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(Page 2557) Oppressive yoke and gain their freedom. We have conquered Cuba and have about conquered the Philippines and we owe it to the strong trodden people to give the benefits of a government under which the people can be brought to a higher civilization and especially have the benefits of free government. If I mistake not this is the sentiment of the American people and anything less than this will not satisfy the American people who have the expenses of this war to pay. The President has shown himself conservative all along, and I trust that he will continue to deserve the confidence and esteem of his vast constituency. There is talk of the powers having something to say in making a treaty of peace but I think there will be no interference. England is decidedly in favor of our holding the Philippines and if any power does object it will do no good. It leaks our that one of the reasons why the Pope Leo XIII has taken so much interest in trying to prevent the war and now to get it stopped is that the Vatican has large amounts of Spanish 4% bonds. This came from a forced sale of church (Page 2558) property in Spain. These bonds now are worth no more than 30 cents. The United States will hardly ask a money indemnity, I think, as Spain is not able to pay it; and it is not money we are fighting for. The Marquis of Saulsbury has officially announced that officials of the English army have been detailed to reorganize the army of China. This mean a great deal for that great country. The war China had with Japan a few years ago awoke China from her long slumber and now she is seeking to take on Western Civilization. She could get no better teacher than England.

      Representatives of the various Christian Protestant churches have been called upon to meet to agree on a division of the territory of Cuba, Porto Rico and the Philippines for missionary work.

August 6, 1898, Manchester,  Key.

I have just signed a contract for a loan of $700 on my life policy with the New York Life Insurance Company. I am compelled (Page 2559) to do this to pay a debt of $454.65 due to the Millersburg Deposit Bank created by borrowing money to pay the premiums on my policy and to pay $60 borrowed last November to pay on annual premium and on my next annual premium on November 1, 1898. Interest is to be paid on the $700 until November 1, 1899 when the policy is due. It takes almost $700 to do this. This will leave about $341, which I will be obliged to use to pay my board here. The policy is $3,000 paid up; but it is a tontine policy and I cannot tell what it is worth at maturity. I could easily have kept these payments up had I been willing to have my benevolent work undone and have lucrative employment but I prefer to work along the lines that I felt that God indicated. When I finished the Jackson Academy I sold my house and lot in Millersbury for $700 and cleared up my obligations there.

August 6, 1898, Saturday, Manchester, Key.

     I preached last Sunday and attended S S at 2:30 p.m., stayed at Peter HOWE’s at night. Monday I went to Benge to look after the church building and remained there till this (Page 2560)

Morning. The mill is not yet moved and so we wait. I preach tonight at the Dr. BURCHELL school house and an at his house tonight. He is tending the small pox patients on Horse Creek at $300 a month. There have been perhaps a dozen cases. It is not spreading. There have been 4 deaths in this neighborhood this week. James ROACH died yesterday from drinking. He has been on a spree for months. I received a box of books this week from Science Hill Academy, Shelbyville. Mrs. W.T. POYNTER, principal. There are 75 bound books and perhaps 150 periodicals such as The Outlook, Century, Farm M.A. Review, etc. etc. I put them at Brother RIGGS; and I will put them into the new church as soon as it is ready and use them as S.S library. “The people perish for lack of knowledge.” We must give them something to read. Salvation and knowledge are the things they most need. I am so burdened for the soul of the people. They are going down to depths. My mission is to lead them back to God. I do not seem to be accomplishing the mission on which I am sent. God knows I want to be used. (Page 2561)

The year is nearly gone and so little has been accomplished. Lord make a move among these people! With His power all things are possible. I do try to believe, Lord help my unbelief.

August 8, 1898, Marshall HOWES’, Clay County, Key.

     I attended both S. Schools at town yesterday and preached at 10:30, Stayed at Carlo LYTTLE’s. Today I visited General T.T. GARRARD. He is 86 year old, well preserved, lives in this ancestral home, built of brick in 1835. His grandfather, Governor GARRARD, was a Baptist preacher but he became tinged with Unitarianism, perhaps through Mr. TEE, his secretary of state whose daughter was General GARRARD’s mother. Daniel GARRARD. The general’s father, was a skeptic, though a moral man and a good citizen. The General is perhaps, the same. He is thoroughly honest and reliable, a model citizen but profane and is licentious. He has been a good hater, has hated the WHITEs for year 60 years and has been hated in turn and now this hatred has issued into violence. I found an armed guard at this house. He said he had kept (Page 2562)

them there for some time ever since his son Gilbert was shot at. His son James is afraid to stay at home and is at Middlesboro with his sister, Mrs._________ . The old man and his two youngest sons make the family, one of them is on Red Bird lodging.

     Here is a wreck, a magnificent ruin, an old man of intellect, wealthy, social position, everything that this world can afford but alas! Soon has marred the vessel in the potters hand and it is a vessel unto dishonor. The old man’s life is not thought of to be safe. Places have been found on the farm where men have been camped in the brush evidently to assonate somebody, either the old man or his sons. Gilbert GARRARD has gone to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and his wife is about ready to follow him having disposed of stock, etc. Hatred is the most dangerous sin man can commit as it brings upon him the wrath of his enemy and at the same time shuts him out of heaven. Malice has ruined this country. This rivalry between the WHITEs and GARRARDs is bearing its natural fruit.

     (Page 2563) Tom BAKER was tried last week at Barboursville for the murder of William WHITE and found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment. Five men were for life sentence and seven for hanging, I hear. No doubt his brother, D., who was with him will meet a similar fate. Then Tom’s sons and cousin Fuller BARRETT will be convicted for the killing of the HOWARDs.

     I was on the ground yesterday where John BAKER and Frank CLARK were killed July 20, 1898, in the evening twilight. Dick McCOLLUM, who was with them, escaped. They had been to Miss Ibbie BAKER’s in townand were returning to General GARRARD’s when they were acting as a guard. It is said that Alfred NEAL, of color, saw them on the way, perhaps had some unpleasant words with them. They went up the “town branch” and down the “muddy gap” toward Horse Creek. NEAL went to town and reported them. It is said two men, D.W. and F.D. got on a mule and went up Goose Creek just in time to intercept them. BAKER and CLARK were shooting along the road just before they reached the place where they were killed. No warrants have been issued (Page 2564) nor any arrests made; nor is it likely any will ever be made in the name of law. The men who did the deed will in all probability be waylaid and killed sometime in the future, or killed in a street fight, though it may be several years before it is done. There are volumes of unwritten history here that should never be written, or the sins of this country. Passion and appetites  have largely controlled, even among the rich, the strong and influential, “whatsoever a man soweth that shall he shall he also reap.” It is verified here.

     I am laboring here with nothing but God’s promises to sustain me. I am getting no support and cannot see that I am making any inroads on Satan’s Kingdom. “Ephraim is joining to his idols.” Yet, God promises fruit. I am trying to trust Him and doing what seems best. I commit my ways to Him. He has promised to direct my paths. I may not be “able to do many mighty works here” but God will reward my efforts.

(Page 2565) August 9, 1898, M. HOWES’ Tuesday

     It has rained all day. The creeks are full to overflowing. Such rains have not fallen since May 1897. There was no tide to carry the saw logs to market last winter and now the time has come. The creeks will be cleared of timber. The mill men will be happy and the timber men will rejoice as only half of the price for which timber was sold to the mill men has been yet paid and the rest is due when the timber is delivered. The mills where this timber is marketed are at Irvine Valley View and Ford. High Bridge and Frankfort, Beattyville and Jackson got logs also, the former from all the folks and the later from the North Fork only. The supply of poplar timber is nearly exhausted in these mountains. This is the kind that is marketed principally, a few oak logs are rafted with poplars mixed in called floaters. But the country is ¾ timber in the upper Kentucky and Cumberland River counties, and a new crop of poplar is growing: 50 years will produce a tree 30 inches in diameter. The oak is untouched in these upper counties. So also the beech, the timeline, the sycamore (Page 2566) and many other varieties. Timbering will be great business, in reach of railroads for fifty years more for the forest recuperate rapidly.

                                                          Cheap Literature

     Brother HOWES, son of my host, has been canvassing the country for the twice a week Courier Journal of Louisville, Kentucky. It is a great with 6 to 8 pages and well edited. Fifty cents a year is the price and the agent gets half of that. The London Echo, a folio of eight columns, charges only 50 cents a year and furnishes itself and Courier Journal for 75 cents. The Clay County Repulican furnishes itself and C.J. 50 cents.  The three dollars and some of the four dollar magazines have come to one dollar. Harpers and the Century still keep up to five dollars, however. McClures, Muncy’s and the Metropolitan, are one dollar. (about four lines, that can not be read, omitted.) The New Testament is but five cents. The Bible twenty cents. Standard literature is very low. I wish I could get more good books into the hands of the people in this region so it would be a great value to them. There are thousands of bright (Page2567)

minds, that could be brightened and developed, even by the possession of good books. I pray to God to lead me out on this line to help these needy people.

     I am still here at Mr. HOWES’ water bound. He is one of the men of means of this county; made it himself, has three children. Bev is the oldest, in the Sue Bennett Memorial School. They are not Christians but are nice people, moral, God save them is my prayer. I have done what I could for their salvation.

August 12, 1898, Friday, General T.T. GARRARD’s, Clay County, Key.

     Last night I stayed at Mr. William PITMAN’s, son-in-law of John E. WHITE. They have six children---three boys and three girls in whom I feel a deep interest. I laid before Mr. PITMAN this morning, a plan that has been evolving some time but which has taken more definite form in the last few days. It is this: to build a church at his salt furnace and open a school in it at once if possible. He hardly endorsed the plan but feared we could not get the land from General GARRARD who owns all the land about the furnace. I told him I would see the (Page 2568) General, today, and ask him. I came here this morning and after visiting Miss Mary BURCHELL’s school. I took dinner with him. I mentioned the matter to him this afternoon but he gave me no encouragement, said neither aye nor nay but suggested the mouth of Horse Creek as a good place for the school. I leave the matter in God’s hands. If he wills it, I believe I will get it, if not, I do not want it. I can see a better outlook here to do good than any place I have seen in the county. I see no way to accomplish anything worth while in these mountains without concentration of effort. I think that to build a church here and put a school in it would make a good community of it. I think it can be done at Benge. If the Black Diamond RR (Railroad) surveyed to pass this point should be built there would no doubt be a town springing up here and a permanent school might be established by the Women’s Home Missionary Society. There is here the best body of land in Clay County. It will always support a good population. The people need a church here. This is the very (Page 2569) place that the hatred or rivalry between the WHITEs and the GARRARDs has been generated and nourished. There ought to have been a church her fifty years ago, yea, seventy-five years ago. Salt making has been going on here 100 years. It was the county wealth and political power more than 60 years ago. I must trust it to God who will not suffer me to go into anything that will not be for His glory.

                                                            Peace! Peace! Peace!

     The news from Washington in regard to peace is very encouraging. The French minister, M. CAMBON, who is negotiation the treaty is waiting for authority from Madrid to sign the protocol agreement agreed upon between him and the president. Hostilities have not ceased though the commanders have been notified that peace will most certainly or probably be made in a few days, so that if a battle is impending they may delay to save lives. The terms of the protocol are not made known but it is understood that Seine leaves this hemisphere and the Philippines are to be negotiated by a Commissioner of (Page 2570) Spaniards and Americans. We are most certainly to have coaling stations both there and in the Lardoons and perhaps Carolinas. The war is believed to be over and the world rejoices. There have been but a few lives lost, not more than 500 all told, not 300 in battle.

August 14, 1898, Grace P.O., Clay County, Key., Sunday

     I came from General GARRARD’s to Benge, Saturday and preached at 4 p.m. to about a dozen persons. I stayed at Brother RIGGS’ at night. I preached today at 10:30 a.m. at Benge to a houseful and at 4 p.m. at Dr. WYATT’s in a grove for the benefit of his aged mother, 84 years old. I had unusual liberty at both services. In the afternoon service several wept and a number of Christians arose as a pledge that they would seek a closer walk with God. We have Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) in two weeks and I urged pray for the salvation of sinners. Tonight I am at Andrew ROGERS’ near where I preached this afternoon. How deep the need of salvation, here, in this county. Dr. WYATT told me today that James HILTON and a Mr. CARMACH were fired at near Wyatt’s Chapel Saturday night. He had just passed the spot a few hundred (Page 2571) yards and heard the report of the heavy firing. CARMACH’s wife was a witness in the Tom BAKER case having been one of the first to reach ex-sheriff, William WHITE, after he was shot by BAKER; the tragedy was near her father’s house where she was visiting. The BAKER’s have complained about her testimony and the supposition is that they shot or had it done. HILTON has been a nonpartisan. His brother has been a friend of the BAKERs. The statement is made that as many men have been killed in feuds in the mountains of Kentucky in thirty years as have been killed on the American side in the Cuban war; and I believe it is true. There have been less than 300 Americans killed and there is no doubt in my mind but that many have been killed in these feuds in that time and it still continues. When the end will come none can tell. There must be more gospel in the hearts of the people before the end comes. Clay County is the last one to enter the list and she has been favored with prosperity above any of her sisters.

(Page 2572) August 19, 1898, Friday, Joseph RIGGS’

     I have been in this neighborhood all the week, visiting and looking into the resources from which we are to build the proposed church, here. The sight selected is not satisfactory to the public; in fact everyone I meet object to it, because it is on the highway. They say it will be destroyed if it is located there. There is so much drinking and carousing and violence that any sort of public property is not safe. The school house in this and the adjoining districts have been broken and greatly injured. The people want the church removed from the public road. I have selected a lot 150 yards from the road adjoining an old graveyard. The sight is prominent and central. The people bury on any hilltop and I hope to have this graveyard improved and made the cemetery of the community. Roads and cemeteries distinguish civilization from savagery. This is the most hopeless undertaking of my life. The people are not accustomed to give for any purpose. They have good school houses built by taxation. They have never paid anything for the preaching of the gospel. I have been preaching here monthly since last October (Page 2573) and have not received a red cent. How am I to build a church I don’t know but I will certainly make the effort in the name of eh Lord and I expect success. The people need such an institution and must have it. Two distilleries that made 900 gallons each this season are in sight of it. These are blights that have ruined this community and a church is the best antidote. May God move in His own way to save the young people of this section from the habits and sentiments of this generation.

August 20, 1898, Saturday, M.C. HORTON’s, Clay County, Key.

     I stayed at Henry GARRISON’s last night. This afternoon preached at the school house near Judge WHITE’s to about 30 persons, mostly children. I am more than ever impressed that the remedy for the WHITE and GARRARD feud is a church right here in the midst of the families where they have controlled for more than a half century. This cannot be done while General GARRARD lives, perhaps; I asked him for a lot for this purpose yesterday a week ago and he gave no satisfactory answer. His death will mark an era here. With his passing the struggle ceases and perhaps before that time several of the (Page 2574) fiercast on the other side will receive justice. But a church here in which to rear the young and rising generation is the need. If the Lord wills it, I will put it here. A school in it would be good, or in a small house near it. May God give relief. James HOWARD has been convicted and sent up for life but has gotten a new trail.

August 29, 1898, Monday, Benge, Clay County, Key.

     I came to this neighborhood last Monday and spent last week in working up interest in the church building enterprise. Some days it seems awfully dark others a little light. Yesterday at our Q.M.(Quarterly Meeting) services I preached on, “God’s financial plan.” I had an overflowing house and undivided attention. It was Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) but Brother RAGAN could not come so I administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, alone. Held Q. (Quareterly) Conf. Saturday afternoon. As I started to church yesterday morning, Miss Georgia McDANIEL called me to the fence as I passed her father’s house and gave me 25 cents. This is the first money I have received from our Corinth church this year.

     I stayed last night at James BENGE’s and am still here this morning. It is a distillery. The whiskey is kept in the basement of the (Page 2575) house and yesterday afternoon when I came men under the influence of liquor were numerous in and around the house. They would come in and call for it in my presence and were promptly waited upon. I read a chapter and prayed before retiring. After I went to my room I heard a conversation just below me, between two men, one at least partially intoxicated. I had read of the strait gate and broad way. Said the drunk man, “Bob, what about that narrow way and broad way? It seems to me that God has been sort a hard on us making it this way. If I was going to make a bridge do you suppose I would make it just wide enough that a wagon could barely pass on it? No, I would make it wide. It seems kind a hard to have a road made so narrow that if one can just get along it and then tell him if he gets off he will go to hell.” “Bob do you believe Jonah swallowed the whale? Bob, do you believe there were a flood? What you recon it was said fer?” (I could not hear Bob’s reply. J.J.D.(Dickey) “Bob do you think they were any worse than they are now?” I could hear Bob say that he guessed the world would (Page 2576) soon have another round and it would be fire this time.

     There are six girls here, the eldest 24 and the youngest 5. I do not know any home in Kentucky where I would find six girls brighter than these. Miss Florence, the eldest, is teaching the district school and out of nine I have visited here it is the bet. She and her sister, Maggie, were at London last winter and the entire six with a son 10 or 11 years old will go the coming winter. They will occupy a cottage. This distillery with Isom CORNETT’s is ruining this country.

September 3, 1898, Brother RIGGS’, Benge, Kentucky, Saturday

     I have been working all this week to get the church enterprise started. Tuesday morning Brother RIGGS and I started out to see what we could get pledged. We went to Dr. WYATT’s. He and Dr. WYATT put down $25 each---ten dollars to be paid in money and fifteen dollars in work. I tried to get them to put it $25 in money and then do all the work they could but Brother RIGGS would not. We then went to Perry HOWSE and he put down $25 without any qualifications. The same day we went to Miss E.J. BENGE for a deed (Page 2577) to the lot which she had promised, but she would only make a bond for a deed and that is to be null and void if the house was not completed in two years. This threw coldness over things. Today Brother John McDANIEL will go to James YORK to see if he will sell a site. The interest in the work is reviving, by means of this agitation. This is what I am seeking to accomplish. If I can get the people aroused, a few leaders at work then I can see success ahead.

September 4, 1898, Sunday, M.C. HORTON’s, Goose Creek

     I preached at Dr. BURCHELL’s school house last night. Stayed at the doctors. Preached at Manchester this morning and came here to preach this afternoon but rain prevented. The problem of next year confronts me. I do not see what the Lord intends for me but I suppose I must be willing to go like one walking by the light of a lantern. I do rejoice that I am willing to do this. It is all dark now we have not a member in Manchester living there who talks any interest. In fact we have but two women in the town who are member. At Benge there is a nucleus for a (Page 2578) church, some 25 or 30 members. I feel that there ought to be a church here about his old furnace. William HORTON asked me to give a Sunday each month at this point. I am keeping up a S School in town by the help of the Baptist preacher. There is no layman whom I can secure. It looks like it would have to fail.

September 8, 1898, Thursday, Brother RIGGS

     We are living in a history making period. It looks like the world is stirred. The Czar of Russia has issued a call to the nations of the world to send delegates to a peace conference to consider the subject of disarming European nations or the nations f the world and putting everything on a peace basis. He says it is crushing the life out of the nations to maintain such immense military establishments. This is verily true. It is a mighty step and promises much to the world.

     Again, word (has come) comes that England and Germany have formed an alliance. If England, Germany and the U. States were allied the Anglo-Saxon would thus be a unit, for the Tautens are a part of the  (Page 2579) race. Agwinoldo, in the Philippines is maintaining his military organization waiting the decision of the peace commissioners at Paris regarding the ownership of the Philippines. If they g to Seine, then he is ready to go on with the rebellion. The tendency of public sentiment in the U.S. toward entire control of the Philippines by the U.S. it is felt that partial control will involve us in trouble. Spain would perhaps sell those that we do not retain to other nations and complications would result. “All or none” seems to be the growing sentiment and no one says, “None.” England has just taken Khartoum on the upper Nile and driven back the dervishes thus strengthening her hold on Egypt and starting a wedge into the Sudan. Her alliance with Germany will strengthen her in Egypt. The future battles of America are to be fought with smokeless powder, our government having begun to supply our magazines with that article.

     The churches are arranging to send missionaries to Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippines as soon as American (Page 2580) sovereignty or protection is established. Yet Satan still pushes his work. Shiploads of beer are being sent to China, poor nation! Opium and alcohol are what she must take to get Western Civilization. It is sad that these should be so closely allied that they can

not be separated.

     Yesterday a dreadful scene occurred at a burial in this neighborhood. A young man named PARKER died from chloroform which was given him that the surgeon might operate upon his leg which had white swelling. His body was being buried. The people were singing when the dogs began to fight in the midst of the women who stood in a close group. A man named YORK, picked up a board and began to pound the dogs to part them. One of the dogs proved to be the property of Charles PARKER, father of the dead man. PARKER rushed to YORK, jerked the board from his hands and knocked him down with it and struck him several times. The women screamed, especially the relatives, Mrs. PARKER, mother of the dead man fainted, the relatives all rushed together for battle. (Page 2581) but no one offered assistance. The MURRAYs who are enemies of the PARKERs ran to their home nearby and got their guns and pistols, but the people dispersed and no further violence was offered. YORK and PARKER are neighbors and are not friendly. YORK says he did not know whose dogs they were. Mr. RIGGS says he had never seen anything so heathenish in his life.

     Professor PETERMAN is conducting the County Teachers Institute in Manchester. He receives $100 and his board. His is doing fine work, the best that has ever been done in the county. There are 92 districts and 20 teachers with certificates but no school. I attended part of three days, leaving town yesterday afternoon. The Baptist and Presbyterians are each talking of putting a school in this county, the former at Burning Springs, the later at Manchester. All hopes of our people doing anything here seem to have died. Miss BENNETT says the women can do nothing. Kentucky Wesleyan has her hands full. To reach the young (Page 2582) the school seems best fitted with religious teachers. Jesus must be enthroned in the affections and this is the time to do it. If this fact had its proper importance in the minds of men then would the world soon be made better. The facilities for education are increasing all over the civilized world and so are the facilities for spreading the gospel, so surely there ought to be a better day for Clay County coming. There is hope in all this though the world is so vile and the gospel makes (so) such slow progress.

September 11, 1898, Brother RIGGS, Benge, Key., Sunday

     I preached twice today and attended S S this morning at Corinth School house, on “Your bodies are temples of the Holy Ghost.” At Bob GRIER’s this afternoon from “Let a man deny himself and take up his cross.” John GRIER who was converted on his sick bed this summer asked me to preach there so he could attend.

     This completed my year’s work, I have done what I could yet little seems to be accomplished. I have traveled many hundreds of miles, have preached twice and some (Page 2583) times three times almost every Sunday, have visited the people as I could. Sometimes things have looked dark and never light except by faith, except during the Revival meetings, at Manchester last fall. I have had peace of mind and communion with God. My health has been good and I am stronger than I have been in eighteen years. I have God’s promises to rely upon for success in this work and I expect to return to it next year if the conference will continue my present relations and if not, I will asked to be returned. I feel that God calls me to this field. It is a field that needs cultivation, need it, o so badly. I know no one else who is willing to do it and as God lays it upon me I rejoice to do His will. I have received from the mission this year, Manchester $32 and Benge $5.35 equals $37.35. My board has been about $43. The Board of Missions allowed $200 and I suppose I will get about $80 from that. But I owe over $100 besides $40 for my horse. The $80 will go to these debts and I will start in next year, by faith.

     O tis so sweet to trust in Jesus, just to take (Page 2584) Him at His word. “I have Him and that is wealth. I shall lack for no good thing.” Miss BENGE has given me a site for the church here, but it is too small and ill shaped. I visited her and she promised to look again and see if she could let us have more. I feel that we will build the church. Brother RIGGS and Perry HOWSE are our strongest most reliable men and they feel we must have it or they will have to leave the neighborhood with their families. They expect to put $50 a piece into it, they say. Thought they have subscribed only $25 each. The people are getting impatient to see the work begun and all these are ground owners. I feel that God is leading. It was very dark two or three weeks ago, no one seemed much interested, now, I think it is different. The people are busy pulling fodder now but by the time I return from conference that will be over and I think we can began to haul logs. I will ask the Conference Board of Church Extensions for $100 and if they will give that amount, I think, I feel sure we can build that church. God has resources (Page 2585) that we know of if we cannot control what is in sight. There is ability in the community to build the church, but it is in the hands of those who will not give it. But all have promised to do something and the opinion prevails that if the work was started it would go forward to completion. I believe it myself though I know there will be many dark times and great discouragements.

September 17, 1898, Saturday, Flemingsburg, Key.        

     I left London Tuesday morning with Brothers SAWYER and Josiah GODBEY. We arrived here at 8:30 p.m. I was met at the depot by my niece, Julia CRAIN and my nephew-in-law, Matt LAWSON and conducted first to Mrs. LAWSON’s and thence to my brother-in-law’s place, Mr. J.L. CRAIN. He is very feeble from chronic diarrhea. Bishop GRANBERRY opened conference Wednesday morning at 9 o’clock. 101 clerical members answered the role call. F.S. POLLITT was elected secretary and the usually committees appointed. I was placed on the committee on Sabbath Observation. Several (Page 2586) of the connection of the correctional officers area present, viz. Dr. HOSS, editor of the Christian Advocate, Dr. WHISNER, of Church Extension, Dr. HAMMON, of the Board of Education, and Dr. PRITOHITT, of the Board of Missions. The conference so far has been characterized by harmony not a jar has occurred. The class admitted numbered 11 and a finer class I have never seen. I have had great pleasure in meeting my relatives and friends here. I have met my brother Stamper and wife, sisters Mary, Eliza, and Eva, nephews and nieces, John SHOCKLEY and wife, John GRAY and wife, J.W. LAWSON and wife, Bruce GRANNIS (unable to read) and Joseph GRANNIS ?, O.J. CHANDLER and wife, Sam CRANE and wife, and Robert LEE. Cousins Agnes ROSS, Phores BRIGHT and wife, DIVERS friends have thronged me.

     Drs. PRITCHETT and HAMMONDS are strong men. Dr. WHISNER is a weak man. The conference is well up with its business at this time except in hearing reports of preachers. These will likely be handed in.

     Among my old acquaintances I have met Miss Ida PHILLIPS, formerly of this county but for a number of years of Illinois. She is (Page 2587) a bright Christian woman actively engaged in Christian work.

     If there is time (blank)

September 21, 1898, Flemingsburg, Key.  

     Conference adjourned Monday night the 19^th about 11 o’clock. I think the appointments were about as wisely made, as far as I can judge, as I ever knew. There was great harmony among the brethren. There was not a discussion beyond a few words during the session. There was nothing special done. The committee on books and periodicals did not mention Darbee & Smith but endorsed the action of the Bishop in the publishing house claim case in the proffer of the money if they desired it. This is the third time Flemingsburg has entertained the Kentucky Conference, viz, 1848, 1862, and 1898. The brethren left Tuesday morning but I remained to visit some of my relatives and see some of the spots where my first experience was.

     Yesterday morning, Cousin Phores BRIGHT took me in his buggy and accompanied by Charles W. DURHAM and wife we went out the Mt. Gilead Pike till we reached the Medonia (Page 2588) Pike on Mill Creek stopping at the Cherry Grove camp ground thence down Mill Creek to the Grandfather DICKEY place where later Uncle Lewis BRIGHT died, where we stopped a short time. I was in the house where my grandfather’s children were born. It is at the least 100 years old. Here he owned 300 acres of land, it being a part of 1,500 acres that my grandfather owned at that place. It is a beautiful home and fine land.

     We had arranged to drive at James CRANE’s who lives at the Uncle Allen DICKEY place. His father-in-law, Turner BRAMEL, deeded it to his wife who was Maggie BRAMEL, my second cousin. There were 185 acres. This was a part of the original DICKEY tract and has been in the family over a 100 years at least since 1796. Where the residence stands including 50 or 60 acres Uncle ALLEN bought of his father, James DICKEY.

     We were met at James CRANE’s, by sister Elisa SHOCKLEY. We then went to the graveyard at FITCH’s passing the house where I was born. At the graveyard we visited the graves of my great-grandmother, Margaret VAN SCHIACK, who was born in 1735 (Page 2589) and died in 1817, September 25, aged 82. She was born in Holland or her mother was. My grandfather’s first wife, Mary KEAL died January 22, 1807 aged 42 years. He married my grandmother soon after for my mother was born June 27, 1809. I have the record of their marriage somewhere. I got it from the records of the Flemingsburg County Clerk’s office. He has 12 children and grandmother had 5. He was 69 years old and grandmother was 37, having been born in 1771, he in 1740. It was rather a strange wedding. Their farms adjoined. Her children refused to come to his house and my grandmother’s mother, Margaret VAN SCHIACK took care of them. The eldest was 15. Grandmother continued to be a mother to them, however. I have heard my mother say that she would go over to see them after finishing up her duties at home, late in the night, passing through the darkness half or ¾ of a mile across the field unattended. She was a woman of great fortitude. It was she who negotiated the trade between Uncle Lewis BRIGHT and my father when (Page 2590) the grandfather DICKEY place was exchanged, as above noted.

     I found the plain, free stone slabs put up at these graves nearly 100 years ago sound and solid, the inscriptions deep and plain upon them. The old church, which stood here for over 100 years is gone. It was torn down a few years ago and a wooden structure erected about 1 mile away called Robinson’s Chapel. The weeds are growing rank in the churchyard with a good deal of ivy and grass mixed. Here slumbers the dust of four generations of my ancestors. May the trumpet of God call them for the in the first resurrection.

September 24, 1898, London, Key.

     I left Flemingsburg Tuesday morning. The day previous I visited sister Eliza SHOCKLEY to see Lottie WILSON, her daughter. She is in fairly good health, Mrs. Bruce GRANNIS went with us. She met Rev. D.W. ROBERTSON as I returned to Flemingsburg, coming to his father’s. He said he had been ecclesiastically decapitated. He meant he had been mad a circuit rider (Page 2591) instead of Presiding Elder. I told him I favored a law to make four consecutive years of service as Presiding Elder a bar to further employment (as such). Poor man! He had grown great in his own eyes, because of a little power. He expected to go to another district as others before him had done. O that men would seek Honor of God and not of men, then would the cause of humanity, of Christ be promoted. How little attention is paid to the Savior’s words, “If any man among you will be great, let him be the servant of all.” Ambition is the great sin of our preachers. There is so much place seeking. It is sad and alarming. The work of God is greatly hindered by it. Souls are not saved.

     We had the sad report to face this year of a decline last year of 791 members in our conference when there should have been thousands of increase. And yet men do no lay this to heart, they area not grieved over the hurt of the daughter of God’s people. I could say like Jeremiah, “O that any head were waters, etc.” Brother WIGHTMAN of Moorefield and Brother Josiah GODBEY of this place were (Page 2592) exchanged. Brother WIGHTMAN is here and preaches tomorrow. We are rooming together at Brother Richard WARD’s. My horse failed to come today as I had arranged and I am left over here till Monday, I know not why.

September 25, 1898, Sunday, London, Key.

     Brother WIGHTMAN preached morning and night to good audiences. There was no service at any of the other churches. He had pleased the people by his ministrations. I pray that he may be used of God. There has been great backsliding here in the past three years. This was a spiritual people four years ago or at least they became so during that year. The devil has gotten on top lately. The liquor men have grown bold and defiant. There have been efforts this summer to break up this lawless sale of liquor with some degree of success. There are some good people here who are making heroic efforts for reform. What is needed is conscience and this is best awakened by the Spirit of God. A great awakening will do more towards molding sentiment in the right form then anything else. God give me unction that I might be bold to do my work.

(Page 2593)September 26, 1898, Monday, Benge, Key.

     Here I am again ready for another year’s work. I rejoice to have the hardest circuit in the Conference, the poorest pay, the most difficult field to cultivate, looking at it after the manner of men. Leslie County is taken from my work and Wyatt’s in Laurel County is added to it. A church is to be built here at Benge and also at Wyatt’s where their beautiful was burned by an incendiary last spring. I got an appropriation for Benge of $100 from the Conference Board of Church Extension, but I asked for nothing for Wyatt’s as it was not in my work last year and I was not familiar with the case. Both of those enterprises are difficult because of the lack of means. But God will give me just the measure of success that pleases Him and that I may have faith and work to deserve.

     Winchester is a problem. There is nothing in sight there. I was asked by Mrs. George W. BRYAN at Millersburg to give her a written statement of what would be necessary to build and equip an industrial school at some county seat in the mountains. She is the Treasurer of the State W.C.T.U. and that organization desires to establish a school in the mountains. (Page 2594) They meet at Louisville the 30^th inst. and she wishes me to present a plan for a school, as Treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee. I told her that Manchester needed a school worse than any other county in the mountains and that the county was better able to support a school than any other county. The condition of things in Clay County ought to appeal to the organization. The feudal war, the low state of morality, the absence of a school at the county seat---all these are strong reasons whey something should be done. I truly hope the W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) will establish a school here. I told Mrs. BRYAN that they could count on me for all I am worth in establishing the enterprise. I must give Mrs. BRYAN the desired statement of the plans and cost of a school.

     I find Brother RIGGS, our main man here, very much discouraged about our church enterprise. He seems to think we can not build, we have no site, yet, Miss Jane BENGE having refused to let us have more than a little corner of ground which the community is not willing to use. (Page 2595) I will go tomorrow and see if I can get an acre from here. I have been several times but I have not a place to build the church and I must nor cease my efforts till I succeed. God will certainly give us a place to build the house and also see that the house is built. I am trusting Him for both. The cause of God demands a house of worship and the Lord is able to build it. I am here simply to do His work in His own way, at His own time. I have trusted Him before and He has always given me success. His promises remain unchanged, and I trust Him again. The Lord will get to Himself a great name in redeeming this count. Praise His name!!

September 27, 1898, Tuesday, Benge, Key.

     I have put in this day at Miss E.J. BENGE’s. She has several hundred acres of land, much money, is worth from $25,000 to $40,000 yet she haggles over an acre of ground to build a church. She has twice receded from her promises. Now she partially promise a third site but must first look at it, thought she is perfectly familiar with the lay of the land. Avarice has eaten out the very marrow of her benevolence. (Page 2596) She is an idolater but is nor aware of it. I suppose God has His purpose n allowing her to thus keep back the work of building a church in this neighborhood. I await his leading and development. I go as far as I can see the way.

     I have read this morning a little booklet written by Dr. George F. SAVAGE, 32 years District Superintendent of the American Bible Society in Kentucky and Tennessee. He gives the history of the Kentucky Bible Society organized in 1809 or 1811. In 1816 it was merged into the American Bible Society. It did a great work.

September 28, 1898, Wednesday, Benge, Key.

     I have been reading today. The library furnished by Women’s Home Mission Auxiliary of Shelbyville is here at Brother RIGGS and makes an excellent preacher’s library. In reading a review of the “Life of Jabez BUNTING”, I learned that the first time a decrease of members was reported at an annual conference in Britain was the year 1820 when Jabez BUNTING was chosen president the first time. It made a profound impression upon the members of the Conference. There were heart searchings by the (Page 2597) assembled preachers. An earnest conversation followed on measures to be adopted and the thoughts thus expressed were gathered up by Mr. BUNTING, digested, arranged, and reproduced in a document who’s value and effects can scarcely be estimated. A writer says, “The ideal Methodist preacher and his work have probably never been so well depicted.” The deficit in our conference is cause of depart searching and humiliation before God. O, for a Jabez BUNTING to stir the heart of us who are responsible for his leanness. I am sure we may report very large gains next conference if we make full proof of our ministry. Humility, consecration, endurement of power are the needs of us as a conference. God will certainly bring great blessings upon our ministry if we go to work with the true Pauline Spirit. Self-seeking must give place to consecration. Lord what wilt Thou have me to do? Must be the inquiry of every heart. We know that God has given victory to others years. He is jus the same today. There were great revivals during a recent year in our conference and there has been a reaction. Decadence of followers ? (Page 2598) growth. In great revivals many are gathered in that prove to be seed in stoney ground and among thorns and they soon perish. I think this is the cause of the falling off this year. Many of the brethren reported large numbers dropped from their records and those I observed were where there had been great in gatherings a few years ago but God is able to revive us again.    

A SHOCKING INCIDENT

     About 12 days before I started to conference the most shocking incident occurred n this neighborhood that has ever come under my notice. Frank PARKER, 17 year old son of Charles PARKER died from chloroform administered to him at McWhorter by Drs. LUTES, PARKER, YOUNG and others. He had been put under this opiate a few months ago and an operations performed on his lower limb afflicted with white swelling . Frank was a very wicked boy. At the grave near his father’s house services were being conducted prior to lowering the body into the grave. Two dogs began to fighting near the grave. (Page 2599) among a cluster of women. A man named YORK, a neighbor with whom Charles PARKER had had a lawsuit about a boundary line between their farms and had been beaten, took up a board and began to strike the dogs to part them. Charles PARKER rushed at YORK like a mad man and struck him with his fist in the eye and at the same time hurling him some distance on the ground. PARKER’s son’s, brothers of the dead boy who were disconsolate and weeping profoundly sprang into the arena in all instant ready for fight as did uncles and cousins. Knives were drawn but no pistols being present further conflict was averted. The MURRAYs and PARKERs, neighbors, were at a bad understanding. One of the MURRAYs was helping to part the dogs, but discovered himself nearly surrounded by the hostile PARKERs, SPIVEYs, etc. fell back and two of them ran across the field to their home and returned with their Winchesters and revolvers. A friend took YORK home and no further violence (Page 2600) was suffered. Most of the company left the scene and but few were left to bury the dead. PARKER’s wife fainted. The SPIVEY women screamed and the scene is described as being most repulsing. No more tears were shed. Charles PARKER’s excuse for his conduct is that he thought one of the dogs was the property of his dead son. This is a sad picture of our civilization. Passion and prejudice rule. The solemn occasion of a burial is not sufficient to restrain them. Alas! Alas! PARKER is a member of the Missionary Church, is a man of fair mind, is well connected but has violent temper and is rearing a family of boys who are the dread of society. The tear of mourning were instantly dried up by the fires of anger. The sacred rites of burial could not control these fiery spirits. May God bring to us a better, a higher civilization. I was not present but have this from reliable eye witnesses. Brother RIGGS says he had 4 years in the Rebel Army 3? years in the regular Army, several more years (Page 2601) a cowboy at Leadville, Cal. before any law but never had seen anything like this.

     Data collected from tombstones in the Fitch graveyard September 20, 1898 in company with cousin Phores BRIGHT, brother-in-law DURHAM, and sisters Eliza SHOCKLEY and Eva DURHAM.

     Margaret VANSCHAIOCH, died September 25, 1817, aged 82 years. Edward BRIGHT, died January 12, 1804, aged 35 years. Ann (BRIGHT) QUINN, died August 24, 1856 in her 86^th year, she was married to James QUINN in 1808 being the widow of Edward BRIGHT and the mother of five children, viz. Sarah, John, Lewis, Margaret and Mary. Mary (KEAL) QUINN, died January 22, 1807, aged 42 years. (First wife of grandfather QUINN. She was the mother of twelve children). (Page 2602) James QUINN, died March 29, 1824, aged 84 years (he was born in County Ardaugh, Ireland in 1740. He came first to Pennsylvania where he was a school teacher. In 1795 he came to Fleming County, Kentucky and settled near Fitch’s Church where he lived and died. Ann DICKEY, widow of John B.DICKEY owns the house). John BRIGHT, born March 27, 1795, died February 3, 1857. Mary DICKEY, died May 8, 1831, aged 49 years. (She was my grandmother). Martha WILLIAMS, wife of Jarratt WILLIAMS, born January 9, 1809, died March 2, 1847 (She was a sister of my father. Her son John WILLIAMS became a Campbellite preacher in Missouri and died blind. He married Miss Almeda WYATT, daughter of Micagy WYATT). Eliza (DICKEY) Jane WILLETT, born May 17, 1815, died April 5, 1838 (Her husband (Page 2603) George WILLETT, still lives in Augusta, Key. Ruth HILL, daughter of Salathiel FITCH and wife died 1801, was the first grave in Fitch’s Graveyard. William DICKEY, my father, born February 10, 1805, died May 6, 1849 of inflammation of the stomach. He had typhoid fever in 1848 and never fully recovered from it. He died near Elizaville where he removed October 1848.

      On board the train September 22, 1898 returning from Flemingsburg I met with Cousin William MORRISON. He got aboard at Nepton where he resides. He is a Campbellite preacher. His mother was a sister to my grandmother DICKEY and his father’s farm adjoined my grandfathers on Mill Creek. He told me that the DICKEY’s came in a company from Virginia by land, in wagons and on pack horses, camping along the way, stopping to do their washing, etc. They came through (Page 2604) the Greenbriar country, of what is now West Virginia. The supposition is they crossed the Big Sandy near the4 mouth. They came from Bull Skin, Clarke County, Virginia. He thinks it was 1794 or 1795. It was prior to 1796 as great-grandfather DICKEY made his mill that year in Woodford County (see record of the county court). He said further that at Calvin H. HORD and James DICKEY, my grandfather, adjoined farms. They could not agree about the line, one claiming half, half a mile east of Buffalo Springs and the other a half a mile west. Daniel BOONE has surveyed HORD’s land and he was introduced as a witness in the case. He found upon examination he had made a mistake in his field notes and his testimony gave my grandfather his claim.

     My father’s brothers and sisters were as follows:--Allen CAMPBELL, William HENDERSON, Nancy, Eliza, Martha, Harvey, Emerine. Allen married Margaret BRIGHT, William, Malinda QUINN; HENDERSON, Ruth WILLIAMS; Nancy, Stephen TAYLOR; (Page 2605), Eliza, George WILLETT; Martha, Jarratt WILLIAMS; Harvey, Corrilla QUINN and Mary DULIN; Emerine Dennis DALE; Jarratt WILLIAMS and Ruth WILLIAMS were brother and sister; Margaret BRIGHT and Malinda QUINN were half-sisters; Corrilla QUINN was niece of Malinda QUINN and daughter of James QUINN, Jr.

     The BRIGHTs came to Fleming County earlier than the QUINNs. Cousin Phores BRIGHT, son of Lewis BRIGHT, now living in the Flemingsburg and 70 years old thinks they came as early as 1781 or 1782. The cabin Edwin BRIGHT built when he first came is still standing. I saw it on my recent visit and have a picture of it taken last spring.

     The house in which I was born stands adjoining it built in 1844---too of ash logs.

September 30, 1898, Joseph BRIGGS, Benge, Key.

     Fro three days I have been in suspense waiting for Miss E.J. BENGE to decide as to giving a site for the church. I went this morning and she agree to do so (Page 2602) but would not go to the spot and stake it off till late this afternoon. I promised to meet her there but instead of coming she sent me word that it looked too much like rain to come. She does not want to give a site. She will not sell one and she is baffling me and the church, deferring, changing her mind and has been doing so for six weeks. I have gone to see her six times. She is worth $40,000, has no one depending on her and seems to be eaten up with avarice, though a member of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church. I confess that her conduct is a severe trail of my patience, but God is making it a blessing to me and I remember the exhortation, “Let patience have its perfect work that ye make be perfect and entire wanting nothing”. Praise God for “Honey from weeds”.

October 2, 1898, Sunday, Manchester, Key.

     I came here yesterday morning, dined and went to Pace’s Creek two miles and half distant to attend Teacher’s Association of (Page 2607) First Magisterial District. Lodged at Brother HORTON’s. Preached this morning and tonight at Christian Church her and attended S S in afternoon. The Lord helped me to preach on both occasions. There was a Baptist Association five miles from town on Horse Creek, and multitudes went there but I have a normal audience. There was close attention at both services, about 30 attended in the morning and about 15 at night.

     The S S in the afternoon has no superintendent and no one takes special interest in it. Miss Annie MILLER, of Lexington, daughter of our lamented Dr. Charles W. MILLER, organized a W.C.T. U. here recently and a Loyal Temperance Legion, the young folks department. This latter meets at 3 p.m. I am minded to merge the S S into it. Miss Clara QUINN of Lexington is manager. I can try it 3 months.

October 3, 1898, Manchester, Key.

     Saturday night a ball was fired at W.H. TREADWAY’s body or at his bed, in the east room of the LUCAS Hotel, second story. It missed the mark about (Page 2608) 6 inches. It was at midnight---evidently it was an attempt at his life. He keeps a saloon here, has a wife and no children, and while he is an industrious and law abiding citizen, he is a wicked man. He drinks but little and is little and is peaceable but known to be undaunted by any danger. He is a dangerous man to antagonize.

     A few weeks ago, Bev WHITE, Jr., sheriff, got drunk and shot into Mrs. LUCAS’ house and cursed her and her family, fearfully. He also shot into the P.O., no one was hurt. He has removed to town being afraid to stay in the country. Saturday about non, Joe HOOKER, an ally of the WHITEs shot a pistol on the street scaring horse and men but nothing was done with him. The county judge, John WRIGHT, seems to take no notice of the violations of the law. The WHITEs have control of the courts and run things as they wish. Gilbert GARRARD and wife (Page 2609) who fled a few weeks ago, during the reign of terror returned Sunday. He is still in London. She is at home. There may be much blood spilled yet before the feud is settled.

     W.C.T. U. is looking for a location for an industrial school in the mountains of Kentucky and I feel anxious to have them come here.

     Miss BENNETT writes that the Woman’s Home Missouri Society will not be able to locate any other school in the mountains of Kentucky soon. I had hoped for a branch of the Sue BENNETT Memorial here. Next to that I would take the W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperence Union) Baptist and Presbyterians have both been talking of this place as the seat of a school. I trust the Lord to do what is best; in the mean time I am doing what I can to get the W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperence Union) here.

October 6, 1898, Thursday, Benge, Key.

     After 7 or 8 visits to Miss BENGE covering about two months, I got her to lay off a lot, this morning, for the church, about ¾ of an acre but (Page 1610) she wants to give us a title which will cause the land to revert to her should we cease to use it or should it ceased to be used for religious purposes during her lifetime. I fear that with such a title as this we cannot get any money from the church. Extension Board. I have written Brother James STATEN, the president of our conference board, for a decision. The site is desirable and as she owns and has mortgages on all the land in the neighborhood that is desirable for a site, it looks dark if we cannot make some arrangement satisfactory to all parties. Brother RIGGS is despondent, and starts tomorrow to Laurel County farm so as to get out of this neighborhood. But I will trust in the Lord.

October 9, 1898, Sunday, George S. WYATT’s, Crawford, London County, Key.

     I came to this neighborhood Friday morning; but rain kept me at Brother BAILEY’s till Saturday morning. (Page 2611) The beautiful framed church built with so much labor and sacrifice by Brother RAGAN five years ago was burnt last May bay an incendiary, it is believed. A new school house has been built near the old one but we are not permitted to worship in it. I found the old one without windows, loft, or seats, a workbench in it, piles of lumber and the space open where the stone chimney had formerly been, floor covered with dirt and shavings. Sister EDWARDS, formerly Miss WYATT helped me to bring a seat from the new school house over to the old one, a pile of lumber served for another sear, so a 11 a.m. I began to preach to Sister EDWARDS and her little girl and old Sister BAILEY, Godly women; before I had finished others came. Hiram HIBBARD and daughters, Miss Catherine, James WYATT, Sen., John HIBBARD, three or four HIBBARDs. We had a good testimony meeting at the (Page 2612) close of the service. I asked the men to help me fix seats for Sunday service. We carried five benches from the new school house to the old. Put the lumber into two piles making each pile a sear, then with joists and old stones from the chimney for supports we fixed seats fro 75 or 100 persons. Dined at James WYATT’s lodged at J.H. BALES’. Had house well filled this morning. At the close of the service I asked the audience for 44 to put in window glass, stove pipe, etc. so as to make the house fit for services till we build. Got what I asked. Meant to ask for $14 but was told just before the service that one of the stoves had been saved from the ruins of the burnt church but after we had dismissed I found that was a mistake and that we will have to buy a stove, $10. I find that the church has been backsliding ever since Brother RAGAN left here and it is in a cold divided state. God help.

(Page 2613) Octover 13, 1898, Thursday, Benge, Key.

     I went to London Monday morning, 10^th, to Corbin in the afternoon and returned to George S. WYATT’s last night. What desolation I found at Corbin where we had such a great revival more than a year ago. Backslidings have been fearful, yet there are a few faithful souls remaining. Brother SAWYER, the pastor of our church there is hopeful of the future. The truth is mighty but few yield to it. It sets those free who accept it. Brother SAWYER thinks he can buy the room under the Masonic Hall. If he could do so, we would have a splendid room, but I fear they will not sell it. The M.E. people have left, I suppose, to stay, thought they had left before I went there, but returned after our meeting. The town has grown some since I was there a year ago but not much.

     It is now the 13^th of October and we have had no frost yet. The forests are as green as August and the grass also. It is a remarkable Fall. In 1863, there was no frost till October 23^rd then it (Page 2614) was a big snow instead and the earth as green as it is now.

October 15, 1898, Saturday, Manchester, Key.

     I attended the District Teachers Association at Benge today. The session was well attended, and a few teachers made good talks. I read a paper on, “Who area benefited by the common schools?” Dinner was brought to the ground and everybody was fed. Miss Florence BENGE, the teacher at Benge, had a number of recitations which enlivened the occasion. Perry HOWES, wife and son had a good dialogue or drama, “Taking the train to Mars.” It was well rendered. Mrs. HOWES gave a recitation--- The Boy That Saved Holland by Stopping the Leak in the Dike. She did it well. America and the Star Spangled Banner were both sang, also several religious songs. The superintendent did not arrive till just before the close, (Dr. PHILLIPS’ name is in the margin) having been detained as a witness in the James HOWARD case. I am here at Mr. Robert CARNAHAN’s, Sen. will preach at Manchester tomorrow.

(Page 2615) October 18, 1898, Tuesday, Benge, Key.

     I received a letter yesterday from Mr. James STATEN, President of Board of Church Extension, is in answer to my inquiry whether the Board would accept a deed with clause of reversion during life of deviser. He says the law does not allow it. Called on Miss BENGE and showed her the letter but she is inflexible. This looks like the end of the church building movement. But I still look to God for a church, here. Surely he will open the way and permit us to build him a house. I see nothing to do but to stand still and see the salvation of the Lord.

