION. The narrative of Mr. Gaylord's life and labors will be given, as far as practicable, from his own writings, and will consist of somewhat copious extracts from a journal, embrac- ing a period of time from 1837 to 1844, and also letters written by him to various friends, and to the American Home Missionary Society, which have been preserved, extending through many years. His numerous letters to his mother, toward whom he ever cherished the tenderest regard, have not been found ; and this will make a vacancy which cannot be supplied. Letters are often journals, telling what the writer and those around him are doing, and giving a narrative of interesting events, which are taking place in the world. Some incidents will be related for the sake of the children and grand-children of the deceased, which may not be of much interest to the general reader. New England, once the asylum and the home of saints and heroes, was the birthplace of Mr. Gaylord. It was the garden of the Bible, where its truths were planted deeply and in such congenial soil that they grew most luxuriantly, and yielded those wholesome fruits which are necessary to promote true spiritual life and growth in the human soul. As the years have grown to centuries, the sharp sickles of error and unbelief have lopped off some of the branches, but the plants still live. Most of her Christian men and women, who have been transplanted to other climes as home or foreign missionaries or business men, have maintained the true " faith once delivered to the saints." They have held fast to the plain, strong, Scriptural doctrines, " which are able to make men wise unto salvation," with greater tenacity than some of their New England brethren are doing at the present day. But there is still a great vitality in the religious life of this grand and beloved New England ; A LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. and the millennium is coming. Then, we believe that she and her Christian children, scattered over the face of the earth, will be in the vanguard — leading the Lord's armies on to certain conquest for Christ. It is thought best to make the book considerably smaller than the original plan. A few friends requested that a portion of his sermons might be published, but lest it should make the work too voluminous, all will be omitted, except two or three given on special occasions. These, together with other incidental matters of interest will con- stitute the closing chapter of the book. We do not think that too many biographies of good men and women have been given to the world. Whatever is good and praiseworthy in such lives, when spread out upon the printed page, forms an object lesson, from which can be learned those great and needful moral truths, that sometimes look so attractive to the beholder as to inspire him with a desire to engraft them into his own character. When this is done, that character, guided by help from above, ceases to yield the bitter and unwholesome fruit of worldliness and wrong-doing, and instead thereof brings forth fruit unto God, perhaps an hundred fold. Then, the untiring industry, the self-denial, the devotion to the best interests of humanity, patience in the midst of trials — sometimes mixed with impatience and discouragement — form a picture worthy of careful study. He who looks at this side of the picture can see that, while the setting of it is by the Great Artist, in the filling up are some human imperfections, which he will learn how to avoid. The biography of a good man brings us into a more intimate acquaintance with his true character than we could gain in any other way. In our personal knowledge we see much of the surface and little of the inner life. We cannot know his purity of motive, consequently he is often misjudged. Biography has been called "the soul of history," and INTRODUCTION. 6 there is surely much valuable history contained in the record of a long life. It tells of what is new and interesting in the generation in which he lived, and relates important incidents, which might otherwise have been overlooked or forgotten. Each generation has its own experiences, differing from those before it, but showing always, we believe, progress toward the right; and that the kingdom of Christ, though advancing slowly, is surely coming, and earth is reaching upward to take hold on heaven. The Bible is full of biographies, truthful because inspired. The one of the Divine and human Christ, the only perfect Being, often causes regret for its brief account of all those early years of childhood and youth. At the same time we experience a tender and holy joy, that so much is given us to know of the pure life and blessed example, the self-abnegation and final sacrifice of Him, after whom the lives of all good men and women have been modeled, and will be to the end of time. The design in writing this book is to preserve a record of an earnest and faithful minister of Christ, who for forty- one years tried to preach a pure gospel ; also to give a brief history of planting churches of Congregational faith and polity in the two states of Iowa and Nebraska. Mr. Gaylord was the second to lay these foundations in the then new Territory of Iowa. Rev. Asa Turner was first, coming to Denmark from Quincy, Illinois, in May, 1838. Mr. Gaylord •came direct from Yale Theological Seminary in the follow- ing autumn, and commenced his labors in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, December 1, 1838. Within a few weeks Danville, sixteen miles further east, was united to his field, and being •solicited by that people to live among them, he removed there in October, 1839. Besides doing much general mis- sionary work, he continued to care for both these places, preaching at Mt. Pleasant on alternate Sabbaths until November, 1843. Then Rev. Ephraim Adams of the Andover Band, was assigned to that part of the field. In 4 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. the spring of 1844 Mr. Gay lord was installed as pastor of the church at Danville, and ministered to them in that capacity until November, 1855. Having received a call from Omaha, Nebraska, which he felt to be also a call from God, he asked for a dismission from his beloved people, and after an overland journey of much hardship, arrived in Omaha with his family on Christmas day, 1855. Nebraska Territory was then in its early infancy, and he was again a pioneer, being the first Congregational minister, and for some time the only one. Here, after twenty-five years of unceas- ing labor, during which "the wilderness began to rejoice and blossom as the rose," he was stricken down in the midst of his work and called home to his reward. r. EARLY DAYS 1812-1830. Around, the wooded hills in beauty rise ! Earth hath not many scenes more fair than this, And none more dear to those who call it home ! — Selected. The tremulous gleams of early days, The first faint thrills of love and praise, And God's light, resting on all. — Havergal. The life of a Christian youth is laid in the loom of time to a pattern he does not see, but God does. — Selected. "He shall choose our inheritance for us." "As long as he liveth he shall be lent unto the Lord." " So He bringeth them into their desired haven." CHAPTER I. Early Days. Norfolk — Ancestry — Parents— School Days — Second Home — Pond School-House — Loon Meadow — Reminiscences — Home Ltfe — Temperance Reform — Conversion — Preparation for College — Rev. Ralph Emerson. THE rocky and picturesque town of Norfolk, Connecticut, forms a part of the northern boundary of the state, and is one of the most elevated portions of the hilly and pictur- esque county of Litchfield. From the forests and glens of this county, have gone forth, at various times within the last century, many Christian men and women as ministers and missionaries, or to engage in industrial occupations, whose good influence cannot be estimated. For they carried with them the good seed of the gospel, which, planted in faith and love, is sure to take root, and sooner or later yield rich spiritual harvests. We find in the early history of Norfolk that it seemed like a dreary wilderness. The win- ters were long and severe, with heavy falls of snow which often remained on the ground till the month of April. This, with the wild and barren aspect of all the region, and the apparent sterility of the soil, at first deterred some whose occupation was cultivating the earth, from making their homes here. But how often we find in the kingdom of nature and art, and we may add of grace also, that what is both beautiful and valuable, is at first hidden from our sight ! Thus it was with this wild and uncultivated tract of land. For, as the years rolled on, it was found to possess attractions not noticed, or sufficiently prized, in its earliest settlement. Green woods — green in winter as well as in summer — with a variety of choice and beautiful evergreens, valuable timber, meadows and small lakes, living springs, 8 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. agreeable scenery and a pure atmosphere, in time drew together a class of men and women of true courage, intel- lectual ability and earnest piety, equal to other hardy and intelligent sons and daughters of Puritan New England. Years of patient toil brought wealth to a few, and pleasant homes to many. A competency gained by daily industry and upright dealing, is that which endures. Its foundation is the moral principle of right. And as God is on the side of right his blessing may be expected. Such riches do not often " take to themselves wings and fly away." Some descendants of those who acquired this wealth, are now living, and having added more, disburse from it freely for every good cause. But many of those who did not grow rich, secured comfortable homes, where, often through much privation and self-denial, their children were trained to fill honorable positions in various spheres of usefulness. In a modest, unpretending farm-house on a hillside not far from the summit, lived Reuben and Mary Gaylord, the father and mother of the subject of this memoir. Into this household on the 28th of April, 1812, a son was born, who was the youngest but one of eight children, and was given his father's name, Reuben. Of his ancestry we have this record : Mr. William Gay- lord, a descendant of Huguenot refugees from Normandy in France, to England, removed from Devonshire, England, to Dorchester, Massachusetts, with his family of four sons and one daughter in 1630. The grandson of the fifth generation, Timothy Gaylord, married Lydia Thompson, of Goshen, and settled in Norfolk, Connecticut, where he died September 9, 1825, at the age of ninety years and four months. Their son, Reuben, married Mary Curtis. They were the Reuben and Mary Gaylord mentioned above — the parents of him whose life became interwoven with so large a part of the states of Iowa and Nebraska. These parents were earnest, consistent Christians, and ANCESTRY. 9 naturally it was their first desire to teach their children what they believed, both by precept and the influence of their daily lives. The good old Puritan custom of reading the Bible in regular order, in the daily family worship, with the children present, was faithfully carried out. Would that this practice might be universal at the present day ! For a knowledge of the whole word of God would thus be acquired, which cannot be gained in any other way. A favorite niece, only six years younger, and a daughter of Mr. Timothy Gaylord, the eldest son of the family, thus writes respecting this period : The early home was situated near the top of one of our numerous hills, bleak in winter, but commanding an extensive view, and fanned in summer by healthful breezes. With its broad circuit of vision and clear atmosphere, the rising and setting sun must have had a splendor unknown in many other localities, and at night the star-spangled sky have been glorious to behold. At the time my mother became a member of the fam- ily, Uncle Reuben was a little child of five years, and I have heard her speak of his love for study even then. In the room of his aged grandfather, who from deafness was not at all annoyed by his incipient eloquence, he conned his lessons, and practiced elocution to the accompaniment of an older sister's spinning wheel. My own remembrance of him is as a playmate and protector, and of his taking me to school, and performing many little acts of kindness. I have no recollection of those boyish annoyances, to which many little ones are subjected. He seemed to me like a kind and thoughtful older brother. Later on I remember him leading the young people's prayer-meetings, and have not forgotten the zeal and fervor with which he and a young friend and cousin engaged in religious duties, and their seasons of prayer together while at work about the farm. This orphan friend afterward fell a victim to consump- tion. The father of this family was industrious, conscien- tious, strict in family discipline, but kind and benevolent, firm for the right, and of marked decision of character. 10 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. This last trait was strikingly manifested by his giving up tobacco from principle, when sixty years of age. Mr. Gaylord lived beyond the allotted period of "three score and ten " and passed away September 18, 1843, aged seventy- three years. In those days a letter was often three weeks on its journey from Connecticut to Iowa, and the deep sorrow of the son, when he received this intelligence, was aggravated by the thought that his father had been so long in the grave before he heard of his illness or death. Then, no telegraphic message spoke to distant friends, giving either sad or joyful news from loved ones. The mother, Mary Curtis Gaylord, was a woman of sincere and unobtrusive piety. She possessed an attractive countenance, a kind heart, going out in sympathy and helpfulness for others, and was much beloved in the com- munity as well as in her own family. During all the long years of toil which fell to her lot, her piety shone with a clear and steady light. Her grand-daughter, the niece spoken of, says of her: She was a woman of rare worth — remarkable for devotion, industry and benevolence. Her patience in time of trial and per- severance in overcoming obstacles, must have done much toward forming the characters of her children, particularly this son, who seems to have inherited many of her characteristics, and to whom she was devotedly attached. For her there were no resting times, excepting on the Sabbath, when she taught her children and took them with her to the house of God. She had a spirit of intense patriotism which was a part of her birthright, and her rightful inheritance, for she was born in December, 1774, just as hostilities were breaking out between the colonies and the mother country. Her father, Mr. Thomas Curtis, joined the Revolutionary army and was killed in 1776, in the early part of the war. This patriotic spirit burned brightly in the war of 1812, when the subject HIS MOTHER. 11 of this memoir was born, and burst into a flame, when our civil war took from her native town some, who were the flower of its youthful population. Of these, scarce one returned from the battle field. She was then at an advanced age and had gained her second sight. Free from care and enjoying comfortable health, she spent her time knitting and sewing for those who had enlisted in their country's service. The ladies of Norfolk insisted that they were kept busy supplying her with material, so swiftly did her deft fingers complete garments for the needy soldiers. She fell asleep on the afternoon of December 20, 1867, at the age of ninety-three years and four days, having followed to the grave six of her eight children, leaving but two to mourn her loss. Her granddaughter, Mrs. Mills, who was with her at the last, gave this account of the closing scene : She was not considered sick until the day before. Even then she was about the house and went to her meals as usual, but was troubled for breath and complained of pain in her side. When we called the doctor, he thought she would feel better on the bed, and laid her down. She was left alone with me, while he went into the next room to prepare her medicine. She moved her head until it rested naturally, and went quietly to sleep. The doctor returned, gave me written directions about her medicine, and laid his hand on her forehead. He started and felt her pulse, but she was asleep — yes, " asleep in Jesus.'* " Let me die the death of the righteous and let my last end be like" hers. The following tribute to her memory is from an address at her funeral, by her pastor, Rev. Dr. Eldridge : Mrs. Mary Gay lord was born in this town in 1774, while Connecticut was still a colony of Great Britain, and she, in con- sequence, was a subject of George III. Her life thus reached to a period antecedent to the commencement of our national existence. She was endowed with a physical constitution of great vigor, 12 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. and during her long life was remarkable for the industry and energy with which she performed whatever her hands found to do. On the very last day of her life she expressed a satisfaction that a piece of work in which she had been engaged was finished. Apparently she was persuaded that it was the last she would perform on earth. The mind of Mrs. Gaylord corresponded with her physical frame. It was strong, active, and enduring. I visited her a few weeks previous to her death, and was astonished at the promptness of her recollections, and her mental activity. Her affections were tender and strong, but they exhibited themselves rather in deeds than in words. She became a Chris- tian in the great revival that prevailed in this country in the years 1799 and 1800. She united with the church in the year 1800, consequently has been a member of it sixty-seven years. During all that period the prosperity of the church has been the great desire of her heart and the subject of daily and un- ceasing prayer. Mrs. Gaylord was, especially during the latter part of her life, a great reader, and it hardly need be said, that she read books and papers of a religious nature. One work in which she found great and unfailing delight, was the "Evangelical Maga- zine," a periodical that was started in 1800, and contained full and detailed statements of the progress and results of the great revival, besides excellent articles on various topics connected with Christian character and obligations. The only time she was ever late at church, she had taken up a volume of that work and had become so absorbed in it that she did not hear the bell. She seldom wept, even when staggering under some heavy blow of affliction. But tell her of a revival of religion, give her some account of the success of the cause of Christ, and immediately tears of joy would spring to her eyes. As long as she could get to the weekly prayer meetings of the church, she was there and in season. She was not prevented by other affairs — for, as was said by one who knew her habits, she began to plan on Monday morning so that she might attend the prayer meeting, and when the time came there were no ob- stacles in the way. Oh, how valuable, how encouraging to the HOME LIFE. 13 pastor was her course in this respect ! How worthy the admir- ation and imitation of all members of the church ! But her piety prompted her to aid, as far as she could, every Christian enterprise by liberal and continuous contributions. I have been assured that nine-tenths of what came into her hands the last twenty-five years of her life, was given to religious and benevolent objects. It was in such a home as this that the little Reuben passed a happy childhood. He was healthy, active, full of play, quick to learn, and generally obedient to his parents. One of his earliest recollections was hearing his mother's voice in prayer, as he first awoke to consciousness in the early morning. She literally began the day with God, gathering strength for its cares and labors by communion with Him, before domestic duties, lapping over each other without cessation, should crowd her away from her beloved closet. As he grew up, various tasks on the larm were assigned him. Most of these he willingly performed, but there was one exception. Many of these New England farms are thickly sprinkled with stones, which must be thrown into piles each spring, or the land can scarcely be cultivated. One warm day tired of this hard work, he left it, and stretched himself on the ground under a tree. His father, happening by with a long whip, used it with so much effect that he never afterward tried to shirk this disagreeable task. In school he often went beyond the lessons given him. If his teacher for want of time or for any other reason, would not assist him in working out difficult problems, he perse- vered b} r himself until they were thoroughly mastered. Then he was ready to help others in similar trouble, as one of his schoolmates still living likes to testify. In those days it was customary to keep various kinds of liquors in the house, and make use of them on the farm. In haying and harvest they were thought to be an absolute necessity. But from a child he utterly refused to take even 14 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. a little in the bottom of the glass. Neither did he ever try to be a man by using tobacco, although the example was daily set before him by the father he loved, who at this time made use of it. Often when hay was unloaded at the barn, he was required to stow it away in the hay-loft. On one occasion the extreme heat nearly overcame him. His father, fearing he would be seriously ill, compelled him to drink a small quantity of liquor, but seeing the distress it caused him, never again asked him to put a glass to his lips. It was during these early years of the nineteenth century that systematic efforts were commenced to inaugurate a temperance reform. " A temperance society was formed in the state of New York as early as 1809. We give one of the by-laws : ' Any member of this association, who shall be convicted of intoxication, shall be fined a quarter of a dol- lar, except such act of intoxication shall occur on the Fourth of July, or any other military muster.' But this even was in advance of public sentiment, and the men who adopted it were hooted at and pelted through the streets." In 1816, Dr. Justin Edwards, of Andover, Massachusetts, preached two powerful discourses on intemperance, and again took up the subject in 1822, pleading with moderate drinkers to abstain, claiming that if they would do this, when the existing race of drunkards should pass away, the land would be free from the curse of drunkenness. The first decided and organized effort to establish the total abstinence principle, was the formation of the Ameri- can Temperance Society, in Boston, Massachusetts, February 13, 1826. In the following April a weekly temperance paper was established in the same city by Rev. William Collier, called the National Philanthropist. Its motto was : "Temperate drinking is the downhill road to intemperance." One 3'ear previous to this Dr. Edwards had written a tract entitled, " The Well Conducted Farm," which was widely circulated throughout the country. Dr. Lyman Beecher, while pastor in the neighboring town of Litchfield, TEMPERANCE REFORM. 15 had preached those six celebrated sermons on the Nature Signs, Evils and Remedy of Intemperance. These were among the powerful auxiliaries to the cause. Rev. John Marsh, of Haddam, Connecticut, author of the rousing temperance tract, " Putnam and' the Wolf," was an active co-operator with Dr. Edwards. Mr. Gaylord, in common with man} 7 other conscientious and Christian men, felt the influence of these efforts, and deciding to banish it from his house, soon resolved not to furnish it to his men in the coining season of haying and harvest. Some prophesied that he would not obtain the needed help on those conditions, but he did, with but little trouble. Afterward feeling that, to be consistent, one should be temperate in all things, he gave up the use of tobacco, discarding entirely his pipe and tobacco box when sixty years of age. Many years from this time, the son, when pastor of a church in which some of the members loved the weed, made use of his father's example to convince them that, if his father could abandon it at sixty, surely they could, when so much younger. It is to be regretted that so little can be learned of Mr. Gaylord's early life, as he gradually emerged from child- hood to youth and passed on toward manhood. Those who knew him best at this period have, almost without excep- tion, preceded him to the spirit land. The only one remaining is the niece of whom mention has been made, and who is still living in his native town. In the first forty or fifty years of the present century, children were placed in school at a very early age. His first teacher was Miss Welch, a daughter of the elder Dr. Welch, of Norfolk, afterwards the wife of Rev. Ira Pettibone* a highly esteemed clergyman, long a resident of Stafford, Connecticut. To her care and instruction he was committed when a little more than four years old. This lady he ever remembered with affectionate interest during her life, and when she passed away he felt he had sustained a personal loss. 16 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Among some of Mr. Gaylord's interesting remembrances of boyhood life in his native town,were Haystack Mountain, Pond School-house, Loon Meadow and his second home on the flats. During the summer and autumn of 1887 we were per- mitted to revisit New England, after an absence of twenty- three years, and in the month of September were once more in Norfolk. Outwardly, the summer had not waned. Plentiful rains and delightful weather had kept vegetation so green and beautiful that nature wore the freshness of June. Kind friends carried us over a romantic country road, up a long and somewhat steep hill, then across a level plain, nearly one mile in extent, and up another hill, where we came to the flats, a plateau, on which are a few scattered dwellings. In one of these Mr. Gaylord passed the days of boyhood and early youth. It was his second home, and has changed very little, we are told, for more than half a century. This was one of those houses with two stories in front, and a long, sloping roof running back until the rear was only one story in height. The dwelling houses of those days partook largely of the Puritan character. They were made strong and substantial by heavy timbers, with foundations of stone, and built in that careful, deliberate manner, designed to ensure per- manence. Many of them are now standing, scattered over New England, and although weatherbeaten with the storms of one hundred and fifty or two hundred years, show few signs of decay and still afford comfortable homes. We tarry a little, and then go on to the Pond school- house. There is where his early education began, and a mixture of learning and play filled up the first few years of childhood. A common school education, under an efficient teacher, has proved an invaluable blessing to multitudes, both in public and private life. For seven or eight months each year, reading, spelling and writing, followed by arith- metic, grammar and geograph}'-, was the prescribed course SCHOOL DAYS. 17 in a district school. And these normal branches are abso- lutely needful as the foundation of all other learning in after life. In those days the Bible and religious teaching were not forbidden, as in the present age. The New Testament was considered indispensable as a school-book, and was read by the children in classes at least once every day. Even the younger ones had it placed in their hands, when they could only read it by spelling out all except the shorter words. But this Pond school-house is not the same building of by-gone days, for another one has been reared on the same spot. And here is the pond, a beautiful little lake, large and deep enough for small sail and row boats. It is a bright and sparkling sheet of water, one shore coming up near the school-house, and another one, much longer, running along not far from the roadside, and nearly parallel with it. Across the pond, and near the opposite shore, a large rock rises out of the water to the height of five or six feet. On the top of this was a natural seat, where the boys used to sit and fish at their leisure, but perhaps oftener enjoyed the delightful sport of diving from it into the water. This must have been a paradise for boys, who take to water as naturally as ducks, and we do not wonder at the happy memories which clustered around this attractive place, and which never seemed to grow dim through all the long years of his life. The road now stretches on its winding way, disclosing new beauties of hill and valley, of trees and wild flowers, and of luxuriant vines, whose length could scarce be meas- ured. The wild clematis, with a wealth of foliage and bloom, was hanging in graceful festoons from the out- stretched-branches of trees, clinging to every shrub and covering fences, thus giving the passer-by an invitation to reach and gather the blossoms. In the midst of tender memories, if friends could only 18 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. feel that the departed knew where they were, and were near them, though all unseen! And why not? But our God is here! These are His works, and are a type, a shadow of those " sweet fields beyond the swelling floods," which " stand dressed in living green." Thus our dear ones who have awaked in the likeness of the Christ they love, are satisfied, and that knowledge should satisfy us. But we go on to another hill, on the side of which once stood a plain brown farm-house — the birthplace of the little Reuben. No trace of the building is left, and all that we find is an excavation, which once formed the cellar, and a few currant bushes, which remain to testify that the place was once inhabited. We linger but a moment, but long enough to feel that it was once a hallowed spot, for here that Christian mother offered up daily prayers which have been answered and may continue to be in blessings on her posterity for generations to come. Again we change our course, and go over the long road to " Loon Meadow " — Lonely Meadow, we should call it. We hardly know how it received its name, but tradition says that one of the large and water-loving loons was found lying dead upon the ground. The place was often alluded to by Mr. Gaylord, and possibly was a sort of boyish trysting-place in childhood days. From the American Encyclopedia: The loon or great northern diver, is a large, powerful, and handsome bird. Its colors are black and white. The head and neck are a dark greenish blue, the latter varied with transverse patches of white. In moving beneath the surface of the water, they use wings as well as feet. Their legs are set so far back that, when on land, they walk with slow and awkward gait, standing nearly upright, but fly swiftly at a high elevation. The largest measure from thirty-one to thirty-six inches, extent of wings five feet. They weigh from eight to ten pounds. Their notes are so loud and plaintive that to be " as noisy as a CONVERSION. 19 loon " has become a proverb. They frequent the northern and middle United States from Maine to Maryland and from the Atlantic to the Pacific ocean. Mr. Gaylord often wondered why he had never seen this bird in the west. But one day during the last autumn of his life, he said to a member of his family, " I hear the notes of a loon. Come and help me find him." But he could not be found. Another day the same sounds were heard,, and Mr. Gaylord remarked, " I am sure that is the cry of a loon." Another search with longing eyes was still unsuccessful. But to return to his boyhood school days. During these days, while out of school, his exuberant spirits found exercise in work about the farm, or assisting his mother in her household duties. In the winter of 1827, during a season of religious interest, he became a decided Christian, and this strengthened the already strong bond between mother and son. He was now nearly fifteen years of age. Naturally, he at first held back when called upon to pray or speak in public, but on coming out of church after an evening service, one of the deacons laid a hand on his shoulder, and in a very impressive man- ner repeated these words : " Open thy mouth wide and I will fill it." This proved to be a word in season, and from that time he succeeded in gradually overcoming his embar- rassment, when requested to take part in religious meetings. All through his ministerial life, he felt the importance of bringing new converts into active service, before the fervor of their first love should in any measure pass away. That good deacon little knew how far-reaching would be the influence of those few words, spoken so opportunely to the boy Christian. It was at this period that his pastor, in view of his intellectual abilities and the love of God implanted in his heart, desired that he should devote himself to the Christian ministry. From very childhood his parents had 20 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. planned that this son should be the one to remain with them, to care for them, whenever age or infirmity might render them helpless. But when the question was put to them, there was no opposition. What were they or their plans, if the Lord wanted this one for His work ? Some one else could " follow the sheep " — for that was a part of his work — and be a prop to them in the evening of life. So after remaining in school in the Academy at Goshen a year or so, with the ministry in view, he commenced " fitting for college " under the tuition of his beloved pastor, Rev. Ralph Emerson. But little can be said of his manner of life during this period, as those who knew best what it was, have passed away. The link is but a short one, for he entered Yale College soon after completing his eighteenth year. While studying at home the intimate companionship which had existed between his mother and himself was more closety cemented, and his Christian character devel- oped and grew stronger under her daily influence. Very often he laid down his book to bring wood and water, or to- assist her in getting the family meal. . Then his Christian training went on also in the Sabbath-school and prayer- meeting, and in being so constantly the loving pupil of his faithful spiritual teacher. This mutual attachment between pastor and pupil continued during Mr. Emerson's life. It is fitting that there should be further mention of this excel- lent man in this connection. In May, 1815, the church and society of Norfolk extended to Rev. Ralph Emerson " a unanimous call to settle over them in the gospel ministry." He accepted the call and on the 12th of June was ordained as their pastor. The wisdom of this decision on the part of both pastor and people was seen in the fourteen years of a successful and greatly beloved pastorate. In the year following Mr. Emerson's ordination, they were blessed with a revival, and 122 were added to the church. In 1828 he was elected to the presi- HIS PASTOK. 21 dency of Hudson College, Ohio, but his people refused to part with him. In October, 1829, he was appointed Pro- fessor of Ecclesiastical History and Lecturer on Pastoral Theology in Andover Theological Seminary. Again there were two or three decided refusals on the part of the church ; but a renewed application from Andover, and Mr. Emerson's earnest wishes to accept the position, induced the people to withdraw their opposition, and they reluctantly consented to part with him. On the 24th of November, 1829, the relation between pastor and people was formally dissolved by a council convened for that purpose. Mr. Emerson was characterized by an earnest spirit of piety and much depth of Christian experience. With love to God and love to man as an all-controlling principle, he truly " watched for souls as one that must give account." After leaving Andover, he resided in Newburyport three years, then removed to Rockford, Illinois, the home of his son, Ralph Emerson. Here, on the 20th of May, 1863, he was called to enter upon his heavenly rest. Twelve years later, in 1875, his beloved wife was laid by his side in the cemetery at Beloit, Wisconsin. This is the home of another son, Prof. Joseph Emerson, who has been for many years Greek professor in Beloit College. II. COLLEGE LIFE 1830-1834. " Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Let developed talent first be consecrated talent; then the life, in God's hands, is in the way of grand possibilities. — Brooks. Be strong to-day; the world needs men Of nerve and muscle, heart and brain, To war for truth and conquer wrong. Their works do follow them. Back from the canvas that throbs, The painter is hinted and hidden, Into the statue that breathes The soul of the sculptor is bidden. — Selected. 'Tis better to weave in the web of life A bright and golden filling, And do God's will with a ready heart And hands that are swift and willing. — Selected. CHAPTER II. College Life. Infancy of Railroads — Ride to New Haven — Examination — Hazing — Scholarship— Revtval of 1831— Tutor Pettingell— Rev. Joseph Eldridge — Graduation — Invitation to Illinois College. THE year 1830 may be called the birth-year of the rail- road system of our country. By the advent of 1831 twenty-three miles in all were completed. Their slow progress in the first decade of the system may be called creeping ; then they were able to run ; then rushed — until, in this year of our Lord 1888, there are one hundred and fifty thousand miles of railroad in the United States. It was in the summer of 1830, before Connecticut was troubled with even a short stretch of iron rail, that the one- horse wagon was brought out, and father and son commenced their two days' ride to New Haven. Arriving there, as the son went in to pass the ordeal of examination, the father jocosely remarked, " Very likely I shall have to carry you home with me, for you have not half studied." After the trial was over, as Mr. Gaylord stood talking with some gentlemen, the son said to him, " Father, you will have to go home alone, for I am not going with you." It was not long after entering Yale that the young student had to pass another ordeal — that of hazing the Freshman — a practice which should have been abolished in the long years that have intervened since 1830, but which, we believe, is still in vogue among mischievous and fun- loving students. One evening there was a knock on his door, and on opening it, two masked figures rushed in. He was wearing at the time a pair of boots with thick heavy soles. Before they had time to commence operations, Mr. 26 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. Gaylord seized them by the collar and began such a vigorous and hearty application of the boots, that they cried out for quarter. This castigation proved sufficient, for he was never again troubled with visits of this kind. He commenced his college life with a full determination to make the most of his time and opportunities. In Greek and Latin he made great proficiency and gained such a thorough knowledge that it never failed him in after life. Through all the years of his ministry these languages were so familiar, that it was easy to keep them fresh and bright. And the volumes of the Greek Testament were the almost constant companions of his study hours. In the higher mathematics he was excelled by but one in his class. The health of this one failed, and he died in the third year of the course. It was Mr. Gaylord's uniform practice to keep " one or two lessons ahead," and on this account he was seldom or never caught unprepared. In the revivals of '31 and '32, which prevailed so exten- sively throughout the country, the college shared deeply, and Christian students and professors awoke to new spiritual life. It came at a time when infidelity was assuming a bold front. The mask, behind which it had beguiled many an unwary student from faith in and reverence for the Word, into the regions of doubt and unbelief, was thrown off. President Day, the noble leader and guide of the institution since 1817, had sought to train the young men in intellect and heart for God and the world. But at this time he was walking by faith more than by sight. The only record extant of Mr. Gaylord's years in college is a few letters to his brother and to his niece Martha. These strike the chord which gives the key-note to his col- lege life. To his eldest brother, Timothy : Yale College, New Haven, March 30, 1831. — Dear Brother : I gladly address a few lines to you at this time. REVIVAL OF 1831-2. 27 Am enjoying good health and, I hope, the smiles of God's coun- tenance. No doubt you have heard what the Lord has done, and is Btill doing for us in this institution. But no one who has not been an eye witness, can even imagine the change which has been effected within the past two months. We can never suf- ficiently praise God for appearing in our midst and converting one hundred and twenty of our fellow students unto Himself. Join with us, dear brother, in thanksgiving to Him, and in earnest prayer for the remaining seventy. Although conversions are not as frequent, yet the good work seems to be advancing. It has extended throughout the city, and religion is the general topic of conversation. All denominations share in it, and it pervades all classes — the rich and the poor, the moral and the profligate. None are exempt from its influence, and the oldest Christians look on with aston- ishment as they behold what the Lord is doing. The revival is pervading the schools of every description, and hundreds are hopefully converted. There are at least one thousand inquirers after the way of life Oh, my dear brother, you can scarcely imagine what is being done for our country, for there is scarcely a large city without the influences of the Spirit. It seems as if those fountains, which have been sending forth the bitter waters of sin, infidelity and worldliness, were to be purified, for God is freely pouring into them of His own Divine grace. And now I want to put the question home to you, although I am so much younger, and inquire what you are doing, for surely no one can be cold or indifferent in such a time of merciful visitation. Use all your influence to spread in the church a spirit of prayer, of brotherly love and faithfulness toward each other among the members. To Martha, his brother's daughter : My Dear Friend Martha: * * * When I see so many around me turning to God, I have a most ardent desire that you also should seek the Savior. Oh, come and see what a precious gift is now held out for your acceptance. You are old 28 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. enough to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, for many younger than you in this city have done it. When I come home I hope to find you rejoicing in Christ. Tell your brother, Myron, that Christ is also saving little boys here — that same Savior who, when on earth, took little children in His arms and blessed them — and He is willing and waiting to receive him. Yale College, August 20, 1831. — My Dear Martha: Only three and a half weeks now remain before commencement. Probably your school has closed before this. Am glad you were pleased with it, and hope you will enter the school of Christ, if you have not already done so, and diligently learn the way of life. The greatest wisdom given to mortals is contained in a single sentence: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness." Am glad to hear you are attending a Bible class. ****** When we meet again may it be as the children of God, redeemed by the same precious blood, and fellow-travelers to the same blessed home beyond the grave. I have been deeply impressed with the shortness of time by the recent death of a young man, who was a member of the Senior class in this institution. He was taken sick soon after the term began, but got better and went home to Virginia, accompanied by his mother. News of his death has just been received, and we are thinking, what if he had not attended to the important interests of the soul in the revival of last term? Before this revival he was dissipated and an infidel — after it, a humble Christian. Thus we see one cut down in the activity and vigor of life, whose prospects for future usefulness were apparently very good. ***** Tell my friends my health is good, although this has been a long, very warm and weari- some term. Tell them, also, that commencement is the 19th day of September, and I hope some of them will make it con- venient to come down to New Haven at that time. December 3. — Yesterday we followed to the grave the life- less remains of one dear to the hearts of all who knew him. The mysterious Providence of God has removed from our institution, our church, and our religious meetings, one who stood conspicu- ous as a scholar, an instructor, and a Christian. TUTOR PETTINGELL. 29 Mr. Pettingell was born at Newburyport, Massachusetts, trained by pious parents, and after pursuing his preparatory studies at Phillips Academy, Andover, entered this institution in the fall of 1821. He was distinguished for mental attain- ments, correct deportment and a lovely character. He graduated in 1825 and was chosen tutor in 182*7. In discharging the duties of his office he gave very great satisfaction. In the revival of last spring he became a decided Christian, and at once began active service in the cause he had learned to love. At the com- mencement of this term he entered the middle class in the Theological school. About two weeks before his death he took a severe cold, which settled on his lungs and quickly brought him to the grave. Had we been asked, four weeks ago, when he stood in a religious meeting and talked with ecstasy of the love of Christ, Who is destined to exert the greatest influence for good? the universal reply would have been, Tutor Pettingell. But he is gone, and we can only bow and say, "Thy will be done." I have given the above from a sketch of his life at the funeral by Professor Fitch. December 10. — I find it difficult to write many letters, as my studies, though pleasant, are hard, and require nearly all my time. Tell my parents I have been expecting a letter from them, but have received none. I know not whether my friends are dead or alive, sick or well, but trust that all is well with them ********** My time passes pleasantly, and I find the society of my roommate very agreeable. I am constrained to feel that this institution, as a place of confinement for study, possesses charms above any other. But while I am poring over my books, I suppose you are enjojdng now and then a sleighride over the snow-clad hills of Norfolk. ****** But let me address a few words to you by way of exhorta- tion. If you have really begun to " walk by faith," often make God and the Bible the theme of your meditations, and spend much time in secret prayer. And if you can every morning fix 30 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. some passage of Scripture in mind, to be the subject of your thoughts during the day, you will find it a great help to you. In November, 1829, Rev. Ralph Emerson was dismissed by council from his pastoral charge at Norfolk, that he might accept a professorship in the Theological Seminary at Andover, Massachusetts. He had been the beloved pastor of the church and almost the whole population since June, 1815, and it was with deep and unfeigned sorrow that the people finally consented to part with him. For three suc- ceeding years several candidates preached with much acceptance. To three of these calls were extended, but were in each instance declined, and the people were becoming somewhat discouraged. Early in December, 1831, Rev. Joseph Eldridge commenced his labors among them, and after preaching several Sabbaths, on the 23rd day January, 1832, the church and society gave him a unanimous call " to settle over them as their gospel minister." On February 12, the congregation had the satisfaction of hearing his letter of acceptance read to them, and began to look forward with deep interest to the time when they would again enjoy the stated ministrations of the gospel. Mr. Eldridge was ordained on April 25, 1832, the interest of the occasion being greatly increased by an excellent sermon from Rev. Dr. Taylor, of New Haven. In allusion to this Mr. Gaylord thus writes to his brother in Norfolk : Yale College, March 11, 1832. — I rejoice that our people are to have one set apart to minister to them in holy things. The Lord has heard and answered. May this union be happy and lasting. I have been thinking, my dear brother, how pleasant and profitable it might be for the good people of Norfolk to com- mence a protracted meeting on the day of Mr. Eldridge's ordi- nation, and I would suggest the propriety of consulting other members of the church respecting it. I believe these meetings have been held at such times and attended with very good results. REV. DR. ELDRIDGE. 31 This union was indeed " happy and lasting." For nearly forty-three years Dr. Eldridge was the faithful and successful spiritual guide of a devoted and affectionate people. His time, talents, and influence were consecrated to his work, and he had the supreme satisfaction, the highest and best to every true pastor, of leading very many to Christ during the long years of his ministry. His wife was a true " helpmeet " and an earnest co-laborer, sometimes going into out neigh- borhoods to teach a Sabbath-school class, and in many ways helping forward every good word and work. She was the daughter of Mr. Joseph Battell, whose memory is still cherished with great respect, and granddaughter of Rev. Mr. Robbins, the first settled pastor of the town of Norfolk. She was the devoted mother of a large family of children, who delight to " rise up and call her blessed." A short extract from a letter to Mr. Gaylord by Mr. Robbins Battell, a brother of Mrs. Eldridge, gives the final closing up of this successful pastorate : New York, September 8, 1874. — You have, perhaps, heard that Rev. Joseph Eldridge has resigned his pastoral charge to take effect from the first of November next. He felt compelled to do so from failure of health and physical strength for what an active discharge of his duties required. His sermons, I think, have never been better or more acceptable than for the last few months. Mr. Eldridge died on the last day of the following March at the age of seventy years. The severing of such strong ties as had long existed between this pastor and this people, caused a " very great mourning " when he was finally taken from them. The old, and the young, and the middle-aged were bowed with grief, as they looked for the last time upon the beloved face of him who for so many years was their spiritual adviser, guide and friend. "The memory of the just is blessed." 32 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Mr. Gaylord to his niece: Yale College, New Haven, March 8, 1832. — My health is good and I am enjoying much pleasure in the pursuit of learning. The hill of science is steep and rugged , but every step we ascend adds new luster to the scene below. I feel that I am highly privileged in being permitted to enjoy such opportunities, but when I look forward I see worlds of knowledge lying in my path , and on either side many hidden treasures which I hope one day to make my own. I can write but little now, and should let my pen lie upon my desk, were it not for a desire to receive your answer. I never saw more pleasant weather in March than we had yesterday, and are having to-da}^ Winter with his cold and chilling blasts seems to have bid us farewell , and the more pleas- ant sunshine of spring beams upon us. The ground is settled and dry, and we almost see the green grass springing up around us. But I suppose that you at Norfolk are almost wallowing in mud, with here and there a snow drift by the side of the way. I often think of you and my friends at Norfolk, and sometimes lift my heart to God in prayer that you may be kept from the trials and temptations that beset your path . I beseech of you be ever on the watch to maintain a consistent walk before the world , for the conduct of professors of religion , especially the young, is narrowly scrutinized. If it is what it ought to be, the cause of Christ will be helped, but if not, it will do much to prejudice the minds of the careless against the religion of the gospel. Let us ever walk worthy of our high vocation. And now, as spring opens and nature is beginning to burst the icy cords with which winter has bound her, let us too break from our hearts those adamantine chains which the power of sin has drawn around them. Our Lord from heaven calls upon us to awake from sleep; the multitudes that are every day dropping into eternity without an interest in Christ call upon us, and everything around, with a speaking or silent eloquence, is en- treating us to live and work for God . Novembek 28, 1833. — We are having many lectures on vari- ous subjects. In the early part of the term we had an extended COLLEGE STUDIES. 33 course upon a8trono.my, very interesting and instructive. These have closed and those on chemistry commenced. * * * * In addition to the mental discipline we gain from attention to the subject, there is a constant stream of pleasure flowing into the mind from being enabled thus understandingly to contemplate the Creator's works. We find the more we examine them, that concord and harmony reign throughout, and that all things take place according to fixed laws. How can any one who honestly studies nature as she is, say, "There is no God"? It is not reason that teaches them this, but a doubtful heart. We have also occasional lectures on law, and are giving attention to metaphysics, leading us to turn our thoughts within and observe the workings of the immortal spirit. February 17, 1834. — * * Our room is larger than you supposed — 12 by 15 feet. The furniture is simple, but convenient. We are not doomed to spend all ovir time over dry Latin and Greek, but are still investigating the secrets of nature as they are revealed in chemistry. What wonderful skill, what wisdom and design are exhibited in man. The study of the eye alone should be sufficient to con- vince us of the benevolent design of an Almighty Creator . But we see all around us numberless exhibitions of the same great truth — that God exists — that He is good and desires our happi- ness. Natural theology engages our attention a part of the time, and we are permitted to study the laws that regulate the moral world and govern men in their dealings with each other. ****** ****** It seems to be an unfortunate time among the school teachers in Norfolk. I really feel sorry for Miss Ames. I am not sur- prised at the news respecting John Dowd. I warned him of his danger while in Canaan, for I felt that he was going beyond his strength. Perhaps I shall never see him again on earth, but I trust he is ripe for Heaven. Mr. Gaylord graduated from college in 1834. There were sixty-five in his class, among whom were Bradstreet, Budington, H. W. Ellsworth, Benedict, D. S. Brainard, H. 34 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. C. Kingsley, W. H. Starr, C. It. Welles, C. D. Cowles, P. St. John, Alfred Emerson, Nathan Perkins Seymour and John Noyes. His graduating oration was " On the Duty of our Professional Men to Liberalize Their Minds by Attention to General Literature." Professor, afterwards President, Sturtevant, of Illinois College, being present on the occasion of his graduation, sought and obtained an introduction. Afterwards calling at his home in Norfolk, he offered him a position in the then westernmost college in our country, at Jacksonville, Illinois. The young alumnus was absent from home at the time, much to the gratification of his mother, who hoped that would end the matter. Not so, however. Another call was more successful, and he consented to put his hands to the work of Christian education — a work in which he bore a conspicuous part for more than forty years, while at the same time his chiefest employment was preaching the Word of Life. He deeply felt the importance of care and faithful- ness in the propagation of the gospel in both of these directions, and as a good and safe building could never be reared upon a poor foundation, so the superstructure of our Christian religion must be firmly established upon the immortal basis of God's own word. With this spirit he oomphed with the invitation to leave earl}' associations and assist in the beginnings of Illinois College. While there he often went out on the Sabbath into some new settlement, gathered the people together and addressed them from some portion of the Scripture which he selected for the occasion. Afterwards, in Iowa, he helped to lay the foundations of Iowa College, of schools, academies, of temperance and anti-slavery reforms, and whatever would promote the well- being and highest good of what was to be a great and noble state. III. THE STAR IN THE WEST. 1834-1837. If to the rock-hewn path of truth Thy pilgrim feet are given, March boldly from the bowers of youth, To trial, toil, and heaven. — Selected. " Christian Education and the Christian Religion are members of the same firm, and neither are silent partners. They are working openly and together to save the world, and will finally succeed." ; No man liveth to himself." Oh, trifle not with life: tis but an hour: Redeem its every moment day by day, Press forward to the front — Live for the future life; watch! watch and pray! — Selected. " The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. : CHAPTER III. Teaching and Journeying. New Preston — Going West — Illinois in Early Days — Founding Illinois College — Rev. Theron Baldwin — Jacksonville — Work as Tutor — Vacation Trips — Engagement — Letters — Study of Theology — Redeeming the Time — More Work — Horseback Ride to Connecticut — Springfield, Illinois, Indianapolis, Columbus, Ohio, Central New York and Albany in 1837 — Arrival at Home. IT will ever be difficult to understand how those sturdy farmers of New England could feed, clothe, and educate, even in the plainest manner, families of eight or ten children, from one of those rock-bound and unproductive New Eng- land farms. But they did more than this — often giving one son, perhaps two, a college education. And we know of one Vermont father and mother, who through the most unprecedented self-denial sent five sons to college, hoping all would become ministers of the gospel. Such results were not accomplished wholly by untiring industry and strict economy, but head, heart, and hands worked together, and wrought out achievements worthy of a monument to perpetuate their memory. And multitudes of monuments do exist with a foundation laid so deep in the hearts and lives of their descendants, as to go on from generation to generation and endure forever. Their posterity is their monument. When Mr. Gaylord's father had spent one thousand dollars to help the son through the four years in Yale College, he said to him : " There are so many others to care for, I can do little more for you." From that time he helped himself as opportunity offered, but when his course was completed in the summer of 1834, there were expenses he 38 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. had been unable to meet — one of them for his graduating suit. Anxious to cancel his indebtedness, he must have been truly thankful for the invitation to teach in New Preston. And he there formed some very pleasant and lasting friendships with his pupils, and amongst families in the place. Almost the only account left on record of this work is contained in the following letter : New Preston, Connecticut, October 21, 1834. — Much Esteemed Friend Martha: I received your letter on Saturday, and it was like "cold water to a thirsty soul". I was at the office waiting when the stage arrived, expecting a letter from my parents, but in this I was disappointed. You seem to think New Preston is a gloomy place, and that I may be discontented here. But you know it is unusual for me to be gloomy or melancholy, and I am not so at the present time. I find nvyself quite pleasantly situated, and am happy and contented. This is my sixth week of school , and I begin to look forward to my prospective trip westward, which I may undertake during the winter. Thanksgiving will be on the 27th of November, and I hope to go home at that time. It is four years since I spent Thanksgiving day at my father's house, and I do want to be there this year especially, as I expect so soon to leave this part of the country. On the whole, teaching seems quite as pleasant as I expected. I fear that but few of my scholars here are Christians, and possibly through God's blessing, I may be the means of eternal life to some of them. May your health be so improved that you can go on and complete a thorough education. My love to your father and mother, and my best wishes for your brother Myron in his studies this winter. You seem to exclaim with wonder at the distance there will be between us when I shall have gone west. To me, it does not seem much farther than it did from Norfolk to New Haven, when I first left the paternal roof to enter college. I feel that ILLINOIS COLLEGE. 39 it is an opening I ought not to neglect, and hope to be instru- mental in doing some good. I have long desired to see our western land, and now the way seems prepared for me. Your affectionate uncle, R. Gaylokd. We have no record of Mr. Gaylord's feelings and those of his parents and friends, as he bade them farewell for what was then considered the far west. Neither can we read much of his long journey of three or four weeks, and his arrival at Jacksonville to begin his work. This was contained in those lost letters. But he had voluntarily accepted this offer, which came to him unsought, and the above extract from a letter to his niece shows that he was cheerful and happy in preparing to enter upon it. He was now in the ardor and hopefulness of youth, inclined to look on the bright side, somewhat impulsive, but with that con- fident expectation of success, upon which no shadows had then fallen from years of hard experience. In the year 1827 a few students in Yale Theological Seminary, at New Haven, banded together to go to Illinois to preach the gospel, and to lay the foundations of an edu- cational institution. The names of these young men were Grosvenor, Baldwin, Sturtevant, Jenny, Kirby, Brooks and Turner. Their united efforts resulted in the founding of Illinois College, at Jacksonville, in 1829. All of these became trustees in the institution, and a part of them in- structors. Rev. J. M. Sturtevant, one of the number, began the work of teaching in a small brick building with nine boys. It was in 1835, six years later, that Mr. Gay lord took his place as tutor in the preparatory department. Dr. Ed- ward Beecher had been for four years the honored president. The close of this college year was signalized by the gradua- tion of the first two students — Jonathan Spilman and Richard Yates. Mr. Yates first entered public life as a member of congress from Illinois, and was subsequently elected governor of the state. 40 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. We here give a few interesting facts pertaining to the early religious history of Illinois. They are from the pen of Rev. Theron Baldwin, one of the founders of the college, and well-known as an early, faithful, and self-denying home missionary in the state : The first settlement within the bounds of Illinois of immigrants from the United States, was made in Munroe county in 1781, by James Moore, who came there from Western Virginia. In 1785 and 1786 the settlement was strengthened by a number of families from the same region. They were opposed to slavery, and took up their long line of march for these wild regions, that themselves and their posterity might enjoy the advantages of a country unembarrassed by it. * * * The opportunity for these hardy pioneers to educate their children was extremely small. The first school ever taught by American settlers was by Samuel Seely, in 1783, and the price of a rough, antiquated copy of Dilworth's spelling book was one dollar, and that dollar equal in value to five now. When Illinois was admitted as a state in 1818, its population was not far from 50,000. Previous to the intro- duction of any gospel ministry , or the formation of any religious society, a portion of the early settlers were in the habit of assembling on the Lord's day, reading a portion of Scripture •and frequently a sermon, and singing religious hymns. These meetings were often interrupted and sometimes suspended by Indian alarms. No public prayer was offered, for none had professed religion or supposed themselves converted. Tradition says, the only person among these pioneers who had ever belonged to a church, was a Presbyterian female. The first Protestant minister who ever visited Illinois was Rev . James Smith , a Baptist from Kentucky. His first visit was in 1788, the second in 1790. His labors were blessed to the conversion of a number of indi- viduals, one of whom became a preacher, and had four sons enter the ministry, all of them proving worthy, devoted and successful preachers. This was the first revival ever known on the "Father of Waters". REV. THERON BALDWIN. 41 Froni the Home Missionary for June, 1870 : Rev. Theron Baldwin, D. D., Corresponding Secretary for the Promotion of Collegiate and Theological Education in the "West, died in Orange, New Jersey, April 10, 1870, in the sixty- ninth year of his age. Dr. Baldwin sustained intimate relations to the cause of home missions during the whole period of his professional life. In the spring of 1833, he became the general agent of this society for Illinois and Missouri, and for four 3 r ears performed the arduous duties of that office amid manifold privations and perils, and with a wisdom, zeal and heroism, for which he is still held in honor over the wide regions which he traversed, and by tens of thousands who never saw his face nor heard his voice. Of his services in securing the establishment and endowment of Illinois College, in founding and superin- tending Monticello Female Seminary, and in administering the affairs of the Western College Society for more than a quarter of a centuiy, we cannot speak in this brief notice. During all these years his interest in the home missionary work never abated. By his voice, his pen, and his prayers he ever sought its advancement. But his memorial in the churches and institu- tions of learning, for whose planting and nurture he so faith- fully toiled, will remain to be read by a great cloud of witnesses on earth and in heaven . Illinois College, Jacksonville, May 2, 1835. — My Dear Niece: It is nearly six weeks since I saw you last, and the time has borne me away to a distance of not less than eleven hundred miles direct, or eighteen hundred by the course generally traveled. But past scenes have not faded from my mind, nor have I forgotten the last evening I spent at your house. The particulars of my journey you have doubtless learned from letters I have written to my friends at home, so I will pro- ceed to tell you how I am situated here. The college building is after the plan of the main building at Yale, four stories high with a basement in which is the boarding hall. This is divided lengthwise, one of the parts being used for cooking and the other for the students' eating room. The officers all eat at the 42 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. same table, and the families of the president and professors also. This is something new to me, but I think it a wise regulation, and one which tends to preserve good order at the table. I am very much pleased with my situation, and think it far preferable to the charge of an academy in the east. I shall hear five or six recitations each da} T , occupying as many hours, together with an hour or two to prepare. The preparation, however, will require very little time, as I have been over most of the studies two or three times the past winter. Mr. Sturtevant arrived on Thursday of this week. I traveled with him only about eighty miles. Two of our officers are east — one on account of trouble with his eyes, and our president for the purpose of raising funds for the institution. This throws more labor upon those who remain; but it is not so tiresome to hear five or six recitations in a day and be thorough with them, as to spend six or seven hours in a school-room, with thirty students to govern as well as teach. You ma}' wish to know how I like the country. I was dis- appointed at first, as the season was unusually backward, but spring has at length opened in all its beauty and loveliness . The weather is warm and the trees are springing into new life. The wild plum, red bud, and various other kinds are decked with blossoms. The prairie flowers are inviting the admirer of nature, and showing the hand of God and His wisdom, as much as the bright luminary that dispenses its life-giving ra}*s over all "> our system. ********** Nothing can exceed in beaut}- the situation of this college. It is on an elevation above the surrounding prairie, which exceeds in loveliness and fertility anything you ever saw. The flourishing village of Jacksonville, one mile away, is entirely overlooked by the college building, while in the rear is a charm- ing grove, affording a delightful retreat for the student either of books or nature. * * * This, above all others, is the country for farmers . Not a stone to trouble him , and he finds all around him the richest soil of the easiest cultivation. Last Thursday was to me the beginning of new responsibilities, WORK AS TUTOR. 