Division. Sect i on BX83si . OSKs^ \ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019 with funding from Princeton Theological Seminary Library https://archive.org/details/circuitriderdays00meth_0 OTHER BOOKS BY SAME AUTHOR A HISTORY OF LATIN AMERICA THE RISE OF METHODISM IN THE WEST Circuit-Rider Days Along the Ohio Being The Journals of the Ohio Conference from its Organization in 1812 to 1826 Edited With Introduction and Notes ^ , / v ‘ By OCT 19 1323 A WILLIAM WARREN SWEET Professor of History in DePauw University / THE METHODIST BOOK CONCERN NEW YORK CINCINNATI Copyright, 1923, by WILLIAM WARREN SWEET Printed in the United States of America CONTENTS PART I INTRODUCTION CHAPTER PAGE Preface. 7 I. The Peopling of the Ohio Valley. 11 II. Western Methodism and the War of 1812. 27 III. Progress of Ohio Conference Methodism, 1816-1826. 43 IV. The Wyandot Mission. 63 PART II JOURNALS OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 1812-1826 I. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1812. 99 II. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1813. 112 III. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1814. 121 IV. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1815. 130 V. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1816. 140 VI. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1817. 151 VII. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1818. 162 VIII. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1819. 172 IX. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1820. 185 X. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1821. 197 XI. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1822. 215 XII. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1823. 227 XIII. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1824. 241 XIV. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1825. 261 XV. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1826. 274 Bibliography. 293 Index. 297 PREFACE The Journals of the Ohio Annual Conference, from its first session in 1812 to the fifteenth session in 1826, are found in the same manuscript volume as the Journals of the Western Annual Conference. Circuit-Rider Days Along the Ohio is therefore a companion volume to the Rise of Methodism in the West (1920), in which are found the Journals of the Western Conference. Taken together, these Journals tell the story of the progress of Method¬ ism in the Ohio Valley, for the first generation of the nine¬ teenth century (1800-1826)—a story without parallel in the history of American Christianity. Such documents as the above are not only essential to the proper writing of the history of the church, but they also furnish valuable sidelights for a better understand¬ ing of the social and economic forces in American history. That this particular document may serve both these pur¬ poses is the reason for its publication. The interest and generosity of Mr. George H. Maxwell, of Boston, have made this book possible. Greencastle, Indiana, March 1, 1923. PART I INTRODUCTION CHAPTER I THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY Mr. Bryce has said that “the West is the most Ameri¬ can part of America”; and Professor F. J. Turner, the American historian, who more than any other has shown us the significance of the frontier in American life, has said, “The American spirit—the traits that have come to be recognized as the most characteristic—was devel¬ oped in the new commonwealths that sprang into life beyond the seaboard.” 1 To what Mr. Bryce and Mr. Turner have said about the West being the most charac¬ teristically American part of America, may be added the statement, equally true, that the most Methodist part of America is the region west of the Alleghanies, that great region drained by the Ohio and its tributaries. It might also be truthfully added that to-day the Ohio valley is the numerical center of the Methodist world. It is the beginning of Methodism in the Ohio valley with which we are to deal in this volume, and in this chapter we have set ourselves to trace the peopling of the great valleys between the mountains and the Father of Waters. This vast region was thrown into the lap of England by the treaty of Paris, which brought to a close the French and Indian War, in the year 1703. The long contest between France and England, which had been in progress for more than a half century, for the valley of the Ohio, was now over, and France had been driven from the New World. In the early half of the eighteenth century, while this territory was in dispute, but few 1 F. J. Turner, Rise of the New West. Henry Holt and Company, Publishers. SeleC' tion used by permission of publishers. 11 12 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Englishmen had made their way over the mountains, and these few were not settlers, but Indian traders and hunters. The French, however, had been far more active and had founded numerous posts and settlements, not only in the region of the Great Lakes, but on the banks of the Mississippi and the tributaries of the Ohio. The English, however, were just beginning to prepare to occupy the country west of the mountains and an Ohio Company had been organized (1748) when the last great intercolonial war began. When this last intercolonial war was over and the treaty of Paris signed, suddenly a new land policy in regard to the territory west of the mountains was an¬ nounced by royal proclamation. American settlers were not to be given patents for lands beyond the bounds of their respective governments, nor were patents to be granted for lands beyond the sources of the rivers which fell into the Atlantic Ocean. The reason for this new policy has never been adequately explained, though the reason given at the time was the necessity of quieting the Indians by keeping out white settlements. 2 Methodism might have been planted on the banks of the Ohio much earlier than it was if the following scheme from the fertile brain of Benjamin Franklin had been carried out. In 1756, just as the French and Indian War was beginning, he wrote George Whitefield: “I some¬ times wish that you and I were jointly employed by the Crown to settle a colony on the Ohio. I imagine that we could do it effectively, and without putting the nation to much expense; but I fear we shall never be called upon for such a service. What a glorious thing it would be to settle in that fine country a large, strong body of religious and industrious people! What a security to the other colonies and advantage to Britain, by increasing her people, territory, strength, and commerce! Might it not * Annual Register, 1763, pp. 20, 21. THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 13 greatly facilitate the introduction of pure religion among the heathen, if we could by such a colony, show them a better sample of Christians than they see in our Indian traders—the most vicious and abandoned wretches of our nation ?” 3 The last great wave of immigration to America before the American Revolution was the Scotch-Irish. Landing principally at Philadelphia and Charleston, and pushing back beyond the older settlements, these hardy people took up their claims and established their farms in the parallel mountain valleys of the Alleghanies. 4 By 1730 they were swarming across the Atlantic and were soon to be found in considerable numbers in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and the Carolinas. It is believed that at the outbreak of the Revolution a third part of the popula¬ tion of Pennsylvania was Scotch-Irish and it has been estimated that perhaps a half million of these people came to America between 1730 and 1770. 5 Some of them came to New England, but were treated so coldly by the congregational Puritans that they passed on into the unsettled lands in the Berkshires and into southern New Hampshire, where they settled Londonderry. 6 Pennsyl¬ vania, however, was the center of Scotch-Irish power. Mr. Roosevelt states that the two facts of most impor¬ tance in attempting to understand our pioneer history are, first that the western portions of Virginia and the Carolinas were settled by an entirely different stock from that which was found in the tidewater regions of these colonies; and, second, that western Pennsylvania was the great breeding ground for the earliest settlers who pushed their way into the valley of the Ohio. 7 Numerous Scotch-Irish squatters occupied the lands in * Biglow, Works of Benjamin Franklin, vol. ii, p. 467. 4 Roosevelt, The Winning of the West, vol. i, p. 126. 4 Fiske, Old Virginia and Her Neighbours, vol. ii, p. 394. Boston, 1897. • F. J. Turner, The Frontier in American History, pip. 103, 104. New York, 1920. Henry Holt & Company. Selections used by permission of publishers. 7 Roosevelt, The Winning of the West, vol. l, p. 127. See also Turner, “The Ohio Valley in American History,” in The Frontier in American History, pp. 164, 165. 14 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO dispute between Pennsylvania and Maryland; they en¬ tered the Cumberland valley, and it was the Scotch-Irish settlements at Pittsburgh at the time of the Revolution which made that an important center. In 1768 they had to be warned off the Redstone country in southwestern Pennsylvania in order to avoid Indian trouble, and it was the Scotch-Irish and German fur traders whose pack trains first entered the Ohio Valley before the French and Indian War. 8 By the middle of the eighteenth century a new society had been born in America, as well as a new section created. Geographically this new section lay “between the falls of the rivers of the south Atlantic colonies on the one side and the Alleghany Mountains on the other” —a kind of peninsula thrust down from Pennsyl¬ vania, southward. 9 This new society differed greatly in all essentials from the colonial society of the seaboard. “It was a democratic, self-sufficing, primitive, agricul¬ tural society, in which individualism was more pro¬ nounced than in the community life of the lowlands.” These early frontiersmen neither built towns nor did they like to dwell in them. They were at their best in the vast interminable forests, where they carved out scattered communities with ax and rifle, the national weapons of the backwoodsmen. It was a society in which hard work and poverty abounded. Grain and cattle were their chief products, while peltries served as specie. 10 Their dress was borrowed from their Indian foemen, and they lived their lives among the charred stumps of their hilly farms, largely cut off from the softening influences of church and school. If these earliest pioneers had any religion at al 1 , they were Presbyterians, for they were kinsfolk of the Cove- 8 Winsor, The Mississippi Basin, pp. 238-243. Boston, 1895. 8 F. J. Turner, “The Ohio Valley in American History,” as above. 10 Roosevelt, The Winning of the West, vol. i, pp. 127, 128; Turner, The Frontier in American History, pp. 107, 108. THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 15 nanters, a people who deemed it a religious duty to inter¬ pret their own Bible and whose “ecclesiastic and scholas¬ tic systems” were fundamentally democratic. It is true that in their fight for life and livelihood they lost much of their religion, “but what few meetinghouses and schoolhouses there were on the border were theirs.” 11 The religious atmosphere among them was very different from that of Puritan New England and still more differ¬ ent from the conservative Anglicans of the southern sea¬ board. “By 1760 a zone of Scotch-Irish Presbyterian churches extended from the frontiers of New England to the frontiers of South Carolina.” There were some serious- minded Germans among them also, most of them devoted to one or another of their sects, while French Huguenots and English, Welsh, and Irish Quakers added some variety to the predominating Presbyterianism. In spite of the natural tendencies of frontier life, the frontier presented a distinctly serious and religious atmosphere. At least they displayed an emotional responsiveness to religion “and a readiness to find a new heaven and a new earth in politics as well as in religion,” and this new society was soon to prove a fertile field for such demo¬ cratic churches as the Baptist and Methodist as well as the Presbyterian. Mr. Bryce has characterized the South as a region of “high religious voltage,” and Mr. Turner says that this characterization is especially appli¬ cable to the upland South and its colonies in the Ohio Valley. 12 Such were the people, who, regardless of the decree of an English king, found their way over the mountains and founded the first English-speaking settlements on the 11 Mr. Roosevelt states (Note, p. 128, The Winning of the West) that the Irish school¬ master was everywhere a feature of early Western society. In the new and moving mass of people on the edge of the frontier w r ere Daniel Boone, John Sevier, James Robertson, and tjie ancestors of John C. Calhoun, Stonewall Jack- son, Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, James K. Polk, Sam Houston, and Davy Crockett, while a number of these families were originally from Pennsylvania as Boone, Crockett, and Houston (Roosevelt, vol. i, p. 127; Turner, p. 107). 12 F. J. Turner, “The Old West,” in The Frontier in American History, pp. 106, 108. 16 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO headwaters of the rivers which find their way into the bine waters of the Gulf of Mexico. By 1763 they had pushed their settlements to the crest of the mountains, and in the years immediately following they began the descent of the western slopes. First came the hunters, of whom Daniel Boone is a type. Boone, a native of Pennsylvania, but largely reared in western North Carolina, made his first journey over the mountains into Kentucky in 1769. He was not, however, the first of the hunters, but he is significant because he was able to turn his daring woodcraft to the advantage of others. By 1771 many hunters were coming into Kentucky, for the country was teeming with game, and what hunter would not journey that far for the advantages it presented? The hunters soon were sound¬ ing the praises of beautiful “Kentuckie” east of the mountains, and it was not long before hardy surveyors were laying out vast tracts of land, in Boone’s hunters’ paradise. In 1774 a numerous party of surveyors located two thousand acres of land for Colonel Washington, and the same group staked out another claim of equal size for Patrick Henry. While Boone and the other hunters were making their first journeys into Kentucky, other frontiersmen from Virginia and the Carolinas were founding settlements in what was later to become Tennessee. By the treaty of Fort Stanwix, in 1768, the Six Nations surrendered to the English all lands lying between the Ohio and the Tennessee. This was debatable ground, and the Iroquois had no more claim to it than had scores of other tribes; but nevertheless the treaty was interpreted by the back¬ woodsmen as giving them a right to move into the terri¬ tory. In 1769 the first settlers came to the banks of the Wautauga, one of those beautiful rivers which, rising in the mountains of eastern Tennessee, and combining its waters with the Holston, the French Broad, and the THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 17 Clinch, forms the broad Tennessee River. These settlers were from Virginia, and they thought their new colony was in territory belonging to Virginia; but two years later it was discovered by surveyors that they were actually located in North Carolina territory; and as North Carolina had always been a turbulent colony, badly governed, and with little respect for law, these sturdy settlers from Virginia concluded to organize a government of their own. Mostly Scotch-Irish in their origin and Presbyterian in their religion, and with their pastors among them, these hardy pioneers soon had nu¬ merous well-organized and law-respecting communities es¬ tablished in the beautiful valley of the Wautauga. By 1775 stout-hearted men, with their wives and fam¬ ilies, were moving into Kentucky, and by the following year—the year of the Declaration of Independence—there were settled communities at Harrodsburgh and Boones- borough. Homes were established, marriages performed, and children born. In 1777 these Kentucky communities asked to be set apart as a separate county, which request was granted by Virginia, with boundaries corresponding to those of the present State of Kentucky, while Har¬ rodsburgh became the county seat. Between 1700 and 1750, while the vast territory be¬ tween the mountains and the Mississippi was disputed by England and France, a number of French posts had been established. Cahokia, Kaskaskia, and Natchez on the Mississippi, Vincennes on the Wabash, and Detroit and Fort Saint Louis in the vicinity of the great lakes, were among the most important. Although England had conquered the valleys, in the French and Indian War, and the French inhabitants had transferred their alle¬ giance to her, yet there was little enthusiasm among them for Britain. The Indians also resented the transfer of the territory to England, for the English had never been favorites with the Delawares and the Miamias. The 18 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO English fur-trader was just the type of man to arouse the hatred and resentment of the Indian, for he cared nothing for the Indian except to rob and plunder him. Resentment against the transfer of the territory to the English was one of the causes for the greatest of all Indian uprisings, Pontiac’s rebellion, which broke out the very year the French and Indian War closed. Nor were the Indians reconciled to the frontiersmen crossing the mountains and forming settlements in their hunting grounds, and when the Revolutionary War broke out Eng¬ land found the Indians willing allies to attack the fron¬ tier settlements. When the Revolutionary War began, the settlements of Americans in the territory west of the mountains were numerous enough to make it important to hold that vast region for the new nation. The campaign of George Rogers Clark and his capture of the French posts, Caho- kia, Kaskaskia, and Vincennes, and the securing of the valleys of the Mississippi and the Ohio for the American Union is an event of immense significance, just beginning to be adequately understood. 13 It is not only probable but practically certain that the British would have held this territory, following the American War, had it not been for Clark and his brave backwoodsmen. While George Rogers Clark and his associates were playing their brave part in winning the American Revo¬ lution, settlers were continuing their journeys across the mountains and new settlements were forming even while the Revolution was in progress. By the time the treaty of Paris was signed, which incorporated the ter¬ ritory west of the mountains into the new nation, there was a considerable white, English-speaking population on the frontier. Just how many people were living in these new and fertile valleys, west of the mountains at 13 The most recent account of George Rogers Clark is found in James Alton Jaynes, George Rogers Clark Papers, 1771-1781 (vol. iii, Virginia Series, Illinois Historical Collections, vol. viii). Springfield, 1912. THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 19 the close of the war is not known, but the stream of population was steadily moving westward. Pittsburgh contained a hundred cabins; Cincinnati, then known as Losantiville, boasted a few huts; while Louisville, with its three streets and a cluster of cabins, was renowned through all the lower valley as the only hamlet possess¬ ing a store. Kentucky in 1779 had but one hundred and seventy-six white men, but by 1784 the population had gone far up into the thousands, and each month brought hundreds of new settlers, over the mountains from the Carolinas or down the Ohio from Pennsylvania and Virginia. “Cornfields and wheatfields and orchards began to spring up in every direction, and already the wagons that brought out merchandise from Phila¬ delphia went back laden with grain.” 14 Likewise population was moving rapidly into the valleys of east¬ ern Tennessee, between the Holston and the Cumberland, estimated in 1784 of at least ten thousand souls. 15 When the Constitution was adopted in 1789 it called for an enumeration of the population every ten years, in order to get a basis for representation in the lower house of Congress. The first census was taken in 1790. It revealed the fact that not only were there in round num¬ bers 4,000,000 of people in the country, but it also re¬ vealed that the population was on the move westward in four distinct streams. One stream was pushing out through the Mohawk valley; a second passed through southern Pennsylvania and western Maryland; a third went out through the valley of Virginia and the passes of Kentucky and Tennessee; while the fourth passed around the end of the mountain chain in Georgia and Alabama. The census revealed that five per cent of the population in 1790 was distributed among several little 14 McMaster, History of the People of the United States, vol. i, pp. 147, 149. D. Apple- ton & Company, publishers. 16 lin'd., vol. i, p. 155. (Selections quoted from McMaster, History of the People of the United States , used by permission of publishers.) 20 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO islands, almost lost in the western wilderness. The first of these islands of population was in southwestern Penn¬ sylvania and contained 62,218 people; a second and third containing 55,873 were in western Virginia, clustered about Wheeling and at the mouth of the Kanawha, while a fourth was in Kentucky below the Licking River and contained 73,677 souls. A census taken in Tennessee in 1795 showed 66,549 freemen and 10,713 slaves. The Tennessee settlements were in two widely separated areas, the oldest in eastern Tennessee along the Holston, while the other was along the Cumberland, with Nash¬ ville as the chief town. Between the two areas lay three hundred miles of complete wilderness. 16 When Andrew Jackson first beheld Nashville, in 1788, it consisted of a courthouse, a jail, and some eighty cabins of the rudest sort. The village was an outpost of civilization, for there was not a house to be met with between it and Natchez. Knoxville was the nearest town to the eastward, and was fifteen days’ journey over an Indian-infested country, through which immigrants dare not pass without a guard. From Nashville northward to the Kentucky settlements was a trackless wilderness. 17 Following the Revolution hard times came to the people living along the Atlantic seaboard, which was an inducement for people to move westward, where rich land could be had for little or nothing and where there were no taxes. The westward movement of population thus continued throughout the years immediately fol¬ lowing independence. This movement, however, from the Northern and Middle States was soon checked by the return of credit and the opening up of the West Indian trade. The seaboard sections then became very prosper¬ ous, with plenty of work at good wages, and thus there was little inducement for people in these regions to seek 18 McMaster, History of the People of the United States, vol. ii, pp. 184, 185. 17 Ibid., pp. 84, 35. THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 21 the West. Hard times, however, continued in the South, for the Southern people were not ship owners or ship builders, nor did the products of the South find an outlet in the West Indian trade, since the West Indies and the Southern States produced similar crops. Accordingly, population from Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia continued to move westward into Kentucky and Ten¬ nessee, and this continued movement soon brought a population to these territories sufficient for their ad¬ mission into the Union—Kentucky in 1792, Tennessee in 1796. North of the Ohio there were few English-speaking settlers at the close of the Revolution. The British, in spite of treaty agreements, still held possession of the forts about the Great Lakes, while the Indians, con¬ trolled by the English, remained hostile toward Ameri¬ can settlers. Their raids on white settlements, through¬ out the West, continued at frequent intervals for ten years following the Treaty of Paris. With the adoption of the Ordinance of 1787, creating a government for the region north of the Ohio, a new tide of immigration began to pour into the region. It was on March 1, 1786, in one of the taverns of Boston, that the Ohio Company was organized. Through Manasseh Cut¬ ler a large section of land was purchased in southeastern Ohio; shares were distributed to the proprietors accord¬ ing to the amount each paid in, while one section of land was set aside for schools, another section for religious institutions, and two townships for a college. 1,8 The same year which saw the organization of the Ohio Com¬ pany saw their first settlement formed at Marietta, at the mouth of the Muskingum. These first comers to Ohio were from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and Connecticut and are typical representatives of the 18 Selections quoted from Mathews, The Expansion of New England, p. 175. Bos¬ ton, 1909. Houghton Mifflin Company. Used by permission of the publishers. 22 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO New England movement westward. 19 The first year saw the organization of a Congregational Church in the fron¬ tier village with thirty-one members, and eleven years after the first settlers arrived on the Muskingum an academy was established. General Rufus Putnam, the leader of the enterprise, identified himself with every good work; became one of the first trustees of Ohio Uni¬ versity; was active in forming a Bible Society; was always a supporter of schools and served as a member of Ohio’s constitutional convention. While one group of New Englanders were occupied in forming a settlement on the Muskingum another group were finding their way into northeastern Ohio, along the shores of Lake Erie. This was the region which Con¬ necticut had retained when she had ceded her western lands to the general government in 1781. The first set¬ tlement, in this region, was at Conneaut formed in 1796, 20 and from this year forward a steady stream of immi¬ grants from New England spread over the Connecticut Reserve. By 1800 thirty-five of the one hundred and three townships of the Western Reserve, east of the Cu¬ yahoga, had been occupied and a thousand souls had settled there. 21 The census of 1800 gave the population of Ohio Territory at 45,365, located in five centers: Mari¬ etta, Cincinnati, Chillicothe, and Western Reserve, and in the seven ranges bordering on Pennsylvania and Vir¬ ginia. 22 The occupation of territory north of the Ohio by white settlers was furthered by the victory of Wayne over the Miami Confederacy at the battle of Fallen Timbers August 20, 1794, and the treaty of Greenville, signed the year following, opened up not only more than half of Ohio but also a narrow strip of triangular shape in 19 Mathews, Expansion of New England, p. 176. *° Hinsdale, Old Northwest, p. 362. 91 Mathews, Expansion of New England, p. 178. 22 Burnet, in his Notes states that the population of Ohio territory in 1798 was five thousand (p. 288). THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 23 southeastern Indiana to settlement. Besides this terri¬ tory in southeastern Indiana, which had been opened for settlement, Virginia had granted George Rogers Clark and his men 150,000 acres in southern Indiana, which grant had been confirmed by the United States in 1784. With the close of the Indian wars settlers began to move into these grants and the census of 1800 shows that there was a population in what is now Indiana of nearly three thousand. 23 The northwest territory was rapidly filling up with a restless population, and between 1800 and 1810 it became necessary to divide and redivide it. In 1800 the Ohio territory was organized, the western part of the old northwest territory receiving the name “Indiana.” Another division was made in 1805, when Michigan ter¬ ritory was detached from the Indiana territory, while a still further division was made in 1809, when Illinois was raised to the position of a separate territory. The returns of the third census, that of 1810, showed that immigration from Massachusetts and Connecticut had gone steadily on, and the same was also true of Penn¬ sylvania, New York, Virginia, and the Carolinas, but migration had almost ceased from Rhode Island, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. The stream of popula¬ tion pushing down the Ohio Valley had peopled all south¬ ern Ohio, raised Indiana to a territory of the second grade, had overrun Kentucky and Tennessee to the In¬ dian boundary, and had pushed southward into northern Alabama. 24 The New England element had pushed west¬ ward along the south shore of Lake Erie, had filled half the Western Reserve, had extended their Marietta settle¬ ments, and were found, here and there scattered through central and southern Ohio. 25 President Jefferson’s pet policy in dealing with Eng¬ land and France during the Napoleonic Wars was to 23 Esarey, History of Indiana, pp. 123, 124, 127. Ind anapohs, 1916. 24 McMaster, History of the People of the United States, vol. iii, pp. 468-461. 23 Mathews, The Expansion of New England, p. 182. 24 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO force them to come to terms by laying an embargo on our shipping. Accordingly, in December, 1807, Congress passed the embargo act, which prohibited the departure for any foreign port of any merchant vessel. This imme¬ diately brought disaster to the shipping and commercial interests of the eastern States. Deprived suddenly of all means of support, “in debt, and liable at any moment to be imprisoned for being in debt, farmers, artisans, mechanics, tradesmen, who had long been held on the seaboard by flush times, now sold their possessions for whatever they could get, and quitting the Atlantic States forever, hurried away to find new homes along the shores of the Great Lakes or the eastern slope of the Mississippi valley.” 26 This new movement of population, begun with the passage of the embargo, continued with little inter¬ ruption, throughout the War of 1812 and until the return of good times in the East, which did not come until about 1S20. Nothing like it had ever been seen before. The roads west swarmed with wagons, cattle, sheep, and horses. Through one Pennsylvania village lying on the road to Pittsburgh, toward the end of 1811, two hundred and thirty-six wagons and six hundred Merino sheep had passed, on the way to Ohio in one day. Old settlers in central New York declared they had never seen “so many teams and sleighs loaded with women, children, and household goods” on their way to Ohio as in the winter of 1814. In one day in the month of July, 1814, six wagons with seventy persons, all from Massachusetts, passed through Newburgh bound for Ohio. 27 From Lan¬ caster, Pennsylvania, came the report that a hundred families had passed through that town in one week; at Zanesville, Ohio, fifty wagons crossed the Muskingum in 28 McMaster, History of the People of the United States, vol. iv, pp. 382, 383. 27 Ibid., 283. The most recent and an especially illuminating account of the Western movement of population following the War of 1812 is found in Channing, History of the United States, vol. v, chap, ii, pp. 37-69. THE PEOPLING OF THE OHIO VALLEY 25 one day, and this steadily moving stream of population was not sporadic, but continued with little intermission through 1814, 1815, and 1816. Such a vast movement could not but help change con¬ ditions in both East and West. North Carolina became alarmed at the number of people leaving her borders, and the Assembly of that State at the session in 1815 ap¬ pointed a committee to investigate the matter. Virginia did likewise, while all the Eastern States were greatly concerned with the loss of population. Meanwhile west¬ ern towns and villages were springing up with amazing rapidity. Mount Pleasant, Jefferson County, Ohio, in 1810 had seven families living in log cabins. Five years later there were ninety families, seven stores, three taverns, a meetinghouse, a schoolhouse, a market house, a spinning factory, and five hundred people. 28 It is esti¬ mated that 42,000 settlers came to Indiana in 1816 alone. Vevay, Indiana, laid out in 1813, by 1816 was a county seat, with courthouse, schoolhouse, public library, stores, taverns, and seventy-five dwellings. It was receiving three mails a week and supported a weekly newspaper. In 1816 Indiana was admitted to the Union with a population of 63,897, with 12,112 voters. 29 In 1818 a census was taken in Illinois and it was ascertained that there was a population of 40,258. For the first time in the history of western migration even winter did not stop the stream of settlers moving westward. Families passed through Easton, Pennsylvania, and Bridgeport, Connec¬ ticut, drawing their small belongings on carts, while their families trudged along behind. Five hundred and eleven wagons with three thousand and sixty-six persons passed through Easton within the space of one month. A train of sixty wagons from Durham, Maine, carrying one hundred and twenty souls—men, women, and children— *»Ibid., pp. 284, 285. 18 Esarey, History of Indiana, vol. i, p. 215. 26 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO journeyed to Indiana in the winter of 1817, where they were intending to buy a township, and they carried their minister with them. 80 These are but examples of thou¬ sands who set their faces westward during the years be¬ tween 1812 and 1820. The census of 1820 was startling to many in the East¬ ern States. In Delaware there were but seventy-five more people in 1820 than there had been in 1810. New York had become the most populous State, crowding out Vir¬ ginia from that distinction, and had added 413,000 peo¬ ple, Ohio ranked next to New York in the extent of her increase, with an addition of 351,000, which placed Ohio in fifth place among the States. Kentucky was sixth with 158,000 more people than in 1810, while Tennessee had added 11,000. These two States, however, had con¬ tributed largely to the populations of Indiana, Illinois and Missouri. 31 While the Ohio valley was receiving this moving and restless population; while cabins were being built along the streams and villages were coming into life, an ever¬ growing body of circuit-riders were striving to bring the gospel into every nook and corner of these new States and territories. No other church was so well equipped for this particular task as was the church of John Wes¬ ley and Francis Asbury. It is the purpose of the follow¬ ing introductory chapters to tell the story of these men who carried on the work of the church throughout the Ohio valley in these restless years. 82 30 McMaster, History of the People of the United States, vol. iv, pp. 386, 387. 81 Ibid., vol. iv, pp. 522, 523. ... . 32 The earliest beginnings of Methodism in the region west of the mountains I described in an earlier volume, entitled The Pise of Methodism in the West. In tne first volume the story ends with the division of the old Western Conference into the Ohio and Tennessee Conferences in 1812. CHAPTER II WESTERN METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 By the year 1812 Methodism had achieved a firm and dominant grip upon all the settled territory west of the mountains. During the twelve years of the life of the old Western Conference the membership in the west had in¬ creased from less than 3,000 in 1800 to over 30,000 in 1811. The number of circuits had grown from nine to sixty-nine, while the circuit-riders had likewise increased from fourteen to one hundred. The Western Conference in its last year had been divided into twelve districts. Three of these districts had been largely in Tennessee ; two lay largely in Kentucky; another took in western Kentucky and southwestern Indiana; the Mississippi District lay along that river south of Tennessee; the Miami District included the western half of Ohio and southwestern Indi¬ ana; the Muskingum covered eastern Ohio and western Virginia, while the Illinois, the newest district, embraced all the settled country west of Indiana. The General Conference at its session in 1812 wisely divided this vast territory into two Conferences; 1 the Ohio Conference was to include the Ohio, 2 Muskingum, Miami, Kentucky, and Salt River Districts, while the Tennessee Conference was to include the Holston, Nash¬ ville, Cumberland, Wabash, Illinois, and Mississippi Dis¬ tricts. Geographically the newly formed Ohio Confer¬ ence covered western Pennsylvania, and the southwest corner of New York, all of Ohio, southeastern Indiana, 1 Emory, History of the Discipline, p. 213. New York, 1844. 2 The territory included in the Ohio district had belonged to the Baltimore Confer¬ ence, but the General Conference of 1812 transferred the district to the Ohio Con¬ ference. 27 28 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO western Virginia, half of Kentucky, and ultimately all of the territory of Michigan. The valley of the Ohio was well settled by 1812, the bulk of the population being found along the Ohio River or its tributaries. Every one of the five original districts of the Ohio Conference received its name from the streams along which they were located, while many of the circuits likewise took their names from rivers and creeks. The more important tributaries of the Ohio from the north are the Miami, the Scioto, and the Muskingum in the State of Ohio, while the Whitewater is in south¬ eastern Indiana, The Little and Great Kanawha with the Guanadott were western Virginia rivers, forming highways for settlers in this section of the old Dominion. The Big Sandy was the boundary between Kentucky and Virginia, while other tributaries of the Ohio on the Ken¬ tucky side were the Salt River, the Green, the Licking and the Kentucky. It was along the banks of these beau¬ tiful streams that the original Ohio Conference lay. The War of 1812 began in June, immediately following the formation of the Ohio Conference, and Methodist preachers were instructed to preach to the soldiers wherever opportunity offered. On his way through west¬ ern Pennsylvania, as he journeyed to the first session of the Ohio Conference, Bishop Asbury stopped at a camp meeting in Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and while there preached to a company of soldiers, who came to the camp ground to hear him. In his prayer the Bishop prayed devoutly for the President of the United States, the Cab¬ inet, the Senate and the lower House, after which he preached an appropriate sermon for the occasion. One who heard the sermon described it as admirable, and when the good Bishop had finished his discourse he sta¬ tioned himself so as to shake hands with the soldiers as they filed out. He began his sermon by deploring the evils of war and stated that if Christian nations went to war METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 29 at all, it ought to be on the defensive. He urged the necessity of good discipline in the army as well as ade¬ quate food and clothing for the soldiers, and advised the commanding officer to be a father to his soldiers, and the soldiers to avoid discontent and murmuring. 3 During the year 1812-1813 the preachers on the fron¬ tier began to feel the effect of the war, especially in the high prices for provisions. Flour in some parts of the Ohio District was sixteen dollars a barrel and other pro¬ visions in proportion, and, as the presiding elder states, “the more money people gained, the less disposed they felt to pay quarterage.” The people living along the Lake shore and toward Pittsburgh were very uneasy, especially after HulPs surrender of Detroit. Jacob Young thus describes the effect of the news of the surrender of Detroit upon the people living about Ashtabula. “While I was preaching the congregation began leaving the house—sometimes as many as nine or ten at a time. I could not tell what was the matter, but closed services as soon as I could conveniently. When I went to the door, I met one gentleman dressed in uniform, another beating a drum, another playing the fife, one holding a banner—the stars and stripes flying. I asked what all that meant. They told me that Hull had surrendered Detroit to the British, and that nine hundred British and Indians were on their way down the lake toward that country and that they had no time to lose; they must try to raise force enough to hold them in check till we could organize the militia.” Young stayed all night at the place, in order to comfort and advise the people, but next day he crossed over into Pennsylvania taking the news with him. Some became very angry on hearing of the surrender and one man swore most profanely, “loud and long.” When the preacher tried to reprove and reason with him the man defended himself, stating J Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 293, 294. Cincinnati, 1857. 30 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO that it was right to swear, claiming that if Hull had sworn more he would not have lost Detroit. The winter of 1813-1814 was extremely severe, and added to the fear and panic caused by the war, a plague swept over the northwest section which was known among the people as the cold plague, which was described as “worse than either the British or Indians.’ 7 The plague broke out in Trumbull County, Ohio, and spread rapidly in every direction, reaching Youngstown, Wheeling, and Mead- ville, Pennsylvania. 4 * 6 The high prices likewise continued through the second winter of the war. The preachers complained that the war spirit was par¬ ticularly harmful to their work. The preacher on the West Wheeling Circuit during the year 1812-1813 was James B. Finley and he states “this year the war spirit unfortunately entered into many professors of religion, and as soon as they caught it they began to lose their re¬ ligion. . . . Several who had been saved from drunken¬ ness by the church returned to their evil habits. 775 The presiding elder of the Ohio District complained that the people were “so much taken up with politics and war that tliev lost their zeal in the cause of God. 776 During the course of the war the preachers had to pay as much as fifty cents a peck for oats, to feed their weary horses, while four dollars was the price for shoeing horses. Jacob Young states that he was “often entirely out of mony, but some one always took compassion 77 on him and supplied his wants. The people were in great need of food, and there was a great deal of profiteering, at the expense of the poor. One day Jacob Young preached at the house of a local preacher, where he took occasion to bear down upon extortioners, especially on 4 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 286-287, 299, 308. 6 James B. Finley, Autobiography, p. 258. 6 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, p. 309. Cartwright states in his Auto¬ biography: “This year [1812-1813] there was a considerable decrease in membership in the Methodist Episcopal Church, owing chiefly to the war with England; we felt the sad effects of war throughout the west” (p. 133). METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 31 those who took advantage of the poor in supplying them food. After the meeting the man at whose house the service had been held came to the preacher and com¬ plained that he had greatly injured him by his sermon, and proceeded to explain that he had been selling corn for two dollars a bushel and the people already were cursing him, and now they would curse him worse than ever. Another example of Methodist extortion took place in the Western Reserve and is thus described. “A Method¬ ist brother had some flour for sale, which he disposed of to certain persons and took their notes, to be paid in rye, after harvest—twenty-six bushels of rye for a barrel of flour. When he received the rye, after the harvest, he turned it into whisky, at three gallons per bushel, took that whisky to the army, and sold it for three dollars per gallon, getting in the neighborhood of two hundred dollars for a barrel of flour.” 7 The war in the West was carried on largely by volun¬ teers from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Kentucky, with the exception of a few thousand regular troops. Among the volunteers to enter the war from Ohio was Alfred Brunson, who had recently come to the Western Reserve from New York and settled in Trumbull County. 8 He was a Methodist and had been licensed as an exhor- ter. The regiment in which Brunson enlisted was the Twenty-seventh United States Infantry and was re¬ cruited largely from Trumbull County, Ohio. The men in the regiment were rough, and young Brunson found little to encourage his religious life. Brunson was made an orderly sergeant, and one day he was asked by the quarter-master sergeant if he was not a Methodist. On Brunson answering in the affirma¬ tive, the quarter-master then gave his reasons for his conjecture: “You mind your own business, perform your 7 Young, Autobiography , pp. 309, 310. 8 Alfred Brunson, Western, Pioneer, vol. i, pp. 107-115. 32 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO duty punctually, but never join in the amusements of the men, nor use any of their bad language. But,” con¬ tinued lie, “you will not remain that long.” To this Brunson replied: “Are we not engaged in a lawful and honorable war? And why cannot a man enjoy religion in the army in such a case as anywhere else?” “That is all true,” answered the sergeant, “but as none or very few have done so, I conclude that you will do as the rest have done.” Throughout the winter, Brunson states, he kept up the habit of daily prayer, availing himself of the quiet period after taps, since it was one of his duties to see that the men retired promptly to their quarters at nine. He also conversed with those soldiers who had professed the Methodist faith and had backslidden.” 9 The first session of the Ohio Conference convened in Chillicothe, the first capital of the State of Ohio, on October 1, 1812, with thirty-four preachers present. Bishops Asbury and McKendree were both present, though Bishop McKendree presided at all the sessions. The aged Asbury, however, ordained the elders and dea¬ cons and read out the stations, and during the session preached three times. 10 Bishop Asbury’s account of his visit to Ohio to attend the first session of the Ohio Conference is especially full. His journey westward lay through Pennsylvania and Maryland. On August 30 he preached at Cumberland to “an attentive people.” He notes the “very distressing rumors abroad” regarding the approach of war with England. Of the inconveniences experienced, he says, “After losing so much rest, I could have wished to sleep without annoyance from fleas and bedbugs.” He notes two innkeepers on the route who “declare against keep- • Alfred Brunson, Western Pioneer, vol. i, pp. 113, 114. Brunson gives a very inter¬ esting account of the campaigns around the Lakes, under General William Henry Harrison, culminating in the battle of the Thames (vol. i, pp. 106-150). 10 Asbury’s Journal, vol. iii, pp. 332, 333. METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 33 ing or selling liquid fire/ 7 and he remarks “this is great. 77 “The ministry/ 7 he says, are “instructed to preach to the soldiers wherever opportunity offers/ 7 and he preaches to the “Union volunteers 77 from the text Jer. 2. 13. He enters Ohio on Saturday, September 11, and goes at once to the Indian Short-Creek Camp Meeting, where he preaches to three thousand people. On the campground are eighty-four tents with four hundred and fifty com¬ municants, while forty persons have joined. Of his labors for the past eight months he remarks, “I have traveled six thousand miles in eight months, and met in nine Con¬ ferences, and have been present at ten camp meetings. 77 On the seventeenth he arrives at Zanesville, the journey passing through “logs, stumps, ruts, bushes. 77 On the 18th he attends Rush-Creek Camp Meeting where he notes many Germans “deeply serious. 77 Preaching as he comes, in the little log churches, at camp meetings, or wherever people are gathered to hear him, he finally arrives at the seat of Conference—Chillicothe—much fatigued, “fever¬ ish and with the jaw ache. 77 Of the session of the first Ohio Conference he says: “The Ohio Conference sat from Thursday, October 1st to Wednesday the 7th; we had great order. The writer of this journal labored diligently, and was much assisted by the eldership in the business of the stations. He preached three times, was called upon to ordain twelve deacons, and also to ordain elders; upon the last day his strength failed. I want sleep, sleep, sleep; for three hours I lay undisturbed in bed to which I had stolen on Wednesday; but they called me up to read off the stations. I have considerable fever; but we must move. 77 Thence on and on to Cincinnati, across the Ohio into Kentucky, saying: “Oh, let us not complain when we think of the suffering, wounded, and dying of the hostile armies! If we suffer, what shall comfort us? Let us 34 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO see—Ohio will give six thousand for her increase of mem¬ bers in one new district.” And with such comfort bear¬ ing him along, he presses on in his never ending journeys. The following incident, which occurred at the Confer¬ ence of 1812, is related by James B. Finley: “Bishop Asbury said to the preachers,‘Brethren, if any of you have any thing peculiar in your circumstances that should be known to the superintendent, in making your appoint¬ ment, if you will drop me a note, I will, as far as will be compatible with the great interests of the church, en¬ deavor to accommodate you.’ I had a great desire to go West, because I had relatives which called me in that direction, and it would be more pleasant to be with them; so I sat down and addressed a polite note to the bishop, requesting him to send me West. My request however, was not granted; for when the appointments were read out, instead of hearing my name announced in connection with some Western appointment, I was sent one hundred miles further east. To this, however, I responded amen, and after the adjournment of Conference I said to the bishop, ‘If that is the way you answer prayers, I think you will get no more prayers from me.’ ‘Well,’ said he, smiling and stroking my head, ‘be a good son in the gospel, James, and all things will work together for good.” 11 The first year of the Ohio Conference a membership of 22,723 whites and 51 colored was reported. The largest district was the Miami, which had twelve circuits and 9,168 members, while none of the other four districts contained over seven circuits. Of the sixty-one preachers whose names appear in the manuscript minutes thirty- three had deficiencies in their salaries. At this time the amount allowed the preachers by the Discipline was $80 for a single man and $160 for a married man, and of the sixty-one preachers, twenty-two were married men. 11 James B. Finley, Autobiography, pp. 253, 254. METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 35 An interesting entry in the old Manuscript Journal are the accounts of the bishops, as follows: Bishop McKendree’s Account. Bishop Asbury’ expenses for Monies received between the 1812. Western Annual Conference From West to the Oct. 1st 1811 & the Ohio An- South . $21.05 nual Conference Oct. 1st. 1812. Camden to Richmond 8.24 Western Conf . . $10.00 to Leesburg.. 2.50 Southern Ditto . . 25.00 to Philadel- Virginia Ditto . . 16.50 phia . 2.61 Baltimore Ditto .... . 25.00 to Albany.... 8.12 Philadelphia Ditto . . 25.00 to Lynn .... 7.85 New York Ditto. 30.00 to Lyons (NY) 18.03 New England Ditto.. 25.00 to Chillicothe 15.37 Gennessee Ditto. 25.00 Postage ... 6.10 Quarterage .. 80. Amount $181.50 Allowance . . 80 $169.87 I suppose my travelling expences Credit amount at least to $75. Deduct $155. Received from the Supposed surplus $26.50 But I have Western Conf , ,. $31 not been able to keep an accurate ac- South D” 35 count I have frequently paid for 2 men Virginia 25 & horses and once for a carriage with Baltimore 25 3 horses about 400 miles on a turn Philadelphia 25 Pike Road. New York 30 Deduct $169.87 New England 25 Balance i $51.13 Genessee 25 $ 221 .. The last quarter of the year was generally given over largely to camp meetings, almost every circuit holding at least one such meeting during the months of July, August, or September. At a camp meeting held near Meadville in 1813 a large number of “rowdies” came to the ground on Saturday afternoon and the presiding elder was much disturbed, fearing an outbreak. While walk¬ ing about the camp trying to preserve order the elder was met by two gentlemen from Meadville, one of whom 36 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO proved to be General Mead, who requested the preacher to give himself no more trouble about keeping order, prom¬ ising to see that order was kept throughout the encamp¬ ment. General Mead came to the stand and requested that order be maintained, and there was no more trouble during the meeting. At the same meeting Bishop McKen- dree was present and preached every day, to the delight and profit of the people. 12 The Conference of 1813 was appointed to convene at Steubenville, Ohio. It was the first time Steubenville had entertained such a Methodist gathering, for Method¬ ism was comparatively new in the village and there was some doubt as to whether the preachers could all find accommodation. To this Conference both Bishop Asbury and McKendree came, and the Conference was held in “a new brick house, just completed, finished in plain, neat style, and very comfortable.” The preaching serv¬ ices of the Conference were held in a large “sugar or¬ chard,” where seats were arranged to accommodate about a thousand people. Both Bishops preached in the “sugar orchard” on Conference Sunday, McKendree at nine o’clock, and Asbury at eleven. 13 At the session of the Conference in Cincinnati in 1814 John Sale, a veteran of the church in the wilderness, was appointed to preside. Bishop Asbury was present, but the increasing infirmities of age made it impossible for him to attend to his office. Bishop Asbury records in his Journal his arrival in Cincinnati, remarking: “There is distress everywhere—in the church, and abroad in the United States. I have discharged blood in coughing.” 14 Bishop McKendree was detained by a fall from his horse 12 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 300, 301. 13 Ibid., pp. 305-307. Of this session of the Ohio Conference. Asbury says in his Journal : “Sabbath 5. In Bezaleel Well’s grove I may have had one thousand souls to hear me. Bishop M’Kendree preached, and the exercises closed with the sacrament. The people were attentive to hear with much solemnity” (Journal, vol. iii, p. 356). 14 Asbury’s Journal, vol. iii, pp. 365, 366. Bishop Asbury further says of this Con¬ ference: “John Sale presided with great propriety. . . . On Friday I retired to bed with a chill and fever. John Sale finished the plan of the stations from a general draft I furnished him." METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 37 which “severely wounded him in his hip and ribs.” The accident had occurred on July 29 as he journeyed from Genoa, New York, to Ohio. He was confined to his bed for several days and was detained for nearly a month, 15 and he did not recover entirely from his painful accident for several months. At this Conference James B. Finley was appointed to the Cross Creek Circuit, which he describes as follows: “Our circuit included the towns of Steubenville, Cadiz, Mount Pleasant, Smithfield, and several other villages, embracing all the country in Jefferson, part of Harrison, and Belmont Counties. It took four full weeks to travel round it, with an appointment for every day and two for the Sabbath. The membership was large, amounting to nearly one thousand. We had to preach thirty-two times every round, and meet fifty classes.” 16 He records a great religious awakening in Steubenville, where one hundred and thirty joined the church, while the effects of the revival spread to many other appointments on the cir¬ cuit. One morning the preacher was called upon to pray with eight families before breakfast. However, in spite of the great revivals over the circuit throughout this year, the preachers recorded but sixty-seven increase over the preceding year, which is accounted for by the fact that many members were suspended because of breach of rules, while “others fell away under the influence of the mania that prevailed in regard to banks and specu¬ lations in real estate.” 17 Finley thus describes the situation: “A money mania 15 Paine, Life and Times of McKendree, vol. i, pp. 296, 297. See also extracts from McKendree’s Journal. Of this Conference Jacob Young says in his Autobiography. “I had a great deal to do at this Conference, and for several days and nights I felt like sinking under my burden; but just when things appeared to be coming to the very worst, the great and good McKendree made his appearance in the Conference room. He appeared to take hold of all the tangled matters just right, and closed them in the very best manner he could. . . . Bishop McKendree was very lame. I put him on my fine pacing horse, and went with him to Shelbyville, in Kentucky.” (Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, p. 314). 16 James B. Finley, Autobiography, p. 268. ” Ibid., p. 272. 38 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO seemed to have seized, like an epidemic, the entire people. Everybody went to banking. Within the bounds of our circuit there were no less than nine banking establish¬ ments, seven of them within the County of Jefferson, and one of them said to have been kept in a lady’s chest. All these were engaged in issuing paper, while every incor¬ porated town, village, or company went to work to issu¬ ing notes. But it did not stop here. Tavern keepers, merchants, butchers, bakers—everybody—seemed to have become bankers. This fever not only raged in this vicin¬ ity, but throughout the entire West. It proved fatal, in a greater or less degree wherever it spread. Before it sub¬ sided another mania sprang up, namely, the laying out of new towns. So great was the excitement that towns were laid out at almost every crossroad within a mile of each other, and on the tops of barren hills. It was no matter where they were located, plots were made, adver¬ tisements were stuck up, lots were sold, and magnificent squares left for public buildings. After this rage sub¬ sided, it is not to be wondered at that society was left in a deplorable condition. The imaginary riches of the speculator flew away like the morning cloud, and from a state of high excitement the community relapsed into a state of stagnation. A perfect paralysis seemed to have come upon every department of business, and all who had entered into these speculations were entirely bankrupt. Discontent and dissatisfaction prevailed everywhere.” 