THIRTY YEARS

IN THE

ITINERANCY, BY

REV. W. G. MILLER, D. D. 

1875

DEDICATION. 

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TO THEMINISTERS AND LAYMENOF THEWISCONSIN CONFERENCE, WITH WHOMTHE AUTHOR HAS BEEN ASSOCIATEDIN CHRISTIAN LABORDURING THE PASTTHIRTY YEARSARE THESE PAGESRESPECTFULLY DEDICATED. 

PREFACE. 

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The following pages were prepared in the midst of the taxing labors ofthe Ministerial calling. The materials have been drawn from a multitudeof sources, and, though the recollections of individuals have not beenentirely harmonious in all cases, the facts and dates are believed to bemainly reliable. The general plan, it will be observed, contemplates abrief record of the Charges and Ministers of the Wisconsin Conference, rather than furnish a sketch of my own services. To place the data, however, in suitable relations, and render it acceptable to the generalreader, it has been deemed advisable to let the record follow the lineof my labors during the thirty years of my Itinerant life. Thepublication of the book at the present time, is the result of my severeillness during the past year, and the generous, appreciative actiontaken by the District Conferences. A record of many other Charges andMinisters had been prepared, but, to my regret, the limits of the volumewould not permit its insertion. Hoping that these pages may revive manypleasant recollections, furnish interesting and profitable reading forthe fireside, and preserve material for the future historian, they arecommitted to the generous consideration of the public. 

THE AUTHOR. 

CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER I. 

Providential Intervention. --Nature and Providence alike Mysterious. --AnUnseen Hand shaping Human Events. --The Author urged to enter theMinistry. --Shrinks from the Responsibility. --Flies to ModernTarshish. --Heads for Iowa. --Gets Stuck in the Mud. --Smitten by aNorthern Gale. --Turns Aside to see the Eldorado. --Finds Himself Face toFace with the Itinerancy. 

CHAPTER II. 

The Young Itinerant. --In a Lumber Mill at Waupun. --The Surprise. --AnInterval of Reflection. --A Graceful Surrender. --The Outfit minus theHorse and Saddlebags. --. Receives Instruction. --The FinalStruggle. --Arrives at Brothertown. --Reminiscences of the Red Man. --TheSearching Scrutiny. --The Brothertown People. --The Mission. --Rev. JesseHalstead--Rev. H. W. Frink. 

CHAPTER III. 

Exhorter in Charge. --The First Sabbath. --The Superb Singing. --Class andPrayer Meetings. --A Revival. --Stockbridge Counted In. --ARemonstrance. --Another Exhorter Found. --Decide to Hold a GreatMeeting. --The Loaves and Fishes in the Lad's Basket too Few. --ChiefChicks. --Conversion of a Noted Character. --Quarterly Meeting at Fond duLac. --Licensed to Preach. --Camp Meeting at Clason's Prairie. --CampMeeting at Brothertown. --Church Enterprise. --MissionaryMerchant. --Logging Bee. --Successive Labors. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Fond du Lac. --First Sermon. --Early Presiding Elders. --Rev. H. W. Reed. --Rev. James R. Goodrich. --Rev. Jesse Halstead the FirstPastor. --Rev. Harvey S. Bronson. --First Class. --QuarterlyMeeting. --Delegation from Waupun. --Rev. Wm. H. Sampson. --ExtendedDistrict. --A Disastrous Fire. --Outside Appointments. --Stowe'sChapel. --Preacher's Home. --Ethiel Humiston. --Byron. --Rev. Joseph T. Lewis. --Rev. M. L. Noble--Rev. H. B. Colman. 

CHAPTER V. 

Green Lake Mission. --Waupun. --First Class. --Meetings held at Dr. Bowman's. --Revival. --Two Local Preachers. --Short Cut to Ceresco. --Boxingthe Compass. --Wisconsin Phalanx. --First Society. --Dining HallChapel. --Discussions. --Antiquated Views. --Green Lake. --ShadrachBurdick. --Visit to Dartford. --Little Green Lake. --The NewChorister. --Markesan. --Lake Maria. --Revival. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Green Lake Mission Continued. --Quarterly Meeting at Oshkosh. --Rev. G. N. Hanson. --Lake Apuckaway. --Lost and Found. --Salt and Potatoes. --MillCreek. --Rock River. --Rev. J. M. S. Maxson. --Oakfield. --Cold Bath. --FoxLake. --Gospel vs. Whiskey. --On Time. --Badger Hill. --S. A. L. Davis. --Miller's Mill. --G. W. Sexmith. --Burnett. --William Willard. --GrandRiver. --David Wood. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Green Lake Mission Continued. --An Assistant Employed. --Quarterly Meetingat Waupun. --Love Feast. --Forty Miles Ride, and Four Sermons. --A Sermonand its Fruit. --Portage Prairie. --Randolph. --Randolph Centre. --RollingPrairie, --Cheney's Class. --Brandon. --Rosendale. --Reed'sCorners. --Strong's Landing, --A Night in the Openings. --Rev. UrielFarmin. --Going to Conference. --Madison. --Visit at Platteville. --BishopHamline. --Humorous to Grave. --Galena Conference. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Appointed to Watertown. --Aztalan the Mother of Circuits. --Divisionsand Subdivisions. --Rev. S. H. Stocking. --Watertown. --ChurchEnterprise. --Sickly Season. --Quarterly Meeting at Burnett. --Rev. A. P. Allen. --Elder Sampson Ties a Knot. --Conference of 1847. --Returned toWatertown. --Financial Pressure. --Opens a School. --The Coat Sermon. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Waukesha--Old Prairieville Circuit--Changes--Rev. L. F. Moultrie--Rev. Hooper Crews--Rev. J. M. Walker--Rev. Washington Wilcox--Upper and NetherMillstones--Our New Field--Revival--Four Sermons--Platform MissionaryMeetings--The Orator--Donning the Eldership--The Collection. 

CHAPTER X. 

Milwaukee--Early History--First Sermon--Rev. Mark Robinson--FirstClass--Rev. John Clark--Trustees--Rev. James Ash--Rev. DavidWorthington--Rev. Julius Field--Rev. John Crummer--First Church--Rev. John T. Mitchell--Rev. Sias Bolles--Lantern Convert--SecondChurch--Rev. A. Hanson--Rev. Dr. Ryan--John H. Van Dyke--Rev. F. M. Mills--Rev. James E. Wilson--Walker's Point--First Class--Rev. Wm. Willard. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Spring Street, Milwaukee--First Sabbath--Promising Outlook--The DeepShadow--Rev. Elihu Springer--Rev. I. M. Leihy--Revival--MissionaryMeetings--Dedication at Sheboygan--Ravages of the Cholera--Death-bedScenes--The Riot--Bishop Waugh--Camp Meeting--Scandinavian Work--Rev. C. Willerup. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Conference of 1851. --Presiding Elder. --Presentation. --Give andTake. --Fond du Lac District--Quarterly Meeting--Rev. J. S. Prescott. --Footman vs. Buggies--Fond du Lac. --Two Churches. --GreenbushQuarterly Meeting. --Rev. David Lewis--Pioneer Self-Sacrifice. --Finds aHelp-Meet. --Sheboygan Falls. --Rev. Matthias Himebaugh. --Oshkosh--FirstClass. --Church Enterprises. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Fond du Lac District Continued. --Green Bay. --First Settlement. --Rev. John Clark. --First Sermon. --First Class. --Col. Ryan. --FirstMethodist. --First Church Enterprise. --Good Society. --HereticalBonnet. --Various Changes. --Rev. R. P. Lawton--ChurchDisaster--Purifying the Temple--Rev. S. W. Ford. --Oneida IndianMission. --Oneidas. --Missionaries. --Quarterly Meeting. --Council. --"ChiefJake. "--Interpreter. --Rev. Henry Requa. --His Dying Message. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Fond du Lac District Continued. --Appleton. --Early History. --Rev. C. G. Lathrop--Lawrence University. --Incipient Stages. --Charter. --Trustees. Agent. --First Board of Instruction. --Buildings. --Faculty. --Rev. Dr. Cooke. --Rev. Dr. Cobleigh. --Rev. Dr. Mason. --Rev. Dr. Knox. --Rev. Dr. Steele. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Fond du Lac District Continued. --Baraboo Conference. --Lodi CampMeeting. --Fall River. --Revival at Appleton. --Rev. Elmore Yocum. --Revivalat Sheboygan Falls. --Revival at Fond du Lac. --Rev. E. S. Grumley. --Revival at Sheboygan. --Rev. N. J. Aplin. --Camp-Meeting atGreenbush. --Rev. A. M. Hulce. --Results of the Year. --JanesvilleConference. --Omro. Rev. Dr. Golden. --The Cowhams. --QuarterlyMeeting. --My Father's Death. --Close of the Term. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Conference of 1855. --The New Departure. --Mission Committee. --The SlaveryControversy. --Triumph of Freedom. --Wisconsin Conference Rule. ConferenceReport. --Election of Delegates. --Appointed to Racine. --Detention. --TheRemoval to the New Charge. --Stage, Dray, and Steamboat. --New Bus Line. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Racine. --Its Early History. --Subsequent Growth. --Racine District. --Rev. Dr. Hobart. --Kenosha. --Rev. Salmon Stebbins. --Sylvania. --TheKelloggs. --Walworth Circuit--Burlington and Rochester. --Lyons. TroyCircuit. --First Class at Troy. --Eagle. --Round Prairie. --HartPrairie. --Delavan. --Elkhorn. --Pastorate at Racine. --Revival. --ChurchEnlargement. --Second Year. --Precious Memories. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Conference of 1859. --Janesville. --Early History. --First Sermon. --TheCollection. --First Class. --First Church. --First Donation. --Rev. C. C. Mason. --Missionary Anniversary. --Rev. A. Hamilton. --Rev. D. O. Jones. The Writer's Pastorate. --The Great Revival. --The Recipe. --Old UnionCircuit. --First Class. --Evansville. --Rev. Henry Summers. --New Church. Conference of 1858. --Beloit. --Early Pastorates. --ChurchEnterprise. --Second Year at Janesville. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Conference of 1859. --Presiding Elder. --MilwaukeeDistrict. --Residence. --District Parsonage. --Visits to Charges. --SpringStreet. --Asbury. --Rev. A. C. Manwell. --Brookfield. --WestGranville. --Wauwatosa. --Rev. J. P. Roe. --Waukesha. --Rev. WesleyLattin. --Oconomowoc. --Rev. A. C. Pennock. --Rev. Job B. Mills. --HartPrairie. --Rev. Delos Hale. --Watertown. Rev. David Brooks. --Rev. A. C. Huntley. --Brookfield Camp-Meeting. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Whitewater Conference. --Report on Slavery. --Election of Delegates. --Whitewater. --Early History. --Rev. Dr. Bannister. --GeneralConference. --Member of Mission Committee. --Conference 1860. --Rev. I. L. Hauser. --Mrs. I. L. Hauser. --Rev. J. C. Robbins. --The Rebellion. --ItsCauses. --Fall of Sumter. --Extract of Sermon. --Conference 1861. --Rev. J. H. Jenne. --Rev. S. C. Thomas. --Rev. G. C. Haddock. --Colonelcy. --Closeof Term. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Conference of 1862. --The War. --Position of the Conference. --Rev. J. M. Snow. --Appointed again to Spring Street. --Dr. Bowman. --Changes. --Rev. P. S. Bennett. --Rev. C. S. Macreading. --Official Board. -The New ChurchEnterprise. --Juvenile Missionary Society. --Conference of 1863. --Rev. P. B. Pease. --Rev. George Fellows. --Rev. Samuel Fallows. --Rev. R. B. Curtis. --Rev. D. H. Muller. --Third Year. --Pastoral Work. --Revival. Visitto the Army. --Illness. --Close of Term. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Conference of 1865. --The War Closed. --Lay Delegation the Next Question. Rev. George Chester. --Rev. Romulus O. Kellogg. --Missionary toChina. --Rev. L. N. Wheeler. --Appointed to Fond du Lac District. --Marriageof our Eldest Daughter. --Removal to Fond du Lac. --Rev. T. O. Hollister. --State of the District. --Rev. J. T. Woodhead. --Waupun. --Rev. D. W. Couch. --Lamartine. --Rev. I. S. Eldridge. --Horicon. --Rev. WalterMcFarlane. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Conference of 1866. --Centenary Year. --LayDelegation. --Reconstruction. --Returned to Fond du Lac District. --SevenSermons a Week--Rev. O. J. Cowles. --Beaver Dam. --A Good Record. --FallRiver. --Early History. --Columbus. --Rev. Henry Sewell. --Conference of1867. --Election of Delegates. --Cotton Street. --Rev. R. S. Hayward. --Rev. A. A. Reed. --General Conference. --Conference of 1868. --Rev. T. C. Wilson. --Rev. H. C. Tilton. Rev. John Hill. --Rev. Isaac Searles--Rev. J. B. Cooper. --An Incident--Close of the Term. --Progress Made. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Conference of 1869. --Stationed at Ripon. --First Visit--Rev. E. J. Smith. --Rev. Byron Kingsbury. --Sabbath School. --Early Record of theStation. --Church Enterprises. --Rev. William Morse. --Rev. JosephAnderson. --Revival. --Church Enlargement. --Berlin. --Early History. --Rev. Isaac Wiltse. --Conference of 1870. --Returned to Ripon. --Marriage of ourSecond Daughter. --A Happy Year. --Close of our Labors. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Conference of 1871. --Election of Delegates. --Laymen's ElectoralConvention. --Temperance. --The Sabbath. --Rev. Thomas Hughes. --Appointedto Spring Street. --Third Term. --Wide Field. --Rev. C. D. Pillsbury. --Rev. W. W. Case. --The Norwegian Work. --Rev. A. Haagenson. --The SilverWedding. --Results of the Year. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Conference of 1872. --Rev. A. J. Mead. --Rev. A. Callender. --Rev. Wm. P. Stowe. --Rev. O. B. Thayer. --Rev. S. Reynolds. --Revival under Mrs. VanCott--Conference of 1873. --Rev. Henry Colman. --Rev. A. A. Hoskin. --Rev. Stephen Smith. --Illness. --Conference of 1874. --Rev. Dr. Carhart. --Rev. Geo. A. Smith. --Rev. C. N. Stowers. --In the Shade. 

Thirty Years in the Itinerancy. 

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CHAPTER I. 

Providential Intervention. --Nature and Providence alike Mysterious. --AnUnseen Hand shaping Human Events. --The Author urged to enter theMinistry. --Shrinks from the Responsibility. --Flies to ModernTarshish. --Heads for Iowa. --Gets Stuck in the Mud. --Smitten by aNorthern Gale. --Turns Aside to see the Eldorado. --Finds Himself Face toFace with the Itinerancy. 

The ways of Providence are mysterious. And how, to men, could they beotherwise? With their limited faculties it could not be expected thatthey would be able to obtain more than partial glimpses of the "goingsforth of the Almighty. " The Astronomer can determine the orbit of theplanets that belong to our system, since they lie within the range ofhis vision; but not so the comets. These strange visitors locate theirhabitations mainly in regions so remote from the plane of humanexistence that his eye cannot reach them. And when they do condescend topay us a visit, they traverse so wide a circuit that the curve theydescribe is too slight to furnish a basis for reliable mathematicalcalculations. Hence the orbit of a comet is a mystery, and the returnnot unfrequently a surprise. If this be true of what seem to be theunfinished or exploded worlds, that swing like airy nothings in theheavens and fringe the imperial realm of physical being, then what maynot be predicated of the profounder mysteries that lie bosomed in thoseunexplored depths of the Universe, where the fixed stars hold highcourt? When our feet trip at every step of our advance to know themysteries of nature, why need we affect surprise when the profounderdomain of providence refuses to yield up its secrets? That the ways ofGod are mysterious is a logical necessity. The Infinite disparitybetween the human and the Divine intelligence involves it. Insignificantas a lady's finger ring may seem when compared to one of the mightyrings of Saturn, the human mind, in the presence of the Divine, isinfinitely more so. Well hath the Scriptures said, "Far as the heavensare higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and mythoughts than your thoughts. "

The mysterious ways of Providence are, however, not unfrequently sointerwoven with human events as that average intelligence may be able tounderstand portions of them, though much of mystery must always remain. And in no one particular do these understandable portions find a clearerillustration than in those interventions which assign individual men togiven pursuits and responsibilities in life. Truly, "There is aProvidence that shapes our ends, rough hew them as we will. "

Nor may these special interventions be wholly appropriated by the greatmen of the world. On the contrary, they not unfrequently condescend tobless the very humblest. The same great thought, the same skilled handand the same infinite power that were necessary to pile up the grandestmountain ranges and hollow the ocean's bed, were also required to createa single grain of sand and assign it its place as a part of the grandwhole. So, while great and honorable men pass into the world's historyas the proteges of a special providence, let it also be remembered thatthe humbler ones, though their names may never be chronicled, are notforgotten by the All Father. If willing to be led, they shall not wanta kind hand to lead them. And even though rebellious at times, and atothers shrinking from the proffered responsibilities, yet a lovingFather cares for the trembling and feeble ones, as well as the brave andthe strong, and kindly leads them into the paths of peace. 

I have not written thus, good reader, in these opening pages, to find astarting place for the record that is to follow. On the contrary, theseutterances hold a special relation to the writer and the labors of thelast thirty years. 

Soon after my conversion, and before I was eighteen years of age, Ireceived an Exhorter's license. I was then engaged in teaching and foundmy time largely occupied by my profession. Yet, I occasionally heldservices on the Sabbath. During the ensuing four years I retained thesame relation. I was often urged to accept a Local Preacher's license, but declined, thinking I was too much occupied in the other field tomake the necessary preparation for this. And, besides, I had now reacheda point of great perplexity and trial with reference to the ministerialcalling as a profession. Not that I entertained a serious thought ofaccepting it, but, on the contrary, was wholly averse to it. But, strangely enough, while I was thus, both in feeling and convictions, opposed to the measure, every one else seemed to accept it as a matteralready settled that I would enter the Itinerant field. From the goodRev. John B. Stratton, the Presiding Elder of the Prattsville District, New York Conference, within the bounds of which I then resided, and hisimmediate successor, Rev. Samuel D. Ferguson, down through all theministry and laiety of my acquaintance, I was made the special subjectof attack. But from what all others thought to be my duty, I shrankwith a persistence that admitted of no compromise. The plan I had markedout for myself contemplated, ultimately, the position of a LocalPreacher, and a life devoted largely to literature and business. On thisplan I fully relied, and thought myself settled in my convictions andfixed in my purpose. Yet I am not able to say, that at times it did notrequire some effort of the will to keep my conscience quiet and mythought steady. A young man, from eighteen to twenty-two years of age, who was subject to so many attacks, especially in high places, and whoconstantly felt himself preached to and prayed at in almost everyreligious assembly, must be more than human, not to say less than aChristian, to bear up under such a pressure. I clearly saw that one oftwo things must be done, and that speedily. Either I must yield to themanifest demand of the church or "go west. " I chose the latter. Nor wasthis decision mere obstinacy. There were several things to be consideredand carefully weighed and determined before entering upon a work of suchgrave responsibilities as the Itinerant ministry. First of all, thequestion must be settled in a man's conviction of duty; then thequestion of one's fitness for the work; and, finally, the financialquestion could not be ignored. To enter the Itinerancy involvedresponsibilities that could only be sustained under the deepestconvictions that can possibly penetrate a human soul. The minister isGod's ambassador to lost men. He can only enter upon this work under thesanction of Divine authority. Having entered he is charged with the careof souls, and if these shall suffer harm, through his inefficiency orwant of fidelity, he must answer in the Divine assizes for the breach oftrust. Well may the best of men say, "who is sufficient for thesethings?" Then add to this grave responsibility, the certain andmanifold trials which must come to every man who enters the Itinerancy. His very calling makes him a spectacle to men, and necessarily thesubject of adverse criticism. He is the messenger of God and yet theservant of man. On the one hand, clothed with the authority of heaven, and on the other reduced to the condition of a servant. Expected todeliver the high message of the King of Kings, and yet receives hispulpit under the suffrages of man. Before he receives his appointment, he is not unfrequently the subject of a sharp canvass from one end ofthe Conference to the other, and after he receives it he is liable tofind himself among a people, who had rejected him in the canvass, andnow only acquiesce in the decision from sheer necessity. But if heescape Scylla in this particular, he is certain to drive upon Charybdisin another. Granting that his relations and labors may be acceptable, hefalls upon the inevitable necessity of devoting his time and labor, during the vigor and strength of his days, for a meager compensation, and then pass into old age, and its attendant infirmities, as adependancy, if not a pauper. And now let me submit; with such a picturehung upon the canopy of the future, and who shall say it is overdrawn?is it a matter of surprise that a young man should hesitate beforeaccepting the position of an Itinerant?

But it will be said: "There is another side to the picture. " True, andthanks to the Great Head of the church that there is. But the other sidecan only be seen when the beholder occupies the proper stand-point, andthis position I certainly had not attained at the time of which I write. In this matter, as in most others, our mistakes arise from partial viewsand limited observation. 

A few years since I visited Niagara Falls. Before leaving Buffalo afriend admonished me to avoid looking upon the descending floods until Ishould reach Table Rock, as this precaution would give me a moresatisfactory impression. These instructions were more easily given thanobserved. I found it required no small share of nerve to pass down thenear bank of the river with the eternal roar of its waters pouring intomy ears, cross over Suspension Bridge, spanning the rushing tides belowstill tossing and foaming as though an ocean had broken from its prison, and then pass up the other bank, in full view of the cataract, and notlook upon it until my feet were planted on Table Rock. But from thathour to the present, I have never regretted the effort, for therein Ilearned the importance of position, when face to face with any greatquestion. The position gained, I raised my eyes upon Niagara Falls. Ineed not say my whole being was thrilled. There lay the great "horseshoe" full before me, and I seemed to stand upon its outer crest andlook down into its deep chasm, where the angry waters wrestled with eachother in their wildest frenzy. Then the floods from either side, thathad seemed to sweep around the chasm and hug the shore, as if in mortalterror, despairing of escape, rushed upon each other like two stormfiends. The war of waters was most terrific. The very earth shook. Locked in deadly embrace, and writhing as if in direst agony, the mightyfloods plunged the abyss, while far above floated the white plume of thepresiding genius of old Niagara. The impression upon me wasoverwhelming. I saw Niagara Falls from the right stand-point. Whether Iwas equally fortunate in my early views of the Itinerancy is a questionthat will find solution in the following pages. 

I decided, however, to go West. My father and the balance of his familyhad been looking enquiringly in that direction for several months, and Inow agreed to accompany them. 

It was our purpose to make Dubuque, Iowa, the point of destination, asthe founders of that city, who were relatives, had visited us in theEast and had given us glowing accounts of the city and the adjacentportions of the State. With this purpose in view we landed at Racine. The Madison, a crazy old steamer that could lay on more sides during astorm than any water craft that I had ever seen, landed us on a pier inthe night, and from the pier we were taken ashore in a scow. We reachedRacine in June, 1844. Racine at that time was a very small village, but, like all western towns, it was in the daily belief that, at some time inthe near future, it would be a very large city. We spent the Sabbath andenjoyed the pleasure of attending religious services in a school house. The pastor of our church at the time was Rev. Milton Bourne, of the RockRiver Conference. We were favorably impressed with Racine, andespecially with the evidences of civilization it afforded, in the factof a school house and the establishment of religious services. 

At Racine we engaged a man to take us, six in all, with our trunks toDelavan. The roads were almost impassable. The rains had fallen socopiously that the streams overflowed their banks, the marshes were fulland the prairies inundated. With a good team, however, we made anaverage of about fifteen miles a day. Our conveyance stuck fast in themud eighteen times between Racine and Delavan. Sometimes we found theseinteresting events would occur just in the middle of a broad marsh. Insuch case the gentlemen would take to the water, not unfrequently up tothe loins, build a chair by the crossing of hands, as they had learnedto do in their school days, and give the ladies a safe passage to theprairie beyond. But woe worth the day if the wheels refused to turn, asthey sometimes did, in the middle of some deep, broad mud-hole. Thelight prairie soil, when thoroughly saturated, is capable of very greatvolatility and yet of stick-to-it-iveness. While the team and wagon, buried deeply in the mud, found the soil as yielding as quicksand, thepassengers, on alighting, were no more fortunate. To make the chair andwade ashore with its precious burden, at such a time, involved a verynice adjustment of balances. If the three went headlong before theyreached the shore, each received a generous "coat of mail" of the mostmodern style. 

We reached Delavan in due course of travel, where we remained severaldays. The Sabbath intervened. My father preached in the morning, and Iheld service in the afternoon. On Monday a council was held. Since ourfeet touched the soil of Wisconsin, our ears had been filled with thepraises of the country, and especially the counties of Dodge and Fond duLac. By the time we had spent several days at Delavan, and were ready tomove on toward Iowa, this clamor had become so decided in its tone, that, as a result of the consultation, it was decided that two or threeof us should go up through Dodge and Fond du Lac counties. Not with theexpectation that our destination would lie in that direction, but it wasthought advisable to know what had been left behind, in case we shouldnot be pleased with Dubuque. 

Leaving the balance of our company at Delavan, we started on foot on ourtour of exploration. Keeping our eyes and ears open, we were ready togo in any direction in quest of the promised "Eldorado. " Like all "landseekers" of those early times, a few things were deemed essential tomake a location desirable. These were prairie, timber and water. Butwith us one additional requisite must not be ignored. We must also finda "water power. " With all these objects in view, the line of travelbecame perplexing and described a good many angles, but the maindirection lay through East Troy, Summit, Watertown, Oak Grove andWaupun. At the last named place we found a few scattered log houses, and, within a radius of five miles, perhaps a dozen families. Thelocation was beautiful. With its prairie of from one to two miles inwidth, skirted on the north by groves of timber, through which ran thewest branch of Rock River, and fringed on the south by extendedopenings, it took us captive at once. Passing up the stream two or threemiles we found the looked for water-power, and abundance ofunappropriated lands. By setting our stakes on the crown of the prairie, and making the lines pass down to the river and through the belt oftimber, sufficient land of the right quality could be secured for thewhole family, including, also, the desired water-power. To decide uponthis spot as our future home, was the result of a brief consultation. All thought of going to Iowa was now abandoned. Obtaining a load oflumber, which was all that could be secured for either love or money, ashanty was immediately erected for the accommodation of the family. Wasit a providential intervention that assigned us our home and field oflabor in this new and rapidly populating portion of Wisconsin, ratherthan the city of Dubuque?

Society in its formative state needs, above all other agencies, thesalutary influences of religion. To provide these and give themefficiency among the people, the presence and labors of the Gospelministry, and the establishment of churches, are a necessity. To securethese at the outset requires the emigration of ministers from the olderStates as well as people. Perhaps the motives of neither class in comingwill always bear a thorough scrutiny; yet who shall say that theircoming is not under the general direction of Providence? Nor is itimprobable that the hasty steps that seem to bear the unwilling servantfrom the presence of the Master are the very ones that most speedilybring him face to face with his duty. 

CHAPTER II. 

The Young Itinerant. --In a Lumber Mill at Waupun. --The Surprise. --AnInterval of Reflection. --A Graceful Surrender. --The Outfit minus theHorse and Saddlebags. --Receives Instruction. --The FinalStruggle. --Arrives at Brothertown. --Reminiscences of the Red Man. --TheSearching Scrutiny. --The Brothertown People. --The Mission. --Rev. JesseHalstead. --Rev. H. W. Frink. 

In March, A. D. 1845, a letter from Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, then PresidingElder of Green Bay District, Rock River Conference, found me at Waupun. The intervening nine months, since our arrival in the preceding July, had been spent in making improvements upon the land I had selected, andin the erection of a lumber mill, of which I was in part proprietor. 

The bearer of the letter found me in the mill, engaged in rolling logsto the saw and in carrying away the lumber. I opened the letter andglanced at its contents. To my surprise and utter consternation itcontained a pressing request that I would take charge of the BrothertownIndian Mission until the next session of the Conference, as theMissionary, Rev. H. W. Frink, had been called away by family afflictions. I instinctively folded the letter and then crumpled it in the palm of myhand, inwardly saying, "Hast thou found me, oh! mine enemy?" No rashanswer, however, was given. This question of duty was certainly assuminggrave aspects. For four years it had haunted me at every turn. And evenin the wilds of Wisconsin it was still my tormenter. Like Banquo'sghost, it would not down at my bidding. I now tried to look thequestion fairly in the face, and make the decision a final one, butfound it exceedingly difficult to do so. To yield after so long astruggle, and especially to surrender all my fondly cherished plans forthe future, appealed at first to my pride, and then to what I conceivedto be my temporal interests, and the appeal for a moment seemed to gainthe ascendency. But how then could I answer to God? was the startlingquestion that burned into my soul at every turn of the argument. In themidst of my embarrassment the thought was suggested, "It is only untilConference, and then you can return and resume your business. "

Catching at this straw, thus floating to me, and half believing and halfhoping that three months of my incompetency would satisfy the church andsend me back to my business again, I consented to go. Leaving mytemporal interests in the hands of my father, I hastened to make thenecessary preparations for my new responsibilities. The outfit wasprovokingly limited. The horse and saddlebags, the inevitable Alpha, ifnot the Omega, of an Itinerant's outfit, were wanting, as suchconveniences had hardly, as yet, found their way to the northernportions of the Territory. But in their place were put good walkingability and a small satchel. A few pieces of linen, a few books, but nosermons, were put into the satchel, and I was immediately stepping tothe measure of the Itinerancy. 

My first point of destination was Fond du Lac, the residence of thePresiding Elder, where I must necessarily report for instructions. Thewalk of twenty-two miles, with no other companion than a plethoricsatchel, passing from hand to hand as the weary miles, one afteranother, were dismissed, was not the most favorable introduction to my"new departure, " but, bad as it was, I found relief in the thought thatmy Eastern friends, who had so kindly and repeatedly proposed to give mea comfortable seat somewhere in the New York Conference, were inblissful ignorance of the sorry figure I was making. Whether Jonah foundhis last conveyance more agreeable than the first, I cannot say, butcertain it is, I found my first entrance upon the Itinerancy atugging business. 

I reached Fond du Lac before nightfall, and was hospitably entertained. Notwithstanding the cordial reception I received, however, from both theelder and his good wife, I felt embarrassed by the searching look theyoccasionally gave me. Whether it was occasioned by my youthful, green ordelicate appearance, or my light, feminine voice, I could not divine. 

The conversation soon turned upon the state of affairs at Brothertown, and I speedily forgot my embarrassment. In the course of theconversation I inquired whether the proceeding would not be consideredirregular, to place an exhorter in charge of the Mission. The elderreplied, "Necessity knows no law, and, besides, our Quarterly Meeting atthis place will soon be held, when we will relieve that embarrassment. "I was doubtless indebted to this law of necessity for the privilege ofholding one office in the church not provided for in the Discipline, andone that has seldom if ever been accorded to others. Carefullyinstructed in the best method to manage certain difficulties pending inthe Mission, I took early leave for a further walk of sixteen miles. 

Across the prairie at the head of Lake Winnebago, I found the walk veryagreeable. Passing Taycheedah, I then struck out into the deep woodsthat skirt the eastern shore of the lake. I was now between my guide andinstructor, and the difficult work committed to my charge. Thought wasbusy. An oppressive sense of my own insufficiency for so momentous awork, came over me, as it had done before, but never in suchoverwhelming power. I was now face to face with the great work fromwhich I had shrank for several years, and there was no retreat. Imagination lifted the little hills of difficulty before me intomountains that seemed impassable. In the deep shade of the wood I founda moss-covered rock for a seat, and gave myself up to reflection. Thetroubled currents of the stream ran on this wise. To go forward in mypresent undertaking may involve a committal to a work that a few shortmonths shall not terminate. In such case, there will follow a life oftoil and sacrifice, on stinted allowance, beset with trials andperplexities, and clouded by cold unfeeling criticisms, censures andmisjudgings, of both motive and labor, of which I can now entertain noadequate conception. But if this work be not the dictate of duty, thenwhy this unrest of soul which has so long disturbed the even flow of myreligious life, or why the uniform urgency of the authorities of thechurch both east and west in this direction? On the contrary, if my feetare now in the path of duty then why hesitate? A brave soul neverfalters in the presence of difficulty or peril, but always deals thestrongest blows where the conflict rages the sharpest. The struggle wasbrief and the result satisfactory. Kneeling by the side of the rock, prayer was offered for Divine guidance and help, and there fell on thesoul a baptism of serene peace and holy joy, which hallowed eachremaining step of the journey. 

Arriving at Brothertown the letter of introduction from the Elder waspresented to A. D. Dick, Esq. , one of the Stewards. The residence ofthis brother was located in the central portion of the town, and gaveevidence of good taste and comfort. Both himself and wife were membersof the church, and their house the home of Itinerants. It was now nearlytwelve o'clock. I was invited to the parlor where I awaited dinner. These few moments afforded an opportunity to survey my surroundings andmaster the situation. My early reading had introduced me to the Indian, both in his native wilds and as seen on the borders of civilization, theformer as the noblest specimen of the natural man on the planet, and thelatter as the most degraded of mortals. But now I was in the verypresence of the red man and even a guest in his dwelling. Nor is it toomuch to say that my curiosity was not a little excited. My reception, however, had been so cordial that I soon found myself at ease in my newassociations. 

The letter was opened and read. During its reading I noticed that theeye of mine host often wandered from the page to the newly arrivedguest. By an occasional glance I tried to read the thoughts of thereader, but found that the dark face was not disposed to becommunicative. This much, however, I think I read pretty clearly: "Well, the Elder has sent us a pretty slender specimen as a minister, but wewill try him and see what he can do. "

The dinner was announced, conversation became lively, and before we wereaware of it the distinctions of race and color had faded out of sight, and a life-long friendship was founded. It was now arranged that, duringmy stay on the Mission, I should make my home under thishospitable roof. 

The Brothertown people came from the State of New York, and had now beensettled in their western home several years. A log chapel had beenerected and school houses provided. The location along the eastern shoreof Lake Winnebago was excellent, affording a good soil and water andtimber in abundance. Along the principal highways the farms had beencleared of timber and brought under a fair state of cultivation. Thebuildings were mainly constructed of logs, though in later years, therehad been erected a goodly number of frame residences. 

Brothertown Mission first appears on the General Minutes in 1839, underthe name of Deansburg, as will appear hereafter. In 1840 it was calledFond du Lac, as that point had now been added as a regular appointment. The following year, 1841, the charge remained the same, but the name waschanged to Brothertown, this name having taken the place of Deansburg, in honor of the Brothertown Nation. But as this charge will furtherappear in connection with the labors of its pastors I will defer thebalance of the record for the present. 

Rev. Jesse Halstead entered the traveling connection in the TroyConference, was ordained Deacon in September, 1837, and transferred tothe Illinois Conference. At the session of the Conference, held the samemonth, he was appointed second preacher to Aztalan Mission. Here he tookhis first lessons in pioneer work. He traveled over a tract of countryreaching from the line of the Territory on the south to Menomonee on thenorth, and from the Lake Shore Missions on the east to Madison on thewest. In these extended journeys he enjoyed the privilege of preachingthe first sermon and forming the first societies in many localities. 

In 1838 he was sent to Crete Mission on the Kankakee, in the State ofIllinois. The following year, 1839, he was sent to Brothertown, asbefore stated, the name on the Minutes being Deansburg. While on thisMission, he visited Fond du Lac, and preached the first sermon, as willappear in another chapter. He remained on this charge only three months, and was then sent by his Presiding Elder, Rev. Julius Field, to supplyOneida Indian Mission for the balance of the year, that charge havingbeen left to be supplied. In January he was visited at Oneida by thePresiding Elder. While here the Elder fell sick, and desired BrotherHalstead to accompany him on his round of appointments. In the line oftravel they visited Madison and intervening charges, and then went toRacine, the home of the Elder. 

Brother Halstead now started for his field at Oneida. It was in thedepth of winter, and the line of travel was through the dense forestsalong the Lake Shore to Green Bay. But, nothing daunted, our Itinerantpacked his books, which had been left with Brother Stebbins at thisplace on his first trip to the north, and other baggage, and started onhis journey. The first day he reached Milwaukee, and here he laid inprovisions and other necessary outfit, such as axe, auger, &c. Strikingout into the forest he made twenty miles the first day, but during theafternoon found himself in a severe snow storm. The first night hestopped at a house located at the site of the present village ofGrafton. On rising the next morning he found the snow three feet deep. He laid over one day, and on the following morning resumed his journey. He only made nine miles, as he was compelled to beat the track inadvance of his horse; and at night he found quarters at Port Washington. The next day he pursued his journey, but at nightfall found himselfwithout shelter in the woods. He built a fire, cooked a piece of saltpork to eat with his bread, and made a supper. But now for the night!He emptied his jumper, and in it he made a bed, and, as nearly aspossible, a coil of humanity. The next morning he found his bootsfrozen. But, with a generous amount of tugging, they yielded to thepressure of his feet, and he was again on his way, breaking the roadshimself, thereby aiding his horse in carrying his burden. 

On the fifth day he found a house in the woods and remained in it forthe night. The sixth day he reached Sheboygan Falls, and the seventh dayManitowoc. The eighth day he tried to reach Green Bay, a distance offorty miles, but was compelled to camp out for another night, and takethe ninth day to complete his journey. 

In 1840, Brother Halstead was sent to Fond du Lac, his charge including, also, Brothertown, of which a record will be made in a subsequentchapter. During this year he made a visit to Oshkosh. He took an Indiantrail on the west side of Lake Winnebago, and after travelingtwenty-five miles found himself on the bank of Fox River. He found noway to cross the stream, and, it being now dark, he was compelled tospend the night without shelter. A friendly Indian came along and joinedhim in his preparations for the night. The weather was quite cold andthey were obliged to maintain a brisk fire to keep from freezing. Inthis duty they served by turns, but neither of them had any provisions. On the following day Brother, Halstead returned to Fond du Lac. 

During the year Brother Halstead was abundant in labor, and atBrothertown there was an extensive revival, giving large accessions tothe charge. The following year, he was returned to the work, but thename was changed to Brothertown. This year was also fragrant withblessing, and many souls were converted. After leaving BrothertownBrother Halstead was stationed at Monroe, and next at Hazel Green, wherehe had Rev. I. M. Leihy as a junior preacher. His subsequent charges werePrairie du Chien, Patch Grove, Mequon, Oak Creek, and Brothertown, whenhe took, in 1852, a superannuated relation. 

Brother Halstead was always at his post of duty. In some of hisappointments he had long moves, hard work, and very small compensation, but he and his good wife were always equal to the situation. It has beena pleasure to the writer to make this record, as also that of otherveterans of the Itinerancy. But of the labors, the sacrifices and trialsof such men, but little can be known here. It is a satisfaction, however, to be assured that their record is on high. It is also apleasure to know with what views they look back upon the past. A line inhand from Brother Halstead only expresses the common sentiment of all. Iwill give it to the reader. "Among the most pleasant memories of mylife, I reckon the hardships endured as an Itinerant minister of theGospel of Christ. If I had another life to give I should not hesitate tothrow myself into the work again with all the strength and purpose theMaster has given me. "

Rev. Hiram W. Frink was sent to Brothertown in 1842, and had nearlycompleted his third year when called away. Brother Frink is also aveteran, having entered the Conference in 1837, the year of BrotherHalstead's transfer. 

His first appointment was Sheboygan, including the territory betweenMilwaukee and Green Bay, and extending west as far as Lake Winnebago. Its principal appointments were Sheboygan, Port Washington, Brothertown, Two Rivers and Manitowoc. 

Having shipped his trunk to Manitowoc, his future home, Brother Frinkleft Chicago on horseback, Oct. 28th, 1837, for his field of labor. AtMilwaukee, the necessary outfit was procured to penetrate the deepforests which lay beyond, including an axe, steele and punk, a tin cup, blankets and provisions. The only road was an Indian trail, which pushedits devious way through the forest, around the swamps, and acrossbridgeless streams, without regard to the comfort of the traveler or thespeed of his locomotion. As there were no houses along the line oftravel, Brother Frink was compelled to spend the first night in thewoods. Fortunately, however, he found a small, tenantless cabin by thewayside, in which he was safe from the wild, noisy beasts, that prowledwithout. The following day he reached Sheboygan. 

And this journey was but a sample of the travel and exposures of theyear of labor, on which Brother Frink had entered. Amid the driftingsnows of winter, and the copious rains of summer, he was compelled totraverse the dreary, and almost unbroken forests of his field, and onmore than one occasion he found the night around his camp-fire madehideous by the howling of wolves and the screaming of panthers. But inhim the cause found a sturdy pioneer who was equal to the demands ofthe work. 

In 1838, his appointment was Elgin, Ill. , and, the following year, Watertown, Wis. In connection with the last named, we shall haveoccasion to refer to his labors in a subsequent chapter. At the close ofhis year at Watertown the charge was divided, and in 1840, he wasappointed to Summit, the eastern division. 

In 1841, he was returned to Illinois and stationed at Sycamore, and thefollowing year was brought back to Wisconsin, and, as before stated, appointed to Brothertown. At the Conference of 1845, he took a locationon account of family afflictions, but returned again to the work as soonas relieved of his embarrassments. 

His subsequent appointments have been Grafton, Agent for Tracts andSunday Schools, Palmyra, Rock Prairie, Albion, Dunkirk, Fort Atkinson, Footville, Burnett and Markesan. In 1865, he took a supernumeraryrelation, but the following year, being made effective, he was appointedto the Bible Agency, which position he has continued to hold up to thepresent writing. Brother Frink is still vigorous, and is doing effectiveservice. He has kept a cheerful spirit up to the present hour, and ishighly esteemed by his brethren. 

CHAPTER III. 

Exhorter in Charge. --The First Sabbath. --The Superb Singing. --Class andPrayer Meetings. --A Revival. --Stockbridge Counted In. --A Remonstrance. --Another Exhorter Found. --Decide to Hold a Great Meeting. --The Loavesand Fishes in the Lad's Basket too Few. --Chief Chicks. --Conversion of aNoted Character. --Quarterly Meeting at Fond du Lac. --Licensed toPreach. --Camp Meeting at Clason's Prairie. --Camp Meeting atBrothertown. --Church Enterprise. --Missionary Merchant. --LoggingBee. --Successive Labors. 

My first Sabbath, April 4, 1845, as "Exhorter in Charge, " gave me anopportunity to take the measure of my new field of labor. The chapel, asbefore stated, was constructed of logs. These were hewn on both sides, thus giving a smooth appearance both within and without. The logs werehalved together at the ends, and filled between with small pieces ofwood laid in morter, and, on the whole, the chapel made a veryrespectable appearance. It contained rude seats that would accommodateabout one hundred and fifty persons, and furnished standing room inaddition for one hundred more. 

On the advent of the young "Elder, " for it was their custom to call allministers by that name, the chapel was packed to its utmost capacity. Opening the services with great perturbation of spirit in the presenceof so vast a crowd, I proceeded with difficulty until the people aroseto sing. Instantly I was at ease. I was not a stranger to good singing, for my surroundings had always been fortunate in this particular, but, Iam free to say, that, up to that hour, my ears had never been sothrilled by Christian melody. The tones were not as mellow as those ofthe African, but they were more deep and thrilling. Inclined rather to ahigh key, and disposed to be sharp and piercing, yet the voices of thevast congregation swept through every note of the gamut with equalfreedom. I was thoroughly entranced. And, on coming to myself, I foundmy perturbation had left me and my soul was on a plane with theresponsibilities of the hour. 

At the close of the public services, a class meeting was held under thecharge of Father Abner, the leader. This brother was a man of age andexperience, well adapted to his position, and universally beloved. Themeeting was conducted in the usual manner, and was an occasion ofspiritual refreshing. The testimonies were direct and touchingly simple, usually accompanied with weeping, and sometimes with the shout oftriumph. The singing, however, was the principal feature, both inquantity and quality, for this highly susceptible people had given thispart of the services, in all their meetings, a leading place. Among themost noted leading voices were those of mine host, Alonzo D. Dick, Jeremiah Johnson, Orrin Johnson, and Thomas Cummock. My labors were nowfairly opened, and I soon found abundant opportunities for usefulness. The regular meetings at the chapel were supplimented by others, principally prayer meetings, in the more remote parts of the town. Thesemeetings were held on the week-day evenings, and in a short time becameoccasions of great interest. I attended them usually, and found everyevening thus employed when not engaged at the chapel. In theseexcursions through the settlement, I was almost always accompanied byone, or all of the above named brethren, to lead the singing, as I foundmyself, though belonging to a singing family for three generations, unable to lead in this branch of the service. And in addition to these, I was also favored with the company of a young man of great worth andprecious memory. I refer to Lewis Fowler, an Exhorter of great promise, but who soon after fell under the withering touch of consumption, andpassed on to the better land. 

As these side meetings, as I chose to call them, were multiplied, andawakened general interest in their several localities, we found themeetings at the chapel also gained in numbers and spiritual power. Soonthe people began to talk of a revival, and pray for its speedy coming. Nor was it long delayed. The work began at one of the side meetings, where an old backslider was led back to the cross. The next evening, inanother part of the settlement, there were three seekers at the altar. The Sabbath now intervened, and it was deemed advisable to open meetingsin the chapel during the ensuing week. Here the meetings were heldnightly for four weeks. As a result, seventy-five persons professedconversion. 

The working force of the Mission was now put into a more thoroughorganization. Several new classes were formed and the old ones carefullyorganized, making six in all. A Sunday School was established, bringinginto its promising field the latent talent of the church. 

But we had hardly got our home work fully in hand, when there came aninvitation from Stockbridge, several miles below, to extend our laborsinto that settlement. There had been a Congregational Mission among theStockbridge nation for many years, but its condition was not verypromising. 

The chapel was located in the central portion of the reservation, andthe Mission was now in charge of Dr. Marsh, a gentleman of educationand ability. He divided his time, however, between the ministerial andmedical professions, and, as a result, the spiritual interestsnecessarily languished. 

During the progress of our revival in Brothertown, Brother DavidWiggins, who had recently removed to Stockbridge, had been accompaniedto the meeting by several of his neighbors, and they had been converted. This fact will explain the invitation now given. We accepted, and ameeting was opened, using the residence of Brother Wiggins as atemporary chapel. The meetings, however, had hardly been commenced, whenthere came a remonstrance from Dr. Marsh. The remonstrance, which wasexpressed in very emphatic terms, assumed that I had no right to embraceany portion of the Stockbridge reservation in my field of labor. Butwhat was I to do? Some of our own sheep had gone down into Goshen tofind pasturage, and now a few of the lambs of a strange flock had cometo us seeking care and sustenance. Must these be left to the bleak windsthat were evidently sweeping around them, to chill their warm blood intheir veins and cause them to perish in the wilderness? My answer wasrespectful but decided. Having been placed, by what seemed to be aprovidential intervention, in charge of these souls, I could notwithdraw my oversight. The Doctor laid the matter before the PresidingElder, but he refused to interfere, and thus the matter ended. In duetime a class was formed, Brother Wiggins was appointed its leader, andseveral souls was brought to Christ. 

At this place I found Brother R. S. Hayward. Before my arrival atBrothertown, this noble man of God, and his most estimable and talentedwife, had purchased a farm on the Stockbridge reservation. They hadalready erected a log house, cleared a few acres of land, and founded ahome both for themselves and passing Itinerants. Such a surprise, andsuch a cordial welcome as I experienced, fall but seldom to the lot ofa stranger. 

Brother Hayward was also an Exhorter. Two Exhorters together, what aministerial force! Why, we began to feel that, by the help of theMaster, we could take the whole land for Christ! Plans were immediatelyformed to extend our field of operations. 

Among these, we decided to hold a series of two days' meetings, and, that they might prove a grand success, we selected as the localities thegrand centres of population. We appointed the first to be held in FatherChick's barn, a mile west of the Mission Chapel in Stockbridge. The daycame, and so did the two Exhorters. The people from the two nations camein throngs. The barn was filled, and the groves around it, until my headgrew dizzy in looking at the multitudes and thinking of what was tofollow. There was a congregation that might awaken the eloquence of aBishop, and nobody to conduct the services but two young, inexperiencedExhorters. The reader may well imagine that there was genuine repentanceon the part of the striplings, and, may be, hastily made vows neveragain to challenge a multitude, but these did not solve the problem ofthe hour. Of course, as I was "Exhorter in Charge, " though the youngestman, I had to take the morning service. I was so thoroughly frightenedthat I have forgotten the text, if I took any; but this point I doremember most distinctly. It was my first thought, on seeing the crowd, that I would take for a text, "There is a Lad here with five barleyloaves and two small fishes, but what are they among so many?" But themore I thought of it, the more frightened I became. Fortunately, Idismissed it before the hour of service arrived, for I seriouslyquestioned whether I could furnish the people so generous a feast. How Igot through the service I am unable to say, for I never dared to ask anyone, and my friends, doubtless out of regard to my youth, forbore totell me. As to the afternoon service, I need say nothing, for, thoughrespectable, I have no doubt Brother Hayward has preached many bettersermons since. 

But whatever was wanting in the public services, the social meetings ofthe day were a great success. Here the brethren came in with theirsinging and earnest prayers, and the sisters with their Christiantestimonies, until every heart was moved. In this part of the serviceSister Hayward led off with her accustomed ability and spirit, making amarked feature of the exercises. 

The part borne by Father Chicks, as he was called, the head chief of theStockbridge nation, also added not a little to the interest of theoccasion. He had been but recently converted, and his heart wasoverflowing. To see such a religious demonstration on his own premisesfilled him with joy, and awoke within him the fiery ardor of those otherdays when his burning words had swayed his people to the good or evil, as the tempest bends the forest at its will. Tall and erect in form, with a brow to rule an empire, he rose in the midst of the greatassembly and came forward to the stand. Every eye was fixed upon him. Turning to the writer, that he might have assistance, if necessary, inthe use of the English, by the timely suggestion of the right word, heproceeded to say: "Me been a great sinner, as all my people know. " Forthe moment he could go no farther. His noble form shook with emotion, and his manly face was flooded with tears. The whole audience wept withhim, for his tears were sublimely eloquent. Recovering himself, hesimply added, "All me want now is to love him, Christ. " Then turning tohis people, with a face as radient as the sunlight, he began to addressthem in his own language. I could not understand the import of hiswords, but the tones of his voice to our ears were entrancinglyeloquent. As he advanced in his address, his frame, now bearing theweight of four score years, grew lithe and animated. Soon the whole manwas in a storm of utterance. Had there been no living voice, theattitudes and swayings of the body, the carriage and transitions of thehead, and the faultless, yet energetic gestures of the hand, were enoughto move the human soul to the depths of its being. But to these wereadded the human voice divine with its matchless cadences, now kindlinginto a storm of invective, before which the audience shrank, likeshriveled leaves in autumn, then sinking to sepulchral tones that seemedto challenge a communion with the dead; now wailing an anguish of sorrowutterly insupportable, and then rising in holy exultation, as oneredeemed from sin and inspired with the triumphant shout of victory. 

The address occupied only twenty minutes. But for effectiveness I neversaw its equal. Bending forms and tears, groans and shouts, strangelycommingled in the scene. Eternity alone can reveal the results ofthe day. 

Among the converts at Brothertown were several interesting cases. I willonly refer to one. It is that of a very noted character, who "feared notGod, nor regarded man. " This man, whom I shall not name, was speciallybitter against all ministers, and lost no opportunity to treat themrudely. His family had taken the precaution to notify me of hisbearing, assuring me that my visits to the house would be agreeable tothem, yet they might subject me to abuse on his part, if not expulsion. I at once resolved to make an effort to reach him, and in due time foundan opportunity. I discovered that he kept a large number of bee hives inhis yard, and I concluded that he was fond of bees. Having had someexperience in that line, I resolved to make my assault from thatstand-point. The favorable opportunity came sooner than I expected. Early one morning, as I was passing the apiary, I found him in trouble. A young colony had left the parent hive and alighted on one of thetopmost branches of a tall tree, and the owner was sending curses afterthem in a most profane manner. Approaching him with the compliments ofthe morning, I remarked, "These young people are starting out in lifewith pretty lofty notions. " The reply was a volley of oaths that showedhim to be no novice in profanity. To relieve his embarrassment, andtranquilize his temper, I suggested that they were not beyond reach. With a new outbreak of oaths, he replied, "The ladder that old Jacobdreamed of would not be half tall enough. " I told him if he would bringme a strong cord and a saw I would bring them down for him. He, halfdoubtingly, glanced at my slight form, then into my face, as if toassure himself of my sincerity, and hastened to bring the desiredarticles. I fastened one end of the cord to my arm, and the other to thesaw. The ascent was then made, the saw drawn up by the cord, and thesevered limb with its burden let gently down until it dropped in frontof the prepared hive. By the time I reached the ground the bees hadentered the hive, and the raging spirit of their owner hadbecame tranquil. 

Conversation now turned upon the culture of the bee and its habits, until the way opened to rise from the temporal to the spiritual. Theprovident wisdom of the little busy worker, in laying up the neededstore for future use, was especially commended, "But more especially, "it was added, "is this course the dictate of wisdom in such beings ashave an eternity before them. " I saw that a small act of kindness hadwon his ear and touched his heart. On leaving, I was cordially invitedto call and see the family. The advantage thus gained was prudentlyimproved until, in process of time, both himself and family weregarnered for the Master. 

But the time had now come to lay aside the anomalous position of"Exhorter in Charge, " and take to myself the appellation of "Preacher inCharge. " Under the advice of the Presiding Elder I still retained mymembership on the Fond du Lac circuit, of which Waupun was a part. Thelast Quarterly Meeting of the year was held in Fond du Lac May 31st, 1845, Rev. Wm. H. Sampson presiding. The meeting was well attended. Iwas granted a Local Preacher's license and recommended to the Rock RiverConference for admission on trial. 

At the close of the quarterly meeting I returned to Brothertown and madeup a company of the good people, to attend a camp-meeting to be held atClason's Prairie. 

It was the pioneer camp-meeting in the region, and, though theattendance was not large, it included nearly all the population of thevicinity. There were ten tents, and as many preachers, with thePresiding Elder in charge. The spirit of the meeting was excellent, anda goodly number of souls were gathered for the Master. The services weregreatly enlivened, and clothed with additional interest by the presenceof the several brethren whom I had brought from Brothertown. Theirready, incomparable spiritual songs, earnest prayers and touchingnarratives of Christian experience, awakened intense feeling among allclasses, and gave abundant evidence of the power of the Gospel to save, even the red man, as well as his brother of lighter complexion and morefavorable surroundings. 