43 and I assumed them under circumstances far different from any in which I have ever been placed before. But I hope that the same kind hand that has hitherto led me in a way that I knew not and has brought me hither in safety, will grant me wisdom adequate to the station which I am called to fill. September 15. — I will try to write in a pleasant strain, although I was kept awake most of last night by that not very agreeable companion the toothache. One year ago I commenced school on that bleak hill in New Preston. Now I am only eleven hundred miles from that place, but no mountain rears its rugged top, no rocks or stones meet the eye, and no little murmuring brook tumbles over a declivity or runs down the hillside, but prairies level and smooth as the ocean's surface lie all around us, and cornfields to an almost boundless extent wave in the southern breeze. To-morrow will be our annual commencement, and two will graduate — the first alumni of this infant institution. The long summer term of twenty weeks has at length come to a successful close. God has been very good to me, for since I graduated a year ago I have not lost a single day from illness . I think a favor- able change has taken place in nvy religious feelings since coming here. I am able to keep more constantly and vividly before my mind the importance of doing something every day for the honor of God. What other object in this world is worth living for? I am entirely contented and never enjoyed myself better — have the best of society and plenty of work to fill up my time. I find the students very pleasant and intelligent, and during the term all things have moved on smoothly. Mr. Gaylord commenced his labors as instructor in Illinois College in the spring of 1835. The long summer term of twenty weeks closed with commencement, beginning on September 16. He spent his first vacation in visiting several families from Connecticut, who had emigrated to Illinois and settled in various places, principally in the neighborhood of Round Prairie, afterward called Plymouth. 44 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. In one of these families, that of Nathan Burton, Esq., was a daughter once met by Mr. Gaylord in Connecticut when quite a young girl. She was now a young lady of seventeen, modest and retiring in her demeanor, but a decided and lovely Christian. The acquaintance renewed at this time ripened into an attachment, which soon culminated in an engagement. His letters to her, with an occasional one to his niece, give almost the only history of the four succeed- ing years. To Miss Sarah Burton : Illinois College, November 10, 1835. — The time has come for me to enter upon that correspondence which I proposed, and to which 3'ou consented, and I have resolved to ask God's blessing in the very commencement of it. I have also resolved to refrain from all that vain jesting and foolish levity which is inconsistent with the interesting subject before us, and with the expression of our views and feelings as Christians. Entering upon it with such purposes, I hope to make it both pleasant and profitable . I returned to Jacksonville one week since, after an absence of four weeks, and found it just as pleasant as ever. After leaving your Prairie, I visited Mr. Scarborough's settlement, and spent the Sabbath with him. The next Wednesday I left Fairfield for home; walked to Griggs ville, and was overtaken by the rain two and one-half miles from any house. Was "right smartly" sprinkled. Spent the succeeding Sabbath at Naples and heard Mr. Sturtevant preach two excellent sermons. I can give } r ou some interesting intelligence in regard to matters and things in Jacksonville. The efforts recently made in the temperance cause have been eminently successful. A large number have signed the pledge — among them Governor Duncan, who was appointed president of the society at their annual meeting . And what is more interesting still , we trust he has become a Christian. He united with the Presbyterian church in this place last Sabbath. A visitation from house to house, to increase attendance in COLLEGE ITEMS. 45 the Sunday-school has been attended with the happiest results. As I went into the school, after an absence of four weeks, I found my class of nine young ladies glad to see me, and was gratified to find a large addition to the number of scholars. Growing out of these efforts a united prayer meeting of all the teachers in the different schools has been instituted. One was held last evening and was very interesting. We have some noble hearted teachers. Sectarianism seems banished and true Christian love appears to pervade almost every heart. We also resolved to have all the teachers and scholars meet monthly to hear an address from some one previously appointed. A meeting of ministers and delegates from the Congrega- tional churches in the state has been held, and the result of their deliberations was the adoption of a constitution and regu- lations, to be presented to the churches for their acceptance. Those accepting will form an association to be called the Con- gregational Association" of Illinois . Two of our professors, Messrs. Wolcott and Post, have just returned, bringing wives with them, and Professor Turner will soon follow. There is quite a pleasant little romance connected with Prof. T.'s marriage. He first met the lady as they were traveling together in a stage coach in Connecticut. Attracted by her uncommon loveliness, he sought her acquaintance, and as the result, will soon bring her to Jacksonville as his beloved wife. It was truly an instance of "love at first sight". All the instructors are now married excepting myself. President Beecher returned last week. On Sabbath after- noon he preached from these words, "When iniquity cometh in like a flood," etc. It was a great sermon. Our term commences to-morrow, and we have the prospect of a full school. I do hope the Spirit of the Lord will preside over the institution this term. I saw a family to-day passing through town, just from Connecticut. The name was Welles, and they were from Tol- land. I find myself at the commencement of a new term in good health, happy and contented, and delightfully situated in the 46 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. southeast corner of the old building, in the second story, over- looking the town. I shall hope for an answer to this as soon as convenient, containing a sketch of your feelings relative to the important subject before us. Let these be expressed, on both your part and mine, with all that candor and frankness which is so desir- able. Give my love to your parents, brothers, and sisters, and keep as much for yourself as 3 T ou think proper. R. Gaylord. To Miss Martha Gaylord : Illinois College, December, 1835. — Ever Dear Niece: — It is about three months since I received your letter , and it truly gave me great pleasure to hear from one in whom I feel a deep and increasing interest. The messenger, death, is still active, as I learn from yours and one subsequently received from Edmund Aikin, giving an account of the death of Laura Thompson and other young people in Norfolk. But I often think it matters little how soon the messenger comes to us. All we need to concern ourselves about is to do our Master's will, and be found watching, when He shall call for us. Since I last wrote you , we have passed through commence- ment, had a vacation of eight weeks, and now six weeks of another term are already gone. I spent the vacation mostly in rambling about the country visiting old acquaintances and form- ing new ones. Much of the country is new, not having been settled more than two or three } r ears. The houses in which our Connecticut friends are living are built of logs, sometimes hewn and sometimes not — one story high — about twenty feet square and all in one room. The roof is covered with boards split out from the logs, and doors are made of the same material. The chimne}'' is on the outside, built occasionally of stone, but gener- ally of turf, and topped out cob-house fashion with small split sticks. The floors are made of puncheons, which are short plank also split from logs, and hewn partially smooth on one side. These puncheons do not often fit very closel} T together. There are usually two or three beds. If two, one in each VACATION TRIPS. 47 corner of the side opposite the chimney, with a bureau between, over which hangs a looking-glass. However large the family, all must sleep in the one room . You might think they would be discontented after leaving the comforts of their eastern homes but the}* are generally contented and happy, for they do not expect to live in this vra,y an} T longer than is necessary. Land is fast rising in value and a moderate sum judiciously invested will make a man independent in a few years. This state is increasing rapidly in population and importance. In 1821 there were but twenty families in this county, now there are 19,214 people, 1,700 in this town (Jacksonville). The emigration to this state is immense. There was a constant stream of it in the fall from every quarter and of every kind. During vacation I delivered some temperance lectures, and conducted meetings on the Sabbath three or four times. I spent a week at Fairfield with Mr . Kasson and Myron Gay lord . They are much pleased with the country, but there is a great destitu- tion of religious privileges, and when I look at this, I long to be in the field, ready to engage in the Master's work. The Sabbath school is doing great good and its influence is already invaluable. Our school numbers ninety-seven. I am superintendent and am deeply interested in it. To his niece: Round Prairie, April 13, 1836. — * * * It is now the middle of my spring vacation, and I have been highly pleased with ray residence in the country thus far. I have traveled more than two hundred miles the past week, and returned with increasing vigor. Visited Rushville, the county seat of Schuyler county, and passed through Beardstown. I am now in the northeast corner of the count}-, where Mr. Kasson lives, and several others who came out from Connecticut last spring. I find, as I travel through the country, people everywhere agree- able and hospitable. Am quite favorably impressed with the character of the settlers from Kentucky. The emigrants to this state are generally enterprising and intelligent people from all parts of the United States. Illinois bids fair to become one 48 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. of the first states in the Union in point of wealth, population, and intelligence. In my travels I forded Crooked creek and Spoon river, the former four feet deep. Visited Canton, which was nearly destroyed by a tornado last summer, but is now rebuilt. It has a church of one hundred and fifteen members, and an interesting revival is now in progress. At Peoria I had the pleasure of meeting a classmate, very unexpectedly to both of us. He took me home with him, a distance of twenty-five miles north- east. After traveling fourteen miles we came to a large cabin, and on entering were introduced to a Mr. and Mrs. Coolidge from Boston. I found them very intelligent people, and every- thing bore an air of neatness and comfort rarely surpassed in the country. A book-case filled with books stood opposite the door, and a table spread with delicacies occupied the center of the apartment. A hunter lived with them who had roamed over these wilds for the last eight 3 T ears, and could tell of many a wolf and deer that had fallen by his unerring aim. I shall return to Jacksonville in about ten days, and resume my labors there for the next term. Letters to Miss Burton : Illinois College, April 28, 1836. — This day is one of peculiar interest to me . It is a way mark — a stopping place from which to view the past and look forward to the future. In other words it is my birthday, and completes the twenty-fourth year of my short life. * * In looking back over the past year I can feel that this has been one of the most eventful and interesting of all those years, and while I see much to regret, I am conscious that I have enjo3 r ed more sensibly the presence of God , and have felt more and more strongly my entire dependence on Him for wisdom and guidance in all things. And it has brought a very important and to me highly interesting change in my relations — a change in which I doubt not I have had the direction of superior wisdom. * * * I do not expect my labors in the college to be as arduous this summer as they have been the past year. Much of the time I can command, aside from the duties of instruction, I intend LETTERS. 49 devoting to the study of Hebrew . Our institution is likely to be filled this term with a better class of students than usual . I have been deliberating in regard to my return to New Haven for my Theological course, but have not yet fixed upon the time. I intend to commit niyself to the direction of Provi- dence, and follow what seems to be the path of duty. Nothing can produce more real satisfaction than an implicit reliance upon God for guidance and help in regard to all our plans. I do not expect to keep our engagement secret, and it is in vain for us to try. An open, frank avowal when it cannot be avoided without equivocation, is the only upright and honora- able course to pursue. This will secure the respect and esteem of those who are worthy of our regard, and free us from many petty annoyances which an opposite course might bring upon us . I study from four to five hours each day besides hearing the recitations. Am expecting a visit from a Norfolk friend, a young man near my own age, and shall be glad to welcome him to this delightful College Hill. Our Sabbath school continues prosperous. I have spent two Saturday afternoons in visiting from house to house among the parents of the scholars and found it pleasant and profitable. Recently had a very pleasant interview with Mr. Carter and his lovely family, consisting of wife, six little daughters and an infant son. The children are the joy of their parents, and the hope of the church, for they are children of the covenant and are taught to obey God and their parents. On the Fourth of July we had a flaming oration in favor of liberty and equality and a visit of troops from Springfield. The college faculty were invited to partake of a dinner provided by the citizens, but declined. The next day our Governor gave them a dinner at his own expense. Illinois College, August 21, 1836. — I acknowledge with pleasure the receipt of your truly welcome letter received last Thursday. It did me good to read it over and over again. The anxiety expressed in my last arose from an apprehension that some letter of yours had failed to reach me. But when I came to know that you were one of fifteen that make up a family 5 50 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. living in a log cabin, I felt that you were entirely excusable for the delay. While returning from Mr. C.'s yesterday afternoon, not far from five o'clock, a meteor shot through the heavens, moving very rapidly in a northeasterly direction. It appeared like a small but most brilliant globe of fire, with a train of considerable length, leaving behind it a thin blue smoke which remained visible for twenty minutes. Seen at evening it would have been a most splendid object. Several persons heard a report like distant thunder. ******** It is becoming somewhat sickly in the village. A young man who was a stranger here died on Monday last. It is said he was to have been married about the time of his death. Prof. Turner has been sick about ten days with a slow fever, which has finally run into chills and fever. Bachelor Hall, October 5,1836. — My Dear Friend Sarah: I will give you some account of my jaunt during vacation. After leaving your house, I rode on leisurely until I came to Esq. Archer's. After dinner launched out into the Eighteen Mile Prairie. It was a somewhat lonely ride, however, until I reached Father Mathews' about sunset, where I spent the night very pleasantly. They were glad to see one who loved the Lord and His cause. Started at nine next morning, and after travel- ing eight miles, came to the flourishing village of Eochester, on Spoon river. I was detained by the rain, but reached Canton about dusk, and put up at Mr. Welby's in his new house. A camp-meeting was in progress, which I attended on the Sabbath, and enjoyed it very much. Dr. Nelson preached in the morning on "Prophecy" — a most excellent discourse — but his strength gave out before he got through, so that he was compelled to stop in the middle of a sentence. Mr. Hale preached in the afternoon, and a dozen or more presented themselves as inquirers. It was a good day to me. Monday morning I left for the north, expecting to cross the river at Pekin, but before I was aware of it, found myself four miles above, and within six miles of Peoria. Accordingly I went on and crossed the river there — consequently failed of visiting Mr. Bascom as I intended. I spent night TEACHING AND STUDY. 51 before last with a Methodist brother, in a little cabin in the timber. I fared better than my horse, for I could get nothing for him but about six quarts of oats and corn, and he was so hungry that he ate up his halter before morning. Oh, how I did pity the poor dumb animal! Rode on in the morning to Washington, and found ice a quarter of an inch thick. Traveled over prairie most of the day — sometimes with no timber in sight. The prairie is very rolling and beautiful. Was very well entertained twelve miles from here last night. Rode on in the morning, before break- fast, and found Sheldon Whittlesey in his bachelor home. Shall call at Mr. Hatch's this evening. Mr. Whittlesey was expecting to start for Galena to-morrow, if I had not come, as he did not receive my letter. We shall go on together towards Galena in the morning. I anticipate some pleasure in visiting the lead mines, and shall probably spend next Sabbath there. Cannot mark out my course after that, but may strike down through the western counties towards home. I am feeling well, and enjoying my journey greatly. Have much more to say, but must wait till I see you again. Tell your brother Henry his coat has done me much good. Without it I would have been uncomfortably cold on the camp ground . I have traveled the greater part of the way alone, until yes- terday, and you have been very much in mj r thoughts. Often does the silent prayer go up that the Lord may bless you, watch around you, and keep } r ou always. Illinois College, Jacksonville, November 23. — My Dear Sarah : The last week has been a busy one and now my sails are fully spread for another term. Four hours for recitation and one or two in preparation. The rest I spend in study, to be divided for the present between Hebrew and mental philosophy. Yesterday I dined with Prof. Turner at his residence, and this evening took tea at Mr. Jenny's. I am in very good spirits for the duties before me, for the jaunts of vacation have restored strength and vigor to my system, which was somewhat debili- tated at the close of m}- long summer term. 52 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOKD. Our students have not all returned, owing to the unpleasant weather and deep mud, but the} r are coining in dail}' and new ones also. One whom we were expecting comes not, for he has finished his earthly career and entered upon the untried realities of another world. He was a member of the Freshman class and an ornament to it also. But he is gone, after an illness of twenty days with congestive fever. * * * A letter from my cousin in Yale College says there are one hundred and ten students in the Freshman class, and one hundred and thirty-five in the Sophomore. * * * * A New York paper, under the head of marriages, mentions those of Rev. Mr. Eldridge and 3Iiss Sarah Battell, and Mr. Humphrey and Miss Urania Battell of Norfolk, Connecticut, and the report is, that Philip B., one of the brothers, is soon to link his destinies with a lady from Middlebury, Vermont. A disquisition on some of your studies, particularly mental philosophy, might be profitable to you, and would be pleasant to me. December 25. — My Dearest Friend: I wish the aspect of religious things was more cheering in the village. The Presby- terian church is very much divided, and I fear will separate permanently. When will those who profess to be the disciples of Christ learn to love one another ? Till that time comes the world will never be converted. In reviewing the year and referring to his engagement with Miss Burton, he writes to her: This subject has given me many happy hours in my seasons of reflection , and at this moment those cords of attachment which bind me to }-ou and which are so heartily reciprocated, are, I doubt not, working a silent but powerful influence on my char- acter and guiding all my plans. * * * While letters should be written with care, and as giving vent to the overflowings of a full mind and heart, still they may be made not only an amusement, but a source of the highest profit. * * * * The marriage state is likened to a school, FRONTIER SLEIGHING. 53 ill which the parties are alike teachers and taught, each learn- ing from the other, and both finding something new to learn. The school once begun there is no vacation or change of teachers. * * * * * * ** * Your object, during the time you spend in school, should be not to finish your- education and then put your books aside, but rather to place a good foundation for the future, to form habits of study and reflection, to lay down general principles. In short, you should consider these months as a sort of preparatory course, to fit you to enter upon the wider and more extended field which will then open before you. Viewed in this light, how interesting does the future appear to a mind desirous of improvement. I feel that I have but just begun to learn, and hope to keep at it all my life , however long or short it may be . If we believe that the mental powers continue to expand, not only in this world, but throughout eternity, how should the thought stimulate us to constant and vigorous action in the pursuit of knowledge. It will be my purpose to furnish my library (for a good library I mean to have) with standard works, not only on divinity, but also on science, history, biography, poetry, and literature in general. If we read by ourselves, we should often stop and think, as we proceed, but it is better for two to read together, and con- verse, and dwell upon any new thoughts until they make them their own. We are social beings, and as such are bound to cultivate our social feelings. To do this we must engage in conversation. January 23, 1837. — * * * This winter has been somewhat peculiar for Illinois, and it has amused me not a little to witness all the expedients that have been adopted for getting around upon the snow. Even I myself have not been behind the spirit of the age in this respect. Just before the deep snow came, I cut a couples of poles in the grove, and in the course of the day constructed a real New England jumper, which is in very good repute, and has been used more or less by all the literati here. Mr. Blatchford and I took the first ride, 54 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. but just as we got to town the horse turned us into the snow, and then went on and left us to take care of ourselves. A week ago last Saturday, Mr. Jenny and myself went to Winchester to spend the Sabbath, and had a very pleasant time. I have finished the book on Iceland and found it very interesting. How go your studies now ? How much longer does school con- tinue and what are your arrangements after it closes ? Miss Price, teacher of the Female Seminary has resigned, and the school will pass into other hands. Mr. Jenny is to act as agent for the Foreign Missionary Society for six months, and will begin the work soon after Mr. Coffin returns, who is daily expected . February 4. — I need no argument to convince you of the importance of cultivating the talent for conversation, which everyone possesses in a greater or less degree, and that it can be turned to veiy great account by one who seeks to be useful. You are aware there are three classes, those who talk too much, those who say too little, and those who pursue a medium course. Wisdom and knowledge must be the foundation, and in the practice, a free use of good common sense. Ignorance, bashf ulness, a want of interest in those around us, or in what they are saying, are very great hindrances. We can often help persons who belong to either of these classes by suggesting topics with which they are familiar. If one is silent long in company, he is apt to be set down as deficient in knowledge, or as misanthropic. Says one writer in giving advice to a lady on this subject: " Never attempt to shine in conversation by using expressions not intelligible to the company you are in. The more easy, simple, and natural the better. And never refuse to take the lead when it obviously falls to your lot to do so." * * * The same writer suggests a method of reading the Bible which pleases me, and which I will recommend to you. It is to read the Bible through by course, taking three chap- ters and three psalms each day for six days in the week, and two on the Sabbath. This will complete the book in one year. February 28. — My Dear Sarah: I have been greatly inter- ested in reading again your two letters received since I last wrote. MENTAL PHILOSOPHY. 55 I bless God for that spirit which shows that you long to know and walk in the path of duty. * * We mnst learn to meet people on common ground if we would be useful to them. So far as is right, we should allow them their peculiar notions and views, and learn like Paul "to become all things to all men that we may save some." * * * * I do not wonder that you are pleased with the magnificent science of astronomy. You seem to have already become quite well ac- quainted with the constellations. For your teacher I entertain a very high regard . There is one point in your last very interesting to my mind, and most important in its bearings upon society. It is the "habit of correct association," which you mentioned as a part of your lesson. Probably there is no one principle which enters more radically into the formation and development of character than this. It is the basis of the truth, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." How fortunate are those whose early associations have been carefully guarded by kind parents and friends, and how unfor- tunate those who have not been thus guarded, for bad associa- tions will continually come up to trouble and distress even those who are helped and restrained by the all-powerful grace of God. But this theme is too fruitful for the limits of a letter. I am already looking forward to the spring vacation, and wish to make the most of it for the more perfect assimilation of our minds, and in laying plans for our mutual improvement. Thank you for the outlines of that sermon. Such a theme clothed in eloquent language, and thrown out from the deep emotions of a heart filled with love of God, must have been interesting. * * Are you not surprised sometimes at the satisfaction you derive in studying mental philosophy, from the fact that you are able to trace the distinct operations of the mind when carry- ing on a train of thought ? Perhaps you had the same train of thought before, but could not trace it because your mind had not been turned particularly to it. Or, if you had apprehended the principles in some degree, you now arrive at a certainty, from finding the same in the experience of others, and this cer- 5G LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOED. tainty fixes y our own mind and administers to your enjoyment. My mind has been much interested in the subject of Christian growth, and I am resolved to live a more devoted life. I wish you to consider the question, How can this end be best attained? The last day of another winter is passing away, and its scenes are filling up for the final record. I have been happy in my work this winter, and ought to be very thankful for the good- ness I have experienced. * * * * President Beecher, who is absent raising funds for the college, writes from Galena that the Lord is there by His Spirit, and some of the most prom- inent men have come out on the Lord's side. A good work is going on in Alton, and in Winchester a meeting has been held, and many young men hopefully converted. A Union Presby- terian church has been formed there, so the Lord has not for- saken the people. * • * * A letter from Mr. S. Whittlesey tells of the sudden death of a man who was living in his house when I visited him. He left home for a cow, but not returning, a search was instituted and he was found drowned in about eight inches of water. * * * * We have just received and opened a very superior collection of philosophical apparatus direct from Paris. It has arrived in very good con- dition . March 20. — My Dear Sarah: * * * Rode fifteen miles before breakfast — all the way from Winchester, where I spent the Sabbath . Would that I had the pen of a ready writer, so that I could paint something of the glory and beauty of this glorious morning! I arose at five, and left the house with a light step, so as not to disturb the inmates, and mounted my horse just at "daj-break." The moon had nearly completed her upper circuit, and was fast dipping into the western ocean. The air was mild and calm and the birds sang merrily. After proceeding about four miles, the king of day appeared in the east, and never was sunrise more beautiful or enrapturing. The clear expanse of heaven above the belt of smoky vapor that lay along the horizon, and the sun rising majestically above the trees, appearing of unusual size as the rays were dispersed by the mist and smoke — all combined to form a scene at once grand HIGH WATER. 57 and beautiful. It was well calculated to inspire elevating and devout feelings and to kindle all the finer sensibilities of the soul . But I want to write something about the state of things in "Winchester. The work of the Lord still continues there, and one interesting feature of it is that all denominations of Chris- tians work together in perfect harmony. Two young men united with the church yesterda}^ and were baptized by immer- sion. There has been a complete change in the religious character of the place. Pres. Beecher has returned and brings good news from Galena. Erie, Illinois Rivee, April 5, 1837. — I left Jacksonville this morning and came on very pleasantly until I reached the river, which was about three o'clock. After waiting an hour for the ferry-boat, I came within half a mile of this place. With a single exception, the river is higher than has been known since the settlement of the country. The bottoms are covered with water, save here and there a small spot which happens to be somewhat elevated. The boat brought me two miles, and left me with a compan}^ of others on one of these little islands. We wished to go about two miles further, but soon after we landed ascertained that the boat would not make another trip this evening, and there seemed no alternative but to pass the night on this little spot, entirely surrounded by water, in the midst of fifty or sixty strangers, with nothing for myself or horse to eat. This was not very pleasant in anticipation, and, while delibera- ting what to do, I learned that it might be possible to reach Erie, half a mile up the river. I mounted nvy horse and rode through the water all the wa} r , found a comfortable place to lodge, and am now seated b}* a good fire in the midst of an interesting family. Although the water runs freely under the house and I sailed to the stable in a skiff to take care of my horse, } r et I have had a good supper and my horse a dry stall, and doubt not I shall sleep soundly till morning light. It was on one night during this trip that his bed was a 58 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. pile of shavings, on which he slept sweetly and for which he was very thankful. Illinois College, May 11. — * * You will recollect I said something about the union of Presbyterian and Congregational churches in Jacksonville. A committee was appointed to attend to the matter, and last Monday they re- ported in favor of union. * * * * I will now give you the histoiy of one day as a sample of the manner in which I spend my time : Breakfast at 6:30. Spend a season previous in reading our daily portion of Scripture and prayer. Prayers at seven. From that time to eight prepare for recitations, which I hear from eight to ten. From ten to twelve read church history, in which I am very much interested. From twelve to one. dinner and recreation. From one to three, study Greek. I intend to read the Greek Testament through this term. Three to five, hear recitations. After five, study Hebrew. Mr. Gaylord seems early to have formed the habit of economizing time. Possibly the great value set upon it was innate — inherited from his parents. Something else which he possessed of great worth was also an inheritance. This was a strong constitution and perfect health. From the above exhibit of his daily employment, it is inferred that " Redeeming the time " must have been his motto. As the months passed on, his love for, and devotion to, his chosen life-work gathered strength, and his anxiety for the needful preparation to enter upon it increased. Thus we see that during those years of teaching in Illinois College, all the hours not needed for his work were carefully saved, and employed in systematic Theological studies, with the help and under the careful supervision of President Edward Beecher. In these he had made such progress that in one year after entering Yale Theological Seminary on his return to New Haven, he was sent forth to preach the gospel. But in doing this he drew too heavily upon the resources of a pliable and elastic constitutional tempera- GOOD ADVICE. 59 merit, and we find him at the close of those long terms in Jacksonville, complaining of great weariness. He seemed especially worn and weary, when the finishing up of those two and one-half years released him from his work and enabled him to prepare for his long journey homeward. Illinois College, May 30, 1837. — Dear Sarah: I am happy to hear that you are pleased with the languages, and have no doubt but that your interest will increase as you advance. If you have a taste for them, I trust you will pursue them to a considerable extent. Let me repeat the suggestion to be thorough in the grammar, especially in the declensions and con- jugations . Make free use of the large dictionary I send you in regard to verbs. You will read Stewart some every day until you finish it — say fifteen pages if 3~ou find time. You will accomplish most to have system — some given time for each study. * * * ** * ' * * Our church matters are not fully settled, but when they are I will give you a chapter. * * Mr. Kasson's people took me entirefy by surprise. I had been out to call on Mrs. Jenny, and on returning found them looking for me. This is a beautiful day, and we have been out to the mound. AVe took Scofield with us and had a delightful ride. I have enjoyed their visit greatly. Am sometimes nearly sick with headache, caused b}* too close application to study and too little exercise. I have concluded to go back to Connecticut this fall on horseback, so I shall keep my horse, and ride for exercise. My reasons for going this way are briefly these: I shall be so much reduced by the summer term of study and instruction as to need recruiting, and a journey in the usual way by stage and steam- boat would fail to benefit me. But a ride across the country on horseback will, I trust, secure the desired result, and give me a fine opportunity to see and learn much of those states and towns through which I shall pass. Jink 8. — I received a letter a few days since from a class- mate of mine now in Lane Seminary. He has just been licensed 60 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. to preach, and expects to locate in the state of Missouri, with two or three others from the same institution. He is a 3*oung man of fine spirit and great zeal for his Master, and I believe God will own and bless his labors in this western valley. He says, "Great effort is being made in the newspapers to destroy the influence of Dr . B . , " but he thinks they will not succeed to any great extent. The General Assembly is strongly old school, and it is thought may adopt such measures as will rend the "body politic." A crowd of strangers are coming into town these days from the east, notwithstanding the financial pressure. We had expected a visit from Daniel Webster and Henry Cla}-, but owing to the calling of Congress on the 1st of September, the}* found it necessary to turn back forthwith. I would like to have seen these distinguished gen- tlemen . Times are becoming more and more alarming, and our Gov- ernment seems almost on the verge of dissolution. The refusal of the President to do anything for the relief of the country, and the order of the Government to receive nothing but specie at the custom-houses and postoffices, when reported in Boston well nigh kindled the spirit of '76. At a large meeting of the citizens, resolutions were reported in direct opposition to the Government. They were laid on the table until a remonstrance could be sent to Washington and an answer received; but another meeting was to be held when, if no relief could be obtained, these resolutions would undoubtedly be passed and carried out. The Governor of this state has called an extra session of the Legislature for the 7th of July, to save the life of the bank, and attend to other matters of public moment. News has just reached us of the repeal of the "Treasury Circular," and there is a stir in the "Kitchen Cabinet" at Washington. Henry Hatch , the deaf and dumb young man , was here a day or two since, and called on me. The union of our churches concerning which I wrote } r ou , has not been consummated '. There was much misunderstanding in regard to the articles of union, and all agreed that as each understood the other they could not unite, and concluded to stay apart for the present. We are FOURTH OF JULY. 61 having delightful evenings now. This evening I took a stroll in our grove with Miss M. C. June 23 . — Have recently received letters from my sister in Norfolk, James Cowles in Yale College, and a classmate in Philadelphia. Friends in Norfolk are in usual health, excepting my father, who is quite lame and seldom able to walk out even to church. My brother has been called to bury his youngest child after a protracted illness. Mjr sister's letter mentions the death of Miss M. Baldwin and Miss Knapp, a daughter of Mr. Bushnell Knapp. Cousin J. Cowles graduates in two months, and thinks some of going to Oberlin. His brothers are pro- fessors in the college at Oberlin. The great Mr. Webster has been here, and I have had the pleasure of hearing him speak and shaking his hand. He addressed us briefly in the college chapel, and on Saturday afternoon spoke to between two and three thousand of our people in Governor Duncan's grove. His speech was an hour and a half in length — was clear, manly and forcible, and worthy of his distinguished fame. He passed on to Springfield, thence to Peoria, and goes home by Chicago and the lakes. " * * * Olmstead's Philosophy lias arrived and I will send it the first opportunity. Have been preparing an address on Iceland for the "Society of Inquiry" in college. July 6. — We have just passed another of our nation's birth- days. Some have prayed, some mourned, and very many have spent the da}^ in laughter and merriment. No preparations for any celebration were made in town or college, and we expected our regular recitations. But the students met the evening pre- vious and requested the day, which was granted, and President Beecher and Professor Post were invited to address them. They spoke extremely well, and afterwards the students and faculty, with their families, partook of an excellent dinner. The day passed very pleasantly and in a manner highly creditable to us as an institution. ******** I saw Mr. Carter on his return from your place and was gratified with the account he gave of the meeting and the state of feeling consequent upon it. I hope M. H. will prove a true 62 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. friend of the Redeemer. Hoav is B? Mr. Carter felt deeply for him. Have airy of Mr. P.'s family or Mr. A.'s children been interested ? I rejoice that even a few drops have fallen in the midst of the widespread desolation. Let us praise God and take courage. We had a very good prayer-meeting here last evening. The state of the church was alluded to, the spread of infidelity, the boldness of skeptics, and their boastings over the divided state of the church of Christ. Much was said of its worldly and sectarian spirit; and the example of Daniel, who confessed his own sins and the sins of the people, and prayed and made supplication to his God, was held up as worthy of imitation. The divisions and dissensions of the church were greatly deplored, especially their injustice in laying all the responsibility at the door of the N. 8. and C. It is to be feared they are cutting the last cord which binds all these brethren together. I suppose you have read and heard much of what was done by the General Assembly at their last session. Public prints and even political papers are full of criticisms on what they call an unchristian spirit and illegal proceedings. Four s} r nods were cut off without a hearing, embracing a large number of churches and ministers. Dr. B. of Troy made an eloquent and able speech, though at times somewhat severe, showing perhaps too little of the Christian and too much of the politician. Truly a cloud hangs over the American church which is dark and thick, and it would be well for Christians of all denominations to stop censuring each other, and inquire whether they have not too large a beam in their own eye to see the mote in their brother's eye so clearly that the}* can cast it out. When I look at the present state of Christendom I feel sick and desponding, but the Lord reigns and his designs will be accomplished. And when I remember this, and look at the character of God and His promises, hope revives. * * * The last paper brought intelligence of the death of Rev. Edwin Stearns, missionary to China, who went out, I believe, in 1833. He was my tutor in college one 3 r ear, and I esteemed him very highly as a man and a Christian. I understand the A. II. M. Society has issued circulars to all BEGINNING WORK. 63 their missionaries, requesting them not to draw for their salaries until the}' receive further orders. This will distress many, as they have only four hundred dollars in all for the year — a bare subsistence in these hard times . The American Board are also under the necessity of retaining missionaries for want of funds . Never before has this been true. The appeal has been for men, but now the men are ready, the money is wanting. I do hope the Lord will open the hearts and purses of the church in highly favored America. July 14. — I fear the summer has been on the whole a barren time in religious experience with me. If I were asked the reason, I should say, Too little attention to private devotion. We must cultivate religion , if we wish it to flourish in our hearts . Weeds will grow without care, but to keep them out so as to make room for the pure and holy plants of righteousness, requires constant effort and watching. * I have been reading church history for several weeks. What in the future will the church present to coming ages ? * * * I have seldom felt in better health, notwithstanding the very warm weather . My room is so situated that I have a fresh breeze passing through it constantly, and friend Pierson is here enjoy- ing it with me. He is well, as are also Scolield and Hitchcock. July 28. — Have been out two Sabbaths to a settlement on the Sangamon river, twenty-five miles from Jacksonville. Mr. Hicks, one of the students who lives in that neighborhood , went out with me. Addressed the people twice each Sabbath. They were very attentive, and urged me to come again. I started at sunrise on Monday morning, so as to take the "cool of the day," and had a most delightful ride home. Nothing gives such a sense of our dependence on God, and such a constant enjoyment of His presence, as to engage in direct and active efforts for the advancement of His cause. August 10. — One of the students was taken on Sabbath with bleeding at the lungs, and it has been repeated every day since, until he is brought very low. Unless he gets relief he cannot continue long, and the most distressing part of this is that he 64 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORT). knows not the blessedness of trusting in Christ. I watched with him a part of last night. * * Mr. Charles Beecher , Miss S . C . 's friend , and Miss Catherine Beecher , the noble authoress, are visiting our President. I rejoice in what the Lord is doing for j^our settlement. Think that barn must be a consecrated spot. Do M. and W. appear decided? The present is a critical period with them. The first few weeks of a Christian's life are apt to give character to the whole. It is highly important to be Bible Christians, and not worldly-minded professors. August 17. — The student referred to in my last is no more. I had watched with him three nights and was called again last night. Was with him at the time of his death, which occurred about six this morning. Scofield watched with me. The parents were sent for and arrived about three days since. Last night at eight o'clock the doctor informed them that he must die soon. The mother in an agony of grief, called upon her Savior, while the father — not a pious man — threw his arms around my neck exclaiming, "What shall I do? The fearful hour is at hand!" The poor youth showed no apparent concern for the future. His whole frame soon became greatly agitated, laboring for breath, until his pulse rose to 170. About two o'clock he became deranged and remained so until death entered and claimed his victim. The parents gave vent to their feelings in a manner which beggars all description. It was truly a heartrending spectacle. This is the first death that has occurred in the insti- tution for four j'ears. * * You ask a definition of meekness. I know what it is better than I can define it, but I suppose by meekness is meant that true greatness of soul which leads one to overlook an injury or an insidt, rather than revenge it, and to do good to an enemy when it is in our power to do him evil. This requires that courage and strength of purpose which I call greatness or nobility of soul. Thus Christ was meek, for "when reviled, He reviled not again," and we see it in the whole history of His sufferings and death. a student's conversion. 65 August 25. — This week, unlike aiuy other I have spent in Illinois, has been one of sickness, and I have not heard a single recitation. I was taken violently ill with symptoms of fever, while out at the bottoms last Sabbath. Providentially I was at the house of one of the most eminent physicians, Dr. Chandler, who gave me prompt and unwearied attention, and saved me, no doubt, a very severe course of fever. I feel under great obliga- tions to him and his family for their kindness to me in time of need. Mr. Carter is engaged again for Jacksonville. Should think there might be some hope of obtaining Mr. Jenny for your place after he has completed his agency . September 8. — One of my scholars was sent for two weeks since by his pious friends living near Springfield, as a pro- tracted meeting was to be holden in the neighborhood. He went, but was very angry about it. Yesterday he returned a new creature. I will relate the story as I heard it from his own lips. He was resolved to resist every influence which was brought to bear upon him, and after his arrival made light of the meetings, and treated his friends improperly. In the morning of the last day of the meeting, his uncle asked him if he wished to return to college. He replied, "Yes, I have stayed here long enough." "You may go," said his uncle. Then he began to falter, his resolution failed him, and before night he was on the anxious seat resolved to be a Christian. The Spirit of the Lord was too strong for him. More than thirty hopeful conversions are the fruit of that meeting. It is since transferred to the town of Springfield, and the whole place seems shaken. Some of the worst 3'0ung men are rejoicing in hope of everlasting life. To his niece: Illinois Coli.k<;e. September 15, 1837. — * * * lam busy making the needful preparations for my return home. The time draws near when I must break away from the pleasant circle of acquaintances I have formed on College Hill, and my mind is vacillating between sorrow and joy — sorrow at parting with friends and with her whom I more than respect, and joy at the 6 66 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. thought of mingling again in the scenes of early life, of seeing once more those dear parents, who have ever been my guardian angels to guard my steps along the pathway of life, to watch over me in sickness and advise me in my weakness and liability to err, and for whom my affection, instead of diminishing by an absence of two years and a half, has greatly increased. And joy, too, at the thought of meeting a beloved sister and endeared brother, with their rising families, not one of whom has been forgotten by me. But the time hastens on, and I expect to set my face eastward the 21st of this month, or the day after com- mencement, and shall be five or six weeks on the way. * * I have been in the practice this summer of going out into the neighborhoods within reach to hold meetings on the Sabbath, and at times have had very attentive congregations. It has done me good and I hope has done some good to others. Besides the time I have spent in teaching this term, I have pursued a very interesting course of reading, lying mainly in the region of church history, evidences of Christianity, and kindred topics. Time will not permit me to give even a faint description of the interest I have experienced in pursuing these subjects, and the clearness with which I was enabled to see the foundation on which our Christian religion rests. No one can examine this theme candidly and be an infidel. It is hard to realize what wonderful progress in jour- neying has been wrought in fifty-one years. Now it would be thought a strange and impracticable scheme to travel from Illinois to Connecticut on horseback. But the subject of this memoir never spoke of it as a hardship, or regretted it in after life. Young, vigorous and full of energy, he was ready for any undertaking needful to pre- pare him for his work. And as he passed over the long road from day to day, he seems to have enjoyed much that he saw and heard, and was happy in communing with nature and nature's God. Full extracts are given from his letters to show the growth of the places in commerce, in population, in civili- SPRINGFIELD IN 1837. 67 zation and the arts, in the long years since the autumn of 1837. From letters to Miss Burton: I will begin to give you some details in reference to my journey. I left Jacksonville on Thursday afternoon, September 21, and am now one hundred and ten miles distant. The weather is delightful and the roads as fine as can be imagined. Passed through Springfield, which you know has become the capital of the state. It is as large or larger than Jacksonville. They are planning the new State House, which is to be a splendid building. The basement is of hewn stone, 125 feet by 84 — the walls four feet thick, built on arches with the tops dOwn, and filled in with solid stone and mortar. Stayed last night with an interesting family from Oxford, Ohio, the seat of Miami Uni- versity-, and I spend the Sabbath on the borders of a fifteen mile prairie. The first Sabbath of my journey was spent with an approving conscience, because I tried to obey the command, "Remember" etc. The house where we stayed was thronged and running over full with movers nearly all day. It was a wild and new place, and the wolves howled merrily around the house during the night. Monday morning we started early and rode across the fifteen mile prairie to breakfast. Nothing of particular interest occurred during the day, except that I met Rev. Asa Turner and wife, of Quincy, and a Rev. Mr. Whittle- sey about eight miles from Paris, in Edgar county. Paris is a very pretty place . Soon after meeting Mr . T . met also Mr . and Mrs . Russell, of Rushville. Stayed Monday night in the timber a short distance from the east line of the state. Here I saw beech trees for the first time in Illinois. Next morning we arrived at Terre Haute, which is located on a rich prairie about four miles wide. It is a very pleasant place, containing a splendid court-house and grounds and a nice Congregational church. Here we were introduced to the National road, which we followed in a straight course to Columbus, Ohio, a distance of nearly two hundred and fifty" miles. This is a splendid work. It passes through a densely timbered country, and is generally" perfectly straight. Hills have been leveled and valleys filled up so that you can see 68 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. many miles before you without obstruction . Where completed it is covered with a layer of broken stone about six inches thick , upon which the travel goes, which soon wears it down smooth. I do not like the country so well as Illinois, for it must take nearly a life-time to clear up a farm. Passing through several pleasant villages we reached Indianapolis, the capital and center of Indiana, a nice little city of three thousand five hundred people. It has a commanding State House and manj^ other fine buildings. The city lies mostly on or near the National road. They are building a lock on the canal here, for which they transport the stone forty miles. We passed on from this place to Richmond, four miles from the east line of Indiana, a town of four thousand inhabitants with all the activity of a city. The Quakers were just commencing their annual meeting there, and were coming in in large numbers. Thence our route was through Eaton to Dayton, on the canal near the Big Miami, containing five or six thousand people. We passed on through Fairfield, and stopped for the Sabbath four miles beyond, with a very pleasant family, except that the man had some very curious notions in respect to ministers. Went to meeting with them in a wagon — got upset and one of the ladies had her shoulder dis- located. Next morning we breakfasted in Springfield, which has a population of about twenty -eight hundred . We found the country under good cultivation to Columbus, the capital of Ohio, standing on the east bank of the Scioto river. This place is somewhat elevated, and presents a fine appearance at a dis- tance. The population is six thousand. There is a large public square in the center, and it has a good prison building but a poor State House. It is built principally on the National road and on Main street running at right angles to it. From here we proceeded a northeastly course for forty-five miles to the capital of Knox count} r , Ohio. At this place I let my compan- ion pass on and have not seen him since. I spent a little time with friends on the "Western Reserve." Passed the Sabbath in Uncle Curtiss' family . Monday went to Talmage and visited Prof. Sturtevant's father, next day to Hudson and saw Mr. Searle's father and Aunt Thompson, also Prof. Loomis, formerly my tutor DESCRIPTION OF NIAGARA. 69 in college, and Prof. Hickok, from Litchfield, Connecticut. At Cleveland saw Mr. Philip Battell and wife. There, after some delay took passage for Buffalo over the lake far-famed for gales. Did not stop in B., but passed on to Niagara Falls — that stupendous wonder of nature, of which I ma} r give you some account in the future. Thus far I have enjoyed 1113' ride to perfection. Am rugged and vigorous and have never regretted for a moment that I decided to take this course. Was much interested in the change from a prairie to a timber country, and in the advance in im- provement and civilization as I journed east. But nr^ love for the Prairie State has increased rather than diminished. Let but art do as much for Illinois as it has done for Ohio, and the latter would soon be left in the background * * * Traveling in this way I have heard but little profanity, but have seen Sabbath-breaking enough to make me tremble. I will give 3 t ou an imperfect description of Niagara. Imagine to yourself a river as large as the Mississippi, carrying in its bosom the waters of all that chain of lakes, and gliding smoothly along for the distance of twenty miles. Suddenly the surface seems to become troubled and more rapid. At length it begins to fall a few inches, and the island which divides the stream interposes. About one- fourth of the water goes around on the American side and three-fourths on the Canada side. Having passed the island it goes down rapidly over an inclined plane of solid rock , until it makes the final leap in one solid sheet down a perpendicular of one hundred and fifty feet. Then the sheet seems broken in the middle and the two walls stand at an angle of one hundred and twenty degrees. The river is lined for a long distance below with perpendicular walls of solid rock. From the falls I made my way to Lockport on the canal, which is here carried for quite a distance through solid rock. In the town are six locks in quick succession, making a fall of seventy- two feet. It is a splendid work. Thence I proceeded through a fine country to Batavia, a thriving place of three or four thousand people. Here I was introduced to a rich, highly culti- vated and delightful section, which continued for nearly a 70 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOBJ). hundred miles, called the Genesee country. I can only name a few places — LeRoi, exquisitely beautiful; Lima, where there is a Methodist Seminary built of stone on a hill a little distance from the village. Many small lakes are seen through this region which are beautiful and furnish business for thriving villages. Canandaigua, a place of wonderful beauty, is at the outlet of a lake of the same name. The principal street is two miles in length, rising gradually to an elevation, which commands a full view of the town and lake. Just at this point is a flourishing seminary. The houses are rich and attractive in appearance and well shaded with trees. Geneva, on the Geneva lake, is larger and a point of much business. Waterloo and Seneca Falls are important places, and next comes Auburn, the criminal's home. I visited the prison and saw them marching to their dinner in single file. They are enlarging the building and adding five acres of land to the five already occupied. From the prison I went to the Theological Seminary and found there two old college acquaintances, with whom I took dinner. From this place until within twenty miles of Albany, the country is a succession of high hills and deep valleys. Skeneateles, Marcellus, Cazenovia, and Cherry Valley are pleasant places, but the daj^s must be quite short, for they cannot see the sun early or late. Richland Springs, where a large stream of sulphur water flows from a mound, is a resort for invalids. Spent the Sabbath at West Springfield, and passing on towards Albany rode through twenty miles of pine barrens. Albany is very compact, with narrow streets, and is full of business. I reached home at noon the next Thursday, and took all my friends by surprise. They were determined not to look for me till the last of the week, lest they should be disappointed. I was just five weeks on the way, and had I been a da}' later must have lain by for the rain. But through the kind care of my Heavenly Father, I completed my long journey safely and in good health. The weather Avas warm and pleasant, and there was no rain except about a quarter of an hour in the state of New York. I found father and mother, brothers and sister and their children all well, and glad to see their son, brother, and RETURN TO NEW HAVEN. 71 uncle once more. Norfolk looks natural, yet has changed some. Several new houses have been erected, two or three very fine ones at the center, and the people have grown old. The larger children have almost become men and wOmen, and not a few of my old schoolmates are married. I will mention only one couple — Mr. Trowbridge and Miss S. Aiken. After a few days at home, I came to New Haven on horse- back. Wished to ascertain if they would receive me into the Middle class in the seminary, and to make arrangements for a boarding place as speedily as possible. .Shall go home and finish my visiting and then come back to stay. Saw Dr. Taylor this morning and gave him a history of myself. He says there will be no objection to my entering the middle class. New Haven seems to me the most pleasant place I ever saw. It was my home four years, and to me is full of interesting associations. This beautiful city has improved greatly since I left, for a large mimber of fine stores and dwelling houses have been built on the various streets. There have been several incendiary fires this year. One of them destroyed a block of poor buildings on Chapel street, and elegant three-story residences and stores are going up in their place. I received a most cordial welcome from dear cousin James. Our meeting was that of old and well-tried friends. I am writing in his room in Divinity College, a new building in the line of the other college buildings, and the finest of them all. Mr. Gaylord returned to Norfolk on horseback, and after spending a little time in delightful intercourse with his parents and other friends, set his face once more toward the place he loved so well, and where he was to finish his preparation for the work of coming years. IV. FURTHER PREPARATION 1837-1838. Let me live among high thoughts, where there is right Theological thinking and training. Lead me straight to the deepest fountains of God*s own truths, that I may know how to bring them home to the hearts and lives of others. — The Advance. Angels from friendship gather half their joys. — Young. Light, Freedom, Truth, be ever these thine own — Light to see truth, Freedom to make it known — Our work God's work, our wills His Will alone. — Whittier. "They rest from their labors and their works do follow them." * " How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings — that publisheth salvation." "How shall they preach except they be sent?" I love the dear old home! 'Tis hallowed by a father's prayers and mother's love: Sunlight is nowhere else so bright and fair. I know the forms of every tree and mountain, hill and dell. It is my home. — Mrs. Butler. "Surely I will be with thee." CHAPTER IV. Yale Seminary. Keturn to New Haven — Theological Studies — Letters to Miss Burton — Dr. Taylor — Anti-Slavery Meetings — Interesting Exercises at the Second Centennial of New Haven Colony — Licensed to Preach — Preaching at New Preston — Iowa Educational Association — Names of Members — Commission from A. H. M. S. for Henry County, Iowa — Ordination — Leav- ing Home — Journey to Iowa. Continuation of letters to Miss Burton : New Haven, November 28, 1837. — Came again to New Haven one week ago last Saturday. Was unable to obtain a room at present in the college building, and have taken one in the house of Dr. Murdock in Crown street, and board in the family of Mr. Cook, who occupy the house. Dr. M. and daughter board with them, also Mr. Goodman, a law student, and Mr. Turner, who is superintending the publication of a Hebrew grammar. I have a very agreeable room-mate, a Mr. Carruth, with whom I was acquainted in college. My room is in the southeast corner of the third stoiy; size, twelve by eighteen, and is well furnished. November 30. — "In everything give thanks." So said the apostle, and it seems to me an appropriate motto to adopt in beginning my letter to you , as this is the day set apart b}^ our rulers for thanksgiving and pra} T er. What a grand idea that so large a portion of our people should unite in ascriptions of praise to the Giver of all good! We should reflect on and recount the mercies of God toward us and our friends, and ask that they may be continued to us. As I look at the past I feel that I have great cause for gratitude that I was permitted to close so happily my residence at Illinois College, to prosecute my long journey homeward so pleasantly and safely, and to 76 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. visit my dear parents and other kindred and friends whom I tenderly love. I have had two Thanksgivings. As I could not be at home to-da} T , father and mother gathered all their children and grandchildren together to a Thanksgiving dinner, and we had a delightful time. Little John Mills said to me, "Uncle Reuben, mayn't I go home with }-ou ? " I replied, "I am at home." "No you ain't; Illinois is } r our home." December 18. — Visited Rev. Mr. Griggs, formerly my tutor in college, and spent the Sabbath in his family. He is settled in North Haven, nine miles distant. I walked out to his home, found him well and had a most delightful visit. His family consists of four members. On Sabbath morning it commenced snowing and blowing, consequently the audience was small, but it was very attentive. In the afternoon Mr. G. set me to preaching on his own responsibility. I went into the pulpit and spoke from Hebrews 3:12, 13. Was much embarrassed at first, but soon recovered and went through without difficulty. Re- turned on Monday, and had a tiresome walk over the snow, which fell the day before. ****** Have been reading a volume of Bolingbroke , an infidel writer of the last century, but I cannot endure him. He is pompous, proud, a hater of all religion, asserts things without proof, and denies things in face of the strongest evidence. In contrast to this have been reading some of Dwight's sermons. He is a powerful writer, aud his life is very interesting. The labors he accomplished are truly marvelous. I have been reading also Dick's "Christian Philosopher" and his "Philosophy of Relig- ion." Have a much better opportunit}^ for reading than I have ever enjoj-ed before. In two weeks we have a vacation. Think on the whole I shall go home to Norfolk and spend a few days, as it will make the next term less tedious. How many and varied have been the scenes through which I have passed in the last three months! Life is a checkered scene at best, yet it has its pleasures, and not the least of these is the power of imagina- tion to give us bright anticipations of the future. I consider myself very happy in securing so pleasant and agreeable a com- panion for a room-mate this winter. One of the children of the KETKOSPECT AND ANTICIPATION. 