     Sunday I preached at Manchester morning and night, and also at Pace’s Creek on General GARRARD’s place at 2:30 p.m. Had good audience at the school house. There was much shooting in and around town Saturday night. Everything looks dark for God’s cause.

October 24, 1898, Monday, Burning Springs, Clay County.

     Last week I spent visiting the people. Saturday I attended services at Corinth (Page 2616) school house in the morning and at James LEWIS; in the afternoon. Rev. Cris. LEWIS of Leslie County preached. He is a Campbellite and both sermons were an exposition of Campbellite faith. Faith, repentance, confession and emersion are the steps. He taught that the omission of any one of these would be disastrous to the soul. He emphasized emersion. The others he only touched lightly. Repentance was barely mentioned. Yesterday at Dripping Springs school house at the funeral of Mr. BROWN’s daughter who had been dead more than a year, four preachers of the same faith preached. Her husband had been married again and I suppose his second wife was present. I was not there but Brother William COLDIRON was and reported to me this morning. The men were GROSS, WOODWARD, LEWIS, and ?. He said that the sermon each was the presentation of the plan of salvation viz. faith, repentance, confession and emersion. I am thrown once every few years with these people and I always (Page 2618) hear the same sermon, viz. faith, repentance, confession and emersion. It has been so all my life. No matter what is the text, what the occasion, the sermon is always the same. Last Saturday afternoon the preacher was preaching the funeral of two small children. His text was, “wives obey your husbands”, a strange text for a funeral but the sermon was faith, repentance, confession and emersion. In all this the Spirit of God is ignored. They teach that the Spirit and the word are identical. They know they are saved when they have obeyed because they have obeyed. Yet they say that if a mistake is made at any step the work is of no avail. How they are to be sure of this is not shown.

     Yesterday I came to Burning Springs to attend the meeting of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church people. Rev. R.E. SMITH, a local preacher, preached the funeral of Stephen RICE, a boy three years old at his death. He is 40 years old, lives in Jackson County, is a man of superior ability, certainly has taken rank with the leaders. He is fluent, rapid (Page 2618) magnetic, has a fine imagination and is a clear, strong reasoner. He preached a good sermon. Brother BLACKBURN is here, a local preacher, full of zeal. I was asked to speak at the close of Brother SMITH’s sermon and did so. I preached last night to a fair audience. The meeting goes on this week. (I dismissed my meeting at Corinth yesterday for the funeral at Dripping Springs). Burning Springs is a village of ten residences, three stores, a saw mill, etc. There are a few enterprising men here who have given to this community a character really noble. They are the RAWLINGS family. They came here just before the Rebellion from Lee County, Virginia. It is a moral community. The people are  quiet, industrious and thrifty. They have law and order. Revs. BLACKBURN and SMITH came here about three years ago and organized a M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church into which most of the RAWLINGS went. They had been Baptists, except the wife of Fayette RAWLINGS, the mother of James, William, Emmett, and D.K. RAWLINGS now (Page 2619) the leading men of the name. They built an academy building here six or eight years ago, costing $500 by organizing a joint stock company. They have kept good teachers in this house and this has greatly helped this part of the country. They have been seeking to have some denomination to establish a school here.

     I received a letter from Mr. James RAWLINGS (whose guest I now am) two or three years ago inviting the Methodist Church to come here and establish a school. The Baptist talked of six or eight years ago and now they revived and have their agents in the field and propose to raise $20,000 for buildings, etc. The Black Diamond Railroad is surveyed through here and if it should be built there will be no better point for a school in the mountains. The Burning Springs is a name given to a space of ground about 20 feet square through which burning gas issues. It burns constantly, the jets being about 2 feet high. The only use made of it is was conducted to the academy (Page 2620) building and used to heat and light it.

     COLLINS, in the History of Kentucky, says that when the country was first discovered there was an acre burning. The Baptists proposed to heat and light their building with this gas. It will be an attraction to draw population here. Cheap fuel and gas certainly ought to bring manufacturers here. If there is gas here in sufficient quantity and the college and railroad are built, this place will become one of considerable importance.

     But my business here now is to help in a revival meeting and get myself revived. I want to see God’s work go forward in this region and especially in my own work. This country will one day be greatly improved. People will live in better homes, they will have more education, better houses of worship, be more prosperous, ?, fertilize their lands with grasses and other fertilizers, will raise more stock, handle more money, read more books and have a higher civilization. These (Page 2621) things are not far away. But religion is the chief reform.

October 26, 1898, Burning Springs, Key.

     We have a heavier frost this morning. We have had only light frost till now. The forests have on all their foliage. The few light frosts have only tinged the forests. Along the streams where there have been fogs there is scarcely a tinge on the leaves. The grass is green yet as much so as in mid-summer. This has been a remarkable season. The water mills have run every month in the year. The pastures have been green and flourishing all the time. Crops of all kinds are extra good save Irish potatoes; sweet potatoes are a marvelously large product; the corn is good but is rotting on the stalk to some extent. Stock are all fat and area still living and flourishing on these pastures. The frost this morning and the freeze---for there is a light freeze---will cut down the foliage, I think.  The morning is bright and glorious, though it misted rain, most of the day. Brother BLACKBURN and I (Page 2622) are continuing the meeting but with no visible results. Praise the Lord.

October 29, 1898, Saturday, Burning Springs

     Yesterday Brother BLACKBURN and I went to Benge to visit Isaac CORNETT, the sick distiller. I wanted my mail and wished to see Mr. CORNETT as he has been very ill for some time. We found him better. He seemed a little tender. Brother BLACKBURN urged him to give up his business and give his heart to God. His wife undertook to defend the business but she soon weakened. These people have a family of children and all are on the way to hell. It is horrible. We dined at Miss Jane BENGE’s She still refuses to give her name to a church lot.

     I preached again last night. Audience good but no move. It seems that I can never move men to repentance. The people here need a church and a S School and I propose to do all in my power to them to provide these things. They are so cold an indifferent. I am sure now is the time to build. I received a long letter from Miss Ida PHILLIPS who (Page 2623) is doing work in Illinois in founding a deaconess home and hospital. She is following the Master.

October 31, 1898, Monday, Burning Springs

     We closed the meeting last night. I have stood the work fairly well, though I have not preached more than once a day. I feel this morning about like I usually do Monday mornings. The meeting did not result in a single conversion or addition to the church but it was a revival among the members. I found the S School gone down, the prayer and class meetings gone down and all these we have revived wit good prospects of their success under the pastorate of good Brother BLACKBURN. But perhaps the most far reaching result of the meeting is the movement inaugurated of building a church. I came here for the purpose. Yesterday after (the) preaching to a full house, I made a talk on the subject. I had talked it all week to Brother BLACKBURN and a few of the leading members. Last night Brother BLACKBURN appointed a building (Page 2624) committee, viz. James L. RAWLINGS, Dr. LUCAS, dentist, Dr. PHILLIPS, M.D. The two later belong to the Campbellite Church but are thoroughly in sympathy with our church and want a building. They will probably meet with us. I remained to rest and help that committee to start.

November 1, 1898, Tuesday, Burning Springs

     I rested yesterday, last night I called the building committee together and we made and estimate of the cost of a house 33 x 48 x 16 foot frame, stained glass windows. Solid stone foundation equals $1,000.

     The committee area enthusiastic and if I could remain with them, I feel sure they would succeed.

     I leave this morning for Benge to see if I can not get Miss BENGE to allow us to build on her land. I am expecting God to open her heart. I feel impotent myself but my sufficiency is of God. What He does not make possible I can not do. I see everyday His leading hand some way, though sometimes the way is dark.

     (Page 2625) The glorious news comes today that yesterday the Peace Commissioners in Paris demanded of Spain the surrender of the whole Philippines archipelago. This was done in obedience to instruction from Washington.

November 4, 1898, Friday, Manchester, Key.

     I was aroused this morning about 4 o’clock with a message from Mrs. James CLARK, wife of a lawyer of this place. She is ill, has lived our of the church, though she joined on probation when a girl and was never received into full membership. She is an amiable sweet woman but is not saved, but she has been a seeker all these years, at times. I pointed her to Jesus and prayed for her. Strange that death must stare people in the face before they awake. God have mercy on the woman!

November 6, 1898, Sunday, Manchester, Key.

     I preached this morning on sowing and reaping, Gal. 5. Tonight only two people came, Lloyd WALKER and Miss Alice CALLAHAN. I waited till 7 o’clock, dismissed them with pray standing and closed it (Page 2626) with the apostolic benediction. I then went to the A.M.E. Church where a young man was preaching. I gave an exhortation at the close of his discourse. The Baptist and Union S.S. meet together now alternating between the churches with the preaching.

November 7, 1898, Monday, Manchester, Key.

     This morning between 9 and 10 o’clock I baptized Mrs. Ollie CLARK and received her into the church. She was very happy and praised the Lord, said she wanted to tell all the world how much she loved Jesus. Since this she has slept more than for four days previous. She is still in a critical condition.

     This afternoon I listened to John D. WHITE who is a candidate for congress from this the 11^th District. He is an independent Republican. He spoke for two hours till the sun went down. Tomorrow is the election. He claims to have been cheated our of the nomination two years ago by David COLSON and now he asks to be vindicated. He held his audience well though I was sorry to see in his (Page 2627) speech some of the tricks of the demagogue. He is opposing Judge Vincent BOREING, a local preacher of the M.E. Church, whom he charges with professing sanctification and yet doing many wicked things. BOREING does not, never did, profess sanctification and as to the charges of corruption, I am not informed. This I do know, he ought to be preaching the gospel to dying men rather than be seeking honor from men; I fear he will lose his soul.

November 11, 1898, Manchester, Key.

     Mrs. CLARK is better and promising recovery. I have been visiting on Goose Creek this week, go to Wyatt’s today. Circuit Court is in session, little doing. Have paid every debt I owe in the last week, except for my ? $40, due January 1, 1899. Had borrow $700 from the New York Life Insurance Company to do it. Paid my last premium on my life policy so I am through with that praise God. I began it 19 years ago but the end has come at last. I am determined to give my last days to (Page 2628) God’s service whether they be few or many. I am nothing without Him. The election passed off last Tuesday. Judge Vincent BOREING was elected to Congress from this District over John D. WHITE, both Republicans. WHITE was Independent. BOREING, it is said, used money and whiskey freely. Sad! John D. WHITE said to me today that the race showed that good, moral men could be elected if whiskey and money enough is used. A sarcastic touch.

November 18, 1898, Tuesday, Burning Springs, Key.

     I preached at Wyatt’s Chapel---school house the 12^th and 13^th a.m. at James WYATT’s and Joseph DOAN at night on these respective days. Wednesday afternoon I preached at Henry DOAN’s, old people. I visited 21 families while in the neighborhood and came from Joseph DOAN’s yesterday and preached her tonight. I find the committee here in earnest soliciting subscriptions for building a church, and the S.S. earnestly at work. Tomorrow is District Teachers Association and a “big time” is expected.

(Page 2629) November 19, 1898, Mrs. REID’s, near Manchester

     Came home with Miss Lucretia from the Association to be near my appointments tomorrow. The Association was a great success. Perhaps 200 people were present, 150 at least. All were fed at a common table and plenty left. The proceedings were animated and profitable throughout. A well dressed behaved assembly, would do credit to any county in Kentucky.

November 24, 1898, Manchester, Key.

     We held the second Thanksgiving service ever held in this town today. Last year I held the first. Rev. Mr. BAXTER of the Presbyterian Church preached today. He read his discourse. There were 30 persons present, I suppose, and average congregation for Manchester. Brother BAXTER and I went to Judge WHITE’s for dinner returning late this afternoon. We had two large pumpkins, a basket of corn and two bundles of oats in the church thanks to Brother BAXTER. Brother BAXTER represents the Sunday School department of the Northern Presbyterian Church. He has been organizing S schools (Page 2630) distributed tracts, etc. preaches in town occasionally. I wish to second my gratitude to God today for his manifold blessings to me this past year. I have had food and raiment throughout it with not evident at the beginning for the year where it would come from. I am entirely free from debt except 440 I owe for my horse and $60 in a London bank. My policy which matures next November will enable me to pay it from the proceeds of the policy. I have gained in physical power and through the year have been enabled to preach, on an average at least three times a week, perhaps more. When I look back to 1880---I when I was unable to do anything, I feel to praise God with a full heart. I am doing my work here in faith seeing no results but He has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake the,” and I trust Him. Surely He will enable me to do something for this needy Godless people. O, how deep they are steeped in sin and worldliness. During the year I was enabled to meet all our family, except one, and enjoy a (Page 2631) reunion with them. But I thank God for what he has done for others this year. Especially for delivering twelve million of human beings from tyranny and depression. Perhaps many of them do not appreciate the change of government which means so much to them, but I know it is a boon and later they will see it and realize its blessings, perhaps after another Thanksgiving rolls around: Cuba, Puerto Rico, and the Philippine Islands, henceforth are to drink of the sweets of liberty and a better civilization. Heaven will be gladdened by this deliverance for by it her numbers will be increase. This has been done with less loss of life than ever marked an achievement before. The kills were only 280 men and those who have died in camp or from wounds, something over 2,000. In the Revolutionary War there were but 3 million freed, but it required seven years of war and untold suffering besides thousands of deaths. In the Civil War only 4 million men were freed at a cost of (Page 2632) more than 100,000 lives and more than $3,000,000,000 of money. Again the war with Spain has cemented the North and the South into a firmer union than ever before, while the United States and England, the mother country, have been brought closer together than ever before, not excepting the colonial period. In tonight’s paper I read that a statue of Washington is to be placed in Trafalgar Square and life-sized portrait of Queen Victoria in the White House all to be done by Englishmen. The Wesleyan Methodist at their recent conference at Hull, England, in the address published since its adjournment, signed by President Hughes PRICE, makes reference to the intimate relations existing between the two countries and gives the expression to the warm regard in which our people are held in England. All these things are reasons for profoundest Thanksgiving. The Twentieth Century movement has been projected during the present year on both sides of the Atlantic which promises so much for (Page 2633) mankind. Mission debts have been swept away from both the Northern and Southern Methodist churches this year and missionary operations are spreading constantly, giving promise to a universal spread of the gospel.

November 28, 1898, Burning Springs, Key.

     Yesterday morning I preached a sermon in memory of the soldiers who fell in battle of died in camps or were blown up on the “Maine”, at Benge and at night here. I took a collection at each place for a national monument to their memory. At Benge, I got $1.70, her 70 cents. My text was MARk 12:17, “Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesars’ and to God the things that are God’s”. At Benge there were about 30 and here 75. I have been stirring up the committee here on church building. If they are not pushed the work will not be done. Brother BLACKBURN, the pastor here, is here and we are working together. The 26^th, last Saturday was our first winter day. The people are butchering hogs now. An organization has been recently made in Boston to oppose the annexation of the (Page 2634) Philippines.

November 30, 1898, Burning Springs, Key.

     I have been praying, working and waiting for this church building enterprise to start and I feel tonight that the start will be made, is already made. Brother James RAWLINGS has been unwilling to take hold of the work because he was afraid he would be caught for more than he was willing to pay. He has now consented to let the work begin and be carried forward as fast as the money can be provided. We are all in favor of that. Brother Ransom RAWLINGS has the subscription paper of Brother James RAWLINGS and is soliciting. My place is to begin at once to lay the foundation and put logs at the mill---that is as soon as Brother Ransom RAWLINGS canvasses the community. This is agreeable to all. I think we will make the house 30 x 45 x 14 and put in an arched ceiling that is make it 18 foot high at the center. I have a card from Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) putting off the Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) from third Sunday in December to the fourth. This breaks up my plans very (Page 2635) much, but I suppose the Lord has better ones for me.

December 3, 1898, Sidell, Clay County, Key.

     I started from Burning Springs at noon Saturday fro Manchester where I am to preach tomorrow. As I passed this P.O. my horse went too near the fence and my stirrup caught onto the end of a fence rail, my horse jumped and I fell off into the mud. My saddle pockets fell also, and when I arose my back, seat of my pants and my coat skirts of under coat and skirt of overcoat and skirt of overcoat were coated with mud. I had passed Mr. Robert RAWLINGS’ residence 300 yards so I walked back and here I am tonight. I called for a change of clothes, dried my suit before the fire, cleaned them, and am ready to go on to Manchester to preach tomorrow. Praise God for the escape! A colored woman named COTTON, fell from the steps or stile, near here this afternoon, a short time after my fall, and broke her wrist. What a mercy that I received no injury whatever. I met a committee of the Baptist School at Burning Springs this morning who were there to let a contract or have (Page 2636) erected an addition to the old school house there, given to them by the stockholders. It is 48 x 20, made into two rooms giving them these besides the room 24 x 48 already there. Messers, R.L. BAKER---BURNS and Miss SMITH were employed by the Board of Trustees, in session at New Hope Church, Owsley County, December 1, to conduct a school at Burning Springs five months beginning January 1, 1899. They think they will have 150 pupils. The Board thinks the college building may be begun by May next. I have got all the building committee of the Methodist Church at work at Burning Springs and there is a good prospect to get a church. The world is perishing. Oh, God save the lost!

December 4, 1898, Sunday, Manchester

     I preached this morning to two men and two boys, Robert CARNAHAN, Sen., Benjamin HOLMAN, Owen CARNAHAN, son of above, all living in the country and John WHITE, son of B.P WHITE, Jr., sheriff who lives in town. So only one was a resident of the town. It has been a blustery day, but here was nothing to keep people at home who (Page 2637) were well and wished to come. There were five boys at S school and Ben HOLMAN. I held no service at night. The two principle business firms of the town have consolidated leaving but two stores that sell dry goods and one little grocery and a Negro store, very small. It seems that Manchester is going to seed. The jailer, Theo CUNDIFF was drunk today and had to be carried home on a board and put to bed. The Devil seems to have control and his aim seems to be to utterly destroy the town. The last saloon closes next Wednesday and it would seem that the time had come to do some good work here but the town seems to dead to resurrect. In the 21 families making up the town proper there are only 10 children between 6 and 20 years and two of these are leaving. There are only 3 young ladies and one of them is leaving the first of January. For nearly 100 years this town has existed but God had not been in her thought or purpose. The inhabitants have been revelers, drunkards, adulterers, Sabbath breakers, and murders. This is an awful record. If monuments (Page 2638) were erected on every spot where there has been a man killed or dangerously wounded it would be like a cemetery. There have been some moral people here, some respectable people, some rich people, some talented people, but I have yet to hear of one celebrated for piety. My faith is staggering but God can work miracles of grace in lifting men up to holiness and heaven.

December 5, 1898, Monday, Manchester

     A letter from sister Mary CRAIN today announces the death of her husband, John Lewis CRAIN, December 1. I was expecting the news as a letter a week ago told me of his condition. He was nearly 77 years old, born February 22, 1822. He had been afflicted with dysentery for more than twenty years. He had been very feeble for several years and all of the past year. His death would not have been a surprise (at any time) and yet death always brings a shock. IT is the first death in my sister’s family. They have four children. Six of our family have been married and four have buried their companions, viz. W.P., (Page 2639) Eliza, Stamper and Mary and we are still seven. But we are all growing old. Some are nearing three score and ten and the youngest is past fifty. Yet all are in vigorous health. God had kept His promise to our Godly parents. O, what an inheritance are the prayers and holy lives of our patents! It is worth more than millions in god. The Lord is indeed our Shepherd. Riches may take to themselves wings and fly away but God’s promises to the righteous will never pass away. What an investment! Stock, bonds, fire insurance, all these may fail, but God’s promises never. The darkest phase of the mountains is the Godless parents. And they are molding and shaping the children, ah! The work of changing society here is a Herculean task. But it has been done elsewhere and why not here. Whole populations have been changed even from Heathenism to Christianity from savagery to civilization, and the transformation can be wrought here, by patience, toil and prayers of faith. Schools and churches must do most of the work.

(Page 2640) December 15, 1898, Thursday at G.S. WYATT’s

     I came to this neighborhood the 7^th inst. Preached last Saturday and Sunday, 10^th and 11^th, the former at G.S. WYATT’s, At the formers, there were 20 persons present, at the later 70. We have had a cold week, Wednesday night the Fahrenheit thermometer stood at 14 below zero. Yesterday morning it was at zero but we had a pleasant day. I have stayed at G.S. and John WYATT’s since I have been here. Have read with great interest Drummond’s “Natural Law in the Spiritual World.” It is a masterpiece of reasoning. I feel much benefited by reading the book.

     This morning I attended the burial of a babe three months old, child of a Mr. & Mrs. LLOYD. The mother is member of our church here. The people here are very solicitous to have me teach ten weeks of school. I could do them great good but I feel that I have done all of this work that God would have me do though I thought that in 1876 when I quit at Carlisle. I go to Benge this afternoon.

(Page 2641) December 17, 1898, Saturday, Manchester, Key.

     Arrived here late this afternoon; stayed at Perry HOWSE’s, near Benge last night. Find a heavy mail. Mr. C.L. RITTER house of Encampment, Wyoming writes that he “has struck it rich” and that “we” will go to the Paris Exposition in 1900 and to Palestine. He used to tell me at Jackson that “when his ship comes in” he would take me to Europe and the Orient, but I had not thought of it since.

     The town of Manchester has “gone dry” since I was here ten days ago, the last license having expired.

     In my mail is a letter from Miss Annie MILLER of Lexington asking for data about “the mountains” that she can use in presenting the wants of our people to the Blue Grass people in the interests of the W.P.T.U. mountain school.

December 21, 1898, G.S. WYATT’s

     Arrived here yesterday afternoon, Preached in Manchester Sunday morning to 30 people, at 2:30 at Pace’s Creek to the same number. Stayed all night at “Friday” Bill ALLEN’s. Rained till noon today; afternoon I  (Page 2642) went to William HAYER’s on Little Goose Creek, lodged, took dinner at William HUBBARD’s in the neighborhood. Today according to appointment the people met to move the Wyatt’s school house. Only a few came but we took it down in good ord, and have it all ready to move. We have set next Tuesday the 27^th to move it. I came through the mud this trip to help and must go to Manchester to Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) next Saturday and Sunday and come back here Monday. It is work and especially hard on my horse but it must be done so we may have a place to preach. The trustees of the District area asking Brother J.H. BALES to give bond for any damage that may be done to the school house should we teach school in it and we may put him in this one to have a winter school.

December 23, 1898, Michael HORTON’s, Goose Creek

     Brother RAGAN failed to put in an appearance at Wyatt’s to come over to the Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) but Brother J.N. ISON. He was not well and (Page 2643) went to Preachersville to his home. Yesterday, Brother ISON and I attended the burial of George YOUNG’s two year old babe, that was burned to death; after dining at William HUBBARD’s we came to William HAYRE’s and stayed all night. We reached her at noon today and met a cordial reception. Brother HORTON is a great admirer of Brother RAGAN and was expecting him. He concealed his disappointment, and all goes well. Tomorrow and Sunday will be our Q.M (Quarterly Meeting) at Manchester. Brother ISON is a pleasant companion and we have an enjoyable trip not withstanding the mud. Brother HAYRE expressed his regrets that he had not known of our coming and he would have had an audience last night at his house. He is a staunch Methodist.

December 24, 1898, Saturday, Manchester, Key.

     Brother ISON preached this morning to six persons. We held Q.C. (Quarterly Conference) at the LUCAS Hotel. I acted as both President and Secretary. Miss Fannie WHITE and Mrs. Helen WHITE were present. My salary was fixed at $125, $50 for Manchester and Wyatt’s each, and $25 (Page 2644) at Benge. The P.E. has $32. I reported $2 from Wyatt’s, the only money I have received since conference for the work. The people are averse to paying preachers, which make steward slow in their efforts. The outlook id dark in every direction, spiritual and financial but I will trust the Lord and go forward. “Heaven and earth may pass away but my Words will not pass away”. He has promised to be with His disciples always even to the end of the world. I claim the promise and expect success. I need more of the power of the spirit, move love for souls. This is a much quieter Christmas Eve than we had last year because we have no saloons. Still we have some noise on the streets and some drinking. Glorious Eve of the Savior’s birth!! I praise Him, I adore Him.

     The children of the town and some from the country had a Christmas tree given them by their parents and friends at MR. Dough WHITE’s this afternoon. At Dr. BURCHELL’s, a mile in the country there (Page 2645) was a Christmas tree fro the S school and day school of the District, both held their sessions at the District school house. I pray for a forward movement in this town in spiritual things. O, for the faith of a Moses! Yet Moses had to wait in patience for 40 years. Lord, I wait on thee. Thou will come to my help, wilt deliver me from the dearth about me. I wan to see souls saved, God’s kingdom established. This is a wicked people, but God has sent me to them and He will certainly give me victory. I will trust Him, follow Him, die for Him if need be and what is yet greater live for Him. In dust I will lie and call upon Him.

December 25, 1898, Mr. Henry MARCUM’s, Sunday

     Brother ISON preached an excellent sermon this morning from, “God so love the world, et.” We had 30 or 40 hearers, about a dozen communed. We dined at the LUCAS Hotel and came here this afternoon, three miles from town. This is a large family but the father is a drunkard and very impure in his life. They are people of wealth in social and business standing (Page 2646) but Godless. I am trying to get them to Christ. We sang and prayed tonight and had a good time. I am trying to get the children to London to school. He has promised to send Susie, 14 years old. O, how this country needs religion and education! How low is the standard of morals! The teacher of the District School, Mr. John OWSLEY’s school house yesterday morning and spoke to the children. I distributed religious papers among them.

     Today was appointed to move the old school house for a preaching place but only Brother BALES came. He and I helped Brother G.S. WYATT’s force to haul up longs and stones; lay the foundation, put on the sills, and lower joists or sleepers as the people call them and lay up a log or two. Pleas. YOUNG and John WYATT went to the Trustees with a paper (Page 2647) this morning, which granted permission to hold religious services in the new school house but they would not sign it. They said that if I would fill a bond of twice the value of the school house and pay rent I could use it. There is a bitter strife in the community growing our to the election of Trustees and employment of teachers and the anti-church people have the power.

December 29, 1898, Thursday, G.S. WYATT’s

     I went to London---9 miles---to get a boarding place for Susie MARCUM. Got home about 8 p.m. Saw Professor LEWIS and others, got board at Mr. Daniel BROCK’s but told them that I could not promise certainly that she would come, though her father and mother agreed to it. They are indifferent and vacillating. Mr. MARCUM is sincere in his purpose but so much engrossed in business and sin that he neglects the highest interests in his family. I sent the $2.22 raised the fourth Sunday to Mr. LATZKE, treasurer of the National Monument Association, New Your. I found the (Page 2648) new boarding hall about completed at the Sue BENNETT Memorial and a new cottage built to be occupied by Miss Florence BENGE of Clay County, her five sisters and one brother.

January 1, 1899, Sunday, Manchester, Key.

     I came to Mr. Henry MARCUM’s last evening through a blinding snowstorm and left there this morning as soon as I got breakfast which was 10:50 a.m. Mr. MARCUM was drunk and did not show himself this morning. There were five young men and as many young women there last night who danced till midnight, I suppose. I retired at 10 and they were still dancing. I had a very comfortable room, bed and good fire, read till 10 and slept sweetly. Susie had changed her mind about going to London to school, the music teacher from Burning Springs having visited her. Her father seemed to hate it but submitted. I reached my appointment at 11 a.m. and preached to a dozen people from, “By Grace are ye saved, etc.” We have no church tonight.

     (Page 2649) Praise God for a new year. I mean to make it serve me for the work of the Lord.

January 2, 1899, Monday, M.C. HORTON’s

     This morning Miss Alice CALLAHAN started for Asbury College, Wilmore, Key. She goes to cultivate her voice, mind and heart. She has a fine voice, a bright mind and a kind heart but all need more culture. We will miss her. She sings so well, always plays for our meetings, and was the P.O. clerk where everybody met her. I gave her a church letter, as she does not expect to live in Manchester again. The two Misses BURCHELLs went to Washington College, Tennessee, also Miss Sophia CLARK.

     Mrs. LUCAS has rented her hotel to Mrs. HILL and son, Tom Jr. I will have new masters. I expect to be in town very little so it does not matter, I suppose. It seems that Manchester is being boiled down pretty low. We have five vacant store rooms, as many vacant residences and several offices. The people who are left have no children, scarcely and but few of them attend church. The S schools combined hardly make one. We certainly have struck bottom.

(Page 2650) January 3, 1899, Tuesday, M.C. HORTON’s

     I have written a letter of thirteen pages of notepaper to Miss Annie MILLER of Lexington, daughter of the late C.W. MILLER, D.D., of our conference. It was in response to a request that I give her something of the early history, ancestry and present condition of the mountain people. She wishes to present the wants of the mountains to other sections of the state to raise funds for a school to be maintained by the W.C.T.U. (Women’s Christian Temperance Union) of Kentucky.

     The Peace Commissioners arrived in Washington D.C. from Paris the 24^th ultimo and presented the treaty to the president. All probabilities are in favor of the Senate confirming the treaty promptly. The Morman elders are preaching through this country, but the people can detect nothing wrong by their sermons. They are good Campbellites in doctrine.

January 5, 1899, Thursday, Manchester

     The president of the United States, William McKINLEY, recently made a tour of the southern states. On his trip he made several addresses which have stirred the (Page 2651) hearts of the nation, North as well South. In his speech before the Georgia legislature he said the time had come for the government to take charge of the graves of the men who fell in the Civil War, fighting against the Union. He said their valor was the nation’s heritage. Other sentiments of a similar character thrilled the whole people. The Union of states is more closely cemented today than ever before. Sectionalism, as far as North and South are concerned, is passing away and “an era of good feel” like that in the days of Madison seem to have come to our nation. The balance of trade was never so great as this year, so that we seem to be entering on an era of prosperity.

     If we could see a revival of religion sweeping the country how grand would this climax be!!!

January 6, 1899, Friday, Manchester

     I rejoiced tonight in a most blessed experience of grace. God is pouring His peace into my soul. I have been reading Wesley’s sermons, today, am following that astute theologian in some of (Page 2652) his most thoughtful sermons. They have helped many, they helped me. I have been engaged in something besides preaching all of my ministerial life, save the four years I was in the pastorate. I have not given the Bible the close study that I owe it. I suffer from neglect, or lack of opportunity. I have set out this year to put more time in Bible study and the preparations of sermons. I must “show myself a workman that needest not be ashamed” and thus “feed the flock of God over which the Holy Ghost has made me overseer”. This is delightful work when the soul is in communion with God. I hope to see fruits of my labor in the salvation of sinners and building up of believers.

     Goose Creek is out of its banks today. It has rained all day.

January 9, 1899, Monday, James WYATT’s

     I left Manchester Saturday morning and came to Wyatt. The roads were very bad. Preached at John WYATT’s on Gal. 2:20, “I am crucified with Christ, etc.” Raised money for S S supplies, went to George (Page 2653) YOUNG’s for dinner. Came here today, noon, for rest and study. The Trustees of Wyatt’s school house who first wanted Brother BALES to fill a bond for twice the value of the house for the privilege of teaching in it have at last relented and he began school this morning with 18 pupils. The people are not as keen for education as they should be, yet many are quite eager.

     Mr. TROSPER has a fine school only two miles away and winter schools are numerous in Laurel County, much more so than in Clay County. At Burning Springs Brothers BURNS and BAKER of the Baptist Church opened on the 2^nd inst. with 90. The multiplication of schools increase the number who attend. The increase in both in the mountains is steady.

     I have just finished reading an S S book on the French Revolution. A review of history keeps events fresh in the mind. What a period of slaughter it was!!

January 15, 1899, Sunday, M.C. HORTON’s, Goose Creek

     Praise God for a day of labor and peace. I stayed last night at Robert CARNAHAN’s near Manchester. Preached in Manchester this (Page 2654) morning to about a dozen hearers but had liberty, text, Gal. 2:20. Was invited as usual to Dr. MANNING’s for dinner but as their dinner is late I could not accept and as I was not able to go to the hotel I came on to Pace’s Creek and preached without dinner. Had a good service. I feel that I am getting nearer to these people and they are more interested. I find the young girls can sing, four this afternoon sand well. I announced service for two weeks hence and promised them twice a month service. I feel that the Lord will save some of these people. We had but few at S school this morning, but out of that few I may see great results come. In the mist of all these discouragements I feel full of hope and blessed peace.

January 16, 1899, Monday, M.C.HORTON’s

     In my mail, today, is a letter from Reverend Miguel DICKEY, Belfast, Ireland. He is a missionary to Brazil from Virginia where he was born and educated. He has been in Brazil two years and came up as a delegate to our General Conference, last May and took his first vacation with (Page 2655) his wife, in making a visit to his native land. He writes me that she is slowly dying and perhaps, ? this has gone to her upper home. He is in great distress and wrote nothing of the DICKEYs, except to send me the address of Dr. DICKEY of Belfast, his wife’s physician and a pencil sketch of two crests of the DICKEY family, a ferret and a tree growing out of a rock. I wrote to Dr. DICKEY today. Also to Reverend Sol. C. DICKEY of Indianapolis and Professor Samuel H. DICKEY of Albion, Michigan.

     Another letter comes from my friend L.C. RITTENHOUSE of Encampment, Wyo. who is proposing to take me to Europe an Asia next year. He gives glowing description of the splendid views from the Continental Divide where he is located. He says he can see 200 miles. He traveled 14 miles on snowshoes, driven by the wind like a feather. Mercury 20 degrees and 30 degrees below zero and working in his shirtsleeves, the air so rare, snow from 6 to 20 feet deep. He is feeling confident of realizing large sums from his claim as well as from (Page 2656) his labor. He is working hard every day. The ore is gold and copper. He used to tell me in Breathitt in 1893 and 1894 that he would take me to Palestine someday. But he could not pay his board then but was prospecting in coal and timber. It is noble in him to think of doing such a thing even if he never able to do it. He says that his friend, Mrs. FOWLER, the widow of Dr. FOWLER the great phrenologist, is to go with us. She is living at Denver, Col. This matter like everything connected with my life shall be as the Lord directs. Whatever is best he will do. I have no concern on the subject.

     Brother M.C. HORTON is now nearly 80 years old and tells me that the Rebels hauled perhaps, 20,000 bushels of salt from the Goose Creek salt furnace. A wagon train left here the day the Union soldiers arrived with orders to destroy the works. They camped about the mouth of Horse Creek, a mile down the creek. The citizens persuaded the officer in command that it was unnecessary to destroy the works as the Rebels would not (Page 2657) be able to return again. He dispatched a courier to Mershon’s cross roads where he had left his superior officer to presented the facts and ask that the orders be countermanded. The commanding officer had left there before the courier arrived. The officer whom he had left in command sent word back that a good soldier obeyed orders so the work of destruction began that same day and completed the following day.

     “Little” Alex WHITE and Brother M.C. HORTON owned the old General WHITE well had their furnace across the creek in the hollow leading to Horse Creek. It is the best well on the creek, furnishing more water and of a higher percentage of salt. Daugherty WHITE persuaded the officer that to drop a cannon ball into his well was the most effectual way to prevent its being used. This only fell to the pump. When the order came permitting a resumption of work he simply lifted the pipe till he brought up the pump, unscrewed the pipe, took out the cannonball and in a few days was making salt. Others (Page 2658) required months to get ready. The pipes had been taken out and cut up and the wells had been otherwise injured. James and Daugherty WHITE were partners and had two wells, one not being sufficient to furnish to amount of water they wished to boil.

January 20, 1899, J.R. HOUSTON’s, Benge, Key.

     I left Mr. HORTONs yesterday afternoon, came to William NICKOLSON’s, dined at Dr. WYATT’s, visited Brother COLDIRON’s school at Benge, came here for the night. Brother COLDIRON is a local preacher in our church here and a school teacher. He has 40 scholars. I am glad that much is being done for this neighborhood, if we have not gotten a church built. There are more winter schools in the county than usual, I think besides the large school at Burning Springs. The wheel of progress is slowly revolving.

January 21, 1899, William COLDIRON’s

     Have visited today and given some attention to my toilet. A good woman in the neighborhood does my washing, Lucy COLDIRON, hair lipped and a domestic in Brother RIGGS’ family. Her contributions have been (Page 2659) more to me, since conference, than all the Benge church of 30 members, for they have given me nothing. May God bless her.

     Brother COLDIRON has an interesting family of wife and four children, and he is trying to raise them right, though he seems to me to lack executive ability.

January 22, 1899, Sunday, Burning Springs

     This morning I preached at Benge, Gal. 2:20, came here without dinner and preached tonight on the same text as at Benge. Good audience. The school here furnishes an addition to the congregation. There are elements here for good work. O, that God would fill me with His Spirit and make me a power in this country or rather that God would fill me and move the people to a holy life.

January 23, 1899, Monday, Burning Springs

     Visited the school, today, and made a talk. Exhorted the students to use their time to prepare for life and prepare for death. There are 125 in attendance and 3 or 4 entered this morning. It is a fine company of youth. The Reverend R.L. BAKER and Reverend J.H. BURNS, Baptist are teaching (Page 2660) and a Miss SMITH of Owsley has the primary department and Miss Rosa CANDELL, the musical. I think they are doing fairly good work.

January 24, 1899, Tuesday, Burning Springs

     Frank RAWLINGS is very sick here, son of Thomas RAWLINGS. He has relapsed from fever and his stomach is in a terrible fix. I visited him today and am staying tonight at the family’s request. He is not saved and told his brother today that he had not prayed any. He has began now and is very earnest.

January 28, 1899, Saturday, Fayette RAWLINGS’

     I have been Frank RAWLINGS’ all the week. He professes to be saved. He is very low and my die tonight. We have a tide in the streams this week and freezing weather following a rough week.

January 29, 1899, Sunday, Burning Springs

     Frank RAWLINGS died last night about 10 o’clock. He will be buried tomorrow. I heard Reverend J.A. BURNS preach this morning from Christ’s words, “A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, etc.” He established total depravity but proved more than his creed grants viz. that the Christian is holy. He (Page 2661) is a rigid Calvinist---a Baptist. At night I preached on Acts 1:8 “What did the disciples receive at Pentecost?’ Good audience. God helped me.

February 1, 1899, Burning Springs

     I attended Frank RAWLINGS’ burial Monday. Conducted the ritual service, adding a few words of exhortation and comfort. Reverend Robert MURRAY, a Baptist minister assisted me. A large crowd attended. It was cold, held services in Macedonia Church.

     Last night it snowed 6 inches, today, I have been indoors reading. Am still at Mr. Fayette RAWLINGS and am being delightfully entertained. They have a comfortable home and know how to make a guest feel comfortable in it. The RAWLINGS are good people, well connected, show their blood. They have made this community the best in Clay County.

     I received a letter Monday from Professor Samuel DICKEY of Albion, Michigan. He inform me that his father and grandfather were both born near the village of Machlin in Ayr???shire, Scotland, on the same farm. Beyond that he knows nothing of his ancestry but (Page 2662) refers me to Reverend J.M. RICHMOND, D.D., principal of Princeton Collegiate Institute, Princeton, Kentucky, who has traveled in Scotland. I have written him and hope to get some additional information from him. This looks like finding the original home of the DICKEYs. Professor R.H.S. DICKEY traced the Scotch-Irish DICKEYs to that seat. IF it is God’s will I would like to see that land and tread the path which my ancestors trod. May it please Heaven to grant me the privilege. But a great reason why I wish to climb that hills of Scotland is to study the population and what is the condition of the masses. She has produced many great minds and is still producing them but what are the people who till the soil? How do they live, how do they act, what do they think, these are the questions I wish to answer. May I still believe that the mountains of Kentucky will be the Scotland of Kentucky? I should like to spend a year in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Perhaps God will give permission and give me a mission to that country for His glory as well as for my good. Hs will be done in me (Page 2663) as the angels do it in Heaven!

February 5, 1899, Sunday, Manchester, Key.

     I preached here this morning to about 20 persons, one of whom was a female, God helped me. Text was, Heb. 2:3, “How shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation?” The S school had about a dozen. Dr. MANNING took the school into one class. The high water kept me from going to Pace’s Creek this afternoon; so I am here at the hospitale home of Dr. MANNING, enjoying all the comforts of life. Last night I stayed at Dr. BURCHELL’s and Friday night at Rev. Isaac BRIGMAN’s. So for two solid weeks I have enjoyed the good things of this life, clean, comfortable living and Christian society. Well, I have this most of the time, though it is often among the poor and ignorant. Yet somehow it always seems good to me. From the depths of my heart I feel thankful for the blessings I receive.

     There has been a heavy rainfall in the last week.

February 6, 1899, Monday, Manchester, Key.

     I have read an address or lecture delivered in the State College by its president, J.K. PETERSON, a Scotchman, before the Y.M.C.A. of that institution. It is the first of a series to be delivered (within the margin there is as follows: Dr. J.K. PETERSON on the Origin and Development of constitutional government) (Page 2664) by distinguished me. It appears in the Morning Herald of Lexington, January 29, 1899 and was delivered Tuesday evening previous, January 24. The subject is, “Origin and development of constitutional government.” The lecturer begins with the Aryan race as (being) living between the Caspian Sea and the Himalaya mountains. When they had passed the pastoral stage and had advanced somewhat into the agricultural stage and had made some progress in social organization the first great exodus from this central Asiatic home took place. Those who composed this movement passed slowly through the passes of the Himalayans, occupied the region of the five rivers, drifting down the Ganges, uprooting and exterminating, subduing or absorbing the Aboriginal races, whom they found in their way. Within a few centuries they developed a civilization of a higher order, a language the most ever spoken or written and left to their descendents a literature vast and varied, for surpassing in extent all the extant literature of pre-Christian times.

     The next migratory wave which left (Page 2665) the original homes from centuries after the migration of the Sanscrit people was the Keltic, subdividing, as it swept westward, into two great branches, the Gael, and Cimbry. These in time occupied all central and western Europe dispossessing and uprooting the original tribes.

     The Kelts also developed a considerable degree of civilization but their literature was meager and unimportant, judging from what has come down to us, their religion and worship retaining  traces of an original affinity with those of the Hindoo and Irasian, but neither in civilization nor religion did they attain the high level of their kindred in the South and Southwest of Asia.

     The next great migratory wave was the Peutonic, which left its original home much later, moving Westward, driving the Kelts before them or exterminating or subduing or incorporating them as the Kelts had done the original occupants over a century before Christ in conjunction with a body of Kelts of Kelts called Cimbri, those appeared within the confines of the (Page 2666) Roman Republic, cut to pieces two or three consular armies and struck Rome with terror and alarms such as had not been felt since the days of Hannibal. More than a century later under Arminins they annihilated the flower of the Roman armies in the forests of Tentoberg and rung form the greatest of the emperors the passionate lament: “Varnes, give me back my legions.” A century later Tocitus the most philosophic and most discriminating of all ancient historians, except Thucodides, describes our race---from these loins are we sprung---in as much our immediate ancestors, the Anglo-Saxons are a branch of the great Teutonic race: (“Lee TACITUS” I quote a passage from this imminent historian from his germania and agricola. Of the Germans he says, “They choose their kings on account of their nobility, their leaders on account of their valor; nor have their kings an unbounded or arbitratiory power, and their leaders rule by their example rather than by the right of command. If they are ready, if they are prominent, if they are forward by (Page 2667) leading the van. They hold the first place of honor. On smaller matters chief debate, on greater matters, old men: thus so that those things whose final decision rests with the whole people are first handled by the chiefs. The multitude sits around in such an order as it thinks good: silence is proclaimed by the priests who also have the right of enforcing it. Presently the king or chief, according to the age of each, according to his birth, according to his glory in war or in eloquence, is listened to, speak rather by the influence of persuasion than the power of command. If their opinions give offense they are thrust aside with a shout. If they are approved the warriors clash their spears. It is held to be the most honorable kind of applause to use their weapons to signify approval. It is lawful, also, in the assembly to bring matters fro trial and to bring charges of capital crimes. In the same assembly chiefs are chosen to administer justice throughout the district and villages. Each chief in doing so has a hundred companions assigned to him. (Page 2668) as at once his counselors and his authority. Moreover they do no matter of business, public or private except in arms. “In the Canton of Uri one of the original Cantons of Switzerland assemblies such as that described by Tacitus are held to this day in May of each year. Convened under almost identical conditions and for identical purposes, the only example extant of a pure democracy, among whom the principle of representation has not yet been introduced, where each free man appears under arms and participates in the function of government-legislative, executive and judicial.

     Transplanted to the shores of Britain long after the legions of Rome had abandoned it, the Angles and Saxons were free to work out their own destiny, uninfluenced by the traditions of Rome. Neither the language nor the literture nor the jurisprudence of the conquerors of the world affected our Tetonic forefathers in their policy. It remains essentially Teutonic to this day and their civil and political development the same (Page 2669) order is observed throughout all the Aryan races. The elementary group is: group is: the family, the aggregation of families forming the ? or house, the aggregation of ? forms the tribe, the aggregation of tribes forms the commonwealth or nation. Our Teutonic fathers all had a common descent, tribes and houses and families all had a common lineage from hero, demi-god or God, and his all were kin, all had common rights and a common heritage. The king or chief, Earldoman or Hindred. Man were all only primus inter pares, first among their equals.

     The lecturer followed the development of government among the Saxons in England from the 7^th to the 11^th century when William of Normandy defeated Harold at Hastings and claimed to reign in his stead. William did not claim to reign by right of conquest but submitted his claims to an assembled body of freeman, by whom he was proclaimed rightful king instead of Harold. He retained as far as possible the old organization, swearing to maintain and execute the laws of (Page 2670) his predecessors. Under William, government took on a more compact form. Weighted down with care he appointed a Justiias which was to him what the sheriff was to the shire. He had a staff of assistants, the chief of whom bore the title of Chancellor. This staff formed from the chief vassals of the crown consisted of those the most learned in the law and the finances. This staff was called the Curi Regis. When it sat to consider questions of finance it was call the Court of Exchequer. It’s members, in their collective capacity was called Justices, their head being Chief Justice. This was the germ of the entire judicial system. Out of this were developed, in time, besides the Court of Exchequer, the Court of King’s Bench and Common Pleas. When any of these courts rendered decisions to either of the litigants and appeal was made to the King and Council. This was the original of the judicial functions of the Lord Chancellor of the judicial body of the Privy Counsel and of the Appellate Jurisdiction of the House of Lords.

Magna Charta

     (Page 2671) This is the great charter of English liberty and the liberties of the English speaking race throughout the world. It was obtained by the Barons, on the banks of the Runnymede in 1216. The fields of the King of Prelates and the Barons were attached and Magna Charta became the law of the land. Stout Englishmen who exhorted it, the good swords which maintained it

     Alas!

     Their bones are dust,

     Their good swords rust, but

     Their souls are with the Saints

     We trust,

     It conferred no new privileges. It only reaffirmed and defined more explicitly the immunities and franchises set forth in the Charter of Henry II, Henry I and William the Conqueror and then rested upon and reaffirmed the immemorial privileges of England and recognized by Edward and Alfred and Offa and Ina, the immemorial heritage of the men who brought them into Britain from the shores of Wessor and the banks (Page 2672) of the Saale. The influence of Magna Charta is permanent in five continents.

     The glory of its conquests, the powers of its achievements, great as they have been, are but the prelude to greater things yet to be. The rights guarantee to the barons of England were not for themselves alone.

Progenitor And Entail

     The oldest sons only succeeded to the titles, estates and privileges of the fathers. The oldest son succeeded his father as Duke, Marguis, Earl, Viscount of baron. The youngest sons had neither hereditary rank, title or estate. These then were relatively much more numerous than the titles nobilities and became the lesser but untitled aristocracy of the realm. They became the employees of the Crown and the military and civil service, acquired wealth by accumulation and marriage and settled down as country gentlemen maintaining a close connection with the stratum above them and admitting into their numbers the successful (Page 2673) merchants or craftsmen who pushed upwards from the ranks below. Thus was formed the substantial middle classes of England. And what the baron’s wrung from King John, the middle classes constrained the barons to concede to them. Thus the middle classes recruited from both above and below became the conservatives and liberals of England. On the Continent neither primogenitor nor entail obtained. James was disposed and William Prince of Orange elected in his stead, why? Because the distinction of classes emerged by imperceptible graduation one into another the great middle class recruited from the nobility and from the lower strata, made a collision of class and rank impossible.

     In France at the beginning of the French Revolution there was no middle class. There were nobles, proud, imperious, disdainful so numerous that their small estates cultivated by a starving peasantry were rock rented to provide a sustentious for them (Page 2674) law and custom alike forbade them to engage in trade or any useful occupation except the church and the army. On the other side a hungry, impoverished, ignorant proletariat, exacerbated by ages of oppression and misrule, when the Revolution came and the lower classes felt that they extracted from their oppressors in a carnival of blood, a fearful expiation for the political and social crimes of centuries.

One More Important Stage

     One more important stage in development of constitutional government remains Parliament has since the conquest admitted that little of what might be called the popular element into its composition. In theory every free man was entitled to attend the great counsel, in practice only the barons and clergy were present. The early Norman kings in their frequent contests with the barons found it expedient to court the favor of the smaller freeholders and feudal tenants in order to form a counter poise to the might and turbulence of (Page 2675) the great tenants of the Crown. They likewise encouraged the growth of the towns by granting them special privileges of trade and manufacture. Hitherto serfdom had obtained, most of the serfs being attached to the soil and passing with the estates if they changed ownership. Many of the serfs who escaped from their masters took refuge in the towns where if they remained unclaimed for a year became free men. The towns depending upon the kings for their charter privileges were generally found upon his side in his contests with the nobility. These towns were called boroughs, their citizenship was limited by certain conditions, expressed in their respective charters, and all the citizens were denominated Burgesses. The privileges of self-government and immunities from certain obligations resting upon rural communities vary. These boroughs grew apace in wealth and influence from both of which consideration they had begun to attract the attention of the State.

(Page 2676) February 9, 1899, Manchester, Key.

     For three days I have been looking through my old letters. Dr. MANNING’s sons, A.T. and George wished to collect the stamps from them and I used the opportunity to look over a part of them. What a volume of history, of biography they are!! I read but few of them but the simple name signed and the subject mentioned at the beginning would call upon a flood of memories. I burned most of my letters, in early life which fact I regret but still I have more than I perhaps will ever have time to read. I have kept them for old age, should I ever come, since they would enable me to live my life over again should I become unable to work.