18 At the Conference of 1814 a handsome youth of eigh¬ teen was appointed to one of the most difficult circuits in the bounds of the Ohio Conference. The youth was Henry B. Bascom and the circuit was the Guyandotte. Bascom was from an extremely poor family which had in 1812 removed from Kentucky to Ohio. He had, under great difficulty, picked up a little education and in 1812 18 James B. Finley, Autobiography , pp. 273, 274 METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 39 was given an appointment in the Ohio Conference. Young Bascom was exceedingly elegant in person and he seemed always to dress in the height of fashion. This gave him a bad reputation among the roughly dressed pioneer preachers, and he was thought to be proud, ambitious, and too aspiring, and many prophesied that he would not remain a Methodist preacher for long. The Guyandotte circuit to which he was appointed in 1814 lay among the mountains of western Virginia, between the Great Ka- nhawa and the Guyandotte Rivers, and this circuit had the reputation as being one where refractory or unprom¬ ising preachers were sent to “break them in” or drive them off. 19 During this year he traveled three thousand miles, preached to four hundred congregations, and re¬ ceived twelve dollars and ten cents. 20 At the next Conference, that of 1815, young Bascom came up for admission into the Conference, but the mem¬ bers were still suspicious of his qualifications and he was not admitted. He was continued on trial, and ap¬ pointed to the Mad River Circuit. At this time three cir¬ cuits covered the whole distance from the Ohio River on the south to the Indian country on the north. These circuits were the Cincinnati, Union Circuit, and the Mad River. This latter circuit extended from the frontier settlements, west of the Great Miami, eastward to the Scioto and northward into the Indian country. The towns of Troy, Piqua, Springfield, Urbana, and several Indian towns were embraced within its bounds. 21 The fourth session of the Ohio Conference met at Leba¬ non, Ohio, on the fourteenth of September, 1815, with forty members present. It was Bishop Asbury’s last journey across the mountains and he was accompanied by the Rev. John Bond as traveling companion. The good bishop was very feeble and Mr. Bond “carried him in his 19 Henkle, Life of Henry B. Bascom, pp. 32-66. Louisville, 1854. 20 Ibid., pp. 80, 81. 21 Ibid., p. 84, 40 CIKCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO arms like a little child, set him in his carriage when he wished to travel, and took him out in the same way.” The bishop took his seat in the Conference room, while Mr. Bond read a chapter and gave out a hymn when the bishop prayed, sitting in his seat, for he was not able to kneel down, and one who heard him said “he prayed as if speaking to God face to face.” 22 Of this Conference Asbury has left this account in his Journal: “Our Ohio Conference began, and all our fears vanished. We have great peace, abundance of accommodation, comfortable seasons in preaching, noon and night in the chapel and courthouse. Great grace and peace and success have attended our coming together. We hold in Ohio Con¬ ference sixty-eight preachers, sixty-seven of whom are stationed. Ten delegates have been chosen for the Gen¬ eral Conference. The settlement with the married and unmarried was made according to the funds, in which the mite subscription aided: the children of preachers were remembered in the distribution of the funds.” 23 Bishop McKendree was also present at this session and directed the business, though Bishop Asbury “was determined to station the preachers once more.” The aged senior bishop preached in the market house on the Sabbath though he was compelled to preach seated in his carriage. 24 The ten delegates elected to the General Con¬ ference were John Sale, Samuel Parker, Charles Holli¬ day, David Young, Marcus Lindsey, Jacob Young, James Quinn, William Burk, Benjamin Lakin, and Isaac Quinn. Nearly the whole delegation was elected on the first bal¬ lot, and as one of the delegates says, with “no electioneer¬ ing.” The General Conference of 1816 convened in Baltimore, the first General Conference since the organization of the Ohio Conference. Bishop Asbury had died in Fredericks- 22 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 317, 318. 22 Asbury’s Journal, vol. iii, p. 391. 24 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer , p. 319. METHODISM AND THE WAR OF 1812 41 burg, Maryland, the March previous and one of the first things to occupy the attention of the Conference was the funeral of Asbury, which was said to have been one of the largest ever held in the city of Baltimore. The Committee on Episcopacy recommended that two additional bishops be chosen, and when the election was held Enoch George and Robert R. Roberts were elected by large majorities, and were consecrated by Bishop McKendree, assisted by several elders. Bishop Asbury had willed his horse and some books and clothes to Bishop McKendree, and these were taken by Jacob Young to Wheeling for Bishop McKendree, as he returned to Ohio from the General Conference. Jacob Young thus describes how he brought these articles over the mountains; “The books and clothes were packed in two valises, buckled together by two leather straps, and laid across his (Asbury’s) old pack-saddle. There was another valise buckled behind the saddle, and all were handsomely covered by a large bear skin. I rode my own horse and led the bishop’s.” He states that his equip¬ ment resembled that of those who carried silver from one part of the country to another, and after he got into the mountains he was overtaken by a couple of men who after inquiring his destination and where he had been, sug¬ gested that he seemed to have plenty of money in his packs. To this Young replied that his packages contained Bishop Asbury’s books, papers and some clothes willed to Bishop McKendree. One of the men then asked, “Is Bishop Asbury dead?” and on receiving the reply in the affirma¬ tive he remarked, “I have seen and heard him preach in my father’s house,” after which the men rode off looking much disappointed. 25 The effect of the War of 1812 upon the church in the West is shown by a glance at the membership returns for the years of the war. The membership for the entire 26 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer , pp. 326, 327. 42 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Conference at the opening of the war was 22,723 whites and 561 colored, while the number of circuits reporting was thirty-nine. The next year although the number of circuits had increased to forty-four the membership showed a decrease of nearly a thousand. This year 21,964 white and 421 colored members were given as the total membership for the Conference. The third year of the war a slight increase is indicated by the returns which are placed at 21,993 whites and 600 colored, while by the year 1815 the losses for the years of the war have been overcome and a slight gain made. The membership for 1815 is given at 24,095 whites and 644 colored. 26 28 These facts have been obtained from Minutes of Conferences, vol. i (1773-1828) for the years indicated. CHAPTER III PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE METHODISM, 1816-1826 The purpose of this chapter is to recount the story of the growth of Methodism in the Ohio valley during the ten years immediately following the close of the second war with England. The first few years of this period were years of economic stress and population was stead¬ ily moving westward. In the new States west of the mountains money was scarce and of varying value, for the first National Bank had gone out of existence in 1811 and the Second Bank, established just at the close of the war, in 1816, had not been in operation long enough to cure the financial ills, especially in the newer communi¬ ties west of the mountains. Between 1811 and 1816, the years in which there was no national bank, private and state banks sprang up like mushrooms and their issues of paper money, practically the only kind of currency in use west of the mountains, handicapped business between the newer and older states. This unstable condition of the currency not only hindered business, but it likewise reacted upon the affairs of the church. This is well il¬ lustrated by The Methodist Book Concern in its attempt to carry on business in the West. Until the year 1820 the Methodist Episcopal Church had but one Publishing House, that located in New York, and this House furnished the entire church with books and tracts. It was one of the duties of a presiding elder to see that his district was supplied with books, and he was held responsible for all books sent into his district. The circuit preacher in turn distributed the books to the 43 44 CIKCUIT-EIDEK DAYS ALONG THE OHIO people, and he was to account to his presiding elder for all books sold and unsold. The Discipline provided that when books were sent to distant places the presiding elder or preacher was allowed to add the cost of trans¬ portation to the price of the books. 1 The following letter from the book agents in New York to one of the Western presiding elders, dated January 23,1818, well illustrates some of the difficulties mentioned above: Dear Bro;— Your letter of the 29 ult is duly read. We regret to learn that your monied institutions in the Western Country are in so bad a condition but hope the establishment of the United States Bank will in time regulate those institutions. We are glad you have been able ultimately to secure the uncurrent money put into your hands by the committee. You think you shall make a remittance in May and wish to know what western notes will best answer our purpose here. In answer to this we would ob¬ serve that unchartered notes will not pass at all. The best are the notes on Marietta, Steubenville, and Chilicothe. These notes are from 6 to 8 per cent below par. The larger the denomination of the notes the better for us. We presume that these Banks exchange specie for their notes when demanded and in this case it is not impossible but what you may get notes of some of the Branches of the United States Bank. If you can obtain these it will be much better as the discount will always be less there than at such a distance as this from the security banks. Should you have any considerable sum on hand which is currant at Cincinnati where we understand there is a Branch of the United States Bank it might be an object to forward it there for deposit and take a draft on the Branch in New York payable to our order and forward to us. This might be done through the aid of any of our friends in account with that Bank. They might de¬ posit it and then by a check obtain such a draft. We only sug¬ gest these thoughts to you but after all shall be perfectly satis¬ fied when you have done the best you can and have no doubt you will always endeavor to do so. 3 ‘Emory, History of the Discipline, pp. 258, 259. Also Sherman, History of the Dis¬ cipline, pp. 296-302. * From an unpublished letter to James B. Finley, presiding elder of the Ohio Dis¬ trict, Ohio Conference, Steubenville, Ohio, written by the New York Book Agents, J. Soule and T. Mason. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 45 A number of the preachers became involved in debt through the loose method of doing business with the Book Concern. Thus one presiding elder complains, “I had sold a large number of books; for many of them I was never paid; and under the old system of doing busi¬ ness the agents forwarded books at their own discretion and charged them all to the presiding elder, and they were deposited here and there—any place where the people would receive them. In this loose way of doing business I lost a great many hundred dollars.” 3 By the year 1824 a number of the prominent preachers of the Ohio Conference had become deeply involved in debt to The Book Concern and the Conference Book Com¬ mittee was called upon to make some adjustment. The committee found that John Sale owed $584.15%; James Quinn’s indebtedness to The Book Concern was $400, while the account against William Burke totaled $536.01. The committee, in the case of David Young, advised that indebtedness be canceled as it “is connected with many difficulties,” while in the case of James Quinn they ad¬ vise “considering his labors and embarrassed situation, together with his doubts about part of the charges, we have thought it proper to cancel all but the above sum, viz—$269.70.” 4 The General Conference of 1820 established a branch of The Book Concern at Cincinnati and elected Martin Ruter the book agent. He held office for eight years, 3 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 342, 343. 4 MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1824. The following is a Bill for books received by James B. Finley, dated New York, May 9, 1817: Rev.James B.Finley To J.Soule & T.Mason Dr. Retail 1, 2, 3, $1.12)4.100” ” To 100 Wesley on Original Sin $92..92 .50 75 75 Mrs.Cooper 41..30.75 .87)4 50 ” ” 50 Heney’s Meditations 73..36.50 2. yy >7 ft ft 22 n 9Q 40 Wesley’s Testament 39 82..32.80 .87)4 280,220,500 Hymn Books 73.365.- .12)4 50, 50,100 Sutcliffe’s Sermons 10. 10.- (5H ” ,30, 30 Coke’s Sermon 5 1.50 $568.55 (From an unpublished manuscript, in the Ohio Wesleyan University Library.) 46 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO being reelected in 1824. Of these eight years he states: “During the eight years in which I had charge of The Book Concern in Cincinnati I conducted its affairs almost wholly by my own personal efforts. I employed no clerk, did all the writing myself, and conducted the whole business with the least expense to the Church that was practicable. In attending the Western Conferences and in other necessary journeys I traveled during the eight years, more than nine thousand miles. I superintended a number of publications, and managed a capital of more than $6,000. At the close of the term, in 1828, it appeared from the accounts of the Book Agents at New York that the Concern had gained an amount of about $7,000.” 5 The 1816 session of the Ohio Conference convened in Louisville, Kentucky, with all three bishops present, Bishops McKendree, George, and Roberts, the last two having been elected the May previous. 6 At this Confer¬ ence James B. Finley received his first appointment as presiding elder. He was then but thirty-five years of age and was sent by Bishop McKendree to preside over the Ohio District, which included the eastern portion of the State of Ohio, from the Ohio River to Lake Huron, all the Western Reserve, western Pennsylvania, and western New York. Over this vast territory there were but ten traveling preachers and a membership of 4,050. 7 In this district Finley found Calvinism and Univer- salism firmly intrenched. He states that he found a Calvinist minister in almost every town, and “the Pres¬ byterian influence was so great that Methodism could scarcely live.” When the Methodists were few in number Presbyterian dignity, according to Finley, “could not stoop to a recognition of them; but when the number increased and the fervent gospel appeal of the circuit- 6 From a letter of Martin Ruter published in Biographical Sketches of Eminent Itin¬ erant Ministers, etc. By Thos. O. Summers (Nashville, 1858). 6 Stewart, Highways and. Hedges, p. 27; James B. Finley, Autobiography of, p. 285; Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 335, 336. 7 James B. Finley, Autobiography, p. 285. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 47 rider waked up the town, then the gentlemen in black would call and inquire into the ‘religious interests* that seemed to be abroad in the town, and . . . suggest the holding of a union meeting.** But against such coopera¬ tion Finley always advised, because he thought the Pres¬ byterians wanted to use the Methodists for the sole pur¬ pose of advancing the Presbyterians. 8 Methodism was introduced into the Western Reserve soon after the coming of the first settlers. The first so¬ ciety was formed at Deerfield in 1801, while the next year another class was organized at Hubbard. Like many another community on the frontier, this early Methodist work was begun by local preachers. The first regular Methodist preacher in the region was Shedrach Bostwick, who was sent as a missionary by the Baltimore Confer¬ ence in 1803. In 1805 Bostwick “located** in the Reserve, the several Methodist preaching places being then at¬ tached to the Erie Circuit. In 1810 the Western Re¬ serve was formed into a separate circuit called the Hart¬ ford, while the next year the name was changed to the Trumbull Circuit and that year there were 445 members reported. In the year 1812 a new district was formed called the Ohio, and the Western Reserve territory was placed in this district. There were now two circuits in the Re¬ serve, the Trumbull and the Grand River, showing a total membership of 580. Methodism made steady growth in the Reserve, against great odds, and in 1817-18 there were four circuits, the Grand River, Mahoning, Huron, and Cuyahoga, After 1819 the Reserve was divided between two districts, at first the Ohio and the Tuscarawas and later the Ohio and the Lancaster Dis¬ tricts, while the General Conference of 1824 formed the Pittsburgh Conference and the Western Reserve, east of the Ohio and Erie Canal, was placed in this Conference. 8 James B. Finley, Autobiography, pp. 287, 288. 48 CIRCUIT-RIDER BAYS ALONG THE OHTO By 1826 the Western Reserve contained nine circuits and 3,646 members. 9 The early settlers of the Western Reserve were largely from New England, and a majority were attached by education and training to New England Calvinism. Mis¬ sionaries sent out from the East were numerous, and, according to contemporary accounts of Methodist cir¬ cuit-riders, these Eastern missionaries did all in their power to impede the work of the Methodists. 10 One of the early Methodist preachers in the Western Reserve writing of his labors in the region states: “We (my col- gee and myself) have to encounter some difficulties in¬ cident to travellers in a new country also Calvinistick prejudices which by hereditary succession are almost interwoven in the constitution of many of the New Eng¬ landers—by these our doctrines are but little understood and consequently (through ignorance I hope) were grossly misrepresented.” Further he states: “Perhaps there is no part of the world visited more by missionaries of the Presbyterian order than this but I think those who have been sent out by the charitable institutions for heathen missions mistake their field of labor when they confine themselves to this Western Reserve.” * 11 At the session of the Conference in 1816 the question of the relation of the church to the Masonic Order was introduced, which resulted in the passage of resolutions condemning preachers and church members for associat¬ ing with or joining the Masons. The resolutions pro¬ claim it “inexpedient and imprudent for a travelling preacher to dishonor himself by associating with the 9 The Western Reserve was 120 miles long and averaged 43% miles in breadth and contained an area of 3,360,000 acres. It was bounded on the east by Pennsyl¬ vania, the south by the 41st degree of north latitude, west by a line parallel with the western line of Pennsylvania, 120 miles distant, and north by Lake Erie. (See His¬ tory of Methodism on the Connecticut Western Reserve, Ohio, by the Rev. Alfred Brun¬ son, Methodist Magazine (1832), vol. xiv, pp. 255-274.) 10 James B. Finley, Autobiography, pp. 273, 274. 11 From an unpublished letter of the Rev. Ezra Booth (Ohio Wesleyan University collection). Ezra Booth was junior preacher on the Grand River and Mahoning Cir¬ cuit in 1817-1818. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 19 Free Masons in their Lodges” and they further instruct the presiding elders to inform the official men and mem¬ bers of the church, at the Conference’s disapprobation of their “associating themselves with the Free Masons either in their Lodges or Festivals.” 12 The Conference at its next session again considered the matter through a committee, whose report explains the reason for the op¬ position of the church to the Masonic order. The report states that whereas many of the “brethern” have attached themselves to the Society of Free Masons they have de¬ cided to communicate to the church their sentiment in the matter. They proclaim themselves “decidedly and sentimentally opposed to the practice and are determined (as ministers of Christ and your servants) to set our faces and lift our hands against it for the following reasons:” (1) Because it appears from observation that an union with this body of men is unfavorable to piety, witness the multitudes who on being converted to God have abandoned their Lodges and Festivals walking no more with them. Witness the dacying piety of those who have attached themselves to them from amongst ourselves. Witness that want of brotherly love, those jars and schisms which have ensued. 2ndly. What ever Masonry may be in itself, it is obvious to all that Masons are (in general) greatly deficient both in religion and good morals, and the Lord hath said “Come out from among them (that is the wicked) and be ye separate” yea tho they have the form; yet if they denied the poer of Godliness, from such turn away.” In closing the committee admonishes “Dear Brethern ‘The secret of the Lord is with them that fear and love him’ and we are sure if you have and retain this ‘Secret,’ it will secure your felicity and render the ‘Secrets’ of Masonry unnecessary.” 13 Methodist opposition to Masonry continued for a num¬ ber of years. In 1821 the Ohio Conference “Voted that brother Hincle be admonished from the Chair for his im- 12 Conference Journal (MSS.) for 1816. 13 MSS. Journals of the Ohio Conference, 1817. 50 CIRCUIT-EIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO prudence in joining the free Masons and particularly of his manner of doing it.” 14 A Letter of James B. Finley written to the Rev. David Whitcome, who had just joined the Masons, dated February 8, 1841, 15 sets forth a posi¬ tion commonly taken by Methodists at a considerably later period. The sixth session of the Ohio Conference met at Zanes¬ ville on September 3, 1817, with Bishop Roberts the pre¬ siding officer. 16 Bishop McKendree was also present and signed the Journal. Two or more of the bishops were usually present at the sessions of the Western Confer¬ ences during these early years. The bishops traveled through the country in carriages or horseback and stopped overnight along the way, often stopping at camp meetings, where large numbers of Methodists were gathered. It is very probable that these early bishops were better known and more widely heard by Methodists throughout the country generally than are the Methodist bishops of these days. u MSS. Journals of the Ohio Conference, 1821. 15 An unpublished letter in the collection of Ohio Wesleyan University. The letter states: ‘‘The news (that you had joined the Masons) came on me like a clap of thunder and now you have joined and sworn to be a Mason I do not know that it would be worth while to say anything to you on the subject, but you have inflicted a wound on many of your own charge and the purest part of God’s heritage. You have been set by the Holy Ghost as an overseer of the morals of Gods people and if any of them should stray through a sinfull curiosity to a circus a theater, or a ball room yours is the duty to reprove and reclaim them but who is the truly pious man that would not much rather be found in any of them than in a Masons Lodge. Stript, blindfolded, with a halter round his neck and sword pointed at his breast and the profaine oath to have his throught cut from ear to ear &ct. and to see an ambassador of Jesus Christ, one who professes to be sent by Christ and to stand in his place, led about in this manner by McGuire Ockly or men of this stamp. O tell it not in Gath nor publish it not in the streets of Dayton. And then to think of you ot any Christian minister should go saying I am in search of light when you have Christ the Holy Spirit and word, the true light to enlighten (you), to go to a Mason Lodge asking after light is too silly and contemptable. Your curiosity might have been gratified if you had taken the pains to read Morgan’s book, Atlans Ritual, John Quincy Adams Letters and the testimony of 250 Masons who all announced it as Rottin and dangerous to our civil Institutions but I find the secret lies in the desire of Masonic influence and honner that comes from men and not from God. Can you say follow me as I follow the Masons. Will not your example and influence be the means of leading many a weak Brother in the Society of these wicked men and put them under their influence to the injury of their souls. Can you now say to them come out from amongst the wicked whom you have sworn aligance to. Can you now expcll a Brother from the Church for attending balls and theaters and circuses and horse races any of which are preferable to the secret abominations of a lodge.” (From a long MS. letter written by James B. Finley to the Rev. David WTiitcome.) For an account of Morgan and the rise of political Anti-Masonry see the full ac¬ count in McMaster, History of the People of the United States, vol. v, pp. 109-120. 18 Stewart, Highways r :nd Hedges, p. 33, mentions that Bishop Roberts was the presiding officer, but says nothing of the presence of McKendree. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 51 A glimpse as to the condition of the practice of medi¬ cine on the frontier is afforded by certain charges pre¬ ferred against a member of the Ohio Conference at the session in 1817. Lemuel Lane is accused of practicing medicine without sufficient knowledge; of violating a State statute by “administering medicine without author¬ ity” ; of “receiving exorbitant pay for his vegitable prepa¬ ration”; of “practising the Science of Midwifery without skill.” He was found guilty of all the charges, but on his promise to “give up entirely the study and practice of Physic and the Science of Midwifery and devote himself entirely to the ministry” he was allowed to remain on trial in the Conference though he was deprived “of the office of Deacon.” 17 Though there had been a steady advance in the mem¬ bership of the Conference in the five years since its or¬ ganization, and the number of preachers and circuits had increased accordingly, yet the hardships attending the work of the Circuit-rider were in no way abated. The Little Kanawha Circuit was one of the largest, most difficult and most dreaded of the circuits. It embraced a large portion of what is now contained in a whole Conference in the State of West Virginia and was five hundred miles in circumference. John Stewart, who rode this circuit in 1817—1818, thus describes it: “Some of our rides between appointments were forty miles and more, and much of the way no roads. We would carry the tomahawk with us and blaze our path on the trees through the forest, or follow the blazed tracks that had been made by our predecessors. Notwithstanding the utmost care, we would frequently lose our path.” 18 Living conditions on this and other circuits were ex¬ tremely rude and many a cabin lacked every essential of comfort. One cabin in which Stewart was welcomed had 17 MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1817. 18 Stewart, Highways and, Hedges, p. 35. 52 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO neither chairs, bedstead, table, nor floor. To do the preacher special honor they “set out the iron bake-oven, and putting the lid on it, gave it to the preacher for a seat while they gathered about him to hear the news or receive such instruction as he had to give. The meal consisted of bear meat and cornbread, and when bed time came they all gathered about the family altar, then one of the family claimbed up to the loft, threw down a quantity of robes, taken from the wild animals of the forest. These were spread on the ground floor on each side of the spacious fireplace, and soon parents, children, and preacher were fast asleep.” 19 In contrast with the Little Kanawha was the Fair- field Circuit. It was one of the oldest and best in the Conference, and was located in and about Lancaster, Ohio. It contained from twenty-five to thirty appoint¬ ments. There was much wealth and refinement within its bounds and the Methodist Church had a strong hold upon the people generally. The preachers on this circuit had time for reading and study and the circuit-riders accounted themselves fortunate to have their names read after Fairfield Circuit. But even the best and easiest of the circuits in 1818 entailed never-ending riding, preaching, and exhorting, for even this circuit spread over a half dozen large counties and contained a mem¬ bership of nearly a thousand. 20 The next three sessions of the Ohio Conference, that of 1818 at Steubenville, that of 1819 at Cincinnati, and the session of 1820 at Chillicothe, all convened early in August. Bishops McKendree and George were both present at the Steubenville and Cincinnati session while Bishop Roberts presided at the 1820 session. The next four sessions of the Conference were held the first week in September. The Conference of 1821 met at Lebanon and all three Bishops were present—McKendree, George, 19 Stewart’s Highways and Hedges, pp. 35, 36. 20 Ibid., pp. 38, 39. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 53 and Roberts; the 1822 session met at Marietta, with Bishops McKendree and George present. The session of 1823 was held in Urbana, with Bishops McKendree and Roberts presiding, while at the Conference of 1824, held in Zanesville, Bishops McKendree, Roberts and Soule were present, the latter having been elected at the Gen¬ eral Conference the May previous. The next two sessions of the Ohio Conference met in October, that of 1825 in Columbus, the farthest north the Conference had yet met, and the 1826 session in Hillsborough. Bishop George seems to have been the only bishop present at the 1825 session, while Bishop Hedding alone presided at the 1826 session. In the first fifteen sessions of the Ohio Conference there were two or more bishops present at every session except three—the last two, and the 1820 session. One of the tragedies enacted in the Ohio Conference during these years was the suspension and final expulsion of William Burke. William Burke was one of the best- known of all the early Methodist preachers in the West. He was born in Virginia in 1770, but moved with his parents, shortly after the War of the Revolution west of the mountains, where in 1791 he experienced conversion and the same year began to preach. When the Western Conference was formed in 1800 he became the first secre¬ tary. He was appointed a presiding elder in 1803, and from that time until the year of his suspension he was one of the recognized leaders in the church. None had made greater sacrifices than he and none had served the church with greater success. 21 In 1813, worn out by his arduous labors in the ministry, he wrote a letter to the Conference asking for supernumerary relations. 22 He had obtained the appointment as postmaster of Cin- 21 See “Autobiography of William Burke,” in Finley’s Sketches of Western Meth¬ odism, pp. 22-92; also Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 813, 314. For the Conference action in regard to William Burke see the Journals for 1818 and 1820. 22 See Paine, Life of Bishop McKendree, vol. i, pp. 290, 291, for Burke’s letter to the Ohio Conference. 54 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO cinnati, evidently thinking that a year or so would re¬ store him to health. At the Conference of 1813 charges were brought against Burke for treating the elder with contempt, and the Con¬ ference suspended him for one year. At the next session of the Conference Burke came and took his seat as usual, but as Jacob Young states, Bishop Asbury was sick and McKendree was not there, and John Sale, the acting president, did not know how to handle the case. Accord¬ ingly, the case was not settled and finally at the Confer¬ ence of 1818 the case came up again and Burke “was suspended from all official services in the M. E. Church until he give full satisfaction to this Conference.” Mean¬ while Burke had continued to preach and administer the sacraments in seeming defiance of Conference action. Finally at the Conference session of 1820, on a motion made by James B. Finley and seconded by Jacob Young, William Burke was expelled from the church. Certainly this treatment of one of the oldest and most- talented members of the Conference seems extremely harsh and unjust, for he was guilty of no moral wrong, and his long years of service was a constant testimony of his devotion to the church. But this case, however, well illustrates the general attitude of the Methodist Church toward law and order. It demanded regularity above all else, and this, no doubt, was a most beneficent influence on the frontier, where law and order were none too highly respected. In numbers of instances the Con¬ ference appeared very harsh in voting down men, who afterward displayed exceptional ability. The best illus¬ trations of this harshness are the cases of Alfred Brunson and Henry B. Bascom, both of whom were at first re¬ jected by the Conference, and Brunson did not obtain membership until after repeated attempts. 23 23 Alfred Brunson, Western Pioneer, vol. i, pp. 201, 202, 210-215. See also Henkle, Life of Henry B. Bascom, pp. 32-66. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 55 The year 1818-1819 was one of revival in all the dis¬ tricts of the Ohio Conference. On the Ohio District, of which James B. Finley was the presiding elder, the re¬ vivals began mostly in the camp meetings, and the mem¬ bership in many of the circuits was greatly increased. One camp meeting was held in the town of Deerfield in the Western Reserve in July, the result of which con¬ tinued for three months, the society increasing in mem¬ bership from sixteen to one hundred. Another camp meeting on the Erie Circuit was equally fruitful, while a like meeting on the Lake Circuit, near the town of Erie, attracted great crowds. Finley states that “in these parts a camp meeting had never been held before, in consequence of which many were excited to come and see.” On the Sabbath a sermon on the judgment was given a most at¬ tentive hearing “and the whole congregation seemed to be melted into tears.” From this meeting the elder passes on to another camp meeting at Chetauqua, which very prob¬ ably marks the beginning of the present “Chautauqua.” 24 The presiding elder of the Scioto District, John Collins, writes of similar revivals on his district. He testifies that “Camp-meetings have been rendered a great bless¬ ing to this country, especially during the last season,” and “Every circuit in this district is favored with an outpouring of the blessed Spirit.” 25 Perhaps the most remarkable revival in the Ohio Conference during these years was the one known as the Chilicothe revival. It began in the fall of 1818 and continued through the en¬ tire autumn until February, resulting in adding to the church two hundred and twenty new members. The Presbyterian Church in Chilicothe partook of the revival spirit and likewise increased its membership. The Meth¬ odist congregations became so large that it became neces¬ sary to build a new church. The new church was a two- 24 Methodist Magazine, 1819, vol. ii, Letter from J. B. Finley, dated June 30, 1819, pp. 308-310. 26 Ibid., Letter from the Rev. John Collins, pp. 233-235. 56 CIRCUIT-RIDER DATS ALONG THE OHIO story brick building seventy by forty feet, “with spacious gallery,” and cost $5,000. 26 As a result of these revivals the membership of the church throughout the Conference shows a great increase for 1819 over that of the previous year. In 1818 28,361 members had been reported; in 1819 there were 34,826, an increase of 6,465, which is the largest increase in any single year during the first fifteen years of the history of the Ohio Conference. Throughout this period much of the preaching of the Methodist circuit-rider was still carried on in the cabins of the people, rather than in meetinghouses. Thus on the Muskingum Circuit in 1823 there were twenty-three preaching places and twenty-one of them were the homes of the people, while two were chapels, one known as Wesleyan Chapel and the other Asbury Chapel. 27 The situation on the Marietta Circuit in 1824 was much the same. On this circuit there were twenty-two preaching places. Two were chapels or churches, two were school- houses, and the remainder the cabins of the people. 28 One of the notable Methodist events for the year 1818 was the beginning of the publication of the Methodist Magazine. Although published in New York, the Ohio Conference took great interest in this new venture and its early issues contain many communications from mem¬ bers of the Ohio Conference. A committee was appointed to gather materials for the Magazine and in 1820 action was taken in the Conference to “increase the number of subscribers for the magazine so as to have it reprinted in Cincinnati,” and there is abundant evidence that the Magazine was well supported in the West. 29 In the first issue of the Methodist Magazine is an In- 2 ® Ibid., Letter from Samuel Williams, pp. 235-240. See also letter from Samuel Williams describing a later revival in Chilicothe Methodist Magazine, 1825, pp. 155- 158. 17 Stewart, p. 127. ** Ibid., p. 139. 29 MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1817, 1818, 1820. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE troductory Address 30 by the editors in which they an¬ nounce the purpose and plan of the new publication. They announce their design to be to “circulate religious knowledge”; they plan to avoid controversial subjects, as “such contentions have already done great evil in the Christian world”; nor do they intend to replenish their publication with “curious tales, wonderful narratives, or miraculous phenomena,” for they recognize that the age of miracles is past and that faith must be grounded upon reason. They urge parents to consider “the Methodist Magazine as a legacy for their posterity, and as soon as the last number for the year is received, have the whole bound together and carefully preserved.” They close their address with a warning against a certain “Methodist Pocket Hymn Book” which had its untimely birth in a back county of this State (New York) and “is a libel upon the Methodist Episcopal Church and a reproach to her name.” If any man, they state, after reading the sublime and spiritual hymns of Wesley and the other authors “from whose works our hymn book is composed” can derive any edification or entertainment from the “commonplace” poetry of the day, “we are far from wish¬ ing to lessen his enjoyment; but the honor of the church calls upon us as far as our influence extends, to prevent the circulation of such publications under the sanction of her name.” One of the issues which stirred the Ohio Conference through several years of its early history was the “pre¬ siding elder question.” The question as to the method of choosing presiding elders had come up in the General Conference of 181G, but it was laid over for four years and came up again in the General Conference of 1820. Here a resolution was introduced providing for the elec¬ tion of elders by the Annual Conference. This resolution at first passed the General Conference, but later, after a 80 Methodist Magazine, vol. i (1818), pp. 3-7. 58 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO speech by Bishop McKern! ree, the General Conference voted to suspend their resolution for four years. The debate caused the greatest excitement, and the General Conference was thrown into confusion by the determined opposition of the minority who favored election of the presiding elders. Meanwhile the agitation was contin¬ ued throughout the church and in the Ohio Conference the “Radicals,” as those in favor of limiting the power of the bishops were called, continued their agitation, and finally several of the ministers withdrew from the church. 31 At the session of the Ohio Conference in 1821 a series of resolutions were passed on the presiding elder question. 32 The subject continued to interest the church for several years thereafter though no radical change re¬ sulted. The Ohio Conference in 1820 contained six districts; the Ohio District included the Western Reserve and southwestern New York; the Lancaster District covered the south central portion of the State of Ohio, with Lancaster as the center; the Muskingum embraced the southeast corner of the State; the Scioto reached from Chilicothe on the south to Columbus on the north; the Miami District took in the southwest portion of Ohio and the southeastern section of Indiana, while the Lebanon covered all the territory north of the Miami in northwestern Ohio and southern Michigan. The Gen¬ eral Conference of 1820 had considerably changed Con¬ ference boundaries. It had taken the Kentucky District from the Ohio and added it to the Kentucky Conference, while it had compensated the Ohio Conference for this loss by the addition of Michigan territory. The first Protestant work in Detroit was begun by 81 Jacob Young, Autobiography of a Pioneer, pp. 360-364. Concerning the session of the Ohio Conference in 1820 Jacob Young says: “Our conference was much agi¬ tated by Radical influence. . . . By this time the Radicals had matured their plans, and had acquired considerable numerical strength. They were now trying to annoy us exceedingly” (p. 364). 12 MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference for 1821. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 59 Moravian missionaries in 1780. In 1804 the Rev. Daniel Freeman, a Methodist preacher from Canada, preached a few times, while the same year, the Rev. Nathan Bangs, having been appointed to a circuit in Canada by the New York Conference, came to Detroit and preached. The first regular Methodist preaching in Detroit, however, was done by the Rev. William Case, who was sent as a missionary to Detroit by the New York Conference in 1808. Case was followed the next year by the Rev. Nin- nian Holmes, and at the end of his year he reported seven members for Detroit. At that time Detroit had a population of seven hundred and seventy. In the year 1810 three preachers were assigned to Detroit, Ninian Holmes and Silas Hopkins, sent by the Genesee Confer¬ ence, and William Mitchell by the Western Conference. The following year George W. Densmore was the preacher assigned to Detroit by the Genesee Conference. Detroit does not appear in the Minutes for the years 1812 and 1813, but in 1814 the Genesee Conference again in¬ cludes an Upper Canada District, containing six circuits, among them being Detroit, with Joseph Hickcox as preacher. Hickcox remained two years and in 1816 was succeeded by Gideon Fanning, who in turn was succeeded by Alpheus Davis, while Fanning in 1818 was followed by Truman Dixon. 33 The first Methodist church erected in Michigan was on the River Rouge and was completed in 1818. 34 The first preacher sent to Detroit from the Ohio Conference was John P. Kent. Wherever Methodism is introduced education quickly follows, and Ohio was no exception to this rule. Eight years after the formation of the Ohio Conference the fol¬ lowing resolution was adopted: ‘‘Resolved, that the P. 33 History of Methodism in Detroit, by the Rev. J. M. Arnold (Michigan Historical Collections, vol. iii, pp. 228, 229). Arnold in the above paper, through his failure to understand the discrepancy in the dates in the General Minutes, places the date for the first Methodist preacher assigned to Detroit a year too late. 34 From the Detroit Gazette, April 2, 1818 (Quoted in History of Methodism in De¬ troit, by Arnold). 60 CIRCUIT-EIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Elder of each District shall take the sentiments of every Q. Conference under his charge, with regard to the es¬ tablishment of a Seminary within the bounds and under the direction of this Conference and also that they have an eye to a proper cite for its establishment and report to our next conference.” 35 At the next session the pre¬ siding elders made their report and a committee was appointed, consisting of John Collins, Martin Ruter, and David Young to consider the report. This committee re¬ ported at the same session, and advised the establishment of a seminary in or near the State of Ohio. As a site for the institution they suggest Augusta on the Kentucky side of the Ohio river, as the place where there is pros¬ pect for the “most ample funds”; and since Augusta is within the bounds of the Kentucky Conference, they pro¬ pose that a seminary located there serve both the Ohio and the Kentucky Conference. They further suggest that a committee from the Ohio Conference confer with a similar committee from the Kentucky Conference looking toward the carrying out of the above suggestion. 36 The following year, 1822, Augusta College was estab¬ lished by joint action of the Ohio and Kentucky Con¬ ferences, and in 1825 a three-story brick building was completed and the work of the college begun. 37 The Rev. John P. Finley was appointed professor of languages in 1822 and later president. On Finley’s death in 1825 Martin Ruter became the president, and the same year John P. Durbin took the professorship of languages, while in 1831 Henry B. Bascom was chosen professor of “moral science and belles-letters.” In the first facultv «/ was also Joseph S. Tomlinson, professor of mathematics af > MSS- Journal for 1820. *« Ibid., for 1821. The General Conference of 1820 had passed a resolution advising all Annual Con¬ ferences to establish institutions of learning under their control; the bishops were to use their influence to carry this resolution into effect; and the bishops were to be per¬ mitted to appoint preachers to be presidents, principals, or teachers in said institu¬ tions. (The. General Conferences, 1792-1896, p. 86.) * 7 Barker, History of Ohio Methodism, p. 228. PROGRESS OF OHIO CONFERENCE 61 and natural philosophy. These five men making up the first faculty of Augusta College were in many ways a re¬ markable group. The first president, John P. Finley, was a brother of James B. Finley, and received his education through the instruction of his father, who had attended the College of New Jersey; Martin Ruter, the second president, had founded the Western Methodist Book Con¬ cern at Cincinnati, and was one of the first men in Methodism to receive the degree of Doctor of Divinity; Henry B. Bascom was one of the most remarkable preach¬ ers Methodism has produced, while John P. Durbin be¬ came one of the outstanding leaders of the church. 38 The college remained at Augusta until 1844, when it was removed to Lexington, where it proved unsuccessful. Though the life of Augusta college was short, yet its work was by no means fruitless, for it gave to the church such men as Bishop R. S. Foster, Dr. John Miley, 39 and Pro¬ fessor W. G. Williams. The founding of this college gave a great impulse to the cause of education and led to the founding of numerous other institutions under more fav¬ orable circumstances. It would be difficult to find a more interesting group of men anywhere than could be found in almost any ses¬ sion of the Ohio Conference during the first fifteen years of its history. The outstanding figures at the opening session in 1812 were the two Youngs, Jacob and David, James Quinn, John Collins, John Sale, James Ward and William Burke, though there were others of equal ability and devotion. David Young’s ministry began in the old Western Conference in 1805 and he remained on the active list until 1849. He was a preacher of outstanding- ability and his fame on the frontier was widespread. John Collins was the founder of Cincinnati Methodism. He came west from New Jersey in 1803 and for thirty 38 John A. Roche, The Life of John Price Durbin, pp. 48-51. New York, 1890. * B Ibid., pp. 52, 53. 62 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO years was active in all the work of the ministry. John Sale, Jacob Young, and James Quinn exercised a large influence as administrators of Western districts and were already ministers of experience at the birth of the Ohio Conference. Of the younger men in the first fifteen years of Ohio Conference history, James B. Finley, John Strange, Henry B. Bascom, Russell Bigelow, Thomas A. Morris, Allen Wiley, Charles Elliott, LeRoy Swormstedt, John P. Durbin, Alfred Brunson, Aaron Wood, and Adam Poe seem to be the outstanding characters from the stand¬ point of history. Of this group two became bishops, Thomas A. Morris and Henry B. Bascom; James B. Fin¬ ley has the distinction of being the first regularly con¬ stituted missionary of the church; Charles Elliott became one of the outstanding editors, serving the Western Christian Advocate in its early years and later the Cen¬ tral Christian Advocate . Elliott is likewise distinguished as an author of solid worth and his books on Slavery, Roman Catholicism and the History of the Slavery Schism in the Church are still serviceable. JohnP. Dur¬ bin was destined to become one of the greatest of mission¬ ary secretaries; Brunson lived and worked in the church in Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, becoming, perhaps the best-known Methodist in the establishment of mission work among the Indians. Swormstedt and Poe became publishing agents, while Allen Wiley and Aaron Wood were destined for leadership in Indiana Methodism for more than a generation. Russell Bigelow and John Strange were chiefly known as preachers and both deserve a permanent place among the great preach¬ ers of America. 40 40 Brief biographies of the above men will be found scattered through the General Minutes of the Conferences, each appearing the year following his death. Longer biographies of several among the number have appeared, while some have written autobiographies. The files of the Methodist Magazine contain considerable biograph¬ ical material also. CHAPTER IV THE WYANDOT MISSION The Wyandots were once a powerful nation inhabit¬ ing territory on both sides of the Detroit River. They were called Hnrons by the French and the English, and among them the early French missionaries had achieved their earliest successes. In the War of the American Revolution the Wyandots, like most of the other Indian tribes, had sided with the English and their first treaty with the American government was signed January 21, 1785. 1 With the pushing westward of white settlement successive treaties 2 were made with the Wyandots, as with other tribes, and in the early part of the nineteenth century we find them confined to a reservation located in the north central part of the State of Ohio. This reservation contained in 1820 147,840 acres and was nine¬ teen miles long and some twelve miles wide. Through the reservation ran the Sandusky river and along this stream with its tributaries lived what remained of the once numerous and warlike Hurons. 3 The Wyandots had long been living on the borders of white settlement and, like many another tribe, had be¬ come addicted to all the worst vices of the whites, which when added to their own, brought them to a condition of degradation almost past description. 4 Drunkenness, immorality of all kinds, gambling and other vicious prac- 1 Henry R. Schoolcraft, The American Indians, etc., p. 371. Buffalo, 1851. 2 From 1785 to 1836 there were fourteen treaties concluded with the Wyandots. See Treaties between the United States of America and the Several Indian Tribes from 1778 to 1837, etc. Washington, 1837. s Bangs, History of the Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, p. 48. New York, 1832. 4 For the condition of the Indians living on the borders of white settlement see Esarey, History of Indiana, vol. i, pp. 231, 232. Also James B. Finley, Life Among the Indians, p. 233. 63 64 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO tices were common among them, while their natural in¬ dolence, especially on the part of the males of the tribe, had reduced many to hopeless poverty and want. At the time the Methodists began their work among the Wyandots they were divided into the following tribes with the names of their chiefs. Between-the-Logs was chief of the Bear tribe; John Hicks was chief of the Deer tribe; Cherokee Boy of the Wolf tribe; Peacock of the Beaver tribe; George Punck of the Snake tribe; Ronyan of the Big Mossy Turtle tribe; while Mononcue was chief of the Little Snapping Turtle tribe. Deunquott was head chief, and Rotunda or Warpole was the head war chief. These chiefs made up the great council of the nation, with power over every matter arising both within the tribe and with other tribes. 5 The Jesuit missionaries had early found the Hurons most susceptible to the softening influences of Christian¬ ity, 6 and the Catholics had continued their work among them, to some extent, but by the beginning of the nine¬ teenth century their beneficial influence over the tribe seems to have largely disappeared. It is true, there were still some among the Wyandots who professed Christian¬ ity, “but it appears, both from their morals and from the declarations of many who professed to be Catholics” that their profession had little effect upon their lives. Such were the people among whom the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church was destined to establish her first mission. The medium through whom the Wyandots were brought to the attention of the Ohio Methodists was John Stew¬ art, a free born mulatto, a native of Virginia. During his youth he became addicted to intemperate habits, but on coming to Marietta, Ohio, he came under the influence of the Methodists, against whom he had previously enter¬ tained the greatest prejudice, and at a camp meeting near 6 Bangs, History of the Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, p. 48. 8 For an account of the work of the French missionaries among the Hurons see Francis Parkman, The Jesuits in North America. THE WYANDOT MISSION 65 Marietta conducted by Marcus Lindsey, he was thoroughly converted and united with the Methodist Church. Soon after his reformation he became convinced that he ought to preach, and the call was particularly impressed upon him during a severe attack of sickness and he finally promised himself that he would obey that call. He says that he heard a voice calling him to the Northwest, and finally he started to travel in the direc¬ tion from whence the voices came. Continuing his course, sometimes in the road and sometimes in the woods, he at last came to a Moravian mission established among the Delawares, and from them he learned of the Indians farther north. Leaving the Moravians, he next journeyed to Pipetown, where a group of Delawares lived, and to them he sang and gave an exhortation, and although they invited him to remain among them, he still felt that he had not yet come to the right place. He took his departure and finally arrived at the home of William Walker, Sr., at Upper Sandusky, the United States Indian Sub-agent. 7 The Indian agent, William Walker, suspected that Stewart was a runaway slave, but as Stewart told the story of his conversion and his call to preach, he became convinced of his sincerity. The wife of William Walker was herself a half Wyandot and a woman of intelligence, and she with her whole family became staunch friends of Stewart and remained untiring friends to the mission after it was established. Stewart was directed by the Walker family to another colored man, Jonathan Pointer, who had lived among the Wyandots since boyhood and who understood the Wyandot tongue like one of the natives. Stewart called upon Pointer and implored him to act as an interpreter. 7 Stewart left a short manuscript account of his experience, which came into the possession of James B. Finley, who has told the story in his Life Among the Indians, pp. 233-282. See also Finley, History of the Wyandot Mission; also Bangs, History of the Missions of the Methodist Episcopal Church, pp. 48-82. 66 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO But Pointer was very reluctant to do so and tried to dis¬ suade Stewart from his purpose of preaching to the In¬ dians. Stewart, however, persisted, and finally Pointer consented to introduce him to the chiefs as “a friend to their souls.” Thus was the work of John Stewart begun among the Wyandots. Up to this time his work among the Indians was entirely independent of any church, and he continued his individual work among them through the fall and winter of 1816 and 1817. During the course of the winter there was a great religious awakening among the Indians and among those who professed re¬ ligion was Jonathan Pointer, the negro interpreter. * * 8 Stewart early in the spring of 1817 returned to Mari¬ etta, from which place he sent to the Indians, through the agent, Mr. Walker, an address, dated May 25, 1817, 9 enjoining those who had accepted Christianity to faith¬ fulness. On his return to Upper Sandusky in the late spring Stewart found to his sorrow that very few of his converts had remained steadfast. To make things more difficult and discouraging he also had to meet a powerful opposition, led by several of the chiefs, prominent among them being Mononcue and Bioody-Eyes. In spite of these discouragements Stewart continued his work with some success until the year 1818, when he again returned to Marietta, remaining there until the autumn of that year. On his second return to the Wyandots he was compelled to face a new difficulty. It was learned that he had been acting independently of any church and for that reason he was accused of being an impostor. This determined Stewart to attach himself to the Methodist Episcopal Church at a nearer point than Marietta, where he held an exhorter's license. In the year 1818, while on a visit to some Indians on the Great Miami, he made the ac¬ quaintance of Robert Armstrong and some other Method- 8 I am following here the account as given by Finley, in his History of the Wyandot Mission. 8 This address may be found in Finley, Life Among the Indians , pp. 249-255. THE WYANDOT MISSION 67 ists living near Bellefontaine. From them he learned that there was to be a Quarterly Meeting of the Belle¬ fontaine Circuit held near Urbana, and to this meeting he determined to go and seek a local preacher’s license. Accordingly, Stewart appeared at Urbana before the quarterly meeting, over which Moses Crume was presiding as the Elder, accompanied by several Indians, and bear¬ ing recommendations from the converted chiefs that he was a proper person to be licensed as a local preacher. In the account of these proceedings given by Moses Crume he states that Bishop George was present at the Quarterly Meeting and approved the granting of the license to Stewart. 10 Stewart now returned to the Indians armed with his local preacher’s license and with a promise that he would be assisted in his work by the other local preachers of the circuit. Meanwhile the news of Stewart’s work was spreading within the church and had come to the atten¬ tion of Bishop McKendree. When the Ohio Conference convened in Cincinnati in 1819, the following action in regard to the work among the Indians was taken : The Conference determined that a Missionary be sent to the northern Indians, and that James Montgomery a Local Preacher be employed. Moved by James Quinn and seconded by J. Collins that the mission be under the direction of the Presiding Elder of the Lebanon District and the Preachers of the Mad River cir¬ cuit. John Strange, Moses Crume, and John Sale were appointed a committee to wait on Brother Montgomery, to ascertain if he want any assistance to enable him to carry into effect his Mis¬ sion; and also to open a subscription to raise supplies for that purpose . 