77 family in which I board is lying apparently near the borders of the grave. He was taken sick one week ago yesterday, and has failed very fast. He is about four years old and is a very pretty child. While standing by the side of his bed and seeing his death-like features, I could not help feeling, "How false and yet how fair! " "Trust not in earth." New Haven, January 1, 1838. — "Come let us anew our journey pursue." I never pass the threshold of a New Year without deep emotions as I reflect upon the past and look for- ward to the future. The past year has been peculiar in many respects. It began and ended with the Sabbath. Think I can say that for nryself the last Sabbath was the best one. It has been a year of excitement in the religious world, of division and contention in the church, and of much controversy on the great moral questions of the day. Notwithstanding many fears, the promise of "seed time and harvest" has not failed, and we have very generally enjoyed health within our borders. The year to me has been one which calls for warm expressions of gratitude. So far as I know, death has not entered the dwellings of any of my friends or relatives. As I look back over five years, I can see that each year has brought some important changes. In 1833 I became of age; in '34 I graduated; in '35 went to Illinois; in '36 you will remember what was transacted, and in '37 returned to my parents and my dear Alma Mater again. All this time I have enjoyed uninterrupted health and prosperity, and can say now that my purpose is stronger than ever to press on in the great work which lies before me. I am drawing nearer and nearer to the Polar star of my hopes . For eight long years it has steadily directed my efforts and carried me undeviatingly forward, and I feel no little interest in the thought that this year may bear me to the accomplishment of my desired object. Yes, I trust that ere this year shall have run its round, I shall be granted the liberty of preaching the everlasting gospel. And yet how unworthy! But I long to be in the work — the blessed work of preaching the gospel of Christ to the destitute. I have been studying very hard since I came here, and feel that nry time has been profitably spent. Have given form and loca- 78 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. tion to many ideas which lay floating in my mind. Dr. Taylor is very clear and interesting on most of the themes which he lectures upon. I shall finish his course this year. Am well physically, and yet feel exhausted and unfitted for such very close application another term. I feel the need of a vacation, and shall therefore go home and visit my parents a few days. Have called on Mr. Ludlow since I came here, and had a pleasant interview. His church is "a large upper room fur- nished." Prof. Fitch preached yesterday morning on the resurrection of Christ. The little boy whose sickness we expected would result in death was spared, and has so far recovered that he is able to walk around the house. January 5. — Came home as I hoped for my vacation, and found friends all well. Went to Norfolk by way of Hartford, riding all night, and reached home just as mother was getting up. Loss of sleep brought on sick headache, which proved quite severe. Learned that the question, Is the American Anti- Slavery Society worthy of patronage ? had been discussed seven evenings, and two lectures given on the subject by Rev. Mr. Storrs. Spent a week very pleasantly at home, and lectured for Rev. Mr. Eldridge on Sabbath evening from I Corinthians 3:2. Mr. Gaylord walked the distance from Norfolk to New Haven on his return, and thus relates some of his exper- iences on the wa}^ in a letter to Miss Burton, dated New Haven, January 27, 183S: I came through Bethlehem, and called for a few moments at the house of your Uncle Daniel. As I passed by your early home, I stopped to gaze for a moment upon the hallowed spot. Deep and interesting were the emotions which crowded into the mind. I remembered that there one dear to me as my own life was cradled in infancy — sported in childhood — and there called into exercise those powers , which are still to increase in strength and capacity, and from which I hope to enjoy much in future life. There, too, she gave herself to her Savior and became a glad offering on the altar of consecration to God . But imagina- tion soon gaA r e place to the realities of my little journey. In REVIVALS IN CONNECTICUT. 79 going from Norfolk to Middlebuiy, I took the wrong road and lost my way. Five miles above Middlebury I providentially met Mr. Giles Gay lord and rode home with him to spend the Sabbath. On Sabbath evening I lectured for Rev. Mr. Atwater. Mr. Atwater was married last spring to a Miss Strong, a very interesting lady. From Middlebury I went to Cheshire to attend the ordination of Rev. E. Colton. The sermon was preached by Dr. Hawes of Hartford. While sitting in the house during the ordination services, I felt in some degree the solemnity of the sacred office and the great need of faithful preparation for it. At the same time the desire was stronger than ever to be engaged in this arduous work. There is an interesting state of religious feeling in the place. A work is also in progress in Woodbury, silent, but of great power. It embraces all classes, the old and young, the moral and profligate with the gospel hardened. In Southington the Lord is at work in a way to proclaim His mighty energy in saving men. It commenced with visiting by the church, and spread into all parts of that large town. I hear of the Spirit's presence in Durham, New Milford and some other places. These tokens of God's goodness are very encouraging in the midst of so much moral darkness . From Cheshire I came to New Haven to enter upon the duties of another term. Shall have five lectures to attend every week. Have at last succeeded in obtaining a very good room in Divinity College. It is a corner front room in the third stoiy, overlooking the public green. I have a new room-mate, Mr. Budington, an old college classmate . Mr. Stewart proposed a walk to West Rock, which I need not describe as you have been there. I enjoyed the delightful view of the country, the Sound, and of Long Island itself for a long distance. On my return a letter was handed me from Jacksonville. It was written by President and Mrs. Beecher and Miss Mary Coffin. The tenderness and affection exhibited in it were very cheering and satisfactory to me. Mr. Beecher, in speaking of my purpose to return, says, "We shall bid you welcome and look for the time with deep interest." The letter brought intelligence of the death of Mills in the Sophomore class 80 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. in Illinois College, and a great loss it is to the cause in our valley. Miss Sarah Coffin, I am sorry to learn, is the tenant of a sick room. I hope the dear Lord will restore her again to health and the society of her friends . Tell Mr . Searle that Ed- mund Aikin is in Camillus, New York, studying law in James Lawrence's office. Their uncle, Asahel Gay lord, is preaching in North Goshen. Winter has touched us very lightly. Indeed, I have no recollection of one so mild. I do not think it has frozen more than half the nights since the month came in. To the same: New Haven, February 15, 1838. — * * * * I will give 3 r ou some account of my studies, and then some items in regard to other things. We are diving into Theology vigor- ously just now. The topics on hand are, The Primitive State of Man, His Temptation and Fall, and Original Sin and Deprav- ity, under the the distinct heads of Total and Native. Dr. Taylor is clear and interesting on all points. I take an abstract of his lectures, and have already filled ten sheets. They may be invaluable to me in the future. [In the great Theological controversy of that day, Mr. Gaylord was with Dr. Taylor in his views — views which have since prevailed, but were then in advance of the age.] President Day has recently published a book on the self- determining power of the Avill. Next term I intend studying hard, but shall be careful how I overdo by neglecting exercise. I am at loss to know what to do another year. I shall finish Dr. Taylor's course this year, and that will be about all that is valuable here. Would like to spend another year, or a portion of it, investigating themes and writing sermons, especially on doctrinal subjects. To do this J shall need constant access to books of reference — more than I can draw from the libraries here. I would like to associate with some experienced minister who has a good library, and will give me suggestions in refer- ence to sermonizing, and will assist me to move more in practical life than I can in New Haven . I do not know where I can find a better man for that end than President Beecher. He is a BIBLE STUDY. 81 superior man intellectually and religiously — lias a choice library and understands sermonizing. I shall write to him asking his advice, which I shall esteem of great value in making my decision. I mean to read the Bible with more careful attention this year than I did last. I find new keys to unlock its hidden treasures, consequently my interest in many portions is greatly augmented. Will tell you my daily practice in reading it at present. With the Comprehensive Commentary and Encyclo- pedia of Religious Knowledge by me, I read three chapters every morning, using all the help I can get from these, then read one chapter in course with all the notes of every kind, and endeavor to study it out thoroughly. This with my private devotions occupies not far from two hours. As I was reading Locke on the Human Understanding, this morning, the penny post entered bearing your welcome letter. The feeling most prominent was thanksgiving to the Giver of all good. I rejoice that you are so pleasantly situated in Mr. K.'s family. Your instructor has my entire confidence, for I first taught him and know what he is. You speak of a want of confidence in God. This is one of my trials. It may be we do not labor enough to attain it. When we wish very much to secure an object, we put forth direct efforts to obtain it, and the greater the difficulties, the more constant must be our endeavors. A sense of God's presence helps greatly to inspire this confidence. A letter from Norfolk speaks of the death of Mr. A. Brown and Mrs. Asher Smith, living in the south part of the town. * * Locke advances the idea that the mind does not think when we are asleep unless we are dreaming, and gives as his reason that on awaking we do not recollect anything that passed. But we know of many instances of somnambulism where persons labor, walk, talk, etc., and yet on awaking have no recollection of it. If the mind were inactive, how shall we account for the phe- nomena ? The machine must get going of itself and stop by chance! You ask, "How early does memory commence?" Answer, I do not know. We must be careful in metaphysics not to carry our conclusions too far. A trial has taken place before the Superior Court in this city 7 82 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. which resulted in the conviction of two men under the riot law, who were sentenced to pay a fine of twenty dollars each and be imprisoned six months. The riot took place at an anti-slavery meeting in Meriden, while Mr. Ludlow was giving a lecture on the subject. The meeting was held in the afternoon, and during the exercises several persons entered who went out after a minute or two and commenced throwing eggs at the speaker, one of which broke on the head of the minister of the place. The door was then closed against them, but they soon returned with a crowbar and a stick of timber with which they broke in the door, and commenced pelting the congregation with a piti- less shower of eggs. This broke up the meeting, and Mr. Lud- low on retiring had his hat knocked off and his back covered with the contents of broken eggs. Law has triumphed in this instance. Would it might in eveiy other, especially at Alton! But I hear of no effectual measures taken to bring Love joy's murderers to justice. Can it be true, as is stated in some of the papers, that the grand jury of Alton have indicted those who tried to defend themselves against the violence of that riotous mob! * * * * My room-mate, Budington, is absent for a few days preaching in Durham, where there is a revival. Have been asked to take an agency during the spring vacation in behalf of 3"Oung men in the college who are in straitened circumstances. You may be interested to hear that Mr. S. Whittlesey is married to a Miss Eunice Smith of Salisbury, and has settled down at the old homestead in New Preston . This change of residence was occasioned by the death of his father. Yale Theological Seminary, New Haven, March 1, 1838. — Secretaries of A. H. M. S.: A few 3 r oung men, members of this seminary, have become deeply interested in that section of our country lying west of the Mississippi, commonly known as the "Iowa District," or "Black Hawk Purchase." Seeing its destitute condition , both . as respects education and religious institutions, and learning that the District is filling up with a rapidity unparalleled in the history of our countiy, we feel a strong conviction that, if the way can be opened, it is our duty to plant our feet west of the Father of Waters. We wish to IOWA EDUCATIONAL ASSOCIATION. 83 concentrate our influence, and bring it to bear upon the future state of Iowa while yet in its infancy. Our object will be two- fold — to preach the gospel, and to open a school at the outset, which can soon be elevated to the rank of a college. Knowing that such an enterprise cannot be accomplished b}' individual effort, the following brethren are read}' to associate and pledge themselves to engage in the work, if the way can be opened so as to warrant the undertaking: J. P. Stewart, M. Richardson, H. D. Kitchel, A. B. Haile, R. Gay lord, J. A. Clark, M. Mat- tocks. Upon mature consideration we have thought best to lay the subject before your Society and put the inquiry, How much may we expect you to do toward founding such an enterprise ? It is our purpose to enlist one or two more of the right stamp, who will throw themselves into the work, determined not to yield to any obstacle which is not insurmountable. One of our number, Stewart, was educated at the west, and has traveled extensively in the Iowa District. The writer of this has spent two and one-half years as teacher in Illinois College, at Jack- sonville, so that we are not acting without such knowledge as will enable us to come to an intelligent decision. The tract of country we propose to enter, embraces an area of nine thousand square miles at present, and this will doubtless soon be enlarged by other purchases from the Indians still further west. It has a population of from thirty to fifty thousand, and by its superior soil, local advantages and salubrious climate, holds out strong inducements to an industrious class of emigrants, who are mak- ing their way thither in large numbers. Its destitution of school and religious privileges is almost entire. Towns and villages are springing rapidly into being, one of which, Burlington, already numbers one thousand people, and it is of the greatest importance that a stand should be early made by the friends of education and religion. Friends will be provided to support one or two of us as teachers. The others will devote themselves to preaching, and will be under the necessity of looking to you for a partial support. As one of the above individuals, and in their behalf, I now address you. Will 3-011 write us as speedily as convenient, expressing your views of our prospective enterprise, 84 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOED. and stating what the society will be able to do for us. This will throw light upon our paths, and we trust promote the object for which you are laboring. In behalf of these brethren, I am Very respectfully yours, Reuben Gaylokd. To Miss Burton : New Haven. March 17, 1838. — Our Iowa enterprise is suc- ceeding admirably at length. Our number, seven, consists of some of the most enterprising young men in the seminary. Had a letter from Mr. Coffin, which came in twelve days, giving me some particulars of the revival at college and in Jackson- ville. I should like to be there and see some of my scholars who have been hopefully converted. A work of great power is in progress in Hartford. A meeting is being held in the Baptist church in this city, and the interest is extending to other churches. Air. Ludlow is laid aside for the present with throat trouble, and has gone to Philadelphia for a visit. A letter from home speaks of interest in Canaan and Norfolk. A State Anti- Slavery Society has recently been formed in Connecticut. The cause is steadily gaining ground. Clay and Webster have been giving some of their great speeches in Congress. * * * A new church has been formed in the western part of New Haven this week. I am pursuing my studies quietly and constantly. Have finished for the present the sub- jects of total depravity, original sin and the atonement. My room-mate, Budington, left yesterday on a visit to Illinois. He goes with his father and will probably spend the summer there and return in the autumn. I have a new room-mate, Mr. II. Day, of the Junior class, and am much pleased with him. The weather has been delightful since March came in. The frost is out and the ground settled. We have had but little snow or severe cold weather all winter. To Miss Burton he wrote the following account of the celebration of the second centennial of the founding of New Haven Colony: NEW HAVEN CENTENNIAL. 85 April 25, 1838. — To the citizens of New Haven this has, been the day of a hundred years. The second centennial anniversary of the founding- of our beautiful cit}- has today been celebrated b}* all denominations of Christians, all parties in politics, and by persons of every age, color, sex and profession. As the sun dawned upon us this morning in his splendor, and all nature put on a smiling face, our ears were saluted with the roar of cannon and the peal of bells. We arose and prepared to take our part in the exercises of the da} r , which were as follows: At nine in the morning a procession was formed, consisting of clerg3'men, lawyers, physicians, city officers, strangers of distinction, students, citizens, and not less than two thousand school children with their teachers. The procession moved on to the corner of George and College streets, where, under a large oak tree, two hundred years ago our Pilgrim Fathers first met on this ground to worship God on His holy day. Then a prayer was offered and a Psalm sung in ancient style. The following is a true copy: 1st. O take us Lord unto thy grace, Convert our minds to thee, Show forth to us thy joy full face, And we full safe shall bee. 2nd. From Egypt where it grew not well, Thou brought'st a vine full deare The heathen folk thou didst expel, And thou didst plant it there. 3rd. Thou didst prepare for it a place, And set the rootes full fast, That it did grow and spring apace, And filled the land at last. 4th. O Lord of Hosts, through thy good grace, Convert us unto thee: Behold us with a pleasant face, And then full safe are wee. Probably five thousand voices united in singing this psalm to the tune of St. Martins. The procession then moved down George to State street, and up that to Elm street, by the 86 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. spot where the first house built iu New Haveu stood — then entered the church and listened to very appropriate and interesting exercises. A historical address was given by Prof. Kingsley, which was full of interest. He traced the causes of the early settlement of New England, the struggles and difficulties of the infant colony, and its rise and progress to the present time with great simplicity and clearness. Perfect good order has prevailed through the day, and after the ringing of bells and firing of cannon again, the citizens have retired to their homes — no doubt with feelings of pride and satisfaction , as they think of the past and look forward to the future. The vast collection of children was an interesting feature of the day, but it is a solemn thought that long ere another day like this shall come around, all these thousands, even the youngest, will have been laid in their graves. If we would do our generation any good, we must do it now. The New Haven Colony was established on the Quin- nipiac river in 1638. It was first called Quinnipiac, then changed to New Haven. This colony was one of exceptional importance. Its leaders were men of wealth and high position at home — some of them men of learning, who had lived in cities on the continent and seen the workings of the institutions of different countries. They had the benefit of their experience in the colonies already planted in New England, in whose outfit some of them had been pecuniarily interested, and knew, before leaving their home in the old country, what dangers to provide against, and what arrange- ments to make for their comfort. There is abundant evidence that they came with their plans fully perfected, for they were not the men to risk their fortunes and lives in a wilderness, without knowing what they wanted and what they were going to do. They designed to build up a com- mercial city, and knowing as practical London merchants what would be its future wants, laid out streets of such breadth as had not, till long after, their counterpart on this continent. They provided that there should be a market NEW HAVEN PIONEEES. 87 place, or public square, of fifteen acres for the transaction of business. Some of them were acquainted with the Universities of England and Holland, and knew the impor- tance of such institutions. From the first they designed to have, not only a system of universal education, but a Latin school, a University and a public library. All that Yale College is to-day, or will be for many years to come, was doubtless within their intelligent contemplation in 1638. In a word, they came with the intention of establishing a state founded on education and religion. Their wisdom and foresight was also exhibited in providing laborers and artisans, skilled in every kind of trade and handicraft, and this goes far to explain why their descendants in later days have distinguished themselves by valuable inventions in almost every department of human labor. The voyage across the ocean was made in the ship Hector, and for the first four months after their arrival they found shelter by making burrows in the sides of the sandy hills, an example followed by some of our western emigrants in these later days, and called by them "dug-outs.". These are often transformed by the industry and skill of wife or daughters into comfortable homes. Afterward Governor English, Mr. Davenport and others built elegant houses. The former is said to have been one of the noblest men of our New England history. After a long and bitter contro- versy between the Connecticut Colony, with Hartford for its leading town, and the New Haven Colony, a union between the two was effected in 1664. From letters to Miss Burton : New Haven, April 28, 1838.— This is my birthday. Can it be possible that 1 am twenty-six years old? It is even so. Have spent the last ten days in my agency in this city. Mon- day morning I commence in the neighboring towns, and shall spend the rest of my vacation in this way. Went home before beginning this work, and had such a good visit with my dear 88 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. mother. Election comes next week. Our governor. William W. Ellsworth, and Mr. Williams, chief justice of the state, are both deacons in Dr. Hawes' church in Hartford. May 26. — I have visited nearly all the towns in Connecticut to solicit aid for these young men, and have everywhere been treated with uniform kindness and attention. At Wethersfield, I called upon Miss Stillman, one of the ladies that are assist inu Hitchcock, and gave her a good account of him. She is an interesting lady. At Rocky Hill I spent the night with old Dr. Chapin. He inquired particularly about all parts of the world where I have been. I was much interested in the old gentle- man. Have returned again to commence the term. Dr. Taylor is still absent, attending General Assembly. * * * Legisla- ture is in session. They have appointed Dennis Kimberly of New Haven, senator, in place of Hon. J. W. Xiles. There has been a meeting of the State Anti-slavery Society during my absence; said to have been very interesting. The cause is gain- ing ground rapidly. Before this reaches you, your people will receive a line from Watertown. bearing tidings of the death of your grandmother. She lived to a good old age. We shall soon have a meeting for consultation of those inter- ested in our Iowa college plan . But money will be needed for such an enterprise, and now is a hard time to get it. Perhaps we will defer the college effort till the pressure is over. But times are getting better. Banks are beginning to pay specie, and things are looking up. * * * * I am not feeling well as usual and find close application to study very difficult. Am yet in the dark as to next year, but Providence will direct. I long to be preaching to d} T ing men the word of life. Mr. Gaylord seems to have given up his cherished idea of spending a year under the guidance of some clergyman of superior talent and rich experience, whose advice and help he felt would be invaluable to him in the future. He wished to understand the practical side of a minister's life and work, that he might be, both in theory and practice, a < ( workman that needeth not to be ashamed." We cannot NEW RESPONSIBILITIES. 89 now look back over the years and see what caused him to relinquish this kind of preparation upon which his heart seemed to have been set, and which appeared to him so needful to success. Possibly the last sentence in the above letter is the opening of a vista through which we can begin to trace something of those motives, and subsequent letters reveal still further some of the reasons for his willing and glad entrance at once upon his future labors. New Preston, June 18, 1838. — My Dear Sarah: I have been at length set apart to the work of the gospel ministry. Last Tuesday, June 12,1 was licensed to preach by the South Consociation of Litchfield county, which met at Litchfield. I immediately received an invitation from a committee of the church and society in New Preston to supply their pulpit, which I accepted. You will recollect that this is the place where I taught the academy for a few months after graduating in 1834. Yesterday then as a regularly licensed minister of the gospel, I preached for the first time. Solemn and weighty are the responsibilities now upon me, but let me not shrink from them, for Christ says, "My grace is sufficient for thee." The point so long before my mind has now been reached. Eleven years ago 1 professed faith in Christ. Soon afterward it became with me a settled purpose to devote myself to the gospel min- istry. God has borne me up amid all my discouragements, and now my hear! swells with gratitude to Him as I stand and review the past. Oh, how often, especially during the past week, while assuming new responsibilities and entering into new relations to the church, have I felt that such a friend as your letters show you to be was invaluable! If we ever attain the object of our wishes, as I believe we shall, the thought that the anticipated cup of joy might have been dashed from our bps, will fill us with gratitude and thanksgiving to God. As we have been united in heart, 1 trust we shall be in action for His glory, on the fertile plains of Iowa. A letter has been received from Stewart, who is safe at Den- mark. Iowa. He writes that the country is fast filling up and 90 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLOKD. it is highly important that some one should be stationed in each of seven places which he mentioned. Clark I suppose is on the ground before this time. Haile will leave in the fall and open an academy in Burlington. Mattocks will go soon and Kitchel and Richardson not till spring. It seems from present indica- tions to be my duty to go on this fall and occupy some one of the important points. 80 the Association decide. The reasons for speedy action are two- fold. First, a stroke struck now may be more effectual than several after a little delay. Then the points our enterprise calls us to fill, may be preoccupied by men who will neither favor or co-operate with us. 80 that unless I see cause to alter my decision, I shall soon begin preparations for my departure. Yale College, Theological Department, July 4, 1838. — Secretaries American Home Missionary Society: I wish now to present to your Board my application for a commission to labor in the work of the gospel ministry in the Territory of Iowa. I wrote you four months since in behalf of our Iowa Association, and your reply, so full of encouragement, was most gratefully received. Our number in this enterprise is seven, two of whom, Clark and Stewart, are already in the new territory. Letters received from Stewart leave us no doubt but that we have chosen the right held in the right time. It is my purpose, therefore, to leave for the west immediately after the close of the present term, or not far from the 20th of next month. The place which I have more particularly in view is Mt. Pleasant, the county seat of Henry county. Let my commission cover the county, if you please. I have nothing of this world's goods except a little laid by since I left college, and this must all be expended in my outfit. I would very much like an appropriation of thirty-five or forty dollars to cany me to my field of labor. Yours respectfully, Reuben Gatlord. To Miss Burton: New Haven, July 5, 1838. — I find my mind more and more interested in the west, especially in the enterprise in which I APPROACHING DEPARTURE. 91 have enlisted. Our College Association wish to establish upon a firm basis a college for the future state of Iowa, also to en- courage and assist in the establishment of academies throughout the district and to lend a helping hand to the general interests of- education in the common school department. We shall aim to lay our plans so as to secure an endowment for permanent funds in lands, which may be worth ten years hence two hundred thousand dollars. This can be done with comparative ease in the first settlement of a country, when land is plenty and cheap. But all of our number, with one or two exceptions, are going there to preach the gospel, not to engage in educational work as a business, except as trustees of the college we hope to build, and to advise and help the people in the all-important work of a thorough education. We have laid this subject before the Home Missionary Board. They smile upon the enterprise, and have promised to do all in their power to aid in carrying it forward. * * * * Have received a letter recently from my old room-mate in college, H. G. French. He expects to go on a mission to Siam in the fall or spring; says I must write him once a year at least, and in return has promised some- thing for my monthly concert. Learned last evening from George Starr that Mr. Myron Gay lord had gone to Round Prairie to live. July 27. — Business has literally accumulated upon me beyond my powers of dispatch. I have preached every Sabbath since I was licensed, and engaged for three more, which will bring me up to commencement. The labor of preparing sermons is great. Add to this my correspondence, which is increasing just at this time on account of my approaching departure, preparations for my journey, etc., and I can scarcely keep track of old Father Time in the primer with his scythe in hand. * I went home last week and had a long conversation with father and mother about my plans for the future. They raised not one objection to the course of life I have chosen, and they, especially mother, expressed a deep interest in you. I told them that I was going far away from them, but not from God, and I hoped they 92 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. would give me up and be at peace respecting me. Says mother, "I have given you up long ago!" Oh, who can tell the depth, the power, of a mother's love? M} r mother! I love her more and more, and if I ever get to heaven I doubt not I shall meet her there. I know her daily prayers have long ascended for me. Now you will be included, and I fully believe they will be answered. But hark! from Iowa comes a call, a loud and earnest note for men. Come forth, ye consecrated ones! Plant the standard of the cross and unfurl the gospel banner beyond the Father of Waters! To the Home Missionary Society I have sent that call, and the reply is, "Go, and the Lord be with you." Yes, I have received nvy commission to preach the gospel in Henry county, District of Iowa, for the term of twelve months from the commencement of labor. Thus the Lord is opening the door into his vineyard, and saying, "Go, proclaim my truth unto the people." I am to be located at Mt. Pleasant, the county seat of Henry county. Am to receive four hundred dollars for the year, and forty dollars for traveling expenses. I have decided to leave on the 21st or 22nd of August. Am gradually drawing in my net, and and hope rightly to dispose of its contents before that time. A classmate, Mr. Murdock, is expecting to go on with me. He will be licensed in a few weeks, and has applied to the A. H. M. S. for a commission. He expects to labor in Illinois.* Before his leaving the east the question of ordination came up, and with the mistaken idea then widely enter- tained, that Congregationalism was not suited to the west, Mr. Gaylord's advisers proposed that his ordination be deferred until he reached his field and be there performed by Presbytery. To this he replied that if he were ever ordained it should be by a Congregational body as a Congregationalist. That settled the matter, and in August of that year — 1S3S — in Plymouth, Connecticut, he was by council regularly ordained a Congregational minister. * Died at Port Gibson, Missouri, Jan. 11, 1861. ON THE WAY. 93 To Miss Burton: Cincinnati, September 3, 1838. — I left home two weeks ago to-day, reached Wheeling on Saturday morning and spent the Sabbath greatly annoyed by mosquitoes. We have been one week in coming from AVheeling to this place, a little less than four hundred miles. But every day is diminishing the long distance, though not as rapidly as I would like, for I did hope to see the Mississippi by this time. But boating is very slow. The Ohio river was hardly ever known to be as low before. In many places there are not more than two feet of water. Have been quite sick on the river, but am better. AVe have been fast on the sand bars two days, and have been compelled to lie by all the time at night. Have also been subjected to various other hindrances too numerous to mention. Our boat grounded and stuck fast sixty miles below Wheeling , consequently all the passengers got off on to this boat — the Adventure, bound to Galena. I did not write before leaving, for I expected to go as fast as a letter. Shall hope to land at Quincy some time next week. Your affectionate R. V. BLAZING HIS PATH. 1838-1843. Indian warfare and frontier life, have produced numerous unnamed heroes and heroines, worthy of Spartan fame. — Fowler. "The voice of one crying in the wilderness. Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God." It may be glorious to write Thoughts that shall glad the two or three High souls, like those far stars that come in sight Once in a century. But better far it is to speak One simple word, that now and then Shall waken a new nature in the weak And sinful souls of men. — Lowell. Truth forever on the scaffold, Wrong forever on the throne. Yet that scaffold sways the future, And behind the dim unknown Standeth God! within the shadow, Keeping watch above His own. -Selected. We see through tears her glory won, The golden circlet of life's work well done, Set with the shining pearl of perfect peace. — Selected. CHAPTER V. Iowa. Black Hawk War— First Settlement — Marriage — Mt. Pleasant — Work — Organization of Churches at Danville, Fairfield, Farm- ington, Brighton, Washington, and Mt. Pleasant — Removal to Danville — Flint Creek — Abner Kneeland — Death of Mrs. Gaylord — Congregational Association of Iowa — Visit to the East — Touring — Two Trips to Davenport — Appeal for Help — Second Marriage — Log Cabin Life — A Prairie Fire — Pioneer Experiences— Funerals. From the Congregational Observer, Hartford, Connecti- cut, written by Mr. Gaylord : In the spring of 1832 the quiet and security of the then frontier settlements, were disturbed by the alarm of war. The Indians belonging to the tribe of the Sacs and Foxes attacked the whites in the northern part of Illinois about fifty miles from Chicago, murdering and scalping whole families. They surprised and overpowered companies of troops, and thus tilled all the region with the panic and dread always excited by the approach of hostile Indians armed with the tomahawk and scalping knife. A generous sympathy and quick co-operation were excited among the residents of sister states, which soon brought to their aid a sufficient number of troops to compel the Indians to flee before them. They were defeated in one or two engagements, and at length a general battle took place, in which the Indians were nearly surrounded, and many were killed. This battle took place early in August, 1832, near the Missis- sippi river, in what is now Wisconsin Territory. In less than a month, through the assistance of the Sioux, a powerful but friendly tribe living west of the Mississippi, Black Hawk and several of his chiefs were taken prisoners and held as hostages of peace. Thus this bloody and savage war was speedily brought to a close. The settlers returned to their homes again 8 98 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. in safety, yet many in sadness. The widowed mother mourned a husband and sons, dead on the battlefield. Parents looked in vain for the return of their children, and children wept a father slain. The scenes of those days were deeply traced in many a sorrowing heart. On the 21st day of September, 1832, a tract of country containing 9 ,000 square miles on the west side of the Mississippi river, was ceded to the United States. Another purchase west of this was afterward made, comprising about fifteen hundred square miles. The act for establishing the Territorial Govern- ment of Iowa was passed June 12, 1838, as follows: Be it enacted that from and after the 3d day of July next, all that part of the Territory of Wisconsin, which lies west of the Mississippi river, and west of a line drawn due north from the head waters or s >urces of the Mississippi to the territorial line, shall, for the purposes of temporary government, be and constitute a separate Territorial Government by the name of Iowa. [This embraced what is now Iowa> Minnesota and Dakota.] It will be seen that but a small portion of the territory proper is yet in possession of the United States. For beauty of situation and natural advantages Iowa exceeds any portion of the great valley I have ever seen and most fitly answers to the meaning of its name, which is "Beautiful Land." From a letter to the Home Missionary Society, dated Mt. Pleasant, Henry county, Iowa: After a fatiguing journey of nearly five weeks, I have found everything as favorable here as I expected, considering the age of the country. The first settlers came into this county about four years since, and it now contains not far from 4,000 inhabitants on an area twenty-four miles square. The improvements have been rapid beyond a parallel in any country. The land in a large portion of the county is now in market, and much of it is already bought and paid for by actual settlers. In some instances not a foot of land remains unsold in whole townships, and the way is now open for permanent improvements. Mt. Pleasant is three years old. FIRST IOWA WORK. 99 It stands high and commands an extensive view of timber and prairie. It will have every facility for building when the enterprise of the people shall develop its natural resources. I mention these things to show the prospects of the place for future growth. There has been occasional preaching here by the Methodists, who have done much good. Extracts from Mr. Gaylord's journal: Tossed upon the stormy sea of life, without a resting place, my journal has made no progress for nearly five months. The following is a brief outline: I continued to supply the pulpit in New Preston for nine Sabbaths, preached once at home and left for the west August 20. Was four weeks and two days on the way and arrived at Round Prairie September 18, much fatigued. Met again my friends, spent a few da} T s, then visited Mt. Pleas- ant, Avhere I now write, and decided to locate here. Returned to Round Prairie, and on October 13 was married to Miss Sarah Burton, formerly of Bethlehem, Litchfield count}-, Connecticut. We went to Jacksonville, but after a few days were sent for in haste on account of the sickness of Mrs. Gaylord's brother Henry. Returned, and the next Saturday evening stood by his d\ r ing bed. His hopes of heaven were bright. On Wednesday following I went to Griggsville to attend the General Associa- tion of Illinois. Severely cold and snow several inches deep. On returning to Round Prairie found Mrs. Gaylord's mother sick with the same fever. In a little more than one week she died in peace and went we doubt not to her heavenly rest. The sickness in our family detained us nearly a month from our field of labor. We left for Iowa November 27, and reached Mt. Pleasant December 1, 1838. Sabbath, December 2, preached on the subject of unbelief. Spent the week at Mr. Berry's, Mr. Tiffany's and Dr. Stephenson's, and experienced much kindness. Sabbath, December 9, preached at Mt. Pleasant from "What shall it profit a man," etc., and in the evening from "Without God in the world"; 16th, preached at New London — forty hearers; and 17th, at Danville, from Matthew 6:6; 21st, com- menced housekeeping; 23rd, severe weather and no comfortable 100 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. place for meeting; 30th, at Baltimore. And now old '38 is gone and '39 comes knocking at the door. But what and where am I? In the land of my birth, sustaining my usual relations? No; far distant from the home I love, and among strangers. Since 1838 commenced I have assumed new and weighty respon- sibilities. Have taken upon me the duties and obligations of the gospel ministry and entered the marriage relation. May I prove faithful and not trust too much to my own strength. January 3, 1839. — Went out four miles and met a man who thinks death an eternal sleep. Gave him the tract, "Short Method with a Skeptic." Sunday, January 6. — Damp and misty. Went to the school- house and kindled a fire, but it smoked so that it was impossible to have a meeting there. So I sent out an invitation asking the people to my house. About thirty came. Prayer meeting in the evening and monthly concert on Monday evening. January 20. — Preached in my own house at eleven and three o'clock on the subject of prayer. In the evening went to hear a Methodist brother, who was not present, and was requested to preach in his place. February 3. — Spent the Sabbath at Bound Prairie. At- tended a Methodist quarterly meeting at the Congregational meeting house, and enjo^yed it much. February 14. — This day received a letter from home, mailed December 1 . February 21. — Went to Burlington to attend a meeting of the Bible Society recently formed. Mt. Pleasant, March 1. — This ends the first quarter of my missionai-y labors in Iowa. Being a stranger it was necessary to move cautiously at first. The weather has often been most unfavorable on the Sabbath, and we have had no suitable place for public worship. Add to this the labor of gathering materials for housekeeping in a newly settled country, and it is not surprising if we fail to see such results as we expected and hoped for. Moreover prejudices are easily excited and hard to be allayed. I am called "an educated man" and "a Presbyterian." Then the term Yankee is some- EARLY WORK IN IOWA. 101 times as repulsive to a "Western man as like poles of a magnet. "We came here with open hearts and Christian liberality, but found professing Christians of different persuasions, some of them opposed to all benevolent and progressive movements, such as temperance, education, missions, Sabbath schools, etc. Among them we have endeavored to labor faithfully and affectionately, and it grieves our hearts to find any becoming jealous or suspicious, thus drawing a line of division between members of the same great family. Sunday, March 3. — At Mt. Pleasant. Preached from "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart," etc. RULES FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF TIME. Monday, miscellaneous business. Other days of the week from nine to eleven a. m., study. Tuesdays and Fridays, after- noon calls. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from two to four p. m., study. Evenings, miscellaneous reading. Mt. Pleasant, April 28. — Sabbath. My twenty-seventh birthday. Another year I have experienced the goodness of God in continued health and in temporal and spiritual prosper- ity . How shall I live this new year of my life ? Preached at the school-house on Sabbath schools. After meeting requested those interested to remain and a Sabbath-school was organized. At Baltimore, May 19, I organized a Sabbath school and conferred with the people in regard to forming a church. May 30, I was again at Mt. Pleasant, and attended the funeral of Martin Tucker's child, a little daughter of eighteen months. Found Mrs. Huntington very sick at Danville on June 2d. The following Sabbath had good congregations and good attend- ance at Sabbath school at Mt. Pleasant. At 2 p. m. held a Bible class and lectured from Matthew 5:19-26. The next Sabbath I preached at Baltimore, Smith's Mill, and Mr. Archibald's. Sabbath, June 30, at Danville. Spent the forenoon of Sat- urday visiting among the people in that settlement, and in the afternoon preached from the words, "Come out from among them," etc. Several then presented their letters and were organized into a church. On Sabbath Brother Turner came over to assist and at noon the organization was completed and 102 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. we sat down for the first time in our infant Territory at the table of our Blessed Lord. July 4, officiated as chaplain at a public celebration of Inde- pendence. On Monday, the 8th, received a letter from my class-mate, II . G. French. He was to sail for Siam July 1. The next day, July 9, we held a meeting at Dr. Stephenson's on the subject of temperance, and on the 11th I attended the fun- eral of Mr. John Low. a man sixty-five years of age. On the 13th was called to attend the funeral of Mr. Randolph's child. The parents seem much afflicted. From Mr. Gaylord in the Home Missionary : During the quarter I have attended to my ministerial duties without interruption and m}* congregations are increasing and becoming more permanent. The tide of immigration during the spring was immense. The country is getting full back to the Indian line, and more are coming every day. At Danville. August 11, after preaching, a church meet- ing was held, and Bro. Orange Messenger chosen deacon. The church also gave me an invitation to preach for them one-half the time for the ensuing year, which I feel inclined to accept. Wed- nesday and Thursday visited at Baltimore and Smith's Mill, and conversed and prayed with the sick. Spent Sunday, August 18, at New London. Returned at evening to Mt. Pleasant, bring- ing Miss Terrell of Danville, and attended the funeral of Mrs. Hewson,who died of typhus fever after an illness of two weeks. At Danville, Sabbath afternoon, August 25, I set apart to the office of deacon Bro. O. Messenger and Bro. Samuel Jaggar. Mrs. II. Huntington united with the church by letter. At Mt. Pleasant, attended the funeral of a child of Mr. Abernethy September 13, and on the 26th that of Mrs. McCoy, who died while her husband was absent in Ohio. He returned the day after the burial almost overwhelmed with grief, and could not rest satisfied until permitted to look upon the dear remains. They were accordingly taken from the grave and carried to the house. On Saturda}^ I preached her funeral sermon from II. Timothy 4:7, 8 — words selected by the bereaved husband. EARLY WORK IN IOWA. 103 Went down .and prayed with Bro. Moffat Snyder at his request. His trust is in the Lord. How important is the religion of the gospel in a dying hour! Mr. McCoy has truly been deeply afflicted. His infant child was buried October 5. October 22, removed my family to Danville. Returned to Mt. Pleasant and on the 27th preached from "Seek first the kingdom of God." December 1, 1839. One year ago to-day, I arrived in Mt. Pleasant and began my labors as home missionary. From the Home Missionary: Through the goodness of an ever kind Providence I am permitted to make my last quarterly report. I have now labored a year under the commission which I received from you. Up to December was able to fill all my appointments except in one instance. Then the snowing, blowing and freez- ing made it prudent to keep within doors. AVinter is now upon us, and our congregations are somewhat diminished. This arises from the scattered state of our population and the worst of facilities for traveling. Yet the prospects for the future are bright and encouraging. Have received a letter from Jefferson county, forty miles west, urging me to come up and preach a few times, and see if a church cannot be formed. 1 expect to go next week. Mr. Gaylord frequently rode long distances to preach and to look after scattered sheep. More than once in winter the severity of the weather was such that he was compelled to run much of the way by the side of his horse to keep from freezing. From the journal, 1839: During the week following December 15, went by invi- tation to Fairfield, the county seat of Jefferson county. Weather was extremely cold. Arrived on Friday, December 20, and shortly after it commenced snowing. The snow fell over a foot in depth, and interrupted our meeting somewhat. The only shelter for my horse was to stand in the snow by the 104 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. side of a building with a blanket over him. On Saturday evening I held a prayer meeting and took the first steps toward forming a church. Preached Sabbath morning, the 22nd, and immediately after service organized a Congregational church of twelve members, then administered the Lord's Supper. It was a season of deep interest. The settlement is very new, but many people are coming into the county. On my way up I preached at the house of 31 r. Smead, on the evening of the 17th, and at Mt. Pleasant on the evening of the 18th. On my return preached at Mt. Pleasant again. Sabbath, Decem- ber 29, exchanged with Brother Turner, of Denmark. 1840. Spent Sabbath, January 5, at New London. It being the first Sabbath of the new year endeavored to improve the occasion. Saturday, January 18, went out to the other side of Flint Creek. Spent the Sabbath and preached morning and evening. Some years subsequent to this, Mr. Gaylord was in the habit of visiting the same neighborhood on Sabbath even- ing. After preaching in Danville morning and afternoon he would ride the ten miles, and sometimes find a crowd of eager listeners in waiting at the school-house. Often the only standing room for him would be against the wall, and drippings from tallow candles upon his coat bore witness that the people "pressed to hear the word of God." He fre. quently returned the same night, but these evening rides induced rheumatism, and finally compelled him to relinquish the appointments. March, 1840. — The weather this month has been delight- fully warm and pleasant. The ground is settled and becoming quite dry. Have received a renewal of my commission and also a letter from home. March 27, we moved into our new cabin and were thoroughly drenched with rain at night. April 11, left home for Payson to attend the General Association of Illinois. Spent the Sabbath at Denmark and preached for Brother Turner, and Monday went on my way. ORGANIZATION OF FARMINGTON CHURCH. 105 A pleasant meeting - . Reached home on Wednesday of the fol- lowing week, and found Brother Daniel Burton sick. Ma} r 3, Minor J. Terrell died after a lingering illness of several weeks. On Monday afternoon preached his funeral sermon from "Be ye also ready." Friday, May 8, left home to fill an appointment at Fairfield, and traveled most of the way in a cold rain storm. Arrived Saturday afternoon somewhat fatigued. Preached twice on the Sabbath to good and attentive congregations . May 3 1 , organized Sabbath school at Danville. Having been requested by Bro. Turner to visit Farmington, I left home on Friday, July 31 [1840]. Stayed at Mr. Millard's over night, and went on next day to Farmington. Sabbath morning was ushered in by a terrific storm of thunder, lightning and rain, but a very respectable congregation assembled, which seemed to listen with great eagerness to the word of truth. Preached twice, completed the organization of the church, pre- viously gathered by Bro. Turner, baptized two children, and administered the Lord's Supper to the infant church for the first time. This place was situated in a delightful section of country on the Des Moines river, and in a few years was surrounded by a dense population. To the east bank of this beautiful stream came Abner Kneeland with a company of his follow- ers, bringing with them the rankest atheism and infidelity, with Paine's " Age of Reason " and an Atheistical Catechism for their Bible, and pamphlets and newspapers of a similar character. Kneeland had been imprisoned for blasphemy in Boston, and after his liberation wisely chose to put a long distance between himself and the scene of his disgrace. They settled down about one mile from Farmington, and named the place Salubria. Kneeland boldly declared that there should be no Sabbath law in Iowa, and he and his followers determined to have nothing of a Christian char- acter about them so far as they could prevent it, In November, 1843, Rev. Harvey Adams, one of the Andover Band, took up his residence in Farmington. A better man 106 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. could scarcely have been found to occupy this important field. "A devout man and one that feared God," wise and talented, understanding and loving those grand doctrines of the Bible, which are the foundation of all true Christianity, he had the faculty of teaching them to others in a way to be understood. Many believed and his efforts were blessed to the conversion of not a few of Kneeland's deluded followers. Mr. Adams says : "A year or two before I came to Iowa, they made the square issue, whether they should have officers who believed the Bible or not. They were so badly defeated as forever to blast their hopes politically in Iowa. But a marked providence, which occurred in April, 1845, was most effectual in exterminating infidel princi- ples. The Des Moines river had been free of ice for some weeks, when there came a sudden snap and froze the river over again. The ice was thin but very tough. A young man and two young ladies from the Kneeland neighbor- hood, crossed over the river the morning after the freeze to a sugar camp on the west side. The day was very pleasant, and they probably enjoyed their adventure so well as to be thoughtless of danger. But the sun had so softened the ice, that they had not reached the middle of the stream in returning, before they broke through and were all drowned. The shock of this disaster was, of course, general, but was especially so to the atheists. They had usually buried their dead as they would a beast — talking and laughing on the way to the grave. Yet so they did not now feel or do. Soon as the bodies of those drowned were recovered, I received a request to attend the funeral, and that the services should be held in the Congregational church. The request was of course complied with. The three coffins were placed in a row in front of the pulpit. All the sitting and standing room in the house was occupied, and wagons were placed under the windows outside, and these were filled. And to this DEATH OP MRS. GAYLORD. 107 day I presume those families to which the young people belonged have not been taunted or ridiculed because they chose to bury their dead in a Christian, rather than in an atheistic manner. As Providence would have it, this event was one of the occurrences that served to make atheism in that region a thing of the past. Without any mistake, that occurrence had a powerful effect for good upon that class of people, for it helped to break up the organization and to banish infidelity from that region." From a letter by Mr. Gaylord : The month of August, 1840, commenced with heavy storms which continued nearly every day for a fortnight, and an unparalleled quantity of water fell upon the earth. Left home for Tuscarora to assist in a protracted meeting, but was over- taken by the most violent storm of wind, rain, thunder and lightning that I ever experienced. This was followed during the night by two or three others of the same description, so that it seemed as if "the windows of heaven were opened." The streams were raised to such an unusual degree that I could not proceed. I therefore attempted to go home again, but found to my surprise that Skunk river was full to overflowing, leaving some of the houses on its banks with little more than the roofs out of the water. This was at Augusta. The water continued to rise till it reached a point eight feet higher than it had ever been known since the settlement of the country. In consequence of these rains , followed by the hot weather , sickness to an unusual degree has visited us of late, proving fatal in many instances. Nor has my own family escaped the visitation of God. On the v 13th of September 1113' wife was taken ill with bilious fever and continued to decline till the 23d, when she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus, and left us to mourn, not her loss but ours. Her death was eminently peaceful and happy. Of this estimable lady the following account, to which a few facts have been added, is given in an obituary notice which appeared at this time in the Congregational Observer: 108 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Died, in Danville, Iowa, Tuesday, September 23, 1840, Mrs. Sarah B. Gay lord, aged twenty-three years. Mrs. Gay lord was the eldest daughter of Nathan Burton, Esq., who removed from , Connecticut to Illinois in the spring of 1835. She united with the church of Christ, in Bethlehem, her native place, when about fifteen years of age. Mrs. Burton, the mother, was a good and judicious Christian woman, and deeply interested in the salvation of her household. It was with a heavy heart that she left the church of which she and her daughter were mem- bers, and went away with her family, as she supposed, from all the privileges of the gospel. But God was better to her than her fears. The following summer she had the unspeakable satisfac- tion of seeing her husband and all her children subscribe with their own hands to be the Lord's. From this time it seemed to be their united desire to live to do good. The second son com- menced studying for the ministry, and Sarah married Rev. Mr. Gaylord, October 13, 1838. She accompanied him to Iowa, where for nearly two years they labored together in the gospel, and looked forward for inan}' years to come, in which they could be helpmeets for each other in the work of the Lord. But sickness came and cut her off in the beginning of her use- fulness; 3'et we mourn not for her as for those who have no hope. Retiring but attractive in her manners, sincere and unwavering in her attachments, conscientious in the discharge of every duty, she won the affections of all who knew her and was most beloved by those who knew her best. But "God's ways are not as our ways . ' ' Her work was done , and she was ready to depart. The Savior fulfilled his promises and "manifested Himself to her as he does not unto the world." On the day of her death she said, "Twenty-three years ago my father was presented with his first born daughter, and on this anniversary of my birth-day I am about to leave earth for heaven . I am going to join my mother and brother who have gone before to my Heavenly Father's house." It seemed, she said, as though the Savior held her in His arms; all darkness and doubt and fear were gone. When her friends would keep her longer, she begged them to desist the use of means, for such were her views ORGANIZATION OF IOWA ASSOCIATION. 109 of heaven, such her love to Christ, and her desire to go and be with Him, she feared she would murmur, if detained longer on earth. Committing her husband, child, her friends and the church to God, she fell asleep in Jesus. We copy again from his journal : Monday, September 18, 1840. — Left home to go to Jack- sonville to attend a meeting of the Illinois Association. Took my little motherless girl and left her at her grandfather's. Reached Jacksonville on Friday and left for home on the following Monday, but had a most unpleasant ride through rain and mud. Attempted to foi'd a creek which had become so swollen by the rains that the buggy began to float and the horse to swim. But soon the horse touched bottom again, and we safely reached the opposite bank — how I hardly know, only because a kind Providence helped us. Was thoroughby soaked, but proceeded on my way, and finally arrived within four miles of our place of meeting in Danville on Saturday evening. This journey was undertaken to obtain letters of dismission for Brother Turner and myself from the Illinois Association, as we were members of that body and the time seemed to have come to take steps to organize an Association for Iowa, of which we were to form a part. In November of this year Mr. Turner and Mr. Gaylord gave a most cordial welcome to Rev. Julius A. Reed, who had chosen Iowa as his field of labor and had decided to locate at Fairfield. On the sixth day of November, two years after Mr. Gaylord first • entered the Territory, he had the pleasure of helping to organize the Congrega- tional Association of Iowa. They met for this purpose at Denmark, and the Association was composed of the three churches of Denmark, Danville and Fairfield, with three ministers, Asa Turner, Reuben Gaylord, Julius Reed, and Charles Burnham, a Licentiate. Revs. Win. Carter, Wm. Kirby and Mr. Morris, from Illinois, were present and 110 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. assisted in the services of the occasion. The first Congre- gational church in Iowa was formed at Denmark, May 5, 1838, by Rev. Asa Turner, then of Quincy, Rev. Julius Reed, from Waverly, Illinois, and Rev. Mr. Apthorp, who was living in the Territory but left soon afterward. The second church was at Danville, the third at Fairfield, and the fourth at Farmington. The last named was not repre- sented in the organization of the Association. Other fields had begun to open, but were only partially cultivated for want of workers. The Association resolved that for the present it would meet in the spring and fall of each year. They continued to do this until the autumn of 1843, when two minor associations were formed, which met semi- annually, and the General Association began its yearly gatherings, which still continue. May, 1841. — Have made no entries in my journal for a long- period. Spent most of the winter with my friends in Connecti- cut, and returned in health and in the rich experience of the goodness of God. Since my return have passed my twenty -ninth birthday . The visit here alluded to was needed by Mr. Gay lord partly for rest, but more on account of the great bereave- ment he had experienced in the loss of his estimable wife. A few months spent in the home of his youth, with his beloved parents, and other relatives and friends in Norfolk, were to him a source of unspeakable comfort and help, so that in March he was ready to return again to the home of his adoption, refreshed and strengthened for his arduous and responsible work. Some incidents of this journey, and suggestions to travelers, from Mr. Gajdord's pen, published in the Congregational Observer, will be of interest: Left home November 16, for a visit to the scenes and friends of former years. We found ourselves particularly favored for a western steamboat, in regard to both passengers and crew. INCIDENTS OF A JOURNEY. Ill We heard but little profanity, and in the cabin there seemed an unusual desire for reading. The newspapers were soon devoured, the discussion of the great political question which had agitated the public possessed no interest — for Harrison was elected — and the boat was furnished with no books except a few novels of the poorer sort. The Bible, the traveling companion of some of the passengers, was often read. It was soon found that there were several clergymen in the company, and after leaving St. Louis, a proposition was made b}' a gray-haired gentleman from Vermont, that the company listen to a religious discourse. The suggestion was cordially received, and the first sermon given by a brother from Ohio. Another who had recently returned from a mission to Brazil, gave some statements with reference to South America, very much to the edification of the company. These were followed by other religious exercises and occasional preaching, which gave great interest to our trip. Now let me make a few suggestions to Christians who are about to travel. And first, Take your Bible with you. Many professors of religion neglect this, perhaps expecting to find one wherever they go. This is a mistake. Do not put your Bible in the bottom of your trunk, but take a small one that you can carry about you, and consult it daily. The very sight of the Bible exerts its influence over the wicked man. Take time for meditation and prayer. Let not the world and new scenes have all your time. If you can, retire for prayer; if you cannot, still pray, lifting your heart to God where you are. Take with you a full supply of good religious reading. Fear not to let yourself be known as a Christian. Do it wisely and humbly, and if 3-011 are consistent, you willnot be the less respected. Observe the Sabbath . Christians must awake to this subject. Our boat stopped at Cincinnati for the Sabbath, not however out of regard for the da}-, yet one or two professors were discontented because it did not go forward. In short, dear fellow Christians, whether at home or abroad, do all you can for God. The world is to be converted through the instrumentality of the church. When shall we begin? 