     The weather is sever, very cold. I am very comfortably cared for at Dr. MANNING’s. He is a cultivated Christian gentleman of high principle and strong prejudices. He is an Ohio man, who came here to teach in 1868. Married Miss Sallie WHITE and reared six children.

February 10, 1899, Robert CARNAHAN’s, Friday

     (Page 2677) I made some calls this morning, got my horse shod about 2 o’clock and as the sun has lowered the temperature I started toward Wyatt’s Chapel where I am due Sunday. I was prevailed upon to stop here through only two miles from town. The greeting is cordial, this home is comfortable this cold night, the associations are pleasant and I am trying got make my visit beneficial. Here Professor J.W. CARNAHAN was reared, who is now teaching in the Sue BENNETT School. A family alter is one of the articles of furniture, the first introduced into the home and it still abides. How many people fail in rearing their families fro the lack of a family altar. I owe all I am to that institution, take it as an expression of the character and influence of my mother. God help me to emphasize it more its great importance. It would revive religion if established in the homes of all converted people.

February 11, 1899, Saturday, Mrs. Ed ANDERSON’s

     It snowed early this morning but ceased (Page 2678) about 10 a.m. and I started from Brother CARNAHAN’s for Wyatt’s Chapel 11 miles. Before I had gone 3 miles it began to snow again and this time furiously. I stopped  her 5 miles from Manchester and her I am at 4 p.m. in a nice warm room with a blazing fire in the grate and a coal bank under the house with an abundance of the black diamonds lying at the mouth of the entry 200 feet from the house. The snow has been falling ever since before I arrived and it still is pouring down. I cannot get to my appointment but I am truly grateful for such a good place to stay. A warm barn encloses my horse where plenty of the best provender abounds. Here last Spring I waiting on Mr. Ed ANDERSON the husband and father and saw him breath his last. He was converted in the early morning and died at 6:30 p.m. A few moments before he died he said, “This has been the happiest day of my life.” His wife, two daughters, and their husbands are here, one living on the farm. The son is Deputy Revenue Collector (Page 2679) of the district. Were I am Wyatt’s there is no place but a private house to meet and in this sever weather but few could be accommodated. But the weather forbids my going. The roads were thoroughly worked up when the ground froze and a horse can hardly travel, the road is so rough. Were I out in this storm I would endanger my health which I am not authorized to do. This is the first appointment I have failed to meet, this winter except one last Sunday on account of high waters. I want to do just what God would have me do and I feel that I am in that path today. I do not believe in disregarding life when there is no emergency. There are times when such hazards are justifiable and I have always stepped into the breach at such times.

February 18, 1899, Saturday, Mrs. ANDERSON’s

     Here I am still. We have had the severest weather this week for forty years. The thermometer has been 28 degrees below zero. The horse of Reverend Mr. MARTIN, a Baptist preacher, froze to death Monday night, the 13^th-14^th. Also a yearling or two year steer of Leonard (Page 2680) GARRISON---both on Rader’s Creek only a mile from here. The papers say that 14 persons were frozen to death in Texas, 20 in West Virginia, 12 in Kentucky, and so. At Beaver Dam, Kentucky, 42 degrees, coldest report. I was comfortable here. The snow fell all day Saturday and all day Sunday. The snow was about 8 inches deep. Sunday and Monday, 12^th and 13^th, were very cold. Tuesday it moderated but still was cold. There is considerable snow yet. I have been attending Montgomery HOUNSHELL, 79 years old, near here. He is nearing death’s door, a Methodist for many years, but not converted. A moral man, and is depending on that to save him. I have failed to awake him to his danger. Yesterday I visited a woman in the neighborhood, Mrs. BULL, dying with consumption. She says all is well.

     I have been studying and praying all week.

     Today I received a response to my letter to Reverend Charles Andrews DICKEY, D.D., pastor of Bethany Presbyterian Church. (Page 2681) Philadelphia, Penn. and president of the Presbyterian Hospital of that city. His grandfather, John DICKEY, immigrated from Seat? County Antrim near Belfast about the last century and located near Chambersbury, Penn. In 1810 at Falling Spring, John Rainy DICKEY, father of Dr. C.A. was born. He died at Wheeling , West Virginia, was a merchant and bank cashier. Dr. DICKEY knew nothing more of his ancestors except that they came from Scotland. This confirms R.H. F. DICKEY’s tradition that 3 brothers came from Scotland, one settling in County Louth, on the county Autrim and one in County Derry. Also a letter from Reverend Solomon C. DICKEY, D.D., of Indianapolis, Indiana. He is present secretary and general manager of the Winona Assembly and Summer School, Winona Lake, two miles from Warsay, Indiana. He writes that he mailed me a book, Dr. EDSON’s History of Indiana Presbyterians. I have not received it yet. He was born in 1858, educated at Wabash College in Indiana. Pastor, Auburn, Neb. Monticello (Page 2682) and Pern, Indiana, three years State Superintendent of Home Missions, two years in present position. His father, Reverend Zionian DICKEY was 50 years a Presbyterian preacher.

February 19, 1899, Sunday, General GARRARD’s, Clay County, Kentucky

     Praise God for peace today. I have preached twice, this morning at Manchester, this afternoon at Pace’s Creek near here. This morning there were 20 and about 40 this afternoon. I made conscientious preparation but did not seem to impress the hearers. How much we sow, how little we reap!  John 4, “God is a Spirit and they that worship must worship Him in Spirit and in truth.” I have been preaching in this county for 17 months with very meager results. It looks like I could have accomplished more had I opened a school in Manchester and given my time to teaching. I have tried to get others to teach and let me preach, but I have failed. I have sought to get both men and women here for that purpose. I have tried to get Miss BENNETT to send teachers if she could not establish (Page 2683) a school. But all this has failed. I have recently thought that if I had bought the Christian Church and opened a school in it myself and preached twice a month that I might have accomplished more. I do want to do something for this county or for God to do it through me. But if it is his will for me to fail and others to do the work, his will be done. I have thought today of writing today to Dr. PEARCE and telling him that I can buy and equip the old Christian Church as a school building if he will take charge of it and run it. I believe I can do it. I believe I can get the house donated and enough money raised to cover it, put a modern rolling petition in it and seat it, fix up the gallery for a recitation room, and have the little room at the end of the vestibule for a music room. If he is willing to accept property for the Kentucky Board and make it of the Academics, I am willing to try to get it ready by next September. I would be a great blessing to the county.

     (Page 2684) If it is God’s will that I should not teach, I would prefer it. If He wills for me to do so I am ready to try it again. But I believe He will excuse me. I heard today that Miss Lucy SEWELL of Jackson wished to come to Manchester to teach at once. I greatly rejoice at this as she is a Godly young woman and would greatly help up in our work here. I taught her when she was a little child. She can teach music too which would greatly help this town. I have wanted a music teacher so much here ever since I came and thought I was providing one before I came by getting an organ for Miss Alice CALLAHAN. It was my greatest incentive in getting it. I feel that I ought to write her in the morning urging her to come. Mrs. T.P. HILL is her great aunt and wants her to come. I can only follow the leading of Providence. I take these steps that seem best and leave results with God this is all I know to do. A school at Manchester under the patronage of our church (Page 2685) would open up the way to the people and enable me for any one of our ministries to do great good. The young are the only ones that can be much affected. The town is wicked, Godless but not more so than Jackson was when God sent me to it. Here is a field, perhaps the most needy in the mountains. May God laborers to cultivate it.

February 20, 1899, M.C. HORTON’s

     This morning I arose at 2:20 and wrote a long letter to Dr. E.A. PEARCE setting forth my plan to secure the Christian Church at Manchester and convert it into a school house and asking him to take the deed and control the school, making it one of the academies of K.W.C. I also wrote to Miss Lucy SEWELL of Jackson, who wished to come to Manchester to teach a private school this winter and spring. I asked God to bear the messages and dispose them as seemth good to Him. I can only go where He leads. I will go no other road if I know it. A great work (Page 2686) can be done here if God leads. I am ready to leave this county at the end of this conference year to see it no more forever or I am willing to spend my remaining days here. It is all as God pleases. While I am here I will do all I can for this people. I do that nearest to me. O for His spirit that I may do it to please Him! May he lead my every step.

February 21, 1899, Pitman REED’s, Goose Creek, Key.

     I wrote a long letter to Professor R.H.F. DICKEY of Londonderry, Ireland today asking his cooperation in getting up data from my DICKEY history asking for sermons, addresses, lectures, press notices, etc. of himself or any of the DICKEY’s also his picture or any DICKEY pictures. Also wrote G.M. DICKEY of Cynthiana, lately elected P.M. at that place at the request of Congressman PUG of the Ninth District.

     We remained at Brother HORTON’s till after dinner. Oh how God is needed in this home! They are all most excellent, moral people, models in morality, (Page 2687) every one, but young Miss HORTON would be so much happier with Christ as her burden bearer. I pray that God will bring them to see and feel their need.

     Called at MR. “Friday” Bill ALLEN’s where I had a sweet service, then came here. Sister REID, daughter of Judge WHITE, is a brilliant woman, a church member, but does not know Christ as a Savior, I fear. Her husband is a moral man. God, save them. She tells me what I hear everywhere, how Godless the WHITEs and GARRARDs have always been, how they have corrupted the people of the country with their money, buying their votes then shielding them from justice when they committed crime and now they are reaping the harvest of their sowing. She is both WHITE and GARRARD, her maternal grandmother being General GARRARD’s sister. As she told me what Mrs. William PITTMAN had told how pure and beautiful was the life of circuit clerk Daugh WHITE’s till he was a mature man and how he got into the fray in which Jack HACKER was killed some ten years ago and had (Page 2688) been going away from righteousness ever since until he is now accused of murder and guilty of all kinds of debauchery. My heart becomes so burdened for him and for this people, that I had to see a private place and pour out my heart in prayer to God for the redemption of this people. Oh God, so send the Spirit into the vile hearts and give the grace of repentance!

February 25, 1899, Saturday, Mrs. ANDERSON’s

     I was at Judge WHITE’s two nights this week. Wednesday I left Mr. Pitt REID’s on my way to Judge WHITE’s. I heard of (the) a death and burial and turned aside to comfort the bereft. Ate dinner at General GARRARD’s then went to Pace Creek to Mr. HARRIS’ where lay the corpse of a girl 14 years old, their daughter. At the request of the mother I conducted services and concluded them at the grave. They are tenants on General GARRARD’s farm. At Judge WHITE’s I read “Laday of the Lake” and “Marnion” (A Tale of Flodden Field by Sir Walter Scott) . I had read the former when young but it had faded from memory. Since I have so long compared (Page 2689) the Kentucky mountains with Highland Scotland everything concerning that people interests me. Again since I have found that my ancestors were Scotch everything concerning the nation takes on an increased interest to me. Sir Walter’s plays are the product of a genius. His familiarity with nature greatly aids him. His minstrel strains not only instruct the reader in Scottish history but there is an enchantment about them that is almost bewitching. I never tire of his melody. His numbers flow almost as smooth as Burns and his fancy supplies all the needed material for painting a picture of the former times. I noted that 350 or 400 years ago the Scottish Highlands were a forest without a tenant, a vast hunting ground for the King of Scotland. An annual hunt with 1,000 men led by the King was accustomed and hundreds of deer besides other game would be killed on these excursions. Lodges were built for the royal hunters but these were (Page 2690) the only building in this whole section.

     Friday night I stayed at Carlo LYTTLE’s in the suburbs of Manchester. Saturday I attended to some matters in Manchester, dined at Dr. CREECH’s started for Corinth or Benge but stopped here found Mr. Thomas WYATT of Berea, brother of Mrs. ANDERSON and concluded to remain here with him till morning and then go on to my appointment, only four of five miles. I find Brother WYATT a cultivated, Christian gentlemen. He located near or at Berea 30 years ago and has lived there ever since. He attended the school five years after he was married and so did his wife.

February 26, 1899, Sunday, Mrs.ANDERSON’s

     It rained incessantly today till 2 p.m. I did not go to my appointment, first because I do not deem it prudent to go out into the rain, and second because it was too rainy for anyone to attend. I had a pleasant day with the family and especially with Brother Thomas WYATT. He is (Page 2691) well informed in matters of church and state and makes agreeable company. He is a fine specimen of what a man can do for himself, when he has application and the facilities of improvement within his reach.

     I am re-reading CORRANDINE’s “Sanctified Life”. Two weeks ago I re-read his, “Old Man”. The doctor is a lucid writer and his books awaken a deeper interest in spiritual things. His argument is very conclusive in the “Old Man” as to what Wesley Calls, “sin in Believers,” and he clearly discloses the remedy, “These the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin”. Oh that this blood may flow continually over my soul and keep me ever clean.

March 4, 1899, Saturday, Robert CARNAHAN’s 

     Today I have finished up a five day canvas “For the Pentecostal Herald”, a Methodist paper published at Louisville by Reverends Arnold COCKEILL and MORRISON. They have given me privilege to new subscribers of half price for two months and this is the last day. I have 28 subscribers. This is putting a religious paper in 28 home when they (Page 2692) have none and where this paper has never been. May God bless its visits to the salvation of souls of these families. Many of them are irreligious, most all of them so. The roads are very muddy and much rain has fallen this week, especially last night and today. Little Goose Creek was never so high as today. Here are the names:---Mrs. D. PHILLIPS, F.M. EAGLE, John J. HACKER, Mrs. F.E. ANDERSON, Miss E.J. BENGE, T.J. RAWLINGS, D.H. HOPKINS, Ben HACKER, William ABNER, William JOHNSON, R.P. RAWLINGS, Dr. J.C. WYATT, Miss Georgia McDANIEL, Mrs. J.W. PARKER (wife of Dr. PARKER), H. MUNSEY, Miss Warnie CORNETT, W.S. HOWES, M.C. BAILEY, William HUBBARD, Miss Cordelia TILLY, G.W. GREEN, Mrs. Louisa NAPIER, Miss Ollie RAWLINGS, Mrs. H.G. COLDIRON, Miss Helen GRIGMAN, Mrs. ? HELTON, and Reverend Ransom RAWLINGS. There are no premiums of any value, so I have sought to use this means providentially put in my power for saving these people. The publishers are seeking the same results and have given this rate ? fifty cents per annum---to increase their circulation and thus widen their influence.

     I have been studying this week of my (Page 2693) duty in attempting to raising the conference collections. I must make a canvas like this, going to the people, after preaching to them on these subjects, and thus training them to benevolence by asking them to give. It will require labor but it is only by labor that we can accomplish anything of great worth. I may not get all that is assessed upon the circuit or mission but I will get something and this something will help the benevolent causes and also the people who contribute.

March 6, 1899, LUCAS Hotel, Manchester, Key.

     Sunday I preached in the morning here after conducting S school and in the afternoon went to SIBERT’s schoolhouse on Horse Creek, five miles with Reverend BAXTER, S school agent where a S S is being conducted. I taught a large class and gave a talk. The waters were too high for me to go to Pace’s Creek to my appointment. We had to go a circuitous route to reach SIBERT’s. Stayed at Tom SIBERT’s where there were 20 persons living, 13 in family and 7 boarders. Professor ROBINSON is teaching a winter school there. We spent the evening in song, prayer, and (Page 2694) reading and expounding the Word.

     Today I came to town and have sent off the 29 subscribers to the Pentecostal Publication Company of the Pentecostal Herald, praise God. Oh that God may use these subscriptions to save the souls of perishing sinners and to stimulate his people to holy living.

     A terrific snow storm rage today. Last Saturday a could burst on Asher’s Fort, Clay County, killed three of John SMALLWOOD’s family and terribly injured two others.

March 7, 1898, Tuesday, LUCAS Hotel, Manchester, Key.

     This afternoon I called at Judge DICKERSON’s and laid before him and Mrs. DICKERSON my proposition or plan to secure a school for Manchester. It was that the Christian Church give to the K.W.C. a lease on their building here for three or five years with the privilege of abandoning or continuing at the end of that time. If the college board elected to continue, that the church give them a deed to the property. The people of Clay County, would put a rolling partition through the room making two school rooms out of it, and would equip it with stove, blackboards, a piano, and all (Page 2695) needed furniture at a cost of perhaps $500, this to include putting on a new roof---so badly needed, two privies and any needed improvements. The house to be kept insured for $500 or $1,000, as might be agreed upon.

     The Judge is old and feeble and Mrs. DICKERSON did the talking. They are members of the Christian Church. At first she thought that the school would succeed better to have no connection with the Christian Church as there were so few of the members of that church. But when I explained that the college would control it and the locality has nothing to do with it she was more favorable. She asked if I had spoken to John E. WHITE and his wife on the subject, I answered, “No,” and told her that I had mentioned it to no one before speaking to her. She said if Mr. WHITE and others and she charged me not to tell anyone that I had spoken to her as that fact might prejudice some against the enterprise.

     (Page 2696) It seems that she will favor the enterprise. Mr. John E. WHITE is in town but I prefer to see him at home with his wife to talk it over. It was too cold to go out this evening and I think that he stayed at his son Daugh’s in town tonight. It was very cold today, 5 degrees above zero this morning. Perhaps I can go tomorrow night.

     The term of the 55^th Congress expired at a 12 o’clock midnight last Saturday, March 4. It will be a memorable Congress in history. Not since the Congress assembled just after inauguration of Abraham LINCOLN in 1861 has there been such an important Congress as this one. The legislation enacted will affect not only the future of the United States but also the nations of the world. The Spanish War will be far reaching in to its results and that was begun and ended by the 55^th Congress. The freedom of eh West Indies or at least the Spanish portions therein and the freedom of the Philippines are events that will be prolific in results. The Nicaragua Canal will certainly be built. Its necessity to the protection of our Pacific coast is enough to build. (Page 2697) Then it will have a marked affect on our trade both East and West. Pacific Slope flour, timber and other products will have an almost direct route to Europe while the Orient will be nearer to our East coast, shipping by thousands of miles. The eastern question will be settled perhaps as America shall decide, but we desist.

March 9, 1899, Thursday John E. WHITE’s

     Last night I stayed at Judge WHITE’s. I mentioned the school enterprise. He thought the idea a capital one and he believes that his brother John E. WHITE would endorse it. I dined at Marshall HOWES’ today and visited Mrs. Lilly DEZARN’s school at John C. WHITE’s this afternoon. After supper tonight I laid the plan before John E. WHITE and his wife. They listened to all I had to say and made but little reply though they seem favorable. Mr. WHITE said he would see John D. WHITE who could represent his mother and sister now living at Ashland, Kentucky; who were liberal contributors to the erection of the church. If he give a favorable answer I will ask Dr. PEARCE to come (Page 2698) to Manchester and we will have the matter talked over between him and them face to face. The WHITEs were the principle contributors to the building fund. Mrs. D. MANNING is a member of that church and a WHITE so I think she will consent. The work will require time and labor but his is my stock and trade and I am willing to put them into the enterprise.

March 10, 1899, Friday, Burning Springs

     I am here this afternoon from Manchester to attend the literary entertainment given by the school at the close of the first term. The exercises were very creditable to the faculty and students. The house was well filled and the order excellent. The two additional rooms are completed and the normal term which opens next Wednesday, the 15^th, will be well provided for. Brother McMURRY, the agent, has a quite nice start for a library, about 100 books second-had which he obtained at Louisville, Bowling Green, and other places. The friends of the school, however are all torn up over the conduct of Reverend BURNS, BAKER, and McMURRY who have
(Page 2699) been preaching Calvinism without galvanizing it. Reverend BURNS made a fearful attack on Reverend Robert SMITH of the M.E. church after listening to a sermon from him in the school building recently, and followed it up with a series of sermons on decrees. The Baptist people seem as much displeased as the Methodist, especially the trustees of the school. The matter has become so obnoxious to the people that James RAWLINGS, Fayette RAWLINGS, his father, and Dr. PHILLIPS refused to sign deeds to the property that they had promised to the trustees. They said they had promised their property to the Missionary Baptist and not to the “Hard Shell” Baptists. The trustees were in session this afternoon and went into session after the entertainment tonight. These preachers tell the people here in the mountains that they do not know what Baptist doctrine is. They say that they are backed up by the Philadelphia Confession of faith and the New Hampshire Confession. BURNS challenged SMITH for a debate and he told him he would meet him if his church or association would endorse him. (Page 2700) The trustees say they can not build the places of these men at once but will do so as early as possible. They are teaching on short pay and are efficient teachers, and workers. In view of the unity of sentiment of the Methodists and Missionary Baptist in these parts, I have gone to each of these donors and have advised them to make the deeds and they promised me they would do so. I believe they will.

March 12, 1899, Joseph DOAN’s near Wyatt’s Chapel

     Yesterday morning I left Burning Springs and went to Corinth to attend Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) did not come, so I had to preach both yesterday and today. We had a good love feast this morning, a fair communion, a good audience. I held no Q.C. (Quarterly Conference) There was not a cent reported for the P.C. (Pastoral Compensation) and I asked nothing for the P.E. (Probationary Elder) because I was sure that a people who had accepted my services for 18 months and had paid me only $3.50 would not give an absent P.E. (Probationary Elder) anything. Had he been here I would have done my best but the amount would have been in cents. I came here this afternoon with Miss Catherine HIBBARD (Page 2701) and her cousin Tom SLOAN who attended the Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) tonight. I am herer to see what can be pledged toward building a church here rebuilding Wyatt’s Chapel. Brother DOAN, a steward, endorses my plan and I will go to work tomorrow to solicit subscriptions for the purpose. My plan is to raise $350 or $400 to build the chapel back just as it was. If I can not do that to build a smaller house.

March 14, 1899, John H. BALES’ near Wyatts

     Yesterday I drew up a subscription paper for the rebuilding of Wyatt’s Chapel. I made an estimate of the cost and put it $400 complete, 28 x 44 x 16, three coats of paint outside, two coats inside, pulpit, altar, railing, pews, flue, everything. I presented the subscription paper this morning to George S. WYATT and he subscribed $50. I then went to Joseph CRAFT two miles distance where Mr. Lee CALLAHAN is at work and asked him to bid on the house. He gave me a bid of $400 for building and completing the house ready for dedication. If the Conference will give $150 I feel sure I can make the (Page 2702) rest and perhaps we can get along with $100, but it is rather early to tell what the people will do. I must see them first. We have four men who are able to give $25 each. I hear that Miss Sarah WYATT of East Bernstadt will give $50. If she does we ought to build the house with $100 paid from the church extension board. The church is greatly needed and I believe that Lord will enable me to build.

Historical

March 15, 1899, Wednesday, Jonathan McNEIL’s

     I came today to see Miss Sarah WYATT. She is a member of the WYATT family at the Chapel by that name and her relatives told me she would give $50 to rebuild a new house. Jonathan McNEIL, her uncle, with whom she has lived and for whom she has kept house for 30 years is a bachelor. He was born in the house in which he lived in 1825. His father built the house in 1813. It is on the old “Wilderness Road” and was a famous hostelery in former days. He tells me that his grandfather, Jonathan McNEIL, came from Batetomt County, Virginia, (Page 2703) about 1780---1782. He was a benedict having married a Miss WALKER. He went to Bear Grass and bought 1,000 acres of land where the city of Louisville now stands giving all he was worth for it. He lost his claim by an older title. He then came to Woodford County. About the close of the century he came to what is now Laurel County and located where the widow NORMAN now lives. He bought about 1,000 or 1,200 acres of  land at this place and lived and died here. His son, father of my host, was born in Woodford County about 1785. An incident, which I published in the Mountain Echo, winter 1895---6 which I got from Captain BYRON, I get now from Mr. McNEIL and as it may be of convenience recorded here.

     The party of which Jonathan McNEIL and wife were a part camped at the mouth of Richland Creek en route to Kentucky. (I think Captain BYRON said Striking Creek). During the night the Cumberland or the Creek rose and the horses of Mr. McNEIL. (Page 2704) were drowned. One had a bell on his neck and got caught in a grapevine. Mr. McNEIL attemtped to release it and in so doing came near losing his life. There were not horses enough left in the party to transport all the immigrants so Mr. and Mrs. McNEIL remained with the promise that as soon as the others reached a place of safety, perhaps, Crab Orchard, they would return for the young couple. This was late in the fall and soon after the party went on the winter closed in and the snows made it impossible for their return. Here in their snow bound camp the bride and bridegroom spent the winter. Mr. McNEIL, was attacked by rheumatism leaving the bride to do all the work of the camp. Their cattle were left with them. The wife drove a buck where her husband could shoot it and then she dressed it. This was their chief source of food. She got the wood, nursed her husband, milked the cows and her brave heart made her equal to every emergency.

     (Page 2705) At length Spring melted away the snow and the long looked for friends came to the rescue. One can better imagine than describe the joy of deliverance. Mr. McNEIL, my host, is a very interesting old gentleman. He says that in this section there are large oak trees growing on mounds which are in unquestionably the result of cyclones. He believes that cyclones have visited this section in all ages. In 1846 or 1847 there was one here prostrating 150 acres of timber. In 1882 there was a fearful one almost destroying the town of Pittsburg and sweeping the timber for four miles. Five or six people were killed. The trees still show the work of the storm.

Railroads

     About 1833 an engineer named McKEE was sent out by the Frankfort & Lexington RR Company to survey a route from Lexington (perhaps) to Knoxville for the extension of the above road. The first place that I knew he touched was Double Springs at the mouth of Skaggs Creek in Rockcastle County down (Page 2706) that creek to the Rockcastle River, up the river to the mouth of Little Rockcastle, up Little Rockcastle to its forks, up Hazel Patch fork to the mouth of Laurel fork of Hazel Patch, up Hazel Patch to where East Bernstadt is now located on the L & N road. London and Williamsburg were on the line. I rode over the line, with Mr. McKEE from Bernstadt to the mouth of Skaggs Creek. This survey was made but I heard nothing more after the survey was made.

     In 1862 the first path of year, the government sent in engineers McLEOD and BROADHEAD to look out a location for a railroad south to Knoxville for carrying supplies to the Army. At that time the Knoxville branch of the L & N was extended to Lebanon, Key. I suppose the government expected to extend from that point. I rode with them from Pittsburg to the mouth of Skaggs Creek. They had been south to London and sent for me to meet them at Pittsburg and go over the best route with (Page 2707) them. I heard nothing more of that enterprise.

     In about 1866 or 1867 the L & N, made a survey for the extension of the Lebanon branch of Knoxville. McLEOD and BROADHEAD were the locating engineers. In the Fall of 1867 the road was put under contract as far south as East Benstadt. The terminal of the road at the time was Crab Orchard. The work was carried on through 1868 and 1869 and the road was completed to Livingston. At least half of the grading was done between Livingston and East Bernstadt. The heavy work was done. It was abandoned till about the year 1880 when work was resumed and the trains were running here by the Spring of 1882 and the same year reached Jellico. In 1872 the Kentucky Central Railroad Company made survey from Lextington south for the extension of their roads. Captain CROSIER was the chief engineer. The survey passed through Madison County east of Richmond coming down Horse Lick Creek out of Jackson County to Rockcastle (Page 2708) River just above Cruse Ferry crossing the river at that point Laurel County running up the river to White Oak Branch, passing near the old Block House on Hazel Patch, continuing up Hazel Patch to its head passing through my garden, passing through the head of Little Raccoon, thence to its head and to London. CROSIER went no farther.

     The next survey for the building of a railroad through this section was made by the Cincinnati Railway Company. I do not remember the year but it was near the beginning of work on that road. I think that another corps was making a survey of the present line of that road while Chief Engineer RULE and his men were surveying here. Mr. RULE came down Round Stone I think through Pound Gap, crossed Rockcastle at Metcalf’s Ford, then up the Tennell Branch, to the head, crossing the road leading from Mershon’s Cross---road to Livingstone through a low gap one and one half miles west of Mershon’s (Page 2709) X’s down a branch of Hazel Patch to the main creek, up a branch of the same, Pine Branch, crossing the London and Richmond road abut 5 miles and three-fourths from London, passing the old Bethel Church, striking the head of Little Raccoon, passing through a gap a little east of London to Jellico and to Chattanooga.

     The Kentucky Central made a survey from Nicholsville to Mount Vernon. This was sometimes between Capt. CROSIER’s survey and Mr. RULE’s. WILSON the chief engineer, rode through this country looking over the line with a view to the continuation of the survey. He walked from Livingston from my house and I rode over the line from here to Metcalf’s Ford and up the river to Cruse Ferry and back to Frank BAUGH’s. I found him a horse for that trip and turned him over to Mr. BAUGH who sent him back to Livingston. The survey was never made farther south than Mount Vernon.

     The L & N could have made their (Page 2710) road through Laurel County without making a single tunnel whereas they have four aggregating 2,200 foot. They should have crossed the Rockcastle 3 miles above Livingston on a bridge 20 feet above high water which would have lifted the track from 80 to 100 feet higher than the point 9 miles below where the road now leaves Rockcastle River. The route would have been much shorter and a much lighter grade. The expense would not have been more than one-half what it was on the route chosen.

     (I saw a telegram from Middlesboro, the Louisville Times, of the 8^th inst. Viz. “Mr. FARRAR of Lancaster has obtained the right of way through Bell County for the Southern Railway Company for a road from Burgin, Key. To Middlesboro through Mercer, Garrard, Jackson, Clay, Knox, and Bell. J.J.DICKEY.)

March 17, 1899, Mrs. ANDERSON’s near Manchester

     I left Mr. McNEIL’s the 16^th after Sister Sarah WYATT had told me she would give $50 for (Page 2711) rebuilding Wyatt’s Chapel. I came to Brother James WYATT’s where I lodged, being very tired. This morning I taught church to Brother WYATT and family. They would be willing for others to build the house, though they are members and very zealous. I called then at Brother Hiram HILLARD’s and gave his wife a long talk about the church. She is much of the same mind as Brother WYATT. I want $25 from each family and if I can get it I can surely build the church. There are three other families from each of whom I want $25 but I must rely upon the disposer of all things for success. I cam then to George S. WYATT’s. He claims that he told me that he would build the house fro $400. This makes two bids at that figure. I told him I would be able to have the contract awarded in time for the lumber to be cut on his mill or the one he has employed. I thank God for the good omens of success and pray for His leading hand all the way.

March 19, 1899, Sunday, General T.T. GARRARD’s

     Yesterday it rained all day so I remained at Mrs. ANDERSON’s till this morning. (Page 2712) It has been a rough day, mud, snow and wind. I came to Manchester five miles this morning and held Sunday School with five scholars. Only four persons came to church. So I sang a few songs with Miss Ethel MANNING and Mr. Bob CRAFT and prayed and we were dismissed. I came to Pace’s Creek without getting dinner---as I felt it was better to fast than to create an obligation that I could not see how to meet---and preached to about twenty persons. The Lord gave me some liberty. The order was excellent and attention good. I told the people I had ordered literature for Sunday School and would have it here at our next meeting, second Sunday in April, I feel so thankful to God for giving me help to work for this people who so much need the Word of life. O for fruits!

April 3, 1899, Monday, London, Key.

     I wrote to the Board of Education Saturday night setting forth reasons whey they should locate an academy at Manchester closing with the observation (Page 2713) that I was sorry that I could not be at their meeting the 4^th inst. to answer their questions adding that I would do so if I had transportation.

     Sunday morning after preaching Dr. MANNING handed me $3 which he called paying his subscription to my salary. This is the first I had heard about subscription or salary this year at Manchester. I took this as God’s indication for me to go. So this morning I started from Brother HORTON’s at 7:45 and reached here at 2 p.m. I am now waiting for the train for Winchester. I hear sad things here about our church at this place, being riven and torn with dissentions. How sad when four or five years ago it was the brightest church in all the mountains one of the holiest and happiest churches I ever saw. God revive His work and save the church. Preserve me on my journey tonight.

Biography of T.T. GARRARD---March 20, 1899

     I was born in Clay County, Kentucky June 7, 1812. My father was Daniel (Page 2714) GARRARD and my mother Loucinda TOULMIN. My father was a son of James GARRARD, governor of Kentucky fro 1796 to 1804. He was born in Gifford County, Virginia where my grandfather lived, November 10, 1780. My mother was born in England. Her father, Harry TOULMIN, came from England not a great while before my grandfather was elected governor. He was Secretary of State under my grandfather during both his terms of office. My grandfather went to Mobile, Ala. Soon after his term of office expired taking his family, household goods and some stock in a flat boar starting, perhaps, from Frankfort where he had lived eight years. From New Orleans he went by ship to his new home. In 1808 my father went from Kentucky to Mobile on horseback, taking a colored man with him and on February 21, 1808, he and my mother were married and returned to Clay County, Kentucky coming through the Indians of Alabama and Tennessee. To them were born (Page 2715) children. I was the 3^rd. Eliza PRICE and James GARRARD being older than I. My father spent his life in Clay County except two years he lived three miles north of London on 500 acres of land which his father gave him. Mary (WHITE) was born there. My first school teacher was Mrs. MARSTONSON, a lady who lived in my father’s family till her death. The next that I remember was Andrew BRADLEY, county surveyor, who lived where John E. WHITE now lives at the well. There was a schoolhouse near his house. John DUFF and brother from Perry came to learn surveying. Next, opposite mouth of Horse Creek was a school. Thomas JOHNSON of Manchester had ten children, Hugh WHITE with 13 children and Abner BAKER, first clerk of the county, and my father built the house. A man named WALLACE, an other named SAMPSON, an other name HENRY taught there. I attended these schools. When I was 12 years old my brother James and myself were sent to Centre College, boarding with Joshua F. (Page 2716) BELL’s father, a part of the time and after Joshua F. BELL broke his arm we boarded with John GREEN, a lawyer. Later I went to school to Ducan F. ROBERTSON, a Scotsman who taught on Salt River, half way between Francis CLARK’s and old man BELL’s Pendelton, Maria and Margaret, my brother and sisters went with me. I can not tell how long we remained one or two sessions (five months each) perhaps.

     Later Pendleton and I went to school to the same teacher at his own house, five months, one mile form Danville.

     On the 8^th day of March 1832 I was married to Nancy M. BRAWNER. The marriage was at Alexander WHITE’s where Judge WHITE now lives. Shortly afterward we began keeping house on Pace’s Creek. To this marriage were born two children. The first died at about a year old. Lucinda TOULMAN (GARRARD) was the second, born 1835. My wife died March 31, 1838, and was buried in the family burying ground. March 9, 1848, I was married to Lucy BURNAM LEES. The marriage took place in my father’s residence.

     (Page 2717) The salt works were operating under the style of James GARRARD and Sons till my grandfather’s death in 1822. Then it was Elizabeth GARRARD and Son till 1835 when she died. Then my father bought my grandmother’s ¼ interest and my brother James and I bought out our uncles, James and William GARRARD--- ¼ interest each and then the style of D. GARRARD and Sons. So beginning with 1835 I have been engaged in salt making ever since except a few years before my father’s death. He rented my interest and my brother’s and operated the works alone.

Mexican War Experience

     In the year 1847, I was appointed Captain of Company A 16 U.S. Infantry. The Mexican War was in progress. President James K. POLK made the appointment and gave me my commission which I still retain though the mice have trimmed it. The regiment was raised by Act of Congress. Four regiments were from Kentucky, four from Indiana and two from Illinois. (In 1841 and 1842 I (Page 2718) made the race to Representative in the Kentucky Legislature and was defeated both times by Daugherty WHITE.) In 1843 I was elected without opposition as representative and in 1844 I defeated General Elijah COMBS for the same office. I am not certain which year COMBS ran. (Residents of Governor GARRARD, three miles north of Paris, Kentucky called Mount Lebanon still stands owned by descendents of Bisham TALBOT who married the governor’s daughter and lived and died near Frankfort.)

Mexican War Resumed

     Most of my time in the service was spent at Ceralvo near the Rio Grande about 100 miles from Buena Vista. The Battle of Buena Vista had been fought before we reached Mexico so there was no more fighting on that line the content having been transferred from the march from Vera Cruz to the city of Mexico. I was in the service 15 months. I went to the battleground of Buena Vista, a number of us having obtained permission form General Wave. We went in a (Page 2719) government wagon. I mustered out August 5, 1848, at New Port, Kentucky. My brother William was in the same regiment. He was third lieutenant in Co. B. James PRICE, my nephew, was in my company (Captain John F. HUGHS of Co. B promoted to that position as the oldest enlisted in that regiment.)

After the Mexican War

     As before noted I was married March 9, 1849 to Lucinda BURNAM LEES. I then did as the North Carolinians used to do, who immigrated to Kentucky. One of them would shoulder his gun and leave his cabin and be absent a year. Returning would walk in with a stick of wood, put it on the fire and when asked about his absence would say, “I have been to North Carolina.” This is all the explanation that would ever be given. March 19^th, ten days after my marriage, I started to California. The gold fever was raging. At Louisville we took a boat for Little Rock, Arkansas. At Little Rock, Mr. JENKS, a nephew of Barton POTTER died of cholera. I bought three (Page 2720) yoke of oxen at Fort Smith and with a train of 80 men I started for the gold regions. We left Fort Smith April 13^th. Captain BROWN was our commander and we called our train “Concord Association.” We crossed the Colorado River just below the mouth of the Gila, in August and reached the mine October 7, 1849. “Mariposa” was the name of the mine. I hauled provisions from Stockton to the mines. I worked only one day in the mines. December 15, 1850 I reached San Francisco County on my return home. I took passage on a steamer fro Panama. We reached Panama and walked to the Shagre’s River and down that river in a little boat pulled by one man to the mouth of the river. I saw cane 6 in. in diameter and 80 foot high. The natives make houses from them. We took passage fro Havana, thence to New Orleans, thence by steamboat to Louisville reaching home February 5, 1852. William TILLETT of color returned with me, the other remained and sent me $500 for his liberty.

     (Page 2721) My brother William and Colonel John LUCAS came to California in 1850. They came on mules. My brother William has made his home on the Pacific Slope since. He now lives in Seattle, Washington.

     In crossing the desert in Arizona we found two lagoons seven or eight feet deep, half a mile long and 200 to 300 yards wide. We met some Mexican’s there returning from California. They said they had passed there in March previous en route to California and there was no water to be seen at that time. We traded our cattle for mules in New Mexico and our heavy wagon for a light one.

At Home

     I lived here at home till 1853 when I moved to a place near where Dr. BURCHELL lives. In 1859 I returned here and went into partnership with my father in salt making.

In 1857 I was elected to the state senate over ______. I was a Democrat in all my political races. In 1858 I resigned my seat in the senate and made the race for Congress against Greene ADAMS (Page 2722) and was defeated. My next political venture was in 1861. I became a candidate for the state senate and was opposed by Carlo BRITTAIN, son of General George BRITTAIN, Harlan County, Kentucky. He too was a Democrat. I was elected and filled out my term of office.

War Record

     In the summer of 1861 the President sent General William NELSON to Kentucky to enlist men. He, by authority of the President, appointed me Colonel. He had previously appointed BRAMLETT and _______. I received my appointment from him July 25 and the Presidents appointment later dated from that time. The President designated me as Colonel of the 3^rd Kentucky Infantry; but after I was promoted to Brigadier General the Regiment became the 7^th. It was caused in this way. BRAMLETT’s was the 1^st and FRY’s the 2^nd. Early in the summer Colonel ROUSSEAN recruited two regiments on the Indiana side of the Ohio River opposite Louisville. He claimed to take only Kentuckians but many (Page 2723) others were taken. Adjutant General John W. FINNELL wishing to honor these regiments later made them 1^st and 2^nd BRAMLETT’s become the 3^rd and 4^th. (Two regiments recruited at the mouth of Sciota and these two were given the preference in naming the regiments.) My regiment was the 1^st Kentucky regiment filled and the 1^st in battle.

     1^st Kentucky Infantry mustered in (roster). I took my regiment to Camp Dick Robison and went on to Frankfort and took my seat in the Senate. The later event was the first Monday in September 1861 as well as I remember. Colonel WHITTAKER was a member of the Senate, also. In a few days after taking my seat I received a letter from General George M. THOMAS to come at once and take charge of my regiment. I responded at once. I took my regiment and went to Wild Cat Mountain to meet the Rebels.1/4 or 1/3 of my regiment took measles and I sent them to Mount Vernon. I sent every day to General THOMAS for (Page 2724) reinforcements but got no response. At length I sent Grove KENNEDY and Colonel FRANKNER both of Lancaster, Kentucky, bearing a message to George M. THOMAS that if he did not send reinforcements I would retreat. General ZOLLICOFFER was advancing on us. The people about Camp Dick Robison were pressing THOMAS to hold the men there to protect them. Before the battle came on the 33^rd Indiana, Colonel _______ and Colonel CORNETT of the 17^th Ohio with 8 companies of his regiment arrived. During the battle Colonel STEADMAN afterward General, came up with the 14^th Ohio (I think) battery of artillery. STANDARD put his battery in position at once and immediately commented firing and I am satisfied that in half an hour afterward the battlefield was as silent as a graveyard. At midnight that night I was waked by a sergeant from McNEIL’s company who told me that ZOLLICOFFER was retreating. The firing had ceased at 1 or 2 p.m. The attack began about 9 or 10 o’clock. I could hear the wagons (Page 2725) moving over the hills. They knew we had no artillery and when we opened up with STANDARD’s guns they were astonished. General SCHEOPLE (Sheff) arrived the afternoon before the battle and took command but he knew but little of the situation. We had dug ditches on the hillside to protect the men. I think we had but two men killed. Only a few Rebels were killed, wounded, and captured. We found lying several limbs that had been amputated along the road. I took my regiment to London where I remained some weeks, then moved it to the campground in Laurel county where I remained till General George MORGAN came on when we moved to Pineville, the present site of Pineville. We then moved south to Cumberland Gap. We remained there till General MORGAN was surrounded. General MORGAN commanded me to take Colonel MUNDAY’s cavalry (200) and as many men of the 7^th Kentucky as I could mount and carry dispatches to the Commander of Kentucky supposed to be in Lexington. We crossed Pine Mountain 16 miles from Pineville went (Page 2726) up Strait Creek to the East Trace following same across head of _____ Middle Fork and struck Phillips Fork of Red Bird and down same to Colonel Felix GILBERT’s where we stayed all night. Next morning we came up Platt Creek and down Martin’s Creek where Pleas WALKER now lives. Here we learned that Colonel SMITH had several Rebel regiments on Goose Creek. We turned our course across the ridge on to Double Creek to Red Bird and down it to Levi HENSLEY’s where we camped for the night. We here learned that there were Rebels on Red Bird below us. We got the informant to see if he could find them but the Rebels captured him. Howell BREWER was his name. (Maunen FINLY stepped into General GARRARD as I was writing at this point and said that he was a prisoner in the Rebel squad when the battle next to be related came on. He was behind a cliff at the mouth of Bear Creek during the skirmish in which he says three Rebels and on Union soldier. Jesse MULLINS, were killed.) (Page 2727) We learned the Rebels were moving up Red Bird in about three-fourths mile of the mouth of Bear Creek. I dismounted about half my men and had the others to lead their horses. The dismounted men advanced under Captain DOZIER and CLARK and near the mouth of Bear Creek they met the Rebels, 3 of the enemy and one of my men were killed. The battle was short, 20 or 30 minutes. The Rebels thought we were bushwackers but when the cry was sent through the Rebel lines, “Bluecoats!” “Bluecoats!” they seemed to feel their was danger. The Rebels retreated to the mouth of Wild Cat where they joined a larger body, went up Goose Creek and back to the army in Laurel County. I pressed on to Moore’s Stand twelve miles from Richmond where I left my command with Major I.N. CARDWELL. I went on to Richmond and Lexington. I found General NELSON. He told me he had been superceded and I would have to go to Cincinnati. I took the first train to Cincinnati and found the commander at the Burnett House, I forget his name. I got dispatches and left (Page 2728) early next morning for Lexington. I started to my command but met news of the battle of Big Hill and meeting some of my men we camped and returned to Lexington next day. We went on to Frankfort, thence to Louisville. I gave the dispatches to one young man to take to General MORGAN. I do not know whether or he ever reached him. MORGAN retreated from Cumberland Gap down Goose Creek to Beattyville through Magoffin County to Ashland where he crossed the Ohio River in safety.

     From Louisville I came with the Army to the battle of Perryville where I commanded 150 Tennesseans part of my regiment, some of Colonel HOUCK’s regiment, Captain JOHNSON’s from mouth of Clinch River was in the company. After the battle I came on with the Army to Crab Orchard where I learned that General George MORGAN had crossed into Ohio and was on the Kanawa in West Virginia. I gather up what men I could find and went to MORGAN where I rejoined my regiment at Charleston, West Virginia. With him we went to Memphis to join GRANT’s Army. I was there only a day when I received (Page 2729) an order from a Geneal at Lexington calling me to accompany General CARTER through the mountains to East Tennessee. I brought Wood LYTTLE with me and my colored body servant. General CARTER had a 1,000 Michigan cavalry. They went up Red Bird. This gave me a chance to see my family. I joined the command at Colonel Felix GILBERT’s. We crossed the Pine Mountain on the Harlan Courthouse road to Mt. Pleasant; thence crossing the Cumberland Mountains on the Jonesville road between Poor Valley and Cumberland Mountain we came to Clinch River then to a bridge called ZOLLICOFFER. This we burned. Thence on to Wautagua River and burnt a railroad bridge over that stream. I found some strong Union ladies at this point. Our mission having been accomplished, we returned through Jonesville back the way we went to Red Bird camping below mouth of Phillip’s Fork among the ASHERS. I came home that night and prepared for them to camp on Little Goose Creek near the mountain next night. The next day they went on through Jackson County to Richmond. (Page 2730) I remained at home 30 or 40 days. During my stay at home I bought my father’s interest in the salt works. This was about the 1^st of January 1863. I was promoted to Brigadier General November 24, 1862. My regiment had been changed to the 7^th Kentucky and BRAMLETT’s to the 3^rd Kentucky and the commission went to BRAMLETT for that reason. IT was some time before my commission reached me. I met it at Memphis after my return from Carter’s Raid into East Tennessee when I met my regiment on the Mississippi late in the year 1863.

     I was assigned to a brigade in Austerhaus’ Division, Grant’s Army, but I do not remember the Corp. I was transferred from that command to take command of the Post at Helena, Arkansas. I was in some sever engagements about Vicksburg.

     During the summer of 1863 I came to Cincinnati. I can not follow my course from Cincinnati to my call from General BOYLE to go to Somerset. He was commander of Kentucky. I remained (Page 2731) in command at the Cumberland Gap till about April 24, 1864, when I was mustered out of the service.

     During my command at Cumberland Gap the term of service of two Indiana regiments expired. They were six months men. As they left they robbed a man on Yellow Creek of his cow. At Barboursville they robbed a store of $80 worth of shoes and Dr. HERNDON of $80 worth of meat and another man of his cows which they butchered and ate. I sent an officer after them and had them arrested for stealing and had them held till money was sent to me to pay thee men for their property. They applied to Governor MORTON for the money. The people from whom they took this property were Union men with one exception, the man on Yellow Creek and they represented the affair in such a way to MORTON to have me mustered out. I was conscience of having done my duty and having nothing to regret.

Destruction of the Salt Wells

     In the fall of 1862 after the battle of Perryville General BUELL ordered General (Page 2732) Tome CRITTENDEN to come to Mershon’s Crossroads, leave three regiments there and take three regiments and destroy the Goose Creek Salt Works. He did his duty reluctantly as he believed it unnecessary as the Rebels were leaving the state and perhaps would never be able to return which they never did in any force. (I have it form another source that the Rebels left with a wagon train of salt the day before the Union troops arrived. Also that Captain CRUFT sent a dispatch to General CRITTENDEN to Mershon’s asking him to have the orders rescinded. He was gone and the subordinate in command sent back word that a good soldier obeyed orders. JjDICKEY.)

     James and Daugherty WHITE suggested or had it suggested that to fill up the pump with canon balls would answer every purpose so their wells were treated in that way. When the year of prohibition was expired these men lifted the canon balls from their (Page 2733) pumps with a spring made to slip over them and in a short time were making salt and selling it at $1 per bushel, while the rest whose pumps had been cut to pieces were repairing their machinery at enormous expense and great loss of time. I paid $400 for a pump in Lexington, Cooper was worth a $1 per pound. We have never received a cent of damage from the government. General GRANT vetoed the bill that granted us damage, saying that it would some day be paid but the time was not yet. The government sent a man to estimate the damage soon after the salt works were destroyed and he did his work carefully and reported to the government. I feel sure it will yet be paid. I believe Judge BOERING will get it.

March 20, 1899, General T.T. GARRARD’s

     Today I have written a biographical sketch of General GARRARD. His memory is poor but I got a fairly good sketch.

     I received by mail tonight a book from (Page 2734) Reverend Sol C. DICKEY, D.D., of Indianapolis, Indiana, “History of Presbyterism in Indiana” by Hanford A. EDSON, 1899, Published by Winona Publishing Company, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Chicago. It contains an extended of Reverend John McElroy DICKEY a pioneer Presbyterian preacher of Indiana. He is called the founder of the Presbyterian Church in Indiana by one historian, viz. GILLETT. He was a remarkable man. Not a pulpit orator but a power in the pulpit; not a scholar but a promoter of education; not a genius but a worker. His piety was celebrated and was a great factor in his usefulness. He labored with consuming zeal, planting and nursing churches, promoting every sort of improvement, maintaining himself largely by labor other than ministerial; he made an impress upon generation that helped to make the present Indiana Presbyterism what it is.

March 21, 1899, Robert CARNAHAN’s

     Visited in Manchester today and came here to lodge.

March 22, 1899

     Dined at Rueben BAILEY’s today. (Page 2735) Came here---G.S. WYATT’s this afternoon to consult with reference to rebuilding Wyatt’s Chapel. Find that he can use no help in building the house by local aide because none are carpenters. He says he will build the church for $400 and he contends that he so informed me before I went to see Mr. CARNAHAN last week. His subscription of $50 and his sister Sarah’s of $50 makes only $300 to raise. If I can find six persons who will give $25 each that will simplify matters materially.