Another feature of the meeting fastened itself upon my memory. It wasthe persistence with which the good Elder pressed me into service on theSabbath before the great congregation, and such a formidable array ofministers. It was indeed a great trial, but, as on other occasions wherethere is a "boy preacher" around, there was no escape. And besides, theeffort took on the nature of a trial sermon, as it was my first effortafter I had been duly licensed to preach. Whether I succeeded fairly ornot in the estimation of my critics, I am not able to say, for I kept myear during the balance of the meeting turned the other way, lest I might"have my feelings hurt. "

Returning to Brothertown, I now determined to hold a camp-meeting, under"our own vine and fig tree, " in July. The arrangements were accordinglymade, and at the appointed time, the Presiding Elder and several otherministers came to our assistance. They were Rev. Messrs. H. R. Colman, Stephen Jones, Joseph T. Lewis, G. N. Hanson, S. B. Whipple and my dearfather. The attendance was large, the order perfect, and the results ofthe meeting specially satisfactory. 

Among the converts were several persons from Calumet, a small village ofwhite people adjoining Brothertown on the south. We now established anappointment in the village, formed a class and opened a Sunday School. 

But the time had come in the history of the Mission when a new andlarger chapel must be erected. To further this object, several boxes ofgoods had been forwarded to the Mission by Ladies Benevolent Societiesin the east. They were accordingly opened out in the rooms of the vacantParsonage, and, when not otherwise employed, I installed myself as asalesman of merchandise. It was not a little amusing to begin theerection of a church after this fashion, but this was not the only queerthing about the building of the Brothertown Church. 

In addition, the Missionary put his own hands to the actual labor ofpreparing the materials. It was done in this wise. It was ascertainedthat a man in Stockbridge, who owned a fine grove of timber, proposed togive a certain amount of it for the church, provided the church peoplewould cut it. And it was further found that the owner of a mill in thevicinity would give the sawing. We decided at once to accept bothpropositions. Word was passed among the people, and on a given day ascore or more of men and teams, with the Missionary among them, made anonslaught upon the timber. In a few days the task was accomplished, andthe success of the enterprise guaranteed. 

The conference year, however, expired at this time, Aug. 20th, andterminated my labors among this people. 

Well did the Apostle say, "I have laid the foundation and anotherbuildeth thereon. " Nor was this experience new to the world in the timeof Paul. It was the work of David to prepare the materials, but itremained to Solomon to build the Temple. Thus it is in every calling oflife. But it is more manifestly so, perhaps, in the Itinerancy, than inany other. 

CHAPTER IV. 

Fond du Lac. --First Sermon. --Early Presiding Elders. --Rev. H. W. Reed. --Rev. James R. Goodrich. --Rev. Jesse Halstead the firstPastor. --Rev. Harvy S. Bronson. --First Class. --QuarterlyMeeting. --Delegation from Waupun. --Rev. Wm. H. Sampson. --ExtendedDistrict. --A Disastrous Fire. --Outside Appointments. --Stowe'sChapel. --Preacher's Home--Ethiel Humiston. --Byron. --Rev. Joseph T. Lewis. --Rev. M. L. Noble. --Rev. H. R. Colman. 

The first sermon preached in Fond du Lac was delivered at the residenceof Hon. Mason C. Darling, by Rev. Jesse Halstead, Missionary to theBrothertown people, on the 17th day of November, A. D. 1839. The meeting, the first of a religious character, was convened at the request of a fewfamilies residing in Fond du Lac and its neighborhood, only seven innumber, they having learned that the ubiquitious Itinerant had strucktheir trail, and was making a visit to their settlement. Having beenaccustomed to religious services in their eastern homes, these fewscattered families had felt deeply their privations in these westernwilds. The advent of a minister, therefore, opened an era of no commonimportance. Few and scattered as were the families, some of them livingseveral miles away, the small log house was filled. 

From this lowly, rude dwelling the songs of Zion ascended in gratefulpraise, floating out over the prairie and lingering in the branches ofthe old forest trees along the river until they fell upon the ear of theroaming savage, and arrested his careless footsteps. The voice of prayerwas heard, breathing to heaven in fervid accents a recognition of theDivine goodness, and an humble consecration of devout worshippers, andthe fair land they had adopted as their home, to God. The Gospel Messageheralded the dispensation of grace, mercy and peace alike to all, bearing in its wings the gift of healing, and a glorious prophecy of thecoming reign of the Messiah over "the wilderness and solitary place. "Under the word, the pentacostal blessing came down on the people andfilled the humble sanctuary. To many, the memories of other days, andtheir dear old homes in the east, were overpowering. The fountains offeeling were opened and tears came welling up from their depths, untilthey brimmed the eyelids of all, and fell in showers, as when the cloudangel shakes his wings. Those only who have mingled in the firstreligious meetings of the new settlement, can rightly appreciate theintense interest or gauge the overwhelming emotions of such an occasion. 

Fond du Lac appears on the General Minutes at the session of the RockRiver Conference, held Aug. 26th, 1840. At that time the entireTerritory was included in two districts. The first swept across from thesouthwest to the northeast, making Platteville and Green Bay its extremepoints. And the other embraced the southeastern portion, and extended asfar west and north as Watertown and Summit. The Presiding Elder on thelatter, the Milwaukee, was Rev. Julius Field, and on the former, thePlatteville, Rev. H. W. Reed. The year following the northeastern portionwas erected into a separate district, called Green Bay, and Rev. JamesR. Goodrich was made the Presiding Elder. Brother Reed remained anotheryear on the Platteville District, but during that year it retained onlytwo charges that are at the present writing included within the boundsof the Wisconsin Conference. After this date, the labors of Brother Reedfell within other Conferences, where doubtless a record will be made ofthem. His visits, however, have not been forgotten. He was a man ofkindly spirit and great practical wisdom. Wherever he laid thefoundations, they showed the labors of a skillful hand. He still remainsin the Itinerancy, and is the Patriarch of Iowa Methodism. 

Brother Goodrich, who succeeded him on the Green Bay portion of thedistrict, is also remembered with great pleasure by the people. Heremained three years on the district, and during the first two, servedthe Green Bay station also. He was transferred to the Chicago Districtin 1844, and was succeeded on the Green Bay District by Rev. Wm. H. Sampson. At the close of the year, Brother Goodrich took asuperannuated relation. 

Rev. Jesse Halstead was appointed to the Fond du Lac charge, as beforestated, and the Mission was made to include both Fond du Lac andBrothertown. He was also continued on the same charge the followingyear, the circuit now being changed from the Platteville to the GreenBay District. 

We have spoken at length of the Brothertown portion of the charge inprevious chapters, and may now confine the record to that of Fond duLac. During this year a class was formed at Taycheedah with Francis M. McCarty as leader. 

At the session of the Conference, held Aug. 24, 1842, the name of Fonddu Lac again fails to appear on the minutes, showing, doubtless, that, up to this date, it had not assumed sufficient importance as a religiouscentre to retain the name of a circuit. But at this session a chargeappears under the name of Lake Winnebago, with Rev. John P. Gallup asPastor. This new charge contained so much of the old Fond du Lac Missionas had been separated from Brothertown, and, in addition, it swept downalong the west side of the Lake as far as Oshkosh. 

At the Conference of 1843, the charge was continued, and Rev. Harvey S. Bronson was appointed the Pastor. The meetings during the year werestill held in log houses, Dr. Mason C. Darling, Hon. Edward Pier and Mr. Norman Pier furnishing the accommodations. It was in the residence ofthe second named that the first class was formed during this year byBrother Bronson. The class was composed of Mr. And Mrs. CharlesOlmstead, Mrs. Edward Pier, Mr. And Mrs. Daniel C. Brooks, Mr. And Mrs. Norman Pier and Mrs. Parsons. Brother Charles Olmstead was thefirst leader. 

During his pastorate, Brother Bronson also formed a class at Wilkinson'sSettlement, of which a record will be made elsewhere. 

In 1844, Fond du Lac again appears on the Minutes as a charge, andTaycheedah is joined with it. Rev. Joseph T. Lewis was appointed thePastor, and Rev. Wm. H. Sampson the Presiding Elder. At the beginning ofthis year the meetings were transferred to a frame school house that hadbeen erected in the village. The tide of emigration was now settingstrongly in the direction of Fond du Lac and vicinity, and newsettlements were being rapidly formed. The charge, following the generaldrift of things, extended its boundaries, adding several appointments, and among them Waupun. 

Soon after our settlement at this place, as detailed in a formerchapter, we were informed that a Quarterly Meeting would be held in Fonddu Lac, at a given date, in the near future. We decided to attend. Theday came, and my father and I started on foot for the QuarterlyMeeting. On reaching Fond du Lac we enquired for the Presiding Elder, inorder to ascertain the time and place of meeting, and found that he hadalready gone over to the school house where the meeting was to be held. Being directed, we soon found the place and entered. The Elder satbehind the desk, ready to begin the services. The Preacher in charge satat his right hand, wearing a thoughtful mood. As we took our seats, bothglanced at us, as did several of the congregation, doubtless thinking, "Well there are two more pioneers, and they must be Methodists to comethus to church on Saturday. "

As soon as I felt assured that the eyes of the congregation werewithdrawn from me, I ventured to look up and take the measure, in turn, of those present. There were, perhaps, twenty-five in attendance. Theywere so like, in their general appearance, congregations usually seen onsuch occasions in the east that it was difficult to realize we were inthe far west. 

The service proceeded, and at its close the Quarterly Conference washeld. We tarried, and after the opening services, my father arose andaddressed the Elder, stating that we had recently settled at Waupun, andsupposed we were outside of the boundaries of any charge. Yet such wasthe flexibility of Methodist institutions, he had no doubt theboundaries of Fond du Lac Circuit could easily be thrown around Waupun. If so, we would like to be recognized as members of the church. We werereceived on our credentials, my father as an ordained Local Preacher andI as an Exhorter. Before we left the Quarterly Meeting, it was decidedthat Brother Lewis should establish an appointment and form a class atWaupun. But of this further mention will be made in a subsequentchapter. 

Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, the Presiding Elder of the District, had been amember of the Michigan Conference. On invitation, he was transferred tothe Rock River in August, 1842. His first appointment was Milwaukee, ofwhich mention will be made in another place. The next year he was sentto Kenosha, then called Southport, to save the church property which hadfallen under financial embarrassment. Having accomplished this task, hewas, in July, 1844, appointed to the charge of Green Bay District. 

A better selection for the position could not well have been made. Hewas just in the strength of his early manhood, an able preacher, a soundtheologian, a wise administrator, and a man of agreeable presence. Thecountry was new, society in a formative state, and the material limited. Under these embarrassments, it required no little skill to lay thefoundations wisely and successfully rear the superstructure. 

The District extended from Green Bay on the north to Whitewater on thesouth, and from Sheboygan on the east to Portage City on the west, andincluded eight charges. To encompass the labor of a single year requiredthe travel of four thousand miles. The roads were almost impassable, especially in the northern and eastern portions of the District. Duringcertain seasons of the year, the buggy and sleigh could be used, but, inthe main, these extended journeys were performed on horseback. A wagonroad had been cut through the timber from Fond du Lac to Lake Michigan, but only one family, as yet, had found a home between the former placeand Sheboygan Falls. 

Between Sheboygan and Manitowoc, a distance of twenty-five miles, therewas no house. The road, if such it might be called, was an unbroken lineof mud of uncertain depth, and any amount of logs, stumps, roots andstones, to give it variety. The northern portion of the district was awilderness, and the few points that had been invaded by settlements, were almost wholly inaccessable. In the southern portion the roads werebetter, but even here, and especially through the Rock River woods, theywere not inviting. 

The position of Presiding Elder on the Green Bay District at this timewas no sinecure. The long journeys, the great exposure and the meageraccommodations among the people, were trying in the extreme. But it wasfound that Brother Sampson was equal to every emergency. 

At this time there were only three churches on the District, and thesewere located at Green Bay, Oneida and Brothertown. Brother Sampsonremained a full term on the District, and at its close became connectedwith the Lawrence University, in connection with which a record of hislabors will appear. In this work he was engaged until 1851, when hishealth failed, and he was stationed at Kenosha. He was recalled the yearfollowing, and until the year 1856 performed such services as his brokenhealth would permit. He was now made effective and appointed Professor, but in 1861 he again entered the regular work, being stationed atWhitewater. His subsequent appointments have been, Presiding Elder ofMilwaukee District, Pastor of Racine, Janesville, Evansville, Sharon, Milton and Waukau, where he is, at the present writing, doing efficientwork. Brother Sampson has given to the cause long service, a noble life;and is an honor to the Conference. 

The Fourth Quarterly Conference of the year was held at Fond du Lac. Itwas at this meeting that I was granted license to preach and recommendedto the Conference, as before stated. The meeting was held in the schoolhouse and convened on the 31st day of May, 1845. The members of theQuarterly Conference were Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, Presiding Elder, Rev. Joseph T. Lewis, Preacher, Rev. Silas Miller, Local Preacher, Francis M. McCarty, Isaac Crofoot, Joseph Stowe, Charles Olmstead, D. C. Brooks, Cornelius Davis, and myself. 

The population of Fond du Lac proper, at the time of our first visit, was very small. It contained seven buildings and numbered only fivefamilies, including the family of the Presiding Elder. The school housewas the only public building, and for years was used for all publicmeetings known to civilization. Subsequently this public conveniencefell a prey to the devouring element. The papers, in announcing thefire, gravely enumerated the losses incurred by the disastrousconflagration in this wise: "The Court House has been burned, everychurch in the town has been consumed, and even the school house and allthe other public buildings have shared the same fate. There is noinsurance, and the loss cannot be less than two hundred dollars. "

During the year an appointment was established at the residence ofJoseph Stowe, Esq. , on the old military road, four miles west of Fonddu Lac. 

To accommodate the settlement, now rapidly increasing in population, Brother Stowe built a hall for public worship. Two square buildings wereerected at a suitable distance from each other, with an open courtbetween. Over this court, and extending from one building to the other, and including the upper part of one of them, the hall was built, thusfurnishing an upper chamber. The hall was fitted up with seats andformed a Chapel of no mean pretensions for that early period. 

Brother Stowe's Chapel, as the place was sometimes called, soon became agreat institution in that region. A class was formed, and, under theleadership of Isaac Crofoot, greatly flourished. A few years after, theleadership passed to the hand of Ethiel Humiston. The members of thisclass were Joseph Stowe, Priscilla Stowe, Isaac Crofoot, EthielHumiston, Almira Humiston, Amos Lewis and Susan Lewis. 

The class meetings, as well as the public services at this Chapel, nowbecame objects of general interest. Brother Humiston had been raisedunder calvinistic teaching, and, until recently, had utterly failed todiscover "the way of Faith. " But, coming to the light under the specialteaching of the Spirit, he had become a most remarkable illustration ofthis great arm of strength. In short, nothing could stand before hisvictorious Faith. In this Chapel there were most extraordinary displaysof divine power. Nor, under such leadership, need it be deemed strangethat revivals sometimes swept the entire circuit of the year. Nor wereBrother Humiston's labors confined to his own neighborhood exclusively. He was often invited to other appointments on the charge, and even toother charges, to aid the preachers in their revival meetings, and hislabors were always greatly blessed. I have known whole congregationsmelted to tears under the recitals of his Christian experience. Andcould a record be made of the wonderful displays of divine grace in theexperience and labors of this dear brother, it would be a pricelesslegacy to the church. 

But Brother Stowe was amply compensated for the erection of this templefor the Lord. In one of the remarkable revivals enjoyed in it, and that, too, in the midst of harvest, his son, William Page, now the PresidingElder of Milwaukee District, was converted. The home of Brother Stowewas always a stopping place for the preachers. The writer, in going upand down the land in his early Itinerant labors, has been oftenentertained by this dear brother, and his excellent wife and family. Repeatedly, when weary, I have gone to this home of the pilgrims as Iwould have gone to my own father's house, and in doing so, always founda generous welcome. William, then a lad, was always ready at the gate totake my horse, and the mother, a motherly, godly woman, as ready tospread the table. 

Another appointment established this year was that of Byron, where aclass was formed by Rev. Joseph T. Lewis on the 18th of July, 1845 Theclass was at first formed as a branch from Fond du Lac, but has sincebecame the head of an independent charge. The first members were OrrinMorris, Leader, Olive Morris, Abraham Shepherd, Eliza A. Shepherd, MaryC. Shepherd, and Maria Shepherd. The first sermon preached in Byronproper was delivered by Rev. Morgan L. Noble, Pastor of Fond du Lac, January 25th, 1846, and thereafter this place became a regularappointment. 

A very comfortable church was built at Byron in 1855, under the laborsof Rev. S. V. R. Shepherd, Pastor of the charge. In later years Byron hasbecome distinguished as the place where the Fond du Lac District CampMeetings are held. 

Rev. Joseph T. Lewis was received on trial at the Conference held inChicago, August 24th, 1842. His first appointment was Elgin, Ill. , andhis second, Mutchakinoc. He was born in Wales, and, at the time of hisappointment to Fond du Lac, had been in America only five years. Suchhad been his success, however, in acquiring the English language, thathe was now able to speak it with remarkable fluency and correctness. 

Brother Lewis was a man of robust constitution, above medium height, hada strong face, adorned with a Roman nose, and a piercing eye. He had avigorous mind, was a thorough student and was already taking rank as apreacher. During his brief year on the charge, he found time not only tomaster the Conference studies, but, by the aid of the writer, to makeconsiderable progress in the study of Greek. At the end of the year hereported ninety members. His subsequent appointments were: 1845, Sheboygan; 1846 and 1847, Beloit. During his last year at Beloit, he wascalled from labor to reward. His illness was brief, eight days duration, but he was ready for the Messenger. Just before his departure, he saidto his most estimable companion: "Tell my brethren of the Rock RiverConference that I die <i>shouting happy</i>. " Thus fell, on the 22d day ofMay, 1848, one of the most promising young men of the Conference. Trulyit is said: "God buries his workmen, yet carries on his work. " TheConference extended to the accomplished and devoted widow their profoundsympathy. Nor will it be amiss to say in this connection, that the widowseveral years after became the wife of Rev. Stephen Adams, of Beloit, and up to this hour is most highly esteemed by all who have the pleasureof an acquaintance. 

In 1845, Rev. Morgan L. Noble was appointed to the Fond du Lac chargeand remained two years. He was received by the Rock River Conference in1843, and was appointed to Du Page Circuit with Rev. Elihu Springer asPreacher in Charge. Brother Noble was a man of superior talent, but hishealth was not equal to the Itinerancy. At the close of his term at Fonddu Lac, he took a location and entered secular pursuits. 

In 1847 Rev. Henry R. Colman was sent to Fond du Lac, and also remainedtwo years. 

Brother Colman entered the New York Conference in May, 1831, and hisfirst appointment was Warren Circuit, with Rev. Joseph McCreery as hiscolleague. This charge was located forty miles from his residence andincluded twenty-four hundred square miles. His visits to his family werefew, and the year was one of most severe labor. His receipts were onlyone hundred and forty dollars, showing that pioneer work had not at thatperiod wholly ceased in the older States. Luzerne, his next field, gavehim one hundred and twenty dollars. The next year he traveledBridgeport, a large, four weeks circuit, and had for colleague Rev. J. G. Whitford. On this charge the receipts for the first two quarters werenot equal to his moving expenses. He was next stationed at Ticonderoga, Westport and Essex, and Berne, successively, when he was invited by Rev. John Clark, who was east attending the General Conference of 1840, tocome west and take charge of the Oneida Indian Mission. He consented, and at the following session of the Troy Conference he was transferredto the Rock River and assigned to that field, where he arrived September19th, 1840. 

He remained on this Mission five years and was then appointed toBrothertown as my successor. At the expiration of two years he wasappointed to Fond du Lac, as above stated, where he contracted a severecold, but thinking to remove it without difficulty, continued hislabors. It was a fatal step. Bronchitis set in and he lost his voice. He was granted a superannuated relation at the session of the WisconsinConference, held at Beloit, July 27, 1849. From this attack he has neversufficiently recovered to resume his labors. 

The loss of Brother Colman from the work in the Conference was severelyfelt. Of solid endowments, respectable attainments, large practicableknowledge and excellent administrative abilities, his services seemedalmost necessary to the success of the work. We can only refer suchdifficult problems to the Great Head of the church for solution. 

During the nine years of Brother Colman's service in Wisconsin, he wasabundant in labor. He was emphatically a man of one work. His salary, like that of his co-laborers, was small, making an average of only twohundred and fifty dollars a year. Certainly this was a small provisionfor himself, wife and five children. By a judicious investment at anearly day, however, he is placed beyond the reach of want. He stilllives in the affections of his brethren, and, after a superannuation oftwenty-five years, his visits to the sessions of the Conference alwaysassure him a hearty greeting from his old friends. 

CHAPTER V. 

Green Lake Mission. --Waupun. --First Class. --Meetings held at Dr. Bowmans. --Revival. --Two Local Preachers. --Short Cut to Cereseo. --Boxingthe Compass. --Wisconsin Phalanx. --First Society. --Dining Hall Chapel. Discussions. --Antiquated Views. --Green Lake. --Shadrach Burdicks. --Visitto Dartford. --Little Green Lake. --The New Chorister. --Markasan. LakeMaria. --Revival. 

The Rock River Conference, for the year 1845, held its session at Peoriaon the 20th day of August. At this Conference I was received on trialand appointed to Green Lake Mission. The class admitted this yearnumbered twenty-three, and among them were Wesley Lattin, Seth W. Fordand Joseph M. Walker. 

Green Lake Mission, somewhat undefined in its geographical boundaries, was intended to include the large tract of beautiful prairie and openingcountry lying west and southwest of Fond du Lac. It took its name from alake on what was believed to be its northern boundary, five miles westof Ripon. As I did not attend the Conference, I awaited the return ofthe Presiding Elder at Waupun. Being informed of my appointment, Ienquired after its boundaries. The Elder facetiously replied, "Fix apoint in the centre of Winnebago Marsh, " since called Lake Horicon, "anddraw a line to the north pole, and another due west to the RockyMountains, and you will have your eastern and southern boundaries. As tothe other lines you need not be particular, as you will find no Dr. Marsh in your way to circumscribe your ambition. " At the date of whichwe write, a few small settlements only had been formed within thelimits of the Mission, but emigration was moving rapidly in thatdirection, and it was believed that an ample field would soon be found. 

At Waupun a class had been formed during the preceding year, as abovestated, consisting of my father's family, six persons in all, asfollows: Rev. Silas Miller, Eunice Miller, Henry L. Hilyar, Malvina F. Hilyar, Ezekiel T. Miller and myself. This band consisted of threeofficers and three privates. My father was the Local Preacher, mybrother the Class Leader, and I the Exhorter. My mother, sister andsister's husband were the members. 

Rev. Samuel Smith, an aged Local Preacher, and father of Rev. CharlesSmith, a worthy member of the Wisconsin Conference, had settled, withhis family, in Waupun during the preceding year, and had held religiousservices in private dwellings, whenever convenient. 

Soon after the class was formed, Father Smith, as he was called, and hisfamily identified themselves with the infant society and becameefficient laborers in the Lord's vinyard. At the same time the class wasstrengthened by the addition of Dr. Brooks Bowman and his good lady. Others were added during the year, including S. J. Mattoon, Mr. And Mrs. S. A. L. Davis, Mr. And Mrs. G. W. Sexmith and Mrs. F. F. Davis. The classnow numbered twenty-two members. 

A building had been erected by the contributions of the people in thevillage and country adjacent, for the purpose of a chapel and a schoolhouse. Regular services had been held in the new edifice for severalmonths, both morning and evening. But during the absence of the Pastorat Conference, two ministers of sister denominations came to the villageand established appointments, occupying the house on alternateSabbaths, thereby displacing the former occupants altogether. 

On taking charge of the work, I called on the new comers and expressed adesire to occupy the house for the regular appointment once in twoweeks, but found they were not disposed to meet my wishes. I suggestedthat such had been the previous custom and that our appointments were soarranged, we could not work to any other than a two weeks' plan. Butfinding them still indisposed to accommodate me, I merely stated to themthat the house, having been built mostly by my people, and in part bymyself, I could claim as a right what I had begged as a favor, but, since I saw they were indisposed to give me the only hour that wouldaccommodate the balance of my work, I should seek a place elsewhere. Atthis juncture Dr. Brooks Bowman, the physician of the village, generously offered his residence as a temporary chapel, and it wasgratefully accepted. The wisdom of the movement was soon shown by theresult. The people came to the private house, and, when they could findno room within, they uncomplainingly stood without. The Lord poured outhis spirit upon the people abundantly. 

The eldest daughter of our generous host, as the first trophy of grace, was converted. Other conversions followed, and in a short time thenumber increased to twenty. Among them were William McElroy and wife andseveral others, who became leading and influential members of the churchin Waupun. 

The opposition soon came to naught, and the house was left to ourpeaceable occupancy. The Local Preachers rendered valuable services inthe protracted meeting, and also alternated in filling the appointmentduring my absence in caring for other portions of the charge. FatherSmith was not able to visit other neighborhoods, but my father wasabundant in labors, extending his visits to every part of the charge andpreaching usually twice, and sometimes three times on the Sabbath. 

Having spent my first Sabbath at Waupun I next visited Ceresco, where asettlement had been made by the Wisconsin Phalanx, a FourieriteAssociation. There was no direct route, as all previous travel had takena circuit to the west, thereby striking the trail from Watertown. But Ideemed it best to open a track at the outset across the country to thepoint of destination. Obtaining a horse and saddle, and substituting apocket compass for the saddlebags, as that evidence of civilization hadnot yet reached the village, I started out on my trip. Unfortunately theday was cloudy, and in the absence of the sun recourse at an early stageof the journey was had to the faithful compass, but unhappily not soonenough to avoid perplexity. After having traveled some distance, as Ibelieved in the right direction, I fell into a questioning, whether Ishould go to the right or left of a marsh lying directly before me. Thecompass was brought to aid in deciding the question. It was poised onthe knob of the saddle, when, to my surprise, it seemed to point severaldegrees too far to the left. I boxed the truant thing again and again, but could not bring the needle to point in any other direction. So Iconcluded, if the mountain would not come to Mahomet, Mahomet must go tothe mountain. Out upon the trackless wilds, absolutely without any otherguide, it would not do to ignore the compass. But now a new questionarose. If the needle tells the truth, I must have been going in thewrong direction for, perhaps, some considerable distance. In such case, it is impossible to conjecture how far I may be out of the direct lineof travel or how far I may be astray. The needle may point to the northpole, but I cannot be sure that, if I follow its guidance now, I willfind Ceresco in the line of travel. But there was no time to be lost. So, deciding that I must follow the compass, I reined my horse into lineand started on, I had not gone far, however, before I found myselfconfronted by another large marsh. This must be avoided, and hence Imade a circuit to the west and passed it, but in doing so, much precioustime was lost, and speedily the night drew on. I was now without sun, stars or even compass. The stillness of the prairie was painful. And thescattered trees of the openings in the deepening shades of the eveninglooked more like muffled ghosts with huge umbrellas, than the beautifulgroves they had appeared when seen by the light of day. Pushing onthrough the darkness, I soon found I was nearer my destination than Isupposed. Leaving the groves on the right and passing over the prairieto the left, I had not gone far when a light was visible in thedistance. On approaching, I found that I had reached Ceresco, where Iwas most hospitably entertained by Rev. Uriel Farmin, a Local Preacherand a member of the Association. 

The Wisconsin Phalanx came from the southeastern portion of theTerritory and settled at this point in May, 1844. 

Soon after their settlement, Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, Presiding Elder ofGreen Bay District, visited the place and held the first religiousservice of which I can obtain information. Not long after the ministerin charge of the Winnebago Lake Mission at Oshkosh visited Ceresco, andformed a class of seven members. The names, as far as ascertained, wereRev. Uriel Farmin and wife, Mrs. Morris Farmin, Mrs. Beckwith andGeorge Limbert. The first named was appointed Leader. 

The Association had erected two long buildings, one for a tenement houseand the other for a dining hall. The first was built with a wide hallrunning from one end to the other. On either side of this hall suits ofrooms had been provided for the accommodation of the several families, giving to each family at least a parlor and one or more sleepingapartments, according to its needs. Here families were as exclusive intheir relations as good neighborhood could well require. The dining hallwas a long, narrow building, giving in its width, barely room enough forthe table, a row of persons on each side, and the free movement of thewaiters behind them. The tables would accommodate one hundred and fiftyat a fitting. In the rear of the dining hall, there was a large kitchenin which the cooking was done for the entire Association. The service ofthe kitchen, as well as every other department, was performed by personswho either volunteered or were assigned to their positions by lot, andwere paid by the hour from the common fund. Divided into squads, eachsection had a foreman or directress, elected at reasonable intervals. Itwas expected that all the members would take their meals at the commontable, yet exceptions were allowed in certain cases. It was affirmedthat with this division of labor and a common table, the cost of boardfor a single individual per week did not exceed fifty cents. 

The Association had under cultivation several hundred acres of land andwere now putting flour mills in operation. Goods were purchased atwholesale by the Association and re-sold to individuals at the samerate. A school had been established and was under the care of a verycompetent teacher. Thus, externally, everything appeared to promise welland the people seemed orderly and happy. But, like all other enterprisesof the same character, selfishness and corruption finally crept in, andthe institution fell into decay, and ultimately disappeared. 

The people of Ceresco were always gratified to receive the attention ofthe outside world, and their hospitalities were proverbial. And, thoughnot a few of the leading men were professed Infidels, they alwaysreceived ministers gladly and treated them with consideration. They werespecially gratified to have religious services held among them, and theringing of the bell would generally insure a good audience. The dininghall was used as a Chapel until a more convenient place was provided inthe erection of a large school house. 

Here in the low, long hall I held forth on the following Sabbath. Theposition was an awkward one. The table stood in the middle of the hall, reaching from one end to the other. The congregation was seated on eachside in long rows. The preacher stood at the head of the table and threwhis message along the narrow defile, greatly to his own annoyance, ifnot the discomfort of the people. To me the task was exceedinglydisagreeable. My thin, feminine voice seemed to spend its volume beforeit had reached the middle of the line. Then, my rapid manner of speakingseemed to send the words in wild confusion into the distant part of thehall. But I soon learned to gauge my voice to the place, and, thereafter, I enjoyed unusual freedom of speech. 

At the close of the services, the table was spread for dinner. I wasassigned the head of the table, with the President of the Association atmy right, and the Vice President at my left. Both of these gentlemenwere decidedly Infidel in their views, and have since become somewhatdistinguished as champions of Unbelief. They always treated me withcourtesy, however, and sought to make my visits agreeable. 

It was their custom to bring up some item in the sermon as the subjectof discussion at the table. These discussions often became animated. But, having been somewhat schooled in that line of things, I alwaysrequired a definite statement of position on both sides before anydiscussion could be had on the point assailed. This precaution kept thecoast clear, and made these table conversations profitable. ThePresident repeatedly expressed his gratification with the conversations, and also with the religious services of the day. And on one occasion hetook the freedom to say, "Though I am not a believer in Christianity, yet I think there is nothing in the world that can so effectuallyharmonize the views and blend the sympathies of the community as thesereligious services. " I took the occasion to suggest to him that hisadmission carried with it a complete vindication of the claims ofreligion and a proof of its Divine origin. 

On another occasion, as I was mounting my horse to leave, the Presidentexpressed a wish that I would visit Fox Lake and establish anappointment in that village, assuring me that he had friends there, veryintelligent people, who would receive me cordially and appreciate mylabors. I enquired whether there were not religious services establishedalready in Fox Lake. "Oh! yes, " he replied, "but they are not up to thetimes. They are conducted by a Local Preacher from Waupun, a gentlemanwhom I greatly respect, but he is quite antiquated in some of hisviews. " I enquired if he was free to state what these views were. Hereplied: "Why, sir, he retains the old notion that the world was madein six days. " "Well, was it not, Judge?" "Why, certainly not, " heanswered, "any man at all abreast with the times knows better thanthat. " Willing to put the Judge on the defensive whenever I could, Isaid; "Well, Judge, if it required more than six days, will you have thegoodness to tell me just how long it did take to make it?" The Judgefelt the awkward position he was in, and before he could recover I hadbidden him good bye and was on my way. Nor was he less embarrassed whenhe came to learn that the old gentleman to whom he referred wasmy father. 

Having spent the Sabbath at Ceresco, I now started in a southwesterlydirection to explore the country along the south side of Green Lake, with the purpose to establish an appointment should a suitable locationbe found. After traveling about three miles, I came to a large loghouse, which with its surroundings seemed to say, "We have come tostay. " Hitching my horse to the limb of a tree near the gate, Iapproached the house. I was met at the door by a lady of fine presenceand intelligent bearing, who invited me to enter and be seated. 

I began the conversation with the usual compliments to the weather andthe beautiful country about Green Lake. Receiving frank responses tothese common places, I next enquired if there were still good locationsuntaken in the neighborhood. Her intelligent face radiated a smile asher sharp eyes gave me a searching glance, which seemed to say, "Youcan't come any land-seeking dodge on me, you are a Minister. " Changingthe conversation, I soon found that the proprietor of the house was aMr. Dakin, she, his sister, Mrs. White, and that she was a Methodist. Ata subsequent visit to Ceresco I had the pleasure to enter her name uponthe list of members. 

Passing on I came to the residence of Mr. Satterlee Clark, since widelyknown in the State, but he being absent I stopped only a few moments andcontinued my exploration. The next house I visited was located near abeautiful spring in a grove of timber. The building was small, but thesurroundings indicated thrift. I rode up to the door and saw a lady ather wash-tub. She threw the suds from her hands and came to the door. Ina moment I recognized her as a lady whom I had known in the State of NewYork. She did not recognize me, however, as I had doubtless changed verymuch since she had seen me. But she was not mistaken in thinking I was aMinister. She invited me to tarry for dinner, saying her husband wouldsoon be in. 

When Shadrach Burdick, for that was the name of the husband, came todinner he found his house invaded by the irrepressible Itinerancy. Hegave me a cordial welcome, expressed his satisfaction that his newlocation did not lie beyond the limits of Gospel agencies, and urged meto make his house my home whenever I might come that way. I saw that hedid not recognize me, and concluded not to make myself known until thesurprise could be made more complete. Conversation turned on thecharacter of the settlement, the number of families and the prospect ofopening an appointment. It was known that a few families had settled inthe vicinity, but mine host was not informed as to their religiousproclivities. I decided at once to visit every family in theneighborhood. 

Passing down along the shore of Green Lake and thence up through theopenings to the margin of the prairie, I found a half dozen families. Ifound also that, without exception, they were desirous to have religiousmeetings established in the neighborhood. Receiving unexpectedencouragement, I decided to hold a meeting before I left. Fixing on themost central residence as our first chapel, we held service on Wednesdayevening. After preaching, I proceeded to form a class, and receivedeleven names. Brother Burdick was appointed the Leader. He demurred, butI was not disposed to excuse him. I then quietly stated to the classthat I had known their Leader on the Crumhorn, in the State of New York, where he held the same position, and I was fully persuaded there hadbeen no mistake in the selection. The Leader was not a little surprisedat this turn of things, and concluded that he had nothing further tosay, yet doubtless thought, "How strange it is that lads in so short atime will grow to be men?"

At a subsequent visit I crossed the Lake in a small boat to explore theneighborhood where Dartford is now located, but found no settlement. Anappointment, however, was opened at this point the following year withWm. C. Sherwood as the leading spirit. At the present writing, Dartfordhas become a fine village, has a good Church, an energetic society, andhas enjoyed the services of several of the strong men of the Conference. 

At Green Lake the congregations and class grew rapidly, and before theexpiration of the year the appointment had gained considerableprominence. As soon as a school house was built, the meetings wereremoved to it and continued there until 1870, when a fine Churchwas erected. 

Leaving Green Lake and resuming my journey of exploration, I came toLittle Green Lake. Here I found a four corners with a store on one sideand a residence on the other. The residence was occupied by a Mr. Jewell, whose wife was a relative of Rev. D. P. Kidder, then in chargeof our Sunday School literature. My acquaintance with him soon made meacquainted with this most excellent family. On their kind invitation Iestablished an appointment in their house, which was continued untiltheir removal from the place. It was then removed to the residence ofMr. Roby, who, with his wife, was a member of the church. A small classwas now formed. Before the expiration of the year the appointment wasmoved a mile south to the school house in Mackford. And after a time itwas taken down to Markesan, a mile west of Mackford. 

If was at this place that I assumed the role of Chorister, theoccurrence transpiring in this wise. I announced my opening hymn, supposing that some one present would be able to lead the singing, butto my surprise not one was disposed to serve us. I had never attemptedsuch a thing in my life as to "raise a tune" in public, and the onlyclaim I had ever set up as a qualification was that I could put moretunes to each line of a hymn than any one that I had ever known. Butsomething must be done, so I concluded to lead off. Hunting through thegarret of my memory, I brought out old Balerma for the occasion. To mysurprise, I went through the performance very much to my ownsatisfaction and comfort. And more, when I got along to the third verse, several persons in the congregation began to follow, with a manifestpurpose to learn my tune. I dispensed with further singing, and at theclose of the service a good brother came forward and remarked: "Therewere several ladies in the congregation who are excellent singers, andif you had sung a tune with which they were acquainted, they could havehelped you very much. " Whereupon I concluded that if I were unable tosing the most familiar tune in the book, so that a bevy of good singerscould discern what I was trying to render, I certainly could neversucceed as a chorister. I never became the owner of a tuning fork. 

In the changes which followed in the boundaries of the charges, Markesanwas assigned first to one and then to another, but several years ago itcame to the surface as the head of a circuit. And it now has arespectable standing as a charge with a good Church and Parsonage. 

Resuming my search for new settlement, I next visited Lake Maria. Here Ifirst called at the house of Mr. Langdon. I was kindly received, andwhen my errand was made known I was pressingly invited to remain for thenight, and hold a meeting before leaving the neighborhood. I consented, and on the following evening we held service in Mr. Langdon's house. Lake Maria was now taken into the list of appointments and was visitedregularly during the year. At my third visit, which occurred on the 30thday of November, 1845, I formed a class, consisting of Lyman L. Austin, Amanda M. Austin, Mrs. L. Martin, Mrs. Maria Langdon, David C. Jones andMaryette Jones. A protracted meeting was held soon after and thirtypersons were converted. The fruit of this meeting carried the membershipduring the year up to twenty-five. Among the additions were LansingMartin, Wm. Hare, Mrs. Susan Woodworth, and others, who have beenpillars in the church. 

CHAPTER VI. 

Green Lake Mission Continued. --Quarterly Meeting at Oshkosh. --Rev. G. N. Hanson. --Lake Apuckaway. --Lost and Found. --Salt and Potatoes. --MillCreek. --Rock River. --Rev. J. M. S. Maxson. --Oakfield. --Cold Bath. --FoxLake. --Gospel vs. Whiskey. --On Time. --Badger Hill. --S. A. L. Davis. --Miller's Mill. --G. W. Sexmith. --Burnett. --WilliamWillard. --Grand River. --David Wood. 

It had been arranged at the Conference that Green Lake and WinnebagoLake Missions should hold their Quarterly Meetings together. The firstwas now to be held at Oshkosh. In going, I took the trail leading fromCeresco to Oshkosh, and traveled the whole distance without finding ahouse. But at the intersection of the Fond du Lac and Ceresco trails Imet Brother Sampson, the Presiding Elder. 

On our arrival at Oshkosh we found it had been arranged to hold theservices on Saturday in a private house on the south side of the river. The Elder preached, and at the close of the service, the QuarterlyConference was convened under a tree, thereby giving the house to theneeded preparations for dinner. 

Rev. G. N. Hanson was the Pastor at Oshkosh. He was a single man, severalyears my senior, of a kind and gentle spirit, given to books and a fairPreacher. I had known him in the State of New York, where we were bothExhorters, and, also, both engaged in teaching. Brother Hanson enteredthe Rock River Conference in 1844, and his first charge was Manitowoc. He had been stationed on the Winnebago Lake Mission at the recentConference and was doing a good work. After leaving this charge herendered effective service in other fields until 1852, when, havingalmost lost the use of his voice, he took a superannuated relation. Butas soon thereafter as his health would permit, he entered the service ofthe Bible Cause and for three years proved an efficient Agent. In thiswork his field of labor lay mostly in the new and sparsely settledregions of the Chippewa Valley, and along the frontiers of Minnesota. But here he evinced the same perseverance and self-denial which hadcharacterized his whole life. Leaving his most estimable companion, hetook the Word of God, and though he could no longer give it a livingvoice, he bore it joyfully to the families of the land, through theforest and marshes of those new counties, often throwing his shadow uponthe coming footsteps of the Itinerant himself. But at last he wascompelled to yield to the hand of disease which had long rested uponhim. He passed over the river in holy triumph in 1857. 

On Sabbath the meeting was held in a frame building, the first in theplace, that had been erected for a store. It had been roofed andenclosed, but there were no doors or windows. Rude seats had beenarranged and the accommodations were ample. The Elder preached in themorning and the writer, as the visiting Pastor, in the afternoon. Themeeting was well attended and greatly enjoyed by all. The people, ofcourse, were mostly strangers to each other, and, coming from differentparts of the world, were accustomed to various modes of worship. Butthey seemed to forget their differences, and recognize Christ only astheir common Savior. 

At this time Oshkosh was but little more than a mere trading post. Thefew families there were mostly on farms or claims in the vicinity of theriver or lake. During my stay I was entertained by Brother William W. Wright, whose house, for many years thereafter, was a home for theItinerant ministers. 

The Quarterly Meeting passed off very pleasantly, and at its close Ireturned to my work of exploration on the Green Lake Mission. 

Flushed with the achievements of the previous few weeks, and stillsighing for conquests, I now resolved to make a sally in the directionof Lake Apuckaway, lying to the northwest of Lake Maria. I found, on thesouthern shore, a few families, and made arrangements for an appointmentin connection with my next round. I then started to return, but had notgone far, when I found I had lost my reckoning. I looked for my compassas eagerly as Christian for his roll, but I could not find it. This wasa double misfortune, to lose both the way and the guide at the sametime. I resorted to the device of the backwoodsman, and tried todetermine my course by the moss on the trees, but I found this to be agreat perplexity and abandoned it. I traveled in divers directions anddevious ways until nearly overcome with fatigue and hunger, when Isuddenly came upon a newly erected log cabin. The logs had been rolledup to form the body, a roof of "shakes" had been hastily put on, therewas no chinking between the logs, there were no windows, and the onlydoor was a blanket. The floor was made of earth, and the fireplace wasmerely a pile of stones in one corner, from which the smoke ascendedthrough an opening in the roof, at one corner of the building. 

I knocked for admittance, and was kindly received. The good man and hiswife had but recently come into the country. He had succeeded inerecting his cabin and putting it in its present condition, but had beentaken ill with the ague and compelled to suspend operations. He had nowbeen so long confined at home that provisions had become scarce. It wasmeal time. A few potatoes were taken from the embers and placed on achest, as a substitute for a table. I was invited to join them in theirrepast, using a trunk as a seat. Grace was said, under a special senseof the Divine favor. A little salt was added, and the meal was one ofthe most relishable I had ever eaten. Several years after, I heard thegood brother relate the circumstance in a Love Feast, when he tookoccasion to say the visit was the most refreshing he had everexperienced. It was certainly such to me. The village of Kingston hassince sprang up in the vicinity, and has become the head of a circuit. 

Returning again to Waupun, I now decided to look over the territory inthe more immediate vicinity. Going to the south of the village fivemiles, I found Mill Creek, where a small settlement had been made. Themost central house of the neighborhood was the residence of BrotherDavid Moul, who kindly offered it for a temporary chapel. An appointmentwas established, and on the 16th day of November a class was formed. Brother Moul was appointed Leader. The class at the first, consisted ofthe Leader and wife, David Boynton and wife, and two others, but in therevival that soon followed, the number was increased to twenty-two. 

Brother Moul was an earnest worker in the Master's vineyard, generous inhis contributions to support the Gospel, and eminently faithful to everytrust committed to his keeping. At the end of twenty years, I made avisit to Mill Creek. I found Brother Moul had erected a fine house andwas living in manifest comfort; but he retained a vivid recollection ofthe early days and their sacrifices. Two relics remained, both in a fairstate of preservation, which he took great pleasure in showing to me. The first was the old class book that I had given him at the time of theorganization of the class. It was a single sheet of foolscap paper, folded together in book form, and stitched. The names upon it weremostly in my own handwriting, and the Leader had carefully made hisweekly entries of present and absent, until the pages were filled. Theother object of interest was the old house, in which the first meetingswere held. Here we had seen remarkable displays of Divine power. And asI now looked upon the old structure, the early scenes seemed to return. I could again see the wide room, filled with rude seats, Brother Moul atthe door as usher, the crowds of people that thronged the place, thegroups of seekers at the mourners' bench, and the lines of happy facesthat were aglow with hallowed expressions of delight. I could again hearthe songs of praise as they rang out in the olden time, full and sweet, filling the place with rarest melody. Nay, as I held communion with thepast, I seemed to feel the hallowed influences, that pervaded the earlyworshippers, breathing through all my being, as of old, and even fancymyself young again, and standing before the multitude as an ambassadorof the Master. 

But the scene, like the visions of the night, soon disappeared, and Iturned sadly away, half regretting that I was no longer a pioneer, andpermitted to feed the hungry sheep in the wilderness. 

Brother David Boynton, at this writing, remains on the old farm, whichhas been growing with the passing decades, until the paternal acreshave become a large estate. Situated on a prominent highway, his house, until the days of railroads, was the stopping place of all the preacherswho needed entertainment at either noon or night. Brother Boynton, inthe person of his son, Rev. J. T. Boynton, of the Wisconsin Conference, has given to the Itinerant work, an efficient laborer. 

Leaving Mill Creek, I next visited Rock River, a settlement on the Fonddu Lac road, six miles east of Waupun. My father had visited this placeduring the preceding year, and had already established an appointment. Brother W. J. C. Robertson, a gentleman whom we had known in the East, hadtendered the use of his house, and here the meetings were now beingheld. My first visit occurred on the 18th day of November, 1845, In theevening, I held a service and formed a class. The members were W. J. C. Robertson, Martha Robertson, Mary Maxson, Mary Keyes, James Patterson, Charles Drake, Abigail Drake, and Elizabeth Winslow. The last namedsubsequently became the wife of Rev. J. M. S. Maxson. The first Leader wasBrother Robertson. Both the congregation and class grew rapidly in thisneighborhood, and the appointment soon took a leading position on thecharge. During the ensuing winter a revival occurred, and gave anaccession of twenty-five. From the first, this Society has been blessedwith a devoted and spiritual membership, and its prayer meetings havebeen a living power in the land. As a result, revivals have beenfrequent, and the number saved a host. Passing from private houses, themeetings were held in a school house, but in course of time the schoolhouse became too small, and a larger one was built, with a special viewto a provision for religious meetings. 

In later years I have held Quarterly meetings in this building, when itwas thronged with people. On such occasions, after filling the buildingto its utmost capacity, the good brethren would fill the court around itwith wagons, carriages and buggies, loaded with people. It was at one ofthese gatherings that the little girl said, "Why, Ma, only see how fullthe school house is on the outside. " During the past year a fine Churchhas been erected. 

Rock River was the home of the lamented Rev. James M. S. Maxson, beforehe entered the Itinerant work. It was here that he was led to Christ, licensed to preach, and sent out into the vineyard, and certainly thechurch has had no occasion to deplore her share of the responsibility. Brother Maxson entered the Conference in 1850, and filled with greatcredit, Omro, Fall River, Grove street Milwaukee, Oconomowoc, Rosendaleand Ripon charges. At the last named place, he closed his labors June19, 1858. He was a man of great force of character, a good preacher, andwas thoroughly devoted to his work. He was greatly beloved in his fieldsof labor, and his death was deeply regretted. 

Having organized the class at Rock River, and arranged the plan ofappointments to take it into the circuit, I passed on to visit anappointment at the Wilkinson Settlement, which had recently beenattached to my charge from the Fond du Lac Circuit. It was situated onthe south side of the marsh, nine miles from Fond du Lac and twelve fromWaupun. The school house, in which the meetings were held, was locatedwithin the limits of the present village of Oakfield. 

The class at this place had been formed during the early part of 1844, by Rev H. S. Bronson, when he was pastor of Lake Winnebago Mission, andconsisted of Russell Wilkinson, Leader, and Alma, his wife, RobertWilkinson, and Almira, his wife, Eliza Botsford and Sarah Bull. 

To reach the settlement, it was necessary to follow the military roadtowards Fond du Lac for some distance, and then cross the marsh. Attimes, the stream in the middle was swollen, and the traveler wascompelled to leave his horse and cross on foot. This was especially truewhen the ice was not sufficiently strong to bear up the horse, and suchwas the condition in which I found it on this occasion. So, leaving myhorse, I hastened to cross the marsh, but when I had reached the middleof the stream, the treacherous ice gave way, and I plunged into thewater up to my armpits. I clambered out, but as the day was intenselycold, I was soon a walking pillar of ice. I was now on the school houseside of the stream, and there seemed to be no alternative but to go on. I would gladly have found a shelter and a fire elsewhere, but it was outof the question. So, putting on a bold face, I hastened forward, andfound the people in waiting for the minister. As I entered the schoolhouse, with the ice rattling at every movement, my appearance wasridiculous in the extreme. But not more so than that of the audience. The faces of that crowd would certainly have been the delight of apainter. Some of them were agape with surprise and amazement; otherswere agonized with sympathy for the poor minister; and others still werefull of mirth, and would have laughed outright if they had not been in areligious meeting. As to myself, the whole matter took a mirthful turn. I had been in church before, when by some queer or grotesque conjunctionof affairs, the whole audience lost self control. I had witnessedmistakes, blunders and accidents that would make even solemnity herselflaugh, and remained serenely grave. But to see myself in the presenceof that polite audience, standing at that stove, and turning from sideto side, to thaw the icicles from the skirts of my coat, was too muchfor me. I confess it was utterly impossible to keep my face in harmonywith the character of the pending services. 

At Fox Lake, the next point visited, an appointment had been establishedby my father during the previous year. The services were now held onSabbath afternoon in the tavern. The log house, thus used for the doublepurpose of a chapel and a tavern, was built with two parts, and mighthave been called a double house. The one end was occupied as asitting-room and the other as a bar-room. The meetings were held, ofcourse, in the former. But it was bringing the two kingdoms into closeproximity to dispense the Gospel in one end of the house and whisky inthe other. In a short time, a better place was provided, and themeetings were removed to it. 

With the better provision for religious services, came also theministers of other denominations. We all labored together in harmony, except in one instance, where a conflict of appointments caused amomentary ripple. My appointment had long been established, and, to thesurprise of the people, another appointment was announced by a youngstore-keeper of the village for the same hour. The word reached me ofthis attempt to displace the Methodists, when ten miles distant fromthe place. 

I took my dinner and rode forward, without "wrath" or "gainsaying. " Ireached the place at the hour, went in and began the services. While thecongregation were singing, the young man and his minister came in. Finding me in the desk, the minister quietly took a seat and listenedvery attentively to the sermon. But not so the discomfited young man. Being placed under the eye of the congregation, his condition waspitiable in the extreme. But finding after awhile that I was master ofthe ceremonies, and that no one in the congregation seemed vexed enoughto fight for him, he subsided into a deferential attitude. And, thereafter, there were no further attempts to override my appointments. The minister, or perhaps I should say clergyman, took no offense, butbecame in after years a highly valued friend and companion. 

At this time Mrs. Green was the only member of the Methodist church inthe village. In process of time, however, a strong society wasestablished. Then came the erection of a commodious Church and a verypleasant Parsonage. Fox Lake has been furnished with a line of ableministers, and has at the present writing a large and cultivatedcongregation. 

Passing down the stream the following week, I found several families inthe vicinity of Badger Hill. I immediately arranged an appointment for aweek-day evening at the residence of a brother by the name of Morgan. Atthe first service held December 7, 1845, I formed a class of six. Brother Morgan was appointed Leader, and at the Quarterly Meetingfollowing Brother Drinkwater was made steward. Some time after, theclass was removed to Fox Lake, it being only three miles distant. 

I now returned again to Waupun to spend the Sabbath. The Class Leader atthis time was S. A. L. Davis, who came to the place during the precedingyear. Brother Davis was an old neighbor from the East, a noble and trueman, and, withal, had been my first Leader. He was specially adapted tothe position; a man of great faith and ardent impulses. Under hisLeadership, the class was in a most flourishing condition. The laterevival had, however, so swelled the numbers that a division becamenecessary. An appointment had already been established at Miller's Mill, and it was now deemed best to so divide the class as to establish themeetings of one of them at this point. The change was accordingly made. The class was formed December 12th, 1845, and George W. Sexmith wasappointed Leader. 

Brother Sexmith was also an old neighbor, who had come West and taken afarm in the vicinity of Miller's Mill. Under his care, the class grewrapidly, and became an efficient company of laborers. Several yearsafter he removed to Fond du Lac, and greatly prospered in business. In1852 I had the pleasure to present him with a Local Preacher's license. He was employed one year as Pastor of Liberty Prairie circuit, but hishealth proved unequal to the Itinerancy, and he was compelled to resumehis relation as a Local Preacher, in which position he still holds anhonored place among his brethren. 

The next place visited was Burnett. The services were held in theresidence of Mr. McDonald, and a class was formed December 14th, 1845. The members of the first organization were William Willard, Leader, Huldah Ann Willard, Samuel C. Grant, Ruth M. Grant, and ElizabethBenedict. The class grew rapidly, and the appointment took a leadingrank on the charge. Burnett has since become a charge, has a good Churchedifice and a strong congregation. Brother Willard became a member ofthe Conference, of whom mention will be made in another chapter. 

Having organized the work at Burnett, I next visited Grand River. I hadpassed through this place in the early part of Autumn. At that time Ifound Brother David Wood and his son engaged in making preparations fora home. Finding they intended to have their cabin completed and thefamily in it before winter, I engaged to visit them and establish anappointment. On reaching the place to fulfil this agreement, I foundthat besides this family several others had also settled in thevicinity. At the first meeting, appointed before there was a family inthe neighborhood, we had a congregation of fifteen persons. The classwas formed December 19th, 1845, with David Wood as Leader. The AltoChurch, which gives the name to a charge, has been erected in thevicinity, and there is at the present writing a strong society. FatherWood, as he is now called, still survives, and takes special delight inreferring to this visit of the 'boy preacher. '

The watch-night meeting was held at Waupun, and was an occasion of greatinterest, several persons being converted. 

CHAPTER VII. 

