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EARLY REMINISCENCES 
 
 Pioneer Life in Kansas, 
 
 REV. JAMES SHAW 
 
 INTRODUCTION BY 
 
 REV. A. H. TEVIS, M. D., I). D. 
 
6?l 
 
 PKliSS OF 
 
 Haskell Printing Company 
 
 iS86. i 
 
 
TO 
 
 MY BRETHREN OF THE 
 
 KANSAS MINISTRY, 
 
 WHO HAVE BORNE THE BURDENS WITH 
 
 ME, OF EARLY YEARS, AND ARE NOW 
 
 WAITING THEIR TRANSFERS TO THE FIELDS OF 
 
 HEAVEN ; AND, TO THE YOUNGER MEN IN THE RANKS 
 
 OF OUR OWN CONFERENCE, WHO HAVE 
 
 TAKEN OUR PLACES, AND ARE PUSHING ON 
 
 THE VICTORIES OF THE CROSS, THEIR 
 
 FACES MADE RADIANT IN THE LIGHT WHICH BEAMS 
 
 FROM THE THRONE OF GOD ; AND TO 
 
 THE MEMORY OF THE GOOD AND TRUE, WHO 
 
 OFTEN SHELTERED AND FED ME AND 
 
 MINE, IN THE LONG AGO, THIS 
 
 VOLUME OF REMINISCENCES 
 
 IS AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED 
 BY THE AUTHOR. 
 
PREFACE. 
 
 I am urged to publish this volume of Rem- 
 iniscences by many iriends, whose love I ap- 
 preciate, and \^hose opinions I greatly respect. 
 One half of the proceeds from the sale of this 
 volume, after meeting the expense of publication, 
 shall go to the Preachers' Aid Society of the 
 Kansas Conference. Therefore, I hope the 
 members of my Conference will take an interest 
 in the financial success of its publication, and 
 thereby help a noble society in extending aid to 
 an increasing number of most lionorable, yet, 
 often, very needy ministers and their families. 
 
The publication of these Reminiscences has 
 been long delayed tor two special reasons: want 
 of confidence by tlie author, in his ability to 
 write an interesting work, and the want of means 
 to defray the expenses. I do hope for the co- 
 operation of my brethren in its sale. 
 
 There will be found, no doubt, many defects, 
 for which I ask great forbearance. I have not 
 aimed to write a history, but a reminiscence — or 
 a memory of the past. 
 
 Many persons, to whom alhision is made, have 
 long since been dead. I liave not always so 
 stated the fact in these pages, how-ever, for the 
 reason that these chaptei's were first prepared for 
 Ministerial Associations, etc., and now I am too 
 infirm to revise, and make them as correct as I 
 wish they were. J. S. 
 
 Atchison, Kansas, December, 1886. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 CHAPTER PAGE 
 
 I Lake Superior District, - - - 17 
 
 II From 1856 to 1858, 34 
 
 III Second Year in Kansas, - - - - 49 
 
 IV Omaha Conference, . . . . 73 
 V Leavenworth Conference, •- - - 88 
 
 VI Atchison Conference, - - - - 105 
 
 VII Rugged Experiences, . . . . nc 
 
 VIII Wyandotte Conference, - - - 133 
 
 IX Conference at Lawrence, - - - 147 
 
 X Leavenavorth Conference, - - 158 
 
 XI The Topeka Conference, - - - 179 
 
 XII Baldwin City Conference, - - 194 
 
 XIII Manhattan Conference, - - - 207 
 
 XIV Changes, - - 221 
 
 XV Conclusion, . _ - . - . 229 
 
INTRODUCTION, 
 
 How little we, ot the present, know of the 
 heroism of pioneer days! The great improve- 
 ments of modern civilization — railroads, electric 
 telegraph, telephone, and daily mails — have 
 driven away forever, the frontier^ as the fathers, 
 in the itinerant ministry, so well understood it ; 
 it was no theorizing with them, but a hard, 
 trying, but, withal, a joyous experience. 
 
 The christian world gazes at the Methodist 
 organization, as an intelligent traveler, will stand 
 amidst the arches of the world's grandest temple 
 — its marble brought from the richest quarries 
 of foreign lands, and its adornments laid on by 
 masters of the highest arts — wrapped in admira- 
 tion of the scene, and yet, but little thinking, or 
 caring, of the toils, sacrifices, and sufferings of 
 
12 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 those who built the structure, which is the pride 
 of all 
 
 The laity, and the new ranks of the ministry, 
 have too little thought of the hardships of the 
 early pioneers, in laying the foundations ot our 
 church, which now reach around the world. It 
 is not too much, perhaps, to say, that they have 
 not been, and will not be, in time to come, suf- 
 ficiently appreciated. Their toils and sufferings 
 can never be properly told, by tongue or pen. 
 They contended against the ignorance and pre- 
 judice of early times ; they fought wild beasts, 
 and sometimes, wilder men, and stopped not at 
 floods, or winter's fiercest storms; they often 
 left their loved ones suffering and sick, at their 
 departure, and found them dead, on their re- 
 turn — all, that they might spread a ''Christianity 
 in earnest" over the world. We, of to-day, 
 build on the foundations which they laid, and 
 cultivate fields which they cleared. We need a 
 broader, deeper sympathy with the few lingering 
 heroes and heroines, who made the present 
 favorable condition of the church possible to us. 
 
 The pioneers were not a weak class of men, 
 whose power lay in a fanaticism, which impelled 
 them to work and suffer for a religious idea. 
 Many of them were masters of science, literature, 
 
INTRODUCTION. IS- 
 
 and theology. Their lessons were, often, not 
 learned in academic halls and universities, but 
 in the saddle. They studied Latin, and mastered 
 Greek, and became scholars, not with " ponies," 
 but on the horse, as they went from place to 
 place. 
 
 These men were not unfeeling, or unrefined ; 
 none loved home, its society and comforts more 
 than they. Sad wives and weeping children, as 
 they bid them "good bye," and watched them 
 pass out of sight, as they started on their long, 
 and, often, dangerous journeys, sent a pain to 
 their hearts, which none could feel more sensibly. 
 The}^ did not unfeelingly abandon home, and 
 loved ones^ but committing them to Him who- 
 cares for all, yielded to an impelling force com- 
 ing out of the divine words "GO, preacli my 
 
 This volume of Reminiscences is another 
 light which opens up to us the past. The 
 general outline of the history of the last quarter 
 of a century, we, of mature years, of course, 
 know. But how much of the minutia, connected 
 with establishing the Methodist Episcopal Church 
 in Kansas, and the early political history of the 
 State, we never knew, or else have forgotten ! 
 Much of it is brought before us here. And it is 
 
14 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 hard to realize that this, now, wonderful State, 
 so filled with churches, and earnest church 
 people, is the same that is described in this 
 volume of Reminiscences of twentj-live years 
 ago. 
 
 Father Shaw, tlie author of these Reminis- 
 cences, was a very untiring worker in planting 
 Methodism in Kansas. He has known all its 
 history, and been deeply interested in all its 
 movements. Although now feeble by the 
 " burden ot years," he is in perfect sympathy 
 with all the work of the church, and concerned 
 in the wonderful growth of the State. Many 
 ministers, after giving their lives to the work of 
 the church, sit down into inactivity and uncon- 
 cern. And if any one has a right to do so, that 
 right belongs to Rev. James Shaw. But he does 
 not so act^ While he, because of his age and 
 bad health, rarely preaches, he remembers God's 
 work in other ways. His means are limited, 
 yet his donations to the various enterprises of 
 the church are large. 
 
 His book should, and w^ill have, a large sale. 
 
 A. H. Tevis. 
 
 Atchison, Kansas, December 24, 1886. 
 
REMINISCENSES 
 
 oi^ 
 
 Pioneer Life. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 
 
 Tlie hardest field of labor during my ministry 
 was the Lake Superior District. It embraced 
 the whole of the upper peninsula of Michigan, 
 to which I was appointed in 1852. The work 
 was composed of two large Indian Missions, the 
 Sault Ste. Marie's, near the Rapids, and the 
 Ke wa-we-non baj^ with all the iron and copper 
 mines scattered along the shore for a hundred 
 miles, and back from the shore some forty or 
 fifty miles in the dense forest. This district had 
 to be traveled in the winter, on snow shoes, and 
 in the summer by steamboats, and other small 
 
18 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 craft or canoes, and on foot troni one point to 
 another, from ten to thirty miles distance, 
 through a dense evergreen forest, tilled with 
 mosquitoes, *'many ot which would weigh a 
 pound." They would "light on the trees and 
 bark '' as we passed along. 
 
 At this time the Indian Missions required 
 more attention than ever before, especially the 
 Sault Ste, Marie. The whites were rapidly settling 
 the country. Quite a village was being built at 
 the Kapids. Traders were coming in, and they 
 were wevy anxious to secure the trade ot the 
 Indians in order to secure their furs, to obtain 
 which, some of them would sell or give the 
 natives whisky, and then rob thefH of their 
 valuable merchandise. To accomplish their 
 object, they wotild get the Indians away from 
 the influence of the missionary by sending them 
 into the forest to hunt and trap ; and they had 
 so far succeeded as to lead my predecessor to 
 think it advisable to discontinue the mission at 
 the Sault, and toUowthem to their new camping 
 ground, about thirty miles up the bay. This 
 proved an unfavorable point. Game was not 
 sufliciently abundant for their support. The 
 water was so shallow that steamboats could not 
 come near them, and there was no inducement 
 
LAKE SrPEKIOR DI^^TRICT. 19 
 
 to labor, or desire civilization, consequently the}' 
 were compelled to be absent the greater part ot 
 the time in the forest hunting, trapping or fish- 
 ing, leaving the missionarv and interpreter witli 
 out a congregation to preach to, or children 
 enough for a school. 
 
 At my first quarterly meeting I liad bat a 
 mere handful of women and children to preach 
 to. I soon found one of the chiefs, and in con- 
 sultation with liim I learned that about halfway 
 between this point and the Sault, on the livei', 
 deep water came so near the shore that bv build- 
 ing a dock steamboats could stop and take wood, 
 which the Indians could chop, and after the 
 wood was taken off of the land it could be culti- 
 vated for their support. 
 
 After consulting with the chiefs and leading 
 men of the band, and their having agreed to 
 move to this point, providing we could pui-chase 
 •the land, and after counseling with the mission- 
 ary on the Canada side, brother McDougal, we 
 purchased the desired land. We took up every 
 fractional section that bordered on the river from 
 Wayskeys Bay to Iriquois point, about six miles, 
 bringing us to the lower end of the Ye-quam-a- 
 naw Bay. Back ot this purchase was a large 
 bodv of excellent farmino- land, covered with a 
 
20 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 heavy growth of sugar maple, birch, pine, and 
 hemlock timber. On this purchase we resolved 
 to establish the Mission. This involved the 
 building of a new mission house, several 
 Indian houses, and a dock ; also the chopping 
 and hauling of several hundred cords of wood ta 
 the dock to supply steamboats during the sum- 
 mer. The superintendence of all this work, in 
 addition to the work of this District, so overtaxed 
 my strength that at the close of the third year I 
 went to conference with the purpose of asking a 
 division ot the work ; and the appointment of a 
 Presiding Elder for the mining district, and a 
 superintendent to the Indian Missions. 
 
 At the conference, at the first meeting with 
 the Bishop, to economize men and money, he 
 proposed to attach all the Indian missions in the 
 lower Peninsula (some two or three,) to the Lake 
 Superior District, and to make the Presiding 
 Elder superintendent of the whole, and also mis- 
 sionary to the Sault Ste. Marie's Mission. To- 
 this plan, all the Presiding Elders positively 
 objected ; but the Bishop was sure his plan waa 
 right, and no argument could move him. I said 
 to him, " then, of course, you will appoint a 
 new Presiding Elder; I cannot do the work.'^ 
 The next morning the conference passed a reso- 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 21 
 
 lution requesting the general conference that 
 would meet the coming spring, that in dividing 
 the conference, the Indian Missions ot the lower 
 Peninsula, be retained in the Michigan Confer- 
 ence, and the Indian Missions of the upper 
 Peninsula belong to the Detroit Conference. 
 
 In fixing the appointments to the various 
 circuits, stations and missions, no missionary 
 was appointed to the Sault Ste. Marie Mission. 
 A school teacher and an interpreter were ap- 
 pointed. 
 
 My plan was to have the teacher do the 
 preaching. A single man was to be employed 
 as teacher. In naming the districts and the 
 presiding elders, when the Bishop came to the 
 Lake Superior District, he announced '-^ James 
 Shaw. Presiding Elder." I thought I had made 
 suitable explanation, and although I saw my 
 work double what it was before, and my physical 
 strength half what it had been, and the means 
 to work with greatly diminished, I resolved to 
 make no further objections, but shoulder the 
 burden, face the music, and come life or death, 
 trusting in God, do the best I could. But I said 
 to Dr. Durbin, the Missionary Secretary, after 
 the adjournment of conference, "when I turn 
 my face toward Lake Superior everything looks 
 
22 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 dark." He replied, '' brother Shaw, joii must 
 nerve yourself for the work." This I resolved 
 to do, and instead of stopping to brood over the 
 cost, to commence the ascent, however rough 
 and rugged the way. But difficulties arose 
 mountain high before me. First, the Govern- 
 ment had been giving $1,400 a year to the Sault 
 Mission, for educational purposes. The treaty 
 having expired, this fountain from which to 
 draw, had dried up, and there was no appropria- 
 tion to furnish supplies for the Indians, and keep 
 them at work at home, in supporting their fam- 
 ilies, consequently they would have to leave the 
 Mission and go into the forest to hunt and trap, 
 and the Mission be comparatively broken up. 
 This, w^e resolved, should not be, under our ad- 
 ministration. 
 
 Secondly, w^e were required to employ a 
 single man as teacher, with a single man's salary, 
 with which to board and meet other expenses. 
 The single man failed to come, and we had to 
 employ a member of the conference with a wife 
 and tw^o children, on a single man's salary, and 
 be responsible for his support. Truly, this was 
 being required to "make brick without either 
 clay or straw." To save a complete failure, and 
 the breaking up of the Mission, I had to pur- 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 23 
 
 chase, on mj own responsibility, a large bill of 
 supplies and run the risk of reimbursing myself 
 in the operation. 
 
 The previous year, a cyclone passed through 
 our village, and leveled our school house to the 
 ground, and took off the roof of every Indian 
 house in the village, leaving us without a place 
 for school or preaching, except as we took it 
 into the mission house. This we did until we 
 could build a church w^hich could serve for school 
 purposes. 
 
 As the Indians had abandoned the Mission 
 at the Little Rapids, two miles below the Sault 
 where buildings had been erected for educational 
 purposes, and improvements made on Govern- 
 ment lands, with Government appropriation, the 
 conference instructed me to sell what interests 
 we had in the farm, and appropriate the proceeds 
 to the benefit of the Sault Ste. Marie Mission. 
 Having an opportunity, I did so, and contracted 
 with a merchant to build a church at our Mission. 
 The church was up, but not finished, when I 
 ordered supplies for the w^inter. 
 
 I went directly from conference to the Mis- 
 sion, on reaching which I found things more 
 discouraging than I had anticipated. The man 
 who had bought the farm had failed to meet the 
 
24 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 obligation promptly ; the merchant to whom the 
 Mission was in debt, wanted his money ; and as 
 the purchaser of the farm had left for Detroit, it 
 was necessary for me to go there too, and settle 
 the matter if possible. It was late in the fall, 
 and the last boats for the season were up the 
 lake. If I went to Detroit I could not return 
 until spring. I concluded to take my family 
 with me, and leave them there for the balance 
 of the year. As ice had already formed along 
 the shore, and fearing the boats might pass in 
 the night, or fail to stop at oar dock, I concluded 
 to go to the Sault, where I could not fail to have 
 transportation, and leave tlie Mission in the 
 hands of the teacher and farmer for the winter. 
 We had a pleasant trip to Detroit, and spent the 
 winter in arranging for and settling up the affairs 
 for the Mission, and preparing for our early 
 return in the spring. We took the first boat for 
 the upper lakes, and after a somewhat rough 
 passage, landed safely at the Sault, and found 
 the Mission in good condition, by the supplies we 
 had forwarded. The Indians had been kept 
 Iiome and employed. The school was in a pros- 
 perous condition, and the church being built up 
 and established. Brother Holt, the missionary, 
 was succeding well, both as preacher and teacher. 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 25 
 
 Brother Curtis, who had charge of the dock and 
 .'Supplies, had carried tilings safel}^ through the 
 •winter, and all things seemed prosperous and 
 ^encouraging. After spending a few days at the 
 Mission, we proceeded to visit that part of our 
 •district on the Ke-wa we-noii Bay, and at the 
 •different mining points. 
 
 We took passage on a steamboat that was 
 agoing up the bay, to the mouth of the Portage 
 River, some twelve miles from the Mission. To 
 (reach this, we had to w^alk about twenty miles 
 on a very rough and crooked shore, or trust to 
 luck to get a passage on some small boat or 
 canoe. Fortunately, on reaching the mouth of 
 the Portage Kiver, we met a sail boat coming 
 ^own the river with six miners, bound for the 
 Catholic Mission, on the opposite side of the bay 
 from our Mission, where their families were 
 residing, while they were laboring in the mines. 
 We engaged passage. This was late in the 
 afternoon, the sun only about an hour high. We 
 -expected to reach the Mission early in the even- 
 ing, but as the sun went down the wind went 
 with it, and we were left not a mile on our jour- 
 ney, without a breath of wind to raise a ripple 
 •on the water. Here our difficulties commenced. 
 'The boat was the largest size of small boats, and 
 
26 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 they had no oars but the short oars for small 
 boats, and there were no row locks for the oars. 
 I soon discovered that the men knew nothing^ 
 about managing a boat and did not know what 
 to do. Fortunately they liad a rope on board 
 which I cut in pieces, and tied three on each- 
 side of the boat for row-locks, and set the six 
 men to rowing, while I seated myself in the 
 stern with an oar to guide. Thus rigged, we- 
 proceeded on our journey. The sun was now 
 down, but fortunately we had a good moon. 
 Our progress was very slow, as our oars were- 
 so small. It was like dipping the ocean with 
 a teaspoon. The trip was a liazardous one, as 
 the shore was rough and rock3\ A wind irom 
 the bay would have wrecked us on the rocks. 
 Our only hope was to press on as best we could,, 
 trusting in Providence. About midnight, all 
 appearances being favorable, we went ashore,, 
 built a fire, and alter warming ourselves, pro- 
 ceeded on our way. Just at dayliglit we reached 
 the Catholic Mission, and found them still asleep. 
 But we aroused them, and the priest soon had 
 us a good cup of coffee and a bountiful breakfast, 
 of which we paitook with a relish. We then 
 hired an Indian to take us across the bay to our 
 Mission. I found rlie Mission in a prosperous- 
 
LAKE SUPEKIOR DISTRICT. 2T 
 
 condition. We spent the Sabbath witli thera^ 
 and had lovefeast in the morning. At half past 
 ten o'clock we preached, and administered the 
 Lord's supper at the close. It was truly inter- 
 esting to worship with these dusky sons of the 
 forest. They were simple and frank in the love 
 feast, and attentive and interested during preach- 
 ing, solemn, yet joyful at the sacrament. AVe 
 trust the services were profitable. Learning that 
 some of the Indians were going to the Portage 
 Lake mines, in birch bark canoes, we engaged 
 passage with them. 
 
 The Missions raise, annually, large quantities- 
 of vegetables of various kinds, and the Indians 
 follow their example, not only for their own use, 
 but to sell to the miners. Here, too, in the 
 marshes, cranberries grow very abundantly in 
 their native state, and the hills and valleys in 
 many places are covered with whortleberries- 
 and blueberries. They grow on low bushes and 
 make the country look literally black. The red 
 raspberry grows so abundantly here that they 
 have become an article of commerce. On Sugar 
 Island, twelve miles below the Sault Ste. Marie, 
 one man has been engaged several seasons man- 
 ufacturing raspberry jam. Employing the steam- 
 boats to deliver him jars and sugar, and the 
 
28 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Indians to gather the berries, he has prepared 
 and sold from one to seven tons annually of this 
 delicious article. The Indians also make great 
 use of the berries during their season. White 
 fish and trout are very abundant in the lake and 
 in small streams v^hich empty therein, and they 
 are of the very best quality. God has wonder- 
 fully and bountifully provided, in every part of 
 the habitable earth, supplies for his dependent 
 creatures. 
 
 In one of the Indian canoes, made alone of 
 birch bark, we took passage to our next appoint- 
 ment. When we were about half way on our 
 trip, one of the canoes began to leak. The In- 
 dians at once proceeded to remedy the defect 
 very skillfully. They ran their canoes ashore, 
 and unloading the defective one, turned it over, 
 and finding the leak, with a gum prepared from 
 the balsam tree, they proceeded to stop it by 
 spreading the gum along and over the crack. 
 They melted this with a small torch, thus filling 
 the leak and causing it to adhere to the boat. 
 This soon hardened, making a complete repair. 
 Placing the canoe again in the water, they re- 
 loaded it and we proceeded on our journey, and 
 reached our destination without further trouble. 
 This was near the Portage Lake mines. They 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 2^ 
 
 are situated on Portage lake, about twelve miles- 
 Irom the mouth of the river of the same name. 
 The copper mines in this locality were then 
 considered very profitable, and employed a large 
 number of men. There we had a Mission for t he- 
 miners. Brother L. W. Earl was the preacher. 
 At the Houghton mines we had quite a respect- 
 able society of Cornish miners who, in their 
 religious exercises, would often speak ot how 
 they would do ''at 'ome." They were faithful, 
 and true to Methodism. 
 
 Our next appointment was at the Cliff mines,.. 
 three miles from the shore of Lake Superior. 
 To reach this, we had either to travel some 
 twelve miles in small boats, and then go over a 
 vast, mountainous wilderness about thirty or 
 forty miles on foot, following a dim trail, or else 
 cross the Portage to the lake shore, and then 
 down the shore to Eagle River. We chose the 
 former, and hired two Indians to take us up by 
 small boats to the head of Portage River, This 
 brought us within one mile of Lake Superior, 
 which we could reach by carrying our luggage 
 over a high elevation of land. Over this, the- 
 Indians in their travels would carry their birch 
 bark canoes and other luggage. The whole 
 route had to be made by rowing up stream andi 
 
■30 KEMINISCENSEiS. 
 
 through small lakes. After we. had made about 
 fifteen miles, the water became visibly less, the 
 lakes snialler and the river narrower, until it 
 w^as barely sutticient to permit our boat to pass. 
 We reached this point near night. Leaving our 
 Indians to return, we took our baggage in hand 
 and addressed ourselves to the task of crossing 
 the Portage. On reaching the lake shore, we 
 found a house and two German families living 
 here,* and not another house in twenty miles. I 
 engaged lodging with them for the night, and 
 employevi the men to take me, on the next day, 
 by boat to Eagle Kiver, some twenty-five miles. 
 They were very inquisitive as to who I was, and 
 what was my business. I told them that I was 
 a Missionary, ana was visiting the missions at 
 the different mines. 1 soon learned that they 
 were Catholics, but had not seen a priest for 
 several years. One of the women had a small 
 child, she was very much troubled about, because 
 «he had not been to confession, or had her child 
 baptized. She wanted to confess to me and have 
 me baptize her child. I told her 1 would baptize 
 her child, but could not receive confession from 
 her. She must confess to God and trust in 
 'Christ for pardon. This seemed to relieve her, 
 :and she was greatly comforted in having her 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT. 31 
 
 oliild baptized. The morning was pleasant, and 
 having a fair breeze, we hoped to reach Eagle 
 River before noon. But when we had got about 
 half way, the wind changed and came directly 
 from the lake, and we were obliged to put to 
 shore and wait tor the wind either to go down, 
 or change before we could proceed. We had 
 neglected to bring any provisions for the trip, 
 expecting to make it in halt a day. How long 
 we would be kept here we could not tell. .Hav- 
 ing come to the foot of the mountain, 1 resolved 
 to try to cross it, and leave my trunk with the 
 the men to bring, when the wind would permit. 
 
 When we reached Eagle River, we were 
 pretty well used up. When we had rested awhile 
 the men came up with our trunk and we pro- 
 ceeded to the mines, where We received a cordial 
 welcome by the Missionary and his family. On 
 examination we found each foot a solid blister, 
 and our strength pretty nearly exhausted, but 
 after suitable refreshments and resting a few 
 days, we w^ere so far recruited as to buckle on the 
 armor afresh and proceed on our journey. The 
 reader may ask, "Were you not discouraged ? " 
 Not a bit. The consciousness that I was in 
 the Master's work, and my suffering nothing, 
 compared with what He had suffered for me, 
 
32 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 more than reconciled me to my calling. We* 
 next had to visit Ontonagan, some forty miles 
 up the lake. This we did by steamboat. 
 
 Spending the Sabbath with them, we re- 
 turned to Copper Harbor, another station, and 
 then to Carp River. Back some twelve miles are- 
 the great iron mountains of this region. They 
 are reached by a railroad, on which the ore is- 
 brought to the siiore. Marquette is quite a- 
 pleasant village. They were building a church 
 there, and we spent the Sabbath with them. 
 Tliis completed our first round of visitation. 
 Our meetings were all seasons ot refreshment 
 and comfort. The charges were all prosperous 
 and encouraging ; the missionary and family in 
 good health and spirits, and prosecuting their 
 work vigorously and successfully. AVe now 
 proceeded to the Missicm at the Sault to spend a 
 few weeks with them. 
 
 This is a fair sample of the work to be done^ 
 and hardships to be endured on this district. 
 But the Lord mercifully sustained me, so that I 
 was able to get through the year. At the close 
 of my last round, I was so prostrated that it 
 was with difRculty that I could settle up the- 
 affairs of the Mission and *get things ready for 
 conference. This being done, I proceeded afe 
 
LAKE SUPERIOR DISTRICT 33 
 
 once to Detroit, where I was confined to my 
 room for several days. I went from a sick bed 
 to conference, which met this year at Adrian, 
 Mich. The bretliren of the conference greatly 
 sympathized with me in my position, and kindly 
 voted me a superannated relation. 
 
 At the close of the conference I returned to 
 Detroit to recuperate. Being freed from the re- 
 sponsibility and anxiety of the district, and 
 enjoying a season of rest in the society of friends, 
 my health soon began to improve, and in a short 
 time I had gained so much strength as to begin 
 to feel like buckling on the armor afresh and 
 going into the active service. The country had 
 been for some time greatly agitated on account 
 of the passing of the Kansas and Nebraska bill, 
 removing what was called the Missouri com- 
 promise. Kansas seemed to be the bone of 
 contention between freedom and slavery. 
 
 I was uncompromisingly opposed to slavery. 
 I held that the Missouri compromise was a fraud 
 and a disgrace to humanity, as well as contrary 
 to the laws of God, and the quicker it was an- 
 nihilated the better. And I claimed, also, that 
 policy pleaded for its removal ; that all we 
 wanted was an "open field and a fair fight" and 
 I feared not the result. God was on the side of 
 
34 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 freedom, and with him on our side, no matter 
 how strong, or how many were against us, we 
 had a decided majority. The excitement in 
 Kansas greatly interested me. I had been in 
 the General Conference of 1S4S, when it re- 
 pudiated the proposed plan ot dividing the great 
 Methodist Episcopal Church into North and 
 South. I was on the Committee on Boundaries 
 that recommended the organization of Kansas 
 and Nebraska into a conference, holding that 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church was. not confined 
 by lines, but that the "world was her parish," and 
 every open door invited her entrance. It seemed 
 to me that the door w^as opened wide to enter 
 Kansas, and being at liberty this year, 1 resolved 
 to visit that State and make a personal examin- 
 ation of matters and things. 
 
 CHAPTER 11. 
 
 FROM 1856 TO 1S58. 
 
 The Kansas and Nebraska Conference w^as 
 organized in Lawrence, October 23, 1856, by 
 Bishop Baker. Methodism in Kansas was not 
 inaugurated by general awakenings and conver- 
 
FROM 1856 TO 1858. 35 
 
 sions, but b}^ its members emigrating from dif- 
 ferent parts ot the country, and settling in dif- 
 ferent places, thus becoming the foundation ot 
 future church organizations. To these, as ever 
 lias been the economy of the church, missiona- 
 ries were sent, who, after the example of their 
 illustrious leader, and in the spirit ot their Di- 
 vine Mastei', encountered the hardships of a 
 new and sparsely settled country, braved the 
 ■dangers ot a border ruffian war, and with the 
 love of souls at heart, and the glory ot God in 
 view, went out, guided by the great Sheplierd, 
 to seek and gather up these destitute sheep. 
 Thus these settlers became the nucleus around 
 which their neighbors gathered. To them the 
 word of God was preached, and societies formed, 
 by which, in some instances, cliurches were 
 erected. In many places these have grown 
 to be large and inliuential bodies, sending forth 
 a saving, healthful iniiuence overall these lands. 
 Witii all these points a history is connected 
 wdiich cannot fail to interest and prodt all true 
 lovers of our church. 
 
 To these reminiscences I desire to call the 
 reader's attention in this volume. To this work 
 I direct my thoughts, not without some hesita- 
 tion ; not but that there is abundant material, 
 
36 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 but for lack of ability to make such selections as 
 shall be most interesting and profitable. 
 
 I must confine myself to such places and in- 
 cidents as come under my own observations. 
 First, Leavenworth. Here my acquaintance with 
 Kansas Methodism commenced, and under pe- 
 culiar circumstances. It was some time in 
 March, 1857, while the whole territory w^as con- 
 vulsed with excitement over the Lecompton 
 Constitution, and not long after the Free State 
 men of Leavenworth had been driven by the 
 border ruffian army on to the steamboats and 
 carried down the river. But they had returned 
 and again engaged in business; or, as one of 
 them remarked to me, " They had fought, bled, 
 and run away, and had come back to run some 
 other day." I reached Leavenworth almost 
 penniless, having had my watch, pocket-book^ 
 valuable papers, and all my money, except a few 
 shillings, stolen from m}^ state room in St. Louis. 
 But, having "put my hand to the plough," and 
 paid my passage, I resolved to press on, trusting 
 in Providence. 
 
 On n earing Leavenw^orth, I inquired of a 
 passenger on board, who lived in the city, for 
 some Methodist. He directed me to Joseph 
 Evans. When I landed on the shore, though 
 
FROM 1856 TO 1858. 37 
 
 about 12 o'clock at night, I directed my way to 
 his house, awoke him from his sleep, and told 
 him who I was. He invited me in, entertained 
 me for a few days, and loaned me money to 
 prosecute my journey. This was true Methodist, 
 Christian kindness. 
 
 I met here Wm. Butt, who was the preacher 
 for this place, Wyandotte and Quindaro. He 
 related to me some of the incidents of the pre- 
 vious year. When the border ruffian army 
 came into the city, he was at work in his stable. 
 Tw^o of them came to his stable to press his 
 horses, but he resisted, w^ith his pitchfork, and 
 drove them away ; but they came back with re- 
 inforcements, and took hishorses,but he^scaped-, 
 seeking refuge at the Fort. By his invitation, 
 I preached for him on Sunday. The society was 
 then small, and worshipped in a small box house, 
 located, I should think, about half way from 
 where the present market house stands, and the 
 river. The congregation was not large, but 
 respectable and attentive. 
 
 I here made the acquaintance of Brother and 
 Sister McCracken. Brother McC. was not then 
 a member of the church, but was a moral, 
 generous, and noble hearted man, whose house 
 was ever a home for the heralds of the cross. 
 
6b REMINISCENSES. 
 
 He was afterwards happily converted to Gody 
 joined the cliiirch, lived a consistent Christian 
 lite, and soon the Lord took him home to glory. 
 
 I was soon introduced to Sister Currier, who 
 was then a pious and devoted Christian. She 
 invited me to her house, and though her husband 
 was not a member of the church, he was friendly, 
 sympathetic and liberal. He always made the 
 people feel at home in his house. With gratitude, 
 I still remember how his words thrilled my 
 heart, when his wife introduced me, and with a 
 liearty shake of the hand he exclaimed, " Wel- 
 come to my house! " 
 
 Brother Evans still lives to bless the church; 
 and nobly has he borne her burdens, and become 
 almost a proverb of liberality and Christian 
 benevolence. I once heard a Presiding Elder 
 say, that Uncle Joe, as he was familiarly called, 
 had grown rich by giving to the church. May 
 he long live, with his hopeful spirit and cheerful 
 countenance, to shout on the hosts of Methodism 
 to victor}^ and glory. 
 
 A short time before this a company had laid 
 out a town and commenced to build up Atchison. 
 They had no preaching. A preacher (not a 
 Methodist) had once visited this town, and the 
 rabble caught him, put him on a raft, and sent 
 
FROM 1856 TO 1858. 39 
 
 him down the river. Six miles above Atchison, 
 a compaii}^ had laid out and commenced to build 
 the town of Doniphan. Here one ot our preach- 
 ers, A. L. Downey, in lieeing from the border 
 ruffians, took refuge with a colonel of their 
 army, and under his protection had preached 
 once or twice. 
 