11 The day following the committee appointed to wait on James Montgomery reported as follows: The committee appointed yesterday to wait on Brother Mont- 10 For the statement of Moses Crume see Finley, Life Among the Indiana, pp. 260, 261. “See MSS. Journal for 1819. 68 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO gomery, reported that he is ready and willing to enter on his mission, if he can be furnished with one hundred dollars im¬ mediately, which shall be deducted from his annual allowances, which is two hundred dollars and his travelling expenses: but is understood that his accounts are to be subject to the investi¬ gation of the committee appointed to take charge of the mission. The committee for the Indian mission is authorized to employ John Stewart, a man of colour to cooperate with Brother Mont¬ gomery on his mission, and they can furnish him with what assistance they think proper . 12 Immediately after this committee made their report this entry in the Journal appears: James Montgomery a local deacon was elected to the office of elder. There were at this time no missionary funds and in order to make possible the sending of Montgomery to the Wyandots a collection was taken among the preach¬ ers of the Ohio Conference which amounted to seventy dollars. The two preachers on the Mad River Circuit in the year 1819 were Russell Bigelow and Robert W. Finley, and they with the presiding elder, James B. Finley, were the committee appointed by the Conference to aid the mis¬ sion and provide for the missionaries. 13 * Soon after the close of the Conference Colonel Johnson, the Indian agent, requested that James Montgomery be released from his appointment as missionary so that he might serve as a sub-agent to the Senecas. This was accordingly done and the presiding elder employed Moses Henkle to take his place. The first regular Quarterly Meeting held with the In¬ dians was appointed for the house of Ebenezar Zane, a half-white man, at Zanesville on the Mad River. There were about sixty Indians present with four chiefs, among 1J This is the first mention made of John Stewart in the Journal of the Ohio Con¬ ference. 11 James B. Finley, Life Among the Indians , p. 262. THE WYANDOT MISSION 69 them being Between-the-Logs, Hicks, Mononcue and Scuteash. At this meeting the chiefs all spoke in the evening, at which a large number of whites had gathered from the surrounding country. Between-the-Logs’ speech is especially interesting, for he gave the history of re¬ ligion among his people, telling of the work of the French Catholics, of the teaching of the great Shawnee prophet, and finally of the coming of Stewart and the Methodists. 14 At the end of the year Finley asked the Indians if they desired the work to be continued among them. In reply they stated “we desire the old father to keep coming at least another year when his year is out; and we want our brother, Armstrong to come to us as often as he can, and our brothers Stewart and Jonathan to stay among us and help us, as they have done: and we hope our good fathers will not give us up because so many of our people are wicked and do wrong,” etc. At the next session of the Ohio Conference held at Chillicotlie, in August, 1820, Moses Hinkle was reap¬ pointed, and the Conference approved the report of the committee on the Indian mission. They further author¬ ized the committee to give “John Stewart and Jonathan Pointer, men of colour, who were also employed in the mission what support they think needful.” 15 The Con¬ ference also sent an address to the Indians on the subject of religion and ordered that each of its members should circulate a subscription to raise money for the support of the mission. 16 While the first Methodist mission wavs getting under 14 James B. Finley, Life Among the Indians, pp. 269-273. See a letter from Finley, Methodist Magazine, vol. iii, pp. 34-40. 1820. 15 MSS. Journal for 1820. 16 The action in regard to the subscription paper was as follows: “The Conference ordered that each of its members shall circulate a subscription to raise monies for the support of the Indian mission: and they shall be accountable to the next conference for the performance of this duty: and that the comitee in charge of the mission shall get an address with a subscription connected therewith, printed, and forward to the P. Elders, a copy for each preacher under their respective charges” (MSS. Journal, 1820). 70 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO way in the bounds of the Ohio Conference, a Methodist Missionary Society was being organized in New York. Methodism had always been missionary in character. It was the missionary spirit which brought the first Meth¬ odist preachers to America, and with this spirit Francis Asbury was imbued to the last breath. While Asbury was active among the Conferences it had been his custom to collect money wherever he could, to supply the wants of necessitous preachers and their families. During the latter years of his life he carried about a subscription book, in which no one was allowed to subscribe more than one dollar. This he called his mite subscription, and the sums thus collected were divided among the Annual Con¬ ferences to meet the most needy cases in order the more effectively to extend the work of the church among the poor and destitute. 17 Soon after the death of Bishop Asbury it was pro¬ posed to form a Missionary Society under the direct con¬ trol of the Methodist Episcopal Church to raise funds and to more effectively direct the sending of workers into the needy fields. Of course there were the usual objectors, but these were overruled for the following reasons, as given by Nathan Bangs: First, other denominations had organized missionary societies and so zealous were they that many Methodist people were contributing to them; second, it was evident that although the Methodist sys¬ tem is missionary in character yet there were many places, such as new and destitute settlements, which were incapable of supporting the gospel; third, work among the Indians was opening up; fourth it might become the duty of the Methodists to help “others in extending the Redeemer’s kingdom in foreign nations”; and finally, it 17 For an authoritative account of the formation of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, see Bangs, History of the Missions Under the Care of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, pp. 23-48. Nathan Bangs was one of the preachers present at the organization of the Society and was one of the three appointed to draw up a constitution. See also letters from Bishops McKendree and Roberts on the founding of a Mis¬ sionary Society, Methodist Magazine , 1819, vol. ii, pp. 397-399, THE WYANDOT MISSION 71 was evident that such an organization could probably raise much more money and consequently do more good than under the present arrangement. With the above considerations in mind the preachers resident in New York and the book agents, at a meeting held in New York in 1818 18 proposed that such an organi¬ zation be formed and a committee of three, consisting of Freeborn Garrettson, Laban Clark, and Nathan Bangs, was appointed to draft a constitution. Each of the mem¬ bers of the committee prepared constitutions and when they next came together the constitution prepared by Nathan Bangs was adopted, with some slight amendment. The next move was the calling of a meeting of all those interested in the missionary cause at the Forsyth Street Church on the evening of April 5, 1919. Here after several addresses the constitution was adopted and the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church was thus launched. 19 Besides the president, vice-presidents, and secretaries, and the treasurer, the Society was to have thirty-two managers, elected by the Society annually, and each An¬ nual Conference was to have the privilege of electing a vice-president from its own body. The Constitution pro¬ vided for auxiliary societies, and these societies were to be supplied with Bibles and Testaments at cost, provided they agree to turn over to the general Society all surplus money after they have supplied their own needs. Accord¬ ing to this provision, the Ohio Conference at its session in 1829 resolved that an auxiliary society should be formed at Chilicothe. 20 The amount collected during the first year by the Gen- 18 The following preachers were at the meeting: Freeborn Garrettson, Samuel Mer- win, Joshua Soule, Thomas Mason, Laban Clark, Seth Crowell, Samuel Howe, Thomas Tharp, and Nathan Bangs. . 19 The first officers of the Society were: the Rev. William McRendree, president; Enoch George, 1st vice-president; Robert R. Roberts, 2d vice-president; N. Bangs, 3rd vice-president; Mr. Francis Hall, clerk; Daniel Ayers,^ recording secretary; the Rev. Thomas Mason, corresponding secretary; and Joshua Soule, treasurer. MSS. Journal for 1920. See the Circular sent out by the Society, Bangs, pp. 23, 33 . 72 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO eral Society was $823.04. 21 The income of the Society steadily increased year by year and in the fourth year an income of $5,521.06% was reported. 22 Of this total sum $1,899.46 was appropriated for the Wyandot Mis¬ sion. Among the auxiliary societies was the Juvenile Einleyan Mite Society organized in Baltimore, the purpose of which seems to have been to raise money for the education of Indian children at the Wyandot Mission. During the year 1820-21 the mission was continued on the same plan as the year previous with varying success. The presiding elder in charge of the work came to the conclusion during this year that more was necessary than simply to hold preaching among the Indians if they were to benefit permanently. He accordingly urged them to allow a school to be established on manual labor prin¬ ciples. In their last treaty a section of land had been set apart for school purposes, but the Indians hesitated. Finally after long delay they at last drew up an address to be presented to the Ohio Conference at its next ses¬ sion at Lebanon, Ohio, in August, 1821. The address states, “Our council have resolved to admit a missionary school to be established among us, at Upper Sandusky; and have selected a section of land for that purpose, at a place called Camp Meigs, where there is spring water, and other conveniences.” They further ask that the school-teacher to be selected be a preacher, who will be able to preach and baptize their children and marry their people. Further, they ask for a man who “loves our nation; that loves us and our children; one that can bear with our ignorance and weakness.” 23 The address was signed by seven chiefs and certified as being done in the presence, and by the interpretation of “William 21 “First Annual Report of the Missionary and Bible Society,” held in John Street Church, New York, April 17, 1820, Methodist Magazine , vol. iii, pp. 185-194. 1820. 22 Fourth Annual Re-port of the Missionary Society, bound with the Methodist Maga¬ zine for 1823, vol. vi. 23 Finley, Life Among the Indians, pp. 278, 279. THE WYANDOT MISSION 73 Walker, United States Interpreter, and Moses Hinkle sr. missionary.” The request of the Indians for a school and a settled teacher and preacher was well received by the Ohio Con¬ ference at their next session, and James B. Finley was ap¬ pointed to take charge of the work and the following re¬ port on the subject was adopted: 1. That the Conference immediately establish a School at Camp Meegs, for the education of the Wyandot Indians, and others, 2. That the Missionary who may be stationed at Camp Meegs shall have the superintendence of the above School and the said Missionary is hereby authorized and required to select and em¬ ploy a missionary family, likewise to erect such buildings as may be necessary. 3. That a special committee be appointed in or near the town of Xenia to whom the Superintendant of the above School may make known the wants and necessaties of the Missionary family & school which committe is to take charge of all provisions, clothing &ct. which may come into their hands; they are also to give such instructions to other commites as they may learn from the Superintendant to be necessary. 4. That subscriptions be printed and put into the hands of every preacher in charge of a circuit or station, to obtain monies for the above Mission and School. 5. That the Presiding Elders be authorized & required to ap¬ point a committee or committees in every district for the purpose of obtaining provisions, clothing &ct for the support of the In¬ dians at school which provisions when collected shall be subject to their order or the order of the Superintendant. 6. The above Missionary is hereby authorized and requested to purchase all the impliments and utentials he thinks necessary for house keeping and farming for the above school and Mission. 7. That an appropriate address be drawn up and presented to the above Indians. 8. That an address be drawn up and sanctioned by this Con¬ ference and put into the hands of every preacher who has the charge of a Circuit or Station to obtain signatures petioning Congress not to repeal the existing laws which regulate our commerce with the Indians: These petitions when signed are to be returned to the P. Elder of each district and forwarded by him to Congress as soon as it can be done. 74 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO 9. The committe also examined the accounts of Moses Hinkle, and James B. Finley and find that the expenditures of the Indian and Mission are less than the monies reed, by (errors excepted) $3.57. 10. We likewise beg leave to report that the Superintendent of the Indian School be allowed a salary of $500. including what he may get as a Missionary. 24 The appointment of James B. Finley as the mission¬ ary to the Wyandots marks the beginning of a new period in the mission. Placing his furniture and household effects upon a suitable wagon drawn by a yoke of oxen, the missionary family set off through the woods on Octo¬ ber 8, 1821, for the Indian reservation. For sixty miles the road lay through a dense woods, and in that distance there were but three cabins. Besides his own wife and children Finley had employed two men and a young woman, while Miss Harriet Stubbs volunteered to ac¬ company them as a teacher. Arriving at their destina¬ tion, they were permitted to unload their goods at a new cabin belonging to the blacksmith, until their own was built. The next Sabbath the new missionary conducted service at the council-house, assisted by John Stewart, who at this time, however, was suffering from consump¬ tion. It was imperative that Finley and his two assistants set to work at once building the necessary buildings to house the mission. Finley had not worked at manual labor for years and the work of felling trees and prepar¬ ing the logs for the houses soon blistered his hands, until there was little skin left in the palms, but he states: “I took oak bark, boiled it, and washed my hands in the decoction, and they soon got well, and became hard.” Finally a cabin was built twenty by twenty-three feet and "on the very day snow began to fall” the family moved in. The cattle found shelter in one of the old 24 MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference, 1821. THE WYANDOT MISSION 75 block houses, but there was still to be constructed a large house to be used as a school. Undaunted by winter the missionary and his one assistant—for the other young man had left—began preparing the timbers for this larger building. Finley says, “I think I can say that neither Brother Riley nor myself sat down to eat one meal of victuals that winter but by candle-light, except on Sabbath days. 7725 One of the problems which Finley had to meet was that of enforcing discipline. Up to this time there had been no church organization among the Indians, and those who desired came and enjoyed the church ordinances without formal admission. When it was proposed to the Indians that their names be placed on paper as members of the church and that they be formed into classes there was considerable objection. Calling them to account for their conduct seemed to them like enslaving them. Fin¬ ally, after three months of preparation and the frequent reading of the General Rules, Finley proceeded to form classes. At Big Spring twenty came forward and gave their names as members of the church; at the council- house only ten, and among these ten were four chiefs, making a total of thirty, out of the whole nation. One condition laid down was total abstinence; not a single Indian was admitted that tasted liquor on any occasion. Immediately after the formation of these classes, op¬ position was aroused against Finley and the Methodist Church by traders who lived on the border of the reserva¬ tion and who made their living selling whisky to the Indians. Due to this opposition it was some time be¬ fore there was much increase in the classes, but in the early spring one of the principal women, opposed to the mission, was thoroughly converted which led to a con¬ siderable revival among them. 28 For Finley’s own account of this experience see Finley, Life Among the Indians, pp. 283-286. 76 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO During the month of February nearly all the Indians went to the woods to trap and make sugar. The mission¬ ary decided that preaching ought to follow the Indians, and accordingly he, with Armstrong and Mononcue, set off through the woods for their hunting ground, having announced a meeting to be held at the camp of Between- tlie-Logs about the first of March. The camp lay twenty- five miles through the forest, without path or blazed tree. Finally reaching their destination, Finley, Monon¬ cue and Armstrong were joyfully received, the women and children running to meet them. 26 It was Friday morning when the missionary arrived at the hunting camp and the first night, as Finley says, was mostly spent “laboring with an Indian man who was of the heathen party,” the brother of the chief of the Beaver tribe. The next morning many Indians came from their camps and pitched their tents, and that evening there was a congregation of about one hundred and fifty. Sunday morning the love feast was held and at eleven o’clock came the preaching, and at that service several joined the church. Finley says: “I made strict inquiry how they attended to their duties in the woods, such as family and private prayer, and especially how they spent the Sabbath. Whether on that day they looked after their traps, or made sugar, or gathered the water. But I found that all their duties were most sacredly attended to; and on the Sabbath as many as could, came together, and sung and prayed, and held class meeting.” The last Quarterly Meeting of the year was interesting, and showed the effect of Finley’s teaching and his attempt to establish discipline among the Indian Christians. In examining the character of the leaders an objection was made to one that he had cut wood on Sunday. This he 26 Finley most interestingly describes the Indian camps, their methods of trapping and the process of sugar-making in his Life Among the Indians, pp. 294-299. THE WYANDOT MISSION 77 acknowledged, but stated that it was very cold and he either had to cut wood or freeze. Finley then asked what he had been doing the Saturday previous, and stated “your neglect on Saturday made you break the Sabbath.” Another was accused of having sold some sugar on Sun¬ day, which he admitted, but stated he had forgotten it was Sunday and that he would not do so again. A third was accused of being too dirty in his clothing and person. The accused excuse was that he had no wife and that he was a poor hand to wash. In reply his accuser said: “Your want of a wife is no excuse. We have women enough in our nation that have no husbands, and feel themselves lost for want of a head. They would marry if asked, and will make wives good enough for any of us; but some of our men are afraid to get wives now; they cannot throw them away when they please, but must stick to them. Our women do not now cultivate our corn, cut our wood, and do all our work as they used to do.” The result of this admonition was most fruitful, for within a week or two the missionary was called upon to marry the old dirty Indian class leader. Another interesting event of this first year of the mis¬ sion under James B. Finley was the camp meeting held in the Delaware Circuit, which was attended by many of the Wyandots. This meeting resulted in the conver¬ sion of a number of Indians and nine of them joined the church. Meanwhile the mission school and farm were not neg¬ lected. By the end of July the double mission house, forty-eight feet long, was nearly finished. This work, however, was interrupted by the severe sickness of both Finley and his wife, and from this illness they were not fully recovered until late fall. Stewart also had been at work all the year, doing what he could in his feeble state of health. Reports were circulated that Stewart had been thrown out with no support. To quiet these rumors 78 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Bishop McKendree collected a hundred dollars and a farm of sixty acres was purchased for Stewart and his wife, for he had married a woman of his own color in 1820. On this farm Stewart lived, adjoining the reserva¬ tion, until his death in 1823. The Conference of 1821 had requested the preachers to gather provisions, clothing, and other things necessary for the mission. The following articles were forwarded to the mission from Cincinnati, Nenia, and Dayton. I give the list just as it appears in the original manu¬ script : Rec’d from Cincinnati. 1 Bible worn, I Companion for the Alter, 1 the reformed-?,3 small primmers, 2 Doz. American prim- mers, y 2 Doz. Spelling, 6 slack locks, 4 Pad. Do., 4 pr large B hinges and screws, 5 pr smaller do do, 2 papier scriens, 2 do-? I Doz Tea Spoons, y 2 Doz pr scissors, 4 door knobes, 2 bed cords, 2 sickles, 1 coffee pot, 1 hoe, 35 tin cups, 1 matlock, 2 Kegs nails different sizes—each 100 lb-54 lb. 151/5 4 d pails, 8 10 do. 51/2 8d do., 3 small pieces bacon don’t know from whom. Xenia neighborhood. 1 collar, 1 Blanket, 1 big wheel, 119 lb bacon, 13 lb dried beef, 2 bed cords, 81b . hard soap, 63/4 lb tallow, 34 lb sugar, 1-12 Gal Kittle cost $1.80, 1 hoe, 11/2 bush of dried apples, 1 tub cost $1.50, 2 wask boards, 64 lb bacon, 17 lb Do. Davton. 1 Bull plough, 4yds callico, 4 yds, cotton shirting.* 7 The letter, evidently accompanying the above list of articles, states: “I feel much mortified that so much exertion has produced so little ... be assured I have travelled for the mission. I meet with the avericious devil at every point and when he is pierced he flounces and spouts like a whale with a harpoon in him.” 28 Some of the Methodist brethren were not slow to avail 11 From a MS. found in the Library of Ohio Wesleyan University. 18 From a MS. letter. THE WYANDOT MISSION 79 themselves of the missionary and the Methodist mission for the purpose of trade as the following letter indicates: Wilmington 25 Dec. 1821. Dear brother as I contemplate visiting your place in about four weeks if the Sleighing will answer for the purpose of pur¬ chasing some furs such as muskrat mink and otter. I want to get some information what articles I can bring to give in ex¬ change. I expect to start with some hats please give a descrip¬ tion of those that will answer to bring. I also wish you to direct the best rout to come in a sleigh the distance etc. The writer also inquires whether Detroit can be reached from Upper Sandusky, while he closes his letter with considerable church news, which gives a rather in¬ teresting example of how business and religion can be mingled, at least to the advantage to business. 29 During this year Finley received the following letter from Bishop McKendree which gives considerable in¬ formation as to the interest the church at large was taking in the new missionary venture in Ohio. The bishop writes from South Carolina and the letter is dated January 24, 1821. 30 I have not had the pleasure of receiving any intelligence from the Conference relative to the progress of our Missionary busi¬ ness; some however, from the Book agents has afforded me consolation. I can but rejoice to hear that that the great and good work is going on and hope that you may be encouraged to continue your labours. The school particularly deserves our most serious attention and utmost exertions. ... I suggest the propriety of procuring in the first instance an effective teacher, who will not only teach the art of reading, but the ruduments of agriculture and husbandry. Let Br. Stewart know that his brethern in the South encourage and pray for him. Id passing along the sea shore from Wil¬ mington to Charleston, I communicated something relative to 29 MS. letter in the Library of Ohio Wesleyan University. 30 From an unpublished letter in the collection at Ohio Wesleyan University. The one hundred dollars collected by Bishop McKendree is evidently the sum used to purchase the sixty acres of land adjoining the reservation, which was presented to John Stewart. 80 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO his labours and had the pleasure to receive at conference one hundred dollars—which sum was collected in Wilmington, Georgetown, an 1 Charleston, chiefly among the blacks, and sent on to me to aid Br. Stewart in his good work. Our brethern here seem to regard the poor Indians as ob¬ jects worthy of their most serious attention. We have ap¬ pointed a missionary to travel through the hounds of the So. Carolina Conference to form out societies &c for the purpose of aiding in establishing schools among them. Br. Wm. Capers goes on the work and is to visit the Choctaws and others. 31 W. McKendree. At the session of the Ohio Conference, held at Marietta in August, 1822, 32 the Rev. Charles Elliott was appointed missionary to the Wyandots, while James B. Finley was made the presiding elder of the Lebanon District and superintendent of the mission. There was an under¬ standing that if Finley’s health permitted, he was to be relieved of the duties of the district and return to the mission during the year. Besides Elliott, William Walker, who belonged to the nation and understood the Indian language, and Lydia Barstow were employed as teachers. Throughout this year the mission and the school were very flourishing, and the membership of the mission church grew from sixty-five to near two hundred. Charles Elliott spent much of his time in the field making col¬ lections for the mission while James B. Finley gave up his district and gave all his time to the mission. The 31 William Capers became the outstanding missionary in the south under the direc¬ tion of the Methodist Episcopal Church, not alone to the Indians, but he was also later employed in establishing mission work among the negroes. (See letters from the Rev. William Capers in the Methodist Magazine.) 32 The Conference Journal for 1822 contains the following reference to the visit of the Wyandot chiefs: “The chiefs of the Wyandote Mission appeared before the Con¬ ference and each addressed it through an interpreter in a pleasing manner, and they were replied to in like manner through the same by Bishop McKendree.” (MSS. Journal for 1822.) The following letter to J. B. Finley from Bishop McKendree, written by D. Hitt, for the Bishop explains itself. It is dated May 4, 1822: “As respects the Indians visiting the Conference at its next session, the Bishop is unwilling to give advice therein; but thinks, as you know the place and country round about the seat of Conference, you must judge of the propriety or impropriety of their attending, at the same time not doubting, but their attendance might be productive of salutary effects in various points of view.” (From an unpublished letter, Ohio Wesleyan University.) THE WYANDOT MISSION 81 very success of the mission aroused to greater activity the heathen party among the Indians which was led by the brother of Between-the-Logs, Bloody-Eyes. During the winter the Christian and the heathen party met at the Council house on a Sabbath and after much speechmak¬ ing on both sides the controversy finally ended, though the head chief De-un-quot said, “This religion may go into all the houses on this reservation, but into mine it shall not come.” Soon after this the head chief died, and immediately afterward his wife and children ac¬ cepted Christianity and came into the church. In the winter of 1828 Finley made a visit to neighbor¬ ing tribes in company with several of the Christian chiefs. They visited some Mohawk towns and spent a Sabbath at a Seneca village and made frequent visits to some Delawares living on the Sandusky. On these trips he was always accompanied by some of the leaders among the Christian Wyandots who aided him greatly in his work. In the early summer of 1823 the mission was favored by a visit from Bishop McKendree. His visit took place at the time when they were engaged in cultivating the fifty acres of corn and Finley describes how the good bishop went to the field with the Indian boys and worked with a hoe, to the delight of the boys. He stayed five days, making frequent visits to the school, and observed the progress and behavior of the Indian children. On this visit he states: “These visits were highly gratifying to us, and they afforded us an opportunity of observing the behavior of the children both in and out of school, their improvement in learning, and the whole order and management of the school; together with the proficiency of the boys in agriculture, and of the girls in the various domestic arts. They are sewing and spinning hand¬ somely, and would be weaving if they had looms. The children are cleanly, chaste in their manners, kind to each other, peaceable and friendly to all. They promptly 82 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO obey orders, and do their work cheerfully, without any objection or murmur.” 33 During the good bishops stay he held an informal coun¬ cil with their principal men and six chiefs, which we will let the bishop describe: On the third day after our arrival, we dined with Between- the-Logs and about twenty of their principal men, six of whom were chiefs, and three interpreters; and were very agreeably and comfortably entertained. After dinner we were all comfortably seated—a few of us on benches, the rest on the grass, under a pleasant grove of shady oaks, and spent about two hours in council. I requested them to give us their views of the state of the school; to inform us without reserve, of any objections they might have to the order and management thereof, and to sug¬ gest any alteration they might wish. I also desired to know how their nation liked our religion, and how those who had embraced it were prospering?” In reply to the bishop’s questions, the Indians ex¬ pressed great satisfaction both with the school and the general condition of the mission and were anxious that they be continued among them. The condition of the mission in 1823 is well described in a letter addressed to Bishop McKendree by the Indian Agent, Mr. John Johnson. The letter dated August 23, 1823, was written from Upper Sandusky, and is as fol¬ lows : I have just closed a visit of several days in attending to the state of the Indians at this place, and have had frequent oppor¬ tunities of examining the progress and condition of the school and mission, under the management of the Rev. James B. Fin¬ ley. The buildings and improvements of the establishment are substantial and extensive, and do the gentleman great credit. The farm is under excellent fence, and in good order; compris¬ ing about one hundred and forty acres in pasture, corn, and vegetables. There are about fifty acres in corn, which, from Bishop McKendree’s report of his visit may be found in a letter written by him to the Rev. Thomas Mason, corresponding secretary of the Missionary Society, and published in the Missionary Report for 1824. (See the Methodist Magazine, 1824, Supplement.) THE WYANDOT MISSION 83 present appearances, will yield three thousand bushels. It is by much the finest crop I have seen this year; has been well worked, and is clear of grass and weeds. There are twelve acres in potatoes, cabbage, turnips, and garden. Sixty children belong to the school of which number fifty one are Indians. These children are boarded and lodged at the mission house; they are orderly and attentive, comprising every class, from the aphabet to readers in the Bible. I am told by the teacher, that they are apt in learning, and that he is entirely satisfied with the progress they have made. They attend with the family regu¬ larly to the duties of religion. The meeting house on the Sab¬ bath is numerously and devoutly attended. A better congrega¬ tion in behavior I have not beheld; and I believe there can be no doubt, that there are very many persons, of both sexes, in the Wyandott nation, who have experienced the saving effects of the Gospel upon their minds. Many of the Indians are now settling on farms, and have comfortable houses and large fields. A spirit of order, industry, and improvement, appears to prevail with that part of the nation which has embraced Christianity, and this constitutes a full half of the whole population. 84 During the year 1822-1823 the total expenditures of the mission, including improvements on the farm, the pay¬ ment of missionaries, the expense of feeding and clothing between fifty and sixty children, was $2,254.54. This money was furnished by the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and other local societies among them being the Philadelphia society, particu¬ larly. 35 In the year 1823 Finley made application to the secretary of war for a part of $10,000, voted by Con¬ gress for the improvement of the Indians, and was suc¬ cessful in receiving $500, which was to be paid in quar¬ terly payments, for the benefit of the Indian school. For the first time records of their council meetings began to be kept by the Indians at the suggestion of Finley. 30 Among the first matters of business recorded 34 This letter of Mr. John Johnson’s may likewise be found in the report of the Mis¬ sionary Society for 1824 (Methodist Magazine, 1824, Supplement). For the first sev¬ eral years the Missionary Society Annual report was printed in the Methodist Maga¬ zine. Later the reports were printed separately. 36 Finley, Life Among the Indians, p. 366. 36 For an example of such a record see Finley’s Life Among the Indians, p. 370. 84 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO was that of a divorce proceeding, where an Indian hus¬ band received a divorce from his wife on the ground that she had gone off with another Indian. This, Finley states, was the only divorce granted while he was in the mission. Very severe regulations were also adopted in regard to drunkenness, while other regulations show that the Wyandot nation was beginning to manifest the soft¬ ening influences of Christianity. The 1823 session of the Ohio Conference was held at Urbana in September. Five Indian chiefs were present, and Between-the-Logs, the best speaker among the Chris¬ tian chiefs, made an address, to which Bishop Roberts made an appropriate reply. 37 Bishop McKendree pre¬ sented at this session of the Ohio Conference a compre¬ hensive plan for enlarging the missionary work of the church and the Conference. The plan is divided into five heads, as follows: 1. To attempt the establishment of a mission among the Chipe- way Indians. 2. To send two Missionaries to Michigan Territory. 3. To establish if practicable a Mission at New Orleans. 4. That Br. James B. Finley be continued in full charge of the Sandusky Mission that he be employed to visit Governor Cass on the subject of the Mission among the Chipeways & if successful to proceed to that nation, and attempt the contem¬ plated establishment. And as the work enlarges at Sandusky, it seems proper that an additional missionary should be sent to that place, to assist in carrying on the farm and in taking care of the Church. Likewise that a mechanick be sent to that establishment to teach the natives how to work in the arts. 5. That a conference Missionary be employed to travel at large within the bounds of this conference for the purpose of preaching; establishing, missionary societies, collecting money, produce &c. for the mission at Sandusky. Finally, that all who are engaged in this business keep a Joyrnal taking notice of such events as may enrich Missionary reports and be useful to the publick.”* 8 87 MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference for 1823. **Ibid. THE WYANDOT MISSION 85 At the Urbana Conference Finley was again appointed to superintend the mission while Rev. Jacob Hooper and his wife were put in charge of the farm and the girls’ school. Evidently in response to Bishop McKendree’s recommendation, Finley was sent during the year to the Ottawas and the Chippewas at Saginaw Bay. Before starting on this mission Finley wrote Governor Cass at Detroit regarding the possibility of establishing a mis¬ sion among these tribes. Governor Cass’s reply 39 was not very encouraging, for he states that the Chippewas “are the most troublesome Indians in this quarter.” Their morals were greatly degraded, while they were more savage and indolent than the Wyandots. While indicating these difficulties the governor likewise pointed out that a mission, properly directed, ought to accomplish immense benefits. Further encouragement for the estab¬ lishment of this new mission was found in Cass’s letter, for he states that he would be glad to turn over $2,000 appropriated by Congress for the improvement of these Indians “to any respectable missionary establishment, requiring only that it should be faithfully and judiciously applied to the objects expressed in the treaty.” Finley started on his journey to Saginaw on December 10, 1823, accompanied by Mononcue, Squire Gray-Eyes, and Jonathan Pointer as interpreter. Their journey lay northward to the west branch of the Portage River, then through the Black swamp between the west and the north branch of the Portage to the rapids of the Maumee. In northern Ohio they traveled through deep snow, but notwithstanding flooded rivers and snow they reached the Detroit River on the 15th, where they were enter¬ tained at the home of John Walker, the son of William Walker, of Upper Sandusky. Reaching Detroit, they called upon Governor Cass, who received them kindly and referred them to the commander of the garrison, Major 89 Governor Cass’s letter may be found in Finley, Life Among the Indiana, pp. 378,379. 86 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Baker, who had recently built the military works at Sagi¬ naw, who gave them valuable information concerning the Indians in that region. Finley improved every oppor¬ tunity of preaching both in Detroit and across the river in Canada, where he succeeded in forming an Indian class, the first Methodist Indian society in Canada. 40 During Finley’s absence John Stewart had died. He had gradually grown weaker, and in the late fall of 1823 was confined to his bed, where Finley and the other missionaries frequently visited him. He died in his own house on the 17th of December and his funeral was preached by the Rev. Jacob Hooper. 41 He was buried in the churchyard attached to the mission, where his grave may be seen to this day. The appointment of Jacob Hooper to look after the mission farm was especially fortunate, for he was well adapted to that work and he set the Indians an excellent example. This year saw great improvements on the Indian farms also. Many built hewed-log houses with brick or stone chimneys, while large fields were fenced and some purchased sheep and better breeds of cattle. The mission gave all the encouragement possible by loan¬ ing oxen, plows, and wagons to the Indians, while Hooper was tireless in teaching them the best methods of agri¬ culture. 42 At the session of the Ohio Conference in 1823 Finley was elected a delegate to the General Conference which was to meet at Baltimore in the following May. On his trip east he visited Washington and called upon President Monroe and likewise had an interview with the Secretary of War, John C. Calhoun. Both Monroe and Calhoun were deeply interested in the Wyandot 40 Finley, Life Among the Indians, pp. 380-401. 41 Ibid., p. 380. Also Howe, Historical Collections of Ohio, vol. ii, p. 898. The in¬ scription on his monument reads, “Rev. John Stewart, first missionary to the Wyan- dots: died Dec. 17, 1833 aged 37 years.” See also The Wyandot Mission, by the Rev. E. D. Whitlock (Ohio Archaeological and Historical Collection, vol. x, pp. 195-204). See also The Missionary Pioneer, pp. 91-93. New York, 1827. 43 Finley, History of the Wyandot Mission, p. 256. Cincinnati, 1840. THE WYANDOT MISSION 87 Mission, and when the Secretary of War informed him that the mission at Upper Sandusky was to have a share of an appropriation for Indian missions, Finley asked if the money might be spent for the construction of a suit¬ able house of worship. To this the Secretary consented, and accordingly the government turned over for that purpose $1,333. On Finley’s return to the mission a blue limestone church, thirty by forty feet was constructed, which still stands. Finley’s interview with the Secre¬ tary of War was most satisfactory, and he had nothing but praise for the government and its system of inspec¬ tion of the Indian schools and missions which was insti¬ tuted at this time. 43 While in attendance upon the General Conference at Baltimore Finley was invited to attend the anniversary of the Baltimore Missionary Society. Here with several others he made an address on his work among the Wyan- dots which aroused great interest and was effective in bringing in several contributions. Finley’s visit in the East likewise aroused to greater efforts the Juvenile Fin- leyan Missionary Mite Society, of Baltimore, which had been organized in 1822 for the purpose of helping Wyan¬ dot children. At first this society numbered one hundred, and in the first year raised $287.74*4 * 44 43 For an example of the kind of report made to the government I give here the circular sent out to all Indian schools by the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in 1824. “Department of War, Indian Office, “May 22, 1824. “Sir:—In order to obtain the information in relation to the several schools in the Indian country, in a more uniform and condensed mode, the inclosed printed forms have been adopted for the annual returns of the respective superintendents or persons in charge of the schools. These should be filled up with great care, and forwarded to the department annually, on the first of October, accompanied by a report, setting forth, in detail the prospects of the school; the disposition of the Indians, whether more or less favorable to it; the names of the teachers and other persons; and the kinds of property belonging to the institution, also noting anything remarkable in the E rogress of any Indian child, accompanied by his or her age, and the tribe to which e or she belongs; the general health of the children; their advances in the work of civilization, with such remarks as may be deemed useful, as to the climate, soil, and productions of the surrounding country. “Any specimens of birds, minerals, Indian costumes, or other curiosities which you can conveniently and without expense, command and forward (also seeds of indigenous plants, with their names and virtues) will be very acceptable. “Very respectfully, I am, sir, your ob’t servt’, “Tho L M’Kinney ’’ (Ibid., pp. 258-260.) ~~**Ibid., pp. 262-272. 88 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Finley continued to receive the most cordial support from the superintendent of Indian Affairs, Thomas L. M’Kinney, who in August, 1824, requested Finley to pre¬ pare and forward to the Department “an alphabet and grammar in the language of the tribe or tribes among whom you or your associates are located,” and the follow¬ ing winter Finley aided a Mr. Stickney in preparing the alphabet and grammar for the government. Again at the session of the Ohio Conference in 1824, held at Zanesville four Indian chiefs were present, each of whom made addresses, and the conference took a col¬ lection for them. 45 Finley’s report, which he read before the Conference, evidently created a greater interest than usual, for it was ordered printed and three thousand copies distributed. 46 Jacob Hooper and James B. Fin¬ ley were again appointed to the Mission and the work went on throughout the year much as it had the year previous. At this time there was much agitation and uneasiness aroused among the Indians by rumors that they were to be moved beyond the Mississippi. The Wyandot chiefs drew up an address to the Secretary of War in which they stated that they had been promised in the treaty of Fort Meigs that if they would cede their lands, with the exception of the present reservation, they would never be molested again. They also stated that they were more reluctant to leave because of the progress they were making in religion and in agriculture. Their children, they urged, were in school and they were happy and promised to make good citizens. 47 In reply to this communication the Superintendent of 15 MSS. Journals of the Ohio Conference, 1824. 48 The Conference Journal reads: “The Revd James B. Finley, Indian Missionary, read a report relative to the Sandusky Mission which was approved. “It was determined that 3,000 copies of the above report, after being corrected by the Revd Martin Ruter, should be published and circulated gratis.” 47 Finley, Life Among the Indians, pp. 442, 443. Also Finley, History of the Wyandot Mission, pp. 294-297. THE WYANDOT MISSION 89 Indian Affairs stated: “Your Great Father takes a deep interest, as you do yourselves, in the prosperity of your children. They will be certain to grow up in wisdom, if you continue to teach them how to serve the Great Spirit, and conduct themselves well in the world.” Further the Superintendent encouraged their agricultural and eco¬ nomic progress, commended the work of the Rev. Mr. Finley among them, and promised that “your Great Father will never use force to drive you from your lands.” 48 Another matter agitating the Indians at this time was the question of dividing their lands, making specific grants to families. Many thought this would create greater industry among them by securing to each the product of his own labor. Finley addressed Governor Cass on the subject and received a favorable reply. 49 The chiefs and the majority of the Indians were anxious that the lands be divided, and during the summer of 1825 the Indians employed a surveyor to lay off portions of the reservation into sections and half sections. In December of that year Finley again addressed a letter to Cass set¬ ting forth the claims of the Wyandots. 50 The whites bordering on the reservation began to be very trouble¬ some, evidently thinking that by making things generally disagreeable for the Indians they would be more willing to sell out and leave. Finley was outspoken in his op¬ position to the removal of the Indians and did not hesi¬ tate to speak his sentiments to the Indians and to others, including Governor Cass. In a letter received by Finley from the Superintendent of the Indian Office, Thomas L. M’Kinney, September 10, 1825, an early removal of the Indians is indicated. He states, that the removal of the Indians will no doubt “be provided for by the next « Ibid., pp. 295, 296. 49 This correspondence is found in Finley, History of the Wyandot Mission, pp. 297- 308: Cass to Finley, June 8th, 1825. M Finley to Cass, Dec. 15th, 1825. 90 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Congress” but that no steps would be taken to compel the Indians to emigrate. Several Missionary Societies in the East were espe¬ cially interested in the Wyandot Mission. Both the Bal¬ timore Conference Missionary Society and the Philadel¬ phia Missionary Society had requested Finley to furnish them an account of the mission for their annual meeting and both societies were active in furnishing funds for the mission and school. The Female Missionary Society, of New York, sent a box of books celebrating the centen¬ nial of the ordination of John Wesley. In the collection there were two hundred fifty-six volumes besides some hundreds of tracts and pamphlets. 51 In September, 1824, James B. Finley was appointed Subagent of Indian Affairs at Upper Sandusky by Lewis Cass, Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Finley was in¬ structed to report to John Johnson, Esq., of Piqua, Ohio, for instructions. This greatly increased the duties of the superintendent of the Wyandot Mission and it likewise increased the hatred of certain whites living near the reservation who were looking for every chance to rob and plunder the Indians. 52 At the 1825 session of the Ohio Conference Finley was again appointed superintendent of the mission, while Rev. J. C. Brooke and wife were sent to superintend the farm and the school. The Conference passed several resolutions regarding the Mission, among them one re¬ lating to the sending of the larger boys in the Indian school out among the circuits. The resolution reads : 53 “It was moved and seconded by this Conference that so many of the Indian Boys, at our Mission at Upper San¬ dusky, as the Superintendent and the trustees of the school may think proper, be taken under the patronage S1 For the correspondence relating to these Societies see Finley, History of the Wyan¬ dot Mission, pp. 308-319. Also Missionary Report for 1826, 20-21. 62 For the correspondence relating to this appointment see Finley, Wyandot Mis- aion, pp. 324-326. 6 * MSS. Journal of the Ohio Conference for 1825. THE WYANDOT MISSION 91 of the traveling preachers and placed in suitable families, to facilitate their acquisition of a knowledge of the Eng¬ lish language.” To carry out the intent of this resolution Finley selected twelve of the larger Indian boys and took them to Urbana in a wagon, in December, 1825. The weather was extremely cold, but he arrived safely at his destination. In returning home he was compelled to lie out in the woods all night without sufficient bedclothes. Reaching home the next day, he was taken suddenly sick and never recovered his former health. 54 On account of his health Finley, early in the year 1826, asked Governor Cass to relieve him of the duties of Sub¬ agent to the Wyandots, and, accordingly, Charles L. Cass brother of the Governor, was appointed. Finley had served as Subagent sixteen months, from October 1, 1824, to February 6, 1826. This year proved a most successful one at the mission. The second Quarterly Meeting was held in the new stone church in April, 1826, and beginning with this meeting a religious awakening swept through the tribe. On Sun¬ day night thirteen professed conversion and joined the church, while among the converts was Scionta, a former leader of the heathen party. Finley, in a letter of this period, thus describes the progress of the mission: In January, 1821, the first class was formed. Since that time two hundred and ninety-two have been received on trial, two hundred and fifty of whom now remain on our class paper—six¬ teen have died, I trust, in the Lord, and twenty-six have been expelled, discontinued, and have moved away. The two hun¬ dred and fifty now in the Church are divided into ten classes, each having a leader of its own. There are four licensed exhort- ers, godley and zealous men, moving regularly in a circuit among their brethern, and doing much good. They all manifest a disposition to improve in the arts of civilized life; and as religion increases among them, so does industry, cleanliness, and all the fruits of good living. There are on our school list 64 Finley, Wyandot Mission, pp. 236, 237. 92 CIRCUIT-EIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO the names of sixty-five children, most of whom are now regular attendants, and are doing well, learning the English language, and other useful knowledge . 65 In the spring of 1826, at the invitation of Nathan Bangs, Finley made a trip to the East with Between-the- Logs and Mononcue, with Samuel Brown as interpreter. The object of the trip was to attend the anniversary of the Missionary Society. Their trip began on the fifth of June. Riding to Portland on horseback, they from thence took passage on a steamboat for Buffalo, where they arrived on the 8th. Though riding on a steamboat was a novelty to the Indians, yet they expressed no astonishment nor mani¬ fested any curiosity, as such action by them would be con¬ sidered as a sign of weakness and want of self-command. At Buffalo, to use the words of Finley: “It seemed as if the people would tear us to pieces; such was the anxiety to get us aboard their canal boat. But I said to them all: ‘Stand off—I will take my own time, and make my own choice in this matter.’ So I drove off these birds of prey, took our things, placed them on the bank, and left my friends to watch, until I went and looked for myself.” On most of the boats Finley saw “drinking, playing the fiddle, dice, checkers, and cards.” Finally, however, he found a boat with a captain who looked like a temperate man, and after some inquiry they took passage on this boat, the captain of which he learned was a member of the Presbyterian Church. While on their canal journey they were compelled to ride on the Sabbath, but they held meeting three times on that day, the Indians taking a prominent part, to the astonishment of the other pas¬ sengers. Landing at Schenectady they took a stage for Albany. Next day they proceeded down the river to Newburgh, where they remained over another Sabbath, and the next Monday they proceeded to New York. Here they were 66 The Methodist Magazine (1826), vol. is, p. 275. THE WYANDOT MISSION 93 entertained on Fulton Street at the residence of Dr. Pitts, but being unaccustomed to soft beds they could not sleep until they had spread their blankets on the floor, while the noise of the carts in the early morning roused them from their slumber. During their stay in the East they visited, besides New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. This visit to the East was a great help to the missionary cause, as the letters received by Finley testify. 56 On arriving home the chiefs gave an account of their journey and the many good people they had seen. The year 1826 marks the end of James B. Finley’s con¬ nection with the mission as missionary, though he con¬ tinued as superintendent. Finley had never recovered his health since his exposure during the winter of 1825- 26, and it was thought best to appoint James Gilruth missionary at the next session of the Ohio Conference. Finley, however, was often at the mission during this year. In June, 1826, Bishop McKendree paid his last visit to the Wyandots, having visited Upper Sandusky on two previous occasions. None took a greater interest in In¬ dian missions than did the venerable bishop. He visited the Indians from house to house, ate at their tables, and naturally the whole nation loved him. The last council meeting the bishop held with the Indians on the occasion of this visit was a very impressive one. After hear¬ ing an address by one of the chiefs, the bishop replied in a most impressive and effective address, after which all those present came and took him by the hand and “prom¬ ised to meet him in heaven.” 57 The mission continued to prosper for a number of years after 1826, as the following list of members from year to year gives testimony. In 1826 and 1827 the mem- 66 See letters from Sarah B. Sargent, secretary of the Young Ladies' Missionary Society, of Philadelphia (Finley, History of the Wyandot Mission, pp. 362-364). 57 iinley, Life Among the Indians, pp. 491-498. 94 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO bership is given as 250; in 1828 it dropped to 208; in 1829 it reached 213; in 1830 the members reported were 230; in 1831 it had increased to 245, while for several years thereafter the membership varied but little from the above figures. In 1828 Russell Biglow was made presiding eider of the Portland District and superintend¬ ent of the mission with Thomas Thompson as missionary. Thompson remained at the mission for six or seven years, and was evidently a most successful missionary. In 1843 the Wyandots sold their possessions in Ohio and “moved to the forks of the Missouri and Kansas Rivers, where they settled on lands purchased from the Delawares, in what is now Wyandot County, Kansas. 58 Their tribal government was dissolved in 1855 and they became citizens of the United States. At the close of the Civil War a majority of the members of the tribe went to the Indian territory, where they secured a reservation of twenty thousand acres, located near Seneca, Missouri, and there they may be found to-day. To-day there are not more than 300 remaining, and there is not a pure blooded Wyandot among them. After their removal to the west, their church organiza¬ tion was continued and the records of their Quarterly Conferences in Kansas are now in the possession of the Kansas State Historical Society. For a time after the removal of the Wyandots from Ohio to Kansas, their old church and the graveyard at Upper Sandusky were kept up and guarded. But their history and significance were soon forgotten and the roof of the old stone church, the first Indian mission, fell in, the walls crumbled, while the graveyard was neglected and the stones permitted to fall down. It was not until 1880 that the minister at the Methodist Episco¬ pal church at Upper Sandusky, the Rev. N. B. C. Love, * 8 William E. Connelley, “Religious Conceptions of the Modern Hurons,” in the Mississippi Valley Historical Review , September, 1922, pp. 110-125. THE WYANDOT MISSION 95 awakened interest in the old mission building, having dis¬ covered the old deed among some papers in the basement of his church. The General Conference of 1888 took action to restore the building and grounds to their original ap¬ pearance, and for this purpose the Missionary Society appropriated $2,000. The work of restoration was com¬ pleted in 1889, and in September of that year the Central Ohio Conference at its session in Upper Sandusky con¬ ducted appropriate services in commemoration of the mis¬ sion and its history. 59 68 Ohio Archaeological and Historical Collection, vol. x, pp. 195-204. Paper by the Rev. E. D. Whitlockj The Wyandot Mission. PART II JOURNALS OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE, 1812 - 1826 . I THE JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE BEGUN AND HELD AT CHILICOTHE OCT 0 1st 1812. 