Green Lake Mission Continued. --An Assistant Employed. --Quarterly Meetingat Waupun. --Love Feast. --Forty Miles Ride, and Four Sermons. --A Sermonand its Fruit. --Portage Prairie. --Randolph. --Randolph Centre. --RollingPrairie. --Cheney's Class. --Brandon. --Rosendale. --Reed'sCorners. --Strong's Landing. --A Night in the Openings. --Rev. UrielFarmin. --Going to Conference. --Madison. --Visit at Platteville. --BishopHamline. --Humorous to Grave. --Galena Conference. 

The work of the Mission was now well in hand. But already the field wasbecoming extended and the labor onerous. Thirteen regular preachingplaces had been established, and invitations were being received weeklyto increase the number. To meet this demand, it was now determined toemploy an assistant. 

The Quarterly Meeting was held soon after at Waupun, and Rev. UrielFarmin was employed by the Presiding Elder to assist in filling theappointments. The meeting, the first of the kind ever held in Waupun, was one of rare interest. The revival had just added a goodly number tothe membership, besides greatly quickening others. There were present anumber of visitors from the newly formed classes in other parts of theMission, and as a spirit of revival seemed to pervade their respectivelocalties also, they struck the same plane as those at Waupun. The Elderpreached the Word, "in the demonstration of the Spirit, and with power. "But the meeting reached its climax in the Sabbath morning Love Feast. The house was filled, and many were compelled to sit on the writingdesks at the side of the room. The meeting was opened in the usualorder, by passing to each a crumb of bread and a sip of water, in tokenof Christian regard. Christian testimonies followed each other in rapidsuccession, interspersed by singing spiritual songs, for a full hour. Attimes the tide of feeling rose, like swelling billows, to a greatheight, threatening to carry the meeting into disorder, but by giving ita happy change at the right moment, the Elder was able to maintain acomplete mastery. There were two periods specially critical. One, when ayoung lady, one of the converts at Waupun, gave her testimony. Standingon a seat, as there was no other place to stand, she first related herown experience, and then, turning to the young people, she delivered anexhortation that thrilled the audience with overwhelming emotions. Theother was when a Brother Mosher, somewhat eccentric in his exercises, gave his experience. As he advanced in its recital, he grew excited andeloquent, and the "Amens" and "Hallelujahs" came from every part of theaudience. Now, leaping upon the tide of feeling he had raised, he passedfrom one to another, shaking hands and congratulating them, until hecame in front of the desk where sat my father and Father Smith, the twoPatriarchs of the occasion. Throwing his arms around their necks, hefairly lifted them from their seats, but in a moment, he discovered hisawkward position and resumed his seat. Instantly the clear voice of myfather was heard in one of those outbursts of song, which so effectuallykindle the fervors of devotion, or if needed, stay the flow of feeling. In a moment more, the meeting had passed the crisis. 

The Mission was now put under a new plan, providing for alternateappointments, each preacher making the round in four weeks. But whilethis arrangement was the general order, the numerous calls received fromvarious localities required frequent changes. In most cases, however, the new appointments were crowded between the others. To meet them, itrequired three sermons on the Sabbath, besides many others during theweek. As to myself, I sometimes rode forty miles on the Sabbath andpreached four sermons. 

On one of these excursions, I became very much exercised on the subjectof Christian holiness. I had before given the subject special thought, but now it seemed to assume unusual importance. Not only did theteachings of our standards bear an unwonted clearness to my perception, but my heart began to realize its essential value. 

At my morning service, I preached on the subject, and as I swept overthe prairie ten miles, in the face of a driving storm, I resolved topreach on the same subject again at my noon-day appointment. I did so, and with much better satisfaction than in the morning. Twelve miles moreof storm, and I was again before a congregation to preach theunsearchable riches of Christ. I had now become so full of my theme thatI concluded to make it the subject of my next discourse. So, changing mytext, I preached on Gospel purity, showing that experimental religionpresents itself to the conception of the mind under three clearlydefined ideas. These are Justification, Regeneration, andSanctification. The drift of thought ran in this wise: By Justificationwe mean the pardon of sin. The man, who finds this grace through Christ, stands as fully accepted before the Law, as though he had never sinned. By Regeneration, we mean that radical change of man's moral andspiritual condition which subjects all the faculties and powers of thesoul to the control of the Divine Spirit. This work of grace, wrought inthe heart by the Spirit, includes not only the entire subjugation of the"Man of Sin, " but the introduction of the reign of Christ. These twoachievements of grace, wrought in the subject at the same moment, weordinarily call Conversion. By Sanctification, we mean that higher stateof grace which contemplates the removal of all sin from the heart of thebeliever, and the experience of "Perfect Love. "

This last attainment comes to the believer through earnest seeking, andpersonal consecration to God. In thus "going on to perfection, " thebeliever passes through several phases of experience. He finds that ifhe shall retain his justified state, it is necessary to seek advancedattainments. And if he shall be faithful in the use of grace alreadyreceived, he will find the Spirit ever leading him to new fields ofexperience. As the Astronomer rests his calculations on worlds alreadydiscovered when he looks into the regions beyond, so the Christian mustmaintain his present experience, if he will know the further revelationsof the Spirit. 

But the moral perceptions, quickened by the Spirit, will furnish painfulrevelations to the justified soul. He will discover that there lingerstill within him remains of the carnal mind. Pride, the love of theworld, selfishness, self-will, and sometimes even anger or other evilpassion, will begin to stir in the heart. Such revelations will awaken aprofound spiritual concern, and perhaps, become the subject oftemptation. But there need be no alarm. It is but an evidence that thegood work, began in Regeneration, has not been fully completed by entireSanctification. The tree has been cut down, but the shoots around theold stump show that there is vitality still in the roots. The "Mightier"than the "strong man" must now come and pluck up the roots. The work oferadication thus accomplished, the absolute reign of Christ will beestablished. The heart will now become the Garden of the Lord, withoutbriar, thorn, or thistle. Relieved of these hindrances, the graces willspeedily acquire maturity. 

At the close of the sermon, a good sister referred in very earnest termsto the discourse, and was grateful for the ministry of a man who so wellunderstood the deep things of God. Instantly the thought came, "Ah, yes!but there must be a great difference between merely understanding thetheory, and realizing a happy experience of the power. " A hasty supperwas eaten, and I was away for another ten miles to my eveningappointment. The snow was still falling, and the winds were driving itfiercely across the prairie, rendering the track invisible. Out on theprairie, my noble horse dashed forward with great speed, but I scarcelynoted the distance, as my thought was busy. The question that wasringing through my heart was this: "How can you preach to others whatyou do not know yourself?" At length I resolved; and scarcely stoppingto measure the movement, or estimate the consequences, I was on myknees, engaged in prayer. My first conscious thought of my surroundingswas awakened by the wrestling of my horse, as my right hand held himfirmly by the lines. Then came the suggestion, "This is a veryunpropitious time to settle a matter of this importance. With afractious horse by the rein, a terrible storm sweeping over the prairie, and an already blind snow-path, you had better defer the matter for thepresent. " My reply was, "It is time these questions were settled, and Ipropose to settle them now" "But the snow-path is nearly filled; youwill lose your way and perish. " I still replied, "It is time thesequestions were settled, and I propose to settle them now. " "But it isgetting dark, and your congregation will be waiting for you. You hadbetter go forward, fill your appointment, and then attend to thismatter. " The Lord helped me to reply once more, "It is time thesequestions were settled, and, God helping me, they shall be settled now. "Instantly the light broke upon me, and I was able "to reckon myself deadunto sin, but alive unto God, through Jesus Christ my Lord. " I was foundin due time at my appointment, preaching from the text, "He is able tosave unto the uttermost all who come unto God by him. "

Learning that a settlement had been made on Portage Prairie, at a pointwhere Mr. Langdon, of Lake Maria, had erected a lumber mill, I resolvedto visit the locality. I found Mr. Langdon had erected a small house, and had already moved his family. I was welcomed to his new home andagain invited to make his house a chapel until better accommodationscould be secured. I accepted the kind offer, and thus Cambria was made aregular appointment. I visited the few scattered families in thevicinity, and found sufficient material to organize a small class. Theclass was formed on the 10th day of January, 1846, and at the beginningincluded Mr. And Mrs. Irwin McCall, Mr. And Mrs. Wm. Wilson, Mrs. MariaLangdon, and Mrs. H. W. Patton. Cambria has since been largely settledby emigrants from Wales. 

In March, I visited Randolph and opened an appointment at the residenceof Father Griffin. At the present writing, the village has become arespectable station, with a good Church and Parsonage. 

I also opened an appointment at the residence of Mr. Torbit, at RandolphCentre, which place has since become the head of a circuit. 

In May following, I formed a class on the north end of Rolling Prairie, with Bro. Greenleaf, a Local Preacher, as Leader. 

Wm. A. Cheney and family settled on Wedge's Prairie in the early partof this year. His house was immediately opened for religious meetings. But before I could arrange my plans to visit the neighborhood, myfather, who was always on the alert to carry the Gospel Message to thedestitute, established an appointment. On his invitation I held ameeting there, on the third day of June, 1846, and organized a class. The following were the first members: Wm. A. Cheney, Leader, SophroniaCheney, Abigail Cheney, D. S. Cowles, Ann Cowles, Henry Moore, and wife. 

At this time Brandon had not taken form or name, but, on its appearance, the honors and emoluments of this society passed over to its keeping. 

Rosendale and Reed's Corners were next visited. At the first I heldservices in the house of Mr. Sanborn, after whom the prairie at thattime was called, and at the latter, the meeting was held in theresidence of a Brother Lee, a brother of the celebrated Dr. Luther Lee. 

Rosendale has since become a very pleasant station, with its convenientChurch and Parsonage, and Reed's Corners is a prominent appointment inthe Brandon charge, and has also a fine Church. 

Having heard frequent reference made to Strong's Landing, on the FoxRiver, I resolved to visit the place. On approaching the bank of thestream, I looked sharply in all directions to discover the town, butthere were no evidences of human skill within the range of my vision. Concluding that I had struck the river at the wrong place, I firstpassed down the stream for a mile, but failing to find any settlement Iturned back. I now went up the stream for a considerable distance, andfound a trail that seemed to lead down to the margin of the river. Following it to the water, I found a small canoe tied to a tree. Thelight now dawned upon my understanding. This was Strong's Landing. Nothaving prophetic vision, I was unable to see the city of the future, sitting so gracefully on the banks of the Fox. Again the Itinerancy wasahead of the pioneer. Leaving the site of the future city of Berlin, Ihastened to return to Waupun, but a starless night overtaking me on theway, I spent its weary hours where the village of Brandon now stands, under the branches of a friendly tree. 

The labors of the year were now drawing to a close. The regularappointments had multiplied until they numbered twenty-four. Themembership had gone up from a small figure to two hundred, and thespiritual interests were in a highly satisfactory condition. 

My labors had been very arduous during the entire year, but had beenwell sustained until the latter part of the winter, when my healthfailed, resulting doubtless rather from exposure than labor. I was nowlaid aside for several weeks, but through the blessing of God and theskill of Dr. Bowman, my physician at Waupun, my health so far ralliedthat it was believed to be safe to proceed with my work. 

My colleague had rendered effective service, proving to be a trueyoke-fellow in every particular. Besides taking his full share of theregular appointments, he also gave a large portion of his time to thespecial labors of the charge. He was not expected, at the outset, togive his whole time, but he soon became so fully identified with thework that he was almost constantly employed. In the severe labors ofprotracted meetings, and in the wide travel of the circuit ofappointments, he was equally self-forgetting and faithful. He was a manof good attainments, kind spirit, studious habits, and anacceptable preacher. 

The charge being in a formative state, and the necessities of thepreachers small, the financial receipts from the people were verylimited. My own were only thirty-six dollars, and those of my colleaguecould not have been greater. 

In tracing the work on Green Lake Mission, I have been thus specific fortwo reasons. I desired, in the first place, to give the reader an insideview of the relations of the Itinerancy to frontier life, and in thesecond, note the beginnings of a list of charges that have sinceconstituted a Presiding Elder's District. 

The Rock River Conference met this year in Galena, Ill. And as it wasnecessary for my father to attend the Conference to receive Elder'sorders, we decided to make the journey in a buggy. The first day, passing through Beaver Dam, we reached Fountain Prairie, where we wereentertained by Rev. E. J. Smith, of whom further mention will be madehereafter. 

At noon on the following day we reached Madison, and were entertained byRev. R. J. Harvey, the Pastor of the charge. Madison at this time was asmall village, but, besides the Capitol, contained several buildings ofrespectable size and appearance. 

The first Methodist sermon preached in Madison was delivered by Rev. Salmon Stebbins on the 28th day of November, 1837. Brother Stebbins wasthen the Presiding Elder of of the District, which extended along thewestern shore of Lake Michigan, from the State line to Green Bay. Onvisiting Madison, he was entertained by the contractor, who was erectingthe State House, and who also kept a hotel. On learning that BrotherStebbins was a minister, this gentleman invited the entire populationto a meeting in his bar-room, and here the first sermon was preached. And I am informed that the people were so pleased with the services thaton the following morning Brother Stebbins was presented with acollection of fourteen dollars. 

Brother Stebbins again visited the capital July 15th, 1838, and spentthe Sabbath, preaching twice to respectable congregations. But asMadison, now in the West Wisconsin Conference, has fallen more directlyunder the eye of Rev. Dr. Bronson, and will doubtless appear in theWestern Pioneer. I need not anticipate its historical incidents. 

Passing on our way we were entertained the following night by agentleman residing on the line of travel, some twenty miles beyond theCapital, by the name of Skinner. The following day we reachedPlatteville, where we were to spend the Sabbath. 

It was now Friday night. Early the next morning, we received aninvitation to spend the afternoon, in company with others, at MajorRoundtree's, with Bishop Hamline. We went. The company was composedmostly of preachers, on their way to Conference. Among them were theMitchells and Haneys. Of the first, there were Father Mitchell, a grandold Patriarch, John T. James, and Frank. Of the latter, there were theFather, Richard, William, Freeborn, and M. L. 

But the central figure among them all was the good Bishop. Of full form, compact frame, broad forehead, and strong features, he would be selectedin any group as a princely man. And yet, withal, his spirit was asgentle as that of a child. Though one of the intellectual giants of thecountry, and one of her greatest orators, he still seemed so humble inspirit that I felt myself drawn towards him at once. In such a presencethe conversation was necessarily restrained. Dismissing, for the time, the freedom of debate, anecdote and repartee, that so often characterizeministerial gatherings, the interchange of thought took on a moreserious tone. Only once was there an exception. Referring to the laborsof some distinguished man of his acquaintance, one of the leadingbrethren and prince of story tellers, whose name I need not mention, proceeded to relate an anecdote. Immediately the tides of feeling beganto rise, and, as the story advanced to its climax, they broke over allrestraint. An immoderate laughter followed, in which no one joined moreheartily than the brother himself. The storm of merriment, however, hadhardly passed, when the Bishop, in one of those indescribably solemntones for which he was distinguished, said, "Brethren, I always find itdifficult to maintain the proper spiritual equilibrium without a gooddeal of prayer. " Then, turning to the offending brother, he added, "Brother, will you lead us in prayer?" The entire company instantly fellupon their knees. But the poor brother! What could he do? Pray he must, for the entire company were on their knees, waiting for him to begin. So, making a virtue of necessity, he made the venture. But, I am free tosay, it took a good deal of coasting before the good brother could gethis craft well out to sea, and headed towards the desired haven. Duringthe balance of the visit anecdotes were at a discount. 

On Monday we went forward to the Conference, that I might appear beforethe Committee of Examination. The Committee were Revs. Salmon Stebbins, N. P. Heath, and S. Stover. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Appointed to Watertown. --Aztalan the Mother of Circuits. --Divisionsand Subdivisions. --Rev. S. H. Stocking. --Watertown. --ChurchEnterprise. --Sickly Season. --Quarterly Meeting at Burnett--Rev. A. P. Allen. --Elder Sampson Ties a Knot. --Conference of 1847. --Returned toWatertown. --Financial Pressure. --Opens a School. --The Coat Sermon. 

At the Galena Conference, Green Lake Mission was divided into two fourweeks' circuits, requiring the labor of four men. In view of my impairedhealth, I was sent to Watertown, the Cabinet believing that I would herefind less labor and exposure. 

Watertown, up to the preceding year, had been a part of the old Aztalancircuit, and as this circuit was the mother of charges in this part ofthe Territory, it is proper that our respects should first be paidto her. 

The old Aztalan circuit was organized at the session of the IllinoisConference of 1837, and embraced all the settled portion of theTerritory east of Madison and west of the Lake Shore Missions. The firstpreachers were Rev. Samuel Pillsbury and Rev. Jesse Halstead, and theyear was one of extended travels and great exposure. During the yearappointments were established at Aztalan, Whitewater, Meacham's Prairie, East Troy, Spring Prairie, Elkhorn, Burlington, Round Prairie, Menomonee, Prairieville, Oconomowoc, and Watertown, and at several ofthem classes were formed. Brother Halstead's horse became disabled, andduring a portion of the year this indomitable pioneer, with saddle-bagson his arm, made on foot, the entire round of appointments. BrotherPillsbury was also a man of sterling qualities, and renderedeffective service. 

The Quarterly Meetings of this year were held by Rev. Salmon Stebbins, the Presiding Elder, at Aztalan, Meacham's Prairie, Troy, andBurlington. 

At the Conference of 1839, Aztalan circuit was divided. The eastern partwas called Walworth, and Rev. James McKean was appointed its Pastor. Thewestern part, retaining the Rock River Valley, was now called Watertown, and Rev. H. W. Frink was appointed the Pastor. Both charges were now putin the Milwaukee District, with Rev. Julius Field as Presiding Elder. 

Brother Frink was now a young man, and this was his third charge. Leaving the seat of the Conference, he returned to Elgin, his last fieldof labor, filled his saddle bags with clothes and books, mounted hishorse as a true knight of the Itinerancy, and was away for new perilsand new conquests. In his journey to what was then deemed the wilds ofWisconsin, he passed through Elk Grove, Wheeling, Indian Creek, CrystalLake, Pleasant Prairie, East Troy, Whitewater, Fort Atkinson andAztalan. The last named was the head of the Mission, as a class, theonly one on the charge, had been formed at this place. 

Without much regard to boundaries, it was the work of the Pioneer tofind the scattered sheep in the Wilderness. To do this, he was obligedto undertake long and wearisome journeys, through exposed and almosttrackless regions. Without roads, without bridges, and without shelter, our young Itinerant pushed his way through the forests, swimming thestreams, when fords could not be found, and seeking shelter under theoverhanging branches of the trees, in the absence of the friendlycabin. As the result of these extended journeys and herculean labors, Brother Frink, during the year, formed classes at Fort Atkinson, Jefferson, Piperville, Oconomowoc, Summit, Baxter's Prairie, Waukesha, Poplar Creek, Brookfield, Wauwatosa, Granville, Menomonee, Lisbon andNorth Prairie, but was unable to gather sufficient materials to form oneat Watertown. 

Brother Frink, however, enjoyed the honor of preaching the first sermonin this locality. As there was no school house or other public buildingthat could be had, a small log house, twelve feet square, on the westside of the river, was secured. Here the services were held during thebalance of the year. The Missionary was kindly received by all classesof people, and when in the place was usually entertained by Hon. Wm. M. Dennis, since Bank Comptroller of the State, and Patrick Rogan, agentleman whose religious affiliations were with the Catholic Church. 

At Fort Atkinson, Brother Frink preached and formed the class, in theresidence of Jesse Roberts, during the winter of 1839 and 1840. Themembers of the first class were Jesse Roberts, Betsey Roberts, FranklinRoberts, Sarah Roberts, Martha Fellows, Anson Stone, and Mr. And Mrs. Harrison. The first Church was built in 1850, and Fort Atkinson became aseparate charge in 1854. It now ranks among the first charges in theJanesville District. 

The class at Jefferson was formed in the summer of 1840, and the memberswere Jacob Fellows, Martha Fellows, Mary Fellows, and John Masters. 

The name of the circuit was again changed in 1841, Watertown beingdropped and Aztalan restored. A change was also made in the name of theSummit charge, which was now called Prairieville. 

Another dismemberment again befel the old Aztalan circuit this year. Thesouthern portion, lying down the Rock River, was cut off and joined toterritory that had been developed in Rock County, from the east andsouth, and out of the united parts Janesville charge was constructed. Onthe old Aztalan charge Rev. John Hodges became the Preacher, and on theJanesville Rev. Alpha Warren. By these changes Aztalan was again reducedto the condition of a Mission. 

In 1842, Rev. C. G. Lathrop was appointed to Aztalan, of whom a furtherrecord will be made in a subsequent chapter. Both Aztalan and Janesvillewere now transferred from the Platteville District to the Rock River, anew District that had just been formed, with Rev. S. H. Stocking asPresiding Elder. 

Brother Stocking entered the traveling connection in Oneida Conference, and after filling a respectable class of appointments for a term ofyears, came to Illinois at an early day. He was stationed at Chicago in1839, at Rockford in 1840, and was Presiding Elder of Mt. MorrisDistrict in 1841, Rock River 1842, Ottawa 1843 and 1844, and Milwaukeein 1845. Brother Stocking was highly esteemed by his brethren, and wasan excellent laborer, but, his health failing, he was compelled to takea superannuated relation soon after the writer entered the work. He isspending the evening of life at Beloit. 

In 1843 Rev. Stephen Jones was sent to Aztalan. In 1844 the charge wasagain divided and Watertown charge was formed, Brother Jones beingtransferred to the new charge. Rev. Asa Wood was now sent to Aztalan, and remained one year, when he was succeeded by Revs. C. N. Wager and S. B. Whipple. At the Conference of 1854 the honors and emoluments ofAztalan circuit passed over to the keeping of Lake Mills, which chargeat this writing holds a respectable rank in the Conference. 

Watertown, at the time of my appointment, had been a separate charge oneyear. A Church edifice had been commenced, and a class formed. Themembers were Mr. And Mrs. Walter Andrews, Mr. , and Mrs. Heber Smith, Mr. And Mrs. Calvin Bunton, Mr. And Mrs. Wm. A. Dutcher, Mr. And Mrs. ElihuHiggins, Mr. And Mrs. Albert Cook, Mrs. Simeon Ford, Mr. And Mrs. CheneyAdams, Mr. Sands Cook, and others. 

The financial ability of the charge was moderate, and hence the erectionof the Church required a great effort. Our meetings were held in theschool house until the Church edifice was enclosed, plastered, andfurnished with temporary seats. 

The fall of 1846 was a season of unusual sickness, fevers in variousforms being the principal ailment. Along the valley of the Rock River, the affliction became so flagrant that scarcely a family escaped. And insome families, so universal were its ravages, that not one member wasleft in condition to care for the balance. In this state of thingshundreds suffered, and not a few even died for want of kindly attention. 

Repeatedly, when riding through the country to visit the sick and burythe dead, I found flags of distress hung out over the dwellings of sickfamilies, where not one was able to bring a pail of water, or provide amorsel of food. In such cases I installed myself master of ceremonies, kindled fires, brought water, administered medicines, and then wentforward to render the same class of services to others. 

In attending funerals in the surrounding neighborhoods, I sometimesfound there were not well people enough to bury their dead. Afterperforming the sacred functions of my office as a minister, I wasobliged to aid, with my own hands, to let the coffin down to its finalresting place. 

Though still frail from my illness during the previous year, I stoodthis strain for two months, when I was prostrated by an attack ofbilious fever. During the first week of my illness a physician made twovisits to my boarding place, and this was more than he could give to thegreater portion of his patients. The family with whom I boarded were allsick, and I was dependent for care mostly upon such snatches of serviceas others could spare from pressing demands at home. At the end of aweek, believing my chances of recovery, under such circumstances, precarious, I ordered my horse and buggy, and started for Waupun, thirtymiles distant. My friends remonstrated, and thought me insane; but, fortunately, they were too ill to prevent the movement. The attempt wasperilous, indeed, but by the aid of stimulants, which I had providedwith special care, and a will-power that nerved itself for the occasion, I made the passage safely. At the end of four hours I was comfortablyhoused at the residence of Dr. Bowman, who bestowed upon me skillfulmedical treatment, while his family gave me careful andfaithful nursing. 

At the end of four weeks I was able to return to my post of duty. Thesickness had now mostly passed, and I was able to enter more fully uponthe regular labors of the charge. I now adopted a plan of systematiclabor, giving the forenoons to my study and the afternoons to pastoralvisiting. And I soon found that earnest and devoted labor brought itsreward. A revival speedily followed, which added a goodly number ofprobationers. 

But the holidays were approaching, and it was expected that I wouldspend a portion of them at Waupun, where, it was hinted, an event wouldtranspire in which I might have a personal interest. Anticipating thetime several days, I went as far as Clason's Prairie, and turned asideto assist Brother Holmes, the Pastor of the charge, for a few eveningsin a protracted meeting. Returning, I proceeded on my way to Burnett. Byarrangement, I met Brother Sampson here, and spent the Sabbath with him, it being his Quarterly Meeting on the Waupun charge. 

The preachers on the circuit were Revs. A. P. Allen and Henry Requa, thelatter being employed by the Elder as an assistant. Brother Allen was aman of mature years, though he had been in the work only a short time. He was a man of decided talent, but so full of queer ways and wittysayings that these seemed to give him his status in the generalestimation of the people. He filled several leading charges in theConference, and served a full term as Presiding Elder on the RacineDistrict. But wherever he might be, the same tendency to create laughterwas ever present. If an exception ever came to my knowledge, it musthave been the one that is said to have occurred on a former charge atone of his outlying appointments. It is related that at this point thepeople had not shown much regard for the visits of the preacher or thesanctity of the Sabbath, spending the day either in rioting or in thepursuit of their secular business. Becoming disgusted with this state ofthings, Brother Allen announced at the close of his services, that onthe occasion of his next visit, he would preach his farewell sermon. Theday came, and the people, shocked at the idea of being left withoutmeetings, came out in large numbers, leaving for once their business andsports. The services were opened in due form. On arising to announcethe text, the Preacher told the people that he had come prepared topreach his farewell sermon, and he was glad that so many had come out tohear it. He presumed they knew the reason of his purpose to leave them, and hence he need not consume time over that matter, but would proceedat once to announce as his text, the following passage of Holy Writ:'Oh, full of all subtlety and mischief, thou child of the devil, howlong wilt thou not cease to pervert the right ways of the Lord. ' Havingrepeated the text with emphasis, he looked over the congregation verygravely, and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, you will perceive that I havechosen a pretty hard text. Now it is not polite for people to go out ofmeeting during the preaching, and if any of you think that this text istoo severe for you, you had better go out before we begin the sermon. "As might have been expected, none were disposed to go. "Well, then, "said the Preacher, "if you are not disposed to go, I will begin. Iintend to show, in the first place, that you are all full of subtletyand mischief. In the second place, I intend to show that you are all thechildren of the devil, and in the third place, I intend to put to youthe straight question, whether you intend to cease from thus pervertingthe right ways of the Lord. " The preacher, at this point, again, pausedand looked over the congregation. "Now you will say, " he added, "this isgoing to be a hard sermon. " "So it is, but if any of you think you can'tsit to hear the truth told you, or in other words, to have yourportraits taken, you had better leave now, for it is not polite to goout during the sermon. " It was now too late to go, if any one feltinclined. So the sermon proceeded, and commanded respectful attention toits close. Before leaving, the Preacher was invited to continue theappointment, and consented to do so. 

But to return to the Quarterly Meeting. The people came in greatnumbers, and the services throughout were deeply impressive. On Saturdayevening, several souls were converted, and on the Sabbath others wereadded to the number. But the crowning meeting was held on Sabbathevening. Before the hour of service had arrived, the school house wasfull, the seats even having been removed to furnish standing room. Andyet crowds of people were coming from all directions. I finally proposedto the Elder, that if he would put a man in my place in the schoolhouse, I would go over to the nearest neighbor's house and hold anotherservice. The private house was soon filled, and in each congregationthere were several conversions. 

On Monday, January 4th, 1847, Brother Sampson accompanied me to Dr. Bowman's at Waupun, where he officiated in introducing the Doctor'seldest daughter to the Itinerancy. 

Returning to Watertown, I held protracted meetings at all the outlyingappointments, and had the happiness to witness many conversions. But theyear was one of hard labor and small financial receipts. At its close Ifound my receipts from the charge were forty-four dollars and my board. The forty-four dollars were put into the Church enterprise, and I drewon my private funds for my incidental expenses. 

The Conference met in Clark Street Church, Chicago, Aug. 11th, 1847. Ipassed my Conference Examination, was ordained Deacon by Bishop Waugh, and reappointed to Watertown. 

Watertown was now placed in Milwaukee District, with Rev. ElihuSpringer, as Presiding Elder. At the beginning of the new year weopened house-keeping in the upper rooms of a house on the corner ofFourth and Main Streets. The first floor was occupied as a residence byJudge Enos. 

The year opened encouragingly. The Church in the village required twosermons on the Sabbath, and I had established other appointments in thecountry which required three a week, besides funeral sermons. Theappointments were Higgins and Bennetts on the south of the village, andPiperville, Concord and Newhouse on the east. At several of them, duringthe winter, protracted meetings were held, in addition to the one heldin the village. At each several conversions occurred, making a fairaggregate in all. These extensive labors taxed me severely, and finallybrought on an attack of fever. I was taken during Sunday night, afterpreaching in Watertown both morning and evening. The attack was soviolent that before morning I had become deranged, and my life wasdespaired of. But through my wife's faithful watching and the goodProvidence of God, I was able to resume my labors in three weeks. 

It now became apparent that a severe financial pressure was upon us. Ihad spent what I could immediately command of my own funds, and the goodbrethren had contributed so generously out of their scanty means, toplace the Church in condition for use, that they could not meet thePastor's salary. I saw clearly that some other provision must be made. 

While casting about to find my direction, a Providential openingoccurred. Rev. Mr. Hoyt, the Episcopal clergyman, who had been keeping aLatin school for some time in the village, was compelled through illnessto desist from teaching. Fortunately, I had gone down several times athis request, and relieved him in hearing his classes in Greek andLatin. This little kindness, added to the fact I was one of the SchoolCommissioners of the county, naturally directed attention to me, as theperson to open a select school in the village. I embraced theopportunity. The Trustees kindly consented to the use of the Church forthe purpose. As the seats were only temporary, they were easily adjustedto the new order of things, and a school of sixty students was soonorganized. This new demand upon me greatly abridged the pastoral work, but there seemed to be no other way to live. Before I could realizeanything, however, from the school, we found ourselves in veryconsiderable embarrassment. In this emergency, my wife opened her doorsfor a few boarders, which met the immediate demands of the table. 

But at this juncture of our affairs, an incident occurred that affordedrelief in another direction. My coat had become, through long wear andexposure, not a little seedy. On entering the pulpit one Sabbath morningI found a note lying on the Bible. I opened it and read as follows:"Will Mr. Miller have the goodness to preach this morning from the Text, 'I have put off my coat, and how shall I put it on?'" The note waswritten in a delicate hand and gave evidence of no ordinary cultivation. At the conclusion of the reading, I gave a searching glance over thecongregation, but could make no face present plead guilty to theaccusation of impertinence. 

The opening exercises of the service were not concluded before my courseof action was decided upon. I read the note to the congregation, andstated that I had just found it on the desk. I further stated that I wasat a loss to determine whether it was intended as a sneer at my oldcoat, or whether the writer really desired an exposition of the textnamed. But, believing that no one could so far forget a due sense ofpropriety as to deride honest poverty, or scoff at so faithful a servantas my old coat had been, even though it now began to show signs of age, I chose to take the latter view of the case. With this conviction, Ishould proceed to make the text the subject of the discourse. Aftergiving the connection and context, I proceeded to define the subject ofcoats, arrange them into classes and set forth their uses. The spiritualapplication was not difficult, but it needed a little skill to cut theseveral styles so that each one could recognize his own pattern andappropriate the right garment. "Of course, " I remarked, "every one hasheard of the garment of self-righteousness, though it may be that nonein this congregation are aware of ever having seen it. Yet, should youchance to look upon it, with its straight seams and buckram collar, I amquite sure you would not prefer it to my old coat, unseemly as it mayappear. " Thus the sermon went on, to "cut to order" and "fit tomeasure, " until all the most flagrant styles of coats had been disposedof, being careful, meantime, to institute the comparison in each casewith the old coat before the audience. The discourse was perfectlyludicrous, but, like all of its kind, it took amazingly. Its financialsuccess was, doubtless, all that the writer of the note had intended. Onthe next Sabbath morning the minister walked into church with a newoutfit of wearing apparel, from the crown of the hat to the soles ofthe boots. 

Watertown, from the first, was an unpromising field for ministeriallabor. The leading influences at the beginning, if not directly opposed, were almost wholly indifferent to the claims of religion. 

CHAPTER IX. 

Waukesha--Old Prairieville Circuit--Changes--Rev. L. F. Moulthrop--Rev. Hooper Crews--Rev. J. M. Walker--Rev. Washington Wilcox--Upper and NetherMillstones--Our New Field--Revival--Four Sermons--Platform MissionaryMeetings--The Orator--Donning the Eldership--The Collection. 

The General Conference of 1848 divided the Rock River Conference andformed the Wisconsin. The first session of the new Conference was heldat Kenosha July 12th, and I was stationed at Waukesha. 

It will be remembered that Prairieville was included in the Watertowncharge in 1839, and formed one of the appointments established at thatearly day by Brother Frink. In the following year, when the Summitcharge was formed, Prairieville fell into the new circuit. In 1841Prairieville took the name of the charge, and henceforth became themother of circuits in this portion of the Territory. Rev. John G. Whitcomb was appointed to the charge in 1842, and Rev. L. F. Moulthropin 1843. 

Brother Moulthrop entered the Conference in 1840, and was firstappointed to the Racine Mission. In 1841 he was stationed at Troy, wherehe performed a vast amount of labor and gathered many souls for theMaster. He remained a second year and had for a colleague Rev. HenryWhitehead, so well known in connection with the Chicago Depository. Oncoming to Waukesha he had Rev. S. Stover as a colleague. 

At the close of his term Brother Moulthrop retired from the work, butwas re-admitted to the Conference in 1859, it being conceded that sovaliant a veteran should be permitted to spend the balance of his lifein connection with the Conference. 

Prairieville Circuit at this time extended from the lake towns toWatertown, and into Washington county as far as settlements hadpenetrated. As stated in a former chapter, Brother Frink had passed overthis region in 1839, and had formed classes during the Conference yearat several places, but it now remained for his successors to extend thefield. In doing this Brother Moulthrop opened an appointment atWauwatosa and in several other neighborhoods. 

At Prairieville, the class formed by Brother Frink consisted of Mr. Owen, Leader, Mrs. Owen, Richard Smart, Truman Wheeler, Mrs. TrumanWheeler, Hiram Wheeler, Mrs. Hiram Wheeler, Theophilus Haylett andHorace Edsell, and to these were soon after added, Mr. And Mrs. Winters, Mr. And Mrs. Joseph Hadfield, Mr. And Mrs. Alexander Henry, Mr. And Mrs. Daniel Clark, Sarah Packham, Mr. Blodgett, Mr. And Mrs. John Bromell, John White, and Rev. Jonas Clark. Brother Henry was soon after madethe Leader. 

The members of the class at Summit were John Merical, Leader, LeviMerical, John Merical, Jr. , Philip Scheuler, Mary Scheuler, Maria L. Frink, Sarah Taft, and Sarah Hardell. 

Prairieville charge was now in the Chicago District, and Rev. HooperCrews was the Presiding Elder. During this year he assisted BrotherMoulthrop in holding a protracted meeting at Prairieville, and largenumbers were converted. 

Brother Crews was one of the choicest men in the Conference. He beganhis ministerial work when what is now the great Northwest was yet in itsinfancy, and has mingled in the discussion and settlement of all thegreat questions which have arisen. His appointments have placed him inthe front rank of his compeers, and among them all, none have made abetter record, or will go from labor to reward leaving a profounderregret among the people. 

At the Milwaukee Conference in 1844, Prairieville charge was divided. The northern portion was set off and erected into the WashingtonMission, with Rev. J. M. Snow as Pastor, of whom a record will be made inanother chapter. Brother Moulthrop remained on the old charge, and wasable to take care of what remained without an assistant. 

The following year, 1845, the charge again required two men, and Revs. G. W. Cotrell and Miles L. Reed were appointed, and had a year of greatprosperity. This year Pewaukee was detached from the Prairieville chargeand added to Washington Mission, and as this change drew the latter tothe southward, the name of Washington was dropped, and that of Menomoneesubstituted. Brother Snow remained on the charge. 

Brother Reed was a young man of great promise, but his career was ofshort duration. At the close of his year at Prairieville, his failinghealth compelled him to leave the work. Remaining, however, in thevillage, he was greatly useful and highly esteemed as a Local Preacher. 

In 1846, the Pastors of Prairieville circuit were Rev. Washington Wilcoxand Rev. J. M. Walker. Both of these devoted and earnest men wereabundant in labor. Protracted meetings were held at nearly all of theprincipal appointments, and large numbers were converted. It is affirmedthat the junior preacher was engaged seventy five successive days inthese meetings. It is not a matter of surprise that a severeillness followed. 

Brother Walker entered the Conference, as before stated, in the class or1845, with the writer. His first circuit was Elkhorn. During the year hehad extensive revivals at both Delavan and North Geneva. After leavingPrairieville he was sent to Geneva, where he again had a prosperousyear, and also found an excellent wife. His next field was Rock Prairie, to which he was sent in 1848. Here he had over two hundred conversions. The following year he was sent to Union Circuit, with Rev. James Lawsonas colleague, and was returned to the same the next year. But in theearly part of the year he was removed to Beloit, to supply a vacancy. His next appointment was Whitewater, where he succeeded in completing aChurch, and his next field was Beaver Dam. In 1855 he was appointedPresiding Elder of Beaver Dam District, which post he filled with greatacceptability. His subsequent appointments have been Spring StreetStation, Milwaukee, Chaplain of the Thirty-Eighth Regiment, Beaver Dam, Oshkosh and Green Bay. At the last named, he is at the present writingdoing effective service. 

In 1847 Prairieville Circuit was changed to a station, under the name ofWaukesha. Brother Wilcox was returned, and during the year built up astrong congregation, giving the station a front rank among the firstcharges of the Conference. 

Brother Wilcox entered the traveling connection in the East and came tothe Illinois Conference at an early day. He was stationed in Galena in1839, and before coming to Waukesha he had served Dubuque, MineralPoint, Dixon, Elgin and Sylvania. At the close of his term at Waukeshahe was appointed Presiding Elder of Fond du Lac District At the end ofthree years he was sent to the Madison District, where he remained afull term. His subsequent appointments fell within the bounds of theWest Wisconsin Conference, in all of which he acquitted himselfcreditably. His last field was Baraboo Station, where he passed fromlabor to reward, leaving to his brethren the record of a spotless lifeand unswerving devotion to the Master's work. 

Brother Wilcox was an able minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was aman of large intellect and strong convictions. His sermons embodiedcardinal truth, and with him mere word painting was a sham. Sometimes hewas thought to be severe, but it was the severity of what he conceivedto be truth. In debate, on the Conference floor, or in discussion beforean audience, he was a giant. At times he would seem to push hisantagonist relentlessly, but it was only following his inexorable logicto its findings. The same thoroughness entered into all he did. On acommittee it was his habit to go to the bottom of things. Especially wasthis true in the Conference examinations. 

I remember distinctly the examination that was had the year I graduatedto Elder's orders. With him as chairman, and another strong man, whom Ineed not name, as second, we were under the fiery ordeal seven sessions. I have never ceased to wonder that anything was left of us, after havingbeen thus ground between the upper and nether millstones. And yet therewas no unkindness, for in his feelings he was as tender as a child. Thefact is, this noble man could never do anything by halves. If thefaithful discharge of duty, the persistent adherence to the right, andunsparing self-denial, constitute the standard of nobility, thenWashington Wilcox. Had a right to claim his patent. 

At Waukesha, a respectable Church edifice had been erected in 1841 and1842. At a later period a small Parsonage had been built, and on ourarrival it was in readiness to receive us. The public services of theSabbath were held at half-past ten in the morning and at one in theafternoon. The latter had been so arranged to accommodate families inthe country, who desired a second service before returning home. Theplan, however, did not fully satisfy the people in the village, as itfailed to provide for an evening service. It was suggested that in avillage, a certain class of people could be induced to attend an eveningservice that would not go to any other. To test the matter, I opened anevening service. The arrangement proved satisfactory, and was continued, though it involved the necessity of having three services a day. 

The good seed of the kingdom, scattered among the crowds who gathered atthe evening service, in due time began to bear fruit, and an extensiverevival followed. As the good work in the village increased, and thenumber of converts was multiplied, the people of the surroundingneighborhoods became also interested, and attended the meeting. Many ofthese were induced to accept the obligations of a holy life, and as aresult, invitations began to multiply, requesting me to openappointments in their respective localities. I now selected five of themost central neighborhoods and established in them week-day eveningservices. But as the summer drew on, they were discontinued except two, and these, as the most promising, were assigned to the Sabbath, and werefilled on alternate days at four o'clock in the afternoon. To meet theseappointments, in addition to the regular services in the village, required four sermons each Sabbath. As to the propriety of undertakingthis amount of labor, I need say nothing. Some may deem it an evidenceof zeal, but others that of folly. 

During this year the Milwaukee District established a system of platformmissionary meetings on the several charges. To further the object, itwas decided to appoint two or three ministers to attend each meeting, and by dividing the labor throughout the district, bring thereby all thepreachers upon the platform. On several of these occasions, I foundmyself associated with a brother who was beginning to attractconsiderable attention as a speaker. We usually put him on the programmefor the closing speech, that he might furnish the "rousements, " asBishop Morris would say, for the collection. And in this particular wewere seldom disappointed. The good brother was always ready for whatmight be called a flaming speech. And though he always ran in much thesame channel, his craft, to use a figure, was always full-rigged andunder full sail. But, to change the figure, and bring it more fully intoharmony with the department of nature, from which the brother hadevidently derived his name, I might say his pinions were always fullfledged and in full tension for a lofty flight. Unfortunately, however, he could never fold his wings in time to make a graceful descent when hedesired to come down to the plane of ordinary mortals. In the descent hewould sometimes "swap ends" so many times, that it was a marvel that abroken neck was not the result. But to his own mind these airy flightswere always sublime, and especially so when he struck the quotation, which usually closed each missionary speech, that placed the herald ofthe Gospel on the highest pinnacle of time, and made him "look back overthe vista of receding ages" and "forward over the hill-tops of comingtime, " and "lift up his voice until it should echo from mountain top tomountain top, from valley to valley, from river to river, from ocean toocean, from isle to isle, and from continent to continent, the wholeearth around. " Of course the collection always followed this speech, andif it proved to be pretty good, a few additional feathers went into thepinions for the next flight. 

On one of these occasions our orator became greatly elated with hissuccess, and rallied me upon the difference between the broad, velvetywing of the miller and the long, sharp pointed wing of his species. Theopportunity was too good to be lost. I replied, "Well, my brother, I hada thought last night, when I saw you towering to such dizzy heights inyour speech. " "What was it?" he enquired, eagerly. "Oh!" I replied, "Iwould hardly dare to tell you. " "Yes, yes, " said he, "let us have it. " Istill hesitated, until the several brethren present joined him in hispersistent request. "Well, " I answered, "if you insist upon it I willstate it. When I saw you making your lofty flights, I thought if youcould only have a few feathers plucked from the wings of yourimagination and placed in the tail of your judgment, you would make agrand flyer. " The next flight was made with greater caution. 

The balance of the year at Waukesha was given to the ordinary demands ofthe work. To the Church there had been large accessions and to theParsonage a welcome guest, in the person of our eldest daughter. 

The Wisconsin Conference for 1849 was held at Platteville. I crossed theState in a buggy and was assigned to Father Mitchell's forentertainment. To enjoy the hospitality of this truly Christiangentleman and veteran patriarch for a week was a privilege that wouldmark an era at any time in a man's life. At this Conference I wasordained an Elder by Bishop Janes, and received my appointment for asecond year at Waukesha. Rev. Elihu Springer was returned to MilwaukeeDistrict for the third year. 

At my first Quarterly Meeting the Elder insisted on a reconstruction ofmy work, in which he was joined by the Local Preachers and several otherbrethren of the charge. The noon-day sermon was dispensed with and theSabbath afternoon appointments were given mainly to the care of theLocal Preachers. These were William Carpenter, Hiram Crane, and Miles L. Reed, a trio of noble and devoted men. 

Assisted by these faithful men and a united and earnest church, the workgrew upon our hands, and this second year was also blessed with aprecious revival. It was in connection with this revival and thegarnering of the converts that the controversy arose between us and theBaptist friends on the subject of baptism. As many of our converts hadnot enjoyed favorable opportunities to become informed on this subject, the Pastor was desired by formal request to preach a sermon on the modeof baptism. This was done, and soon after the official board requested acopy for publication. The writer, supposing it was merely intended tosecure a few copies through the columns of the village newspaper forconvenient reference, hastily furnished the discourse. Instead, however, of procuring a few slips only, it was published in pamphlet and given amore extensive circulation. In due time it was taken up by the Pastor ofthe Baptist Church and reviewed at length in his pulpit. On thefollowing Sabbath the reviewer was himself reviewed, and here ended thecontroversy. It is a question whether such controversies are reallybeneficial. They usually engender strife and party feeling, and notunfrequently alienate the servants of our common Master. But that suchwas not the case in this instance is pretty evident from the fact thatat the session of our Conference in Waukesha the following year, thewriter was requested to fill on the Sabbath the pulpit of his formerantagonist. 

On this charge also the writer took his first serious lesson in Churchtrials. The matter in question arose out of a misunderstanding between aman and his wife, growing out of a want of interest, perhaps, on thepart of the one, and jealousy on the part of the other. Like otherinexperienced administrators whom I have known, in trying to makecrooked things straight, I invoked an agency that became a fire and asword in my hand. Neither the Church nor the individuals concernedderived any advantage in the result, and though the wisdom of theadministration was never called in question as far as I knew, yet Icould not suppress the conviction that Church trials can only becommended as a last resort. It is much easier to awaken than allay thespirit of strife. Abating this discordant note, which did not longdisturb the harmony of the Church, the two years we spent on this chargeare freighted with most precious memories. Full of incident, andfragrant with blessing, they form a bright link in the chain of ouritinerant life. Happy in our work, with only occasional calls forspecial services abroad, the years passed swiftly and joyously. 

Referring to services abroad reminds me of the Quarterly Meeting I heldfor the Presiding Elder, on what was then called Howard's Prairie, sometwenty miles distant. Seated in my buggy with my wife and child, Istarted on Friday afternoon for the place. We reached the neighborhoodat nightfall. We were directed by the Elder to call on a given familyfor entertainment, the gentleman being the most wealthy Methodist inthe settlement. We halted the buggy at his gate, and I went in to cravehis hospitality. As I approached the door and addressed myself to themaster of the premises, he put on a frigid expression of countenance, and answered me coldly. I decided at once that I would not make myselfknown, but try the spirit of the man. I inquired whether there was to bea Quarterly Meeting in his neighborhood. He replied in the affirmative. I then inquired where the Methodist preachers put up when they came intothe settlement. 

He said, "They usually put up at the second house further on. " Iconcluded the old gentleman was not expecting company until thePresiding Elder should come, and so concluded we had better go on. As Iretired the old gentleman looked sharply after me, but doubtlessthinking so small and young a man as I then was could not be the Elder, he permitted me to go on my way. We went on to the house indicated, andinquired of the gentleman at the gate whether the Methodist preacherswho visited the settlement usually found entertainment with him. Hereplied, "I am not a Methodist myself, but my old woman is one, Ibelieve, and she sometimes takes in the preachers on her own hook, butshe is not at home to-night. Why didn't you stop up at the white houseon the hill? He is the loudest Methodist in this neighborhood. " Iinquired, "Who lives up here in this small house that we havejust passed?"

"Oh, " said he, "that is my son, the Class-Leader. " It was now quitedark. I returned to the buggy and asked my wife how she liked thePresiding Eldership. She laughed heartily, and said, "The fact is, theyare all waiting for the Presiding Elder, for no one would ever takeyou for one. "

I concluded she was right, and on returning to the Class-Leader's houseI made bold to announce myself in due form. We were most hospitablyentertained, and were so pleased with our kind host and hostess that wefelt constrained to decline, the next day, urgent invitations from bothof the large houses. My wife has often queried since as to what becameof the pies and cakes that were intended for the Presiding Elder onthat occasion. 

The services of the Sabbath were held in a school house. At the close ofthe morning sermon the Pastor, Rev. Jesse Halstead, volunteered to carrythe hat through the congregation, to receive the collection for thePresiding Elder. After performing this service, he requested the goodpeople to sing while he should count the funds. On completing the count, he found a deficiency, and concluded to carry the hat again. He startedand moved leisurely along, taking special pains to afford all anopportunity to contribute, until he came to the dear man, whoseacquaintance I had made the night before. He now paused, placed the haton the desk, under the face of the reputed miser, put his hands in hispockets, and looked unconcernedly over the congregation, remarking, "Well, brethren, there is no great hurry about this matter. If you havenot got the money with you, we will give you plenty of time to borrow itfrom your neighbor. " This new feature in the programme directed all eyesto the brother in whose custody the hat had been placed. For a moment hewas frigid, but under such a concentration of piercing rays as were nowturned upon him, he soon began to melt. Turning to his neighbor, heborrowed a contribution, whereupon the hat moved on. 

CHAPTER X. 

Milwaukee--Early History--First Sermon--Rev. Mark Robinson--FirstClass--Rev. John Clark--Trustees--Rev. James Ash--Rev. DavidWorthington--Rev. Julius Field--Rev. John Crummer--First Church--Rev. John T. Mitchell--Rev. Sias Bolles--Lantern Convert--Second Church--Rev. A. Hanson--Rev. Dr. Ryan--John H. Van Dyke--Rev. F. M. Mills--Rev. JamesE. Wilson--Walker's Point--First Class--Rev. Wm. Willard. 

The Conference of 1850 was held June 26th at Beloit, Bishop Hamlinepresiding. Brother Springer was returned to the Milwaukee District, andI was appointed to Spring Street Station, Milwaukee. The charge includedthe entire city except Walker's Point, where a Mission had beenestablished, but before speaking of the Station in connection with mylabors, I should, in harmony with my general plan, first refer to itsearlier history. In doing this, I can only give in these pages thebriefest outline, and refer the reader, who may desire furtherinformation, to a pamphlet entitled "Milwaukee Methodism, " published bythe writer in 1873. 

The name of Milwaukee has, doubtless, come down to us from some extincttribe of the aboriginal inhabitants of the country, as there seems to benothing that will fully answer to it in any of the tongues now in use. In 1680 Zenobius Membre mentions the river of Melleoke, flowing intoLake Dauphan, in latitude forty, with an Indian village at its mouth. Three generations later Lieut. Gorrell visited Milwacky River, and founda village on its bank, with an Indian trader. 

Another interval of a generation occurred, and Solomon Juneau appearedand took up his residence in Milwaukee in 1818. Other fur traders camesoon after, but the real settlement of the country did not begin until1835, when nine families came, forming the nucleus of the future city. 

The first Protestant sermon preached in Milwaukee was delivered by aMethodist clergyman in June, 1835. The meeting was held in a log house, erected by Dr. Enoch Chase for a residence, near the mouth of the river. 

Milwaukee Mission was organized by the Illinois Conference in the summerof 1835, and Rev. Mark Robinson, who had been admitted that year, wasappointed to the charge. The Presiding Elder of the District, whichextended from Chicago to Green Bay, was the veteran pioneer, Rev. JohnClark. The Presiding Elder visited Milwaukee during this year andpreached a sermon in the residence of Dr. Chase, this being at that timethe principal place in which meetings were held. Both the Pastor andPresiding Elder were entertained by the Doctor. 

The population of the village was very small, but before the expirationof the Conference year Brother Robinson was able to form a class of fourmembers. These first members were David Worthington, Mrs. Samuel Brown, Mrs. J. K. Lowry, and Mrs. Farmin. 

In the autumn of 1836 Rev. William S. Crissey was sent to Milwaukee. Thecongregations were now growing, and it was found expedient to providesome place, other than a private residence, for the meetings. TheSociety was not able to build, and to rent a suitable place seemedimpossible. In this embarrassment a carpenter's shop belonging to twomembers of the church, W. A. And L. S. Kellogg, was deemed the mostfeasible arrangement. This building, located on the corner of East Waterand Huron Streets, was a frame structure, and stood on posts. Beneathand all around it was a pond of water, and to gain an entrance a narrowbridge was constructed from the street to the door. The first QuarterlyMeeting was held in this place by Rev. John Clark, on the 8th and 9th ofJanuary, 1837. At this meeting the Pastor reported the conversion of Mr. J. K. Lowry, doubtless the first in the village. 

The legal organization of the Church, according to the laws of theTerritory, was effected July 22d, 1837, with Elah Dibble as Chairman andW. A. Kellogg as Secretary. The first Trustees were Elah Dibble, DavidWorthington, W. A. Kellogg, L. S. Kellogg, J. K. Lowry, Jared Thompson andJoseph E. Howe. The fourth Quarterly Meeting was held July 29th, and thePastor reported a membership of forty-five. 

In September, 1837, Rev. James R. Goodrich was appointed to the Stationand Rev. Salmon Stebbins to the District. Among the members enrolled atthis time I find the names of Thomas McElhenny, Jared Thompson, LocalPreacher, Mr. And Mrs. L. S. Kellogg, Wm. A. Kellogg, Theresa Kellogg, Ophelia Kellogg, Amelia Kellogg, Mr. And Mrs. Alexander, DavidWorthington, A. T. Wilson, Mrs. Samuel Brown, Mrs. Henry Miller, Mrs. J. K. Lowry, James Ash, Mr. And Mrs. Elah Dibble, and Sisters Adams, Church, James and Vail. 

During this year Leader's Meetings were established, and at the one heldMarch 12th, 1838, James Ash, David Worthington, Francis Metcalf andHiram Johnson received Exhorter's license. The first named becamesubsequently a member of the Conference, traveled several yearsacceptably, was greatly beloved by all his brethren, and finally diedwithin the bounds of New Berlin Circuit. Brother Worthington was a clerkin Solomon Juneau's store. In 1840 he entered the Conference, wasstationed at Burlington and was returned the following year. In 1842 hewas stationed at Davenport, Iowa, and thereafter his fields of laborfell within that State. He held an honored place among his brethren, represented them in the General Conference, and a few years since closeda useful life and passed to his home on high. 