 This colonel was a lawyer of good ability, 
 kind and noble hearted, but then engaged in a 
 bad cause. I made his acquaintance on my first 
 visit to Kansas, and found him intelligent, frank 
 and friendly, but somewhat intemperate ; but 
 when afterwards the truth of God reached Ins 
 heart, he vras too honest to deny its claims, and 
 with a broken and child-like spirit he sought and 
 found tlie "pearl of great price." He joined 
 the M. E. Church, and has since been a leading, 
 active, and useful member thereof in Troy. 
 
 Three miles above Doniphan, a Free State 
 Company had stuck their stakes for a town, and 
 called it Geary City. They were anxious for a 
 preacher who would build a school house, teach 
 their children, and preach for them, and offered 
 me an interest in their town if I would engage 
 with them. I was so favorably impressed with 
 Kansas as to resolve to make it my future home; 
 
40 reminiscp:nses. 
 
 so I made but a short stay, and returned to De- 
 troit iininediatel}^ for my familj. 
 
 I shall record here, to the glory of God, His 
 goodness in providing for my wants in my state 
 of destitution, so that I did not suffer in the least, 
 though I had been robbed ot my money 
 and valuables. lie raised me up friends in 
 time of need. Not only did Brother Evans 
 loan me money, but, on the boat going dc^wn the 
 river, a stranger, but a brother Methodist, learn- 
 ing my situation, before leaving the boat handed 
 me a five-dollar gold piece, saying, "You maj^ 
 want this before you get home ; if you can ever 
 return it, well; and if not, just as well." 
 
 I reached home in safet}" ; about the first of 
 April, 1857, I landed again in Leavenworth with 
 my family. I purchased a team and outfit, and 
 started for Geary City. We stayed the first 
 night with John Rust, lie is now a member of 
 the church, and his house is a home for tlie 
 preachers. The second day, which was Satur- 
 day, we camped about noon on Independence 
 Creek. A snow storm coming up, we found 
 shelter for the night, and over Sunday at the 
 house of Daniel Miller. By invitation, we tried to 
 preach on Sunday. His house was well filled, and 
 we trust that good was done. Some who listened 
 
FKOM 1856 TO 1S5S. 41 
 
 tto us tliatday seemed to be deeply interested for 
 itheir soul's salvation. I tried to enforce the 
 Kjuestion, "Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou 
 •me?" by showing our obligations to love Christ, 
 and the evidence we were to have, and give, of 
 that love. 
 
 At this meeting two young men vrere present, 
 irom Pennsylvania, who were living in a claim 
 shanty not far off — one a Methodist, and the 
 other a Baptist. Brother James Lun, the Meth- 
 =odist, soon after settled in Leavenworth, became 
 -a, leading official member of the church, and the 
 leading architect and builder ot the city ; but 
 his place in church and city is now occupied by 
 others, and he has found his home in heaven. 
 The other is still living in Atchison, and often 
 refers to that lirst meeting with seeming interest 
 .and pleasure. 
 
 Above Geary City several towns had been 
 commenced, viz.: Palermo, Wathena, Columbus 
 City, Iowa Point, White Cloud, Troy and High- 
 land. In all this territory, from Wyandotte to 
 White Cloud, we had, as I now recollect, about 
 three and a quarter Methodist preachers : Butt, 
 Bowman and Downey, with L. B. Dennis, as 
 Presiding Elder, once a quarter. 
 
 The second session of the Kansas and Ne- 
 
42 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 braska Conference was being held in Nebraska. 
 City, when I reached Kansas with my family, 
 which was about four weeks alter my iirst visit. 
 At this Conference the appointments were :. 
 Leavenworth District — William Butt. P. E.; 
 Leavenworth City, M. M. Haun; Wyandotte 
 and Quindaro, R P. Duvall; White Cloud, A. 
 L. Downey; and all between these points called, 
 I believe, Columbus Mission, B. F Bowman. 
 At Doniphan, a Brother Snow" had built a house,. 
 and was keeping boarders while I was after my 
 family. At his house I commenced preaching. 
 
 At Geary City, 1 built a tent and begun 
 preaching in a new hotel. Here, too. Brother 
 Bowman came and preached. His subject was, 
 " The office and agency of the Holy Spirit in 
 man's conversion, and the danger of grieving its 
 influence." This was the first sermon I had 
 heard in Kansas. Soon after this Brother Butt 
 wanted me to supply Atchison and Monrovia, 
 and I consented to do so. 
 
 Circumstances by this time had clianged con- 
 siderably. In Atchison, a Free State Company, 
 composed of Pumeroy, McBratney, Swift and 
 Adams, had bought an interest in the town^ 
 established a paper, and called for a preacher. 
 They offered Brother Butt a lot if he would 
 
FROM 1856 TO 1858. 43 
 
 move into town and build a house, which he 
 consented to do, and immediately gave out my 
 appointment for the next Sabbath. On Sunday 
 morning I preached the first Methodist sermon, 
 and perhaps the first sermon ever preached in 
 Atchison. We met in a little store building, 
 on the corner of Commercial and Third streets, 
 where the new hotel now stands. My first con- 
 gregation was composed of various materials, 
 some genteel in dress and appearance, with a 
 sprinkling of butter-nut and indifference; some 
 were in the house, and some outside. One speci- 
 men of Senator Ingalls's "Catfish Aristocracy," 
 with cadaverous looks and sunburnt face, leaning 
 over a stump near the house, when I was about 
 half-way through, exclaimed with an oath, ''He's 
 an abolitionist," and started for the river. 
 
 The next Saturday we started for Monrovia. 
 We reached a house where Lancaster now stands, 
 and after inquiring, 'started in the direction as 
 best we could, but, unfortunately taking the 
 wrong road, brought up at East Grasshopper. 
 After inquiring again, we tacked to the south, 
 and traveling till near sundown, found the place 
 where the town was to be. Seeing a house 
 across the creek, we drove up to it, and were 
 met by a small man with but one eye, who, after 
 
44 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 learning who we were, gave us a hearty welcome. 
 This was Mr. Snyder, a member of the Evangel- 
 ical Lutheran Church, a noble Christian, whose 
 heart and house were ever open to all true 
 Christians. 
 
 Under this hospitable roof we found shelter 
 for the night, and preached Sunday morning 
 under the shade of a tree on the banks of 
 Stranger Creek. Here we met Hon. S. Hippie, 
 who was then exploring to find a site for a steam 
 mill. J. H. Talbot, who has since been Register 
 of Deeds for Atchison County, and now a leading 
 land agent of the city, was present at that 
 meeting. Brother Snyder greatly deceives his 
 first appearance, for though not commanding in 
 size or appearance, he is a man of marked ability, 
 and has figured much in Kansas politics. His 
 voice has always been lifted in favor of purity, 
 and with scathing rebuke to all corruption. We 
 continued service here every other Sabbath dur- 
 ing the summer, but confined ourselves exclu- 
 sively to Atchison during the fall and winter. 
 
 A somewhat exciting scene occurred here. 
 
 It had been announced that General Lane would 
 
 lecture here on politics, at which some of the 
 
 rabble in town, headed by a burly blacksmith and 
 
 : some from the Missouri bottoms, resolved that 
 
FROM 1856 TO 1858. 45^ 
 
 he should not lecture. So they assembled with 
 various weapons to defend the honor of their 
 cause, but as Lane did not appear (except in 
 disguise), full of whisk}^ and boiling over with 
 rage, they seized Judge Adams, at whose invi- 
 tation Lane had come, and dragged him through 
 the streets, flourishing a butcher knife over his 
 head, while the rabble cried, " Kill him I kill 
 him!" The Judge's wife, hearing what was 
 going on, took a loaded revolver in her hand^ 
 and with true Spartan bravery, hastened to de- 
 fend her husband. The leader of the mob hear- 
 ing of this, exclaimed, "She will shoot," and 
 sloped out of sight, and the mob dispersed. 
 
 It is proper to state that the respectable 
 citizens, though many of them differing from 
 Lane in politics, did not countenance these pro- 
 ceedings. I was in town, and preached the next 
 day. Judge Adams was present, looking as 
 mild and serene as though nothing had happened. 
 During this summer, Brother O. F. Short, an 
 exhorter in our church, moved into town, pur- 
 chased the paper, and continued its publication.- 
 
 Sometime in January, 1858, we organized 
 the first class in the M. E. Church in Atchison, 
 only two of whom had been members of the 
 Methodist Church before; the rest were from other- 
 
46 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 churches, who joined for the sake of organiza- 
 tion, with the understanding that they would 
 
 join their respective churches when opportunity 
 should present itself. It has been the policy of 
 the preachers and the church, from the lirst, to 
 build churches and parsonages as soon as pos- 
 sible. If they could not build as large as they 
 wished, or with as good material as in the older 
 States, they would do the best they could in 
 humble style and of less costly material ; and 
 we think they acted wisely in so doing. Those 
 who have since come in have entered into their 
 labors, and reaped the fruits of others sowing. 
 
 This was true of Lawrence. Their first church 
 was of a very ordinary character ; but it was the 
 best they could do, and they had to send an 
 
 ^ agent abroad tor that, for I met their agent in 
 Detroit, Mich., and introduced him to our mem- 
 bers, and assisted him to make collections before 
 I ever thought of coming to Kansas. But they 
 succeeded, built their church, such as it was, 
 and it answered their purpose then. But their 
 strength has increased, and they now occupy a 
 
 much finer building. 
 
 So it was in Atchison. Our first society was 
 very small, witli but little Methodism in it. Our 
 first church was unfavorablv located, but it was 
 
FKOM 1856 TO 1858. 47 
 
 the best we could do. It was not large, but it 
 .answered our purpose then, and though the little 
 one has not literally become a thousand, the 
 society has become numerous and strong, and 
 the present building has taken the place of the 
 Urst, and the glory ot the latter house far exceeds 
 the glory of the former. 
 
 During the winter a subscription was circu- 
 lated to build the first church. Mr. McBratney 
 subscribed $500 ; Short, $500, and Pomeroy, 
 $500, on the consideration that it should be 
 located at a certain place — with several smaller 
 subscriptions, amounting in all to $2,000. In 
 this condition we left Atchison for Conference, 
 which was to meet in Topeka. 
 
 This was the third session of our Conference. 
 J3ishop Janes presided. There were many in- 
 'Cidents connected with the Conference. There 
 were present, L. B. Dennis, with his white head, 
 as active and sprightly as a boy ; there was W. 
 H. Goode, from Nebraska, with liis sage coun- 
 tenance and venerable address ; John M. Chiv- 
 ington, big enough and strong enough, in ap- 
 pearance, to grapple with a bear ; Father Still, 
 the oldest member of the Conference, yet full of 
 zeal and fire. Ira Blackford figured considerably 
 in the doings of the Conference. He has since 
 
48 kemiin'iscenses. 
 
 located, joined the Coiigregationalists, and the- 
 last we heard ot him he had left the country for 
 parts unknown. 
 
 Brother J. Dennison, modest, grave, and 
 dignified, was there to counsel and direct. Love- 
 joj, with his snap and bite, was there, but he 
 had his hands full with a Brother Campbell, who 
 had preferred charges against him. He has 
 since transferred east, moved back to Kansas, 
 located, and finally joined the Free Methodists, 
 where he has plenty of elbow room. At this- 
 Conference seven new members were added by 
 transfer, viz : N. Taylor, H. 11. Moore, G. W. 
 Paddock, C. Graham and James Shaw. 
 
 At the Conference much important business 
 was transacted. The plan for Baldwin City 
 and Baker University was adopted, and Brother 
 Butt was made its first agent ; N. Taylor 
 was appointed to the Ottumwa charge, and 
 L. B. Dennis to the Lawrence District; H. 
 Still to the Manhattan District ; James Shaw to* 
 the Leavenw^orth District. H. D. Fisher was- 
 transferred from the Pittsburg Conference and 
 stationed at Leavenw^orth. J. F. Collins was- 
 appointed to Atchison and Doniphan, and B. F. 
 Bowman to Oskaloosa. Brother Munhall went 
 to Columbus : C. Graham to White Cloud ; H. 
 
SECOND YEAK IN KANSAS. 49 
 
 L. DoAvney to Grasshopper Falls ; Lovejoj to 
 Sumner, and J. S. Griffin to Indianola. 
 This began my second year in Kansas. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 
 
 At the third session of the Kansas and Ne- 
 braska Conference, held at Topeka, April 15, 
 1858, Bishop Janes preached on the subject of 
 lioliness, and we trust with a salutary influence 
 on the minds and hearts of the preachers, who 
 went to their w^ork with renewed consecration to 
 God and tlie work of the ministry. For my- 
 self, I felt like girding on the armor afresh 
 and going forth with renewed vigor to battle 
 against evil, and gather new trophies to the cause 
 of the Master. And I was encouraged to this 
 when I looked around me and estimated the 
 noble band of laborers with whom I w^as as- 
 sociated. 
 
 At Leavenworth, though there had not been 
 any marked revival during the past year, there 
 had been a gradual increase ot wealth in the 
 church, partly by immigration, and partly by 
 those that had been gathered up and into the 
 
50 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 church from the city, so that the little box house 
 was found to be too small for them, and tliey 
 were obliged to rent a hall. Several prominent 
 members had moved in durino^ the year— Weaver, 
 Roberts, Landers, James, Lnn, Fairchild, and 
 others, whose names are gone from my memory; 
 but their countenances and kindnesses still re- 
 main. Many of these ai-e still in the city doing 
 p'ood work for the cause of Christ, while others 
 have finished up their work and gone to heaven. 
 
 At the commencement of this year the society 
 could hardly be said to be well organized, so 
 lately had they been brought together. Such 
 was their condition when Brother Fisher landed 
 among them that it is not to be wondered at that 
 for the moment he was discouraged, and his 
 hands hung down, and he literally wept, which 
 is not very hard for him to do. He had come 
 from an old and well settled country, a sweeping 
 revival of religion, fine churches, some just 
 finished; and when he looked over this valley, 
 he was ready to say, ''Can these dry bones live?" 
 But in the name of his Master he went to work, 
 the spirit breathed, and it was soon seen that 
 there was life among the bones. They came 
 together, they rallied around their preacher, gave 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 51 
 
 iiim a good Christian welcome, and all said we 
 must have a church. 
 
 Measures were at once set on foot to procure 
 a lot, and raise lunds for this purpose. So when 
 I met them, at their first quarterly meeting, botli 
 preacher and members were greatly encouraged, 
 and we had a refreshing season, and a new 
 impetus was given to the enterprise of churcli 
 building. Judicously they planned, vigorously 
 they prosecuted; the materials were gathered 
 together, the loundation was laid, the walls be- 
 gan to rise, and general prosperity seemed {<• 
 visit them. Business in the city was increasing ; 
 the border rutfian wave of persecution had spent 
 its force and rolled past ; the dark demon ot' pn;- 
 •slavery had lost its power and seenied asiiamed 
 to show its ugly face, but had sneaked across the 
 river, where only he dared to howl. The light, 
 vigor and prosperity of freedom was spreading 
 and leavening the whole city — the leaven of 
 righteousness was working in the entiie church, 
 and throughout the town. 
 
 This was the state of things when I visited 
 them tor their second quarterly meeting. [ 
 brought with me, on this occasion. Brother Jonas 
 Dodge. On our way we passed through Doni- 
 phan and Atchison. Night overtaking us about 
 
52 reminiscejvses. 
 
 nine miles from Leavenworth, we inquired for 
 Jacob Eiler. A man informed us that he lived 
 about one mile from there, right towards the 
 moon. The full moon was just rising. Following 
 his direction, we were soon at his door, and 
 tound a good Christian welcome. After an ex- 
 cellent supper, a pleasant evening chat, and a 
 heavenly communion around the family altar, 
 w^e retired to rest. 
 
 Brother Dodge w^as enthusiastically enrapt- 
 ured with Kansas, and this was one of Kansas'& 
 lovely autumn nights. The zephyrs were mildly 
 moving the tall corn at the back of the house; 
 the grass in front, and the honeysuckle that 
 climbed over the door were gently waving, and 
 all nature seenjed to wear a smiling face. After 
 lying in bed some time. Brother Dodge exclaimed, 
 ''I cannot sleep amid such heavenly influences ; 
 let me up and view beautiful Kansas by moon- 
 light! *' He got up, walked out of doors, gazed 
 around him, and so full was his heart with 
 rapture that language failed him to express his 
 admiration of the wonderful work of God. He 
 finally returned, and rested the remainder of the 
 night. 
 
 The next morning we drove into Leavenworth. 
 Here we met, for the first time. Prof, (now Dr.) 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 53 
 
 W. K Davis, from McKendree College, on his 
 first visit, through an invitation from the trustees 
 of Baker University, to take charge of that new 
 -enterprise. Thus we had a strong force for our 
 quarterly meeting, so that the Presiding Elder 
 had but little to do but to fill up the niches or 
 "chuck the wheels" of the gospel car as it was 
 moved by these three yokefellows. Recollection 
 still pleasingly lingers, but language fails to 
 ■describe the pleasure of that day — suffice it to 
 say, we had a feast of fat things. 
 
 In the atternoon we all attended the dedica- 
 tion of the German M. E. Church. It was a 
 time of great refreshing. All hearts seemed 
 glad. I recollect Brother Dodge expressed him- 
 self somewhat in the following language: "I 
 cannot conceive that God ever made Kansas for 
 men to live in. It is altogether ' too good; he 
 must have made it for angels, and we are only 
 permitted to sojourn among them f(;r awhile, 
 preparatory to our final dwelling place in heaven. ' ' 
 
 On Monday morning we held our quarterly 
 conference, and about noon Brother Dodge and 
 I started for Baldwin City, in a buggy, to attend 
 a camp meeting, and the meeting of the Board 
 of Trustees of Baker University. Brother Fisher 
 and Davis came with a Brother Johnson and 
 
54 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 family. Brotljer Johnson was now a lawyer; 
 he had been a Southern Methodist preacher, 
 but had cast in his lot with us. He took a lively 
 interest in Baker University, and tlie affairs of 
 the church in general. When the war broke 
 out he responded to the call of his country, 
 raised a regiment, and as colonel led it into the 
 field, where he fell at the head of his regiment, 
 leading on a charge. Poor Johnson, brave and 
 ^•allant, fell in defense of his country, beloved 
 and lamented by all the friends ot freedom who 
 knew^ him. 
 
 We reached Lawn-ence about dark, and being 
 strangers, we inquired for L. B. Dennis, and 
 learned that he lived about three miles in the 
 country. AVe drove on through the dark, until 
 we reached his house, and found him watching 
 over a sick wife; but he gave us a hearty welcome. 
 
 Next morning we started for Baldwin City, 
 but we had some perplexity in finding the way. 
 After becoming considerably fatigued, we passed 
 a farm house and a farnjer-like man. As we 
 approached him we said, ''Sir, can you tell us 
 where we are?" He at once straightened himself 
 up, and with much dignity said, " Yes, sir, you 
 are on the great plain rising from the Missouri 
 Kiver to the Rocky Mountains." This man 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 55 
 
 proved to be Father Barriclaw, a substantial 
 Methodist, and a firm friend and liberal siipj3orter 
 of Baker University. 
 
 This meeting of the trustees was a very im- 
 portant one, and some were scMnewhat disap- 
 pointed. We felt, on i-eaching here, that it was 
 at least fourteen miles out of place, and think so 
 yet; but it had been located here in considera- 
 tion of the proposition of the Palmyra Town 
 Association to give a military land "float," to 
 cover the section ot land which lay adjoining 
 their tow^n. Accordingly the trustees of the 
 Educational Association had commenced, and 
 nearly completed, the first stone building for the 
 Prifnary Department. But, up to this time^ 
 for some I'eason the Town Association had failed 
 to procure the ''float,'' so that we had no title 
 to the premises. But our agent informed us 
 that a few days before he had visited the man 
 holding the ''float," and obtained it by giving 
 his own private note for $2,000, which we would 
 have to raise. This took some of us aback. A 
 motion was made to appoint a committee to 
 receive propositions to remove the University to 
 some other place. The committee was appointed, 
 but after some of the friends of the measure had 
 
56 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 left, the matter was reconsidered and left where 
 it was before. 
 
 If tliis action did no other good it served to 
 w^ake up the Town Association to pledge tlieni- 
 selves to raise the money. AVliether they did 
 it. or whether those connected with the Uni- 
 versit3% and whose interest and reputation were 
 -connected with its prosperity, had to assist in 
 paying the debt, I do not know, but have heard 
 it hinted in that direction. Suffice it to say, the 
 debt was paid and the property secured. Prof, 
 (now Dr.) Davis was elected President, and the 
 University commenced a career of usetuhiess, 
 and continued to prosper under the most adverse 
 circumstances — war, famine and pestilence — and 
 is to-day worthy of the confidence of the entire 
 State, and the warmest sym])athy of every Meth- 
 odist heart. About the interest of the cauip- 
 meeting we can say notliing, for we know but 
 little, as we had to leave on Saturday. Put wo 
 left it in full blast. 
 
 The brethren at Leavenworth were pressing- 
 forward their enterprise in church building with 
 commendable vigor. Brother Fislier was sent 
 abroad to solicit aid during the winter, and met 
 witli some success. .i3rother Dodge supplied his 
 pulpit a part of the time, until a vacancy oc- 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 57 
 
 cnn-cd at Lawrence, wlien lie was employed as 
 their supply. There he labored for a time, with 
 bis accustomed abilit}^ and success, and was 
 winning glorious victories for Christ, when he 
 sickened and suddenly died, leaving the savor 
 of liis piety and virtue behind him, when he 
 went, doubtless, to dwell forever with angels 
 around the throne. 
 
 inuring the time Brother Fisher was abroad 
 soliciting aid, a circumstance occurred that had 
 liked to have proved detrimental to the interest 
 of the church. A "star" preacher appeared 
 among them, and proposed to supply their 
 pulpit. Many of the members were pleased with 
 him, and the official board thought it fortunate 
 tor them, and agreed to employ him, so tliat 
 when 1 reached the third quarterly meeting I 
 
 found it announced that the Rev. would 
 
 preach at 11 o'clock on Sunday. T sent a mes- 
 sage to him that I wished to see him at my 
 room. He came, and after a short introduction 
 and a few general remarks, I inquired of him 
 where he had formerly labored. 
 
 He said near Chicago, but said he, "I was 
 teaching school and preaching in the neighbor- 
 ^lorhood." 
 
58 REMIXISCE^SES. 
 
 I asked hifn. " Who was tlie preacher on the- 
 char^e?" 
 
 He replied, '' I don't know ; he did not conie- 
 into my neighborhood.*' 
 
 '^Who was the Presiding Elder ? " 
 
 •' Well," said he, "I cannot say ; T never- 
 saw him." 
 
 '' Have you a certiticate i " 
 
 *' No," said he, " I came oif in a hurry, and 
 did not get one." 
 
 •^ Well," said I, "have you your license? 
 You are doubtless aware that we must have some 
 evidence that you are a preacher." 
 
 '* No," said he, ''I put my license in one of 
 my books, and belore I lett I sold oif son)e of 
 my books and, by mistake, the one that had mj 
 license in, so that it went with the book." 
 
 ^'That certainly w^as a great misfortune," 
 said I, *'but as you are announced to ])reach 
 to-morrow, you will preach at 11 o'clock, and I 
 will occupy the evening," to which he readily 
 assented. 
 
 Accordingly, he preached on the subject of 
 Light ; and it was a splendid sermon, one that 
 would have done honor to a Bishop, and I had: 
 no doubt but that it had long before done- 
 lionor to sonie great man. I preached in the- 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 59^' 
 
 evening, and when the Quarterly Conference 
 came together, I laid before them the conversa- 
 tion I liad had with the man, and then said t<x 
 them that he could not occupy their pulpit with 
 m}^ consent. 
 
 They were already "in for'' his board, but it 
 was agreed that 1 should inform him that liis 
 services would not be needed, which I did, and 
 that was the last I ever heard of him. This 
 circumstance threw a damper on them for a 
 while, but Brother Fisher soon returned, and 
 matters brightened up again and moved on ])ros- 
 perously to the close of the year. 
 
 At Atchison, Brother I. F. Collins, with 
 good judgment, took up the work where 1 had 
 left it, and immediately commenced to build a 
 church. He was a genial gentleman, a good 
 preacher, and faithful pastor, whose praise is 
 still in the church and city, though he has gone 
 to his reward in heaven. May w^e all follow him 
 as he followed Christ, till we all meet above to 
 count our conflicts and victories over, and give 
 the glory to God and the Lamb forever. 
 
 Several members were added to the church 
 this year. Brother Samuel Gard, who came here 
 a young man and found employment as a clerk, 
 brought his letter, and at once identified himself 
 
'60 REMINISCEN8ES. 
 
 with the church, and soon won the confidence 
 of all who knew him. He was modest and 
 retiring in his appearance, but firm and active 
 in his religious character. After continuing in 
 liis capacity as a clerk for a few years, he, in 
 company with D. C. ^ewcomb, opened a dry 
 goods house, which rapidly grew to be one of 
 the leading houses in the cit}^ After a few 
 years of honorable and successful business, his 
 health failed, and in a few short weeks he died, 
 beloved and lamented by all who knew him. 
 Brother l^ewcomb still survives him, and con- 
 tinues the business, and well has he maintained 
 the reputation, they early gained, of Christian 
 liberality. And I have no doubt but that 
 Christianity in general, and the Methodist 
 Church in particular in Atchison, owes more to 
 these two 3'oung men than to any other single 
 human instrumentality, and clearly was it dem- 
 onstrated in them the truth of the wise man's 
 saying, "There is that giveth, and yet in- 
 creaseth.-' 
 
 Albert Burr joined the church this year and 
 was licensed to exhort. He afterwards became 
 a preacher, and was admitted on trial in the 
 Conference, and appointed to the Indianola cir- 
 cuit ; but before the vear closed he became dis- 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 61 
 
 couraged and left his work. Brother Burr's 
 religious charactei-, as far as I know, was good ; 
 his spirit truly catholic, and his ecclesiastical 
 cloak was rather of the accommodating kind. 
 I believe he has since preached for the Wesley- 
 ans in Canada, then again for the Methodists in 
 Michigan, then for the Cougregationalists in 
 Missouri,and the Southern Methodists in Kansas. 
 While he has thus been going ''in and out," it 
 is doubtful whether he has found much pasture.. 
 A single purpose judicouslj formed, tenaciously 
 adhered to, and vigorously prosecuted, will as- 
 suredly be attended with success and happiness, 
 while indecision is the fatal rock, on which many 
 otherwise good and talented men have been, 
 wrecked. 
 
 About this time a wealthy tirm moved into 
 Kansas and settled in and around Atchison, viz.r. 
 Butcher, Auld & Dean. Crookham also, with 
 an interesting young family, located here. He 
 was a master mechanic, and engaged in hi& 
 business. Thomas Butcher and J. 0. Auld 
 moved into the country. Auld and family at 
 once united with our church, and he was made 
 a steward, in which relation he has remained, 
 and been active nearly ever since. 
 
 Butcher and Auld have since both moved 
 
^-62 reminiscp:nses. 
 
 into x^tchison, and as tlieir families have grown 
 to maturity, tliej have all manifested an interest 
 in the church, and become members. Crook- 
 hanrs family have all been identified with the 
 church. Plow potent is parental intiuence and 
 example. The church buildini>- was safely pro- 
 gressing toward completion. 
 
 Sumner was laid out for a town three 
 miles below^ Atchison. It was then small, but 
 made big pretentions. It assumed very soon 
 to become the metropolis ot Kansas. It had 
 laid riiit its streets and avenues; had its 
 business houses and its hotels; its stores and 
 storehouses ; groceries and sak»ons. A very 
 good school had been commenced, and they had 
 splendid churches (on paper). A weekly paper 
 had also been established, tln'ough wliich thej 
 heralded abroad theii' mighty dimensions ; spoke 
 of themselves as already quite a town, having 
 two principal landings from the river, the one 
 at the foot of Main street, the other, their upper 
 landing, where a few houses had been built, 
 called Atchison ; all, however, would soon be 
 embraced within the city corporation. 
 
 A tew Methodists had been attracted to this 
 place, and settled in and around it. To such a 
 point the Bishop and his council thouglit thej 
 
SECOND YEAR IX KANSAS. 63 
 
 must send a strong, full grown luan. They 
 selected Brother Lovejoy, witli his Yankee look 
 and training-. The Town C()nj]>any gave him a 
 lot, and he built himself a house. In starting 
 tor the first quarterly meeting, my horses be- 
 came unmanageable and threw me from my 
 buggy, and so injured me that I could not reach 
 them. 
 
 At their second quartei-ly meeting, I found 
 Brother Lovejoy living in his own house. He 
 had gathered up the members and organized 
 theiri into a society. lie also took in Monrovia, 
 and a place eight miles from Leavenworth, called 
 the Miser neighborhood. Father Miser had 
 •been partially educated for a Baptist preacher, 
 but was then a substantial Methodist, and an 
 •excellent man. Also. Eiler's neighborhood, 
 nearer the river. Here Brother David Sprong, 
 -from Philadelphia, an old associate of Brother 
 James Linn, had settled. He was an educated 
 lawyer, but has since become a practical and 
 wealthy farmer. This charge also embraced 
 Xickapoo, and some other points on the river, 
 and promised then to become quite an important 
 Tvork. 
 
 But Sumner w^as short lived. The fates 
 seemed against them ; the blufts were too rugged 
 
64: 
 
 REMINISCE^N'SES. 
 
 and the location nnlavorable. S(jme excellent 
 members of our church had settled there. 
 Brother and Sister Newcomb, parents ot D. 0^ 
 Newcomb, had settled there, with their eastern 
 economy and enterprise, and opened their house 
 lor the heralds of the cross. Under their hos- 
 pitable roof, in their pleasant and friendly 
 society, at their liberal board, often have \ny 
 weary limbs been rested, my sinking spirits 
 revived, and my physical wants supplied. They 
 still live, in Vermont, but are feeble, yet joy- 
 fully and hopetully looking across the Kiver ot 
 Death to the Better Land. 
 
 Several .young men of pronjising ability com- 
 menced their career at Sumner, and have, and 
 are, making their niark in the world. The late 
 lamented Richardson, and the present Senator- 
 Ingalls, I believe, commenced at Sumner. But, 
 notwithstanding all their ability, the town began 
 to dwindle, the inhabitants began to move away, 
 and finally a tremendous storm blew down 
 several houses, and nearly all the rest was put 
 on wheels and njoved to the '' upper landing." 
 The charge has since been divided and lost it* 
 identity, and has been swallowed up by other 
 charges. 
 
 Brother Bowman began his labors at Os- 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 65 
 
 kaloosa with zeal aiul usefulness. The town 
 was commenced b)^ members of the churcli from 
 Iowa. The leading man was a local preacher, 
 and under his leadership they prospered for a 
 time ; but there was too much light in tlie 
 material of his constitution tor these troublous 
 times; so he quit preacliing, engaged in the 
 struggle, and was carried away in the excitement; 
 got out of the church and became intemperate. 
 He has once or twice been reclaimed, and the 
 last I heard of him, he was preaching for the 
 United Brethren. May he have strength to 
 triumph over all sin and stand entire at last. 
 
 The results of the pastor's labors on this 
 charge, this year, cannot be told in this world, 
 as instrumentalities were set in operation that 
 have, to the present day, been telling to the 
 interest ot the cause ot Christ, and the salvation 
 of souls. Brother G. R. Ilouts, who had been 
 partially hiding his light, was hunted up by the 
 pastor, called out, and licensed to preach, and 
 has since been, for several years, an active and 
 useful member of the Kansas Conference. 
 
 Indianola was a new work, embracing all the 
 country between Topekaand Grasshopper Falls. 
 It was named after a little town on Soldier 
 Creek, about four miles north of Topeka. Here 
 
66 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Brother Fairchild had been selling goods. With 
 him we had formed a short acquaintance at 
 Conference, and it was he who took care of our 
 horses, as we could not take them across the 
 river at that time. He was one of the first, and 
 remains one of the firmest, Methodists in Kansas. 
 He said to me he esteemed it a great favor even 
 to keep a Methodist preacher's horse. His 
 heart and purse have ever been open, not only 
 to the calls of charity in general, but to the 
 support of tlie church in particular; and the 
 church in return has shown its confidence in his 
 judgment and ability,. by electing him one of 
 their first lay delegates to the General Con- 
 ference. 
 
 Brother J. Griffin, who came to this Terri- 
 tory with W. H. Goode, as one of the first 
 preachers, was appointed to this work. He 
 lived on his farm near Topeka. To reach this 
 quarterly meeting I had to travel over fifty 
 miles. I reached the place the second day, about 
 noon. I inquired for Brother Fairchild, and 
 they told me he had moved to Leavenworth. I 
 then inquired for the Methodist preacher. They 
 said they guessed he was not in town. I in- 
 quired if he was expected, and if there was to be 
 meeting that day and the next. They said they 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 67 
 
 believed so. I inquired where the preacher 
 stopped when he came. A woman replied, 
 "Sometimes here, and sometimes over yonder," 
 pointing to another house. I then thought I 
 would try what good office would do a man 
 while in straits. I told them I was the Presiding 
 Elder; had come to hold their quarterly meeting, 
 but being a stranger, I did not know where to 
 stop. They replied, "Perhaps the preacher is 
 at the other house." 
 