112 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. About this time the name Danville was changed to Hartford, but after a few years it was again called by its former name. Hartford, May 9, 1841, Brothers Turner and Emerson preached for me and we administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. Was quite ill and for several days confined to my bed. ' Monday, May 24, left home on a two weeks' tour. Went to Mt. Pleasant, and proceeded from there to Wapello. Beautiful prairie -all the way, but no timber and only two houses, Wapello is a small place on the south bank of the Iowa river, and is the county seat of Louisa county. Wednesday went for- ward to * Bloomington. A slough puts out from the Mississippi just below Bloomington, and runs in again a short distance above the mouth of the Iowa. About half way from Wapello to Bloomington met an old schoolmate and townsman engaged in a distillery. I remonstrated with him, but was very cor- dially entertained by him and his excellent wife, who is a professing Christian. Spent the night with Mr. Giles Pettibone, also an old schoolmate. Went on to Bloomington and called on J. Pettibone and Mr. Gillett, also on Bro. Stocker, who has fallen into the Old School ranks. He seems well disposed. Friday proceeded to Davenport, reaching there at six o'clock in the evening. Put up with Bro. Burnell of the Congrega- tional church, an interesting family from Northampton, Massa- chusetts. Davenport is a most charming place. The bank of the Mississippi for miles above and below the town is a regular grade, so that a carriage can be driven near the water's edge for a long distance. The ground on which the town is built, rises in a gradual slope from the river half a mile back to the bluffs, which are not very abrupt, but give a series of delightful views. The river is from three-fourths to seven-eighths of a mile wide, and opposite is the town of Rock Island. A thick coat of blue grass covers the ground on both sides of the stream. One-half mile above, commences Rock Island, rising in the middle of the river to the height of thirty or forty feet, and is * Afterwards called Muscatine. TOURING IN IOWA. 113 a perpendicular rock. On this point is Fort Armstrong, now in ruins. Preached three times on the Sabbath to attentive and intelligent congregations. Tuesday, crossed the river and attended a meeting of the Knox Presbytery, and on Thursday set out for Marion in Linn county, in company with Rev. T. P. Emerson, who is preaching there. We traveled sixty-six miles and reached Marion at seven p. m. on Friday. Preached on Saturday afternoon and twice on the Sabbath. About eighty persons present. Monday, left for home by way of Iowa City, and crossed the Cedar river near the rapids. The river has rock bottom and would afford excellent water power if improved. Held meeting where I stopped for the night and reached home on Wednesday at five p. m., having been absent more than two weeks and traveled three hundred miles. The weather was intensely hot, but I returned in good health. Last Saturday I went to Mt. Pleasant, and Sabbath preached to a large and attentive audience. In the afternoon gave way to Dr. Evans, the Baptist brother. Visited among the people on Monday, and received a letter from Brother Reed, stating the great need of .more laborers. Sunday, June 20, at Danville, discoursed on the Atonement, from I John 2:2. Spent much time in preparation. Spoke in the after- noon from the words, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent," etc. Prayer meeting at five o'clock at Deacon Jaggar's. Congregation so large and attentive that I cannot but hope there is more interest than usual. Friday, June 25. — Went to Mt. Pleasant and took the preparatory steps towards forming a church. Preached twice on the Sabbath with considerable freedom . At the close of the afternoon service organized a Congregational church of seven members, and baptized the child of Dr. Edgar. At Danville (or Hartford), on Sabbath, July 4, 1841, seven individuals were received into the church, three by pro- fession. Two of these are heads of families, and family altars have been erected by them. After the monthly concert on Monday, left for Illinois on a visit. Little Sarah knew me. Monday, July 26, received a letter from Sister Laura at 9 114 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Norfolk, announcing the death of brother A.'s wife, and also of Aunt Martha. On Friday, July 30, I left home for Brighton, Washington count}-, and arrived at evening. Met Bro. Reed, of Fairfield. Saturday we gathered a few friends of the Redeemer, and took the preparatory steps for the organization of a church. Sunday, August 1, in the morning I spoke from II Corinthians 6:17, 18. In the after- noon a church of ten members was organized with appropriate exercises, and in the evening Bro. Reed preached from John 3:3. The day was interesting, and I hope the blessing of God rested down upon our work. August 12, went six miles beyond Mt. Pleasant to attend a wedding. For some reason, which Mr. Gaylord has not left on record, there existed a want of harmon}' amongst the members of the Congregational church in Davenport. Twice a request was sent him to go up and endeavor to bring about a reconciliation. Of his second visit for this purpose he thus writes: Left home for Davenport Frida}*, August 20, 1841. Had a warm and fatiguing ride of two days. Reached there Saturday night nearly worn out. Preached once on the Sabbath, and spent Monday in endeavoring to reconcile a difficult} 1 - in the Congregational church. They assembled in the evening, and, after preaching, talked over their grievances till nearly midnight, but finally concluded and promised to bury all dissensions and from henceforth live together in peace and Christian fellowship. Tuesday I left Davenport on my return , and spent the night in Bloomington. Took some cold which brought on symptoms of fever. Next day rode twelve miles to Mr. Cyrus Hawley's. Felt quite ill, but held meeting at their house and discoursed from Luke 14:25-33. Then baptized their infant child by the name of Theodosia Irene. Thursday proceeded as far as Wapello, and spent the night with Mr. Gilliland. Next morning continued on my way very ill, and reached home towards evening weary and sick. "in labors abundant." 115 Mr. Gaylord was now laid aside with a severe attack of bilious fever, which brought him near to the borders of the grave. This journey, taken on horseback during the intense heat of August, proved almost too much for physi- cal endurance. But it is believed the results were happy for the church and gratifying to himself. He subsequently received a unanimous call from the church and congrega- tion to become their pastor, which he declined, but somewhat regretted afterward that he did not accept. He again writes: Have so far recovered as to attend our protracted meeting, appointed before I went to Davenport. The preaching was by Brothers Turner and Reed — the meeting deeply interesting and resulted in permanent good. August, 1841. — "In view of the immediate wants of the infant settlements the Executive Committee of the A. H. M. S. have directed the Rev. T. P. Emerson, of Linn county, to spend the ensuing year in visiting the settlements on both sides the "Wapsipinicon, and Rev. Reuben Gaylord to spend half his time in a similar service between the Skunk and Iowa rivers." September, 1841. — We have our weekly prayer-meeting on Thursday, which is well attended and very interesting. The monthly concert is observed and our Sabbath school is efficiently conducted and well attended . There is a growing interest with us, yet I hardly dare call it a revival. The truth seems to be exerting its appropriate influence on many minds and our congregation is increasing in numbers. September 23d went to Mt. Pleasant, to attend a wedding; returned next day and began to have chills and fever. Chills of two hours and fever of equal length continued every other day for several weeks. From the Home Missionary , October, 1841 : The Congregational Association of Iowa, voted at their meeting in May last, to appeal to the friends of home missions 116 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. for aid, and appointed Rev. Asa Turner and Rev. Reuben Gaylord to draft and forward such an appeal. Mr. Gay lord says: "We have delayed the pleasant, painful duty, hoping that ere this we should greet some fellow laborers, but we have waited in vain. The farmer, the mechanic, the lawyer and the physician vie with each other for the occupancy of the west; but there is one class of men, ministers of Christ, that are sel- dom seen amongst the army of pioneers. Alas, that it is so!" We here give some extracts bearing upon this subject from a communication by Mr. Gaylord, published in the Hartford Congregational Observer during his visit in Con- necticut, under date of March 4, 1841 : Iowa Territory is nearly two and one-half times as large as the state of Connecticut, and has already one-sixth as many inhabitants. The population is increased by at least 1,000 every month, and all the machinery of moral and religious influences must be set in operation. The need of immediate action is becoming daily more and more pressing. All things move forward with giant strides, and the wave of population waits not for moral influences. Where two years ago the wolf and the deer sported unmolested, now can be seen the activity of civilized life. The self-denying missionary must be sent with enlarged views and liberal aims. His influence is greatly needed in the first outset, for it is much easier to give a right direction to forming influences than to change the current after- wards. What, let, me ask, made Connecticut what she is in religion and intellect ? The groundwork was laid by men of piety and intelligence. Every settlement had its minister and its school teacher; and these with their influences are operating upon us at the present day. The legitimate influence of the minister can hardly be appreciated. He must form churches, encourage Sabbath schools, foster education, guard the public morals, and watch over the followers of Christ. He must hold up the standard of the cross, close the door against error in theory and practice, lift the warning voice against vice and picture the A CRY FOR HELP. 117 evils of intemperance. He must awaken an interest in the Christian efforts of the day and cultivate extensively the spirit of liberality which marks the present age. A system of educa- tion is to be projected and carried into execution. To do this, needs the united counsels of men of enlarged and cultivated minds. And where are these more likely to be found than amongst the educated clergy of the present day ? I regard it as the most important object to be obtained at present for the future interest of the territory, to secure a large increase of ministers and Christians of the right stamp. We want such as will be peace-makers, ready to co-operate with one another in every good work. There seems to be a dislike to the west amongst good men . They do not bring before the mind the great motive that should actuate every Christian. How often, in speaking with them about going to the west, do I hear the reply, "I am well enough off here; I don't see why I should go." The fact that they can do four times as much good there as here does not operate upon their Christian benevolence. The church must get off from such ground, or she will be engulfed in a spirit of worldliness. It is not the spirit which says, "Lord, what will thou have me to do?" The country holds out every inducement for young men. If a dozen faithful ministers, accompanied by a few hundreds of enterprising, pious young men, would now enter Iowa, eternity alone could disclose the blessings that would descend to future generations. How shall these minis- ters be sent? This brings into view the agenc}^ of the Home Missionary Society. The object of this society is to encourage and assist feeble churches, and occupy destitute places at home with the living preacher. To this society we look as our polar star of hope. Our churches, almost without exception, are unable alone to sustain the preaching of the gospel. They will do all they can, and with a little help at present, will soon pay back all that they receive. It should be recollected that the people have their houses to build, and meeting houses also, and their farms to put under improvement. Here is a heavy tax. Could Christians see and feel the desire that many in 118 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. the new settlements have for the privileges of the gospel, and the efforts they are read}- to make to obtain them, they would feel it not only a dut}-, but a privilege to give liberally to assist them. The question is soon to be settled whether the institutions of education and religion are to grow up with the people or not. Even* influence is at work; all descriptions of error, from the most fascinating to the most absurd. Mone}* is sent in from the old world to establish the Catholic religion. Money rightfully applied is power and influence. "Would that more good men who have the means were inclined to preach the gospel by proxy. One year's labor now is worth several a few years hence. Before the seeds of evil germinate let truth be proclaimed, and the results will be glorious in the enlargement of Zion. Hartfokd, Iowa, November 4, 1841. — The Congregational Association of Iowa met at this place and held a meeting of great interest. At our communion nine were added to the church by profession. Three brethren, Charles Burnham, Thomas P. Emerson and Oliver Emerson were ordained to the work of the ministry, and John C. Holbrook was licensed to preach the gospel. On the 8th of November Mr. Gaylord was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Welles of Newington, Connecticut. Home life was again begun in the smallest room of the log cabin. But after a few months the larger room was vacated and the family were thankful and happy in the possession of two rooms. The household at this time consisted of five members — Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord, little Sarah, now two years old, Harriet, a motherless girl of twelve, and an English boy of sixteen, who was needing a home, and whose work was taking care of the cow, preparing wood for the stove, and such other duties as were needful in Mr. Gaylord's frequent and long protracted absences from home. This was one of the double cabins, with two rooms about ten feet apart, and an open space between, with the earth for a floor. In this open space was a flight of stairs leading LOG CABIN LIFE. 119 to the loft above. One roof extended over the whole, and a sod chimney graced each end of the building. The logs were not " hewed," but laid up in their native covering of bark. The openings between the logs were " chinked " with blocks of wood, and these spread with lime mortar to keep out the cold. The floor of the loft was loosely laid with cottonw r ood boards, not remarkably straight, and not in too close proximity to prevent the free circulation of air. It also formed the ceiling of the lower rooms. The only place in the loft where it was possible to stand upright was under the ridge, which was sufficiently open to permit now and then a bright star to look down into the face of the sleeper reposing on the floor. This cabin stood alone on the prairie, surrounded by a fence enclosing a deep yard — no neighbors very near, but a large extent of prairie on the north, east and south. To the east it extended to a distance of six or eight miles. A prairie fire is a grand and fearfully interesting sight. The tall coarse grass, after being killed by frost, becomes an easy prey to the flames, and when helped by the wind, which increases as the fire proceeds, burns with frightful rapidity. There is a strange commingling of the beautiful and the terrible as it rushes on, overleaping every barrier, crackling and roaring so as to fill the beholder with con- sternation. Such a fire occurred one evening when it happened that Rev. Mr. Turner had come to spend a night in the cabin. The grass had been removed from a wide space around the premises, and they were considered safe. But, fanned by a strong breeze, with a roar like the rumb- ling of distant thunder, the flames swept on, leaping to the height of ten or twelve feet. Tufts of burning grass were blown so near that the home was in great peril. No time was to be lost, and each member of the family able to help, armed with something to beat out the flames, worked and watched till near midnight; and, assisted by Bro. Turner, they succeeded in saving the dwelling. 120 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. A log cabin, if one of the right kind, is a very hospit- able building and very elastic. No record was kept of the large numbers who from time to time found shelter in this one, but it is remembered that one night there were thirteen including the family. Yet in the morning each one of the seven or eight guests insisted that they had enjoyed a long and refreshing sleep. There were often such happy meet- ings and greetings among the brethren as they came together, and if the housekeeper could find only the plain- est food for the table it seemed to make no difference. The deficiency was made up with cheerful talk, and mirth and wit flowed the more freely. A visit can be recalled when there was only a little corned beef and bread, but no pota- toes. Bread and molasses formed the dessert. During the flour famine, Brother Reed, Mr. Shedd, of Denmark, Rev. E. Adams and others were guests at different times when there was nothing which bore the most distant relation to bread. This log cabin life was often a weary and toilsome one, both to the worker without and the worker within. When " the rain descended and the floods came," so much often descended within as to be quite inconvenient, especially when it poured down upon the cook-stove during the pre- paration of the family meal. Without, rattlesnakes in the large door-yard, and prairie wolves outside the gate, were frequent callers. Then sometimes the hungry spirit craved the intellectual food it could not obtain, or longed for a glimpse of loved faces far away, or perhaps a letter which had been three weeks on the way, brought the sad news that a dear relative had sickened, died, and was buried, while all unconscious of this they had been remembered each day at the family altar. But it is well that happiness in this life does not depend entirely on our surroundings, and this experience was not without its pleasures and rewards. For were they not where He would have them, in whose service they had enlisted PIONEER EXPERIENCES. 121 for life? — and trying to do the Master's work who had said, " Lo, I am with you alway ! " The realization of this promise was one of the delightful compensations. Then there was God's own hook of nature, the lonely and beautiful prairie, with its ever varying richness of bloom, filling the heart with that sacred joy which comes from looking upon His works, untouched by the hand of man. And often the clear atmosphere, peculiar to the western world, seemed to bring the spangled firmament so near to earth, and with it the glorious Creator so near His children, that the beholder understood as never before the force and beauty of the words, "The heavens declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech and night unto night showeth knowledge." Another of the pleasures of this kind of life was the unselfish devotion to each other's comfort often exhibited among the settlers. One instance only will be given In the summer of 1843, streams became so low that mills could no longer furnish flour for the settlement, and soon there was great destitution. Mrs. Miner divided the little she had with the pastor's wife, and when that was gone, no flour or meal of any kind could be obtained. When this could be endured no longer, an ox mill was with much labor put in operation. The first fruits from this was a coarse flour, but the sweetest and best ever tasted. As it was divided among the people, no one would consent to take more than their share. With such an experience as this, it was not strange that when, after two and a half years, a parishioner invited Mr. Gaylord to occupy a portion of a new house in another part of the township, he accepted with reluctance, saying as he left, " I never expect to enjoy more real domestic happiness in this world than has fallen to our lot in this humble home." From the journal, 1842: January. — Spent a Sabbath at Mt. Pleasant. Sabbath 122 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOKD. night, about three o'clock, was called up to visit Mrs. L., who was anxious that I should converse and pray with her. She was soon to die and felt unprepared. She expired at half past five pleading for mercy. I attended her funeral at ten o'clock on Tuesday. February 23, left for Washington, the counter seat of Washington county, to assist in a protracted meeting. Met Bro. Reed and Bro. Burnham, and on the Sabbath we organized a Congregational church of ten members. The weather was quite unfavorable. On Thursday, at Danville, May 12, attended the funeral of Mr. Alfred Clarke's little child, aged one year and three months, and the next week went to Daven- port to attend the Congregational Association of Iowa. From the Home Missionary : Danville, September, 1842. — I have divided my time between Mt. Pleasant and this place for the last quarter. Excellent attention is given to the preaching of the word, and prospects are encouraging. The truth seems to be silently working its waj r to the hearts of men. The temperance reformation has taken hold at Mt. Pleasant, and the results have been gratifying. Here we have nothing more to do in that line at present. December 13, 1842, attended the funeral of Olive Maines, who died suddenly of bilious fever. She was a bright, intel- ligent girl only sixteen years of age. The parents are so bowed down with grief that the}' can scarcely be comforted. Januaiy 13, 1843, went to Fairfield to assist Bro. Reed in a sacramental meeting. Returned, and on the 26th of the same month attended the funeral of Louisa Hitchcock, daughter of Father Hitchcock, and one of the interesting girls of my flock in Danville. She was very dear to her parents and to a large circle of brothers and sisters, who deeply mourn her loss. She will be greatly missed in the Sabbath school and among her young friends, as well as in the home circle. At this time there was but one building for school during the week and meetings on the Sabbath — the large A BAPTISMAL SCENE. 123 school house near the home of Dea. Samuel Jaggar. To this meeting place every Sabbath morning came Father Hitch- cock with a large wagon drawn by oxen, containing not less than seventeen persons. They were the parents, children and grandchildren, who gladly rode the three and one-half miles to enjoy this privilege. Father Hitchcock emigrated from northeastern Ohio, bringing his family of eleven children, the two older ones with families of their own. Mr. Gaylord used to say, "I do not like to begin the service till Father Hitchcock arrives with the congregation." The one building was some times occupied by the Baptist brethren, and Mr. Gaylord makes frequent mention of preaching in private houses on Sabbath afternoon and evening. Amongst these families were those of Mr. Davis, on the agency road, and Mr. Basher in the southern part of the town. Mr. B. had come from a southern state and purchased a farm quite distant from the place of worship. But they were sought out and invited to the house of prayer. There they became deeply interested, and as a happy result both became Christians. After uniting with the church they wished to dedicate their children to God in baptism — eleven in number. They were near together in age and amongst the little company two pairs of twins. It was an interesting and affecting sight to the audience, as the parents thus consecrated all their little flock to God. From a quarterly report in the summer of 1843: Three months more gone to tell their story of my steward- ship. And what is the story? I have been conscious during tli is quarter, of such a desire as I do not often possess, for the manifestation of God's Spirit amongst our people. Settlers are coming in to occupy vacant land who are not Christians, but who might be reached by us if our efforts were accom- panied by this blessed Spirit. We have sustained two weekly prayer meetings, one on Sabbath evening and one on Thursday 124 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. afternoon at four o'clock. Both have been attended with a good degree of interest. For several weeks a number of our church members have met on Tuesda}^ evening to pray especially for a revival of religion . I have preached twice on the Sabbath and held a third service at four in the afternoon in an out neighborhood where some of our members reside. During the noon intermission I also instruct a Bible class of young men. This quarter has been to me one of great pecuniary trial. Having been obliged to spend ni}^ means in the spring to meet a debt, I have been out of funds almost entirely since that time. Things we need in the family must go un bought or debts be incurred . The former we prefer . But we work on , clinging with both hands to the promise, "Trust in the Lord and do good, so shalt thou dwell in the land and verily thou shalt be fed." VI. SEED TIME AND HARVEST. 1843-1855. " Thou hast well done that thou art come." " Now, therefore, are we all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God." " Feed my sheep." " Feed my lambs." "Preach the preaching- that I bid thee." Will you gather the stones for His temple divine ? And the gems in the crown of His glory to shine Brighter far than the sun ? And then when he comes, bowing low at His feet, With rapture unspeakable hear Him repeat, " Well done, thou good servant, well done ! " — Canadian Missionary Link. "My beloved has gone down into His garden to gather lilies." Better the lamb with fleece unstained Thus early taken from the flock. To all the thoughtless woi*ld proclaim, One glorious hour of crowded life Is worth an asre without a name. -McDuff. -Selected. CHAPTER VI. Life in Danville. Andover Band— Meeting in Denmark — Iowa College; — Installation — Bereavement — Church Building — Dedication — Letters to Mrs. G a ylord— Trustee Meetings in Davenport — Contributions to Foreign Missions— Weddings— A Trd? East— Select School- Oregon Emigration— Fruitage — In Labors Abundant— Revivals — Congregationalism in Iowa — Cases of Conversion — Church Self Supporting — Journey to Nebraska — Invitation to Omaha — Farewell Sermon. THE year 1843 was " a year of jubilee" to the worn and weary pioneer ministers of Iowa. For five years some of them had been praying and hoping, and pleading with eastern brethren for help. And many times some brother had written that he was thinking of Iowa as a field of labor. But these hopes and expectations had ended in bitter dis- appointment. For if one really set his face westward, perhaps some watchful church would seize upon him by the way, and persuade him to enter an easier or more invit- ing field. As a natural consequence, these workers had settled down to a state of almost hopeless despondency, and when word came that ten young men had decided to labor in Iowa, they were slow to believe that anything would come of it. But finally becoming happily convinced that they were really in earnest, in the month of September Mr. Gaylord and Mr. Turner started out together to explore the great field, and ascertain what points among the needy portions of it were the most needy. Had the details of this tour been written, they would have proved most interesting reading. After nearly three weeks of travel they came to the Iowa river on their way homeward. The stream must be forded, and they were 128 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. directed to steer for two trees standing together on the opposite bank. But there proved to be two places where there were two large trees standing together, and the horse's head was turned toward the wrong pair. Soon in crossing the broad and shallow stream they came into deep water, and Tom, a large and tall missionary horse, could scarce touch bottom. Providentially some men at work on the other shore saw their mistake, and by hallooing and gestures caused them to change their course. It was a narrow escape, and when the log cabin was reached the next day, Bro. Turner, older and more weary than the other, had not recovered from his nervous agitation. In the month of November came the longed-for rein- forcement from Andover. We copy a short account of this interesting event from "The Iowa Band": "On Sabbath morning, November 5, the usually quiet town of Denmark was all astir. Every child had heard that nine young ministers, fresh from the east, had come to preach in the Territory. In anticipation of this event Rev. Asa Turner and Rev . R . Gay lord had taken a long tour to decide upon the places to be occupied. Several of the young men were to be ordained. Denmark then consisted of a few scattered farm houses, and a low, broken-backed, elongated building, compelled as yet to the double service of school and meeting house." Mr. Gaylord gave the right-hand of fellowship at these ordination services. He thus wrote respecting them to the Home Missionary Board : November 7, 1843. — I returned yesterday from Denmark, where Ave met to organize a District Association and to welcome the ten young brethren who had just arrived. We had pre- viously at our fall meeting divided into North and South, the Iowa river being the dividing line. I need not tell 3*011 that we had an interesting and affecting meeting. Our hearts did indeed rejoice after years of toil almost alone to welcome so THE ANDOVER BAND. 129 many to share with us in the good work. Seven of them, together with Bro. Granger, were ordained. After our long journey in September, Bro. Turner and I had mapped out the field as best we could. With this before them and a little advice they selected their places and are now on their way to then- various points of destination. We give their names and fields: Harvey Adams, Farrn- ington; Daniel Lane, Keosauqua; Ebenezer Alden, Solon; Horace Hutchinson, Burlington; W. A. Thompson, Fair- field; Ephraim Adams, Mt. Pleasant; A. B. Robbins, Bloomington — now Muscatine; Edwin Turner, Cascade; William Salter, Maquoketa; Benjamin A. Spaulding, itin- erant labor on the frontier. There was very much in the coining of these young brethren to inspire hope and courage in the hearts of those who had borne the burden and heat of the day, for they soon proved to be sympathetic, congenial spirits — willing to help carry these burdens. They seemed fitted by nature and grace to go wherever duty called, and willing to do any work for God which came to their hand — could sleep peacefully on a straw mattress in one corner of the family room in a log cabin, or eat whatever was set before them at the table without complaining. Thus the good work, receiving a new impulse, went on, with more seed-sowing and richer harvests. The Iowa Educational Association, formed in Yale Theological Seminary, has been alluded to in extracts from Mr. Gaylord's journal and letters. We give the names of its members again: Stewart, Haile, Mattocks, Clark, Gay lord, Kitchel, Richardson. The plan of "a college for the future state of Iowa," formed by these young men with so much hopefulness and enthusiasm, was not at once, or very soon, carried out. But it was not forgotten in all those years of waiting, for it was something which lay very near to the heart of more than one of those early 10 130 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. workers. On March 12, 1844, six years after the organiza- tion of this little band at New Haven, and a few months subsequent to the advent of the Andover Band, a meeting of those interested in the founding of a college was held at Denmark. On the 15th of April, at another meeting of the Congregational and New School Presbyterian ministers in the Territory, the '"Iowa College Association" was organized. At this time, after a report of the March meet- ing had been given, the main subject was brought before the minds of those present by a resolution presented by Mr. Gaylord as follows : "Resolved, That we deem it expedient without delay to adopt measures preparatory to laying the foundation of an institution of learning in this territory." This resolution was unanimously adopted, and at a meeting held in Davenport two years later, twelve trustees were chosen — Mr. Gaylord among the number. The trustees then met and appointed an Executive Committee and a Committee on Charter, of which latter Mr. G. was also a member. The next year at a meeting in Burlington the trustees adopted Articles of Constitution under the laws of the state. Of this Board of Trustees Mr. Gaylord remained a member until his resignation soon after his removal to Nebraska, in 1855. He was always careful to attend the meetings of the Board, often taking the trip on horseback, a distance of eighty miles. In 1847-8 the first college building was erected at Daven- port, a plain, substantial structure 36 by 55 feet. After a period of ten or twelve years it was found necessary to remove the institution, and Grinnell, Iowa, was chosen for its location. This place was named for Hon. J. B. Grinnell, one of its founders, who had emigrated thither from Brooklyn, New York. His influence and generous gifts were largely instrumental in helping the trustees and friends of the college to make so wise a choice. It made slow VIRGINIA GROVE. 131 progress at first, but in a few years entered upon a career of sure and steady growth, which continued until its build- ings were hurled to destruction by the terrible cyclone of June, 1882. But the munificent gifts of a generous public soon restored it to more than its former completeness and beauty, and it is now a noble institution doing a great and noble work. In those early days our nearest route to Muscatine, Davenport and some other points, was by way of Flint Creek and the twenty-mile prairie. On passing out of the belt of timber on the creek, we entered this prairie, which in 1841 and '42 had not been encroached upon by any human habitation. It was not level, but gently undulating, with ravines in which were often found living springs. This prairie, like many others, was clothed with the most lux- uriant verdure, but absolutely treeless. On its northern boundary was a fine natural park of many acres, filled with a beautiful growth of the native trees of Iowa. This was called "Virginia Grove." After the long ride of twenty miles it was most refreshing to reach this grove at night- fall, and find a pleasant-looking home nestled among the trees where we could ask for entertainment. We had been in the house but a short time on our first visit, when Mrs. Brown, the wife and mother, inquired if Mr. Gaylord was a clergyman. On receiving an affirmative answer her eyes filled with tears and she said, " It is three years since I have seen a minister of the gospel, and my boys are grow- ing up with no church or Sabbath school to help them into the right way." At night and in the morning the Bible was brought and the family called together for worship. When money was proffered for the entertainment on leav- ing, they refused to accept it, saying " All we ask of you is to come again." Such experiences as this stimulated and encouraged the workers of those early days. 132 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. To Dr. Badger : April 2, 1844. — Think I can say without boasting, that I am getting a stronger hold in this community than I ever had before . The seed is sown . I now wish to see it watered by the prayers of God's people, and caused to germinate by the influence of His Spirit. Then I think my joy will be full. King Alcohol has no soldiers in this township [Danville] , and no liquor is sold within seven miles. Our people are preparing to build a house of worship the present season. The land around us, which lay in its native wildness when you were here, has been entered by those who will become actual settlers. We have just moved from the humble log cabin which you so graphically described during your western tour, and now live two and one- half miles south, near where our house of worship is to be built. Mr. Porter, the owner of the house, kindly offered us the use of it one year without charge. From quarterly report : The first Sabbath of this quarter I spent at Brighton, holding a protracted meeting with Bro. Turner; the second with Bro. Turner at Denmark at a three days' meeting, and the third at Fairfield at the installation of Rev. Mr. Reed and a protracted meeting. Twice I have preached in a large neigh- borhood southwest from Danville, where they are anxious J should make regular appointments. In March, 1844, Mr. Gaylord received a unanimous call from the church and society in Danville to become their settled pastor. Under date of April 2 he wrote, " I have just returned an affirmative answer to an invitation from our people to settle over them and become their installed pastor." One of his brethren present at the installation afterwards prepared an account of it, from which we give extracts : Two weeks ago Bro. Reuben Gaylord was installed over the church in Danville. There had been an increasing interest in INSTALLATION AT DANVILLE. 133 the congregation for some weeks, and it was determined to hold a series of meetings. I can say for myself, and think I can speak the feelings of all the rest, that it was the most blessed season we have had in the Territory. May God send more and richer. The church were happily and joyfully united. The cold were revived, the wayward reclaimed; many were established in doc- trine and strengthened in faith. I never saw doctrinal preaching take such effect. It Avas the power of God, and I am convinced that the doctrines, when properly presented, are most powerful swords of the Spirit, and will produce the best results. Two men, husbands of members of the church, were deeply interested. One of them, who had formerly hindered his children from attending meeting, now came with his family. The other had been far from God, but both were convinced and renounced their errors. Then they exhorted their former com- panions to flee from sin . Mr. Gaylord writes : I was installed Maj' 20, 1844. The exercises were deeply interesting, and were followed by continuous meetings, in which the Spirit of God was strikingly manifested. Six were added to the church, and others embraced Christ during the meetings. The church was revived, difficulties removed, and union and harmony now prevail. Two heads of families, who had been opposers, came out decidedly on the Lord's side. One of them was formerly an open infidel, very popular, and an ardent supporter of Abner Kneeland. They are both very decided, and fear not to testify to all around of the love of God. The church, one and all, left their work to come up to the house of God during the whole meeting. August 3. — Mr. Porter, in whose house we lived and who boarded with us, returned, from an absence of three weeks, quite ill. He had taken a trip to Cincinnati b}* steamboat, and the high water at C. caused much sickness there. He con- tinued to grow worse, and died on the last day of July. He owned the land on which our meeting house was to be built, and had promised to give several acres to the society for their 134 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOED. use and benefit. He had subsci'ibed $200 in money towards building the house. This will defeat our calculations in regard to the house this season, but we trust his sister in Cincinnati, who is his sole heir, will carry out her brother's wishes. October 22. — Although we fail of building our meeting house this season, j r et the school house, in which we have met hitherto, has been fitted up so as to be comfortable for winter. The members seem to feel a more lively interest in the church and a stronger attachment to it than ever before. From quarterly report, March, 1845 : My labors during the quarter have been two sermons on the Sabbath, class in Sabbath school during intermission, meet- ing Sabbath evening, to which I go from two and one-half to four miles, and a neighborhood prayer meeting on Thursday, which is held from house to house through the congregation. The Sabbath school is quite interesting, and embraces a large portion of the people. I now have a class of married ladies. Our place of meeting is often crowded and all see the need of a larger house. The committee are pushing their arrangements to put one up early in the season. It is to be a frame building thirty by forty, and we build with no outside help. December, 1845. — Mr. and Mrs. Porter gave us a piece of land on which to build a home for ourselves near where our new church is to stand. We succeeded in erecting the build- ing, and, with one coat of plastering on one room, moved into it a few days since. Pleasure and pain, joy and sadness, are sometimes strangely intermingled as memory calls up scenes of past years and spreads them out before our mental vision. It is like opening an old book long closed, and glancing over its once familiar pages, or reading again an interesting letter laid away in the long ago, but so carefully preserved that every word is as distinct as on the day it was written. What sweet and hallowed memories cluster around those neighborhood prayer-meetings spoken of in the above re- NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER-MEETINGS. 135 port. One afternoon of each week was sacredly and joyfully set apart for these social and spiritual gatherings, for such they were to those Christian pioneers. They were held by turn from house to house, nearty all the houses being log cabins, with one or two rooms and possibly a " lean-to " for summer use. Their occupants were emigrants, principally from New England, New York and Ohio, "exiles from home," with hearts still yearning " for the old firesides." But they would not go back to them, for they loved their humble prairie homes, and expected to make them more beautiful and convenient in the da} r s to come. And they were pil- grims and strangers, looking forward to a " better country, that is a heavenly." One by one, as the years have passed away, very many of them have gone to that " heavenly home." No sweeter sacred songs have ever been sung — none more uplifting, than some of the favorites of those meetings. We give the first lines of some of them : Come Holy Spirit, heavenly Dove — Am I a soldier of the cross — Show pity, Lord; O Lord forgive — O for a closer walk with God — When I can read my title clear — How blest the sacred tie that binds — I love thy Kingdom, Lord — Later on, these meetings were transferred to a new school-house, built in the Hitchcock neighborhood, near the residence of Mr. Miner. One of them will long be remem- bered as the scene of what was thought to be a special answer to prayer. It was on a warm afternoon in summer, that the families of the neighborhood assembled at the usual hour. Some of the men came directly from their work, leaving their teams in the field. Before the meeting commenced, they gathered around the minister, and stood for a few minutes talking together with sad hearts of the great injury to the crops from the drought then prevailing. 136 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOED. Corn and potatoes were suffering, the grass was drying up, milk and butter were greatly reduced in quantity, and hay would be scarce. It was then proposed that this should be a prayer meeting for rain. These dear brethren lived near to God, and knew how to pray. The desks of the school- room were built next to the outside walls, and in front of them were seats for the scholars. As the meeting progressed, clouds gathered over the face of the sky, and while one brother was on his knees praying before the open window, the rain, falling upon the desk, spattered in his face. It continued to increase, until at the close but few ventured out. At the home down at " the Center," only three miles away, there were but a few drops of rain, and the supper table stood long waiting for its principal occupant, but it was nearly sunset before he made his appearance. A steady and copious rain had fallen for three hours, and as his horse trotted over the plank road, water was running in the ditch by its side. It was during some of these years that the Mormon town of Nauvoo, on the east bank of the Mississippi in Illinois, was a source of great annoyance to the inhabitants of eastern Iowa. Raids were often made across the river, and cattle, horses, and other movable property taken to Nauvoo. But worse than all, it was a city of refuge for criminals of all classes, even the greatest. Added to this, the presiding judge was opposed to capital punishment. No murderer, under his administration, had ever paid the penalty for his crime with his life. Property and life had become so insecure as to cause almost constant uneasiness and fear among the people. This culminated when one night, at West Point, an aged German and wife, known to have money, were robbed and brutally murdered. The son, sleeping in another room, heard the noise and rushed to their defense. He fought manfully with no weapon but a chair, and finally drove them off, but too late to save his parents and nearly lost his own life. They fled to Nauvoo DEATH OF CHILD AND SISTER. 137 as usual, but popular indignation was so roused that the destruction of Nauvoo was threatened, and the Mormons, fearing this threat would be carried out, delivered up the murderers, and the people demanded that they should be hanged. They were tried in Burlington, convicted, and Judge Mason, no longer able to resist the demands of justice, sentenced them to be executed. Then the people breathed more freely, and a sense of safety took the place of anxiety and alarm. Danville, August 8, 1846. — On my return from the June meeting of our Association in Dubuque, I found our little child lying sick so as to excite in our minds apprehension as to the result. She continued to decline, suffering greatly for nearly three weeks, when she was released from a world of pain and transplanted to that world where the inhabitant shall no more say, "I am sick." She died on the 3rd of July, and on Independence day we laid the dear remains in the silent grave. Just eleven days later we followed to the burial place my only remaining sister, who had for months been gradually going down to the tomb, the victim of consumption. She died in peace, and sleeps in Jesus. But heavy as these afflictions were, they sometimes seemed light compared with some trials I have been called to pass through in the church. Two members were dismissed and asked for a council. The council met and sustained the action of the church. Then six of the family connection withdrew. On the 28th of December, 1846, Iowa was admitted into the Union and became a state. Danville, May 15, 1847. — We have had much interest on the subject of temperance since the beginning of this year. A society has been formed, which now numbers more than 100 members. The question of license or no license was submitted to the people of the several counties of the state at the election on the first Monday in April. The ticket "No license" carried in every county but one. The vote in this township stood 9 for license and 113 against. 138 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. From a quarterly report, 1847 : We have at last been enabled to finish our house of worship, for which we have been earnestly laboring so long. We owe its completion to the prosperity which attended the farming inter- est, in the advanced price of grain during the past six months. Some who last fall thought they had done all they could, have been able to do more, and have, I trust, presented it as a thank offering to the Lord. The house was dedicated on the 18th of August, with appropriate and interesting religious exercises. Four of the brethren spent a few days with me immediately succeeding, and visited among the members of the church. Now, blessed with a new and comfortable house of worship, erected solely by our own exertions, with a church harmonious and strengthened by the effort to build, and with earnest prayer for Divine blessing, I look for- ward to the future with hope and courage. In August of this year one of those mysterious meteors, which have never been satisfactorily accounted for, made its appearance in Linn county, Iowa. The noise which accompanied it was compared by some to distant thunder, by others to the rumbling of a heavily loaded wagon over frozen ground. It fell with a hissing sound, making a large indentation in the earth. Then it burst asunder with such force that the pieces were widely scattered. Prof. Shepard, of New Haven, hearing of this, wrote to Mr. Gay- lord, requesting him to visit the place and secure the specimens. The money, forwarded in advance for these, enabled Mrs. Gaylord to fulfill a long cherished desire to visit once more her eastern home. Mr. Gaylord accompan- ied her up the Mississippi from Burlington to Davenport. From there, with little Sarah and a sister's child, she pur- sued the long journey alone, going from Davenport to Chicago by stage coach, thence the thousand miles by steamer to Buffalo, and from there to Hartford, Connecticut, by rail. In the meantime Mr. Gaylord visited Linn county THE METEOR IN LINN COUNTY. 139 and succeeded in collecting and forwarding some very fine specimens from this remarkable intruder. His letters dur- ing her absence will occupy several pages of this chapter. Danville, Iowa, September 25, 1847. — Returned last even- ing from my trip to Linn county. I was successful in obtaining the large piece of the meteor, weighing twenty-two pounds, for $30. I also obtained three other small but very fine specimens. I made the trip in five days, and had a most delightful time. Not a drop of rain and almost a cloudless sky . I will now go back to the time we separated at Davenport. Our boat came slowly down the river, and it was eleven o'clock when we landed in Burlington. I found Mr. Seymour waiting to bring me out, and it was near three in the morning when we reached home. The next Sabbath evening I held a prayer-meeting at Mr. Miner's — went home with Mr. Antrobus, and in the morn- ing started northward for Linn . Found everything safe when I got home last night. Learn that my brother's little boy, Henry, is very ill. Had a letter from Bro. Bascom, which relieved my mind from some anxiety in regard to your journey. October 15. — Am sorry. to say that brother A.'s little son, Henry, is no more. He lingered, suffering greatly, until last week Wednesday, when he ceased to breathe. It is a heavy stroke to the family. May its influence over the other children be salutary! Mr. S. Ward, who lived near Mr. Seymour's, died yesterday. October 29. — Received a letter from Prof. Shepard with the promise of another check for $75 . He is greatly delighted with my success in obtaining the specimens. How clearly marked is the hand of a kind Providence in providing the means for you to make that long desired visit! Without this, I could not have seen the way open to meet the expense. * * Nathan Lewis and Minerva Burnell were married last week and attended church on the Sabbath. Mr. Wolcott and Jerusha Hitchcock were married day before yesterday at twelve o'clock. It was a very pleasant wedding. We sat down to a sumptuous dinner, after which I drove to Mt. Pleasant to attend the 140 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Association. Bro. Reed was present, also Revs. Turner, Lane, Salter, Ripley, and others. It was pleasant to meet the brethren again. On Sabbath, the 17th, I preached in Denmark, in ex- change with Bro. Turner. Franklin Jaggar and Sarah Miner are attending school in the academy there, and Irena Hitchcock is to spend the winter in Denmark. I had sufficiently recovered from my temporary illness to commence traveling on October 12. Have since attended the meetings of Des Moines Presbytery and the Congregational Association, which required about two hundred and forty miles travel. But I have succeeded in having those bodies adopt systematic efforts in the work of missions. November 8. — Have just returned from a ride and several calls. Spent some time at Esq. Messenger's, Mr. Snow's and Mr. Miner's. Visited at Mr. Antrobus' and took supper. This is Monday evening, November 8 — not rainy or muddy as six years ago, but clear and pleasant. Mr. Porter will go east, perhaps this week. Yesterday was our communion season. That and the monthly concert were veiy interesting. My room is pleasant, and my boarding place all I could wish. Mrs. Porter is very kind, and Harriet ready to do all she can for my comfort. Doubtless before this, you have seen "her that bare me" and conversed familiarly with her. How do you like the aged saint? You cannot but like her, for she is my mother! Hope you will be particular to write fully, how she is situated, enjoys herself, etc. Oh, she is a mother indeed! November 25. — This has been since Sunday a most un- pleasant week. Sabbath was a lovely day, and the house was well filled. Monday it commenced raining and continued two days. Then came a snow storm followed by severe cold. Today (Thanksgiving) it has been very cold and blustering. So few came to meeting that I did not preach. Mr. Hedge's father is in Burlington, and will spend the winter with them. I saw a Mr. Martin K.Whittlesey at Mr. Starr's in Burlington. He is just from New Haven. Since the 18th of November I have been occupied in visiting churches in the south part of the state, beginning at Iowa City. LOOKING FOR A LETTER. 141 Danville, December 10. — Language is too weak to describe the feelings of intense anxiety which for nearly four weeks possessed my mind by day and by night. Daily I visited the postoffice and returned sick at heart because no letter came. But I was finally enabled to commit all to our covenant keep- ing God — to give all our interests entirely by faith into His hands and say, "Thy will be done." The change which this wrought in my mind was productive of no small degree of happiness. I felt that God would do all things right, and from that time enjoyed a composure and peace of mind to which I had been too much of a stranger. On Monday Esq. Messenger met me with a smile, saying, "There is a letter for you." The long time occupied by the journey, and the illness of Mrs. Gaylord on the way, caused this delay in receiving a letter. The fatigue of the ride from Rock Island to Chicago, induced fever and ague, which prostrated her during the lake passage on the steamer Niagara, so that at Buffalo she was at first unable to board the eastern train, and could not write until she had reached the home of her friends in Connecticut. A journey from Iowa to Con- necticut meant as many weeks in 1847 as days in 1889. The weariness experienced in traveling by stage coach, water, and the slow and careful railway coach of those days can scarcely be imagined by one who now enters a "flyer," and is borne almost on the wings of the wind to the place of destination. Have had a good visit with Rev. Mr. Reed, who spent the night with me. He is in rather poor health. St. Clair, an anti-slavery lecturer has been here and spoken to the people two evenings. He is an excellent speaker and his addresses were well received. There is to be an anti-slaveiy state convention at Yellow Springs next week. A strong battery is about to be opened upon this accursed system. The Lord hasten its over- throw in His own time. 142 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. To the Congregational ministry of those clays is largely due the foremost position which Iowa has always held in education and reform. The motto they carried to that new land was " For God and humanity," and they kept this motto sacred through all their years of self-denying labor. They were the unflinching advocates of temperance, anti- slavery, Sabbath keeping, and all just and righteous reforms, and their successors, treading in their footsteps, have con- tinued to cultivate these righteous principles, until they are now producing fruit an hundred fold, in helping to make Iowa what she is fast becoming — one of the model states of the Union. Danville, December 21. — Have been reading- a little volume published by Prof. Turner, of Illinois College, entitled, "The Kingdom of Heaven Against Hierarchies." It is a strong argument in favor of Congregationalism. This day I have spent in visiting, and will give you some account of it. First called at Mr. Sawyer's — conversed as faithfully as I knew how and prayed with the family. I left Mrs. S. in tears. Then went to Mr. W.'s room and held personal conversation on the interests of the soul. Next called at Mr. Lewis' and found Mrs. Lewis very sick with fever. Conversed and prayed with her and she seemed very thankful indeed. "Was very kindly received at Mr. Gillilland's and Mr Hunter's. Then went to Mr. Pinto's and showed them our articles of faith and church covenant by request. They attend our meetings regularly, and I think will be with us soon . I have proposed to the church to spend the first day of the new year as a day of fasting and prayer, in preparation for the communion which will be the next day. Our nephew, H. Gay lord, will unite with the church at that time. He appears well. Religion seems to have taken a strong hold of him. Oh, that'Sarah maj^ love God with her youthful heart ! From Mr. Gaylord's quarterly report in the Home Mis- sionary of March, 1848: A GOOD CONTRIBUTION. 143 Note by the Editors: "We regard the following facts as sources of good. The effort of this [Danville] congregation to sustain itself and contribute to the cause of benevolence, is worthy of all praise. It bespeaks a people, sensible of the value of their own privileges, and as having made a good use of them." The most interesting portion of our history for the last three months, is the evidence it has furnished of the growing interest felt in benevolent efforts for a lost world. I presented the claims of the Foreign Missionary Board in November. My object was, so to bring out the truth, that it should lead the people to act from principle and not from impulse. No strong appeal was made on the ground of the urgent necessities of the case, but truth drawn from the text, "He that watereth shall be watered also himself," was plainly set forth, and the people called upon to act from a sense of duty and as a matter of con- science. After the Sabbath I went around and called upon the members of my congregation and simply asked each one what they wished to give. The result was a subscription of $55. There had been previously contributed at the monthly concert $6.50, which makes our contribution to that object for the year $61.50. This makes by far the largest collection ever taken up here for that object. That for the Home Missionary Society last spring exceeded any previous donation, and the manner in which this was given leads me to think that we shall go on increasing, provided our ability increases. Our people during the year have expended much upon our house of worship, and have done more than ever before for my support. One incident in my calls upon the people I must relate. In one family, con- sisting of the parents and three children, the children all brought their gifts. Then the mother told me it was her practice to appropriate the avails of some particular labor for a definite object of benevolence. For this she had made a cheese which she had sold for $1. The father said he had just received returns for his wool, from which he had realized more than he had expected, and thought he ought to do considerable. The result was a contribution of $5.75. It cheered my heart. Let others do likewise. 144 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. To Mrs. Gaylord : Danville, January 1, 1848. — I begin the year with the earnest prayer that we may be more entirely consecrated to God, and that I may be a good minister of Jesus Christ. This is the only way in which we can be useful to any extent. The 3 r ear just closed has been full of blessings, and as it passed away I seemed to be parting with a tried friend. I fear we have failed to exercise that gratitude to our kind Benefactor, which was due for special help in temporal matters. With what a heavy heart and distrustful spirit we looked at our pecuniary obligations. Now the debt is reduced to 1300, and I hold obligations for more than that amount. I wish here to record my testimony to the great goodness and kindness of our God. If we ever distrust Him again I almost feel that we ought to be stripped of all we have. * * * Mrs. Reading, Mrs. Brister's mother, passed away about sunset on Wednesday. I attended her funeral on Thursdaj r . Have held preparatory lecture to-da}-, and finished writing my New Year's sermon. The day has been devoted by some of us to religious exercises. We held a prayer meeting in the church at eleven, and the lecture at two. I leave for Davenport on Monday, and will be absent about a week. January 3. — My expectations yesterday were more than realized. The morning dawned without a cloud, and the atmosphere was that of a pleasant spring da}-. As I entered the sanctuary, I found a large congregation assembled, to whom I endeavored to improve the occasion for their good. At times the house was perfectly still. All our 3'oung people who are spending the winter in Denmark, were over, also Mr.Sturges,* his sister and two other young ladies. Hurlburt and Douglass Jaggar came and stayed all day. Hurlburt attended the evening meeting. At the close of the forenoon services we took up a collection for incidental expenses. The amount is sufficient to pay all arrearages and meet expenses for the re- mainder of the winter. It was gratifying to me. The after- noon was devoted to communion services. Almost the whole Mr. Sturges subsequently went on a mission to Micronesia. A COLD RIDE. 145 congregation remained. It was interesting to see Hiram come out from his former companions and confess Christ before them all. How my dear mother would have enjoyed the scene! I took occasion before the meeting closed to make some remarks upon the duty of mothers and the power which Clod had given them over their children. Several wept freely. The monthly concert at evening was well attended, and the contribution for foreign missions a good one for us. It encourages me to know that H. and E. W. and one or two of Mr. Cady's sons meet every Friday evening for prayer b}' themselves. They seem to have a growing interest. I leave about noon to-day for Davenport. So many of our people are awa}^ this winter that it some- times seems lonely — Mr. Porter, Thomas Hurlburt, Mr. Snow, I. Hitchcock, Sarah Miner, F. Jaggar, Mrs. McClung and J. H. Wolcott. January 8. — As you are aware, my journey to Davenport was to attend a meeting of the trustees of Iowa College. I left home at one p . m . , on Monday , January 3 , and rode twenty miles that afternoon to Virginia grove. Staj r ed all night with my old friends, the "Brown f amity," where I was most cordially re- ceived. The mud was so deep I had to go on horseback. It turned cold and froze during the night, and in the morning I rode on over a rough road toward Bloomington, which I reached about sunset. Stayed with Bro. Bobbins over night, and the next day had a cold ride to Davenport. Found Brothers Reed and Adams well. As not enough of the trustees came together to make a quorum, we transacted no business, but adjourned to meet in the same place on the 16th of March. The college building we are erecting will be a very substantial one, and will look well. It is 36 by 55 feet. We are anxious to have it com- pleted and ready for occupancy by October or November next. If we had the requisite funds we might soon make this institu- tion a center of influence. I promised to send up $10 toward meeting present emergencies. The obligations of benevolence expand in importance daily. Have come back to Bloomington, and am now writing in Bro. Robbins' study. As I cannot get 11 146 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. home by Saturday night, shall stay over till Monda}'. But I have a strong desire to be at home and put forth new efforts for the salvation of my people. Danville, January 20, 1848. — My trip to Davenport was a tiresome one. I spent the Sabbath at Bloomington, and preached for Bro. Bobbins. The day was cold and blustering. Left B. in the morning and rode to the Iowa river against a most severe south wind. The river, which I crossed in a boat in going up, was closed, and in attempting to cross on the ice my horse went through and stood on the bottom in nearl}- three feet of water. She immediately raised herself on to the ice, which broke a few times, but contrary to my expectations she finally came out on the same side I entered without injury. I was compelled to go back two miles to find a place to stay over night. The horse, saddle, and myself began to have an uncom- fortable coating of ice, but a lively gallop over the two miles warmed us a little. Thus again I have occasion to adore the goodness of God. The next day I crossed the river safely at another point, and came down and spent the night with George D. He has relinquished his hope of heaven, and seems indifferent and somewhat skeptical. I tried to be faithful with him. Came on to Mt. Pleasant, but did not tarry. Reached home on Wednesday and found that some changes had taken place in my absence. Death had invaded our people, and I found two families clad in the habiliments of mourning. On Wednesday morning, January 5, as Mrs. Luther Jaggar went up stairs, she was shocked to find her daughter, Mrs. Burnham, lying dead. She had left her but an hour before sleeping quietly and, apparently, as well as usual. The family seem to feel it deepl}*. Mrs. Jaggar spoke with so much feel- ing of my being away at the time and of your absence, that it touched a tender chord in my heart. Mr. Burnham stayed over the following Sabbath and preached for our people. He remained till the next Thursday evening, and I spent Wednesday night with the family. Bro. Salter attended the funeral. Last week a son of Jonathan Roberts, twenty-one years of age, died. Lewis Hannah's wife has been at death's PREPARING TO GO EAST. 147 dark door with winter fever, but is a little better. I have visited her twice. Have suffered from a severe cold taken on my journey, and still feel the effects of it. There is no par- ticular interest among us at this time. Oh, that dreadful stupidity; how it palsies our hearts! The devil works while we sleep . I alwa} r s feel when writing that the sheet is not half large enough, and when I have finished reading your letters, there is a longing for more that can hardly be satisfied. I have never longed for your society so much as for a few days past. Oh, when will the hour arrive when we shall see each other again? "God speed the day!" And yet shall we wish our precious time to fly ? God grant that we may improve it to His glory! The Lord ever be with you and give you peace and con- stant joy. Danville, Ia., February 4, 1848. — I have finally decided to make the necessary sacrifice and go east in the spring. The chief difficulties in the way were my unwillingness to be in debt, and to jeopardize the interests of our people by my absence. After giving the subject a very serious consideration, I called at Mr. Booth's, Mr. Jaggar's and Dr. Hall's, also on Mr. Hitchcock's and Mr. Miner's people and some others. I was much pleased with the expression of kind feeling which I met every where; for while they are sorry to have me absent y they are willing to forego their privileges for a time to gratify us. My arrangements are such that I shall not be able to leave until some time in April. H. will remain at Mr. Porter's. I have to-day sold my place to Mr. Matthews, a New England man, born in New Hartford. February 16. — This is Wednesday afternoon, and early to-morrow morning I go to Denmark to assist in a protracted meeting. Mrs. Miner goes over with me. How truly our let- ters, written at various times, show the lights and shadows of every day life! When I wrote the 1st of January I was greatly encouraged. My mind was in a cheerful state and my health good . But I have not been well since that cold and tedious ride to Davenport. Am weary and nervous, and suffer constantly 148 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYL0RD. from nervous debilit}'. I sleep but little nights, and anything of an exciting character unnerves me; but think I am a little better. It is my intention to leave home the 6th of April, and spend the Sabbath in St. Louis with my old friend, Prof. Post, of Jacksonville, now settled there. The next Sabbath I shall probably be with Mrs. Porter's friends in Cincinnati. I have a strong desire to visit Washington city on my way . Should there be time before attending the May anniversaries in New York, I shall go to Norfolk and visit my dear mother and other friends. Shall wish to tarry a few days in New Haven, attend the meet- ings of associations in Massachusetts and Connecticut, spend a week or two in Boston, Andover and Amherst, and be ready to return sometime in July. I wish to make the trip as profitable intellectually, spiritually and physically as possible. How I wish we could procure a communion set and lamps for our church! I expect Bro. Waters to preach for me half the time in my absence. Danville, March 2, 1848. — I spent four days at Denmark and preached eight times. It rained two of the four days and the frost all came out of the ground. This operated against the meeting. It was quite interesting, but no decided conver- sions had occurred when I left. There has been deep interest at Farmington and a revival at Burlington. Spent last Sabbath at Brighton in exchange with Bro. Burnham at his urgent request. To-morrow we have our preparatory lecture, and the church are to choose a deacon in the place of Dr. Hall. His profession interrupts him so much that he feels he ought to resign. The choice will fall, I think, upon Mr. Booth, with great unanimity. Mrs. Hall's niece, Miss Thompson, is coming out this spring, the wife of a Galena merchant. Miss Corning is recovering from her long illness. Mrs. Pinto will unite with the church to-morrow. Our people have a literary club which meets once in two weeks, and there is also a debate at the school-house every Saturday night. The question as to the propriety of our farmers' selling their grain to the distillers has been argued in our temperance society. We have started a movement for a select school at the A TRIAL OF PATIENCE. 