The other brethren became Local Preachers, and the former departed thislife in Christian triumph at Appleton, Nov. 3, 1863, while the latterhas become a successful business man, and is awaiting his summons. Thusthe infant society of Milwaukee need not blush for her firstcontribution to the Ministerial staff of the church. 

In 1838 Rev. Wellington Weigly was appointed, but as the great financialdisaster had prostrated the business of the country, leaving the peoplein poverty, he only remained a short time, and the pulpit was largelyleft to the care of Brother Thompson, the Local Preacher. In 1839 Rev. Julius Field was appointed to the District, and the charge was left tobe supplied. 

Brother Field entered the New York Conference in 1821, and before comingwest had filled leading appointments, including New York city. He wastransferred this year to the Illinois Conference, and assigned to theDistrict. He remained two years, and was then appointed General Agent ofthe Bible Society for Northern Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa. He servedin this field four years, was then stationed, in 1845, at Racine, but atthe close of the year was re-transferred to his old Conference, where hecontinued to render effective service, with but brief intervals, up to1871. Having now completed a half century of labor, he was invited byhis Conference to deliver a semi-centennial sermon. Having taken asuperannuated relation, Brother Field, happy in spirit, is spending theevening of life among his friends, and awaiting the call of the Master. 

The pastorate of Milwaukee was soon filled by Rev. Daniel Brayton, asuperannuated member of the Troy Conference. It was now determined tobuild a Church. Hon. Morgan L. Martin came forward and generouslydonated a lot, situated on the east side of Broadway, and between Biddleand Oneida Streets, but the financial derangement still continuing, itwas not deemed advisable to undertake the erection of the building. 

At the General Conference of 1840, the Illinois Conference was dividedand the Rock River took its northern territory. Rev. John Crummer wasthis year appointed to Milwaukee. As the carpenter's shop could nolonger be had as a chapel, the meetings passed from one private house toanother for a time. But this state of things could not long continue. The erection of a Church was decided upon, and before the close of theyear the edifice was completed. It was dedicated by Rev. Julius Field inMay, 1841. The building remains at this writing, on the same lot, butplaced with the side to the street, it has been fitted up forresidences. 

At the session of the Rock River Conference in 1841, the MilwaukeeDistrict was discontinued, and the city was placed on the ChicagoDistrict. Rev. John T. Mitchell was appointed to the District, and Rev. Sias Bolles to the station. 

Brother Mitchell was one of Nature's noblemen. Tall and erect in form, high and broad forehead, symmetrical and shapely cut features, dark andlustrous eyes, his bearing was princely. Such was Brother Mitchell inthe years of his strength. He was second to no man in his Conference orState as a pulpit orator. In 1844 he was elected Assistant Book Agent, Cincinnati, where he served the church with distinguished ability. Afterleaving this position he re-entered the regular work in the CincinnatiConference, from the ranks of which he passed on, several years ago, tothe companionship of the white-robed in Heaven. 

Brother Bolles, on coming to the city, first proceeded to liquidate theindebtedness of two hundred dollars on the Church, and then entered upona protracted meeting, which resulted in an extensive revival. Amongthose converted was a German Catholic boy, of whom the followingincident is related: The first night he attended the meeting, BrotherBolles preached on the duty of Christians to let their light shine. Taking the instruction of the Preacher in its most literal sense, theyoung man greatly surprised the good people on the following evening bystalking into church bearing a well-lighted lantern. On enquiring of theyoung man the reason for so strange a procedure, he answered: "Why, thePriest said I must let my light shine, and so I have brought it withme. " The Preacher carefully explained his sermon, bringing it down tothe capacity of his auditor, and had the pleasure to see him thoroughlyconverted. Many years after, Brother Bolles was happily surprised tomeet his convert, who had grown into a Christian gentleman of exaltedposition in society. 

In 1842, Rev. Wm. H. Sampson was sent to Milwaukee, of whom a record ismade elsewhere. The following year Rev. James Mitchell was appointed, and it was decided to enter upon a new Church enterprise. A lot waspurchased July 3d, 1844, of John Clifford, on the northwest corner ofWest Water and Spring Streets. 

At the time of the purchase the location was considered by not a few tobe unfortunate, as the population at that period on the west side wasquite limited, and it was even hinted that a leading member of the Boardof Trustees had unduly influenced the selection in order to enhance thevalue of certain property in the vicinity. But whatever may have beenthe complications of the case at the beginning, certain it is that itwas found in due time to be a very excellent location. The building, forty-five by ninety feet in size, was commenced soon after, and carriedforward as rapidly as possible to completion. 

It was a brick structure, trimmed with stone. Standing with its front toWest Water, the side was turned to Spring Street. On the first floorthere were four stores fronting Spring Street, and having cellars in thebasement beneath them. The auditorium was on the second floor above thepavement and was reached by a broad flight of steps in the front of theedifice. Between the outside entrance and the auditorium there was avestibule with a class room on either side, and above it a commodiousgallery. The auditorium was finished in a neat yet plain manner, andfurnished sittings for about six hundred people. The whole structurecost upwards of ten thousand dollars. To defray the current expenses anderect such an edifice taxed the good people to the utmost limit of theirresources, besides imposing on them a heavy indebtedness. But there wasno lack of courage, and the good work went forward. 

In 1844 the Milwaukee District was again revived and Rev. James Mitchellwas assigned to it, and Rev. F. A. Savage was sent to the station. In1845 the station was left to be supplied, and Rev. Abram Hanson wascalled to fill the pastorate. Finding it difficult to rent a house, Brother Hanson procured a boarding place for himself and good lady withMr. Lindsay Ward, where he spent the year and founded an abidingfriendship. He was a man of superior pulpit ability and engagingmanners. The congregation filled the new Church edifice, and manyvaluable accessions were made to the membership. 

Brother Hanson after leaving Milwaukee filled several important charges, and then retired from the work. For several years he served as therepresentative of our national government at Liberia, where he fellunder the fatal malaria of the African coast, and passed on to thebetter country. 

The next session of the Conference was held Aug. 12, 1846. At thisConference Rev. S. H. Stocking was continued on the District, and Rev. W. M. D. Ryan was appointed to the station. Mr. Ryan entered the OhioConference in 1839, and came by transfer to the Rock River Conference in1844. After spending two years in Chicago, where he had wrought a goodwork for the Master, he was sent to this charge. 

The fame of the Preacher had preceded him, and he was greeted by immensecongregations. His ministry formed an epoch in the history of thechurch. He brought the same earnest manner, the same fiery eloquence, and the same shrewd business tact that had characterized his labors inChicago and elsewhere, and which have since placed him in the front rankof successful laborers in Baltimore, Philadelphia, and the Metropolis ofthe nation. The stores in the Church edifice were rented or sold for aterm of years to liquidate the indebtedness of the society, and thechurch was placed on a substantial financial basis. But Mr. Ryan couldhardly feel at home among his new associates, and in this new field oflabor. His earlier associations were formed in a more southern latitude. The Puritan type of society that, traveling westward on a line from NewEngland, had struck Milwaukee, was not congenial to his tastes and notwholly in harmony with his methods of ministerial labor. At the end ofnine months he was invited to a pastorate in the city of Baltimore, andhe deemed it advisable to accept the invitation. His place in Milwaukeewas filled by Rev. Francis M. Mills, who came, by exchange with Mr. Ryan, from the charge in Baltimore to which the latter had been invited. Mr. Mills filled out the balance of the year. 

Among the accessions to the charge this year was Hon. John H. Van Dyke. Soon after his arrival, though a young man, he became an officialmember, and has continued to hold positions of trust to the presentwriting. A man of thorough mental training, sound judgment, andunswerving integrity, he cannot fail to command the respect and esteemof all. His legal abilities have specially fitted him for the Presidencyof the Board of Trustees, the position he has long held, while hissuperior business sagacity has been of great service to the church inguiding her through the extraordinary trials she has been called toendure. Nor has he proved less valuable financially. Being possessed oflarge means, he is generous towards the Church and the benevolententerprises of the city. 

In 1847 Rev. Elihu Springer was appointed to the District, and Rev. Francis M. Mills was returned to the station. Brother Mills was an ablepreacher, but in his style of delivery was almost the reverse of hispredecessor. He was a noble representative of Baltimore Methodism, buthis health suffered from the bleak winds of the Lake, and at the closeof his term he was compelled to seek a milder atmosphere. 

The following two years Rev. James E. Wilson was stationed at Milwaukee. 

Brother Wilson came to the Conference from the Protestant MethodistChurch, in which he had held a prominent position both as a Preacher andSecretary of the Conference. He was a man of genial spirit, affablemanners, and commanding eloquence. His sermons were well prepared, andespecially in given passages, were delivered with an unction and pathosthat could not fail to produce an abiding impression. The greatconcourse of people who waited upon his ministry attested how highly hewas appreciated by those who were permitted to listen to his weeklyministrations. A revival occurred during the winter, and at the close ofthe year he was able to report one hundred and sixty-four members andthirty-nine probationers. 

During the pastorate of Brother Wilson an unhappy controversy arosebetween the managers of the Sunday School and the leaders of the socialmeans of grace with reference to the hours of meeting. The OfficialBoard decided in favor of the School, and an alienation of feeling wasthe result. A few of the disaffected withdrew, organized a WesleyanChurch, and called Rev. Mr. McKee as their Pastor. Though an unpleasantaffair, the old church moved on as usual. 

But as another charge was now growing up in the southern part of thecity, it is proper that I should refer to it before closingthis chapter. 

In the fall of 1847 Osmond Bailey and a few others became speciallyinterested in establishing regular religious services at Walker'sPoint. Soon after a class was formed consisting of Mr. And Mrs. OsmondBailey, Mrs. Capt. Stewart, Mrs. Warren. Mrs. Almena Waite, Mrs. Worden, Mr. And Mrs. Daniel Waite and M. S. Velie. 

At the Conference of 1848, the small society was erected into a Missionwith Rev. Warner Oliver as Pastor. The Meetings were held in a schoolhouse, located on lots eleven and twelve, in block one hundred and one. 

Brother Oliver was a man of fine talent, but was compelled to give aportion of his time to business, through the financial feebleness ofthe charge. 

In 1849 Rev. William Willard was appointed to the charge. It will beremembered that this good brother was a member of the class formed atBurnett in 1845. He entered the Conference in 1847, and had beenstationed two years at Aztalan. He was an earnest laborer, and under hisadministration the work was encouragingly prosperous. The congregationswere growing and the people were beginning to agitate the measure ofbuilding a Church. 

After leaving Walker's Point, Brother Willard remained in the regularwork, with a few brief intervals, for many years, doing efficientservice for the Master. At this writing he is in Nebraska, using suchopenings as may offer to help forward the good work. 

Hiving thus briefly sketched the beginnings and progress of the goodwork in the city up to the time of my appointment, I will defer thebalance of the record for the next chapter. 

CHAPTER XI. 

Spring Street, Milwaukee--First Sabbath--Promising Outlook--The DeepShadow--Rev. Elihu Springer--Rev. I. M. Leihy--Revival--MissionaryMeetings--Dedication at Sheboygan--Ravages of the Cholera--Death-bedScenes--The Riot--Bishop Waugh--Camp Meeting--Scandinavian Work--Rev. C. Willerup. 

The Spring Street Station had now attained the reputation of being thefirst charge in the Conference. The Church edifice, as we have seen, wasdecidedly respectable, both in size and character. The membership wasenterprising, and full of the spirit of labor. In its official Boardwere found L. S. Kellogg, G. F. Austin, John H. Van Dyke, Geo. E. H. Day, James Seville, J. C. Henderson, W. W. Lake, Wm. Rowbotham, GeorgeSouthwell, Wm. R. Jones, Wm. L. Boughton, John Kneene, Wm. Cossentine, C. F. Larigo and Charles Randall. And during the year John Kemp, Cornelius Morse, Mitchell Steever, C. C. Chamberlin and Henry Seilerwere added. 

My salary was fixed on the basis of the old Disciplinary allowance:Quarterage, $216; Table Expenses, $200; House Rent, $125; TravelingExpenses, $5; making a total of $546. This amount would be considered asmall allowance at the present time, but at that early day it wasbelieved to be a generous provision for a family of three persons. 

My first Sabbath, always a trial day to the Preachers as well as thepeople, passed without any special disaster. Perhaps it was owing inpart to the presence of the Presiding Elder, who sat at my back. Whatever he or the people may have thought, I certainly felt that I wasa mere stripling going out with nothing in my hand but a sling and apebble. Nor did it relieve my embarrassment when I saw the greatcongregation, and remembered that they had enjoyed for two years theministry of the most eloquent man in the Conference. 

It is said that a minister ought always to be ready to preach or to die. I think, on that occasion, if I had been permitted to choose betweenthem, I would have accepted the latter. As it was, I very nearly didboth. And that I really did neither, I have always considered a specialintervention of Providence. On the part of the people there wasevidently a suspension of judgment. They were doubtless puzzled by mycontradictory appearances. In form I was slight and fragile, notweighing more than one hundred and thirty pounds, but in my face, thoughonly twenty-eight years of age, I bore the appearance of being tenyears older. 

At the close of the service a large number of people remained and gavethe new Minister a hearty greeting. It was timely, giving me to realizeI was not quite gone to the land of shadows. 

I was informed afterwards that one good brother went home from theservice and told his wife, who had not been present, that he had shakenhands with the new Minister and his daughter. "No, father, " said thedaughter, "that lady was not the Minister's daughter, but his wife. ""Well, " replied the father, "she must be his second wife, for she looksyoung enough to be his daughter. " Whether this opinion should beinterpreted as complimentary to the Minister or his wife, I was neverfully able to decide. 

Having passed the crisis, the first Sabbath, and survived the followingweek, I now began to adjust myself to my work. I was happy to find thatthe good people were strongly attached to Prayer and Class-Meetings. This gave an assurance that there were at least some efficient laborersin the Church, who could be relied on if we should find ourselves in arevival. I also found that the people could endure a large amount ofpastoral visiting. These discoveries were enough for a start, and Ientered upon the work without delay. 

About this time I was called to attend a funeral in one of the familiesthat had gone out from the church the previous year, and were nowmembers of the Wesleyan organization. The next Sabbath morning thisfamily and several others were in my congregation. In the opening prayerI made the poor slave a special subject, as I often did. At the close ofthe service, the head of one of the families came forward and statedthat Mr. McKee, the Pastor of the Wesleyan Church, had gone to theConference, and hence they were without services for a few Sabbaths. Butas for his part, he did not care if he never came back, for I wasabolitionist enough for him. 

In a few weeks Rev. T. Orbison was sent to the city, in the place of Mr. McKee. After the first Sabbath, he called on me and said that he foundhis people quite disposed to return to the old Church, and that inconsequence, he had dispensed with his services the previous evening, and attended our Church with them. He was now inclined to advise them toreturn, as he saw no occasion for two organizations. The leading membershaving previously decided to return, the balance now joined them in themovement, while those who had been gathered from other organizations, returned to their respective homes. 

Brother Orbison, in coming to this country from Ireland, fell among theWesleyans on his arrival, and became identified with them, supposingthey were the same body he had left at home. On learning his mistake, henow came over to us, and for many years was a worthy member of theWisconsin Conference. After doing faithful service for many years, andwinning the esteem of all, he laid aside the armor and took up theeverlasting crown of rejoicing. 

The work of the year was now well begun. The house was filled withpeople, the finances were in excellent condition, and everythingindicated a year of special success, But how strangely light and shadow, hopes and fears, rejoicing and mourning commingle in this life! While wewere thus full of hope, and even exultant over the indications of aprosperous year, little did we imagine that we were then on thethreshold of a deep affliction, arising from the sudden death of ourPresiding Elder. 

Brother Springer left the city to hold his Quarterly Meetings atWatertown and Oconomowoc, the writer accompanying him to the citylimits. On the 21st of August he closed his Quarterly Meeting servicesat Watertown, took dinner at the Parsonage with the Pastor, Rev. DavidBrooks, and then rode on to Oconomowoc. He stopped for the night withBrother Worthington, ate sparingly, and retired at the usual time. Atthree o'clock in the morning he was seized by the cholera. The attack, severe at first, soon became alarming. Medical aid was called, butwithout avail. He lingered until six o'clock P. M. , and passed away ingreat peace. His family were sent for, but failed to reach him beforehis departure. The Funeral Sermon was preached in the Spring StreetChurch by the writer, from Second Timothy, 4. 6-8. 

Brother Springer was received on trial by the Illinois Annual Conferencein September, 1833. His appointments before coming to MilwaukeeDistrict had been, Carlinville, Iroquois, Oplaine, Saminoc, Bristol, Lockport, Joliet, St. Charles, Mineral Point and Hazel Green. 

Brother Springer was a man of commanding presence. In form erect, fulland athletic, with a broad, high forehead, and an intellectual face. Thewhole cast of the man indicated strength. He was a sound theologian, anable Preacher and a wise and vigilant administrator. He was emphaticallya true man, and, as a Presiding Elder, very popular. The loss of such aman, at forty years of age, was a great disaster to the Conference. 

Soon after the death of Brother Springer, Rev. I. M. Leihy was appointedas his successor on the District. Brother Leihy entered the Conferencein 1843, and before coming to the District, had been stationed at HazelGreen, Elizabeth, Mineral Point, Platteville, Southport, and Beloit Hewas a man of marked ability both as a Preacher and administrator. Hisleading endowment was strength, and on some chosen subject, a subject towhich he had given special attention, his preaching was overwhelming. Hewas a man of immense will force, and not a whit behind the chief of hisbrethren in his devotion to the Master's cause. Neither storms nor otherimpediments deterred him from his work. With a face set as a flintagainst every obstacle in his path of duty, he drove straight on tofulfil the convictions of his dauntless spirit. By some he was thoughtto be severe, and not a little exacting, but those who knew him bestwere tolerant of his idiosyncrasies, and were prepared to assign him achief place among his brethren. After completing his term on theDistrict, he filled several important appointments, but finally locatedand removed to California, where at the present writing, as for severalyears past, he is again engaged in the regular work. 

During the fall and early winter there was manifest a growing spiritualinterest among the people, which culminated ultimately in an extensiverevival of religion. The protracted meeting continued five weeks, andresulted in the conversion of seventy-five souls. 

The plan of holding Platform Missionary Meetings was continued duringthis year, and largely increased the contributions of the people. Whileon my way in company with Brother Leihy, to attend such a meeting atPort Washington, I formed the acquaintance of Brother Jesse Hubbard andhis good lady at Mequon, where we halted for dinner. For many years thisresidence was the home of Itinerant Preachers and the nucleus ofChristian society in that region. 

The dedication of the German Methodist Church at Sheboygan occurred inApril of this year. I went down to perform the service in a steamer, butwhen ready to return, the waves were running too high for the boat tomake the pier. The mishap left my Pulpit without a supply for theSabbath, an event which seldom transpired, but gave me an opportunity tomake the acquaintance of our people in that part of the Conference, andthe pleasure of preaching twice at Sheboygan and once atSheboygan Falls. 

During the summer of 1851 the cholera raged in Milwaukee in a mostappalling manner. The whole city was a hospital. For several daystogether it was claimed there were fifty deaths per day. Thoughearnestly entreated to leave the city, as many others had done, Ideclined, feeling that my life was no more precious than the lives ofothers. Besides, it seemed to me, if there is ever a time when a peopleneed the aid of their Pastor, it is when they are in peril andaffliction. When at the height of its ravages, I repeatedly attendedsix funerals a day, and visited a dozen sick persons. The very men whomI met at a funeral one day, I would bury the next. Mingling thus dailywith the sick and dying, I could not well escape myself. I suffered twoattacks during the season, but through great mercy, the lives both ofmyself and family were spared. 

During this terrible visitation I had frequent opportunities to test thevalue of the Christian religion. So marked was the difference betweenthe death-bed scenes of Christians and the unconverted that evenInfidels themselves could not refrain from referring to it. As if toteach the people this great lesson, there were a few instances oftriumphant deaths, and a few of the opposite class. One good sister, asshe was gliding across the stream, enquired, "Is this Jordan?" She wastold it was. "How calm and placid are its waters, " she added. "Iexpected to find the billows running high, but, glory to Jesus! there isnot a ripple upon all the stream. "

Unlike this scene was the death of a young man who had sent for me ingreat haste. On entering the room, I recognized him as a young man whomI had repeatedly urged, during our meeting of the previous winter, togive himself to the Saviour. He was now in the throes of dissolution andI could hardly hope to reach him. Wild with frenzy, he seemed to prayand curse with the same breath. As a momentary interval occurred betweenthe paroxysms, I sought to arrest his attention and divert his thoughtto Christ. He turned his piercing eyes on me and said, "Oh! it is toolate. Last winter, if I had yielded to your kind admonitions, all wouldnow be well, but it is too late, too late. " Another paroxysm seized him, and he was lost to all consciousness, and soon ceased to breathe. 

Another event occurred this year of which mention should be made inthis connection. It is the notorious riot. I quote from "MilwaukeeMethodism. " "Rev. Mr. Leahy, a minister in the Protestant MethodistChurch, after visiting several of the principal cities of the Union, came to Milwaukee. Having spent many years in a monastery, and havingbecome convinced of his error, he now sought to enlighten the people onthe subject of the confessional. He proposed, in coming to the city, togive a course of lectures in a public hall during the ensuing week. Onthe intervening Sabbath he was invited to occupy several of the Pulpitsof the city. He had already filled one in the morning, another in theafternoon, and then came to the Spring Street Church in the evening. Thehouse was filled as usual. He opened the services in the regular order, took his text and began the delivery of his sermon. Immediately a crowdof strange men began to press in at the door and push along up thecenter aisle. At a given signal, a rush was made towards the Pulpit. Comprehending the situation in an instant, the Pastor, from his positionin the Pulpit, ordered them back, and at the same time directed the mennearest the aisle and altar to intercept their advance. A stone washurled at the Pastor's head, but it missed its mark and crashed againstthe wall in the rear of the Pulpit. But L. S. Kellogg, L. L. Lee andothers stood firmly in the aisle and dealt some vigorous blows inresponse to the clubs and other missiles with which they were beingseverely bruised. At this moment Dr. Waldo W. Lake, who was sitting inthe altar, drew a revolver which he on leaving home had put in hispocket, expecting after service to visit a patient in an exposed part ofthe city, and instantly the rioters fell back and retreated through theentrance to the street. During the conflict the audience room was awild scene of confusion. The ladies became greatly alarmed, and requiredthe attention of a large number of gentlemen in making their escape fromthe building. The door being thronged with the rioters, the principalegress was found to be the windows next to the street, and these wereelevated a full story above the pavement. Ladders, wagons, and otherimpromptu scaffolding were provided, and large numbers of ladies wererescued in this way, while others were crowded against the sides of theroom until the rioters had withdrawn. After quiet had been restoredmeasures were taken to convey the speaker safely to his lodgings at thehotel. But a good number of revolvers, carried by a posse of earnestmen, were a sufficient protection against all evil-minded persons thatthronged the streets on the way. "

The city was rocked with excitement. Early next morning a meeting washeld in the Church edifice that had thus been made the scene of ariotous assault. The populace interpreted the affair rightly. It was notso much an attack upon a Protestant Church as an assault against thefreedom of speech, one of the most sacred rights of the people. Afterexpressing suitable indignation against the actors and abettors of theriot, and resolving to protect the freedom of speech so long as itshould not offend against public morals, the meeting appointed acommittee to wait on Mr. Leahy, and, on behalf of the community, guarantee him protection in his rights. Under this protection a lecturewas given in the Free Congregational Church, and another on the publicsquare, when, all danger of assault having disappeared, he was permittedto go on his way. 

The only persons seriously hurt were L. L. Lee and L. S. Kellogg. Thefirst was compelled to carry a hand in a sling for a long time, and thelatter was considerably injured by a blow from a club on the head. Theblood ran freely, but he was able to attend the Law and Order Meetingthe following morning. His speech on the occasion became a watchwordamong the people. He said in a very resolute manner, "Our Fathers foughtfor freedom, both civil and religious, and if we have got to fight thebattle over again I am ready, and I am willing that my blood should bethe first to flow. " The city appropriated one hundred and fifty dollarsto repair the damages done to the Church edifice. 

Bishop Waugh made us a visit near the close of the year. He was on hisway to the Conference to be held at Waukesha, and went with us to theCamp-Meeting at Brookfield. Spring Street Station made no inconsiderablepart of the Meeting. She pitched a tent that would accommodate onehundred and fifty persons, and it was well filled from the beginning tothe end of the Meeting. It was a Meeting of great power. None who heardthe exhortations of the good Bishop at the close of his Sunday morningsermon can ever forget it. After holding the vast congregationspell-bound for more than an hour in the delivery of the sermon, the oldman, with locks as white as the driven snow, came down from the stand, and, standing on a seat in the Altar, began to invite mourners. Themotives of the Gospel were presented one after another, the tide offeeling rising, until the Bishop was master of the occasion, and seemedto sway the people at his pleasure. The Bishop's voice grew grandlyeloquent as his great soul rose to the level of the effort, and beforeit and its burden of truth, the people began to bend, then brake, andfinally flew to the Altar. Nor did the exhortation cease until the Altarwas literally crowded with seeking penitents. 

The Scandinavian work was this year opened in Wisconsin. To furtherthis object the Missionary Management at New York sent forward Rev. C. Willerup, placing him at the beginning under my care. On reaching thecity he found the population using the Scandinavian language too smallto organize the work, and we deemed it advisable to explore theinterior. To do this he must have an Itinerant's outfit, consisting atleast of horse and saddle-bags. While he was employed in settling hisfamily in a rented house, I visited the market and purchased a horse forhim and the other necessary articles, using my own funds until draftsshould be received from the Missionary Treasury. The desired locationfor the first Mission was found at Cambridge, where Brother Willeruporganized a Society and subsequently erected a Church edifice. From thissmall beginning has since grown a family of charges and a line of ableMinisters, constituting a Presiding Elder's District. 

The Conference year had now come to a close. Many changes had occurredin Spring Street Station. In consequence of the cholera, and theconsequent stagnation of business, large numbers of the people went intothe country. But notwithstanding this depletion, such had been thenumber of accessions, one hundred and seven in all, that I was able toreport one hundred and fifty-seven members and sixty-three probationers, making a total of two hundred and twenty. 

The financial plan, adopted at the beginning of the year, that ofcollecting the funds in the classes, had proved a success. At the closeof the year, the Pastor was fully paid, and the Society was out of debt. 

CHAPTER XII. 

Conference of 1851. --Presiding Elder. --Presentation. --Give andTake. --Fond du Lac District--Quarterly Meeting--Rev. J. S. Prescott. --Footman vs. Buggies--Fond du Lac. --Two Churches. --GreenbushQuarterly Meeting--Rev. David Lewis--Pioneer Self-Sacrifice. --Finds aHelp-Meet. --Sheboygan Falls. --Rev. Matthias Himebaugh. --Oshkosh--FirstClass. --Church Enterprises. 

The Conference for 1851 was held June 25th, at Waukesha. The Sessionswere deeply spiritual, and were characterized by general harmony amongthe preachers. At this Conference the Committee on Periodicals, of whichI was a member, reported in favor of the establishment of a NorthWestern Christian Advocate, and the report was unanimously adopted. 

In the arrangement of appointments I was assigned to the Fond du LacDistrict. The appointment was a great surprise to myself, and doubtlessto others. Besides, it was not in harmony with my judgment or wishes. Itseemed to me to be an unwise measure to take so young a man, onlytwenty-nine, from the companionship of books and the details of thePastoral office, and place him on a District where both of theDepartments of labor, so essential to success in the Ministry, mustnecessarily be abridged. And in the next place, it appeared to me that, since there were so many other men in the Conference, who were betterqualified than I for the position, my appointment was but doing violenceto the work. But I soon came to the conclusion that when an appointmenthas been made there is no further need to debate the question. In such acase, the sooner both the Ministers and people adjust their views tothe new order of things, the better for all concerned. Accepting thisview, I hastened to conform to the situation with as good grace aspossible. And to aid me perhaps a little, several of the preacherssurprised me by the presentation of a cane. 

I had heard it remarked that when a man used a cane, it was an evidencethat he had a weak place somewhere between the crown of the head and thesole of the foot. I was now puzzled to know what the cane meant. Therewas doubtless a weak spot somewhere, in the opinion of the brethren. Itmust of course be either in the District or the incumbent. But my queryas to which was soon answered. Dr. Bowman, my father-in-law, wastraveling soon after in company with a good brother, when theconversation turned upon the appointments of the recent Conference. Ithad not proceeded far when the brother remarked, in referring to myappointment, "The Conference must have been hard up for material when itappointed that young stripling Presiding Elder. " The mystery of the canewas now explained. The good brethren of the Conference doubtless thoughtthe matter could be helped out by the use of a cane. 

But a sharper joke than that was passed upon the people of Fond du Lac. Only six years before they had given me license to preach, and sent meto the Conference, and now, in sending me back so soon, the Conferenceseemed to say, "Brethren, we return you as good as you gave. " I haveheard it said that sometimes Quarterly Conferences grant licenses withthe implied understanding that the recipients are not expected to servethe home Church, but are good enough to preach to less highly favoredpeople abroad. If this course had been adopted by these Fond du Lacbrethren as their policy, certainly it was a cruel joke to return thelabor of their hands on such short notice. 

But fortunately I was not supposed to know anything about this matter, and hence, on the principle that "where ignorance is bliss, 'tis follyto be wise, " I had nothing to do but to gather up my family and hastento my new field of labor. 

Fond du Lac District at this time embraced that portion of the Statelying North and East of the city of Fond du Lac, and included thirteencharges. A few of the charges could be reached by steamers on the Foxand Wolf Rivers and Lake Winnebago, but the balance could only bevisited by the stage or private conveyance. I chose to adopt the latter. Having provided board for my wife and child with Rev. M. L. Noble, andsecured a horse and buggy, I was ready to enter upon my work. 

The First Quarterly Meeting was held at Fond du Lac. The Church edificewas unfinished, and the celebrated school house having been burned, asstated in a former chapter, the Meeting was held in the Court House. Atthat time the building, though now so dingy, was new, and aspired to bethe most respectable edifice in the village. To prepare the Court Houseespecially for the Quarterly Meeting, the floors were newly carpetedwith sawdust, even then a famous product of the village, and the seatswell broomed. The place was crowded with people, and the occasion one ofrare interest. The Gospel was dispensed from the "Seat of Justice, " theSacrament was administered within the "Bar, " now vacated by the lawyers, and the people knelt outside to receive the sacred emblems. Several ofthe Members present had attended the Quarterly Meeting in the schoolhouse six years before, and among them were a few who had known me frommy boyhood. It afforded me great pleasure to meet them and receivetheir friendly greetings. 

Rev. J. S. Prescott, the Pastor at Fond du Lac, had been bred to thelegal profession in the State of Ohio. He came to Wisconsin as a LocalPreacher, and joined the Conference in 1846. He had been stationed atSheboygan, Waupun, and Green Bay. He was a man of sharp, decisivemovements, sometimes angular in his opinions and measures, but full ofenergy and not afraid of hard work. He kept no horse, even when on thelargest circuits, as he could not afford to wait for so laggard aconveyance. In this particular he became notorious, and marvelousstories are related of his pedestrian abilities. It is affirmed that, onone occasion, in going to the Conference, he walked from Waupun toPlatteville, and reached his destination in advance of the long line ofministerial buggies that were headed in that direction. Carrying thesame energy into every Department of his work, he always left his"footprint" behind him. But his most devoted friends would sometimesquestion the wisdom of his measures. Even in the small village of Fonddu Lac, he had now two churches in process of erection. But such was hisskill in raising funds at home and abroad that one of them was dedicatedby Bishop Ames at the close of the year and the other by the writer inthe year following. 

Subsequently he served for several years as Agent of LawrenceUniversity, and then entered upon the project of founding an Institutionof learning at Point Bluff. The selection of a location, however, wasunfortunate, and his expectations were only partially realized. Afterthis disaster he addressed himself to business pursuits. 

The Fond du Lac charge had now gained an influential position in theConference. Among her membership she had several leading business men. And in addition, this place had now become the home of Rev. H. R. Colmanand Rev. M. L. Noble, the last two Pastors of the charge. 

My next Meeting was held on Greenbush Circuit. This charge was midwaybetween Fond du Lac and Sheboygan, and had been established only twoyears. Its Eastern portion had been opened from Sheboygan, and itsWestern from Fond du Lac. It had neither Church nor Parsonage, and theMinister lived in a shanty. 

The Quarterly Meeting was held in Mr. Tunis Burhite's barn, about ninemiles east of Fond du Lac. I found the Pastor, Rev. David Lewis, at hispost. As was his wont, he had made every needed preparation, and hadbrought out nearly the entire strength of his charge. The barn wasfilled with people, and the neighborhood taxed to its utmost toentertain the visitors. Nor was it surprising that, with such apreparation, the Meeting was an occasion of rare interest. For monthsand even years after, it was referred to with great satisfaction. At thetime the opinions of people were found to differ. One good sister saidin my hearing, "I think it is better to have old men like Elder Wilcoxfor Presiding Elders, rather than such young men, because they can keepa meeting steady and not let the people get so excited. " But at theclose of the services a veteran Local Preacher said, "The old Elder gaveus a straight talk this morning. " Both remarks were suggestive, and Iresolved to bear myself with becoming dignity. 

Brother Lewis entered the Rock River Conference August 24th, 1842, andwas sent as Junior Preacher to Indian Creek, Ill. , a four weeks'circuit, the labor of which greatly taxed his strength. His nextappointment was Manitowoc, the charge extending from Port Washington toTwo Rivers, and requiring one hundred and fifty miles of travel to eachround of appointments. Through these dense forests, as I have hadoccasion to remark in a former chapter, the roads were almostimpassable, with long distances intervening between residences, andinvolving great fatigue and exposure. Like the good Brother Frink, whopreceded him in this field, he was compelled to swim rivers, sufferhunger and endure fatigue, that would appall a man of less nerve. Duringthe winter his horse became disabled and he made the entire round onfoot, carrying his provisions in a knapsack. Such were the trials andexposures of the pioneers who planted the standard of the Cross in the"Sheboygan Woods, " as this region was called. They were indeedheroic men. 

There were a few scattered sheep in the wilderness, and these weregathered into the fold. At Manitowoc, Brother Lewis formed a class. 

In 1844 Brother Lewis was sent to Pewaukee, where he had elevenappointments. Though at the beginning of the year there was no class onthe charge, at its close Brother Lewis, was able to report sixty-fivemembers. It was during this year that our sturdy pioneer took to himselfa worthy helpmeet, in the person of Miss Adelia Morley, who, as aninmate of the Presiding Elder's family, spread the table for thewriter's first meal as an Itinerant. Brother Lewis was next appointedsuccessively to Root River, Kankakee, and Brothertown, in which chargeshe enjoyed his usual share of hard work and spiritual prosperity. 

In 1849 he was appointed to Sheboygan Falls. The circuit was very large, taking the entire tract of country between the Lake and Fond du Lac, but the year was one of marked success. Finding the Parsonage under amortgage that imperiled the safety of the property, Brother Lewisstepped forward and offered his horse, saddle, and a dollar and a half, all the money he had, in liquidation of the indebtedness. They wereaccepted, and as a result, the dear brother traveled his circuits onfoot for two years before he was able to procure another horse. Such isthe sterling material out of which the early Itinerants were made. Withsuch men in the field, it is not a matter of surprise that, under theDivine blessing, the "Wilderness and solitary place" were madeto rejoice. 

At the close of his labors on this circuit, Brother Lewis was again sentto Manitowoc for one year, when, the Greenbush charge having beencreated, principally out of the west part of his former work, he wasappointed to it, as before stated. After leaving Greenbush he wasstationed at West Bend, Columbus and Fall River, Oneida Indian Mission, New London, Markesan, Caldwell's Prairie, and New Berlin. At theJanesville Conference in 1870, Brother Lewis, having served the churchnearly thirty years with great devotion, took a superannuated relation. At this writing he is residing in Fond du Lac, maintains a happy frameof mind, and is still doing what he can for the cause. He certainlydeserves well of his Conference. 

Sheboygan Mission, the next point visited, appears on the Minutes, asstated in a former chapter, in 1837, with Rev. H. W. Frink as Pastor. During this year Brother Frink formed a class at Sheboygan, consistingof the following members: Mr. And Mrs. Morris Farmin, Uriel Farmin, Benjamin Farmin, Mr. And Mrs. Elder Farmin, and Mr. And Mrs. McCreedy. 

At the close of this year Sheboygan disappears from the list ofappointments, but in 1843 the Manitowoc mission appears with Rev. D. Lewis as Pastor, and Sheboygan, it will be recollected, is named as oneof the appointments. In 1845, however, the name re-appears, and Rev. Joseph T. Lewis was sent to the charge. From this time until 1849 thestrength of the circuit consisted largely in the outlying appointments. But at this date Sheboygan Falls was erected into a separate charge, taking from Sheboygan its several interior appointments. 

Rev. Daniel Stansbury, the Pastor, had commenced his labors in 1849, andwas now on his second year. The Membership numbered only thirty-three, but Brother Stansbury had achieved a great work in the erection of alarge and convenient Church edifice. I had visited the village thepreceding year, as before stated, to dedicate the German Church, and hadformed a very agreeable acquaintance with this truly noble man and hismost estimable family. 

Brother Stansbury was from Baltimore, and brought with him to Wisconsina goodly portion of the warm and cheerful type of Baltimore Methodism. He was received on trial by the Wisconsin Conference in 1849, and henceSheboygan was his first appointment. His subsequent appointments wereJanesville, Union, Portage City, Beaver Dam, Berlin and JanesvilleDistrict. In July of his second year on the District, and whilepreaching at his Quarterly Meeting on Cambridge circuit, he was strickendown by paralysis. He was taken to his home in Janesville, where helingered in extreme feebleness until Oct. 28, when he died ingreat peace. 

Brother Stansbury was a man of warm impulses, practical mind, andabundant labors. In the protracted meeting, his rare gifts of prayerand exhortation, made his labors a grand success, and, in the brightworld beyond, it will be found that his comparatively short ministrygathered a large harvest of souls. 

I next visited Sheboygan Falls. The charge first appears on the Minutesin 1849, it having been created out of the interior portions of theSheboygan circuit. Its first Pastor, as we have seen, was Rev. DavidLewis. In 1850, the following year, Rev. Matthias Himebaugh wasappointed to the work. At this time the field embraced fifteenappointments, and required the travel of two hundred miles each month. Like his predecessors, Revs. J. S. Prescott and D. Lewis, BrotherHimebaugh traveled this circuit on foot. The Society in the villageconsisted of thirteen members, and included the names of Mr. And Mrs. L. Cheeseman, Mr. And Mrs. Parrish, Mr. And Mrs. Goodell, Mr. And Mrs. Sully, Mr. And Mrs. Jackson, Mr. And Mrs. Waite, and others. 

The public meetings were held in a school house outside of the village, and the prayer meetings in private houses. A lot had been purchased fora Church and Parsonage, and the latter had been partly built. On thearrival of Brother Himebaugh a hall was obtained in the village for themeetings, and soon after he commenced a subscription for a Church. 

A revival occurred during the winter, and there were a goodly number ofaccessions, but they did not bring very much financial strength. TheSociety, though small and in moderate circumstances, were veryenterprising and generous in their effort to erect a Church, subscribingtowards the building one-fifth of their entire property. Having securedpledges, amounting to twelve hundred dollars, the Pastor now led astrong force of volunteer laborers in the manual labor of theundertaking. Felling the first tree for the timber in the woods with hisown hands, Brother Himebaugh gave the keynote to the movement. Nor didhe stay his hand until he had expended sixty days of labor. 

After accomplishing what he could at home, he visited Milwaukee, Chicago, and several towns and cities in the Erie, Pittsburgh andGenesee Conferences, to obtain aid to complete the enterprise. Theedifice, forty by sixty, with a basement, was so far completed that thelecture-room was ready for dedication in December, 1851. With this goodwork accomplished, our Quarterly Meeting at Sheboygan Falls was anoccasion of great rejoicing. 

Brother Himebaugh entered the Erie Conference in 1839, then twenty yearsof age. His first circuit was Red Bank, on the Alleghany Mountains. Atthe end of eleven years he was transferred to the Wisconsin Conference, and Sheboygan Falls was his first charge. After leaving this work, hewas stationed in the North Ward charge in Fond du Lac. Here he also dida good work towards completing the Church edifice, which had been begunby Brother Prescott. He also had a good revival during the year. 

In 1853, Brother Himebaugh was stationed at Oshkosh, where he performedprodigies of labor, preaching during a portion of the first year, onevery other Sabbath, four sermons, and walking fourteen miles. He alsogathered large accessions, which rendered the charge self-sustainingthereafter. 

His subsequent appointments have been: Madison, Madison District, Appleton, Appleton District, Agent of Lawrence University, and AssistantSuperintendent of the Western Seaman's Friend Society. At the presentwriting, he still holds the last named position, and represents theBethel interests in this city. He is yet strong physically andintellectually, and bids fair to give to the good cause manyadditional years. 

Oshkosh was the next place visited. Instead of finding, as in 1845, afew small cabins, I now found a respectable village and aflourishing Church. 

The first Methodist sermon delivered in Oshkosh was preached by theveteran pioneer, Rev. Jesse Halstead, at the residence of Mr. WebsterStanley, in 1841. The place was now taken into the list of hisappointments, and was supplied by Brother Halstead with considerableregularity. 

At a subsequent visit he was accompanied by his Presiding Elder, Rev. James R. Goodrich. The services were again held in the residence of Mr. Stanley, and at this meeting, which was held in the fall of 1841, thefirst class was formed. The members were: Ira Aikin, Mrs. Aikin, hismother, Rachel Aikin, his sister, Mrs. Chester Ford, Miss Ann Brooks, and Mrs. Electa Wright. Brother Aikin was the first Leader, but soonafter Brother William W. Wright and his wife becoming members, theLeadership passed over to Brother Wright. Before other provision wasmade, the meetings were held at the residences of Mr. Stanley, Mrs. Electa Wright and William W. Wright, but subsequently they passed to theschool house and ultimately to the Court House. 

In 1842, Rev. John P. Gallup was appointed to the Winnebago LakeMission. His plan of labor gave to Oshkosh every fourth Sabbath, and theintervening time was filled by Rev. Clark Dickinson, a highly esteemedLocal Preacher, and others. A revival occurred this year that broughtinto the Church the larger portion of the people living in Oshkoshand vicinity. 

Rev. Harvey S. Bronson was the Pastor in 1843, and was succeeded thefollowing year by Rev. Joseph H. Hurlbut. The first Church edifice waserected under the Pastorate of Rev. Robert Everdell in 1851. Being thePresiding Elder of the District at that time, the writer performed thededicatory service. The building was enlarged in 1856 and again in 1861. Under the Pastorate of Rev. Wm. P. Stowe there were large accessions, and he found it necessary to enlarge again, when in 1870 the writer wascalled to preach the re-opening sermon. 

The mother charge at this writing ranks among the leading stations ofthe Conference, and rejoices in the companionship of two promisingdaughters. The first is located on the South Side, where a lot waspurchased and the contract for a building let, under the Pastorate ofRev. J. M. Walker, in 1868. The charge was organized the following year, and under the successive Pastorates of Revs. C. W. Brewer and JosephAnderson, the Church was completed and the station assigned an honorableplace in the Conference. The other, located in the Western part of thecity, was erected into a separate charge at the last Conference session, a Chapel having been previously built. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

Fond du Lac District Continued. --Green Bay. --First Settlement. --Rev. John Clark. --First Sermon. --First Class. --Col. Ryan. --FirstMethodist. --First Church Enterprise. --Good Society. --HereticalBonnet. --Various Changes. --Rev. R. P. Lawton--ChurchDisaster--Purifying the Temple--Rev. S. W. Ford. --Oneida IndianMission. --Oneidas. --Missionaries. --Quarterly Meeting. --Council. --"ChiefJake. "--Interpreter. --Rev. Henry Requa. --His Dying Message. 

Green Bay, the next point visited, is the oldest town within the boundsof the Wisconsin Conference. Its site was explored by Jean Nicollet in1639, but its settlement did not begin for more than a centurythereafter. In 1785 it contained seven families, and in 1816 there wereone hundred and fifty inhabitants located in the village and itsvicinity. The population now began to increase more rapidly, and in 1819there were sixty dwellings and five hundred inhabitants. 

Green Bay was made a United States trading port in 1815, with Col. JohnBowyer as Indian Agent. And on the 16th of July of the following year, Col. John Miller commenced the erection of Fort Howard. The first framehouse built, and perhaps the first in the State, was erected in 1825, byCol. E. Childs. 

Col. Samuel Ryan came to Green Bay in 1826 and was the first Methodist, as far as I have been able to ascertain, who settled within the boundsof the Wisconsin Conference, and was probably the first in the State. From the time of his arrival until 1833, the religious Meetings wereheld in the Garrison school house and in an old Commissary store. Thereafter, and until a Church was erected, the services were held in anew yellow school house, or in the Garrison building at Fort Howard. 

At the General Conference, which was held in Philadelphia in 1832, action was taken looking to the extension of the Missionary work of theChurch in the Northwest. In furtherance of this object, Rev. John Clark, then of the New York Conference, was sent out as Superintendent of thework. This eminent Minister and able administrator, whose special recordI need not enter in these pages, as his Life has been published, arrivedat Green Bay July 21st, 1832. Immediately after his arrival he began hislabors, preaching the first Methodist sermon within the limits of thepresent boundaries of the Wisconsin Conference. The sermon was deliveredin the Fort, to both soldiers and citizens. 

The first class was formed by Brother Clark immediately after, theservices being held also in the Fort. This class consisted of fourmembers, as follows: Col. Samuel Ryan, Sen. , Mrs. Sherman, Mrs. Gen. Brooke, and a young man whose name cannot be given. Mrs. Brooke was thewife of the Commandant of the Fort, and Col. Ryan was the Leader. 

Col. Ryan was born in Ireland, May 22d, 1789, and in early youth enteredupon the military profession. He was in the engagement between theShannon and Chesapeake off Boston Harbor, fought June 1st, 1813, andduring the conflict was severely wounded. He was converted at Sackett'sHarbor, N. Y. , under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Irwin, in 1821. In 1822 and'23, he resided at Sault St. Marie, and while there was Leader of aclass. During the year there was no Minister at the Sault, but BrotherRyan held religious services regularly among the soldiers, and as thefruit of his labors, seventy souls were converted. On coming to GreenBay, as above stated, in 1826, he resumed his labors, and continued todevote himself to the good work in that locality for twenty-six years. The Land Office, in which he held the first place, being now, 1852, removed to Menasha, he also took up his residence in that village. 

Brother Ryan was a man of ardent temperament, full of vivacity, and nota little eccentric, but a true soldier of the Lord Jesus Christ. As inhis youth his dauntless spirit never cowered in the presence of anearthly foe, so, in maturer years, he was a fearless champion for thespiritual reign of the Master. Honored by all, the Patriarch is now, "leaning upon the top of his staff, " with his dimned eye looking acrossthe river, ready to move on at any moment. 

One of the early laborers at Green Bay was Rev. George White, who camefrom Oneida Conference, N. Y. He was stationed at Green Bay in 1835, Brother Clark having been assigned to the Presiding Eldership. Under thelabors of the new Pastor, the work continued to prosper. On the 2d dayof February, 1835, Brother Clark reported to the Christian Advocate andJournal as follows: "Brother White is in the spirit of his work, and theLord is blessing his labors in the conversion of souls, both in the Fortand among the citizens. "

The first Church enterprise was entered upon in 1836, when a lot wasdonated to the Society for the purpose of erecting a Church edifice. TheDeed was given on the 6th day of September, 1836, by John Jacob Astor, Ramsey Crooks, Emily Crooks, Robert Stewart and Eliza Stewart, and wasexecuted by James Duane Doty, their attorney. The Trustees of theSociety, to whom the Deed was made, were Philip W. Nicholas, FrancisMcCarty, George White, Thomas P. Green, William White, Edwin Hart, andJohn P. Gallup. The edifice was completed during the year, but in theeffort the Society became seriously involved, and were compelled tomortgage the property. The indebtedness hung as an incubus on theSociety for ten years, and finally, through some strange mismanagement, the property was sold at a great sacrifice to the Roman Catholics. 

At the session of the Illinois Conference, held Sept. 27, 1837, Rev. Philip W. Nicholas was sent to Green Bay, and Rev. Salmon Stebbins wasassigned to the District. The congregations had now become highlyrespectable both in numbers and position. Hon. M. L. Martin had settledat Green Bay, and his good lady, who was a Methodist, had become amember of the Society. Sister Martin had been raised in affluentcircumstances, and was a lady of fine culture and rare judgment. Herhusband, a member of the legal profession, and subsequently a Delegateto Congress and Member of the Constitutional Convention of the State, was a man of good attainments and superior abilities. His family notonly formed the nucleus of cultivated society, but also furnished apleasant home for the Itinerant. 

Besides this excellent and cultured family, the congregation embracedCol. Ryan and family, as before stated, Mrs. Gen. Brooke, and Mrs. Capt. Kirby Smith, whose husband was killed in the Mexican War, she being nowthe wife of Gen. Eaton, Quartermaster General of the U. S. A. In addition, Gov. And Mrs. Doty were constant attendants upon the Chapel, as werealso Gen. And Mrs. Marcy, whose daughter, Mrs. George B. McClellan, wasborn here, and the most excellent of all the officers, Capt. Merrill andhis young wife. 

Referring to the class of society that constituted at first the classand congregation at Green Bay, reminds me of a case of Church disciplinewhich occurred there about the days of which I am now writing. Ithappened on this wise:

One of the young members of the class, and perhaps the youngest, for shehad but recently come West as the bride of a distinguished citizen whosename has already been mentioned, had become the owner of a new bonnet. The lady herself had never, though fashionably raised, shown a fondnessfor gaudy apparel, but, being obliged to send to Detroit for allmillinery accommodations, she sometimes felt constrained to weararticles that were not selected in harmony with her tastes. The newbonnet fell somewhat into this category. If I were gifted in that line, I would attempt a description of the new comer, but, as I am not, I willsimply say it was made in the height of the then fashion, with a smallcrown and a very high, flaring front, with ornaments atop. On theSabbath following its arrival, the good sister put on her bonnet asinnocently as in childhood she had ever said "Our Father" at hermother's knee, and went to Church. She walked modestly to her seat, bowed her head as usual, and the services proceeded. She certainly feltdevout, and she had not the remotest idea that there was anything in theChurch that could disturb the devotion of others. But alas! for poorhuman nature. A horrible nightmare was that moment lurking under thewings of the beautiful dream of our innocent sister. In that highlyrespectable congregation, there were evil eyes that could not look atthe Minister or close in prayer. They were fixed upon the gaudy bonnet. 

At the close of the services comment was rife. Some of the good plainpeople christened the newly arrived, "The Methodist Flower-Pot, " whileothers looked exceedingly unhappy. But there was one resolute brotherwho could not permit matters to go on in this way, and hence the casewas brought before the Church. The zealous brother stated the case anddeclared that if Mr. Wesley's rule in regard to "high heads and enormousbonnets" meant anything, this was "the time to put it to the test andprove its efficacy. " He further stated that it was "better to begin atthe top round of the ladder and work down, rather than take up someoffending sister from a lower round as an example. " Of course all thingswere now ready for a decapitation, but judge of the surprise of thebrother, when the good sister showed herself not to be very"high-headed, " though big-bonneted, by offering the offensive article toher accuser, to manipulate into orthodox form, if he were pleased to doso, otherwise it would have to remain, like Mordecai at the King's gate, steadfast and immovable. 

The bonnet was not manipulated, and the good sister continued to wearwhat neither her accuser nor any other person in Green Bay could putinto another form. 

Before the expiration of his second year, Brother Nicholas gave up thePastorate of the charge, and his place was supplied by Rev. Stephen P. Keyes. In 1839, Rev. F. A. Chenoweth was appointed to the charge, andRev. Julius Field was assigned to the District. In 1840 Green Bay wasleft to be supplied, and Rev. Boyd Phelps was employed as the supply, and the charge was assigned to Platteville District, with Rev. H. W. Reedas Presiding Elder. The following year, 1841, the Green Bay District wasformed, with Rev. James R. Goodrich as the Presiding Elder, and his nameappears also as Pastor of the charge, but it is probable that BrotherPhelps also assisted him in the Pastorate as a supply. In 1842 theappointments remained the same, but in 1843 Rev. G. L. S. Stuff wasappointed to the station. Brother Stuff and Brother Keyes are rememberedwith great pleasure at Green Bay, as men of sterling qualities andmarked ability, but as their labors have mostly fallen within the RockRiver Conference, their record will doubtless be made in connection withthat field. In 1844, Rev. Wm. H. Sampson was appointed to the District, as stated elsewhere, and Rev. C. N. Wager to the station. He was followedin 1845 by Rev. T. P. Bingham, and the year following by Rev. R. P. Lawton. 

Brother Lawton entered the Rock River Conference this year, and in this, his first appointment, acquitted himself creditably. As this goodbrother, who may be set down as one of the pioneers of the Conference, began his labors, so he has continued to the present hour. Hisappointments after leaving Green Bay, have been Dixon, Ill. , Delavan, Mineral Point, Waukesha, Reed Street, Milwaukee, Palmyra, Grafton, RootRiver, Elkhorn, Delavan, East Troy, Evansville, Rosendale, Wautoma, Plover, New London, Hart Prairie, Utter's Corners, Footville, andJefferson, where he is located at this writing. Brother Lawton is a goodpreacher, has a genial spirit, and is devoted to his work. He has passedover the greater portion of the Conference, and has a host of friendswherever he has been stationed. 

Rev. A. B. Randall was sent to Green Bay in 1847, and it was during thisyear that the Church edifice was sold. This Church was dedicated, doubtless, by Rev. John Clark, and had been used for ten years forreligious purposes, yet it is surprising to find how much of time andlabor it required to purify it after it fell into the hands of theCatholics. I am told that they spent days of labor and nights of vigil, exhausted miniature rivulets of holy water, and pounds of precious"gems, frankincense, and myrrh, " exorcising the devils and scatteringthe Methodist imps of darkness from the holy place. 

The balance of the money, after paying the indebtedness, was applied tothe purchase of the Second Church, which was still in use at the timeof my visit. 

On coming to Green Bay I found Rev. Seth W. Ford as Pastor, who wascommencing his second year on the charge. He was in the midst of arevival, and the charge appeared to be in a prosperous condition. TheQuarterly Meeting passed off very pleasantly, and gave me theopportunity to share the hospitality of Hon. M. L. Martin and hisexcellent family. I also visited the Fort, and had the pleasure to enjoythe companionship of Col. Ryan and his family. 