 I drove over to that house, and made similar 
 inquiries, with similar results; but, said one, "The 
 
 preacher stops sometimes at Mr. 's, about 
 
 half a mile out of town." 
 
 I concluded to drive to Mr. 's. I hitched 
 
 my horse at tlie gate, and walked up to the 
 house, and inquired of the woman if they ever 
 •entertained preachers there. She seemed a little 
 embarrassed, but said, "Sometimes; we expect 
 Brother Griffin here to-day." 
 
 I informed her I had come to hold their 
 quarterly meeting, but did not know where to 
 stop. She replied, "I guess you can stay here; 
 
 Mr. will be home soon and take care of 
 
 your horse." 
 
 The man soon came, and by the time the 
 horse was taken care of. Brother Griffin came. 
 
68 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 It was then near two o'clock, the time for meeting 
 to commence, and I had had no dinner, nor had 
 any one asked me to have any ; and being a 
 little discouraged, and considerably fatigued, I 
 felt more like resting than eating ; and then the 
 time having arrived, we started for the school 
 house. I said to Brother Griffin, on the way, 
 "if it were not for the honor of the church I 
 would hitch up my horse, shake the dust off my 
 feet and leave the place immediately." 
 
 On reaching the house, we found a few as- 
 sembled, and I occupied a short time in inquiring, 
 " What is your life? " by noticing the brevity of 
 human life, the feeble tenure by which it is held, 
 and the important results of its improvement 
 either of happiness or misery ; and I think a 
 good impression was made. 
 
 We returned to the house, and soon had 
 some refreshments. The man seemed sour, 
 sullen, and unsociable. I endeavored to act the 
 agreeable as best I could, and talked of his farm 
 and farming interests. He brightened up a 
 little, and seemed more friendly. 
 
 Next morning, in the lovefeast, the Spirit of 
 God was present to melt all hearts, so that at 
 its close, our host, with some other hard cases, 
 came forward with tears, to unite with the 
 
SECOND TEAR IN KANSAS. 69 
 
 church as seekers of religion. But a few months 
 alter, this man died, a different man from what 
 he had been the most of his lite. 
 
 How important it is to sow beside all waters, 
 and how true the declaration, that if we sow our 
 seed in the morning and in the evening with- 
 hold not our hand, we know not which shall 
 prosper, or whether all will prove good. On us 
 is the obligation; with others, the responsibitj; 
 but with God, the final award. 
 
 Grasshopper Falls enjoyed some prosperity 
 under the administration of Brother Downey, 
 and has gradually risen ever since. Dr. Cooper 
 then lived there, was one of the stewards, and 
 very active and interested in the affairs of the 
 church. He has since moved to Oskaloosa, and 
 united with the Presbyterian Church ; but, 
 wherever he is, he is very friendlj^, for it is his 
 nature. 
 
 White Cloud took permanent ground from 
 the commencement. Brother C. Graham, from 
 the Genesee Conference, was their preacher. 
 He labored with much acceptability, but has 
 since returned to his old Conference, Brother 
 Munhall, a 3'oung man received on trial at the 
 Conference, was sent to Columbus City. This 
 work embraced Troy, the county seat of Doni- 
 
70 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 phan County, and all the little villages in the 
 bend of the Missouri River, between Doniphan 
 and White Cloud. 
 
 In the fall we held a camp meeting, near 
 Columbus City. It was a time ot refreshing, 
 awakening, and conversions, and we trust lasting 
 in its results. On Sunday morning we held a 
 geneial speaking meeting. Several interesting: 
 experiences were related. Among them was 
 one rather remarkable. A brother arose and 
 spoke in substance as follows : " Some years 
 ago I was convinced of sin, and earnestly desired 
 pardon and acceptance with God. I did not 
 know what to do, but was anxiously inquiring 
 the way to Zion. A professed friend said to me: 
 ' Why need you be so troubled ; the way is 
 easy ; all you have to do is to be immersed in 
 water, and you wnll immediately meet with a 
 change of heart.' I at once consented, went 
 forward, and w^as immersed. After I had wiped 
 the water out of my eyes and ears, my friend 
 said to me, ' Have you not met with a change 
 in your feelings ? ' I hesitated for a moment, 
 and then said yes, I have been changed from a 
 dry state to a wet state, and that is all the 
 change that I can see. My heart was still op- 
 pressed. I felt the burden of sin still weighing 
 
SECOND YEAR IN KANSAS. 71 
 
 me down. I heard of a praj^er meeting; I went 
 to it, went forward for prayers, and in answer 
 to prayer, God blessed me. My burden fell off; 
 my grief-stricken heart was comforted ; then I 
 knew I was changed — changed from darkness to 
 light ; from weeping to rejoicing ; from an un- 
 believing, hard, and cold heart, to the love of 
 God shed abroad in the heart by the Holy Ghost, 
 which love I still feel burning in my heart this 
 morning." 
 
 Doniphan was supplied this year by Brother 
 Collins. He succeeded in forming a class and 
 organizing a Sunday School. The land office 
 having been located there, had given it con- 
 siderable importance. The society has continued 
 to prosper more or less until the present day. 
 
 The conference year was drawing to a close, 
 and the church in general was in a healthy and 
 prosperous condition. I was living this year 
 about half w^ay between Atchison and White 
 Cloud. One evening, while quietly seated in my 
 house preparing my papers for Conference, I 
 was saluted by some one from without. On 
 going to the door, a voice inquired, "Can you 
 keep some Methodist preachers over night." I 
 cheerfully replied in tlie affirmative, and readily 
 recognized the voice of L. B. Dennis, Presiding 
 
72 reminiscp:nses. 
 
 Elder of Lawrence District, accompanied by 
 President Davis, B. C. Dennis, and Brothers 
 Blackford and Lloyd, on their way to Conference, 
 which was to meet in Omalia. 
 
 The next morning^ these brethren started on, 
 and I had to go to Atchison on some Conference 
 matters, and returned at night, and started next 
 morning for White Cloud. I learned at Atchison 
 that a boat had passed up with several of the 
 preachers on board. I reached White Cloud be- 
 fore them. Atter waiting a short time, the boat 
 came along, and I and Brother Graham went on 
 board, and found Brothers Fisher, Collins, 
 Lovejoy and others, on board, which added to 
 the pleasure of the trip. The boat made slow 
 progress, so that we were out on the Sabbath ; 
 but the occasion was improved, by invitation of 
 the Captain, by holding religious service. We 
 reached Omaha, the seat of the Conference, in 
 good time, and tound several of the preachers 
 already on hand, and in good spirits, after the 
 toils, conflicts, victories, sufferings and triumphs 
 of the past year. 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCK. 
 
 CHAPTER lY. 
 
 OMAHA CONFERENCE. 
 
 Bishop Scott was to preside at the Oinalia 
 'Conference, but he did not reach tlie place until 
 Tliursdaj evening or Friday morning after the 
 •Conference met. W. H, Good was elected 
 jPresident, and I. F. Collins, Secretary. 
 
 In the appointment of committees, a motion 
 -was made that the Presidiiig Elders, and one 
 man from each district, be the Mission Com- 
 imittee. One of the Presiding Elders moved to 
 amend by striking oot the words, ''Presiding 
 'Elders," in the first line, and adding, "exclusive 
 •of the Presiding Elders," which motion pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 This action proved most beneficial to the 
 Presiding Elders, as the committee wished to 
 rshow their magnanimity, so that the appropria- 
 tions to the districts were larger than their 
 delicacy would have allowed them to make for 
 themselves. But in other respects, it operated 
 •unfavorably, for both President and Committee 
 had to work in the dark — the one in making 
 the appointments, and the other in making the 
 appropriations. In one case the appropriation 
 was for one man, but two men were appointed 
 
74 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 to the work. In other cases, small appropria- 
 tions were made, and men of large families were 
 appointed to the work. 
 
 The practice, that has obtained, of making- 
 the Presiding Elders the Mission Committee,, 
 has been found to be both wise and just, for so- 
 both the men and the money are taken into- 
 consideration in making the appropriations and' 
 the appointments. 
 
 At this Conference, the question of sending 
 preachers to the Rocky Mountains was discussed' 
 at length, in the Bishop's Cabinet. It was finally 
 determined that W. H. Good should receive a 
 nominal appointment, and some time during the- 
 year, with some young man that he might select, 
 visit the Rocky Mountains, make a thorough* 
 exploration, and report at the next Conference. 
 Leavenworth was fixed upon as the place for 
 the next session. 
 
 At this Conference, Bishop Scott preached: 
 Sunday morning, at 11 o'clock, on the '' Divinity 
 of the Holy Spirit," and Brothers Dennis and 
 Taylor preached — one in the afternoon, and the- 
 other in the evening — and both did well, and 
 doubtless would have done better, had they not 
 had the Bishop and the Conference to carry; for 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCE. Y5- 
 
 both appeared as if they were ready to saj, "Ye- 
 are all spies." 
 
 On Monday, at the close of the afternoon 
 session, the 221st hymn was sung, and Prof. 
 Loomis led in prayer; and the Bishop, after 
 some appropriate remarks, read the appoint- 
 ments, and Conference adjourned, and we all 
 prepared to report for our respective division of 
 the work. 
 
 H. D. Fisher was returned to Leavenw^orth 
 for the second year, during which the church 
 was inclosed, and the lecture room opened tor- 
 service. This made them a comfortable place 
 for worship. The congregation began to in- 
 crease, and general prosperity attended them. 
 
 The Leavenworth mission was connected with 
 Sumner and Lancaster, and supplied by Brothers 
 Lovejoy and Taylor. But little was effected 
 towards a permanent organization. Sumner and 
 Lancaster began to dwindle. This year financial 
 affairs fell fearfully low. At the second quarterly 
 meeting they paid the Presiding Elder Jl/ty 
 centSj all in cash. At the fourth quarterly meet- 
 ing, a collection of some three dollars and a half 
 was taken up., and the whole was paid to the Pre- 
 siding Elder, which constituted the sum total of 
 his receipts, from this charge, for the entire year^. 
 
76 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Surely much faith was necessary on the part of 
 the preachers, but, " could faith save them ? " 
 
 Atchison and Doniphan, under the adminis- 
 tration of Brother I. F, OoUins, continued to 
 prosper. The church at Atchison was completed 
 and dedicated. Brother H. D. Fisher officiated 
 with his accustomed ability and success, yet 
 there was a debt the trustees had to assume. 
 
 About this time (August, 1859), Eev. L. .D. 
 Price, a transfer from the Detroit Conference, 
 moved into Kansas, and as our Conference met 
 in the spring, he assisted the preachers in filling 
 up the work — preaching occasionally at Leaven- 
 worth, Geary City, Doniphan, and Atchison. At 
 the latter place he rendered efficient service, 
 preaching for them while their pastor was 
 abroad soliciting aid, and going abroad himself 
 and raising money, among his old friends, to 
 relieve them of their embarrassments, &o that the 
 whole debt was honorably paid during this winter. 
 
 A little before this, three young men — broth- 
 ers — and two sisters, by the name of McCully, 
 moved into Atchison. They were children of re- 
 ligious parents, who had died and gone to glory. 
 The children had doubtless been brought up in 
 ' 'the way they should go. ' ' The brothers were not 
 jnembers of the church, but were from the first. 
 
OMAHA CONFEKENCE. 7T 
 
 ideii titled with its interests, so much so, that 
 reminiscenses of Methodism in Atchison would 
 be seriously defective without reference to this- 
 family. One of the sisters has since married, 
 and moved into the country. One of the broth- 
 ers died, and another has gone to some other 
 parts. 
 
 Sister Sally identified herself at once with 
 the church ; and in the Sunday school and all 
 the social gatherings, she is an essential part 
 and parcel ; while J. C.'s voice has been heard 
 in the choir, and his monej^ and influence felt in 
 all the benevolent enterprises of the church. 
 We wish he possessed as much experimental 
 and vital Christianity as he does liberality and 
 friendship. 
 
 During this year, J. M. Crowell moved into 
 Atchison, and opened a grocery store. His wife 
 was a member of the church, and a woman of 
 unusual energy, activity, and business qualifica- 
 tions. She could never be inactive any where. 
 She could purchase a bill of goods, and order 
 them on with dispatch, and then go behind the 
 counter and deal them out to customers. She 
 could not only move with ease in the society of 
 the cultured and refined, but her presence was- 
 always found at the bedside of the suffering. 
 
'78 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 >She sought out the poor, to administer to them 
 relief, while the claims of the church were 
 always prominent in her plans — but the Master 
 has seen fit to call her away. Thus he takes the 
 workmen home, but carries on the work. 
 
 At Doniphan, a good Sunday School had 
 •been organized the year before, and continued 
 vto prosper. Near the close of last year, two 
 men moved into Doniphan, viz.: Dr. Phelps 
 and J. Hartman. They were both members of 
 tlie church, and very active, and seemed great 
 friends. One was made a class leader, and the 
 other a steward, and tlie church felt greatly 
 encouraged. But, unfortunately, during the 
 year some difficulty sprung up between them 
 (the merits of which 1 never understood), and 
 they quarreled severely, and threatened to shoot 
 each other. Of course, they both blackslid. 
 Plielps withdrew from the church, and Hartman, 
 as he was only on probation, was read off at 
 the quarterly meeting, as discontinued. He 
 ■ came to me soon after, and threatened to whip 
 Collins. I told him he had better "hold his 
 horses," as lie had already sufficient reputation, 
 ..and tliat his spirit now convinced me that 
 -Brother Collins had done right. 
 
 Phelps moved into the country, for about a 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCE. 79 
 
 year, and then went to Atchison, and opened a 
 ■drug store. He was afterwards reclaimed, brought 
 into the church, made a class leader, lived a 
 short time, and then died, I think, in the con- 
 fidence of all who knew him — and, we hope, is 
 safely landed where suffering and sorrow will 
 never come. Hartman, I believe, has since 
 died, but under what circumstances I know not. 
 
 Towns had s])rung np in Kansas, as mush- 
 rooms. One w^as rising and spreading opposite 
 St. Joe, called El wood, which was attracting 
 considerable attention. This place, connected 
 with Wathena, was made a charge, and Brother 
 May, who had been stationed at Nebraska City, 
 was appointed to this work, but he chose to 
 transfer to the Missouri Conference. 
 
 Soon after my reaching home, I received a 
 letter from Bishop Scott, informing me that 
 Brother May had transferred, and that he 
 had sent me the bearer. Brother Blake, to 
 supply his place at Wathena. Brother Blake, 
 commenced his work with considerable spirit, 
 but failed to make any impression at El wood. 
 The people at Wathena seemed well pleased. 
 At the first quarterly meeting, they were in good 
 spirits ; at the second, a little lukewarm ; at the 
 
80 ' REMINISCENSES. 
 
 third, chilled ; and at the fourth, dead and ready- 
 to be buried. Thus the year closed. 
 
 Columbus City was a charge with two- 
 preachers — Brothers B. F. Bowman and a single- 
 man by the name of J. E. Kline. It extended 
 from Iowa Point to Palermo, leaving Wathena. 
 and Elw^ood out, and west to the Brown County 
 line. It was a year of considerable prosperity^, 
 especially with Brother Kline, as he found a. 
 good wife in the person of the daughter of the- 
 late Rev. Jonas Dodge. A camp meeting was- 
 appointed for this work, to be held at Charleston. 
 
 Shortly before this time, a man by the name 
 ot Lloyd, living in my neighborhood, who had. 
 once been a member ot the church, and a 
 preacher, had in some way got out of the- 
 church, but continued to preach, as the Yankee 
 fought, "on his own hook." He had become 
 remarkably liberal in one direction, embracing: 
 all denominations alike ; but very proscriptive 
 in another, and in his opposition to all organiza- 
 tions, he 'had waxed warm. He came to me- 
 and inquired it he attended the camp meetings 
 would I permit him to preach. I told him no;; 
 that I was responsible for the proper manage- 
 ment of the meeting; that he was not responsible 
 to any religious denomination; and, although i 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCE. 81 
 
 wished to treat him courteously, I could not 
 take the responsibility of permitting an irre- 
 sponsible person to address a congregation under 
 my supervision. He took it kindly, and was 
 ever after my friend. 
 
 Plain, kind, and honest dealing with men, I 
 have always found, to be the best. This man 
 afterwards, in a religious awakening, became 
 revived, joined the church, and under the 
 administration of D. P. Mitchell was licensed to 
 preach. He has since died, and we hope is safe 
 in heaven. The camp meeting was one of in- 
 terest, and we trust of profit, to many souls. 
 
 At White Cloud and Highland, nothing 
 special came under my observation during the 
 year. Grasshopper Falls and Indianola were 
 supplied by Strange Brooks, of the Iowa Con- 
 ference, with the understanding that he obtain a 
 transfer during the year. This was a heavy 
 charge, and required much ti-avel ; and he had 
 his hands full ot labor, but not of money, lor I 
 believe he claimed to have nearly eaten up a 
 good pair of mules during the year. 
 
 At one of his quarterly meetings I employed 
 Rev. L. D. Price to attend in my place. The 
 meeting was to be held at Indianola, near To- 
 peka. A little incident occurred, in making the 
 
82 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 trip, whicli will give some idea of the exposure 
 in a new country. I give his own language : 
 
 "I reached the Grasshopper about three 
 o'clock in the afternoon of Friday. I observed 
 that the stream appeared high, but as there 
 were fresh tracks on both sides on the shore, I 
 thought I could go where others went, and with- 
 out hesitation, pushed on. But before the wagon 
 was in the stream, the horses were swimming, 
 and no chance for retreat. When about midway 
 of the stream, my light wagon uncoupled — the 
 hind wheels and bed, went down stream. I 
 managed to get on the fore axle-tree, and went 
 out with the horses. On reaching the shore, I 
 separated my horses, got on one of them, and 
 rode up to the town, and reported to Brother 
 Brooks, the preacher. He at once comprehended 
 my situation, and without delay, mounted his 
 mule and started to the new mill, which had 
 that day shut up their dam that had caused the 
 rise in the stream. The gate was opened ; the 
 next morning we got out the wagon, hired a boy 
 to go in and bring out my satchel, containing 
 ray clothing, books and papers. I went to a 
 store and purchased some under clothing, and 
 ivith Brother Brooks, started for the seat ot the 
 .quarterly conference. 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCE. 83 
 
 We had a pleasant time, holding the meeting 
 in a cloth tent, provided for the occasion. On 
 our way home, niglit overtook us, and as it was 
 difficult to iind our way after dark, we halted at 
 a cabin and inquired if we could stay all night. 
 Being answered in the affirmative, we put up 
 our team. The lady of the house prepared 
 supper for us, which consisted of ' slap-jacks ' 
 and strong coffee, and when ready, she said to 
 us, ' Now, pitch in.' After some conversation 
 and prayer with tlie family, we rested upon a 
 bunch of straw. In the morning we arose early, 
 and started before breakfast. Inquirhig what 
 the bill was, we were told tliat it would be ' six 
 bits ' apiece. We reached home in good time, 
 with $2.50 for the Presiding Elder, and about 
 $5,00 out of pocket, saying nothing about the 
 loss of books and papers by lying in the Grass- 
 hopper one night." 
 
 At Oskaloosa, during the previous year, 
 under the judicious administration of Brother 
 Bowman, the church had become permanently 
 organized, and blessed with a glorious revival of 
 religion. Some had been reclaimed and others 
 converted and brought into the church ; about 
 thirty-five in all. During the present year, 
 under the administration of Brother Downey, 
 
84 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 they continued to prosper, although it required 
 much wisdom and attention to build up and 
 establish the members. 
 
 In this work, the pastor was greatly assisted 
 by Brother Jacob Boucher, a local elder. Brother 
 Boucher was formerly from Ohio, where he was 
 licensed to preach, and received into the North 
 Ohio Conference. He labored there three years, 
 with great acceptability and usefulness, but for 
 some reason he discontinued, which step he has 
 ever since regretted. He removed to Iowa, and 
 from there to Kansas, in 1S56. He was one of 
 the first to settle in Oskaloosa. He was modest, 
 meek, and retiring in his appearance ; yet 
 'settled, consistant and firm in his religious 
 character ; and, although he might assume to 
 lead, he was emphatically the foundation, central 
 pillar, and life of the organization. His cabin 
 was the first preaching place in town, and when 
 the congregation became too large for this, he 
 fitted up another house in town, belonging to 
 him, in which all denominations worshipped, 
 when not occupied by the Methodists. His house 
 has been a home for preachers, and his purse 
 ever opened to the calls of charity in , general^ 
 and the support of the church in particular. He 
 has since been in the regular work as a supply, 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCE. 85 
 
 two or three years, and everywhere rendered 
 good service. 
 
 Brother Boucher was clear on all the doctrines 
 of the Bible, as set forth in the discipline of the 
 church ; warm and ardent in his sympathies ; 
 kind and liberal in his feelings ; conscientiously 
 exact in all his dealings — consequently a growing 
 christian. The interest of Christianity, and the 
 church, seemed to be the ruling motive of his 
 life. 
 
 I will relate a little incident to illustrate his 
 character. When their first neat little church 
 was built, he was foremost among the subscrib- 
 ers ; and when it was finished, there was a small 
 debt yet remaining, which they proposed to raise 
 at the dedication. Brother Boucher sent for 
 me and the pastor to come and see him. We 
 found him in a dark room, suffering severely 
 from inflammation of the eyes. Said he, ''I 
 thought I had paid all I could, but I want to see 
 the church out of debt. I want you to put me 
 down for e$25.00 more." And he wept for joy, 
 and gave glory to God for his abounding grace. 
 
 As time moved on, his constitution and his 
 physical energies became feeble. In some i-e 
 spects, his mind seemed to gather new strength 
 and such was his faith, that he appeared to live 
 
S6 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 in constant communion with God, and ripening 
 for the better land. In his latter days he wrote 
 much — some very excellent poetry tor the 
 papers, and an autobiography, which his family 
 still have in their possession. 
 
 One day in February, 187 — , he met in class, 
 and told them that it would probably be the last 
 time he would meet with them. In a few days 
 he was taken sick, and after lingering a short 
 time, quietlj^ passed away. May we not well 
 say, ''Let me die the death of the righteous and 
 let my last end be like his." 
 
 Jesse Newell was one of the town proprietors. 
 He came here a local preacher ; he was ardent 
 and positive in his temperament, and when he 
 went right, he went with railroad speed ; but 
 when he stopped, he would not go at all ; and 
 when he took the wrong shoot, he went with 
 accelerated motion. I believe, on the whole, he 
 wanted to be good, and do good. He had some 
 ups and downs. We hope, through grace, he 
 will get to heaven at last. 
 
 Noah Leverton, a local preacher, was an early 
 settler here, and rendered valuable service in 
 building up the church. He has since died, and 
 2:one to his reward. Brothers Fitzsimmons and 
 Shraden were early here, and actively engaged 
 
OMAHA CONFERENCE. S7 
 
 in the cause of the Master as steward and class 
 leader. 
 
 Oskaloosa, this year, had some difficulties, 
 both in town and church. They had resolved 
 from the first to make this a strictly temperance 
 town. But soon it was found that the devil was 
 not willing to acknowledge their right of pre- 
 emption, or give peaceful possession to the 
 principles of right, but through his agent, a 
 hotel keeper, smuggled in a barrel of whisky. 
 The ladies, learning this, organized themselves 
 into a vigilance committee, and under the leader- 
 ship of Sister Boucher, visited the place, and 
 informed the woman (the man being absent) that 
 they had come to empty out that whisky. She 
 pleaded for her dear idol, and to save it from 
 destruction, being nearly as heavy as the barrel 
 of whisky, threw herself on it and hugged it 
 closely to her bosom, and after some little par- 
 leying, she arose to plead her cause, and defend 
 her rights. The ladies took advantage of this 
 opportunity, and one held the woman while the 
 others spilled out the whisky, and thus destroyed 
 the ''snakes," that otherwise might have got 
 into the boots of some of their husbands. 
 
 The church had some difficulties this year. 
 One that had been reclaimed and brought into 
 
88 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 tlie church, became a little restive ; thoiieht he 
 had not been promoted sufficiently, and com- 
 plained tliat while they had been feeding some 
 with a ladle, they had fed him witli a spoon, 
 and not being in favor of homoeopathic doses, he 
 declared he was starving to deatli, and got out 
 of the church. He has since gone where, per- 
 il aps, they feed him with a shovel. Such is the 
 appetite of some men for flattery, that nothing 
 but scoop-shovel doses can satisfy them. 
 
 The time for the fifth session of the Confer- 
 ence drew near, and the preachers prepared to 
 go up to their Jerusalem, not knowing what 
 would befall them there. 
 
 CHAPTER Y. 
 
 LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 
 
 March 15, 1860, Conference met in the lecture 
 room of the church. It consistea of thirty- eight 
 members, and all were present except two, 
 Brothers A. Still and C. Ketcham. Bishop 
 Ames, who was to preside, did not reach the 
 Conference at all. It was called to order, and 
 L. B. Dennis elected chairman pro tem.^ and 
 H. D. Fisher, Secretary. The Conference then 
 
LEAA'ENWORTH CONFERENCE. 89 
 
 •proceeded to elect a permanent President; L. 
 'B. Dennis was declared duly elected. 
 
 • The transfer of L. D, Price from the Detroit 
 Conference, and Strange Brooks, from the Iowa 
 •Conference, were read, and they were introduced, 
 and took their seats within the bar. Joseph 
 Brooks, editor of tlie Central Christian Advocate, 
 was also present, and preached on Sabbath, at 
 eleven o'clock, an able an spiritual sermon. I 
 believe he was more successful as an editor and 
 preacher, than he has since leen as Governor of 
 Arkansas. 
 
 The business of the Conference was transacted 
 •with dispatch, and it was practically demon- 
 strated that we had abundant material in the 
 Conference for Bishops, besides what was already 
 worked up into the Existing Board. 
 
 Brother Goode made a favorable report of 
 the Kocky Mountain exploration, which he had 
 made during the year. A Eocky Mountain 
 District was fornjed, and John M. Chivington, 
 appointed Presiding Elder, and J. Adriance 
 stationed at Golden City and Boulder. The rest 
 was to be supplied. Milton Mahan w^as re- 
 admitted at this Conference, and stationed at 
 .Atchison. 
 
 Much important business came before this 
 
90 REMINISCENSESc- 
 
 session. It was the time to elect delegates? 
 to the General Conference — L. B. Dennis and 
 W. H. Good were elected said delegates, and' 
 W. K. Davis, D, D., and W. Smith, reserves. 
 
 A resolution was passed, requesting the- 
 General Conference to connect that portion of 
 the German work, known as the Missouri Dis- 
 trict, of the Illinois Conference, to the Kansas 
 Conference. 
 
 A motion was also adopted requesting the 
 General Conference to divide the Kansas and 
 Nebraska Conference, according to the State 
 lines ; the Kocky Mountain District to remain- 
 in the Kansas Conference. 
 
 A motion was also adopted requesting the- 
 General Conference to make contingent provision 
 to organize a Rocky Mountain Conference, prior- 
 to the General Conference of 1864, and to. 
 authorize the Bishop to make such organization, 
 should the continued immigration be such as in 
 their judgment to render the measure necessary. . 
 
 The place for holding the next Kansas Con- 
 ference was fixed lor Manhattan, and for the- 
 Nebraska Conference, at Nebraska City. In 
 case of no division, all were to meet at Man- 
 hattan. 
 
 J. Paulson, from the New England Confer- 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 91 
 
 ence, and Win. Butt, of the Arkansas Conference, 
 were also transferred to Kansas. Brother 
 Butt had been a member of this Conference 
 once before, but had been transferred to 
 Arkansas, and appointed to the Texas District. 
 He took his family in a wagon, and with an ox 
 team, started for his field of labor. On reaching 
 Texas, he found the pro-slavery element so 
 heated up, that silence was indispensable for 
 his safety, and in consultation with a few friends, ' 
 concluded not to make himself publicly known, 
 but to retrace his steps to where he could breathe 
 more freely. 
 
 The business of this Conference having been 
 finished, the appointments were read, we ad- 
 journed, and the preachers prepared to engage 
 in the campaign for another year. 
 
 The following were the districts and the 
 Presiding Elders for the year : Omaha, W. 
 M. Smith ; Nebraska City, Isaac Chivington; 
 Leavenworth, James Shaw ; Baldwin City, L. 
 B. Dennis ; Ossawatomie, I^athan Taylor ; Ot- 
 tumwa, Mark Robertson ; Manhattan, J. Deni- 
 son ; Rock Mountains, J. Chivington. 
 
 Brother Fisher's constitutional term having 
 expired at Leavenwojth, it was left to be sup- 
 plied, and he was appointed to the Leavenworth 
 
92 REMINISCEN8ES. 
 
 Mission, in connectioD with A. L. Downey, with 
 the understaiiding that he should go abroad as 
 agent to collect funds to finish up the Leaven- 
 worth church. The Presiding Elder was to 
 supply the station as best he could. 
 
 L. D. Price was stationed at E'ebraska City. 
 On reaching his charge, he found to his great 
 discouragement, the church in a state of excite- 
 ment about the appointmentot the new Presiding 
 Elder, he having been stationed there the year 
 before. In some way a difficulty had sprung up 
 between him and some of the leading members 
 of the church, and they absolutely refused to 
 receive him as their Presiding Elder. Charges 
 were preferred by each party against the other, 
 and both were recruiting for a general war. But, 
 b}^ an effort on the part of the pastor, an 
 agreement had been effected. A compromise 
 was proposed, on the part of the church, about 
 to this effect : That if a change of Presiding 
 Elders, between this and the Leavenworth Dis- 
 trict, could be effected, they would drop the 
 matter and let it rest. 
 
 To this, I understood Brother Chivington 
 consented, and Brother Price came to obtain my 
 consent to the arrangement. After looking the 
 matter over I concluded that, at least in some 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 93 
 
 cases, caution was the better part of valor, 
 I said to bim, 1 tbink, about in substance, as 
 follows : 
 
 " Tbere is a certain little animal that looks 
 very innocent and pretty at a distance, but facts 
 prove, tbe turtber vou keep from it tbe better. 
 If you do not want your alfactories awfully 
 shocked, and you in return shock others, you 
 bad better not stir it up, even with a long pole. 
 If this animal has to be skinned, I do not pro- 
 pose to undertake the job." 
 
 Brother Price returned, but did not stay long. 
 His health, poor at best, completely failed, and 
 he had to give up the work. 
 
 The political affairs ot the nation began to 
 assume a fearfully serious and threatening aspect. 
 The presedential election was drawing near ; the 
 sentiments ot the people were clearly and un. 
 reconcilably divided on the subject of slavery, 
 and both parties sought to make it a political 
 issue. 
 
 The agitation effected all organizations and 
 institutions. The churches all felt its baneful 
 influence. The Methodist Episcopal Church had 
 been racked to her center, and rent in twain by 
 this unfortunate agitation, and now a similar 
 result threatened the nation. 
 
94 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 The great majority of the people north were 
 determined on the destruction of slavery, or, at 
 least, to so corner it up, punch, gore, and injure 
 it, that it would die of its wounds. 
 
 The south plainly saw that there was no hope 
 for them and this institution, except in its un- 
 conditional and universal endorsement, or a 
 destruction of the government. Hence, they 
 sought the control ot the nation by nominating 
 a southern man for President. Failing in that, 
 the great. Democratic Convention divided — part 
 drew off, and put in nomination one of their own 
 choice. On his election, they staked the 
 stability, and life of the nation, and boldly de- 
 clared they would accept of no compromise, or 
 submit to any other decision. 
 
 Of course, the church could not live in this 
 agitation and strife, and not be effected. The 
 ministers were warned against agitating the 
 question. If they were in favor of the institution 
 of slavery, they were in^disfavor with the north- 
 ern element ; if they were opposed to the 
 institution, the south said, "You must keep 
 your mouth shut on the subject, or keep out of 
 ■our community." 
 
 But, eternal honor to the Methodist preachers 
 of Kansas, they proposed, with their illustrious 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 95 
 
 leader, to be loyal to their government. Though 
 the fierce war cry was ringing through the air, 
 with persevering firmness they lifted up their 
 ■voices against every thing they conceived to be 
 sinful. 
 
 Brother Mahan, in coming to Atchison, was 
 at once admonished to be very cautions on this 
 question. But, whatever he may have thought 
 of the advice, he meekly, 3^et firmly, ordered the 
 national flag to be hoisted on his church, and 
 under its waving folds, commenced to proclaim, 
 ''' Peace on earth and good will to all men." 
 
 As national affairs were assuming such a 
 serious aspect, it was perhaps best, on the whole, 
 that the lines should be definitely and clearly 
 drawn, that men might understandingly take 
 their position on either side, and wait the 
 arbitrament that was approaching. 
 