1 Bishops MEMBERS. William Pattison Francis Asbury William Burk William McKendree John Collins Presiding Elders Ralph Lotspeich Robert Cloud John Sale Benjamin Lakin James Ward Isaac Quinn James Quinn David Young Solomon Langdon Elisha W. Bowman Jacob Young William Mitchell Samuel Parker William Knox* Elders James Watts* Thomas J. Crockwell Charles Holiday Abraham Daniels* Thomas Lasley* John Clingan* Thomas Heliums Thomas Branch* Joseph Oglesby Moses Cume Deacons of the 2nd year Michael Ellis William Lambdin Deacons of the 1st year James B. Finley John Brown Samuel Heliums Samuel West Marcus Lindsey Henry McDaniel Thomas Nelson* Alexander Cummins 1 The Conference Journal was not signed by Bishop Asbury, though he was present, aB his Journal states. Bishop McKendree presided at all the sessions, due evidently to the illness and growing weakness of the senior bishop. (Asbury’s Journal, vol. iii, pp. 332-335.) 99 100 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO To be admitted into full connection Matthew Nelson* Jacob Gurwell* Caleb Y. Taylor* Walter Griffith John Strange Isaac Pavey Abel Robinson Those marked thus * were absent. Thursday morning, Bishop McKendree President. Conference proceeded to elect a Secretary and Charles Holliday was nominated and elected. On motion, Resolved that Conference meet at half after 8 in the morning & adjourn at half after 11—, Meet at half after 2 and adjourn at half after 5. Conference proceeded to elect by Ballot a Committee of “Temporal Business” and William Burk, John Sale & David Young were found to be duly elected. William Lambdin, Thomas Heliums, & James B. Finley were nominated & elected as a Book Committee. It is agreed to adopt the Rules of the Western Annual Conference for the government of this Conference in their Sittings. Caleb J. Taylor admitted into Connection, elected to the office of an Elder, and on his request located. Jacob Gurwell admitted into full Connection, but not elected to the office of deacon. Abel Robinson, admitted into full Connection, & elected to the office of deacon. Thursday Afternoon, Bishop McKendree President. Abel Robinson, Walter Griffith, John Strange & James McMahan being present were examin’d by Bishop Asbury before the Conference Walter Griffith and Jno Strange admitted and elected to the Office of Deacons Marcus Lindsey admitted into full connection.—James JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 101 McMahan not admitted but to remain on trial another year. The Characters and Conduct of Wm McMahan, Thomas D. Porter, Benjamin Rhotin, William Dixon, Jno Somerville, Daniel Davison, Jno McMahan, Charles Waddel & Robert W. Findley were examined & found acceptable. Michael Ellis & William Lambdin elected to the Office of Elders. John Calliman discontinued by request & Jesse Spur¬ geon on account of bodily infirmity—Charles Bonwell & Elias Turner on account of inattention. Friday Morning, Bishop McKendree President Joseph Spahr, being present was examin’d before the Conference. Moses Trader a local Preacher & married man recommended to the Office of Deacon & as a travel¬ ling preacher;—being present he was examin’d he was elected to Office & admitted on trial. Friday Afternoon Bishop McKendree President Robert Cloud requests a location on account of bodily affliction which was granted Conference having pro¬ gressed in the Examination of the Elders as far as Ben¬ jamin Lakin, adjourn’d Saturday Morning B. McKendree president Confer¬ ence proceeded to receive the Accounts of the Bishops and Presiding Elders together with the Receipts of the Preachers, & the surplus & contributions from the sev- erel Circuits—a view of which may be seen by a refer¬ ence to the Report of the Committee of “Temporal Busi¬ ness.” Saturday Afternoon, Bishop McKendree president Recommendations being rec’d. in their favor John Dew from Fleming Circuit, Joseph Tatman a local Deacon & married man from Henia & Mad River Circuit, Reuben Row from Deer Creek Circuit Elijah McDaniel from Paint Creek Circuit, Robert Hatton from Jefferson & 102 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Shelby Circuits, Presley Morris from Madison Circuit John Graham from Cross Creek Circuit, Archibald M’Elroy a married man from West Wheeling Circuit, Joseph Spahr from Ohio Circuit, Baltimore Conference, were admitted on trial as travelling preachers In answer to the Prayer of Wm. Lambden;—David Young is added to the Book Committee Monday Morning, Oct. 5th Bishop McKendree president Conference proceeded to make a draught on the Book Concern for $250 Also, on the Charter’d fund for 112 Making in all $362 Conference proceeded to receive the Recommendations of Local Preaching to the office of Deacon and Solomon Goss of Marietta Circuit, & Gabriel McNeal of Letart Falls Circuit, were elected to that office James Sharrock not eligible therefore not elected. Recommendations of Local Deacons to the Eldership were receiv’d and Joseph Tatman of Mad River Circuit Cornelius Ruddell of Lexington Circuit, James O’Cull of Fleming Circuit were elected to that office. John Emmett, not legally recommended, therefore not elected Mathew Nelson & Daniel Fraley admitted into full connection and elected to the Office of Deacons Isaac Pavey admitted & elected to the Office of an Elder Jonathan Stamper and John Cord continued on trial Monday Afternoon Bishop McKendree, President Resolved that it is the opinion of this Conference that Joseph Oglesby shall execute such an Instrument of Emancipation as the Laws of Kentucky will admit of freeing his negro Girl at the age of 25 years together with her posterity if any at the age of 21 years. Samuel Brown recommended from Lexington Circuit examined JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 103 before the Conference and admitted on trial as a travel¬ ling preacher Francis Landrum continued on trial Conference resum’d the examination of the Elders Char¬ acters Abraham Daniels requests a location which was granted William Mitchell being charged and found guilty of Sunday immoralities was therefore expell’d from our Connection. (The Charges may be seen by a reference to the Papers) Tuesday Morning Bishop McKendree, President It being the impression of Conference that Thomas Lasley desires a Location—a location was granted. John Collins, Samuel Parker, Robert Cloud, Thomas Heliums & Benjamin Lakin, nominated and elected a Committee to examine the Slave Rule & report. On a reconsideration of the Case of Jacob Gurwell, he is elected to the Office of Deacon. James McMahan on reconsideration is admitted into Connection & elected to the Office of deacon. Tuesday Afternoon Bishop McKendree, President The following Report of the Committee of “Temporal Business,” was read and rec’d. Contributions from various Quarters Draft on the Char- —. $ 112 Cents • • ter’d fund. — Ditto on the Book Concern.. . . 250 • • Public Collection. 31 25 Preachers Ditto. 17 50 A Present from John —. 20 20 Sale — Ditto from Peter Pel.. 10 • • ham — Lexington Circuit. 42 66 Cincinnati Circuit. 6 • • Marietta Ditto. 1 • » 104 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Contributions from various Quarters Guiandott Ditto. Letart Ditto. Ohio District. Shenango Circuit. Wills Creek Ditto. Crop Creek Ditto. Amount of Contribu- 1 tions j $ Cents 1 • • 1 • • 2 • • 3 1 15 12 1234 510 8m What the Preachers rec’d as Appropria- Quarterage Deficience tions Names of the Preachers $ Cents $ Cents $ Cents Francis Asbury. 22 22 William M’Hendree. • • • • • • 22 22 John Sale. 160 James Ward. 103 13 H 56 8634 4 8634 James Quinn. 108 25 51 75 • • • • • • Solomon Langdon. 150 44M 9 55% • • • • • • Jacob Young (6 months). 48 66 31 33 34 5 33H Charles Holliday. 160 • • • • • • • • • • » • • • • Thomas Lasley. 160 • • . • • • • • • • « • • • • Thomas Heliums. 60 40 19 60 • • • Joseph Oglesby. 91 21 68 79 16 79 William Pattison. 80 • • • • • • • • • • • • William Burk. 160 • • • • » • • • • ... • • • John Collins. 117 • • • • * • • • • ... • • • Ralph Lotspeich. 191 88 • • • • • • • • • • • • Robert Cloud. 91 86% 68 13 % 16 13% Benjamin Lakin. 130 53 28 47 • • • • • • Isaac Quinn. • • . • • • 121 50 85 50 David Young. 80 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Elisha W. Bowman. 58 16 21 84 • • • • • • William Mitchell. 80 .. • • • William Knox—. 23 10 16 90 3 90 (6 months) — James Watts (6 mo). 53 50 26 50 • • • 50 Thomas J. Crockwell—. . 24 66 15 34 2 34 (6 months) — Abraham Daniels—. 15 66 24 34 11 34 (6 months) — John Clingan. 80 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Moses Crurne. 117 • • • 43 • • . • • • • • « JOURNAL OP THE OHIO CONFERENCE 105 What the Preachers Quarterage Names of the Preachers rec’d % is Cents Defic $ encies Cents Appr tic $ opria- )ns Cents Michael Ellis. 160 • • • William Lamdin. 137 70 32 30 James B. Finley. 151 50 8 50 Samuel Heliums. 80 • • • Marcus Lindsey. 55 • • • 25 • • • Thomas Nelson. 80 • • • • • • • • • John Brown. 68 89 11 11 Samuel West. 45 • • • 35 9 Henry McDaniel. 90 • • • 70 18 Alex. Cummins. 113 11 46 89 • • • Caleb Taylor. 92 • • • 68 16 Mathew Nelson. 80 • • • • • • • • • Jacob Gurwell —. 26 75 53 25 27 25 (6 months) — William Young. • • • • • • 80 • • • 54 • • • Abel Robinson —. 47 24 32 76 6 76 6 months — Walter Griffith. 86 78 73 22 21 22 John Strange. 80 • • • Isaac Pavey. 160 • • • James McMahan. John Caliman. 80 Francis Landrum. 80 Jonathan Stamper. 80 Elias Turner. 62 97 12 Jesse Spurgeon. 59 55 100 45 • • • Rob’t W. Finley. 80 80 • • • 28 Benj’n Rhotin. 80 • • . • • • • • • • • • Thos. D. Porter. 55 • • • 25 • • • • • • William Dixon. 58 75 21 25 • • • Wm. McMahan. 37 90 42 10 16 io Cha’s. Waddle. 80 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Dan’1. Davison —. 22 32 17 68 4 68 6 months — Jno. Somerville (6mo.).. . 24 66 15 34 2 34 Jno. McMahan. 62 75 17 25 • • • • • • Sam> Parker. • • • • • • 81 00 55 • • • Dan. Fraley. 60 33 19 67 • • . • • • Jno. Cord. 35 11 44 89 18 89 ... 1,701 7oy 2 468 38M Cash o n hand 57 34 Appropriated to John McMahan. 10 00 Still on hand. $47 34 106 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Report of the Committee of “Temporal Business” con¬ tinued. Order’d that the Accounts of the Bishops be recorded on the Journals Bishop McKendree’s Account Monies rec’d between the West¬ ern Annual Conference Oct. 1st 1811 & the Ohio Annual Confer¬ ence Oct. 1st 1812 Western Conf.$10.00 Southern Ditto. 25.00 Virginia Ditto. 16.50 Baltimore Ditto. 25 Philadelphia Ditto. 25 New York Ditto. 30 New England Ditto. 25 Gennesee Ditto. 25 Amount.$181.50 Allowance. 80 I suppose my travel— ling Expences amount—to 75 at least — Deduct $155 Supposed surplus $26.50 But I have not been able to keep an accurate account I have fre¬ quently paid for 2 men & horses and once for a Carriage with 3 horses about 400 miles on a turn Pike Road. Bishop Asbury expences for 1812. From the West to the South 21. 5 Camden to Richmond. 8.24 to Leesburg. 2.50 to Philadelphia.. . 2.61 to Albany. 8.12 to Lynn. 7.85 to Lyons (N. Y.). 18. 3 to Chilicothe. 15.37 Postage. 6.10 Quarterage. 80 $169.87 Credit Rec’d from the Western Conf. 31 South Do 35 Virginia.25 Baltimore.25 Philadelphia. 25 New York.30 New England.25 Gennessee. 25 $221 Deduct $169.87 Balance $51.13 The Report of the Book Committee was rec’d & approv’d as follows: 1 — 1 The duties of presiding elders and circuit preachers in reference to the books pub¬ lished by The Methodist Book Concern are set forth in the Discipline for 1800 ag fol¬ lows: “It shall be the duty of every presiding elder, where no book steward is appointed, to see that his district be fully supplied with books. He is to order such books as are wanted, and to give direction to whose care the same are to be sent; and he is to take the oversight of all our books sent into his district, and to account with the superin¬ tendent for the same. He is to have the books distributed among the several circuits in his district, and is to keep an account with each preacher who receives or sells the books; and is to receive the money, and to forward it to the superintendent. When JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 107 The Committee are of Opinion that William Burk have the Sum of $10 remitted to him in Consequence his having Books on hand when the Gen. Conf. became responsible for the freight, &c. $40.00 They are also of Opinion that John Sale have remitted to him the sum of 20 dollars on the same Account together with 3 23 3 dollars for minutes remaining unsold. . $63 Amount of money remitted brought up. $63 The Committee also report that James Ward — shall have a remittance for Books lost or stolen—. 3 54^2 before they came to hand — Having, consider’d the Casualty of John Strange — we report that he shall have plac’d to his Credit —. 18 Whole amount of Money remitted. $84 54.14 Resolved that the preacher station’d in Cincinnati to¬ gether with a Committee of his own Choice take Charge of the damaged Books in that Place and adjust the Busi¬ ness with the Book agent Resolved that the next Ohio Annual Conference be held at Steubenville Sept. 10th 1813. It is agreed that William Young remain in this Conf es as superannuated. a presiding elder is removed, he is to make a full settlement for all the books sold or remaining in his district; and is also to make a transfer to his successor of all the books and accounts left with the preachers in the district, the amount of which shall go to his credit, and pass to the debit of his successor.” The circuit preacher’s duties in regard to the distribution of books through his cir¬ cuit are thus explained: “It shall be the duty of every preacher who has the charge of a circuit to see that his circuit be duly supplied with books, and to take charge of all the books which are sent to him, from time to time, or which may be in his circuit; and he is to account with the presiding elder for the same. When a preacher leaves his circuit he must settle with the presiding elder for all the books he has disposed of; he is also to make out an inventory of all that are remaining unsold, which shall be collected at one place; the amount of which shall go to his credit, and be transferred to his successor, who is to take charge of the same. If the preacher who has the charge of the circuit be negligent in dispersing the books, the presiding elder shall commit the charge of the books to another.” The fifth paragraph of the chapter on The Book Concern states: “In all cases where books are sent to distant places the presiding elders or preachers shall be allowed to put a small additional price on such books as will best bear it, in order to pay the expense of freight or carriage; but the addition must not be more than what is neces¬ sary to defray such expense.” This further regulation is found in paragraph 6: “Every Annual Conference shall appoint a committee or committees to examine the accounts of the presiding elders, preachers, and book stewards, in their respective districts or circuits. Every presid¬ ing elder, minister, and preacher, shall do everything in their power to recover all debts due to the Concern, and also all the books belonging to the Concern, which may remain in the hands of any person within their districts or circuits. If any preacher or member be indebted to The Book Concern, and refuse to make payment, or to come to a just settlement, let him be dealt with for a breach of trust, and such effectual measures be adopted for the recovery of such debts as shall be agreeable to the dis¬ cretion of the Annual Conferences respectively” (History of the Discipline of the Meth¬ odist Episcopal Church, by Robert Emory, New York, 1844, pp. 258-259). 108 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Wednesday morning, Bishop McKendree, President Francis Landrum desires to be discontinued Resolved, that James Quinn take Charge of the Jour¬ nals & papers and have them at the next Conference. Elisha W. Bowman requests a location on account of Bodily weakness which was granted Resolved that suitable portmanteau be procured for the conveyance of the Journal &c. to be paid for out of any surplus monies not otherwise appropriated Wednesday Afternoon Bishop McKendree President Committee appointed to examine the Slave Rule re¬ ported as follows Rules by which the Ohio Annual Conference is to be govern’d respecting Slavery. 1 No member of our Society shall purchase a Slave ex¬ cept in Cases of mercy or humanity to the Slave pur¬ chased and if he purchase a Slave or slaves, he shall state to the next ensuing Quarterly meeting Conference the number of years he thinks the Slave should serve as a compensation for the price paid, and if the Q. M. Conf e think the time too long, they shall proceed and fix the term, and the member having purchased shall immedi¬ ately after their determination execute a legal instru¬ ment of manumission of such slave at the expiration of the time determined by the Quarter meeting Conf e as the laws of the State will admit and in default of his executing such instrument of manumission, or on his refusing to submit his Case to the Q. M. Conf e he shall be excluded the Society—provided also, that in Case of a female Slave, it shall be inserted in the instrument of manumission (if the laws of the State will admit) that 1 This rule in respect to slavery was adopted in accordance with action of the Gen¬ eral Conference of 1812, which reads as follows: “Whereas the laws of some of the States do not admit of emancipating of slaves, without special act of the Legislature; the General Conference authorizes each Annual Conference to form their own regu¬ lations relative to buying and selling slaves” (Section x, Paragraph 3, Discipline 1812.) Practically the same regulation had been adopted at the General Conference of 1808 (See Emory, History of the Discipline, p. 278.) JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 109 all her Children born during the time of her servitude shall be free at the age of 21 if the laws will admit so early a manumission and if not at such time as the law will admit And if any member of our Society shall sell a slave except at the request of the Slave, to prevent a separation in families he shall be excluded the Society provided nevertheless, that if any member of our Society shall think it necessary on any other accasion to sell a slave, he shall apply to the preacher who has the Charge of the Circuit whose duty it shall be to appoint a Committee of three members of our Society (not slave holders) to Judge whether such sale be proper and the person apply¬ ing shall abide by their determination or be excluded the Society. Charles Holliday, Secy W. McKendree Membership of the Ohio Conference for 1812 Ohio District. Kentucky District. Whites Col. Whites Col Shenango . 313 Limestone .. . 773 25 Erie .. 606 Fleming . . 683 38 Trumbull . 439 1 Licking. _ 416 Grand River .... 140 Lexington .. . 800 89 Beaver . 158 Hinkstone .. . 1,180 70 Wills Creek. 729 9 Sandy River .... 465 25 West Wheeling... 462 4,317 247 2,847 10 8alt River District. Muskingum District Danville .... _ 884 80 Fairgield . 700 2 Madison .... _ 523 40 Marietta . 390 3 Cumberland . . 146 4 Little Kanawha.. 338 5 Salt River .. . 484 18 Guyandott . 268 25 Shelby . .... 415 38 Letart Falls .... 270 2 Jefferson ... . 475 33 Knox . 452 4 Silver Creek • • • • 555 Tuscarawas . 491 3,482 213 2,909 41 110 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Miami District. Whites Col Whites Col. White Water .... 843 4 Cincinnati ... .. . . 926 2 Delaware ... . 653 Mad River and Brush Creek .... 682 Xenia . .... 1,200 6 Paint Creek . 762 Sr. into . . 571 2 Deer Creek .. .... 1,008 22 9,168 50 Lawrenceburg ... 480 9 Pickaway ..., .... 668 4 Total membership. White Oak .. . ... 1,041 1 Whites Col. Salt Creek .. .... 334 22,723 561 Appointments for 1812. Ohio Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Shenango, James Watts. Erir, John Graham. Trumbull, James M’Mehan, Robert Hatton. Beaver, Jacob Gorwell. Barnesville, Archibald MTlroy. Cross Creek, Abel Robinson, William Knox. West Wheeling, James B. Finley. Muskingum Dist. David Young, P. Elder. Guyandott, Samuel Brown. Letart Falls, John Brown. Little Kanawha, Samuel West. Fairfield, William Lambden. Zanesville, John Clingan. Knox, Michael Ellis. Tuscarawas, John Somerville. Marietta, Isaac Quinn, Joseph Spahr. Scioto Dist. James Quinn, P. Elder. Deer Creek, Samuel Parker, Alexander Cummins. Pickaway, Moses Trader. Delaware, Daniel Davisson. Paint Creek, Isaac Pavey, Thomas J. Crockwell. Brush Creek, Robert W. Finley. Scioto, Ralph Lotspeich. Salt Creek, Charles Waddle. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 111 Miami Dist. Solomon Langdon, P. Elder. Cincinnati, William Burke. Little Miami, Samuel Heliums. Lawrenceburg, William Dixon. White Water, John Strange. Oxford, Moses Grume. Union, Benjamin Lakin. Mad River, Joseph Tateman. White Oak, Walter Griffith, Reuben Rowe. Kentucky Dist. John Sale, P. Elder. Licking, Thomas Heliums. Lexington, William Pattison, Thomas D. Porter. Hinkstone, William M’Mehan. Big Sandy, Marcus Lindesy. Fleming, Joseph Oglesby. Limestone, John Collins, Benj. Rhoten. Salt River Dist. James Ward, P. Elder. Danville, Henry M’Daniel. Cumberland, John Cord. Madison, Daniel Fraley. Salt River, Matthew Nelson, John Dew. Jefferson, Elijah M’Daniel, Presly Morris. Silver Creek, Thomas Nelson. Shelby, Charles Holliday. II JOURNAL OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOLDEN IN STUBANVILLE OHIO BEGINNING SEPTEMBER THE 1, 1813. Bishops Francis Asbury William McKendree Presiding Elders Jacob Young David Young James Quinn Solomon Langden John Sale James Ward Elders James Walls William Lambden Michael Ellis Isaac Quinn Samuel Parker Isaac Pavey MEMBERS Benjamin Laken Joseph Oglesby Deacons James B. Finley John Browne Samuel Wise Alexander Cummins Marcus Lindsey Thomas Nelson William McMahan Benjamin Rhoten William Dixon John Sumerville Daniel Davison John McMahan Robert W. Finley John Cord Wednesday morning Bishop McKendree President David Young was appointed secretary. The times of sitting and adjournment were fixed; the former at 8 oclock in the morning and 2 in the evening; The latter at 11 in the morning and 5 in the afternoon. Conference by ballot elected Samuel Parker Benjamin Laken and James Watts a committee of temporal business. The 112 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 113 nomination of James B. Finley, Marcus Lindsey and Joseph Oglesby as a book committee was confermed by the Conference. John Sale James Quinn and David Young were appointed a committee to examine what useless papers are loged with the journal—Those admitted into full connection and elected to the office of Deacon were as follows—Viz. William McMahan, William Dixon, Thomas D Porter, John Samerville, Benjamin Rhoten, Daniel Davison, John McMahan, and Johnathan Stam¬ per—But the case of Charles Waddle Robert W. Finley and John Cord was laid over.—All the Presiding Elders were appointed a committee to procure and prepare materials for the “History of Methodism” and the “American Methodist Magazine.”— Wednesday evening Bishop McKendree President John Due, John Graham, Joseph Tateman, Archibald M’Elroy, Presly Morris, Moses Trader, and Samuel Brown, remain on trial.—But Elijah McDaniel and Rheu- ben Rowe were discontinued Sept. 2nd Thursday Morning Bishop McKendree President A draft of 250 Dollars was made on the book concern Also a draft of 134 Dollars on the chartered fund to meet the exigences of the Mississippi Preachers. Conference noted 34 Dollars amt of the last draft— Charles Waddle who was eligible to Deacons orders is to stand among those admitted this year on trial. Robert Finley admitted and elected—The following Local Preachers being eligible were elected to the office of Deacons Frederick Flood, Jacob Myers and James Shar- rick-— Thursday Evening Bishop McKendree President Martin Fate and John Goshen Local Preachers were elected to Deacons orders. But Thomas Stuard was laid 114 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO over. James B. Finley, Samuel Helms,—John Browne, Samuel Wise, Henry McDaniel, Alexander Cummins, Marcus Lindsey, and Thomas Nelson were elected to the office of Elders—Elijah Sparks, Jesse Head, 1 Philip Tay¬ lor, Henry Ogburn Edward Talbot and Gabriel Wood- field Local Deacons wear brought forward for Elders orders— Elijah Sparks Positively elected. Jesse Head 1 | Henry Ogburn ^Conditionally elected. Edward Talbot J Philip Taylor and Gabrael Woodfield laid over. Friday Morning Sept. 3, Bishop McKendree President By virtue of their respective recommendations, John Cuil, Charles Harrison, David Sharp, Henry B. Baseomb, Ebenezzer David, Shadrack Ruark, Jacob Hooper, John Solomon and Oliver Carver, were admitted into the traveling connexion—Thomas Stuart a Local Preacher was elected to the office of a Deacon—Conference saw proper to place Thomas Landrum among those remaining on trial. John Chord was admitted and elected. The characters of the Elders were examined William Burk obtained a supernumerary station William Patterson, John Collins, John Clingan, Thomas J. Crockwell, John Brown, James Harris, Thomas Helms, James Ward and Solomon Lang- don obtained Locations—The next Ohio annual confer¬ ence is to be holden in Cincinnati— Saturday morning Bishop McKendree President. The committee appointed to examine what useless papers are lodged with the journal reported, That it would be best to have some place of deposit for those 1 Jesse Head married the parents of Abraham Lincoln. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 115 Papers; except petitions for conference and Letters which merely relate to obtaining locations which are to be destroyed. John Sale is to take care of the papers— The committee appointed to examine the address of the “United Brethren” made their report. James Quinn and John Sale appointed to report to the “United Breth¬ ren”— The Book committee reported—The Committee of Fin¬ ances made their report as follows— The total amount of deficiencies. $1,226.76 To meet those deficiencies we have. 560.11 Draft on the book concern. 250.00 Draft on the chartered fund. 100.00 Money brought from last conference. 43.30 Charity brought on by Bishop McKendree. 15.00 From Erie Circuit. 15.00 From Cincinnati. 45.00 From Crop Creek Circuit. 5.0834 Little Miami... 47.48% From Union. 31.55% From Lexington. 6.81% 560.11% Received on the Circuit Deficien¬ cies Appropria¬ tions $ c $ c $ c Bishop Asbury. 20 00 Bishop McKendree. 20 00 James Norton. 9 00 Jacob Young. 148 41 11 59 James Watts. 102 99 57 01 John Graham. 80 00 James McMahan. 74 00 6 00 John McMahan. 60 72 19 28 Jacob Gurwell. 56 00 24 00 2 00 Archibald McElroy. 99 63}4 60 36 26 36 Abel Robison. 180 00 00 00 William Knox. 80 00 00 00 James B. Finley. 114 75 45 25 1 25 Robert Hatton. 80 00 David Young. 78 92 1 08 110 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Received Deficien- Appropria- on tne cies tions Circuit $ c $ c $ c Samuel Browne. 80 00 John Browne. 32 74 127 26 83 26 Samuel Wirt. 65 00 15 00 WAlirtm Lq.rnhdpin . 124 00 36 00 John Clingan. 72 00 88 00 44 00 Michael Ellis. 89 03 70 97 26 79 John Summerville. 70 00 10 00 Isaac Quinn. 66 00 14 00 Joseph Spair. 66 00 14 00 James Quinn. 149 31 10 68 Samuel Parker. 80 00 Alexander Cummins. 178 45 Moses Trader... 172 06 Daniel Davison. 80 00 Isaac Pavey. 156 00 4 00 Robert Finley. 105 00 55 00 11 00 Ralph Lotespiech. 106 61 53 39 9 39 Charles Waddle. 79 76H 23 John Sale. 158 50 1 50 Thomas Helms. 80 00 William Patterson. 80 00 Thomas D. Porter. 60 00 20 00 William McMahan. 67 25 12 75 Johnathan Stamper. 22 00 58 00 36 00 Marcus Lindsey. 40 00 40 00 18 00 Joseph Oglesbey. 124 81 35 19 Benj amine Rhoten. 80 00 00 00 00 00 James Ward. 103 00 57 00 13 00 Henry McDaniel. 86 00 74 00 30 00 John Cord. 61 60 10 40 Daniel Fraley. 48 36 31 64 9 64 Matthew Nelson. 40 00 40 00 8 00 John Dew. 76 00 4 00 Elijah McDaniel. 80 00 Presley Morris. 43 45 36 55 14 55 Thomas Nelson. 60 00 20 00 Charles Holliday. 160 00 Solomon Langdon. 160 00 William Burk. 160 00 Samuel Helms. 80 00 William Dixon. 77 30 2 70 John Strange. 25 00 135 00 91 Moses Crume. 70 07 89 93 45 93 Benjamin Lakin. 160 00 Joseph Tatman. 160 00 Walter Griffith. 160 00 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 117 The total amount of what was 5335 73 1226 76 received on the Circuits and the deficiencies— Ralph Lottspeich funeral expenses. 10.00 James B. Finley’s house rent. 15.18 Appropriations to Necessitous cases. 547.18 Jacob Gurwell. 5.58 John McMahan. 10.00 Isaac Quinn. 10.00 Shadrack Ruark. 3.00 Sam’l Parker. 5.00 Wm. Lamdin. 10.00 Jas. B. Finly. 2.00 James Watts. 5.00 $597.76 Saturday evening Bishop McKendree President James Smith a Local Deacon of Knox Circuit on an appeal was excluded from the M. E. Church— The Committee appointed to examine the Slave rule re¬ ported— September 6th morning cession B. McKendree Presi¬ dent Conference took up the report of the committee ap¬ pointed to examine the Slave rules & on motion the first number of the report was laid on the table till the Second be considered— The first rule in the report was adopted Evening sitting Bishop McKendree President Moved and carried that the report be on the table till next Annual Conference— John Sale, David Young, William Burk, Samuel Parker, and Charles Holliday were appointed a committee to consider the slave rules and report to next cnference. David Young Secy— W. McKendree Question 14. What numbers are in Society? 118 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Ohio Conference. Ohio District. Miami District. Whites Col. Whites Col Shenango ... .... 344 Cincinnati ... ... 226 Erie ... .... 596 Little Miami . ... 700 Trumbull and Lawrenceburg 312 7 Grand River . 600 White Water .... 843 4 Beaver . _ 139 Oxford . ... 411 Barnesville . . 562 4 Union . ... 771 Cross Creek . .... 751 Mad River ... ... 708 4 West Wheeling .. 457 4 White Oak ... ... 1,220 1 3,449 8 4,991 16 Muskingum District. Kentucky District. Guyandott .. . 340 Licking. ... 450 24 Letart Falls . .... 238 2 Lexington .... ... 690 90 Little Kanawha.. 318 5 Hinkstone .... ... 1,180 70 Fairfield .... .... 584 4 Big Sandy ... ... 272 17 Zanesville ... .... 240 Little Sandy . ... 204 10 Knox . .... 419 Fleming . ... 625 34 Tuscarawas . .... 397 Limestone ..., .... 460 40 Marietta .... .... 425 3,885 285 2,961 11 Salt River District. Scioto District. Danville . ... 464 63 Deer Creek . .... 726 7 Cumberland .. .... 284 Pickaway ... .... 530 Madison . ... 400 27 Delaware .... .... 526 3 Salt River ... .. . 474 28 Paint Creek .... 486 Jefferson . . . . 400 25 Brush Creek .... 682 Silver Creek . ... 341 Scioto . .... 571 2 Shelby . ... 464 46 Salt Creek .. .... 334 2,827 189 3,855 12 Total membership. Whites Col. 21,964 421 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 119 Appointments for 1813. Ohio Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Shenango, Jacob Gorwell. Erie, Abel Robinson. New-Connecticut, John Solomon, Oliver Carver. Beaver, John G. Cicil. Barnesville and West Wheeling, James B. Finley, Michael Ellis. Chetaugue, John M’Mehan. Cross Creek, James Watts. Muskingum Dist. David Young, P. Elder. Guyandott, John Cord. Letart Falls, Presley Morris. Little Kanawha, Robert Hatton. Fairfield, Archibald M’llroy. Zanesville, William Dixon. Knox, William Knox. Tuscarawas, John Graham. Marietta, Isaac Quinn, Shadrach Ruark. Scioto Dist. James Quinn, P. Elder. Deer Creek, Alexander Cummins, Henry B. Bascom. Pickaway, Charles Waddle. Delaware, Samuel West. Paint Creek, Moses Trader. Brush Creek, Isaac Pavey. Scioto, Walter Griffith. Salt Creek, Francis Landrum. Miami Dist. Samuel Parker, P. Elder. Cincinnati, William Lambdin. Little Miami, William Burke, Ebenezer David. Lawrenceburg, Moses Crume. White Water, David Sharp. Oxford, John Strange. Union, Marcus Lindsey, Joseph Tatman. Mad River, Joseph Oglesby. White Oak, Robert W. Finley. Kentucky Dist. John Sale, P. Elder. Licking, Jonathan Stamper. Lexington, William M’Mehan. 120 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Hinkstone, John Somerville, Daniel Davisson. Big Sandy, Samuel Brown. Little Sandy, Samuel Heliums. Fleming, Benjamin Rhoten. Limestone, Benjamin Lakin. Salt River Dist. Charles Holliday, P. Elder. Danville, Thomas Nelson. Cumberland, Thomas D. Porter. Madison, James M’Mehan. Salt River, Daniel Fraley. Jefferson, Matthew Nelson, John Dew. Silver Creek, Charles Harrison. Shelby, Henry M’Daniel, Jacob Hooper. Ill MINUTES OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR THE YEAR 1815 HELD IN CINCIN¬ NATI BEGINNING ON THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 8th 1814 Morning session John Sale President The conference appointed James Quinn Benjamin Laken and James Watts a committee of finance under the appillation of Stewards Walter Griffith and James B Finley were appointed a book committee. Robert C. Hatton and John Grayham were admitted into full connexion and elected to the office of deacons Presley Moris remains on trial—Archibald McElroy and Moses Trader were admitted and elected to the office of Elders— Samuel Brown’s case was laid over till tomorrow morning The conference adopted the former by-laws The times for sitting and adjournment were fixed; the former at 8 o’clock A. M. and 2 P. M. the Latter at half past 10 A. M. and at half past 5 P. M. Evening session John Sale President John Due, Charles Waddle and Frances Landrom were admitted into full connexion and elected to the office of deacons: but Charles Harison and Ebenezzer David were discontinued—The following local Preachers: William Gurley, Lewis Foster, John Foster, Benson Goldsbury Lewis Dukwall, Oliver M. Spencer, Ezekiel Huchinson, 121 122 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Elijah Fee and Hugh Ocull were elected to the office of deacons Friday morning September 9th J. Sale president James Quinn was released from the committee of Fin¬ ance and Marcus Lindsey appointed in his place— Samuel Brown is still remaining on trial— The Conference made a draft on the book concern for 1200.00 And on the chartered fund for fl40.00 Alexander Cummins was appointed a member of the book committee William Martin and Andrew Lunim (Local Preachers) were elected to the office of deacon. Evening session John Sale president The following local preachers George Anderson, James Peach, Samuel S. Griffith and Amos Chitwood were elected to the office of deacon. John Whittaker, Thomas Michell and Henry Oglewin (local deacons) were elected to the office of Elders— John Elliott and Boroughs Westlake were admitted on trial— Saturday Morning September 10th John Sale President Joseph Pownel, Elijah Fruite, Sadosa Bacon, Russell Bigelow, William P. Finley, Lemuel Lane, Curtis God¬ ard, Abbott Godard, LeRoy Cole, George Anderson, Wil¬ liam Hunt, William Adams Jabiz Bowman, Henry Baker, John Waterman, and Jacob Millar were admitted on trial— Evening Session J. Sale President Elias Robinson and James Benifield, L. Preachers were elected to the office of Deacon. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 123 The address of the United Jerman Brethren was read and refered to a Committee who were instructed to draw np an address in reply. David Robinson and Nathaniel Harris, Local Preach¬ ers, were elected to the office of Elder— Monday morning of September 12th John Sale President Nathaniel Harris requested the Conference to inform the trustees of the Bethel Academy, who the Legal Suc¬ cessor of Francis Paethras now is. Joseph Tatman obtained a location Evening Session John Sale President The characters of the graduates for the travelling elder¬ ship were examined Tuesday Morning Sept 13th John Sale President Samuel Monett a local deacon was elected to the office of an Elder. The Conference approved the address of the Committee appointed to write to the German Brethren. James Blair was restored to all the privilidges of a local deacon. Evening Session John Sale President Thomas Nelson for want of Qualifications was suspended from the exercise of the office of an Elder for one year. Wednesday morning John Sale President Evening Session John Sale President Thursday Morning Sept 5th John Sale President Sept 15th Evening Session John Sale President 1 1 These three statements are in a different handwriting. 124 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO The Book committee reported. The Financing stewards reported. The amount of differences for the Ohio conference held in Cincinnati Sept 1814 For double and single Quarter¬ age is |1364.54. The Children returned in 25 under seven years old And 24 under fourteen, The amount required to their support is $976.00. 2 The whole supplies allowed by the discipline leaves The Conference diffident $2340.54. The funds to meet There dificiences are as follows: —Viz. Cross Creek.$12.75 Zanesville . 18.46 Knox . 4.00 Deer Creek . 17.05 Delaware . 24.92 Pickaway . 25.00 Paint Creek. 15.66 Scioto . 8.00 Salt Creek . 13.25 Union .182.62 Lexington . ,. 91.17 Licking . .. 50.00 W. Jacoby . $9.70 Book concern . 200.00 Chartered fund .... 140.00 Subscription . 154.7734 By B. McKendree .. 40.00 Publick collexion .. 60.86 Total .$1,068.82^4 2 This is the first mention of support for the children of preachers in either the Jour¬ nals of the Western or the Ohio Conferences: The Discipline of 1784 had made the following provisions: In response to the ques¬ tion (Quest. 38), “What shall be annually allowed the wives of the married preachers?” Ans. Twenty-four pounds (Pennsylvania currency) if they need it, and no more.” This was to be provided by the circuits proportionally. Question 40 was “What shall be allowed the married preachers for the support of their children?” Ans. For each of their children under the age of six years, let them be allowed six pounds (Pennsyl¬ vania currency), and for each child of the age of six and under the age of eleven, eight pounds” (Emory, History of the Discipline, p. 42). The Discipline for 1792 provided that the preachers wife should receive “Sixty- four dollars, if they be in want of it” (Ibid., p. 237). Four years later the allow¬ ance to the preacher’s wife is made absolute, without the condition, “if they be in want of it.” In 1800 the preacher’s allowance was raised to eighty dollars, as was also the allow¬ ance of preacher’s wives. The provision for preacher’s children in the 1800 Discipline was “Each child of a travelling preacher shall be allowed sixteen dollars annually, to the age of seven years, and twenty-four dollars annually from the age of seven to fourteen years; nevertheless, this rule shall not apply to the children of preachers whose families are provided for by other means in their circuits respectively” (Emory, Ibid., p. 238). Eighty dollars was also allowed superannuated and supernumerary preachers, and likewise eighty dollars was allowed the wives of such preachers. Widows of all classes of preachers were allowed eighty dollars, and orphans of preachers, “if possible” were to be given sixteen dollars annually (Ibid., p. 238). The above provisions remained in force until 1816, when the allowances of preachers and their wives was raised to one hundred dollars each, although in 1804 an additional provision was made for the children of preachers w T hose wives were dead (Emorv. Ibid., pp. 238-239). JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 125 Deficien- Appropria- cies tions $ e % c $ c Jacob Young.. 159 69 00 31 Jacob Gurwell.. 00 00 20 00 20 3 months Abel Robinson. 143 23 16 77 40 77 John Solomon. 50 73 29 27 21 27 Oliver Carver. 50 73 29 27 21 27 John G. Cicel. 76 95 3 05 James B. Finley.. 131 50 28 50 12 50 Michael Ellis. 131 50 28 50 12 50 John McMahan. 80 00 00 00 James Watts. 154 67 5 33 David Young. 79 41M 00 5854 John Cord. 80 00 00 00 Presley Morris. 45 00 35 00 27 00 Robert C. Ratten. 75 00 5 00 Archibald McElroy. 144 28 15 72 William Dixon. 80 00 00 00 William Knox. 107 55 52 45 36 45 John Grayham. 77 50 2 50 3 00 Isaac Quinn. 156 76 3 24 Shadrac Rhuark. 66 22% 13 77% 5 77 James Quinn. 169 76 00 00 Alexander Cummins. 176 35 00 00 Henry B. Bascom. 80 00 00 00 Charles Waddle. 125 00 35 00 19 00 Samuel West. 80 00 00 00 Mosses Trader. 151 04% 8 95 a Isaac Pavey. 148 72 11 28 Walter Griffith. 160 00 00 00 Frances Landrum. 80 00 00 00 Samuel Parker. 80 00 00 00 William Lambdon. 400 00 00 00 20 00 William Burke. 40 00 120 00 104 00 Moses Crume. 60 00 100 00 84 00 David Sharp. 45 00 35 00 27 00 John Strange. 116 00 44 00 28 00 Marcus Lindsey. 80 00 00 00 Joseph Tatman... 20 00 00 00 Joseph Oglesby. 160 00 00 00 Robert W. Finley. 160 00 00 00 John Sale. 139 12}4 20 87% 4 87% Johnathan Stamper. 61 50 18 50 10 50 William McMahan. 80 00 00 00 John Summerville. 72 00 00 00 Daniel Davidson. 72 00 00 00 Sami. Brown. 10 00 70 00 62 00 Sami. Heliums. 32 80 47 20 39 20 126 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Deficien- Appropria- cies tions $ c $ c $ c Benjamin Rhoton. . . 80 00 00 00 Benjamin Lakin.... 125 29M 34 70 % 18 70'A Charles Holliday. . . 137 25 M 22 74M 6 75 Thomas Nelson. . . . 80 00 00 00 Thos. D. Porter. . . . 45 00 35 00 27 00 James McMahan. . . 63 75 16 25 8 25 Daniel Fraley. 80 00 00 00 Mathew Nelson.... 104 12J4 00 00 John Due. 80 00 00 00 Henry McDaniel. . . 35 4 124 96 108 96 Jacob Hooper. 44 00 36 00 24 00 Widdow Lotspeach. . 00 00 80 00 72 00 Widdow Young. . . . 00 00 80 00 72 00 William McKendree. 30 Bishop Asbury. 20 Joseph Kincaide.... 20 Sent to the Tenesee Conference 48 5 Total Amount 1068 82^ Bishop McKendree’s acc. Bishop McKendree expences during last year. during last year. moneys received Ohio Conference. ...$20.00 Tenesse Do. ... 20.00 South Car Do. ... 20.00 N. Car Do. ... 20.00 Virginia Do. ... 20.00 About $105.00 Baltimore Do. ... 20.00 Part of these expenditures Philadelphia Do. ... 20.00 were for men to aid the Bishop New York Do. ... 20.00 on his way which this Confer- New England Do.. . . ... 15.00 ence determined should be ac- Gennesse Do. ... 20.00 counted as traveling expences. $195.00 Next Conference is to be at Lebanon Ohio September 14th 1815. The last Friday in March 1815 is set apart as a day Of Fasting & Prayer throughout the Ohio Anual Confer¬ ence. The last Friday in August 1815 is requested to be kept as a universal fast throughout all the Conferences. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 127 Conference recommended a General subscription to be conducted by the P. Elders. The conference finished the examination of all the Elders characters. September 16th Friday morning John Sale President The committe appointed last conference to examine the Slave Rules reported and the conference confirmed and retained the former slave rules— D. Young, Secy. John Sale P. Protem. Question 14. What numbers are in society ? Ohio District. Miami District. Whites Col. Whites Col Shenango . 367 Cincinnati ... ... 264 Erie .. 588 Little Miami . ... 673 1 Trumbull and Laurenceburg ... 219 Grand River .. 1,100 10 White Water . ... 301 Beaver . 157 Oxford . ... 405 Cross Creek. 905 Union . ... 730 7 Chatauque . 157 Mad River ... ... 846 White Oak ... ... 1,107 1 3,274 10 4,545 9 Muskingum District. Guyandott . 289 26 Kentucky District. Letart Falls. 299 Licking . ... 440 24 Little Kanawha.. 373 5 Limestone ... ... 533 75 Fairfield . 682 Lexington .... ... 675 140 Zanesville . 335 5 Hinkstone .... ... 1,114 122 Knox . 406 Fleming . ... 580 29 Tuscarawas . 362 Big Sandy .... ... 160 Marietta . 386 Little Sandy . ... 229 15 3,132 36 3,731 405 Scioto District. Brush Creek . ... 675 Deer Creek . 696 19 Scioto . ... 502 1 Pickaway . 648 2 Salt Creek ... ... 394 5 Delaware . 624 6 Paint Creek . 534 3 4,073 36 128 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Salt River District. Whites Col. Whites Col. Shelby . 506 Danville . 715 - Cumberland . 231 1 3,238 104 Madison . 400 27 Salt River . 483 28 Total Membership. Jefferson . 459 48 Whites Col. Silver Creek .... 450 21,993 600 Appointments 181Jf. Ohio Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Shenango, John Elliot. Erie, John Solomon, John Graham. New-Connecticut, James M’Mehon, Lemuel Lane. Beaver, James Watts. Barnesville, Wm. Knox, John M'Mehon. Cross Creek, James B. Finley, Archibald M’llroy. West Wheeling, Abel Robertson, Michael Ellis. Chatauque, Boroughs Westalke. Muskingum Dist. David Young, P. Elder. Guyandott, Henry B. Bascom. Letart Falls, Jacob Hooper. Little Kanawha, Curtis Goddard. Marietta, Marcus Lindsey, Joseph Pownell. Fairfield, Charles Waddle. Zanesville, Joseph Kinkead. Knox, Samuel West. Tuscarawas, John Cord. Scioto Dist. James Quinn, P. Elder. Deer Creek, Isaac Quinn, Sadosa Bacon. Pickaway, Daniel Fraley, Henry Baker. Delaware, Isaac Pavey. Paint Creek, William P. Finley. Brush Creek, Walter Griffith. Scioto, Moses Trader, Alex. Cummins. Salt Creek, Thos. Nelson, Elijah Truitt. Miami Dist. John Sale, P. Elder. Cincinnati and Miami, Joseph Oglesby, John Waterman. Laurenceburg, John Strange. White Water, William Hunt. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 129 Oxford, John. Somerville. Union, Moses Crume, Jacob Miller. Mad River, Abbott Goddard. White Oak, Robert W. Finley, David Sharp. Kentucky Dist. Sam’l Parker, P. Elder. Licking, Leroy Cole, Benjamin Rhotan. Lexington, Benj. Lakin, John G. Cicil. Hinkston, William Dixon, Russel Bigelow. Big Sandy, and Little Sandy, Francis Landrum, Oliver Carver. Fleming, Geo. Anderson, Presley Morris. Limestone, Jonathan Stamper. Salt River Dist. Charles Holliday, P. Elder. Danville, Samuel Heliums. Cumberland, Robert C. Hatton. Madison, John Dew. Salt River, William Adams. Jefferson, Thomas D. Porter. Shelby, William M’Mahon. Silver Creek, Shadrach Ruark. IV JOURNAL OF THE FOURTH ANNUAL CONFER¬ ENCE BEGUN SEPTEMBER 14th 1815 AND HELD IN THE TO WN OF LEBANON, OHIO MEMBERS Jacob Young. John Somerville James B. Finley Benjn Rhoten Michael Ellis* John McMahon* James Wyatts* 30 Johnathan Stamper 5 Isaac Quin John Cord James Quinn R. W. Finley Alexander Cummins* Moses Trader Samuel West William Dixon Isaac Pavy 35 Thomas D. Porter 10 Samuel Parker John Dew William Burk Robert C. Hatton Marcus Lindsey John Graham* Joseph Oglesby* Francis Landrum John Sale 40 Charles Waddle 15 Benjamin Lakin John Solomon Charles Holliday David Sharp Henry McDaniel Sami. Brown Moses Crume Joseph Kinkead Thomas Nelson 45 Sami. Heliums* 20 Archibald McElroy* Wm. Knox Abel Robinson* D. Young Walter Griffith Shadrach Ruark* John Strange Oliver Carver Daniel Fraley 50 Jacob Hooper 25 James McMahan* Abbott Goddard. William McMahon (N. B. Those marked * are absent) 130 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 131 Thursday Morning Session, Bishop McKendree, President David Young was appointed Secretary The Conference appointed the the times of its respective sittings, and adjournments, the former at 8 o’clock in the morning & 2 O’clock in the afternoon The latter at y 2 past 10 O’clock & y 2 past 5. Note. —At this point a page is missing from the manu¬ script Journal. Marcus Lindsey, John Dew and Thomas D. Porter were appointed a Committee of Finance and call’d Stewards. James B. Finley, Walter Griffith, and Abbott Goddard were ordered to attend to the Business of the annual Book Committee. John Solomon, David Sharp, and Samuel Brown were admitted into full connection. Because John Graham absented himself from his Charge and this Conference; without giving any intima¬ tion of his future purposes in the travelling Connection: The Conference have advised that his name be continued among the deacons, but that he shall have no Station— Nevertheless the P. Elder who shall be first appointed to the Ohio District shall have liberty to employ him Evening Session, Bishop McKendree President Conference made a draft on the Charter fund for $145.00 And on the Book Concern (without any in¬ formation from the Agents) for $200.00 George Anderson, Jacob Miller, and John Elliott who were admitted on trial last Conference were laid aside Friday Morning Session Bishop McKendree President It was moved and carried that LeRoy Cole and Abbott Goddard, who were admitted on trial last year should be admitted into full connection. 132 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Henry B. Bascomb was not received into full connec¬ tion, but was continued on trial Presley Morris was not admitted into full Connection, for want of Gifts Evening Session Bishop McKendree President The Conference determined that the Stewards should not make approximations for preacher’s wives who mar¬ ried between Conferences. John G. Cicel desisted from travelling Willim Summers, Evi Daily, Richard Cramer and Joel Havens local preachers who were recommended to be ordain’d deacons were rejected James Montgomery, Robert Ray, James Grimes, John P. Finley William Austin, James Fowler, Hezikiah Hall, John DeSellums, Archibald Hawkins and Vinal Stewart Local Preachers were recommended and elected to the office of Deacons Saturday Morning Session, Bishop McKendree presidt. John Pirtle a local preacher recommended for Deacons orders was rejected. Benjamin Adams, John Waggoner, Christian Lohr, Robert Graves, Stephen Spurlock, and Abraham Hull, Local preachers were elected to the office of Deacons.— The Conference took up the Case of Philip W. Taylor & Gabriel Woodfield - - - - - which was laid over at Steubenville Conference. Neither of them were elected to the Office of Elders, be¬ cause they were not present; nor did they forward Cer¬ tificates according to rule. Cornelius Springer, Samuel Hamilton, Andrew Monroe and Benjamin Lawrence were admitted on trial The Conference determined that the Election of Repre¬ sentatives to next General Conference should take place, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 133 previous to locations, and that the men should be ap¬ pointed by Choice. James Quin, W. Burk, Charles Holliday, Marcus Lind¬ sey, Jacob Young, Samuel Parker, Isaac Quin, D. Young, John Sale, & Benjamin Lakin were accordingly elected.— Monday Morning Session, Bishop McKendree President Samuel Heliums, Oliver Carver, James McMahon, Joseph Oglesby Abel Robinson, & Jonathan Stamper ob- taind locations. William Burk continued superannuated, and Henry McDaniel, and Isaac Quin were placed among the super¬ annuated Michael Ellis and Isaac Pavey have supernumerary Stations. Evening Session Bishop McKendree, President. The Numbers in Society were called for & obtained. William Cunningham was admitted on trial notwith¬ standing his recommendation had been mislaid or lost; But another re-commendation is to be obtained. William Holman, and William Williams were not ad¬ mitted, but a presiding Elder is at liberty to employ W. Williams. William Swayze a late member of the New York Con¬ ference having been dismiss’d at his own request; came and offer’d to travel in our Conference: But not being officially removed, and being without a location, the Con¬ ference thought it improper to employ him. Absalom Hunt, James Simmon, John Tivis, John Kent, Othniel Talbott, James G. Leach, Mathew Mahon, and Samuel Chenoweth, were admitted on trial; but James Havens, Amos Sparks, Oliver Woodsworth, Joel Havens and Jacob Daley were rejected. 134 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Tuesday Morning Session, Bishop McKendree President Next Conference is appointed to be held at Louisville Kentucky. Evening Session, Bishop McKendree President The examination of all the Characters was concluded. George C. Light, & Eli Truitt were elected to the office of Elders. Wednesday Morning Session, Bishop McKendree, Prest. John Bennett a local Preacher from Madison Circuit on an appeal from the Quarterly meeting Conference of his Circuit, came before this Conference, and the decision of the Quartermeeting Conference, was confirm’d by this Conference. The Book Committee made their Report. The Stewards of the Conference reported and their report was confirm’d as follows: The total amount of the deficiencies of the preachers in the Ohio Conference we find to be $1416.28%j The monies put into our hands to meet those deficien¬ cies are as follows The Collections from the Circuits amounting to. $ 471 . 79 % Dividend from the Charter Fund. 145.00 Dividend from the Book Concern. 200.00 From the Mite Subscription. 100.00 Collection in Lebanon. 114.00 $1,030.79% By the dividend of $69.00 to the 1,030.79% single & 138 to the married men we have a 994.19 balance in our hands of $36.60% which the Conference ordered to be distributed to the following necessitous Cases Viz. Samuel Parker. $12.33$ John Solomon. 12.33$ Jon Waterman. 12.33$ All Balanced (0) JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 135 A correct View of monies rec’d together with the deficiencies & Appropriations. Ohio District Received Deficient Appropria¬ tions Children’s Appropria¬ tions $ c $ c $ c $ c Jacob Young. $155 33 4 62^ 00 00 4 00 John Graham. 80 00 0 00 00 00 a a John Solomon. 80 00 ♦ * a a James McMahan. 91 60 • • a • Lemuel Lane. 64 45 is 55 4 55 . . James Watts... 93 46 66 57 44 57 6 00 Wm. Knox. 85 65 74 35 52 35 8 00 Michael Ellis. 85 00 75 00 53 00 2 00 John McMahan. 86 65 73 35 51 35 2 00 James B. Finley. 160 00 # u • • , , 2 00 Archibald McElroy. 160 00 # # , , 12 00 Abel Robinson. 108 97H 51 02^ 29 02M 8 00 John Elliott. 125 00 35 00 13 00 6 00 Burress Westlake.. 80 00 . . • • Samuel Brown. 77 70 m # « • * m • • David Young. 80 00 • a 0 u . , H. B. Bascomb. 12 10 67 90 56 90 Jacob Hooper. 32 00 47 25 36 75 Curtis Goddard. 60 00 20 00 9 00 J. Bowman... 45 00 35 • * 24 00 M. Lindsey. 80 00 # . • • J. Pownal. 76 50 3 50 C. Waddle. 160 00 , , 2 00 J. Kinkead . 80 00 • « S. West . 80 00 « • J. Cord . 80 00 • • James Quin . 160 00 . * 40 66 I. Quin. . 146 00 ii 00 2 00 Amelia Lotspeich . • • • • 80 00 69 00 8 00 Mary Young .. • • • * 80 00 69 00 • . a • S. Bacon . 70 00 10 00 # # # 1 • • a « D. Fraley . 80 00 , . • • • . , • , , a e H. Baker . 70 00 10 00 « a a • a a I. Pavey . 97 00 63 00 41 00 8 00 W. P. Finley . 160 00 • • • • , . . , 15 75 W. Griffith . 160 00 • • # # # . . , , , . # M. Trader . 160 00 • • , , , , # . 40 00 A. Cummins .. # # 80 00 69 00 2 00 T. Nelson . 99 99 # # # . # # a • E. Truitt . 90 00 70 00 48 00 a • J. Sale . 160 00 # # m # 10 00 Wm. Burke.. 160 00 # # 4 4 t J. Oglesby. J. Waterman. 160 00 , , . . , , , . , . a • 80 00 , , . . , , # , . # J. Strange... 160 00 . a - « . * ♦ • a a 136 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Ohio District Received Deficient Appropria¬ tions Children’s Appropria¬ tions $ c $ c s c $ c W. Hunt. 70 25 9 75 ,7. Somerville. 71 25 . M. Grume. 150 16 9 84 4 00 J. Miller. 75 00 5 00 A. Goddard.. 160 00 2 00 R. W. Finley. 160 00 2 00 D. Sharp. 80 00 S. Parker. 77 50 L. R. Cole. B. Rhoten. 72 38 7 62 B. Lakin. 160 00 W. Dixon. 78 00 2 00 R. Bigelow. 78 00 2 00 F. Landrum. 60 00 20 00 9 00 H. McDaniel. 49 5sy 2 110 iVA 88 41 y O. Carver. 8 50 71 50 36 50 G. Anderson. 96 24 65 36 41 76 P. Morris. 64 72 15 28 4 28 J. Stamper. 120 00 40 00 18 00 C. Holliday. 160 00 . , , . 18 50 S. Heliums.*. 42 50 37 50 26 50 R. C. Hatton. 39 48 40 52 29 52 Jno. Dew. 80 00 Wm. Adams. 143 00 17 00 4 00 J. D. Porter. 80 00 . . W. McMahan. 80 00 5 00 S. Ruark. 64 27 y 2 15 78^ 4 72 Bishop Asbury. • • . • , . . . 30 00 Bishop McKendree. . • • . . . . . 30 00 Evening Session Bishop McKendree President. Next Conference is to meet Tuesday 3rd Sept. 1816. The Conference made themselves responsible for the freight¬ age of a quantity of Books sent on by a Bible Society. The Conference permitted the delegates to General Conference to make Collection to bear their Expences, reserving the right to examine their use and appropria¬ tions of the money. D. Young, Secy. W. McKendree. What numbers are in Society? JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 137 Ohio Conference. Ohio District. Miami District . Whites Col. Whites Col, Shenango . .. 336 Cincinnati . . 310 Erie . .. 568 Little Miami ... . 655 Trumbull and Lawrenceburg .. . 300 5 Grand River .. 1,100 10 White Water ... . 490 Beaver . .. 213 Oxford . . 577 Cross Creek ... .. 959 12 Union . . 689 West Wheeling .. 485 Mad River. . 1,012 4 Tuscarawas ... .. 442 2 White Oak. . 1,130 1 Marietta . .. 596 5,163 10 4,699 24 Kentucky District. Muskingum District. Licking . . 339 19 Guyandott . .. 240 12 Lexington .. . 598 146 Letart Falls ... .. 337 Hinkstone . . 908 113 Little Kanawha .. 320 Big Sandy and Fairfield . .. 924 Little Sandy.. . 320 Zanesville . .. 383 11 Fleming . 709 19 Knox .. .. 434 Limestone .. . 500 73 Barnesville .... .. 625 6 3,374 370 3,263 29 Salt River District. Scioto District. Danville . . 508 73 Deer Creek .... .. 690 Cumberland_ . 220 Pickaway . .. 633 2 Madison . . 395 32 Delaware . .. 627 Salt River . . 510 30 Paint Creek ... .. 622 Jefferson . . 444 35 Bush Creek ... .. 804 Silver Creek ... . 563 3 Scioto . .. 545 Shelby. . 438 36 Salt Creek. .. 402 Blue River . . 195 4,323 2 3,273 209 Total membership. Whites Col. 24,095 644 138 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Where are the preachers stationed this year? Ohio Conference. Ohio Dist. David Young, P. Elder. Shenango, John Somerville. Erie, Robert C. Hatton. Mahonan, John Waterman, Shadrach Ruark. Beaver, Henry Baker. West Wheeling, Archibald MTlroy. Chetauqua, Lemuel Lane. Steubenville, James P. Finley, Joseph Pownal. Grand River, Samuel Brown. Tuscarawas, Curtis Goddard. Muskingum Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Guyandott, John Dew. Letart Falls, Cornelius Springer. Little Kanawha, Samuel Hamilton. Fairfield, Charles Waddle, Michael Ellis. Zanesville, Wm. Knox. Knox, John Solomon, John McMahon. Marietta, Marcus Lindsey. Barnesville, Burroughs Westalke. Scioto Dist. James Quinn, P, Elder. Deer Creek, Walter Griffith, Isaac Pavey. Pickaway, Moses Trader, William Cunningham. Paint Creek, Robert W. Finley. Scioto, Samuel West, Elijah Truitt. Columbus, Jacob Hooper. Brush Creek, William P. Finley. Miami Dist. John Sale, P. Elder. Cincinnati, William Dixon. Miami, Allex. Cummins, Russell Bigelow. Lawrenceburg, David Sharp. White Water, Daniel Fraley. Oxford, Benjamin Lawrence. Union, Abbot Goddard. Mad River, Moses Crume, Henry B. Bascom. White Oak, John Strange, Samuel Chenowith. (1815). JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 139 Kentucky Dist. Sam’l Parker, P. Elder. Licking, Leroy Cole, Othniel Talbott. Lexington, Thomas D. Porter, John Tivis. Hinkstone, Benjamin Lakin, Thomas Nelson. Big Sandy and Little Sandy, John Cord, John Kent. Fleming, Wm. M’Mahan. Limestone, Francis Landrum. Salt River Dist. Charles Holliday, P. Elder. Danville, Benjamn Rhoten. Cumberland, Andrew Monroe. Madison, Abaslom Hunt. Jefferson, William Adams, Sadosa Bacon. Silver Creek, Joseph Kinkaid. Shelby, William Hunt, Jabez Bowman. Blue River, James Simmons. Salt River, James G. Leach. V JOURNAL OF THE FIFTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFER¬ ENCE HELD AT LOUISVILLE KEN¬ TUCKY; BEGUN SEPT. 3rd. 1816. MEMBERS NAMES David Young James Quinn Samuel Parker Jacob Young 5 Benjamin Lakin John Sale Michael Ellis* Charles Holliday Robert W. Finley 10 William Burke* Isaac Quinn* Marcus Lindsey Moses Crume James B. Finley 15 Walter Griffith William Dixon Alex. Cummins Leroy Cole* Abbott Goddard 20 John Summerville John McMahon* Henry McDaniel* Moses Trader* William Adams 25 Henry B. Bascom N. B. Those marked Russell Bigelow Isaac Pavy* William McMahon John Dew Robert C. Hatten 30 Shadrach Ruark Archibald Mcllroy Samuel Brown Curtis Goddard William Knox 35 John Solomon Charles Waddle* Samuel West* David Sharp John Strange 40 Thos. D. Porter Thomas Nelson Francis Landrum John Cord Benj. Rhoten 45 John Grayham Jacob Hooper Joseph Pownel Sadosa Bacon Henry Baker are absent. 