Brother Ford entered the Conference in 1845, as a classmate of thewriter, and passed with him through the course of graduation. I havereferred in a former chapter to the seven sessions through which wepassed between the upper and nether millstones. Whether the result wasflour or bran in the estimation of the Committee would have been foreverhidden from us, doubtless, had not the good brethren, after our electionto Elder's orders, moved that Brother Ford and myself be a Committee toexamine those of the class who had not been before the Committee. Withour own experience fresh in our minds, I have no doubt the balance ofthe class had an easy passage. 

Brother Ford's fields of labor had been Hamilton Grove, Macomb, andOneida Indian Mission. In each he had made a good record, and was nowrapidly rising in his Conference. Since he left Green Bay he hascontinued to hold good appointments, and has served his Conference sixtimes as its Secretary. Though slender in form, and apparently notvigorous in health, he has nevertheless taken his full share of workand is highly respected by his brethren. 

The Oneida Indian Mission, lying twelve miles to the northwest of GreenBay, next claimed my attention. Seated in my buggy, I was soon at theParsonage, where I found Rev. Henry Requa, the Missionary, and hiskind family. 

The Oneidas came from the State of New York. A few of them came as earlyas 1821, but through some hitch in the negotiations with the Menomoneesfor the lands constituting the Reservation, the removal did not becomegeneral until 1832. Meantime, a Mission had sprung up among the westernbranch of the nation. In 1829 a young Mohawk, who had been converted inCanada, began the good work and established meetings. Among the earlyMissionaries the names of Rev. Mr. Poe and Rev. John Clark areespecially fragrant, but I have been unable to find satisfactory datauntil 1840, when Rev. Henry R. Colman was appointed to the Mission. 

Brother Colman remained until 1845, when he was succeeded by Rev. C. G. Lathrop. Brother Ford followed next, and remained until 1850, when hewas succeeded by Brother Requa. Meantime, the old log church had givenplace to a respectable frame edifice. There was also a good frameParsonage, occupied by the Missionary, and a school house, in which aschool was kept either by the Missionary or some one employed by him. The membership at this time numbered one hundred and twenty-five. 

The Quarterly Meeting was held on Saturday and Sabbath, as on the othercharges. On Saturday the Quarterly Conference was held, composed of theofficial members, but it was somewhat unique in its method oftransacting its business. The Conference was opened with singing andprayer. The next thing in order was an address from the Elder, or "BigMissionary, " as he is called. The address simply expressed thegratification of the Elder with his visit, and the encouraging things hehas heard of the good work of God among them, and then suggested suchitems of business as would require their attention. This done, I took myseat, for what more could I do. The business must now be done in astrange language, and in the method of the red man. After sitting inabsolute silence for some minutes, the head Chief of the Nation, "BigJake, " as he is called, being one of the Stewards, turned to a brotheron his right and spoke a few words, and received a reply. Then turningto another, he did the same, and thus continued to address eachpersonally, until all had been consulted. At intervals there were longpauses, indicative, as I judged, of the gravity of the matter to beconsidered. At the end of an hour the Council had completed its work. The Chief then arose in a very dignified manner, but withoutostentation, and, calling to his aid an interpreter, proceeded to replyto the opening address. He began his speech by expressing thanks, onbehalf of himself and people, that the "Big Missionary" had come oncemore to see them. He next referred to the good work that had beenperformed by the Missionary, and the special blessing of God upon hispeople. And in conclusion, he reported the items of business they hadconsidered, and the action taken in each case. If anything further wasdesired at any time, it was always presented in a most respectfulmanner. In this case it was represented that they needed some repairs onthe Church, and a bell, and they desired that the Missionary might bepermitted to go abroad and raise the necessary funds. Permission wasgranted, and the Missionary, taking several fine singers of the Nationwith him, went to New York, Boston, and other places, and secured theneeded help. 

At the close of the public services came the hand shaking. TheMissionary understood the matter and detained me in the Altar for amoment, Commencing with the ladies and ending with the children, everyperson in the Church came forward and shook hands with the Elder. 

I was greatly pleased with "Chief Jake. " He was a man of stalwart frame, standing with head and shoulders above the people around him. That giantframe supported a large head, adorned by an expressive face. Hismovement was dignified simply because he was a born nobleman, and didnot know how to appear other than like a prince. He was benevolent andtender to all who were trying to do right, but he was a terror toevil-doers. Standing for his people or the rights of the oppressed, hewas absolutely invincible. 

Brother Requa entered the Conference in 1847, after having been employedone year as second preacher at Waupun. He was appointed to Brothertownin 1847, to Lowell in 1848, and Fond du Lac in 1849, Here his healthpartially failed, and, in consequence, he was sent to Oneida. From thefirst, Brother Requa attracted attention as a Preacher. The first time Iheard him was at the Camp-Meeting at Sun Prairie, in the summer of 1846. He had only recently been converted, and was now called out to exhort atthe close of a sermon. He had been known in the community as an Infidel, which greatly increased the interest felt by all when he arose to speak. But the first utterance of his eloquent tongue, so full of feeling andso decided in its tone, disarmed all criticism. As he advanced, he threwoff restraint, until he was master of himself and the congregation. Once free, he seemed to lose sight of all but the condition of aperishing world. With lost men he reasoned, expostulated, entreated, until it seemed that the whole audience was moving towards the Altar. 

While at Oneida, as before stated, he went East to raise funds for theMission. Wherever he went, he was recognized as a man of rare eloquence. Throngs followed him from Church to Church, and, as might be expected, his mission was a great success. On his return with the bell, the peoplewere overjoyed. For the first week after it was hung in the steeple, itwas kept going, almost night and day. The friends came from every partof the reservation, and no one was satisfied until his own hand pulledthe rope. And so high did the enthusiasm run that one man said, "As soonas we get able, we will put one on every house in Oneida. " After BrotherRequa left Oneida, he served one year as Agent of Lawrence University, and was specially engaged in raising an Indian Scholarship Fund. Hisappointments subsequently were: Janesville, Fond du Lac District, Oshkosh, Sheboygan Falls, Sheboygan, Brandon and Ripon. In March, 1865, his second year at Ripon, he went as a Delegate of the ChristianCommission to the army. His field of labor was Little Rock, Ark. Whilehere he was taken ill with the chronic diarrhoea, and on the 19th of Maydeparted to his home above. During his illness, he was attended by hisold friend, Brother A. B. Randall. Just before he died, he requested hisattendant to bear this message to his brethren of the WisconsinConference: "Tell them that Henry Requa died at his post. " He thenadded, "Take my ashes back to be interred among my brethren. I havelabored with them for twenty years past, trying to preach Jesus. Mypresent acceptance with God is a great comfort to me now. I am veryunworthy, but I believe there are some in glory who call me father. Inlooking over my whole life I cannot see an act upon which I would riskthe salvation of my soul; the best of them need washing in the blood ofJesus. I know I have a home in glory. How precious Jesus is. Jesus, Ilove thee for what thou hast done for me. I will praise thee forever. "

Brother Requa was a man of ardent temperament, and at times impulsive, but he was a true man and a faithful minister. His attachments werestrong and abiding. He loved the work in which he was engaged, and wasvery generally popular among the people. A born Radical, he was liableto push matters beyond what more conservative minds deemed wise, and itis possible that in some instances his extreme methods defeated hispurpose, but even then, no one questioned the rectitude of his heart. Inthe death of Brother Requa the Conference sustained a severe loss. Hisremains were interred in College Hill Cemetery, at Ripon. 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Fond du Lac District Continued. --Appleton. --Early History. --Rev. C. G. Lathrop--Lawrence University. --Incipient Stages. --Charter. --Trustees. Agent. --First Board of Instruction. --Buildings. --Faculty. --Rev. Dr. Cooke. --Rev. Dr. Cobleigh. --Rev. Dr. Mason. --Rev. Dr. Knox. --Rev. Dr. Steele. 

Leaving Oneida, I next visited Appleton, where I was kindly received byRev. C. G. Lathrop, the Pastor, and his good wife. Though three years hadscarcely passed since the echoes of the woodman's axe first rang throughthe forests of this locality, yet I found Appleton to be a village ofconsiderable pretensions. The location of Lawrence University at thispoint, and the great promise of business, given by its almostunparalleled water-power, had already drawn together an enterprisingcommunity. Good buildings had been erected, and the village was puttingon an air of thrift. 

The first sermon preached in Appleton, and probably in Outagamie County, was delivered by Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, Oct. 8, 1848, in a shanty occupiedby Brother John F. Johnson and family. The first class was formed byRev. A. B. Randall, the Pastor of Oshkosh circuit, whose charge includedAppleton, in February, 1849. The first members were Robert R. Bateman, Leader, Robert S. Bateman, Mary Bateman, Amelia Bateman, Electa Norton, Theresa Randall, L. L. Randall, J. F. Johnson and D. W. Briggs. BrotherRandall organized the first Sunday School in March, 1849, with Robert R. Bateman as Superintendent. 

The meetings were held in private houses until the Chapel of theInstitute was ready for use. They were held in the Chapel thereafteruntil the first Church was erected. In June, 1854, the corner-stone ofthe Church was laid by Edwin Atkinson, Dr. Edward Cooke officiating. Thelecture-room was occupied during the following winter, and the Churchwas dedicated by Dr. N. E. Cobleigh in June, 1855. 

The Quarterly Meeting, the first held in Appleton, was convened in theInstitute Chapel, Sept 27, 1851. The members of the Quarterly Conferencepresent were C. G. Lathrop, R. O. Kellogg, Jabez Brooks, D. L. Atwell, George E. Havens, Charles Levings, John Day, H. L. Blood, A. C. Darling, L. L. Randall, D. C. Weston, William Rork, and J. F. Johnson. The meetingwas well attended, and the services indicated a healthy spiritualcondition. 

Rev. Curtis G. Lathrop entered the Rock River Conference in 1842, andhis first appointment was Aztalan. Before coming to Appleton he had beenstationed at Lancaster, Oneida Indian Mission, Green Lake and FallRiver. After leaving Appleton his fields of labor have been Green Bay, Oneida, Indian Mission, Presiding Elder of Watertown District, Menasha, Neenah, Waupaca, Dartford, Fox Lake, Vinland and Randolph. He took asuperannuated relation in 1868, but during 1870 and 1871 he was able toserve as Chaplain of the Western Seaman's Friend Society, at WashingtonIsland. Having removed to Nebraska, he was made effective in 1874 andtransferred to the Nebraska Conference. 

Brother Lathrop is a man of vigorous mental endowments. He is an ablePreacher, has a reliable judgment, and possesses a kind spirit. He hatesshams and thoroughly detests the superficial. He never hangs out a flagto catch the popular breeze, and does not turn the prow of his craftdown the stream. His convictions are strong, but Curtis G. Lathrop isthe soul of integrity, and is most highly appreciated where best known. 

The Lawrence University, located at Appleton, deserves special notice, it being the first, and, at the present writing, the only school of theChurch within the bounds of the Conference. 

In the Spring of 1846, Rev. Wm. H. Sampson received a letter from H. Eugene Eastman, Esq. , of Green Bay, informing him that a gentleman inBoston, Mass. , proposed to donate ten thousand dollars to found a schoolin the West. And as the gentleman entertained an exalted opinion of theadaptations of the Methodist Church to the work contemplated, he wasauthorized to give the proposition that direction. The conditions onwhich the trust must be accepted were, that the School should be locatedon the Fox River between Neenah and Green Bay, and that an additionalten thousand dollars should be contributed by other parties. 

Brother Sampson submitted the proposition to the Conference, which metin August, and was instructed by that body to continue thecorrespondence, and, if possible, reduce the negotiations to adefinite form. 

In December following, Rev. Reeder Smith, who had been employed as Agentof the School at Albion, Mich. , came to Fond du Lac, bearing theproposition directly from Hon. Amos A. Lawrence, the gentleman referredto. Not finding Brother Sampson at home, he went down to Brothertown andsecured the co-operation of Rev. H. R. Colman in making an exploration ofthe Fox River. They went to Green Bay, thence to Kaukauna, and, accompanied by George W. Law, Esq. , thence to Grand Chute, the presentsite of Appleton. After looking over the grounds now constituting thecampus of the University, they passed on to Oshkosh, and thence toFond du Lac. 

Brother Sampson had now returned, and it was decided to hold a meetingin Milwaukee for consultation. The meeting was convened December 2 8th, 1846, and was composed of the following members of the Conference: Wm. H. Sampson, Henry R. Colman, Washington Wilcox, and Wm. M. D. Ryan. Tothese were added Reeder Smith, Geo. E. H. Day, and doubtless severalothers whose names I have not been able to learn. At this meeting aCharter was drafted for the Lawrence Institute, and Rev. Reeder Smithwas sent to Madison to lay it before the Legislature. The Charterreceived the signature of Gov. Dodge, Jan. 17, 1847, and the followinggentlemen were constituted the first Board of Trustees: Henry Dodge, Loyal H. Jones, Jacob L. Bean, Wm. H. Sampson, N. P. Talmadge, Henry R. Colman, H. S. Baird, Wm. Dutcher, M. C. Darling, M. L. Martin, Geo. E. H. Day, D. C. Vosburg, and Reeder Smith. 

The first meeting of the Board was to have been held in Fond du Lac, June 30, 1847, but as there was not a quorum present, the meeting wasadjourned to Sept. 3d. At this meeting the Board was duly organized bythe election of the following officers: Hon. M. C. Darling, President;Hon. N. P. Talmadge, First Vice President; H. S. Baird, Esq. , Second VicePresident; Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, Secretary, and Hon. Morgan L. Martin, Treasurer. Rev. Reeder Smith was appointed Agent. 

Geo. W. Law, Esq. , and Hon. John F. Mead now offered a donation ofthirty-one acres of land each, on condition that the Institute should belocated at Grand Chute. The offer was accepted, and the location wasmade, the name of the place being soon after changed to Appleton. In duetime the Law Tract was conveyed to the Trustees, but, by some strangemismanagement, to say the least, on the part of the Agent, the Mead landwas conveyed to another party, and it was lost to the Institute. 

At the Conference of 1848, Brother Sampson was appointed Principal, andwas expected to serve as Agent until the building to be erected wasready for occupancy. In pursuance of this arrangement he left Fond duLac, Sept. 7th, to enter upon his new field of operations. He took thesteamer to Neenah, and then obtained an Indian "Dug-out" for the balanceof the journey. As the craft carried no sail, he was compelled to puther before the "white ash breeze" across Lake Butte des Morts, and downthe river to the point of destination, his craft being nearly swamped bya gale on the Lake. 

On the 8th of September he began to cut a road to the grounds and clearthe brush from the campus, thereby making the beginning of both theInstitute and the city of Appleton. The lumber for the building of thePreparatory Department was purchased of Hon. M. L. Martin, and wasdelivered at Duck Creek. The timber was furnished by Col. H. L. Blood. Through the indomitable energy of Col. Blood and the co-operation of theagents, the building, seventy by thirty feet in size, and three storieshigh, was ready to receive students on the 12th day of November, 1849. 

The Faculty with which the school opened were Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, Principal, Rev. R. O. Kellogg, Professor of Ancient Languages, Mr. JamesM. Phinney, Professor of Mathematics, and Miss Emeline M. Crooker, Preceptress. The first catalogue, published in the fall of 1850, showeda list of one hundred and five students, which was certainly a verycreditable beginning. The name of the Institute was now changed toLawrence University. 

A record of the early years of struggle and sacrifice necessary to foundthe University would fill a volume, and cannot be given at length inthese pages. Having been a member of the Board for nearly a quarter of acentury, I could say much of the noble men who performed double serviceon half pay, but such a recital cannot here be given. 

Rev. Dr. Edward Cooke was installed President of the University June 29, 1853. At the same time the corner stone of the College building was laidby Hon. M. C. Darling, Rev. Alfred Bronson, D. D. , delivering the address. The edifice, a substantial stone structure, one hundred and twenty bysixty feet, and five stories high, was pushed forward to an earlycompletion by the untiring energy of the agents, Rev. J. S. Prescott andCol. H. L. Blood. For college purposes the building ranked among thefirst in the West. 

In both Students and Faculty Lawrence University has been fortunate fromthe beginning. As to the former, she has sent out not a fewrepresentative men to the several occupations of life, several of whomwill find mention in these pages. As to the latter, she has enjoyed thelabors of a class of instructors whose names have found an honorableplace in both the clerical and literary circles of the Commonwealth. 

Of Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, the first head of the Faculty, a record has beenmade in a former chapter, and it would afford me pleasure to refer atlength to the several members of the first Faculty, as also to all theProfessors who have followed, but I find it will be impossible to do soin these brief pages. 

Rev. Edward Cooke, D. D. , the first President, entered the New JerseyConference in 1843. He was a graduate of the Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. His first appointment was Principal of the PenningtonMale Seminary, N. J. In 1847 he was transferred to the New EnglandConference, and stationed at Saugus. His subsequent appointments wereUnion Church Charlestown, D. Street, Centenary, and Hanover, of Boston, Mass. He was transferred to the Wisconsin Conference in 1853, havingbeen elected President of the University. As a President he was verypopular, and during his administration of six years had the satisfactionto see the Institution rise from a feeble preparatory school to afull-fledged University. In addition to the ordinary duties of hisposition, he was largely concerned with the financial matters of theenterprise, but in every portion of the work Dr. Cooke showed greatwisdom, tact and devotion. And during his term he laid the friends ofeducation in the State under lasting obligations. 

After leaving the University, he was stationed at Summerfield Church, Milwaukee, but, returning to Boston at the close of his term, he waselected Principal of the Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. , where hehas enjoyed great success in his administration. Dr. Cooke is a man offine presence, and a good Preacher. Genial in spirit, full of anecdoteand well read, he is very companionable. He has a multitude of friendsin Wisconsin. 

Rev. Nelson E. Cobleigh, D. D. , was elected Professor in 1854. He wasalso a graduate of the Wesleyan University. On coming West, he was firstelected Professor in the McKendree College, Ill. , from which position hecame to Appleton. His first visit to these "northern wilds, " asAppleton was then called, was a memorable one. It was a Commencementoccasion, and in connection with the other exercises, the annualMissionary Meeting was held. Under the leadership of Dr. Cooke, BrotherCobleigh was appointed to deliver one of the addresses. There were threespeakers appointed as usual, and the second place was assigned to Dr. Cobleigh and the last to Dr. Cooke. The first speech, brief and to thepoint, was made, and as Chairman I introduced Dr. Cobleigh. The speechopened in a quiet, clear, and common-sense way, none expecting more thana good, average effort. But before the speaker had proceeded far, hissentences began to grow intense, and the blood began to shoot upward indeep, livid lines along the neck and face, and wreathe his forehead. Alleyes were turned upon him, and each hearer began to feel the kindlingsof a strange inspiration. But the speaker was lost to everything excepthis theme. He dashed on from one burning thought to another, carryinghis audience with him, in such storms of eloquence as had never beforeenchanted the walls of the University Chapel. 

At the expiration of a full hour, the great orator came to himself andresumed his seat, amid the shouts of the people. As soon as quietintervened, I introduced Dr. Cooke. The Doctor came forward and statedthat as the speakers had been limited to thirty minutes each, and as hisgood friend, Dr. Cobleigh, had used an hour, without any fault of hisown, however, as he could not help it, he would not attempt to make aspeech himself, but would adopt the last half of the last speech, whichwas infinitely better than he could do if he were to speak. The fineturn of the Doctor was taken with a good zest. 

After serving the University several years, Dr. Cobleigh went back toMcKendree College as President. He next served as Editor of Zion'sHerald, in Boston, then was President of our College in Tennessee, andat the last General Conference he was elected editor of the Advocate atAtlanta, Ga. But his work was soon finished, and he passed on to jointhe great and good who have entered the Heavenly gates. 

Dr. R. Z. Mason came to the University as a Professor in 1855, andcontinued to hold this position until the resignation of Dr. Cooke, whenhe succeeded to the Presidency. He remained at this post until theelection of Dr. Steele, when he entered upon business pursuits inAppleton. The Presidency of Dr. Mason was distinguished by great anxietyand severe labor. Like the Presidents who went before, and those whohave followed, he was greatly burdened with the financial management. The several schemes which had been adopted to secure an Endowment Fundfor the University, had not fully met expectations, and in consequence, an indebtedness had been incurred. To lift this incumbrance became thespecial concern of President Mason. He traveled over the State, visitingthe charges in person, and taking subscriptions wherever they could beobtained. And I am happy to say that through his great ability in thisdirection, and his unbounded persistence, the work was carried forwardto a grand success. 

Rev. Loren L. Knox, D. D. , was another member of the Faculty. BrotherKnox had also given the greater portion of his life to educational work. His successful administration of the interests of leading institutionsof learning in the East had fully prepared the Board to expect in him avaluable accession to the Faculty, and they were not disappointed. Hewas found to be a thorough scholar, a wise and careful instructor, anda Christian gentleman of the highest and purest style. After leaving theUniversity, Dr. Knox did good service in the pulpit for several years, but, finally, his health so far failed that he was compelled to take asuperannuated relation. At the present writing he is residing atEvanston, where he is giving such attention to literary work as he findshimself able to perform. 

Rev. Geo. M. Steele, D. D. , the President of the University at thispresent time, is a man of fine literary attainments, an ableadministrator, a superior preacher, and a writer of pronouncedreputation. He is also a graduate of Middletown, and has hadconsiderable experience as an instructor. He was elected President ofthe University in 1865, and has more than met the highest expectationsof the Board. In addition to his duties at the head of the Faculty, hehas given his personal attention largely to the financial interests ofthe Institution. In this particular he has achieved a grand work, bothin managing the current expenditures, and in increasing the EndowmentFund. The Doctor is a great acquisition to the University, and is highlyesteemed by his brethren. The Conference have delighted to honor him inall appropriate ways, and especially in sending him to both GeneralConferences which have occurred since he became a member of the body. 

Having thus paid our respects to Appleton and the University, we areprepared to pass on to other fields. To complete the round there weretwo charges yet to visit, but as these will claim our attentionhereafter I need not refer to them now, except to give an incident thattranspired at the Quarterly Meeting held on one of them. 

The meeting was held in a school house. The new schoolteacher, a niceyoungster, concluded to lead the singing. Gathering a few young peoplearound him, and displaying a tuning-fork, he was ready for the servicesto begin. I gave the hymn commencing, "Come, Holy Spirit, Heavenly Dove. "

When I had finished the reading, the chorister arose with superlativedignity, and gave the key. Unfortunately, the choir dropped a tone ortwo too low, and the first verse was sung at that disadvantage. Discovering the blunder, the key was again given, but the singers werenow getting nervous, and instead of rising, they went still lower, asthey sang, "Look how we grovel here below. "

Certainly the chariot wheels of Pharaoh did not roll more heavily thanthe numbers from that orchestra. I remembered old Balerma, and feltdeeply for them. But our young knight of the tuning-fork was not to bevanquished. With a dash he brought the fork down upon the desk, and gavethe key again. But alas! for all human expectations! The choir droppeddown to a dead monotone, as they went on with the next verse:

 "In vain we tune our formal songs, In vain we strive to rise; Hosannas languish on our tongues, And our devotion dies. "

Both the choir and congregation felt a relief when the Minister said, "Let us pray. "

Having completed the first round of the District, I returned to Fond duLac to begin the second. But it is not my purpose to give the details ofeach round or year, as the labors of a Presiding Elder are toomonotonous to furnish a record that would be entertaining to thegeneral reader. 

CHAPTER XV. 

Fond du Lac District Continued. --Baraboo Conference. --Lodi CampMeeting. --Fall River. --Revival at Appleton. --Rev. Elmore Yocum. --Revivalat Sheboygan Falls. --Revival at Fond du Lac. --Rev. E. S. Grumley. --Revival at Sheboygan. --Rev. N. J. Aplin. --Camp-Meeting atGreenbush. --Rev. A. M. Hulce. --Results of the Year. --JanesvilleConference. --Omro. Rev. Dr. Golden. --The Cowhams. --QuarterlyMeeting. --My Father's Death. --Close of the Term. 

The Conference of 1852 was held at Fond du Lac, Sept. 1st, and waspresided over by Bishop Ames. This was the first Conference held by thegood Bishop after his election to his high office. The visit was alsothe first the good people of Northern Wisconsin had enjoyed from aBishop of the Church. Both parties appeared delighted with theacquaintance. 

On the Sabbath preceding the session of the Conference, the new Churchin the upper town was dedicated by the Bishop, the preachers of theConference generally being in attendance. 

At this Conference I performed my first labor in the Cabinet. I felt theresponsibility to be one of great gravity, but sought to bear it in thefear of God. In fact, the adjustment of the appointments had been thesubject of careful thought and earnest prayer during the last threemonths of the year. From the first I felt that the adjustment of theMinisters and their work required the nicest discrimination and the mostabsolute self-abnegation. Resolving to discharge my duty fearlessly, andyet fully in the spirit of the Golden Rule, I entered upon theresponsibility. Whether I succeeded or not, is a matter I have referredto the day when "The Books" shall be opened. 

There were but few changes made in the appointments in the District, asI then cherished, as I have since, the conviction that changes, otherthan by limitation, should only be made for grave reasons. 

Fond du Lac was divided into two charges, Rev. M. Himebaugh, of whom arecord has been made, being sent to the North Ward, and Rev. Ezra Tuckerto the South Ward. The year in both charges was generally prosperous. 

Brother Tucker was a new man in the work, and entered upon his laborswith great zeal. Having the new Church, and the inspiration usuallyexperienced in such cases, he was encouraged with an extraordinarypromise of success, but before the expiration of the year he fell sick, and was compelled to suspend his labors. After resting two years he wasagain able to resume work. He filled several appointments thereafter inthe Wisconsin Conference, and then removed to Minnesota, where, on bothstations and Districts, he has rendered effective service. 

Rev. Jabez Brooks was appointed to Oshkosh, but as he was still neededin the Professorship he had formerly held in the Lawrence University, Ichanged his appointment. Brother Brooks subsequently filled out thebalance of Brother Tucker's year at Fond du Lac, and was then stationedat Jackson Street, Milwaukee. He was subsequently made President of theHamline University, and at the present writing is Professor in the StateUniversity of Minnesota. Dr. Brooks, for such is his present title, is aprime man in every respect. Scholarly, logical, clear-headed, kind-hearted and diligent, he is a general favorite, wherever known. 

During this year a Camp-Meeting was held on the District. The groundselected was Father Bower's Grove, on the east shore of Lake Butte desMorts, six miles above Oshkosh. The meeting was held June 8th, 1853. Theattendance was good, there being ten tents on the ground, and there werefifty conversions. 

The year closed pleasantly, and on my way to the Conference, to be heldat Baraboo, Aug. 31st, I attended a Camp-Meeting at Lodi. The meetinghad been appointed with a view to intercept the Bishop and the Preacherson their way to the Conference. The attendance was large and the meetingspirited. Bishop Scott came early in the week, and before Friday nightthere were not less than sixty-five Preachers in attendance. Afterpreaching twice, the Bishop left on Saturday, as he was to dedicate thenew Church in Baraboo on the Sabbath. As it was desirable also for thePresiding Elder to go forward with the Bishop, I was requested to remainand take charge of the Camp-Meeting until Monday. I consented oncondition that the Bishop would take the clergy with him to thededication. I selected a few men from the Fond du Lac District, and afew others from the vicinity of the meeting to remain with me, and thebalance mostly went with the Bishop. 

The change in the state of affairs, as I anticipated, was feltimmediately. The Laity, who must always form the basis of a successfulmeeting, now came forward and took hold of the work. On Saturday nightthe Spirit fell on the people in great power. Before the conclusion ofthe sermon it was manifest that there would be, to change the reference, an abundance of rain. In the Prayer Meeting which followed, not lessthan thirty souls were converted. On Sabbath the meeting went forwardwith great spirit. But the climax was not reached until Sabbath evening, when, at the close of a sermon by Brother Himebaugh, the whole audienceseemed to respond to the invitations of the Gospel. The Altar wasthronged and the adjacent seats were filled far back into thecongregation. It was impossible to tell how many were forward asseekers, or how many were converted, but those immediately engaged inthe work, expressed the belief that not less than one hundred personspassed into the Kingdom of Grace. 

The meeting had now received such momentum that it was impossible toclose it on Monday. It was put in charge of brethren who were notimmediately needed at the Conference, and was continued nearly theentire week. 

On this trip to the Conference, I was permitted to enjoy thecompanionship of Rev. N. J. Aplin, who rendered signal service in themeeting on the Sabbath. 

The Conference at Baraboo was one of unusual interest. The greetings ofthe Preachers were cordial, as they always are where persons makesacrifices and put forth labor in a common cause. It was the first visitof Bishop Scott to the Conference, and his urbanity and self-sacrificinglabors endeared him to all. The business of the Conference was done inthe spirit of the Master, but an unhappy trial made the session a veryprotracted one. This being the second year of my Presiding Eldership, the Disciplinary limit required several removals, but I need not givethem in detail, as they can be ascertained, if desirable, by consultingthe Minutes. 

On our return from the Conference we reached Fall River on Saturdayevening, and remained there over the Sabbath. On arriving at the forksof the roads on the crown of the prairie, the several Preachers who werein company halted for a proper distribution among the good people. Rev. A. P. Allen, the inimitable joker, who had served as Pastor on thecharge, installed himself master of ceremonies, and proceeded to divideup the company. After assigning the balance to their respectivequarters, he said, "Now, I guess the young Presiding Elder and the oldPastor had better go to Aunt Martha's, as that is the place where theydo up the chicken-fixings scientifically. " We were delightfullyentertained by Rev. E. J. Smith and family, with whom, it will beremembered, I became acquainted in 1845. On Sabbath morning, accompaniedby Brother and Sister Smith and their daughters, now Mrs. Pedrick andMrs. Coe, of Ripon, we attended religious services at the school housein Fall River, where the serving fell to the lot of the writer. 

At the beginning of the new year, special attention was given to thefinances in the several charges. And during the first round the work wasplanned for the winter campaign. Fixing on the localities where I couldrender special assistance to the Pastors, it was arranged to commencethe services with the Quarterly Meetings, and if the work should requiremore than the following week, I could return after the succeedingQuarterly Meeting had been held. 

The first meeting was held at Appleton, Rev. Elmore Yocum being thePastor. This noble man, one of the excellent of the earth, came to theConference in 1849 by transfer from the North Ohio Conference, and wasappointed Presiding Elder of the Platteville District. At the close ofhis term, he was stationed at Appleton, where his family could enjoyspecial educational advantages. At the end of two years he was madePresiding Elder of the Appleton District, and at the close of his termwent to the West Wisconsin Conference, as he had become identified withthe Educational Institution at Point Bluff. Both as Pastor and PresidingElder Brother Yocum was deservedly popular. 

The meeting at Appleton awakened intense interest. The good work grewupon our hands from day to day, until the business of the village waslargely suspended during the hours of religious service. All classesfell under the good influence, and both students and citizens shared inthe result. One hundred and thirty souls were converted. 

The next meeting was held at Sheboygan Falls. As I drove into thevillage, the severest storm of the winter was raging, and by Sabbathmorning the snow was two feet in depth. During the following night thewinds piled it into drifts that made the roads nearly impassable. Whatwas to be done? The prospect certainly looked dubious. But it occurredto me that a little preparation for the meeting would be of service, andthis could now be done before the crowd should rush in upon us. Wedecided to go on. Illustrating the saying, "Where there's a will there'sa way, " the good people opened the streets in the village, and a smallcongregation was brought together. The Spirit of God came down in sweet, melting influences, and, under the Divine inspiration, the faith of theChurch grew strong. Before the end of the week the place was filled, andsouls were being converted. 

The Pastor was Rev. R. W. Barnes. And as soon as the meeting was wellestablished, the Pastors of the other Churches, Rev. Mr. Marsh, of theCongregational, and Rev. Mr. Lull, of the Baptist, came in with theirpeople. They were received cordially, and set at work as opportunityoffered. Besides these, several of our own Laymen gave themselves almostwholly to the work. Among these, Rev. L. Cheeseman, a Local Preacher, and E. T. Bond, Esq. , a merchant, deserve special mention. Too muchcannot be said in praise of these lay workers and the Church generally. With their Pastor, they were instant in season and out of season. Afterthe regular labor of the evening was concluded, it was no uncommon thingfor them to organize a second meeting for such of the seekers as had notobtained a satisfactory evidence of conversion. Here, in prayer andChristian Conference, they would labor until midnight, and in someinstances until the dawn of day. The shout of victory usually signalledthe close of the meeting. A more thorough work than this I neverwitnessed. I left the meeting twice before its close to attend to mywork elsewhere, and was brought back by a messenger. During the meetingone hundred and fifty souls professed conversion, and among them wereboth men and women, who have since shown themselves to be valiantsoldiers for Prince Immanuel. 

The next meeting was held in the South Ward charge, Fond du Lac. ThePastor, Rev. E. S. Grumley, who had been appointed to the charge at therecent Conference, entered the North Ohio Conference in 1842. He hadbeen stationed at Lower Sandusky, Bucyrus, Ashland, Shanesville, OhioCity, Tiffin, Sandusky City and Norwalk. Since his transfer to theConference in 1851, he had been two years at Council Hill. After fillinghis term in Fond du Lac he was, for a full term, Presiding Elder onRacine District. After leaving the District he continued to holdrespectable appointments until 1871, when his health failed and he wascompelled to take a superannuated relation. 

Brother Grumley was a man of small frame and apparently of feeblehealth, yet he was able to do effective work to the last. He had asound head, and a heart equally sound. He was a good Preacher, and asuperior Pastor. Revivals usually attended his labors, and he was alwayshighly esteemed by the people. 

The meeting at Fond du Lac immediately followed the one at SheboyganFalls. With my family I left the latter place in time to reach Fond duLac at noon on Saturday. But through detention I was just driving intothe city as the bell was ringing for the service. Hastily caring for myhorse, I went immediately to the Church. Before the services wereconcluded, I saw evident assurances that the Pastor had been makingcareful preparation for the work before us. The opening sermon wasaddressed to the Church, and found a ready and hearty response. Beforethe Quarterly Meeting had passed, it was manifest that a gloriousrevival was impending. Seekers of religion came to the Altar and found aprepared Church to lead them to Christ. The meeting went on from nightto night, and before the end of the week, each night brought scores ofseekers. The good Pastor was now at home. In prayer, in exhortation, andin labor at the side of the seeker, he was a tower of strength. Amongthe laity there were also several excellent laborers, who renderedvaluable services in the meeting. The revival reached all classes, fromyouth to old age, and gave to the Church many reliable accessions. 

At the beginning, sister Churches joined largely in the meeting, but asthe work extended among their people, they opened meetings at their ownplaces of worship. The change, however, did not check the revival. Itswept on through the community, and all the Churches shared in theharvest of souls. 

During this year Sheboygan was also favored with a revival. Rev. N. J. Aplin, the Pastor, came to Wisconsin during the previous year. He camefrom Western New York, where he had been engaged in business, bringing anote of introduction from Rev. Moses Miller, my uncle, who had been forseveral years his neighbor. I employed him at once, for the balance ofthe year, at Charlestown, a new charge that I had just formed. He wasadmitted on trial at the ensuing Conference, and appointed to Sheboygan. 

After leaving Sheboygan, Brother Aplin's appointments have been:Manitowoc, Waukesha, Brookfield, Watertown, Beaver Dam, Oconomowoc, Berlin, Geneva, Sun Prairie, Sharon, and Clemensville. At the last namedplace, he is still rendering the cause effective service. Brother Aplinhas been a successful man, and has seen, at various times, extensiverevivals under his labors. He is a man who "seeks not his own but thethings of Christ. "

At Sheboygan he was assisted in his meeting by Fay H. Purdy, Esq. , ofPalmyra, N. Y. , with whom he had enjoyed an acquaintance in the East. Brother Purdy had already become distinguished as the "LawyerEvangelist. " Under the united labors of these devoted and earnest men, there was a great quickening in the Church, and though the population ofthe town was largely German, there was an accession to the Church offorty members. 

It was during this Conference year the celebrated Greenbush Camp Meetingwas held. The meeting was held in June, 1854. The people came in greatnumbers, and many of them were fresh from their revivals at home. Oninvitation, Brother Purdy came to the meeting and brought with him, fromWestern New York, Rev. Amos Hard, Seth H. Woodruff, Esq. , and severalothers. The meeting was one of great power. Large numbers of professingChristians entered into a new consecration to God, and many soulsprofessed conversion. Throughout the week, the meetings continued toincrease in spiritual interest, but culminated in the services of Sundaynight. After the close of the sermon, seekers were invited to the Altar. Then followed prayers, singing, and Christian testimony withoutintermission, until the morning light broke upon the encampment. Theprayers of the penitent and the shouts of the saved greeted every hourof the night. The voices of prayer and song did not cease until themeeting was closed on Monday. 

Nor did the formal closing of the services in the grove close themeeting. It was now adjourned to the school house in the village, wherethe services were continued with unflagging interest. But there now camean interchange of labor. Whenever it was necessary to look afterdomestic affairs, the meeting was left in the hands of others, and onreturning its duties were again resumed. Thus by these changes there wasno cessation of the meeting throughout Monday, Monday night, and aportion of the following day. This meeting is still referred to withgreat interest by those who were permitted to participate in itsthrilling exercises. 

The Pastor of Greenbush at this time was Rev. A. M. Hulce. He was a youngman in the work, having been received into the Conference at its lastsession. Both himself and good lady were fully engaged in the work, andgreatly assisted in perfecting the arrangements for the meeting. BrotherHulce was a well-read man, a good thinker, and earnestly devoted to hiswork, but his health was not equal to the toil and exposures of theItinerancy. After laboring a few years he was compelled to retire to thelocal ranks, in which position he still holds an honorable place. 

Other charges than those mentioned also shared in the revivals of theyear, giving a net result for the District of nearly one thousandconversions. My labors throughout the year were severe, making anaverage of nearly seven sermons per week. 

The Conference for 1854 was held at Janesville, and I was returned tothe District for a fourth year. Several changes of Ministers were made, several new fields were opened, and six new men were brought intothe District. 

Omro was one of the charges to claim my attention at the beginning ofthis year. It had now assumed considerable importance, it being the homeof the Brother Cowhams. James M. , the elder, was the Recording Steward, ranking among the most efficient I have ever known, and John M. , theyounger, was a leading spirit in all Church work, becoming subsequentlya Local Preacher of most excellent standing. 

The Pastor of the charge was Rev. T. C. Golden, who entered theConference in 1850, and had been stationed at Cascade and SheboyganFalls. He was a man of mark. Of a vigorous mental development andlogical cast, he early became an able Preacher and commanded a leadingplace in the Conference. After leaving Omro, he was stationed in Fond duLac. He was then transferred to the West Wisconsin Conference, andstationed at La Crosse, after which he served several years as PresidingElder with great acceptability. At the present writing he is a PresidingElder in the Upper Iowa Conference. Dr. Golden, for such is his presenttitle, has made a most gratifying record. 

A Quarterly Meeting held at Brother John M. Cowham's during this year, is remembered with great pleasure. This dear Brother had built both ahouse and a barn of large dimensions, and the meeting, to be held inthe latter, awakened general interest throughout the circuit, bringingtogether a multitude of people. Every house in the neighborhood wasfilled with guests, and the balance, not less than fifty in number, wereentertained at what was called the Cowham Mansion. But great as was theoutpouring of the people, the manifestations of the Spirit were stillmore extraordinary. Under the preaching of the Word, the Holy Ghost fellon the people. The shout of redeemed souls and the cry of penitents, "What shall I do to be saved?" commingled strangely together. And yet, out of the apparent discord, there came the sweetest harmony. The minorstrains were lost in the rapturous paeans of the major movement, as eachseeking soul received "the new song. " The days of the Fathers seemed tohave returned to the Church, when, under the Pentecostal baptism, believers fell to the floor, and multitudes were saved in a day. 

It was during this year that I was called to experience a severe trialin the death of my dear father, which occurred on the 30th day of May, 1855. After remaining at Waupun six years, he removed, in 1850, toWaupaca, where he purchased the lands comprising the site of the presentvillage, laid out the town and erected a lumber mill. Soon after hisarrival he opened religious services, preaching the first sermon andorganizing the first class. In due time, others came to his assistance, and a small Church was built. Waupaca having been taken into the regularwork, my father now visited the adjacent neighborhoods and establishedreligious meetings, preaching usually two or three times on the Sabbath. Not a few of these early appointments ultimately became the nucleus ofindependent charges. 

My father's illness was brief. In the latter part of the winter he metme at my Quarterly Meeting at Oshkosh, but, to the regret of the people, he was unable to preach. He felt that his work was nearly done, and inreferring to the matter, said: "I have no occasion to feel anxious aboutit, since, through Divine help, I have been permitted to preach, on anaverage, about two sermons a week for thirty years. " I visited him twoweeks before his death, and found his mind tranquil and his Faithunwavering. When I enquired as to his state of mind, he said, "It islike a sunbeam of glory. " He continued in the same satisfactory frame, until he passed over the river to join the white-robed throng in theHeavenly realm. The multitudes who gathered with tearful eyes around hisgrave, gave but a fitting expression of their high appreciation of anoble life. 

The labors of my first term as Presiding Elder were now drawing to aclose. Though my labors had been arduous, yet such had been the kindnessand co-operation of both Preachers and people, I felt an interest inthem. During the four years the District had nearly doubled itsstrength, and was now ready for a division. 

Feeling that it was due to myself, being so young a man, and due to theChurch also, that I should now go back to station work, I favored at theConference a resolution asking the Bishop to appoint no man to aDistrict for a second term until there had been an intervening serviceof two years on circuits or stations. The action of the Conferencedoubtless, sent me to a station instead of a District. 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Conference of 1855. --The New Departure. --Mission Committee. --The SlaveryControversy. --Triumph of Freedom. --Wisconsin Conference Rule. ConferenceReport. --Election of Delegates. --Appointed to Racine. --Detention. --TheRemoval to the New Charge. --Stage, Dray, and Steamboat. --New Bus Line. 

The Conference for 1855 was held at Racine on the 29th day of August, and was presided over by Bishop Janes. During the session I wasquartered with Rev. Moses Adams, a superannuated member of the BlackRiver Conference. 

The business of the Conference was transacted with the usual dispatch, and there were only two items which engrossed unusual attention. Thesewere the distribution of the missionary appropriations and the electionof delegates to the General Conference. 

As to the first, a new departure was made in the organization of theCommittee on Missions. The Presiding Elders of the Conference had beenhitherto appointed on this Committee. But now a few restless spirits, who fancied that, as seen from their limited opportunities to judgecorrectly, the appropriations had not been judiciously made during thepast few years, determined to appoint this Committee from among thePastors. The Elders, well knowing that the farcical proceeding would intime come to naught, concluded to offer no opposition to the movement. The Committee was accordingly appointed and proceeded to the dischargeof its duties. At the first meeting, however, it was found that theCommittee was unable to proceed for want of information. At the nextmeeting, to remedy this difficulty, the brethren who had occupiedMission fields the previous year were invited to be present. Thismeasure was found to afford only a partial relief, as these brethrenknew nothing of the border territory that ought now to be organized intonew fields. The next move was to ask all the Pastors to meet theCommittee at the next session. To afford room to accommodate theCommittee and its invited guests, the audience room of the Church wasappropriated for an entire afternoon. Here the great work of theCommittee was entered upon in right good earnest, with the specialchampions of the movement as managers of the exhibition. 

But now, alas! for the success of the meeting, there was too much light. At once a large number of fields that had been supposed to beself-supporting was brought forward, and their respectiverepresentatives were so successful in setting forth their feeble andhelpless condition, that many of them were entered upon the list by theCommittee as Missions. The question as to the number of Missions havingbeen settled, the next thing in order was the amount of money thatshould be given to each. 

From the information already received, the amounts were jotted downbriskly until the entire list had been gone over. The footings were nowmade, and to the Committee the result was appalling. They hadappropriated three times the amount of money at their disposal. Thencame the rub, which had been so often experienced by the PresidingElders. The Missions must be cut down in two ways. First, all that couldpossibly manage to get through the year without aid must be struck offthe list, and then such as remain will need to be cut down to thelowest possible figure. But still brave, our Committee would not seetheir impending defeat, and proceeded at once to the labor ofcutting down. 

One of the champions had been a surgeon in his time, and had cut humanflesh with becoming recklessness, but now he, as well as the entireCommittee, struck a new experience. To strike Missions off the list, andcut down the appropriations to others, is comparatively an easy task inthe quiet and secluded confines of a committee room, but to do either inthe presence of the very men who expected to occupy those fields thecoming year, and who knew the poverty of the people, was quite anotherthing. The flood-gates of speech-making had been opened by theCommittee, and it was now impossible to close them. The balance of theafternoon was given to stormy debate, and into what disorder the meetingmight have drifted, if the coming evening had not made its appearance, it is impossible to conjecture. 

The next day the Committee took another new departure, and invited thePresiding Elders, who had studied these matters and looked the groundcarefully over for a whole year, before them. The Committee were nowable to complete their labors and make such a report as had usually beenpresented to the Conference. But the Conference became fully satisfiedthat this experiment needed no duplicate, and, for years after, themention of the "Committee of the Whole on Missions, " did not fail toexcite mirth. 

Early in the session, the election of delegates to the GeneralConference occurred. As I was too young to be thought of in thatconnection, I was permitted to sit quietly and take notes. The onlyissue of any great importance in the election was the slavery question. And as this institution had already been put in issue in the generalelections of the country, it could not well be left out on thisoccasion. So it was made the chief subject of discussion. To be athorough-going anti-slavery man was the stubborn test of qualificationsfor a delegate. And that there might be no mistake on this point, it wasdeemed advisable to have an able committee present to the body as aplatform a report that should make the absolute prohibition of slaveryits chief plank. But before I make further reference to the report itwill not be amiss to refer briefly to the subject of slavery in itsrelations to the Church. 

At the organization of the Church in this country, and for yearsthereafter, the testimony she gave against American Slavery was distinctand unequivocal. Both the Ministers and people were agreed that theInstitution was, as Mr. Wesley was pleased to call it, "The sum of allvillanies. " Agreeing in this, they further believed that, as a relic ofbarbarism, it would soon pass away. Under this conviction they hardlydeemed it necessary to enter up any very stringent enactments againstit, save that it might be well as a temporary arrangement to providethat there should be no traffic in slaves. Under such a regulationmatters passed on for a term of years. But in due time it was found thatthe tendency of events was not altogether satisfactory. 

At the outset, the Church had been planted in the central portion of theAtlantic States, and had then grown rapidly southward, giving thebalance of power to the Conferences where slavery existed. At thisjuncture, also, by a remarkable change in the commercial affairs of thecountry, the cotton crop of the South began to find an increasing demandand appreciate in value, thereby giving an increased value to slavelabor. With this change came at once the multiplication of slaves andlarge returns. To own slaves and cultivate cotton now became the rulinginspiration of the people. 

At the first the Church stoutly opposed the insetting tide, but as thewaves of commercial life grew strong and swept around her, the power ofresistance grew more feeble from year to year, until finally some of herown people began to plead extenuation and even tolerance. The conflictwas now open, and the result seemed questionable. With the conscience ofthe Southern portion of the Church asleep or dormant, the anti-slaveryside of the issue came finally to depend upon the Church in the Northfor statement and defence. 

At this stage of the conflict the controversy became sectional, theSouth upholding and the North seeking to remove the evil. Thus thecontest raged for years, until the South, growing strong on herill-gotten gains, and arrogant from her success with the supple-kneedpoliticians of the North, put the Church in the North upon the defensiveby demanding toleration, if not actual adoption. The issue was made intrying to foist upon the whole Church a slave holding Episcopacy. Thislast act was the feather, if such it might be called, that broke thecamel's back. 

The effort was thwarted by the North only through the timely aid of afew of the Central Conferences. At this the South took offence, as iswell known, and seceded, carrying with them more than half a million ofmembers and a portion of the Church property. To secure the latter, itis true, long and bitter litigations followed the separation. And it isgenerally accepted in the North that the decision which gave it to theSouth took its shape from the political complexion at the time of theSupreme Court of the United States. 

It was now thought that the question of slavery was put to rest. Butalas! for human foresight. It still remained that the General Rules, which permitted members to hold slaves, provided they did not "buy orsell, " had not been changed. And it was soon found that the awakenedconscience of the North could not rest until the last vestige of thenefarious institution was swept from the Church. Agitations, therefore, followed, and each succeeding General Conference found this question tobe still the troubler of Israel. Nor was the question left alone to thecare of the General Conference. Each annual Conference was alsoagitated by it. 

But it was evident to all that a serious embarrassment must be overcometo secure a change of the General Rules. The Constitution of the Churchhas a provision which, to effect a change, requires a two-thirds vote inthe General Conference, and a three-fourths vote in all the AnnualConferences. To obtain the requisite vote with these provisions, it willbe seen, can only be realized on such questions as can command greatunanimity of sentiment. If the entire South had gone off in theseparation, the trouble would have been at an end, but, as we have seen, the border Conferences remained with their brethren of the North, andaided them in fighting the first battle with the slave power. 

But now, when the question of a change of rule was brought forward, theytook the other side, and in doing so were able to furnish enough votesto defeat the proposed measure. And the question, which was nowagitating the Annual Conference, was the framing of such a rule as wouldmeet the approval of the great body of the Church, and pass it along theline of the Conferences to secure their favorable consideration beforetaking it to the General Conference. 

At the preceding session of the Wisconsin Conference such a rule hadbeen framed and sent on its way to the several Conferences to obtaintheir approval. This was called the "Wisconsin Conference Rule, " andread as follows: "The buying, selling, or holding of a human being as aslave. " This rule received very general favor among the NorthernConferences, but was rejected of course by those lying along the border. 

At the Conference now in session in Racine, as before stated, a reportwas submitted touching this matter. And it was intended to so set forththe sentiment of the Conference as to make it a test of eligibility inthe election. I subjoin an extract from the resolutions adopted:

"<i>Resolved, </i> That we contemplate with feelings of deep humility andsorrow before God, that the M. E. Church has any connection with thesystem of American Slavery, and that we will not cease our efforts forextirpation until the last ligament is severed. "

"<i>Resolved, </i> That we record with gratitude, the favor with which the'New Rule, ' proposed by our Conference at its last session, has met inso many of the Conferences in which it has been acted upon, and webelieve that the principle involved in it is the standard at which theChurch should and will soon arrive. "

"<i>Resolved, </i> That whether or not the next General Conference adopt it asa substitute for our present General Rule on Slavery, we earnestlyrequest that body to so modify the Chapter on Slavery as to prevent theadmission of any slaveholder into the M. E. Church, and secure theexclusion of all who are now members, if they will not, after due labor, emancipate their slaves. "

This report was adopted with remarkable unanimity, but when the vote wastaken for delegates, it so happened that at least two of the men who hadbeen most clamorous in its support, failed to secure an election. Thisresult, however, did not come from a real difference in sentiment onthe main question, but from a desire to send to the General Conference adelegation that would not defeat the desired end by a manifestation ofzeal without prudence. The Chairman of the Committee, however, waselected to lead the delegation. The Delegates were P. S. Bennett, I. M. Leihy, Edward Cooke, Elmore Yocum and Chauncey Hobart. 

During the session of the Conference, a meeting of the principal membersof the Church and congregation at Racine was held, to take intoconsideration the condition and wants of the charge. The deliberationhad resulted in laying before the Presiding Bishop a request for theappointment of the writer. The appointment was accordingly made. But aremoval to the charge was attended with no little difficulty. 

During the latter part of the spring term of the Lawrence University, the typhoid fever appeared among the students, and in several instancesproved fatal. To prevent the like result in other cases, the inhabitantsopened their doors to receive sick students who could not be suitablycared for in the dormitories of the College. Four of these were taken byMrs. Miller, and, in every case, it was believed that their lives wereonly saved through her kind intervention and care. This kindness toothers, however, proved disastrous to her and the family. Before hercharge was well off her hands, she was herself attacked by the samemalignant disease. Then followed weeks of suffering on her part, and nota little interruption of my work as Presiding Elder, especiallyunfortunate in the closing part of the year. She passed down to theborders of the grave, and on two occasions the beating of the pulseseemed to cease, but in the good providence of God she was spared. Herreturn to health, however, was slow, and meantime her sister, now Mrs. Gov. C. K. Davis, of Minnesota, who resided with us at the time, wastaken with the same disease. This latter case was also a severe one, andfor several weeks delayed our removal to the new charge. But as soon asit would do to attempt the journey, we were on our way. Unable to walk, I was obliged to carry the invalid from the house to the carriage, andfrom the carriage at Menasha to the steamboat. We reached Fond du Lac inthe evening and tarried for the night. The following morning we took thestage for Sheboygan. The roads were excellent and the coach comfortable, but it was necessary to carry the invalid literally in my arms theentire distance. On arriving at the shore end of the pier at Sheboygan, the steamboat, at the other end, gave a signal for her departure. Hastily leaving the coach and sending the family forward with allpossible dispatch, I chartered a common dray, the only conveyance athand, placed a trunk upon it, took the invalid in my arms, seated myselfon the trunk, and bade the driver to put his horse on his best speed. The race was a most creditable one, and before the boat had time to getunder way, we were nicely on board, to the great merriment of allconcerned. 

But out of one trouble, we were soon into another. We had hardly reachedthe open lake before the boat encountered a heavy sea, which broughtsea-sickness to all of the company for the balance of the journey. Butin this misfortune we were not alone. Rev. E. S. Grumley, the newlyappointed Presiding Elder of the Racine District, and his family, hadalso come on board at Sheboygan, and were now our companions in travel, as also in misery. Tossing amid the waves, the progress of the steamboatwas slow, and we did not reach Racine until after midnight. We werehappy to gain a landing, but we found ourselves without a conveyance tothe hotel. Not even the common dray was at hand. But, nothing daunted, we groped amid the darkness until we came upon the buggy of thePresiding Elder, which fortunately had been landed from the same boat. The invalid was soon placed in it, and, adopting a style of travel thatmight have seemed unusual by daylight, in due time we were at the hotel. 

The following morning we were sought out by the good people and kindlycared for, being assigned to quarters with my late host and hisobliging family. 

CHAPTER XVII. 

Racine. --Its Early History. --Subsequent Growth. --Racine District. --Rev. Dr. Hobart. --Kenosha. --Rev. Salmon Stebbins. --Sylvania. --TheKelloggs. --Walworth Circuit. --Burlington and Rochester. --Lyons. TroyCircuit. --First Class at Troy. --Eagle. --Round Prairie. --HartPrairie. --Delavan. --Elkhorn. --Pastorate at Racine. --Revival. --ChurchEnlargement. --Second Year. --Precious Memories. 