149 Center, and propose to erect a neat building, into which we wish to put a female teacher of the best qualifications. The movement originated with four of us, three besides nryself , and there seems to be so much unanimity, such a readiness to take hold of the work, that I regard it as the leadings of a kind Providence. In two weeks I go to Davenport again to attend a meeting of the trustees of Iowa College, and hope there will not be another failure. April 3. — Mrs. R. wishes to go east with me, and I shall send her word to-morrow when to meet me in Burlington. She will take her children with her. Mrs. Hall has been very sick, but I trust is now out of danger. Mr. John Hitchcock's little son died a month since. It was a great affliction to them. Burlixgtox, Iowa, April 15, 1848. — I expected at this hour to be in or near St . Louis . Sent word to Bro . R . to have his family here on Thursday, and accordingly came down on Wednesday to be in readiness. I stretched my eyes, and I fear my patience too, looking for a boat, yet none came till this morning. And as there was no probability of getting much below the rapids before Sunday, Mrs. R. and suite concluded to wait until Monday. I am trying to bear with fortitude the severe disappointment caused by this delay. I shall start about the same time with this letter, and expect to give it a good chase. The day after I came down there was a celebration here by the Sons of Temperance. There were four hundred in the procession and they made a fine appearance. An address was delivered by Mr. Grimes. 1 shall spend the Sabbath with Bro. Salter. I called on all my congregation in Danville the days before I left home, and as I gave them the parting hand saw not a few turn away with tears in their eyes. Sabbath evening at the prayer meeting the brethren offered fervent supplications for my protection on the journey, and for my safe return, and that I may long live to be a blessing to my people. My an- ticipated absence is already showing me more fully than ever before the strength of attachment which I feel for them. 150 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Mr. Gaylord's eastern visit at this time was productive of much pleasure and profit to himself and many others. The May anniversaries in New York, his visits at the Home Missionary Rooms and to his Alma Mater at New Haven, were sources of heartfelt enjoyment. And his social and affectionate nature found rich satisfaction in the com- panionship of his beloved mother and other friends in Nor- folk, his native town, and in mingling with newer friends in Newington and Hartford. Some of these still refer with much pleasure to that visit in the summer of 1848. But wherever he went the interests of his adopted state and of the great west were made paramount to all others, and their needs and attractions presented in a manner to convey much useful information. The knowledge thus imparted was the more valuable because it carried with it the weight of his own personal observation and experience. The following lines were composed by one of the young ladies of his church on the occasion of his return : Friend and Pastor, all the greeting Hearts in union can express, We would offer, while entreating That our Father thee may bless In thy labor, May He be thy strength and shield, In thy reaping ; May He life and glory yield. Brother, Teacher, Friend and Pastor, Thee again we welcome here, Servant of our chosen Master, Thou to us art ever dear. Gladly welcome, While we breathe the warmest prayer, That our Father Now will keep thee in His care. From quarterly report: Danville, October 17, 1848. — I am truly grateful that my commission from the Executive Committee covers the time of my absence of more than three and one-half months from my SELECT SCHOOL AT DANVILLE. 151 usual work. At this time I can speak of the mercy and good- ness which preserved myself and family, and permitted us again to resume our labors among this people. AVe reached home the 10th of August in good health, and the next Sabbath I found a large congregation assembled to hear the word from my lips. From that time to the present I have preached regularly with- out interruption. During my absence a very neat and pleasant school-house has been built near our church for a select school. It was pro- jected before I left for the east, and was nearly finished on my return. I obtained a teacher, Miss AVakefield, from the Ladies' Society in Boston, who came out with us. She commenced school in September with good prospects, and seems well fitted for her position . There is a very commendable degree of interest among the people on the subject of education. The greatest difficulty in the way is the scarcity of monej^, and this operates as a hindrance and discouragement to every undertaking. Owing to the rapids in the river above Keokuk, there is a difference in the price of a bushel of wheat of twenty-five or thirty cents between Burlington and Chicago. This will be obviated when- ever we have an outlet to the lakes by a railroad from the east to the Mississippi. I was much benefitted by my journey and the relaxation from care and labor for a season. After a few years of successful teaching, Miss Wakefield was married to Rev. Mr. Blakeslee, and went with him to California. Her help and influence were much valued by the Ladies' Missionary Societies in the city which was her adopted home. She passed away in 1881, leaving a husband and two daughters to mourn her loss. Miss Wilson of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, a sister of Mrs. Taylor of Denmark, w T as obtained to fill her place in the school. This lady possessed in an eminent degree those qualifications needful for such a position. She was thoroughly competent and efficient as a teacher, and as a devoted and active Christian lady was an invaluable aid to the church and pastor. 152 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. To the Society : January 25, 1849. — How rapidly time wings its wa} r , show- ing us that we may soon be borne on its flowing tide from the scenes of earth! Our church has sustained a severe loss during the last week in the death of Mr. L. Jaggar, who was its oldest member. He was sixty-five }-ears of age, has been a constant attendant on the varied means of grace, and a generous supporter of the gospel. Thus far, the winter has been the most severe of any I have ever experienced in the west. Yet the regular ministrations of the word have not been interrupted and we have had meetings every Sabbath. I have been looking anxiously for my draft for the quarter ending October 16. Am sorry to learn that you are out of funds. My store bills have accumu- lated for things needful, and all I have to pay them with is promises . February 28. — Present number of members in the church fifty. Contributions to the Home Missionary Society during the year, $50; Bible Society in all, $25; foreign missions, $17; American Moral Reform, $15. May 7. — Spring has again opened upon us, and our con- gregation is filling up. Our church and society are making vigorous efforts to pay off a debt incurred in building our meet- ing house. I long to have this little band strong enough to sustain the gospel without aid from others, and to see this beautiful prairie given to Christ. July 25. — I acknowledge with gratitude the renewal of my commission, and I desire so to labor as to fulfill the obligations of a higher commission than that which cometh from man. I have endeavored to preach the word in the sanctuary, in the circle of prayer, from house to house and b}' the sick bed. Warren, Iowa, January 8, 1850. — My Dear Wife: I have been very busy since I came here, and yet am at a loss to know whether I am doing much good. There seems to be an unusual degree of solemnity in the whole of Bro. Nichols' field. I hope at least to break up some of the fallow ground and cast in the REVIVAL WORK. 153 seed. This is a community in which there must be a great deal of preparatory work before the fruits will fully appear. Satur- day afternoon we had a sacramental lecture, and Sunday fore- noon preaching and communion. It was a deeply interesting occasion. It did me good to speak words of encouragement to the little church, and to hold up a brother's hands. Sunday evening we went to the other settlement, and I preached to a crowded house of attentive listeners. Mr. S. Millard invited me to go home with him. His mind is much interested and I pressed him to a decision. I feel my own unworthiness more than ever, and if God does anything through me, surely He will have all the glory. I went over to Farmington yesterday and got some copies of "The Catechism Tested by the Bible" of Bro. Adams. I hope the Lord will visit my dear people. Danville, January 16, 1850. — During the last quarter I have preached once in four weeks on Sabbath evening at Augusta, a little town seven miles from Danville. It has been a very wicked place. They have recently started a division of the Sons of Temperance, and most of the men have joined. I think there is some hope for the place. April 16. — This has been a quarter of more religious inter- est than we have experienced for a long time. The minds of some became interested to seek salvation, and two or three expressed a decided hope of an interest in Christ previous to my March report. Since that time we have held meetings for nearly two weeks, having preaching evenings and a prayer- meeting in the afternoon . I was assisted in these meetings by Rev. Harvey Adams, of Farmington. His preaching was a most plain and forcible exhibition of great Bible truths. There was no effort to stir the passions , or in any way to produce undue excitement. Some eight or ten in all, are thought to have passed from death unto life. July 24 . — You have seen notices of our meeting of General Association at Dubuque. I have seldom attended one of the kind so full of interest. It was worth a year of toil to be per- mitted to go up to Jerusalem and attend such a feast. 154 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Mr. Gaylord greatly prized these annual convocations of his Congregational brethren. They were not strictly a rest, but a change from working alone to working and planning together for the great cause. The interchange of thought, the contact of mind with mind and heart with heart did give some rest to the weary spirit. Then the reports from the various fields — the mutual consultations and prayers were always stimulating and helpful, and the cheering words spoken, the knowledge that others exper- ienced similar trials with themselves, inspired patience and with it courage and hope. Mr. Gaylord often returned from these gatherings with a stronger faith, and fresh zeal to gird on the armor anew and never again yield to weariness or discouragement in his work.' Danville, August 24, 1850. — Obloqiry, cast upon the church or any of its members, does not seem to move it except to more prayer and greater watchfulness, and I have never felt a stronger confidence that God would appear for Zion than I do now. Octobek 16. — A Baptist church has been built near oui-s, so that at present our congregation is somewhat reduced. A plank road is being built directly through our place. Danville, March 3, 1851 . — I regard the church as in a better state of religious prosperity than it has been, and the prospect before us brighter . Early in February I proposed to the breth- ren to commence a protracted prayer-meeting. They approved of the suggestion and we held meetings every evening for one week. There was one decided case of conversion and others became interested. Rev. Asa Turner came and assisted me for ten days. A few came out on the Lord's side among the adults, and of quite a number of the children we have considerable hope . I have formed a class , which I meet weekly for religious instruction . July, 1851. — Of five that go from here to Oregon, four made a profession of religion in this church, and they go ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCH. 155 determined to plant the standard of the cross where they make a final settlement. At first I felt sad that any should leave this feeble band. But I now feel that the hand of God is in it, and that our farewell meeting with them may be the means of laying the foundation of a true Christian church in that new country . Many prayers were offered up in their behalf, and they left for Oregon in a most delightful state of religious feeling. Danville, March, 1852. — During the winter there seemed to be a growing spirituality in the church. Prayer-meetings were attended with interest, and I felt that we ought to make some special effort for the salvation of the people. I made two ineffectual attempts to get a brother to assist me. In the mean- time a Baptist brother came unexpectedly to labor with the Baptist church, and they extended a cordial invitation to me and my people to come in with them and hold a union meeting. Our brethren were ripe for the work and we accepted the invi- tation. The meeting continued for three weeks, and was one of great interest. The results thus far are good and good only. Some of the converts have united with us, some with the Bap- tists, and some with the Methodists. The best feeling continues between the churches. Yesterday, with us, was a day of great interest. Nine came forward and entered into covenant with this church. There are others who, we trust, will soon profess Christ with us, and four will unite by letter. January, 1853. — We have in this place at present a large class of youth from the age of fifteen to twenty-one, who have not received the benefit of a religious education, but who are in the habit of attending meeting somewhere almost constantly. They are influenced partly by the love of novelty, and will go to hear any new preacher. The}* - frequently attend with us in the morning, and quite regularly at night. "We hope to do them good. I feel that now is the seed time for them, and trust that some precious fruit will yet be gathered from amongst their number. Note from the editor of Home Missionary : "How suggestive to a benevolent mind is this short communication! There is 156 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. hope for the young, even from the vivacity and curiosity natural to their period of life. The Sabbath and the Christian assembly have an interest to their minds through the intellectual and social excitement they awaken, if for nothing more. How important that the home missionary at the west should be able to gather the young of every class into his congregation, and offer to them instructions which will profitably gain their atten- tion! How important everywhere! " Farmington, Iowa, February 18, 1853. — My Dear Wife: I reached here about dusk after a rough and fatiguing ride over very bad roads. I did not stop more than twenty minutes, and hurried all the way. Bro. Turner went home on Monday, but I found Rev . Mr . Holt here from Montrose . He preached that night , for which I was very thankful. Next day I had a headache, but preached that evening and again last evening. I can hardly tell you what is the state of things here. There has been trouble in the church, which causes a part of the members to stand aloof from the work, and yet God has come and converted souls. Bro. Adams thinks the interest seems to be spreading and growing deeper. New cases have manifested themselves since I came. I feel that if anything is to be done for the salvation of this people, it will not do to relax effort now. I do hope the Lord will make me useful here. Tell Ralph papa thinks about him and wants to see him and hear his little musical voice, and tell the little girls that father wants them to think much about Jesus Christ. May the Lord keep you and ours, and use all for His glory. Farmingtox, February 22. — I had expected to go home by this time, but the brethren and Bro. Adams think they cannot spare me at present. The work seems to be going forward gradually. Bro. A. thinks there is as much interest now as at any time. We conversed yesterday with some who seem on the verge of the kingdom or have just entered. One of these has been profane and a Sabbath-breaker. He has had deep and pungent convictions, and seems truly humble. There are other interesting cases. I have preached seven times since I came. I selected my sermon on The Judgment for Sabbath morning. A AN ANSWER TO PRAYER. 157 solemn stillness pervaded the assembly, and numbers wept pro- fusely. AVhen the congregation was dismissed they left the house as if feeling that God was there. * * * I feel my weakness and unfitness for the work, but trust the Lord is, notwithstanding, owning my labors for good. Oh, for true humility and lowliness of mind! I know I am remembered daily by you at the mercy seat. I am surely needed at home, but believe you will be taken care of. Trust in the Lord — confide wholly in Him and all shall be well. In April, 1853, Mr. Gaylord writes: You will remember that several members of this church left us last 3 r ear for Oregon and California. As they were about to leave we had a very interesting farewell meeting. We then commended them to God and His protecting care, and promised not to forget them. Often since that time have we remembered them when worshiping together, praying that God would be around about them a wall of defense by night and by daj^. We are now permitted to record the faithfulness of the Hearer of Prayer. There was great mortality among the overland emi- grants, and sickness and suffering enough to make the strongest tremble. Yet all who were the special subjects of our prayers were carried safely through, with but little sickness and no death, although in one family there were five children from two to twelve years of age. Other families who were not members of the church and did not come into this circle of prayer were greatly afflicted. From one, death removed a father and child — from another, a mother and two children. Surely God does hear his people when the} r call upon Him. We hope the influ- ence of this church will }^et be felt in the extreme west. In a sermon of Mr. Gay lord's, delivered at an association in Denmark in 1853, he shows the very encouraging growth of Congregationalism in Iowa by a backward glance over the years of his ministry. He says : One great obstacle which we encountered at first was ignor- ance on the part of the people of our faith and polity. We 158 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. were liable to be misrepresented, because our views and practice were not understood. Our system was then new in the west, and there was a doubt in the minds of those who loved it, as to whether on the whole it was best to insist upon it here. Another obstacle was in the religious habits of the people. Their love of excitement was opposed to a permanent ministry, and the fixed uniform custom of ordinary Sabbath worship, by which the most valuable traits of character are wrought into the man. But time and the power of example have helped the think- ing and considerate to a better way — even the good old paths. Our principles have also made themselves known and difficul- ties have been overcome by educating a generation under their influence. As a denomination we have not been without evident tokens of God's blessing. Our meetings of association have ever been of a harmonious and deeply interesting character. Nothing has occurred to mar the peace or cool the love of the brethren. While we have thought freely, and spoken as freely as we have thought, there has been before us one great object, and to that we have given our efforts and our best energies. We felt that we were occupying a position of no small importance at the fountain-head of influence for what was to be a great and prosperous state, and were one of the elements that must be felt in marking out its future character. The favor of God has also been shown in preserving the lives and health of our ministers. Since 1838 but two have fallen by death while connected with us. But let us remember that best of all, through the divine favor the gospel has made its way where error had planted itself to bid defiance to the truth. Mormon- ism, though still alive and flourishing, has left this fertile valley, and settled down in the wilderness beyond the Rocky Mountains, while the gray-headed blasphemer lived to see a Christian church, vigorous and flourishing, established in his immediate vicinit}-, and his own private schemes overshadowed by an influence stronger than they. That brother was right who said, "Congregationalism is the rising wave." The leaven has been working in other denominations, and will work A YOUNG MISSIONARY. 159 still more by its own inherent worth. A bright day is dawn- ing. Our principles will stand the Bible test, "By their fruits ye shall know them." And in laboring for Christ's cause in con- nection with our polity, we feel assured that we are laboring for God, and that we may rest fully upon him for guidance and direction. Let us stop a moment on the mount of observation, and look at our present position. "We have now between forty and fifty ministers in active service, and fifty-two churches asso- ciated, with several others not connected with our ecclesiastical bodies. "We have an institution of learning in successful oper- ation, with several academies and schools of a higher order. Connected with these churches are between 1,800 and 1,900 members, many of whom are laboring with true Christian devotion to bring this land under the power of the gospel. August 1, 1853. — During the past three months our hearts have been made glad by witnessing the self-denial and devotion to the service of Christ of a youthful member of this flock. One who was trained here, converted here, and here gave herself away in covenant to God and with His people, has left us for a mission among the Ojibway Indians. She was a young lady of devoted piety , and sometime since gave herself to the missionary work. On the last Sabbath in May, we bade her and her hus- band farewell, and commended them to the protection and blessing of the God of missions. Miss Miner, the young lady here referred to, had studied in Oberlin, and went with her husband to Cass Lake, near the head waters of the Mississippi, where this tribe was located. Her talents were of a high order, and were faith- fully used during a life of constant cross-bearing and self- denial for the cause of Christ. After a lingering illness she died in York, Nebraska, in the summer of 1880, leaving behind her the fragrance of a lovely and useful Christian life. Hilxsboro, September 23. — Mr Dear Wife: I reached here Tuesday evening, a little before six, and found the people glad 160 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. to see me. I was very much chilled, and did not get warm till next day. * * * * It is pleasant to labor in the cause of my Master. The people turn out well and listen with fixed attention. Last night there was an appointment for Mr. Shinn to preach. Some thought best to give up our meeting and go and meet with them. We carried the whole matter before the Lord and asked him to direct us. Yesterday it was decided to go on with our meeting, and to send an invitation to Mr. Shinn to come and preach, but he did not come. We had a full house, more than on any other evening, and I spoke to a congregation of wicked men, who listened with great apparent interest. We are in Satan's seat, but we feel that the Lord is here. We are in His hands and it may yet be seen "that our labor is not in vain." I never felt a deeper interest or less anxiety, and enjoy a good degree of the Divine Presence. Pray for me that I may do God's work, not mine. Tell the dear children I love them and desire their salvation. Shall we meet, an unbroken family in heaven ? To the Society: Danville, October, 1853. — After preaching twice at home, I have once in two or three weeks held a third service ten miles north. It is new ground and I am endeavoring to break it up so as to cast in the good seed of the kingdom. Was solicited to preach at two other places in the vicinit}*, and left an appoint- ment for one of them. Two weeks since I held a meeting at Salem, where there is a small church, and also at a school-house five miles from there. The closing weeks of 1853 and the beginning of 1854 witnessed a deep and growing religious interest on the part of both church and people. We take the following account of it from the Home Missionary: Note by the Editor: "For a considerable time previous to the effort mentioned below, the missionary had been anxiously desirous for a revival of God's work among his people. This desire became apparent in his preaching, rendering that more earnest and therefore more effective. The way was thus pre- CASES OF CONVERSION. 161 pared for the work that followed. So it usually is. AVould that all missionaries and ministers were mindful of it — that the reviving of religion which moves a whole community, has its secret beginning in the minister's own soul." We held a series of meetings which continued five weeks. The preaching was plain, pointed and faithful. These exercises have been of great service to the church, not only as a present refreshing, but in preparing them for future labor. There have been some very interesting cases of conversion. * * I feel that we have reason to bless God for the meeting and the blessing which attended it. The good seed sown I trust will yet bring forth much fruit. God's dealings with this church have been such as to call for lively emotions of gratitude. For five winters in succession we have enjoyed seasons of refreshing, in which souls have been born into the kingdom. For more than two years there has been no death in the church and but little sickness. How long these mercies will continue God only knows. To Him be all the praise. It is a fact of interest that the children of this church, as they grew up, almost without exception became Chris- tians and united with the church. A few cases of marked conversion in connection with Mr. Gaylord's labors in Danville are here given : A young and talented physician, a native of New Hampshire, with a Christian wife from New York city, located in the settlement in the spring of 1838. The doctor was an unbeliever, and, although he often accompanied his wife to the place of worship, he had a decided aversion to the humbling doctrines of the cross. Increasing practice frequently afforded a plausible excuse for being absent from meeting on the Sabbath. Then the time came when it was noticed that he was often present, and had become anxious for his own spiritual welfare. It was not long before his wife and numerous friends to- gether with his pastor had the great joy of seeing him be- come a decided follower of Christ. He proved an invaluable and constant helper to the church and pastor, and after 12 162 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. more than forty years of a consistent and active Christian life, in August, 1887, he went home to his reward. Four years earlier his beloved wife, having spent long years in loving service for Christ, preceded him to the heavenly world. Four of their children are still living to cherish hallowed memories of these faithful and devoted parents. One of the daughters is at present a most efficient helper in the Danville church. A few years after the doctor's conversion, during a revival, one of the converts was an interesting young man who resided with his parents in Danville. He was engaged to a young lad} T in an eastern state who was a fav- orite in society, petted and flattered by the gay circle in which she moved. After the wedding, as she was about to leave for her new home, some of her friends, knowing the character of the social and religious society in which she would mingle in Danville, said to her: " You will be as stiff an old Puritan as any of them in six months." She replied, " No ; not I ! You need not be troubled, for I am in no danger." The first Sabbath after her arrival, she naturally accompanied her husband to the house of God. There she was met by the Holy Spirit, and before the service closed became anxious and troubled about her own state. During the week which followed she gladly welcomed the minister to converse and pray with her, and soon found peace and joy in believing. She now gave herself to the service of Christ with that same decision of character which had marked her course as a devotee of pleasure, and soon devel- oped into a noble and gifted Christian woman, " full of good works and alms deeds " for the Master. After a beau- tiful and consecrated life in the city of Burlington, which became their chosen home, she was called away from earth in the autumn of 1885. A very large company of those who knew her worth joined with the bereaved husband in mourning the loss of one so greatly beloved. Another interesting case was that of a lady who had TRUSTEE BUSINESS. 163 lost a lovely child in the city of , and, almost over- whelmed by her affliction, had come to Danville to visit her husband's parents. She, too, with a heart made very tender, by her great sorrow, came to the house of God. There she was met by the Divine Spirit, and although she had been for some years a member of a church, felt that she was not a Christian. She was assailed by the most terrible tempta- tions, and endured several weeks of intense suffering before she could sit like a child at the feet of Jesus. She now delighted to spend much of her time in the pastor's family, and although too delicately reared to understand household employments, was anxious to help perform the daily tasks so that she might enjoy the company of those with whom she could talk of her newly found hopes and joys. In all the years that have followed, it is believed that her life has been that of a devout and humble Christian. Burlington, Iowa, March 8, 1854. — My Dear Wife: I am still here waiting for a boat going up the river, which is now hourly expected. Have tried telegraphing to Davenport, but the line will not work owing to dampness. It is possible the trustees may have a quorum and get the business done before I get there, and yet if I should not go, they might fail and great injury result. Last night, after committing the whole matter to God, I was led to feel that if I could not get word by tele- graph, it was my duty to go. So I leave it. Have seen Bro. Winchell, and promised to go to Warren and help him sometime next week. Have visited at Mr. Jaggar's, Mr. Starr's, Mr. Hedge's and Mr. Ruby's, and attended meetings both evenings. There is much interest in Bro. Salter's church and congrega- tion. Last Sabbath five united with the church by profession and two by letter. AVauren, Iowa, March 18, 1854. — My Dear Wife: This will introduce to you Rev. Mr. Johnson and wife from La Harpe, Illinois, who will spend the Sabbath with you. Bro. Johnson will preach for our people in my place. I find the condition of things here such that there seems but little prospect of 164 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. accomplishing immediate results in the conversion of the impen- itent, but hope to do the church some good and prepare the way for a better state of things in the future. There are but few working bees here to gather honey. Was quite ill on Wednesday, but have preached nine times since I came. Mr. Gaylord was often sent for to assist disheartened or weakened churches, to encourage and strengthen them, and to aid the pastors in special efforts for revival. To the Home Missionary Society: Danville, May, 1854. — I will state clearly a point in regard to which the members of this church are troubled. It is not that the Society has not spoken against slavery, or failed to condemn it as a heinous sin, but they feel that in granting aid to churches, the condition ought to be, that slaveholding should be a disciplinable offense, or in other words, a bar to membership in those churches. * * * * I have been more full in this statement, regarding it as the index of a deep and growing feeling of a similar character all through the northwest. The recent movements in congress have tended greatly to strengthen this sentiment. In view of this state of feeling, it was decided to be our duty to ask no further aid of your Society. Such was the decision at our annual business meeting. The question excited a great degree of interest, and I had serious fears lest it might cause division and thus paralyze our efforts, but such was not the case. And now having cut loose from the great fountain of Christian charity, from which we have obtained help so long, we decided to raise the $400 among ourselves, if possible. By the blessing of God upon their united effort, they have succeeded and the subscription is made up. It is nearly sixteen years since, young and inexperienced, just entering upon the arduous work of the gospel ministry, I first received a commission from your Society. During all this time my relations with you have been of the most pleasing character . I now take my leave with the liveliest emotions of gratitude for all your Christian sympathy and support. In four weeks we expect to leave for a visit east. SLAVERY AND HOME MISSIONS. 165 This visit proved most helpful and refreshing, and Mr # Gaylord returned in October greatly strengthened for future labors. The views spoken of in the foregoing letter in regard to the position of the Society on this subject, continued to "gain volume and strength, and were strongest in those portions of the country from which the largest contributions were received." In the autumn of 1856 a Memorial was sent to the Society from the General Association of Iowa, embody- ing their views as to the line of policy upon which the Society should decide to act. The following resolution, adopted by the Executive Committee without a dissenting vote, was sent in reply to this Memorial : Resolved, That in the disbursement of funds committed to their trust, the Committee will not grant aid to churches con- taining slave-holding members, unless evidence be furnished that the relation is such as, in the judgment of the Committee, is justifiable, for the time being, in the peculiar circumstances in which it exists. This resolution made it necessary to ascertain the posi- tion of each church seeking aid, and grant or withhold assistance as the facts furnished might suggest. To Miss Martha Gaylord, Norfolk, Connecticut: Danville, Iowa, Ma}^ 7, 1855. — My Dear Niece: At the time your letter was received I was fully occupied with the care of Mrs. Gaylord and our little son, and I have been more than usually busy ever since. Then, I had written to Bro. Rice, and hoped to hear from him again that I might be able to communicate something in reference to your brother. But I have heard nothing, and improve a leisure moment this morning to answer your letter. * * * I feel deeply for you in j^our accumulated trials, and hope and believe they will be so sanctified to } r ou that they will yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness. I preached yesterday from these words, ••Arise ye, and depart; for this is not your rest." How sweet 166 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. the rest of heaven after all our toils and trials here! We are all in comfortable health. Mrs. Gaylord is better than for years. Our two youngest children have been nearly sick with colds, but are much better. Your Uncle A. is quite poorly again this spring. We seem now not far from Connecticut, as the railroad is finished to Burlington, twelve miles from us. It would give us great pleasure to have a visit from you if you could come. I trust you are living for another world, and that at no distant day we may meet in heaven, and there see our Savior and beloved friends who have gone before. I feel more and more that this world is not worth living for. In the autumn of 1855 Mr. Gaylord planned a tour across the state of Iowa. One object of his journey was to invest in government lands some money left to his eldest daughter from her grandfather's estate, and another, to enjoy a short period of much needed rest. He left home early in September, and at Ottumwa he was joined by Mr. Norris, a brother-in-law of Rev. Mr. Spaulding. The two journeyed on together, and at Lewis, Cass county, Mr. Gay- lord succeeded in making the necessary investment. Thence impelled by a desire to see the Missouri valley and to learn the particulars of the sickness and death of a nephew in Omaha, for the benefit of eastern friends, he drove to Council Bluffs, and on Saturday crossed over to the Nebraska shore. This nephew, Mr. Myron Gaylord, was the son of Mr. Gaylord's oldest brother. He had come out from Norfolk, Connecticut, and built the second house in Omaha city in 1854. It was then on the side of a hill overlooking a plateau and the river, with a long stretch of bottom land and the distant bluffs on the Iowa side. But hills have been leveled and valleys raised until the old land marks are fast being obliterated. The location of this house was near where Burt street is now crossed by Twenty- second street. The first house erected in Omaha city was a good-sized log cabin, built at Twelfth and Jackson streets, A VISIT TO OMAHA. 167 early in the summer of 1854. It was used for a boarding house, and several times a Methodist minister named Cooper came over from Council Bluffs and held religious services on the Sabbath, f Mr. Gaylord's nephew had married a wife from a Mor- mon family — herself a Mormon, but after a year or so he sickened and died. His parents had been unable to learn anything satisfactory of these last days of their son. Mr. Gaylord found Dr. Miller, who was his physician, and from him learned particulars of the sad event. Being invited to preach the next day he consented, but returned to Council Bluffs and officiated for Rev. Mr. Rice on Sabbath morning, as he had promised. In the afternoon he recrossed the river and preached in the old State House. Of that first Sunday in Omaha and subsequent events Mr. Gaylord wrote : In my congregation was Gov. Richardson, to whom I had been introduced the day before. At the close of the meeting he gave me an earnest invitation to come and make my home in the city that was to be. Without giving him a direct answer the seed lodged in my mind as a seed drops into the ground. That seed germinated — that thought grew in my mind all the way home. I was deeply impressed from what I had seen, with the feeling that Omaha was a point of great importance and that the Lord had a great work there for some one of his servants to do. On arriving at home I laid the matter before my wife. She had alwaj^s said, "If we ever move, let it be toward the east." But when this new work was presented for her to think over, she laid aside her preferences and raised no objections. After conferring with some of my brethren, they expressed their uniform conviction that the point should be occupied at once, and gave some reasons why I could go better than any other one fit is believed that this cabin was built for the convenience of the public, and not for a private residence. But in a short time two others were put up which were designed for family dwellings. One of these homes was erected by Mr. Snowden, on Tenth street near Jackson ; the other by Messrs. W. and S. E. Rogers on Douglas street near Tenth. 168 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOKD. of our number. These reasons were — a small family, a good constitution, and large western experience. Thus the decision was reached, and a council called to dissolve my pastoral relation to a dear church. An application to the A. H. M. S. for a commission to labor in Nebraska was drawn up and endorsed by members of the council before they dispersed. Winter was near at hand, and so clear was the call of God to go forward that we decided to do so without waiting to hear from the application. In a letter written by Dr. Salter as a tribute to the memory of Mr. Gaylord, the doctor says: "At the prospect of the opening of Nebraska and Kansas to settlement in 1854, I well remember how his heart was stirred with the importance of planting the gospel on the western bank of the Missouri; and Iowa is certainly honored that one from her own churches should have gone forth with valor and courage, and borne such a noble part in laying good foun- dations there." The closing year of Mr. Gaylord's life in Iowa was a bright and cheerful one, a year of good work and a strength- ening of the bonds which existed between pastor and people. We give a few extracts from his farewell sermon : A relation that has devolved upon me a mighty responsibil- ity, and been the cause of much true happiness has just ceased to exist, and 1 stand before you in this sacred desk for the last time as your spiritual instructor and guide. After giving a summary of events, of admissions to the church, baptisms, etc., he says: This church was one of the three represented by pastor and delegate in the formation of the first association in this state in 1840. Fifteen years have passed since, and that small beginning has grown to five associations, with probably more than eighty churches and fifty ministers. [Seven years later Mr. Gaylord wrote, Iowa reports 157 Congregational churches, with over FAREWELL SERMON. 169 5,000 members and 111 ministers.] * * * The future, my dear hearers, we cannot penetrate. I trust the Great Shepherd of the sheep will soon send 3 r ou another under shepherd — the right one, faithful and true, whom you will receive as from the Lord. Let me say, do not expect too much of him who may be placed over you as your spiritual guide. Ministers are at the best but imperfect men, and you will need to exercise that charity which covers many faults. Gather around him, sustain him by your presence and pi\ayers. Show him that you feel a deep interest in his work, and in all proper ways let him feel that he has your sj^mpathy and confidence. Be prompt and cheerful in meeting your pecuniary engagements to him who may serve you in spiritual things. Ministers work at a lower rate according to their qualifications than any other class of men, and they should be relieved from anxiety by suitable fore- thought in providing for them a needful pecuniary support. * * * It is now nearly seventeen years since I began with all the ardor and enthusiasm of youth, to cultivate this new field. The great desire of my heart at all times has been the prosperity of Zion, especially of this church and people more particularly committed to my care. I have honestly sought to know the truth, and what I believed to be the truth I have not shunned to declare. But I am not insensible to the great defects of my ministerial life. * * * It has been my pleasure to make sacrifices for your prosperity and to bear my part in that which might prove a public benefit, hoping by example to encourage others to do more than I had the ability to do. For all your sympathies in times of trial and affliction, for all the substantial tokens of your affection and regard I feel truly grateful and may God reward you . Follow me with your prayers as I go to this new field, and maj' the God of love abide with and keep you all in His own perfect peace. VII. TRANSPLANTED. 1855-1859. I hear the tread of pioneers Of nations yet to be, The first low wash of waves, where soon Shall roll a human sea. Take the pilgrim's staff again, Grasp by faith the pilgrim's God; Through the sunshine and the rain Be thy journey bravely trod. Angel guards thy steps attend Christ shall keep thee to the end. - Whittier. — Selected. Haste, haste with the water of life! for men die For a draught of your own overflowing supply; And heaven is waiting to see Whether you, for whom I Heaven's glory laid by Will arise to this service for me. — Life and Light. "Behold God himself is with us for our Captain." The only pleasure that never wears out is the pleasure of doing good. —Dr. Goodell. CHAPTER VII. Nebraska. Kansas-Nebraska Bill — Nebraska — An Appeal for a Man — Re- moval to Omaha — Cold and Privation — Sickness and Death — Organization op Churches at Omaha, Fontanelle and Other Places— Church Building — Mrs. Gaylord's Visit East — Letters — Hard Times — Visit to Danville — From Danville to Omaha Again — Gold Excitement. From a historical paper prepared by Mr. Gaylord we take some notes: What is now the Territory of Nebraska was embraced in the original Louisiana purchase, made in 1803. The states of Louisiana, Missouri and Iowa, with a large portion of Min- nesota, were carved out of that purchase. The territories of Kansas and Nebraska were organized out of a portion of the remainder , by act of congress approved May 30,1854, and widely known as the Kansas-Nebraska bill. In that enactment the great barrier to the introduction of slavery in this vast region, covered by the Missouri compromise, was removed. In 1853 began the memorable, intense and exciting con- troversy in Congress upon this Kansas-Nebraska bill. To fully understand and appreciate this discussion, its results, and the effect of them upon the subsequent history of our country, one or two previous acts of congress need to be briefly mentioned. In 1818 commenced the struggle in congress over the admission of Missouri as a slave state. The representatives in congress of the north eloquently and strongly opposed the admission of Missouri with its constitution permitting slavery. The discussion was long and violent, and finally resulted in 1820, in the celebrated " Missouri compromise," advocated by Henry Clay, which 174 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. was that slavery should be prohibited in all other territory west of the Mississippi, and north of parallel 36° 30\ When, in 1849, California made application for admission to the Union, with a constitution excluding slavery from her territory, agitation of the slavery question was once more revived in Congress. Again Henry Clay, by his burning eloquence, did much to allay the strife, and the " Compromise of 1850 " was effected, by which California was admitted as a free state; New Mexico and Utah were organized as territories; the slave trade was abolished in the District of Columbia, and the infamous " Fugitive Slave Law," which provided for the return to their owners of slaves escaping to a free state, was passed. Thus was the excitement between the two sections of country allayed for a time. In 1854 the agitation of the slavery question was again revived. Mr. Blaine, in his "Twenty Years of Congress," says: "To the westward and northwestward of Missouri and Iowa, lay a vast territory, which, in 1854, was not only unsettled, but had no form of civil government whatever- By the Missouri Compromise every sqare mile of this do- main had been honorably devoted to freedom. At the period named, Indian tribes * * * lighted their campfires on the very borders of Missouri and Iowa. But the tide of emigration which had filled Iowa and Wiscon- sin, and been drawn for a time to the Pacific slope, now set again more strongly than ever to the Mississippi valley, demanding and needing new lands for settlement and cultivation. To answer this requirement a movement was made during the closing weeks of Fillmore's adminis- tration." Mr. Douglass took the lead in this movement by bringing forward a measure to organize Kansas and Ne- braska. This was known as the "Kansas-Nebraska bill," and in one of its sections the Missouri Compromise of 1820 was declared to be inoperative and void, and "Popular Sovereignty," the right of the people in each territory to NEBRASKA AND SLAVERY. 175 decide whether or not they would have slaves, was sub- stituted therefor. The north was fairly stunned by this proposition, and the excitement was intense. This Kansas- Nebraska bill, after a severe and prolonged contest of four months, was finally forced through, to the utter destruction of good faith between the north and south. The north, resolute to win Kansas for freedom, poured a steady stream of emigration into the territory. Civil war ensued, and Kansas became a scene of lawlessness and bloodshed. But in the end "bleeding Kansas" was won for freedom, and it and Nebraska have ever been free states. There are men and women now in active life who remember when there was not a foot of soil under the American flag, where a slave, fleeing from slavery, could not be arrested and sent back to his master. And they remember, too, for possibly they were eye-witnesses, some thrilling incidents of their escape, or attempted escape, t© the only land of freedom for them — a land under the British flag. Many of these were as strange and wonderful as any romance ever written. But they now exist only in the memories of those dark years — thanks to Abraham Lincoln and the declaration of peace in 1865. We quote still further from Mr. Gaylord's paper : The Territory of Nebraska as first organized embraced about 330,000 square miles, and extended from latitude 40° to British America, and from the Missouri river on the east to the summit of the Rocky mountains on the west. New terri- tories were constituted, which cut off portions of Nebraska for Dakota on the north , Wyoming and Montana on the west and Colorado on the southwest. The present limits extend from 40° to 43° north latitude, and from 95° to 104° west longitude, being not far from 200 miles from north to south, and 450 from east to west. At the Missouri river, its height above the sea is nearly 1,000 feet. It continues to rise with gentle ascent, until, at the western boundary, it attains a height of 5,000 feet. 176 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. It has a fertile, apparently inexhaustible soil, needing" no irri- gation, and a clear, bracing atmosphere, beneficial to invalids. Nebraska is well watered by living streams flowing east and southeast until they unite with the Missouri. It also abounds in living springs. The streams are generally bordered with timber, which often extends a long way back with little groves running up into ravines and hollows. The Platte river, rising in the Rocky mountains, flows for a long distance in two main branches, uniting in one stream 300 miles from its mouth. It divides Nebraska into two nearly equal portions, called North and South Platte. In the Home Missionary of July, 1855, there appeared, from the pen of Rev. George G. Rice, of Council Bluffs, the following "Appeal for Nebraska": Yesterday I spent in Omaha City, and preached in the hall of the House of Representatives, having arranged to exchange with the chaplain. Omaha City has been made the capital of Nebraska by the Legislature. It is growing very rapidly, and seems destined to be a place of much importance. There are in the town about forty houses, and, probably, from 150 to 200 inhabitants. A desire is expressed there that your Society furnish them a minister. Two eligible lots have been donated for a church edifice, and I hold the deeds for them. Mr. Richardson, former governor of Michigan and now a member of the Council of Nebraska, is a member of the Congregational church, and probably would do what he could to aid and sus- tain the minister you \way send them. He intends bringing his family out this spring, and thinks some of the members of his own church in Michigan will come. But, whether a church can be formed there at once, or not, they ought to have a minister soon . They need to have a man of decided ability and earnest piety. The congregations that such a minister would have would be attentive and intelligent. No minister of Calvinistic faith has been designated, so far as I know, for any field in Nebraska. A SAD FAREWELL. 177 Toward this then unexplored region in the beginning of the winter of 1855-6, Mr. Gay lord, taking his little house- hold, four in number, turned his willing footsteps. Though somewhat oppressed with a feeling of sadness and his heart filled with tender memories, he did not allow himself to cast any lingering looks behind, and there was no shrink- ing from any path of duty or hardship which might lie before him. How shall we explain or describe the strong affection which a faithful pastor cherishes toward the members of his flock? Other love — that of husband and wife, parents and children — can more easily be understood, for though down deep in the heart it also comes so near the surface as to be witnessed and felt in every day life. It is nature's strong bond, given by God to bind families together. But a pastor's love in its sacredness bears some resemblance to that which Christ expressed toward His disciples in that memorable prayer recorded in St. John, and his yearnings over those who have not embraced the truth are akin to those of Christ when He wept over Jerusalem, saying, "0 that thou hadst known" "the things which belong to thy peace." The pastor's wife, if she is a true helpmeet, feels that they also belong to her as a part of her own family. She weeps and rejoices with them — pleads on their behalf at the mercy seat, and takes them all, in love and sympathy, into her heart of hearts. A letter written by Mr. Gaylord to the Home Missionary tells unassumingly the story of this journey. To tear away from our people amid the earnest expressions of regret on their part, to preach a farewell sermon and ad- minister the sacrament for the last time, to dispose of a pleasant home with all the comforts and conveniences that in a course of years we had gathered around us, mainly by our own labor, and to say the parting word to so many warm friends, was what we could not have done except at what seemed the plain 13 178 LIFE OF FvEUBEN GAYLORD. indications of Providence. But the act is done; and we have bid adieu to all the friends made in a seventeen years' ministry , and now stand on the frontier where I stood seventeen years ago as your missionary, except that the frontier is three hun- dred miles further west, on the Missouri instead of the Missis- sippi, and that I bring to my aid the experience of all these years of labor in the new regions of the west . I feel that I carry with me the prayers and sympathies of my people, of my brethren in the ministry, and of a large circle of Christian friends . I was dismissed November 7; the next Sabbath preached my farewell sermon, and then bent my energies to preparation for my journey. I disposed of household furniture and the provisions laid up for the family for the winter, and closed up my business so that we were ready to leave on the 6th of De- cember. We stopped to dine with an aged father and mother in our church, who, with several other members of the family, were original members of the Danville church. There was quite a circle of friends present; and as we said the mournful good-bye and gave the parting hand, it was well calculated to remind one of the scene at Miletus, when Paul met the elders of Ephesus. From there we went on our way, but soon experienced unpleasant weather, a cold change, and very rough and bad traveling. We were detained two days at the Des Moines river in consequence of ice, and finally crossed it with considerable danger by going several miles out of our way. When about six miles from Indianola our carriage broke, and we had a stream to ford, which fortunately was not very deep. We got over safely, reached Indianola and stopped for repairs. Here I was solicited to preach at night, and in the morning left with the regrets of the people that I was not going to stop with them. It is an important and most inviting field, and they ought to have a good minister without delay. Thence our road was through open prairie; the weather was very cold and we suffered much. Sometimes we had to press through snow drifts, and when night set in the hungry prairie wolves would THE JOURNEY TO NEBRASKA. 179 follow the carriage, but we knew they would not dare to attack us. There were some streams difficult to cross, one of which we were told we could not get over, as the stage had been fast in it for two days. But I was determined to look the difficulty in the face, and the result was that we got through safely, though not without considerable danger. The family crossed upon the ice some distance above the ford, and procuring help, I car- ried the baggage over by hand. At Council Bluffs we spent three days at the hotel and then came here. Since that our great effort has been to keep from freezing. Nearly all the time water has frozen within a foot of the stove with all the fire I could make. I have felt most keenly for my companion and children in these trying circumstances. The weather has exceeded in severity anything I ever before experienced. The thermometer has ranged from twenty-five to thirty -two degrees below zero. In later years, to read at a family reunion on Christmas, Mrs. Gaylord wrote the following account of those trying times: Early in December, 1855, we set out on our journey of three hundred miles across the state of Iowa. Mr. Gaylord proposed leaving his family till spring, but they preferred to come with him and help bear the burdens which would fall to his lot in a new and untried field of labor . Railroads were not very plenty in those days. We traveled in a two-seated carriage with a span of horses — five of us in all. The youngest was the little boy, who afterward died in Omaha, then only ten months old. We had been told the roads were usually good in December and the weather mild. That winter and the next proved to be ex- ceptions. After the first day we encountered rain and mud, then snow and intense cold. It was often difficult to find any place to stay at night — sometimes seven or eight o'clock before we could get entertainment for ourselves and horses. In the timber, on South river, one of the carriage wheels suddenly dropped into a deep rut and the axletree broke. There was no house near, but Mr. Gaylord cut a hickory sapling, bent it around 180 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. •and secured it with a rope, so that we forded the river and came on to Indianola. There we remained until the carriage was mended, and then pursued our journey. Days of severe cold, our slow and difficult progress, often through almost "un- trodden snow," to human view was very disheartening. But knowing the watchful care of our Almighty Father was over us continually, we were not discouraged. We expected to be kept and carried safety through every difficulty, and we ivere. Little R. sat bravely on the front seat, rarely saying that he was cold, but when we knew that he must be, if the road permitted he was set out, and ran by the side of the carriage until warmed by the exercise. In western Iowa were unbridged streams with high, steep, icy banks. These were frozen at the sides, but water running in the channel. Twenty miles before reaching the Nodaway river, Mr. Gay lord was warned that it was useless to proceed, as there was no possibility of crossing it, but we kept on. We found a man and two boys living in a shanty near the river bank. Their services were secured, and a place was found up the stream where the family could walk over on the ice. Re- turning to the ford we sat down upon a log with our faces turned away, unwilling to look upon the dangerous exploit. Rails and branches of trees were laid down the side of the steep, icy descent to prevent the carriage from sliding around and being wrecked on a stage coach, which had been fast in the middle of the stream for three days. Mr. Gay lord succeeded in driving across without accident, and we pressed on our way. We reached Council Bluffs on December 21, riding against a piercing northwest wind the last half day. The hotel was full to overflowing, and Mr. Gay lord and Mr. Rice walked the streets until eleven o'clock to find a lodging place. But in those days private houses were small and crowded with their own occupants. We stayed at Mr. Rice's that night, and the next day found a vacant place in the hotel. Then Mr. Gay- lord came over to see if the house promised us was ready. Winter had come on with so much severity that work was sus- pended, and it could not be occupied. It was the small house until FIRST HOME IN OMAHA. 181 recently standing north of Donaghue's floral establishment on Six- teenth street . The Douglas house , the only hotel , on the corner of Fourteenth and Harney streets, was more than full. A part of the dwelling where Dr. AVood now has his office was secured, and on the afternoon of Christmas day Mr. Gay lord brought his family from the Bluffs to find a shelter there. We crossed the Missouri on the ice at a point then quite north of town . The cold was so intense that we were nearly paralyzed on our arrival, and had to be helped into the house. Mr. Milton Rogers had himself brought a stove from the Bluffs, and a fire was soon kindled. What there was of the dwelling stood on four blocks at the corners, with no other foundation, and the floor was not remark- ably tight. Of course there was no plastering, and for five weeks no thawing sufficient for water to drop from the eaves, excepting one day in February. A sod stable some distance to the southwest afforded shelter for the tired horses. Across Fifteenth street, where the Exposition building now stands, was a house owned by Mr. Poppleton, and occupied by a f amity named Tucker. Mr. Goodwill's family were not far away. Subsequently additions were made to this house by Mr. Samuel Brown, who transformed it into a very cozy and pleas- ant home for his own family. After about six weeks we moved to a more comfortable place, on the south side of Harnej^ street, west of the Douglas house and near Fifteenth street. This dwelling was owned by Mr. Shoemaker. The Douglas House was kept by Mr. and Mrs. Mills, who were among the early residents of Omaha. Governor Richardson and family lived a short distance west on the north side of Harney street. From them, from Mrs. A. D. Jones and her mother, and many others we received frequent tokens of kindness, which can only be fully appreciated by those in similar circumstances. The following extracts from letters written by members of his flock in Danville, show something of their affection- ate regard for one who was for so many years their spiritual guide. 182 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Danville, Februaiy 6, 1856. — Reverend and Dear Pastor: It was with pleasure that we read the letter we received from you. I am very sorry you have such a poor dwelling, but hope you will all live through the cold winter, and before another comes will be better situated. I am glad you have such a prospect for usefulness, and hope the Lord will bless your labors, and give you "many souls as seals of your faithful- ness and your crown of rejoicing." The prospect before us is rather dark. I cannot find out that the committee to supply the pulpit are making any effort to provide us with regular preach- ing, and if things go on in this way for a year to come, I shall try to find some place where there is preaching and a church. The weather for the last five weeks has been very cold, the thermometer ranging from about 20° above to 28° below zero. I understand that in Burlington on the south hill it was down to 33°. The snow is sixteen inches deep on the level. From Mrs. Miner : Danville, Iowa, February, 1856. — I well know how to sym- pathize with you, while suffering from severe cold in a comfort- less house. Many a twent3 r -four hours have I spent in our old cabin, where I could only get warm in bed. Those scenes now come before my mind with new vividness, and I feel truly as if I could weep with you. But you have a glorious consolation that I did not have, for you have followed the steps of Him, "who, though He was rich, yet for our sakes became poor, that we through His poverty might be rich . " He left His home in His Father's bosom to suffer here thirty-three years and then die, that He might save fallen man — you have left a comfortable home and loving friends, that you might be the means of saving precious souls for whom He bled and died. "If so be that we suffer with Him , that we may be also glorified together . " I feel more for home and foreign missionaries than I once did. You and dear Mr. Gaylord seem especially near to me, and in all your trials and afflictions I feel afflicted. While in Denmark a few days ago, Mrs. Tuttle inquired about your leaving, and I told her I wished she would not name Mr. Gaylord again, because it UNFURLING THE GOSPEL BANNER. 183 made me so nervously distressed. Not that I wished to forget you, for as soon would I forget my own sister, but our destitu- tion as a church and the prospect of a dark future would loom up before my mind, and sink like lead into my heart. Rev. Mr. Leonard has preached three Sabbaths, the only Congregational preaching since you left. Our people often go to Baptist meet- ing. Oh, how I long to "sit under our own vine and fig tree" once more! Of this period Mr. Gaylord said in a memorial sermon delivered years afterward : On my arrival I found at the postoflice a commission, sent me by Rev. Milton Badger, D. D., Senior Secretary of the A. H. M. S., giving me words of cheer. In that commission I was guaranteed $600 for my support for one year, which was not one-half of what it actually cost me to maintain my family . I at once commenced preaching in the Council Chamber of the old State House. I found Rev. Mr. Collins of the M. E. church and Rev. Mr. Leach, a Baptist clergyman, on the ground. They had appointments, one in the morning and the other in the evening, and I took the afternoon. There was a Presbyterian minister at Nebraska City and another at Bellevue. These were the beginnings, the germ of what was to be. There was no church organization in Omaha, except a Methodist class of six members. We soon organized a Union Sunday School, of which B. H. Chapman, Esq., was superintendent. The editor of the Home Missionary noted Mr. Gaylord's advent in Nebraska in the following words : We have the greatest reason to be encouraged with the suc- cess which has attended the efforts of the churches to keep up with the immense progress of our population; but the half has not been done which ought to be done. One missionary of the Cross has gone to Nebraska. How many emissaries of Mammon have the churches sent to counterwork him? Another name has now been added to the list of the states and territories occupied by this Society. The home missionary standard has 184 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. been planted in Nebixiska. At Omaha City, opposite Council Bluffs, the banner of the Cross is already unfurled, and other posts await the advance of that peaceful army, whose triumphs are for freedom, and for what makes freedom good. This account of Omaha City in 1856 is from Mr. Gay- lord's pen : I see unmistakable evidence of energy and enterprise in this place that give promise of progress and a season of activitj- in business and improvements. Already stone is drawn for numer- ous foundations. All expect a large emigration, and prepara- tions are made accordingly. Property is advancing, and in business the prospects are very flattering. "When we consider that only one year and a half since there was but one log house in Omaha City, and that now it has a population of 600 or 800 souls, the place gives evidence of a spirit on the part of its inhabitants that will cause it to increase and develop very rapidly. For beauty the situation is unsurpassed. It is on the great thoroughfare westward, and will, beyond all doubt, be the first point on the Missouri river reached by a railroad. This place and Council Bluffs City will then occupy the same position on this river that Davenport and Rock Island do on the Mississippi. You can thus see at a glance the relative and future importance of this point, and the necessity of the vigor- ous prosecution of the work of evangelization. When the spring is fairly inaugurated, and I can leave home, I shall be happy to explore, somewhat, up and down the river. Most of the settle- ments, as yet, are near the Missouri. In the interest felt in Kansas, Nebraska has been in a great measure overlooked, and it is not as well known abroad as it will be. * * * Yovi must prepare for a great work here at no distant day. As 3^et we have no houses of Avorship and no school house. Many begin to feel that this state of things must not continue. There is far too little moral restraint. Sabbath-breaking, pro- fanity and drinking are quite common ; and altogether the minds of the people are occupied mostly with other things than the concerns of the soul. Still there is a conscience among the PLANNING TO BUILD A CHURCH. 