March 23, 1899, John DOAN’s

     I went to Perry REAMS’ today to a “working” as they are commonly called in this part of Kentucky. He had invited his neighbor in first to cover a barn. I remained in the house reading in the forenoon but went out and worked the whole afternoon giving all my skill and strength. The day was spent pleasantly and I trust profitably.

March 24, 1899, Hiram HIBBARD’s

     This morning before leaving Brother John DOAN’s he and his excellent wife---a daughter of John WYATT---subscribed $25 to the church. They are poor, have a little far and (Page 2736) expect to work out the money on their farm. I ate dinner at Billy HIBBARD’s whose mother is sick. Brother HIBBARD is a good deal exercised over the treatment his daughter, Mrs. George YOUNG, has received at the hands of her brother-in-law, Pleas YOUNG. So I did not mention church building to him tonight. He is able to give $25 and I am expecting it of him. His wife has said that they would give as much as any other member of the church.

March 25, 1899, Perry HOWES’ near Corinth

     Brother HIBBARD and wife were not inclined to talk about the church. When I would mention the subject they would, at once, become silent. I did not ask for a subscription.

March 26, 1899, Sherman HOWES’ near Wyatt’s

     I preached at Corinth this morning to a house about half full. There was a good deal of liquor in evidence and a great disposition to talk and move. I got them quiet after a protracted effort and they listened attentively. I dined at Brother Joseph RIGGS’ and came here within one and one half miles of Wyatt’s Chapel. As I came along (Page 2737) this afternoon, near Corinth School House, two groups of men were at the roadside playing cards, in all seven. Two distilleries near account for this. Whiskey is the greatest evil of our day and in this neighborhood it is doing its deadly work. How long O Lord!! They who make and sell it here have no regard for law. John F. YOUNG, a citizen of Long Branch, Laurel County says that he made ten barrels of moonshine whiskey in one year. His brother’s sons have a distillery that has literally ruined his entire family. Liquor is being sold near the site of Chapel by one, BOLLING, and YOUNGS are said to furnish it. It is on the Clay County side of the creek.

April 1, 1899, Saturday, Manchester, Key.

     I spent this week in Wyatt Chapel neighborhood, canvassing for the church building. It rained and snowed so that I could not do much. I got two $25 subscriptions. They were the only persons I asked to subscribe. I must get the largest subscriptions first. This makes $150. It is slow business. One must get the people (Page 2738) up to the proper amounts of the effort to build will be a failure. Then I have to plan with Brother G.S. WYATT whom I expect to give the contract for a certain amount of work to be done by these subscribers. Of these two taken this week, each gave $10 in money and $15 in work. Brother John WYATT gets the timber for sawing the shingles. Brother DOAN the other is to saw timber in the woods, break ground with his double team or any sort of work that Brother G.S. WYATT may want done; but it is $50 on the church.

     I have worked hard on my Easter sermon for tomorrow and read my periodicals during the week also. Manchester is so changed since the saloons were closed; that is, the order is so much better. Blind Tigers are run but drunkenness is so much reduced. I wrote a long letter tonight urging Manchester school.

April 2, 1899, Sunday, Easter H.H. HORTON’s

     Conducted S.S. and preached an Easter sermon in Manchester this morning. Organized an S School at Pace’s Creek and gave an Easter talk too this afternoon. Conducted the new (Page 2739) S. School in one class. I had announced two or three months ago that I would organize an S. S. at the place today, first Sunday in April. Two weeks ago I announced that the literature was on the ground. Today I found literature from another source present and a man ready to organize or attempt to do so. The young man is ignorant and wants the prominence and he was thus used by what seemed to be a designer of confusion. I threw the literature together and distributed it, organized the school by selecting teachers getting two ladies to take the girls, Mrs. HORTON and Mrs. ALLEN and failing to get any man save the young man aforesaid told him to find someone to help him teach them. Everything worked beautifully. The Lord direct it.

April 3, 1899, Monday, London, Key.

     I left Brother HORTON’s this morning at 7:45 and reached here at 2 p.m. The mud is fearfully deep, especially near London, almost impassable. Had great trouble to get a suit of clothes suitable. I am at Catching Hotel, will leave for Winchester on 12:29 a.m. train.

(Page 2740) April 4, 1899, W.P. DICKEY’s, Lexington, Key.

     Reached Winchester about 5 this morning. Went to the dormitory where Kirk and Ward DICKEY are boarding and attending K.W.C. (Kentucky Wesleyan College) Ate breakfast with them, went to the college chapel and conducted service, thence to the depot for Lexington, learning at chapel the Board of Education was to meet in (at) Lexington, instead of at Winchester.

     I met the Board at the Phoenix Hotel. There were present, W.F. TAYLOR, President, Rector SAVAGE, Secretary, _________ Treasurer, Messers. H.P. WALKER, W.E. ARNOLD, Ed MANN, Judge DURHAM, William BALL, and SMITH. The subject of interest was the deficit. There is a deficit of $1,649 or about that. $400 of this is for last year. There are few students than last year by 20; 14 fewer from Clark County. The endowment fund produced $200 less income than last year. The discussion was principally what to do next year. W.F. TAYLOR proposed first that the President teach instead of giving his time to field work, thereby making one teacher less to support, second that the school be leased to some of the professors as in (Page 2741) former years and third that the assessment on the conference next year go to pay off the present deficit. Dr. PEARCE proposed that the deficit be paid by a popular subscription and the school go on as it has been going. It was finally agree to adjourn till Thursday, the 13^th, inst. and a committee was appointed to report a plan or policy viz. Ed MANN, SEARS, and THORTON, Judge DURHAM made a strong speech against on confirming the President to the College, and reducing the institution to a high school, which he declared Brother TAYLOR’s plan would do. The others who spoke were opposed to a popular subscription for meeting the deficit as that would interfere with the 20^th Century Fund and they were unwilling to organize next year’s work on a basis that would produce another deficit. All were profoundly serious and deeply impressed with the gravity of the situation. The session did not adjourn till after 4 p.m. having begun at 11 a.m. except three fourths of an hour for dinner. I did not present my Manchester Academy Enterprise to the Board as the Board was not in a (Page 2742) condition to consider it. I will have to come back next week I suppose when the Board meets again, or perhaps wait till the June meeting. I stopped at Cassidy’s office during the dinner hour and from being up all night and being so closely employed at the Board meeting and having no dinner I have a sever headache tonight. My brother lives on the North side of Barr Street two doors from Walnut. He is selling coal for the Bird’s Eye Coal Company near Jellico. He gets $50 per month and 5% of his sales. He sells by car loads and lots both to dealers and consumers. He is at home almost every night. They are comfortably located.

April 5, 1899, Wednesday, London, Key.

     I left Lexington for this place at 11:30 a.m. and reached here at 3:30 p.m. I went to Professor LEWIS’ calling and took supper. Went to church at the courthouse Amanda KEITH and cousin Fannie THOMAS who board with her. They live on High Street three doors from Broadway, Southside.

     The meeting tonight was addressed by Reverend Thomas McCOY, an Irishman who lives at East Bernstadt. He and Brother Andrew JOHNSON are conducting it. Brother JOHNSON is a student at Sue BENNETT Memorial School, has been in the evangelistic work, is young only 21, I think perhaps not so old.

     There seems to be some division in the Methodist Church here. I am grieved to see it.

April 6, 1899, Thursday, General JACKSON’s

     Stopped here out of the rain this afternoon and am here for the night. I called on Brother MOORE this morning and talked over his recent letter to the Pentecostal Herald, as I wished to answer it. We understand each other so that I can (Page 2744) go on without any danger of provoking controversy. We both want the same ends reached and are anxious for the right method to reach them. He thinks we must abandon much of the field and greatly contract over work but I am opposed to that policy. I am for “more money and more men.” The people are need of help and we as a church are as much obligated to help them as any other people. I am unwilling “to haul down the flag.” Brother MOORE thinks that more money can not be raised but that remains to be seen. If the conference could only be enlisted in the Home Mission work we would have advance. I have trusted God for 16 years for advance and have seen a little but I expect to see more.

     I next called on Brother WIGHTMAN, our pastor at London. He has some trouble on his hands caused by Brothers JOHNSON and McCOY wanting to hold a protracted meeting in his church and he refusing them the church. His reasons were that he had just (Page 2745) closed three weeks meeting and the Northern Methodist’s were expecting two lady evangelists whom are holding a meeting at Barboursville, to arrive every day to conduct a meeting in the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church and Brother WIGHTMAN felt that he would not be treating them as a brother if he should cut them out of holding a meeting. These brethren and a few members took umbrage this refusal not appreciating Brother WIGHTMAN’s reason and many of them not knowing them. There has been a great deal of street talk but Brother WIGHTMAN says he and his people have been silent. It seems so strange to me to see brethren striving. It was better to suffer wrong than to strive.

     The school is prosperous, 214 having enrolled this year and all but 17 have enrolled for the full term, 4 months and 5 months. This is a fine showing. They too have had trouble but seem to be all right now.

     General JACKSON is 69 years old, tells me (Page 2746) that the first school houses of the mountains were of small round logs with dirt floors, no shutter to the door, no windows save the spaces between the logs and this gave plenty of light, for there was no chimney or boards nailed over the cracks or spaces between the logs. There were seats all around the room without backs so the students could lean against the round logs of the walls. The teacher sat in one end of the house with a long switch with which he administered justice. When the children would learn their spelling aloud, he would strike the floor with great power and tell them to “spell up; spell up.” When the public school system was introduced puncheon floors and chimneys came. The inside of the logs were scalped. These primitive houses were covered with four foot boards held on by weight poles. The teacher held a long switch in his hand and from his seat could reach every child in the house. A house like this was built on his father’s farm.

(Page 2747) On Big Laurel When He Was A Small Boy A Remarkable Law Suit

     In the year 1835 Rough Creek Church was constituted in Laurel County. It prospered and great harmony prevailed till subsequent to the Civil War, perhaps in the 70’s, Colonel Ben CAUDILL of North Carolina, an old Rebel soldier, who had immigrated to Letcher County, Kentucky early in life, began to preach Hard Shell doctrine in this and other churches.

     The YADENS were Hard Shells and were members in Tennessee but had quietly accepted the preachings of the pastors as this point of doctrine was not discussed. When CAUDILL came preaching their faith they became  active advocates and as CAUDILL made proselytes the Hard Shell faction began to claim they were the church, and at last demanded of D.R. BROCK, the clerk of the church, the records there of. BROCK refused to give them and the YADENS sued him for possession. The litigation attracted wide spread attention. W.R. RAMSAY and (Page 2748) Colonel William BRADLEY, now governor, were retained by the defense. The plaintiff retained nearly every other member of the London Bar and also ALCORN of Stanford. The case was tried before Judge TINSLY of the Common Pleas Court and he gave the records and property to the plaintiffs. Defendant carried the case to the higher court and there it was reversed giving joint ownership of property and half of the time to each defendant retaining the church record but furnishing a copy to plaintiff. Both churches no occupy the house and are moving along very harmoniously. The suit costs the YADENS over $1,000. The defendant gave RAMSEY a fee of $200 and BRADLEY one of $100. A large number of witnesses were examined and great interest was taken in the trial. It was a memorable. It occurred in the 70s.

April 10, 1899, Monday, George WYATT’s

     I preached yesterday at John WYATT’s to about 30 people, as many as the house (Page 2749) would seat. Good attention. We had a testimony meeting at the close and half dozen testified. The church here is cold. The burning of the church has paralyzed everything. Oh how we need a church. I am doing what I can to build one but it is slow work getting subscriptions. The people read little or none. They therefore are ignorant and easily prejudiced. It requires great discretion to keep them in line. I feel that every church building in the mountains should be used as a school house and every preacher should be a school teacher. The people must be made intelligent before they will have liberal views as to church work. Of all the difficult tasks I have undertaken the most difficult is to teach ignorant people their duty to God and their duty to man.

     I pray God to lead our church out to see these things and to doing them.

April 13, 1899, Thursday, George WYATT’s

     I have been canvassing this week in the interest of a church building and in doing pastoral work. I have been going on foot (Page 2750) to let my horse’s back get sound. I have taken no written subscriptions but I have satisfied myself that I can count on three more $25 subscriptions, viz. John H. BALES, the BAILEYs, and Hiram HIBBARD and wife. This will make $250 with the $175 already on paper. I feel that I can let the house to contract with these assurances. We have three bids of $400 each. I believe I can raise all the money without going to the Conference Board of Church Extensions, but I have that to fall back on if I fail with the people. I will now call the building committee together and ask them to let the contract. George S. WYATT’s bid is $50 better than the others, yes $75 or $100 better. He and his sister give $50 each if he gets it, and 425 if another gets it. Then John WYATT and Joe DOAN’s subscriptions one condition of giving $15 each in work which George agreed to accept, making $80 or better. Then he would take other work making it $100.

(Page 2751) April 14, 1899, George WYATT’s

     I rode through the neighborhood yesterday and this morning and notified the five members of the building committee to meet here at 5 p.m. today. Two came, I had the contract and specifications all ready for their signatures. G.S. WYATT told Brother J.H. BALES, one of the committee that he had not signed the contract yet and made some statements that sounded very much like he did not intend to do so. He was busy at his mill and could not meet the committee. I told him I would have those who came to sign and he and others could sign later. Brother BALES and John R. WYATT signed the contract. Brother BALES signed $25. This makes $200 on the paper with Sister BAILEY pledged for that amount and Brother Hiram HIBBARD and wife able to pay $25 and I believe will do it. Things look a little dark, but praise the Lord, everything is bright in my soul, and the promise of the Lord is that all things shall (Page 2752) work together for good to them that love Him. I will trust Him and wait on Him.

April 16, 1899, LUCAS Hotel, Manchester, Key.

     Yesterday I came from G.S. WYATT’s to Manchester and lodged here in my own room. The ride wore me and the rest was unusually refreshing. But today I conducted S S here and at Pace’s Creek and preached here morning and night and at Pace’s Creek in the afternoon. God has helped me greatly. One text was Matt. 12:45. Tonight the closing part of the Sermon on the Mount. About 30 morning and night and 60 in the afternoon. Oh that God would give the increase! I preached earnestly, I felt the burden of souls. I long to see men saved. All else seems of little value. I labor for this great end but somehow I see but little of that kind of fruit. Others can bring men to their knees but to me they listen with profound and serious attention but do not yield. Lord teach me the secret of soul saving! Thou must be the teacher.

(Page 2753) April 19, 1899, G.S. WYATT’s

     I left Manchester about 10 a.m. Monday after visiting D.B. ROBINSON’s school and conducting service. Dined at Brother Robert CARNAHAN’s where I slept an hour, then came to Brother Reuben BAILEY’s on Rockcastle River where I remained till this morning resting. My work Sunday was too much. Clay County is getting excited over the prospects of the coming of the Black Diamond Railroad. Men are taking options on coal lands for twelve months. I hope I will come.

     Sister BAILEY subscribed $25 to the Wyatt’s Chapel this morning. Brother BAILEY says he will help if he does not leave the Methodist Church at Wyatt’s. He feels he is not appreciated. Brother John DOAN sends me word that his family opposed his giving $25 toward building the church and we will have to count him out.

     Such is human experience. The Lord permits us to be tried. Glory to His name.

April 20, 1899, Thursday, G.S. WYATT’s

     I went to William HIBBARD and stayed last night. He is a prosperous farmer, (Page 2754) his wife is a Baptist but is in great sympathy with us, two of his daughters belong with us. He is not a member of any church. He ought to give us 425 but he gave me no encouragement, to believe he would give us anything. Brother G.S. WYATT has not read the contract, yet, that I gave him last Saturday morning. He does not mention the subject. I can leave it all with Him who said, “Accept the Lord build the house, it shall not be built.” He can dispose the hearts of men to his will. I am walking by faith leaning upon the everlasting arm. It is not my work, it is His work. I am trying to know and do His will in the matter and what ever the results I will praise the Lord. This world of trial there is nothing for us to do but trust in the Lord and follow His leading. This is the sum total of human duty. The whole Bible is summed up in these words. In this way there is peace. God walks with those who thus live. In was Enoch’s motto. It is the talisman for all our sorrows. Praise God!

(Page 2755) April 22, 1899, Saturday, Joseph RIGG’s

     G.S. WYATT told me this morning that I had better give the contract for building the church to Mr. CALLAHAN as he had more other work than he could do. I made him no answer but later in the day I explained to him how I thought he could make money out of the enterprise by using up his inferior lumber from his sawmill, etc. He listened attentively and seemed impressed, said he would think further about it. It seems that our only hope of getting the church is for him to build it.

     I came here ready to preach at Corinth school house tomorrow. Brother RIGGS takes great interest in the S S here of which he is the superintendent. How we need a church building here! No place to hold a protracted meeting. School will begin early in July, just the time for a meeting. I am determined to have a house here, if the Lord blesses my effort. We must build somewhere. I still believe Miss BENGE will let us have a site.

(Page 2756) April 23, 1899, Sunday, Burning Springs

     Held two services at Corinth yesterday and came here. Am too tired to preach tonight. The people here seem to think the church enterprise is dead. Brother BLACKBURN, pastor, does not mention it. He takes no steps even when I point them out to him. If I were in his shoes I could build the church more easily than at Wyatt’s or Benge, for the people are more able. Well, the Lord may have a purpose in this delay and indifference on the part of Brother BLACKBURN. I talk the matter up to keep it alive and hope yet to build a church here. The people seem to think the school enterprise is dead and they talk against the school because the teachers are Hard Shell Baptists. Though the trustees say they will turn them out for that reason. I tell the people to stand by the school, it belongs neither to the trustees nor the teachers and they will yet get the school they want.

April 25, 1899, Buck JOHNSON’s near Corinth

     I stayed at Burning Springs till Tuesday, it rained all day Monday. I came to Billy (Page 2757) MURRAY’s and remained there till after supper this evening. They had a long rolling and quilting today. I got out two poplar logs for building our church at Benge. Billie MURRAY and I sawed them and the rest of the tree as it had to be piled and burnt. The MURRAYs and the PARKERs are having a feudal war. A.C. TURNER, brother-in-law of the MURRAY’s was killed about Christmas. Both parties are expecting daily to be attacked by the others. They live in sight of each other. I tried to persuade the MURRAYs to rent their farms and move away but they will not. Part say they will but others say, “No.” Yet they say they expect to be killed. How foolish this is! I have found the same feelings wherever I have been, in these feuds.

April 27, 1899, Reuben, BAILEY’s near Wyatt’s

     Today I visited Miss Jane BENGE and proposed to her that she put into the deed for this church sight at that place a clause making the ground hers if it should ever be used for sale of manufacture of intoxicating (Page 2758) liquors of any kind. She promised to study about it. She has declined to make and unconditional deed lest the property might fall into wicked hands and be used for sale of manufacture of ardent spirits. This protects against any such probability. If she is sincere in her offer to deed the land if she were protected at this point then we will get the deed, if not then it remains to be seen what she will do. The Baptists ought to rebuild their church in this neighborhood, Pleasant Grove but Mr. Buck ABNER says they will not. I found out that next Sunday is the fifth (Sunday) so I have come back here to Wyatt’s to look after the church enterprise and preach Sunday.

April 28, 1899, Friday, G.S. WYATT’s

     Brother WYATT says he does not see how we can build the church, he has so many other things to do, this in face of his bid of $400 to build it He seems to recognize no obligation to comply with his promise. He has a mill in his forest, or one he has bought and I believe he (Page 2759) could do well with contract but perhaps Providence has another plans. I wait to see its development. CALLAHAN has too many buildings already engaged to undertake it. I fear it would be twelve months before he would ever get at the work. A Mr. COCKRAN sent me word that he would replace the old church for $400. I do not know him nor how reliable he is. Perhaps he may be the man. I will look about for the road in which I am to walk. God will lead me and “where He leads I will follow.” There is no light on the road at present, but I am trusting him for an open door and if that is to abandon the enterprise I am willing to do it, thought I so not yet feel it is His will.

     Today I have read a life of John WYCLIFFE the Reformer. He certainly made the 14^th Century luminous with his teaching and his life. Born in the North Riding  of Yorkshire upon the River Tees he was educated at Balliol College, Oxford, where he spent most of his life as a teacher both of philosophy and theology. (Page 2760) His family was of the older nobility of Saxon times and they were identified with that movement which was gradually bringing the native Englishman to the surface of affairs. He was born about 1320, died 1384. The ethnology of the name is “wy” little river or brook, “cliff” a steep elevated spot, hence Wycliffe means the “cliff by the water.” He was John WYCLIFFE. Wycliffe is the home of the Hamlet and the Hamlet is designed by its location on a small stream with steep banks. The wy was pronounced long as marked. WYCLIFF Hall at Oxford is similarly spelled and pronounce. The colleges of Oxford were founded in the first instance for the benefit of poor scholars, afterward they became boarding houses for students in good circumstances. It seems that WYCLIFF’s mind underwent change. At first “he saw through a glass darkly” but as he advanced, using the light he had more was given him. It is always thus. From early mankind he as Godly but even his piety ripened with age. He at first sought to reform (Page 2761) the church by legal enactments but failing in this he turned his attention to reforming the lives of men and teaching them the truth of God as revealed in His work. He as a “a preacher of righteousness.” Sin and heresy were the object of his attacks and the salvation of men the burden of his soul and he chief purpose of his life. He was opposed to the endowments of the clergy, believing the Apostles set the example of their successors, by giving, “without scrip or purse.” He was therefore in sympathy with the Mendicant Orders but when they became beggars for the accumulation of property he opposed them with all the intensity of his strong nature. He antedated John WESLEY in raising up and sending our a class of lay preachers for the reformation of society. He called them “Poor priest” and to these is due much of the influence he acquired as through them hi s” Heretical” doctrines were promulgated. As long as he was permitted to live at Oxford he was Master of the ancient sear of learning (Page 2762) “he made disciples of them all” and even after he had retired to his Lutterworth parish his name still revered there though his disciples dared not speak it aloud. Though three direct efforts were made to condemn him by Councils of the church, yet in none of their deliverances or even in archiepiscopal mandates was his name mentioned. Heaven seemed to protect him from the malice of his adversaries. They excommunicated his disciples and in many other ways cause them to suffer but never did they touch him even with the tip of a finger. Like his great successor, Martin Luther, he was the founder of a language by the translation of the Bible. How wonderful it is the while these two great men were given the “world” the word of God to the people of two of the mightest nations of earth in their own vernacular they should unconsciously and intentionally have form to the English and German languages! How marvelous (Page 2763) are God’s ways! The life of WYCLIFFE exhibits an unfaltering faith in God. This was his tower of strength. He was a man of courage. After his first stroke of paralysis two years before his death the mendicants whom he has so severely exposed came to his sick-bed to beg him to recant. He listened in silence and then after asking to be lifted on his pillow, he fixed his eyes upon his visitors and said with a loud voice, “I shall not die but live and declare the evil deeds of the friars.” They departed in confusion. He was buried in our about his beloved Lutterworth, though his life had been confined in its activities to the Island of Great Britain providence permitted his ashes to be scattered to all lands as a prophecy of the spread of his doctrines and his influence. In 1415 his writings were condemned at the Council of Constance and a decree was issued ordering his body and bones if they could be distinguished from those of the faithful should be disinterred and cast from the consecrated ground. For 13 years the decree was not obeyed, when the Pope ordered the Bishop (Page 2764) of Lincoln to execute the decree of the Council, the bones were burned and the ashes thrown into the Swift, the stream that flows past Lutterworth, thence they pass into Narron Seus and there into the ocean that spread them to all lands.

     “Wycliffe” is disinhumed

     Yea, his dry bones to ashes are consumed

     And flung into the brook that travels near;

     Thus speaks (that voice which walks upon the wind,

     As thou seldom heard by busy human kind)

     Into the Avon---Avon to the tide

     Of Severn---Severn to the narrow seas---

     Into the main ocean they---this deed accurst

     An emblem yields to friends and enemies

     How the bold teachers doctrines sanctified

     By truth shall spread throughout the world dispersed.”

May 1, 1899, Monday, G.S. WYATT’s

     Yesterday I preached to a few people in John R. WYATT’s residence. The room was full, perhaps 30 persons. God gave me liberty and I believe good was done. Today I went to Mr. Joseph YOUNG and asked him for timber to cut the frame of the church and he gave (Page 2765) it to me. I went seven miles to Mr. Newt GREGORY who owns the sawmill in this neighborhood and asked him for the use of it to cut the timber into lumber and he gave me that. Now within the next three days I must get it to the mill. John R. WYATT has promised to chop and saw it but I must get a hand to help him. Brother HIBBARD promised his span of mules and driver to help haul them but I must get another span. I think I can get Brother BAILEY’s I have concluded to go ahead and build a church myself.

     George PHILLIPS offered a weeks work on the building today. He is a carpenter. Everything has opened up today as though this were God’s plan to build the church.

May 3, 1899, Wednesday, George S. WYATT’s

     I got a hand yesterday morning and he and brother J.R. WYATT and myself cut the joists and studs leaving the rafters to cut. Tomorrow Brother Hiram HIBBARD’s team and Mr. George JONES’ team are to haul logs to the mill. We “snake” them it is called. The distance is short only a few hundred yards. I went to Mr. Joe YOUNG today and asked him for timber for the floor ceiling, oak, (Page 2766) and poplar for the siding. There is enough of such timber in the woods which he is proposing to clear up to make several such building. But he refused me, said he thought that he had given enough. I meant summon the community to my aid---make what is called in the mountains “a working,” and get the lumber for the entire house. I could have done it, if he had permitted me to do so. Poor man! He is an old sinner, 68 years old, owns 1,100 acres of land, mostly timbered. His children have all left him; nine in number and he was plowing both Monday and Tuesday with a single horse and small plow. He said his children did not appreciate anything he had done for them, and yet he gave as a reason for not giving the timber I asked, that his children might object when two our of the three that live in Key. told me they were glad he had done what he had and expressed the believe that he would give the other. The money value of the timber I asked is $20, at the rate Brother WYATT pays him who has the mill in his woods. I gave him an opportunity to do a great (Page 2767) deal but he failed to use it. How often we all do likewise even those of us who profess to be Christians! “Oh the good we all may do.” “As the days are passing by.” But I believe that it is a blessing in disguise to the church enterprise. I believe we can get oak lumber for the floor and ceiling for nearly what the sawing would cost, $3 per 1,000. Praise God for his leading hand keeping power.

May 4, 1899, Thursday, G.S. WYATT’s

     Today it became necessary for me to take an active part in the logging. The driver of one span of mules got sick and I took his mules and drove them, but brush, peeled logs, etc. Also I drove the two spans in hauling the larger logs. We stalled and had the usual experiences incident to the business. About 4 p.m. a heavy rain came suddenly up and we all go very wet. I had taken no coat and sat for one and one half or two hours under a temporary shed over the boiler with my saddle blanket over my shoulders. I had to ride home two miles before I saw fire or got any dry clothes except about half a mile before (Page 2768) reaching here I got a coat. I kindled up a fire, changed my clothes and now I am dry and comfortable, as I am about to retire. We got twelve logs hauled leaving as many more to haul. The Lord has done as he promised. He has been with me. Lightening struck a tree in both George and John WYATT’s yards.

May 6, 1899, Saturday, G.S,WYATT’s

     Yesterday John WYATT and I peeled and sawed logs. We got only three hauled. The tam had to go home (because) on account of a terrible quarrel between two women. One the sister of the driver and the other her sister-in-law. I stayed at James WYATT’s last night. Today we started in with two teams expecting to haul a good number of logs but it rained most of the morning; yet we got four hauled in the rain, then the clouds became heavy and a terrific rain fell, swelling the streams so that I could not go to Manchester this afternoon, Rockcastle River being out of its banks. Here is another evidence of God’s care of me. I am worn down with the labor of this week. My nervous system is overworked, (Page 2769) I slept only three hours last night because of the high tension of my nerves. So now I will have rest until Monday morning. This week has been crowded with providences. God has seemed to walk before me and show to His hand at every step. How sweet is life under such an evident leading!

May 7, 1899, Sunday, G.S.WYATT’s

     This is my 57^th birthday. The rise in the river prevented me from going to my appointment and I have spent the day in resting. I think I was never so nearly exhausted. The home is quiet and I have rested sweetly sleeping several hours in the forenoon. Fifty years ago today my father was buried in Fitch’s graveyard, 3 and ½ miles north of Flemingsburg, Fleming County, Kentucky less than a mile from where I was born. I remember that day well, Reverend Samuel ADAMS, the circuit rider preached his funeral in the church to a crowed house. My youngest sister, Eva, 1 ½ years old as he was placed in the grave, “Poor pa, they are putting him in the ground.” My mother returned home that night with her seven orphan children, took down the testament and Psalms (Page 2770) that he used in family worship and conducted the service as he had always done. She was a woman of prayer, of faith and of courage. She prayed. She believed God. She went forward to rear her child. God heard and helped her.

     To her fidelity to God. I owe all that I am, she brought down God’s blessing upon me, her precepts taught me, her example proved to me the genuiness of her faith and the fulfillment of God’s promise to her caused me to believe his promises to me.

     Her strong will curbed me in childhood when I would go astray and her steady hand guided me into the straight and narrow way. Had she been a different woman I had been a different man. I shall thank God through all eternity for this His greatest earthly gift to me.

     I know not how much longer I shall live. I am not concerned about that. I am more interested in how the few days that may be left to me shall be spent. I am trying to keep the account squared each day so that a call at any time will find me ready. I am ready to spend the ret (Page 2771) of my days anywhere and in any way that God may direct. I am well preserved in body. I have excellent health, weight 196 pounds and take as much pleasure in doing God’s work as at any previous period of my life. My communion is free and full with my Savior and I have a delightful experience in his service. The path cannot be changed. It’s sins God has taken away; for its mistakes I must suffer; it’s labors for Christ are sure to be rewarded. The longer I live I realize more that the salvation of men is the greatest work of this life. God is endeavoring to accomplish this and we are co-workers with him. Whatever leads to that great end is work for God. What part we are to take in this great enterprise is for him to point out. He makes no mistake in allotting the work. He will be most useful who is most faithful in performing what is allotted him to do. This I wish to do. God leading and helping me I will do it. I wish to express my gratitude is almighty God for calling me to this field of labor which for 16 ½ years I have been cultivating. (Page 2772) It was never more inviting than now and if it is God’s will I am ready to finish my work in this part of the Master’s vineyard. With an unfaltering trust in his faithfulness I this day renew my vows of consecration to his service.

May 9, 1899, Tuesday, G.S. WYATT’s

     Yesterday we got the rest of the logs for the mill and all but four or five cut into lumber. These were cut this morning and today J.R. WYATT, Brother J.H. BALES and myself stacked it. There are 3,000 feet. The sawing cost only $2.70, the full price would have been $9.00. We had enough pieces for the frame except five joists and five rafters. Praise God for this great victory. It is a beginning and I think God will use it to awaken an interest in the enterprise. He uses various means to accomplish His purposes. In getting this lumber cut an hauled only 50 cents were expended, in hire, that was for a hand to chop and saw logs the first day. A Mr. COMBS, whom I had known, a cider drummer was passing through the neighborhood and hearing that I was building a church left 50 cents at Gregory’s (Page 2773) store for me; with this I paid the man I had hired. Thus God provides. My greatest danger is to slack my trust in God for success and to begin to rely upon my own resources. God will honor those who hone Him with their faith and none other!

May 10, 1899, Wednesday, J.H. BALES

     Yesterday I was at Mr. Ed DURHAM’s to dinner. It was near where we were stacking lumber and he had a tan-ark-peeling called “a working.” There were 32 men, 15 women and 31 children present. The women quilted two quilts. The men chopped down and peeled the bark of 71 trees, chestnut, oak. They also piled the bark. Reverend Alexander PROFITT, a Baptist preacher, of this neighborhood had “a working” last March at which the men made the rails and built 300 panels of fence, eight rails high. They cut part of the timber. I have this from Brother PROFITT whom I met today. He is highly esteemed by the people of churches and of none.

     Today I attended a novel gathering. It was at Lemuel HIBBARD’s. It was “a working” fencing being the principal work. Just (Page 2774) before dinner was announced, Mr. William HICKY and Miss Jane HIBBARD, a daughter of Lemuel HIBBARD, were married by Reverend Alexander PROFITT. The young man had been in the woods at the working. The house consisted of two rooms and a kitchen. The guests assembled in the main family room to witness the ceremony.

     At length the bride and groom came in from the other room where the table was spread walking with their hands hanging at their sides preceded by Miss Leona WYATT and Thomas DOAN each with his hands hanging to his side. These parted and stood on either side of the bride and groom. While this was going on Brother PROFFITT was standing in the front door of the room where the guests were assembled with his hat on gazing out into space. About the times the parties took their places he looked around and seeing them slowly turned himself , took his hands from his pockets, walked deliberately across the room deposited his hat on a bed, as he returned he felt in the breast pocket of his coat and (Page 1775) at length drew our an envelope from his pocket, took from it the license and with his hand trembling he said, “My friends we have met here to solomize the rites of matrimony between William HICKY and Janie HIBBARD (reading their names from the license.) As a minister of the gospel it is my duty to ask if any person present can give any good reason why these persons shall not be married. If they can, let them now do so or else for ever afterwards hold their peace.” He then asked the groom the usual questions adding, “if you do you will answer by saying, ‘I will’.” And then the same to the bride.

     He then pronounced them man and wife, having asked them to join their right hands at the beginning. He offered no prayer but congratulated them and invited others to do the same. I followed him with a very few others. The minister was about 40 years old, was dressed in a plain suit of coarse clothes. The dinner was bountiful and palatable. The day was showery. About 2:15 p.m. Mr. HIBBARD fixed seat in the main room and asked (Page 2776) Brother PROFFIT and myself, “to talk some,” meaning to preach. Brother PROFFIT excused himself and urged me to “talk.” I sang, called on Brother PROFFIT to pray which he did at great length and in a very loud tone of voice. I then read from John 2 Chapter an account of the marriage at Cana of Gallilee and discussed the subject of marriage for 20 or 30 minutes and after singing dismissed the congregation. All seemed well pleased with the novel combination of a working, a wedding, and a sermon. Brother BALES, my host tells me that his sister was married  at a working or they had a working  the day she was married. Mister HIBBARD said he would not have had the working if there had been no wedding, but as he had to feed them anyway he thought he would get some work also. Men, women and children there were not over 25 present. The young lady was 16 and the young man 21. His parents were not present. The father was working for a neighbor in the new ground or clearing and the mother was ill. (Page 2777) His sister was there and two of his brothers came after dinner.

     The women of this country do much of the men’s work. I have seen numbers of women using the hand corn planter this year. They chop a great deal of the stove wood, shear the sheep, how corn, feed the stock, help to build fences, clean up the “new ground,” picking up chips, burning brush, etc. They grub or ‘sprout’ as they call it. They seem to think nothing of it. I have heard women say they would prefer working on the farm to cooking and doing other housework. I see it is just as one is reared. Some of them are clean housekeepers and some are very sloven. The houses are very plainly furnished, rarely a carpet on the floor. The interior of the wall usually covered with newspapers. They are as well contented as any people. They talk of their poverty but it does not seem to give them much real discomfort. The lack of books and papers, etc. and the great indifference to such things is very noticeable So many persons take no paper and will not read them when one gives (Page 2778) them to them. Others keep pretty well posted on current events but they are few.

May 13, 1899, Saturday, G.S. WYATT’s

     Today I bought 2,300 feet of lumber from Mr. Newton GREGORY for $7.50 per M. It is pine flooring or ceiling. It must go to the planning mill and be ripped and matched. The trade is conditioned on Brothers J.H. BALES and J.R. Wyatt giving their note for it due October 1, 1899. Brother BALES has subscribed $25 and am counting on him to pay for this lumber. I have concluded on having the men of the community to make the shingles of chestnut timber, riving and shaving them. This makes the best roof and is the way to get them without money. I have decided to make a solid stone foundation instead of using pillars as was used under the other house. I think we can do about all that ourselves. $100 will furnish all the lumber for the building, dressed and ready to put up, flooring, ceiling, weatherboarding and cornice. There are a half dozen teams we can get to the hauling. God seems still to be leading. I preached this morning at this house  (Page 2779) to Sister WYATT, two of her daughters and Sister Hiram HIBBARD and three of her children. The morning was rainy, I am well praise God!

May 14, 1899, Sunday, J.H. BALES’

     I preached to a god congregation this morning at G.S. WYATT’s residence and at Reuben BAILEY’s at 3:30 p.m. to a very large audience. I have decided to make no further attempt to get up an S school as it is impractical till we get a church built. Mrs. BALES fell from her horse this afternoon late, some five miles from home, near her mother’s and at dark a messenger came for Brother BALES. He took his wagon and his little boy and went. I am here alone. I had a piece of chicken and a glass of milk for my supper and am enjoying the quiet of the situation very much. Found the Pentecostal Herald which I have read through.

May 25, 1899, Monday

     I am still at Brother BALES. He brought his wife home this morning. Her left wrist was dislocated but immediately set back. She is suffering severely but it will doubtless get easier by (Page 2780) morning. I have rested today from yesterday’s labors.

May 16, 1899, Tuesday

     This morning I asked Brother BALES to sign a note of $17.25 payable next October 1^st. to Newton GREGORY for 2,300 feet of pine lumber for the church. He cheerfully did it. John R. WYATT endorsed it and I took it to Mr. GREGORY and delivered it. So the 2,300 feet of ceiling in not only bought but paid for. I thank God for this distinguished favor. I went to Mr. JOHNSON’s today to borrow his stone mason’s tools. He said he would send them to John REAMS’ blacksmith shop and have them put in order. I am to be responsible to him for their return. Thus the Lord prospers us in his work.

May 17, 1899, Wednesday, Perry HOWES’

     Came here this afternoon en route to Manchester. Learned that two men shot at Tom WHITENMORE recently killing his horse but did not hurt him. William TURNER was held to answer at circuit court for the crime.

May 19, 1899, Manchester

     Left Perry HOWES’ yesterday morning. (Page 2781) dined at Joseph RIGGS’ stayed, at Mr. Robert CARNAHAN Sr., last night. Found a fine lot of mail here today. Several papers from Ireland, one the Missionary Volunteer, May 18, 1896, Londonderry issued in connection with the Londonderry Missionary Society, contains a picture and a sketch of Reverend Professor DICKEY D.D. He is 44 years old and his records shows that he is a brilliant man. Just as I was starting to Mr. William RAWLINGS’ to stay all night, Brother Andrew JOHNSON came in from London bringing in a young man, Mr. KNIGHT, a Pennsylvanian, with him who wished to take the county examination. Brother JOHNSON is an earnest young Methodist preacher and a student at the London school. Mr. RAWLINGS is of one of our best Clay County families and lately married a Miss CLARK of Jackson County. We are hospitably entertained a mile from the town of Manchester.

May 20, 1899, Manchester, Key.

     Reverend Mr. BAXTER, a Presbyterian minister who has been in S.S. work in this county (Page 2782) for 6 months, I learned, wishes to preach here Sunday and organize the S school. I have given him the day so I can attend the commencement at London. This is a pleasure I had not expected. I feel anxious to go to meet Dr. J.W. LEWIS, editor of the Central Methodist and P.E. (Probationary Elder) of the Louisville district, who is to preach the annual sermon. He said in the Central, recently, that the Louisville and Kentucky Conference ought to untie in college work of in the building up on one college in Kentucky. I thought when I read the letter I would write to him on the subject but I did not. I regard the suggestion as vastly important. We have tried separately for more than a century and failed; it is time we were trying a united effort. I think the time for agitation auspicious. All are smarting under failure. The 20^th Century Fund question is being discussed which brings our all these facts of history. The question is being asked (Page 2783) “What will we do?” “What can we do?” The Kentucky Conference would rejoice to have the Louisville Conference join her in building up the Kentucky Wesleyan at Winchester. The Louisville may not be willing to come so far. It may be necessary to choose a site nearer the boundary line, at Shelbyville, for instance, where the college would better have been founded at first. I feel that even this would be better than for things to go as they are. The building at Winchester would be a fine site for a training school. If the two conferences could be united in the work could do a work that would be a great blessing to the church and the state. God grant to lead in the movement.

May 23, 1899, Tuesday, London, Key.

     Brother JOHNSON and I came from London Saturday and stayed at Mr. Thomas BALES that night, four or five miles from town. We came in Sunday morning and heard Reverend J.W. LEWIS of Louisville preach in the college chapel on, “One (Page 2784) pearl of great price.” It was a masterful effort. At night he preached in the Methodist church on, “Why dist ye doubt?” a very strong sermon. The field day exercise at 1 p.m. were good and at night, in the college chapel, a brilliant entertainment was given by the school. Four orations were a part which were of a very high order. J.L. RYNERSON of Mercer County, Miss.; Margaret BENGE of Clay County; Stephen BREY of Laurel and Miss Lina MOSES of London delivered them. The enrollment has been 216, tuition fees $3,000. the honor roll has reached 38 the last month. 90 percent is necessary to get on it. The Lucinda B. HELM dormitory is to be completed and furnished this summer. Miss Florence BENGE will very likely have control. She has been a pupil for two years. This term she had her five sisters and one brother with her in one of the cottages. The industrial department has been successful under Mr. Lough I. HORTON, a young man preparing for (Page 2785) the ministry. Professor LEWIS is making a fine administration. His firmness and righteousness make him unpopular with a few but popular with the many. He is a fine character. Misses BEAUMONT, OSBORN, LETTON, and CAMPBELL have given great satisfaction as teachers and Christian ladies, professors LEWIS, CARNAHAN, and LAWHORN are well suited to their places. The school is well equipped. There have been about 50 conversions in the school this year. The work has been done by the teachers and Mrs. LEWIS. The pastor of the Southern Methodist Church, Brother Heber WIGHTMAN, has been unfortunate in his management of the church and has alienated a number of his members, He does not get along with the holiness people.

     I had pleasant intercourse with Dr. J.W. LEWIS. He is an able expositor, a deep reasoner and a fine homelist. He is a pleasant companion. He is much interested in the union of the Louisville and Kentucky conferences in college interests. He says it is a disgrace of the Louisville Conference and Louisville Methodism that after 100 years of work they have no college or seminary (Page 2786) for the education of young ministers. He can see no future to Kentucky Methodism educationally saving in the union of effort. I rejoice that he has these views and told him perhaps, “He had come to the throne for this purpose at this time.” I was ready to start home this morning when the sheriff summoned me to testify in the case of the Commonwealth vs. E.K. WILSON, the case of the unfortunate Miss Mary CLOYD. Brother RAGAN is here and will go with me to Benge to hold Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) Sunday. At the request of Professor LEWIS I wrote up the commencement for both the local papers and have sent short dispatches to the Courier Journal and Dispatch.

May 25, 1899, Thursday, Catching Hotel

     I have been here three days waiting to be called in the case of Commonwealth vs. E.K. WILSON. It will probably be a week before I am called, if at all. I am reading and writing. Tonight I talked from the first chapter of Acts, at the prayer meeting. The church is so cold, so few present, no life no spirit. Sad to see this where (Page 2787) a few years ago there were so many who seemed to be filled with the Holy Ghost. God wishes to keep his people “filled with the Spirit.” The devil is holding sway in this town where Christ seemed to have complete control. Glorious things are spoken to those who “constantly believe God’s holy word.” The town’s population and business area growing but it is declining in spiritual things. I tried to rally the people tonight and send them up to the chamber where a Pentecostal blessing is to be had.

     Brother RAGAN left for Benge this afternoon. He will hold services Saturday afternoon and I will join him Sunday, D.V.

May 26, 1899, Catching Hotel, London, Key.

     I have enjoyed very much today reading sketches of great Christians from John WYCLIFFE down to the close of the 18^th Century. IT inspires one with zeal and courage. John HUSS, when a student, reading of the maryrdom of Saint Lawrence thrust his hand into the fire and a fellow student snatched it out and asked what he meant. “I was only trying what part of the tortures of this holy man I might be capable of enduring.” (Page 2788) I noticed all these great men were scholars. Some did not have university training, but nearly all did. Those who did not were great readers and enjoyed some advantages of education. They were all seekers after truth. They did not hesitate to die for it when once the jewel was theirs. The Reformation developed great Christians, great men. The trails of that period furnished the very experience that makes men great.

May 29, 1899, Monday, Catching Hotel

     I was discharged by the court Saturday at 5 p.m. till this morning---Monday. I went five miles into the country and stayed at Mr. Thomas BALES’. Sunday morning I went on the other ten miles to Benge, where I met Brother RAGAN. We had two services with good audiences, administered the Lord’s Supper, had a good testimony meeting, good sermons, a good time. Brother RAGAN can move an audience. He held Q.C. (Quarterly Conference) in the afternoon services, raised $3.10 for Brother RAGAN. Nothing had been raised during the quarter for me, save $3.00 given by Dr. MANNING, a Presbyterian, (Page 2789) at Manchester. We came to Brother Reuben BAILEY’s and lodged. This morning I came here by 8 a.m., ten miles. Brother RAGAN remained in the neighborhood.

     The trail here drags its weary length along. I made be kept here all the week. I have read, today, and got a few subscriptions for the Review of Missions.

May 29, 1899, Catching Hotel, London, Key.

     The testimony in the WILSON case was concluded this afternoon and tonight, in the court house, we were all discharged. There was a session of court at 8 p.m. The case will be argued after the instructions are given to the jury. Perhaps greater corruption was never used in a trail. WILSON suborned witnesses who swore that one of the purest women in town had sought to corrupt them and that she was the murderer of Mary CLOYD. The witnesses all broke down under cross examination so that it was not necessary to introduce testimony to protect this innocent woman. I was not used as a witness. I have been here seven days under the summons. I have employed the time reading and (Page 2790) taking subscriptions for the Review of Missions.

     I had thought of going to K.W.C. (Kentucky Wesleyan College) commencement but I have not the means. Again, I have wanted to go to Louisville to the Rally next week. The state claim for my services in this trail would take me there. I wait the leading of the Lord.

May 31, 1899, Wednesday, Winchester, Key.

     I sold my state claim this morning and came here. I am rooming near the college with J.H. DICKEY, of Williamstown, my nephew. He was educated at K.W.C.(Kentucky Wesleyan College), married a Winchester lady and is now principal of the greatest school of Winchester and has been for five or six years. He is a fine character. His brother, Charles Kirk DICKEY graduates tomorrow. His brother Marvin Ward DICKEY is a student here and was one of the ushers at the joint entertainment of Literary Society tonight. Saxton’s band furnished the music and three young men, from each society, delivered orations. They with the seniors tomorrow area contesting for the position of speaker at the Lexington Chantangua next month with the (Page 2791) Colleges of Kentucky all have representative. The large chapel was filled tonight. After the benediction the two societies gave us a specimen of the college yell for 20 or 30 minutes. To the unaccustomed it sounds heathenish. Bishop CANDLER preached a great sermon in the chapel this morning. I arrived too late to hear it.

June 1, 1899, Thursday, Winchester, Key.

     The commencement exercises came off today and were well attended. The spacious chapel was packed. The seven young men acquitted themselves creditably.

     The following was the program:  Music…Invocation…Music. C.K. DICKEY…The Evolution of Woman, Flemingsburg, Key.; W.F. FORD…The Anglo-American,Paris, Key.; C.W. GOSSOM…Law Reins Truimphant, Walton, Key.;D. REEDES…Our Relation with the Far East, Winchester, Key.; R.S. TAYLOR…At A Century’s Portal, Pine Grove, Key.; M. Stanly TRAFTON…______; St. John’s N.B. Canada; O.H. WINGFIELD…Fear vs. Truth, Pendleton, Key. (there was music between the orations).

     The honor of representing the college at the Intercollegiate Contest at Lexington Chantangua (Page 2792) next month, was awarded to R.S. TAYLOR of Pine Grove. C.K. DICKEY was second and very close and perhaps if all the facts were known he would have gotten the honor. TAYLOR has been a senior three years having filed twice in this final examination. The probabilities are that he did not writer his speech. Many of the audience were for C.K. DICKEY even who know nothing of these things and if they had been known that is ---if it is true that he did not write his speech, of course, he would not have been on the program. Doubtless C.K. DICKEY is entitled to the distinction. Saxton’s band discoursed sweet music. Pleasure of the occasion to me was greatly heightened by the presence of my brother A,S, DICKEY and his son, Professor John H. DICKEY and W.P. DICKEY of Lexington and his wife. We meet so seldom that I greatly enjoyed the treat. I am lodged tonight at Mr. Owen FITCH’s son of Reverend J.W. FITCH. His wife is a daughter of Jake TUMBO and wife. It is pleasant to be here.

June 3, 1899, Saturday, East Bernstadt, Key.

     I left Winchester yesterday at 12 m. for this (Page 2793) place. When the train arrived I was asleep and did not wake till the train whistled for Pittsburg, two miles further south. I got off there, met Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) He agreed to go back to this place and stay all night with me. He was ready to go to London to be ready for Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) I have wanted to go to the Louisville Rally ever since it was called or even suggested. Brother RAGAN advised me not to go to Manchester, today, as the troops are going there tomorrow and the town was in such a state of excitement that no meeting could be held. I felt that this was all true and that I could do more to preach here, tomorrow. (While I was writing the lat sentence someone fired five shots right in front of Brother James LUCY’s house where I am staying at 9:30 p.m. Men were shooting at each other tonight.) So I concluded to stay here. Afterward I found that my horse had been kicked last night and was not able to travel.

June 4, 1899, Sunday, Pittsburg, Key.

     I preached at East Bernstadt this morning and attended the prayer meeting at 2:30 p.m. Preached here last night. Brother I.N. ISOM is (Page 2794) the pastor. The churches at these places have backslidden but there are a faithful few who are filled with the Spirit. Some brethren at East Bernstadt are afflicted with come-out-ism. But are good people, in some respects, though some of them are lacking greatly in Christian love if one is to judge a tree by its fruit. The jury in the E.K. WILSON case hung 9 for acquittal and 3 for conviction. WILSON had to guarded to the depot by a detail of soldiers. There was much bad blood manifested, the reports says. The sentiment of the country is strong for the conviction of this vile man and another court will probably succeed in doing it. When the Lord will have vengeance he will find his own means of executing it.