The great centers from which the Church in Wisconsin has radiated werefew in number and were fixed upon at an early period in the developmentof the work. These centers were Green Bay, Sheboygan, Fond du Lac, Aztalan, Racine, and Janesville. Of the first five a record has beenmade, and, following the line of my labors, Racine should next engage myattention. 

At this place the first settlement was made in November, 1834, byCaptain Gilbert Knapp, who came on horseback from Chicago. On the secondday of January following, Stephen Campbell, Paul Kingston, and Messrs. Newton and Fay arrived, and, as far as I am able to ascertain, were thefirst Methodists who settled at Racine. At the same time William See andEdmund Weed came to the vicinity, the former settling at the Rapids, where he built a mill, and the latter making a claim on the lands whichhave since become the homestead of Senator Fratt. Alanson Filer came inNovember, 1835, and A. G. Knight in April, 1836. In his journey toWisconsin, Brother Knight traveled on horseback from Wayne County, N. Y. , to Chicago, and on foot the balance of the way. Jonathan M. Snow andNathan Joy came soon after, the latter coming around the lakes in thefirst three-master that visited Lake Michigan. Rev. Daniel Slauson andWilliam Bull came in September, 1837, traveling in their own conveyancefrom Detroit. The list of names thus given does not make a full recordof the early arrivals, but furnishes, as far as I am informed, such asconstituted, with the exception of the first named, the first MethodistCommunity. 

The writer has been unable to ascertain where and by whom the firstclass was formed, or who constituted the first members. But it isprobable that the place was included in Milwaukee Mission as early as1835, and that the class was formed by Rev. Mark Robinson during thatyear, or by his successor, Rev. Wm. S. Crissey, the year following. Andit is also probable that the gentlemen above named, who were there atthe time, and their families, constituted the first members, withBrother Paul Kingston as Leader. The meetings were held in the logresidence of the last named, located near the lake, at the foot ofSeventh street. 

Racine Mission was formed in 1837 and Rev. Otis F. Curtis was the firstPastor. The Mission, reaching from the Illinois State Line to Milwaukee, included appointments at Racine, Southport, Pleasant Prairie, Kellogg'sCorners, Ives Grove, Caledonia and Root River. 

In 1839 the charge took the name of Racine and Southport Mission, thePastor being Rev. Salmon Stebbins. In 1840 Southport was made a separatecharge, and the Pastor at Racine was Rev. L. F. Moulthrop. In 1841 theRoot River portion was set off and made a separate charge, and Racinewas left to be supplied. The following year the Sylvania circuit wasformed, and Southport and Racine were again put together, with Rev. James Mitchell as Pastor. In 1843 they were again separated, and thePastor at Racine was Rev. Milton Bourne. In 1844 the Pastor was Rev. G. L. S. Stuff, and in 1845, Rev. Julius Field. 

As before stated, the meetings were at first held in a private house, but as the congregations increased, a public building was rented nearthe foot of Main Street. After the school house was built, the meetingswere removed to it, and it was at this latter place the writer attendeda service during his first Sabbath in the State. Soon after the firstChurch was built, to which we shall have occasion to refer hereafter. 

Racine District was created in 1847, and Rev. Chauncey Hobart wasappointed the first Presiding Elder. Dr. Hobart entered the IllinoisConference in 1836, the Conference then including Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota. His appointments before coming to the District hadbeen: Rockingham, Iowa, Monmouth, Macomb, Quincy, Rushville, Peoria, Jacksonville, Springfield, and Clark Street, Chicago. After leaving theDistrict, in 1849, he was appointed Presiding Elder of MinnesotaDistrict. At the end of his term he was stationed at Spring Street, Milwaukee, and next served one year as Presiding Elder on the MilwaukeeDistrict, when, on account of the infirm health of his wife, he returnedto Minnesota. Since his return, he has continued to labor on bothstations and districts with great acceptability up to the present time. 

Dr. Hobart is a man of superior abilities, and his labors have been inspecial demand. He has been elected five times to the GeneralConference, and has been seven times appointed to Districts. As aPreacher he is always acceptable, but at times he delivers extraordinarysermons. It requires a great occasion to take the full measure of theman. At such times he has been known to move audiences with overwhelmingpower. Especially was this the case under the sermon he delivered at aCamp-Meeting held two miles west of Big Foot Prairie, in 1849. On thisoccasion the tide of feeling rose to such a height that great numbers ofthe congregation unconsciously left their seats and stood entranced, while the saints shouted for joy, and sinners cried out in the anguishof their souls for mercy. 

Having thus spoken of the Presiding Elder of the Racine District, it isfitting that we should now glance briefly at a few of the early charges. 

Kenosha, as we have seen, was included in the Racine Mission in 1837, and shared the labors of Brother Curtis. The first class was formedduring this term probably by either the Pastor or Rev. John Clark, thePresiding Elder, and consisted of Rev. Reuben H. Deming, Austin Kellogg, Hon. And Mrs. Charles Durkee, Mrs. Harvey Durkee, John W. Dana Martha E. Dana, and Susan Dana. The Presiding Elder, Rev. Salmon Stebbins, held aQuarterly Meeting in Kenosha, then called Southport, November 24th, 1837. The meeting was held in a small log school house standing near thepresent site of the Simmons Block. 

During the following year a revival occurred, which resulted in theconversion of nearly the entire community. The meetings were held in apublic building on the North Side, but the erection of a Churchimmediately followed. As before stated, Brother Stebbins became thePastor in 1839, and remained also the following year. The succeedingPastors up to 1845 were Rev. F. T. Mitchell, Rev. James Mitchell, Rev. Wm. H. Sampson, Rev. C. D. Cahoon and Rev. Warner Oliver. At thiswriting, Kenosha ranks among the leading stations of the Conference. 

Brother Stebbins entered the New York Conference in 1822. When theConference was divided he fell into the northern portion, which took thename of Troy. In this field he labored fourteen years, his chargescovering the territory from Albany to the Canada line. At thesolicitation of Rev. John Clark, he was transferred to the IllinoisConference in 1837, and appointed Presiding Elder, the Districtextending from the Illinois State Line to Green Bay. In 1839 he wasappointed to the Racine and Southport Mission, as before stated, andremained on the Southport part the following year. After leavingSouthport charge he was stationed at Platteville, Lake, Madison and St. Charles. Subsequently taking a location, he became a resident ofKenosha, in the vicinity of which place he still resides. 

Brother Stebbins is a man of superior ability, and in his prime enjoyedconsiderable reputation as a Preacher. He is spending the evening of hislife in quiet, trustingly awaiting the change that now cannot belong delayed. 

Sylvania was settled by three Kellogg brothers and their families in thespring of 1837, the place being first known as Kellogg's Corners. Soonafter their arrival the ladies, one of whom, Mrs. Seth H. Kellogg, wasthe daughter of Rev. Ebenezer Washburn, of New York Conference, organized a Sunday School. The neighborhood was connected with theRacine Mission, and a class was formed at an early period, with Seth H. Kellogg as Leader, but I cannot fix the exact date. Nor am I able tostate at what time the first Church was completed. It was claimed, however, to have taken precedence in the State. 

In the erection of the Church, which was built by Chauncey Kellogg, theyoung society was assisted by a donation of two hundred dollars fromSunday Schools in New York City. Rev. Julius Field, whose wife was asister of the Kelloggs, secured the aid, he having been stationed inthat city. The Church edifice cost six hundred dollars, and was thebuilding in which I preached the funeral sermon of Mother Washburn somesixteen years later. The veteran, Father Washburn, was also buried atthis place. Sylvania was made a separate charge in 1842, with Rev. Milton Bourne as Pastor. 

Passing westward, the old Walworth circuit should next claim ourattention. It will be remembered that this charge was formed in 1839, taking the south half of the old Aztalan circuit. The first Pastor wasRev. James McKean, who was an earnest and devoted laborer in thevineyard. But as his fields fell on the south side of the State Line atthe end of his term, a record will doubtless be made of him elsewhere. 

In 1840 the circuit was divided. The southeastern portion was calledBurlington and Rochester, with Rev. David Worthington as Pastor, of whoma record has been made in a former chapter, and the name of the oldcharge was changed to Troy, on which Brother McKean remained as Pastor. 

On the new charge there were two classes formed by Brother Worthingtonduring this year. The first was formed in Puffer's school house onSpring Prairie in the summer of 1840, and included in its membership, Mr. And Mrs. John M. Cowham, Lansing Lewis, and Mrs. Lewis, his mother. Brother Cowham was the Leader. 

The other class was organized in Lyonsdale, with Mr. And Mrs. ThomasLyon, Mr. And Mrs. Fletcher Lyon, Mr. And Mrs. Ansel Waite, Mr. And Mrs. Marshall, and Mrs. Jones. Hon. Wm. P. Lyon, of the Supreme Court, subsequently became identified with the Society. Lyons, as the villageis called, is at the present writing a charge of respectable standing, having a good Church and Parsonage. The writer had the pleasure todedicate the Church during his Pastorate in Racine. 

At Troy, a class had been organized by Brother McKean during the latterpart of the former year. At this time the members were Daniel Griffin, Sen. , Daniel Griffin, Jr. , Dr. And Mrs. Brooks Bowman, Mrs. McCracken, Mr. And Mrs. John Spoor, and a Brother Jennings. Brother Spoor was aLocal Preacher, the Leader and the S. S. Superintendent. 

In 1841, Rev. L. F. Moulthrop was appointed to Troy circuit. He remainedthe second year and had as a colleague the excellent Rev. HenryWhitehead, so long and well known by the Preachers of the Northwest inconnection with the Chicago Book Depository. The circuit at this timeincluded Troy, Eagle, Hart Prairie, Round Prairie, Turtle Prairie, Delavan and Elkhorn. 

At Eagle a class was formed consisting of Rev. William Cross, LocalPreacher, Mrs. William Cross, and her sister, now Mrs. James Parsons, Mr. And Mrs. A. Hinkley, Mr. And Mrs. Thomas, Mr. And Mrs. Atwater, Mr. And Mrs. Long. 

At Round Prairie a class was also formed. The members as far asascertained were Rev. James Flanders, Local Preacher, Mr. And Mrs. Houghton, Mrs. Norcross, Father Cornice, and Mr. And Mrs. Nelson Cornice. 

At Hart Prairie, the services were held in Father Worthington's loghouse, where a class was also organized. Father Worthington, his wife, and two sons, Elijah and Theodore, and Mrs. Lewis, were thefirst members. 

At Delavan the meetings were held alternately in Mr. Bradway's loghouse in the village, and at the residence of Mr. Phoenix, on theprairie. The class at this place was small, and I am unable to insert inthe record more than the names of Mr. And Mrs. Bradway. Delavan hassince grown to the position of an influential charge, with an attractiveChurch and enterprising membership. 

Elkhorn at this early day had no class, but, as the County Seat, thevillage commanded an appointment. For several years the cause movedslowly, but finally won its way to a position. At the present writing, the charge holds a respectable rank in the Conference. 

Having thus briefly examined the early history of Racine and the othercharges that constituted her immediate surroundings, it is now properthat we should return to the record of the writer's Pastorate. 

Finding that there was no Parsonage, I proceeded to rent a respectablehouse in a pleasant part of the city, paying for the same an additionalone hundred dollars out of my salary. Having settled my family, Iadopted my usual method of devoting my mornings to my study, andafternoons to pastoral visiting. I soon passed over the entiremembership of the station, making it a special point to secure, as faras possible, a faithful attendance upon the means of grace. The effortwas successful beyond my expectations. 

The congregation soon filled the Church. And as the interest continuedto increase, the aisles and doors were thronged, while large numberswere utterly unable to obtain admission. With this manifestation ofinterest, it was deemed advisable to enter upon a protracted meetingwithout delay. We did so, and I preached every night for two weeks. Butthe result was not satisfactory. We found the spiritual condition wasnot on a plane with the demands of the work. The vast throng of peoplehad brought upon us a tide of worldly influence that we were unable towithstand. Additional moral force was necessary, and, to secure it, wedeemed it better to go into the lecture-room and rely upon the socialmeetings to develop the requisite spiritual power. With this changethere came to the membership the spirit of consecration and a remarkablebaptism of the Holy Ghost. Before the end of two weeks we were compelledto return to the audience room. The place was again thronged withpeople, but the good work went forward. I continued to preach nightlyfor four weeks. One hundred persons were converted and added tothe Church. 

With this large increase of members and a corresponding increase ofattendants, it was necessary to enlarge the Church edifice for theiraccommodation. Accordingly the work was undertaken. The rear end of thebuilding was opened, and the edifice was lengthened so as to accommodatenearly one-third more people. In doing this, it was thought advisable tostill increase the length by adding twelve feet more for an orchestra, thereby providing for the removal of the organ from the gallery to therear of the pulpit. 

The enlargement, besides furnishing the necessary accommodations for thepeople, laid a broader financial basis to the charge, by bringing intothe congregation a number of families who were able to take the newseats at a good rental. The year passed very satisfactorily. 

The Conference of 1856 was held September 17th, at Appleton, BishopSimpson presiding. As expected, we were returned to Racine. We retainedthe same house, and found our social relations with the people ofRacine exceedingly pleasant. With not a few families a life-longfriendship was established, and to the present hour the mention ofRacine revives many pleasant recollections. Judge Lyon, who came intothe Church this year, and his good lady, and Messrs. Knight, Yout, Adams, Langlois, Jones, Lunn, Slauson, Bull, Lees, Conroe, Kidder, Orr, Jillson, Brewer, Lawrence, with their families, and many others, willnever be forgotten. 

The labors of the year would afford many pleasing incidents were theypermitted to appear in these pages, but their recital would unreasonablyswell the volume. 

The usual protracted meeting was held, continuing five weeks. The workwas very satisfactory, strengthening the converts of the previous year, and swelling the list of accessions. The revival was especially fruitfulin the Sunday School, leading many of the young people to Christ. Butthe labors of the year, as usual, came to a close when we were in themidst of our work, and we were compelled to sunder old associations andform new ones in other fields. 

CHAPTER XVIII. 

Conference of 1857. --Janesville. --Early History. --First Sermon. --TheCollection. --First Class. --First Church. --First Donation. --Rev. C. C. Mason. --Missionary Anniversary. --Rev. A. Hamilton. --Rev. D. O. Jones. --The Writer's Pastorate. --The Great Revival. --The Recipe. --OldUnion Circuit. --First Class. --Evansville. --Rev. Henry Summers. --NewChurch. Conference of 1858. --Beloit. --Early Pastorates. --ChurchEnterprise. --Second Year at Janesville. 

The Conference for 1857 was held June 26th, at Spring Street, Milwaukee, Bishop Ames presiding. At this Conference I was stationed at Janesville. 

Janesville, holding a central position in the southern portion of theState, was the initial point of settlement at an early period, and inafter years, became the focal as well as the radiation center of Churchoperations. 

On the 15th day of November, 1835, a company consisting of six menstarted from Milwaukee with an ox-team and wagon, the latter containingprovisions, tools, etc. , for the Rock River Valley. On the 18th theyarrived where Janesville now stands, and immediately proceeded to builda log cabin opposite of what is called the "Big Rock. " This was thefirst settlement in Rock River Valley. Two of their number, however, hadexplored the southern portion of the Territory in the preceding July. Atthat time there were but two white families in Milwaukee, and only onebetween that place and Janesville, that of Mr. McMillen, who lived atwhat is now called Waukesha. 

On the 23d of April, 1837, the first United States Mail enteredJanesville. It contained one letter, and this was for the Postmaster, Henry F. Janes. The mail was brought by a man on horseback, whose mailroute extended from Mineral Point to Racine. The post-office atJanesville for several months consisted of a cigar box, which wasfastened to a log in the bar-room. Small as it was, it was found to beamply sufficient to contain all the letters then received by thecitizens of Rock County. 

The first sermon preached in Janesville was delivered by Rev. JesseHalstead in September, 1837. Brother Halstead, then on Aztalan circuit, on coming to this place found a small log house, which enjoyed theappellation of a tavern. He accepted entertainment in common with othertravelers, but, it being soon known that he was a Minister, he wasinvited to preach. He consented, and the services were held in thebar-room. The liquors were put out of sight, and the Minister made thebar his pulpit. The audience consisted of a dozen persons. 

The next religious services of which I can obtain information, were heldin the summer of 1838. They were held in an oak grove on one of thebluffs east of the village. I am not able to find any one who canfurnish me the name of the Preacher, but am assured that he was aMethodist, and that he did not neglect that special feature of aMethodist service, the collection. This last part of the exercises, I amassured, made a vivid impression on the mind of the party to whom I amindebted for this item of history. And it came in this wise: When thehat was passed he threw in a bill, an act so generous that it could notfail to call attention to the contributor. The next day he received acall from the Minister, who desired him to replace the "wild-cat" billby one of more respectable currency, as those kind of bills werebeginning to be refused throughout the Territory. 

In 1839 Rev. James F. Flanders made an occasional visit to Janesvilleand preached to the people. His first sermon was delivered in thebar-room of the public house, which stood on the present site of theMyers House. Subsequently he preached in an unoccupied log houseopposite where Lappin's Block now stands. The services were next held inschool houses, some log and others frame, until the erection of theCourt House in 1842. Thereafter the court room was occupied and usedalternately by the different religious denominations. 

The Rev. James McKean was the first Minister who preached regularly inJanesville. The place was taken into the Troy circuit in 1840, andBrother McKean visited it once in four weeks. This year Rev. JuliusField held the first Quarterly Meeting in Janesville. 

In the spring of 1841, Brother McKean formed a class and appointed J. P. Wheeler Leader, but during the following winter the members all leftthe place. 

Janesville appears first in the Minutes as the head of a charge in 1841, with Rev. Alpha Warren as Pastor. At this time it was connected withPlatteville District, and the Presiding Elder was Rev. H. W. Reed. Brother Warren was succeeded by Rev. Boyd Phelps, who organized a classin the spring of 1843, consisting of nine or ten members, with John Wynnas Leader. 

Rev. Lyman Catlin, who came in 1844, was the first resident Pastor. Hewas formerly a Professor in Mt. Morris Seminary. During the winter hiswife, who was a lady of fine culture, taught a select school in thevillage. Brother Catlin preached in Janesville on the morning of eachSabbath, and in the afternoon alternated between Union and Johnstown. 

The following year, Rev. T. W. Perkins was appointed to the charge, butin consequence of ill health, he was soon obliged to resign. His placewas supplied by Rev. Stephen Adams, of Beloit. In 1846 Rev. John Luccockwas the Pastor, and was followed the next year by Rev. Wesley Lattin, who remained two years. Brother Lattin was very popular with allclasses, and his labors were blessed with an extensive revival. Duringhis Pastorate the Society erected a small frame church, 35 by 25 feet insize. It was opened for worship in the fall of 1848. The location was onthe opposite side of Centre Street, and a little west of the presentedifice. A Parsonage was also erected the same year. Both of them, however, were sold when the grounds were purchased for the new Church. It was during the Pastorate of Brother Lattin that the first donationparty ever held in Janesville, was given. The company assembled at theresidence of Mr. And Mrs. John Wynn, where Brother Lattin boarded. Theladies furnished the table with all the luxuries the village afforded, and the affair was considered a grand success. 

Brother Lattin was followed successively by Revs. J. M. Snow, O. F. Comfort, and Daniel Stansbury. During the winter of 1852 BrotherStansbury held a series of meetings, assisted by Rev. C. C. Mason, whichresulted in a considerable addition to the membership of the Church. 

Finding that the little Church was now becoming too small to accommodatethem, the Society decided to build a more commodious house of worship. It was commenced in the spring following, and was located on the cornerof Jackson and Centre Streets. This is the edifice now occupied by thefirst charge, is built of brick, and is 75 by 45 feet in size. Thebuilding was not fully completed until during the Pastorate of Rev. Henry Requa, in 1855, but it was so far advanced that it was dedicatedin July, 1853, by the pioneer veteran, Rev. John Clark, of the RockRiver Conference. 

The severe labors of Brother Stansbury overtaxed his strength, and hewas compelled to seek rest. Brother Mason was employed to fill out thebalance of the year. Brother Mason was a Local Preacher from England, had lost one limb, and though somewhat eccentric, he held a high rank asa pulpit orator. He was often not a little surprised with the queer waysof this country. I remember to have met him at the Janesville Conferenceseveral years later. He was put up to preach, as usual on all greatoccasions, and delivered a grand sermon. The following evening theMissionary Anniversary came, and at the close of the speeches, themeeting proceeded to constitute Life Memberships. This was a new role tothe old gentleman, but, soon comprehending the movement, he launchedinto it with all his soul. The good Bishop was made a Life Member, thenhis wife, then the Missionary Secretary, and so on in a spirited manner. As each proposition was made, the good brother planked his dollar, little dreaming of the length of the road upon which he had entered. Butas the memberships were multiplied, his purse fell under the law ofsubtraction, until it contained but one dollar more. Just at this momentsome zealous brother proposed to be one of ten to make the PresidingElder of the Janesville District a Life Member of the ConferenceMissionary Society. It was no time for parley about that remainingdollar, for the Janesville District must not be outdone by the otherDistricts in gallantry, so down went the last dollar. But it had hardlyreached the table before the giver was hunting for his crutches. Suchwas the generous nature of the man, however, that he would have stoodhis ground to the coming of the morning if he had been advised inadvance of the character of the Anniversary exercises. 

In 1853 Rev. J. W. Wood was stationed at Janesville, and Rev. Henry Requain 1854 and 1855. Brother Requa was very popular, drew large audiences, and realized an accession of fifty members. At the Conference of 1855 anew charge was formed on the east side of the river, and Rev. C. C. Mason, who had been received on trial, was appointed as itsfirst Pastor. 

In 1856, Rev. A. Hamilton was appointed to Janesville, and Rev. D. O. Jones to East Janesville. Brother Hamilton came to the Conference thisyear by transfer from the Oneida Conference, where he had done effectivework for several years. At the close of the year in Janesville he wasmade Presiding Elder of Watertown District, where he remained two years. In 1859, by a reconstruction of the Districts, he was assigned to BeaverDam District, where he remained the other two years of his term. For anumber of years thereafter he served on circuits and stations. Hishealth now failed and he took a superannuated relation. Brother Hamiltonwas a good and true man, of a metaphysical turn of thought, well versedin theology, and an instructive Preacher. 

Brother Jones entered the Conference in 1851, and had been stationed atElk Grove, Richland City, Muscoday, and Green Bay. Since he leftJanesville, he has taken a respectable class of appointments, fillingthem creditably to himself and acceptably to the people. He is genial inspirit and warm in his attachments. He is still in the enjoyment ofgood health, and promises years of efficient service. 

This brief record brings us to the date of my appointment. At the recentsession of the Conference, the charge on the east side of the river wasleft to be supplied, and as it had, up to this time, developed butlittle strength, twenty-six members only, it was deemed best to let itgo back to the old charge. 

I found the Church edifice in good condition, but without class orprayer-rooms. The external appearance was decidedly respectable, and theaccommodations within, both in respect to size and furnishing, equal orsuperior to any other Church in the village. 

The Parsonage, a small and inferior building, had been recently sold toliquidate in part the indebtedness remaining on the Church, and thisinvolved the necessity of renting a house for my family. 

After becoming settled in our new home, the first special work was tocomplete the payment of the Church debt. This was soon arranged, and Iwas at liberty to direct my attention more particularly to the spiritualinterests of the charge. My first labor in this direction, as in all myformer charges, was to look well after the people at their homes, andthe second, to see that the social means of grace were well arranged andproperly sustained. And I soon found in Janesville, as I have alwaysfound, that they are the key to successful labor. It is possible bycorresponding adjustment of pulpit labor to excite the attention of thecommunity, and thereby secure large congregations, but such a result isnot a certain index of true success. In the forum, as on the platform, it may be otherwise, but in the building up of Christ's kingdom, theremust be a spiritual basis; for his kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. Inthese days of special clamor for superior pulpit attractions to drawthe crowd, there is a strong temptation to court popular favor byadjusting both the themes and style of address to the pulpit in such away as to withold from the people the only spiritual food that can givelife to a dead soul. Such a Ministry in the eyes of the world may bedeemed a great success, but to such as judge not after the outwardappearance, it is known to be a dead failure. While it utterly fails tobring souls to Christ, it is also disastrous to the Church itself. Themighty adhesive forces, which bind the hearts of Christians to eachother, can only subsist on the marrow of Gospel truth, and if this iswanting, dissension will soon appear, and the Church sufferdisintegration. Holding these views, strengthened as they had been by myformer experience and observation, I resolved, at whatever cost ofreputation, to adhere to them in Janesville. 

The result proved their wisdom. With the revival of the prayer and classmeetings, and the utterance of plain Evangelical truth from the pulpit, came a speedy manifestation of spiritual interest and growth. And somarked had this indication of the presence of the Spirit become, that Ifelt justified in opening a protracted meeting with the watch-nightservices. The meeting grew in interest from night to night, and in ashort time the Altar was filled with penitents. Thus opened a meetingthat continued four months, resulting gloriously to the charge. Nearlythree hundred persons professed to be converted, and near two hundred ofthem were received on probation. 

During the meeting I preached nearly every night, and sometimes in theafternoons. But I was greatly assisted in the meeting by Revs. J. B. Cooper and I. S. Eldridge, of whom mention will be made in anotherchapter. Rev. A. B. Bishop, now a valuable member of MinnesotaConference, was also, though young, a good laborer in the meeting. Amongthe laymen who rendered special service was Brother J. L. Kimball, who, with his daughter Emily, had been for years the principal reliance inthe singing, both in the choir and social meetings. Referring to thisgood brother brings up an incident of the meeting. Brother K. Had longbeen recognized as the financial man and the singer of the Church, butcould never take a part in the social services with any comfort tohimself. In one of the meetings I suggested that in these matters as inothers, practice would relieve the case. He concluded to try it, and fortwo weeks spoke a few words as opportunity offered. But he finally toldthe congregation that my recipe would not work. Others might be able totalk their way to Heaven, but he was satisfied that, as for himself, hewould have to pay his way, if he ever got there. The pleasant remarkseemed more in keeping, when it was remembered that he was always agenerous contributor to every good cause. 

While many of the converts were from among the young people, not a fewwere persons of mature years, and some of them in affluentcircumstances. The large increase of members rendered it necessary toreconstruct the classes, but the want of class rooms retarded thisbranch of our work. Several of the classes were assigned to meet duringthe week at private houses, and four of them met in the audience room atthe close of the morning service. By placing a class in each corner, with the understanding that when one of them commenced to sing, all theothers should join, the plan worked very well. After the singing eachclass took up the thread where it had been dropped, and proceeded withthe service. Usually the Pastor sat in the Altar to give the responsesto the exercises of each as they seemed to require them. Sometimes not alittle confusion occurred, but it was taken in good feeling by all, andthe meetings were profitable. 

We also organized meetings outside of the village. School houses andprivate dwellings were used for this purpose, and these meetings notonly accommodated the people of the several neighborhoods adjacent tothe village, but gave the needed religious employment to the LocalPreachers and other members of the Church. The meetings were held in theafternoons of the Sabbath, and sometimes, to hold the plan incountenance, the Pastor himself would go out and deliver a sermon. Atfirst it was feared by some of the good brethren that these sidemeetings would detract from the regular services of the Church, but theresult proved that, on the contrary, they gave an increase of bothinterest and attendance. For the people, thus edified and interested, came into the village and thronged the Church. 

But the year was now drawing to a close. By request of the precedingConference, the Conference session had been changed to spring. The yearhad been one of severe labor, but its compensations were abundant. I wasable to report a membership, including probationers, of three hundredand six. Two events in my own family clothed the year with specialinterest. The one, the conversion of our eldest daughter, then nineyears old, and her reception into the church, the other, the birth ofour son. They were both occasions of devout thanksgiving to God. 

During this year I made a visit to Evansville, a charge that seems tohold a central position in the Conference west of Janesville. The firstsettlement was made in this vicinity in the fall of 1839, when sixfamilies came into what was then called the town of Union. These earlysettlers were Rev. Boyd Phelps, Rev. Stephen Jones, Erastus Quivey, Samuel Lewis, Charles McMillin, and John Rhineheart. During the winterand spring religious meetings were established in private houses, Rev. Boyd Phelps preaching the first sermon. In the following spring andsummer, the settlement was enlarged by the arrival of Ira Jones, JacobWest, John T. Baker, Rev. John Griffith, Hiram Griffith, David Johnson, John Sale and their families. The heads of all these families beingmembers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, they applied to Rev. SamuelPillsbury, in charge of the Monroe circuit, for recognition. He visitedthem, established an appointment and formed them into a class in August, 1840. The class was organized at the residence of Hiram Griffith, located about one mile northwest of the present site of Evansville. Atthe first organization the members were: Jacob West, Leader, MargaretWest, Boyd Phelps, Local Preacher, Clarissa Phelps, Stephen Jones, LocalPreacher, Isabel Jones, John Griffith, Local Preacher, Belinda Griffith, John T. Baker, Jemima Baker, Ira Jones, Sarah J. Jones, John Rhineheart, Deborah Rhineheart, Alma Jones, Samuel Lewis, Sarah Lewis, CharlesMcMillan, Miriam McMillan, Jane Brown, Erastus Quivey, Sally Quivey, Hiram Griffith, Sally Griffith, David Johnson and Kizziah Johnson. Soonafter John Sale and Jane Sale also became members. 

Of this number, at least two became Itinerant Preachers. The first, Rev. Boyd Phelps, filled several appointments in the Conference, and wasPresiding Elder of Beaver Dam District. He then removed to Minnesota, where he has also rendered effective service. The second, Rev. StephenJones, was my predecessor at Watertown, but only continued a few years, when he entered secular pursuits. At one time he was a member of theState Legislature. 

Rev. James Ash was sent to the Monroe Circuit in 1840, and his workembraced Union. He remained two years, and was very successful in hiswork. The first Quarterly Meeting was held in the house of Brother JacobWest, by Rev. H. W. Reed, in the fall of 1840. In 1842 Union was attachedto the Madison circuit, and the Pastor was Rev. S. P. Keyes. During thisyear a log school house was erected on the present site of Evansville, for the double purpose of school and religious meetings. This buildingwas used for public worship until the summer of 1847. From 1843 to 1845Union was connected with the Janesville circuit. In 1845 the Unioncircuit was formed, with Rev. Asa Wood as Pastor. It was assigned to thePlatteville District, with Rev. Henry Summers as Presiding Elder. 

Brother Summers was a veteran representative of the Methodist Preacherof the olden time. He entered the work when Illinois was yet in hermaidenhood, and from the first was a recognized power in the land. Genial in spirit, full of anecdote, abundant in labors, an ablePreacher, a faithful administrator, and a devoted servant of the Master, he enjoyed the esteem of all. But I need not enlarge, as doubtless arecord will be made of his labors in Illinois, where his fields of laborwere principally located. 

Under the labors of Brother Wood, a frame church, 45 by 30 feet in size, was erected, the location being in the block now occupied by J. R. Finchas a store in the village of Evansville. The building was dedicated byBrother Summers in June, 1847. But it will be necessary to omit furtherdetails of these early years. 

Old Union, the mother of charges west of Janesville, has been wellrepresented in the Itinerant ranks. In addition to Brothers Phelps andJones, to whom reference has been made, she has sent into the fieldRevs. James Lawson, J. H. Hazeltine, George Fellows, and A. A. Hoskins. 

In 1855, Evansville Station was created, with Rev. E. P. Beecher asPastor. The Janesville District was also established this year, withRev. J. W. Wood as Presiding Elder. 

Under the Pastorate of Rev. George W. De Lamatyr, which begin in 1864, the new Church was erected, costing some six thousand dollars. It wasdedicated by Rev. Dr. Fallows in the fall of 1867. At the presentwriting Evansville is recognized as a charge of excellent standing. 

The Conference of 1858 was held May 12th at Beloit, Bishop Morrispresiding. At this Conference the writer was elected Secretary, andRevs. S. W. Ford and George Fellows Assistants. The session was briefand harmonious. 

Beloit is located on the line between the States of Illinois andWisconsin, and was at first connected with Roscoe Circuit, a chargelying on the Illinois side. The class was probably informally organizedby Brother Thomas McElhenny, the first Leader, in 1839. The followingyear Rev. Milton Bourne, Pastor of Roscoe Circuit, established anappointment and recognized the infant Society. The members, besidesBrother McElhenny, were Tyler Blodgett, Mrs. M. M. Moore and SisterLusena Cheney. The Pastors of Roscoe Circuit, during its supervision ofBeloit, in addition to Brother Bourne, were Revs. James McKean, O. W. Munger, John Hodges, Alpha Warren, and Zadoc Hall. 

Beloit was made a separate charge in 1846, with Rev. Joseph T. Lewis asPastor, to whom reference has been made in a former chapter. During thisyear the Society entered upon a Church enterprise. The lot was purchasedby Rev. Stephen Adams and Brother Thomas McElhenny. The Society wasfeeble, and the erection of the building, a substantial stone structure, required a great effort and many sacrifices. To purchase the lime, threehundred and fifty bushels, Brother Adams sold his only cow. Little canthose who come after realize the sacrifices the early pioneers werecalled to make to render the later years happy and prosperous. 

The Church thus begun under the Pastorate of Brother Lewis was not fullycompleted until 1849, when it was dedicated by Bishop Janes. The deathof Brother Lewis in the midst of his second year, was a severe loss tothe charge. But the good brethren were not discouraged, and pushedforward the work. 

Beloit has been highly favored in her Pastors, among whom may be foundsuch men as A. P. Allen, I. M. Leihy, J. M. Walker, P. S. Bennett, S. W. Ford, J. W. Wood, John Nolan, R. M. Beach, C. Scammon, W. Lattin, P. B. Pease, C. D. Pillsbury, W. P. Stowe, L. L. Knox, W. W. Case, C. R. Pattee, A. C. Higgins, and G. S. Hubbs. 

At the close of the Conference we returned to Janesville for a secondyear. There still being no Parsonage I purchased a residence, therebysecuring a pleasant home. The plan of supplying outside appointments wascontinued during the summer, and in some instances Sunday Schools werealso opened. The religious interest continued, and the Church was filledwith people. At the expiration of their probation one hundred of theconverts were received into full membership, and, in the following falland winter, many others. During the winter a revival again visited thecharge, which greatly strengthened the converts of the previous year, and added to their number. The two years spent in Janesville to us wereexceedingly pleasant, and gave us a goodly number of life-long friends. The Sunday School had become very prosperous, the charge was now out ofdebt, and the finances self-supporting. And more than all, we left aunited and happy people. 

Janesville has since enjoyed her full share of able and successfulPastors. Several years ago, she divided into two bands, and has now twogood Churches, two good congregations, and two able Ministers. 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Conference of 1859. --Presiding Elder. --MilwaukeeDistrict. --Residence. --District Parsonage. -Visits to Charges. --SpringStreet. --Asbury. --Rev. A. C. Manwell. --Brookfield. --WestGranville. --Wauwatosa. --Rev. J. P. Roe. --Waukesha. --Rev. WesleyLattin, --Oconomowoc. --Rev. A. C. Pennock. --Rev. Job B. Mills. --HartPrairie. --Rev. Delos Hale. --Watertown. Rev. David Brooks. --Rev. A. C. Huntley. --Brookfield Camp-Meeting. 

The next Conference session was held April 20th, 1859, at SheboyganFalls. The excellent Bishop Baker presided, and I was again electedSecretary. It was at this Conference the trial of Rev. J. W. Wood washad. He had been the Presiding Elder of the Janesville District, but, having obtained a divorce from his wife on the ground of desertion, instead of the one cause named in the New Testament, and marriedanother, he had been suspended during the year. The trial resulted inhis expulsion. The case was carried to the next General Conference onAppeal, and that body sustained the action taken by the Conference. 

The disability thus hanging over the Presiding Elder of the JanesvilleDistrict, rendered it necessary that some one should be appointed torepresent the District in the Cabinet. The Bishop appointed me to thisduty, thus imposing severe labor for the session. Since I was appointedto represent the District at the Conference, it was generally supposedthat I would be continued the following year, my term having expired atJanesville. But on the contrary, I was assigned to the MilwaukeeDistrict. 

This arrangement made Waukesha my place of residence, as the MilwaukeeDistrict had erected at this village a District Parsonage. Theinevitable concomitant of the Itinerancy, the moving season, passed inthe ordinary course of events, and left us comfortably located inour new home. 

The District at this time included nineteen charges. The larger portionof them could be reached by railroad, but a sufficient number lay offthe line of public conveyance to render it advisable to keep a horse andbuggy, and hence they were obtained. 

Soon after reaching my new field of labor, my attention was called tothe financial condition of the District Parsonage. I found that a smalldebt had come down from the erection of the building, which had beenincreased from year to year by accruing interest and repairs, until atthis time the entire indebtedness amounted to nine hundred andthirty-one dollars. Meantime there had been, during the preceding yearof financial pressure, such a depreciation of property in the village, that the building was now worth but little more, if any, than the amountof indebtedness. 

In looking the matter over, I saw at a glance that it would be mucheasier to build a new house in a desirable location than to pay an olddebt of this magnitude. But there were other interests to be considered. The money for the erection of this Parsonage had been given in goodfaith by the people, and if it were now permitted to pass out of thehands of the Trustees, there would be a shock to the confidence they hadreposed in the administration of the Church. And in the next place, thismoney had been borrowed of innocent parties, and it was but right thatit should be returned. 

With these views, I undertook to save the property, but I am free tosay it was the most thankless financial task I had ever undertaken. Igave the first one hundred and fifty dollars, and then divided thebalance among the charges of the District. In passing around to myQuarterly Meetings, the amounts in most cases were pledged, and thelarger portion finally paid. Yet the collections were not fullycompleted before the end of my term. 

Milwaukee at this time still retained its three charges, and they werenow in charge respectively of Rev. J. M. Walker, Rev. E. Cooke, D. D. , and Rev. A. C. Manwell. As stated in a former chapter, Brother Walker hadserved his full term on the Beaver Dam District, where he had been verypopular. He entered upon his field with great spirit, but found himselfgreatly embarrassed by the unhappy financial condition of the charge. Besides the indebtedness remaining on the Church, there remainedconsiderable arrears on the salaries of preceding Pastorates. 

This paying a Pastor at the end of his term in notes, that shall comeback to haunt his successor, is not in keeping with the financial geniusof the Church. I once had some sad experience in that line, and since itwas not in Milwaukee, I will take occasion to refer to it in thisconnection. It was at a time when the slip rents were not large, averaging only about two hundred dollars a quarter. In the case referredto, the two hundred dollars of the first quarter of my year, had beenabsorbed to meet the claims of the outgoing Pastor. And then, as he wasstill behind two hundred dollars, a note was given him for the balance. By this arrangement, the first half year of my term had beenanticipated, and had not the people, finding out the state of the case, come to my aid with a good donation, I must have been greatlyembarrassed. 

Nor does such mismanagement affect the one man alone. The systementails disaster upon the successive Pastors of the charge. Each manfeels that his predecessor has done him a great wrong, when the case maybe, the wrong was done by one man several years before, and afterwardshis successors have only been carrying it over from year to year. But, however long it may be carried, it still remains as the plague of boththe Pastors and the Church. 

But in the person of Brother Walker, the system was squelched. Though atthe end of his term, owing largely to this irregularity, he was largelydeficient in his claim, he balanced the year. 

Brother Manwell, the Pastor of Asbury, entered the North IndianaConference in 1853, was transferred to the Wisconsin Conference in 1857, and had served Green Bay two years, before coming to this charge. TheChurch accommodations were limited, but he made two good years atAsbury, and was able at their close to report considerable progress. After leaving the city, Brother Manwell served a good class ofappointments, and among them Racine, Janesville, Whitewater and Ripon, until 1873, when he was transferred to Upper Iowa Conference. He was aman of kind spirit, pleasant address, and specially successful inleading the social meetings in his charges. 

Reference is made to Dr. Cooke in a former chapter, and I need only sayin this connection that under his Pastorate Summerfield had aprosperous year. 

At Wauwatosa, I found Rev. N. J. Aplin, of whom mention is made in aformer chapter. His assistant was Rev. Edward Bassett, a promising youngman, who had been converted in the revival at Janesville. The two menworked admirably together, and the year was one of great prosperity tothe Circuit. The Circuit was in a flame of revival. And during the year, the beautiful brick Church at West Granville was erected. 

The Brookfield class, it will be remembered, was formed by Brother Frinkin 1840. The members were: Robert Curren, Leader, Sarah Curren, T. M. Riddle, Adeline Riddle, Gideon Wales, Polly Wales, Mark Johnson, AnnButterfield, Margaret Underwood, Charles Curran, Frank Morgan, Mrs. Frank Morgan, and Mrs. Fellows. To these were soon added, Mr. And Mrs. Carlton, Mr. And Mrs. Raymond. This Society had already erected acomfortable frame Church, and the neighborhood had become famous as thelocality in which the Milwaukee District Camp-Meetings were held. 

West Granville Church was located in the neighborhood that was known inthe early times by the name of Menomonee. And it will be recollectedthat Brother Frink organized a class at this point also in 1840. Themembers of the class were: William Coates, Leader, Sarah Coates, T. J. Rice, Cynthia Rice, Edward Earl, Hannah Earl, Lyman Wheeler, BigelowCase, Alvira Case, Mrs. Martin M. Curtis, Nathan Wheeler, Jr. , WilliamHudson, Susan Hudson. At the first the class at Menomonee included allthe members in that region, but as the country became settled otherclasses were organized, and among them those at the Haylett, Nelson andCoates neighborhoods. Subsequently these classes concentrated atMenomonee Falls and erected a Church. A new Church has since been built, and at this writing the village constitutes a respectable charge. 

At Wauwatosa there was no Church, and Brother Aplin held his meetings ina school house. But in 1869 a fine brick edifice was erected under thePastorate of Rev. John P. Roe. 

Brother Roe resided, at the time of my appointment to the MilwaukeeDistrict, on the New Berlin Circuit. During the war he went to the armyand served as Chaplain with great acceptability. On his return herendered effective service as a Local Preacher until 1869, when heentered the Conference and was appointed to Wauwatosa. At the end of twoyears he was elected Agent of the Lawrence University, and continued twoyears, performing prodigies of labor, and achieving a grand success inraising an Endowment Fund. But his health finally failed, and he wascompelled to retire from the work. At this writing, he is travelingin Europe. 

At Waukesha, the Pastor was Rev, Wesley Lattin, who had been returnedfor a second year. This noble and true man was received into theConference, as before stated, in the same class with the writer. Hisfirst appointment was Sycamore, Ill. , with Rev. Stephen R. Beggs asPreacher in charge. 

Brother Lattin had been stationed in Waukesha in 1852, and had nowreturned in 1858 and 1859. The year was a prosperous one. A good revivalcrowned his labors, and all the interests of the Church were kept in ahealthy condition. In the department of Pastoral labor Brother Lattinwas not inferior to any man in the Conference. Filled with the spirit ofcharity himself, he was always able to diffuse the same kindly feelingamong the people. Nor is it too much to say, he was universally beloved. Of an easy and graceful delivery, and plain, practical thought, hisMinistry was always agreeable and useful. 

After leaving Waukesha, he was stationed successively at Beloit, Fond duLac, Waupun, Ripon, Appleton, and then returned again to Waukesha. Buthere his health failed and he retired from the work for two years, buthaving removed to Kansas where his health rallied again, he wastransferred to the Kansas Conference in 1872. Since going to Kansas, ourdear brother has had the misfortune to lose his wife and son. They weretraveling to a neighboring town with a horse and buggy. In trying toford a river the waters proved too strong for the faithful horse, andthey were all swept down the stream together, and were drowned. In thisgreat sorrow Brother Lattin has the sympathies of all his brethren ofthe Conference. 

Oconomowoc was at this time under the Pastoral charge of Rev. ThomasWilcox. It will be remembered that a class was formed at this place byBrother Frink, in connection with his labors on the Watertown Circuit. The members were: George W. Williams, Leader; Mrs. George W. Williams, Jonathan Dorrity, Mr. And Mrs. Day Dewey. In 1840 it was connected withSummit, and retained Brother Frink as Pastor. In 1843 it was connectedwith Prairieville Circuit, and shared the services of Revs. L. F. Moulthrop and S. Stover. Before the erection of the Church, the meetingswere held in a hall over a cooper shop. The Church enterprise wascommended under the Pastorate of Rev. S. W. Martin, a lot being donatedfor the purpose by John S. Rockwell, Esq. Under the Pastorate of Rev. A. C. Pennock, the Church was put in condition for use, and on the 3d ofFebruary, 1850, the writer was called to dedicate the basement. 

The second Church enterprise was commenced in 1867, tinder the labors ofRev. George Fellows, and was completed during the Pastorate of Rev. Wm. R. Jones in 1868. It was dedicated by Bishop Thomson. Oconomowoc hasgrown to be one of the strongest and most desirable appointments in theConference. 

At the time of my visit in 1850 the charge had been divided, giving toRev. A. C. Pennock the Oconomowoc portion, and Rev. Job B. Mills thenorthern appointments. 

Brother Pennock entered the Conference in 1848, and was appointed toWest Bend. The following year, as above stated, he was sent toOconomowoc, but here his health failed, and he was compelled to rest ayear. In 1852 he was re-admitted and again appointed to Oconomowoc, withRev. T. O. Hollister as Assistant. During this year he was greatlyafflicted in the loss of his wife, and before the expiration of the yearhe was sent to Waukesha to supply the place of Brother Lattin, whosehealth had failed. In 1853 Brother Pennock was stationed at Asbury, Milwaukee, but, his health again failing, he decided to go to Minnesotaat the end of the year. He remained in Minnesota, doing effective workuntil 1864, when, becoming satisfied his health was unequal to theItinerancy, he located. At the present writing he is residing inMadison. He has a clear head and a warm heart. 

Brother Mills came to Wisconsin from Washington, D. C. , in the Spring of1848. After stopping in Milwaukee a few months, and receiving license toexhort from Spring Street Station, he removed to Oconomowoc, where hewas granted a Local Preacher's license. Being employed, as beforestated, on the north part of Oconomowoc charge, he found tenappointments and seven classes committed to his care, which gave himabundance of labor. He was admitted into the Conference at its nextsession, and returned to his former field. His subsequent appointmentsin Wisconsin were Bark River, Palmyra, and Root River. In 1854 he wassent to Minneapolis Mission in Minnesota, having Rev. David Brooks ashis Presiding Elder. 

In this place, now so flourishing a city, he was compelled to hold hismeetings in a loft over the Post Office. But, notwithstanding thesedisadvantages, he formed a class, and his good wife organized a SabbathSchool. In 1856 Brother Mills took a transfer to the Peoria Conference, now Central Illinois, and in 1864, on account of blindness, wascompelled to take a superannuation. At this writing he is residing atOconomowoc, but, on invitation, often goes abroad to assist the brethrenin their work. He is a grand, good man, and his labors are alwaysappreciated. 

The next charge visited was Hart Prairie. This Circuit had once formed apart of the old Troy charge of the early times, but, after undergoingvarious changes, it was now a charge by itself. It had a small Churchand a most interesting congregation. Here I was the guest of Rev. Richard Fairchilds, a Local Preacher of large intelligence and extensiveinfluence. 

The Pastor was Rev. Delos Hale, who entered the Conference in 1854. Hehad shirked duty for several years, and had been known as a reliablebusiness man at Summit. But finally, accepting his responsibilities, hewas appointed first to Oak Creek, and then West Bend. He was now on hissecond year, and was in the midst of a revival. 

At my visit in the following summer, I attended a Camp-Meeting ongrounds a short distance east of the Church. The meeting was largelyattended, and many souls were brought into the Kingdom. 

I was greatly pleased with my visit to Watertown. The Church I had leftin an unfinished condition in 1848, was completed by Rev. David Brookstwo years later, when I returned and performed the dedicatory service. 

Brother Brooks entered the Rock River Conference in 1844, and wasstationed at Dixon, Illinois. On coming to Watertown, he entered uponhis work with spirit, and success crowned his efforts. After leavingWatertown, he rendered effective service in the regular work until 1852, when he was elected Agent of the Lawrence University. In 1853 he wasappointed Presiding Elder of the Minnesota District, since which time hehas continued to labor on both stations and Districts in that field withgreat acceptability. 

Brother Brooks is a man of sterling qualities. Sound in the Faith, circumspect in demeanor, faithful in his work, and true to everyinterest of the Church, he could not fail to make a good record. 

I found Rev. A. C. Huntley the Pastor at Watertown. Brother Huntleyentered the traveling connection in Western New York, and came to theWisconsin Conference by transfer in 1858. He had already held aprotracted meeting, and a large number had professed conversion, givingconsiderable additional strength to the charge. The Church edifice hadnow become too small to meet the demands of the charge, and BrotherHuntley had entered upon the labor of enlargement. In this good work hehad not only planned and superintended, but had also put his own handsto the actual labor. He succeeded so well in the enterprise, that hefinally decided to make the extension large enough to furnish also agood Parsonage in the rear of the Church edifice. The dedicatoryservices were conducted by the writer on Saturday, July 16th. 

The Brookfield Camp-Meeting was held in the latter part of June. Thegrove on the farm of Robert Curren, Esq. , was secured for a term ofyears, and through the assistance of Brothers Aplin and Bassett, andthe brethren on adjacent charges, it was well fitted up for the purposesof a Camp-Meeting. At this meeting we adopted the plan of making ourCamp-Meetings self supporting. Instead of relying upon the brethren inthe neighborhood to do all the work and keep open doors for the week, wedetermined to pay our own bills, and thus permit the good people in thevicinity to enjoy the meeting, as well as those who came from abroad. The change was deemed a great improvement. There was a good show oftents, and the attendance was large. The preaching was excellent, as thegood brethren were more intent upon saving souls than ventilating theirgreat sermons. The meeting resulted in the conversion of many souls, while the membership was greatly quickened. 

In these latter days the question is sometimes raised, "Of whatadvantage are these Camp-Meetings, now that we have good Churches inwhich to worship God?" The question might be answered by another, "Ofwhat advantage is it to have picnics and other excursions in the openair, and pleasant groves, since we have houses to dwell in andrestaurants to supply the cravings of the appetite?" The fact is, Camp-Meetings are as thoroughly in harmony with the laws of Philosophyas they are in keeping with the principles of Religion. 

To intensify either the mental or spiritual forces, it is necessary tobreak up, at times, their monotonous habits, and send them off into newchannels of thought and feeling. A lesson may be learned in thisdirection from the picnic excursion. It is not the little ones alonewho, relieved of the confinement of the parlor, gambol in half franticecstasy, but the sedate matron and the grave sire renew their youth, andin their exhuberance of spirit, join in the recreations with the zestof childhood. The same law obtains in Camp-Meetings. Why not go out intothe woods, beneath the spreading branches of the trees, or even underthe uncurtained canopy of Heaven, and enjoy a grand unbending of thespirit? With the shackles thrown off that have so long fettered thesoul, what a Heaven of felicity there is in its conscious freedom. Theeagle, long confined in a cage, after stretching his wings to satisfyhimself that he is really free, gambols in the air with an indescribableecstasy. So there are thousands of Christians shut up in the Churcheswho are dying for a little spiritual freedom. Their poor souls need aholiday. Let them go out to a good thorough-going Camp-Meeting, andobtain a new lease of life. And in saying this, I am not advocatingundue license. I am only pleading for the inalienable rights of a humansoul. Such freedom of spirit is entirely consonant with the highestculture and absolute decorum. Communing thus with nature in her purestand most lovely moods, the soul is dwelling in the vestibule of God'sown sanctuary. No wonder that prayer and song find such grand perfectionin the Camp-Meeting. It is there they find their highest inspiration. 

But another advantage of the Camp-Meeting lies in the unbroken chain ofreligious thought and feeling which it affords. In the ordinaryexperiences of life, the secular and the religious strongly mingle andintercept each other. But in the tented grove the secular is shut awayfrom the mind, and the religious holds complete mastery. One servicefollows another, and one religious impulse succeeds another so rapidlythat the soul finds no interval for communion with the world. And as theore, by long tarrying in the furnace, where no breath of coolingcurrents can reach it, flows as a liquid and is ready to take any form, so the soul, held in hallowed communion with the Divine spirit, isprepared to receive the perfect image of God. 

To the soul who has no knowledge of these delightful experiences, therehangs a mystery around the Camp-Meeting, but to Christians the wholesubject is as clear as the noon-day. Like the disciples on the mount oftransfiguration, they are prepared to say, "Master, it is good for us tobe here. " With them Christ is the central figure, and it is his presencethat hallows the temple in the wilderness. 

It is sometimes objected that the exercises at Camp-Meetings are tooboisterous, and lead to extravagances. To this objection there are tworeplies. First, it must be conceded that Camp-Meetings are not the onlymeetings that may be denominated boisterous. At political meetings, andon other occasions, I have witnessed the equal, at least, of anything Ihave seen at Camp Meetings. 

But the other reply is more to the point. No one can well deprecate theboisterous and extravagant in religion more than I do, and yet I acceptboth as a necessity. To move men to right action, they must be swayed byright influences. If men were susceptible to the good, then gentleinfluences might sway them, but as they are steeped in evil, and largelylost to the better influences, the sterner only can reach them. If thisshall be found to be true in the individual, then certainly it is moreemphatically true of men in the aggregate. To move a multitude, then, tothe acceptance of Christ, the congregation must be put under an intensemoral pressure. And it will be found that the measure of pressure thatwill move the great mass, will sometimes move individuals of peculiarlysensitive temperament over into the extravagant. Now in such cases, oneof two things must be accepted. We must be content to leave the greataggregate unmoved, or we must endure the irregularities that aresometimes seen, not only at Camp-Meetings, but in all revivals ofreligion. We cannot accept the former, for it involves the ruin ofperishing souls. Then, accepting the latter, we may not condemn whatcannot be avoided, if the great end of Christian effort shall berealized. Human nature is a very strange combination, and it must betaken as it is. The religion of Christ proposes to save men, and to doso it must take us as we are. The wonder is not that it can make solittle out of us, but rather, that it is able to make even a few fairspecimens, while the balance of us are only indifferent ones. Yet Irejoice to know that even the poorest of us are vastly better than wewould have been had it not been for the revelation of Christ in us. 

CHAPTER XX. 

Whitewater Conference. --Report on Slavery. --Election ofDelegates. --Whitewater. --Early History. --Rev. Dr. Bannister. --GeneralConference. --Member of Mission Committee. --Conference 1860. --Rev. I. L. Hauser. --Mrs. I. L. Hauser. --Rev. J. C. Robbins. --The Rebellion. --ItsCauses. --Fall of Sumter. --Extract of Sermon. --Conference 1861. --Rev. J. H. Jenne. --Rev. S. C. Thomas. --Rev. G. C. Haddock. --Colonelcy. --Closeof Term. 