 The agitation in the country so effected our 
 finances that the trustees of the church, at 
 Leavenworth, found it necessary to move slowly 
 with their church enterprise, and in this they 
 moved safely. They devoted their efforts this 
 year to paying off their debt. They had gotten 
 up and enclosed a good building ; a good lecture 
 i*oom to accommodate the congregation and Sab- 
 bath School, and good class rooms for the 
 
96 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 classes. Thus, they had \i\id a good foundation. 
 Brother Fisher had tine success abroad in col- 
 lecting funds. 
 
 H. N. Seavor, a superanuated preacher of 
 the Genessee Conference, was living within the 
 bounds of this district, and, as his health was 
 greatly improved, a resolution was passed in the 
 Conference inviting his transfer. But, I believe,, 
 the transfer was never effected. I thought it 
 advisable to employ him to suppl}^ the pastorate 
 at Leavenworth, which he did, a part of the 
 year, with acceptability. 
 
 Brother Seavor v/as evidently qualified for 
 usefulness. He had been a promising man in 
 his own Conference, and might have been a 
 bright and shining light in this ; but in some 
 wa}^, whether justly or unjustly, we know not,. 
 a cloud came over him. A difficulty arose be- 
 tween him and his former friend and associate, 
 C. Graham. In the strife, in some way, Seavor 
 got out of the church. I think he withdrew. 
 Although I have not been acquainted with him 
 for several years, I think he is still out of the 
 church. 
 
 O, what a solemn responsibility to bury our 
 talents ! A great evil existed somewhere, and 
 an awful reckoning awaits in the future. One 
 
LEAVENWOETH CONFERENCE. 97 
 
 thing is certain — liowever much we may be 
 persecuted, what ever charges of corruption may 
 be made against us ; however fiercely our char- 
 acter may^be assailed, we cannot lay down our 
 responsibility with the approval of our God. 
 Nor should we permit ourselves to be driven 
 frum our home and the privileges of the church, 
 but, if guilty, we should at once confess, forsake 
 our sins, and seek forgiveness at the mercy seat, 
 as the only sate and honorable course. 
 
 At Atchison nothing very special occurred 
 this year. Brother Mahan was well received, 
 and labored faithfully, and looked carefully after 
 all the interests of the church. 
 
 J. C. Eiesner moved into Atchison, in an 
 early day, and built the Tremont House, which 
 he has kept most of the time. Soon after mov- 
 ing to the town, he and his wife became identified 
 with the church, and all its interests, and have 
 so remained up to the present time. Many 
 preachers have been fed, lodged, and refreshed 
 under their hospitable roof It is generally un- 
 derstood that the latch string of their door is 
 always out. 
 
 At Doniphan, nothing special occurred during 
 this year. The town was on the stand still. The 
 land office had been removed to Kickapoo, and 
 
98 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 they were struggling tor a mere existence. The 
 church barely held its own. C. Graham was 
 their pastor. 
 
 O. B. Gardner had been received on trial, 
 at the Conference, and a])pointed to Wathena 
 and Elwood. He proved to be a man of sterling 
 w^orth. He reached his work in good season, 
 but such was the state of affairs, that he met 
 with a cool reception, and some went so tar as 
 to say they were afraid ot Methodist preachers. 
 Nothing, however, daunted him. He told them 
 he had been sent there by the Bishop, and by 
 the grace of God, he was going to stay and do 
 the best he could. 
 
 The first night, he and his family cooked their 
 first meal in the open air, and, I think, slept in 
 his wagon. But some one, out of charity, might 
 have invited them into their house. The next 
 morning he hunted for himself a house, and 
 moved into it. The next Sabbath he preached 
 to them, as though it was all fair sailing. Some 
 would have been discouraged, and abandoned 
 the work, but Brother Gardner was not the man 
 to yield to trifles. He met difficulties, and in the 
 name of his Master, he overcome them. 
 
 He visited Elwood, but met, at the first, 
 nothing but discouragement. He looked up a 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 
 
 99 
 
 •vacant house, obtained the privilege to preach 
 in it, got some idle young men to arrange some 
 temporary seats, and commenced preaching. 
 Ood gave him favor, and attended the woi'k with 
 power. Some old backsliders were reclaimed, 
 other converted, and a good thriving class was 
 formed. This class did not, however, continue 
 many years. 
 
 The town was built on sand, and the 
 Missouri River laid a claim on the soil, and 
 carried away most of the village. It has never 
 since gained much permanency, and fears are 
 •entertained that it will either all go into the 
 river, or that the river will cut a channel across, 
 some two miles back, where, I am told, the land 
 in the bend ot the river is only three-quarters of 
 ii mile across, and leave Elwood, and the St. 
 Joseph bridge, on dry ground. 
 
 Lancaster, a small town ten miles west from 
 Atchison, had been connected with Columbus 
 Oity. A small church had been built. At 
 Conference it had been made a seperate charge, 
 ^nd Brother McNeal appointed as their preacher. 
 He had a pretty good education, but some 
 peculiarities. On the whole, I believe he was 
 R good man. He afterwards moved east, and 
 I believe has since died. Lancaster has never 
 
100 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 amounted to niucli as a town, or church. It is 
 a pity to spoil a good farm, to build up a poor, 
 forsaken town. Lancaster has since shown con- 
 siderable signs of prosperity. 
 
 Brother Bowman was appointed to Columbus 
 City, and labored with his accustomed prudence 
 and success. 
 
 Brother Leard was appointed to White Cloud,, 
 but when the appointments were read at the 
 Conference, he gave me notice, that on account 
 of his wife's health, he could not go to the work, 
 and the charge was supplied by a Brother Green, 
 from Ohio. He was a man of strong faith, and 
 zealous in his work. A revival commenced at 
 once, and spread like fire all around the circuit. 
 But he continued only a part of the year. Brother 
 Price was employed, though in poor health, to 
 fill out the term. 
 
 J. S. Kline was appointed to Grasshopper 
 Falls. At this point, although the growth of 
 the church was slow, it was assuming per- 
 manency, and exerting a healthy influence on 
 the community. Brother Yanlon had moved in 
 and bought a farm, about one mile from town. 
 He was an honorable and active member of the 
 church, and rendered good service as a steward. 
 He has since died. So our members come and 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. lOl 
 
 go. How important that we work while tlie 
 day lasts ! Bi-other Yanlon worked faithfully 
 while he was with us, but the Master said, ''It 
 is enough; come up higher." 
 
 Liberty Prentice, a superanuated preacher, 
 of the North Ohio Conference, moved in and 
 settled a few miles from the town. Although 
 he was not able to preach much, he rendered 
 good service by. his counsel, example and advice. 
 Kansas climate proved favorable for his health, 
 so that he soon assumed his usual activity, and 
 preached with great acceptability and usefulness. 
 
 Albert Burr was appointed to Indianola. At 
 his first quarterly meeting, I found him and his 
 family comfortably domiciled, with another 
 family, and "with sails all set," sailing with a fair 
 breeze. I feared then that it was too good to 
 last, and advised him to get a house by himself, 
 as it might become burdensome and unpleasant 
 after a while. 
 
 The second quarterly meeting, I found him 
 in a house by himself, some difficuly having 
 sprung up between himself and the family with 
 whom I found him so comfortably domiciled at 
 -first. He was in the midst of "wars, and rumors 
 of wars." I tried to reconcile matters as best I 
 could, and thought I had succeeded, at least in 
 
102 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 effecting a ''cessation of hostilities," and hoped 
 things would move on more pleasantly the rest 
 of the year. But not long after this, on my way 
 to Grasshopper, I met Brother Burr with his fam- 
 ily, on the prairie, headed toward Atchison. He 
 told me he was bound for Canada, and that I 
 might ask at ^the next Conference for his dis- 
 continuance. I could but think that poor 
 Indianola resembled, in some respects, the horse 
 spoken of in " Uncle Tom's Cabin," under whos^ 
 saddle the slaves put a large chestnut burr. 
 
 Oskaloosa, this year, under the labors of 
 Brother Brooks, had a good revival, and many 
 were converted and brought into the church. 
 They proposed, and at once commenced, to build 
 a house of worship, which they finished and had 
 dedicated before Conference. Their fourth 
 quarterly meeting was to be held in the neigh- 
 borhood oi Moses Akers, about twelve miles 
 Irom Oskaloosa. Brother Akers was an ex- 
 horter, and one of the first settlers in Kansas. 
 His house was a home for all the preachers, and 
 a nucleus around which a good society grew up. 
 Others moved in — the two Brothers Webb and 
 Brother Hart — from whom the Hart's Grove 
 Camp Ground took its name. This was one of 
 the best societies in Kansas, and has held its 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. iOS 
 
 own ever since. It belonged to the Oskaloosa 
 charge. 
 
 I reached Brother Webb's Friday night, for 
 the fourth quarterly meeting, and there met a 
 message from Brother Brooks, saying they were 
 in the midst of a great revival, and he wished 
 me to remove the quarterly meeting to Oska- 
 loosa. But I had no authority to chana^e the 
 place for a quarterly meeting, and did not think 
 it advisable if I had, as most ot the official mem- 
 bers lived in the country, and would probably 
 come here for quarterly conference. And so it 
 proved, for early on Saturday morning they 
 began to assemble. So I held the quarterly 
 meeting and conference without the preacher. 
 
 Brother Brooks thinking that I had not come, 
 as I did not make my appearance at Oskaloosa, 
 went on with his meeting as a quarterly meeting, 
 and held quarterly conterence with what mem- 
 bers he had. But, unfortunately, the quarterly 
 conferences did not harmonize in their action. 
 The one that I held refused to renew the license 
 of a certain local preacher ; and the one he held 
 renewed his license. We presented the case to 
 Bishop Morris, and he decided that the quarterly 
 conference held by the Presiding Elder was the 
 legitimate one. 
 
104. KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 This was the year of the great drouth, in 
 which all our people suffered extremely. Had 
 it not been for the liberality of the older States, 
 our sufferings would liaye been beyond endur- 
 ance. Mr. Hiatt, an eastern gentleman, made a 
 tour of observation through the country, and 
 sent back a stirring appeal for help. The call 
 was heeded. Kelief societies were formed all 
 through the east. Agents were appointed in 
 Kansas to receive and distribute relief. Atchison 
 was made the great emporium of distribution ; 
 S. C. Pomeroy was made the general agent. 
 The Presiding Elders of Kansas met, and sent 
 out solicitors to the eastern churches; Milton 
 Mahan was made their agent at Atchison. Pro- 
 visions, clothing, and money, began to pour in, 
 and were distributed to the needy. Dr. Davis 
 obtained an appropriation, from the Missionary 
 Board, of $1,0*00 for the benefit of the preachers. 
 
 In view of the newness of the country, and 
 the widespread desolation, it was thought that it 
 would be too much of a burden for Manhattan 
 to entertain the coming session of the conference. 
 The Presiding Elders, after consultation, took 
 the proper steps to change the place for holding 
 the session from Manhattan to Atchison. 
 
 During this year Dr. Davis had been devoting 
 
LEAA'ENAVOKTH CONFERENCK. 105 
 
 ;'his energies to the building up of Baker Uni- 
 versity, and nobly had he succeeded, in the midst 
 of diversiiied and multiplied difficulties. 
 
 During all the year the political sky had been 
 growing darker, and we all felt that the irre- 
 pressible conflict was upon us. With such 
 feelings we assembled together for our annual 
 ■ convocation, where, with subdued jet trusting 
 spirits we greeted each other, and united in 
 . singing, 
 
 "And are we 3'et alive, 
 
 And see each others' face," etc. 
 
 CHAPTER YL 
 
 ATCHISON COXFERENCE. 
 
 The Conference met March 21, 1861. Bishop 
 Morris was present at the opening exercises, and 
 presided with his accustomed ability. H. D. 
 Fisher was elected Secretary, and he was ap- 
 pointed to nominate the Standing Committees. 
 
 In his report he named the Presiding Elders 
 and one man from each district as the Com- 
 mittee on Missions. 
 
 After he had read his report the Bishop re- 
 ;.marked, "It seems to me you have got a new 
 
106 . REMINISCENSES. 
 
 faiiglecl arrangement in yuur nominations. It is- 
 customary to appoint the Presiding Elders alone- 
 as the Mission Committee. They only are com- 
 petent, from their knowledge ot the work, to 
 make a just distribution ot* the money." 
 
 Brother Fisher replied, ''This is a Kansas- 
 arrangement." But said the Bishop, "Kansas 
 is Methodist soil, and I am here to maintai!i 
 Methodist usages." 
 
 Brother Malum at once moved to strike out 
 all but the Presiding Elders, which motion pre- 
 vailed. 
 
 The General Conference met in May, and the 
 changes asked for had been made. The Kansas- 
 Conference was confined to the State, with the 
 German work, known as the Missouri District 
 of the Illinois Conference, and the Pocky Moun- 
 tain District, attached. 
 
 This session was the first at which the Ger- 
 man brethren met with us, and they added much 
 to the interest of our deliberation. It wjis in- 
 teresting to witness how searching they were in 
 the examination of character; how sharp and 
 cutting in their remarks, pointing out what they 
 considered to be error ; and yet how loving and 
 kind, and how carefully and zealously they had 
 carried out all the rules of the church. All the 
 
ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 107 
 
 disciplinary collections liad been carefully taken, 
 and distinctly reported, and they were all ex- 
 ceedingly liberal. 
 
 The constitutional term of L. B. Dennis, as 
 Presiding Elder of Baldwin City District, having 
 expired, Bishop Morris had considerable diffi- 
 culty in manning the districts. Many of the late 
 transfers were strong men ; some had been 
 Presiding Elders in their old Conferences. Each 
 strong man had his special friends, and they 
 were urging the appointment of their respective 
 favorites. 
 
 The Bishop thought best, on the whole, not 
 to make any change in the incumbents, but to 
 "swap" the Presiding Elders of the Leavenworth 
 and Baldwin City Districts. This did not give 
 general satisfaction. The preachers could not 
 see why any class of men should be kept in 
 office for life. But such is human nature. Men 
 are not inclined to give up power voluntarily. 
 
 Bishop Hamlin was a noble exception to this 
 rule. When his health failed so that he could 
 not perform the duties of a Bishop, he volun- 
 tarily, and against the advice of his friends, 
 resigned the office. Principle and consistency 
 should be carefully guarded, and uncompromis- 
 ingly maintained at all times, and at all hazards. 
 
108 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Brother H. H. Moore had been transferred 
 from the Erie Conference to the Kansas and 
 Nebraska Conference three years before. He 
 was a strong full grown man. He had been 
 stationed at Lawrence two years, but at this 
 Conference he transferred back to his old home. 
 
 G. W. Paddock had been transferred to this 
 Conference three 3"ears before. The last year 
 he had been stationed at Wyandotte. He was 
 modest and retiring, but of sterling integrity and 
 ability. He had been apiH)inted to preach the 
 missionary sermon at this Conference, which he 
 did to the admiration of all present. This ser- 
 mon brought him out and set him so before the 
 people, that the Leavenworth delegation said, 
 '' Send us Brother Paddock as our preacher." 
 
 At this Conference, amongother distinguished 
 guests, was the venerable Charles Elliott, D. D., 
 the veteran editor of the Central Christian Ad- 
 vocate. He added much interest to the session 
 by his counsel, sermons and addresses. 
 
 The Tract Society, and the Sunday School 
 Union, held their anniversaries in conjunction. 
 H. H. Moore spoke strongly and eloquently in 
 favor of the tract cause, and Dr. Davis in favor 
 of the Sunday School Union. After both had 
 advocated the claims of their respective societies, 
 
ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 109 
 
 Dr. Elliott arose, and with his Irish wit and 
 brogue, said about as follows : 
 
 ''I have hands, but I cannot walk on my 
 hands ; I have feet, but I cannot shake hands 
 with my feet ; I have eyes, but I cannot hear 
 with my eyes ; I have ears, but I cannot see 
 with ears ; I have a head, but I cannot stand on 
 my head. But all these members in their proper 
 place render me excellent service, and I could 
 not well do without either of them. So with 
 these institutions of the church." He then pro- 
 ceeded to deliver a most powerful and impressive 
 lecture. 
 
 Grreat changes were made in the appoint- 
 ments this year. The Conference was divided 
 into seven Presiding Elders' Districts, and stood 
 as follows : J. Shaw was made Presiding Elder 
 ot Baldwin City District; J. Denison, of Man- 
 hattan ; L. B. Dennis, of Leavenworth ; J. 
 Chivington, of Rocky Mountain ; N. Taylor, of 
 Wyandotte; James Feisel, of Kansas German ; 
 C. Hidle, of St. Joseph German ; and Mark 
 Robertson, of Ottumwa District. 
 
 Never before did I go to an appointment 
 under the same circumstances, and with the same 
 feelings. The dark war cloud was widening and 
 thickening. The sound of the gathering storm 
 
110 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 was borne on every breeze. Scarcely a meeting 
 but some news of startling and thrilling interest 
 was received. 
 
 In December, 1860, South Carolina bad 
 seceded, and declared herself out of the Union. 
 Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia and 
 Louisiana had followed in January, 1861. Mis- 
 souri, on our east, was nearly equally divided, 
 with her Governor making every effort to take 
 her out of the union. Arkansas was racked to 
 her center, and filled with guerrilhi parties. The 
 ''jay-hawkers" of Kansas were active, vigilant 
 and bold. The declared followers ot Jim Lane 
 said they ''did not iear to steal a horse, or blush 
 to ride the same." 
 
 The members of the church could not remam 
 calm in the midst of the strife. The preachers 
 caught the spirit, and several of them, in re- 
 sponse to the call for volunteers, enlisted and 
 went out as recruiting officers, raised companies 
 or regiments, and led them into the field. Others 
 went as chaplains ; almost every family had 
 some representative in the army. Truly these 
 were times which "tried men's souls." 
 
 My first quarterly meeting this year was on 
 the Tecumseh work, held near Big Springs. At 
 Tecumseh we had no church building, but a 
 
ATCHISON CONFERENCK. lH 
 
 ^ood tliriving societj, with several worthy mem- 
 bers. Major Martin, who has since been Indian 
 Agent, was then living there, and selling goods. 
 He was the recording steward. Father Jordon, 
 -an old local preacher, lived there, but was too 
 feeble to preach. His strong faith and exemplary 
 life were, however, exerting an excellent in- 
 fluence in the community. 
 
 Dr. D. Dickinson, from the Iowa Confer- 
 ence, was employed as their supply this year. 
 He afterwards transferred to this Conference.* 
 He was a man of mature judgnient and exper- 
 ience, and although feeble in health, was young 
 and buoyant in spirit. He labored with all the 
 vigor of youth. The church gathered permanency 
 under his administration. He afterwards super- 
 anuated, and for some time was State Librarian. 
 Our next quarterly meeting was on the 
 Auburn and Superior circuit. Mr. J. T. Griffin, 
 was their preacher. The quarterly meeting was 
 to be held at Superior. This was one of the 
 towns that "was to be," but was not. The 
 company had built a large house for a hotel, and 
 that was about all that had been done. The 
 hotel has since been converted into a cheese 
 factory, and Burlingame has swallowed up the 
 
 ^ Now dead. 
 
112 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 town. Brother Sheldon, a brother of Sister,. 
 Paddock, had settled near here on a farm. 
 Brother Griffin was living on his farm, between 
 Tecumseh and Topeka. After a comfortable- 
 night's rest at his house, in company with him, 
 we started for the quarterly meeting. We drove 
 to Auburn, and stopped with Dr. Bonebrake for 
 dinner. 
 
 This commenced m}^ first acquaintance with 
 the members of the church on the south side of 
 the Kaw^ River, and I found them an interesting, 
 warm hearted and noble people. We took din- 
 ner with Sister Bonebrake, the Doctor being 
 absent from home. We reached Superior that 
 evening, and stopped with Brother Sheldon, and 
 met a most cordial welcome. We readily saw 
 the pastor had the confidence and sympathies 
 of his people. The meeting was held in a house 
 used as the school house. I tried to preach on 
 Saturday, and hold quarterly conference, but was 
 not able to be out Sunday morning on account 
 ot a very painful gathering on one side of my 
 face ; so Brother Griffin had to hold lovefeasty 
 and preach at eleven o'clock. 
 
 Monday morning the stewards met to arrange 
 their finances. They were in the habit of set- 
 tling with the preachers according to their 
 
ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 113 
 
 respective claims, as the discipline directs. After 
 the collection, and the amount received had been 
 divided, I think the Presiding Elder's share was 
 about thirtv-one cents. I told them they had 
 better deposit that in the treasury until it ac- 
 cumulated 
 
 I would like to say here that I have always 
 thought this provision of the discipline ought to 
 be amended ; that while it was the duty of the 
 Presiding Elder to look over the finances each 
 quarter, to devise means to meet all the claims 
 of the preachers, it was equally the duty ot the 
 preachers to see that those measures were timely 
 and properl}' employed, so that not only their 
 own necessities should be provided for, but the 
 Presiding Elder's claims be promptly met. I 
 always felt when I was a circuit or stationed 
 preacher, that if these claims were not reason- 
 ably met, it was either my ' misfortune or fault; 
 lor either of which I should not make my Pre- 
 siding Elder responsible. But, says some one, 
 "the Presiding Elder's claims are too high." If 
 that be so it is not your fault, nor his, but the 
 fault of the Estimating Committee, which is the 
 place to apply the correction. But, if this is so 
 for a time, it will correct itself ; for such things^ 
 like water, will " seek their level." 
 
114 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Thib charge was among the best in the Con- 
 ference, embracing a good country, settled with 
 intelligent, enterprising and cultured families 
 from the older States. The church gradually 
 spread, and became a power lor good in the 
 land. 
 
 This year, notwithstanding the many things 
 to distract — the war and strife in the land — was 
 a year of great spiritual prosperity. We had, in 
 the fall, a glorious camp meeting. One conver- 
 sion at this meeting was so striking that its 
 recollection has never faded from my memory. 
 It was in a family that tented on the ground, 
 consisting ot husband and wife and her maiden 
 sister. The husband was a member of the church, 
 but the ladies were not. They had been brought 
 up by pious parents, but neither professed re- 
 ligion. They were talented, kind and amiable. 
 They both came to 'the altar for prayers, and 
 after a season of earnest, faithful prayer and 
 self consecration, the sister was made happy in 
 a Saviour's love. The married lady continued 
 to pray, struggle, and agonize, until under the 
 power of the Holy Ghost, her strength failed 
 and she swooned away. Her friends became a 
 little alarmed. Her husband and his friends 
 carried her into the tent, and laid her on a bed ; 
 
ATCHISON CONFERENCE. 115 
 
 a few of us gathered around her and knelt in 
 silent prayer. A solemn awe rested on all pres- 
 ent. Her lips were soon observed to move a 
 little. Soon she opened her eyes and faintly 
 ejaculated, "Sing." There was a moment's 
 hesitation, when she spoke again with a stronger 
 voice, "Sing." There being a little hesitation, 
 she commenced to sing alone those beautiful 
 words, and I tholight, with an angelic voice : 
 
 " O, liappy day that fixed 013- choice." 
 The company joined in, but she led through the 
 hymn, and then clapped her hands for joy. The 
 eifect was thrilling and overwhelming. All eyes 
 were filled with tears. All hearts beat with joy, 
 and every tongue moved with praise to God 
 and the Lamb. The meeting closed by marching 
 around the ground and shaking hands before 
 parting. Such a halo of glory was shed on all 
 present as is not forgotten in a lifetime. 
 
 At Topeka, the church had not grown as 
 might have been expected ; I believe this was 
 the case with all the other churches. The 
 Methodists had commenced to build a church, 
 but had not yet inclosed it. They were wor- 
 shipping in a rented room, and their own building 
 on the stand still. The question of at least 
 trying to inclose the building was brought up 
 
116 EEMINISCEJSSES. 
 
 at each quarterly meeting, but each succeeding 
 quarterly meeting found the matter just where it 
 was at the first. It seemed almost impossible 
 to do anything towards church building in these 
 troublesome times. Brother Paulson was their 
 preacher, and he succeeded well in getting a 
 congregation, and holding the church firm in the 
 midst of the national turmoil and strife. 
 
 CHAPTEE yil. 
 
 RUGGED EXPEDIENCES. 
 
 Centropolis charge had Sheldon Parker as 
 preacher, lie lived at Baldwin City. Of course, 
 he could not do as much pastoral work as if he 
 were living among his people, yet he attended 
 to all his regular appointments and looked care- 
 fully after all the interests of the church. 
 
 Nothing special occurred this year. Father 
 Still lived in the bounds of tliis circuit. He was 
 one of the first Methodist preachers on Kansas 
 soil. He was first sent as a missionary to the 
 Indians, and afterwards made Presiding Elder. 
 He was abundant in labors — of deep piety and 
 strong faith. This year he was on the super- 
 anuated list, and lived on his own farm. 
 
RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 117 
 
 Clinton was one of the oldest charges in 
 Kansas. It had a large and efficient member- 
 ship, a good force of local preachers, and many 
 old and experienced members. Father Wright, 
 -a strong man, with commanding mind, but no 
 education, lived on this charge, and was highly 
 respected for his firmness and christian integrity. 
 I afterwards knew him in Wathena, Doniphan 
 County, where he had settled, and I found him 
 the same warm hearted friend as before. He 
 then told me that he learned to write after he 
 was sixty years old. He has since crossed the 
 stream of death and doubtless is safely harbored 
 on the other shore. 
 
 Mace Clow, who had formerly been a mem- 
 ber of one of the eastern conferences, but had 
 located, and moved to this section of the country, 
 D. and J. Woodward, Wilkins and McCormick, 
 local preachers, all lived on this circuit, and 
 constituted a strong camp meeting force. 
 
 We held a camp meeting this year, and it 
 proved one of great benefit to the community ; 
 but it was a little hard to manage at the first. 
 Several of the brethren thought that not to 
 grieve the spirit they must cast oif all restraints 
 and follow the impulses of the moment. One 
 brotlier was a little peculiar in this respect ; he 
 
lis EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 believed in doing with liis might what he did. 
 He was warm hearted, and ardent in his tem- 
 perament, but a Httle eccentric in his exercises. 
 "While all who knew him had confidence in his 
 piety, yet the unconverted were sometimes 
 amused by his actions. 
 
 The first evening of the meeting, after preach- 
 ing, we had an interesting and profitable prayer 
 meeting; and, while there was a good state of 
 interest, we thought best to close for the night. 
 After the congregation had been dismissed and 
 most of them had retired, some did not feel 
 quite satisfied, and commenced singing again. 
 After a while several got quite liappy. One 
 brother shouted lustily. After waiting a reason- 
 able time, I went out and told the brethren they 
 had better dismiss and retire tor rest; that it 
 was not best to expend all their amunition in 
 the first charge. They quieted down for a time, 
 and I retired. Again, praying, singing and 
 shouting commenced. I went out again and 
 told they must absolutely quiet down and keep 
 still. If they did not want to sleep themselves, 
 they must not prevent others from sleeping, for 
 I feared that if we were kept awake all night we 
 would have sleepj^ preaching and a sleepy con- 
 gregation the next day. I finally succeeded in 
 
kugCtEd experiences. 119 
 
 obtaining quiet and rest^ but some ol the brethren 
 were a little tried with me. Thej thought their 
 new Presiding Elder a little cold hearted, and. 
 formal, and feared I was attempting to "steady 
 the ark." 
 
 The next day I talked with some of them 
 about properly directing our efforts ; that while 
 we labored to get our own souls tilled with love, 
 joy and tire, we should not hoist the safety valve 
 and let off steam in the open air, but with warm 
 hearts, and burning zeal, we should work for the 
 Master, and devote our renewed energies, lov- 
 ingly, to bring sinners to the Saviour. .The 
 advice, I think, had a good effect, for henceforth 
 we labored harmoniously and had a pleasant 
 and protitable time. Good order was maintained 
 and faithful service performed. F. J. Ferrill 
 was their pastor. He was early at his work, and 
 faithiul in his labor, until he was taken away to 
 supply another charge. Mace Clow tilled out 
 the year. 
 
 Monday morning we started for home ; about 
 seventy miles distant. Two miles from town we 
 had to cross a creek and ascend quite a hill. One 
 of my horses, being balky, refused to go. I gave 
 the lines to my wife, and got out and took hold 
 of the bits to lead them up. The animal backed^ 
 
120 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 and cramped tlie buggy, which threw her out, 
 and the buggy turned on top of her. I let go 
 the bits to extricate her, when the horses started 
 up the hilL The buggy righted up, the team 
 taking a turn, leaped down a steep bank, struck 
 into the road and took back for town. My wife 
 was considerably, but not seriously, hurt. After 
 she was sufficiently recovered to think it safe, I 
 left her seated beside the road, on the buffalo 
 robe, and went in pursuit of the team. 
 
 I soon met a friend coming back witli them. 
 They had kept the road directly for his house. 
 He immediately jumped into the buggy and 
 came in search of us. After he administered 
 soothing medicine, my wife thought she could 
 ride, so we nailed up the buggy where it was 
 broken, and drove on. The next day we reached 
 home, without further mishap. This was one of 
 the memorable incidents of an itinerant's life in 
 Kansas in those days. 
 
 Going to another quarterly meeting, about 
 five miles before we reached the place, we had 
 to drive down a steep hill. It had thawed two 
 or three inches deep, was very slippery, and 
 there was a complete slush of mud and water. I 
 feared to sit in the buggy and drive down, so I 
 thought I would get out and walk beside it. I 
 
RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 121 
 
 shad but just started at the top of the hill when 
 •my feet slipped and I came down into the mud. 
 ■I did not, as the politician would say, "exactly 
 define my position," for I came down the hill 
 sitting square up, ploughing the mud from top 
 to bottom. Such a looking object could be sel- 
 dt)m seen — boots, pants, coat and overcoat 
 -completely covered with mud. I scraped off the 
 mud as best I could, and rode on. I stopped at 
 a house and inquired of a sister if she could 
 iurnish me some dry clothes. She at once 
 brought me a pair of her husband's pants. But 
 here was a difficulty — the husband was a small, 
 short man, and I a six footer ; consequently I 
 -found it very difficult to obtain admittance. But, 
 after a while, I succeeded in drawing them on, 
 'but they were too short at both ends. However, 
 'by keeping an upright position, and not attemp- 
 ting to bend, 1 managed to wait until my own 
 pants were dried, brushed and made ready for 
 use. When I came to make the change again 
 I met with another difficult}' that reminded me 
 ■ of the time when I was a boy, and had outgrown 
 my clothes. What work I had to get the shrunken 
 pants over my lieels ! Bat by unbuttoning the 
 waistbands and turning them down, I succeeded 
 dn getting them oif, like skinning a squirrel. I 
 
122 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 got 111}' own pants on, and, physically, was- 
 ready for quarterly meeting. 
 
 Franklin circuit had B. C. Dennis as pastor. 
 The headquarters of this charge were live miles 
 below Lawrence. This was the place where one 
 of the border ruffian battles was fought, between 
 the ruffians and Jim Lane's forces. The bullet 
 holes in an old house were to be seen where one 
 of the armies took shelter. The year before a 
 difficulty sprung up between some local preach- 
 ers, which operated unfavorably against the 
 interest of the church. One had withdrawn, 
 and another, who was an ordained deacon at 
 the last quarterl}' conference, was refused the 
 passage of his character. So he stood among 
 them an ordained deacon, without a good char- 
 acter. 
 
 I told them, to be consistent, they should 
 prefer charges against him and either prove him 
 guilty or clear him. This they refused to do, 
 I laid the matter before the Bishop, and asked 
 him what should be done in such a case. '' Let 
 them suffer the consequences of their own folly," 
 was his reply. 
 
 At Franklin we iiad the shell of an old 
 meeting house — '' balloon" frame— sided with. 
 Cottonwood siding. At one of my quarterly 
 
KUGGED EXPERIENCES. 123- 
 
 meetings, in a wind storm, I looked for the old 
 building to go down over our heads. Under the 
 force of the wind the sides sprung in and out, 
 like an old horse with the heaves. But we 
 passed unhurt. Brother Dennis labored faith- 
 fully, but little apparent good w^as effected ; the 
 bread w^as cast upon the water, whether it was 
 ever gathered or not. 
 
 Baldwin City was to be supplied by Dr. 
 Davis, which he did, during the summer, in 
 addition to his duties as President of Baker 
 University. But m the fall he was elected to 
 the State Legislature, and Prof. T. A. Parker 
 supplied the rest of the year. In and around 
 Baldwin City many excellent, well tried, and 
 long proved Methodist families had settled. 
 Dennis Willie, who had once been a member of 
 the Ohio Conference, was settled here, and 
 selling goods, and deeply interested in the pros- 
 perity of Baker University. Although he was 
 old, he was yet vigorous ; age to him had 
 brought wisdom, and an excellent reputation. 
 His mind w^as stored with interesting anecdotes, 
 and seemed an unfailing fountain of knowledge. 
 The reminiscences of other days seemed fresh in 
 his memory. He could talk from sunrise to 
 sundown, and from sundown to bed time, and 
 
124 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 never talk nonsense. Much did I prize his 
 society, and listened to his conversation with 
 o^reat interest. But his venerable form has been 
 laid away in the dust, while his noble spirit is 
 doubtless with tlie redeemed on hi^h. Dr. Dallas 
 was living near here ; a staunch friend, and 
 active member of the church. It would require 
 a volume to write even a brief history of all the 
 excellent members in and around Baldwin City. 
 Suffice it to say, they were a noble people. 
 