(Page 2795) The GODBEYS

Deposition of Mrs. Susana GODBEY RAGAN

     I was born May 5, 1828 in Pulaski County, Key., on the waters of Clifty Creek. My father was John GODBEY. My mother was Orpha KELLY. My father was born in Boutetourt County, Virginia, his father was William GODBEY. He immigrated to Kentucky from Boutetourt County to Wayne County. My father was born December 12, 1801. He was born either in Virginia or Kentucky. So that my grandfather must have come to Wayne County about the beginning of the century. William GODBEY had seven sons and six daughter, John, my father was the eldest. Jacob, Fanny (REES), Joshua, Nancy (Edmond DEBOORD), Sallie (CUNDIFF), Harrison, Matilda (GASCON or GASCOUN), Malissa (WESLEY), William, Josiah, Josephes, Ibbie (HAYNES).

     Of these John, Joshua and Josiah were preachers. Josiah was a member of the Kentucky Conference and transferred to the Missouri Conference. There he was P.E. (Probationary Elder) My father traveled the Crab Orchard mission as a supply one year. But as a local preacher he did a vast amount (Page 2795) of good in 60 years of his ministry. There were many seals to his ministry. He was killed by lightening Pettis County, Missouri, one Sunday in the year 1885. He had been to Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) and got very happy at the communion. This was about an hour before he was killed. He had ten children, five of each sex, viz. W.B., John, Josiah, and Martin. Martin was killed by a horse when 24 years old; Josephus was a twin to Martin and died in infancy. All were Methodist preachers.

     John K. is now a Baptist preacher in Pettis County, Missouri. He joined the Baptist when 30 years old. Josiah was a member of one of the Missouri Conferences, was stationed at the junction of three states for years. He graduated at S. Joseph, Missouri. Reverend John E. GODBEY of the Arkansas Methodist’s is a cousin of mine being a son of Reverend Josiah GODBEY. His mother was Scindy KELLY, a cousin of my mother and a sister of Reverends Samuel KELLY, Clinton KELLY, Gilby KELLY and Albert and of Samuel and Gilmore not preachers. I think John E. GODBEY had an older brother William who was a preacher (Page 2797) another William was a physician.

     Josiah, my uncle, still lives in Casey County, Colorado. His wife died about a year ago. He is about 87 or 88 years old. He is the father of Josiah GODBEY now of the Kentucky Conference, M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church S. (South) and of Eli GODBEY (now) of the Kentucky Conference M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church S. (South) and William GODBEY of the Louisville Conference of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church S. (South). He has been blind for 20 years but is still on the active list. They have no children. His wife goes by his side all the time, reads his lessons and hymns. Their brother, Reverend John GODBEY, is a superannuated member of the Kentucky Conference M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church, now living in Casey County. Reverend Logan GODBEY now of the Kentucky Conference M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church is on Bethel Ridge circuit. He is a son of James GODBEY and a grandson of Uncle Joshua GODBEY, nephew of the ministers last above named, Joshua had two other sons, Methodist ministers in Indiana, Alex and Josephus. They are of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church. Alex is a very strong man, was at Terra Haute last year.

     Recapitulation: -----

     William GODBEY’s sons:  4

     John GODBEY’s sons:  4.

     (Page 2798) Joshua’s sons: 6; Josiah’s sons: 3; James 1 equals 18 bearing the name of GODBEY. But John Emery has a son in Texas, a Methodist preacher equals 19. Again Jacob, 1---Reverend T.J. GODBEY of Kentucky Conference; of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church South equals 20.

     Ibbi GODBEY WESLEY, daughter of Joshua GODBEY, sister to one Josiah GODBEY, had a son, Reverend Eli Haynes WESLEY, a local Methodist minister preparing for work in the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church, at Barboursville. Her sister Sarah married Green WESLEY, another sister, married Susan, married Reverend Pleasant WESLEY of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) church who died in Kansas in the regular work.

The KELLYs

     My mother was Orpha KELLY. Her father was John KELLY. He had a brother Samuel KELLY who was the father of Reverend Samuel KELLY of the Kentucky Conference M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church S. (South) and grandfather of Reverend G.C. KELLY, D.D. of the Alabama Conference.

     My grandfather John KELLY married Peggy BUCK, daughter of William BUCK who left Ireland when a boy while his mother pled with tears. (Page 2799) He was an only child. William BUCK married Lucy KENNEDY. She was born in Ireland, John KELLY had three sons and five daughters, Oliver, Job, and William. Oliver was a Campbellite preacher, died in old age about 2 years ago in Pulaski. Daughters were Orpha, my mother, Polly (Joe BISHOP); Elizie (NUSSER); Mauda (SERBER); Rachel (James DYE).

     The wife of Samuel KELLY, Sen., mother of Samuel KELLY Jr., and grandmother of Reverend G.C. KELLY, D.D., was a remarkable woman. She was a strong woman, able in prayer, powerful in exhortations, a fine business woman, quite a doctor, and a woman of most excellent religious character. She was greatly respected and esteemed. Her sons were strong men. Reverends Samuel, Clinton, Gilby, and Albert, all members of the Kentucky Conference at one time.

     Clinton and Gilby went to Oregon.

(Page 2800) June 5, 1899, Booneville, Owsley County, Key.

     Reverend W.B. RAGAN and I came here today, he from London and I from Pittsburg. This is Brother RAGAN’s home. His father and mother live here and his single sister. He owns most of the farm. He has managed to secure this house from his services in preaching and in managing his affairs. He is a good financier. I go to Louisville tomorrow to the Rally. Brother RAGAN loaned me the money to pay expenses.

June 6, 1899, Tuesday, Louisville, Key.

     I arrived here this afternoon, attended the opening exercises tonight. But few present, not over 150 or 200. Broadway Methodist Church is the place of meeting. Bishops HENDRIX and GALLOWAY are here. They preside. Dr. J.W. LEWIS, P.E. (Probationary Elder) of Louisville District gave an address of welcome. He is a strong man and spoke well and to the point. Kentucky Conference is pretty well represented. I am entertained at Professor H.K. TAYLOR’s at Beachmont, a suburb four miles from the church. We go on the electric street cars.

     Professor MURPHY, my teacher of Greek and Professor Spencer, my pupil in Greek (Page 2801) are also here. I am greatly favored to have such congenial Society, God is continually doing something good for me. Professor TAYLOR is principal of the “Louisville Training School for Boys.” He has been here for 12 years and is making a success of his school financially and I suppose in other ways.

June 7, 1899, Louisville, Key.

     The Spiritual State of the Church was the subject of today’s discussion. Bishop GALLOWAY seems to me the more forceful man though others enjoy Bishop HENDRIX most. Dr. HOSS spoke tonight on the work of the Holy Ghost but I was too tired to attend. The weather was fearfully hot and Professor MURPHY and I talked till nearly midnight. It had been many years since I had enjoyed this privilege. He is approaching 70, is vigorous and ripe in scholarship, experience, and grace.

June 8, 1899, Thursday, Louisville, Key.

     (Page 2802) Today the educational feature of the 20^th Century movement was considered. Again, the Bishops made great addresses. Dr. Gross ALEXANDER also spoke and others who were well qualified for this work. The weather is intensely hot and the strain on my nervous system is intense. Bishop HENDRIX spoke tonight. I attended but was too weary to appreciate it. Those who heard it, fresh, say it was a great address. This closed the convention or “Rally.” About 100 ministers were present but few of the Louisville people attended. The hot weather was unfavorable. It has been so very hot. About 40 preachers of the Kentucky Conference were present, among them Julius Edwin WROGHT, S.L. SOUTHGATE, W.F. TAYLOR, A. REDD, T.F. TOLIVER, E.H. PEARCE, E.G. MANN. Every preacher in the Shelbyville District was present. Free entertainment was provided. I met a great number of the Louisville Conference preachers though the three sessions a day consumed the time, so completely, so that little opportunity was given for social intercourse. At church before and after session was all (Page 2803) and one going four miles by street car had little time even for that. I can not see any great impression made by this conference. The enthusiasm generated was not great. It must bear fruit for good grain was sown. No plans were proposed as these had been formulated before by the Boards of Education of the two respective conferences. In an editorial in the Central Methodist a few months ago Dr. J.W. LEWIS suggested a union of the Louisville and Kentucky Conferences in an effort to a first class college for Kentucky Methodists. Many of the Kentucky Conference preachers were hopeful that this issue would be sprung in this meeting but they were disappointed. It was mentioned in the committee on resolutions, the only committee, the conference had but not discussed. The resolutions contained no reference to it. I did not expect the question to come up myself as I could not see how it could well be brought forward as this was not a deliberative body, not a legislative body and could hardly be (Page 2804) expected to take up questions outside the 20^th century movement. It was my interest in this united effort that took me to this meeting. I wanted to hear what was said and to get acquainted with as many members of the Louisville conference as possible. I trust that the great head of the church will lead this movement and bring such a proposition of unions to a happy consummation. We need all Kentucky Methodists united in an effort to build up a college in Kentucky. They could do it if once united. May God bring it to pass. Professor H.K. TAYLOR proposes to establish such a school at Louisville, put the endowments of the two conferences together. Let Louisville contribute $100,000 and to these collect sufficient to make $300,000. He believes this can be done. He would make K.W.C. (Kentucky Wesleyan College) and Elkton Private Schools for preparing students for college and otherwise. I have no plan but do pray God to furnish one.

June 7, 1899, Pine Hill, Rockcastle County, Key.

     I started for East Bernstadt this morning (Page 2805) where my horse is to go to Wyatt’s Chapel to preach tomorrow and Sunday. Brother W.B. RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) got on the train at Crab Orchard, en route to this place today to hold his Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) He told me I ought not to go to Wyatt’s as this would make it too late for me to reach District Conference at Hazel Green next Wednesday. He said I must attend that conference and the way to do so was to stop off at Pine Hill with him and remain over Sunday and Monday morning. We would take the train at Livingston for Mt. Sterling as we must leave that city on the Coal road at 7 a.m. Tuesday in order to get that special hack that would be sent to McChaunsey that day. I obeyed his command and am here. He preached tonight. We are at John HUSTON’s. I never was more tired it seems to me. I slept from 3 p.m. till night, also on the train. My nerves were overtaxed by the strain of attention and the heat besides not enough sleep. It would have been fearful on me to have gone on to East Bernstadt (Page 2806) and to Wyatt’s tomorrow.

June 10, 1899, Saturday, Pine Hill

     I preached this morning and tonight. Have slept most of the day, am much refreshed but need still more rest to restore me.

Calvary Church Sunday night

     This morning Brother RAGAN preached and we administered the sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, had Love Feast, no special interest. We dined at Mr. McFERRAN’s. I visited a dying man on my way to Mr. McFERRAN’s with Brother Pike, the pastor. He is a sinner and very penitent. I tried to lead him to Jesus. He said I taught him a lesson of Salvation by faith. He seemed to think he could not be saved without a preacher. Poor man! He has trifled away his life and now death finds him unprepared! I wish I could be with him further. Tonight I preached to a good congregation at the church here. It is a new house built by Brother PIKE this year. He lives here, is a local preacher, a supply, an excellent worker. Has a nice wife and (Page 2807) two nice children, wants to go into the intinerancy next conference year, will do good work.

June 12, 1899, Monday, Mt. Sterling

     Brother RAGAN loaned me the money to got to District Conference. He and Brother PIKE and myself took the train at Livingston this morning and arrived here at 7:30 p.m. I had written to Brother John BURTON that I would be here. His little son, Rhodes, was at the depot and a Negro boy to carry my grip. He is a partner in a planning mill RHODES of Washington as I was her pastor in 1877-1878. They are well fixed. He is a partner in a planning mill here. We had a few hours in Winchester today in which we went uptown and I met many of my old acquaintances.

     We start at 7 a.m. tomorrow for Hazel Green.

June 13, 1899, Maytown, Key.

     At 7 this morning six of us took the train at Mr. Sterling for MCCausey, a point one mile this side of Frenchburg. The party were: Brother RAGAN, PIKE, Julius Edwin WRIGHT, Professor FISHER, and Heber WIGHTMAN (Page 2808) and myself. At Rothwell 17 miles out we changed cars, leaving the Coal Road for the Red River Valley Railroad extension of the Coal Road by another company. The Coal Road belongs to the Chesapeake and Ohio and is standard gauge while Red River Valley RR is narrow gauge. It is about 7 miles long and is built along the mountain ridges most of the way but it crosses Beaver Creek in ascending and descending the mountain zig zags thus _______. The engine stalled and made ten ineffectual efforts to ascend. It had nothing but an empty boxcar to pull, passengers and crew pushed but in vain. At length another engine came to our rescue and we went on. At McChamsey we were met by a Brother BROOKS with a three seated hack. We had 18 miles to travel over the old State Road or “Mud Pike” as it was once called. We took dinner at McChansey and started. It rained during the afternoon and night overtook us at this place six miles from Hazel Green. We had services at the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) (Page 2809) Church, South, a large frame building. Brother WRIGHT preached tonight. One was converted and another asked for prayers. Brother WRIGHT is a flaming evangelist, a great soul winner. Brother FISHER and I are lodging at Richard CHILDER’s, a hospitable Baptist.

June 14, 1899, Wednesday, Hazel Green, Key.

     We arrived here at 9 a.m. and the conference was opened by Brother W.B. RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Edward ALLEN was elected secretary. Nine of the thirteen pastors of the District were present, viz. Herber WIGHTMAN, London; E.K. PIKE, Pine Hill; Edward ALLEN, Irvine; J.J. DICKEY, Manchester; H.O. MOORE, Campton; S.R. PEEPLES, Jackson; ________ TYLER, Frenchburg; Robert LEE, Hazel GREEN; S.M. CARRIER, Clay City. Absent; J.T. FIZER, Middlesboro and Pineville; J.A. SAWYER, Corbin and Barbourville; I.N. ISOM, Pittsburg and East Bernstadt; NELSON of West Liberty. There was no program provided and the disciplinary questions were taken up. There was a sermon at 11 o’clock. We held one afternoon session and Brother WIGHTMAN (Page 2810) preached at night. I am lodged at Professor CORD’s, principal of Hazel Green Academy, the property of the Woman’s Christian Board of Missions, Campbellite. His father lives on my grandfather DICKEY’s old place in Fleming County. I am elegantly entertained. Professor FISHER is my roommate. Hazel Green has not grown much in eight years since I was here. It has about 200 inhabitants.

June 15, 1899, Thursday, Hazel Green, Key.

     The reports from the charges consumed most of the two sessions of today; nothing special occurred. Professor FISHER preached tonight, Brother ALLEN this morning. Professor CORD drove me to Swango Springs, a mile, this morning. Most of the preachers took dinner at Willie SAVANGE’s today. His wife, a Miss QUICKSALL, is a zealous Christian and an uncompromising Methodist. He is a nominal member of the Reform Church. They have but one child, Dora, a sweet girl of 11. They are well fixed and entertain nicely. They live a mile from the village. We all (Page 2811) went out in a wagon. The weather is fine. The attendance in the morning was small, in the afternoon fairly good considering that this is a Campbellite town. There is also a Presbyterian Church with 17 members. It was planted here 15 years ago by Dr. E.O. GUERRANT, when the Methodists and Cambellites both had buildings and congregations. It was not needed and was a mistake. A man who joined the church at that time from the Methodists is now pastor Mr. WALLIN; he preaches at two other places also.

June 16, 1899, Friday, Hazel Green, Key.

     We had an animated discussion this morning on a memorial to the annual conference introduced by Brother H.O. MOORE proposing the abandoning of the following counties:  Harlan, Whitley, Clay, Leslie, Perry, Lecture, Lee and Knox and the dismemberment of the London District dividing the remaining seven charges between Danville and Lexington District. Nearly all the preachers took (Page 2813) part in the discussion. Brother MOORE declared that other denominations are doing the work in these counties and that we are not needed. He said that we could never make Southern Methodists of Clay County people where we have labored in vain for 50 years or more. The matter of support was another strong point.

     Brother WIGHTMAN favored the memorial but all the rest of the conference opposed it. It was denied that others were saving the people and therefore we were not needed. As to the matter of support that no one had ever starved in the work yet anything like the apostolic zeal would succeed in winning souls and in obtaining support. It was urged against the memorial that in 20 years we had built 22 churches in this territory, 8 parsonages and had established two schools viz.---Sue BENNETT Memorial at London and K.W. Academy at Campton, the former with $20,000 worth of property and the later with $5,000. The former having enrolled 216 students, the present school (Page 2813) It was claimed that we had succeeded above all other churches and that we owed to the people who had put themselves under our care to stay with them, many of them being people of Methodist ancestors and unwilling to go into any other communion. IT was claimed that M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church, South, was a favorably held by the people of Clay County as any other and there was nothing in the church, her doctrines or discipline that was objectionable to the people. A number of earnest speeches were made against the memorial viz.: CARRIER, RAGAN, WRIGHT, FISHER and the writer. The memorial was overwhelmingly defeated. MOORE and WIGHTMAN being the only affirmative votes. J.W. LAWTON and E.K. PIKE were recommended to the Louisville ? (Kentucky) Conference for admission on trial. The conference selected Clay City as the next place of meeting and adjourned at 4 p.m. I think it would have been better to have had prepared addresses on Missions, 20^th (Page 2814) Century movement and some other topic. The members of the might have been helped in this way by intensifying their zeal and in forming their judgment. There was no effort made at all to get people saved and one woman was either saved or reclaimed. Brother MITCHELL of Mt. Sterling and Brother COSBY of Fort (Thomas) had been appointed by the Bishop to hold special services here. They came Monday and will continue the meeting. Brother MITCHELL preached tonight. Professor D.W. BATSON was present and made a very forcible presentation of K.W.C. I dined today at Brother Robert LEE’s and after the adjournment of the conference went three miles into the country and supped with J.W. TAULBEE whom I had taken into the church at Jackson in 1884. I baptized his infant son after supper. Also the babe of Dr. J.A. TAULBEE and wife. I took her and her three children into the church in her home on Frozen in Breathitt County in 1884, having held services there at her (Page 2815) request. I also then baptized her youngest child, Callie, now 15 years old. John W. TAULBEE’s sister, Mrs. Mary ALEXDER lives at Daysboro near him. She also joined the church under my ministry in Breathitt. All these are converted and on their way to heaven.

     Brother Julius Edwin WRIGHT, missionary secretary of our conference, is here. He has been secretary of the Board of Missions for two quadrenniums and is re-elected for a third. I have urged him for years to go through the district and examine into the work. Recently Reverend H.O. MOORE published a letter in the Pentecostal Herald containing the substance of the memorial above referred to. Bishop GRANDBERRY saw it and wrote to Brother WRIGHT to visit the counties proposed to be abandoned. Dr. PRITCHETT, missionary secretary, did the same. Brother WRIGHT is here and he and Brother RAGAN want me to accompany him on his tour. I feel disposed to do for I am deeply interested in this field and I want to get it before the conference. (Page 2826) just as it is. Again I have important business at West Liberty and Jackson and this affords me an opportunity to attend to it. I have agreed to go.

     War is on in Clay County. So that my way is thus up there and it is through open doors we should walk. I feel that the Lord is leading. If he leads I can safely follow. I am staying tonight at Brother LEE’s that I may better arrange to start on my trip tomorrow. Brother LEE’s first wife was Miss Minnie SHOCKLEY, my niece. He has recently married Miss Victoria _________ of Mason County. She is a sweet woman and is making him a help-meet indeed. They claim me “Uncle” and I cheerfully submit. There is a parsonage here with four good rooms, hall and porch which with some additional improvements would make a very useable home.

June 17, 1899, Saturday, West Liberty, Key., O.B. BURN’s

     Brother WRIGHT and I started from Hazel Green at 9:30 and dined at Brother GEIER’s Grassy Creek about half way here. (Page 2817) We arrived here about 3:30. We found the town full of people in attendance on a county convention to send delegates to the state convention (Democratic) at Louisville next week to nominate a state ticket. The town has grown but little in 17 years. In 1882 I was here and made a speech in the court house on education. In 1877 I was here en rout to Hazel Green to a district conference. I suppose there are better buildings as a whole. Now there are two good churches built since then also several dwellings but the bulk of business is not greater than then. We find the spiritual state low here. Brother NELSON, the pastor, is in the Bluegrass having packed up his goods and taken his family. The circuit is well able to support a preacher and if they would do so there would be great religious prosperity. We held services tonight. I preached and Brother WRIGHT followed.

June 18, 1899, Sunday, West Liberty, Key.

     We held three services today; Brother WRIGHT (Page 2818) preached morning and night and I in the afternoon. I attended both S schools and found about 25 in each, perhaps 40 in the Christian. They said it was usually much better. We dined at Wilmore KENDALL’s. I am staying at Brother CECIL’s tonight who keeps Cecil House. The day has been uneventful so far as human eyes can see. We have preached and taught the truth publicly and gone from house to house.

June 19, 1899, Monday, Hazel Green, Key.

     We made several calls this morning and after dining at Brother BURN’s, we drove over to Hazel Green, 15 miles. We are lodging at Brother LEE’s to be ready to start for Jackson in the morning. Brother LEE has loaned us his horse and buggy for the trip. We drove Brother COSBY’s to West Liberty. The meeting continues conducted by Brothers COSBY and MITCHELL. There is not much interest. The brethren are not afire, hence it is no marvel that he people do not burn.

June 20, 1899, Tuesday, Mouth of Frozen, Breathitt

     We got started late this morning. We ate dinner at Brother ALEXANDER’s at Daysboro (Page 2819) and came here. Thomas J. HOUNSHELL lives here in the house where the DAYS were born and reared, who have become so wealthy. The road was very rough, up Gilmore Creek and especially down Frozen. We are 7 miles from Jackson, 18 miles from Hazel Green. I was so hot today the horse could not travel fast. We had to rest him often.

June 21, 1899, Wednesday, Jackson, Key.

     We arrived here at 10 a.m. and put up at A.H. HARGIS’. He and his wife were absent but Judge LINDEN and his wife were both there but in bed. Brother T.W. BARKER, conducting meeting for Brother PEEPLES. We had services at 3 p.m. at which I preached and Brother BARKER at night. My old friends greeted me with great cordiality.

June 22, 1899, Thursday, Jim HAY’s, Buck Horn

     We left Jackson about 10 a.m. on horseback, I riding Brother LEE’s horse and Brother WRIGHT, Brother PEEPLES’. We stopped at Brother J.M. SNOWDEN’s near the mouth of Quicksand and fed our horses (Page 2820) and ate our lunch about 2 p.m. at the mouth of Clay Hale Branch on Troublesome Creek. The distance here is 23 miles. The day has been fearfully hot and I am very tired. Mr. HAYES has built a large frame house and we are very comfortable.

June 23, 1899, Friday, Hindman, Key.

     We left Mr. HAYES this morning and stopped at Tom GIBSON’s on Ball Fork of Troublesome at Vest P.O. about 10 till late this afternoon. I was given out and felt compelled to rest. It rained about 5 o’clock, cooled the atmosphere and made traveling pleasant. I slept most of the day and was much refreshed. At 3 I attended service at a school house nearby. Three Baptist ministers spoke, they all had the “tone” and preached much after the old Baptist style. The second man, Martin PATRICK, said he had not “membered” any text, he would speak as the Lord gave him words.

     He said God could strike a man to the earth who would ‘member’ a text. He proposed for the Lord to do the preaching (Page 2821) using him for a mouthpiece. Brother WRIGHT came on to town before noon, attended a Baptist meeting here and preached tonight. We are both at Brother David GIBSON’s, old Virginia people.

June 24, 1899, Saturday

     I took my horse to Mrs. Peyton DUKE’s this morning. This my old home when in Hindman. The old man had passed away. He was a grand Christmas man, the backbone of morality and religion in Hindman. He was born in Alliance County, North Carolina; was related to Colonel Washington DUKE and the other DUKES of that family of that state and Virginia. Hindman feels his loss. Things have never gone well since. The S school so flourishing under him, languishes now. This place was placed under Brother PEEPLES call this year but he has found it, impossible to get here, at least he has not attended to it so that things have greatly gone down. How sad it is to see it thus. I preached in the afternoon and Brother WRIGHT at night. The people attended but not in large numbers. I find some (Page 2822) good faithful souls here, women. Women are the salt of the earth. The men seem to have fallen away without experience yet Payton DUKE remained faithful under all circumstances.  He was a true Isrealite, guileless and earnest. Brother WRIGHT proposed this afternoon that he would go to Whitesburg Monday and leave me in Hindman till his return. This was the very proposition that I intended to make so we are agreed. I will preach till he returns Wednesday night then we will go on to Hazard.

June 26, 1899, Monday, Hindman, Knott County, Key.

     Brother WRIGHT started early this morning for Whitesburg, 27 miles distance. I preached at 3 p.m. and at night. I have visited a number of families today. We held 3 services Sunday the 25^th.

June 27, 1899, Tuesday, Hindman, Key.

     Just as I was closing my service this afternoon Brother WRIGHT came into the church. He stayed at Whitesburg at Brother FARVER’s preached and started home this morning. He says 1/3 of the population is Methodist---7 families our of 21. (Page 2823) He reports there are no Presbyterians though they have a church building and a school in it, or did have. He could not tell whether they had a school last year or not. Miss Fannie FARLEE of Danville has been teaching there one or two years and she urged him to go there. We have abandoned the place though we have a church lot for which we paid $400. Brother WRIGHT says there are 15 girls who are Methodists or in Methodist families. I feel sure he could tell but little about matters in so short a stay. One must know these mountains before he can judge accurately. I almost whish I had gone so I could have seen with my own eyes.

June 28, 1899, Wednesday, Hindman, Key.

     Brother WRIGHT preached afternoon and night. At the afternoon service I a made a talk something like this; “You say you are tired of “boys” as pastors and that you want a man of experience, that we have imposed upon you in sending “boys” to learn on us, and that as soon as they get so they can preach we (Page 2824) take them to the “Blue Grass.” Now you are not prepared to take care of a marred man. Therefore, we do not send them to you. We have no single men of experience except myself and the way for you to get the kind of man you want is to build a parsonage. You would be shocked if we were to send a man of family to you now. You would think we had lost our wits. Our men go where they are sent but we  never send a man where it is impossible for him to live. We would not dare send a man here without a house being first provided for him. If you want an experienced man, build him a house. I talked the matter on the street. The first man I mentioned it to, J.W. LINCKS, said, I will give $20.” The next one said, “I will give $50.” All agreed that they could build the house if a lot could be secured. As we went to (Page 2825) the night service I told Brother WRIGHT. I told him I have better say in Hindman until Saturday and work up a parsonage and let him go on the Hazard tomorrow (Thursday) and I would meet him in Jackson Saturday night. He consented. Tonight I made a talk on the subject at the close of the service and announced meetings Thursday and for Friday.

June 27, 1899, Thursday, Hindman, Key.

     This morning I drew up a subscription paper and got a $100 from five men. $20 each and one $10. I then began to hunt for a lot. I tramped up and down the creek but was like Noah’s done. Certainly there is not a parallel to this town in America. The mountains came almost to the water’s edge. There is one lot a I would be willing to build on and only one, or rather two together and Professor CLARK wants one of these. It will cost 43 a front foot, 200 foot deep. It would require 100 feet to make a suitable lot. Here would be a yard, a garden, and a stable that would be reached with a wagon. Considerable grading would be necessary. (Page 2826) I am very tried tonight. Had not afternoon service but had a good house at night. There has been quite a warming up with some and have been helped. O that some man of God were hear to lead this people. They are truly sheep without a shepherd. There are 60 members living here. Sister William DUKES keeps up the prayer meeting. She can hardly read, but she can pray like a prophet.

June 28, 1899, Friday, Hindman, Key.

     I had a good service tonight. God gave me liberty and I preached on Christian courage from, “none of these things move me.” I have $200 of good reliable subscriptions. There are four men not here that many think will give $25 each. I believe I could get $150 more subscribed at least and building the parsonage others would help enough to make up the loss on the $400 subscription. I feel sure a good energetic business man could build a nice house here. I mean to try to get a married man sent here next year and give this work (Page 2827) over to him. He can preach semi-monthly here and monthly at Hazard and Whitesburg or some other plan may be formed. Really he ought to work Knott County, Vest or Ball and a point on Carr should be occupied. The country needs the labors of a Methodist minister. It is our duty to send him. Souls are perishing that have a claim on us for salvation. Why should we leave them to perish? May God open the eyes of authorities to see work as he sees it.

June 29, 1899, Saturday, J.M. SNOWDEN’s

     I left Hindman early this morning. At Vest I got $25 more subscribed to the parsonage, Tom GIBSON $10, Lige HICKS $10, and John MARTIN $5. I dined at James HAY’s and reached here about sundown, 2 ½ miles from town. It is 40 miles from Hindman to Jackson. I boarded with Mr. SNOWDEN eight years and his family feels very near to me. He has been an invalid for 8 years but is better now. He has spent his living, $5,000 in that time.

July 2, 1899, Sunday, Jackson, Key.

     I got into s school with Lizzie SNOWDEN (Page 2828) this morning. Found Brother WRIGHT here, he stayed at Hazard only one night and came here Friday. Brother BARKER left Friday and Brother WRIGHT preached Friday and Saturday nights. I preached in the afternoon and he at night. Professor C.A. LOGAN was installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church at 11 o’clock and we adjourned and worshipped with him. It was the first installation service I ever attended. Reverend C.T. THOMPSON preached the sermon and propounded the questions; Reverend Mr. SHEWMAKER delivered the charge to the pastor and Reverend Mr. IRVINE to the church, Professor LOGAN was only a licentiate and was ordained also. Each did his part well. The house was comfortably fitted. When the congregation voted by raising hands there were no over a half dozen hands raised. The town is in a fearful state morally. The law is not enforced. Immorality runs riot. There is very little interest taken in church work. May God hear the prayers that have gone up for this town. I find a few faithful souls.

     The town is very prosperous financially. A number of the buildings are going up (Page 2829) trade is good, population is increasing. A new railroad is to be built from here to Morgan County. Channel coal mine 27 miles distance. The school is prosperous. “Every prospect pleases and only man is vile.” Our pastor Brother PEEPLES, is industrious and religious.

July 3, 1899, Monday, Jackson, Key.

     I preached at 3 p.m. and Brother WRIGHT at night. No, he preached both times. The meeting closed tonight. I looked after my business and made some calls today. Am stopping at Mr. THOMAS; in the house where I slept for 8 years. I stayed at Professor GOFF’s last night by special invitation of his wife, dined at Brother PEEPLES yesterday and today. Brother WRIGHT is staying at Brother PEEPLES at the parsonage. By the way we have a beautiful parsonage worth $1,000. It is completed and paid for. Mrs. A.H. HARGIS has been the chief promoter of the enterprise. It is the intention of the church to put in the heavy furniture. This is certainly progress. Well, I have finished my work and tomorrow I turn my steps homeward. (Page 2830) To do the rest requires 25 miles buggy ride to Hazel Green and a ride of some kind 20 miles to Torrent McCausey. Brother WRIGHT will go to Beattyville tomorrow afternoon and remain 20 hours, then perhaps stop at Clay City overnight.

July 4, 1899, Tuesday, Hazel Green, Key.

     I spent the glorious 4^th climbing the mountains and creeping through the valleys of Breathitt and Wolfe Counties. Took dinner at William DAY’s and am here at Mr. Willie SWANGO’s one mile from Hazel Green with Brother LEE and wife. He and Brother RAGAN are holding a meeting at Rose’s School House three miles from town and have no night meetings. The weather has been pleasant today so that my horse could travel and I am not tired. The associations are delightful and mine is a goodly heritage. I lack $2 of have enough money to take me home but Brother LEE has it and Brother RAGAN will refund it to him according to our contract. I go tomorrow to McCausey on Brother ALEXANDER’s wagon, so everything is arranged by the great mind who disposes all events to me. His promise cannot fail (Page 2831) I feel daily that His promise is mine and He is keeping it. The last six weeks of travel is just that much more than I had a right to expect. Praise God.

July 5, 1899, Mt. Sterling, Key., John BURTON’s

     June 13^th left this town for Hazel Green and I have just returned. For more than 3 weeks I have been going over the ground where nearly 17 years ago I began my labors in the mountains. These have been eventful years to those regions, “Behold what God has wrought.” For 8 years I passed through this town and Hazel Green to Jackson. In that time there has been great improvement in architecture, school houses, farms and stock. There is much more paint, more land cleared, more people, more musical instruments, more books, more of everything that goes to make up a civilization. Jackson had grown from 16 residences to 1600 population. The Hazel Green, Jackson and Hindman schools have been established and have done a mighty work, many churches have been built, many men have made fortunes, a generation of people have (Page 2832) grown up and the possibilities of these counties have been demonstrated. To have had a humble part in this great work is a great privilege. To Him who chose me for it be all praised forever!

July 6, 1899, Thursday, Jonathan McNEIL’s, near East Bernstadt

     I left Mt. Sterling at 9:40 a.m. had an interesting talk with Judge Michael CASSIDY, on train. He is an old Fleming County man living for years in Mt. Sterling.

     At Winchester I attended to some important business at the Winchester Bank, met a number of old acquaintances and came on to this place. I find my more __________ in good condition and the folks in a good humor. Elder Garratt COMBS, now of Morehead, formerly of Ezel and Owsley County in holding a meeting in the Presbyterian Church here. He is a strong Cambellite. I suppose his purpose is to organize a church here. O the multiplying of churches in these villages! And it does not seem to make them better. This place a few years ago was in a blaze of revival fire. Now it is so cold that it is hard to keep a prayer meeting. (Page 2833) The thorny ground hearers soon perish and only the good seed abides.

July 7, 1899, Friday, G.S. WYATT’s

     Left Mr. McNEIL’s this morning, got a shoe put on my horse at East Bernstadt, took dinner at Captain BRYANT’s and after calling at J.H. BALES, and the DOANS’ I arrived here about sundown, alright.

July 8, 1899, James WYATT’s

     I preached at John WYATT’s this morning to a small audience. Dined at the house and came here late this afternoon. George WYATT, Jr. son of James WYATT has just returned from Oregon where he went about 3 months ago to herd sheep. He became first very homesick then seriously ill and his brother-in-law, Fred McCARTY, brought him home He could not stand the isolation of a sheep herder. He thinks that the most lonesome and degrading life one can live. The men, after a few years, lose all interest in society or the business of the world. He was anxious to get money to buy a farm and he thought that was the way to do it. He is delighted to get home (Page 2834) and will likely never leave this state again as long as he lives.

July 9, 1899, Sunday, Reuben BAILEY’s

     I preached this morning at John WYATT’s and meant to at Brother BAILEY’s but he didn’t get my letter so no announcement was made. I went to Billy WYATT’s to dinner and in the afternoon to see old Mr. Billy LLOYD who thinks he will die. Brother Reuben BAILEY has joined the Campbellites again. He used to be a Campbellite preacher. He thinks they will build a church on his farm.

July 10, 1899, Monday, J.H. BALES’

     I dined at Joseph DOAN’s today. Called at Wade WYATT’s this morning. Brother DOAN is in a great way about going to Indiana to live. He has six sons and a daughter. Babe. His brother, Ed TILLY and his uncle _________ HICKEY talk of going with him. They think they can get better society for their children and employment as well. This is a hard country in which to make a living. Yet four people live here with not much labor, bi it is very poor (Page 2835) living. Praise God I am very happy in trying to lead them to heaven, a “better country.”

July 11, 1899, Joesph RIGGS, near Benge

     Dined at Marion BAILEY’s, he is chairman of the Board of Trustees. He says he is ready to open up the Wyatt School house for preaching. Praise the Lord! I have written to Brother A.P. JONES of Mt. Carmel to come and help me hold a meeting in it. He was appointed by the Bishop to hold special services with me during the year. The moral desolation of this country is terrible and I am having no success in improving it. I do pay God to come down and give us help. His spirit is our only hope. He has done great things here in other days. Why not now? Surely if my faith were strong God would give success to His work. He has promised it, O give me grade to trust thee O Lord. I love thee, I love thee soul, I am ready to die for them wilt thou save them! Uncover they arm and show thy power. Give us church buildings at Wyatt’s (Page 2836) and Benge. Let souls be saved, believers be strengthened and built up an perfected in love. These blessings we ask for Jesus’ sake.

July 13, 1899, Thursday, Burning Springs

     Came here this morning from Brother RIGGS’. The people have been much excited for the last two days over the question of the location of the proposed Baptist school or rather over the removal of it from this place.

     Messers BURNS and BAKER, the teachers of last term, have been endeavoring to remove it to Oneida, at the mouth of Red Bird. Reverend PERRYMAN of Middlesboro and NOWLIN of Lexington, pastors and members of the State Board of Education arrived here Tuesday, 11^th inst. sent by the Board to adjust the difference between the warring factions and report. They have proposed the following compromise. That the Board of Trustees elect BURNS, BAKER, and Mrs. SMITH and CAUDILL teachers and that BURNS and BAKER become amenable to the state board for their doctrines. That the state board appoint (Page 2837) twelve trustees to cooperate with the present and that the state board locate the school according to the recommendation of PERRYMAN and NOWLIN. These men were BURNS and BAKER, BRANDENBURG and DUFFER two young Baptist ministers, PARSONS Chairman of the Board of Trustees, William CAUDILL and others went to Oneida to look at the site and the other inducements to locate the school at that place. They returned at noon and the decision is that the school will be at Burning Springs at least that will be their recommendation. The tension has relaxed very greatly. The people have felt that the contract of the school will go largely into the hands of Blue Grass men and that will bring money; that BURNS and BAKER will be such a great weight to the school that they cannot carry them so that their continuation is only a matter of time. All breath free after a year of anxiety and five months of war or distraction.

     I gave out this morning that I would (Page 2838) preach tonight but James McDANIEL put a lock on the schoolroom door this afternoon and prevented me. He is a bad man who owns $10 worth of stock in the building and is angry because the Mormons were not allowed to preach in it. He said he wanted to shut the __________ Methodist out. I have been urging the people to build a Methodist church which I proposed last fall, and for which we have a subscription, now that the location and the success of the school seems assured, but they are sluggish.

July 14, 1899, Friday, Judge WHITE’s Manchester

     I left Burning Springs this morning for Manchester got my mail and looked over it, at the hotel where I board. Found a letter from New York Life Company giving the options on my $3,000 tontine policy. They are five in number. First, $90---per 1000 cash equals $2,844---Second, annuity of $240.92; Third, $3,000 paid up policy, and about $11 cash dividends, Fourth, $5,000 paid (Page 2839) up policy, Fifth, ___________. I have till November 1^st to decide. I feel very grateful to God for enabling me to make this provision for my declining years. The annuity would protect me from want. I asked God to take charge of it and administer it, according to his will. It is His not mine. I find the people here have been a great deal perplexed by my unaccounted for absence of six weeks. I find s school running with Mr. Lloyd WALKER, superintendent. There has been but little preaching since I have been gone, no night preaching. The killing of Tom BAKER and the subdued excitement resulting there from has absorbed the entire attention of the people. The WHITEs are in power and everything goes on without opposition. Their friends are protected and their enemies keep quiet. But no one would be surprised at an outbreak at any time. Either side is liable to waylay and kill the (Page 2840) other.

July 16, 1899, Sunday, Manchester

     I went to Mr. William HORTON’s or M.C. HORTON’s, his father, yesterday morning and stayed till this morning, the weather very hot and the earth very dry.

     There is a drought all over the Blue Grass and mountains. Corn and vegetables poor, oats and meadows fair. I preached this morning here on, “I am crucified with Christ” and “God forbid that I should glory save in the cross of the Lord, Jesus Christ.” Had about 30 or 40 hearers. This afternoon Miss MERKER of Louisville made a talk in the Christian Church on, “Traveling Libraries.” She represented the Louisville Woman’s Club who wishes to put a free library in Manchester as they have done in 25 Kentucky Counties. They have given a library a certain period then exchanged with some other county. Even the transportation is free. Mr. W.D. TANNER has agreed to loan the books. Tonight we have a fine rain which came up about dark. So we have (Page 2841) had no service.

July 17, 1899, Monday, Manchester, Key.

     Teacher’s Institute met today, Mr. W.B. JONES of Laurel County, conductor. Professors LEWIS and CARNAHAN of Sue BENNETT Memorial are here. He started off well. He is a fine man, is commandant at State College and assistant professor of mathematics. Miss MERKER of Louisville said in the Institute that she visited a school house in the neighborhood, last week, and the teachers was using A B C method. She had heard Dr. HARRIS, now U.S Commissioner, 25 years ago, say that the word method was the best.

     Professor CARNAHAN, Professor JONES, and Dr. PHILLIPS, county superintendent, assure her that the case was the exception and not the rule. There is no doubt that the quality of teaching done now is far in advance of ten years ago, though there is still so much to deplore I see at every gathering of teachers evidence of progress. The work will not decline. Revolutions take no step backward. I rejoice to note the progress going on in our mountains along so (Page 2842) many lines.

Bloody Tragedy, July 17^th

     This morning on Hooker Branch, near Henry MARCUM’s, about 4 or 5 miles from Manchester tow men were killed, two mortally wounded, a fifth perhaps morally wounded, and a sixth with two flesh wounds in a lower limb. There were 8 men in the fight and 6 of them were either killed or wounded. It was done in the presence of Wash THACKER, deputy sheriff. He met the PHILPOTs and FISHERs on the highway going to Red Bird to a log (rolling) armed with their Winchesters. He had a bench warrant for Bob PHILPOT who surrendered and was giving bond, at the roadside, when Aaron MORRIS and two GRIFFINs came along and began firing on the PHILPOTs and FISHERs. The doctor says the ground where they fell looks like a slaughter pen. It is sad that such things are possible. This is the fruits of a fight last winter a year ago in Beatty’s (Page 2843) Distillery in which two men were killed, Bundy and Jim CROW PHILPOT. Whiskey has don it all.

July 18, 1899, Tuesday, Robert CARNAHAN’s

     I have been in the Institute all day. Came here two miles from town after the Institute closed. The exercise were quite interesting today. Mr. M.B. JONES, the instructor, presented the subject of psychology within the comprehension of the teachers and it will stimulate them to study the subject, I think. Professor LEWIS of Sue BENNETT Memorial delivered a strong address this afternoon. Professor CARNAHAN was with him and gave some good talks. Miss MERKER of Louisville talked to the Institute today on “Traveling Libraries.” The Women’s Club of Louisville proposes to put a free circulating library in Mr. W.D. TANNER’s store for the use of the county. The teachers and citizens present voted on my motion to request the library sent and all supported the proposition. Professor LEWIS and CARNAHAN started fro Booneville this afternoon.

July 20, 1899, Robert CARNAHAN’s, near Manchester

     (Page 2844) Last Tuesday Erin MORRIS, Harvey GRIFFIN, and Hugh GRIFFIN were buried in one grave near Manchester at Roark’s Graveyard and decomposition was so far advanced that they could not be taken so far. Ed FISHER died Tuesday and was buried Wednesday. Bob PHILPOT who was shot through the body it is thought will recover. The others who were wounded, Green GRIFFIN, George PHILPOT are only slightly wounded. Pete PHILPOT was the only one in the fight unhurt and he did most of the executions. He had a Winchester 15 shooter. Hugh GRIFFIN ran a half mile holding his bowels in with his hands. It was the bloodiest fight in the history of Clay County. Both parties fought with desperation. It was a battle for life. They were in close contact and it was to be settled by the deadly Colt and Winchester. George PHILPOT, father of Bob and Pete, had been in two other fights, the one at Pigeon Roost seven or eight years ago was a bloody one. He is a cool headed man 50 years (Page 2845) old, strong in body as are all the PHILPOTs. He took command of the fight and gave direction all through it. He would call out to Pete when he saw danger to his life and so of the rest. He himself fell behind a log and one of the GRIFFINS on the other side. In this position they fired at each other till PHILPOT blew his brains out. He says that this last act gave him great relief. It is told that he made at GRIFFIN’s throat with a large knife after this and Deputy Sheriff, G. Washington THACKER, told him not to do that as he was dead. Ed FISHER’s mother was a PHILPOT, his father is a Baptist preacher. They live in the same neighborhood. Pete and Bob PHILPOT were starting to Red Bird to join Tim PHILPOT and sons in logging. George PHILPOT and Ed FISHER were going to work somewhere near where the fight occurred. They had a wagon load of corn taking it to Red Bird for the mules with which they were logging. Reverend Jack GARLAND (Page 2846) conducted religion exercises over Ed FISHER’s body on Wednesday. There are about 25 PHILPOTs old enough to fight. They boast they never let a man escape who injuries one of their clan. Yet they are quiet law abiding people, and do not provoke attack. The fight between William BUNDY and Jim Crow PHILPOT in which Jim Crow was killed Christmas day 1897 was brought on by BUNDY who fired the first shot without provocation. Both were drunk and at a saloon. BUNDY testified before his death that he killed PHILPOT. PHILPOT killed BUNDY and Erin MORRIS, BUNDY’s brother-in-law killed PHILPOT. Reliable witnesses declare that MORRIS killed PHILPOT. MORRIS declared this after he was acquitted on BUNDY’s dying testimony. At his first trial, Judge CLARK ruled BUNDY’s testimony out and PHILPOT was convicted and sent up for 21 years. But the Court of Appeals reversed the lower court on the ruling out of BUNDY’s testimony. At the next trial he was acquitted. Since that MORRIS has (Page 2847) been foolishly threatening the PHILPOTs and they have been on guard. This fight settles the question as the friends of the GRIFFINs are not likely to renew the conflict. MORRIS was a bad man and loved to fight. He expected to move to Jackson County the week he was killed where his father lives. I have been living in Clay County since October 1, 1897, and during that time 17 men have been killed by their enemies. A young man named HAYES was found dead at the mouth of Stone Creek near Manchester returning from Berea. His pistol lay beside him. They were both at a spring where it is supposed he had stooped down to drink and his pistol fell from his pocket and went off and killed him. Dick LOVEUS, a desperado, was found dead about two weeks ago but as there were no marks of violence on his person it is thought he died of heart failure.

     He was drinking and carousing the day before. These are not included in the 17. A landslide last winter killed (Page 2848) three persons on Red Bird. There may be others killed purposely and by accident I never heard then. The GRIFFIN-PHILPOT battle had no connection with the BAKER-HOWARD-WHITE feud. The PHILPOTS are friends to the BAKERs but have taken no part with them. George PHILPOT was defeated by B.R. WHITE Jr. for the nomination for sheriff in the last election—1897, which caused some feeling between the two clans especially because PHILPOTs supported Gilbert GARRARD against WHITE at the November election. The WHITEs considered it bad faith to go into a primary and then bolt the nominee and this was especially aggravating to the WHITEs since the GARRARDs have supported the PHILPOTs in the primary although the GARRARDs were Democrats. So politics have had much to do with the troubles in Clay County for 50 years. The future is concealed; but it will doubtless be bloody.

July 23, 1899, Monday, G.S. WYATT’s

     I preached at Benge Sunday morning on (Page 2849) missions, took a collection and got 75 cents, pledged. I also preached in the afternoon at the same place. It looks like the church building enterprise must still rest. No place can be gotten to build. Brother RIGGS is hauling his popular logs to the mill and having them sawed which were intended for the church. The pine logs cut by Brother BURGHER have rotted. Miss E. Jane BENGE is responsible for this. She had the land and will neither give it nor sell it, except with a clause which we cannot accept. She is estimated to be worth $25,000 has many mortgages for money loaned. She is a member of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church but a slave to money getting. Thirteen years ago she throttled a church enterprise projected by Brother BLACKBURN and others of her own church. She killed it by refusing a deed to the property that they could accept and withholding her support officially. If she gets a reward according to her works it will be a sad ending to what might have (Page 2850) been a useful life. The church enterprise here Ianquishes. Johnny WYATT is the only man who seems to care whether or not we have a church. Joseph DOAN, who subscribed $25 says he is going to Indiana in September. G.S. WYATT who subscribed $50 will not talk about it and tells others that he will have but little to do with the enterprise. Brother Reubin BAILEY has joined the Campbellites and says he  is going  to build a Campbellite Church on his farm. The rest are indifferent. Miss Sarah WYATT at east Bernstadt says, “Go on,” “The church must be built.” She proposes to help liberally. I hesitatebto startb the building when  I do not know this week. If we will be here next year to complete it. It is hard to tell what to do but I suppose we will begin work this week. If we had the shingles provided for I could see better how to get through. We have lumber for floor and wainscoting and the frame. If we had the shingles we could get the siding and that would give us (Page 2851) a shelter. I pray for God’s guidance in the matter. I want to please him.

July 29, 1899, The. HIBBARD, Crawford, P.O.