185 people in favor of religion, and the truth held before that con- science will have its effect. I have preached once every Sabbath since I commenced my labors, and have been gratified with the serious and thoughtful attention that has been given to plain, searching truth by those who compose my congregation. We have but one place of meeting, and that is in the building used by the Legislature. The conviction is forced upon me that we must build a house of worship, and we are beginning to move in that matter. As a preparatory step to erecting a house and organizing a church, I have deemed it expedient to form a religious society, and seek to enlist the sympathy and interest of those who do not belong to the church. I have drawn up a constitution, and yesterday, in company with Gov. Richardson, visited a number of the leading men of the place, several of whom readily gave their names to our articles of incorporation, and all promised help in building a house. Mrs. Gay lord is about taking steps to form a Ladies' Society, which is important to give us acquaintance with each other. I hope to form a church soon, and trust that it will become a vigorous and efficient agency for good. I am well satisfied that I did not come a day too soon, and although able to do but little owing to the severity of- the winter, yet I am putting things in form so that we shall soon be prepared to prosecute our work vigorously. A few words in reference to our situation and expenses. For six weeks we were obliged to remain in the house which we at first occupied, and such intense cold we never experienced. We thought of what we had left, but felt that the Lord had called us here and we did not desire to return. I have now secured a more comfortable dwelling. It has two rooms, one of good size, the other small — no cellar, well, or other conveniences. For this we pa}' $21 a month. Superfine flour is from $8 to $8.50 a hundred pounds, but we have used an inferior article which we get for $7. We have denied ourselves the luxury of butter. Sugar is 12^ cents a pound, and other groceries in proportion. You will readily see that with the most rigid economy our ex- penses have been heavy. 186 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. But winter is passing away, and spring with its cheering influences is drawing near. The ice bridge across the Missouri is becoming unsafe except for footmen, and soon this highway of commerce will be open for the rush of business and travel. My prayer is that the Lord will gird me with strength and wis- dom for the work that must soon crowd upon me. Society is necessarily in a forming state, and there is more or less of strife and contention; yet I have heard of less than is common in settlements of so recent origin and such rapid development. We have been forcibly reminded within the last month that we are really on the "frontier." The town has been thronged with the native Indians, the former lords of this soil. There were, at one time for nearly two weeks, 800 or 900 of the Omaha Indians encamped about two miles from this place . One day they were all in town at once, and received from the government agent 600 sacks of flour and several hogsheads of sugar. May, 1856: The work to be done here is to lay the foundation of society and of gospel institutions, for what is soon to become a great center of influence — a place where multitudes will form their characters for eternity. The pressing necessity of this arises from the fact, first, that no community can enjo}' permanent prosperity without the gospel; and, secondly, that everything here is to advance with unprecedented rapidity. It is evident that in and about this place is to be gathered, at no distant day, a vast amount of enterprise, wealth and population. The growth of many years, in the eastern part of Iowa, will here be crowded into a comparatively small compass. Our work is beset with difficulties, owing to a spirit of worldliness strongly excited by the great increase in the value of property, caused by the rapid growth of the place. Men think and labor for the objects of the present life, and it is hard to interest them in anything else. A large proportion of the citizens are from New England, and yet a smaller proportion are professors of religion than in CHURCHES ORGANIZED. 187 any community I have ever known. The Sabbath, to a great extent, is a day of pleasure or business. The first boat from St. Louis reached here on Sunday, and, in consequence, the day seemed more like a week day than the Sabbath. A correct moral sentiment is yet to be created, and there are but few to aid in doing it. Did we not feel that the Lord is on our side, we might well give up in despair. But, trusting in Him for success, we are seeking to put in operation those gospel influences that, when brought constantly to bear, never fail to secure good results. A\ r e have established a weekly prayer- meeting, and it is attended with a good degree of interest. We have already secured a subscription of over $1,000 toward building a house of worship, and think we can raise $1,500 on the ground. Last Sabbath, May 4, I organized a Congrega- tional church in this place, the first fruits of the home mis- sionary enterprise in Nebraska. Nine of us entered into cove- nant with each other and with God, and were constituted a church of Christ. As we sat together around the table of our Lord, it carried me back to the time when, nearly seventeen 3'ears ago, I enjo}'ed the privilege of meeting with my beloved church in Danville, for the first time, to remember Christ at his table. It brought also afresh to mind the scene when, six months since, I last joined with that church in commemorating the death of Christ, and bade them farewell. There were others with us on this deeply interesting occasion . At the close of the service two brethren from Connecticut introduced themselves, one of whom rose from a sick bed in order to be with us . They expressed much interest, left a small contribution for our new church, and gave us kind words of encouragement in our work. Since I last wrote you I have purchased a small house, in an unfinished state, with two rooms. This is so fitted up that we are now more comfortable than we have been hitherto. The week following the organization of the church at Omaha, Mr. Gaylord visited Fontanelle and formed a church there. The people were expecting him, and received him most gladly. He thus tells the story : 188 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Reaching there on Friday I preached in the evening and at eleven o'clock on Saturday, and in the afternoon held a meeting preparatory to the organization of the church. There were quite a number of persons from the First Congregational church in Quincy, Illinois. They had received some valuable contribu- tions in money, (over $200,) Sabbath school books, and a com- munion service, from that church, which greatly encouraged them in their feebleness. In the afternoon of the Sabbath, after preaching in the morning, I had the privilege of leading twenty- three individuals into covenant with God and with one another, and constituting them a church of Christ. This is the second Congregational church in Nebraska. Three of these persons had never before made a profession of religion. The occasion was one of great interest to me — preaching to those who were so eager to hear and gathering a church in the wilderness with so many to surround the table of our Lord. I am to spend the next Sabbath with them , after which I hope they will soon be supplied with regular preaching. I regard this church as one of great promise. The settlement of this place was begun in the autumn of 1854 by a colony from Quincy. It was named for Logan Fontenelle, a chief of the Omaha tribe of Indians, from whom the land was purchased. Mrs. Gay lord has been very sick, and for several weeks my principal business has been watching and caring for her. I am happy to say that, though veiy weak and feeble, she is beginning at length to recover. The quarter has been one of excitement and activity in the outer world . Strangers have been pouring in upon us continually. Property has doubled, and, in some cases, quadrupled in value. Although a number of buildings go up every week , yet many have to live in tents. There are now eight store-houses going up on one street, five of them of brick. An appeal from the Editor of the Home Missionary: Rev. Mr. Gaylord is nobly improving his opportunities for exploring the Nebraska frontier. It is evident that missionary AN APPEAL FOR MINISTERS. 189 fields are already fast developing themselves along the line of the Missouri, and that the immigration has begun to penetrate into the fertile regions that are more remote. The United States engineers are engaged in la3*ing out a military road, con- necting New Fort Kearney with the settlements, and there can be no doubt that farm lands will be promptly occupied and village centers found all along its course so soon as it is open for travel. If now there are any young men of energy, courage, and devotion, who are eager to grapple with difficulties, and who would rejoice to subdue the wilderness into a garden of the Lord, the two territories, Kansas and Nebraska, both hold out to them most charming opportunities. And if there are any ministers at the east conscious of undeveloped or unused resources of body and of mind, and who long for more toil, exposure, exaction, accomplishment, who are impatient to "see things moving about them," and are earnest to throw their whole life and soul into a noble enterprise, we point them to these prairies of Kansas and Nebraska, now bursting out into population, coming thickly as forest buds in spring time. Whoso longs to labor for God and for freedom, and believes that he has strength to endure, let him gird his whole armor on and hasten to those silent prairies or those noisy little villages and do there the work of a true evangelist and an apostle. "Whosoever will save his life shall lose it." Near the close of the first year Mr. Gaylord was able to write : Through the favor of a kind Providence liberally disposing the hearts of this people, we have been able to erect our house of worship, enclose it, and finish the basement ready for use. The upper room cannot be completed for want of material until next spring. The house is 27 by 36 feet, of brick, substantially built in good style, with a basement room 19 by 24 feet in the inside. This is in every way pleasant and inviting, and will seat a very good congregation, perhaps as many as we shall have during the winter. It has cost your missionary much labor and anxiety to raise the funds, make the contracts and attend to 190 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. the general superintendence of the building. This has been done, too, when sickness in the family needed his personal attention at home, and when also the time might have been profitably spent in other destitute places. During the last six or eight weeks our j^oungest child has been sick, so that he has been a great care, and at times we have feared that he would not be spared to us. Thus the quarter now closing has been one of severe toil and anxiety. One week ago last Sabbath we met for the first time in the basement of our new house. Then we gathered around the Lord's table, and six were added to our little church, one of them a recent convert. Quite a number have come among us who are church members, sympathizing with us, and who promise to be a help. For a few Sabbaths I have had evening appointments, and the congregation is larger and every way more interesting. We have commenced a Sabbath school with encouraging prospects. This year has been one of exposure and hardship, yet we have borne all, feeling that it was for the good of the cause. It was unusual for Mr. Gaylord to speak of his own privations as freely as he seems to have done in some of these communications to the Society. For if himself or family were destitute of what was needful for their comfort, it w r as his practice in the exercise of faith and patience, to put forth strenuous efforts of his own to make this state of things better; but here in addition to such privations were sufferings caused by the sickness and death of loved ones in his little family, and the disclosures he makes show how real and intense were the afflictions, and that he was endur- ing the keenest anguish on account of them. Three months later: I wish sometimes that I could place before you the scenes of the lastj-ear. A beloved companion prostrated by sickness, as the result of overtaxed energies, because our means would not war- rant the hire of a servant girl at §4 a week; and then, as a consequence, the sickness and death of a very dear child are CHURCH AND TEMPERANCE WORK. 191 some of its experiences. I say not this to complain. Far from it, for I love my work, and desire to do all I can to lay here the foundations of our beloved Zion. There can not be any material diminution in prices for the next twelve months, at least. The greater part of our supplies, till after another harvest, must come from a distance: and another harvest will not create a surplus, so as to affect materially the price of agricultural pro- ducts — such is likely to be the influx of people for the coming season . During the last quarter, I have preached every Sabbath at eleven o'clock, and have had a very interesting Bible class of young gentlemen and ladies in connection with the Sabbath school at half past two. We have sustained our weekly prayer meeting on Thursday evening, and the Sabbath school has been held regularly, although the season has been most unpropitious. This winter has, on the whole, been more severe than the last. From the first day of December to the tenth of the present month it scarcely thawed. There has been a snow storm almost every week, usually on Friday or Saturday, accompanied with high wind, so that often on Sunday it has been nearly impracticable to gather a congregation. We have had in all probability not less than four feet of snow, and for weeks from two to two and a half feet on the level when not drifted. The thermometer one Sabbath indicated thirty degrees below zero. On that day there were thirty hearers, the smallest number we have ever had. My congregations have been good, deeply solemn and attentive. One young man has been hopefully converted. We have just organized a temperance society on the basis of the old pledge, and are determined to raise a breakwater against the fearful tide of intemperance that has been setting in upon us. I am glad to know that my church, as a body, are a light in this place. One year since I stood alone on the extreme frontier. There was no church, no Sabbath school, and no church building. Now I report a church of twenty-six members, a flourishing Sabbath school and a house of worship enclosed. We expect to finish the house just as early as we 192 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. can get materials. I confidently believe we shall see it all com- pleted, paid for, and dedicated by the first of June next. The month of December, 1856, ushered in a winter which proved to be one of even greater severity than the preceding. A series of snow storms, commencing with the very begin- ning of the month, kept the ground covered until March. The snow often fell to the depth of four feet — was much of the time from two to three feet on a level, and accompanied by an intense cold, which seemed to know no abatement for days and weeks together. But hardships and privations were for a time forgotten in the great sorrow which had recently come upon the little family. On the 23d of Novem- ber the youngest son, the pride and pet of the household, after a few weeks' illness, had been laid away in the lonely spot which those early settlers had selected for the resting place of their dead. The mother wandered about the house aimlessly, not knowing what to do with the care and love which had been given to the lost one, or sat down dazed with grief and folded her hands in silence. But some of these sad thoughts were destined to be soon diverted into another channel. It was in the afternoon of one of those severe days early in this month that Dr. Miller, a young physician who had made his home in Omaha two years before, called to tell of a case of suffering which had just been discovered by him. In one room of an unfinished house on Harney street a father was lying very ill with inflammatory rheumatism* and in the bed with him were his two little girls, one two and the other four years of age. During a heavy fall of snow the wind had burst open the door and fastened it open with a snow drift, so that the little girl of four had tried in vain to close it. For more than twenty-four hours they had been without food or fire or care of any kind, and had not relief come must soon have perished. A few weeks previous the wife and mother had died, and a little babe a few days THE ADOPTED DAUGHTER. 193 old soon followed. Mr. Gaylord at once accompanied the doctor to the dwelling of the stricken family. A nurse was found, provision made for the supply of their wants, and their sufferings relieved as far as possible. Mr. Gaylord took the youngest child home and Mrs. A. D. Jones cared for the other, but in a short time this one was also taken by Mr. Gaylord. In the meantime Dr. Miller was constant in his attendance upon the sick man. For several months the little ones were very happy together in the shelter of their new home. Then the older one was taken by Dr. and Mrs. Miller, but afterward the failure of Mrs. Miller's health caused the transfer of this little girl to Mrs- Sahler, one of the early residents of Omaha. She is now living with her husband in Defiance, Ohio, in a pleasant home of their own. Little Georgia, the younger one, was adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord, and grew up to woman- hood under their fostering care. She was married in 1880, and went with her husband to live in Marietta, Georgia. Her grief over her father's death could scarcely have been surpassed by an own daughter. On the next Christmas after this sorrowful event she thus wrote from her southern home : " This is the first year since my remembrance that I have had no Christmas greeting from my dear father. But it comforts me a little to think what a beautiful greet- ing the angels must have given him in his heavenly abode for surely they always observe a glorious Christmas in heaven." And again : " I keep his picture hanging over my table, and it does me good to look up to his pleasant face and to remember how cheerful he was under all cir- cumstances." But in a year and one month after her mar- riage she herself lay upon her dying bed. She sent for the Presbyterian minister and requested him to baptize her babe. He conversed and prayed with her — then she prayed very earnestly, remembering all her loved ones in a most affectionate manner. With perfect composure she expressed her wishes in regard to her burial and the care of the child, 14 194 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. then gradually grew weaker, until, with her hand in that of her husband, she passed away without a struggle. During this year, as well as those which followed, much of Mr. Gaylord's time was occupied with a very extensive correspondence. Extracts from his reports to the Society, published in the Home Missionary, drew the attention of large numbers to Nebraska, and he received numerous letters of inquiry about the country. Many young men came to him with letters of introduction — occasionally some from England, bringing letters from Elihu Burritt. Fre- quently he was able to exert an influence on these as they became members of his congregation, and often, as they were strangers in a strange land, he took them into his family, and gave them a home until they could find em- ployment, From the Home Missionary of July, 1S57: We have two new congregations established in Omaha City, Episcopal and Old School Presb} r terian . Both will attempt to build this season. Since we came to this new land, in obedience to what seemed the call of the Great Master, we have passed through many trials, of which the most severe was the death of our son. It did seem a mysterious providence, that the lamb of our little flock, a child so lovely, so promising, whom we had hoped to train for eminent usefulness in the service of Christ, should be removed by death. But we can see now some reasons why we were called to suffer affliction. Repeatedly since have we been called to mingle our sympathies with the afflicted, and to point the minds of those who feel the emptiness of earth to a more substantial and enduring portion, for support and consolation. Early in the winter we stood by the open grave of an only son, a lad of fifteen, the joy and the hope of his parents; and to-day the father of that youth is cold in death. A man of middle life, the stay of his family, who has mingled largely in our business circles, has passed from the activities qf life to the solemn scenes of eternity. Frequently of late has death entered this / f m ,) FURNISHING NEW CHURCHES. 195 community. In one family the first born and only child, of twelve months, has been cut down by death; in another an only daughter. Two interesting children, aged eleven and eight years, were buried in one grave, leaving their parents, who were strangers among us, childless and almost heartbroken . Later in the same year: The house is now entirely completed, and last Sabbath was dedicated with appropriate services to the worship of the Triune God . It was well filled with an interested congregation . There are forty-five pews, affording seats for 225 persons. All express themselves well pleased, and I have been able to submit a report which is quite satisfactory. The building has cost $4,500, exclusive of furnishings. While I was laboring to secure its completion, Mrs. Gay lord and other ladies were busily employed for weeks in their sewing society in preparing for a fair to provide the means of furnish- ing the church. The fair was held on the 17th and 18th of June. It was the first in the place, and, I believe, in the terri- tory. The ladies were anxious that it should leave only a good impression upon the public mind; and in this they were wholly successful. While they afforded much innocent amusement, they carefully guarded against those things that are, to say the least, of doubtful propriety. They provided generously, and all went away satisfied and pleased with the wa}*- in which it was conducted. They took in between $600 and $700, leaving about §400 after all expenses were paid. With this they have obtained blinds and the furniture complete for the church. The calls from without have been frequent and urgent; and I have so far yielded to them as to be absent four Sabbaths dur- ing this quarter. Three of these have been spent at Fontanelle, and one at Piatt ford, on the Platte river, about twenty-five miles southwest from this. Two of our church members moved there in the spring. The Sabbath school library which 3-011 sent me last fall I gave to them, and it has been the means of setting in operation a flourishing Sabbath school. When I was there the school passed a vote of thanks for the books. I 196 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. preached to a congregation of thirt}' or forty, where a year since there was scarcely a beginning. This library will, in all probability, lead to the establishment of a church, which may prove a great blessing to the community. How much good ten dollars may do! The first Sabbath I spent at Fontanelle was on a sacramental occasion. On the second I attended the funeral of a } r oung lady, whose parents were not professors of religion. Again, a fortnight ago last Sabbath, in connection with a Methodist quarterly meeting, held two weeks previous, a religious inter- est had sprung up, which led to protracted services, and an urgent request that I should be present. I left home in the stage, and having no means of conve3 r ance further than Elk- horn City, was compelled to walk ten or twelve miles in the hot sun, with the mercury at nearly 100° in the shade. I remained till Thursday morning, and witnessed some glorious manifestations of the divine presence in the work of salvation. God's people were engaged, back-sliders (of whom there was a large number) were reclaimed, and many sinners hopefully con- verted to God . Congregationalists , Baptists and Methodists all mingled in the work, and the Spirit of God rested upon the people. It is the first revival in Nebraska, and was truly a time of refreshing. One young man, a son of a praying mother in New Hampshire, who had sought happiness from Maine to Cali- fornia, said: "My life has been all a blank. I feel that I have been born again . I have just begun to live to some good pur- pose." The revival is the more remarkable, as occurring in mid-summer, in a very busy season of the year, and without any direct labor to produce such a state of things. God had worked by his providence, and the way was prepared. Owing to the depression in money matters here in Omaha, the spirit of speculation has been checked; and this is having a healthful moral influence. Our growth as a city has been substantial, and sufficiently rapid to give assurance of future greatness. Two other church edifices are commenced; one by the Old School Presbyterians, and one by the Episcopalians. FIRST NEBRASKA ASSOCIATION. 197 The financial reverses which seized upon the prosperity of our country in 1857, and held it with such a mighty grasp, will not soon he forgotten. Some of the causes which led to it will more easily pass from memory than the suf- ferings which followed. We give a brief presentation of both of these. The reduction of duties on foreign importa- tions under a revenue tariff, caused an increase of those importations to such an extent that a very large proportion of our own manufactories were compelled to shut down. Public improvements and private enterprises were either delayed or given up entirely, thus throwing thousands of laborers out of employment and reducing them and their families to want. Farmers were unable to sell their pro- duce, for there was no money to buy it. Banks failed and railroad stocks almost ceased to yield dividends. Multi- tudes of the wealthy were reduced to poverty, and it seemed as if a commercial earthquake, almost in one short year, swallowed up the industries and prosperity of our fair land. Mr. Gaylord thus speaks of its effects upon church inter- ests at this time. The first year or two of my residence in Nebraska was a period of rapid growth. The church had increased from nine to fifty and they said, "Another year we shall support our min- ister without home missionary aid." Then came a crisis — a reaction — and the people scattered , some of them , especially the young men, never to return. In 1856 Rev. Issac E. Heaton came with his family from Wisconsin to Nebraska and located in Fremont, then just beginning. He came to teach, but seeing the great need of ministers commenced preaching, and with the few others shared the trials and experiences of pioneer life on the frontier. Within a few months he succeeded in gathering a church. Then, the three churches of Omaha, Fontanelle and Fremont, met at Omaha by their representatives, and 198 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. on the 8th of August, 1857, organized the Congregational Association of Nebraska. The first regular meeting of this Association was held at Fremont on the first three days of the following November. Early in September of this year, Mrs. Gaylord started for the east, going down the Missouri on the steamboat "Omaha" to St. Louis, thence eastward to Connecticut by rail. Mr. Gaylord's letters during her absence give an interesting chapter in the history of Omaha for those months. Omaha, Septembers, 1857. — I believe at St. Joseph you were over the worst part of the river, and I thought of you this morning as looking out upon St. Louis. Now, you may be flying behind the iron horse across the beautiful prairies of Illinois. Stillness and loneliness reign at home. Sarah has taken Lizzie to Dr. Miller's, and all the noise we hear is Georgia's prattle. While I write the rocking chair is in motion, and I hear her happy song. She is very well and seems to enjoy her- self much. * * * Everybody is complaining of hard times. A. and B. have failed. B. has sold out to H. He did well for the church in getting the chandelier and other articles in St. Louis. The expected weddings came off on Tuesdaj^ and Wednesday evenings. Mr. Root was married by Mr. Skinner, and Mr. Jones by Mr. Watson. * * * You were very fortuuate in taking the Omaha. The Hannibal did not leave until the next morn- ing; the Asa AVilgus has gone above; the Alonzo Child and Watossa have just arrived and will leave to-morrow. Willie H — has been very sick and is still quite feeble. Mrs. Smith is encouraged by thirty-two pupils in her school. Tell Ralph his house stands as he left it. I trust he will be a good bo} r and a help to his dear mother. Do not give yourself any anxiety about us but enjoy your visit as much as you can. September 9 . — On Saturday I went to Bellevue and preached twice on Sunday to very good congregations. Mr. Goss preached acceptably here. There is very little interest in religious things there. The Presbyterians have commenced building a church, but think they will not go on, owing to the HEAVY FAILURES AND SICKNESS. 199 difficulty of collecting the subscriptions. An uncomfortable state of things exists in B. in regard to claims, and much injustice is done. Mr. Lovejoy has suffered considerably and met with some losses. I hope to organize a church there ere long, but do not feel very sanguine about it. Returned on Monday and found a draft for 8100 from the A.H. M. S. With it I paid 850 borrowed of Mr. Kellom and some other bills. A good part of the quarter's salary is still due. In hard times you know the minister must wait. Was called yesterday to attend the funeral of a child about the age of our little Josie when he died. It was the only child of Mr. Pierce, a brother-in-law of Mr. YanCamp. They are deeply afflicted. If you have met with no hindrance, I suppose to-day }*ou have exchanged greet- ings with old friends and kindred dear. May your pleasure be pure and unalloyed. * * * The best men are getting their notes renewed. The recent heavy failures in New York awaken fear and appre- hension here. Our crops are promising, although the grasshoppers are thick, thicker, thickest. The garden is liter- ally alive with them. Dr. H. bought A. A: C.'s goods at sixt}- cents on the dollar and is selling them at eastern prices. Tell Ralph that his colt is growing finely. Does he not sometimes want to see his papa ? Mr. Parks has sent an urgent request for me to come and see him. Mr. Loveland thinks him in the last stages of consumption . September 15. — Had I known you would spend a Sabbath in St. Louis, I would have given you a letter of introduction to Dr. Post. Hope you heard him preach. Thought of you last Sabbath as sitting in the old church, and listening again to soul-stirring eloquence. "We have to-day made arrangements for stoves to put in our church — two above, requiring 118 feet of pipe, and one in the basement. We get them at a reduction of 815, and the whole cost, including the setting up, will not exceed 870, so there will be money left in the treasury. Amongst the bills I obtained for you was 810 on the Reciprocity 200 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Bank, which has temporarily suspended. I called at Dr. Miller's yesterday to see Lizzie. She was well and looked very nice. Mr. Bridges [the father of these little girls] is going down the river in a few days, hoping to improve his health in a warmer climate. Tell Ralph that Willie H. is better and calls for him. Willie's sister, Cornelia, is ill with the same fever. * * * Mrs. Richardson is at home and drops in occasionally to look after our welfare, but many are leaving for the winter. Building goes on briskly. The third story of the hotel is rising and Dr. Lowe's house and the postoffice are going for- ward, but the court-house stands still. Mr. B. is building two store-houses opposite Mr. Megeath's and the State House is being roofed. Septembek 24. — Tuesday morning I went down to see Mr. Parks, and found him more comfortable than I expected. His trouble is spasmodic asthma, now settling on the lungs in form of consumption. My visit seemed to be a great comfort to him and the family. He feels that it is good for him that he has been afflicted. I returned b} r way of Bellevue. Mr. Love joy is in danger of losing five or six thousand dollars in Chicago. Well, my dear wife, we are some distance apart. Three weeks before we can write and receive an answer. How much may transpire in that time! * * * I know you will want to keep posted in regard to passing events. These are trying times for Omaha. As I went into Farnam street on Monday morning, between nine and ten o'clock, I saw a large company of men evidently much excited. I had not seen so much life and stir since election, and knew "something was in the wind." On inquiry, I was told, "The Western Exchange Bank is down." This was indeed a surprise, as the bank had stood high in the confidence of the people. There were eighty thousand dollars of deposits, all of which is lost. It is a severe blow to our community and will cause real distress. It shakes confidence in all banks, and men will grow more and more sus- picious. Mone} r is very scarce. Four and five per cent, a month is the current rate of interest. * * * The new hotel is advancing, but the hard times make their load a heavy BANK FAILURES. 201 one. Mr. Woolworth is home again. Last Saturday Mr. Corkhill, a Bible agent, called and wanted to make arrange- ments for a general meeting for the purpose of organizing a County Bible Society . The meeting was held on Sabbath evening , and one hundred and seventy-five dollars pledged for the object . Dr. Monell subscribed fifty dollars of this amount. I forgot to say that the Fontanelle Bank of Belle vue collapsed on Monday in connection with the Western Exchange. I hardly know what to do in regard to sending you money. It is almost un- safe to buy a draft, lest the bank on which it is to be drawn should shut up before it could reach you. You can have little conception of the state of things just now. If I borrow here I must pay four per cent, per month. There is no prevailing sickness, but many are complaining. Mrs. O. and S. O. have been quite ill, but the latter has recov- ered sufficiently to go to Indiana. Mr. Gant's family will move to Kenosha in two or three weeks. Mrs. Thayer and Major Armstrong's family are going east to spend the winter. There has been much anxiety for the past few days in regard to city property outside the entered district. It is feared there are some who wish to crowd in and get a pre-emption on the land, and thus rob the real owners of their rights. But I learn that arrangements are being made to have different persons, living upon the several quarters, pre-empt them by common consent, and then deed over to the city council in trust for the owners, who will in this way get warranty deeds for their lots. I trust the crisis through which we are passing will do us good as a community. It will check a spirit of speculation and extravagance, promote industry, stimulate production , and pre- pare the way for greater and more substantial prosperity in the future. Octoher 6. — Think when you return I can go down to Danville by private conveyance and meet you there. It would be pleasant to see the dear people of my former charge and have a little change. A respite of three or four weeks would be re- freshing to soul and body, and better fit me for the labors of the winter. Mr. Gridley has returned to Omaha and with him 202 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. a sister of Mr. Kellom. This is Sarah's birthday, and she is quite cheerful and happy. * * * The failures in Phila- delphia have affected us very seriously. There is but little money in circulation except city scrip, and this cannot be used out of the place. Saratoga is resting with crushing weight upon some who have invested there. The O. S. have put off building until next year. * * * Mr. Seely was married last night to Mr. Hanscom's sister. You have doubtless read full accounts of that terrible calamity, the loss of the Central America with its precious cargo of human beings. How sad and solemn thus to be ushered into eternity! We hear from Danville that Mr. and Mrs. Dudley have just buried their little son and are inconsolable. And we also hear from Denmark the sorrowful intelligence of the death of Miss Wilson. But oh, how enviable her condition! She has done with suffering, and is admitted to the joys of the blessed. October 13. — We have no frost yet, and the weather is delightful — have scarcely needed a fire in my study for two weeks . But there is some sickness , mostly ague and intermittent fever . Mr . Hall , Mrs . Kellom , Mr . and Mrs . McAusland and Miss Graham are sick. Also Mrs. Byers and Mr. B.'s sister. Mrs. Miller was with them until nearly worn out. A Mr. Horbach, brother of the one who boarded at Mr. Goodwill's, was buried on Sabbath afternoon. He died at Mr. Shinn's after quite a long illness. Mr. and Mrs. Rice, of Council Bluffs, returned from the east two weeks since. They came up the Missouri on the Admiral, but she sank not far from Weston. Last Sabbath our congregation was reduced fully one-half by sickness. Mr. Caldwell united with us by letter. Mr. Rice went to Fontanelle and spent the Sabbath, returned on Tuesday and stayed over night. I received a letter from a gentleman in Fort Calhoun last week, asking me to pay them a visit. There are five Con- gregational members from Lowell, Illinois, who have their letters and are desirous of being organized into a church. I have sent an appointment to preach there to-morrow night. Shall explore the ground and perhaps form a church soon . Received a letter from Rev. Mr. McEwen, of Enfield, SCARCITY OF MONEY. 203 Massachusetts, saying that two or three months since he sent me a draft for $50, and asking- if I had received it. Of course I was obliged to answer in the negative. [This draft, which had been stolen, was afterwards recovered.] I learn that Mr. Parks is better. Mr. Orchard has commenced building on the corner of Thirteenth and Howard streets, directly east of Mr. Homan's. October 22. — Your constant trust in God I hope has not deserted you, as you have learned ere this of the utter impossi- bility of sending you any funds. Drafts are altogether unsafe, and gold is worth 25 per cent. Winter is approaching and it is important that you be on your way back by the second or third week in November. You will have to abandon the idea of coming up the river, as boats have almost stopped running. It rained on Wednesday evening, but I preached at Calhoun to a good congregation. Have promised to be with them next Sabbath. I found there a grandson of Cotton Mather. He is the father of Mrs. Stevens, and is between sixty and seventy years of age. If I drive down to Danville, shall endeavor to leave here November 10. Must be at Fremont at our first meeting of Association on November 1 , and November 8 preach my home missionary sermon. There is still much sickness among the people. It seems to be different from anything physicians have seen — is very obstinate, and does not yield readily to medicine. I long to have the time come when we will all be together again . Am trying to fix things for the winter, so as to be in readiness to go and meet you. October 27. — I sit down this morning to write you, as I suppose, the last letter I shall direct to Newington, and hope it will reach j t ou , as I think } r ou will not be ready to leave for home before the 10th of November. Your last to me lifted a heavy burden of anxiety from my mind. I had an opportunity some days since to get a draft of $50 on the A. II. M. S. or one of $200 on Boston, but could get nothing to buy them with and had to let them go. I feared you would feel troubled because I could not send the mone} r , but the manner in which you have 204 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. met the difficulty has entirely relieved me from those fears. Money is now worth here from four to six per cent, per month. I shall direct my next draft from the A . H . M . S . to be sent to Mr. Deming, to apply on what you borrow of him. Expect to commence my journey on the 10th, and hope to be in Danville by the 20th. Perhaps you had better leave on the 12th — stop in Oberlin and visit at Mrs. Miner's over the Sabbath. I do not think it would be wrong for me to have a little vacation after two years of steady labor, and cannot see that any interest will materially suffer. I will take Sarah and place her in school in Danville or Denmark, if j^ovt think best. She is anxious to go. I believe Mrs. Orchard will take care of Georgia. Then I am not willing you and Ralph should endure the fatigue and exposure of crossing Iowa in the stage at this season of the year . I have never regretted that you have taken this journey, but have been glad all the time. Nothing will make me sorry, unless you are compelled to stay all winter. I cannot be sufficiently thankful that, hard as the times are, we have the prospect of going through without serious trouble, unless my salary should be cut off or greatly curtailed. You and I know how to practice economy, and that is not likely to hurt our influence for some time to come. Mrs. Byers con- tinues very ill, but the Mr. Boyds are better, and Mr. Hall is at work again. Mrs. Sahler is quite sick with fever. Now I have some very good news to tell you. Last Satur- day I went to Fort Calhoun, preached in the evening and at half past ten on Sabbath morning, then organized a Congrega- tional church of seven members, one of them being the grand- son of Cotton Mather, spoken of in my last letter. Without stopping for refreshments I drove to Florence, to fulfill an ap- pointment I had left there for half past two . I preached in the Methodist church, and at the close of service organized another church with seven members, viz: Messrs. Barrows, Goodrich and Jefferson with their wives, and Mrs. Lemon. I enjoyed much through the day, but was too weary to sleep at night. Yesterday it rained incessantly , but there were four assignments GIVE AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU. 205 in the city. How these hard times are weighing the financial standing of business men! November 3 . — I received yours last night on my return from Fremont. "Wish I could leave this week, but cannot. I go to-morrow to Fontanelle to many Mr. Holton to Mrs. Corliss' sister. I can agree with Mr. Burt, when he says of the meeting of Association at Fremont, "It was a blessed meeting." How I would love to meet you at Burlington , when the old iron horse comes rushing up to the "Father of Waters" ! But as we have no railroad from the "big muddy," I must take Dolly, and will get another horse, and a light, easy-running wagon of Mr. Gibson, which I shall take home on my return from the wedding. The Lord keep us all, and unite us again at the place so long called home. This journey of three hundred miles across Iowa, from the Missouri to the Mississippi, was a tedious one, owing to an abundance of rain. The family met and passed a de- lightful Thanksgiving amongst the people they had loved so well. A little incident will be related here to show that, while we should never give for the sake of having it returned, yet very often even in this life, "a cup of cold water, given in the name of a disciple," does not "lose its reward." A beloved Christian family had removed from Danville to place a daughter in the college at Oberlin and to aid a son soon to graduate there. One fatal night after all but one had retired to rest, their dwelling was discovered to be on fire. The family, five in number, escaped with their lives but saved nothing, for the house with all its contents was soon a mass of ruins. On the way from New England west, a short visit was made to these friends, and on leaving, a small sum of money was urged upon them. On arriving at Burlington, Iowa, Mr. Hedge, a long-time friend, presented Mr. G. with a twenty-dollar gold piece. At Danville, a note supposed to be worthless was purchased for its full value 206 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. by one who had been a bitter opposer of the gospel, and other gifts were received. On reaching Lewis, Cass county, a Sabbath was spent in the hospitable family of Mr. Mills. Mr. M. facetiously inquired if ministers ever had any use for money. On being told that they did sometimes need a little, money and valuable family supplies were freely be- stowed, bringing to mind the words of Christ, "Give and it shall be given you, good measure pressed down and running over." But to return to our narrative. After some days spent in this pleasant reunion, they again set forward toward their western home. As there was no other way for them to reach Omaha they were once more under the necessity of crossing Iowa in the month of December, leaving Sarah, the eldest daughter, to continue her studies in the school at Danville. At Mt. Pleasant the}' found Mrs. Booth, another of their former beloved Danville parishioners, dying of cancer. On entering her room she welcomed them by saying, "I am almost in heaven"! Here they were told the river could not be crossed on the direct route westward on account of the high water. The only alternative was to go north ten or twelve miles, where they might possibly be taken over on a flat boat. A tiresome ride, much of the way through mud thick and soft, brought them to this place, but the boat was sunk. A mill and a half dozen little tenements composed the town. Here they decided to remain over night, hoping that in the morning a kind Providence would throw some light on the difficulties that environed them ; and a kind Providence, as is often the case, instead of removing obstacles, or making an easy way through them, seemed to direct that they them- selves should make the most persevering efforts to go for- ward. Daylight showed that the only way was to attempt fording the river. So the horses were harnessed and Mr. G. drove into the broad and swollen stream. Several men stood on the shore with a skiff at hand, ready to afford AT HOME. 207 help, almost expecting the deep water and strong current would overwhelm them, but the other side was reached in safety. Several times as they went on their way — once in the streets of Pella — the mud was so deep that the faithful horses could not proceed until help was obtained, and when at last the Missouri was reached, the ice was running so as to make crossing both difficult and dangerous. But this trouble was surmounted and the little family were once more safe at home. Here a pleasant surprise awaited them. In their absence Mrs. Richardson, always intent on doing good, assisted by a few ladies of kindred spirit, had fur- nished the little study, making it both convenient and attractive. It is doubtful if the owner of a stately mansion could have placed a higher value upon its most beautiful apartment, than did the worker upon this quiet and pleas- ant room. Again the threads of daily life were taken up, and the work resumed which had already grown to gigantic proportions. VIII. A GROWING FIELD 1859-1864. is "Always abounding in the work of the Lord.' God blesses still the generous thought, And still the fitting word He speeds, And truth, at His requiring taught, He quickens into deeds. -Whittier. Intent on Him, we do not mark or see The hard things by the way. It is enough that we are led, and He Whose guidance we obey Has gone before and knows how rough it is. — Selected. Over the Rocky Mountains' height, Like ocean in its tided might, The living sea rolls onward, on ! — Mrs. Hale. Onward they march embattled, to the sound Of martial harmony; fifes, cornets, drums, That rouse the sleepy soul to arms, and bold Heroic deeds. — Somerville. Who dies in vain Upon his country's warfields, and within The shadow of her altars ? — Mrs. Hemans. CHAPTER VIII. A Growing Field. Chukch Organization — Pike's Peak Excitement — Emigration — A Trip East to Secure Funds for Fontanelle College — St. Joseph — Quincy — Illinois Association — New York City — Henry Ward Beecher — Large Sympathy But Little Money — Commencement at New Haven — Class Meeting — A Cold Summer — Return Home — An Anniversary — The War — Nebraska Troops — Busy Days — "Home Missionary Box" — The Bell — Organization of Church at Nebraska City — Donation Party — Union Pacdjic Railro ad. We quote from Mr. Gaylord's historical paper of October, 1878, read before a State Association : Seeing the land all unoccupied I continued to act the part of a bishop for the territory of my adoption, and at the same time cared for the church at Omaha until November, 1864. During the year 1856, I extended my labors to Belle vue, ten miles south, and Florence and Calhoun on the north. In the last two named places I formed churches by special request of the people, which at the time seemed very promising. Afterwards I visited Decatur, sixty miles north, and Brownville, seventy-five miles south, and organized churches in both places. But being un- supplied with Congregational ministers to watch over and strengthen them, they were abandoned to the Presbyterians, and now both are prosperous and efficient Presbyterian churches . This brief account is only one instance among similar ones which might be cited, showing how many Congrega- tional churches through the home missionary fields of the west have been lost to the denomination for want of pastors. Why it should be so is a problem the writer of this is unable to solve. Is it because they have less of an aggres- sive sectarian spirit than their Presbyterian brethren ? Or 212 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. are they lacking in self-denial for Christ's sake — more unwilling to go into difficult places, where there is hard work and small pay, and use their time and talents to save lost men and look up stray sheep? Is the famine — the dearth of ministers greater and more constant in the Con- gregational body than any other? Or have all these combined to produce the result here spoken of? One thing we do know to be true — they have more means at command than their Congregational brethren, for there is more wealth represented in their membership, and their benevo- lent societies have a richer constituency from which to draw to fill up their treasuries. This is one reason why they can send forth so many ministers to supply vacant fields. Mr. Gaylord occasionally took the long ride to Decatur to look after the spiritual interests of that church and people. Once in winter, face and ears were frost bitten, and at another time in returning a slough was to be crossed. The mud was thick and deep, and when about half way over the horse decided that he could proceed no further. Mr. Gaylord released the buggy, and then by dint of much coaxing, persuaded the animal to flounder through to the other side. Then procuring a long rope he fastened one end to the horse, and wading back secured the other end to the buggy, which was thus drawn out upon solid ground. In 1858 Rev. Mr. Page went to labor there, but advancing age and poor health required him to return to Ohio at the close of one year. In 1858 gold was discovered in Colorado, and the Pike's Peak excitement began to move the country. The popula- tion of Omaha materially diminished during this period- In 1856 the government had ordered the construction of a military road from the Missouri river at Omaha to new Fort Kearney, 200 miles west. This helped to make Omaha a point of attraction to the thousands who were leaving their homes in all parts of the country for the newly found gold EMIGRATION TO COLORADO. 213 fields of Colorado. Multitudes stopped here for rest and to lay in supplies for the remainder of the journey. This greatly stimulated business and increased trade to an extent which helped Omaha to tide over the hardest period of the " hard times." In the spring of 1859 the emigra- tion was still greater, and for many months the city looked like a military encampment, tents covering the vacant lots, and covered wagons everywhere, drawn by oxen, mules and horses. The great thoroughfare, of which Omaha was the gateway, was lined with pilgrims to the new Eldorado^ Small companies of men, taking their little all on their backs, commenced the long pilgrimage on foot. Of the multitudes who went to the land of gold at this time, num- bers had only sufficient to get there, and had nothing left to live upon while prospecting. Hundreds of these started back and many, who could not beg their way, became so desperate as to steal from those they met, taking from emigrants provisions, clothing, and even horses and mules, if they were strong enough. To set against this, one man took out $40,000 within one week, and nearly lost his reason in consequence. December, 1858: The close of this year leads me to review the three years of missionary labor in Nebraska, in connection with the American Home Missionary Society. When I came here, all was a moral waste ; I stood alone at the gateway of this important Territory ; upon me devolved the solemn responsibility of setting in opera- tion a train of influences that are to flow on with growing strength after my work on earth is done. There was no church to look to for aid and encouragement; I was a stranger among strangers, without a house of worship, a Sabbath school, or a meeting for social prayer. Now, from Sabbath to Sabbath I meet in a Christian temple an intelligent and attentive congre- gation. Here is a church of fifty members, an interesting Sabbath school and Bible class, and from week to week we meet 214 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. in the social circle of prayer to supplicate God's rich blessing. Now I look out upon six other churches of like faith. Most of these I have been permitted to gather in places which, three years since, were almost without inhabitants. In the providence of God, the foundations of an important literary institution have been laid, and the work of instruction is now to be commenced. Times have been, and still are, very hard. While money abounds in New York, here we have almost none of it. Many of the people have left temporarily and there are probably not more than half as many people in Omaha now as there were twelve months since. April, 1859: This city has been my only regular place of preaching, although a large amount of labor has been performed outside this particular field. We are cheerful and happy in our work, and though it has its trials, yet in it we desire to spend so much of life as still remains. Regularly as the Sabbath has returned, has the sanctuary been opened, morning and evening, for wor- ship, and the word of God has been preached by your missionary. * * * Two or three classes of Danish children attend the Sabbath school constantly. They are taught to read our language, and instructed in the first principles of religion; and the interest they manifest is truly encouraging. One of our prominent citizens, an early settler, an able and successful lawyer, is brought apparently near to the verge of eternity. A little less than one year since, all his prospects were exceedingly flattering. With ample means, in the full vigor of early manhood, temperate and correct in his habits, he was looking forward to many years on earth. But last July he was laid aside from the activities of life by illness, and from that time has seemed to be slowly declining. For the last two months I have visited him regularly as often as once, and fre- quently twice, in a week, and in my visits have sought to turn his mind to the consideration of another world. Prayer and reading of the Scriptures are a pleasure to him. The great subject of thought and conversation among our FONTANELLE COLLEGE. 215 citizens is the discovery of gold at the base of the Rocky mountains. In those regions where it is found, it is diffused every where through the soil in the form of scale gold, furnish- ing ground for the conclusion that farther up in the mountains it will be found in larger quantities. Already some discoveries of shot gold and gold bearing quartz are reported. The result is that a great number of our citizens, both good and bad, are preparing to leave for the mines. A large company will start from here, in which will be one of the active members of my church, two Sabbath school teachers, the leader of the choir, and others whom we shall miss. They go, expecting to return in the fall. It will do much to unsettle the work of the church this season. Within two years after Mr. Gaylord's advent on Nebraska soil an institution of learning had been established by the Congregationalists at Fontanelle, which was to develop into a college as soon as the wants of the country should require. The school was opened December, 1857. A com- plete history of this undertaking is given in the closing chapter of this book. In May, 1859, he went east to solicit funds for this college enterprise. He also wished to convey informa- tion of the comparatively new home missionary field of Nebraska, as well as to awaken an interest in the institution among eastern friends. The trustees had assumed responsi- bilities in erecting a building which, in consequence of the commercial reverses, proved embarrassing. It was to meet this pressure that Mr. Gaylord, at their request, undertook this work. He was most kindly received, and met every- where with a generous sympathy and entire approval of the object of his mission. But the response in material aid was small. Enough, however, was given to enable them to hold the ground and save the building. It must be remembered that thirty years ago large sums were seldom donated to benevolent enterprises. It is the easy and rapid accumulation of wealth in later years that has enabled 216 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. generous men and women of the last two decades to give munificent sums to educational institutions, and to insure success in utilizing some of the wonderful discoveries and inventions of the present day. And what cause for rejoic- ing, that money is given more and more freely for the establishment of Christ's kingdom among all the nations of the earth ! When the time comes, as it will, that the gifts keep step with the need, we shall then know that the redemption of the world is at hand. At the time this mission to the east was undertaken, the Baptist brethren of Omaha had no house of worship. Before Mr. Gaylord left, he requested the trustees of the Congregational church to invite Rev. Mr. Barnes, the Bap- tist clergyman, to unite the two congregations and occupy his pulpit during his absence. Mr. Barnes did this very acceptably, it is believed, to both churches. Mr. Gaylord's letters, written while absent on this trip, make an instructive passage in this history. May 17. — Steamer St. Mary. — 7 p. m. — I found it harder to part with my dear famil} 7 than I had anticipated, and could scarcely regain entire composure before reaching the boat. We were off in less than half an hour after going on board. The sail down the river was delightful. We tarried a few moments at Council Bluffs Landing, and then passed on to Plattsmouth. Here were a large number of teams waiting to cross the river. The view up the Weeping Water valley from this point is very fine. Mr. Hoadley and I have taken a room together. Gov. Black is on board, and I have found him a very agreeable trav- eling companion. He has given me an excellent letter of intro- duction of a general character. Mr. Bichards, of Omaha, is also on board , bound for St . Joseph . I am passing the time pleasantly, and already begin to feel rested — I thought this my first duty. Have paid my fare — $42.50 — first-class ticket to New York. I suppose ere this , you have looked inside the box and given thanks for its safe arrival. Mr. Horbach told me it had come. DONATION OF LAND. 217 and that he would send it up to the house this afternoon. I am glad you have this to help divert your mind from the pain of separation. Please give me a particular account of its contents. What does the only son say to the grey suit ? How good our Heavenly Father is! Bless the Lord, O my soul! How my heart goes out to the dear ones from whom I am being borne further and further away! Now you must all get well, and be as happy as you can. Love to Sarah, Ralph and little Georgia. Wednesday, 11 a. m. — Near Kansas Line. — Our boat stopped at Nebraska City. We left there at 9 p. m.; ran a while, and tied up till morning; passed Brownville about half- past eight this morning and left Brother Hoadley. Mr. Gulick was on board and stopped at Brownville to look. He is an in- teresting man — a lawyer from Michigan — but he thinks the pro- fession is full in Omaha. We are having a pleasant sail, and will be in St. Joseph this evening. The river is very high, which gives us a fine view of the country and bluffs, which are indeed lovely. Now I must tell you what Mr. Hoadley has done. Last evening he was speaking of his affairs, and remarked that some time since, he had written a letter to send me, saying he would donate the half of a twenty-six acre lot he owns in Fontanelle, to the college. He did not send it, as he expected to see me soon. I replied, that if he felt inclined to do that, I should be much pleased to have him head the subscription list with donating that property, and I would use it as a stimulus with holders of Fontanelle property residing in Quincy. He said he would do this, then make the deed to the trustees of the college and send it to you. This gives us thirteen acres near the college grounds, from one of the choicest of the twenty-six acre lots, and Mr. H. thinks it will be equal to a subscription of $1,000 five years hence. 4 o'clock. — We are now within one hour's run of St. Joseph . The river scenery is not as interesting below the Kansas line as above it. * * * We reached St. Joseph at 5 o'clock on Wednesday afternoon, and took lodgings at Allen's Hotel, where we had good accommo- dations. There is a vast amount of building there, and every 218 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. thing is active. But the streets — how narrow! Only from forty to sixty feet wide. I walked up onto the bluffs where I could overlook the city and the surrounding country. The view is extensive and fine, but not equal to that from Capitol Hill, Omaha. I passed the Catholic Seminary, which is pleasantly located. They are building an immense hotel called the "Rail Road House," which is not yet finished. St. Joseph promises to become a place of great importance, but evidently it was not laid out with this expectation. I called on Mr. Woolworth, and was received in the kind- est manner. After salutations were over, almost the first thing he said was, that he wished to continue his subscription for my support. He then gave me an order on A. S. Barnes & Co., in New York for $25. After bestowing other favors, he inquired if I had a subscription book for the college. I replied that I had, but had only one name in it as yet, and asked him if he would like to give. He replied that he would, but thought the amount would be too small to put his name in the book. I said to him, "Please say what you will give, for my encourage- ment." His answer was, "I will give $100 — one half in cash and one half in books and stationery, which may be as good as cash." At my request he put his name down for that amount, then gave me letters to A. S. Barnes and Ivison & Phinney, publishers, in New York, commending the object in the highest degree — and also a letter to his father, who is president of the New York State Library at Albany. Thus the Lord helps me on. Quincy, Illinois, Thursday, 6 a. m. — It was as lovely a morning as ever dawned when I took my seat in the cars, and started off toward the rising sun. There had been heav}^ rains, and the dust was all laid. Nature had on her loveliest robes, and most charming was the ride across the state of Missouri. Just before sunset we entered Hannibal. The Mississippi is so very high that we ran down to the boat with water on each side of the track. Hannibal is a fine city, well situated and must become a place of much importance. We reached this place between 10 and 11 p. m. — two days and nine VISITS AT QUINCY. 219 hours from Omaha to Quincy, and lay still about twent} 1 - hours of this time. In the morning I called on Mr. Foote, and told him my wishes. He entered heartily into my plans, and arranged to have a joint meeting of the two Congregational churches at 2 o'clock to-morrow afternoon, when I am to present my object and take a collection. I am entertained at Deacon Keyes', a charming spot. Oh, how I wish you were here ! Have had a delightful ride about the city with Rev. Mr. Emery and Dr. McClure, an invalid clergyman. It will be twenty-four 3-ears next September since I first visited Quincy. There was then a log tavern on the square, kept by Rufus Brown, now of Fontanelle. A log house was used for a land office, and there were a few other buildings of a similar char- acter. Mr. Asa Turner's house was an unpainted, frame building, and the Congregational meeting house a frame with no steeple, the bell being hung on the outside. The bluff from the river was precipitous, and all the buildings were above it. Now , a large part of the bluff is graded down , and covered with business houses and dwellings. The principal street is built compactly two miles out from the river, while several others extend nearly as far. The city extends up and down the river three or four miles. I noticed many costly and beautiful dwell- ings, ornamented with trees, shrubbery and gardens. An air of neatness and taste pervades the residence portion of the city, which reminds me forcibly of Hartford, Connecticut. We rode out three miles to the residence of Mr. Blatchford, a son of Dr. Blatchford, whom I knew in Jacksonville in 1836. Here I met a Mrs. Green, the wife of a Baptist clergyman in Chicago. She is a fine lady, expressed a deep interest in you and gathered some roses and other flowers for you, but as I could not send them, asked me to send her love and tell you of her kind wishes. The grounds of Mr. Blatchford contain one hundred and sixty acres, under the highest state of cultivation, with every variety of trees, fruit, forest and ornamental — a splendid garden and all that can please the eye or gratify the taste. Returning, we came by the residence of John Wood, who, 220 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOED. when I first visited Quiacy, lived in a log house quite out of town. We went to the observatory of a fine house he is building, which is of hewn stone, and commands a view of nearly the whole city. The streets are set with rows of trees on each side; the walks are paved, and several of the streets macadamized. There are twenty churches, two of them Con- gregational. I have given you a glimpse of Quincy as ten years old (1835), and as it is now (1859). You can look into the future and see what Omaha must become in a much shorter period . Reports from Europe are very war-like, and there is little doubt but that blood will flow. But the Lord reigns, and will do all His pleasure. Pray for me. That the Good Shepherd may keep you and all the flock is my constant prayer. Qtjixcy, Illinois, May 23. — I shall leave here on Tuesday morning, and think I will stop in Kewanee to see Mr. Little's people, and perhaps awaken some interest in our enterprise. Yesterday I presented a history of our work in Nebraska to an apparently interested audience. It was not judged best by Mr. Foote, Mr. Emery and Deacon Keyes to call for a public collec- tion this time, lest they would not do justice to themselves and the object, on account of the severity of the times. Deacon Keyes has given me a subscription of $100. I called to-day on a Mr. Rose, who used to live about fifteen miles from Burlington. He has been sick a } r ear, and is near the grave. I had a most delightful Christian interview and season of prayer with them. Mrs. Rose is a sister of Mr. Brown, of Fontanelle. They have property, and will donate some to the institution. I called on three other Fontanelle stockholders, who live out of town, but secured no positive pledges, as some of them had already given. But I think I shall get property in Fontanelle worth from $150 to $300. Believe I have sowed some seed which will bring good fruit in the future, and feel sure I have made a good impression. Took tea at Rev. Mr. Emery's. Dr. McClure, who is stopping there, is greatly afflicted with asthma. He is a most excellent man. After tea we had prayers , and I led . Then he took me by the KEWANEE AND BLOOMINGTON. 