The thirteenth session of the Wisconsin Conference was held Oct. 13, 1859, in the village of Whitewater, and was presided over by BishopAmes. The year had been of less than seven months duration, as byrequest of the Conference, the time of holding the sessions had beenchanged back to the Fall. When the change was made in the first place, from Fall to Spring, it was believed by many that such an arrangementwould be a benefit to the Preachers, by giving them, for the winter, theproducts of their gardens. But, after a trial, it was found that theroads were generally much worse in the Spring than in the fall, and ifthe Conferences were delayed so as to find good roads for moving, thePreachers would reach their new fields too late to plant their gardens. Hence, after trying the experiment, it was thought best to return tothe Fall. 

At this Conference the election of delegates to the General Conferenceagain occurred. The slavery question was now rife, and of course thiselection could not be held without making it an issue. During the earlypart of the Conference this subject became the general theme ofconversation, and, I might add, the discussions and the prayers. Inshort, every man who was in danger of being struck with a vote mustcertainly show his colors on the slavery issue. An able Committee wasformed, and a careful report rendered. And when the vote was taken onthe report, all eyes were on the alert to see how each candidate voted. 

As the Report on Slavery is not lengthy, I will insert it as taken fromthe Conference Minutes:

 1. That the assertion that the M. E. Church is constitutionally pro-slavery, whether that assertion be made by our professed friends or by our enemies, is a base slander. 

 2. That we recommend to the next General Conference so to change the General Rule on Slavery as to prohibit the buying selling or holding a human being as a slave. 

 3. That we concur with the Providence Conference in recommending to the next General Conference so to change the General Rule on Slavery as to read: 'Slavery, the buying or selling of men, women or children, with an intention to enslave them. '

 4. That we concur with the Erie Conference in recommending to the next General Conference so to change the General Rule on Slavery as to read: 'The buying, selling, holding or transferring of a human being, to be used in slavery. '

It will be observed that the Wisconsin Conference preferred the wordingof her own proposed Rule, yet such was her anxiety to secure action bythe General Conference, that she was willing to adopt any other form ofwords, if the same sentiment should be explicitly incorporated. And byconcurring in those sent from the Providence and Erie Conferences, andat the same time re-affirming her own, which was going the circuit ofthe other Conferences, she hoped to see some one of them reach theapproaching General Conference, with the recommendation of a sufficientnumber of the Annual Conferences, to make it a law at once on theaction of that body. With this intense interest thrown around thesubject, it is not a matter of surprise that the votes of thecandidates, on the adoption of the report, were carefully watched. 

But in some cases even a fair and unequivocal vote was not enough. Committees were self-constituted, or perhaps caucus-constituted tointerview candidates, much after the modern style, to see whether theywere sound on the main question. And as I had now become sufficientlyadvanced in years to be considered a candidate, I was waited on by suchan inquisitorial body. I told the good brethren that I was not a littlesurprised to find any one in doubt as to my position. "Oh, " said they, "we are not really in doubt as to your position, but we would like tounderstand how strong your convictions are, as you have not attended ourmeetings. " "Yes, " said I, "and perhaps you will say that by neglectingyour meetings, I have shown a want of zeal for the cause. If so, I wishto state my position. In the first place, I have never felt it to be myduty to make a great show of valor, as long as the enemy is out ofreach. And in the second place, I am in a different position from manyof our present abolitionists, and should bear myself accordingly. Theyare young converts, and having just come into the kingdom, they must getup a tremendous shout, so as to satisfy their new associates that theirconversion is genuine. But as to myself, I was always an abolitionist. Ihave never uttered a word, written a sentence, or cast a vote that didnot look in that direction. Why, then, should I go into a spasm on theeve of an election?" Whether my little speech had anything to do withthe result of the ballot which placed me at the head of the delegationor not, it is impossible to divine. But of one thing I felt assured. Ihad "freed my mind, " as the old lady said, and felt better. The balanceof the delegation were I. M. Leihy, S. C. Thomas, E. Cooke, and P. S. Bennett. At this Conference, I was also appointed the Chairman of aCommittee "To Collect Historical Facts. " Thus early did the Conferenceindicate a desire that the record of her devoted and pioneer men shouldnot be lost. 

Whitewater, the seat of the Conference, was a thriving village of two orthree thousand inhabitants, and gave the Conference a most hospitableentertainment. This place was settled April 1st, 1837, by Mr. WilliamBarren, who was joined by Mr. Calvin Prince in the middle of thesame month. 

The first sermon was preached in the fall of the same year by Rev. JesseHalstead. Whitewater became a separate charge in 1843, with Rev. AlphaWarren as Pastor. During this year a class was formed. The members were:J. K. Wood, Leader; Mrs. J. K. Wood, Henry Johnson, A. R. Eaton, Mrs. A. R. Eaton, Mrs. Dr. Clark, Mrs. J. J. Stearin, Roxana Hamilton, and MissWhitcomb. The meetings were held in private houses until the new brickschool house was built. They were then held in the school house untilthe Church was erected. The first Church was commenced under thePastorate of Rev. J. Harrington in 1849, and was completed under that ofRev. J. M. Walker in 1852. It was dedicated by the last named, Feb. 5th, 1852. The Church was enlarged under the Pastorate of Rev. A. C. Huntley. 

Whitewater Station erected a new brick Church, one of the finest in theinterior, under the Pastorate of Rev. C. N. Stowers, which was dedicatedby Bishop Merrill Oct. 19th, 1873. At this writing, Whitewater ranksamong the leading stations of the Conference, having a goodcongregation and a most enterprising Society. 

At the close of this Conference I was returned to the MilwaukeeDistrict. There were only a few changes made in the appointments of thePreachers. At this Conference the name of Rev. Henry Bannister, D. D. , Professor in Garrett Biblical Institute, was transferred from the Racineto the Milwaukee District, and he was made a member of the SummerfieldQuarterly Conference. 

Dr. Bannister entered the Oneida Conference in 1842, and for two yearsserved as Professor of Languages in the Oneida Conference Seminary. Atthe Conference of 1844, he was appointed Principal, and held thatposition with distinguished honor until he was elected to aProfessorship in the Garrett Biblical Institute. At the present writinghe is still at the Institute, doing efficient work. Nearly a third of acentury he has devoted to teaching, dividing his time almost equallybetween the Seminary and the Institute. 

Dr. Bannister is one of Nature's noblemen, and his membership in anyConference is an honor to the body. The Wisconsin Conference hasrecognized his worth, and has sent him three times as one of herdelegates to the General Conference, and on one occasion was pleased toput him at the head of the list. But he is not the property of aConference; he belongs to the whole Church, and is the peer of hisbrethren in any convocation she may assemble. 

The General Conference met in Buffalo, N. Y. , in May, 1860. The agitationknown as the Nazarite movement was then raging through Western New York, and it was understood that several cases would come before the GeneralConference on appeal from the expelled members of the GeneseeConference. I was requested to go down to the troubled District and lookthe ground over before the opening of the Conference. I did so, butfound the movement too far advanced to avoid a rupture of the Societiesin many of the charges. Several of the men who had taken an appeal hadstultified themselves and vitiated their appeals, by forming Societieson the basis of the new movement; and though they disclaimed allintention to establish another Church, the formation of these Societies, it was held, could be interpreted in no other way. Having thus becomemembers of another Church their appeals, which contemplated theirrestoration to the former Church, could not be entertained. 

But the great question before the body was the new Rule on Slavery. Atthe beginning, the subject was given to one of the large Committees, ofwhich the writer was a member. The late Bishop Kingsley was theChairman, and the Committee met almost daily for three weeks. The reportto the General Conference was made to cover the whole ground, andaccepted the basis which had been advocated so long by the WisconsinConference. On its presentation a long discussion followed, and it wasbelieved that the requisite two-thirds vote would be obtained. But judgeof our surprise when, on taking the vote, we found the measure had beenlost by a few votes, and these had been mostly given by the delegationof the troubled District in Western New York. 

But though the majority were thus defeated in their effort to change theGeneral Rule, they passed a chapter that declared it to be unchristianto hold slaves, as well as to traffic in them. The war, however, soonfollowed, and the "logic of events, " disposed of the Slavery question. At this Conference I was elected a member of the General MissionCommittee at New York, which rendered it necessary for me to visit thecity annually for four years. 

The Conference of 1860 was held Sept. 26th, at Janesville, Bishop Scottpresiding. At this session the Conference received Rev. I. L. Hauser, andhe was sent as a Missionary to India. 

Brother Hauser is of Austrian, German and French descent. His mother'sfamily were German, and the Hauser name is over six hundred years old inVienna, Austria. His grandmother on his father's side was directlydescended from one of the Huguenot families driven out of France by therevocation of the edict of Nantes. Coming to America, the family settledin Pennsylvania, where Brother Hauser was born, in 1834. His family cameto Wisconsin and settled at Delavan in 1850. He graduated from LawrenceUniversity in 1860. During his senior year he was President of theCollege Missionary Society, and when writing to Rev. Dr. Durbin, requesting him to preach the annual sermon at Commencement, he statedthat he would soon be through College and be ready for duty, but he didnot know just what it was, and wished advice. The reply came for him tosend the name of the Pastor of the Church. The names of Rev. M. Himebaugh, Pastor, and Rev. Dr. Knox, one of the Professors, were sent. Three days after his graduation, having reached his home, he received aletter from Bishop Simpson, asking him to come at once to Evanston. Fromthere the Bishop sent him to the Erie Conference, then in session atErie, Penn. , where he was ordained and appointed to the Missionin India. 

Returning to Wisconsin, he was united in marriage with Miss JeannetteShepherd, of Kenosha, Sept. 13th. Starting for their field of labor, they sailed from Boston on the vessel Sea King, and after a tedious andstormy voyage of one hundred and thirty-eight days, they reachedCalcutta. From there, after an eleven days' journey of one thousand andthree miles up the valley of the Ganges, they arrived at Bijnour, forty-five miles from where the river Ganges flows out of the mountainsinto the plains of India. Here they labored six years, their fieldcomprising a District of nineteen hundred square miles, with apopulation of nearly one million, being fifty-four miles from thenearest Mission Station. 

Four schools were organized, in which twenty teachers were employed, andsix languages were used in the various studies. When the schools werefirst started not two natives in the District could speak English, butafter six years nearly six hundred had been taught in the schools toboth read and speak it. Regular services in the Chapel, such aspreaching, Sunday School, class and prayer meetings, were held in theUrdu language for the native Christian Church. Brother Hauser alsoconducted the Church of England service each Sabbath morning for fiveyears, for the few English residents stationed there, as they hadno Chaplain. 

Besides studying the several languages of the country, preaching in thebazaars and other public places to tens of thousands of people, instructing the native preachers and teachers, looking after and givingemployment to the native Christians, he was appointed by the PublishingCommittee of the Mission to translate the Discipline into the Urdulanguage, having the honor of making the first translation of that bookinto any Eastern tongue. But in the midst of his labors, sickness fellupon himself and family. Diptheria attacked himself, his wife, and twoof his children. One little girl died of that disease, and shortlyafter another from fever. Brother Hauser's throat became seriouslyaffected, and he was compelled to retire from the work. With his family, he made a tour of several months through the Himalaya Mountains, towithin eight miles of the borders of Thibet. In this tour he was notunfrequently twenty thousand feet above the sea, but failing to recoverhis health, he, in 1868, returned to the United States, after an absenceof eight years. 

Since his return, he has devoted his labor to the publication of theChristian Statesman, the only Protestant religious paper published inWisconsin. Being undenominational, the paper, patronized by all theProtestant Churches, has attained a wide circulation. Brother Hauser isa man of great energy, and is doing a grand work for the Churches ofWisconsin. 

Mrs. Hauser is a lady of very superior talent. In their Mission fieldshe took her full share of the work, and since her return, she has notonly been one of the best contributors to the Statesman, but has largelyidentified herself with the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society work inthe State. Both on the platform, and in the general work of the Society, she holds a high rank. And in addition to this work, she is nowpreparing a volume of sketches of Women in Heathen Lands. 

At the close of the preceding year, the Summerfield Quarterly Conferencerequested my appointment to the Pastorate of that station. The Bishop atfirst was inclined to grant the request, but finally came to theconclusion that I ought to remain on the District. This left the chargeto be supplied, and I secured the services of Rev. J. E. Wilson, then ofOhio, but who had formerly served Milwaukee, as stated in apreceding chapter. 

Summerfield was just in the midst of her financial embarrassment. Theindebtedness was about fifteen thousand dollars, and threatened tooverwhelm the charge. But the good brethren were steadfast, and throughgreat labor and sacrifice, aided by Rev. S. C. Thomas, succeeded inmeeting their obligations. Brother Wilson rendered effective service, but at the close of the year returned to his home in Ohio. 

Rev. J. C. Robbins was appointed this year to the Spring Street Station. Brother Robbins entered the North Indiana Conference in 1844. Hisappointments were Winchester, Plymouth, Clinton, Hagerstown, Williamsburg, Knightstown, Doublin and Lewisville. He was transferred tothe Wisconsin Conference in 1855, and stationed at North Ward, Fond duLac. His subsequent appointments were Waupun, Berlin and Empire. Theyear opened finely, and during the winter Brother Robbins held aprotracted meeting, which resulted in the conversion of many souls. Butthe Society met with a severe loss this year, in the destruction oftheir Church by fire. 

Brother Robbins remained a second year at Spring Street, and againenjoyed a good revival. After leaving the city, he has been stationed atRacine, Waukesha, Sheboygan Falls, Waupun, Berlin, Green Bay, HartPrairie, Sharon and Footville. At the present writing, he is at the lastnamed place, seeking to gather sheaves for the Master. 

This year intense excitement prevailed throughout the country. ThePresidential election, which placed Abraham Lincoln at the head of ournational affairs, occurred in November. And during the following months, the rebellion was taking form in the Southern States, but did notculminate in open rupture until the middle of April. But before statingthe position of the Conference and Church in the pending struggle, itwill be proper to refer to the causes which produced the conflict. 

In the settlement of the United States, two distinct types of societyplanted themselves in the two great centres of the Atlantic Coast. Theone made New England the theater of development, and the other theEastern cordon of the Southern States. From the first center, thepopulation moved westward through New York, Pennsylvania, and thePrairie States, to the Mississippi. From the other, the settlementsextended through the savannahs of the South to the Gulf. 

The emigrants in the North were mainly those who came to the Westernworld to find an asylum from the religious persecutions to which theyhad been subjected at home. In the South, society was largelyestablished under the sanctions of royalty. These two facts will accountfor the radical differences existing between the people of the twosections. In the North, society very naturally accepted the politicaldoctrines of personal equality and universal freedom. In the South, thepeople as naturally adhered to their aristocratic ideas, and held to thedoctrine of privileged classes. 

The two types of society, thus placed side by side, were now given anopen field, in which the contest for supremacy could not long bedelayed. In geographical position, it would seem that the advantage wasdecidedly with the South. And the same may be said of the patronagebestowed by the home governments. But notwithstanding the high mountainranges, the deep forests, and the sterile coasts of New England, herpeople cut their way through every obstacle, and soon stood face to facewith their aristocratic neighbors. A collision of ideas was nowinevitable. The South, quick to discover the unheralded force of Yankeecharacter, took the alarm and declared that "Mason and Dixon's line"should divide between her and her neighbor. Here was deposited the firstegg in the nest, from which has been hatched the terrible brood ofvipers which, under the name of "State Rights, " has involved the countryin a most desolating war. It was on this line that Calhoun planted hisstandard when he sought to inflame the South against the North. And itwas on this fatal line that his followers, thirty years after, sought tooverturn the decisions of the ballot-box, and establish a SouthernConfederacy. With what result, the record of the conflict affordsan answer. 

On the 13th of April, 1861, the rebels opened fire on Fort Sumter, andon the 14th Major Anderson and his brave men were compelled to surrendertheir stronghold. As the news of this attack and surrender swept alongthe telegraphic wires throughout the North, a most intense patriotismawoke in the heart of every loyal citizen. The people assembled on thecorners of the streets, in halls, in places of business, and in short, at every convenient place of resort, to discuss the situation, and feedthe flames of patriotism. Everywhere men and money were offered tosupport the government, without stint. The press teemed with burningwords, and the pulpit was outspoken in characterizing the rebellion andvindicating the government. 

The writer was in Milwaukee when the news of the surrender of FortSumter reached the city. On Sabbath, April 21st, I preached a sermon, from which the following extract is taken. I quote from Rev. Mr. Love's"History of Wisconsin in the War. "

 "But, Ladies and Gentlemen, the war is inevitable. Its coming may be hastened or retarded by the shaping of events during the next thirty days, but that war is upon us, and a civil war, of a most frightful character and most alarming proportions, is to my mind no longer a question. You can no more prevent it than you can stay the leaping floods of Niagara, or ¸quench the king of day in the palm of your hand. It is the legitimate offspring of an 'irrepressible conflict' of ideas as antagonistic as light and darkness, as diametrically opposed to each other as right and wrong, truth and error. The Bible declaration, that God hath made of one blood all the nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, so beautifully set forth in our Declaration of Independence, and teaching the great lesson of universal equality and universal freedom, forms the corner-stone of our institutions. But a plague spot is found in the opposing doctrine of caste and privileged classes, which finds illustration in American slavery. This war of principles has already culminated in a collision at Fort Sumter, and it would be contrary to all history to arrest the tide of war at this stage. The antagonism is too direct, and the conflict too heated to quench the flame till rivers of blood shall pass over it. The act of the South in firing on Sumter is none other than a rebellion, and that of the most inexcusable and wicked character, against the best government on earth; and I am free to confess that I am filled with horror when I contemplate the result of this suicidal act on their part, an act that must lead to years of war, as far as human ken can see, and the most fearful desolations in its train. But, gentlemen, there is no alternative. The glove is thrown to us, and we must accept it. If our principles are right, and we believe they are, we would be unworthy of our noble paternity if we were to shrink from the issue. Let there, then, be no shrinking from the contest. The battle is for human liberty, and it were better that every man should go down, and every dollar be sacrificed, than that we should transmit to the coming millions of this land other than a legacy of freedom. Were it not that good men have gone down into the dust and smoke of the battle, there would not be to-day a government on the face of the globe under which a good man could well live. And since God in his Providence has brought us to this hour, I trust that by his help we shall not prove unworthy of the trust--the noblest ever given to man--committed to our keeping. There can be no question as to the result. We shall triumph, and with the triumph we shall win a glorious national destiny. "

The next Conference session was held in Fond du Lac Sept. 18, 1861, Bishop Baker presiding. The session was one of unusual excitement. Thewar had been begun, the terrible Bull Run defeat had occurred, andalready seven regiments of our brave boys had gone to the front. Andwith the seventh, one of our own members, Rev. S. L. Brown, had gone asChaplain, while several others were either in the ranks or looking inthe same direction. In the matter of furnishing men, Wisconsin wasalready ahead of the call made upon her, but such was the devotion ofher people to the Old Flag, that ten other regiments could have beensent during the year. 

At this session, the Conference adopted a very able Report, written byRev. J. H. Jenne, on the state of the country, showing a deep interest inthe issue before the Nation, and pledging her unwavering support to theGovernment. 

Brother Jenne entered the traveling connection in Maine, and came to theWisconsin Conference by transfer in 1856. His first appointment wasAgent of the Lawrence University. His next appointment was PresidingElder of Appleton District, where he remained four years. His subsequentappointments have been Janesville, Janesville District, Lake Mills, HartPrairie, Allen's Grove, Union Grove, Lyons, and Waupun. At the presentwriting he is on his second year at the last named place. 

Brother Jenne is an able Minister of the New Testament. He is a man oflarge brain and profound research. Well versed in all the questions ofthe day, as well as in the writings of the Fathers, he is able tofurnish a high standard of pulpit labor. He is a, true man, has a genialspirit, and to persons who can strike his plane of thought he iscompanionable. 

At this Conference I was returned to the District for a fourth year, and Rev. S. C. Thomas was appointed to the Summerfield Church. 

Brother Thomas entered the Erie Conference in 1842, and, before comingto Wisconsin by transfer in 1851, had been stationed at Conneautville, Geneva, Ravenna, Willoughby, and Fredonia, besides serving two years asAgent of the Alleghany College. After coming to Wisconsin, he had servedSpring Street, Platteville, Jackson Street, and had been Agent of theLawrence University for five years. He now remained two years atSummerfield, when he returned again to the Agency of the University. In1864 he was made Presiding Elder of the Milwaukee District, where heremained four years. He next served four years as Presiding Elder of theJanesville District, when he was appointed to Fort Atkinson. At thepresent writing he is at Lyons. This outline completes a record ofnearly a quarter of a century of labor in Wisconsin. 

Brother Thomas is a man of good business habits, a carefuladministrator, and a good Preacher. He loves the theology and economy ofthe Church for which he has so long expended his energies. He is wise incounsel, closely attentive to all the trusts committed to his keeping, and has a host of friends. 

Rev. George C. Haddock, Pastor at Waukesha, was received into theConference the previous year, had been at Port Washington one year, where he had been a supply a part of the previous year, and was nowappointed to Waukesha. He remained two years, and did a good work. During the first year, the new stone Church was built in the place ofthe old frame building that had been burned during the former year. Andduring the winter following, the charge was blessed with a good revival, and among the fruits gathered into the Church, was our second daughter, then ten years of age. 

After leaving Waukesha, Brother Haddock's appointments have beenClinton, Oshkosh, Ripon, Appleton, Division Street, Fond du Lac; Fond duLac District, and Racine, where he is laboring at this writing. 

Brother Haddock is a man of mark. Early in life he acquired theprinter's trade, and subsequently devoted several years to the businessof editing and publishing secular papers. Soon after his conversion heentered the Ministry, and in less than two years he was received intothe Conference. During the fifteen years of his connection with theConference, he has been an earnest and successful laborer, making fullproof of his Ministry. Brother Haddock has a large intellectualdevelopment, a warm heart, an eloquent tongue, and an intense spiritualactivity. What he does must be done at once, and done thoroughly. He hasan ardent hatred of shams, and despises all clap-trap. Both in sermonsand debate, he strikes home, and woe be to the luckless pate that hasthe temerity to dash under his well-aimed strokes. And yet under allthis seeming severity, there dwells a spirit as kind and manly as everthrobbed in a human bosom. 

During this, the closing year of my term on the District, my labors werevery extended. Besides the regular duties of a large District, I addedthat of aiding in raising regiments for the war. At all suitable timesand places, I held war meetings, as they were called, and addressed thepeople, often finding immense crowds congregated in groves and otherconvenient localities. 

It was in connection with these services that I was nominated for theColonelcy of a religious regiment, to be raised out of the Churches ofthe city. But such were my responsibilities at home, where theGovernment needed all the support it could obtain, it was deemedinadvisable for me to accept. And on further thought it was consideredbetter for the service to avoid such distinctive organizations. 

During my term on the District, the annual Camp Meeting at Brookfieldgreatly prospered. Permanent tents were erected, and the Meeting gaveconsiderable promise of stability. And on these grounds from year toyear many persons, were brought into the liberty of the Gospel. 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Conference of 1862. --The War. --Position of the Conference. --Rev. J. M. Snow. --Appointed again to Spring Street. --Dr. Bowman. --Changes. --Rev. P. S. Bennett. --Rev. C. S. Macreading. --Official Board. -The New ChurchEnterprise. --Juvenile Missionary Society. --Conference of 1863. --Rev. P. B. Pease. --Rev. George Fellows. --Rev. Samuel Fallows. --Rev. R. B. Curtis. --Rev. D. H. Muller. --Third Year. --Pastoral Work. --Revival. Visitto the Army. --Illness. --Close of Term. 

The Conference of 1862 was held Oct. 1st at Kenosha, Bishop Janespresiding. The country was now in the full tide of war. During the yearseveral members of the Conference had gone out as Chaplains, Rev. H. C. Tilton with the Thirteenth Regiment, Rev. C. D. Pillsbury with theTwenty-Second, and Rev. Samuel Fallows with the Thirty-Second. 

This was the hour for brave words, and the Wisconsin Conference had themto give. Nor was it in words alone that she was prepared to sustain theGovernment. Such was the patriotism of the body that her ranks mighthave been seriously depleted at any time, if it could have been donewith safety to the interests of the country. But it was conceded thatthe Government must now have a vigorous support at home. Partisanfeeling in the late canvass had greatly demoralized the people, and astrong moral influence was needed to rightly shape the tone of publicsentiment. In fact, it was necessary throughout the struggle that theChurches, under the lead of the clergy, should act the part of Aaron andHur, in sustaining the Government. 

The Report adopted by the Conference on the state of the country gaveno uncertain expression of sentiment. Assuming the position dictated bythe most lofty patriotism, she pledged the country an unwavering supportuntil the flag of the Commonwealth should again wave in peaceful triumphover the entire land. Recognizing human freedom as the issue in theconflict, she deemed it alike the duty of the citizen and the Christianto prosecute the war. 

At this Conference the death of Rev. Jonathan M. Snow was announced, andhis obituary placed upon the Minutes. Brother Snow, after spending ashort time in Racine, entered the Illinois Conference in 1838. Hisappointments were Elgin, Princeton, Mount Morris, Geneva, Washington, Sylvania, Troy, Janesville, Mineral Point and Madison. At the close ofhis labors at Madison, in 1852, he retired from the active work, but in1859, he was re-admitted and granted a superannuated relation. BrotherSnow was a decisive man, earnest, energetic and persevering. Heperformed his full share of pioneer work, and deserves an honorablemention among the Fathers of the Conference, In compliance with the request of the Spring Street Station, Milwaukee, I was this year appointed to its Pastorate, my term on the Districthaving expired. At the earliest possible moment, I entered upon the workof my new field. But at the opening of the year we were called to passunder a cloud. I refer to the death of Dr. Bowman, the father of Mrs. Miller. The Doctor had been compelled, through illness, to surrender hispractice in Iowa, and had now been with us three years. His death waspeaceful, and his assurance triumphant. 

Dr. Bowman came to Wisconsin in 1840, residing, as we have seen, firstat Troy, and subsequently at Waupun. In early life he was a skeptic, andcontinued in unbelief, until after his elevation to a Judgeship inMichigan. He was converted through the influence of his wife, and unitedwith the Methodist Episcopal Church. Distinguished in his profession, reliable in his religious convictions, and devoted to the Church, he wasan arm of strength to the cause in its early struggles in the West. 

During the interval since my former Pastorate in 1851 and the present, various changes had occurred at Spring Street. The Society had lost twoChurches by fire, and Summerfield charge had been formed. The successivePastors had been Revs. S. C. Thomas, Chauncey Hobart, P. S. Bennett, Milton Rowley, C. S. Macreading, E. Robinson, J. M. Walker, and J. C. Robbins. To several of them reference has been made in former chapters. We will now refer to others. 

Rev. P. S. Bennett entered the Black River Conference in 1838, andremained a member of that body until 1849, when he was transferred tothe Wisconsin Conference. Among the several charges he filled in his oldConference, were Norfolk, Bangor, Brownville, Salina, Cleveland, VanBuren and Red Creek. In Wisconsin he had been stationed at Platteville, Beloit, and Waukesha. 

After leaving Spring Street, he was made Presiding Elder of theMilwaukee District, where he remained four years. His subsequentappointments were Racine, Appleton, Agent of Lawrence University, GreenBay, and Appleton District. At the close of his term on this District, he retired from active labor, having given to the Church a long, devoted, and efficient service. 

Brother Bennett is well read in the literature of the Church, and lovesher doctrines with a "true heart, fervently. " During his active labor hewas faithful to every trust confided to his keeping, was a good Pastorand a successful Presiding Elder. And at the present time, it needs onlyan attack upon the doctrines or usages of the Church to bring him to thefront in their defence. He is emphatically a true man. 

Rev. C. S. Macreading came from New England, where he had held leadingappointments in the Providence and New England Conferences for manyyears. He had located, and had come West, seeking a field of labor. Coming to Milwaukee, he found the charge vacant, by the removal of theformer Pastor on account of affliction in his family, and was employedby the Elder. He served his full term, and at its close the people werereluctant to part with him. 

Brother Macreading was a man of superior preaching talent; had anearnest spirit, and a warm heart. At Spring Street, the Lord greatlyblessed his labors in the conversion of souls, several of whom remain tothis day to bless the Church with their wise counsel anddevoted services. 

In entering upon the labor of the year, it was my first concern toretrieve, if possible, the disaster which had befallen the Society inthe loss of the Church. But to do this, it was deemed important to putevery branch of the work in the best possible condition. In thisendeavor I had the earnest co-operation of the Official Board, composedat this time of Rev. T. T. Greenwood, Rev. Edwin Hyde, and Messrs. JohnH. Van Dyke, J. B. Judson, A. J. W. Pierce, Walter Lacy, Cornelius Morse, Daniel Petrie, Jonathan Crouch, James Seville, H. W. Goodall, ThomasGreenwood, O. H. Earl, J. R. Cocup, James Cherry, and Lawrence Harrison. 

The spiritual condition of the Society was excellent, and the class andprayer meetings were in a flourishing condition. The next thing to bedone was to organize the financial department. In doing this I submitteda new plan, called the "Card System, " for raising the current expenses. The plan provided for monthly payments, and was operated through the useof cards. These were so prepared as to contain a subscription on oneside, and rulings for entering the payments monthly on the other. Thesubscriptions were to be made at the beginning of the year, and eachsubscriber was expected to hand to the collector the several amountspromptly. The plan worked admirably, and placed the finances in ahealthy condition. 

During the winter we held a series of meetings, which resulted in aconsiderable accession to the membership. But this success was onlypreparatory to the Church enterprise before us. The hall that had beenused as a chapel was small and inconveniently located. Betteraccommodations must be had. By the middle of the year the necessitybecame so urgent that the Pastor could hardly preach, pray or visitwithout making this subject his principal theme. Finding that thefinancial basis was quite limited, it was decided to erect a businessblock, thereby providing for a subsequent income, should the enterpriseentail an indebtedness upon the Society. The precaution, however, wasunnecessary, as the unparalleled liberality of the people not only metthe demands of the enterprise, but provided for a former indebtedness. Ground was broken for the new edifice on the fifteenth day of July, andthe Church was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Eddy on the twenty-third of Januaryfollowing. 

The Juvenile Missionary Society was formed this year, and thereby theSunday School became an efficient agency in raising Missionary money. In our plan, each class in the School constituted a Missionary Society, taking a distinctive name. The gatherings of the class for a month wentinto a common fund, and was reported at the monthly meeting. Thismeeting was held on the last Sabbath of each month, and was usually madean occasion of special interest. 

The year now closing had been full of work. Besides my regular labor, and the responsibilities of the Church enterprise, I had renderedconsiderable service in raising regiments for the war, by deliveringaddresses in various portions of the State. 

From the beginning of the conflict, I greatly desired to go forward withthe brave boys and share with them the burdens and perils of the campand field. But it was the view of many of my friends, and especially ofthe Central War Committee of the State, that I was doing a betterservice for my country at home, in seeking to shape public sentiment, than I could render by leading a regiment in the field. Accepting theirjudgment, I endeavored to fulfil my mission to the best of my ability inthe field to which I seemed to be specially called. 

The Conference of 1863 was held Oct. 1st, at Waukesha, and was presidedover by Bishop Scott. The body again adopted a strong report in supportof the Government. At this Conference Delegates to the GeneralConference were again elected. They were H. Bannister, S. C. Thomas, C. D. Pillsbury and M. Himebaugh. At the close of the session I was returnedto Spring Street. My fellow Pastors in the city were Revs. P. B. Peaseand George Fellows. 

Brother Pease entered the Wisconsin Conference at its session in Fond duLac, Sept. 1st, 1852. His appointments had been Aztalan, Wauwatosa, Palmyra, Appleton, Kenosha, and Beloit. He remained two years atSummerfield. His subsequent appointments have been Spring Street, Appleton District, and Janesville District, where at the present writinghe is doing a good-work. 

Brother Pease has a clear head, a sound understanding, and positiveconvictions. His pulpit ministrations are impressive and practical, hisadministration wise and reliable, and his intercourse with the peopleagreeable and spiritual. Wherever he has labored he has left a record ofability and fidelity. 

Brother Fellows entered the Wisconsin Conference in 1852, in the sameclass with Brother Pease. He was stationed at Wauwatosa, Grafton, Hartford, Oconomowoc, Beaver Dam, and Kenosha. He located in 1859, wasre-admitted in 1862, and appointed to Asbury the same year. Here he hadbeen engaged in the erection of a new Church. During this year thebuilding was completed, and the old Church changed into a Parsonage. TheChurch was dedicated by Rev. Dr. Eddy, assisted by Rev. Dr. Tiffany. 

In 1864 Brother Fellows located, and for two years served MadisonStation. He returned to the Conference in 1866, and was appointed toOconomowoc. His subsequent fields of labor were Waukesha, Neenah, Menasha, and Cotton Street, Fond du Lac. In 1872 he accepted a BibleAgency, and in 1874 was appointed Presiding Elder of Waupaca District. Brother Fellows is a man of energy, and will doubtless make an efficientPresiding Elder. 

On the Spring Street charge the new year opened auspiciously. Theaccessions of the former year, in connection, with the better Churchaccommodations, had given to the work a broader basis, and afforded thepromise of wider usefulness. From month to month throughout the year, the stakes were strengthened and the cords lengthened. And at its closethere was a general feeling of grateful satisfaction. 

In 1864 the Conference was held Oct. 5th at Oshkosh, Bishop Scottpresiding. At this session Rev. Samuel Fallows was elected Secretary. Brother Fallows, after his graduation from the State University, devotedseveral years to the profession of teaching, in connection with theGalesville University, in the Northwestern part of the State. He came tothe Wisconsin Conference in 1861, and was stationed at Oshkosh. Beforethe expiration of the year, however, he went out as a Chaplain in thearmy, in the service of the Thirty-Second Regiment, and at theConference of 1862, he received his appointment to that post. Havingreturned from the army his next appointment, in 1863, was AppletonStation. He was reappointed to the same charge in 1864, but before theexpiration of the year he became interested in raising a regiment of onehundred days' men, and went out as Lieutenant Colonel. He graduated tothe Colonelcy while in the service, and was brevetted as BrigadierGeneral on his return home. The war having closed before the expirationof the Conference year, he returned to the regular work, and receivedhis appointment in 1865 to the Summerfield Station. After serving threeyears at Summerfield, he was appointed in 1868 to Spring Street. Here hedrew to his ministry a large congregation, and had an extensive revival, thereby hastening the erection of a new Church. The building during thesecond year was enclosed, but was not completed until the close of thefollowing year. 

Brother Fallows enjoyed a successful Pastorate at Spring Street, butbefore the expiration of his second year, he was appointed by theExecutive of the State to the position of Superintendent of PublicInstruction. He remained in this position until his second term expired, Jan. 1, 1874, when having been elected President of the IllinoisWesleyan University, he was transferred to the Illinois Conference. 

Brother Fallows was a man whom his brethren delighted to honor. Thoughstill a young man comparatively, he had served his Conference asSecretary nine years, and had been sent once as a Delegate to theGeneral Conference. He is a man of superior culture, pleasant voice, andentertaining address. His genial spirit is a perpetual sunshine, and hisconversational interviews, the fragrance of summer. In his addresses andsermons, the beautiful predominates. He was born an orator, and he hasnever been able to shake off the enchantment. It is not his fault thathe is generally popular. 

At this session the Conference adopted another report of the state ofthe country. It was full of patriotism, pledging an unwavering supportto the Government. The chairman of the committee was Rev. R. B. Curtis. 

Brother Curtis entered the Maine Conference in 1845, and in thatConference and the East Maine he filled the following appointments:Bingham, Corinth, Onoro, Frankfort, Searsport, Brick Chapel, Bangor, Bangor District, and again Brick Chapel. He was transferred to theWisconsin Conference in 1862, and was appointed to Janesville. His nextappointment was Delavan, where he remained three years. While here hishealth failed, and at the ensuing Conference he was compelled to take asuperannuated relation. He passed from the earthly to the heavenly home, in Appleton, May 21st, 1872. 

Brother Curtis was a man of rare endowments and sublime piety. In hismental development, there was an almost absolute equipoise between theimagination and the logical powers. In his logical dissections of errorand defence of truth, a keener blade has seldom, if ever, leaped fromits scabbard. Under his masterly imagery his audiences were sometimeschained to their seats, as if held by the toils of an enchantment. Withsuch extraordinary elements of popular address, it is not surprisingthat he held a high rank in the pulpit. Nor was he deficient in hisother qualifications as a Minister of Christ. When Brother Curtis fellfrom the walls of Zion, it might have been truly said, "A Prince inIsrael has this day exchanged the earthly for the Heavenly Crown. "

During this year Rev. D. H. Muller was Pastor of Asbury Church. BrotherMuller entered the Conference in 1861, coming from the Biblical Schoolat Evanston. His first appointment was Menasha, and his second Oshkosh. And from the last named he came to Asbury. He remained two years, wassuccessful and highly esteemed; but at the close of his term he took atransfer to the Genesee Conference. He has held leading appointments inthat Conference up to the present, and has also graduated to the dignityof a Presiding Elder. 

Brother Muller is a man of superior talent, genial spirit and fineconversational powers. His name is fragrant in all the charges he servedin Wisconsin and the Conference regretted his transfer from the State. 

I was again returned to Spring Street, and the salary was now placed atthirteen hundred dollars. With the new Church full of people, with everydepartment of Church work thoroughly organized and in successfuloperation, I was now permitted to devote my labor to the regularpastoral work. As far as possible, the forenoons were given to my studyand the afternoons to pastoral visiting. 

In a city like Milwaukee, this last department of labor is absolutelyindispensable. It is not intended in this form of expression to intimatethat it can be dispensed with in any other field, for it cannot, butsimply to indicate the impossibility of caring rightly for the souls ofmen in a great city, if this form of labor shall be neglected. 

In a large city, the population is constantly changing, and unless thePastor shall be on the alert in looking up the people, members of hisown flock, to say nothing of others, will drop out of sight. Soon theywill feel that the band of union between them and the Church has beensevered, and they have become outcasts. The result of such a state ofthings, will be either recklessness of life, or a seeking of otherChurch alliances. In either case, the charge itself suffers loss. Inaddition to this class of cases that need the eagle eye of the Pastor, there is a constant influx of population. These coming people, in largenumbers, will fail to find churchly affiliations unless there is someone who shall seek them out at their new homes, and invite them toattend the means of grace. 

I know it will be said, "Let the members of the Churches do this. " Igrant that the open field for this kind of labor is inviting to theChurch members, but suppose they do not enter it, what then? Shall thework be left undone? Besides, the work can be done effectively only, through systematic arrangement, and this feature can only be given to itthrough the supervision of the Pastor. He only can know the entireground, and become the nucleus around which the membership will beable to rally. 

It would greatly aid the Pastor in his work, if all new-comers wouldimmediately report themselves at the Parsonage or the Church. But as allsuch are usually burdened with many cares and perplexities during thefirst weeks or months in making a new home, the only way to reach thedesired result seems to be through the vigilant maintenance ofpastoral visiting. 

During the winter I held a protracted meeting, which gave an addition offorty-seven probationers. I felt the fatigue very much, and at the closeof the meeting found it necessary for a time to abridge my labors. 

In March following, the Official Board granted me leave of absence toengage for six weeks in the service of the Christian Commission. I wasassigned to service at City Point, and along the lines of Gen. Grant'sarmy, before Richmond and Petersburgh. Leaving Milwaukee March 14th, andpassing through Chicago, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia, I entered theJames River at Fortress Monroe, and reached City Point on the 21st. After calling at the headquarters of Gen. Grant, and preaching once inthe Chapel at the headquarters of the Christian Commission, I went alongthe line of the army, first to the north of Point of Rocks, twentymiles, and then to the south, twenty miles, as far as Hatch's Run, making forty miles in all. In these excursions I preached in the severalChapels as opportunity offered, and rendered such assistance as I wasable, in making the necessary preparations for the forward movement ofthe army, which was expected to occur in a few days. But I soon foundthat the exposures along the front were too great for my system, in itsenfeebled condition. I contracted a severe cold, which rendered itnecessary to leave the lines. I returned to City Point, and was advisedto leave at once for Washington, where I could obtain the desiredmedical treatment. I took the steamboat the very afternoon the army wasput in motion. By the time Gen. Grant had taken Gen. Lee, I had takenWashington. 

The physicians here believed that my lungs were seriously compromised, and advised me to go to the seashore. I went immediately down toBrooklyn, and became the guest of my cousin, Col. J. T. Hildreth. Myfamily and friends at Milwaukee at once became alarmed, and Mrs. Millercame down. But through skillful treatment, good nursing, and a kindProvidence, the indications soon changed for the better, and at the endof two months I was able to return to my people. On reaching the citythe friends gave us a reception, and left us over two hundred dollars. Iwas able to resume my labors soon after, and the balance of the yearpassed pleasantly. I had now completed my full term of three years. During this time I had received into the Church about two hundredmembers, and after allowing for removals and other changes, the netincrease had been about half that number. 

Though the people had been greatly taxed in building their new Church, it was found that the benevolent collections had considerably increased. The Missionary, collection advanced during the first year fromseventy-five dollars to two hundred and twenty. The second year it wastwo hundred and sixty-two, and the third, three hundred and forty. 

The Sunday School had now reached an aggregate of four hundred scholars, and the Library six hundred volumes. Among the accessions of the term, there were several who gave considerable financial strength tothe charge. 

CHAPTER XXII. 

Conference of 1805. --The War Closed. --Lay Delegation the Next Question. Rev. George Chester. --Rev. Romulus O. Kellogg. --Missionary toChina. --Rev. L. N. Wheeler. --Appointed to Fond du Lac District. --Marriageof our Eldest Daughter. --Removal to Fond du Lac. --Rev. T. O. Hollister. --State of the District. --Rev. J. T. Woodhead. --Waupun. --Rev. D. W. Couch. --Lamartine. --Rev. I. S. Eldridge. --Horicon. --Rev. WalterMcFarlane. 

The Conference of 1865 was held Oct. 4th in Summerfield Church, Milwaukee, Bishop Baker presiding, and assisted by Bishop Ames. Rev. Samuel Fallows was elected Secretary, and Revs. Wm. P. Stowe, E. D. Farnham and R. W. Bosworth Assistants. 

The relentless war that had raged for four years had now closed. Theclouds had lifted from the fields of conflict, and the Conference wasnow able to take note of the past and anticipate the future of thecountry. The report adopted at this session, presented by the Committeeon the state of the country, was a masterly document. It recognized thefact that the Wisconsin Conference, since its organization, hadexhibited a bold and manly opposition to American Slavery. That therecent rebellion, aiming its blows at the Government, bought by theblood of Revolutionary patriots, was the outgrowth of the institution ofSlavery. And that the Conference, in common with the Laity, and loyalcitizens of the North generally, had acquitted herself nobly, instanding by the Government in its hour of trial, and, having renderedthis service as a Christian duty, she had nothing to take back. Lookingout upon the future, she also anticipated the coming day when equalrights should be accorded to all, irrespective of color or nationality. 

The question of Slavery and the frightful war it had entailed upon thecountry having passed away, the Conference now took up the subject ofLay Delegation. And since the subject is new to many, it may not beimproper to devote to it a brief examination. 

The question has been raised, "How came it to pass that in theorganization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Laity were notassociated with the Ministry in the Conferences?" The question is alegitimate one, and deserves a considerate answer. 

It should be remembered that the establishment of the Church was rathera growth than an organization. This one fact accounts, doubtless, forthe peculiar feature referred to. Had there existed at the outset alarge body of Christians, including Ministers and Laymen, awaiting anorganization, at the time Mr. Wesley began his labors, it is possiblethat he might have so combined them in appropriate relations as tosecure a united responsibility. But such was not the state of the case. In the strict sense of the word, Mr. Wesley had no Church, and no peopleout of which to organize one. And it is possible that he began hislabors without an expectation of organizing a Church. His great concern, overleaping every other consideration, was to save souls. In this workhe was ready to call to his aid such instrumentalities as gave the bestpromise of the desired result. It was but natural that, whenever he meta congenial spirit, there should be an affiliation. In such case a unityof effort would necessarily follow. 

In this manner there grew up around Mr. Wesley a company of men, whowere recognized as his helpers. With the multiplication of theseassistant laborers, it became advisable to reduce the co-operativeeffort to a systematic plan. To adopt a plan of labor and give itefficiency, the organization of Conferences became a necessity. Thefirst Conferences were composed of Mr. Wesley and his helpers, and couldnot embody Laymen, as no Church had been organized. This state of thingscontinued during the life time of Mr. Wesley in England, and as he gavethe Church in the United States its first organization, the same systemwas introduced here. 

Subsequently, as the work extended and the Conferences multiplied, itwas but natural that they should all take the same character. Nor wouldthere have been any special need for a change, perhaps, if there hadbeen no changes in the character of the work to be done. But with theerection of Churches, the founding of schools, and the creation of theBook Concern and Church literature, the Conferences, having theseinterests in charge, need the presence and aid of Laymen. 

At the General Conference of 1864, action had been taken inviting themembership to vote on the subject, and also to elect provisionalDelegates to the General Conference of 1868. The action of the WisconsinConference fully endorsed the movement and the body faithfully compliedwith its provisions. 

At this session the Conference made a record of the death, of three ofits members, Revs. Henry Requa, George Chester and Romulus O. Kellogg. To the first named, reference has been made in former chapters. 

Brother Chester came to this country in 1849, from England, where he hadbeen converted under the labors of Rev. James Caughey. He was receivedinto the Wisconsin Conference in 1851, and was appointed to Prairie LaCrosse. His subsequent appointments were Willow River, Madison Circuit, Waterloo, Columbus, Burnett, Fox Lake, Footville, Evansville, andShopiere. At the last named place he was attacked with typhoid fever, and, after an illness of three weeks, passed away in holy triumph, withthe words, "Glory! Glory! Glory!" upon his lips. Brother Chester was atrue man, and a successful Minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Brother Kellogg came with his parents to Milwaukee in 1836. He preparedfor College at Rock River Seminary, Mount Morris, graduated at theWesleyan University, Conn. , in 1849, and served as Professor ofLanguages in the Lawrence University for five years thereafter. He wasreceived into the Wisconsin Conference in 1862, and was appointed toFort Atkinson. He was reappointed the second and third years, but, during the latter, his nervous system gave way under his devoted andtrying labors, and he passed to the bright beyond. Brother Kellogg was aman of fine culture, genial spirit, faithful to every trust, anduniversally beloved by all who knew him. 

The Conference at this session was again called upon to send one of itsmembers abroad as a Missionary. Rev. L. N. Wheeler was sent to China. Hewas presented at the Conference with an album containing the photographsof the donors as a token of remembrance. The writer was selected to makethe presentation speech, as he had known him from his childhood. 

Brother Wheeler, before he engaged in the Ministerial work, devotedseveral years to editing and publishing secular papers. He entered theConference in 1858, and had been stationed at Two Rivers, Byron, Empire, Manitowoc, and Sheboygan. 

Having been advised with by the Mission Board at New York during theyear, as to his qualifications, I was prepared to expect theappointment, fully persuaded that it would prove both creditable to theConference and profitable to the Mission field. While abroad BrotherWheeler had charge for some time of the Mission press. He renderedefficient service in the China Mission during the seven years of hisabsence. But, on account of failing health, he was compelled to returnin 1872. He is now stationed again at Manitowoc. He is a man of superiortalent, and is greatly esteemed. 

I had now completed my term of three years on the Spring Street Station, and my next appointment was very much in doubt. I had been solicited toaccept invitations to several stations, and also the Fond du LacDistrict, but in each case I assured the good brethren that I deemed itbest to let the Bishop and his Cabinet decide without prejudice, andassign me work where they believed I could serve the general cause tothe best advantage. Had I allowed myself a preference, it would havebeen some quiet station of moderate responsibility, where I could haverallied my enfeebled health. Besides, I had a doubt whether I ought tobe put on a District so soon again, after having completed two fullterms before I reached my fortieth year. But it is vain to speculate inadvance. At the close of the Conference, I found myself appointedPresiding Elder of Fond du Lac District. 

The appointment was a surprise to both myself and family. But acceptingthe situation as a legitimate feature of the Itinerancy, we entered atonce upon the needed preparations for a removal to Fond du Lac. Theremoval, however, was to be preceded by an event that, by separating thefamily, would render the change exceedingly trying. I refer to themarriage of our eldest daughter to Capt. Frank P. Lawrence, of Racine, thereby breaking a link out of the chain that had so long and pleasantlybound us together in the family circle. But, having previously learnedthat life's difficulties are best overcome by turning towards them abrave bearing, we prepared for the nuptials. 

On the morning of the 17th of October a few friends came in at thebreakfast hour, and our daughter passed into the keeping of another. Though fully satisfied with the arrangement, the occasion imposed uponme the most difficult duty of my life. The ceremony was performed inconnection with the family devotions, and quite unmanned me. Assembledin the parlor, I took my usual place to lead the devotions. TheScriptures were read, and my daughter presided as usual at the piano. Thus far everything maintained its accustomed order. But when we kneltin prayer, and I closed my eyes to all visible things, the invisiblecame trooping in throngs to my already burdened thought. Then came thevivid recollection of the many happy years we had spent together as afamily, the many sweet hours we had spent together in that parlor, withmusic and song, in which our dear daughter had ever been the centralfigure, and the now sad fact of an immediate separation. The chain mustnow be broken, and its then brightest link snatched away to gladdenanother home, while our own circle must be broken forever. 

With these thoughts rushing upon me, it is not a matter of surprise thatI was quite overwhelmed with feeling, and found utterance almostimpossible. How I passed through the prayer and the ceremony thatfollowed, has never been quite clear to me, but I was told that nothingwas omitted that could be deemed essential to the occasion. The weddingparty was soon after dismissed with our blessing, and we at once beganthe preparations for our own trip to the cars, to occur in the afternoonof the same day. 

We reached Fond du Lac at nightfall, and were kindly entertained by Rev. J. T. Woodhead and his family. The following day we were invited to thepleasant home of our old friend, C. O. Hurd, who, with his most excellentfamily, gave us a kindly greeting and cared for us until the arrival ofour goods. 

My predecessor on the District was Rev. Theron O. Hollister, a man "fullof faith and the Holy Ghost. " Brother Hollister was received into theConference at its session in Baraboo in 1853, and his first charge wasSummit. His subsequent fields of labor were Fort Atkinson, Lake Mills, Greenbush, Sheboygan Falls, and Fond du Lac, where he succeeded to theDistrict. At the close of his term on the District he was appointed toOconomowoc, next to Waukesha, and the year following to Hart Prairie. Here his health utterly broke down, and at the following session of theConference in 1868, he was compelled to take a superannuated relation. He now removed to Salem, in Kenosha County, where he died March 13, 1869, aged forty-seven. 

Brother Hollister was a man of robust frame, and, generally, goodhealth. He was an earnest man, and whatever he did was done with all hisstrength, of both mind and body. With limited early opportunities, andtoo intensely occupied in after years with the practical labor of theMinistry, to retrieve the loss he had sustained, he did not aspire to aknowledge of books. But in all the active labor of leading souls toChrist, he was a workman who needed not to be ashamed. 

He swept over the District like a storm, "instant in season and out ofseason, " laying his strong hand on every part of the work, and pushingit forward. And no doubt it was the work that he did on the Districtthat laid the foundation of the disease which terminated his usefullife. An overtaxed brain fell a prey to mental disability, and our goodbrother went to his reward. 

Fond du Lac was under the pastoral care of Rev. J. T. Woodhead. Thisexcellent brother entered the Conference in 1858, and before coming toFond du Lac, had been stationed at Greenbush, Berlin and Ripon. He wasnow on his third year in his present field. 

Brother Woodhead's early opportunities were limited, but with greatdevotion to his calling, he had carefully improved his time afterentering the Ministry. He was accepted by his people as a man of rareexcellences, happily blending in beautiful harmony both Faith and Works. In the pulpit, his manner is not always graceful, but it is neverdisagreeable. His discourses abound with Evangelical truth, set offusually in fine delineations of Scriptural scenes and characters. He hasextraordinary dramatic talent, and only needs the culture of theschools, in addition to his present gifts and graces, to place him inthe front rank as a speaker. Brother Woodhead is one of the best PastorsI have ever known. 

The Fond du Lac District at this time numbered twenty charges. To visiteach quarterly on the Sabbath was impossible, unless I chose to hold twoon adjacent charges, the same day. And this plan I did not deemadvisable, believing that it tends to break down Quarterly Meetingsaltogether, by dividing the interest. I chose rather to visit eachcharge regularly semi-annually, and the feebler ones more frequently, ifpossible. The intervening Quarterly Meetings were held by the Pastors, except they chose to procure supplies. 

My first Quarterly Meeting, held at Fond du Lac, was an occasion of rareinterest. Having been granted license to preach, and sent into theItinerancy by these brethren, they were disposed to assert a specialinterest in the Presiding Elder. Besides, the Society, under theministrations of Brother Woodhead, was in a happy spiritual condition, asatisfactory pledge of a good meeting. 

As it is my purpose to write up more particularly, as far as space willpermit, the charges and Ministers of the Conference, than my own labors, I shall not undertake to follow in order my visits to the severalcharges. During the present year, as well as the three following, Ishall simply refer to such items as will further this object, wellknowing that the adoption of any other plan would involve the issue ofseveral volumes instead of one. 

Waupun came early on the list. Many changes had occurred at Waupunduring the twenty years which had intervened since my Pastorate in 1845. I found a small frame Church and one of the best Parsonages in theConference. The Society had become strong both financially and innumbers. I was happy indeed to meet old friends with whom I had laboredin other years, and especially the converts of the early times, nowgrown to be pillars in the Church. But with our rejoicing there alsocame the shadows of sadness. Many had gone over the river. And since myvisit, others still have gone, and among them, Brother and SisterWilliam McElroy. But they were ready. 

Rev. D. W. Couch was the Pastor at Waupun. He entered the Conference in1857, and before coming to Waupun had been stationed at Bristol, Pleasant Prairie, Geneva, and had also served as Agent of theNorthwestern Seaman's Friend Society. After leaving Waupun hisappointments have been Janesville in the Wisconsin Conference, andMineral Point in the West Wisconsin. At the last Conference he wasappointed Presiding Elder of the Madison District, where he is renderingeffective service. 