 We held a camp meeting here this year. It 
 was a time of great quickening, and I trust of 
 lasting benefit to all present. Brother L. B. 
 Dennis, of the Leavenworth District, was here, 
 and labored with all the vigor, and energy of 
 former days. News reached us at this meeting 
 that our army, which had gone south under the 
 command of ColonelJohnson, had been defeated, 
 and the rebels were on their way to Kansas. 
 Colonel Johnson's wife and her sister were at 
 the meeting. Some thought we had better close 
 the meeting and form a regiment, and with hoes, 
 broomsticks, and pitchforks, if we could get no 
 other weapons, go and drive them from our soil. 
 But the news was soon contradicted, and the 
 meeting went on as usual. 
 
 Several refugees came in from Missouri ; 
 
RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 125 
 
 among tliem one or two preachers. One related 
 an amusing incident: "Several 'bushwhackers,' 
 who were dressed so as to recognize each other, 
 made a raid on a village tor plunder. The in- 
 habitants rallied, and drove them from the 
 town, and so closely did they corner them up, 
 that they were obliged to fly to the woods in 
 every direction. The mark by w^hich they were 
 to know each other, was a blue stripe along the 
 outside seam of their pants. One poor fellow, 
 that he might not be detected by the citizens, 
 took his knife and cut the blue stripe off, not think- 
 ing that in so doing he tore open his pants, and 
 with them buttoned around his waist, the legs 
 flying behind, he went leaping through the brush, 
 until overtaken and captured by his pursuers." 
 
 It was astonishing what an influence the war 
 spirit had on the community. Brother Steward, 
 one of the preachers, had enlisted and gone into 
 the army as captain. Brother Taylor had been 
 in the army a few days, and was on the point of 
 leaving his work and accepting a chaplain's or 
 colonel's commission. He was at this meeting 
 a short time, but the "king's business required 
 haste," hence he could not stay. The meeting 
 continued several days, and wound up with. 
 
126 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 glorious results. On the whole, it was a grand 
 success. 
 
 Lawrence, being settled with eastern people, 
 and considered a Yankee town, was particularly 
 objectionable to the pro-slavery border ruffians. 
 Early had they visited their wrath upon the 
 town and burned down the line hotel. Yet 
 Yankee persistence held on, and a finer building 
 was erected on the ground. The church was 
 planted here in an early day, and steps taken to 
 erect a house of worship. An agent had been 
 sent abroad to solicit aid. Funds had been col- 
 lected, and a church erected. Lovejoy and 
 Blackford had figured in this enterprise. The 
 church was badly located, and n5t very prepos- 
 sessing in appearance. It was on a back street, 
 in close proximity to a livery stable, and 
 fiat and squatty in shape. I never could imag- 
 ine why a Yankee should build such a church ; 
 yet it answered a purpose. H. H. Moore had 
 been stationed here the two preceding years. 
 H. D, Fisher was located here this year, but 
 he had hardly time to get fairly under way, 
 when he took the war fever, and went into the 
 army as chaplain. F. J. Ferrill was taken to fill 
 out the year. Brother Ferrill was a genial, 
 cheerful, and hopeful man, who did not believe 
 
RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 127 
 
 in drying out a gloomy existence with the blues, 
 but that it was best to "laugh and grow fat." 
 May the clouds never darken his cheeful visage. 
 This was my first acquaintance with Meth- 
 odism in Lawrence, and there are many pleasant 
 reminiscences connected therewith. I found 
 here many excellent families ; the two Duncans — 
 Charles and Wesley — were among my kindest 
 friends, and while I live I shall remember their 
 hospitality and liberality. Their house was 
 freely made my home, and here I found rest and 
 refreshment. 
 
 The church here, the present year, did not 
 more than hold its own. Such was the war 
 excitement, that for the present, it absorbed 
 every other interest. Several officers were quar- 
 tered here during the winter, and recruiting was 
 constantly going on. The roughs who followed 
 the army were gathered here in abundance, so 
 that the floating population was not of a desir- 
 able character. 
 
 I reached Lawrence for my fourth quarterly 
 meeting Friday night, and drove up to Charles 
 Duncan's. My wife being with me, we stopped for 
 the night, run my buggy up close to the house, 
 put my horses in the barn, and supposing all 
 was safe, at the proper time retired to rest. 
 
128 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Judge of iny surprise, to Und in tlie morning,, 
 that during the night some one had entered the 
 stable, took one of mv horses and Brotlier 
 Duncan's horse, put m}' harness on them, hitched 
 to mj buggy, and drove off and no trace could 
 be got ot them. 
 
 We went through the exercises of the meet- 
 ing as well as we could, and Monday morning 
 began to look about for some mode of reaching 
 home. I was here with my wife, fifty miles from 
 home, and no waj^ of conveyance. Railroads 
 were unknown in Kansas then, and we had only 
 a little pony, with no harness, or buggy, saddle 
 or bridle. By chance, we learned that Brother 
 Moore, chaplain in the army, and home on a 
 furlough, had in his possession a horse that he- 
 wished to send to White Cloud. So we arranged 
 to take him, and borrowing a buggy and harness 
 from Brother Ferrill, we were soon rigged out 
 for our journey. 
 
 But, here another difficult met us — the ice 
 in the river was breaking up and not sufficiently 
 strong to cross on. Our only alternative wa& 
 to go up the river until we reached a point where 
 the ice was stronger. When we reached Te- 
 cum seh, we found the}^ had been crossing on the 
 ice. We hired a man to help us, and taking the 
 
RUGGED EXPERIENCES. 129 
 
 horses from the buggj, he leading one and I the 
 other, my wife following on foot, we succeeded 
 in crossing safely. In going out on the north 
 side the ice broke, but we made the shore in 
 safety. The man then went back and drew the 
 buggy over a little further down. We hitched 
 up, paid the man a dollar and went on. 
 
 This was our last quarterly meeting for the 
 year, and we were preparing for our Annual 
 Conference, which was to meet at Wyandotte. 
 
 By an arrangement between the Presiding 
 Elders of Leavenworth and Baldwin City Dis- 
 tricts, each was to attend the Ministerial Associa- 
 tions ol the other. One ot the associations for 
 Leavenworth District was held at Monrovia. 
 
 At this meeting a Brother Campbell, a Pres- 
 byterian minister, and agent for the American 
 Bible Society, was present, and read an essay 
 on ''Paul's thorn in the flesh," claiming that 
 it was opthalmia or blindness. This essay was 
 pretty severely criticised, and drew out the 
 opinions of most of the members, and these 
 opinions were about as varied as there were 
 individuals. One brother, who was a dyspeptic, 
 verily thought that Paul's thorn in the flesh was 
 nothing more or less than the dyspepsia. 
 
 The writer read an essay on "Ministerial 
 
130 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Zeal." Perhaps this subject was given him to 
 warm up his own energy. 
 
 G. W. Paddock served them faithfully and 
 profitably at Leavenworth City. This charge 
 did not suffer by the war, Hke many other places. 
 Being so near the Fort, where vast armies were 
 gathered, equipped and sent into the field, it 
 made money plenty and business lively. The 
 church shared the general prosperity, and under 
 the faithful labors of its able and zealous pastor, 
 they enjoyed a good degree of prosperity. 
 
 B. F. Bowman, one of the first preachers in 
 Kansas, both in respect to time, faithfulness, 
 self denying labor, and usefulness, w^as appointed 
 to Lancaster. This charge was never very well 
 organized, and it suffered this year greatly by 
 the war. All its societies were weakened, and 
 it required much patience and perseverance to 
 keep up "a religious interest. 
 
 L. D. Price was appointed to White Cloud and 
 Sabetha, taking in Hiawatha, the county seat of 
 Brown County, where he succeeded in organizing 
 a class and establishing a regular appointment. 
 This place has since grown to considerable im- 
 portance, and the church has so prospered that 
 they have had a stationed preacher of their own 
 several years. 
 
KUGGED EXPERIENCES. 131 
 
 I. F. Collins was appointed to Oskaloosa. 
 Here, too, the effect of the war was terrible. 
 Many of its citizens had gone into the army, and 
 some had fallen on the field of battle, and others 
 had rallied to fill their places whose blood was 
 calling loudly for vengeance on the rebellion, and 
 general excitement prevailed. Brother Collins, 
 with characteristic judgment, held a steady hand 
 on the helm of the church, counseling and 
 guiding her safely through the storm. 
 
 O. B. Gardner was returned the second year 
 to Wathena, but the nauie of the charge was 
 changed to Elwood and Columbus. An exciting 
 incident occurred this year at Wathena : One 
 night the rebels raised a large pole and hung on 
 it the confederate flag. In the morning the 
 citizens, to their mortification, saw the rebel Hag 
 floating over their heads. Quite a company 
 gathered around the pole, on which was written, 
 in large, legible letters, ''Death to the man that 
 takes down this flag.'- 
 
 A proposition was made for some one to take 
 it down, but no one seemed willing to undertake 
 the job, fearing they might be shot by some fiend 
 in secret. Brother Gardner remarked, with 
 characteristic lirmness : •'! am unwilling to sit 
 down under this degrading insult, and if there is 
 
182 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 no other man to do it, I will tear down that 
 insulting rag.'' He laid off his coat and boots, 
 and deliberately ascended the pole, tore the flag 
 from its position, and returned in triumph, with- 
 out harm, amid the shouts of applause that burst 
 forth from the excited multitude. This was 
 characteristic of the man. He was fearless in 
 tlie discharge of his duty to his country, and 
 his God. 
 
 Brother Makan was returned to Atchison the 
 second year. He stayed but a few weeks, and 
 then transferred to one of the Indiana Confer 
 ences. The Presiding Elder supplied the place 
 with Brother Wentz, of the Missouri Conference. 
 He gave general satisfacti(m, but the church was 
 on the decline. The effect of the war was de- 
 creasing its numbers and financial ability. Early 
 in the year a tremendous storm came very near 
 demolishing the church builaing. It racked it 
 so that the plastering over head, and on the 
 ends was nearly all broken off, and the building 
 so shaken that they had to place four large props 
 on the east side, running from the eaves to the 
 ground, some fifteen feet from the base. This 
 gave it a very awkward appearance, and some 
 said, "the Methodist Church was failing from 
 grace." But, amid all the discouragements, 
 
WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 133 
 
 Brother Wentz labored faithfally during the 
 year, and with some success. 
 
 CHAPTER YIIL 
 
 WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 
 
 JSTever did I go to Conference under as dark 
 a ch^ud as I went to this. The year liad been 
 one of severe trial and conflict. "We had to 
 endure what seemed to us adverse and trying 
 providences, and but for the occasional sunshine 
 of the spirit, the presence of the Master, and 
 the evident success that attended our labor, we 
 would have sunk under the burden. But these 
 were as green spots on the desert. Our only 
 son, Frank, who was barely old enough, had 
 enlisted in the army, and with all my patriotism, 
 I found it exceedingly difficult to yield my con- 
 sent. When I did, it was like following him to 
 the grave. 
 
 When the Conference met, the regiment to 
 which he belonged was camped a short distance 
 above W3'andotte, but had orders to move the 
 next day to Shawneetown. As the army passed 
 by, I went out to bid him a final farewell. I 
 stood until his company passed, but did not 
 
134 REMINISCENSESl 
 
 see him. I then inquired of the Captain for him. 
 He told me he was not there, and had not been 
 seen that day, making the impression that he 
 had deserted. Tliis sliocked me more tlian his 
 enlisting. Brother Price, and another brother, 
 followed the army to Shawneetown to ascertain 
 the facts. They found him there, all right. He, 
 w4th others, had been detailed to guard the bag- 
 gage wagon. Charity prompts me to think the 
 Captain did not know this. 
 
 Bishop Simpson was present at the Confer- 
 ence to preside, but in feeble health. He gave 
 the Committee on Public Worship notice that 
 he could not preach during the Conference. So 
 when the appointment for preaching on Sunday 
 was read, the writer's name stood for eleven 
 o'clock. This was a great surprise to me, but I 
 resolved not to back out, but do the best I could. 
 I selected a subject, and tried to prepare as best 
 I could in the short time left, and thought I had 
 a pretty good skeleton — if I could only put on the 
 flesh, the spirit would breathe lite into it. 
 
 In making the attempt, the flesh was de- 
 ficient, and the spirit did not come. I gave but 
 a little more than the outline, and a brief filling 
 up. I never before felt the "weight" of a 
 Bishop, or the close fit of a straight jacket, and 
 
.WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 135 
 
 concluded tliat prudence was the better part of 
 valor, and that it was best to close, and thus 
 secure at least one merit, that of brevity. So I 
 closed in " short meter." This took the Bishop 
 somewhat by surprise, as he was sitting very 
 leisurely and composedlj^, not just ready to pro- 
 ceed with the further exercises. He soon ralhed, 
 however, found his place, and proceeded with 
 the ordination. 
 
 A matter came up at this Conference that 
 created a little excitement, as such matters 
 always must do. A resolution was introduced 
 requesting the Bishop not to appoint any man 
 Presiding Elder who had been on a district four 
 years in succession. All the Presiding Elders 
 who came under the rule, voted for the resolu- 
 tion, and all those who wanted to be Presiding 
 Elders, of course, voted for it. So it was passed 
 by a large majority. 
 
 This resolution was evidently designed to 
 open the way for certain individuals whose em- 
 inent talents and qualification for the office had 
 been overlooked. It is really a pity that the 
 office of Bishop cannot give the man more 
 knowledge in making such appointments, for it 
 must be evident to every discerning mind, that 
 no man, whatever his ability, can be Presiding 
 
136 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Elder for a long number of years in succession 
 without suffering material and lasting loss. 
 First, lie becomes disqualified for the regular 
 pastoral work, which is the pleasantest part of a 
 minister's business. Second, he is deprived of 
 the privilege of that regular consecutive study 
 wdiich is necessar}^ lor enlarged views and great 
 variety of subjects, and he is almost certain to 
 fall into ruts, and become contracted in his 
 amount of matter, and fail to give interest and 
 effect to his sermons. Third, he always 
 looses, to a greater or less extent, the sympathies 
 of the people and preachers, and never escapes 
 becoming a subject of jealousy, as cruel as death, 
 and will finally end in defeat. This, I believe, 
 the Bishops understand, and they can make the 
 correction wdth much less friction than if the 
 Annual Conferences elected the Pi-esiding Elders. 
 
 Recruiting for the war had been going on all 
 the year. A regiment had been raised in Col- 
 orado, and John M. Chivington had gone in as 
 Major. In an engagement between his regiment 
 and the Texas Rangers, the latter were com- 
 pletely defeated, leaving many of their dead on 
 the field, among whom were some of the mur- 
 derers of Anthony Buley, the Methodist preacher 
 who had been cruelly hung by a Texas mob. 
 
WYANDOTTE CONFEEENCE. 1862. 137 
 
 The Conference receiving no commnnication from 
 Brother Chivington, did not know what dij^sposi- 
 tion to make of his case, so thej voted him a 
 location. This was doubtless illegaL It was 
 •done, however, without anj^ disrespect lor 
 Brother Chivington ; the case was new, and 
 they thought they must give liim some definite 
 i-eUition. 
 
 At the close of the (conference, the districts 
 were manned by Presiding Elders as follows: 
 Leavenw^orth District, L. D. Rice ; Baldwin 
 City, AV. R. Davis ; Manhattan, J. Dennison ; 
 Mound City, Mark Robertson ; Rocky Moun- 
 tain, B. C. Dennis ; Kansas German, C. Stein- 
 ley ; St. Joseph German, C. Heidel. James 
 Shaw was appointed to Atchison. 
 
 As I turned my face towards home, I began 
 to breathe more freely. I felt that a great 
 burden had been rolled from \nj shoulders — if 
 not the care of all the churches, at least the 
 -care of the district. I turned my attention 
 toward Atchison — how best I could serve the 
 Master and build up his cause among the people. 
 
 On reaching home 1 looked around, and 
 now confess, that for a moment I felt a little 
 discouraged, and on going into the church was 
 iiot very much relieved. My eyes beheld the 
 
138 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 bare lathing over head, on either side, and ii> 
 front, more visible than the ribs of an old super- 
 annuated horse, and the building held up by 
 props on the outside. The society was weak in. 
 numbers and financial ability ; although my pre- 
 decessor had been able and faithful, he could 
 not build up the walls in these troublesome- 
 times. On the church records was written op- 
 posite many names, '^ Enlisted in the army." 
 
 Brother S. Gard was here, and soon after I 
 commenced, D. C. Newcomb came, with a letter 
 from Leavenworth. They were both young 
 men, engaged in clerking. Of these young men 
 I have spoken in another chapter. Brother Mas- 
 ters was here, and T. B. Davis came about this 
 time. J. C. Keisner was keeping a hotel, 
 "sleeping and eating" wayworn travelers, and 
 this he did so blandly that no one complained. 
 After counting all we could not find enough male 
 members to form a full Board of Stewards. Sa 
 we concluded to appoint a committee of the 
 members of the congregation to act with the 
 stewards in looking after the finances. J. C. 
 McCully, David Auld, Ephraim Butcher and A» 
 B. McQueen were appointed on that committee. 
 McQueen was a member of the United Presb}-- 
 terian Church, but a regular attendent upon our 
 
WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 1S9> 
 
 services, as that denomination had no organiza- 
 tion here. He was faithful and efficient in all 
 the interests of the church. When the Presby- 
 terians organized here he went with them, as 
 more congenial with his feelings. 
 
 The first service 1 held this year was a 
 funeral. The son ot J. C. Auld, who lived in 
 the country, had died, and they brought him to 
 Atchison for interment. At first view of the 
 condition of things I was almost ready to con^ 
 elude I might as well preach a funeral sermon 
 for the church ; but, remembering the word of 
 Him who said, " Lo, I am with you always, even 
 unto the end of the world," I resolved to buckle- 
 on afresh the armor, and go forth in the cause 
 of the Master. 
 
 Although there was occasional sunshine, the- 
 clouds did not immediately disperse, and some- 
 times it grew darker and more threatening. 
 Early in the season, a severe hail storm broke 
 every window on the west side and south end of 
 the house. How to replace them I knew not. 
 But here Brother McQueen came to our aid, and 
 proposed, as he was a painter and glazier, to da 
 the work if we would furnish the material, which 
 I did, with the assistance of a few friends, and 
 
140 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 the work of resetting and frosting was clone, and 
 we thanked God and took courage. 
 
 In the summer, the Thirteenth Regiment of 
 Kansas Volunteers was raised, and Brother 
 Davis enlisted. Weak as the church was, this 
 was felt to be a great loss. But trusting in the 
 strong arm of God for help, I held on. Soon 
 the spiritual interest began to revive. We had 
 a noble " Brotherhood of Sisters," who stood 
 firm, and were active in the cause of the Master. 
 Sister Orookham, who has since died and gone 
 to her home in heaven, although in feeble health 
 and not able to labor much, was very valuable 
 in counsel, deeply interested in the welfare of 
 the church, and liberal in its support. Her 
 sister, Eliza Auld, who lived with her, was 
 always on hand and ready for every good work, 
 and by her presence and prayers held up the 
 hands of the "Heralds of the Cross." Sally 
 McCully was firm, faithful and ever at her post 
 of duty ; Sister Milton, patient and prompt ; 
 Sister Hews trusting, zealous and hopeful ; Sister 
 Crowell warm in her affections for the church, 
 and untiring in her efforts for its welfare ; Sister 
 Reisner quiet, yet active, and liberal ; Sister 
 Davis buoyant in spirit, energetic and confident 
 in the cause of the Master; Sister Emler, as 
 
WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. — 1862. 141 
 
 regular as the sun at her post of duty. Witlx 
 such a band of Christian laborers, I soon felt 
 that failure was out ol the question, and to doubt 
 was sin. Soon the effect of their prayers and 
 faith became visible in the reviving influence in 
 the church. 
 
 The Sunday School had been prospering, 
 under the superin tendency of W. M. Davies. He 
 was a member of the Presbyterian Church, but 
 as they had no services, he was acting with us. 
 He, however, desired to be released from the 
 charge of the school, and Brother Gard was 
 appointed Superintendent. 
 
 Sister Phelps, who had been absent visiting 
 the hospitals and laboring for the sick and 
 wounded soldiers, returned, and entered with 
 her accustomed zeal and ability, into the service 
 of the Sunday School, for which work she was 
 peculiarly adapted. She rendered valuable ser- 
 vice, inspiring new zeal and confidence in alL 
 
 About this time, Mr. Parker, with his family^ 
 moved into Atchison. He was a member of the- 
 Congregational Church, and she of the Metho- 
 dist Church. I made their acquaintance and 
 found Mrs. Parker a sister of one of my old 
 friends in Michigan, Willard McConnell, of 
 Pontiac. Brother McConnell had helped me to- 
 
142 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 build the first Metliodist Church in Pontiac, 
 before he was a member. He was one of the 
 leading merchants ot the place. I knew him 
 until he was soundly converted in heart and a 
 member of the church. He was one ot its lead- 
 ing members, and since has been a reserve lay 
 -delegate to the General Conference, and I have 
 always been proud to count him among my fast 
 friends. When I learned that Mrs, Parker was 
 a sister of his, 1 felt as if I had met with an old 
 ^nd familiar friend, and this feeling has con- 
 tinued. Sister Parker has been prominent in 
 the Methodist Church, while Brother Parker 
 has been an active member of the Congrega- 
 tional Church. So harmonious are they in their 
 -church relations that one could hardly tell to 
 which church they belonged. They alternately 
 attend each and liberally support both. 
 
 The spiritual interests of the Methodist 
 Church being on the rise, I thought it advisable 
 to attempt some repairs on the building. I 
 proposed to tear oft' the lath on the end of the 
 house, board it up with square edged lumber, 
 ^nd lath and plaster over this. I consulted a 
 mechanic, and he said that could be done, and 
 it would abundantly brace and secure the build- 
 ing. "But," said he, "you cannot raise the 
 
WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. • 143 
 
 Miieans to do it." I replied, " We can try. How 
 much will you give?" '^ Fifteen dollars," said 
 lie. I circulated a subscription, and secured 
 nearly enough to purchase the niateiial, and then 
 proposed to raise the balance by a fair, after the 
 work was done. In a short time the work was 
 .accomplished, the props taken down and made 
 into fire wood to warm the church, and every 
 one seemed to rejoice. The lair came off and 
 "was a grand success. More than enough was 
 realized to meet all the expense. 
 
 Sister Crowell took it into her head that we 
 needed a new carpet for the aisles and altar, but 
 the committee lor the fair feared it would involve 
 too much expense. She proposed to purchase 
 the carpet and put it down without drawing on 
 the fair money, if they would give her the priv- 
 ilege, to which they readily consented. "But," 
 said one, "where will you get the money?" 
 Slapping her hand on her pocket, and with a 
 twinkle of the eye, she replied, "I have got it 
 there, already." In canvassing for the fair, she 
 had presented the matter of the carpet as a 
 «eperate item, and obtained sufficient for the 
 purpose. So the carpet was put down and all 
 were delighted. 
 
 During the winter we had a pleasant time. 
 
144 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 The liouse was comfortable, the congregation 
 respectable, and the membership united and 
 active, and, on the whole, we had a successful 
 year. Although the times were hard, our Mis- 
 sionary Committee succeeded in gathering up 
 quite a respectable sum for the mission cause. 
 The 3'ear was drawing to a close, and the war 
 was still raging, with no prospect of an imme- 
 diate close. I began to feel a strong inclination 
 to enter the army myself. With this view, I 
 requested the Presiding Elder, at the approach- 
 ing Conterence, to give me a less responsible 
 appointment, so that if I should leave during" 
 the year the church w^ould not suffer too much. 
 
 Dr. Davis commenced his work in the dis- 
 trict, but continued only about half the year, 
 when he left and went into the army as chaplain. 
 Strange Brooks filled out the year as Presiding 
 Elder. 
 
 G. W. Paddock was returned the second year 
 to Leavenworth, where he succeeded not only in 
 maintaining a large congregation, but in building 
 up the interest of the society, and in collecting 
 a large amount of money to finish the church. 
 The work was completed, and the church dedi- 
 cated this year, D. P. Mitchell, of the Pittsburg 
 Conference, officiating. 
 
WYANDOTTE CONFERENCE. 1862. 145 
 
 I. F. Collins was returned the second time to 
 Oskaloosa. Early in the year he was called to 
 lay down the christian ci'oss, and take the 
 victor's crown. He was in good health at Con- 
 ference ; active and efficient in all its business. 
 He received his appointment gladly, returned to 
 it cheerfully, and entered upon his duties en- 
 couragingly. But the Master said, '' It is enough; 
 come up higher I *' and he replied feebly, with 
 his dying breath, '' near home." 
 
 Brother ColHns was a paragon of neatness in 
 his person ; patient and persevering in his labor ; 
 cheerful and hopeful in his spirit ; decided and 
 Urm in his opinions ; ever ready to give a reason 
 for the hope that was in him, and in every way 
 a cultured cliristian gentleman. Wherever he 
 was appointed, he rendered good service tor the 
 church. I knew him long, and knew him well — 
 knew him while in Michigan, labored with him 
 side by side, both in Michigan and Kansas, and 
 never knew him to falter in the cause of the 
 Master. Dr. B. D. Dickinson was employed to 
 fill out the year at Oskaloosa. 
 
 B. F. Bowman w^as appointed to Palermo. 
 This was one of the cities that was to be, but 
 never was. The charge was w^eak, and the 
 support poor. Surely these were times that 
 
146 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 '' tried men's souls," and showed what kind ot 
 stuff they were made of. Methodist preachers 
 then received their appointments as trom the 
 hand of God, not stopping to think whether the 
 charge would pay them or not ; but relying on 
 God and the liberality of the people, they did 
 their work with singleness of heart, obeying the 
 command, " Trust in the Lord and do good," 
 and believing the promise, '' So shalt thou dwell 
 in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed." 
 
 Doniphan does not appear this year in the 
 ministry. Troy had been abandoned as a 
 preaching place, and connected with Doniphan, 
 made a charge ; as it was the county seat, the 
 charge took the name of Troy. Abraham Ben • 
 nett, a local preacher, was employed as their 
 ;supply. He served them efficiently, and suc- 
 <jeededin making Troy a permanent appointment. 
 Monrovia appears this year for the first time, 
 on the minutes, as an appointment, with L. F. 
 Walden as their preacher. This took in Sumner. 
 Brother Walden left Missouri the year before on 
 account of the war troubles, and took refuge in 
 Kansas. In many places in Missouri a Metho- 
 dist preacher's life was in danger. He was a 
 faithful and successful laborer, and had some 
 revivals this year. 
 
CONFEEENCE AT LAWRENCE. 14:7 
 
 0. B.Gardner was appointed to Wliite Cloud. 
 During, the summer a large portion of his mem- 
 bers went into the army. Brother Gardner being 
 a favorite with them, thev desired that he should 
 go with them as chaplain. They petitioned the 
 Colonel to that effect; but another man had placed 
 the Colonel under obligation, by helping him 
 to his position, so he got the appointment, 
 and Brother Gardner continued his labors taith- 
 fully throughout the year. 
 
 The time for the meeting of the Conterence 
 was drawing near, and I was preparing to go up 
 to our annual convocation, to look over the 
 past and arrange tor the future. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 
 
 March 11, 1863, Bishop Ames opened the 
 session with the usual religious exercises. The 
 business was conducted in a somewhat novel 
 •style. Each preacher, as his name was called 
 lor examination of character, was requested to 
 give a representation of his charge, its spiritual 
 and financial condition, its present wants and 
 its future prospects. This gave the Bishop a 
 
148 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 clear insight into the state of the church. The 
 business of the Conference was harmonious, and 
 generally pleasant, with but little trictiou. 
 
 A brother, who had been a member of our 
 Conference, but who had transferred awa_y, and 
 located to get back, made application for re- 
 admission. The same brother had been before 
 the Conference a year ago, at Wj^andotte, knock- 
 ing for admission, but Brother Collins raised a 
 little objection, and he was not received, Thi& 
 year, his friends stated that he had been doing 
 well as a local preacher. I felt it my duty to 
 say that we all knew the brother very well, and 
 believed that he had some elements in his char- 
 acter that disqualified him for a successful mem- 
 ber of the Conference ; as he had been doing 
 well as a local preacher, we had better let well 
 enough alone. His application was rejected. 
 
 On going to my boarding house for dinner, 
 the brother followed me, and seemed consider- 
 ably excited, and wished to know what I had 
 against him, that I should oppose him in Con- 
 ference. I replied, in substance, that 1 did not 
 know that it would be for his benefit, or that it 
 was my duty to explain all my objections to 
 him. I would frankly say, however, that I did 
 not think him a proper person for a traveling 
 
CONFEKENCE AT LAWRENCE. ltl:9 
 
 preacher, and, bj the vote of the Conference, it 
 appeared that the brethren were of the same 
 opinion. He remarked that God's judg-ments 
 had been visited on the Conference the past 
 year, for rejecting him, and they would follow 
 the Conference this year. This remark, as I 
 understood it, was in reference to the death ot 
 Brother Collins ; but it did not alarm me much, 
 as I had acted in good conscience. 
 
 It is unpleasant to vote against the reception 
 of a candidate into an Annual Conference. Yet, 
 we cannot shirk the responsibility, without doing 
 injustice to the man, and an injury to the church. 
 I have sometimes thought that there was a laxity 
 in some of the Conferences on this point. I 
 have known candidates presented, and voted in, 
 <;ontrar3^ to the honest judgment of the majority 
 of the ministers, they thinking, perhaps, that 
 they had better err on the side of leniency 
 than otherwise. I have known these same men, 
 thus voted in, to continue from year to year 
 under embarrassment, and their charges, every 
 year suffering, until it became necessary for the 
 Conference to invite them to locate. It would 
 have been better for them to have been rejected 
 at the first, than to have been elevated, and then 
 let down ; for the higher you elevate a man, the 
 
150 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 further be has to fall, and the greater the shock 
 on landing. It would have been much better 
 for them to have been rejected at the first, that 
 they might engage in some legitimate business, 
 form purposes, and lay plans for future life, and 
 prove a success in the v^orld. It would have 
 been better for the church ; for while they were 
 occupying places that from year to year were 
 suffering and running down under them, others, 
 truly called of God to this work, would have 
 filled those places with honor to themselves, 
 profit to the church, and the glory of the Master. 
 Prompt, conscientious action, kindly performed, 
 is better for all concerned. 
 
 At this Conference D. P. Mitchell was trans- 
 ferred from the Pittsburg to the Kansas Con- 
 ference, and stationed at Leavenworth. Under 
 his administration the church increased in num- 
 bers, influence and financial abilit3^ After 
 meeting all their expenses, and contributing 
 liberally to all the Conference collections, they 
 sent to Conference one hundred dollars as mis- 
 sionary money. 
 
 Brother Denison's time as Presiding Elder 
 on the Manhattan District had expired, and N, 
 Taylor was appointed in his place. 
 
 Governor Carney had signified his desire to 
 
CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 151 
 
 have one more chaplain to fill a vacancy in a 
 regiment, and wislied the Conference to recora'- 
 mend one of its members. Several consulted 
 with me about accepting the appointment, and 
 after due deliberation and counsel, I consented 
 to do so if the appointment should be made. I 
 received mj. appointment, b}^ the Bishop, to 
 Hiawatha, with this understanding. 
 
 Letting the matter rest here, I went to my 
 work as usual. In a few days I received a 
 commission from the Governor as chaplain of 
 the Xinth Kegimeut of Kansas Volunteer Cav- 
 alry, with a request that I should report to my 
 regiment at my earliest convenience. I wrote 
 at once to the Colonel, inquiring for his head- 
 quarters, to which I njight report for duty. He 
 replied that he had no headquarters at that time, 
 saying his regiment was on detail duty, and so 
 divided up, that there were no two companies 
 together, consequently there was no special 
 work for a chaplain, but as soon as they were 
 concentrated, he would call, me to duty. Not 
 wishing to lay around camp idle, I concluded to 
 continue in pastc^ral v/ork. 
 
 Things thus continued through the summer, 
 and early winter, which brought us near Con- 
 ference time. I concluded not to go to the army 
 
152 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 until after Conference. My field of labor was a 
 very pleasant one, and I made several valuable 
 and interesting acquaintances which I shall 
 never forget. 
 
 At Hiawatha, I found Brotlier Sellog, an 
 exhorter, and a brother capable of being a 
 preacher. He kept the principal hotel in the 
 place, and though engaged in this business, he 
 was not afraid to talk on religious subjects, or 
 slow to manifest a decided interest in the pros- 
 perity of the church. He gave liberally of his 
 own means, and labored zealously to induce 
 others to do the same, that the church might 
 become a power in their town. He had the 
 pleasure of witnessing, in this respect, the desire 
 ot his heart. 
 