221 hand and with tears said, "I thank you for that prayer." While engaged in this work I wish to do some good in other directions. * * * * Christian ministerial intercourse — how sweet, how refreshing! And now good night to you, and good night to Sarah, Ralph and Georgia. Kewanee, Illinois, May 25. — I found Mr. Little's place without any trouble. They are living in a fine house, one- fourth of a mile from the depot, and about the same distance from Wethersfield. Kewanee is a thriving town of nearly two thousand people, surrounded by a beautiful and fertile section of country. This region is transformed since we were here with Mr. and Mrs. Deming eight years ago. Mr. Little says : " I am glad to see you." He enters with the deepest interest into all my plans. They have just settled a minister here, a Mr. Salter, son of Mr. Salter of Waverly. His sister was the wife of Charles Welles, nry classmate and y our cousin. I think I shall awaken an interest among our friends that will result in something sub- stantial for the cause in the future. At present men of means in this region are straitened , but there are some noble souls who feel that they and theirs belong to God. I am glad I stopped here, for my visit has been most refreshing. Am sorry you could not be with me; 3'ou would enjoy it so much. Chicago , May 3 1 . — Am not making very rapid progress towards the east, but feel that I am accomplishing one object of my tour, for I am gaining important information in relation to the great field of Christian effort in the northwest. Am also making acquaintances and renewing old ones that may be of important service to our enterprise in the future. At present it is impossible to raise money in the west. Those who have the most property are under the necessity of borrowing money to pay their taxes. All e3*es are turned to the coming crop. This shows that farmers are the bone and sinew of the land. I came into Chicago last night, and was most agreeably surprised to find a letter from you at the Herald office * * * 1 found at Kewanee that a special car was attached to a 222 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. freight train, to accommodate those who were going to the General Association at Bloomington, and thought best to take this, as I could have the opportunity to see many of the brethren on their way, and thus accomplish much for my object. I reached Bloomington on Thursday afternoon, and on going to the Association found so many subjects of importance and general interest before that body , that I decided to stay over the Sabbath, and am glad I did. It was a great and good meeting, and find- ing so many old friends was indeed most refreshing. Mr. Bascom preached a good opening sermon, holding up Paul as a model minister. Friday morning at the 8 o'clock pra} r er meeting there were nearly two hundred in attendance from abroad, among them President Sturtevant, Dr. Barker, Dr. Blan chard, Mr. Kilbourn, Joel Grant, Mr. Merritt, wife and sister, the latter daughters of Mr. Earlie, of Perry. I send to-chvy, to Sarah, a sermon preached at the funeral of Brother Kilbourn 's daughter, by Mr. Grant. These brethren are both from Litchfield county, and I knew them well in college. My home was with Mr. Taylor, Congregational minister of Bloomington. His wife is from New Ipswich, X. II., and an intimate friend of Miss Wilson. "We had an able report on Knox College, from Rev. Mr. Patton, chairman of a committee on investigation appointed last year. The home missionary relations with Presbyterians came up and Rev. Mr. Jenny , the agent, made a statement which I was glad to hear. AVe are approaching an entire separation of the two denominations in that societjr. It ma} r not come this year, but it will come. I know not how it will affect us, but can leave that with God. I occupied about fifteen minutes in a report from Nebraska. The whole time was taken up with important business, and I listened to all with deep interest. On the Sabbath I assisted in the communion service, and afterwards made an address of about twenty minutes. Spoke to the Sabbath school at noon. In the afternoon there was a gathering of children and teachers, numbering about one thousand. Yesterday, I came to this city, stopped at the Briggs House and called on Mr. Goodman. He insisted on my staying with him and I shall do so. Sarah Porter is here attending school; INTERVIEW WITH PROF. MORGAN. 223 she is getting to be a large girl. I shall stay over to-day to see some of the friends, and prepare the way to accomplish some- thing when I return. At Bloomington I saw Rev. Joseph Emerson, nephew of the Professor, and cousin of the Ralph Emerson that we saw at Andover. He is an able and interesting man. He wishes me to come to Rockford on my return, and gives encouragement of help. Ralph is there in business, and says, if it had not been for the hard times he would now be worth a hundred thousand dollars. I also saw a daughter of Prof. Emerson, who is the wife of Prof. Haven of Chicago Theological Seminary. I shall go to Oberlin to-morrow. Oberlin, Ohio, June 2. — I arrived here last evening, and was most heartily welcomed by Mr. Miner and family. Irenaeus and wife left the day before I came, for a mission among the Ojibways on Lake Superior in Wisconsin. I have visited sev- eral of the professors, and gained much knowledge in regard to the workings of the institution, and shall remain over the Sab- bath, if Prof. Morgan, who has charge of the church, is willing I should present my cause and take a collection. Otherwise, I must go forward to New York * * * Have had a very pleasant interview with Prof. Morgan. He tells me that large demands are being made upon them for their brethren in prison, (under the fugitive slave law) , and it did not seem advisable to call for a contribution now , but said that when I should return the way might be open. So I shall leave to-morrow and reach New York on Saturday. Have some fears that I shall not find as much encouragement east as I anticipated. New York, June 6. — I went to a hotel on arriving here and then to the Home Missionary rooms to see if there were letters. I was most cordially received by the Secretaries, and Dr. Badger brought me your welcome letter, also one from Bro. Hurlburt. I sit at the table by the side of Bro. Morris of "West Hartford, who is here for surgical treatment. Sabbath morning Bro. Morris and I went over to Brooklyn to hear Henry Ward Beecher. The house was packed to the very doors, but we succeeded in getting in and a gentleman 224 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLOKD. gave us seats. Every corner was filled. After the voluntary he implored the Divine blessing, then read a portion of Scripture and gave out the hymn, "How blest the sacred tie that binds," in the Plymouth Collection. The whole congregation joined in the song. But such a prayer as followed! He led us right into the Divine Presence, and seemed to pour out the fullness of the wants of all classes into the ear of Jehovah. Then another hymn, the 397th: O, Lord ! how happy should we be If we could cast our care on Thee — If we from self could rest ; And feel at heart, that One above, In perfect wisdom, perfect love, Is working for the best. He gave out several notices, among them two strawberry festivals with music, and remarked, if men could not be benev- olent, when paid for it in strawberries and music, they must be given up as hopeless. Text, Hebrews 13:5. Subject, Christian Contentment. Does contentment mean that we are to like every thing, because it happens ? No such thing. It is the opposite of a complaining disposition — a disposition to see some good in every thing and seize upon that good. The bee can find hone}* in ever}* flower, but i" can't. That's the difference between him and me. Some are not contented because others are better off than they. He illustrated this by a beggar: I give him in his rags a whole suit, but coarse and plain. He looks around and sees another with a little better suit, and saj-s it is not much of a gift after all. Then I give him a suit of broadcloth, but he sees one with a finer suit, and is ungrateful still. Place him on a throne, and if there is one a little higher, he is fretful and unhappy. Christian contentment looks on the bright side — sees God ordering and dispensing everything in love. Contentment is not inconsistent with aspiration. Christian character grows. Contentment is not inconsistent with a thirst for knowledge, or a spirit of enterprise. Original endowments are often subjects for complaining. One frets because he was not born a genius — an orator — a philosopher — a musician. Pie said the world A SERMON BY ME. BEECHER. 225 had produced but about two first-class men in a thousand years. We should say, "Since it did not please God to make me any- thing but me, I'll take me." We should try to be faithful in our sphere, and this is the way to rise when God opens the Providential door. Applied to sickness — He says to one, "You love me, don't you? " "Yes." "Then lie upon this bed of pain, and suffer twenty years, and show how My grace can sustain you." But you can get no impression of the sermon from these brief extracts. It reminded me of a fountain fully pressed, over- flowing at every opening. And it was so rich I have been feasting upon it ever since. The closing hymn was: Be still my heart! These anxious cares To thee are burdens, thorns and snares ; They cast dishonor on thy Lord, And contradict His gracious word. Brought safely by His hand thus far, Why wilt thou now give place to fear? How can'st thou want if He provide, Or lose thy way with such a guide ? In the afternoon I went to hear Dr. Asa D. Smith, whose Sabbath school pays the salary of Rev. Mr. Goos in Nebraska, and in the evening I heard Dr. Cheever. O, that precious letter! How I thank you for it. It seemed so long not to hear from the dear ones, where my heart centers. Received the draft all safe. How generous , how good the Lord is! "Cast all your cares on Him who careth for you." I want to commit all my work into His hands and leave the result with Him. We know not what is in the future, but let us follow where our Great Master leads, and soon we may hear his voice saying, "Come up higher." The days are cool and pleasant. The scenery on the Hudson was enchanting — delightful! Two weeks from to-morrow the General Association of Connecticut meets at Norwich. New York, June 8. — Many thanks to you and Sarah for those kind letters. Was glad to look upon the face of the dear boy, and think the picture in the case an excellent one. 16 226 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. I spent Monda}^ forenoon in the Home Missionary rooms, and had a most interesting time with Dr. Badger and the other secretaries. They are ready to do what they can for our Ter- ritory, but have a great deal of feeling upon this question of the relations of Presbyterians and Congregationalists in the society. They think the separation inevitable, though when it will take place they cannot tell. In the afternoon I called on Mr. Baldwin, who was very glad to see me, but was preparing to leave for a two or three weeks' absence. We talked till the time of his leaving. The regulations of the College Society do not contemplate helping till the college department is inaugurated. He manifested great interest in our work. If the division takes place in the Home Missionary Society, it will in the College Society also. Went to the Independent office and had a chat with Dr. Leavitt, the editor. In the afternoon went over to Brooklyn and saw my classmate, Budington. Have been presenting my letters of introduction and making acquaintances. It takes time to begin, and it costs much time to find those I wish to see. I called on my classmate, Prof. Thompson, but did not find him in. I then went in search of Dr. B. Found him in his drug store, and was received with open arms and heart. New York is indeed a great and busy city. I attended a meeting of the Historical Society last evening and heard a very excellent lecture from Bancroft, the historian, on the life and character of Jonathan Edwards. I hope to get access to con- gregations on the Sabbath, and think I shall have some measure of success, but there are a great many objects pressing, especially just now. I have a very pleasant boarding place, and a quiet room where I can write undisturbed, and where I can commend my loved ones to our Father's care and myself to His guidance. I hope you will enjoy yourselves as well as you can. I believe it is right to be happ}^. Brooklyn, June 13. — Called on Miss West, and had a most delightful interview. She seems like a whole-souled Christian. Saw Dr. Adams a moment, and found I knew his father in SERVICES IN NEW YORK. 227 Jacksonville. Am unable to get an opportunity to present our field publicly at present, except in Dr. Budington's church yes- terday afternoon. Have had five hundred circulars printed, setting forth in brief my object and wishes. Have visited my classmates, Spencer, Benedict and Thompson, and had most interesting interviews. Mr. Thompson insisted on my stopping with him, so I moved there Saturday evening. Sabbath morn- ing heard Dr. Adams preach from the text, "But he was a leper." Interesting discourse, splendid church, large and wealthy congregation . In the afternoon presented Nebraska in Dr. Budington's church. He introduced me as an old class- mate, twenty years a home missionary. At the close he spoke a few minutes in a way to greatly strengthen my hands, and help me to make a beginning. I think impressions were made which will not be effaced. A. S. Barnes, the publisher, is one of Dr. Budington's leading members. Your cousin, S. Camp, wished me to go home with him; Dr. B. also invited me, but I thought it might help my cause to go with Mr. Barnes. I make everything subservient to that, for I believe it is the Lord's cause. Expect to occupy some time in Dr. Cheever's prayer meeting this week. Ivison & Phinney, to whom I had letters of introduction from Mr. Wool- worth, said, without solicitation, that I might put them down for fifty dollars in books, and they would do more from time to time. They belong to the Old School Presbj-terian church. I spent the night with my classmate Benedict. They have nine children. Mrs. B. gave me a fine likeness of Beecher in a gilt frame. I have so many mercies that my heart overflows with gratitude. Oh, if j^ou could only be here to enjoy with me! But I forget; happiness is to be found only in the way of duty. My daily prayer is that the Divine Redeemer will keep and bless you, and fill j'our heart with joy and peace. Newixgtox , Connecticut , June 2 1 . — I left NewYork Saturday morning. Stopped in New Haven a few hours; saw John Mills, and came to Newington at 5:30 p. m. Found the friends here all well. * * * I am received every where with the warmest interest, and am forming many new acquaintances of 228 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. value. Find my work rather an up-hill business, but have the satisfaction of knowing that it is approved. In New York the churches had been pressed with numerous urgent applications, and this, taken with the fact that many have left and others are preparing to leave for the summer, led me to feel that, in ac- cordance with the advice of friends, it was better to defer the work of collections until September. You will see Dr. Buding- ton's commendation in the Independent of June 16. The great- ness and importance of the work undertaken impresses me more and more, daity, and I feel that I am where the Lord will have me to be at present. If I have to stay longer than till the first of September can you say, ' k Yes "? I knoic 3'ou will if it seems to be duty. Deacon Seymour has been very ill, but has so far recovered that he was at church in the afternoon. I forgot to say I spent a very pleasant evening in New York with Mrs. Lyons and family. At New Haven I called on Mr. R., and, although I had not seen him for many years, he knew me at once, and entered with lively interest into my mission. How man}^ as- sociations of college life were stirred in my mind by a walk up Chapel street! Prof. Olmstead is gone. His work is done. Blessed man! He was faithful. * * * And here I am, where you were born and where I first formed 3-our acquaintance. How it brought up the past, as I entered the room where long ago we knelt together to supplicate God's blessing upon us and upon our work. Norfolk, Connecticut, June 25. — The meeting of the Asso- ciation at Norwich was crowded with business, and the celebration intensely interesting. I had a delightful place to stay and met many old friends. Norwich is a lovely city. I left there yes- terday morning, stayed over night atWinsted, and called on the Cones and other friends. Reached here at 10 o'clock this morning, and found dear mother well and very glad to see me. She was knitting as usual, and has several pairs of stockings already finished for the boy and his father. * * * A few words about my work. Business is beginning to recover, but numbers are still more or less embarrassed, and AT HIS OLD HOME. 229 very many objects of benevolence that have fallen behind, during the hard times, are now pressing for relief. Mr. Sturtevant told me he would rather try to raise money in Illinois, than in the east. I meet with sympath}^ and approbation, but whether I shall obtain the needful , is a problem yet to be solved . But I believe our work is of God, and my trust is in Him. If He gives a trial of our faith, or even permits us to almost fail, we must not murmur. Canaan, Connecticut, June 28. — I am here waiting to take the cars to Pittsfield, and improve the time to write, for the purpose of enclosing a couple of drafts, as the first tangible evidence of the fruit of my mission. They will need this, and, I fear, several hundred dollars more to meet contracts, before I can get it to send them. I preached Sunday in Norfolk all day. In the afternoon my text was Nebraska and the "West. I pre- sented m} r cause, and at the close Mr. Eldridge made some very appropriate remarks, commending the object, and saying I would call upon individuals next day. The result is before you. More will be given by those I could not call upon. Is not this an endorsement of your humble servant, from his home, that is cheering? Pittsfield, Massachusetts, June 30. — In the morning prayer-meeting of the Association, I rose to say a few words , and Mr. Langworthy, who was leading, introduced me as from Nebraska, and I asked a place in their sympathy and prayers for the brethren in our Territory. It produced an impression and fervent prayers were offered for us in our isolation. I took my seat as delegate, and when my turn came to make my report I spoke almost twenty minutes. Opened my large map of our country, and showed from it the position and importance of our region. Many who were strangers came and gathered around me, and seemed to appreciate in some measure the responsibility of my position . There were delegates from all the New England states, and from New York, Ohio, Illinois, Oregon, California, and the New School General Assembly. The delegate from New York is Dr. Budington; he introduced me to Dr. Todd, Dr. Blagden of Boston, and Dr. Sweetzer of Worcester, in a 230 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. way to inspire confidence in me and my work . The co-operation of Presbyterians and Congregationalists in the Home Missionary Society was a topic of deep interest, and elicited full discussion. The Congregationalists of New England will stand by the Society , and the resolutions saying this were passed unanimously. One thing is certain, separation is inevitable, and if it comes it will not be an unmixed evil . The Boston Tract Society has the sympathy of almost the entire Congregational family. I do feel that this has been a good meeting for me. God is with me all the time, and I am happy. It is my earnest desire to lay myself on His altar for Nebraska with new consecration. Dr. Todd has invited me to stay at his house while here. Father Brace is there, smart, active and cheerful. Pittsfield is a pleasant place. I expect to speak to a large congregation on the Sabbath. * * * The Association passed a resolution approving of our action as timely and wise; commending the object to the aid of the churches and to the friends of Christian education. It is no small gratification to me, that not one to whom I have laid open the object has spoken a word of disap- probation. I have been invited to address the young ladies in the Female Seminary here. Newbukyport, Massachusetts, July 11. — I had no concep- tion of the difficulties in the way of raising money at the present time. The giving ones have been called upon so often that their power to give is nearly exhausted. The President of the Pacific University of Oregon is here, and has pretty much pre- occupied the ground in this region. President Chapin, of Beloit spent three or four weeks in Boston for that college , with the aid of the college society; and the American Board is in debt seventy thousand dollars. So I was constrained to feel that it would be unwise to exhaust time and strength on so unpromising a field. Hence, I came to Andover, and here the ministers thought it would not do to have a collection taken. But I sowed good seed by preaching in two large congregations. One old gentleman was so interested that he gave me twenty dollars on the spot. On the way to Boston I met Mr. Hoadley on the cars going to Amherst. He wished me to stop and attend GIFTS OF BOOKS. 231 a ministers ' meeting to be held in Springfield , and I did so . Spent a night at Belchertown, and rode over to Enfield to call on Rev. Mr. McEwen, the good friend who sent ns that draft for fifty dollars. After addressing the Andover students on Friday evening several of them told me I had interested them more than any missionary from the foreign or home field, of which several had addressed them at different periods. I called on Prof. Stowe, who said he would give me something this 3 r ear, but he thought more next. You may tell Mr. Gilbert I have seen both his brothers, and they are well. I shall get some help here in Newburyport, for Prof. Emer- son will interest himself in the object. I am having a most delightful visit — they were so glad to see me. Prof. Haven, their son-in-law, arrived Saturday from Chicago. I am doing what I can, but fear we shall fail to realize what we need to pay for our building. I feel that I am doing a most important work in awakening the churches to our new region, and I am gaining strength for the great responsibilities of life. You will be glad to hear that I have a cheerful and growing trust in God. I returned to Boston Thursday, and spent Friday night at Deacon Mclntyre's. It was the evening of their prayer- meeting, and there were about one hundred present. Mr. Mc- Intyre wished me to speak, and after being introduced, I gave them a history of missionary work in Nebraska. I think they will apply the contributions of their Sabbath school for books to send out to me to aid our schools. * * Deacon and Mrs. Mclntyre and other friends presented me with several very nice and acceptable books, some of them especially for you. Mr. Gaylord speaks further of gifts of books and papers from these and other friends, as follows : At Boston I obtained, through Mr. Mclntyre, a donation of sixty copies of the Well Spring and ten dollars worth of books for the Sunday school. Mrs. Mclntyre has given me the "Suffering Savior" for you. I have also received gifts of books from Mr. Emerson, Rev. Mr. Taylor, Mr. Harding, and several from the Congregational Board of Publication. I had 232 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORI). a pleasant visit with Bro. Burnham, and attended a meeting of their local Association . He gave me ' ' Higher Life ' ' for you , and his boy Charles a book for Balph. In the bundle with these you will find one for Sarah, and a picture book for Georgia from papa. I have purchased Olshausen's Commentary, and hope to get other books for my library, in Hartford and Tsew York. AVorcester, Massachusetts, July 19. — I came to this place on Saturday evening, and am stopping with Rev. Mr. Richard- son, who was mj r classmate in the Seminary one year. There are two Sabbath schools connected with his church. Once a month they bring them together and have addresses. This was done yesterday, and I was invited to speak to them. There was a very large attendance. In the evening I presented my cause, but the response in material aid was small. The people have been called upon so much that ministers are afraid to have a new object presented. Another thing, the sympathy of this portion of New England has been exhausted upon Kansas. I conferred with some members of the Senior class in Andover in regard to going west. One gives some encourage- ment, but is not certain. He is just the right sort of a man. And I tried to influence another to take hold of the work of instruction in our institution; he is well qualified for such work, and looks favorably upon the matter. I do want to secure enough, if possible, to relieve ourselves from debt. Then we must go along as we can, till we have better times in the west and more ability to help ourselves. I have taken hold of this work, not for the present merely, but with views embracing a large scope of country, expecting when I leave the world, others will enter in and enjoy the fruits of my labors. I do not feel like spending a dollar to gratify myself in any way. * The follies and vanities of life seem very trifling to me, and the solid, substantial joys of domestic peace and love more and more valuable. We must not expect to find a Paradise below, but be content to take the world as we find it, and do what we can to make it better. Here our responsibility MEETING OLD FRIENDS. 233 ceases. Our God will take care that His counsel shall stand and He will do all His pleasure. Oh, if we could only look into the inner life of some of the rich, and see all their heart bur- dens, we would not desire to change places with them! Two of the wealthiest men in this region have committed suicide within four days, one of them this very morning. Am glad to hear that cousin Joseph Camp is visiting you, for it will help to relieve your loneliness. Newington, Connecticut, July 26. — Once more in this re- tired spot, this upper room, I seat myself to converse with you. Saturday morning I went to Springfield ; walked to West Springfield and back ; then to Chicopee and called on Bro. Cones, the minister; then over to Chicopee street, where Rev. E. B. Clark is settled. He was two years after me in college. I preached for him Sabbath morning, and a contribution was taken up amounting to $34.50. It was arranged that there should be a joint meeting of the three churches in the afternoon to hear my story. One man in Bro. Cones' congregation pro- posed to dispense with the Sabbath school that day, so that he and others could go over and take their families. This was readily acceded to, and we had a very interesting congregation. In the evening we had a united meeting of the churches in Springfield, and there were four ministers in the pulpit with me. The venerable Dr. Osgood was one of the number. When I was through speaking Mr. Drummond, one of the pastors in Springfield, made a few remarks, and a collection was taken up amounting to $54 . After meeting was dismissed a friend came up the aisle and took me by the hand. He was one of my old pupils in Jacksonville, a native of Manchester, and now a settled pastor at Agawam. Hearing that I was to be there he had come over to see me. He went with me to Dr. Bucking- ham's, and we talked over the memories of twenty-three and twenty-four years ago till ten o'clock. Dr. Buckingham is a son-in-law of Dr. Taylor. He gave me a copy of the Doctor's " Practical Sermons," also a line to the publishers of Webster's Unabriged Dictionary, which secures for me a copy of that 234 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. valuable work as a gift from them. It is the new edition of this year. I left for Hartford at 10:30 Monday. Met Mr. and Mrs. Alfred He bard on the train. Found two letters in the post- office at Hartford, one from the dear son, and one from yourself, forwarded from Boston . I want to thank you a thousand times for the long, precious letter. At one o'clock came out to New- ington. Stopped at Mrs. Hepsie Stoddard's a little while and called at Deacon Seymour's. Toward night the Deacon brought me down here to Mr. Deming's. This afternoon Mr. Deming and I have been into Hartford. I obtained a draft for 184, made payable to the order of S. S. G., of Fontanelle, which I send you for him. Saw Mr. and Mrs. Willard a few moments, then attended a funeral at the Pearl Street Church. Last Thursday, Mr. Bunce, a merchant, came out to New- ington for a ride. There were with him a young man and two young ladies. They came out over the mountain, and as they were descending the hill, near where Deacon Wells now lives, the horse ran, and Mr. Bunce was thrown out, and so badly hurt as to render him insensible. He was taken into Deacon Wells' house, where he lay unconscious till Sunday night at one o'clock, when his spirit went home. He was fifty-three years of age, and an active member of the Pearl Street Church. He leaves a wife and nine children to mourn his sudden death. The church was filled with citizens, and the services were deeply impressive . You must have had a pleasant visit with Cousin Joseph , and you must be having all the warm weather, for we have very little here. It is called a cold summer. Soon I shall be where the refreshing sea-breezes lifted you up from weakness, so that you could go forth again to your work . Lyme, Connecticut, July 30, 1859. — In this letter I will give you some account of our class meeting and of commence- ment. I came to New Haven Wednesday, and on my way up from the depot was happy to receive a letter from home. I went up to John Mills' room and read it, then went in to the meeting of the alumni. Gov. Chase, of Ohio, was present, COLLEGE CLASS MEETING. 235 and made some remarks. Senator Trumbull, of Illinois, was also called on for a speech . At night was our class meeting. We met at eight o'clock, at the house of Mr. Atwater, one of our number, who had pro- vided for vis a bountiful entertainment. He has lost three of his ten children, the eldest son at sea. After familiar conversa- tion for more than an hour, the folding doors were thrown open, and we sat down to a rich repast. After this letters were read from absent members, and statements made concerning the others. We thus learned something in regard to all. Eighteen were present, and each of us related at some length our personal history. One who was a wild, skeptical 3 r outh in college, but now pastor of a Congregational church in New York, told us of the change in his feelings and course of life. It was a meet- ing long to be remembered . The deep interest and s} r mpathy of the members in and for each other was most gratifying. It was nearly 2 o'clock in the morning before we finished our narratives. I then proposed that we should unite in singing a hymn and have prayer before we separated . There was a subdued feeling at the thought of parting, and as we joined in singing, "Blest be the tie that binds," and united in prayer, all felt it to be a fitting conclusion of a most precious meeting. Of the eighteen present, ten are clergymen, one has been Governor of Connecticut, three are lawyers, two are teachers, one an author and one a plrysician. Of the sixty-five, twelve only have died. We find on review that the class as a whole has made active and useful men, beyond what is common. We have furnished three members of congress, two judges, one governor, twenty- two preachers of the gospel and several useful business men. We voted to have another meeting in five years from this time. How impressively are we admonished of the swift flight of time! Twenty-five years have passed since I stood at the point of departure from the place where, for four years, I had been undergoing the delightful discipline of study, and yet how short! It seems almost like a dream. Thursday was commencement and I met many old acquaint- ances. In the morning I heard the graduating class speak. 236 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Will send you the order of exercises with my notes. We took dinner as usual in Alumni Hall, and toward evening I came home with Bro. Brainard to spend the Sabbath, where I am enjoying the luxury of a little rest, which I very much needed. Shall present my cause on Sabbath morning, and instead of taking up a collection, think I will spend a day or two in calling upon the people. A college class is one of the best and truest examples of a "United Brotherhood" that is ever found in a Christian or civilized land. The members come together more often than otherwise as entire strangers from distant places. They gather from city and country — some from abodes of luxury, others from plainer homes, where there is only the means of a comfortable subsistence, seasoned however with the wealth of love and refinement. Some come from the dwell- ings of poverty, urged on by an ambition which cannot be put to sleep, and a hunger for knowledge that makes the youth almost willing to go hungry for food and with poor clothing, if this is the price that must be paid for going to college. But the day arrives when they are gathered under their first class name of Freshman. They carry similar books, pursue like studies, and the same lessons are appor- tioned to each. They meet every day in the same class room, where mind acts on mind, and a little of each one's individuality is imparted to the others. While this is taking place, some tendrils of esteem and good will are thrown out from each to his companions, which cling to them with a tenacity that is seldom weakened by the lapse of years. Mr. Gaylord was one of those students who ever felt a deep and sympathetic interest in the members of his class — deeper, possibly, because when the life work began he was in a measure isolated from them. Only one — Mr. William H. Starr of Burlington, Iowa — was within easy visiting dist- ance; and whenever he could attend one of the class meetings, held every five years, it was a source of heartfelt enjoyment. PLEASANT DAYS AT LYME. 237 The description given above shows a little of the pleasure experienced by him in such gatherings. One more of these meetings, and only one, was he ever permitted to attend. In the summer of 1864 he was again in New Haven — took his place and exchanged greetings with those of the class who were present. Afterwards, when the invitation came> want of means for the journey, or work he could not well leave, or both, detained him at home. In 1879, the last summer of his life, this invitation was received from Mr. Henry C. Kingsley, for many years the honored treasurer of Yale College: " The Yale Class of 1834 at their meeting in 1874 voted to meet again this year. All the surviving members of the class are invited to take tea at my house on Wednesday, June 25, at six p. m." This was the forty- fifth anniversary. Had Mr. Gaylord known it would be his last opportunity he could scarcely have had a greater longing to be present. But circumstances seemed to render it so difficult that with much reluctance, and a feeling of sadness, he relinquished the idea. Newington, Connecticut, August 5. — I came here from Lyme, coming up to Middletown by boat. There I took the cai-s, and walked the last part of the way. I found a letter from my dear wife and daughter, one from Mr. Kellom, and one from Bro. Leonard. Those days at Lyme were very pleasant. After the Sabbath I went over the parish, calling on such as Mr. Brainard thought best. I collected for the college eighty-four dollars. Business is much depressed in Lyme at present. A kind lady, Mrs. Mather, gave me a five dollar gold piece for you, and her little grand-daughter a gold dollar for my little bo}'. The people feel a deep interest in us. Mrs. Chadwick gave me a very interesting book for you. I expect to leave Isewington this afternoon. They had a serious occur- rence at Mrs. Cornelia Wells' this week. Their little boy, eight years old, fell into the well. Another boy, who was with him, made such an outcry that some men who were working near ran and rescued him. Had there not been help at hand he must 238 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. have perished. Rev. Mr. Aiken, the pastor here, has much trouble with his throat, and fears he will have to give up preaching. Bristol, Connecticut, August 11. — As I carried my letter to the office in N. I found two more from you. One of them came in seven days. I was so glad to get them, and read them over and over again. Came down to New Britain, and from there to this place, where I spent the night with my old friend and tutor, Rev. Mr. Griggs. He was exceedingly glad to see me, and I could not get away until afternoon. Then he carried me over to Terry ville. I made my way to Plymouth Hollow, and stopped by invitation with my classmate, Bradstreet. Made arrangements to address the congregations on the hill and in Terry ville. Spoke in the latter place in the morning, and in the Hollow at 1:30. Attended monthly concert at five, and preached on the hill in the evening. This made a laborious day, and I found it necessary to stop and rest. I had a most quiet home with nvy classmate, B., and was made very welcome. Dr. Hawes' son is the minister on the hill, and he was very glad to have me speak to his people. I made my collections, amounting to $125.75, and came back here. Found my mind soactive last night that sleep fled in a measure, and I feel the effects of it this morning. In regard to Mr. Hascall and other matters trying to the spirit, our course is plain. Seek Divine guidance — try to do present duty, and cast our burdens upon the One who is ready to bear them for us. And while He shows us our duty, let us be cheerful and happy in performing it. Newing ton, August 12. — I came from Bristol to New Britain, and Rev. Mr. Rockwell brought me here. Went into Hartford and procured a draft of $200, which I send you for our treasurer. Did not find Dr. Hawes at home. Collected $40 in B. and F., and went to New Haven on Tuesda}^, but those I wished to see were out of the city. 1 called on Mrs. Lamed, and had a de- lightful visit. From there I came to Meriden, and spent the night with a classmate ; then to Hartford, but did not try to collect anything in either place . You can have no idea how the LEARNING USEFUL LESSONS. 239 ground is run over with applications for help. But I am not sorry I came and have spent the summer as I have. I am surely learning some excellent lessons in the school in which I am be- ing trained. Many of us remember, possibly too well, that the finan- cial reverses of 1857, which brought such disaster to our land, ran on, with but little relief, through '58 into '59, and it was not till 1860 that extensive and permanent help came to our suffering countr} r . The shipping interest, which had been a source of large income to many eastern states, had of late brought debts to be paid instead of profit to the owners. But in this summer of 1859 New England was be- ginning to feel some pulsations of returning financial health, and her generous hand was ready to go down as deep as it could into purses, which were still far from being full. Knowing this, those benevolent enterprises, which had been compelled to wait, rushed in, crowding one upon the other, each holding out its hand anxious to get as large a share as possible, for there was real need and the objects were alto- gether praiseworthy and good. Some of the lessons which Mr. Gaylord speaks of learning at this time were these: Patient waiting on God for success ; patience with some who had the means to give, but did not see it to be their duty ; sympathy for those who would give liberally, but could not, and submission in the face of grievous disappointments. But his letters will continue to speak for him. I shall spend the Sabbath at West Hartford, by special re- guest of Bro. Morris — present my cause and ask for a collection, but he does not encourage me to expect much. Did you see the aurora last Sunday night and last night? Splendid! Wonderful! How glorious are the works of God! Norfolk, August 18. — I wrote you from Newington one week ago, and on mailing the letter found your precious epistle, also one from Sarah which I read with pleasure, and one from 240 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Ealph. I think R. has improved very much in writing and in composition. Friday evening I went to Waterbury. Was in the prayer meeting, and met Mr. Buslmell, pastor of the First Church, a brother of Dr. Buslmell, of Hartford. He was one of my pupils at New Preston. After consultation with him and with Mr. Magill of the Second Church, I decided to spend the Sabbath in Waterbury, where I received $54. They have lost heavily by the reverses, and the Second Church is $20,000 in debt. The First Church is very kindly helping them pay the debt by rais- ing $4,000 towards it. Deacon Carter, who gave $5,000 to Iowa College has been removed by death. I must relate an incident which was interesting to me and I know will be to you . Saturday morning a young lady called at Rev. Mr. Buslmell 's to see me — and who do you think she was? She was the same lady who wrote me that letter from New York last year, Miss Georgiana Miller. She was delighted to see me, and I had a precious interview, which did my soul good. Tuesday noon I went to Litchfield where a meeting of the South Litchfield County Association was being held, and Wednesday morning walked five miles to Wolcottville — called on the minister and visited the grave of one who was a student in my school in New Preston. At one i>. m. took the cars for Winsted, and rode up from the depot with Deacon Grant to his house. After tea walked to Capt. Hiram Gay lord's — spent the night, and in the morning came here for a final visit to my dear mother. I feel sad at the thought, but was glad to find her well. Mrs. Hedge, a sister of Dr. Eldridge, is visiting in Norfolk, and I shall be glad to meet her. I feel quite wearied and have little time to rest. During the summer many of Mr. Gaylord's letters were written at Newington, for this quiet and beautiful village was a place to which he loved often to resort. Wherever he was, all roads, for him, led to this pleasant retreat. Here, at the home of his sister-in-law and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. Deming, he ever received a most cordial welcome. The loving care and kind attentions, the sympathy and helpful- GIFTS FROM FRIENDS. 241 ness which always met him here, were most acceptable, especially when weary or discouraged in his work. And how restful were those rides up and down the beautiful shaded streets, lined on either side by such grand old trees as the hard maple and elm, with occasionally a stately ever- green — each of these too aristocratic to find congenial homes in Iowa or Nebraska. We believe they never voluntarily strike their roots into the soil of a western prairie. His next letter is dated at this place. Newington, August 24. — Here I am agaiu in this "upper room," where I have indited several epistles within the last two months. I wrote you from Norfolk, after collecting enough to make $207 in all. Precious were the hours I spent there — mother seemed so glad to see me. Then, too, I had a most refreshing visit with Mrs. Hedge. She had two children with her, and has two in Heaven, as we have. Mother loaded me down with stockings of her own knitting — eight pairs in all. Mary and Ellen Gay lord gave me a little box done up nicely, and asked me to take it to you. I replied, " I suppose there is nothing in it ? ' ' They said I might look and see . I did , when I got back to mother's, and found two pairs of nice kid gloves, and some other choice things which I shall have the pleasure of bringing to you. They are fine girls. I left Nor- folk on Saturday morning, stopped at Plymouth, and went over to Watertown, where I found the minister, who is an old acquaintance, greatly afflicted with asthma. He was truly glad to see me, and I preached for him all day, and talked to the people at night. They were greatly interested in what I told them. The minister thought I might get $50, but on Monday I collected $175, and left on Tuesday morning thankful for what had been given me. Mr. Gaylord subsequently received a very kind letter from a lady in this church enclosing another small donation. She assured him of the deep interest awakened among their people by his communications on that Sabbath evening — 17 242 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. not only in the college enterprise, but in the whole of Nebraska. I look at all efforts in connection with this institution not simply in the light of the present, but of the far distant future. My first and great object now is to secure enough to fulfill obligations which must be met this season, so that those who have helped put up our building may not be injured. This I hope to accomplish . Newington, August 27. — There is not much prospect of help for the west by way of emigration . There seems no dis- position on the pai't of good people to go — at least as far as Nebraska, and 1 fear we shall not secure any ministers. / can- not work miracles. The cause is God's and He will take care of it. But our country! The Lord reigns — blessed be His name! Yesterday we had a pleasant visit from Mr. Atwood's and Mr. Gridley's families, and Mr. Deming's children. Am glad to know that the titles to those lots are secured, but the cost is so much greater to Mr. H. and Mr. S. than was expected, and Mr. H. is in Europe. I shall be pained at the thought of any personal wrong to him, and cannot bear that any injustice should exert its influence upon the future prosperity of our fair city. Newingtox, September 3. — lam here once more writing and getting a little rest. Mr. Deming's family are in excellent health, but Mr. William Welles is quite feeble. I shall take the train for New York on Monday morning, and see what I can do there. Think now that I shall be at home by the 1st of October. Pleasant indeed is the thought of turning my face toward the setting sun. How sweet the rest of heaven must be after all the storms and tossings of life! But what shall I say of the weather? Cold! Cold! Oh, how cold! We have had but two hot chays this summer. It is almost too bad for you to keep all the hot weather in Nebraska. Really, I cannot account for the great and long continued dif- ference between here and there. I long to have the time come when I can sit down and talk with you of all the way in which A CHEERFUL CHRISTIANITY. 243 God hath led us and cared for us, unworthy as we are. Tell Sarah I could not get time to write to her this week. New York, September 8. — In accordance with your sug- gestion, I have this day purchased for the dear son a present, which I hope to place in his hands b} T and by as a birthda}' gift. It is a box of neat drawing instruments, which I trust will please him and be a means of instruction, and with some money from Ellen Deming I have bought for him a box of paints and brushes. I collected about $60 in my visits among friends in Newington . None of the Congregational ministers are at home except my classmate Budington. This will delay me some in my work, but I am attending to other matters and filling up my time fully. Had a pleasant evening at the social gathering in Clin- ton Avenue Church. Dr. Budington will refresh the minds of his people with the matter I presented before them in June, next Sabbath, and ask them to bring in a liberal collection on the Sabbath following. Mr. A. S. Barnes has kindly presented me with a copy of the Plymouth Collection for the pulpit, with a full index, and I hope to purchase a few more books. The right kind of Christianity is that which so per- meates the whole character as to be carried into every day life, and which is seen to be consistent and lovely under all circumstances. We think Mr. Gaylord's was of this kind. It was his anchor, keeping him steadfast and hopeful amid all the trials and vicissitudes which met him in his work — a beam from heaven shedding light upon the hindrances and perplexities which sometimes rise up before the Christian minister like a wall of rock, showing him how to surmount this wall, or to find a way through it, and then go on his way rejoicing. He was the fortunate possessor of one of those cheerful and chastened natures which are quick to see such a light and get help from it. And to the last year of his life his happy spirit often found expression in that joyous laughter which those around him loved so well to hear. His motto was, " Never give up," 244 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. but work and trust, and keep on working and trusting to the end. New York, September 12. — Although the sun has not risen I have read a portion of God's word, and sought the Divine blessing upon my own soul, upon the labors of the day, and a Father's care and protection for loved ones yet far distant. * * * All last week my way was blocked up because those I wished to see were not in the city. Two weeks later would have been better. Saturday morning I saw Dr. Storrs, but he was unable to tell me whether I could address his people the next day, or not until another Sabbath. I arranged to go over in the morn- ing and speak if the way was open, if not, I would hear him. The day began with rain and I felt a little depressed, but was able to cast all upon superior wisdom. It rained until nine o'clock, then the clouds broke away and the sun came out. I went to Dr. Storrs' at ten, and he opened the way for me to address his people. A good congregation was present. He introduced me favorably to the audience, and at the close made some excellent remarks commending the object — telling his people it was a glorious privilege to live in this country, and novo. He thought it better to call on individuals than take a collection, as more would be secured. After the congregation was dismissed, he introduced me to several of his leading men who expressed themselves gratified with the opportunity of hearing me, and said I must have help. One of the deacons, a lawyer, was to leave in the morning and might not see me again. He gave me $25. Dr. Storrs expressed a deep interest, and gave me a list of persons to call upon. When I thanked him for being permitted to address his people he said he wished to thank me for speaking to them. He is a fine Christian gentleman and has, I am told, a wealthy congregation. In the afternoon I went to hear Dr. Tyng, and in the evening to the Tabernacle, hoping to find Thompson. The General Association meets here next week, and a stranger from Maine is to preach. I shall occupy Thompson's lecture room on Friday evening, and reach as many as I can. Am to call on Dr. Asa D. Smith this evening WEDDING ANNIVERSARY. 245 by appointment. The weather has been delightful since I came to the city and business is very active. Spencer, another of my classmates, is a good Christian business man. Prof. Thomp- son, Benedict, Spencer, how much I have enjoyed seeing them here, and how ready they have been to bestow favors. New York, September 19. — Again I seize a moment to indite an epistle, probably the last one, for my time is fixed to start day after to-morrow. Joyfully shall I welcome the hour. Think I will stop one night in Oberlin at Mr. Miner's, and then push on to Quincy. Some time next week I hope to see your face once more. I saw Mrs. Van Nostrand on Friday. She told me there was a great deal of sickness in Omaha. This makes me anxious, but He who has mercifully spared us so far, I trust will keep us to the end of this separation . On Friday afternoon it began to rain, a regular equinoctial, and became a furious storm, doing much damage. There have been severe frosts in some parts of the state . The attendance at the lecture on Friday evening was not large, owing to the heavy rain. This evening I take tea with Dr . Adams by invitation . Home! Home! How it dwells upon my thoughts when I ought to be asleep. What sweetness those four letters express! How pleasant they look, and what associations they excite! A pleasant home I have — loving hearts to wait for and welcome my return. For this I do and ivill bless God. And if our earthly home has such attractions, what must be the heavenly mansion where, life's labors over, cares all removed, we shall rest in God, in Christ and in each other! Love, full, constant, to you, to Sarah, to Ralph and Georgia. And now good-bye. The Lord bless and keep you all. Mr. Gaylord reached home early in October and found the family in good health, but the horse, a valuable animal, to which all were much attached, had been stolen and was never recovered. Being at home on the 8th of November, the anniversary of his marriage, he wrote a letter and handed to his wife, from which we make some extracts: 246 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. My Beloved Wife : Eighteen years ago this day we en- tered into the most sacred and endearing of all earthly relations . Hitherto the Great Pilot has guided our frail bark safely over the storm}* - ocean of life, and to-day we spread our sail for an- other voyage. Whether we live to see the close of this year is known only to Him with whom is all knowledge. My earnest desire for our future is that it may be marked by larger meas- ures of the Divine love, and that in "seeking first the kingdom of God" we may find the fulfillment of the Savior's gracious promise. If we seek our all in God, and rest content with such things as His love bestows, the world by all its treachery cannot rob us of the blessedness He will constantly impart. Let me crave an interest in your prayers that God will teach me my whole duty, and enable me faithfully to meet the responsibilities of all the relations which I sustain in life. We fail to understand the true character of a friend, unless that character is delineated in all the varied rela- tions which make up the sum of human life. The subject of this memoir possessed strong affections which were con- stantly manifested in his love for and confidence in those around him, not only intimate friends, but others with whom he mingled in his work as a minister or in business transactions. And although these were sometimes mis- placed, it did not make him too cold or too cautious toward others. His love for children unfolded and expanded so naturally in their presence, that they seemed to understand it, and loved to follow and flock around him. Often he had only to reach his hands toward a little one to make it leave its mother's arms and spring toward him. It is plainly seen from this last series of letters that this affec- tionate nature developed and shone with a bright and clear luster in the midst of the home circle, and in all the do- mestic relations of life. On his return from the east he wrote to the Society : Through the great mercy of my Heavenly Father , I was per- mitted after so long an absence, to meet my family again in STRANGE PROPHECY. 247 health. I found it pleasant to stand before my people and speak to them of the things pertaining to eternity. My visit at the east was refreshing, for while I was laboring earn- estly to accomplish the great object which called me there, I enjoyed many opportunities of intercourse with my brethren in the ministry, both in public meetings and private interviews. Of this I had greatly felt the need during the years in which I stood almost alone on this frontier. Very highly, also, did I prize the liberty of hearing preaching, a favor not often en- joj r ed at home. On my return I was pained to learn that in my ab- sence death had entered our little church. It was the first case of mortality in the church since its organization — now three and a half years. The person who had died was a young man who came here from Massachusetts, about one year since. He was an active and devoted Christian, was always found at the prayer meeting ready to take part in its exercises, was a teacher in our Sabbath school, and known by all as a decided friend of the Redeemer. He united with this church on the last Sabbath before I left for the east. Sometime in the sum- mer he went about seventy miles farther west, to take charge of a ferry on the Platte River, where many persons crossed on their way to the mines. He made his home on an island in the river, and there he was taken sick and died among strangers. Only twenty-eight years have passed since the date of the next number of the Home Missionary that contains any- thing that bears upon this history. Prophecy is here attempted, and to-day one can scarcely restrain his impa- tience, much less amazement, at the short-sightedness of the prophet, who, it is needless to say, was not Mr. Gaylord. All the Missouri slope of Iowa, where we passed, and I believe it is generally the same, is very destitute of timber. It never can be settled, except in small localities, till timber is raised. Nebraska is worse yet. Land, in a large portion of Western Iowa and Nebraska is worth just about as much, for all present use, as it is in the Atlantic Ocean. It is good for 248 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. nothing; and will be good for nothing, only as the slow growth of timber shall give it value, or railroads shall bring in fencing and building materials. This is the only possible way of settling any considerable portion of this section. As to Nebraska, the gold mines, hastening up a railroad to bring down timber, are its only hope. According to these views, your great work as a Home Missionary Society, this side of the Rocky Mountains, must be in cultivating the ground you have already gone over. The wave of emigration has spread about as far as it can. It must now turn to the work of filling up the ground already gone over. This will not make your work less hopeful, but more so. Our western population will be obliged, for the next twenty-five years, to consolidate; and this will give a new impulse to Sabbath schools and day schools, and afford facili- ties for the work of home evangelization. It is utterly impossi- ble that our population should spread over as much territory in the northwest, during the twenty-five years to come, as in the twenty-five years past. There is no place for them. Those who are there, and the few, comparatively, who may go thither, must be cared for; but, for the present, there can be only a limited population in these regions. The work of missions in the north- west, for the next twenty-five years, is to be what the work of finishing a map is after the outlines are drawn. About the same time Mr. Gaylord wrote: There is a very good body of timber along the Missouri river which will supply settlers on each side for a considerable distance. There is much more timber off from the river than a stranger would suppose, if merely passing through the country. I believe this valley of the Missouri is destined to a very rapid development, and will yet become the Garden of the West — I speak from actual knowledge, after a residence in the Territory of between three and four years. Already, for two hundred miles west of us there is a weekly line of stage coaches through a settled region . There is little doubt now but that a heavy population will be scattered along the eastern base of the Rocky Mountains within the opening season, and that permanent settle- NEBRASKA REGIMENTS. 249 nients will be made there. Towns and cities will spring up, and a new demand will be made upon your Society to extend its operations with every advancing tide of emigration. A large number of professing Christians of different denominations have passed through Omaha on their way thither, embodying a great deal of energy and enterprise. Mr. Gay lord was naturally patriotic, an ardent lover of his country. Perhaps it was an inherited trait. His aged mother's last work was knitting for the soldiers, and her father had laid down his life in the Revolutionary army. However that may be, he w r as deeply moved when our civil war rent the heart of the nation. And although so far from the scenes of the conflict, his sermons received a coloring from the smoke of the battlefield, and his public prayers w r ere noticed for their fervor, as he poured out his soul in behalf of his country and the soldiers who were giving their lives to save it. Nebraska was not so far away but that she was ready to take her part in service, and Omaha shared in the excitement and enthusiasm which prevailed everywhere. Two regiments were raised. The First Nebraska, recruited mainly at Omaha, left for the south in July, 1861, under command of Col. J. M. Thayer, and distinguished itself at Fort Donelson, Pitts- burgh Landing and other places. Col. Thayer afterwards became a major-general. We give a short account of experiences at Donelson in his own words : "At break of day the troops were all landed when Grant joined us. He immediately brigaded them and assigned the brigades to divisions, giving me the command of six regi- ments. It was then that the First Nebraska came under fire of a real battle for the first time. * * * * My brigade was formed across the road, battery in the road, the First Nebraska supporting it on the right, the Fifty-eighth Ohio on the left, and the other regiments on the right and left. Then that brigade received and met the onset of the whole rebel army . In three-quarters of an hour that same rebel army was 250 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. on a hasty retreat back into its works. And this was the last attempt it made to break through our lines and escape." Seven companies of cavalry were also sent to the front. Mr. Gaylord's sympathies and prayers followed all the soldiers as they went forth in the service of their country. But in those terrible days the terror and bloodshed were not all at the south. Away to the north the Indians had been bearing in silence the invasion of Minnesota by the whites and the false faith of the government and govern- ment officials. Meanwhile this state had, like other states, been sending away her young men at the call of her country. Yet there seemed to have been no deliberately planned movement when the fearful massacre of the 18th of August, 1802, burst upon southern Minnesota. One of our home missionaries thus wrote at that time: "History has seldom, if ever, recorded such diabolical acts of cruelty as have been perpetrated upon helpless women and inoffen- sive children. Even the ' Sepoy massacre ' can scarcely ex- ceed in fiendish barbarity the scenes that have just been enacted here." From this terrible slaughter the survivors fled in great numbers, until a region of more than one hun- dred square miles was almost wholly depopulated. In November of this year, 1862, the first battalion of the Second Nebraska was mustered into service, and the regi- ment was filled up later. In 1863 Mr. Gay lord reported : The Second Nebraska regiment, of twelve hundred men, cavalry, was raised expressly for home protection: yet with the exception of three companies, who manned the forts, thus re- leasing regulars to go south, it has been ordered out of the ter- ritory, and has gone with the expedition against the hostile Indians in Minnesota and Dakota. Mr. Heaton, of Fremont, about the same time wrote of this regiment: " They have just given the Indians a severe defeat, one which, as we hope, will close the Indian war." From Mr. Gavlord's letters— 1861-1862 : A TOUR IN IOWA. 251 AVe have had our full share of excitement, growing out of the state of the country and local influences. AVe noticed the gathering storm until it broke upon the country in the attack upon Fort Sumter, when the most lively feelings of patriotism were aroused, and the same spirit of union was manifested that characterizes the whole North. I endeavored to improve the state of feeling by two appropriate discourses which were listened to with deep interest by good congregations. My object was to lead the people to recognize the Lord's hand in this crisis, and to feel their dependence upon Him. AVhile the emigration to the mountains has been less than last year, that to the Pacific States has been greater. It has been a perfect flood. Our streets were full for several weeks. As that subsided, the Mormon tide began to flow. A large number of the "Saints" are now at Florence, preparing to depart on their pilgrimage to Salt Lake — " the promised land." I understand they are in quite a destitute and suffering condi- tion. It is sad to think how they are deluded. Hundreds more are expected. The troubles in Missouri have caused many families to come to this place as permanent residents. Mrs. Gay lord and myself enjoyed a very pleasant and refresh- ing tour of two weeks the latter part of May and first of June. AVe spent some time at Council Bluffs, Glen wood, Tabor, and Civil Bend, in Iowa, in each of which places is a Congregational church. At the last mentioned place we spent the Sabbath. There are quite a number of New England families, and, with only occasional preaching, they have kept up meetings on the Sabbath, reading one of Beecher's sermons, and having Sabbath school. I preached in the morning to a large congregation, who listened with apparently great relish to the word, and at the close administered the Lord's Supper. By request, I gave an appointment for preaching in the afternoon at a school-house, two miles from where the morning service was held. There they have a Sabbath school in the afternoon. Although the wind blew a gale, so that my way was obstructed by a large tree that had just been blown down, yet I found between sixty and seventy assembled, anxious to listen to the word of life. 252 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. From thence we passed over to Nebraska City, went to Brown- ville, and on our return visited Weeping "Water Falls, where I spent the Sabbath. Later : The emigration, both to California and Utah has been very large. For several weeks, from twenty-five to one hundred teams crossed at one ferry daily, bound for the Pacific slope, while about five thousand Mormons have gone from this point and Florence to Salt Lake. Nearly two thousand of these were from Europe this year, and many of them were of a better class than usual. I conversed with some of those from England, and found them intelligent and well educated. They are firm in their belief in Mormonism, and openly defend the doctrine of polygamy. Their zeal and self-sacrifice for their faith are worthy of a better cause, and might well be imitated by the followers of Christ. They teach publicly, that this valley is their New Jerusalem, that they are to possess this land as theirs, and that Brigham Young will be the next president of the United States. A very large amount of materials for con- structing the Pacific Telegraph has been landed at this point and transported in wagons up the Platte Valley. Omaha for several weeks presented quite a military appear- ance. The regiment called for from Nebraska was quartered and drilled here until it was full, after which it was ordered south, and is at present in the midst of the conflict in southern Missouri. Rev. G.W.Tipton, of Brown ville, is their chaplain. It is very quiet here now, business is dull, and all are look- ing forward to a more severe pecuniary trial than we have yet experienced. We find, even now, a good deal of destitution and suffering an occasion for the dispensing of charity for the relief of those in want. His last report for the year 1861, as published in the Home Missionary, is entitled "A Busy Man." He says : Besides my service with my own church once each Sabbath, and the superintendence of the Sunday school, every alternate Sabbath afternoon, until the days became too short I went out THE HEAVENLY FATHER'S CARE. 253 eight miles to preach. The last time I was there the congrega- tion was the largest of the season, and the interest manifested made me sorry to suspend my appointments. The last Sabbath in October I was at Decatur. Preached three times, adminis- tered the sacrament, and preached also at DeSoto, twenty miles north of Omaha, on my return. I have been twice this month to Fort Calhoun, fifteen miles north, and preached on Sabbath night. Good and attentive congregations always receive the word with gladness. I have also been to a settlement thirteen miles south, on the Platte river, where I am solicited to preach as often as practicable. They had a good house of worship, but two weeks ago it was destroyed by a prairie fire, driven through the settlement by a furious wind. It was a perilous time, and much other property was burned. The following extracts tell of home missionary expe- riences that are being repeated in these later days : After weeks of expectation our hearts were made glad by the reception of your draft for the quarter ending May 16. It came to hand October 7, and relieved for the time a burden of care and anxiety, enabling me to pay the debts that had been accumulating by its delay. Never was a draft received with so much pleasure and gratitude. When this report reaches you there will be six months' pay due from the Society. Three weeks ago we received your notification of the ship- ment to us of a box of clothing, prepared by the "Ladies' Benevolent Society" and the "Juvenile Mite Society" of the "South Church, New Britain, Conn." In this we found new evidence of a Father's tender care over us. The season was so far advanced that we had come to the conclusion that our ward- robe would not be supplied in this way this winter. But, day before yesterday, the last boat of the season brought us the ex- pected and welcome treasure. It was delivered at our door about the close of the day. After tea we repaired to the study, opened the box, and then knelt around it to offer up thanks- giving to God and to pray for His blessing upon the donors. We then proceeded to lay out the articles one by one. The 254 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. children were full of excitement, and as often as something of special interest to them came to light, shouts of joy would fol- low. The evening was one long to be remembered in our fam- ily. We found the various articles of excellent quality, and many of them, and those of the greatest value, just such as we now need. Those that we cannot use we shall put into other missionary families where they will be useful. This is a great blessing to us, and we feel grateful to you for sending it at this time. I have now spent six j^ears in Nebraska in the work of the ministry. They have been years of toil, exposure, trial. I have shrunk from no labor or hardship, that I might do the work of laying good foundations. I long to see the time of harvest when precious souls shall be gathered into the fold of Christ. An early appeal for a bell bad reached at least one in- terested family. A pastor in New Hampshire wrote to him : " After the reading of your report to my family, the question went around, What will you give, rather than that bell should not be furnished? The result of the answer was $10, $5, $5, $0.50— $20.50." The bell was at last secured— an amalgam. It was highly recommended, and came within our possibilities financially, while one of bell metal could not at that time have been secured. But it did not prove satisfactory, and was afterwards sold to a fire company. The Home Missionary for May, 1863, contains an inter- esting account from Mr. Gaylord's pen of the organization of a most promising church at Nebraska City. The minis- ters present were : Mr. Gaylord, moderator of the council ; Rev. John Todd, of Tabor, Iowa, and Rev. A. V. House. Mr. Gaylord says of the members of the new organization: They came from Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and Wisconsin, and they felt, as several expressed with deep emo- tion, that they were coming home. Some said it was the best day they had seen for six years. There is among them a clear QUARTER CENTURY REVIEW. 