140 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 141 50 Daniel Fraley* Wm. Hunt William P. Finley Jabez Bowman John Watterman Morning Session Bishop McKendree President D. Young was appointed Secretary. The Conference fixed the times for setting & adjourn¬ ment the former at S A. M. and half past 2 P. M. The latter at 12 Oclock & half past 5 P. M.— Marcus Lindsey, John Dew & Archibald Mcllroy were appointed Stewards to the Conference. James B. Finley, Walter Griffith & Abbott Goddard were appointed to a book committee. Henry Baker, Joseph Pownel, John Watterman, W. P. Finley, Curtis Goddard, William Adams, Sadosa Bacon, & Jabez Bowman were admitted into full conection, & elected to the office of Deacons. But Lemuel Lane & Boroughs Westlake were continued on trial. And Wil¬ liam Hunt tho’ admitted into full connection, was not elected to office. Evening Session, Bishop George President. Russel Bigelow, Henry B. Bascom & Elijah Truitt were admitted into full conection & elected to the office of Deacons. The graduates for the Eldership, John Gray- ham, John Dew Charles Waddle & Robert C. Hatton were elected to that office. But Francis Landrum was not elected. The conference recinded their act of last year, which de¬ prived John Grayham from having a regular station. An account of the Quarterage & Collections rec’d. and made by the Preachers was called for rendered. An examination of the Characters & conduct of those remaining on trial, the Conference ordered that Othneel Talbott & Mathew Mahan should be laid aside. 142 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Morning Session Wednesday Sept. 4th Bishop George President. Ezra Booth, Thos. A. Morris, William Westlake, Thomas Carr, Samuel Glaze, Samuel Baker, Daniel Divison, Wm. Williams, William Holdman, Samuel Demint, John Lin- ville, & Simon Peter were admitted on trial. But the case of John Brooke was laid over—David Tickner was rejected but a Presiding Elder is at liberty to employ him.—Stephen Spurlock tho admitted, yet the Illegality of this recommendation caused the conference to require that one be procured and presented to our next annual conference. William Swayze was constituted a member of this con¬ ference. A Draft was made on the book concern for $200. The conference last year for want of information made a draft for $50 less than their dividend, which (by a grant from the agents) was ordered to be equally divided be¬ twixt the Misourie & Mississippi Conferences. By Vir¬ tue of their respective recommendations, Thomas Cun- uingham, Jacob Fry, Josiah Whitaker, John Bevins, and Richard Tarven Local Preachers were elected to the Office of Deacons.—But Robert McCormick was not elected. Evening Session Bishop George President. The Conference proceeded to elect to the Office of Dea¬ cons the following Local Preachers, Viz. George Mitchell, Hiram Stratton, Jesse Robertson, Peter Yost, Thomas Upjohn, John Pirtle, Isaac Holt, Andrew Beeman, Ed¬ ward McCown, John Seaton, But Hugh Barns, Stephen Grimes & Jesse Rowland were not elected. John Brooke (whose case was laid over this morning) was taken up & he was admitted on trial. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 143 The next annual Conference was appointed to be held in Zanesville, Ohio. Thursday Sept. 5th Morning Session Bishop George President The recommendations in favour of Local Deacons to the Eldership was called for and the following persons elected, Benj. Whitson, Elected after he had been called before the conference & answered In the affirmative to the following Interogations. Do you believe in the Moral depravity of mankind by nature? Do you believe that children would run into sin without bad Example?—Do you believe that moral evil is coevil with their existence? David Smithers and J. W. Pigman were elected— The Conference resolved that the committee of Finance pay the superintendants any monies coming to them from the Missourie conference. Resolved by the Ohio Annual conference that it is in* exipedient and imprudent for a travelling Preacher to dishonor himself by associating with the Free Masons in their Lodges Resolved that this conference communicate by letter thro’ the Presiding Elders their disapprobation to the Official men or Members of our Church associating them¬ selves with the Free Masons either in their Lodges or Festivals.— Evening Session Bishop George President. The conference reconsidered the case of Lemuel Lane admitted and elected him to office. James Quinn is considered as supernumerary. A Draft was made on the Charter Fund for $130. Michael Ellis stands supernumerary 144 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Charles Holliday, John Sale, Benjamin Rlioten, Frances Landrum, Daniel Fraley & Joseph Kinkade obtained lo¬ cations. William Burk enjoys a superanuated relation— Friday Morning Sept. 6th Bishop George President Leroy Cole and Mosses Trader were considered as super¬ anuated men. Abbott Goddard and Isaac Pavy were placed among the supernumeraries. John Calamen a Local Preacher was elected to the office of a Deacon. Evening Session Bishop George President The examination of all the Elders characters was con¬ cluded. Thomas Nelson was superannuated. The conference reconsidered John Sales case and placed him among the supernumeraries.. Saturday Morning Session Bishop George President The report of the Stewards respecting sundry members in their appropriations after amendment was confirmed. The conference reconsidered their vote of last Wednes¬ day respecting $50 as per Journal,—And put the mony into the hands of the Stewards. Thomas Sewel was constituted a member of this confer¬ ence. A presiding Elder is at liberty to employ Othniel Tal¬ bott. Evening Session Bishop Roberts President David Morgan & James Garner Local Deacons were elected to the Office of Elders. The Stewards report was confirmed as follows JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 145 Names of Preachers Stations David Young . Muskingun. .. Erie. R.obt,. FI. Hat, ton . John Watterman ) Shadrack Rhuark ) Sami. Brown. Mahonon Grand River.. James B. Finley 1 Jos. Pownel ) Henry Baker. Steubenville Beaver. Lemuel Lane. Chatauqua. . . Shena.ngo. John Summerville. Archd. McElroy. W. Wheeling.. Tusharaws.... Curtis Goddard. J. Young. .. Muskm. Dt. . . Marcus Lindsey. ...... Marietta. Sami. Hamilton. L. Kanawha. . C. Springer. Letart Falls... Charles Waddle 1 Michael Ellis j Fairfield Wm. Knox. Zanesville.... John Solomon ^ John McMahan j Knox. Burress Westlake. Barresville.. . . John Dew. Guiandott. .. . John Graham. Barnsville.... J. Quinn. Scioto Dt. . . . W. Griffith 1 Deer Creek Isaac Pavy ) Moses Trader ) Wm. Cunningham ) Robt. W. Finly. Pickaway Paint Creek... Sami. West 1 Elijah Truitt j Jacob Hooper. Soioto Columbus.... Wm. P. Finley. Brush Creek. . J. Sale.".. Miami Dt.... Wm. Dixon. Cincinnati.... Alex. Cummins | Miami Russell Bigelow j David Sha.rpe . Laurenceburg. White Water.. Daniel Fraley. Abbott, Goddard . Union. Renj. Laurence . Oxford. Moses Crume 1 Mad River H. B. Bascum ) John Strange.... "I Sami. Chennoweth J Sami. Parker. White Oak Kentucky Dt. Leroy Cole.... ) Licking Othniel Talbott j Thos D. Porter j Lexington John Teves i Amount of Quarter¬ age Amount of Defects Surplus and ejec¬ tions Appro¬ priations $ c $ c $ c $ c 74 90 % 5 09 % 00 00 00 00 80 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 35 31 44 69 00 00 37 69 35 31 44 69 00 00 37 69 36 44 43 56 00 00 27 56 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 80 00 00 00 15 00 00 00 74 33% 5 66% 00 00 00 00 80 00 00 00 14 00 00 00 80 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 110 44 49 56 00 00 33 56 70 54 9 46 00 00 2 44 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 80 00 00 00 32 31% 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 51 18 28 00 00 00 21 00 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 160 00 00 00 7 75 00 00 52 30 27 70 15 70 00 00 69 62 % 90 37% 56 37% 80 00 00 00 6 00 00 00 80 00 00 00 18 25 00 00 80 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 160 00 00 00 37 00 00 00 13 00 147 00 00 00 93 00 20 00 140 00 00 00 46 00 58 00 22 00 00 00 00 00 160 00 00 00 00 00 00 00 76 18 3 82 00 00 00 00 152 36 7 64 00 00 80 00 5 18% 160 00 8 00 160 00 , , # # 80 00 100 00 160 00 80 00 80 00 80 00 160 00 84 20 156 52 3 48 . , , , 160 00 SO 00 160 00 80 00 10 00 80 00 61 36 18 64 6 64% SO 00 is 66 80 00 # t * * , # , , 146 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names of Preachers Stations Amount of Quarter¬ age Amount of Defects Surplus and Collec¬ tions Appro¬ priations Benj. Lakin ) $ 103 c 33% $ 56 66% $ c S 42 66% Hinkstone Thomas Nelson ) 96 97 66 021* 25 49 too to John Cord i 36 75 42 36 Sandy John Kent, | 36 75 42 25 36 25 00 Wm. McMahan. Fleming. 80 00 00 00 175 87% 00 00 F. Landrum. Limestone. ... 80 00 44 C. Holliday. Salt River Dt. 157 63% 64J* 00 2 36 Benj. Rhoten. Danville. 69 10 351* 35 871* 00 ~3 351* A. Monroe. Cumberland. . 80 52 Absalom Hunt.. Madison. 80 00 20 00 Wm. Adams 1 160 00 Jefferson Sadosa Bacon J Jos. Kinkade. 80 00 31 00 Silver Creek. . 80 00 38 50 Wm. Hunt. 118 06 % 06% 00 41 93% 93% 00 00 00 27 93% 93% 00 .Tahez Bowman. Shelby. 59 20 32 75 13 .Tames Simmons. Blue River. . . 55 25 38 25 18 J. Cl. T^each. Salt River.. . . 156 841* 3 151* 4 56 Wm. Burke. Superanuated. Do. 146 00 T. Quinn. 146 00 00 00 IVToDanipl. Do. 146 73 Amelia Lotsoeach. Widow. 1,111 07% Rinhop McKendree. 45 45 90 10 00 00 00 00 Do (iftonre. F)r>. Roberts. Jas. Norton. 1 . . • • • • Amount of the draught on Book Concern... 200.00 Our Dividend of Charter Fund. 130.00 Balance of our book dividend for 1816. 50.00 By Bishop McKendree. 75.00 For our proportion of the Board of two of Bishop Georges Children. 10.00 Wm. Burke Do. 00.00 160.00 - 1322.96 Whole amount of Deficiencies.1528.19 H 210.00 For balance of Isaac Quinn’s. 1112.96 Expenses to General Conference. 10.00 Whole Amount of Special Appropriations. 210.00 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 147 Preachers Names An account of Children No. over 7 years No. under 7 years Amount of Claims Appropria¬ tions James Quinn. 2 2 $80.00 $10 Jacob Young. 2 32.00 4 John Sale. 2 4 112.00 14 Alexr. Cummins. 1 1 40.00 5 Mosses Crume. 2 48.00 6 W. B. Finley. 1 4 88.00 11 Robert W. Finley. 1 0 24.00 3 Archd. McElroy. 2 2 80.00 10 Wm. Knox. 2 2 80.00 10 Charles Holliday. 3 1 104.00 11 Wm. Adams. 2 0 48.00 6 Abbott Goddard. 0 2 32.00 4 Amelia Lotspeach. 1 3 72.00 9 John Strange. 0 1 16.00 2 Isaac Quinn. 0 1 16.00 2 Thos. Nelson. 0 1 16.00 2 Bishop George. 3 0 72.00 9 Mosses Trader. 4 0 96.00 12 26 26 130 Public Collection & moi ley in hanc , Monday VIorning $2S 20.623^ 170. Private Appropriations 50.623^ James Quinn. $12 Wm. Mahan. 13 Bro. Trader. 15 40 Whole amount of Appropriations to Children. 130 170 Balance in hand. $50.62)^ The Conference determined that the P. Elder next on the Miami District together with the assistant Preacher on Pequa Circuit; be a committee to make arrangements with the proper agents of the General Government for the purpose of providing a teacher for the unfortunate Indians. D. Young Secy. W. McKendree. What numbers are in society? (1816) 148 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Ohio District. Whites Col Shenango . 337 Erie . 664 Malionan and Grand River... 486 Reaver . 264 West Wheeling .. 468 Chataugua . 322 Steubenville . 1,000 11 4,012 11 Muskingum District. Guyandott . 294 20 Letart Falls. 312 Little Kanawha.. 320 Fairfield . 884 Zanesville . 409 7 Knox . 490 Marietta . 800 7 Barnesville . 765 4,274 34 Scioto District. Pickaw r ay . 633 Deer Creek. 835 41 Paint Creek. 735 1 Scioto . 581 Columbus . 600 Brush Creek .... 793 Salt Creek . 377 4,554 42 Miami District. Cincinnati . 310 8 Miami . 809 6 X^aurensburg .... 289 4 White Water .... 490 Oxford . 720 4 Union . 802 6 Mad River . 1,193 White Oak. 1,061 1 Kentucky District. Whites Col. Licking .. . 326 24 Lexington . 546 111 Hinkstone . 831 130 Big and Little Sandy .., . 346 11 Fleming .., . 612 46 Limestone . 466 99 3,127 421 Total membership. Whites Col. 21,641 537 (The loss in membership due to the transfer of the Salt River District to the Tennessee Conference.) 5,674 29 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 141) Where are the preachers stationed this year. Ohio Dist. James B. Finley, P. Elder. Shenango, Robert C. Hatton. Erie, Curtis Goddard, John Kent. Grand River, and Mahonan, Henry Baker. Beaver, Ezra Booth. Chetaugue, Daniel Davison. Steubenville, William Dixon, Burouglis Westlake. Tuscarawas, Archibald M’llroy. West Wheeling, William Knox. Muskingum Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Letart Falls, John Somerville. Little Kanawha, John Solomon. Fairfield, James Quinn, John M’Mahan. Zanesville, John Waterman, Thos. Carr. Knox, Shadrach Ruark. Marietta, Cornelius Springer, Thomas A. Morris. Barnesville, Jno. Graham, Sam’l Hamilton. Mansfield, Lemuel Lane. Scioto Dist. David Young, P. Elder. Pickaway, Michael Ellis, sup., Samuel Brown. Paint Creek, Jacob Hooper, Wm. Westlake. Scioto, Thomas Sewell, Robert W. Finley. Columbus, Wm. Swayze, Simon Peter. Bush Creek, Elijah Turitt. Salt Creek, John Tevis. Deer Creek, Charles Waddle, Samuel Glaze. Miami Dist. Moses Crume, P. Elder. Cincinnati, Alexander Cummins. Miami, Abbot Goddard, sup., William P. Finley. Laurensburg, Russell Biglow. White Water, Benjamin Lawrence. Oxford, William Hunt. Union, John Sale, John Brooke. Mad River, Walter Griffith, William Williams. Whiteoak, John Strange, Isaac Pavey, sup. Piqua, David Sharp. (1816) 150 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Kentucky Diat. Sam’l Parker, P. Elder. Licking, James Simmons. Lexington, Absalom Hunt, Sam’l Chenowith. Hinkstone, Benjamin Lakin, Sam’l Baker. Big and Little Sandy, John Linville, Samuel Demint. Fleming, Wm. Cunningham. Limestone, Samuel West, Wm. Holdman. Guyandott, Stephen Spurlock. VI JOURNAL OF THE SIXTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD AT ZANESVILLE OHIO BEGUN SEPTEM¬ BER THIRD 1817. MEMBERS NAMES James B. Finley Robert C. Hatton William Dixon Archable Mcllroy William Knox Jacob Young John Summerville James Quinn John McMahan John Graham David Young Michael Ellis Thomas Sewall Robert W. Finley William Swayze Moses Crume Alexander Cummins Abbott Goddard* John Sale Walter Griffith John Strange* Isaac Pavey Samuel Parker Samuel West* Benjamin Lakin Charles Waddle William Burk* Leroy Cole* Henry McDaniels Moses Trader Samuel Brown Jacob Hooper David Sharp John Solomon John Waterman Shadrick Ruark Henry Baker Lemuel Lane William P. Finley* Russel Bigelow Curtis Goddard Elijah Truitt Cornelius Springer Samuel Hamilton William Cunningham Samuel Chenowith Benjamin Lawrence Boroughs Westlake John Tevis John P. Kent Absolum Hunt William Hunt N. B. Those mark’d * are absent. 151 152 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Wednesday Morning Bishop McKendree President David Young was appointed Secretary. The Conference fixed the times of its sitting and ad¬ journments the former at 8 o’clock A. M. and 2 oclock P. M. the latter at 12 o’clock and 4 P. M. William Dixon Alexander Cummins and John Sale were appointed Stewards of this conference. Irea Eddy, Martin Rutter, Philip Green, John Stewart, Job Baker, Richard Corwine, and Thomas Lowry were admitted on trial, But James Hooper and Bennet Dowler were re¬ jected though a P. Elder is left at liberty to employ Dowler. Evening Sept. 3rd Bishop Roberts President The Session was taken up in taking an account of the numbers and monies.— Thursday Morning Sept. 4th Bishop Roberts President Cornelius Springer, Benjamin Lawrence, Boroughs Westlake, Samuel Hamilton, John Tevis, John P. Kent, & Samuel Chenowith, were admitted into full connexion and E to office. Absolom Hunt admitted on trial a Deacon who had travelled two years was admitted and elected to the office of an Elder. William Hunt who was admitted last year, was elected to the office of a Deacon, But James Simmons (tho eligi¬ ble) remains on trial. Jacob Hooper, David Sharp, John Solomon, and Sam¬ uel Brown being eligible to the Elders office were all elected except Samuel Brown. Evening Session Bishop Roberts President. Moses Os- burn, Abner Goff, James Haney, True Petty, William Urwin, William Caroll, Russel Stantcliff, Enouch Bur¬ dock and Levi Doner; Local Preachers were elected to the office of Deacons. But Thomas Somersett, Edward JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 153 Raines and Joseph Wampler were not elected. John Em- mitt a Local Deacon was elected to the office of an Elder. Friday Morning Sept. 5th Bishop McKendree Presi¬ dent Walter Griffith, Cornelius Springer & John Tevis were appointed a book committee. A draft was made of the chartered of Fund for $150, And the Book concern for $200. James Quinn, Samuel Parker, & James B. Finley were appointed a committee to furnish the Book Agents with materials for a Magazine. Persuant to privilege granted by the General Confer¬ ence $50, were appropriated for publishing religious tracts. William Cunningham was admitted into full connection, and elected to the office of a Deacon. Evening Session Bishop Roberts President James McMahon, John Collins, Jonathan ^Stamper, and Francis Landrum, were readmitted into the traveling connection. Peter Stephens, John P. Taylor, George At¬ kins, Othniel Talbott, Allen Wylie and Bennett Dowler (on motion to reconsider his case) were admitted on trial. At Henry McDaniel’s request the conference changed his relation from a Superanuation to Eficiency— Daniel Davisson was admitted into full connection. The Conference determined the postponement of teaching the Indians &c till next conference, requesting the Super¬ intendents in the interieguum to have an eye to the In¬ dian Business. Saturday M. Sep. B. R. President On examination the conference determined that Ezra Booth, Thomas A Morris, William Westlake, Thomas Carr, Samuel Glaze, Samuel Baker, John Brook, Samuel Demint and Simon Peter should remain on trial, But 154 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Stephen Spurlock, William Williams & John Linville were discontinued. Lemuel Lane was charged with acting quite contrary to his character and profession as a minister of the Gos¬ pel, Through the following Specifications— 1 In practicing Medicine without sufficient knowledge. 2 In violating a statute of the State of Ohio, by admin¬ istering medicine without authority. 3 In receiving exorbitant pay for his vegitable prepara¬ tion, &c after imposing them on people. 4th In practising the Science of Midwifery without skill. 5th In stubbournly persisting in the above practices after he was admonished & advised to the contrary by his presiding Elder. Of the above charge in all the specifi¬ cations the conference found him guilty. Evening Sitting Bishop Roberts President Upon personal examination Brother Lemuel Lane ac¬ knowledged that he upon the light he had rec d . respect¬ ing the charge (since his appearing among his Brethren that he thought his conduct Marked with impropriety and that if the Conference in their clemency could con- sistantly Keep him among them they never should be put to trouble on his account again he also pledged himself to lay aside the Study and practice of Physic entirely also the Science of Midwifery &c and devote himself en¬ tirely to the work of the Ministry. The conference de¬ prived him of the exercise and office of a deacon but per¬ mitted him to remain on trial— Joseph Wampler a Local Preacher was elected to the office of a Deacon and Jacob Myers—A Local Deacon was Elected to the Office of an Elder. Monday Morning Sept 8th Bishop McKendrree President Robert C. Hatton, Thomas Sewel, Elijah Truitt, Isaac JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 155 Pavey and Archibald Mcllroy obtained a Location. John Sale and Benjamin Lakin are to have supernumer¬ ary stations. Abbott Goddard, Leroy Cole, Mosses Trader and William Burke enjoy a superanuated relation.Thomas Nel¬ son obtained a Location on condition his character stand the test of a proper examination. William Hol¬ man remains on trial John McPherson A Local Deacon was elected to the office of an Elder. Evening Sitting Bishop Roberts president The examination of all the Characters were concluded —The case (case) of Allen Wylis was reconsidered and he was elected to the office of Deacon and then admitted on Trial—And being recommended Henry Wolsey was elected to the office of an Elder. David Smith John Gib¬ son Aron Birdsal Jesse B. Dormand, James Havens William Burton Hutchinson Parker & Benjamin Keene Local Preachers were elceted to the office of Deacons. Tuesday Morning Sitting Sept. 9th Bishop Roberts President the Stewards made their report which was confirmed. As follows.— Names of the Preachers Sums Received De¬ ficiencies Collec¬ tion brot on Appro¬ priations s c $ c $ c $ c James B. Finlev. 200 00 Robert C. Hatton. 9 mo nths 150 00 70 Curits Goddard. 45 35 54 65 , , , , # # John Kent.. 82 60 17 40 2 37 H Ezra Booth. 85 15 # # # , , , , , Daniel Davison. 100 00 . , . . # , William Dixon. 100 00 , . 26 50 , , Boroughs Westlake. 100 . . . , , . 4 • • . Archibald McElroy. 48 91 151 09 7 50 36 9 William Knox. 200 # . # . . , 2 12^ , . Jacob Young. 168 53 31 47 * . # , # , John Summerville. 50 79 49 21 # # . . 156 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names of the Preachers Sums Received De¬ ficiencies Collec¬ tion brot on Appro¬ priations $ c $ c $ c s c John Solomon. 50 50 # # 13 50 James Quinn. 127 31 M 72 68% # # John McMahon. 128 31% 71 68% John Waterman. 100 # Thomas Carr. 100 Shadrack Ruark. 91 50 8 50 Cornelius Springer. 72 31 % 27 68% Thos A. Morris. 184 62 % 15 37% John Graham. 100 # # # # 7 67 Samuel Hamilton. 100 Lemuel Lane. 94 42 7 58 David Young. 149 3% 50 96% Michael Ellis. 200 # # . Samuel Brown. 84 8 15 95 Jacob Hooper. 100 # , , , ii William Westlake. 85 15 # # Thomas Sewel. 120 42% 79 57% Robt. W. Finley. 119 50 81 50 Wm. Swazey. 186 95 13 05 Simon Peter. 78 22 Elijah Truit. 106 Sick ness John Tivis. 100 • • # a Charles Waddle. 200 • • Samuel Glaze. 100 • • a # Moses Crume. 200 . . Alex. Cummins. 240 5i 37% Abbott Goddard. 200 • • Wm. P. Finley. 89 . # 111 • • Russell Bigelow. 96 00 4 • • 2 # # Benjamin Laurence. 136 20 63 80 Willima Hunt. 65 54 135 44 22 50 19 46 John Sale. 200 47 24 00 John Brook. 100 00 Walter Griffith. 200 21 00 William Williams. 50 6 mo nths John Strange. 200 , # , # Isaac Pavey. 27 173 00 58 David Sharp. 100 14 Samuel Parker. 166 32 U 33 47% James Simmons. 30 70 00 12 50 Absalom Hunt. 200 Samuel Chenowith. 89 29 11 71 Benjamin Lakin. 153 44 45 56 Samuel Baker. 76 72 23 28 Samuel Demint. 60 08 139 92 24 12 Willima Cunningham. 97 15 2 85 Samuel West. 92 • • 8 William Holman. 186 • • 16 , • , # JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 157 Names of the Preachers Sums Received De¬ ficiencies Collec¬ tion brot on Appro¬ priations $ C $ c $ C $ C Stephen Spurlock. • • , t , , . . John Linville. « • # t left the wo rk Moses Trader. 200 00 85 William Burk. 200 00 85 Leroy Cole. • • no dem and Henry McDaniel. 200 00 85 Thos. Nelson. 200 00 . 85 Amelia Lotspeich. 164 00 • • . . 45 .. Bishop McKendree presented his account from Septr 1817 (1810) till Sept 1817 as follows viz. to cash reed, from the Ohio Annual Conference. 22.50 Annual support. 80.00 Travelling Expences for himself & overpaid. 85.00 Postage. 9.00 Dividend from the Ohio Annual conf. 15.81 Subject to deduction. 6.69 Bishop Roberts in acct. with the Ohio annual Conference from May 1816 till Sept. 1817. To cash at Louisville.$45.00 Pay Bill of Expence. 12.00 Annual Support.\. 31.62 Balance in favor of Conference. 8.50 Bishop George not being at the conference and failing to receive his amount it was stated to be about the same amount with Bishop McKendree. $15.8114 Monies reed, as follows Charter fund. 150.00 Book Concern. . . 200.00 From the Bishops. 100.00 From the Circuits. 674.5614 Public collection at conference. 53.75 Appropriations to necessitous cases William Hunt. 25.00 James McMahan. 25.00 Archibald Mcllroy. 15.00 James Simmons. 11.00 Curtis Goddard. 10.00 Thos. Morris. .. 16.50 158 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Evening Session Bishop Roberts President The conference resinded their written rules on the buying and selling slaves. The case of John W. Lang- don a Local Preacher on an appeal was laid over till next conference. The committee on the subject of mas¬ onry reported as follows The Ohio Annual Conference to the ministry & mem¬ bership of her charge sendith greeting. Whereas it hath been represented to us that many of our brethren have attached themselves to the Society of Free Masons, we take this method to communicate to you our descided sentiment on that subject. We are decidedly & senti¬ mentally opposed to the practice,& are determined (as the Ministers of Christ & your servants) to set our Faces & lift our hands against it for the following reasons 1. Because it appears from abservation that an union with this body of men is unfavorable to piety, witness the multitudes who on being converted to God have abandoned their Lodges & Festivals walking no more with them. Witness the decaying piety of those who have attached themselves to them from amongst our¬ selves. Witness that want of brotherly love, those jars & schisms which have ensued. 2ndly. What ever Masonry may be in itself, it is ob¬ vious to all that Masons are (in general) greatly defi¬ cient both in Religion and good morals, and the Lord Jehovah hath said, “Come out from among them (that is the wicked) and be ye separate/’ yea tho they should have the form; yet if they denied the power of Godliness, from such turn away. We therefore beseech you in the Fear of God, and as we shall give an account to him who is ready to judge the quick & dead; that ye refrain these men, lest ye be partakers of their sins, and by conse¬ quence of their judgment. Dear Brethren “The secret of the Lord is with them that JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 159 fear & love him/’ and we are sure if you ligve & retain this “Secret”, it will secure your felicity & render the “Secrets” of Masonry unnecessary. And finally we can only say, we are yours, living & dying. D. Young was superannuated. Next Conference was appointed at Steubenville, August 7, 1818. D. Young SECY. William McKendree. What numbers are in Society? Ohio District. Whites Col Shenanigo ... .... 316 Huron . .... 148 Erie . .... 626 M ahonan and Grand River .... 625 West Wheeling .. 425 8 Chataugua .. _ 500 Steubenville .... 1,011 9 Tuscarawas . .... 411 Beaver . .... 307 4,369 17 Muskingum District. Leitart Falls ... . 370 Little Kanawha . 480 15 Fairfield ... . 846 5 Zanesville . . 550 Knox . . 624 Marietta . . 832 6 Barnesville .... . 1,008 Mansfield . . 334 4,944 26 Miami District Cincinnati . . 441 21 Miami . . 802 Lawrenceburg . . 596 4 Milford . . 614 White Water ... . 670 4 Whites Col. Oxford . 592 Union . 812 4 Mad River . 812 4 White Oak. 984 Piqua. . 450 6,773~ io" Scioto District. Pickaway . 813 Paint Creek . 754 Scioto . 717 18 Columbus . 636 6 Brush Creek. 790 Salt Creek . 552 7 Deer Creek . 933 61 5,195 92~ Kentucky District. Licking . 385 Lexington . 727 160 Hinkstone . 929 114 Big and Little Sandy . 428 22 Fleming . 579 44 Limestone . 539 67 Guyandotte . 294 20 3,881 427 Total membership. Whites Col. 25,162 602 160 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Where are the preachers stationed this year? (1817) Ohio Dist. James B. Finley, P. Elder. Beaver, Jacob Hooper, Samuel Baker. Erie, John P. Kent, Ira Eddy. Grand River, and Mahonan, D. Davidson, Ezra Booth. Chatauque, Curtis Goddard. Steubenville, Samuel Hamilton, William Knox, Calvin Ruter. Tuscarawas, James M’Mahan. Huron, John Brooke. Muskingum Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Letart Falls, William Cunningham. Little Kanawha, John Graham, John Stewart. Fairfield, Michael Ellis, John M’Mahan. Zanesville, John Tivis, Samuel Glaze. Knox, Henry Baker, Philip Green. Marietta, Thos. A. Morris, Job Baker. Barnesville, C. Springer, Bennet Dowler. Mansfield, John Sommerville. Scioto Dist. John Collins, P. Elder. Pickaway, James Quinn. Paint Creek, John Solomon, Thomas Carr. Scioto, William P. Finley, William Westlake. Columbus, William Swayze, Lemuel Lane. Brush Creek, Charles Waddill. Salt Creek, Boroughs Westlake. Deer Creek, S. Ruark, R. W. Finley. Miami Dist. Moses Crume, P. Elder. Cincinnati, Alexander Cummins. Miami, Benjamin Lawrence. Lawrenceburg, Sam’l West, Allen Wiley. White Water, William Hunt. Oxford, Russell Biglow, Samuel Brown. Union, William Dixon, John Waterman. Mad River, John Sale, John Strange. White Oak, W. Griffith, Jas. Simmons. Piqua, Samuel Chenowith, Peter Stephens. Milford, David Sharp. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 161 Kentucky Dist. Sam’l Parker, P. Elder. Limestone, Henry M. Daniel, John P. Taylor. Lexington, Absolom Hunt, George Atkins. Hinkstone, J. Stamper, Richard Corwine, Benj. Lakin, sup. Licking, Francis Landrum. Big and Little Sandy, Thomas Lowny. Fleming, William Holdman, Simon Peter. Guyandotte, Samuel Demint. VII JOURNALS OF THE SEVENTH ANNUAL CONFER¬ ENCE HELD AT STEUBENVILLE AUGUST 7th A. D. 1818. MEMBERS PRESENT. Willm Knox Michael Ellis Jas. Quinn John Summerville Jacob Young John Graham John Solomon Moses Trader Wm. Swazey John Collins Charles Waddle Jas McMahan Alexr. Cummins John Tevis Robt. W. Finley Wm. Cunningham Sami. West John P. Kent Wm. Dixon Sami. Hamilton Walter Griffith Cornelius Springer Jacob Hooper Curtis Goddard Shadrack Ruark Boroughs Westlake Sami. Parker Sami. Demint Jas. B. Finley Danl. Davidson Moses Crume Russel Bigelow David Sharp Jonathan Stamper Lemuel Lane. Friday morning Bishop McKendree Pres. John Tevis was appointed Secretary The conference fixd. the times of its sitting and adjournments-the former at 8 o’clock A. M. & 2 P. M. the latter at 12 o’clock & 5 P. M. James Quinn, Wm. Dixon, & Alexr. Cummins were appointed Stewards to this conference. Bennet Dowler, Ira Eddy, Allen Wiley Peter Stephens, 162 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 163 Calvin Ruter, Philip Green, John Stewart, Job M. Raker, John P. Taylor, Geo. Atkins, Thos. Lowry, & Richard Corwine, probationers, were examined approved and con¬ tinued on trial— Danl. D. Davidson, Curtis Goddard, Henry Baker, Russel Bigelow, Sami. Brown, Francis Landrum, Sahd- rick Ruark, & Win P. Finley, being eligible to Elders office, were each examined, approved & elected. Cornelius Springer, Sami. Hamilton, Wm. Cunning¬ ham, Benj. Lawrence, Boroughs Westlake, John Tevis, Wm. Hunt & John P. Kent, Deacons, were examined & approved—But Sami. Chino with for improper conduct was suspended from the office of Deacon, and the con¬ ference ordered that he be directed to give up his parch¬ ment to the P. E. of his District.. Jas. B. Finley, Jacob Hooper, Wm. Knox, Jas. Mc¬ Mahon Jacob Young, John Graham, Michael Ellis, John Summerville, John Collins, Jas. Quinn Elders, were ex¬ amined and approved—But the examination of the char¬ acters of John McMahon was laid over to another time Afternoon session Bishop George Pres. John Solomon, Wm. Swazey, Charles Waddle, Robt. W. Finley, Moses Crume, Sami, West, Wm. Dixon, John Strange, Walter Griffith, Sami. Parker, David Sharp, Absolom Hunt, Alexr. Cummins, Jonathan Stam¬ per Elders, were examined and approve The case of Lemuel Lane, who last Annual Conference was suspended from the Deacons office, was considered, & he was restored to his former standing. Henry McDaniel & Benjn. Lakin were placd in a supernauated relation— Saturday Morning Bishop R. R. Roberts Pres. James Simmons, Ezra Booth, Thos. A. Morris, Wm. Westlake, Thos Carr, Sain’l Glaze, Sami Baker, John C. 164 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Brook, Sami Demint & Simon Peter, were admited into full connection, & were each elected to the office of Dea¬ con. Thos. Noble, Elnathan Raymond, David Culberson, Elias Oliver, Sacker Nelson, Arthur Elliott, John Rucker, Wm. J. Mayo, Stephen Grimes and John Collomon Local Preachers, were each elected to the office of Deacon. But Mordica McLane and Amos Sparks were not elected.— The case of Joshua Sarjent was laid over to another time. Jonas Foster, Benson Golesburg, Ruben Rowe, O. M. Spencer, Abdell Coleman and Wm. Lynes local preach¬ ers, were each elected to the office of Elder. Afternoon Session Bishop McKendree Pres.— The case of Joshua Sargent, who was recommended for Deacons orders, was considered & he was rejected. John Eckless, & Burwell Spurlock Local Preachers, were elected to the office of Deacon. Wm. Holdman was admitted into full connection and elected to office.— The conference agreed to the proposal of the Book Agents, with respect to the adjustment of Oct. and ac¬ cordingly determined that the P. E. should come to a final settlement every year, and if they do not pay up there Acts, must give their note of hand for the amt. due, but the final determination shall be with the con¬ ference. Cornelius Springer, Alexr. Cummins and Thos. A. Mor¬ ris, were appointed a book committee. Sami. Adams was admitted on trial. Monday Morning Bishop George Pres. Jas. Smith, Sami. Brockunier, Edward Taylor, Dennis Goddard, Charles Elliott, Thos. McClary, Henry Mathews, Zachariah Connell, Jas. T. Wells, LeRoy Swarmstedt, Arthur W. Elliott, Andrew McLane, Joseph Farrow, Bur- JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 165 well Spurlock, Hesekiah Holland, Stephen Harber, & Josiah Whitaker were admitted on trial, 1 But Jabas Bow¬ man, Hutchison Parker, Robt. Montgomery Alfred Bun- son and Jesse Justice were rejected. Tho a P. E. is at liberty to employ Jesse Justice. John Brown & John Ray Elders were readmitted into collection—Freeman Bishop an Elder was recognized as a member of this conference. Greenberry Jones a Deacon was admitted on trial, John Sales’ relation was changed from supernumery to effective Jas. Quinn was exhonerated from being one of the Stewarts of this Conference, and Russel Bigelow was appointed in his stead. LeRoy Cole & Abbott Goddard are superanuated. Monday afternoon Bishop Roberts Pres. D. Young was continued in a superanuated relation James McMahon obtained a location upon condition his character stands the test of a proper examination. Moses Trader obtained a location— Tuesday Morning Bishop McKendree Pres The Stewards made there report which was confirmed Willm. Burkes case was taken up & considered— Afternoon Session Bishop George Pres. Upon motion of Jno, Collins which was seconded by Jacob Young, Wm Burk was suspended from all official services in the M. E. Church untill he give full satisfac¬ tion to this Conference— 1 The following is Bishop McKendree’s Memorandum of the characteristics of some of the preachers admitted on trial at this (1818) session of the Ohio Conference: "Samuel Adams—Married: a man of talents though much cannot be expected of him, because of age and family. James Smith—Single, young, pious, moderate abilities. Charles Elliott—Single, young, good acquired abilities. He is a mathematician, a Greek and Latin scholar, also has considerable knowledge of Hebrew. G. R. Jones,—Middle-aged, married, though prepared to travel a length of time— his usefulness promising. L. Swormstedt—Single, abot 19 yrs. of age, has more than ordinary abilities, has been genteelly raised, is pious and diligent in his studies. He promises great use¬ fulness." 1G6 CIRCUIT-RIDEK DAYS ALONG THE OHIO The conference ordered that Jacob Young Jno. Water¬ man & Jas. McMahon be appointed a committee to write an admonition letter to Wm. Burk. The case of Edward Tiffin a Local Deacon, upon an Appeal was taken up. Names Quarter- . age in the different Circuits Deficien¬ cies on the different Circuits Monies to meet the deficien¬ cies Appro¬ priations Remar] Tna R Pinlev. $ 189 c 00 $ 11 c $ c $ 0 Tapnh Wooner. 89 53 10 47 Sami Ra.kpr. 73 31 27 68M TnVin P Rent. 89 00 11 P^rn. Root.h. 84 00 16 Cnr+.is Oodda.rd. 100 00 8 75 Kami Hamilton . 100 00 Wm TCnox . 200 21 25 Calvin Rllter . 100 Jas McMahon . 119 21H 81 78 M .Tnhn Rronk. 100 7 86M 95 .Ta.onh Yfiiins. 123 97 76 3 Wrn Cunningham . 33 6M 00 66 93M 13 21 93M 62K John Ora,ham . 67 33 John Stewa.rt, . 54 39 45 61 A/ripha,pl "Fillis. 169 72 30 28 John M p.M ah on . 50 Travel]’d 3 John Tevis. 100 5 37^ months Sta.ml Olazp.. 100 Henrv Raker. 91 98 8 2 3 25 Philin Creen . 91 98 8 2 Thns A Morris. 168 11 31 89 6 00 .Tnh M Raker . 103 00 22 00 Cornelius Snrineer. 83 46 16 54 50 Rennet. Dowler . 80 38M 70 19 62 K 30 John Summerville. 74 25 3 62^ John Collins. 200 Jas Quinn. 220 7 12^ 75 John Solomon. 100 5 Tims. Carr. 100 Wm P. Pinlev. 131 40 18 60 Travel'd 9 Wm. Westlake . 85 00 15 months Wm. Swayze . 200 Tipmiip.l Tva.rm. 100 Charles Wa.rlrlle. 191 50 8 50 Bouroughs Westlake.. . . Kha.driek R.uark . 125 165 75 00 35 00 22 68M Poht,. W. Pin lev . 165 00 35 00 Moses Crump. 200 00 Alexr. Cummins . 240 41 Renj. T.aiirenee. 200 Sami. West . 63 80 136 20 46 20 Danl. Davison . 84 00 16 Allen. Wiley . 70 00 130 40 Wm. Hunt . 86 37^ 53 113 62 H 47 9 75 23 623^ Russel Bigelow . 144 55 Sami. Brown . 72 82 37 18 Wm. Dixon . 100 117 50 John Waterman . 50 27 50 entitled to 6 months allowance JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 167 Names Quarter¬ age in the different Circuits Deficien¬ cies on the different Circuits Monies to meet the deficien¬ cies Appro¬ priations Remarks • $ c $ c $ c $ c John Sale. 137 63 75 John Strange. 150 00 50 00 Walter Griffith. 200 Jas. Simmons. 100 Sami. Chinowith. 83 00 17 Peter Stephens. 83 00 17 David Sharp. 100 Sami. Parker. 194 00 6 Henry McDaniel. 141 00 59 John P. Taylor. 70 50 29 50 Absolom Hunt. 200 Geo. Atkins. 100 Jonathan Stamper. 110 34 H 89 62** Richd. Corwin. 55 im 44 81M Benjn. Lakin.. 100 37 H 89 62** Francis Landrum. 100 To supply a mistake in Wm. Burks Act last year 54 dollars were appropriated Thos. Locory. 60 00 40 Wm. Holdman. 119 00 81 00 Simon Peter. 75 00 25 00 Sami. Demint. 160 00 40 00 Ira Eddy. 89 00 11 Wm. Burk Sup d . 00 00 200 00 110 00 Moses Trader. 00 200 110 David Young. 00 00 200 00 110 Amelia Lotspeich. 00 100 55 Leroy Cole. 00 00 No demand Abbott Goddard. 00 00 200 110 9000 58M 3738 35M 274 im 730 87** Monies reed as follows Draft was made on the Charter fund for..$160.00 From the Book Concern. 300.00 Publick Collection at Conference. 46.43% A present from Bishop McKendree by order of Bishop George. 103.72 Present from Bishop McKendree. 5.00 Bishop McKendree’s allowance and expences. $20.00 Do. Do. for young man. 5.00 Bishop George’s allowance for self and Children and expence . 20.00 Bishop Roberts allowance and expence. 26.00 Surplus on hand (hand) after making the several appropriations .. 111.12^ 168 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Necessitous Cases Jas. McMahon.$26.00 Wm. Hunt. 30.00 To Moses Trader, Expence. 13.75 Lost or Mislaid . 11.12% Remaining in hands of Stewards to be appropriated at the discretion of the Stewards. 28.75. Wednesday morning Bishop Roberts Pres. Upon Motion of Jacob Young which was seconded by Jas. W. Finley, the conference ordered that the case of Wm. Burk be reconsidered. The appeal of Edward Tiffin was resumed. The conference finally determined that E. Tiffin be sus¬ pended from the office of Deacon in the M. E. Church, and that he be directed to give up his parchment to the P. E. Afternoon Session Bishop George Pres. Wm. Burks case was resumed upon motion of Jacob Young seconded by Jas. McMahon, Wm Burk was sus¬ pended from all official services in the Methodist E. Church. The conference further directed that Wm. Burk be presented with an official account of their decision, to be signed by the President and Secty. The committee who were appointed to collect materials for the M. Magazine to be printed at N. Y. reported to conference (reported to Conf.) that no materials had been prepared Sami Parker was exhonerated from being a member of that committee and Cornelius Springer was appointed in his stead. The conference ordered that Jas Quinn give his note for the Amt. due the Book concern. Thursday morning Bishop George Pres. The case of Jno W Langdon was taken up & considered & the Conference determined that he be deprived of all official services in the M. E. Church. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 1G9 Next Conf. Cincinnati August 1818. Jno. Tevis, secty. W. McKendree. What numbers are in society? (1817-1818) Ohio District . Whites Col Steubenville . 1,606 16 Tuscarawas . .... 471 Grand River and Mahoning . .... 648 Beaver . .... 559 Erie . .... 550 Chetauqua ... . 532 3 4,366 19 Muskingum District. Letart Falls . .... 303 Little Kanawha.. 400 24 Fairfield .... .... 960 3 Zanesville ... _ 594 7 Knox . .... 800 Marietta .... .... 972 12 Barnesville . . 1,315 Mansfield ... .... 571 5,915 46 Scioto District. Pickaway ... . 825 5 Paint Creek . .... 900 6 Scioto .. . 886 6 Columbus ... .... 846 6 Brush Creek .... 1,084 Salt Creek .. .... 474 7 Deer Creek . . 1,006 50 6,021 80 Miami District. Cincinnati . .. 604 29 Miami . .. 874 Lawrenceburg . .. 900 5 White Water .. .. 662 Oxford . .. 705 3 Union . .. 865 6 Mad River .... .. 784 White Oak .... .. 1,160 1 Piqua . .. 480 Milford . .. 712 3 7,646 47 Kentucky District Whites Col. Limestone . .. 452 118 Lexington .... .. 969 200 Hinkstone . .. 1,000 154 Licking. .. 600 30 Big and Little Sandy . . . 415 20 Fleming . .. 616 45 Guyandotte .... .. 361 14 4,413 581 Total membership. Whites Colored Total 28,361 773 29,134 Where are the preachers stationed this year? (1818) Ohio Dist. James B. Finley, P. Elder. Steubenville, Cornelius Springer. 170 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO West Wheeling, James M’Mahan, James Smith. Cross Creek, William Knox, Thomas M’Clary. Beaver, John C. Brooke. Mahoning, Calvin Ruter, John Steward. Erie, Daniel D. Davison, Samuel Adams. Chetauque, John Someville. Tuscarawas Dist. Charles Waddle, P. Elder. Fairfield, Sadosa Bacon, Peter Stephens. Knox, Thomas Carr, Lemuel Lane. Cyahoga, Ezra Boothe, Dennis Goddard. Grand River, Ira Eddy. Huron, William Westlake. Mansfield, Shadrach Ruark. Tuscarawas, John Graham. Muskingum Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Burlington, Samuel Baker. Zanesville, Thomas A. Morris, Charles Elliott. Marietta, Samuel Hamilton, Edward Taylor. Athens, Curtis Goddard. Letart Falls, Henry Baker. Little Kanawha, John Brown. Duck Creek, Philip Green. Barnesville, William Cunningham, Joseph Carper. Scioto Dist. John Collins, P. Elder. Hockhocking, Jacob Hooper. Columbus, John Tevis, L. Swormstedt. Pickaway, Michael Ellis, John Solomon. Deer Creek, William Swayze, R. W. Finley. Scioto, Job M. Baker, Thomas Lowry. Salt Creek, Greenbury R. Jones. Brush Creek, John Stamper, A. M’Clain. Lebanon Dist. Moses Crume, P. Elder. Paint Creek, William P. Finley. Mad River, John Strange. Union, Truman Bishop, Stephen Harber. Milford, Samuel Brown. Strait Creek, William Dixon. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 171 Greenville, William Hunt. Piqua, Arthur W. Elliott, Samuel Brockunier. White Water, Allen Wiley, Zachariah Connell. Miami Dist. John Sale, P. Elder. White Oak, Burroughs Westlake, I. T. Wells. Cincinnati, James Quinn. Miami, Samuel West, Henry Matthews. Lawrenceburg, Benjamin Lawrence. Madison, John P. Kent. Oxford, Russell Bigelow. Kentucky Dist. Alexander Cummins, P. Elder. Guyandotte, Burwell Spurlock. Big Sandy and Little Sandy, Hezekiah Holland. Fleming, Wm. Holman, John R. Taylor. Limestone, Walter Griffith. Licking, Josiah Whitaker. Newport, Samuel Demint. Hinkstone, Absalom Hunt. Mount Sterling, Samuel Chenowith, Jos. Farrow. Lexington, John Ray, Richard Corwine. VIII JOURNALS OF THE EIGHTH OHIO ANNUAL CON¬ FERENCE HELD AT CINCINNATI COMMENCING AUGUST 7th A. D. 1819 Jacob Young James B. Finley John Collins John Sale Moses Crume Alex. Cummins Charles Waddle Wm. Knox Robert W. Finley John Solomon Wm. Swazey Samuel West AYm. Dixon Walter Griffith Jacob Hooper Michael Ellis Wm. Cunningham James Quinn Samuel Hamilton Curtis Godard Burroughs Westlake Samuel Dement Jonathan Stamper Daniel D, Davison Sadocia Bacon AYm. P. Finley John Strange *Those marked thus z 3RS PRESENT John P. Kent Russel Bigelow Lemuel Lane John C. Brook John Somerville Thos. Carr Wm. AVestlake Samuel Baker Henry Baker John Brown Joseph Carper John Ray Truman Bishop Francis Landrum Benjamine Lawrence Samuel Brown Cornelius Springer Thos. A. Morris John Tevis Samuel Chinowith Absalom Hunt Wm. Holman David Young* Abbot Godard Leroy Cole* Benj. Lakin* Henry McDaniel absent. 172 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 173 Saturday Morning Bishop McKendree and Bishop George both present, and after opening Conference by reading the Scriptures, singing and prayer, Bishop McKendree being much debilitated, desired Bishop George to attend to the business of Conference. Cornelius Springer was appointed Secretary of the Conference. The Conference appointed the times of sitting & ad¬ journment; the former at 8 oclock A. M. and the latter at 1 o’clock P. M. John Sale, James Quinn, and Truman Bishop were appointed a committee, to regulate the Congregation, and to appoint persons to preach during the Setting of this Conference. Wm. Dixon, Walter Griffith, and Russel Bigelow were appointed Stewards of the Conference. The characters of Samuel Adams, James Smith, Sam¬ uel Brockunier, Edward Taylor, Dennis Godard, Charles Elliott, Thomas McClary, Henry Mathews, Zechariah Connell, Greenberry R. Jones, Leroy Swarmstedt, Arthur W. Elliott, Andrew McClain, Joseph Farrow, Burwell Spurlock, Hezekiah Holland, and Josiah Whiteker; pro¬ bationers were examined, and they are continued on trial; but Stephen Harbour was droped. The case of James T. Wells laid over. Robert C. Hatton was recommended to the conference but was rejected; though a P. Elder is at liberty to em¬ ploy him, if he be needed; and his character stands the test of a proper examination. Henry Knapp & John Kinny were also recommended, but for want of proper qualifications were not admitted at present, but an Elder is at liberty to employ them also. John Monary, Isaac Hunter, James Gilruth, Abner Goff, Thomas R. Ruckle, Josiah Foster, Peter Warner, and James Murray, were admitted on trial, but Charles 174 CIRCUIT-EIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Presscott, John Leach, Abraham Lippett, Samuel Car¬ penter and James Kinney were rejected. Monday Morning August 9th Bishop George President. Allen Wiley was admited into full connection. The characters of Ira Eddy, Peter Stephens, Calvin Ruter, Philip Green, John Stewart, John P. Taylor, and Richard Corvine, were examined, approved and they each admited into full connexion, and elected to the office of Deacon. But Thomas Lowry was droped. The case of Job M. Baker, was lad over. The case of James T. Wells which was lad over from Saturday, was reconsidered, and he continued on trial. By motion of brother Waddle, the case of John Kinny was reconsidered, and he admited on trial. Able Robertson was readmited into conference. Henry S. Furnandis, and Andrew Cannier were ad¬ mitted on trial, but Anthony Banning was rejected. James Havens though recommended was not admited, but a P. Elder may employ him. Tuesday Morning Bishop George President Alexander Cummins was dismissed from the book com¬ mittee, and Abbott Goddard was appointed in his place. Cornelius Springer was dismissed from the Manu¬ script Committee, and C. Ruter was appointed in his stead. The case of Job M. Baker, which was laid over from yesterday, was reconsidered, and he admited into full connection, and elected to the Olftice of Deacon. Benjamin T. Crouch, Wm H. Raper, Moses Hincle, Thomas Hitt, Robert Delap, Isaac Collard, Horace Brown, David Dike, John P. Durbin, John R. Keach, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 175 Francis Wilson, and Nathaniel Harris, were admited on trial; but Henderson Crabb was rejected. Daniel Anderson a Local Deacon, was elected to the office of Elder. Cornelius Springer, Samuel Hamilton, William Cunning¬ ham, Boroughs Westlake, John Tevis, and Benjamin Lawrence, were each Elected to Elders Orders. The cases of Samuel Chinoweth, and John P. Kent were laid over. J. Young, John Collins, James B. Finley, Alexander Cummins, and Michael Ellis, were appointed committee to attend to the case of J. P. Kent. A charge was prefered against William Hunt for im¬ moral conduct, he found guilty, and Expelled from the M. E. Church. Lemuel Lane, though eligible to Elders orders, was not elected. The characters of Ezra Boothe, Thomas A. Morris, Wil¬ liam Westlake, Thomas Carr, Samuel Baker, John C. Brook, William Holman, Samuel Dement and Joseph Carper, Deacons, were examined and approved. Wednesday Morning: Bishop McKendree, Bishop Rob¬ erts and Bishop George, all present—Bishop George in the Chair. John Everheart, formerly a Deacon in the Baltimore Conference, was admited as a member of this conference. By motion of Brother Collins the case of Robert C. Hatton, was reconsidered, and he readmited into the Conference. The case of Samuel Chinowith, which was laid over from yesterday was reconsidered, and his parchment, of which he was deprived last Conference, was restored. The case of J. P. Kent which was also laid over from yesterday, was reconsidered—the committee re¬ ported in his favour, and he was elected to the office of an Elder. 176 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Thomas McClelland, Timothy Peters, Elias Morse, Al¬ fred Brunson, Wm. Barns, Abraham Rheam, Joseph Guthrie, Edward Kerns, Mardecai McClain, Jesse Sper- gen, Samuel Westerfield, James Benefield, Ambrose Jones, John Furrow, Johnathan Minshall, Alison G. Keys, Meshech Hyatt, John Dolton, Joseph, Carter, and John Craig; Local Preachers were each elected to the Office of Deacon: but Robert Montgomery, Samuel Lockwood, Thomas Manwaring, Edward Patterson, Mar¬ tin Gillispie, John Mullin, and Matthew, Wilson tho recommended were not elected. The characters of James B. Finley, Jacob Hooper, James McMahon, Jacob Young, John Graham, Michael Ellis, John Somerville, John Collins, James Quinn, Tru¬ man Bishop, John Solomon, Wm. Swazey, Charles Wad¬ dle, Robert W. Finley; Elders, were examined and ap¬ proved. The character of Wm. Knox, was also examined and approved, his relation is changed from effective, to super¬ numerary. Thursday Morning, Bishop George Presid’d. The conference determined that a Missionary be sent to the northern Indians, and that James Montgomery a Local Preacher be employed. Moved by James Quinn and seconded by J. Collins, that, that Mission, be under the direction of the Presiding Elder of the Leabanon Dist: and the Preachers of Mad River Circuit.— John Strange, Moses Crume, and John Sale were ap¬ pointed a committee to wait on Brother Montgomery, to ascertain if he want (any) any assistance to enable him to carry into effect his Mission; and also to open a sub¬ scription to raise supplies for that purpose. The characters of Samuel West, John Strange, Walter Griffith, Alex. Cummins, Absalom Hunt Jonathan Stam- JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 177 per, Daniel D. Davidson, Curtis Goddard, Samuel Brown, Francis Landrum, Shadrack Ruark, Henry Baker, Wm. P. Finley, Russel Bigelow, John Brown, John Ray, and Sadocia Bacon; Elders were examined and approved. Moses Crume and John Sale were superanuated. Henry McDanieFs relation was changed from that of a superanuated, to a supernumerary. The characters of Benjamin Lakin, Abbott Godard, and Leroy Cole, Superanuated Elders, were examined, approved, and continued in their relations. Samuel Wilford, John Morris, John P. Finley, and Gabriel Woodfill, Local Deacons, were each elected to the office of Elders, but Wm. Gurley, John Waggoner, and Robert Groves, tho recommecnded, were not elected. Adbeel Coleman a Local Elder was admited on trial. Friday Morning B. George President. The committee appointed yesterday to wait on Brother Montgomery, reported that he is ready and willing to enter on his mission, if he can be furnished with one hundred dollars immediately, which shall be deducted from his anual allowance, which is two hundred Dol¬ lars, and his travelling expences; but is understood that his accounts are to be subject to the investiga¬ tion of the committee appointed to take charge of the mission. The committee for the indian mission is authorised to employ John Stewart, a man of colour to cooperate with Brother Montgomery on his mission, and they can fur¬ nish him with what assistance they think proper. James Montgomery a Local Deacon was elected to the office of Elder. Wm. P. Quinn was admited on trial. Truman Bishop, John P. Taylor, and James Quinn, 178 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO were appointed a Committee, to take into consideration, the address, and constitution of the Missionary, and Bible Society of the M. E. Church in America. James B. Finley, Jacob Young, Alex Cummins, James Quinn, John Collins, John Sale, Jonathan Stamper, Win. Dixon, and Walter Griffith were elected Delegates to the General Conference. The Trustees of the M. E. C. in Cincinnati petioned the Conference to Allow them the previlege of applying a certain sum of money, now in the hands of the Stewarts of the Society, which sum was raised by the sale of a part of the lot on which the Stone Meetinghouse stands; to sink their debt which was contracted, for building the parsonage, and Brick Meeting house; which petition was granted. The delegates to the General Conference, are allowed to make collection to defray their Travelling expences. The report of the Stewarts was confirmed as follows. Public Collection at the Stone meetinghouse. $86.00 Brick Ditto . 32.68% Surplus brought to conference . 183.16% Book Concern . 300.00 Chartered Fund .. 170.00 Aggregate Amt. 771.8514 Appropriations . 716.55 Do to the Bishops . 50.00 To Bishop McKendree. 6.12 y 2 To Bishop George. 2.00 774.67*4 Deficiencies .$2,119.19% To meet this we have. 771.85*4 Exclusive of the Bishops Allowance. JOURNAL OP THE OHIO CONFERENCE 179 I Preachers Names Allow¬ ance of the Preach¬ ers Deficien¬ cies of the Preach¬ ers Monies brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priations Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ c James B. Finley. 200 Cornelius Springer. 100 James McMahon. 200 . .. James Smith. 100 , . * m . # , , Wm. Knox. 191 50 08 50 06 12J^ Wm. McClary. 95 75 04 25 John C. Brook. 100 00 ., Calvin Ruter. 100 00 John Steward. 72 21 27 79 Daniel D. Davidson.. .. 100 Samuel Adams. John Somerville. 100 ~2 25 Charles Wadle. 131 69 Sadocia Bacon. 183 Peter G. Stephens. 100 Thomas Carr. 90 10 , , Lemuel Lane. 100 25 99 75 t # Ezra Booth. 100 # Dennis Goddard. 100 . , Ira Eddy. 94 32 5 68 . , Wm. Westlake. 100 # , , Shadrack Ruark. 171 29 . , John Graham. 100 , , , . , , Jacob Young. 187 55 12 45 , , , . Sameul Baker. 75 25 # # . , . # Thos. A. Morris. 182 23 17 77 16 65 Charles Elliot. 93 13 6 87 , . . , Samuel Hamilton. 82 00 18 00 14 , , Edward Taylor. 81 00 19 00 , , . , Curtis Godard. 100 m m # # # . . , Henry Baker. 79 80 20 20 , , . . John Brown. 116 05 83 95 4 43 9 95 Appropriated Philip Green. 77 # # 23 . , , . , , Wm. Cunningham. 100 . , , , . , 10 12% Joseph Carper. 100 , , . . , . . . John Collins. 200 . , , , , . , . Jaiob Hooper. 55 90 44 10 , . . . 7 io John Tevis. 100 , , Leroy Swarmsteadt. 100 , , . , Michael Ellis. 200 , , John Solomon. 100 , 55 , , Wm. Swazey. 200 , , 12 96% Robert W. Finley. 200 # # , . , , , , , . Job. M. Baker. 116 13 12% —nothing Thos. Lowry. 22 , , , . . . , , . . , . . , —appropriated —Rode only 3 —months Greenberry R. Jones.... 50 , , 150 , , # # . # 40 , , Jonathan Stamper. 180 62% 11 37% 10 . . . . . . Andrew McClain. 180 62 % 11 37% 5770 94 697 6 166 16% 57 05 Moses Crume. 170 61 29 39 Wm. P. Finley. 151 56% 48 43% , , . , . . . • John Strange. 208 # , . . , . • . • . • • Sami. Brown. 100 , # , , . . . , T. Bishop. 100 # # # , , , . , # . « . Stephen Harber. 017 , t # # , # , . « # Worked 2 months. Francis Landrum. 200 , # . . • • , , . . Wm. Dixon. 200 • • t , 180 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Preachers Names Wm. Hunt. Arthur W. Elliot.. Samuel Brockunier Allen Wilie. Zech Connel. John Sale. Burris Westlake. . J. T. Wells. James Quinn. Sami West. Henry Mathews. . Benj. Laurence. . . John P. Kent. . . . ft. Bigelow. A. Cummins. Burwell Spurlock. . Hez: Holland. Wm. Holman. . . . John P. Taylor. . . W. Griffith. J. Whitiker. Sami. Dement.... Absa. Hunt. Sami. Chinowith. . Joseph Farrow. . . . John Ray. Richd. Carwine. .. Leroy Cole. A. Goddard. D. Young. H. McDaniel. B. Laking. Mary Lotspeach. . Bp. McKendree. . . Bp. George. Bp. Roberts.. paid to J. Quinn. . . Brot over Allow- Deficien- Monies ance cies brot of the of the to Preach- Preach- Confer- ers ers ence $ c $ c $ c 200 ;; U 100 , . 143 78% 56 21% 4S 22 51 78 186 50 13 50 192 95 7 05 96 47 % 3 52% 200 , , , . 200 . , # . 100 , , # # 200 , , 92 00 08 00 216 00 io 66 226 81M . # 145 11 54 89 020 00 80 00 174 62 % 25 37 % 85 50 14 50 200 00 . , , 5 00 100 114 53 85 47 200 172 28 . # 86 14 200 100 2 000 66 200 00 200 00 200 00 200 00 100 00 1422 13% 17 00 697 06 166 16% 2119 19% 183 16% Appro¬ priations Remarks $ c 14 78 Appropriated 43 66 ii 47 126 66 126 00 126 00 126 00 63 00 20 00 20 00 30 00 3 25 659 50 57 05 756 55 Saturday morning Bishop Roberts Pres. The committee appointed to examine the Constitu¬ tion and address of the Missionary and Bible Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church made their report which was confirmed by the Conference, and Truman Bishop was elected vice president of said society for the benefit of our Conference. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 181 Ordered by the conference that our auxiliary society be stationary at the town of Chillecothe On motion of J. Young seconded by Jno. Sale, resolved that Bishop McKendree be allowed to select any member of this conf. whom he may Choose to travil with him the ensuing year. It was moved by Jno. Sale and seconded by J Quinn that it be recommended by this Conf. to the General Conf. to restrict the number of Delegates to not more than one for every seven, nor less than one for every twelve, and that the Superintendents be requested to take measures to lay this resolution before each Annual Conf. which was determined in the negative— Resolved that no Camp-meetings be appointed on the Circuits, only by the direction of the Quarterly meeting Conference & that they shall draft rules for the regula¬ tion of the same, and that the Presiding (Elder) of each Dist. have it inserted in the journals thereof. Resolved that the last friday in April and the first fri- day in Augst. be set apart as days of fasting and prayr. and that our Gen. Superintendants be requested to make known this resolution to each conference. C. Springer Secty. Enoch George. What numbers are in Society? (1818-19) Ohio District. Tuscarawas District. Whites Col. Whites Steubenville ... ... 137 Fairfield ..., .... 949 West Wheeling .. 901 Knox . _ 1,160 Cross Creek ... .. 692 15 Chyahawga . . 309 Beaver . .. 457 1 Grand River .... 344 Mahoning. .. 617 Huron . _ 290 Erie . .. 579 Tuscarawas . _ 563 Chetauque . ., 727 Mansfield ... .... 815 4,110 16 4,430 9 182 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Muskingum District Miami District. Whites Col. Whites Col. Burlington . . 206 1 White Oak. 1,000 Zanesville . . 582 7 Cincinnati . 579 29 Marietta . . 516 Miami . 885 Athens . . 516 Lawrenceburg ... 