 At Robinson, we had a good class of old and 
 well tried Methodists ; Brother Chase, one of 
 the first settlers of Kansas; Brother Carroll and 
 his wife, from the factories of Connecticut, with 
 their eastern culture and refinement ; Father 
 Slagal, and the Swazies from Ohio — descendants 
 of one of the noblest old Methodist preacher's 
 of Ohio's early day — Elder Swazie. All these 
 united in pushing forward the victories of the 
 cross. 
 
 At Kennekuk, I had an appointment, but 
 
CONFERENCE AT LA^VEENCE. 153 
 
 not many members. The preaching phice was 
 about half a mile out of town. Here I gathered 
 quite a congregation. At this point I made the 
 acquaintance of Dr. Merwin. He was not a 
 member of any church, but a very friendly man, 
 and his wife a superior, christian lady. They 
 made their house my home. 
 
 I was called upon, at Kennekuk, to marry a 
 couple, but after we had assembled, and all 
 things seemed ready, the man failed to put in an 
 appearance. So, after waiting some time, I had 
 to retire without performing the ceremony. I 
 learned, afterwards, that unavoidable circum- 
 stances had prevented the groom's appearance. 
 He came soon afterwards, and a magistrate per- 
 formed the service. 
 
 A few days after this, I was called upon to 
 marry another party in this town, and this time 
 had better success, for 1 found two couples to be 
 married. One of the bride groom's was D. W. 
 Wilder, then editor of the Leavenworth Conser- 
 vative, and since State Auditor of Kansas. His 
 bride was the daughter of Dr. Merwin; the 
 names of the other couple I have forgotten. 
 The occasion was a very pleasant one, indeed. 
 
 A few miles from here lived Thomas Price. 
 He and his wife were regular church workers, 
 
154 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 from the east, and are still exerting an excellent 
 influence in the coininiinity. Eternity alone can- 
 reveal the good one family can do which con- 
 sistently and quietly exemplifies in its dealings, 
 temper and spirit, the principles of Christ and 
 his holy religion. May they long live to bless 
 the woi-ld and the church, and finally be gathered 
 to their reward in heaven. 
 
 When in this neighborhood, I often called on- 
 Mr. Pierce. He was not a member of tlie 
 church, butajoval, whole souled man, and his 
 wife an excellent christian lady, and church 
 member. I often thought him too good and 
 kind hearted a man to be without a hope in 
 Christ. I have learned that he has since been 
 converted and joined the church. 
 
 On Brush Creek, the Southern Methodists 
 had a large and strong society, but the war had 
 nearly broken them up. Such were the preju- 
 dices against their ministers that they could not 
 safely preach in Kansas. By invitation, I visited,, 
 preached to them, and formed a society, wliicb 
 most of them joined. 
 
 Washington Marlatt was stationed at Atch- 
 ison. I was not in that town often this year, 
 and have no particular reminiscences connected] 
 with them. I believe they moved on in tlieir 
 
CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 155- 
 
 ordinary way, without any striking events, one 
 way or the other. If they held their own in 
 these times they did welL 
 
 O. B. Gardner was returned to White Cloud. 
 As many of his members were in the army, and 
 as the chaplaincy had become vacant, they re- 
 newed their request for his appointment. Con- 
 sequently he was commissioned, and mustered 
 into service as chaplain of the Thirteenth Regi- 
 ment Kansas Volunteer Infantry. Brother 
 Gardner was a good and brave man. He ren- 
 dered the same efficient service in the army that 
 he had in the church. He was a man of more 
 than ordinar}^ ability, and had a well cultivated 
 mind, a warm heart, tender conscience, a firm 
 and unyielding will in maintaining the right. 
 He never shrank from duty, be the danger what 
 it might. He was in the thickest of the battle, 
 bearing off the wounded, and administering 
 comfort to the dying — too valuable a man to be 
 sacrificed on the altar of rebellion. He was de- 
 tailed to bring a company of refugees from 
 Arkansas to Kansas. On his return, he was 
 intercepted by the rebels and brutally murdered. 
 Surely, the blood of such a man speaketh in the 
 ears of a God of mercy and justice. 
 
 During this year one of the ministerial as- 
 
156 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 sociations was held at White Cloud. Quite a 
 goodl}^ number attended. D. F. Mitchell, trom 
 Leavenworth ; Walden and Marlett, trom Atch- 
 ison ; Lloyd, from Doniphan, met at m^^ house, 
 and with L. D. Price, the Presiding Elder, we 
 started in our buggies for White Cloud. 
 
 We had a pleasant trip, and an interesting 
 meeting. Brother Mitchell read an able essay, 
 which awakened considerable discussion. One 
 essay that was read was very long, but good. 
 When called upon for criticism, I remarked that 
 I admired and commended the merits of the 
 essay, but objected to its length. The author 
 arose, and in a long and strong speech defended 
 his production. I raised the same objection to 
 the defense, when a brother called me to order, 
 with the remark, '' If j^ou tap him again he will 
 run two hours longer." 
 
 During this session quite an amusing cir 
 cumstance occurred. After an able paper had 
 been read, and the names of the members were 
 called for criticism, one brother, whose essay 
 had not yet been before the association, was 
 pondering over it, with the paper in his hand. 
 When his name was spoken, thinking that he 
 was called upon to read his essay, he arose and 
 deliberately walked up into the desk. The 
 
CONFERENCE AT LAWRENCE. 15T 
 
 President said, " criticism." At the same time 
 one or two voices were heard: "not to read your 
 essay, brother." This broii,o^ht the gentleman 
 to his senses, and realizing the awkwardness of 
 his position, hesitated tor a moment, then 
 rallied, and looking down on them with all the 
 dignity he could command, replied, " Well, I 
 suppose I have a right to take the stand to offer 
 my criticism," Those who had called him to 
 order at once asked pardon. He then said, " I 
 have no objection to the essay, but, on the con- 
 trary, think it of sufficient merit to justify me in 
 taking the pulpit from which to offer my hearty 
 commendation." He then as deliberately walked 
 down from the stand to his seat. Taking it all 
 together it created not a little amusement. 
 
 Brother Lloyd succeeded, at Doniphan and 
 Troy, in working up his charge to a very re- 
 spectable position. A camp meeting was held 
 on this work, in connection with Columbus and 
 White Cloud, which resulted in bringing out a 
 number of roughs, from Atchison and other 
 places, who caused considerable excitement and 
 annoyance. They were arrested, and were glad 
 to settle for their misconduct as best they could. 
 The writer attended the meeting at' its com- 
 mencement, but left on Saturday to attend his- 
 
158 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 own appointment, at Hiawatha, on Sunday. 
 Hence, he did not witness the row. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 
 
 Conference met March 10, 1864, at Leaven- 
 worth, and Bishop Baker presided. Oa reaching 
 the Conference, we found ourselves agreeably 
 domiciled at Governor Carney's with the Bishop 
 and soiL-e book agents. This was the more 
 pleasant for iis as it was renewing old acquaint- 
 ances. Mrs. Thompson, mother of Mrs. Carney, 
 had been a prominent member of my charge in* 
 Ohio, the first year of my ministry. Mrs. Car- 
 ney was then a little girl in the Sunday School. 
 To meet her now, and talk over old times, was 
 exceedingly pleasant. 
 
 Mrs. Thompson was living here with her 
 daughter, enjoying a pleasant home, with the 
 same ardent attachment to the church she had 
 in earlier life. Her christian graces had been 
 maturing "s^ith years, and lier sun of life was 
 gradually sinking towards a luminous setting; 
 she was looking across the stream to a brighter 
 world on high, and for a day that has no night. 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 159 
 
 Mrs. Carney, although extremely modest, had 
 .grown to be a dignified, christian ladj, whose 
 house, heart, hand and purse were ever open 
 to relieve the suffering and support the church. 
 One day, while at the table, in presence of 
 the Bishop, the Governor remarked that he 
 thought it would have been better had I gone 
 to mj^ regiment, as I would have received a 
 better support than on mj work, and he hoped 
 that I would do so immediately after Conference. 
 He said he would give me a letter of introduc- 
 tion. I replied that my appointment laid 
 between him and the Bishop, and I did not 
 know into whose hands I would fall ; perhaps 
 I had better keep on the good side of both, and 
 I hoped between them, I might fare well. 
 
 One day, in the Conference, the Bishop 
 called me to his chair, and said, that in looking 
 over the work, he found he wanted me for a 
 special place, and hoped I would give up the 
 idea of going into the army, and leave my ap- 
 pointment in his hands. I at once wrote a note 
 to the Governor, decHning the chaplaincy, and 
 recommended for the place my friend, the 
 bearer, -Strange Brooks. The Governor, at once 
 gave him a commission. 
 
 At the close of the Conference, when the ap- 
 
160 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 pointments were read off, mj name stood for 
 Hartford District. At our last meetiDg at .the 
 Governor's Louse, he manifested his liberality 
 by remarking, that as I had consented to take 
 an appointment that was much harder and less 
 remunerative than the one I had voluntarily 
 declined, I might, at any time, draw on him for 
 one hundred dollars ; and that also the Presid- 
 ing Elders of two other districts, that were poor, 
 might draw on him for one hundred dollars each 
 at their own pleasure. 
 
 After the adjournment of Conference, I began 
 to prepare for my new field of labor, and learned 
 that it was on the Neosho River. Tliis was 
 entirely new ground to me, as T had never been 
 south of the Marais des Cygnes. My first quar- 
 terly conference was at Hartford ; but where was 
 Hartford ? I was directed to go to Topeka, and 
 from there to Burlingame, wliere I would learn 
 the way to Hartford. 
 
 When all things were ready, with my wife in 
 a buggy, we started for our work. The second 
 night we stopped with Brother Sheldon, two 
 miles south of Burlingame, near the border of 
 the Indian reservation. He informed me it was 
 thirty miles across the reservation, and but one 
 house on the way. After a comfortable night's 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 161 
 
 rest, we started out early to cross the "desert." 
 About half way, we came to the Marais des 
 Cygnes. Here was a cabin, with two old persons, 
 living with a middle aged daughter. Having 
 taken provender and lunch with us, we stopped, 
 fed our team, warmed ourselves by his fire, and 
 eat our lunch. They told us they had been 
 members of the church, and were enjoying a 
 blessed hope of a better world. After praying 
 with them, we drove on, leaving them happy in 
 God, notwithstanding their desolate surround- 
 ings. Xext night we reached the Neosho River, 
 and traveling down it about eight miles, we 
 stopped at a farm liouse to inquire the way. 
 This proved to be the house of Brother Yan- 
 gundy, one of the first settlers of the country, 
 a member of the church, and one of the stew- 
 ard's at Hartford. He invited us to stay with 
 him for the night, but I thought I had better 
 reach the town, and let them know that I was 
 on hand tor the quarterl)' meeting. So I drove 
 on, and reached Hartford about dark, and found 
 Mark Robertson, the stationed preacher, ready 
 for the meeting. Brother Robertson was my 
 predecessor on the district, so that from him I 
 could, .get all the information necessary to pros 
 ecute m}^ work. 
 
162 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 I found Hartford to be a siuall, yet pleasantly 
 located village. The Methodists had obtained 
 a charter for a Collegiate Institute, and begun 
 the erection of a good, substantial stone building, 
 "which could be seen for several miles ; but it 
 was not finished inside. There was only a tem- 
 porary floor partition, and seats were put in so 
 that they could occupy it for meetings and 
 school. But in going so far they had incurred a 
 debt that they could not meet, nor had they any 
 money, or subscripton to finish up the building ; 
 but they had several village lots, that had been 
 donated to the college. 
 
 After looking the matter over, we concluded 
 the only way of relief from the embarrassment 
 was to divide these lots into shares, and sell 
 them for one hundred dollars each, to raise 
 money to pay the debts and finish the building. 
 I called the trustees together, laid the proposi- 
 tion before them, and they at once adopted it, 
 and appointed a committee to make the division 
 and sell the shares. This proved a success, 
 enough shares being sold to pay all indebtedness, 
 finish up the building, and have a number of 
 shares left. Things began to look more encour- 
 aging, and friends of the institution began to 
 think they could ''see daylight out of the 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 163 
 
 woods." The use of the house was granted, 
 and Matthew Fenimore, a local elder, opened a 
 school at his own risk. 
 
 Brother Fenimore had a brilliant mind, and 
 taught a good school. He afterwards joined the 
 Conference, and has since died and gone to his 
 reward. Times being hard, the house was not 
 finished this year. 
 
 I found the district to be large, extending 
 from Ft. Scott on the east, to Cottonwood Falls 
 on the west ; and from Garnett on the north, 
 to Fall Kiver on the south. The country was 
 generally new, and entirely destitute of railroad 
 facilities, although several roads were in con- 
 templation, and have since been built. The 
 whole region was abundantly watered by many 
 quite important streams — the JS^eosho, running 
 nearly through the center of the district, with 
 the Marias des Cygnes, Pottawatomie, Osage, 
 Long Creek, Crooked Creek and Deer Creek, on 
 the north side, and the Cottonwood, Eagle Creek, 
 Yirdigris and Fall Eiver on the south side, with 
 several smaller, ever living streams. 
 
 On all these were extensive bottom land, 
 averaging from two to five miles wide — very 
 rich, and productive, and the banks of the 
 streams skirted with timber. On all these water 
 
164 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 courses settlements were made and farms culti- 
 vated ; the high prairies were not, however, 
 profitable except for pasture. 
 
 Through all this region we found many in- 
 telligent, enterprising, well educated and culti- 
 vated people from the older states, with a 
 sprinkling, all through, of refugees from Ar- 
 kansas. 
 
 On the Neosho there were several flourishing 
 villages. Outside of these the people lived in 
 cabins, some of them barely large enough to 
 hold two beds, a cook stove and a place to set a 
 table. This served tor kitchen, dining room, 
 sitting room and parlor. I generally found the 
 people's hearts larger than their houses. 
 
 Notwithstanding the field looked hard to 
 cultivate, I had some glorious meetings. The 
 people would come out, worship, get happy and 
 shout glory to God, in hope of a better world on 
 high. I have always found that the greater the 
 sacrifices, the greater the blessing. The promise 
 is ever verified, "My grace shall be suificientfor 
 thee." Why should we then complain of labor, 
 or seek ease, when such glorious rewards attend 
 the faithful, suffering soldier of the cross ? 
 
 Several Methodist families had moved to 
 Hartlord to enjoy the benefits of the school. 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 165 
 
 Dr. McGinnis, a local elder, who had been a 
 traveling preacher in the Illinois Conference, 
 was here practicing medicine. He was ardently 
 attached to the church, and unyielding in his 
 opposition to wrong, and zealous to advance 
 every good cause. 
 
 Burlington was the next charge^ down the 
 river about fifteen miles. This was quite a 
 lively, pleasant village. W. F. Travis was 
 their preacher. Here we found the only church 
 building in the district, and this a mere excuse 
 for a church. It had really "fallen from grace." 
 The society was weak financially, and few in 
 numbers, but true, faithful and spiritual. 
 
 Ten miles below this was Leroy, with J. 
 McAnulty preacher in charge. He had labored 
 hard to build a church, and had the frame up 
 and partly inclosed. Near here lived Brother 
 Wheat, formerly from the bounds of the Balti- 
 more Conference. He was known all through 
 this section as an educated, talented, and able 
 preacher — logical in his arguments, sharp in his 
 criticisms, respectful and honorable to an able 
 opponent, but he despised to grapple with an 
 inferior antagonist. Charitable to all, he was 
 liberal, if possible, to a fault. It is said that he 
 had, probably, given away more meals of 
 
166 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 victuals than any other man in all the country. 
 He was zealous and active to build up, defend 
 and advance the interests of the church. 
 
 Eear here lived Sister Robinson, truly a 
 "mother in Israel." She, with her husband and 
 a large family, had moved from Ohio. Her 
 husband soon sickened and died, leaving her in 
 charge of a family of several sons and one 
 daughter. One son they had left in Ohio, a 
 minister in the Ohio Conference. Such -was her 
 influence over her famil3% and in the community, 
 that her sons took honorable positions in society, 
 and some of them, with the daughter, were 
 active members of the church. Under her roof 
 have I often been rested, refreshed and encour- 
 aged. To recall these reminiscences is pleasant 
 indeed. Surely there are green spots, pure 
 fountains, and cooling springs, scattered all 
 through the deserts of earth. Why then should 
 a living man complain ? 
 
 Twelve miles below Leroy was lola, C. Mead- 
 ows, preacher in charge. I found him very 
 feeble, suffering from a paralytic stroke, which 
 partially disabled one side. Dr. Kimberlin, a 
 local preacher, who was living in the village 
 and practicing medicine, was employed to sup- 
 
LEAVENAVORTH CONFERENCE. 167 
 
 ply for tlie year. He was a good preacher, and 
 successful as a physician. 
 
 The village was pleasantly situated and pros- 
 perous. The church had several substantial and 
 influential members, and was in a very healthy 
 condition. Near here I found an old veteran 
 member of the church, a brother of the late 
 Dennis Willie, of Baldwin City, and father of 
 the wife of Wm. Butt, then a member of our 
 Conference. 
 
 Here, too, I found Brother Woollams, a local 
 preacher from Arkansas, who had been an officer 
 in the Confederate Army, but only long enough 
 to get a chance to escape, and make his way to 
 Kansas, with his family. 
 
 Humboldt, the next village, twelve miles 
 below lola, was embraced in this work. Belmont 
 laid away off to the south, and took in Yerdigris 
 and Fall River. J. S. Payne was their preacher. 
 He was zealous in his labors and attentive to 
 his studies — doing a good w^ork. On the Ver- 
 digris and Fall River lived the Craigs— one a 
 a local preacher, the other a steward. Belmont 
 was not much ot a place ; only a few houses 
 standing out on the bleak prairie. A temporary 
 fort had been built and a few soldiers stationed 
 there. It looked*lonely in the extreme. Brother 
 
168 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Payne was living here with two or three families 
 as his neighbors. 
 
 At one of my quarterly meetings on this 
 work, a lady came forward for baptism. AVhen 
 I read to her the confession of faith, and came to 
 the words, "Dost thou believe in the Holy 
 Ghost, the holy Catholic Church 'I " she looked 
 up in my face and said, "Aint yon a Methodist 
 preacher?" I said, "Yes." She said, " The 
 old Methodist Church?" I said, "Yes, the 
 old Methodist Episcopal Church. What I mean 
 by the Holy Catholic Church is the church of 
 God in general ; composed of all true believers, 
 and not the Koman Catholic Church." This 
 seemed to satisfy her, and we proceeded. I 
 learned afterwards that she was an excellent 
 lady, but her mind was, at times, a little 
 shattered. 
 
 I have often thought it would be well to drop 
 off the foot note, and change the language of 
 the discipline so that it could be understood 
 by all, without a comment. 
 
 Cottonwood Falls lay away oif to the west, 
 on the Cottonwood Kiver, a branch that emptied 
 into the Neosho just below Emporia. This was 
 a small village, but it had a good water power, 
 improved by a good flouring mill. It has since 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 169 
 
 become quite an important point on the A., T. 
 .and S. F. Railroad. Among other advantages, 
 it has an excellent stone quarry, from which the 
 large stone in the Atchison bridge were brought. 
 My work took in a large part of the rich Cotton- 
 wood valley. Wm. Robertson was the preacher. 
 Within the bounds of this work we found Father 
 Fairchilds, a venerable local elder, who had once 
 been a traveling preacher in Indiana. He was 
 here familiarly known as Grand Pap Fairchilds, 
 and any man was thought inhuman who did not 
 love him. Everv door was open to hira ; every 
 family made him welcome. May the power of 
 his name long be felt in this valk^. 
 
 Twin Spring charge is some twenty miles 
 north of the Neosho, in an older part of the 
 comitry. J. P. McElfresh was their preacher. 
 They had an able body of official members in 
 the quarterly conference, and a large and active 
 membership. Brother McElfresh's labors here 
 were attended with quite a I'evival. He could 
 exhort and sing nearly all night and not seem 
 tired. 
 
 Garnett was the county seat of Anderson 
 •County. It was quite a prosperous place. E. 
 H. Robertson was their preacher. This was a 
 large and strong charge, having a large member- 
 
170 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 sliip of able and influential members. This work- 
 embraced Sutton's Yalley, a rich section of 
 country, taking its name from a hirge family of 
 Suttons, who settled in and around it. On this 
 circuit lived Brother Tipton, largel}' engaged in 
 cultivating an improved stock of cattle. He and 
 his excellent wife were prominent people, and^ 
 warm hearted members of the church. 
 
 Mapleton, a lively and growing village on 
 the road from Lawrence to Ft. Scott, in an ex- 
 cellent section of the country, had a good society 
 and was very prosperous this year under the 
 laboi-s of A. E. Walker, their preacher. He was 
 greatly assisted by the local preachers. Brother 
 Wilson, who had formerly traveled in Illinois, 
 was able, active, and efficient in all the enter- 
 prises of the church. Brother Hatler was from 
 Arkansas, where he had suffered and sacriflced 
 in the service of the church, and was active in 
 the cause of his Mastei*. Brother T. Willets was 
 with A. Buley when he was driven from 
 Texas, pursued by the mob, taken back and 
 brutally murdered. The mob was also after 
 Willets, but by dexterity, activity, and persever- 
 ance, lie eluded them. Willets was naturally a 
 strong minded man, but had few advantages of" 
 education. He was naturally constituted to rule.. 
 
LEAVENWORTH C0NFEK£:NCE. 171 
 
 At aii}^ time he could have raised a mob and 
 gone into Texas to avenge the blood of Buley. 
 But he was a christian, and chose rather to em- 
 ploy his talents in building up the cause of 
 Christ where he was. Axlej Swagerty was of 
 old Methodist stock in Arkansas. Then there 
 was Young and Walrod — all these brethren were 
 true yokefellows, and aided in building up the 
 cause of the Master. 
 
 Here I found a boy studying his arithmetic 
 and grammar, and preparing himself for useful- 
 ness. He was soon licensed to exhort, which 
 he did with such good effect, that he was soon 
 licensed to preach. At the last quarterly meet- 
 ing he was recommended to the Annual Con- 
 ference, where he was received, and he rendered 
 such good service that he was afterwards selected 
 as a missionary to Inaia. This was P. M. Buck, 
 whose labors in India have demonstrated his 
 ability and the genuineness of his christian 
 character. 
 
 During this year we held a camp meeting 
 near Mapleton. It was one of great interest and 
 power. Early in the meeting a peculiar speci- 
 men of humanity made his appearance on the 
 ground. My attention was at first called to him 
 by his getting up on a bench and publicly an- 
 
172 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 nouncing a political meeting at some time and 
 place. Soon after this, I saw him quite warmly 
 engaged with some others in discussing the mode 
 of christian baptism. Quite a crowd had gath- 
 ered round them. I walked up to them and 
 said, " Will- you please discontinue this dis- 
 cussion, as it is attracting too much attention? " 
 The parties ceased for a time, but soon they met 
 again, and commenced the discussion, with in- 
 creasing warmth. I went up to them again, and 
 said, "One of the rules ot this meeting is that 
 no discussion, or controversy, will be allowed." 
 He replied, directing his remarks to me, "I am 
 ready to discuss this question with any one — 
 with you, if you please." I replied, " Sir, did 
 you hear what I said ? If so, you will dismiss 
 this discussion at once, or leave the ground, and 
 save further trouble." This ended the matter. 
 But he hung around the encampment, looking 
 much like some hungry wolf sneaking around a 
 sheep told. 
 
 Mound City was left to be supplied. We 
 found T. J. Cosseboom, an exhorter, near Bur- 
 lington. Being highly recommended he was 
 licensed to preach, and employed on the work. 
 He rendered good service, and proved an ex- 
 cellent man. On this circuit Brother Mark 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 173 
 
 Eobertson's family were living on a "claim" 
 he had taken some four years before. 
 
 The year before a local preacher had been 
 expelled from the church. He appealed the 
 case to the annual conference, which sent the 
 matter back for a new trial, on the grounds that 
 the minutes of the quarterly conference had not 
 been properly signed. He came to me at my 
 first quarterly meeting to explain the case, claim, 
 ing illegality in the former trial, and wished a 
 a decision from me, to prevent further proceed- 
 ings. I told him that both the quarterly and 
 annual conferences had acted, and it would not 
 be proper for me to go behind their action ; and, 
 further, that it was not the time, or place, for 
 me to give a decision ; but it the case came 
 properly before me, I should not hesitate to give 
 a decision to the best of my ability. The case, 
 however, was not further prosecuted, and he 
 withdrew from the church. 
 
 On this charge lived Brother Fisher and Dr. 
 Ayers, who had been traveling preachers. Dr. 
 Ayers was a venerable man, and a veteran 
 preacher. He had formerly belonged to the 
 Pittsburg Conference, and labored side by side 
 with the eminent Elder Swazie. 
 
 At Mound City I put up with Father Reese,. 
 
17-J: KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 an old, firm and well tried member of the 
 church. He had been in the fierj trials through 
 which the church had passed in Arkansas. He 
 and his wife were living here, examples to the 
 followers of the Saviour. 
 
 Brother Sheldon Parker had been a member 
 of the Ohio Conference, but was now a member 
 of the Kansas. The year before he lost his 
 wife. He was appointed to Marnieton. He 
 commenced well, but soon got into trouble be. 
 cause he wanted to get a young wife. Rumor 
 went abroad that his conduct was so imprudent 
 that it amounted to immorality. Charges were 
 preferred against him ; nevertheless he got his 
 wife, and, as tar as I ever learned, they lived 
 happily together. 
 
 At his investigation something occurred that 
 really disturbed the gravity of the coui-t. One 
 item against him was prevarication in regard to 
 his age. In reply to this he said, in substance : 
 '' Well, I might not have told the whole truth 
 in regard to my age ; I was greatly annoyed. 
 Often, after having preached, and gone home 
 with some dear friend, some old lady would 
 draw up to me, and squinting through her 
 glasses, say, ' Brother Barker how old mout 
 you be ? ' In answer I would say thirty-five, and 
 
LEAVENWORTH CONFERENCE. 175 
 
 ^ive no further explanation. To avoid such 
 attacks, I thought it best to get married, that 
 inquiries in regard to my age might cease." 
 
 This was the year of the famous Price raid 
 into Missouri. What could have induced a man 
 of sense to undertake such an enterprise is hard 
 to understand. A more suicidal course could 
 hardly have been adopted. But he was left to 
 make the experiment. When his object was 
 clearly understood, a call was made on the 
 Kansas militia to rally for his defeat ; and such 
 rallying was seldom known ! Hardly a man 
 was left at home. Even those in their 'teens, 
 together with the "silver grays," turned out 
 -en masse^ and the women were left to take care 
 of home. 
 
 Of course, quarterly meetings had to be sus- 
 pended for a time. Eat the crisis was soon 
 turned. Rosecrans from St. Louis, and Curtiss 
 from Kansas, were prepared for him. Under 
 Pleasanton and Blunt, our army met him near 
 Independence, and at Lexington defeated Price's 
 forces, and made him retreat. He did so to- 
 wards the Kansas line. He was pursued by our 
 army, and harrassed all the way. At Mine 
 Creek, two of his Generals — Marmaduke and 
 Cable — were taken prisoners. 
 
176 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 In his retreat he camped for the iiiglit on 
 Marias des Cygnes, at a place known as the 
 "Trading Post." Here they took possession of the 
 flouring mill, and rim it all night, grinding all the 
 grain in it for their supply. Early in the morn- 
 ing they commenced loading np their wagons, 
 but before they got ready to start, our army 
 opened lire on them. They had to retreat in 
 great confusion, leaving their wagons in the 
 road, half loaded. Some cut their horses loose 
 from the wagons and fled precipitatel}^ 
 
 Brother Cosseboom, who lived here, had to 
 take shelter that night in a corn field, while two 
 rebel soldiers asked to sleep in his house for the 
 night. Sister Cosseboom put thein up stairs. 
 They were so fatigued they did not awake in 
 the morning until the army had passed on, 
 closely pursued by our forces. Sister Cosse 
 boom notified some of the neighbors of their 
 situation, and they were taken prisoners. Price's 
 army passed a little east of Mcnind City, where 
 Blunt's regiment opened on them a severe fire. 
 They fled precipitately, leaving many of their 
 dead on the field. I have been told that Price 
 had printed on his w^agon covers, in large letters, 
 "Coming to stay." After the battle, some one, 
 in passing over the battle field, found a dead 
 
LEAYENWOKTH CONFERENCE. 177 
 
 rebel soldier with a paper pinned on his shoulder, 
 which read, " I have come to stay." 
 
 I did not succeed in getting a supply for Ft. 
 Scott this year, and it had no organization there. 
 The time drew near to gather up matters for 
 Conference, which was to meet at Topeka. In 
 going to Conference, I went a little out of my 
 way to visit friends at Oskaloosa, and spend the 
 Sabbath. 
 
 The Bishop was expected there to preach, 
 but as he did not come, 1 had to stand in his 
 place. I took for my text, ''And these shall 
 go away into everlasting punishment ; but the 
 righteous into life eternal." The text was so 
 impressive, and the expectation of the people 
 so elevated, in regard to the Bishop, that one 
 old lady remarked, after the sermon, ''Did not 
 the Bishop give us a great sermon ? " So there 
 is no great loss without some small gain. If I 
 had to bear the responsibilitj^ of the Bishop, I 
 had the pleasure of being flattered on his credit. 
 I did hope the old lady would not learn her mis- 
 take lest it might alter her opinion in regard to 
 the sermon. 
 
 Monday evening Bishop Scott, Dr. Crary, 
 and D. P. Mitchell put in an appearance, but 
 too late to preach. As preaching had been an- 
 
178 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 nounced for that evening, the Presiding Elder 
 of this district had to shoulder the burden. But 
 he did not enjoy the advantaeje that I had had, 
 as they all knew him ; but they said he did well, 
 called out as he was on the spur of the moment. 
 
 Monday and Monday night it thawed and 
 rained so that the roads were a complete mud 
 hole. In some places it seemed as though the 
 bottom had fallen out. Tuesday morning we 
 all started out — some in buggies and some on 
 horses — Brother Mitchell, with the Bishop and 
 Dr. Crary, taking the lead. We had proceeded 
 but about half a mile when we were passed by 
 some one on horeback, in full speed. It proved 
 to be Brother Joseph Evens, with a basket of 
 lunch, which he was taking to the Bishop's 
 company. 
 
 We dragged along our weary way, through 
 the mud and slush, and when about half way, 
 came to a stream too high to ford. We called 
 to a house on the opposite side. They told us 
 the creek was running down, and would soon be 
 so that we could cross. We unhitched and fed 
 our horses, built a fire, and eat our lunch. By 
 this time the water had so far run down that we 
 hitched up and crossed in safety. On inquiring 
 the name of the creek, we were told that it was 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFEKENCE. 179 
 
 Big Mucldj, Bishop Scott dryly remarked he 
 thought the whole thing was a " big muddy." 
 
 We did not reach Topeka that night, but got 
 within about six miles of the town, where we 
 scattered among the neighbors lor the night. In 
 the morning we took an early start and reached 
 Topeka in time for Conference. 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 
 
 Bishop Scott presided. The church building 
 was not yet finished, but sufficiently forward to 
 be occupied. An effort was made, during the 
 Conference, to raise funds to complete it. Several 
 speeches were made. Bishop Scott said thej^ 
 had better knock off the roof, tear down the 
 building and start anew, or finish it, put on a 
 cornice, and give it a respectable appearance. 
 I believe a sufficient sum was subscribed by the 
 preachers to complete the building. J. D. Knox 
 was transferred from the Pittsburg Conference, 
 and made their stationed preacher. 
 
 In the case of a member of the Conference, 
 who had been suspended, and whose case was 
 for trial, the committee reported that the charge 
 
180 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 of immorality had not been sustained ; but that 
 he was guilty of great imprudence, and should 
 be reproved in open Conference by the Bishop. 
 At the close of one of the sessions, the Bishop 
 called the brother to the altar and said, in sub- 
 stance : " Brother, the committee which has had 
 your case under consideration, have found you 
 guilty of imprudence, and decided that you 
 should be reproved in open Conference by the 
 chair. In regard to the merits of the case, of 
 course, I know nothing. The word imprudence 
 is capable of being divided into many degrees. 
 It may be of such a character as to cryyv with 
 it gross immorality, and it may be of such a 
 character, that although not necessarily immoral, 
 yet strikingl}^ improper. This appears to be the 
 view the committee took of your case. Im- 
 prudence should be carefully avoided by all 
 christians ; especially ministers should be above 
 suspicion, and their influence always be for good; 
 they should be careful at all times to shun the 
 very appearance of evil. I hope in the future 
 you will be more circumspect, and let your con- 
 duct and character be worthy of your profession, 
 considering how great a stain a little imprudence 
 can bring upon the cause of the blessed Saviour." 
 After these impressive remarks, the Bishop 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 181 
 
 said, "Sing the doxology, and Brother Brooks 
 will pronounce tlip. benediction." 
 