255 understanding of our church-polity, and a true love of it. They showed a deep and rich religious experience, which was listened to witli tearful interest; and there is also a large amount of executive ability and a remarkable spirit of unity that gives promise of a healthful and vigorous growth. They have come together to work for God, and they have the right idea of a church. They have appointed their weekly praj^er meeting, and whether they have preaching or not, design to maintain regular Sabbath worship. I felt the occasion to be one of the most delightful seasons of my life. The church is located in a region where it will find scope to exert itself, and I have no doubt it will make its influence felt as a power for good. They are anti-slavery, and in hearty sympathy with the reform movements and missionary operations of the day. In December, 1863, Mr. Gaylord preached his quarter- century sermon. He afterwards wrote : Twenty-five years ago, on the first Sabbath in December, I commenced my ministerial work under commission from the American Home Missionary Society, at Mount Pleasant, Iowa. It has been an eventful period, effecting wonderful changes in the aspect of the Western field, and I could only say, in the review, What hath God wrought! And among the human in- strumentalities employed in producing these changes for good your honored Society has taken the lead. What a history will be written of the quarter of a century now opening upon us! No human foresight can read the unwritten document, and I doubt not our present anticipations will fall as far short of the reality that time will reveal , as the visions of twenty-five years ago fell short of what we now see. What motives to Christian labor press upon us! January, 1864. — The anxiety for an increase of ministers becomes more intense — amounting to pain — the longer the des- titution continues. In my annual Home Missionary discourse I endeavored to set forth with plainness the great principles of duty which should guide the people of God in the use of prop- erty, after which I presented, briefly, the claims of the cause 256 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. upon us, and called for a thank offering, in view of God's mercies. The response has been gratifying to rne — so free, cheerful, hearty. The church organized at Nebraska City, a bright spot in the history of last year, has called one minister, but he has gone south to the freedmen, and I have introduced another there. Things have begun to wear a more cheerful aspect, and there is more material prosperity. Everybody is busy, and all that we seem to need now, to give a new face to everything, is a few more working men in the field, with the blessing of God to crown their labors with success. I am doing all I can, in connection with Rev. Mr. Heed, your agent, to find men to meet the present want, but thus far without success. Seven hundred Mormons came up the other day on the boat. They came on the deck, furnishing their own provisions. But on their arrival their stores had failed them; they had exhausted the boat's supply, and scattered themselves over our town, begging food. What must they suffer before they reach the Mormon paradise — Salt Lake City! It is sad to think of what is before them. Many of those that have come over from Europe this year are without means. They are brought through by the church emigration fund. Wagons have been sent down from Salt Lake to take out their baggage, while men, women and children are compelled to walk the entire distance from here to Utah! Surely, it is a pilgrimage. Some have had their eyes open to see their error, and have concluded to go no farther . The New England donation party made its way across the Missouri in 1864 and invaded the home of the faithful home missionary pastor. He gives this account of it : Last Wednesday evening our hearts were made glad by a visit from our own people and others. They filled the house in every part; all seemed happy, and we found ourselves the richer, not only by the pleasure of the occasion, but by sub- si initial gifts to the amount of more than $100. Of this $50 was in money, and the balance in provisions and a fine parlor LOCATION OF THE UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD. 257 carpet. The ladies propose to substitute this for one that we have had in use for sixteen years, and to place the latter upon the floor of my study, which has been partly bare for some time. This was all planned without our knowledge, and exe- cuted in a manner calculated to bind us more strongby in love to them for their cheerful and generous gifts. Our earnest prayer is that God would bless the donors in temporal things, and send down upon them rich showers of divine grace. Mr. Gaylord was greatly interested in all public im- provements, and was especially happy over the advent of the Union Pacific railroad. It was what had been long desired, expected, and waited for. The very greatness of such a gigantic enterprise as this " world's highway " was uplifting and stimulating to thought and action. He had often said : " We shall have this road, and it will be located here " — indicating that part of the city where it did begin. He looked at it in its local bearings upon us, so isolated and needy, but much more as an inestimable boon to our be- loved country; and, both higher and deeper than all, as helping forward the progress of that Christianity which he longed should be hastened on, until multitudes more would yield joyful allegiance to the Prince of Peace. Mr. Gaylord wrote for the Boston Recorder an account of the beginnings of the Union Pacific railroad, which presents a most interesting passage in the history of Nebraska. He says : The first idea of such a road was to connect the waters of the Mississippi with the Pacific Ocean. This measure was pub- licly advocated by Mr. Asa Whitney, as early as 1846, and from that time to 1850 he agitated the scheme in addresses to state Legislatures and at public meetings. Col. Benton, of Missouri, for a long period advocated it in the United States Senate and before the people. The explorations of Fremont advanced the project. It was a part of Whitney's proposal to build the road, if Congress would give to him and his heirs one-half of the land for thirty miles on either side of it, a measure 17 258 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. which forms a part of the bonus now actually offered as an en- couragement to the building of the road. In 1853 Congress made an appropriation of $150,000 to defray the expenses of surveying routes across the Rocky Mountains, till that time an almost unknown region. Repeated attempts were made to ob- tain in Congress the passage of a bill providing for the con- struction of a railroad across the Continent. All these, how- ever, failed through the opposition of the Southern members, until their retirement from their seats in the national council. As one of the first fruits of the rebellion, a liberal bill for a Pacific railroad was framed and enacted into a law. This was done at the extra session of Congress, held in the summer of 1861. It provided for a main trunk road to commence on the 100th parallel of longitude, somewhere between the north bluff of the Platte river and the south bluff of the Republican fork of the Kansas river. On that parallel the two streams are not over thirty miles from each other, and both in Nebraska. To connect this main trunk with the Missouri are three branches, one from the mouth of the Kansas river to run through the state of Kansas, a second from the west boundary of Iowa on the Missouri river, and a third from opposite Sioux City on the same river. The precise location of the initial point of the main trunk and also of the second branch was to be fixed, ac- cording to the terms of the bill, by the President of the United States. This location, so far as the second branch, or main trunk was concerned, was fixed in November, 1863, at Omaha City, by President Lincoln. The announcement of this * was received in Omaha by tele- gram on the second day of December, 1863, and it was resolved to break ground the same day. In the afternoon a large con- course of people assembled to celebrate the event, and speeches were made by Hon. A.J. Poppleton, Ma3 r or B. E. B. Kennedy, Mr. George B. Lake, and other prominent citizens. Mr. Pop- pleton read a congratulatory telegram from Gov. Yates, of Illinois, who was one of the first two graduates from Illinois * The first telegraph line to Omaha was built from St. Louis and completed in October, 1860. Omaha was thus connected with all eastern cities. BUILDING OF THE UNION PACIFIC. 259 College in 1837 [the last year of Mr. Gay lord's connection with that institution as tutor in the Preparatory Department.] The distance from Omaha to the 100th parallel by the course of the road will be about 240 miles, though somewhat less on a direct line. The grading upon this part of the work was commenced in the spring of 1864, but during that season only a small force of hands was employed, laborers were made so scarce by reason of the war. No material for the superstructure was brought to this place during that year. The first locomotive was landed at Omaha on the 9th day of July last, brought by boat from St. Joseph. All the material, iron, cars, etc., have to be brought in the same way, as there is no railroad east of us nearer than 140 miles. The ties are obtained along the river above us, and are rafted or boated down. A considerable quan- tity of iron and ties had been delivered previous to July, 1865, on the bank of the river at this place. The la3 r ing of track commenced sometime in July. The route of the road is very circuitous till it enters the valley of the Platte, being nine or ten miles further than in a right line. This extra distance is run to obtain a more favorable grade. From its entrance into the Platte valley — by the road a distance of twenty-six miles — the course is so near a straight line that the curvatures, which are few, are very slight, and there is one section in the second hundred miles, of seventy-five miles with- out a curve. There is perhaps no other route in the world of equal length so favorable for the construction and running of a railroad as this valley affords. The road is definitely located for two hundred miles on the north side of the Platte. More than one hundred miles are graded and more than forty miles of track are laid. In the first three hundred miles, at least, there is but one expensive bridge to be built. That is over the Loup Fork of the Platte, and will be one thousand five hundred feet long. The grade in this valley, so far as the road is traveled, is about an average of seven feet to the mile. One hundred miles must be completed by the first of July next. For the last four months the company has shown great 260 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. energy in prosecuting this work. They have a Burnetizer, which is worked by a steam engine, and consists of a large iron cylinder seventy-five feet long and five feet in diameter. The object of this is to harden soft and perishable timber and ren- der it durable. Cars holding 300 cross-ties are run at a time into the cylinder, the doors are closed, the air exhausted by a pump, and the cells of the wood are thus cleared of sap. Chloride of lime is then allowed to fill up the vacuum, when it is forced into the pores of the wood by a pump driven by steam. A large proportion of our timber is cotton- wood, and if by this process it can be rendered durable, it will be of great advantage, not only to the railroad company, but for man}* other purposes. This machine is capable of preparing 1200 ties in twenty-four hours. There is every indication that this great national work is to be pushed forward with vigor, and that the iron horse, now starting on his way from the waters of the Missouri, is at no distant da} 7 to meet the steed that comes from the Golden Gate of the Pacific. Little, as yet, do we conceive of the wonderful changes that are to be wrought in the regions between us and the Pacific by this gigantic undertaking, or the work that is to be rolled upon the church, to give the Gospel to the future millions of the mighty West that is just springing into life. I had the pleasure yesterday of meeting Maj. Gen. Curtis, one of the commissioners, whom I met on this spot nearly ten years since. The hardships of war and severe family affliction have left their mark visibly upon his manly form. A company is now being organized to be incorporated by the Legislature of Nebraska, with its headquarters in New York, to be called the Pacific Cottage and Land Association, to en- courage immigration and the settlement of the country. It will possess capital and character. A purchase of several hun- dred acres of choice land has just been made within and adjoin- ing the limits of this city for this company. IX WIDER USEFULNESS. 1864-1870. Press bravely onward: not in vain Your generous trust in human kind, The good which bloodshed could not gain Your peaceful zeal shall find. — Whittier. I know not, and I do not care to know Why; for eternity's great ends God counted nie as worthy of such trust. — Selected. Patience, my lord! Wlvy, 'tis the soul of peace Of all the virtues, nearest kin to heaven: The best of men That ere wore earth about him, did possess A patient, humble, tranquil spirit. — Decker. "The way of the just is uprightness: Thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just." "But the land whither ye go is a land of hills aad valleys — a land which the Lord thy God careth for."' CHAPTER IX. Home Missionary Superintendent. Needed Rest — Appointment as "Agent" of the A. H. M. S. — Bush- whackers—Omaha Pastors — Revival at Glenwood — Delegate to National Council — Explorations — Organization of Churches at Greenwood, Oakfield, Bartlett, Camp Creek, Columbus, Schuyler, Elkhorn and Milford — Omaha Off the List — S. S. Work — Resignation — Trip to Utah — Touring in Colorado. THE year 1864 opened with brightening prospects for our beloved country. Through the smiles of a kind Providence upon the valor and heroism of our soldiers the dark clouds of war were being lifted, and the people saw with prophetic vision, the sunshine of peace beginning to dawn upon them. Omaha, too, was feeling the inspiration of better times and of returning prosperity. The prospect of peace in the near future, and work begun on the Union Pacific Railroad, stimulated a revival of business and gave our citizens courage to undertake new enterprises for the general welfare. But early in the month of August this bow of promise was suddenly obscured, and Omaha in- tensely excited by a rumored invasion from guerrillas and Indians. Roving bands of Sioux, said to be led by rebel white men disguised as savages, had been committing depredations in the Platte and Elkhorn valleys. The re- membrances of raids in Kansas by Quantrell's band, which had destroyed the city of Lawrence only a few months before, helped to increase the excitement. But those fears were not realized, and before winter came on, the city had again settled down to the peaceful pursuit of her wonted occupations. The spring of 1864 found Mr. Gaylord with his nervous system so impaired by excessive labor that he could scarcely 264 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. control his hand to write a letter. Rest was imperative. The story of this time and of the change in his relations to the churches of Nebraska is thus told by himself: In 1864 I found myself so worn down with the labor of all these years, pursued without cessation, that my church voted me a vacation of three mouths, or four, if necessary, for rest and travel. I went east, and on my way attended a meeting of the General Association of Illinois at Quincy. There I met Dr. Badger, Secretary of the A. II. M. S., and conferred with him in regard to the appointment of an agent for Nebraska, which the growing work demanded. He said he thought the state of the treasury would warrant appointing one at that time, and added, "If we make the appointment you must be the man." He gave me a letter to Mr. Noyes, who shared with him the labors of the Secretary's office, and the result was that I was sent back in the autumn to act in the capacity of agent of the A. II . M. S. for Nebraska, and two tiers of counties in Western Iowa. The office of "agent" was that now known as superin- tendent. Of his visit to old friends and the old home he writes : On the 23d of May last, Mrs. Gay lord and myself left Omaha for the east, and availed ourselves of the opportunhVy to mingle with Christian friends in a region where gospel institutions were established long ago. Very pleasant was the cordial greeting of old friends and their heartfelt sympathy in the pioneer home missionary work — and most refreshing to come in contact with, and feel the warm pulse-beat of Christian hearts. It was a rare privilege that I enjoyed, and one not soon to be forgotten, of listening to such men as Dr. Storrs, Dr. Budington and Rev. II. W. Beecher of Brooklyn, and Dr. Thompson and Dr. Adams of New York, as well as others, and of participating in the deliber- ations of the venerable ecclesiastical bodies of Connecticut and Massachusetts, with the more youthful one of New York, and A LETTER TO OMAHA SABBATH SCHOOL. 265 representing there the great and growing interests of Nebraska and the region beyond. Bnt the most precious and tender of all was nry visit to Nor- folk, my birth-place, the home of my mother, who still lives to pray and labor, at the advanced age of ninety. We wept and rejoiced, and prayed together. With memory perfect and faculties unimpaired, she waits joyfully the coming of her Savior to take her to Himself. From a letter to the Congregational Sabbath school at Omaha, written while east : June 27. — Dear Children: It is now five weeks since I last met with you, but you have not been forgotten for a single day. We reached Quincy on the Mississippi river, the third da} 7 after leaving Omaha, and there I attended the General Association of Illinois. There are four hospitals of wounded soldiers in Quincy. The ministers visited, talked and prayed with them, and the soldiers seemed much pleased. We had a lecture before a large congregation , by a chaplain who was five months in Libb} 7 prison in Richmond. He gave us many thrill- ing incidents of his prison experience. On Sunday afternoon all the Sabbath school children of Quincy were invited to come together in a large hall. Among those who addressed them was a missionaiy from the Micronesian islands in the Southern ocean. He showed their ornaments and some articles of dress, and told the children many things about them in their heathen state. I thought how highly favored our children are, who can attend Sabbath school, learn God's word, and the way of eternal life! From Quincy we traveled about fifty-six hours to New York city, where I attended several Sabbath schools. In one of them are six hundred scholars. 1 made an address to them and told them about my Sabbath school, where it was, and how far away. It was pleasant to look upon so many happ} 7 faces, and to speak to them and see the interest they manifested. The} 7 sang some beautiful hymns, and were led in their music by a cabinet organ like ours. I also attended a mission school, where the children 266 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. are gathered from some part of the city in which there is no church or Sunday school, and taught to read the Bible and sing and learn about God. It is a work which I think the angels must love to look down upon. There is a multitude of interesting objects in the great city of New York. I went through the Bible House, and saw the steam presses where they print our Bibles and Testaments. It is a very large building, several stories high, and they make ten Bibles every minute. A great many of these are distributed among the soldiers. I also visited one of the iron-clad ships. It is a monitor and is called the "Dictator." It has two guns that will send a ball weighing 450 pounds. These balls are of solid iron, and are designed to aid in putting down the rebellion. I expect to go to Boston soon, where those beautiful papers are printed which you receive every Sabbath, and intend to see Mr. Sargent, who sends them to you, and Mr. Bullard, who prepares the material for the paper. I shall love to tell them about our Sab- bath school in the far west. Now I want to know how many of you are present every Sabbath , and how many of the teachers are always there, for I have not forgotten the promise I made the last Sabbath I was with you. I love to pray for the dear lambs of my flock . I want to hear from you , and do hope you will all learn to love the dear Savior who died for you, and who said, "Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Andover, Massachusetts, July 4, 1864. — This is the nation's birthday. It is a lovely morning, and all nature smiles. God be praised that the nation still lives. We had a very pleasant meeting of Association at Springfield, where I was the guest of Bro. Buckingham. His wife died about one year since. A very fine daughter did the honors of the table, and is a great comfort to the afflicted father. Mr. Langworthy was my room-mate. Besides making my report as delegate, I assisted at the communion and took part in the discussion of the convention question. The meeting seemed spirited, and a deep sense of responsibility evidently pervaded the minds of the ministers. I met Edwin Jaggar, and very glad he was to see dr. badger's letter. 267 me. He is east on account of the health of his wife. I am stopping here in Andover with Bro. Taylor, of the class next after me in college, and enjoy it very much. Spent Saturday in calling on and conversing with students, and tarried an hour with Prof. Phelps. Yesterday I heard two excellent sermons by Prof. Jewett of Salem. In the evening the time was given me to talk upon home missions. The number of students in Andover Seminary is unusually small, the calls numerous and urgent, but I have hope that my visit may not be altogether in vain. Expect to be in Hartford on Wednesday. At the time that Mr. Gaylord met Dr. Badger at Quincy, Illinois, the Doctor was in very poor health and unable to resume his work at the rooms of the Society until July. At that time he wrote to Mr. G. : I was happy to find that the arrangement which we con- templated in Quincy for securing your services in the agency in Nebraska, had been completed, and that you had gone on to New England, in the inspiration of this, to raise the Macedonian cry. Your report of your labors and visit here we have received and read with great interest. We hope you may be able to secure a good man to take your place in Omaha, and several others to cast in their lot with you, but you will have to follow them up with a sharp stick. We get a great many glorious nibbles, and sometimes a fine fish out of the water, when he slips the hook, and away he goes. But we hope you will have better fortune. We will send out all you can persuade to go, and authorize }^ou to visit them again, if need be, to secure them. It is a great and glorious work upon which you have now entered — in keeping with all your past life — and will round it off, I trust, into a beautiful whole, to be crowned with the recompense of those who "turn many to righteousness." My kindest regards to Mrs. Gaylord. Many thanks to her and to you for your sympathy with me at Quincy. It was late in September when we bade adieu to eastern friends, and commenced the homeward journey. We tar- 268 LIFE OP REUBEN GAYLORD. ried at Oberlin for a two days' visit, and reached Plymouth, Illinois, on Saturday afternoon, stopping there to spend the Sabbath with friends. On Monday morning we took the train for Quincy, which then made regular connections at that place with the one daily passenger train on the Hanni- bal and St. Joe railroad for the city of St. Joseph. We were anxious to make these connections, expecting that a steam- boat, which would take us home to Omaha, would wait at St. Joseph for the railroad passengers. It was a dark and rainy forenoon, and we were impatient with our slow pro- gress. When we at last arrived at Quincy, it was to find that the other train, unwilling to wait longer, was well on its w r ay. What could be done ? We had our through ticket, but not money sufficient to go to a hotel. After walking up and down the long waiting room at the depot until weary, Mr. Gaylord decided, as a forlorn hope, to go into a bank and ask for money. He told his story in few words and requested the loan of ten dollars. He was an entire stranger, but wholly at variance with their usual practice, they put the money into his hands. During the night we were conscious of some excitement about the hotel, and the morning revealed the cause. The train, missed with so much sorrow, was waylaid in crossing Missouri by a party of bushwhack- ers. The one from the west was served in the same man- ner, and freight trains coming up shared a similar fate. All were robbed of whatever was valuable that could be carried away. Quantities of merchandise which could not be taken were tumbled on the ground to be broken up and destroyed as far as possible. Then a number of cars just sufficient to hold all the passengers, were placed by themselves and the rest set on fire. Into these saved cars were packed all the passengers from every direction, with nothing left but the clothes they were wearing, and started off for Quincy. It was some of those frightened and weary travelers coming into the hotel that night, that caused the commotion. Very thankful for the disappointment, which at first was so try- EXPERIENCE WITH BUSHWHACKERS. 269 ing, we took the next day's train, soldiers being sent out with it as far as was deemed necessary. When the scene of of the guerrillas' work was passed, the smoking ruins, the scattered and mutilated freight, made us still more grateful for that kind Providential care which withheld us from such a catastrophe. But as the train moved on, it came to a long ascending grade, and the one engine could only take a part of the cars. One half was left, and a thick forest was near, which might afford a rendezvous for bushwhackers. It was night and the darkness intense. Women were crying with fear, and children from weariness and hunger. There were more passengers than seats, and we stood much of the time that others more needy might occupy our places. Mr. Gaylord tried to quiet and comfort the passengers, and see- ing that we were calm, many gathered around us, thus affording an opportunity to point them to the kind Pro- tector. But at last the engine returned, and we finally reached St. Joseph in safety. But the boat, the last one of the season to ascend the Missouri, had gone, and in a crowded stage coach, over roads rendered nearly impassable by recent rains, we accomplished the remaining 150 miles of our journey. We reached home on the 10th day of October, much im- proved in health, and strengthened to enter upon the work to which the Executive Committee of the American Home Mission- ary Society had seen fit to appoint me. The field assigned to me is new, and yet one of immediate prospective importance. The valtey of the Missouri, stretching through it from north to south, and the valley of the Platte, from its western border to the Missouri river, both afford rare attractions for settlers. Mr. Gaylord continued to minister to the church at Omaha till the middle of November, when he handed over his charge to Rev. A. D. Stowell. After preaching a few months, Mr. Stowell returned east, and was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. W. W. Rose, who remained two years. 270 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. After a short interval Rev. E. S. Palmer was invited to assume the pastoral care of the church, which he did, serv- ing for two years. Then followed another interim, but a few months later Rev. A. F. Sherrill was engaged to fill the pulpit. He was soon after ordained, and in the latter part of the year 1870, was installed pastor of the church. He resigned his pastorate in 1888, having ministered to the church over eighteen years. Mr. Gaylord's first work as Home Missionary Superin- tendent was to organize a church at Salt Creek, now Green- wood. He went there by special invitation on the Sabbath before Thanksgiving. Writing of this occasion he says : I there met Messrs. Lewis and Piatt, and delegates from Nebraska City and Weeping Water cliurclies. We organized as a council, and on Sabbath formed a Congregational church of six members. There would have been five or six more if the weather had been pleasant. I had a very uncomfortable ride on Monday, and arrived at the river only to find my way blocked up. The ferry boat on the Platte had sunk, so that there was no crossing. The boat on the Missouri at Plattsmouth was aground, in consequence of the falling of the river caused by a gorge of ice above. I was detained there three days, and did not succeed in getting over till Thursday noon, and then with great difficulty. I was now in Iowa, and passed up on the east side of the Missouri to a point opposite Omaha, only to find no way of crossing the river that night on account of running ice. I left my horse and buggy, and the next morning rode on a wood wagon four miles up the river, crossed in a skiff, in an open place, and walked five miles to my home, which I reached on Friday about noon. On Thursday I ate my Thanksgiving dinner of dry crullers while riding in my bugg} r , yet truly thankful that I was making some progress homeward. Mr. Gay lord lost no time in visiting the Iowa portion of his district, driving over it with a span of Indian ponies. Wherever he stopped for the night, if there were only a REVIVAL AT GLENWOOD. 271 few people within reach, he would have them called tegether and hold a meeting. On the seat of his buggy lay tracts and pamphlets to be distributed by the way. The following letters to his wife give an account of revival work in Glen wood early in the year 1865 : Glenwood, Iowa, January 13, 1865. — I arrived last even- ing; found Bro. Todd here and heard him preach. Mr. House, the pastor, is so broken down in health that he was not able to preach on Sabbath . The •meetings commenced on Tuesday evening, and have been well attended since. The interest seems general, and there is promise of great good. We have been conferring together this morning, with earnest prayer, that God would guide to the right way to obtain the needed blessing. There are some difficulties, but if these should be overcome, we may hope for a glorious harvest. Father Williams was up yesterday, and learning that I was to be here, was anxious that one of us should go and help him. * * Let me have your earnest prayers for the Divine blessing and guidance. The circumstances are such as to require large measures of wisdom. Glenwood, January 14. — Yesterday was the most pre- cious day we have had since the meeting commenced, and I feel like writing you again this morning. The afternoon meet- ing was deeply interesting. Father Williams was up and told us what was being done in Pacific. There was great freedom in speaking and a lovely spirit manifested. One interesting young married woman was present, who had been unable to attend until Tuesday evening. She told us with deep feeling that she had that day found Christ as her Savior. After preaching in the evening, I dismissed the meeting, and invited all who chose, to stay for a season of prayer. A large proportion remained. I then asked those desiring prayers to rise and there were seven, most of them new cases. I conversed with one of them two days ago and found him intelligent, but self-righteous. He arose with the others and spoke; afterwards he came to me and said he was resolved to seek Christ until He was found. 272 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Then one of the members of the church, with much feeling, confessed his unfaithfulness, and begged forgiveness. All present were deeply moved. The work is silent but I think is spreading. I feel calm and happy, but wish you were here. Glenwood, January 16. — The Sabbath is past and Monday opens brightly. I preached yesterday from "Grieve not the Spirit." I then told the congregation that in the evening they would have an opportunity for action, and asked them to weigh the matter well and decide whether they would now give their minds to the great subject of religion. The Sabbath-school is large and interesting — one hundred and sixty in attendance. At four p. m. we had a meeting of the church. All were invited to speak and there was much freedom. We had evidence that God was at work in their hearts. They spoke well, penitently and hopefully. The feeling was unanimous that the meetings must continue. My text at night was, "Choose ye this day whom ye will serve," and while the hymn, "Come trembling sinner," etc., was being sung, I invited those who had chosen Christ since this interest commenced, and those who were now seeking Him to rise. I did not count, but there were between twenty and thirty. Bro. House is very ill with a bad cough; had a chill last evening and fever all night. I fear his work is almost done. I long to see the interest deepen and spread. One man said yesterday that he had taken more solid comfort that day than ever before in all his life. There is need of much personal effort, and Bro. House is wholly unable to do air^ of it. I am writing at Dr. B.'s. He is greatly revived. Give my love to Mr. and Mrs. G., and tell them I desire they may give themselves wholly to Christ. The same message to James Mc C. May the Lord bless and keep you . Glen wood, January 18. — I was trying to settle the question this morning as to whether I should go home to-morrow or not. I could not see the way clear to go, and yet did not know but I ought to. I feel that your letter is the answer to my prayer, "What wilt thou have me do?" I called upon three families this morning where there are LABORS AT FREMONT. 273 professing- Christians, and found evidence of the reviving power of God's Spirit. I then went out of town a little to see a young- married lady who rose for prayers Sabbath night, and found her and her sister, who is the mother of three children, in a deeply interesting state of mind, and I hope, on the point of submission to God. Called also on a lawyer, whom I urged to obtain the assistance of the great Advocate, and afterwards had a conversation with a young man in Judge B.'s store, who has been skeptical, but feels now a determination to be the Lord's. I then went to the office, received, and read your letter. Monday evening at the close of the sermon, I dismissed the congregation asking all to stay who wished to pray or be prayed for. Four-fifths present remained. I then requested any that felt a desire for special prayer to manifest it b}' rising. Four new cases were presented, all heads of families, and we had a precious season of prayer together. Fremont, Nebraska, February 14, 1865. — My Dear Wife: I reached here Saturday evening about eight o'clock. As to the prospect of doing much I cannot speak with confidence. All the male members of the church besides Bro. Heaton are absent except one. Mr. Hawthorne and Deacon Pierce are in Fort Kearney. I preached Sabbath and last night. To-day we have a meeting at 2 o'clock and preaching to-night. Mr. Heaton has received two letters from Mr. Jones. His son A. is alive, and hopes are entertained of his recoveiy. The accident occurred in this way: As he was traveling, he saw a prairie chicken and reached back to get his gun. In pulling it with the muzzle toward him, the lock caught, and springing back, dis- charged the contents into his breast. Fremont, February 16. — It has been veiy unfavorable for our meeting as it seems to us, yet we have met the church from day to da^', and hope the}- are being profited. I feel that I had better stay over the Sabbath, unless Providence orders otherwise. The number of professing Christians here is very small. The young people are given to pleasure, like ours in Omaha. There is to be a dance to-night to follow up the wed- dings of last night. We shall pray for them, and I hope God 19 274 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. will reach them by His Spirit in answer to prayer. Think I am willing to leave the result with Him. We are going two miles and a half west this morning to call on Mr. Hazen's family. He and his wife have been Congregational professors. Fremoxt, February 17. — Our meetings seem solemn and the people interested, but I fear little or no impression is made upon the world. Christians are being aroused, but they are few in number. How foolish the frivolities of life seem to me! When will men learn to care for the soul ? Albiox, Nebraska, May 13, 1865. — My Dear Wife: Mrs. Bartholomew, at whose bouse I am stopping on my wa}' to Columbus, is one of the two ladies we saw at Fontanelle when Mr. H. was ordained. Her sister, Mrs. Hughes, then Mrs. Annis, is now here sick, it is feared with consumption. She is one of the Lord's chosen ones. I have had a pleasant night and hope my visit will be a comfort and a blessing. "I am so glad to see you ! ' ' was the exclamation of both Mrs . B . and her son. I expect to reach Columbus this evening. This year Mr. Gaylord was sent as delegate to the National Council which was to meet at Boston in June. He improved this opportunity to again solicit funds for the college at Fontanelle, which was in great need of help. The following letters were written to his wife during this absence: St. Joseph, Missouri, June 1, 1865. — My Dear Wife: I arrived here at eight o'clock this morning; went into the rail- road depot and found Mr. Henshaw. He took me home with him and there I found Mr. and Mrs. James Shedd as boarders. Mary was greatly pleased to see me. I went to meeting this morning and heard a very good sermon on the first two verses of the fifteenth chapter of Romans. I was glad to hear such a sermon in St. Joe. It was clear, argumentative, just. We reached Nebraska City a little after eight a. m., and while they were putting off the freight they took on at Omaha, I went up to Mr. Buck's, and he came down and stayed with me until we JOURNEYING EASTWARD. 275 were ready to leave. I found some very pleasant company on the boat. There was one intelligent and agreeable gentleman from Sioux City, whose name is Hubbard. He knows Mr. Millard and Captains Marsh and Rustin. Another man is a government agent and belongs to the regular army, has been in the war, and was a prisoner seven months. He lives in St. Louis, is a native born Virginian, intensely loyal, appears thoroughly upright and religiously disposed. It seems pleasant to stop a little and have a room where I can be alone with God, and commend myself and family and all the interests that are near my heart to our Common Parent. Kindest regards to Mr. and Mrs. Gr. and J. Oberlin, Ohio, June 5, 1865. — I reached this place at 7:22 Saturday and found Mr. Miner's folks awaiting my coming; a dish of luscious strawberries and cream was on the table. Yes- terday I spent a delightful Sabbath. Went to the Sabbath school in the morning, and found Mr. Fitch, the superintendent, overwhelmed with affliction. One week ago last Saturday afternoon, his son in company with other young men went to some river to bathe. The son was brought back a corpse, drowned, as they suppose, by being taken with cramp. It made a very deep and solemn impression upon the whole com- munity. I heard Mr. Finney in the morning from the words, "If any man be in Christ he is a new creature," etc. I took full notes. At eight this morning I go on my wa}^ to the great city of the land. New York, June 8, 1865. — I have been most cordially received at the Home Missionary rooms. Have met the new Secretary and am much pleased with him. I saw Mr. Holmes yesterday, also Mr. Woolworth, Mr. Baldwin, Mr. and Mrs. Gibson and others, and called on my classmate, Prof. Thomp- son. A vast assembly gathered at Cooper Institute last night to meet Gens. Grant and Logan, who were to be present. I felt disposed to go and see the great men and also a big meeting in New York. Long before the doors were opened there was an immense crowd around either entrance, and when they were opened the press was such as I never felt before. It was like a 276 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. mighty torrent seeking to force its way through a space not one- fourth large enough to allow free passage. But we were borne in without being crushed, ladies and gentlemen alike. The immense hall was filled at once, and thousands upon thousands outside. It was impossible for two hours to restore order, and it seemed like bedlam let loose. "Grant! Grant!" was the cry, with hurrahs, cheers and attempts at speeches which could not be heard. I think it was 9 o'clock before Gen. Grant made his appearance. Then ensued such a scene as you cannot imagine. He came forward to the front of the stage, and the vast assem- bly rose, swung their hats and handkerchiefs and cheered and shouted for ten minutes. He stayed a short time and then retired, after which the audience calmed down and listened to an excellent speech from Gen. Logan. Grant is square built, has a large head and fine bearing. He seemed by his appearance to wonder what all this parade was for. Newington, June 13. — I spent a very pleasant Sabbath in New York. Went to the South church in Brooklyn in the morning, and in the afternoon met the smiling faces of my co- operative Sunday school. They suspended the regular exercises to hear me, and for half an hour gave me the most fixed atten- tion. As I passed out one man seized my hand and said, if I would give him my address he could send me a library. Another came down into Bro. Taylor's study, and said he thought he could send me a minister. I left New York at eight a. m. yesterday, and had the company of Dea. Holmes of Dr. Thomp- son's church, as far as New Haven. There I had an interview with Mr. Chase, and was much pleased with him. He thinks he will be with us in our work in August. I dined with my good friend and classmate, Kingsley, and had a pleasant time. At fifteen minutes past three, I again took my seat in the cars and was borne rapidly on to Newington 's pleasant vales. I found Mr. Deming's family all well and a right hearty welcome they gave me. I almost forgot to tell you that 1 addressed Dr. Budington's people on the afternoon of Sabbath, and that they gathered around me with interest. I go this morning to Hart- ford, and at 12:30 take the cars for Boston. Am looking for NATIONAL COUNCIL AT BOSTON. 277 one of the greatest and best meetings I ever attended. As the time draws near the interest deepens. The general expectation is, that it will hold from ten to twelve days. Boston, June 17. — We have great meetings — quite too large in numbers, I fear, to do business promptly and well. An immense amount of it is coming before us. It is now the fourth day of the session, and we are not nearly through reading the papers presented by the committees appointed last fall. It took Dr. Bacon two solid hours to read his report on Church Polity. It was excellent in the main. The Council has voted to go in a body on Thursday next to Plymouth Rock. I am glad to go to this historic spot, but sorry to take a day from the labors of the Council. We spend one-half hour each day, from 11 to 11:30, in devotional exercises, which is a happy arrangement. If the meeting issues well, it will be productive of immense results upon our great country. I am not without solicitude upon this point. This is the anniversary of the battle of Bunker Hill. We had a special service in the First church in Charlestown, close to the monument. That church was burned by the British at the time of the battle. After the meeting we went in procession led by the president of the Bunker Hill Monument Association, to the square. It was an interesting fact that the representa- tives of the Puritans should be gathered on that sacred spot on the ninetieth anniversary of that battle, on the same day of the week, and the same hour of the day when that battle was fought. The great occasion and the great subjects make me somewhat nervous. I have met Bros. Salter, Robbins, Gates, Harve3 r Adams, Cooper, Turner and a host of other old friends. Some months before the meeting of the Congregational Council in Boston, in June, 1865, Judge Warren Currier, of St. Louis, chairman of a committee on southern and west- ern evangelization, sent a request to Mr. Gaylord that he collect facts as to the great needs of the vast area of terri- tory lying north of the southern boundary of Kansas and west of the Mississippi, to be made use of at this meeting. 278 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Mr. Gaylord's reply embodies much that is useful and interesting, but we give only one or two of the closing para- graphs. What he writes of the imperative necessity for more men to preach the gospel has at least as much force now as in 1865. He says : As the countiy's peril in 1861 awoke the slumbering patriotism of the entire loyal heart, and led to deeds and sacri- fice that challenged the admiration of the world, so God can and may press the moral and religious claims of this extensive region in a waj*- to lead men in great numbers to leave other employments, and give themselves to the ministry of the word. The church must bring out her resources and marshal them for the work now calling upon her. As exigencies have made gen- erals, so moral exigencies must make ministers if these wide fields are to be supplied. To no use aside from preaching the gospel, can the wealth of the Christian and the philanthrophistbe more wisely applied, than in establishing institutions of learning to train men for the ministry, and for the highest spheres of usefulness in professional life. One of the results of the National Council was an appeal by Dr. Langworth} T , Secretary of the American Congrega- tional Union, of which the following are extracts: The late National Council, by recommendation of a very large committee, unanimously, and with prayer, adopted the following resolution: "That the Council recommend to the American Congrega- tional Union, without arresting or delaying the special efforts now in progress, or ready to be put forth in behalf of the churches needing aid for the erection of houses of worship, to call for a simultaneous collection, December 17, the Sabbath preceding Forefather's Day, when every Congregational church, large or small, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, shall contribute what it can toward the $200,000 for church building. Let the good work be finished in a day, and give the proper punctua- tion to this meeting." WORK RESUMED. 279 Patriotism demands this work at the hands of our Congre- gational churches. The west is indissolubly bound to the east, as has been seen in our late war, by the similarity of their religious and educational institutions, planted in the former by the gifts of the latter. Such institutions in the south are indis- pensable if we are ever to become a homogeneous people. It will be a scene upon which angels will love to look, to see on the Sabbath named, three thousand pulpits setting forth the great principles and the polity the pilgrims established upon Plymouth Rock in 1620; and to see twice three hundred thousand people pouring out their willing offerings to build monuments, in the form of sanctuaries, to the memory of those devoted heroes, and for the benefit of those for whom none are now provided! Before coming home he went to Norfolk for a visit to his mother, who was overjoyed to see him, although only one year had passed since his last visit. His farewell, as he left her at this time, proved to be a final one, for he never saw her again. After Mr. Gaylord's return he took up again his work among the churches. All the record that is found for the rest of the year is contained in two letters to his wife : Sioux City, Iowa, November 22, 1865. — My Dear Wife: I went on from Silver Creek to Decatur and called on Mrs. Decatur. She is living with her son-in-law, Mr. D. having been in Colorado three years. I tarried in Decatur several hours and gained what information I could, then drove up to the Mission and called on Mr. Furnas at the agency. Went home with Mr. Lee and Mr. Bent, spent the evening in the mission house and had a veiy pleasant time. Tuesday morning I went on my way across the reservation — fourteen miles without a house. I rode over hills and through valleys, till I descended into the beautiful vallej' of the Omaha creek, which flows into the Missouri where Omadi once stood. That village at one time had 600 people, but the Missouri laid claim to it, and one house without inhabitants is all that remains. I entered the 280 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Missouri valley about eight miles from Dakota. It spreads out to the width of eight or ten miles, and the most of it is fine land. I found Mr. Lemon at D., and spent several hours in looking around. Then passed on to this place six miles, cross- ing the Missouri just about sunset. I find Sioux City much more of a place than I expected. Am to preach to-night, and shall leave for Onawa to-morrow, reaching there Friday, if God will. Mrs. Tingley is looking very well. Onawa, Iowa, November 25, 1865. — I left Sioux City Thursday morning at 9 o'clock, and expected to spend the night ten miles from here, but not finding the family at home, came on, and arrived about dusk. Yesterday I went out on an exploring tour. A large number of new families are coming in, and I am told that next spring there will be forty within a few miles of each other. The settlement is from six to ten miles from Onawa. About three hundred people have come into the county this year . There is a fine opening here for a Congregational minister, and lines of influence far-reaching and with important bearings, need to be laid hold of and directed aright. I sent an appointment to Little Sioux for Monday, twenty miles from this down the river. Tuesday I go to Magnolia and Harrison, where Mrs. Olmstead lives. I feel that this is a most important exploration . Hope the children are kind and helpful to their dear mother. I have enjoyed much of the Savior's presence on this tour. How blessed to spend and be spent for Him. Let us learn to do all for Him, and trust all to Him. To Rev. Milton Badger, D. D. : Omaha, March, 1866.— Dear Brother: * * * A portion of the winter has been veiy unfavorable for traveling. In one instance 1 was driven back by a violent snow storm, rendering it perilous to venture upon the open prairie. I have sought to strengthen the weak points, to supply as far as possible destitute churches, and by correspondence to do what I could to forward the interests of the general work. The institution at Fontanelle has occupied some of my time and attention. Our ENCOURAGEMENTS. 281 Seminary building was destroyed by fire on the evening of De- cember 6 . I spent the next Sabbath there and after service met the citizens to see what measures could be adopted to serve the interests represented in the college. They show a spirit of liberality toward the object which is very hopeful. I have since attended two meetings of the Board of Trustees, and the decision is to rebuild this season if the means can be raised, and I feel that they must try, for this enterprise is essential if we would do the work well, that is laid upon us as ministers and churches. We have secured the services of a young man, a graduate of Oberlin in 1861. He possesses rare qualifications as a teacher, great simplicity and honesty of purpose, an unwavering faith in God and an earnest devotion to His glory. He must be sus- tained and the institution carried forward. This part of our work is very hopeful. In Iowa I have spent one Sabbath at Onawa. That church is anxious to secure a minister soon. The place is growing, the county filling up fast, the population is eastern, Congregational, and intelligent, and they need a good, earnest man. I have spent one Sabbath and several days at Civil Bend in re- vival meetings. There was much interest and quite a number of hopeful conversions. Have just returned from Lewis, where I went to spend a Sabbath, and remained ten days, holding meetings every afternoon and evening. I preached twelve times, last Sabbath three times, and traveled twenty miles. At the urgent request of the Grove City church, after morning service at Lewis, I rode to Grove City, ten miles, held meeting at three p. m., and returned to Lewis for evening service. Our meetings were profitable, greatly quickening the church, re- claiming backsliders, and bringing some unconverted persons, as I trust, to Christ. At Lewis they have finished and dedicated a very neat and commodious house of worship. They are with- out a minister, but keep up meetings, read a sermon, hold prayer-meetings, and have a good Sabbath school. The last Sabbath of January I preached about eight miles from Omaha, where some of the members of our church reside. My text was, "What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits 282 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. toward me ?" and at the close asked them for a thank-offering to the Lord in the form of a contribution to the Home Missionary Society. The result was a subscription of twenty-four dollars. It was generous — liberal. A gentleman at Lewis handed me ten dollars for the society. A wave of divine influence seems to be passing over this valley. There are revivals at Tabor, Civil Bend, Lewis, Council Bluffs and Omaha, and I feel greatly encouraged. One church on the Iowa side has had no regular preaching for some years and j r et it is in a promising place and a growing county, and in the midst of an intelligent people. Tabor is self-supporting, and has had no missionaiy aid from the first. It was a colony from Oberlin, bringing their minister, Bev. John Todd, with them. That church was organized in 1852, and is very strong and efficient. There are in eleven counties, eleven churches. Three counties have one each, and four have two each, leaving four in which there is no Congre- gational organization. To Mr. R. Lovcjoy: Omaha, March 2, 18G6. — >Ye have passed through a severely cold winter — not much snow — and it has been a good season for business. Everybody has been very busy in Omaha, and now spring opens smilingly. They have already commenced building operations. Several dwelling houses are going up and contracts are let for some large business houses. There is more religious interest in this region than I have ever seen. I hope you are enjojang life in your new home. Have you come out openly and by profession on the Lord's side? I do hope you will. May the blessing of the Lord abundantly rest upon you. Omaha, June 2, 1866. — For the first time in my life I live in sight of a railroad. A train of forty cars passed down this evening on the U. P. R. R. That great work is being pushed forward at the rate of a mile a day. The cars now pass through Columbus and across the Loup Fork. To his wife: Fontanelle, Iowa, July 5, 1866. — A line this morning before sailing out on the vast prairie. I left Amity about 10 a. VISITS TO IOWA POINTS. 283 M. Monday, and spent the night midway between Clarinda and Quincy. Found roads bad from much rain. I reached Quincy, Iowa, about 10:30 a. m., and stayed till Wednesday morning. Put up with the Mr. Clark who wrote me — a brother of my class mate, James A. Clark. I had a pleasant time there, and yesterday morning passed forward to Nevin, where I found them assembled for the Fourth. I helped them eat their dinner, made a short speech, conferred with Dea. Chamberlain, spent an hour with Bro. House, and at 4:30 started for this place, which I reached a little before sunset. I am stopping with Mr. Kilbourn, a good Congregationalist from New England, and son-in-law of Mr. Mather, who used to be at Red Rock. To- day I purpose going across to Exira, where I shall spend the night, and to-morrow come down to Grove City and Lewis. I am more than ever impressed with the greatness of our work. Omaha, August 3. — I arrived here from Tabor in good time. Had a very hot ride and a regular attack of dust. This has been a terrible day in Omaha. Hot, dust thick, drouth severe. Found a letter here from Amity with twenty-five dollars for a Sunday school library. I offered them forty dollars worth of books for twenty-five dollars, and they were glad to accept it. I have put it up and shall send it by express. Mr. Rose has selected nearby forty dollars worth of books for the Omaha Sundaj' school. I shall give them one- third off. During this summer Mr. Gaylord, finding that his work in southwestern Iowa required much time and attention, took his family to Tabor, where they remained for three months. Here they found themselves again near their friends, Mr. and Mrs. Miner, who had been among the charter members of the old Danville church, and whose home in Oberlin, Ohio, had afforded a stopping place on eastern journeys, and a home for Ralph in his first years away at school. These months of renewed intercourse were very pleasant to both families. Mrs. Miner was at this time in poor health, and died in April of the next year, after a painful and lingering illness. It was a trial to Mr. and 284 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. Mrs. Gaylord, that the Missouri river was at this time so high as to render it impossible to attend the funeral of this dear friend. On the 5th of August, 1866, Mr. Gaylord organized the church at Irvington, a direct outgrowth of the church in Omaha. July 17, 1862, his daughter Sarah had been married to S. C. Brewster, a lineal descendant of " Elder Brewster," and removed to Irvington. To this circumstance was largely due the organization of the church .and the Sunday school, preaching services being first held in her house. Mr. Gaylord thus writes of the organization : We have had a good day. I preached, after which I organ- ized the church with eleven members, baptized two infants and administered the sacrament, then Bro. Brown talked to the Sabbath school. There will be three more to unite with the church, who were not present to-da}^, making fourteen in all. I find Thomas Delong in quite an interesting state of mind. [Through his own efforts this } r oung man was educated at Fontanelle, Tabor, and Oberlin. A part of the time his vacations were spent in Mr. Brewster's family at Irvington, and while tending the sheep his books were his constant com- panions, and he proved himself faithful, alike to them, and to his employer. He has been for a number of years in the min- istiy and is now preaching in this state.] Had a good time at twilight in prayer for the objects you suggested and for you and the children. Tell Ralph I have never felt so strong a desire that he settle his mind that his life is to be an earnest work for God as now. I see so much to be done and so few to do it. A testimony to the character of the Irvington church is found in a letter of Mr. Gay lord's written some years later: At Irvington is a choice people, made up mostly of emi- grants from New England and New York , descendants from the old puritan stock. They show their moral and religious train- ing by active efforts to propagate the institutions of the gospel y sustaining a weekly prayer-meeting, keeping up Sabbath services SILVER WEDDING. 285 when they have no preaching, and maintaining- four Sabbath schools, some of them in remote neighborhoods. On the evening of November 8th, in the autumn of 18G6, a large number of Omaha people gathered at the home on Jackson street to pay their respects to Mr. and Mrs. Gaylord on their twenty-fifth wedding anni- versary. The exhibition of kind regard by the citizens at this silver wedding left a halo at the end of these happy and toilsome years which has grown brighter with the lapse of time, and the one who survives greatly prizes the gifts then bestowed, which are still in her possession. Lewis, Iowa, November 21. — We reached here last evening a little before sunset, after a pleasant ride over the ocean prairie. We came across from Magnolia through Shelby county, a dis- tance of seventy-five miles. I left Mr. Morley at Magnolia and went over to the Boyer. Spent the night at Mr. Kellogg's, and in the morning went up to Rev. Mr. Laurie's, calling a moment on Mrs. Olmstead. I preached at 11 o'clock and afterward consulted with the brethren. They seem well pleased with Bro. Laurie and do not wish to change. I returned to Magnolia and had the pleasure of listening to a good sermon by Bro . Morley , preached to a crowded house . I could scarcely keep them from laying hands on him, and they did not want me to bring him here. If Bro. Johnson comes, one of them will come to Lewis, the other to Magnolia, taking in Little Sioux for the present. The region over which we traveled after leaving the Boyer river is very little settled. Only one house in twenty miles west of Horton, the county seat of Shelb}' county, and one stretch of twenty miles between Horton and Lewis. It is inhabited principally by gophers, and they are plenty. I shall go to-morrow to Grove City and next day to Exira. May the good Lord keep and bless you all. Of his exploration of the Boyer valley we find a brief statistical report to the Society, mentioning the names, con- 286 LIFE OF REUBEN GAYLORD. ditiort and needs of many places. If his labors had been abundant before, they were incessant now. During the six years he was engaged in this work he gave it his personal, constant supervision, preaching every Sabbath and often during the week, rarely spending more time at home than was needful for his correspondence, it being his practice to occasionally give a day or two, as necessity required, to answering the numerous letters that always accumulated in his absence. It was on one of these occasions, after writing all day, that he went out early in the evening to carry the " pile " to the post-office. As he was turning from Eleventh street into Howard, two men came up and knocked him down by a severe blow on the forehead. One of them jumped on him and commenced pulling open his overcoat, while the other kept watch, and just at that instant saw a man com- ing up Eleventh street. This caused them to flee precipi- tately, and Mr. Gaylord, finding himself able to get up, walked home, and, passing in through the alley gate, entered the back door of the house. Screams from the Irish servant brought the family out in great haste, to see him standing there with blood running down his face. With perfect composure he said, " Some men knocked me down out here." Then putting his hand to his breast ■pocket, he continued, " But they did not get my money or watch. I have twelve dollars, which is a large sum for me to carry." A physician was called in, who closed up the wound so effectually that only a slight scar remained. Mr. Grey, a gentleman known to have a good deal of money* was at this time boarding in the family. The two were nearly alike in size, and as Mr. Grey often went out at night, it was thought Mr. Gaylord might have been mistaken for him. The reports of the Society for the years '66 to '67 show that it was only holding its own in Nebraska and the counties of Western Iowa, committed to Mr. Gaylord's care, GENERAL ASSOCIATION AT IOWA. 287 while the field was ciying out for " more men." This sub- ject, "Home Evangelization," occupied a prominent place on the program of a convention of the Congregational churches of Western Iowa and Nebraska, held at Council Bluffs in September, 1866. The following are extracts from Mr. Gay lord's report of this meeting : Two brethren came from Amit}^ to the convention, a dis- tance of seventy-five miles, and when I was compelled to tell them I had no certain prospect of a minister for them, the expression of their countenances gave me great pain. A lady came from Harrison, in the Boyer valley, fifty miles by coach, to attend the meeting, in hope of obtaining a minister. She came because none of the brethren could come, and as she realized the difficulty of obtaining a supply for these destitute fields, the unbidden tears would flow. Mr. Phelps, who is at the head of the Council Bluffs