567 4 Letart Falls ... . 344 1 Madison . 732 Little Kanawha. . 358 Oxford . 704 6 Duck Creek .... . 578 Barnesville . . 880 9 4,467 39 3,980 18 Kentucky District. Guyandotte . 462 22 Scioto District. Big and Little Hockhocking ... . 156 Sandy . 391 Columbus . . 912 12 Fleming . 716 53 Pickaway . . 974 8 Limestone . 633 87 Deer Creek .... . 1,588 51 Licking . 522 Scioto . . 1,113 20 Newnort . 343 10 Salt Creek ..... . 524 4 Hinkstone . 862 121 Brush Creek ... . 925 1 Mount Sterling... 514 78 Lexington . 803 206 6,192 96 5,246 577 Lebanon District. Paint Creek .... . 910 Total membership. Mad River . . 1,130 Whites Colored Total Union . . 953 6 34,826 770 35,056 Milford . . 770 3 Strait Creek .... . 465 Greenville . . 154 Piqua . . 678 White Water ... . 801 6 5,861 15 Where are the preachers stationed this year? (1819) Ohio Dist. William Swayze, P. Elder. West Wheeling, Jacob Young, Thomas R. Ruckle. Cross Creek, John C. Brook, James Smith. Steubenville, Cornelius Springer. Beaver, William Cunningham, James C. Hunter. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 183 Mahonan, James M’Mahon. Erie, Philip Green. Lake, Robert C. Hatton. Chetauque, John Summerville. Muskingum Dist. Jonathan Stamper, P. Elder. Barnesville, Joseph Carper, Samuel Adams. Zanesville, Thomas A. Morris, Samuel Brockunier. Duck Creek, Charles Elliot, James Gilbueth. Little Kanawha, Abel Robinson. Marietta, Jacob Hooper, James T. Wells. Athens, Curtus Goddard. Letart Falls, John P. Kent. Burlington, Peter Warner. Lancaster Dist. Charles Waddle, P. Elder. Fairfield, Abner Gough, Henry Matthews. Grenville, Shadrach Ruark, Edward Taylor. Knox, Thomas Carr, John Solomon. Mansfield, Josiah Foster, Thomas M’Clary. Tuscarawas, John Graham, Wm. Knox, sup. Cuyahoga, Ezra Booth, James Manory. Grand River, Ira Eddy. Huron, Dennis Goddard. Scioto Dist. John Collins, P. Elder . Columbus, John Tevis, Peter Stevens. Pickaway, Daniel Davidson, Michael Ellis. Salt Creek, William Westlake. Hockhocking, Andrew Kanier. Deer Creek, John Brown. Chillicothe, Adbel Coleman. Scioto, Greenbury R. Jones, Moses Hinkle. Brush Creek, Leroy Swormstedt. Lebanon Dist. James B. Finley, P. Elder. Paint Creek, Andrew M’Clain. Mad River, Russel Bigelow, Robert W. Finley. Piqua, John P. Taylor, Thomas Hitt. Union, John Strange, William M. P. Quinn. Millford, Burroughs Westlake, Horace Brown, 184 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO White Oak, Francis Landrum. Strait Creek, William P. Finley. Loudoun, Sadosa Bacon. Miami Dist. Walter Griffith, P. Elder. Cincinnati, James Quinn, Truman Bishop. Miami, William Dixon, Robert Delap. Oxford, Allen Wiley, Benjamin T. Crouch. Greenville, John P. Durbin. White Water, Arthur Elliot, Samuel Brown. Lawrenceburg, Benjamin Lawrence, Henry Fernandees. Madison, Henry Baker, William H. Raper. Hamilton and Rossville, Samuel West. Kentucky Dist. Alexander Cummins, P. Elder. Newport, Samuel Baker. Licking, Josiah Whitaker. Lexington, Nathaniel Harris. Mount Sterling, Samuel Chenowith, Hezekiah Holland. Hinkston, Wm. Hollman, John R. Reach. Limestone, Absalom Hunt, Isaac Collard. Fleming, Sam’l Demint, Zach. Connell. Little Sandy, Joseph Farrow. Guyandofte, Burwell Spurlock. Georgetown, Henry M’Daniel, to change with N. Harris. Lexington circuit, John Ray, David Dyke. John’s Creek, John Kinney. Big Kanawha, Francis Wilson. Martin Ruter, book agent at Cincinnati. JOURNALS OF THE NINTH OHIO ANNUAL CON¬ FERENCE, HELD AT CHILLECOTHE COMMENCED AUGUST THE 8th 1820 MEMBERS PRESENT Jacob Young James B. Finley John Collins John Sale Moses Crume A. Cummins Charles Waddle Wm Knox Robert W. Finley John Solomon Wm Swazey Sami West William Dixon* Walter Griffith Jacob Hooper Michael Ellis William Cunningham James Quinn Curtis Goddard Boroughs Westlake Sami Dement* John Graham Thomas A. Morris John Tevis Sami Chenoweth Absolom Hunt* William Hollman* Those marked thus David Young* Martin Rutter John P. Taylor Shad Ruark Jonathan Stamper Dan’l D. Davison Sadoca Bacon William P. Finley* John Strange John P. Kent Russell Biglow John C. Brook John Somerville* Thomas Carr* William Westlake Sami Baker Henry Baker John Brown Joseph Carper John Ray* Truman Bishop Francis Landrum Benjn Lawrence Sami Brown Cornelius Springer Abbott Goddard Leroy Cole* were absent 185 186 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Benjn Lakin* Henry McDaniel* Ezra Booth Philip Green James McMehan Allen Wiley Able Robinson Bishop Roberts President C. Springer was appointed Secty. The Conference appointed the times of its sittings and adjournments; the former at 8 OClock A. M. and the latter at 1 P. M. The rules which regulated the western Anual Confer¬ ence in its sittings, as recorded on pages 78 & 79 of these journals, were adopted by this Conference for its own regulation. The Characters of Isaac C. Hunter, Abner Goff, James Gilruth, Thomas R. Ruckle, Josiah Foster, Peter Warner, James Murray, John Kinney, Andrew Canier, Benjn Crouch, Moses Hinkle, Thomas Hitt William H. Raper, Robert Delap, Isaac Collard Horace Brown, David Dike, John R. Ketch John P. Durbin, Francis Wilson, & Nathaniel Harris, probationers were examined approved, and they continued on trial, The cases of Henry S. Fernandes, and A. Coleman were laid over- John Mcnary and W.M. P. Quinn probationers were discontinued. The conference directed that a committee of five be appointed by the President to examine the Graduates, and it was accordingly appointed John P. Taylor, Russell Biglow, and Thomas A Mor¬ ris were appointed stewards, to the conference — Wednesday Morning Augt 9 Bishop Roberts in the chair. The characters of Samuel Adams, Edward Taylor, Charles Elliott, Thomas McCleary, LeRoy Swormstedt, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 187 Andrew McClain, James T. Wells, Sami Brockunier, James Smith, and Dennis Goddard, probationers were examined, approved, and they each elected to the office of Deacon Henry Mathews a probationer was discontinued at his own request Greenberry R. Jones and Arthur W. Elliott were admitted into connection and each elected to the office of Elder. Burwell Spurlock was admited into connection. The case of W. M. P. Quinn was reconsidered and he continued on trial Thursday Morning Bishop Roberts Presidt. The characters of Ira Eddy, Philip Green and John P. Taylor were examined and approved. The characters of Ezra Booth, William Westlake, Thomas Carr, Samuel Baker, John C. Brook, Joseph Car¬ per and Samuel Chenowith were examined approved and each elected to the office of Elder Thomas A. Morris was elected to the office of Elder and his relation changed to that of Supernumerary. The case of Henry S. Fernandis was also taken up and by his own request he was discontinued from a state of trial. Jacob Young, James B. Finley, and A. Cummins were appointed a committee to attend to the case of Peter Stephens. Jacob Delay tho’ recommend was not received on trial yet a P. Elder may employ him Archibald McElroy John Waterman and William Page were readmited into the Connection Alfred Brunson was admited on trial. The Conference made a draft on the Charter fund and Book Concern for their dividend of the profits arising from each; the former 100 $ and the latter 300 dollars The case of William Stephens was laid over — 188 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Friday Morning Augt 11 Bishop Roberts in the Chair The case of William Stephens which was laid over was taken and tho’ recommended was not readmitted into connection yet a P. Elder may employ him— William Crawford, Henry Knap, Charles Thorn, James Collard, Zerah Casten, James Jones, Daniel Limrick, Charles Truscott, Nathan Walker, William J. Kent, and William Simmons, were admitted on trial Abraham Lippitt was readmited into connection Orin Gilmore, John Ulm, James Havens, & Sami Elvin tho’ recommended were not admited on trial, Saturday Morning Bishop Roberts in the chair Eli Arnold, William Crawford, Abraham Daniel, James Comstock, Robert Burns, John Inskip, William Wil¬ liams, Thomas Odle, Christian Fall, Morgan McMahan, Lawtin Richmond and James Frances, Local preachers were each elected to the office of Deacons; but George Gardner, John Sefton, and Benjm Fuller tho’ recom¬ mended were not elected, Daniel Plummer and Nathan Smith Local Deacons were each elected the office of Elder, Allen Wiley was elected to the office of elder, Resolved that the members of the Ohio Annual Con¬ ference, shall make exertions to increase the number of subscribers for the Methodist Magazine, so as to have it reprinted in Cincinnati, The Conference ordered that the parchments of Augus¬ tus Joslin in the hands of James Quinn be given up to him, A motion was made to restore the parchments of Elias Robinson which miscarried, The characters of John Collins, John Graham, Jona¬ than Stamper, Jacob Hooper, Curtis Goddard, John Te- vis, Danl D. Davison Michael Ellis, John P. Kent, Abel JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 189 Robinson, John Brown, James B. Finley, John Strange, Boroughs Westlake, William P. Finley, Francis Land¬ rum, Sedocia Bacon Walter Griffith, James Quinn, Tru¬ man Bishop Sami Brown, William Dixon, Benjamin Lawrence, Henry Baker, Samuel West, Alexander Cum¬ mins Henry McDaniel, Absolom Hunt, John Ray, Wil¬ liam Knox Moses Crume, John Sale, David Young, Le- Roy Cole, Benjn Lakin, John Summerville, Robert C. Hatton, Shadrach Ruark elders were each examined and approved, Henry McDaniel and William Knox were made effect¬ ive, David Young, LeRoy Cole, Banjn Lakin Michael Ellis and John Sale, are superannuated. William P. Finley, Sedoca Bacon William Dixon and Robert, C. Hatton at their own request obtained a loca¬ tion, Abdul Coleman was discontinued at his own request. Absalom Hunt and Moses Crume are supernumiaries. Monday Morning Bishop Roberts in the chair The characters of James McMahon, William Cunning¬ ham, Jacob Young, C. Springer, & William Swayzey. elders were each examined and approved.— John Solomon, at his request, was located John Sale, Jacob Young, Walter Griffith, William Knox & D. D. Davison, were appointed a committee to attend to the case of Charles Waddle and report to the conference. The P. Elder of Lancaster District, who ever he may be the ensuing year, is directed to call a commitee to attend the case of Peter Stephens. William B. James a local Deacon appealed from the decision of a Q. Conference of Mansfield Circuit in case of expulsion but it was confirmed. Whereas it appears that William Burk, a suspended 190 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO member of this conference, has continued to preach and administer the sacraments in oposition to the authority of the Methodist E. Church; Moved by J. B. Finley, and seconded by J. Young that the said William Burk, be expelled from said church, for contumacy, and that his name be so returned on the minutes; which motion car¬ ried. The conference ordered that William Burk be presented with a copy of this decision Signed by the president and the secretary. The conference directed that the secretary be author¬ ized to give A. Cummins a transcript of any record or paper in his hands relating to the case of William Burke, that he may want. The next conference will be held in Labannon Septr. 6th 1821. Tuesday morning Bishop Roberts in the chair The report of finance committee was confirmed as fol¬ lows Viz. Names Wm. Swazey. . . . Cor. Springer Jacob Young.... Thos Ruckle Jno. C. Brook. . . James Smith. . . . Wm. Cunnington Isaac C. Hunter. Jas. McMahan. . Philip Green. . . . Jno. Summerville Robt C. Hatton. Chas Waddell. . . Abner Goff. Henry Mathews. Shadrack Ruark. Edward Taylor. . Thos Carr. John Solom. Ezra Booth. John Manary. . . Ira Eddy. Amount Received De¬ ficiency $ 0 $ c 160 40 100 197 42 2 58 175 25 87 50 12 50 100 97 3 200 60 92 39 8 88 54 H 11 45 M 200 141 59 200 50 136 64 67 33 67 33 11 189 100 84 16 Remarks 6 months service Sick No claim JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 191 Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated $ c $ c $ c $ c Isah Foster. 120 80 Dennis Goddard. 89 11 Thos McClary. 60 40 John Graham. 91 50 108 50 63 6 Wm Knox. 91 109 Jonathan Stamper. 110 90 Peter Warner. 63 37 Thos A. Morris. 185 15 Sami. Brockunier. 92 85 7 15 Jacob Hooper. 50 50 James T. Wells. 66 24% 33 ^5% Curtis Goddard. 66 43 3357 John P. Kent. 100 12 Abel Robison. 92 21% 107 78% Charles Elliott. 63 37 James Gilruth. 51 49 Joseph Carper. 100 Sami Adams. 200 John Collins. 200 Andrew Canier. 27 73 6 50 John Tevis. 100 5 50 Peter Stephens. 100 Danl D. Davison. 145 55 64 45 Michael Ellis. 145 55 64 45 John Brown. 175 86 24 14 Greenbury R. Jones. .. . 145 62% 54 37% Moses Hinkle. 73 27 Wm. Westlake. 65 35 Leroy Swormstedt. 100 Abdell Coleman. 150 Jas. B. Findley. 193 70 6 30 Andw McClain. 90 15% 109 84% Russell Biglow. 200 R. W. Finley. 200 J ohn Strange. 229 74 Wm M. P. Quinn. 100 Burris Westlake. 200 Horace Brown. 100 W. P. Findley. 74 00 76 00 Jno P. Taylor. 82 61 17 39 Thos S. Hitt. 82 61 17 39 Francis Lanfrum. 200 Sadocia Baker (Bacon). . 118 82 Walter Griffith. 165 35 James Quinn. 200 T. Bishop. 100 A. W. Elliott. 166 44% 33 55% Sami Brown. 65 35 Wm Dixon. 216 Robt Delap. 217 Benj Lawrence. 152 35 47 65 Henry Farnandess. 84 16 Henry Baker. 39 70 60 30 Wm H. Raper. 92 108 Allen Wiley. 134 52% 65 47% Benj F. Crouch. 67 29% 32 69% Sami West. 30 170 37 John P. Durban. 48 52 Jas Murray. 35 33 64 67 John Sale. 200 67 Moses Crume. 200 67 D. Young. 200 67 Abbot Goddard. 200 67 Benjn Lakin. 200 67 Remarks 192 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks Amelia Lotspeech. $ c $ c $ c $ c Bish. McKendree. 18 Bishop George. 18 Bishop Roberts. Pub. Collection. 15 8 IH 28 Dft. on Chartd fund.. . . Do Book Concern. Total deficiency. Appropriated. 3808 100 300 533 Remaining. 3 70 Final deficiency. 3253 37H The bal. remaining viz $3.70 to be paid to bishop Roberts by order of conference The committee appointed to attend to the case of Charles Waddell reported that in there opinion his char¬ acter ought to pass The character of Abbot Goddard a Superanuated elder was approved & he continued in his relation John Benfield a local preacher from Tuscarawas cir¬ cuit appealed from his Quarterly meeting conference which had axpelled him from the connection The decision was reversed and he restored to his former standing The case of James Havens was reconsidered & he ad¬ mitted on trial. The case of William Stephens was reconsidered & he was admitted into connection The committee appointed last year to take charge of the Indian mission reported, and the conference approved of their proceedings The Conference ordered that the Indian mission be con¬ tinued and that Moses Hinkle be the missionary—Like¬ wise that the preacher of Lebanon District & Mad river Circuit be the committee to direct tha affairs of the mis¬ sion— The committee is authorized to give John Stewart and Jonathan Painter, men of colour who were also em¬ ployed in the mission what support they think needfull JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 193 Wednesday Morning Bishop Roberts Pr. The Conference Allowed brother Hincle, their mission¬ ary to the Indians two hundred dollars and his traveling expenses as his salary the ensuing year. The Conference sent an address to the Wyandot In¬ dians on the subject of religion. The Conference ordered that each of its members shall circulate a subscription to raise monies for the support of the Indian mission; and that they shall be accountable to the next Conference for the performance of this duty; and that the comitee in charge of the mission shall get an address with a subscription connected therewith, printed, and forward to the P. Elders, a coppy for each preacher under their respective charges. Samuel Chinoweth was located at his own request. The P. Elder of Miami Dist. and the preacher of Cin¬ cinnati station, and the helper of White Oak circuit, are appointed a comitee to examine the book agents amount at Cincinnati. James B. Finley, John Collins, and Walter Griffith are appointed a comitee to take charge of all the papers relating to the case of Wm. Burke. Resolved that the P. Elder of each Dist. shall take the sentiments of every Q. Conference under his charge, with regard to the establishment of a seminary within the bounds and under the direction of this Conference and also that they have an eye to a proper cite for its estab¬ lishment ; and report to our next Conference. Resolved that the station preacher of Chillicothe pro¬ ceed to form an auxiliary society to the Methodist Mis¬ sionary Society of New York, and that the preachers on their stations be requested (as soon as they can obtain the constitution of said society) to proceed to organize auxiliaries to the society in Chillicothe; as far as they may deem it needful. 194 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO James Quinn, Abdul Coleman, and Jacob Young are appointed a comitee to collect the memmorials of the life and ministereal labors of the Rev. Samuel Parker lately decased, and report them to the next Confirence, or to the editors to be published in the Magazine. Meet next at Lebanon Ohio Sepr. 6—1821. R. R. Roberts C. Springer Secty. Membership in the Ohio Conference for 1819-1820. Ohio District. Whites Col West Wheeling . . 834 5 Cross Creek .... . 674 Steubenville .... . 170 Beaver . . 650 Mahoning . . 750 Erie . . 831 Lake . . 486 Chetauque . . 474 4,869 5 Muskingum District Barnesville . . 1,081 8 Zanesville . ,. 769 Duck Creek .... . 612 Little Kanawha. . 570 Marietta . . 593 Athens . . 665 Letart Falls .... . 427 Burlington . . 308 5,025 8 Lancaster District. Fairfield cir. ... . 1,182 8 Granville . . 635 1 Knox . . 570 Mansfield . . 922 Tuscarawas .... , 577 Scioto District. Whites Col. Cuyahoga cir. 450 Grand River . 353 Huron . 227 4,916 9 Columbus . .. 872 9 Pickaway . .. 980 Salt Creek .... . . 443 Hockhocking .. .. 339 Deer Creek ... .. 1,307 9 Chilicothe . .. 300 48 Scioto . .. 1,349 20 Brush Creek .. .. 989 4 6,579 90 Lebanon District. Mad River .... .. 1,284 43 Piqua . .. 824 Union . .. 1,230 Milford . .. 1,082 3 White Oak ... . .. 1,370 1 London . 568 1 Straight Creek .. 391 Paint Creek ... .. 575 7 7,324 55 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 195 Miami District. Whites Col. Whites Col. Lawrenceburg ... 705 8 Miami Cir. .. .... 820 Madison . ... . 855 6 Cincinnati ... . 533 33 Hamilton and Oxford . .... 776 5 Rossville .. 63 2 Greenville .. .... 286 White Water .... 1,206 5,244 54 Appointments for 1820. Martin Ruter, book agent at Cincinnati. Ohio Dist. William Swayze, P. Elder. Mahoning, James M’Mahan, Ezra Booth. Beaver, William Cunningham, Charles Trescott. Cross Creek, Sam’l Adams, Henry Knapp. Steubenville, Curtis Goddard. Tuscarawas, Thomas Carr, Sam’l Brockunier. Grand River, Philip Green. Chetaque, Alfred Brunson. Lancaster Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Fairfield circuit, Abner Goff, Chas. Thorn. Muskingum, Shadrach Ruark. Granville, Daniel Limerick, T. R. Rucke. Knox, Joseph Carper. Mansfield, Josiah Foster, Isaac C. Hunter. Wayne, Edward Taylor. Huron, Dennis Goddard. Hockhocking, Peter Stephens. Lancaster, Thomas A. Morris. Mushingum Dist. Charles Waddle, P. Elder. Zanesville, James Hooper, Arch. M’llroy. West Wheeling, John Graham, Zarah Costin. Barnesville, Wm. Knox, John Waterman. Duck Creek, Thomas M’Cleary, Nathan Walker. Marietta circuit, Abel Robinson. Athens, A. Lippett, James T. Wells. Letart Falls, James Gilruth. Burlington, William J. Kent. Marietta station, Truman Bishop. 196 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Scioto Dist. Samuel West, P. Elder. Columbus, Russel Bigelow, Horace Brown. Pickaway, Cornelius Springer, Peter Warner. Deer Creek, William Stephens, Andrew Caneer. Chilicothe, James Quinn. Salt Creek, James Havens. Scioto, Greenbury R. Jones, Rob’t. Delap. Brush Creek, Burroughs Westlake, Moses Hinkle jr. Straight Creek, William Crawford. Delaware, James Murray. Lebanon Dist. Jas. B. Finley, P. Elder. White Oak, William Page, Leroy Swormstedt. Milford, John C. Brook, Thomas L. Hitt. Union, John Strange, J. P. Taylor. Piqua, Wm. Westlake, Wm. Simmons. Mad River, Rob’t W. Finley, A. M’Lean. Paint, Samuel D. Davidson. London, Zachariah Connel, James Smith. Detroit, John P. Kent. Indian mission, Moses Hinkle sen. Miami Dist. Walter Griffith, P. Elder. Cincinnati, J. Collins. Greenville, Benjamin Lawrence. Oxford, Samuel Baker, Wm. H. Raper. White Water, James Jones. Miami, Moses Crume, Arthur W. Elliott. Lawrenceburg, J. P. Durbin, Jas. Collord. Madison, Allen Wiley, William P. Quinn. Hamilton and Rossville, Henry Baker. X JOURNALS OF THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFER¬ ENCE IN ITS TENTH SESSION HELD AT LEB- ONON COMMENCING SEPR 6th 1821- members NAMES Jacob Young John C. Brooke James B. Finley Ira Eddy John Collins Philip Green John Sale John F. Wright Moses Crume John Strange Charles Waddle William Westlake William Knox Daniel D. Davison Robt W. Finley* Sami Baker William Swayze Arthur W. Eliote Samuel West John P. Kent* Walter Griffith Allen Wiley Jacob Hooper John Waterman* Michael Ellis* Abm Leppit James Quinn Arcd McElroy James McMahon Henry Baker Martin Rutter William Cunningham Ezra Boothe Benj Lawrence Curtis Goddard Russell Bigelow Thomas Carr William Page Joseph Carper John P. Taylor Thos A. Morris* David Young John Graham Abbot Goddard* Abel Robison Cornelius Springer Truman Bishop Sami Adams William Stephens Charles Elliott Greenbury R. Jones James Smith Burroughs Westlake Sami Brockunier 197 198 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Edw Taylor Dennis Goddard Thomas McCleary* And McClean Peter Stephens Zech Connell LeRoy Swarmsted * Those marked thus are absent Bishops McKendree, George, & Roberts all present, Bishop Roberts in the chair. C. Springer was appointed secretary, The conference appointed the times of its settings & adjournments, the former at 8 oc. A. M. & 2 P. M. the latter at half past 11 A. M. & 5 P. M. Jacob Young, James B. Finley and Jno Strange were appointed a committee to regulate the congregations dur¬ ing the setting of this Confr. The rules of the Western Annual Conference as re¬ corded in pages 78 &79, of those Journals were adopted by the conference for its own regulation Russell Bigelow Jno P. Taylor & Jas McMahon were appointed Stewards of the conference.. David Young, Martin Rutter John Sale Truman Bishop & William Page were appointed a committee to examine the graduates, Greenbury R. Jones, Henry Baker & Charles Eliott, were appointed a book committee, John Sale, Jacob Young, Walter Griffith, Truman Bishop and Moses Crume were appointed a committee to take into consideration the necessity & expediency of establishing a School among the Wyandote Indians & enquireing into the ways & means of carrying it into operation & that the commitee, is farther instructed to settle with Jas B. Finley & Moses Hinkle, & report the whole to this confer. The characters of Alfred Brunson William Crawford, Charles Thorn, James Collard, James Jones, Daniel Lim- ericke, Charles Trescott, Nathan Walker, William P. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 199 Kent, William Simmons, Henry Knapp, Zera Costen, and Jas. Havens, probationers were examined, approved & they continue on trial, Afternoon session B. Roberts prisednt The characters of James Smith, Edw. Taylor Dennis Goddard, Thos McClarey, LeRoy Swarmsed Andrew McClean, James T. Wells, Sami Adams Charles Eliote & Sami Brockunier, deacons were examined & approved, The characters of Martin Rutter, William Swayze, Ezra Boothe, Wm Cunningham— Curtis Goddard, Thos Carr Jacob Young & Joseph Carper elders were exam¬ ined and approved, but Wm Cunninghams presiding elder whosoever he may be this ensuing year is instructed by the conference to admonish him with respect to his un- garded remarks on the subject of marriage and to advise him no more to make use of that assertion that he would as soon marry a girl of the world as one in society. The characters of James McMahon was approved & he placed in a Supernumerary relation. The character of Thos. A. Morris was approved and he made effective, The characters of Jno P. Taylor, Ira Eddy, and Philip Green were examined, approved and they each elected to office of elder. Friday Morning B. George in the chair The papers presented by B. McKendree to the confer¬ ence on the subject of Indian affairs were refered to the commite for the School among the Wyendotts &tc. Jacob Young, Russell Bigelow and Moses Crume, were appointed a committee to attend to the case of Peter Stephens which remained unfinished from last year. The characters of Charles Waddle J. Hooper John Graham, William Knox, Truman Bishop Samuel West, 200 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO C. Springer, William Stephens James Quinn, Greenbury R. Jones, Buroughs Westlake James B. Finley, John C. Brooke, John Strange and John Waterman elders were examined and approved, The case of Wm. Westlake was laid over, John P. Taylor was released from the financial com¬ mittee and Ezra Boothe in his place. The presiding elders reported on the subject of the seminary according to their instructions from last con¬ ference, and, John Collins, Martin Rutter and David Young were appointed a committee to take the subject into further consideration & to report to this present conference, Afternoon session Bis. Roberts in the chair. The Conference made a draft on the book concern for $300— and on the cliarterd Fund for $100— Wiliam Horton, David Ducher, Samuel Carpenter, Nimrod Bright, William Hughey David Madon, Daniel Inskip David Clarke Jeremiah Symns, John C. Pearson, Platt B. Morey, Jonathan Flood, Amos Sparks, & Jacob D. Miller local preachers were each elected to the office of Deacon, but Sami Wilson, Benanyah Boardman and Benj Ryan, tho recommended, were not elected, Saturday Morning B. George in the chair. The conference ordered that the book Agent at Cin- cinatia be directed to prepare a Primmer containing suitable lessons for the early education of children, to be printed, in connection with our chatechism, and that a commitee of five be appointed, from the chair to examine the work before its publication. 1 1 As far as I am able to discover this is the first action on the jrnrt of the Methodist Church in the west looking toward the religious training of children. Methodist Sunday schools had been established east of the mountains, but there is no evidence to show the existence of Methodist Sunday schools in the west at this time. (See Sweet, ‘‘Beginnings of the Sunday School in the West,” The Sunday School Journal, April, 1922, 213, 214.) JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 201 The characters of Tlios. S. Hitt, Will H Raper Jno P. Durbin, James Gilruth, Robt. Delap, Moses Hincle, Isaac C. Hunter & Thos. R. Ruekel probationers were examined approved and they each admitted into connection & elected to the office of deacon Voted that brother Hincle be admonished from the chair for his imprudence in joining the free Masons and particularly of his manner of doing it, and also that he be advised of the necessity and importance of carefulness & prudence on his part in future, Joseah Foster, an elder was admitted into connexion, Abner Goff a deacon was admitted, into connexion and elected to the office of elder. Afternoon Session B. Roberts in the chair James Murry was admitted into connexion but was not, elected to office, Peter Warner and W. P. Quinn probationers were droped, Horace Brown and Andrew Kinniar were continued on trial, The Committe on the case of Peter Stephens reported, which was confirmed, and he acquitted of the charges against him but not elected to office, The conference ordered also that the Agent get the copy right of the primmer directed to be published, secoured, to the M. E. Church in the U. States, David Young and Martin Rutter were appointed addi¬ tional members of the commitee for the Indian School &tc, Monday Morning B. George in the chair John Haughton, Isaac Wood, David I Cox Benj Ful¬ ler, Whitefield Hughes, George Waddle and John Ulin, local preachers were each elected to the office of Deacon in the M. E. Church* 202 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO William Trwin William Austin, John Clark and Robert Dobbins local deacons were each elected to the office of Elder but David English was not elected The committe appointed by the Presiding Elders to at¬ tend to the case of brother William Westlake reported to this conference, which report was confirmed and he sus¬ pended indefenitely from all Official privileges in the M. E. Church, and his name is to be striken off the Min¬ utes, but to remain on the Journal of the Conference. The characters of Daniel D. Davison, Sami Baker, Arthur W. Eliott, Allen Wiley and Archibald Mcllroy, elders were examined and approved, John P. Kent was Superanuated, The characters of Abm Leppet a deacon was examined & approved, Moses Crum, William Stephens and James Quinn were appointed a committee to attend to the case of Henry Baker, Afternoon Session B. Roberts presided The characters of Benj Lawrence, Russell Bigelow, William Page, Shadrack Ruark and Robt W. Finley, elders were each examined and approved, The characters of John Sale David Young and Michael Ellis superanuated elders were each examined, approved and there relation continued, The commitee on the case of Henry Baker report him guilty of imprudence which report was confirmed, and the conference ordered that he be reproved by the Presi¬ dent for it, and advised him to try and make reconcilia¬ tion with the family with whom the imprudence was com¬ mitted, James Fowler and Danforth Wetherby Local Deacons were each elected to the office of elder, Moses Crumes character was approved & he made effective, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 203 The next conference will be holden in Mariette, 5th Sepr 1822, The conference ordered that the Book Agent at Cinci- natia get subscription papers printed for the purpose of reprinting at New York Benson’s Commentarys on the Scriptures, and the preachers are desired to circulate them for the purpose of obtaining subscribers, Tuesday Morning B. Roberts in the chair William H. Collins, John Pardo, Henry J. Fernandes, John Walker, and Ricd Brandriff were admitted on trial, Lewis S. Kidmore a local elder was readmited into con¬ nexion, Bishop McKendree presented an address containing his advise & recommendation to this conference to adopt the following resolutions which were first adopted & then suspended by the last General Conference viz— Resolved &tc that whenever in any annual conference, there shall be a vacancy— or vacancies in the office of Presiding Elder in consequince of his period of service of 4 years having expired or the Bishop wishing to re¬ move any Presiding Elder, or by death, resignation or otherwise, the Bishop or presedent of the conference having ascertained the number wanted from any of those causes, shall nominate three times the number out of which the Conference shall elect by ballot without debate the number wanted, provided when there is more than one wanted not more than three at a time shall be nom¬ inated, and not more than one at a time elected-provided also that in case of any vacancy or vacancies in the office of Presiding Elder in the interval of any Annual Confer¬ ence, the Bishops shall have authority to fill the said vacancy or vacancies untill the ensuing Annual Confer¬ ence, Resolved 2d That the presiding Elders be and hereby 204 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO are made the advisory council of the Bishops or presedent of the Conference in Stationing the preachers, (carried 61 to 25) It was moved by David Young & seconded by Jacob Young, & James B. Finley that the following preamble & resolutions be adopted & the question was carried in the Affirmative. Preamble, The above resolution are in the judgment an infringement on the constitution of the M. E. Church and therefore cannot be carried into effect by our repre¬ sentatives without first obtaining the consent of the Anual conference. And whereas these resolutions were first adopted and then suspended by the General Conference of 1820 and our Senior Bishop advises the anual conferences to take such measures as may give the above resolutions the force and sanction of rules in our Discipline, The other Bishops approving this proposed change in our government, Resolved, Therefore by the Ohio Anual Conference that we recommended the adoption of the above stated resolutions and that the next ensuing general Conference are authorized and requested so far as it respects this conference to adopt them provided it be done by a ma¬ jority of two thirds of the General Conference as stated in the 6th Article of our Constitution, Afternoon Session, B. Roberts in the chair The papers in the hands of brother Finley on the case of Will. Burke was returned to the Conference and placed among its papers. The report of the commitee on the subject of the Indian school &ct was confirmed, which is as follows, 1. That this Conference immediately establish a school at Camp Meegs, for the education of the Wyendott Indians and others, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 205 2. That the missionary who may be stationed at Camp Meegs shall have the superintendance of the above school, and the said missionary is hereby authorized and re¬ quired to select and employ a missionary family, likewise to erect such buildings as may be necessary, 3. That subscriptions be printed and put into the hands of every preacher in charge of a Ct. or Station in order to obtain monies for the above Mission and school, 4. That the P. Elders be authorized and requested to ap¬ point a commitee or committees in every district for the purpose of obtatining provisions and clothing for the support of the Indians at school which provisions and clothing they are requested to forward to the superin- tendant of the mission and school, 5th. The above missionary is hereby authorized and re¬ quested to purchase all the implement utensels he may think necessary for house keeping and farming for the above school and mission Gth. That an appropriate address be drawn up & pre¬ sented to the above Indians 7. That an address be drawn up or sanctioned by this conference and put into the hands of every preacher who has charge of a circuit or station to obtain signatures petioning Congress not to repeal the existing Laws which regulate our commirce with the Indians, These petitions when signed are to be returned to the P Elder of each district and forwarded by him to Congress as soon as it can be done, 8th. The committee also examined the accounts of Moses Hincle and James B. Finley and find that the expindi- tures of the Indians School and Mission are less than the monies reed by (Errors excepted) $3.57, 9. We likewise beg leave to report that the Superintend¬ ent of the Indian sell oil be allowed a salary of $500, in¬ cluding what he may receive as a Missionary, 206 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Wednesday Morning B George President. The subject of the Wyendott mission and school was recommitted to the commitee of Indian affairs, William Tipton, Platt B. Morey, Whitfield Hughs, Rob¬ ert Dobbins, James T. Donehoo and George M. Mealy were admitted on trial but Vienal Stewart, George Wad¬ dle, were not admitted, but a presiding elder may employ Stewart. John McMahon and Will I. Thompson were readmitted into connexion, but Augustis Joslin was not admitted tho a presiding Elder may employ him, The committe on the subject of the Seminary made their report which was confirmed as follows, 1. That such an establishment in or near the state of Ohio is expedient and necessary, 2. That the place where we have a prospect of the most ample funds is in the town of Augusta on the Ohio River, 3. Inasmuch as that place is on the Kentucky side of the river and in the bounds of the Kentucky conference it seems expedient to make it answer the purpose of both this and that conference, 4. That it is expedient to appoint a commitee whose duty it shall be to confir with a similar committe from the Kentuckey Conferance, provided they think proper to ap¬ point one and to take such measures in favour of the con¬ templated establishment as they may think advisable provided they do not place themselves or this conferance liable to any expence, and in case the Kentuckey Confer¬ ance should not see fit to appoint a similar committe the commitee appointed by this conferance shall have author¬ ity to act without them, 5. It shall be the duty of this committe in case of success in such an establishment to take the most prudent meas¬ ures in there power to secure the influence and gover- ment of the institution to the M. E. Church. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 207 Martin Rutter, John Collins, and David Young are the committe appointed according to the fourth Article of the above report, Afternoon Session B. Roberts Presedent, The commitee to whom the subject of the Indian School &ct was recommited reported which was confirmed and the priceeding report is hereby made null and void and the following is to be the Law on the subject of the Wyendott School and Mission. 1. That the Conference immediately establish a School at Camp Meegs, for the education of the Wyendott Indians, and others, 2. That the Missionary who may be stationed at Camp Meegs shall have the superintendance of the above School and the said Missionary is nereby authorized and required to select and employ a missionary family like¬ wise to erect such buildings as may be necessary. 3. That a special committe be appointed in or near the town of Xenia to whom the Superintendant of the above School may make known the wants and necessaties of the Missionary family & school which committe shall correspond with him and all others concerned, moreover the duty of the above committe is to take charge of all pro¬ visions, clothing &ct. which may come into their hands they are also to give such instructions to other commites as they may learn from the Superintendant to be neces¬ sary. 4. That suscriptions be printed and put into the hands of every preacher in charge of a circuit or station, to obtain monies for the above Mission and School. 5. That the Presiding Elders be authorized & required to appoint a commitee or committees in every district for the purpose of obtaining provisions, clothing &ct for the support of the Indians at school which provisions 208 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO when collected shall be subject to their order or the order of the Superintendent. 6. The above Missionary hereby authorized and requested to purchase all the impliments and utentials he thinks necessary for house keeping and farming for the above school and Mission. 7. That an appropriate address be drawn up and pre¬ sented to the above Indians. 8. That an address be drawn up and sanctioned (sanc¬ tioned) by this Conference and put into the hands of every preacher who has the charge of a Circuit or Station to obtain signatures petioning Congress not to repeal the existing laws which regulate our commerce with the Indians: These petitions when signed are to be returned to the P. Elder of each district and forwarded by him to Congress as soon as it can be done. 9. The committe also examined the accounts of Moses Hinkle, and James B. Finley and find that the expendi¬ tures of the Indian School and Mission are less than the monies reed, by errors excepted) $3.57. 10. We likewise beg leave to report that the Superin- tendant of the Indian School be allowed a salary of $500. including what he may get as a Missionary. James Fowler, John Sale, Andrew Reed George S. Houston, and Nathaniel McLean are appointed the com- mitee in compliance with the third Article of the above report. The Secretary is at liberty to give any extract from the Journals on the subject of the Indian School and Mis¬ sion that may be requested, Moses Hinkle is appointed an additional member of the committe to address the In¬ dians. The report of the financial commitee was conference as follows. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 209 Names Moneys Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ 0 W. Swayze. 174 00 26 44 Ira Eddy. 82 99 117 50 Charels Eliote. 41 71 50 29 Ezra Boothe. 150 4 4 44 44 Wm Cunningham. 50 44 50 44 Charls Trescote. 100 44 44 Sami Adams. 200 44 44 44 Henry Knap. 100 44 44 44 Curtis Goddard. 100 44 44 44 Thos Carr. 90 110 44 Sand Brochunier. 80 20 Philip Green. 74 87 25 12 Alfred Brunson. 157 00 43 44 Jacob Young. 190 13 9 87 Abner Goff. 160 44 40 44 Charles Thorn. 80 44 20 Shadk Ruark. 171 81 28 19 Daniel Limerick . 105 86 9416 Thos R. Ruckels . 52 80 47 20 Joseph Carper . 100 4 4 4 4 44 Josiah Foster. 74 62 125 37^ I. C. Hunter. 70 183^ 29 81342 Ewd Taylor. 90 4 4 10 44 Dennis Goddard. 56 44 44 44 Peter Stephens. 57 24 142 76 Thos A. Morris . 172 4 4 44 44 Chas Waddle . 102 42 99 37 Jacob Hooper . 83 79 10 21 John Graham . 170 50 29 50 Archd Mcllroy . 162 29 37 71 Zara Coston . 85 25 14 75 James McMahon . 128 72 William Westlake . 50 25 Will. Simmons . 92 8 Robt W. Finley . 152 29 47 71 And. McClain . 152 29 47 71 Daniel Davison . 62 53 143 47 3 43 Zarch Connell. 60 12 39 87 James Smith. 74 50 25 50 Jon P. Kent. 30 5 00 Walter Griffith. 131 32 68 68 John Collins. 200 44 4 4 4 4 Benj. Lawrence. 37 68 162 31 32 31 Sami Baker. 53 61 46 18 Will H. Raper . 107 62 92 37 Jas Jones . 108 51 91 40 Moses Crume . 132 50 67 50 Ar. W. Elliott . 132 50 67 50 J. P. Durbin . 100 4 4 4 4 4 4 1 00 James Collard . 200 4 4 Allen Wiley . 110 14 89 86 W. P. Quinn . 40 28 59 72 Henry Baker . SO - 20 4 4 John Sale. 70 00 David Young. 70 00 Michael Ellis. 70 00 Abbott Goddard. 70 00 Bish. McKendree. 20 00 Bish. George. 20 00 Bish Roberts. 30 00 Will Knox. 170 30 00 Jno Waterman. 170 30 Thos McClary. 78 22 Abel Robison. 172 41 27 59 210 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names Moneys Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks A hm T.irvnet.t,. $ 150 c $ 50 c tt $ c $ 0 James V. Wills. 43 70 56 30 James frilrut.h. 100 4 25 Will P Kent . 100 Truman Bishop. finml West, . 96 81 103 19 No demand "Rnssel Rigelow. 135 65 Horace Brown. 70 37 29 62 C! Snrincrer. 147 50 52 47 Peter Warner. 71 29 W^m Stephens. 91 37 108 62 Anri. Kenniar. 91 37 108 62 .Tames Onion. 144 53 55 47 •Tames Havens. 125 72 O R.. .Tones. 130 09 69 91 RoVyT,. Delan. 132 23 67 72 Rnr Westlake. 130 70 tt A/Toses TTinkle. 68 32 Will Crawford. 135 65 .Tames ATnrrv. 78 70 27 30 .Tas R Pinley. 183 13 16 87 Wm. Page. 200 it tt tt LeRoy Swarmstead. Jno C. Rrook. 72 150 50 it 27 50 50 Thos S. Hitt.. 80 tt 20 John Strange. 230 tt tt tt Jno P. Taylor. 200 it tt tt Deficiencies. 4414 27 Amt. reed, fr B. Conce C. fund & circuits.... rn 410 40 Tot,a.l Deficiencies . . . .$ 4010 77 The monies in the hands of the Stewards to amt. of Seven dollars was given to Jno Waterman The Acct. of Sami I. Brown presented to the Confer¬ ence was refered to the Book Agent at Cincinatia. The Agent at Cincinatia is at liberty to make ex¬ changes for School books and to circulate them, The P. Elder of Miamia district the Station preacher of Cincinatia the preachers in charge of Meamia and White Oak circuits and Truman Bishop are the committe to examine the Premmiar to be published by the Agent at Cincinatia Jacob Young, David Young and Greenbury R. Jones, are appointed a committe to consider on a suit¬ able place for a Seminary within the bounds of this Con¬ ference and to see what means can be procuried for sup¬ porting it and to report to the next Conferance. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 211 Extract from the Journal of the General Conferance, 1. Resolved by the delagates of the Anual Conferances in general Conferance assembled, That it be and is hereby recommended to all the anual conferances to establish as soon as practicable literary institutions under their own control in such way and manner as they may think proper. 2. Resolved &ct That it be the special duty of the Episco¬ pacy to use their influence to carry the above resolutions into effect by recommending the subject to each A. Con¬ ferance. 3. Resolved &ct. That the following amendment to the 2d. answer to the 3d question of the 4th. Section of the first chapter of the Decipline be adopted (viz) after the word preachers, let, let there be added And the Presi¬ dents, Principles, or Teachers of Seminearies of learning which are or may be under our Superintendance. 4. Resolved, that the principals of the Wesleyan Academy and Wesleyan Seminary be requested to forward a copy of their constitutions to each of the Anual conferances. 5. Resolved &ct. That a copy of this report be recorded on the Journals of the Several Anual conferances A true copy from the Journal. New York May 25th. 1821 Thos. Mason Thursday Morning B. George Presedent. The report of the Book commitee was confirmed. The committe appointed for the purpose reported the address to the Indians, which was accepted. The Secretary is authorized to give the B. Agent at Cincunatia an extract from the Journala relating to the publication of the premmer. Signed Enock George C. Springer Sec. 212 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Membership of the Ohio Conference, 1820-1821. Ohio District. Scioto District. Whites Col. Whites Col Erie circuit .... . 583 Columbus ..... .. 890 1 Mahoning . . 875 Pickaway . .. 878 Beaver . . 856 17 Deer Creek .... .. 1,260 7 Cross Creek .... . 991 Chilicothe . ,.. 225 32 Steubenville .... . 205 14 Salt Creek. . . 495 Tuscarawas .... . 557 Scioto . .. 1,358 16 Grand River ... . 546 Bush Creek ... . . 989 4 Cuyahoga . . 490 Straight Creek. .. 625 Delaware . .. 188 5,103 31 6,908 60 Lancaster District. Fairfield . . 1,156 4 Lebanon District. Muskingum .... . 503 4 White Oak .... .. 1,452 3 Granville . . 741 2 Milford . .. 1,223 Q O Knox . . 602 Union . .. 1,265 Mansfield . . 720 Piqua . .. 866 1 Wayne . . 247 Mad River .... .. 1,170 30 Huron . . 330 Paint Creek ... .. 600 Hockhocking ... . 354 London . .. 579 2 Lancaster . 65 Detroit . 20 Indian M. 4,718 6 7,575 39 Muskingum District. Zanesville . . 529 3 Miami District. West Wheeling . . 931 10 Cincinnati . .. 540 33 Barnesville . . 1,004 8 Greenville . .. 340 Duck Creek .... . 612 Oxford . .. 936 9 Marietta cir. ... . 470 White Water .. .. 1,069 Marietta . 94 Miami . . . 841 Athens . . 688 Lawrenceburg . .. 730 5 Burlington . . 421 Madison . .. 667 Hamilton and 5,277 21 Rossville .... 92 1 5,215 48 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 213 Appointments for 1821. Martin Ruter, book agent at Cincinnati. Ohio Dist. William Swayze, P. Elder. Erie cir., Ezra Boothe, Charles Truscett. Mahoning, Charles Elliott, Dennis Goddard. Beaver, John Graham, William Tipton. Cross Creek, Samuel Adams, William H. Collins. Steubenville, John Waterman. Tuscarawas, Thos. Carr, Josiah Foster. Grand River, Alfred Brunson, Henry Knapp. Cuyahoga, Ira Eddy. Newcastle, Samuel Brockunier. Lancaster Dist. Charles Waddle, P. Elder. Fairfield, William Stevens, Zarah Coston. Muskingum, Abraham Lippitt. Granville, Abner Goff, Horace Brown. Knox, Shadrach Ruark, John Walker. Mansfield, Thos. R. Ruckle, Chas. Thorn. Wayne, James Gilruth. Huron, Philip Green. Hockhocking, Peter Stevens. Lancaster, Joseph Carper. Muskingmn Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Zanesville, Lerot Swormstedt, Moses Henkle. West Wheeling, James M’Mahan, William Cunningham. Barnesville, Curtis Goddard, Wm. Knox. Duck Creek, Archibald M’llroy, John Pardo. Marietta circuit, William I. Kent. Athens, Daniel Limerick. Letart Falls, Edward Taylor. Burlington, John M’Mahan. Marietta station, Cornelius Springer. Scioto Dist. Greenbury R. Jones, P. Elder. Columbia, Russel Bigelow, Thomas M’Cleary. Pickaway, Burroughs Westlake, Andrew Kanier. Deer Creek, Andrew M’Clain, Isaac C. Hunter. Chilicothe, James Quinn. 214 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Salt Creek, William Crawford. Scioto, William Page, Henry Fernandes, Whitefield Hughs. Bush Creek, William J. Thompson, James Donahoo. Straight Creek, James Havens. Delaware, Jacob Hooper. Lebanon Dist. John Strange, P. Elder. White Oak, Arthur W. Elliott, Zacariah Connell. Milford, Benjamin Lawrence, Nathan Walker. Union, John C. Brook, John P. Taylor. Piqua, Robert Dobbins, R. W. Finley. Mad River, Thomas S. Hitt, George M. Mealy. Paint, James Smith. London, Daniel D. Davidson, William Simmons. Detroit, Platt B. Morey. Indian Mission, James B. Finley. Lebanon, John F. Wright. Miami Dist. Alex’r Cummins, P. Elder. Cincinnati, John Collins. Greenville, James Collard. Oxford, Moses Crume, Rich’d Brandriff. Whitewater, Allen Wiley, James T. Wells. Miami, Samuel Baker, Wm. H. Roper. Lawrenceburg, Henry Baker. Madison, James Jones, James Murray. Hamilton and Rossville, John P. Durbin. XI THE OHIO ANUAL CONFERENCE COMMENCED ITS ELEVENTH SESSION, IN MARIETTA ON THE 5th OF SEPR. 1822. MEMBERS PRESENT Alex Cummins Archd McElroy Will Swaze James McMahan Ira Eddy* John McMahan Charles Eliott Robt. W. Finley* Ezra Boothe Andrew McLean Willm Cunningham Daniel D. Davison Willm J. Thompson* Zech Connell Sami Adams Thomas S. Hitt* Curtis Goddard John P. Taylor* Thomas Carr James Smith Martin Ruter John P. Kent* Sami. Brockunier John Collens Philip Green Benjn Lawrence* Jacob Young Sami. Baker Abner Goff Willm H. Raper Shadk Ruark Moses Crume John F. Wright Arthr W. Eliote Thomas R. Ruckel John P. Durbin Joseph Carper Allen Wiley Josiah Foster Henry Baker Isaac C. Hunter John Sale* Edward Taylor David Young Dennis Goddard Michael Ellis* Peter Stevens Abbot Goddard* Charles Waddle William Knox Jacob Hooper John Waterman John Graham Thomas McClary 215 216 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS x\LONG THE OHIO Abm. Lippet* James T. Wells James Gilruth Truman Bishop Samuel West Russel Bigelow William Stevens James Quinn* Greenbury R. Jones (Those marked thus Burris Westlake Moses Hinkle James B. Finley James Murry William Page* Leroy Swarmsted John C. Brook* John Strange are absent.) Thursday Morning Bishop McKendree and Bishop George present and after opening Conferance with read¬ ing the Scriptures, singing & prayer it proceeded to Business. Bishop McKendree in the chair. Cornelius Springer was appointed Secretary The Conference appointed the times of its setting and adjournmanet the former at S.oclock and the latter at 2 oclk John Collins, Jacob Young, and Cornelius Springer were appointed a Committe, to regulate the congrega¬ tion for preaching during the sitting of this conferance. Leroy r Swarmsted, Russel Bigelow & Charles Eliote was appointed the Book Committe. • John Strange, John P. Taylor and Martin Ruter a committe to prepare for publication a biographic sketch of our deceased Br. Walter Griffith. The characters of Whitefield Hughs, James IDonahoo, Richard Brandriff, George W. Mealey John Pardo John Walker, William Tipton, William H. Collins, and Henry S. Fernandes, probationers, were each examined ap¬ proved, and they continued on trial; But the case of Roberts Dobbins was laid over. John Collins, Jacob Young, and Martin Ruter, were appointed a committe to examine the graduates, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 217 The characters of Samuel Adams, Charles Eliote, Sami Brockunier, Edward Taylor, Dennis Goddard, Thomas McClary, Leroy Swarmsted, Andrew McClain, and Peter Stevens, deacons were examined approved and each elected to the office of Elder, But the cases of James Smith, James T Wells and Abm. Lippet were laid over. The characters of Isaac C. Hunter, James Gilruth, Thomas R. Ruckes, Thomas S. Hitt, William H. Raper, Zechariah Connell, and John P. Durbin, deacons were each examined and approved. The characters of Martin Ruter. Willm Swaze Ezra Boothe, John Graham, John Waterman, Thomas Carr, Josiah Foster, Ira Eddy, Charles Waddle, Willm. Stev¬ ens, Abner Goff, Shdk. Ruark, Philip Green Jacob Young and James McMahon elders were each examined, and approved, But the case of Jas. Carper was laid over. Friday Morning Bishop McKbndree in the chair The rules of the Western Anual Conferance as re¬ corded on pages 78 & 79 of these Journals, were adopted by this conferance for its regulations. Wheras the last Conferance enjoined it on the Presid¬ ing Elder of the District, on which Willm Cunningham might travel, to admonish him for saying that “he would as soon marry a Girl out of Society as one in it,” and to advise him to say so no more; in conformity with the above requisition I called on Br. Cunningham to admin¬ ister the reproof &c. but, he then denied and still denies the charge and there appeared no evidence to support it therefore pronounced him innocent, which report, was confirmed. Bishop George took the chair. The character of Curtis Goddard Willm Knox Arichald McElroy. Cornelius Springer, Greenbury R. Jones Rus¬ sel Bigelow, Burris Westlake, James Quinn, William Page, William J. Thomson, Jacob Hooper, John Strange 218 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Arthur W. Eliote, William Cunningham, Joseph Carper, were each examined and approved. The characters of Charles Thorn, Charles Trescott, Nathan Walker, William J Kent, William Simmons, James Collard, James Jones, Daniel Lemerick, Henry Knopp, Zara Coston, probationers, were examined, ap¬ proved and they admitted into conferance and each elected to the office of Deacon; but Horace Brown and Andrew Kenniar were discontinued. William Crawford a deacon was continued an trial. James Havens was admitted into connexion and elected to the office of Elder. The conferance made a draft on the Book concern for $300.00 and on the Charter Fund for $120.00 Henry Mathews, William Hamilton, Jesse Cartleck, George Gordon, Live Reeve, William Waller, Elijah Frampton, William Stuteer, John Haman, John Price, James Dixon, Abm. Daniel, Charles Rairy, John Jen¬ kins, Local preachers were each elected to the office of deacon; but Sand Wilson tho recommended was not elected. Saturday Morning Bishop McKendree in the chair Three Chiefs from the Wyandote Mission appeared be¬ fore the Conferance and each addressed it through an interpreter in a pleasing and appropriate manner, and they were replied to in like manner through the same by Bishop McKendree. Alfred Brunson was admitted into connexion, and elected to the office of elder. James Murry was elected to the office of deacon. Jeremiah Monett, Asa Church, Shadrick Cole, Mathew Mahon, John O. C. Smith, Thomas Sommerset, George Stontz, Thomas Sullison, George Palmore Will Sutton Henderson Crabb, Joel Dolly, Aron Pavey, John Len- ville, John Gregg, and Thomas Manwarring Local preach* JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 219 ers were each elected to the office of deacon but Richard Creamer, though recommended was not elected, Bishop George in the chair. Sampson Maynard, and Jacob Delay local deacons were each elected to the office of elder, James Smith was admitted, into connexion and elected to the office of deacon. James T. Wells though eleigable to elders office was not elected in consequence of the peculiarities of his con¬ duct Billings O. Plimpton, John Crawford, Albert G. Rich¬ ardson, Orin Gilmore, Solomon Minnear, John James, Aron Wood, James Rowe, George Gatch, James C. Tay¬ lor, Nehimiah B. Griffith, & Levi White were admitted on trial But, Enos Thomson was not admitted Robert Dobbins a probationer was discontinued at his own request The characters of Benjn Lawrence, John Collins, John P. Taylor, Robert W. Finley, Daniel D. Davison James B. Finley & John F. Wright elders were each examined and approved, James McMahon was made affected. Monday Morning Bishop McKendree in the chair. The characters of Alrx. Cummins, Jas McMahan Allen Wiley, Samuel Baker, and Abm. Lippet elders were each examined and approved. John P. Kent, Moses Crume, and David Young were placed in a Supernumerary relation. The characters of John Sale, and Michael Ellis super- anuated, elders approved and they continued in their relation, Truman Bishop and Samuel West, were made effective. Brother James B. Finley our Missionary superintend- ant from Sandusky reported to this Conferance, which 220 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO report was refered to a committe to be appointed from the chair. Moved and decided that this Conferance recommend to its members to form themselves into an Auxeliary Mis¬ sionary Society. The superintendent of the Mission at Sandusky is authorized, to employ an interpreter for the benefit of the Mission. Jacob Young, David Young, John Waterman, and Mar¬ tin Ruter, were appointed the Commitee, to examine & attend to the report of James B. Finley on the Subject of the Wiandot Mission. Moses Hinkle, and Abbot Goddard, we located at their own request. William Westlake who was suspended last year from all official services in our Church was restored to the priveleges of a traveling preacher but his parchments are to be withheld. By the request of the Miamia Destrict Conferance the parchment of William Hunt, who had been expelled from the traveling connexion was restored. David Young, Alex Cummins, and John Collins, were appointed, a commitee to select some subjects and nomi¬ nate persons to prepare and preach sermons thereon at the setting of the next Conferance. Frederick Curp, James M. Round, James Stallard Joshua Hallard and John Morrow local deacons were each elected to the office of Elder. The case of Andrew Kinnear was reconsidered and he admitted into Connexion and elected to the Office of deacon. Tuesday Morning Bishop McKendree in the chair The Conferance received an address from the Lan¬ caster Destrect Conferance ; and William Stevens, Sam¬ uel Adams, and Cornelius Springer were appointed a JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 221 Commitee to reply thereto which reply is to be submitted to this conferance. James Haschal, a local preacher who was recommended by the Conferance of Muskingum Destrect in August 1822 but whose recommendation by some mistake was not brought forward to last Conferance was elected by this Conferance to the office of deacon on the conditions of the above recommendations; evidence thereof being presented to us. The report of the Stewards was confirmed as follows. Preachers Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brought to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated $ c $ c $ c $ c William Swaze. 160 99 40 00 Ezra Boothe.. 170 00 30 00 Charles Triscott. 85 00 15 00 Charles Eliote. 100 00 Dennis Goddard. 100 00 John Graham. 166 00 34 00 Will Tipton. 150 00 50 00 Sam. Adams. 175 22 24 78 Will H. Collins. 87 61 12 39 John Waterman. 200 00 Thomas Carr. 100 00 100 00 Josiah Foster. 100 00 100 00 Alfred Branson. 156 16 48 84 Henry Kapp. 68 26 31 74 Ira Eddy. Sami. Brockunier. 89 10 10 90 Charles Waddle. 135 37 64 63 Will Stevens. 160 00 40 00 Zara Causten. 80 00 20 00 Abm. Lippet. 1 68M Abner Goff. 139 71 60 23 Horace Brown. . . Shadk Ruark. 100 50 99 50 John Walker. 50 25 49 75 Thos R. Rucke. 89 26 10 74 Charles Thorn. 89 00 11 00 James Gilruth. 70 00 30 00 Philip Green. 145 00 55 00 Peter Stevens. 7 47 192 53 Joseph Carper. 80 00 20 00 Jacob Young. 200 00 Leroy Swarmsted. 100 00 32 67 Moses Hinkle. 50 00 James McMahon. 118 15 81 50 Wm. Cunningham. 119 76 80 24 Curtis Goddard. 96 00 4 00 Willm. Knox. 194 00 6 00 Ach. McElroy. 148 00 52 00 John Pardo. 74 00 26 00 Willm. I. Kent. 75 00 25 00 Daniel Limerick. 