 The brother who had been rejDvoved raised 
 his head, and led the singing, as if extremely 
 happy. This created a little amusement. 
 
 The proceedings of the Conference, on the 
 whole, were conducted with much dignity and 
 dispatch, and were felt by all to be pleasant and 
 profitable. The Bishop preached at eleven 
 o'clock Sunda}^ morning, on "The Upright 
 Walker, " describing him as having his feet firmly 
 planted on the rock of everlasting ages, his 
 "body erect before the altar" of God, his head 
 exalted, his heart filled with love, and his mouth 
 speaking the praise and glory of his risen and 
 exalted Savior. 
 
 In my report of the Hartford Collegiate 
 Institute a brother objected to calling it a college, 
 or putting forth any effort to build it up as such. 
 I replied that I reported just as I found it. This 
 was the character under which it received its 
 charter, and I did not propose to nick-name it. 
 The Committee on Education, however, in their 
 report, politely let it down by speaking of it as 
 an academy, and complimenting the church in 
 Southern Kansas for seeking to give their chil- 
 dren an academic education, and hoped it would 
 
182 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 become a feeder to Baker University. Well, I 
 suppose Baker University needed feeding, and 
 Southern Kansas was as able to feed it as any 
 other portion of the State. 
 
 The business of the Conference was concluded 
 Monday forenoon ; the appointments were an- 
 nounced, and we all prepared to depart, not 
 expecting all ever to meet again on earth. All 
 seemed by the expression of their countenances 
 to say, "I will try to do better this year than in 
 the past." I started for my old field of labor, 
 and in company with brother Sheldon and his 
 wife, drove as far as their house, about twenty 
 miles. 
 
 G. W. Williams was appointed to Hartford. 
 He had had some experience in teaching, and 
 was appointed to this work with the understand- 
 ing that he would teach the "academy" and be 
 pastor of the church. He succeeded in both. 
 This year the college building was finished, the 
 floors laid, stairs put up, and recitation rooms 
 partitioned off, and put in good condition. Sev- 
 eral families moved into the place this year. 
 Brother Morgan opened a store. Father Baysinger 
 with three sons moved into the town, and bought 
 property, D. K. Handen a local preacher. Raw- 
 son from Mapleton, Kirkpatrick a local preacher 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 183^ 
 
 from Iowa, all came this year, so that we had 
 an excellent society, and a good place to worship 
 in — the college building. Sister Williams started 
 a subscription to purchase a bell for the college^ 
 and soon its line tones saluted our ears, and 
 rolled across the prairies. A camp meeting was 
 held near the town, which resulted in great good 
 to the church, and added to its numbers. 
 
 J. McAnulty was stationed at Burlington, 
 and put in a good year's labor. A camp meet- 
 ing near by resulted in much good to the 
 community. 
 
 At Leroy, the church was gradually gaining 
 strength. Brother Hatler, their preacher, took 
 hold of their building enterprise, and pushed it 
 towards completion. A. B. Walker was ap- 
 pointed to lola, and rendered good service. We 
 held a camp meeting on Deer Creek, in the 
 neighborhood of brothers Dolan and Wright, 
 two substantial families. It was a meeting of 
 great interest and profit. At a prayer meeting, 
 in the altar, on Sunday, there was such a spirit- 
 ual influence that many pressed forward for 
 prayers. One Lieutenant from the army started 
 forward and tell his whole length in the altar. 
 Many were soundly converted, and joined the 
 church. 
 
IStt KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Humboldt was made a separate charge this 
 year, and J. S. Pajne was appointed as their 
 preacher. There were but tew members at this 
 point, but five miles down the river was a lar^-e 
 class. In this neighborhood was Wesley Garuth 
 who married the daughter of Anthony Baley. 
 Garuth was with Buley making tlieir escape 
 from Texas when the mob overtook them. They 
 hung Buley, but Garuth made his escape by 
 taking refuge in the woods, and eluding his pur- 
 suers. Marmaton was a good circuit, and W. F. 
 Travis was their preacher. He bought and 
 finished up a good parsonage this year. When 
 Price's army passed through Marmaton in their 
 retreat, they robbed and set fire to a store, and 
 passed on. Travis was in our army that drove 
 Price from Kansas. 
 
 Ft. Scott was taken up as an appointment, 
 and Strange Brooks, who had come out ot the 
 army, was appointed their preacher. He com- 
 menced well, and succeeded in organizing a class, 
 but staid only about half the year, and then 
 transferred to Iowa. We employed brother 
 Duran, a Southern Methodist preacher who lived 
 here, and had united with our church, to fill out 
 the year. The Presbyterians had a good society 
 here, and a good preacher. They had just fin- 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 185 
 
 islied a nice church, and invited the Methodists 
 to occupy it half the time, which invitation was 
 accepted. At one of my quarterly meetings I 
 •enjoyed the privilege of hearing a good sermon 
 by the Presbyterian preacher in the morning, 
 and I tried to preach in the evening. Major 
 Insley, a local preacher, lived here, but was in 
 the commissar}^ department of tlie army. 
 
 Mark Robertson was appointed to Mound 
 City, his home. At one of mj^ quarterly meet- 
 ings I enjoyed the hospitality of Mr. Broadhead, 
 a descendant of Elder Broadhead, one of the 
 earliest and noblest Methodist preachers in an 
 early day, and I believe at one time a Member 
 of Congress. There were two brothers living 
 here who were deeply interested in its welfare, 
 although not members of the church. Their 
 father, a local preacher, was stopping with them. 
 He is now a superanuated preacher of the 
 Southern Kansas Conference, a noble man, and 
 I am told greatly resembles the original Broad- 
 head. 
 
 Mapleton was prosperous this year, under the 
 faithful labors of T. J. Cosseboom. E. H. 
 Bobertson was returned to Garnett the second 
 year, and J. T. McElfresh the second year to 
 Twin Springs. The principal part of the Bel- 
 
186 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 mont work was on the Yirdi^ris. Win. M.. 
 Robertson was their preacher. This was a hard 
 work and poor pay. Eureka, at the head of Fall 
 River, was supplied by J. Hansberry. This 
 circuit took in all the region to tlie State Line. 
 In much of our traveling in this part, we did not 
 pretend to follow any regular road, but learning 
 the locality we wished to reacli, we took our 
 course across the prairies, sometimes traveling 
 twenty miles without seeing a house. I remem- 
 ber my first trip to Eureka was a long and 
 tedious journey, lording creeks, and crossing 
 "divides." Near night, and almost discouraged, 
 I ascended a long and gradual rise to a high 
 elevation. Looking beyond, some five miles, 
 down an equally gradual slope, I discerned a 
 few houses. I was ready to exclaim "I have 
 found it!" 
 
 Cottonwood Falls improved this year under 
 the labors of Brother Meadows. It was a year 
 of hard work, long and dreary rides, and some- 
 times of scanty fare. But I shared the hospital- 
 ity of frontier settlers, eating at their tables, 
 and sleeping in the same room, talking together 
 of our christian experiences, and mingling 
 around the family altar. Our spirits were often 
 refreshed. Our quarterly meetings were always- 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 187 
 
 profitable, (at least to me) and were times ot 
 refreshing from the presence of the Lord. I 
 never got tired of the work, but frequently got 
 weary in it. 
 
 I will give some incidents in one of my quar- 
 terly meeting trips. It was in the summer. We 
 had planned for a three weeks' trip, in the east- 
 ern part of the district, and, as it was vacation 
 of the school, Brother Williams proposed going 
 with me, in the interest of the school. All 
 things being ready, we started out. 
 
 Our trip lay down the river to lola, about 
 thirty miles. Here we took the Military road 
 for Ft. Scott. In crossing Deer Creek, we stuck 
 in the mud, and one of our ponies broke its 
 whippletree. We had to unhitch, tie our lariat 
 to the buggy tongue, and with the other pony 
 on the bank hitched to the other end, draw the 
 buggy out, and up the hill. Here we stopped 
 for the night, with Brother Wright. In the 
 morning we made a new whippletree, hitched 
 up and drove on. We reached Ft. Scott the 
 next night, and received a hearty welcome from 
 Major Insley. Brother Brooks was succeeding 
 well. He had organized a class, and all things 
 were assuming a favorable aspect. The quarterly 
 
188 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 meeting was, I trust, profitable. The congre- 
 gation was large and attentive. 
 
 My next meeting was on the Martnaton 
 work, at Petegrem's school house. It had 
 commenced raining, so that when we reached 
 the neighborhood. Mill Creek was so high we 
 could not cross it to the place of meeting. We 
 put up with a brother until the creek ran down, 
 and then crossed and held our meeting without 
 further interruption. 
 
 Our next meeting was to be a camp meeting, 
 some eight miles below^ Humboldt. The rain 
 continued to fall, so that the roads became bad, 
 and the traveling difficult. On reaching Hum- 
 boldt, we made the acquaintance of Dr. Wake- 
 field, who had been a surgeon in the army. He 
 invited us to stop with him for the night. He 
 said the camp meeting had been abandoned be- 
 cause the streams running into the river could 
 not be forded. The river had overflowed its 
 banks, and the water reached the camp ground. 
 I accepted the invitation, and found him a very 
 intelligent and agreeable man, and his wife a 
 highly cultured christian lady. They were both 
 substantial, active members of the church. We 
 were agreeably and pleasantly entertained for 
 the night. 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 18^ 
 
 In the morning we started for Hartford, our 
 home. The water was still rising, and there 
 being several streams to ford, we concluded to 
 press on as far as possible, take an early supper, 
 and then drive as tar as we could before dark,, 
 and camp on the prairie, so as to take an early 
 start in the morning. We fixed on Brother 
 Miller's, one of the stewards of the lola work, as 
 our stopping place. He lived between lola and 
 Leroy, and we knew his heart to be as big as 
 his house, which was ever open to the servants 
 of the church, and his table ever bountifully 
 spread for their comfort and refreshment. We 
 reached his place about three o'clock p. m. He 
 fed our ponies, and his wife prepared an excellent 
 supper, after partaking of which we hitched up 
 and drove on with his ''God speed." 
 
 We drove through Leroy a little before sun- 
 set and pressed on until dark, to within a short 
 distance of Crooked Creek. Here we lariated 
 our ponies, put down the curtains of our buggy, 
 spread down our buffalo robes, and laid our- 
 selves down to sleep. Soon it commenced 
 raining, and continued to do so all the night.. 
 The prairies were literally covered with water. 
 As soon as it was light enough we commenced 
 to hitch up, to cross the creek before it got too- 
 
:190 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 iiigli. One of the ponies broke lier lariat, and 
 refused at first to be caught. We succeeded, 
 after a good deal of effort, and drove in haste to 
 the creek, tliere to learn that it was too high 
 to ford. A man told us there was a ford half a 
 mile above, where we could cross. We drove on 
 rapidly to the crossing. Taking our satchels in 
 -our laps, we unceremoniously plunged in. The 
 water came up to the ponies hips, but they took 
 us safely through mud and water. 
 
 About noon we came to the banks of Long 
 Creek, there to learn that it was more than 
 thirty feet high. Stopping with Father Landers, 
 who lived on the bank of the creek, for dinner, 
 we learned they were building a bridge about 
 half a mile below, but had only got the abut- 
 ments up, and the stringers on, so that footman 
 -could cross. Getting some young men to assist 
 me, we drove down to the bridge, and finding 
 some plank, we laid them across the stringers, 
 and others over them lengthwise of the bridge, 
 for the buggy wheels to run on. With the har- 
 ness in the buggy, we drew it across by hand. 
 Then taking my lariat, wliich was about fifty 
 feet long, and tying one end to one of the pony's 
 bridle bits, one of us taking the other end, and 
 \walking across on the stringers, the other driving 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 191 
 
 tlie pony into the stream, so that by being 
 "towed," and swimming, it passed safely across. 
 We then took tlie other across in the same way. 
 On reaching Ottumwa, they told us the 
 streams between there and Hartford could not 
 be crossed ; so, striking out on the high prairie 
 and taking the divide between the Neosho and 
 Marais des Oygnes, we headed the streams until 
 we came opposite and in sight of Hartford ; then 
 •descending to the bottoms, we made tor the 
 river. Soon we came to what appeared to be a 
 deep slough of water, and fearing it was too 
 deep for safety, I gave the lines to Brother 
 Williams, put my coat, vest, watch and pocket- 
 book into tlie buggy and waded through, he 
 following in safety. 
 
 As it was getting late, I got into the buggy 
 and told him to drive on, and I would put on 
 dry pants, and dress without stopping. On tak- 
 ing up my vest and coat, I saw my watch lying 
 on the seat, the crystal broke, and the watch so 
 smashed as to be of no further account as a time 
 piece. 
 
 We reached the river, but could not ford it. 
 So passing up about one mile, we left our buggy 
 and team with Brother Fenimore, went down to 
 a saw mill, and crossing in a small boat, reached 
 
192 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 home and fouDcl all well. But I was iiiinus a 
 good gold watcli. Some might call this hard 
 fare and poor pay, and a great sacrifice of ease, 
 comfort and prosperity ; but I never viewed it 
 in this light. I was in the King's service, and 
 His business was of the first importance, and safe, 
 honorable, and profitable. Nor had I cause to 
 doubt or fear, for all the resources of heaven 
 and earth were at His disposal, and subject to 
 His command, and His promise was '' My grace 
 shall be sufficient for yon." 
 
 I ever found this faithfully veiified. One 
 thing I could never understand, how some young 
 preachers could talk of sacrifices in the ministry! 
 If they would look back to the pit from which 
 they were digged, they would see that instead 
 of being hamiliated by the ministry, they had 
 been greatly honored ; instead of making sacri- 
 fices in the work, they had been greatly exalted, 
 honored and benefited in every way. With all 
 my weakness, pride, and self importance, and 
 sense of honor, I never thought the ministry 
 lowered me, bnt greatly lifted me up. With all 
 its deprivations, labor and anxiety, I never con- 
 sidered it harder than the ordinary pursuits of 
 life ; but, in many respects, greatly superior to 
 any other calling, profession, or pursuit. 
 
THE TOPEKA CONFERENCE. 193 
 
 First, we liaA^e the approval of our own con- 
 science in trying to do the will of God and 
 benefiting onr fellow men. 
 
 Second, the sense of the approbation of God 
 ^ives satisfaction, resignation, and confidence in 
 the darkest hour, bitterest calumny, fiercest per- 
 secution, and most threatening danger.' 
 
 Tliird, we have companionship with God. 
 We walk and talk with God ; make known our 
 wants in prayer, and receive His answer, "Lo, I 
 am with you always. Fear not, I am with you. 
 Be not dismayed, I am thy God. Call upon me 
 in the day of trouble, I will deliver you, and ye 
 shall glorify me." 
 
 These sweet, encouraging answers more than 
 
 satisfy the soul, and we unite with the poet and 
 
 exclaim : 
 
 " With Thee conversing we forget 
 All time, and toil and care ; 
 Labor is rest and pain is sweet, 
 If Thou, my God, art here." 
 
 Oh, how often have these precious promises 
 buoyed up my spirits on these lonely prairies, 
 and enabled me to exclaim : 
 
 " On Christ, the solid rock, I stand, 
 All other trust is sinking sand." 
 
 The year wound up with a good state of 
 
194 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 religious interest on all the charges, and we 
 started for Conference, feeling that we had tried 
 to build up the Master's cause, grateful for His 
 support, and hopeful for the future. 
 
 CHAPTER XH. 
 
 BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 
 
 Conference commenced March 15th, 1866, 
 Bishop Kingslej presiding, G. W. Paddock, 
 Secretary, J. D. Knox and L. L. Hartman, 
 Assistant Secretaries. J. M. Trimble, one of 
 the Corresponding Secretaries of the Missionary 
 Society, was present, and added much to the 
 interest of the Conference by his counsel, ser 
 inons and addresses. 
 
 Business of more than ordinary importance 
 €ame before the Conference. Baker University 
 attracted much attention. J. W. Locke, Pro- 
 fessor of Mathematics in Asbury Universitj^ and 
 a man of very superior ministerial and literary 
 ability, had been elected President. He com- 
 menced his labors with a good prospect of 
 success, but health failing, he had to resign. 
 The Trustees elected J. W. Horner in his place. 
 Horner had been a Colonel in the army. The 
 
BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 195 
 
 Uiiiversit}', after years of toil, beset by almost 
 insurmountable ditiiculties — poverty, drought, 
 the grasshopper plague, war and famine, want 
 of suitable buildings to accommodate the school, 
 and having as yet a character to establish so as 
 to attract students, had gradually worked its 
 way up, step by step, until all these difficulties, 
 except the buildings, had been overcome, and it 
 was rej)()rted free from debt. With an able 
 corps of teachers, and a large number ot students, 
 a large, new, substantial and commodious build- 
 ing had been commenced. The foundation was 
 laid, when they had to stop for want of funds. 
 This being the site of the Univei-sity, the 
 pi-eachers became acquainted with the Faculty, 
 saw for themselves the buildings— and thus an 
 interest was awakened in its prosperity. Almost 
 every session had some action in regard to the 
 University, and many of the evenings wei'e de- 
 voted to its interests. It seemed that many of 
 the preachers had Baker University on the brain. 
 The college at Manhattan, that had been patron- 
 ized by the Conference, had been sold by the 
 Trustees, to the State, for an agricultural college, 
 and Brother Denison made its President. All 
 these matters came before the (conference, and 
 elicited much debate, warm discussion, and sharp 
 
196 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 crossfire, among those immediately interested in 
 these institutions. I remember Colonel Horner, 
 President of the University, arose and said, 
 "There has been some pretty sharp skirmishing 
 this morning, but I do not think much damage 
 has been done. It reminds me of something 
 that took place in the army at one time. We 
 were camped tor the night, near the enemy ; we 
 doubled our pickets, and gave specific orders 
 that if anything appeared they should fire a gun 
 as an alarm. About ten o'clock we were startled 
 by the sound of a gun; then several others in 
 quick succession were heard. The regiment 
 sprang to theii-'feet and formed for battle in 
 quick time. We sent out some scouts to ascer- 
 tain where and what the danger was. Soon 
 they returned and reported no danger ; it was a 
 false alarm. An old cow, feeding in the woods, 
 made some cracking among the brush near one 
 of the guards, who thought the enemy coming, 
 and fired the alarm ; the other guards responded 
 in quick succession, ^o one was hurt except 
 little Johnny A — , who, in his haste to load and 
 fire, shot off the end of his thumb." 
 
 At this session the organization of the Con- 
 ference Church Extension Society was completed, 
 its officers were elected, and it was put in work- 
 
BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 197 
 
 iiig order. The discussion of Indian Missions 
 took some time. Major H. W. Martin, agent 
 for the Sac and Fox tribes, was here with tlie 
 head chiefs, and an interpreter who wished to 
 address the Conference. Permission being 
 given, the chief said, "We wish you to send 
 ns a missionary, to live among us, teach our 
 children, and preach tor us." The Agency was 
 made an appointment, and Brother Rogers, a 
 local preacher, employed to supply them. The 
 term ot L. D. Price, as Presiding Elder of the 
 Leavenworth district, expired at this Conference. 
 The Bishop had some difficulty in selecting a 
 man for the place; not for want of suitable men, 
 lor there were several eminently qualified for the 
 position, but to decide between men was the 
 difficulty. The lot finally fell on D. P. Mitchell. 
 
 This was the one hundredth year since Meth- 
 odism was first introduced into this country, 
 and it was decided to celebrate it as the cente- 
 nary of American Methodism. From 1766 the 
 Methodists existed in the form of societies, or 
 classes, with preachers and preaching places, 
 but without the sacraments. Under the spiritual 
 direction of Mr. Wesley, who felt bound to pro- 
 vide for them the sacraments, and preferred an 
 Episcopal form of church government ; he or- 
 
198 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 dained Thomas Coke a Bishop for America, and 
 sent him over to the Christmas Conference, 1784. 
 He was to organize them into a Methodist 
 Episcopal Chuech, and preside over them as 
 
 their first general superintendent. 
 
 «^ 
 
 At this session G. W. Paddock was made 
 Corresponding Secretary of the Conference Cen- 
 tenary Society. The Ft. Scott district was 
 formed, taking from the east end of the Hart- 
 ford district, Ft. Scott, Marmaton, Mound City, 
 Mapleton, Garnett, Twin Springs, and New 
 Albany. W. R. Davis was made the Presiding 
 Elder. There was added to the Hartford district 
 the Sac and Fox Indian Mission, Emporia, 
 Americus and Council Grove, so that we had 
 about as much territory as before the division. 
 J. McAnulty was stationed at Hartford, where 
 he labored with his accustomed success. The 
 church grew in numbers and spirituality^, and 
 became a very pleasant charge. G. VV. Williams 
 was made principal of the school, conducting it 
 with ability and admirable success. The school 
 was large in numbers, and excellent in its influ- 
 ence. On the whole, the church and school 
 were a grand success. Burlington was on the 
 rise ; T. McQuiston took hold of the charge with 
 spirit, and succeeded in advancing the interests 
 
BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 19\) 
 
 of the church, in every direction. By liis zeal 
 and energy he succeeded in building a good par- 
 sonage, and moved into it. In the tall, we held 
 a camp meeting. It was of more than ordinary 
 interest. Brotlier Paddock, Secretary of the 
 Centenar}' Society, was with us, and preached 
 several able sermons, and lectured on the intro- 
 duction, rise and spread ot American Methodism. 
 This lecture made a profound impression on the 
 minds of all present, and opened the eyes of 
 man}^ to the real strength and influence of the 
 church. Leroy prospered this year under the 
 labors of- Brother Hatton, who was returned the 
 second year, and succeeded in completing the 
 church. It was a very neat and comfortable 
 h(nise, and was dedicated before Conference — 
 C. R. Kice, from Ft Scott, preaching a very 
 able dedicatory sermon. 
 
 All things were pleasant and profitable at 
 lola, where Brother Walker was on his second 
 year. At Humboldt, J. S. Payne was on his 
 second year. Things had so improved at this 
 place that the Trustees concludevi to move the 
 parsonage here, from five miles below. Brother 
 Payne's wife sickened and died, during the year, 
 leaving him with two small children to provide 
 for. Sister Payne was a woman of more than 
 
200 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 ordinary ability, and well educated. She had 
 been a member of the Baptist Church, but united 
 with the Methodist Episcopal Church to help 
 her husband in his christian life. When, in 
 obedience to the Master's call, he entered the 
 ministry, she thought she miglit aid him, hold 
 up his hands, and cheer his heart in his responsi- 
 ble work, she cheerfully sacrificed the comforts 
 of a pleasant home, and, side by side with liitn, 
 entered the changeful lite of an itinerant minister. 
 But, her itineracy has closed, and I trust she is 
 safely located in her heavenly home. Ministers' 
 wives, although they have not the same duties 
 to perform, have vastly more to suffer, and the 
 sacrifices they have to make are far greater ; 
 their example and influence are of great import- 
 ance to the church. 
 
 Early in the w^inter ray quarterly meeting 
 came on the Eureka work ana Rumboldt. My 
 wife accompanied me on this trip. Our first 
 meeting was on the Eureka work. It was held 
 in a private house, which was seated with 
 benches. After preaching, the benches were 
 carried out doors, to give the women a chance to 
 do their cooking and set their tables. The 
 neighbors came in, the house was filled, and 
 they all seemed to enjoy the meeting ; I trust it 
 
BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 201 
 
 was profitable to all We sta^^ed in the neigh- 
 borhood over Monday, and Tuesday started for 
 my next appointment. It turned cold and com- 
 menced snowing ; when we reached the river 
 opposite Plumboldt, we found it too high to ford, 
 so we had to turn back about a mile to find a 
 place to stop for the night. \Ye stopped with 
 Brother Witten, a local preacher from Arkansas. 
 He had for a residence three log cabins, each 
 about twelve feet square. In one was a loom, 
 bed and fireplace ; in another was an old, super- 
 anuated cook stove and a bed. In this they put 
 us, after building up a good fire, and hanging 
 -some blankets around the outside to keep the 
 wind out. Brother \Yitten furnished a good 
 suppl}^ of wood, by a free use of which we man- 
 aged to keep from freezing. 
 
 The other shanty they used for cooking and 
 eating in. , It had no door, but a blanket was 
 hung up to keep out the cold. Here we ate and 
 -shivered at the same time. But we thought if 
 they could stand this all the time, we could 
 «tand it a short time. They did all they could 
 to make us comfortable and happy, and they 
 •did it so cheerfully, that we really enjoyed it 
 ^nd felt grateful. 
 
 We stayed here over Wednesday night. 
 
202 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Thursday, alter dinner, we concluded to try the- 
 river again. Brother Witten got on his horse, 
 and rode down to the river with us. It was so 
 high he decided we could not cross, and would 
 have to return and stay another night. He said 
 there was a ford, about five miles above, which- 
 he was sure we could cross the next day, as the- 
 water was running down a little. The following 
 day we started in the morning lor the ford. 
 
 On reaching the river we found it full of 
 running ice, and looked threatening ; but a man 
 told us we could cross safely. Just as we were 
 about to enter, a large cake of ice came down, 
 which would have carried us down the stream. 
 We waited a little time, and when it passed we- 
 rushed in, and reached the other side in safety. 
 We then drove briskly on, to warm up our 
 team, and reach comfortable quarters for our- 
 selves. Reaching Humboldt, we received a. 
 hearty welcome, and most pleasant entertain- 
 ment during the meeting with Dr. Wakeheld. 
 
 Emporia, one of the most important, pleas- 
 ant, and prosperous towns in Kans-as, is located 
 on a gently rolling prairie, between the ricli, 
 fertile valleys of the Neosho and Cottonwood 
 rivers ; it has a rich farming country around it, 
 sufficiently distant from any large town to avoid 
 
BALDWIN CITY CONFERENCE. 203 
 
 competition. Its Urst settlers were not inferior 
 in judgment, talent, and far reaching sagacity to 
 any in tlie State. Ranald, with line judicial 
 ability, was one of its first judges. In an early 
 day J. Stotler comnienced to publish one of the 
 most popular and able weeklj^ papers in the 
 State. 
 
 Emporia was the home of Colonel W. F, 
 Cloud, an excellent christian gentleman, who 
 rendered excellent service in the western army 
 during the war. He was a local preacher of 
 good ability. 
 
 Senator Plumb was among the first in every 
 respect, and added much to the prosperity of 
 the place by his counsel and enterprise. He was 
 a major in a regiment of volunteers, and when 
 Quantrell's band made their bloody raid on Law- 
 rence, at the head of a portion of our army, he 
 intercepted, and drove them from the State. 
 There were many others, with whose names I 
 am not now familiar, who were equally promi- 
 nent in building up the place. 
 
 Early in Kansas legislation Emporia secured 
 the location of the State Normal School. The 
 Methodists had a strong society there, embracing 
 some of the leading families: Judge Watson and 
 family ; Gillett and wife ; Malona and wife ; 
 
204 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 Murdock, a local preacher ; Father Adams aud 
 wile, and many others whose names I cannot 
 now recall. They had a good, substantial stone 
 church, and J. H. Leard was their stationed 
 pastor this year. He sustained himself well, as 
 a preacher, and was especially active and efficient 
 in the Sunday SchooL In the winter G. W. 
 Paddock held a series of meetings there in con- 
 nection with his centenary work, that resulted in 
 great good ; man}^ prominent citizens were con- 
 verted, and added to the church. 
 
 I visited the Sac and Fox Mission but once 
 this year, and learned that they did not care 
 much for a preacher, but wanted a teacher to 
 instruct their children. 
 
 Council Grove was supplied by a Brother 
 Shockley. He had but a few members in the 
 village, and a small class some four miles west 
 ot the town. But the Southern Methodists had 
 a strong society, and the Presbyterians a good 
 preacher. The town was growing into some 
 importance. 
 
 Our last quarterly meeting for this year was 
 on the Belmont work, and was held on the Yir- 
 digris. After the meeting closed we started for 
 Hartford. 
 
 Traveling up the Yirdigris River some ten 
 
BALDWIN CITY CONFEKENCE. 205 
 
 miles, we stopped for the night with Brother 
 Gassway, and found his wife suffering with the 
 chills. It had turned cold during the afternoon, 
 and commenced snowing and blowing, which 
 continued all night. The storm was too severe 
 and threatening for us to proceed, as our way 
 led across a houseless desert of some fifteen miles. 
 So we remained another day and night. 
 
 The storm raged fearfully all day, but with 
 a rousing fire and a cook stove in the room, by 
 frequent turning, we managed to keep one side 
 warm at a time. The second morning the storm 
 had so far abated that we thought it safe to pro- 
 ceed, and about ten o'clock we resumed our 
 journey. 
 
 Traveling up the river some four miles, we 
 left the road and struck for the divide between 
 theYirdigris and Eagle Creek. Following up 
 the divide some ten miles, we came in sight ot 
 the timber on the head of Four Mile Creek, a 
 branch that emptied into Eagle Creek, some 
 four miles below. On this creek, two or three 
 families had settled. 
 
 Descending from the divide, we followed 
 down the creek, and soon came to a new house. 
 Driving up to the door, we inquired of the 
 woman if we could get a chance to warm. She 
 
206 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 replied that we could, but her house was open, 
 and she had only a cook stove to warm it, and 
 green wood to burn. We concluded to drive on. 
 
 Keaching Eagle Creek, we stopped for the 
 night with Robert Mahaifey. In tlio niorning 
 we drove into Harthjrd, about three miles. The 
 next day I started tor Conference, by the way 
 of Boniphan County, there to rest a few days 
 with old iriends. 
 
 Conference was to meet at Manliattan. After 
 a short visit with triends 1 resumed my journey. 
 On reaching Bolton, in Jackson County, I found 
 Brother K. Taylor holding his quarterly meeting, 
 and tarried over Sunday. From the spirit of 
 the meeting I judged the work to be in a healtliy 
 and prosperous condition. Wm. Knipe was 
 their preacher. 
 
 Monday, in company with Brother Taylor 
 and his wife, and Brother Knipe, I started for 
 Manhattan. It turned cold, and commenced 
 snowing and blowing, and continued so the whole 
 journey. 
 
 On reaching Manhattan, I learned that the 
 railroad was blocked witli snow ; that the cars, 
 with the Bishop, book agents and several 
 preachers on board, could not get through in 
 time for Conference. 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 207 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 
 
 Manhattan Conference met March 13, 1867. 
 Bishop Ames not being present, G.AV. Paddock 
 ■called the Conference to order. James Shaw 
 was elected President pro tern., and G. VV^. 
 JPadduck, secretary. Only ten members being 
 present, the session soon adjcnirned to two 
 -o'clock r. M. 
 
 The afternoon session was chieli}' occupied 
 'with religious services. The cars came in at 
 night, so that on Thursday morning Bishop 
 Ames took the chair. 
 
 At this Conference G. W. Paddock trans- 
 ferred to the Erie Conference, where he fornjerly 
 belonged. 
 
 My wife's health having been poor for two 
 jears, and my own health failing, I thought it 
 advisable to take a supernumerary relation, 
 iivhich the Conference granted me. 
 
 After the Conference adjourned I proceeded 
 at once to Doniphaft County, where I expected 
 to spend the year. Troy and Wathena were 
 supplied by a transfer from the east, a Brother 
 Browm, but he failed to come. Brother Mitch el, 
 the Presiding Elder, requested me to fill the 
 
208 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 place, wliich I conseuted to try to do, until he 
 could get a penuanent preacher. 
 
 Although I had often been in Troy, passed 
 through it, and preached on every side of it, up 
 to this time I had never preached in the village, 
 as we had had no church organization in the place 
 for several years. Wlio introduced Methodism 
 into Troy, I am unable to say. I think, how- 
 ever, it was Abraham Bennett, a local preacher, 
 while a supply on the Doniphan work, some four 
 years before. Brother J. Lawrence had been 
 stationed here, and was blessed with quite an 
 extensive revival. lumbers united with the 
 church, and it was considered quite an important 
 point, being the county seat. 
 
 At my first appointment, I found them wor- 
 shiping in a school house. The congregation 
 was composed of many old acquaintances and 
 friends. D. M, Johnson, whom I met at Leaven- 
 worth the first time I visited Kansas, and had 
 traveled with from Leavenworth to Doniphan, 
 then his home. He was not then a member ot 
 their church. He had moved to Troy, and was 
 a lawyer of good ability — kind and true as a 
 friend, but sharp and cutting as an opponent. 
 Under the labors of Brother Lawrence, during 
 the revival, Johnson cast in his lot with the 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 209 
 
 people of God, was souiidlj converted, and be- 
 came an active member of the church. 
 
 Here, too, was Peter Smith, whom I had 
 met before at a camp meeting, and had heard 
 him relate a very interesting and somewhat 
 novel experience concerning his conversion. 
 
 Charles Kapilee 1 liad known at Columbus, 
 where he had generally acted as Secretary of 
 the Quarterly Conference, and Sunday School 
 Superintendent. He was now County Clerk, 
 and Superintendent ut a very flourishing Sunday 
 School, and exerting a most excellent influence 
 in the community. There were other active and 
 influential members of the church and congrega- 
 tion whose names I cannot now recall. They 
 were all well united, and labored harmoniously. 
 The meeting of these long known and well tried 
 friends, under such circumstances, gave great 
 encouragement, and I felt that I must succeed. 
 