This morning I went to church at New Salem, a United Baptist Church, Reverend Alex PROFITT pastor, Reverend BRUNER was to preach. Tomorrow is a fifth Sunday, and as I have no regular appointment and designed to be in this neighborhood at this meeting is a funeral meeting---was announced, I made my arrangement to attend today and tomorrow. When I attended I took a seat well to the front. Brother PROFITT whom I met last spring at the working wedding at HIBBARD’s came to me and invited me into the pulpit—on to the platform. Beside him sat Brother Pleas JOHNSON, father-in-law Brother BRUNER, and his brother “Greasy” Hiram JOHNSON, both old men. I declined preferring to sit with the congregation. Later Brother BRUNER came and Brother PROFIT brought him to me and introduced him to me. He asked me to take part in the services by giving a talk one of the brethren would “introduce.” This consists of reading a chapter with a general talk, singing a hymn and prayer. Brother PROFIT conducted (Page 2852) this part of the service. During the offering of the prayer which was win a high tone of voice---he would elevate it to the highest pitch in his power and speak with all the force of his lungs. As soon as he said Amen before we had risen from our knees Brother BRUNER said--- “Brother DICKEY go on.” There were 40 or persons scattered over the house, men, women and many children---4 or 5 babies. The men were nearly all in their shirtsleeves, they were very plain people. Brother Pleas JOHNSON has a _____ just between his shoulders at the base of his neck as large as the head of a child two years old. All the preachers were coatless and the day was so very hot and sultry that I was strongly tempted to “draw my coat.” I expressed my pleasure at being present and thanked the brethren for their kind atonement of Christ was for all, or are very severe on the Hard Shells but they are strongly anti-missionary. I thought I would through a little light on the subject of missions, but I must sugar---coat the pill in order that they might be induced to swallow it. (Page 2853) I eulogized the Bible shoeing that it gave the highest civilization; compared the civilization of America in Europe with those of Asia and Africa and attributed the difference to the Bible. I then followed the spread of the gospel from Pentecost through the House of Cornelius, the persecutions of Jerusalem and the consequent scattering of the Christians, the sending our of Paul and Barnabas as missionaries though I dared not use that word---their wonderful success, Paul called over into Europe. The planting of the gospel there. Paul’s learning and greatness how he received the gospel through his missionary labors and efforts, how the Apostles visited all parts of the world and even in their times the gospel reached the centers of population in all lands. I then told them of a book I had been reading this week which read very much like the “Acts of the Apostles” and gave them Adoniram JUDSON’s life and success of the gospel in Burma under (Page 2854) the Baptist and the Methodist in the Fiji Islands. In all of this I did not use the word “missionary.” Brother BRUNER followed me. He said he had never before heard a learned man preach a strait gospel. I can not give his words exactly but this is almost verbatim. He said he would take the same text as he thought I had sense enough not to be offended as some men who got as mad as a puppy that had had hot water thrown upon him. I wished that a shorthand reporter could have taken his sermon. It was delivered in what is know as the Hard Shell fashion. The mountain preachers of all dominations preach that way, that is the resident preachers particularly all the Baptist and Campbellites. Brother BRUNER is a slender, feeble man about 45 and has recently been sick or “pinying “ around as the word goes and was hardly able to preach. One reason he gave for asking me to preach was his delicate condition but 90 minutes or 2 hours he hallowed at the top of his voice, using great exertion, rolling (Page 2855) up his eyes, spitting, “milking his ear”---a fashion among Baptists or mountain preachers of fixing the index finger in the ear in their great exertions.

     He said the commission was “go.” He said one reason he was slow about sending preachers there was so many of the devils preachers abroad he was especially afraid of the preacher who had the “pocket---book” devil. He said he would begin with the first man who ever looked through the tube of prophecy upon the glories of the new dispensation and that was John the Baptist . He said when Elizabeth and Mary met they talked of their travails, “I believe in experimental religion,” he said at this juncture. He said the Apostle Peter was Hard Shell, because he though salvation was for only a certain number, viz. the Jew and that the vision on Joppa was to knock the Hard Shell out of him. (I had referred to it designing to show the Bible authority for missionaries.) He referred to the high collared preachers that cared more for the (Page 2856) fleece than the flock and emphasized a God-called and God-qualified ministry. In closing he said “You all know me, you can’t say I ever cheated one of you our of a nickel, you can’t say that I ever carried a black bottle, you can’t say that calico ever got me down.” I wish I could give some faint idea of the quaintness of his speech of the picturesqueness of his appearance in the pulpit, of the contortions of his face and the labored movements of his arms. It was a scene worthy of poet or painter. His whole soul seemed moved. His eyes rolled in their sockets and sometimes looked as though they would be forced from their places. There was but little continuity in his discourse though he was endeavoring to teach some truth which he seemed to think had connection remotely with the text. He made many hits at the “devil’s preachers.” After exhorting backsliders and inviting them forward for prayer and confession, he opened the doors of the church. He then called on Brother Hiram JOHNSON to pray, he, Brother (Page 2857) BRUNER apologized for going to the window during the prayer, said he was about to faint being overcome with heat. He then asked for a song and for a handshake. The first to take his hand was old Sister Eliza VAUGHAN who has kept a house of ill-fame for 20 years. Almost everybody in the house came forward and shook his hand and mine and the other preachers. Appointments were then called for and announced. Our quarterly meeting second Saturday and Sunday in August. Brother The. HUBBARD had heard that I was at church and expected to come to his house, so after eating his dinner he came to the church a mile away and participated in the last hour of the service. He was then to take me home with him. I looked at my watch and found it was 2 p.m. We had commenced at 11 a.m. Tomorrow there will be hundreds present and several sermons. They are to begin at 10 a.m. The third Sunday in August will be their annual sacramental meeting. (Page 2858) Foot washing will be attended after the eating of the supper. Thus in their simplicity these people worship God. There is nothing of pomp or pride. No broad phylacteries adorn their garments. As they see the truth they preach it. In referring to the baptism of Jesus, Brotehr BRUNER said, “Here is a chance to funeralize.”

July 30, 1899, Mrs. HIBBARD’s (Wyatt’s)

     I traded horses with C.O. HIBBARD yesterday afternoon and got his subscription to the Central Methodist and sold him the Central premium Bible, both for $2. Today I attended church again at New Salem. Brother PROFIT was praying at the top of his voice when I arrived. Brother GARLAND began just as I entered the house. It was raining during the service which fact added much to the decorum of the house. Brother GARRARD is a leading minister in his denomination in these parts. He is a magistrate of Clay County and a man of more than ordinary force of character. He was plainly dressed, with no coat of collar, and (Page 2859) deliberate in manner. He made some introductory remarks as Baptist preachers in the mountains always do. He said the object of this meeting was to funeralize the dead, a manmade custom, perhaps, but proper enough. The occasion was the funeral of Henry JOHNSON and tow of his infant children. He died in April 1896, the children died 12 or 15 years ago, perhaps longer. The deaths of these were referred to by all three of the ministries as though they had died within the last month. Brother GARLAND’s text was 1 John 4:14, “And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.” He said the text might seem to be inappropriate for funeralizing but thought that the sermon would be fitting. He said “we” in the text meant more than one, all the Apostles. The world meant the people are on the earth. He labored to establish a universal atonement in opposition to a partial atonement. He frequently asked the question, “Have you ever thought of that before?” (Page 2860) “Perhaps you have overslid that in reading the Bible.” He had occasion to say, “If you put may for shall in the Bible you can’t prove nothing.” He told sinners “not to trust maybes as they fly only one time in the year.” His sermon was in the main orthodox, though he tried to fight missionaries. I could see no connections between his scripture quotations and the missionary movement. He was for salvation for all through faith and repentance. He made some reference to the theory that the gospel preached to the heathens increased their condemnation and was the occasion of their destruction, combating the idea. He was not clear on the relation of heathen to salvation, yet, he evidently opposed mission work. I think he could be taught the truth on this point, though he is a great “fighter.” After him come Reverend Harrison REAMS. He is about 35 years of age. He wore a coat. He talked about 25 minutes, Brother GARLAND about an hour, Brother Henry BRUNER then took the floor. (Page 2861) He is a typical mountain preacher. His address would make wonderfully interesting reading. He throws words together very fluently but usually there seems to be no clear idea communicated. His style is indescribable. His whole discourse was designed to arouse the sympathy of the hearers, especially the friends of the deceased. He described vividly the scene of Henry JOHNSON’s joining the church, his backsliding-drinking –which he attributed to his being unwilling to obey God’s call to him to preach the gospel. He was intimate with him, had from his own lips these acknowledgements. For several months he walked orderly but again took a drink but on his dying bed he found peace. Though he had been dead 3 years the speaker was able to incite a large part of the audience to tears. The whole narrative so vividly related was spoken in the “holy tone” at the top of his voice with exciting efforts. His voice would almost faint away at times. He shook hands with me during this part of (Page 2862) the discourse and his hand was cold and clammy. He said, “I am a square man. It takes me half and hour to get started and half an hour to stop after I get it done.” He upbraided the brethren for not caring for the widows and orphans of the congregation. He warned Henry JOHNSON’s recklessness to repent and turn to God. Henry was a son of “Greasy” ________. His father was present and wept freely throughout these toughing recitals. At length an invitation hymn was sung, Brother PROFIT offered one of his “high toned” prayers. Then a hymn for “shaking hands” during which a shout was raised by a sister, near the stand, who sank down in her seat and was fanned by the sisters. Then came the announcement; several funerals were announced, with sacramental meeting; I announced among them our quarterly meeting; then the opening of the district school was announce; the clearing out of the Wyatt graveyard, for tomorrow and a call for 25 cts. To buy wine for the sacramental meeting at that church at the August meeting. At last the benediction (Page 2863) came. Then the old women began to lite their pipes and two sisters opened up some baskets of lunch for the preachers of which I partook freely with the rest. I am told it is customary to have lunch for the preachers. Mrs. PHILLIPS who lives two or three miles away had lunch outside of the house to which I was invited also. The family walked and they thought it too much to stay till 2 p.m. and then walk home without lunch. The “devil” preachers came in for their share during the sermon and especially the “pocket-book devil.” He always gets notice.

     In all these sermons and in most sermon of the Baptist preachers, they upbraid the “money hunters,” services. They talk of a “god-called” ministry as the only true ministers of the gospel. I perceive that they think that no man is called of God who receives money for his services. OR who is educated for the ministry. They call them men-made preachers. Again they (Page 2864) refer to all persons who differ from them in the interpretation of the scriptures as “those who will not have the Bible.” Their opposition to missionaries is on the ground “that man wants to help God do his work when God has no use for his services.” With such statements they fill the minds of the people with prejudice. The ignorance of this country along this line is fearful. The things here noticed are the burden of their preaching. Surely here is need of much literature to be scattered among the people, including these preachers.

August 3, 1899, Thursday, G.S. WYATT’s

     I attended two burials today at Wyatt’s---Graveyard. They occurred at the same hour. This brought together perhaps 150 people, regular mountaineers. There were not a half dozen persons with coats on. Brother GARLAND wore a coat and officiated conducting a very appropriate service under the shade of some cedar trees just after the corpses had been exhibited, a very repulsive sight. He made some fitting remarks, sang a hymn and prayed. Of  (Page 2865) under a year, there will be elaborate funerals for them. One was a husband and father “Nicker” BOWLING; the other a wife and mother, sister of Brother PROFIT, our Baptist preacher friend who was present in his shirt sleeves. He was at the graveyard last Monday when 28 persons, men and women, cleaned up the graveyard, barefoot and with his one suspender (gallows). A large number of children were at the burying, babies abounded. Whole families were there, large ones too. The time of waiting for the finishing of the graves was spent in conversing as they gathered in groups.

     I have been sawing shingle timber this week for the church. The people are so very indifferent to the enterprise, it looks like a fool hardy feat to undertake it. Nothing moves except at my urgent solicitation. I think I never saw greater indifference where people have known anything of the benefits of an object but this evidence of the great need of the church and I am pushing as hard as one can where there is such apathy. (Page 2866) I have been in the woods of three days and we have about 3,000 sawed, that is the blocks sawed. Brother G.S. WYATT has a shingle mill here for sawing shingles but he is so backslidden and shows such little interest that it is a question as to whether he will saw them or even lend us the mill. In the event we will have to shave them by hand. This would be a very large undertaking with such a lifeless community. But there is nothing left but to go forward and have God to lead. He has always given what was best for me.

August 5, 1899, Saturday, LUCAS Hotel, Manchester, Key.

     I left WYATT’s yesterday afternoon and to Brother Joseph RIGGS’. This afternoon I came here. Manchester is unchanged. It is as quiet and peaceful as any town in the state, to all appearances. It has been so on the surface all the time during the BAKER feudal war; same when troops were here or when there was some denomination of that kind. There has been no fighting in town since the killing of Tom BAKER. Dances occur every few nights. It seems that if it were announced that Gabriel would blow his trumpet at a given date that the (Page 2867) Manchester and Clay County people would announce a dance for the last night. Every event of any importance is celebrated with a dance. Satan seems to have complete control of the WHITE-GARRARD people. They are clever people but they will dance, dance, dance. God save this country. It is in an awful state morally.

August 6, 1899, Sunday, Manchester, Key.

     I preached to about 25 people this morning. There was a shower of rain this afternoon but none tonight nor any prospect, but two young men were all that came. I bowed down in the church and asked God most earnestly to show me what he would have me do, as the conference year is about to close and any engagement was about filled. I have been much concerned of late about this question. I do not feel willing to leave this county and yet I can not get a support from both the people here and the conference. I have received but $8 on the mission this year and the conference appropriation will be less than $100. nor is there any prospect (Page 2868) of it getting better from either source. It has looked as though I would be compelled to leave the field but his looks like cowardice and a lack of faith in God. I had not though of any plan by which I could remain until tonight as I prayed. The thought came into my mind while there upon my knees to start a newspaper in Manchester. I could make a living in that way and preach as often a I now do, as often as I am able to preach, once or twice a week. Then I could preach to so many more people through my paper than I could from the pulpit. I can do far more to change this country with my pen than I can from the pulpit because first, I could reach so many more, and second, because my pen seems to have more power than my tongue. I know it is hard work but I can do it better than almost anything else, and I do not mind hard work, if it is only within my power to do it. This country is in a terrible state and needs the press and the school added to the pulpit. These are the great livers of civilization, (Page 2869) I can give the one and by this I may be able to give the other, then we will have all three. I will follow God’s leading. If this is His will I am ready to do it. If He has other work, all well.

August 7, 1899, Monday, Robert CARNAHAN’s

     I have been to Dill. HOLLAN is on Goose Creek today to visit his sick daughter, she is quite ill. She refused to allow me to pray for her recovery. She is weak in body and consequently in mind also. Ate dinner at William HORTON’s, visited town school this afternoon. Green GRIFFIN was tried and acquitted today for being in the GRIFFIN-PHILPOT fight. There is no prospect of further trouble in Clay County as I can discover. It is thought or said a compromise has been proposed by the BAKERs and the WHITEs and HOWARDs are disposed to accept it. It is to cease prosecutings and fightings and live peaceably in the future. This would be well. The Commonwealth could not offer to do this though it could do little without the cooperation of the feudists. The troubles have attracted the attention of the entire country. (Page 2870) Editorials have appeared in all the papers in the nation commenting on Kentucky’s out lawry. I pray God to use me to change the state of things here.

August 11, 1899, Joesph DOAN’s, Friday

     I have put in this day in getting the key to the WYATT’s school house. The trustees were scattered and I had to hunt them up and get their signature to an order to Albert WYATT, teacher, for the key. I got the order and have the key ready for quarterly meeting services, tomorrow. When I cam here last fall feelings ran high and we could not get the use of the house but it has abated and the trustees seemed anxious for us to have it now. I never asked for it till now because I saw this prospect of getting it. This is really the first opportunity I have had to hold a public service this year and this is the last one and quarterly meeting. Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder), arrived yesterday afternoon and is with me. We held services here tonight. Brother RAGAN preached and we had a testimony meeting. I have (Page 2871) done nothing toward the church this week because I have not been well and they were not ready to work. The people are very dull and listless on the subject but they will eventually fall into line behind a persistent leader and build the house.

August 13, 1899, Sunday, Jonathan McNEALL’s

     Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) and I came here this afternoon from Perry REAM’s where we took dinner. We had a fine audience this morning, a good testimony meeting and Brother RAGAN gave us a good sermon. At the close I took the two---collection $6.88; $8.00 was called for. I took occasion to give a short, sharp Bible defense of ministerial support, before taking the collection. The Baptist have preached against ministerial support until many of our people feel no obligation on the subject. I have received but $10.75 all told this year on the mission. I have succeeded in raising nearly $20 for the P.E. (Probationary Elder) The law of the church require a pro rata division of all money collected for the support of the (Page 2872) ministry but he says nothing about that. It is my opinion that the presiding elder of this mountain district could and should do a great deal of teaching on the subject of ministerial support, but it is not done nor has it ever been done since I have been in the mountains. The people are not making progress along this line as they should.

August 16, 1899, Wednesday, East Bernstadt

     I have been kept here this week by indisposition. A disordered stomach has given me some old time experience such as I have not had for three years. I came over with Brother RAGAN at his request and for my pleasure and I expected to go back Monday via London where Professor J.W. CARNAHAN is sick of fever. But so it is that I am kept here, and the Lord’s will is done. He has some good for me in the results as His promise is sure. I have read news of the PICKET-SMITH debate on sanctification since I have been here. PICKETT affirmed that the scriptures teach that sanctification is a work of cleansing (Page 2873) wrought in the soul subsequent to regeneration. SMITH denied. The debate was held in Terrell, Texas, August 31 to September 3, 1896. C.M. CRUMBAUGH, chairman, Reverend H.C. MORRISON, moderator for PICKETT, Reverend HUGHES, moderator for SMITH. Both debates were ministers in the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church, South. PICKETT local, SMITH of the North Texas Conference.

August 18, 1899, G.S. WYATT’s

     I left Mr. McNEAL’s Wednesday late and went to Pittsburg to Reverend ISON’s, pastor M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church South where Brother K. PIKE was holding a meeting or assisting. He is a Godly man, a good preacher, a successful soul winner. I pray God to send him to this work next year for I believe he will succeed here. Thursday I was too much indisposed to go on to London and waited till afternoon, dining at Sister TYREE’s where we had a good social meeting. Seven of praying at the prayer meeting and Sister ISON took a snap at the part of eight, in front of the little miner’s cottage. I came (Page 2874) past London stopping to look up a suit a clothes for conference and came on to Brother Thomas ROACH’s thence this morning to James WYATT’s and here this afternoon. I want to get up the papers for asking the church extension board for help to build the church and when that is done I feel that my work is done at this point. If I get this appropriation it will ensure the building of the house that will be the sum of my work. My God bless the seed that has been sown.

August 20, 1899, LUCAS Hotel, Manchester

     I preached this morning from, “What so ever a man soweth that shall he also reap.” Tonight on, “Awake thou that sleepeth,” had perhaps 30 at each service. Dr. HILL was at both services, the first time he has been to church during the two years. I have preached twice. John WEBB was there in the morning and James SEVIER at night, neither has been to church before since I have been here. Also Dr. CREECH came tonight for the first and his wife twice (Page 2875) when she had only attended two or three times before in two years. I rejoice in these evidences of interest. Mrs. Judge WHITE gave me $10. This is all I have received here except $3 from Dr. MANNING. My hotel bills amount to $10 here. A year ago no one mentioned my return as pastor. This year there is a general desire expressed from my return. Brother RAGAN proposes to cut Manchester off the circuit and put Pittsburg, East Bernstadt, Wyatt’s and Benge together. If I could feel that it is God’s will, I would take Manchester and Clay County without any appropriation from the Mission Board and trust the Lord for my supper. I would delight to do it. I have spent two years here and if I quit now there will be no permanent results. The time will seem to have been wasted. Then to desert Clay County at this juncture looks like cowardice and indifference. I could retain my relation as supernumerary and come here, and, if God leads me to do it, I will come back cheerfully. I have been (Page 2876) much exercised about the next year for some time. Brother RAGAN offers me anything in the London District but I can not get the consent of my mind to leave here. I have tried in vain to get either the Woman’s Home Mission Board and Kentucky Wesleyan Board to establish a school here and I feel tempted or led to open school here January next for the winter term if no one else is willing to do it. Really the pulpit and the press suit me better but I am willing to do anything to save this county.

August 21, 1899, Monday, Manchester, Key.

     I went to the little printing office today and invoiced it. $100 would be a big price for all there is there. Indeed I put it at $87. There is a Liberty Job press 7 x 11 just like the one n the Hustler office, an Army press, just like the one I got form Goff, 140 pounds of long primer, 10 fonts of job type, 2 imposing stones and that is about all. The press prints a 6 column paper, large enough for this place. But there is no business in the office, no ads but (Page 2877) little subscriptioin, no job stock, no nothing. I shrink from the work of soliciting subscription in job work, I thought I would never do it again. Nothing but a call to help this country and lift up this people could induce me to undertake the work again. I reason this way. Could I not do more good writing through week and thus preaching to a larger office than to visit from house to house as I have done for two years! If only knew what God’s was is I would know what to do.

August 22, 1899, Burning Springs, Key.

     I left Manchester at 11 a.m. and came here. I was anxious to know how the Baptist College enterprise was standing. I preached tonight to about 40 persons on, “Awake thou that sleepest.” I find school matters in better condition than for some time. Professor BURNS and Reverend McMURRY have both withdrawn form the enterprise and that rids it of a great load. Their Calvinism was a burden that the people would not bear. The (Page 2878) Trustees have elected a Mr. HOLCOMB of Jackson County principal; Mr. BRANDENBURG is still here and will continue. They hope to get Walter BROCK of London. If the Blue Grass Baptists take hold of the enterprise which they have promised to do---its success is assured. I feel that Burning Springs is to be an important point in Clay County. I regret that the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church is so slow and indifferent to this work. They have an organization and have the people. If they would push their work they could be an important factor in this place in all the future. They ought to do it for Christ’s sake.

August 27, 1899, Sunday, G.S. WYATT’s

     “Whatsoever a man soweth” etc. I preached at Benge this morning to a good audience and at the school house here in the afternoon from “Awake thou that sleepest.” Had profound attention at both services. Also preached to a small but attentive audience at Benge yesterday afternoon. I was greatly depressed this morning over my failure to get a building lot for a church (Page 2879) at Benge and at the thought of going before the Board of Church Extension and telling them to take back the $100 appropriated last year for that purpose. I am not willing to give up the enterprise though the way seems hedged up. I went to YORK’s yesterday and they asked me $200 for an acre of land near Corinth school house. I have tried everybody along the line of road from Dug Hill to James BENGE’s. I told the audience this morning the story of the church building enterprise from the beginning till now. I asked what I should do. Brother RIGG proposed that we try Judge BOLLING who owns land ¾’s of a mile from the school house and a very eligible site. I told the audience that I  would vouch for Judge BOLLING on that proposition that I felt sure he would give us all the land we might want. Brother CORNETT, a Campbellite preacher, present, suggested that all who felt interested and were willing to help build a church on Judge BOLLING’s site to stand. I put the (Page 2880) question and the interested parties arose. I told the audience I would go through London tomorrow and see Judge BOERING and would try to hold the $100 another year and we would not give up the fight. This greatly relieved me. I was in a great agony of prayer last night, and this morning over the matter. I feel that God is leading me and that He mean well. He certainly will give me a church a that point.

     Here Brother George WYATT gave an excellent talk on church on building the church here which I believe will do good. He pledged his unalterable devotion and help to the enterprise and called up on everybody to stand with him in the matter.

     I have been exercised for several month about my work for another year. Brother RAGAN offers me anything in the District but I feel that I must stay with Clay County. I feel that perhaps that the best thing to do would be to consolidate this circuit with Pittsburg and East Bernstadt which Brother RAGAN (Page 2881) proposes to do and put Brother PIKE on it and let me made supernumerary to this Circuit and both of us work it. Let the pay go to Brother PIKE and I will trust the Lord for a living. I feel like proposing this to Brother RAGAN and I believe he will do it. This leaves my mind to rest on the subject. I have received $27.25 on my circuit this year, paid $11 for board.

August 29, 1899, Tuesday, W.J. DORSEY’s, Carlisle, Key.

     I arrived here at 7 this afternoon, have a delightful home with Mr. & Mrs. DORSEY---Willie DORSEY and Mollie ROGERS, they were both my pupils in 1873---76. They have six children the eldest a young lady, Miss Josephine. How time rolls on!!

     I left G.S. WYATT’s Monday morning, dined at Professor LEWIS’ in London and lodged at Pittsburg with Brother ISON, our pastor. I left my horse at Jonathan McNEAL’s at East Bernstadt and at 10:05 a.m. today took train for Carlisle. I visited Sue BENNETT Memorial school grounds in London and went through the Lucinda B. HELM dormitory, now read for (Page 2882) use, Miss HEARN of Tennessee and Miss Florence BENGE are in charge. It has three stories and is well built for the money. The preachers nearly all came in today and are ready for the opening of the conference. Bishop KEY and the present Presiding Elders have been in session today, I am informed. I think that plan is growing into custom, viz. for the cabinet to meet the day before conference. Perhaps it is well. I thank God for His care over me for 17 years since the conference last met here. They have been eventful years in my life.

August 30, 1899, Wednesday, Carlisle, Key.

     Conference met this morning, Bishop KEY in the chair. All the members present but four---that is active members. Bishop and Presiding Elders met Tuesday and made the appointments, so Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder) told me I went before the Bishop tonight and asked him to do all he could for our London District. He said he told Brother RAGAN, P.E. (Probationary Elder), to select his men and he would send them. He asked me to assist Brother RAGAN in choosing proper men for the work. I told him the trouble was support. (Page 2883) He said Methodism was planted over the whole U.S. by men who did not stop for support but were sent out to live with the people and on the people, just as the Mormans are doing today. I saw the first daylight this afternoon on our support for our mountain work, in the “Holston Plan,” presented by Brother COBB representing the Parent Board of Missions who presented the plan to us and to a called meeting of the six Presiding Elders, Missions, S School, and Epworth League Boards at 4:30 in the Methodist Church. It is to make an effort through these four agencies to bring up the missionary collections in full. It originated last year in the Holston Conference and in a trail of it for only two months at the close of the year one or two districts reported full. They expect to bring up Holston Conference full this year, this means much for our mountain district. Praise God for these tokens of His favor.

September 2, 1899, Friday, Carlisle, Key.

     The sessions of the first two days have (Page 2884) been eventful. Especially eventful in investigating charges against ministers, John REEVES for adultery, T.W. BARKER for maladministration and William SHOESMITH for some issues of money. The committees in the two later found no ground for trial. The first recommended for the peace of the church and in the interest of the accused that a trial be had. The case is before a committee. They go to Flemingsburg tomorrow to get evidence as they can not compel the witnesses and they will not come to Carlisle to testify. Our Board of Missions had a session tonight in which our affairs were thoroughly discussed. We have a conference session tomorrow afternoon devoted entirely to the discussion of missions. I feel that we are to have the best awakening we have ever had. The “Holston Idea” will be presented and I feel it will greatly help us.

September 3, 1899, Saturday, Carlisle, Key.

     Bishop KEY gave a unique and most excellent address to the class entering the conference. He thought to united the hearts of the “second blessing” and “anti-second-(Page 2885) blessing” people and I trust that his effort will bring results. After the vote admitting them he said, “Brethren come up and receive these Brethen.” At once they began to come forward and shake hands with the new members. A song was started and the sentiment began to rise and soon tears were flowing and scenes of wonderful interest were enacted. All hearts were moved. Bishop KEY is a grand man, dignified, courteous, considerate, kind, yet firm and just. He has won all hearts.

     John W. MITCHELL asked for a committee to investigate charges preferred by John REEVES.

     Dr. TILLETT made an excellent speech on Christian education. This afternoon we had a session of the conference solely for the consideration of missions. Dr. C.F. REID, formerly of this conference but for 20 years missionary in China and Corea addressed the conference. He said that the Coreans were teachable and very humble. They call the minister, “your Excellency.” They are more easily reached than the (Page 2886) Japs or Chinese. Brother P.L. BOBB, of the Holston Conference, representing the Parent Mission Board presented the “Holston Idea” very cleary and made a strong speech from missions. He is a bright young man.

September 3, 1899, Carlisle, Key.

     This morning I slept. This afternoon I attended services at the court house where the conference meets and heard Bishop LANE of the African M.N. (Methodist North) Church preach. He is really a great man. The court house was packed and he preached a great sermon from the text, “I count all things but loss, etc.” Tonight I attended the memorial service, at the court house. Seven memoirs were read, viz. T.J. DODD, C.E. BOSWELL, W.J. SNIVELY, E.A. McCLURE, Mrs. Joseph RAND, Miss Nancy COOPER, and Miss Eva VAUGHN. The reading of the memoirs took an hour. The services continued till after 10 o’clock. May feeling tributes were paid to the memory of the sainted dead. As I walked away from the meeting, I thought, who will be the subjects of eulogy next year? God help me to be ready when the Master calls!

(Page 2887) September 4, 1899, Carlisle, Key.

     Conference closed at 10:30 tonight. I go to Campton. John REEVES was expelled from the ministry and membership of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church, South, on the chare of adultery. William SHOESMITH asked an investigation on account of some reports that he had misapplied money of the orphanage. The committee reported no trial necessary. T.W. BAKER was charged with maladministration but no trial was thought necessary by the committee. J.W. MITCHELL asked for a committee to investigate reports that John REEVES had circulated against him. The committee deemed no trial necessary. It was a conference of investigations.

     There was a slight increase in the membership this year---631. Slight increase in missionary collections and most other collections. The conference meets next year at Nicholasville, where, in 1876, I was admitted on trial. I have enjoyed the conference very much. I have not eaten either dinner or supper at my home, praise the Lord.

(Page 2888) September 6, Tuesday, Lexington, Key. 55 Bar Street

     Left Carlisle this morning and came here to get an annual clergyman’s permit over the Lexington & Eastern railroad on which I travel to Campton. Major McDOWELL, the President, was not in his office so I took a buggy, offered by a friend, and went out to Ashland, his home, and got the annual. His wife is a granddaughter of Henry CLAY. I had a pleasant conversation with him regarding the ancestry of the mountain people, the CLAYs etc.

     Have been to the marble house with my brother, W.P. DICKEY, whom I am visiting, to look at models for monuments to mother’s grave and Mr. J.L. CRAIN’s, my brother-in-law. The new court house here shows up grand. It is of Bowling Green stone and is complete outside but not inside.

     I am at a loss to know which way to go in the morning to Campton or London. I am now the Lord’s for service, am studying and expounding the scriptures.

September 7, 1899, Wednesday, Campton, Key., George ROBINSON’s

     I left Lexington this morning at 7:45 for this place. Torrent is the railroad station fro (Page 2889) Campton. I found some teams ready to go to Campton, so I mounted a wagon and rode over. The country is terribly dry. I was soon covered in a thick coat of dust. There was no water for the mules between Torrent and Campton---ten miles. The teams make the round trip in a day. In the winter time the road becomes almost impassable, though it is a ridge road. I am at Brother George ROBINSON’s, a merchant who’s wife is a daughter of Reverend George HERONYMUS of St. Helen’s, Lee County, a relative of Mrs. Julia A. TEVIS of Precious Memory, founder of Science Hill Academy at Shelbyville. Campton is the county seat of Wolfe County, a comparatively new town as the county was laid our since the war, I think. The Methodist Church was built by Brother V.B. DAUGHETEE the first year I lived in Jackson, Breathitt County, 1888. He built the Hazel Green church the same year or the year before, also preached at Jackson.

September 8, 1899, Thursday, Campton, Key.

     I spent the forenoon at Campton Wesleyan (Page 2890) Academy. This institution is the property of K.W.C. It began to exist in 1895, Reverend J.L. WEST raised a subscription of some $2,200 as I remember it and came up to the conference at Winchester asking the conference to take charge of the enterprise. That body took a subscription of something over $8000 as I remember it, the money to be paid to Miss Belle H. BENNETT. Miss BENNETT and Mrs. SAWYER had visited Camptom in the interest of the Woman’s Home Mission Society during the summer but had decided not to locate a school her. After the subscription had been taken the whole matter was left in the hands of a committee to be composed of the Presiding Elder of the Middlesboro District and the preacher in charge of the Campton Circuit. I saw as I thought nothing but failure ahead. It was not known who would be the P.E. (Probationary Elder) or P.C. at Campton and whoever the P.E. (Probationary Elder) might be he could five but little time to the enterprise as he must be continually on the go. Besides the P.E.’s (Probationary Elder) of this District have never been men for such as this (Page 2891) now proposed. Again the matter was yet in the hands of the conference. I wanted it in the hands of the K.W.C. that it might be managed by the Board of Curators of that Institution. I moved the conference that Dr. E.H. PEARCE, President of K.W.C. (Kentucky Wesleyan College) be added to that committee and it was done. I do not think it appears in the minutes as a motion as it was accepted by the conference without a vote. I then asked leading members of the Board of Curators and President PEARCE to have the ownership of the property about to be acquired, in the Board of K.W.C. (Kentucky Wesleyan College) either at conference or soon afterwards, I do not remember which. Dr. PEARCE asked me to go to Campton and look after the enterprise as his hands were so full of work that he could not do so. I was busy at work at London but had some business at Jackson and agreed to go. I came to Campton at Brother H.O. MOORE’s first quarterly conference October 19, 1895. I examined into things, decided more money was necessary and that more money could (Page 2892) be raised. The question of site was agitated. Brother VAUGHN had donated an acre of land in the bottom and Mr. Lum HANKS had expressed a willingness to give a site on the hill where the beautiful building now stands. On Monday or Tuesday October 21^st or 22^nd I wrote to Dr. PEARCE to come to Campton the following Saturday, October 26 by all means, that I would go to Jackson attend to my business and meet him here on the day designated. We met as I had arranged and were here several days. Dr. PEARCE preached Sunday. I do not remember whether I did or not. It is very possible I did. I think I preached the first trip. During this visit Dr. PEARCE secured by donation the plot of land on which the building stands from Mr. Lum HANKS. I do not remember what other steps were taken, whether he obtained anymore subscriptions or not but he became thoroughly enlisted in the enterprise and the grand results that have been achieved by the Institution followed. Sometimes in (Page 2893) November or December of the same year I was going from London to Pineville to hold a Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) for P.E.(Probationary Elder), H.O. MOORE. On the train I fell in conversation with a stranger who gave his name and said he was from Nebraska, had lived in other western states, was a teacher, was going to Middlesboro to visit a brother. That he wanted a position as a teacher. I told him that our conference was establishing a school at Campton and that Dr. PEARCE of Winchester was looking out for a principal for the school which was to begin January 1896 in the public school building, a two story building. I gave him Dr. PEARCE’s name and address and we parted at Pineville. The following March after the school had been started, I asked Brother MOORE who was at the head of the Campton school? “Why” said he “You ought to know, you sent him there.” I could not recall anything I had done along that line. Said he, “Did you not meet a man on the train as you went to Pineville seeking a school and send him to Dr. PEARCE?” (Page 2894) The incident was recalled the first time since it occurrence. The man was Professor E.E. BISHOP who for almost 4 years has so successfully conducted the Campton K.W. Academy. He has been married to Miss Matttie QUICKSALL of Morgan County, an assistant teacher and she and Professor Clarence NUGENT are now his assistants with Miss Nannie DRAKE as helper.

     The success of the school has been phonominal though Hazel Green Academy is only ten miles away in the same county and Jackson with its large equipment only 25 miles away. Yet Professor BISHOP has had almost as many students as Jackson and more than Hazel Green although each has a dormitory and Jackson two while there is nothing of the kind here. Again an element here in the Methodist Church has sought to remove, Professor BISHOP in order to get their own friends or relatives into position. Even this summer a strong fight was made to give the Public School and principalship of the Academy to Professor HARRIS of Beattyville in fulfillment of promises made him in (Page 2895) political transactions. I visited the school today and was pleased with what I have seen. I dined at Brother R.’s and supped with Professor B’s made several calls and conducted prayer meeting tonight with about 20 present.

September 10, 1899, Sunday, Campton, Key.

     I preached to 80 people this morning on “Whatsoever a man sows that shall he also reap.” Tonight to 100 on---“Awake though that sleepeth.” I had only a moderate share of liberty. There were 45 at S S (Sunday School) and 55 absent. The school is poorly managed. All perfunctory. No S S (Sunday School)“visitor” or magazines. The S S is paying falf the incidental expenses of the church and has no money for its own equipment. I see much work to be done in this department of the church work. There are 35 families represented in the school and all. A great field for work, God help me! At the close of the morning service I asked all who would covenant with me before God to work for the upbuilding of Christ’s kingdom for the present year to come and give me the hand. (Page 2896) Nearly everybody in the house came forward. I find a debt of $240 on the parsonage and I must have it taken off. I am at Dr. STAMPER’s, a local preacher, tonight. I am going from house to house.

September 13, 1899, Wednesday, Campton, Key.

     Brother RAGAN came in this afternoon en route for Hindman where he will begin his first round next Saturday. Brother TYLER who has been appointed to that place and Hazard goes with him. We will have our District Stewards meeting here the 26^th inst. and our first Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) the first Sunday in October. I have decided to return at once to Clay County and get my effects and return by Sunday week. I have visited most of the families of the town at least the most influential people and a number of the less influential. I had expected to complete the town this week, but I go away tomorrow. The people have given me a wide open hearted welcome. I have been twice to the school and have been studying what I can do to help it. The Bible is not a textbook and I propose to make it such if I can do so. Here is a large church which means much work. (Page 2897) They need to be led out into higher vies of duty. No woman’s societies, no missionary spirit. The field is inviting.

September 14, 1899, Lexington, Key.

     I rode out from Campton to Torrent 10 miles in a buggy with a Sister who brought the mail today. I caught the train and reached here about 6:15 p.m. Am at my brother’s, W.P. DICKEY. He lives here. His tow sons Jesse and Julian are clerking here and he is selling coal for Bird’s Eye Mine near Jellico and for mines at Big Stone Gap. There is great political excitement now. The Democrats have split and have two candidates now which it seems will elect the Republican ticket. It is a gubernatorial race. The relations between England and South African Republic are strained and it looks like war. It is shocking to think of nations resorting to war to settle their difficulties in this humanitarian age. The Christian world ought to use arbitration. Business is booming, times are prosperous. Iron has almost doubled in price in a year.

(Page 2989) September 15, 1899, Friday, London, Key.

     I left Lexington at 11:30 a.m. and reached here at 3:30 p.m. I am entertained at the new dormitory. I am christening the guest chamber. Miss HEARN is in charge. I had a pleasant evening with Misses BEAUMONT, LETTON, VAIL, and HEARN. The school has had only a fair opening. Professor LEWIS, the principal, is very unpopular in the town. Sad! Sad! He is imminently qualified as an instructor, is a firm executive but he is unbending and gives offense to some people. I fear the school will not succeed till he has a successor. Professor CARNAHAN is just recovering from an attack of Typhoid Fever. The Home Mission Society has put much money here and if the principal was wise in administration the school would be a great success. Miss HEARN is teaching art also cutting, making patching etc. She is ready to teach cooking as soon as the room is arranged.

September 16, 1899, Saturday, Pittsburg, Key.

     I am at Brother Andrew SINGLETON’s tonight with Brother Edward ALLEN, the pastor and my successor in Clay. I want to take him with me over the work, if he will go. I will (Page 2899) rest here till Monday and then go to Manchester, pack my library and get back to Campton next week. “The kings business requireth hast.” This is a mining town. There are 1200 miners in Laurel County our on a strike. They were getting full work, a thing they had not had for years, and struck. There is a great demand for coal and the flow of money into this country is thus stopped. It is in this way laborers seek to advance wages. The operators are suffering great loss but they refuse to grant the advance. Capital and labor are indissolubly united in interest but they are constantly at war like some husbands and wives. It should not be so in either case. O that the golden rule might be adopted.

September 17, 1899, Sunday, Pittsburg, Key.

     I conducted S S this morning at a Baptist Church near where I am stopping and remained at the service which was a sacramental occasion. At the earnest solicitation of the minister, Brother VRANY, county surveyor, I read a lesson and, made comments and prayed. This is (Page 2900) called by the Baptists of the mountains “Introducing.” After the sacrament, “feet-washing” was observed. This was the first time I ever saw this done, though I have been I the midst of it for 15 years. There were two basins or wash pans prepared and two long towels. One man laid aside his coat and another by his side took off his shoes. The first girded his loins with a towel and knelt down and washed the others feet. Then the second man washed the feet of the first. This was all the men that participated though eight men communed. The preacher did not participate. Three women took part.

     Sister SINGLETON says she never saw the preachers was feet in her life though she has witnessed these things all her life. The preacher said “While we believe the command to wash feet as plain as any in the Bible yet we do not make it a bar to fellowship. Let everyone be fully persuaded in his own mind.” I enjoyed the entire service. The pastor spoke with great earnestness and (Page 2901) intelligence on the “saving of souls.” He closed by saying, “Some think that loud preaching in certain tones of voice where the things to bring men to Christ but this is not true. Holy living and personal work by the members of the church are far more potent than this.

     Brother ALLEN preached to a handful at the Methodist Church. Tonight he preached to 100 people. He is plain, sincere, earnest. He is a man God and expects souls to be saved. God has never disappointed him in this and he will not do it here.

September 20, 1899, Wednesday, M.C. HORTON’s near Manchester, Key.

     I left Pittsburg Monday morning and dear Brother ALLEN who lives so close to God. I came by the Wyatt neighborhood calling at Divers Houses and biding them adieu; likewise through the Benge neighborhood to Brother J.S.RIGGS where I lodged. It rained Tuesday morning so it was noon when I reached Mrs. ANDERSON’s and night when I got to Brother Robert CARNAHAN’s, Sen. where I have had so many pleasant nights. This morning I came into Manchester early (Page 2902) and have been hard at work all day packing my truck and 12 boxes of books. Having finished that after supper I came up here to spend the night thee dear friends now dearer than ever since we must part. The regrets are freely expressed by the people but I dare say that I hate to leave far more than anyone hates to give me up. I did so much want to plant a school at Manchester, to establish a church and found a newspaper. If the church people would have furnished the faculty for the school after it was equipped I think I could have done the rest. I appealed to both the Home Mission Board and the K.W. (Kentucky Wesleyan) Board, but in vain. As far as man can see my two years work here is in vain but I have labored faithfully for Christ’s sake and I trust I shall have my reward. This will one day be one of the richest mountain counties. Its development draws near. Railroads will soon penetrate it and prosperity will be great but God means good for me in leaving here but that is not what (Page 2903) I sought. I prefer to help the needy and they are so needy here. I find Reverend Mr. McCOMB, a Presbyterian minister is here with his wife. They have spent 17 years in India, are Pennsylvanians, Scotch-Irish, kin to me I suppose as one of my great grandmothers was a McCOMB. He and Brother BAXTER propose to start a paper, “The Mountain Sentinel.” And Dr. McDONALD is expected soon to make preparations for a school. Thank God, the work is to be done, if I am not permitted to do it. I bade Mr. McCOMB a hardy welcome. I leave tomorrow for Campton on horseback, 70 miles. My goods go to London tomorrow. I may never see Clay County again, but I pray that the God of all grace will lead this people to repentance and make of them what they are capable of being made, a great people.

     I am glad I came to Clay County. I felt that God was calling me here. I go away cheerfully because God seems to be leading me. I can not accomplish nothing permanent without my church back of me.

(Page 2904) September 22, Friday, Beattyville, Key.

     I left Manchester at 2 p.m. and arrived here today at 3:30 p.m. I stayed last night at Mrs. Bob CLARK’s 16 miles from Manchester. Ate dinner today at Captain M.J. TREADWAY’s 8 miles from Beattyville. I ate dinner yesterday at Dr. I.S. MANNING’s where I met Mrs. Professor FROST, wife of the President of Berea College. She is a charming woman and I was greatly entertained by her company. She told me that at the last Chautauqua meeting in New York Berea put on the platform a loom, a flax swingle, a spinning wheel, several mountain girl’s dressed in linen (homemade), Professor RAYMOND dressed in linsey, home-made and there they went through with all the processes of making linen and woolen clothe. The girls worn linen skirts, line jackets over shirtwaists, that they did their work without a particle of consciousness that the audience, at first to appreciate, who at the last swept off their feet and gave the girls a perfect ovation. They sang Barbara Allen and other old English poems greatly to the delight of the audience. What advertisers Bereans are! (Page 2905) She gave me a sketch of Dr. D.K PIERSON who has given Berea $50,000 on condition that there be added to it $150,000 and who has made a similar proposition since that has been accepted and the terms met. He began life a physician in New England was turned our of a sleigh in to the snow and covered with caster oil paregoric etc. and determined to go West and change his business. He went to Chicago invested some means which he had accumulated and what his wife had in farm land near Chicago. The investment was profitable. He then invested in Wisconsin pine land at $1 per acre, 10,000 acres. This brought him millions. He is 80 years old, had helped ten colleges. Says no lawyer shall have any of his _______. I am lodged at Judge GOURLEY’s, the most enterprising man Lee County has. He has worked for a RR to Beattyville all his life, got connection with the Lexington & Eastern several years ago by which he saved Beattyville from either extinction, and now he has just became a director in a road from Versailes to Beattyville, old R.N.I & B. which as lately been (Page 2906) purchased by a new company and the money is in hand to extend it to Beattyville from Irvine to which point trains now run. He and his wife returned from Louisville today where the directors had a meeting and the road was turned over to them and the money or a part of it paid. It is a proud day for Judge GOURLEY. He is anxious to have a school established here or at St. Helen’s or somewhere in Lee County. He says other of the directors are anxious for the same. He thinks St. Helen’s a fine place for a great industrial school. A company owns 2700 acres of land there and would make liberal donations to any organization that would establish a school there. I would to God there could be a get school like the Miller Industrial School of Virginia established at that point. It would be a great uplift to the mountains. London would be another suitable place for such a school. These would be a powerful auxiliary to the great work of Eastern Kentucky development. I pray God to give us such a power for this great work Judge GOURLEY will (Page 2907) try to enlist his Board of Directors in the extension of their road through Campton, Hazel Green, Salyersville, Prestonsburge to White Coast in Pike County where it would interest with the Norfolk & Western. This would give a through connection from Louisville to Norfolk and other eastern points. It would be a great thing for the country though which it would pass. The day will come when these mountains will be threaded with railroads.

September 23, 1899, Saturday, Campton, Key.

     I left Beattyville at 9 a.m. dined at Reverend George HIERONYMUS’ at 12:30 p.m. and reached here at 6 p.m. Brother HIERONYMUS is a holy man, has an excellent family and is a power for good in his community. His daughter Miss ____ Mary ROBINSON is my hostess, tonight---a lovely woman.

     Well, I am here, now, for steady work. What a great field I have to cultivate! Here is a whole community looking to me for leading. I am to direct their path. Who is sufficient for these things? There are so many themes to be treated from the pulpit. Missions and education, have (Page 2708) the prominence in my mind aside from salvation. Then there are the various department of church work, also a debt to pay off on the parsonage. The Bible to be taught in the school, improvement of school grounds. There ought to be a small dormitory on the campus, he grounds fenced. Shade trees planted, library collected and other things done. The Lord keep me.

September 24, 1899, Sunday, Campton, Key.

     I preached this morning to a half filled house on, “God is a Spirit, etc.” Tonight on, “Lot pitched his tent toward Sodom.” The audience was better at night. A young man came forward tonight to join the church. Professor C.J. NUGENT, Jr. went to Lexington Thursday and yesterday he brought his bride home, Miss Daisey POLLOCK of Germantown, who was the music teacher here last winter. She is a handsome woman and they make a very handsome couple. Professor NUGENT’s father is a member of our conference and is this year at Harrodsburg. May God bless the union. Senator GOEBEL and Captain James BLACKBURN came here (Page 2909) about noon today from Hazel Green where Mr. GOEBEL, spoke last night. He is the Democratic candidate for governor and is campaigning through the mountains. He went to Lexington this afternoon, the Sabbath day is not regarded anymore.

September 29, 1899, Friday, Campton, Key.

     Brother RAGAN has been with us all week. He and Dr. STAMPER, District Steward and myself fixed the salary of the P.E. (Probationary Elder) and apportioned it amount the 12 charges. I then apportioned the assessment of the conference upon the various charges using the P.E.’s (Probationary Elder) salary as a basis. His salary is $400. The Mission Board appropriated $300. He collected about $330 last year on the District.

     I have made no arrangement yet for room and board. We have been at Brother J.N. VAUGHN’s this week. The trial of two ROSES for killing a man named MAYS closed yesterday and this morning the jury made a verdict of acquittal. It seems to be a case of self defense. The ROSES arrested MAYS and WIREMAN rescued him from one of the ROSES while the other was getting a drink of water. WIREMAN refused to (Page 2910) give up the prisoner and dired at the ROSES, WIREMAN and MAYS were both killed in the fight. I go tomorrow to preach Dora SNOWDEN’s funeral at Jackson while Brother RAGAN holds Q.M (Quarterly Meeting). Quarterly Conference met tonight at Brother Newton VAUGHN’s. The stewards fixed my salary at $215 and the parsonage viz. Campton $190 and Elkins Chapel $25. The stewards said they had assessed the members that amount at Campton but they did consider over $150 good. They said there were only two persons at Elkins Chapel that would pay anything. So to the parsonage it is now rented at $50 a year. There is a debt $230 on the parsonage and it remains to be seen whether or not the debt is paid or the property sold. The people seem kind and I trust they will pay it out and leave it for the preacher. If he be married he will need it to live in. If he be single it will help his salary. I will try to pay off the debt and save the property.

October 1, 1899, Sunday, Jackson, Key.

     (Page 2911) I left Campton yesterday morning and arrived here at 11 a.m. and dined at Brother G.W. SEWELL’s. Stayed at Brother J.M. SNOWDEN’s last night. At 11 a.m. I preached the funeral of Miss Dora SNOWDEN, age 23 years who died about a month ago. The audience assembled at the grave where seats had been prepared. The service was solemn. The audience was still, silent and attentive. No one moved through the entire service. The young woman was a lovely character, much esteemed by the community. I received her into the church when she was only 8 years old. I preached tonight in the Methodist Church to a well filled house, the Presbyterian Church adjourned and came. There was a great solemnization it the house. I trust God will apply the truth to their consciences. Brother MILLS, the new pastor, is in great favor with the people. He is expecting victory. God bless his work. The people have received me with kindness. I praise God that He ever sent me to them

October 5, 1899, Friday, Campton, Key.

     I had a pleasant morning, Monday, calling in Jackson. Went to Lexington in the (Page 2912) afternoon to W.P. DICKEY’s and remained till Wednesday morning.Tuesday I visited the “Kentucky House of Reform” now in course of construction near Lexington. The last legislature appropriated $100,000 for the establishment of such a school. A Mr. DOAK of Tennessee is superintendent. He is son of Professor DOAK, who was the first principal of Laurel Seminary, London, Key. I went with Miss Mary NICKEL who is to be a teacher in the school. It promises to be a noble charity. It takes such criminals under 18 years of age as the governor may deem best to send there. IT also takes rude boys and girls of any age who have not been convicted of crime. This will save many and one from the gallows of eh pen. I hope to use this school in keeping the mountains. I came home Wednesday. Was at prayer meeting last night small attendance. Had an open discussion on, “Remedy for prayer meeting.”

October 7, 1899, Saturday, Lane, Key.