150 00 50 00 Edward Taylor. 80 00 20 00 John McMahan. 57 12 42 88 Remarks A.mt not known half year 222 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names Cornelius Springer. Green. R. Jones. Russel Bigelow. Thomas McClarey. BurrisWestlake. Andr. Kinnear. And. McClean. Issac C. Hunter. James Quinn. William Crawford. William Page. Henry Fernandes. Whitefield Hughs. Will. J. Thomson. James J. Donahoo. James Havens. Jacb Hooper. John Strange. Arth. W. Eliote. Zach. Connell. Benjn. Lawcee. Nathan Walker. John C. Brooke. Robt. W. Finley....... Robt Dobbins. Thos. S. Hitt. Goe W. Mealey. James Smith. Daniel Davison. William Simmons. Platt B. Morey. James B. Finley. John F. Wright. Alex Cummins. John Collins. James Collard. Moses Crume. Richd. Brandreff. Allen Wiley. James T. Wells. Henry Baker. Wm. H. Raper. Sami Baker. James Jones. James Murry. John P. Durbin. John Sale. David Young. Truman Bishop. Walter Griffith. Michael Ellis. Sami West. John P. Kent. Abbot Goddard. Bishop McKendree. Bishop George. Book Concern. Chartered Fund. Coll, at Marette. Total Deficiency. Amt. Reed. Amt. Appropriated. Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence $ c $ c $ c 200 00 147 75 52 25 200 00 100 00 100 00 90 00 10 00 108 00 92 00 138 75 61 25 69 37 30 62 201 11 H 178 00 22 00 139 06K 60 93 60 00 40 00 60 00 40 00 71 50 28 50 72 11 27 89 95 50 104 50 58 00 142 00 160 00 40 00 200 00 100 00 157 25 42 75 67 56 32 42 155 00 45 00 11 00 140 39 59 61 100 00 91 38 108 62 48 29 51 71 100 00 148 00 52 00 200 00 70 00 130 00 100 00 100 00 50 00 50 00 76 00 124 00 76 00 124 00 134 07 63 92 200 00 100 00 104 43 93 56 58 18 14 82 100 00 200 00 100 200 00 200 00 200 00 300 00 120 00 16 00 4448 04 471 35 Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c half year 8 00 17 50 Sick 57 00 28 50 6 M. Labour No Claim Deceased 57 00 57 00 No Claim 57 00 20 00 20 00 458 53 JOURNAL OP THE OHIO CONFERENCE 223 Leaving a Surplus of $12.82 one dollar of which is coun¬ terfeit, $1.43 paid for postage of letters although John P. Kent claimed nothing the Stewards thought proper to appropriate $5 of the surplus to him and the ballance to Jacob Hooper who has been unfortunate $5.37 The committee appointed by the last sonferance &c on the subect of a Literary Institution read their report to the Conferance; which was adopted. Moved and decided that the report of the Missionary as written out by the Committee of mission be adopted: also that the report be submitted to brother James B. Finley for publication. Voted that it is expedient for the Book Agent at Cin- cnatia to be authorized to publish, if the Book Committee approve a Spelling Book an Arithmick a Geography. Voted that a commitee of three be approved from the chair to examine the accounts of the Book Agents and to examine all manuscript for publication. Alex. Cum¬ mins, James B. Finly, Leroy Swarmsted. The resolution recommended by the New York con¬ ferance for consideration was laid over to the next Con¬ ferance and the Secretary is at liberty to furnish each presiding Elder with a copy. Wednesday Morning Bishop George in the chair. John Collins, Alex. Cummins and Truman Bishop were appointed a joint Committe to meet a similar Com- mitte from the Kentucky Conferance in order to draft and obtain a Charter for the Seminary of Agusta. Moved and decided that the Book Agent and Book Committee are authorized to settle with Alex. Cummins. The committe appointed to tlx on subjects and persons to preach at the next Conferance reported which was confirmed. Voted that the Secretary of this Conferance be directed to present our thanks to minister & members of the Pres- 224 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO bete. Church and to our friends generally in this place for the cordiality with which we have been reed, and entertained in this town. Voted that a commitee of three be appointed from the chair to raise collections for the Augusta Seminary. A Kinnear located at his own request. To commitee to adress the Destrict Conferance reported there address which was approved. The next Conferance will be hald at Urbana Sepr. 3d. 1823. Enoch George C. Springer Sec. Membership of the Ohio Conference for 1821-1822. Ohio District. Scioto District. Whites Col. Whites Col Erie . .. 617 Columbus . .. 970 11 Mahoning . .. 1,070 Pickaway . .. 878 Beaver . .. 675 Deer Creek ... . .. 1,094 4 Cross Creek ... . . 1,005 Ohilicothe . .. 225 8 Steubenville ... .. 257 Salt Creek .... .. 550 Tuscarawas ... .. 580 Scioto . .. 1,358 16 Grand River ... .. 786 Bush Creek .. .. 814 3 Cuyahoga . .. 600 Strait Creek ... .. 592 Newcastle . .. 382 Delaware . .. 240 5,972 6,721 4 42 Muskingum District. Lancaster District. Zanesville . .. 740 21 Fairfield . .. 1,134 West Wheeling. .. 856 Muskingum ... . . 604 Barnesville .... .. 986 7 Granville . .. 690 Duck Creek ... .. 879 Knox . ... 565 Marietta cir. .. ... 342 Mansfield . .. 733 2 Marietta . 77 Wayne . .. 376 Athens . . . 742 Huron . .. 345 Letart Falls ... .. 560 Hockhocking .. .. 280 Burlington .... .. 350 Lancaster . 64 5,532 28 4,790 2 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 225 Lebanon District. Miami District Whites Col. Whites Col. White Oak .... .. 1,430 Cincinnati . 630 32 Milford . .. 1,275 2 Greenville . 420 Union . .. 1,052 14 Oxford . 868 Piqua . .. 843 White Water .... 1,231 Mad River .... .. 1.290 25 Miami . 764 3 Paint Creek ... .. 680 8 Lawrenceburg ... 713 London . .. 620 2 Madison . 873 20 Detroit . .. 130 Hamilton and Indian Mission 65 Rossville . 110 Lebanon . .. 183 1 5,609 55 7,568 52 Ohio Conference. White Col. Total 36,193 179 36,372 Appointments for 1822. Martin Ruter, book agent, Cincinnati. Ohio Dist. William Swazey, P. Elder. Erie, William H. Collins. Mercer, Samuel Adams. Grand River, Edward Taylor, John Crawford. Youngstown, William Tipton, Albert G. Richardson. Deerfield, Ezra Boothe, Wm. Westlake. Hudson, Ira Eddy. Brunswick, Charles Trescott, James Rowe. Beaver, Dennis Goddard, B. 0. Plimpton. Newcastle, Thomas Carr. Lancaster Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Hockhocking, Zarah Coston. Fairfield, William Stevens. Muskingum, Abner Goff, Solomon Maneer. Granville, William Cunningham, Charles Thorn. Knox, Daniel Limerick, John Pardo. Mansfield, Shadrach Ruark, Orin Gillmore. Wayne, Peter Stevens. Huron, Nathan Walker, John Walker. Delaware, Thomas M’Cleary. Zanesville circuit, Burroughs Westlake, D. Young, sup. Zanesville town, John P. Durbin. 226 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Scioto Dist. Greenbury R. Jones, P. Elder. Columbus, Charles Waddle, H. S. Fernandes. Pickaway, Jacob Hooper, Whitfield Hughes. Deer Creek, James Quinn, William Simmons. Scioto, William J. Thompson, Zach. Connell. Salt Creek, Andrew C. M’Claine. Chilicothe, John Collins. Brush Creek, Henry B. Bascom, James Havens. Straight Creek, William Crawford, John Jayne. Raccoon, James T. Donohoo. Burlington, Isaac C. Hunter. Lebanon Dist. James B. Finley, P. Elder. Lebanon, Truman Bishop. Paint Creek, John Summerville, James Smith. London, George W. Mealy, Aaron Wood. Mad River, James Collord, John P. Taylor. Piqua, D. D. Davidson, R. W. Finley. Union, A. W. Elliott, John C. Brook. Milford, John Strange, James T. Wells. White Oak, William Page, Benjamin Lawrence. Detroit, Alfred Brunson, Samuel Baker. Wyandot mission, Charles Elliot-James B. Finley, superintendent of the mission. Miami Dist. Alexander Cummins, P. Elder. Cincinnati, Leroy Swormstedt, John F. Wright. Miami, Allen Wiley, Samuel West. Hamilton and Rossville, Henry Baker. Oxford, James Jones, Levi White. Greenville, Richard Brandriff, Moses Crume, sup. White Water, Russel Bigelow, George Gatch. Lawrenceburg, William H. Raper. Madison, J. Stewart, Nehemiah B. Griffith. Connersville, James Murray, James C. Taylor. XII THE OHIO ANUAL CONFERANCE COMMENCED ITS TWELFTH SESSION IN URBANA ON THE 3 DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1823. MEMBERS Alex. Cummins* James Smith William Swayze John P. Kent Ira Eddy* John Collins* Charles Elliote Benj. Lawrence Ezra Boothe* Samuel Baker William Cunningham* Willm H. Raper Willm J. Thompson* Henry B. Bascomb* Samuel Adams* Leroy Swarmsteat Curtis Goddard John Strange Thomas Carr Charles Thorn Martin Rutter James Collard* Samuel Brockunier Daniel Limerick Philip Green* Zara Coston Jacob Young Alfred Brunson Abner Goff John Summervill Shadk. Ruark Moses Crume John F. Wright Arthur W. Elliote Thomas R. Ruckels* John P. Durbin Joseph Carper Allen Wiley Josiah Foster* Henry Baker Isaac C. Hunter John Sale Edward Taylor David Young John McMahan* Michael Ellis Dennis Goddard William Knox* Peter Stephens* John Waterman Charles Waddle Thomas McCleary Jacob Hooper Abm. Lippet 227 228 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO James T. Wells James Gilruth Truman Bishop* Sami Wset Russel Bigelow William Stephens James Quinn* John Graham* Arch. McElroy James McMahon Robt. W. Finley* Andrew S. McClean* Daniel D. Davison Zech. Connell Thos. S. Hitt Those marked thus * were absent Wednesday Morning Bishop Roberts opened the Con- ferance with reading the Scriptures singing and prayer then took the Chair Cornelius Springer was appointed Secretary. The Conferance appointed the times of its sitting and adjournmants the former at 8.ock A. M. and half past one o.clock P. M. the latter at half past ll.o.clock A. M. and 4 ock.P.M. The Conferance resolved that there be preaching three times a day during the sitting of this Conferance, namely at the hours of 10 O ck A.M. 3 Ock.P.M. and at early candle light. John Strange, Jacob Young and James B. Finley were appointed a committe to appoint persons to preach and to regulate the congregations during the sitting of this conferance. Charles Elliott, John P. Durbin and Russel Bigelow were appointed stewards of this Conferance. David Young, G. K. Jones and John Summerville were John P. Taylor Greenbury R. Jones Burris Westlake James B. Finley James Murry William Page* John C. Brooks Cornelius Springer Nathan Walker William (iam) Simmons James Jones Henry Knapp* James Havens Willm Westlake John Stewart JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 229 appointed a committe to examine and aid in preparing and adjusting the accounts and report of the Wyandote Mission so that the report may be properly brought be¬ fore this conferance. David Young, Martin Rutter, Michael Ellis James McMahan and Truman Bishop were appointed a com¬ mitte to examine the graduates. Billings O. Plempton, John Crawford, Albert G. Richi- son, Orin Gilmore, Solomon Manear John James, Aron Wood, James Rowe, George Gatch, James C. Taylor, Nehemiah B. Griffith, and Levi White, probationers, were each examined approved, and they continued on trial. Afternoon Session Bishop Roberts in the chair The rules of the Western Anual conferance as (as) re¬ corded on pages 78 & 79 of Journals, were adopted by this conferance to govern it in its sessions. James Mclntire, Samuel Wilson, Peter Warner, David Cadwalader, Joseph Curtis, Enert Richman, Benyah Boardman, Jeramiah L. Leslie, Henry Shewell, David At- keson, John Hill, Alfred M. Lorain, Jacob Pearson, Elias Horner, Banjamin Brooks, and James Con,well local preachers, were each elected to the office of deacon, but John Rogers, William Cross, and Robert Richison, tho recommended were not elected. Thursday Morning Bishop McKendree and Roberts both present Bishop Roberts in the Chair. Enos Thompson and Thomas Beacham local preachers were each elected to the office of deacon William Carroll and James Heany local Deacons were each elected to the Office of Elder, G. R. Jones, L. Swarmsted, and William Stephens were appointed a Special committee to examine disputed ac¬ counts with the Book concern. The characters of Isaac C. Hunter, James Gilruth, Thomas S. Hitt, William H. Raper, Zechariah Connell. 230 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO John P. Durbin, and Abram Lippett, deacons were ex¬ amined approved and they each elected to the office of Elder but James T. Wells was not elected. John Waterman, William Swayze, and Charles Elliott, were appointed a committe to write the memmoirs our brother Charles Trescott deceased for the minutes. The characters of Charles Thorn, William Simison, James Collard, Daniel Lemerick Henry Knapp, Zara Coston, James Murry and Nathan Walker, deacons were each examined and approved. The characters of Martin Rutter, William Swayze, Samuel Adams Edward Taylor Ezra Booth, Ira Eddy, Dennis Goddard Jacob Young William Stephens Abner Goff, William Cunningham, Shardach Ruark Peter Stephens, Thomas McCleary, Burroughs Westlake and David Young were each examined and approved, Eddy was superanuated and David Young was made effective. Afternoon Session Bishop Roberts in the chair The characters of John Waterman, William Knox, John McMahan, John Graham, Sami Brockunier Curtis God¬ dard, Ach. McElroy, Philip Green C. Springer, Joseph Carper, G. R. Jones, Charles Waddle, Jacob Hooper, James Quinn, William J. Thompson, A. S. McClean, John Collins Henry W. Bascomb, Sami. West Moses Crume John Sale, James B. Finley, and Truman Bishop, elders were each examined, and approved, and Crume, and Bishop were superanuated. The conferance made a draft on the Book concern for $300. and on the Chartered fund for $100. Friday morning Bishop McKendree and Roberts both present, Bishop Roberts in the chair. Martin Rutter read a memorial from the Trustees of the Augusta College and Rutter, Waterman and P. Tay¬ lor were appointed a committe to draft an answer to the Trustees of said College. And likewise to report to this JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 231 conferance some plan proper to be pursued by us for the encouragement of the institution. James T. Donalioo, whose probation was ended, was at his own request continued on trial. John Pardo was continued on trial. The characters of Richard Brandriff George W. Mealy John Walker, William Tipton, W. H. Collins and Henry S. Fernandis, probationers were examined, and approved and they admitted into connexion, and they each elected to the office of deacon. Whitefield Hughs, who was a deacon when admitted on trial, was received into connexion. Afternoon Session Bishop Roberts in the chair. The characters of James Jones a deacon was examined and approved. The characters of James Smith, Daniel D. Davison Arthur W. Elliott, John C. Brook, John Strange, William Page, Benjamin Lawrence, Charles Elliott, John Wrigh Allen Wiley, Henry Baker, Russel Bigelow, Thomas Carr, Alexander Cummins and Leroy S war meted elders were each examined and approved. John C. Brooks who gave assurances to this conferance that he would make no demands on its Funds, was super- anuated. Moses Crume, John Sale and John Strange were ap¬ pointed a committee to attend to the case of Alfred Brun¬ son. David Young, John Waterman and John Sale were ap¬ pointed a committe to draft a letter to be sent to those breathrien in Cincinatia who produced charges to this conferance against brother Swarmsted, to show them that their charges are illegaly brought up to inform them that if they wish him tried they must pursue the course that dicepline directs. 232 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Henry Baker, and Alex. Cummins were Snperanuated and also Truman Bishop. Saturday morning Bishop Roberts in the chair The characters of James McMahan, John P. Taylor and John P. Kent, elders were each examined and approved and Kent, was placed from a supernumerary relation to that of an affective one. Josiah Foster was located at his own request, Thomas R. Ruckels was elected to the office of elder. The case of Truman Bishop was reconsidered and he placed in a supernumary relation to this conferance. The characters of Alfred Brunson and Samuel Baker elders were each examined and approved. The case of R. W. Finley who was suspended by a com- mitte was considered; and the conferance decided that he be reproved by the presedent should he be present before the conferance closes; if not by letter: and also that he be placed in a superanuated relation to this conferance. The case of William Westlake was laid over. Elias Pattee, and William Lambdin were readmitted into connexion but John Everhart tlio recommended was not admitted tho a Presiding (Elder) is at liberty to em¬ ploy him. Afternoon Session Bishop Roberts in the chair. The conferance, determined their delagates for the next General Conferance, shall be chosen by ballot and that a majority of all the votes shall be required to elect a delegate, David Young, Jacob Young, John Sale, John Strange, Russel Bigelow, John F. Wright, Charles Wad¬ dle, G. R. Jones, James B. Finley Martin Rutter, James Quinn, Charles Elliott and John Waterman, were ac¬ cording elected the delegates to the ensuing General Con¬ ferance. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 233 Robert Miller, and Ambrose Jones local deacons were each elected to the office of Elders. Monday Morning Bishop Roberts in the chair Bishop McKendree reported to the conferance the fol¬ lowing plan on the subject of missions. 1. To attempt the establishment of a mission among the Chipeway Indians. 2. To send two Missionaries to Michigan Territory. 3. To establish if practicable a Mission at New Orleans. 4. That Br. James B. Finley be continued in full charge of the Sandusky Mission that he be employed to visit Governor Cass on the subject of the Mission among the Chipeways & if successful to proceed to that nation, and attempt the contemplated establishment. And as the work enlarges at Sandusky, it seems proper that an additional missionary should be sent to that place, to assist in carrying on the farm and in taking care of the church. Likewise that a mechanick be sent to that establishment to teach the natives how to work in the arts. 5. That a conferance Missionary be employed to travel at large within the bounds of this conferance for the pur¬ pose of preaching: establishing, missionary societies collecting money, produce &c. for the mission at San¬ dusky. Finally, that all who are engaged in this busi¬ ness keep a Journal taking notice of such events as may enrich Missionary reports and be useful to the publick. The conferance notice that the above plan is a judicious one and that we will use our influence in its support. The committe appointed to examine the account of the book Agent at Cincinatia reported to this conferance favourably with regard to the management of the con- cearn in the West, which report was adopted. Moved that the Book Agent in Cincinatia with the 234 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO aprobation of the book committe be authorized to publish a Hebrew Grammar, which was carried. The case of John Everhart who was recommended to this conferance for readmission was reconsidered and he was readmitted into connexion. The case of William Westlake brought up and laid over till after noon. Afternoon Session BiSHor Roberts in the chair The case of William Westlake was resumed and he suspended from all official services in the M. E. Church for one year. Tuesday Morning Bishop Roberts in the chair. The Superintendent of the Wyandott Mission made his report to the conferance which was adopted: and he is permitted to make such additions to the report as may be necessary to complete it. Voted also that J. B. Finley and two others to be appointed by the chair be a com¬ mitte to prepare the Report for publication, and to pub¬ lish it. The report of the commite of Finance was accepted as follows. Names Amount Received De- ficiences Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks William Swayze. $ 160 c 00 $ 40 c 00 $ c $ c William H. Collins. 76 83M 31 H 00 00 23 16% 67 V 2 Sami. Adams. 127 72 Ewd. Taylor. John Crawford. 100 100 William Tipton. 123 09 76 91 A. Richison. 62 84 37 45 Ezra Boothe. No information Traveld 6 Willm Westlake. 31 00 19 00 Ira Eddy. 200 00 46 00 months Charles Trescote. Deceased first part of the year James Rowe. 32 91 Dennis Goddard. 75 68 24 32 B. 0. Plimpton. 75 68 24 32 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 235 Names Thomas Carr. Jacob Young. Zara Coston. Willm Stephens. Abner Goff. Solm Manear. William Cunningham. . . Charles Thorn. Danl. Limerick. John Pardo. Shadk Ruark. Orin Gilmore. Peter Stephens. Nathan Walker. John Walker. Thos. McCleary. Burris Westalke. David Young. J. P. Durbin. Jno. Waterman. Jas McMahan. Willm Knox. Jno. McMahan. Jno Graham. Sami Brockunier. Curtis Goddard. Arch. McElroy. Abrn. Lippet. Philip Green. Cornelius Springer. Willm. J. Kent. Jos. Carper. Henry Knapp. James Gil ruth. Jno. P. Kent. Josiah Foster. Thos. R. Ruckels. G. R. Jones. Chas. Waddle. H. S. Fernandis. Jacob Hooper. Whit. Hughs. James Quinn. Willm. Simmons. W. J. Thompson. Zah. Connell. A. S. McClean. Jno. Collins. H. B. Bascomb. James Havens. Will Crawford. John Janes. James T. Donahoo. Isaac C. Hunter. James B. Finley. Truman Bishop. Jno. Somerville. James Smith. Geo. W. Mealy. Aron Wood. James Collard. J. P. Taylor. D. D. Davison........ Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence $ c $ c $ c 157 00 43 00 138 13 61 87 75 00 25 00 200 00 163 18 36 81 48 60 51 40 112 68% 87 31% 63 44 36 56 46 41 153 59 23 70 76 86 110 00 90 00 55 00 45 00 78 00 22 00 78 00 22 00 78 14 121 86 129 00 71 00 94 9 105 95 64 68 35 32 170 00 30 00 200 00 00 00 147 00 53 00 147 00 53 00 174 00 26 00 87 00 13 00 82 00 18 00 164 00 36 00 100 00 100 00 64 00 136 00 142 00 58 00 71 00 29 00 80 00 20 00 80 00 20 00 72 62% 27 37% 100 00 70 00 80 00 95 16 104 84 121 60 70 40 168 41 31 59 84 20 15 SO 151 27 48 72 70 08% 23 91 16 00 109 00 100 00 8 97 200 00 100 00 107 23 93 77 200 00 61 25 38 75 122 50 77 50 99 67 130 33 49 83 50 16 53 00 47 00 39 50 60 50 30 31 200 00 72 29 27 71 72 29 27 71 75 50 124 50 37 75 62 25 130 00 70 00 130 00 70 00 200 00 1 Appro¬ priated Remarks S c No information. Travel 3 quarters 30 00 46 00 Went to attend the mission. 236 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ c Robt. W. Finley. 200 00 A. W. Elliott. 198 00 2 00 Jno. C. Brook. 198 00 2 00 John Strange. 200 00 James T. Wells. 100 00 100 00 William Page. 134 51 65 49 Benj. Lawrence. 134 51 65 49 Alfred Brunson. 9 40 191 60 36 06 Sami. Baker. 5 75 94 25 17 25 Chas. Elliott. 200 00 Alex. Cumins. No information Leroy Swarmsted. 100 00 I. J. Wright. 100 00 Allen Wiley. 172 85 27 14 Sami. West. 172 85 27 14 Henry Baker. 91 37 108 62% .Ta.mes Jones. 142 37 57 62% Levi White. 71 18% 28 81% Richd. Brandriff. 88 00 12 00 Moses Crume. 200 00 46 00 Russel Bigelow. 143 56 56 44 1 00 Geo. Gatch. 71 82 28 18 W. H. Raper. 121 84 78 16 John Stewart. 125 00 75 00 N. B. Griffith. 62 50 37 50 James Murry. 20 64 79 46 2 36 James C. Taylor. 20 64 79 46 2 36 Thos S. Hitt. 100 00 23 00 John Sale. 200 00 46 00 Michael Ellis. 200 00 46 00 Lester Griffith. 100 00 23 00 Bishop McKendree. 20 00 Bishop George. 20 00 Bishop Roberts. 30 00 Book Concern. 300 00 Chartered Fund. 110 00 Conf. Collection. 20 87% Paid for paper &et. 3 72 T otal. 5598 52 448 41 434 91 Leaving a ballance of $13.50 in the hands of the Stewards of which we think proper to make a Special appropriation as follows. Postage of letters to the bishops. 1.25 Michael Ellis. 6.00 Josiah Foster. 6.12% Paid for paper.12% $13.50 The Special Book Committe reported which report was recommitted. Afternoon session Bishop Roberts in the chair. The conferance released the committe appointed to ad¬ dress a letter to those breathern in Cincinatia who pre¬ ferred charges against Br. Swarmsted, from this engage- JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 237 ment, and John Taylor, Charles Elliote & Joseph Carper were appointed with the letter. Sylvister Dunham, George Waddle, True Pattee, John A. Baughman, Robert Spencer, Job Wilson, Thomas Bea- ham, Alfried M. Lorain, Thomas Hewson, Elijah Field, James Mclntire, Isaac Ellsbury, Robert Hopkins, and Silas Colvin were admitted on trial, but Jacob Delay, and Enos Thompson tho recommended were not admitted. Amos Barnes tho recommended for readmission was not readmitted. Wednesday Morning Bishop Roberts in the chair. The committe to whom was referred the memorial of the Trustees of Augusta College made their report which was adopted, and M. Rutter the president of the committe read an address to the Trustees of the college in answer to their memorial which was approved. Moved and decided that the Book Agents at Cincinatia be authorized to publish Sherlock on Devine Providence. The committe appointed for that purpose read their letter of address to the friends in Cincinatia who pre¬ ferred charges against Brother Swarmsted which was ap¬ proved. The next conferance will meet at Zanesville on Sepr. 2d. 1824. Afternoon session M. Rutter chosen chairman Bishop Roberts being sick. The case of James T. Wells was reconsidered and he elected to the office of Elder. The special Book commite were exhonerated from their obligation to report to this conferance. The New York Constitutional test which was laid over from last year was brought up and again laid over to the next year. C. Springer. R. R. Roberts. 238 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO What numbers are in Society? (1822-1823) Ohio District. Whites Erie . .... 262 Mercer .. . 538 Grand River . 530 Youngstown , Deerfield .... . 777 Hudson . .... 415 Brunswick .. . ... 440 Beaver .. . 729 Newcastle .. . 452 4A43 Lancaster District. Hockhocking .... 324 Muskingum . .... 760 Fairfield .... .... 1,130 Col. 27 Lebanon District. Whites Lebanon . 183 Paint Creek. 690 London . 573 Mad River . 1,162 Piqua . 920 Milford . 1,255 Union . 1,055 White Oak. 1,221 Detroit . 161 Indian mission .. 202 27 Miami District. Granville . 690 Knox . 553 Cincinnati .. Miami . Hamilton Rossville . and 722 764 95 Col. 1 32 10 7,422 43 42 Mansfield . 727 4 Oxford . 875 Wayne . 376 Greenville . 426 Huron . 334 2 White Water_ 825 3 Delaware . . 308 2 La wrenceburg .. 702 4 Zanesville circuit 578 Madison . 988 Zanesville town.. 206 12 Connersville . 357 1 5,986 20 5,754 50 Muskingum District. Whites Col. Columbus . 1,128 Members in Soci- Pickaway . 900 3 ety this year.. 36,348 193 Deer Creek . 1,123 6 Members in Soci- Scioto . 974 24 ety last year.. 36,193 179 Salt Creek . 422 Chilicothe . 252 8 Increase this year 155 14 Brush Creek. 814 3 Travelling preach- Burlington . 345 ers this year.. 122 Straight Creek .. 680 Travelling preach- ers last year.. 111 6,638 44 Increase this year 11 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 239 Where are the preachers stationed this year? Martin Ruter, book agent, Cincinnati. Ohio Dist. Charles Elliott, P. Elder. Erie, John Summerville. Mercer, Henry Knapp. Grand River, Alfred Brunson, Robert Hopkins. Youngstown, Samuel Adams, Sylvester Dunham. Hartford, Charles Thorn. Deerfield, Dennis Goddard, Elijah Field. Beaver, Ezra Booth, Albert G. Richardson. Newcastle, Thomas Carr, Job Wilson. Portland Dist. William Swayze, P. Elder. Hudson, William H. Collins, Orin Gilmore. Brunswick, Solomon Manear, John Pardo. Black River, Zarah Coston. Huron, True Pattee, James M’lntyre. Wayne, John Graham, Isaac Elsbury. Canton, William Tipton. Mansfield, Shadrach Ruark, John Crawford. Knox, Abner Goff, James C. Taylor. Lancaster Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Fairfield, James Gilruth, Isaac C. Hunter. Hockhocking, Nathan Walker. Muskingum, John Stewart, Thomas Beacham. Zanesville circuit, William Cunningham. Zanesville station, Leroy Swormstedt. Granville, Edward Taylor, Henry S. Fernandes. Columbus, Charles Waddle, Alfred M. Lorain. Delaware, Thomas M’Clary, James Roe. Athens, Joseph Carper, Curtis Goddard. Muskingum Dist. John Waterman, P. Elder. Steubenville, Henry B. Bascom. Cross Creek, Archibald M’llroy, Samuel Brockunier. West Wheeling, John M’Mahon, John Walker. Barnesville, James M’Mahon, Thomas Ruckle. Monroe, Abraham Lippet. Duck Creek, William Knox. 240 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Marietta, Daniel Limerick, Philip Green. Tuscarawas, George Waddle. Scioto Dist. Greenbury R. Jones, P. Elder. Pickaway, William Stevens, James T. Donahoo. Deer Creek, Zacariah Connel, James T. Wells. Chilicothe, Cornelius Springer. Scioto, James Havens, William Simmons. Straight Creek, Andrew S. M’Lean. Brush Creek, James Quinn, Robert Spencer. Burlington, Whitfield Hughes. Letart, John P. Kent. Salt Creek, William Page. Lebanon Dist. John Collins, P. Elder. Lebanon, John P. Durbin. Paint Creek, Benjamin Lawrence, George Gatch. London, James Collord, Richard Brandriff. Mad River, William Lamdin, John P. Taylor. Piqua, George W. Mealy, John A. Baughman. Union, Arthur W. Elliot, Burroughs Westlake. Milford, Samuel Baker, James Smith. White Oak, Daniel D. Davidson, Samuel West. Wilmington, Nehemiah B. Griffith. Miami Dist. John Strange, P. Elder. Cincinnati, Russel Bigelow, Truman Bishop, sup. Miami, Allen Wiley, William J. Thompson. Hamilton and Rossville, Thomas S. Hitt. Oxford, Peter Stephens, James Jones. Greenville, James Murray, Silas Colvin. Whitewater, John Everhart, Levi White. Lawrenceburg, William H. Raper, John Jayne. Madison, John F. Wright, Thomas Hewson. Connersville, Aaron Wood. Detroit, Elias Pattee, Billings O. Plympton. Conference missionary, David Young. Wyandot mission, J. B. Finley, Jacob Hooper. XIII THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE COM MENCED ITS THIRTEENTH SESSION IN ZANES VILLE ON THE 2nd DAY OF SEPTEMBER 1824. MEMBERS NAMES. William Swayze* Michael Ellis Ira Eddy* Wm. Knox Charles Elliott John Waterman Ezra Booth* William Lambdin Wm. Cunningham Whitefield Hughs William J. Thompson* Richard Brandriff Sami Adams George W. Maley Curtis Goddard John Walker Thomas Carr Elias Pattee Martin Ruter Andrew S. McClain Sami Brockunier Daniel D. Davidson* Philip Green Zeckh. Connell* Jacob Young Thos S. Hitt Abner Goff John P. Taylor* Shadrack Ruark Greenbury R. Jones John F. Wright Burris Westlake Thomas R. Ruckle James B. Finley Joseph Carper James Murray Isaac C. Hunter Thomas McCleary Moses Crume* Abm. Lippet John McMahon James T. Wells Arthur W. Elliott James Gil ruth John P. Durbin Truman Bishop* Allen Wiley* Sami West* Henry Baker* Russel Bigelow John Sale Wm. Stephens David Young James Quinn 241 242 CIRCUIT-KIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO John Graham Zara Constian Archibald McElroy Alfred Brunson James McManon John Summerville Dennis Goddard* Wm. Westlake* Peter Stephens* Wm. Page* Charles Waddle John C. Brooks* Jacob Hooper* Cornelius Springer James Smith Nathan Walker John P. Kent Wm. Simmons John Collins James Jones Benjm. Lawrence* Henry Jones Wm. H. Raper Henry Knapp Henry B. Bascom* James Havens Leroy Swormstedt John Stewart John Strange Wm. Tipton Charles Thorn Wm. H. Collins James Collard Henry S. Fernandes Daniel Limerick Robt. H. Finley* (Those marked thus * were absent.) Thursday Morning Bishop McKendree opened the Con¬ ference with reading the scriptures, singing & prayer; and an address; after which Bishop Boberts took the Chair. Bishop Soule was also present. Jas. Collard was appointed Secretary & Leroy Sworm¬ stedt, Asst. Secy. It was agreed that conference should open at half-past eight, & adjourn at 12; & open again at 2 P. M. & adjourn at 5 P. M. It was agreed that a committee of three should fix on the appointments & the preachers to fill them, during the session of Conference. Jacob Young, Leroy Swormstedt, & John P. Durbin, were appointed as that Come— It was agreed that there should be preaching in the JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 243 Methodist Meeting House in Zanesville every morning, at 11 A.M. & in the evening in the Methodist Meeting House Zanesville and Putnam, & in the Babtest Meeting House at the former place. Russel Bigelow John P. Durbin & Isaac C. Hunter were appointed Stewards of the conf— It was agreed that Jacob Young should direct some person to wait on Cornelius Springer to obtain the papers of the conference. Sylvester Dunham. George Waddle, True Pattee, John A. Baughman. Robert O. Spencer, John Wilson, Thomas Beacham, Alfred Lorain, Thos Hewson, Elijah Fields Jas Mclntire, Isaac Ellsbury & Robert Hopkins, probationers were each examined & approved, & they continued on trial. The case of Silas Colvin was taken up, laid over until afternoon. Afternoon session— Bishop Soule in the chair. The rules of the Western Annual conference, as re¬ corded on pages 78 & 79 of Journals were read & adopted by this conference, to govern it in its session. The case of Silas Colvin, which had been laid over, was taken up, & he was discontinued. David Young, Jas B. Finley, Jas. McMahon, Jas Quinn, & John P. Durbin, were appointed a committee to ex¬ amine the Graduates. The characters of Richard Brandriff, George W. Maley, John Walker, Wm. Tipton, Henry S. Fernandes, & Wm. H. Collins, were each examined & approved. The case of Whitfield Hughs was laid over The characters of Charles Thorn, Wm. Simmons, Jas Collard, Jas Jones, Daniel Limerick, Henry Knapp, Zara Caustien, & Nathan Walker, deacons, were examined, approved, & they each elected to the office of Elder. The case of James Murray was laid over. John Chand- 244 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO ler, Arza Brown, Jacob Delay, & Augustus Eddy, were admitted on Trial; but Benjm. Boardman, though recom¬ mended, was not admitted. It was moved & seconded that Benjm. Boardman’s P. E. should have liberty to employ him, if necessary, but the motion was lost. Conference agreed to set set ten minutes after the regular time of adjournment. It was then agreed that a come, of three should be appointed for writing the Mem¬ oirs of the deceased, & that the chair should appoint that committee. Friday morning, Bishop Roberts in the chair. The chair appointed John Collins, Jas. Quinn. & Mar¬ tin Ruter the committee to write the Memoirs of Alexr. Cummins & Sami Baker. Wm. H. Henderson, Homer Clark, David Dutcher, An¬ drew F. Baxter, Wm. Runnels, & Joab Ragan were ad¬ mitted on trial; but Sami P. Shaw, Absalom D. Fox, Jacob Dixon, Edward Kearn, & John Hill, though recom¬ mended, were not admitted. It was agreed that the Presiding Elder of Absalom D. Fox, Jacob Dixon, Edward Kearn, & John Hill, should have liberty to employ them if necessary. It was agreed that conference should continue their sitting five minutes. A letter from the Book agents of New York was read, certifying that the Ohio Conference might draw on the Book concern for $150 & on the chartered Fund for $80. The drafts were accordingly made & the Conference ad¬ journed until 2 P.M. Afternoon Session— Bishop Robeerts in the chair. Joseph S. Barris was admitted on trial; but William Hastings, though recommended, was not admitted. The following motion from Alfred Brunson, was moved JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 245 & seconded, & prevailed— viz. that the President of this conference be requested to ask every member thereof (whose relation to the conference does not exkonerate him from the duties included) the following questions, at the examination of character; to wit, 1. At what time he arrived, & how long he continued on his circuit or District, during the past year? 2. Whether he has attended regularly to his appoint¬ ments, Class Meetings, & Quarterly Meetings as the Dis¬ cipline requires? It was determined to reconsider the above motion, & it again prevailed. The characters of Martin Ruter, Charles Elliott, John Summerville, Alfred Brunson, Sami Adams, Wm. Cun¬ ningham, Dennis Goddard, Ezra Booth, Wm. Swayze, Jacob Young & James Gilruth, Elders, were each axani- ined & approved. William Cunningham & Wm. Swayze obtained a super¬ annuated relation. It was determined that the President should be re¬ quested not to give Ezra Booth a station this year, on account of temporal business. The chair appointed John F. Wright, in the place of Martin Ruter, to write the Memoirs of Alex. Cummins & Samuel Baker; and the conference adjourned. Saturday Morning Bishop Soule in the chair. Five Indian chiefs from the sandusky Mission, were introduced to the conference by the Missionary, the Rev. J. B. Finley, one of whom (Between the logs) delivered an address to conf. in behalf of the whole. Bishop Rob¬ erts answered. Bishop McKendree delivered an appropriate address before the examination of the Graduates. The characters of Billings O. Plimpton, John Craw¬ ford, Albert G. Richardson, John Jones, James Rowe, 246 CIRCU1T-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Aaron Wood, Orin Gilmore, & George Gatch, probation¬ ers, were examined and approved, and they were admit¬ ted into connexion, and each elected to the office of dea¬ con; but Solomon Manier & James C. Taylor, were con¬ tinued on Trial. Albert G. Richardson & James Rowe, obtained a loca¬ tion. John P. Durbin was released from the committee of appointments, & John Collins elected in his place.- Afternoon Session Bishop Rorerts in the chair. The characters of Levi White & Nehemiah B. Griffith, probationers were examined & approved, & they admitted into connexion, & they each elected to the Office of Dea¬ con; but John Pardo was discontinued. It was determined that the further consideration of James T. Donohoo’s case should be laid over until Monday. True Pattee, a traveling Deacon, was recommended by the Portland District for Elder’s orders; but the chair determined that the recommendation was not legal. Daniel Petty, James McKoy, John Elliott, and John Ratlibun, local preachers were each elected to the Office of Deacon, but Sewell C Briggs and Gideon Mason, though recommended, were not elected. The case of James Murray, a Traveling Deacon, which has been laid over, was taken up, & it was moved & sec¬ onded that in the opinion of this confe. he is not qualified to be useful as a travelling preacher among us, & as sev¬ eral years trial has not furnished satisfactory evidence that he ever will be, therefore, resolved that a committee of two be appointed to converse with him, & advise him to locate. The motion prevailed. James B. Finley & Wm. H. Raper, were appointed as that committee. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 247 It was determined that I. F. Wright & J. C. Hunter, should examine Jas B. Finley’s accts. It was agreed that a committee of three should be ap¬ pointed by the chair to make a report relative to the Augusta College. Martin Ruter, John Collins, & Greenbury R. Jones, were appointed as that committee. The conference then adjourned. Monday Morning — Bishop Roberts in the chair. The Revd. James B. Finley, Indian Missionary read a report relative to the Sandusky Mission, which was ap¬ proved. It was determined that 3000 Copies of the above report, after being corrected by the Rev. Martin Ruter, should be published & circulated gratis. It was determined that the committee of appointments should raise a collection tomorrow evening for the use of the conference. The report in reference to the Augusta College, was read by the Rev. M. Ruter, and with some amendment was adopted. It was determined that a committee of three be ap¬ pointed by the chair to write an address to the Trustees of the Augusta College. Martin Ruter, John Collins, & G. R. Jones were ap¬ pointed as that committee. Elijah Spurgeon, John Wall, Thomas Leonard, John Menary & John Leach, Local preachers, were each elected to the office of deacon; but Adam Moore, though recom¬ mended was not elected. Afternoon Session— Bishop Roberts in the chair. Benjamin Patterson, a local preacher was elected to the office of deacon; but Edward Walden, though recom- 248 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO mended, was not elected. Though Wm S. Butt, was recommended, it was determined by the chair that he was not eligible. Elias Morse, John Foster, Wm. H. Biddle, & Wm. Barnes, local deacons, were each elected to the office of Elder. It was moved & seconded that James T. Donohoo (whose case was laid over) be continued another year on trial. The motion prevailed. The characters of J. C. Hunter, John Stewart, Leroy Swormatedt, Joseph Carper, Curtis Goddard, John Waterman, Henry B. Bascom, A. McElroy, Sami Brocku- nier & David Young Elders were each examined & ap¬ proved. David Young made a report respecting his Missionary labors the past year, which was accpted, but was deter¬ mined that a copy should be given to James B. Finley, that it may be incorporated in his report for the ensuing year. It was determined that the secretary should give John Pardo a certificate of his standing, as a preacher, in the M. E. Church. Tuesday Morning—Bishop Soule in the chair. Four Indian chiefs (John Hicks, Mononcu, Punch, & Peacock) from the Sandusky Mission, were introduced to conference by their Missionary, the Rev. James B. Finley, each of whom delivered an address. Bishop McKendree answered & and afterwards delivered an ap¬ propriate address to the conference in reference to the communications by the Indian Chiefs. It was determined that a collection for the Indian Chiefs that attended conference should be raised tomor¬ row morning among the preachers. Pursuant to a regulation of Gen. conference, a com¬ mittee of three was appointed to determine the amount JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 249 which may be necessary for each Missionary within the bounds of the Conference. James Quinn, Leroy Sworm- stedt, & Jacob Young, were appointed as that committee. The case of John McMahon was laid over. The character of James McMahon, Thomas Ruckle, Abraham Lippet, Wm. Knox, G. R. Jones, Win. Stevens, Zechariah Connell, James T. Wells, & Cornelius Springer, Elders, were each examined & approved. James B. Finley & Wm. H. Raper, who had been ap¬ pointed a committee to wait on James Murray & request him to locate, expressed his unwillingness to do so the present year. Conference determined to continue setting 15 minutes after the regular time to consider further the case of James Murray; the vote was then taken on his election to the office of elder, & determined in the negative. Afternoon Session— Bishop Roberts in the chair. The characters of John McMahon, Jas Havens, Andrew S. McClain, James Quinn, Wm. Page, John Collins, John P. Durbin, Benjn. Lawrence, Wm. Lambdin, John P. Taylor, Arthur W. Elliott, Burroughs Westlake, James Smith, Daniel D. Davidson, Sami West, John Strange, Russel Bigelow, Allen Wiley, Wm. J. Thompson, Peter Stevens, Wm. H. Raper, John F. Wright, Jas. B. Finley, Jacob Hooper, Truman Bishop, Thos. S. Hitt, & Charles Waddle, elders, were each examined & approved. It was determined that Benjm. Lawrence & Truman Bishop should sustain a superannuated relation. Sami. West asked for, and obtained, a located relation. Thomas S. Hitt continues to sustain a supernumerary relation. Wednesday Morning— Bishop Soule in the Chair A collection of $24. 75/100 was raised in Conference for the Indian Chiefs, & 1 Dollar out of Cone. 250 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO The characters of Edward Taylor, Thomas Carr, John Graham, Abner Golf, Shadrach Ruark, Thos. McCleary, Philip Green, John P. Kent, & Elias Patee, elders, were each examined & approved. John Graham & Thomas McCleary, asked for, & ob¬ tained a location. Shadrach Ruark obtained a superannuated relation. Whereas a complaint has been made against John Everhart, a Travelling Deacon, therefore, Resolved that the P. E. who may have charge of the District in which he resides, be directed to inquire into the true nature of his case, & if he shall discover sufficient grounds, proceed against him as the Discipline directs, in the interval of Conference. The case of William Westlake, who had been suspended from official services at the conference held in Urbana in ^eptr. 1824, was taken up, & it was moved that whereas it does appear to this Confe. that Wm. Westlake did in the course of the last year violate his suspension, that for the consideration of which, Resolved that his suspen¬ sion be continued another year. This motion was lost. A motion was made & seconded for the expulsion of Wm. Westlake, which was laid over until the afternoon, & the Cone adjourned. Afternoon Session— Bishop Soule in the chair The case of Wm. Westlake, which had been laid over, was taken up. It was determined that the motion for his expulsion should lay on the table, to give place to another motion, which last motion did not prevail. It was then resolved bv this Conference that Wm. Westlake be returned on the Minutes expelled from the M. E. Church for contumacy. It appeared to the Conference that Wm. Westlake had 1 Note, 1823 is meant. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 251 been specially told by Jas. B. Finley, that if he either preached or exhorted, he would subject himself to ex¬ pulsion, & that lie must not even pray in public unless called upon. It further appeared to them, that Andrew S. McClain told him that he ought not to preach, & that if he did so, he would subject himself to the censure of the Annual Cone. As he still persisted preaching, he was informed by Br. A. S. McCain that he ought to at¬ tend the Cone, at Zanesville, for he might be certain that his having preached during the time of his suspension, would come against him. It was determined that Whitfield Hughs should sustain a superannuated relation, & that the relation of Ira Eddy, Robt. W. Finley, & John Sale, who had been superannu¬ ated, should be changed to that of effective men. The Memoirs of Br. Alexr. Cummins & Samuel Baker, were read & adopted. Moses Crume, John C. Brooke, & Henry Baker, con¬ tinue to sustain a superannuated relation. The relation of Michael Ellis was changed from a superannuated to that of a supernumerary. The report of the Committee of Finance was accepted as follows:— Names Amount Received De- ficiences Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated $ c $ c $ c $ c Charles Elliott. 102 00 98 00 John Summerville.. 35 62V 2 64 37M Henry Knapp. 91 00 109 00 Alfred Brunson. 136 00 64 00 Robert Hopkins. 68 00 32 00 Samuel Adams. 105 02 94 98 Sylvester Dunham. 105 02 94 98 Charles Thorn. 100 00 Dennis Goddard. 36 00 164 00 Elijah Field. Ezra Boothe. 107 76 92 24 Albert G. Ri chi son. 53 72 46 28 Thomas Carr.. 93 56 106 44 Job Wilson. 45 25 54 75 William Swayze. 200 00 Willima H. Collins. 77 00 23 00 Orin Gilmon. 77 00 23 00 Remarks Amt not known. 252 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names Solomon Manear. John Pardo. Zara Coston. True Pattee. .. James Mclntire. John Graham. Isaac Elsbury. William Tipton. Shadk. Ruark. Jno. Crawford. Abner Goff. James C. Taylor. Jacob Young. James Gilruth. Isaac C. Hunter. Nathan Walker. John Stewart. Thomas Beahamp. William Cunningham... Leroy Swarmsted. Edward Taylor.. Henry S. Fernandas Charles Waddle. Alfred M. Lorain. Thomas McLeary. James Rowe. Joseph Carper. Curtis Goddard. John Waterman. Henry B. Bascomb. Arch McElroy. Sami Brockunier. John McMahan. John Walker. James McMahan. Thomas Ruckels. Abm. Lippet. William Knox. Daniel Lemmrick. Philip Green. George Waddle. Greenbury R. Jones. .. . William Stephens. James T. Donahoo. Zechariah Connel. James T. Wells. Cornelius Springer. James Havens. Wiliam Simmons. Andrew S. McCann. . . . James Quinn. Robert Spencer. Whitefield Hughs. Jno. P. Kent. William Page.. Jno. P. Durbin. John Collins. Benjm. Lawrence. George Gatch. James Collard. Richard Brandriff. ..... Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ c 88 58 11 42 88 58 11 42 43 50 56 50 109 95 90 05 109 95 90 05 88 97 111 03 34 94 65 06 106 00 94 00 108 65 91 35 54 26 45 74 54 31 145 69 23 00 77 00 181 66 18 34 162 50 37 50 85 00 15 00 78 25 21 75 141 00 59 00 40 00 60 00 134 58 65 41 100 00 103 08 96 92 13 50 200 00 100 00 24 00 76 00 Traveled 6 90 14 9 86 months 200 00 8 02 91 98 200 00 Went to Con- gress 200 00 75 00 25 00 136 00 64 00 100 00 163 75 38 85 163 15 36 85 200 00 150 00 50 00 115 16 84 84 115 16 84 84 80 00 120 00 128 66 71 34 151 27 48 71 75 63 24 36 50 00 50 00 10 00 90 00 Travelled 6 months 136 43 63 57 174 16 25 84 40 66 59 34 160 40 40 00 140 58 59 47 65 53 34 47 30 00 70 00 100 00 105 50 94 50 100 00 150 00 50 00 25 00 25 00 Traveld 3 months 52 48 48 00 99 00 101 00 49 50 59100 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 253 Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ c William Lambdin. 148 87 51 12 Jno. P. Taylor. 161 08 38 85 Jno. W. Mealy. 200 00 Jno. A. Baughman. 100 00 A. W. Elliote. 200 00 Burrouhs Westlake. 200 00 Sami Baker. Deceased James Smith. 100 00 Daniel D. Davison. Amt not known Sami West. Amt not known Neh B. Griffith. 100 00 Jno Strange. 160 00 40 00 Russel Bigelow. 200 00 Truman Bishop. 200 00 Allen Wiley. 180 00 20 00 Willm J. Thomson. 180 00 20 00 Thomas S. Hitt. 65 34 34 66 Peter Stephens. 75 35 24 65 James Murry. 43 23 156 73 James Jones. 75 35 24 65 Silas Colvels. 21 62 78 37 Jno. Everhart. 114 00 86 00 Levi White. 57 00 43 00 William H. Raper. 128 15 71 85 John Janes. 64 32 35 68 Jno. F. Wright. 40 51 59 49 Thomas Hewson. 73 17 126 93 Aaron Wood. 50 00 50 00 Elias Patee. 33 99 166 01 Billings P. Plimpton.. . . 23 60 76 40 David Young. Conf. Mission- James B. Finley. 200 00 ary Jacob Hooper. 200 00 Ira Eddy. 200 00 27 00 Alex Cummins. Deceased Moses Crume. 200 00 27 00 Michael Ellis. 200 00 27 00 Robt. W. Finley. 100 00 Jno. C. Brooks. No Claim Henry Baker. 200 00 26 68% Jno Sale. 200 00 27 00 Lester Griffith. 100 00 13 50 Nancy Cummins. 100 00 13 50 Sarah Baker. 100 00 13 50 Bishop McKendree. 11 00 Bishop George. 24 00 Bishop Hedding. 35 00 Book Concern. 150 00 Chartered Fund. 80 00 16 0(\1S Total deficiency. 6196 59 Amt. Appropriated. 264 18% Thursday Morning— Bishop Roberts in the chair. The case of Jacob Dixon, for admission on Trial was reconsidered, & he was admitted It was resolved that the following Report of the Book 254 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Come, should be entered on the Minutes of the Confer¬ ence. Items respecting the settlements as contained in the above named report:— “Your Come beg leave to make the following Report:—Agree¬ ably to the directions of the General Conference with respect to the case of John Sale, your Come find the balance against him . 584.15^4 And find the deficiencies to be as follows:—viz. To deficiency in credit from Sami Parker to Sale . $50.06 Deficiency in transfer from Parker to Sale in Cincinnati . 141.59 Deficiency with Elijah Sparks . 46.00 Credit the amount of Sami Henkle’s Note.. 119.76 It is the opinion of the Come that John Sale should be released from the deficiency due by Oglesby. 9.39 366.80 Balance_ 217.3514 Your Com e in the case of David Young beg leave to report that after examining his acct find it is connected with many difficulties, & think that they can do no better than to cancel the acct, & have taken that course. In the case of Jas Quinn, your Com e report as follows, that according to Br. Quinn’s own statement & the report of the Book Com e of the last Lebanon Con e think that he justly owes $269 70/100— that his accts & Note amount to about $400 more; but considering his labors & his embarrassed situation, together with his doubts about a part of the charges, we have thought it proper to cancel all but the above sum, viz. $269.70 In the case of Wm, Burke, your com e report that the acct against him amounts to $536.01, which he says he JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 255 does not owe, nor will he ever pay, & your com e have cancelled his acc* according to advice of this Conference. J. B. Finley, Leroy Swormstedt, Martin Ruter. Resolved that the P. E. of Miami District the preacher in charge at Cin^, & Truman Bishop, be the Book Com e for the ensuing year. A motion was made whether a request of Wm. Burke, directed to Zanesville Con e should be granted It was determined in the negative. Resolved by the Ohio Anl Conference that Br. Martin Ruter be invested with power to publish a full statement of the Trial of Wm. Burke, if, in his judgment it should become necessary from any publication which he might make. It was determined that a Com e of two should be ap¬ pointed by the chair to write a short & respectful answer to Wm. Burke, in answer to his letter to the Con e dated Sep r 1st. 1824. Martin Ruter & J. P. Durbin, were ap¬ pointed as that com e . It was determined that the Secy should give Wm. Westlake a statement of what has been done in his case. Jeremiah Monett, a Local Deacon, made an appeal from the decesion of the Scioto District Con e by which he was expelled, to the O. A. Con e . The decision was as follows:— Whereas the Scioto Dis¬ trict Conference, or a majority thereof, in the case of the Trial of Jeremiah Monett, did refuse to sign the Minutes of the said trial, & whereas the said Monett has appealed from the decision of the said District Con e to this Cone Thereore, be it resolved that the said Monett be restored to his former standing & privileges in the M. E. Church, 256 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO provided, nevertheless, nothing herein contained shall prevent the institution of a new trial in his case. Afternoon Session— Bishop Roberts in the chair. The reply to Wm. Burke’s letter to the O. A. C. was read & approved, & the Secy, directed to sign it in behalf of the Cone & send it to Wm. Burke. It was determined that the Book Agent & Book Come of Cinti be authorized to issue a circular, embracing the substance of the Reperpecting the Augusta College. It was resolved that David Young, Con e Missionary, be requested to pay over all moneys by him collected, to the superintendent of the Wyandot Mission. It was resolved that Br. John Strange should raise collections to discharge the debt against the Methodist Meeting house in Brookville. Indiana. It was determined that the Secy, be instructed to give the thanks of this Con e to the Presbyterian & Baptist ministers & congregations, for the use of their Meeting Houses; & to the Commissioners of this County, for the use of the Senate Room. Friday Morning— Bishop Soule in the chair. Bishop McKendree delivered an addressto Conf e partly in reference to a Mission among the Chippeway In¬ dians, at Sagana. The Conf e gave their sanction for the establishment of a Mission among the Chippeways. A letter to the Trustees of the Augusta College, was read & accepted. It was moved & seconded, by request of Jas. T. Wells, that he should sustain a supernumerary relation. Not carried. The next Conference will be held at Columbus, Oct r 12th. 1825. James Collord, Sec. R. R. Roberts JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 257 What numbers are in Society? (1823-1824) Ohio District. Whites Col. Erie . 339 Mercer . 558 Grand River .... 485 Youngstown . 701 Hartford . 322 Deerfield . 437 Beaver . 574 Newcastle . 490 3,906 Portland District. Hudson . .. 357 Brunswick .... .. 399 Black River ... .. 156 Huron . .. 405 Wayne . .. 425 Canton . .. 321 Mansfield ...... .. 785 Knox . .. 595 3,443 Lancaster District. Fairfield . .. 1,115 Hockhocking .. .. 335 Muskingum ... .. 775 Zanesville cir. . .. 578 Zanesville station 185 2 Granville . .. 617 Columbus . .. 1,043 Delaware . .. 308 Athens . .. 780 6,736 2 Muskingum District. Whites Col. Steubenville .. ... 255 Cross Creek .. ... 949 West Wheeling .. 800 Barnesville ... ... 1,090 Munroe . ... 540 Duck Creek .., ... 509 Marietta . ... 375 10 Tuscarawas ... ... 400 4,918 10 Scioto . District. Pickaway . .. 876 Deer Creek ... .. 1,022 Chillicothe .... .. 194 Scioto . ,... 912 6 Strait Creek .. ... 673 Brush Creek .. .. 826 Burlington .... .. 345 Letart ........ .. 500 Salt Creek .... .. 367 5,715 6 Lebanon District. Lebanon Sta. .. .. 160 Paint Creek ... .. 666 London . .. 595 Mad River .... .. 1,409 10 Piqua . .. 1,200 Union . .. 1,080 Milford . .. 1,183 White Oak .... .. 1,121 Wilmington ... .. 777 8,191 10 258 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Miami District. Whites Col. Whites Col. Members i n Cincinnati . 750 35 society this Miami .. 792 year . 38,153 86 Hamilton and last year 36,541 179 Rossville . 92 Oxford . 807 Increase this Greenville ... 467 1 year . 1,612 93 Dec. White Water .... 878 Travelling Lawrenceburg ... 717 4 preachers Madison . 895 11 this year... 110. Connersville . 404 1 Detroit . 242 Wyandot mission 200 6,244 52 Where are the preachers stationed this year? (1824) Martin Ruter, book agent, Cincinnati. Miami Dist. John Collins, P. Elder. Cincinnati, Wm. H. Raper, John P. Durbin. Miami, John P. Taylor, Augustus Eddy. Oxford, Daniel D. Davidson, John Baughman. White Oak, George W. Mealey, John Everhart. Milford, William J. Thompson, Robert Spencer. Union, Russel Bigelow, Burroughs Westlake, T. Beacham. Piqua, Arthur W. Elliott, Richard Brandriff. Greenville, Isaac Elsbury. Sandusky Dist. J. B. Finley, P. Elder, and superintendent of the Wyandot mission. Belfountain, Levi White. Mad River, James T. Wells, Geo. Gatch. London, Robert W. Finley. Delaware, Jacob Dixon. Wyandot mis., Jas. B. Finley, Jacob Hooper. Detroit, Elias Pattee, Isaac C. Hunter. Scioto Dist. Greenbury R. Jones, P. Elder. Straight Creek, Wm. Page, Wm. Runnels. Brush Creek, William Simmons, Alfred M. Lorain. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 259 Scioto, Andrew S. M’Clean, John Janes. Chilicothe, John F. Wright. Deer Creek, Jas. Collord, Nathan Walker. Paint Creek, Andrew F. Baxter. Pickaway, Zacariah Connel, Michael Ellis, sup. Salt Creek, Jacob Delay. Wilmington, John Sale. Lancaster Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Athens, Curtis Goddard, David Dutcher. Hockhocking, James Gilruth. Fairfield, Charles Waddle, Homer Clark. Muskingum, Cornelius Springer. Zanesville, station, James Quinn. Zanesville circuit, Edward Taylor, Ezra Brown. Granville, Sam’l Hamilton, Zarah Coston. Columbus, Leroy Swormstedt, Joseph Carper. Portland Dist. James M’Mahon, P. Elder. Knox, John Crawford. Mansfield, Abner Goff, Jas. T. Donahoo. Wayne, James Murray, Solomon Manear. Huron, True Patee, James M’Intyre. Black River, James Taylor. Sandusky, Elijah H. Field. Brunswick, Orin Gilmore, Joab Ragan. West Wheeling Dist. William Lambdin, P. Elder. Barnesville, Jno. M’Mahon, Jno. Chandler. West Wheeling, John Waterman, William Knox. Cross Creek, Archibald M’Elroy, George Waddle. Steubenville, William Stephens. Tuscarawas, William Tipton. Duck Creek, Thomas R. Ruckle. Monroe, Isaac Reynolds. Middle Island, Abraham Lippit. Pittsburg, Henry B. Bascom. Little Kanhawa, Samuel Brockunier. Ohio Dist. Charles Elliott, P. Elder. Newcastle, Henry Knapp, Joseph S. Barris. Beaver, Samuel Adams, Robert Hopkins. 260 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Youngstown, John Summerville, Alfred Brunson. Hartford, Thomas Carr. Deerfield, Ira Eddy, Billings O. Plympton. Hudson, Philip Green, William C. Henderson. Canton, Dennis Goddard. Grand River, David Sharp, Sylvester Dunham. Erie, John P. Kent. Mercer, Charles Thorn, Job Wilson. Kenhawa Dist . John Brown, P. Elder. Letart Falls, Francis Wilson. Burlington, John Walker. Guyandotte, William H. Collins. Big Kenhawa, James Smith. Charleston, John H. Power. Nicholas, John W. Kenney. Logan, Henry S. Fernandes. Marietta, Dan’l Limerick, John Stewart. Henry B. Bascom, transferred to the Pittsburg Conference, and stationed at Pittsburg. XIV THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE, COM MENCED ITS FOURTEENTH SESSION, IN COLUM BUS ON THE 12th. DAY OF OCT. 1825. MEMBERS NAMES Martin Ruter Jacob Young. John Collins. James Gilruth. Wm. H. Raper. Charles Waddell. John P. Durbin. Cornelius Springer. John P. Taylor. James Quinn. Daniel D. Davidson. Sami. Hamilton. George W. Maly. Zara Coston. John Everhart. Leroy Swarmstedt. Wm. I. Thompson. Jos. Carper. Russel Biggelow. James McMahan. Burroughs Westlake. John Crawford. Arthur W. Elliott. Abner Golf. Rich. Brandriff. John Brown. James B. Finley. Francis Wilson. Levi White. John Walker. George Gatch. Wm. H. Collins. Robert W. Finley. James Smith. Jacob Hooper. John H. Power. Elias Pattee. John W. Kenny. Isaac C. Hunter. Henry S. Fernandis. G. R. Jones. John Stewart. Wm. Simmons. Truman Bishop. Andrew McClean. Henry Baker. John Janes. Wm. Cunningham. John F. Wright. Shad. Ruark. James Collard. Moses Crume. Michael Ellis. John C. Brook. John Sale. Benj. Lawrence. 