Brother Couch is a very useful man, having unusual ability to adjusthimself to such work as requires special adaptations. He has a greatfund of anecdote, and is able to make a draft on this reserve wheneverneeded. He has special control of the purses of the people, and hence isin great requisition wherever there is a call for funds, and especiallyat Church dedications. He is a pronounced success. 

At Lamartine my Quarterly Meeting also revived old recollections. Thecharge now embraced Rock River, where I formed a class in 1845, and alsothe Society that held their services, at an early day, in BrotherStowe's Chapel. A Church had now been built at Lamartine, the centre ofthe charge, and also a Parsonage. The charge was now in a flame ofrevival. With the praying band at Rock River at one end of the Circuit, and Brother Humiston and his devoted laborers at the other, an almostcontinuous revival was but the normal condition. But in addition, I nowfound the circuit under the charge of Rev. I. S. Eldridge, one of my oldco-laborers at Janesville. 

Brother Eldridge entered the Conference in April, 1859, and beforecoming to Lamartine had been stationed at Utter's Corners, Palmyra, Wauwatosa, and Byron. He was now on his second year, the charge havingenjoyed during the former one great prosperity. After leaving Lamartine, Brother Eldridge's appointments have been Horicon and Juneau, Fox Lake, Brandon, Sheboygan Falls, Burnett, and Eagle. 

Brother Eldridge is yet in the vigor of his strength, and gives promiseof many years of usefulness. While his great forte is revival work, hehas mental and spiritual force enough to amply sustain every otherdepartment of a Minister's obligation. During the earlier portion of hiswork, his incessant labor in protracted meetings greatly abridged hisopportunities for study, but I presume in later years he has endeavoredto retrieve the loss sustained. At this writing he is again at Eagle, where his accessions are already climbing the second hundred. 

At Horicon I found Rev. Walter McFarlane, Pastor of the Horicon andJuneau charge. This dear brother and his most estimable lady gave me ahearty welcome, and made me feel at home in a few moments. I found thecharge in a prosperous condition, and the Pastor in high esteem amongthe people. 

Brother McFarlane is a Scotchman by birth. He entered the Conference in1856, and was stationed at Cascade. His following appointments wereOconto, Vinland, Two Rivers, and Empire. He was now on his second yearin his present charge. After leaving Horicon, he was stationed at Byron. While on this charge he and his good lady took great interest in fittingup the Camp-Meeting grounds of the Fond du Lac District. A finePreacher's stand was erected, comfortable seats were provided, and manypermanent tents were built. The meetings during this period becamefar-famed and highly profitable. The great burden of looking after alllocal matters was sustained by this good Brother, as the Pastor of thecharge, and the administration was always highly acceptable. Afterleaving Byron, his appointments were Winneconne, Bristol, Sylvania, andGranville. In this last named charge, he is at this writing doingeffective work. 

Brother McFarlane is well versed in Theology and Biblical criticism. Hehas a large fund of information on all subjects of general interest, andis able to make himself an interesting companion among the people. Hehas an intense dislike to the superficial, and is never satisfied withthe examination of any subject until he can feel the firm foundationbeneath him. In his sermons he seeks to give reliable information onspecific subjects rather than spin glittering generalities. Firm as theHighlands of his native home, and balmy as her valleys, he is none otherthan a highly esteemed brother. 

CHAPTER XXIII. 

Conference of 1866. --Centenary Year. --LayDelegation. --Reconstruction. --Returned to Fond du Lac District. --SevenSermons a Week--Rev. O. J. Cowles. --Beaver Dam. --A Good Record. --FallRiver. --Early History. --Columbus. --Rev. Henry Sewell. --Conference of1867. --Election of Delegates. --Cotton Street. --Rev. R. S. Hayward. --Rev. A. A. Reed. --General Conference. --Conference of 1868. --Rev. T. C. Wilson. --Rev. H. C. Tilton. Rev. John Hill. --Rev. Isaac Searles. --Rev. J. B. Cooper. --An Incident. --Close of the Term. --Progress Made. 

The Conference of 1866 was held at Ripon, Bishop Clark presiding. TheSecretaries were the same as the preceding year. 

The Centenary of American Methodism occurred this year, and the month ofOctober had been set apart for the purposes of a celebration. The writerhad been designated to preach a Centenary sermon during the session ofthe Conference, but as I was called to Waupun to attend the funeral ofmy brothers's wife, on the day the services were to have been held, thegood Bishop kindly consented to occupy the pulpit for me. 

The collections during the Centenary year were mostly given toEducational purposes, the Lawrence University, the Garrett BiblicalInstitute, and the Evansville Seminary being the beneficiaries. Thefirst named received perhaps fifteen thousand dollars. 

The subject of Lay Delegation again engaged the attention of the body. While fully sympathizing with the general movement, the Conferenceanticipated the contemplated change by inviting the several DistrictSteward's meetings to elect three Delegates from each District to visitthe ensuing session of the Annual Conference, and co-operate with thatbody in its deliberations, as far as the polity of the Church wouldpermit. The invitation was accepted, and at the next session theDelegates were cordially received. 

At this time the question of the Ecclesiastical Reconstruction of theSouth was beginning to agitate the Church. The Conference, alwaysradical on all the great questions of the day, took advanced ground, andconsistently adhered to its positions throughout the discussion. Thesubsequent history of the Southern work has fully justified theaction taken. 

With this session of the Conference began the Cabinet work of my thirdterm as Presiding Elder. Adhering to my former convictions, I favoredonly such changes in the appointments as were dictated by the law of theChurch and stern necessity. In connection with the appointments, aneffort was made to secure my assignment to the station in Fond du Lac, but when it was known that a Committee from the Official Board was inattendance upon the Conference, the Ministers and Laymen of the Districtentered a vigorous remonstrance. 

The Bishop kindly enquired whether I had any suggestions to make. Ianswered, "I have never interfered in making my own appointments; and itis too late to begin now. As you and the Cabinet understand the case, having had a full representation from both sides, I will step aside andlet you decide the matter. " After an absence of an hour, I returned, andfound my name still at the head of the District. 

At the close of the session I returned to Fond du Lac and entered uponanother year of taxing labor. The work was growing rapidly, and it wasnecessary to reconstruct and enlarge several of the Churches, and buildothers. In several localities we succeeded in a consolidation of thework, thereby making it possible to erect several Churches. Instead ofmaintaining feeble appointments at contiguous school houses, we found itbetter to combine two or more of them, and build a Church in a centrallocality. In this way the Mulleton, Hingham, Leroy, Markesan, LakeMaria, and several other Churches found an existence. 

During the winter season of this year, I was largely engaged with theseveral Pastors in protracted meetings. And during the first half of theyear, I preached on an average seven sermons a week. The Pastors were aband of devoted and earnest workers, and the year was one ofremarkable success. 

At Fond du Lac a charge of Pastors occurred, as the term of the formerPastor had expired. His successor was Rev. O. J. Cowles. A young man ofexcellent promise. He was a graduate of Cornell College in 1860, and ofthe Garrett Biblical Institute in 1863. He entered the Conference thesame year, and had been stationed at Kenosha, Berlin, and Appleton. After his two years of service in Fond du Lac, he was stationed threeyears each at Racine and Oshkosh. 

Brother Cowles is a man of superior talent and excellent spirit. He isone of the rising men of the Conference, and bids fair to take a frontrank. At this writing he is stationed at Whitewater, where he is in themidst of a gracious revival. 

Beaver Dam Station was added this year to the District. Beaver Dam wassettled by members of the Presbyterian Church, and hence its earliestreligious services were held by the Ministers of that denomination. Thefirst Methodist appointment was established by Rev. A. P. Allen in 1846, being then Pastor of Waupun Circuit as my successor. Rev. Henry Requa, as before stated, was employed by the Elder as his assistant. During theyear these earnest laborers held a protracted meeting, which resulted inseveral conversions. The first class was formed by Brother Allen, andconsisted of L. H. Marvin, Leader, Mr. And Mrs. Peters, Bennett Gordon, and Mrs. Reuben Dexter. Brother Marvin still resides at Beaver Dam. 

The meetings were held in L. H. Marvin's cabinet shop, until otherprovision could be made. The first Church, a frame building twenty-sixby forty feet in size, was commenced by Brother Allen in the winter of1846 and '47, and completed the following year by Brother Requa. Thebuilding was enlarged under the Pastorate of Rev. I. M. Leihy in 1859. Under the Pastorate of Rev. A. A. Reed in 1870 and 1871, a large brickChurch was erected, the writer being invited to lay the corner-stone thefirst year, and preach the dedicatory sermon the second. During BrotherReed's Pastorate a great revival also occurred, under the labors of Mrs. Maggie N. Van Cott, which added greatly to the strength of the Church. At the present writing, the Pastor is Rev. Isaac Wiltse, of whom mentionwill be made in a subsequent chapter. 

Fall River and Columbus were assigned to the District this year from theJanesville District. At the organization of the work they constitutedone Circuit, but had now grown to be independent charges. 

Fall River Society was organized in the log house of Clark Smith, onFountain Prairie, by Rev. Stephen Jones in 1844, the locality being atthe time connected with the old Aztalan Circuit. The members were Rev. E. J. Smith, of whom mention is made elsewhere, his wife, Martha Smith, Clark Smith, Sarah Smith, Mr. And Mrs. Aaron E. Houghton. Brother E. J. Smith was appointed Leader. 

A log school house, the first built in the county, was erected soonafter, and the meetings were transferred to it. The population grewrapidly, being attracted by the beautiful location, and in due timethere was a strong society. Under the energetic and effective labors ofthe Leader and his talented lady, this society was instrumental in theconversion of many souls. 

In process of time a mill was built on the stream at Fall River. A fineschool house was soon after erected, and the meetings removed to it, asthe locality had become more central than the one on the Prairie. At thepresent writing, Fall River holds a most respectable rank as a charge, has a good Church, and a convenient Parsonage. 

Columbus was visited by Rev. Stephen Jones in 1844, he having beenappointed to Aztalan Circuit the preceding autumn. He preached the firstsermon in the log dwelling house of Brigham Campbell, but I am unable tofix the date. Nor am I able to give the organization of the first class, but it is probable that during the early years the members in thislocality were connected with the Society on Fountain Prairie. 

In 1859 Columbus was made a station, and Rev. Henry Colman was appointedPastor. The Society built their first Church, a frame structure, in anunfortunate location, but have now displaced it by a fine brick edifice, which they have placed in the central portion of the village. It is oneof the best Churches in the interior of the State. 

The present Pastor is Rev. Henry Sewell, who entered the Conference in1858. His appointments have been Porter, Edgerton and Stoughton, Orfordville, Utter's Corners, Emerald Grove and Maxonville, Sun Prairie, Lake Mills, Oconomowoc, and Columbus. Brother Sewell is one of the mostefficient men of the Conference. At Sun Prairie, he built a ten thousanddollar Church, and has succeeded in completing the enterprise atColumbus. In revival work Brother Sewell has met with rare success, usually increasing the membership of his charges at least onehundred per cent. 

The Conference of 1867 was held Oct. 2d at Beaver Dam, Bishop Simpsonpresiding, and the same Secretaries were re-elected. 

The action of the Conference on the subject of Lay Delegation willappear in the following resolutions:

"<i>Resolved, </i> That we are in favor of the representation of the Laity inAnnual and General Conference. "

"<i>Resolved</i>, That our Delegates to the next General Conference beinstructed to use their influence in favor of such representation. "

Having thus laid down the platform, the Conference next proceeded toelect the Delegates to the General Conference, resulting in the choiceof G. M. Steele, W. G. Miller, Samuel Fallows, Henry Bannister, and C. D. Pillsbury. 

Two other subjects specially engaged the attention of the Conference atthis session. I refer to the "Sabbath Question, " and "MinisterialEducation. " Appropriate resolutions were adopted, and measures taken togive efficiency to the timely expression of sentiment. 

My work on the District opened at Cotton Street, Fond du Lac. Thischarge, under the name of Arndt Street, or North Fond du Lac, had beenmerged in the Division Street Station, and was now re-organized withRev. M. D. Warner as Pastor. A new Church had been commenced during thepreceding year, and it was now completed. The dedicatory services wereconducted by the lamented Dr. T. M. Eddy. 

Brandon was the next charge visited, the Pastor being my old friend Rev. R. S. Hayward, whose acquaintance, it will be remembered, I made as anExhorter at Brothertown. 

Brother Hayward entered the Conference in 1850, and had been stationedat Waupaca, Dartford, Metomon, Berlin, Wausau, and Sheboygan. He thenserved as Presiding Elder on the Waupaca District a full term, and wassubsequently stationed at Vinland and Omro. In all these fields he hadacquitted himself creditably, and was now doing a good work at Brandon. After leaving Brandon, he has served North Oshkosh, Clemensville, Menasha, Utica and Zion. At the last named he is now hard at work forthe Master. 

Rev. A. A. Reed, who had just completed a three years' term at Brandon, was now at Sheboygan Falls. This charge was continuing to hold a fairrank in the Conference, and during Brother Reed's Pastorate receivedmany accessions, and also improved the Church property. 

Brother Reed entered the Conference in 1859. His appointments had beenEmpire, Lamartine, Byron, Greenbush, and Brandon. At the close of athree years' term at Sheboygan Falls, he was sent to Beaver Dam, wherehe succeeded, as before stated, in erecting a fine Church, and greatlymultiplying the membership. His present field, the Agency of theLawrence University, is one of great labor. But in this work, as well asin whatever may be assigned him, Brother Reed is a grand success, andwill accomplish his task. 

The General Conference met in the month of May of this year in Chicago. During the session I was entertained by an old Milwaukee friend, Capt. J. C. Henderson, long known on the Lakes as the Sabbath keeping Captain. The two great questions that came before the body were Lay Delegation, and the admission of the Delegates from the newly formed Conferences inthe South. Both measures received the approval of the GeneralConference, but as they were brought to the attention of the readerthrough the periodicals of the Church, I need not burden these pageswith a further reference to them. 

The Conference of 1868 was held Oct. 1st at Racine, Bishop Amespresiding. The term of Rev. Joseph Anderson on the Waupaca Districthaving expired, one of the young, men of the Conference was appointed ashis successor. I refer to Rev. T. C. Wilson. 

This promising brother graduated from the Lawrence University in 1859, and was admitted to the Conference in 1862. Before being appointed tothe District he had been stationed at East Troy, Clinton, and Neenah. His labors on the District were highly appreciated, and, at the close ofhis term in 1872, he was appointed Presiding Elder of the AppletonDistrict, where he is, at this writing, still employed in the good work. He is recognized as a man of thorough scholarship, a good Preacher, anda successful laborer in the vineyard. 

At the close of the Conference, the writer was returned to the Fond duLac District for a fourth year. On the District there were but fewchanges, but among them was the bringing of two new men to Fond du Lac. 

Rev. H. C. Tilton, appointed to Division Street, entered the MaineConference July 21st, 1841. His appointments in that Conference wereMount Desert, Deer Island, Steuben, North Penobscot and NorthBucksport. At the division of the Conference he fell into East Maine, and, before coming West, was stationed at Frankfort, Hampden, Bangor, Rockland and Damariscotta. 

Brother Tilton came to the Wisconsin Conference by transfer in 1857. Hisappointments have been Summerfield, Janesville, Janesville District, Racine District, Asbury, Division Street. Court Street, Janesville, and Appleton. 

Brother Tilton is a veteran in the work, having been in the Itinerancynearly thirty-four years. Having possessed a vigorous constitution andfirm health, he has taken his full share of privation and hard work. Hisservices have always been in special demand, and he has not sparedhimself. He is a man of vigorous intellect and a ready delivery, hispulpit efforts always commanding the attention of the people. At thiswriting he is building in Appleton one of the best Churches in theConference. 

Rev. John Hill entered the North Indiana Conference in 1855. Hisappointments were Elkhart, La Grange, La Grove, Indianapolis, Anderson, Greenfield and Fort Wayne. He came to the Wisconsin Conference bytransfer this year, and Cotton Street was his first charge. His nextappointment was Summerfield, Milwaukee, and the last was Bay View. Herehe was thrown from a wagon by the sudden starting of the horse, and, falling upon his head, received a severe injury, from which he died intwenty-four hours. 

Brother Hill was a man of small frame, but a large brain and a generousheart. His style of speech was clear, distinct and rapid. He couldreason a question with great force, and could fringe the mostcommonplace subjects with wit and humor. He was a true man, a goodPreacher, and a faithful Pastor. 

Rev. Isaac Searles was this year stationed at Brandon. He entered theRock River Conference in 1841, and was appointed to Indian CreekCircuit. His subsequent appointments in that Conference were Sycamore, Cedar Rapids, Rock Island, Union Grove, and Hazel Green. In 1848, at thedivision, he fell into the Wisconsin Conference. In Wisconsin hisappointments were Dodgeville, Lindon, Platteville, Madison District, FoxLake, Fall River, Dartford, Beaver Dam District, Watertown, Waukesha, East Troy, and now Brandon. At this place his health failed, and, afterlingering; until December 8th, 1870, he was called to the Father'shouse: above. His death was triumphant. His last words were, "Jesus ismine, Jesus is mine. " "He saves me to the uttermost. " "I am standing onthe Rock. " Thus passed away a. Noble man, a true friend, and aveteran Minister. 

Rev. J. B. Cooper was this year employed to supply Byron charge. Thisexcellent brother entered the traveling connection in the State of NewYork, where he filled several appointments, but, his health failing, hetook a superannuated relation in 1854, and came to Janesville. In 1857he rendered special service, as before stated, in the great revival ofthat year, and in 1860 re-entered the regular work in the WisconsinConference. His charges have been Evansville, Delavan, Hart Prairie, Byron, Randolph and Rosendale, where he is stationed at thepresent writing. 

Brother Cooper is a good specimen of the Itinerant Preacher. His manneris affable, his spirit genial, and his hand diligent. In all his chargeshe is deservedly popular. 

At one of the Quarterly Meetings of this charge, I was approached, atthe close of the morning services, by a gentleman who enquired whether Icame from the State of New York. On learning that I did, he furtherenquired whether I attended, when a boy, Prof. McLaren's Academy atGallupville. I informed him that I was there several years. "Well, " saidhe, "are you the one who measured the shote?" I replied, "Tell me aboutit, and we will see. " He then related the following incident: "At thetime to which I refer there was a boy about thirteen years old who wasvery proficient in figures, and the Professor took great pleasure ingiving him difficult problems to solve during the dinner hour. On one ofthese occasions, as the Professor was going across the green for hisdinner, the boy met him and asked for a problem. Looking up, he saw ahalf grown hog near by, and quickly replied, 'Give me the cubic inchesof that shote. ' And, supposing he had got a good joke on the boy, hepassed on. But as soon as he was fairly out of sight, the boy calledtogether several other boys, and stated the case to them, adding, 'Now, boys, if you will help me to catch that shote, we will show theProfessor a thing that they have never done in Edinburgh. ' The boysconsented, and his hogship was soon made a prisoner. Under a vigorousvocal protest, he was then dragged to the back end of the Academybuilding, and plunged into a half hogshead of water. After his release, of course, the vacant space in the hogshead, caused by the displacing ofthe water, represented the actual size of the shote. In five minutesmore, the cubic inches were obtained, and on the return of the Professorthe answer was ready for him. " The story was well told, and I wasobliged to confess to the impeachment. 

During this, the last year of my second term on the Fond du LacDistrict, my strength was taxed to its utmost. Besides the regularQuarterly Meetings, I had made it my earnest concern to aid all thePreachers on the District in their work as far as possible. During thewinter this service was largely rendered in protracted meetings, andduring the summer in Church enterprises. In fact, the latter branch oflabor had been made a specialty during the entire term. And as a result, two Churches had been dedicated in Fond du Lac, three on the Chiltoncharge, three on the Hingham work, one on the Byron, two on theMarkesan, one on the Brandon, one on the Rosendale, one on the Fox Lake, one on the Empire, and one on the Horicon and Juneau, besides quite anumber that were remodeled and largely improved. Including both classes, we had had on the District during the term twenty-two Churchenterprises. Extensive revivals had occurred, and we were now able toreport an increase of eight hundred and seventy-seven members. 

CHAPTER XXIV. 

Conference of 1869. --Stationed at Ripon. --First Visit. --Rev. E. J. Smith. --Rev. Byron Kingsbury. --Sabbath School. --Early Record of theStation. --Church Enterprises. --Rev. William Morse. --Rev. JosephAnderson. --Revival. --Church Enlargement. --Berlin. --Early History. --Rev. Isaac Wiltse. --Conference of 1870. --Returned to Ripon. --Marriage of ourSecond Daughter. --A Happy Year. --Close of our Labors. 

The Conference of 1869 was held September 23d at Appleton, Bishop Scottpresiding. My term on the District had now expired, and a newappointment must follow. Several of the strongest charges opened theirdoors, but for reasons that were quite satisfactory both to myself andthe good people, I was stationed at Ripon. 

The following week I started for my new field of labor. As beforestated, I had visited this locality in 1845, it then being known asCeresco. But, besides a casual visit and a week's stay during thesession of the Conference, I had enjoyed limited opportunities tomaintain an acquaintance with the people or the charge. I reached thecity Saturday afternoon, and immediately, satchel in hand, started downMain Street to find some one who might invite me to lodgings. I had notgone far when I saw a gentleman hastily crossing the street to interceptme. On approaching I found it to be Rev. E. J. Smith, a Local Preacher, to whom reference has been made in former chapters in connection withFall River. I had learned of his removal to Ripon, but was hardlyprepared to meet my old friend so suddenly, and receive such a heartygreeting. An invitation to lodgings immediately followed, and I joyfullyaccepted, remembering the kind hospitality this noble family had givenme in other days. 

After chatting over the past, and taking some refreshments, my oldfriend took me out to a multitude of introductions among the brethren. Ifound them all cordial, and began to feel quite at home among them. Passing down Main Street, we visited the Church, a building ofrespectable size and comparatively new, and passing down still furtherinto the borders of what was formerly known as Ceresco proper, we foundthe Parsonage. This little walk of Saturday gave me an outline of thelay of things, and helped me to poise my head and arrange my thoughtsfor the Sabbath. 

The Sabbath gave me a fair congregation, and at the close of the servicewe enjoyed a good Class Meeting, Led by my old friend, E. J. Smith. Andas one of the living members of the class, I found also an oldacquaintance of my boyhood and later years, Albert Cook. There were alsoa few friends of other days still residing in Ripon, and several who hadcome from other places to reside in the city, to join in the cordialgreeting that was given me. The Sunday School, under the charge of Rev. Byron Kingsbury, so well known throughout the State in the Sunday Schoolwork, met also at the close of the morning service. It was in aflourishing condition, as it could not well be otherwise with such aSuperintendent. The Superintendent introduced the new Pastor to theschool, and playfully asked them if they thought the new Pastor was asgood-looking as the old. Quite to my surprise, they answered in theaffirmative. In the few remarks that followed I accounted for the goodlooks of both the former Pastor and the present on the score that I wasthe Father and the former Pastor was one of my boys, as I hadintroduced him to the Conference some years before. This little sallyreconciled the children to the new state of things, and secured me akindly greeting from all of them. 

Since my Pastorate in 1845, a variety of changes had passed over theplace and the Church. I found Ripon no longer a small settlement, nestled in the little valley between the bluffs, but a veritable city, now largely perched on the brow of the prairie, with its numerousbusiness houses, its Churches, and its College. The Church, instead ofbeing a small class with its meetings first in the dining hall andafterwards in the small school house, was now a large Society, andcomfortably quartered in a respectable Church edifice. 

But all these changes had not come in a day. The Circuit of twenty-fourappointments, of which Ripon was only one, had been divided andsubdivided until they had become nearly a score of charges. To tracethese changes in detail would weary the reader, and hence I have onlyreferred to them incidentally, as they have fallen into the line of mysubsequent labors. In this connection, I must confine myself to Riponand its immediate vicinity. 

The first Quarterly Meeting of which I can find a record was held inCeresco by Rev. J. M. Walker, Oct. 15th, 1855, Rev. William Stevens wasthen the Preacher in charge. The official members were: George Limbert, Local Preacher, Z. Pedrick, Recording Steward, Thos. P. Smith, Steward, and David S. Shepherd, Class Leader. There were at this time fourclasses connected with the charge, and these were located at Ripon, Ceresco. Rush Lake, and Utica. At the fourth Quarterly Meeting of thisyear there were two Sunday Schools reported. One at Ceresco, withthirty-three scholars, and one at Ripon, with twenty-one. 

The following year, 1856, Rev. R. Moffat was sent to the charge. Uticawas now put into another charge, and Democrat Prairie attached toCeresco. During this year, a small frame Church was built in Ceresco, onthe east side of the street, and about forty rods south of the Cerescomill. The pioneer Church was used until 1860, when it was sold to Mr. W. H. Demming, who removed it to its present location for a cooper-shop. From 1856 to 1860, while the services in Ceresco were thus held in thesmall Church, the meetings in Ripon were held in the City Hall, whichwas rented for the purpose. When the new Church was built, thecongregations were united. 

The new Church, under the Pastorate of Rev. William Morse, was commencedin May, 1860, and the lecture-room was ready for use in March, 1861. Theaudience room was not completed until the Pastorate of Rev. J. T. Woodhead in 1862. Brother Woodhead was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Anderson. 

Brother Morse had entered the traveling connection in the State of NewYork, had located, and had come West, seeking health for his wife. Thedeath of Brother Maxson, of which mention is made in a former chapter, had left Ripon without a Pastor, and Brother Morse was employed to fillthe vacancy. 

Besides filling out the unexpired year, he remained two years on thecharge, and during his Pastorate there were many accessions. He filledseveral other appointments subsequently in the Conference with greatacceptability, but on account of family affliction, he was finallycompelled to retire from active labor. At this writing he is in WesternIowa, where he does what he can to help on the good cause. He is a manof sweet spirit, and is highly esteemed by all his brethren. 

Brother Anderson entered the Wisconsin Conference in 1852, and wasstationed at South Grove, in Racine District. His subsequentappointments had been Milton, Geneva, Sheboygan Falls, Fond du LacDistrict, and Appleton. On the stations, and during his four years onthe District, he had done efficient work, and was now brought to Riponas the successor of Brother Woodhead, where he was well received. Afterleaving Ripon, his appointments have been, Presiding Elder on theWaupaca District four years, Waupaca Station, Second Church, Oshkosh, and Omro, his present field. 

Brother Anderson is a man of large frame, and gives evidence of unusualphysical strength. He has a strong head, a kind heart, and is inclinedto the humorous. He can tell a good story in a social circle, and canrelate a good anecdote in the pulpit. In the latter he is gifted in theline of similes, which often in his hands make the sermon interestingand profitable. He gives promise of many more years of usefulness. 

At Ripon, the Sabbath having passed, steps were taken to place theParsonage in readiness to receive the Pastor's family. Those noblewomen, Mrs. Kingsbury, Mrs. Smith, and others, not only aided in thenecessary provision, but actually gave their personal superintendence tothe arrangement of the furniture. A new carpet was put down in theparlor; a new stove in the sitting room, and such other measures takenas were deemed necessary to render the coming and stay of the Pastor'sfamily agreeable to them. And when the family came on Thursday, theyfound the rooms warm, the table spread, and the house filled with happyfaces, warm hearts and ready hands, to give them a cordial greeting. Such a reception, given by such a people, robs the Itinerancy of halfits burdens, and gives to the relations of Pastor and people anexquisite setting. 

The preliminaries settled, I took up my work in the order I had beenaccustomed to follow whenever assigned to station work. Knowing theimportance of the pastoral as well as the pulpit labor, I had alwaysbeen accustomed to adhere strictly to a division of labor, giving theforenoons to my study, and the afternoons to pastoral visits. By thisarrangement I found I could give to the study all the time necessary tofully employ a healthy brain, and yet find time to pass over inconsecutive order the entire list of families in regular attendance uponthe Church, three or four times a year. The prosecution of this plan inRipon soon filled the house with people, and also added greatly to thespiritual prosperity of the membership. 

During the winter considerable revival interest pervaded thecongregation, which had now come to fill the Church to suffocation, andnot less than seventy-five persons professed conversion. The studentsfrom the College came to the Church in great numbers, and several ofthem were found among the converts. 

During the winter, a lecture course was instituted, under the auspicesof the Literary Society connected with the College, and I was requestedto give the first lecture. The flattering manner in which the effort wasspoken of by the press brought other invitations, and I yielded toseveral of them, though my time was too much occupied with my regularwork to indulge myself far in this direction. At this time I was alsoemployed to do considerable work in connection with the press. Besidesbecoming one of the corresponding editors of the Index and the N. W. Advance, two papers published in Milwaukee, I accepted the position of aLocal Editor on the Fond du Lac Commonwealth, and in this capacityrepresented Ripon and its vicinity in its columns. 

During the winter, I was called to Onion River to dedicate the newbrick Church that had been built on the Hingham charge, and in thefollowing summer I was called to Oshkosh to re-open the First Church, which had been enlarged and greatly improved by the Rev. Wm. P. Stowe. Frequent calls were also made upon me for addresses on Temperance andother subjects. I yielded as far as consistent with my otherobligations, but made in these cases, as ever in the course of mylabors, all such calls yield to the pressing demands of my regularMinisterial work. 

But at this stage of our work, another enterprise lay immediately beforethe good people of Ripon. The Church could no longer accommodate thecrowds of people that thronged it, and an extension became necessary. Aunited and generous effort, however, soon rendered this necessaryimprovement a fixed fact. By an extension of the length andreconstruction of the basement, and suitable refitting, the Ripon Churchbecame not only commodious, but, in size, the second Church in thenorthern portion of the Conference. 

On one of the beautiful days of June, I concluded to make a visit toBerlin. Taking my family in a carriage, we passed over a delightfulcountry and along pleasant roads, wondering at the change that had comeover that region since I made my wild excursion in this direction in1845, to find Strong's Landing. I now found Berlin a pleasant city andthe home of many valued friends, whom I had known elsewhere. 

Berlin, though now aspiring to be a charge of respectable standing, hadits beginning, like all others, in "the day of small things. " The firstMethodist sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Bassinger in September, 1850. The services were held in the office of a warehouse. Berlin was nowconnected with Dartford, and became a regular appointment. BrotherBassinger formed a class in connection with the first service in thewarehouse. The members were Reuben Tompkins, his wife, and twodaughters, Mrs. Kellogg and Mrs. McElroy. 

Until a Church was built the meetings were held, after leaving thewarehouse, first over Mr. Bartlett's store, and afterwards over Mr. Alexander's clothing store. The first Church was built under thePastorate of Rev. J. Pearsall in 1851. It did good service for severalyears, and was then sold. It is now used as a blacksmith shop. Thesecond church, the present respectable edifice, was built in 1858 byRev. D. Stansbury, and was dedicated by the late Dr. T. M. Eddy. TheParsonage was built by Rev. D. O. Jones in 1862. 

Rev. Isaac Wiltse, the Pastor at Berlin at this time entered theWisconsin Conference at its April session in 1859. His charges beforecoming to Berlin were Wautoma, Kingston, Door Creek, Lowell, LibertyPrairie, and Dartford. Since leaving Berlin, his appointment has beenBeaver Dam, where he is now doing a good work for the Master. 

Brother Wiltse is one of those men who usually remain on a charge aslong as the law of the Church will permit. He is a young man of a clearunderstanding and genuine piety. As a Preacher he holds an excellentposition in the Conference, and he is not less esteemed as a Pastor. Avoiding all effort to make a show in the world, he furnishes a largestock of Gospel truth in his sermons, and puts into his administrationan equal share of common sense. 

The next session of the Conference was held Oct. 12, in Janesville. Wewere returned to Ripon, as expected by all. But the year opened withanother of those occasions which strangely unite both joy and sorrow. Onthe third day of November, a happy group were met at the Parsonage, tocelebrate the marriage of our second daughter, Laura Eunice, and Mr. Jesse Smith, of Fond du Lac. This event took to Fond du Lac our secondand only remaining daughter, leaving us alone with our son, now twelveyears of age, as the only representative of young life in the household. Those only who have thus felt the shadows one after another creepingaround the home hearth, can realize the desolation of feeling thatbroods over the parental heart on such occasions. But there is no timein this life to estimate its losses. The duties of the day are ever uponus, and we must away at their call. 

The Church enlargement had been completed, and every indication gavepromise of a successful year. Our associations were exceedinglypleasant, and the Church, at peace in all her borders, was in a healthyspiritual condition. During the winter a revival again blessed thelabors of Pastor and people. The following summer was one of greatcomfort. The two years spent at Ripon were among the most happy of allour Itinerant life. Not a jar had disturbed the fair fabric of ourdreams, not a ripple had disturbed the happy flow of feeling. And, strongly entrenched in the confidence and good feeling of all thepeople, we closed the year in full expectation of a return and anothersuccessful term. 

CHAPTER XXV. 

Conference of 1871. --Election of Delegates. --Laymen's ElectoralConvention. --Temperance. --The Sabbath. --Rev. Thomas Hughes. --Appointedto Spring Street. --Third Term. --Wide Field. --Rev. C. D. Pillsbury. --Rev. W. W. Case. --The Norwegian Work. --Rev. A. Haagenson. --The SilverWedding. --Results of the Year. 

The Conference of 1871 was held in the Summerfield Church, Milwaukee, Oct. 11, and was presided over by Bishop Simpson. At this session theelection of Delegates to the General Conference again occurred. TheConference was entitled to five clerical Delegates, and the Laymen totwo. The Conference elected G. M. Steele, C. D. Pillsbury, HenryBannister, P. R. Pease, and W. G. Miller. The Laymen's Convention electedHon. Wm. P. Lyon, of the Supreme Court of the State, and R. P. Elmore, Esq. , of Milwaukee. Judge Lyon being unable to attend, his place wasfilled by Prof. H. A. Jones, of Lawrence University. 

At this session provision was made to hold a Methodist State Conventionat Madison during the following summer. Able reports were also adoptedon the subject of Temperance and the observance of the ChristianSabbath, showing that the members of the body kept abreast with thedemands of the times. 

This year the Conference was called to make a record of the death of twoof its members, Rev. Isaac Searles, and Rev. Thomas Hughes. As referencehas been made to the first named in a former chapter, it need not berepeated in this connection. 

Brother Hughes was a native of Wales, and had been connected with ourWelsh work. Alter serving two years in the Welsh Mission in OneidaConference he came to Wisconsin in 1857. He settled in Fond du Laccounty, and for several years supplied the Welsh Mission in Nekimi, preaching also at times to the English population in that neighborhood. His death occurred in Utica, N. Y. He was a man of strong mind, amiablespirit, and thoroughly versed in the doctrines of the Bible and thestandards of the Church. 

Besides this depletion of the Itinerant ranks, three of our brethren hadbeen called during the year to go down into the deep shadows of domesticaffliction, in the loss of their companions, Revs. William Teal, WarrenWoodruff and H. H. Jones. The obituaries of these devoted co-laborerswere inserted in the Conference Minutes. 

During the session of the Conference, Mrs. Miller and myself wereentertained by the Misses Curry, whose generous hospitality made ourstay with them exceedingly pleasant. We also visited many of our oldfriends in the city as opportunity permitted, little dreaming of thesurprise that was awaiting us. 

The Conference closed in the usual manner by the reading of theappointments. But judge of our surprise to find ourselves assigned for athird time to the Pastorate of Spring Street Station, Milwaukee. To saywe were surprised indeed would be but to state the truth, and yet to saywe were pained we could not, for who that has ever known the good peopleof Old Spring Street, could ever deem it an affliction to be stationedamong them. However, when we looked upon the weeping eyes of several ofour dear Ripon friends in the congregation, and thought of the manyothers at home, we would have been other than human if our eyes had notalso filled with tears. Nor is it too much to say, that we did not knowhow much we were attached to the good people of Ripon and our workthere, until we found ourselves so suddenly separated from them. But onthe other hand, what could we say? We came first to Milwaukee when inour youth. We came again to the Milwaukee District in 1859, and to thestation in 1862, giving to the first four years of severe labor, and tothe last three of the most successful years of our Itinerant life. Wehad known this people as it seldom falls to the lot of Itinerants toknow a people. With not a few we had knelt at the Altar of God, whenthey passed into the spiritual kingdom. The names of very many of themhad been entered by the writer's hand on the records of the Church. Withmany we had bowed our heads in recognition of their deep sorrow, andwith many had clasped hands in the day of their rejoicing. And now, tobe sent back to a third Pastorate within a period of twenty years, couldnot be deemed less than a great privilege. 

But to our work. Following my life-long custom, the first Sabbath of thenew Conference year found me at my post of labor. I was happy to findthe charge in a good spiritual condition, and hence I was able to takeup the work in its ordinary line of service. My first care was toarrange a complete system of pastoral labor, still entertaining theconviction that upon the faithful prosecution of this branch of theMinisterial work depended, in a good degree, the success of the pastoralfunction. And in this branch of service Spring Street Station imposes avast amount of labor. As the mother Church of the city, her membershipis widely scattered, and her congregations large. Yet the Pastor, with acareful husbanding of time, and an earnest effort, can pass over thefield as often as the exigencies of the work require. He may not alwaysvisit each family as often as they desire, for there are many in everyChurch who have a very limited idea of the amount of labor, care andthought the pastoral office imposes, but he will be able to meet allreasonable demands. 

The new Church had been completed during the preceding year, and hadbeen dedicated by Rev. Drs. Eddy and Ives on the Sabbath beforeConference, Oct. 8th, 1871. The building is a fine brick structure, onehundred feet in length by eighty in width at the transepts. Besides theauditorium, it has a large lecture-room, three parlors, a Pastor'sstudy, a library room, and a convenient kitchen. The entire cost ofbuildings and grounds, including the Parsonage, was sixty thousanddollars. At the dedication subscriptions were obtained to meet theindebtedness of twenty thousand dollars with a satisfactory margin. 

The new year opened with all the Church appliances in vigorousoperation. The class and prayer meetings were well attended, and theintervening evenings were occupied by the meetings of the Ladies' Aid, the Literary and other Church societies. The Sunday School, under thesuperintendence of Rev. Edwin Hyde, was in a flourishing condition, ranking, doubtless, as one of the most numerous and successful schoolsof the city. 

The Milwaukee District was now in charge of Rev. C. D. Pillsbury, whoentered the Maine Conference in 1843. He filled the followingappointments in that Conference: Dover, Atkinson, Sagerville, andExeter. At the division in 1848, he fell into the East Maine Conference, where his appointments were Machias, Summer Street, Bangor, Agent ofEast Maine Seminary, and Presiding Elder of Bangor District. He wastransferred to the Wisconsin Conference in 1857, and stationed at Racineas the writer's successor. His subsequent appointments have been RacineDistrict, Chaplain of the Twenty-Second Regiment, Beloit, Agent of theFreedmen's Aid Commission, Janesville District, and Milwaukee District. 

After leaving the District Brother Pillsbury has been stationed at BayView and Menasha, but, his health failing, he took a supernumeraryrelation at the last Conference, and at this writing is residing atMinneapolis. He has done considerable literary work, in connection withhis Ministerial labors. Brother Pillsbury has a well balanced mind, andis thoroughly versed in the great questions of the day. He is sound intheology and faithful in administration; a good, strong Preacher, and isuniversally respected, both as a man and a Minister. 

Asbury Church was greatly delighted with the return of Rev. W. W. Case toits pastorate. He entered the Erie Conference in 1859, and in thatConference he had been stationed at Ellington, Cattaraugus, and LittleValley. He was transferred to the Wisconsin Conference in 1864, and hadnow been stationed three years each at Edgerton and Beloit. During hisyear at Asbury, he had gathered a fine congregation, and was now ingreat esteem among the people. He remained three years at Asbury, andwas then stationed at Division Street, Fond du Lac, where he is at thepresent writing, serving the second year. 

Brother Case is still a young man, and is blessed with a pleasantcountenance, agreeable manners, and an affable spirit. In social life heis a great favorite. He is well read, and has an entertaining delivery. In the selection of his pulpit topics, and in the manner of theirtreatment, he dwells more in the sunshine than in the storm. He hasalready reached a position among his brethren that gives promise ofgreat usefulness in the Master's work. 

It has not been my purpose to embody in these pages a record of theexceedingly interesting and prosperous work among our German brethren, as their branch of Methodistic labor in the State has developed anAnnual Conference of its own, and richly deserves a volume for itsproper presentation. But as our Norwegian brethren are connected withour own Conference, a brief reference to their work will not be outof place. 

It will be recollected that in a former chapter reference was made tothe beginning of the work in our State. We will now refer to the openingof the good work in Milwaukee. 

In the spring of 1864, the writer was holding a protracted meeting inthe Spring Street Methodist Episcopal Church. At one of the meetingsthere came to the Altar as seekers, two Norwegians. As the meetingsprogressed, others came with them, until there were some twelve personson probation and in full membership, who used the Scandinavian language. During the following summer, it was deemed advisable to form them into aclass by themselves, and as they resided in the vicinity of the AsburyChurch, put them in connection with that charge. Rev. P. K. Rye, thenstationed at Racine, came down a few times and furnished them servicesin their own language. 

At the ensuing session of the West Wisconsin Conference, in which theScandinavian work was then placed, Milwaukee was connected with Racinecharge, and placed under the care of Rev. A. Haagenson. The society wasduly organized by the new Pastor on the 25th day of March, 1865. BrotherHaagenson was greatly blessed in his labors, and before the end of theyear purchased the German Baptist Church, located on Walker Street, between Hanover and Greenbush. The cost of the building and lots waseight hundred dollars. Brother Haagenson remained until 1868, when hewas succeeded on the Milwaukee and Racine Mission by Rev. N. Christopherson, who remained until the close of 1870. 

In 1871, Milwaukee and Ashipun were put together, with Rev. C. O. Trideras Pastor. The erection of a new Church, twenty-eight by forty-five feetin size, was commenced in December, and in May, 1872, the lecture-roomwas dedicated by Rev. A. Haagenson. At the present writing, BrotherHaagenson is the Presiding Elder of the Norwegian District, and has alsocharge of the Station, having in the latter portion of his work Rev. O. Hanson as an Assistant. 

Brother Haagenson is a man of deep piety and earnest purpose. Studiousand laborious, he furnishes an excellent type of a Methodist Preacher. His labors are onerous, but his work is in a highly prosperous state, and is making a record of many conversions. 

On the fourth of January, 1872, we celebrated our silver wedding. We hadmade a note of our wedding anniversary with considerable regularity fromyear to year, but had never until now celebrated any of the epochs whichare so often made to divide the years of married life. In this instancewe deemed it advisable to depart from our usual custom, sincetwenty-five years seems to be a point from which both the past andfuture may be seen ordinarily with considerable distinctness of outline. And further, it was now probable that the whole family could be broughttogether, an event which could not be looked upon with any great degreeof assurance as probable at any future time. 

The entertainment was given in the evening in the Parsonage, and wasattended by about one hundred persons. Spring Street and the otherChurches of the city were well represented. But in addition to these, there were delegations present from all the charges we had served in theConference, each bringing the hand of greeting from our old friends tocheer us. A record of the occasion, however, would be incomplete if Iwere not to state that the silver ware of the house was increased by anaddition valued at nearly five hundred dollars. But every rose has itsthorn. Never before were we obliged to sleep with one eye open to guardour treasures. 

The year now drew to a close, and, counting up the results, we foundthat fifty-one members had been received, the Pastor's salary, amountingto twenty-three hundred dollars, had been paid, the Church debt had beenreduced to ten thousand dollars, and that to meet the balance there weresubscriptions, including organ fund, of fifteen thousand dollars. 

CHAPTER XXVI. 

Conference of 1872. --Rev. A. P. Mead. --Rev. A. Callender. --Rev. Win. P. Stowe. --Rev. O. B. Thayer. --Rev. S. Reynolds, --Revival under Mrs. VanCott. --Conference of 1873. --Rev. Henry Colman. --Rev. A. A. Hoskin. --Rev. Stephen Smith. --Illness. --Conference of 1874. --Rev. Dr. Carhart. --Rev. Geo. A. Smith. --Rev. C. N. Stowers. 

The Conference of 1872 was held Oct. 9th, at Division Street Church, Fond du Lac, Bishop Haven presiding. The Woman's Foreign MissionarySociety, having been fully recognized by the General Conference, wasmade the subject of a highly appreciative report, in which theConference extended to the ladies of the Church a cordial welcome tothis new field of effort, and pledged them a helping hand in thegood work. 

At this session Rev. A. P. Mead was appointed Presiding Elder of WaupacaDistrict. Brother Mead graduated from the Garrett Biblical Institute in1861, and was the same year admitted into the Conference. Hisappointments had been Sharon, Elkhorn, Kenosha, Bay View, and Lyons, when he was sent to the District. He remained only two years on theWaupaca District, and was then appointed to the Fond du Lac District. Brother Mead is a man of genial spirit and large practical sense. Hissermons are replete with Evangelical truth, and produce an abidingimpression. His intercourse with the people and Preachers isinstructive, and his administration cannot fail to prove a blessing tothe District. 

At this session of the Conference, the decease of Rev. AuroraCallender, among others, was announced. Brother Callender entered thePittsburg Conference in 1828, and was first stationed at Franklin, acircuit located on the slope of the Alleghany Mountains, and in theneighborhood of the Oil Regions. Before coming to Wisconsin, hisappointments were Meadville Circuit, Meadville, Springfield, CuyahogaFalls, Chardon and Middleburgh. Coming to Wisconsin, he was stationed, in 1850, at Sylvania. His subsequent appointments were Geneva andElkhorn, Union, Hazel Green, Dodgeville, Mineral Point District, Norwegian Mission District, Clinton, and Agent of American ColonizationSociety, Subsequently he filled several charges as a supply, anddeparted this life in the midst of his work at Pickneyville, Ill. , Oct. 23d, 1871. 

Brother Callender was a veteran pioneer. Capable of great physicalendurance, possessing a vigorous intellect, well skilled in theology andMethodist law, his labors were abundant and of a substantial character. In his earlier years, especially, his Ministry led many souls tothe Cross. 

At this Conference I was returned to Spring Street Station, and, BrotherPillsbury's term on the District having expired, Rev. Wm. P. Stowe wasappointed Presiding Elder. 

Brother Stowe, it will be remembered, was converted in his boyhood inhis father's chapel. When grown to man's estate, he took up the troweland thereby procured funds to secure his education. He graduated fromthe Lawrence University as a member of the Second Class, in 1858. Heentered the Conference the same year, and was stationed at Sheboygan. The following two years he was stationed at Port Washington, but beforethe close of the second year his health failed, and he retired from thework. In 1862 he accepted the Chaplaincy of the Twenty-Seventh Regiment, but the year following he was re-admitted and stationed at Sharon. Hissubsequent appointments were Beloit, Racine, Oshkosh, and Summerfield, Milwaukee, in all of which charges he has left the fragrance of a goodname and the legacy of substantial fruit. As a Presiding Elder, he isdeservedly popular. 

Brother Stowe has a large frame, tends to corpulency, and shows greatphysical vigor. With large perception, he reads men and surroundingsaptly. In the pulpit, he puts ideas in logical relations, and aims at anobject. His sermons abound in illustrations, strung on a strong cord ofEvangelical truth. 

Rev. O. B. Thayer was stationed at Summerfield Church, having become amember of the Conference in 1870. He had been stationed at Court StreetChurch, Janesville, and at Appleton. In both these charges he haddeveloped a high standard of pulpit talent. He remained at Summerfieldtwo years, and was then appointed to Kenosha, where, at the presentwriting, he is preaching to fine congregations. 

Rev. S. Reynolds, State Agent of the American Bible Society, was also amember of the Ministerial fraternity of Milwaukee. This good brothercame to the Conference by transfer from Iowa. He has been engaged formany years in his present work, and has gained a reputation, second tonone, in the management of the laborious and manifold responsibilitiesof his position. In his addresses he deals in stubborn facts, and neverfails to interest the audience. He is vigilant in looking after thedetails of his trust, but he needs a word of caution as to his health. His great labor is evidently overtaxing his strength. 

My salary was again fixed at two thousand three hundred dollars. A newsystem of finance was now adopted, called the "Envelope System. " In itsprincipal features, it was similar to the "Card System, " introducedduring my former term, but contained several additional provisions torender it more effective. The new plan succeeded admirably, giving tothe station, at the end of the first quarter of the year, theextraordinary record of having fully paid the Pastor's salary, and everyother claim for current expenses, besides liquidating several bills forimprovements on the Church and Parsonage. And it is proper to add thatthe current year closed with several hundred dollars in the Treasury. 

The regular work of the station opened this year encouragingly. Ageneral quickening followed, and by mid-winter there had been half ascore of conversions. Mrs. Maggie N. Van Cott, who had been engaged fora year to assist us, now came to our help. The meeting continued fiveweeks, under this most extraordinary laborer, and resulted in theconversion of near four hundred souls, about two hundred of whom unitedwith the Spring Street Church. 

The Conference of 1873 was held Oct. 15, at Whitewater, Bishop Merrillpresiding. At this session Rev. Henry Colman, who had repeatedly servedas Assistant, was elected Secretary of the Conference. 

Brother Colman graduated from the Lawrence University as a member of theFirst Class in 1856. He entered the West Wisconsin Conference in 1858, and filled one appointment in that Conference, when, in 1859, he wastransferred to the Wisconsin Conference and stationed at Columbus. In1860 he was stationed at Green Bay, and the following year at Asbury, Milwaukee. In 1863 he was appointed Principal of the EvansvilleSeminary, where he remained four years. After leaving the Seminary, hehas held a respectable class of appointments, and is now doing effectivework at Fort Atkinson. He is a man of clear head and honorable, Christian impulses. Having a thorough knowledge of Biblical criticism, he has for several years rendered the Sunday Schools of the State a goodservice by furnishing in the Christian Statesman a weekly exposition ofthe Lesson. 

In keeping with the provision of the Discipline, adopted at the recentsession of the General Conference, for the Trial of Appeals, theConference elected her quota as follows: W. G. Miller, O. J. Cowles, Joseph Anderson, J. W. Carhart, P. B. Pease, P. S. Bennett, and W. P. Stowe. But as there were no cases to be tried, the brethren elected werecompelled to wear empty honors. 

At this Conference, the writer again returned to Spring Street, it beingthe third year of the third term of my Pastorate among this people, andthe thirtieth Conference year of my itinerent labors. Brother Stowe wasalso returned to the District, and Rev. A. A. Hoskin was appointed toAsbury, and Rev. Stephen Smith to Bay View. 

Brother Hoskin entered the Conference in 1867, and before coming to thecity had been stationed at Milton, Shopiere, and Menomonee Falls. He isa young man of fine culture, genial spirit, and great industry. Hissermons embody the fundamental truths of the Gospel, and their manifoldrelations to practical life, and are highly appreciated by the people. 

Besides being a good Preacher, he is also a poet of considerablereputation. 

Brother Smith entered the Conference in 1856, and his first appointmentwas Sylvania. His subsequent appointments have been Elkhorn, Sharon, Geneva, Manitowoc, Fort Atkinson, Delavan, First Church, Janesville, andBay View. On all these charges he has left the evidences of earnest anddevoted work for the Master. At Bay View, the present year has been oneof extraordinary success. The revival that transpired under his laborsswept through the entire community, and gave an accession of more thanone hundred members, a majority of whom were heads of families. 

Brother Smith is a good Preacher, filling his sermons with a clearexposition of Evangelical truth. And his Ministry has ever been abenediction to the people of his respective charges. 

The year opened in Spring Street Station with unusual promise. Thesocial meetings were well attended, the congregations were large andattentive, the Sunday School, the largest in the city, prosperous, theseveral societies were doing effective work, and the finances were in anexcellent condition. With this outlook, we were anticipating a gloriousyear, but how uncertain are all human expectations!

During the delivery of the morning sermon on Sabbath, April 26th, 1874, the writer was taken violently ill. The attack proved to be theprostration of the nervous system, resulting from overworking the brain, a difficulty that had been foreshadowed by several premonitions duringthe preceding year. My condition at the first was perilous, but afterfour hours of skillful medical treatment and careful nursing, the crisispassed. Then followed weary weeks of watching and waiting. Meantime, Ireceived the earnest sympathy of my people, and the kind assistance ofmy brethren in the Ministry, who generously proposed to supplymy pulpit. 

The Conference of 1874 was held at Oshkosh, Bishop Foster presiding. Iwas able to attend and answer to my name, but could spend but littletime in the Conference room. Whenever present I seemed to myself, as Imust have seemed to others, like a dismantled ship, stranded on thebeach. I was most kindly treated by all the brethren, being relieved ofevery burden, and assured of abiding sympathy. 

At this Conference Rev. J. W. Carhart, D. D. , was stationed, by request ofthe people, at Oshkosh. Brother Carhart entered the traveling connectionin the Troy Conference, and came to the Wisconsin Conference by transferin 1871, being stationed at Racine. He had just completed a full term, and hence Oshkosh is his second appointment in the Conference. He is aman of superior culture, fine preaching ability, and cannot fail to givecharacter to the pulpit, wherever he may be stationed. 

Rev. George A. Smith was stationed at Spring Street as my successor. Brother Smith entered the Conference in April 1859, his firstappointment being Principal of the Evansville Seminary. His subsequentappointments were Milton, Emerald Grove, Lyons and Spring Prairie. Inhis last field his health failed through intense mental application, andhe was compelled to retire from the work. After five years of rest hewas again able to resume his labors, being stationed first at PleasantPrairie, and next at Kenosha. 

Brother Smith is in the strength of his manhood, has a vigorous mind, isa fine thinker, uses clear-cut and well selected language, has a mostamiable spirit, and his Ministry cannot fail to be a grandsuccess anywhere. 

Brother Stowers came to the Conference by transfer in 1867, and firstserved as Professor in the Lawrence University. In 1869, having beenelected President of the Upper Iowa University, he was transferred tothe Upper Iowa Conference. He returned, however, to the WisconsinConference the following year, and was stationed at Janesville. His nextcharge was Whitewater, where, during his three years' Pastorate, heachieved great success in the erection of a fine brick Church, and insecuring large accessions to the membership. 

Brother Stowers is a man of great energy and decided talent. He has anexcellent voice, a ready utterance, and abundant illustrations, whichrender his pulpit labors attractive. He is an able and successfulMinister. 

At the adjournment of the Conference, the Preachers hastened to theirnew fields of labor, perhaps hardly thinking, in their eagerness to beat their work, of the tearful eyes that were looking after them, and theaching hearts of those brethren who, no longer able to go out with themto the battle, were compelled to languish in hospitals, or linger bythe wayside. 

As for myself, I returned to Milwaukee, and retired to the quiet home afew personal friends in the city and elsewhere had assisted me to build, and where I now write this, the last line of

THIRTY YEARS IN THE ITINERANCY.