     I came here yesterday afternoon, attended a burial this afternoon of a little boy 3 years old. Cassie KING the mother was heart-broken. The child took sick last Sunday and died last night. The (Page 1913) people are poor and had no medical attention. I read the burial service and offered a few reflections for the comfort of the bereft and gave a few admonitions to the living. Poverty and ignorance are obstacles in bringing men to Christ. During the service audible conversation did not cease. To this was added the crying of the children and the lamentation of the mother. I think there was less decorum at the grave than I have ever seen. Nearly everybody present was related to the parents. There were 30 present, I suppose. The grave was on a point near the house which was reached by climbing up a steep was too steep to ride over comfortably. A Brother sang, “Why do we morn departing friends” and I sang “Home of the soul.” I lodged last night at Isaac ELKIN’s, at Jonathan’s, his brother, a wealthy merchant and a Methodist.

October 9, 1899, Monday, Campton, Key.

     I preached yesterday to about 25 persons at Elkin’s Chapel, Lane P.O. Wolfe County. It was raining and this frightened the people away. My text was, Acts 1:8; theme “What did the
(Page 1814) the people receive at Pentecost?” The church is a frame about 26 x 40, sits in a beautiful place at the forks of Holly Creek. It is the property of Jonathan R. ELKINS who built it about 4 years ago. He invites all denominations to worship in it. He is a member of the M,E, (Methodist Episcopal) Church, South, a man of means, worth perhaps $25,000 and a most excellent Christian gentleman. He has no children. He is generous and has the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and all others who know him. I find a large element of Campbellites and Church of God people there. The later are the followers of one Howard of Mogoffin County---a young Campbellite minister who conceived the idea of the church different in several respects of Alexander CAMPBELL and he started out to convert the world to his notions. I knew him befoe he made this departure. Hs has a large following in Wofle, Morgan, and I think in Menifer Counties. His followers have split; they have split off a holiness wing. They are very ridged in their views and restricted in their practices. They are not disposed to listen to other preachers and (Page 2915) have a disorganizing affect on the community. The Campbellites too are clannish here, rarely going to hear other ministers than their own. I had a pleasant night with Reverend James SEWELL, a Baptist of the Hard Shell and a storekeeper in “Uncle Sam’s” employ at $4 per day. He has been at Tyrone, Anderson County most of the time for 18 months. He is a nice man and has a very interesting family. I attended S S in the neighborhood yesterday afternoon at a school house.

October 11, 1899, Wednesday, Campton, Key.

     George W. VAUGHN, son of J.N. VAUGHN where I am staying, tells me that he heard Reverend Ambrose SWANGO say, in delivering a funeral sermon, in memory of his brother on Calaboose in Wolfe County, “I am opposed to Sunday schools. I would rather see my children fishing on Sunday or become highway robbers than to see them in s school. The people I despise above all others are these Methodists and Missionary Baptists.” He says he is charged with drinking heavy and some supposed (Page 2916) that he was under the influence of liquor when he was preaching his brother’s funeral.

     Brother H.O. MOORE gives the following incident. He had preached and was followed by a Baptist preacher of the Hard Shell persuasion. The preacher had left the room several times during the deliver of Brother MOORE’s sermon. He said, “I like your sermon pretty well. I will not undertake to answer your ‘pints’ but if you had preached a little longer and let me get a few more drams in me, I would have answered them.”

     George VAUGHN says he heard Reverend (William) CHAMBERS, a Baptist, preach on Sunday after the death of his wife, that had occurred during the previous week, and spoke as follows; “You all know of eh death of my wife. I have been studying the Bible very closely since she died to see if this taught of the right of second marriage and I am thoroughly convinced that it does. I am now satisfied that it would be wrong for me to allow my children to grow up without the care and attention of a mother.” He was about 40 years old and in less than 5 months he was married.

     (Page 2917) The funeral is a peculiar institution among the Hard Shell Baptists of the mountains of Kentucky. Funerals are rarely preached except in the later part of summer and fall. October is the favorite month though August and September and sometimes November are used. At least a year must intervene between the death and the funeral and two, three, and four years often pass before the funeral is preached. I have known funerals preached 15 years after death. The time is usually fixed several weeks and sometimes several months in advance. Large crowds attend. 1,000 persons is not unusual. Usually several ministers are present, at lest two and all preach. I attended one last summer in August---a fifth Sunday---where four participated. There is always meeting on Saturday-preaching. The effort is nearly always made to touch the sympathies and excite the feelings to the very highest point. It is really shocking to witness the extent to which this carried. Often the widower is married before the departed wife’s funeral is preached. There is to be just such a case (Page 2918) on Holly Creek, next Sunday. The husband asked me to be present and participate. I was at his house last Friday, it was his second wife’s funeral. His third wife, his present wife---was Mary BANKS of Breathitt who went to school to me when she was young. He is about 56 and she about 21. She said, “Tom’s wife’s funeral is to be preached next Sunday week. I wish you would be there. I would be so glad if you would.” This was on the highway before I reached the house, as she was returning from the distillery with some brandy for his cough. He is threatened with consumption. She said they were living very happily together. They had been married 18 months. She has a babe. They are good people and comfortably fixed for the region where they live.

     The Methodist and Presbyterian preachers are gradually changing the custom of delayed funerals and they usually succeed in getting the funeral preached over the body of the deceased.

October 15, 1899, Sunday, Campton, Key.

     I preached this morning to a small audience (Page 2919) from Matthew 5:14, “Ye are the light of the world.” I find the S S at a low ebb. There is no interest, no enthusiasm. The superintendent Brother G.W. ROBINSON is an excellent man but he does not fit the place. There were no children visiting Oliver cards or teacher’s magazines. We have them now. Our Conference S S Board sent 25 visitors, 6 magazines, 15 cards. It would require some time to get the school up but we will succeed.

     At the morning service I asked the ladies of the church to meet me at 2:20 p.m. to reorganize the Woman’s Home Mission Society which had been dead more than a year. It existed only a few months at the later part of Brother PEEPLE’s pastorate, summer of 1898. $3.25 had been raise and paid into the improvement of the parsonage. That was all that was done.

     The bell rang at the proper time and I went but not a soul came besides myself and the sexton. I waited half an hour then we kneeled down and prayed and went home I determined to reach the ladies so I put in the rest of the afternoon preparing a talk on the (Page 2920) history and character of Woman’s Home Mission Society. All the data at hand was the minutes of the last session of our Kentucky Conference Society and the program for the week of prayer, just issued. We had a well filled house tonight and inspired by afternoon failure, the great cause I represented and the fine audience I was helped to give a good account of the Society. I began with its conception in the mind and heart of Miss Lucinda B. HELM and followed its course down to the present showing what it had done and what it is now doing. The people listened with wrapt attention. I had prepared tow papers for names and at the close of my talk I gave these to Sister Lydia STAMPER and Miss Nellie HURST. They reported 14 names. I told them to keep the list and on tomorrow to canvas the town and then report to me. I think they will get 20 names. I go tomorrow or Tuesday, to Wilmore to attend the annual session of the Kentucky Conference Society and hope to present the ladies with this new auxiliary. I intend to endeavor to have an auxiliary in every pastoral (Page 2921) charge in this district this year, if possible. By correspondence and visitation, I can do much, God helping me. The missionary collections must come up on the District as far as an heroic effort will bring them.

October 16, 1899, Monday, Campton, Key.

     I have helped the ladies in getting names today, a little though they have not had time to go out for them, but we have 24 names tonight and there are several others who will join. When the list is sifted we will have fill material for a good society. Brother RAGAN has not reached here so I could not get off to Wilmore today. I have gotten 3 of the 4 men whom I wish to subscribe $20 each towards paying off the parsonage debt to subscribe that amount and I have not yet approached the 4^th. He is the most able to subscribe but most cautious and a most excellent Christian gentleman. I believe he will subscribe (Page 2922) $20 also and that will practically settle the parsonage debt if the ladies of the Home Mission Society will give us $50.

     The four subscriptions referred to above are:  J.F. VANSANT, Dr. J.H. STAMPER, A. Floyd BYRD, and G.W. ROBINSON. Brother VAUGHN has subscribed $35 and that will leave $83 to raise. This will be the hardest part, but the Lord leading, I can do it I believe.

October 21, 1899, Saturday, Campton, Key.

     I returned from the annual meeting of the Woman’s Home Mission Society at 12:45 p.m. Brother RAGAN did not reach home till late Wednesday evening. So I could not get off till Thursday morning. I left here at 4 a.m., rode 10 miles before breakfast and at 10:25 a.m. I wase in Wilmore where the Society had its meeting. I was in plenty of time. After presenting the application fairly before the whole conference and then before the Executive Committee the later granted the $50 asked, just in time for me to reach the 2:17 p.m. train yesterday for Lexington. I stayed all night with brother, W.P. DICKEY. Met my brother-in-law, C.W. DURHAM returning from the annual meeting of the (Page 2923) Grand Lodge of Masons at Louisville. I came from this morning. The Kentucky Conference Society is not a large body of women but they are sensible, business-like women. Mrs. Clara POYNTER, the President, is a very superior woman.  Miss BENNETT of the whole body of 21, 000 women, addressed the people and the Society in session, Thursday night. It was a wonderful effort. She held her audience in profoundest attention for perhaps an hour. It was chiefly taken up with a presentation of the work of the Society showing what it had done, what it is attempting to do, and what a great field of usefulness lies out before it. Her account of eh conversation of the keeper of a house of ill fame in San Antonio, Texas, was thrilling, and of her work since her conversation. She, at once, turned over her magnificent house to our Woman’s Home Missions Society and it is now used as a rescue home, with the former madam one of the chief workers in reclaiming the fallen. I have met several times with our Kentucky Conference (Page 2924) sisters, in annual session, but this was the most enjoyable session to me, of all. Brother J.W. HUGHES is caring on his school with great success. He has about 140 students, most of them young men and young women. Nearly all of them are saved. Since school began in September, 40 have been saved.

October 22, 1899, Sunday, Campton, Key.

     The S S Superintendent was absent today and I conducted the school. I was glad of the opportunity as it gave me a chance to show the school what I wanted it to be. Alas! For the sluggish superintendent! We had no morning service but adjourned to attend the Baptist meeting. Brother Cox BROWN, the pastor preached. He was Orthodox to the core on the universality of the atonement, the witness of the Spirit and the power of God to cleanse and keep a man from all sin. I was glad to find such a co-laborer. It will be pleasant to associate with him. He is illiterate but a strong and sensible man. The assistant pastor, J. Miles TOLSON, I learn, is of like faith---so also is Powell ROSE who resides here. This is the result of the strong preaching and great (Page 2925) revivals we have had here for years. The truth has found lodgment in many hearts. It is so in Morgan County where Dr. GIVEDON, a Baptist preacher, converted and sanctified in one of Reverend W.B. GODBEY’s meetings over 20 years ago. He has delivered the whole loaf, God honor’s his Word faithfully preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven.

     I preached at Bear Pen in a school house this afternoon to about 25. There was once a flourishing class there and there are a number of members in the neighborhood yet. Brother MOORE did not preach there. I feel that these people should have the gospel. Tonight I preached here to a fairly good house on, “Where art thou?” The town is hideous tonight with drunken men. There were at church but only disturbed by going our and coming in Whiskey is being sold in town clandestinely and the authorities are afraid to enforce the law. Dr. STAMPER, a local deacon in our church, is police judge and says he is afraid they will burn him out. This is sad state of things. God (Page 2926) save us from ruin. The gospel ought to save men and give peace and security to our citizens. Robert CARPENTER, who had been running a blind tiger here was put under a peace bond this morning and in default of security went to jail for six months. If we could get all that sort in jail and keep them there we would have peace and quiet.

November 4, 1899, Saturday, Campton, Key.

     I have been quite sick for two weeks. Last Sunday morning I preached  here and in the afternoon was taken sick so that I could not preach at night. Had fearful pains in my knees at night but got easy by morning. So I have done but little in the past two weeks. Am at Brother C.C. HANKS tonight. The salary is not sufficient to enable me to pay board for self and horse so I am just living among the people. This gives me a good opportunity to get acquainted and to help them in their lives. My trunk is at Brother G.W. ROBINSON’s. They allow me to come and go to the room where it is, at pleasure. So I get along pretty well. The homes are pleasant, the people kind. (Page 2927) and this arrangement seems to suit them. I learned to live this way last year and the year before where I was compelled to do so. I can not stand much study so it suits me very well. I have my own room at these houses and find it pleasant.

November 5, 1899, Sunday, Campton, Key.

     I preached this morning from “Follow me” and at night from the parable of the talents. Had better audiences than on any previous day. Brother TYLER promised to preach at night and I so announced it but he sent word that he was not well after going to church I had to prepare. I opened to the above mentioned parable and spoke for 30 minutes. It was the most extemporaneous sermon I ever preached save one. That was at Hebron, Mason County, in my first or second year in the itinerancy. I had preached at Washington in the morning and arose to preach the same sermon at Hebron in the afternoon; just then three couples came in to the church who had heard me at the morning service. The text was in the later part of the Sermon on the Mount. I looked down the column and my eyes fell upon the text, “He that (Page 2928) heareth these things of mine and doeth them, etc.” I took the closing verses and preached with the considerable vim and Brother REES, a local preacher, thought it excellent. This afternoon I organized our Woman’s Home Mission Society with 30 members. We elected officers as follows: President, Mrs. Mattie BISHOP; First Vice President, Mrs. Mattie SWIMME; Second Vice President, Mrs. C.J. NUGENT; Third Vice President, Mrs. G.W. ROBINSON; Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. Dora L. HANKS; Recording Secretary, Mrs. D. STAMPER; Treasurer, Mrs. Lydia J. STAMPER. I trust we will be able to do some good work this year and in the years to come. The members are nearly all adults. I want to organize the S school into a foreign missionary society and manage it as a regular society. The children are in school and there they have literary societies in which they take a keen interest. I think I can bring the children of the S S out in a public entertainment and in this way enlist their interest and bring to the public needed instruction. The people are perishing for lack of knowledge. I must give it to them. Lord help me to do my duty.

November 8, 1899, Wednesday, Campton, Key.

     (Page 2929) Yesterday was state election in Kentucky. The Republicans were victorious. The Democrats were divided, had two tickets for state officers, William GOEBEL and the GOEBLE election law was that on which they split. John Young BROWN was the candidate for governor of the Bolters. He served from 1892 to 1896. GOEBEL defeated a bill in the last legislation to give the counties the right to vote for prohibition as a unit. The leading temperance people knifed him. He is a man whose life has not inspired confidence in his integrity so much as in his shrewdness. He has certainly gone to his political grave and I suppose justly so. He is a sober man. His private life is clean but he is too smart. The rebuke make the Democrats more careful in the future in selecting a standard bearer.

     I have attended the sick bed of James ROWLAND all week. He died about 7 o’clock this evening. He was happily converted Sunday morning. He was sick only one week. How quickly gone.

November 9, 1899, Thursday, Campton

      I officiated at the burial of James ROWLAND this afternoon a mile from town. His illness seemed to be fever. A little pimple or blister rose on the (Page 2930) middle finger of his left hand, septic poison set up and he died. Quick work. At the grave the coffin was opened as is the custom. His mother and father filled the air with their lamentations and they were joined by the three surviving brothers. An aunt by marriage shouted vociferously beside the coffin and the mother of the young man fainted and had to be carried away. It was a typical mountain burial. I have noticed as culture comes these demonstrations, in a great measure, subside. The people of this family are good, honest religious people but are not very much improved by culture. A brother of Mrs. ROWLAND is a prominent rector in the Protestant Episcopal Church in Nebraska. Bishop DUDLEY educated him.

November 12, 1899, Sunday, Campton

     Friday morning I left town for Elkin’s Chapel neighborhood. Dined at Mr. W.C. PRIOR’s who has a logging camp and sawmill on the way. He, his wife, daughter and son-in-law and three children , are from LaGrange, Kentucky and are ardent Methodist. O saw him cutting a log into lumber which contained 1,227 feet of inch lumber. It was (Page 2931) yellow poplar and there were two of the same size. The logs were only 12 feet long. I held services Saturday afternoon at the chapel and this morning, about 50 out today. I stayed at the Widow HOLLAND’s whose two daughters came to school to me at Jackson. I married each of them to their husbands. The husband of one of them is dead leaving his widow with two boys: the other sister died leaving her husband Sewell TAULBEE, of Breathitt with two little girls, one is name Ruthie Jay a beautiful bright child. How death decimates the ranks of our friends!

     I am at Brother VAUGHN’s tonight. They are soon to leave us and a large vacuum it will make in the church. I preached in town tonight to a good congregation from Daniel 1:8. The attention was excellent. I pray God that the young will be lead to initiate Daniels example and the parents to train them up as Daniel was trained. I have stood the days work very well, do not feel greatly exhausted. It is seven miles to the chapel which I had to ride and preach twice besides riding three miles before church. I think I would be able to do this all this year. (Page 2932) This will give them preaching every Sunday here only the morning service on second Sunday being omitted. O that I may see sinners converted! The fields seem to be white to the harvest. The young people come to hear me preach. I want to see them saved. I need more of the Spirit’s power in my heart to make my influence potent for good. I Lord do bless my labors and give me souls!

November 19, 1899, Sunday, Campton

     The past week I have been taking physic though up and about all the time. I could do little visiting or study. Stayed four days at James HANKS. I prepared a sermon on “Systematic benevolence” and delivered it this morning to a fair house. The people listened very attentively and I trust good seed was sown. Tonight I preached from Isaiah congregations are growing in numbers but I am exercised about the S School. There is such little life or interest.  The attendance is small only about 50. Teachers, or part of them, do not attend regularly. I set a teacher’s meeting for next Friday night. I called (Page 2933) one for last Monday night but no one went but myself. It was at Professor BISHOP’s. He and his wife are teachers. I must do something to arouse interest and make the work more efficient. This was the Baptist’s day here but they had no meeting because they have no stove in their church. I am not well yet, will have to take more medicine. I met with W.H.M.S. (Woman’s Home Mission Society) this afternoon.

November 24, 1899, Friday, Campton

     Last Monday night, 20^th, Reverend Mr. WHIPKY pastor of the Baptist Church at Jackson preached in the court house to a small audience. Reverend Mr. THOMPSON, a fellow worker, was with him. Brother WHIPKY preached Tuesday night also.

     Tuesday afternoon I went to Lexington. I had a number of little matters to look after. I wanted to see what were the terms I could make for getting Cud HANKS and Frank HORTON into the Lexington Business College also to collect my life insurance. I signed the surrender receipt and received draft for $2,844.48. This is my returns for my $107.49 paid annually for 20 years. It was a 2 year tontine policy. It makes almost 4 percent on my investment. I had (Page 2934) borrowed $700 from the company to pay premiums, so I get only $2,144.48. This I deposited to my credit in the Fayette National Bank, Lexington, Kentucky. I could easily have had the whole amount but I was unwilling to give up my work in this region and the especial work I have been doing. It could have been work that would have kept the premiums paid up. I now want this money to earn $700 I borrowed while I keep on at my work. My object in taking out the policy was to provide something for the days of helplessness, should they ever come. If I should ever need the money I propose to give it to the Lord’s work.

     Last night and part of today I spent in Jackson. I visited the school this morning and spent the rest of the forenoon with Brother H.R. MILLS and his wife, pastor. I went out to see Reverend T.S. HUBERT about delivering his lecture, “Home, sweet home” here. He had spoken to me about it before. I found Brother MILLS and wife were printers and very fond of the work. They once had a little Excelsion press costing $15 on which they printed many tracts, cards, etc. They sold it. (Page 2935) I have long wanted a paper for this London District and last September when I was appointed to this work I though of starting one but felt that it would divide my time too much. I told Brother MILLS and wife that I would get an outfit costing $75---press $40 and outfit $35 if they would print a paper 7 x 13 which I would edit with their assistance. They gladly consented to the proposition. I told them if I got the two young men into Lexington Business College I would get $100 for my two scholarships in the institution and I was willing to put the money into the paper. Brother MILLS and wife agreed to help me in a meeting at Elkin’s Chapel week after next and in the meantime we will pray over our paper.

December 1, 1899, Thomas HORTON’s near Campton

     Yesterday morning I preached a Thanksgiving sermon, Pro. 14:34 audience good, the best I have preached to on Thanksgiving Day in 20 years. I dined at Sewell COMB’s with Professor BISHOP and wife, Mr. TAYLOR and wife, three children and Mrs. PRIOR---mother-in-law. They are (Page 2936) LaGrange people who are cutting  timber off of 1800 acres of land. We had a bounteous repast. Afternoon I cam out to the Bear Pen neighborhood to preach the funeral of Morton WHITE, a boy 11 years old, son of W.E. WHITE and wife; members of our church. He was a bright boy, very precocious, died after a weeks’ illness. I came here last night. Brother HORTON is a pillar in the church. Bear Pen is a school house on a creek by that name 2 ½ miles from town. It was once the center of Methodism in Wolfe County or this section, but death, removals, etc. have nearly broken up the church. I have about concluded to change my meeting from Lane to Bear Pen and put it off one week having it begin next Monday week and have Brother MILLS and wife help me here instead of at Lane, or Elkin’s Chapel. Everything seems right here for a meeting and they are not ready at Lane. I want to hold meetings at my three appointments during the light moons of December, January and February and I believe it is best to begin (Page 2937) at Bear Pen. The church was founded here in the house of William S. HORTON who came from Lee County Virginia in 1853 to this neighborhood. This was then Owsley County. Reverend S.P. CHANDLER began preaching at his house. W.E. LITTLETON, P.E. (Probationary Elder) established a preaching there monthly. He and Brother CHANDLER had a protracted meeting in his house in the fall of 1854 and the church dates from that time. The  past two years the pastors at Campton have not preached here. I find 26 names of members on the rolls still. I want to see the people saved.

December 4, 1899, Monday, Campton

     I preaches yesterday morning from ________ 2:29, “The Sabbath was made for man.” At night, John 5:39, “Search the scriptures.” Weather fine in the morning audience small; weather bad a night, audience smaller than usual. At S S yesterday I proposed a Christmas Missionary concert. It was adopted. It is a great deal of work for me as the teachers of the academy go away at that time but it is for the Master in teaching (Page 2938) and training the use to serve God. It is a Christmas and missionary concert and will teach a valuable lesson in both.

      The Bear Pen meeting begins next Monday. I have written a Brother A.P. JONES to come February 7^th for a meeting here. I can not tell when I will hold a meeting at Lane. There is no congregation there. I feel that I will have to prepare the way by visiting, preaching, etc. and my be not hold a meeting before August.

     Brother MILLS writes that he and wife are enthusiastic over the paper. There is great need of an Academy Boarding Hall and I am anxious to build it, or for it to be built. I am asking the Lord to open up the way, provide the means, and have the work done. Am on the alter for the work if He sees fit to use me. The principal needs of the homes, do not wish to have students. Girls ought to be under the care of the principal. There is plenty of money to do this. Jonathan R. ELKINS, a member (Page 2939) of our church at Lane is able to do it himself. He ought to give $1,000 to the enterprise, I believe. I mean to present the matter to him and ask him to pray over it think about it. I lack only $20 of having the debt $234 raised. I hope to get it off this week. The roof of the church must be painted. That will cost about $7 and also the parsonage must be painted. This will cost $15. The church needs seating. Mr. W.C. PRIOR has offered to give $10 for the later purpose. May God lead me in all these things. The S S had 65 yesterday, the larges number yet. The work moves slowly. This afternoon I went to Bear Pen school house 2 ½ miles and delivered an address to the patrons and pupils being the closing term. George VAUGHN, a young man of this town, just 18 years old was the teacher.

     He has been educated in our academy and has done good work. He is bright and will doubtless contribute something valuable to the world, if he lives. The entertainment was well carried out. It was the first time the children had taken part I in a school exhibition. At the close of the (Page 2940) exercises, I made a talk. It was in that school house I preached my first sermon in the “mountains” of Kentucky (17^th) November 19 or 20, 1882. It was a quarterly meeting occasion; Brother T.B. CROOK, P.E. (Probationary Elder) I was en route to Pikeville, Kentucky though I got no farther than Jackson. No---I was in Hazel Green in 1877 at District Conference sent out by the Kentucky S S Association to organize several mountain counties; among them Morgan, Wolfe, Menifee, Bath and I think several others. I was out two weeks and organized several of the counties. I preached on that tour. But the first sermon I preached in the history of the prosection of my mountain work for education was at Bear Pen school house. I never spoke with greater ease, in my life, than I did this afternoon. I talked, to the parents about the possibilities of their children and their duty toward them; then reviewed the history of the progress of education in the mountains in the last seventeen years as well as the progress among other lines. I suppose I spoke 25 or 30 minutes. The attention was very close, (Page 2941) I trust good was done. I am to begin a meeting there a week from tonight. May God give us a great meeting! The District is small and so is the house, but if the power of God comes down the people will come and there will be plenty of material for the work.

December 5, 1899, Campton, Key.

     This morning Professor BISHOP asked me why I was persuading boys to go to Lexington to school. I told him I was not doing that. I told him that some young men came to me saying they wanted to go to a business college and asked me where to go and I had advised them to go to Lexington Business College. This seemed to relieve him. He said he had been misinformed. He is a fine man or seems to be and I am anxious to help him in his work all I possibly can. He said he expected to have a class in bookkeeping, shorthand and typewriting. I hope he will succeed in this department also. I get on slowly with my work. I feel that I am the last of the workers as I seem to do and accomplish so little. It has always seemed that my work moves slowly. I do not know how to get it on faster. God (Page 1942) forgive me fore my plodding methods and weak faith! I do want to please Him above everything.

December 11, 1899, Campton, Key.

     I returned from Lane yesterday and preached here last night to a well filled house. At Lane I held three services. The congregation is increasing. I left an announcement for a protracted meetings to begin January 8, 1900. The Baptist seem interested in the meeting. I have 215 subscribed on the parsonage debt. I paid Brother BOND $56.38 this morning on the debt. He left this morning for his new home at Lexington or near Lexington. This removal is a great loss to this county, and especially to our church here.

     The meeting begins at Bear Pen tonight. Brother MILLS telephoned me that he and wife were at Torrent awaiting the arrival of the horses that are to convey them to Bear Pen, may God help us to carry on the meeting according to His own divine plan. The Lord must give success or we fail. I praise God for His wondrous grace as I feel it in my poor heart. May the sinners of Bear Pen feel it even more!

(Page 2943) December 13, 1899, Wednesday, Bear Pen

     Brother H.R. MILLS and wife of Jackson reached here about dark Monday. It rained all the morning so they waited till 1 p.m.  to leave Torrent. Brother MILLS preached to 15 persons and while he preached it rained. Indeed it was raining when we started from Brother Thomas HORTON’s to church. Returning to his house after church it poured down on us. Yesterday the wind had blown the ground dry and the sun shone out bright. At the morning service (yesterday) there were 12 persons and the Lord was with us sensibly. We all praised him for the prospects and took courage. Last night the house was full, all the seats were full and some were standing, half a dozen women from Campton. One conversation, Willie LACEY, son-in-law of Brother W.E. WHITE and wife, and his wife was at the alter and such shouting! It was like Pentecost!! Half a dozen were shouting at once. Yes, more than that. They were Sister WHITE, Sisters Elijah COLLINS, Julia HORTON, Miss Mollie SALLEE, Mattie SWIMME, Hannah MOORE, and others. Brother and Sister MILLS were astounded. It was like meeting (Page 2944) here 27 years ago when Reverend Jesse B. LOCK used to be the circuit rider or 24 years ago when W,B, GODBEY was P.E. (Probationary Elder) or 13 years ago when Brother A.P. JONES and Van Buren DAUGHLTEE had meetings here. No meeting was held here five years ago when the title wave of revival swept over this country. Praise God for such display of His power! This morning God was with us blessing Christians. There were 20 present. Tonight the home was packed; two at the alter and both were converted, Miss Mollie ALLEN and Mrs. Mollie LACEY, wife of the man converted last night. Brother MILLS is doing good work. Praise God.

December 21, 1899, Thursday, Thomas HORTON’s

     We closed the meeting tonight. There have been nine conversions and nine additions and nine baptisms. The conversion were as follows: Willie LACEY and wife Mollie LACEY, Miss Mollie ALLEN, Miss Barbara ALLEN, Eugene HORTON, Caroline ASHLEY, Elizabeth ASHLEY, Mary HORTON and Alpha HORTON, Mrs. Lela HORTON joined the church having been converted five years ago. Those who (Page 2945) were baptized joined the church except Eugene HORTON who already belonged. There have been others at the alter. The whole community has been stirred. I am agitating the building of a church, one 24 x 36 x 14. I will get estimates and then see what can be raised toward the enterprise. Brother MILLS did good preaching, plain, forceful and God used him in convicting sinners. He is a fine pastor and an excellent worker in every department of the church. His wife is a helpmate indeed. They captivated the Bear Pen people. He agreed to come back next week if we needed him. I think we will use him at Campton.

     In our meeting there were two women of bad repute professed conversion and joined the church. They are very bad, at least one of them is. I have visited them twice, read the general rules to them, explaining them and did all in my power to help them to a better life. Their mother has set them the example. She is a daughter of Reverend William CANDELL of Lector County, Key. a strong man, a Hard Shell Baptist preacher. (Page 2946) It is very sad. Three girls almost young ladies who were profane swearers were among the converts. Such desperation is terrible, yet they are bright, well dressed and live in good homes. One of them is one of the best Wolfe County families. But her father who has been twice County Superintendent of Schools has gone back on his God and his family and is an adulterer of the grossest kind and a professor swearer. He was at the alter once and seemed to be very penitent but he did not come back again. I trust he will yet be reclaimed. May God continue this work.

December 23, 1899, Saturday, Campton

     Brother RAGAN preached last night and this morning to a small audience this evening. Reverend GARRRISON of the Methodist Protestant Church preached tonight. We held Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) this afternoon. Our Presiding Elder asked the questions and the sec. Recorded the answers as I gave them. This was about the amount of it”….a model or typical Q.C. (Quarterly Conference) May God end the period of Presiding Elders or give us men who will use the office to help forward the cause of Christ. Ours is (Page 2947) a typical Presiding Elder as far as my observation goes. I may be wrong, but it seems to me that the office is a fifth wheel in the Methodist wagon. Districts might be made small, say ten charges and let one of the pastors act as P.E. (Probationary Elder) visiting the charges once or twice a year, usually through the week and learning sufficient to assist in making the appointments. Brother MILLS will be with us next week. May God us a revival.

December 24, 1899, Sunday, Campton

     Brother RAGAN preached this morning and tonight; dined at Sister Lydia STAMPER’s. There were very few command, about 27. The Love Feast was a good meeting, a large number testified and the testimonies were fresh and bright. The people came in good numbers. As I saw them coming in, I thought what an opportunity a P.E. (Probationary Elder) has! People come to hear him who do not attend the regular services. They seem to listen with great attention, seem to look for much. The conditions are very favorable for impressing truth upon the mind. God expects his servants on such occasions to do (Page 2948) their best. The Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) occasion could be made what it was in olden times in these regions if preachers and people and presiding elders were filled with the Spirit as they were in those days. The Spirit of God affects men the same in all ages. Culture does not diminish His power or His effects on men. Brother RAGAN took collection for Home Missions and got $12 or $20.

December 25, 1899, Sunday, Campton

     Dined at Mr. ROWLAND’s today. Had an elegant dinner and a pleasant social time. Their son recently died and I was with them in his sickness. We had no services this morning. Tonight Brother MILLS preached. He came in from Torrent this afternoon. He married Miss Lucy SEWELL, daughter of Hon. G.W. SEWELL of Jackson, and Charles B. THOMPSON at 5 o’clock this morning in Jackson. They came to Torrent on the early train and had a magnificent dinner there at the hotel where they stayed all night, then go to Mt. Sterling, Winchester and Lexington, thence home.

     Brother MILLS is full of the paper enterprise. He says his wife is greatly enlisted in the work. She says she had wanted to (Page 2949) do something for the Lord that would be of service to mankind and she thinks this is what He has given her to do. We had a good house tonight but there is little power.

December 27, 1899, Wednesday, Campton

     Last night we had one conversion, Maud DEAN. A girl living in the family of Professor BISHOP, a waif, 13 years old. She was the happiest child I ever saw. She shouted and praised the Lord and we had a jubilee. Brother William TYLER was with us and led the van. He is a flaming evangelist. The meeting is fairly well attended. Tonight Thomas WRIGHT was converted. His parents are poor, they live a mile in the country. He lives at Taylor HURST’s and works for a living. He is about 13. He can not read but is a bright boy. How I love to help such people! I pray God to be a guardian for these poor homeless children and make them a blessing to the world. Brother MILLS preached tonight on “Stumbling stones.” He showed church members how they were stumbling stones by their inconsistent lives and their failure (Page 2950) to be like Jesus. We need more Spiritual power. I need it; Brother MILLS needs it; Brother RAGAN needs it; most of the members of the church need it; though some are alive.

December 31, 1899, Jackson, Key.

     I left Campton yesterday afternoon and came by rail here to fill Brother MILLS’ pulpit today. I superintended the S S, preached twice and me the Epworth League. I am at Brother G.W. SEWELL’s sleeping in the same room in which I slept the first night I stayed in Jackson, November 21, 18? 1882. I delivered my soul to the Jackson people in both sermons. Things are in a fearful state here and Brother MILLS was anxious for me to come and talk plainly to the people. God blessed me at family prayers last night and He has me much today. God has greatly blessed the Jackson people in temporal things but they are very much in need of Spiritual things. I appealed to the people to rally around their leaders and come to the “help of the Lord against the mighty.” I trust God will bless the message. I left the meeting in Campton with Brother MILLS.

(Page 2951) January 2, 1900, Tuesday, Campton, Key.

     I went to Lexington Monday and returned home today. Got the promise of an annual pass over the L & E road again this year. I bought three testaments for samples to sell to students and people generally; one for 5 cents, one for 8 cents, one for 25 cents bound in morocco gilt with Psalms. I had sent Cud HANKS and Frank HORTON to Lexington Business College last Friday, but Wilbur SMITH’s agent met them on the street and decoyed them with his school and this defeated my plans. He gave them a reduction from his published rates of $20 each. This certainly is a very low standard of business. Since my absence Andrew JOHNSON and “Uncle” Tom McCOY were here en route to West Liberty to assist Brother PIKE. “Uncle” Tom preached three sermons. Brother MILLS closed the meeting last night. Good had been done, though the depths have not been reached.

January 4, 1900, Thursday, Campton, Key.

     Brother MILLS left this morning for Jackson. He has endeared himself to our people and had done some good work. He insists in putting our paper in magazine form or, “Brief” (Page 2952) as it is called. It will involve more work to him and his wife to get it out and I fear they are undertaking a great deal. Again I doubt whether the magazine form will be as popular as the newspaper form but he thinks it will be more so. The second term of the K.W.(Kentucky Wesleyan) Academy opened Tuesday. There is a good attendance of students and the material is excellent. Professor BISHOP is a fine executive and a good teacher. He is a near kinsman of John G. FEE and has much of his firmness. I feel that I have a great responsibility in the moral training of these young people. I am their pastor. I go twice a week to the chapel and conduct services. I treat S S lesson at one of these days. I pray God to give us a dormitory for this school. This is its greatest need. I will follow the Master in getting it.

January 7, 1900, Sunday, Campton

     I preached this morning on the “Great Commission” tonight on “Excuses”---“and all with one accord began to make excuse.” Lk. 14:18. This morning the atmosphere was heavy. I think impure, and although I gave them the best sermon that I have ever given them they seemed to be in a (Page 2953) stupor. The sexton has much to do with the preaching. Bad air will break the force of the greatest sermon.

     Met the W.H.M.S. (Woman’s Home Mission Society) this afternoon, only 3 members present. It seems hard to get the women to attend the meetings. They pay their dues fairly well, but will not attend. Mrs. BISHOP, the President, full of interest is always there. I feel sure that we will succeed after a while. There was a large number of men I the audience tonight and they gave the closest attention. I pray they may be saved. O for convicting power upon them! The school has many fine young men and young women in it, who attend church. God save them!

January 8, 1900, Monday, Campton, Key.

     I have worked hard today though it is Monday. I should have rested but I must go to Elkin’s Chapel tomorrow and there were some things I wanted done. One was a club of subscribers to “Our Homes,” the organ of the W.H.M.S. (Woman’s Home Mission Society). The ladies need the paper. I got five subscriptions which entitles the getter up of the club to a year’s subscription. I gave this to the corresponding secretary, Miss Dora HANKS. Then the church roof was painted (Page 2954) last week and that must be paid for. I got the Brethren to attend to that.

      Brother RAGAN came in tonight from Maytown where he held Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) Sunday. We got to Elkins in the morning. I have asked him to go and he talks like he will. I have no help and need him. I met the teachers of the S S tonight at Professor BISHOP’s. One came besides Professor BISHOP and wife and I took one with me. The former Mrs. NUGENT, the later Miss Bertie HANKS. I have tried before but failed to get a meeting. I will meet them every Monday night. It will enable me to raise up the school.

January 11, 1900, Thursday, Lane, Key.

     Brother RAGAN and I came here Tuesday, 9^th, I in the morning, he in the afternoon. There was no fire I the church when I arrived, 15 minutes late; I had a fire built though only two others came, viz. Brother William GRAHAM and Reverend Hoy CRAWFORD of the Hard Shell Baptist faith. His son attended school at Jackson 15 years ago and we are old friends. I was glad to see him. We talked and prayed and the Lord was with us. At night Brother RAGAN preached to 25 persons. (Page 2955) Wednesday morning there were 9 and at night 75. This morning there were 7 and tonight there were 17. It has rained all day. At all these meetings the Lord has been present with some of us. Reverend Joseph MILLER of the Baptist Church came from Morgan County yesterday to attend the meeting. His parents live here and he is filled with the Spirit. I feel that the Lord is at work. Brother RAGAN has done the preaching except Tuesday night but he must leave in the morning for Clay County. I took the first subscribers to the “Mountain Messenger” today. I went in to Jonathan ELKIN’s store and Brother RAGAN, ELKINS and GRAHAM that I wanted to put them on the roll of honor as the first subscribers to the “Messenger.” They laid down each a quarter and I took their names. I am planning for my Twentieth Century Rally. BISHOP writes me that at Bishop KEY’s consent he will attend our District Conference at Clay County May 9^th and fill a list of appointments that I have arranged for him. Our rally is to be May 17^th at Campton, May 7^th at Jackson, then at West Liberty and Moorehead following Campton. I want to get my (Page 2956) collections out of the way before that time and to be ready to begin the Twentieth Century work. I have 50 or 75 “tithing dollars,” received Monday. I want to use them in getting up my missionary money. Then I want to use them in the Twentieth Century collection also, is it seems best. I want to make the historic roll as large as possible and build a dormitory at Campton worth $2,500 or $3,000. I want Brother Jonathan ELKINS (as) my Mr. PERKS.

January 13, 1900, Saturday, Lane, Key.

     Brother RAGAN left me yesterday morning. He went to Clay City to Q.M. (Quarterly Meeting) I preached yesterday morning and last night. This morning Brother William TYLER came and preached this morning and tonight. The audiences are very good, but there is no power. Brother TYLER preaches with great force and exertion but nothing moves but handshaking. Brother TYLER is the happiest man I ever saw, I believe. He preaches well too. He is a grand good man. I do not think the Lord will give us success, this time, but there is victory ahead I believe. The people are being led to this place and the gospel we (Page 2957) preach. I believe it’s the truth and God will certainly bless it. There are divisions but more indifference than anything else. There must be success where God’s servant labors. This is a splendid church building…was erected for God’s glory and I believe he will yet fill it with His glory. The people who were converted here five years ago are still here or many of them. Some of them are pillars and are looking for victory.

January 14, 1900, Lane, Key. Sunday

     We closed our meeting tonight. Nobody was saved but God’s people were blessed. Much good has been done. There has been a good congregation for the past three nights and two days. The house was nearly full this morning and tonight. Brother TYLER preached a wonderful sermon this morning on, “The truth shall make you free.” I was never permitted to hear him preach till yesterday morning. He is a fine preacher. I do not wonder that the people of Hindman and Hazared were not willing to give him up though he could not live with them. I feel that the meeting has been the means of getting  a congregation at this place. The people have not been coming to church, (Page 2958) for several years. I think they will come now. I gave the Christian people an earnest talk tonight along the line of praying for a revival and living close to God as the only way they could cultivate or exercise strong faith. The Baptist cooperate with us. They are thoroughly Orthodox on conversion and we have perfect harmony. This argues well. I thank God and take courage.

January 15, 1900, Monday, Campton, Key.

     I came in to town this morning, dined at Professor BISHOP’s. Prepared an address for the people of Wolfe County on the establishment of an Auxiliary Bible Society. At 12:40 I delivered the address in the courthouse, it being the first day of circuit court. I gave a brief history of the American Bible Society, explained the need and the advantages of an Auxiliary in our county and proceeded to take a collection. I asked for $50, I got $25. I hope to increase the amount to $50 and with this get a good stock of Bibles and place them on sale in some of the stores here. The committee on nominations reported for president, J.J. DICKEY; vice president, A.F. BYRD; recording secretary, J.C. LYKINS; and for treasure, Dr. J.H. STAMPER. The committee consisted of Elder G.W. TYREE, (Page 2959) J.C. LYKINS, and Dr. J. H. STAMPER. The report of the committee was in some respects very remarkable to me but it was adopted without open criticism.

January 18, 1900, Thursday

     I have got the Bible fund to $28.50. This morning I wrote to the University Aberdeen asking information concerning the DICKEYs. Yesterday I wrote Sam HAGER, Hiroshima, Japan.

     Tuesday morning, January 16^th, a bloody tragedy was enacted in the lobby of the Chapel Hotel, Frankfort, Kentucky, Colonel David COLSON shot and killed Albert SCOTT, L. DEMAREE and Charles JULIAN. He wounded two others and was himself wounded in the left arm. It was a desperate fight. It grew our of a Army quarrel. SCOTT shot COLSON in Anniston, Alabama just after the regiment had been discharged. It is fearful that our state will be the bloodiest in the Union. It is still, “the dark and bloody ground.” The COLSONs have been men of blood. Several have died with their boots on yet their mother was a Methodist and their house near Middlesboro a preaching place.

(Page 2960) January 22, 1900, Daysboro, Wolfe County, Key.

     Last Saturday morning at 9 o’clock I left Campton for the Stillwater Bridge neighborhood where we have several families, viz. Sister DAWES, Robert CARROLL, Frank CECIL, Robert CECIL, NORTH and COMBS and Judge C.O. CARDWELL. All these are Methodist families. They live in a neighborhood where there was once a Methodist Church, regular circuit preaching but the preachers quit preaching there and the Missionary Baptist organized a church and built a house of worship. Originally the Hard Shell Baptist have it all but the Methodist were building up and eventually would have had the country if they had been true to God. Dr. GIVEDON also was converted under the preaching of Brother W.B. GODBEY, held a meeting and organized the Baptist Church seven years ago. They are liberal in their feelings. I preached in their church Sunday morning and had a most cordial reception. They invited me back and asked me to send someone to preach. There seems to be no sectarian spirit in them. Jack HOWARD preached here and did much to destroy sectarian feeling. I found (Page 2961) fifteen Methodist still here and ten families. I feel that God has a work for me to do there. I want to hold a meeting in the neighborhood. I believe God will save souls there. I dined with the pastor Reverend John BARKER and visited five families at our near the bridge.

     In the afternoon I came to Willie SWANGO’s, a mile from Hazel Green where I found Brothers Andrew JOHNSON and Thomas McCOY. They have been holding a meeting for three weeks in Hazel Green. There have been 25 or 30 blessed. It has been a great meeting. The Campbellites have attended in great numbers filling the house every night. They have never done this before, their leaders have kept them away. I look for a great harvest from this seed sowing. The meeting closed last night, they got to West Liberty. Brother PIKE, the pastor, it not ordained and he asked me to go 4 ½ miles toward Salyersville this morning to baptize a sick woman. We went, held a service, had a testimony meeting, baptized the woman and received her into the church. Her name is Mrs. Victoria MILES. Her husband said that (Page 2962) he would join with her at Brother PIKE’s next meeting. They are both saved. I preached tonight at a school house near here. I sent our the appointment this afternoon. Had a good audience. I baptized a young woman who joined at Hazel Green last night. Her name is Miss Nora LEE. A woman joined tonight, Mrs. Ellen DAVIDSON. Her husband is a member. She joined the Campbellite church when she was a child. Was converted in a Methodist prayer meeting about four years ago. Her husband was a Methodist so she joined where she said she could find food for her soul. This place is three miles from Hazel Green. Brother PIKE did not come our though I expected him. I am at Brother ALEXANDER’s. His wife used to got to school to me and I received her into the church. They are happy in the love of God.

     I believe God will give this place a revival. Brother PIKE wants to hold a meeting here some time this winter. He wants me to help him. They ought to have a prayer meeting and a S School and monthly preaching by some local preacher or the circuit rider. The people would listen to the gospel (Page 2963) if it were preached with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven. The people are hungry for the gospel and God will honor its proclamation. Wolfe County is an inviting field for evangelist work. There are so many people who are anxious for heart rest and the gospel will give it to them.

     Since I left Campton I have run my Bible Society fund from $29 to $40.30. I took collections at Stillwater Sunday morning, Hazel Green Sunday night and here tonight. Professor CORD gave me $5 last night. Others gave $2.85. Tonight we got $1.30. I stayed at Dr. John S. TAULBEE’s last night. His wife and children whom I received into the church in Breathitt were restored or sanctified in this meeting. O what a great savior Jesus is!

January 23, 1900, Grassy Creek, Morgan County, Key.

     I left Daysboro this morning a little after sunrise and stopped at Harmon SWANGO’s according to promise. He lives at Swango Springs, one mile from Green Hazel. I only called as a friend or brother; but his wife said to me soon after I had taken a seat that her little boy, Perry wanted to be baptized. He said he had joined the (Page 2964) church and was anxious to be baptized and received into the church. His father is a member of the Christian Church and a converted man and labors exclusively with the Methodist. I had the boys aged grandfather sent for, a man 83 but active, also a converted man, formerly of he Christian Church but now of the Methodist. Some neighbors came in and we had a service and I baptized the boy and received him into the church. I then went on to Hazel Green. Brothers PIKE, McCOY and JOHNSON were ready to start for West Liberty. Brother PIKE asked me yesterday to go to Goodwin’s Chapel in Morgan County soon and baptize Mrs. Ella MURPHY who was recently converted and joined the church. She is a daughter of Judge C.O. CARDWELL of Wolfe County formerly of Breathitt. I told him this morning that I was ten miles nearer Goodwin’s Chapel at Hazel Green than when I was at Campton and I believed I would better go down and preach tonight and baptize her tomorrow. He agreed. I came. The Brethren accompanied me or I them nearly to the (Page 2965) chapel. They went on to West Liberty and I stopped to drum up a congregation, find Sister MURPHY, make arrangements about the baptism and so on. She was glad to see me. I had known her since she was three years old. She went to day school and S school to me for years. She said she would prefer me to baptize her to anyone else as I had baptized her mother in the river at Jackson 12 or 15 years ago. She said she had promised to go to her father-in-laws, Mr. MURPHY, and make a pair of pantaloons and she expected to say there several days until her husband made a trip to Mr. Sterling with a wagonload of poultry and that she would like me to baptize her today. I was a little dazed at her courage and the seemingly impossible execution of the act. There was no one living close to the church. True it was on the bank of the creek but I was not acquainted with the water, did not know whether it was deep enough. I had no clothes and it was nearly night…4 o’clock at least. (Page 2966) She was not at home when I went at 1:30 p.m. so I came on here to Brother Frank CECIL’s…got my dinner and went back. She was perfectly cool and calm said she wanted to be baptized as soon as possible. I acceded to her request, went on to the church or to the nearest house and got the boys to make a fire and light the house and I cam back here…a mile to Brother CECIL’s to get clothing. I got them and got to the church about 6:30 p.m. There were ten young men and three women, including Sister MURPHY. I preached, gave her the vows. Then the ladies went out, I changed clothes in the church and we took a lantern and a lamp and went to the creek and I baptized her in the water not much more than knee deep, but it was well done. She went to Mr. TAYLOR’s, the nearest house where she had left her clothes and I went into the church. I had the stove filled with coal before we went out and it was red hot when we returned. I had a pleasant time undressing and dressing. The young men all came in and stayed (Page 2967) with me. I have been hoarse for several days and I was fearful it would hurt me but I feel no injury from it. Mrs. MURPHY’s husband was not at home and he has been trying to pull her away from the church and God. I feel that my coming was timely and providential. She was powerful converted about two months ago under Brother PIKE’s ministry. I am here at Brother Frank CECIL’s feeling first class. They told me here at dinner that they had heard that she was going to join the “Church of God.” An organization which her husband favors, so when I left Brother CECIL’s to go there I did not know certainly that she would be baptized. When she said she would like to be baptized tonight, I did not see how it could be done but it seemed easy to her mind. She saw no serious obstacles. But it is done, praise the Lord! She took her clothes to be baptized the second Sunday, last Sunday, or rather the Saturday preaching, and Brother TYLER whom Brother PIKE was expecting did not come. This is four baptisms in two days at different places (Page 2968) and one each time, praise the Lord.

January 25, 1900, Campton, Wolfe County, Key.

     Yesterday I left Brother CECIL’s and came to Willie SWANGO’s for dinner, stopped at Hazel Green to get a little added to the Bible collection. I stayed all night at Stillwater Bridge at G.W. LOVELACE’s and came home this morning. Brother VAUGHN who holds a mortgage on the parsonage for $222 was here and I paid him $50 on the debt. I have it all subscribed but $10, all that is subscribed but $27. Brother MILLS writes me that his wife will not return from her father’s near Stanford and therefore he will not set the paper. I will bring the press here and print the paper here, I think. This suits me better anyway, I want it here. I want a job printer to take the office and for the use of it, print my paper. I think I can get a good man to do it, though I may be mistaken. I wrote to John DECKER at Hazel Green to see if he wanted to do it. He used to work for me at Jackson. May the Lord lead me.

(Page 2969) January 28, 1900, Sunday, Campton, Key.