261 262 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Wednesday morning, Bishop George, opened the con¬ ference, by reading the Scriptures, singing and prayer. Isaac C. Hunter, was appointed Secretary, and John P. Taylor asst. Secy. The conference appointed the hours of its sitting and adjournment, the former, at 8 O’Clock A. M., the latter at 1 O’Clock P.M. Russell Bigelow, John P. Durbin, and Sami. Hamilton were appointed Stewards of the conference. Martin Ruter, David Young, John Sale, James Quinn and Michael Ellis, were appointed a committee to exam¬ ine the graduates. Jacob Young, Joseph Carper and John Sale, were ap¬ pointed a committee to regulate the times of preaching, and to appoint the persons to preach during conference. The characters of Arza Brown, Jacob Delay, Augustus eddy, Andrew F. Baker, Wm. Reynolds, Jacob Ragan, and Jacob Dixon, were each examined, and they contin¬ ued on trial. The case of Homer Clark, was laid over. Wm. I. Thompson, Daniel D. Davidson, and William H. Raper were appointed a committee, to draw up the memoirs of our deed, brother Nathan Walker. The characters of John Crawford, John Janes, George Gatch, and Levi White were each examined and ap¬ proved. The case of Oran Gilmore, was laid over. The case of Whitefield Hughes, was laid over; and his relation of supernumerary continued: It was moreover determined, that he be address’d on the subject of certain reports, and that he be required to come and answer to them at the next annual conference. The case of Richd. Brandriff was laid over. The char¬ acters of George W. Maley, John Walker & Henry S. Fernandis was examined, approved, and each elected to the office of Elder. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 2G3 The case of Wm. H. Collins was laid over. The characters of Martin Ruter, John Collins, Wm. H. Raper, John P. Durbin, John P. Taylor and D. D, David¬ son were each examined and approved; and the confer¬ ence then adjourned. Thursday Morning— Bishop George in the chair. It was moved, that a committee be appointed to take into consideration a difference of sentiment, respecting the administration of discipline, existing between John Collins and Wm. I. Thompson, and report thereon— David Young, Jos. Carper, Charles Waddill, M. Crume, and Robt. W. Finley, were that committee. The case of Burroughs Westlake, was laid over. Wm. Page, was superannuated James Collard was located. The conference made a draft on the Book-concern for 1150—and on the chartered-fund, for $80. The characters of Jacob Young, James Gilruth, Chs Waddill, Crrnelius Springer, James Quinn, Samuel Ham¬ ilton, Edward Taylor, Zara Coston, Leroy Swarmstedt, Jos. Carper, James McMahan, Abner Goff, James Smith, John W. Kenney, were each examined and approved. John Brown was superannuated. The character of John H. Power, was examined, ap¬ proved and he elected to the offoce of Elder.—And the conference adjourned. Friday Morning, Bishop George in the chair.— The committee appointed to examine the accounts of the Book-agent, reported, “that they are perfectly satis¬ fied, as to their correctness, in every particular, from Augt: 1824, to Sept 27th. 1825.” It was moved, that a committee be appointed to deter¬ mine and report, the amounts proper to be appropriated, 2GI CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO to the Wyandott, or any other mission.— Jacob Young, D. Young and James Quinn, were that committee. It was moved and determined, that a manuscript ser¬ mon, by Samuel Davis of Wales, translated into English, and presented to the conference, by David Hidwaledar, for examination and publication, be committed to the Book-Agent and committee, for their disposition, either to publish or return it. The characters of Daniel Limerick, John Stewart, Francis Wilson, and Wm. Simmons were examined and approved. John Everhart, was located. The characters of David Young, and Banjamin Law¬ rence, were each examin’d and approved; and their rela¬ tion changed from that of superannuated to effective. The character of Henry Baker, was examined, ap¬ proved; and he continued in a superannuated relation. The case of Wm. Cunningham, was laid over. The char¬ acter of S. Ruark was examined, approved, and he was made effective. The character of Moses Crume, was examined, ap¬ proved, and his relation as superannuated, continued. The character of John C. Brook, was examined, ap¬ proved, and he made effective. The case of Burroughs Westlake, which was laid over, was taken up, and his character examined & approved. The case of Wm. H. Collins, which was laid over, was taken up and again laid over John A. Bohman, Robert Spenser, Elijah Field, S. Mannier, and James T. Donnahoo, probationers, were admitted; and they elected to the office of deacon. James C. Taylor was continued on trial. True Pattee, was discontinued at his own request. Thos. Beacham, a probationer, was admitted a member of this conference. Alfred M. Lorain, was admitted a member of this con- JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 265 ference; and he being eligible, was elected to the office of Elder. It was moved and carried, that the case of James C. Taylor be reconsidered— The reconsideration thereof was postponed— And the conference adjourned.— Saturday morning Bishop George Prst. The case of James C. Taylor, which was laid over, was taken lip, and he was admitted, and elected to the office of deacon. The case of William H. Collins which, was laid over, was taken up, and though eligible to the office of Elder, in consequence of some improprieties, was not elected. The case of Richard Brandriff, which was laid over, was taken up, and though eligible to the office of Elder, was not elected, in consequence of his having married out of the Church. Lewis Duckwall, Frederick Long, Absolom D. Fox, • John Griffith, William Me Amy, John Reasoner, Jacob Ward, Ansel Brainard, Darthick D. Hewit, Solomon Shepherd, and James Hooper, local preachers, being recommended to this conference, were each elected to the office of deacon.— But Elijah Mattox, Evy Daily, James Ginley, and Lenox Shepherd, though recommended were not elected. Amos Sparks, and David I. Cox, being recommended, we elected to the office of Elder. It was moved that a committee be appointed to take into consideration, some communications from three of the trustees of Augusta College, to investigate as far as they can, the situation, and prospects of the college, and report to this conference.— Martin Ruter, John Collins, and John P. Durbin were appointed that committee. The case of James T. Wells, which was laid over, was taken up, and again laid over. The committee appointed to prepare the memoirs of 266 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO our dec. brother Walker; reported, and the report was accepted. The committee appointed, to take into consideration, a difference of sentiment, respecting the adminsitration of discipline, existing between John Collins and Wm. J. Thompson, reported: and it was moved and carried, that the final decision on the subject embraced in said report, be laid over until the next annual Conference. James Murry, -was located. The case of Homer Clark, a probationer, was taken up, and he discontinued at his own request. Isaac Ellsbury was also discontinued at his own re¬ quest. The case of Wm. Cunningham, which was laid over, was taken up, and he was recognized a member of this conference; and a committee appointed to examine into his case—G. R. Jones, Moses Crume, Wm. J. Thompson, - Chs. Waddill and Andrew S. McClean were that com¬ mittee. The Conference then adjourned. Monday morning Bishop George Prest. It was moved and carried, that the parchments of James Harris, a local preacher who had formerly been expelled, be restored. John Hill, Absalom D. Fox, John W. Clark, Wm. B. Christy, Samuel P, Shaw, John Havens, John Farris, Harry O. Sheldon, John W. Gilbert, Philip Strother, and George W. Young, were admitted on trial: But George Palmer, David Edwards, and Stephen Rathbone, though recommended, were not admitted. James Laws was readmitted. A petition from the Canada Conference, was presented to this conference, praying to be set off, and considered as a separate and independent conference; for sundry reasons set forth in said petition.— It was then moved, JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 267 that a copy—of the petition, be taken, and filed among the papers of the conference. The Superintendent of the Wyandott Mission made his report: and it was moved & carried, that, that report be adopted; and the superintendent publish the said re¬ port himself. It was moved and resolved by this conference, that so many of the Indian Boys, at our Mission, at Upper San¬ dusky, as the superintendent, and the trustees of the school may think proper, be taken under the patronage of the travelling preachers, and placed in suitable fam¬ ilies, to facilitate their acquisition of a knowledge of the english language. The Wyandott Chiefs, of the Mission at Upper San¬ dusky, made their communication to the conference, re¬ specting the state of the Mission & School— And a suit¬ able reply was made to them, on behalf of the conference by the president thereof. The case of James T. Wells, which was laid over was taken up, and he obtained a location. The Conference proceeded to take the numbers— And then adjourned. Tuesday Morning Bishop George Prest . 1 Truman Bishop was placed in a supernumerary rela¬ tion. The Conference preceeded to appoint the place of its next session to be held at Hillsborough the 4th day of October 1826. An embasador from the Gen. Conferance of the United Breathern. made a communication to this Conferance, relative to a contemplated and desired union between them and us. The decission relative to the communica¬ tion was laid over untill the next Conference. The committe to whom was refered the case of William 1 At this point the hand-writing in the Journal changes as does also the spelling. 268 CIRCUIT-EIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Cunningham reported that in their Judgement Win. Cunningham is guilty of Intoxication as he stands Charged, and the report was accepted. And he, was then called in and required to answer to the charge, to which he plead not guilty. The Conferance then proceeded to take the testimony relative to the charge. It was then moved and carried that whereas William Cunningham stands charged before this Conferance with intoxication and whereas the charge has in the Judge¬ ment of this conferance have been abundantly supported by testimony Therefore resolved by the Ohio Anual conferance that William Cunningham is guilty of the charge as stated against him and that he is hereby expelled from the Methodist Episcopal Church. After which we was called in, and he informed the conferance of his design to appeal. The Stewards of the Conferance then reported as fol¬ lows. Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated John Collins. .. $ 200 c $ c $ c c Wm. H. Raper. 200 Jno. P. Durbin. 100 Jno. P. Taylor. 200 Augustus Eddy. 200 D. D. Davidson. 200 Jno. A. Baughman. 100 Geo. W. Mealy. 170 30 Jno. Everhart. 170 30 Wm. I. Thompson. 140 72 37 28 Robt. Spencer. 74 31M 25 69 Russel Bigelow. 200 Bur. Westlake. 161 Thos. Becham. 100 A. W. Elliote. 200 Richd. Brandriff. 100 Isaac Elsbury. 63 37 Jas. B. Finley. 200 David Young. 30 13 169 86 Levi White. 83 70 16 30 Jas. T. Willes. Geo. Gatch. 92 8 Robt W. Finley. 51 13 48 87 Jacob Hooper. 200 Elias Pattee. 160 40 I. C. Hunter. 80 20 Remarks Traveled none. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 269 Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ c G. R. Jones. 126 73 73 23 Wm. Page. 53 77 146 23 Wm. Reynolds. 26 34 73 66 Wm Simmons. 100 3 81 ^ A. M. Lorain. 100 A. S. McClain. 181 87 18 13 Jno. Janes. 90 93 9 7 Jno. F. Wright. 100 I. A. Collard. 119 45 80 54 Nathan Walker. 60 18 39 81K And. F. Baxter. 104 33 95 67 Zeck Connell. 61 92 32 08 M. Ellis. 125 13 74 86 Jacob Delay. 160 50 38 50 John Sale . 73 52 124 47 Jacob Young. 179 81 20 19 Curtis Goddard. 71 32 28 68 David Ducher. 17 93 7 17 Traveled 1 Qr. James Gilruth. 100 100 Chas Waddle. 200 Homer Clark. 100 Cornelius Springer. 149 71 50 29 James Quinn. 109 56 7 75 Ewd. Taylor. 171 37 28 62 Azra Brown. 85 68 14 31 Sami. Hamilton. 60 29 139 71 3 00 Zara, Coston. 28 76 71 24 3 70 Leroy Swarmstedt. 162 50 9 50 Jos. Carper. 200 James McMahan. 200 Jno. Crawford. 100 1 Abner Goff. 146 50 53 50 7 Jas. T. Donahoo. 11 62 17 12 Traveled 4 Mos Jas Murry. 110 50 89 50 Sol. Mannear. 55 50 44 50 Tre Patte. James Mclntre. James Taylor. 70 30 Elijah H. Field. 76 36 25 73 Jacob Dixon. 145 50 Oren Gilmore. Joab Ragan. Jno. Brown. 132 32 67 68 Francis Wilson. 123 50 67 50 Jno Walker. 71 14 28 85 Wm. H. Collins. 74 30 25 70 James Smith. 53 91 46 09 Jno H. Power. 75 25 Jno W. Kenny. 9 25 91 75 15 25 Appropriation Henry S. Fernandis.... 85 15 Danl. Lemerick. 140 60 Jno Stewart. 140 60 Whit Hughs. 100 00 12 50 Benj. Lawrence. 200 25 00 Truman Bishop. 200 25 00 Henry Baker. 200 25 00 Shadk Ruark. 200 25 00 Moses Crume. 200 25 00 J. C. Brook. No claim Sister Griffith. 100 12 50 Sarah Baker. 100 12 50 Wm. Cunningham. 200 25 00 Wm. McKendree. 12 00 Enoch George. 25 00 270 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names 1 Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks % c $ c $ c $ c Elijah Hedding. 37 50 Book Concern. 150 00 Char. Fund. 80 00 Publick collection. 20 31 Total deficiency. 3811 63 do Brot To Conference 285 45 do Amt. Appropriated. 277 75 Leaving a Ball of.. . 8 40 From bal for Station- ary. 2 50 do of Special app. Robt. W. Finley. . . 4 00 Mich. Ellis. 1 90 The committee appointed to take into consideration, some communications from three of the trustees of Augusta College, made their report— and the same was accepted. It was moved, that a committee on the part of this conference, be appointed to confer with a committee of the Kentucky Conference, with regard to the publication of a paper at Augusta— Martin Ruter was appointed on the part of this Conference. It was moved and carried, that a certificate be given to John P. Durbin, authorizing him to make collections, and solicit donations in books, for the benefit of the Augusta College. Wednesday Morning Bishop George Prest. It was moved and carried that David Young and the preacher in charge on Deleware circuit, be a committee to consult with the superintendent of the Wyandote Mis¬ sion, and to inspect its concerns. It was moved and carried that the P. Elder and preach¬ ers in their districts and circuits excit themselves to raise clothing and other necessary articles for the Wyan¬ dote Mission and cause the same to be conveyed and deposited in the most eligible places in their districts and circuits. It was moved and carried that the Book Agent and JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 271 committe be authorized to publish a pamphlet written by Jos. Suchliff on the Mutual Communion of Saints. It was moved and carried that the Book Agent be authorized to publish a new Edittion of our Music Book with pattent notes. _ ^ Enoch George J. C. Hunter Secy. Membership of the Ohio Conference for 1825. Miami District. Lancaster District. Whites Col. Whites Col Cincinnati . 827 74 Athens . .. 817 Miami . 1,056 1 Hockhocking .. .. 385 Oxford . 800 Fairfield . White Oak. 1,280 1 Muskingum ... Milford . 1,006 Zanesville sta. .. 190 2 Union . 1,300 16 Zanesville cir. . .. 782 Piqua . 933 Columbus . .. 1,062 Greenville . 393 Granville . .. 629 7,595 92 5,830 2 Sandusky District. Portland District. Belle Fontaine .. 468 Knox . 1 Mad River . 993 7 Mansfield . 4 London . 787 Wayne . .. 425 Delaware . 370 Huron . .. 405 Wyandot mis. ... 200 Black River ... 2 Detroit . 242 Sandusky . 97 1 3,060 7 Brunswock .... .. 451 Scioto District. 3,023 8 Straight Creek .. 616 Kenhawa District. Brush Creek .... 909 1 Letart Falls .. .. 541 5 Scioto . 903 Burlington .... .. 259 Chilicothe . 450 3 Guyandotte .... .. 239 Deer Creek . 860 Big Kenhawa .. ... 271 21 Paint Creek .... 736 3 Charleston _ .. 180 22 Pickaway . 838 Nicholas . .. 131 1 Salt Creek . 430 3 Logan . .. 249 14 Wilmington .... 700 2 Marietta .. .. 501 6,442 12 2,371 63 Members in society this year 28,321 184 272 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Appointments for 1825. Martin Ruter, book agent at Cincinnati. Miami Dist. John Collins, P. Elder. Cincinnati, William H. Raper, Truman Bishop, sup. Miami, Andrew S. M’Clain, John P. Taylor. Oxford, Daniel D. Davidson, Robert O. Spencer. White Oak, Greenbury R. Jones, William J. Thompson. Milford, Arthur W. Elliot, Robert W. Finley. Union, Charles Waddle, John Sale, Wm. B. Christy. Piqua, George W. Mealy, James Smith. Greenville, Benjamin Lawrence. Mad River, Augustus Eddy, Levi White. Belle Fontaine, George Gatch. Scioto Dist. Russel Bigelow, P. Elder, Straight Creek, Arza Brown, William H. Collins. Brush Creek, John Hill, William Runnels. Scioto, Alfred M. Lorain, Absalom D. Fox. Chilicothe, John F. Wright. Deer Creek, Burroughs Westlake. Pickaway, Richard Brandriff, Samuel P. Shaw. Wilmington, Andrew F. Baxter. London, James T. Donahoo, John C. Havens. Lancaster Dist. Jacob Young, P. Elder. Athens, James Laws, Isaac C. Hunter. Marietta, John W. Kinney, Curtis Goddard, sup. Muskingum, Cornelius Springer. Zanesville, station, David Young. Zanesville circuit, Zarah Coston, Michael Ellis, sup. Granville, Samuel Hamilton. Columbus, Joseph Carper, John H. Power. Fairfield, Leroy Swormstedt, James Quinn. Hockhocking, Jacob Dixon. Portland Dist. James M’Mahon, P. Elder. Delaware, James Gilruth. Knox, Jacob Hooper, Thomas Beachman. Mansfield, James M’lntyre, Joab Ragan. Wayne, Abner Goff, H. O. Sheldon. Huron, Shadrach Ruark. JOURNAL OP THE OHIO CONFERENCE 273 Black River, Elijah H. Field. Brunswick, John Crawford, James C. Taylor. Sandusky, John W. Clarke. Detroit Dist. William Simmons, P. Elder. Detroit city, William Simmons. Detroit circuit, John A. Baughman, Solomon Manier. Fort Defiance, Elias Pattee, missionary. Wyandot mission, J. B. Finley, J. C. Brook. Kenhawa Dist. Zexhariah Connell, P. Elder. Augusta College, John P. Durbin. Salt Creek, John Walker. Burlington, John Janes. Guyandotte, John Stewart. Logan, John W. Gilbert. Big Kenhawa, John Ferree. Charlestown, Henry S. Fernandes Nicholas, Philip Strawther. Letart Falls, Francis Wilson. XV THE OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE COM¬ MENCED ITS 15th SESSION IN THE TOWN OF HILLSBOROUGH OCTOBER THE 4th 1826. MEMBERS NAMES Martin Ruter John Collins William H. Raper John P. Taylor John P. Durbin Daniel D. Davisson George W. Mealy William I. Thompson Russell Bigelow Burroughs Westalke Arthur W. Elliot Richard Brandriff James B. Findley Levi White George Gatch Robert W. Findley Jacob Hooper Elias Pattee Isaac C. Hunter G. R. Jones William Simmons Andrew S. McClain John Janes John F. Wright Zachariah Connell Michael Ellis John Sale Jacob Young James Gilruth Cornelius Springer James Quinn Samuel Hamilton Zera Coston Joseph Carper James McMahan Abner Goff John Brown Francis Wilson James Smith William H. Collins John H. Power John W. Kenney Henry S. Fernandis John Stewart Truman Bishop Henry Baker Shadrach Ruark Moses Crume John C. Brooks John A. Baughman Robert O. Spencer James Laws Elijah Field Solomon Manear 274 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 275 James T. Donahoo Thomas Beachain Alfred M. Lorrain James C. Taylor David Young Curtis Goddard William Page Arza Brown Jacob Delay Jacob Dixon Leroy Swormstedt Wednesday Morning 9 O. C. Bishop Hedding in the chair. The Conference was opened with reading the scrip¬ tures, singing and prayer. The Roll was called; and G. R. Jones was appointed Secretary and Isaac C. Hunter Assistant Secretary. Russell Bigelow Alfred M. Lorrain, and James Quinn were appointed a Committee to fix the hours of preaching and to fill the pulpit. Orderd that for a few days there shall be but one Ses¬ sion in the day which shall commence at 8 O. C. in the morning, and close at one in the afternoon. Leroy Swormstedt, William H. Raper, and John P. Durbin were elected stewards of the Conference. Martin Ruter, David Young, John Sale, James Quinn, and Truman Bishop were appointed by the chair, a Com¬ mittee to examine the Candidates for admission to mem¬ bership. Martin Ruter, David Young, and John P. Taylor, were elected a Committee to examine the accounts of John P. Durbin who has been employed the last year in soliciting Contributions for the Augusta College, and Report thereon. The By laws of the Western Annual Conference, Stand¬ ing on Pages 78 & 79 of the Journals were then read, and adopted for the government of this Conference during this Session. The Characters of Absalom D. Fox, William B. Christy, 276 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Samuel P. Shaw, John C. Havens, John Ferree, John W. Gilbert, and Phillip Strauther were examined, and pass'd, and they continued on trial— John Hill, and George Young were discontinued. The Characters of John A. Baughman, Robert O. Spen¬ cer, Solomon Manear, and James T. Donahoo were exam¬ ined, and approved. The Characters of Richard Brand- riff, Levi White, John Janes, and George Gatch,, were examined, and approved and they were Elected to Elders orders. Russell Bigelow was appointed by the Chair to exam¬ ine the Journals, and Report the unfinish’d business of the last conference. The Characters of Martin Ruter, John Collins, William H. Raper, Truman Bishop, Andrew S. McClain, John P. Taylor, Daniel D. Davisson, G. R. Jones, William I. Thompson, John Sale, George W. Mealy, James Smith, Russell Bigelow, Alfred M. Lorrain, John F. Wright, and Burroughs Westlake, Elders were examined, and pass’d: and the relation of Truman Bishop was chang’d, and he was made effective. The Conference then Adjourn’d. Thursday Morning 8 O. C. Bishop Hedding in the Chair. After the usual services, the Roll was call’d, and the Journals were read, the Conference proceeded to business. The Characters of David Young,, James Laws, Isaac C. Hunter, John W. Kenney, Curtis Goddard, Cornelius Springer, Jacob Young, Zara Coston, Michael Ellis, Samuel Hamilton, Joseph Carper, John H Power, Leroy Swormstedt, and James Quinn were examin’d and pass’d; and Curtis Goddard, and Michael Ellis receiv’d a Super¬ annuated relation. Arza Brown and Jacob Delay, Augustus Eddy, Wil- JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 277 liam Runnels, Joab Ragan, Jacob Dixon, and James Mc- Intire candidates for admission as members of the Con¬ ference, were examined by the chair on the subject of Experience &c &c as the Book of Discipline directs. The Characters of Arza Brown, and Augustus Eddy were examined and approvd, and they were admitted as members of the Conference, and elected to Deacons Or¬ ders.— The Characters of Jacob Delay, and Jacob Dixon, were examined, and approv’d and they were admitted as members of the Conference. The Characters of Andrew F. Baxter, and William Runnels were examin’d, and approv’d, and they were continued on trial. Moses Crume, James Quinn, and John Sale were ap¬ pointed a Committee, to take into consideration a com¬ munication from the Conference of the United Brethern, and Report thereon to this Conference. The Characters of William Simmons, James B. Find¬ ley, John C. Brooke, Zechariah Connell, John P. Durbin, Henry S. Fernandis, Francis Wilson, Robert W. Find¬ ley, Moses Crume, Whitefield Hughes, Henry Baker, John Brown, and William Page, were examined and pass’d, and the Superannuated relation of Moses Crume, John Brown, and William Page was continued— and White- field Hughes, and Henry Baker were Located. John P. Taylor, and Samuel Hamilton were appointed a committee, to write the memoirs of John Walker deceas’d. On motion orderd that the Committee appointed last conference to determine, and Report the amount to be ap¬ propriated to Missions, be continued the present Confer¬ ence. A Resolution of the Mississippi Annual Conference: and a Resolution of the Philadelphia annual Conference, were read, and orderd to lay on the table. The Conference then Adjourn’d. 278 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Friday morning 8 O. C. Bishop Hedding in the Chair. After the usual services, the roll was calld, and the Journals read, and the Conference proceeded to business. Robert W. Finley received a superannuated relation. The following Local Preachers were elected to Deacons Orders, Richard Dement, Elijah Maddox, Rob’t Richard¬ son who were recommended from the Miami District Con¬ ference.—John Rogers who was recommended by the Sciota District Conference,—James Gurley, Sami Akin, Jesse Roe, Aaron Young, who were recommended by the Lancaster District Conference.— Asa Balinger recom¬ mended by the Quarterly conference of Salt Creek cir¬ cuit,—Adam Dickey recommended by the Quarterly con¬ ference of Burleyton (Burlington) circuit. Theophelus Atherton Joshua Gosnill, Lenox Shepherd Abel Tinckham, though recommended for Deacons orders were not elected. Michael Dunn was recommended from the Lancaster District for Elders orders but not elected. James Haskel who was recommended by the Quarterly Conference of Burlington Circuit for Elders orders was elected to that office. The committe appointed to examine the accts of J. P. Durbin and the concerns of Augusta College Reported their report was read and accepted and after the several resolutions thereof were discussed examined and amended they were sustained. The characters of John W. Clark, Harry O. Sheldon, were examined and passed and they continued on trial. Joab Ragan a candidate for admission into full con¬ nexion was not admitted. James Mclntire was admitted into full connexion and elected to elders orders. The characters of James C. Taylor, Elijah H. Field Deacons were examined and passed. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 279 The chracater of John Crawford was examined and passed and he elected to Elders orders. A Draft was made on the Book Concern for $150.00 and a draft was made on the Chartered fund for $90.00. Liberty of absence was granted to to Abner Goff and John P. Durbin. The conference then Adjourned. Saturday Morning 8 O.C. Bishop Hedding in the chair. After the usual services— The rolls were called, and the Journals read. The conference then proceeded to buis- ness. On motion, ordered that the conference adjourn at 12 O.C. and meet again at 2 O.C.P.M. The case of William H. Collins was then taken up & a motion was made to erase from the Journals of the Con¬ ference a Resolution concerning him standing on the 261 and 262 Pages which was laid over as unfinished buisness at the last conference. The motion prevailed, and the further consideration of his case was laid over. 1 The character of Thomas Beachamp was examined and passed, and he elected to Elders orders. The characters of James McMahon, Jas. Gilruth, Jacob Hooper, Abner Goff, Shadrack Ruark, Arthur W. Elliott, were examined and passed, And on motion ordered that a Resolution of the last conference respecting A. W. Elliott be errased from the Journals. 2 The following Local Preachers were elected Deacons William Dwire; Peter Warner, Benjamin Bunn who were recommended by the Portland District conferan. 1 (Note) The expunged Resolutions concerning William H. Collins and A. W. Elliott were as follows: “It was moved that Wm. H. Collins make acknowledgements to and before this conference for having inveighed against the orders and Government of the M. E. Church or be recommended to the Kenhaway District to be tried by the P Elder who may be appointed thereto this year according to the directions (?) of the discipline of our church but not laid over.” 2 “Moved and carried that the Secretary be requested to write a letter to Br. A. W. Elliott informing him that the Conference disprove of his council to Br. Brandriff on the subject of his marriage, and admonish him not to give such council any more.” 280 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO The case of John Stewart was taken up and it was ordered that a Committee of three be appointed by the chair to enquire into his case and report thereon James B. Finley Francis Wilson and Sami. Hamilton were that committee. George W. Walker, Adam Sellers were recommended from the Miamia District Conferance, Cyrus Carpenter, Benjamin Cooper, James Calahan were recommended from the Lancaster district Confer. Adam Poe was recommended from the Portland Dis¬ trict Conferance.— John Ulin was recommended by the Quarterly Conferance of Letart Falls circuit. David Whitcomb was recommended by the Quarterly Confer¬ ance of Charleston circuit Stephen Rathbone was recommended by the Quarterly Conferance of Kenawha circuit.— And Amos Sparks was recommended from the Miamia District Conferance were all admitted on trial in the Travelling connexion.— Elijah Spurgeon and Joshua W. Gosnell though recom¬ mended were not admitted. It was ordered on motion that a Committee of three be appointed to write a memorial to the next General Assembly of this State on the subject of Amending the Laws respecting the prevention of improper conduct at meetings &c & report thereon. G. R. Jones Russel Bigelow and Cornelius Springer were elected on the committee. The committee appointed to examine the accts of the Book Agent at Cincinatia. Reported and their report was accpeted. And it was ordered that the Presiding Elder who may have charge of Miamia District the Preacher in charge on Miamia circuit be on that com- mitte the ensuing year. Joseph Carper, James B. Finley and Jacob Young were appointed a committe to advise with Martin Ruter, in the liquidation of James Quinns acct. The conferance then adjourned. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 281 Afternoon Session 2 O.C. Bishop Hedding in the chair. After the usual services the roll was called and the Journals read and the Conferance proceeded to busness. The case of William H. Collins was then taken up and a letter respecting his conduct was read and he had the oppertunity to reply and after considerable discussion, the conferance refused to elect him to Elders orders. 1 The committee appointed on the case of John Stewart Reported and their report was accepted and his character was examined and passed. The character of Elias Pattee was examined and passed. John R. Turner a Local Preacher was recommended from the Quarterly Conferance of Salt Creek cirt. for Deacons orders. A motion was made to postpone his case for one year which motion was lost. He was then Elected to Deacons orders. James Smith received a superannuated relation. William H. Collins asked a Location, which was granted. On motion order that a copy of the Journals and a copy of the report of the committee in the case of John Stewart be given to Sami. Hamilton. A Motion was made to reconsider the case of Joab Ragan which was carried. His case was then recon¬ sidered and he was admitted into connexion and elceted to Deacons orders. He then asked and obtained a Loca¬ tion. The numbers in Society were then taken. The conferance then adjourned. Monday Morning 8 O.C. Bishop Hedding in the Chair. After the usual services, the roll was called, and the Journals were read, and the Conferance proceeded to business. 282 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO The committe appointed to confer with a committe from the Conferance of United Brethern Reported, and their report was» accepted. On motion ordered that a Committee of Two be ap¬ pointed to address the conferance of the United Brethern on the subect of their receiving persons from our Church who are under censure, and such as have been expelled from our Church and C. Springer and Sami. Hamilton were appointed that committe. The case of Charles Waddle was then taken up charges having been prefered against him of an Imoral nature, and those charges having been investigated before, and by a. Committee of Traveling Preachers and he suspended thereon Cornelius Springer was appointed ass. Secy to take minutes of the trial, and of all the evidence— Before the evidence was all read.— It was moved and carried that Conferance adjourned at 2 O.C. and meet at 2.0.C. P.M. The conferance then adjourned. Afternoon Session, 2 O.C. Bishop Hedding Prest. After the usual services, the conferance resumed the case of Charles Waddle and after all the evidence was herd— Waddle then made his defence and then the Conferance took up the charges in order but before they went through the conferance adjourned. Tuesday Morning 8 O.C. Bishop Hedding Prest. After the usual services the conferance, proceeded to buisness. The case of Curtis Goddard was reconsidered and he made effective. The conferance then resumed the case of Charles Wad¬ dle, and after the conferance had fully and satisfactoralv / 4 / JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 283 discussed the evidence on the first charge, they decided that Charles Waddle is guilty of the 1st. Charge. The conferance then took up the 2d Charge and after satisfactory discussion, the Conferance found Charles Waddle guily of the 2d. Charge. The conferance then took up the 3d. Charge and after satisfactory discussion the conferance then decided that Charles Waddle is not guilty of the 3d. Charge. The 4th. Charge was then taken up and fully con¬ sidered, and Charles Waddle was found guilty of the 4th Charge. It was then moved and carried that Charles Waddle be and hereby is expelled from the Methodist Episcopal Church. On motion ordered that a committe be appointed to wait on Charles Wadle and inform him of the decision of the Conferance in his case, and know of him, whether he will appeal before the Conferance, and if not, to de¬ mand his parchments. Russel Bigelow was appointed as that committe. The conferance Stewards then reported and their Re¬ port was accepted. Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c $ c $ c John Collins. 200 00 00 00 Wm. H. Raper.. 200 00 44 44 Truman Bishop.. 200 00 44 (4 Andrew S. McClain.... 200 00 44 44 John P. Taylor. 200 00 4 i 44 D. D. Davidson. 132 06 67 94 R. P. Spencer. 100 00 Greenbury R. Jones.... 171 00 29 00 Wm. I. Thompson. 171 00 29 00 A. W. Elliott. 200 00 «( 4 4 R. W. Finley. 100 00 00 00 Chas Waddle. 150 00 44 4 4 9 Months John Sale. 200 00 4 4 44 9 50 Wm. B. Christie. 100 00 44 4 4 Geo W. Maley. 200 00 u 44 1 50 James Smith. 76 29 23 71 Benjm Lawrence. 00 00 00 00 Suspended Augustus Eddy. 150 00 50 00 Levi White. 100 00 00 00 284 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks $ c $ c % c $ c George Gatch. 82 84 21 16 Russel Bigelow. 150 00 50 00 1 00 Arza Brown. 43 58 56 42 Wm. H. Collins. 68 26 131 74 9 Months John Hill. 151 44 49 66 Wm. Reynolds... 75 72 24 28 A. M. Lorain. 89 43 10 57 A. C. Fox. 120 73 79 27 John F. Wright. 190 00 10 00 Jacob Delay. 175 00 25 00 Burris Westlake. 85 00 115 00 Rd Brandriff. .. 147 47 52 53 Sami T. Shaw. 147 47 52 53 Andrew F. Baxter. 88 00 112 00 James T. Donohoo. 80 25 19 75 John C. Havens. 80 25 19 75 Jacob Young. 136 36 63 64 James Laws. 173 12 26 87 Isaac C. Hunter. 86 55 13 45 John W. Kenney. 184 00 16 00 Curtis Goddard. 00 00 20 00 Cornelius Springer. 130 00 70 00 David Young. 157 99 42 01 Zara Caustien. 85 00 15 00 2 00 Michael Ellis. 170 00 30 00 Sami. Hamilton. 165 00 35 00 Joseph Carper. 200 00 00 00 John H. Power........ 100 00 n n Leroy Swormstedt. 178 06M 21 93 % 12 64 James Quinn. 178 06 H 21 93 % James Dixon. 122 00 78 00 James McMahon. 133 35 66 65 4 25 James Gilruth. 150 00 50 00 Jacob Hooper. 80 00 120 00 Thomas Beacham. 24 00 76 00 James Mclntire. 150 30 49 70 Joab Ragan. 38 40 61 60 Abner Goff. 100 00 100 00 H. O. Shelden. 100 00 00 00 Shadrack Ruark. 120 00 80 00 Elijah A. Field. 100 00 00 00 John Crawford. 75 00 25 00 James C. Taylor. 75 00 25 00 John W. Clarke. 76 00 24 00 Wm. Simmons. 88 75 11 25 John A. Baughman. 70 00 30 00 Solomon Manear. 70 00 30 00 Elias Pattee. 125 00 75 00 J. B. Finley. 200 00 00 00 John C. Brooke. 200 00 00 00 Zac. Connell. 48 00 52 00 John Walker. 20 00 00 00 3 Ms. John Janes. 81 44 18 56 John Stewart. 100 00 100 00 John W. Gilbert. 60 00 140 00 John Ferree. 127 15 62 85 H. S. Fernandis. 100 00 00 00 Phillip Strawther. 120 00 80 00 Frances Wilson. 200 00 00 00 Moses Crume. 200 00 40 00 Henry Baker. 200 00 40 00 W. Hughs. Absent all the year. John Brown. 200 00 40 00 JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 285 Names Amount Received De¬ ficiency Brot to Confer¬ ence Appro¬ priated Remarks Wm. Page. Sarah Baker. Sarah Griffith. Wm. McKendree. Enoch George. Elijah Heding. $ c $ 200 100 100 c 00 00 00 $ c $ 40 20 20 12 25 37 c 00 00 00 00 00 50 The Whole amt Received. $9524.32 The whole “ deficient. 3820.75 The Amt Brot to Conf. 26.64 Publick Collection. 33.36 Dfs on chartered Fund. 90.00 Dfa on Book Concern. 150.00 Amt Appropriated. 298.75 Paif for stationary &c. 1.25 Leroy Swormstedt Wm. H. Raper Conf Stewards. John P. Durbin The conferance then took up the case of Benjamin Lawrence against whom charges have been prefered, which charges had been investigated by a committe, by whom said Lawrence had been suspended from all Official services in the Methodist Episcopal Church. B. Law¬ rence was absent, but signified by letter his willingness that his trial should come on. The charges were then read, with all the evidence in the case, the Conferance then took up the 1st Charge, and satisfactory discussion the conferance then decided, that Ben Lawrence is guilty of the 1st. Charge. Russel Bigelow then reported that he had waited on C. Waddle that he declined appealing before the Confer¬ ance and that he delivered up his Parchments, which were delivered to the Secy. The conferance then adjourned to meet at 2.0.C. Afternoon Session 2 O.C. M. Ruter in the chair. After the usual services the roll was called and the Journals were read, the Conferance then proceeded to buisness. 286 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO A note was then reed, signed by C. Waddle in which he gaee notice to the Conferance of his intention to appeal to the General Conferance from the decision in his case. The committe appointed to draft a memorial to the Legislature of this State Reported and their Report was accepted, and its resolutions were passed and R. O. Spencer. L. Swormstedt, G. W. Mealy John P. Taylor, Abner Goff, A. Eddy, and A S. McClain were appointed to write copies of the Memorial for each Presedent Elder and for each preacher in Charge. The Secy was then directed to supply the Book in which the Journals are kept with a sufficient number of pages to finish the Journals of the present Conferance. The case of Benjamin Lawrence was then resumed, Bishop Hedding in the Chair. The 2d charge was then taken up and the conferance decided that Benj Lawrence is guilty of the 2d. Charge, the 3rd. Charge was then taken up and the Conferance decided that he is not guilty the 4th Charge was then taken up and the Conferance decided that Benjm Lawrence, is not guilty of the 4th Charge, the 5th Charge was then taken up and the con¬ ferance decided that Benjm Lawrence is not guilty of the 5th Charge. It then moved and carried that Benjamin Lawrence, stand reproved by the voice of this Conferance for a vio¬ lation of the sabbath and other imprudent conduct proved before this Conferance also violating his suspen¬ sion from office, That he be forbidden the exercise of his Office of Deacon and Elder during the ensuing year and that he be without an appointment until the next Ohio Anual Conferance. And that the secy, furnish Benjamin Lawrence with a copy of this resolution. The Chiefs of the Wyandott Nation then addressed the Conferance, And their address was responded to from the Chair. It was then moved and carried that those Indian Boys JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 287 who are at trades or will go to trades shall be continued at our expence and the others shall be at liberty to return home. It was then resolved that the Indian Brethren be in¬ formed that it is the wish of this Conferance, that the Indian Brethren at the Sandusky Mission be requested to elect two of their body as delegates to this Conference and that if they cannot bring with them the Secretary of the Quarterly Conference of the Sandusky Mission as Interpreter, that they make their communications through him in writing. The conference then Adjourned. Wednesday Morning 8 O.C. Bishop Heding Prst. After the usual Services the roll called and the Jour¬ nals read the Conference proceeded to buisness. The minutes of the trial of Charles Waddle and of Benjamin Lawrence were read and after revision they were approved. William J. Thompson asked a change in his relation the conference then gave him a Supernumerary relation, and at his own request on account of family afflictions he is without an appointment this year. The committee in the case, Reported the memoirs of John Walker, and their report was accepted, and a copy ordered to be sent for publication in the Methodist Mag¬ azine and an extract therefrom be inserted in the minutes. The resolution of the Missesepa Anual Conferance was then called up, and after discussion, it was decided that this Conferance concur with the resolution. The resolution of the Philadelphia Conferance was then called up and ordered to lay on the table till the next Conferance. It was then Resolved, to patronize, Christian Advocats, and that the members of this Conferance be active in 288 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO obtaining subscribers therefor and return there names to the Book Agents at N. York. The Missionary from Sandusky Mission Reported, and his Report was accepted, and he authorized to pub¬ lish it. The Committee appointed to draft a letter in answer to the communication from the United Brethren Con¬ ference, Reported a letter which was received, and or¬ dered to be sent to Bishop Kumber one of the Delegates to this Conference. Moved and carried, that the case of Bro. Brandriff in relation to his marriage, having been explained, is satis¬ factory to this Conference. John F. Wright obtained leave of absence the ballance of the Session. The Presedent Elder was then authorized to employ Elijah Spurgeon, who applied but was not admitted on trial. Frederick Hood a Local Preacher who had been sus¬ pended by the Sciota District Conferance from all official Services in the Methodist E. Church appealed from that deeission to this Conferance. After hering the proceedings and evidence in the case, The deeission of the District Conferance as to his guilt was then concured in and his suspension by the District Conferance was confirmed. Isaac Pavy a Local Elder had notified an appeal from the deeission of the Sciota District Conferance by which he was suspended and his case was laid over till the next Conferance. The conferance then proceeded to fix the place of the next annual Conferance Cincinnati has 33 votes & Lan¬ caster 21. On motion ordered that the thanks of the Conferance be presented through the Secy to the citizens of Hills¬ borough for their Kindness and attention to the preachers JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 289 and also to Mr. McMullin for his kindness in attending to and keeping his school room in order for the accommo¬ dation of the Conferance. It was then resolved that the first friday in Sepr be observed as a day of fasting and prayer. Resolved that it shall be the duty of each preacher having the charge of a circuit or Station to make a pub- lick collection on each congregation, to bring to the next Conferance The Journals of the conferance was then read up and the Conferance adjourned to meet at 2.O.C. P.M. Afternoon Session 2.0C. Bishop Hedding Pes. After the usual services, and some necessary remarks and observations, the conferance was addressed from the Chair. The appointments were then read and the Conferance closed its session. G. R. Jones Secty Elijah Hedding. The membership of the Ohio Conference for 1826 was reported as follows: Miami District. Whites Col Cincinnati .... ... 901 70 Miami . 942 Oxford. ... 804 White Oak .... ... 1,220 1 Milford . .. 1,215 Union . , .. 1,275 17 Piqua . . . 1,009 Greenville . .. 373 Mad River .... , .. 1,268 14 Belle Fontaine .. 457 9,464 102 Scioto District. Whites Col. Str aight Creek .. 701 1 Bush Creek .... 887 2 Scioto . 980 Chilicothe . 361 3 Deer Creek . 985 5 Paint Creek. 708 Pickaway . 861 1 Wilmington . 749 2 London .. ..800 7,032 14 200 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Lancaster District. Detroit District. Whites Col. Whites Col Athens . .. 740 Detroit City ... 70 Marietta . .. 501 Detroit cir. . 290 Muskingum ... . . 824 1 Fort Defiance ... 25 Zanesville sta. .. 172 2 Wyandot mis. .. . 250 Zanesville cir. .. 807 Granville . .. 400 2 635 Columbus . .. 1,120 Fairfield . .. 1,057 2 Kenhawa District. Hockhocking .. .. 390 Salt Creek . . 447 Burlington . . 345 6,011 7 Guyandotte . . 373 Logan . . 248 13 Portland District Big Kenhawa .. . 265 Delaware . .. 475 Charlestown .... . 187 42 Knox . .. 700 Nicholas . . 204 Mansfield. .. 895 3 Letart Falls ... . 620 4 Wayne . .. 800 Huron . .. 375 4 2,589 59 Black River ... .. 225 6 Brunswick .... .. 502 Whites Col. Sandusky . .. 150 Members in So- ciety this year 30,488 195 4,122 13 last year 28,505 192 Increase this year 1,983 3 Appointments for 1S26. Miami Dist. John Collins, P. Elder. Martin Ruter, book agent, Cincinnati. Augusta College, John P. Durbin, professor of languages. Cincinnati, Truman Bishop, Geo. Gatch. Miami, Andrew S. M’Lean, Alfred M. Lorain. Oxford, John C. Brook, Isaac C. Hunter. White Oak, Greenbury R. Jones, Levi White, elect. Milford, Arthur W. Elliott, Elijah H. Field. Union, William H. Raper, George W. Maley, George W. Walker. Piqua, John Sale, William B. Christie. Greenville, Amos Sparks. Mad River, John F. Wright, Augustus Eddy. Belle Fontaine, Thomas Beacham. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 291 Scioto Dist. Russel Bigelow, P. Elder. Straight Creek, Andrew F. Baxter. Bush Creek, Wesley Browning, Absalom D. Fox. Scioto, Francis Wilson, Adam Sellers. Chilicothe, William Simmons. Deer Creek, John Stewart, John Ferree. Paint Creek, Burroughs Westlake. Pickaway, Jacob Delay, Wm. Reynolds. Wilmington, John P. Taylor. London, Samuel P. Shaw, John W. Clarke. Lancaster Dist. David Young, P. Elder. Athens, Henry S. Fernandes, Robert O. Spencer. Mariette, Leroy Swormstedt. Muskingum, Jacob Hooper. Zanesville station, Joseph Carper. Zanesville circuit, Cornelius Springer, James Callahan. Granville, Curtis Goddard. Columbus, Sam’l Hamilton, Jacob Young. Fairfield, James Quin, James Laws. Hockhocking, Daniel D. Davison. Portland Dist. James M’Mahon, P. Elder. Delaware, Abner Goff. Knox, Jacob Dixon, John C. Havens. Mansfield, James M’Intyre, Benjamin Cooper. Wayne, Jas. C. Taylor, Cyrus Carpenter. Huron, Shadrach Ruark. Black River, Henry O. Sheldon. Brunswick, Solomon Maneer, Adam Poe. Sandusky, Arza Brown. Wyandot mission, James B. Finley, Jas. Gilruth. Detroit Dist. Zarah Coston, P. Elder. Detroit city, Zarah Coston. Detroit circuit, John Janes. Monroe, John A. Baughman. Fort Defiance, mission, Elias Pattee. St. Clair mission, James T. Donahoo. Kenhawa Dist. Zachariah Connell, P. Elder. Salt Creek, Richard Brandriff. 292 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Burlington, John Ulen. Guyandotte, John W. Gilbert. Logan, David Whitcomb. Big Kenhawa, Philip Strawther. Charlestown, John F. Power. Nicholas, to be supplied. Letart Falls, John W. Kinney, Stephen Rathbone. John Crawford, transferred to the Pittsburg Conference. Benjamin Lawrence, no appointment this year. William J. Thompson, sup., at his own request, on account of family affliction, has no appointment this year. BIBLIOGRAPHY Manuscript Material Journals of the Ohio Conference 1812-1826. This manuscript volume contains 282 pages. The first ninety-seven pages is given over to the Journals of the old Western Conference, the remainder of the volume contains the Journals of the Ohio Conference for the first fifteen years of its history. The volume is in an ex¬ cellent state of preservation and the Journals legible. The James B. Finley letters. In the Library of Ohio Wesleyan University are a number of letters written by James B. Finley, covering the period from about 1815 to 1824. In this collection are several letters to Finley. These letters have been useful in throwing light on several incidents relating to the Indian Mission. Miscellaneous letters and papers. Besides the Finley letters there are a number of other letters and papers in the Ohio Wes¬ leyan Library. Up to the present time this material has not been catalogued. Books Asbury, Francis. Journal, 3 volumes. Bangs, Nathan. An Authentic History of the Missions Under the Care of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. New York, 1832. Barker, John Marshall. History of Ohio Methodism. Cincinnati and New York, 1898. ' Brunson, Rev. Alfred. A Western Pioneer or Incidents of the Life and Times of Alfred Brunson. 2 vols, Cincinnati and New York, 1872. Buck, Solon Justus. Illinois in 1818. Springfield, 1917. Burnet, Jacob. Notes of the Early Settlement of the North- Western Territory. Cincinnati, 1874. Channing, Edward. History of the United States, Vol. Y. New York, 1921. Elliott, Charles. The Life of Bishop Robert R. Roberts. Cin¬ cinnati, 1844. Emory, Rev. John. The Life of, by his eldest son (Robert Emory). New York, 1841. Emory, Robert. History of the Discipline of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church. New York, 1844. 293 294 CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Esarey, Logan. A History of Indiana from Its Exploration to 1850. Indianapolis, 1915. Finley, Rev. James B. Finley. History of the Wyandot Mission at Upper Sandusky, Ohio, Under the Direction of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Cincinnati, 1840. Finley, James B. Life Among the Indians. Cincinnati and New York. Finley, James B. Autobiography of, edited by W. P. Strick¬ land. Cincinnati, 1857. Gaddis, Rev. Maxwell Pierson. Footprints of an Itinerant. Cin¬ cinnati and Chicago, 1874. Gaddis, Maxwell Pierson. Brief Recollections of the late Rev. George W. Walker. Cincinnati, 1857. General Conferences, 1792 to 1896. Cincinnati and New York, 1900. Gilmore, Col. William Edward. Life of Edward Tiffin, First Gov¬ ernor of Ohio. Chillicothe, Ohio, 1897. ; Henkle, M. M. The Life of Henry Bidleman Bascom. Louis¬ ville, 1854. Hinsdale, B. A. The Old Northwest. New York, 1888. Holliday, F. C. Indiana Methodism. Cincinnati, 1873. Holliday, F. C. Life and Times of Allen Wiley. 2 Yols. Cin¬ cinnati, 1853. Hester, M. M. A Brief History and Ministerial Record of Meth¬ odism on the Firelands in Huron and Erie Counties in the State of Ohio, 1811-1906. Norwalk, Ohio. Howe, Henry. Historical Collections of Ohio; An Encyclopedia of the State, Etc. 2 Vols. Cincinnati, 1904. Hurst, John F. History of Methodism. 7 Vols. New York, 1904. King, I. F. Introduction of Methodism in Ohio. In the Ohio Archaeological and Historical Society Publications, Vol. X, pp. 165-219. Columbus, 1902. King, Rufus. Ohio. Boston and New York, 1903. Love, N. B. C. John Stewart (Pamphlet). Magazine, The Methodist, Vols. I-IX. New York, 1818-1826. Minutes of the Annual Conferences of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Vol. I. 1773-1828. New York, 1850. Marlay, John F. The Life of Rev. Thomas A. Morris. Cincin¬ nati and New York, 1875. Mathews, Alfred. Ohio and Her Western Reserve. New York, 1902. Mathews, Lois Kimball. The Expansion of New England. Bos¬ ton and New York, 1909. JOURNAL OF THE OHIO CONFERENCE 295 McMaster, John Bach. A History of the People of the United States. VIII Vols. New York, 1903. Michigan Historical Collections, Vols. II and III. Lansing, Michigan. Mitchell, Joseph (publisher). The Missionary Pioneer, or a Brief Memoir of the Life, Labours and Death of John Stewart, (Man of Colour) Founder Under God of the Mission Among the Wyandotts at Upper Sandusky, Ohio. New York, 1827. Paine, Robert. Life and Times of William McKendree. Nash¬ ville, Tennessee, 1869. Redford, Albion H. History of Methodism in Kentucky . Nash¬ ville, Tennessee, 1868. Reid, J. M. Missions and Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Revised and Extended by J. T. Gracey. 3 Vols. New York and Cincinnati, 1895. Roche, John A. The Life of John Price Durbin. New York and Cincinnati, 1890. Roosevelt, Theodore. The Winning of the West. 4 Vols. New York, 1910. Schoolcraft, Henry R. The American Indians, Etc. Buffalo, 1851. Sherman, David. History of the Revisio?i of the Discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church. New York and Cincinnati, 1890. Smith, Rev. H. Recollections of, (Contains a series of letters originally published in the Christian Advocate and Journal and the Western Christian Advocate). New York, 1848. Smith, Ernest Ashton. Martin Ruter. New York and Cincinnati, 1915. Stevens, Abel. A Compendious History of American Methodism. New York, 1868. Stevenson, Richard T. One Hundred Years of Methodism in Ohio. Cincinnati, 1898. Stewart, Rev. John. Highways and Hedges, or Fifty Years of Western Methodism. Cincinnati and New York, 1870. Strickland, W. P. Histo?-y of the Missions of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church from the Organization of the Missioyiary Society to the Present Time. Cincinnati, 1850. Sweet, William Warren. Circuit Rider Days in IndAana. In¬ dianapolis, 1916. Sweet, William Warren. Rise of Methodism in the West. Nash¬ ville and New York, 1920. Tipple, Ezra S. Francis Asbury, the Prophet of the Long Road. New York, 1916. 29G CIRCUIT-RIDER DAYS ALONG THE OHIO Treaties between the United States of America and the several Indian tribes from 1778 to 1837. Compiled and printed by the direction and under the supervision of the commissioner of Indian affairs. Washington, 1837. Turner, Frederick Jackson. The Frontier in American History. New York, 1920. Whitlock, E. D., N. B. C. Love, Elwood O. Crist (Historians). History of the Central Ohio Conference of the Methodist Epis¬ copal Church, 1856-1913. Cincinnati. Wiley, Allen. Introduction and Progress of Methodism in South¬ east Indiana. (A series of thirty-seven articles in the Western Christian Advocate, 1845-1846.) Williams, Samuel W. Pictures of Early Methodism in Ohio. Cincinnati and New York, 1909, Wright, John F. Sketches of the Life and Labors of James Quinn. Cincinnati, 1851. Young, Jacob. Autobiography of a Pioneer. Cincinnati, 1857. INDEX A Alabama, 19 Alleghanies, 11, 13, 14 Asbury, Francis, 26, 28, 32-35, 39-40, 41, 70 Augusta College, 59-61, 230, 270 (See Education) B Baptists, 15 Bascom, Henry B., 38-39, 54, 62 Biglow, Russell, 62, 68, 94 Boone, Daniel, 16 Bond, John, 39-40 Brunson, Alfred, 31-32, 54, 245 Bryce, James, 11, 15 Buildings, Church, 56 Burke, William, 45', 53-54 C Cahokia, 17, 18 Calvinism, 46 Camp-Meetings, 35, 181 Carolinas, 13, 19, 23 Catholics, 64 Census, (1790) 19, 20; (1800) 22; (1810) 23; (1820) 26 Charges against preachers, 154, 217, 231, 232, 250-251, 255, 268, 279, 282, 283, 286 Children of preachers, 124 Chillicothe, 22, 52, 55, 69. Chippewa Indians, 84-85 Cincinnati, 19, 22, 52, 67 Circuits, Size of, 39, 51-52 Clark, George Rogers, 18, 23 Collins, John, 55, 61 Columbus, Ohio, 53. Congregational Church, 22 Connecticut, 21, 23, 25 Cumberland valley, 14, 20 D Delaware Indians, 65, 81 Detroit, 17 Methodism in, 58-59 River, 63 Durbin, John P., 62 E Education, 59-61, 206-207, 211 Elliott, Charles, 62 Fallen Timbers, Battle of, 22 Finley, James B., 30, 34, 37, 46 62, 68, 73-81, 83-93 Franklin, Benjamin, 12 French Posts, 17, 18 G General Conference (1816) 40; (1824) 86-87 George, Bishop Enoch, 46 Georgia, 20, 21 H Head, Jesse, 114 Hedding, Bishop Elijah, 53 High prices, 29-31 Hurons, 63-64 I Immigration, 13, 23, 24 297 298 INDEX Illinois, 23, 26 District, 27 Indiana, 23, 25, 26-27 Indians, 16, 17, 18, 22 Chiefs, 64, 66, 69, 84 Missions, 233 (See Wyandot Mission) School, 73 J Jackson, Andrew, 20 Jefferson, Thomas, 23-24 Jesuits, 64 K Kanawha River, 20, 28 Kaskaskia, 17, 18 Kentucky, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27 L Lebanon (Ohio), 52, 72 Louisville (Ky.), 46 M Maine, 25 Marietta, 21, 53, 64-65 Maryland, 19, 23 Massachusetts, 21, 23, 24 Masonic Order, 48-50, 143, 158- 159 McKendree, Bishop William, 32, 35, 36, 39-41, 46, 53, 69, 79-84 Membership, (1812) 34; (1818- 1819) 56; Effect of War of 1812 on, 41- 42 Methodist Book Concern, 43- 46, 106-107 (note), 164, 223 Methodist Magazine, 36-57, 168, 188 Miami District, 27 River, 28 Michigan Territory, 23, 28 Missions, 233 (See Wyandot Mission) Missionary Societies, 70-71, 83, 87, 90 Mississippi District, 27, River, 17, 18 Missouri, 26 Money mania, 37-38 Morris, Thomas A, 62 Muskingum District, 27, River, 21, 22, 24, 28 N Nashville, 20 Natchez, 20 New England, 13, 15, 48 New Hampshire, 21, 22 New Jersey, 23 New York, 23, 24, 26 North Carolina, 16, 17 Northwest Territory, 23 O Ohio, 24, 63 Company, 21 Conference, (1812) 28, 32-35; 99-111; (1813) 36, 112-120; (1814) 36-37, 121-129; (1815) 39-40, 130-139; (1816) 46, 140-150; (1817) 50-51, 151-161; (1818) 52, 162-171; (1819) 52, 67, 172- 184; (1820) 52, 69, 185-196; (1821) 52, 72, 197-214; (1822) 53, 215-226; (1823) 53, 84-86, 227-240; (1824) 53, 88-89, 241-260; (1825) 53, 90, 261-273; (1826) 53, 274-292 District, 30 Territory, 23 INDEX 209 Ohio River, 11, 12, 18, 19, 21, 23, 26 Ohio University, 22 Ordinance 1787, 21 P Paris, Treaty of, 11, 12 Pennsylvania, 13, 14, 19, 23, 24 Pittsburgh, 19 Pointer, Jonathan, 65-66 Population., (1780) 19-20; (1800) 22; (1810) 23; (1820) 26 Presbyterians, 14, 15, 17, 46- 47, 48, 55 Presiding Elder question, 57- 58, 203-204 Q Quakers, Irish, 15' Quinn, James, 61 R Reserve, Western, 22, 23, 31 Methodism in, 47-48 Revivals (1818-1819), 55 Revolution, American, 13, 18, 20, 63 Rhode Island, 21, 23 Roberts, Bishop Robert R., 41, 46, 53, 84 Roosevelt, Theodore, 13 Ruter, Martin, 45-46 S Sale, John, 36, 61 Scioto, 28 Scotch-Irish, 13, 14, 15, 17 Slavery, 108-109 Soule, Bishop, 53 Steubenville, 36, 37, 52 Stewart, John, 64-67, 68, 69, 177 Strange, John, 62 T Tennessee, 16, 21, 23 Conference, 27 Population, 20 River, 17 Turner, F. J., 11, 15 U. Universalism, 46 Upper Sandusky (Ohio), 65, 66, 72, 94 Urbana (Ohio), 53 V Vincennes, 17, 18 Virginia, 13, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23, 26, 28 W War, French and Indian, 14 War of 1812, 24, 28-32 Ward, James, 61 Washington, George, 16 Wautauga, 16 Wayne, General Anthony, 22 Western Conference, 27 Districts of (1811), 31 Western Reserve, 22, 23, 31 Methodism in 47-48 Wheeling, 20 Whitfield, George, 12 Wiley, Allen, 62 Wyandot Mission, 63-95, 176, 177, 192, 193, 204-205, 207-208, 218, 234, 245, 247, 248, 270, 286-287 Y Young, David, 61 Young, Jacob, 30, 41, 45, 61 Z Zanesville, (Ohio), 30, 53, 68 Date Due MY 18 ’54 C ft 5 if f ii'i 1 iiiiTTrfrrrf i f ♦