 But there is another side to the picture. 
 Many unfavorable circumstances surrounded us. 
 There was no building in which to w^orship, ex- 
 cept the school house, and that inconveniently 
 located. The Presbyterians had a good church, 
 favorably located,. and pleasant in all its parts. 
 They had a large membership of respectable and 
 influential families. Their pastor was a popular, 
 
210 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 able, and active minister. The two societies 
 were on the best of terms, and labored harmo- 
 niously, side by side. But we had the short end 
 ■of the doubletree. 
 
 The Methodists had a lot for a church, and 
 rock on the ground for the foundation ; but here 
 they had to stop for want of means. Our first 
 service was pleasant, interesting, and I trust 
 profitable. After the sermon I met the class. 
 The members manifested a good degree of cour- 
 age and spirituality. They gave me a warm 
 reception and hearty welcome. 
 
 Unfavorably located as our place of worship 
 was, and uncomfortable, compared with a good 
 church, we had the satisfaction of knowing that 
 those who came to worship with us, came be- 
 cause they wanted to. Sister Cash, from the 
 Presbyterian Church, often met with us in our 
 social meetings, which were always very inter 
 •esting. In fact, she was a Methodist, but to 
 help her husband. Dr. Cash, she went with him 
 to the Presbyterian Church. 
 
 Our meetings continued interesting and profit- 
 able during the year. The members were 
 unanimous in all their efforts. They were grow- 
 ing in grace and favor from day to day. 
 Pinancially, things began to brighten. Daylight 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 211 
 
 dawned, and we resoh^ed to proceed and binld a 
 brick church. Subscriptions were circuhited, 
 and a sufficient •amount subscribed to justify tlie 
 trustees in letting tiie work tor enclosing the 
 building. This ^vas accomplished, and we felt 
 that we had made a little progress. On the 
 whole, this was a very pleasant year, and I 
 parted W'ith them with the best of feelings, 
 greatly encouraged by their prospects. 
 
 This was but half my work. Wathena and 
 Troy ware connected together, as one charge, 
 and I had to preach once each Sunday at both 
 places, and travel six miles between. Wathena 
 was an old appointment. WInle on the district 
 I had held quarterly meetings there several 
 times. It is four miles from St. Joseph, situated 
 between the heels of the "horse shoe" bend of 
 the Missouri River. It has passed through various 
 -changes, sometimes pn^sperous and then the 
 rev^erse. The society w^as, at first, w^eak ; it had 
 some trouble and a hard struggle for existence. 
 Then, under the labors of Brother Gardner, of 
 precious memory, it revived and became quite 
 prosperous and strong. 
 
 When 1 now visited them, I found but two 
 or three that I liad known before ; others had 
 Laken their places. I met, for the first time, Dr. 
 
212 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Sturgis and his excellent lady. Dr. Sturgis was 
 a skillful and successful physician, and a pillar 
 in the church. 
 
 Here, too, 1 found a Mr. Harden and his 
 amiable famil)^ He was not a member of the 
 church, but his wife and daughters were, and 
 most excellent members. He was a warm friend 
 to the church. To see him act, and hear him 
 talk, one would think that the interest of the 
 church was uppermost in his heart. And then 
 there was Father Wright, nearly eighty years 
 of age, and with very vigorous powers ot body 
 and mind, and a will so indomitable that he 
 would stand up for the church although all the 
 world opposed. 
 
 Brother Paulson had supplied this place and 
 Troy the previous year. He lived at Wathena, 
 and succeeded in starting a church building, and 
 got it inclosed, the floor laid, and one coat of 
 plaster on the walls. This incurred a debt that 
 embarrassed them for years. With a temporary 
 pulpit and seats, in this house we worshiped 
 during the year. It was the only place of wor- 
 ship in the town, except an old school house. 
 Our congregations were good, and on the whole 
 we had a pleasant year. 
 
 One little incident occurred of rather a novel 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 213 
 
 nature : A man and his wife lived here in a very 
 comfortable home ; they were both members of 
 the church ; the)' had no children, and were 
 always in their place at the time of worship. I 
 had known tiiem before, and thought tliem ex- 
 cellent christians. The man was small in stature, 
 and quiet and meek in his appearance. She was 
 large in stature, commanding in appearance, and 
 of more than ordinary intellect. But, with 
 some peculiarities, she had strong faith as a 
 christian, and was considered by all who knew 
 her a worthy member of the church. She was 
 well posted in general matters, and had for many 
 years taught school. They would come to 
 church and return home together, he walking by 
 her side, with an air which indicated that he 
 realized and appreciated her superiority and 
 goodness. But, somehow or other, a kink got 
 into his head, and without giving any reason, 
 he unceremoniously left his home and went to 
 live with a neighbor. She followed him to learn 
 what the trouble was, and to induce him to re- 
 turn. But he would give no explanation, and 
 positively refused to return, leaving her alone 
 to provide tor and defend herself, which she was 
 eminently qualified to do against any ordinary 
 intruders. 
 
214 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 This took the whole communitj bj surprise. 
 All who knew them thought that there was not 
 a more pleasant, united, and happy couple in 
 the town. They now came to church and re- 
 turned, each by themselves. After waiting some 
 time for sober second thought to have its in- 
 fluence, I undertook to labor with him ; but it 
 had no effect. He would make no explanations, 
 give no reasons, or make any promises. I 
 brought the case before the church, cited him 
 to appear and answer to the charge of imprudent 
 conduct, and show cause why he did not live 
 with and provide for his wife. 
 
 In selecting the committee to try the case, 
 I chose one member from the German Methodist 
 Episcopal Church. I doubted, at the time, the 
 strict legality of this choice, but as the discipline 
 was not designed to be mandatory, but reforma- 
 tory, I made the choice. He appeared before 
 the committee, but would make no promises of 
 change. 
 
 The committee thinking him willful, and 
 stubborn, brought in a verdict of guilty and 
 recommended his expulsion. I did not agree as 
 to the penalty, and referred the case to the 
 quarterly conference. 
 
 To the fourth quai-terly conference, D. P. 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 215 
 
 Mitchell, Presiding Elder, I presented the case, 
 and asked a decision on a question of law, viz.; 
 Was it legal, according to our discipline, in 
 selecting a committee to try an accused member, 
 to select one of them from another church ? He 
 decided in the negative. This left it just where 
 I wanted it. 
 
 Various are the scenes the minister is com- 
 pelled to witness in his calling. One comes now 
 to my mind that made a deep impression on all 
 who were present at the time : There lived in 
 Doniphan County a man and his wife who had 
 been very unfortunate in rearing their children ; 
 all had sickened and died except one. It was a 
 bright and promising child ; all their affections 
 clustered around it, and they fondly hoped it 
 would be spared to them. But it took sick ; no 
 pains were spared for its recovery ; they watched 
 over it day and night, but it died. I was re- 
 quested to attend its funeral. It was a cold, 
 bleak day ; the ground was frozen hard ; snow 
 flakes were in the air ; the wind was bleak and 
 piercing. The neighbors had gathered in, while 
 the storm was howling without. After praying 
 and making some remarks, we prepared to take 
 the body to its last resting place. One of the 
 neighbors opened th-e cofRn, that all might have 
 
21G REMINISCENSES. 
 
 a last look at the remains. The mother bent 
 over it for a moment, then fell upon it, and 
 clasping the coffin in her arms, exchiimed: ''How 
 can I permit mj darling to be carried out in the 
 storm and buried in the cold ground, never to 
 see it an}^ more? " These parents were without 
 the christian hope. The neighbors had to take 
 her from the coffin, before^the solemn ceremony 
 could be concluded. 
 
 This brings up another scene, similiar in 
 son:ie respects to the above ; in oilier resj)ects 
 very dissimilar: I was called to attend the 
 funeral of a child, and on reaching the house, I 
 found the mother lying on a cot in the room, 
 wasting away with consumption. After the 
 usual service, the friends took tlie cotHn to tire 
 side of her cot, assisted her to turn, so as to 
 take her last view on earth of her darling. With 
 a composed and cahn countenance, she looked 
 at it for a moment, then raised her emaciated 
 hand, and laid it on the cold face, and with a 
 sweet and heavenly voice said : "Sleep on my 
 child, your mother will soon be with you in 
 heaven." She was turned back on her cot, 
 while a heavenly glow lighted up her dying 
 brow. She was in the full enjoyment of a cliris- 
 tian's hope. In a few days I was called to preach 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 217 
 
 ;her funeral sermon, and 1 Lad no doubt her 
 ;Spirit was then with her child in glory. How 
 precious and true is the declaration, '-Godliness 
 is profitable unto all things, having the promise 
 •of the life that now is, and that which is to 
 .come." 
 
 The church at Troj had a parsonage in the 
 suburbs of the town. Having a chance this 
 year, they traded it for a lot adjoining the 
 .church. There was on tliis lot a new house, 
 but not completed ; when finished, it would be 
 .a mucli more pleasant and valuable ^property 
 than the old parsonage. 
 
 At the approaching Conference, Brother 
 Tiiornbrue was stationed at Troy and Wathena. 
 During this year, I think, they finished the 
 •church at Troy, and had it dedicated. 
 
 During this year I moved from my farm in 
 Doniphan County into Atchison. T. F. Houts 
 ■was stationed at Oskaloosa. His health failino:, 
 Bnjtiiers Price and K(jberts came to Atchison to 
 get me to supply his place I consented to do 
 so for a time. I found them a very warm hearted 
 .and kind people, atid the congregation of more 
 •than ordinar}^ intelligence. They had some 
 local preachers living there capable of filling 
 :anv charfi^e in the Conference. We had one 
 
218 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 qiiarterlj^ meeting while I was with them,. 
 Brother Leonard was Presiding Elder. It was 
 a time of interest and profit as Brother Leonard's 
 meetings always were. 
 
 The more I became acquainted with the 
 charge, the more I was encouraged for its pros- 
 perity. But we were soon reminded of the truth 
 of the poet's sentiment, that we could not go 
 to heaven on flowery beds of ease; and, that the 
 christian's path was not always smooth, or unin- 
 terrupted ; that the atmosphere wouhl not always 
 be calm ; but that the road W(nild 'sometimes be 
 rough and rugged; the sky would not always 
 be clear and serene, but clouds and storms would 
 arise when we least expected it. 
 
 The church at Oskaloosa,with all their talent 
 and piety, had become a little divided on the 
 question of instrumental music, causing a slight 
 ripple on the surface. I had no fears but that 
 their good sense and piety, with a little time and 
 the blessing of God, would bring all things 
 right; and I am happy to believe it has. 
 
 It is strange what small things will some- 
 times trouble the child of God. It reminds me 
 of an anecdote I once heard of a church in a 
 certain locality, tliat had run into the habit ot a. 
 sort of sing-song tone in their religious exercises. 
 
MANHATTAN CONFERENCE. 219" 
 
 The preacher prayed and preached in the same 
 kind of a tone. One good brother arose in one- 
 of their social meetings and said : '' Brethren, I 
 want to be a christian, but there are many diffi- 
 culties in the way, and I fear I shall never- 
 overcome them. I have been trying ever since 
 I united with the church to get the holy tone,, 
 but I fear 1 shall never get it. Pray for nie." 
 
 What ridiculous and small things sometimes 
 interfere with christian prosperity. " Behold, 
 how great a matter a little fire kindleth." Too 
 often we "Pay tithes of anise, mint, and cummin, 
 and omit the weightier matters of the law, judg- 
 ment, mercy and faith." A little good, common 
 sense, that very uncommon tiling, is all important 
 in all the affairs of th<^ church. Oskaloosa had 
 enoufijh of that, and piety too, with the blessing 
 of God, to overcome the trifles. I spent a few 
 weeks with them very pleasantly, but personal 
 business matters demanded my attention in De- 
 troit, Mich., and I had to part with them. Still 
 they have a warm place in my heart, for it was- 
 with my own daughter, and her husband, Rev.. 
 L. D. Price, that I had my home at Oskaloosa. 
 I did not become sufficiently acquainted with 
 the congregation to enable me, at this date, to 
 recall them all by name, but the memory of a. 
 
220 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 few still pleasantly remains. J. W. Roberts, a 
 local elder, and editor of the paper, was one. 
 He drove a sharp, and strong pen, and was 
 always active in the affairs of the church. 
 
 Jacob Boucher, a local elder, was sympathetic, 
 spiritual, and able as a minister, and liberal in 
 the support of the church. 
 
 Brother Newhouse was as willful a christian 
 .as one often meets. The foundation of religion, 
 with him, was the determination of his will, by 
 the grace of God, to do right and trust in Christ. 
 He would oppose with equal tenacity what he 
 believed to be wrong. He lived in close com- 
 munion with his God. It was a pleasure to 
 spend a season with him in christian converse. 
 
 Joseph Evans was as active and sprightly as 
 a boy, although about my age. He was suc- 
 cessful in business, hopeful as a christian, under 
 the darkest cloud. It was almost impossible to 
 have the "blues" in his presence. 
 
 John Sinnod was not very emotional in his 
 -temperament, but firm and established on prin- 
 ciple, and always at his post of duty. 
 
 Brother Shrader was an old veteran of the 
 cross, whose face has for many years been fixed 
 toward glory, and whose motto is, "I will fioht 
 it out on this line " But the most of those I 
 
CHANGES. 221 
 
 have mentioned have passed away. Boucher, 
 JSTewhoiise, Evans and Sinned have crossed the 
 river, but left a good record behind them. 
 
 CHAPTER XIY. 
 
 CHANGES. 
 
 Since my iirst acquaintance with Kansas,, 
 great changes have taken place. It was then 
 but a sparsely settled territorj^, under a pro- 
 slaver}' administration, agitated from center to 
 circumference by the contention between slavery 
 and freedom. It was soon admitted into the 
 Union with a free state constitution, and quiet, 
 peace and prosperity was the immediate result. 
 Then came the extensive drought of 1859, that 
 was so protracted as to make it necessary to send 
 abroad for help to save the people from starva- 
 tion. We had but just recovered from the 
 effects of the droughts, when the grasshoppers 
 came in such numbers as to eat up every green 
 thing. They continued more or less for about 
 three years. 
 
 But things have all changed, so that Kansas 
 is no longer considered any more subject to 
 droughts, than most of the older states. Even 
 
r222 keminiscensp:s. 
 
 ^lie western counties, that were once considered 
 uninhabitable for want of sutlicient rain, have so 
 changed that abundant crops have been pro- 
 duced, Thej stand side by side with the eastern 
 portion of the state in productiveness. The 
 grasshopper is no more known or feared in the 
 land. 
 
 An almost unbroken expanse of prairie was 
 presented to the e);e, dotted over with ''claim" 
 shanties. Now, the spacious farm house and 
 barn have taken their place. Tlie well cultivated 
 iield, covered with golden grain, has taken the 
 place of the prairie grass. Where tlie buffalo 
 and antelope used to roam undisturbed, now the 
 Jersey, the short horn, and all the best improved 
 stock fatten on our own produce, and furnish 
 our milk, butter, cheese and meat, with an 
 .abundant supply for other markets. 
 
 Railroads were unknown in the territory 
 •when I first came to Kansas, but now the}' are 
 .running in almost every direction. Many of 
 the villages have grown into cities, with their 
 manufactories, wholesale houses, and retail trade. 
 
 Then, we had but few weekly newspapers, 
 now we have many dailies. I remember when 
 Atchison had but one small weekly. I was 
 i>oarding with the editor and proprietor when a 
 
CHANGES. 223 
 
 man came to buy it out. He was joutliful in 
 appearance, and but a short time out of his ap- 
 prenticeship. The trade was made, and the 
 title of the paper changed. The iirst number of 
 the new publication came out. When I read the 
 editor's introduction, I said: "If that young 
 man lives, he will make his nuirk in the world"." 
 He is now the Governor of the State — John A. 
 Martin. Atchison now has three dailies, with 
 several printing and book binding establishments. 
 
 The little group of christians that numbered 
 at iirst only eight or nine persons, around whom 
 religious people could cluster, continued their 
 services every Sabbath, although they had no 
 permanent place for meeting, but changed from 
 the office to the school house, and then ' to an 
 upper room on Commercial street, until the first 
 €hurch was built on Parallel street, opposite the 
 Court House block. This little band continued 
 to increase in numbers and influence until other 
 churches began to talk of organizing. 
 
 Tiie Congregationalists were next to the 
 Methodists to commence operations. Then the 
 Baptists, and Protestant Episcopalians gathered 
 up each a small membership and commenced 
 building churches. The Presbyterians followed. 
 Brother Davies and wife, who were of the orig. 
 
224 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 inal lumiber of our first society, aided in its- 
 organization. 
 
 The Methodist Episcopal Cliiirch South liave- 
 built a church in South Atchison. Some prom- 
 inent citizens have been connected with then]; 
 among them Colonel Abel and fau)ilj. He was- 
 one of the original town company, and very 
 active and influential in building up the city. 
 But he has died and gone to his reward. They 
 have had several good preachers, and have done 
 their part in defending and building up the re- 
 ligious interests of the city. 
 
 Other churches have been established, so 
 that I counted on September 11, 1886, twelve 
 notices for preaching, in as many diflerent places 
 in the city, on the next day. From this small 
 beginning has grown up, and spread around, all 
 the religious influence in the community. We 
 ma}^ well say, ''TlieLord hath done great things 
 for us, whereof we are glad." 
 
 Other places have undergone greater changes 
 than Atchison. I remember holding quarterly 
 meetings in Topeka when they had but a hired 
 room in which to worship. The society was 
 small, and not wealthy ; they had commenced 
 to build a stone church, had the walls up, but 
 no provision for roof or windows. Four quarterly 
 
CHANGES. 225 
 
 conferences, in succession, tried to devise means 
 to supply roof and windows ; this we only ac- 
 complished alter considerable time and effort. 
 Since then, they have not only iinished the 
 church occupied for years, but have built a new 
 and more conjmodious one in its stead, besides 
 organizing some seven or eight different so- 
 cieties, most of which have become self sup- 
 porting churches. Lawrence had a very ordinary 
 church building, and badly located at that ; 
 now they have a fine church. Many other 
 churches have changed in a similar way. 
 
 But when we look over the death roll, what 
 changes have been made ! We confess that 
 when we look these things over, a sort of joyful 
 sadness comes over us. We are glad we ever 
 made their acquaintance, were benefited by their 
 counsels, and shared their hospitalities. The 
 memory of those who have gone before us, 
 crossed the river of death and left us behind, is 
 both pleasant and sorrowful ; the images of 
 these heroes arise up before us as we write. 
 
 Father Still, the oldest member of the C(m- 
 ference, when I came, was yet active, zealous, 
 and efficient in the work of a Presiding Elder. 
 But hardships of pioneer life, together with in- 
 creasing years, soon weighed him down so that 
 
226 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 the Conference granted him a snperanuated re- 
 lation; this, instead of comforting the old veteran 
 as the Conference designed it should, rather 
 afflicted him. Pie had enlisted for Hie, and 
 could not bear the thought of going out of the 
 ranks. So anxious was he to be in the active 
 work, that the next Conference changed his re- 
 lation, and gave him work, to which he went 
 with all the courage and determination ot youth. 
 But the Master called him, and gave him a 
 transfer to the land of rest. 
 
 James S. Griffin was one of the original num- 
 ber who composed the Kansas and Nebraska 
 Conference. He was a young man, with a good 
 mind, well cultured, and had a good education. 
 He was constitutionally diffident, modest, and 
 retiring in his deportment, but firm, and estab- 
 lished as a christian; warm and kind as a friend; 
 zealous, and practical as a preacher; faithful, 
 and diligent as a pastor; exact, and conscientious 
 in all his dealings — so easy, pure, and true, 
 that he exerted on all around him a most ex 
 •cellent influence. In short, such a man is worth 
 his weight in gold — a jewel of inestimable value. 
 He had a warm place in every heart that knew 
 Mm. He never failed to build up the interest 
 of the church where he was stationed. But the 
 
CHANGES. 227 
 
 Master has ''called him from labor to refresh- 
 ment." I met him at the first Conference I 
 attended in Kansas, and was associated with 
 him in tlie Master's work four years in sue* 
 cession, and always found him firm and reliable. 
 I have worshiped with him at quarterly meet- 
 ings and camp meeting, and was always protiterl 
 by his society. I am glad I ever made his 
 acquaintance. It is pleasant to call up these 
 recollections; yea! joyful to meditate on those 
 hallowed hours when we took sweet counsel 
 together, and side by side engaged in the work 
 of the Lord with one heart, and one mind, 
 "while glory crowned the mercy seat." But I 
 am sad when 1 think I shall see liis face no more 
 on earth. 
 
 D. P. Mitchell was transferred from the Pitts- 
 burg Conference in the year 1863. Brother 
 Mitchell had brains enough tor an entire Con- 
 ference, and a determination that knew no 
 bounds, except the limits of possibilities. The 
 service of God, with him, was a matter of prin- 
 ciple. He took hold of the work in Leavenworth, 
 where he was first stationed, with a hxed pur- 
 pose and a strong hand, and dealt out such 
 steady blows that the powers of evil were 
 shaken, the church aroused, encouraged and 
 
228 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 quickened with increasing vigor. He accom- 
 plished what will never be forgotten: maintained 
 a large congregation, paid off a heavy church 
 debt, more than doubled the missionary collec 
 tions, greatly increased the amount of all the 
 benevolent collections, and placed the church on 
 the high way of prosperity. When his term of 
 service as pastor expired, he was made Presiding 
 Elder of the district, which work he performed 
 with equal ability and success. 
 
 In after years, in the division of the Confer- 
 ence, he fell into the South Kansas Conference, 
 where he continued his labors with his accus- 
 tomed zeal and ability. His Conference sent 
 him as tlieir delegate to the General Conference. 
 Unfortunately for him, politicians took him up 
 as their candidate for Governor on the Green- 
 back ticket; this undoubted!}^ hastened his death, 
 as it increased his labor and anxiety. He had 
 a well organized physical frame, capable of 
 enduring great hardships, but the powers within 
 were so powerful and active as to drive the 
 machinerj' with such velocit}^ that it literally 
 wrecked the body in the meridian of life. He 
 was on the cars, going from one appointment to 
 another, when the summons came, and he. died 
 there, in the midst of his days, and abundance 
 
CONCLUSION. 229 
 
 of his labors. It is pleasant to think of his 
 labors for the church, his success in the ministry, 
 his invincible courage and perseverance in the 
 cause of truth; but it is sad to think tliat he died 
 so soon, and will be no more with us on earth. 
 
 CHAPTER XY. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 In the spring of 1868, H. D. Fisher was 
 stationed in Atchison, and found a pretty good 
 working membership. He took hold with a 
 will, as he always does. Things moved pros- 
 perously for the year. Brother Adams, who 
 had been a member of the Conference, had 
 located and settled here with his wife, who was 
 a daughter ot Father Still, the oldest preacher 
 in the Conference. It was said that when 
 Brother Adams was on a charge, his wite would 
 sometimes preach while he tended the baby. 
 They were both active and useful members. 
 During the year Brother Fisher, Gunn of the 
 Baptist Church, Van Wagner of the Congrega- 
 tional Church, and some other ministers in the 
 place, inaugurated a system of street preaching, 
 on Sabbath afternoons, in the shade of buildings. 
 
230 REMINISCENSES. 
 
 Large congregations came out at these meetings. 
 I remember on one occasion, Brother Yan Wag- 
 ner having charge of the meeting, introduced a 
 young man to lead the service, and remarked to 
 the congregation, "A young man from college, 
 who is at home during vacation, will address 
 you on this occasion. He is not accustomed to 
 public speaking, but if he fails I will back him 
 up and help liim out." I was standing just 
 behind him at the time, and almost involuntarily 
 remarked, ''and if you fail, I will help you out." 
 But the young man did not need any help. He 
 delivered a most interesting and impressive 
 address from the words "For we must all stand 
 before the judgment seat of Christ." Those 
 who knew Brother Yan Wagner had no fears of 
 his needing any help. A few months after this. 
 Brother Fisher being absent, I was requested to 
 supply his pulpit on Sunday. I preached in the 
 morning. In the evening we assembled again, 
 but I was so exhausted that I did not feel as 
 though I could preach. As the congregation 
 had assembled, I concluded, although trembling, 
 to do the best I could. After singing and 
 prayer, a friend came to the pulpit and informed 
 me that Brother Yan Wagner was in the con- 
 gregation. I said to him, "Tell him to come up 
 
CONCLUSION. 231 
 
 to the pulpit, I want to see him." He came up, 
 I said, ''You see there is a large congregation,, 
 and I am not able to preach. I wish you would 
 preach for me." He consented; after singing 
 another hymn, he arose, and relating the occur- 
 rence mentioned above, said, "as Brother Shaw 
 then kindly agreed, it I failed, to help me out, I 
 am here to-night to help him out." He then 
 went on, and preached one of his excellent ser- 
 mons, called up as he was without time for 
 preparation. I could not but think ot an anec- 
 dote of an old negio, whom his master had sent 
 to blast a certain rock ; he failed after two or 
 three efforts — the packing every time blowing 
 out, making only a brilliant flame, he said to his 
 master, '^Massa, I 'spicion that powder's been 
 burnt afore." Be that as it may. Brother Yan 
 Wagner's powder was always dry and ready to 
 burn on the touch ot fire. 
 
 Atchison continued to prosper, and the 
 church shared in its prosperity. Several influ- 
 ential men were connected with the church, and 
 congregation ; I will not call names here, as 
 I have mentioned tnany of them in another 
 chapter. To call the names of all who acted 
 well their part, would swell this volume beyond 
 its design. Such was their prosperity that thej 
 
232 KEMINISCENSKS. 
 
 began seriously to talk of building a new church, 
 and all things seemed favorable. The lots on 
 which the church now stands were secured, and 
 a better selection could not have been made. The 
 present building was erected, the basement was 
 finished and dedicated during Brother Fisher's 
 administration. The old church was sold and 
 moved out to Ridge Prairie, about fourteen 
 miles, where it is now occupied as a church. 
 
 In 1871, T. J. Leak succeeded Brother Fisher 
 at Atchison. To maintain the interest in a 
 church after such a man as Brother Fisher, is 
 sufficient encouragement for any young man. 
 Brother Leak not only maintained the interest, 
 but in some respects increased it. Several new 
 families were brought into the congregation and 
 church. But some, I fear, were a little leaky ^ as 
 after Brother Leak left, a few leaked out. 
 Brother Leak succeeded in finishing up the 
 audience room, and had it dedicated. In doing 
 this, a heavy debt was incurred. Under this 
 burden the true members labored for years ; but 
 such burdens are sometimes profitable, as they 
 try men, and show of what material they are 
 made. In many churches there are some, in 
 the days of popularity, prosperity and ease, 
 who are always at the front. They will sing 
 
CONCLUSION. 233 
 
 .the sweetest, shout the loudest and praj the 
 longest of all the members. But let misfortune 
 .overtake the church ; let the foul tongue of 
 slander be employed, and persecutions arise 
 against the church, they will be whist as nnce. 
 Let there be responsibilities to be taken, burdens 
 to be borne, they will be found with their backs 
 to the church, making tracks for the world as 
 rats from a burning ship, while the reliable, the 
 true, the genuine child of God, will patiently 
 bear the persecutions of the world; cheerfully 
 .meet all the responsibilities of the church ; bear 
 all its burdens, and thus carr}^ it on and up to 
 •certain victory and triumph ! A number of 
 such members and friends Atchison had and 
 has. Brother Leak's three years were pleasant 
 and profitable. 
 
 Then came Brother Dearborn, in the very 
 prime of life, with a judgment ripened by rich 
 years of experience. He was a good preacher, 
 a close student, and faithful pastor. Although 
 this was one of Atchison's hard seasons, on 
 account of the debt, and interest to be paid. 
 Brother Dearborn stood firm to his duty, and 
 guided the church safely amid all the storms. 
 'The last time I listened to him I thought he 
 preached the best I had ever heard him. May 
 
234 KEMimSCENSES. 
 
 he have the satisfaction ot knowing that his- 
 labors were appreciated in Atchison, and that 
 we remember him with gratitude. At the ex- 
 piration of his services the church was in a 
 healthy condition. 
 
 After Brother Dearborn, Brother Friend was- 
 stationed here, and he was a " friend " indeed, 
 intellectual, ambitious, industrious, studious, 
 zealous, and true — but so sensitive that to look, 
 at him cross would chill hiui through and 
 through. But he had no need to be sensitive, 
 for he stood six feet high, and commanded the- 
 respect and love of all who knew him. He had 
 the burden to bear that Brother Dearborn had' 
 borne before him. I think it was during his^ 
 administration that Brother Newcomb proposed! 
 to the church that if ihey would pay the interest 
 on the church debt, and relieve him from that, 
 he would pay five hundred dollars a year on the 
 principal, to whicli the church agreed. This 
 was kept up during his administration, and the- 
 debt became visibly diminished. 
 
 After three laborious, yet pleasant, years, 
 Brother Friend's term expired, and Brother- 
 YanDeventer succeeded him. He had a well 
 balanced mind, was calm and calculating in all 
 his movements. He had no particular points^ 
 
CONCLUSION. 2rS5 ' 
 
 of strength that towered up and made him con- 
 spicuous, but he had good, sound judgment, 
 connected with a warm heart, and untiring zeal 
 in tlie cause of the Master. 
 
 The financial plan that had been adopted, 
 was carried out promptly, and was producing 
 good results. All the interests of the church 
 were carefully looked after, and, on the whole, 
 it was a snccesstuland prosperous three years' 
 service, and he lelt for Conference respected 
 and beloved by all. 
 
 Then came Dr. Krohn. We all thought we 
 had got just what we needed — a doctor who 
 would heal all our maladies, administer the right 
 medicine at the right time, and in proper doses 
 to insure perfect health. His first sermon made 
 a good impression, and all his subsequent efforts 
 were of a sinjiliar character. Providence seemed 
 to favor us. There was a growing impression in 
 the minds of the church and community that 
 the time had come to remove our church debt^ 
 Dr. Krohn took in the situation, and imbibed 
 the same sentiment. He began to mature his 
 plans, lay off the work, and marshal his forces. 
 The result was far more glorious than the most 
 sanguine dared to hope, for a debt of several 
 thousand dollars was paid off, and a sufficient 
 
236 EEMINISCENSES. 
 
 amount was raised for improvements, besides 
 fencing in the lot, painting the building, reno- 
 vating and decorating the interior. All this was 
 accomplished with little or no squealing during 
 Dr. Krohn's administration. 
 
 Sister L. O. Robinson came here as as evan- 
 gelist, and labored several weeks, with great 
 and glorious success in saving souls and build- 
 ing up the church. 
 
 Dr. Krohn's three years' services closed 
 profitably and pleasantly, and for the first time 
 in years, the report went up to Conference that 
 the church debt at Atchison was all liquidated 
 and the church on the high tide of prosperity. 
 
 At the coming Conference, Dr. Krohn took 
 the appointment of "Temperance lecturer and 
 organizer for the State," and became in some 
 way connected with the publication of a paper. 
 This, his friends regretted, for they all thought 
 his proper place was the pulpit. In the path of 
 -duty their are no lions. 
 
 Our next pastor was the present one. Dr. A. 
 H. Tevis, and a more faithful and efficient one 
 the church has never had. With him all things 
 have been encouraging Irom the start. Valuable 
 improvements have been made to the parsonage, 
 the congregations are large and increasing, and 
 
CONCLUSION. 237^ 
 
 almost every week additions are made to the 
 Diembersliip. 
 
 Business in the city is on the increase ;. 
 finances in the church received a new impulse, 
 by the well arranged program of the Missionary 
 Convention that met here last July. Such men 
 as Bishops Bowman and Ninde, Dr. Butler, Mc- 
 Cabe, Spencer, Fry and others, right from the 
 fields of labor, gave such an interest to the cause 
 of missions, that Atchison is now shouting "a 
 million for missions." Dr. Tevis is hoping to 
 take to the approaching Conference more than 
 six hundred dollars as missionary money. This 
 is far in advance ol any thing the church has 
 ever done. 
 
 To me these reminiscences are very inter- 
 esting ; although broken in health and weighed 
 down with years, in calling up these memories, 
 my heart grows young, and I feel like buckling 
 on the armor afresh, and rushing to the front, 
 that I might fall on the field of battle. These 
 jottings remind me of what great things the 
 Lord has done for us. I have been permitted to 
 sit under the instruction of these godly, holy 
 and devoted ministers tor years, and from every 
 one I have learned something, and I ought to 
 be very wise by this time. Then we have had a 
 
;238 KEMINISCENSES. 
 
 noble band of Presiding Elders: Marshal, Dr. 
 Davis, venerable with years and abundant in 
 labors, Holman, Wake, and Dr. Denison as gen- 
 erals of the army. Truly, to sit under the 
 instruction of such men, is like ''oil upon the 
 ;head, or wine upon the leas well refined." 
 
 THE END. 
 
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