     Today and Saturday I read my mail, wrote letters and visited a number of families. This morning I walked out to Bud FRY’s who has consumption, then went to S School, preached at 11, preached at Bear Pen at 2:30 p.m. and here again at 6:30 p.m. Tonight the house was fairly well filled and the attention perfect, profound silent reigning throughout the service. This morning I had the Treasurer, Professor E.E. BISHOP, read the report of the transactions regarding incidental expenses. It covered four months beginning with September. I have had no church conference. The Fall passed without it and now the school runs Saturdays so it seems a bad chance. I believe they ought to be held monthly on Saturday. That was the way I did at Georgetown and Oxford. It is the only plan I have ever tried to keep the business of the church all up. There were about 15 persons at Bear Pen this afternoon. It was a cold rough day, snowing this afternoon. May God bless and guide me.

     Talking to Brother Campbell BYRD this afternoon he told me how Methodist got a foothold (Page 2970) on Stillwater in this county where I preached last Sunday. He said he had lived there for a number of years but Methodism had taken no root. He had a preaching at a school house near his residence about 2/1/2 miles above the bridge in the old seminary when S. S. DEERING was P.E. (Probationary Elder); he got Richard DEERING, his brother and E.L. SOUTHGATE and a teacher in Mr. Sterling to come up and hold a woods…meeting just where the Hazel Green road leaves Stillwater. Here they preached for ten days. For the first five or six days no one invited them to his house. They stayed all the time at Brother BYRD’s. Then the people began to invite them. This meeting established Methodism in that neighborhood. Mrs. BISHOP, nee. QUICKSALL, has told me of this bringing Dr. MORTON, Dr. HINER and another to West Liberty to hold a meeting the same year. He as a great pioneer.

January 30, 1900, Tuesday, Campton

     Yesterday I requested Courtney COMBS, merchant to keep the office clock which hangs in the front part of his father’s brick store with the standard time or rather 22 minutes (Page 2971) ahead of Standard Time which makes sun time. He has a telephone in the store connecting with Torrent and in this way he can get the correct time any moment. He agreed to do it. I will announce at school and at church the correct time or rather tell the people to go to Mr. S.S. COMBS’ store for true sun time. This will give us uniform time. There is a great confusion here about time. I think this will stop it. At last the remedy is a hand and I trust the people will use it.

     I got a room this morning in Harlan STAMPER’s storebuilding for my printing press, and if I wish to go to printing it can be used for that. I am thinking of opening up my books in it. They are still boxed. I will not hurry matters as to getting out the paper. I must have a printer.

January 31, 1900, Wednesday, Campton

     A month of the New Year is gone. How time flies. Well, praise God. I have been using it. Every day is a visitor that comes (and goes) never to return and we must give our best treatment. Richmond HOLLAN, who has worked some at the printing business wants to set my (Page 2972) paper for the use of the office and help to run it off. He is to have the use of the office to do job work. He has not learned his trade and I am afraid he can not do it. I believe a good job printer could do well here if he would use the necessary diligence. Rich has a wife and child, has sense, likes the business, wants to make the newspaper business his life work. If he had a teacher he could learn it. I am minded to let him try it though I am not fully persuaded, as I am not well enough informed as to his private life, depositions etc. I shall bring the office here next week and we will wait the developments of Providence for deciding.

     I have been at work correcting typewritten copies of General T.T. GARRARD’s biography.

February 1, 1900, Thursday, Campton, Key.

     I arose early this morning about the break of day and after my devotions. I began to assess my members for the conference collection. There are about 175 members and I am determined to try to get something from each one on these collections. I may not be able to see everyone but I will try. It will require (Page 2973) much work but hat is what I am in the field for. I wrote a long letter to Miss Fannie FARLEE of Hazard today, congratulating her upon the organization of a W.H.M.S. (Women’s Home Mission Society) with 11 members and urging her to assist Brother William TYLER, her pastor, to raise the missionary assessments at Hazard. They are for Hindman and Hazard $33 for foreign missions and $16.62 for home missions. I sent her a specimen, “Tithing Dollar” and instructed her how to use them. I feel that she will do something. In the testimonies at prayer meeting tonight the members spoke forcefully of practical knowledge.

February 3, 1900, Saturday, Campton, Key.

     A letter from Bishop MORRISON, yesterday, informed me that he had promised to preach the sermon at Sue BENNETT Memorial Commencement. But he consents to hold our District Conference the following week, or the same week, May 23-25. At first I felt a strong disappointment but I see now how it will be better for District, for him to go then, as he will in that way be able to visit both sections of the District and give to both of them the inspiration of (Page 2974) his presence. This turn of affairs decides a question that has been bothering me for some time and that is whether I shall make an effort to rally that side of the District for the Twentieth Century Fund. I wrote seven pages of a letter to Brother McINTYRE, our pastor at London, asking him to have a Rally May 21, the same day that we are to have it here. Bishop MORRISON will be there to help him. We can begin the movement here and there the same day and then continue it the same week at District Conference. The preachers thus inspired would go back to their works (charges) and make a house to house canvas and great results will follow. The Lord is so much wider in planning than we can be. It seems that the Lord proposes for me to bring up this side of the District. I have written to Bishop MORRISON to remain over Sunday following the District Conference and preach at Jackson and have a rally there; then come to Campton, Hazel Green, West Liberty or some of these points. The Lord must plan it and we do the work. It will be well pleasing to Him to see this District do its duty in giving once. I trust we will be able to raise our quota, $2,300.

(Page 2975) February 4, 1900, Sunday, Campton

      I preached this morning from Jno. 1:42 “And he brought him to Jesus,” and tonight, 1 Cor. 13 last verse, “The greatest of these is love.” The people listen but do not seem to feel. It was raining at both services. Our S S is growing in interest thank God! It has been a hard fight and I rejoice at the smallest evidence of improvement. The superintendent is awakening a little. We have teacher’s meetings now which is helping some. There are so many children who do not attend. I was saddened this morning by learning that right in the heart of town there is a mother and daughter who are prostitutes. They do my washing. They are well connected, are bright and industrious, at least the mother is. Her husband does not live with her; she has five children. It is shocking! God save them during the approaching meeting!! Brother JONES is to come Tuesday. I got to Jackson in the morning and will meet him at Glencairn and we will come together. Oh how I need the baptism of the Holy Ghost to prepare me for the work!

     This afternoon the women of the W.H.M.S (Women’s Home Mission Society) met. It was the day for the election of officers (Page 2976) there were but four members present, the ones who have attended each meeting since it was organized last November viz. Mrs. E.E. BISHOP, Mrs. Dr. STAMPER, Mrs. Lydia STAMPER and Mrs. Mattie SWIMM. I was pained and disappointed to find that Mrs. BISHOP, who is such a fine character, ready to relax her efforts in making the Society a success. While she averred that she was not discouraged (after I had made a very earnest talk) yet everything she said and did looked that way. The truth is, while these people are liberal towards things here in sight, to the pastor, to the poor, hospitable as people could be, yet when anything is mentioned away form here they become blank in expression and dumb in speech. Hard Shellism dominates the land. I see I must teach the people the duty and privilege of giving to help those whom they have not seen. I have assessed $105 on them for collection. I see I have a great task on my hands to get it.

     A layman said in a recent number of one of our religious papers that the reason the people do not support missions is because they lack scripture teaching. It (Page 2977) if for this I want to start my paper. I see and realize the need of it more than ever. Oh God, open up the way for me to start it! I got to Jackson tomorrow on that business. The people are perishing for lack of knowledge and the heathen are perishing for the lack of aide that the people ought to give. Guide me, O Lord that I may give it to them. Give wings to the truth, and let it lie to all these mountain homes. Help me to teach the young people, gathered here, the great lessons of eternal truth on giving for the salvation of the world. I must have my maps mad showing the condition of the world religiously. I can put them on canvas for the church and make them on the lapboard at the school. 

     With heart and mind and soul and purse I will prosecute this work while God will allow me to remain in this field and may be till death.

February 6, 1900, Monday, Campton, Key.

     I went to Jackson yesterday and put my printing office on the train. This morning Brother H.R. MILLS and I cam down on the 6:25 (Page 2978) train, he got to Glencairn to ride my horse over and I go to Torrent to have the office shipped over to Campton, if possible. Brother MILLS proposed to come home with me and help get out the first issue of the paper. The outfit must be gotten here before he could do the work. I telephoned for a team but could get none. A drummer rode over from Campton and I rode the horse back carrying about 75 pounds of type and fixtures beside two cases which I took our of the cabinet which Brother MILLS had made for me at Jackson; tied them together with a cord and put them over the saddle like saddle (bags) pockets on top of the sack of type.  The mud was everywhere as the freeze had been followed by a thaw and a rain. I got her in time for church though I had not time to eat any supper.

February 7, 1900, Campton, Key.

     Brother JONES came yesterday and began the meeting last night. He preached this morning and tonight…very earnestly and closely. Heis desperately in earnest and he makes me feel my need of more power. I am anxious to have it oh that I might be completely filled afresh with the Holy Ghost. I can not do my (Page 2979) work with efficiency without it. I am glad Brother MILLS is here to get the benefit of the meeting. He distributed type last night from 8 to 12 o’clock. This morning I arose at 4:30 and started early to Cane DUFF’s, a mile from town, to get him to go after the printing outfit. I had canvassed the town last night and could find none. Brother John DUFF went. I attended both services today and visited five families besides talking to many about he meeting. It has rained most of the afternoon. There was a fair audience out at night but few in the morning.

February 8, 1900, Thursday, Campton

     This morning about 9 o’clock John DUFF came in with the office. We unloaded it in the lower story of the Masonic Building where Mr. BAILEY has his jeweler shop. We put up the press and after church tonight ran off 350 papers, or the first page of them. Brother MILLS sat the type and ran them off. I have tried for two days to get a place to put my outfit permanently but it seems that I cannot get it. J.K. COCKERHAM has the second story of Harlan STAMPER’s large storehouse with its (Page 2980) ten rooms but though he is not using them he seems unwilling to rent one to me but it will all come out right. I feel that the Lord is leading in this enterprise and he doeth all things well. We had but few at the morning service, but a serious house at night though it rained in torrents. Brother JONES is digging the people up. He is a close preacher. “HE warns every man.”

February 9, 1900, Campton

     This morning I made another attempt to get a room from COCKERHAM. But the Lord was keeping me out of any of these rooms because He had something better for me. Kelly FULKS who lives in the parsonage came along this morning and I remarked I supposed I would have to take the printing office to the parsonage. He said alright that they did not use the spare room only occasionally and that they expected to vacate it soon and that they would cheerfully give up a room for the office. In half an hour from that time we had it in the parsonage where it now has a home. We ran off 750 in all and are ready for business. All I (Page 2981) need is a printer and I am trusting the Lord for one. Brother JONES preached with fearful severity this morning and tonight to good audiences. House nearly full tonight. I got to Holly in the morning. Brother MILLS goes to Jackson, but will return Monday to help get out the paper.

February 12, 1900, Monday, Campton

     I went to Elkin’s Chapel Saturday morning. I went to Elkin’s Chapel Saturday morning. There was not a soul at the church. It was 11:05; I waited 15 minutes then left going to Green BREWER’s for dinner. Afternoon I spent visiting six families and preached at might to 30 young people. Lodged at J.R. ELKINS’, visited Thomas COMBS Sunday morning who is dying of consumption. I preached at 11 a.m. to about 60 people, asked the people to be ready for an S School for second Sunday in April. Dined at Isaac ELKINS and came home. Brother JONES had an afternoon testimony meeting and preached morning and night. At night he preached on, “Sowing and reaping.” Sowing to the flesh was his theme and tonight he continued it preaching on, “Sowing to the Spirit.” The sermon last night was terrific, a fearful (Page 2982) picture of sowing to the flesh. Had several at the alter last night, this morning and tonight. Cleveland BANKS was converted tonight. Brother MILLS is with us again having returned from Jackson this afternoon to help us get out the paper. We are having large audiences.

February 13, 1900, Tuesday, Campton

     The meeting grows in interest. The Christian people are becoming more and more hardened for souls and sinners are so convicted that some of them can hardly walk. God is moving on the people. We had a solemn consecration meeting this morning. Tonight Brother JONES preached on the parable of the wedding feast to a crowded house and the sense of God’s presence was almost oppressive yet only one came to the alter…Mrs. Greenberry STAMPER. Misses Ora CECIL and Bertha SAMPLES were converted since the last night service. Brother MILLS and I went to Brother JONES’ room at Dr. STAMPER’s after church where Dr. STAMPER joined us and we had a service of prayer. Brother MILLS and I are at Brother G.W. ROBINSON’s. Wet set and printed the (Page 2983) fourth page of our paper today. The little Kelsey Press does fine work and on it we can print 300 an hour. We hope to get the other two pages our tomorrow and the next day and mail it Saturday. A good printer could set the paper in a day. It is about 3 galleys. I am putting every sentence under the Holy Spirit. I want God to use it for the salvation of this part of Kentucky first and others that may be reached.

February 18, 1900, Sunday, Campton

     I have been in my room for two days with a sort of sick headache or something more like it than I have ever had before. As I grow older my indigestion takes more and more this form. I was abed all day yesterday sick and with an aching head. If I had been able to secure a physician earlier I think I would not have suffered so long. The meeting continues but the interest slackens. We have had only 4 conversions but a good revival among the church members. Brother JONES preached to men only this afternoon. Professor BISHOP and NUGENT came to my room after the service and both pronounced it good. A (Page 2984) article from Reverend LANCK in the (Methodist) Northwester Christian Advocate impresses me much. It is on this subject; “Every church is own evangelist.” He takes the position that it is necessary for a church to be able to bring souls to Christ if they are able to keep them after they are saved. I am sure that the local church is not fulfilling its mission. By God’s help I will pray for and work for the salvation of souls the year round.

February 19, 1900, Monday, Campton

     This morning Miss Hattie YOUNG of Salt Lick, Bath County, a student here, was saved and Mrs. Nannie STAMPER, widow of Bruce STAMPER was reclaimed! Tonight Miss Laura HANKS of Powell County, a student was saved. Others were at the altar. A great conviction seems to be on the people but they will not yield. Brother JONES says he must leave Thursday. We are to hold a special service at the college in the morning to et students saved. There has been but one boy converted. He is a student. We have nucleus of girls. Now if we had a few saved (Page 2985) boys we would have a band with which we could work. May God give it to us. We finished the first issue of eth Messenger this afternoon. Last Friday afternoon we got to press with the last page and ran off about 200; Saturday I was sick so we did nothing more till this afternoon. Richmond HOLLON, Taylor DRAKE, and I printed it. Thank God for the victory. We have gotten it out through great difficulty. Brother MILLS aid did it. He managed and helped working two solid weeks that is, was from his work two weeks except Sunday. I thank God and take courage.

February 20, 1900, Tuesday, Campton

     The meeting increases in interest. We had an altar service at the school this morning at which four young men came forward for prayers. Professor BISHOP adjourned school at the close of the service to give the students an opportunity to attend services at the church at 10:30 a.m. He told them to go who wished to go and the rest to stay and one of the teachers would remain with them. They all went. We had a testimony meeting and an (Page 2986) altar service at church. Professor C.J. NUGENT, Jr. arose and said, “I believe you good people have something I have not and I want it. I want you to pray for me.” His wife followed in a similar strain and Miss Gertrude POLLOCK, her sister, the same way. All these went to the altar besides about a dozen students, amongst them several young men. It was breaking down time. Tonight there was 20 at the altar, 3 were reclaimed and 2 converted. The former Cud HANKS, W.L. STAMPER and Fielding BROWN. The later, Willie TYLER, and Stephen SAMPLES. This is eleven in all.

February 21, 1900, Wednesday, Campton

     The school in a body attended the meeting this morning. Professor NUGENT and wife rushed to the altar as soon as the opportunity was offered. She was saved. Roscoe WELLS was saved also. The altar was full. Tonight there were 18 at the altar, but no one saved, it seems strange that such should be the case. The penitents seemed to be in earnest but nobody was saved. We dismissed about 9:30 earlier then we have been doing. It is sad to think of such (Page 1987) a large number of speakers, so many workers, all earnest and active and no one save! If  they could all have been converted I believe 18 more would have come form the audience and taken their places. The house was full as usual and though we told them that they were at liberty to go home no one moved. Brother William TYLER and Brother HORTON are with us earnestly at work this a great meeting.

February 22, 1900, Thursday, Campton

     This is the anniversary of Washington’s birthday. We have celebrated it by holding revival services and the result is 15 conversions and reclamations. Praise God for this supernatural demonstration. Their names are as follows:…Miss Luke COMBS, Richmond HOLLON, Miss Edith STAMPER, Miss Lizzie COMBS, Miss Maggie  COMBS, Bessie BYRD, Gertrude POLLOCK, Nannie DRAKE, Maggie TAULBEE, Pearl TAULBEE, Lizzie HORTON, Lula TAULBEE, Florence LACEY, Professor C.J. NUGENT and Elisha ROSE. Besides these there was a great breaking down among the strong men. A. Howard STAMPER, Greenberry (Page 2988) STAMPER, Harlan STAMPER and Jonas VANSANT, all members of the church but backsliders came to the altar. They all spoke in the testimony meeting before the sermon, except Harlan STAMPER. A.H. STAMPER is a lawyer and Harlan a merchant. It was a wonderful meeting tonight.

     The whole house was moved. The weather has been about as bad as it could be for several days…rain, snow, mud and darkness but the house full every night and nearly so in daytime. The school makes a good deal of the audience but there are others. Brother William TYLER, blessed man, is with us. So is Sister Ellen SWANGO of Hazel Green. The great power of God seems to be resting on the people and they are moved by its impulse. Professor BISHOP professed to be sanctified, today, also. This meeting will put the school on a religious basis. Professor told me today that he had long felt the need of just such a meeting. Eternity alone can reveal its results. It effects will be far reaching on the (Page 2989) school as from year to year students are lead to Christ and trained for Christ. This meeting prepares the way for building a dormitory. For a school like this God will furnish money. I have to go to Mt. Sterling tomorrow and Bethel Saturday to preach at Sharpsburg for Brother JONES on Sunday. Praise the Lord!!

February 26, 1900, Monday, Moorefield, Key.

     I left Campton Friday morning, 23^rd, for Bethel and Sharpsburg to fill Brother JONES pulpit Sunday. Stayed Friday night at Reverend D.W. ROBERTSON’s at the parsonage in Mr. Sterling. Dr. E.H. PEARCE was there, working up the Twentieth Century interest. He proposes to remain over Sunday. I met with Reverend G.W. YOUNG, state representative of the Inter-denominational temperance work in Kentucky. He was en route to Bethel and Sharpsburg also, so we hired livery rig together to keep till Monday noon for $4. I left him at Taylor CROCKETT’s between Bethel and Sharpsburg and I went on to Bethel and stayed at the parsonage. I preached at Sharpsburg at 11 a.m. yesterday; dined Waller ALLEN’s and came (Page 2990) in the afternoon. Find the family well and delightfully comfortable this very severe weather. Saturday and yesterday were the roughest days of this winter. Saturday there was an all day snowstorm. Brother YOUNG and I left Mt. Sterling at 1 p.m. having dined at Mrs. Maggie YOUNG’s nee TIPTON and old friend and college mate, widow of Albert YOUNG. The storm beat frightfully upon us. I have not felt the power of the weather as such in twenty years. Here I find my sister Eva, Mrs. C.W. DURHAM, well, comfortable, religious and consequently happy. The audience at Sharpsburg yesterday was small, of course, as the day was very cold. G.W. YOUNG was to speak there last night, so that I was enable to spend last night with my relatives who live four miles from Sharpsburg. The weather is still cold but the pike is good and my horse strong so we will reach Mr. Sterling by noon. Here from this house my sainted mother went up to her reward. This gives to the place a sacredness that nothing else could impart. Her translation gave a new charm to (Page 2991) the glory…land. May God prepare me to meet her.

February 20, 1900, W.P. DICKEY’s, Lexington, Key.

     Brother YOUNG and I reached Mt. Sterling about 11 a.m. We dined at Mrs. Maggie YOUNG’s. I then called at Mrs. Lucille WILSON’s, Miss Alice GRUBB’s, and Mrs. James WOODS, also at the parsonage and then came here. I expect to return to Campton tomorrow. I came here simply to visit my brother and his family since I could not go up to Glen Cairn this afternoon or rather did not wish to stay there all night. I could as conveniently come here as I have a pass on the L & E RR. At Mt. Sterling, yesterday, Dr. PEARCE presented the Twentieth Century movement…$1,488 have been subscribed. One person gave $500 and another $600. These names are not given. These subscriptions, of course, were made privately. There will be a little more done, yet this church is worth half a million dollars. This is playing at the subject. I expect to go home tomorrow.

March 1, 1900, Thursday, Campton, Key.

     I came home Tuesday and found that the meeting had gone grandly forward in my (Page 2992) absence. Many had been reclaimed, many had been converted, some had been sanctified and the audiences were still large as much so as at any time of the meeting. Tuesday night Mrs. John BYRD was reclaimed, Wednesday morning Sister DUFF nee. HANKS was sanctified, also Sister Lydia LYKINS nee. HANKS, and Willie converted. Sister BYRD was the only one at the altar the night before. Last night JONES said, “As far as I am concerned the meeting closes tonight. I can not get hold of God for sinners, here, any longer. He has taken them off my heart, I am now free from their blood. I am done.” I announced a meeting for tonight to attend to baptisms and reception into the church. Brother JONES left this morning. The brethren made up $22 for him. I got a round trip ticket for him from Winchester to Torrent. I was at $3.60 expense going to Bethel and paid $1 for a horse for him to ride from the station here and the brethren (Page 2993) promise to make that good to me so that will make about $26 made up for ministerial aid during the meeting, besides the incidental expenses which will be pretty heavy. But God had given us a wonderful blessing. 25 joined the church and tonight I baptized 16 and received 18 into the church. One young man, Cleveland BANKS, wishes to be immersed. The others were not there tonight. Six joined tonight and one last night. I read the 13^th of 1 Cor. tonight, made a short comment on a life of love. Then discussed the church, and the mode of baptism, all briefly. Yet it was 9 o’clock when I got through the service. I sought to make the candidates understand what they were doing. It was a solemn and impressive service. Praise the Lord!

March 3, 1900, Saturday, G.W. ROBINSON’s

     I have been engaged today in planning to save the school property of this common school district. The two story building with one acre of ground is advertised to be sold Monday next to satisfy a judgment of $238.31 part (Page 2994) of its purchase money and the rest for I do not know what. I have drawn up a paper or proposition dictated by Captain W.L. HURST in which I propose to buy the property for the judgment and hold it twelve months so that the trustees may redeem it, or if they shall make a contract with the academy, here, to furnish the house and teach the common school here…after, then I will transfer the property to the academy provided the trustees of the academy reimburse me. I have assigned the agreement and I think the trustees will sign it. This gives the district one year to act in the matter. In the event there should be nothing done by the trustees at the end of the twelve months, the property would be mine.

     Kelly FULKS moved from the parsonage.

March 4, 1900, Sunday, G.W. ROBINSON’s

     I preached this morning on, “Motives.” “Whatosever ye do, etc.” Tonight on, “Decisions.” “How long halt ye between two opinions.” I baptize Richmond HOLLON tonight and received him into the church. He joined during the meeting. The Missionary (Page 2995) Society met this afternoon but I did not met with them. They decided to have an open session in two weeks. Though there were but 3 members there yet they are fired up and will be the means of organizing success. I look for an excellent meeting and that it will mark a new era in the society. I appointed Professor NUGENT to lead a social meeting at Bud FRY’s at 3 p.m. and he testified tonight that he was greatly blessed in the service, that the sick man was blessed and all present were blessed. He pled with me to go with him, but I persistently refused. I knew it was best for me to stay away. It has been a good day. Praise the Lord!!

March 5, 1900, Monday, G.W. ROBINSON’s

     I believe God used me today for the good of the people of this community. I learned a few days ago that eh District school house in sight of one acre of land in the suburbs of the town is to be sold under a judgment of $238.31. I at once began to investigate the matter and inquired of the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Brother G.W. ROBINSON (Page 2996) were taking any steps to save the property. He said, “No.” “No one is willing to advance the money and take the chances of getting it back.” I determined at once that I would save the property to the district. I suggested or proposed to several persons that I would bid it in for the amount of the judgment and give the district a chance to redeem it and if they failed I would raise the money and transfer it to K.W. Academy to be used as a workshop or boy’s dormitory. Captain W.L. HURST dictated an agreement or proposition to the trustees of the common school district in which I proposed to bid in the property at the amount of the judgment and in which I bound myself to give them twelve months in which to redeem it or if they should make an arrangement with the K.W. Academy people by which they would teach the school in the future and furnish the house in which to teach it then I would transfer the property to the owners of the Academy, upon payment to me of the purchase money with legal interest. This I signed (Page 2997) and on the same sheet we wrote the acceptance of my proposition and, today, I got them to sign it. Armed with this paper I appeared at the courthouse door at 1 p.m. and when the property was announced for sale, I stood on the steps and read the paper and briefly explained it to the people “Bud” DUFF, raised some questions and Captain HURST and others took him aside and quieted him and then the property was cried by J.F. VANSANT, Special Commissioner, and knocked off to me at $238.31 payable in six months with interest. It was appraised at $600.

March 6, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Campton, Key.

     I visited some sick today, executed Bond for the payment of the judgment on the school house with Professor E.E. BISHOP as security. I would pay it off but there is no one to receive the money, with authority. I feel that to invest my life insurance money here is the thing for me to do. A part of it, I think, I ought to put into a house and lot for my publishing interest and a part in a building to rent to students. This would (Page 2998) help the school while it would be a safe investment. I think. I looked at a piece of land today belonging to Mr. C.C. HANKS adjoining the Academy property which as admirably adapted to cottages or dormitories. These are 6 or 7 acres that ought to belong to the Academy or be used for its service. I think I ought to keep this little capital and use it for the glory of God in the extension of  the Redeemers Kingdom. I believe that God would have me invest it here. I pray his guidance in the matter. I feel I ought to work to make this school a power in this mountain land.

March 11, 1900, Sunday, J.W. COUGLETON’s

     Friday I dined at A.F. BYRD’s and afternoon I went to Crockett MILLER’s and stayed all night. Saturday morning four of us met at the church, all prayed, all testified and all were blessed. They were Brother William GRAHAM, Brother Cleveland BANKS, Sister Laurel ELKINS and myself. Little Bettie ELKINS was also present. I dined at Isaac ELKINS and in the afternoon visited William PENCE, a Campbellite preacher, Felix PENCE of the same church and John PENCE, (Page 2999) son of Felix, where I took supper. Preached at night from the ten chapters of Romans to 40 people. Good feeling in the audience. Stayed all night at Jonathan ELKINS. Visited Thomas COMBS this morning who is wasting away with consumption, he is ready to go. I preached at 11 o’clock at the Holly Church to a fair congregation. We had a testimony meeting, before the sermon which was quite lengthy. Several made long earnest talks. There were 14 who testified to their salvation and Lula ELKINS arose and asked for the prayer of the church. She is unsaved and about 15 years old. I announced S School to begin second Sunday in April…my next visit there. God is already giving victory. I feel sure there is a brighter future for that church. There are a number of people in other churches, there, who have salvation and many more in the same churches who need it. There is a growing spirit of brotherly love. Certain persons are becoming more thoughtful and serious. Brother WHISMAN, a member there, who came to (Page 3000) us five years ago from the Disciples Church was there today. He is a local preacher and is a good man anxious to equip himself for the better work. I baptized Cleveland BANKS in the creek today at the close of the service. He was converted in our Campton revival, the first one. He lives in this neighborhood. The harvest truly is plenteous but the laborers are few. I pray that God will raise up laborers from among the young men and young women of this country. I believe that God will do a great work in this country. O how God will fill them if they will only let Him! The people need instruction in Holy living!! I see more and more the need of the “Mountain Messenger.”

March 15, 1900, J.W. CONGLETON, Thursday, Campton

     Brother A.P. JONES had me to go to look after his home while he remained here over the third Sunday of his meeting. I told him, I thought it unnecessary but he said he would stay on no other condition so I cheerfully went. I said to him before starting, “I will get a great deal more out of this trip than Sister JONES. The Lord will reward me richly for (Page 3001) my labor.” At Mt. Sterling I met Reverend G.W. YOUNG, I told him I wanted a printer. He referred me to John B. HARRIS of Richmond, Kentucky. I wrote him. Last week he answered saying, “I have a good job office, come over and buy it and I will go with you to Campton,” Brother YOUNG said he was a reliable young man, a member of the Methodist church and a master of his trade both as a newspaper compositor and a job printer. He wrote me the same as to his skill. Last Tuesday I left here at 12 m. and at 7:30 p.m. I was in Richmond. I looked at the office inquired of his skill and reliability, bought the office for $225, paid for it, employed Mr. HARRIS to work for me at $4 per week and board and leaving there at 6:30 this morning I reached here at 1:12 p.m. I was the guest of Reverend Forest TURNER, pastor of the M.E. (Methodist Episcopal) Church South, while at Richmond. His wife is the daughter of Mrs. Lou WEST now ELGIN, whose pastor I was from 1878 to 1880 in Georgetown, Kentucky. Mrs. TURNER was a sweet little girl then, 6 or 8 years old. I enjoyed the visit very much. The office is a good one. There is a Peerless job press 8 x 10 Steam fixtures, a (Page 3002) Leader paper cutter 26 inches, 49 cases, 60 fonts of type and all the appliances of a first class office. The type is new and of the very latest styles. The press and paper cutter and other things are as good as new. They would cost $500 new at the foundry. Mr. HARRIS is to put them F.O.B. this week and Monday he will come to Campton. I have decided to print an eight page paper and charge 50 cents a year. If the paper and job work do not keep him busy, I will print tracts etc. for sale and for free distribution. Had a good prayer tonight. Brother RAGAN is still here, will leave tomorrow.

March 18, 1900, J.W. CONGLETON’s, Campton

     I paid for the common school property today which I bought March 5. To J.N. VAUGHN I paid to Mrs. Armeda E. HANKS $105.27 and to J.F. VANSANT, clerk and special commissioner, $9.83 costs; total $236.18. The Trustees have till March 5, 1901 in which to redeem it. I have been hard at work today supplying data to two ladies who are writing papers to read at the open session of the Woman’s (Page 3003) Home Mission Society next Sunday night. They know scarcely anything about the society and must have help. They are learning rapidly. Last night I wrote a letter to Reverend C.W. CLAY of Clay County where the District Conference was elected to meet. My object was to persuade him to let the Jackson people have it as they are anxious for it and to come to them this year. I believe he will do it. The conference would help our work in Jackson. God is doing much for Clay City. The principals of schools in the mountains are responding to my requests for “notes.” Four have responded, reported. There are twenty of these schools in the mountains.

March 17, 1900, J.W. CONGELTON’s, Campton

     I have put in the most of this day collecting dues for the W.H.M.S. (Women’s Home Mission Society). The treasures will not do it and I am resolved to teach the ladies that it can do done. I tried to get another treasurer elected at the January election but failed, not having spoken to the ladies previously about it. I am sure the treasurer will develop. We have (Page 3004) material here, and the right one will come to the people through the leading of these. I find the ladies all ready to pay. They would pay monthly if they were approached in the proper way. What a field I have! This great mountain land will one day blossom like a garden but it will take work to clean it up and put it into that high state of cultivation. Tomorrow night will be the first open session of the society. The outlook is good for a grand success. The program is well arranged and the prospect for a good audience is excellent.

March 18, 1900, A.F. BYRD’s, Sunday

     We worshiped with the Baptist brethren this morning. This afternoon the ladies had a prayer meeting at Sister Lydia STAMPER’s. I conducted a service at Bud FRY’s, who is dying of consumption, and Dr. STAMPER preached at Devil Creek’s schoolhouse near Vortex P.O. and tonight we have an open session (Page 3005) of the W.H.M.S. (Women’s Home Mission Society) which was just grand. It was the first open session they had held indeed since its organization last November there have never been over 5 members at any monthly meeting of he auxiliary. There are 34 members now. There were 30 when we organized and 5 joined tonight. The session tonight had a good program. Mrs. C.J. NUGENT read a paper on our “Educational Work” and Miss Ida ROSE, on “Parsonages and Preaches, Supplies.” They were well written and well read. Miss Bertie HANKS recited “Little Tom;” it was elegantly rendered. Question on giving answered by quotations from scriptures was an instructive exercise. The music was well selected and well rendered and all the parts were performed in a manner that indicated spiritual power. The collection at the close of the education and endowment fund amounted to $3.70. They asked for $5.00 to place the pastor’s name on the roll of that fund and they will get it by seeing the absent members. The occasion was especially refreshing to me as the struggle (Page 3006) to get the society to working has been hard and prolonged. I feel that the hardest part is done, as far as I am concerned, though I will watch as carefully as a parent of a child. It rained all the afternoon but this seemed in measure to dampen the ardor of the people. Dr. STAMPER rode three miles through the rain and three miles back to preach, and they had an excellent meeting, the first we have had at that place. We hope to open there and build a church.

March 21, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s, Campton

     Mr. John B. HARRIS, my printer, came in last night. He arrived about 8:30. He was 3 hours and 15 minutes on the road. It was muddy and cold, freezing. This morning the ground was solid. He began setting the second issue of the Messenger this afternoon. He is a quiet young man, just turned past majority. I believe he is a valuable man. I find that I can print the size I am making it on the Peerless jobber, that I bought of him. This will make the work of printing it one half what it would be on the Kelsey. Indeed I could to without my (Page 3007) whole outfit before purchase, except some body to work type for printing the paper.

     Dr. BLANTON take of wanting an outfit similar to the one I first purchased. If he does I believe I will sell him mine. That money could better be invested. I was greatly rejoiced at the discovery that I could print a paper the size of mine without folding, even on my jobber. I have been trying to get a boarding place for Mr. HARRIS but I have not yet succeeded. May the Lord locate him in the right place. He needs good society. I want him saved. God wants to save him and he needs salvation. This accomplishment he can do a great work for the Lord.

     I hope to get some tracts printed soon and put into distribution. When we are not pressed with work of other kinds, we will work at this. I would be glad that we need not do any job work. I want all my efforts to go directly toward saving men. May heave lead me.

March 22, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Thursday

     Today I rented the schoolhouse which (Page 3008) I recently bought to Mrs. Ellen DRAKE for $2 per month and rented the house in which she lives from A.F. BYRD, agent for Robert KEATON, at some price or rather $25 a year. I wrote to Mr. KEATON, yesterday, that I would buy it from him if he would take a fair price for it. If we trade I will then have my office in its own house, which would be very nice. We worked off most of one page of the Messenger today.

     Prayer meeting, tonight, well attended. A prayer and testimony service brought our nearly everybody in the house. It is grand to command such an army. I would rather hold my present position of captain of these fighting bands than to be commander of the victorious armies of Great Britain and South Africa. My life flows sweetly and while the world around me is like a turbulent stream passing up mire and dirt.

March 25, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Sunday

     We had the best session of the S School we have had since I have been here. The attendance was the best, the interest (Page 3009) was more manifest in teachers, officers and people. It was review Sunday. Brother G.W. ROBINSON, the superintendent, is gradually waking up. He has been hard to arouse but when he is thoroughly stirred he will be a power.

     At the morning service, just before the sermon, after taking the collection, Professor BISHOP, Treasurer, arouse without my request and read his quarterly report of the incidental expenses giving an itemized statement of receipts and expenditures. This looks like progress. I preached from Prov. 4:23 “Keep thy heart wit hall diligence for out of it are the issues of life.” The attendance was good. Mr. HARRIS, the printer and I dined at Professor BISHOP’s. This afternoon I went to Bear Pen school house, found 4 there. It was a rainy evening.

     Tonight Professor NUGENT and wife and her sister Gertrude and her brother Mahlon sang a beautiful quartet in young people’s hymnal. They all sang well. It suited the sermon that followed from Lk. 16:31, “If they believe not Moses and (Page 3010) the prophets neither will they be persuaded though one should rise from the dead.” The whole service was impressive. Professor silence reigned.

March 25, 1900, Monday, G.W. ROBINSON’s Campton

     I had stirred up a hornet’s nest and these are stinging me sharply. Today I removed Mrs. Ellen DRAKE into the school house that I recently bought. She has a grown daughter and three sons, younger. I learned in  January that the mother and daughter were both under a bad name. Both belong to the Methodist Church. I began to pray for them and to seek their salvation during our meeting, in February, the daughter professed conversation. I have been visiting the family, praying with them, talking to them and doing all in my power to save them. I needed an office for my printing outfit. She lived in the heart of town. The school house is in the suburbs. I put her in my house and rented the one she occupied for $25 a year, and charge her the same. In the school house she can raise chickens, have a garden and the will help her to (Page 3011) live. She must live and the first step in reforming a fallen woman is to provide a way for her to live.

     Professor BISHOP rather abruptly accosted me this afternoon with the compliant that I was opening up a house of ill-fame under the shadow of his school and that the two would not flourish together. I told him my purpose and plan; that I thought I was succeeding. He said that their house, the DRAKE’s, was infested or filled with men last night and the night before, so he had been told. He seemed somewhat pacified by my explanation but doubted my ability to do what I had undertaken to do. I pray God I will show men His power in saving this family from the sin that most degrades women in the sight of the people of this world. I believe He will do it. It is my faith in Him that makes me confident of success. I mean to do all in my power but I rely upon God for victory. God used Mr. PEAS to reform and redeem Five Points, New York City and I know He can use me to save two fallen women of a good family and surrounded (Page 3012) by so many benign influences as Campton flourishes.

March 27, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Campton

     Two wagon loads of my printing outfit got in today. There are two more loads, 4,130 pounds in all. We put it into the Keaton house and locked it up. We are getting on slowly with our paper, only four pages printed. I have begun to improve the parsonage property by taking two heaps of stones from the yard and making walks around the house into the garden and on the street. I hope to put it into good condition this year. It must be fenced, painted, the yard set in grass, shade trees planted etc. etc. The church needs painting outside, seeding, fencing, the lot graded and a coal  house built. Our church property will then be in a fair condition. J.F. VANSANT came to me today and asked me to take two notes, $200 each, with a lien on house and lot which he sold to Millard HORTON for $800 and fire insurace for $500, to be transferred to me. He wishes to buy the Joe LYKIN’s property where he (Page 3013) in now living and did not have the money in hand, his being located out. The notes can be cashed any day. Thank God for His care for me. I am a happy man.

March 28, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Wednesday

     Brother H.R. MILLS and wife are at Dr. STAMPER’s tonight en route for Swango Springs. He has a large gramophone with him and gave an entertainment in the parlor to the family tonight. He is much enfeebled by nervous prostration and other disorders. He wishes to give an entertainment at Hazel Green, especially for the school, and here, on his return trip.

     I sold my little sorrel horse today to Brother William TYLER, local preacher, for $50, payable September 1, 1900. Corn is very high and horses are plentiful among the brethren and I thought they would prefer to furnish me a horse to feeding mine. I also bought two land notes from J.F. VANSANT, one for $190 due January 1, 1903 and one for $200 due January 1, 1902 both bearing interest at 8 per cent. The interest was a consideration for the property hence is legal. I gave face value for them. I can (Page 3014) convert them into cash at par at any time I might need the money in my business. Both of these men came to me and asked for a trade. The later, J.F. VANSANT, steward at Campton. The house is insured for 3 years and premium paid.

March 29, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Campton

     We got the job press in today from Torrent. Have all in now but one rack, one stock case, and one table. Praise the Lord for the successful effort. I trust this means a great deal to Eastern Kentucky. Mr. HARRIS went today and took some parts of the job press off so that it could be laid down on its side in the wagon. The roads are fearful hard and on its feet it was top heavy. We had a good prayer meeting, all testified. After the meeting, a few of us went down to Dr. STAMPER’s and heard the gramophone. Brother MILLS says he believes the people of Jackson are getting hungry for salvation. He says he preached the straight gospel to them and they seem to appreciate it more and more. I pray that a genuine revival may come to them and Methodist and Presbyterian (Page 3015) may all get salvation. O what a God…sin would be to Breathitt County. O Lord give them a great revival.

March 31, 1900, Saturday, G.W. ROBINSON’s Campton

     March closes his record tonight. So will many lives close their records with this day. Soon mine will close. Praise God for redeeming love, for atoning blood, for cleansing power. I have spent this week in the office writing for the Messenger, words that I trust God will use in savings this wicked world. What a work lies our before me! Here are the mountain counties showing their stand of morality in the plot that is being disclosed at Frankfort. Half dozen leading men of the mountains it seems led 1200 men to Frankfort to murder William GOBEL and enough of the General Assembly to make a majority in favor of the Republican state officers. This state of civilization must be changed. I propose, by God’s help and leading hand, to do it. If God spares my life ten years longer and permits me to occupy the tripod I will have enough leaven (Page 3016) in to leaven the whole lineup. I of myself can do nothing but through Christ strengthening me I can do all things; my hope of success rests in God.

April 1, 1900 Sunday, G.W.ROBINSON’s

     Sunday school this morning. Preached at 11 and 3 p.m. I organized the Union S School in a Baptist church. The church had been standing there for eight years yet has never had an S School in it. But there are Baptist churches fifty years old that have never had a S School in them. We elected the pastor of the church, superintendent, though he said he knew very little about it. Judge G.T. CENTER who had lived here at Campton all his life till a year ago, now lives in the neighborhood of Stillwater Bridge where I organized the school. He is a fine teacher. We elected him assistant superintendent. I am depending on him and his wife for success. They are members of our church here. The Methodists once had an organization in that neighborhood but let it go down through neglect. We could have had a strong church there had we held the ground (Page 3017) but I believe we will have it yet. I had ordered the literature so after organization we had the teachers go through the lesson. I acted as superintendent and made everything as plain and simple as I could. We had four classes…one primary, one intermediate and two seniors…one for men and one for women. The officers were as follows: Reverend John BARKER, Superintendent; Judge G.T. CENTERS, Assistant Superintendent; Roscoe WELLS, Sect.; Mrs. Louise ROSE, Treasurer. Young WELLS was converted in our revival here this winter and is a bright young man. I would not be surprised if God calls him to preach. He joined the church here, too. Mrs. BARKER was raise a Methodist and says she is one yet. Mrs. Louise ROSE was raised a Methodist, she was Miss GOODING. Her daughter is one of the teachers. Dr. STAMPER preached here tonight for me and Reverend G.W. HIERONYMUS talked some thirty minutes; they are local deacons and are good men, a good service.

     I need a helper. There is much land here to possess. There should be S School organized and meetings held at places (Page 3018) not occupied. There is a Brother HOLYCLAW, at Preacherville that I think is willing to help. I have never seen him, but RAGAN gives me a good account of him. I will write to him, I think, tomorrow. I will lay out the work for him and can bring help to hold meetings. I feel that the Lord would have me do this. I have had it on my mind for some time to get a young man this summer. I thought of waiting till June when the schools would be out and getting a Whitmore boy but the 1^st of April is the time to begin S schools. The people would help to support him and I could do the rest. The Lord would surely take care of him. I pray God to direct me in this matter. I do not want to get ahead of Him but I want to follow close after Him. “I will guide thee with mine eyes.”

April 4, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s Campton

     We finished our second edition yesterday and mailed it today or most of it. We began yesterday afternoon to set up our Blue Grass Job Office. The second edition is much better than the first being 8 pages (Page 3019) instead of four; it contains so much more reading matter. I sent it our trusting God to make it a blessing to the world, I am so happy in the love of God. His peace flows like a river through my soul. I exalt in the Lord! O what rapture I feel as I go about my business or rather my Master’s business for I have none of my own. The world around surges and foams but I have peace and quiet. If souls are saved all is well. If souls are kept it is still better for so many perish after they have “tasted” that the Lord is gracious. I found another spot yesterday to plant an S School. O for this county to be converted to God! It will be glorious to see the work done!

April 6, 1900, G.W. ROBINSON’s

     Last night there were but few at prayer meeting but God helped me greatly to talk to those present. The hardest thing in my ministry is to keep up interest in the mid-week prayer meeting.

     We printed our fist job today, a dodger for Brother MILLS gramophone entertainment tonight. The proceeds of the entertainment (Page 3020) were $9.45. Half goes to the people of India who are starving. The instrument costs $150. It belongs to Richard BOHANON who lives in Jackson. Brother MILLS is returning from Swango Springs…Hazel Green. He is greatly improved but not sufficiently recovered to go back to his work. I felt a fatherly interest in him and prevailed over him to stay here a week. He is at the hotel with his wife. His entertainment at Hazel Green and Jackson will nearly pay his expenses on this trip. O that God would fill him with the Holy Ghost. He would then be a power in the church and in the ministry. His wife needs it.

     I go to Lane in the morning. Praise the Lord!

April 8, 1900, Sunday, G.W. ROBINSON’s

     Went to Lane yesterday morning. Had five at the morning service. Dined at Isaac ELKINS. Went to Felix PENCE’s after dinner two miles to see his son who is dying with consumption. He is not saved. Called in my night appointment on account of elder Reverend William TAYLOR’s appointment in the neighborhood. It had been made without knowledge of mine. I attended his service at John GIBB’s. House was packed (Page 3021) with people. He is a Campbellite preacher. Having great influence on Holly Creek. He talked before and after my talk. He is fluent, wordy, full of pet phrases, magnetic, rhetorical and complimentary but lacks the power of the Holy Ghost. He said last night that he did believe in the abstract Holy Ghost but he believed it operated through the word. His people are not a pious people, they are not a praying people, they are not a giving people. The same thing may be said of many of my people as well. I stayed at Brother W.J. GRAHAM’s last night.

     This morning I made four calls before S School which was at 9:30. I was trying to bring the children out to S School. I had some success. We organized at Lane or Elkin’s Chapel with about 20. I went through with the lesson to show them how it was done or should be done. Preached to about 25 persons, dined at Isaac ELKINS. I preached the great commission and enjoyed it very much. The congregation was almost entirely the children and teachers of the S School. Brother TAYLOR took my congregation but, bless (Page 3022) God the Holy Spirit was there. Three were from the mouth of Frozen, Breathitt County. I came to Devil’s Creek at 3 p.m. organized another S School. They elected Willie TYLER, Superintendent; Miss Catherine TYLER, Assistant; Pearl TAULBEE, Treasurer; and James TERRELL, secretary. I went through the lesson to show them how it should be done. The prospect is good for success at that point. I think we will have a church there later on. I preached here tonight.

April 13, 1900, Friday, G.W. ROBINSON’s

     I left Lane, Tuesday noon and returned at 6 p.m. today. I attended the meeting of the Board of Missions at the Hitt Street Church, Tuesday evening at 4:30 and Wednesday forenoon and afternoon. The meeting adjourned at 7:30 p., Wednesday. It was a good meeting, the first mid-year meeting ever held by our Board of Missions. Three years ago I visited Nicholasville for the purpose of getting Brother Julius Edwin WRIGHT, our conference missionary secretary, to hold such a meeting. I remained with him today and we worked on a program for the meeting. (Page 3023) got it almost ready and he promised to call it but did not do it. This meeting was the result of the missionary revival now spreading through our church under the “Holston Plan” pushed by the Board of Missions through Reverend Mr. COBB, assistant secretary of the general board. He was present and presided. Reverend Mr. PERRY of Chattanooga, another enthusiastic man, was there in place of Bishop MORRISON who was prevented by ill health. The program had been prepared and was well carried out. The following members of the Kentucky Conference were present…A. REED, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Lexington District; S.F. POLLITT, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Harrodsburg District; J.E. WRIGHT, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Shelbyville District; J.R. DEERING, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Epworth, Lexington; W.W. SPATES, P.C. Flemingsburg; J.H. WILLIAMS, Millersburg; D.B. COOPER, President Board of Missions and P.C. Burgin; M.W. HINER, P.C. Brooksville; C.F. ONEY, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Cynthiana; T.M. CHANDLER, P.E. (Probationary Elder) Kelat; J.W. DORAN, P.C. Beard; Thomas JENKINS, layman, Georgetown; W.W. BALL, layman, Maysvill; C.W. CLAY, P.C. Clay City; Dr. EVANS, P.C. Versailes; 17 ministers and 2 laymen; some of the Lexington laymen (Page 3024) attended and a few women. On motion of J.R. DEERING it was ordered that 3,000 copies of pamphlets for the information of the people be printed and if the Board of Missions declined to pay the expense, we would pay them. A committee of three to be appointed by Reverend A.REDD, P.E. (Probationary Elder) of the Lexington District and President after Reverend COBB left. This was to be ready for distribution in 60 days. The cause of missions is coming to the front where it should always have been. I praise God for the evidence of progress. The meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. I went to Wilmore after eating supper at Woods DICKERSON’s. Stayed all night at Brother J.W. HUGHES’, president of Asbury College. I spent the forenoon looking through the school. I want a young man for Brother MILLS at Jackson and one for myself. We can get them June 1^st. Brother HUGHES has the most religious school in America, I believe. Pupils are taught to speak first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The subject of personal salvation is the great theme. I arrived at Lexington at 2:40 p.m. Thursday the 12^th where George W. VAUGHN met me and (Page 3025) took me to his father’s 4 ½ miles west of Lexington. J.M. VAUGHN moved here from Campton last fall and still holds his membership there. They are my people. I believe God will make them useful in the community where they have located if they will allow Him to use them. I arranged with Brother HUGHES to send a young man to preach there in a school house near his farm, when Brother VAUGHN shall invite him. Brother VAUGHN agreed to do so as soon as he could see the trustees of the school house. I told him I would get a preacher to hold the meeting there in the summer if the Lord was willing and we would expect somebody to be saved. There is not a country church in Fayette County, not one outside Lexington. I pray God to wipe out this reproach and give us one at Brother VAUGHN’s. I feel that He will do it, He is able. Friday morning I got a draft on New York fro $50 to spend for the Bibles for our Auxiliary and $20 for some teacher’s Bibles. I went through the Bibles in the depository in Lexington and marked in my catalogue what I wanted by looking at the books. I then (Page 3026) went to the State College, at the hour for chapel exercises, read and prayed and made a talk. God helped me wonderfully with both there and at Wilmore and in meetings of the Board of Missions. A tree planting by the class of 1900 was had about 12 to 1 p.m. The exercises were very pretty, the dress parade was next, then I took a train for home.